Happy New School Year from Heather!

Happy New Year, everyone!

It is always energizing to see our students and families converge on campus after summer break for Welcome Day and the First Day of School. There is a palpable buzz across both campuses as learners arrive with backpacks, stuffies, new sneakers — and parents/caregivers in tow. Some little ones buried their faces into a grown-up’s knees when I introduced myself, only to offer a high-five (or high-four when I’m wearing my Mickey Mouse hands — Mickey apparently only has four fingers) by day’s end.

At the middle school, I watched new students cross the threshold with a mix of excitement and hesitation, accompanied by families visibly hoping all would go well. One mother stopped me as she watched her child on the tanbark and said, “Look, Heather, he’s made a connection.” Yes — he had, and more are soon to come. Just wait until Outdoor Ed, when they trek into the wilderness together and return not only with new friendships and cherished memories but also a bundle of dirty laundry to share!

If you attended New Family Orientation this past weekend at either campus, we hope you caught a glimpse of “the way we do things here” — our philosophy, approach, and logistics — and, more importantly, began to make connections not just with the program but with each other. You, too, are learning new names. We believe deeply that it takes a village to raise a child, and I’m grateful you are part of ours, supporting our students and one another on this collective journey.

Once again, happy new school year — here’s to a wonderful one ahead!

With appreciation,
Heather