Leadership

Our Grade Span: Student Learning and Leadership Opportunities

January 6, 2025 by michaeldiambri Leave a Comment

BASIS Independent Bellevue first opened its doors in 2022, offering classes for grades 2 through 7. Since then, we have continued to expand our program offerings and as of the 2024–2025 academic year, our campus now has students in grades 2 through 9.

Looking ahead, our learning community plans to branch off into two distinct campuses. The current campus will ultimately be an Upper School, serving grades 5 through 12, housing both our Middle and High School programs. Plans are in motion to build a Lower School across the street. This brand-new facility will be dedicated to our Primary Program where students learn within our celebrated SET/LET co-teaching model.

While our current span of grade 2 to grade 9 might seem unconventional, it gives our current students the chance to cultivate learning and leadership opportunities. Older and younger students on our campus get to work together in meaningful ways, enriching the educational experience for all involved.

Head of School Dr. Thies emphasizes the value of this collaboration: “I love the fact that our grade span allows our younger students to work closely with our older students. It creates unique leadership opportunities and allows our high school students to learn more about what we offer as part of our Primary Program.”

Community Through Collaboration

BASIS Independent Bellevue strives to connect students of various grades through creative, fun, and meaningful avenues. When students have positive interactions with one another it creates a culture of trust, mentorship, and positivity. Examples of this collaboration can be seen across our campus at varying grade levels.

Working on Basketball Fundamentals in Physical Education

Adham is a Grade 9 student who gets involved in our community by taking time from his Academic Enrichment sessions to help with physical education classes.

Adham recently helped grade 3 students improve their basketball skills by focusing on basketball fundamentals. Physical Education instructor Ms. Ziolkowski enjoys having the younger students work with a positive role-model who can not only teach them about how to play sports but also emphasize values such as respect and sportsmanship. Ms. Ziolkowski states, “Adham is a huge help! He did not need any guidance in managing a gym full of energetic third graders. His positive attitude and encouragement create an uplifting atmosphere, and he is always ready to assist students who need help with instructions or activities. His friendly demeanor and leadership skills make him a fantastic role model for younger students. He has been a wonderful addition to my classes.”

Peer Support in Mandarin Class

In Ms. Pan’s Mandarin class, collaboration extends to language learning. Cindy in grade 9 is another student at BASIS Independent Bellevue who takes time during the week to help younger students work on their Mandarin skills. On Tuesdays, you can find Cindy volunteering during Academic Enrichment sessions, helping younger students refine their language skills. Her efforts not only reinforce her own understanding of the language but also provide invaluable support to younger students who are taking on the often-challenging task of learning how to learn a new language in an academic setting.

Ms. Pan says, “Cindy is an exceptionally responsible student who demonstrates remarkable dedication. She attends Chinese class every Tuesday to assist the grade 2 students in learning Mandarin. Cindy’s kindness and commitment to her work are truly commendable. She skillfully teaches the students how to write Chinese characters accurately, making a significant impact on their learning experience. The students greatly enjoy having Cindy in the classroom, and every Tuesday, they eagerly anticipate her arrival. Through her consistent efforts and dedication, Cindy has earned the respect and admiration of everyone.”

Making a Learning Community Across Grades

One of the greatest benefits of our unique grade span is building comradery at our school while preparing students for real world scenarios. When students get older, and eventually enter college and the workforce, they will interact with people from various age groups and backgrounds. Traditional academic experiences often silo students into working exclusively with peers of their age and a handful of select individuals who are older or younger. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, students gain early exposure to collaboration with people who are at different ages and stages in their educational journeys, a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Building community requires working with people who are at various stages in life—our students are not only learning to meet people where they are at but also are gaining valuable insight to support others in their individual journeys. We are proud of the opportunities our students have and the work they do to support one another. By fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, we are not only enriching their academic experience but also preparing them to thrive as leaders and lifelong learners.

