From Mr. David's Desk 5/17/24

Teachers make a school. With last week’s Teacher Appreciation Week, you proved that through your generous support of the staff. The best teachers take life-long learning to heart, finding ways to embody a “growth mindset,” a concept detailed in the research of Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck. Dweck describes a growth versus fixed mindset. My takeaway from her work is that I want to attract and retain teachers who are always learning, growing professionally, and developing a more diverse “bag of tricks” to support students.

With that in mind, I want to recognize several teachers who embody that growth mindset.

Ali Colman, Adriana Maisano, and Xia Ling have trained to become certified Montessori infant/toddler lead teachers. Their program, through the Montessori Institute - New England, included classes every Saturday for the year. Gennica Etienne will complete her Montessori certification through the New England Montessori Teacher Training Center this month. Deidre Hayman has completed her Montessori certification in infant/toddler through the North American Montessori Center.

Erica Klarman and Riah Schauder took part in a program called Level Up, which required weekly evening class involving 100 hours of coursework on child growth and development as well as classroom practice with external coaching sessions leading to Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) certification. Independently, Aisling Lavelle completed her EEC certification through North Shore Community College.

Dounia Kabbaj earned her master’s degree in Education from Gordon College, majoring in early childhood with a Montessori emphasis. Dounia also completed a certificate with Acadience Reading, a universal screening and progress monitoring assessment that measures the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Our weekly yoga instructor for elementary students, Maureen Johnson, earned her Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction: Special Education. Congratulations, Dr. Johnson!

From Mr. David's Desk 5/10/24

School Meeting saw all the staff and students gather together, minus the infants, and was filled with music this week. The program included a beautiful piano solo by Lower Elementary student Scarlett Chen, who opened the meeting by playing a flawless rendition of "The Wagtail," by Friedrich Burgmüller. That was followed by a group song from Miss Hana, “Sarasponda,” a traditional Dutch folk tune, including hand motions with partners. Upper Elementary students Joanna Chen, Henry Johnson, Amar Rowell, Adlai Steigman, and AJ Wu ably taught everyone the movements as we enjoyed the playful lyrics. Scarlett and Vivian Chen read a Shel Silverstein poem, “Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too.” Kennedy Nance, Yasmine Benayad, and Kaya Purcell shared writing they had done in Pre-Primary 1 about their mothers and what makes them special. We finished with the whole group singing, “I’ve Got the Whole World in My Hands.” It was a lovely way to start the day and an inviting setting for students to begin to practice their public speaking skills, share their talents, and enjoy community together. It’s quickly become a Torit tradition.

Now, as we turn to the weekend, a shout out to the moms! Maybe you’ve seen my all-time favorite Mothers Day video, a “job interview” that will bring tears to your eyes. Even if you’re familiar with it, I encourage you to rewatch it and think of your mom. No matter the composition of your family, someone played this role, and many of you are fulfilling it now. Thanks for all you do! I hope you and your family spend some happy time together this weekend and that gratitude is in abundance on Sunday.

From Mr. David's Desk 5/4/24

Appreciating Teachers

When we gathered in the gym back in September for Back-to-School Night, I asked the audience to think of teachers that had a positive impact on us. It’s probably not a tough question to answer. Most of us can think of a teacher that supported us, made us feel known and needed, or opened a door for us into the wider world. After our families, teachers typically are the first adults we connect with and that we’re entrusted to. We see them as powerful sources of knowledge and wisdom, order and predictability, humor and joy.  As we grow up, teachers can inspire us, mentor us, even become our friends. They’re larger than life.

So it is with Torit’s extraordinary faculty. They care for your children, putting tireless effort and boundless energy into their growth and development. They help them learn about independence and how to work in a group. Teachers help them learn to read and write and do mathematics, speak a new language (or three!), make art and create music, and develop self confidence, discipline, and direction. Those are some of the many reasons we honor teachers this coming week.

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt lobbied Congress in the 1950s to advocate for a day recognizing teachers and, in the 1980s, a day was officially established in their honor. It’s morphed into a week, which is barely enough time to begin to thank teachers for all they do. Your generous donations will allow the parent committee to host two catered breakfasts and two catered lunches, share flowers with each classroom, and give all 40 faculty members a special gift. Thank you so much!

