February 26, 2018 View this newsletter online by clicking here.

Seven Questions With.... A profile series of AIMS Heads of School, this year we highlight those with new appointments at our member schools.

Jon Kidder Head of School,

What do you think is the most important innovation that Independent Schools must adopt? Looking back at the last fifty years in independent school education, I would argue that our greatest innovations as an industry have not been about technology in the classroom or the advent of progressive pedagogy or even our expanding understanding of learning and brain. Our most transformational changes have been about demographics and democratic engagement. The rapid increase in financial assistance and, more recently, the intentionality around inclusion have made our schools stronger, better places.

One of my favorite poets once wrote that “Poetry, like bread, is for everyone”—and I believe that leaders in independent schools have a moral imperative to harness our efforts to increase access and equity. Our schools are in the early stages of becoming truly accessible and inclusive to all students. This innovation must continue not simply because our industry needs to adapt to survive in a demographically evolving country, but because embracing this work is the right choice for our kids and our future.

Read more of this interview here.

AIMS has partnered with Loyola University of to provide for AIMS members fully online microcredentials programs opening for registration this spring. These mini certifications provide an in-depth look and hands-on practice with topics of great interest to independent school teachers. Each one requires about 12-15 hours of work and is completed in a 4-8 week span. It's only $150 per microcredential and the first four topics we have developed in tandem with Loyola's professors are: Choosing and Using Tech Tools for Higher Level Learning, Project Based Learning, Designing Your Curriculum For Personalized Learning, and Leading Technology Professional Development. You can learn more about this new program here, as well as register later this Spring.

Independent Dance Network News

The first-ever Independent Dance Network (IDN) Festival held January 20th at the Friends School of Baltimore was a success. They were able to have 10-12 schools participate with approximately 100 students. It was the first time that Independent Schools were able to come together in one place to educate, perform, & be addressed by a university professor about the different avenues for college bound students. The day culminated with a beautiful performance by each school. The intention is to expand the event to more schools next year.

Is the AIMS-Accredited Logo On Your Web Page?

AIMS will be beginning a marketing campaign on behalf of all independent schools in Maryland this Fall and one of the most important components will be explaining the value and relevance of accreditation. We'll tell folks to look for the AIMS- accredited logo on school Web sites. You may want to make sure yours is visible! If you don't have a high quality version, you can always email [email protected] for a copy!

And speaking of Accreditation...

We've had a lot of schools busy busy engaging excellence, self-reflection, and accreditation this in 2017 - 2018! Here's a list of schools who have recently been re- accredited or have had action plans approved. Schools that have used Version 7.0 Accrediation Guide have been included.

Decennial Accreditations Approved by the AIMS Board: Mercy High School St. Timothy’s School

Schools Renewing Accreditation with Five-Year Report Reviews Cambridge School Georgetown Day School Harford Day School Indian Creek School National Cathedral School Severn School Sheridan School

Schools utilizing AIMS Accreditation Guide Pilot 7.0 Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School Mercy High School Connelly School of the Holy Child Highlands School St. Patrick’s School

On a side note, AIMS has submitted our own accreditation Response to the NAIS Commission on Accreditation Self-Study Report 2.1 on February 1, 2018. AIMS anticipates a positive response from the Commission and re-accreditation of AIMS by end-of-March. How appropriate that the accreditors engage in the accreditation process striving for and modeling best practice!

Making Schools Safe

The 20th Anniversary of the Making Schools Safe Conference on February 2nd was sold-out and chock full of enthusiasm, energy and reflection on LBGT issues. From perspectives offered by those who started the program, to a model response to a gender transition, to facilitated case study discussions, attendees grappled with the complexities of issues facing our schools. The closing keynote speaker, Jabari Lyles (Executive Director of GLSEN Maryland) invigorated our attendees with stories showing how far we have come, yet gave advice for moving forward. Our plan for next year's event includes perhaps locating a larger venue so that all who wish to attend can do so.

Start thinking spring and save the date for the EBS Spring Conference and Wellness Summit on May 16th from 8:30-3:00 at the DoubleTree Columbia.

Details to follow……….

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

Character Education As A Core Value in Physical Education 3/1 at Norwood School Sex Ed Roundtable 3/2 at The Key School Middle School Dean of Students Gathering 3/5 at Norwood School (SnowDate) Extended Day and Summer Camp as Innovation Opportunities 3/2 at Georgetown Day High School Fincamp: Financial Education Resources 3/13 at Research, Digital Reflection and Inquiry Based Learning in Grade 3 3/14 at St. Patrick's Episcopal School Raising Awareness of Diversity and Inclusion Issues in Lower and Middle School 3/19 at Green Acres School

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