Our new Head of School and his family

(L to R): Caspian (9), Sandra Menard, Sky (6), and Dan Buck

Dear Lucy School Community,

It is with great excitement that we announce that the Board of Trustees has voted to appoint Daniel Buck as Lucy School’s next Head of School beginning in July 2024. Dan has enthusiastically accepted the position, and we are thrilled to welcome Dan and his family to our community.

We believe Dan will be a highly engaged and confident steward of Lucy School’s mission. His quick intelligence and wit, strong desire for collaborative leadership, and authentic approach to relationship building make him a strong match for us. He deeply believes in student-centered, play-based, interdisciplinary, and problem-based learning and brings this passion to us.  

Dan sought out a school in Maryland, wishing to return to his roots and settle here for many years to come. He was also drawn by our commitments to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and our emphasis on the arts. His background as an actor informs his dedication to creativity and arts integration. He is an accomplished educator with more than twenty years of experience, eleven in progressive schools, with eight in senior leadership roles including as a Head of School. Currently, he is the Director of Lower School at Briarwood School in Houston. Dan has experience in multiple aspects of administration and is eager to tackle all of Lucy School’s needs and goals. His glowing references describe him as a remarkably dedicated leader and eager learner who cultivates strong relationships with all constituents. Dan holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education as well as a BA in the performing arts.

As a community, we were lucky to have several excellent finalists for this position. Though all were well qualified, Dan is the best fit for Lucy School at this time. As one faculty member put it, “Dan is our guy— his understanding of our program and commitment to our philosophy make him the right partner for us.” We appreciate our search committee, the parents who were able to come and meet our candidates, and the faculty who met candidates and gave thoughtful input.

We know that Dan will be able to take the reins quickly. He and interim Head Conrad Wildsmith will be meeting regularly from now through June. Conrad will bring Dan up to speed on all the progress Lucy School has made recently on systems implementation, and they will work together on staffing and plans for the coming year. We appreciate all Conrad is doing to make this a seamless and intentional transition.

Dan’s children will be joining our community as well. His daughter, Sky, will enter grade 2, and his son, Caspian, will join grade 4 next year. Below is a letter from Dan sharing his thoughts upon embarking on this position.

Yours sincerely,

Teresa Cochran and Gerri Chizeck

Search Committee Chairs

Dear Lucy School Parents,

From the get-go, let me tell you this: if you are a Lucy Parent, you are my kind of parent. Without meeting you yet, I assume you are looking for a one-of-a-kind education for your child. You love the arts. You believe that student-centered, arts-based education on a beautiful nature-filled campus and with amazing and nurturing teachers is a fantastic way to immerse your child in the world of learning. You believe in the power of early childhood through grade 8 schools!  As the newly appointed Head of School, I am both honored and thrilled to embark on this journey alongside you and your children.

I want to express my genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Lucy School. From the moment I set foot on campus, I fell in love with its vibrant atmosphere, dedicated staff, curious students, and the palpable sense of wonder that shines from every corner. Lucy School truly is a special place, and I am committed to upholding its unique spirit while fostering growth and excellence.

One core belief guiding my educational philosophy is the importance of striving toward a balance between academics and, to put it simply, play. I firmly believe in the power of inquiry-based exploration and the invaluable lessons that can be learned through hands-on experiences. Our students also need to deeply understand many different academic concepts to be able to eventually find fulfilling careers. At Lucy School, we will continue to nurture curiosity, creativity, academics, and critical thinking skills, all while ensuring that our students enjoy the journey of learning.

My door is always open to parents. As a parent myself, I understand the vital role that we play in our children's education, and I am dedicated to cultivating strong partnerships built on trust, communication, and collaboration. Whether you have questions or concerns or simply want to share your thoughts, please know that I am here to listen and support you every step of the way.

One of my goals for Lucy School is to make sure joy is happening every day. I want every member of our community, including parents, to feel a sense of happiness and fulfillment each day they step foot on campus. Together, we will work to continue to cultivate a positive and inclusive atmosphere where all individuals feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

As I settle into my role, I recognize that it will take time to fully grasp the culture of Lucy School and how best to implement our strategic plan. I am really looking forward to collaborating with Conrad in these next few months, and I can’t wait to work with Chris Isleib! Rest assured, I am committed to listening, learning, and collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure our continued success and growth.

A little about myself: I was born and raised in a suburb of Baltimore and have always had a passion for education. I earned my BA in Performing Arts at the University of Maryland. There, I co-created Sketchup, UMD’s premiere sketch comedy group (now in its 28th year), and soon after spent over a decade teaching 4th and 5th grade (mostly abroad) and then another decade in school leadership (mostly in the US). I attended a high school reunion in Hunt Valley just last summer that, in a kind of magical way, drew me to Lucy School.

Regarding my career, I have worked in several different types of schools, but the schools that have been my spark are those whose mission statements are similar to that of Lucy School’s: student-centered, arts-enriched,  that enhance children's intellectual, emotional, physical, social, aesthetic, and creative development. My “jam,” in short, is to work with teachers to help students find meaning in this wonderful world.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude for the Search Committee entrusting me to lead Lucy School. It is still Spring, but I think we can all start packing our bags for a journey filled with growth, discovery, and endless possibilities! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at dbuck@briarwoodschool.org in the next few months with the subject line "Hello from Lucy School!" to introduce yourself—I would love to hear from you and get to know your family a little better.

Sincerely,

Dan Buck