school profile for head position
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The Williams SchoolNorfolk, VA
Co-education, Day K-8
Head of School
forJuly, 2012
“Honor before Honors”
The Board of Trustees and The Williams School community are seeking a
deeply committed and passionate educational leader who will lead a truly
vibrant, progressive, child-centered school. Founded in 1927, The Williams
School is a family-oriented school, which has had five Heads of School over a
span of 85 years. The Williams School is accredited by the Virginia Association
of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.
The Williams School is a co-educational non-profit day school enrolling 180-
200 children in grades K through 8. The school is dedicated to educating
children in an environment committed to knowledge, intellectual curiosity,
self-discipline, morality and compassion in a family atmosphere. All students
participate in art, music, drama, physical education, computer education,
foreign language, field trips and community service.
The Williams School seeks to develop eachchild’s unique talents and abilities for
academic, moral, and social growth by
nurturing the whole individual in a supportive,
enriched environment. The school community
invites initiative, self-discipline, and a love of
learning in a small class environment. It fosters
a healthy self-image, a strong feeling of
confidence, and an enduring sense of
responsibility in a caring family setting; it
expects integrity in every aspect of school life.
The school is located in the historic Ghent district of Norfolk, VA, within easy
walking distance to the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Harrison Opera House,
the Ghent commercial district, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and the
downtown, including the working waterfront. As a city of 237,000+ residents
and 100+ diverse neighborhoods, Norfolk is the cultural, educational, business
and medical center of Hampton Roads, a region of more than 1.6 million
people. Norfolk hosts the world's largest naval base, the region's international
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airport and is one of the busiest international ports on the East Coast.
Norfolk’s downtown boasts a plethora of new urban living opportunities. The
MacArthur Center is an upscale mall, featuring Nordstrom, which has led to a
revitalization of a downtown with a storied history. With its pedestrian
friendly streets, the city offers the business traveler or vacationer a spectrum
of hotels, a trendy restaurant and theater district, and street-level retail
merchants within 10 walk-able downtown blocks. A new light rail system stopsjust blocks from the school and connects the neighborhood to downtown
Norfolk, Harbor Park – home to the Triple A Tides, and points east to Virginia
Beach. The white sandy beaches of the Chesapeake Bay and the excitement of
the Virginia Beach Oceanfront are only minutes away. The following websites
provide more information on Norfolk and the region:
www.norfolk.gov
www.norfolkdevelopment.com
www.visitnorfolk.com
www.hreda.com
www.norfolkarts.com
Statement of Mission
The Williams School works with each child to build an enduring foundation for
academic, moral, and social success. Williams School students embody
integrity, confidence, discipline, and a love of learning.
The Williams School grounds its mission in four key concepts:
A child-centered environment An emphasis on integrity and responsibility
A non-institutional atmosphere
A partnership with parents
Statement of Philosophy
A Child-Centered Environment
We believe that children learn in different ways at different
rates and "one size" does not fit all. As a result, we provide
substantial individual attention to each student by main-taining a low student/teacher ratio of 7:1. Furthermore, we
are flexible in our approach to teaching, using innovative
approaches to accomplish traditional academic goals and
the mastery of a rigorous curriculum. In order to develop
each child in accordance with his or her capabilities, we
strive to provide challenging work at whatever level each
child has reached.
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Emphasis on Integrity and Responsibility
The most important values we can instill in our students are a love for honesty
and an enduring sense of responsibility. Two frequently heard themes at The
Williams School are the School's motto, "Honor before Honors," and the
statement, "With privilege comes responsibility." In daily life we insist thatchildren respect the rights and needs of others and exhibit proper social
behavior both within and outside the school community. Finally, we emphasize
contributions to the larger community by students of all ages.
An Environment for Learning
One of the non-negotiable foundations of
The Williams School is the character of its
operating environment as that of a close-
knit family. Whether it is the "home" that
houses the school community or the small
classes in a small school, everyone knows
everyone and no one escapes attention. A
caring environment is critical to allow a
child freedom to make mistakes thereby
learning and growing. The Big-Little
Brother-Sister tradition extends children's
relationships beyond their peer group with multiple benefits for all. Finally,
our extensive use of outside resources expands each child's educational,
cultural and athletic experiences into the larger community.
