Upper School Blog: Orientation Amid Uncertainty

As we prepare for Hybrid Learning, we, the adults in the children’s spheres, are getting ready for what feels like the second First Day of School. The details, including the schedules, guidelines and expectations will be shifting, and so, too, the day-to-day rhythm. Inviting the children to a conversation about what will stay the same and what will change helps them to imagine what to expect and what to do. For those who will be returning back to school, alignment in message between their two main environments, the home and school, will be all-important.

Organization of information is an ongoing work of the Elementary child, as a student in the classroom, as a member of the family, as a citizen of the world, as a part of a whole. Our classroom environments, both virtual and physical, are designed with various areas of experience in mind: the academic experience, the social experience, the emotional experience, and the physical experience. The interconnectedness of these parts will be a balancing act for the community, putting a special emphasis on safety measures.

As we navigate the next few months, the moments of thoughtfulness, cleverness, and joyfulness I observe among the children will surely keep me going. The enthusiasm they express from all sorts of sources, be it a lesson, a book, a plan for the weekend, or even just seeing each other’s faces, too. I feel blessed to be able to work with such a stellar community of open-minded, open-hearted, and open-eared learners. May their experiences this year be rich. May their relationships with each other develop beautifully and safely, be it through a face covering, the waves of the internet, or individually scheduled outdoor playdates. These intentions will serve as my constant.

Sincerely

Grace Rind

Magnolia Lead Teacher