James River Day School
Lynchburg, Virginia Head of School July 2017 www.jamesriverdayschool.org
The Position
Mission: “James River Day School cherishes children and challenges them to become scholars, leaders, and citizens for the 21st century, in a community of academic excellence.” Students and teachers live by the six pillars of Character Counts: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Middle school students also adhere to an honor code. Honor Code: I will tell the truth. I will complete all my assignments on my own unless told otherwise by the teacher. I will respect others and their property. Character Pledge: I pledge to do my best to show strength of character each day I can act responsibly, show respect, show I care, be a good citizen, be trustworthy and be fair in all that I do.
James River Day School in historical Lynchburg, VA, seeks a committed and engaged Head of School to lead a community of 264 boys and girls in grades K-8. The next Head of School will be responsible for sustaining the school’s mission of cherishing children and challenging them to become scholars, leaders, and citizens for the 21st century. S/he will continue James River’s path of academic rigor and commitment to the whole child, while maintaining a clear focus on the mission, core values, and philosophy of the school. Bright and happy students, dedicated faculty and staff, and involved, supportive parents characterize this inviting and appealing school community. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and experienced leader with an unwavering commitment to providing top-notch educational opportunities for young boys and girls.
The School Academics At James River, students learn the habits of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. Students learn the importance of community service through firsthand experience. Graduates read and write well. They have benefitted from playing sports and found their creative outlet in music, drama, and art. They develop good character, and possess integrity, curiosity, responsibility, and compassion.
Led by faculty and staff who are caring, innovative and deeply committed, the academic program is challenging and flexible. Over the course of nine years, from kindergarten through grade eight, students become scholars, developing sound habits of reading, writing, problem-solving, calculating, experimenting, creating, critical thinking, and reflecting. They master the essential skills of organizing, researching, memorizing, and managing time well in preparation for entering high school. James River graduates are well prepared for the best secondary programs, with skills and habits that continue to serve them in college and beyond. Lower School (Gr. K-4): Beginning in kindergarten, children take classes taught by faculty specializing in art, library, music, physical education, technology, and world language. Third grade students begin learning to play violin. Students have PE three times per week and recess twice per day. Each grade performs a play on stage. Students participate in multiple field trips and community service opportunities each year. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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The early elementary program (Grades K-2) is designed with the whole child in mind. The program values physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Teachers are able to differentiate their instruction to support early readers and writers. Word study begins right from the start, cultivating strong decoding and spelling skills. Hands-on activities in science, mathematics, language, and social studies engage emerging thinkers. Time and attention are given to both outdoor and indoor play, visual art, music, physical education, technology skills, library skills, and an introduction to a second language – either French or Spanish – in every grade. Students learn the JRDS character pledge and recite it every day. The six pillars of good character: trustworthiness, fairness, respect, responsibility, caring, and citizenship, are taught directly in the classroom, in the lunchroom, and on the playground.
Fast Facts • Total students: 264 • Full-Time Faculty members: 38 • Student/teacher ratio: 7:1 • Faculty holding advanced degrees: 61% • Value of Endowment: $419,982 • Annual operating budget: $2,767,157 • Financial aid awarded: $313,923 • Students receiving financial aid: 29%
The middle elementary program (Grades 3-4) continues to support the whole child, with gradual changes to prepare students for the more demanding academic expectations of middle school. History, geography, science, and mathematics instruction complement the continued focus on reading, vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Students make the shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Organizational skills and study strategies are taught in the context of homework and test preparation. Built into the day, outdoor and indoor play, visual art, music, physical education, technology skills, library skills, and second language instruction in every grade continue as an integral part of the middle academic program. Third grade students may continue their study of violin through grade eight. An emphasis on character education continues, with the foundational character pledge in place, while the middle school implements the honor pledge in fifth grade.
