New Head of Middle School Introduces Curriculum Newsletter

The recently appointed Middle School Head Michelle Cristella has introduced a new monthly curriculum newsletter to give parents a preview of classroom experiences with open-ended questions related to students’ studies. The hope is to spark conversations around the dinner table or on the walk to school.

Michelle explains, “There are fewer culminating events in MS compared with Lower School. Developmentally, kids are not as keen to have parents at school, but we know that parents want to have engaging and thoughtful conversations with their middle schoolers. We hope this newsletter helps to bridge this gap.” Michelle also hopes her letter will provide another way for families to get to know her and build deeper relationships, a core aspect of her work.

Michelle’s transition to Friends has been smooth. She applauds the absence of grades in MS, which prioritizes process over product. She comments, “It’s wonderful to be working at a place whose values align so closely with my own. Although I am not [a] Quaker, I fully embrace community, stewardship and service.”