TRINITY-PAWLING SCHOOL - Solari

2
“We know our boys
are thriving when
they feel comfort-
able enough to step
out of their normal
roles and branch
into new venues...”
TRINITY-PAWLING SCHOOL
LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER
The economists suggest that we are in a “V” shaped recession or alternately a “W” shaped
recession, or is it an “L” or perhaps something new. A small school on a hill in rural New York
will have little infl uence on the technical terms of the “Great Recession.” But, perhaps there is
something that we can learn from the fi nancial world during these days of worry and concern.
First, it is clear that the organizations which do well in diffi cult times are those which have
not strayed from their mission. Trinity-Pawling has for over 100 years educated boys in a
tried and true way: we guide them, hold them accountable, and give praise where it is due.
We teach boys to think clearly, to respect one another, and to take risks as they try new
adventures. What makes Trinity-Pawling different from other schools is our formula of telling
the boys what we want, showing them how to do it, and checking up on them to see if they
have accomplished the task properly. Boys thrive with constant and reasonable feedback.
Second, a successful organization must be better than the competition, not just even. With
the continuing threats to the fi nancing of public education, we cannot just assume that we
will survive. We must thrive by adding value for the tuition paid. A boy needs to have the
opportunity to grow as a student, athlete, and person. Thanks to the generosity of a parent
of a graduate of the Class of 2008, we have initiated the fi rst year of teaching Mandarin.
Our commitment to character supercedes all else that we undertake. While we want to
graduate young men who are challenged by our 19 different Advanced Placement courses,
we must graduate young men who have developed strong character for they will be the leaders
of the next generation. We know our boys are thriving when they feel comfortable enough
to step out of their normal roles and branch into new venues: the hockey stand-out who decides
to become involved in the yearbook, or the newspaper editor who morphs himself into a long
distance runner, or the shy boy who fi nds his spot on the stage in front of a large audience.
We help them strengthen their character when we teach them to step up to fi ll new roles.
Third, we must learn to do “more with less.” In good times, it is easy to throw money at
a problem. I am proud of the faculty and staff at Trinity-Pawling who toil endlessly for the
students of today and for the institution of tomorrow. As Headmaster, I cannot just enjoy
the success of 2009 for I must also plan for the success of 2020 and beyond. For the past
18 months, a group of faculty and trustees has worked hard developing a strategic plan for
the next ten years. This coming January, the Trustees will adopt this plan which will confi rm
those areas where we excel and challenge us to improve in others. All of this is quite promising.
As always, I am grateful for the generous gifts from so many who believe in all that
Trinity-Pawling has to offer. Your generosity helps us fi ght stagnation and strive for vibrancy.
I appreciate your support during this past year and hope that we can count on you in the
years to come.
Sincerely,
Archibald A. Smith III