October Letter from HOS: Energy + Purpose
Fall has been beautiful this year at GUS!
As autumn settles in and the leaves begin to turn, our campus feels alive with energy and purpose. You can feel the change of the seasons as frosts bring dreams of future snow days, but the sunshine reminds us of the lighthearted days of summer. Fall feels like a crossroad. So perhaps not surprising that this is a time that invites reflection — a season to notice how much we’ve grown, both as individuals and as a community.
Our AISNE Accreditation Self-Study, led by Suzy Light, invites the same kind of reflection. Every ten years, we pause to look closely at who we are, what we do well, and where we can grow next — all in service of our mission. It’s a moment to listen deeply and move forward with purpose.
This fall, our GUS Fund Appeal honors Christy Doxsee P ’22, ’25, whose warmth, laughter, and deep love for her students left an indelible mark on this community. When we remember Christy, we are reminded that educators are changemakers — seed planters and hope givers who see potential before it’s visible. In honoring Christy and all who have shaped us, we celebrate the transformative power of connection — the very heart of the GUS experience. How grateful I am for the opportunity to not only reflect and remember what Christy has meant to me as a dear colleague and friend, but also to honor all the amazing teachers who make the GUS experience so special.
One of those special teachers is Emilie Cushing. This summer, Emilie brought that spirit of exploration to life through her Tadler Grant adventure in Hawaii, studying volcanoes and the science of change. Now in her 25th year at GUS, Emilie returns inspired, modeling the curiosity and courage we hope to see in all our students. We’re grateful to the Tadler family for supporting such meaningful opportunities that keep our teachers — and our school — growing.
And as always, we make time for joy. Joy in our classrooms as we adventure all over the North Shore. Joy in proud GUS family lawn signs appearing across the north shore. Joy in hearing stories of our alumni, like Angel Deschamps, who continues to bring joy to our campus. There is joy on Instagram (I hope you follow GUS!). You also don’t want to miss the Wicked Kidz Races on November 2. A fun afternoon on the GUS Nature Trail is the perfect reminder that movement, laughter, and togetherness are also essential parts of learning and growth.
This season, this crossroad, reminds us that growth and gratitude are always intertwined — that in learning, remembering, and moving forward together, we become stronger, kinder, and more connected. Once again, how grateful we all are for such a special school and such a loving community.
Trust and Go Forward,
The Tartan: October 2025
