RE Log Spring 2021

We hear “When it rains” and the next two words that immediately follow are “it pours.” We were inundated with challenges that we never could have predicted during the last year, but if we were to focus solely on those challenges, we wouldn’t appreciate the resilience and strength of our community. I hope that the following stories of how my colleagues and our students adapted to a new way of learning will inspire you. The insight they share on how we maintained a remarkably engaged school in spite of social distancing, masking and distance learning will cheer you. Our emphasis on teaching students to think critically is a point of pride among our faculty. We want our students adept at solving problems whose answers aren’t listed in answer keys or discoverable via Google searches. We want them to have open, agile minds and to think outside the box. Over the last 12 months, it’s become clear that this mindset is more than an aspiration for our students and graduates. It’s a way of life at our school. It’s absolutely been in evidence this year: Cecilia Gonzalez revamped her approach to teaching musical theater. Jaerla Sajous ’25 has entertained remotely. Doreen Johnson has found new ways to shine. Mia Balestra ’2 1 has made the most of her senior year, and Kathryn Bufkin hasn’t missed a beat in teaching writing. Henry Stavisky ’85 has used technological tools to become a better teacher. Pete DiPace sees more empathy and compassion in our students; Victor Perez ’23 has observed more friendliness. Perhaps Gus Palacios said it best about our community: “If the roots are strong, the tree will survive the storm, and I think our roots are strong.” I have seen extraordinary achievements every day for the last year. We have weathered the storm of all storms, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. When it Rains RE endured the storm of COVID-19. Its community got stronger. By Penny Townsend, Head of School Portraits by Suzanne Kores Penny Townsend photo by Carl Kafka 12 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2021