Moments of: The Blog
The View From Here: Community
The end of the calendar year always inspires reflection and a look back at all that has unfolded throughout the year. And, clearly, 2020 will always be imprinted in our minds! As I approach the end of my first semester at SA, I find myself thinking about being a new member of this amazing community in a time when it has been difficult—at times, almost impossible—for us to experience the deep connections and positive energy that makes SA so special. This strong sense of community was one of the many things that drew me to SA, and while it has been difficult for all of us to connect while sheltering in place, evidence of our caring, thoughtful, and inclusive school culture is all around us, especially at this time of year.
This week, SAPA coordinated a massive effort to deliver joy (in the form of delicious treats, gift cards, soaps, journals, and even bacon!) to every member of our staffulty, and to every single student at our school. Parent volunteers brought holiday gift bags to over 400 hundred community members throughout the North Bay, from Mill Valley to the far reaches of Napa County. What a massive and amazing undertaking! These gifts made our staffulty feel so appreciated at this most hectic time of year, and they reminded our students how much we value them as the beating heart of our community. Huge thanks to those who donated such wonderful gifts, assembled bags, and/or delivered this holiday cheer to so many doorsteps.
I have also heard a lot about the generosity and kindness showing up in our (virtual) classrooms as well. Many of our teachers report that our students worked together to surprise them: they would start class with their videos off, and then slowly turn their cameras on one by one to reveal handwritten notes of thanks and encouragement. (Take a look at this slideshow created by Pam's 4th year Mandarin students for an even more elaborate thank you surprise.) At the close of one of the most challenging semesters ever, these touching expressions of gratitude were such wonderful surprises for our teachers.
I felt the strength of our community spirit in our virtual holiday assembly. The musical performances and festive decorations and backgrounds evoked a perfect seasonal cheer, with a dash of the goofy good humor that has been part of our school’s holiday traditions for years. As I mentioned to our students, next year’s holiday assembly will be an epic celebration for our community and our new holiday tradition will be unveiled!
As we prepare for the final days of 2020, many of us are anticipating what next year will bring and that new beginnings will offer hope for a better year ahead. As we plan for more in-person activities and campus connections after our return from winter break, we are grateful for all the positive news about vaccines and the signs that we can see some light at the end of this never ending tunnel. The creativity, gratitude, and heart I have witnessed in our community over the past six months inspires me every day, and we are so thankful to call SA our home. I hope you all have a restful and peaceful holiday break—I look forward to seeing you all in 2021!
Sonoma Academy Is...
...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
