Standards
of
Mind and Heart

Standards
of
Mind and Heart

In this book, Peggy and Bob tell an extraordinary story of the creation of a new high school that truly aspires to educate all students to high stan- dards—standards for the heart, as well as for the mind; standards for citi- zenship, as well as for future adult work. We can learn a great deal from their story about what is required to transform secondary education—the replicable principles and practices that make for a truly excellent public school.

We want to recognize an extraordinarily powerful set of thinkers and prac- titioners who shed themselves of the vestiges of “old think” and embraced the possibilities of a new beginning. Our sincere thanks to Superintendent Dr. Richard Lalley, Assistant Superintendent Michael Galan, and our origi- nal Planning Team—Cleve Penberthy, Dan Bisaccio, Allison Rowe, Kim Carter, and Nancy Baker.
We were also blessed by a wonderfully supportive school board who understood that schooling for the 21st century needed a new vision. Thank you, May Balsama, Bill Donovan, Addie Hutchison, Ann Logan, Bob Kent, Bruce Ribolini, and Martha Christensen.
Ted Sizer’s inspiration for creating a school where students would learn to “use their minds well” became an integral part of our vision. We appreciated his support and his frequent visits.
We are grateful to the residents of Amherst and Mont Vernon who supported the creation of the high school and who continue to support our students’ efforts and achievements.

PEGGY SILVA ROBERT & A. MACKIN