Head of School

Thank You, Parents

Dear parents,
 
Thanks to our many Home and School Association volunteers for a wonderful Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day. Alaina Brandon and Jo Hankins created an amazing luncheon that transported us to Paris! Merci beaucoup. Tower Hill parents are the best!
 
We are also fortunate to be welcoming a wonderful group of new parents to our community next year. This week we hosted the New Parents Reception at Hayward House; I wish you could have experienced the terrific energy and excitement these new parents have as they prepare to join the Tower Hill community. 
 
We can all take pride in the robust admissions outlook that Tower Hill is fortunate to be experiencing. Through the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools, I see statistics and demographics that are sobering; it not always the case in today's independent school market, especially in the Mid-Atlantic, that schools are experiencing a rosy admissions picture. Because of the Tower Hill's strength, which includes both a pride in the tried-and-true and bold goals for the future of our school, I wanted you to be aware of the following: 
  • Applications to Tower Hill were up 15% over last year.
  • Open House attendance increased 20% from last year. 
Something important is happening, and fundamentally it is thanks to Tower Hill teachers! We are fortunate that 93% of our faculty have recommitted to teach at Tower Hill next year — this is a very healthy figure that is higher than the NAIS benchmark of 80-90%. That said, spring in schools is always bittersweet, as we take time to thank and honor teachers who have decided to retire or go on to new adventures. As we do at the end of every school year, we will of course take time to celebrate and thank those who are departing. Tower Hill is also fortunate to have very strong interest from prospective teaching candidates. We are well positioned to be choosy. As we have a few teacher searches still in progress, we will provide a complete welcome communication in the late summer that will include all new names and faces. 
 
Finally, our thoughts are with the Ballard family this morning as Cpl. Stephen Ballard’s memorial service takes place in Wilmington. Here on campus, we will be planting a tree in memory of Cpl. Ballard in remembrance and celebration of his life and service. His legacy will not be forgotten.
 
Sincerely,
Bessie
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