Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart - Head of School Position Statement Lake Forest, Illinois July 1, 2022 - RG175
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Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Head of School Position Statement Lake Forest, Illinois July 1, 2022
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Head of School ~ July 1, 2022
HISTORY AND MISSION
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred
Heart, founded in 1858, is an
independent, Catholic, day and
boarding, college preparatory
school for young women, grades
9-12, who wish to pursue a course
of study commiXed to academic
excellence within the context of a
faith based community. As a
member of the Network of the
Sacred Heart Schools in the United
States and Canada. Woodlands
Academy commits itself to
educa8ng to five goals: a personal
and ac8ve faith in God, a deep
respect for intellectual values, a
social awareness which impels for
ac8on, the building of community
as a Chris8an value, and personal
growth in an atmosphere of wise By transla8ng these values into and is not only inspira8onal but
freedom. Woodlands is commiXed specific behaviors, Woodlands’ aspira8onal. Behind this mission
to a mission that is focused on mission is alive and vibrant. It is is the belief that the flourishing
personaliza8on, aspira8on, care on display every day, referenced of an individual is in8mately
and engagement. in mee8ngs as guiding principles, linked to one’s growth in context
of living in a community.
Different cons8tuencies spoke
about the school’s commitment
to inclusivity and diversity
through the residen8al program
and in other offerings of global
awareness and cultural
sensi8vity.
Besides the Sacred Heart
Network, Woodlands is
accredited by the Independent
Schools Associa8on of Central
States ( ISACS ) and is a member
of The Na8onal Associa8on of
Independent Schools ( NAIS). It is
also a member of the Na8onal
Coali8on of Girls Schools and the
Lake Michigan Associated of
Independent Schools.
Resource Group 175 Page 2
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Head of School ~ July 1, 2022 LOCATION AND CAMPUS Located in Lake Forest, Illinois, Woodlands enjoys a serene campus of 41 acres inclusive of athle8c fields, pris8ne ravines and a historic school building featuring an iconic Chapel of the Sacred Heart. The school is 30 miles from Chicago and one mile from Lake Michigan. The proximity to a major urban area allows for easy access to transporta8on, cultural ins8tu8ons, restaurants and shopping. Access is also close to major colleges and universi8es. Woodlands serves 107 day and 25 boarding students with 19 na8onali8es represented, including Vietnam, Rwanda, Afghanistan, China and Mexico. It aXracts students from a wide geographic area of 46 zip codes from Chicago north to southeastern Wisconsin. Both day and residen8al students are instructed in a warm and invi8ng atmosphere and campus. In 1961, Woodlands Academy separated from Barat College in Lake Forest and moved to an adjacent parcel of land. The closure of the College provided an opportunity for the purchase of that campus in 2011. The purchase was a dona8on to Woodlands Academy by an anonymous donor, thus allowing the two parcels of land to form the 41 acre campus. This has permiXed the school to add a soccer/ hockey field and a sodball diamond. In 2010, a new science wing was created which has state of the art biology, chemistry and physics laboratories. The residen8al program provides an in8mate and close community. The school uses the upper two floors of the main academic building to house the program. Residen8al staff and students live together in that seeng. Single and double rooms are available for the students. Addi8onal facili8es to support the program include student lounges, a kitchen, study areas and a fitness room. Access to the library, computer room, music prac8ce rooms and dining hall is made available to residen8al students. Resource Group 175 Page 3
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Head of School ~ July 1, 2022
development of life-long learning.
The students are guided with
different collabora8ve
opportuni8es. There is a family-like
sense of community that reinforces
a Midwestern warmth and
closeness both inside and outside
the classroom. Girls willingly share
ideas and engage in respeciul
dialogue, conversa8ons and
discussions.
