By O.J. Morgan

“The Bright School builds a foundation upon which students become wise and compassionate citizens of the world.”

   At a time when our world seems uncertain, when our personal and communal health seems fragile, and when we look to each other—at a distance—for the common bonds of human connectedness, good schools like ours look to their mission as a reminder of their purpose. Knowing with stark clarity the importance of the school’s love for children and our work to educate them, we are able to weather any storm and overcome any challenge that comes our way. The world depends on us to do so.

   Bright School’s mission places the endowment of wisdom and compassion as our highest goal. Our wisdom and compassion figure strongly into how we, as members of the Bright School community, approach the many challenges at hand. How will we, as parents and educators, shepherd our young children in such a way that their growing wisdom begins to value the sacred beauty in others, especially those who may be different than themselves? Or of a different color? How can we enable their wisdom to encompass truly what is meant by our country’s creed, the self-evident truth that “all men are created equal.” If we are truly building a foundation upon which their minds and hearts move confidently towards our lofty goals of wisdom and compassion, then we must continue genuinely to make it so.

   This year, we are implementing a new social-emotional learning curriculum created for elementary school children called Sanford Harmony. Our Mission Skills Committee, chaired by school counselor Rachel Blanton, has chosen this program after much careful research to guide us in teaching those social-emotional competencies so important in one’s development into full adulthood. Areas of focus like diversity and inclusion, critical thinking, peer relationships, empathy, and effective communication skills will be integrated weekly in age-appropriated activities in the classrooms.

   As a school, we won’t shy away from our students’ tough questions, but we’ll do so in a loving and constructive manner. Our goal is to create a community that reflects what we know is just, merciful, kind, and respectful of all human beings and the beautiful world in which we find our home.