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Quicklinks:March 2007 - Letter from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
As we approach the spring break I want to take this opportunity to give a big THANK YOU to all the parent volunteers who have helped throughout the year in so many ways - special events, fundraising, community service, chaperones and a host of other activities too numerous to mention. Of course, the grand event was again the annual FAMILY DAY on February 24 which was truly outstanding in organization and design - memorable and absolutely enjoyable. Tish Grosek, PTO President and Co-Chair Marcelino Rivera led a team of volunteers that deserves both our appreciation and respect. In applauding their effort I appeal to all of you to consider volunteering, to whatever extent you can, as these endeavors are not only huge but often are carried through by far too few.
Students were not to be outdone when the Student Council determined that they would do a fundraiser for the planned Performing Arts Center ( PAC ) by way of Baldwin's very own NIGHT AT THE OSCARS held on Saturday, March 17th. The Pennock Field house was host to a full dinner for the over 300 students and parents who came to enjoy the night and celebrate the winners of Oscars, both students and faculty, in a wide range of categories. Dora Ramirez, advisor to the Council, and President of the Council Miriam Lazoff and her team are to be congratulated on organizing a fabulous night that raised nearly $7,000 for the Performing Arts Center - all of it planned and executed in about 14 days! The excitement of students for this new facility is palpable - it was very noticeable when our forensics team gave their preliminary presentations to a "packed house" in our Middle/Upper School extended classrooms on March 21 - worthy works deserving a finer venue!
In sports there are still many games and events, and we will celebrate the achievements of the year by once again having two Athletic banquets - May 1 for Middle/Upper School athletes and May 11 for the Elementary School athletes. I invite you to join us at these occasions to thank athletes and coaches for the year's work and accomplishments.
In other matters I am happy to report that, finally, the elementary classrooms are completed and we will begin a partial transfer of classes to the new building soon. A new power substation is in place, large enough not only to serve the elementary school but also the future Performing Arts Center Project at the site adjacent to the elementary school and the main entrance. Sidewalks and the road at the entrance gate have been improved, and additional work to strengthen the infrastructure of the campus will be done in the summer.
Finally, plans are maturing for the development of the school's next strategic plan to cover the years 2007-2012. A workshop of faculty was held on Thursday, March 22 where all faculty were given an opportunity to give input on strategic planning. The findings will be included when the Board begins the process at a workshop on Saturday, March 31 with a view to establish area committees and launching the detailed work that is expected to be completed next school year. If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact my office.
As we head for spring break and the last two months of school we are overall, in good shape, in regards to staffing and enrollment for the next school year. While there are still some faculty vacancies, two key openings are in need of being filled for which candidates are presently being considered - the campus facilities manager position is vacant due to the retirement of Mr. Sergio Vega in the summer and the Athletics Director post, starting in July, as our current Athletics Director, Sebastian Cambo returns to teaching physical education. Enrollment will again be very strong with a projected total of 850 students in PreK-12.
I extend best wishes to all for a relaxing spring break and a successful completion of the school year 2006-2007.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gunther Brandt
Head of School
