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Entering 2019–20 Bolder, Brighter & Stronger
Sanford’s current strategic plan is titled Bolder, Brighter, Stronger. Those words resonate with me as we head into our new school year. We open the 2019–20 school year at Sanford in a bolder and brighter position of strength.
Strong Enrollment
Each year we set a budgeted enrollment number and then work to meet that goal. This year, we set that number at 580 students Preschool–12. As of today, Sanford has 583 students enrolled—including 114 new students. These figures represent significant growth for our school. Last year, we opened at 565 students, with 67 new students. This positive momentum is a credit to our entire community, as we all continue to spread the word about Sanford.
Bold Teaching & Leadership
As I often say, our school’s greatest strength is the talented faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to teaching our students and serving our families. Last month, we welcomed an exceptional class of new faculty and staff members. Due to a career change, we have added one more outstanding educator to the group.
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Each year we set a budgeted enrollment number and then work to meet that goal. This year, we set that number at 580 students Preschool–12. As of today, Sanford has 583 students enrolled—including 114 new students. These figures represent significant growth for our school. Last year, we opened at 565 students, with 67 new students. This positive momentum is a credit to our entire community, as we all continue to spread the word about Sanford.
Bold Teaching & Leadership
As I often say, our school’s greatest strength is the talented faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to teaching our students and serving our families. Last month, we welcomed an exceptional class of new faculty and staff members. Due to a career change, we have added one more outstanding educator to the group.
In August, Upper School Science Teacher and Girls JV Basketball Coach Jess Reid shared that she accepted a job closer to her home in suburban Philadelphia. We wish her well as she continues her professional journey. Fortunately, we have hired a talented STEM educator in Alyssa Hull. Alyssa joins Sanford’s faculty to teach Biology and Environmental Science. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, where she studied chemistry and art conservation. Alyssa also earned a master's degree from Duke University in chemistry. For the past few years she has taught science at the collegiate level, at both Duke and UD. At the university level, Alyssa has developed courses for both STEM majors and non-STEM students.
Our strong board of trustees—composed of strategic leaders who steadfastly give generously of their time, talent, and treasure—is one Sanford's most valuable resources. Last spring Jackie Filak, Sharon Rubin, and Gregg Somerville wrapped up their esteemed board terms. This year, we welcome two new trustees—Chai Gadde (father of Nia ‘19 and Rohan '25) and Jason Russell (father of Sam '29 and Sawyer '33).
Bright Facilities
We are continuing to enhance our campus and facilities.
Bright Facilities
We are continuing to enhance our campus and facilities.
Our Middle School improvement initiative has been the star of our summer upgrades. When our fifth through eighth-grade students and teachers return to campus, their teaching and learning spaces (including our updated library, shown in the photo) will include new lighting, fresh paint, new furniture, and renovated bathrooms. An anonymous gift and auction proceeds funded this project. Auction proceeds were also used to purchase new furniture in the Upper School Commons and equipment for the new Lower School Primary Playground.
We are excited about opening and celebrating our new Bermuda grass soccer/lacrosse field, named in honor of Sanford’s former longtime Middle School Head Eph Humphreys. The field will be dedicated at Homecoming on Friday, September 20th. I hope that you will join us for this very special event.
Soccer and lacrosse weren't the only sports to get an upgrade; we also resurfaced six of our tennis courts.
Another campus project underway is the renovation of Arunchala, the head of school's home. Built in the 1940s, each of Sanford’s heads of school has lived in the house. This spring, the board of trustees approved renovating and updating this historic structure. Since Arunchala is uninhabitable during construction, our family is living off campus. We hope to move back into the home by the end of October.
As part of our ongoing effort to make Sanford bolder, brighter, and stronger, our board and leadership team continue to explore projects that will improve our campus and facilities. Two ideas that are in the early discussion stage are renovation options for Sanford’s Sports Center and the Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Center. We don’t have firm news to share, but rest assured, school leaders are always strategizing about how we can improve the Sanford experience.
Stay tuned for more information
Next month, you'll hear from me again when I will share information and updates about:
Stay tuned for more information
Next month, you'll hear from me again when I will share information and updates about:
- School safety and security
- Our fundraising efforts
- Our academic and extracurricular programs.
In the meantime, I look forward to seeing many of you when you're on campus. I hope that your family enjoys the final days of summer vacation.
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