First, a bit of background on what led to the wonderfully unintended and utterly happy side effect.  Even though we are not on campus together, our DA traditions are continuing. One of those traditions is the weekly hall meetings around campus. These are led by the respective deans of each division with all students and teachers gathered for announcements, celebrations, student recognition, along with some storytelling and sometimes a riddle or a joke.  

 

I was privileged to witness the Middle School hall meeting recently. Like always, the middle school deans led the meeting. The students who did not have their videos on were kindly reminded, "We want to see your bright and shining faces." Audio-only settings quickly moved to video and there were over 100 faces of students, teachers, and teaching assistants on the Google Hangout grid on my computer screen. 

 

New management techniques introduced in the classes the previous week were in full effect - students responded to cues like "thumbs up," "please wave," and quickly unmuted when they were called on to share something.  The community spirit was undoubtedly evident and strong when Middle School Dean Matt Dastin reviewed last week's message: "Offer help when you can; ask for help when you need it."

 

At the close of the Middle School hall meeting, a collective task was thrown out to the group to take pictures of a nest or something unexpected when they were out on walks and submit it to be shared. Mr. Dastin had seen evidence of both during the last few days in his neighborhood: a hawk's nest and a smashed pumpkin in the street. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures next week. Even a student of the week was celebrated, the certificate being sent digitally just minutes before the hall meeting. After being directed to "unmute," everyone cheered for the newly revealed student of the week.

 

It was during a meeting like this that Mr. Dastin had an idea - I'm finally getting to the unintended side effects. His son was having a birthday in a few days, and this was obviously going to be a birthday unlike previous years. So how to make it unique, memorable? Mr. Dastin sent a Google Hangout invitation to the Middle School Community and a slew of others to join him on the morning of his son Sutton's birthday. The message read, "I am wondering if you would like to join me for two minutes and sing him happy birthday after homeroom?! Also, wear your favorite party hat!"

 

Unbeknownst to Sutton, he was asked to join Dad at the computer at his house on birthday morning. And words won't do justice to what happened next. Fortunately, Mr. Dastin's wife filmed the 117 students singing to Sutton. Check out the video via this link and/or at the bottom of this blog post. 

 

Thank you for your partnership as we learn and grow together through this unprecedented time and discover the spaces that exist. Even one that lasts for less than a minute can make a big difference for a seven-year old's birthday and our community as a whole.