Along with your financial support, Teacher Appreciation Week has been made possible by a parent committee who quickly launched, met, then exceeded expectations for this week’s events: Co-Chairs Shelly Yang and Zhe Gong, and Jie Ling and Ran Xue, as well as key members Jason and Karen Purcell, Melanie and Kyle Brennan, Sharma and Daniel Ross, Sarah and Brett Mitchell, Kathleen Zephir and Ben Helfat, and Valen Zhou and Yao Lu.

In addition to the treats you’re providing, I encourage Torit families to write a personal thank you note to your child’s teachers. Educators often wonder what parents think of their efforts, and a handwritten note outlasts the food and fun of the week. I have several notes that parents shared with me over the years, reminding me why I do this work. Families’ kind words bring smiles to teachers’ faces and make any challenging days worthwhile.

From Mr. David's Desk 4/26/24

We had our second-ever school meeting yesterday, which included a play by Kindergarten students, “The Little Red Hen,” based on a classic story from 1874, now a beloved children’s book. Students in Elementary sang a Spanish song they had learned with Ms. Natalia, and they also delivered an Earth Day Poem. Ms. Dounia and Ms. Chaymaa taught the basics of belly dancing with recorded Moroccan instrumental music, bringing many children and teachers to their feet and moving to the rhythms of another part of the world. And I talked about the Jewish holiday of Pesach, or Passover, which ends early next week and highlights themes of freedom, liberation, and family.

School meeting has been a fun, often playful way to bring the community together. As we gather in the gym, we literally see each other and learn from each. The school feels larger, not just one class of 8 or 18, but a diverse group of 100+ children and adults. I wrote elsewhere this week that, “Shared work builds community, and community gives everyone a sense of shared values.” At Torit, safety, respect, responsibility, honesty, and grace and courtesy are some of the values most important to us. I’d add in curiosity, drive, and an appreciation for knowledge.

With May around the corner, the pace of the school year will increase, and it’s important students are here to contribute to the work of their class and the community. There are some fun activities that will allow students to demonstrate their learning to you. I encourage you to come to the relevant events.

From Mr. David's Desk 4/12/24

Monday’s eclipse was so exciting for Torit’s elementary students, who watched from the unique perch of the Frances “Fanny” Appleton Bridge over Storrow Drive. (Boston trivia: Fanny was the wife of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, author of “Paul Revere’s Ride,” the poem that starts “Listen, my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.” His bridge, also known as the Salt-and-Pepper Bridge, was opened in 1906. Now back to the eclipse!) The students had the opportunity to present the science of the eclipse to the gathered community the week prior at our first School Meeting, and on Monday, donning approved glasses, they saw the moon creep across the face of the sun. Thanks to Judy, Sherla, Alison, Masiah, and others for chaperoning the students. It was a heavenly event!

Five days later, what I especially enjoyed about the afternoon was the sense of a shared experience that, however briefly, seemed to unify everyone. We’re living in challenging times, and it was nice to have a moment of true awe. Nature is indeed powerful, no more so than when the sun is covered by the moon and we’re in a weird twilight. We’re reminded that we’re small and have little control over the big things. A good lesson in giving in, letting go, and enjoying the ride. Sounds an awful lot like parenting.

As the vernal vacation begins, I encourage you to watch the 128th Boston Marathon from the sidewalk or your couch, get outside and (finally) enjoy some spring weather, and be present with your children. The week will go by fast, and whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, your kids will feel the warmth of your smile and the light of your face upon them. That’s a pretty stellar experience, too.

From Mr. David's Desk 4/5/24

A new Torit tradition began this week with our first school meeting. We’ll endeavor to meet at least every other week to build Torit spirit and give students the opportunity to develop public speaking skills and comfort in front of a group. This time, Upper Elementary students began the meeting leading their peers in the Montessori peace prayer. I spoke on the importance of gathering together. Lower Elementary students shared details about how an eclipse happens and PP1 and PP2 sang a song in Spanish that Ms. Natalia had taught them. Ms. Karina shared facts about her homeland and led us in a Brazilian dance, and Ms. Hana, our interim music teacher, led “Skip to my Lou” with partner dancing. It was fun to gather the whole school in one space and realize this small but mighty community opens doors for so many.

