RE Log - Fall 2023

2 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2023 From The Pagoda In my 18 years at Ransom Everglades, I cannot recall any parent meeting that generated more spontaneous applause than the opening assembly of last month’s Upper School Back-to-School Night. Our parents showed their appreciation time and again as RE board chair Jonathan Fitzpatrick P’20 ’23 outlined our school’s priorities and shared points of pride while referencing our new mission and core values: The RE Way. During the event at the Lewis Family Auditorium, parents applauded as he talked about our college counseling REimagination. They clapped as he emphasized joy in the student experience. They cheered as he promised continued support for our outstanding faculty. More than a half-dozen times, the room erupted, pulsing with the same optimism and spirit that has pervaded our campuses since the school year began in August. We are a REenergized community, and we are moving forward with purpose. The RE Way has provided a needed spark, and it is critical to the journey ahead. When I was named permanent Head of School last June, the school’s trustees also adopted our new mission and core values – which had been more than a year in the making. The RE Way emerged from conversations with our professional community, students, parents and alumni. School leaders conducted surveys and held face-to-face meetings. They listened and leaned into our institution’s 120-plus-year history, responding not only to fresh input but also internalizing the venerable ideals passed down from our founders Paul Ransom and Marie and Edward Swenson. In my first year as permanent head of school, I am grateful for these guiding aspirations, which offer a clear and inspiring vision for the future while also laying the foundation for every decision ahead. Since this summer, our mission and core values have shown up in every facet of our students’ education, and my hope is that the entire RE community will become familiar with them. You will see The RE Way on signage when you visit our campuses, and you will hear about our core values frequently. Given their importance, I include them here: The RE Way MISSION Guided by the words of Paul C. Ransom, Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who “believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it.” Ransom Everglades School prepares students for a lifelong journey of learning, the call to service and the responsibility to lead in an environment that fosters academic and co-curricular excellence as well as social wellbeing. The school’s caring faculty and staff empower students to explore their passions, discover their strengths, and develop their character so they can pursue their ambitions and lead purposeful lives. CORE VALUES Support and Community We are a supportive community where all members feel accepted and valued for their unique talents and contributions. REenergized The RE Way provides a spark for 2023-24 The RE Way has provided a needed spark, and it is critical to the journey ahead.” “