As I greeted students and parents at carpool this morning, it felt almost impossible to believe a full school year had passed. And yet, here we are—on the last day—after a year filled with meaningful milestones; among them: the Back-to-School Picnic, Book Swap, Grandfriends’ Day, performances, sporting events, the Spring Gala, Poetry in the Park, and Graduation.
These celebrations certainly coexist with some stark challenges in the world around us, including the anxiety and uncertainty felt by many across Los Angeles in recent days. These are moments when we are reminded of the importance and power of centering community, not just in a crisis but all year round.
Last week, we proudly sent off our graduating eighth graders to a wide range of excellent high schools, each as unique and promising as our students themselves. Their placements speak to how sought-after Turning Point graduates are—students equipped with sharp critical thinking, confident communication, a strong sense of purpose, and the belief that they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. These are not just skills for success; they are tools for navigating this complex world with courage, compassion, and conviction.
The past few years—indeed, the past few days—have taught us a great deal about uncertainty, resilience, and how to keep moving forward when the path shifts beneath us. Life doesn’t always unfold the way we hope or deserve. It just… unfolds. And in those unpredictable moments when it feels that our agency is diminished, we do get to choose how we respond.
Life may bring stress or discomfort, but it also offers joy, curiosity, wonder, and connection. Our students have learned to hold space for all of that. They’ve practiced resilience. They’ve stayed open. And that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, speaks about our relationship with the world not through control, but through reciprocity. In her essay The Serviceberry, she imagines an economy rooted not in transaction, but in mutual care—where “all flourishing is mutual.”
That vision of justice—grounded in generosity, humility, and shared responsibility—reminds us that when we listen with care, offer help unprompted, and recognize that our well-being is bound to each other’s, we create something greater than ourselves. In a world that so often prizes competition and individualism, choosing humanity and reciprocity is a brave act. It says:
Endings like this one—though joyful—can be complex. William Bridges reminds us that all transitions begin with an ending, followed by a liminal period of disorientation, and finally, a new beginning. Whether your child is moving to a new school, a new grade, or a new stage of development, transitions bring unknowns that can stir uncertainty. But they also bring possibility. Summer, with its slower rhythms and space for reflection, provides a natural pause—an invitation to step away from routine, develop new responses, and imagine what’s next.
Eventually, we begin again. As Bridges urges, let us “take things step by step” and resist the lure of smooth, shortcut paths. Growth often comes through struggle, and our students are learning to embrace that journey. Whether they are designing a project, learning to apologize, developing a budget, analyzing literature, traveling abroad, or learning about democracy and power in real time, these moments build toward something enduring: a life of purpose, compassion, and connection.
This year has been one of tremendous growth—for our students, our school, and for me. I am deeply grateful to be part of a community filled with passion, purpose, and partnership. Thank you to our extraordinary faculty and staff, our thoughtful and dedicated Board of Directors, and to you, our families, for your trust and care.
While summer will bring its share of behind-the-scenes work, I also look forward to blockbusters, beach days, books, and time with loved ones. I hope your summer brings the same—along with joy, restoration, and adventure. Please stay connected and share your postcards and stories with us—we look forward to celebrating them when we return.
As we close the year, I invite you to savor these final moments. Be present with the pride, love, and even the longing that milestones bring. It is an honor to share this work, and this journey, with you. I look forward to seeing many of you at Summer Camp and back in the carpool line in August.
Gratefully,
Laura
Dr. Laura Konigsberg
Head of School
lkonigsberg@turningpointschool.org
Faculty & Staff Summer Read
Each summer, our faculty and staff take part in a shared reading experience to inspire reflection and conversation as we prepare for the year ahead. This year, we’ve selected three thought-provoking titles and invited everyone to choose the one (or three!) that resonates most:
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
We’re sharing the list with you in case you’d like to read along, whether out of curiosity, conversation, or community spirit!
