What’s Happening at Bement
One of my favorite annual Bement events took place on November 5: the eighth grade’s “Ele-o-ween” celebration! As part of their study of chemistry, eighth graders are each assigned an element from the periodic table, and they dive into a study of that element over the course of several weeks. Ele-o-ween culminates that study, with each student designing and donning an “elemental” costume and delivering a brief presentation to the class about why their element is the most awesome one of all! Complete with a pizza party and some sweet treats, the tradition combines the best parts of science instruction and Halloween.
What I’m Reading, and/or Watching, and/or Listening To
I’m wrapping up Erasure by Percival Everett, a novel I mentioned in an earlier blog post. I referred to it as “amusing” at first, which the first half was, but the second half is much less so, as the narrator navigates his mother’s aggressive Alzheimer’s progression amid family tumult and a surprising, and disquieting, turn of events in his career as a novelist. I definitely recommend the book, but more for its satirical and biting perspective on racial attitudes and norms than for any laughs you might encounter along the way.
What Else Is on My Mind
Every presidential election provides important reminders about the power of collective action, glimpses into the national mood, and opportunities to consider America’s history and its promise. Last week’s results, no matter the partisan angle from which they are perceived, hopefully will evoke the same moments of reflection.
At Bement, our core values will continue to guide us today and into the future, as they have during times of political upheaval and times of relative tranquility. Compassion, integrity, resilience, and respect transcend the partisan spectrum, and I hope they are chief among the qualities of our school that draws families to join the Bement community. I can assure you that they inform our work with students today and will in the days ahead, whether they wish to share feelings about the presidential election or any other topic of concern or interest.
Poetry Corner
At Bement’s all-school morning meeting on Friday, November 8th, I shared the following poem
“Soldier from the wars returning”
Soldier from the wars returning,
Spoiler of the taken town,
Here is ease that asks not earning;
Turn you in and sit you down.
Peace is come and wars are over,
Welcome you and welcome all,
While the charger crops the clover
And his bridle hangs in stall.
Now no more of winters biting,
Filth in trench from fall to spring,
Summers full of sweat and fighting
For the Kesar or the King.
Rest you, charger, rust you, bridle;
Kings and kesars, keep your pay;
Soldier, sit you down and idle
At the inn of night for aye.