A Partnership with Parents
We view parents as our partners in the Williams
School family. They are integral to the effective
education and development of their children, as well
as valuable resources upon which we draw daily.
Parents can expect frequent and varied contacts,
sensitivity to individual family needs, and access to
a faculty and administration who encourage their
input. To the extent they wish to be involved,
parents help with school outings, activities, andfundraising events, participate as members of
advisory councils and the Board of Trustees, and in
so doing, reinforce and extend the school's academic, moral, and social
training.
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The School – Community, Culture, and Commitment
“One of your greatest strengths is your clear sense
of mission. This sense is pervasive and was found
in our conversations with you, in the classroom
instruction, in the actions of your students, andin your publications. Over and over we observed
evidence of outstanding teaching. We are impressed
with the way you instill and integrate values into
your daily instruction in such a natural and age-
appropriate way. You are teaching your students
to think and to care.” - from the Report of the Ten
Year Visiting Team, April 2004
Visitors to the school will quickly sense that The Williams School is no
ordinary place, housed in two historic homes in the Ghent District, one of the
oldest neighborhoods in Norfolk. The Williams School fully utilizes thecommunity as its campus. Within blocks of several cultural and community
resources, one will often find Williams’ students and faculty members learning
and playing throughout the city. Learning is alive at The Williams School,
conducting physical education classes or games in a local park or recreation
center, riding the ferry across the Elizabeth River, seeding oyster beds in the
Chesapeake Bay, or accessing The Chrysler Museum of Art.
The school is organized into two divisions: 1) an
elementary (K-5) homeroom-based program led by a
teacher and a teaching assistant 2) a middle (6-8)school that is advisory-based and departmental.
The Williams School was founded in 1927 by Mrs.
John Williams in her home as the Garrison Williams
Primary School. The Williams School moved to its
present location in 1935 when the Williams family
purchased the 419 Colonial Avenue house, conducting
classes on the first floor, while the founding family lived upstairs. Over the
years, classrooms were added to the building and in 1969, Joan Williams
Graham succeeded her mother as principal, carrying on “learning as a family
and enjoying childhood playing and growing up in the local neighborhood”(from an interview with Mrs. Graham by this author May 2006).
The school was formally reorganized into The Williams School in 1977 and in
1985, renovations and an addition to the original building positioned The
Williams School for future growth.
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At each phase of the school’s development, all heads have nurtured the school’s
heart, soul, and mission “to educate the whole child, building a better world one
child at a time”.
Entering the New Millennium, The Williams School
enhanced its physical plant through the purchase
and renovation of 418 Colonial Avenue, creating theHumanities Center across the street from The Old
Main Building. Today, you will find the elementary
and middle school classrooms in The Old Main
Building, with administrative offices, a
multipurpose room, music, physical education,
locker rooms, and a vibrant playground. The Humanities Center completes
The Williams School home, housing the library, technology center/computer
lab, science classroom and lab, language and art classrooms, administrative
offices and a dining room with kitchen. You will find a school like no other,
where learning spills out of the classroom into the hallways, entries, nooks and
crannies of every space with student art wherever the eye can see, and caring
adults ready and willing to guide and be guided by each child at The Williams
School.
The People and the Program
Members of The Williams School community belong to a large extended family
with literally hundreds of brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles where “everyone
knows your name.” At the foundation of daily life at the school is a dedicated
staff (42) committed to developing each child, guided by the school motto
“Honor before Honors,” and focused on providing a rigorous curriculum that ishighly regarded in the educational community. — “Honor before Honors”
reflects the school’s belief that honor and honorable behavior are central to a
successful education.
Honorable behavior in
our school is framed by
three rules: the honor
rule, the safety rule, and
the welcome rule. The
honor rule is an
expectation that children will act in an honorable manner, and will not lie,
cheat, or steal. The safety rule is an expectation that students will conduct
themselves in a manner that is safe for themselves, others, and maintains the
school facilities. The welcome rule addresses the expectation that students will
interact with each other with kindness and respect so that all feel welcome and
part of our community. The Honor Council is made up of 6 th, 7th and 8th
graders who are elected by their peers and are appointed by a faculty
confirmation vote. The Honor Council exists to help the students understand
and embrace the school’s commitment to “Honor before Honors” and to
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understand and embrace our mission. As a group, they train to become peer
mediators and help resolve smaller issues between lower school students.
