Head of School's Blog
Community Agreements to Uphold our Collective Purpose
It was heartwarming to feel the positive energy radiating from our students and caregivers as we came together on Tuesday and Wednesday. As I arrived, I was greeted by the sight of a bustling community—the front of the school and benches filled with backpacks, bikes, and both familiar and new faces. I overheard stories of summer adventures and witnessed heartfelt exchanges—big hugs, high-fives, and a few tearful goodbyes as caregivers wished their children a wonderful day ahead.
As we reflect on our welcome-back rituals, which help set the tone for the year, I want to share the community agreements our staff started working on May 23 and continued developing during our opening meeting. Both sessions were led by Jennifer Quest-Stern, an FSS alum, consultant, and local therapist. Jennifer encouraged us to explore three powerful questions:
- Do I believe in the possibility of repair?
- Am I willing to change?
We reflected on these questions, inspired by Prentis Hemphill’s book What It Takes to Heal, and began shaping our community agreements. We continued refining them on August 26, the first day of our staff meetings. Through thoughtful discussion, we arrived at the following community agreements for the 2024-2025 school year:
Community Agreements to Uphold Our Collective Purpose
- Include and consider multiple perspectives
- Prioritize face-to-face communication when possible
- Make a plan and take action
- Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively
- Expect complexity
- Connect with curiosity instead of judgment
- Know your intentions and follow up on your impact
These agreements will guide how we engage, respond, and connect this year. As part of our ongoing practice, we will revisit and discuss how we uphold these agreements in our weekly staff meetings.
I invite our parent and caregiver community to reflect on how these guidelines might support your work in partnership with us. Which of these agreements resonate with you, and why? How might your responses to the three reflective questions above deepen your empathy and understanding (something we all need to feel a sense of dignity, respect, and connection, even when we have disagreements or different perspectives)?
We look forward to your participation and partnership as we collectively live out the values and principles that drive our mission.
I invite our parent and caregiver community to reflect on how these guidelines might support your work in partnership with us. Which of these agreements resonate with you, and why? How might your responses to the three reflective questions above deepen your empathy and understanding (something we all need to feel a sense of dignity, respect, and connection, even when we have disagreements or different perspectives)?
We look forward to your participation and partnership as we collectively live out the values and principles that drive our mission.
Fayerweather Street School | 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 | 617-876-4746
Fayerweather is a private PreK, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We engage each child’s intellect.