oakleaves Fall 2015
Cultivating Community
Six-Month Scrapbook Report on Gifts Alumni Notes 3
The AFS
annual fund Become a part of the 2015-2016 school year with a gift to the Annual Fund! Your support can change the life of an AFS student.
Each gift matters Please visit our website at www.abingtonfriends.net/Giving/AnnualFund for details about the 2015-2016 AFS Annual Fund campaign. 4
oak leaves fall
2015
in this issue
oakleaves 2 3
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Letter from Head of School Rich Nourie
Life at AFS: Six-Month Scrapbook
Report on Gifts
Alumni Report on Gifts
Introducing Devin Schlickmann
Oak Leaves is a publication of the AFS Communications and Development offices. Richard F. Nourie
Head of School
Devin Schlickmann
Assistant Head for Institutional Advancement
Judy Hill
Director of Communications, Editor
Gabrielle Giddings
Director of Marketing
David Eldridge
Director of Annual Giving
Jordan Bastien
Director of Alumni Relations
Peapod Design
Publication Design
24 32 34 36 47
Cultivating Community
Headwaters Discovery Playground Community Campaign Kickoff
Alumni Day
Alumni Notes
In Memoriam
Abington Friends School main switchboard 215-886-4350
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letter from the
head of school For the most part, schools have always been places set apart from the rest of the world, islands of like-age children and the teachers who work with them. And there is something wonderful to be enjoyed in that world unto itself, the music of young voices together, the close-knit sense of community built to reflect our best values for day-in and day-out living. There is magic in the collective sense of discovery among children that makes schools special places to be each day, whether in the hushed awe of four-year olds huddled around a spider found in the classroom or the adolescent intensity of discussing ethical dilemmas of mercy vs justice. While the day-to-day community of school remains the central experience of AFS, we have also been growing rich connections to the outside world over the past several years. The innovative ECCO program has been linking students to transformative learning experiences as varied as the WHYY Young Journalists Camp to a summer working with children in southeast Asia. Last year alone, we welcomed 46 guest speakers and artists to campus to engage our students in areas from jazz performance to economics. Our students also went on 31 field trips, with experiences ranging from the Tenement Museum in New York City to Opera on the Square in Center City. The learning lives of our teachers also took them far and wide all over the US, attending dozens of workshops and seminars, accepting invitations to present their own work or publish papers and hosting nine professional learning experiences right here on the AFS campus.
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All of this outward engagement stems from our idea that the “walls of school should be thinner” in the resource-rich world of the 21st century. As we have extended ourselves into this rich web of experiences, a deepening network of partnerships has grown. Through thoughtful collaboration with groups like Penn’s School of Education, Arcadia University, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Abington Art Center, the Tookany/ Tacony-Frankford Watershed and others, we have multiplied our resources, our reach and our creativity in programming. As you will see in the featured stories in this edition of Oak Leaves, many of these relationships have developed into sustained and generative conversations that are now wellsprings of new learning and creativity among our faculty. The development of AFS Outside, from an initial series of conversations with the National Arbor Day Foundation to a full-blown vision of the place of experience of the natural world in the lives of children today, has been both inspiring and galvanizing for our community. Under the spirited leadership of Rosanne Mistretta, our students and teachers are now
involved in restoring our creek and headwaters, taking care of our magnificent trees and regularly visiting Meadowbrook Farm and Briar Bush Nature Center. This fall, we will break ground on our new Headwaters Discovery Playground. Through all these initiatives, our faculty and community partners are modeling what it means to create opportunity in a resource-rich world, which is just what we hope for our students going out into the world. And so, I hope you are as excited as I am to see the vitality of intellect, spirit and relationships that is powering our community as it lives its mission in the 21st century. The world we live in rewards active engagement, continual collaborative learning and creativity, as well as a hopeful sense of what is possible. Those qualities are alive in abundance at AFS.
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life at afs:
month scrapbook »
Candlelight Dinner
Seniors and juniors gathered for the traditional Candlelight Dinner to pass on the symbolic light of leadership. The evening celebration included dinner and a candle lighting ceremony in the Meetinghouse. Upper School Physics Teacher Jordan Burkey and Upper School English Teacher Mary Lynn Ellis P’01 P’03 were honored this year, and together they gave a “braided” speech about the different qualities of light: scientific, poetic and inner.
march 3
This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show had one very special display: clay plates created by AFS 4th graders that were inspired by plates in the Pennock home at Meadowbrook Farm. This gorgeous display was the result of an exciting partnership between AFS and Meadowbrook Farm, which our 4th graders visited monthly for hands-on lessons about horticulture. See page 25 for more on this partnership.
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life at afs: six month scrapbook
Bye Bye Birdie
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Philadelphia Flower Show
Our Middle School students put their own spin on this captivating and enduring musical comedy full of toe-tapping songs and lots of laughs. Packed house audiences thoroughly enjoyed this famous tale of a rock singer who travels to a small Ohio town to make his “farewell” television performance and kiss his biggest fan before being drafted.
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Bon Voyage!
Our Upper School French students traveled to France over spring break to visit new friends they hosted here last fall. With Middle and Upper School French Teacher Dina Cohen P’26 and Upper School Art Teacher Amy Newman P’30, the students traveled to the little town of Chauny, in Picardie, where they stayed with host families, attended classes at the Institut Saint-Charles school and took several day trips to Paris. Versailles and Amiens.
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Senior Wins Kevin Hart Scholarship
Greenberg Lecture
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Congratulations to Ayannah Woods ’15, one of four Philadelphia area high school seniors to receive a $50,000 scholarship, to be used at the institution of her choice, from actor Kevin Hart and the United Negro College Fund.
For this year’s annual Greenberg Lecture, held on April 13, the History Department focused on ISIS and the US policy toward the so-called Islamic State. Two speakers–Erick Stakelbeck ’94 and Chris Freind, both news commentators, were invited to address this topic. Matt Yetter ’16 and Noah Shufutinsky ’17 Noah Shufutinsky moderated the discussion, which was so lively and thorough there was no time for a Q & A session!
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April Roobotics » After a very impressive performance at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Robotics Championship at Lehigh University, the AFS RooBotics team was invited to participate in the FIRST FRC World Championships in St. Louis later in the month. This was the fourth year for the AFS robotics team and the first year they made it to Worlds.
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Much Ado About Nothing »
The Upper School theatre program presented Shakespeare’s timeless and beloved comedy about confirmed bachelor Benedick and the equally spirited and unwed Beatrice as part of a yearlong celebration of Shakespeare. Set in a mash-up world reveling in the music of 1920’s jazz and today’s pop, this delightful examination of the true meaning of courtship, love and commitment was a hit with all ages.
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life at afs: six month scrapbook
Science Night » Students from Lower to Upper School shared the results of science projects engaged in throughout the year. Lower School highlights included mealworm mazes, simple machines and visits from the Academy of Natural Sciences, Briar Bush Nature Center, Philadelphia Bee Company and Tookany TaconyFrankford Watershed Partnership. In Middle and Upper School families enjoyed the 5th grade egg drop, 7th grade Rube Goldberg machines, rocket and telescope demonstrations.
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School Committee Visiting Day »
Mid Atlantic Region Diversity Conference »
Our School Committee spent time in the classrooms and also had the opportunity to attend the Upper School’s Meeting for Worship. At lunch, our visitors joined Upper School students from the Student Agenda Committee.
Our third annual student-led Mid Atlantic Regional Diversity Conference was held on campus on April 18. With a theme of #wearehere, this year’s conference (organized by AFS students in collaboration with students from The Perkiomen School) may just have been the best yet, with 17 high schools participating and almost 200 students coming out for the day of presentations and workshops. Rodney Glasgow again served as keynote speaker and participants were also treated to a performance by emcee and community activist Jasiri X.
Princeton Moot Court Eleven Upper School students participated in the Princeton high-school Moot Court tournament, spending two days at Princeton University and competing in four preliminary rounds in two-person teams. The students spent weeks preparing on their own and benefited from the excellent wisdom of Anthony Casola ’04, an Assistant District Attorney for Northhampton County. Matt Yetter ’16 received special recognition as a “top lawyer,” and the team of Matt and Daniel Rothberg ’16 moved on to the Round of Sixteen.
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Arbor Day
The whole school—students, faculty, staff and families—gathered to celebrate the blessings of spring. For graduating seniors and their first grade pages, this is the first in a series of events culminating in Commencement. Juniors also step up on Arbor Day to accept their leadership responsibilities for the coming year.
Tree Tenders Training » As part of our ongoing partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, AFS hosted a Tree Tenders training at AFS. The PHS Tree Tenders program offers hands-on tree care training for residents of the five-county Philadelphia region. During three sessions participants learned the basics of tree planting and care including tree biology, identification, stresses, planting, pruning and root care. See page 28 for more on this exciting program.
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life at afs: six month scrapbook
May
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EGIS Night
On May 14 8th grade students presented their EGIS (Eighth Grade Independent Study) projects to their classmates, friends and family. The culmination of many months of work, EGIS is an opportunity for students to delve deeply into areas of emerging interest. This year’s projects included building a chicken coop and raising chickens, learning Portuguese, working with autistic children, training for and running a half marathon, learning sign language, organizing a yoga fundraiser for Haiti, and writing a screenplay for a horror movie.
Visit by Author Grace Lin Children’s book author Grace Lin visited AFS, much to the delight of our Lower School students, many of whom have read Ling and Ting, Year of the Dog, The Ugly Vegetables and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. During a series of workshops, Grace talked about her life and career and how she gradually came to reconnect with her Chinese roots after years of adapting to American life.
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Eco Fest and Nature Playdate
The campus was filled with activity on May 2 as we hosted our second Nature Playdate as well as a recycling, shredding and e-cycling event and a sustainability fair. A steady stream of visitors took the opportunity to shed some of their household excess. In all 5,500 lbs of paper were shredded, 120 bags of children’s items were collected and 9,000 lbs of equipment were recycled.
