New Garden Friends School Greensboro, North Carolina Head of School July 1, 2017 www.ngfs.org
The Position
Mission Statement New Garden Friends School seeks to be an inclusive, innovative educational community guided by Quaker beliefs and committed to honoring and developing each person’s gifts.
Quaker Education Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, believe there is “that of God in everyone.” While Friends schools have their own unique traits, they all share a common purpose: to provide a rich and challenging education and to foster the ideals of community, spirituality, responsibility, and stewardship. A hallmark of the Quaker school experience is the basic belief that we are all teachers and learners. At NGFS, students are encouraged to “see the light of God” in each other, and to be open to the truth each of us brings to the community.
Accreditation • •
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Southern Association of Independent Schools
Memberships • • • • •
Friends Council on Education National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS) Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) Triad Association of Non-Public Schools
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
The Head of School is the chief executive officer of the school and reports to the Board of Trustees. He or she will execute the mission of the school and carry out the policies determined in conjunction with the Board. The Head of School’s responsibilities include oversight of all academic, extracurricular, enrollment, and personnel matters, as well as management of the school budget and external relations. The new Head of School will be expected to be the inspirational leader of the school, broadly informed about academic matters, committed to excellence, with both a moral and educational vision to take the school forward. New Garden Friends School values its unique, open-minded, and respectful school culture as much as it values its rich and engaging academic environment. It embraces diversity in all of its dimensions and values students who are curious, caring, and compassionate.
School History Very few schools have a story as profoundly unique and groundbreaking as New Garden Friends School, thanks to founders Bruce Stewart and Jim Newlin. Bruce saw the racial conflict that was becoming part of his city in the 1960s and in response was actively engaged in the integration of Greensboro Page High School, where he was a teacher. He soon returned to his alma mater Guilford College as a faculty member, and realized the innumerable benefits that an institution steeped in Quaker values, like Guilford’s, could have on young lives. With the support of Persimmon Grove AME Church, New Garden Friends School opened in the basement of the church in 1971 with 60 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The school operated under the Quaker tenet that there is “that of God in everyone” and empowered students to learn, discover, and grow naturally.
1
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Over the following years, the school saw location changes, fluctuating grade levels offered, and, more importantly, growth in enrollment numbers. The school started “A Child’s Garden” preschool in 1987 and, shortly after the school found its permanent home on the Guilford College campus, added a number of new permanent buildings. The school expanded its reach into secondary education in 2005, opening its Upper School with 48 students on a separate campus, now enabling students to complete the full educational journey from preschool through high school. More recently, NGFS has significantly expanded its campus and programming, and looks forward to continuing to educate young people and provide a foundation for success.
The School As its tagline states, New Garden Friends School continues to thrive in its founders’ mission of “empowering bright minds “ It is proud to be the Greensboro area’s only independent preschool through 12th grade school guided by Quaker faith and practice, built upon the long-held standards of extraordinary Friends schools in America dating back 300 years. The school enrolls approximately 285 students annually, with a student/teacher ratio of 1:15 that allows for small class sizes with individual attention given to all students. While only about 10% of the students and teachers are Quaker, Quaker values underpin all aspects of the student experience. NGFS enjoys significant diversity of students and families. Different beliefs and perspectives are respected and welcomed, and students are encouraged to explore and identify their own personal values. NGFS has a strong sense of community marked by a close-knit atmosphere with positive, trusting student-faculty relationships. The faculty at NGFS is committed to the well-being of every child, and students and teachers learn together in an environment of harmonious respect. All students address teachers by their first names—a treasured Quaker practice—which emphasizes that every person deserves respect, regardless of title. Students value the safe and secure community they share with their teachers. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
2
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
College Enrollment Graduates of NGFS have been accepted at the following schools, among others: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
American University Appalachian State University Broward College College of Charleston Davidson College Earlham College Eckerd College Elon University Emory & Henry College Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Ferrum College George Mason University Georgia Tech University Gettysburg College Grinnell College Guilford College Hampton University Haverford College High Point University Johnson & Wales University Longwood University Louisburg College Lynchburg College Mary Baldwin College North Carolina A and T State University North Carolina State University Roanoke College St. Andrews University SUNY Buffalo Syracuse University Tennessee Tech University UNC Asheville UNC Chapel Hill (Honors College) UNC Charlotte University of Colorado University of Dallas University of Illinois at Chicago University of Tennessee Wake Forest University Whittier College Willamette University
