Dear members of the Rashi Community,
I am honored and delighted to join the Rashi community as the next Head of School. Children’s years at Rashi set the trajectory for their lives. It is clear to me that The Rashi School provides a strong academic foundation allied with a clear moral compass that guides students and graduates as they act in the world. Families place great trust in Rashi and it is a great privilege for me to have the opportunity to lead this fine school.
Educating our children has always seemed a nearly sacred responsibility to me. In reading Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ notes on this week’s Torah portion, I learned that it is, in fact, a sacred responsibility. He points out that Parshat Bo returns three times to the responsibility we have as parents to educate children, noting Moses’ intention that the education be made vivid, personal, and lively. A Rashi education encompasses all of these qualities in a joyful environment.
Educating children in mind, body, and spirit is a journey that this community makes together. I am confident that, together, we will inspire Rashi students to reach for their fullest potential as they grow and learn here.
From the moment I was introduced to The Rashi School, its living values, significant mission, and vibrant community, I felt a strong connection to the warmth, commitment, and spirit of the school. It is particularly meaningful to me that here I will have the opportunity to integrate my dedication to education and decades-long experience in the independent school world with my deeply-held values and beliefs. In the coming months, I look forward to getting to know the Rashi families and the larger Jewish community of Boston to learn the unique contributions each makes to help this thriving community of learning to flourish.
Rashi’s mission drives its distinctive independent school program combining challenging academics with the development of a strong Jewish identity and values. We must strive to be the best at both. As I study innovation at schools across the country, one theme that emerges is that improvements that endure are based in a school’s mission and build on a school’s strengths. Maintaining purpose and blending valuable traditions with emerging best practices is a route to school excellence. Rashi’s education is rooted in its mission and traditions and together with the school’s many strengths, provides a solid base from which to reach even higher. I embrace the opportunity to learn and grow alongside our students and our community as we move from strength to strength.
Deirdre and I are grateful to the Search Committee, Faculty, Staff, Students, and the Rashi Board of Trustees for the many ways you have already made us feel at home. Thank you!
It is truly an honor to partner with you.
I look forward to starting our work together come July.
Adam W. Fischer