Dear Bullis Families,
So this weekend may bring some rain to our area. It will be a reminder to us all of the terrible damage inflicted on the people of Florida by Hurricane Ian this week, and potentially on people further north in the coming days. Of course, when horrific events like this occur, we are in awe of the physical damage wreaked. Initially, at least, the trauma inflicted on people may be less obvious, even if clearly represented by the devastation we see on our screens. Sadly, we now know that there has been very significant loss of life. I know many in our community have significant connections in Florida. Let’s keep the people impacted in mind, send healing thoughts, and pray for as quick a recovery as possible.
Fall Activities
Leaves turning and temperatures lowering are subtly letting us know that fall is here. And certain activities are inextricably linked to this season. Last night, the Family Arts Night was an exuberant manifestation of all that is joyous in the arts world at Bullis. Thanks to the teachers, parents, older student volunteers, and the students themselves for making it such a delightful evening. Cross country, girls tennis, field hockey, girls and boys soccer, volleyball, and, of course, football are also virtually synonymous with September, October, and November. Students are throwing themselves into their sports and seeing really significant success. Here are a few events tonight and next week, all to be played at home, that I highly commend to you–they really will be fun to watch, and I hope to see you there:
- Tonight at 4:00 pm: Girls Soccer v Episcopal High School
- Tonight at 7:00 pm: Football v Edmonson Westside High School
- Monday at 4:15 pm: Tennis v St. Stephens and St. Agnes
- Monday at 5:15 pm: Volleyball v Holton Arms
- Monday at 6:30 pm: Boys Soccer v Landon
- Friday at 5:00 pm: Field Hockey v Brookewood
Our cross country and crew teams are also competing this season, but all of their events are now away from campus and are a little harder to see. They are in our thoughts, though, and we are cheering them from afar. I do want to mention that I feel guilty about not being able to get to support every team’s game or event. I have tried to narrow the challenge by resolving only to go to home games unless there is some special event. Thanks for understanding!
Middle and Upper Schools Schedule Review
Last year, as a result of the strategic plan, we carried out a comprehensive review of the Lower School schedule. It resulted in significant changes in order to prioritise the students’ intellectual growth, while simultaneously encouraging their artistic and physical development. A significant factor as we made decisions was the welfare of our students. The most obvious manifestation of these changes was a switch to an eight-day schedule.
The same consultant who led us through the Lower School review process, Dr. Shannan Schuster of Independent School Management, is helping us review the Middle and Upper School schedules with an eye toward potential changes for next year. She has interviewed teachers and met with focus groups; she also surveyed students at the end of last year. Again, our priorities as we review the schedules are derived from the strategic plan. The general priorities fall into three categories:
- Student wellness, including sleep patterns, stress, and mental and emotional health
- Academic and intellectual opportunities and development
- Balance: What are we asking students to do in order to graduate? What balance do we want to encourage in their lives? What should the balance be between potentially competing requirements?
This is a complicated investigation, partly because I have asked the consultant and our academic leaders to look at a broad swathe of possible solutions; we are open to many things but will only make changes when we are sure that they will result in what we are trying to achieve. The history of school schedule changes is littered with unintended consequences, and we are determined to avoid these traps. I will keep you updated as we work methodically through issues and options.
My Headship
And finally, on a personal note, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Pat Caulfield, and I want to let the community know that I have recently extended my employment contract for a further five years. I joined the school on July 1, 2020, with an initial five-year contract, and am now contracted until 2027… and I hope to be here much longer than that! The board and I feel that now is the right time to ensure that we have continuity and consistency as we embark on our ambitious strategic plan. Perhaps counter-intuitively, Bullis has exited the pandemic with extraordinary momentum. My wife Lisa and I are thrilled and honored to be part of Bullis’s compelling future, and I remain excited to work with the students, faculty, the board, and parents.
As ever, thank you for your support, and don’t hesitate to reach out if I can help with anything.
Very best,
Christian G. Sullivan
Head of School
