Dear Families,

I don’t know about you, but lockdowns and quarantine forced me to slow down enough to really pay attention to my life. I’ve gotten to know my daughter and my dog much better. I’ve even gotten to know myself. 

I am humbled by what I have learned about both the global Montessori community and the Stepping Stones community. 

Early in this crisis, sister schools across the globe shared information, documents, procedures and lessons. Those schools and organizations also provided platforms for guides and school leaders to gather. In those forums, we shared our challenges and solutions, and shared valuable understanding and listening. One year ago, I could not have predicted that I would cry while on a Zoom call, and I will never forget that when I did, I was not alone. I will also always treasure the webinar where the leaders started sharing work our guides had created at Stepping Stones and gave a shout out to our school. 

This holiday season, I am grateful to the friends across the globe that kept the light of Montessori burning amid this world-wide crisis. I am especially grateful that Stepping Stones has school friends who understand, will listen, and will share their expertise and experience. 

During those times with other school leaders, I also learned how fortunate I am to have Stepping Stones as my point of reference for Montessori. In all of the worries we had and still have, I have not once had to worry about whether our school community would be there to support us. Not once have I been concerned that our community would become so divided that it would destroy itself. And, not once, have I had to question the commitment of our guides to Montessori philosophy or to our school. 

My friends, our community is priceless. We are unique, and we stand out among Montessori schools everywhere for the strength, support, and love of our community. You contribute to this beautiful gift. 

This Thanksgiving week, I will be shouting my thanks for you and for this wonderful school. While this year will be different, I send you Thanksgiving wishes. 

I hope your week is full of thanks and hope. 

In peace, 
Elizabeth