Holding Up the Mirror Lawrence Academy ’ s 2012 NEASC Reaccreditation

Coach Receives Athletic License

“From July 14 to July 22, I took part in the United States Soccer Federation National ‘C’ License course in Carson, California. Along with 37 other coaches, I spent 13 hours a day on the field, in the classroom, and observing matches in order to increase our knowledge as coaches and further the development of soccer in the United States. Although rigorous, the 9-day course expanded my knowledge of the game, generated contacts around the country, and took an important step in making Lawrence Academy a player on the national soccer stage. A personal highlight was learning how technology is affecting the game and what measures coaches can take to maximize player efficacy. Additionally, I was able to see two professional games and watch the LA Galaxy and Tottenham Hotspur train at world-class facilities. At the end of the 9 days, in order to achieve the “C” license, coaches had to pass a field training session, two written exams, and an oral exam. As an educator at Lawrence Academy, I believe in the development of the whole child. I am grateful to work at a school that values professional development in the academic, athletic, and social arenas. ”

– Colin Igoe

Peg and Ted Bernhardt (Chris ’13) Jim Melvin (Katherine ’13, Connor ’15)

and Eric Groves (Madeline ’13)

Welcome to our New 2012-2013 PA Chairs

Karen Riggert (Sarah ’09, Jake

’13) and Alice Solomon (Aubrey ’13, Conrad ’14)

Holding Up the Mirror Lawrence Academy ’ s 2012 NEASC Reaccreditation

by Laura Rogerson Moore, English Department Chair

Every 10 years, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) requires each member institution to undergo a reaccreditation process, which involves a comprehensive self-study. Lawrence Academy ’ s last self-study was completed in 2002. In the spring of 2011, the school began its 2012 self-study.

Under the leadership of self-study coordinator Laura Moore, Heads of School Scott Wiggins and Dan Scheibe, Interim Head of School Greg Foster, Assistant Head of School Rob Moore, Director of Finance Operations Linda Deasy, and members of the steering committee Zack Dawson, Artie Karp, Susan Hughes, and Mark Mucha, Lawrence Academy has conducted an inclusive, transparent, and thorough reaccreditation process.

All administration, faculty, and professional staff were required to participate. Trustees were invited to serve on committees of their choosing, and eight chose to participate. Parents and students were also invited to participate, and 10 parents and 23 students agreed to join a committee. In May, the coordinator presented a full draft of the report to the board of trustees, and in June, the faculty voted unanimously to approve and submit the Lawrence Academy SelfStudy 2012 to NEASC. A nine-member visiting committee, chaired by Head of Suffield Academy Charlie Cahn, is scheduled to be on campus in late October, when they will review the school’ s vision of itself and draft a response. Once the visiting committee submits its report to NEASC, Head of School Dan Scheibe will incorporate those findings into the school’ s Multi-Year Plan.

Lawrence Academy has long prided itself on self-scrutiny and innovation, and its 2012 self-study has served as a useful mirror, revealing that LA continues to be a school in critical and collaborative dialogue. What is more, it has proven to be galvanizing, bringing into focus LA’ s many strengths and providing new perspective into how to address its weaknesses. Several initiatives are already underway. The school now awaits the visiting committee ’ s arrival, when the mirror will be held up yet again.

Laura Moore (P ’04, ’06, ’09)