Dear Hunnewell Families,
At Hunnewell, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where students achieve academic success and develop the confidence, self-regulation, and resilience necessary to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Anthony R. Reibel and district and school leaders to our classrooms. Mr. Reibel’s work focuses on student self-regulation and efficacy, emphasizing how strong relationships between teachers and students empower children to take ownership of their learning, regulate emotions, and build resilience.
During his visit, Mr. Reibel observed several high-leverage practices that our teachers use to support student growth. These included:
✅ Encouraging deep thinking before instruction – Students were given opportunities to think, do, observe, or visualize before the teacher introduced new concepts, helping to build curiosity and critical thinking skills.
✅ Creating a safe and supportive environment – Students felt comfortable expressing their thoughts, asking questions, and engaging in discussions, knowing their voices were valued.
✅ Fostering mutual respect – Classrooms were filled with kindness and respect, as students actively listened to and supported one another in their learning.
✅ Promoting high engagement – Students were not just passive listeners; they were active participants, sharing ideas, collaborating, and making connections between concepts.
✅ Listening as much as teaching – Teachers were intentional about listening to students’ reflections on their work, making space for their thoughts, ideas, and self-assessments. This approach strengthens student confidence and ownership over their learning.
Mr. Reibel’s visit reaffirmed that relational teaching—building strong connections between students and teachers—plays a crucial role in fostering self-efficacy and engagement. It was inspiring to see these best practices in action and to reflect on how we can continue to nurture an environment where every child feels valued, challenged, and supported.
Exciting Upcoming Events!
🎶 The Floor Lords Visit – Friday, February 14, 2:00 PM
We are thrilled to welcome the Floor Lords, a legendary hip-hop dance group that has been using the power of dance to inspire and empower youth since 1981. Recognized as pillars of the Boston community, they bring a positive message through performance, competition, and teaching. We look forward to an exciting and engaging experience for our students! Please join us!
Mark Your Calendars:
🌎 Feb 7th: International Night – 6:30 PM
🍽️ Feb 12th: Staff Luncheon
🏫 Feb 17-21st: February Break – No School
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s learning. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events!
Dare to Dream,
Mr. Dees