School's Out -- Again

I'm always surprised by how quickly the last month of school goes by.

Suddenly, there's CRLS graduation, which, BTW, was fabulous this year. It was an especially special and rowdy event, held in the Harvard Yard (due to renovation of the War Memorial/Field House) complete with the ringing of the bells from Memorial Church at the end.

Also, in what I think is a another first, the student government recognized some special teachers with a gift during the ceremony. I hope this is the beginning of a new graduation tradition.

After the high school graduation comes the eleven 8th grade graduations, all very different in their own ways. One School Committee member is chosen by lottery to speak at each one. This year, I drew the Baldwin. Here's my (very short) speech below.

I wish everybody a safe and and restful summer with their families and friends!!

On behalf of the entire Cambridge School Committee, I am here to say congratulations to you and your families and to the staff of the Baldwin School.

You’ve worked very hard for nine years and now you are here on the verge of entering high school.

As you prepare for next year, I want to leave you with a piece of advice; advice that I have heard for many years from many parents and high schoolers so I think it’s pretty good advice.

Right now you are at the top of the heap, so to speak. Next year, in high school, you will be the newbies, and you might feel adrift or disoriented. This is completely natural.

So it’s important that you get involved with something that makes you feel connected to a new community and to new friends.

Over the summer, think about those things that you really like to do, or want to do. This may change over time, but it’s important to pick something.

This morning I looked at the CRLS website and at the awesome list of all the activities and clubs there. It made me want to go back to high school. There are over 30 clubs including an Alpine Ski Club, a Badminton Club, a Creative Writing Club, and a Culinary Club. There's the Environmental Action Group, a Future Teachers Club, a Math Club, and a Mock Trial Club. There's a Science Team, and Student Government, and something new called the Young Women's Action Alliance.

There are also 32 sports including all the ones you would expect, but also more... like wrestling, gymnastics, sailing and golf.

There is dance, and drama, and ceramics and a host of other electives, featuring activities after school and with opportunities to perform or exhibit your work.

So enjoy your summer. Be safe, get rested and get ready to go out and find your niche this September.

Congratulations!