Leadership Spotlight: High School Dean of Students Olivia Robbins

December 9, 2024 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Whether meeting with BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Leadership Council as their faculty advisor or helping organize our 4th Annual Day of Service across the entire High School, Dean of Students Ms. Olivia Robbins is placing her great drive and focus squarely on shaping a wonderful high school experience for our oldest students. Just last semester, she coached students on how to organize their first homecoming dance, and she has only just begun! Given Dean Robbins is the newest member of our school’s administrative team, we thought families might be interested in learning more about her through our “Leadership Spotlight” series.

Ms. Robbins began her career at Milton Academy, a boarding school outside of Boston, where she started first as a teaching fellow and then as a full-time Upper School English faculty member. Afterward, Ms. Robbins transitioned to the Hewitt School, a girls’ school in Manhattan, where she simultaneously held roles as Grade Level Dean, Learning and Innovation Program Associate, and Upper School English Faculty member. Ms. Robbins also worked for two years at an educational technology start-up, where she designed humanities content and contributed to product development for a digital adaptive learning application used by thousands of children.

Dean Robbins graduated cum laude from Princeton University, where she won the Spirit of Princeton Award for her involvement in student organizations, community service, and the arts. Ms. Robbins went on to earn her master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education through the Independent School Teaching Residency program.

As the Dean of High School Students at BASIS Independent Brooklyn (BIB), Ms. Robbins helps foster community in the Upper School and supports students through their academic journeys. She loves working with high school students and is inspired by the myriad ways in which they want to shape the world.

Below is our interview with Dean Robbins edited slightly for clarity and flow.

What are the types of students you see thrive here at BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s High School Program?

I see a wide range of students thrive: students who are super passionate about a single subject (e.g. math, English) and those who love all subjects; athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists; introverts and extroverts… The list goes on! Overall, a few common traits that I think make students optimally successful and happy here include organization, focus, self-advocacy, intrinsic motivation, kindness, and a sense of humor.

What drew you to our school?

Honestly, the role! I was excited to work with students in the role of Dean. Helping students navigate challenges and chart out their high school careers are my passions. I also respected BIB’s curricular design and its range of course offerings. And I liked its size! I felt I’d be able to develop closer partnerships with more students, families, and faculty in a smaller environment.

Can you share your perspective given you have been in your role for a few months now?

I am impressed by our students. They are smart and motivated. I love the moments when I am able to see them shine academically since I often observe portions of classes. I also love seeing them enjoy one another’s company in the High School Lounge. They enjoy playing cards, ping-pong, and board games, and they laugh a lot.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I long imagined myself as an educator, whether as an academic or a teacher. After studying literature as an undergrad, I became an English teacher at Milton Academy, a boarding school outside of Boston, through a teaching fellowship and master’s program through UPenn. I loved starting my career at a boarding school because there were so many ways to get to know the students and get involved in the school community. In addition to teaching high school English, I choreographed for and helped organize our spring dance show, as well as ran the house council program in one of the girls’ dorms. Eventually, I took a joint teaching and administrative position at the Hewitt School (girls’ K-12 school) in Manhattan. I taught English, helped manage strategic school innovation projects (curricular improvements, professional development for teachers, new faculty and staff onboarding, etc.) and then eventually became the Dean of the senior class. Working with the students to help make their senior year as special as possible was a highlight for me. After Hewitt, I briefly worked at an educational technology start-up company because I’d become curious about ed tech and start-up culture after thinking about school innovation for several years. My former company is focused on providing accessible tutoring and enrichment to all students—a cause I am really passionate about. However, I missed working directly with students, so joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn as the High School Dean of Students was a wonderful reunion with the type of work I love most!

What are some of your priorities for making high school an engaging, memorable time for students?

I want to help students feel a deeper sense of community and connection. I enjoy planning events to make this possible! Our first-ever homecoming dance was held at the end of last year. I am grateful that members of our Student Leadership Council proposed this fabulous idea as a means of gathering and celebrating the high school community. I want all students to feel pride and ownership about what BIB is, such that students feel as though they can shape their BIB experience to be what they want it to be. Having conversations with students to get to know them and learn about their BIB experience, gathering data about student life, and thinking of new opportunities for students to get involved at the school or explore their passions outside of school are all ways I’m trying to do cultivate that spirit during my first year!

