December, 2011

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings and best wishes for a great school year!

After a tremendous year of growth and success, ACCIS is primed for more. The “to-do” lists are long, but so is the collective energy and commitment to build on the many successes we have created and shared over the past five years.  The value of ACCIS—especially the care and professionalism of our membership—continues to amaze and inspire me.   As the school year begins but before the first deadlines arrive, I want to share a few thoughts:

First, I challenge you to take a break from your “day job” and find a way to make ACCIS, your organization, a better one.  ACCIS is still very much made up of volunteers; thus we need the broad involvement of our membership to get things done.  Please make a point of connecting with a committee chair during our upcoming gathering in New Orleans, or send me a quick email, so I can connect you with ACCIS work that meets your interests and our needs. 

Second, I want to encourage you to read and reflect on our ACCIS Mission Statement: ACCIS supports the essential work of college counselors in independent schools by affirming our unique leadership role in educational communities where we serve the young people in our care. Pay particular attention to the call for us to be leaders within our school communities.  We have the opportunity, given our unique position, to see and experience aspects of the high school-to-college continuum that our colleagues cannot. With this opportunity comes responsibility.  It is my hope that we will all find ways throughout the coming school year to bring our strong, informed voices to important conversations occurring in our communities.  We have much to add to the dialogue about curriculum, standardized testing, the well-being of our students, the urge to measure all-school success on college admission decisions, and myriad other issues where our experience and perspective serves the interests of our students in uniquely positive ways. 

Find the courage to speak up if you have not provided this voice in your school in the past – tap into the legion of colleagues within ACCIS for inspiration and support if we can help.  If you have established yourself in your own school, look beyond – to regional associations, ACAC groups, or if you are bold, media outlets.  The voice of the ACCIS counselor needs to be heard. 

It continues to be a great honor to be at the helm of the ACCIS ship.  Remember that the captain of such a vessel needs a crew!  I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans and hearing from you throughout the year.  Please don’t hesitate to share your feedback and/or questions with me.  With your support, I will continue to do all I can to move ACCIS, and our profession, forward. 
Onward!

Eric Monheim, Executive Director

Here's what one tour attendee says:

"It was the people who made it special. The group was one of the most congenial, interesting groups of people I have ever shared a trip with. Maybe it was the time of year, maybe just the luck of the draw, but I think we all really got along well - no cliques, no outliers, wonderful conversations and fun. I propose a Reunion trip!!! Hot Topics went well -- didn't take much to get folks talking -- again, the time of year made us all ripe for sharing insights and opinions..."

Limited spots are still available for the New England Sampler Tour (November 16-18, 2011) and the Magic in the Metroplex Tour (February 26-29, 2012).   Registration deadline for the New England Sampler Tour is September 15th.  Sign up now!