"At St. Luke's, children are children longer."
This quote, along with hundreds of other quotes and stories from community members during my early meetings over my first months at St. Luke’s, taught me what our community believes about itself. Childhood and preserving the wonder and joy of childhood for as long as possible are aspects of the St. Luke’s experience that our community treasures.
It’s with that wonder and joy that we become engaged citizens in the classroom and in our larger world. Children who learn from a place of curiosity become leaders who solve problems from a place of empathy. Children who see challenge as joyful exploration become scholars who see critical thinking as a worthwhile endeavor. But you cannot become an empathetic leader, you cannot become a critical scholar, without first being a child full of wonder and joy.
Here, childhood is not just a span of time; it is a mindset. It is joyful in its exuberance. It is tenacious in its curiosity. It is courageous in its confidence. And, for us, it is not about this one week, one project, one performance, or one gathering – but it is about who we are, each and every day. Jim Henson said, “The most sophisticated people I know—inside they're all children.” I couldn’t agree more.
Tracy Fedonchik
Head of School
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Tracy Fedonchik, Head of School
Tracy Fedonchik joined the St. Luke’s community as Head of School in 2023. Before coming to St. Luke’s, she spent 21 years at The Dalton School. Starting first as an associate teacher in third grade, Tracy grew as an educator and administrator, eventually becoming a Grade 3 lead teacher, a Grade 5 Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics teacher, an Assistant Middle School Director, and finally, in 2017, the Middle School Director. A graduate of Fairfield University, Tracy has a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. After an early start in the business world, she decided to change careers and earned an MS in Teaching Literacy and Childhood General Education from Bank Street College of Education. Away from school, Tracy is an amateur photographer, a big fan of podcasts, and enjoys long walks with her Dachshund, Pip’n.
A day in the life of St. Luke's Head of School
Greeting Friends
Ms. Fedonchik starts the day in our school courtyard with Pip'n the pup. She and Pip'n greet students, families, and professional staff as they wait for the school bell to ring.
In the classroom
Ms. Fedonchik's office is among the Upper School students on the fourth floor, but she visits classes of students of all ages to take part in what they're learning and exploring.
Gathering with Parents
Parents join together for PA Meetings, Parent Coffees, and other gatherings after drop-off. Ms. Fedonchik values meeting with the parent community to share successes and brainstorm for the future.
Celebrating Learning
Whenever there is a celebration of learning, Ms. Fedonchik can be found. Here, she's exploring the Grade 4 Electricity Fair, learning about circuits.
Joining as a Community
One of Ms. Fedonchik's favorite ways to gather with the community is during our special events. Here, she's addressing the crowd during Special Visitors' Day.
Publications from the Head of School
Tracy Fedonchik
Recent Reflections from the Head of School
Tracy Fedonchik
Tracy Fedonchik
Tracy Fedonchik