february 2011
ARTEMIS
archer’s founding principles Celebrating 15 Years Age is a funny thing. When you’re younger, you want to be older - to be set free from the restraints of adolescence. And when you’re older,
4 In the News 7 RBT: What, How, & Why? 13 Founders’ Day 2010 14 1 to 1 Laptop Program 17 Archer Then & Now 18 Diversity Day 20 Panther Pride! Athletics Update 23 Archer’s Board of Trustees 26 Alumnae Notes
it’s the continual search to find things that take you back to the days when innocence and hope prevailed. Back to a time when you weren’t afraid to take risks, speak up, try something new and succeed or even attempt something and fail. Fifteen years ago, the Founders of The Archer School for Girls succeeded in overcoming what
seemed to be insurmountable odds to establish a school for girls on the Westside of Los Angeles. Their mission was simple, to create a school that incorporated the latest research on teaching and learning in an environment where girls’ voices would be heard and their values would be respected. In short, where girls could be girls. The transformation from a simple idea, to a living, breathing school was by no means easy. The history of Archer’s birth is a true modern day David and Goliath tale. In the end, the little school for girls triumphed and Founders Dr. Diana Meehan, Vicky Shorr, and Megan Callaway stood proud as their dream became a reality when Archer opened its doors on September 5, 1995 in the Pacific Palisades. Thirty-two 6th and 7th graders donned white polos and khaki skirts as they stood in the sunny courtyard during the opening ceremony in the former Esben Building on La Cruz Drive. The pioneering class, as they are now referred to, helped to chart new territory and thus broke the mold of traditional Los Angeles independent schools. One 7th grader at the time, presented the rationale behind the name Archer by stating, “Long (continued on pg. 11)
