Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Atlanta, Georgia Lower School Principal July 2017 www.hies.org
MISSION Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School develops in students a love of learning, respect for self and others, faith in God, and a sense of service to the world community.
FAST FACTS • • • • •
Founded: 1959 Type: Independent, Co-Ed Grades Served: K3-12 Affiliation: Episcopal Enrollment: 1,376
• • • • •
Enrolled in LS: 380 # of Faculty: 60 Mascot: Bears Campus: 44 acres Faculty w/ Adv. Degree: 70%
The Position The largest Episcopal parish day school in the nation, Atlanta’s Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (HIES) provides an educational program that is as distinctive as it is rigorous. Holy Innocents’ sets itself apart in the Atlanta area for its strong Episcopal identity, a community deeply welcoming of all faiths, and a commitment to balancing academic excellence with the development of an open-minded and service-oriented spiritual identity. Holy Innocents’ seeks a new Lower School Principal to lead its outstanding faculty and community, beginning July 2017. This is an exceptional opportunity for a warm and inclusive leader ready to join a vibrant school community with both exceptional advantages and numerous opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Holy Innocents’ Lower School is a place of innovation as well as inspiration— where children tinker with mini-robots as frequently as they paint, draw, and sing; where the latest technologies and online tools are leveraged in an educational environment that adapts to and nurtures students’ unique talents. A master plan to transform the HIES campus is currently underway, which includes plans for a new Lower School building. Support for professional development of faculty is significant, as is a readiness to innovate and advance 21st century teaching and learning across the school’s four divisions.
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The School Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School was first established in Atlanta in 1959 as a parish-based K-8 school. With the addition of its Upper School in 1991, HIES became a comprehensive college preparatory school. Today, HIES enrolls almost 1,400 students in PreKindergarten through Grade 12. Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SAIS). HIES also maintains memberships in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA), Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE).
The Lower School The Dorothy Sullivan Lower School at HIES is a place where students in Grades 1-5 build confidence as well as the foundational skills and knowledge to thrive in the academically rigorous program that awaits them in the Middle and Upper Schools. These goals are achieved through an educational approach that is differentiated and holistic. Teachers in the Lower School seek to discover, and then nurture, each student’s individual strengths, while the curriculum exposes students to a wide breadth of topics to pique their natural curiosities and uncover their talents. Academics Lower School students engage in daily study of core subject areas as well as supplementary classes and activities that enhance understanding and elicit a love for learning. Beginning in first grade, students build a strong reading and writing foundation in a language arts program that is supported by a unique and individualized writing workshop. Using a process-oriented approach, a team of writing specialists works with
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classroom teachers to help students develop a strong base for writing, setting them up for future success in broad areas of study. The science curriculum in the Lower School introduces young students to a wide array of topics, from earth science, life science, and weather patterns, to geology, paleontology, and the solar system. Classroom lessons transform into hands-on challenges for students during science lab. Students in all grades learn to gather and analyze data, conduct experiments, and communicate findings in the Lower School science lab. By the fifth grade, they can ably handle glassware, lab equipment, and chemicals; produce a research project, and complete a frog dissection! The mathematics curriculum at HIES uses EnVision Math to teach math concepts and critical thinking using stories and problem solving, and instruction places an emphasis on understanding the process as well as finding the correct answer. Math class has a supplemental online component as well, called IXL—an online software program that allows students to work at their own pace and makes learning math fun. Social studies (Gr. 1-3) and history (Gr. 4-5) classes offer an introduction to the concepts of global and local communities, to the fundamentals of geography, and to early American history. Their worldview is further developed in the exceptional world languages program, which exposes students to both Spanish and French beginning in the first grade. Alternating each semester, language instruction initially focuses on oral comprehension and natural acquisition of language patterns, introducing reading and writing in the fourth and fifth grades. Every Lower School student takes religion class at HIES, and all grades come together for faithful reflection and study at chapel on a weekly basis. Grounded in what they call “Global Faith in Service,� religious instruction connects belief and tradition with spiritual development and service learning. Lower School students are taught to embrace and respect different forms of religion equally, and build an appreciation for the diversity of faiths around the world. They also participate in two major fundraisers, as well as toy, food, and clothing drives throughout the year. Chapel services are based in Episcopal liturgy, but are inclusive of students of all faiths. The Search Group | CS&A
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Arts The arts are an essential part of the HIES curriculum across all divisions, and Lower School students enjoy a full and diverse arts program. First and second graders take general music classes, where students develop basic skills in movement, voice, and rhythm. In Grades 3-5, students may elect to pursue strings orchestra or performancebased chorus classes, while band is introduced in fourth grade. Drama classes begin in the first grade as well, and every grade puts on two performances annually—culminating with the fifth grade’s lively spring musical. Visual arts are equally represented, and students are encouraged to experiment and excel in a range of 2D and 3D art projects. In Grades 4 and 5, students acquire art appreciation and a basic knowledge of historical art movements through the study of major artists, their works, and stylistic approaches. They also have the opportunity to create with mixed media and learn the fundamentals of graphic design in Adobe Photoshop. Technology Technology is an integral part of the learning experience at HIES, beginning in the earliest grades. Students in Grades 1-4 have access to iPad carts, while students in Grade 5 and above are issued MacBook Air laptops. The campus is wired with high-speed wireless throughout, and Middle and Upper School students enjoy access to an impressive array of digital media and production tools. Faculty in each division are committed to ensuring that every student acquires what they’ve defined as the “baseline technology skills” that students will need in an interconnected and global world.
