Local principal attends seminar at Harvard Graduate School

Ellen Howard, principal of New Community Jewish High School, recently returned from attending the "Leadership: An Evolving Vision" seminar at the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Principals' Center.

The AVI CHAI Foundation, a New York-based private foundation dedicated to promoting Jewish commitment, sponsored Howard and 10 other eligible day school principals from around the U.S. to attend the seminar to help address the needs of rapidly growing Jewish day schools.

Participants attended lectures and discussion groups led by Harvard faculty, educational consultants and school practitioners. The program focused on the challenges facing school leaders and supported participants as they develop new skills for leadership. Rigorous study was combined with writing, reflection and peer interaction, allowing participants to identify priorities and share ideas and solutions.

"It was a wonderful experience for me," said Howard. "At Harvard, I attended lively,

thought-provoking sessions exploring the components of what makes a good school. We learned how to enhance the quality of the

school experience for everyone: students, teachers and administrators alike." Increased enrollment in Jew

ish day schools has stimulated demand for highly trained principals, said Lauren Merkin of AVI CHAI's board of trustees.