The Peck School

Head of the Lower School (Grades K-4)

Start Date: July 1, 2023

Morristown, NJ | www.peckschool.org

Northern New Jersey’s timeless and transformative co-ed independent elementary
and middle school education for grades K-8.

MISSION
STATEMENT
The Peck School inspires students to
learn rigorously, grow in character,
and lead healthy, productive, and
principled lives.

VISION
STATEMENT
The Peck School sets the standard
for excellence in K-8 education,
where academic preparation and
character development intersect
powerfully in the learning experi-
ence. By embedding consideration
of others, service, and belonging in
all that we do, we are designing an
integrated approach to education
that develops curious and disciplined
learners who positively shape the
world.

OVERVIEW CORE
One of the nation’s finest independent, K-8 coeducational day schools, PRINCIPLES
The Peck School provides the perfect learning environment for children
to thrive. Peck melds a proven curriculum with modern methods—and RIGOROUS LEARNING
students discover the pure delight of creative thinking and active learning We value rigor as the courage to

think deeply and creatively, to em-
by honoring timeless traditions and supporting timely transformation. brace challenges, and to persevere.

Peck’s dedicated K-8 educational model allows for growth, for explo- We commit to hard work and curiosi-
ty as a foundation for strong charac-

ration, for risk-taking, and for failure throughout students’ critical
ter and life-long learning.

elementary and middle school formative years. It allows for a nurturing
environment where children feel challenged, and will challenge them- CONSIDERATION
selves, all within a belief that learning is best when it is a joyful process. OF OTHERS
Children at Peck will be known as they develop into confident learners We value kindness, integrity, and
and leaders as they move through the Peck experience. empathy in our relationships and our

individual actions. The appreciation
The school is seeking a Head of the Lower School to lead students of the dignity and gifts in both our-
and faculty in grades K-4. Peck students are known for their academic selves and in others is essential to
strengths, athletic achievements, artistic expression, leadership skills, and learning and to a culture of belong-

community service, and the new Division Head will be responsible for ing.

ensuring students continue to thrive and succeed across all areas.
COMMUNITY

The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge and background in RESPONSIBILITY
elementary education, specifically grades K-4, and will be a highly We value our shared responsibility

to lift each other up and to care for
involved and visible leader for the Lower School. our school, our community, and our

world.

The Peck School | Morristown NJ 2

FACTS
AT A
GLANCE

Founded: 1893

Total students: 347

Students of color:
114

Total faculty: 90

Faculty of color: 13

Student/teacher
ratio: 7:1

Financial aid
budget: $700,000

Students
receiving aid: 22

Endowment:
$12.5 million

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SCHOOL HISTORY
When The Peck School was founded in 1893, its mission was clear: to provide the best possible education to local
children. Under the name Miss Sutphen’s School—named for the teacher, Christine Sutphen—six students came
through its doors in the first year.

By 1916, 23 years after opening its doors, the school had grown to 100 students, nine teachers, and was recognized as
one of the best private elementary schools in Morristown. Two years later, in 1918, it changed its name to The Peck
School after its new leader, Mr. Lorraine T. Peck.

In 1944, Peck became a nonprofit corporation, comprised of parents and a Board of Trustees, with parents taking
an active role in guiding the School’s policies and planning. In 1948 the School completed its move to its current
campus and the fourteen acres of land on which it’s situated.

In the following decades, the school grew both in terms of enrollment and physical footprint, adding new facilities
and expanding programming while building the foundation for many of the school’s current traditions. In 1993, The
Peck School completed the Deetjen Kindergarten Building. In 1995, the Caspersen-Tomlinson Academic Building
was completed, followed by the F. M. Kirby Lower School in 1998. In 2006 the state-of-the-art Eckert-Huff Academ-
ic Building was completed, which was followed by the 32,000-square-foot Peck Athletic Center in 2007.

The school recently completed a capital campaign that resulted in extensive campus renovations as well as a new
building, The Peck Commons, that houses a new dining hall, multipurpose room, school store, and classrooms.

