Dear Rumsey Hall Community,
There are weeks when the world speaks softly, inviting us to listen carefully, for everyday life holds its own kind of wonder. Mary Oliver offers us simple instructions for times like these: “pay attention, be astonished, tell about it.” This week Rumsey Hall offered many moments that rewarded our attention; experiences that remind us how much wonder lives in the everyday life of our School. When we pause long enough to notice, astonishment finds us in the most beautiful ways.
In Grade 9 World History, students completed their months-long project of raising silkworms, harvesting the silk, and spinning their own threads. In Latin and History, students brought Roman engineering to life as they mixed concrete and poured it into a hand-built mold for a traditional arch. And in the Lower School, fifth graders stepped into character for a lively role-play, with student “reporters” interviewing the Framers fresh from the Philadelphia Convention. These hands-on, joyful learning experiences invite us to pay attention and be astonished by the creativity of our students and faculty, the beauty of our campus, and the spirit of discovery that defines Rumsey Hall.
It is often the smallest moments that reveal the heart of a place, reminding us that learning is not simply an academic pursuit, but a deeply human one: a shared laugh in the dining hall, a student checking in on a younger friend, teammates cheering one another on, a teacher staying after class to answer a question, or an alumnus eager to reconnect with the people who helped shape their early story. When we truly look, we see that these everyday interactions weave together the culture of connection, knowing, and possibility that make Rumsey such a special place. They are the moments worth noticing and telling about.
I am grateful for everyone who brings this community to life: students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, trustees, neighbors, friends, and those considering joining us. Your energy, care, and dedication make Rumsey Hall a place where students grow, form meaningful relationships, and explore new opportunities. Sharing these stories reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of this community.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, may we each find a moment to pause, to look closely at the lives unfolding around us, and to be astonished by the goodness that fills this community. And may we tell these stories to one another. Thank you for the generosity, thoughtfulness, and spirit you bring to Rumsey Hall every day.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Brooke Giese P’23, ’27
Head of School
