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The School Family
Geoffrey C. Butler
Interim Headmaster
Independent schools like Holland Hall are often thought of as families or family schools, terms that evoke a wide range of expectations or interpretations. On the one hand, it has the reassuring connotation of being caring, supportive and nurturing. But, does that mean that the school must or can accommodate all children in every school family? Or, in another context, does being a family school mean that the school is somehow exclusive and intended for only certain families? Does the family context of independent school make it more or less democratic than its public counterparts?
What at first seems to be a simple descriptive term can quickly become confusing and conflicting. If we choose to think of Holland Hall as a family school, I would focus on several characteristics. First, we should be a community that shares a common set of values and expectations which are expressed in the school’s mission and values statement through a rigorous academic experience, sound values and commitment to social responsibility. When we think about how education takes place, we often begin with the assumption that it is the product of the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student. But, just as much learning takes place between student and student and from student to teacher. A big part of the independent school experience is being with others who share common ground of right and wrong, the value of learning, appreciation for others and a desire for personal growth. During my seven months at Holland Hall, I have repeatedly observed the many ways in which students and teachers treat each other with consideration. Certainly, like all families, there are times when we can also be inconsiderate. But, then we are reminded of our common cause and get back on course.
Another dimension to being a family school is the way in which the families whose children attend Holland Hall become part of the larger family. In a sense, Holland Hall really becomes a neighborhood. We have students and families from every part of Tulsa and a number of surrounding communities. We do not all live in the same geographic, social, ethnic or economic space. But, because we already share some common expectations for the children and we share the many experiences the children have at school, we become one neighborhood bound together for the benefit of the students. Families that would otherwise never have met, share years of common experience at Holland Hall. And they come together in support of that experience. Having just spent part of the day at the Book Fair, I have seen the most recent example of parents, student, teachers, administrators and past parents working together for the benefit of the school. Whether it’s coming together to watch a middle school dance performance, a varsity athletic contest, Trivia Night, jazz band night or parent council meetings, we are all part of the neighborhood.
In my first months at Holland Hall, we had a number of meetings with parent groups and faculty discussing public perceptions of the school. Certainly there are many very positive perceptions, most notably about the positive academic and learning environment. But, whenever there is conversation about independent schools invariably the labels referring to economic or social caste come up. As a tuition charging school, that is unavoidable. I contend, however, that in many ways Holland Hall is exceptionally democratic. A large sum of financial aid is granted annually ($1.7 million) in order to make the school as accessible and affordable as possible. Furthermore, no one has to attend Holland Hall. They do so only by choice. Every student is here on the same basis, having gained admission by qualifying academically and every family shares in the cost of the education. Therefore, all are on the same level ground. Without pandering to inappropriate parental demands, the school still must perform as advertised within its mission in order for families to want to remain in the neighborhood. Each family is equally important just as each student is.
In his book "Lessons from Privilege, the American Prep School Tradition", Art Powell writes, “In a good school, constituencies … feel pulled toward common institutional loyalty … the school is their own and must survive by their collective efforts. But it also derives from vital traditions that make everyone proud to be a member of the community. Pride sustains community.”
Just as the family unit is bound for the nurture of children, the bond of our school family is maintained by the same purpose. Perhaps like most families, we have our own internal disagreements but share a common bond and set of values that supersede our individual differences.
Class Placement Decisions: Fitting the Pieces Together
Jo-An Vargo
Head of Primary School
It’s an important time of year. Enrollment contracts have been offered, and parents are beginning to think about their children moving on to the next grade level for the 2011-12 academic year. It’s a natural leap to the question, “Who might ______’s teacher be?” While parents may have fond memories of a teacher who taught their older child or have heard about other parents’ impressions of teachers, our perspective as educators may be very different. Therefore, I think it’s important for families to understand the complexities of class placement.
