Dear Lighthouse Families,
What a treat it was to welcome grandparents and special friends last Tuesday. We loved seeing the students’ excitement as they greeted their guests, and we were so proud of their expert handwork and assistance with crafting. The day was full of great energy and absolute joy!
As the countdown for the Yuletide Fair begins, the building is buzzing with activity. On Tuesday, Lighthouse teachers began delivering Yuletide goods to Cayla’s office. The students’ work is lovely and reflective of their ages, and the teachers’ work is priceless, as each piece has been carefully crafted with love and great care. I am excited for you to see these beautiful and unique works of art for the Yuletide Fair. They are such a gift to the school, in terms of our fundraising efforts. Be sure to visit Saturday’s art auction to place a bid. You won’t want to miss out!
As the morning progressed, an army of our parents began schlepping items from the attic and loading their trucks for delivery to the White Elephant Ballroom. We even had a special delivery of Magic Reindeer Dust from one of our alumni families. Watching all the activity, I found myself imbued with the holiday spirit and with a deep sense of gratitude for the Lighthouse community. Thank you, all, for your above and beyond efforts. You are amazing!
With Saturday’s Yuletide Fair being our largest fundraising event, in terms of volunteers needed, we are asking each family to sign up for a shift at the Fair and to bake an item for the Bake Shop. All baked items need to be dropped off at the school by 12:00PM on Friday, December 1. Additionally, with Tuesday being Giving Tuesday, I have one final ask and that is for each family to give to this year’s Annual Fund. We have an exciting matching opportunity that will double your gift. Help us get to $25,000 by Friday, December 1. No gift is too small, and every gift counts towards our goal of 100% family participation in this year’s Annual Fund.
I know it’s a busy time of year, and I thank you for all that you do to support Nantucket Lighthouse School. Your volunteer efforts and your annual giving help us keep the cost of tuition at a reasonable level, and they help us fill the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student at Nantucket Lighthouse School.
I look forward to seeing you at the Yuletide Fair on Saturday!
With thanks,
Emily
Happy, Thoughtful Kids Grown Here.
The act of giving gifts brings a great sense of satisfaction. I came across a quote by psychologist Adam Grant that said, “Kindness therapy beats retail therapy.” Studies show that happiness fades quickly when we buy gifts for ourselves but sustains when we give to others.
Creating and giving gifts has been a tradition at Nantucket Lighthouse School since our founding in 2000. Making gifts goes beyond the mere exchange of presents. It fosters creativity, empathy, community, and connection.
In the spirit of gift-giving, every child at Nantucket Lighthouse School creates and donates a craft for our Yuletide Fair. In doing so, the children understand that it may not be their families who purchase their creations. While this may be temporarily disappointing, the children also know the joy their crafts will bring to others and that their thoughtfulness helps support our school.
In that same spirit, thank you all for the gifts of your time as you have been generously crafting, baking, and volunteering for the Yuletide Fair. While the Yuletide Fair is one of our major fundraisers, it also bonds us as a school community and is a beautiful reflection of the kindness and consideration that makes Nantucket Lighthouse School so special.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Julia
Every child at Nantucket Lighthouse School, from our youngest Small Schoolers to our oldest fifth graders, handcrafted felt ornaments to display on a whimsical winter tree in front of Townpool.
Thank you Barbara Zachary Photography for joining us downtown to capture these magical moments!
Faculty Spotlight
Carol Pillion
Carol PillionB.S. Business Administration, Bryant University
Early Childhood Teacher Certification, Cape Cod Community College
Carol has lived on Nantucket for the past 35 years. After graduating cum laude from Bryant University, Carol worked in insurance, banking, and as a paralegal. After beginning her teaching career in special education at Nantucket Elementary School in 2000, Carol found her true calling. She went on to earn her teaching certification from Cape Cod Community College and became an EEC-certified infant and toddler teacher.
Carol spent six years teaching preschool at Small Friends on Nantucket, where she created and implemented curricula, participated in fundraising efforts, and lovingly maintained the school garden.
With enthusiasm, Carol joined Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2020 to teach Extended Day and assist in classrooms. Outside of teaching, Carol is an active member of the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and the Petticoat Row Women in Business. Carol has two grown children, Samantha and Gary.
“It is such a joy to come to Nantucket Lighthouse School each day and witness the children’s smiling faces and genuine enthusiasm for learning.”
