Dear High Point Community,
I have an unwavering belief in America, in its democratic principles and in its commitment to individual rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. Recently our nation elected a president and other prominent government officials in highly contested elections. Our democracy, the longest-standing democracy on the face of the earth, remains strong and will survive our deep divisions. Our nation has a tremendous ability to heal its wounds and to rise up to meet its challenges. We are a nation of laws and of noble traditions and enduring core values embedded in our Bill of Rights and Constitution.
As for the noble work and calling in which we engage as educators at High Point, it is important for us to continue to make clear to our students in the days ahead that the values we teach in kindergarten, “Be kind and be safe,” are as true and valid as ever. We will continue to emphasize that truly effective inquiry, the kind of inquiry that will address and solve complex 21st century problems, begins always with profound mutual respect, compassion, caring, and an appreciation of multiple perspectives. Our mission continues, to awaken the joy of learning in every student—students who will be the light of the world and contribute to an even brighter future. As always, I am grateful for our cherished close-knit community.
I pray that the President and all those elected in 2020 may govern wisely and compassionately. As the great Abraham Lincoln proclaimed in his Second Inaugural Address at the conclusion of a bitter, protracted Civil War, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds,…to do all which may achieve, and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
Warmest regards,
Gary Stern
Head of School
High Point Academy Blog 