Teacher Margaret's "View From My Window" - February 12th

Dear Friends,

With Teacher Margaret away, I have the joy of sharing with you the view from my window. In Preschool 3, we recently read the book “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog” by Mo Willems. While reading, one of our friends asked, “Is a hot dog a sandwich?” This simple question turned into a hot debate in our Preschool world! We took a poll to record everyone’s thoughts, and we found that our class was split: half of us thought a hot dog was indeed a sandwich, half of us did not. This opened up an important social/emotional discussion: just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean they’re wrong. We shared some ideas on why we did or didn’t think a hot dog fit into the sandwich category, practicing sharing our opinions and listening to others.

Our views and thoughts are shaped by our backgrounds, experiences and the communities around us. These components are unique to each person and inform how we see the world. Unfortunately, the reality is that we are living in challenging, divisive times. Too often, people tune out when they are confronted with a viewpoint they don’t share. It seems many people have forgotten how to disagree with grace.

Even in our small school community, each day we encounter things we don’t agree with. However, here we lean into these moments. We talk about these disagreements and consider all sides. Our teachers are experts at guiding these conversations. We don’t expect everyone to be of one mind, but we do expect everyone to show each other respect through these moments. Hearing another person’s perspective can open up a world of possibilities and an opportunity for new understanding. This is at the heart of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work we do here.

Throughout the year, we listen as these disagreements and opportunities for learning emerge. We also build our curriculum around sharing different stories and perspectives. This month, our school is leaning into Black History Month. We are sharing stories and perspectives about Black figures that widened our collective perspectives and inspired others to share their light. You can see examples in our classrooms, such as First Grade’s posters of Black icons and Fourth Grade’s digital Black History Exhibit Hall. You can hear it in our Language Arts program, such as Middle School’s focus on Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Miracle of Morning.”  We are reminded that many today, as well as throughout history, many voices have been silenced, many perspectives have been shut out. Westfield students are continuously learning to share their own voices, acknowledge others’ views, disagree gracefully, and show up with an open mind and a respectful heart.

Holding you in the Light,

Michael

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Meeting for Worship and our February Queries focus on the Quaker Testimony of Integrity, with special emphasis on courage. 

Courage is being brave and doing the right thing in tough situations. How can you show courage when faced with difficult things? When was the last time you showed courage? 

This month, Teacher Rachael will share this meditation with our students:

The Quiet Strength of Courage

Here is an excerpt:

Courage is not always loud.
It is not always standing on a stage or leading a march.
Sometimes courage is quiet.

Courage can be trying something new when you think you won’t be good at it

Courage can be telling the truth when you don’t want to..
Courage can be admitting a mistake.
Courage can be choosing kindness when others choose unkindness.

Announcements:

• February Days of Giving ~ February 12 and 13
• February 13 Faculty In-Service - School Closed
• February 16 and 17 - School closed for Mid-Winter Break
• February 27 - Admissions Open House 9am-11am - tell your friends about Westfield
• February 28th ~ Rescheduled Family Council Valentine's Dance 6:30-8 PM - Come dance with your children