HeadWay

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

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer and Head-Royce's inaugural Director of Design and Making, David Clifford, discuss the transformative power of design thinking in education. They explore how a human-centered approach can foster creativity, empathy, and real-world impact, while emphasizing the importance of belonging and equity in learning environments. David shares his journey as an educator and design strategist, highlighting the need for creativity at all levels of education. The conversation also touches on the vision for the new makerspace at Head-Royce and the role of collaboration in shaping the future of learning.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking02:59 David Clifford's Journey and Philosophy05:51 Creativity and Belonging in Education08:47 The Role of Design Thinking in Schools11:54 Consequences of Design and Human-Centered Approaches14:56 A New Framework18:00 Embedding Design Thinking in School Culture21:04 Equity and Design Outcomes24:00 Future Vision27:07 Personal Insights and Fun Facts

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer speaks with Dr. Shavon Davis, Head-Royce School's upcoming Head of Lower and Middle Schools about the new K-8 structure. They discuss the importance of centering students in education, fostering continuity across lower and middle school years, and the critical roles of family and educator voices in supporting student growth. Dr. Davis emphasizes collaboration among leadership roles and the significance of academic preparation in nurturing confident, self-assured students. The conversation highlights a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.Chapters00:00 Introduction to HeadWay and New Leadership Structure02:00 The Importance of K-8 Education04:07 Opportunities and Challenges in Student Development06:05 Fostering Continuity Across Age Groups08:03 Centering Student Voices in Education09:55 Collaboration with Families and Educators12:09 The Role of Leadership in Student Experience14:04 Academic Preparation and Student Confidence16:08 Vision for Student Experience at Head-Royce

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer chats with Dr. Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, about how schools can balance academic excellence with student well-being. Their conversation touches on a range of topics—from how academic rigor and well-being can go hand in hand, to rethinking homework and assessments so they better reflect real learning. Dr. Pope also shares her thoughts on the impact of AI in the classroom, the importance of thoughtful school schedules, and why centering student voice and strong relationships matters more than ever.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Academic Excellence and Well-Being02:57 The Interplay of Rigor and Well-Being05:54 Rethinking Homework Policies08:51 Supporting Students Without Pressure11:48 Assessing the State of Student Stress14:59 The Role of AI in Education18:11 The Importance of School Schedules20:52 Challenging the Notion of Success23:46 Student Voice in Education27:04 Building Relationships for Better Learninghttps://www.headroyce.org

In this episode, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer and Assistant Head Joel Sohn discuss Head-Royce School’s new strategic direction, shaped by community feedback. They explore the re-articulated mission, vision, and core values, highlighting their connection to the school’s focus on character, intellect, and creativity. They also outline key priorities and initiatives designed to enhance student learning and well-being. The conversation underscores the school’s commitment to continuous improvement and the vital role of community engagement in bringing these initiatives to life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to HeadWay02:08 Developing a New Strategic Direction06:11 Misson, Vision, and Values11:55 Key Priorities and Initiatives18:04 Implementation and Measuring Success27:56 Looking Aheadhttps://www.headroyce.org

Enjoy this recording of the 19th Installment of the Nia Speaker of Color Series where special guest and alumna Kendra Andrews '15, broadcast journalist for ESPN, sits down in conversation with Kathrina Weekes, Head Royce's Director of Enrollment Management, her former teacher, Nancy Feidelman, and aspiring student journalist Sienna H. '25 about her time at Head-Royce and her career covering the NBA.

Ever wonder what it's like being a part of the younger generation these days? Listen to Episode 5 of the Head-Royce Voices Alumni Podcast as Brandon Byrd '21 and Chris Ajose-Nixon '21 revive their HRS Expos podcast, 'Go With The Flow', for one reunion episode as they talk about all things pop culture, school and athletics.

In this episode, Andy Spear, Upper School Drama and English Teacher, is joined by Kate Marchant '13 to talk about her debut novel, 'Float' which she started writing as a student at Head-Royce and has now been adapted into a movie.

This episode of Head-Royce Voices is a recording of an alumni webinar panel discussion on the topic of 'Diversity and Representation in Hollywood'. This candid conversation is moderated by Andy Spear (Head-Royce Upper School Drama & English Teacher) and Olivia Truffaut-Wong '09 (freelance entertainment editor and writer). They welcome on to the panel Daniel Wu '92 (award-winning actor & producer of over 70 TV and film productions including HBO's Westworld), Cameron Johnson '03 (writer, director, producer who co-created and executive produced the Nancy Drew spin off Tom Swift for The CW) and also Krista Marie Yu '06 (actress currently playing the role of Elaine Kim on Hulu's hit show Reboot).

Camden Louie '08, Alumni Council President, interviews new Head of School, Rachel E. Skiffer. Rachel shares how the first 125 days since she joined Head-Royce have progressed as well as insights from her career experience in business and education.

The opening episode of Head-Royce Voices is hosted by Brendan Blakeley '88, Director of Athletics and Stephen Flynn '02, Assistant Director of Athletics. They are joined in conversation by one of the all-time legends of the school, recently retired sports coach, Mike Talps. Mike completed an incredible 42 years of service with Head-Royce School, and he recounts his story of pursuing a career in sports education and athletic coaching. Coach Talps takes us down memory lane with stories and insights from over four decades of service.