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My Most Favorite Time of the Day!

June 3, 2020 | Melissa McCallihan

Since day one of this school year my most favorite time of the day is anytime I’m in a meeting with my students. Before going to distance learning, in our class meetings, our community enjoyed sharing stories, worries, celebrations and prayer needs. They loved to ask questions of each other– about likes and dislikes, about family traditions, and about their daily lives.  They loved to ask questions and share wonderings about the world, our current read aloud, and the Mustard Seed community. They loved to play games and have dance parties.

Since day one of distance learning, meetings have been a place where students are mostly the same as when we were in the building for school. They are just as inquisitive. They verbally process the world just the same. They are concerned and connecting with their community. They are playful.

Not much has changed even with going to distance learning. I am so thankful that the tradition of an open, safe and welcoming meeting space continues via our virtual world.

Melissa McCallihan

Teacher, Grade 6; Science Grades 6-8

Teaching children to take risks and fail well is important to Melissa McCallihan, who has taught for over 30 years. She believes children learn as much through their failures as they do through their successes. She celebrates both in her classroom. In collaboration with the middle school director, art teacher, and other fourth and fifth grade teachers, Mrs. McCallihan has been instrumental in developing the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program, an extension of the Lower School’s Shared Space model. “STEAM is where students solve problems and sometimes get it wrong,” says Mrs. McCallihan when asked about risks and failing well. “Students need to learn how to do that with grace, and to try again with grit and determination.” Mrs. McCallihan currently teaches sixth through eighth grade science.

Mrs. McCallihan cares deeply about relationships with her colleagues, students, and families. She works hard to make and maintain connections on a personal and professional level. And follows the mantra “Worship God, Love All.”

When not at school, you can find Mrs. McCallihan searching out a fantastic restaurant or hidden sight to see in New York City.

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