Head of School Message | January 2025

No matter the season, every morning at St. Edmund’s Academy brings the promise of a new day. Children arrive through sunlit autumns, rain-soaked springs, and crisp winter dawns, each day offering its own kind of welcome. Lately, however, the mornings have been especially cold. Winter has settled over Pittsburgh, with snow blanketing Darlington Road. Children step out of warm cars and buses into the frosty air, their breath visible as they brace against the chill.

In recent weeks, the harshness of the season has made their steps more deliberate. Boots crunch against the ice, and gloved hands clutch backpacks as they make their way carefully to the front doors. Mr. Don and others stand ready to steady a misstep, ensuring the path is safe. I embrace the cold, greeting children as they arrive—offering an encouraging word, a warm welcome, and a brief moment of connection that reaffirms our responsibility to make every moment matter for each child.

These mornings remind me of Lucy Pevensie’s first steps into Narnia, through the wardrobe and into a snow-covered forest—a world unknown, filled with beauty, mystery, and challenge. For Lucy, stepping through the wardrobe was not just an entry into a magical realm but the start of a journey that tested her courage, resilience, and curiosity at every turn. Like Lucy, our students face moments that ask them to step forward into the unknown, navigating challenges with determination and wonder. Each morning, as they make their way across the salted sidewalks, I catch glimpses of those same qualities beginning to take shape—the bravery to try, the resilience to adapt, and the curiosity to see what lies ahead.

Preschoolers venture through their own wardrobe, learning to say goodbye to parents and embrace independence. Third graders, with increasing responsibility, work to keep their materials organized and their thoughts in order. Fifth graders balance academics, friendships, and activities, navigating the complexities of growing expectations. All children, in their own way, are stepping into a world that asks them to be brave, resourceful, and open to discovery. At St. Edmund’s Academy, all children step into a space where they are known, valued, and encouraged to rise to their full potential.

As we reach the midpoint of the year, these mornings invite us to reflect on the paths our students are forging. Like Lucy’s cautious yet hopeful steps into Narnia, our children are charting their way through a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. And while there are indeed “miles to go before we sleep,” there is also the glow of progress to light our way.

Cultivating Critical Thinkers: Literacy and Resilience in Action

At SEA, the pursuit of foundational literacy skills and the acquisition of content knowledge provide vital opportunities to shape resilience, self-discipline, and determination. These rigorous academic endeavors demand perseverance, offering teachers the chance to guide, coach, and support students as they tackle challenges. Along the way, students refine their abilities, strengthen their character, and build the confidence needed to navigate life’s complexities with purpose and resolve.

The connection between knowledge, resilience, and achievement lies at the heart of our academic program. Foundational literacy skills are the building blocks of critical thinking, while content-rich curricula challenge students to explore ideas deeply and articulate their understanding with clarity. The process of mastering these elements requires more than intellect—it demands grit and determination. At St. Edmund’s Academy, this pursuit is a shared journey, supported by teachers who know children deeply and work in partnership with families to foster growth and development in every child.

Literacy and Core Knowledge: Building Understanding and Awareness

This fall, St. Edmund’s Academy continued its multiyear journey of implementing research-based curricula that align with the science of reading and learning. The adoption of The Creative Curriculum in Early Childhood and Wit & Wisdom in Kindergarten through eighth grade exemplifies our commitment to literacy and cognitive development through content-rich education. These programs provide students not only with increasingly complex texts but also with the foundational knowledge necessary to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an ever-changing world.

As Natalie Wexler highlights in The Knowledge Gap (2019), “The problem is not that students don’t have skills, but that they don’t have knowledge—the kind of knowledge that reading comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving depend on” (Wexler). This commitment to rich texts across a variety of genres ensures that SEA students develop a robust understanding of our world—one that allows ideas to resonate, collide, and connect, sparking new insights and creative thinking.

In our Kindergarten classrooms, students take their first steps in literacy with joy and determination, mastering phonics and foundational skills that align with the science of reading. Their ability to decode words and understand texts reflects the resilience it takes to persevere through challenges—a lesson introduced early and nurtured throughout their academic journey. By third grade, students apply these skills to build knowledge across diverse topics, from the scientific value of exploring the ocean to the role of sports in fostering inclusivity and the power of language to inspire or manipulate. Through academic discussions and writing exercises, students develop their voices, articulating well-informed opinions with clarity and confidence.

By eighth grade, SEA students are equipped with the resilience and knowledge to tackle sophisticated material and take ownership of their learning. In English, they explore literary and historical contexts through works like Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown and T.S. Eliot’s The Hollow Men, grappling with themes of morality, faith, and the human condition. This spring, Twice Toward Justice will prompt discussions about confronting injustice and the transformative power of moral conviction. Currently, students are reading All Quiet on the Western Front, analyzing nationalism, patriotism, and the rationale for war. These ambitious, content-rich texts cultivate critical thinking, deep reasoning, and confidence, ensuring SEA graduates are well-prepared to thrive in all types of secondary schools.

Resilience, Grit, and the Courage to Persevere

These ambitious, content-rich texts cultivate critical thinking, deep reasoning, and confidence, ensuring SEA graduates are well-prepared to thrive in all types of secondary schools with confidence and effectiveness. Developing these tools for critical thinking, however, requires more than intellect; it demands grit, determination, and resilience. Research shows that these traits matter more to life outcomes than IQ alone. Combined with the power of empathy, they form a foundation where anything becomes possible. This is the SEA formula: teachers who know children deeply, working in partnership with parents to create the Core Values-aligned conditions for perseverance and growth.

