The Park Parent April-May 2013 - The Park School

Park ReflectionsBY MIRA LEVITT, Acting Psychologist and Former Parents' Association PresidentWhen you live in a place with someone day in and dayout, it can sometimes be hard to recognize the changesthat take place. It is not until you take out the photoalbum (does anyone have these anymore?) or look at the heightmarks on the wall that the transformations which have gone undetectedor unappreciated become obvious and undeniable. Returningto Park after seven years to fill in as psychologist for OliviaMoorehead-Slaughter while she was on sabbatical, I was struck byboth similarities and differences in the school since my departure,and gained some new perspectives as a member of the faculty.The most obvious change is the physical expansion, a hugeundertaking that was merely an idea when I left the school. Theefficient and effective execution of this plan resulted in the NorthWing, so seamlessly integrated with the rest of the building, andenlargement of existing classrooms. The second notable change isthe extent to which Park’s longstanding commitment to diversityhas been further reified throughout the faculty and student body.The changes in the population have not been undertaken simplysymbolically, but with meaningful integration of and appreciationfor the value of different life perspectives. Finally, I was struckby the degree to which technology is now utilized by faculty andstudents alike. It has been implemented not as superficial windowdressing, but to keep instruction at the cutting edge, and withsensitivity to the associated dangers and pitfalls.Notwithstanding these (and many other) changes, I wasdelighted to see that the basic fundamentals of Park have notchanged, including the sense of excitement and potential for theday ahead that pervades the arrival of students in the morning.Similarly, there is no change to Park’s unwavering dedication, evenin the midst of an impending transfer of leadership, to pursuingnew educational strategies, new knowledge about how childrenlearn, and new partnerships, as opposed to being satisfied withpast achievements. In other words, Park’s insistence on change forthe better has itself not changed.Having been a parent at Park and President of the Parents’Association, I had many opportunities to interface with Parkfaculty and staff, and my new vantage point only augmentedthe admiration I always had for these professionals. I now knowfirst-hand of the respect and support (emotional, technological,etc.) that is given to faculty in order to facilitate their ability to dotheir jobs. I observed the care and thought that is put proactivelyinto supporting children, parents, and faculty in times of crisis,such as the Sandy Hook tragedy. I was made constantly aware ofthe preparation time, sensitivity, and genuine care that goes intoensuring that every child’s experience at Park is maximized, andinto the quality of communicationwith parents aspartners in this process. Inthis regard, I was also in aposition to appreciate thestruggles and sincere effortsof parents who want somuch for their children tobe happy and to succeed. Inaddition, as one who wasnow on the receiving-end, Imore fully understand thevalue of the efforts that theParents’ Association makeson behalf of our faculty andstaff. For example, thoughit may not sound as critical as faculty grants or committees such asCommunity Service, having an attractive room in which to takea break and to partake of edible goodies (all courtesy of the P.A.)offers a much needed boost of energy that can make all the differencein the frame of mind with which one returns to work.Finally, I had a new window into the nature of the studentsat Park whom I had previously known only as the peers of my ownchildren. With Olivia’s help, I was able to continue her traditionof handing out mints to Upper Division students on their break(She left me well stocked). These poised young people came intomy office with bright, shining faces, brimming with appreciativepleases, thank yous and engaging conversation. Yes, there wasthe occasional “negotiator” (you know who you are) who triedto wheedle out extras, but it was done in good humor and (whoknows?) may even prove to be a useful skill someday. Whether itwas upper division students typing away on laptops as they sat onthe floor of the hallways, Middle Division students coloring collaborativelyin the hallway to create a wall map, or Lower Divisionstudents creating a veterinary clinic (including a sign-in registrationdesk—so cute!), the level of engagement that students bringto their work is striking and poignant.I have probably not told you anything you did not alreadyknow, but I hope that as a returning member of the community,I have given you a booster shot of appreciation for how wonderfulit is to be at Park School, and how lucky your children are tobe growing up in this environment. My time at Park flew by, andI confess that it was very difficult for me to leave, yet again, inMarch. Thanks to you all, as well, for having welcomed me sograciously.APRIL-MAY 2013 // PAGE 7