Mike Halper
President, Board of Trustees
New Leadership
We are excited to announce that, in addition to her role as PA President, Christy Tripp has graciously agreed to chair the next phase of our strategic-planning efforts. We are lucky to have Christy at the helm of this process as she brings significant management expertise to this work, drawing from her experiences as the executive director of the Walther Foundation, a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, and a manager at Score Learning Corporation. Christy will oversee all phases of the strategic-planning process: the Inquiry into Educational Directions, the Space Utilization Study, the Financial Modeling Analysis, and the creation of a formal plan to be presented to the board and community in fall 2010.
As her first task as chair, Christy worked with our strategic planning steering committee to compile the extensive data pulled from our community listening forums.
Major Themes From the Community Listening Forums
Over 200 current parents, founders, faculty, alumni, parents of alumni, and grandparents participated in the community listening forums held in February and March. The following themes and ideas emerged as educational priorities and will be examined in depth during the next phase of our process, the May strategic plan workshop. Thank you to all who participated in these forums.
1. Critical Thinking
A. Opportunities and Challenges of Information Technology
Validity and accuracy of resources; implications of permanence of information
Breadth vs. depth of ideas
B. Curriculum and Instruction
Problem solving
Analysis & interpretation of quantitative and qualitative information
Communication skills
Math competence and confidence
Science investigation
2. Habits of Heart and Mind: Learning How to Learn
Emotional Intelligence/ resilience
Curiosity and interest leading to effort and investigation
Willingness to fail, risk-taking
Self-awareness and reflection
Self-advocacy
Discipline, perseverance, work ethic
Listening skills
Growth mindset
3. Right-Brained Thinking: The Artist in Each of Us
Imagination and creativity
Art, Music, Drama
Problem solving
Innovation
Performance, public speaking
Expressing emotion and insight
4. Global and Local Citizenship: Living With Your Eyes Wide Open
A. Involvement with the Community
Service learning and community service
Social justice and advocacy
Awareness and appreciation of privilege; humility, empathy and gratitude
Values and ethics
SFDS Breakthrough Program
B. Global Citizenship
International language learning
Global awareness
Cultural competence, from inside the perspective of the other
Collaboration with diverse peers
Connection to international events
5. Health and Wellness: Developing Your Whole Self
Balance
Time and stress management
Knowledge of nutrition and eating healthy
Exercise, time for play
Being comfortable with yourself and who you are
Mindfulness and reflection
Connection to nature
Next Steps
In May, a committee consisting of trustees, founders, current parents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, and administrators will meet for an intensive two-day offsite, the Strategic Plan: Workshop on Educational Ideas. Participants will work in groups to examine the educational priorities that were identified through the community listening forums, culminating in presentations to the entire committee, which will then inform the June planning retreat. The June planning retreat will also incorporate findings from our financial modeling and space utilization review to determine our education priorities for the future.
