Lise's Lens: February 8, 2024
I recently read the novel The Berry Pickers, watched a video in honor of Black History Month, and proudly observed student leaders present to faculty and staff on an important topic.
WHAT I’M READING
- I have just started the novel The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, who was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and identifies as mixed-race of Mi’kmaq and European ancestry. Though her debut novel is not based on a specific true event, it is certainly inspired by real life events. I really didn’t know much about the novel, it was just recommended to me. Before starting to read it, I decided not to look at any press about it and just to jump in with two feet. Each chapter has been from another voice, another character, each around the same event and main character, a four-year-old named Ruthie. Typically, I don’t read mysteries, but I suspect this is one that I’ll be happy I picked up. I won’t share too much more in case you want to give it a try. So far, it has been a pleasure both from the quality of the writing and the storytelling.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- I have been thinking about all the hard work our A Board (Advisory Board) students have been doing. Earlier this year, the group surveyed faculty and staff to craft what items the community wanted to reflect on and work on. One such topic was dress — what we wear and how we express ourselves through clothing and accessories. I will admit, it is a daunting topic, and one that I suspect will evolve into a conversation about so much more than clothing alone. It raises the question: How do we balance the individual desires for self expression and comfort with others' desire for the same when at times those can be in conflict? It has already been an interesting case study into A Board’s process for examining and updating school policy.Yesterday, student leaders presented preliminary work to faculty and staff. They were organized, poised, and clear in their delivery — all skills they have practiced in classes, affinity groups, and ambassadorships. So a big thank you goes to our faculty and staff for helping to foster these skills. Next, the students will lead an all-community discussion assembly, followed by advisory discussions, and potentially a formal “town meeting.”
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- After a Black History Month presentation from our Black Student Union students at assembly this week, the community broke into advisory groups to watch and discuss a pair of videos, including this one from CBS news, highlighting the influence Black athletes have had on competitive sports and athletics throughout the ages. It was important for students to have this opportunity to reflect on how the world of athletics has, and sadly, has not changed for Black athletes over the course of history.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
We were excited to host parents and guardians for a social gathering in the dining hall over the weekend. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for a fun and festive evening!
Campus News
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Photography Teacher Anne Rearick Releases New Book
Photography Teacher Anne Rearick has release a new book of photograpy, Gure Bazterrrak (Our Land). Published by the Deadbeat Club Press, the book will begin shipping this winter and will be available during Paris Photo at Polycopies, Porte de Solférino.Read More -
Anny '28 Wins International Film Awards
Read MoreThis past summer, Anny ’28, worked as executive director and cinematographer for two documentary films titled Shaolin Youth and Confined, earning multiple international awards for her efforts.Anny, a boarding student from China, spent her summer filming Shaolin Youth in the Shaolin Temple, a thousand-year-old temple, where she focused on different groups of Chinese teenagers, showcasing China's special martial arts program and the impact it can have on the growth of teenagers from low-income families. The film focuses on the stories of underserved families and troubled teenagers in rural China who are hoping to change their fate by learning martial arts, showing the dedication and love these teenagers have toward martial arts, and the influence martial arts can have on a person's growth. -
CSW Welcomes Students from Panama
Read MoreLast week CSW welcomed 12 students from C.A.D.I. Bilingual Academy in Panama, where our students spent some time during the mod abroad trip to Panama in mod 5 last school year! They were joined by C.A.D.I.'s Director and administrators. During their visit from October 17-21, 2024, they stayed with CSW host families and attended classes with student ambassadors. -
Mod Break Wilderness Trips are Back!
Read MoreMod break Wilderness Trips are back in action with the first one taking students to the White Mountains! During the 3-day trip, students were split up into two groups based on student preference. The introductory group made its foray into the Kinsman Mountains with History and English teacher/Wilderness Trip Guide Aidan Wang, while the advanced group tackled Mt. Garfield with Science teacher and longtime Wilderness Trip Guide Kevin Smith.
Meet CSW Students
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.