News

November

Lise's Lens: November 5, 2026

11/5/2026

This week, I explored a student-created election guide, learned about Native American history, and enjoyed an incredible performance by student band Q.

October

This week I am reading about this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate, thinking about the student protests happening around the world, and watching our students show off their school to their grandparents and loved ones!

Lise's Lens: October 29, 2026

10/29/2026

This week I reflect on Gen Z’s apparent love for tangible physical media, offer encouragement to seniors navigating stressful college application deadlines, and celebrate the excitement of CSW’s inaugural Pumpkin Spike Classic volleyball tournament.

Lise's Lens: October 15, 2026

10/15/2026

This week, I am learning about the work of a famous CSW alum, reflecting on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and listening to an NPR Student Podcast Challenge winner.

Lise's Lens: October 8, 2026

10/8/2026

This week, I read an article about the Norfolk Botanical Garden, reflected on an interesting museum exhibit, and watched student leaders take action in support of an important cause.

Lise's Lens: October 1, 2026

10/1/2026

This week, I consider a scandal in the French literary world, the impact of proximity in leadership, and last week’s wonderful Fall Fest.

September

Lise's Lens: September 24, 2026

9/24/2026

This week, I share my thoughts on Theo of Golden, the importance of listening, and our incredible “Food, Justice, Power” courses. I am looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at Fall Fest!

Lise's Lens: September 17, 2026

9/17/2026

This week I reflect on one of the summer’s most popular reads, the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, and a video about the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal homeowners.

Lise's Lens: September 10, 2026

9/10/2026

Hello — and welcome to the first installment of Lise’s Lens of the 2026-27 school year! Lise’s Lens is my weekly blog, which is released every Thursday afternoon with the community newsletter. Take a look to find out what I’ve been reading, thinking about, and watching/listening to.

June

Lise's Lens: June 4, 2026

6/4/2026

This week, I am reading about the captain of the Haitian Men's National Soccer Team, thinking about precious time with our seniors, and watching a video about Look magazine.

May

Lise's Lens: May 28, 2026

5/28/2026

This week I am reading a novel by an up-and-coming author, thinking about our incredible parent/guardian community, and watching various commencement addresses from the past few weeks.

Lise's Lens: May 21, 2026

5/21/2026

This week I have had the great pleasure of watching our students in action as volunteers, athletes, and artists and I could not be more proud!

Lise’s Lens: May 14, 2026

5/14/2026

This week I’m reading a book gifted to me by an alum, thinking about yesterday’s incredible Heritage Fest, learning about WBNA standout Kaitlyn Chen, and celebrating our baseball team!

Lise's Lens: May 7, 2026

5/7/2026

This week I am reading a piece about rare seed collection, thinking about the power of partnership, and celebrating all of our incredible teaching faculty. Happy teacher appreciation to all of the fellow teachers out there!

April

Lise's Lens: April 30, 2026

4/30/2026

Happy End of Mod 5! This week we are sharing the back story behind the East Quad; celebrating another mod of learning, creativity, and intellectual engagement; and preparing to welcome back alumni in anticipation of Reunion Weekend 2026!

Lise's Lens: April 23, 2026

4/23/2026

This week I am immersing myself in poetry for National Poetry Month, thinking about yesterday’s amazing Earth Day performance at assembly, and re-watching a fantastic interview with a CSW alumna.

Lise's Lens: April 16, 2026

4/16/2026

This week I have been fully immersed in the theme of our 2026 Michael H. Feldman’67 Social Justice Day: The Evolution of Immigration. I am almost through with the novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny (which touches on many relevant themes), and I’ve been exploring the work of our many incredible presenters and speakers, including our keynote speaker Oscar B. Castillo. Thanks to all involved in this incredible day.

Lise's Lens: April 9, 2026

4/9/2026

This week I am reading about the challenges young people are facing on the job market; thinking about the power of philanthropy; and watching our incredible robotics team in action!

Lise's Lens: April 2, 2026

4/1/2026

I went on a bit of a deep dive into Francophone art and literature over the Spring Break, indulging in some historical fiction like La Maison vide, and Les Rayons et les Ombres. If you like French history and culture, this entry is for you!

March

Lise's Lens: March 26, 2026

3/26/2026

Welcome back everyone! This week I have been reading about the horrible Croft School saga, thinking about our recent professional development day on generative AI, and watching The Gray House television series.

Lise's Lens: March 5, 2026

3/5/2026

Happy End of Mod! I won’t lie. The cold and lingering winter weather — especially this year — can make Mod 4 feel long and demanding. And yet, looking back, I see that these six weeks have been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with celebration, achievement, discovery, and genuine joy. As we enter into the break, I hope that you can also take a moment to look back and appreciate some of the incredible moments we’ve experienced together.

February

Lise's Lens: February 26, 2026

2/26/2026

This week I am reading the latest edition of The Georgian Road Review, thinking about the joy of olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, and watching the Oscar-nominated film Train Dreams.

Lise's Lens: February 19, 2026

2/19/2026

This week, I’ve been reading a piece on “the joy of slow writing,” thinking about the remarkable courses CSW will offer next year, and watching some unforgettable moments at the Olympics.

Lise's Lens: February 12, 2026

2/12/2026

This week I am reading stories of mothers, daughters, and granddaughters; thinking about the meaning of work; and watching a webinar showcasing CSW’s Visual Arts Department.

Lise's Lens: February 5, 2026

2/5/2026

This week I am reading David Brooks’s goodbye note in the NYT, thinking about our incredible 2026 Parkhill grantees, and watching our students engage in peaceful protest.

January

Lise's Lens: January 29, 2026

1/29/2026

This week I am reading Arundhati Roy’s memoir, thinking about what’s been happening in Minnesota, and watching our facilities and dining teams hard at work.

Lise's Lens: January 22, 2026

1/22/2026

This week I am checking out the works of Jennifer De Leon (our MLK Day Speaker), thinking about the magic of Rock/Pop at CSW, and making plans to see the Amy Sherald exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Lise's Lens: January 15, 2026

1/15/2026

I was traveling this week, during which time I met with an alum and toured the Miami Dade Freedom Tower, a monument that feels especially resonant at a time when the safety and dignity of immigrants are increasingly at risk.

Lise's Lens: January 8, 2026

1/8/2026

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.