Elevate, Inspire, and Inform the Cedar Valley Community
Julie Adamic is a lifelong educator, mom of six, and Executive Director at John Hancock Charter School. With over 35 years of experience in classrooms, committees, and school leadership, Julie brings wisdom, warmth, and a sense of humor to everything she writes. She's passionate about supporting families, building strong communities, and finding grace in the messy, beautiful world of parenting and education.
Whether she's organizing a school event, hiding in the pantry for a quiet moment, or navigating the ups and downs of raising good human beings, Julie writes with the honesty and heart of someone who's truly been there. Her columns offer real-life insight, encouragement, and the occasional chocolate-fueled pep talk—all from someone who knows that perfection isn’t the goal... but connection is.
When she’s not writing or wrangling children (or both), Julie enjoys fall leaves, good books, bad dad jokes, and pretending that online shopping counts as a hobby.
In 2026, the United States turns 250 years old. That’s a big birthday. A really big one. The official name—the Semiquincentennial—sounds fancy, but the idea is simple: pause, remember, celebrate, and look ahead with hope. If you were around in 1976, you might remember America’s 200th birthday, the Bicentennial. I was a young girl then, and even…
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Let’s be honest. Teaching kids to be grateful sometimes feels like trying to teach a cat tofetch. You hold out hope, you model the behavior, and then they roll their eyes and askwhy dinner doesn’t look like a YouTube cooking video. But here’s the thing: gratitude matters. Big time. It’s not just about teaching them…
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Cue the groans. Cue the countdown. Cue the denial. But whether we like it or not (and I do), it’s that time again—Back to School. Now, before you start mourning the end of lazy mornings and popsicles at 10 a.m., hear me out: this is one of my favorite times of year! There’s something magical…
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Fireworks. Parades. Sticky watermelon fingers. Lawn chairs and red, white, and blue popsicles melting faster than you can say “USA!” Yes, friends, it’s that time of year again—Independence Day! (My mom’s favorite holiday.) The Fourth of July is more than just a holiday with sparkles in the sky and the sweet scent of BBQ in…
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By Julie Adamic – educator (Executive Director of John Hancock Charter School), mom of six (ranging from 34 to 10 yrs…. Yes, I am crazy), grandma (the sparkle in my eyes), and survivor of many, many summers (but who’s counting?) Ah, summer. That magical time of year when kids believe bedtime is optional, dishes disappear…
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By Julie Adamic, Executive Director at John Hancock Charter School Hello, dear readers! Let me start by saying this: if you’re a parent, grandparent, guardian, or somehow responsible for a small human being — you are doing amazing. Truly. If no one has told you that today, consider it officially said. Now, let’s get acquainted….
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