{"id":2786,"date":"2025-05-23T11:18:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T18:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/hunnewell\/?p=2786"},"modified":"2025-12-05T14:17:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T19:17:43","slug":"principals-message-33","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellesleyps.org\/hunnewell\/2025\/05\/23\/principals-message-33\/","title":{"rendered":"Principal’s Message"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dear Hunnewell Families,<\/strong><\/p>\n

When my boys were in elementary school, we had a swing set in the backyard. Like clockwork, they\u2019d head outside, and\u2014true to form\u2014they 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\u2019s me), and I\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been thinking about those moments again recently while reading Jordan Peterson\u2019s Twelve Rules for Life<\/em>. I recommend it\u2014it\u2019s thought-provoking and practical. Rule #11 particularly stood out to me: \u201cDo not bother children when they are skateboarding.\u201d<\/strong> In this chapter, Peterson argues that we must resist the urge to overprotect children from every possible bump and bruise. Why? Because it\u2019s 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\u2014yes, even on a swing set turned flying trapeze\u2014they learn what they\u2019re capable of.<\/p>\n

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\u2019re building forts at recess, experimenting with new ideas in class, or daring to be themselves socially, kids need space to stretch, stumble, and soar.<\/p>\n

At Hunnewell, we work to strike that balance\u2014providing safety and structure while also honoring their need to explore, create, and take ownership of their learning and growth.<\/p>\n

Here are a few important dates to keep on your radar:<\/p>\n