On Sunday, just one week since our school burned to the ground, we gathered to mourn the loss of our building and its contents. Much of the wreckage has been removed but a huge pile of debris remains piled on the concrete foundation behind a chain link fence. For some, on their first visit, the sight was overwhelming and tears flowed. For the children though, quiet thoughtfulness quickly turned to spirit of adventure as they greeted their friends. They raced around the path that encircles the school, discovering the ‘bunny hutch’ and play yards miraculously untouched. Shouts and laughter again echoed through the trees from the swings and jungle gym.
The short farewell ceremony took place in one the playing fields, the sun high above the sheltering ring of forest. We joined hands in one huge circle, teachers and staff, parents and Board members. Alumni parents who built the now lost floors and cabinets stood with newly enrolled families that have yet to celebrate their first Opening Day Rose Ceremony at MWS. We sang our school song together, ‘Alleluia for All Things’ by A.C. Harwood, a song of thanks for the beauty of world and for human beings working in service of others with courage and integrity. We recognized how much we have to feel thankful for, from the bravery of the emergency responders to countless acts of incredible kindness by so many former strangers.
Only days ago we were a small community, the little school in the woods. Now, as Administrator Jennifer Farrelly said, ‘Meadowbrook Waldorf School is no longer the best kept secret in Rhode Island’. So many people have come from near and far to offer their help. Our GoFundMe appeals has been shared by Waldorf Schools from Maine Coast to San Diego, Toronto to Hawaii, in Detroit and Colorado, and elsewhere. Local businesses are holding fundraising events to benefit MWS. Our public school community and fellow independent schools are rallying to share their resources with us. We are grateful to them all.
There is something else too. There is a sense of something almost sacred, a moment of destiny. We realized that MWS needed more space a number of years ago and have done much work over the past three years to prepare to build. We worked with the teachers and families to identify what was needed. We updated our master campus plan. In July, we engaged Panorama Fundraising, a consultancy firm to help us launch a capital campaign. Our building was well insured so now the campaign for rebuilding can be directed to adding the extra space needed to realize our dream of welcoming in the community beyond our own enrolled families.
Thanks to our newly extended community, we are well placed to have a beautiful, well equipped school for our students on September 4. While the MWS campus is a noisy construction site, the students and their teachers will be focused on school work in a spacious temporary home, lovingly prepared to be a home away from home for them. As MWS parent Monica Rodgers said, ‘There are disguised gifts everywhere’. At the gathering, long time Early Childhood teacher, Su Rubinoff, spoke this verse:
The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination. ~ John Schaar
These are exciting, heart-filled times. Thank you for joining us on the path!
We are heartened by the generous outpouring of support from around the world. To make a contribution to the school rebuild and recovery, please visit our Meadowbrook Rising Go Fund Me page. Donated goods & services can be offered here or email us at rebuild@meadowbrookschool.com.