At the parent coffee this week, the attendees and I talked about the importance of unplugging and getting outside, especially as the weather warms. One exciting opportunity is Monday’s eclipse, which begins at about 2:00 pm and ends around 4:30 pm. We’re cautious about viewing the eclipse. That said, we have ordered ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses for use by elementary-age children in the extended day program. For younger students, if your schedule allows, we encourage you to pick up at regular dismissal time and view the eclipse as a family. Otherwise, we’ll keep to our normal afternoon routines for most kids. If you have concerns about your child viewing the eclipse at school, please contact me.

Another way to enjoy spring is with a bird walk in the Public Garden. Treat it like a visual and auditory treasure hunt with your kids, which will help them pay attention and stay focused. To help, check out the Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Its photo and sound ID features will reveal a range of beautiful spring migratory birds that pass through Boston. Last year in April, I heard birds like the Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, and American Redstart just minutes from Torit. If there’s interest, I’m happy to lead a Torit bird walk for parents after drop off. Just email me and we’ll set something up when we return from spring break.

From Mr. David's Desk 3/29/24

Congratulations to our 21 talented elementary school thespians, whose world-premiere of “Threads of Destiny,”  a tale of the Silk Road, showed them at their best. Producer, director, and writer Dan Scranton also deserves rave reviews, as does his production team of Ms. Judy, Ms. Alison, Ms. Cici, Ms. Xia Ling, Ms. Natalia, and Ms. Sherla.

Of course, the students showed us their best. One of the things I love about student plays is the feeling kids develop around agency, the capacity to own their experience and make their own choices. For some of the same reasons sports are great for students (they’re largely in charge when the whistle blows and the game begins), theater productions allow students to build confidence, self respect, discipline, teamwork, and mastery. Children learn their lines and the curtain is drawn back, but to bring a script to life requires so much more. They have to overcome any butterflies they might have. They have to build a rapport with each other and the audience. They have to inhabit their characters. Our talented students did so with dedication, energy, and panache. Well done all!

From Mr. David's Desk 3/22/24

Preprimary teachers Dounia Kabbaj and Nakia Reyes met with interested parents Thursday morning to give a presentation on the benefits of a Torit education. They presented data about kindergarten students in Massachusetts public schools, often seen as the best in the nation, and surprised the audience with the standards those children are asked to meet as 5 and 6 year olds. “Torit children learn the same things as 3 year olds,” Dounia observed. She explained that they go far beyond their public school peers, learning to read, master fundamental skills in mathematics, and dive into science concepts as they work and play together. “If something is hard for a Torit student,” Dounia said, “we support them carefully and they build strength and learn to enjoy the challenge. This makes them an independent and confident student for their lives.”

I couldn’t agree more. Children in our Preprimary program benefit from dedicated teachers who see and respond to their individual needs and set them up for sustained academic and personal success. That’s true across the school. As we educate students in their critical, foundational years, we’re providing them with an optimal learning environment.

From Mr. David’s Desk 3/15/24

Thursday saw two fun Torit events, a pop-up celebration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, where students in elementary grades greeted everyone at drop off with dates and milk, the traditional means of breaking each day’s fast (usually after sunset). Ms. Dounia’s students explained the meaning of the holiday, which is about reflection, community, and prayer, and the customs associated with the month. They wished everyone “Ramadan Mubarak,” or “blessed Ramadan.” Ask them to share their Arabic speaking and writing skills with you!

We also celebrated Pi Day, March 14, or 3/14. The mathematical symbol for 3.141592653…, π is a “constant that is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter” (Wikipedia). Pi Day has become a fun way to celebrate math around us and eat pizza pies, thanks to Chef Lisa and Berto. Faculty enjoyed apple, blueberry, mixed berry, and strawberry rhubarb pies to mark the day.

At our faculty meeting earlier this week, we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Lauren Orefice, mother of Eloise in Young Toddlers, who spoke to the staff about touch processing, her area of research as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at MGH and the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Orefice noted that the sensorial emphasis of Torit’s Montessori curriculum was an important factor in her decision to enroll her daughter here. She studies the interactions between touch, emotional health, and behavior. The talk was fascinating as we learned about the relationship between touch, gut health, and anxiety later in life as well as the value of learning through touch for Torit students and all young children. Torit’s focus on exploring the classroom environment, the use of Montessori materials, and children’s development and maturation over time aligned with Dr. Orefice’s work, and she emphasized the value of Torit's program to the healthy growth of our students. You can learn more about Dr. Orefice and her work at https://www.oreficelab.org.

