Bank Street School for Children...Bank Street School for Children is a non-sectarian, 501(c)(3),...
Transcript of Bank Street School for Children...Bank Street School for Children is a non-sectarian, 501(c)(3),...
New York, New YorkJuly 1, 2021
Bank StreetSchool for
Children Head of School Position Statement
Head of School July 1, 2021
BANK STREET SCHOOL
Whenyouenterthemulti-storiedcampusoftheBankStreetSchoolforChildren,youfeelthegenuinewelcome,thewarmthandtheenergyofthisspecialoasisforchildrenandfamiliesinNewYorkCity.ThisisacityschoolthatholdsanunequalledreputationintheworldofprogressiveNursery-Grade8education.FamilieschoosetosendtheirchildrentoBankStreetSchoolforChildrenbecausetheprogramauthenticatesitsvaluesandembodiesajoyful,safe,andexpansivehomeforyoungandmaturealike.Adynamicacademicprogramthatisbalancedwithagenuinededicationtoservingchildren,ages3through14,characterizestheSchool.Thereisanunmistakableintentionalitywithmeaningfulconnectionsasstudents,teachers,staff,andparentscometogetherinaremarkablyclose-knitandcaringlearningcommunity.ThistreasureofaSchoolnurturesandignites
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THESCHOOL
SchoolforChildrenservesasaneffectiveandinformedsitefortheprogressivepedagogiesdeveloped,enrichedandconstantlyrefinedinthegraduateschool.TheSchoolembracesitsstrongprogressiveandwhole-childheritage,translatingthelatestneuroscienceresearchintopractical,strength-based,child-drivenandchild-basedteachingandlearning.TheSchoolisauthenticinitscommitmenttoensuringthatchildrenareknown,understood,respectedandempowered,andisundeniablycommittedtodiversity,equity,andsocialjustice.
“Wehopetoimbuestudentswithanexperimental,critical,ardentapproachtotheirworkandtothesocialproblemsoftheworld.Ifwecandothis,wearereadyto
leavethefuturetothem.”LucySpragueMitchell,Founder
younglearnersandproducesgraduateswhothriveinthecompetitivehighschoolsofNewYorkCity.
BankStreetSchoolforChildrenisanon-sectarian,501(c)(3),fullyaccredited,coeducational,independentdayschool.Itisa
multigenerationalcommunityoflearnersonalifelongquesttoreflect,grow,engage,andflourish.OperatingasanindependentschoolwithinthelargerBankStreetCollegeofEducation,the
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THEMISSIONANDCREDO
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TheheartofBankStreetliesinitseffortstokeepthejoyoflearningalivebyfillingchildren’sdayswithwonder,play,laughter,connectionanddiscovery.
Itsmissionisclear:
ThemissionofBankStreetistoimprovetheeducationofchildrenandtheirteachersbyapplyingtotheeducationprocessallavailableknowledgeaboutlearningandgrowthandbyconnectingteachingandlearningmeaningfullytotheoutsideworld.Insodoing,weseektostrengthennotonlyindividuals,butthecommunityaswell,includingfamily,school,andthelargersocietyinwhichadultsandchildren,inalltheirdiversity,interactandlearn.Weseeineducationtheopportunitytobuildabettersociety.
TheSchool’sCredodefinesthespiritofimaginativeandcriticalinquirythatinformstheprogram:
Whatpotentialitiesinhumanbeings–children,teachers,andourselves–dowewanttoseedevelop?
• Azestforlivingthatcomesfromtakingintheworldwithallfivesensesalert
• Livelyintellectualcuriositiesthatturntheworldintoanexcitinglaboratoryandkeeponeeveralearner
• Flexibilitywhenconfrontedwithchangeandabilitytorelinquishpatternsthatnolongerfitthepresent
• Thecouragetowork,unafraidandefficiently,inaworldofnewneeds,newproblems,andnewideas.Gentlenesscombinedwith
justiceinpassingjudgmentsonotherhumanbeings
• Sensitivity,notonlytotheeternalformalrightsofthe“otherfellow,’buttohimasanotherhumanbeingseekingagoodlifethroughhisownstandards
• Astrivingtolivedemocratically,inandoutofschools,asthebestwaytoadvanceourconceptofdemocracy
TheCredodemandsethicalstandardsaswellasscientificattitudes.Theworkisbasedonthefaiththathumanbeingscanimprovethesocietytheyhavecreated.
