By Principal Margaret Taranto, EdM, and Dean of Student Life Kathy Witherspoon, MSW
Soon the halls will be quiet and students and teachers will scatter across the region for their various summer plans. As we wrap up another year, we want to reflect back on the successes of the 2025-2026 school year and our ongoing work.
We continue to conduct surveys to collect information about the student experience. The School Culture Team, composed of faculty and administrators across disciplines, met regularly to assess survey data and work to improve the student experience. In addition, Mrs. Taranto met with small groups of students across grade levels to hear more about their experience at Holy Names. The honesty, thoughtfulness, and willingness to share student perspectives are invaluable. This kind of feedback helps us grow—not just as a school, but as a community.
Last year’s survey data led to a complete overhaul of our Student-Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct. Data collected this year reflects increased satisfaction with discipline.
We also heard concerns about the lunch line and wait times which resulted in a planned overhaul of the lunch room including self serve stations and expanded check out areas. The kitchen “servery” will be updated beginning the week of June 22 by removing the storage closet, opening up the space, adding new sheetrock, flooring and paint, then reinstalling some new and existing equipment to help improve the flow and efficiency of the lunch service. The goal is not only to improve the appearance of the space but to improve the overall experience of the staff and students to allow for shorter wait times and increased time to eat and socialize.
Many students share that while they respect their teachers and the work happening in the classroom, they don’t always feel energized or excited about their daily school experience. We have been working on a complete curriculum review to closely examine what we are teaching and how we are teaching it. Advisors are talking with their students about the best learning experience each advisee has had this year. The results of these conversations will be shared out at the end of year faculty meetings and teachers will have the summer to incorporate the feedback into next year’s planning.
We know going to school is not just about academics. It is important that all members of our school community feel respected, included and valued. Using funding from the Albany County Anti-Bullying & Youth Violence Prevention Grant we partnered with Sweethearts & Heroes to build community through the use of small group circles and a school wide assembly. A group of student leaders participated in intensive training and are now equipped to lead this work with their peers. We will be continuing this work next year to strengthen relationships between students.
We also want each student to feel a sense of belonging and pride in her school. Next year, we will be working closely with our student government to promote activities that foster school community and spirit.
Thank you all for your support throughout the year. We hope you all have a great summer and we look forward to an amazing 2026-2027 school year!