1 PRINCIPAL JULY 2014 MISSION STATEMENT Founded in 1897 by the Order of St. Ursula, The Ursuline School is a Catholic, college preparatory school dedicated to the intellectual, spiritual, and moral development of young women. Rooted in the counsels of St. Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Sisters, the mission of the school community is to educate, inspire, and empower young women to learn, to lead and to serve. Committed to academic excellence and the value of every individual, the school challenges each student to develop and share her unique gifts within the school and within the wider community. In a student-centered atmosphere devoted to caring and concern, our young women are encouraged to celebrate the richness of their diverse ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds uniting them as students and as Ursuline alumnae. Seeking to model the teachings of St. Angela, the dedicated, talented and caring faculty, administration, and staff inspire our students not only to learn, but also to question, to reflect, and to challenge. An Ursuline education prepares young women to be lifelong learners, women of integrity, and wise, responsible leaders committed to the Ursuline tradition of "Serviam" - I will serve. CORE VALUES St. Angela s heritage Academic excellence Service Spirituality Community Social justice Openness to change Leadership Appreciation and tolerance Innovation The Ursuline School has initiated a search for its next Principal, who will assume leadership in July 2014. The school seeks a visionary educator whose leadership will ensure the continuation of an excellent academic program and who will promote the mission and values of the school. The school follows a President-Principal governance model. The new Principal will lead a community of approximately 796 students, 94 faculty members, and 34 staff members. The administrative team at the school consists of the President, Principal, Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs and Assistant Principal for Facilities and Middle School Coordinator. The Ursuline School is located in New Rochelle, NY, in Westchester County, and is a 30-minute train ride to mid-town Manhattan. New Rochelle has seen unprecedented economic growth, with an
THE URSULINE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL search 2 Enrollment Fall 2013: Middle School: 170 Upper School: 626 Total: 796 Administration: 5 Full-time Faculty: 76 Part-time Faculty: 18 Full-time Staff (including cafeteria and maintenance): 32 Part-time Staff: 2 Tuition: $17,000 Percentage of Families on Financial Aid: 38% (Need-based and merit scholarships) influx of residents in new housing leading to increases in businesses such as retail and restaurants. This year, the city is celebrating its 325 th year since its founding. The population is a mosaic of diverse neighborhoods, providing welcome for people to create a strong sense of community through civic, service, social and neighborhood groups. Ursuline students come from throughout Westchester County and the Bronx as well as from Manhattan and Connecticut, representing a broad diversity of racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school welcomes students of all religions. The Ursuline School s facility renovations have improved an already robust campus. The Mooney Hancock Arts Center houses a 300-seat theatre, orchestra and chorus practice rooms as well as the Digital Media Arts Center, dance and art studios and classroom space. Other additions include an Organic Teaching and Learning Garden. Most recently, an outdoor common area, a fitness center and locker rooms, and a state-ofthe-art turf field, complete with resurfaced tennis courts, were completed in the fall of 2012. Donations of time and resources for these projects came from the existing school community (including alumnae), which further demonstrates the appreciation and respect for an Ursuline education held by all who are associated with the school. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). It is a member of the National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls (NAPSG), National Coalition of Girls Schools (NCGS), National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). THE URSULINES In 1535, Angela Merici, a woman in her sixties, founded a group of women called the Company of St. Ursula. Their mission was to spread the Gospel message into the homes and hearts of their neighborhood. These Ursulines, as they came to call themselves, spread around the world over the centuries, teaching, counseling, and meeting the needs of many. Today, each school of Ursuline educators strives to meet the ever-changing needs of its students including those arising from diversity and learning needs. In 1990, in an effort to enhance Ursuline
THE URSULINE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL search 3 education across the continent, to continue the tradition of the Ursuline charism and education, and to ensure the ongoing service of Ursuline schools to their communities, an ad hoc committee was formed by the leadership of the Ursuline Congregations. Thus, Ursuline Educational Services (UES) was established. THE PROGRAM The mission of The Ursuline School and the charism of the Order of St. Ursula are reflected in the challenging college preparatory curriculum and overall educational experience that is provided to students. To fulfill its mission, the school maintains a strong and balanced offering of required and elective academic and enrichment courses. Advanced Placement and Honors courses are available to qualified students, based on stringent departmental requirements. Online courses, through Online School for Girls, offer additional opportunities for learning. Seventh- and eighth-grade students have the opportunity to earn high school credit in science, math, and foreign language, thus over 90% of the students take four or more years in those subject areas. The Ursuline School emphasizes the personal and spiritual development of its young women. In addition to religion classes, retreats are offered at all seven grade levels. Peer Ministers, junior and seniors who are trained in listening, group leadership and faith values, help lead the retreats. In addition, the Personal Development Program, offered from grades 6-9, provides students opportunities to learn life skills, such as relationship building and conflict resolution, and will often lead to students participating in the Peer Leadership and/or Peer Mediation programs. Students can also participate in Teen Angels, a program focusing on Internet safety as well as issues such as cyber-bullying. Teen Angels are trained to provide education and support both in-house as well as for the greater community. THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY Students speak of the importance, not only of academics, but also of the traditions at Ursuline School. In addition, they value the relationships they have with their teachers. They participate in exchange programs with other Ursuline Schools throughout the world and value the myriad of opportunities for learning. They like the empowerment, wisdom and service that are an integral part of school life, and forge a strong connection with one another through classes, athletics, the arts, and peer leadership programs. Faculty and staff at Ursuline School are a highly committed group of educators, who place respect for students as a vital component of the school s profile. Ninetypercent of the faculty have graduate degrees and many have enjoyed a long tenure at the school. They value the diversity of the school, the close relationship between themselves and the students, and the focus on developing the whole person. Treating students as individuals is a phrase that is often repeated. Long-held traditions are an important aspect of the Ursuline experience. Girls look forward to such events as Ring Day, Family Barbeque, Freshman Investiture, the Mother-Daughter Communion Breakfast and the Father-Daughter Dance. Ursuline girls are given significant opportunities to participate in the arts program. Theatrical productions, including technical support, dance, music and fine arts feature the talents of student work. Formal publications, such as the school