From Mr. David's Desk 3/8/24

Many years ago, I taught a course called “The Individual and the Community in American Life.” My students and I read works by John Locke, Leslie Marmon Silko, and Martin Buber, among others. We visited a Shaker community, the last living remnant of a utopian social movement dating back to the 1780s. And we sent letters to authors as well, including Wendell Berry, who wrote back a grumpy but memorable reply. One student from that class is now a family physician in Maine. Another serves as an officer on the Board of Education in her Colorado mountain town. They seem to have gotten the message of the course: Life’s not a solo venture. We owe something to each other.

As a school, we wrestle with the rights and responsibilities of individuals learning together. Montessori schools emphasize individual choice and interests, but they also draw from Dr. Maria Montessori’s interest in the relationship between her model of education and world peace to highlight the benefits of community (she lived through two world wars). At Torit, as in most schools, students (and teachers) give up some degree of autonomy for the good of the group. Because we are a school where people choose to join the community, we have certain expectations and values, some explicit (Opening Doors, Grace & Courtesy), some implicit (everyone should have a safe, supportive learning environment. Individual needs are sometimes subsumed by the needs of the group.)

As I read student reports, which you’ll soon receive, I’m reminded of that tension between the individual and community. Children at Torit are learning many academic and practical life skills. They’re also learned how to negotiate conflict and difference. That’s exciting work, work Torit students and teachers undertake every day. We learn and grow together because of the exciting moments, and the challenges, too.

Soon, we’ll start holding weekly school meetings, where toddlers through Upper Elementary students will gather in the gym for a few minutes to sing together, hear a story, or learn about their schoolmates' pursuits. It’s a new way to build relationships and community at Torit. I’m particularly excited about this, and I look forward to sharing pictures and stories with you soon.

From Mr. David's Desk 3/1/24

Science is an important aspect of the program at Torit, and I was dazzled yesterday by our scientist-scholars in lower and upper elementary. I learned about magnetism, matter, simple machines, rocks, solutions, sound waves, bones, acids and bases, and refraction. I was proud of the students for displaying their curiosity, research, and presentation skills. Students chose a topic, read about it, experimented, wrote up results, and presented a poster that showcased what they had learned. It was Torit’s academic program at its best, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if there are a number of future MDs or PhDs in the group. Science education may start with the basics, but it’s an event like our science fair that launches a student forward.

I’m reminded that our data shows that Torit students outperform public and independent school peers in a number of ways and on a number of indicators. Perhaps that’s because students embrace their own interests and are supported by teachers who guide them in the discovery of ideas and information that they can make their own. Likewise, the extended work cycles of Montessori and a student-to-teacher ratio that’s more like a tutorial than an impersonal class augers for future achievement and excellence. I have no doubt that our students will be successful no matter where they go.

That was driven home earlier this week when 9th grader Naya visited from her high school to see Ms. Sherla and visit with some of her former teachers. Naya attributed her interest in film production to Torit, remembering the projects that got her started with a video camera just a few years ago. Now, Naya is submitting movies to film festivals and documenting both local initiatives like the McKinley/Mel King School and cremation rituals in Bali, Indonesia. Perhaps Naya will be our first Oscar winner someday. Her energy and ebullience and appreciation for what she learned at Torit may just carry her that far!

From Mr. David's Desk - 2/16/24

Thanks to Tamar Aharoni, Natalia Sesma-Boussios, and the members of the International Potluck Committee, as well as everyone who brought a dish for what was a wonderful event! Tamar said, “I had a great time meeting new families and came to quickly see how many cultures are represented in our school.” Visit our Instagram page (linked below) for a few pictures from the evening.

Our Science Fair has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 29 at 8:30AM, and I hope you can join us. In that spirit, here are a few out-of-this-world book recommendations in case you have reading time over the break: The Little Book of Aliens, a non-fiction exploration about the likelihood of finding evidence of alien life, is science-based, detailed, and thought provoking. How many exoplanets are habitable, and how many might produce intelligent, space-faring life? If that kind of question whets your appetite, this is a fun read. This Time Tomorrow, is time-traveling fiction, featuring a woman whose father is dying and whose high school crush can be her husband in an alternative NYC reality. Surprising and emotionally honest. Finally, another space-based non-fiction book, Moonshot, by NASA astronaut and MIT alum Mike Massimino. Drawing on his experiences as a shuttle astronaut and spacewalker, Massimino shares some life lessons for building purpose, functional teams, and achieving what might seem like the impossible.

