Dear Parents,

 

On behalf of our faculty and staff, we wish you a very Happy New Year!  May God continue to bless you, your family and the entire Calvert Hall community in the new year. 

 

As we enter a new year, I share concern that we will continue to read and hear about issues in the news of intolerance and bigotry.  I also share concern that we will continue to read and hear about students’ social media posts in the media who simply either believe what they post is true (no matter how offensive we may find it) or, in their desire to be humorous, are offensive.  Dr. Marcia Chatlain, Professor of African-American Studies at Georgetown University spoke to our faculty during our in-service day in November.  One of her main themes was that as an educational institution, we must challenge ourselves to have conversations about tolerance, the value of diversity, and issues about race.  As a school, we will continue to have conversations with our students regarding these issues, even when it is difficult and uncomfortable.  Our message has always been and will always be that we value each member of our community and value the differences each person brings to our school.  There is no room for racism, religious intolerance, or the devaluing of others.  Those who exhibit this type of behavior are not welcome in our community.  While we will continue to have discussions, I also ask that you, as parents, have these conversations at home.  What you see and hear in the news can be teachable moments.   Our partnership teaching values and molding young men must indeed be that – a partnership between the school, parents, and the student.  As always, we appreciate your support in communicating the values that we hold dear. 

 

Academically, the month of January is highlighted by semester exams.  Rigor and excellence must be our mantra.  Semester exams begin on Friday, January 12.  Exams count for 20% of the semester grade so it is imperative that students are well-prepared.  Please encourage your son to take advantage of the extra study sessions and review guides provided so he may be successful.

 

All admission’s literature emphasizes that “current parents are our best advocates.”  While our enrollment has been very strong, and all indications are that it will be strong again this year, if you know of any current 8^th graders who you believe would be a great “Hallman,” please invite them to be our guest (shadow for the day) by calling Chris Bengel in our Admissions Office.  If you know of a student who has already shadowed, please do not hesitate to tell them about your wonderful experience at The Hall. 

 

A recent survey by EdChoice asked parents what school they would select to obtain the best education for their child.  Parents chose a “private school” more than any other option.  93% of parents said they were satisfied with their child’s school compared to 73% of public school parents.  We are honored by the choice you have made and the sacrifices you make to send your son to Calvert Hall.  Please know how much we value your support.  Our commitment is to always make our school better and enhance your son’s experience.  We want your feedback.  In light of that, our next “Pastry with the Principal” will be tomorrow, January 9 from 8:00-9:00 a.m.  for freshmen and sophomore parents.  Please email Lorraine Swab at swabl@calverthall.com if you are interested in attending. 

 

Finally, we sponsor several parents educational sessions throughout the year.  Our next session will be on Thursday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m.  Mike Gimbel will join us to talk about drugs, opioids, and vaping.  Sometimes parents do not attend these types of workshops because their son is not involved in drugs, opioids, and vaping.  That is a fair thought, but this particular session is for all parents.  Even if your son does not engage in these behaviors, as a parent, you should be aware of what is in our community and the trends around these topics. 

 

Have a great new year and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @chcprincipal and Instagram at chuckstembler.

 

Sincerely,

 

Charles Stembler

Principal