What are the three questions you think every prospective high school family should be asking themselves?

What motivates you? Our curriculum is wonderfully challenging. High school in general is a time that is so full. Knowing what one’s personal “north star” is can help students keep pushing during particularly challenging or busy moments.
What is a student club you’d want to start or get involved in? We have so many neat clubs for students to join (for example—we have a rock band and a rock climbing club…both rock!). And we have an easy process to start a new club if the existing roster doesn’t suit one’s interests.
Are you a morning person? This is an important question to think about since our unique schedule allows students to take either an AM or PM elective. AM electives are great choices for students who have after-school commitments or want their school day to end a bit earlier…but they have to be ready to go in the morning!

Ms. Robbins is excited to support BASIS Independent’s mission to educate students to the highest international levels, and she is energized by her colleagues’ commitment to supporting each individual student holistically.

Our Class of 2025 posed together with Director Forde, College Counselor Brauch, and Dean Robbins (on left) earlier in the school year.

# # #

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK– Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Leadership Spotlight: Middle School Dean of Students Patrick Russell

November 22, 2024 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

The Middle School Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn aims to build strong foundational knowledge across subjects while also nurturing student autonomy and self-discipline needed for advanced critical inquiry important for high school and college. Two Deans of Students help guide that growth and advancement in the critical middle school years at the school. Today we wanted to feature Dean Patrick Russell, who focuses on academic student support in the Middle School years, since prospective families often have questions about the transition to our Middle School Program. Who better than Mr. Russell to speak to the support and best practices brought to help students transition to and thrive at our school.

After graduating from Cornell University in 2016, Mr. Russell joined our team first as a Teaching Fellow. During this time, he shadowed Subject Expert Teachers to learn about the BASIS Curriculum and grow teaching skills and understanding of classroom management. His passion for teaching, skill in connecting with students, and ability to bring subject matter to life was quickly evident. He moved into a Subject Expert Teacher role for both English and French instruction in our Middle and High School Programs. Mr. Russell is a beloved teacher and now a rising star in administration. He is the Coach for our Cross Country and Track Teams, and he has led conditioning and weight training programs for our students.

Would you share what drew you to a career in education?

I was inspired to go into education by my high school English teacher. I was one of the kids not always succeeding in middle school and high school, since the school I attended was very rigid and had a very specific way of doing things. I needed something a little bit different.

My high school English teacher constantly sat me down and we would debrief after difficult lessons or disappointing grades. He would ask what happened, and he listened and made the content more accessible to me. He was also one of those teachers who would assign somewhat non-canonical material that he knew we would read. At the end of the day, this teacher being able to give students challenging material and provide it in such a way that they care, showing up every day with the enthusiasm that he brought, completely turned around my high school experience. He created a course that made every student care.

What appealed to you about joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn first as a teaching fellow then teacher and now Dean?

I wanted to focus on the parts of my job that were the most fulfilling, which were helping students overcome challenges, facilitating their growth as students, and making real connections with people. While I do love the disciplines that I taught, the Dean role allowed for more of those rewarding moments and the opportunity to make a bigger impact on the entire Middle School Program rather than in just my disciplines.

Through the years, I have seen many different teaching styles that have different impacts on students, and I have seen the benefits that all of them can bring. I have also seen where different learning styles work differently for different students. It is so important to give kids the opportunity to figure out what works best for them, which also involves giving them space to experiment through trial and error and fail safely, build back up, and have moments of self-reflection. The pedagogical autonomy afforded to BASIS Independent Brooklyn teachers allows them to provide multiple differentiated routes to the same learning outcomes, which in turn increases content accessibility for students.

You taught middle school English and French before moving into the Dean of Students Role. How did that experience inform your new position?