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THE SCHOOL integrity, patience, and persever- The school’s nationally-recognized
ance. Since the 1960s, “consider- Individual Development and

Today, The Peck School’s mission is ation of others” has been included Community Responsibility (InDe-

as clear as it was when it was found- as an important category on each CoRe) program guides its efforts

ed in 1893: to inspire students to student’s report card. Throughout to promote positive character

learn rigorously, grow in character, their time at Peck, students learn to development. Every trimester, Peck

and lead healthy, productive, and respect all members of their com- focuses on one of its six core values:

principled lives. Its small-scaled munities, to appreciate diversity, to Care, Courage, Gratitude, Respect,

K-8 program provides children encourage and support others, and Resilience, and one rotating value.

with role models worth following to exhibit cooperation and fairness. Students become people who value

and equips them over time with the and practice the kinds of life skills Peck maintains a family-style
strength to lead. Peck’s curriculum critical to future satisfaction as dining tradition that gives students
and approaches to teaching and successful adults and responsible of all ages a seat at the table with
learning continue to evolve and citizens.teachers from all divisions—and
transform as it implemented its makes them feel seen, heard, and The school is accredited with the
2015 Strategic Plan, as it successful- loved by the adults who share Middle States Association Commis-
ly navigated the brunt of the pan- their lives. In the Lower School, sions on Elementary and Secondary
demic, and in the recent adoption kindergarten students bring lunch Schools (MSA-CESS) and the New
of our 2022 Strategic Plan. from home and eat in the Deetjen Jersey Association of Independent

Character is at the heart of the Peck Kindergarten Building. Students Schools. The school is undergoing

experience. Students learn to take in grades 1-4 eat in the dining hall, its decennial accreditation process

ownership and responsibility for with two students from each grade during the 2022-23 school year.

their actions by practicing honesty, at a table with one adult.

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ACADEMICS Lower School is a gateway to a world The Lower School is strengthened
of possibilities. Students learn with by its Associate Teacher program.

The academic program at Peck places excitement and enthusiasm in a The Associate Teacher Program

a strong emphasis on student-cen- caring and supportive environment. places novice teachers in the

tered learning. This framework Academic standards are high and elementary classroom alongside

provides ample room for students to teachers emphasize developing solid master teachers to participate in all

engage in collaborative experiences study skills, a strong work ethic, and aspects of instruction, planning, and

that promote active, responsible a sense of responsibility. daily school life. Associate Teachers

participation in one’s own learning. receive broad support for their In the Lower School, each grade has
The school aims to provide authentic personal and professional growth two homerooms. Each homeroom
learning experiences that allow for through regular meetings, extensive has a lead teacher and an associ-
meaningful connections between professional development opportuni-ate teacher. In addition to their
students and across disciplines. ties, and immersive classroom experi-homeroom teachers, Lower School ences. It is a two-year program, and
The warm, supportive environment students work with a variety of spe- numerous associates have gone on
of The Peck School’s kindergarten cialist teachers, including a learning to hold lead teacher positions. The
flows into the balanced Lower School specialist, a psychologist, a reading Head of the Lower School plays a
(K-4) curriculum, which in turn specialist, a part-time math special- key role in hiring and supporting the
prepares students for success in the ist, a library and literacy specialist, a Associate Teachers.
Upper School (5-8). At every stage, Spanish teacher, a science teacher, a

a Peck education incorporates and music teacher, a visual arts teacher, A comprehensive look into the robust

responds to each child’s individual a technology, innovation, and design Lower School curriculum can be

learning style, abilities, and interests. teacher, a woodworking teacher, and found on our website here.
multiple physical education teachers.

STUDENT OUTCOMES
From Peck, students attend a variety of outstanding secondary schools
nationwide, from some of the most competitive day and boarding inde-
pendent schools, to top-rated public schools. Our Secondary School office
collects matriculation data for both secondary and college institutions; a
selection of schools attended by multiple Peck graduates is as follows:

• SECONDARY SCHOOL, BOARDING: Berkshire School, Blair Acade-

• SECONDARY SCHOOL, DAY: Delbarton School, Gill St. Bernard’s

**COLLEGE: Colgate University, Villanova University, Duke University,
Lafayette College, Cornell University, Georgetown University, Yale University,
Bucknell University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, University of
Notre Dame, Wake Forest University, Boston College, Brown University, Colum-
bia University, Princeton University, Washington & Lee University, University of
Pennsylvania, University of Miami

