LETTER TO THE HARBOR COMMUNITY FROM COLLEEN BROWN

Dear Harbor School Community,

It is with deep gratitude and genuine excitement that I write to you as the newly appointed Head of School. I am honored by the trust placed in me and humbled to join a community with such a strong foundation and enduring commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

Born and raised in Maryland, I have dedicated more than twenty-five years to the field of education as a teacher, director, school leader, and adjunct professor. Throughout my career, I have been guided by a deep and abiding belief in the transformative power of the earliest years of schooling. Those first experiences in a classroom shape not only how children learn, but also how they see themselves as learners and as members of a community. After more than three decades in New York City, this next chapter feels especially meaningful, a full circle moment returning to my roots in Maryland, where I will be closer to family and lifelong friends.

My work has been influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and International Baccalaureate pedagogy, both of which view schools as communities of discovery. I believe each child’s identity should be seen, valued, and celebrated, and that inquiry-based, individualized learning cultivates confident, kind, and capable young people. At the heart of my leadership is a commitment to joyful rigor, ensuring that innovation is always grounded in sound child development and a clear sense of mission.

I deeply value transparent communication, collaborative governance, and a strong partnership with Harbor’s amazing Board of Trustees in advancing a clear and compelling vision for the future. Just as importantly, I believe that schools flourish when relationships are at the center, when families feel connected, faculty feel supported and inspired, and students feel secure enough to take risks and discover their passions. My leadership is relational at its core, and I maintain an open door approach grounded in trust, reflection, and shared purpose.

One of my greatest passions is volunteering with Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a camp for children with serious illnesses and their families. I look forward to being part of the opening of the new location in Queenstown, Maryland, this spring and to the many years of volunteer opportunities ahead serving families in the DMV area. These experiences have profoundly shaped my empathetic, mission-driven approach and reinforced my belief in the strength of connected communities.

I also bring a strong background in the performing arts. Following countless performance experiences in New York City over the years, the arts have remained a vital and energizing part of my life. Creative expression and performance deepen confidence, collaboration, and joy, qualities that resonate strongly with my educational philosophy. As I return to Maryland, I look forward to becoming involved in the vibrant DMV arts community. All recommendations are warmly welcomed.

During my recent visit to Harbor, I was inspired by the extraordinary teaching and learning unfolding in every classroom as students and faculty prepared for Spiral Night. I saw thoughtful differentiation, deep engagement, and students brimming with curiosity and pride in their school. I witnessed educators who are reflective and dedicated, and families who are deeply invested in their children’s growth. It is clear that Harbor’s more than fifty-year legacy is alive in the daily experiences of its students.

As we begin this next chapter together, I am committed to listening carefully, honoring Harbor’s history and traditions, and working collaboratively to shape a forward-looking vision. Together, we will continue to cultivate inclusive, joyful learning environments where children and adults alike are known, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Many thanks to Naomi and the entire search committee, who have been so very gracious and welcoming throughout the process. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community and look forward to the work ahead.

Warm regards,

Colleen Brown