Message from the Interim Head of School
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OVER THE PAST eight months, I have had the opportunity to connect more regularly with students, see
our faculty and staff perform at the highest levels, and witness the energy and commitment of parents and alumni. I can honestly say, I am prouder than ever to be on Country Day’s team! While we managed through the unknowns of this pandemic, mission and what’s best for students remained central to every decision. Though modified for our health situation at the time, events like Spirit Week, the Halloween Parade, and athletic and fine arts performances brought much joy and connection for students, parents, and faculty and staff. A highlight for me this year was greeting more than 670 Lower School students in December to distribute the traditional gingerbread cookies—this year, one class at a time and with the singing of festive songs held outdoors. Though it looked a little different, we kept the tradition alive. If the past two years have taught us anything, it is that while we can’t always predict what’s to come, we know we are a school community that can successfully manage through our challenges. We also have much to be proud of in our students’ achievements. In this issue, you’ll read about our state championship athletic teams, award-winning theater program, students winning national awards and preparing for academic competitions, and those serving others through their good works. This issue also includes profiles of just a few students and alumni who are following their passions and reaching their full potential. They all point to specific teachers, coaches, and administrators who helped them discover their talents and shape them into the people they are today. Country Day’s faculty and staff are second to none, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and commitment to our students. We look forward to the opening of the new Harris Performance Gym and the Klein Aquatic Center. These facilities complete the final phase of a transformative campus improvement project that will meet our students’ academic needs and support their well-being for decades to come. We are tremendously grateful to the Bissells, Dowds, Kleins, and Pilons for making this state-of-the-art facility a reality and the opportunities it will provide for our student-athletes. Look for more in our next issue. I would also like to thank Scott Stevens, who is in his final year as Board Chair, for his unrivaled leadership and support, not just this past year, but throughout his tenure as chair. He has steadfastly led us through tremendous growth, change, and challenge over the past few years. We are financially solid, our enrollment/reenrollment numbers are robust, and philanthropic giving is widespread. Our next Head of School will be starting from a position of great strength thanks to Scott and our Board of Trustees, as well as the leadership of our Administrative Council. In closing, thank you to everyone in our Country Day community for your trust and partnership this year. I am proud and humbled to serve this great institution. Respectfully,
David Mancos Interim Head of School and CFO
SPRING 2022
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