Teacher Margaret's "View From My Window" - May 30th

Dear Friends, 

We do joy well. Every morning from our youngest children in Preschool 2 to our oldest in Eighth Grade, children happily leave their parents, look for their friends and teachers, and step into their school day. This happiness and anticipation provide the context for the amazing, joyful growth that happens here every day, building the resilience to face life’s challenges.

Joy, growth, and resilience were on display in the Kindergarten play, The Mischievous Bugs. Some of those bugs started the year shy and unsure. In their play, they confidently said their lines, danced their steps and helped each other bring down the house.  

Enjoyment abounded in the Variety Show where students’ hidden talents and passions were shared. We had a comedienne, a magician, a poetess, singers, dancers, a violinist, and piano players. While on stage, they mastered their nerves and trusted their audience to celebrate their performance. 

First-grade students shared their passion for protecting New Jersey’s endangered species. After weeks of research, they presented their findings and recommendations to protect the corn snake, osprey, and short-nose sturgeon. Even as they learned hard facts about humans’ impact on these animals, they found courage and joy in their agency to help save these animals. 

PreK students have been showing off their year of art learning. The walls in the Team Prek spaces are full of their awe-inspiring interpretations of Georgia O’Keefe,  Jackson Pollock, and Vincent Van Gogh to name just a few. Their ideas and inspirations come through each work of their hands. I expect several creations will find themselves framed and treasured parts of families’ homes. 

Joy pulsated through the gym at Friday night’s middle school dance. Everyone danced, everyone laughed, and smiled. Noticeably absent were smartphones and watches. These students are a community of caring people who planned the dance wanting everyone to have fun and belong.

The entire community, including some alums, turned out to laugh, cheer, and race on Field Day. After the races were finished we all sat down together – teachers, students, parents, grandfriends, siblings, and alums – to a well-deserved and enjoyed picnic lunch. 

In Meeting for Worship on Wednesday, students stood and thanked, buddies, teachers, classmates, and friends for all the kindness and support they had provided. One eighth-grade student talked about how Meeting for Worship has helped him slow down and be present. A fourth-grade student shared how important it is to thank others. A first-grade student thanked their eighth-grade buddy for always having a smile for them. And of course, the Prek students chimed in to remind us to be kind to the earth and each other. 

With gratitude for a joyful year of learning.

Warmly,

Margaret Haviland

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