Our Wildwood, Volume 47

CHRISTINA: I like the idea of Wildwood as a home in the world. Both of us, Joanie and I, came to Wildwood during the pandemic, where the definitions of “home” and “school” were abruptly altered. The fact that so many of our students were ready to come back to this home struck me as how special Wildwood must be for them. A lot of kids in other schools might prefer to be home, but not our kids. They want to be at this definition of home. It’s a place where they feel supported and safe. DR. BANKS-HUNT: The two that resonate with me are “a participatory adventure” and “a lab for the future of education.” A lab isn’t a negative thing. It’s a place where you’re willing to try new things and take risks that stretch everyone involved. It’s how we learn, grow, and get to where we want to be. OWW: Speaking of the future, Wildwood introduced the Framework for the Future of Education at this year’s State of School address. What is the significance of this document, and why now? CHRISTINA: Although the process for developing the Framework began long before COVID-19, the fact that it’s come out now means that we were able to infuse it with all that we’ve learned during the pandemic. Many schools are just now at the point of trying to wrap their heads around how to move forward, and with the Framework, we’re already paving the path. We get the opportunity to ponder, “This is where we are right now, but where do we want to go?” DR. BANKS-HUNT: The big question among educators across the country right now is, “What is the future of education?” and so far, there have been very few definitive responses. We’re able to take the lead in this work because our vision has long promoted this kind of reflective thinking. The Framework puts a stake in the ground that will be appreciated not only by our community, but also by our peer schools. By sharing our direction, we hope to be that “lab for the future of education” that inspires others to move forward as we forge ahead from the pandemic. “” TYPICALLY, MISSION STATEMENTS ARE SOMETHING THAT INSTITUTIONS STRIVE TOWARD, BUT AT WILDWOOD, IT FEELS LIKE WE’RE ALREADY LIVING OURS. —CHRISTINA KYONG, ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

OWW: One of the tenets of the Framework is to strategically foster a climate of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing. Could you speak to the significance of giving this such high priority? CHRISTINA: What we’ve witnessed over the past few years in America is a result of not taking care of the whole community and only addressing the needs of a few. The wellbeing of all has got to be part of our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) work. If you’re not taking care of every single person in the building, if you’re not addressing the needs of all, then we are not doing the work of DEIB. DR. BANKS-HUNT: It’s great to include DEIB mission statements on a website or in documents, but what is the actual work that you do for everybody? Seeing it in action is an entirely different level of commitment. OWW: The past few years have certainly been filled with both action and change. Do you have any favorite moments from your first years at Wildwood? CHRISTINA: One of my favorite memories of all time was watching the fifth grade run into their Culmination last spring, dancing and singing. I also love elementary All School Meeting, and being able to see it in person this year is such a joy. It’s fun to watch the kindergarten through 4th graders as they listen to the 5th grade shares. It’s such a great moment for them to aspire to. DR. BANKS-HUNT: I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve been able to spend in person with faculty, getting to know each other and hearing about classroom projects. They all understand education and are experts in their own fields. They also see how they fit into the bigger picture of a student’s overall journey—it’s inspiring! W

5

OWW SPRING 2022