By Nikki Butts, Director of Admission
Like many of you, the start of the school year has been full of exciting milestones for my family. My son began Kindergarten. My daughter “crossed pods.” And as a parent I’ve come to truly appreciate that no matter what time I pick up my children at the end of the school day, they always ask to stay for at least another few minutes. Whether it’s to finish a project, to play with a friend, or to talk with a teacher, they are, literally, asking to squeeze even more of Hillbrook into their days here. I couldn’t ask for a stronger ongoing confirmation that I am making the right choice for my family’s school and community. Hillbrook is our home, and we love it here.
I feel especially lucky that I get to experience Hillbrook both as a parent and as a member of our admission team. This year we have officially welcomed the largest number of new students and families in the history of our school, and I feel the pride and impact of that milestone every day. As more families than ever before hear about Hillbrook and decide to make Hillbrook their home, it strengthens the community for all of us. It also happens because of all of us. I love representing Hillbrook precisely because I get to do it alongside all of you, as most prospective families first hear about – and choose – Hillbrook because of a personal recommendation or interaction with a current Hillbrook family.
On Wednesday mornings, for example, a team of dedicated Parent Ambassadors volunteer to give tours to prospective families and share their own stories, perspectives, and experiences of Hillbrook. The choice we made to change the name of the group from “Parent Tour Guides” to “Parent Ambassadors” was grounded in more fully reflecting what it is that they do for our school. Parent Ambassadors don’t just walk our campus during Parent Tours, they bring to life the Hillbrook journey by sharing their own, and in doing so, they become a personal part of how and why prospective families also choose to make Hillbrook their home. We are always looking for more volunteers to be Parent Ambassadors, so if this sounds like a great way to further your Hillbrook experience, you can reach out to me at any time to get started.
We are also excited to embark on a new opportunity for Middle School students to grow their voice and involvement in our school community by serving as Student Ambassadors at admission events and during prospective students’ School Visits. We created this unique leadership opportunity because we know that our strongest Hillbrook representatives are our students themselves. Their talents, curiosities, confidence, and love of our school speak volumes about the value of Hillbrook and are the reason our prospective families are so eager and excited to join us. More than 60 5th-8th graders have seized the opportunity to become Student Ambassadors; and their reasons are inspiring:
“…because I love Hillbrook.”
“I want to help students feel welcome.”
“I want everyone to understand how great Hillbrook is.”
“…because I am a role model,” and
“…because it is important to represent our school.”
Regardless of whether you or your children choose to officially volunteer as Parent or Student Ambassadors, what I love most about our school is that all members of our community ultimately represent Hillbrook in truly profound ways. For prospective parents, our students represent the type learner and person they hope their own child will become. Current parents represent the fabric of our community and the very people prospective families are choosing to share their journey with if they decide to enroll at Hillbrook. Current families represent the most effective way that new families find out about Hillbrook in the first place – as they hear from all of you as neighbors, colleagues, and friends – that your children are thriving here and that you’re glad you’ve chosen Hillbrook as your home. We even had one family that chose to apply after seeing Hillbrook on one of our student’s sweatshirts! In the many ways you and your family represent Hillbrook in our community, you are helping to build the future of our school and community.
Our admission season is in full swing and our Fall Open House is on Saturday, November 5th from 9 AM -12 PM and it is one of the best ways prospective families can experience our school and community for themselves. You will continue to hear more about Open House as the event approaches, and might even receive one of our Open House postcards in your mailbox, hear one of our ads on the radio, or see our facebook and social media posts. I encourage you to share this event with anyone you know who might be interested in attending, as we seek to attract families like yours who are a strong philosophical fit for our school. I also invite you to volunteer at Fall Open House by leading a small group tour and sharing your own stories and experiences of Hillbrook. Thank you for choosing Hillbrook for your family, for being strong Ambassadors in our own home, and for helping us continue to spread the word – about the word that is already spreading – about Hillbrook.