• compiled from a list of 213 Peck graduates matriculated to secondary school institutions, 2018-2022

View Student Outcomes 2022 Brochure

The Peck School | Morristown NJ 6

ARTS at the Short Hills Mall, and in vari- Lower School Chorus: The Lower
ous local restaurants and businesses. School Chorus is open to any stu-

Building a strong foundation at Peck dent in grades two to four who loves
goes beyond academics. The school Cross-curricular: Art classes are to sing. The Chorus performs at
strives to foster intellectual curiosity, often integrated with projects from the Holiday Concert, The Sing: A
creative thinking, appreciation of the other disciplines. These cross-cur- Celebration of the Holidays, and the
arts, and a commitment to a healthy ricular opportunities give students a Spring Sing.
and active lifestyle. Graduates leave deeper, more immersive experience

Peck with the skills necessary to and a fresh perspective on culture, WOODWORKING

succeed at the next level of education. aesthetic, and artistic expression. Beginning in Grade 3, Peck students
explore the world of woodworking.

MUSIC
VISUAL ARTS The skills they build while mastering

Children fully realize their innate
The arts are an important part of the use of hand tools and machinery

visual musical instincts in our Lower School an education at Peck. In the often complement cross-curricular
arts, Music Program, and learn to be tune-students are challenged to themes and projects, such as sawing

ful, “beat-ful”, and artful. That is,
create works of art that enhance skill and sanding to create folk toys as

they sing tunefully, feel the pulse of
development, thinking processes, part of a larger study of regional

the music, and respond to the expres-
and creativity. A timeless, traditional history.

siveness of the music.
approach to art education meets
innovative teaching and modern Instruments: Extensive instrumen-
technique in the Gr. K-4 art studio. tal exposure, including pitched and
Students explore a wide variety of non-pitched percussion instruments,
media and are exposed to history’s handbells, tone chimes, recorders,
greatest artists through stories, pre- and ukuleles.
sentations, and thematic projects.

Performances: Multiple musical per-
The Discovery Zone: explores the formance opportunities developing
intersections of art, engineering, and poise, confidence and a love of music.
design with design-thinking chal-
lenges using materials of students’ Pedagogy and methodology: Re-

choosing. They may work inde- search-based curriculum and devel-

pendently or collaboratively in this opmentally-appropriate pedagogies

self-driven creative process. (including Orff and Kodaly meth-
odologies) that draw from quality

Public Exhibits: Student work has literature including authentic folk
been shown in public exhibits, such songs and folk dances.
as The Morris Museum, Nordstroms

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ATHLETICS Each grade participates in structured is a major emphasis during classes,
and developmentally-appropriate helping students build upon their

At Peck, learning carries over from (and fun) activities, games, and drills; skills with collaborative teamwork,

the classroom to the playing field, strengthening basic motor skills and coordination, partnership, values,

court, or rink in recognition that learning the fundamentals of sports and decision-making. Additionally,

part of a healthy childhood is the strategy and teamwork. Kindergarten students learn about conditioning,

opportunity to grow through struc- students meet for their sports and leadership, anatomy, physical fitness,

tured play and intentional physical physical education classes four times safety awareness, and hygiene.

activity. in a 2-week rotation for 30 minutes
with their homerooms, and first and The third and fourth grades meet

Peck’s Athletic Department offers second graders each meet five times in
together for sports and physical

students a distinctive program that a two-week rotation for 40 minutes.
education classes four times in a
six-day rotation, for 45 minutes.

is based in character education, and Additional topics covered are safety A variety of sports equipment is
respectful of developmental needs at awareness, hygiene, teamwork used in games and drills, ultimately
every stage, emphasizing developing building, character development, preparing students for future
skills as well as sportsmanship. At values, coordination development, athletic endeavors.
all grade levels, master teachers creative play, and an introduction to
and coaches provide ample positive basic anatomy. The importance and In preparation for the Upper School
experiences that result in a lifelong cognitive awareness of sportsmanship sports program which begins in fifth
appreciation for sports and physical and consideration of others are taught grade, grades 3-4 also focus on the
exercise, and a deep understanding and reinforced throughout the year. rules and regulations of the different
and respect for teamwork. sports offered at Peck, in groups

