May 1, 2020
Dear Northern Light Community,
Someone asked me recently what the coronavirus pandemic was teaching me, and what possibilities existed now that did not exist before. I fielded the question over Zoom, while intermittently feeding and trying to burp my five month old daughter.
My first thought struck me with immediate clarity – it made me appreciate the profound sacrifice, care, and time raising a child requires. The second thought was related to the first – that the distinction between our personal and professional lives is an artificial one.
More so than ever, our roles and realities are completely interwoven. We can no longer easily separate who is doing the teaching, learning, coaching, mentoring, and guidance – we’re all doing all of it, together. Students are becoming IT consultants, grandparents are starring in TikTok videos, and our pets are wondering why we’re home all the time.
But what stands out the most to me is just how friendly, patient, supportive, and nurturing people have been across the board. Families and teachers working together to make sure each child has a Chromebook. Teachers taking students on "social distance" hikes. Passionate educators from our broader community selflessly extending their talents to help us bolster our STEAM program. People going above and beyond.
For these reasons and countless others, I’ve never felt prouder to be a part of this community, and more hopeful about the future.
Important Programming note!
On Friday, May 8th, Ms. Ariel Cohen, in collaboration with our faculty, will be hosting a “Poem in Your Pocket Morning Circle Celebration” in recognition of National Poetry Month. We would love for your child to read a favorite or original poem for this special celebraton during our morning meeting. More details to follow!
In the spirit of National Poetry Month, and returning to the theme of hope, I am sharing one of my favorite poems from Emily Dickinson:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Wishing you and your families peace, happiness, and good health.
Warmly,
Roy Danovitch
Roy Danovitch, Ed.D.
Head of School
Northern Light School
510.957.0570 ext. 205
