A message from Director of Upper School, Dr. Anna Barter:

Dear Upper School Families,

As we wrap up our final week of school, I am filled with gratitude. Our students and faculty have accomplished so much together and are ready to finish the semester. If you have not already done so, please consult the final exam schedule and make sure that your daughters have returned all textbooks and materials owned by the school. It is also worth reminding the girls to clean out their lockers and gather any of their materials that might have made their way to the lost and found tables throughout the school.

Recently, I asked the students to comment on their experience in the classroom, particularly as it pertains to faculty. Today, in the spirit of gratitude, I would like to share some of what they said:

“You were the first teacher that actually taught me math in a way I understood!”

“You have taught me so much and continue to support me, it means the world to have such a caring teacher.”

“You have helped my confidence in English and writing more than I could ever imagine. You are an amazing teacher and you make every class interesting. There has never been a discussion where I haven’t wanted to participate, and that’s because of you.” 

“Thank you so much for being so welcoming to me this year! Joining theater for the first time was daunting to me at first but you always made sure that I was comfortable and having fun. Because of you, I was able to try something outside of my comfort zone and find a new passion of mine.”  

“You were one of my funniest teachers. Thank you for all you have taught us this year!”

“I have never been exceptionally good at any type of science, but this year, I felt like I understood it better. Thank you for being a kind teacher and explaining things well.”

“Thank you for lifting up our spirits in a multitude of ways … candy, jokes … Thank you for thinking of different ways to interpret information … it keeps us engaged, and your class is always the highlight of my day!”

“[You are] truly the person who brought me closer to God and was the reason I felt so happy and safe during rough times.”

These are but a snippet of what your daughters wrote to me about their experiences in the classroom. Indeed, we are blessed to have a team of educators who are shaping the minds and hearts of young women every day. What makes it even more of a joy is to know that this gratitude is reciprocal and that we are so grateful for your daughters and all that they bring to this school community.

Sincerely,

Anna Bachman Barter, PhD
Director of Upper School