Lise's Lens: October 17, 2024
This week I reflect on the wonder of libraries, the inauguration of Mexico's "presidenta," and the incredible diligence of termites.
WHAT I’M READING
- I was fascinated by this article in The New York Times about the world’s oldest termite mound. Say what you will about Termites (they aren’t exactly the most beloved creatures), but the way they are able to build such complex structures is nothing short of remarkable. There is a colony in Namaqualand that dates back 34,000 years! I think this serves as a nice metaphor for what can happen when members of a community capitalize on their strengths, work together, and put time and care into their living space.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- I’m always looking for an excuse to wander through CSW’s library. I’ll often go in there for no specific reason except to soak in the vibe. It helps that it’s located right across from my office — a dream for someone who loves books and reading as much as I do. I admire how libraries have modernized and how responsive many of them have been to change. Check out what this library in Toledo has done, for example! In my next life, I’d love to be a great librarian! In the meantime, I continue to be grateful for our CSW librarian Jenna, and Sharon, her assistant. Go libraries and librarians! My next visit to NYC will include the JP Morgan Library because of this incredible exhibit it is having.
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- I don’t have an account on Tiktok, but someone shared with me this incredible clip that was circulating on Tiktok highlighting the inauguration of the new “Presidenta” of Mexico. Though I am not fully versed in current Mexican politics, I am impressed by what I know of the Mayor of Mexico DF, now Presidenta of Mexico, el pais. What struck me with this video was the power of the moment, of the gifts that were being both handed and transferred physically and spiritually by the indigenous people who were part of the ceremony. In a country (and continent), where the indigenous populations have suffered so much and have been betrayed so often, I marvel at their resilience and admire their ability to continue to be brave and true to their beliefs. I am looking forward to my visit to Mexico in November and I hope to take time to appreciate the momentous occasion this new presidency presents.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
On Tuesday, our ninth and tenth graders enjoyed a day off campus visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art, hiking Mt. Wachusett, or exploring Salem and its famed witch museum! Here's a photo of our students out at Wachusett. They had great weather!
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.