ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠJohn Steinbeck once wrote, “It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him.” As I contemplate all that Country School students have accomplished this school year and the countless and profound ways in which they have grown, I think much is attributable to high expectations. Creating an atmosphere of high but reasonable expectations is fundamental to what we do as a school. Having the freedom to not water things down, to provide kids with authentic challenges, and to support them in individual and nurturing ways are potent - and rare - tools in today's educational landscape. I hope that as you take stock of your children's progress during 2005-06, you can sense the power that comes from ensconcing them in an environment that embodies high expectations, just as your family does.
ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠWe definitely also believe in the power that emanates from the recreation, relaxation, and the change of pace that summer provides. Part of our high expectations, though, involves our belief that children need to spend some time reading and doing math and journal and other writing this summer. By conscientiously completing the prescribed summer work, children will achieve more strongly next year.
ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠThank you for entrusting your children to the care of The Country School this academic year. I hope you agree that it was a year which furthered your child's “greatness” and led to real growth.