From the head

I want to share how the weekly message is shifting format: each week, the Head of School will send a message and share thoughts on what may be happening at Hyde with teens, families, and character education. This message will come out each Friday, and, at times, we hope to change up the format to include video and student involvement. Every 4-6 weeks, there will be a longer newsletter entitled Hyde Happenings that will share highlights from all areas of the school as well as from the alumni/HAPA community. 

Back at School!

Last week, the students journeyed back to Bath, Maine for the 2025/2026 school year. The seniors and post-graduates of the class of 2026 returned first for a two-day retreat to begin working on their leadership year. The group was excited and energized to bring their summer learning, diverse experiences, and high expectations to the various workshops, which centered on team building, leadership development, goal setting, expectations, and the working agreements developed by the students and faculty over the years. The final session took place at Hyde’s Schuller Circle, a gathering spot around a fire pit that honors the Legacy of Rob Schuller '78.

Seniors shared some of their visions and goals for the year as each one lit a candle and then passed the flame to a peer. Statements included:

On Friday, the underclassmen arrived, and the campus was abuzz with excitement and good nervousness as Discovery Groups learned names and engaged in team building. The weekend program culminated in a Tug of War that brought out the competitive energy of the community. Later, we discussed the founding of the school and the Five Words that are carved into the large rock in front of the school. These words define character for us and provide a foundation for grappling with the essential questions of "Who am I?", "Where am I going?", and "What do I need to do to get there?"

This year, we introduced a mnemonic to help us remember Hyde's Five Words:

CILCC:  Could I Lead  Curious Conversations?

Once everyone had this in mind, it was easier to recall the five words and their original order. In our first school meeting, students and faculty shared thoughts, stories, and people in their lives who modeled these words for them:

Courage - "When I first came here a few years ago, I never saw myself as a singer or artist. I was challenged to step outside of my comfort zone, and it opened up a whole side of myself."

Integrity - "I have connected integrity to being loyal to my principles and also being loyal to those who care about me. Even though I am an adult today, I learned this with a friend in the neighborhood who liked a boy who asked me out."

Leadership - "There was a senior my freshman year who entered my life and pushed me to be my best. He showed me that a leader was not someone who never made a mistake, but someone who cared enough to challenge others and also show humility himself."

Curiosity - "My grandmother was a powerful woman who set an example of strength, and also a total commitment to learning."

Concern - "My mother has been the person in my life who has supported me, challenged me when I needed it, and stood by me during the tough times, as well as cheered me on when I accomplished something. I would not be the person I am today without her." 

The week was filled with Hyde Dress, morning meeting, learning names, classes, athletics, evening study hall, and family Discovery Group dinner.  It has been a busy week, but a great one. We are here and ready to rock the year!

Laura D. Gauld '76

President