Bullis Community Update: October 29, 2024

Dear Bullis Families,

As I begin writing this note on the Monday after Homecoming weekend, the sun is pouring in, the leaves behind Blair and South Hall are at their autumnal peak, and there isn’t a sound, save for the construction vehicles hard at work on the new Lower School. The joy that coursed through campus last week and this weekend was palpable. Students threw themselves into the many activities, Friday was a special day in so many ways, and many alums from the classes of ’64, ’74, ’84, ’94, ’04, and ’14 were here on Friday and Saturday. The Upper School dance was apparently much fun (it's one of the events I leave to my colleagues to handle!), as was the traditional 9th grade dinner beforehand. I say to prospective students and their families that if they should come to Bullis, I expect them to throw themselves into school life, take full advantage of all the opportunities that Bullis offers, and give at least as much as they receive with regard to the life of the community. It’s an easy request to make because I see our students and families do that every single day; thank you! It is part of what makes Bullis so vibrant.

Campus Life

As we approach the culmination of the first athletic season of the year. I want to congratulate and thank the players and coaches of this season’s sports–crew, cross-country, boys' and girls' soccer, girls’ tennis, volleyball, field hockey, and football. There have been highs and lows for all the teams, but they have thrown themselves in, persevered, and had success. It’s hard to call out specific teams, but the volleyball program has consistently been ranked 3rd in the region. Their record of 19-2 is stellar, and they remain contenders for the ISL championship.

This athletic season will always be remembered for the tragic passing of Coach Butler. It is simply remarkable that since Coach Butler’s passing, the young men and the coaches, led by Coach Springs, have racked up 7 consecutive victories, and are now 7-1. The sense of teamwork, fellowship, and community has been inspiring. The football parents have been key, and I am very grateful for their support. Today, Coach Springs has accepted my offer to become our permanent Head Football Coach. There is no need to go through a search; we have the right person here in front of us. As a teacher and coach, Coach Springs has already made an impressive impact at Bullis. While we have two significant games before the season is over, this is the right time to make the appointment. While results matter to some degree, the culture that is being built is so much more important in the long term, and Coach Springs is leading in the right way. Please join me in congratulating him.

This coming weekend looks to be almost as busy as the last! Our teams will be involved in significant ISL and IAC tournament play, Varsity Football plays Landon on Saturday at 2:00 pm (away) and the fall play, A Monster Calls, will open on Friday night at 7:00 pm in the Studio Theater, with shows on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon too. The audiences for the musical Six were phenomenal. Please do try to get out and support the theater students – it’s going to be terrific.

Third and Final Notice about the Upcoming Election

I hesitate to raise the specter of the election again, but I want to broadcast one last reminder about my expectations for behavior at school associated with politics and this election in particular. Perhaps it is easier if I bullet point!

• Bullis is non-partisan. We advocate for our values and take no position on party politics. Faculty may not share their views with students or advocate for particular candidates or parties in the school setting. We help educate and promote critical thinking. We do not proselytize.
• Whenever the election is decided, overt displays of celebration are discouraged. Young people often see political races through a competitive sporting lens. Given the polarized and heated views, it is not helpful or respectful to gloat upon victory.
• Given the reality that the presidential race is essentially locked in a dead heat, no one should be surprised at either outcome. Adults and older students have the opportunity to prepare emotionally for a result contrary to their hopes. (This may differ from 2016 when the election outcome was very different from polling.) I have discussed this with faculty and asked them to ensure that displays of emotion (those of joy or disappointment) are private; we are here to support all our students. We will support our faculty privately, outside the gaze of the students and the community. Please help your children prepare for either result.

Closing Thoughts

Finally, I want to let you know that there will be three days when I will not be present for drop-off between now and the winter holiday. Fortunately, Associate Head of School, Tanya Salewski, will be there in my stead and hold the reins when I am not on campus. I have wondered about the value of standing out front every morning, but frankly, I enjoy it. It’s impossible to ‘show up’ at everything in a school as multifaceted as Bullis, but a consistent, joyful presence is important. I am so grateful that our faculty demonstrates this for our students, not just during expected times, but also at games, shows, dances, and all manner of activities and trips.

You may have noticed this morning that the lights on our trees have been turned on. We will keep these lights lit for the remainder of the calendar year–as we do this every holiday season–not to acknowledge a particular holiday, but to contribute to the warmth and festiveness of the season of light. This year, that season begins next Thursday with Diwali, the Festival of Lights. To all of our families who will be celebrating, we wish you a bright and joyful Diwali!

Warmly,

Christian G. Sullivan
Head of School