Dear Parents:

While last weekend’s PTAA Auction may not have been our best attended, I dare say it was our most spirited. Amidst Jimmy Buffet and Reggae music, a sea of tropical beverages, and the occasional palm tree, 300 guests chatted and laughed, shopped and dined, and bid competitively and generously on a variety of auction items. Many, many thanks to Auction Chair Nikki Dunn, who accepted the rather overwhelming responsibility of making sure this year’s event was successful, and then did so with grace, dignity and charm. In addition to terrific community building, the PTAA surpassed its goal of $70,000 which means next year it can continue to fund outstanding enrichment opportunities for our students and teachers.

Speaking of next year, I am very pleased to learn from Admissions Director Denise Goodman that our admissions picture has never been better. Sixth and ninth grade applications have already passed last year’s record number, and the high quality of our candidates is making our admissions committees’ decisions very difficult. While enrollment contracts for current students are not due until March 3, early indications look very good for excellent student retention as well.

This has already been a particularly strong year for both our arts and athletics programs. Our new Athletic Director Randy Jordan has worked with our coaches to breathe new spirit and optimism into our programs. Our middle school teams’ participation in the Triangle Middle School Conference has created increased enthusiasm in our athletes and added some good competition and friendly rivalries to our middle school program.  In the upper school this winter our very young swim team enjoyed great success, as did the wrestling team, which produced two State Champions – junior Miguel Alecio and sophomore Alex Rosenthal!

Our Fine and Performing Arts program has already put to use this past summer’s theatre renovations. The winter Dance Concert cleverly incorporated video into student performances. And the production of The Secret Garden included the raising and lowering of scenery (and an actress) between and during scenes. Both were not previously possible.

I look forward to watching our students excel in a multitude of endeavors this spring, including both the arts and athletics. I hope you enjoy your break with your family, return safely and refreshed, and have a great conclusion to the school year.

Sincerely,

Donald S. Berger
Head of School