TheBankStreetmethodologiesarebasedonholdingtheutmostrespectforchildren,honoringtheirindividuality,understandingtheirlearningstyles,andguidingthemtobecomethebestpossibleversionofthemselves.Childrenaregiventimeandspacetogrow,towonder,toquestion,todiscover,andtomature.Adeepunderstandingofthedevelopmentalstagesofcognitive,social,emotional,andphysicalgrowthinformsthecurriculum,
pedagogy,andpractice.Itisnosecretthatthefacultyandstaffkeepcontinuallyinformedofbestpracticesandcriticallinksbetweenrelationalengagementandlearning,cognition,physicalhealth,occupationalfunctioning,communicationandanyotheraspectoftoddler/child/adolescentdevelopment.Carefullydesignedteachingandlearningexperiencesareintegratedacrosssubjects,drawingonpowerful,relevantcontentandstudentintereststostrengtheninternalmotivationandconfidentvoices.
ActivelearningandquestioningareencouragedatBankStreetandstudentsareexpectedtoutilizetheirknowledgeandskillscreatively.Highexpectationsarecoupledwithappropriateframingandscaffoldingthroughouttheentiretyoftheprogram,sostudentsreceivetheoptimalamountofchallengeandsupport.Inthisway,BankStreetexpertlypreparesstudentstobeinnovatorsandachieverswhohavetheflexibility,skills,andinclinationstosolveproblems,oldandnew,andtakeresponsibilityforthoughts,beliefs,articulationsandactions.
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THEPOSITIONTheSchoolseeksanenergetic,purposefulandaccomplishedDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildrentopartnerwiththePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandhiscabinetinbuildingupontheSchool’shistoryandreputationforprovidingawell-roundedandexcellenteducationalexperience.ThisdeanwillalsoworkcloselywiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchooltoensureasolidfoundationbetweentheschoolsandpurposelyfurthertheeffectivenessofcurrentandfutureBankStreetprogramstrengthsandofferings.ThisisanexcitingopportunityforanewleadertoembraceallthatBankStreetstandsfor,tocontinueits100+yearlegacyasaleaderandinnovatorinprogressiveeducation,topropelsocialjusticeandequityinitiatives,andtosharewithothersavisionforitsdevelopment,growthandeffectiveandsustainedservicetothelargercommunityandworld.TheFamilyCenter,aninclusiveearlychildhoodprogramforchildrenages6monthsthrough5years,andSummerCampalsofallundertheDean’sresponsibilities.
BankStreetCollegeofEducationwasfoundedin1916inNewYorkCitybyvisionaryeducatorLucySpragueMitchellasTheBureauofEducationExperiments(BEE),alaboratorynurseryschool,staffedbyteachers,psychologists,andresearcherswhoworkedcollaborativelytodiscovertheenvironmentsinwhichchildrengrewandlearnedtotheirfullpotentialandtoeducateteachersonhowtocreateandsustaintheseenvironmentsinandoutoftheclassroom.TheSchoolforChildrenbeganwithitsfirstclassin1954andgraduallyexpandedtoincludechildrenages3through13.
THEHISTORY
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MitchellwasinfluencedbytheworkofJohnDeweyandbuiltapowerfulnetworkofresearchersandeducatorscommittedtoreimagininghowchildrenlearnanddevelop.TheSchoolbecameknownnotonlyforitscontributiontotheeducationofyoungchildren,butforthedevelopmentofitsteachersskilledinhands-onlearningdesignednotonlytounderstandtheworld,butalsohowtochangeitforthebetter.
TheSchoolforChildrentodaystandsasanindependentdemonstrationschoolfortheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandisaworkingmodeloftheCollege’sapproachtoeffectiveteachingandlearning.Educationattheschoolisexperience-based,interdisciplinary,collaborativeandwithanemphasisoneducatingthewholechild.ThefocusonsocialjusticehasalwaysbeencentraltoaBankStreeteducationandisadeeplyheldvaluethroughouttheSchoolcommunity,intentionallywovenintoallaspectsofschoollife.
Thefounder’sspiritofinnovationandgenuine“joyforteachingandlearning”arecommonthreadsintheschool’shistory,growth,anddevelopment.Today,thisphilosophystillguidesanddistinguishestheschool.Everyday,BankStreetSchoolforChildrenteachersthinkoutsidetheboxandexplorefreshwaystoengageandchallengetheirstudents.
"MydaughterstartedatBankStreetin2ndgrade,andcomingfromapublicschool,wewerelookingforanurturingenvironmentthatencouragedlearningthroughplay.Aswemovedthroughthegrades,itwashearteningtoseethatthecurriculumbecamemoreacademicallyrigorousandpreparedstudents
forthechallengesofhighschool."—MotherofanEighthGrader
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THEPLACEBankStreetSchoolforChildrenandtheCollegeofEducationhaveacommonadministrationandsharethebuildingat610West112thStreetbetweenBroadwayandRiversideDriveonManhattan’sUpperWestSide.
VeryfewschoolscanrivaltheuniqueWestSidelocationinManhattan,thepresenceofastrongandeffectivenursery/elementary/middleschool,anexemplarycollegepartnerdedicatedtograduate-onlyteachertraining,andtheBankStreetEducationalCenter,whichisthepublicimpactarmoftheCollegesupportingtheschoolsystemsacrossthecountryinimprovingteachingandlearning.
