Dear Hunnewell Families,
When my boys were in elementary school, we had a swing set in the backyard. Like clockwork, they’d head outside, and—true to form—they never used that swing set the way it was intended. Instead, they turned it into their acrobatic training center: walking the top bar like a tightrope, launching themselves off swings like stuntmen, and proudly showing off their daring feats. Their mom, understandably, would yell at their dad (that’s me), and I’d be left wondering: 1) Why was I getting in trouble for the three knucklehead Dees’ boys? And 2) What was so wrong with what they were doing? I mean, honestly, I was impressed.
I’ve been thinking about those moments again recently while reading Jordan Peterson’s Twelve Rules for Life. I recommend it—it’s thought-provoking and practical. Rule #11 particularly stood out to me: “Do not bother children when they are skateboarding.” In this chapter, Peterson argues that we must resist the urge to overprotect children from every possible bump and bruise. Why? Because it’s through these very acts of risk, trial, and even failure that kids develop resilience, courage, and a true sense of identity. When we let them test limits—yes, even on a swing set turned flying trapeze—they learn what they’re capable of.
We live in a world that is increasingly risk-averse, where caution often overshadows curiosity. But if we intervene too much, hover too closely, or protect too quickly, we risk stunting the very spirit that helps children grow into strong, capable adults. Whether they’re building forts at recess, experimenting with new ideas in class, or daring to be themselves socially, kids need space to stretch, stumble, and soar.
At Hunnewell, we work to strike that balance—providing safety and structure while also honoring their need to explore, create, and take ownership of their learning and growth.
Here are a few important dates to keep on your radar:
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May 26th: No School – Memorial Day
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May 27th: Screenagers Film Screening & Panel Discussion – 6:30pm
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May 29th: School Council Meeting – 10:15 am
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May 31st: Hunnewell Fun Fair – 12:00–3:00 pm
Let’s continue to encourage our students, not just to follow the path, but sometimes to climb above it, hang upside down from it, and see where their daring imaginations can take them.
Dare to Dream
Mr. Dees