“The Peace of Wild Things”: 8th Grade Wyvern Retreat
Last week I was fortunate to accompany the 8th grade class and their other fearless chaperones on a three-night Wyvern Retreat to YMCA Camp Piomingo in Otter Creek Park, just…
Community Service: A Core Tenet of Progressive Education
The following article (and the photo above) reflects how we incorporate community service into the curriculum and student life in a normal, non-COVID school year. We expect to resume our…
Turning a Corner
This feels like a week of contrasts. On one hand, I’ve been reflecting on the full year that has passed since we closed school last spring; I remember thinking then…
Inching Towards a Better Normal
Inching towards normalcy — that’s the theme of this week’s installment from the Lower and Middle Schools! So many of the recent conversations and meetings we’ve had amongst the adults…
Spring Has Sprung!
We returned from Spring Break to signs of spring! The beautiful tulips have made their appearance around our entrances and playgrounds, and sunny mornings are giving way to warm afternoons…
The Power of Student Voice
Student voice is an essential part of a Progressive school — and certainly St. Francis students never disappoint on that score. (With an office adjacent to the Commons Room, some…
Lower School Student Leadership in Action
In her New York Times #1 Bestseller, Dare to Lead, Brené Brown writes, “Daring leaders work to make sure people can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging.” At…
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: How We Do the Work
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central themes at St. Francis, woven into our values, philosophy, and everyday life. Our official Diversity Statement reads: At St. Francis, we believe there is…
Let the Derby Festivities Begin!
This week the Preschool classrooms have been stocked with cardboard boxes, socks, pillow stuffing, paint, and the usual assortment of googly eyes. The handiwork of Derby horses and floats has…
Hellos and Goodbyes
The cyclical nature of high school is one of the many things I love about my job. It’s always hard to say goodbye to the graduating class, but that emotion…