Small classes, motivated kids, good teaching, interesting topics, a cohesive and connected group. All these things contribute to meaningful learning, all make “real school” happen.
One of the best parts of my job is that I get to wander the halls and see countless ways that North Shore delivers for students.
Yesterday, I walked past an 11th grade English class and saw North Shore at work. The teacher, Kathy McHugh, had all of her students gathered in the seminar room adjacent to her learning studio (classroom). The students were sharing their observations about The Great Gatsby. All in the class were involved, either by speaking or listening – weighing in, offering insights. Curiously, I noticed the learning studio and seminar room being used in a way that I hadn’t imagined. Key phrases from the book were written on the glass walls.
It made me think about my school days. Who would have thought that writing on the walls would have been permitted, much less encouraged? It was amazing. The energy, light and dynamic were palpable. Clearly, the students were learning from each other, their teacher and the space.
Whether it’s students in the new Upper School building, Middle Schoolers huddled in the Science Center atrium, or kindergarteners parading through the halls celebrating the 100th day of school, teaching and learning is happening in a wide variety of ways at North Shore – some expected and some unexpected. The driver is not how we have always done it, but what will engage students most meaningfully and maximize their growth.
Adam Kim '13
As I often do after a Morning Ex (MEX) presentation, yesterday, I tracked down our Performing Arts Department Head Michael Querio to get his thoughts on the concert that had just taken place. While I’ve seen a lot of school performances and programs, Michael’s sophisticated insight always helps me frame things, always adds to my awareness. I occasionally ask Michael to educate me, to tell me which of our students performed at a high level, or, as I put it, “who was really good.”
Yesterday’s answer really struck me, “Adam Kim was astounding, and, you know, off stage he is just a normal kid wandering the halls and doing his thing – amazing.”
Michael’s words stayed with me. First of all, what a wonderful privilege it is to be a teacher or to work in schools and be exposed to exceptional talent and potential. Secondly, what a privilege for Adam and other students to be in a place where all are equally valued.
At North Shore we don’t measure students by a rigid standard. We don’t constantly rate or rank students by their performance. Instead, we encourage, we challenge, and we give students space – in and out of the classroom – to do their thing, to grow and to be.
My belief is the best schools don’t limit students by what they do, but see each student for who he or she is. Adam is an exceptional pianist – he, like so many of our students, is quite a person as well.
