In an age where “frictionless” conveniences like instant deliveries and AI interactions promise to make life smoother and easier, a lesser-known cost is quietly accruing. The everyday bumps, interruptions, and challenges that create the texture of real human connection are being erased. At Rock Point School, a small boarding school community, we intentionally embrace the opposite: the "friction" inherent in human relationships as the foundation for deep, meaningful community.

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” - Nelson Mandela

One of the unexpected changes over the past few years has been how the rise of video meetings allows greater participation. We’ll always value in-person connections at Rock Point School as the ideal, and at the same time, these virtual gatherings have opened up new avenues for parent engagement. During the pandemic, I initiated a monthly parent discussion via video meeting, which has become a vital part of how we stay connected as a school community.

Language, who cares it is just words! “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Each school year, as we get to know each other, it becomes clear that we all have had unique experiences in the world. As individuals, we have built our beliefs and our understanding of the world around us. We have discovered that words have different connotations to different individuals. But we may not yet have learned about the power of language to tear down or build a welcoming and inclusive community.