Snow Day in October? A Reflection by Ms. Doyon
As construction continues on our new building, the changes to campus have brought both challenges and unexpected opportunities. Kate Doyon, Grade 6 ELA + Grade 7 English teacher, reflects below on a canceled school day, the creativity that comes with change, and the things our community is building that go far beyond concrete and steel.
Snow Day in October?
The call came in from Ms. Forsyth herself. School would be canceled the next day due to work on a central water pipe, required for our new building. My mind raced. I could hop in the car and take an overnight trip to the White Mountains for some hiking under the autumnal tapestry of greens, orange, and gold. I could help my parents clean out and organize their basement or stack wood for them. My decision was ultimately to get ahead on my grading, communicate important information with colleagues and students, and do some tidying of my own basement, living room, kitchen, and, with enough Jennifer Lopez music, the guest room.
What could have been considered a wash of a day – missed classes with my students just before the rough drafts of their writing projects were due – it became an opportunity for me.
Construction of the new building could be viewed as a hindrance to our set ways of doing things. But, as many of our community members are finding, it is providing us with openings for creativity. Our pre-Kers and kindergarteners trot by the construction fence with a sense of wonder. That’s how buildings are made, so cool! Staff and faculty members are sharing spaces more and crossing paths more frequently. This has the potential to strengthen our relationships with one another and inspire greater collaboration. As Ms. Forsyth said at our back to school faculty meetings in August –