Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Future: A Message for the New Year
As the calendar turns, it offers a natural pause—a moment to reflect, to breathe, and to look both behind and ahead. At Liberty Woodland School, we believe that this rhythm of reflection and renewal is not just for adults, but for children too. It’s a chance to connect as a community, to think about the journey we’ve been on, and to imagine the paths we’ll take next.
This past year has been one of extraordinary growth and achievement—both for our children and our school community as a whole. We’ve seen children tackle challenges with creativity and determination, achieve personal and academic milestones, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Whether it was mastering a tricky concept, finding their voices in discussions, or embracing teamwork to solve real-world problems, our children have shown us the remarkable potential that blooms when learning is rooted in curiosity, connection, and care.
At Liberty Woodland School, we believe that growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s nurtured intentionally, one day at a time. That’s why we weave daily reflection and intention-setting into the fabric of our school day. These practices, simple yet profound, empower children to pause and consider their experiences, learn from them, and set a purposeful tone for the day ahead.
Reflection and intention-setting unlock a powerful process of self-discovery and growth. Each morning, our children take a few moments to think about how they feel, what they’ve learned, and how they want to approach the day. This practice helps them develop essential skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy. By reflecting on their actions and choices, they learn to celebrate their progress, embrace challenges, and see mistakes as opportunities for growth. Through setting daily intentions, they build a sense of agency, responsibility, and hopefulness about their ability to make a difference in their world.
As we step into a new year, the world around us often talks about resolutions—bold declarations to transform overnight. But here, we believe in something gentler, something truer. Instead of resolutions, what if we set intentions?
Intentions are not about perfection or pressure. They’re about direction and care. They invite us to think not just about what we want to do, but who we want to be. This is something our children practice each day at Liberty Woodland School during their morning meetings. Together, they take time to reflect on their feelings and their achievements, set intentions, and share affirmations—gentle reminders of their strengths and capabilities. It’s a simple yet powerful habit that fosters self-awareness, kindness, and resilience.
As families, you might consider inviting your children to share this practice with you. Let them guide you in reflecting on the year past, setting intentions as a family for the year ahead, or even creating affirmations. You’ll not only gain a glimpse into their daily experience at school but also create a shared space for connection and growth.
To our current families, thank you for being part of this journey with us. You’ve chosen an environment where your children can thrive as whole people—grounded in nature, community, and the values that matter most. To those who are supporters of Liberty Woodland School, we invite you to celebrate with us how it feels to be a part of a community where learning is alive with challenge, meaning and purpose, where well-being and belonging are at the heart of everything we do, and where every child is celebrated for who they are.
As we welcome 2025, let’s do so with hearts open to possibility, minds curious to learn, and spirits ready to grow. Let’s be kind to ourselves, kind to each other, and, most importantly, remember that each day is an opportunity to be our best—whatever that might look like in the moment.
Here’s to a year of wonder, connection, and being true to what matters most.
Happy New Year!
