BlogsAcademicsParentsStudent LifeFaculty/StaffAdvancementPre-K to 8AlumniUpper School
"This is Why" - An Opportunity to Pause, Think & Thank
Dec 19, 2014 8:24 AM
By Brent Bell - Faculty
The end of the first semester is always an interesting time in schools. The stress caused by exams combines with the excitement of a major break, presents, and time with family. For many, this time of year marks a student’s first experience with exams. Questions dash through their minds like "what do I study? where? how much?"
I have found that the exam period also creates an atmosphere of separation. We spend a semester working together, learning together, and just being together. Then, at the conclusion of the semester, we come to school for part of the day, see our teachers infrequently, and often look around thinking "what is next?" In many ways, our youngest students do it right. They share projects and work they have completed with each other, they celebrate the natural break in the school year, and they enjoy the opportunity to be together.
Part of what I miss is the chance to say “enjoy the break” or “thanks for all you do.” So, I take this time now to say thank you...
To our faculty and staff -- Thank you for giving of yourself to help our students learn and grow. Whether in academics, arts, or athletics, in the residence halls, or on a trip away from campus, we appreciate all that you do to help our students learn and grow on a daily basis. For clues about our work, we watch the seniors walk the field after the last football game or see the alumni join the Concert Choir for “I Wish You a Merry Christmas.” These small acts are in fact “thank yous” from our students.
To our parents -- We appreciate the partnership you have entrusted us with in the education of your child. In particular, thank you for helping them create opportunities and memories. Did you support your child after a difficult test or a tough loss? Did you provide a chance to travel abroad and see the world? Did you encourage them to try something new? Did you listen to them talk through a confusing time? I know you did; thank you.
To our alumni -- We appreciate your unwavering support of Darlington whether through time, talent, treasure, or all of the above. We benefit enormously from all that have gone before us as we encourage those here now and those who will come in the future.
To our honor system -- Created by Darlington students 100 years ago, the honor system creates the backbone for our community of trust.
To our students -- Thank you for being you. All that we can ask and all that we can want of our students is for them to be their best selves. By being themselves, our students demonstrate that they know other people matter. Each day, they push themselves to do their best in whatever they undertake. In particular, I want to thank our seniors who have so graciously shared their time with me as we endeavor to make Darlington an even better place.
I hope that everyone enjoys a well-deserved holiday break full of shared time (limit those screens), laughs, and love. We look forward to the new year where we remember once again the words in our Alma Mater, “forward ever be our watchword.”
I have found that the exam period also creates an atmosphere of separation. We spend a semester working together, learning together, and just being together. Then, at the conclusion of the semester, we come to school for part of the day, see our teachers infrequently, and often look around thinking "what is next?" In many ways, our youngest students do it right. They share projects and work they have completed with each other, they celebrate the natural break in the school year, and they enjoy the opportunity to be together.
Part of what I miss is the chance to say “enjoy the break” or “thanks for all you do.” So, I take this time now to say thank you...
To our faculty and staff -- Thank you for giving of yourself to help our students learn and grow. Whether in academics, arts, or athletics, in the residence halls, or on a trip away from campus, we appreciate all that you do to help our students learn and grow on a daily basis. For clues about our work, we watch the seniors walk the field after the last football game or see the alumni join the Concert Choir for “I Wish You a Merry Christmas.” These small acts are in fact “thank yous” from our students.
To our parents -- We appreciate the partnership you have entrusted us with in the education of your child. In particular, thank you for helping them create opportunities and memories. Did you support your child after a difficult test or a tough loss? Did you provide a chance to travel abroad and see the world? Did you encourage them to try something new? Did you listen to them talk through a confusing time? I know you did; thank you.
To our alumni -- We appreciate your unwavering support of Darlington whether through time, talent, treasure, or all of the above. We benefit enormously from all that have gone before us as we encourage those here now and those who will come in the future.
To our honor system -- Created by Darlington students 100 years ago, the honor system creates the backbone for our community of trust.
To our students -- Thank you for being you. All that we can ask and all that we can want of our students is for them to be their best selves. By being themselves, our students demonstrate that they know other people matter. Each day, they push themselves to do their best in whatever they undertake. In particular, I want to thank our seniors who have so graciously shared their time with me as we endeavor to make Darlington an even better place.
I hope that everyone enjoys a well-deserved holiday break full of shared time (limit those screens), laughs, and love. We look forward to the new year where we remember once again the words in our Alma Mater, “forward ever be our watchword.”
