Dear Oneness-Family Community,
As we approach our promotion and graduation ceremonies, we look back on an extraordinarily difficult and challenging year. Because of the pandemic, we could not give each other hugs, sit and chat on the deck in front of the school, or do many of the community activities we normally plan each year. Classrooms had to be modified and classroom instruction changed significantly in order to meet the fluctuating circumstances, and in doing so the Montessori spirit of learning at times was lost amidst the technology and the distance.
Yet despite the immense obstacles, we stood together in solidarity to face the fears and frustrations. There were many moments of triumph and achievement for our students and for all of us. Students adapted by creating projects and presentations, which gave them a sense of ownership over their learning. Teachers took students on weekly excursions into nature and daily trips to the park, or to the playground, to get them away from their computers so they could run and laugh with their friends. Our parents stepped up in myriad ways, by providing their children with support when they couldn’t go to school in person, by offering feedback to the school administration, by pitching in to drive students to meetups, and by lifting each other up in times of personal loss.
Although none of us wants to ever experience a year like the one we just had, going through such turbulent waters together proved what a resilient community we are, and how much love is at its core.
This community, ever-growing and evolving, encompasses all of our current and past families and friends. I have watched with amazement as Oneness-Family School alumni students are starting families of their own, bringing a new generation of Oneness children into the world. I am humbled to watch these new parents, who used to be students walking the halls at OFS, carrying forward to values of gratitude for life, cultural awareness, and becoming the best person you can be.
On behalf of all of us here at Oneness, we wish you a summer of rest, rejuvenation, family togetherness and joy.
Andrew Kutt
Founder and Head of Upper School
andrew@onenessfamily.org