Like Lucy in The Chronicles of Narnia, who braved the snow with determination and empathy, SEA students face challenges that test their courage and resilience. At St. Edmund’s Academy, these qualities are not merely taught—they are lived experiences embedded in every classroom, project, and interaction. Through confronting obstacles, embracing mistakes, and persisting through uncertainty, students refine their skills, uncover their strengths, and build the confidence to overcome obstacles. Their journeys, like Lucy’s, require bravery and trust in their potential, preparing them to navigate the complexities of the world with purpose and resolve.

In Upper School, lessons in perseverance deepen as students tackle complex challenges across disciplines. Mr. Tucek’s algebra students transform frustration into mastery, building both mathematical skills and confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles. Mr. Hengelbrok’s science classes emphasize inquiry and problem-solving, while his engineering and design projects push students to think creatively, test ideas, and refine solutions. These experiences teach resilience in real time, showing students that setbacks are essential steps toward innovation. As Paul Tough notes in How Children Succeed (2012), persistence, grit, and self-confidence are critical to long-term success and can be nurtured through meaningful challenges.

This commitment to resilience extends into the arts, where Ms. Jones inspires students to trust their creative instincts and embrace the disciplined effort required to produce meaningful work. Her guidance helps students understand that growth—both in artistry and in life—comes from thoughtful practice and reflection. Rooted in SEA’s Core Values, these experiences prepare students to approach challenges as opportunities to grow, equipping them to thrive in secondary school and beyond with confidence, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.

Looking Ahead: Family Takeaways for Our School Year’s Second Half

At St. Edmund’s Academy, we honor the dignity of every child by setting ambitious expectations and providing the support they need to succeed. Foundational literacy skills, disciplined inquiry, and content-rich knowledge are not merely academic goals—they are the tools that empower students to think critically, engage meaningfully, and develop a sense of purpose. When children are known, valued, and challenged within a supportive community, remarkable growth follows: their confidence strengthens, their curiosity expands, and their achievements inspire them to aim higher.

This combination of high expectations and thoughtful care creates an environment where children thrive. As Wendy Mogel’s research affirms, children develop resilience and independence when they are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and actions. At SEA, this partnership between home and school nurtures the habits and values that prepare children to thrive—not only in academics but as individuals ready to face the world with courage, conviction, and a strong moral compass.

Early Childhood (Preschool–K): Foster Curiosity and Cultivate Wonder
In Early Childhood, children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm offer the perfect foundation for a lifelong love of learning. As Daniel Willingham notes in Raising Kids Who Read, shared reading and hands-on exploration inspire joy and intrinsic motivation. By encouraging their questions and creating opportunities for discovery, we build confidence, resilience, and a view of mistakes as growth opportunities. At St. Edmund’s Academy, the partnership between home and school nurtures each child’s sense of wonder and ensures they feel known, valued, and supported on their journey of learning.

AS PARENTS AND TEACHERS, WE CAN:

Create a Ritual of Shared Reading: Make reading together a treasured daily routine, selecting books that captivate your child’s imagination and introduce them to new ideas. Use this time to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think this character feels?” This not only deepens their understanding but helps them develop empathy and critical thinking skills.

Lower School (1st–4th): Build Resilience Through Responsibility
Lower School is a pivotal time for children to take greater responsibility for their learning and actions, fostering resilience and confidence. As Wendy Mogel emphasizes, children grow when they face challenges, persist through difficulties, and find their own solutions with supportive guidance. At St. Edmund’s Academy, we strike this balance by encouraging children to embrace challenges and celebrating their progress, helping them see mistakes as opportunities for growth. Through a strong partnership between home and school, we nurture perseverance and responsibility, empowering students to thrive academically and personally.

AS PARENTS AND TEACHERS, WE CAN:

Encourage Ownership of Their Work: Instead of immediately jumping in to correct errors or provide answers, guide your child to think critically about their approach to tasks. For example, if they’re working on a math problem or struggling with a spelling word, ask open-ended questions like, “How can we make a plan and try it out?” or “Can you explain your thinking?” This approach helps them develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence.

Upper School (5th–8th): Foster Reflection and Independence
The Upper School years are pivotal for growth, as students tackle academic challenges, navigate social dynamics, and prepare for secondary school. These experiences foster independence, resilience, and critical thinking. As Wendy Mogel notes in The Blessing of a B Minus, allowing children to take risks and solve problems builds the emotional and intellectual strength they’ll need. At SEA, we nurture grit, responsibility, and confidence, empowering students to embrace challenges and take ownership of their growth. Through strong home-school partnerships, we prepare them to thrive academically and personally with purpose and resilience.

AS PARENTS AND TEACHERS, WE CAN:

Keep Them in Conversation: Help your child reflect on their growth and challenges by staying engaged in meaningful, open-ended conversations. Ask questions like, “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” or “What would you do differently if you faced that situation again?” These discussions encourage self-awareness and give them the opportunity to connect effort with outcomes.

Emerging Stronger: Resilience and Growth in the Days Ahead

Ours is a community like no other—uniquely dedicated to the developmental needs of children from preschool through 8th Grade and grounded in timeless Core Values. Together, families and educators nurture the habits of mind and heart that empower students to rise to challenges and embrace opportunities. As winter’s chill gives way to spring, new possibilities for growth and discovery await. Just as our students press forward in their journeys, so too does our community—united in its belief in the extraordinary potential of every child and the shared responsibility to help them realize it.

As Mr. Tumnus reminds us, we cannot dwell too long in the cold; there is a world of opportunity awaiting beyond the snow. At St. Edmund’s Academy, we step together into that world, strengthened by our shared commitment to growth, resilience, and purpose. Each day is a chance to move forward, guided by courage, hope, and the promise of what lies ahead.

Warm regards,
Dr. Chad Barnett
Head of School and 8th Grade English Teacher