Dear Parents

I know it might not seem so for most, but in my opinion, January flew by quickly.  As we are preparing for the next snowfall, I can't believe there is only a week left before Project Exploration.  As most of you know by now, my husband Lamont was deployed on January 3rd, as he is in the Seabees Navy Reserves.  He is currently in California preparing for deployment to Afghanistan. His unit has prepared for this for the last 15 months, as they are replacing units that are already deployed.  At any rate, as you can imagine, answering questions from Ethan and Elise about the location, responsibilities and happenings of daddy have been, at best, complicated as well as comical.  The other day, Ethan asked me if daddy was going to be home by the time he was 39.  I just exploded with laughter.  My response was that, of course he would and I would hope that Ethan wouldn't be living with daddy and mommy when he was 39, at least if we had done our job as parents.  I share this story because it shows how children have such a limited concept of time.  Young kids in particular are so focused on the present, and you can tell this by what they say and do.  I think that is true even as they mature into teenagers.  It's hard for them to see the future or to realize how what is happening now is just a 'minute' of their lifetime.  When we come back from Spring Break, many of your daughters will realize that the year will be ending.  Seniors will regress as they make the transition for graduation.  The juniors will feel antsy as they move to take on the leadership roles in the School.  The sophomores will feel anxious and nervous about the proximity of college and the changing curriculum.  And the nines will feel excited about not being new to high school anymore.  I will share with you more and more in the Spring about these feelings, but just know, they are coming as they have each year.  Remind your daughters, especially in the last week before Project Exploration, to live in the moment and enjoy her experiences today because tomorrow is only around the corner.  Happy February! 

- Ayanna Hill-Gill
Head of School