Dear Students,

School is hard. We adults expect you to stay focused on academics, but your friend is at the next table, and you want to discuss such-and-such that so-and-so said. Or maybe you have to solve a story problem with the girl who pushed you off the monkey bars in second grade, and how are you supposed to multiply with someone you don’t trust?

It’s tempting to think there’s an easy solution to the problem of other people. It’s tempting to imagine a world where we’re left alone, away from difficult people.

But life is difficult people. You can’t escape them. You do your best to get along with them and keep your focus on what’s important.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck