21 minute read
The Waters Family Legacy
by Pike School
Annual Report 2018-2019
A Fond Farewell for Muddy and Liza
1Students. For 26 years, it’s been all about the students for Muddy and Liza Waters.
How else do you explain a Head of School spending a part of every day doing recess duty, or serving as the 1st Grade Pharaoh, or arriving every winter for 6:30 a.m. hockey practice? Dedication, yes. A sense of feeling connected to the mission of Pike, to be sure. But also, a fundamental love for children and the process of helping them grow.
“When I think of the legacy of Muddy and Liza,” notes current Board chair Meerie Joung, “I go first and foremost to their daily dedication to our children. The passion and caring are so palpable.” For two senior leaders in the school, keeping focus on students isn’t always easy. “Balancing a love for children,” Joung continues, “with being leaders in the school — as key decision makers, academic coaches, and mentors to adults — is not an easy feat. The Waters have done a remarkable job of nurturing this community from the youngest children right up to the adults.”
“Muddy and Liza might be termed ‘old school’ school folks,” notes Pike alum and current parent Carrie Smotrich. “They are willing to jump in to do whatever’s needed, whenever. There’s no sense of entitlement, no idea that a task is beneath them. It’s impressive and, I think, increasingly rare in schools to find so broad a definition of leadership.”
“Humility is one of Liza and Muddy’s most powerful shared traits. They both instantly
put people at ease with their great senses of humor. They are tirelessly kind — not a small thing — and they always remind us that we’re all here to support a single goal to
educate and nurture children.” — Kate Moran, Director of External Affairs
In essence, Muddy and Liza are the heart of the Pike experience that exists today. Their hallmark leadership has consistently pushed to make Pike a better place for students. The physical growth of Pike during their tenure is staggering. Someone who hasn’t seen the campus since before Muddy and Liza arrived in 1994 would be hard pressed to say it’s the same school physically.
“The buildings have expanded, the endowment has grown, and the facilities have been fitted to our mission in really exciting ways,” notes Director of Finance and Operations Will Powers. “We have an exceptional campus that supports student learning. Muddy’s vision is big-picture and aspirational, but still prudent.”
From construction in 1998 of the Horne building, which houses the library, middle school, and FLEX programs, to the creation of a new Spanish classroom in the summer of 2019, the additions have kept children front and center. “We want Pike to be exceptional for our students,” Muddy says. “Often that means ensuring the facilities align with the overall mission.” As an example, Muddy notes the way the arts wing helps support a crucial component of the school’s educational philosophy.
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Muddy and Liza derive such a deep sense of joy and satisfaction from their work at Pike, from the community they’ve helped to build, and from the children who share our safe, caring, inclusive environment.” “
— Marybeth Heyd, Head of Lower School
1994
The Waters family arrives on campus 1995
Pike launches campaign for The Horne Building 1998
The Horne Building constructed 2000
AISNE confirms school accreditation after putting Pike on probation prior to the Waters’ arrival 2003
21st Century campaign adds $3 million to school’s fledgling endowment
Taking the Long View
When it comes to tenures, few at Pike have longer ones than Muddy and Liza Waters. We asked current faculty and staff who were at Pike before the Waters arrived to reflect on their impact.
When Muddy and Liza first came to Pike, I was intimidated as a relatively new teacher to find out that I would be teaching their daughter in Pre-K. I soon came to understand that both Muddy and Liza looked for and found the positive in those around them. By believing in me, they inspired me to be a better teacher. It has been a tremendous pleasure to work with them, and I am grateful for the tone of positivity they have set at Pike. —Maggie O’Brien (27 years)
The qualities that I will miss most about Liza and Muddy are their abilities to treat all people equally and to welcome the adult community into their home. There have been occasions over the years that have been celebratory or challenging, and often they would respond with an impromptu gathering at their house for snacks and drinks. They understand that sometimes just being together is exactly what the community needs. —Carolyn Tobey (34 years)
I will remember their energy, enthusiasm, kindness, and funloving spirits. Muddy taught us all not to take ourselves too seriously. He also taught us that no one is more important than anyone else. I was here before they arrived, and I will tell you that Pike is the inclusive, kind, compassionate community it is because of Muddy and Liza Waters. —Kathy Foderaro (27 years)
Muddy and Liza’s personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has transformed Pike. What an amazing legacy! —Fran Mellin (32 years)
Muddy and Liza are always the best advocates for our Pike students while being such a down-to-earth family. I enjoyed having their children in Flex for so many years, and they had my girls in Upper School. The journey with them was truly fantastic. —Susan Schott (28 years)
It is hard to imagine The Pike School without Muddy and Liza, and I like to think we won’t have to. Their legacy will live on in the tremendous community they have helped to create. Pike is a place where we strive to improve our teaching and program every day, and it’s also a place where we look out for each other on a very personal level. Muddy and Liza have consistently modeled that remarkable balance of professionalism and kindness. —Telly Jordan (33 years)
Muddy will pitch in to do any job at any time. There is never a task that is beneath Muddy. He dives in, and his willingness to take action inspires others around him to do the same. I mean, if the Head of School can be out directing traffic, what can’t we all be doing?! “
— Tom Lynch (33 years)
2008
School breaks ground on The Dahod Center for Community and Creative Learning 2009 2012 2013
Pike unveils new arts wing for drama, visual arts, and music
1000th student graduates under Waters’ tenure Upper School adopts 1:1 computers in the US 2015
Pike launches the SPARK makerspace and studio
Non Sibi Solum: A Legacy of Service to Children, Families, and Schools
Above and beyond their commitment to Pike, Muddy and Liza amassed an impressive volunteer track record during their 26-year career. In that time, they worked tirelessly for organizations that championed children, families, and schools.
