December at SYV Family School: Learning, Gratitude,  Connection, and Celebration. Earlier this year, we reflected on how routines and structure help children feel grounded, giving them the confidence, independence, and sense of belonging they need to thrive. In our most recent blog, we explored the power of connection and gratitude in learning and how these experiences strengthen students’ social-emotional growth. As we step into December, a month typically filled with reflec

At SYV Family School, our mission has always centered on nurturing the whole child by honoring their natural wonder, fostering connection, and encouraging lifelong learning. This season, we’re reminded how deeply these values shape everything we do, from the relationships we build to the ways our children engage with the world around them. In 2006, I sold my home, let go of most of my possessions, and embarked on a 257-day walk across the United States. Moving at a three-mile

At the start of the school year, our Head of School, Julianne Tullis-Thompson, reminded us to have patience as children and adults adjusted to the structure of school life once again. Two months later, the wisdom of that reminder is clear. What once felt new and unpredictable has begun to take shape. The rhythms of the day, from morning greetings to end-of-day reflections, are becoming second nature, and with that familiarity comes confidence and calm. Routines Build Security