Head of School Blog "Making Connections, Traveling to Atlanta, and a New Puppy!"
Dear Orchard Community,
My first two weeks at Orchard have been filled with conversations as I’ve begun my entrance interviews with faculty and staff. Our one-on-one meetings in Orchard’s Dignity Center have been very helpful as I learn more from the talented people who deliver our program every day. I look forward to future conversations with parents, alumni, trustees, and governors, and to reflecting back the common themes I’m hearing as we come together around our shared vision of the school.
I have also been meeting with Orchard’s Senior Administrative Team (Director of Institutional Advancement, Jennifer Bostrom; Chief Financial Officer, Courtney Williams; and Assistant Head of School, Nicholas Eble) to focus on our enrollment, development, financial, and program planning. The Academic Leadership Team (Early Childhood & Elementary School Director, Hal Schwartz; Middle School Director, Jamie Napier; and Assistant Head of School, Nicholas Eble) and I have also been meeting to plan for launching the new school year, and welcoming back our students.
I’ve especially enjoyed having the chance to spend some time with students in summer camp, attending Pottery Wheel Glass Fusion Camp, and Video Game Design. Hands-on learning is at the heart of Orchard’s mission, and it was a pleasure to experience it myself.
Last week I also had the pleasure of joining the Alumni Heritage Association for their summer picnic at the Orchard campus, and members were eager to connect with fellow alums, and to celebrate their accomplishments this year--including record attendance at the annual Pancake Breakfast (over 800 friends of Orchard), where they raised more than $11,000 in ticket sales and sponsorships; and significant increases in both AHA Board giving and annual giving by alumni. Many thanks to the AHA for the critical work they do to keep our alumni connected, and to support Orchard’s mission to develop and educate the whole child.
This week I will be in Atlanta to attend the NAIS Institute for New Heads, where I look forward to making connections with other school leaders and building a network of people who can help support our work at The Orchard School.
Finally, on a personal note, last weekend my family and I adopted a puppy from Indy Humane. We’re all enjoying taking care of “Scout,” who is helping us meet our neighbors and walk the Orchard campus as we explore and learn more about our new home. There’s no place we’d rather be.
Have a great week!
Sherri
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Click here to read the previous Head of School Blog post.
Reminder: Click here to share your thoughts with Sherri by sending her a note.
[Scroll down for more pictures]
Click here to read the previous Head of School Blog post.
Reminder: Click here to share your thoughts with Sherri by sending her a note.