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» Rachel Sigman ’08 AFS alum Rachel Sigman ’08 visited campus to conduct a vocal workshop with the Upper School. Since graduating from AFS, Rachel has earned music degrees from Mannes College and Rice University. She currently works as an opera singer. After talking about her life as a lyric soprano and leading the students through some vocal warmup exercises, Rachel gave one-on-one feedback to several students as they practiced their craft with her.
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Ryan Samson ’07 and Conor Gray ’13
Two AFS alums who are making their way in the photography arena visited campus to chat with students in Upper School Photography Teacher Donna Russo P’05’s class. Ryan Samson ’07, a sports photographer, sat down with Conor Gray ’13, an Environmental Studies major at Temple University who also has embarked on a career as a concert and event photographer.
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Cappies Awards Upper School students were nominated in 15 categories at this year’s Cappies, a national program celebrating the work and achievement of high school theatre and theatre critics. At the Award Ceremony on May 16, we won for Outstanding Critics Team, Outstanding 11th Grade Critic, Outstanding Props, Outstanding Ensemble Within a Play, Outstanding Comic Actor and Best Play Much Ado About Nothing.
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Bidding Farewell
At a delightful party at the Elkins Park home of Amy and Edward Bedrick P’15, we bade farewell to departing School Committee members Carol Frieder P’76 P’80 P’82 P’85, AFSA, Ken Ahl P’01 P’05 and Allison Boyle, thanking them for their many years of devoted service to the School. Lucy Silbaugh ’16 (pictured here with Carol Frieder and Carol’s grandson Daniel) helped set a harmonious tone for the afternoon, with her accomplished cello playing.
Lower School Science Teacher Rosanne Mistretta P’09 P’12 was honored by the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership. At an Award Ceremony and Reception on May 13, Rosanne was named TTF Watershed Educator for her tireless efforts to make us better stewards of our environment. This year those efforts have included a partnership with TTF whereby we planted a riparian buffer of 300 trees alongside our creek.
Invention Convention »
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Rosanne Mistretta Honored
Third graders showed off their inventive spirits recently at an Invention Convention hosted by Plymouth Meeting Friends School. Penn Charter, Plymouth Meeting and AFS developed this project together. Students from each school were tasked with creating something that was useful at recess and to incorporate one simple machine. Favorite inventions included the Fort Builder, an automatic lift to help kids more easily build large stick forts.
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Senior Arts Showcase » Families and friends spent an evening at AFS enjoying performances and artwork from our Upper School arts students.
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National History Day
Eli Russell ’16 earned third place in the senior individual website category at the annual National History Day contest. Eli’s website, which told the story of artist and activist Paul Robeson, came in first place in the Bucks and Montgomery Counties Regional Competition and the Pennsylvania State Competition before placing third in the nation. Eli says that participating in the National History Day competition every year since being a freshman has made him “intensely proud to be a history nerd.”
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Lower School Program
Our Lower School community came together for a joyful and inspiring performance of music and dance to celebrate the culmination of the school year.
June Alumni Panel
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Bianca Adams ’14, Joe Robinson ’14, Alan Asriants ’14, Lily Segal ’14, Sasha Rieders ’14 and Alex Woods ’14 returned to campus to present a workshop and discussion for our graduating seniors on the transition to college.
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life at afs: six month scrapbook
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8th Grade Moving Up
We honored our 8th grade class in a special gathering in the Meeting House where an appreciation of every student was read and the class passed the light of leadership on to the 7th grade class.
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We’ll Miss You!
Faculty and staff gathered at the Abington Art Center to celebrate the extraordinary careers of four of AFS’s most beloved teachers, Jim Pierson P’05 P’08, Kristine Long, Janet Frazer and Catalina Rios P’20, who are moving on to new adventures after serving the School for a combined total of more than 100 years!
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commencement 2015 On June 10, family and friends gathered in the Grove on a warm late spring afternoon to honor the 63 members of the Class of 2015. Members of the faculty, staff and School Committee made their traditional procession, accompanied this year for the first time by members of the Alumni Faculty and Staff Alliance. The junior class formed the time-honored daisy chain and first-grade pages made their way down the aisle to join the seniors on stage, where they sang the traditional song, “Make New Friends.” Student speakers Doug Garza and Nina Bedrick spoke movingly about their years at AFS and Bridget Warlea introduced Keynote Speaker Robin Becker ’69, Poet and Liberal Arts Research Professor of English and Women’s Studies at Penn State University. Robin spoke about the importance of letting love and beauty surprise you, illustrating her point with her poem “In Praise of the Basset Hound,” where she tells how she fell in love with an ungainly, smelly dog in failing health and learned important lessons
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from her determination, big heart and good nature. Cora Pokrifka presented the class gift, a maple tree and a bench near the Farmhouse, to Upper School Director Debbie Stauffer P’08. Head of School Rich Nourie P’10 P’13 and School Committee Clerk Margaret Sayers P’16 P’18 then began the solemn and joyful task of presenting diplomas to every member of the Class of 2015.
Senior Reflection “ Many among this class have spent more than half of their lives at AFS, and it has become a second home for all of us. It is a place where you can play chess with your physics teacher at lunch… and lose. It is a place where your biology teacher may or may not teach class with a pet rat on her shoulder. This second home that has nurtured us since we were wide-eyed children has truly become a family that we, 318, will miss dearly. … The truth is, I am terrified to leave this family and go off to college. We’re all venturing to unpredictable places next year with mascots that are not nearly as inviting as kangaroos — spiders, wildcats, blue devils, owls and even oranges. But I know we have all the tools we need to succeed because of how we have been supported and cared for at AFS. I am not incredibly smart, nor am I incredibly talented, and despite what my mom says, I’m not perfect. But AFS has given us a gift that not many people in the world get. We weren’t taught what to think; we were taught how to think, and that is the most powerful gift anyone could ever receive.” —Doug Garza ’15
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Senior Reflection “ As I grew up I realized my passion for words and for sharing my story. And this became evident in 7th grade during my English class at Abington Friends. I wrote my very first poem, ’An Ode to Underwear.’ I shared this piece with the AFS community and received so much love and support for my newfound interest that I began writing and sharing more personal pieces about my family and my life as a girl, an immigrant, a sister, and a daughter. These pieces grew with me and became vignettes about my identity as a young Liberian-American woman. Whether it was in an English class where I shared poems about myself and Nelson Mandela, or at the opening ceremony for the MLK Day of Service when I shared a poem about my family and my father’s passing, AFS welcomed my words and my stories with open hearts and open ears. … It has been my teachers and mentors at AFS who have helped me find this power to express the many parts of who I am, to tell the stories of my struggles, and to experience my own power.” —Bridget Warlea ’15
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Head of School Remarks “ As you head off for college, it will be important to remember who you are, where you come from and for what you were made. You come from love, you have the spark of divinity, that is, goodness and strength at your core. But remembering who you are, staying in touch with that center is the message at the heart of your education. At AFS, you are reminded all the time of that center… in the young children you see everyday, in the teachers that show you a life well-led, in the homes you return to each day, in Meeting for Worship and moments of silence. This has developed in you a strong sense of who you are, of your core identity. Now in college you will take your first steps in needing to cultivate that way of seeing, of reverence more independently. You will have times when you forget. What will help you? Look at your parents and grandparents, look at the Meetinghouse, look at your teachers, look at each other. This is where you come from, this is where you have come, so far, to know who you are.” —Rich Nourie, Head of School 17
Senior Reflection “ Funnily enough, it is through the silence of Meeting for Worship, in particular, that students have been taught that our voices are sacred and to trust the wisdom of our inner spirit. To stand up, and speak one’s innermost beliefs takes confidence and I can say without a doubt that this community has supported every member of this class in gaining that confidence. I have heard my classmates share their biggest fears, their toughest obstacles and their true identities. One of the most beautiful things about Meeting for Worship, to me, is what happens once it is over. If a person has shared, and their message has resonated with members of the community, peers will approach the speaker and say something along the lines of ’Just wanted to let you know that your message in Meeting really moved me.’ This kind of support, no matter how brief, reminds any individual that their voice and message has been heard and supported.” —Nina Bedrick ’15
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Keynote Address “ Since graduating from AFS, I’ve spent my life among college students—first as a college student myself, and then, at 23, beginning a 38-year long career in the university classroom teaching creative writing. All those years with young people between 18 and 22 showed me, again, how fortunate I was to have attended AFS. Why? Because at AFS I learned how to explore, in two great ways: I learned how to concentrate and focus as an individual and I learned how to work cooperatively, as a group member. And I know that you, the class of 2015, have learned how to explore as well: in robotics and engineering, in the high school critics drama program, in leading challenging conversations about diversity and inclusiveness. College isn’t about knowing ahead of time what you want to study or what you want to be when you grow up: it’s about adventure, about opportunities and disciplines you may not have heard of yet, about meeting people from all over the world, about discovering and cultivating aspects of yourself. Abington Friends has nurtured in you, as it nurtured in me, the skills to do this.” —Commencement Keynote Speaker, Robin Becker ’69
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The AFS Annual Fund An Annual Fund gift is the simplest and most important gift you can make to AFS. It is a tangible and vital expression of your affection for AFS and gratitude for the positive, shared experience between our wonderful school and your family. Your Annual Fund gift is an investment in the current school year and an essential part of our operating budget. The return on your investment? The joy and achievement our students experience and our teachers bring about.
We did it! Again! For the third year in a row we set a new high mark for the AFS Annual Fund. Not only did we surpass the goal of 1,000 donors, but we collectively raised the most funds ever: $565,431. The pictures you see here are some of our donors celebrating this extraordinary accomplishment at the third Annual Fund BBQ – many thanks to our donors and our volunteer fundraisers for making it all possible. Thanks also to Kim Gray ’87 for supplying the delicious food!
