Dear Community,
Inspired by the steady rise of our new building, the theme for this school year is Building Foundations. In my new role as Executive Director, I’ve had the privilege of visiting classrooms and seeing how classes are weaving this theme into the curriculum. Building Foundations serves not only as an inspiration for teachers and students, but as a reminder to me of why I do this work. I first came to Community School to build my own foundation in progressive education. I was fortunate to do so in an environment that nurtures the whole child, prioritizes making community connections, and recognizes children and their families as a valued part of the learning process. Twenty-three years later, I am now in a position to help teachers and students build strong foundations of their own.
Several years ago, at my grandmother’s request, I attended a Patriot’s Grave Marking to honor my ancestor, Robert Craig, who is buried at the Walton-Craig Burial Ground in Salem. To my surprise, the historian mentioned that the nearby Green Hill House, once my family’s ancestral home, is also the site of Community School’s original campus. I realized that Community School’s roots are intertwined with my own.
Community School has always felt like home to me, and it is our goal to make our campus an extension of home for students. We aim to help students build a strong foundation for life by focusing on hands-on learning, honoring student choice and voice, nurturing curiosity, and building relationships rooted in mutual respect. Just as a home provides stability and support, we strive to create a campus where students feel grounded and prepared to grow.
When you donate to Community School, you help us reach these goals, ensuring that our campus remains a place where students feel supported and inspired, both academically and emotionally. This year, with your help, we plan to offer more experiential learning opportunities for our students, increase access to professional development and support for staff, and expand our community connections within our school and the broader community.
Please take the time to visit our website CommunitySchool.net/GIVE or click here to quickly donate.
With Gratitude,
Katrina Hill
Executive Director