NestledwithintheUpperWestSide,theSchoolcombinesthevibrancyofacityenvironmentinthemidstofamulti-useneighborhoodwithpurposefulprogrammingforactivelearning.Thisincludesexpansiveoutdoorlearningspacesthatareextensionsoftheclassrooms,andopenandlight-filledplayscapes.Withdistinctiveplaygroundsandplaydeckssettledamongtheindoorandoutdoorspacesandcommonareas,BankStreetisawarmandwelcominghabitatforstudents,teachers,andschoolfamilies.
TheSchool’sfacilitiesarewellmaintainedandcomplementarytothesurroundingarea.Studentartgracesthehallwaysandcommonareasandcelebratesthestrongcommitmenttocreativity,diversity,
inclusion,socialjusticeandindividualexpression.Thesespacesinclude:
• Light-filledclassrooms,
• Artandworkstudios,
• Science,classroom,andcomputerlaboratories,
• Awelcomingand68,000+book-filledchildren’slibrary,
• Readingandmeetingareasadjacenttoclassrooms,
• Amulti-purposemeetingspace,
• Innercourtyardsanddistinctiveplayareas,and
• Openspaceswherefamilies,parentsandguestscongregateatalltimesoftheday.
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BankStreetpeopleexudeapalpablewarmth,charm,andenergy.Whetherintheclassroomoronanoutdooradventureoracommunityserviceprojectinpartnershipwithalocalornon-profit,thereisapurposefulagendathatbothstudentsandadultsatBankStreetfullyembrace.MembersofthislearningcommunityareunitedintheirdedicationtothemissionoftheSchool.
TheStudentsTheSchoolservesastudentbodyof400+students,manyofwhomarriveascuriousthree-year-oldsandwholeavereadytotacklehighschoolconfidently,preparedintheiracademic,ethical,andpersonalgrowthtojointhemostrigorousareaschools.
Thesestudentscanbethemselves,astheytacklenewchallenges,learnfrommistakes,andcometoappreciatetheimportanceofworking,playing,engaging,andsolvingcollaboratively.BankStreetisaschoolpoisedforcontinuededucationalexcellence.Itsnurserythroughmiddleschoolprogramisdeeplyrootedinwell-researchedteachingandlearningprinciplesandpractices,includinganextraordinarilywell-articulatedcommitmenttosocialandemotionallearning,socialjustice,diversityandinclusion,andwhole-brainandbodydevelopment.Strongintellectualengagementandacademicgrowthareevidentatallgradelevels.Learningthroughinquiryfindsstudentsaskingquestions,investigating,gatheringdata,consideringpossible
outcomes,anddeterminingviableconclusions.Smallclasssizesandflexiblegroupingsencourageinteraction,conversations,andcollaboration.AhallmarkoftheSchoolistheconstanthumofexplorationandengagementthatemanatesfromthehalls,classrooms,meetingandplayareas.ThereareStudentAffinitygroupsthatinviteconversation,trust,respectandcollaborativediscussions.TheseincludeKidsofColor(KOC),TouchedbyAdoptionandBananaSplits(forchildrenwithdivorcedparents).
TheStaff“Passionate,energetic,insightful,caring,loving,andinnovative…”ThesearewordsthatcharacterizethefacultyandstaffatBankStreet.TeachersbelievewholeheartedlyintheSchoolandarededicatedtothenotionthata“hands-on”andcollaborativelearningenvironmentcanempowerchildrentoactivelydiscover,question,understand,innovate,andsucceed.Withanemphasisonself-advocacy,staffcreatesanempoweringcommunityforstudents,developinghighly
THESCHOOLCOMMUNITY valuedskillsthatmakeBankStreetstudentsvaluablemembersandleadersoftheirfuturehighschoolcommunities.
Over2/3oftheteachersaregraduatesofCollege.SteepedinBankStreet’sdistinctivedevelopmental-interactionapproach,teachersaredeeplyattunedtoeachchild’sdevelopmentalpathandworkhardtodesigncurriculumandingratematerialsthatarejustrightforthechildastheyinteractwithotherchildren,teachers,andtheworldaroundthem.
StaffconsistentlymodelstheSchool’scommitmentstorespect,socialjustice,inclusion,humanrights,andrestorativepractices.Thereisamutualrespectforall,andstudentsandstaffareknownandaddressedbytheirfirstnames.Assuch,staffandstudentsarepartnersinteachingandlearning.StaffAffinityGroupsincludetheEducatorsofColor(EOC)andtheWhiteAnti-RacistAffinityGroup(WAAG).
