The Headmasters Papers Read Online Free PDF Page A

although my two biggest concerns are Saturday’s New Parent Reception and kicking off this BLASTED “Wells/future” study. I am confident that you will greet the new parents charmingly. I wouldn’t prepare any remarks—just review the third-form program and maybe a few routines (such as discipline, weekends, etc.) You might introduce them to some of the third-form faculty (the presentable ones). Tell them about Dr. Baxter. Whatever comes to mind. It can be very informal. Kitchen knows about punch, etc.
    I’m afraid we’ve got to get organized for the self-study. Bill Truax is already pushing me for data. I suggest we give the boys a half-day next Friday—if we beat Haverhill, make the half-day a prize. Ask the faculty to meet in academic departments and have each department indicate “human” and “capital” needs and priorities in two categories, “immediate” and “long-range”—agree? You and I can then try to make order out of whatever comes in.
    I’d like to say I know when I will be returning, but I don’t. When we get a green light, we will be in Boston for about a week (?) at Mass. General, then, depending on the treatment program recommended, we will head back here.
    Please forgive my being irritatingly repetitious, but it is very important that nobody know anything more than that Meg is ill. This is not just so that we can avoid feeling depressed. It may also be an important factor in the course of her treatment. Why not start a rumor that this Boston trip is just a cover to sneak down for some September sun on the Cape? I appreciate your help, and I am sorry to burden further the most overburdened man at Wells.
    J.
    â€”Marge has my numbers in Sandwich and in Boston.
    14 September
    Mr. William G. Traux
    President, The Fiduciary Trust Co.
    New Haven, Connecticut
    Dear Bill,
    I am writing to ask if we can delay our end-of-the-month Finance Committee meeting until some later date convenient to you and to the committee. Meg has fallen ill at the Cape and will be checking in to Mass. General in Boston for some tests. I think it’s appropriate that I join her. I solemnly pledge not to enjoy myself nor so much as to set sole into a boat. I apologize for the inconvenience but think the situation warrants it.
    Preparations are underway for some faculty sessions on “Wells: Ten Years and After,” the results of which I will share with you when the full board meets in October.
    Please convey my fond regards to Marguerite and to the boys.
    Faithfully,
    John
    14 September
    Mr. and Mrs. Asa Lewandowski
    1446 Trelawney Avenue
    Rumson, New Jersey
    Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lewandowski,
    Thanks so much for your letter, and thanks especially for trusting us enough to tell us about David’s condition and medication. I very much appreciate your reluctance to let us know, but it will be a great help to those responsible for him here to know his complete medical history.
    It might ease your mind to know that we have had perhaps half a dozen boys here over the past ten years who have been on anti-seizure medication, and each of them has passed successfully through Wells without a hitch. I am sure you are aware that there is considerable evidence to show that an isolated seizure in adolescence by no means indicates an enduring health concern. Medication is often no longer necessary after full growth has been reached.
    In keeping with your request, I shall give your letter to Dr. Baxter, our consulting physician, where it will be confidential, and I will tell his swim coach, his dorm master and his current teachers what you have instructed me to tell them.
    Please do not hesitate to write or call if you think I may be of any further assistance.
    My good wishes,
    John O. Greeve
    14 September
    MEMO To Arnold Lieber
    Maintenance
    Arnold—
    I’ve been called out of town, possibly for as long as two weeks. It’s a bad time, but I’ve asked Phil