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HeadWay

by Head-Royce School

Season 2

Episode 204: Community Engagement in Action with Nancy Feidelman

In this episode of HeadWay, Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus sits down with Nancy Feidelman, Director of the Center for Community Engagement, for a thoughtful conversation about how students connect their learning to the world beyond campus. Together, they explore what community engagement looks like at Head-Royce, how it is built through meaningful relationships and real-world experiences, and how it continues to evolve in response to students' and the wider community's needs.

Episode 203: Working the Room with Ricky Lapidus and Emmy Mitchell

In this episode, senior Emmy Mitchell sits down with Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about education, leadership, and the experiences that shape us. Ricky reflects on his journey as an educator, his years at Head-Royce, and the perspective he brings to leading a school community with both joy and authenticity. Their conversation touches on everything from the signature style of Ricky’s emails to his favorite books, his approach to leadership, and what he was like as a student before he was the one making the rules. Along the way, Emmy guides the discussion with humor and insight, drawing out stories that are thoughtful, self-aware, and occasionally unexpected. The result is a lively and heartfelt episode about being seen, growing up, and finding meaning in school and beyond.

Episode 202: Creativity, Community, and the Future of Giving — with John Palfrey

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer speaks with John Palfrey, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, about the intersection of education, technology, and philanthropy. Their conversation explores equity in education, the importance of annual giving in schools, the value of creativity, and how technology is shaping a changing philanthropic landscape. John also reflects on the enduring role of institutions in building a more just society and the power of collective action among students.

Episode 201: Reimagining College Admissions

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer interviews Whitney Soule, Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions, focusing on the importance of individuality, the innovative Thank You Note essay, and the role of student agency. Whitney shares insights on how students can thrive in college, the impact of AI and standardized testing on admissions, and offers advice for parents navigating the college application process. Chapters 00:00:00 - 00:00:56 Introduction 00:00:56 - 00:06:56 The Thank You Note Essay: A New Approach 00:06:56 - 00:10:52 Understanding Student Success in College 00:10:52 - 00:13:15 The Importance of Student Agency 00:13:15 - 00:16:15 Navigating the College Application Process 00:16:15 - 00:21:14 The Undergraduate Experience 00:21:14 - 00: 26:48 The Role of AI in College Admissions 00:26:48 - 00:30:56 The Impact of Standardized Testing 00:30:56 - 00:34:12 Advice for Parents in the College Process 00:34:12 - 00:38:55 What Moves Admissions Readers

Season 1

Episode 104: Design Thinking in Education

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer and Head-Royce's inaugural Director of Design and Making, David Clifford, discuss the transformative power of design thinking in education. They explore how a human-centered approach can foster creativity, empathy, and real-world impact, while emphasizing the importance of belonging and equity in learning environments. David shares his journey as an educator and design strategist, highlighting the need for creativity at all levels of education. The conversation also touches on the vision for the new makerspace at Head-Royce and the role of collaboration in shaping the future of learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking 02:59 David Clifford's Journey and Philosophy 05:51 Creativity and Belonging in Education 08:47 The Role of Design Thinking in Schools 11:54 Consequences of Design and Human-Centered Approaches 14:56 A New Framework 18:00 Embedding Design Thinking in School Culture 21:04 Equity and Design Outcomes 24:00 Future Vision 27:07 Personal Insights and Fun Facts

Episode 103: Transforming K-8 Education at Head-Royce

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer speaks with Dr. Shavon Davis, Head-Royce School's upcoming Head of Lower and Middle Schools about the new K-8 structure. They discuss the importance of centering students in education, fostering continuity across lower and middle school years, and the critical roles of family and educator voices in supporting student growth. Dr. Davis emphasizes collaboration among leadership roles and the significance of academic preparation in nurturing confident, self-assured students. The conversation highlights a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HeadWay and New Leadership Structure 02:00 The Importance of K-8 Education 04:07 Opportunities and Challenges in Student Development 06:05 Fostering Continuity Across Age Groups 08:03 Centering Student Voices in Education 09:55 Collaboration with Families and Educators 12:09 The Role of Leadership in Student Experience 14:04 Academic Preparation and Student Confidence 16:08 Vision for Student Experience at Head-Royce

Episode 102: Ensuring Academic Excellence While Prioritizing Well-Being

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer chats with Dr. Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, about how schools can balance academic excellence with student well-being. Their conversation touches on a range of topics—from how academic rigor and well-being can go hand in hand, to rethinking homework and assessments so they better reflect real learning. Dr. Pope also shares her thoughts on the impact of AI in the classroom, the importance of thoughtful school schedules, and why centering student voice and strong relationships matters more than ever. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Academic Excellence and Well-Being 02:57 The Interplay of Rigor and Well-Being 05:54 Rethinking Homework Policies 08:51 Supporting Students Without Pressure 11:48 Assessing the State of Student Stress 14:59 The Role of AI in Education 18:11 The Importance of School Schedules 20:52 Challenging the Notion of Success 23:46 Student Voice in Education 27:04 Building Relationships for Better Learning https://www.headroyce.org

Episode 101: Introducing Our New Strategic Direction

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer and Assistant Head Joel Sohn discuss Head-Royce School’s new strategic direction, shaped by community feedback. They explore the re-articulated mission, vision, and core values, highlighting their connection to the school’s focus on character, intellect, and creativity. They also outline key priorities and initiatives designed to enhance student learning and well-being. The conversation underscores the school’s commitment to continuous improvement and the vital role of community engagement in bringing these initiatives to life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HeadWay 02:08 Developing a New Strategic Direction 06:11 Misson, Vision, and Values 11:55 Key Priorities and Initiatives 18:04 Implementation and Measuring Success 27:56 Looking Ahead https://www.headroyce.org

19th Nia Speaker of Color Series featuring Kendra Andrews '15, ESPN Journalist

Enjoy this recording of the 19th Installment of the Nia Speaker of Color Series where special guest and alumna Kendra Andrews '15, broadcast journalist for ESPN, sits down in conversation with Kathrina Weekes, Head Royce's Director of Enrollment Management, her former teacher, Nancy Feidelman, and aspiring student journalist Sienna H. '25 about her time at Head-Royce and her career covering the NBA.

A Young Alumni POV: Going With The Flow...Again with Chris Ajose-Nixon '21 and Brandon Byrd '21

Ever wonder what it's like being a part of the younger generation these days? Listen to Episode 5 of the Head-Royce Voices Alumni Podcast as Brandon Byrd '21 and Chris Ajose-Nixon '21 revive their HRS Expos podcast, 'Go With The Flow', for one reunion episode as they talk about all things pop culture, school and athletics.

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