KATONAH, N.Y The Harvey School held its second annual Harvey Speaks event this week in an after-hours program meant to bring together the learning community.
The theme of the program was curiosity, with author and George Mason Professor Todd Kashdan as the keynote speaker. Kashdan led the charge to invigorate those in the audience and help them open their minds.
The program last year was more tuned to lecture-like exercises and affairs, said Karen Walant, the president of the parents' association. This year, however, the twist was vibrant and noticeable, starting with the opening acts that included a clown and a unicycle rider.
By having a night like this, with faculty, parents and administration, were all learning together in the same room, she explained. Then, in the classroom the next day, the relationship is more established.
Participants were able to choose classes from Zumba and Yoga to bee keeping and self-defense, all while keeping in mind the central theme of the day: stepping outside of your comfort zone to discover something new about yourself and those around you.
The idea is for parents, teachers and kids to connect in a different way, said Ingrid Wittmann, the event chairperson. Doing something together and talking about it on the ride home, or learning something new about a parent or teacher, youre looking at someone in a different light.
The different light might be uncomfortable, said Kashdan, but the author said its not only normal to feel anxious about change, but necessary.
That feeling of anxiety when we face the unknown, thats normal. If you didn't get upset, then thats when Id be worried about you, he said. A heart racing is a sign that says it matters to you, and if you want to live a good life, you need to push the boundaries.
Harvey student Mikhyle Stein enjoyed being involved with the event, which incorporated what he said he most appreciates about his school.
What I love about this is that the entire school comes together, learning something that is important, he said. I like the whole unification of the school. Everyone is here together and enjoying it.
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