Dear Parents,
I have heard it said that the only thing we can control is ourselves. (Lesson number 1 for me, I can only control myself). I believe this, but I have to keep relearning this lesson over and over. I try to share this wisdom with our students, and, like me, they too internalize this truism slowly and with lots of practice. And life gives us lots of practice to learn this and all lessons.
Years ago, I came to campus very early in the morning on the first Monday after the April vacation. It was a beautiful spring day. As I approached the front door of the Klee Building, I noticed a new addition. A mother duck had built a nest within inches of the green awning that leads to the front door. Afraid that 140 children would frighten the mother away, and concerned that the eggs would quickly grow cold, I picked up a flat snow shovel and carefully, without touching it, moved the nest about twenty feet away to a quiet spot.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Martin arrived. I shared the story with her. Somewhat an expert on eggs from her personal experience, Marj pointed me toward an internet article that said, “Whatever you do, don’t move the nest.” (Lesson number 2, never move a duck’s nest). I did what I normally would never do. I panicked. I was out of my element. But Marj was not. (Lesson number 3, use the buddy system when you feel afraid).
Soon teachers gathered around the nest and a plan was “hatched.” (Lesson number 4, people always think better in groups). One of them brought out a big sandwich board with paper on it, and a sign was created. “Mother duck at work. Please come into the building and exit the building quietly out of respect to her.” All of the children were gathered onto the hottop and the story of our mother duck was shared with them. Could they be extra quiet coming and going? Could they leave the nest alone? “Yes!” They were certain they could do this. They were so happy to be a part of this story. They knew that they could control themselves. (Lesson number 5, children rise to our expectations).
Over the next few weeks our mama duck became more and more comfortable with the company she kept. While always observing from a safe distance, our students studied and admired the little mother and learned about her courage and perseverance. We all waited to see what would happen. And the ducklings hatched. (Lesson 6, life is irrepressible).
One weekend day, when we were not at school, and when one of our faculty was working on site, he saw our mother duckling waddling down the path toward Bancroft with her family of ten waddling behind her in a little line. She led them down behind Bancroft and to the Hewes Brook where they made a temporary home until they were ready to fly away. And, like our students, they left us. We were sad to see them leave, but we also celebrated their independence. (Lesson 7, never underestimate the power of a mother’s love).
Life gives us opportunities to grow and become more sensitive to others, kinder, more responsible for our own choices, more respectful, and more open to receiving help from those around us. I am so grateful to be a part of a school that lives their beliefs, and I am humbled, each day as I keep relearning these lessons and more.
With gratitude,
Jean
