Schools are intensely human enterprises. To be sure, academics are at the core and are important. But imagine some of the countless human interactions that take place daily on all levels at Colorado Academy: the bus driver opening his or her door and welcoming a child; a student seeing one's friends in the hallway; a teacher engaging a student in a Socratic discussion of the previous night's reading; an advisory hanging out, sharing snacks and telling jokes; parents connecting with one another at a volunteer activity; faculty or colleagues sharing with one another a new book, article, lesson plan, or teaching idea; fans cheering on student-athletes at a sports contest; or an audience giving a standing ovation to amazing artistic performance.

Everything we do at CA involves human interaction and the quality of relationships with those around us. Together we share hope, optimism, successes and the great moments we find as a child grows. Periodically, we share those more fragile times of defeat, devastation, and loss. All are teachable moments for our children. And through it all, we support each other by living out our school values and mission. We are a school family.

For many, this was a week of loss at CA. Even if you did not know Sean Smith, as a teacher, coach, Middle School principal, and academic dean, his work is embedded in much of what we now do at CA. We lost Sean after his long and brave battle with cancer. And even if you did not know long-time parent Elana Gunberg who also passed away this week, her work as a mother and parent volunteer to support her three children is woven into the fabric of who we are.

If these events give you pause, they are meant to. At times like these, it is important to stop, to express our support for one another and take time out of our hurried lives to appreciate what it is most important: our relationships with each other.

So, as we reflect on this week, make it a priority in your life to make sure your family and friends know you are there for them and appreciate them. It was our own Angel Vigil who quoted CA alumnus Kevin Plummer the night of Sean’s retirement dinner. Upon returning to speak at commencement, Plummer once told the group of CA graduates to take time to do just two things in life: tell those who are important to you that you love them, and to take time out to say “thank you.”

With that, thank you to each of you for our supportive school community.

Mike Davis, Ph.D.

Head of School

Colorado Academy