Middle school students are daily encouraged to take new risks and to try new endeavors. They are further urged, in reflection journals, in advisory or team discussions, and in one-on-one conversations to express their feelings and their needs honestly, responsibly and respectfully. They are often given the opportunity to make decisions and to act independently, and they also assume the responsibility of being accountable for their academic and behavioral choices.
Our goal while developing the middle school at FXW was to not only adopt the principles of the middle school model, developed by the National Middle School Association, but also to integrate these characteristics into the affirmation-based philosophy of Frances Xavier Warde School. Our dream was to continue not only the excellence and rigor of academics into the middle school, but also the compassion and respect for the uniqueness of each child as well.
D. Michael Veitch
Middle School Principal (4-8)
D. Michael Veitch brings over 30 years of experience in urban and international education to FXW’s Gold Coast campus. Formerly Middle and High School Principal of the Lycée International American Section in suburban Paris and Director of American Programs at the Lycée Rochambeau in Washington, D. C., Mr. Veitch served most recently (2001-2008) as Director of Admission and Financial Aid at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
“From my first academic appointment as a Fulbright Scholar in France, I have always been associated with schools – both American and International – where high academic standards are the rule. But I’ve also learned from my years of middle school teaching (in Chicago’s Public Schools and abroad) that in order for children to thrive in school, there need to be vital sports and music, drama and visual arts programs that encourage students to develop their talents outside the classroom too.”
This “work hard, play hard” ethic is what Mr. Veitch brings to FXW in his post of Holy Name Campus Principal.
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