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The Hop To It
Challenge
Each Annual Fund donor received a match from last year’s challenge, fulfilling the $100,000 that twenty-six families pledged! 96 top donors increased their gifts to receive the bigger match. We exceeded each of our quarterly participation goals, reaching 84% of both our total donor and dollar goals through the end of the third quarter in March.
Annual Fund Highlights In 2014-2015, 1,040 donors raised $565,431, the highest dollar total ever. We received 94 gifts at the leadership level of $1,000 or more. Gifts ranged from $1 to $40,000. Parents, alumni, and Upper School students all increased participation over the prior year! 100% of our School Committee members (trustees) together raised $87,433, the most ever on record! 78% of our faculty and staff, 52% of our parents, and 15% of our alumni contributed (please see the next page for the Alumni All-Stars Report). 43% of students in Upper School made a gift – the Class of 2017 achieved 70% and won the friendly Upper School Annual Fund participation contest for the second year in a row! For details about the current 2015-2016 Annual Fund, please visit www.abingtonfriends.net/Giving/AnnualFund. 21
AFS ALUMNI
all-stars
Thank you, alumni, for your many gifts to AFS this year.
Your financial support makes an AFS education possible for today’s students. Many of you also gave gifts of time and talent, helping shape the next generation of AFS alums. We are grateful for everything you do!
ANNUAL FUND PARTICIPATION PRIDE
1999
1940 1943
100% participation!
1955
Best participation from a reunion year, 53%
Biggest increase in participation from a 1966 non-reunion year, from 17% to 35%
2010
Best young alumni participation from a reunion year, 14%
2014
Best young alumni participation from a non-reunion year, 33%, and WINNER of the first annual Homecoming Challenge
ANNUAL FUND GENEROUS GIVING
1975
2015
Largest class gift overall, $20,050
Largest class gift, reunion year, $10,825 First class gift, funding a tree and bench to provide shade and community seating on the grassy rise next to Faulkner Library and the Farmhouse
AFS alumni collectively donated over $133,000 to the AFS Annual Fund, again increasing their number of donors and dollars raised!
SPECIAL GIFTS
Gifts of Expertise
Volunteer Fundraisers
Members and friends of the Class of 1985:
Alex Woods ’14, Sasha Rieders ’14,
Rebecca Ethridge Bubb ’02,
funds to establish a memorial bench.
Bianca Adams ’14, Joe Robinson ’14,
Jenny Bornholdt Hammond ’86,
(See story on page 35.)
Alan Asirants ’14, Lily Segal ’14,
Rebecca Fisher ’13, Mini Racker ’14,
Robin Becker ’69, Anthony Casola ’04,
Lily Roth ’14, Ahngelicia Watson ’14
Friends of Emily Popkin ’89: funds to
the family of Evan Greenberg ’97,
establish a memorial garden.
the family of Diana Parks Marshall ’61, Susan Rudin ’57, Ryan Samson ’07,
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Alumni Fans of RooBotics:
Conor Gray ’13, Michael Haberman ’97,
John Fedorowicz ’98, Marlee Miller ’12,
David Buzaglo ’12, Rachel Sigman ’08,
Ferris Nicolais ’10, and Mini Racker ’14
Erick Stakelbeck ’94.
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Welcome to AFS! Devin Schlickmann, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement
This fall we welcome to campus Devin Schlickmann as our new Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement. Devin comes to us with deep experience in independent schools and in admission, development and communications work. In a model that is new for this school, but increasingly common in the education world, Devin will have oversight over all three of those essential school functions. We are delighted to have Devin with us and look forward to his insights, expertise and leadership. Welcome to AFS! Can you tell us a little about your career up to this point? My entire professional career has been focused on independent schools. Heading into my 25th year, the common threads throughout have been admission, development and communications. For the last 17 years I’ve been in Cleveland, and for the majority of that time at Gilmour Academy.
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This will actually be my second Quaker school. Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island was a past career stop – one that I share with Rich Nourie, although we missed each other there by a few years. When you were looking for your next career move, what led you to AFS? There were three real drivers in my decision—the strength and clarity of the AFS mission, the incredible strength and welcoming sense of community and the very clear leadership of Rich.
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What has struck you so far about our school community? What’s exciting is I’ve already had the opportunity to sit down with so many people both within the admission, development, marketing and communications areas as well as division directors and members of the faculty and staff. What I’ve experienced to a person is an incredible passion about and for AFS.
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Tell us about your goals for the School? In the area of admission it’s a question of looking for what is the right size for the school amidst the current
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economic and demographic realities and figuring out how to maximize our enrollment in areas where we are already strong, and gain greater market share where we overlap with other independent schools. On the development side I’m coming in at a point of success for the AFS Annual Fund, which this year set a record in terms of both dollars and donors. That’s a nice foundation, but at the same time there is still huge unrealized potential for increased growth, especially in the area of alumni participation. In all areas it’s ultimately all about building relationships. Whether it’s through communications or events, we need to ask how do we best build and strengthen those relationships. What about short-term goals and priorities? A goal for this year is to ratchet up the quality of everything we touch as a department, whether that’s written communication, our visual and graphic identity, the experience at a school event, or the new website we’re launching later this fall.
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For new families coming in I want to make sure that they feel included, that they’re attending events, that they feel appropriately communicated with and informed. And after students graduate it’s about keeping them connected and coming back to campus. And for alumni who have not stayed as closely engaged with AFS, it’s about how do we get them back.
There’s also a real opportunity to further educate our families about philanthropy and what it means. Many families coming into the School are first generation independent school families who perhaps have never heard of an annual fund, so it’s up to us to make it understandable and not intimidating. We all come from different circumstances and it’s not about dollar amounts, it’s about participation. One major focus immediately and for the next three to five years will be the School’s next fundraising campaign. The Annual Fund is essential to the day-to-day operations of AFS and the next major campaign is one that will help ensure the School’s continued strength and existence potentially for the next 300 years.
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Cultivating Community How rich connections with our neighbors have yielded fruitful learning opportunities for our students. When Head of School Rich Nourie gets in front of families to talk about our community he often stresses the fact that, “Who’s here matters.” People don’t land here by accident. Every student and family at AFS is here because they have chosen this learning environment as a place that aligns with their values and goals, and each has something vital to contribute to our school culture.
meaningful ways with the outdoor environment while making the most of our verdant campus. With the enormous success of the Nature Playground we built for our youngest students, we are now getting ready to break ground on the next phase of this project, the Headwaters Discovery Playground, designed for 1st through 6th graders. At the same time that we have embraced the importance of outdoor play and exploration as a vital element for our students’ education, we have also increasingly welcomed and forged rich connections with neighboring organizations. Our partnerships with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Briar Bush Nature Center, the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership and other environmentally focused organizations have helped us better understand our campus, led to tangible improvements to the land we take care of and helped fuel a future vision for this living landscape for learning.
Where we are matters, too. For 328 years we have been located right here in Jenkintown, PA, taking up a sizable parcel of green and wooded land in the heart of a busy suburban community. And more and more, the particular plot of land on which we sit has become a vital
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element in our students’ education and has drawn us into a rich network of partnerships that have allowed us to multiply our resources in ways we never could have imagined. AFS Outside, our schoolwide outdoor learning initiative, came about as a way to connect children in sustained and
As a Quaker school, the charge to be good environmental stewards is deeply rooted in our culture. Experiential education is also at the heart of what we do. By reaching out beyond our walls to share expertise and resources, we are discovering a new way of doing school that has already yielded extraordinarily rich rewards for our students.
Getting to Know The Neighbors:
Meadowbrook Farm A flourishing connection with nearby Meadowbrook Farm gives our 4th graders a chance to get to know a renowned horticultural estate and take part in the Philadelphia Flower Show. Last year AFS began a fruitful partnership with Meadowbrook Farm (part of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society) in nearby Rydal. Our 4th grade makes the short trip to Meadowbrook Farm once a month to learn about botany and horticulture and work on a project for the Flower Show, which they visit on a class field trip in February. The estate was designed and created by J. Liddon Pennock, Jr, and is situated on 25 acres in Abington Township. The original house was given to Pennock and his wife, Alice Herkness, as a wedding gift by her parents in 1936. Pennock, who spent many years in the florist business, dedicated himself over many years to perfecting the gardens that surrounded his home.
During the first year of our partnership, the students participated in a plant forcing experiment for the Philadelphia Flower Show and compared plants grown at Meadowbrook to plants grown at AFS. This past, year the emphasis of the students’ visits has been on the study of trees. For the Flower Show, they took inspiration from a collection of majolica plates in the mansion and made their own plant-themed ceramic plates with AFS Lower School Art Teacher Amanda Milz.
the interactions are impromptu. “Recently they gave us some spare praying mantis egg cases,” says Rosanne. Jacqueline Fisher, who served as Meadowbrook’s interim director and is now head of member services for PHS, recalls her involvement with AFS fondly. “It was such a treat to see them come to Meadowbrook,” she says. “Their eyes lit up when they came. I could tell by their second or third visit they felt they had the run of the place. It was like their second home and it was really cool to see.”
“I’ve been a PHS member forever,” says Lower School Science Teacher Rosanne Mistretta. “Meadowbrook is so close and so amazing. The students really got to know the place and the people and they were excited to see the same people each time they visited.” Staff from Meadowbrook have also visited AFS to look at our campus trees with students, as well as spending time in the art studio learning how to make ceramic plates alongside our students. Sometimes
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On Campus:
Creek
Conservation How partnering with a watershed watchdog yielded hands-on education and tangible improvement to a treasured campus resource. It’s not every day you see a group of lower school children raising their voices in joyous song to celebrate the benefits of a riparian buffer. “Riparian buffer helps a stream keeps it healthy, keeps it clean. It helps to make it a lovely home, a happy place for the animals to roam.” In case you don’t know what a riparian buffer is, it’s the official horticultural term for an area of trees, shrubs, and perennials that are planted along a stream to filter out pollution. The kids had learned about riparian buffers, and helped plant one next to their own beloved campus creek, through a partnership with the Tookany/TaconyFrankford (TTF) Watershed Partnership.
