HeadWay

In this episode of the Headway Podcast, Interim Head of School Ricky Lapidus sits down with Head-Royce parents Marissa Silva and Kate Jackson Hobbs to explore what it means to be part of the school community. From volunteering and family networks to sharing personal passions and supporting campus projects, they discuss the many ways families can build meaningful connections and make a lasting impact. Through stories of welcoming new families, celebrating student growth, and bringing the “Little Toy” playground to life, they reflect on how involvement helps create a vibrant, inclusive community where students and families can thrive.

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.