From the Head of School

Professional development is an essential foundation for providing academic excellence. Two years ago the Board of Trustees created a gifts campaign enabling increased funding for professional development opportunities for our faculty; The Excellence in Education Fund.

Over the past three years Ware Academy’s faculty have created our Portrait of a Graduate and The Characteristics of Professional Excellence. These outcome statements which are derived from the school’s mission, identify respective benchmarks for growth and success. To date, all faculty have participated in summer reading and in an in-service workshop presented by Dr. William H. Stixrud, a prominent neuropsychologist from Washington, DC. Following is a list of continuing education activities in which some of our faculty and administrative staff have participated or are currently enrolled:

• Meg Carmine, Librarian/Middle School Math Teacher - Association of School Librarians National Conference, Charlotte, NC.

• Angie Dunston, Middle School Algebra/Social Studies Teacher - Mathematics National Education Day hosted by the College of William and Mary.

• Gale Ferraro, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher - Currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Program at Old Dominion University.

• Ed Gardiner, Middle School Science Teacher -Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference, Dulles, VA.

• Wendy Gardiner, Lower School Lead Teacher, Fourth Grade - Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference, Dulles, VA.

• Nicolle Morgan, Director of Advancement - Virginia Association of Independent Schools - Governance, Leadership and Advancement Forum, Charlottesville, VA; Independent School Management Summer Workshop, Philadelphia, PA.

• Jill Quinlan, Associate Director of Admission -Independent School Management Fall Workshop, Philadelphia, PA.

• Sharon Shipley, Spanish Teacher - Recently completed her Masters Degree from Southern Oregon University in Guanajuato, Mexico.

• Kris Turner, Dance Teacher - Member of a professional dance company, Gravity Optional. Recent performances were at The College of William and Mary and in Washington D.C. at Dance Place.

• Aaron Ward, Music Teacher - Directed the Rappahannock Youth District Choir this past summer.

• Kim Ward, Third Grade Teacher - Virginia Association of Independent Schools Annual Conference, Richmond, VA.

• Sandy VanLeeuwen, First Grade Teacher - Virginia Association of Independent Schools Annual Conference, Richmond, VA.

Most members of the faculty are also involved in cooperative, professional projects integrating some of the educational themes mentioned previously. Several other members of the faculty are planning to attend workshops and conferences later this year. We are all committed to providing our students with the necessary tools to become responsible, independent learners.

~ Mr. Thomas, Head of School