After two amazing skating parties in recent weeks, the very brave group of PK teachers decided that they would like to bring their classes to the rink. I will admit some real hesitation myself as many of those 3 and 4-year-olds have never skated before, but their big friends from the 4th grade volunteered to help, and that gave me a bit of hope.

I coached a few of the PK students in mite hockey this winter, so I knew there were some really good athletes in the classes, but skating is not something that comes naturally to everyone. However, the 4th graders did an incredible job supporting the PK skaters and this event was an absolute joy and a success beyond my wildest hopes.

One of the PK students is coming off of surgery and is restricted to a wheelchair for a couple weeks. His big friend volunteered to pull him around the ice on a sled for the entire time. It was incredible to see this 4th grade girl doing lap after lap around the rink with a giggling PK student shouting “faster!” I would have collapsed after a couple of minutes, but she never let up and ended up with minor rope burns from her efforts, but also had a very happy PK friend.

Another 4th grader pushed his little friend around as she held onto a walker. When he needed a break to take off his jacket, she followed him from the ice as he walked up the ramp to the lobby and waved excitedly at him as he returned. He selflessly spent the entire time supporting his little friend who had never skated before.

Even when the lights were turned off and the disco lights were turned up, the children remained engaged with one another and 4th graders continued to helpfully steer their PK buddies around the ice. 

We talk about kindness around here regularly, and it is usually not hard to find, but to see these 4th graders independently helping younger students without being prompted was very impressive, and I was overwhelmingly proud of all these students for their caring support of each other. 

We will continue to educate students about the power of kindness and inclusion, but this week it was clear to me that many of the children already understand it very well.

Happy Holidays to everyone celebrating this week and this weekend!!

 

Todd Eveleth

Head of School

 

 

 

We are certain we can top last year’s success by counting on all of you to sell ducks and help promote rubber ducky adoptions with friends and family off-island. Our goal is to get 100% participation from our students. 

 

Join us at The Creeks on May 13th to see if your rubber ducky makes it across the finish line first! Thank you in advance for your support! If you have any questions, please contact Kate Olson at: kolson@nantucketnewschool.org or 508-228-8569 ext. 302.