In a recent Head’s Letter I wrote about the special moments when the stars seem to be aligned in such a way that things come together in one’s life and everything makes sense. Here at Shipley we have had just that kind of experience in our search for a new Lower School Head. After interviewing many talented educators, we were fortunate to come across just the right person to lead our Lower School. It is with the utmost excitement and enthusiasm that we welcome Margaret (Maggie) Granados as our new Lower School Head.

Bright, talented, and committed, Maggie brings a wealth of experience in many different areas.  She has been a teacher and administrator for fifteen years. Having received her B.A. from Holy Cross and M.A. from Columbia, she has ten years of experience in the classroom, where she has taught kindergarten and fourth grade. In addition, she has served as the Director of Admissions and Lower School Director at The Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, New York before taking the last two years off to spend time at home with her almost two-year old son, Will, and husband, Steve.

As impressive as Maggie’s credentials are, it is her understanding and love of children, commitment to the education of the whole child, belief in life-long learning for students, parents and faculty, and ability to deal effectively with all constituencies of the School that make her the best choice to lead the Lower School.. During the interviewing process, she impressed everyone with her confidence, knowledge, warmth, sense of humor, and conviction. As is often the case, it is one of the students who may have put it best. This member of the Lower School Student Council said, in referring to Maggie, “She is the one!” This sentiment was echoed by other students, faculty, parents, trustees, and administrators.

Maggie, who had offers from other schools, chose Shipley in large part because of sense of community, commitment, and dedication that she felt from students and adults.  To quote her: “There is a unity of purpose of all the different adult members of the school community with whom I met – teachers, administrators, trustees, parents –to create and maintain a school that cares for and cares about children. And for their part, the children made it marvelously clear that they are looking for a Lower School Head, who herself is one of the GATORS in word and deed. Intellect, Character, and Joy were all palpable during my time at Shipley. How could I not want to be part of all that good work?” Maggie will do a fabulous job!

While Maggie will not officially begin her job until July 1, 2004 and she, Steve, and Will are not moving here until later in the year, Maggie will visit the campus a number of times this spring in order to get to know the community and to make the transition easier.

She looks forward to spending time with parents, teachers and students on those visits. Maggie, like so many of us, is appreciative of the wonderful work done by Anna Hadgis and the good shape that our Lower School is in and looks forward to doing the things necessary to help us become even better. We will let you know when she plans to visit this spring.

As we welcome Maggie, it is essential to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Search Committee. Chaired by our Middle School Head, Harry Worrall, faculty members and administrators sacrificed so much of their own time to oversee the search. We will be forever grateful to them for the process they established, the people they brought through, and the appointment of Maggie Granados.

Warmest regards,

Steven S. Piltch
Head of School