School News

Update on Key Developments for the New Year

1/11/2024

Kim Ridley, Head of School

Dear FSS Community,

I hope this message finds you well. Happy 2024!

As we advance into the new year, I would like to provide you with an update on several significant initiatives we have been working on to enhance our school community and ensure the best possible experience for students. We have started the new year with excitement and joy as the learning has begun!

1. Improving School Climate and Culture:

We recognize the importance of a positive school climate and culture and its impact on student learning and well-being. To this end, we are actively working on initiatives to foster a nurturing, inclusive, and respectful environment. This includes offering professional development opportunities to our staff in the realm of culturally responsive practices and establishing support and connections for both minoritized and dominant social groups within our community.

We have publicized these initiatives in The ‘Weather Report and initiated several parent affinity groups that will meet between January and the end of the school year. Please look out for these opportunities and sign up to join the various groups that align with your particular identities. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where every student and caregiver feels valued, supported, and empowered.

2. Security Assessment by Omnium:

We recently collaborated with Omnium, a security firm in the Boston area, to thoroughly assess our school's security infrastructure. Their team will meticulously evaluate our existing safety protocols, emergency response strategies, and physical security measures. Once their evaluation is complete, we will make several improvements to enhance our students' and staff's safety and security. Omnium will provide recommendations and feedback for a security plan, which we will share with the school community.

3. Strategic Planning Work:

In our continuous effort to align our educational goals with the evolving needs of our students, we have initiated a comprehensive strategic planning process. You can find a detailed account of this endeavor in a recent article authored by our Board Chair, Courtney Quinn, in The ‘Weather Report. Again, to jog your memory, this involves evaluating our academic programs, extracurricular activities, and overall school operations to identify areas of growth and development. We are engaging with educators, administrators, parents, and Ian Symmonds and his team to formulate a robust plan that will guide our school in its effort to improve our academic offerings, facilities, and outreach.

We appreciate your trust and support as we undertake these vital initiatives. Your involvement and feedback are crucial to our success, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions with us. Together, we can ensure our students experience a safe, supportive, and enriching educational experience.

Thank you for being a part of our school community.

In partnership,

Kim Ridley, Head of School

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