Winter News 2019 Web Version

WINTER NEWS 2019 By Emily Miller, Head of School By mid-August, Lighthouse teachers begin returning to their classrooms, and as their rooms start taking shape, I enjoy peeking in, watching the transformation from storage-like spaces to warm, inviting and child-centered classrooms. Last summer, as I visited with teachers, I noticed a beautiful watercolor painting on Julia’s Small School classroom wall. I was immediately drawn to it, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because of the tender message it carried: In a World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind.  Julia’s beautiful piece finds company among similar messages scattered throughout Nantucket Lighthouse School. As you walk about our campus, you’ll find student-created art reading 'Is it Kind, Is it Helpful, Is it Necessary,' stepping stones in honor of a beloved teacher reminding us to 'Be Kind, Be Nice, Be Loving' and regular reminders of our commitment to the Golden Rule which asks children, and adults, to treat others as they would like to be treated. Such ornaments serve as reminders of the social emotional learning that is embedded in our curriculum, and they also reinforce the culture of our school community, namely a culture of kindness.  An important component of cultivating kindness is helping children develop empathy, the ability to experience and mirror the feelings of another. Kindness and empathy are vital life skills or dispositions, and equally important components of any school’s curriculum. Daniel Goleman, author of the groundbreaking book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ writes, “Helping children improve their self-awareness and confidence, manage their disturbing emotions and impulses, and increase their empathy pays off not just in improved behavior but in measurable academic achievement.” Further research has proven that emotional intelligence enhances academic and classroom performance, health, success, and conflict resolution—and leads to healthy, happy, successful individuals."   While very young children lack the cognitive ability to empathize or take the perspective of another, consistent nurturing and modeling by adults can help lay the groundwork for human attachment and later empathy. From their earliest months to their later school years, consider all the ways you can help your child cultivate kindness and empathy, not only for their own happiness but also for the well-being of the world in which we are raising them. Model compassion and caring. Children learn how to treat others by watching and listening to adults they trust. Share books and stories and use them to identify feelings and to empathize with another person’s experience. Spend time outdoors. Children who spend time in the natural world are more creative and empathetic. Provide time for free play. Through play, children mimic real-life experiences. They practice identifying and naming different emotions, and they also work through troubling feelings and situations. Build a trusting school community and family life so that children feel safe making mistakes and talking about and displaying their uncomfortable feelings. Talk about family values and differences. This allows families to reinforce their own values and simultaneously discover the perspectives of others. In a world where you can teach your children anything, teach them kindness. More Than Just A School WINTER NEWS 2019 By Emily Miller, Head of School By mid-August, Lighthouse teachers begin returning to their classrooms, and as their rooms start taking shape, I enjoy peeking in, watching the transformation from storage-like spaces to warm, inviting and child-centered classrooms. Last summer, as I visited with teachers, I noticed a beautiful watercolor painting on Julia’s Small School classroom wall. I was immediately drawn to it, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because of the tender message it carried: In a World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind.  Julia’s beautiful piece finds company among similar messages scattered throughout Nantucket Lighthouse School. As you walk about our campus, you’ll find student-created art reading 'Is it Kind, Is it Helpful, Is it Necessary,' stepping stones in honor of a beloved teacher reminding us to 'Be Kind, Be Nice, Be Loving' and regular reminders of our commitment to the Golden Rule which asks children, and adults, to treat others as they would like to be treated. Such ornaments serve as reminders of the social emotional learning that is embedded in our curriculum, and they also reinforce the culture of our school community, namely a culture of kindness.  An important component of cultivating kindness is helping children develop empathy, the ability to experience and mirror the feelings of another. Kindness and empathy are vital life skills or dispositions, and equally important components of any school’s curriculum. Daniel Goleman, author of the groundbreaking book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ writes, “Helping children improve their self-awareness and confidence, manage their disturbing emotions and impulses, and increase their empathy pays off not just in improved behavior but in measurable academic achievement.” Further research has proven that emotional intelligence enhances academic and classroom performance, health, success, and conflict resolution—and leads to healthy, happy, successful individuals."   