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Middle School (Gr. 5-8): Students in fifth through eighth grades have a faculty advisor who remains with them for four years. They participate in PE every day and world language every other day. Middle school students have two periods of English per day, plus science, math, history, study hall, art, technology, orchestra, band, chorus, drama, character development, and sports. Student clubs and activities include older students as mentors. The middle school program provides young adolescents a safe, supportive environment and a challenging academic program. Students are expected to master a rich body of factual knowledge, to present orally on a regular basis, and to demonstrate the ability to do research and to work collaboratively. All students continue to study a second language, completing French I, Spanish I, or Spanish II before graduating. All students complete Algebra I before graduating, and the flexible program allows students who need to move more quickly through the math sequence the opportunity to take Algebra II in eighth grade. The eighth grade Earth Science course is a high-school level course, as well. Students take both a literature class and a grammar and composition class, guaranteeing superb reading and writing skills. History study includes ancient history, American Civics, geopolitical studies, and post-Civil War American history and World Geography. Technology skills continue to be taught directly and are used throughout the curriculum. Even in a challenging academic environment, James River’s program implicitly acknowledges that students are children. They continue to have time to play outside, to participate in physical education, and to receive art and music instruction. Athletic teams begin in 5th grade and include: volleyball, cross country, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
Technology
Current technology applications are incorporated into all of the James River classrooms and areas of study, as appropriate. Kindergarteners and first graders have access to iPads, while each second through eighth grader has one-to-one access to Chromebooks for use in the classroom. In addition, teachers provide direct instruction to grades K-7 in the computer lab. The technology curriculum encompasses seven fundamental areas of instructions including: coding, content creation, content analysis, file management, keyboarding, Internet safety, and digital citizenship.
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Student Life A vigorous academic program constitutes the core of the JRDS education, but the school recognizes that children need to learn in many other arenas while in school. Extracurricular experiences are important as children learn to be successful adults. To do this, they need opportunities to develop strength of character, hobbies, athletic challenges, artistic outlets, and a safe place to try new endeavors. Children find all of those opportunities at James River. Students at James River Day School learn not only how to excel academically, but also how to be thoughtful, engaged and productive “citizens for the 21st century.” This ambition resonates throughout the school as children are encouraged to: • • • • •
Take responsibility for themselves, their environment and their community Be independent, critical thinkers Form insightful opinions through research, exploration, and an appreciation of the world’s diversity Be constructive self-advocates through written material, group discussions and spirited debates Shape their futures by participating in meaningful governance opportunities
Character Education: The James River Day School character education program instills in students the knowledge and skills to practice positive character traits. The core values of the character education program include caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. These ideals are taught through multi-age advisory groups, the “Cardinal Buddy” peer mentor program, monthly whole school character activities, and regular classroom community meetings. Each morning every student recites the James River Character Pledge to affirm his or her desire to demonstrate strength of character each day. Visual Arts: The visual arts are an essential part of the James River program, as any visitor to the school building will immediately see. The visual arts curriculum fosters flexible, divergent, original, fluent, and imaginative thinking. Because the “image” assumes paramount importance in the 21st century, for example, students at JRDS are immersed in an appreciation of the communicative power of image. Digital technology supports the visual arts, allowing students the opportunity to learn essential technology skills while developing their ability to design and create.
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Music: James River Day School’s Music Department offers choral, instrumental and theatrical programs designed to instill a lifelong love and appreciation of the arts through a wealth of experiences both as a performer and audience member. A progression of core musical concepts is taught in elementary school, developed in middle school, and supported through eighth grade with Middle School Band and Show Choir. Strings are introduced in third grade and offered through eighth grade with Orchestra. The theater department advances public speaking, acting, and performance skills with musical plays and productions offered at every grade level. Students are given ample opportunities to perform and perfect their talents during the school year and with extracurricular activities such as after-school chorus, as well as private instruction. Physical Education: The James River Day School physical education program is designed to inspire a life-long love of physical activity for wellness, self-expression, social interaction, challenge, and joy. Employing a whole-child approach, PE is taught beyond just the physical domain, emphasizing the cognitive and affective as well. In grades K-4, students engage in foundational activities to develop a broad range of motor skills and movement patterns. In grades 5-8, students participate in team sport, recreational, fitness, and cooperative leadership activities. This balanced approach to the curriculum ensures that all students participate in activities which suit their learning styles, interests, and abilities. Health is also incorporated in grades 5-8, ensuring that students graduate with a strong grasp of the relevant issues in the areas of nutrition, substance abuse, fitness, and human growth and development.
