Dear St. Elizabeth's Community,

On Wednesday, we gathered for our annual Back-to-School Night: a vibrant evening highlighting our academic program and the incredible strength of our community. 

We kicked off the night with a reception and a Back-to-School edition of “Never Have I Ever”, an interactive game that featured community, curriculum, and communication highlights for the 23–24 school year. In case you missed it, here’s an example: “Never have I ever used pizza, pies, or egg cartons to learn math.” If you have, raise your hand. As part of our new Bridges math curriculum in K–5, students will be developing their conceptual understanding of fractions using objects they can hold and manipulate. 

As Rebecca Green, SESPA co-president pointed out, if we all give a little bit of time to the collective pie, we can create a whole lot of time for our beloved school. Similarly, Kelly Church, our Director of Philanthropy, invited each of us to share stories, serve as connectors, or give at whatever level we can. I was struck by the palpable energy in the room: excited staculty, engaged parents, and a strong sense of cooperation, all reaffirming our commitment to building connections that transcend our campus boundaries.

Our teachers were the stars of the night! They shared their passion for teaching and learning, offering insights into our dynamic curriculum and upcoming classroom events and field trips. Their expertise in making learning relevant, engaging, and meaningful showcased our commitment to fostering inquisitive minds and encouraging a thirst for knowledge among our students.

Our specials teachers shared their curricula and connection to students as well.  Art, music, theatre, physical education, Spanish, and social justice classes highlight the courage it takes to explore new horizons and embrace diverse perspectives, deepening everyone’s educational experiences and inspiring all of us to take risks in our personal and academic pursuits.

As we settle into this academic year, let’s carry the spirit of Back-to-School Night with us. Let compassion, curiosity, courage, and connection guide our actions, creating an environment where every member of our community thrives. 

Thank you for being part of our extraordinary St. Elizabeth's community. Together, we will continue to inspire and shape the future for our remarkable students.

Best foot forward,