by Honor Taft, Head of School

Being new in a community can be both exciting and also a little intimidating. Whether it’s joining a new school, moving to a new neighborhood, or starting a new job, stepping into an unfamiliar environment often brings a mix of anticipation and anxiety. While eager to form connections, the challenge of navigating unfamiliar social norms, routines, and expectations can feel overwhelming. It’s a period of adjustment where you’re learning not only about others but also about yourself, as you figure out where you fit in this new context.

The value of drawing people into a community lies in the creation of a sense of belonging. Feeling welcomed and accepted is essential to both personal well-being and the health of the community itself. When we feel like we belong, we are more likely to contribute positively, whether through ideas, collaboration, or simply presence. A welcoming environment fosters trust, connection, and openness, which strengthens the fabric of the community. 

At Friends, we hope to build a community where everyone, both new families and those who have been here longer, feels that they belong and can participate fully. Friends School is not only a community for our students, but also for parents. Lifelong friendships have been formed during these years when the common joys and challenges of raising children are a very strong bond for parents and caregivers. Getting involved in your child’s community enriches not only their lives, but also yours. The strength and vibrancy of our community depends on not only the comfortable, long term connections we’ve had, but also by those where we’ve intentionally reached out to a new friend and brought them into our supportive and inclusive environment. 

Please consider taking a moment today to introduce yourself to someone new in our community and offer a friendly welcome. Small gestures like these help to make our school a special place for everyone. And you never know if that introduction will lead to a friend for life.