Weekly Newsletter 3-15-2024

Dear Lighthouse Families,

The integration of art and handwork into the academic curriculum is a long-held tradition at Nantucket Lighthouse School. While we often undertake art simply for art’s sake, we also specifically design content area studies that incorporate the arts in a variety of handwork projects. These projects include painting, embroidery, whittling, sculpting, carving, knitting, drawing, needle or wet felting, sewing, weaving, and having students work in both two and three dimensions. While some of these artistic endeavors stand-alone, many are accompanied by students’ written work.

There are a host of reasons why we incorporate art into the academic curriculum. One of the most important is that it allows children to demonstrate their understanding of a concept or topic in a unique way, one that goes beyond reading and writing alone. Each student possesses a constellation of abilities and skills, and while some may fall squarely in the linguistic or logical-mathematical realm, others may fall into the more naturalistic or visual-spatial realm. Allowing children to explore all these different modes of learning allows them to find varied pathways to success within the curriculum. (Having toured what felt like a hundred different colleges with my two children, I cannot overstate the number of times I heard admissions directors tell us they were looking for creative, out-of-the-box thinkers with fresh perspectives.)

Another important reason we incorporate the arts, and undertake the task of teaching students how to knit, is that we are helping them to find a sense of peace and calm in their bodies and their minds, especially when returning indoors from recess. Knitting or working with one’s hands helps to reduce stress, and it builds resilience and healthy neural pathways in the brain. On the more basic level, creating has a certain utility in that students can make practical things like a knit hat or scarf, sewn pillow, leather satchel, or beautiful piece of art. (Have you seen the look on a Lighthouse student’s face when they take their first knit hat home? It is truly priceless!) Additionally, when children make things and give them to others, they experience the warm feeling that comes with giving, and they can express a sense of gratitude for the people they love.

Please join us in celebrating Nantucket’s student artists at the Artists Association of Nantucket’s annual show for Grades 1 – 12 on March 19-24. The exhibit is open from 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. at the Big Gallery at 12 Straight Wharf. I hope you will stop by to see the students’ work.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday, and at next week’s Prom. Do you have your 80’s-themed outfit? It’s not too late to purchase a ticket!

Warm regards,

Emily

Happy, Thoughtful Kids Grown Here

This week, I have had the privilege of visiting classrooms to engage in meaningful discussions about body boundaries. It has been incredible to witness the children’s understanding of boundaries evolve as we explore topics such as safe touch, unsafe touch, and unwanted touch.

During these discussions, the children have learned about the significance of consent and that they have the power to decide who can enter their personal space. They have learned that it is perfectly acceptable to decline an interaction that makes them feel uncomfortable.

We also discussed the importance of having trusted adults to confide in to help ensure everyone respects each other’s boundaries.

By addressing these topics early, we are helping to cultivate a safe and respectful learning environment at Nantucket Lighthouse School. Please reach out if you are interested in resources or suggestions for having these conversations at home.

Warmly,

Julia