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Championing the Windward Way
Head of School Dr. John J. Russell’s 13 Years of Visionary Leadership
By Stephanie Huie, Associate Director of Digital Communications & Publications
Each first day of school, Dr. Russell enjoys greeting all Windward students.
These unofficial words are at the heart of what The Windward School stands for—serving as many children with language-based learning disabilities as possible, while maintaining fidelity to research-based programs—and they have been the underlying mantra for Dr. John J. Russell in his contributions as Head of School for the past 13 years. Since his appointment in 2006, Dr. Russell has been at the forefront of Windward's expansion efforts, which have manifested in unprecedented growth in every capacity.
Student enrollment has nearly doubled, allowing more than 900 students the opportunity to experience Windward’s transformative and proven research-based program of instruction. The debut of Windward in Manhattan, followed by the opening of its permanent campus in 2016, broadened Windward’s geographic reach by establishing an Upper East Side location for families in New York City, New Jersey, and Long Island. To best serve the growing student population, additional faculty and staff were hired and trained to ensure all students receive the dedicated attention and services they need, the hallmark of a Windward education.
2016: Windward Opens Permanent NYC Location at 212 East 93rd Street: Grades 2-7
The professional development arm of Windward, the Windward Teacher Training Institute (WTTI), has matured into the robust program it is today, equipping all Windward teachers and visiting educators with highquality instruction in research-based teaching practices. As a result of the recognition received by the WTTI’s program, The Windward School has become globally known as an expert in current, scientifically-validated research in child development, learning theory, and pedagogy. This year, Windward’s physical footprint will enlarge yet again when ground breaks on the 113,000-square-foot former March of Dimes headquarters at 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue. Once renovated, the building will serve as the new location for the Westchester Lower School, making way for more students with language-based learning disabilities to receive the education they deserve at Windward.
Groundbreaking at the WTTI facility at the WMS campus in 2011
As he steps down from acting as head of school, Dr. Russell’s commitment to Windward will remain steadfast in his new role as executive director of The Windward Institute beginning July 1, 2019. He will devote his efforts to elevating the recognition and understanding of dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities in the broader educational community and promoting Windward as the preeminent institution for the remediation of these disabilities. In this exciting forthcoming chapter of the school’s history, Dr. Russell will continue to fulfill The Windward School’s vision and champion the Windward Way.
TIMELINE OF MILESTONES
2006
Dr. John J. Russell Appointed Head of School
Internal Windward Faculty Evaluation System Developed
2007
Curriculum Coordinator Positions Established
Director of Language Arts Position Established
WTTI Receives Accreditation from IMSLEC
School Logo Redesigned
Attitudinal and Feasibility Study Commissioned
2008
Curriculum Instruction Assessment Committee (CIAC) Established
Diversity Coordinator Position Established
1,800 Teachers Participate in WTTI Workshops and Courses
2009
Westchester Lower School (Windward Avenue) Campus Renovated
Relationship Established with Reading Lab at Tufts University and with Haskins Laboratories
Creation of The Compass Magazine and the We-Blast
2010
NYSAIS 10-Year Reaccreditation Self-Study and Visit
2011
Launch of Windward 2020 Capital Campaign
Creation of the Research Associate Position
2012
WTTI Facilities Open at WMS
2013
Associate Head of School Position Established
2015
Temporary Location of Windward’s Manhattan Campus Opens at 97th Street & Amsterdam: Grades 3-6
Maureen A. Sweeney Auditorium Dedicated at WMS
2016
Windward Opens Permanent NYC Location at 212 East 93rd Street: Grades 2-7
2017
Windward’s Manhattan Campus Expands: Grades 2-8
2018
Windward Welcomes 908 students on the First Day of School (88% Increase in Enrollment from 2006)
349 Faculty and Staff Serve all Campuses (113% Increase from 2006)
WTTI Earns Perfect Reaccreditation Score by IMSLEC
2019
The Windward School/Haskins Laboratories Collaborative Project Established
Strategic Plan Adopted Including New Vision Statement
Dr. Russell Becomes Executive Director of The Windward Institute
