The Neuroscience of Giving
Giving inspires gratitude, which in turn makes us more likely to take better care of ourselves, to be more optimistic, and to feel better about our lives.
A Positive Equation for the Year
Our strengths-based approach to teaching and learning focuses on each student’s unique “positive equation for achievement” that helps them pursue increasingly challenging goals, perform better, and persist longer on challenges. It helps them navigate difficult situations more resiliently and inspires them to share their authentic selves and genuine talents with others. It is a profound marker of future success of all kinds, and creates the traits we want to see in those who will, one day in the not-too-distant future, inherit our planet.
Year-End Wishes
Research shows that gratitude fosters resilience during transitions. When I look back at the year and reflect upon the many successes, I feel deep gratitude for everyone in our Turning Point community. I am honored to be among your children, who inspire me to be the best version of myself. I am grateful for all the support of our wonderful parents, who entrust us with your children each day. And I am grateful to work with a talented, dedicated, intelligent, faculty and staff committed to honing their craft and knowing our students deeply—resulting in a transformational educational experience for all.
Summer Community Read
This year's Summer Community Read is Second Nature: How Parents Can Use Neuroscience to Help Kids Develop Empathy, Creativity, and Self-Control. At Turning Point, we use research-based methodologies to shape our pedagogy and programming, so we are always eager to learn more about how neuroscience can translate into better teaching and parenting, and in this case, “to raise a successful child who can make a positive difference in the world.”
The Frankenstein Effect: Keeping our Kids Whole in an Age of Excess
As a parent, there is not much more I want for my kids than for them to have these opportunities to “try on” or practice their more grown selves while still being honored as children. However, I also know as a parent how, in our zeal and commitment to providing our children with authentic opportunities to grow and mature, it can be easy to cross the line from "authentic" to "manufactured."
A Balanced Approach to Gaming
“I’m the only one not playing Fortnite after school!”
“If you don’t let me do it, I will be left out!”
Do these pleas sound familiar? If so, you are not alone; as parents and educators, we are all in this together.
The Adolescent Brain: A Radical Rewiring
As anyone who spends time with children in the “tween” years can attest, adolescence is a magical place. At Turning Point, we not only understand the challenges of middle school, but we embrace and truly enjoy the incredible opportunity we have to work with adolescents during these years of incredible growth.
