FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
developing a
worldview
A letter from Judith Guild
A
s I write this letter, our students are beginning their spring quarter in a remote learning environment that no one expected. This necessary way of educating students launched with my complete confidence in our faculty’s ability to deliver on the School’s mission despite the obstacles that lie ahead. More than ever, I am profoundly proud of our School’s mission, the strength of our community, and the responsiveness of our students. In this edition of Brimmer Magazine, you will read how Brimmer provides our students with a broad understanding of their world, which is elevated in importance as we face this global pandemic. Both the strength of our community and the worldview we foster in our students starting in Pre-K and continuing to Grade 12 are celebrated in the pages that follow. Providing a global context for our students is more important than ever as our students develop their understanding of the world, how they might want to embrace and respond to it, and how their study of it can lead to actions that can effect change. Our programs are designed to help students think critically about both local
and world affairs, the intersection of theory and policy, the world’s population and its people’s traditions and customs, and the interrelatedness of our actions near and far. In this context they contemplate the many opportunities and challenges ahead of them, and as we face this pandemic, our students are able to contextualize it within its global framework. In addition, the faculty articles in this edition celebrate our campus life and the international travels we offer, which may seem particularly enticing as we are confined to home temporarily. Through both the pictures and articles, you will learn how our student-centered community prepares our students to be informed, engaged, and ethical citizens and leaders in our diverse world. In September, our faculty launched the 20192020 School-year theme, Responsible Leadership and Student Voice. Our faculty guided our students to find their voices and communicate their opinions while using responsible behavior, effective research skills, and critical thinking ability. Unsurprisingly, in March, without pause, our Upper School students responded to the COVID-19 crisis with agency and responsible
behavior. They continued researching and reporting the headlines, found ways to help the medical profession, and took to remote learning as they kept their education a priority. For up-tothe-minute student coverage, be sure to read The Gator, accessed from our website. In that outlet they contemplate the many opportunities and challenges ahead of them. Other global challenges were tackled this year as well. In the Lower and Middle School science classrooms, students researched the impact of climate change around the world and how soil erosion and weather effects our coastlines. They used an augmented reality sand table to see how rain and drought effect landscapes and learned how climate change disrupts fragile ecosystems. They then presented their findings and wrote about the impact climate has on land formations. In February, Upper School students attended the 46th annual Yale Model United Nations where they used their education to address and defend global issues. According to Ms. Neely, our Director of Global Studies, “Our students represented a variety of countries, including India, New Zealand, and Yemen and sat on committees including the World Bank, the African Union, and the Organization of American States. We also had two students participate in crisis committees on the technological future and representing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Little did we know then that this simulation would have immediate real-life applications. This integrated, globally focused, and personalized programming would not be possible without the support of the Brimmer community. I am grateful we can provide exciting and innovative programming in the classroom each day —both in person and remotely—and are able to champion the work of our dynamic and innovative faculty. I send you warm wishes for good health and an abundance of patience as we persevere through these challenging times. Our young people’s ability to bring innovative and creative solutions to today’s problems with unabashed optimism brings me enormous hope. ■ Brimmer Magazine
Spring 2020
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