This week, as we near the figurative midpoint of the year, it seems appropriate to present the results of the priorities set by those parents in attendance at the "This We Believe" meeting last October. We have tried to bundle together specific statements which share a common theme, and have grouped all the statements into six more general topics.

Self-Esteem (18)
Challenge and support her belief in her own abilities; For her to be sure of herself and able to believe she is special; Continue to trust her uniqueness (13) Give her what she needs and encourage her to see her power; Knowledge of her own empowerment (3) To not be fearful (2)

Academics and Academic Skills (14)
Academic level that is challenging and interesting (6) To develop her writing abilities -> putting what's in her mind on the page; Teach her to review, edit and revise her writing (5) Stimulate both a creative and analytical approach (3)

Social Skills (7)
For the girls to work together and accept each other (4) Social/global awareness (1) Encourage her sense of community and value in "social justice" work (1) Enjoy the life-long learning experience and enjoy life (1)

Passion for Learning (6)
Remain passionate and excited about learning; Engage and prompt her love of learning; Continued enthusiasm about acquiring knowledge and process of learning (6)

Preparation for the Future (3)
Prepare for more rigorous academics (2) Be prepared to handle 9th grade anywhere - communication, organization, logic (1)

Multiple Categories (1)
To challenge her intellectually, imaginatively and soulfully (1)

One is struck, in looking through these opinions, with how thoroughly they are interrelated. With girls in particular, self-esteem and a sense of community are equally important to their academic success as a program which is challenging intellectually, imaginatively and soulfully; when these factors are combined, girls thrive and develop their inborn passion for learning and in so doing prepare for the future. Similarly, the different aspects and programs of our middle school must work together and build on each other in a holistic fashion. The middle school model developed by the National Middle School Association and adopted by Stoneleigh-Burnham is uniquely suited to this holistic approach to working with young adolescents. We thank you parents for sharing this vision for your daughters, and for your own energy, enthusiasm, and faith in the school, and we look forward to continuing to work together in partnership for the benefit of these wonderful girls.