February 15, 2021
Dear Friends,
In today's Morning Meeting, I spoke to our community about two concepts. The first was gratitude, the act of expressing appreciation for others, actions, and the goodness by which we are graced. The second concept discussed was that of our motto "Lux et Veritas" translated to mean light and truth.
We are living in a challenging time. The COVID pandemic has presented numerous obstacles. And while I try my hardest to find lessons of growth, opportunity, and joy in everything, I note the difficulty to do so on some days. Whether experienced myself or by others, obstacles have thwarted that which was familiar. We confront new uncertainties, without a playbook or navigational guide, and yet find spirit while charting a revised course. I am amazed by the grit and perseverance of humanity. Time and again I see resilience and good will amplified in our Pioneer community.
I extend gratitude to our students, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, trustees, and friends who all have played a critical role in supporting the WRA experience during this school year. It is Kindness Week in Hudson, Ohio, and on the Reserve campus and virtual platform. I encourage us all to take advantage of this opportunity to honor the acts of grace of others. During a difficult time it is easy to turn inward and steep in negative thoughts. Through words and expressions of appreciation, I challenge us to invert this practice. Choose to look externally. Identify and name the positivity we see around us. Say thank you to others.
I also ask us to find illumination in "Lux et Veritas." Light is indeed on the horizon. And while it may feel limited or distant right now, we are inching ever closer to it. It is a long haul to be sure but our journey becomes less arduous when we all share responsibility for ourselves and one another. This is where I ask us to be mindful of truth. Are we being honest in our actions and reports of what we do and did? Are we following COVID protocols that are intended to promote wellness? Are we creating false dichotomies or narratives that our actions do not have consequences?
In the past week, WRA saw an increased number of COVID cases and candidates for quarantine. We believe that WRA has crested this wave and will therefore proceed with our current modality of instruction. However, as recent days and events have taught us, we can not let down our guard or our commitment to each other. Therefore, I do caution that TDL (Temporary Distance Learning) will be introduced if at any time the administration and our medical professionals feel it prudent to do so.
I understand that pandemic fatigue is real, but I beseech us to dig deeper, to double down on our efforts to keep ourselves and others safe. I encourage us to appreciate the opportunity that lies ahead and the wonderful nature of those who support it. I invite you to see the light in the distance. I thank you for your practice of truth, your honoring of the goodness and wellness of others, and that of oneself.
Lux et Veritas, Mrs. Suzanne Walker Buck Head of School Western Reserve Academy
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