Thoughts from a Head Archive

Celebrating our Past, Building our Future at Maret

Marjo Talbott

Head of School

Maret School

A Head of School must consider lessons learned from the past, take stock of the present, and contemplate the future. Many schools in our area have been blessed with long histories and have been celebrating various milestones. During such times, the Head focuses more on understanding the foundations and traditions of the School. This is Maret’s Centennial and much of my time has been dedicated to learning more about the creators of the school. I have discovered that much of our present DNA derives from the three Maret sisters.

Independent Schools Can Foster the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Tom Gibian

Head of School

Sandy Spring Friends School

"Disrupting Class: How Disrupting Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns" Or Not?

John Huber

Head of School

The Barnesville School

I recently attended a talk given by Curtis Johnson, one of the authors of the book Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns. As I heard him speak about how technology would profoundly change teaching and learning, I grew so frustrated that I began to develop an outline for this essay – ironically, by surreptitiously tapping out notes on my iPhone.

"Here You Are, Alive: Would You Like to Make a Comment?"

Peter A. Barrett

Head of School

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School

In preparing to welcome faculty and staff back for the new school year, I wrote to them in early August, “One of the many things I like about being in a school like St. Patrick’s is that there is a real sense of rhythm that shapes our lives in schools.

"The Elements of True Motivation – Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose"

Joan G. Ogilvy Holden

Head of School

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School

One advantage of the many snow days which we had in February was the opportunity it afforded me to read books from my “intend to read” pile. A book which I found extremely interesting and informative is Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, by Daniel H. Pink.

"Developing Good Leaders, A Jesuit Tradition"

Jeffrey L. Jones

Headmaster

Georgetown Preparatory School

In a letter citing the goals that drove the educational work of the Jesuits in the 16th century, the concluding aim was one that summed up the whole of their enterprise: “Those who are now only students will grow up to be pastors, civic officials, administrators of justice and will fill other important posts to everyone’s profit and advantage.” *1

"Choosing the Right Independent School for Your Child"

Susan J. Johnson, PhD

Head of School

Commonwealth Academy

Based on playground, carpool, and coffee house chatter, one could easily assert that the proximity of independent school admission decisions and the anxiety level of applicant parents are closely correlated.

"Moving toward education that is more interdisciplinary and globally-minded"

Clayton W. Lewis

Head of School

Washington International School

The ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on January 20th will be as close to a global inauguration as one is likely to find in history. Perhaps there has never been such a thirst for visionary leadership as is now felt by a worldwide audience.

"Service and social action can help children connect with their true selves and counter today's stress"

Catherine Ronan Karrels

Head of School

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

It’s early March--- that time of year when many families start to long for spring break or one last snow day and an opportunity to ease back a little.

"Independent schools could not be successful, without the support of our parents"

Susanna A. Jones

Head of School

The Holton-Arms School

Independent schools could not exist, much less be successful, without the support of our parents.

"The true treasure of an independent education"

Mary C. Worch

Head of School

The Woods Academy

December is a wonderful month to write for the Parents Council of Washington. I appreciate this opportunity to turn my thoughts to a much wider population. I wish to write about the true treasure of an independent education.

Thoughts from a Head Archive

Celebrating our Past, Building our Future at Maret

Independent Schools Can Foster the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

"Disrupting Class: How Disrupting Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns" Or Not?

"Here You Are, Alive: Would You Like to Make a Comment?"

"The Elements of True Motivation – Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose"

"Developing Good Leaders, A Jesuit Tradition"

"Choosing the Right Independent School for Your Child"

"Moving toward education that is more interdisciplinary and globally-minded"

"Service and social action can help children connect with their true selves and counter today's stress"

"Independent schools could not be successful, without the support of our parents"

"The true treasure of an independent education"

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