Through intramural sports, grades separated by gender. Students
A focus on movement and coor- 3-4 begin to focus on developing change into school-provided
dination, creative play and the joy specific athletic skills, a healthy uniforms for classes, reinforcing
of physical activity, and working spirit of competition, and a working a sense of athleticism, bonding,
cooperatively with others are the knowledge of the strategies involved and the team unit.
highlights of physical education in a number of seasonal sports.
classes in grades K through 2. Positive sportsmanship and team play

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BELONGING
Peck is a community of people that represent different ethnicities, a vibrant range of cultural and racial backgrounds,
and varying religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Families come from 39 different communities throughout the
state, and students enjoy an abundance of programming and resources focused on embracing diversity. The school has
an active and passionate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee as well as a Board of Trustees
Diversity Committee. Peck maintains a family-style dining tradition that gives students of all ages a seat at the table
with teachers from all divisions—and makes them feel seen, heard, and loved by the adults who share their lives. The
school is also working to implement a K-8 Building Belonging curriculum.

SERVICE LEARNING
Instilling and reinforcing a sense of social awareness in students is a fundamental aspect of Peck’s educational
experience. Beginning in kindergarten and extending throughout their years at Peck, students devote time and
energy to serving the local and global communities through meaningful—and fun—hands-on activities. Some of
these include a Food Drive & Hunger Walk helping the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, volunteering
for environmental conservation initiatives, working with developmentally disabled children across the country, and
collecting and organizing holiday gifts for those in need. Each grade maintains a yearlong service learning component
that aligns with curricular and/or community themes; partnering with local and national non-profit organizations
for hands-on initiatives and projects. For example, fourth grade partners with the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris
Plains, and small groups of students volunteer on site with a faculty chaperone periodically through the year.

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CAMPUS
Exceptional learning facilities and resources are at every turn at Peck. The 35,000 square-foot Eckert Huff Build-
ing—dedicated in 2006—features the state-of-the-art Higgins library; a technology lab, the Tomlinson Multimedia
Center; smart classrooms; space devoted to music, fine arts, and woodshop; and common areas for students.

The school completed a range of improvements in recent years, including fully renovating the Kindergarten and
Higgins Library, and creating the Robotics Lab, the Idea & Design Lab, and student lounges. A variety of other
campus improvements were completed in late 2019, including The Peck Commons (a multipurpose gathering and
event space with a new dining hall and kitchen), reconfigured campus entrance, new art spaces, campus store, and
expanded outdoor play area.

MORRISTOWN, NJ
Known as “a community that cares,” Morristown has been Peck’s home since 1893. A charming community with deep
Colonial roots of less than 20,000 residents, Morristown features a variety of historic attractions, many Victorian-era
homes, and has been named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of its “Dozen Distinctive Desti-
nations.” Although it is surrounded by the quintessentially suburban Morris Township and affluent commuter towns,
Morristown has long been a place with lots of restaurants, shops, and activities, while remaining relatively affordable.
People who come to live in Morristown enjoy its pedestrian-friendly walkable community with access to New Jersey
Transit and several highways. About 30 miles west of Manhattan, Morristown allows for easy access to the attractions
of New York City.

The Morristown Green—a large green space with picnic tables and walking paths—is the center of town, and is sur-
rounded by shops, restaurants, condominiums, and offices. It is also the site of a number of town events, such as the
fall Festival on the Green, an annual Jazz Festival, and holiday festivals. A weekly Farmer’s Market is near the Green.
Morristown also features the Mayo Performing Arts Center, the nationally-recognized Morristown Medical Center,
and a number of National Historical Landmarks and parks. The town has an extensive recreation program, including
a seasonal swimming pool, horseback riding at nearby stables, public ice skating, and more.

