April 20, 2023
Dear LREI Community,
It was a real pleasure to arrive at LREI this morning. Not just because I was greeted by a tent and the folks who are organizing the camping trip, but mostly because I have been away for a few days. I was visiting another school as part of a New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) accreditation visiting team. Accreditation is something that all NYSAIS schools go through every ten years. It was a fascinating visit. I always learn so much when I am part of these exercises. I was at a school that was similar to LREI in all sorts of ways and quite different in many regards.
As I moved about this school, speaking to teachers, administrators, parents, trustees, and, of course, students, I was reminded of some of what I value most about LREI. These included:
Student engagement – It is a rare moment when I move about our school when most, if not all, students in each classroom are not fully involved in the day’s work. Might their attention wander? Sure, happens to the best of us. That said, the students are engaged and active, discussing, reading, planning, analyzing, building, creating, and on and on for the whole day. There really is no place to hide in our classrooms and the work is compelling to the point that few are looking to do so.
Try, try, again – During my visit, I saw something I see at LREI all of the time….students trying again. Growing, learning, perfecting, trying again, and bringing others along. We see this from Kindergarten rooms with falling block buildings to math problems in all three divisions and, of course, with our standards-based grading in middle school and high school. Sometimes students try again the next year by joining a sports team or activity that has been frustrating in the past. Whenever it happens there is a sense that growth and learning are possible and encouraged. Try, try, again, even when you have succeeded there is always more to learn.
Teacher / Student Relationships – As my visit progressed, in a school with a different culture, I realized that I was seeing very close, respectful, important relationships between students and teachers, so very similar to those I see at LREI. The trust and care that flows in both directions are essential to the learning that happens all day long.
Challenge – Children like to work hard. When they are engaged and encouraged, and when their growth is supported, working hard and meeting challenges feel great.
I observed all sorts of things that I found less familiar, some that were compelling and some less so, though all interesting. That said, after four days, something was missing and it was nice to arrive at the corner of Sixth and Bleecker this morning to find it.
Peace,
