” ’21

During a recent school event, as the Holton Chorus led those in attendance in singing the Alma Mater, I thought about Susanna and the legacy of her leadership. The familiar words to the Alma Mater had special meaning as I reflected on Susanna’s tenure as Holton’s guiding star. She has been a strong leader, unifying the community during challenging times as well as joyful times and always maintained a clear focus on the school’s enduring mission. She has given aid to those in need and has served as a guide to countless students, alumnae, parents and employees by holding us to all that’s finest in ourselves and making standards high throughout the school community. Susanna, a grateful school will never forget your dedication and thoughts of you we’ll cherish ever.

Cathy Johnson Butz

Search Commitee Co-Chair, Chair of the Board of Trustees

SAJ announces retirement

Jones announces that she has decided to retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year, marking the end of a sixteen-year tenure. She notes that she has spent longer at Holton than any institution in her life, and that “it is hard to describe the significance of its impact on me as a person as a professional.

“From the time the Board offered me the Holton-Arms Head of School position in December 2006, I have felt blessed to have this opportunity. I stand on the shoulders of great leaders who came before me, leaders, especially my immediate predecessor, Diana Coulton Beebe, who bequeathed to me a great School. My responsibility has been to build on that legacy and eventually pass the School onto the next leader with its mission kept sacred and its programs strong.”

The Alma Mater

Far into the distant future, Strong and clear above Shines the star of our dear Holton, Shines the star we love.

It is there to aid and guide us

As the years pass by, Holding us to all that’s finest, Making standards high. Hail to thee, our Holton-Arms, Alma Mater dear, You will be our inspiration

Through each coming year. Thoughts of you we’ll cherish ever, Be we far or nigh, Weaving in our hearts and lives

Blue and White for aye.

Weaving in our hearts and lives

Blue and White for aye.

Susanna’s contribution to the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) in the five years I have been here has been significant. Despite the many demands of her role as Head at Holton-Arms, she is somehow always available - to sit on a panel or a task force, to act as a mentor, to volunteer her time and experience. During the pandemic, Susanna was a regular on our weekly Head of School Zoom calls and could be relied upon for sensible advice delivered in her calm demeanor, regardless of the level of anxiety we were all feeling. Earlier this year, I asked Susanna to share some thoughts with her fellow heads about her time as a head of school. Susanna was candid, funny, philosophical and astute in her observations. When asked what she would miss on leaving Holton, she responded: the funny and touching moments with kids, working with smart, motivated colleagues, and the ability to shape an institution. One AISGW head of school later described her as “so smart, such a straight shooter, such relentless humility and humorous self-deprecation, and so right at the end of the day about so much.” I agree wholeheartedly. We will miss her very much and look forward to hearing about her next chapter.

— Amy McNamev, AISGW

Susanna Jones is a faithful and respected trustee of AIMS, The Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools, and the conclusion of her second term in that role will coincide with her retirement from Holton-Arms. As executive director, I feel privileged to have been able to work with Susanna in this context. She is insightful, caring, dedicated, and she has a deep knowledge of education and the needs of school communities. She is a forward-looking and bold thinker, and she participates in meetings in ways that are both confident and humble. I know her fellow AIMS board members value her insight as much as I do. We all want to continue to benefit from Susanna’s wisdom, and I’m thrilled that Susanna has already agreed to chair a visiting accreditation committee following her “retirement.” Knowing that she will be living nearby in Annapolis, we look forward to all the ways that Susanna will continue to be part of our extended AIMS family.

— Peter Baily, AIMS