Horace Mann Magazine - Fall/Winter 2010-11 - (Page 9)

the next “next great era” Far too often institutions perform studies that end up on an administrator’s bookshelf, but Horace Mann School’s Kelly-directed explorations provide the groundwork for the all-important curricular review currently taking place at Horace Mann. For Dr. Kelly, an ideal outcome will be a map of sequential studies through which students will be assured of an enriched academic experience fostered through a curriculum where teaching in one grade builds upon learning in the previous grade, while also launching subsequent studies. “The rigor of our curriculum is definiteDr. Tom Kelly, Allison Hellman ’10, and ceramics teacher Keith Renner at graduation 2010 ly here already,” said Dr. Kelly. “We’ve seen that in our self-studies, and the NYSAIS committee acknowledged and praised our academic plan, equipped with the information necessary to strength in its review. That rigor will remain front and engage in a comprehensive curricular review. center. That’s what defines our School in a unique way. Perhaps most significant to this review and strategic plan for Horace Mann School’s future was the work What we know we can do better is to ensure that the material our students learn builds upon itself from Dr. Kelly and his administrative colleagues did to one grade to another, in every subject and sphere, by shepherd the School through an intensive self-examconsidering how we teach, what we teach and why we ination process in preparation for a ten-year review teach it,” said Dr. Kelly. by the New York State Association of Independent “Our data collection and the analysis we have done Schools (NYSAIS). The result of the latest decennial over recent years on the impact of our education on review by NYSAIS was presented to Horace Mann in the fall of 2009. Over nearly a two-year period faculty, student life allows us to think about teaching to the world our students are going to inherit, a world where staff and administrators met in small groups and leadership will be key in our society, and our students investigated every aspect of life at the School, from will be able to provide and inspire that leadership. It is the classroom experience to communications, from student activities to the diversity of the student body, to adherence to the School’s Mission and core values. They then drafted, edited and submitted a report to “The one word that describes the last five years is community. NYSAIS detailing their findings. The NYSAIS panel of 19 members visited Horace Mann and met with dozTom has worked tirelessly to draw together the various conens of employees in every Division, read and analyzed stituencies of the School into a vital and supportive whole, one HM’s report to the panel, and returned one of its own. in which every unit of the School is recognized and celebrated The NYSAIS panel praised Horace Mann School in large and small ways. The wonderful new facilities at Dorr for conducting a thorough self-examination, and are an example of that, but just as important and meaningful characterized the School as holding “a richly deserved has been the nurturing of an environment of dialog and discusreputation as a place that values the intellect and academic achievement of students and faculty alike” sion that has enhanced and advanced the educational goals of which “is enhanced by adhering to a Mission that the School. This drawing together of the disparate threads of celebrates the common good and the ethical life.” The the School has helped to create a pattern of inclusiveness that panel commended the School for “fostering a rich has given a new and vibrant design and character to the Horace teaching and learning community centered on cultiMann community. We are fortunate.” vating intellect at the service of a common good.” Among its recommendations? That Horace Mann “embark on a review of the Nursery through Grade 12 curriculum with an eye towards greater horizontal and vertical articulation of goals and expectations”— Glenn Sherratt, exactly as indicated by the self-study Dr. Kelly had Director, John Dorr engaged the School in, independent of NYSAIS. Nature Laboratory Horace Mann Magazine Fall/Winter 2010-11 A PLAN TO PURSUE photo by Bruce Fuller 9

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Horace Mann Magazine - Fall/Winter 2010-11

Horace Mann Magazine - Fall/Winter 2010-11
Contents
Letters
Greetings from Dr. Tom Kelly, Horace Mann School Head of School
Greetings From Melissa Parento, Horace Mann School Director of Development
Horace Mann School Today
Dr. Tom Kelly Looks Back, and Forward, with Appreciation
Patricia Zuroski Launches New Diversity Initiative
Marcia Levy is New Head of Nursery Division
News of the School
Alumni Council Corner
Bookshelf
Class Notes
Memorials
Philanthropy and You

Horace Mann Magazine - Fall/Winter 2010-11