Monthly Letter from Head of School

March 5, 2018

Dear Members of the Manzano Day School Community,

As I write this letter, it is parent teacher conference day, and I have enjoyed seeing so many (happy) parents on campus today and during the past week. When it comes to report cards and conferences, our goal is to provide constructive feedback to parents and ensure that we are all working together toward meeting students’ needs. It should never be a time of surprises. Please know that  Associate Head of School Cathy Hubbard and I are available if you have further questions or concerns.

The tragic school shooting in Florida a few weeks ago has intensified the ongoing discussion about school safety, gun control, and a host of other interrelated issues, especially at educational institutions and among educators. As Head of Manzano Day School, I am focusing on pragmatic solutions instead of the ongoing and divisive rhetoric that seems to consume Washington DC.

School safety is a critical issue. Our entire community is passionate about and committed to doing everything reasonable to keep our campus safe. I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me about this, not just in recent weeks, but ever since the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012.  Everyone has asked great questions in reasonable ways.

We made a great number of changes to our security procedures in 2012, which have worked well for us and increased overall campus safety. However, as times change, we must constantly re-examine our procedures and policies to make necessary adjustments. Our professional staff continues to discuss best practices, as will the Board of Trustees at its meeting later this month. While I do not anticipate major decisions or changes to come from that meeting, I plan to keep everyone apprised of this ongoing process. I welcome and encourage anyone with thoughts to contact me. Here is a link to an article sent to me by a parent that is well worth reading.

Like everyone else, I am looking forward to Grandparents’ Day and Spring Break! However, before we get there, please take the time to complete the Annual Parent Survey. Many thanks.

As always, please let us know how we can make the educational experience as rewarding as possible for your child. Enjoy your break, and travel safely if you are leaving town.

Warmly,

Neal Piltch
Head of School

 

PS  Don’t forget to “Spring Forward” this weekend.