Letters from Steve Piltch

"Children reap the benefit of having parents who are involved and families that are close. Interestingly, recent research has suggested that 'the single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: developing a strong family narrative.' This is according to Bruce Feiler, who wrote "The Story that Binds Us," which appeared in the March 17 edition of the New York Times." Read more.

"Have you ever attended an event, read a book, or heard a speaker who changed the way you looked at a situation? For me, and I suspect for many others in this community, that is what happened when I attended our MAP (Multicultural Awareness Program) Day event on February 3..." Read the letter.

"Parenting may be the most complicated job in the world for which there is no real training, and no matter how well one does it and/or how fabulous one’s children might be, there will always be moments of angst and frustration far beyond one’s ability." Read the letter.

Steve shares his preliminary thoughts on the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. “Even as our hearts break for those in Newtown, we must appreciate those around us and cherish time with our children, our spouses, family, and friends, and work together to meet whatever challenges we face. I think President Obama said it well on Sunday night, noting how Newtown has inspired us: ‘In the face of unconscionable evil, you looked out for each other, and you’ve cared for one another, and you’ve loved one another.’ We need to do the same.” Read the letter.

Steve reflects on recent events, including Hurricane Sandy and the election. Read the letter.

"Unlike at Shipley, where the journey is of the essence and success is achieved before it is acclaimed, in politics the race to win appears to be the sole focus. We seem to have lost sight of what the candidates truly stand for from a policy perspective." Read more about Steve's thoughts on the upcoming presidential election and other topics.

"Having observed generations of students and my own children over time, I’ve come to realize that the given performance, however important and disappointing or fulfilling in the moment, is just a snapshot. It is the passion, time, work, resilience, and development leading up to the performance that tell the story." Read the letter.

Steve reflects on a recent trip to Washington, D.C. and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the importance of making a difference in the world. Read the letter.

Steve reflects on what it takes to make a person achieve true excellence in a given area. Read the letter.

Steve talks about attaining happiness, the distinction between extrinsic achievement and intrinsic satisfaction, and the importance of helping our children and students develop both. Read the letter.

Steve discusses Shipley’s approach to the college process and his own experiences with his children’s search for the right college. Read the letter.

Steve discusses Martin Luther King, Jr., the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, and the impact of figures such as John F. Kennedy and his brother, Bobby. Read the letter.

Steve talks about the importance of self reflection and its benefits in many areas of life. He also talks about some of the lessons he learned during a recent visit to Shipley from Derrick Gay, a consultant and speaker on diversity. These and other lessons, says Steve, underscore the importance of the character education and emotional intelligence work being done at Shipley. Read the letter.

Steve reflects on the recent Penn State scandal and explores the ideas of personal integrity and responsibility. Read the letter.

In his October, 2011 letter, Steve discusses the topic of favoritism of parent's favoritism of some of their children over others. Read the letter.

Steve discusses Paul Tough's recent New York Times Magazine article, "What if the Secret to Success Is Failure?" and the importance of children and students learning personal skills in addition to academic ones. Read the letter.

Steve compares the development of our students to the realization of Shipley's Upper Campus master plan construction project. Read the letter.

Steve discusses Shipley’s goal of creating better and more integrated and interdisciplinary courses with differentiated instruction and the focus on developing both intellectual intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) in each of our students. Read the letter.

Steve reflects on his recent trip to Oxford and the unique education offered to students at the 38 colleges there. Read the letter.

The subject of concussions in professional sports has been widely covered in the media this year. In this letter, Steve talks about the upsurge in concussions among school age children and the long- and short-term impacts on their health. Read more.

Steve discusses the recent tragic shooting in Tuscon and echoes President Obama's message calling for mutual respect and understanding among conflicting groups. Read the letter.

Steve reflects on what it takes to be a good leader and achieve success in one's life. He shares recommendations for good books on the subject, as well as some of the opportunities Shipley provides its students to develop leadership skills and qualities. Read the letter.

Steve discusses the recent tragic death of one of Shipley's fifth grade students, its impact on the Shipley community, and strategies to help people deal with the challenges of the loss. Read the letter.

Steve discusses the importance of focusing on the emotional and psychological well-being of our students, as well as their accomplishments. He also shares information about upcoming Shipley-sponsored programs to educate students, parents, and faculty about how to cope with some of the challenges of adolescence. Read the letter.

Steve identifies the biggest change in curriculum and education amid all the discussion associated with 21st-century learning: Technology – with all of its benefits and challenges. He discusses how Shipley is reinforcing the need for the same sense of personal responsibility and respect in the virtual community as we expect in the real community. Read the letter.

Steve reflects on his recent family vacation to Spain and a visit to modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s famed La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. He draws parallels between Shipley and the currently unfinished Sagrada Familia – though both have evolved under the guidance of different people over time, the original essence of each remains unchanged. Read the letter.

Steve reminds families of Shipley's mission before the start of the School's 117th academic year. He also reviews the ways in which Shipley communicates with families and some of the ways in which families can be a part of the life of the School.