Lise's Lens: December 19, 2024
While I was sad to say goodbye to our CSW families in China, it was important to me that I return to campus in time to wish our students, faculty, and staff a wonderful break, and to thank you all for a fantastic year so far. We have so much to be proud of. This past week alone, we hosted (and won!) the Gryphon Goblet Tournament, collaborated on a very important amendment to our technology policy, and continued to engage in the progressive learning practices that make our school so special.
WHAT I’M READING
- I am reading through the phone policy amendment that our A Board students have proposed to the school’s technology policy. As you may know, there has been a strong desire from students and adults alike to revisit this policy to ensure that students are able to focus, connect, and build knowledge in learning spaces without distraction. The hope is that this amendment will provide clarity and consistency regarding how and when devices may be used at school. The amendment has already gone through several iterations, with students, faculty, and staff getting the chance to weigh in. Yesterday, we had a town meeting to review the near final draft. I was not able to attend, but I look forward to reviewing the notes very soon. Once the amendment has been approved, it will be shared with me for final sign off. If and when the amendment is finalized and approved, we will be sure to share it with you, as I know this is a topic very much on people’s minds (and for good reason).
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- After wishing a fond farewell to our Chinese families this week, I am happy to be back home on campus. Still, the people I met and the experiences I had remain with me. As I reflect on my travels and all that I have learned, the importance of place-based learning is more evident than ever. There are lessons, revelations, and experiences that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. This is why it is so important that we continue to provide our students with opportunities to get out, move, explore; to try new things, and meet new people.I wonder if some of you will be traveling for the holidays in the weeks ahead? Whether you are getting on a plane or settling in at home, I wish you all a restful and restorative break. I also want to express my gratitude to our incredible teaching faculty and all of our dedicated staff members for a wonderful year so far.
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- Did you catch CSW alum Jeremy Carter-Gordon ’07 on WBUR this week? He and his folk singing group Windborne have released an album of traditional christmas carols. I’ve listened to a few of the songs so far and am blown away by the beauty of their voices. Check them out at https://www.windbornesingers.com/.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
I was SO sad to miss this year’s Gryphon Goblet basketball tournament. This is truly one of my favorite events of the year and I hate that I wasn’t there to cheer on our players. Turns out they were all just fine without me, however, as both our boys and girls teams WON. Many congratulations to all!
More News from CSW
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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.