While no one can replace Head of School Barbara Chase—her warm smile on the path or her field hockey stick-wielding skill—students are optimistic that the Search Committee has found candidates who will match her energetic engagement in campus life.
The Search Committee’s “Position Specification,” available on PAnet, describes the role of the Head of School from a comprehensive community perspective. Students recognize the importance of the Head of School’s ability to recruit teachers, strategize on Academy priorities and fundraise around the globe, but most important to the student body is the quality of campus presence.
The first point in the Search Committee’s list of expectations is, “Engage actively in the life of the campus. Be visible at important moments in the life of the school, as well as at everyday events. Model the aspirations of non sibi to the community and reinforce the concept in the daily life of the school.”
What does engagement mean to students?
– Cheer at the Intramural Soccer Finals just like it was the Andover/Exeter Football game.
– Start a book club. Each month, invite students to read a book you find interesting, then meet to discuss it.
– Continue Mrs. Chase’s tradition of pronouncing the Seniors’ names perfectly in the Commencement Circle.
– Provide just the right quote or pearl of wisdom for the campus mood at All-School Meeting.
– Teach a class or an Independent Project.
– Discuss college football scores over Sunday Brunch at Commons.
– Listen to the beginning musicians and the maestros at Wednesday student recitals, Band concerts and Symphony Orchestra performances.
– Toss a Frisbee with Seniors on the Great Lawn during Spring term.
– Attend a munch held in each cluster dean’s house or stop by a dorm meeting.
– Open up opportunities every couple of weeks for students to talk to the Head of School casually about whatever they feel matters to the campus community at the moment.
The first day freshmen arrive on campus, Mrs. Chase asks them to choose their Guardian Angel in the Chapel, a deeply personal gesture of engagement. She sets the standard for caring about the community, which students carry through their years at Andover. The school strives to instill the values of Goodness and Knowledge. The community can only accomplish this unifying goal with complete engagement.
This Editorial represents the views of The Phillipian Editorial Board CXXXIV.
