Carroll Connection: The Belonging Issue

Welcome to Belonging.

Message from Dr. Renée Greenfield, Head of School

As humans, we all have a deep yearning to belong: to be seen and heard. Belonging is crucial to our happiness and essential for learning.

Interestingly enough, belonging is predicated on differences. At Carroll, we work to create a culture that reinforces this belief: If you think differently, you belong here.

We integrate what we know about belonging and how students learn best, creating an environment where students thrive. Belonging does not just magically happen; we work intentionally to cultivate it.

At Carroll, we think about and talk through our own lived experiences. We teach perspective-taking and we model empathy. We build trust relationships so students open themselves up to learning. Students learn best when they feel seen, heard, and understood.

Just recently, I asked a student if they felt like they belonged at Carroll. After nodding, I asked: How do you know? After a thoughtful pause, they responded: I just feel it.

In this issue of the Connection, we engaged our community to define what belonging at Carroll means to them. My guess is that you will feel your own sense of belonging at Carroll through these pages.

Belonging at Carroll is ...

...having a new mindset about academic opportunities and hope of a better future."

The Joseph and Vital Family
Middle School

...hanging out with my friends and getting to know my teachers really well."

Hayes Thompson
7th Grade Student

...knowing we are absolutely, without a doubt, in exactly the right place."

Angela Orlando
Upper School Parent

...feeling we have a community that shares the joy of the connection, empathy for our struggles, and celebration of our accomplishments."

The Plante Family
Lower & Middle School

...being comfortable being uncomfortable. Carroll has given our child the space and awareness to be okay with not knowing the correct answer right away and that speed doesn't always win the race."

The Renyi Family
Middle School

...being accepted as who you are no matter what."

Franck Knopf
3rd Grade Student

...stepping through the doors of the school with your child and knowing that the teachers, administration and staff understand and will support your child's strengths and weaknesses."

Jolie & Todd Helmbrecht
Middle School Parents

...feeling comfortable and like you are supposed to be here."

Goodie Dawson
5th Grade Student