November News

As of November 5, 2009, Karl Welsh has stepped down as head of Oak Lane Day School after serving the school community in this capacity since July 1999. A hallmark of Karl's tenure has been his care of the physical plant, with significant improvements in the Perch Hankin Building and the Barn, and with special care of the grounds.

Karl led the Tribute Campaign that raised funds to build our beautiful Cutler Gymnasium. Under his leadership, the academic program was strengthened: the Learning Skills program was added, progress reports were standardized, and teachers implemented Reading and Writing Workshops and the Everyday Math program. The decision to close the school at the end of this year has been difficult for all of us, none more so than Karl and his wife Karen Cavallo, who have given enormous time and effort to make Oak Lane the very special place it is. Karl and Karen will continue to be part of the Oak Lane community as parents.

Martha Platt will serve as Head of School for the remainder of the 2009-10 school year. Martha is a member of Oak Lane's Board of Trustees and, for the past twelve years, has been both a part of the faculty and the Director of Oak Lane's summer camp program.

Besides providing a full academic year for our students, we are working hard at the appropriate placement on behalf of our students as they seek to continue their journey of learning following this school year.