The Kids Arrive!

Standing on the sidewalk in front of the theatre this morning watching everyone arrive, I noticed that the seniors had painted The Rock, marking the start of their last year at GDS. They did a good job. And,with what must have been a flourish, they also added some streaming decorations to the trees. I enjoyed the green and gold papering the most...

Following graduation last June, the kids disappeared, faculty departed, and the pace slowed. Today, that all changed and the campus became re-vitalized with an excitement and passion that only kids can bring. It feels good to have them back.

I spoke at the Upper School and Middle School opening assemblies, sharing some Robert Fulghum wisdom from his book, "All I really know I learned in Kindergarten." Fulghum provides good rules for life, and you might consider reviewing them with your children, no matter what their ages.

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Respect the roots and shoots that others have grown.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands, watch out for traffic and stick together.

After meeting with the upper divisions, I visited classes in the Lower School. I didn't share any of Fulgham's wisdom but instead, told them some jokes. Ask your child what a snake's favorite subject is in school (hisssstory) or how monsters get to school(on goul busses). They may not remember the answers, but it will be a fun conversation.

I'm excited about the year and feel revived having the kids back. The pace on campus is picking up steam, and it's going to be a great year!