Friends, The theme of this year’s ISACS Heads Conference was “Through a Different Lens: New Views in School Leadership.” The conference ended last Friday afternoon, and I took a long walk to reflect on my learning and my discussions with other Heads during the conference (including Tom Hoerr and Billy Handmaker). I left this conference feeling connected to my fellow …
Sarah PW Reflects on the Power of Identity
I am thinking about identity this week: its power. Saeed Jones asks, “How old were you when America taught you that being who you are could get you killed?” He goes on to quote Toni Morrison, who similarly wondered “What it is to live at the edge of towns that cannot bear your company,” in his blog in the New …
The Textbook of the Self
“Let our lives be open books for all to study.” –Mahatma Gandhi Friends, In my message on Monday, I shared that being a part of Crossroads is that we are all able to express our multiple identities; that none of us are reduced to a single role, experience, or way of being; and that we have opportunities to build relationships …
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Selma, and “Glory”
Friends, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1964. I found a video of Dr. King’s acceptance speech and thought I’d share it as a way of honoring this national holiday. I went looking for it because the movie Selma opens with his receiving this award. Dr. King’s belief that “what the self-centered…have …
Poetry Out Loud
Friends, This afternoon I served as a part of the panel that judged the semi-finals of our Poetry Out Loud competition. Poetry Out Loud is a new experience for me, and I was impressed by each student’s commitment to their poem and to their willingness to take risks in front of one another and their teachers. This strikes me as …
Looking Ahead
Notice, dream, connect, do. –Monika Hardy Friends, Happy New Year! Since I was hired last year at this time, I have invested time and energy in noticing, dreaming, and connecting as I learn about Crossroads and my role as Head of School. I will continue to notice, dream, and connect as I believe this is honoring to our mission as …
Reaching Across
Friends, This week’s cover for The New Yorker has been on my mind since I saw the image circulated on Facebook and Twitter a couple of weeks ago. It reminds me of a metaphor for oppression called the “Table of Oppression.” The table, in this case, represents racism and is held up by two sets of legs. On one side, …
Courage and Hope
“Justice is dismantling and changing systems that brought us to this moment.” Tishaura O. Jones St. Louis Treasurer Friends, Just over a week ago, Crossroads students met in a 30-minute advisory to discuss the grand jury decision regarding Darren Wilson. This was the day before Thanksgiving break between visits from grandparents/grandfriends and Turducken. Over break, I read teacher summaries of …
Thanksgiving 2014
“Through giving we develop the mind of gratitude. In sharing all that we have we become more.” – bell hooks “Toward a Worldwide Culture of Love” Friends, We are a generous community: Our Gala raised more money for scholarship this year than last. 100% of our board and faculty and staff have contributed to our Annual Fund. Parent participation in Annual …
Growth Mindset
“The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.” Carol S. Dweck Dear Crossroads College Preparatory School Community: A few years ago, I read a book called Mindset by Carol S. Dweck. In it she tells several stories about people who have growth mindsets, who believe their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication …