Being Well Is Hard Work

Our Wildcat Nation has much to celebrate. I hope you fully feel the energy and positive momentum we have going.

In academics, our “STEAM Team” introduced the faculty to the Wildcat Design Process, an approach to problem solving and critical thinking for every classroom and subject pre-K-12. It guides students through the steps of design thinking: Ask, Explore, Plan, Create, Test and Improve. It is exciting to see this reaccreditation goal coming to life in our classrooms.

Around campus, the effects of planning, building and improving are on full display. We celebrated the opening of a fantastic new playground, which is enjoyed by Wildcats of all ages. The seniors loved taking turns on the swings and many young and old have enjoyed the big slide. If you haven’t had the opportunity to propel yourself down the gorgeous hillside of campus yet, please come take a slide! We also embarked on major renovations to our library, which is now the Qubein Center. Campus is abuzz following other improvements too. Covered walkways are added to the carpool area; buildings have fresh paint and flooring; the bathrooms in Phillips Hall received a total renovation and a mother’s room; the baseball and soccer scoreboards have been updated; and the addition of another new outdoor recreational space is in full swing!

After several months of listening sessions with many different groups of parents, staff, alumni and community partners, the Board of Trustees approved an updated mission statement that will serve to guide us along with a strategic plan to be introduced to the school community.

And as it happens each year, we celebrate our wonderful seniors as they bring closure to their high school years and prepare for their next adventures. We share in their joy as they take these next steps into their bright futures.

In all the excitement of life, I invite you to join me in continuing our focus on Wildcat Wellness. Borrowing from the words of Bettina L. Love, “Wellness is wisdom and being well is hard work… make room for lovely things to rush in and fill you full.” As we navigate a world after a pandemic filled with ever-changing technology and influences, I welcome the opportunity to partner with families in service of their child-raising endeavors while creating a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone in our community. By exploring some of the challenges families are facing, I hope to engage together as we explore the best ways to communicate and support our students, parents, and faculty as we bolster our social, emotional, and physical health and safety. We are continuing a speaker series and parent book club each semester. As we partner together in service to our children, these sessions allow parents to participate however they are able, whether that is in reading the book, participating in the discussions, attending the sessions, or all of the above.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as your Head of School and champion this Wildcat Nation. I look forward to working together with each of you to do the work of being well. Together we can make room for lovely things to rush in and fill us full.

What We’re Reading

FALL BOOK CLUB

“The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt

SPRING BOOK CLUB

“The Screentime Solution” by Emily Cherkin

WCDS Prioritizes Wellness

Westchester Country Day School continuously seeks to provide the best learning environment for its students. While there are several key ingredients to encouraging students to flourish, the faculty and staff of WCDS have realized the need for a renewed emphasis on overall wellness in the years following the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve noticed changes in the social and emotional wellness of our students,” said Mary Keever, head of school. “For two to three years, families experienced uncertainty and disruptions to their well-established routines and social interactions, and children sensed the stress. This has impacted their social-emotional development.”

To address the challenges students, teachers and families have faced, Keever introduced a Wellness Plan as a way for families and educators to partner together on a variety of childhood topics.

A highlight of this plan is a series of parent education events designed to provide valuable insights and resources and equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their children’s well-being.

In addition to the parent education series, the Wellness Plan includes lessons and activities for students taught by school counselors and nurses, professional development for teachers and staff, and wellness tips to support the staff’s own well-being.

Expert Insights

Mental Health – Counseling professionals Na-Twan Allen, Catherine Cheek, Donna Cumby, and Jackie Tyson spoke about childhood anxiety, resilience, risk-taking, and grief with practical tips for supporting social-emotional development at home and in the classroom.

Technology – WCDS school counselor Sabrina Winstead and technology faculty members Terry Andrews, Teresa Denmark and Deb Tuggle shared information on internet and social media use, open communication about family expectations, and the effects of technology on social-emotional and physical health.

Literacy – Lower School teachers from grades PK-2 shared the latest research on the Science of Reading, information on what to look for in quality literacy instruction, and tools to support children with reading and writing skills at home.

Athletics – Matt Spear, athletic advisor and leadership mentor, Mara Duncan, physician assistant and athletic trainer, and Zach Haines, head soccer coach at High Point University, discussed the social and emotional health of student athletes, providing practical tips about mental fitness, injury prevention, finding balance, and the qualities coaches seek in college athletes.

Watch Online — Visit www.westchestercds.org/wellness for resources from the Wellness Series and to find out about upcoming events.