September 21, 2011

Owen Rigney

Yesterday my four year-old son, Owen, started to describe the rocket ship he was going to build and how excited he was for this adventure.  He told me about the clothes he would need, and that they’d need to be special – like the spacesuit and the helmet.  Then he quietly said, “Daddy, you can come with me too.”

I was warmed by his invitation and thought myself very lucky to be invited on his imaginary journey.  At four, he is quick to dream big and set his sights high.  Although he can also be quick to tears, his dreams are what buoy him and make him giddy and smiling.  I think that is one of the reasons why I love teaching so much.  In teaching I try to bring students back to those dreams and capture their imagination.  Literature lends itself to that but so does the interaction of teens as they question why they need to learn this or that, what their futures hold, and ultimately, who they hope to be.

I too once wished to be an astronaut.  I was fascinated by the space shuttle and the ideas of space exploration.  (My phone boasts one of the coolest apps ever – Google Sky.)  I’m glad to see that Owen has caught that bug and only hope I can model for him the opportunity and passion to keep that child-like explorer alive.

Best,

John

As an Outward Bound student years ago, I learned about “getting out of my comfort zone.” I was 19 years old and by that age had definitely stretched myself and taken risks (some productive, others not-so-much). What I learned on my eight day whitewater and backpacking course was that there was purpose to getting outside my comfort zone and the value gained by moving beyond it. Hyde School makes a practice of helping its community members move beyond the comfort zone to what I call the stretch zone.

Since coming to Hyde in 1996, I’ve helped students, parents, and faculty move beyond their comfort zones and in doing so, have been inspired to push myself. The goal of this push is to get into the stretch zone, the area where growth happens. Moving into the stretch zone implies discomfort, awkwardness, perhaps some resistance. Too much beyond one’s stretch zone is the freak-out area. As you might imagine, we don’t want to go to the freak-out zone as it is unproductive and is not a place in which people grow. So, how do we get into the stretch zone? It requires commitment and some help. Commitment to hang in there as the stretch starts to be uncomfortable. Help from peers, family, friends, or even strangers to pull us through and keep us committed. Why do we do this however? Good question.

It is all part of re-establishing one’s limits and practicing courage in the face of adversity or challenge. In the same way athletes build muscle, the stretch zone builds confidence. So, you want to be more confident? Get out of your comfort zone. Sing in public; dance a dance you’re not familiar with; commit to running a race (5k, 10k or even a marathon); take a personal risk with a loved one; read a classic (I suggest Anna Karenina). More than this, however, surround yourself with those who want to stretch themselves. You never know when it might rub off on you.

Best,
John

Summer Sessions Blog #4
Blog #82

This week, we continued to work on speaking up in large groups, forming strong bonds between faculty and students, and trying out new activities. Our week was also filled with plenty of action and reflection.

We pulled the community together Monday evening to address some poor decisions made by student leaders and provided some time for them to receive feedback.  This opportunity to practice truth over harmony was also a valuable learning opportunity for all members of the community.

For Week #3 Activities, students divided up and were off on their various adventures.

Community Service had a full week starting with volunteer work Monday morning at the Hartford Market food share.  Tuesday and Wednesday the group drove to Brimfield, MA to help in the tornado relief effort.  Still in dire need of help, this area was devastated in May when an F1 tornado ripped through homes and country side.  Students demolished a damaged barn and helped to clean up debris in an effort to support members of that community.  They spent Thursday and Friday working at Camp Quinebaug, a camp for kids and adults with special needs.  It was a great opportunity to work closely with others and have fun.

In their program debrief, students were asked to respond to two questions.

1.      Which activity brought out your best and what did it show about you?

2.      What did you think about while you were helping others?

Some of their responses included:

• I felt good about myself, like I came out of my own life for little while to help others in need.  It was simply about what I could do to help others.
• I think the tornado relief brought out the best in me because it was probably the most difficult activity.  It was hot, tiring, and a little frustrating; however, I was able to overcome all of these obstacles and keep positive.  At the end of the day, even though I hated doing the tasks at the time, I felt really good and accomplished.
• The tornado relief efforts helped illustrate my characteristics as a leader.  These include persistence, endurance, and motivation.
• My best activity was helping the children with special needs at Camp Q.  Drawing pictures, swimming, and playing air hockey brought smiles to all of our faces.