Imagine a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. Each of the many pieces is filled with bright colors and subtle shadings. Each individual piece has to be carefully analyzed as the puzzle is assembled. It needs to be placed in just the right position. When the puzzle is completed, the result is a beautiful abstract design that resembles those one sees in a kaleidoscope. Do you have an image in your mind’s eye? Please hold it while you continue. READ MORE>>
Cultivating Innovative Thinking in the Middle School
Joel Bicknell
Head of Middle School
During a recent visit to Salem, North Carolina, our President remarked, “Fifty years later, our nation’s Sputnik moment is back.” The comment focused my reflections on the responsibilities of independent school educators to embrace the freedom we have to be innovative. A decade into the 21st Century, it is clear that education must lead the way in promoting innovative thinking. Certainly, given the complexities of the problems our students will be thrust into as global citizens, we have a moral responsibility as educators to model and expect innovative thinking both in and out of the classroom.
In the Fall 2010 article, “Creating a Culture of Innovation,” Jamie Feild Baker and Lee Burns write about how they transformed their school’s culture by looking at Google – a company widely accepted as being a leader in innovative thinking. A definition of innovation emerges from their experience as informed, unbridled creativity within accepted boundaries. READ MORE>>
Life in the Upper School – What Students Are Saying
Dennis L. Calkins
Head of the Upper School
In the days since the faculty viewed the documentary film “Race to Nowhere”, Upper School students have been meeting in their advisor groups to discuss various issues that were raised in the film. I asked advisors to present five broad topics for discussion:
1. Homework – What kind, how much, too much?
2. Pressure and stress – How much is there? Where does it come from? How do you cope?
3. Over-scheduling – How busy are you? – (Including school and non-school obligations.)
4. Sleep – How much sleep do you get? Is it enough?
5. What might it be like if we focused more on process and less on product (grade)? READ MORE>>
Annual Fund News: Grade Challenge
Just announced! The grade in each division with the highest Annual Fund giving percentage as of May 1, 2011 will be awarded that most coveted prize of all… a Free Dress Day! Check below for current standings and click here to give a gift of any size and participate in Holland Hall’s most important fundraiser.
Percentage of parents who have given to Annual Fund 2010-2011
2nd Grade 68%
7th Grade 65%
3rd Grade 63%
6th Grade 63%
5th Grade 60%
9th Grade 55%
4th Grade 53%
JrK/Kindergarten 51%
8th Grade 51%
11th Grade 50%
Preschool 45%
10th Grade 41%
1st Grade 40%
12th Grade 40%
Overall Parent Giving: 50%
(Goal 75%)
Why We Give:
Save the Date! Schureman Circle Giving Society Reception April 6
In recognition and celebration of their membership in the Schureman Circle Giving Society, members will be honored at a reception on April 6, 2011 in the Holliman Gallery of the Walter Arts Center. Special guest will be new Head of School John Marshall.
Schureman Circle supporters of the Annual Fund are those dedicated parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends who give $1,000 or more in a fiscal year to the Holland Hall Annual Fund. They give generously so that our students continue to receive the highest quality education available anywhere.
For more information about the Schureman Circle Giving Society or to become a member, please contact Beth Goddard, Director of Annual Giving, at 918-481-1111 or visit hollandhall.org and click on the “Invest in Holland Hall” link.
Dutch Win Two SPC Championships
Boys Soccer: Two of the three soccer games for the boys came down to the last minute or one shot. The Dutch prevailed in the first game, 2-0 vs. Kinkaid. Nathan Stewart and Jackson Buchanan scored for the Dutch. In a very difficult semifinal match against ESD, the Dutch scored early on a penalty kick from Tommy Hart. ESD would later tie the game, but Jackson Buchanan scored the go ahead goal with less than 30 seconds remaining for a 2-1 Dutch win. In the final on Saturday, the Dutch had a rematch of the 2008 SPC Championship game with St. Mark’s, where the Dutch won in penalty kicks. In the 2011 SPC Final, the Dutch took an early lead with a Nick Rohleder goal in the third minute of the game, only to give up a goal to St. Mark’s in the next minute of play. The score stayed tied throughout the game sending it into OT. After a scoreless overtime, the game went to penalty kicks. St. Mark’s scored on their first try, as HH missed on its first two PK shots. Nathan Stewart, Austin Miller and Quinn Starker scored on their three PK’s and goalie Will Wright was outstanding in goal to help the Dutch to their 3rd SPC Championship in 4 years. The boys finished, 18-0-1 on the season.
