List Detail
Chris Elliot announces retirement 1/13/17
January 13, 2017
Dear Tenacre Community,
For the past 22 years it has been my honor and privilege to be the Head of School at Tenacre. The time has come for someone else to make that claim. At the December Board Meeting, I informed the Trustees that I will be resigning my position as of June 30, 2018. At that moment, I will have served as the Head of Tenacre for 23 years and have been an educator at two schools for a total of 44 years.
When I started my career as a fifth-grade teacher at Landon School in the mid 1970s, my long-term aspiration was to one day be the head of an elementary school. The fact that I have been able to live that dream is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed this position and every responsibility that I have undertaken at Tenacre. Personally and professionally, I have had a range of emotions during my tenure and have been blessed to be connected to a wonderful community with which to share these enriching and meaningful experiences.
While I believe this is a good time for me to retire in terms of my personal life, I also believe my departure comes at a good time for Tenacre. We will have completed a highly successful capital campaign with the renovation of a new science center, and the construction of a much needed Community Center that includes a new performing arts space and a modernized dining room and kitchen facility. In addition to campus improvements, the Campaign will also provide an important boost to the school’s endowment, a critical factor in limiting annual tuition increases and creating opportunities for students and staff. Tenacre is in good shape and is ready to sustain its reputation as one of the best elementary schools in the country. It is time for me to pass the baton on to the next Tenacre Head of School who I am sure will take the school to even greater heights.
During my time at Tenacre, I have had the chance to work with approximately 750 students, 400 families, 150 staff, and 100 trustees. I have experienced considerable joy in getting to know all of these individuals and having the chance to work with them in so many capacities. One of the most important partnerships a Head of School can have is the connection with the Board Chair. I have been fortunate to work with outstanding Board Chairs – Bill Lee, Bob Mahoney, Kathie Sims, Mark Borden, Jarrett Collins, and Stuart Ablon. Each has devoted considerable time and effort in advising me and helping make sure that Tenacre remains a top notch school.
As a hiker, I know that every trail has an endpoint. I also know that I have a few more paths that I would like to explore. Perhaps they will be in the form of trail maintenance; literally or figuratively, working to help other hikers or educators follow their dreams. Thank you for nurturing and challenging me, every day.
Sincerely,
Christian B. Elliot
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Dear Tenacre Community,
For the past 22 years it has been my honor and privilege to be the Head of School at Tenacre. The time has come for someone else to make that claim. At the December Board Meeting, I informed the Trustees that I will be resigning my position as of June 30, 2018. At that moment, I will have served as the Head of Tenacre for 23 years and have been an educator at two schools for a total of 44 years.
When I started my career as a fifth-grade teacher at Landon School in the mid 1970s, my long-term aspiration was to one day be the head of an elementary school. The fact that I have been able to live that dream is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed this position and every responsibility that I have undertaken at Tenacre. Personally and professionally, I have had a range of emotions during my tenure and have been blessed to be connected to a wonderful community with which to share these enriching and meaningful experiences.
While I believe this is a good time for me to retire in terms of my personal life, I also believe my departure comes at a good time for Tenacre. We will have completed a highly successful capital campaign with the renovation of a new science center, and the construction of a much needed Community Center that includes a new performing arts space and a modernized dining room and kitchen facility. In addition to campus improvements, the Campaign will also provide an important boost to the school’s endowment, a critical factor in limiting annual tuition increases and creating opportunities for students and staff. Tenacre is in good shape and is ready to sustain its reputation as one of the best elementary schools in the country. It is time for me to pass the baton on to the next Tenacre Head of School who I am sure will take the school to even greater heights.
During my time at Tenacre, I have had the chance to work with approximately 750 students, 400 families, 150 staff, and 100 trustees. I have experienced considerable joy in getting to know all of these individuals and having the chance to work with them in so many capacities. One of the most important partnerships a Head of School can have is the connection with the Board Chair. I have been fortunate to work with outstanding Board Chairs – Bill Lee, Bob Mahoney, Kathie Sims, Mark Borden, Jarrett Collins, and Stuart Ablon. Each has devoted considerable time and effort in advising me and helping make sure that Tenacre remains a top notch school.
As a hiker, I know that every trail has an endpoint. I also know that I have a few more paths that I would like to explore. Perhaps they will be in the form of trail maintenance; literally or figuratively, working to help other hikers or educators follow their dreams. Thank you for nurturing and challenging me, every day.
Sincerely,
Christian B. Elliot
Tenacre Country Day School
78 Benvenue Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
P. 781-235-2282 F. 781-237-7057
Summer Programs 781-235-3238
