Merry Christmas from the Hawthorn School

Dear Hawthorn Families,

Recently, while observing a language arts class,  I learned that the students were composing essays on topics of their own choosing. One boy gave details of his essay (on sharks), and enthusiastically explained how sharks will often take a test bite of something they suspect is edible, just to be sure they like it before they begin eating in earnest. I’m not sure why, but this put me in mind of our second year here at Hawthorn. Perhaps  it’s an analogy of the precarious nature of all new ventures, even those as necessary as schools. The period of test bites has passed and we are now embarked on the full course.  I would say things are going swimmingly.

During the past month, Hawthorn students have learned how to decline Latin nouns, wondered at the metanoia undergone by Ebenezer Scrooge; distinguished the improbable life cycle of an amphibian; delighted in the deceptive outcome of three to the seventh divided by three to the sixth; and studied the intricate chambers of the human heart.

Of course, many other things happened as well, but a test bite is all a brief letter can accommodate.

As we approach the Christmas vacation, I want to extend our gratitude to you for entrusting your children to the Hawthorn School. We are happy to be partnering with you in the education of your sons and daughters and very much appreciate your mentioning the school’s benefits to your friends and acquaintances.

In Dickens’ great story, A Christmas Carol,  the adventures of Christmas Eve end happily for Ebenezer because he wholeheartedly changes for the better. Here at Hawthorn, with your help we also want to grow and improve. We thank you for your support and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Joseph R. McCleary