As School Counselor at The Independence School, my mornings begin like many in our community — a familiar routine, a warm goodbye at home, and a reflective drive to campus. When I arrive each day, one idea guides me: sonder — the understanding that every person we encounter carries a life as rich, complex, and meaningful as our own. It’s a powerful reminder to lead with empathy and compassion, values that shape how we teach, learn, and care for one another at Independence.

At The Independence School, we often talk about our core values of respect, responsibility, and integrity. These values shape our mission as a school, and we live them in the way we teach, learn, and treat one another. They are also reflected in our tradition of keeping school open every Veterans Day, when we take time to honor and thank those who have served. Tyler Shears, who graduated from Independence in 2001, knows firsthand how powerful those values can be.

When most people hear the word "innovation", their minds immediately conjure images of high-tech marvels: AI, Virtual Reality, or the latest killer app. We often fall into the trap of believing that the only path to progress runs straight through a technology budget. We see schools and businesses rush to buy expensive new software or gadgets, only to discover a harsh truth: new technology often just automates old and inefficient ways of doing things. Here’s the reality: Innovation isn't a feature; it’s a culture.

August can feel like one long Sunday for students, parents, and teachers. As the new school year approaches, Independence English teacher Kevin McDonald encourages families to imagine the ending first—picture June 2026 and the story you want to tell. Seeing the finish line can bring clarity, confidence, and purpose to the months ahead.

Soon the hazy, lazy days of summer will be upon us. We can all breathe a little easier knowing that schedules will not be as hectic, bedtimes will not be a priority, and relaxation can take a priority role in our lives for three glorious months.

However, once the novelty of summer begins to wane, children and parents alike begin to long for some routine.

Let's be honest: watching our children struggle can feel like a punch to the gut. Whether it’s seeing a preschooler wrestle with their coat zipper, a second grader forget their homework (again), or a middle schooler spiral after a social disappointment, it’s tempting to jump in, fix it, and shield them from frustration. But here’s the thing: struggle isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful teachers we’ve got.

"Why teach music?” In a day and age where many other schools’ music programs are cut or eliminated for a myriad of reasons, Independence has found itself in quite the opposite situation. Where some schools have trouble recruiting students for their ensembles, we have seen our participation hit 100%. When some districts offer music only as an after-school activity, our school requires it as part of the curriculum. That brings us back to the question: “Why teach music?” It also begs, “What is music? Why is it important?”

The Independence School believes a positive partnership between school and home is essential to a student’s success. As Parent-Teacher Conference Day approaches, please consider these tips to make the most of the time you have with your child’s teacher.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for children and adults alike. By helping your child practice mindfulness, you’re teaching them how to manage stress, improve focus, and develop emotional resilience. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or a lot of time to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life.