Dr. Sam Schaffer Will Be Roxbury Latin’s 12th Head of School

On July 20, Roxbury Latin’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Sam Schaffer as RL’s 12th head of school, to succeed Kerry Brennan upon his retirement at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Dr. Schaffer has spent the last two decades of his career at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he currently serves as Head of the Upper School.

Message from the Board President

Dear Roxbury Latin community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Schaffer as the next head of Roxbury Latin. Sam will begin his tenure at the start of the 2024-2025 school year upon the retirement of Kerry Brennan on June 30, 2024.

Sam is currently the Head of the Upper School at St. Albans School, an independent boys’ school in Washington, D.C. He has spent his entire career on two related pursuits: boys’ education and academic excellence. Valedictorian, class president, and three-sport athlete of his high school class in Atlanta, Sam was a Morehead Scholar, as well as a Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina where he majored in history with a minor in Latin. He spent a year teaching and coaching at Groton before moving to St. Albans where, in only his second year, the senior class awarded him the John F. McCune Prize for teaching. After six years as a dorm parent, history teacher, advisor, and varsity football and basketball coach, Sam left St. Albans to pursue a graduate degree in history from Yale, where he wrote his dissertation on Woodrow Wilson’s generation and the South from 1884 to 1920. After receiving his Ph.D. in 2010, Sam was named the Cassius Marcellus Clay Postdoctoral Associate in Yale’s Department of History and the Gilder-Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition. From 2007 to 2011, he served as a fellow and coordinator at Yale’s McDougal Graduate Teaching Center, organizing workshops for teachers across disciplines.

Sam returned to St. Albans in 2012 as the Assistant then Associate Dean of Faculty, while also serving as Assistant Director of College Counseling, teaching history, and coaching at various levels, before becoming Head of the Upper School in 2021. As Associate Dean of Faculty, Sam worked closely with the Dean of Faculty in all faculty hiring, and developed and implemented a new and highly successful teacher evaluation program that a former teacher remarked “has now become part of the ether there and deeply embedded in the institution.” Sam was also St. Albans’s representative at the Penn Fellows Teaching program where St. Albans, like Roxbury Latin, recruits and develops young teachers. In these administrative roles, Sam has shown “a talent for seeing the potential in others” and was repeatedly referred to as a wonderful mentor who cares deeply for students “as well as for adults who care for students.”

However, as is always the case at our school, more important than his impressive resume is who Sam is as a person. On this front, our extensive interactions with Sam as well as his references could not have been stronger. Direct quotations from references included “the most trustworthy and ethical person you will ever meet,” “his integrity and authenticity come out in everything he does,” “he’s unwavering in his commitment to do right by everyone,” and “I know how much Roxbury Latin cares about character, and Sam is an A++. Nobody is more dedicated and universally respected.” Over the past three months the search committee got to know a remarkably “humble yet self-assured,” “highly empathetic,” “brilliant thinker.” We saw firsthand the joy he exuded during lunch with the boys on his visiting day at the school, and heard his thoughtful and deliberate answers to questions about a classical general education versus specialization; academic rigor and mental health; and balancing tradition and change. We met a teacher “more focused on students than any educator I know,” who attends every school event and now stands at the St. Albans circle each morning greeting each of the 325 boys of the upper school by name.

Over our countless meetings and conversations with him, it became clear to the search committee that for Sam the moral, intellectual, and physical growth of young boys from all backgrounds and walks of life is a true calling. In the words of Vance Wilson, the former head of St. Albans and former Roxbury Latin trustee, “Sam’s natural role in life is to create loving bonds between people through mutual respect, kindness, compassion, and sincere hope for the children’s future.” Or in Sam’s own words, “my life as a teacher has been dedicated to boys from all paths and all places, and Roxbury Latin’s commitment to access and inclusion, to empathy and care, speaks deeply to me.” We can say with great confidence that in this new role, Sam will ensure that every boy at RL is known and loved.

Sam is a devoted husband and loving father. As you will read in his message below, he is very happy at St. Albans, his home for nearly 20 years. But he was sent our role description, and the more he read and learned about Roxbury Latin, who we are and what matters most to us, the more he came to realize “the role of the Head of School at Roxbury Latin is a remarkable opportunity.” An opportunity that, in the end I am pleased to report, moved him, both literally and figuratively.

I very much look forward to more formally welcoming Sam, his wife Dana, and 12-year-old daughter Ernie to our community and enabling you to get to know and love them over the months and years ahead, just as the eight members of the search committee were fortunate to have done over the past few months. They are a delightful family who will be wonderful new residents of 57 Quail Street. Until then, I can only thank you again for the time and feedback so many of you gave to the search committee and board during this process, the trust you have given us in making this most important decision and, as always, your love for Roxbury Latin. I speak for all members of the board that it is truly an honor and privilege to serve you and our great school.

