Weekly Newsletter 9-9-2024

Dear Lighthouse Families,

Like many of you, I have vivid memories of September 11, 2001. It is a day that is difficult to forget. I recall where I was, who I was with, and what I was feeling, as I watched events unfold on the news. I remember racing to my son’s preschool and asking to pick him up early. While there was no obvious threat on Nantucket, I wanted my family close. It was a day marked with fear, pain, sadness, and utter confusion.

While I was not at Nantucket Lighthouse School twenty-three years, I can imagine the thoughtful, sensitive, and developmental educators who returned to the school on the first anniversary of September 11, a day when one of our students was celebrating a birthday and another student was mourning the loss of his father who had died in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Some students held knowledge of the events that had transpired, and others did not, and should not, because of their tender age.

At that time, Nantucket Lighthouse School (NLS) teachers gather and considered how to hold space for all these different experiences: a joyous birthday, a painful loss, and a vast majority of students who were too young to know anything about this tragic event. Without spreading fear or worry, NLS teachers decided to recognize September 11 by creating and sharing tokens of peace within the Nantucket community. This has become an annual tradition at the school, and one that comes with great intention and purpose.

Each August when the faculty gathers, we decide on a new offering of peace. Teachers create tokens of peace of their own, and they bring these projects back to their classrooms for students to make during the first weeks of school. Additionally, we talk with children from the youngest ages to the oldest about peace: what it means to them, what brings them peace, and how to share it with others.

Last week, I led our first All School Meeting of the year. We shared peaceful moments, we sang about peace, and we participated in a peaceful meditation led by Emmy Lambalot, a certified mindfulness educator and teaching assistant at NLS. On Wednesday our second through sixth graders delivered the student-created symbols of peace to downtown offices and businesses. Prior to the field trip, teachers worked with the children on how to respectfully enter someone’s place to work, how to offer the gesture of peace, and what to do if someone chooses not to accept it, as this does happen. As a long-time educator, what matters to me most is both the sharing of peace with others and supporting students with the tools they need to find a sense of peace and calm in their own lives, both in and outside of school. I am reminded of this important sentiment, “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

May you enjoy a peaceful weekend,

Emily

Happy, Thoughtful Kids Grown Here

It has been truly heartwarming to witness families I toured last year officially join the Nantucket Lighthouse School community. During tours, prospective families often express, “I get such a good feeling here. This is how school should be.” I imagine many of you felt something similar when you first walked through our doors. The Joy, warmth, and sense of belonging at Nantucket Lighthouse School are palpable from the moment you step inside.

While that feeling may be immediate, it’s the dedication, care, and intention of our educators that make it come to life every day. Our teachers create an environment where children are actively engaged in meaningful ways, honoring their unique paths of learning and growth. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such thoughtful and compassionate educators.

Nantucket Lighthouse School is more than just a school—it’s a community. I look forward to seeing our wonderful community come together this evening at our Back-to-School Picnic!

Warmly,

Julia