Reflecting on the start of the year

Dear Center School Families,

I’m writing this on a quiet Saturday morning, curled up on the couch under a cozy blanket, with a sleeping cat at my feet. It feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on our first two weeks of school.

The start of the year always feels like a whirlwind. We prepare the building and campus, stock up on everything from pencils to toilet paper, set up cubbies for backpacks and lunch boxes, and ensure our teachers and staff feel supported and ready. After countless hours of preparation, the students finally arrive. With them they bring joy, curiosity, and an energy that fills every corner of the school. Classrooms come alive with questions, laughter, and the buzz of new friendships forming. Their presence is a powerful reminder of why all the effort matters!

In just two weeks, we’ve already witnessed incredible moments of growth. Students are trying new things, helping one another, and settling into the rhythm of the school day. Our teachers have created warm, welcoming spaces where students feel safe, seen, and excited to learn; places where they can take risks and be themselves. In a world that often feels unkind, uncertain, or isolating, we need more spaces like this.

If you’re looking for that kind of space, we invite you to join us for All School on Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The entire community gathers to sing, share, and celebrate one another. It is often my favorite part of the week, a time to come together and celebrate what makes the Center School, and each of us, uniquely special. Whether it’s been a week or ten years since you’ve visited, we hope you’ll stop by sometime. We’d love to see you!

As I look to the year ahead, I’m filled with gratitude for our dedicated staff, supportive families, and most of all, our amazing students. These first two weeks have been a beautiful reminder of the strength of our community and the promise of the year to come.

With warmth,

Amanda Richard

Interim Co-Head of School