Head of School Letter: 2023 FCIS Convention

The annual Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) Convention took place this week in Miami with the theme of We are Future Ready! Dedicated to providing students with the very best in independent school education, FCIS is the premier accrediting body and provider of professional and school development programs in Florida. In addition to keynote speakers the FCIS Convention provided informative sessions for faculty and administrators, networking social events and exhibitor representatives from over 50 different companies. Each year sessions are attended by and also led by Shorecrest educators, who present on topics which demonstrate their expertise and passion. 

This year I teamed up with Steve Salvo, the Head of School at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School in Tampa, to do a session for administrators who are interested in pursuing the pathway to becoming a head of school. Both Steve and I are on the faculty of FCIS’s Prospective Heads Institute (PHI). This three-year program provides an opportunity for educators to learn about the personal and professional qualities needed to lead effectively in today's culture. Geared towards FCIS educators who are currently serving in an administrative role, the PHI is designed for those who may have given some thought to becoming a head of school or learning more about the responsibilities of a head of school. The goal is to encourage FCIS teachers and administrators to explore the many facets, challenges and rewards involved in a headship and consider whether it is a role to which they aspire. 

Shorecrest was represented in two other sessions at the FCIS Convention as presenters. These sessions provided the opportunity for Shorecrest speakers to showcase their innovative ideas and network with other FCIS educators, while promoting Shorecrest as a leader in independent school education. 

Senior Associate Directors of College Counseling Meghan Schneider and John Fanning led a session focused on families who are new to independent schools entitled: First Gen Independent School Families - How Can We Best Support Them? The purpose of their presentation was to provide insight about how navigating school culture can be daunting to families who are new to independent schools, even with orientations and advisors helping along the way. The session examined best practices in providing meaningful support to students, parents and guardians and how to help them navigate college prep academics, extracurriculars, and school culture. Meghan and John have been a wonderful resource to our Shorecrest faculty, students and families and they were eager to share their insights with other FCIS colleagues.  

Roderick Fludd, Shorecrest’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion, partnered with Jan Reeder, Riverside Presbyterian Day School’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion, for a session called: Let's Talk: A Discussion about Diversity. This discussion-based round-table was an interactive, facilitated discussion about diversity, equity and inclusion in independent schools in Florida. Educators explored how to advance diversity in schools consisting of many different kinds of constituencies. The passionate, standing-room-only group discussed the difficulties all schools are facing, delved into how schools move toward meaningful, sustainable change and shared ideas and strategies about how to create inclusive organizations that respect and honor everyone.

As educators we are constantly learning and growing so that we can better serve our students and families. Professional development is one way to model being a lifelong learner. The FCIS Annual Convention has been a wonderful way to refresh and connect with other independent school educators across the state. We are proud to be able to promote Shorecrest through these professional development opportunities and appreciate the recognition that they bring to our faculty and our school.

All the best,

Nancy

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