Girls Basketball: For the ninth time in school history, a program has won three consecutive SPC Championships. The girls basketball team has now won a school best, 11 SPC Championships, finishing the season at 22-0 and a 32 game win streak. The girls took on the Houston schools at SPC defeating Houston Episcopal on their home floor in the first game. It was 14- 14 tie midway through the first half, and Christina Bayliss helped lead a 17-0 run for the Dutch and prevail to a 54-31 victory. In the semi final game against St. John’s, the game was back and forth and the Dutch held a two point lead at half. Early in the third quarter, the Dutch wore down St. John’s and won 49-36. In the SPC final game on Saturday, the Dutch played in front of a very partisan Houston crowd, but showed early that the Dutch were the team to beat. The tempo was set early on the defensive end and the Dutch were able to convert on some easy baskets in transition. The girls beat Houston Kinkaid 50-36 for their third consecutive SPC title.
Holland Hall Thespians Present "Living Out" by Lisa Loomer
The play is a humorous and human story that explores the subtleties of race, class, the politics of immigration, contemporary working mothers on both sides of the social and economic spectrum, and the prejudices and misconceptions between Anglos and Latinos.
Holland Hall Thespians will produce "Living Out" March 24, 25 and 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Newman Theatre at the Walter Arts Center. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased by calling Kendall Griffith at (918) 481-1111, Ext. 758.
Save the Dates! Upcoming Spring Events:
Auction Preview Party & Live Auction
Auction Preview Party
Thursday, March 31, 2011
5 – 7 p.m.
Primary School Library
This casual, come and go preview event provides you the chance to check out the great Premier Auction items and bid prior to the Auction on April 16. Preview Party tickets are included in all Patron Packages. Individual Preview Party tickets will be available for purchase for $35 each.
Live Auction
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Primary School
What does the future hold? That’s the question time travelers can answer, and fortunately for the Holland Hall community, anyone can be a time traveler at the April 16, Holland Hall Auction, Back to the Future! Let’s take a peek into what your future might hold. It looks pretty good. CLICK TO READ
Save the Date! 2011 Holland Hall Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars for the 2011 Holland Hall Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, May 9, 2011 at The Golf Club of Oklahoma, 20400 East 141st Street in Broken Arrow, OK. If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact Brad Shelley in the Institutional Advancement Office at 481-1111. More information to come on this exciting annual event! Please check the Holland Hall website for updates.
Dutch Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Ceremony
Mark your calendars for this year's new combined Dutch Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the DoubleTree Hotel Warren Place at 61st and Yale.
This new format provides current student athletes and their families the opportunity to celebrate the great tradition of Holland Hall sports with former athletes. The annual Hall of Fame Ceremony recognizes former athletes and their athletic achievements. The individuals and teams are selected based on certain criteria and by a committee panel.
The Dutch Awards Banquet recognizes current student athletes and their accomplishments.
This is a ticketed event, more details to come soon.
Alumni Reunion Weekend 2011
May 13 & 14, 2011
If your graduating year ends in 1 or 6, you will be celebrating!
Friday, May 13
• “Remember the Days” (visit your favorite teacher’s class in Upper School)
• Alumni-Faculty Gathering in Alumni Center
• Alumni-Student Panel Discussion in Upper School
• Hall of Fame and Athletic Awards Ceremony 6:30 p.m.
DoubleTree Hotel Warren Place
6110 S. Yale Avenue
Tulsa, OK
Saturday, May 14
• Alumni & Family BBQ on Holland Hall campus
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
If you are interested in participating in the Alumni-Student Panel Discussion (topics TBD), please notify your Reunion Chair. If you have questions or are interested in being a Reunion Chair for 1951, 1956 or 1961, please contact Judy Warren, Director of Alumni Relations at 918-879-4745 or jwarren@hollandhall.org