In support of Seawell

[Cecily Hart]

Hello,

Our son started Seawell this year as a first grader. As a very sensitive kid, I was anxious about his transition from a small Montessori school to a larger, differently scheduled classroom. I wish I hadn’t worried as Seawell has been an incredible experience for him (and us as a family) this year. The care that I felt from the teachers and staff starting on orientation night was unmatched.

This continued during our fall conference when it was clear from shared examples that his teacher was understanding and supportive of meeting his needs. My husband and I were really touched when we received a follow up call from a different staff member after a hard drop off. Not only having that personal touch but she proceeded to mentioned how we should celebrate our son as he made a huge leap that day in sharing a story he’d written. Knowing that this is how Seawell staff treats their kids and us as parents has been a gift and makes it easy to drop our sweet and sometimes shy kid at school each morning.

As far as the school environment, we find it incredible that Seawell has both a garden and critter corner students can not only visit but participate in. I think about how this may be one of limited interactions some kids get to experience in terms of nature up close and personal. Knowing that it could not be easily replicated (if at all) should Seawell close feels like losing a huge privilege for the students.

There are countless reasons Seawell feels like a unique and irreplaceable school but the final thing I’d like to mention is its proximity to both Smith and Chapel Hill High. I realize this isn’t something all schools can have so it may seem unfair to include but it is also a wonderful opportunity when neighborhoods have it. We live in a neighborhood where several families have been able to send their kids to all three schools and/or have siblings that span across them. Seeing the older kids excited to revisit events from their former schools like walking their siblings around Global Traditions is a very special experience. You can tell how much the older students care for the younger by their interest in volunteering. Recently they were able to participate in the elementary book fair by using funds raised during bake sales to ensure each child at Seawell could choose several free books to enjoy at home.

I realize this is a difficult decision that has no true winners but I feel like closing Seawell will take away an experience that these students will never feel again if they are moved into other schools.

Thanks for listening,
Cecily Hart