December 21, 2022
Dear Watkinson Community,
As 2022 comes to a close, I am reflecting on the fact that a year ago at this time, the school was knee-deep in navigating the pandemic, we were all masked 100% of the time, and being together here on campus felt much different than it does today. There is an incredible wave of positivity — and dare I say joy — that is emanating from Watkinson these days.
Every 10 years, schools are required to undergo a reaccreditation process, and Watkinson is no exception. We are about halfway through a process with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges that will culminate next fall with a four day visit by a team of educators from the region. The past couple of months have seen us in the survey phase of the process, with students, faculty, and parents, and alumni responding. (If you are a Watkinson graduate and have not yet completed your survey, please do so now!) NEASC collects and tabulates the results and sends them on to the school. Among the findings:
- 97% of students and 100% of parents agree that their teachers treat students with respect and encourage them.
- 100% of parents agree that Watkinson is a safe place.
- 97% of students agree that they are encouraged to think critically and problem solve.
- 99% of faculty agree that the school’s mission reflects the school as it currently operates.
- 92% of students agree that they understand the school’s mission.
- 99% of faculty and 97% of parents agree that the school’s culture promotes and celebrates the essential equity and inclusion of all students.
- 92% of students agree that teachers support and celebrate all students.
We are very proud of this data. Each statistic proves something important, distinct, and vital about the Watkinson of today and will inform our thinking and planning for both today and tomorrow.
This shared feeling of belonging and respect happens as the result of great intention. Just as I shared in my Community Letter last December, our professional learning continues to focus on Community, Equity, and Inclusion, and on the commitment to creating a true sense of belonging for all members of the school community. Our October 2022 Professional Learning Day centered on developing mindsets and skills for having the kinds of difficult conversations necessary for meaningful growth.. Guided by Watkinson’s Director of CEI Courtney Massenberg, we examined the “Good-ish People” section of Dolly Clough’s book The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias.
This fall we also welcomed a new Assistant Director of Community, Equity, and Inclusion, Mr. Marselys Lucero. He comes to us most recently from Regis High School in New York City where he served as a Director of Social Justice Initiatives and a classroom teacher. It is exciting to see the expanding reach of our CEI office as it grows, as evidenced by both new and amplified programming. For instance, this fall Mr. Lucero facilitated a meaningful conversation around the Stonewall Riots and their importance in the struggle for LGBTQ rights.
With our last day of school before the holiday break winding down, we are mere hours away from the new tradition of the All School holiday countdown that signifies the winter break is officially here. Please know that all your friends at Watkinson wish you joy and peace for the holiday season and in the coming new year.
