While we initially marveled at the way that Google Meets brought us together, it became clear that being together could not be replicated in two dimensions.
Many of our teachers have noted that the little moments have been the most special, whether they are helping a student with a particular issue, celebrating a birthday remotely, or connecting on a common interest.
I am proud to be a part of a school that cares about mattering to the community. Brookwood has made an impact on the community and wants to continue to make an impact on the community. Brookwood wants to be a positive contributor.
Now, at the age of fifty, we are just hitting our stride. Much like a person who had reached midlife by living fully and making good decisions, we are full of energy and vision, yet also have experience and wisdom.
In each of your lives, you will have many butterfly effects. You will make small decisions — perhaps inconsequential at the time — that will impact the trajectory of your life. Further, it may impact the lives of those around you.
The common denominator is that Brookwood came into being and survived because the community came together with a common purpose to make this a great school.
A theme should be pertinent to the school, should be timely, and should be aspirational. (No one wants their school to proclaim that they want to “Stay the Course!” “Seek Mediocrity!” or “Let’s Hope we Make it Through Alive!” as the theme of the school year.)
This past year, in a devotion, I shared the story of Jefferson and encouraged our students to think about the three legs that work, rather than the one that does not. Put differently — focus on your strengths, feel grateful for the gifts that you have, and inspire others with your perseverance.
I believe as you spread your wings and move into adulthood that each of you will leave your mark on the world. You have dynamic qualities within your class that will serve you well.
As our students prepare to review their progress at the nine-week interval, I’d like to give you a sense of the growth and development that the school has seen thus far this year.
At Brookwood, we are proponents of instructional technology and relish in the opportunities that technology can bring to the learning environment. We are also proponents of leadership, and know that the value of the face-to-face relationships leadership is paramount.
It struck me, as I hope it did the students in that class, how much possibility each of them has to shape his or her future. Each of our students has the potential to create, innovate, and live lives of purpose and significance. Each one of them is the author of his or her life story, with many open chapters to write.
Adults of my era tend to be skeptical of institutions. As such, their choice to send their children to an independent school comes from thought and examination, rather than out of blind trust. We do seek a strong educational foundation for our children as we know that this plays a key role in success in later life. We seek a balance; we see that whole child development (physical, social, spiritual, as well as academic) are essential ingredients in childhood. We value that independent schools are run by educators and are immune from most governmental intrusions. We seek innovative thinking, characterized in STEAM education, and critical thinking, characterized in a small classroom environment. Finally, we seek community, which we have seen erode in our culture over the course of our lives.
Not all books are good, of course. Much of what I read has to do with education and parenting; there are stacks of books written about these areas that are, at best, useless, and at worst, downright harmful.
For this reason, I would like to share with you a few titles that I have read recently that have influenced my thinking:
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.