News
Date Posted 
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Debbie Fisher Fisher9/18/2009 @ 2:28 PMWe have been in school for a little over 4 weeks, and I am embarrassed to say, this is the first time I have had time to read any of Dr. Locke's comments. Having a Senior and Freshman, this year, has really taken me further away from the days of LS Conferences. I was unable to attend Dr. Thompson's talk, however, I was very pleased with the US Parent's Night being held earlier in the semester. I remember in the past, it would be late September, and I still would not have a feel for my children's schedule. I also had not attended a NPA Parent's Meeting in a couple of years (my son now drives to school)and was very, very impressed with all of the changes, or new things, that are being made in all levels of school here at Newman. I want my children to start all over again!
Dr. Michael Thompson
Dr. Michael Thompson, award-winning author and psychologist, visited Newman as part of the opening days for faculty. Michael has written extensively on the culture of schools. His most recent works include Raising Cain, The Pressured Child, and Speaking of Boys. In addition to his work as an author, Michael is on the counseling staff at Belmont Hill School in Belmont, MA.
Michael’s work is centered on helping parents, faculty, and students navigate the increasingly complicated terrain of independent schools. His talk with faculty focused on the pressured child, but he also opened his comments to generalizations about the culture of schools and ways that schools can facilitate better communication with parents. Faculty deeply appreciated the experience and the feedback was extremely positive. His familiarity with this sort of school made him immediately credible, but his engaging and easy manner of presentation inspired trust, authentic discussion and sharing of ideas.
One method of engagement pioneered by Michael, the “Hopes and Dreams Conferences,” has already been incorporated in the lower school, and the early date for the upper school parents night suggests a similar trend in further involving parents in the educational process. In addition to speaking with faculty, Michael held a session with parents. The session, which was well attended, sparked interesting dialogue about kids, their development, and shared concerns about the best way to support children through their educational journey.
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Michael’s work is centered on helping parents, faculty, and students navigate the increasingly complicated terrain of independent schools. His talk with faculty focused on the pressured child, but he also opened his comments to generalizations about the culture of schools and ways that schools can facilitate better communication with parents. Faculty deeply appreciated the experience and the feedback was extremely positive. His familiarity with this sort of school made him immediately credible, but his engaging and easy manner of presentation inspired trust, authentic discussion and sharing of ideas.
One method of engagement pioneered by Michael, the “Hopes and Dreams Conferences,” has already been incorporated in the lower school, and the early date for the upper school parents night suggests a similar trend in further involving parents in the educational process. In addition to speaking with faculty, Michael held a session with parents. The session, which was well attended, sparked interesting dialogue about kids, their development, and shared concerns about the best way to support children through their educational journey.
1903 Jefferson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
An independent,
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade
