Executive Update (Fall 2015)

Executive

UPDATE

FROM HEADMASTER TOM PHILIP Fall 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brunswick Executive Update provides Former Trustees and other especially dedicated members of the School community with a snapshot of our continuing progress.

On Campus

❖ Brunswick Trust — As an initial step in implementation of a comprehensive, new program, Upper School students and their parents completed a summer-reading assignment: “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. All faculty also completed an interactive, online Coursera course on “Teaching Character in the Classroom,” investing at least 10-15 hours of their time to that enriching cause.

❖ NEASC 10-Year Evaluation — Brunswick is actively engaged in preparing for its 10-year evaluation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The comprehensive selfevaluation, involving all faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni, will occur during the course of this academic year. The result of Brunswick’s

Facilities Update

❖ Boathouse Project — Construction of a stateof-the-art Brunswick Boathouse on the Mianus River will begin following the fall rowing season.

Plans have been finalized and the facility will be completed by the summer of 2016.

❖ Within Our Walls — After the Development

Installation of artificial turf on Cosby Field

Office’s move to 97 Maher Avenue, two new classrooms in the Upper School were completed and are now bustling with students. Maker space — to enhance the Middle School Robotics program

preparation will be, in part, a substantial written document submitted to NEASC evaluators in advance of the on-site review in the fall of 2016.

❖ Senior Survey Results (Class of 2015) — On a 5-1 scale (with 5 being best), more than four-fifths of students rated academics with a 5 or a 4. In citing faculty who had the most positive impact on their experience, seniors mentioned 54 faculty members by name; and, on their relationship with Brunswick faculty and administration, 99% selected a 5 or a 4.

❖ Summer Enrichment Activities —In addition to Horizons at Brunswick, summer brought other activities to the Brunswick campus, including a growing Day Camp, and the LINK Program, held at the Middle School.

— was also completed and now in use on Edwards Campus.

❖ Athletics — Installation of new artificial turf on Cosby Field was completed in August. The new turf has already proven very effective, with an additional underlay that makes the surface softer than natural grass, helping to prevent concussions and other injuries. Replacement of the floor in Dann Gymnasium was also completed.

B R U N S W I C K

Horizons at Brunswick: Good for the Sake of Good Horizons is privately funded independently from Brunwick

E X E C U T I V E

U P D AT E

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❖ The program has just completed its second year, with 15 boys in Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2. In 2016, hoping to retain all current enrollees as they rise into the next grade, the program will expand by adding 15 Kindergarten boys — continuing to focus on the neediest boys in the community.

FA L L 2015

commitment; funding, as the program continues to expand; and maintaining the highest possible standards, as Horizons at Brunswick leadership and volunteers aim to be accountable for everything they do.

❖ Brunswick students are engaged in serving as role models for the Horizons’ boys, strengthening their skills in reading, arts, and shaking hands/ engaging with others.

❖ Challenges ahead: Student retention, as socioeconomic challenges of Horizons’ families make it more difficult for them to make an extended

Looking Ahead

❖ Upper School Curricular Changes (to be instituted in 2016-2017) — In assessing Upper

School academic requirements, Brunswick determined that its current requirements are more stringent than most peer schools, allowing less flexibility in electives and fewer slots for new offerings (Computer Science, Engineering).

The new plan will offer students greater flexibility to pursue their own interests; to enroll in more AP courses; and to fulfill requirements through enrollment in Engineering Upper School students participate in and Computer Science classes.

Brunswick’s annual rocket launch

❖ “Above All Else: Courage, Honor Truth” Capital Campaign — The Campaign has received $97.7 million in gifts and pledges as of October 14, with a goal of $104 million — increased from $100 million to facilitate construction of the Boathouse on the Mianus River. The hope is to conclude the Campaign and exceed the goal by the end of the School year.

❖ The Brunswick “Character Continuum” — The Brunswick Trust leadership group has developed “The Brunswick Trust Character Continuum,” an itemization of seven major attributes of strong character, including a selected list of actions demonstrating each attribute. The goal was to create a simple guide enabling students and teachers to link day-to-day actions with larger attributes/concepts. Introduction of the “Character Continuum” to students and to the parent community has been exceptionally well received.

❖ BPA Fundraisers — We hope you’ll join us for this year’s benefit, “Viva Las Vegas,” scheduled for May 7, 2016. Proceeds will further endow the BPA “Extras” Fund, created in 2014 to assist deserving families in meeting the non-tuition-related expenses of independent-school education and membership in the Brunswick community.

In closing, as the School calendar unimaginably races toward the winter months, I offer my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you all for your support of Brunswick at Homecoming. Alumni, parents, and past parents alike came together in a unified drove of Brown & Gold to cheer on our boys and build the bonds of camaraderie that make Brunswick such a special place. What a beautiful, spirited October weekend — and a perfect way to celebrate our proud ’Wick tradition! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Sincerely,