To widen the array of student
offerings, the school added on line
strategies such as the Harkness courses through Sophie Connect,
SCHOOL AND PROGRAM On Schoolhouse and Middlebury
discussion method,
Woodlands creates an in8mate and interdisciplinary collabora8on, Language. During the 2019-20
personal environment for learning problem based learning and school year, 25% of students
whether in a classroom, studio, student focused classes. Twenty selected on line courses - including
athle8c field or dormitory. Students four advanced placement classes Chinese, AP Micro/ Macro
and faculty give tes8mony to the are available to students in grades Economics, and AP Art History. In
richness of topics and the ease of 10-12. Eighty-four percent of addi8on, in 2015 Woodlands
conversa8ons with one another. students take at least one AP class developed the Center for Global
Students’ friendly demeanors —with 73% of those students Studies. This ini8a8ve was done to
encourage the sharing of ideas and earning a passing grade on the address greater competency and
a relaxed interac8on that reflects a 2019 examina8ons. exposure to global issues. The
true learning community. There is a three pillars of the Center include
close student teacher rela8onship The academic program follows a (1) the worldwide exchange with
that occurs both inside and outside tradi8onal liberal arts approach. At other Sacred Heart Schools (2) the
the classroom. Serving in many the core of the program is the Global Scholars program for
different capaci8es, the faculty
knows the student body well.
Special rela8onships and friendships
are forged as part of the Woodlands
experience. The school culture is
open and accep8ng. Each girl is
valued as an individual and as a
member of the larger community.
In 2016, the school underwent a re-
alignment of its daily schedule,
moving from eight 40 minute class
periods, to four 80 minute class
periods with a rota8on every other
day. This change has allowed
teachers to ini8ate different
Resource Group 175 Page 4
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Head of School ~ July 1, 2022
students (3) Global Odyssey that years, those groups have earned GOVERNANCE AND
offers an annual end of the year Gold Ra8ngs which in turn, have
ac8vity that supports every earned them entrance into the
ADMINISTRATION
student to par8cipate in a global Fes8val of Gold. This fes8val The Board of Trustees ranges in size
experience. invita8on is extended to the best between 18-27 members. Trustees are
high ensembles in the country. appointed for terms between 1-3 years.
All students have both The Board meets not less than eight
extracurricular and athle8c Service to the larger community 8mes per year; the Board also holds an
opportuni8es. Students are is an important aspect of school Annual Retreat. Given the challenges
mentored in leadership roles in life. There are a number of presented by Covid -19, the Board has
various aspects of student life. service projects which engage met more frequently during the last
The school offers 15 clubs student involvement and academic year.
including the state qualifying underscore the school mission The following commiXees are used by
robo8cs and math teams, four and its values through outreach. the Board in carrying out its func8ons:
choirs, orchestra, a Fall play and a Woodlands Academy partners
Spring musical and a student with St. Malachy, an urban school • Execu8ve
par8cipatory speaker series. in downtown Chicago. • Audit and Risk
Despite the school’s small size, Par8cipa8on in community • CommiXee on Trustees
the athle8c program has achieved service is a gradua8on
• Finance
significant dis8nc8on by winning requirement for each girl.
local and regional championships • Buildings and grounds
in volleyball, tennis, basketball, Most recently, Woodlands • By laws
soccer and sodball. Each Spring, Academy was no8fied that it has • Enrollment and management
the orchestra and choir been awarded a Blue Ribbon • Development
par8cipate in na8onal Exemplary School designa8on. • Head of School Support
compe88ons. For the past several Woodlands
Resource Group 175 Page 5
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Head of School ~ July 1, 2022
WOODLANDS ACADEMY OF THE
SACRED HEART FACTS AT A GLANCE
Year founded: 1858
Loca8on and size of Campus: Lake Forest, Illinois, 41 acres
Student enrollment: 125
Student teacher ra8o: 6:1
ACT / SAT: 30 / 1320
Budget: $7,088,000
Endowment: $4,500,000 with
$1,000,000 in a quasi-
fund
Academy Leadership Team meets weekly, sits on Tui8on: $29,400 (day)
various board commiXees and manages the school $54,530 (boarding)
at the highest level. The Assistant to the Head of
School aXends all Leadership mee8ngs. The
Leadership Team consists of:
• Head of School
• Communica8ons officer
• Chief Finance and Resource Officer
• Associate Head of School for Ins8tu8onal
Advancement
• Assistant Head of School for Academic and
Student Life
• Principal (also a math teacher)
• Director of Admissions and Affordability
The academic administra8on, called the Directors,
also meet weekly to manage the big picture of the
program of the school and all its components. They
are:
• Assistant Head of School for Academic and
Student Life
• Principal
• Dean of Students
• Residen8al Life Director
• Director of the Center for Global Studies
• Director of Student Services (also the school
counselor)
Resource Group 175 Page 6
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Head of School ~ July 1, 2022
Finally, it will be impera8ve for the next Head to
communicate effec8vely with stakeholders about
the vision of the school, the strategies to realize
that vision and the specific steps needed to
implement the strategies. Both the Board of
Trustees and the Senior Leadership team wish to
work closely and collegially with the new Head in
taking Woodlands to the next level in educa8ng
and advoca8ng for girls.
QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES OF
THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL
There is consensus surrounding the skills and
aXributes of the next Head of School. These are
considered cri8cal quali8es as candidates
consider this posi8on. They include the
OPPORTUNITIES AND following:
CHALLENGES
• An inspiring and visionary educator who
Woodlands Academy has a strong commitment to
will lead Woodlands into the future,
the educa8on of girls in a faith-based community.
u8lizing the school mission and the
There are a number of opportuni8es for the next
Sacred Heart principles.
head of School to make a mark on the school and
create a thriving future.
• A strong communicator who is able to
engage a faith based community and
Like many day and boarding schools, Woodlands lead the marke8ng efforts of an all-girls
has experienced enrollment challenges in recent school
years. The next Head will have the opportunity to
make an early and important impact on
enrollment strategy and in so doing, insure • An effec8ve manager who holds people
financial sustainability. Special efforts will need to accountable and one who is willing to
be made in understanding how best to make listen to all points of view.
improvements in both recruitment and reten8on
while respec8ng the tradi8ons of the school. The
• An innova8ve and entrepreneurial
role of interna8onal students and the residen8al
leader with demonstrated achievement
program will also need to be factored into any
and successes in thinking strategically
strategy.
and embracing change.
Once clear strategic priori8es are in place, the
next Head in partnership with the Board of • An educator with an apprecia8on for
Trustees and Development Office, will need to boarding school culture and life.
play a significant role in both fundraising and in
donor stewardship. The Board is highly mo8vated
• An effec8ve manager, fluent in finances,
in this area and is poised to work with the next
as well as appropriate organiza8onal
Head in raising funds together.
structures.
Resource Group 175 Page 7
BANK STREET
Woodlands SCHOOL
Academy of the Sacred Heart
Head
Head of
of School
School July 1, 1,
~ July 2021
2022
THE POSITION
A leader
• The School who
seekshasana energetic, APPLICATION PROCESS The application includes:
proven track record
purposeful and accomplishedof Dean of
cultural sensi8vity and :The Board of Trustees at • A cover letter detailing his/
Children’s Programs/Head of School for
who will con8nue to
Children to partner with the President Woodlands
of Academy of the her interest in the school
advance
the the diversity
Bank Street Collegeofof Education
SacredandHeart, Lake Forest Illinois
the Woodlands
his cabinet in building upon the School’s a new Head of School
is seeking • A resume
community.
history and reputation for providing effective
a July 1, 2022. Inquiries
well-rounded and excellent educational can be made to Arlyce Seibert at • A statement of
educational or leadership
• experience.
A leader with This dean will also work
a proven the email address below.
philosophy
closely with the Dean
track record in various of the Graduate
School
aspectstoofensure a solid foundation
fundraising Arlyce Seibert
between • Three confidential
and development. and purposely
the schools
Resource Group 175 references with contact
further the effectiveness of current and
Arlyceseibert14@icloud.com information. Please note
future Bank Street program strengths
A thoughiul
• and This is an exciting248 703 6913
offerings. educator additional references will be
with an advanced
opportunity for a new leader to embrace required for all finalists
all that Bank with
degree and senior
Street stands for, toTo apply, qualified candidates may
leadership
continue its experience.
100+year legacy as aapply online at https://rg175.com/
leader Applications due: August 16, 2022
and innovator in progressive education, candidate/signup
to propel social justice and equity
initiatives, and to share with others a
vision for its development, growth and
effective and sustained service to the
larger community and world. The Family
Center, an inclusive early childhood
program for children ages 6 months
through 5 years, and Summer Camp also
fall under the Dean’s responsibilities.
THE HISTORY
Bank Street College of Education was
founded in 1916 in New York City by
visionary educator Lucy Sprague Mitchell
as The Bureau of Education Experiments
(BBE), a laboratory nursery school,
staffed by teachers, psychologists, and
researchers who worked collaboratively
to discover the environments in which
children grew and learned to their full
potential and to educate teachers on how
to create and sustain these environments
in and out of the classroom. The School
for Children began with its first class in
1954 and gradually expanded to include
children ages 3 through 13.
Resource Group 175 Page 8
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