My neighbor in South Carolina is Brian W. Foster, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marines, responsible for 720 Marines and oversight of a complex air base. Brian has seen combat duty in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as operated within the hierarchy and bureaucracy of Washington, serving our country with courage, intelligence, loyalty and distinction. Last month, after a 21-year career, he officially relinquished his command.

For Students and Educators:

Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

Many of the schools we work with are actively examining how to best address challenging topics around diversity, inclusion, and identity—in their communities and in our society. Recently, questions related to racial inequity and justice have arisen in the national conversation. As educators facilitate these discussions within their schools, they may want to consider Stevenson’s excellent book, Just Mercy. This is a highly readable and accessible text, offering both historic perspective and the basis for meaningful, values-based discussion. We recommend adding it your reading list. 

 After two snowy days at the NAIS Conference in Boston, the GLP team spent the last afternoon touring Newton North High School’s classrooms and Innovation Lab. The Graham Gund designed school is located 20 minutes—and a world away—from the NAIS “conference-speak” of design innovation. Here is the “real deal”: energetic kids, bubbling flasks, tangible projects, and inspiring educators.