Summary+of+November+20+Meeting

This is a copy of Michael's December 14 letter to the Community Connectors, including summary notes from the November 20 meeting.

Dear Community Connectors,

I want to thank all of you again your input and ideas at our initial session on November 20. Listed below is a brief recap of some of the ideas we captured together. The ideas are organized by the themes and principles we are exploring and are highlighted in blue. We will be getting together again February 5 from 11:30 – 1 p.m. in the meeting room of the new Dining Hall. I hope you can join us again.

The goal here is simple and powerful: Share ideas that enable us to answer in a rich variety of ways the essential question:

How can Summit connect with people and places in our community where inspiring learning is happening?

After reviewing these notes, I hope you’ll take time to post further ideas on the Summit Connect wiki. Innovative, outside-of-the-box ideas that deepen our exposure to and connections with the wider community translate into good news for enrollment and revenue streams for Summit.

We have a first-class facility, programs and people--and we embody nearly limitless possibilities as a school. Your ideas, insights and innovations will help us further define our identity as a local, regional and national “hub” for inspiring learning.

Thank you for your continuing collaboration as a Summit community connector. Feel free to contact me with further thoughts, questions and ideas. And feel warmly encouraged to post your ideas on the SummitConnect wiki.

Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season, Michael __Recap of November 20 Community Connectors__ EXPERIENCING SUMMIT LIVE How can we can encourage people in our community to experience Summit live through use of or rental of our facilities, events we can create or host--or programs we might offer? Similarly, how can Summit connect with people, organizations, leaders and places in our community where inspiring learning is happening? How should we go about connecting?

Social Capital-get people on campus for their good--not ours—e.g., Community Day

Even if can’t afford to go to school at Summit you can still experience Summit • camps • Summit at Night (SAN) • after school • More?

Reciprocal Programs • Summer programs and Children’s museum--don’t view as competitive, but reciprocal Facilities • Black box theatre-hold a dancing with the Stars night-to raise money for (homeless shelter) • Use dance and film studios to host events like Black theatre Fesival and River Run. • Host community and charity “runs”

KEY CONNECTORS Who are "key connectors" and leaders in the Winston-Salem and wider community (i.e., people who share our passion for inspiring learning--be it in business, the arts, education, medicine, etc.) who could help us pursue our role as a "hub in the expanding learning economy"? These are people with whom we could partner in developing inspiring learning programming.

Dig deep in a smaller number of things

Reynolda House-ideas- • family membership link to tuition • deepen relationship • gardens-school groups-sustainability-environment • Garden guardian group link • Pick a painting-write up in class • Frequent class visits Reach out to alumni

SEEING THE SUMMIT BRAND Where should the Summit brand be seen? In/through what venues, vehicles, events, places--where inspiring learning happens--should we (i.e., the Summit brand) be seen? What company should we keep, as it were? • Tie into the Winston Salem branding of “City of Arts and Innovation” • Green St. Church • Arbor Acres • Temple Emmanuel-Shalom Table • Carter Vocational • Public Schools - Look for places where gaps (ie. Cook-no greenery)- kids helping kids plant garden together - Arts Based elementary-do art together - Relationships should be developed over long term-not one time.

• Sponsor a “How to List”-to inform community of Inspiring Learning events and venues-editorial function. STRATEGIES FOR PRESENTING OURSELVES As a hub of innovation and inspiring learning, Summit wants to be seen and experienced as welcoming, inviting, professional and "leaders by example." What practical steps can we take as a school community to enhance our image and reputation in these areas?