The Gunston School Strategic Plan
Mission
Board of Trustees 2014-2015 Mrs. Susan Dillon, Chair Mr. James A. Clauson Mr. Harry (Stoney) J. Duffey, III ‘54 Mr. Mark Freestate Mr. E. Mitchell Fry, Jr. Mr. Greg Hagin Dr. Ryan Kelty Ms. Kathleen A. Kurtz Mrs. Elizabeth McCown Mrs. Jill Meyerhoff Mrs. Alice Rogers Mr. Patrick Shoemaker ‘03 Mr. James D. Wright Trustees Emeriti Mr. Edward Curran Mrs. Penelope B. Hatten Mrs. Edith G. Grassi Mrs. Anne C. Shoemaker Mrs. Marguerite M. Thomas Mrs. Alexandra Totten
The Gunston School offers an intellectually rigorous, highly personalized, and nurturing college preparatory educational experience. Valuing a healthy balance between mind and body, a strong sense of community, the creative process, and our connection to the Chesapeake Bay, Gunston strives to educate ethically and environmentally minded scholars, citizens, and leaders for our globalized society.
Educational Philosophy The Gunston School endorses a student-centered philosophy that encourages achievement and personal growth by emphasizing the balanced development of the whole student — intellectually, morally, culturally, and physically. Within this broad statement of philosophy we are committed to: Personalizing Education Focusing on Students Fostering a Sense of Community Building Leadership Skills Cultivating Creative Expression Preparing for a Global Future Serving Others Developing Technological Fluency Embarking on a Lifetime of Learning Connecting with our Natural Environment Promoting a Healthy Life
Dear Members of the Gunston Community, Throughout the past year Gunston has been engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process. In doing so, we aim to ensure that Gunston continues to fully realize our noble mission, and we seek to set into motion the forces that will help us to continue thriving as a model institution for teaching and learning in a rapidly globalizing society. It is with great pride that we share this document with you: The Gunston School Strategic Plan. A Strategic Planning Committee was formed in the fall of 2013 – a strong group of committed individuals comprised of parents, alumni parents, alumni, faculty, administrators and members of the community. Under the guidance of our strategic planning consultant, Maggie Szymanek the Committee centered the planning process around four major areas of focus that will help to shape Gunston’s future: The School Program, Faculty Cultivation, Alumni Relations and Advancement, and Admissions and Enrollment. The process was inclusive, and included extensive interviews and focus groups with students, parents, alumni and parents of alumni, trustees, and faculty and staff. In addition, local and national benchmarks and demographic data were gathered, and parents were asked to respond to a confidential and anonymous survey. The Committee utilized this information to help shape the direction of the goals and strategies within the strategic plan. We are excited about this ambitious document and look forward to the next three to five years as we take steps to implement the strategies--all the while remaining true to our mission and educational philosophy. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable participation of all members of the Gunston community who helped to shape this document and plan. Sincerely, Stoney J. Duffey, III ‘54, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee Alumni parent, Chair, Board of Trustees John A. Lewis, IV, Headmaster
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Gunston endorses a student-centered philosophy that encourages achievement and personal growth by emphasizing the balanced development of the whole student – intellectually, morally, culturally, and physically. The School recognizes diverse learning styles, encourages students to explore topics meaningful to them, and provides young men and women with opportunities to pursue their intellectual passions. We seek to develop in our students the cultural competence to embrace diversity of race, culture, nationality, language, and societal and worldviews. In addition, Gunston is committed to preparing students to use technology fluently and responsibly as a vehicle for learning, creativity, communication, and productivity. Finally, we embrace environmental responsibility and we are committed to using our unique location to integrate the Chesapeake Bay watershed into the curriculum.
The School Program GOAL 1: Further cultivate the diversity of the Gunston community, with the aim of preparing students for a global future. STRATEGY 1: Create a systematic approach to the development of global awareness and cultural competence within the community. STRATEGY 2: Ensure that the school’s program is further responsive to the diverse talents and needs of Gunston’s students.
