I get butterflies every year right before school starts – always have, and probably always will.  It’s just that I get so excited about what lies ahead. And this year there is so much ahead for you, your families, and most importantly, your children.

You will see some changes on campus when you return – the campus quad near the Middle and Upper Schools has been built – a transformative change to our campus and a huge step toward the next phase of the Athletic and Wellness Center building. Some sprucing up has happened on other buildings as well. In short, the campus looks great!

You will also see some new faces among the faculty and staff, as well as three new members of the Board of Trustees, and one re-enlistment to the board. I am grateful to all the dedicated people who make Portledge tick in whatever role they fill. It is the people in our community who set us apart from other schools.

Enrollment is strong, with a waiting list in two of our three divisions. We are the school that people want their children to attend – let’s be proud (and humbled) by that fact, and let’s continue to grow our legacy of practicing the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Purpose, Honor, and Respect in our daily lives.

I think back to the class of 2022, with a 100% college acceptance rate, and so many bright and beautiful people who are on to the next phase of their lives. It brings me a big smile and a twinge of sadness that they are gone from our daily life on campus. And then I think forward to the next class of seniors, and the next group of new students who are coming to Portledge for the first time, and I glow with the thought of what we can all do, side by side, in the coming year.

I look forward to seeing you all on campus very soon!

Warmest Regards,

Mary Ellen “Mel” Mooney
President, Board of Trustees

Olivia Mooney ‘21
Quentin Mooney ‘21