Contributed by Mark Silver, Head Of School.
The beginning of January is a period ripe with possibility. While it may be cold and rainy outside, there is a palpable feeling of optimism and energy on campus. Walking through classrooms and interacting with students, I’m struck by how much our students have grown physically, socially, and intellectually during the first few months of the year, and how eager they are to engage in increasingly challenging and exciting work as we enter the second half of the year. Routines are in place, relationships established. The opportunities seem limitless.
Amidst this moment of possibility, I find myself reflecting on where the school is and where we are going. The strategic planning process has surfaced much to think about, both in terms of the school’s many strengths and our opportunities for growth and improvement.
In the classroom, teachers often employ visible thinking routines, practices that help students structure, share, deepen, and extend their thoughts in a way that is public. I thought I would borrow one of the more commonly used routines, “I like, I wish, What if?” to structure my own, quick thoughts on Hillbrook today.
I like….
- that each child is known, valued, and celebrated as an individual
- our broad and integrated educational program, that engages children as writers, mathematicians, scientists, historians, artists, musicians, athletes, thinkers, problem solvers, and doers from the earliest ages
- that we value questions as much as we value answers
- the strong sense of community that connects us as adults and children in pursuit of a common vision – to inspire children to achieve their dreams and reach beyond themselves to make a difference in the world
- that we have such a talented and dedicated faculty and staff, each committed to helping children thrive
- that children from our youngest grades to our oldest grades run across campus to get to their next class, embodying the joy that can be seen and felt throughout the day on campus
- that children and adults are encouraged to take risks and tell jokes
I wish….
- we had better ways to measure children’s growth and learning. As Einstein wrote, “Not everything that counts can be counted.”
- we were better able to support balance in the lives of children and adults in our community and beyond
- we were able to find even more ways to reach beyond ourselves to make a difference in the world.
- more people throughout the Bay Area heard and understood our story – that Hillbrook’s approach to learning – an educational program which is relevant, challenging, and places children in charge of their own learning – is the most effective way to raise successful young adults. The evidence speaks for itself.
- there were more high school options for our graduates that felt aligned with Hillbrook’s approach and mission
What if….
- our daily schedule allowed us to even better individualize the program for each child?
- we had better assessment tools and structures that provided quick, meaningful and transparent feedback to students, teachers, and parents?
- we were able to attract and retain families who were a philosophical match for Hillbrook regardless of their ability to pay?
- we were able to find new and creative ways to help support and retain our extraordinary faculty and staff as the cost of living in Silicon Valley continues to rise?
- all 8th grade students participated in a capstone project that reflected the qualities of a Hillbrook learner – we ask questions, we talk and we listen, we work together, we solve problems, we make things better?
- our program served students beyond 8th grade?
- we had more partnerships with local companies and non-profit organizations, further strengthening our ties to Silicon Valley?
- we had extended project-based experiences both on and off-campus?
These are just a few of the things that spring to mind at this moment, and I’m excited to see how our community’s thinking about the school’s future continues to evolve in the months ahead. I invite you to share your thoughts – how would you answer these questions?