Mr. Scheibe returns from sabbatical...

 

by John Bishop, Director of Communications

 

GROTON, Mass. — A familiar face returned to the Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center (RMPAC) podium on Monday, January 5, 2025.

 

"I've got some crazy should-be-September-first-day-of-school energy," said Head of School (HOS) Dan Scheibe to a packed auditorium. "It's really great to see you."

 

 

Of course, the " you " is the entire LA community gathered for the first Monday assembly of 2025. This assembly also marks the return of Lawrence Academy's HOS to campus after a sabbatical.

 

"It's a little bit weird," said Scheibe. "But my mantra has always been a day in school like this is like a week. A week is like a month; a month is like a year, and four years is a lifetime.

 

"So, if you give me 48 hours, I'll be two weeks in and we'll be okay."

 

As the crowd sat in the RMPAC, undoubtedly still shaking off the cobwebs, Mr. Scheibe promised mercy.

 

 

"I'll try not to [empart too many] lessons from sabbatical, " said Dan. "But one thing that really became clear is — and I think this is worth knowing as young people who will grow into leaders of one kind or another someday — leadership is not one person's job.

 

"And when I think of what I'm returning to, I realize that it's the effort of everyone in this room.

 

"To LA's newest students, you've done more than I have in the last six months to make this school a special place. Returning students, you've done the special things that returning students do to make this place a welcoming place to others and keep its identity consistent over time.

 

"Faculty and staff, you are the guardians, caretakers, and makers of this place over time. [Meanwhile], there's a board out there, and school leadership has also taken that role."

 

But Mr. Scheibe saved special praise for Mrs. Libby Margraf, who occupied the corner office of the Schoolhouse as Interim Head of School during Dan's time away from campus.

 

"I would definitely be remiss if I didn't very specifically thank Libby Margra for standing here for me," he said. "Thank you."

 

Platitudes are complete, and the HOS pivoted to the week and work ahead.

 

"All right, let's get to it!"