Monthly Archives: September 2025

Lessons from the River #3… Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

On the raft with Polly Fredlund, Head of Westover School, CT. One of the best benefits of the Salmon River experience this summer was the ability (and the need) to adopt the pace of nature. We knew when we paddled … Continue reading →

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Lessons from the River…#2 Laughter is the Best Medecine

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Kari Ostrem, HoS at Riverdale Country School, and I, before we “swam” in the river. By the time I found myself in a double Kayak with another Head of School, I thought I had mastered the art of “staying in … Continue reading →

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Lessons from the River…#1 Let go and flow with the river.

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This summer, I had the tremendous joy and privilege of joining 22 head colleagues on the Main Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. Over five days, we traversed 88 miles through Class 2, 3, and 4 rapids. We either … Continue reading →

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