Coming from a teaching role to administration, I have seen the positive culture and genuine joy around learning at the school. I have seen first-hand also how what works for one student might not work for every student, which reinforced to me the importance of being able to meet students where they are to create a differentiated, supportive approach to instruction.

Tell us about the support in place for students transitioning into the Middle School Program.

We understand that every student is unique—each adjusts to change differently, has their own approach to learning, and defines success in their own way, which is why personalized Student Support is essential to the process of learning and to academic success. Essentially, we provide a range of support to our new students, and we know some students will need more supervision and guidance through a formal program. The first few months of school entail students getting used to their daily and weekly schedule of classes and homework, which may feel overwhelming at first. Our team is present to help students adapt to changes and reestablish positive habits.

Another important skill we prioritize developing is self-advocacy. When students advocate for themselves, they feel empowered to ask for help, take academic risks, and make mistakes in a supportive environment. It involves learning from mistakes and failing safely, knowing that failure is not permanent but an opportunity to grow.

Overall, finding the best way to study and approach academic challenges is a trial-and-error exercise. Our team works with students alongside their Subject Expert Teachers to build work and study habits as well as develop effective time management and organization skills. These skills are incredibly important in Middle School as we prepare students over time for our High School Program and beyond.

You just worked to establish both track and cross country teams at our school. Have you always enjoyed running and being a coach?

Yes, when I grew up cross country and track were my off-season sports. I’ve had a running club at our school as long as I’ve been here. Over time with our revamped ethos on sports where it is a greater part of the holistic student experience, we were able to evolve that club into a competitive team. Also, I recently received my USA Track and Field Level One coaching certification, and I’m excited about it.

Do you mind sharing some fun facts that families might not know about you?

When I was younger, I played hockey in the World Junior Championships for Great Britain. I had to stop playing after graduating college and moving to Brooklyn, but I would love to have time to start again!

School Counseling and Self-Care

September 19, 2024 by michaeldiambri Leave a Comment

BASIS Independent Bellevue is committed to nurturing our hard-working students using our internationally benchmarked curriculum. While academic success is a cornerstone of our institution, students also need to gain a sense of wellness that is crucial to their current and future success. With holistic wellness in mind, self-care practices are essential for scholastic excellence.

BASIS Independent Bellevue’s new counselor places a strong emphasis on self-care as vital for the well-being of students. Our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia Bryant, is a useful resource for students and can help them on their self-care journey. She states, “Learning how to cultivate resilience and manage the bumps in the road of life is one of the most foundational gifts we can give young people. That is why self-care is so important.”

But what does self-care look like for today’s students?

Our new School Counselor, Ms. Olivia, is a valuable asset to the students and our overall learning community.

Understanding Self-Care

Self-care encompasses various aspects of a student’s life, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Nurturing oneself in these areas takes time but helps young people achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care involves maintaining health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.

Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activities like sports, yoga, or even a brisk walk. Staying physically active helps reduce stress and improve mood. Make sure to check out the sports and other Enrichment Opportunities we are offering this year.

Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugary snacks.

Sleep: Ensure you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule to help your body regulate its internal clock.

Emotional Self-Care

Managing emotions is crucial for overall well-being. Ms. Olivia recommends:

Stress Management: Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or listening to music.

Ms. Olivia having fun with students at our recent celebration of Hispanic/LatinX Heritage Month. Getting outside, enjoying arts and crafts, and having fun with friends are all great ways to manage stress and practice self-care.

Emotional Awareness: Recognize and express your emotions. We want our students to know it is okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness exercises or meditation into your daily routine to stay grounded and present.

Practicing Gratitude: One strategy to improve happiness and combat stress is through consistently highlighting the things that bring us gratitude each day. Daily gratitude journaling is proven to improve well-being.

Caring for Mental Health

Ms. Olivia wants to remind our learning community that “Mental health is health. Just as we prioritize going to the doctor for check-ups and physicals, it’s important to tend to our mental well-being too.” She encourages seeking mental health support in both the large and small stressors of life because it can be transformative to simply have a supportive person to talk to. It is a sign of strength to be able to ask for help, and Ms. Olivia encourages our families to reach out to her if your student is struggling. Together, she hopes that our students receive the support they need at school and at home to manage feelings of stress.

