Pencils Down with Jamie Williamson

In this episode, Jamie Williamson is joined by Westchester Lower School’s Campus Head Dr. Daniele Kass. Dr. Kass shares her experience as the mother of a dyslexic child and reflects on the importance of support among family. They exchange stories of mentorship and their core values, and discuss the strength of Windward’s RULER program for both students and faculty. The Windward School Official Web...

In this episode, Jamie Williamson is joined by Windward's Teacher Training Program Director Kara Schremser. Kara offers an inside look at the depth and intentionality behind Windward’s Teacher Training Program and how it shapes our teachers. They discuss the importance of the program and Kara's journey - from first arriving at Windward as a teacher to where she is now! ⁠⁠⁠The Windward School Offic...

In this episode, Head of School Jamie Williamson is joined by Melissa Stewart, associate director of development who talks about how her lifelong travels have impacted her approach to her work, the value of empathy and optimism, and the importance of connecting with families to advance the mission of The Windward School. ⁠⁠⁠The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Windward is a coeducation...

Jamie is joined by Outplacement Director Diane Kissner. Diane reflects on her 30 years at Windward, the work of the outplacement department, and the relationships she has built with families over the years. They also dive into Windward's grade 8 study skills program and how it helps students prepare for the transition to high school. ⁠⁠The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Windward i...

In this episode of Pencils Down, Jamie is joined by Windward's Director of Marketing and Communications JP Bifone to discuss the work of the marketing and communications department and how the team helps to get Windward's message out there. They dive into some of the work of the department including the recent launch of a new website for the School and JP's journey to Windward. ⁠⁠The W...

In this episode, Jamie Williamson is joined by Windward Parents Association (WPA) Co-Presidents Lindsay Friedman and Jessie Spain. They discuss their children’s journeys to Windward, the important work of the WPA, and the strong sense of community that connects us all. ⁠⁠The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a prove...

In this episode of Pencils Down, Jamie welcomes key members of the Manhattan and Westchester Middle School Student Councils. Sophia Hadar, Jesse Brown, Clara Gaudelet, and Stuart Ross discuss their journeys at Windward, their experiences working on Student Council, and share their advice for future students. ⁠The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Windward is a coeducational, independent day...

In this episode of Pencils Down, Director of Health, PE and Athletics Marilyn Hunt, and Athletic Director Dan Smith sit down with Jamie. Both Marilyn and Dan reflect on their time at Windward and how they’ve both been involved in building and shaping our athletics program over the years. The program instills teamwork, athletics skills, and confidence in Windward students, and Marilyn and Dan discu...

In this episode of Pencils Down with Jamie Williamson, Jamie is joined by Associate Head of School Jon Rosenshine. The conversation dives into some of Jon’s contributions to Windward over the years, from working to define the school’s core values to enriching SEL programs and extracurricular opportunities. Jon shares his perspective on education, student growth, and what makes the Windward experie...

In episode 6, Jamie Williamson sits down with Westchester Middle School Campus Head Chris Eberhard to reflect on Chris’ 27-year journey at Windward. From his early days as a teacher to his current role as a campus head, Chris has seen Windward evolve over the years, both inside and outside of the classroom. They dive into some of the values that guide Chris’ work, Windward’s growth, and the lastin...

Meet Dr. Anna Weiser, director of student support and social-emotional learning. In this episode of Pencils Down, Jamie Williamson discusses a range of topics with Dr. Weiser including the gift of unconditional love, the tremendous value of Windward’s student support team and their accessibility to the greater community, and the importance of implementing daily student support structures that help...

Jamie Williamson is joined by Dr. Romina Pacheco, director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in this episode of Pencils Down. Listen to Dr. Pacheco share her journey from starting out as a teacher in Venezuela to becoming director of DEIB at Windward. The episode dives into how Dr. Pacheco leverages her experiences to inform the important work she is doing at Windward to suppor...

In this episode, Jamie Williamson is joined by two of Windward’s 2024 faculty award winners: Lacey Fraser, recipient of the Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award, and Ashley Anne Bloom, Sandi Galst Scholar Award recipient. Tune in as they share their teaching experiences and discuss what makes Windward such a special place to work and grow, reflecting on their personal “why,” and their commi...

Jamie Williamson sits down with Director of The Windward Institute Alexis Pochna for a special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode of Pencils Down. Together they dive into Alexis' journey from assistant teacher to leading the crucial work of The Windward Institute, and discuss the various opportunities the Institute offers for teachers, families, and the greater community. The Windward School Officia...

Head of School Jamie Williamson sits with Lisa Murray, associate head of school for academic programs to discuss her career, the unique programs at The Windward School, and how this recently added role helps to advance and continue to evolve those programs. The Windward School Official Website Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program...