And at the next Parent Coffee on March 5, I’ll tell you about the time I met an astronaut who was working behind the counter at his daughter’s bakery on the Cape. An amazing guy who has flown on the International Space Station and whose exploits form a subplot in The Perfect Storm.

From Mr. Davids Desk 2/9/24

“My child said they can be a dust pan but not a broom yet,”  a mom shared with the group gathered at the parent coffee this week. “Funny,” we thought. “Imaginative kid.” But the mom went on to explain that for their classroom jobs, the 3 year olds were allowed to hold the dust pans while the Kindergarteners swept debris with the broom. Each child had a role, a job they eagerly looked forward to. Each child was needed for a task that benefitted the group.

“We all deserve to be known and needed.” That’s one of my core values as an educator. Whether it’s being the dust pan or the broom, the baby bather, or the vacuum wielder, or the pet walker, kids love taking on responsibilities. As parents, we have to prepare them for the job, and then turn over duties. I’ve heard it said that when learning a new medical procedure, residents “see one, do one, teach one.” Whether 3 or 33, that’s how we all learn and grow.

Torit gives students responsibility, whether for classroom tasks or academic pursuits. Our oldest students, for example, take ERBs and ISEEs, standardized tests that allow them to apply what they’re learning here at Torit on normed exams. While I’m no fan of teaching to the test, I recognize that our students need to meet those standards. I’m happy to say that many of our kids exceed them. We have the data to show that the Torit approach is superior to the public schools and outpaces New England independent school norms as well. All that sweeping as a 5 year old leads to an internalized work ethic and intellectual approach which serves students well for years to come.

My hope is that families will join Torit early and stay through Upper Elementary, and maybe beyond. As I first mentioned in my Opening of School remarks last fall, a small, innovative, nimble middle school may be in our future. Please read this piece in this week’s Beacon Hill Times for further information, and contact Liz or David if you’d like details. An info session on Zoom is scheduled for Thursday, February 29 at 4:00 PM. It will be recorded.

Onward,

David Liebmann

Head of School

From Mr. Davids Desk 2/2/24

Though we are proudly Torit Montessori School, I haven’t written about our “middle name” until now.

In the summer of 2021, I took an introductory class on the Montessori approach. I had always heard of Montessori, but the schools I had worked in until then were progressive or traditional independent schools. As the course progressed, I started to see the brilliance of Montessori, as well as some potential pitfalls. I’ll sum those up with two rhetorical questions:

What is the Pink Tower? And why is it pink?

The first question is easy to answer: At first glance, the Pink Tower is a stack of blocks. They stack nicely, ten blocks high. They range in size from 10 cubic centimeters to just 1 at the apex. Dr. Maria Montessori designed the Pink Tower and other hands-on, sensorial materials to allow children to see, touch, feel, smell, and make sense of the world around them. The Pink Tower helps children distinguish differences in dimension and weight. It takes precision and accuracy to complete the tower, which in turn teaches self discipline.

Dr. Maria Montessori believed in children’s natural curiosity. She understood that by exploring the world around them, children developed ways of knowing and internalized concepts. Trained as a physician, she believed in experimentation and observation, and she wove both into her philosophy. Rather than teach with rigidity at desks with worksheets and memorization, she wanted children to learn by doing and by experiencing the wonder and beauty of their environment. The Pink Tower, then, is a tool that allows children to learn with their hands. It’s a beginning, not an ending.

And why is the Pink Tower pink? I’ve seen two answers. One goes that Dr. Montessori experimented with different colors, and she observed that the children were more attracted to pink. I’ve also been told that she only could find a can of pink paint, and the tower has been pink ever since.

I tend to embrace the second explanation. Here’s why: smart and innovative as she was, Montessori tends to be mythologized, even sainted. I’ve visited some schools where a black and white portrait of Montessori stares down from above. Undoubtedly she was insightful, but I doubt she would want her philosophy or materials frozen in time. If she were alive today, I bet she’d embrace contemporary materials and tools. Would she have kids staring at screens all day? I don’t think so! But would she see some value in using technology? I’d venture a yes.

So while the Pink Tower isn’t going anywhere, I don’t think Montessori would be wedded to any particular material. Instead, I believe she would embrace learning by trying different approaches with different students, recognizing that teacher plasticity in the delivery of lessons addresses the neurodiversity of children. We know a whole lot more about the brain and learning than Montessori did in her era. The Pink Tower may be here to stay, but it’s not the only way.

***

Counselor Judy Burrows, a former colleague of David’s, will join us on Thursday mornings to consult with teachers and support positive mental health initiatives within the school, including working with elementary students as a group to support well-being. Judy graduated from Boston University's School for the Arts and pursued further education in psychiatric social work at Smith College. She recently retired from Boston Children's Hospital but still supports individuals at Emerson Hospital and in her private practice. More at https://www.theburrowsgroup.org

Onward,

David Liebmann

Head of School

From Mr. David's Desk 1/26/24

It’s been busy and exciting at Torit! We hosted another well-attended Admission Open House on Tuesday afternoon. On Thursday, the Torit Foundation, which raises funds for scholarships, hosted their first Lunch & Learn with experts from Welch & Forbes on “Financing Education,” focusing on 529 savings plans. The video can be found below or on the Torit Parent Page. That evening, many of you joined me for a State of the School address. Likewise, that video can also be found below or on the Parent Page.

As I mentioned in the talk, we are exploring several university partnerships. We hosted a visitor from the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s field placement office, bringing us one step closer to having grad students on site with us. We also welcomed three students from Simmons University’s Library Science program, who are helping us reimagine the library and bring Torit students into it on a more regular basis. And we expect to host researchers from MIT in the coming weeks as they collect data from Torit students on language development.

Our elementary students begin skating lessons at the Frog Pond rink this coming week with professional coaches from the Skating Academy!

Summer Session is filling quickly and we encourage you to sign up before spaces are all filled.

Finally, thanks to everyone who has returned enrollment agreements. We’re thrilled to have you back next year. The deadline for returning the agreement is February 1. As you can see from my State of the School talk, there is a great deal of momentum at Torit and positive energy. This is the place to be. Please help spread the word!

Onward,

David Liebmann

Head of School

From Mr. David's Desk 1/12/24

On April 3, 1968, Martin Luther King was in Memphis, Tennessee along with Ralph David Abernathy, Andrew Young, and James Orange, among others. This photo captures the moment when authorities tried to stop a planned march. Tragically, Dr. King was assassinated the next day.

Growing up in Atlanta, I was aware of this history, because these were real people to me. Abernathy’s son was a high school classmate. Young was the mayor of the city, later to be UN Ambassador. Orange’s daughter, Jamida, became my dear friend after we met in college.

Jamida went by “OJ,” and OJ and I quickly bonded over being displaced Southerners in the hinterlands of Vermont. At breaks, we would fly home to Atlanta. OJ would go to the south side of the city, the predominantly Black part of town. I would go to Buckhead to the north. All white. But over the years, OJ became a guide to my own hometown. She hosted me at Sunday services at Antioch Baptist Church. She took me to the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, where she introduced me to “Aunt Coretta.” OJ invited me to sit in on a meeting facilitated by her father at a random apartment complex. The meeting, it turned out, was with warring factions of the Crips and Bloods, LA street gangs that had flown into Atlanta to talk. I started to get an education that gave me glimpses into different worlds. Most powerfully, I learned what it felt like to stand out in an otherwise homogeneous group. That’s given me perspective, empathy, and appreciation for difference. It makes me see how far we’ve come, and how far we still need to go.

As we pause to consider King’s legacy on Monday, I’m pleased that Torit students walked to sing at “The Embrace” on Boston Common with visiting author Glynette Scott. Her book, The Day I Marched With Martin: A Day To Remember, is a reminder that real people, famous and unknown, make history, sometimes adults, sometimes kids. At Torit we endeavor to inspire children to treat others with grace and  courtesy. Respect, kindness, and goodwill are part of the school’s core values as well.

My hope is that this school, with its diverse students and staff, can be a “beloved community,” a place where everyone is cared for and valued. The concept is not an historical artifact or a phrase from another time period, but an aspiration. I hope that as a school, we can embrace community across differences and find what unites us. We inhabit different worlds and, at the same time, a shared world. I continue to find hope in the world we build at Torit.