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TheCabinetTheDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildrenreportstothePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandworksalongsideanoutstandingteamofadministrators.TheCabinetiscomposedofthePresident,aChiefofStaff,Vice-PresidentsoftheBankStreetEducationCenter,Development,andGovernanceandCommunityEngagement,theChiefOperationOfficer,theDeputyChiefOperatingOfficer,andtheDeansoftheGraduateSchoolofEducationandChildren’sPrograms.CabinetmembersmaintainadynamicrelationshipwiththePresident,andeachhasoversightoftheprogramsandactivitiesofthemanyorganizationsoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducation.Althoughalargeandrelativelycomplexorganization,eachdivisionischaracterizedbysharedpurposeandclearboundaries.SingularlyapparentisCabinetmemberdedicationtotheentireBankStreetmissionandpractice.
TheSchool’sAdministrationBankStreetSchoolforChildren’sadministrativeteamistalentedanddedicated.TheDean/HeadofSchoolissupportedby:
consciousness,forthepriorityplacedonstudents’social-emotionaldevelopment,foritsqualityteachingandlearning,andforitsaffiliationwithapracticingandsuccessfulteacher-traininggraduateprogram.ManyparentsmakeapersonalsacrificeforthecostofindependenteducationandalsodevotevolunteerhourstotheSchool.ParentsclearlyunderstandthatBankStreetisdedicatedtomakingeachchild’searlychildhood,elementaryandmiddleschoolexperiencesrich,diverse,personalized,challenging,andfocusedontheoutcomesthatwillservethemforalifetime.
Parentsareactivevolunteersthatplanandhosteventsandprogramsthroughouttheschoolyear.FromBack-to-SchoolGatheringstotheFallFair,TalentShow,SpellingBee,BookFair,GreenActionTaskForceGatherings,FamilyPotluck,andathemyriadofotheractivitiesthroughouttheyear,parentinvolvementisparamountandveryimportanttothelifeatSchool.
BankStreetalsosupportsparentsandfamilymemberstoparticipateinaffinitygroups.Theseaffinitygroupsstrengthenthetieswithinthecommunityandarecentraltocreatinganinclusiveandthrivingconstituency.ActiveaffinitygroupsincludeParentsofChildrenofColor(POCOC),Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,QueerandAllies(LGBTQA),LearningDiversitySupportGroup,WhiteAnti-RacistsGroup(WAG),andTouchedbyAdoptionGroup.
• Academicdivisionleaderswhoarepedagogicalfacilitatorsintheareasofearlychildhood,elementaryandmiddleschool,
• AnAdmissionsDirector,
• ADirectorofDevelopment,
• ADirectorofTechnology,
• ACampDirector,
• ADirectorofDiversityandInclusion,
• FamilyCenterDirector,
• AnExtendedDayandSummerProgramDirector,and
• ADirectorofSecondarySchoolPlacement.
Thisadministrativeteamworkshand-in-handwiththeDean/HeadofSchooltomanagetheday-to-dayschedule,activities,studentengagement,operations,andprogramming.
TheFamiliesFamiliesselectBankStreetSchoolforChildrenbecauseofitspremierereputationforprogressiveeducation,foritscommitmenttosocialjusticeandanti-racist
“Buildingmaterialsawaitthearrivalofchildren...stacksofhollowblocks—bigandsmallrectangles,squares,andramps—linethewalls…thenthechildrencome,withtheirstoriesandtheirpretending,andtheirwilltobuildeverythingtheyneedtomaketheirimaginaJontakeformintoarealnewworld…theyseemtoknowjustwhattodoortheyteacheachotherabouttheendlesspossibiliJesofbuildingandplayingwithblocks.”
—4/5sHeadTeacher
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THEPOSITIONTheSchoolseeksanenergetic,purposefulandaccomplishedDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadofSchoolforChildrentopartnerwiththePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandhiscabinetinbuildingupontheSchool’shistoryandreputationforprovidingawell-roundedandexcellenteducationalexperience.ThisdeanwillalsoworkcloselywiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchooltoensureasolidfoundationbetweentheschoolsandpurposelyfurthertheeffectivenessofcurrentandfutureBankStreetprogramstrengthsandofferings.ThisisanexcitingopportunityforanewleadertoembraceallthatBankStreetstandsfor,tocontinueits100+yearlegacyasaleaderandinnovatorinprogressiveeducation,topropelsocialjusticeandequityinitiatives,andtosharewithothersavisionforitsdevelopment,growthandeffectiveandsustainedservicetothelargercommunityandworld.TheFamilyCenter,aninclusiveearlychildhoodprogramforchildrenages6monthsthrough5years,andSummerCampalsofallundertheDean’sresponsibilities.
