Last year, I essentially worked two jobs – three, if one counts being a parent. But at The Beech Hill School, in addition to my responsibilities as Head of School, I taught social studies. It was an amazing experience, but my day was very full, and I had little time to do anything that was not “critical.” This year, however, The Beech Hill School is extremely fortunate to have a faculty full of incredible educators, so I can return to focus on my role as Head. In the opening weeks of school, I have found the reclaimed time to be a great gift, and it has helped me to see how many parts of running a school may not be “critical,” but are really important.
One thing that I have had the time to do again this year is to travel about the campus throughout the class day. In my wanderings, I have witnessed so many great things, and have gained an even deeper appreciation of just how remarkable the opportunities are for the students at BHS. In just one week, I have witnessed: students gather pond water and discover the microscopic life in it; Dr. Dienes, dressed in full Victorian garb, create timelines with her students about the Victorian Era; 5th Grade students interact and care for their new class pet, a lion’s mane rabbit they named “Fuzzball;” students gather for Mr. Arruda’s movie night, the student body successfully climb Mt. Major, students in Ms. Fries math class successfully solve the problem of the day before I could; and so much more. I could write for hours about what I have witnessed in just one week at BHS.
When I was in 7th Grade, I vividly recall going to the movies with friends to see Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In that movie, Ferris breaks the 4th wall to tell the audience, “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” I am so fortunate to have the chance to look around at BHS this year, because there is just so much great happening and it should not be missed!