Obviously, this is an exceptional back-to-school season at The École since we have left our historic Elementary & Middle School Building at 111 and moved next door to our new space at 115 22nd Street. The summer was an atypical one for the admin team with shorter vacations, unpacking boxes, the spell of fresh paint, and the sound of drilling all on the agenda. But it was all for a good cause because the result is a resounding success, which gives me the opportunity to celebrate the astounding work of our facilities and maintenance team, led by Jan Salamon, assisted by Raul Bello Perez. Everyone pitched in, including Francis, our security guard from 206, who spent a long stretch of his summer at 115 helping out, and Cassandre, our receptionist, who became an expert assembler of Billy bookcases.
It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of Philippe and Laurence, who continue to support and accompany the school – we are extremely fortunate to be able to count on them.
For the five years that I have been at The École, I have always been able to rely on a peerless team and community. From my very first steps here during the collective crisis management of the COVID-19 pandemic to the construction of this brand-new school under very tight deadlines, I am consistently immensely proud of the part everyone plays. Our school radiates a strength and confidence that reflect our ambition to count among the very best independent schools in New York. In that sense, our new premises send a clear message about our excellent financial health, our professionalism, and our confidence in the future.
Those of you who came today were able to see that the school is beautiful and, as promised, fully ready to welcome the children. The last major works were completed over the past few weeks: the front door has been installed, as well as the protective mattresses on the gym walls. A few finishing touches are still missing, but they will in no way interfere with the students’ first day of school or with classes running smoothly: we still need to finalize the façade (a temporary solution will be put in place soon to opacify the lower gym and lobby windows while negotiations with our landlords continue regarding the final format). As for the interior, while the classrooms are impressive in themselves—large and full of natural light—we are still waiting on the permanent signage (the building is so spacious that it’s still a bit easy to get lost!).
Academically speaking, I am pleased with the strong stability of our team, which enables us to approach this school year with even greater peace of mind. This past week, we focused on our upcoming priorities—among them is the scheduled renewal of our accreditation with the French Ministry of Education, a process that will allow us to highlight the outstanding work of our teachers and their students to our authorities. This past in-service week was especially inspiring, and we were able to give a warm welcome to our six new colleagues, who have already found their place thanks to the team’s kindness. I know they also greatly appreciated meeting families and children today.
Now, the only thing missing is the children themselves. I am certain they will embrace their new school with the enthusiasm we know so well—soon the hallways will echo with their laughter, their talents will be on display on the walls, and the school will no longer be just a project but will become a living, vibrant place thanks to them.