Page 5 - Norwood Spring 2019 Magazine

During turbulent times, we should time on teaching children these skills. Norwood will remain committed
never lose sight of the fact that we They are not only skills for elementary to being a stable and supportive
are giving our children the greatest of school; they are skills for middle school, employer. Teachers are the heart of
gifts—an elementary and middle school high school, college, and for life. our school. Their passion for education
education that is truly world-class. The and their dedication to the children in
research unequivocally suggests that During times of uncertainty, it is their care is truly remarkable. Ensuring
it is the elementary and middle school reassuring to know that Norwood is generous compensation packages and
years that ultimately have the greatest financially secure and on extremely ongoing professional development
impact on children’s achievement, solid financial footing. Part of this opportunities for our teachers will
social growth, and development. financial strength comes from the remain a top priority.
Children’s first impressions of school vision and foresight of the Board
last a lifetime. When children have a of Trustees when they started an Norwood will continue to build and
positive relationship with school at a endowment fund so many years ago. As sustain a financially secure future
young age, they are not only happier a result of strong returns and generous through—in part—cultivating a strong
coming to school, but achieve at higher support from trustees, parents, alumni, community that understands the
levels as well. That is why we make and friends, our endowment has grown importance of philanthropy to yield
such an effort at Norwood School to into the envy of many independent increased support for the mission of the
provide our children with a warm and PK-8 schools throughout the country. School. This includes endowment growth
nurturing environment, and a caring Through shrewd management by our as well as increasing and renovating
and supportive community. In the case portfolio manager, Maryland Capital curricular spaces to meet the goals of our
of schools, first impressions do make all Management, and intense oversight child-centered program and to enhance
the difference. by an extremely strong Investment faculty collaboration. We are grateful for
Committee, the School closely monitors the strong legacy of giving and leadership
Academic foundations are built during the endowment and uses earnings to that has brought us to this point in the life
the elementary and middle school years, support faculty compensation and of Norwood School, and we are excited
thereby setting the stage for future professional development, as well as to about what the future holds.
academic achievement. Quite frankly, provide financial support to 22% of the With all that has changed in the
poor academic preparation during the student body. landscape in recent months, so much
early years simply cannot be made remains the same within the kind and
up later. And, of course, the academic Through turbulent times, we will hold caring community of Norwood School.
preparation that children receive at steadfast to the goals and strategies We remain completely devoted to
Norwood School is second to none. defined in our 2016-2021 Strategic Plan. fulfilling the promise of our vision:
Year after year, Norwood graduates Specifically: Helping our students to develop
enter a variety of high schools ready confidence, hone critical and
to achieve at the highest levels. They Norwood will continue its strong creative thinking skills, learn to
are consistently well prepared for any commitment to financial aid. We explore opportunities and take
challenges they face. recognize that economic diversity is risks, and develop a sense of
a key component to the educational purpose and responsibility to the
It is in early childhood when children experience at Norwood School. Over world beyond the self.
are just forming their social identity. the past five years, Norwood’s tuition
Conflict resolution, working increases have been among the lowest Yours sincerely,
cooperatively, and solving social in the region. In addition, the Board
problems are all skills learned in these has approved increases in financial aid
early formative years. That is why spending in recent years, and it plans to Matthew A. Gould, Ph.D.
we at Norwood School spend so much continue to do so in the future. Head of School

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