Dear LREI Families,
I hope that this note finds you well on the eve of the transition from one administration to the next. The faculty has spent considerable time and energy in the past days discussing this political moment as it relates to their lives and to their work with your children. Much has been said, rightfully, about the peaceful transition of power—there is no coup, there will be no shooting war, tomorrow will be both eventful and less so than transitions of power in some other nations. However, we have to acknowledge the atypical nature of this moment. This peaceful transition is one that does not feel so peaceful, so safe, for many as the victors, in their campaign, threatened, marginalized, and endangered many fellow citizens. For many people, this behavior has called into question how to participate in Friday’s events. It has done the same for the adults at LREI as we think about how to work with your children and how to remain committed to our mission which reads, in part, “Students graduate from our diverse community as active participants in our democratic society, with the creativity, integrity, and courage to bring meaningful change to the world.”
In brief, here are our plans. Other than the fourth graders, lower school students will not watch the swearing in and inaugural address. Teachers of the Fours-third grades will be prepared on Monday to respond to student questions and to engage in the conversations that arise. The fourth grade will watch the swearing in and address, as the natural culmination to the prodigious work done by the teachers and students in studying the election and our democracy this year.
In the middle school, students will watch the address in homeroom groups and then engage in a variety of activities and discussions. In the high school, the swearing in and address will be shown for students to choose to see, or not. Those who choose to, will also be able to choose to have a discussion about the address immediately afterwards. Same for those who choose not to view this moment. All students will have a critical conversation about the inauguration early next week.
Some may watch and feel happy to do so. Others may have concerns but feel that it is important to hear the day’s comments. Some may feel a patriotic obligation to participate in this moment. Still others have well-reasoned arguments for quite purposefully not watching. We feel strongly that in order to learn to be “active participants” we must listen, analyze, discuss, learn, etc. We must provide opportunities for our students to develop capacity in regard to the Four Cs—creativity, critical thinking, courage, and citizenship. We feel strongly that this moment is a ripe opportunity and the faculty is gearing up to engage in it with your children. We encourage you to have these discussions at home, fitting this national moment into your family’s values.
I want to thank the faculty in advance for what I know will be thoughtful, passionate, student-centered activities and conversations. And, of course, thank you to the students who will participate in their customarily thoughtful and inspiring manner.