2024 Head of School Report
Jalene Spain Thomas
The Day School remains strong and healthy in its 68th year. Our programs operate within a vibrant, mission-centered community where respecting the infinite value of each individual as a child of God is a centering principle.
Enrollment for the 2024–2025 academic year stands at 465 students, supported by 121 dedicated faculty and staff. Notably, our student body includes 102 new students, reflecting an 18.6% increase in new enrollment compared to last year.
This year, we have focused on refining how we communicate our value proposition through a storytelling campaign, with refreshed language now featured on our website. Additionally, I have engaged faculty, staff, and the board in conversations about retention, giving it the same level of attention as admissions. Recognizing the competitive area market, we have emphasized internal marketing to existing families, highlighting the benefits of the PK-8 model, which we deeply believe prepares students for success in high school.
Our annual IDEALS Fund-A-Scholar Fundraiser ensures that more than 20% of our students receive financial assistance toward the cost of a St. Patrick’s education. This year, we celebrate the 50th annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 1, and we invite parishioners to join us for this milestone event. Please contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, Adelaide Barrett, for more information.
Robust programming across academics, athletics, and the performing arts ensures that St. Patrick’s remains a dynamic and stimulating community for our young learners. I encourage you to follow the Day School on social media for regular updates and highlights.
Our Middle School program, now in its 23rd year, continues to excel. Strong outplacement to high schools remains a hallmark of the Day School. The Class of 2024, comprising 44 students, secured placements at over 30 high schools, including independent day schools, Episcopal schools, Catholic schools, and boarding schools. Three students opted for their local public schools, reflecting a total of over 20 schools attended by the class. This group demonstrated not only tremendous talent but also resilience, navigating their middle school years with grace. We were honored to have Bishop Mariann Budde join us at their graduation in June, where she offered a heartfelt blessing to the class.
As I look back on the past year, I am deeply grateful for how our school continues to honor the core values of our Episcopal identity. The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) defining principles—worship, religious education, community life, social justice, and service—are evident in the many initiatives and programs that have enriched our school community.
Episcopal Identity Highlights
Worship
We welcomed Interim Chaplain, The Rev. Sean Cavanaugh, to our community in October. Sean has quickly become an integral part of our school, bringing warmth, wisdom, and a deep commitment to nurturing the spiritual lives of our students and faculty.
Worship remains central to our community life, with grade-level and K-8 chapels anchoring our shared faith journey. I was privileged to offer the homily at our opening chapel, reflecting on the importance of intentional pauses to appreciate the blessings in our lives and community.
Our beloved Christmas pageants in December brought the wonder of the Nativity to life, engaging students in storytelling, creativity, and song. From our youngest students in PK3 to the Grade 8 Class of 2025, this cherished tradition continues to inspire and unite us.
Religious Education
Led by Kankunda Klingenberg and The Rev. Sean Cavanaugh, our religious education program integrates chapel services, classroom discussions, and service-learning opportunities, fostering a lifelong appreciation for compassion, integrity, and service. This curriculum equips students with the values and skills they need to navigate their spiritual journeys and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Civics education is an important part of our curriculum, reinforcing the values of responsibility, service, and leadership that are central to our Episcopal identity. Through initiatives such as classroom discussions on governance and public service, student government activities, and engagement with community leaders, our students are encouraged to understand their role as active citizens. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s visit in early November was a highlight of this commitment, offering students a real-world perspective on civic engagement and leadership.
Our recognition as a 2024 U.S. Green Ribbon School affirms our deep commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This recognition was earned through our comprehensive sustainability initiatives, including the integration of eco-friendly practices in our operations, engaging students in hands-on environmental projects, and fostering a culture of sustainability throughout our community. Through sustainability initiatives across all grade levels, including field trips, small group projects, and the CELF microgrant, our students are empowered to take action and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Our efforts in this area align with our deep commitment to Creation Care and Sustainability, reflecting our Episcopal values of stewardship and environmental responsibility.
Our partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater marked its 10th year with dynamic programming for Grades K-8, culminating in a Grade 2 field trip to the Kennedy Center to witness the world-renowned Revelations. This collaboration beautifully integrates the arts, education, and cultural exploration, celebrating creativity and diversity.
Community Life
St. Patrick’s is a place where community flourishes, and the sense of camaraderie and connection is unmistakable. Whether celebrating milestones, supporting one another in times of need, or simply coming together for events like the annual Family Bingo Night and Spelling Bee, our community is built on shared experiences and mutual support. Our robust Parents Association plays an instrumental role in fostering this environment, ensuring that families have opportunities to engage with one another and deepen their connection to the school.
Service
The Gifts for Good Annual Holiday Gifts Bazaar, held in December, exemplifies our commitment to service and social responsibility. This year, the event raised $12,000 for local organizations such as Horizons Greater Washington, St. Ettiene’s Parish and School, US Food Rescue and St. Judes. This cherished event encourages students to engage in meaningful giving by selecting gifts that support local and global charitable organizations. Through their participation, students learn the importance of generosity, empathy, and making a tangible impact in the lives of others.
Coordinating Committee Work
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Andrew for leading the Coordinating Committee in targeted work to identify and celebrate the important areas of overlap between our church and school through the lens of the school’s Episcopal identity. Specifically, we identified key areas that align with our Episcopal values, including Worship and Chapel, Formation and Education, Fellowship and Community, Social Justice and EDI, Creation Care and Sustainability, and Outreach and Service.
It is a profound privilege to lead the Day School, a joyful expression of God’s love nurtured by the steadfast partnership of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, a beacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
I remain deeply grateful for your prayers and support as the faculty, staff, and I continue to shepherd and nurture the children entrusted to our care. Together, we strive to ensure their light shines brightly, guided by God’s grace.
Faithfully,
Jalene Spain Thomas