While very young children lack the cognitive ability to empathize or take the perspective of another, consistent nurturing and modeling by adults can help lay the groundwork for human attachment and later empathy. From their earliest months to their later school years, consider all the ways you can help your child cultivate kindness and empathy, not only for their own happiness but also for the well-being of the world in which we are raising them. Model compassion and caring. Children learn how to treat others by watching and listening to adults they trust. Share books and stories and use them to identify feelings and to empathize with another person’s experience. Spend time outdoors. Children who spend time in the natural world are more creative and empathetic. Provide time for free play. Through play, children mimic real-life experiences. They practice identifying and naming different emotions, and they also work through troubling feelings and situations. Build a trusting school community and family life so that children feel safe making mistakes and talking about and displaying their uncomfortable feelings. Talk about family values and differences. This allows families to reinforce their own values and simultaneously discover the perspectives of others. In a world where you can teach your children anything, teach them kindness. More Than Just A School In a World Where  You Can Be Anything, Be Kind WELCOME CHRISTINE BRAUNOHLER HANSON Q&A with NLS's Incoming Head of School We are thrilled to welcome incoming Head of School Christine Braunohler Hanson to our Lighthouse family. Christine will be on campus February 21st and 22nd for a meet and greet with Lighthouse parents, students, faculty and staff. While no stranger to our school, Christine was a Lighthouse parent during the 2016-2017 school year, she is excited to have this opportunity to get to know our community before she officially begins her new role on July 1.   Earlier this month, we had the chance to chat with Christine, asking her questions posed by Lighthouse faculty and students. Enjoy our Q&A below.   Where did you grow up?  "I grew up in Washington, D.C. Every summer, we would drive all day to Hyannis, eat dinner at Sam Diego’s, and come to Nantucket on the next morning ferry. We had a family song we would sing as we rounded Brant Point."   What was your favorite subject in school?   "I attended Sidwell Friends School. When I was young, I loved creative writing. Our poems and short stories were published every year in a school publication called Celebrations. I remember being thrilled to see my writing in print."   If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?   "I would be able to snap my fingers and give children (and adults, including myself) the gift of verbalizing how they feel and what they need. Wouldn’t that be an amazing parenting and teaching super power?"   What brought you to Nantucket and to NLS?  "I started coming to Nantucket as a baby when my parents rented The Sandcastle on Hinckley Lane. During my teenage years, I spent summers working at the Juice Bar, Strong Wings, and The X Gallery. In 2016-17, my husband, Chris, and I brought our family to the island for a year-long sabbatical. It was the perfect introduction to Nantucket Lighthouse School. Our two oldest boys attended the school, and we watched them thrive in Barrie’s and Alicia’s classes. After two years back in Oakland, we couldn’t shake the feeling that the island was calling us back and that Nantucket Lighthouse School was where we needed to be."  What makes our school's mission and philosophy meaningful to you?   "As a teacher, I always focused on giving students powerful social-emotional tools and opportunities to connect to the natural world. When I saw my own children at Nantucket Lighthouse School, I saw how rich their education was in both social-emotional learning and environmental stewardship. These important elements of being a healthy and helpful human are seamlessly woven into the fabric of a Lighthouse School education. The compassion that radiates from this school is unlike any other I have seen, and I am so honored to be a part of it."   Christine Braunohler Hanson Christine, Chris, Avery, Zeal and Sidney Hanson Avery and Zeal Hanson on their first day at NLS  September, 2016 More Than Just A School LANGUAGE ARTS Inside Barrie's Kinderclass Our Kinderclass students are continuing their study of uppercase letter forms and sounds. In addition to their Main Lesson book of illustrated letter forms, they have been working individually and in groups with activities designed to meet students at their current academic level. Activities include: sequencing the alphabet, forming CVC (consonant/vowel/consonant) words, and creating rhyming words, both verbally and visually.   Students find inspiration for rhyming and spelling activities in games and in books such as I Can't Said the Ant by Polly Cameron. These books, games and hands-on lessons are sometimes silly and always fun. In addition to classroom and Circle Time and activities, each student joins literacy specialist Sandy Mitchell each week. Sessions with Sandy strengthen and enhance skills in letter recognition, letter sounds, reading, rhyming, and writing. FULL S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD Thinking Like an Engineer - Linda's Primary Class If you ask a Primary student in Linda's class for one of the highlights of the week, you will undoubtedly hear that it is during their weekly S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Tinker Lab. Linda's STEAM lessons begin with a book from which the challenge is set and inspiration is drawn. For example, one recent lesson centered on the book The Raft by Jim LaMarche, a story about a young boy who finds a raft on a river bank and uses it to explore the wilderness. Students were charged with working independently to build their own model rafts using sticks and twine.   