Mission Hill Chapter Two: Singing the Same Song
by Dana Bennis in Blog
This is a guest post by Laura Thomas, Director of the Antioch Center for School Reform. Laura is currently involved in research around the experiences of students and educators in rural environments, particularly in the areas of social justice. Additionally, she is continuing her work in the study of school change (particularly resistance to change) as well as student advocacy and engagement in the change process.
“This little light of mine/ I’m gonna let it shine…”
As Chapter 2 of A Year at Mission Hill School ended with kids singing these words, I was struck by the similarities between this moment and one I’ve observed often at Symonds School in Keene, New Hampshire. The simple act of sharing a song may seem insignificant in the big picture of schools and student achievement, but in this case it represents a common culture built on community and relationships that is the foundation of both schools.
A neighborhood school founded in 1881, Symonds is a k-5 public school of fewer than 400 students. The Symonds community shares Mission Hill’s commitment to “forming relationships, building trust, and discovering what makes each person unique,” but
As Chapter 2 of A Year at Mission Hill School ended with kids singing these words, I was struck by the similarities between this moment and one I’ve observed often at Symonds School in Keene, New Hampshire. The simple act of sharing a song may seem insignificant in the big picture of schools and student achievement, but in this case it represents a common culture built on community and relationships that is the foundation of both schools.
A neighborhood school founded in 1881, Symonds is a k-5 public school of fewer than 400 students. The Symonds community shares Mission Hill’s commitment to “forming relationships, building trust, and discovering what makes each person unique,” but