Dear Sonoma Academy Families,

I want to acknowledge that there is a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and questions in our community following the release of the Debevoise Investigation report. I joined the SAPA meeting yesterday morning, and heard from a number of parents who represent that spectrum of experiences. I will share more in this letter about additional opportunities to meet with me, and members of our team, next week.

First and foremost, I want to reiterate that the safety and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority. We are confident that the environment at SA today is one in which students can openly express concerns to faculty, administrators, and other trusted adults, and that those concerns will be listened to and acted upon. As noted in the report, over recent years Sonoma Academy has strengthened its policies and procedures for protecting students, and we have enhanced our training on mandated reporting and professional boundaries. 

There are important actions and next steps that need to be taken and we are actively engaged in that work as a school. As we take our next steps forward in that critical process, the Board is forming a committee to oversee the school’s overall safety efforts and to ensure that the recommendations from this report are fully implemented. 

One of our next important steps is also to find ways to be in community with all of you—we want to hear from you, and be able to incorporate your questions and concerns into our plans moving forward. We also have plans to create opportunities for our students and for our alumni with a similar goal. 

Next week, we will hold a series of listening sessions for our parents and families. We encourage you to attend one of these meetings if you are able to; however, please know that all important information will be conveyed through written communication, and there will be additional opportunities to meet with me and other members of our team moving forward. 

Monday, December 6: 8:45 am to 9:45 am. This is for junior and senior parents.

Tuesday, December 7: 8:45 am to 9:45 am. This is for freshman and sophomore parents.

Wednesday 12/8 - 6:00 pm-7:00 pm: This is for parents from all grade levels.

I also just finished meeting with the seniors in our Head’s Council, and we are planning optional listening sessions for students in all grade levels as well. I will share that information directly with them. We are also finalizing plans to meet with our alumni community, both on campus at SA and in certain cities with a high concentration of our alums.

Lastly, I want to let you know how we are dispersing some of Ellie Dwight’s responsibilities as we launch a national search for our next Assistant Head of School. 

For academic questions/concerns: We encourage you to reach out first to the specific teacher. You can also reach out to your student’s Advisor or the Department Chair. You may also contact Dean of Curriculum Kelly Castañeda for any questions or concerns regarding your child’s academic experience.

For student social-emotional support questions/concerns: Please contact Dean of Student Life Darren Duarte or Counselor Caroline Adams. For concerns that may be best served by our DEI Director Dot Kowal, you may also contact her.

For questions regarding course advising/planning or scheduling: Please contact Dean of Curriculum Kelly Castañeda, Registrar Oona McKnight, or, if related to college counseling, Director of College Counseling Rolando Crisostomo.

This is a defining moment for our school. We have the opportunity to address the wrongs of the past, to improve the areas that need to be strengthened, and to ensure that Sonoma Academy—a school we all love—is safe, joyful, and supportive of the unbelievable potential that is inherent within each of the amazing students entrusted to our care. This is our most important responsibility, one that we as an entire staffulty hold at the center of our collective work. 

I am incredibly grateful for your partnership and support as we navigate this important time in our school’s history. As always, please be in communication with me if you have any questions or concerns.

I look forward to seeing you next week and in the weeks ahead. 

Warmly,

Tucker