Self-Study Chairs Jennifer Stolper Muenz and Gillian Todd introduced the event. They shared an animated timeline and introduced a video featuring a cross section of student and faculty who shared candid opinions and about Dalton's distinctive History and Culture. The chairs then welcomed Head of School - Ellen Stein, Associate Head of School - Jim Best and High School Division Director and Interim Equity and Diversity Chair - Lisa Waller to speak.

Jennifer Stolper Muenz remarked, "the self-study is an opportunity...to be honest, aspirational, visionary, self-reflective and bold." She continued, "Writing the document allows us to reflect as a school, as departments and as individuals to decide how we move forward into the future."

Gillian Todd added, "We want to acquaint you with the introductory sections of the self-study," as she invited Head of School Ellen Stein to the podium. In her reflective remarks, drawn from Helen Parkhurst's legacy to continually evolve the school, Ellen Stein charged the faculty to think carefully about the school's current Mission Statement. She asked, "Does our mission statement reflect who we are today and will be tomorrow? What are the changes we might envision that will impact the school's mission, and in turn, many aspects of school life?" She assured the faculty, "In the end, the mainstay of the school continues to be you, the teachers and your relationships with the students.  A school is no greater than the faculty who make it live."

Jim Best followed and suggested, "We should hold firm to Parkhurst’s beliefs that the development of the whole child is of primary importance; that children are social beings, that schools are communities where we come together to learn and live, and that these communities should devote themselves to the total enrichment of mind, body and spirit." He added, “Our motto, Go forth unafraid, inspires us to envision and think forward; it encourages us to innovate – to adopt new technologies and methodologies; it prompts us to take risks - to embrace delicate topics and engage sensitive agendas. (It is a) "muse and motivation - impetus and inspiration - at their challenging best."

Interim Director of Equity and Diversity, Lisa Waller closed the assembly by presenting an update on Dalton's recent progress in diversity and equity learning. "There are so many ways through affinity groups and other meetings and events that Dalton has sought to embrace its diverse population and to provide a sense of comfort and home here," she said. She reported on the recent and highly successful "PA Hispanic/Latino Outreach" committee event and described the many other initiatives and structures, which the Dalton Equity Council has already instituted for Dalton's 41% of students, who identify as students of color.