City Lights redesigned their group divisions with a new set of students this week.  Students were challenged to take photos and collect information about architecture, history, art, and more.  They debriefed at the end of the week and shared their gathered information, lessons, and experiences.  Read about the City Lights trips HERE.

Graphic Design took charge of Hyde’s new Apple lab and learned the ins and outs of these high-tech machines.  Wednesday they took a break from the lab to check out galleries at the Rhode Island School of Design.  They wrapped up the week in Boston at Museum of Modern Art, dinner out, and a trip to see The Blueman Group.

The Oregon Trail Trip got off the river and will report in later about the experience they’ve had this past week.  Last they checked in, they were excited about the chance to hit white water and learn about their connection to the wilderness.

We concluded the weekend with a trip to Brownstone Quarry waterpark on Sunday.  It was be an all-day opportunity to beat the heat.  It was a great success and well-earned fun day for all who went.  Faculty, staff and students look forward to your arrival at the end of the week!

Best,
John

See photos from Woodstock Summer Sessions Programs HERE.

The unasked question was around when I was young too.  I can remember the stump my father had me remove.  It was at least 24 inches across with a root base two or three times that.  (There is a slight chance this tree stump has grown in my memory).  My father told me we could get it out of the ground but I was pretty sure we couldn’t.  I mean, seriously?  It was huge.  We’d had the back yard re-graded and the stumps removed from there but my father somehow convinced me that the bulldozer couldn’t make it around this side of the house.  (I can see now that this might not have been completely the case).  The stump though – it was ginormous.  I used shovels, axes, pickaxes, mauls, and every muscle in my body to try to dig it out.  It just never seemed to have wanted to budge.  There was one moment however where in my frustration I jumped on a shovel wedged under a root, and then threw myself on top of the stump; that one moment when something gave and I sensed a wobble.  That gave me hope.  So, I kept at it.  I recall it eventually bobbling around on its last root, working against us as I dulled that axe and that maul against dirt and rocks and sometimes wood.  Even now, probably twenty-five years later I can picture the pit that stump came out of and the joy I felt when we moved it.  I guess that side of the house did look better without it (not that anyone ever saw that side – it was hidden in the woods).  More importantly, I know I felt better having dug that monster out.

I know there were times I wanted to quit and truly believed the stump could not be removed.  My father had confidence in me and kept me at the task.  I probably even asked the “Why?” question regarding me, the stump, and its removal.  It was arduous, but I also realized that like the list above, it built character.  I have fond memories of digging out stumps.

Best, John

Most, but not all of us admitted to having them.  Many of the faculty, students, and interns tentatively raised their hand to say they had some jitters and anxious excitement about the start of the program.   That is because of hopes and fears we all see in the opportunities ahead.  Jumping into a program with fifty other strangers is a difficult commitment, especially when you are 15, away from home for the first time, and are asked to try things you’ve never done before.  Of course that is the point however – to test ourselves and move outside of our comfort zones.  The jitters go away as we break through and discover that what where thought was a fear or a wall simply wasn’t.  It begins with an introduction, then relaxes more after a smile, and we breathe more easily with a shared experience.  The jitters are a good sign though.  They remind us that we have high expectations – founded in hopes of success and fears of missing opportunities.  The hopes are what we’re hoping to tie into – the potential of the experience and the chance to test ourselves.  A few days in and it is clear that the students – actually, everyone – is breaking down some of those walls and building confidence in themselves and trusting those around them.  We’ve got a mountain to hike, an audition to sing, and a timed mile to run – just in the next 36 hours!

Best,
John

Here we are at the start of the Summer Sessions Program with the entire month ahead.  As students arrived yesterday, they anxiously met faculty, student leaders and interns.  They also tentatively made efforts to connect with peers – delicately trying to ply the social waters of the teen culture.  What is ahead of them however will be different from what most of them have experienced before.   Summer Sessions will deliberately shift away from that teen culture in an effort to uncover their best possible selves.  We are putting the cell phones away, the iPods down, and getting to know each other.

Summer Sessions has three goals.  First the program is framed so that all participants experience self-discovery through challenge. It is our hope that students and staff will discover aspects of their best through the individual experiences and community challenges.  That might come through having to sing or speak in front of sixty plus people or it might come from hiking a mountain. By stretching ourselves, we gain a sense of our limits and how to move beyond them.