• ABC House: A Better Chance of Andover, Tutor • Bellesini Academy, Chair of the Board • ESHA: Elementary School Heads Association, President • Habitat for Humanity, Board Member • INDEX: Independent School Data Exchange, President • Lazarus House • Squashbusters Lawrence
2015
Pike launches $7.55 million campaign to build endowment for professional development and financial aid 2015
The nature trail and outdoor classroom open in support of curricular connections 2016
School commended by AISNE accreditation visiting team as “‘living the mission’ with extraordinary passion”
2017
School acquires Hylton House at 36 Sunset Rock Road 2017
Pike’s endowment reaches $10 million
“I have never seen Muddy frazzled or overwhelmed.
He can be juggling many things at once and he gives each issue the time it deserves as if there were nothing else going on.”
— Marisa Schnirman, Head of Middle School
2It is 6:15 a.m. at the Valley Forum Ice Rink in Lawrence. The Waters are prepping for the arrival of more than
45 Upper School hockey players for their twice-weekly morning practice. The students trudging sleepily in through the door each get a warm smile and welcome. You wouldn’t know that both Muddy and Liza were entertaining a small group of new parents at their home the previous night until after 9 p.m. They are here, cheerful, focused, and attentive.
With Muddy and Liza at the helm, the Pike hockey teams have become a place where both experienced players — including at least one future NHL player — trade passes with students who have yet to learn to skate. It’s a difficult mix to manage, but the Waters take a large degree of pride from the fact that these students with vastly different skill sets support and collaborate with each other.
Muddy concurs: “It’s a microcosm of Pike, of what our students are encouraged to become.”
The coaching this morning includes words of encouragement, observations about what can be improved, and clear expectations. The care Muddy and Liza show in coaching is equally apparent in their teaching. At its heart, the Waters’ legacy is about the classroom, and what is nurtured there. Liza has taught countless math classes during her time at the school. She has a passion for the subject and for helping those students who don’t find math easy and clear. She says, “I like the challenge of teaching students over their math anxiety, of seeing them reach a level of success that maybe they didn’t see for themselves.” Liza’s approach reflects the qualities that Pike aims to encourage in its students: A growth mindset, the ability to fail forward, and grit to keep moving toward goals even when the road gets difficult.
Liza adds, “So much of thriving in life is that ability to keep trying, to seek help, and to keep positive about what life throws at you. My students are going to grow into such awesome adults, and I think about that every day in the classroom.”
Teacher, advisor, coach, secondary school advisor, diversity team member, co-founder of PikeFest and so much more, Liza has brought this same philosophy into each of her Pike-related endeavors — and into her nonPike endeavors as well (see call-out box on page 8).
Muddy is fond of describing how much his teaching has evolved in just the last five years alone. “Technology, insights about how students learn, and the ready availability of information via the internet make it imperative that we as teachers continually reflect on our teaching practices,” he notes. “Tom [Lynch] and I
2018
Muddy announces retirement to the Board of Trustees 2019
Pike enrollment reaches high of 452 students 2019
Spanish added to the curriculum in Lower and Middle Schools 2020
Muddy becomes longest serving head in school’s history
have co-taught the 8th Grade history curriculum for 26 years. I like that I’m pushed to devise new approaches, to grow my own understanding of effective learning and teaching.”