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The Primary, Middle, and Upper Schools The Primary School is designed to ensure a child’s first years of schooling are positive and nurturing. The School’s environment is warm, caring, and inclusive. A flexible curriculum is directed toward the “total” child, as teachers aim to identify each child’s learning style and diversify lessons and activities to meet his/her individual needs. The Middle School at HIES comprises Grades 6-8. During these years, students build upon the foundation they’ve established in the Lower School at the same time as they prepare to make the most of the educational opportunities that await them. Teachers work to balance intellectual development and the demands of a rigorous academic program with the social, creative, and physical needs of growing adolescents. Through a holistic approach and close monitoring of individual student progress, these talented educators prepare students for the challenges of the Upper School in an environment that promotes respect and compassion for others. The Upper School at HIES is characterized by a challenging college preparatory curriculum that seeks to develop students as scholars as well as service-minded citizens. Teachers emphasize independent thought, respect for learning, and empathy for others. Students continue to pursue coursework in English, math, history, science, world languages, fine arts, physical education, and religion, with the option to select from 24 Advanced Placement courses. Every student in the Upper School is required to complete 60 hours of community service prior to graduation. While the expectations for excellence are high in the Upper School, students are taught to seek balance and wellness—both physical and emotional.
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Also distinctive is the Upper School’s Program for Global Citizenship, which centers on cornerstones drawn from the School’s mission and the Episcopal tradition— citizenship, servant leadership, and diversity and inclusion. This three-year, selective program aims to instill in students the desire to proactively address issues of social justice and take action on behalf of others, as well as to cultivate a rich intellectual, moral, and aesthetic sense of self. Beginning in their sophomore year, accepted students take electives in international affairs and cultural anthropology, participate in a study abroad program or partner with one of HIES’ sister schools.
Episcopal Identity and Community Holy Innocents’ perceives itself as a Christian community whose mission integrates religious and spiritual formation into all aspects of the educational experience. A chaplain serves each division and weekly chapel services are a regular part of school life for all faculty and students. The school community is intentional in seeking to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth and dignity of all human beings. In keeping with the Episcopal tradition of inclusion, HIES invites members of all faiths, and those without ties to a faith tradition, to seek clarity in their own beliefs and to honor those beliefs and spiritual traditions more fully and faithfully in their daily lives. Both in and beyond the classroom, HIES seeks to help students identify and address life’s deepest questions and discover who they are. By graduation, students will have completed at least 60 hours of community service, with the expectation that they will carry these experiences into a lifelong commitment to serving others.
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Physical Campus Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School occupies a sprawling 43-acre campus in the northern section of Atlanta. Facilities include a fine arts building, two modern gymnasiums and athletic fields, as well as individual buildings for each of the School’s four divisions. The Dorothy Sullivan Lower School building features—among other things—a computer lab, spacious playground, and Curtis Library, which offers more than 25,000 books and reference materials relevant to the specific needs of Lower School students. Students also enjoy access to eight computer workstations and a diverse selection of downloadable e-books. The Alan A. Lewis Primary School features bright, spacious classrooms, as well as its own dedicated library, activities room, music room, and safe, enclosed play yard. The Rowan Family Middle School, a 41,600-square-foot building opened in 2006, is outfitted with 15 state-of-the-art classrooms, three science and technology labs, and significant space for the fine arts; the Upper School enjoys spacious classrooms and open-air courtyards that facilitate a strong sense of community. Also noteworthy is the Upper School’s new signature capstone building—an impressive, recently completed 64,000-squarefoot Math, Science and Commons Building that includes a dining hall, seven science labs, six math classrooms, a media room for the broadcast journalism program, as well as dedicated space for robotics and engineering. The next major project will be the construction of a new Lower School building. As a whole, the HIES campus is a bright, engaging place for students at all levels.