Parents also play a crucial role in supporting their children’s holistic well-being:

Supportive Environment: Create a supportive home environment where self-care is encouraged and practiced. Allow your student time to take brain breaks and find ways to help your student live a balanced life.

Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your children about their feelings and challenges. Taking the time to simply listen to their perspective and validate their feelings can make all the difference.

Practical Resources at School

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we offer various resources to support our students’ well-being:

Counseling Services: Our school counselor is available to provide guidance to students through individual school counseling meetings. During this time, Mountaineers are provided a safe and supportive space to express feelings, problem-solve, and work towards individualized goals.

Small Groups: In addition, Ms. Olivia offers small group meetings with students aimed at fostering a sense of belonging in our community while learning practical skills to enhance their overall social and emotional well-being.

Character Themes of the Month: As a school community, we are also focusing on investing in students through monthly character education lessons. Each month, students will have opportunities to discuss and reflect on topics related to growth mindset, respect, gratitude, empathy, and more. Every Mountaineer Monday, students build these skills through classroom discussion and reflection. Additionally, our school counselor will be offering cookies and guided activities related to each theme of the month in her monthly event, Cookies with the Counselor.

Self-care is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we are dedicated to supporting our students’ well-being. We encourage students to prioritize their self-care and reach out for support when needed. Our school counselor, Ms. Olivia, is here to partner with parents to provide students with support when facing both successes and challenges. Our school community wants to make sure students connect with our counselor and engage with topics like self-care during their educational journey. Ultimately, directing energy toward self-care as a school community helps our Mountaineers find balance, strength, and acceptance in their daily lives.

Leadership Spotlight: Associate Head of School Leo Yoon

August 30, 2024 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Before the annual summer Teacher training, BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s leadership team welcomed Leo Yoon to campus as Associate Head of School. He brings years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the private school world. He also joins our community at an exciting time – our community just celebrated 10 years of educating students in Brooklyn, and our school was recognized as the Best K-12 Private School in Brooklyn, Best Private High School in Brooklyn, and Best Private College Prep High School in Brooklyn according to Niche.com’s 2024 rankings.

Most recently, Mr. Yoon led the Upper School Program at The Wilberforce School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he served as Head of Upper School for eight years. He has been dedicated to educating young people throughout his career. He brings with him almost two decades of experience in education, having served in a variety of roles, including math teacher, student dean, director of middle school, and head of upper school. Mr. Yoon holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from SUNY Binghamton as well as graduate degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary and Teachers College, Columbia University. To help families get to know more about Mr. Yoon, we asked him about his background and ideas as he moves into the Associate Head of School for BASIS Independent Brooklyn. Below is an interview that has been edited for length and clarity.

Can you share what drew you to a career in education?

While I studied electrical engineering in college, I spent my college summers helping out at a youth education center. During my senior year of college, a close friend (who would one day be my wife) asked me what I would do as a career if I could do anything. This led to some honest thinking. I liked engineering, but I loved what I did during the summers–teaching and working with middle and high school students. This probably sounds cliché, but I loved and honestly still love the potential that educators have in making a positive difference in kids’ lives during some of their most formative years. I find it a great privilege and responsibility to be in such a position.

What appealed to you about joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn?

Two things appealed to me most about the school: its commitment to academic excellence and the school environment. The material that’s taught at BASIS Independent is at the highest levels of academic rigor that I’ve seen as an educator. But what’s more impressive is how effectively this challenging material is taught at the school and how students are encouraged and pushed to learn at their highest potential, which leads to the second thing that appealed to me…the school environment. I love that the school is committed to creating an environment where students feel valued and supported to think freely and creatively and, at the same time, are challenged to excel.

Tell us about some of your plans or priorities in the year ahead?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the school leaders, teachers, and some families during the last few weeks and am very much looking forward to meeting the rest of the community. I’m especially excited to get to know the students! Teachers are, of course, fundamental to a school, and one of my main goals for this year is to support them in a way that allows them to further develop their craft as educators.

