News & Updates 5/9/25

It’s been a wonderful week, and the New School employees feel incredibly supported and honored by the surprises of Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you. I am feeling quite lucky to be part of this incredible community. Let me provide a little glimpse into the busy day of this Head of School.

The day started with five 8th graders popping into my office to convince me that a bouncy house was desperately needed for Field Day. We discussed the merits, I agreed to their proposal, and we played a few rounds of blackjack, just for fun.  A few minutes later, it was off to town with two fourth graders to conduct an interview, in preparation for our Nantucket Museum. First graders were impressive at Morning Meeting, as another pair of fourth graders and I ventured off to the Hyline for an interview about the fast ferry. Imagine our delight when the boys were invited into the wheelhouse to learn more about the workings of the ferry.  It was awesome!

And remember, it’s not even noon yet.

Returning to campus, the entire school gathered on the sports court with shimmering pompoms and cheers for the Great Nantucket Duck Race! Every student selected one duck to enter the race from the over 2400 ducks our students and families sold. Thank you!!  There were brief words of thanks, and we were off to the races, with Commodore Doug Massey officiating. Three lucky ducks cross the line, and we celebrated the incredible work of students to sell ducks, including those who sold the most in each division:  Jamie in Early School, Daisy in Lower School, and our big winner, Isla in Upper School, who sold more than 250 ducks. 

Then, it was time for lunch, the ice cream truck, and a more focused afternoon, wrapping up a few meetings with teachers and administrators and planning for the week ahead. I’ll be back in the Great Hall tonight to celebrate the Second Graders' sleepover, as Lisa and Brenda settle in for the night with the students.  What a school, what a community!  I feel as lucky as that winning duck! 

As your students share their news of the day, some may have heard that Matt Bulmer has accepted a position as a teacher of Wellness at the Nantucket Public School. While we’re sad to see Matt move on from the New School, we are grateful for his dedication to our students and their physical well-being. We’ll thank Matt more fully as we wrap up the school year in June, but please join me in congratulating him on his new role at CPS. 

If you’re celebrating your mom, or being celebrated because you’re a mother, I hope you’ll enjoy Mother’s Day and have a lovely weekend.