Head of School

Never before have I seen a senior class at Hewitt take such ownership over the kind of experience they wanted to have in the classroom, outside of the classroom, and even here, on this very day of their graduation from Hewitt. 

On the two year anniversary of the onset of the pandemic, I am reminded of the transformative power of human kindness to forge a brighter future. For it is kindness—genuine, loving, human kindness—that opens up the dark and brings back the light.

As we head back to school, let us remember that “back to normal” is not the goal. Doing school even better than we did before, so that our students are even more prepared for ethical leadership in a changed and rapidly changing world—that is the goal. 

The Class of 2021 chose Amy Walter as their Commencement speaker because she is the embodiment of Hewitt’s mission. A journalist and political analyst, Amy is a game changer and ethical leader and we celebrate her integrity, her strong voice, and her important work to strengthen our democracy. 

I write today about the persistence of suffering, violence, and hate in our city, our country, and our world. No one should ever be the target of violence or hate because of who they are. At Hewitt, we are guided by our mission, values, and diversity and inclusivity statement as we unequivocally condemn all forms of hate, bigotry, and violence.

Feeling genuine kindness for strangers who have different identities, life experiences, or interests from us gives living in New York City an incomparable charge. Though much about New York City can, should, and will change because of the pandemic, the heart and soul of this city will come back, with a force as indefatigable as loving kindness to strangers.

As a girls’ school, we proudly celebrate the inauguration of the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States of America. Today marked the first time in our nation’s history when Hewitt girls and young women, along with millions of girls and women across this country, could see themselves reflected at the highest level of American government.

If you are anything like me, you are apt to jump headlong into your "To Do" list. Yet recently I learned about the benefits of setting your "To Do" list aside (if only for a few moments) in order to make a "Done" list. I gave it a try and found it to be a helpful little exercise to bring closure to the winter break and get myself in the right frame of mind to return, with presence, to my work at Hewitt, especially at the outset of the new year.