FROM THE INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL

ANDREA SCHOKKER

Reprinted from The Hilltopper Magazine, Fall 2023

 

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HERE, YOU BELONG.

These words resonated with me on my first day at Marshall School as the Interim Head of School. 

As I walked in that morning, I was met with smiles and “hellos” from students, faculty, and staff. From there, I began the day with our ninth graders as they embarked on a journey to Camp Menogyn; in this place, students create and tighten bonds within their cohort as they start their first year in the Upper School. I then introduced myself at an assembly with the remaining tenth through twelfth grade classes. 

That afternoon, I spoke with middle school students who beamed with energy and curiosity. They showed great interest in my involvement with showing dogs and horses, of which I’m sure they’ll have many more questions to come. I then visited with a group of Forest School students who, despite the unseasonable heat, assured me they were having “a super great day!” I witnessed the joy they had during pickup when they shared about their day’s activities with their families.

In various locations across our country, I’ve walked through school halls with students of all ages, but to me, nothing feels like walking down the halls of Marshall School. The community here is evident. The students are inquisitive and respectful, filled with a sense of ownership and pride in their school. Young learners have stopped by my new office to say “hi” on their way to class with a sense of confidence I can’t imagine having if I were in their shoes. When I went to a large public school in the Ozarks of Missouri, going anywhere near the principal’s office meant you were likely in trouble.

This past spring, my son Aidan graduated from Marshall. We took him to college for his first semester at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, and it was both emotional for us to leave him, but also exciting to see him in his element. The confidence he gained at this school through class discussions, clubs, sports, and being engaged in the Hilltopper community made his college transition smoother than I could have imagined. 

I’m not new to our school community after having served on the Marshall Board of Trustees and being a Marshall parent, but now in this role, I get the privilege of seeing our school from yet another side.

As we settle into fall semester, there is much to look forward to in the next year. I am committed to supporting a stable, yet inspiring, environment for our Hilltopper community as we search for our next Head of School. I am honored to bring my knowledge of Marshall and background with previous educational administrative roles into this special place as we continue to grow together, preserve and enhance the value of a Marshall education, further connect with our incredible alumni, and work together to inspire lifelong learners to embrace challenge and create positive change.

I look forward to meeting you all, Hilltoppers young and old, at one of our many activities and events this year!

Andrea Schokker