Our second program goal is earned confidence.  It is specifically “earned” because I think confidence these days comes in many forms – sometimes too easily earned.  It can come from shallow compliments or by fitting into a crowd.  To truly be confident in one’s abilities, one’s thoughts, and one’s character does not come easily however.  I believe we all want to make ourselves proud and that comes from doing the right thing, which can sometimes be the hard thing.  We trust that students will earn confidence this summer by testing themselves, trying new activities and experiences, and becoming proud of who they are.

Lastly, we intend to have lots of fun.  Work hard, play hard.  The fun that was had today was obvious in the smiles as students shared their best moments in our second evening’s debrief.  Tired at the end of their first 36 hours, students went off to bed ready to celebrate Independence Day with a field day extravaganza.  Happy 4^th of July!

Best,
John

Learn more about Hyde Schools Summer Sessions HERE.

Summer Sessions Blog#1, Blog #79

Check out these photos from Hyde-Woodstock’s Field Day!

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April 6, 2011

Woodstock hosted the Bath track and field team this Wednesday for both teams’ season opener. With many athletes new to the sport, the Wolfpack and the Phoenix needed to get the cobwebs out and were greeted by a relatively warm day with a steady breeze.  The Woodstock men’s team showed promise in a number of events.  Strong performances came from from Mac McGuire ’11 in the 400 m and Dan Weintraub ’12 in the 200, 400, 800, and relay.  Earning firsts in both the shot put and discus, and a second in the 100 m, Justen Wilson (PG), will be a strong contributor.  Justen brought down a long standing shot put record with his 45’ 10.5” toss.  Other standouts include Thomas Nixon ’13 (100, 200), Brian O’Dea (HJ), Greg Munetz (Shot), Nick Dresch (1500m).

The Wolfpack women supported the men’s effort through individual and team commitment.  Building off last year’s success, senior Mari Barnett hit the 100 high hurdles with composure and strength, setting a new school record of 18.34 seconds.  Barnett also won the intermediate hurdles and helped the team run a strong 4 x 100 relay.  Lori Allen ’11 earned 1^st in 100 m and the 800 m, while Andrea Crute ’12 won 1^st in the 200 m.  Great effort was also seen by new comer Stephanie Sarotkin ‘13 in the hurdles, 800 m, and 4 x 400 relay.  Other contributors included Gabby Bergeron (800, 1500) and Gillian Weintraub (3000), and Katie Mehiel (400, TJ).

The most significant quality of this year’s team however is the positive attitudes.  Despite almost three weeks of blustery weather including snow, sleet, cold rain, and a constant 15-25 mph wind, the athletes all kept their heads up and pushed on through workouts and exercises.  The coaches look forward to a strong season ahead.

“I regard it as the foremost task of education to insure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an indefatigable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self denial, and above all, compassion.”

These ideas in action are what attracted me to Hyde in 1996 and are also what keep me enthralled in my work with students and families.

As I was saying, there were two student-interactions today which brought me to this reflection on Hahn.  First was the reaction and uncertainty displayed by the seniors in my Literature of Justice course.  Tasked with reading the Greek tragedy (and trilogy) The Oresteia, some have faltered and are struggling to keep up and keep on all the while questioning the relevance to modern life and the seemingly inaccessibility of the text.  In the midst of this reading, their frustrations are compounded by the difficulty they have understanding the play production, a final small group project designed as the culmination of the unit and winter trimester.  We were forced to stop, drop, and deal – reframe the work, reframe the projects, reframe the attitudes.  So we spent time clarifying how a play written 2500 years ago could bring to light issues we face today.  Students dissected the opening scene of the 1996 Leonardo DiCaprio hit, Romeo + Juliet, and started to connect purpose to creativity.  Light bulbs blinked on and hope returned… ‘There was purpose and thought behind Rigney’s insanity and layered expectations.’  It is often in the closing minutes of class where I see students have these ‘aha’ moments – they connect curiosity to purpose and see that it is up to their attitude to keep going.

The second encounter was with a young man at crossroads in his life.  A strong athlete and intelligent student, he had made some poor decisions and had repeatedly come up against a wall of truth, consequences, and disappointment.  In trying to connect with him I asked about his wrestling successes and some of the positive comments he’d received at a recent school meeting.  He said he willingly works overtime for the team and for the win.  The working hard hurts and he doesn’t feel good during a tough practice, but he perseveres for the long term gains.  A fighter on the mat, he had a tough time being a fighter in his life.  This changed today however when he identified that he had the “readiness for sensible self-denial” the Hahn spoke of 80 years ago – the willingness to tell himself: ‘No, I will not quit.  I will stick this out because I know it will benefit me in the long run.’   While he may fall down on this commitment, he took a step in his own growth and maturity by accepting how his positive attitude and spirit in one aspect of his life needs to lead him in other areas.  This is what will carry him forward and through future hardships.

