Embracing Change

Big changes mean big decisions. Often, these big decisions come On May 19, I wrote, “We end the year with a great deal of pride with a few second-guesses, but, as I look back on the move in how our community has adapted and continued to provide the to create a remote fall and our clear statement of commitment to key elements of a Stoneleigh-Burnham School education: strong deep and sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion work, I am not academics in a supportive community which values student voice.” second-guessing. My confidence stems from the knowledge that Not long after, SBS was called on by students and alumnae to the input and expertise of many knowledgeable and caring people commit to becoming a more diverse and equitable community. We across the spectrum of SBS constituencies have acknowledged where we have come help us make the best decisions for our up short, pledged strategic action, and school. Our School has had to change, adapt, developed a structure for moving forward and, yes, grow in so many ways over the past with accountability and the clear sense of months. The pandemic has required that purpose necessary for sustainable change. we think differently about how we deliver The diversity, equity, and inclusion work in our mission, and the movement for social which we are immersed is, unequivocally, justice has demanded that we reflect on our building a better SBS, one that is more culture and policies in order to bring them fully a supportive community which into alignment with our values. There will values and respects each individual’s be setbacks and challenges, but the course authentic self. is clear, and we are embracing the changes As the School has adapted and grown with positivity and an eye to becoming a during these challenging months, so better and stronger SBS. have I. Working through screens (or The decision to return to remote learning this fall was made with the tireless work of the “As other schools have made masks) makes community-building more important, while also making it more senior administrative team and the Board of adjustments and been hesitant delicate and complicated. I’ve had to think Trustees. Once we announced the decision, to change, we have jumped in of creative ways to keep the members of families were very supportive and have and embraced the process.” the community (and myself!) connected 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