Physical Campus The James River campus spreads over 12 acres and contains 55,732 square feet of facilities, including a 13,000 square foot field house. Students utilize the library, technology lab, science lab, art studio, pottery studio, two music rooms, three world language classrooms, field house, athletic field, playground, nature trail, outdoor classroom, and full-size greenhouse. In addition, the Board of Trustees reThe Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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cently approved the construction of a 6,600 square foot addition to the existing middle school facilities, which will include two laboratories for teaching science and engineering, two regular classrooms, a conference room, and three offices. The building addition will house middle school classes and the Admissions Office, while space vacated by middle school in the current facility will be turned over to the lower school science and reading programs, thereby expanding and improving the facility for all students. Construction is expected to begin this summer, and to conclude by spring, 2017. In addition to the new classrooms, James River Day School will be building a new playground and renovating the existing playground. The school has plans for upgrading the athletic field in the near future, as well. Beyond the immediate campus, James River Day School enjoys access to the learning community in Lynchburg, and the surrounding Central Virginia region. Fortunate to be located in an area filled with quiet, beautiful communities and a rich, historical heritage, students are afforded many opportunities to experience the region’s culture and history through field trips and special guests.
Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg, Virginia is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the banks of the James River. It has had a prosperous history, serving as a center of trade, the home of numerous notable historical figures, and the site of the official end of the Civil War. The Lynchburg area boasts more than 40 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Appomattox Court House, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Lynchburg is also home to six colleges and universities, including Liberty University, Randolph College, Sweet Briar College, and Lynchburg College. Today, Lynchburg features a skilled labor force, vibrant health care community, low unemployment rate, and below average cost of living. Industries within Lynchburg include nuclear technology, pharmaceuticals and material handling. A diversity of small businesses within the region has helped maintain a stable economy and minimized the downturns of the national economy. Residents of Lynchburg have a wealth of recreation and culture at their fingertips. Lynchburg is committed to promoting fine arts in its community with the Academy Center of the Arts, a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for performance and education in the arts, dance, theatre, and visual arts. The revitalized downtown is home to the award-winning children’s museum, Amazement Square. Residents also can take advantage of the abundance of natural beauty Lynchburg has to offer: known as the “City of Seven Hills,” there is no shortage of nature walks, hikes, and vistas in the area. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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Opportunities and Challenges James River is a school built on a foundation of warmth and support for one another. The new Head of School will find a positive and engaging environment, which emphasizes respect for all members of the community. Faculty are supported professionally, and given room to be creative in their teaching practices. Likewise, children are valued for their individuality. The school offers a strong academic program, preparing its graduates well for success in the high school years, and beyond. A vibrant and healthy school, James River Day School has maintained and enhanced its reputation in the greater Lynchburg community through the years while remaining true to its mission, core values, principles, and tradition. The new head of school will embrace the following opportunities and challenges: Finance and Philanthropy: The next head of school will continue to enhance development efforts of the school and enhance its financial stability. Enrollment Management and Marketing: The next head of school will strategically address the ongoing challenge of maintaining and increasing enrollment, especially in the lower grades. S/he will actively champion the school and continue to promote James River Day School as a compelling, top-tier opportunity in the milieu of school options. Technological Enhancement: The next head of school will continue to refine the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational technology with a particular emphasis on enhancing the use and knowledge of the everevolving technology sphere. Strategic implementation of Campus Master Plan: With the school’s comprehensive campus master plan having been developed, the new head of school will have the opportunity to work with the Board to determine optimal pacing and implementation of its campus enhancement plans to create more usable space.
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Qualifications and Qualities of the next Head of School The school is interested in candidates who have the following qualities and qualifications: • An effective communicator and relationship builder with a talent for telling the James River Day School story, in order to generate positive impressions, excitement in the community, and growth in enrollment • An operational and financial leader, who will work with the Board on the school’s financial sustainability as it relates to endowment, future capital campaigns, and on-going fundraising • A visible, engaged person whose presence in the daily life of James River Day School sets a tone of high expectations, while also conveying support for and interest in all members of the school community • A dedicated and accessible administrator, ideally with teaching and K-8 experience, who supports excellence in teaching and the continued professional growth of the faculty • A decisive and confident decision-maker who is comfortable delegating and willing to become involved when necessary • An entrepreneurial and creative educator with a genuine love of children, who keeps up with relevant trends and research and who has the ability to recruit and retain strong faculty
To Apply To apply for the Head of School position at James River Day School, interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically the following materials to Dr. Ralph Davison and Marguerite Lloyd: • • • •
Cover letter communicating your fit with the values and needs of The James River Day School Current résumé Statement of educational philosophy and practice List of five references with name, phone number, and email address of each to:
Ralph Davison, PhD | Marguerite Lloyd
Ralph.Davison@carneysandoe.com | Marguerite.Lloyd@carneysandoe.com Carney, Sandoe & Associates 44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02138 www.carneysandoe.com
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