Dear New School Community, Families, and Friends,

 

Serving as your principal has been the honor of a lifetime. My journey in education began in 2002 as an instructional aide, taking me through diverse and rewarding roles—from a general music teacher to a CTE instructor within the juvenile justice system, to serving as the Coordinator of VAPA and GATE services for PVUSD. Because of my roots as a professional flutist in the Illinois Air National Guard and my family’s music background, I have always believed in the transformative power of creative expression.

 

When I arrived at New School, my goal was to bring that exact passion for innovation to our campus. Over the last few years, we have done exactly that. Together, we transformed our curriculum into a dynamic Project-Based Learning (PBL) environment, opened a state-of-the-art Digital Music Lab, and launched our CTE Entrepreneurship pathway. Seeing our students use these tools to think independently, collaborate, and build their own pathways to success has been the ultimate reward of my career.

 

Now, after two decades of devotion to education the graduation of the Class of 2026 also marks my retirement. As I step down, I am filled with immense pride. People often think a school's legacy is found in trophies or buildings, but a true legacy is found in its people. My legacy isn't an office; it is the resilient, creative, and empowered students who walk through our halls every day.

 

I am completely confident in the future of our school as I pass the torch of leadership to a truly exceptional man, Jorge Bermudez, who is destined to become an enduring pillar of New School's next chapter. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey, and for giving me the best final chapter a principal could ever ask for. Please continue to carry our AZTEC traditions—Accountability, Zeal, Teamwork, Excellence, and Courage—out into the world.

 

With deep gratitude and optimism for the future,

Susan Graulty

Principal, New School Community Day School