To The Congressional Schools Community,

It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I assume the Executive Director position at The Congressional Schools of Virginia in April 2012. I am honored to have been selected to lead such a highly respected independent school and look forward to establishing many meaningful and productive relationships throughout the Congressional community - with students, faculty, staff, and parents alike. The year ahead will be filled with many exciting opportunities for us to meet, learn from one another and partner together on Congressional's ongoing journey of excellence. By building on the strengths of the past we can create a dynamic future focused on excellence in academics, athletics, and meaningful student experiences.  

I was initially drawn to Congressional School after reading the school's mission statement - to prepare children, through an innovative and accelerated curriculum, to embrace the opportunities and responsibilities they will face as global citizens. I find this mission inspiring and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure that Congressional continues to nurture students as future leaders and responsible global citizens. The school's academic philosophy and programs are designed to build capability and confidence in students; teachers strive to nurture and innovate in each and every classroom; and, the school's location, just minutes from the nation's capital, makes the school's global ambitions highly relevant. What better place to learn about this great world and our role and responsibilities in it!  

By way of background, my husband, Nick, and I moved to Northern Virginia 20 years ago from the New York metropolitan area and I knew I had found my true home soon after our arrival. Northern Virginia offers beautiful landscapes and comfortable suburban living, all within minutes of Washington, one the most important cities in the world. Congressional, with its charming country setting nestled amongst the comfortable homes of Falls Church, brings these elements even closer together. But, for me, it's more about the people. I have found that no matter where I am in Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C., the people are friendly, engaged and vibrant. Clearly, this type of setting and location breeds intellectual curiosity and motivates people to expand their horizons. It stimulates and promotes dialogue between people and groups that lead to change and betterment. And it's happening right here. This is an exciting place to be, and an exciting time to be here!

My family and I live close by in historic Waterford, Virginia, a small village nestled in the countryside near the Blue Ridge Mountains. My children, Andrew (16) Harrison (12) and Sarah (7) attend nearby independent schools and Nick is an anesthesiologist at Inova Loudoun Hospital. We have two dogs, two cats and one bird, and are fortunate to have a beautiful view of the Catoctin Valley and Blue Ridge from our doorstep.  

After relocating to Washington, D.C. many years ago, I continued my career as a securities regulator with the NASD after having started my career with the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street. In 2007 the regulatory divisions of the NASD and the New York Stock Exchange merged into one company, FINRA, where I am currently employed. I am fortunate to have been closely involved in many high-ranking initiatives and decisions while at FINRA, most during especially challenging economic and regulatory times. This career path has allowed me to travel to many places across the United States and has provided the opportunity to work with many talented, knowledgeable and unique individuals. Importantly, I have learned from them all.  

Another passion, however, began brewing in me about seven years ago when my husband and I transitioned our children from a public elementary school in Waterford to Powhatan School, an outstanding K - 8 independent school in nearby Boyce, VA. I have always been an involved parent and that continued at Powhatan where I was invited to join and chair multiple Board committees and also served as President of the Board of Trustees. As President, I directed many exciting initiatives including appointing a new Head of school. I found it deeply satisfying to support an organization whose mission was focused on providing the best possible education to children. I was impressed by the vibrant, innovative and creative learning environment that results when the focus remains steady on engagement and accountability between teachers and students.  

Most important, my experience at Powhatan School afforded me the opportunity to work closely with a new group of constituents; teachers. Teachers continually amaze me as the most caring, committed, intelligent and hard-working individuals that I have had the pleasure to work with. Teaching is not so much a career, it appears more a calling. What could be any more important? It's the passion of teachers that shape and foster who we are and who our children will become.  

I have learned quickly what makes Congressional shine: its teachers! From the moment I walked on campus I could sense and see it; a group of excited Senior Kindergartners being introduced to new words, a group of middle school students performing on stage, a class of eighth graders engaging in meaningful dialogue on the U.S. Constitution, and a class of fourth graders learning history facts via a magical game called, Sparkle! Teachers were at work everywhere on Congressional's campus - inspiring, guiding, encouraging, and challenging. I can't wait to work more closely with these wonderful, talented individuals, to learn more about what fuels and inspires them on an individual level, and then to work collaboratively with them on our journey of excellence and innovation.  

Perhaps most importantly, I can't wait to meet the backbone of the school: our families. You are the reason all of this is possible. It is the presence of your wonderful children and the school's ability to exceed your expectations that drives our ambition. I plan to host several parent coffees and gatherings to open our dialogue upon my arrival in April. Not only will this give everyone an opportunity to share thoughts about Congressional, it will also help me to learn more about Congressional's culture and begin to develop plans for the future.

I look forward to meeting many of you at the Parent Conferences on February 9th and 10th and the Annual Gala in March. Your input, as well as that of students, faculty, staff, Trustees and alumni, will write the next chapter of Congressional's history.  

Most Sincerely,

Janet F. Marsh

Executive Director