Arkansas ASCD sends greeting to all. We are excited about the new school year. This past June the association hosted one of the most successful annual conferences that I have had the opportunity to attend. Over 400 fellow educators were in attendance; and the sentiment among the vast majority of attendees was “outstanding”. We, as educators, have recognized and embraced the challenge to educate all children. We have an obligation to meet the demands of an ever-changing global economy. In order to meet these demands, we must change how we approach meeting the needs of all children.

The recent focus of the national conversation regarding meeting the needs of all children has centered on educating the whole child. This dialogue supports the idea that our children deserve to be engaged and challenged in a safe environment and have their health needs met. These are times of considerable promise and challenge for all who work in education.

Arkansas ASCD supports the whole child agenda and proposes to: (1) expand the conversation regarding the whole child initiative at the local and state level; (2) support the parent organization’s whole child initiative at the local and state levels; (3) continue to move the mission of Arkansas ASCD.

Educating the whole child is a high calling and the schools working alone cannot achieve this goal. This initiative requires full participation by the larger community with collaboration that looks beyond differences and focuses on strategies that transcend the agendas of any individual or group. As we move forward, we must consider a broader definition of achievement and accountability that promotes the development of children who are healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.