Author: Suzy Akin

: August 4, 2025 : Suzy Akin : 0

Phase III First Look: Watch Today & Tour August 19!

In Phase III, SPARK enters its boldest chapter. Six exciting projects are underway. Students will return to campus this fall to new spaces for Academic Support, music ensembles, robotics, and technology, along with a new lobby and bathroom and changing facilities in the West Building. Then, in the years to come, Phase III will continue the reimagination of Park’s exterior spaces, beginning with the re-engineering and refreshed design of campus…

: August 4, 2025 : Suzy Akin : 0

Construction Update | August 2025

We are excited to share a progress update on the construction projects happening all over campus. As a result of tremendous early support for Phase III of The Spark Campaign, this summer’s projects are focused on enhancing our spaces for music, academic support, technology, robotics, and athletics. The energy and vision Park’s faculty bring to their work ensure that our programs continue to grow and expand, even when space limitations…

: August 3, 2025 : Suzy Akin : 0

The Power of Music at Park: Growing a Thriving Program

“Good Morning, First Grade!!” Sung to the happy strumming of a guitar as students approach the door. “Good Morning, Mr. Cordes!!” the class sings back in response. All done as naturally as saying “hello” as they head into class. There is perhaps no sweeter sound than young children singing with confidence. And while we all love the events where our youngest students stand on stage and absolutely beam while earnestly…

: August 2, 2025 : Suzy Akin : 0

Go Team: Competition Robotics Expand Team Opportunities at Park

This spring, members of Park’s Competition Robotics team qualified to compete at the VEX IQ Rapid Relay State Championship, and came away with the coveted Sportsmanship Award. Their advisor, David Raabe, announced the recognition at our first Morning Meeting back from March Break, and the assembled 5–8 student body burst into enthusiastic applause. Eighth Grade Robotics team member Nick reflected, “Thanks to Mr. Raabe’s support, our team spent countless hours—using…

: December 14, 2022 : Suzy Akin : 0

WHAT WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT: STATE OF THE SCHOOL REPORT

The beginning of each new school year is always exciting, full of promise and possibility, and as we look forward to all that’s ahead, it’s important to reflect on the good work that brought us this far. In sharing this State of the School: 2021-2022 Report on Progress and Philanthropy, we are proud to say that The Park School is thriving—and its strength grows out of the amazing work accomplished…

: December 13, 2022 : Suzy Akin : 0

EXPLORING LIGHT IN 59 WORDS

In December, the English Department issued a challenge to Upper Division students, faculty, and staff: submit a piece of writing with exactly 59 words for the 59th day of school! Each piece must, in some way, involve the theme of light. The power of light is foundational to The SPARK Campaign, most concretely in the ways SPARK has brought more light into our academic spaces, but also conceptually. Naturally, we were…

: December 13, 2022 : Suzy Akin : 0

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

: December 13, 2022 : Suzy Akin : 0

BE A SPARK: NEELA PAL AND SEK KATHIRESAN P’22, ’19, ’17

Following 28 child years at Park, Neela Pal and Sek Kathiresan joined Director of Development Shannon O’Leary for a conversation about recognizing Park’s impact, staying connected, and giving back. Shannon: I love to start conversations by asking people what they love most about Park. Sek: What I love most about Park is that it has taught our kids to be confident learners who are comfortable in their own skin. That’s…

: August 1, 2022 : Suzy Akin : 0

What We’re Excited About: Summer Construction Updates

By Kimberly Boyd, Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations It has been another busy summer at Park! Even as we hosted Summer at Park and Creative Arts at Park camps, we advanced exciting projects that will transform student experience in important ways. Here’s what we’ve been working on…. WEST BUILDING UPDATES Building upon the momentum of last summer, the construction team from J Calnan and Associates came back…

: July 30, 2022 : Suzy Akin : 0

SPARK Co-chair Corner: Summer 2022

Summer is sometimes imagined to be a sleepy time at schools. As a school leader, I can tell you that is not the case. Some of my most productive and impactful work happens in the summer, and I know Park approaches the summer with a similar mindset. Of course there is time for rest and relaxation… and professional development, summer programs, team retreats, curricular review, implementation of new systems, and…