Dr. Palmer’s Update: February 2010

During the last few weeks, I’ve had many opportunities to glimpse the richness of the Principia experience.

I wish each of you could have been on the School campus to hear the inspiring Upper School senior speeches. Students shared their profoundly moving stories of personal challenges, growth, and life lessons. In addition, we enjoyed visits from two Australian educators from Huntingtower School; hosted an Open House for potential new Early Childhood families; listened to Middle Schoolers debating the pros and cons of cyber communication; and engaged local and boarding parents in an Upper School Town Meeting.

At the College, we heard from four students during Convocation about their understanding of the concept of a community of practice; reestablished the tradition of Monitor Night Live with in-person visits from Monitor editor John Yemma and White House correspondent Linda Feldmann and virtual visits from correspondents in Beijing, Los Angeles, and Dubai; embraced author Sandy Tolan and his message of peace and understanding in the Middle East; cheered on our basketball and swim teams; and anticipated the always-popular Dance Production with student groups rehearsing all around campus.

I recently had the privilege of joining an Early Childhood faculty meeting and came away inspired and excited about the continuum of education happening at Principia. This is an impressive group of educators who daily engage our youngest students in creative and thought-provoking ways. These Pre-School teachers have created a wonderful grid that documents the learning goals and activities that support them. During my time with them it struck me how clearly this list coordinates with our College-wide Learning Outcomes—mathematics and quantitative reasoning, logic, reading, writing, and cognitive command of subject areas.

From my post as chief executive, I have the distinct privilege of seeing the two ends of what Principia founder Mary Kimball Morgan asked for when she referenced “a comprehensive plan for the institution as a whole” (Principia Policy 15).

I invite you to come visit our campuses and spend time in the classrooms—from our Acorn program all the way through College. I guarantee you will leave uplifted, inspired, and energized.