Thirty-five faculty members provide an academic experience in a 7 period day
that includes a strong preparation in
core subjects – English, math,
science, social studies, foreignlanguage, and physical education,
which are strongly integrated with
art, music, and technology. Each
academic classroom is equipped with
a Promethean Activeboard
(www.prometheanplanet.com) and
students have access to computers in
our computer lab as well as laptops
throughout the school.
Physical education classes effectively utilize outdoor areas surrounding the
school. TWS utilizes local recreation centers for indoor activities which include
swimming, volleyball and basketball. Library and technology classes for all
students K-8 are regularly included in the student’s schedule. Students at The
Williams School develop their skills through an active curriculum where it is
expected that you will display your finished work as a piece of art, writing or
themed-based project.
Parents, grandparents, and siblings freely come and go throughout the school
day, with volunteers often found in the school helping in a variety of ways.
Teachable moments are everywhere and there is a sense that anything can beaccomplished at The Williams School. Visitors will be impressed with the time
on task and academic intensity, yet with a strong value for preserving the
playfulness of childhood.
Students are assigned a Big Brother or
Big Sister upon entering the school and
this interaction equates to mentoring
and leadership development
opportunities throughout the year.
Interaction among students of various
grade levels daily in areas such asPhysical Education, Reading Buddies,
Honor Council, and field trips promote
maturity and character development. Our students are also learning to be
leaders in Green Initiatives. The Williams School is partnering with TFC
Recycling to be the first Zero Waste School in Virginia. The Williams School is
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uniquely suited to this challenge due to its innovative curriculum and belief
that children are stewards of the environment. Since August of 2010, The
Williams School students, faculty, and administrators have taken significant
steps toward Zero Waste. This initiative is integrated in all aspects of student
life and students perform all the work necessary to collect recyclable materials,
sort them and to compost appropriate materials. This very new program has
already yielded incredible results – depending on the week, recycling andcompost efforts in the cafeteria and throughout the school have diverted 65-
75% of all school waste from the trash. Currently a Zero Landfill School where
all trash is burned for energy at a refuse derived fuel plant, The Williams
School is moving forward to expand its composting efforts, reduce plastic usage
in the cafeteria, expand e-cycling, and conduct a thorough audit of
procurement to make sure that everything procured by the school can be
reused, recycled or composted.
Each week the school holds community assemblies where “good citizens” may
be recognized in each grade and “sweet pickles” (children and adults who have
done something notable for someone else) are cheered by their family and
friends. The assemblies are also a place where every student hones their
public speaking skills in a safe, supportive environment. Public speaking is
very important at The Williams School and the competition to be part of The
Williams School Forensics team (4-8) each spring is a vibrant and healthy one.
The Head of School serves as the “lead” teacher, often using assemblies to
nurture and guide a “teachable” moment in behavior or by providing a weekly
lesson through an assembly talk or a note in the weekly newsletter. Of the
many notable highlights, an available hot lunch program includes a monthly
“guest” program where students in a particular grade may invite a special
friend or family member to dine at the school. There is also an After Schoolprogram, which includes Camp Williams (a program provided on teacher work
days). The Williams School also provides a daily bus transportation program
which makes TWS a regional school.
The Williams School curriculum
strives for academic, moral, and social
success, though an integrated,
interdisciplinary curriculum. There is
a well developed scope and sequence of
skills for each grade and teachers
regularly collaborate to enhancelessons. You will see students reading
in the antique bathtub in the main
foyer, collaborating in a sun-filled
alcove, or discussing an idea with a
teacher or Deacon Dickens, the crossing guard.
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The Williams School is proud of its tradition of educating individuals about the
importance of character as well as intellect. Community service is an integral
component of our school program. In keeping with our philosophy that with
privilege comes responsibility, each child learns to respect others and our
environment by performing community service. Projects include adopting
elderly residents, supporting U.S. service members at home and abroad,
holding drives for warm clothes, food, and books, cleaning our neighboringwater ways and beaches, and supporting our local children’s hospital.
