Head of School's Message: November 14

Cal has taught life science and a lunchtime microbiology elective at Chandler for eleven years. He has attended more flag football, basketball and volleyball games home and away than anyone other than Athletic Director Bill Anderson. He believes it’s important for teachers to support students inside and outside the classroom. On Thursday morning, he was still processing something that happened on Wednesday evening during Chandler’s ‘A’ basketball game against Mayfield Junior School in Mayfield’s gym. “After all this time, I finally saw a Chandler eighth-grader dunk. An eighth grader dunked a basketball!” A teacher known for his emotional restraint, and calm even-keeled temperament, remained incredulous a day later.

Cal said Chandler had the game well in hand before the dunk, but it had the impact of demoralizing the opposition. Jaws dropped and shoulders sagged. Always a model of good character and sportsmanship, Cal said it was all he could do not to jump out of his seat and cheer. Chandler students often go above and beyond what’s expected of them. On Wednesday Eighth Grader Ayo Balogun soared above the rim, and Lord Cal was there to see it. Ayo has vowed to do it again. The next 8th Grade basketball game at home is on Thursday, November 17 at 3:30 p.m. against Flintridge Prep.

In another ‘first,’ a full day was set aside for parent conferences on Friday. It was good to see a steady stream of parents visiting teachers in the classrooms. Fifty students were on campus for the full-day camp program run by After School Director Alycia Brown and her staff. Others dropped in when their parents came for conferences throughout the day Middle School Director Rob Evans and I met with 8th Grade parents to talk about high schools and secondary school applications. Head Elect Emily Brown interrupted her lower school conference schedule to join us and familiarize herself with Chandler’s process that she will be leading this time next year.

Today’s Cloverleaf includes an infographic assembled by Director of Communications Carmen Villanueva based on the results of the NAIS parent survey sent to Chandler families in May. Following several surveys garnering community input for the head search and strategic plan, survey fatigue featured at the end of the school year, and we only received 121 responses, just about 30% of the total. The results are not disaggregated for middle and lower school. We are cautious about interpreting the results, but they are affirming nonetheless. 

90% are either satisfied or very satisfied with their child's experience at Chandler. 87% are satisfied or very satisfied with the challenging curriculum and core academic program. 84% are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of teachers. As you will see from the charts, Chandler's results exceed NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) numbers in all categories. 

91.4% of those responding agreed with the statement, “My child’s school offers a welcoming environment.” Through our focus on the school goals of connecting, uniting and growing this year, we hope that number is closer to 100% next time we survey. 

Parent conferences are occasions for connection as you learn how well your child is known at Chandler by teachers like Robert Calderon who support students inside and outside the classroom.