Head of School Day

After weeks of speculation and unparalleled lobbying from students, Barbara Chase wielded her big blue field hockey stick this past Monday evening, proclaiming February 22 as Head of School Day 2011. Tuesday turned out to be a cold, clear day on Andover Hill, perfect for hunkering down to catch up on school work and rest. To see the pandemonium that broke out in Paresky Commons on Monday, when Mrs. Chase waved her magic wand, go to the school’s Facebook page.

Re-accreditation

All members of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) are required to participate every ten years in a reaccreditation process. During 2009-2010, Phillips Academy completed a comprehensive self-study and this past October we hosted a visiting committee appointed by the NEASC, and made up of administrators and faculty members from peer schools. Recently, the Commission on Independent Schools of the NEASC notified us that we have been granted continued accreditation.

The Commission endorsed the visiting committee’s report and, in a letter to Barbara Chase, Director William Bennett wrote,

The Commission commends the school for its clear commitment to excellence in the education and experience of its students. Phillips Academy thoughtfully and steadily has pursued its mission, “to be a school that educates outstanding youth from every quarter by effectively challenging them to develop their potential and to depart as thoughtful, versatile, responsible participants in the global community,” through the financial crisis of 2008 with its signature commitment to need-blind admissions intact. The Academy maintains its focus on the experience of its students while keeping its sights set on the future. While there remains work to be done as outlined by the 2004 Strategic Plan, the Academy’s progress through one of the most difficult economic times in modern history has been remarkable, the result of courageous and prudent stewardship and careful, imaginative leadership.

We appreciate the efforts of everyone—including several local parents—that contributed to the self-study or joined in visiting committee sessions.

Spring Break Transportation Reminder

Phillips Academy will be offering transportation to New York City (making stops in Darien and Hartford, CT) and Logan Airport for the upcoming Spring Break. Log into the Parent Portal and refer to the Dean of Students area to download the reservation forms and obtain additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Claudia Scofield at cscofield@andover.edu or 978-749-4175.

March 7^th Parent Connect Webinar

Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used by young adults in the United States. The next Parent Connect Webinar, Marijuana: Medicine, Myths & Motivations, airing Monday, March 7^th from 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST, addresses the myths associated with marijuana and explores the reasons teens experiment with, use and abuse the drug. To register, please go to the Webinar link on the Parent Portal. Please remember that our own Graham House or Isham Medical Center staff are available to counsel students who have any concerns about the use of drugs or alcohol.

2011-2012 Academic Calendar

The calendar for the upcoming school year has been posted. To view, go to Current Academic Calendar under the Academic Resources tab on PAnet.