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This is just one of several fruitful partnerships developed over the past few years through the enthusiastic leadership of Lower School Science Teacher Rosanne Mistretta. And for Rosanne, the relationship exemplifies how forging meaningful connections with our neighbors helps us carry out our Quaker mission as a school. “We need to be good stewards of our environment and teach our students to be good stewards,” says Rosanne. “We have this gift of a great campus. My greatest enjoyment is to see students out there doing things for the environment, not just for our campus, but for the environment as a whole.” Our tree-planting project with TTF, funded through a Delaware River Restoration Fund Grant, came about because of a very real
environmental need—to improve the health of the headwaters of Jenkintown Creek, which happens to be on our campus—and involved the students in an unparalleled hands-on experience. Over time, the banks of our creek had suffered erosion, and pollution running from the adjacent parking lot and sports fields was threatening its health. Planting a riparian buffer would help to create a shady, cool creek more friendly to fish and wildlife and would restore canopy and roots to absorb rainwater and runoff. During a two-day period last October, students from every division of the School prepared the planting area by removing debris and trash, organizing plants along the stream, and pounding in fence posts to keep deer from feasting on the newly planted buffer. They also planted a number of trees and shrubs.
The next day, more than 50 students returned, along with their parents and teachers, as well as community members, to complete the effort, planting more than 350 trees and shrubs alongside the creek. The next step in protecting the Jenkintown Creek headwaters will be the installation of a rain garden and swale to manage runoff from the Lower School parking lot, which will take place this fall. “This is the kind of work we couldn’t have done on our own,” says Rosanne. “Already you can see a lot of the erosion we had is practically gone. We’re creating more biodiversity, controlling storm water flow and improving the health of the stream.”
“ As well as learning about how riparian buffers function to protect creeks like ours, the students spent time making meticulous observational drawings, and learning about the importance of native species of plants.” TTF Executive Director Julie Slavet is equally positive about the partnership. Since TTF owns no property, it relies on good partnerships with property owners to get creek restoration work completed. “Planting with the kids was great,” says Julie. Part of the reason the project got funded, she adds, was because of the educational component. “The level to which AFS has embraced this work as part of the curriculum is beyond what we could ever have hoped.”
Water Workshops As well as partnering on the creek project, AFS has also hosted a Watershed Educator Workshop where representatives from TTF and the Fairmount Waterworks came to explain their programs and share curricular ideas. Seven teachers from AFS attended, and brainstormed ways to develop new lesson plans that actively engage their students in learning about runoff pollution through chemistry, biology and STEM-based learning.
As well as learning about how riparian buffers function to protect creeks like ours, the students spent time making meticulous observational drawings, and learning about the importance of native species of plants. One of TTF’s biggest challenges, says Julie, is that people are disconnected from their creeks. “We’ve paved them, put parking lots over them. Here we knew there were a lot of people who had a connection to their creek. What was fabulous was that every student went home and told their parents what they did that day and many of them brought their parents the next day to show them the tree they’d planted. So we feel the children are becoming stewards and they are educating their parents. And who knows, there may be students who really get excited and will become environmental engineers or landscape architects.”
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On Campus:
Tree Tending Through a network of partnerships, AFS has plans afoot to turn its campus into an arboretum, and in the process teach our students to take care of our trees.
Take a stroll around campus in pretty much any direction and it’s not hard to see why so many people are taking such an interest in our trees. “We have a lot of historic trees dating back to the early days of the school,” explains Rosanne Mistretta. “We also have a lot of significant trees that were spared some of the terrible diseases and blight that have afflicted certain types of trees elsewhere. We have horse chestnuts, London planes and some very large beech trees. We’ve been lucky. We have this very diverse canopy of trees, which adds up to a great habitat, a great learning tool and a great resource for the community.” Recently, with funding from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Friends Council and a generous gift from the Class of 1964, plans are underway to turn the campus into an arboretum. In tandem with that project, our 5th and 6th graders will learn how to take care of trees as part of their yearlong service-learning course. Our burgeoning relationship with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) provided the impetus to embark on the project. Lower School students had spent time last year learning about trees at PHS’s
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Meadowbrook Farm. In talking with Roseanne about ways to further incorporate our campus trees into the curriculum in meaningful ways, the idea emerged to train some of our teachers to be official Tree Tenders, so they could pass their learning on to the students. PHS’s Tree Tenders program trains volunteers to become citizen stewards by offering hands-on tree planting and tree care training. The Tree Tenders course happens once a year in each county in the Philadelphia region. This past spring Abington Friends School became the training site for the 2015 Montgomery County Tree Tenders course. Thirty-eight people signed up for the class, with a sizable group of nine teachers from AFS. “The class was phenomenal,” says Tree Tenders Project Manager Barley Van Clief. “It was probably the best rotation I’ve ever had. Every single person I met there was so helpful and enthusiastic and ready to dive in there with what they’ve learned. And that’s very exciting.” As fully trained Tree Tenders, our teachers who participated are now eligible for Tree Vitalize funding through PHS, to plant trees on campus, at the Meeting or anywhere in Abington Township. They can also pass on their tree ID training to the students.
With guidance from our official Tree Tenders, our 5th and 6th graders will get involved with tree care on campus, cultivating underneath the trees so nutrients can flow down to the roots and mulching. When somebody becomes a Tree Tender, says Barley, they become “citizen stewards for the tree canopy at large and agents of change.” Passing that along to the students, she says, is powerful, because “each teacher reaches at least 20 kids and all those kids have that for the rest of their lives.” Tree Tenders can also apply for trees the students can plant at their homes, spreading the impact beyond the campus. “These are all opportunities to build the tree canopy in the whole of Southeastern Pennsylvania,” says Barley. “It’s as big or as little as you want to make it.” AFS Lower and Middle School students have traditionally spent time in both art and science classes studying our campus’s impressive collection of trees. The youngest students observe and draw trees, measure their diameter, examine twigs and buds and learn about transpiration. This past spring they helped care for the new riparian buffer trees by mulching and watering. Over the past year, 4th through 7th grade students created environmental art from fallen tree bark, studied plant cells and created plant cell models. In the spring they started taking care of trees and implementing Tree Tenders concepts. They also began learning map making, compass and GPS skills to make a map of trees on campus. All students participated in service learning by working on repairing the riparian buffer after a harsh winter. As a culminating project, students tagged trees and did observational drawings of the trees that were tagged. Our students have already started inventorying the existing campus tree stock with guidance from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Meadowbrook
Powerful Partnerships More and more, we are having a powerful impact in our immediate zipcode and beyond, becoming a community hub where neighborhood children play soccer and dance, education students get their field experience and area universities gather and share important research.
Arcadia University Students enrolled in Arcadia University’s School of Education have visited AFS for the last two years as part of their ESL fieldwork experience. Here on campus they observe our international students in class to gain an understanding of some of the challenges they face, and then work with the students individually and in small groups. The focus is on helping the students overcome language barriers and also exploring our two cultures, with both American and international students participating in workshops. “The partnership has been great, says Wilf Learning Resource Director Randy Schwartz, “We collaborated closely in designing the program, so it serves their students and our school really well.” Through a partnership with faculty in the education department at Arcadia University, we are also currently developing a program of professional learning to define best, discipline-based practices in differentiated instruction for all Upper School faculty. We are also developing future educators by placing Arcadia students studying to become learning specialists, ESL and classroom teachers in the Wilf Center and as interns to our faculty.
Temple University AFS recently participated in a Temple University study about different approaches to teaching problem solving in math and science for middle school students. “It’s interesting for teachers and students to see research in the making,” says Wilf Learning Resource Director Randy Schwartz. “And the results might yield new approaches.”
Abington Art Center Located right across Meetinghouse Road, the Abington Art Center has long been a treasured resource for the School. Lower and Middle School students in particular regularly make the short walk across the cemetery to spend time drawing or writing poems in the art center’s
Farm and Morris Arboretum. The goal is to build a preliminary database of 300 trees. Thanks to a generous 50th Reunion gift from the Class of 1964, there are also plans in the works to develop a mobile app with
beautiful grounds. The School often hosts parties at the Art Center for retiring faculty or other special occasions.
A Step Up Academy Located in the East Wing of the Abington Monthly Meetinghouse, A Step Up Academy is a private school for children with autism, serving preschool and kindergarten through 4th grade. AFS Middle and Upper School students regularly spend time with students at the Academy playing games and helping the students advance their social skills.
Met Ballet We have a long history of welcoming the Metropolitan Ballet Academy to the AFS campus. Met Ballet, founded in 1996, is a classical ballet school in Jenkintown serving children as well as adult students. The Muller Auditorium serves as one of the Ballet’s primary performance spaces and since its inception, many AFS students have been students, performers and leaders in the Met Ballet program.
Hunter Soccer, Jenkintown Youth Athletics, Cheltenham Soccer and Cheltenham Baseball AFS has a neighborhood commitment to youth athletic programs, from field use to sponsorships to player development programs. Hunter, JYA and Cheltenham soccer all use our fields. We view our fields as a resource for young athletes in our neighborhood, and we partner with organizations that share our belief that athletics young athletes should be about developing teamwork and leadership skills.
