Elementary students and teachers visited the Plimoth Patuxet Museums this week. We learned from Wampanoag educators about their traditional winter quarters, how fire is used to hollow out logs to make canoes, and the use of skins and furs as blankets. This last topic generated some of the greatest interest as the students asked about the ways the furs on display were collected. They learned about the Wampanoag’s use of all parts of an animal. I’ll spare you the details here, but ask an elementary student about the production of paint. It’s an example of wasting nothing and honoring the resources around us.

While we were reminded that the Wampanoag have been here for centuries and continue to live modern lives in the region, we also toured the living history village that portrays the first Thanksgiving in 1621. The English settlers showed us their homes, shared their stories, and even enlisted Mr. Dan and Ms. Masiah as militia in a military drill to protect the village. If you’ve never experienced a living history museum, I recommend this one. The reenactors stay in character and know their history well. It’s a great way to immerse oneself in the American story, and a very Torit approach to teaching and learning.

As we start the Thanksgiving holiday on Tuesday afternoon, I wish everyone a restful and meaningful holiday. Let’s all give thanks for the children here at school and their teachers. Thank you for choosing Torit. We are grateful for your ongoing support and confidence in our school, this community we create together.

David Liebmann

Head of School