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Atlanta, Georgia Northern Atlanta is situated in the foothills of Appalachian Mountains, distinguished by rolling hills, broad uplands, and the Chattahoochee River that traces the city’s northwestern boundary. Greater Atlanta as a whole is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the United States. Over 130 square miles in size and home to approximately 5.1 million people, the city has found a place on the global stage in recent decades, attracting business from domestic and international corporations, hosting the Summer Olympic Games, and serving as home to the busiest international airport in the United States. The city has also significantly expanded its civic and cultural venues and attractions and has seen exciting growth in its food and restaurant sector. Home to more Fortune 500 headquarters than any other city in the US after New York and Houston, Atlanta is a major regional and national business hub. Delta Airlines is Atlanta’s largest employer, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Coca-Cola Corporation, UPS, and Home Depot are based in the city as well. The media sector is also strong; Turner Broadcasting Company was founded in Atlanta and remains headquartered in the city, as are Cox Communications, the nation’s third-largest cable service provider, and more than a dozen newspaper publishers, including the widely circulated Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta also boasts a rich historical and cultural identity. The High Museum of Art, a division of the Woodruff Arts Center, includes a permanent international collection of 19th and 20th century art with a concentration on works by Southern artists. The Atlanta History Center chronicles the city’s vibrant past with exhibits on the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Other cultural highlights include The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, The Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Imagine It! Children’s The Search Group |CS&A
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Museum of Atlanta, and The Carter Center, founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering worldwide. Lighter in subject but equally engrossing are the World of CocaCola Museum and the Georgia Aquarium, which houses a renowned beluga whale exhibit among other exciting marine life. Atlanta’s classical music scene includes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera, and Atlanta Ballet, while sports fans cheer for the MLB’s Atlanta Braves, the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, and the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, in addition to the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech’s collegiate athletics.
Strengths of the Lower School The next Lower School Principal of Holy Innocents’ will benefit from the division’s many strengths: • Close-knit, family-like environment of support and respect for the individual; • Strong Episcopal identity in a community that welcomes people of all faiths; • Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) promoting innovation in teaching and generous support for professional development; • Transformative campus master plan that includes recently opened US STEM building and plans for new Lower School building; • Innovative technology program where all students in LS have access to and regular experience with laptops, iPads, and mini-robots as learning tools; • A well balanced program of arts, academics, spiritual development and physical activity to support the whole child and meet individual student needs; • Commitment to educating global citizens with French and Spanish instruction beginning in kindergarten; • A comprehensive system of support for students that includes a counselor, learning specialists, and a chaplain. The Search Group | CS&A
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Opportunities & Challenges The next Lower School Principal of Holy Innocents’ will encounter the following challenges and opportunities: • Strengthening enrollment and defining the Lower School’s unique place in the competitive Atlanta marketplace where independent school enrollment in the early grades has dropped in recent years; • Ensuring that the lower school curriculum is current with the 21st century skill development that will serve students well, and is reviewed and strengthened regularly with innovative initiatives; • Providing teachers with meaningful, growth-focused evaluations and professional development focused on specific goals to enhance program innovation; • Having a role in designing a new Lower School facility to meet the specific needs of students in Grades 1-5 with the most current and relevant learning environment possible; • Contributing to a school-wide leadership team that has experienced several HOS transitions over the past decade.
Qualities and Qualifications The favored candidate for Lower School Principal of Holy Innocents’ will be: • A progressive educator with a strong academic background who can guide curriculum and program enhancement; • Someone with experience teaching elementary school students who truly enjoys working with children; • A visionary who can lead strategically and encourage innovation and creativity in programs and pedagogy; • An educator committed to the spiritual development of all students of varied faith backgrounds who respects and understands the Episcopal culture in schools; • Excellent communicator, capable of listening, public speaking, and promoting the LS program in admissions and development; • Decisive leader who will work to build a collaborative culture among the faculty and across division lines; • Empathetic leader who will work to ensure that the community remains welcoming and caring; • Capable of enhancing the culture of global citizenship through program and curricular development.
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How to Apply Interested candidates should submit the following materials as separate PDF attachments in one email: • • • •
Cover letter expressing interest in the HIES Lower School position; Current résumé; Statement of educational philosophy and practice; List of five references, including name, phone number, and email address of each. (References will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission.)
Please send all materials to Marlene Shaw or Amanda Reigel of Carney, Sandoe & Associates: Marlene Shaw Senior Search Consultant marlene.shaw@carneysandoe.com Carney, Sandoe & Associates 44 Bromfield St. Boston, MA Consultant Office: Memphis, TN www.carneysandoe.com
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Amanda Riegel Search Associate amanda.riegel@carneysandoe.com Carney, Sandoe & Associates 44 Bromfield St. Boston, MA Consultant Office: Providence, RI www.carneysandoe.com
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Thank you for your interest in Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School!
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