Ms. Linda Kneese has been our Head of School for several years, but this is her first year being Head of our Upper School. This means we will be seeing much more of her than before. The first semester has gone very smoothly so far, and I believe that Ms. Kneese will help it continue on that way for the rest of the year. She brings many exciting new things to the table and a fresh perspective as our Head. Despite being a fantastic woman, most students and staff members still know little about her. To help right this, I conducted a brief interview with our fearless leader.

What is your main goal as Head of School and Head of Upper School? –Let me see, it’s to provide the students with the guidance they need in academic, social and emotional well-being, so they are well prepared to achieve success after Shelton at whatever path they choose.

What is your experience working with high school aged students? –I taught 9^th grade American History, and as Head of School worked very closely with the high school. Also, being director of the Outreach/Scholar program, I was around a lot of high school students.

Is your position as both Head of School and Head of Upper School an intermediary position or is it more permanent? --That’s TBD.

What is it like being both Head of School as well of high school? –I was so involved with Upper School before I became Head, it's not so different, but there are more responsibilities. [It is a] position in which you oversee all the positions and help when it's needed. As Head of School, I have to plan everything.

What was life like for you growing up? – I grew up in a very small town.  When I was little, we all played outside--lots of freedom. When I was in high school, I was involved in lots of school activities. I had lots of fun. There were not nearly as many pressures as there are now.

What kind of stuff did you get in trouble for as a kid? – I was sometimes in trouble for talking.

I hear that you have a very dry sense of humor. -Yes, I do… I rarely have to talk in seriousness, but if I need to, I will.

Did you like Homecoming this year? –Homecoming, I thought, was great. I think everybody had a lot of fun. I want kids to have fun, but there are parameters.  When you get older, it's fun to watch kids have fun.

Do you have any family? – I have two daughters. They are both married. I have one granddaughter --she is 9 months old, and she is the brightest, most beautiful child in the world.

In high school, what sports did you play, if any? –I played varsity basketball all four years and started all four, as well. We were pretty good --my senior year we went to state. That’s my little claim to fame.

What do you think of our girl's basketball team this year? –I think our team is good. We have made great strides since most of our girls haven’t played before.

What is your opinion of our football team? –Football is awesome; they have come such a long way since we had a 6-man team. They have lots of spirit. Our coaching is fantastic, and I believe that the way Coach Teague emphasizes character is very effective. I don’t think any team can reach their full potential if the team has no character.