Jane's Pocket Change: Firsts & The Fit
I enjoy reflecting on CSW “firsts” -- the first time the word “mod” was used; the first time someone called The Cohan Building “The George” and many others. Of course, we rarely know exactly when these firsts occurred, but trying to find out is part of the fun.
I enjoy reflecting on CSW “firsts” -- the first time the word “mod” was used; the first time someone called The Cohan Building “The George” and many others. Of course, we rarely know exactly when these firsts occurred, but trying to find out is part of the fun.
I have been watching many of our “firsts” in the new Health and Fitness Center – the opening day assembly on September 7 (when “The Fit” nickname was first used); the first game to be played on the courts (girls’ volleyball on September 21); and our first home team thrill of victory this past Friday (a 3-2 win for girls’ volleyball).
I watched part of last Friday’s game sitting next to Math Teacher Carl LaCombe, who turned to me and said: “Have you seen the joy in these girls playing?” Yes, I replied, because watching what was happening on that court had actually begun to bring tears to my eyes – I witnessed sheer, exuberant, unequivocal, positive energy and love. The girls were so happy with each good play and we watched their teamwork develop in front of us.
When I was new to CSW, I was fascinated by how students addressed teachers and staff by their first names. Where did this originate? No one could really tell me. I do know that John French (headmaster from 1930 to 1947) was never “John” to the students and M. Adolphus Cheek was “Dolph” only to the adults. Hildegarde Washburn was “Mrs. Wash” and I believe it was always “Mrs. Cheek.” I do know for sure that my predecessor, George Cohan, was “George” to everyone.
Just this past Monday, when I hosted a large group of students to watch the first presidential debate in The Fit’s lounge, the focus in the room was palpable. Students were on their devices following fact check and other kinds of blogs, taking notes as part of class assignments, and, like me, quipping and commenting along the way. What an extraordinary group of young people: comfortable with themselves, engaged with each other, and paying critical attention to the national political scene unfolding before them. That was quite the first, another in a growing collection that fill me with immense pride.
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Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
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Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.