— Ethan Berman ’79

Message from Sam Schaffer

Dear Members of the Roxbury Latin community,

What a wonderful thing it is to be invited to join The Roxbury Latin School. I am at once excited and humbled and honored. Excited because of the remarkable school and community that Roxbury Latin is; humbled because of the deep traditions of the school’s long history and the remarkable legacy left by Tony Jarvis and Kerry Brennan; and honored that the board of trustees

“Culture at schools comes from big things...from deeply loved traditions such as Exelauno Day and the Opening Day all-school handshake. Culture also emerges in the small places— in the spaces in between—in the ways boys speak to each other, in the daily interactions in the hallways, in the classes that are offered and taken, in the behaviors that emerge in moments both challenging and triumphant. That culture is so powerful at Roxbury Latin, and that culture has resonated with me and has drawn me to the school.” believes that I can carry on the work and love and care of the generations of leaders and teachers and students who have come before me. I am eager to get to know you all, to earn your trust, and to join you in the pursuit of the education of our boys.

Roxbury Latin is a special school. That is something that you all know by experience, and it is something I have come to understand over the years—both through the school’s reputation and through chance encounters along the way, whether coaching against RL teams in my first year as a teacher, or working with RL faculty as a member of the Penn Fellows program, or encountering RL leaders at various boys’ school conferences.

And over the past few months through the search process, I have come to see what makes Roxbury Latin so special even more vividly. As I read more and more about RL, deeply held and oft-repeated phrases such as “every boy is known and loved” and “accomplished generalist” have resonated powerfully with me. As I spoke with faculty, I heard their passionate commitment to a rigorous liberal arts curriculum as well as to the school’s core emphasis on character development and relationships with students. As I talked to boys at lunch and asked them their favorite thing about RL, to a man they gave some version of “community.” As I chatted with parents, I listened to them praise what RL’s teachers and coaches and leaders have done for their sons. And as I spoke with alumni, I heard the reverence with which they recounted the transformative nature of their time at RL and the importance of the school’s broad access to boys and families from all walks of life. In each of these conversations, the love for the Roxbury Latin community was palpable. And it was inspiring. This is a special school.

It is also a school that aligns closely with my own values and aspirations as a teacher, a coach, a scholar, and a leader. The focus on excellence, the dedication to the growth of boys, the emphasis on the intellectual, the physical, and the moral—all those are at the core of Roxbury Latin, and all those are at the core of the person I hope to be and of the place I hope to live and work and grow. Indeed, I have had the great joy of being at a similar institution with similar values, St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., which has been my home for nearly two decades. The mentors that I have had at St. Albans, the faculty whose talent and dedication have inspired me, the boys who have challenged and taught me, all have made me a better teacher and leader and person. I am grateful and forever indebted for their care and guidance and inspiration.

But the pull of Roxbury Latin is strong. In my time in schools, I have come to learn that at the heart of great institutions is not only a strong mission but also a healthy and aligned culture. Culture at schools comes from big things: from core values such as a dedication to a “Classical education,” from special places like the Refectory and Rousmaniere Hall, from deeply loved traditions such as Exelauno Day and the Opening Day all-school handshake. Culture also emerges in the small places—in the spaces in between—in the ways boys speak to each other, in the daily interactions in the hallways, in the classes that are offered and taken, in the behaviors that emerge in moments both challenging and triumphant. That culture is so powerful at Roxbury Latin, and that culture has resonated with me and has drawn me to the school. I am blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to both the school’s mission and its culture.

So let me close by reiterating how excited I am to join the Roxbury Latin community. I will do my best to honor and strengthen the school’s core values and traditions. To continue to make RL a place where boys can flourish, where they can be inspired to a life of the mind, where they can sharpen both their creative and analytical instincts, where they can learn and sing and play and compete and laugh together. To promote the school’s standards of academic rigor, emphasis on character development, and athletic and artistic excellence. To reach out to and communicate its values and uniqueness to the community around it. I will also strive to enhance the way in which the school carries out this mission, not only holding the core but also adapting to future conditions, responding to complexity, and embracing progress. Boys’ schools are uniquely positioned to take on the challenges of the world that will face us, and none more so than Roxbury Latin. I will do my best to approach these duties with humility and thoughtfulness and care.

I am so eager to get to know all of you and look forward to doing so in the days, months, and years ahead. I am grateful for the opportunity.