Academics
The academic environment at New Garden Friends School focuses on educating the whole student in mind, body, and spirit. The rigorous curriculum spirals as students progress from Lower to Upper School, building upon lessons that emphasize reading comprehension and effective writing and providing foundations for success in the future. Technology is integrated into classrooms and students are taught responsible and effective ways to use these tools. Classes are highly interactive and engaging, and students are challenged to reach their full potential while learning critical thinking and problem solving skills, leadership, and effective communication—all skills necessary for a highly-successful 21st-century learner. At the same time, the academic experience emphasizes inquiry and discovery, which empowers and enables students to find their own special gifts and talents. Curiosity is nurtured by experiential learning that is infused into all aspects of the curriculum.
Preschool and Kindergarten
The youngest learners at New Garden Friends School benefit from play-based activities blended with opportunities for meaningful learning. Preschool and kindergarten students engage in hands-on, interactive experiences that give them the freedom to discover with wonder the world around them. Age-appropriate experiences provide foundations for lessons in reading, writing, and mathematics, coupled with activities in art, music, Spanish, and physical education. Students learn to share their ideas and opinions in a respectful way while developing in independence and readiness for Lower School. NGFS also offers Transitional Kindergarten which serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for students who require a bit more time in their early educational journey.
Lower School
In Lower School at New Garden Friends School, classes in grades 1-6 are mixed-age and students remain in the same class for two years. Subtle leadership opportunities abound in mixed age classrooms, older students model correct behaviors which dramatically reduces how often learning is interrupted. Research shows that learning is cemented when a young learner “teaches” what he or she knows. The development of empathy and understanding is heightened by being in a learning community where everyone isn’t exactly like you. At the Lower School classroom teachers are supported by curriculum specialists in both reading and math. Experiential learning occurs in thematic units that integrate subjects and
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
3
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
content areas, and students are able to apply what they know in meaningful ways. Students in grades 3-6 participate in fall trips and spring capstone trips that serve as opportunities to gain independence and bring learning outside the classroom. As students progress through grades, the curriculum builds upon itself to create strong foundations in subject areas and build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that prepare them for the challenges of Middle School.
Middle School
Middle School is an exciting time at New Garden Friends School. Our Middle School includes only grades seven and eight. Waiting until grade seven to begin middle school allows our students to gain the level of independence and maturity they will need to manage their new freedoms and responsibilities. We balance an increased level of academic and organizational challenge with ample support. We offer our Middle School students the opportunity to enroll in a class specifically designed to enhance executive functioning. Students discover their individual learning styles, test the effectiveness of study skills, and begin to “own� their academic life in a new way. In grades seven and eight, students are learning to challenge what they learn and back up their opinions with evidence drawn from using their developing reasoning skills. At this age, it’s important that students are comfortable making mistakes and taking calculated risks; the learning environment in Middle School is safe and supportive to allow for inquiry and exploration. Students have access to standard and advanced classes, as well as to Upper School courses in mathematics and foreign language. Courses are often cross-curricular, blending a variety of learning experiences with subject areas and lessons, encouraging students to make connections and dive deeper. Fall trips and spring capstone trips are a key component of the experiential learning that is central to our Middle School.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
4
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Upper School
Upper School offers a college-preparatory education that prepares students for an increasingly innovative world while shaping them into responsible and respectful citizens. Teachers challenge and engage students with a curriculum that is refined and evaluated often. We seek to offer a balance between providing information to students and allowing their natural inquiry and curiosity to guide their studies. Group work allows students to build strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. The environment is safe and challenging, and students and teachers share a mutual respect. Advanced study, honors classes, and online courses allow students to explore a customized curriculum based on their interests and abilities. Qualified juniors and seniors have the option to take courses at nearby Guilford College. This program is an extremely popular feature of our Upper School experience. Students who take classes at Guilford have the opportunity to not only take advantage of the breadth of course offerings, they have the advantage of experiencing the challenge of college with the support of both their high school faculty and their families.
