The Power of Strategic Thinking

A letter from Judith Guild

This edition of Brimmer Magazine highlights examples of the power of strategic thinking and planning. Over the past decade, Brimmer has followed its own strategic roadmap, which has resulted in transformative experiences for our students. In the pages that follow, you will read how our programs and faculty have inspired students to invent, stretch, imagine, and persist until their ideas are realized.

In the first month of school this year, Brimmer hosted visitors from schools around the world. Faculty, trustees, and Heads of Schools came to Brimmer from Egypt and Brazil to learn about our innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Having been referred to Brimmer by other Heads and Harvard’s School of Education professors, they came to catch a glimpse of what we do and how we do it. From sharing the newest and best programming in our Hastings Center to sharing the methods we use for fundraising and garnering support from our community, I found myself not only feeling inspired by our progress and purpose but also proud of the teamwork, talent, and dedication of our community. The STEAM Lab, Maker Spaces, Innovation Space, and Learning Commons were funded and built, then evolved over time through the creativity of the educators using them. Digital publications, new coursework, and diploma programs have become known and won awards. The power of strategic thinking makes that happen and our direction and path functioned as a good roadmap should. It helped us arrive at a future-focused education.

As we near the conclusion of Brimmer’s Strategic Priorities 2020 & Beyond, the excitement is building for the construction of our new Recreation & Wellness Center. The goal of $26M for the Building Our Tomorrow campaign feels attainable as we stretch to have the best facility for our students and the programs we have planned for them. As with the last strategic plan, we have used this roadmap to propel Brimmer forward. We continue to uphold innovative methods, principles for best practice, and values that make our School a strong community.

The 2024-2025 annual theme captures the power of our strategic thinking; Authentic Learning. Bold Thinking. Compassionate Community. is sure to drive us forward and push the boundaries of our work. Our powerful team of educators are ready to embrace all that lies ahead, and the Brimmer community feels strong and ready to launch a year of great possibilities. With this vision and power, we are sure to have a great year of learning for our students! ■