Reedley International School Manila, Philippines

A Message from the Headmaster

Dear Reedley Family,

It is with great anticipation and joy I look forward to joining the Reedley International School community as your Headmaster!

I have many years of experience as a teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, and school director from pre-school to the tertiary levels. I completed my undergraduate studies at Valley Forge University in education, religious studies, and psychology. I have masters’ degrees in Education, Educational Administration, Bilingualism and Biculturalism, and Family and Marriage Counseling from Temple, Rowan, LaSalle (Philadelphia), and Liberty Universities (MEd, MA, MA, MA). In addition, I have completed EdD and PhD studies in educational leadership and psychology respectively from the University of Hong Kong and Grand Canyon University. Also, I am currently taking courses from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA leading to the Harvard Graduate School of Education Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership (CAEL). At the same time, I am pursuing PsyD studies in clinical psychology from California Southern University. I am delighted to bring this wealth of education and experiences to Reedley! Yet, while I desire to contribute to the school, I am confident I will also continue to grow personally and professionally as together we invest ourselves in the lives of our children.

As I reflect on this transition not only for myself but also for the school, three goals come to mind related to RIS. The R in RIS reminds me that as a school, we want to foster our youth to become Responsible Global Citizens. Students must be prepared to face the opportunities and challenges of an ever-expanding, and yet shrinking world, while celebrating their own culture and appreciating the uniqueness of everyone. The I in RIS signals to me, Instruction for Life. Reedley has already established itself as a school that focuses on developing not only academics but also the emotional and social well-being of all students, preparing them to be productive, happy, and fulfilled people. It is my desire to maintain and further develop and enhance this outstanding characteristic! The S in RIS relates to Service to Others. Not only do we strive for academic excellence, but even more importantly, to motivate students to be selfless and caring individuals now and in the future regardless of their chosen path. It is my desire to promote these attributes in the lives of RIS students!

I have been privileged to be an educator in public, private, and international schools. Now, it is my honor to become a part of the Reedley Family and contribute to and build upon the excellent educational and social foundations of RIS. As Reedley celebrates its 20th anniversary, I am thrilled to be a part of this historical milestone not only now, but for many years to come as we continue to develop Reesians in Heart, Mind, and Spirit! Thank you for this opportunity of service to the Reedley Foundress, Board, administration, faculty, staff, parents, and especially to all RIS students.

With warmest regards,

William E. Tackett

Reedley implements the unique Reedley Synergized Learning Approach (RSLA) by synergizing the best practices of the progressive and traditional approach.

Our academic curriculum has a set of routines, structures, and standards in place. We teach Life Skills, study habits, memory strategies, test-taking skills, and problem solving so that our students know how to think critically, decide soundly, and apply knowledge in practical and real-life situations.

Our teachers nurture our students by giving personalized attention and guidance. We teach literacy, numeracy, and the humanities without focusing on rote learning, but by removing the boundaries between these subjects and creating connections within them.

In synergizing progressive and traditional approaches, RSLA aims to nurture each student to become successful, and yet compassionate and kind, in any role, relationship, or situation in life; exemplifying excellence and prudence at heart, in mind, and in spirit.

I think Reedley is a kind place. Reedley helps me learn that bullying is bad. Everyone in Reedley makes me happy. Teachers help me be smart.

Maya Atanacio, Student

You’ve created a place where many children are able to grow and find themselves.

Tippy Dos Santos, Salutatorian SY 2011-2012

I thank you for Reedley because I would be nothing without [this school]. In life, two most important things for me are my FAMILY and SCHOOL. When I came to Reedley I found both of those things.

Noah Imson, Student

I have learned countless lessons both academic and non-academic in my 11 years here in Reedley. Every academic lesson I learned from first grade up until fourth year here is what's making sure that I pass University but what really formed me as a person are the lessons that can't be taught on whiteboard. Here, children will be nurtured and more importantly will learn how to nurture not only themselves but those around them as well. Students were helping each other out and more importantly, teachers were always eager to help out students in what way they can.

Renmar Sta.Cruz, Student

I used to be okay with just being “okay”. I never really saw my potential. But as Reedley put it, each child is an achiever. I could not agree more. Starting from my study habits, which changed ever since I went here, to the discipline that I didn’t know I can acquire, Reedley continuously helps in equipping us with the traits and values that we need in our lives.

Polo Cruz, Student