Weekly Message from HOS 2026/09/21-2026/09/24

Dear Keystonians,

Warm Mid-Autumn greetings to each of you and your families and loved ones. This break marks the end of the first chapter of our school year. Grades 4-10 have completed our OEPs, with the 4th and 5th graders finishing their trips earlier today. The 11th graders completed their amazing trip to Inner Mongolia. KAPS will be in full swing when we return. It has been a wonderful start to the year.

One of the highlights for me since the start of the school year was spending time with the 7th graders and their teachers on their OEP last week. We camped at the base of a section of the Great Wall in the mountains of Tianjin. The weather was perfect, the skies were clear, we had good challenges, and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and each other. I just love camping. The week before the trip, I was packing and repacking my bag, so excited for the chance to sleep in a tent and spend a couple of days hiking and enjoying time with 7th graders and their amazing advisors.

On the first day, we went on a long walk. One of the students in my group was terribly afraid of the bugs. Another was very hot and worried about making it to the top of the mountain. Another student came up to me and said he hoped we might allow him to call his mom because his ankle was sore and he was ready to go home. Each of these kids had moments on that first day when they really did not want to be there. They were uncomfortable, tired, scared, and not sure how they would get through the trip.

Fast forward one day. The child worried about bugs was hiking independently, seeing the bugs and moving confidently past them. The boy who was worried about the heat took on an optional hike and traveled extra kilometers before breakfast. And the boy who had wanted to call his mom was running and playing football with his friends as we prepared for a transition. They were enjoying the wind on their faces, the dirt under their nails, and the sore muscles that remind you that you are alive, and you have done something hard.

Several children also complained that the food was not too delicious. I reminded them that we are not at a restaurant. The food is safe and healthy. That is the goal. They were not entirely convinced, but they ate.

I just love OEP. I am already looking forward to the third grade campout in the spring – our next OEP this year.

Wishing you all a restful and joyful Mid-Autumn Festival with your loved ones.

Warmly,

Dr. Emily McCarren