Looking Ahead for Windward New Board Chair and Two New Trustees Appointed to the Board A Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Patty Wolff Thank You to the Outgoing Chair
As an alumni parent, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of a Windward education. The benefits not only for the students but also Windward families are immeasurable. Consequently, it has been my privilege to serve on the Board for the last five years, and I am incredibly humbled and honored to succeed Ellen Bowman as Board Chair. Ellen served on the Board for 13 years and oversaw the opening of the Manhattan campus, development of a new strategic plan, launch of The Windward Institute, recruitment of a new head of school, and the decision to purchase the new Westchester Lower School campus property. On behalf of the entire Board and Windward community, I thank Ellen for her tireless work and unending commitment to The Windward School. She led the Board with grace, elegance, and a true passion and has left a tremendous legacy for which we are all greatly indebted. New Trustees
Last July, the Board welcomed two new trustees, Sandip Singh and Anike Wariebi, who are Windward parents and passionate about furthering the School’s mission. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, including strategic planning, marketing, real estate, and entrepreneurship. The Windward Fund
Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Windward Fund had its best year ever in 201920. The School raised over $2.4 million, with $1.5 million in gifts made by current parents and guardians. I am so grateful to our generous donors and all the volunteers on the Windward Fund Committee. A special thanks to Michael Cummins, Christopher Dooley, Jorge Solares Parkhurst, and Amerika Williamson, who cochaired the 201920 Windward Fund.
Windward Benefit and Giving Week As a result of the global pandemic, the School had to postpone the 2020 benefit. I would like to thank our cochairs, Susan Petrie Badertscher, Stephanie Mack, and Anike Wariebi, as well as all our donors and sponsors who provided support for the event. Your steadfast commitment to the school and flexibility during challenging times is incredible. During #WindwardGIVES from November 29December 5, the Windward community had its single largest week of giving in the School’s history raising $670,000. These funds go toward COVID19 response, financial aid, and more.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) One of the priorities of the current strategic plan is to ensure we “proactively cultivate an inclusive and diverse community.” Mr. Williamson and the Board are committed to this work to ensure that our faculty, students, parents, guardians, alumni, and Board foster a community environment where all points of view are respected and valued. During the fall, work began to build on existing DEI activities at Windward and to develop a vision and multiyear plan. New Westchester Lower School Campus
In October, the School opened the new Westchester Lower School campus at 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue. Originally scheduled for Fall 2021, the opening was accelerated to enable inperson learning during the global pandemic. Although there are construction projects that remain to be completed, the finished campus will be over 100,000 square feet and feature classrooms, arts and music facilities, a new athletic field, and spaces for communitybuilding activities. It also holds two auditoriums and expanded space for The Windward Institute. This will enable the School to provide greater access to The Windward School’s unparalleled program.
Fall Opening As I reflect on the past year, I am in awe of how resilient the leadership team, faculty, staff, and Windward families have been during this time. This fall, the School opened its buildings to ensure that all students have access to inperson, researchbased, direct instruction while also continuing to provide remote learning for those families who chose that option. The level of dedication and commitment to the mission of the School is evident each day. This experience, while trying and complex, once again reminded me that Windward is truly an exceptional place. I, on behalf of the entire Board, am so thankful to Mr. Williamson for his leadership and to the administration, faculty, and staff who work hard each day to give the gift of a Windward education to the students. Respectfully,
Patty Wolff Chair of the Board of Trustees 4
The Compass Winter 2021
