The Friday before Winter Break, the High School took the time to celebrate History Instructor Bill Bailey’s 50th year of teaching. Bill has not been with us for the 50, but in his four and a half years here, he has truly made a lasting impression on our students. They rallied together to plan the celebration; 50 students, 50 red roses and 50 adjectives or stories that demonstrate Bill’s important impact on the community.
After our assembly, Bill took the time to write me a letter expressing his feelings about the honor. In it, he said, “Perhaps one indication of my appreciation is that after reflecting on 2009 as we approach the new year is my sense, without a doubt, that the tribute you, Phil, the faculty, and most importantly, the students offered me was the highlight of the year and perhaps of my entire teaching career. I found it all so overwhelming and so gratifying…Wednesday night, I went to dinner with four other history teachers [from prestigious schools in the Northeast] who have become very close friends…I told them about Friday…they reflected on the reputations that exclusive private schools have, citing Exeter in particular. [With all in agreement], they determined Little Red must be a truly extraordinary place with far more emphasis on community and the well-being of all who are a part of it…” Bill went on to say how happy, rewarded, and fulfilled he has been here. Thank you, Bill!
On Tuesday, in observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we welcomed Larry Jay Tish and Ron Jones, and their show,“The Black/Jew Dialogues.”
Photo by: Marissa Bendit ’11. Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish, “The Black/Jew Dialogues.”
Photo by Marissa Bendit ’11. Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish, “The Black/Jew Dialogues.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked tirelessly, through dialogue and other non-violence methods to encourage remarkable change: open housing opportunities, voting rights, job equality, and the end of segregation, and to oppose the Vietnam war and racial and economic injustice. It is our duty, and every citizen’s duty to continue in Dr. King’s footsteps as often as we can and bridge the divides that separate us from one another. Tuesday’s program encouraged bridge crossing, conversation and dialogue through laughter and thoughtful reflection on the history of prejudice and racism. Taking the time, paying attention and participating in the assembly was truly honoring Dr. King’s legacy and remarkable life.
As we also begin to hear the horrible news from Haiti and the devastating effects of the earthquake this week, we must reflect on what else we can do to help one another, especially the people of Haiti. Today, students gathered in class meetings to begin to plan to support relief efforts. As a community, we have decided to change the theme of the next coffeehouse on Saturday, February 6, from a community service roundtable event to a benefit for Haiti. Monday, a day off from school is, as you know, a National Day of Service, a “Day On,” honoring Dr. King’s work. There is much to do in our local community and for others outside of it.
What are you doing on Monday?
Kate ’s Fourth Graders met Yona McDonough who read them the first chapter of The Doll Shop Downstairs. Fourth grader Chloe described that it is probably more of a book that girls would enjoy but that “boys could enjoy it too. It’s historical fiction and it’s about things that happen at home in the family too.” Xavier Guira added that “It has to do with money too because the family shopmight go out of business.” Jack Fessenden remembered that it was about “Three sisters that love hanging out there (in the shop). They have teeny delicate pieces at the doll repair shop. It takes place in the time of WWI.”
