the bulletin F A L L
Letter from the Head of School
2020
Embracing Change
B
ig changes mean big decisions. Often, these big decisions come with a few second-guesses, but, as I look back on the move to create a remote fall and our clear statement of commitment to deep and sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion work, I am not second-guessing. My confidence stems from the knowledge that the input and expertise of many knowledgeable and caring people across the spectrum of SBS constituencies help us make the best decisions for our school. Our School has had to change, adapt, and, yes, grow in so many ways over the past months. The pandemic has required that we think differently about how we deliver our mission, and the movement for social justice has demanded that we reflect on our culture and policies in order to bring them into alignment with our values. There will be setbacks and challenges, but the course is clear, and we are embracing the changes with positivity and an eye to becoming a better and stronger SBS.
On May 19, I wrote, “We end the year with a great deal of pride in how our community has adapted and continued to provide the key elements of a Stoneleigh-Burnham School education: strong academics in a supportive community which values student voice.” Not long after, SBS was called on by students and alumnae to commit to becoming a more diverse and equitable community. We have acknowledged where we have come up short, pledged strategic action, and developed a structure for moving forward with accountability and the clear sense of purpose necessary for sustainable change. The diversity, equity, and inclusion work in which we are immersed is, unequivocally, building a better SBS, one that is more fully a supportive community which values and respects each individual’s authentic self.
As the School has adapted and grown during these challenging months, so have I. Working through screens (or The decision to return to remote learning this masks) makes community-building more “As other schools have made fall was made with the tireless work of the important, while also making it more adjustments and been hesitant senior administrative team and the Board of delicate and complicated. I’ve had to think Trustees. Once we announced the decision, of creative ways to keep the members of to change, we have jumped in families were very supportive and have the community (and myself!) connected and embraced the process.” offered important insights and suggestions. and positive, while also recognizing We were then able to focus on developing and taking advantage of serendipitous a rich remote program, and, this fall, administrators have turned opportunities to do so. Ultimately, I’ve reinforced my belief in the their focus to preparing the campus for the girls’ return. Following power of honest and transparent communication. through with the decision to be remote for the fall has required Early in the pandemic, our Board of Trustees Chair Lynn Kehoe the flexibility of our hard-working faculty and staff. The Summer ’77 frequently reminded me to look for silver linings. At that point, Academic Planning group and our technology team provided the everything was hard, and my usual glass-half-full nature was tested. support to implement our move to the Canvas learning management Now, I see so much more clearly that growth comes from these system and to have all of our teachers train for remote learning kinds of trials. As other schools have made adjustments and been using the One Schoolhouse teacher training programs. We built hesitant to change, we have jumped in and embraced the process. a daily schedule that allows for synchronous and asynchronous This silver lining says a lot about the strength and confidence of work in multiple time zones, a full co-curricular and physical the SBS community, and it bodes well for our future. activity program, and we made the social and emotional needs of our students a priority. We’ve also built in more family connections to ensure that every SBS student has a compelling experience in the fall.
Stephanie Luebbers Head of School 3
