Late yesterday, on a glorious autumn afternoon, I had a chance to chat with some of our third-graders who were camped out at some picnic tables for an al fresco math class. Some were doing three-digit subtraction problems, using a traditional borrowing method that one student described as “the way old people do it.” Others were working some higher-level challenge problems from the state math competition.

As I watched them work together, sharing problem-solving tips and eagerly demonstrating their computational prowess, I was struck, once again, by how resilient young people are. Though properly socially distanced and wearing their masks, they still talked excitedly about upcoming school events, new friends and classmates, and weekend and (modified) Halloween plans. 

They have, it was clear, adjusted comfortably to new routines and protocols without losing any of the joy in learning or in being together.

I am proud of how everyone in our community: teachers, parents and caregivers, and especially students have adjusted to these new realities, working hard to preserve as much as possible of the distinctive warmth and excitement of our community. It is very heartening to see!

Chris Garten
Head of School