What usually doesn't make it into the newsletter

Dear Parents,

I recently witnessed a series of meaningful moments at school that I want to share with you. 

I sometimes take for granted that moments of joy and connection are woven into the fabric of our days here — moments that capture the spirit of our school and that most parents don’t get to observe on a daily basis like I do. Let me share a few of these with you…

Creative and Imaginative Play
A few weeks ago, I was on my way outside to speak to a teacher, and I ran into a group of 4th grade students who were coming inside. They had stumbled upon a treasure trove of English Ivy and had decided to fashion crowns for their heads — both the boys and the girls. 

One student didn't stop with a crown, however — she had designed a full-on ivy headdress! No one stopped them as they proudly made their way inside, their creations still perched on their heads.

I then spied a group of 7th graders who likewise got in on the crown-making fun. Seeing them reminded me of one of my favorite memories of my son Luke. He was in 5th grade at the time — probably considered too old in some circles for imaginative play — but there he was with the rest of his classmates, fabric capes tied around their necks, whipping behind them as they ran around the playground in gleeful pursuit of one another.

Camaraderie
As I continued outside, I saw Mr. Hayes playing a game of pickup basketball with the 7th and 8th grade boys, doing his best to keep up with them. He had his sleeves rolled up and a smile on his face. Teachers regularly join in on recess games: four square, basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and Nuke 'Em to name a few.

Laughter and Joy
The next morning, it was a group of middle school girls who caught my attention. They were sitting on a rug outside my office, playing with little crocheted stuffed animals they had made. And a few days later, I saw the same group outside in the grass after school, showing some younger students their projects and the basics of how to make them.

This is community. Older students playing with younger ones. Teachers engaging with students on the ball field and basketball courts. Students free to do the creative (ivy crowns) and the fun (using the craft of crochet learned in 3rd grade to make something valuable).

I love this about Ambleside. Instead of gathering around phones, tablets, and the trivial, our students are having some honest-to-goodness fun with each other. And the older ones are in on it as well, building community and memories in the process.

As I reflect on these scenes, I am reminded that not all schools have this kind of special community. Ambleside is a place where students are free to explore, create, and enjoy one another’s company without the constant pull of screens or distractions. They learn not only from their teachers but also from each other — older students mentoring younger ones, friends collaborating on creative projects, and staff joyfully engaging alongside them.

These moments, often small and unnoticed, are what build the vibrant and nurturing community we cherish. Thank you for being a part of it, and for encouraging our students to grow in imagination, kindness, and joy. These are the memories our students will carry with them — simple, joyful moments that remind us all of the beauty in community.

For the children’s sake,

Krise