Dear Crossroads Parents,
It has been just over five years since I wrote my last weekly update for Crossroads parents. This first letter won’t be as inclusive as those that will follow as I have not been on campus in awhile. I can’t update you on happenings on campus until I arrive. But stand by! This will happen very soon in subsequent communications.
As you know, I am returning to Crossroads to serve as Acting Head of School for this academic year. Prior to my retirement, I was Head of School for thirteen years. During that time with the support of parents, the board, and the faculty, Crossroads grew and matured in many ways. We moved from being a “start up” school to a school with a fine reputation. Our focus on academics and character through the Core Knowledge and Core Virtues programs prepared our students for the challenges they faced as young adults and beyond. Among our many accomplishments during those years were building the Bancroft Campus Center and receiving our first accreditation through NEASC.
Our partnership with parents is one of the cornerstones of the Crossroads experience. Our goal is to provide the best possible education for your children, and that means having close relationships with each of you. Education flows through relationships with students, parents, and faculty. Sadly, due to restrictions from COVID, we have not had the usual opportunities to connect with you. Social opportunities to meet other parents and with your child’s teachers in person just aren’t there. And for now, play dates, overnights, and after school activities where you would normally connect aren’t there either. I can’t imagine how hard all of this must be for you. I will be working closely with the division heads and Parents’ Association to see what we can do to bring you together, virtually, for now. It must be a lonely time for you in many ways.
Some of our Middle School parents will remember me from my years as Head. I look forward to seeing you again at drop off and pick up! But for those who I have yet to meet, let me introduce myself to you. I am a “westerner.” I was born and raised in southern California. I attended Westminster College, a small, independent college in Utah for my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Human Relations. My husband Jim, first daughter, and I moved east to attend graduate school at Harvard University. There, Jim received his JD and I my Master’s in Education along with a certificate as a reading specialist. After a few years of public school experience, I was hired by the Tower School in Marblehead as a tutor. Soon thereafter I was asked to create a student services program and to teach. In my last eight years I served as their Lower School Division head for PK-3. In between we were blessed with two more daughters. In 2002 I joined the Crossroads family as their Head of School where I served until 2015.
Crossroads’ wonderful Division Heads, Scotty and Holly are arranging a time for me to meet you on Zoom this week. Please join us! As well, you will see me each day at carpool. One of my favorite parts of the job of Head is to get to know each of the children. I can’t wait to meet them, reconnect with students I know, and to become a part of the Crossroads community. I love this school. Our motto “Strong Minds, Kind Hearts” is inscribed on a necklace that I wear every day. While you may not see my necklace until spring, you will know me by the signature “cowgirl” hat that I wear whenever I can. You won’t see my smile because of my mask, but you will know my joy in meeting you and your children by the well-earned laugh lines crinkling around my eyes.
My best,
Jean
