The Road to Character

Dear parents, 

 

Thanks to our amazing Green and White and Home and School volunteers, we have just enjoyed a well-attended Casino Night and Camp Fair, respectively. Thank you to all who worked so hard and to those who attended. Tower Hill’s community is made stronger by your participation as parents, and we truly appreciate your support, as it all benefits our students, teachers and program. 

 

As I wandered through the Camp Fair, I wanted to be young again so that I could sign up for the many of the amazing opportunities! Whether your child attends camp this summer or not, whether our children work, play, read or rest this summer (it is nice to think about summer weather right now), as parents we want them to develop character. Trying something new and stretching beyond one’s comfort zone are but a few of the ways we can build character. 

 

In his New York Times Bestseller book, The Road To Character, David Brooks talks about “certain people who seem to possess an inner cohesion... who are not blown off course by storms. Their minds are consistent and their hearts are dependable.” At Tower Hill, there is not a day that goes by without conversation among teachers, coaches and colleagues that is focused on how we teach our students character. In a world where social media seems focus on those without great strength of character, the role of educators, parents and school communities becomes even more critical. 

 

To this end, we must continue to ensure that our children and students have opportunities to take risks, to stretch beyond their comfort zones and to experience setbacks. It is sometimes hard to allow our children the appropriate level of independence at certain ages and stages. Whether it is allowing them to cross the street alone for the first time or going off to summer camp knowing that they might get a little homesick, character comes from these experiences that require courage. At Tower Hill we are having terrific discussions about the intersection of courage and character. In order to be courageous, our children need to know that they have the support and love of adults and strong role models in their lives. I am proud of the way Tower Hill teachers include character building in all that they do both in and out of classes each day. We are always stretching ourselves as educators to consider better ways and to grow along with our students. 

 

We have great respect and appreciation for your children’s minds and hearts. We are in the business of helping your children develop “consistent minds and dependable hearts,” and this work is truly a privilege.

 

We wish our squash team good luck at nationals in Philly this weekend as well as our indoor track team competing at the DIAA state meet. Best of luck to all our competing student-athletes, who have surely been developing character throughout this season. And... Go Eagles! 

 
Bessie

Elizabeth C. Speers
Tower Hill School