Lise's Lens: January 19, 2023

Lise reflects on a new view into a 40-year-old short story by Toni Morrison, thinks about the village that is CSW, shares a podcast from the folks who brought us the new Embrace memorial, and talks about a virtual visit to campus by an internationally-known graffiti artist. 
WHAT I’M READING
  • I just finished Toni Morrison’s only short story, a coming of age narrative titled Recitatif. Originally published in 1983 as part of a larger compilation, the work was reissued in 2022 as a stand-alone book with a fantastic introduction by Zadie Smith. I felt like I was taking a literature class!
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
  • As Mod 3 comes to an end, I am once again in awe of our students and filled with gratitude for our faculty and staff. Last week there was just so much happening on campus—I thought to myself that “this web of opportunities and people creates space for adolescents to weave in and out of their different selves and interests as they are ‘becoming’.” In a single week, students were programming the lighting for Rock Pop, playing basketball, working on their Capstones, attending Board Meetings, checking in with a college counselor, leading affinity group meetings… you get the idea. Thankfully, we also create space for downtime… to meet with friends for lunch, to find calm while working in the art studios, or to relax in the dorm common rooms before a final check in with dorm parents.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO

  •  I have just discovered the Good Trouble Podcast, created by KingBoston. This organization, that “aims to connect, educate, and energize within our communities and across traditional borders to cultivate the conditions necessary for racial and economic justice in Boston” has been the driving force behind the new Embrace memorial in downtown Boston, but their work extends far beyond that very visible piece of art on the Boston Common!

WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE

Internationally known graffiti artist Don RIMX visited CSW virtually last Friday. Originally from Puerto Rico, Don RIMX has created massive murals throughout the country. Locally, he was given a key to the city of Lynn, MA for his work with Beyond Walls and his contributions to the local culture. Many thanks to James Foleno ‘24 from the IDEA committee for making this all happen!

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.