I had the chance to talk to Quinn Lavigne, who graduated in 2009– a member of the first graduating class at FSP!
She currently lives in California teaching fourth grade. The age of students she teaches is a good fit for her: they love being at school, they write little love notes, they can hold a conversation, they are super curious, and they care about social justice.
What memories stand out about FSP?
Jonathan and Anne got married her first or second year. She and the other students used to paint in his bald spot “John and Anne Forever.”
She remembers mapping nooks and crannies with a project involving a projector. Mary Tracy had them write poems on the picnic tables.
What was it like on Mackworth?
She loved Mackworth. She remembers the “turkey re-education program” they would do during mating season. It involved yelling and chasing to protect turkeys from running into the reflective windows.
“One thing I loved was being able to call Mackworth my spot.” There was a real sense of place: pinwheels for peace on the beach, the secret beach, fairy houses. It gave her insider knowledge.
How did it matter that FSP is Quaker?
Quinn was one of the only students who grew up Quaker, which meant she knew how to see SPICES in practice and real life.
“We were such a small group, so tight-knit – I remember having a teacher-facilitated conflict resolution… such a visible representation of Quaker values.”
“In high school especially – the gossip, you go through different friends. (At FSP, we were) learning to address it head-on.
What do you like best about the school where you now work?
At Katherine Delmar Burke School, her current school, mistakes are welcome. She quoted Jo Bowler, a thought leader with a big impression on the school: “Mistakes grow the brain.” She loves considering what it means to truly believe that instead of just saying it.
What wouldn’t you want to see change?
“I’d hate to see the size of FSP get too big…I loved having community within the community.” At her current school, she doesn’t see as much cross-grade community building.
What would you like to see change?
“More diversity in the teaching staff.”
What is your advice for graduating 8th graders?
“Do your homework. Clean your room.”