News & Updates 8/12/24

Dear New School community,

It’s with great enthusiasm that I write from the Head’s office at the New School to share an update on what’s happening on campus. My husband, Tom, and I have been busy unpacking boxes in Fraker House and settling in, organizing our belongings and starting to find our way around the island. In the school building, my office is set up, filled with scores of books on teaching and learning, as well as collections of random items – from keys to sea glass. I have been enjoying conversations with many in the community, from teachers stopping in to say hello, parents of Strong Wings campers, Board members, and more. July was busy with the details of getting organized on Nantucket.

Strong Wings has been in full swing throughout the summer and It’s been lovely to walk across the parking lot as bubbles float through the air and the sounds of happy campers fill the air. Joining the morning circles in the camp area, I’ve been impressed by the energy that Chris, Claire, and the staff bring. It’s been fun to watch campers return from East to West rides, joining Gaga games and playing on the water slide. Strong Wings has provided and continues to provide phenomenal camp experiences and it’s been great to learn more about the programming and vibe of the program daily.

And now, as we turn the calendar to August, my excitement for what’s ahead grows. I am lucky to be partnering with Danielle Beale, as Associate Head of School, to learn all I can about the routines and policies of the New School. I am grateful for Danielle’s deep understanding of the school and the island, and we’ve laughed as we’ve talked through many aspects of our shared work ahead. Last week, Danielle and I joined with other administrators to talk through important aspects of the New School culture and how we’ll work together to continue to build on the strengths of the program.

As I am learning more about the School and projects underway, I am grateful for the hard work of the Board of Trustees as efforts to secure more sustainable energy and employee housing are in progress. These will soon be very obvious on campus, including solar panels installed on both the Strong Wings and New School buildings (pictures below!) and the building of a new house. By the opening of School, a portion of land will be cleared between Fraker House and the Fairy Forest, preparing the site for the modular build of the new building for employee housing. We’ll have a great vantage point to take in how a house is built; it’ll be interesting to see the progress of the house as it’s moved into place. Don’t be surprised or worried by the cutting of trees and shrubs: we’ll be replanting to return the site to a more natural state after the housing project is completed and there’ll be regular updates along the way.

I would like to update you on a few familiar faces who will hold new roles at New School this fall. The administration includes:

Danielle Beale, Associate Head of School.  After a superb year serving as Interim Head, Danielle and I will partner closely in many aspects of leadership. Danielle will have primary responsibility for Advancement work, including Admission, Communication, and Marketing.  Danielle will be taking leadership on the New School Annual Fund, as Claire Winship takes on more responsibility with Strong Wings, both in programming and development. Claire will continue to teach Health & Wellness, and add to the heart and soul of the New School, of course!

As we continue to build our program, it is essential for the school to have administrators who are not full-time classroom teachers. Division heads will provide teacher support, student guidance throughout the school day, and strengthen the family partnership. The three division leaders are Matt Liddle, Anne Broadus, and Megan Solimeo. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Matt, Anne, and Megan as I learn more about curriculum and program at the New School.  

Jenny Gammill will be expanding her role in art instruction. We are delighted to offer art classes for all students here on campus. Tori Hope will be shifting to provide learning support in the Lower School, primarily for the fourth grade. She is also embarking on a master's degree this fall. In addition to providing after-school programming, Clare O'Connell will now also work as learning support in the Lower School. I am delighted to announce that Cory Morgan, known in the New School community as father to Jael, will teach music to all grades. Cory, a jazz musician who plays piano and drums, is eager to fill our spaces with music and song!

I hope that your family is enjoying the summer months and looking forward with optimism to a great school year!  In a few weeks, we’ll be sending out more information regarding the opening days of school, including updates and notes from division heads and teachers. I can’t wait to get to know you and your families well, as I begin to put down roots here on Nantucket. Save the date for the back to school picnic on Friday, September 13!

All the best,