From the moment the night began, there was something undeniably electric in the air. The warmth of our community, the invectious enthusiasm, the spirit of camaraderie, and the joy of friendly competition during the live auction came together in a way that was nothing short of magical. The energy in the room, the generosity shown during the live auction, and the pride in our students’ class projects were truly inspriring. It was a magnificant celebration and a powerful reminder of what makes Studio so beautifully and uniquely special.
“Aretē is the quiet, daily choosing to become who one is capable of being.” –Aristotle
Dear Community,
Welcome to our 54th Annual Gala, highlighting the art of being and becoming. An education from the Inside Out is at the core of Studio’s approach and of Arete.
We cultivate the ongoing internal development of a human being as the foundation for learning, encompassing social connections, mental and physical well-being, creative and intellectual pursuits, and, ultimately, how we live our lives. This is the gift we give our children: an education and way of learning that nurtures the unfolding of their whole, best selves.
What continues to inspire me as an educator–shaping human lives–is to bring forth the essence and radiance of our authentic selves for the betterment of all. The world needs original thinkers who know themselves. Education, at its best, is a wondrous process that sustains us throughout life, creating a climate in which diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging can truly flourish.
Humanistic education and social progress are inseparable, for when children are invited to join intellect with empathy, knowledge with imagination, and rigor with curiosity, their learning becomes a journey of both mind and heart. Children at Studio learn to think originally, imagine freely, and pursue academic excellence, with purpose and a strong sense of self. The Studio School empowers children to connect who they are with what they learn.
Perhaps the most important relationship at Studio is the one between the student and the teacher. Understanding that there is no learning without feeling, the respectful and trusting relationships the students have with their teachers are essential in their growth. Throughout their learning experiences, our students engage in deep thinking and rigorous scholarship across the disciplines and are helped to develop emotional and social intelligence and take ownership of their education. They grow to become architects of a better future: a more humane, flourishing society.
The Studio School’s original and remarkable tenets continue to go beyond the cultural and educational mainstream. True learning can’t be measured; how children live their lives is the essence of what they have learned. Every experience is intentionally designed to teach students how to think, how to learn, and how to work both independently and collaboratively, thus becoming contributing members of any group. From the ideas, thoughts, feelings, and dreams of our first one-room schoolhouse to our larger school of today, we continue to lead the way in educational innovation, demonstrating what is best for children and our society.
Our students benefit greatly from and are fortunate to be rooted in such a caring and welcoming community. The long and lasting relationships we’ve made are a wonderful model for our children. I am deeply grateful for the commitment and generosity of our Board of Trustees, Administrators, Teachers, Parents and Past Parents, Alumni, Grandparents, Relatives, Friends, and Colleagues.
At Studio, we see how children learn and thrive, bringing forth the creative power of love and beauty. Arete is a way of living with excellence, a way of engaging in the process of learning and growing, to flourish in ways known and yet to be experienced. So tonight, and most especially in these times, we continue to embrace the life force to flourish.
To excellence in being and becoming!
Warmly,
Janet C. Rotter
When we think about The Studio School, we see this concept come to life. It’s visible in the student who finally grasps a challenging concept and lights up with understanding. It’s present in the classrooms where creativity and rigor go hand in hand. It’s unmistakably seen in the connections forming between teachers and students, where genuine care and affection create the foundation for extraordinary growth. This pursuit of each person’s best self, this reaching toward potential and purpose, is what Studio’s community was built to nurture.
With tremendous gratitude,
Ijeoma Mbamalu and Yudany Oviedo
