Head of School's Letter: Rhythm and Ritual — The Gift of School Routines

Dear Families,

Something settles in the third week of September. The first nervous energy of the new year has passed. Teachers and students have begun to find their groove — the particular rhythm of this class, in this room, in this year. You can feel it when you walk the hallways: a productive hum, a sense that things are underway.

I find myself thinking about routines at this time of year, and specifically about what makes them so powerful for children. Routines are often discussed as if they were purely functional — ways to manage time and behavior efficiently. But I think that misses something important. Routines are, in fact, the framework of a child's day. They are the structure that makes spontaneity and creativity possible. A child who knows what comes next can invest their full attention in what is happening now.

It was lovely to see so many of you at Back to School Night yesterday evening. These evenings give families a useful glimpse into the classrooms, routines, and relationships that shape a child’s day. Thank you to our faculty for the care they put into preparing these evenings, and to all of you for making time to join us. This partnership between faculty and families is central to Brookwood. If you were unable to join us, I invite you to read my remarks from the evening here.

As September draws to a close and the rhythms of our year deepen, I am grateful for this community. I hope you have a wonderful weekend despite the arrival of an early nor'easter! 

Warmly,
Jon