Dear Upper School Families,
December carries a different kind of light. It settles into the building in a quiet way and reveals what has been growing in our students for weeks. I see children leaning into their learning with more trust in themselves. They return to ideas that once felt distant. They pause to think before rushing to the answer. They surprise themselves with what they can now do on their own.
Learning science gives language to this shift. Zaretta Hammond, a national education consultant and the author of the best-selling book “Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students,” describes how students grow from supported practice to independent thinking when they feel a strong sense of belonging. Once a child feels safe and known, the brain opens to challenge. I watch this every day. A student finds the confidence to speak up when they once held back. Another chooses to revise because the work matters to them. A group experiments with a new idea because curiosity pulls them forward. These moments are simple on the surface, but they reveal a deeper confidence taking shape.
What stays with me the most is how much I value who they are becoming as learners. They show real determination as they take on more responsibility for their thinking. They revise with care, ask thoughtful questions, and push themselves through moments that require patience. Watching them grow in confidence and independence is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.
As winter break approaches, I hope you will ask your child one question: What is one habit you want to carry into the new year? The answers often reveal the quiet intentions that guide real growth.
Wishing your family rest and warmth in the weeks ahead.
Warmly,
Rishi
Rishi Raghunathan
Head of Upper School
Attendance Reminders
As we move into the winter months, we appreciate your help with attendance reporting. When students are ill, we want them to stay home and recover, and we ask families to follow the attendance reporting guidelines outlined in the handbook. This time of year also brings heavier traffic and longer morning commutes. For families with young drivers, extra care and planning during arrival help keep everyone safe and support students in arriving on time and ready to learn. Thank you for your continued partnership and care.
Safety and Security Update
Our priority is to keep every member of our community informed during safety, security, and weather-related situations. To support this, we would like students to receive the same timely notifications that parents and caregivers receive.
To make this possible, we are collecting student cell phone numbers. Because this involves personal contact information, we will only include a student’s number with your permission.
If you are comfortable with your child receiving these notifications, no action is needed. If you do not wish for your child’s number to be added, please email me directly.
Thank you for your partnership.
Important 26-27 Enrollment Reminder
Mark your calendars! Families will receive an email from Head of School Eliza McLaren on Wednesday, January 21, with details about re-enrollment for the upcoming school year. Tuition assistance awards will be included in contracts for families receiving support. Please note: To secure your child’s space for next year, contracts must be submitted by Friday, January 30.
Important Dates
December 22-January 2: No School: Winter Break
January 5: Classes Resume (Regular Schedule)
January 9: Jag Friday (dress down attire)
January 16: US Trimester 2 Comments Post
January 19: School Closed: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day