GOAL 2: Develop Gunston’s role as a regional and national leader for environmental teaching and learning. STRATEGY: Create and implement an “environmental strategic plan” that seeks to maximize Gunston’s unique Chesapeake Bay location.
GOAL 3: Prepare students to excel in a world where technological fluency is a necessity, and enhance our position as a leading institution for student-centered learning. STRATEGY: Further integrate instructional and learning technologies into the Gunston environment.
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Superb teaching is at the center of the Gunston mission, and our faculty are dedicated, talented, and relentlessly student-centered. Therefore, the support and cultivation of the faculty will always remain an important strategic priority. To continue to support our teachers, Gunston recognizes that we must provide the faculty with rich opportunities for professional growth and myriad ways to enhance their personal experience at Gunston.
FACULTY CULTIVATION GOAL: Seek to enhance an environment that values the culture of teaching and learning while continuing to perpetuate a student-centered faculty ethos. STRATEGY 1: Promote and support the pursuit of knowledge for professional and personal growth. STRATEGY 2: Provide faculty and staff with ways to further enhance their experience at Gunston.
Gunston attracts students from a wide geographic area, and we recognize that we are a unique educational option in our region. We recognize, however that each geographic subarea has its own set of financial and cultural characteristics that requires unique marketing and outreach methods. In addition, we recognize that we need to carefully and regularly review our tuition, fee, and financial aid structure so that we can continue to meet the needs of our diverse surrounding communities while also ensuring the school’s fiscal sustainability.
Admissions and enrollment GOAL 1: Enhance Gunston’s capacity to attract and enroll students who meet the School’s mission and who will embrace The Gunston School’s spirit of community. STRATEGY 1: Expand the admissions outreach to attract a larger volume of applicants from the broader geographical area who are motivated to thrive at Gunston. STRATEGY 2: Demonstrate what distinguishes Gunston as a unique and valuable educational option and what differentiates it from other schools.
GOAL 2: Ensure Gunston’s sustainability through effective enrollment management while maintaining a balance of students from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. STRATEGY: Based on an annual evaluation of market conditions, review and implement revenue strategies that ensure Gunston’s diversity and sustainability.
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With more than 100 years of history, Gunston has a large and diverse group of alumni. Recognizing this diversity, as well as the powerful connections that are developed at Gunston, the School understands that we need to further engage our alumni with a more dynamic outreach program. In addition, our school’s continued growth depends upon effective philanthropic outreach, and we recognize the need to enhance the culture of philanthropy among all constituent groups through the development of a year-round advancement plan.
Alumni Relations and advancement GOAL 1: Develop an alumni program that fosters a strong sense of community and generates Gunston pride. STRATEGY 1: Develop ways to further engage and connect boarding, day school and international alumni. STRATEGY 2: Connect current students with alumni to cultivate a sense of history and belonging to the Gunston community.
GOAL 2: Enhance the culture of giving and philanthropy through a high level of engagement among all constituencies. STRATEGY 1: Educate Gunston’s constituents about the importance of participating in Gunston’s development. STRATEGY 2: Establish a year-round advancement plan that will assist advancement committee members and staff to build a stronger culture of philanthropy.
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The Gunston Strategic Planning Committee SPC Chair: Stoney Duffey, III ‘54 — Chair Juan Angarita— Instructional Tech Coordinator Betina Barcus — Parent Wendy Clarke — Parent Ernie Darling — Director of Maintenance Susie Dillon — Trustee Robert Fredland — Director of Technology Christie Grabis — Assistant Head of School David Henry — Director of Admissions & Financial Aid John Lewis — Headmaster Emily Lynn — Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations Meg McClary ‘93 Jill Meyerhoff — Past parent Tricia Mooney — Parent & Director of Communications Amanda Newell — English Chair Steve Shenk — Current & past parent Patrick Shoemaker ‘03 — Trustee Alison Vooris — Director of Global Programs