Summer Break is officially here!
Summer is a time of transition, generally downshifting from school-year rituals and routines into lazier summer schedules and activities. I hope you’re looking forward to allowing some days to unfurl and flow rather than trying to manage all the goings-on.
Children teach us that being in the moment can be liberating and joyful. I encourage you to make time for the unexpected adventures that can show up unbidden and enjoy the simple bounty of summer produce, the feeling of sand between your toes, air-conditioned afternoon matinees, outdoor concerts, summer camps, and crafty pursuits. We all know that whatever currently exists will inevitably change, and I hope you can be present through this cycle of transition while letting go to make space for what’s to come.
As we anticipate a challenging fall with a contentious election on the horizon and other global tensions continuing to occupy our hearts and thoughts, my team will spend time this summer thinking about how we can ensure that, amid the adult turmoil, students can continue to thrive and become their best selves.
We know that, particularly during times of accelerated change and polarization, focusing on building bridges rather than planting flagpoles can help dissuade anxiety and tension and foreground curiosity and problem-solving—both for children and adults.
Summer Book Read
In this spirit, I strongly encourage every caregiver to join the Turning Point faculty and staff in our summer reading book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán.
Curiosity is a fundamental Turning Point element; research shows that when our curiosity is ignited, we think more deeply and rationally about decisions and come up with more creative solutions. Now, more than ever, we want to ask, “What am I missing?” and model this open-minded attitude for our children. We can all benefit from continued self-reflection, as it allows us to understand what inspires us, set direction, and adapt our efforts accordingly.
Thank you for partnering with us in considering how we can continue to model civil discourse and bridge-building for students. The close relationships we enjoy with you and your children provide clarity and direction for our efforts, from curricular and pedagogical decisions, to foregrounding our work on equity and inclusion, to the short- and long-term planning which ensures Turning Point’s continued growth and success.
I wish you all the most wonderful summer break, filled with whatever you need to nourish your soul—rest, adventure, travel, staying still, new experiences, familiar routines. I know I have plans for all of these in the coming weeks, and I look forward to the unrushed moments of reflection and planning that await.
Warmly,
Laura
Dr. Laura Konigsberg
Head of School
lkonigsberg@turningpointschool.org
