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In looking back over my first semester at the Academy, I am extremely grateful for the faculty, students, and parents who have given so much effort, support, and commitment to the mission of the Academy. It has indeed been a year for seizing opportunities. Below are brief descriptions of several ways we are enhancing our environment to better maximize the potential of each student:
In forming the Early Childhood Team we created an avenue for frequent discussions about how to best meet the developmental needs of our youngest students. Children will benefit from more seamless transitions across grade levels within a balanced, developmentally appropriate 21st century curriculum.
Instructional technology including Smart Boards, laptop carts, and the fifth grade laptop program provides our teachers with an increasing number of engaging, student-centered activities to guide the learning process. Our technology does not replace our value on social interaction, play times, or three-dimensional experiences, but rather adds to the fullness of the more traditional activities.
The Academic Team is charged with the overall pre-K through twelfth grade vertical curriculum and has met several times to identify and discuss academic trends and issues. Current discussions involve a look at alternatives to the traditional costly text books and integrating instructional technology into the student experience.
An Academic Success Center was created and is currently evolving into a center which will enhance all aspects of the pre-K through twelfth grade curriculum including faculty development, differential learning, support for parents and students, enrichment, on-line course offerings, and instructional technology. While it will take time to fully staff, organize, and realize the potential of this initiative, many students and parents are already benefiting.
Building on a renewed commitment to more effectively communicate with our parent and broader stakeholder community, we have also launched a redesigned web site to enhance our web presence and provide a better interactive experience. We will be integrating new data systems for the 2012-13 school year which will improve the use, access, and ease of information retrieval for our students, parents, and faculty.
In just a short time, Laura Marino has invigorated our college guidance office with enthusiasm, support and innovation to guide our seniors and parents through the stressful and unpredictable college application process. In addition, Ms. Marino has established a college search process that begins in the ninth grade and provides the progressive support and guidance needed at each grade level. The college guidance process for all students is driven by collaboration, data, transparency, and support. The list of colleges who have accepted our students include Carnegie Mellon University, College of Charleston, Georgia Tech, High Point University, Oxford College of Emory University, Presbyterian College, Rollins College, Stetson University, University of Georgia, University of Hartford, and University of Oregon among others. Some of the colleges our students are waiting to hear from include Boston University, Davidson College, Duke University, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest University.
In addition to strengthening our commitment to academic excellence, the Academy has also added programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall student experience at Frederica. In October, Nurse Byers launched a new platform for our Upper School Community Service program. GivingPoint has helped our students systematically track their community service involvement and has created new ways to better serve those in need within our community. Adding six new varsity athletic programs and five new middle school athletic opportunities has also profoundly enriched students seeking new outlets for team camaraderie and physical activity.
While there is no shortage of achievements to celebrate, perhaps the most exciting aspect of this school year is the indelible spirit which stems from conscientious students who are enjoying their journey. This positive and contagious spirit is seen at pep rallies, athletic competitions, and in the hallways. We are thrilled with the number of students participating in the many extracurricular activities, and we embrace the opportunity to re-think how we can meet each student's needs in the face of such demand.
Our goal at each division is for students to be focused, joyfully giving their best effort in an environment of high expectations and low stress. We do not focus on achievement for achievement sake, because that creates a fear of failure. Instead, we focus on the effort and the learning. We want students to take the road less traveled, unafraid of failure and excited by the experiences and knowledge that develop as a result of the journey. We do not want our young people to take the easy path looking for guaranteed achievement with the least effort.
Please click here to access a link to an article I recently shared with our faculty. While the article is focused on the elementary division, it is none-the-less an effective articulation of what we are striving for with all our students. Particularly our goal for students to be "highly focused, making a high level of effort, while also experiencing high enjoyment coupled with low stress." By no means does this article infer that we should lessen our expectations, but rather we should stay focused on effort and individual discovery (differential learning) of passions and strengths. I hope you enjoy the article.
In early February, Julie Ackerman and I will send you information regarding the 2012-13 school year re-enrollment process. Interest in the Academy is high and our Admission office is very busy processing applications and visits. Several grade levels are at or near waiting list status, so it is important that you follow the re-enrollment process in a timely fashion. You can expect that information to be sent by the end of next week.
I look forward to the remainder of this truly fantastic school year.
Warmest regards,
Greg Griffeth
Head of School |