On Balance: Parenting and Education

In the second episode of the fourth season, Dawn talks to Kendra James about her recent book Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School. James shares a bit of her experience as the first Black American legacy student at a prestigious New England boarding school and how her time there shaped her work later in independent school admissions offices. They discuss respectability politics, the Black @ social media movement, the writing process as a powerful tool of reflection, and the imperative for independent schools to actively and intentionally build inclusive school-wide systems and cultures.  

In the first episode of our new season, Dawn talks with Maggie Doyne, cofounder of the BlinkNow Foundation and Kopila Valley Children’s Home and School in Surkhet, Nepal, about her new memoir Between the Mountain and the Sky. They discuss ideas about motherhood and creating family, the power of grief and hope, the strength and tremendous potential of community, and the ongoing work we are all engaged in to make the world better for children. 

In this episode, Dawn speaks with beloved and long time Blue School educator, Val Duval. Val runs all of Blue School’s K-8 physical arts programming, coaches our basketball, volleyball and soccer teams and many afterschool classes. Val shares stories of his work with children and how physical education can be an opportunity for creating connection and trust (and some very exciting family news!). 

Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

This week, Dawn continues her conversation with Laura Sedlock, Blue School’s Director of Pre-primary Programs, and Rachel Lowdermilk, Blue School Pre-primary Teacher. Together they demystify the idea of “materials” and “materials work” for young children, explain how provocation can engage children’s natural curiosity, and share ways that parents can support autonomy at home and as we transition closer to normal. 

Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In our Season 3 Premiere, Dawn Williams speaks with Laura Sedlock, Blue School's Director of Pre-primary Programs, and Rachel Lowdermilk, a Blue School Pre-primary Teacher. Laura and Rachel reflect on their experience consulting with Sesame Street over the past year and the story of how an inquiry in Rachel's 3s class inspired an upcoming episode. They share their deep belief in children, their capabilities for problem solving, and the power in their resilience and tenacity.  Laura and Rachel also explore the role documentation and reflection can play in pre-primary classrooms, and ways families can use it at home.

Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In our Season Two Finale, Noah’s sincerity, thoughtfulness and honesty provide a glimpse into the grounding leader he will be. Prioritizing connection, joy and a sense of belonging in this transition, Noah offers a sense of hope and relief for Blue School’s future during and beyond COVID times. Noah’s commitment to social justice and equity work focuses on creating spaces for learning and growth inside and out of the classroom, building a full community approach to this important work. Join us in welcoming Noah Reinhardt as Blue School’s next Head of School. This is only the beginning.

 In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks to Laura Camien, Blue School’s Director of Advancement. Laura is a creativity coach, Broadway producer, playwright, screenwriter, and cohost of The Spark File podcast. Laura and Dawn discuss creativity during this time, self-compassion, and finding your ‘spark.’

Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with middle grade author Jessie Janowitz about her book The Doughnut Fix. The Doughnut Fix tells the story of a twelve year old and his family who suddenly move from New York City to upstate New York and how finding your passion can empower children through tough times. Jessie shares her inspiration writing the book, how it might support families going through changes now, and the joy of families reading and sharing stories together.

Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In this episode Dawn Williams speaks with Blue School’s kindergarten innovators including, Tu Harris, Director of the Primary Division, Amalia Velazquez and Laurie Seligman, our lead kindergarten teachers. They discuss what makes a kindergartener’s experience magical. We learn how the balance of academics, identity and play blend together to form the foundations of this quintessential year in a child's life.

Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

PBS Kids for Parents describe V is for Voting as a,  "playful, though powerful book,” that “engages little readers in the tenants of democracy and activism through rhyming text and colorful works of art." In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with author, editor and Blue School parent Kate Farrell. They discuss Kate’s new picture book and how it can provoke conversations with children about history, democracy, and civic participation. Kate shares her writing experience and process, and offers ideas for how families with children of all ages can get involved. 

Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org