Villanova University and Temple University As part of the William Penn Foundation Delaware River Watershed Initiative, and in partnership with Temple University and Villanova University, a weather station was recently installed on the Lower School roof. The data will be posted on the web for students to use and monitor.
information about the trees written by the students, and possibly video of students in front of the trees talking about their characteristics. For the Middle School service learning program, 5th graders will be trained as Tree
Tenders and continue the process of caring for the trees in 6th grade. This year the students all learned how to use dichotomous keys and labeled trees with common and Latin names. In the fall, they will learn about tree care and planting basics and will track phenology data, such as when leaves change color and fall.
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Getting to Know The Neighbors:
Briar Bush Nature Center Our partnership with this suburban oasis has given students hands-on ecological experience that dovetails with their classroom studies. Just three miles from campus, Briar Bush Nature Center is a leafy haven in the heart of suburban Abington. With trails winding through a mixed deciduous/coniferous forest and a museum complete with touch tables, taxidermy, live animals and artifacts, the nature center is a rich resource for the neighborhood. And that most definitely includes Abington Friends School.
Early in our relationship with Briar Bush, their staff visited annually on Science Night, where they would engage students and visitors with a variety of interactive exhibits. “That was a great event for us,” says Briar Bush Senior Naturalist Mark Fallon. “We got to reach lots of members of the community we may not have otherwise.” Our connection with Briar Bush deepened when conversations began several years ago to develop an annual “nature playdate” where families and their children could come and take part in a slew of fun (and messy) nature-inspired activities such as building forts and fairy houses and “cooking” in a mud kitchen. Lower School Science Teacher Rosanne Mistretta knew it would make sense to partner with Briar Bush since they had deep experience with making nature fun for youngsters (and had consulted with AFS on the development of our early childhood
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nature playground) and yet did not have space on their property to host a large event of their own. More than 200 people gathered on the AFS campus for our first Nature Playdate in 2013, making it an instant success. “For us,” says Mark, “it’s an amazing way to be of service in the community and meet people.” The biggest thrill, he says, is to get a kid excited about nature as a plaything. “Nature is endless in terms of loose parts,” he says. “In play theory there’s this idea of loose parts, like Lego or Lincoln Logs. So natural materials are the ultimate loose parts. Young kids come to that so naturally but they have to be given permission these days, and for them to have that is just wonderful.” AFS second graders also visited Briar Bush this spring to help build fairy houses for a new trail at the nature center. Environmental educator Heidi Malizia, who helped the students gather lichen, moss
Field Notes From Rosanne’s Lower School Science Blog November 20, 2014 “Ashley and Julie taught us about a special piece of equipment that uses lasers to determine the height of a tree. It’s called a hypsometer. You point it at the top and the base of the tree and the hypsometer does the calculation for you! We went on a hike to look at some tall trees and measured a few using the hypsometer. We looked at Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) and Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood), and several others. Next we had a few moments to warm up in the beautiful surroundings of the mansion, while we learned about how to measure the trees using angles (which the students are studying in math class back at school). We used trundle wheels to measure distance, clinometers to measure the angle from the ground to the top of the tree, scientific calculators to calculate the tangent of the angle and recorded all of our data. Next the students did the math to determine the height of their tree!”
and feathers to decorate the fairy houses, was delighted with the children’s work. “Just to see how they worked together was wonderful. They were really sharing ideas.” Before the Nature Playdate, and before the fairy house project, AFS students had been visiting Briar Bush regularly as part of our Middle School service-learning program. The work, which might involve removing invasive plants or planting native plants in and around a storm water feature, is reinforced with an educational program. “With the older kids who are in the service learning program, what’s amazing is the knowledge they already have,” says naturalist Mark Fallon. “Many of the AFS students come with a wealth of knowledge about ecology. They get to see that knowledge transformed into something concrete because we’re actually out in the woods dumping water on the pavement and trying to follow it to the storm drain. It’s great to see them really get it because they can see it for themselves first hand. They have a sense of accomplishment when they do a project here, too. It’s a really nice sense of investment for them.”
Part of the reason the partnership is so strong, says Briar Bush Director Greta Brunschwyler, is that we share many of the same values and beliefs about the importance of the ecological world. “We love it,” she says, “because the students are so engaged and curious. They really want to understand the
natural world. They’re going to be great citizens – informed and thoughtful. AFS is open to ideas and open to learning in non-traditional ways. Without the confines some schools have, the students are able to be creative and teachers are able to explore. We really value this partnership. In fact, it’s probably our most valued partnership.”
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AFS Outside Headwaters Discovery Playground Community Campaign Kicks Off As the second phase of the schoolwide AFS Outside initiative, we will break ground this fall on a new playground for grades 1 through 6, to be named the Headwaters Discovery Playground.
What will
be on the playground?
Village Climb: Based on the concept of a village of treehouses, the central climbing structure offers kids climbing, swinging and crawling opportunities at the level of the tree canopy, just where kids want to be.
Why build a new playground? Compared to a generation ago, children today have dramatically fewer opportunities for unstructured, nature based play. Veteran teachers and childhood development researchers agree that this kind of play is critical for healthy childhood development. AFS Outside is a school wide outdoor learning program designed to connect children in sustained and meaningful ways with the living world while fully realizing the enormous potential of our beautiful campus. AFS Outside creates a place for children to have unstructured, nature-based play right here at school. Since we opened the first phase of AFS Outside, the Early Childhood nature playground, schools from all over the country have sent their teachers to learn how we transformed a traditional playground into an inviting outdoor space that
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encourages learning, discovery and play in a natural setting. The playground was recently reÂnamed the Redbud Nature Playground. The Headwaters Discovery Playground will transform the current Lower School playground into a cutting edge outdoor classroom and free play zone, built to meet the specific needs of our students and program. The new playground will continue to be a resource for students all the way through their Middle School years. The plan for the new playground combines the best of the traditional childhood experience with our faculty’s expert knowledge about teaching core subject lessons outdoors. From science and math to art and music, we want to take it outside!
Water and Sand Play: Hand pumps, sluices, pools and sand are all part of the vision for the water feature. We want it to be good for making a mess as well as for teacher-led hydrology experiments and discussions about water conservation. Big Science and Swings: A flexible array of pulleys, levers and gears alongside traditional swings comprise an area designed for life-size science experiments. Fields and Fun: Open wide, grassy areas for large group games, from basketball and gaga to freeze tag and sledding, satisfy an appetite for activity and for trying on new social roles. Nature Ramble: Leaping logs, building forts and exploring the restored headwaters of Jenkintown Creek build agility, curiosity and imagination. Gatherings and Plantings: Quiet gathering spaces for groups of two to 20 are situated within a landscape of native plantings.
When
will it be built? November 2015 groundbreaking April 30, 2016 Ribbon cutting ceremony at Nature Playdate.
How
can we make it happen?
Project Budget: $610,000 Funds raised as of 9/22/15: $555,000, including:
Who is designing
the playground?
Lead gift: $250,000 from AFS alumna and Central Park Conservancy board member Susan Salesky Rudin ’57 and Jack Rudin, in honor of the Class of 1957 Major and leadership gift phase: $305,000 Community Campaign goal: $15,000
Following Quaker process, the entire community has contributed to this vision. The strategic plan, determined by Rich and the School Committee, created AFS Outside. Rosanne Mistretta, the Director of AFS Outside, has led a volunteer team of parent professionals in the design of this playground. Parent volunteers on the design team include: Nick Davatzes, Assistant Professor of Geology, Temple University Nina Bisbee P’16, Vice President, Facilities, Philadelphia Zoo Bern Panzak P’17, LEED AP certified; Principal, Glackin Thomas Panzak landscape design Carina Urbach P’19 P’22, MSEd, Early Childhood education Jeanne McMindes P’18, horticulturalist
We invite everyone in the community to help us get to groundbreaking by raising $15,000 between the opening of school and October 31, 2015.
Our professional team includes: Metcalfe Architecture & Design, who built the Out on a Limb exhibit at the Morris Arboretum Viridian Landscape Studio, a design partner for the Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo at the Philadelphia Zoo CVMNEXT Construction, project delivery partner for the Audubon / Outward Bound Discovery Center in Fairmount Park. Community partners for AFS Outside include the Tookany Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Briar Bush Nature Center, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Primex.
Each year we ask you to first make your commitment to the Annual Fund, as an essential part of the School’s operating budget. Please then consider your commitment to the Headwaters Discovery Playground Community Campaign. The Annual Fund is the most important gift you can make. It maintains the quality of our core program. Please keep your AF giving steady (or start giving) and then consider what you could give over the next 2 years to the HDP. Major Gift initiatives, such as this one for the Headwaters Discovery Playground, are moments when we ask everyone in the community to pull together to make something special happen. Please consider what feels like the right ’stretch’ gift for your family.
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AFS Alumni Day AFS Alumni Day 2015
was wonderful, with over 50 alumni from class years ending in 5s and 0s returning to campus to celebrate their milestone reunions. The Classes of 1975 and 1985 were out in force, along with a few True Blue Roos from the Classes of 1965, 1995 and 2005. We were also glad to have members of the Alumni Faculty & Staff Alliance (AFSA) on hand, including Margaret Van Ummersen, Ferne Moffson P’94, Cyndi Bell Silverman P’01 P’05 and Beverly Bennett Green P’85 P’88. Thanks to everyone for a powerful Meeting for Worship, a rollicking lunch, a tour down memory lane and into new classrooms, and a moving dedication of the Class of 1985 bench. Class years ending in 6s and 1s celebrate milestone reunions in 2016. Alumni Day will be Saturday, April 30, 2016. Save the date!