Onward,

David Liebmann

Head of School

From Mr. David's Desk 1/5/24

“And we’re back!” Greeting children and parents in the lobby each morning, I get a good sense of how the school day might unfold, and I was pleased to see the smiling faces of children and slightly relieved parents happy that routines were back in place after a few weeks off.

As a school person, I love the momentum that accompanies the January return. Children are familiar with norms and schedules, and teachers are in their stride. From now through the spring, it’s exciting to watch how much learning and growth occurs. Kids can take giant strides forward this time of year as literacy and numeracy skills expand, their self confidence grows, and they physically mature. As we move forward, there are several important items that I want to bring to your attention.

We ask that you return your tuition deposit at your earliest convenience. This helps us solidify our staffing model for the coming school year, something the teachers and I are eager to finalize. The deadline for re-enrollment is January 31, but it helps to know your plans as soon as possible. Please contact Liz or me if you have any questions.

School picture day, a first for Torit, will happen on Thursday, January 11 (Infant & Infant/Toddler classes will not have individual photos taken but Liz will get a class photo of them for the yearbook). We encourage children to dress up if they prefer. (I’m glad to share some choice 1970s school pictures!)

Snow is coming Saturday into Sunday, a fun reminder to get outside and play. If there is ever a snow day during the school week, I will endeavor to alert the Torit community by 8:00 PM the night before if at all possible via an all-school email and a notice on the website homepage. While we know many families live within walking distance, many of our teachers commute considerable distances to Torit, so with safety in mind, I’ll do my best to make the right call. (Full disclosure: as someone who worked at boarding schools for 17 years, including 5 years in Maine, my inclination is to keep school open whenever possible, but I also understand that if faculty can’t get here, that’s a wee problem!)

My favorite seasonal children’s book? Snow, by Uri Shulevitz. Enjoy the first blast of winter!

Onward,

David Liebmann

Head of School

From Mr. David's Desk 12/15/23

As we enjoy vacation, there is much to celebrate.

Thank you for a successful Cradles to Crayons donation drive! Torit students, families, and faculty gathered new and gently used clothing and other items, which will be shared with children in need. We are planning a class trip for our elementary students to visit the Cradles to Crayons regional warehouse in January to better understand the work of this community-based charity.

The Torit Foundation, supporting scholarships for Torit students, kicked off a successful Giving Tuesday and hosted a donor reception this week. The Torit Foundation aims to raise $100,000 for scholarships by June 30. Your tax-deductible contribution supports a diverse student body that benefits all students. Topics and dates for Foundation-sponsored parent education Zoom lunches are forthcoming, as is a date for the Foundation’s Spring Fling. Thanks to Board President Alex Senchak, Secretary Shelli Pavone, and Trustees Jem Varghese Andrewes and Mark Dantos for their leadership in these important efforts.

Thanks also to Gretchen and Ben Roin for their leadership of the Teacher Holiday Gift Committee as well as all parents who so generously donated to thank our faculty and staff for their dedication to Torit’s children. Your support of Torit’s professional community is deeply appreciated.

Elementary students made holiday handicrafts and held a festive Craft Fair last week, where they also practiced their marketing and mathematics skills. Thanks to Judy Cavanaugh, Alison Gordon, Dan Scranton, Masiah Leander-Wess, Michael Lembck, and Sherla Collymore-Phillips for their support of this annual event.

Elementary students also performed their holiday play, written and directed by Berklee College of Music professor Cristina Vaira, with support from the same elementary faculty and friends. Thanks to all who helped with this fun production!

Holiday teas gave all students the opportunity to showcase their Montessori Practical Life skills. We hope that you were able to enjoy this annual Torit tradition with your child and see the fruition of their skills as they practiced grace and courtesy.

Finally and with great appreciation, we wish farewell to one faculty member and two Northeastern University co-op students. Fatima Chehboune has chosen to depart Torit as we enter Winter Break to spend more time with her family. Ms. Fatima has served ably on the Torit faculty for more than five years as both a Preprimary Teacher and a teacher of Arabic language and culture. Her dedication to and delight in supporting the growth of children has positively shaped the lives of many students, and we will miss her. The Torit community wishes Ms. Fatima and her family all the best.