BankStreetCollegeofEducationwasfoundedin1916inNewYorkCitybyvisionaryeducatorLucySpragueMitchellasTheBureauofEducationExperiments(BBE),alaboratorynurseryschool,staffedbyteachers,psychologists,andresearcherswhoworkedcollaborativelytodiscovertheenvironmentsinwhichchildrengrewandlearnedtotheirfullpotentialandtoeducateteachersonhowtocreateandsustaintheseenvironmentsinandoutoftheclassroom.TheSchoolforChildrenbeganwithitsfirstclassin1954andgraduallyexpandedtoincludechildrenages3through13.
THEHISTORY
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THECURRICULUMANDPROGRAMTheSchoolisdividedintoLowerSchool(nursery,Pre-KindergartenandKindergarten),MiddleSchool(Grades1-4),andUpperSchool(Grades5-8)divisionsthataccommodatethedifferingdevelopmentalstagesandcurricularneedsofstudents.
Theentirenurserythroughgrade8curriculumembracesaphilosophyofvaluingandaddressingdifferingratesandstylesoflearning,whilestrivingtodevelopbasicskills,criticalthinking,self-awareness,andrespectofselfandothersandaredetailedincurriculumstatementsforeachdivisionandforeachgradelevelwithaccompanyingresponsibilityaccountabilityassignments.
ChildrenattheSchoolareattheverycenterofthelearningprocess.TrulyincorporatingthetenetsofJohnDeweyandhisbeliefthat“educationistheprocessoflivingandisnotmeanttobethepreparationoffutureliving”(Dewey,1897),theprogramreflects
progressiveeducationatitsbest.Teachersworkcollaborativelytocreaterisk-friendlyenvironmentswhereeverychildisencouragedtodeveloptheiruniqueinterests,talents,motivations,andskills.Studentsaregiveneveryopportunitytosucceedandtogarnerconfidenceintheirundertakingsandtheirinterdependentrelationships.Mathematics,literacy,science,andsocialstudiesarecontentareasthatstudentsexplorethroughproject-basedmodulesandactivelearningthroughoutthegrades.Inaddition,physicaleducation,music,visualandperformingarts,visualliteracyandcreativeexpression,acting,SpanishandFrench,librarystudies,technologyexperientiallearningandsocial-emotionallearningactivitiesarealsointegralpartsofthecurriculum
throughoutallgrades.
ThesubjectmatterstudiedatBankStreetcomesalivefromtheNurserythroughMiddleSchoolbecausestudentsareengaged,connected,andaffirmedintheirquesttoestablishindependence,interpersonalskills,andidentity.Students
tackleincreasinglysophisticatedconceptsandquestionsateachgradelevel,whileacquiringcriticalcontent-areaknowledgeandskills.Individual,smallgroup,andwholeclassactivitiescultivateintellectualcuriosityandinventiveness,fosterempathyandindependence,encourageperseverance,andnurtureself-confidence.
LowerSchool(3/4s,4/5s,5/6s)TheLowerSchooliscomprisedof3and4-year-olds,4-and5-year-oldsandKindergarteners.Caringandwarmadultteachersandspecialistswhoformstrong,nurturingandtrustingrelationshipsembracetheyoungestchildrenattheSchool.Individualattentionandcarearepivotalforchildrenandtheirfamilies.Thesetrustingfoundationalrelationshipswiththeirteachersandtheexpertteachingstaffformthebasisforresponsibleengagementandchildconfidence.
Childrentakeseriouslytheirimagining,questioning,
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THEPOSITIONTheSchoolseeksanenergetic,purposefulandaccomplishedDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadofSchoolforChildrentopartnerwiththePresidentoftheBankStreetCollegeofEducationandhiscabinetinbuildingupontheSchool’shistoryandreputationforprovidingawell-roundedandexcellenteducationalexperience.ThisdeanwillalsoworkcloselywiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchooltoensureasolidfoundationbetweentheschoolsandpurposelyfurthertheeffectivenessofcurrentandfutureBankStreetprogramstrengthsandofferings.ThisisanexcitingopportunityforanewleadertoembraceallthatBankStreetstandsfor,tocontinueits100+yearlegacyasaleaderandinnovatorinprogressiveeducation,topropelsocialjusticeandequityinitiatives,andtosharewithothersavisionforitsdevelopment,growthandeffectiveandsustainedservicetothelargercommunityandworld.TheFamilyCenter,aninclusiveearlychildhoodprogramforchildrenages6monthsthrough5years,andSummerCampalsofallundertheDean’sresponsibilities.
BankStreetCollegeofEducationwasfoundedin1916inNewYorkCitybyvisionaryeducatorLucySpragueMitchellasTheBureauofEducationExperiments(BBE),alaboratorynurseryschool,staffedbyteachers,psychologists,andresearcherswhoworkedcollaborativelytodiscovertheenvironmentsinwhichchildrengrewandlearnedtotheirfullpotentialandtoeducateteachersonhowtocreateandsustaintheseenvironmentsinandoutoftheclassroom.TheSchoolforChildrenbeganwithitsfirstclassin1954andgraduallyexpandedtoincludechildrenages3through13.
