HeadWay

In this episode of the Headway Podcast, Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus sits down with Head-Royce parents Marissa Silva and Kate Jackson Hobbs to explore what it means to be part of the school community. From volunteering and family networks to sharing personal passions and supporting campus projects, they discuss the many ways families can build meaningful connections and make a lasting impact. Through stories of welcoming new families, celebrating student growth, and bringing the “Little Toy” playground to life, they reflect on how involvement helps create a vibrant, inclusive community where students and families can thrive.

In this episode of HeadWay, Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus sits down with drama teachers Andie Patterson and Andy Spear for a behind-the-scenes look at the theater program at Head-Royce. They discuss how shows are selected, what goes into casting it, and why certain productions may never make the cut. They also reflect on the unexpected lessons of live performance (including one from a famously mischievous ghost!) the importance of collaboration, and what they hope students will carry with them long after the curtain closes.

In this episode of HeadWay, Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus sits down with Nancy Feidelman, Director of the Center for Community Engagement, for a thoughtful conversation about how students connect their learning to the world beyond campus. Together, they explore what community engagement looks like at Head-Royce, how it is built through meaningful relationships and real-world experiences, and how it continues to evolve in response to students' and the wider community's needs.

In this episode, senior Emmy Mitchell sits down with Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about education, leadership, and the experiences that shape us. Ricky reflects on his journey as an educator, his years at Head-Royce, and the perspective he brings to leading a school community with both joy and authenticity. Their conversation touches on everything from the signature style of Ricky’s emails to his favorite books, his approach to leadership, and what he was like as a student before he was the one making the rules. Along the way, Emmy guides the discussion with humor and insight, drawing out stories that are thoughtful, self-aware, and occasionally unexpected. The result is a lively and heartfelt episode about being seen, growing up, and finding meaning in school and beyond.

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer speaks with John Palfrey, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, about the intersection of education, technology, and philanthropy. Their conversation explores equity in education, the importance of annual giving in schools, the value of creativity, and how technology is shaping a changing philanthropic landscape. John also reflects on the enduring role of institutions in building a more just society and the power of collective action among students.

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer interviews Whitney Soule, Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions, focusing on the importance of individuality, the innovative Thank You Note essay, and the role of student agency. Whitney shares insights on how students can thrive in college, the impact of AI and standardized testing on admissions, and offers advice for parents navigating the college application process.

Chapters

00:00:00 - 00:00:56 Introduction

00:00:56 - 00:06:56 The Thank You Note Essay: A New Approach

00:06:56 - 00:10:52 Understanding Student Success in College

00:10:52 - 00:13:15 The Importance of Student Agency

00:13:15 - 00:16:15 Navigating the College Application Process

00:16:15 - 00:21:14 The Undergraduate Experience

00:21:14 - 00: 26:48 The Role of AI in College Admissions

00:26:48 - 00:30:56 The Impact of Standardized Testing

00:30:56 - 00:34:12 Advice for Parents in the College Process

00:34:12 - 00:38:55 What Moves Admissions Readers

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer and Head-Royce's inaugural Director of Design and Making, David Clifford, discuss the transformative power of design thinking in education. They explore how a human-centered approach can foster creativity, empathy, and real-world impact, while emphasizing the importance of belonging and equity in learning environments. David shares his journey as an educator and design strategist, highlighting the need for creativity at all levels of education. The conversation also touches on the vision for the new makerspace at Head-Royce and the role of collaboration in shaping the future of learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking

02:59 David Clifford's Journey and Philosophy

05:51 Creativity and Belonging in Education

08:47 The Role of Design Thinking in Schools

11:54 Consequences of Design and Human-Centered Approaches

14:56 A New Framework

18:00 Embedding Design Thinking in School Culture

21:04 Equity and Design Outcomes

24:00 Future Vision

27:07 Personal Insights and Fun Facts

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer speaks with Dr. Shavon Davis, Head-Royce School's upcoming Head of Lower and Middle Schools about the new K-8 structure. They discuss the importance of centering students in education, fostering continuity across lower and middle school years, and the critical roles of family and educator voices in supporting student growth. Dr. Davis emphasizes collaboration among leadership roles and the significance of academic preparation in nurturing confident, self-assured students. The conversation highlights a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HeadWay and New Leadership Structure

02:00 The Importance of K-8 Education

04:07 Opportunities and Challenges in Student Development

06:05 Fostering Continuity Across Age Groups

08:03 Centering Student Voices in Education

09:55 Collaboration with Families and Educators

12:09 The Role of Leadership in Student Experience

14:04 Academic Preparation and Student Confidence

16:08 Vision for Student Experience at Head-Royce

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer chats with Dr. Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, about how schools can balance academic excellence with student well-being. Their conversation touches on a range of topics—from how academic rigor and well-being can go hand in hand, to rethinking homework and assessments so they better reflect real learning. Dr. Pope also shares her thoughts on the impact of AI in the classroom, the importance of thoughtful school schedules, and why centering student voice and strong relationships matters more than ever.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Academic Excellence and Well-Being

02:57 The Interplay of Rigor and Well-Being

05:54 Rethinking Homework Policies

08:51 Supporting Students Without Pressure

11:48 Assessing the State of Student Stress

14:59 The Role of AI in Education

18:11 The Importance of School Schedules

20:52 Challenging the Notion of Success

23:46 Student Voice in Education

27:04 Building Relationships for Better Learning

https://www.headroyce.org

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer and Assistant Head Joel Sohn discuss Head-Royce School’s new strategic direction, shaped by community feedback. They explore the re-articulated mission, vision, and core values, highlighting their connection to the school’s focus on character, intellect, and creativity. They also outline key priorities and initiatives designed to enhance student learning and well-being. The conversation underscores the school’s commitment to continuous improvement and the vital role of community engagement in bringing these initiatives to life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HeadWay

02:08 Developing a New Strategic Direction

06:11 Misson, Vision, and Values

11:55 Key Priorities and Initiatives

18:04 Implementation and Measuring Success

27:56 Looking Ahead

https://www.headroyce.org