School Profile for Head Position

8/7/2019 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.

http://www.norfolk.gov/


http://www.norfolkdevelopment.com/


http://www.visitnorfolk.com/


http://www.hreda.com/


http://www.norfolkarts.com/









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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)

[email protected]

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

School Profile for Head Position

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