Arts and Athletics
The fine and performing arts are an integral part of an education at New Garden Friends School. When students engage in study of the arts they are not only afforded an opportunity to express their unique vision, they are stimulating both halves of their brains, the analytical and the the artistic brain. Competence in the arts and in athletics takes dedication and discipline. Students feel empowered and confident when they are competent. They are happier, more engaged, and more likely to persevere in academic settings when they have done so in the arts or athletics. As a Quaker school, NGFS is committed to nurturing and supporting each student’s gifts. Arts experiences are found at every grade level, and as students get older they are able to explore their passions and talents at a deeper level. Exposure to the arts is part of a well-rounded education and teaches students about creativity and imagination, while exposing them to other cultures and ways of thinking. A variety of classes are available for students to pursue their creative interests. Students have access to athletic opportunities with the school’s interscholastic program for students in grades 5-8 and a varsity program for students in grades 7-12 who wish to play at a higher level of competition. In addition to developing skills, strength, and coordination, participation in athletics The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
5
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
teaches invaluable lessons in teamwork, dedication, and cooperation. Students also build lifelong friendships and create memorable experiences with teammates.
Service Learning
Service is a cornerstone of an education at NGFS as Friends believe that faith requires action in the world. Guided by the Quaker belief of “letting your life speak,� New Garden Friends School believes in the power of giving back and the personal growth that comes from it. Students of all ages participate in service learning, from the smallest members of campus who spend time tidying the grounds outside to the older students who may choose to help communities abroad. Students grow into compassionate and caring individuals who understand their connection to the world around them.
Class Trips
Beginning in third grade, students embark on trips that take them outside the classroom and into a vast world around them. All throughout their time at NGFS, students are encouraged to get outside and stay involved, and these trips provide opportunities for extended learning and exploration. As students get older, the trips can extend over several days. Regardless of destination or duration, students learn valuable lessons in social responsibility, compassion, and independence, and they see the world from a different, and often life-changing, perspective.
Student Life
The community at New Garden Friends School is close-knit and tied together by a common thread of respect and trust. Students, parents, and teachers all cooperate together to ensure a meaningful learning experience for all. Once a week, students and teachers come together for Meeting for Worship, often as an entire school community or sometimes in small groups throughout campus. Meeting usually begins with The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
6
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
a quote or reflection on a topic such as equality, love, or the environment. A classroom might add its own thoughts on the topic, perhaps also sharing a song or skit. Traditional to the Quaker way, a period of silence follows. Students and teachers are encouraged to speak from the silence, if so moved, and everyone is invited to bring their own beliefs and thoughts to Meeting. Outside the classroom, the school community is welcoming and lively with activities for students and families. Visual art exhibits, performing arts celebrations, camps, and other special events offer countless opportunities for the NGFS community to enjoy time together.
