Exploring identity in our curriculum is nothing new at Fayerweather. Themes of race, gender, sexual orientation, and economic standing have been woven throughout our curriculum and community. Students are taught to not only share their voice, but that their voice matters. The culmination of this important work on identity can be seen in different examples such as the impassioned Graduation speeches from our Unit students, or in the marches/demonstrations for various causes organized by student activists throughout all grade levels. But the foundations of this curriculum are rooted in the teaching and instruction of our early years.

Greeting students at morning drop-off this week felt extra-special. There was a special kind of energy in the building this week as students were reunited with classmates and teachers after a winter break and a remote week tied to the necessary testing protocols to ensure a healthy and safe return to school. I know for our older students, they are still eagerly awaiting this reunion with teachers and friends next week. These joyful moments of socialization and learning are happening around campus because of the strong infection-control and mitigation efforts the school has put into place.

The Kindergarten Toads, along with Tara and Joanie, just completed several days of online learning. Each day they had 2 special visitors, a penguin named Akey Akeyevich (Ah-key Ah-key-ev-ich) and his snowy owl friend, Owl. Akey and Owl are very inquisitive. When they find something they like, they write a book about it. The Toads helped them write 3 books about space.

 

Dear Fayerweather Community,

Last week, as many of you are no doubt aware, the decision was made not to indict any of the officers involved in killing Breonna Taylor. This decision has caused anger, sadness, outrage, and was also not surprising for many.