Seventy Years Later

A letter from Gabe Burnstein, Head of School

On the second-to-last Wednesday in May, six members of the Charles River School Class of 1955 and their spouses returned to campus for their 70th reunion. That number alone is extraordinary—seventy years since their own sixth-grade graduation from Charles River School. (CRS went to sixth grade when Eisenhower was president.)

But what struck me most was how quickly time collapsed when they stepped onto campus. In Nurse Rachel’s office—formerly their fifth-grade classroom—they told stories that made the years fall away. One pointed across the room to where two ten-year-olds once slipped a snake into Mrs. Baughman’s desk drawer. Laughter erupted, and heads turned toward Boyntie Glinton and Stephen White, the remembered culprits. Just like that, a group of octogenarians became fifth graders again.

Later, one alum said, “Our best memories are all about our teachers.” The others nodded. For them, the classrooms, the pranks, even the snakes—none of it mattered as much as the people who believed in them, challenged them, and brought them joy.

That visit was a powerful reminder that while seemingly everything has changed in the world, nothing has changed about the value of a CRS education that is built on close and trusting relationships between students and teachers. I have never experienced a school where all of the adults know every single student so deeply. 

Their visit was also a reminder that the work we do here every day lives far beyond the moment. Our students may graduate in 2025, but their CRS stories will echo through the decades, just as the stories of the Class of ’55 still do.

That enduring impact starts with our faculty. I want to thank our incredible teachers and staff—those who know our students deeply, who work tirelessly to support and challenge each child, and who whisper encouragement when it matters most. CRS teachers don’t simply teach curriculum—they nurture curiosity, resilience, and joy.

In less than two weeks, the 23 members of the Class of 2025 will walk across our graduation stage. In seventy years, they will return to find a changed campus—but I’m certain they’ll carry the same laughter, the same stories, and the same deep appreciation for the teachers and classmates who shaped their lives.

In the meantime, may summer bring you rest, renewal, and reflection. Thank you for a remarkable year.

With gratitude,
Gabe

June 01, 2025

Seventy Years Later

A letter from Gabe Burnstein, Head of School On the second-to-last Wednesday in May, six…

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