Physical Campus New Garden Friends School Is composed of two campuses that total 35 acres. The Guilford Campus is home to preschool through grade 6, and the Page-Frederiksen Campus houses grades 7-12. Each has science labs, playgrounds, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. NGFS has enjoyed recent expansion to its two campuses. In 2002, the Newlin-Stewart Building, named for the school’s founders, added 17,500 square feet of space and an immeasurable amount of opportunities for students. In the spring of 2012, the school celebrated its 40th anniversary, as well as the completion of the 18,500 square-foot Arts and Athletics Center, which houses fine and performing arts programs, physical education classes, and athletic events for the entire school community.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
7
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Greensboro, North Carolina Greensboro is the third largest city in North Carolina with a population of nearly 280,000. In the mid-18th century, Quaker migrants from Pennsylvania settled in the area and soon it became the most important Quaker community in North Carolina. Greensboro was established near the center of Guilford County, located among the rolling hills of North Carolina’s Piedmont, situated midway between the state’s Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains to the west and the Atlantic beaches and Outer Banks to the east. The city has a long history in the civil rights movement. In 1960, four black college students, the Greensboro Four, sat down at an “all-white” Woolworth’s lunch counter, and refused to leave after they were denied service. Hundreds of supporters joined their sit-in which lasted for months, resulting in the eventual desegregation of lunch counters at similar facilities. In the 1960s, Greensboro saw additional protests take place, including those led by Jesse Jackson and the Dudley High School and North Carolina A&T State University protests. Downtown Greensboro has grown substantially in recent years, with an active nightlife with many restaurants, bars, and other attractions. The area features an award-winning neo-traditional style that is walkable and full of amenities and services. It’s also home to an active and diverse arts community, and each year residents enjoy a variety of nationally-acclaimed events and performances. Theaters and museums are popular places for tourists and locals alike to enjoy ballet performances, symphonies, and other cultural events. The city is spotted with parks and gardens in which to enjoy the four distinct seasons Greensboro experiences. While the city is not home to any top-level professional sports teams, numerous minor and amateur leagues play in the Greensboro area, and the city hosts many sports tournaments each year in its state-of-the-art facilities.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
8
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Opportunities and Challenges As New Garden Friends School begins its search for a new Head of School, it presents abundant opportunities to interested candidates. The campus is large and attractive, a testament to the school’s long-term ambitions. As the only K-12 Friends school in the greater Greensboro area, NGFS is in a position to increase its recognition in the community and convey the advantage of a Friends education. The next Head of School will be charged to: • • • • • • • • •
Increase enrollment, especially for the high school. Articulate and execute the value proposition of a Friends education. Create closer connections between the Guilford elementary campus and the high school campus. Develop a long-range financial plan to stabilize the school’s operations and budgets. Lead with integrity and serve as a compelling spokesperson for the school. Develop a culture that values all constituents and builds on the sense of community. Work closely with faculty on a system of evaluation and professional development. Build relationships with Board members, using their expertise where appropriate. Address fundraising challenges and build the personal relationships necessary to generate Annual Fund, capital, and endowment gifts. • Manage campus facilities and address infrastructure needs to enhance the educational experience. • Continue to strengthen the connections between NGFS and Guilford College.
Experiences and Skills Desired in the Next Head of School New Garden Friends School seeks an educational leader with the experience, skills, and personal qualities to lead the school into a new generation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader with passion and integrity who is eager to make a difference for students, families, and the greater Greensboro community. • Strong candidates for this position will bring many of the qualifications and qualities listed below: • Understanding of Quaker educational practices and a commitment to promote the values of a Friends education • Experience working with elementary, middle school, and high school students • Demonstrated understanding of teaching and learning and an energy to bring best practices to NGFS • Administrative and management experience and demonstrated leadership skills • Collaborative and assertive leadership style • Financial expertise and fundraising experience • Ability to connect with the all members of the school community • Strong and clear communication skills
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
9
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Personal Qualities Desired in the Next Head of School • • • • • • •
Dynamic and passionate about education Approachable and personable Innovative and inspiring Team player and leader Eloquent and transparent Empathetic and supportive A genuine desire to build relationships with all the members of the school community and be involved in all aspects of school life
To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably as PDFs) the following materials: • • • •
Cover letter communicating your fit with the values and needs of NGFS Current résumé Statement of educational philosophy and practice List of five references with name, phone number, and email address of each to: Jake Dresden jake.dresden@carneysandoe.com Senior Search Consultant Carney, Sandoe & Associates 44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02138 www.carneysandoe.com
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
10
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com