by Dr. Mike Davis
Head of School

This time of year brings many expressions of hope for peace in our world. The story of human history is one of tragedy, suffering, and injustice.  We have seen too much of this recently in our world.  From the attacks in Paris to the mass shootings and killings in the United States, it has a been a disheartening turn of recent events and my heart goes out to families impacted by such tragedies.  At the same time, the midst of terrible events are remarkable stories of human perseverance, courage, and compassion.  

Schools play such an important role in help shaping a student's world view, but also equipping young people with the skills and resources to make a difference.

A great example of this would be Students H.O.P.E. at CA. This Saturday, December 5, 2015 on CA’s campus. For more than 20 years, CA Upper School students have carried on the tradition of this event, and grown the event every year. Nearly 2,000 people will be served on Saturday, with donated clothing, books, personal care items, children’s holiday gifts, and much more. It takes at least 100 student volunteers to put on the event, and this year, they are led by CA seniors Maddie Webster and Sage Lochhead.

As parents and teachers, we have a responsibility to help students understand how to make a difference in the world.  We achieve this through modeling appropriate behavior and showing students how to manage disagreement and discord peaceably and respectfully.  It also means modeling how we care for ourselves and look out for those close to us. Enabling students to feel as though they can make a difference in our world also means empowering students to listen to and have empathy for difference perspectives and points of view.   Finally, it means encouraging students to take action and help others.  This world will not be a safer or more equitable place if we are bystanders.

I am so proud of our students and entire community for their work with Students

H.O.P.E.  This week, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock recognized the event with a mayoral proclamation. (click here). 

In a season and tradition of giving, my hope is that each of us resolves to do our part to make a difference in the lives of others: volunteer your time, make a charitable gift or donate toys or food, adopt a family for the holidays, cook a meal for someone, donate blood, write a letter of thanks or appreciation, send gifts to American soldiers, cover someone’s holiday shift, invite someone to your home, or simply find a way to listen and be a good friend.

 

Happy Holidays