Best,  John

Hyde School – 2
St. Andrew’s – 0

The Wolfpack rang the bell again this past Monday after another win within the Southeastern New England (SENE) league.  Facing St. Andrew’s at home on the turf, the team was finally full strength and fired up to play.  Recent efforts to improve ball movement paid off early on as forward Henry Killeen ’11 had numerous opportunities to go one-on-one with the Saint’s keeper Stephen Matriscano.  Killeen’s speed and tenacity did not pay off with a goal but it gave the team the momentum and confidence to continue the attack.  With three minutes remaining in the half, midfielder Matan Peltier ’11 charged into the corner with the ball and ferociously crossed it to goal.  Jae Kang Lee ’14 was there to collect it but could not contain it; forward Nate Chesley ‘12 took a whack at it as well and managed to keep St. Andrews’ players from clearing it long enough for Peltier to find the ball again and put it past the keeper.  Great defensive play was seen throughout the half by Graham Davidson ’13 playing sweeper once again.  Supporting him was Chris Wells ’11 and new to the position of stopper, Richard Schuler ’12.  Schuler provided coverage and courage in the mix.

The second half opened with a strong showing for Hyde.  In the third minute, Chesley received a cross from Scott Connolly ’11.  The ball dribbled into goal to put the Pack up by two and to secure a more comfortable lead.  The game continued with numerous chances to increase the lead.  Consistently hustling throughout the match was central middy Dan Weintraub ’12.

Hyde closes out its regular season on Wednesday, at home, against local rival Marianapolis Prep.

Man of the Match – Graham Davidson ‘13

Putnam Science Academy – 4

The boys varsity soccer suffered an incomprehensible defeat to Putnam Science Academy this past Saturday in front of friends and family.  For most of the forty-five minutes the Pack possessed the ball and made repeat attacks on PSAs goal.  Attacking at the top were Henry Killeen ’11 and Nathan Chesley ’12; they received the ball and made had a number of near miss-opportunities on goal. Fifteen minutes into the half midfielder Dan Weintraub ’12 went up for a head ball but received an elbow instead. (He walked from the field to the car to the hospital to discover a broken nose was the result of his effort.)  Dan’s tenacity and speed was sorely missed from that point on and the team struggled to keep up spirit.  Twenty minutes into the half however center mid Matan Peltier ’11 collected the ball and found Killeen.  Henry burned by the defender to go one-on-one with the goalie, shooting near-post for the goal.  The half continued with a series of shots to goal which were either saved, defended or went wide – all of which reminded PSA that the Pack was ferocious and looking for the win.  Great soccer was seen from the right side of the field as Chris Wells ’11 found Adam Carreau ’11 and Carreau found Peltier for a number of give and go runs towards goal.  The team entered the break in high spirits and fired up.

Despite a powerful first half and dominant posture for forty five minutes, the second half would not be a continuation.  The second half opened with a renewed sense of urgency from PSA.  With Weintraub missing, stopper Graham Davidson ’13 tested himself as central mid-fielder backing up Peltier.  They made some solid combinations but could not move the ball with sufficient composure all the way up the field.  As play continued, both teams battled for possession and the game became less focused.  Players batted the ball back and forth in an ugly display of kick-ball.  In the 19^th minute, PSA found the net having defeated Hyde’s defense.  This had an immediate effect on Hyde’s morale and allowed PSA to renew their attack with increased vigor.  Within three and a half minutes, PSA racked up three points as Hyde’s midfield and defense melted mentally.  With fourteen minutes to go Putnam put in one more.  This painful twelve minutes of play illustrated for the Pack their vulnerability when caught off-guard and thoroughly tested their will.  It provided a gut check and forced them to decide how they’d deal with their own lack of composure. The last ten minutes reignited their resolve. Despite being down 4-1, the Wolfpack did not give up and rallied for a number of attacks.  With less than five minutes remaining, Peltier and Killeen made numerous runs.  Killeen again found the ball and put it on goal to reduce the deficit.  Ultimately, the Pack faced its worst enemy in this game – themselves. Alive and driven the first half, the Wolfpack lost the game due to doubt, frustration, and a lack of composure.

