July 1, 2009

Dear Darrow Families,

In the weeks since graduation, we have been busy reflecting on the past school year and preparing for the upcoming one, as you can tell from the volume of information in this packet.  The energy, enthusiasm, hard work, and positive results that were hallmarks of the 2008-2009 school year set the bar high for us to build on the quality experiences that make a difference in all of our lives, students, faculty, and staff, alike.  I encourage you to read carefully all of the enclosed information, and promptly return the required forms in the enclosed envelope, included to make that process easier.  One important request is for your e-mail address and permission to send information electronically in the future, in the interest of sustainability and efficiency.  Medical forms were sent already, and it is essential that your student have the required annual physical examination prior to registration. 

By now, returning students have received grades and comments that outline progress made and suggestions for future success and accomplishment.  The degree of engagement of students in their classes and their earnestness in making the most of their opportunities were clearly evident in both the actual results and in the supportive comments from faculty.  I am confident that future academic efforts will be equally successful and rewarding. 

I am particularly excited about our new teachers, who will be joining us in the fall and who bring with them a variety of experience in the classroom, as educators, researchers, world travelers, camp counselors, tutors, and athletes. Most of all, they bring a passion for their sense of the Darrow mission, for the vision that guides the implementation of the Darrow educational experience, and an appreciation for the natural and historic environment in which we live.  Brief biographies describing the various backgrounds and experiences of each, will be sent in a few weeks.  We look forward to welcoming them, along with new students and their families, to the Darrow community.

We are always working to refine and improve our living and learning environment, and to that end, you will note the letter from Marjie Needham and Simon Holzapfel outlines both significant and modest changes in the works for the coming year.  All are designed to recognize the unique needs of adolescents and to further build strong relationships and, thus, a strong community.  The Student Handbook is being revised and will be sent later in the summer.  The bottom line is that the Handbook could be summarized into just a single sentence to guide all of our behavior:  "Everyone in the Darrow community will show respect for people, place, and things."  Darrow is built on respect, trust, honesty, collaboration, and providing opportunities to take safe risks that stretch each individual to become his or her best self. 

Happy reading.  Call if you have any questions.  Enjoy the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.