At the meeting, ACCIS Executive Director Marty Elkins welcomed everyone and led those assembled through a detailed agenda that took the entire 90 minutes allotted to the purpose. Items covered included reports on ACCIS finances (balances are strong and safe); the first-ever Summer Institute (a great success at Kenyon College); next June’s second annual Summer Institute (at Colorado College (June 14-17, 2009); program initiatives (to be led going forward by Burke Rogers of St. George’s School); communications and state of the website (check www.accisnet.org every day!); new initiatives (including a pilot program in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as a mentoring program for new counselors); amendments to the By-Laws (adopted by the Executive Committee); and, perhaps most significant of all, announcement of ACCIS’s first Board Members: Marcia Hunt of Pine Crest School and Hector Martinez of Webb School, representing Founding Members; and Carl Ahlgren of Gilman School, Rhody Davis of Viewpoint School, and Bruce Hunter of Rowland Hall St. Mark’s School, all representing the General Membership. With this first Annual Meeting and appointment of a Board, ACCIS has taken two more essential steps toward formal tax-exempt status as a 501c3 organization. From little more than an idea three years ago, ACCIS is now a reality, and we welcome all counselors from independent schools to ask questions, learn more, become members, and join our efforts—especially at next June’s Summer Institute. Indeed, a highlight of the Annual Meeting was a cameo appearance by Mark Hatch, Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions, who is very much looking forward to hosting us on his beautiful campus in Colorado Springs. Hope to see you there!  

 

Chris Teare