One of the outcomes of the Waters’ commitment to life-long learning is investment — individually and for Pike as a whole — in professional growth. The budget for professional development has grown exponentially during their time at Pike. The recent Our Shared Tomorrow campaign, with its focus on this area specifically, means that Pike is now leading its peers in the commitment to ensuring our teachers are equipped with the tools that make teaching transformational.
3Longevity is not a given for a Head of School. The average tenure today is 12.8 years, and the trend is
strongly downward. A 26-year tenure represents a skillful and collaborative approach to working with trustees, teachers, administrators, parents, and students, among others.
Muddy will be the first to tell you that he’s been lucky. “I truly have enjoyed working with every Board Chair and every group of trustees that have led Pike in the past 26 years. Our board has always been committed to Pike, and they have as a group understood the lines between governance and operations. It makes for a strong partnership.”
This understanding makes Muddy’s job that much easier. The strong, collaborative relationship also explains the prolific rate of growth and improvement that Pike has sustained in 26 years, including four I appreciate Muddy’s leadership style which allows for others to grow and lead. He’s a master at knowing when to step in and help “
and when to step back so others can step forward and lead.”
— Aaron Hovel, Director of Technology
capital campaigns, exponential growth in the endowment, two significant building additions, and a wealth of curricular changes, not to mention countless smaller projects, a healthy yearly giving program, and incremental improvements in day-today operations.
Current Board Chair Joung concurs: “Personally, I’m proudest of the work we’ve been able to do as a team in building the diversity of our community while also establishing a strong financial foundation and growing essential elements of the Pike experience like professional growth and financial aid.”
Good leadership has been crucial. “Having Muddy as a partner in those endeavors has been an honor,” adds Joung. “He has a great grasp of the long and short views, and I’ve learned so much from him.”
Muddy’s relationship with Pike’s Administrative team reflects an equal degree of respect and collaboration.
[10] Muddy’s approach to leadership — to set high standards, to ask good questions and provide input, and to then trust the skills of those around him — is inspiring.” — Rod Boyer, Director of Advancement “
A Family Affair
The three Waters children, now grown up, share thoughts on their parents’ time at Pike.
Jessica Waters Duryea ‘04
Pike was always more than just a place my parents worked, it truly was and has continued to be a huge piece of our family. My parents started working at Pike when I was in pre-k, about to turn 5, and many of my childhood memories begin with this time. I can remember walking to school as a family and passing a soccer ball back and forth as we all made our way up Sunset Rock Road. My own educational experiences at Pike were the beginning of my love of learning and my love of school. Growing up witnessing my parents’ passion for teaching and commitment to Pike, I don’t think it is a coincidence that I became a teacher myself. After becoming a teacher, I gained a whole new appreciation for my parents’ commitment to Pike. Despite juggling many responsibilities, they have always put students first. It is remarkable to see how much time and energy my parents have committed to Pike over the past 26 years. From playing soccer at recess to 6AM hockey practice to directing traffic, they go above and beyond their job descriptions. To see how much Pike has developed is a true testament to how much they care about the school. It is hard to imagine Pike without my parents, but they have some very lucky grandchildren who will benefit from their additional free time.
Willie Waters ‘98
As you can probably imagine, thinking about how hard my parents worked and the sacrifices that they made were not things that I gave much thought to when I was a student at Pike. However, as I have now worked in education for the past 13 years, I am constantly striving to be as influential as my parents have
4When not leading hockey practice at the rink, Muddy and Liza start just about every day with the one mile
walk from their home to campus. Their day starts early, and it’s not unusual for them to be seen, flashlights in hand, heading back home late at night. Muddy spends about three evenings a week at the school for meetings, sports, and other business.
That sort of commitment — helping students before and after school, fielding evening calls from parents, responding to administrative concerns, riding the bus home from away games — comes naturally for the couple. And they are quick to lend a hand for a colleague, volunteer for a slot at the Art Show, or open their home for an impromptu faculty and staff gathering.
Indeed, if students are the focus for Muddy and Liza, then community — building, nurturing, and extending it — is the context. For an example of their impact on community, one need only look to the recently inaugurated PikeFest.
Every year for the past two, the school sets aside a day for school-wide performances and presentations, student-selected small workshops about culture, art, and music, and other experiential learning activities. Parents, teachers, staff, alumni, and friends of the school volunteer to lead various parts of the day. Recent PikeFests have included Brazilian capoeira demonstrations, build-your-own ukulele workshops, games of cricket, and presentations on Chinese travel.
