Dear Lighthouse Families,
Thank you for joining us for Tuesday’s Project Night. I am always in awe of the children’s work and their knowledge of the different subjects they have studied throughout the year. The integration of handwork into the academic curriculum is such an important pedagogical approach, as it deepens children’s understanding of the different topics and allows them to find success in the various modes of learning. I received an early tour on Tuesday morning, and when I asked my fourth-grade guide which project was her favorite, she said she didn’t have one, as she loved them all!
Seeing all the preparations that happen behind the scenes, I am grateful for our teachers and the many hours they spent, over the weekend and throughout the year, preparing for Project Night. Thank you, too, to our parents for supporting us and the children’s efforts. They are so proud of what they have accomplished this year and equally proud to share it with you, including the stellar musical performance with our Small Schoolers!
Mark your calendars for our highly anticipated end-of-year Annual Celebration, another beloved Lighthouse School event. We look forward to your presence at the Starbuck Cottage on Tuesday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate together.
This year, we are honoring two very special people for their outstanding service to Nantucket Lighthouse School over the years: Chair Charity Grace Mofsen, who has served on the Board for the past six years, and Head of Small School Alana Cullen.
Next year, Alana will be stepping into a new role as Director of Horticulture. We will recognize her for her many years of outstanding service to Nantucket Lighthouse School (NLS) and, more importantly, for her absolute love and dedication to the many children she has worked with over the years. In the fall, you will find Alana in the garden and greenhouse where she will be teaching horticulture classes. What an amazing opportunity for all our students to be able to work with such a talented creative and naturalist. We are so grateful to Gary Pillion for his excellent work over the past few years, and we wish him the very best as he continues landscaping and traveling over the winter months.
We look forward to seeing you all on June 18!
Warm regards,
Emily
Happy, Thoughtful Kids Grown Here
Yesterday, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the New York Botanical Garden with its Vice President for Horticulture, Todd Forrest. Todd has been instrumental in NYBG’s educational programs and public engagement, fostering a deep appreciation for plant science among visitors, and will be joining us at our Nantucket Garden Festival fundraiser this July.
With a background in both science and arts, Todd spoke to me about Nantucket Lighthouse School’s weekly horticulture classes. “The nature of gardening and the tools and techniques of horticulture will be the salvation of our species and planet,” Todd said. “Getting your hands dirty and having a direct connection to nature is, I think, the only way to be fully human.”
As someone who is passionate about supporting children’s emotional development, this resonated with me deeply. I am so thankful that our students have had the opportunity to learn from Gary Pillion this year in our school garden, and I am especially grateful for the intentionality and mindfulness he has integrated into the role. Thank you, Gary!
I am also thrilled that Alana Cullen will be Nantucket Lighthouse School’s next Director of Horticulture! As a parent, I have been fortunate to have two of my own kids grow and thrive under Alana’s care in the classroom. I am delighted that all Lighthouse children will have the chance to learn from such an exceptional educator next year in the garden.
Warmly,
Julia
This Week at NLS
Join us for Annual Celebration