— Sam //

Journalist Bret Stephens Shares Life Lessons

On February 14, famed conservative journalist Bret Stephens visited Rousmaniere Hall, engaging with students, faculty, and guests while sharing his life and work experiences. Known for his role as an op-ed columnist at The New York Times since 2017 and his previous tenure at The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Stephens is recognized as a prominent figure in conservative journalism. He discussed his background, including being raised as a Jewish-American in Mexico City, which he described as an “insider-outsider” experience that shaped his identity. Mr. Stephens spoke about his time at Middlesex School and the University of Chicago, where he faced intellectual challenges that molded his thinking. He also shared some of the ups and downs of his career, highlighting the lessons learned from past disappointments and humiliations. Mr. Stephens addressed his decision to join The New York Times, driven by his opposition to then-candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 election. He valued the opportunity to provide a dissenting voice and emphasized the importance of understanding well in order to disagree well. Following Hall, Mr. Stephens spent a class period answering questions from students, including members of the Tripod staff. //

ADL’s Robert Trestan Addresses Global Rise in Antisemitism

On February 16, Robert Trestan, the vice president of the Western Division of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), led a Hall to shed light on the global surge in antisemitism. Mr. Trestan highlighted key issues plaguing society, including the circulation of antisemitic conspiracy theories and denial of historical atrocities.

During Hall, Mr. Trestan also discussed current prominent individuals, such as Kyrie Irving and Kanye West, whose actions have sparked controversy. Irving’s endorsement of a book promoting antisemitic tropes raised concerns leading to his suspension and public backlash. West, known for his Adidas affiliation, faced criticism for endorsing “White Lives Matter,” an extremist expression. His social media influence exacerbated hate-filled sentiments, alarming the ADL and prompting Adidas to end their partnership.

Mr. Trestan emphasized the need to confront bias, engage in dialogue, and share accurate information. With a surge in antisemitic incidents, ADL continues its vital work to foster an inclusive society for all. //

Understanding Identity and What it Means with Dr. Liza Talusan

On March 10, Dr. Liza Talusan, an educator, speaker, and writer with more than 25 years of experience, led a faculty workshop, followed by a Hall in the Smith Theater, to emphasize the importance of identity and diversity in creating inclusive and empowering communities. Dr. Talusan’s expertise in facilitating conversations about bias, privilege, and inclusion encouraged eye-opening discussions on these crucial topics.

During her presentation, Dr. Talusan emphasized three key elements for creating more inclusive communities: building knowledge, engaging in reflection, and taking action. She challenged the notion of being “identity blind” and advocated for being “identity conscious.” By acknowledging and valuing the differences that make us unique, we foster curiosity, build better relationships, and promote critical thinking.

Dr. Talusan urged students to examine their RL experiences through the lens of diversity and inclusion, encouraging them to use their new insights to move forward with a heightened understanding of how their identities shape their perspectives and interactions, and to work together to foster a more inclusive and equitable world. //

Father Kevin Staley-Joyce ’05 Reflects on Memory and Holy Week

In an inspiring Hall on April 6, Father Kevin-Staley Joyce, from the Class of 2005, and the Catholic chaplain at Boston University, delved into the significance of memory during Passover and Holy Week. Father Joyce shared personal memories, including the impact of 9/11 during his early school years, as well as his experiences in Rome, where he studied at Pontifical Gregorian University and Istituto Patristico Augustinanium, and would frequently embark on silent retreats with fellow graduate students.

Reflecting on the ancient traditions of Passover, he highlighted the importance of shared memories that define a people’s history. Father Joyce emphasized that memories are not just stories with a message but actual experiences that shape who we are.

Drawing from the teachings of Saint Augustine, he stressed the value of silence in rediscovering memories and finding gratitude in life’s journey. He urged students to contemplate their own place in the divine plan and understand the significance of events like the Exodus and the Last Supper in shaping their collective memory.

Father Joyce left students and faculty motivated to cherish their shared history and learn from the wisdom of the past. //

Bennett discuss the History and Future of Black Education

Dr. Joshua Bennett and Dr. Jarvis Givens took the Smith Theater stage on April 7 for an inspiring conversation about their respective educational journeys as Black men, and the importance of educational and cultural legacies.

Dr. Bennett, this year’s Roxbury Latin Smith Scholar, introduced Dr. Givens—Professor of African and African American Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education—as an expert in 19th and 20th century African-American history and the history of education. Dr. Givens’s impressive body of work includes his acclaimed Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching, and his recently published School Clothes: A Collective Memoir of Black Student Witness. Dr. Givens was also instrumental in the creation of the Black Teacher Archive, an archival initiative to preserve the political and intellectual contributions of Black educators before 1970.

