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"Head's Letter" Trevor Thursday Digest, September 24, 2020 …What else have I learned this summer? Humility. As a head of school, I sometimes delude myself into thinking that I can control everything—or, at least, that it should be my goal. If the events from March onward tell us, none of us can control everything. Dr. Fauci reminds us that we need to remain humble in the face of the coronavirus and its uncertain nature, because we still don't know nearly enough. Humility is a choice that we make. Although it does not come easily, it is something toward which I continue to aspire. The power of resilience in young people. I applaud our students' buoyancy, and how parents have nurtured this characteristic in their children—a trait that doesn't necessarily come naturally. My colleagues' aptitude for creativity appears boundless—they are the best group of professionals with whom I have ever had the privilege of working. Their flexibility to adapt on a dime and incorporate that which challenges us into their teaching and into their lives has made distance learning more enriching than I ever could have imagined. The rebounding of nature. I spent time watching birds (I saw my first Scarlet Tanager this summer and promptly reached out to Mr. Topping to confirm its identification), looking at deer, observing people with their dogs, and enjoying all the shares about new and old pets that have comforted so many of you these past months. The worldwide "pause" has allowed nature to surge, a positive reminder of earth's resilience and our responsibilities of stewardship to our planet. Having reflected on these lessons (and so many more), I think it is apt to set a goal for the coming year. Please join me. With humility in all we do, let us embrace the challenges ahead of us, and embrace one another. Despite any evidence to the contrary, let us hope and believe that we will not only get through this period, but that we will thrive. Much of what becomes of our country, New York, and our school is in our hands. Although we acknowledge that the future is not entirely in our control, we can do so much to play our part in healing, remaining whole, and prospering… All-School Letter, March 16, 2020 Good morning. Yesterday, as many of you have likely heard, Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced plans to close the NYC public school system until at least April 20th. Consistent with guidance that all NYC independent schools subsequently received from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Trevor Day School facilities will be closed until at least April 20, 2020. We will begin our distance learning on Tuesday, March 31, 2020… …We have an obligation as citizens of New York, the United States, and this planet to work together to lessen the impact of this virus. Let us take comfort in our shared efforts thus far and continue to support each other as much as possible in flexible, proactive, and community-minded ways… I wish you all good health and safety. Take care of each other… 44 / TREVOR MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022–2023

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