News from Lisa
Planning Ahead
Schools have rhythms, some of which may surprise you. For one, we're always planning for the year ahead, it seems. No sooner than a year starts and we've got to think about the next one. Starting in December and ending in roughly mid-February, we make changes to our curriculum for next year—or at least initiate them. This time last year, we were in the middle of considering options for a new math program for the lower school and posting our course descriptions on-line for the first time. This year, in addition to an annual review of the course descriptions, we are taking a hard look at middle school math and our K-8 literary choices. We are also in the process of developing a cohesive K-8 emotional intelligence/conflict resolution program. We'll build upon the work that is already being done in the lower school by adding the layers of sophistication that the middle school students need as their conflicts grow more complicated.
January also begins the hiring season, and this year we will be hiring several new teachers. Sorting through resumes, scheduling interviews, observing and meeting with teaching candidates occupies much of my time. It's always exciting to meet candidates and consider what they might bring to the school!
Meanwhile, of course, we are right in the middle of our most active admissions work. We held our first Kindergarten "play date" earlier this month—a new way to interview kindergarten candidates. After having more than 30 kindergarten applicants shadow last year, we knew that we had to try something different this time around. Along with our teachers, each student—each family!—adds something to our community.
Also new this year is the 7th grade retreat—where the girls have an opportunity to think about conflict, the role it plays in their lives, and the tools they have to handle it. The 7th grade headed out to Highland Lakes Camp—the same camp we used for Ranch Romp—and worked with Juli Fellows, a trained mediator and psychologist, on conflict resolution skills. One evening was also dedicated to storyteller Bernadette Nason who had a thing or two to say about the consequences of succumbing to peer pressure and being overly suspicious about things that we do not immediately understand.
And, last week we have had three different construction companies and an architect on campus to look over the likely improvements to our campus—and give us an estimate (rough for now) for planning purposes.
So, when you come on campus and you think, "It's so quiet and peaceful here"—know that appearances can be deceiving!
Lisa K. Schmitt
Head of School
(01/09)