THEHISTORY
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experimenting,anddiscovery.Thesuperiorprogramignitescuriosity,problemsolvingandcreativity.Lovingteachersandassistantteachersensureawarm,safe,andnurturingenvironmentfortheircharges.Outdoorplay,socialdevelopmentandexperientiallearningareparamountastheyoungestchildrenoncampusquestionandprocesstheworldaboutthem.
MiddleSchool(6/7s,7/8s,8/9s,9/10s)InGrades1-4,studentsaredevelopingfascinatingtheoriesabouttheirworldwhilehoningtheirskillsthroughpurposefullearningacrossdisciplines.Anintentionalclimateofinquiryencourageschildrentotakerisksasanaturalpartoftherichacademicexperiences.Thus,studentsintheLowerSchoolcelebratecuriosity,questioning,andjoywhileengagedinthepursuitofknowledge,relationships,andunderstanding.
TheMiddleSchoolprogramexposesstudentstoexcitinginvestigationsthatallowthemtowonderandrefinetheirthinking.Acombinedfocusonlearningcollaboratively,whilealsobuildingontheindividualskillsofstudents,helpsthemsolidlygraspage-appropriateconcepts.
Speakingandwritingteacheschildrentoengageinalloftheprocessesthatrealauthorsuse,includinggeneratingideas,creatingdrafts,editing,conferencingwithpeersandteachers,and"publishing"booksonsubjectsthatinterestthem.Servicelearningisanintegralpartofthecurriculum.
TheMiddleSchool,offersincreasinglysophisticatedconceptsacrosssubjectareas—mathematicalthinking,challengingliteratureandliteracyprojects,scientificexperimentation,worldstudies,USgovernment,drama,Spanish,physicaleducation,arts,musicandpurposefulopportunitiestoengagetheworldcreatively.Teacherspartnerwithstudentsastheyinvestigate,analyze,question,experiment,reflect,andcollaborate.
UpperSchool(10/11s,11/12s,12/13s,13/14s)Uppergradestudentsassessprogressandsetgoalsfortheirownfuturegrowth.Thegiftofself-discoveryandunderstandingempowersBankStreetUpperSchoolstudents,providingopportunitiesforgrowthandreflectionthathelpeachbecomemorehonestandsuccessfulintheirquestformeaningfulchange,maturity,andgrowthinanuncertain,complex,anddiverseworld.
UpperSchoolathleticsreflecttheSchool’sprogressivevalues.Studentscompeteinsoccer,basketball,track,
andsoftballagainstotherindependentschoolsandhavebroughthomeconferencebanners—aswellasfrequentsportsmanshipawards.
AcursoryinspectionofthecurriculumstatementsforUpperSchoolevidencesindependentthinking,openmindsettheoriesandpracticesthatadvocatecontinuingquestsformoreinformationtoformulateactionplanswithaccountabilityandself-reflectionprotocols.
Student-ledconferencesalsodeepenself-analysisandself-awarenessforstudentsintheUpperSchool.
AfterSchool,AuxiliaryPrograms,AthleticsandSummerCampBankStreethasastrongcommitmenttoservingstudentsandfamilieswhoneedprofessionalcareandenrichmentbeyondthenormalschoolday.ExtendedDayprogramming,availableeachschoolday,includesfreeplay,activities,
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andhealthysnacks.Alsoduringthisafterschoolperiod,optionalmini-coursesandenrichmentclassesprovidestudentswithavarietyofexcitingandalternativelearningexperiences(e.g.,RockBank,Chess,Minecraft,Art,Woodworking,MusicLessons,Cooking,Sewing,ScienceWizards,Clay,Coding,andTaeKwonDo).
UpperSchoolstudentsinterestedincompetitivesportsmeetafterschooltwiceaweekforpracticesandgames.OfferedinthefallareVolleyball,SoccerandRunning,inthewinter,Basketballandinthespring,SoftballandRunning.
BankStreetalsohostsaSummerCampeachyearanditisopentoallchildrenages4through13.TheCampisarecreationalandeducationalprogramthatisaccreditedbytheAmericanCampAssociation.TheSummerCampStaffisBankStreettrainedandmanyaregraduatesoftheBankStreetSchoolforChildrenandtheGraduateSchool.Thecampisfilledwithenthusiasticyoungsterswhoparticipateinoutdoorandindoorsportsandfieldadventures.ThematicexperiencesincludeSpanishImmersion,BroadwayBound,SportsCampandTechnology.