We understand you are not just a new member of school leadership, but you are also a parent at our school. What difference does that second perspective bring?

As a parent, I understand firsthand many of the hopes and concerns that parents have regarding their child’s education. Having such a perspective allows me to approach decision-making with a deeper understanding and sensitivity toward the potential effects the decisions will have on both students and their families.

Do you mind sharing a fun fact that families might not know about you?

My two daughters, Zoe and Isobel, love rollerblading, and since we recently moved to a place just a few blocks from Prospect Park, I decided to take up rollerblading again to join them on the trail. So, if you see a middle-aged Asian man with two girls rollerblading at the park, feel free to say hello…but only if he looks like he knows what he’s doing (if he looks like he has no business on rollerblades, please assume it’s not me and save me an embarrassing encounter!).

You just moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn. What are some of your favorite things about the borough so far?

THE FOOD! My family and I have really enjoyed trying new foods and restaurants. On the recommendation of one of our administrators, we found our favorite dessert spot in Brooklyn so far: Culture (frozen yogurt)! Besides the food, I love that we can walk everywhere! We’ve doubled our daily steps, which bodes well for us since we’ve probably doubled our calorie intake with all the good food!

Bobcat Bytes: Isha T., Grade 12

May 16, 2024 by zachfarrell Leave a Comment

This blog series aims to offer a glimpse into the student life of our Student Ambassadors. The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Student Ambassadors play an important role by representing BISV throughout the academic year in many ways. From cherished memories, to conquering challenges, from time management to immersing themselves in clubs and activities.

Meet Isha T., Grade 12, class of 2024. Prior to attending BISV, Isha attended a private school. Since joining our school in Grade 5, she has been a fantastic member of our school community. Isha’s favorite soccer clubs are FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. She says, “I went to both home stadiums when I visited Spain for my 18th birthday!”

Isha loves to travel with her family and has been to several other countries as well. She is also a valuable member of our dynamic Bollywood Dance Team at BISV, where she embraces her heritage and nurtures her love for dance. One standout memory for her last year was attending the Taylor Swift Eras Tour with her best friend!

What have been some of your most memorable moments or experiences at BISV and why?

One of my favorite experiences at BISV was being selected to be a Student Ambassador! As a Student Ambassador, I got the wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective students to BISV and show them around our campus. I also got to speak to prospective students and parents during Open Houses and Information Sessions. I answered any questions that they had and shared all of my amazing experiences at BISV, including the joy I got from representing my school. I’m proud to say that I have been a Student Ambassador for all 7 years that I’ve been at BISV and have truly enjoyed being able to show families how warm and welcoming our community is.

This year we have over 90 clubs at BISV! What are the benefits of participating in our extracurriculars?

Everyone has a variety of interests, whether it be the arts, academics, or sports. One of the things I appreciate most about BISV is how they celebrate students’ individuality by offering a wide variety of clubs. With such a varied group of club topics, it really feels like there’s something for everyone. Participating in clubs and organizations at BISV not only allows you to pursue your passions, but also allows you to form close bonds with club members who have the same interests as you.

How do you manage your time and balance academic, extracurricular activities, and free-time?

One of the most effective ways that has helped me balance my academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments was using my Communication Journal, or CJ. I would write down all of my school reminders and events that I had outside of school in order to keep track of everything. Just like I used my CJ to help me manage my time and balance my academics, extracurriculars, and personal commitments, it also came in handy for staying organized. Writing things down in my CJ allowed everything to be in one place, so it became easy for me to keep track of assignments and deadlines.

What are some ideas you had about BISV that you found out to be true or false once you joined the school?

Since BISV is such an academically rigorous school full of high-achievers, I thought I would be surrounded by a competitive environment where I would feel insecure and less accomplished than my peers. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Everyone in BISV is so humble about their accomplishments and best of all, everyone here supports and lifts each other up. The students here are not afraid to ask for help or admit their weaknesses, creating a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings.

