EdgewaterHigh School

“Couture, Not Cookie Cutter”

Student learning is not about a one size fits all approach. In fact, the only thing “cookie cutter” at our school is our expectation for students to reach their personal best. The pathway to get there is original and authentic. The student experience should be “couture,” or unique to the student. We are a small high school, relatively speaking. We get to know our kids. We have students new to Edgewater who come here not knowing anyone. But they dive in headfirst, sometimes literally in the case of swimming, into activities like Crew or JROTC or Theatre or Chorus or Band/Orchestra/Guitar. We get to know their activities and interests because we attend them. And by the end of their freshman, sophomore, or junior year, they are on a trajectory that is unique to them. Had a great conversation with a student on Thursday afternoon who is new to Edgewater this year and transferred from a local private school. She said that her classroom experiences at Edgewater have challenged her self-worth in a good way and caused her to think bigger about her post-secondary plans.

When I write recommendation letters for college admissions, I start each one with a blank page because if I can’t speak to the individual experience of a particular student then I am not doing my job. Students who ask for recommendation letters have carved out that couture experience. Why should I use a template when their student experience has been anything but?

Let’s encourage students to carve out that unique experience. The first step is to break down any hesitancy or apprehension our students may have about taking a chance on trying something new or different. Because I have yet to meet a student underwhelmed by their involvement in diverse extra-curricular and academic pursuits. And it all starts with a student taking a chance. If they aren’t connected, we need to encourage them to find that connection. Let me know how I can help!