Derby Academy

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2009

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AcademyDerby

Mission StatementDerby Academy is a coeducational, Prekindergarten

through Grade 8 school that nurtures the development

of the child by providing opportunities for the maximum

intellectual, emotional and physical growth of each student.

Our dedicated faculty inspires students to discover the

joy of intellectual curiosity, mastery of learning skills and

service to the community. Students are also guided toward

an awakening sense of personal responsibility in order to

prepare them to make ethical and mindful contributions in

an increasingly interdependent world.

Core Values Derby Academy is a school in which strong interpersonal

relationships and rigorous programs work together to

ensure that children fl ourish.

We value:

1. Excellence

2. Personal responsibility, civility, collaboration and good sportsmanship

3. A love of learning and creative expression

4. The relationship between teachers and students

5. The partnership between the School and parents

6. Respect for individual differences, cultures, customs and beliefs while seeking points of unity

7. A multicultural school community and an innovative curriculum that provide maximum opportunities for learning

Derby Academy will prepare Prekindergarten through Grade 8 students to be knowledgeable, compassionate and effective leaders in a world that is changing rapidly. This will be accomplished by offering exemplary programs that set high expectations in an atmosphere which nurtures, supports and encourages all students to reach their potential. We will offer a curriculum distinguished by its breadth of focus together with its ability to teach the new core competencies students need to be prepared to be productive citizens in a more interconnected world. The faculty will help students master the skills and concepts that provide the foundation for future learning through a rich variety of experiences that also ignite a passion for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship.

Vision Statement

Derby Academy recognizes that in order to remain a school of excellence we must continue to attract and retain talented faculty who are dedicated to inspiring students to learn and who are diligent in the implementation of the School’s mission. We must also strive to identify a broader and more diverse group of families who are committed to the mission of the School and who will make positive contributions to the school community. Preservation of the quality of teaching and learning will require suffi cient funding for competitive salaries, innovative programs and generous fi nancial aid. Advancement efforts will focus on refi ning and expanding fundraising efforts and will strive to increase the School’s endowment in order to keep tuitions affordable.

The faculty and administration will work to create and sustain effective partnerships with all families by encouraging open lines of communication, cultivating a common vision and ensuring that interactions are mutually respectful. In so doing, we seek to be an attractive option for a diverse group of students, families and teachers. Together we will create and sustain an inclusive, equitable community which values diversity and multiculturalism and provides maximum opportunities for learning.

Goal #1ProgramWe will continue to offer a superior educational program to students in Prekindergarten through Grade 8 that balances the demands of the future while preserving the central importance of Derby’s desire to “Improve Both Mind and Heart.”

RationaleIn order to continue to offer superior preparation for secondary school and beyond to our graduates, Derby must be aware of and responsive to the changing demands of the new millennium. A coordinated program of academics, arts and athletics has the advantage of being able to engage the whole child while enriching the character and humanity of each student.

Implementation Strategies• Continue to support a strong program that balances academics, arts and

athletics• Clarify the skills that students need to acquire during their years at Derby• Investigate opportunities for interdisciplinary learning• Expand the global curriculum• Expand cross grade-level learning opportunities• Teach environmentally sustainable practices• Strengthen the personal development curriculum throughout the School• Broaden the classroom connections with area resources (Broad Cove)• Introduce more service learning opportunities• Assess school-wide facilities for the arts and athletics• Evaluate the effectiveness of student academic support services• Expand co-curricular options throughout the year to include specialized

academic programs

Faculty & StaffWe will continue to attract, support, develop and retain dedicated, talented faculty, staff and administrators with diverse strengths and backgrounds.

RationaleThe supportive relationship between faculty and students that complements excellent teaching is an essential component of the Derby experience. In order for Derby to maintain exemplary standards, it is imperative that the program continues to be delivered by educators with exceptional professional expertise and the highest personal integrity.

Implementation Strategies

Goal #2

• Increase funding for a growth oriented program of professional development• Continue to build a process of evaluation that is linked to professional growth

and development• Consider introducing a more formal mentoring or internship program• Remain committed to recruiting more faculty of color• Evaluate employee benefi ts in comparison with peer schools• Fund faculty salaries at the top 25% of peer schools

Goal #3School CommunityWe will build a Prekindergarten to Grade 8 school community composed of approximately 330 enthusiastic students from diverse backgrounds who are intellectually curious learners and responsible citizens.

RationaleCreating a collaborative community of passionate learners with a range of learning interests and diverse life experiences will have a positive impact on both the depth and breadth of the learning environment and help sustain standards of excellence while promoting a more global perspective.

Implementation Strategies• Foster a community of enthusiastic students who are intellectually curious

learners and socially responsible citizens• Increase awareness of Derby in the broader community in order to continue

to attract students for whom Derby is a good fi t• Investigate ways to make Derby more accessible to the broader community

through offering additional transportation and fi nancial aid at the top 25% of peer schools

• Build stronger partnerships with all parents to increase their understanding of the benefi ts that their children derive from being at Derby through Grade 8

• Provide ongoing support to students who fi nd the transition to Derby a challenge

• Create an environment that feels safe and welcoming to all families • Evaluate the School’s program for racial and or cultural bias that may

undermine admission efforts• Continue to encourage faculty to build strong relationships with students and

parents in order to best serve each student’s needs• Assess whether the staffi ng and practices of the Admission Offi ce are aligned

with the enrollment goals of the strategic plan • Enlist the help of current parents to enhance the host family program that

welcomes families to the Derby community

Goal #4Financial SustainabilityWe will enhance Derby’s fi nancial position through diversifi cation of revenue sources.

