HeadWay

In this episode of HeadWay, Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus sits down with drama teachers Andie Patterson and Andy Spear for a behind-the-scenes look at the theater program at Head-Royce. They discuss how shows are selected, what goes into casting it, and why certain productions may never make the cut. They also reflect on the unexpected lessons of live performance (including one from a famously mischievous ghost!) the importance of collaboration, and what they hope students will carry with them long after the curtain closes.

In this episode of HeadWay, Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus sits down with Nancy Feidelman, Director of the Center for Community Engagement, for a thoughtful conversation about how students connect their learning to the world beyond campus. Together, they explore what community engagement looks like at Head-Royce, how it is built through meaningful relationships and real-world experiences, and how it continues to evolve in response to students' and the wider community's needs.

In this episode, senior Emmy Mitchell sits down with Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about education, leadership, and the experiences that shape us. Ricky reflects on his journey as an educator, his years at Head-Royce, and the perspective he brings to leading a school community with both joy and authenticity. Their conversation touches on everything from the signature style of Ricky’s emails to his favorite books, his approach to leadership, and what he was like as a student before he was the one making the rules. Along the way, Emmy guides the discussion with humor and insight, drawing out stories that are thoughtful, self-aware, and occasionally unexpected. The result is a lively and heartfelt episode about being seen, growing up, and finding meaning in school and beyond.

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer speaks with John Palfrey, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, about the intersection of education, technology, and philanthropy. Their conversation explores equity in education, the importance of annual giving in schools, the value of creativity, and how technology is shaping a changing philanthropic landscape. John also reflects on the enduring role of institutions in building a more just society and the power of collective action among students.

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer interviews Whitney Soule, Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions, focusing on the importance of individuality, the innovative Thank You Note essay, and the role of student agency. Whitney shares insights on how students can thrive in college, the impact of AI and standardized testing on admissions, and offers advice for parents navigating the college application process.Chapters00:00:00 - 00:00:56 Introduction00:00:56 - 00:06:56 The Thank You Note Essay: A New Approach00:06:56 - 00:10:52 Understanding Student Success in College00:10:52 - 00:13:15 The Importance of Student Agency00:13:15 - 00:16:15 Navigating the College Application Process00:16:15 - 00:21:14 The Undergraduate Experience00:21:14 - 00: 26:48 The Role of AI in College Admissions00:26:48 - 00:30:56 The Impact of Standardized Testing00:30:56 - 00:34:12 Advice for Parents in the College Process00:34:12 - 00:38:55 What Moves Admissions Readers