Lise's Lens: February 27, 2025
I have recently found myself reflecting on our Ultimate program, Affinity and Alliance groups, and of course… Dance Concert — three incredibly important and meaningful offerings here at CSW.
WHAT I’M READING
- Last week, as I was walking along our frozen, snow-covered quad, I crossed paths with a 10th grade student and asked how things were going. Despite it being a very cold day (or perhaps because of it!), he said he was really excited for the kickoff of the spring “Ultimate” season. Fast forward three days, and I fall upon this article in The New York Times about the birthplace of Ultimate Frisbee in Maplewood, New Jersey. Though the game was apparently invented there nearly 60 years, ago, there are folks associated with that group of founders who still come out to the same spot to play today — even in the freezing cold! I love this idea of players in their 70s playing alongside others in their 30s and 20s.Many students – including the one I ran into on the quad, know little about Ultimate before they come to CSW — and grow to love it by the time they graduate, and I think that is so cool! And did you know the game is played without referees? I am proud that we offer such a unique and fun sport, and look forward to cheering our athletes on this spring.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- I recently treated the leaders of our affinity and alliance groups to a special luncheon to thank them for the time, energy, and care they put into leading these special groups. It’s no small feat to foster a space where community members can come together, lean into their identities, and engage in constructive and meaningful discussion, while also offering support to one another. These spaces help to develop our students into more confident and aware versions of themselves, which I believe is directly correlated with not only academic success, but overall wellbeing. I am so grateful for these leaders and this important program as a whole.
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- Yesterday at assembly we were treated to a little sneak peak of Dance Concert! For anyone who does not know, Dance Concert is one of the school’s most highly anticipated annual traditions — and for good reason! The talent, the energy, the pure passion that these students pour into their choreography and performances is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a night where art meets athleticism, where creativity shines, and where the entire community comes together to celebrate movement and expression. We look forward to seeing the full performances on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
Earlier this week we had the honor of hosting Holocaust survivor Jack Trompetter. Hearing Jack speak was a powerful, moving, and highly informative experience. Next week, Alan Stern, a relative of survivors, will be joining us to share his personal experience. While these sessions are hosted by the History Department and the Jewish Student Affinity Space, all are welcome to attend.
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.