Fall 2010 Headmaster's Letter
Dear Prospective
Families and Perkiomen Community,
The 2010-2011
school year is upon us and I am pleased to say that The Perkiomen School is,
once again, poised to provide a superb experience for each and every student.
Whether you are a current student or parent, a prospective family, or one of
our thousands of successful alumni, I hope that your time on the website today
is merely a precursor to time spent enjoying the beauty of our campus and the
warmth of the people who make Perkiomen the school we cherish.
As students
arrive back in Pennsburg from across the globe and from around the corner, the
campus is being prepared to welcome new and returning students, as well as
those students who are already considering Perkiomen for the 2011-2012 school
year. After completing many improvements to campus last summer, I am pleased to
announce the completion of several more major projects designed to enhance the
experience of every student.
The Carnegie
Library is the focal point of summer projects this year, with a major
renovation designed to improve collections, technology, and student spaces. By
the end of September, the building will be transformed into a state of the art
facility that maintains the architectural integrity of the historic structure.
In Kehs Hall, the Schumo Gallery and Krieble Theatre have been transformed with
the Krieble Theatre now a black box space that will enhance the experiences of
thespians and audiences alike. Across
campus, computers and computer lab space are being improved with new machines
for student and faculty use. All dormitories have received attention, improving
both rooms and public spaces in several locations. Several faculty homes
received much-needed attention, thus improving the lives of our faculty, which
in turn improves their commitment to the school and students.
With the start
of a new year will come several new faces. We are pleased to welcome new
faculty with exceptional backgrounds and experience ranging from All American
field hockey and lacrosse players, to those earning their second advanced
degree, to those who have just arrived from teaching assignments overseas. A complete list of these great additions will
be on the Perk Update section of the website (home page) soon.
As with any new
school year, the administrative team reviewed the Community Handbook and some
modifications were made that require your review. Understanding the handbook is
an essential component of life at any school for students and their families,
and the handbook provides an excellent view of the community’s ethos. Please be sure to review the handbook, with
particular attention to slight modifications in dress code, arrivals and
departures, parking, and other areas. The handbook is available on the website under
Campus Life and I encourage you to review
it completely.
As we begin
another year together in this community of learners, I want to thank the Office
of Admissions and Financial Aid for their exceptional work throughout the year. A special thanks must also go to the many day
families who support our international students by hosting them over holidays
and weekends. Our students also
appreciate the kindness and generosity of spirit found in the greater Pennsburg
area by business leaders and neighbors who extend many forms of kindness. The
Perkiomen School is blessed to be located in this beautiful valley and yet so
close to Philadelphia and New York City.
As the students return, we pledge ourselves once again to providing a
warm, caring environment where teachers know their students and to providing access
to all that this region of the United States has to offer.
Welcome back to
school and good luck as you prepare to attend a college of your choice.
Sincerely,
Christopher R. Tompkins
Headmaster