RationaleDerby is committed to continuing to offer a superior program that is accessible to a diverse group of families. The increased cost of faculty salaries, fi nancial aid and maintenance of facilities cannot be supported entirely by tuition income. Expanding sources of non-tuition income will allow us to continue to be affordable while keeping pace with escalating costs.

Implementation Strategies• Educate the Derby community about the demands on the budget and the

current distribution of sources of revenue• Make an effective case for building the endowment using peer school data

comparisons • Expand volunteer and donor base• Explore community sources of revenue such as facilities rentals, additional

summer offerings, corporate funding and grants• Reduce the cost of operating the facilities by introducing green energy

practices• Assess the alignment between the current staffi ng of the Development Offi ce

and the goals of the strategic plan• Address the desirability of appointing an advisory board as allowed in the

by-laws• Explore partnerships with other community organizations

Goal #5CommunicationWe will ensure that all internal and external communications refl ect the School’s mission and strengths clearly and consistently in order to enhance Derby’s image and visibility within and beyond the school community.

RationaleDerby offers an exceptional program and deserves to be recognized as a leading Prekindergarten though Grade 8 school. Enhanced communication that identifi es the unique attributes of Derby’s programs will help to build greater satisfaction among parents and solidify loyalty among alumni/ae. Greater awareness of the benefi ts of a Derby education in the broader community will also generate respect for the School and enhance Derby’s reputation.

Implementation Strategies• Identify the unique strengths that characterize a Derby education in order

to develop a concise series of messages around which communications are based

• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current communications vehicles• Create a strategic communications plan that considers the best way to build

connections with a broad range of constituents through the effective use of print and electronic resources

• Evaluate the staffi ng and facility needs in order to achieve the goals of a coordinated communications plan

In 2008, Derby Academy embarked on the development of a new Strategic Plan to guide our School through the next fi ve years and beyond. The process began with a parent survey, and with the assistance of Kathleen “Kiki” Johnson from Carney, Sandoe & Associates, continued throughout the year with input from Derby parents, alumni, faculty and trustees.

In January 2009, trustees and the members of the Strategic Planning Committee met with Kiki to review the feedback she received, and to identify the key issues that will be of most importance to Derby Academy. The Strategic Planning Committee worked throughout the spring to refi ne the work of the larger group and in September 2009, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve the plan.

For more than 200 years, the School has risen to the challenge of serving the evolving needs of generations of students. The deliberations that took place during the development of these prioritized goals similarly focused on doing what is best for children.

This has been an exciting, inclusive and comprehensive process for all involved, and I thank all the participants for their dedicated work and thoughtful contributions. In particular, I am thankful to the members of the Strategic Planning Committee who helped distill this vision for the future. I look forward to working with the community over the next fi ve years as we put our vision into action.

Warmest regards,

Andrea Archer, Head of School

Sharon Fownes Chair, Strategic Planning Committee; Board of Trustees

Walter Sullivan ‘79Chairman, Board of Trustees

Andrea ArcherHead of School

Susan Blair Board of Trustees

Barry BurlinghamDirector of Development

Paul DalyAthletic Director

Janet Evans-FullerMath Teacher & Science Department Head

Paul Falzone Current Parent

Rebecca Flaherty Current Parent

Benita Griffi nHead of Lower School

John HoughtonHead of Middle & Upper Schools

M. Kearin Lewis Board of Trustees

Susan MancusoGrade 1 teacher

Mary-Kate McKennaBoard of Trustees

Thalia McMillionDrama, Summer Program Director

Alice McWilliamsCurriculum Coordinator, Arts Department Head

Maria Murphy Current Parent, elected Board of Trustees

Peter Newby ‘98Grade 4 teacher

Martha Parker Current Parent

Polly RizzottoKindergarten teacher

Jay SadlonAssistant Head of School

Leigh Schwartz Current Parent

Doug ShropshireBusiness Manager

Trish ShropshireDirector of Technology

Christopher Williams ‘79 Alumnus, elected Board of Trustees

Dear Derby Community,

The Strategic Planning Committee

Derby Academy56 Burditt Ave. • Hingham, MA 02043781.749.0746 • www.derbyacademy.org

Developed by the administration, faculty, parents and trustees of Derby Academy

Derby Academy 2009-2010 Board of Trustees Walter Sullivan ‘79, President

Josiah D. Hatch, TreasurerWendy Carr Ellison ‘75, Secretary

Andrea Archer, ex offi cio, Head of SchoolMichael F. Barron

Susan BlairCatherine O. Cantillon

Mark G. ClaytonKaren Connolly, ex offi cio, President, Parents Association

Jonathan H. CookRobert L. CrawfordAnne D. FlemingSharon D. FownesRoy P. Giarusso

Joseph R. Harold III ‘83Ellen Roy Herzfelder

M. Kearin LewisRussell B. MacPhersonMary-Kate McKennaEllen B. Mitchell ‘85

Maria MurphyTobey C. O’Brien

Maureen PaceGeoffrey S. Theobald

Christopher Williams ‘79

Trustees EmeritiJane Cheever Carr ‘50Harry W. Healey, Jr.Patricia B. Leggat

Lisa LoringBruce H. Minevitz