Michael Lembck spent the fall initially observing and quickly becoming a trusted colleague in several classrooms. Michael is a senior computer science major, and his tech skills were critical in restructuring our class schedules and performing data analysis for admissions, among other projects. Michael also taught a LEGO robotics activity that our older students enjoyed a great deal. We will miss Michael’s willingness to tackle any task, large or small, and his eagerness and kindness.

Masiah Leander-Wess is also a senior at Northeastern. Masiah quickly made connections with elementary students and easily built positive relationships with staff and students. While we will miss seeing her on a daily basis at Torit, Masiah will continue to work with our elementary students on Monday afternoons as an extended day leader, so it’s less a goodbye and more a “see ya’ soon.”

And speaking of which, Torit’s doors will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We look forward to seeing you in the new year. In the meantime, from the Torit faculty and staff, we wish you happy holidays and peace in 2024.

From Mr. David's Desk 12/8/23

This week, we collected donations for Cradles to Crayons. I visited PrePrimary 2 as the children talked about their donations and how giving made them feel. “Happy” was the word repeated over and over.

Giving to others feels good. Social science research shows this. Harvard Business School professor and happiness guru Arthur C. Brooks along with coauthor Oprah Winfrey write about this in their recent #1 bestseller, Build the Life You Want. Happiness comes not from receiving, but from giving.

At Torit, we are teaching children to see beyond themselves, to give. As parents, I want to thank you for supporting those efforts by finding items to donate with your child. The children are always watching us, so they see this effort on your part and understand when you drop a donation in the box or watch them talk about donating at Morning Circle that something important is happening.

As we move into the last, busy week of classes, I hope to see you at the Torit Foundation Donor Reception from 5:00-7:00pm next Wednesday, December 13. You should have received a Paperless Post invitation. You’ll also receive a solicitation in the mail, but you can also give at the event itself, which recognizes supporters of scholarship funds for Torit students. Remember, giving feels good!

Torit’s Holiday Craft Fair is Wednesday and Thursday morning from 8:00-9:00am. On Friday afternoon, please join us for Holiday Teas by class, where your children will serve you refreshments to begin the season’s celebrations and we’ll recognize teachers with collective gifts. You can also enjoy the Elementary Holiday Performance, wonderfully led by Cristina Vaira, Torit parent and professor at Berklee College of Music, who wrote the script and has been leading rehearsals for the students in preparation for this extravaganza.

Enjoy the coming days!

Best,

David and Team Torit

From Mr. David's Desk 12/1/23

For six weeks each fall, I help teach a class at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education called “Independent Schools: Leadership, Opportunities, Challenges.” We discuss the mission and history of American independent schools; diversity, equity and inclusion; the business of running a school; the student experience; leading the faculty, students, and parents of a school; and the promise and peril of headship. It’s an opportunity to connect with 25 rising leaders and reflect on my own experiences in independent schools.

Torit Montessori School comes up a lot. Master’s candidates are intrigued by the age range of our students (Infants?!? Toddlers? Sixth graders? Three languages?), attracting and retaining a diverse and talented group of teachers, and the complexity inherent in a small school where the daily demands of young children have to take precedence. We compare Torit to places like Phillips Andover and St. Paul’s, and folks are surprised to find that many of the core challenges are the same.

When I return from the Cambridge campus to Cambridge Street, I feel energy in my step and an eagerness to be back in school. I love the variety of things I deal with, the relational nature of the work, and most importantly, the kids. Being “Mr. David” to a kindergartener at Torit is as satisfying if not more so than anything I do at Harvard.

The real work of schools is found on the carpet soothing an upset girl who is developing the language to navigate social situations with peers or asking an energetic boy to reflect on why he was rough with a classmate. It’s having a girl read aloud to you as she discovers a “just right” book or teaching a boy the game of checkers. It’s opening the door to a new texture or smell to young toddlers or making eye contact with an infant learning to respond to her name. Torit is a community with such a range of possibilities, and striving for excellence in what we do inspires me and the teachers every day. The work matters for the children, and it matters for you as a parent. You motivate us.

As we lace up our running shoes for the next two weeks, I encourage you to engage with Torit as much as you can and enjoy the fun of December with us. There is something for everyone, and we look forward to sharing the coming days with you.

Best,

David and Team Torit