Welcome, New School Year!

Thousands of smiles and handshakes were exchanged over the first two days of school as students, faculty and staff welcomed those new to the US community during our handshake ceremonies. 

Before heading outdoors for this fun and photogenic tradition, our Hunting Valley and Shaker Campus communities gathered together in their respective auditoriums to reconnect and get set for a successful year. Closing out a three-year series, Head of School Patrick Gallagher shared a new perspective on the third and final word in our motto: consideration. 

At the Shaker Campus, he read the picture book, A Sick Day for Amos McGhee by Philip C. Stead. In the book, Amos experiences the care and consideration he shares every day with the zoo animals he looks after come back to him, when he is home sick one day. Yes, an elephant trundled out of the zoo and came to his house for a game of chess, as can only happen in the imagination. 

At the Upper School, he invited all to consider the depth and breadth of the word and its meaning. As an everyday habit, being considerate is "to be kind and thoughtful," he said. Then, sharing a part of Dr. Jane Goodall's life in service, he illustrated a more expansive view of the idea. 

After spending decades in field research, revolutionizing our understanding of chimpanzees, she shifted her focus from scientist to activist. Dr. Goodall had said, "Once you realize the interconnectedness of things, you see that you cannot just think about one problem, but you must think holistically.”

Mr. Gallagher reflected that what had changed was "what Dr. Goodall had to consider in service of her ultimate goals. She realized if she knew more, she could do more." 

In that spirit of growth, he asked everyone gathered Thursday morning to reflect on the importance of our motto, and appreciate and practice the deeper meaning of consideration, in particular. 

We wish all our students, families, faculty, and staff a wonderful and fulfilling 2026-27 school year!