Hello UHS Community,

I hope this letter finds everyone settling into fall and feeling a part of the vibrant UHS
experience. The joy at back-to-school night a few weeks ago was palpable. The finishing
touches on the facade at the new California Street Campus are being installed, and the pavilion
and 11 new learning spaces are taking shape. I continue to be humbled by the support our
community has shown during a time of transformation as we work towards enhancing both our
physical environment and the overall student experience. 

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible leadership of our longest-serving
administrator and teacher, Nasif Iskander, who has skillfully guided us through this summer’s
transition and set us up for a successful fall. With over 30 years at UHS, Nasif first started in
1993 as a Physics teacher. For the past 20 years, he has served as a senior administrator in
various roles, including Academic Dean, Dean of Faculty, Interim Head of School, and Assistant
Head of School, all while staying connected to the classroom experience as a teacher.

The Board of Trustees has begun assembling a search committee to oversee the selection of
our next permanent head of school. We are collaborating with RG175, an educational search
firm known for its success in identifying exceptional school leaders. We are confident that we
will find a permanent head of school who will continue to advance UHS while honoring the
unique values that define our community. Your input and support will be vital as we move
forward with this important endeavor.

Later this month, there will be an opportunity to experience some of the thoughtful programming
work around the teaching controversial topics. UHS has partnered with nationally known
educator, Judy Pace, who has been a guiding resource for this work. This work is at the core of
our commitment to work toward greater empathy and inclusivity in response to the challenges
we faced as a school during the 23-24 year.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to our talented and dedicated teachers, staff, and
administrators who have made the start of this year so joyful, always prioritizing the student
experience. Thank you for your ongoing support as we embark on this journey together.

In Partnership,

Holly Hagens, Board Chair
Tyler Sisitsky ‘21, Mia Sisitsky ‘24
Ethan Sisitsky, age 12