Happy New Year!

Happy 2009!

I hope Pathfinders has helped you be more comfortable on the path you walking and running. I hope you have enjoyed the friends you've met through this club and that you are growing more and more comfortable learning from one another, learning from your mistakes, and learning to keep changing and growing each day!

The new 2009 Pathfinders meeting schedule is available on the Julia Landon website, so make sure you update your home calendars. I hope to see all of you at each meeting!!

The River Run, our Pathfinders event for the year, is on Saturday, March 14th. Registration information will be given at the January meetings, so please try to attend at least one of these.

I look forward to getting to know all of you better and watching you live your lives in 2009!!!

10/6/08 - Second Meeting

Our second Pathfinders meeting went really well!  Ms. Peacock-Preston could not be there, but Ms. Kasztelan was able to step in and it was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to meet and get to know an eighth grade teacher!  Ms. Sargent-Wells, who was unable to be at the first meeting, was there as well.

The girls were split into three groups.  We had a Connections opportunity after a read-aloud and the girls shared some really amazing thoughts and perspectives on bullying, trust, and WHY middle school girls act the way they do.  

After our indoor activities we headed outside for another 2 mile run/walk.  The rain held out and it was actually very pleasant and cool.

Thank you so much to the parents who have donated water and snacks for our meetings.  We are really low on snacks so we'd appreciate any donations of healthy ones (granola bars, cereal bars, raisins, etc.)  

Girls, remember to bring a healthy snack and water as well.  Also, wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes.  That's important!

I am so excited about our upcoming 3rd meeting.  See you on the 22nd of October!!

The first meeting of Pathfinders

Wow!  What a wonderful first meeting of Pathfinders!  We had 59 girls participate in this new club, and more have expressed interest since then.  

Ms. Peacock-Preston and I were super excited to be a part of this new experience.  Ms. Fenton and Mrs. Wells (formerly Ms. Sargent) will also be joining us for the next meeting on October 5.  They were sorry to have missed the first meeting, but are looking forward to all the rest!

We spent an hour inside getting to know one another and sharing in a "circle of trust".  We also had healthy snacks and water before hitting the road.  We had a combination of runners and walkers, which was great.  After one mile, some girls opted to head back inside with Ms. Peacock-Preston to do some yoga and cool down while other chose to do one more mile lap with me.  It was nice and cool outside, and even with a few raindrops, it felt great.

I am thrilled with the large turnout of girls and so excited that such a unique and interesting blend of personalities and talents are part of this club.  I look forward to seeing all of you at the next meeting!  Scroll down to check out a picture from our first meeting!

What to expect from Pathfinders

Hello to all the girls who would like to be a part of Pathfinders. I can't wait for our first meeting on Monday, September 22nd. I've really been looking forward to this for a long time. When I first heard about Julia Landon and it's Leadership Development Program, I remember thinking, "It would be so cool to have a Girl's Leadership Club and somehow to incorporate running as well." It is a great feeling when something that was just a small idea comes to life!

Come to the first meeting with an open mind and a willingness to meet new people and stretch your own potential.

I am truly looking forward to learning about each of you, getting to know you, and helping you get to know yourselves better.

Don't forget to get your permission forms in by Friday, September 19, and to bring a bottle of water and a healthy snack on Monday. See you then!

Leadership is not a race. It is a Journey.

Entering 6th Grade is a huge transition for any young girl. It is confusing, exciting, overwhelming, wonderful, difficult, and crazy all at the same time.
Joining Pathfinders is a way for you to become empowered. It is a way for you to find a group of fellow students who probably feel much of what you feel.

If you would like to share part of who you are through reading, talking, and even running, check out Pathfinders. Find your path and RUN.