Middle School Classroom Chronicle
THE FIRST THREE DAYS
Deborah Lira, Director of Equity and Belonging
Belonging at St. Paul’s doesn't happen by accident—it begins the moment our students step onto campus for the first three days of school.
Focusing on the "Why" First
Families sometimes wonder: No heavy academics in the first three days? What are we doing instead? The answer is simple: we are brewing our "secret sauce." Before diving into traditional coursework, we focus on establishing routines with deep purpose. Why do we walk in pairs between buildings? Why is repairing relationships so vital? Why do we set personal intentions on day one? When students understand the why, they become active partners in the how and genuinely invested in the what.
Setting Intentions to Take Off
Our message to students during these opening days is clear: come as yourself, learn the needs of others in the space, bend for one another, and collaborate with purpose. We lay this foundation so our community can set intentions and truly take off. Throughout the school year, there will inevitably be moments that require us to pause, revisit our initial commitments, and do a quick reset. Having the trust and safety to successfully recalibrate mid-year is only possible because of the intentional groundwork laid in these first three days.
A Lifelong Circle of Belonging
The relationships sparked during these first days stretch far into the future. On Friday, Sophie Garfunkle, Class of 2018, stopped by to visit her former teachers. She walked the halls and reconnected with teachers who greeted her with warm hugs and familiar smiles. Having recently graduated from college and soon starting her master’s program, Sophie shared how St. Paul’s helped her to be her authentic self in the world and gave her the tools to navigate spaces with folks from different walks of life. Seeing our former students return—whether to visit, volunteer, present to classes, teach, or eventually send their own children here—is a beautiful reminder that St. Paul’s provides a lifelong community. From celebrating major accomplishments to wrapping our arms around families during life's unexpected hardships, this supportive circle is established on the first three days.
Our students are true change-makers, leaving a positive St. Paul’s impression wherever they go. Thank you for partnering with us as we lay the groundwork for an extraordinary, connected school year!
