Happy Friday,
The hardy leaves that clung to their branches through the winter take flight during the wind swept months of our Cape Cod Spring. They scatter across our lawns, circling, dropping, and rising again. Many settle at the foot of their tree and let the April rains return them to the tree from which they fell. Everything is connected.

We are also more connected than apart. Our DNA is 99.9% the same. At times we can appear disconnected like the leaves being tossed about in the wind. During turbulent times our differences can cast us against one another as we struggle to feel connected and safe. But just as the fallen leaves return to their base and as part of a natural cycle – our greatest solace can be found in the idea that we are more connected than apart.

Formal education – schooling – has allowed us to advance as civilizations because we have learned to cooperate across cultures – to move beyond war and hate to embrace peace and love. Through education we have learned to see the world through the eyes of others, to learn different languages, to value diversity, to explore our shared values, to take pride in what we have to contribute, and use communication and diplomacy skills to find common ground. 

As our school community grows more diverse  – our kids are provided with more opportunities to understand themselves and celebrate the rich diversity of our outer cape community. 

Unfortunately, recent events reported in the national news and driven by hate have reminded us that we still have miles to go in our quest for peace. We must continue educating ourselves about each other and the imperative of nurturing inclusive communities.

I hope this weekend you have an opportunity to consider what you might be able to do in your own social circle to help us come together – joined by our differences and the idea that we are more connected than apart.

Peace,
Chris