A Message from the Head of Lower School

There is something about watching small children release butterflies into the wild that is mesmerizing and magical at the same time. The looks of wonder, the laughter and the squeals of delight as the butterfly fully tests its wings and takes flight: this is a metaphor of childhood in all its glory.

As part of the interdisciplinary curriculum, the students in Mixed Age Group classes diligently nurtured the butterflies from egg to mature monarchs. During the course of their inquiry, they recorded observations, read and wrote literature, and made connections to other life cycles. The MAG classes as a community had raised the butterflies, demonstrating respect for nature, the environment, and one another. This sort of hands-on experience and firsthand observation is so valuable to a child’s education. It also links directly to Foote’s focus on the attributes set forth in Falco’s Pride: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Excellence.

Our school is living, breathing, and evolving, just like MAG’s butterflies. The children witnessing and participating in this learning cycle are evolving and growing too. As they move through the years, we see that each phase of the academic calendar offers a learning opportunity, a moment for reflection. This is true of the work our faculty does as well. Teachers change and grow each year, always building on a comprehensive curriculum that provides tangible proof of our school mission, Gladly Will I Learn and Gladly Teach.

Learning in the Lower School at Foote is a truly unique experience, and one that remains with our students throughout their lives. Teachers at Foote foster individual talents and passions and help our students come to understand their roles as members of this caring community. I am privileged and honored to contribute to a community that unites children and adults with such joy and purpose.

Sincerely,

Beth Mello
Head of Lower School