Dear Lighthouse Families,
Thank you for joining us for Wednesday’s All School Parent Meeting and Curriculum Night. I am continually impressed by our teachers, not only for their thoughtful and intentional approaches to teaching and learning, but also for their great appreciation and reverence for Lighthouse students.
I see this every day in classrooms, in conversations between children and adults, and in the caring ways that teachers puzzle through the complexities, and beauty, of a whole child education. What strikes me about Nantucket Lighthouse School, more than any other school I have worked, is the commitment of its faculty and staff to its students and to the philosophy and ethos of the school. While many young schools search for an identity, Nantucket Lighthouse School knows who it is and is grounded in the central role of students in its work.
What a delight it was to talk with so many of you and to share in our appreciation of this wonderful community! Please be in touch if you are interested in joining our Middle School Task Force or our Buildings and Grounds Committee.
Enjoy the weekend,
Emily
Happy, Thoughtful Kids Grown Here
If you ask children at Nantucket Lighthouse School what the school counselor does, they will most likely say, “She makes sure I am having a good day.” It is heartwarming to know that my office is a welcoming space for children to share both their triumphs and challenges.
This week, a second grader knocked on my door to ask, “I am having a problem; could you help me come up with some strategies?” This act of self-advocacy is one that many adults struggle with. It was a powerful reminder to me of just how impactful social-emotional learning is.
By supporting the social and emotional growth of our students, Nantucket Lighthouse School encourages children to develop a mindset that views challenges as opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles. This resilience is a valuable asset in navigating the inevitable ups and downs of childhood and will continue to serve our students well throughout their educational journey and beyond.
Warm regards,
Julia Maury
A look into this week at Nantucket Lighthouse School
UPCOMING EVENTS and DATES
Friday, February 9 – Recommitment Deadline
Monday, February 12- Financial Aid Application Due
Wednesday, February 14- Admissions Decisions for new families
Monday, February 19- Presidents’ Day NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, February 20- 100th day of school
Monday, February 26 – March 1 – Winter Break NO SCHOOL
Faculty Spotlight
Maggie Featherston
Maggie FeatherstonB.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, James Madison University
Maggie has always been passionate about helping children to be their best selves. From a young age, she began volunteering at Giant Steps School for Autistic Children in Westport, Connecticut, serving as a one-on-one aid to children, ages 5 to 18, after school. This formative experience inspired Maggie to become a teacher. While spending her childhood summers on Nantucket, Maggie worked for local camps, including ACKventure Camp for five years, and as a soccer coach at Nantucket Soccer Academy.
Maggie graduated from James Madison University in 2018 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a focus on education. In 2020, Maggie moved to Nantucket full-time and was honored to join the Nantucket Lighthouse School community, beginning as a Kinderclass and Small School teaching assistant before becoming a lead Small School teacher.
“Nantucket Lighthouse School is truly a one-of-a-kind school. It has completely changed my way of thinking when it comes to teaching and learning. The school’s philosophy and mission have taught me more about myself than I ever imagined! We are a family, and my colleagues are people that I can go to for anything and everything. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing school and community.”
