Dear Upper School Families,
October always brings a new rhythm to the upper school. The early excitement of September gives way to deeper focus, and students begin to see where they are thriving and where they might need to grow. The work also becomes more demanding. Ninth graders are finding their footing, tenth graders are continuing to stretch, eleventh graders are realizing how quickly a trimester moves, and seniors are balancing coursework with college applications. It is normal for students to feel challenged right now. Growth often feels uncomfortable before it feels rewarding. The new schedule has asked them to manage their time, energy, and focus in new ways, and we are seeing them rise to meet that challenge. This is why feedback and conferences matter. They give students a chance to pause, reflect, and adjust. As parents, the most helpful thing you can do is stay curious, not reactive, and see struggle as part of learning.
This fall, every teacher wrote directly to each student. These comments, along with Willing Learner Metrics, are reflections and guideposts meant to help students take stock and consider what comes next. At its best, feedback is not about judgment but about learning. It helps students recognize what is working, where to stretch, and how to take the next step forward.
Our goal in the upper school is to help students use feedback with increasing independence. This means encouraging them to:
- Read carefully and reflect before reacting.
- Ask clarifying questions like, “What does this mean for me?” or “What might I try next?”
- Set small, achievable goals that build confidence and momentum.
- Revisit those goals over time, understanding that growth is rarely instant.
Parents play an essential role in this process. Rather than interpreting or defending feedback for your child, help them process it. Ask questions. Listen more than you solve. Celebrate honest reflection and small steps forward. Psychologist Lisa Damour reminds us that adolescence naturally brings friction because it is how teens learn to navigate independence and manage emotion. When parents respond with curiosity instead of correction, they teach young people to see feedback not as a threat but as a tool for learning and belonging.
Making the Most of Conferences
Later this week, you will meet with your child’s advisor for conferences and we strongly encourage your child to participate. These conversations are about the whole student: academic progress, habits of mind, social connections, and emerging goals. Teachers remain available throughout the year for ongoing dialogue, but this time with your child’s advisor is meant to take a step back and see the bigger picture.
As you prepare, I encourage you to sit with your child and review their comments together. Ask what stood out most. Talk about where they felt challenged or proud. Then help them set one or two meaningful goals for the months ahead. Feedback is not the end of a conversation. It is the beginning of one.
Looking Ahead
Soon, I will be asking for your feedback on the new upper school schedule. The goal of this survey is simple: to understand how the schedule supports learning, engagement, and well-being. Your feedback will help us refine how we communicate expectations and support students’ experiences. Your insights will help us clarify what is working and where we can be more consistent.
You will also hear from Sharla Starker, upper school our Academic Dean, later this week about the launch of Honors Humanities for 9th and 10th graders. This new interdisciplinary offering brings together English and History in a shared, rigorous experience designed to deepen critical thinking and spark curiosity. We are thrilled to share more details.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership in helping our students grow with purpose and confidence.
Warmly,
Rishi
Rishi Raghunathan
Head of Upper School
Save the Date
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Wednesday, October 22 – PSAT Day and Field Trips
The Upper School will follow a special schedule, and no regular classes will be held. Ninth graders will go to Lynd farm, twelfth graders will be able to meet with college counselors off campus, while tenth and eleventh graders take the PSAT. Students will finish testing or return from trips by 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served, and teachers will be on campus to supervise students who stay through dismissal.If you would like your child to leave at the conclusion of field trips or testing, please complete the permission form. Completing the form helps us plan ahead, as our administrative team will have limited capacity to manage early sign-outs that day.
- Late Start – November 4. School will begin at 10 a.m.
- First-Ever Learning Showcase – November 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wellington is excited to introduce Learning Showcases, open-house style evenings where students from Little Jags through grade 12 step into the role of expert and share their learning with families, peers, and community guests. Designed to highlight student voice and ownership of learning, these events invite our community to see curiosity, creativity, and challenge in action. Even if your child is not presenting on November 11, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Wellington’s academic program, cheer on classmates, and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt.