I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and support I have received in recent weeks. To be the new Head of School brings me great joy and ignites my passions to do the best job as a leader and educator for our families, faculty and staff. My vision is a collective vision overwhelmingly influenced by the HDS family. I owe a debt of gratitude to Sally for support and guidance, along with Shane, the faculty, HDS families and the Board of Trustees for your trust and support.
Today, as students and faculty are finishing the 2012 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to share my vision, our vision, for HDS. Hendricks Day School will be a cutting edge organization. We will provide a more rigorous curriculum, steeped in critical thinking and problem solving, building a strong and varied foundation for each student’s future. Meeting the needs of all learners through differentiation, we will support those students working above the curriculum and those needing additional support, while touching each student’s motivation. Exposure to and learning of the visual and performing arts, global languages and experiences of other cultures are essential facets in helping our students learn to see the world through the eyes of others.
The future is here. The impact of globalization requires an unprecedented educational landscape. I believe that students’ whole brain capacities must be developed so they grow to be leaders in the fields such as technology, mathematics, the sciences, the arts, and writing. Students must continue to acquire a strong foundation in the “three Rs,” but that is no longer enough to prepare them for the ever-changing marketplace in the 21st Century. To truly educate and prepare children through middle school for a very different world than what we have experienced, means to cultivate a specific educational foundation. I believe this foundation must develop children’s critical thinking and synthesizing capacities, design strategies, and the ability to apply knowledge in fluid ways. It is the student who combines love for learning with the ability to adapt and learn relevant patterns that will experience success.
My Priorities in the Next Year
You will see more and better resources and improved academic rigor, provided by the best educators. Our arts and PE programs will expand, as well as math, science and technology options for middle school students. Our curriculum will be aligned, refined and strengthened by a highly skilled faculty committee led by Dayna Perret and UNF professor and expert in Gifted Education, Dr. Chris Weber. They will continue assisting the teachers with strategies that engage and challenge students who are working above the curriculum.
Due to a generous donation from Mrs. Carson Sessions, the house on the corner of our property is ours to accommodate our growth. Offices and maintenance will be located in that remodeled space freeing up other areas on campus to expand our middle school, grow our resource offerings, and provide more appropriate meeting space for tutors and therapists.
In the last few years, we have strengthened the ELP program. It is now in top form and will not expand or become the central purpose of our school. It is my intent to continue perfecting a wonderful school that offers the most personalized, differentiated, and academically rigorous education in Jacksonville.
Teachers and Responsibilities 2012-2013
With all HDS has accomplished, you will be pleased to know we were overwhelmed by the quality of faculty candidates wishing to join the HDS family. I am thrilled to share the following teachers and their respective responsibilities with you. This is a strong, caring, and vibrant faculty. They are highly qualified and passionate about preparing our children for a 21st Century world.
Take a moment to be introduced to our newest family members by clicking on their biographies –
Early Childhood
Sharon Royal – Pre-K3
Elise Capobianco, Jenny Hulsberg – Pre-K4
Linda Edwards, Darleen Finegan – Kindergarten
Elementary School
Chris Collinsworth BIO, Dia Houser – 1st grade
Tonya Elstein, Casey Sparrell BIO – 2nd grade
Brittany Geeslin, Alexis Martin – 3rd grade
Ellen Jones, Jennifer Ramirez – 4th grade
Jami Caruso, Anita Ramirez – 5th grade
Middle School
Dayna Perret, Leslie Wilbur BIO – Math
Jamie Murray BIO – Science
Justin Weise – Geography and History
Lucia Allen – Spanish
Lilianna Lowery – Language Arts
ELP
Dawn Thomas
Tricia Senesac
Jackie Hrachovina
Jennifer Yates BIO
Resource Teachers
Peter Blay – Science Lab and Middle School Encore classes
Jenna George – Early Childhood and Elementary PE
Cindy Glass – Band, Middle School PE, Encore classes and 5th grade band
Chelsea Weise – Early Childhood and Elementary music
Bethany Erickson BIO – Media Specialist
Mark Meyers – Technology
Becky Hedges – Reading Specialist
Erika Gallo – Art
Itziar San Sebastian – Early Childhood and Elementary Spanish
From an administration perspective, Shane Tripp will be the principal, focusing on Middle School, but also teaming with me on other exciting initiatives. I will maintain my elementary and early childhood responsibilities, as well as Head of School responsibilities.
Look forward to a wonderful 2012-2013 year for your student! Our amazing faculty and culture, coupled with more resource classes and stronger academic rigor will raise your student to his or her highest level of engagement and learning ever!