The assignments are designed to be fun, yet challenging enough to evoke critical thinking, creativity, iterative design skills, resourcefulness and above all, perseverance. The class has decided that most of their biggest 'mistakes' have led to their best results.   "What We're Reading" Book List from Linda's Class  Ada Twist, Scientist  by Andrea Beaty  Ada's Violin  by Susan Hood  The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires  Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science by Diane Stanley   www.nantucketlighthouseschool.org SPOTLIGHT: GRADE 5 POETRY Inspired by Kwame Alexander's Novel The Crossover This concrete poem was inspired by poems in the book, The Crossover, by Kwame Alexander. You can read it as one poem moving back and forth between the two columns much like the cat’s paws on the floor will move back and forth. And, of course, underfoot lands at the bottom, or underfoot. You can also read each column separately for a 2nd and 3rd poem embedded in the main poem!   Stepping Lightly Slow But Silent Quietly Paws Walking On The Floor Cold Planks Underfoot By Marin Mooney Nantucket Lighthouse School | 1 Rugged Road Nantucket, MA 02554 | 508.228.0427 A Cat’s Eye View Everything was normal Owner was bouncing a Ball mom and dad Were feeding the chickens I was catching a Mouse I was having So much fun…that I didn’t see the dog Behind me: it happened In a flash a bite Then next a scream Pain then nothing The only thing I could Do was sit and listen To my heart beat Boom, boom, – owner’s eyes Were pinched With tears   By Lily Walker The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley The following poem was inspired by “definition” poems from the book, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.  Pure, adjective, means Innocent Unadulterated Kind As in pure as love As in pure as nature As in pure as God  By David Foley AUTHOR STUDY: GRACE LIN An Integrated Exploration of Chinese Culture in Kirsten's Upper Primary Classroom Throughout the winter, Upper Primary students in Kirsten's class have been reading three novels by New York Times bestselling children's book author and illustrator Grace Lin. Weaving fantasy and Chinese folk tales, Lin's stories are full of adventure, magic, friendship and fascinating characters; they have captivated our Upper Primary students from the very first pages. While studying the fantasy genre, students have been looking at the elements of magic, setting and character development. Before Lin was an award-winning author/illustrator, she was the only Asian girl (except for her sister) attending her elementary school in Upstate New York. That experience, good and bad, has influenced her writing.  Reading Lin's chapter books has also inspired an integrated exploration of Chinese culture. Upper Primary students selected a Chinese folk tale referenced in Lin's book, When the Sea Turned to Silver, to study and perform for Winter Celebration. In their play called, The Empty Pot, students examined an important lesson on the worth of individual strength, bravery and honesty. Literature led to theater which then led to handwork as students designed and crafted props and costumes for their play. Students also enjoyed studying the Chinese alphabet and learning about Chinese holidays and traditions.   Through NLS's Educational Speaker Series and a grant received from the Nantucket Community Foundation's Nantucket Fund, Grace Lin will be visiting our school on April 30th, leading writing workshops and read alouds for our students, and providing a professional development workshop for island faculty. Next month, Upper Primary students will have an opportunity to meet with Nantucket Public School Mandarin teacher Yeping Zhu, participate in Chinese cooking classes at the Nantucket Culinary Center and visit David Billing's extraordinary museum of Asian art.     Board of Trustees Mark Lucas, Chair Kitty Pochman, Vice Chair Neil Marttila, Treasurer Joni Amaral, Faculty Representative Lizbet Carroll Fuller, Emerita Serena Gifford Maryann Hedaa  James Houghton Carol Jarrett Robert McCann Charity Grace Mofsen Stephen O'Brien Rachael Freeman Slosek Mary Taaffe Candice Tetrault Board of Advisors Susan O'Brien, Chair D. Anne Atherton Charity Benz Joe Guay Cary Hazlegrove Larry Lebowitz Robert Sarkisian Connie Umberger Nantucket Lighthouse School | 1 Rugged Road Nantucket, MA 02554 | 508.228.0427 Printed on recycled paper. UPCOMING EVENTS February 21 & 22 Meet and Greet with Incoming Head of School Christine Hanson   March 11 Educational Speaker Series with Author and Racial Justice Educator Debby Irving   April 30 Educational Speaker Series with New York Times Bestselling Author/Illustrator Grace Lin   May 7 Shredder Event    May 28 NLS Annual Project Night  www.nantucketlighthouseschool.org 1 Rugged Road Nantucket, MA 02554 More Than Just A School