Hyde plays Williams School this coming Saturday at home.

Hyde School, Woodstock – 2

Hyde School, Bath – 3

On this blustery fall day the Phoenix and the Wolfpack met in Maine to test the bond of one school, two campuses.  Facing off on Bath’s new turf field, the match-up appeared even in the opening forays.  Both teams fought well for the ball and were quick on the attack.  In Hyde’s central midfield, senior Matan Peltier and junior Dan Weintraub controlled the middle and worked with forwards Jae Kang Lee ’14 and Nate Chesley ’12 to attack Bath’s goalie, Alec Randall.  A number of close shots gave the Wolfpack confidence.  Unfortunately these shots rebounded off of the post or were saved by Randall.  Bath’s attack on transition was difficult to stop as Phoenix players Wes and Tyrone Freston produced lethal give-and-goes.  With three minutes left to go, capitalizing off a miss-hit from a Woodstock player, Tyrone received a through ball to go one-on-one against Wolfpack goalie Brian Sanz ’11.  Although well positioned, Sanz was unable to prevent Bath’s first goal.  Deflated by this change of momentum, the Wolfpack was caught on their heels as the Phoenix returned again only a minute later to go to goal.  Bath forward Juno Ra collected the ball and again going one-on-one against Sanz, bested him.

The second half opened with the Wolfpack focused and looking for a goal.  This was matched equally by Bath’s desire to hold the lead.  Fifteen minutes in Peltier received the ball from Chesley to go one-on-one against Bath’s Randall and was finally able to place the ball on net, putting the Pack back in the game (2-1).  Ten minutes later Bath’s counterattack earned them a direct kick thirty-five yards out.  Fired by Bath’s Tyrone Freston, this rocket shot past defenders and Sanz to put the win that much more out of Woodstock’s reach.  The Wolfpack refused to quit however and had a few more opportunities to close the gap.  With three minutes remaining, Peltier again collected the ball and worked it to the left corner, down the end line to shoot on goal.  Deflected by Randall, forward Lee trapped and struck the ball on net to bring the score to 3-2.  With only a couple minutes remaining, the Wolfpack could not score again to tie it up.  Both teams played with heart and the Wolfpack looks ahead to the 2012 season for the opportunity to avenge this loss.

Hyde Woodstock plays local rival Pomfret School this coming Wednesday at home in what is likely to be a very challenging match.

Look for updated photos on the web in a day or two!

Hyde School, Woodstock – 1

St. Thomas More – 1

This past Thursday, the boys varsity soccer team took on St. Thomas More’s team for the second time in two weeks.  It was a pitched battle as many games have been as of late.  Hyde possessed the ball well and attacked space evenly and with tenacity.  In the center, Dan Weintraub ’12 and Matan Peltier ’11 possessed and directed the ball up field in an effort to put the ball on net.  Forwards Nate Chesley ’12 and Richard Schuller ’12 tried to receive the ball numerous times in traffic but were unable to find the net.  The first half found the Wolfpack possessing and attacking for the majority of time, just without getting the results hoped for.  STM’s counterattack on transition put keeper Brian Sanz ’11 to the test on only a few occasions reminding the Wolfpack of the previous loss in late September.   Going into the half, the score was 0-0.

In the second half, the defense struggled to counter St. Thomas’ long throw-ins and ultimately this is what put STM on the board.  On a quick throw-in and working the side effectively, St. Thomas’ forward collected the ball and slipped through for a shot past keeper Sanz. Immediately following the kick-off, Peltier was a possessed man.  Receiving the ball 30 seconds later via throw-in, Matan threaded the end line and shot near post to slip the ball past the Saint’s keeper.  The Wolfpack was not out however, and made numerous attempts to finish the ball.  Graham Davidson ’13 worked the middle field at the stopper position and repeatedly put the ball back in play whenever STM attacked.  Ethan Thoms ’12 mirrored Graham’s effort at sweeper providing solid coverage throughout.  The remainder of the game was fought in desperation as each team tried to top the other.  The match ended 1-1.

Hyde meets Falmouth Academy next Wednesday for what is likely to be an excellent match-up.  The team records stands at 2-4-2.