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Class of 1985 Memorial Bench A dedication ceremony for The Class of 1985 Memorial Bench was held on Alumni Day under a blossoming cherry tree in front of the school. The bench was established to recognize gifts made to AFS in honor of the four Class of 1985 alumni who have passed away since graduation. Its inscription reads, “For the Class of 1985, our journey began at AFS. It is the foundation that bonds us all together. Todd Marcus, Ted Ignatowski, Scott Lowery, and Mark Green, you will always be in our hearts and memory.” We extend our thanks to the below donors for their support of AFS and of each other: Amy Staroscik ’85 Deborah Koffman ’85 Dana Wissow Bower ’85 Christie Michener Corallo ’85 Katherine Davis-Barlick ’85 Suzanne Alston Hodges ’85 P’18 P’20 Stacy Neuman ’85 Lisa Reeves Norton ’85 Aaron Rubin ’85 Jason Scott ’85 Bradford Shusman ’85 Jason Charles Walker ’85, AFSA Rebecca Passon Dampf ’85
Leigh Sklar Feuer ’85 Carla Fisher ’85 Raquel Pacheco Fopma ’85 Valerie Ellerson Hanraty ’85 Wendy Jacobson-Simon ’85 Kenneth Kaiser ’85 Kelly Wolf Kennedy ’85 Cynthia Silverman P’01 P’05, AFSA Bill Carr ’85 Scott Krase ’85, AFSA Howard Delfiner ’85 Kristina Harris West ’85
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Reflecting the remarkably cohesive
alumninotes Alumni Faculty & Staff The Alumni Faculty & Staff Alliance (AFSA) continues to grow. If you are a former employee of AFS and would like to be part of AFSA, please be sure to let us know by emailing alumni@abingtonfriends.net. And send in your Alumni Notes to let your former students, parents and colleagues know what you’ve been up to!
We were honored that members of the Alumni Faculty & Staff Alliance (AFSA) accepted our invitation to start a new Commencement tradition this year by marching in the processional. Thank you Lynne Mass G’20, Barbara Handler P’08, Carol Leckey P’11, Deb Pizzi P’93 P’06 and Ferne Moffson P’94 for coming back to share this special day.
Bruce Stewart P’94 P’98, former Head of School, writes, “I just wish to send warmest regards to all of my old AFS friends, colleagues, students, alums, parents, and board members!!! What a grand and great institution!!! Keep it soaring!!!”
Ray Schorle was voted “Best of Montco” Artist 2015.
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alumni notes
Chris Buzby writes to check in and report that life can’t get much better living on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Southern Delaware with his wife Alison (McCormick) and their two Whippets, Mona and Abe. While Chris misses AFS (especially his former students and colleagues), his new job as 6th-12th grade music director at Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) has also been a rewarding challenge and amazing experience at a wonderful school and community of lifelong learners. Chris is actually getting ready to start an instrumental program at WPS, the exact same way he started one at AFS 19 years ago—with a compulsory band program in the 6th grade. His new students are bursting at the seams to play instruments, and this summer his music classroom is being retro-fitted with a drum kit, timpani, marimba, xylophones, bass drum, crash cymbals, lots of auxiliary percussion, new Wenger posture chairs and music stands to get ready for September. As many of you remember, Chris also has a professional music life outside of teaching with his band echolyn. On July 31 echolyn will release its eighth studio album of brand new music titled “I Heard You Listening”–nine new stories of life and the ways in which it can be lived–delivered with a musical and lyrical sensibility that is still echolyn. Music that is meant to be both heard and felt, echolyn has hit a new stride for their future with an album that is a giant step forward. echolyn hopes to hear you listening @ www.echolyn.com
nature of our on-campus community, the AFS Alumni community includes all former students, both graduates and non-graduates, as well as alumni parents, alumni staff, and alumni faculty. Once a Roo, always a Roo!”
Chris looks forward to future campus visits and is thrilled to hear and know the AFS Instrumental Music Program is in great hands with Mark Kraft now holding the baton and leading the AFS ensembles forward!
Cyndi Silverman P’09 writes, “I recently had the opportunity to catch up with my loving alumna and friend Reeci Botts ’11 in her home before she left for her graduate study in Los Angeles at UCLA. I was greeted at the door by Reeci, her sister Nic Botts ’10 and her amazing mom Colette Mayfield P’10 P’11. Needless to say, my catch-up turned out to be a 3 hour visit. We discussed various topics: the diversity work we did together
at AFS, equity, justice, national and global events, educational, economic and political issues, and current events in our city and others. Colette’s husband, Shannon, was also present, interested, and involved. Reeci also shared that she is writing her first book of poetry, “ReeCentered,” a reflection of her journey of finding herself at the core, the challenges she has faced as a black woman, the beautiful people she met along the way and the trials and tribulations she has overcome. Reeci believes that her words can heal. So do I, as do all those who have ever heard Reeci read her poetry. After we caught up personally with telling stories, laughing, hugging and taking selfies, I was sad when I had to leave. But I know my relationship with Reeci and her family is pure … and forever.”
Alumni Parents & Grandparents Did you stand on the sidelines and cheer for the Roos in all seasons? Were you a dedicated Book Fair volunteer? Have you seen every single play in the Muller Auditorium? Did you watch alumni students grow up, graduate and come back home? Alumni parents and grandparents, AFS is richer for your contributions to the community, and we want to hear from you! Please let your fellow alumni parents know what you’ve been up to since your last child graduated. Submit your Alumni Notes to alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
Student Alumni 2016 is a milestone reunion year for all class years ending in a 1 or a 6! Please save the date of Saturday, April 30, for Alumni Day, and keep your eye out for information about organizing a reunion for your class. Interested in helping organize? Contact Jordan Bastien in the Alumni Office, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
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1953
Deborah Bernstein Silver writes, “I read each issue of Oak Leaves, and can’t wait for its arrival. What the school is doing with and for its students is remarkable. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend reunions and events that take place at AFS as I’m living in Florida, but I would love to hear from any of my classmates. I’m very well: I attend all Symphony Concerts in the Boca Raton area and also enjoy lecture series classes at Florida Atlantic University, so I’m pretty busy. I do, however, miss the Philadelphia area and, believe me, had I continued to live there, my children and grandchildren would definitely have been graduates of AFS. Keep up your excellent work. I brag about you all the time!”
Barbara Farrier Snyderwine writes, “We
’41 75th Reunion Class of 1941, please join us on Saturday, April 30, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 75th reunion at the Meetinghouse! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
finally decided it was time to say ’goodbye’ to our beautiful Quaker Hill. We are happy to be nearer our son and daughter-in-law, Dave, Jr. and Betsy, who live in Potomac, MD.”
’56 60th Reunion Class of 1956, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 60th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
1957 Carolyn Parry Decker writes, “My daughter, Betsy, and I traveled to Peru and visited several Inca sites. Ollantaytabo was more physically challenging at 11,000 feet, but Machu Picchu was more mystical and only 8,000 feet! The trip was not only awe inspiring but we learned a great deal about the Inca people and their traditions.” Diana Post Hall writes, “Following
’46 70th Reunion Class of 1946, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 70th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
’51 65th Reunion Class of 1951, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 65th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
working in the veterinary medical area, after graduation from Penn, I have focused on environmental-related issues. For the past 20 years I have been co-owner (with my husband Cliff Hall) of the Rachel Carson House – the National Historic Landmark property in Maryland where Carson wrote her milestone book Silent Spring. Cliff and I hold a Rachel Carson Open House once a year. This year it took place on Saturday May 2. Its theme, “A Spring Full of Wonder” reflected Carson’s sense of delight in her green surroundings and the healing quality she found in nature, as described in her last book, The Sense of Wonder, published 50 years ago in 1965.
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Class of 2015 Graduate Notes Jonah Aamodt: “Make the most of the
Doug Garza: “I wish all of my classmates
experiences you have and don’t waste time.”
the best of luck for next year! Although this chapter in our lives has come to an end, I hope we will never forget the time we shared together at AFS.”
Alex Bailey: “Guys, become better people than what we were while we were a class. It costs $0.00 to be a good person.”
Erica Groomes: “AFS has truly been a home Abby Bekele: “Thanks for everything! I had a great time with you all and good luck!”
Morgan Burrell: “Although I didn’t talk to all of you, I will truly miss just seeing all of your faces everyday!”
away from home. It is a place where I can come in with pajamas on and not feel uncomfortable. Seriously, why would I be uncomfortable? I was basically with my family.”
Carly Latta: “Remember that patience goes a long way and not dwelling on insults will lead to eventual happiness.” Austin Levin: “Confidence is key. Wake up in the morning, look at yourself, and tell yourself you are great.”
Sam Levy: “AFS is a great place where I was able to grow in many ways, not just because I was going through puberty.”
Lynn Lin: “Go well, stay well!” Claire Han: “A quote from my favorite
Yang Cao: “Good Luck!” Matt Cozen: “I will miss you all.” Tatiana DiBucci: “I had fun. Best of luck.” Aidan El-Dada: “When my situation at home was tumultuous, when my grades started to drop, and when it felt like the world was caving in around me, you guys gave me something to look forward to the next day. Thank you.”
Patrick Flynn: “I can’t imagine who I’d be without the experience I had here. I’m honored that you all are the ones I shared it with.”
Thomas Flynn: “Hey! It’s a been a while. I’m pretty excited to be in the real world now. Hope school is going well for you guys, and I hope Bickford doesn’t give out too much homework. Excited to see some of you when I can!” Ben Forman: “I believe that everyone will be successful and I wish them the best in their endeavors. They all helped me to find myself and become who I am.”
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alumni notes
movie: ’We can’t choose where we come from, but we can choose where we go from there.’ AFS was your first step that you’re going to find who you want to be in the future. Let this experience at AFS be precious, and be one of the first guides that you’re going to use on your way of success.”
Alan Liu: “This is one of the best 4 years
Ben Hollinger: “Thank you for all that I’ve
memories!!!”
learned. My class has taught me as much as my teachers. Go off and accomplish the great things I know you will!”
Yiren Jiang: “Move on to be the best.”
