Solebury Speaks

I write to you with mixed emotions as I process the outcome of the trial of Derek Chauvin: relief mixed with sadness and anger, renewed commitment tinged with hope.

The growing violence and increase in hate incidents against Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities over the past year is a terrible reality that we must acknowledge and work against.

It is natural during Covid to feel a sense of loss because we weren’t able to engage in the typical shenanigans and allegedly ironic enthusiasm surrounding boarding traditions that make Solebury such a fun place to be. However, with spring around the corner and the virus on the decline, these traditions will be back! 

Human history is mostly evolutionary in its nature, punctuated by moments of life-altering revolutions. Upheaval and unrest are the engine of radical change—both positive and negative—for humans and the societies they create. Solebury students are now witnesses to such upheaval and unrest. A global pandemic has altered everything about how we work, learn, travel, vacation, eat, gather, recreate, interact, and on and on. Layered over this global threat, centuries of systemic racism that was built into the very fabric of our nation at its birth is being challenged in ways no American has ever seen.

Human history is mostly evolutionary in its nature, punctuated by moments of life-altering revolutions. Upheaval and unrest are the engine of radical change—both positive and negative—for humans and the societies they create. Solebury students are now witnesses to such upheaval and unrest. A global pandemic has altered everything about how we work, learn, travel, vacation, eat, gather, recreate, interact, and on and on. Layered over this global threat, centuries of systemic racism that was built into the very fabric of our nation at its birth is being challenged in ways no American has ever seen.

My faith in Solebury’s profound commitment to being “what school should be” and its pledge of respect for all individuals has not wavered. There still are and always will be more issues to tackle, and I am confident we can work through them together to continue to ensure our community connections stay strong and we deliver a world-class education to our students. Together we can construct a new and “better” normal.

My God, has nothing changed?

I am a child of the 1960s. I vividly remember watching the riots in Detroit and so many other cities in 1967 and ‘68. I was young then and didn’t fully comprehend what I was watching, but every night I watched as city after city self-immolated, poor neighborhoods and black neighborhoods disintegrated. I listened as Bobby Kennedy tried to find some words of wisdom to share at the death of Martin Luther King Jr. I was devastated. And then I was devastated the morning I awoke to read of Bobby Kennedy’s assassination. And now this, another black man murdered by someone sworn to protect us...all of us, not just those who happen to be white. 

This April marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and we can see the need for sustainability more than ever. So what are we at Solebury School currently doing to make our community more sustainable?

Yesterday afternoon we had Assembly. This time-honored tradition of bringing everyone together—faculty, students, staff, even facilities and dining hall as schedules allow—goes back to the founding of our school 95 years ago. It has been called different things over the years, but it has always had the same goal: bring together the community to share information, celebrate accomplishments, have a laugh, and see each other’s faces. 

Perspective 

I was listening to NPR this morning and found myself thinking about just how lucky I am; how lucky we, the Solebury community, are at this moment. 

An odd thought at first blush, I agree. But there were two stories that drove home this feeling and reminded me that perspective is a valued traveling companion. 

Today began for me like most trimesters: outside, greeting my students, with a few high fives. My typical query at the circle is, “how are you?” And the typical answer came my way, even this morning, “Tired.” (You have to be impressed with the amazing consistency of many of our teenagers: always tired.)

Of course, there is nothing typical about the start of this spring trimester, 2020. 

In January, Solebury School students were invited to RobustWealth for a maker session with Raspberry Pi, Scratch, and interactive components.

It is time to rethink what we mean by “college prep.” Director of Admission, Scott Eckstein discusses what is needed to prepare our students for college. 

On Sunday, November 3, Solebury School made the exciting announcement that it has acquired 50 acres of adjacent land directly east of the school.

Innovation, Design, Engineering, and Art. These critical elements of a 21st-century education have found a home in Solebury School’s newest offering - the IDEA Lab.

"The first day of school is A LOT, and the first day at a new school is A WHOLE LOT. Today, they gave me a microphone, so here are the three things I want you to do while you’re here for high school."​​​​​​​

"Spring at a school is an interesting time. Memories and dreams mingling together, competing for attention as we embrace our history, all the while pondering the future of those about to embark on a new journey that will take them away from us."

On Friday, May 17, we resurrected an age-old Solebury School tradition of an all-school Service Day — a truly wonderful and productive day that celebrated Solebury's big giving heart.

"When you learn how to make art, particularly when you learn how to work from observation, you start to see things more clearly..."

Can you trace a path over all seven bridges shown here, without crossing any of them more than once? The solution to this problem led to a new field of mathematics. The riddle also happens to illustrate what it is that mathematicians do...

Last summer, Julianna traveled halfway around the world with people she had just met...and had one of the best months of her life. In celebration of Global Education Week, here are just a few of the things she learned in Cambodia.

"Most kids aren’t disorganized on purpose — organization is actually a skill many students need to be explicitly taught." Here are a few ways to help them.

"Community service cultivates our interests, gives us a chance to reflect on and appreciate what we have, and advances humanity. And it can be fun."

Our Solebury School family has it own traditions for celebrating the season...

'Tis the season for giving — and for appreciating the power of philanthropy.

As a school that values diversity, one of our best field trips of the year is to a conference that celebrates diversity in an impactful, unforgettable way.

Head of School Tom Wilschutz reflects on the shooting in Pittsburgh and our students' 5K for Gun Safety the following day.

Every year, Solebury School offers new electives to keep our academic program fresh and innovative. Here, Director of Studies Rick Tony highlights two of our popular new courses.

Jen shares her tips, based on her own experiences as a young person traveling abroad.

Travel tips for our international families.

Solebury School’s faculty and staff share pearls of wisdom for our graduating seniors.

At this eagerly anticipated event, boarding students can win experiences like a murder mystery party (shown here), a gigantic basket of snacks, dinner out, and more. Bill Christy, our Dean of Residence Life, explains...

Is our school counselor approachable and does she have a terrific sense of humor? Yes! These shenanigans are proof...

Creativity is a skill most 21st century employers seek in their candidates. So why isn't art prioritized in all schools? Senior Lakumi Dias explores this issue.