Head of School's Letter - May 22

Dear Families,

Last night, and again this morning at School Meeting, our Kindergarten and Grade 1 students took the stage for We Are Definitely Human. The story is incredibly funny, mysterious visitors, a broken “car,” a fair amount of confusion about what humans do, and a great deal of joy along the way. But beneath the humor is a message that feels just right for our youngest performers: being human is not about having all the right answers or fitting perfectly into someone else’s expectations. It is about kindness, and noticing when someone needs help and choosing to offer it.

Watching our K/1 students bring that story to life was a treat. They sang, moved, remembered their lines, supported one another, and stood with such courage and pride in front of a very full room. These early performance experiences matter. They help children learn what it feels like to be part of something larger than themselves, and to embrace an adventurous spirit as they embark on new experiences. Huge congratulations to all of our performers, and deepest thanks to Tayte Messman, Joe Cardoza, Dan Hogan, Alex Edwards and our Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers, and everyone who helped make the production such a joyful success.

At the other end of the school, our Upper School students have been out in the world for Steep Days. Steep Days give students time to go deeply into a topic, to learn through experience, and to see that meaningful learning does not always happen in a classroom. This week, students explored the fishing history and marine ecosystems of Cape Ann, Latin American art and food traditions on the North Shore, the relationship between service and well-being, sneaker design and production, glass art, theater as a tool for advocacy, sailing, hiking, and government in action.

What I love about Steep Days is that they ask students to be both curious and capable. They are navigating new places, learning from experts, using their hands, asking questions, solving problems, collaborating with peers, and making connections between classroom learning and the wider world. They are also practicing something we value deeply at Brookwood: the willingness to enter an experience fully, even when it is unfamiliar, messy, challenging, or unexpected.

In that way, the K/1 Play and Steep Days are not as far apart as they may seem. Both draw upon that adventurous spirit, that is part our Herons have HEART values, it is also about  stretching beyond the familiar. Both ask students to step into something new with courage and openness. And both remind us that learning, at its best, is deeply human work.

I hope you all enjoy a peaceful and restorative Memorial Day Weekend. 

Warmly,

Lindsay Murphy
Acting Head of School