Naturally Northwood - Naming Opportunities

TOGETHER TODAY, FOR NORTHWOOD TOMORROW

As I thought about what capital campaign slogan to pitch at our advancement meeting, I came up with three criteria: concise, meaningful, and alliterative. I figured that two words would be enough and that one of them ought to be Northwood. Determined that the second word must also begin with n, I grabbed a dictionary, and began my research. Not long into that process, I came upon “natural”. The adverb form conveyed exactly what I wanted the slogan to convey: that giving to Northwood makes obvious sense, that the beauty of the Adirondacks is part of what makes the Northwood years so memorable, and that Northwood is, more than most prep schools, without pretense or artifice.

TOGETHER TODAY, FOR NORTHWOOD TOMORROW

Steve “Reno” Reed

Naturally Northwood

Together

today, for Northwood tomorrow

Northwood School has always produced graduates of character and consequence – men and women who become leaders in their professions and their communities. Throughout the years, Heads of School Ira Flinner, John Friedlander, Ed Good, and now Mike Maher have kept alive the ideals and rigor that develop exceptional graduates and make Northwood a special place. They have also wisely enhanced the diversity of the student body, updated the curriculum, and expanded extracurricular offerings. As a result of these efforts, today’s student body is large and thriving – the strength of recent college placements and athletic achievements is evidence that we are attracting and retaining talented young individuals.

Now, in our second century of preparing students to lead lives of purpose and consequence, the Board, faculty, staff, and members of the extended school community have paused to reflect on both what makes a Northwood education and experience so positive and also what we need to do to best serve our students and remain competitive in a market increasingly demanding the finest faculty and facilities.

As a result of this thoughtful approach, Northwood School is embarking on Naturally Northwood, our most significant capital campaign ever. We are committed to making Northwood the first choice of schools for prospective students, and to preparing our current students for the workplaces of tomorrow where opportunities will be seized by young adults prepared for rapidly accelerating new technologies, exponentially increasing foreign competition, and the need for critical thinking. Undergirding all our planning is the recognition of the need for sustaining endowments for financial aid and faculty support to attract and retain the best and brightest students and those who will teach and mentor them.

The pace of technology, globalization, and competition is accelerating faster than at any time in history as are the opportunities for young people prepared for a rapidly changing world. New York Times columnist, Tom Friedman, notes while commenting on the revolution occurring in education, “The most critical role for K-12 educators will be to equip young people with the curiosity and passion to be lifelong learners who feel ownership over their education.” As generations of graduates have demonstrated, Northwood School excels at providing these tools and the countless others necessary for success. Importantly, we are addressing the requirements of global change by incorporating forward thinking, rigor, and initiative into a new pedagogical model to position Northwood graduates most favorably for the demands of the worldwide workplace.

Northwood School’s academic vision fits our micro-culture – highly portable, individualized, unique learning opportunities designed for our athletes, artists, engineers and outdoor adventurers. In the Learning Commons, students will find the resources for self-paced, and mastery-based courses that complement our signature programs and prepare students for high-level independent initiatives in research, professional partnership, liberal studies, entrepreneurship, publishing, sports management, and more. Rooted in research on pedagogical practices that inspire students – agency, relevance, choice – Northwood’s academic vision curates customized rigor by pairing students with visionary educators, coaches, mentors and leaders who help them discover new ways of knowing, thinking, and understanding.

TOGETHER TODAY, FOR NORTHWOOD TOMORROW

The Steve Reed Learning Commons

Northwood’s commitment to excellence will manifest prominently through our new approximately 5,000-square-foot facility located in the center of Northwood School’s Allyn Building. The flexible, open study and research space will meet the needs of 21st century learners.

Our Vision: The Steve Reed Learning Commons is designed to honor the longest employed master educator’s service to the school and his efforts to elevate Northwood student’s education. The Learning Commons will be the center of school’s intellectual life, providing students with the resources they need to succeed at Northwood School and in their careers.

Our goals are ambitious; our possibilities are unlimited, and the Steve Reed Learning Commons is the signature objective of Naturally Northwood. Now, we again reach out to those who hold Northwood in their hearts to help us build, grow, and serve - our alumni/nae who can make a meaningful impact on the future of Northwood School.

Opportunities to Lead at the Steve Reed Learning Commons

Spaces

Exterior

naming rights to the Steve Reed Learning Commons

“Reno’s Café”

IT Resource Center Research Lab Writing Center

Math Lab

Four Group Study Spaces

Center for Independent Study

Academic Skills Workshop

Peer Mentoring Lab 14 Privacy Pods

$1.4M $500,000 $200,000 $200,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 each $100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $25,000 each