THE URSULINE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL search 4 newspaper, literary magazine and yearbook, are published by the students. Athletics are a vital part of the program, with the school offering over 34 athletic teams, including the only girls crew team in Westchester County. Numerous clubs and activities that meet both during school time and after school round out the robust extracurricular offerings at Ursuline. THE POSITION The Principal has primary responsibility for the overall operation of the school and must be committed to the mission and philosophy of The Ursuline School. Specifically, the Principal oversees curriculum development relevant to the 21 st century and consistent with the school s mission, and is responsible for working closely with faculty and staff in implementing program. The Principal supports the policies, mandates and vision of the President of The Ursuline School. The new Principal must have an understanding of organizational dynamics so that appropriate professional structures can be maintained for the cohesive functioning of the academic program and instruction. The new Principal will lead the faculty in effective discussion and articulation of the pedagogical vision for the school, particularly in the context of the Ursuline mission for education and the nature of today s students. Specifically, he/she will engage the faculty to define and measure teaching excellence for The Ursuline School, and work collaboratively through the professional development and evaluation program to ensure best practices. Additionally, the Principal will develop appropriate systems and structures (e.g. schedule) to ensure the effective implementation of the programmatic goals and to serve the needs of all of the students. Finally, it will be important that the new Principal work in close collaboration with the President to establish a clear vision for Ursuline s program. PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES The next Principal for The Ursuline School should be a student-focused, visionary educator with experience in secondary school administration. In addition to being a skillful manager and a strategic thinker, successful candidates will have the background and competencies that include most or all of the following: The ability to embrace and communicate The Ursuline School s mission to inspire and unite teachers, parents, and prospective families. A passion for, and leadership experience in, secondary education, particularly in the education of young women, and the willingness to support a culture of learning and high expectations.
THE URSULINE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL search 5 A deep understanding of and experience with faculty supervision and evaluation as well as program design and curriculum development at the secondary level. The ability to work closely with an experienced faculty and staff as an instructional leader, to support and facilitate their commitment to academic excellence, while delegating appropriately and ensuring accountability. A desire for collaboration and openness that genuinely invites and respects the perspectives and views of others, yet is decisive when required. The ability to connect and communicate effectively and frequently with faculty members, administration, parents and students. Knowledge of the effective use of technology as a teaching/learning tool as required for the position. A willingness to work closely and comfortably with the President, the administrative team, as well as with faculty and staff, to build a true partnership for the school. Effective conflict resolution/negotiation skills that include appropriate use of diplomacy and mediation. An ability to interface with the media and general public on matters that extend to the community as a whole. A demonstrated ability to lead in crisis situations, whatever form they may take. A graduate degree and appropriate administrative experience. PERSONAL QUALITIES The ideal candidate for Principal at The Ursuline School would be a person with a strong Catholic background, who is confident, yet approachable. Strong communication skills, respect for others, and integrity are qualities that are desired in the new Principal, as well as the ability to listen to and understand different perspectives. Prior experience in a secondary school education leadership position would be an important factor in evaluating the candidate s level of competency in these skill areas. This educational leader will be hands-on and be able to motivate faculty and earn their respect as the visionary leader of The Ursuline School. The next Principal is someone who is calm under pressure, committed to lifelong learning, and possesses a forward-thinking view. A sense of humor and a true love and commitment to all-girls education are important qualities. Finally, the Search Committee seeks someone who respects the history and traditions of the Ursulines and this institution and has a true desire to become an integral part of both the school and the local community.
THE URSULINE SCHOOL head of school search 6 SEARCH PROCESS The Ursuline School has engaged the national executive search firm Educational Directions, Incorporated, to assist with the search. The Search Committee plans to complete the search late fall 2013. Candidates should submit all information as soon as possible, but not before first speaking with one of the Search Consultants: Risa Oganesoff Heersche Mathew Heersche, Ed.D. rheersche@edu-directions.com mheersche@edu-directions.com Electronic submission of materials is required. Please send materials in a consolidated pdf format. Reference letters should be submitted separately. Candidates should submit: Cover letter explaining why they are interested in and qualified for the Principalship at The Ursuline School Brief personal statement that includes the candidate s thoughts on leading The Ursuline School Current resume Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of five references One or two written letter(s) of reference Roman Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York base not only their educational purposes, but all their activities, on the Christian teaching of the essential equality of all people as rooted in the love of God, the redemption of Christ and the supernatural destiny of each person. Thus, with discrimination so repugnant to their mature and mission, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese have not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. This policy is subscribed to by all Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese, the parishes of the Archdiocese, and religious communities within the Archdiocese. A complete listing of the names and addresses of these schools may be found in the Official Catholic Directory.