The opportunity [educators have] is to nourish our students; evolving senses of self in ways that strengthen their confidence, awaken their curiosity, and cultivate their sensitivity toward others. -Dennis Shirley & Andy Hargreaves

This summer I’ve been participating in an on-line book club sponsored by Boston College. We’re reading The Age of Identity together, exploring how young people view themselves and how schools can support students by creating and sustaining spaces of belonging. I am finding it informative and engaging, both as an educator and a parent. The on-line blogs and discussion portals, along with the weekly podcasts, are well organized and thought-provoking.

Speaking of thought-provoking, yesterday I spent the day with nearly 200 student leaders from the schools that I support. I admire their commitment and enthusiasm! AND I appreciate the dedication of the teachers who accompany them throughout their weeklong experience. Similar retreat-type experiences for me, beginning while I was in high school, changed the trajectory of my life and so I hold sincere appreciation for the potential impact of these immersive learning and communal gatherings upon the young whom we serve.

This week I share an image of the students’ closing prayer from yesterday’s morning service, as an invitation for us to continually consider how we can build bridges of belonging within and across our communities. There’s a lot going on in society today…blessings on your week ahead!