Dr. Givens shared his early formation in California, where he attended a local Black parochial school that offered a culture of achievement aligned with the students’ identity and community. He emphasized the significance of his teachers in shaping his academic journey, instilling in him a sense of self-belief and pride in his heritage. Dr. Givens also spoke passionately about the importance of maintaining relationships with his former teachers. He explained how these connections helped shape his understanding of the rich cultural and intellectual legacy of Black teaching, which often goes unrecognized in mainstream narratives about Black education.

The discussion then delved into the significance of singing Lift Every Voice and Sing, known as the Black National Anthem, during morning devotions at Dr. Bennett’s school. Dr. Givens highlighted the importance of cultural resources in shaping one’s identity and navigating the world with confidence, noting that this song’s themes of justice and collective striving hold lessons for everyone.

Dr. Bennett and Dr. Givens also addressed the history of activism at Berkeley (Dr. Givens’s alma mater), acknowledging its significance, but also recognizing the need for greater alignment with the experiences and concerns of Black and indigenous students. They shared insights into the struggles faced by Black students and highlighted the importance of preserving affirmative action to ensure greater diversity and representation in higher education. The conversation underscored the rich legacies of Black teaching and learning, and the power of culture and education to positively shape individuals and communities. //

One Love Reminds Students of the Signs of Healthy Relationships

On April 18, RL hosted Claire Giampetroni of One Love in the Smith Theater. One Love’s mission is to educate young people about healthy relationships, empowering them to recognize and avoid abusive language and action. The organization was founded in memory of Yeardley Love, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence. Yeardly’s mother, Sharon, founded One Love, which has educated more than 100 million young people through workshops and educational videos.

After Hall, Ms. Giampetroni led discussions with Class V and VI boys on healthy friendships, while older boys joined discussion groups and watched Escalation, a film about an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. After the screening, students reflected on the signs of abuse and what friends could do to intervene. They explored different perspectives and debated whether the depicted behavior on screen was truly love.

The morning concluded with group discussions on ten signs of both healthy (e.g., honesty, respect, trust) and unhealthy (e.g., manipulation, betrayal, possessiveness) relationships. //

Ammar Elawad (II) Shares Ramadan Story

On April 19, Ammar Elawad (II) took to the Smith Theater stage to share the significance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Ammar explained that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of community, spiritual reflection, and fasting for Muslims worldwide. He described how fasting, which includes abstaining from food, water, gossip, and bad language, fosters selfdiscipline and empathy for the less fortunate.

He also explained the religious significance of Ramadan, referencing the belief that the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed during this holy month. It is a time of forgiveness, mercy, and increased devotion to God. Highlighting the sense of community during Ramadan, Ammar spoke about Iftar, the meal during which Muslims break their fast together after sunset. He mentioned the special prayers, known as Taraweeh, held in mosques throughout the month, and that RL provided a prayer room for Muslim students and staff during Ramadan.

The Hall served as an opportunity for the RL community to learn from Ammar’s spiritual journey, fostering understanding and appreciation for our diverse religious traditions. //

On March 3, Roxbury Latin students and teachers gathered in Rousmaniere Hall to celebrate a tradition that is distinctly RL: Exelauno Day dates back more than 130 years, when Classics teacher Clarence Willard Gleason inaugurated a celebration of the Classics, in which Greek students would be exempted from homework. Today, the event allows for the singular annual pleasure of hearing from boys of every age and level of exposure to Latin and Greek. (It is worth noting that the day continues to be one in which Greek and Latin students are exempted from homework!) Gleason chose March 4th as a punny reference to Xenophon’s Anabasis and its use of the verb exelauno meaning “to march forth.”

During the morning’s special Hall, boys in Class VI through Class I competed in this year’s David Taggart Clark Competition in Greek and Latin Declamation—reciting the stirring words of Ovid and Caesar, performing the story of Noah’s Ark from Genesis, and bringing to life the tales of Vergil himself. The declamations culminated in a surprise duo performance, in which Owen Butler (I) rose from the audience in reaction to the words recited by James McCurley (I) and then joined him onstage—to the audience’s delight—as they reenacted Thersites (James) questioning the motives of Agamemnon, before Odysseus (Owen) intervenes, from Homer’s Iliad. The duo’s unsanctioned performance was met with a standing ovation from students and with a good-natured disqualification from Classics Department Chair and Exelauno Hall emcee, Mrs. Morris-Kliment. (Duo performances are not allowed as part of the competition.) This year’s winners were Nick Glaeser of Class IV (Lower School Latin), Akhilsai Damera of Class II (Upper School Latin), and Caleb Ganthier of Class III (Greek).

RL extends its gratitude to this year’s Exelauno Day judges, Michael Howard, teacher of Classics at Boston Latin School; Rachel Philbrick, lecturer on Classics at Harvard; and Walter Young, teacher of Latin at Buckingham Browne & Nichols. //