You may wonder, “Why did students have a half day last Friday?” As grandfriends departed Torit with their families, the faculty shifted gears and spent the afternoon in meetings that reinforced our commitment to the strongest possible programs for infants through 6th graders. Teachers reviewed and discussed parent communication, planned upcoming curricula, and described to colleagues what makes their classrooms distinct and how the scope and sequence of the Montessori method supports child growth and development. We also hosted our licensor for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, who renewed our license and complimented to school on its processes and systems. She also spoke highly of Chef Lisa’s work in the dining room!

Thank you to a preprimary parent who recommended a recent article in The Atlantic entitled “Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids.” You can read it here.

The author admonishes us to avoid being “helicopter” or “snowplow” parents and instead be steady, reliable beacons for our children as they learn to chart their own course. He acknowledges risk and course corrections are part of the process, noting that we learn through success and failure.

At Torit, teachers are excellent beacons. They illuminate both safe passages and hazards, and they encourage the children to commit to a course. Whether that’s navigating friendships or struggling with an new concept, Torit teachers know how to stand firm while encouraging awareness so that children can become captains of their own ships.

Onward,

David Liebmann

Head of School