9B--Interview+with+the+Division+Heads

Lise and I interviewed the Division Heads on Monday, Dec. 12. Present at the meeting were: Karen Raidt Acting Head of the Lower School Bobby Walker Head of the Middle School Marnie Sadlowsky Head of the Upper School

The important points were as follows:
 * All were definitively in agreement that the third paragraph of the Mission Statement is “excellent.”
 * It creates a “high bar” to attain….
 * Clearly states the objectives of King Low Heywood Thomas.
 * Bobby said that as the new Mission Statement was developed, he was not so sure about some of it; but this paragraph helped him “buy in.”
 * Also said that the Middle School has a ways to go with regard to communicating a culture of respect. Talk a lot about curriculum, and not enough about community (opportunity).
 * This third paragraph is well written, but does not create easy answers.
 * The word “citizenship” must be defined for the students.


 * __ Community Service and Service Learning (discussed together): __**

Strengths:
 * Karen calls the approach in the Lower School—“Community Service Learning.” Great way to look at this!!!
 * Traditional community service projects are done in the LS.
 * Try to help the students understand that there is “good” in what they are doing for the community, whether it is collection or outside service at a senior home, etc.
 * Bobby—“community service is ‘doing’; service learning is ‘learning’.
 * Midnight Run was a great success for the MS. Moved kids to do more.

Weaknesses:
 * Faculty sees our approach as weak.
 * Think we are philosophically unsure how to deal with Community Service.
 * Do not like the idea of community service requirements.
 * Should focus on service learning.
 * Community Service and Service learning at odds at times—has to be a happy medium.
 * Bobby feels that two years ago kids felt “stifled.”—Project ideas were “squashed.”
 * Need more clarity about service learning initiatives.
 * Faculty and kids feel a time crunch to put initiatives into work…
 * Karen says we do not want Comm. Service learning to be looked at by the faculty and kids as “one more thing for us to do” in our busy schedule.
 * Marnie sees students come to the Upper School with all these great project ideas, emanating from their church groups, etc.—causes “fragmentation.”

Opportunities:
 * There is a place for community service in everyone’s life; but service learning is deeper.
 * Must be embedded in the curriculum.
 * Kids want to do more after success community service ventures like Midnight Run.
 * Student accountability must be part of community awareness—the idea of respecting our community, and picking up after themselves.
 * Service learning must be more about us guiding the students to a better understanding—curriculum.
 * Bobby—“at what point is fundraising the goal? We shy away from these, even though at times it is needed!”
 * Ultimate question is: “What is citizenship?” This is the most important opportunity, to teach the kids what this really means. In order to do so, it must be defined!!
 * Need time and help to understand how to implement service learning initiatives. Bobby said that one of the best things this year was having Lise meet with the three MS grades to discuss implementation—GREAT meetings.

__** Diversity: **__

Strengths:
 * Marnie said we have a strong diversity statement which everyone should read.
 * Kids handle the issue better than the adults in some respects.

Weaknesses:
 * Marnie feels that not enough people do read the diversity statement.
 * We do a lot of talk, but do not handle this issue well.
 * We are not visionary; more reactive.
 * Parents do not always feel included at school; must talk openly and honestly about these issues.

Opportunities:
 * We talk to parents about diversity of learning styles—this helps broaden the definition beyond just black and white.
 * At POCC, they discussed the fact that the big non-topic at schools is socio-economic diversity.
 * Need to be willing to discuss these issues, and not avoid them. They are easier to avoid, unfortunately.
 * Those with concerns should be made to feel comfortable to bring up the concerns.
 * Everyone should be involved in these discussions.
 * Should look closely at diversity statement—and “bring it to life.” The statement is complex, but important.

Threats:
 * GA tackles this issue head on.