The dozen of us who work during the summer are often asked what we do when the kids aren't
here. The simple answer is that we plan all sorts of things, including some things that may not seem
as if they require any planning at all—things such as walking through the front door. Four years
ago, after meeting with school safety experts, we added new door locks and surveillance equipment
to the main entrance. Most families understood the necessity of that project, yet others spoke
nostalgically of a simpler time when open doors made everyone feel a bit more welcome. Taking
that feedback into consideration, we soon began greeting all of our students at the front door each
morning. Now our front entry is safer yet we still do our best to make every child feel welcome.

When visitors and students enter the front lobby now, we want them to be able to see who we are
right away. As they move through the double doors, we hope they notice the pillars outside the
Hilltop Café, which offer a "welcome" in every language, a testament to our global programming. As
they turn towards the front office, we like to point out our new Statement of Community, and
explain that respect and compassion are central to our Mission.

This year, we are especially eager to welcome new and returning students through the front door.
They will only have to step ten feet into the building in order to see directly into our newly
renovated, brightly colored arts classrooms. Part of our vision for the renovation of our arts
classrooms was to put active, student-centered learning on display. Families who are not familiar
with independent education wonder what is different about Marshall School. This year, they will
see that difference as soon as they enter the building.

Our use of space is influenced by the Reggio Emelia philosophy. One noteworthy aspect of the
Reggio approach is the celebration of three instructors: the student, the teacher, and the
environment. As we remodeled our fine arts and music classrooms, we drew inspiration from the
Reggio approach, seeking to design spaces that will serve as a third teacher. For instance, the choir
room will allow for more movement, the art studios will have better natural lighting, the practice
rooms will facilitate group work, and lab spaces and recording studios will encourage individual
expression.

There are so many reasons to be excited about this renovation. Our classrooms have served many
functions since this building first opened in 1965. The new strings classroom, for instance, once
housed auto shop, so we removed the hydraulic lift that once hoisted cars as well as the drains that
collected oil. As it turns out, Mr. Risdon did not have much use for either artifact, so he willingly
swapped them out for practice rooms that can accommodate small ensembles. The space is ready
to enhance the learning; all we need now are students to show us the way.

I hope you find time to stop by and see us in action. We will be glad to greet you at the front door.