School News
A Message from Andrew Lee, Director of Middle School (Grades 5-8)
Dear 5th-8th grade families,
Imagine a middle school environment where your child is fully known and valued for who they are, who they are becoming, and the limitless possibilities of who they will become. Fayerweather strives to be that kind of community. One of Fayerweather's greatest strengths has always been its intimate and nurturing school culture, one that honors the natural pace of childhood from PreK all the way through 8th grade. This is a superpower we hold dear, and it will continue to be a cornerstone of our community. But this year, we're taking things to the next level. We're doubling down on shaping an experience for our 5th through 8th graders that not only strengthens their sense of competence but also deepens their connection to others.
As I step into the role of Director of Middle School, I’m excited to share the values that will guide my work and, in collaboration with Kim, the Educational Leadership Team, and our dedicated teachers, articulate a vision for our students’ growth, both inside and outside the classroom. Together, we will continue to nurture a community where every student feels empowered, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
This summer, I’ve been inspired by several middle school-aged characters in novels. They remind me of the values we seek to nurture in our students every day. One character in particular - Mia Tang (from the Front Desk series, by Kelly Yang) - demonstrates these values: curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
Mia and her family run a motel and she faces challenges that include cultural displacement, gentrification, threats to local journalism, an unjust HOA agreement, and the struggle to become a published writer. But like our students, she is curious, creative, and resilient. At one point, Mia uses the Yellow Pages (this story was set in the 1990s) to call hundreds of small businesses until she finds the person who can corroborate a news story.
Similarly, our teachers and students never give up in partnering to learn new skills and serve the community in classes, ASMs, Extended Day, Fayerweather teams, affinity groups, and other student organizations. Our middle school is a place for students to take ownership of their learning and of their school through hard work and resilience. It is also a place where our students creatively use the materials at their disposal in the woodshop, gym, stage, art studio, Rafferty Park, Fresh Pond, Farm School, and the Boston and larger community to think about solving problems in our local economy, ecology, and civic life.
Similarly, our teachers and students never give up in partnering to learn new skills and serve the community in classes, ASMs, Extended Day, Fayerweather teams, affinity groups, and other student organizations. Our middle school is a place for students to take ownership of their learning and of their school through hard work and resilience. It is also a place where our students creatively use the materials at their disposal in the woodshop, gym, stage, art studio, Rafferty Park, Fresh Pond, Farm School, and the Boston and larger community to think about solving problems in our local economy, ecology, and civic life.
I am excited to partner with you this year to provide our students the love, challenge, and support that will help them thrive. We’re going to try a few new things this year, including more student-led activities and some Middle School Meetings (MSMs). We’re also continuing with school hallmarks such as Student Council, ASMs, and other beloved traditions. I encourage you as parents to also share your curiosity, creativity, and resilience with us! Let’s go, Fayerweather Suns!
Fayerweather Street School | 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 | 617-876-4746
Fayerweather is a private PreK, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We engage each child’s intellect.