Dear Members of the Country Day Community: As I return to Shanghai after a week in Indian Hill, I would like to write and thank you for so warmly welcoming Lucia and me to Country Day. From the moment we drove up Given Road and saw the “Welcome, Tony and Lucia Jaccaci” sign at the school entrance to the moment we packed up our things at Broadwell House on Friday, we had an incredible time and the visit has us ready to arrive in July and begin our time at Country Day! Although we were only on campus for four days, we had the chance to have many “My Day” experiences. Some of the most memorable for me included: • Meeting with Class of 2015 lifers who helped me begin to understand the enduring traditions at Country Day that were so very important. They want to make sure I stay true to their School! • Enjoying my first Dining Terrace meals – a wide and healthy selection of food much different than the school lunches I have been eating the past five years. • Speaking before a record-setting turnout for the State of the School meeting and then spending time meeting scores of parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends of the school during the post-State of the School reception. The passion for Country Day was palpable. • Shaking hands with lower, middle and upper school students on three successive mornings in car line. Apparently some students thought I was Dr. Macrae’s younger brother, which helped allay their transition concerns. One student inquired if I was the new president of Country Day. • Attending my first CCDS all-school gathering. I promise to learn the words to the alma mater before next school year. Hail, Country Day School, hail! • Receiving thoughtful, useful gifts from each division at the all-school gathering: o Some crazy blue hair for crazy hair day and an umbrella to keep it dry during car line (in case it ever rains on crazy hair day!). o Delightful and thoughtful third graders’ letters to our youngest son, Ben. o A cornhole set – to be played at Broadwell House in the future! o Reds/Bengals hats that fit surprisingly well for a Boston native. Perhaps once I learn to appreciate the linguistic uniqueness of “Who dey? Who dey? Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals?,” the hats will fit even more comfortably. o A #12 Country Day jersey that I will proudly wear as the twelfth head of CCDS. • Enjoying my first “Cookie Wednesday.” • Observing a rousing round of “Faculty Fact or Fiction” during US assembly. Who knew Mr. McGivern sported hoop earrings in high school or Senora Castro was famous in her hometown for being attacked by a chimpanzee. • Attending three divisional coffees (one each day) and meeting with supportive and enthusiastic parents. In these sessions, Lucia and I learned a great deal about parents’ hopes and dreams for their children, shared our excitement about having our own children at CCDS, and responded to questions about how my background and overseas experience would influence what I want to bring to Country Day and its curriculum. I would like to specifically thank the members of the Country Day transition committee for the arrangements they made in the creation of our schedules. Over the four days we were on campus, Lucia and I both had a very wide introduction to the many different people who make the School so special. With each successive meeting, we heard more “My Day” stories that broadened our perspective on what it means to be associated with Country Day. I would also like to give a special thanks to our chief host – Rob Macrae. The CCDS community knows well that Dr. Macrae is a remarkable leader, and Lucia and I came to appreciate this fact fully during our visit. Rob was a kind and generous host and made us feel so welcomed. I wish Rob and his family the best as they prepare for their move to the East. I know the Country Day community will honor Rob’s achievements in the weeks and months to come and these honors are well deserved. Thanks, Rob! It was a whirlwind visit and although I wish we had more time, Lucia and I leave Indian Hill energized and excited for our arrival – we are already counting down the days until we return with Nick, Sam, and Ben in July! Sincerely,
Anthony T.T. Jaccaci