Runner-Up Man of the Match – Graham Davidson ‘13

Man of the Match – Brian Sanz ‘11

If you were to Google “Belt Buckle Run” you wouldn’t come up with much.  If you are looking for a bizarre race, run where ever you are, then just follow the link for BBR.  My friend Pete has set up this ridiculous endurance race which only asks that you run an hour on the second and fourth weekend of every month.  The catch is that you add an hour every month.  (For more information, follow the link).  This is the context or at least the reason (if there is one) for my run this morning.  All Belt Buckle racing information aside however…

As I was saying, I found myself out on the road this morning for a slow run with only Bruce by my side.  He is a master.  That is just the bottom line. The two albums my iPod bounced between are brilliant in both their lyrics and broad reaching sounds. The first album, Bruce Springsteen and the Sessions Band: Live in Dublin has Springsteen’s energy, numerous remixes of older songs, and a collection of instruments which when combined create an auditory Mona Lisa.  His second and most recent album, Working on a Dream captures the beauty of Bruce as he heads towards 60 years old.  His voice, still strong, is controlled and mellowed with the wisdom contained in the images he describes and the stories he tells.

In the course of my hour running with Bruce, I had a number of ‘moments’ or recognitions of my life in music.  The first happened as Bruce and company remixed “When the Saints Come Marching In” in Dublin.  Listening to this slowed version, it was difficult for me not to glance back on my thirty-eight years and take stock, ever so briefly, of the events and people who’ve impacted me and who I’ve lost.  My thoughts drifted to recently departed Mike Dawes, then back in time to my sister Elizabeth, lost in 1999, and then on to the opportunities my life has afforded me and the appreciation I have for that.  Bruce holds no punches and in this remix he slowly brings the chorus, the horns, and a slow drawl together for what I might only call a spiritual moment.  This transcendent moment was built upon an absolutely beautiful, perfectly autumn, sunny day – ideal for running.

A short time later, “Kingdom of Days” (off of Working on a Dream) opened with Bruce’s declaration of adoration and proclamation of love for his wife, Patti Scialfa.  He walks the listener through the years of connection and the ease of being in her presence.  Describing their love through moments captured in the summer and fall, Springsteen creates snapshots of hands being held, laughter exchanged, graying temples and a jacket lent for warmth.  While these descriptions might easily be my wife and me, the song reminded me to make moments like this happen amidst the chaos of a young family.

See, Bruce is a superstar, not because he speaks of money and fame and jewels.  He is a superstar because he captures the everyday and serves it to us, to me fortunately this morning, on a silver platter, causing me to rethink it and see the beauty within.  Bruce made a normal run, sublime.

I don’t know how long I’ll make it in the Belt Buckle Race.  I’d like to make it through November (that is a two hour run).  If I don’t however, I do know that I’ll make sure I take the time at home with my beautiful, brilliant wife, my hilarious and adorable children, and enjoy the simple, sweet life available to me.

“With you I don’t hear the minutes ticking by
I don’t feel the hours as they fly
I don’t see the summer as it wanes
Just a subtle change of light upon your face…”

Get out for a run!

Best, John

As an institution, Hyde has just finished an important step in self-reflection.  Over the past year and a half administrators, faculty, staff and students have reviewed what it is we do.  What is Hyde in action?  We’ve taken surveys, we’ve reviewed programs, we’ve considered this and that and the how and the why.  We compiled and wrote an extensive report reviewing all aspects of Hyde School and came to conclusions about what we do very well and what we need to improve upon.  This was in turn shared with the accrediting agency (New England Association of Schools and Colleges, or, NEASC).  In the past three days we hosted nine outstanding educators from schools throughout New England.  They poured through our literature, reviewed our practices, spoke to students, parents, staff, and faculty, and took a few days to experience our community.  They took the time and put forth effort to learn about Hyde, and to uncover our strengths and challenges, just as we ask those in our community to do the same.

The accreditation process is, like all reflective processes, a wonderful learning experience which afforded our school the chance to look more deeply at what makes us tick.  As with a good self-reflection, it was both very challenging at times and very gratifying in the discoveries.  It is what comes next however that is most important. The “So what?” ahead of us is our growth and forward movement as a school.  This will define our best learning.  Just as we focus on the growth from students and families, so we too will focus on the feedback received and look ahead to our own possibilities, our future as an institution.  This is an exciting process of positive change as we continue to improve our program, review our practices, and keep true to our mission, to strive to be the world class leader in family-based character education for each student, family, and member of this community.

Best, John

Clearly we’re back to school.

Best,
John