The Horse's Mouth

The April 22nd edition of The New York Times carried a very sobering article about our highly-connected world. Writing on the topic, “The Flight from Conversation,” M.I.T. psychologist Sherry Turkle addressed the irony of how, in a culture where we are always communicating and constantly are connected, we are actually spending more time hiding from each other, being alone together, and keeping each other at bay. The big casualty, in her view, is the activity of conversation, where we truly tend to one another and see things from another person’s perspective. Today, in her words, “We expect more from technology and less from one another,” with no time for the patience, self-reflection, and slower pace that real conversation requires. This means that not only have our hand-held devices altered what we do, but actually who we are.

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Yesterday, 10 parents (Fourth Grade and Middle School invitees) attended an SJA Parent Forum on the above topic. Of particular note is the issue of an imbalance of gender distribution in the current fourth grade classes (11 girls of 33 total students). SJA administrators initiated the discussion as follows: Continue reading →

Despite traffic delays this morning, a hearty group of valiant middle school parents attended this annual parent interchange. Bravo! The topics discussed were:

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At this time of year resolutions or lack thereof abound! Instead, I am annually inspired by the story and characters of a childhood favorite, Winnie the Pooh. A.A. Milne invites the reader to choose how to engage in day-to-day challenges.

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I have been struck by the extent and depth of the reaction to the death of Apple CEO, Steve Jobs. Some have heralded him as the “secular prophet,” as one who brought a sense of magic and coolness to the world of the “geek.” The satirical newspaper, The Onion, referred to him as, “The only person in American who knew what he was doing.” Recent revelations about his personal life have only enhanced the public’s fascination with his influence, as seen in the fact that we are still talking about him months following his death.

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a memorable moment? Apparently, several hundred…

Thanks to the industry and leadership of countless volunteers I experienced a grand surprise last evening! As my husband and I entered the SJC Cafe eager to enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by our very own Culinary Crew, a sea of Betty Faces greeted us with a resounding accolade for 25 Years of Service. Balloons and “25″ charms heightened the festivities.

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Annually, SJA hosts Parent Forum meetings. The agenda is open, receptive, and information oriented. Our gathering this morning included alumni, current, as well as new parent attendees! Engaging and innovative discussion topics included the following: Continue reading →

When I went to the local ATM machine this morning, I was met with a surprising message from the default page on the screen. “Time to Reflect,” it read, referring, of course, to the 10th anniversary of September 11th. On the one hand, I was pleased that the folks at the bank were thinking about the tragic event that we recall with particular intensity this week. It was a nice, even poignant change of pace from the normal commercial greeting one receives on such screens!

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A 25th first day is truly the best ever! Parents, students and teachers arrived this morning with smiles of joyful promise for their new beginnings … courage, willingness to risk, and an abiding love for this unique community are ever-present. Your tales of first days are most welcome!

These are the ages when three generations in the Legenhausen family experienced flight for the first time! My mother accompanied our family and her grandchildren to Disney World at age 50. I journeyed home via air for the first time at Thanksgiving of my freshman year in college. And today my daughter-in-law texted that she and her 9 month old were 35,000 feet up as they travelled “home” to California!

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