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Leadership
Lise's Lens
Lise's Lens: January 8, 2026
Welcome back, CSW! This week I am thinking about intentions for the new year, the term “theatre kid,” and the art of a sustainable meditation practice.
WHAT I'M READING
Have you heard about this? Our Theatre Director Emily Ranii sent us this fascinating article in the NYT about how the term “theatre kid” has somehow morphed into a political shorthand for someone that is performative, dramatic, and over-the-top. Of course, what such stereotypes miss is that so-called theatre kids are highly fluent in empathy, collaboration, communication, risk-taking, and courage. Rather than shrinking from this label, we here at CSW fully embrace it, because we are proud of our theatre kids and all they stand for: creativity, voice, compassion, and artistic exploration. Don’t ever let someone make you feel otherwise!
WHAT I'M THINKING ABOUT
Setting Intentions for the New Year
I went back and forth on what I wanted to say to students as we embark upon a new Gregorian calendar year (a faculty member had to correct me when I mistakenly called it the ‘Roman’ calendar!) and the second half of our academic cycle together. There is so much advice doled out this time of year, so I chose one idea that has resonated with me, and that is to do something out of your comfort zone and try something new. It’s a common, often-repeated piece of advice, but for good reason. High school is arguably one of the most important times in life to try new things, and CSW is so rife with opportunities it would be such a shame not to take advantage. So I hope you ask your children: what is one new thing you hope to try in 2026?
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
I will be honest with you. I love the idea of meditation, but when it comes to actually sitting down and doing it, I really struggle. I have so much respect for — and also, envy towards — those who manage to do it and make a regular practice of it. Because the science doesn’t lie; there are so many health benefits associated with the practice. That’s why I was really pleased to stumble across this podcast episode. It made me look at meditation in a new way, and realize that there are moments in my life when I am, in fact, in a meditative state, or what Batchelor would call “a non-reactive space,” and I just didn’t realize it.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
We had a great group of alumni back on campus before the break for our annual alumni basketball game. It makes me so happy to see so many familiar faces coming together over a shared passion.
Photo by Dee Tran.
Photo by Dee Tran.
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.