The rafters ring with the voices and laughter of students, families, and staff. From our first gatherings to the Back to School Family BBQ, the start of this year at Neskowin Valley School has been filled with connection, joy, and the promise of new adventures.

I have read umpteen articles on the dangers of multitasking, and yet, if I had a nickel for every time that I multitasked, I would be a rich woman.  I check my phone while working; I clean and listen to podcasts; I go for a walk while answering work emails. I buy into the idea that my worth is based on my productivity, and multitask accordingly.

I have read umpteen articles on the dangers of multitasking, and yet, if I had a nickel for every time that I multitasked, I would be a rich woman.  I check my phone while working; I clean and listen to podcasts; I go for a walk while answering work emails. I buy into the idea that my worth is based on my productivity, and multitask accordingly.

But science is clear.  Multitasking is a myth, and it is not good for our brains. 

I looked over at my student.  “Here we go again,” I thought.  Mark, neurodivergent, brilliant, and seemingly defiant, was staring at the graphic organizer.  He slouched lower on the green bench seat, arms crossed, every bit of his body saying to me, “There is no way I’m going to do this.”  He and I were in an all-too-familiar place. The battle royale is about to commence.

The 2024–25 academic year at Neskowin Valley School is best summed up in three small but powerful words: growth, innovation, and anchoring. Every day was seen as an opportunity not only to learn something new but to build skills, strengthen friendships, and take an active role in shaping both personal and collective success.