Getting Started: My View From The Hill

There are no step by step instructions or a logical plan for your first days as you transition into a new position and school. All the professional reading that you do or the research you do on the your new school’s mission, program and people, most likely will not influence your first step, stride or jump into your new community. I did not receive any concrete advice, and I did not have an image in my mind or an outlined schedule of how things would fall into place during my first week on the job as Head of Lower School at Wakefield School.  I must say, not having gone through a big change in 15 years, I truly was uncertain of what to expect or even how to approach my first day – but in the end a week has  passed and I feel settled, comfortable and at home in my new surroundings on the Hill! This is how the week naturally fell into place.

  Day 1 and 2: Creating a sense of space and belonging

The campus was very quiet; teachers away, and many admin on vacation. I sat in my office in awe just contemplating where to begin. I felt the need to be on the move and to understand my surroundings, so my Division Assistant gave me a thorough tour which helped me to quickly feel grounded.

Day two amounted to folks coming in and out, fixing phones, connecting printers, and then moving furniture. I think we flipped the desk around three times – my heart was set on the window view; after all it is what is taking place outside of the office that truly matters in a school setting. I was anxious to be able to see both the beauty of my surroundings as well as the hustle and bustle of the students once school is in session. With furniture in place, I began to unpack my belongings and create a space that would help me, and hopefully others, feel at home and comfortable. By the end of day 2 I felt that I belonged. It is an essential human need to feel that you belong in a community. It sets the stage for engagement, happiness, and productivity. It is the responsibility of leaders and teachers to foster this sense of belonging within the classroom and the greater community.

Day 3: Traditions

When I arrived on day 1 I found two handwritten notes, one from my predecessor and one from a member of the board. The notes indicated that they had each left me an “official Wakefield School coin,” a challenge coin to be exact. There were two immediate issues of concern. First, there was no coin in sight, and second, I had no idea what a “challenge coin” was. Luckily, when I straightening up each corner of my office I found the coins! On day 3 I found the time to read the explanation of this tradition as well as my responsibilities as a “coin holder". Low and behold, I am now 100% prepared for the challenge. I look forward to “uncovering” many more Wakefield School traditions.  As leaders we must integrate traditions, rituals, and symbols into our practice in order to reinforce and support a strong community and culture.

Day 4: Relationships

I already know that at the end of each day someone will walk into my office to say hello; I am guarantied at least this one daily opportunity to speak my second language, a language that I love and appreciate. I know that each and every day I will see a helpful hard working colleague with a huge smile who will happily twirl my desk around 3 times, move my shelves up and down, or simply make sure all is set and up to par in and around campus. I know that I have a patient, supportive Division Assistant who will walk, sit, and talk with me to ensure I am in the know and ready for each daily adventure. I am looking forward to developing many more relationships with faculty, staff, parents, and of course, students! Relationships are the heart and soul of the school community. As a leader I will take the time to build effective, trustworthy relationships across and throughout the community.

Day 5: Integration

A special day! After reviewing each and every file, artifacts and book left for me in the office by my predecessor, today, I was able to interweave and place my own books, files and artifacts throughout my office, creating a special, authentic and meaningful office environment which I hope will be both welcoming for everyone who enters, as well as allow me to engage, learn, grow and support the community as a whole. An effective leader will honor institutional history and program while carefully and selectively integrating new ideas that support the school’s mission.

 Final thoughts of the week

Although I respect and encourage a balance between life at home and at work, I also recognize the value of including family members in one’s journey. It was important to me that my two boys visit my new environment. Both of them made it; Ricardo to deliver all of my books, and Charles to help put the finishing touches to my office. Now when they hear my stories, comments and reflections they will understand the context in which they have occurred. Meaningful connections between our community and families-that is what I hope we all want on the Hill!