The Williams School
further provides
leadership, community
service, and self-esteem
building programs by
hosting a Girls on the Run
team, a Boy Scout Troop,
and three Girl Scout
Troops. Over 55 individual students belong to these programs which are led by
parent volunteers.
Students can also take advantage of after-school music lessons, taught by
performers with the Virginia Symphony and teachers of the Academy of Music
in piano, violin, and guitar as well as an art program offered in partnership
with the Chrysler Museum of Art. Other after school offerings include the
Chinese Language and Culture Club, which promotes an understanding of
modern Chinese language and culture and Young Yogi’s Yoga which is
available to all grade levels.
In the Multi-Purpose Room, visitors to
The Williams School will also notice the
athletic banners, which highlight the
highly competitive athletic program for
students in grades 6 – 8 that includes
soccer, cross country, volleyball,
basketball, tennis, and boy’s lacrosse.
Participation on sports teams, without
try-out, is open to and encouraged for all
students in appropriate age levels. Our
students are scholar athletes and haveenjoyed great success on and off the field. They are perennially recognized for
their sportsmanship and teamwork as well as their skills at particular sports.
The expression “Everybody Plays” is truly taken to heart in our athletic
program with caring coaches, both faculty and parents, working with
individual students to bring out their personal best in the sports arena.
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The school’s band is an elective program open to 4th-
8th grade students. Approximately 80% of eligible
students are enrolled. Band instruction is given as
part of the academic day. The Band performs two
concerts yearly, in addition to their participation in
school celebrations and events. Every other year the
band participates in a bandcompetition, and in the past
has placed first in the Middle School Band Division 1A
and received the Overall Junior/High School Concert
Band Award and the Esprit de Corps Award. The
students are also able to display their musical talents
each year in the Spring Musical where each child in the
5th-8th grade has a role and 4th grade students provide
the chorus.
Enrollment
The Williams School, with a current enrollment of 189, is
committed to maintaining a small community and a low
student/teacher ratio of 7/1. Admissions is supported by a part-
time director and currently enjoys two applications for every
opening at the elementary level. The Williams School has had
great success in recent years increasing enrollment at the
middle school level while still enjoying healthy class sizes at
the elementary level.
Governance and Leadership
The Williams School is governed by a 15-18
member Board of Trustees which meets 10
times per year. Organized into seven
standing committees – Executive, Finance,
Education, Strategic Planning, Trustees,
Facilities, and Development - the Board
works in a close partnership with the Head
of School.
Guided by a comprehensive strategic plan,
which was developed in 2009 and is
reviewed annually, the Head works closely with an Assistant Head of School,
two division coordinators, and the faculty in the daily operations of the school.
Being truly aligned with its mission and philosophy, The Williams School not
only welcomes, but embraces the partnership with parents, who are engaged
with both the governance and operations of the school.
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Members of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), which is comprised of 2-3
parents per grade level, help foster the community of the school. PAC parents
serve as liaisons between our parents and the school. The PAC parents act as a
resource to our new families and are the sounding board for parents in each
class.
The Student Council Association (SCA) is thestudent leadership body of our student
community. Interested students in grades 6-8 are
elected by their peers and teachers. Projects
undertaken by the SCA include t-shirt design
contests, selecting student writing award winners,
and administering periodic student surveys.
General Comments & Observations
“This is a family; we put in long hours, taking teachable moments and going
with them.” – Long-time elementary teacher.
“It‟s (The Williams School) magical. After my child‟s first day, she stated
emphatically „I belong here‟ ; that comes from the magic, the trust that I as a
parent feel in the teachers, in the Head, it is The Williams School!” – Parent of an
elementary student.
“The students are wonderful to teach, the traditions are something to look
forward to, and the environment is enjoyable, while being a challenge.” – Middle
School teacher.
