The Derry School

This week's sixth grade performances always serve to remind me of the power of risk taking - especially when it is shared among a group. I have repeatedly indicated that middle schoolers' willingness to take risks in front of their peers is a kind of litmus test for the health of a community. As their parents will attest, our sixth graders took the stage on Thursday with tremendous confidence. Playing songs on instruments they had only had in their hands since March or performing a mini-musical, I was struck again by how important it is to give our students these kinds of opportunities. Though I have now seen countless students risk and shine on our stages, it simply never ceases to impress me. This particular time, however, was special. I couldn't help but think about the faculty member responsible for making this all possible for so many years, Laurel Devino, has been the driving force behind a philosophy in the Creative Arts Department that emphasizes authentic assessment and taking risks. I have seen student after student do things under her guidance that they never thought they could ever do - regardless of the experience they may have had. In this way, she has given each of these students such a gift... and the students recognize it. Many of these students have thanked her over the past few weeks. Not surprisingly, their gratitude is expressed in unique ways.

This week, I invite you to send along your own personalized thank you to Laurel. She told me recently that what she will remember most are the smaller moments, ones that she has learned through her many years of experience will likely carry great weight in a particular student's future. Feel free to send along a story that you may have of a conversation with your child about his/her experience in her care that made an impact, and I will be sure that she gets it.

Have a great weekend!

Mark A. Blaisdell
Head of Middle School