Head of School's Welcome
“Why Brooks?”
This question was asked of me in the first moments of my first interview to become Brooks School’s fourth head of school, and the truth is that the core of my reply has remained true and constant for all of my years here — relationships. I have enjoyed more rich, full and lasting relationships with students through my life at Brooks than any one educator deserves in any number of lifetimes. The root of our success is our school’s enormous capacity and will to reach our students in meaningful, lasting ways. Indeed, it is our mission and goal to be the most meaningful educational experience our students will have in their lives.
On this page, I hope to accomplish two things: First, to welcome you to Brooks before you set out to explore our website. I should note that while this site can't possibly provide you with the sort of tactile experience that a visit to our beautiful campus would, I hope that on these pages you will be able to glean more information about who we are, what is important to us, and what a Brooks education entails.
Second, you will see below a Chapel address, as well as my most current “e-letters” to parents. Together, these items should give you a sense from my perspective of what we are up to at Brooks. In a way, you have access to a running summary and an additional window, I hope, into the wonder of this magnificent place.
To frequent visitors, welcome back and welcome home. I hope to see you soon. To first time visitors, I hope that what you see here will lead to an opportunity for us to meet you in person.
Until then, all my very best, John R. Packard
September 4, 2024 — Read Acting Head of School Nina Freeman’s Chapel Talk (click on the image) and watch her new families welcome:
John R. Packard was appointed head of school in 2008. He was formerly dean of the faculty at Brooks, a position he held since 2000. Previously, he was assistant director of admission and assistant dean of students.
Packard first came to Brooks in 1990 and has taught history for 15 years. He has also served as dorm master for 15 years and has coached soccer, ice hockey, baseball and lacrosse.
He is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, where he captained the soccer team, and holds an M.A.L.S from Wesleyan University. He and his wife Kim O'Neill Packard '87, have two children: Kate ’18 and Elizabeth '21.
Acting Head of School Nina Freeman shared the annual State of the School Chapel talk on October 5.
Letters to Families
November 22, 2024
October 25, 2024
September 27, 2024
August 22, 2024
July 26, 2024
June 14, 2024
To see earlier newsletters, please visit our Letters to Families Archives page.