By: Emily McCaslin-Hahn
As a D’Evelyn graduate, I have a unique perspective. I experienced the Founding Document before I read it. Reading the document after graduating from D’Evelyn in 2012 was a powerful experience. It was not merely an outline for how a school should be structured, but rather a six year period of my life described in one succinct, thoughtful, and thorough document. It outlined from beginning to end the opportunities I was provided throughout my time as a student at D’Evelyn. In reflecting on the overarching themes that I took away from my education at D’Evelyn, I ended up with these 9 statements. During my time at D’Evelyn, I developed the following skills and abilities:
In reading the document, it came to life for me that every bullet point that I was able to pull from experience had been clearly anticipated and outlined by our founders. They deliberately laid out a path that every D’Evelyn graduate would take; they took the time, not to simply start a common school, but to start an uncommon school that would lay a solid foundation for all of its students. They knew that their program would impact a student’s entire life. In returning to D’Evelyn I have the privilege of passing this foundation on to my students, your children. My colleagues and I deliver the core body of knowledge to your students day by day and year after year to prepare them for the world beyond our walls. You have given your children an incredible gift by enrolling them at D’Evelyn, a gift that I am excited to give my daughter, too. While there will be challenges and hard work, your student will graduate with the knowledge and ability to be successful in any future pursuit. I would encourage you to take the time to carefully read through our Founding Document, even if you have read it before. If you are a parent of a current D’Evelyn student, I would ask you to take the time to discuss it with your student. Tell them that D’Evelyn is preparing them to be a productive and engaged member of society with the power and potential to make a difference in the world. Help them see how in each of their classes, both current and past, that they are now one step closer to reaching that final goal: not simply building knowledge but also building strong character. If you are a parent of a D’Evelyn graduate, ask your child to reflect on the overarching takeaways learned throughout their time at D’Evelyn; compare them to the Founding Document. And as a parent, be proud of your student for taking on this challenging curriculum and engaging with a variety of subjects. Encourage them when they face challenges, and celebrate each learning opportunity. You have provided your student with a one-of-a-kind education. It is the gift that will keep giving! I am so excited to continue to partner with you as we begin the 2022-2023 school year. Taking the time to reflect on why we all chose D’Evelyn and what D’Evelyn promises our students will steer us in the right direction for an excellent school year! |
The Steering Committee is the governing board of the school and establishes policies designed to maintain and enhance its liberal arts philosophy. The Steering Committee appoints Directors to the Board of the D'Evelyn Education Foundation. Archives
March 2023
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