Every great journey begins the same way, with a sense of possibility, a full tank of fuel, and a destination in mind. As we shift from the slower rhythms of summer into the vibrant hum of a new school year, we have started the engine and pulled onto the road. The journey has begun.
At Darlington, the faculty are embracing a theme across Pre-K to 8 this year that reflects the spirit of the school year: “Get Your Kicks in 25-26.” It’s a simple image, but one that speaks volumes. A road trip is about movement, milestones, maps and memories. It is about being intentional with where we are going and flexible when the route changes. Most of all, it’s about the people in the car with you and the stories you will tell when the journey is over.
This year, we are committed to being intentional navigators of that journey. Our faculty have spent the summer preparing the vehicle, tuning up instruction, refining units, revisiting our mission, and now we are ready to go. But no road trip is complete without a GPS system to help keep everyone on track. And that brings me to something new we are excited to share with you: Toddle.
This fall, we launched Toddle as our new LMS (Learning Management System) in Pre-K to 12. Think of it as our school's navigation system, helping teachers, students and parents stay aligned on the learning journey ahead.
Toddle is designed for all our constituents: faculty, students and parents. For faculty, Toddle offers a streamlined way to plan, assess, and reflect, all in one platform. It supports more collaborative and integrated unit design, ensuring our teaching is both intentional and visible.
For students, especially in grades 3-12, Toddle will eventually become a familiar digital “home base” where they can view assignments, unit development, document progress, and reflect on what they are learning. It emphasizes ownership, organization and clarity, all essential components of a student-centered classroom.
And for parents in ALL grades, Toddle offers a clear window into the learning process. Parents will be able to view unit overviews, learning objectives and learning experiences. It’s a tool for transparency, connection and partnership.
Like any new GPS system, there may be a learning curve, but we are committed to helping everyone get comfortable with the platform, and we believe it will become a vital part of our collective toolkit.
We are excited to invite parents to a special training session introducing Toddle. This session is designed to help parents become familiar with the platform, enabling them to better support their child’s learning journey. Together, parents will explore how to access assignments, track progress, communicate with teachers, and use the tools that make learning more engaging and transparent. In case you were unable to attend last Thursday’s sessions, additional Toddle parent sessions will be offered in Thatcher Hall Library on the following dates:
Tuesday, Sept. 2 - 8:15 a.m. or 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 9 - 3:45 p.m.
In the weeks ahead, we will be checking our mirrors, looking at the road conditions, and listening to the voices of our students, the PASSENGERS. This road trip metaphor will carry us all the way through May, and I hope it serves as a helpful and hopeful reminder that the school year is not just a list of standards, learning objectives, or events; it’s a shared experience.
Whether your child is in pre-K learning how to share space with others, or in middle grades building independence and agency, the most important part of this journey is not just reaching the destination; it’s who we become along the way.
Thank you for being in the car with us. Let’s make this a road trip worth remembering: “Let’s Get Our Kicks in 25-26.”
