Feb. 24, 2012 - School pace remains brisk
Posted February 27, 2012
February 24, 2012
The pace has been brisk, the weather has been erratic, and spring break is just a week away. I am sure that the students are counting the hours! We have four major student trips this spring break – France, Austria, Italy and Utah (camping and backpacking with Brian Wofford). I am sure that all students will return from spring break rested and ready to bear down for the 4th quarter……not really.
Below are recent news items that I would like to share with you:
Board of Trustees Retreat
I wanted to update you about the Board of Trustees retreat last weekend. We had a very interesting weekend with much dialogue and discussion about the immediate future of Webb. Following the November Board meeting, there were three capital projects that the Board wanted us to pursue further – the addition of a Faculty House to Cooper-Farris dormitory, possible renovation of the Sain House, and lights for Lagler Field. The Board did approve the funds to build the house attached to Cooper-Farris. It will be large enough to house a family with two or three children, and provide excellent housing for a family attached to a dorm. We hope to finalize architectural plans in the next month and then secure a contractor. For the Sain House, structural engineers have basically told us that it would cost more money to bring this house up to present building codes for an office space than it would to start fresh. With this information, the Board wants to consider other options before moving forward. We need to consider a campus master plan for the future, to search all options for a location of an Alumni Center. Regarding lighting for Lagler Field, we are still looking to receive more pledges before we put this project to bid. So far we have $57,000 dollars in pledges, with a goal of $100,000. We are working hard to get others to pitch in to this important project. A pledge can be paid over the next five years. It would be great to be able to take this project to the board in April. If you need more information, please contact either Claudia Hazelwood, Director of Development, or me.
On Saturday morning, the Strategic Planning Committee met with the Board to go over the where we are on this important process. Most of you probably recall that this inclusive process began with a meeting of the Committee in September, followed by surveys of all of our constituents in October. Focus groups took place in November and the Committee met again in January. At the Board meeting we identified five major areas that we want to consider as we move forward in the next three years. We are in the process of forming committees to further examine these five areas to produce a document which will include: what we want to accomplish, how we are going to get there, and how we will measure our progress. It is exciting to work together to move Webb forward.
New Bus
Our new bus arrived this week and can be seen taking students on the Murfreesboro route and other bus trips. On Thursday, about 50 students, faculty, and I took a brief excursion with the bus to downtown Bell Buckle and back after chapel. It is very nice!
February Madness
We finally finished February madness at Webb – a soccer tournament and two basketball tournaments on three consecutive weekends! This was a wonderful opportunity for many visitors to see Webb for the first time, and we were great hosts. Athletic Director Scott Dorsett did a great job in providing the best for our visitors. In particular, the coaches had a wonderful hospitality room! Thanks also to Assistant Athletic Director Adrian Anderson and Athletic Trainer Emily Stubljar for their help in making everything go smoothly. Special thanks to the many volunteers from PAWS and other parents who provided hours of service to keep the concession stand running. You all worked together to show the “Best of Webb.”
Spring Sports
Spring sports are already practicing and games are beginning. Girls’ lacrosse won their opener and lost in their second game. This young team looks formidable for the next few years! The schedule picks up in this next week. Come on out and support the Feet!
Visitors’ Day
Our final Visitors’ Day was Feb.20. Seventeen families visited us on this day and most showed very strong interest in Webb. Acceptance letters will be mailed out soon, and we look forward to welcoming an excellent group of new students next August.
Boarding Merit Scholarship Finals
Next Saturday, March 3, is the date of our Boarding Merit Scholarship Interviews. Eleven top students have been invited to participate on this interview day. The winner will receive a full boarding scholarship to Webb. Last year’s recipient was Paige Schoonover of Clarksville, Tenn.
Website Highlights
Webb Player makes All-Region for Second Year:
Rasnick Boys State Delegate, Bryant Alternate:
Zach Ring’s Junior Presentation:
Webb Teams Claim 1st and 2nd in Engineering Competition:
Two Webb Students are Engineers-for-a-Day:
That about covers it for now. Leone and I will leave on Wednesday afternoon to attend the National Association of Independent Schools Conference in Seattle, Washington. One of the keynote speakers will be Bill Gates. He wrote an interesting editorial about teacher evaluation in yesterday’s New York Times. I look forward to hearing him. Here is a link to his editorial:
