I hope you stayed warm and cozy during the snow day.

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my daughter Lucy and I had the privilege of visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. We were among hundreds of people from around the world who had gathered to pay our respects and reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom and peace. Standing in that sacred space on a day dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, during the week of the presidential inauguration, provided a powerful day of reflection. Our visit was made possible through a generous scholarship program in which Lucy is fortunate to participate. A core component of this program is helping college students deepen their understanding of democracy, recognize their role in shaping it, and contribute to the betterment of our country. That day, I found myself thinking about all that Miriam does to prepare our K-12 students to be engaged, compassionate citizens of both today and tomorrow.

Since that day at Pearl Harbor, many community members have shared with me feelings of uncertainty and concern about current events. One topic that has emerged is the broader conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion. As you know, neurodiversity is a crucial part of that dialogue. Please know that Miriam’s mission remains steadfast and true to our students. We are grounded in compassion, love, and respect for one another. Every child who attends our school and benefits from our programming is cherished for their uniqueness. We will continue to celebrate the diverse backgrounds, traditions, beliefs, and stories that enrich our community and our country.

Walking through the halls of Miriam on any given day, it is evident that we are an organization dedicated to empowering students to contribute positively to the world, embrace citizenship, and value being a good neighbor. We are committed to fostering a deep sense of belonging—where every individual is included, respected, and valued. Our strategic plan focuses on expanding accessibility so that every child who needs our services can benefit from our expertise. For those who do not attend our school, we will continue working to equip educators with the tools they need to support their neurodiverse students in reaching their full potential.

Miriam’s Mir-I-Am campaign, #ChangingTheNarrative, is dedicated to increasing awareness of the extraordinary value and strengths our children bring to the world. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our core values: putting learners first, working together, striving for excellence, and respecting all. We hold ourselves accountable, seek continuous improvement through community feedback, and welcome diverse perspectives—especially when they bring fresh ideas for growth and innovation.

Miriam’s unwavering dedication to serving the beautifully diverse community of Greater St. Louis and beyond remains strong. We will continue to be a place where unique learners and thinkers receive exceptional education, feel seen and heard, and are protected and celebrated. If you ever wish to witness the remarkable journey of children stepping into their potential, I would be honored to give you a tour. I promise it will lift your spirit and fill your heart.

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

Warmly,

Meg Bamford, Head of Miriam School and Learning Center