The Windward School

A perfect way to wrap up the summer program: ice pops and big smiles! ☀️

Before break, members of our faculty and staff shared what they've been reading, watching, and listening to in the latest issue of The Compass. Throughout the month, we'll be sharing some of their recommendations. This week, we’re highlighting some great reads recommended by employees across Windward campuses!

Check out the most recent issue of The Compass for more recommendations!

LINCOLN IN THE BARDO
by George Saunders

THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN
by James Baldwin

A. LINCOLN
by Ronald C. White, Jr.

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN
by Betty Smith

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
By Joan Didion

KRISTIN LAVRANSDATTER TRIOLOGY
by Sigrid Undset

Each year, Windward awards The Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award to an outstanding faculty member. This award recognizes exceptional quality of work and support for Windward students. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Sarah Brown!

The Sandi Galst Scholar Award is awarded to an exceptional Windward reading teacher each year. The recipient is given a grant through the Sandi Galst Faculty Education Fund to further their education through academic coursework or other professional experiences. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Bob Sinnott!

In 2023, Windward introduced an additional Heart of Windward award to recognize a Windward employee who serves all of our campuses. Congratulations to this year's recipient, Diane Kissner! Diane’s shows outstanding commitment to our outplacing students and their families, and is widely admired for leading with vision, expertise, and heart!

This year’s Westchester Middle School Heart of Windward Award recipient is Melanie Murphy! Melanie is deeply committed to Windward’s mission and is a resilient individual whose determination, courage, and perseverance inspire all of the people around her! Congratulations!

Congratulations to this year’s Westchester Lower School Heart of Windward Award recipient, Ally Levy! Ally brings a positive energy to our WLS campus. Her cheerful spirit and collaborative nature truly make her the heart of our WLS campus!�

Congratulations to 2026 Manhattan Middle School Heart of Windward Award recipient, Dan Smith! Dan is a kind and supportive coach and educator who embodies our core values in his work every day!

Please join us in congratulating Alexis Pochna on her appointment as interim head of school for the 2026–27 school year.

For more than 20 years, Alexis has been a dedicated leader, educator, and champion of Windward's mission, helping shape the lives of countless students, families, and educators. As we prepare to celebrate our centennial, we are excited for her to lead Windward into this milestone year with the experience and unwavering commitment that have defined her career.

Read more: https://www.thewindwardschool.org/school-blogs/welcoming-alexis-pochna-as-interim-head-of-school/

Heart of Windward Awards are given at the end of each school year to recognize a Windward employee from each division who is a champion for our school’s core values and exemplary in their commitment to our community.

This year's Manhattan Lower School award recipient is Emily Harris! Emily’s creative spirit helped serve as the founder of the Robotics Club and the Newspaper Club! Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!