Special Section
School Heeds Calls for Growth, Progress By Mary Virginia Fisher
W
hen future Spartans look back on the School’s history, they will most certainly make special note of 2020. So will I, but not for the reasons one might predict. While I certainly do not discount the havoc created by the ongoing pandemic; neither do I consider it the most defining event of this new decade in the life of St. Johns. Rather, the events I consider to be the greatest change agents of the School’s future center around the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements that gained much traction in the spring. In response to the School’s May statement reminding Spartans of the importance of “liberty and justice for all,” several alumni contacted incoming Head of School Mrs. Valorie Baker and myself with experiences, insight, and recommendations for ways St. Johns can better ensure that all are welcome and supported. It was my honor to introduce Sabrina Tomlinson ’13, Lindsay Marshall ’13, and Patrick Glenn ’11 to Mrs. Baker and to share changes that have taken place since their graduations. Others came in for one-on-one meetings to share their experiences and offer suggestions. We discussed steps taken to recognize and
better support BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women in our academic and social-emotional curricula; enhanced, readily available mental health support; faculty/staff training in diversity and inclusion; the addition of several new student organizations, and the School’s new One Love Hero certification. Much is left to be accomplished; that’s for sure. But St. Johns is focused on solutions, intent on moving forward, and has surely set the stage for all of us to make strides together. Never have I been more appreciative of the many Spartans I have been blessed to teach and know throughout my forty-five years at St. Johns. Instead of choosing any of the many other avenues of expression available, the alumni who came forth did so directly with the School, opening a dialog and helping us improve the School we all know and love. I can’t think of a better commentary on the St.Johns family than this. We look forward to continued discourse throughout the year(s) ahead and encourage participation by all alumni who are available (either in person or from afar) to help your alma mater continue to fulfill its mission of ethical responsibility. With your help, we will make this a pivotal moment in St. Johns history.
S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER 2020
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