Dear Harbor Families,

Thank you so much for your support and care throughout the past two weeks, as I have navigated through shock, sadness, and grief with the sudden and unexpected loss of my father. The outpouring of empathy from the Harbor community was remarkable and incredibly comforting for me, my mother, and sister, and supportive for Bill, Emily, and especially Jude. Equally remarkable was the strong response from our team at Harbor to step up  to manage the many tasks that needed to be done, including hosting wonderful events (I heard Generations Day was really special!), so I could fully step away to be with my family - which was a true gift. Words can’t express my gratitude for this community, whose deep care and connection has been palpable during my time of heartache. One thing I’m not feeling is surprise about this level of empathy and emotional support - as this is who we are at Harbor.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the profound influence of our families and communities on shaping who we are - and who our children will become. My dad’s parents were teachers of art and music,  and although they died before I was born, I grew up hearing stories about them from a very young age. Even though my father took a different career path as a mathematician and cryptographer at NSA, he carried their appreciation for teaching, and was a teacher to many in his own way. The last text he sent me, just a few days before he died, read, “My parents would be very proud of you… So am I.” Though I always knew he was proud of me, he wasn’t one to express his feelings often, so I treasure this final expression of pride in my career as an educator. 

As we move into the holiday season, I am anticipating complex feelings of nostalgia and sorrow to mix with joy and uplifting moments. It’s likely that for you as well, this time of year brings up different emotions and memories of past seasons. I wish for all of us to experience moments of connection - to pause, to hold what matters close, and to feel grounded in the communities that sustain us.

It may seem strange to pivot to fundraising in a letter of this nature, but to me, it makes a lot of sense. This season reminds us that our lives are filled with gifts  - the people who guide us, the communities that steady us, and the places that help our children grow. Giving back is one way we honor those gifts. Two days ago, on Giving Tuesday, Bill and I made our family’s donation to the Harbor Fund, along with contributions to a few other organizations that have shaped our family’s life. I know several of you have already made a generous gift as well. Thank you — your support strengthens Harbor in meaningful and lasting ways.

If you haven’t yet given to the Harbor Fund, I hope that you will consider supporting it at a level that feels right for your family. Once again this year, you are welcome to choose the area of need that your donation will support: professional development for our wonderful teachers; financial aid to expand access to our program; or instructional resources and technology to enhance our interdisciplinary, inquiry-based program. You may also choose to designate your gift to the area of greatest need, giving us important flexibility. We are hoping to reach our goal of 100% participation from current families, faculty, and our Board - a tradition that reflects our collective commitment to Harbor. (Here’s the link to give!)

Finally, I want to express my gratitude for the countless ways you and your family shows up for this community - through your kindness, your presence (we hope to see you tomorrow morning at Open Classrooms!), and your trust in us. I am deeply grateful to walk through this season with all of you.

With appreciation,

Leah Musico
Head of School