A letter from the transition committee

Greetings, Gordon community!

It has been just a few months since Dr. Meredith J. deChabert was introduced as Dr. Noni Thomas López’s successor and Gordon’s next Head of School. Her term does not begin until July, 2025, yet we have already begun planning for Meredith and her partner István’s transition to our community! We are writing to share a preview of what you can expect in the months ahead.

As with Noni’s onboarding, we have formed a committee to support Meredith in getting to know Gordon (and Rhode Island) as she steps into this leadership role. Representing faculty and staff as well as parents and trustees, the committee will help Meredith and István establish connections with members of the community, beginning with a couple of visits to campus during the academic year. We will soon share a schedule of opportunities that students, faculty and staff, and caregivers will have to engage with Meredith. These will happen during brief visits that she can work into her already-busy year at Rye Country Day School, along with more opportunities next summer and fall once she and István have moved to town and Meredith’s term has begun.

Finally, as we offer a warm welcome for our next Head of School, the transition committee will also identify opportunities to honor and celebrate Noni in her final year as Head of Gordon. Details about a gathering to thank and say farewell to Noni will be announced later this year.

To stay informed on Meredith’s visits, Noni’s farewell, and more about the heads’ transitions, be sure to read Gordon News’ weekly newsletter. You can review the steps that led up to this transition at www.gordonschool.org/headsearch. If you have questions or thoughts, feel free to write to the committee care of transitionteam@gordonschool.org. Members of the committee will also host a Coffee in the Commons on Friday, October 18, 8:15-9:00 am, and we hope you will stop if your schedule allows.

Wishing you and your family a joyful end-of-summer and year ahead!

Nicole Archibald
Clare Blackmer
Damian Ewens
Rebecca Garfield
Geoff Griffin
Veronica Jutras
Ryan Mitchner
Alexandra O’Connor
Besenia Rodriguez, committee chair
Santana Sluss
The Head of School transition committee