Dear Wellington Community,
I hope you’re enjoying the delights and slower rhythms of summer. In the world of schools, July marks the official start of the new year, and with that, we have turned the page from 2024-25 to 2025-26. Let me begin this letter with a formal welcome to the families of our 119 new students who will join us this year!
This also feels like the right moment to pass along the “new” from my own introduction as the “new” Head of School to five new leaders who joined Wellington this month:
- Latisha Humphries, Director of Community Engagement & Belonging
- Nick Williams, Director of Athletics & Physical Education
- Dakota Elder-Thorn, Director of Performing Arts
- Nicole Franks, Assistant Head of Early Childhood & Lower School
- Sarah Allen, Director of Business Development for The Wellington Initiative
Clockwise from top left: Nick Williams, Latisha Humphries, Dakota Elder-Thorn, Sarah Allen, Nicole Franks.
Read more about our new leaders
Placing and developing school leaders into the right roles is among the most important responsibilities of a Head of School, and with these transitions, I’m proud to be shaping, not just inheriting, Wellington’s leadership team. We also have an exceptional group of new-to-Wellington (and highly experienced) faculty joining us in August. I will introduce our new teachers to you in my August letter.
What’s in this letter
This letter offers a glimpse into what has been happening on campus and shares some summer reflections. There is no action needed from you. The real back-to-school information (dates, checklists, etc.) will land in your inbox on July 23, followed by division-specific details from division heads in early August.
Summer Reading
Summer reading isn’t just for students. This year's faculty book clubs are taking on titles that connect directly to our work. The Disengaged Teen and 10 to 25 explore strategies to help students find their love of learning and embrace challenge (see the connection to our work with The Wellington Initiative). Unreasonable Hospitality is about striving for excellence with care and integrity in how we treat one another. And Redesigning Small-Group Reading Instruction supports the Wellington approach of extended daily literacy instruction in small groups (6-8 students per teacher), which offers a just-right challenge for each learner. If you're curious about what’s shaping our thinking and inspiring our approach, I invite you to read along. These books offer a window into the conversations happening at Wellington.
- Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
- The Disengaged Teen by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop
- 10 - 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager
- Redesigning Small-Group Reading Instruction by Julie Taylor
Campus summer updates
In addition to our very busy and full summer program, we have taken advantage of these summer months for campus and facility upgrades.
- Kindergarten Wing Renovation
We are on track to open the Croft Kindergarten Wing in August, featuring three spacious new classrooms designed explicitly for kindergartners, as well as a flexible space called the Discovery Den. The relocated Edwards Conference Room is nearly complete, offering a warm and professional space for collaboration. This investment supports early learners and future phases of campus planning, including the relocation of Little Jags and the long-term vision for the Fishinger Road side of campus.
- Athletics
We’ve opened two new middle school locker rooms and a fully equipped training room with rehab tools, taping and treatment areas, and a cold tub. We’ve also resurfaced and repainted the tennis courts, including adding youth lines on two courts to better support younger players.
- Summer Refreshes
When you return, you’ll notice refreshes and upgrades throughout campus, from new flooring in the cafeteria, a new irrigation system on the playscape, repainted walls, and more.
Read about our summer projects
The Excellence Reflex
A few weeks ago, I noticed this laminated quote from Danny Meyer in a restaurant's valet stand. After a quick hello, the young person working the shift sprinted full speed to bring me my car so I wouldn’t have to wait in the heat. It was a small act, but I noticed.
As I mentioned, several colleagues and I are reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Danny Meyer’s business partner.
We’ve been reflecting on what that kind of thoughtful, above-and-beyond excellence looks like at Wellington. From my seat, it starts with supporting teachers. Our strategy at Wellington is simple: hire, develop, and retain the best educators. That requires meaningful investments in compensation, professional development, program resources, and learning environments. You’ll hear much more from me this year as we pursue the bold goal of ensuring Wellington is the very best place to teach for outstanding teachers.
I believe, too, that the instinct to do the right thing, as Meyers says, will increasingly define the schools and people who succeed. Doing the right thing has long been a signature of the Wellington community. So, I’ll leave you with this question as we prepare for the year ahead: What would the “excellence reflex” look like in every corner of Wellington? This question is shaping my thinking as I finalize my Head of School goals, which I look forward to sharing with you in my August letter. I’d love to hear your ideas as well.
Gratitude
As I reflect on my first year as Head of School, I want to thank you deeply and sincerely for the warmth and trust you’ve extended. This past year was the highlight of my professional life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a school I love, in a role I love, with a community I love, doing work I believe in. The momentum we’re building together is real: Wellington is a school on the move.
Looking Ahead
When we return in August, we’ll welcome 748 students, the highest enrollment in Wellington's history. And thanks to strategic growth, we’ve preserved our 7:1 student-teacher ratio and small class sizes.
I remain grateful for the spirit of joy, ambition, growth, and possibility that defines Wellington, and I am thankful for each of you. Enjoy these long summer days. Rest. Recharge. We’ll see you soon.
Thanks for all you do for Wellington, and… Go, Jags!
P.S. We miss your children, and would love to hear what they’ve been up to this summer! Please encourage them to send me a quick note and a photo. If they do, I’ll proudly put it up in my office!