Reconnection & Discovery

By Aléwa Cooper
Head of School

The longer days of the summer months grant me the chance to sit outside, step back, unwind, and explore new ideas and experiences. For me, this summer has been one of reconnection and discovery in unforeseen ways.

Reconnection

The summer months have been a time of profound restoration, allowing me to reconnect with both myself and those around me. Shortly after the school year concluded, I attended a workshop titled "Harnessing AI for Educators." The tools I was introduced to were enlightening, yet what resonated with me most were the conversations I had with current high school students about their technology use. While I initially attended the conference to explore how AI can be beneficial in educational settings, these discussions with students led me to reflect deeply on our expectations for students’ technology use both in and out of school and to question my own relationship with technology.

I came to a sobering realization that technology and media had a significant grip on my daily life. This summer, I made a conscious decision to step back from social media, the relentless news cycle, and the need to have my cell phone constantly within reach. Though these changes were challenging at first, the impact on my well-being was almost immediate. I noticed a reduction in anxiety, improved sleep, sharper focus, and a greater capacity to care for myself through regular exercise and rest. Most importantly, I found renewed energy to be fully present for those I love, offering them my undivided attention.

While my husband and I embraced this new approach, my 13-year-old stepson Malcolm had mixed feelings. He appreciated the focused attention we gave him as he shared his stories, but he was less enthusiastic about the reduced screen time and the temporary loss of his cell phone. As you might imagine, this transition wasn’t (and still isn’t) as seamless for him as we had hoped. However, I find immense joy in seeing him use his designated screen time to write code rather than watch YouTube videos of someone else playing Minecraft. It is heartening to know that he now understands the pleasure of a walk without the constant pull of a device.

Reflecting on these changes within my own family, I can’t help but think about the Foote community and the similar challenges we all face. As a school, we must embody our values by demonstrating through our actions that we prioritize meaningful connections, self-awareness, and the mindful use of technology. By doing so, we can guide our students toward a balanced life, and help them understand that true fulfillment is found in engaging deeply with the world and the people around them, rather than being distracted by the digital noise that so often consumes us.

Discovery

This summer, with a more intentional approach to my time, I finally indulged in the explorations I had long desired. I allowed my mind to wonder and wander, delving into a range of topics, places, and media. I became deeply absorbed in Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, and from there, I found myself drawn to other books and articles referenced within it, each leading me further along an enriching path of discovery. I look forward to discussing this book in greater depth during a parent coffee this fall, for those who are interested.

While I wasn’t able to attend the Olympics in Paris, my family and I immersed ourselves in the games from home. We eagerly followed the highly anticipated events while also discovering lesser-known competitions like trampoline, steeplechase, and breaking. Our curiosity led us to explore the origins of these sports, how they are practiced outside the Olympics, and when they were introduced to the Games. We were continually impressed by how athletes from around the globe come together to compete, often amid intense rivalry, yet with a spirit of peaceful sportsmanship. The games were filled with moments of joy and camaraderie that truly captured their essence.

However, the topic that sparked the most discussion in our household was the space that the Games provide for nations currently at war or with opposing geopolitical stances to transcend conflict and foster a spirit of unity and shared humanity even in the most challenging times.

As we approach what promises to be a highly contentious Presidential election, the influence of technology and the media has never been more significant. The rapid spread of information, misinformation, and disinformation — can leave us questioning what the truth actually is, making it all the more challenging to navigate these times with clarity and confidence. As we engage with the barrage of messages and narratives, critical thinking will become not just a valuable skill, but a vital one. Yet, how we treat one another during these times of uncertainty is equally important.

In moments of crisis and conflict, staying grounded in our core values and nurturing our relationships with each other will be our north star — helping us to navigate the wilderness of divisiveness and confusion. As a school community, this is our opportunity to demonstrate that, even in the face of differing opinions and heightened emotions, we can remain united by a commitment to truth, mutual respect, and empathy. Our strength will come from our ability to engage thoughtfully, to listen carefully, and to uphold the values that define who we are, even when the world around us seems uncertain.

As we move forward into the school year, let us embrace the lessons of reconnection and discovery that the summer months have offered. In the face of global events and a contentious Presidential election, it is more important than ever to engage with intention and integrity. Our strength as a community lies in our ability to rise above division, foster meaningful connections, and model for our children and each other the values we hold dear. By prioritizing respect, collaboration, and inclusivity, we can guide our students — and ourselves — through these challenging times, ensuring that our actions reflect the shared commitment to unity and understanding that defines us at Foote.