Who We Are & What We Are Made Of

As I sit in my office and ponder the last year, there are so many conflicting memories that run through my mind — the two steps forward, one step back, up-and-down challenges of COVID and the ever changing sets of rules and protocols that went along with it; the beauty of finally being allowed to open our campus to visitors, especially parents who were eager to connect and to feel a sense of belonging in our community; the waves of people reevaluating their lives - be it where they lived, where they worked, where their families lived, where their children went to school, work/life balance, and so much more that came into focus when facing hardships and thereby taking a moment to evaluate what really matters to them; and the unbelievable generosity of our families whether in time or in dollars to hold us all together so that we could come through this adversity stronger and more able to face the next challenges.

It goes without saying. You all know how much I love this school and its community, and this year was a shining example of why. It certainly was not easy, but the easy years are not necessarily the ones that show us who we are and what we are made of. This year was definitely one that did and I am very proud of all that we accomplished.

I do look forward to perhaps an “easier” year ahead. I’m sure it would allow all of us to breathe a little more and look to future plans rather than constantly having to attend to things in the moment.

I value your partnership and thank you for the opportunity to work alongside all of you!

Verena Denove associate head of school director of admissions & financial aid