A Joyful Community

Last Friday, December 13th, the Beech Hill School’s Board of Directors met for the Fall/Winter meeting.  While I am a tad superstitious, the date did not make me nervous for this meeting.  In fact, I was excited to have the opportunity to share the state of the school with the board.  In my estimation, The Beech Hill School is as strong as it has ever been.  I worked painstakingly to gather data that I would use to make my case, and the numbers were great – in admission, our general fiscal health, the number of families that had made donations, students that were involved in programs, the continuity of our faculty, etc.

 

I was, however, trying to capture, what I believe, is currently the greatest strength of BHS – the strength of our community.  While all the data that Assistant Head of School, Kate England, and I were able to present helps to support my thesis, I was lacking that one thing that could really illustrate just what a wonderful community we have at BHS.  That is until yesterday – our annual holiday party at BHS epitomized what makes BHS so amazing.

 

First, the support of the Beech Hill School Parents’ Association was incredible.  The large number of volunteers transformed the Community Room into a winter wonderland, The volunteers formed a u-shaped table that was large enough for the entire school to gather as one.  Then, they served an amount and variety of delicious food that was beyond words.  The students and faculty were all so appreciative and the entire event was a textbook definition of joy – like something out of Whoville.  For me, however, what was most revealing of the strength and quality of our community was the way in which everyone interacted with one another.  It was a mixture of the entire community - all grades, all genders, faculty, students, and parents - authentically smiling, laughing and truly sharing in the pleasure of one another’s company.

 

I am no Grinch – but after yesterday’s gathering, I think that my heart grew a size or two!  I wish you all happy holidays and I look forward the continued strength of The Beech Hill School Community in 2025 and beyond!

The Beech Hill School does not discriminate in its hiring, admissions policies, financial aid policies, educational policies, or the administration of school-related programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, gender, disability, or ethnic origin. The Beech Hill School is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt entity.