Dear Addlestone Community,

I hope you and your families had a beautiful and meaningful Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and that this season has offered time for reflection, renewal, and connection. As we look ahead, we wish everyone a warm, joyful, and fun Sukkot and look forward to seeing many of you at the different celebrations and gatherings around town. When one thinks about it a little, Sukkot, with its focus on family and sitting outside in an unprotected hut for a week, is almost the antithesis of the materialism which we often see today. At least it is to me when I wonder whether it’s going to rain or be hot and whether the Lowcountry mosquitoes have come for their own feast: me. Sukkot is about family and recognizing that we are not in complete control, whether we think so or not.

So much for musing. I’m pleased to share an update on the strategic study currently underway as we thoughtfully consider Addlestone’s future and opportunities for growth.

Our community surveys are now complete, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate and share your perspectives. The survey results are currently with our consultant, Barry Kislowicz, for analysis and will be reviewed with the Board of Directors.

We have also begun the next phase of the process: our focus group sessions. Two of the six sessions have already been completed, with all six expected to conclude by Wednesday, October 14. To those who have participated—and those who will be joining an upcoming focus group—please know how much we value your time, transparency, candor, and participation.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

These conversations simply would not be possible without your willingness to show up, share your experiences, and offer your perspectives. We are truly grateful.

In addition, questionnaires will be sent after Sukkot to six community rabbis so that we can incorporate their perspectives into the process as well.

We anticipate having results from all of these different avenues by the end of October, in preparation for an initial presentation to the Board of Directors at its November meeting. These findings will be critical in leading us in hiring our new Head of School. To paraphrase Elmer Fudd (and give away my age a bit), it’s almost “Head of School hunting season.” More on that later.

Our goal remains to conduct a thorough and thoughtful process that listens carefully to our community and helps us identify meaningful opportunities for Addlestone’s future. 

Thank you again to everyone who has participated. We are grateful for your engagement, candor, and continued commitment to Addlestone.

Warmly,

Morris