SchoolTraditionsandCommunityServiceOpportunitiesDuringthecourseoftheyear,manyspecialtraditionsmaketheBankStreetexperienceunique.Numerousall-schooleventsandculturalactivitiesencourageentirecommunityparticipationandrangefromtheSpringAuctionandBenefit,SpiritDay,FieldDay,WinterandSpringConcerts,divisionspecial
overnighttripstosleepawaycamps,PhiladelphiaandWashington,D.C.trips,theParentBandAssemblies,theLowerSchoolHoedownandtheFallFair.Thehighlyanticipatedall-school“BankStreet’sGotTalentShow,”presentedbyParentsofChildrenofColoraffinitygrouptothemockelectionstotheBuddyClasswhereolderstudentsmentoryoungerones,furtherevidencethatadeeplyenrichedprogressiveeducationproducescitizenswhoarecreative,productiveandcontributingmembersofsociety.
THEFAMILYCENTER
TheBankStreetFamilyCenterisaninclusivecenterthatprovideschild-centered,developmentallyappropriate,andculturallysensitiveservicesandsupportforfamiliesofchildrenage6monthsto5years.GroundedinBankStreet’sprogressivephilosophy,TheFamilyCenteroffersachildcareprogramwithaGeneralEducationProgramandPreschoolSpecialEducationProgramsharingthesameclassrooms.SpecialEducationServicesareofferedbyTheFamilyCenterinchildren’sschoolorhomesettings.Playgroupsofferinfantsandtoddlerssafeopportunitiesfordevelopmentallyappropriateplaywiththeirpeersandparents/caregivers.
TheFamilyCenterfacultyandstafffullyembracethoughtfulpathsandusestrength-basedindividualizedapproachestonurtureeachchild’spotential.
"ItwasclearthattheteachersatBankStreetwereanextraordinary
bunch."BankStreetAlumni
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THESTRENGTHSOFTHESCHOOL
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ThenewDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildrenwillbenefitfrommanystrengths,including:
• Eager,motivated,active,andhappystudentswhothriveacademically,socially,morally,physically,andemotionallyandwhoexhibitastronglovefortheirschool;
• Caring,competent,anddedicatedteachersandstaffwhoareskilledinteachingandlearning,andversedincurrentbestteachingpractices,includingbannerprogressiveeducationpractices,developmentofthewholebrain,social/emotionallearning,relationalengagement,criticalthinkingskilldevelopment,restorativepractices,andactive-learningknowledge.Inaddition,allstaffintentionallypromoteand
mentormutualrespectandemotionalliteracyamongthestudentsandaretrueadvocatesforjustice,diversityandequityinacontinuingquestforapeacefulworldsociety;
• Astrongpartnershipwiththe
BankStreetCollegeofEducationandacollaborativerelationshipwiththeDeanoftheGraduateSchool,acknowledgingeffectiveresearchandgraduatetrainingforprofessionalsandaqualifiedsourcefortalentedandskillededucators;
• AtalentedBankStreetCabinetandSchoolforChildrenAdministrativeTeamthatarewillingtogotheextramileinmakingtheSchooloperatesmoothlyandeffectively;
• AdedicatedparentcommunitythatstronglysupportstheSchool’smissionandphilosophy;
• AhardworkinganddedicatedCollegePresidentwhopartnerswiththeDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadoftheSchoolforChildren,understandsindependentschoolgovernance,thinksstrategically,andisanearneststewardandleaderoftheCollegeanditsdivisions;
• Ahighlyintentionaland
well-developedcurriculumthatprovidesclearguidelinesforlearninggoalswhileallowingflexibilityinteachingmethodology;
• Well-maintainedfacilitiesthatenhancetheSchool’sprogram;
• Alonghistoryofinclusionandequitystemmingfromthelearnings,experiencesandwilloflegendaryfounder,LucySpragueMitchell;and
• AschoolfullyaccreditedbytheNewYorkStateAssociationofIndependentSchools(NYSAIS),havingrecentlycompletedasuccessful10-yearNYSAISaccreditationprocess.BankStreetSchoolforChildrenisalsoamemberoftheNationalAssociationofIndependentSchools.
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THECHALLENGESANDOPPORTUNITIESFORTHEYEARSAHEAD
ResourceGroup175
Initscommitmentforsustainingexcellence,BankStreetSchoolforChildrenfacessignificantchallenges.LikemanyindependentschoolsinAmericatoday,theSchoolisfacedwiththeneedtogrowitsfinancialbasetoensureitscontinuingabilitytoattractandretainoutstandingstaff,toremainaccessibleandaffordableforabroadrangeoffamilies,andtosustainitsexemplaryprogressiveeducationalprogram.Atthesametime,demographics,costs,andothereducationaloptions(includinggoodpublicandcharterschoolsandmanyprivateandindependentschoolchoices),havecombinedtoimposeincreasedcompetitionforpreschool,elementary,andmiddleschool-agedchildreninManhattan.
