For the past 24 years, Ms. Cheryl Saunders has been fostering emotional and academic intelligence in the hearts and minds of her second graders. She has been a cornerstone of the lower school community—someone whom teachers can rely on for support or mentorship.
Ms. Saunders initially didn’t apply to work at Haverford—her story is rather intriguing.
She was first introduced to the community when one of her students applied to come to Haverford. “A woman from Haverford reached out to me to get some more information about the student. She asked to do an observation of him at our school,” Ms. Saunders said. “What I did not know was that while she was observing the student, she was paying attention to what I was doing too.”
Not long after, Ms. Saunders received a call from the lower school head. He told her that they were opening up two classrooms and asked if she would be interested in coming out and visiting.
“At first I was a little hesitant,” Ms. Saunders said. “I agreed to come out and have a conversation with him over spring break. We talked about the school; I wanted to know a little more about the makeup of the school because that was a concern for me. He told me the vision moving forward and asked if I would be interested in coming back to a formal interview. I agreed, and that’s how it all unfolded.”
Ms. Saunders’ second-grade class is something still cherished by many upper schoolers.
When asked about their favorite lower school memories, many students will say the Walk for Water. This event coincided with the second-grade social studies unit focusing on the freshwater crisis in Africa.
“The Whole Boy” expresses everything a Haverford boy could represent to Ms. Saunders.
Unbeknownst to most, Ms. Saunders has played an integral role in helping to plan, organize, and execute this tradition.
Through creating moments that gather the community, Ms. Saunders has strived to improve her students’ understanding of those around them.
“My one strong desire was to truly make a difference in students that are here,” Ms. Saunders said. “We have to take the time to see the whole boy.”
Haverford used to have a black and white poster: “The Whole Boy,” which Ms. Saunders displays in her room.
“The Whole Boy” expresses everything a Haverford boy could represent to Ms. Saunders.
“I truly believe that it’s not just one part of the student—it’s all of the student,” Ms. Saunders said. “If we can reach that part of the boy, and if that’s what I’ve done—helped those boys who’ve struggled—and made a difference, that’s what’s important to me.”
Head of Lower School Dr. Pam Greenblatt believes that Ms. Saunders has had a large impact on the growth of her students.
“Ms. Saunders’ greatest impact on her students has been her ability to maintain the delicate balance between creating a warm, loving, and nurturing environment while also being firm and setting clear boundaries,” Dr. Greenblatt said. “[These boundaries] teach the boys how to meet the expectations of being a Haverford boy.”
We help them reach their full potential, and really try to do what’s best
Ms. Cheryl Saunders
Ms. Saunders believes that on top of performing well academically, learning how to interact socially is something that all boys need to be successful.
“Of course academics are of utmost importance, but social skills are just as important,” Ms. Saunders said. “We should never neglect that because it can interfere with their development. If I can help the boys build relationships with one another and respect each other, it affects them tremendously.”
In her final days on campus, Ms. Saunders has taken some time to reflect on what Haverford means to her.
“Haverford is a great school; they’re very invested in their students,” Ms. Saunders said. “The teachers are very involved, and they go out of their way to support their students. We have sleepless nights thinking about ways that we can help [our students] move to the next level.”
“We help them reach their full potential, and really try to do what’s best,” Ms. Saunders said.
The Haverford community is something Ms. Saunders will hold dearly as she steps away to embark on a new journey.
“That’s the thing that I really love about Haverford: We are not afraid of change. Sometimes we go against the grain, but it’s all for the students,” Ms. Saunders said. “That’s what I love about Haverford.”
