Virtual Student Community Gathering: Schedule Webinar

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days.” - Annie Dillard, Author

 

With so much to learn and experience at Lakefield, we want to make sure that our students have the best possible schedule—one that allows them to “catch days” and engage in deep learning and transformative experiences.

 

A full schedule review was recognized as a priority almost two years ago when the school leadership team was identifying the changes needed to support the learning goals of the school’s strategic plan. Throughout the schedule review process, we have been informed by five intertwined values and goals. We aspire to create a schedule that:

 

On Wednesday, we gathered as a community for our second Virtual Student Community Gathering of the summer. Incoming Co-Head Student Jack Freeman ’21 led a panel discussion on our new school schedule with Mr. Dean van Doleweerd, Ms. Jennifer Browne, Ms. Heather Avery and Mr. Joe McRae. Sample schedules and an overview of typical day-to-day school life demonstrated how the new schedule will support well-being, getting students outside and moving, but also allowing for time to think and reflect, sleep and rejuvenate. By reducing the number of classes per day from eight to three, while lengthening each period, students will spend more time with teachers pursuing subjects in greater depth. Significant breaks between classes will reduce transitions and slow the pace, making for a healthier learning environment. Students will be able to take advantage of a rich range of learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

 

“I’m super excited to meet all the new students and to be a grad this year. Probably the second thing I’m most excited for is just being outside at The Grove… although it might look a little different, I’m excited to get back.” - Jack Freeman ’21