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OPPORTUNITIES data on student achievement—and to incorporating and advocating for
framing generative questions to inspire our schoolwide belonging program, the

LEAD THE LOWER SCHOOL FACULTY continuous improvement in curriculum Head of the Lower School models the
In collaboration with Head of School, and pedagogy. values of the InDeCoRe program—
Andy Delinsky, the Head of the Lower individual development and community
School shapes the strategic vision for STEWARD COMMUNICATION responsibility—that’s at the heart of
the academic and character develop- WITH PARENTS the Peck experience: courage, grati-
ment of Peck students in grades K-4. Peck believes in a strong parent-school tude, respect, care, and resilience.
Adept at developing teacher leaders and partnership, which the Head of the

comfortable with delegating responsi- Lower School continues to foster. The Head of the Lower School em-
bility, the Head of the Lower School Emotionally intelligent and politically bodies Peck’s core values and integrates
balances the day-to-day demands of astute, the Head of the Lower School these values in every aspect of the job.
running the division with attention to understands, manages, and addresses

long-term strategic goals. parental concerns with a nuanced com- ENSURE STUDENT READINESS
bination of empathy and confidence AND OUTCOMES

SUPPORT BEST PRACTICES IN as parents navigate the ups and downs The Lower School Head, in collab-
TEACHING AND LEARNING of raising Lower School children. oration with the Student Support
Peck has earned its reputation for Keeping the best interest of the student Team, understands and monitors the
academic excellence and seeks oppor- at the heart of the conversation, the academic, social, and developmental
tunities for continued pedagogical and Head of the Lower School communi- milestones of the Lower School
curricular transformation to continue cates proactively, leans into difficult Students. Peck students transition from
offering the best program for students. conversations, and draws appropriate the Lower School to the Upper School
The Head of the Lower School will boundaries as necessary. with a strong foundation in all core
work closely with the Director of academic subjects, public speaking,
Curriculum and Faculty Development CHAMPION PECK’S character development, and executive
to deepen the good work that’s already CORE VALUES AND CHARACTER functioning skills.
in progress by prioritizing collabo- EDUCATION PROGRAM

ration, supporting dialogue among From direct eye contact to a firm

the faculty, sharing protocols for handshake to conversation at the

examining student learning—including mixed-grade family style lunch table

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DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
EXCELLENT COMMUNICATOR
Engaging with a wide range of constituents—students, teachers, prospective and current parents, administrators, as well
as leaders in the broader educational community—the Head of the Lower School must posses strong writing and public
speaking skills, valuing clarity and effectiveness. An ability to listen with an open mind, ask questions, and explain decisions
with appropriate transparency are vital in this work. Openness to communication via video and blogs is a plus.

PERSONAL WARMTH
Peck is a close, caring environment, a family of families where the innocence of childhood is treasured and preserved as long as
possible. Strong candidates will possess strong emotional intelligence and understand the importance of authentically welcom-
ing all families, encouraging students, supporting faculty and staff, and inspiring joyful engagement in the daily work of Peck.

PROVEN LEADER
Qualified candidates will have experience managing and leading people. Just as Peck teachers recognize and build upon the
strengths of each child, the Head of the Lower School will leverage the strengths and talents of the faculty, and will imple-
ment processes that support the evolution of programs and protocols in a high-functioning school.

LIFE-LONG LEARNER
The candidate will display an open mindset, humility, and an innate desire to be a life-long learner, setting a vital example for
students, faculty, and families. Authentic curiosity to learn about different cultures is essential in building belonging in our
diverse community. As a model life-long learner, the candidate will embrace and learn innovative practices and new technol-
ogies alongside our faculty and students.

PASSION AND EXPERTISE FOR ELEMENTARY-AGED CHILDREN
Leading an elementary aged division requires the ability to joyfully meet the unique and varied needs of this curious and
dynamic age group. Proven experience working with elementary aged children and solid understanding of developmental
norms are fundamental requirements of this leadership role. Strong candidates will possess a passion and expertise for
embracing developmental milestones by seeking opportunities to celebrate the scope of growth achieved in a well-supported
K-4 program. An understanding of best practices and enthusiasm for creating a happy and cheerful lower school environ-
ment are key components of being the Head of Lower School.

TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents

(preferably PDFs) the following materials:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;

• A current résumé;

• A one-page statement of educational philosophy and practice;

• A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each

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