Click here to listen to this week’s JAM – And Now For Something Completely Different
I had a different Jam prepared for today and then, today happened. When I woke up this morning, I had the following on my agenda: an exciting and engaging multi-constituent group Strategic Planning Session, a conversation with several alumni families about strengthening our alumni programs, a few birthday card deliveries and a conversation with a few people in preparation for Saturday’s Benefit. The day started as expected – rainy and wet, and a little windy, but nothing too out of the ordinary.
Then, mid-morning, the most unusual wind storm I have experienced on our campus arrived. The wind was howling, and we started to pay closer attention to what was happening outside. Late morning, a tree fell and we quickly sent out a message to have all students shelter-in-place in classrooms.
The team jumped immediately into action. The Epicurean team, with the support of a number of staff members, shifted all lunches to portable containers and quickly delivered lunches to students in their classrooms, starting with JK/K and working up to the 8th graders. The maintenance team within 90 minutes brought out the chainsaws and quickly and efficiently cleaned up the fallen tree and ensured that the campus was safe. In the midst of this, power went out in several spots on campus. Associate Head of School Colleen Schilly quickly mobilized our team to plan for an early dismissal.
Given the safety concerns caused by the high wind, we moved car pick-up to the Gym, and made sure that no child was outside without an adult. Children could be seen escorted to the appropriate spots, holding hands with a whole host of Hillbrook adults, from teachers to staff members to extended care workers – every single person on campus jumped in to help out.
As cars snaked through campus toward the back gate, we had people all along the route ensuring things were moving along safely. Multiple families rolled down their window to express their appreciation, and we received the most kind email from a family later in the afternoon. She noted, “I am thankful and impressed with the Hillbrook staff, administrators, and teachers. You were all out there in the rain with high winds and flying debris just to ensure our kids safety, and their families get to them asap. Your evacuation plans just made me feel extra secure, but what made a huge impression on me are each and everyone of you! The teamwork and warmth from all of your care and effort shows the heart of this community.”
I could not agree more. As a number of us gathered after the last child had been accounted for – wet and cold – we all exchanged smiles and appreciation for the teamwork, the professionalism, and the deep care everyone showed for the children and families in our community. It was not the day I expected, but it was the day we got. And, as so often happens, it was a day that reaffirmed for me the strength, the resilience, and the heart of the Hillbrook community.