From the beginning, Liza has been an instrumental force and advocate for this distinctly Pike holiday, a celebration of Cynthia Pike’s legacy and the enduring uniqueness of the school. Liza’s PikeFest comrade, Kavita Mundra, explains: “PikeFest is really about the heart of Pike. We are such an interesting and vibrant community, and we celebrate that. You see it in the stories about Mrs. Pike, and you feel it still today in the school’s current form.” “The emphasis has been on tapping into the diverse and distinct cultures and experiences of our community members,” adds librarian Fran Mellin, another leader of PikeFest planning. “Liza has always seen and nurtured this aspect of Pike, and I’m really proud to be involved in this part of her legacy.”
And, like so much of what Muddy and Liza do and have done at Pike, they do it unassumingly and without personal fanfare.
The quality of Muddy and Liza’s leadership is perhaps best understood from the personal perspective. From the individual relationships that these two devoted educators have forged over the almost 9,500 days they have been at the center of Pike. From the pep talks, the lessons, the smiles and waves they’ve shared. From the conversations and confidences they have entertained. From the countless classes, practices, fire drills, games, meetings, dances, receptions, duties, and carpools they have overseen. From their love for this community, this school, and this extraordinary group of people that is Pike. From their undying commitment to Pike students.
5Like their concern for and effort on behalf of Pike, the walk to and from school has become an ingrained
ritual for Muddy and Liza. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to watch them take their final ramble down
Sunset Rock Road to their home nearby on their final day at Pike. If so, honk gently and wave — and consider yourself fortunate. You’re witnessing the end of an unparalleled era at The Pike School.
Thank you, Muddy and Liza!
[12] “What I have always appreciated about Muddy is how he lets what is best for the
students drive his decisions. Knowing that Muddy always makes the students our primary concern has been a source of comfort throughout my years at Pike.”
— Trisha Gordon, Head of Upper School
been. They both would do anything for a student or colleague, and their patience and ability to connect with people of all backgrounds has inspired me to try and do the same. Even though I am an alum of the school, I was not as in touch with the changes at Pike as I should have been, and my parents are too humble to ever brag about all that they have accomplished. Now, as a Pike parent, what I am most proud of about my school, my daughter’s school and our family’s school is the strides made in the work of diversity, equity and inclusion. When I walk in the doors at Pike, I am always struck by the feeling of community and the obvious commitment to progress. Ainsley has already been exposed to more diversity in her schooling than I was in my whole life. Pike is a better school now because of my parents’ unwavering belief in this work, and I am proud to hear people at other schools point to Pike as a model for what can be accomplished.
Pike means the world to my parents, in part because of the people they have worked with, but also -- and maybe especially -- because of the students. My siblings and I always used to think it was ridiculous when we would go out to dinner and little kids would look at my dad like he was a celebrity. They would nervously come to say hello, and my parents would always engage the family. After all, they knew everybody in the school community. They are never too busy to talk with people from Pike and always wanted to know how alumni and their families were faring after leaving the school.
In short, my parents work at Pike has inspired me to be the best possible educator and son that I can be. I know that there are hundreds of other Pike kids in whom they instilled that same sense of inspiration. I know this world will be a better place because of the work my parents have done over the past 26 years. I am privileged beyond belief to be their son, to have received a Pike education, and to send our daughter to an even better version of the school.
Jamie Waters, ‘00
It is hard to imagine Pike without my parents. I am sure that is true for so many people within the community, but Pike has been such a major part of our family -- and for most of my life, in fact -- that it is truly part of our lives too. From visiting when my parents were interviewing, to attending Pike as a student, to working summer jobs at Pike while in high school, to using the fields to train during the summers when home from college, and now bringing my daughter to Pike to visit her grandparents, so many memories are wrapped up in the place. I think that the physical changes to Pike over the past 26 years certainly speak to the positive impact that my parents have had on Pike. But it is the time and energy that they have put into the far more important initiatives like diversity and inclusion, community building, and a meaningful, child-focused educational experience will be the true legacy my parents leave behind. While these are things that go along with being an educator, they are really just who my parents are at their core. From their examples, I learned that it matters how you treat people, it matters that you help people who need help, it matters that you lift people when they are down, and it matters that people have an opportunity to learn and grow. I think of the enormity of the impact they have had on so many of the families that joined the Pike community. They have showed up day in and day out and have not overlooked the small things: taking extra time to tutor, coaching when you don’t “need” to, standing out at pick up and drop off, these are things that have fostered the school as a community. Pike will certainly be a different place when my parents leave, but I think the example they have set for 26 years is woven strongly into the fabric of Pike. I’m proud that my parents are leaving Pike a much better place than when they found it.
