Ever since I can remember I have come up with a New Year's resolution, embracing the hope for growth or a fresh start in the new year. For the last few years, I whittled that resolution down to a phrase or a single word that would remind me of the "work" I need to do to improve myself. This year, perhaps with the ongoing stress, frustrations, and disappointments of COVID, my word for both myself and our school community is "well-being."

I looked in the mirror and reflected on all the things I could do better: walking 10,000 steps a day, seeing old friends, losing those COVID pounds, reading a book a month, and going to bed earlier. But I am not there, yet. To be honest, the term "self-care" makes me cringe. Not because I am against engaging in all of those wellness activities, I need them now more than ever. However, the ability to embrace them seems so much harder. In contrast, well-being allows for wellness.

Dr. Jennifer Bryan from Reset School Consulting remarks that the term well-being can be defined as the ability to recognize the emotional experience of ourselves and of others. It allows us to be fully present so that we are able to cope with the obstacles that come our way in our daily lives as well as celebrate moments of joy. With a sense of well-being, the mind and body are more open to dynamic learning and the ability to participate in wellness activities.

In speaking with several of our families and staff over the break as we try to navigate COVID, I think so many of us are worn down from the impact of the virus and the 22 months of absorbing the stress of it. To have RCS switch to distance learning before the holidays and for parts of this week was really hard for some of our students and their families. Many of our parents remarked on how their kids cried, wanting to come back to school. I think that is a testament to the incredible connections we have with our students. I adore how much Radcliffe students love their school, but I am also vigilant about monitoring everyone's well-being.

Although our students had the privilege of attending school in person last year, we need to recognize that COVID has impacted them on an emotional and physiological level. It has also affected the adults who love and care for them. COVID months are now a part of our history, for better and for worse. As I have said time and time again, it has been our saving grace that we have an active community whose mission is to give our students the best life we can. As Radcliffe continues adapting to the challenges of COVID, we will put well-being at the forefront of what we do.

As we grow and evolve, family feedback is important. Every voice in our community matters, just as every person does. Ideas, conversations, and partnerships on behalf of our students will continue to refine what we do and how we do it. We may not be able to honor everyone's request, but it is important that families' feedback and concern be heard and considered.

Therefore, please take the time to fill out the survey below if you have a student enrolled at RCS. Your thoughts and ideas regarding virtual learning and possible changes to our calendar are appreciated.

Wishing you a lovely weekend,