A Message from the Head of School
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…
—Charles Dickens
In my twenty years of leading independent schools, I have never encountered such a pervasive sense of societal uncertainty as I did these past twelve months. However, despite the economic challenges dominating our headlines and airwaves, JCDS students experienced a year of calm in the eye of a perfect storm.
That calm was a collective gift from a diligent Board of Trustees, a caring group of parents and a dedicated staff of educators. Their support enabled a community of young learners to experience “business as usual” in an era that was far from usual. This stable atmosphere facilitated academic excellence, unparalleled success in graduate placement, and a remarkable display of character through student commitment to a “green” campus and community service.
This was a year of preparing students to thrive in a multi-cultural, global community as the Spanish language was integrated into virtually every aspect of the curriculum and children studied Mandarin Chinese in the Afterschool Enrichment Program. Students connected with the world through wikis, and a new website. Country Day now has a presence on Facebook to encourage stronger alumni connections.
This was a year of creative thinking and expression as thirty students performed at Carnegie Hall and the chorus once again garnered top honors in state vocal music competition. Kindergartners grew hydroponic lettuce served at the school salad bar, we hosted our first all-school Art Show, and participation topped 200 in our outstanding dance program.
This was a year of reconciling our commitment to basic skills with a pedagogical approach based on sound educational research. A new reading series was introduced in the early elementary grades and a new literacy program was implemented in Junior Kindergarten. The computer-based Accelerated Math Program supplemented the fifth and sixth grade curriculum in a completely individualized fashion while Math Facts In A Flash, a web-based program, provided extra challenge and practice for all upper elementary students.
This was, indeed, a very good year! Yes, there were challenges but challenge builds character and character is the coin of our realm. We met those challenges head-on and are committed to do so in the months ahead. But, on the final day of school as I watched over 400 youngsters laughing and splashing in our brand new pool, I was filled with overwhelming confidence that JCDS most definitely would continue to thrive as the premier elementary school in Jacksonville.
Why was I so certain? It’s because the success of Country Day is the result of an entire school community’s commitment to providing the very best education for children. It is our mission. If we can finance and construct a swimming pool in the worst of times, I am filled with great optimism by what lies ahead for us in the best of times.
—Terry Bartow, Head of School
