Lise's Lens: October 3, 2024

Over the past week, I’ve found myself looking to the past to understand the present (and the future). I’ve learned about a late-in-life pivot that had significant impact on current attitudes towards freedom of speech; was reminded of the lasting influence of John Dewey; and caught an audio clip that brought me back to the 1980’s in Seville, Spain. I’m also still basking in the energy and positive vibes from Fall Family Weekend!

WHAT I’M READING
  • The theme of looking back to look forward was definitely in the air these past few days. On Saturday evening, I happened to be in my car when Radiolab came on. This particular episode  was focused on the birth of free speech, and the role played by an aging Supreme Court Oliver Wendell Holmes. In these days when politicians are regularly accused of flip-flopping, it’s interesting to think about how and when we can change our minds. The other aspect of the story that really caught my attention was the role of youth in Holmes' life and attitudes. Go young people! 

    Then, I was at a conference for independent school leaders where Deerfield Academy’s Head of School shared work done this past year by the EE Ford Foundation around a framework for schools. The framework, “Thriving in a World of Pluralistic Contentions” mentioned a document published in 1915 by the American Association of University Professors:  AAUP’s Declaration of Principles. The document was written by none other than John Dewey who was, at that time, President of Columbia University and of the AAUP committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure. I find it fascinating (and affirming) to consider the lasting impact of thought leaders like Dewey, and the enduring value of the tenets of progressive education.
 
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
  • Two joyful things - one here at home, one miles away. First…Fall Family Weekend was a blast! I just love opening our doors to friends and family so they can experience for themselves what makes CSW such an extraordinary school. 

    I’m also celebrating Mexico’s first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, a 62-year-old scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. I want to do some more research on her path to politics, and I look forward to seeing how she approaches the many challenges ahead. 

WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
  • I just happened to catch an audio clip that brought me back to my year in Seville, Spain during the mid-80’s. I remember hearing such incredible music during that time — especially guitar — in the streets, at house parties etc. And, I’ll be listening to the Gypsy Kings in anticipation of their show in Boston at the end of the month!

WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
Here are just a few of the scenes I happened upon during Fall Family Weekend. Be sure to check out more photos and video on our social media channels!!





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CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.