Reflections from our Executive Director Katrina Hill
Our theme this year was Building Foundations. And of course, we looked towards the rising building on our campus, knowing that when it is ready, it will be a foundational learning space for all of our students. In our classes, we learned that the most important foundations are built slowly, brick by brick, in our lessons and projects, on the playground, and within our relationships. We worked on strengthening foundational skills across every subject area, whether it was in math or literacy, science or social studies, music, art, or drama.
In Spanish, students practiced vocabulary by building a classroom city, creating something connected and meaningful. They explored symmetry and color theory in art, laying the groundwork for creative expression. They developed skills in reading music as they learned to play the recorder. Students watched caterpillars become monarchs, studied history through art, raised and released trout, and researched animal habitats. They learned how to be a classmate, how to be a friend, how to share, and how to speak up for themselves.
In my first year as executive director, I had a goal of reaffirming our commitment to the foundations on which Community School began. We leaned into progressive education and worked to ensure that we continue offering an experiential, hands-on learning environment that is responsive to our students. Just as important as the foundations in math and literacy are the foundations of independence, creativity, and curiosity. This year, we focused on deepening the roots of who we are as a school, while looking toward the future we are building together.
And in the middle of all this hard work, it’s important to note that we also had a lot of fun. We visited farms, read books together, sang Taylor Swift songs in Centennial Park, built forts on the playground, splashed in the rain, celebrated Cake Friday, marveled at the Talent Show, rode rollercoasters, and picked pumpkins. We danced, sang, and laughed. Through these joyful moments, students also build the foundations of community, connection, and belonging.
Thanks to all of you for being a part of our school community and for helping us build something strong, lasting, and full of possibility. If you would like to read more reflections on the 24-25 school year click here.
