Middle School Division News: Dec. 19, 2024

December 19th 2024

By Dr. Jenn Milam, Pamela K. Murfin Head of School and Interim Middle School Division Head

As I shared in THE NEST, we have just begun our winter holiday break! It’s been a wonderful semester full of growth, learning, connection, challenge, and yes, plenty of laughter. And as I shared at the start of our year together, while it may be a bit odd for your Middle School Division Head to also be serving in the role of Head of School, I believe we have found our way together. Your Middle School students are brilliant, kind, and funny. They challenge in all the best ways, as they should, yet they’re unexpectedly easy in moments of unwavering kindness to one another, unapologetic self-acceptance, and a genuine enthusiasm for school—even when they’re sleepy.

A few months ago someone asked me, “What is your favorite thing about Winston, so far?” After a brief reflection, I shared that one of the things I cherish most about our community is the humility of our students and the dedication of our parents to being, giving, and supporting all for their young people. Winston is unique, in that many of our families - perhaps even yours - never envisioned themselves as a private/independent school family. Yet you find yourself in a community of people - a private and independent school - committed to helping young people find their voice, their confidence, and their purpose as they learn to work with and accept their neurodiversity as an important, perhaps central, part of their identity. We all choose Winston because it aligns with our values and what we hope for all those we serve.

What an incredible place to be as we turn the page toward 2025! We have accomplished so much together - our fencing and gating project, eighteen weeks of rigorous and engaging curriculum study together, field trips, navigating social struggles together, mock trials, and now, final exams. We’ve made it! Take time to celebrate the wins and rest up for a wonderful second half of our year together.

May your break be restful, joyful, and fulfilling!

Jenn Milam