Head of School Letter

Annual Report 2019-2020

Dear Walden Community, 

This past school year was like no other in Walden’s fifty-year history, filled with unusual challenges, achievement, community, and joy. Not only were we at the epicenter of a global pandemic, but we also experienced the devastating impact of longstanding racial injustices in our country. At Walden, our approach to addressing struggles, conflicts, and big feelings is often a combination of inquiry to develop a full understanding, empathy to gain perspective, and collaboration to imagine a way through that honors everyone’s experience. 

This foundation set the stage for dealing with a global pandemic in ways that I could never have imagined. Combine this with a talented faculty, staff, and administration who tirelessly labored to virtually center childhood and provide stability in such a time of uncertainty. 

We teach our children that you learn who you are in challenging times, and I believe this is true for communities. I am incredibly grateful to our faculty and staff, whose passion and resolve never hesitated. Our families also deserve considerable recognition because they became our home-schooling partners and continued to support us every step of the way. As this report highlights, Walden is also very fortunate to have our Trustees, alumni, grandparents, and many friends who helped us continue our work through their generosity.  

As we celebrate our 50th year, Walden remains true to its founding values. Despite the challenges we have in front of us, our shared belief in and support of childhood and a progressive elementary education will carry us through. When I look at all that Walden has accomplished this year, the future looks brighter than ever.  

With deep appreciation, 


 

 

Terra Toscano
Head of School