From the Head of School

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear CEE Community,

Looking back on the 2018-19 school year I will remember the impressive modeling of optimism and resilience by our families, faculty, and staff. Together we carried on the programs and traditions that make CEE the unique place that it is for families, all while undergoing major campus construction. Your flexibility and commitment to The Center means that we are now well-poised to complete the final phase of campus enhancement, building the central playfield this fall after opening the new Clinton Building on the first day of school.

We often talk of the CEE “magic” or “secret sauce.” Those descriptions, however, imply that the unique teaching and learning at CEE somehow happens out of thin air. The reality is that the level of instruction and engagement by our students and faculty doesn’t just happen. What makes CEE such a special place is the intentional teaching done by our faculty. This teaching is reflective of our mission of meeting high academic standards, with a focus on the socialemotional wellbeing of our students, teaching and modeling our core values, and participation in both service learning and community service. This year, the high quality of instruction continued and grew as our physical surroundings evolved.

As you may know, professional development opportunities for our faculty can have a profound, direct, and immediate impact on our students. This year, nine faculty members served as Leadership Fellows (funded in part by the Annual Fund Drive), spending the year becoming “educational experts” in their fields. As you’ll read about in this report, from teaching woodworking techniques through a ‘Maker’ movement lens to enhancing our antibias education approach for our students, these fellows made an immediate and lasting impact on their students and our ongoing aspiration to be the best place for a child to attend school.

In the 2019-20 school year, we will introduce our newly designed school day schedule based on the latest research, intended to promote community and connection and maximize opportunities for learning in our new spaces.

With deep gratitude, I acknowledge the CEE Board of Trustees for their ambitious, intrepid leadership and clear-eyed vision this year. Put simply, their efforts turn dreams into reality. Many thanks to David Messinger for his generosity in time and spirit as President of the Board. We anticipate another fruitful year working to serve the best interests of the children of The Center.

It is our sincere hope that Center students discover that learning, collaboration, empathy, service, and open-mindedness make for a better world. Many thanks to our generous, loving community for living these values daily, and supporting our children through all that you do.

With my true appreciation,

Mark A. Brooks Head of School