Dear Parents,
As we all look forward to celebrating the holidays with family and friends, and a break from our daily routines, I want to share with you an experience I had this fall. In October, I attended the Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) Conference and heard the comments of Dr. Jane Smith, the Executive Director of the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at Spelman College in Atlanta. Dr. Smith comes from generations of public school graduates, educators, and advocates, and was a public school teacher, yet she supports her grandchildren attending independent schools. She told us that current education policy in public schools, with their emphasis on testing versus learning and a lack of forward thinking, severely constrains the ability of those schools to develop future leaders. She believes it is incumbent upon independent schools to create the next generation of leaders. Dr. Smith recommends that every day we, independent school educators, look at our students and ask ourselves: “What is it that I have to do to make sure that they will make a difference, that they will become the joy and hope of the new world?”
As I walk around the Gresh Center and the Schoolhouse, I am amazed at the talent and creativity of our students, and I am thankful for the abilities of our teachers to elicit the best from our children. Our faculty’s commitment to educating the students in Mind, Body, and Character is evident. Recently I watched as a fourth grader presented her book report by way of a webcast. Her classmates were rapt with attention as she spoke to them in real time from her desk at home. Each week I see the pride on the faces of Lower School boys and girls as they stand in Chapel to be recognized as gold award recipients.
On Monday, I witnessed our Middle School basketball team play one of the best games I have seen at Montgomery, battling back from five points down with a minute to go, only to come up three points short in a heart-pounding loss, showing great sportsmanship throughout the game. The lessons don’t stop there. A grandparent told me recently that she was in the checkout line at Wegmans and was impressed at the grace and poise of the cashier. Complimenting the cashier, the grandparent asked where she went to school. The girl replied that she graduated from Montgomery School and was now at a local high school. The value of a Montgomery education is truly priceless. In particular during these difficult financial times, investing in our children’s future is essential.
I know that we are creating leaders at Montgomery School. As a faculty we continually ask ourselves, “What will it take for our children to be successful in the year 2025 as they are beginning their professional careers?” Our balanced education emphasizing the whole child, and our focus on using technology, puts us in an extraordinary position to fulfill Dr. Smith’s charge for the 21st century.
We all know that we will face considerable challenges in the days and months ahead. Well before the current recession, our Board was developing strategies for financial sustainability to ensure that Montgomery School would continue to thrive and create the next generation of leaders. Recognizing that strong enrollment is key to financial stability, the Board has asked us to implement a Recruitment Credit Program, whereby the entire Montgomery School community can participate in ensuring strong enrollment. Under this program, our current families can earn a $1,000 tuition credit for each student they refer to the School who ultimately enrolls. This credit will apply to the referring family’s 2009-2010 tuition. While full details will be forthcoming, please do not hesitate to call our Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Tearson Morrison, or me, if you have any questions.
I wish you all joy and peace in this holiday season and in the New Year.
With appreciation,
Kevin R. Conklin,
Head of School