The Head of School
The Head of School
This afternoon, we’ll gather to celebrate our 6th-grade students at the Honoring Ceremony. I’d be lying if I said it won’t be a little bittersweet. For some of these students, I’ve been lucky enough to watch them grow from toddlers into the thoughtful, capable young people they are today. Their final days at The School in Rose Valley (SRV) have been filled with excitement and joy, but it’s hard to believe they’re already moving on.
Change is a funny thing. It can feel tough or unsettling, but it can also be uplifting or even cathartic. I think a lot of that depends on how prepared we are for it. And I can tell you, these students are more than ready. Each one of them is a well-rounded individual—strong in reading, writing, and math, but also gifted in the arts, athletics, and sciences. Most importantly, they’re caring, honest, and flexible. These traits will serve them well in their new schools, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve grown.
As I reflect on the journey our students have taken, I’m reminded of a quote from SRV’s first principal, Grace Rotzel. She once said, “Integrity is the state of being whole.” Our students are truly whole in every sense of the word. They’ve embraced SRV’s principles and made them their own, carrying with them a strong sense of self and an appreciation for others. That’s what we mean when we talk about integrity here at SRV. It’s not just about being good; it’s about being complete.
I’m confident that our graduates are ready for what lies ahead because they’ve developed this sense of integrity. They know who they are, they know what they stand for, and they’re ready to carry that into the world beyond SRV.
This year, our graduates will head to wonderful schools like The Westtown School, Delaware Valley Friends School, and Friends Central School. I know each of these communities well and am confident they’ll provide our students with the support and care they deserve. I’ve spoken with leaders from each school, and they’re just as excited as we are to welcome SRV students into their classrooms.
I have no doubt that our students will thrive in their new environments. They’re passionate learners who have already demonstrated their love for exploring new ideas. No matter where they go, they’ll continue to approach learning with curiosity and enthusiasm. It’s a joy to know that they’ll carry that spirit with them wherever they go.
As our 6th graders step into this new phase, I look forward to hearing about all the adventures that await them. I know I’ll see them again at events like May Fair, and I’m excited to witness their growth as they take on new challenges. I have a feeling they’ll carry a new maturity with them, but if you look closely, you’ll still see the same joy and wonder they had during their time at SRV.
They may be leaving, but the values and memories they’ve created here will stay with them for a lifetime. We’ll miss them dearly, but we’re so proud of who they’ve become and can’t wait to see all the amazing things they’ll accomplish in the future.
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