The Steward
School
From the Headmaster·s Desk CONNECTION Analyzing Our Role in the Community From Without and From Within As we enter the second month of school, it appears that everything from classes and activities to fall sports is in full gear. The following pages of this edition of the Blue & Gold Connection will give you an idea of the variety of events and activities that go on around campus which enrich the lives and education of our students. Given recent changes in leadership of the School and the Board of Trustees, it is timely for us to examine the role of The Steward School in the communities it serves. To this end, last May the Board of Trustees authorized a comprehensive marketing study to be conducted by Independent School Management (ISM) ot Wilmington, Delaware. The notion of marketing a school is somewhat incongruous, suggesting that an educational program is to be advertised and promoted like the proverbial widget. However, it is imperative that each school identify its role in the geographical and professional community. By continually examining our strengths and weaknesses and revisi ti ng the basic questions of who our students are and how we can best serve them, we define ourselves and our future . The analysis and recommendations resulting from this review will serve as the basis of a long-range plan for Steward. It will assist the School in devising a strategy for prioritizing future needs and for managing growth . Additionally, the feedback should provide immediate and practical advice for improving our educational, admission and development programs. The marketing study is scheduled to take place this October and run through November. During this time, a number of teachers, administrators, parents, alumni, parents of alumni and community leaders will be asked to participate in analysis. Our ISM consultant will be Don Fudge who brings to the process a vast expertise, having worked with numerous independent schools throughout the U.S. During his visit, he will be facilitating workshops for trustees and administrators and conducting over thirty interviews with various school constituencies. As we enter this process, it is helpful to rem ind ourselves that we all market The Steward School. As students, staff, trustees, parents, alumni and friends of the School, we are all representatives of Steward to the greater community. Most often it is our simple pride, optimism and enthusiasm that "sells" the School to others. Finally, it is worth noting another big upcoming event that wi ll impact the School's future . The 1994 Steward School Phonathon is scheduled to take place beginning October 17th. This year, Phonathon Week will be the primary fund raising event for the Steward School's Annual Fund as we attempt to contact the entire school community on behalf of this critical campaign. Whether by phone or correspondence, this fall everyone will be asked to support the Annual Fund with a donation, and I encourage you to give generously.
Stephen M. Stackhouse
In this issue October 1994
• From Tea to the Farm Check out all of the • extra-curricular activities in which our students participate
• The role of advisors • Assemblies • Catch up with our athletic teams and see how their season . have progressed • Student Profiles
The Blue and Gold Connection is published monthly in an ellon to improve communications within the school family.