Dear Lighthouse Families,
The upcoming holiday, which bears the word thanks, naturally evokes thoughts of gratitude. While I have experienced scattered moments and practices of gratitude throughout my life, it wasn’t until I first worked at Nantucket Lighthouse School that I witnessed such intention and commitment around daily thankfulness.
Each day, each class gathers and students offer something for which they are grateful. On Fridays during All School Meetings, the school shares in this practice. Three students offer something they are thankful for, and we also offer thanks to our friends. This moment of pause and gratitude is followed by an adaptation of a John Denver song that Nantucket Lighthouse School has been singing since its earliest days. The lyrics remind students of their inherent wisdom and of life’s infinite possibilities when we open our hearts and our eyes.
During a recent admissions tour, one of our guests asked about the funniest thanks that a student had offered. I had to think long and hard about the question, as the responses of students vary depending on the day’s silliness quotient and the age, stage of development, and unique proclivities of the time. A student preoccupied with firetrucks may offer thanks for firefighters and fire engines. A student with a new sibling often offers thanks for “my baby.” While we have had thanks for underwear, most responses lean toward the more thoughtful and practical. Perusing the hallways, you will find Small School offerings of thanks outside each classroom. These include playing, hugging, going to Meat and Fish, dinosaurs, fairies, binoculars, cheetahs, unicorns, rainbows, bunnies, family, and everybody in the entire world!
While our days are full and busy, offering daily thanks provides an opportunity to slow down, and it often comes with benefits to our physical and emotional well-being: improved sleep, strengthened immune system, and feeling more helpful, generous, joyful, and optimistic. Keep in mind, too, that when we take time for a daily practice of gratitude, “We affirm the good things we’ve received. We acknowledge the role other people play in providing our lives with goodness.” (https://www.mindful.org/an-introduction-to-mindful-gratitude/)
As I consider the many things for which I am thankful, my family always rises to the top of the list, but every morning and throughout each school day, I experience a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the Lighthouse community. I am thankful for the joy and engagement of our students, the thoughtfulness and care of our teachers, and the partnership of our families!
We look forward to seeing you tonight at Bartlett’s Farm Hayloft at 7:00 PM. Please join us to celebrate Nantucket Lighthouse School and the launch of our newest Yellow Productions video. Once we share the video on social media, we invite you to share it with your friends and family. Your help with extending Nantucket Lighthouse School’s reach is so appreciated!
With thanks,
Emily
Happy, Thoughtful Kids Grown Here
As your school counselor, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with your children and for the support of such an engaged group of families. Your commitment to your child’s education and well-being is truly inspiring.
As we pause next week to reflect on gratitude, I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge your child’s growth over these past few months. Whether mastering a new academic skill, forming new friendships, or demonstrating resilience in the face of a challenge, each small step they take contributes to their overall development. In this season of gratitude, I am thankful for the privilege of witnessing the self-awareness, kindness, and empathy of Nantucket Lighthouse School students and for our warm and inclusive school community.
Wishing you and your family a joyful fall break!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Julia
Please remember to Sign up for the Volunteer shift at the Yuletide Fair
Sign up genius Volunteer Form
This week our Small Schoolers in Maggie’s class started their 5-week session at the Community pool. Students also visited “The Crystal River”, The Whaling Museum, and Squam Swamp.
Faculty Spotlight
Nigel Goss
Nigel was born and raised on Nantucket. He began his teaching career by volunteering at Seattle Music Partners during college, offering lessons and ensemble classes to elementary schools in Seattle, Washington. After graduating from Cornish College of the Arts in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in jazz bass performance, Nigel began teaching private lessons and group classes at Nantucket Community Music Center. Nigel first became involved with Nantucket Lighthouse School as a parent. He began offering handbell lessons to the oldest students in 2016 and became the lead music teacher in 2019.
Nigel has been an active professional musician for almost 20 years. Currently, he plays many public and private shows on Nantucket with a variety of jazz and classical ensembles, as well as pop and rock bands. Nigel recently earned a Level 7 Certificate in classical piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada. In addition to his role at Nantucket Lighthouse School, Nigel teaches private and group music classes at Nantucket Community Music Center and serves as the Music Director at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
“I love the Nantucket Lighthouse School for its community, its mission and philosophy, the amazing colleagues, and of course, the wonderful students. My goal is to give my students a solid foundation of music skills and the confidence that they can play, sing, or enjoy music in whatever way they choose.”
