Lise's Lens: September 1, 2022
Lise's Lens is Head of School Lise Charlier's blog, in which she shares what she is reading, listening to, and thinking about each week. Each new issue will be shared here in the newsletter, but you can also catch up on the archives anytime here.
This week, Lise shares what she's been reading this summer and recaps a very exciting recent concert experience!
This week, Lise shares what she's been reading this summer and recaps a very exciting recent concert experience!
WHAT I’M READING
- I have been reading a diverse array of books this summer. My sister gifted me O Pioneers! (1913) by Willa Cather and I am about halfway through.I have also been re-reading an important book about the history of our school. It is called Individuals and Community, The Cambridge School: The First Hundred Years (Windflower Press, 1986). I read it before I took the job here at CSW but the experience has been totally different now that I have been here for a few years.
And finally, I have been reading All That She Carried (Random House, 2021), by Tiya Miles, as part of my adult community reading group here at CSW. I am excited to discuss it further with my group members! I would also love to discuss these books with anyone else who has read them, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have!
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO/WATCHING
- As I shared with students at our opening assembly yesterday, I recently got to see Lady Gaga perform live at Fenway Park. Not only was she amazing, but this was — believe it or not — my first time at Fenway! I had a great time and have been reliving the experience by listening to Gaga’s songs recently — namely “Born this Way,” which has such an important message.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- I have been thinking about OUR STUDENTS and how wonderful it is to have them back on campus. It really is not the same here without them in the summer and I have found such joy in meeting and welcoming new students and catching up with returners. I cannot believe how much some of them have grown over the summer!
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
I love the images from new student orientation that show our veteran, returning students leading ice breakers with new students. I am really proud of the way our program trains returning students to mentor and support those who are new to the community. It is very moving to see our student leaders take on this responsibility with such dedication and enthusiasm.
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.