What attracted me to Sycamore School?

Leo P. Dressel

With a nod to the “four respects” structural motif at Sycamore, I would cite four different dimensions of the school that I found compelling: people, program, philosophy, and potential.

On my first visit to Sycamore I quickly felt comfortable with the people I met whatever their affiliation and/or role: parent, teacher, staff member, trustee or administrator. And the people at the heart of Sycamore, our students, won me over very quickly. They were relaxed and focused, happy and purposeful, combinations not always found in a school. I remarked during my visits that it was important to find a place with a soul and a spirit, and Sycamore's people convinced me that this school is such a place.

There is also an admirable breadth, depth and quality to the program at Sycamore School. People embrace lofty learning aspirations in very healthy ways. To be invited to be a part of such a community is a great honor. I believe Sycamore will continue to be an incubator of innovative and challenging programs, and I want to be part of such a place.

From my very first conversations at Sycamore the commitment to an educational philosophy that serves the particular needs of a gifted student population was striking. This commitment was demonstrated universally by all constituencies at Sycamore in ways that had no hint of elitism or arrogance. My hope is that my efforts in the days ahead will assist Sycamore in securing its position as a laboratory for best practices in gifted education.

Finally, I am excited at the prospect of helping Sycamore School reach its full potential. Its growth and achievement in just over two decades is truly remarkable. One of the tasks delineated for me is to raise Sycamore's profile in the Indianapolis area and beyond. My hope is that my experience in leading several wonderful schools will be beneficial as I collaborate with so many others in building successfully on the great efforts of those who were present at the creation of this great place.

I plan to make friends, have fun, and make a positive contribution to the life of Sycamore School.