What a beautiful day. And what a beautiful reminder of what makes Lesley Ellis so special. 

Recently, our entire school community took to the streets of Arlington for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, and it was something to see!

Students proudly carried handmade signs. Parents and caregivers walked alongside teachers. Older students looked out for their younger buddies. And our wonderful neighbors joined in, cheering us on and displaying messages of solidarity and belonging in their windows.

There were smiles everywhere. A whole lot of togetherness. And a pretty powerful message being shared along the streets of Arlington.

More than 65 years ago, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked courageously into a school where she wasn’t welcomed because of the color of her skin. Yesterday, our students walked in her honor, celebrating that courage and thinking about what it means to stand up for others, welcome differences, and make sure everyone feels they belong.

And that’s really what this day was about.

At Lesley Ellis, we talk a lot about community, kindness, equity, and inclusion. Yesterday, we got to see those values in action, from our youngest preschoolers to our eighth graders, and well beyond the walls of our school.

Ruby Bridges helped change the world by taking a walk. We’re doing our part to make sure the next generation keeps moving us forward.