As another school year draws to a close, my heart swells with pride and a touch of bittersweet emotion as I reflect on our incredible group of Gan Shalom graduates. Over the past three years, these children have embarked on a remarkable journey of growth, both as individuals and as a vibrant community.
I often think back to their initial days with us—tiny, sometimes hesitant figures navigating their very first separation from caregivers. Drop-off routines were unique for each child, a testament to their budding personalities. Now, fast forward to today, and these same children practically run into school, eager for their day to begin. The transformation is truly astounding; some even try to hide when pickup time arrives, reluctant to leave the joyful camaraderie of their friends!
While they have all matured and embraced increasingly complex learning, what truly stands out is how each child has blossomed into their wonderfully unique self. These characters in this class remind me of the characters in the book The Smart Cookie by Pete Oswald and Jory John. The teacher in the story provides a unique opportunity: creating something entirely original, without specific guidelines. This freedom allows each student to discover their own medium for expressing their voice and originality. While the main character ultimately finds her gift for writing, she also learns to admire the talents of the budding artists, inventors, and chemists among her classmates. These diverse traits are celebrated, fostering a community where students are willing to take risks, understanding that not everyone will achieve the same results.
Similarly, the diversity in personalities, interests, and varied talents within our graduating class has never hindered their ability to come together. They are always genuinely excited to play, learn, and try new things as a group. Their ability to celebrate each other’s unique strengths has created an incredibly strong and supportive community.
My deepest wish for these graduates is that they carry this openness to new experiences with them throughout life. I hope they always remember this core group of friends, who supported them as they found their voices and charted their own paths. And for Gan Shalom, my wish is that we continue to cultivate these long-lasting bonds of friendship and community within our classrooms and throughout the RSNS halls. May our school always be a place where every child is celebrated for their growth, accepted for their uniqueness, and strengthened by learning to coexist and thrive within a loving community.
Adrienne Rosen
Gan Shalom Director
