You will notice lots of fresh paint and general sprucing up of our campus facilities. More substantial facilities projects undertaken this summer include a complete renovation of the fitness center in the Henry H. Anderson ’38 Gymnasium, ADA access at the Ansin Breezeway on the Ransom Campus, impact windows on several buildings on both campuses, new classroom furniture, and technology upgrades. The most obvious technological upgrade is our learning management system, myCOMPASS, that will improve communication across the school for students, faculty and parents.

Perhaps less noticeable but equally important changes that you have either read about in the handbook or heard about from your children are the Upper School conduct point system, delayed opening every Friday, a few tweaks to the Upper School dress code, and daily Upper School advisory. These changes were the result of many discussions, and while they may not seem enormous, they were all conceived with the goal of maximizing the time that faculty and students spend together learning and collaborating. The point system was put in place to centralize the discipline system which will allow our faculty to do what they do best: teach.

Last year we began the process of reaccreditation (the reaccreditation team will visit us in January) by working on our school self-study. Out of that process emerged many discussions about curriculum that will continue throughout this school year. We have already made changes in the Middle School language program, and we created the position of director of global studies. Adabel Diaz-Rivera will work this year with us to create a vision for a globalized curriculum. Our first upper school students have enrolled in courses in the Global Online Academy, and we have a contract with PrepWorks, a successful test prep and tutoring program right here in the Grove. All upper school students will have access to their e-learning platform for pre-college standardized assessments and analysis. More information about our relationship with PrepWorks is forthcoming.

During the summer, the faculty read World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students by Yong Zhao. Zhao challenges us to adapt our teaching and curriculum to the rapid changes in the world that are being driven by technological advances and globalization. We know that we are preparing a new generation of leaders: creative contributors, catalysts, entrepreneurs, managers, and builders. We embrace the imperative to provide our students the tools and perspective to navigate successfully in any environment, to think in multicultural ways, and to collaborate with people from different backgrounds.

As we evaluate and enrich our curriculum and our co-curricular programs, we will consult with educational experts, we will engage with schools of our caliber, and we will strive to create the best academic environment for the remarkably talented and capable students whom we are fortunate to teach. We will also be mindful of the kind of character development that is increasingly important in our complicated and ever-changing world.

On behalf of my colleagues, I welcome you to a new school year. It is a privilege to lead Ransom Everglades School, and thank you for your support and confidence.

Most sincerely,

Penny Townsend
Head of School