What is community?
Is it how students solve problems within the classroom? How different grades come together during Choice Time? Is it in the way students, teachers, and families support the school? Or how the school reaches out to connect with local towns or faraway countries?
At The Common School, we believe it’s all of the above.
The Common School Community
We believe in the power of a just community, at home, in school, and out in the world. Our community is motivated by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. We’re driven to make the world a better place—starting in our own backyard.
The Common School is a place where everyone feels like they belong. This does not happen by accident. It occurs because we place a high priority on being a welcoming school that feels more like a family. Together, we strive to acknowledge and explore differences among us, and value how we are stronger together.
Our families come from 20 surrounding communities:
Amherst
Belchertown
Chicopee
Florence
Granby
Greenfield
Hadley
Holyoke
Indian Orchard
Leeds
Leverett
Ludlow
Montague
Northampton
Palmer
Pelham
South Hadley
Sunderland
Springfield
Wendell
Community Life
Through whole-school activities like Big Sing and pumpkin harvesting (over at neighboring Bramble Hill Farm) to smaller gatherings like daily class meetings, children develop a sense of belonging.
At Choice Time, older students rush to the Nursery/Primary wing of the school to join younger students who eagerly await their arrival. This beloved tradition is called ‘winging.’
Throughout the year, all students look forward to sharing their knowledge and talents with their peers, teachers, and families by giving presentations and performances.
Parents and other caregivers are a big part of the school, and are always welcome. They often help out in the classroom, volunteer at special events, and join in school-wide activities. Whether you are a current parent, alumnus, or past parent or grandparent, you will always be part of The Common School family.
At all levels, our students learn the value of caring for others, especially those who might have different backgrounds or perspectives, whether they live nearby or across the globe. We are fully committed to making sure everyone at The Common School understands and values multiple perspectives, identifies and rejects stereotypes and prejudices, and learns to be advocates for equity and justice.
Community Events
Our students and families love getting together to know each other better. Here’s a sample of fun community events:
- Coffee in Common—parents meet Friday mornings the first six weeks of school for coffee and conversation
- Sledding Parties—families meetup on weekends for fun in the snow
- Backyard Playdates—Nursery families meet on our campus after school for play and socializing
- Garden Work Parties—families get their hands dirty, working together to make our campus more beautiful