I’ve ever had and I’m thankful for all the memories I had here with you guys.”
Martin Luo: “You guys make me feel like I am home.”
Hannah Locke: “Thanks for all the
Dreyton Lomax “It’s been a long day without you my friend And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again We’ve come a long way from where we began Oh I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again”
Keira Jones: “I’m so grateful for the
–Charlie Puth
relationships I built with all of you and I honestly feel like I will NEVER have classmates so close that I feel like they’re family. I love Class of 2015!!”
Zoe Long: “Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows, but live your todays.”
Rachel Katz: “To be successful, you must work hard and always treat others with respect.”
Jackie Kopaygorodsky: “Hope everyone has a good first year at college. Stay in touch!”
Dorian Korein: “Always be Jammin’ y’all. Just do it.”
Meara Maloney: “k bye.” Danny McDonnell: “Good luck everyone! :)” Justin Morton: “If you ain’t making money, you ain’t making moves. If you ain’t making moves, you ain’t making money.” George Naish: “Friends. It’s been good. Real good. Maybe even the best.”
Nick Sperger: “Hope all of ya’ll’s college experiences are going well.”
Chip Starr: “I hope to come back in the future and see how much you have all grown and matured. I wish you all luck and success moving through high school and making your transition to college. –The guy that always wore the sunglasses.” Brian Venetianer: “I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.”
Jess Vorse: “Take something positive
best for next year! Study hard, have fun and I won’t forget the memories we created over the last four years! See you at the reunion.”
means going against your own fallacies. Also, study History to understand the present, and then maybe you will be able to predict the future.”
Andrew Niemynsk: “Mind Over Matter.
Hailey Russell: “It’s been real.”
Max Newman: “I wish my classmates the
Tryna Sham Tonight?”
Courtney Schmidt: “Thanks for such a Nahdira Odrick: “’It is important to draw wisdom from different places. If you take it from only one place it becomes rigid and stale.’ –Uncle Iroh”
Ella Perkins: “Make your college experiences count, don’t forget to have fun and stay awesome :) Please stay in touch!” Cora Pokrifka “The last scud of day holds back for me, It flings my likeness after the rest and true as any of the shadowed wilds, It coaxes me to the vapor and the dusk. I depart as air...I shake my white locks at the runaway sun, I effuse my flesh in eddies and drift it in lacy jags. I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, If you want me again look for me under your bootsoles.”
great 13 years and I wish you all good luck in the years ahead!”
Claudia Sessa: “Don’t rush through life. Enjoy the simple pleasures of today. In this hectic life we all live, sometimes we wait for tomorrow or next year or vacation or retirement to get to the projects we want to tackle. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I am going to miss you all and I am so proud of who we have become as individuals and as a class.” Julia Shepard: “Make life what you want and don’t take anything from anyone. Find who your real friends are early and even if there is only one or two, that is all you need to be happy.”
from the last place you’ve been and bring it to the next place you go. Always try to improve your surroundings and leave a meaningful impact.”
Bridget Warlea: “Hopefully by now I have figured out how to maneuver through college at Temple with as much passion and success as I’ve had at AFS. Somebody remind me to not sign up for too much in college as I know that I might have already done so. I will never forget Sam Levy’s smart alec/sillly/dumb comments, Ahmer’s calm strength, Chris Bounds’ random great hugs, Shannon’s sparkly everything, Jaylin’s advice. And everybody else’s commitment to trying to make our class look good. We do and we did. I can’t wait to see where we go next.” Rita Wei: “Being an international student that has been away from my family since I was 15, I found that AFS is a second place in this world that I will call home, and feel like being home. I am heading to my future, but a child will never forget her way home. See you again at Thanksgiving.” Alexandra Weiss: “I’ve gone to look for America ”
Shannon Wilson: “When in doubt just
–Walt Whitman
Lauryn Smith: “It’s nice to be important
add glitter.”
Sabrina Qiao: “High school has been a
but it’s more important to be nice. Never forget that.”
Ayannah Woods: “follow me
wonderful experience with all of you. I hope college is just as fulfilling.”
Josh Spelman-Hall: “I’m not sure I have a
@___yannah___ ig and twitter ya_c inamonapple. Love you all”
Ahmer Robinson: “Stand on truth and uphold the truth to the fullest even if it
lot to say to my class at this point. I don’t think I’ll have much to say until I’ve had some real time away from them.”
Nick Zhu: “I’m so lucky to have met all of you as my class! Wish you all good luck.”
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At this year’s Open House, Holly Shimizu was one of three featured speakers. She is a widely respected horticultural consultant and a former director of the US Botanic Garden in Washington, DC, who is dedicated to promoting Rachel Carson’s vision of gardening with nature, without using toxic chemicals. Holly grew up in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill, where hikes in the Wissahickon Valley Park helped develop her love of plants and nature. On May 2 Holly’s topic was ’Our Gardens and Climate Change.’ This year’s Rachel Carson Open House event attracted 80 registered visitors. A first time attendee commented: ’I was floored by the level of the conversations sparked by different speakers, and the beauty and history of the Rachel Carson House itself.’
’61 55th Reunion
Cliff and I have been in touch with AFS friends since we acquired the Rachel Carson House, and have appreciated the encouragement, advice and support from AFS classmates, especially Susan Salesky Rudin and Liz Cobourn Cole. We plan to have an Open House around the same time next year and invite AFS friends to join us.
Class of 1961, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016 for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 55th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
The web site for our organization Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance is www.rachelcarsonlandmarkalliance.org. It features details about the Carson House, a full report on the 2015 Open House event and information of environmental interest. I can be reached at dpost_hall@verizon.net.”
Happy Birthday to us! Ten members of the AFS Class of 1963—plus husbands Marc Kaplan, Jim Wynn and Fred Fogel; and one sister, Beth Ebert Benveniste ’66—gathered from June 25-27, 2015, at the home of Linda Friedrich Fogel in Huntington Valley to celebrate our 70th birthday year. Much wine was consumed and laughter shared as we tested our memories by recalling teachers and members of classes above and below us at AFS. We celebrated Mary Lou Hay Gallucci’s good health and welcomed Phyllis Croll Kaplan to her first reunion since graduation—we hope it won’t be her last! Alice Atkinson Christie brought programs from several AFS dramas produced during our era, but none of us remembered any of them—not even those who had had speaking parts! We all did, however, remember the production of Twelve Angry Women, featuring Kathryn Walker ’60 and Valerie Pollack ’59, performed circa
1958 Suellen Fisher Newman will retire in June 2016 as director of The Hudson School in Hoboken, New Jersey. Sue founded the school in 1978 as a middle school and later added the high school division at the request of students and parents. Although not officially established as a Friends school, The Hudson School’s mission and motto— courage, compassion and commitment— and its philosophy were strongly influenced by the five years Sue spent as a student at Abington Friends and especially by the fond
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memories she has of the foreign exchange program at AFS. For example, at The Hudson School, students can study French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, ASL, Latin and ancient Greek, and like AFS, the school hosts students each year from many foreign countries. The school maintains a need-blind admissions policy. In fact, one third of the students who attend qualify for financial aid, so the school’s greatest need is always for scholarship support. Suellen is married to Tom Newman and they have five children and eight grandchildren. Their ninth grandchild is due any day! Sue welcomes her AFS classmates to visit her in Hoboken, which is only 10 minutes by PATH train from NYC.
alumni notes
1963
1960. We toasted our 70th year with champagne and strawberries, followed by a huge ice cream cake that we managed to demolish. A growing contingent will once again be in various parts of Florida over the winter months and plans are in the works for a gathering in Asheville, NC, in October 2017. If you have not been receiving emails from the class, please send your email address to Judy Chestnut Fuss, jfuss148@ gmail.com.
1965 Roberta Ehrenreich “would like to hear from any of the class of 1965. I have already heard from one person. Thank you!”
1966 Beth Ebert Benveniste and Cristy Reeves Robertson would love to hear from you in advance of their 50th reunion. The Alumni Day luncheon will be held at the meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016. Send us your ideas for any additional offcampus events or offers to help organize, or contact Jordan Bastien in the Alumni Office, alumni@abingtonfriends.net
’71 45th Reunion Class of 1971, please join us at the meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016 for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 45th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
1974 Michelle C. Berk is an elder law, estate planning and estate administration and disabilities lawyer with offices in Montgomery County. She has two daughters, one lives in Boston and the other in Jerusalem.
1975 Marci Abramowitz Goldshlack took a position at Stonemor Partners as Regional Trainer, continuing her passion as a corporate trainer for another industry. In her spare time she can be seen doing stand up at local clubs, like Helium Comedy Club and spreading the funny side of life at fundraisers and local open mics. Her twin boys, Ellis and Jacob, are now 17 and applying to colleges to pursue their interests. They still enjoy their summer road trips with mom ... a tradition since they were 2. Marci had a great time reconnecting with friends at the Class of 1975’s recent 40th reunion.
Sindy Paul. Many partners also attended the event which added to the richness of the gathering and we were especially delighted to meet Todd Bernstein’s baby “Peanut” our youngest attendee!
’81 35th Reunion Class of 1981, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 35th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
’86 30th Reunion Class of 1986, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 30th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
’76 40th Reunion Class of 1976, please join us at the meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016 for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 40th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
1977
Jenny Bornholdt Hammond, AFSA, and her husband Craig had lunch with Ann and Scott Botel-Barnard P’98 P’06 in Great Barrington, MA, on July 2, 2015. Jenny completed her fifth year at Deerfield Academy in August. Their son Josh Hammond ’15 graduated from Smith Academy in Hatfield and will head to University of Richmond in Fall 2015. Thomas Hammond ’17 will continue as a junior at Smith Academy.