“If you want to do something, anything, you can do it at The Williams School.” – 8th grade student, who entered The Williams School in
Kindergarten
““Seldom do I have the privilege of working with an organizational family as
close knit as The Williams School. I found a solid team of administrators,
teachers, board members, parents, and volunteers.” – Christina Wineinger,
Wineinger & Associates, Ltd.
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Challenges and Opportunities for the next Head of School
Over the next few years, the next Head of School will want to:
Fully embrace, understand, and effectively demonstrate and model the school’s
mission, philosophy and values both in action and spirit, working in partnership
with the board, faculty, parents, and community to continue to improve TheWilliams School well into the future.
Actively promote the development of a comprehensive professional development
program for faculty and staff.
Work closely with faculty and the board to review and enhance the school’s
academic, arts, athletic, moral, and social curriculum.
Continue to develop strong financial sustainability by exploring revenue
opportunities, while containing expenses in order to maintain affordability.
Be engaged in a dynamic alumni & development program to realize The Williams
School’s potential and work to insure its future through growth of the endowment.
Recognize current financial priorities and work with the board to address in a
collaborative manner.
Define and manage growth in the areas of program development, student
enrollment and faculty recruitment and retention.
Clarify “The Williams Experience” and the organization and staffing necessary to
effectively deliver the high quality programs that differentiate the school in the
marketplace.
Promote and develop further diversity among students, teachers, and staff.
Realize, work within and promote a dynamic and responsive educational
environment that while rich in history is very much capable of change conducive
to furthering our mission
Lead with vision for the future.
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Characteristics and Qualities of Leadership
The Head of School at The Williams School will be an excellent communicator,
with strong interpersonal skills, who would be comfortable in a small, family-
like school that values relationships. He/She will be a life-long learner with
integrity, who is passionate about his/her work with young people, and will
serve as a teacher and role model for the community. The school community isinterested in all candidates who embrace and can articulate and promote the
mission and philosophy of The Williams School. Along with strong leadership
and skills, a love of children, successful candidates will have backgrounds that
reveal most, if not all, of the following:
Demonstrated collaborative leadership in a senior administrative position, withstrengths in executive management, organization, and strategic planning.
Know well and enjoy the faculty, parent body, and especially the students of theschool.
Exhibit an ability to motivate faculty and administration toward continuedimprovement.
Be an active listener and an excellent communicator, with notable speaking andwriting skills.
Be decisive and accountable, yet able to delegate effectively.
Be self confident, yet show sensitivity in dealings with members of the community.Encourage new practices and approaches across the school seeking buy-in fromothers.
Have an understanding of educational philosophy and practice of a child-centered,
experienced-based, integrated education.
Embrace and promote diversity and a climate of inclusiveness.
Appreciate the vital role of the arts, athletics, languages, technology, communityservice programs.
Possess a strong understanding of the business and financial practices required tomanage a small academic institution.
Enjoy being engaged and have an understanding of fundraising and marketing.
Work closely and comfortably with the board of trustees in building a true
partnership in governance and leadership.
Be experienced in school leadership, preferably within an elementary and middleschool.
Have classroom teaching experience and advanced degree.
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Information on the Search Process
The Williams School is a member of the National Association of Independent
Schools and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and will follow
NAIS Principles of Good Practice regarding Head of School Searches. The
school is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS)
and is recognized as an accredited school by the Virginia Board of Education.
Search Timeline
Applications Accepted April 7 – July 15, 2011
Evaluation and Initial Interviews April 15- July 30, 2011
Selection of Semi-Finalists September, 2011
Semi-Finalist Interviews October, 2011
Finalist Interviews November, 2011
Appointment Late November/Early December
The compensation package is competitive and within the norms of VAIS
elementary/middle schools. Interested candidates should submit: Letter of
Interest explaining why they are interested in and uniquely qualified for the
position, a Resume (with at least three references), and a Statement of
Educational Philosophy by July 15, 2011. Candidates will be evaluated as
applications are received with evaluation and initial interviews beginning
April 15, 2011. All nominations, inquiries, and applications should be made to:
Mike Anderson
Search Committee Chair
The Williams School
419 Colonial Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
TEL: 757-446-2719
Email: (preferred)
The Williams School is an equal opportunity employer
and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
Please visit the school website www.thewilliamsschool.org foradditional information