This I Believe
The following remarks were delivered to during Lower School Closing Ceremony:
As I began thinking about a book to reference in my remarks today, I found myself returning to the titles that have stayed with me—books that have spoken to me as both a classroom teacher and a lifelong lover of picture books. As I browsed my bookshelf, I came across a book that had been given to me by a former student. When I opened it, a note from the student and her family slipped out. In it, they had written about what they loved and remembered from our year together. In that moment, I knew I had found the book I wanted to use as the foundation for today's remarks. This I Believe is a collection of essays inspired by Edward R. Murrow’s original radio series. Each essay—no more than 600 words—is written by someone sharing a personal belief or guiding principle. That idea became the inspiration for my own reflections today. I’d like to share a few things I believe are qualities that each of you brings to and shares with the Brimmer community.
I believe you work together to figure things out.
Each time you gathered on the rug to plan a project, partnered up to tackle a tricky math problem, or cheered one another on during a challenge, you showed me that we accomplish more—and experience more joy—when we lift each other up. I saw this especially during second and third grade Collabs, where your creativity and teamwork came to life. The arcade games you designed weren’t just inventive—they were fun, engaging, and a huge hit with the first graders who couldn’t get enough of playing them.
Each time you gathered on the rug to plan a project, partnered up to tackle a tricky math problem, or cheered one another on during a challenge, you showed me that we accomplish more—and experience more joy—when we lift each other up. I saw this especially during second and third grade Collabs, where your creativity and teamwork came to life. The arcade games you designed weren’t just inventive—they were fun, engaging, and a huge hit with the first graders who couldn’t get enough of playing them.
I believe you think about others.
In the small moments—when you held the door for a friend, made room for someone at the lunch table during free choice seating, or asked, “Are you okay?”—you reminded me that kindness doesn’t always require grand gestures. It lives in our everyday actions. I also saw your care for others in the ways you reached beyond the classroom: visiting the senior center to bring smiles and conversation, sorting and packaging food for community members at Rose’s Bounty, helping clean up neighborhood spaces, and thinking deeply about how to make recess more inclusive for everyone. And then there were the many Gators you wrote and shared— notes that celebrated how we help one another be our best selves. Each one a small, powerful reminder of the compassionate community you’ve built together.
In the small moments—when you held the door for a friend, made room for someone at the lunch table during free choice seating, or asked, “Are you okay?”—you reminded me that kindness doesn’t always require grand gestures. It lives in our everyday actions. I also saw your care for others in the ways you reached beyond the classroom: visiting the senior center to bring smiles and conversation, sorting and packaging food for community members at Rose’s Bounty, helping clean up neighborhood spaces, and thinking deeply about how to make recess more inclusive for everyone. And then there were the many Gators you wrote and shared— notes that celebrated how we help one another be our best selves. Each one a small, powerful reminder of the compassionate community you’ve built together.
I believe you are kind.
One of the things that makes Brimmer so special is the way we care for and support each other. This is especially true in our Buddy Program, where I’ve seen just how thoughtful activities are planned by teachers and how seriously you take the responsibility of being a role model. Whether it’s sitting side by side in a classroom or helping a younger student feel confident at a big school event or offering space under your umbrella on a rainy day, your kindness makes a lasting impact. Your kindness is also visible in your role as Global Stewards and protectors of the earth. The signs outside of Cummings are more than just reminders to passersby—they reflect your commitment to caring for the planet and inspiring others to do the same.
I believe you ask questions.
You have shown endless curiosity — wondering, exploring, trying to understand. Every "why?" and "how?" you asked was a gift: a spark that made our school brighter and our learning deeper.
You have shown endless curiosity — wondering, exploring, trying to understand. Every "why?" and "how?" you asked was a gift: a spark that made our school brighter and our learning deeper.
I believe you are creative.
You are musicians who impress us with your talent—whether it’s the trumpet or the cello, you share your gifts with enthusiasm. Your creativity also shines through the art displayed throughout the school and even beyond our walls on the fence outside of 69, capturing attention and imagination. In your exhibitions—whether exploring Brazil, showing off your Food Trucks, presenting at Fourthfest, or sharing your Capstone projects—you weave visual art into your research, elevating both your ideas and your presentation. And your performances light up the stage! From the 4/5 musical to the third grade French play and your many “informances,” you’ve shown us your stage presence and your ability to share knowledge through storytelling, movement, and expression.
I believe you are leaders.
You are leaders—not just in title, but in the way you consistently show up for your peers and your community. You use your voice to speak up when something needs to be addressed or when there’s a cause you want to bring attention to. I witnessed your leadership up close every Wednesday when I gathered with the Core Values in Action Task Force. You enthusiastically brainstormed ideas to make our community more equitable, including implementing a system for free choice seating at lunch and acquiring new equipment to offer a wider range of recess activities. You also modeled responsibility through the fifth-grade leadership program. From engaging with students in younger classrooms, to assisting teachers with prep work, to leading tours of the lower school, you jumped at the chance to be ambassadors to and for our community.
And most of all, I believe in you.
You are the builders of tomorrow—bold thinkers, compassionate friends, and joyful learners. Everything you need to keep growing, to keep wondering, and to keep making the world a better place already lives inside you.
You are the builders of tomorrow—bold thinkers, compassionate friends, and joyful learners. Everything you need to keep growing, to keep wondering, and to keep making the world a better place already lives inside you.
As you move up today, carry these beliefs with you. Hold tightly to your kindness, your questions, your teamwork, and your creativity—because they will take you far. And always remember to Be Your BEST Self.
Next year, while I’ll miss being on campus, I want you to know this: I believe in the strength of our community. I know it will continue to thrive, and I’m confident that everything—and everyone—will be well cared for while I’m away.
So bring all the strengths and character traits I’ve seen in you to your next grade. Believe in yourself, just as we believe in you. You are ready for everything the year ahead will bring.
Congratulations—we are so proud of you!
Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.