LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

With Great Appreciation

Since the onset of mask-wearing at MKA, I have noticed that people make eye contact with one another far more often than when we were unmasked. When we are masked, we truly can smile with our eyes even if we can’t always breathe. I have thoroughly enjoyed one of my extra duties this year; checking the temperature and daily health screenings of 7th graders as they enter school in the morning. We look each other in the eye and say “good morning.” Sometimes it takes a few additional clicks on the hand-held electronic thermometer to get a read, and that requires some extra or what I consider “bonus” conversation. None of the 7th graders believe me when I tell them that with the touch of a button, the device becomes a taser. I will miss this unique start to my day.

In writing this letter for the Spring 2021 Review magazine, I am taking a first opportunity to really examine the year past—March to March—and I am overwhelmed by the dedication of my colleagues— faculty, staff, and administrators—the resilience of our students, and the patience and good will of MKA parents. I have not put on my rose-colored glasses in taking a look back. There have been some jarring bumps in the road and moments of exasperation, fear, and uncertainty. Hope, concern for others, and the desire to provide the very best educational experience possible for our students have gotten us back on our feet and kept us there. I am very grateful and proud to have been in such exemplary company during this most challenging year.

We have all drawn on our reserves of experience and strength of character in recent months. With my time as Head of School coming to a close, I have thought a great deal about those who have supported and inspired me along the way for this past year and the previous fifteen. As is true for many people who pursue a life in school, my career choice shaped most aspects of Zandi’s, Marion’s, and Travers’s lives. My wife and children are my wellsprings of strength, pride, and humility.

When I visited MKA in the fall of 2004 for two rounds of interviews, one on my own and one with Zandi, I experienced the courtesy and respect that are in MKA’s DNA. Past parent and former Trustee, Denise Wagner was responsible for taking care of the candidates once they were on campus for round two, and I recall the sense of welcome, good cheer, and love for MKA that Denise exuded. Four exceptional people have served as Board President in my time here; Newton Schott, Alice Hirsh, Michael Johnson, and Kate Logan, each with his or her distinct leadership style and each invested in my professional growth and success. In sixteen years, I have never felt the common complaint of many heads of school, of being in the occasional maelstrom on my own.

The colleagues who make up MKA’s Administrative Council are exceptional educators as individuals and a team of amazing depth. Rarely have we all been in the same room this year, but we have been together and on point in scores of meetings irrespective of the old boundaries of weekends, vacations, early mornings, or late evenings. The quality of the MKA experience and the welfare of students, parents, and all other colleagues have been the unwavering concern and focus of this outstanding team of leaders.

There are a number of MKA colleagues making a career transition at the end of this year. I am proud and humbled to find myself retiring alongside of Carol Ippisch, Mary Elliot, and George Hrab, hired in 1986, 1983 and 1969 respectively. I am the only one hired in the current century and note with awe the length and quality of Carol’s, Mary’s, and George’s collective service to MKA. Together, they represent the widely shared and very best qualities of MKA’s teachers, staff, and administrators to provide a transformative education, to know our students as people and learners, and to strengthen the bonds of community at every opportunity.

With great appreciation and all best wishes, Thomas W. Nammack Head of School