BARNESVILLE – The windows of the Main are open wide this July, and birds’ songs are blowing in on the summer breeze. The Olney Friends School campus is truly beautiful at this time of year with its expanses of green grass and colorful flowers in bloom. The seemingly serene setting is somewhat deceptive, though, since the grounds are actually buzzing with activity as faculty host visiting groups and prepare for students’ return in the fall.
Many teachers followed the students after Commencement and departed for a few weeks. But those of us who remain at Olney said farewell to Charlie and Susan Szumilas (both Hon.) after Charlie’s retirement became official on June 30. Charlie and Susan packed their bags and departed, bound for a new home in the Pacific Northwest.
Ken Hinshaw `74 stepped into his new role as Head of School on July 1, but he had already been working on campus for several weeks to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Ken is now spearheading several initiatives: a new and updated web site that is set to launch before the opening of the 2015-16 school year; USDA Organic Certification for the entire campus; a new approach to admissions outreach with the Olney Ambassador program; and much more.
The new enrollment effort relies heavily on the vast network of Olneyites across the nation to help reach students who are a good fit for the school. We are providing those who agree to serve as ambassadors with the branding, tools and language necessary to get more people thinking about Olney. Ambassadors already are working in select cities to spearhead this regional network, and these efforts are paying off. We expect to have more new students than returning students in the fall, even though 100% of students who were eligible to return have chosen to do so.
Together with the faculty, Ken also is taking a fresh look at the curriculum. With a focus on project- based learning, Olney’s updated curriculum will prepare students to be real-world problem solvers, and to find creative solutions and learn to work with diverse people and perspectives. The curriculum will utilize the tools that are all around us and, building on Quaker values and the tradition of activism, empower students to make a difference in this world.
Ken, who was born and educated here, also is eager to continue improving the campus facilities and making the most of what these 350 acres have to offer. “Part of the reason I came back to live at Olney is because I love this campus and the surrounding hills and streams,” Ken said. “Not long ago Cedar Waxwings were outside my office window. I love to walk down to Paul’s Island in the evening and listen to the frogs. Every time I drive into the school I love to see the Main. I know I am not alone in these things.”
Ken is also asking volunteers to take part in a work week from Aug. 10-15. This intensive cleanup and maintenance effort will be held after the Ohio Yearly Meeting sessions, which are scheduled for Aug. 3- 9. Interested Meeting members and other Olneyites are encouraged to visit the campus and lend a hand.
No matter when you can visit, we invite you all to come to campus to see for yourselves the many ways that Olney continues to thrive.
