Tackling the School Year Together

Back to school has always been my favorite time of year and I am thrilled to welcome faculty and families—but most especially students— to campus as the new Head of Upper School. The students are what make school such a special place, and they are the ones who will undoubtedly teach me as much as I aspire to teach them. I’m eager to hear from students about what they are learning in their courses this year, as well as to learn more about their interests outside of the classroom. 
My husband, Frank, works in the music industry and occasionally brings me along to events. As a lifelong learner, I enjoy having the opportunity to learn more about the industry and the people who work within it. But usually, I’m excited and nervous about being in attendance. Needless to say, I’m simply an observer of this amazing world and occasionally engage in conversations as I sit back and take it all in. As an educator who is living a dream that I have had since I was six years old, my ability to be observant in these situations serves me well. Oftentimes, I am inspired by something that is said or written at these events that results in me having a new perspective or idea to bring to my work at school. 
 
A few weeks ago, Frank took me to a meeting where I observed the happenings from a couch away from the others. As I noticed my surroundings, I was struck by a quote on the wall that said, “Be afraid and do it anyway.” This is what I want for our Upper School students this year. Students may encounter things that aren’t going to be easy and may cause some angst, but I want our girls to be courageous and brave, and to tackle these challenges anyway. I want them to try, perhaps fail and fall short, but to get up, learn something new, and try again. Because tackling hard problems with a growth mindset and from multiple angles and iterations is at the heart of what it means to be a changemaker.
 
As my family and I continue to settle into our new home in Pittsburgh, many of my friends and extended family members have asked what I’m most excited about at Ellis. I don’t hesitate to say that I’m committed to Ellis’ mission and four guiding pillars—which are what led me to the School. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote encapsulates how I felt after my first visit to Ellis last February. I remember enthusiastically telling my husband and sons that Ellis is a special place and I hope that I will become a community member. It was the mission, commitment to the four pillars, and the warm and welcoming community that left a lasting impression on me. I feel truly honored to join you as your new Upper School Division Head and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you this year!
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