Building Update

We are happy to report that our new buildings arrived on Wednesday, April 9th. On that same day a Building Inspector was on site to examine the footings and gave his approval for us to move ahead. Foundation cement will be poured on Saturday, April 12th. After allowing for the necessary time for the cement to harden, the buildings are expected to be in place by Thursday, April 17.

The photo below was taken as the buildings arrived.

New Head of School

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce to the Grace Day School family that Mr. Laurance (Larry) Anderson has been selected as the new Head of School effective July 1, 2008, following unanimous approval from both the Trustee Board and the Vestry.

Mr. Anderson is a creative, committed educator with over 25 years experience as an elementary school principal in both private and public school settings in the NY metropolitan area. He retired from North Bellmore schools in 2005 where he was a principal for 22 years. His background in the field of education is extensive, especially in the realm of school administration, supervision, management and leadership. He is also an adjunct professor of education at Adelphi University.

Throughout his interview process Mr. Anderson always focused on "what was best for the children" and "creating the best possible environment for learning". He uses a phrase "en loco parentis" to describe his view of his role - he sees the children in his charge no differently than his own and has a high-regard for the parent-family linkage to educating children. A student of his surroundings and astute observer with vision, his focus in education is on "educating the whole child" intellectual, spiritual, mental and physical as well as developing leaders, creating life-long learners and people of character.

Although raised as an Episcopalian, he and his family are practicing Roman Catholics. A family man, Mr. Anderson is married and has two daughters who have been educated in independent, Christian schools. Mr. Anderson is eager to participate in all the aspects of life at Grace. As a matter of fact, you may have seen him around campus as he is already working behind the scenes with various committees.

Mr. Anderson's philosophy includes a profound appreciation for respecting traditions while simultaneously looking for novel upgrades. He states that this will be accomplished when parents, staff and administration come together in a collaborative setting and work tirelessly to create the best possible teaching/learning scenario. Mr. Anderson is an exceptional communicator who possesses professionalism, a collegial style and a personal dedication to life-long learning - all assets that will serve our Grace community well and help our children to continue to develop "Roots to Stand and Wings to Soar."

Many thanks to the Search Committee who completed their work ahead of schedule and was able to present a final candidate in early March. The committee met monthly beginning last summer. The guidance and consultation obtained from the National Association of Episcopal Schools provided a road map for a thorough search and interview process to ensure that the best candidate was identified. Thank you to our 8th grade interview committee as well - James Agolia, Grace Ann Belgiorno, Gabriella Bruzzese and Steven Sison - who astutely represented the perspective of the most important constituency and precious commodity of Grace Day School - our students.

Please join us in welcoming him!