Accreditation Begins in Earnest

In recent weeks, we began a journey into a process that will carry us until Winter Break of 2017.  The scope of the work has been carefully scheduled out to maximize participation and assure accuracy of our reflection across all aspects of the school’s operations.  Accreditation is a timely and important process deserving of this level of engagement.  As a once in 10-year process, it provides a structure and backdrop to profound school improvement, informing other activities years beyond its generation.  The visiting team that will join us in early 2018 will reflect on the comprehensive product of our work and spend extended time talking to all stakeholders who were responsible for it. This process yields a long term action plan that the entire community embraces for the journey forward, in coordination with strategic planning.

The presentation below is shared for other parents who missed out on the PTO coffee.  Both the Director’s Office and the Office for Teaching and Learning are ready to take your questions and comments as we continue organizing the work that lies ahead.  Look for regular updates in posts that will follow, particularly when we share survey results and post other opportunities for participation.


Parent Accreditation Presentation – September, 2016

With sincere appreciation…

To the Community of ASW:

As you are now aware, I originally arrived in Warsaw with the title of Interim Director. This was appropriate for a variety of reasons, as detailed by the Board Chair in July. I noted at the time that I was only willing to come in an interim role if I would be allowed to further apply for the long term position. After spending a few weeks getting to know you in more depth while leading this wonderful entourage of professionals, I can only reaffirm that intent given the warmth and welcome of the community demonstrated so wonderfully and completely in such a short time. Students, parents, administration, faculty, and staff have all shared open arms and hearts as we have become part of a robust and supportive “village” of teachers and learners.

It is therefore with pleasure and excitement that I accepted the board’s appointment as your Director, sans Interim. With this message, I affirm that I’m ready to let go of that Interim title and look forward to continuing the work I’ve started, knowing that I will usher our collaboration beyond the bounds of a single year. It means that we are embracing this community and, possibly more importantly, that my daughter will graduate as a Warsaw Warrior!!

I can only confirm the tremendous energy and enthusiasm that I’m ready to bring to this role, now and throughout my time here. I look forward to each and every opportunity for earnest conversation and collaboration toward crafting ASW, both for the moment and the future. Together, we will prepare our students and empower them for a life filled with hope and possibility. I look forward to your partnership and friendship in that journey.

Best Regards,

Jon P. Zurfluh
Director

P. S. – See you at the PTO BBQ later today and note that I’ll be perched atop the dunk tank sometime after 3p!!

Announcement from the Board of Trustees

Dear Fellow ASW Parents and Community Members,

The Board of Trustees of the American School of Warsaw is pleased to announce we have appointed Mr. Jon Zurfluh as Director of ASW.  Mr. Zurfluh was previously hired as Interim Director of ASW for the 2016-2017 school year.  In his new, long-term role, Mr. Zurfluh will continue to provide steady, community-focused leadership as we implement the IB Primary and Middle Years Programs (PYP/MYP), complete the NEASC/CIS re-accreditation process, and work to further strengthen ASW’s long-term success and competitive position. 

Mr. Zurfluh brings to ASW an impressive track record of educational leadership:  Prior to coming to Warsaw, he was Director of the Anglo-American School of Moscow and St. Petersburg for five years.  He previously served as Head of School at Shanghai Community International School, and as a Principal in the White River School District in Washington state, in addition to many earlier positions as both a teacher and an administrator. 

In deciding to appoint Mr. Zurfluh as ASW’s long-term Director, the Board of Trustees consulted with a variety of stakeholders.  We were struck by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from parents, faculty members and administrators, who noted Jon’s deep knowledge and experience as an educator and the positive effect his leadership style has already had at ASW.

The Board of Trustees is confident Jon Zurfluh is the right person to continue to lead our School at this critical juncture in its history.  He is one of the most sought-after international school directors in the world, and we are fortunate to have secured his long-term commitment to lead ASW.  We ask you to join us in congratulating him on his appointment as Director.

Sincerely,

The 2016-2017 ASW Board of Trustees

Rob Batchelder, Chair
Sonia Kandathil, Vice Chair
Simeon Netchev, Secretary
Chrissie Graeber, Treasurer
Artur Banaszak
Mariusz Banaszuk
Peter Chudy
John Gabrovic
Massimo Merighi
Gael Reilly
Raymond Yao

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