Finally, what advice would you give for incoming students to make the most of their year?

One piece of advice I would give to prospective students is that even though the curriculum at BISV is rigorous, just continue to work hard and seek the help of your friends, parents, and teachers. Also, make sure you use your CJ! It helps a lot when you have several upcoming assignments, tests, and events.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

On a Mission with our Head of School

September 21, 2023 by msnyder

As we reflect on the first few weeks of school and successful Meet the Teacher events, we are eager to hear from our Head of School, LaNette Hodge. With her focused and intentional leadership style, she has spent the summer collaborating with her staff and crafting a set of core values to guide BASIS Independent Manhattan throughout the 2023-24 year.

Welcome back! This is quite an exciting year for you.

It is! We are so excited and fulfilled. I can say that because we are now a fully mature school with our first graduating class of seniors. It is such a privilege to be able to offer our families not only a comprehensive educational journey from PreK-12 but also a complete and consistent student experience.

I understand that you place great importance on mantras and setting intentions. As a thoughtful and visionary leader, what aspirations do you have for the upcoming school year?

Personally, my journey towards self-improvement is a constant pursuit, and I wake up every day with a purpose to serve others, which fills my heart with immense gratitude. The intentional efforts put in by our team to establish a culture of trust, respect, and pride at BASIS Independent Manhattan is something I take great pride in. This culture resonates in every aspect of our school’s operations, shaping the exceptional educational experience we provide.

While there are a number of goals that come to mind, I have three primary ones for achievement in the coming year, which I would love to share in more detail. I am sharing these goals with our community because I believe that transparency and communication are essential for building trust and success.

Goal #1: Alignment of Mission, Vision & Values

Over the summer, our team carefully created a mission statement that we use as our guide in our daily interactions with one another. I feel we have a renewed sense of teamwork now that allows us to promote a supportive culture of inclusion, equity, and agency.

That effort expands to encircle our school community in which teachers, students, parents, and staff build relationships of connectivity, collaboration, and belonging.

Goal #2: Staff Satisfaction

I am very proud to say that we had 84% retention at both our Lower and Upper Schools, and are currently fully staffed! That is an incredible accomplishment in the current landscape of education and hiring. Our leadership team has done a lot of important work to attract and retain the best and brightest faculty and staff.

Even with the high number of returning, experienced teachers and the addition of pedigreed new teachers to support our school’s growth, we are inspired to push even further. We do that by providing our staff with professional development opportunities and leadership initiatives in a diverse and equitable environment.

Heading from our summer teacher training into this school year, I also could see a renewed sense of collegiality, collaboration, and camaraderie. That kind of positivity spills into the classrooms, trickles down to the students, and is shared with families who then express their appreciation back to the teachers. It’s a beautiful and rewarding cycle.

Goal #3: Culture of Connection & Belonging

Another goal is to continue to build, promote, and foster a school culture of belonging and connectedness—where all students feel included, supported, valued, and respected. This is leading to improved academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. Beyond the student experience, we also encourage a school community culture where affirmation, collaboration, and partnerships thrive and are the valued norm.

That all sounds great, but how do you do it?

Our collaborative leadership approach is helping us to achieve our goals by fostering communication and collaboration across all levels of the school community. We now have an Associate Head of School at the Lower and Upper School campuses, which creates an aligned and supportive foundation. We also have shared office space where we work closely every day, which:

promotes cross-functional school collaboration
facilitates feedback and decision-making efficiency, and
allows us to anticipate and respond to the needs of our students, teachers, or parents

Our success is evident in the positive experiences our families are having and the enthusiastic recommendations they are sharing with their families, friends, and colleagues. It is truly remarkable to witness the increased number of admissions applications we have received in PreK, kindergarten, grade 6, and grade 9 – the traditional entry points for our school. This growth is a testament to the thriving Wildcat school community we are building, and I am eagerly looking forward to the incredible achievements that await us this year, especially with our exceptional Class of 2024!