A Message from Jodi Gerver, Upper School Dean of Students, May 2026

May 31, 2026

 
Dear Parents and Students, 

There is a saying that has always stayed with me: “Change doesn’t happen overnight.” Working with high school students reminds me constantly how true that is. Growth often happens in small moments that can be easy to miss day to day— moments that require patience, trust, and consistency from both students and the adults supporting them. At times, growth can even feel slow or invisible… dare I say microscopic. Yet when we look back at who our students were in September, the impact of countless “overnights” becomes incredibly clear.

Our students leave this year with greater confidence, resilience, empathy, and independence (though, whether they know it yet is a different story). They are learning not only how to succeed academically, but also how to advocate for themselves respectfully, navigate challenges thoughtfully, and contribute meaningfully to a community larger than themselves with care.

Below is just a small snapshot of the growth we have seen this year:

• Students engaged in respectful dialogue during Constructive Dialogue Day, practicing how to disagree thoughtfully, listen openly to differing perspectives, and approach difficult conversations with curiosity rather than judgment.
• Student leaders took initiative in planning and running club events and bake sales, developing skills in communication, organization, collaboration, and problem-solving along the way.
• Many students demonstrated growing accountability and independence through developing consistent daily habits, learning how to better manage responsibilities, routines, and expectations.
• Students advocated for ideas they believed would positively strengthen our school community, pitching initiatives such as Student of the Month and the elevator pass reward system.
• Some students participated in empathy-building workshops centered around perspective-taking, kindness, and reflecting on how their words and actions impact others.

Many students also took personal risks this year, using their voices more confidently, stepping into leadership opportunities, navigating disagreements thoughtfully, and learning that growth often comes from discomfort. These moments may seem small on their own, but together, they shape who our students are becoming.

This list is far from exhaustive, but it offers a glimpse into the growth, leadership, and character development we have witnessed throughout the year. As your child’s dean, I am incredibly proud of our students and grateful to partner with families in supporting them. It is truly a privilege to witness our students becoming more thoughtful, capable, self-aware, and courageous with each passing year. Though I must say, they are pretty wonderful to begin with! 

As we look ahead to next year, there is already so much to be excited about both inside and outside of the classroom. Whether through field trips, academic projects, opportunities to present and lead, athletics, service initiatives, or new community experiences, students will continue to have opportunities to challenge themselves, discover new interests, and grow in meaningful ways. The opportunities are there, and we remain deeply committed to supporting students as they reach new milestones, push beyond limits they may not have once thought possible, and continue becoming curious, open-minded, compassionate, and resilient young people.

I already look forward to welcoming our students back in September and continuing this journey together. Thank you for a wonderful year— there is so much to be grateful for and proud of. 


Sincerely, 

 

 

 

Jodi Gerver
Upper School Dean of Students