Theprinciplesofprogressiveeducationhavebecometrendyasmoreandmoreindependentschoolsmarkettomillennialparents.However,BankStreetremainsasNew
YorkCity’sleadingNursery-8thGradeProgressiveSchool,activelyandcreativelypromotingtheschooltothelargercommunityastheoriginalandpremiereleaderinprogressiveeducationandmakingapubliccasefortheSchool’suniqueandunparallelededucationalexperiencesarekeyopportunities.
Inaddition,thenextDeanofChildren’sPrograms/HeadofTheSchoolforChildrenshouldbepreparedtoworkinclosepartnershipwiththePresidentofBankStreetCollegeofEducationandthefaculty,staff,andadministrationtoaccomplishthefollowing:
• SuccessfullyleveragetheuniquerelationshipsandresourcesthatexistwithintheBankStreetCollegeofEducationtothemutualbenefitoftheFamilyCenter,SchoolforChildren,GraduateSchool,andtheotherdivisions;
• Addressenrollmentchallengesinthefaceofrisingtuitions,changingdemographics,andincreasedcompetitionfrompublic,charter,andindependentschools;
• PreserveandamplifyBankStreetSchoolforChildren’scommitmenttoprogressiveeducation,withsocialjusticeatitscore;
• Workeffectivelywithinanorganizationalstructurethatincludesseveraldivisions,allreportingtothePresidentofBankStreetCollegeofEducation;
• MakeacompellingcasefortheBankStreetmodel,curriculum,andtrackrecordofsuccesswithprospectiveandcurrentparents,donors,andthewidereducationalcommunityinNewYorkCity;
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• Balancetheneedtoberesponsivetocommunityinputwithanabilitytoarticulateavision,makedecisions,andexecute.
Thesuccessfulcandidatewilllikelyexhibitthefollowingcharacteristics,qualities,skills,andexperiences:
• Loveandrespectforchildren;
• StrongadvocatefortheBankStreetmodelofprogressiveeducation;
• Bridge-builderwhocanworkeffectivelywithinacomplexorganization;
• UnderstandingoftheindependentschoolcultureinNewYorkCity;
• Creativeproblem-solverwithapenchantforcontinuingprofessionaldevelopment;
• Abilitytostriketherightbalancebetweenmaintainingawarm,approachablepresenceandbeingaclear,visionary,anddecisiveleaderwhocanalsomanagedifficultconversationsandworkthroughdifferencesofopinion;
• Capacitytodevelopandnurtureinstructionalgrowthoffacultyandtheschool’sleadershipteamwithacommitmenttocultivatingteacherleaders;
• Strongplanningskillsandtheabilitytoskillfullysupportcomplexorganizationalchange;
• Abilitytodevelopstrategiesandformulateprovenmarketingandbrandingapproachestooptimizeenrollmentandcurtailattrition;
• SkilledcommunicatorwhoisenergizedbymarketingtheSchooltobothinternalandexternalconstituents;
• Connectorwhoenjoysknowingandbeingknownbystudents,faculty,staff,parents,andalumni;
• AbilitytofundraiseandtosharetheuniquestoryoftheBankStreetexperience;
• LivedexperienceapplicabletotheuniqueprogressivemissionoftheSchoolandunwaveringcommitmenttodiversity,equityandsocialjustice;
• Aresourceandpartnertoparentsandchildrenrangingfromearlychildhoodthroughadolescence;
• Senseofhumorandtheenergyandoptimismnecessarytofindjoyintheleadershipofadynamicschoolcommunityandtopropagatethatjoythroughouttheentirecommunity;and
• Empathetic,flexible,warm,connectedandapproachable.
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APPLICATIONPROCESSBankStreetSchoolforChildrenhasretainedTonyFeatherstonandDoreenOlesonfromResourceGroup175toleadthesearch.Toapply,qualifiedcandidatesmayapplyonlineathttps://rg175.com/candidate/signupbeforeFriday,September10,2020.
Theapplicationincludes:• Acoverletterexpressinginterestinthe
position• Acurriculumvitae• Apersonalstatementand/orwriting
sample
Pleasedonothesitatetocalloremailyourquestionsto:
and/or
WearegratefulforyourinterestintheBankStreetSchoolforChildrenandlookforwardtohearingmoreaboutyourbackground,experienceandinterestinthisopportunity.BankStreetSchoolforChildrenwelcomesandencouragesapplicationsfromdiversecandidates.BankStreetSchoolforChildrendoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,religion,gender,sexualorientation,genderidentity,disability,nationalorethnicorigin,orotherlegallyprotectedstatusinadmissionofotherwisequalifiedstudentsorinprovidingaccesstotherights,privileges,programs,oractivitiesgenerallyavailabletoallstudentsandtheirfamilies,includingeducationalpolicies,scholarshipandotherfinancialaidprograms,orathletic,extra-curricular,andotherschool-administeredprogramsandactivities.