Cliff Hudis writes,
Sindy Paul writes, The Class of 1975 had its 40th reunion on 5/2/15. Following the formal events at AFS, the Class of ’75 had a private reception at the West Avenue Grille in Jenkintown. This allowed some classmates who were unable to attend reunion a chance to join us. Classmates attending the reception were Bonnie Dawson Schorsch, Peter Schorsch, John Birnhak, Marci Abramowitz Goldshlack, Candace Alsentzer Timmins, Todd Bernstein, Debbie Stetser Burpee, Dutton Kennedy, Mark Kahn, Pamela King Gertie, Tina Davis, David Thomas, Lynn Shorday Appelbaum, Brooks Robinson and
“I am happy to report that I have completed my term as President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. During my tenure we prepared to launch our big data initiative (CancerLinq) and we brought new attention and resources to the problem of obesity as a common contributor to cancer. Now that I am back at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center full time I have taken on a new and additional role as Vice President for Government Relations and Chief Advocacy Officer while maintaining my practice and role as Chief of the Breast Medicine Service.”
Randy Brock writes that he is “having fun, living in Blue Bell and working in Jenkintown at Wells Fargo Advisors.”
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1988 Dan Feldgus, AFSA, writes, “I am married to a lovely woman named Rachael. We are both teachers. Rachael teaches kindergarten in the Pennsbury School District, while I teach third grade in the Haverford School District. We have two incredible girls, ages 11 and 8, and just welcomed a son May 25. Life is good and I’m lucky to still have the friendships I made at AFS to help keep it full too.”
daughters, Avila Sullivan-Widestrom ’27, and Sidra Sullivan-Widestrom ’30 on their annual trip to Oregon to visit family. Thank you, Jeremy!
TLA in Philly) and played at the Town Hall Theater off-Broadway. He has launched his own podcast, We Got This with Mark & Hal, which is part of the Maximum Fun network, and will appear in a very popular animated series early next year. He misses you. No, not you. You. [photo credit Liezl Estipona. Photo from the 10th Anniversary performance of the Thrilling Adventure Hour at Largo at the Coronet in Hollywood – March 2015.]
’91 25th Reunion Class of 1991, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 25th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
1992 Chris Lull sent in this photo of Will Lockwood and Peter Lull ’95 representing the AFS deadhead contingent at the Seva Foundation table at Fare Thee Well Chicago.
1995 Jon Makler is now the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Planning Manager in the Portland metropolitan region, where he lives with his wife and four kids.
’96 2oth Reunion Class of 1996, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 20th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
1998
Picture with Henry, 4, Lily, 7, and Allison, 2
Hal Lublin is living in Los Angeles with his
1994 Jeremy Sullivan P’27 P’30 responded to the Alumni Office’s request for AFSthemed selfies with this terrific picture of himself in AFS gear alongside his
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alumni notes
wife Jennifer and working as a voice actor and improviser. He recently completed a tour of Australia and New Zealand with The Thrilling Adventure Hour, a popular stage show, podcast and now concert film in which he has performed for all 10 of its years, and appeared at San Diego Comic Con, New York Comic Con, C2E2 and Emerald City Comic Con among others. He is also part of the worldwide phenomenon Welcome to Night Vale, with which he has toured the US (including performances at the Keswick and
John Fedorowicz writes, “This April I married my soulmate Kendra. We were married at Thacher Winery in Paso Robles, CA. I’ve been living in Los Angeles, CA, for the last 8 years and I’m currently am working as a producer for Beachbody, an L.A. based fitness company. Wishing the best to my AFS family.”
1999 Joshua Siegel writes, “My wife Julie and I were married this past November in Doylestown. We’re going to Scotland for our honeymoon in August to find Nessie, and are still living in Brooklyn, though our target for returning to Philly grows ever closer.”
As a society, we will never develop a truly sustainable agricultural system—one able to both survive climate change and help us slow down or even reverse it—if we continue to leave agricultural innovation to corporations, universities and governments. It will take a massive citizen-science project like the EFN to breed the perennial grains, oilseeds and other crops needed for a truly resilient food system. You can follow us best on Facebook: http:// www.facebook.com/ExperimentalFarmNetwork. AFS visitors are welcome at the farm anytime! (You should really taste our organic heirloom strawberries.)”
Russell Nadel and his wife Tara are expecting their first son on Labor Day (fittingly enough)! Russell will also be back at AFS on Saturday, October 24, to teach a workshop for music educators titled “Unusual Meters? Yes, You Can!” in the Lower School Music Room. Russell has also recently composed original commissioned works for SATB chorus and for flute choir with flute soloist, and will be working on an original children’s opera commissioned by a Montessori school in Charlottesville, VA, during the winter.
2003 Adam and Melissa Schorsch celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in July of this year. They live in Manhattan’s East Village where Melissa spends her time as a fashion stylist for print magazines, online media, retailers, as well as a variety of clothing brands, and Adam works in real estate and investment banking.
2000 Nate Kleinman writes, “After a decade of activism and politics (with a year-long stint studying archaeology), I’ve spent the past two years settling into farm life in Elmer, NJ, about 30 minutes south of Philly. I am still working for social justice and human rights, with a hand in projects from North Philly to South Sudan, but my main effort now is a non-profit organization called the Experimental Farm Network (EFN). EFN is working to facilitate collaborative agricultural research aimed at developing more sustainable crops and growing systems, with a particular focus on climate change mitigation. This year we had over 200 growers around the country working together on a variety of projects, including traditional plant breeding along with preserving heirloom plant varieties and crop wild relatives. We plan to launch an open-source website this winter to decentralize our processes and enable researchers to connect directly with an army of volunteer growers.
Photo credit: Katt Ramos
’01 15th Reunion Class of 2001, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 15th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
2004 In February, Jeff Attix began a position as an attorney adviser with the Social Security Administration. He is enjoying the experience and new chapter in his life.
Rachel Chernoff and Missy Green Present celebrating the gorgeous wedding of Jillian Apfelbaum and Dave Newberg on June 27, 2015. Friends since K-5!
Alumni Day 2016 will take place on April 30, 2016. Years ending in 1’s and 6’s will mark milestone reunions.
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2005
’06 10th Reunion
Ariella Singer Jolly writes, “I completed my MSN to be a Family Nurse Practitioner August 2015. I am looking to work in an underserved, Hispanic community in Denver, CO. I am also training for a marathon with Maryrose Myrtetus for Spring 2016!”
Class of 2006, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 10th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
2007 Liz Myrtetus Kahn writes, “Dear Roos, I am one step closer to achieving my 2007 AFS Yearbook superlative of ’Most Likely to Teach at AFS’ (tied with Jane Esslinger) and will be starting at Moorestown Friends School this fall. I will be teaching coding and logical thinking to their elementary students ages 3-10. Wish me luck!”
David Weiner got married to Kelly Scriven on April 25, 2015, in Annapolis, MD. They met during medical school at Georgetown University. David is currently completing an Orthopaedic Surgery residency in Baltimore, MD.
2008 Merry Dixon Meredith Dixon graduated with her Master’s degree in Laboratory Animal Science in May from Drexel University College of Medicine. While at Drexel, Meredith did research on ALS in the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases.
2009 Cate Schurz writes, “I wanted to inform you of my marriage on August 22, 2015, to London-born Samuel Hutchinson in Yorkshire, England. We’ll be wed in Ripon Cathedral, with a reception following at Duke’s Place Courtyard. All very stunning and very exciting! We live in London where Samuel works as an efficiency consultant for the construction of the UK’s new aircraft carrier while I work as a journalist—currently for the Daily Mail. I also just finished my master’s in International Journalism at City University London.”
’11 5th Reunion Class of 2011, please join us at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 30, 2016, for Alumni Day and the celebration of your 5th reunion! Interested in organizing a class-specific gathering? Contact Jordan Bastien, alumni@abingtonfriends.net. Ethan Ostroff writes, “I just graduated from Penn State with a BA from the Communications School and will be starting at Drexel’s Thomas Kline School of Law in mid-August.” Alexandra Harley writes “I just graduated
Rick Ahl writes, “I am a third-year PhD student in Developmental Psychology at Yale University. I study how young children learn to ’think like scientists,’ as well as how they reason about different social groups. Another AFS graduate, Maria Ratskevich ’11, who just graduated from Yale, was (by pure coincidence!) an undergraduate research assistant in my lab last year. Our study was about how children use information about machines’ observable functions to infer the complexity of their underlying technology. If you’re a parent or teacher and are interested in getting involved with my research by bringing fun ’science games’ to your preschool or elementary school, please let me know! I can be reached at richard.ahl@yale.edu. I’m also happy to talk with any AFSers who are interested in pursuing psychological research.”
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oak leaves fall
2015
from Macalester College with a Bachelors Degree in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. It feels like I just started college yesterday and now I’m a graduate! As I’m pursuing potential career options and navigating the life of full adulthood, my advice to the younger classes is to not rush time. Time is moving quickly on its own, you’ll see. Congratulations to all graduates!”
Morgan Pfost writes, “I will be starting a Master’s of Healthcare Administration at Tulane in late August. I encourage one and all to visit New Orleans!”
Susie Meyer, who just graduated from Colgate University with a double major in Africana and Latin American Studies and Geography, has been awarded a 2015 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Mexico. Congratulations, Susie!
2013 Bria Biddle sends her greetings from Thailand: “As I write this I’m studying abroad in Thailand for a month. I’m studying Thai culture and language and Buddhist Philosophy. I love it here. The people are nice and the culture is amazing. If I could I would stay here. I went bamboo rafting, elephant riding, trekking and took a cooking class. I’m staying in Chiang Mai and will be visiting Bangkok this coming weekend. I attend Chiang Mai University. I’m staying here with 23 other people from all over the United States.”
2012 Marlee Miller writes, “I’ve had an amazing summer living in Vermont on the Bread and Puppet Theatre commune! Bread and Puppet has been around since 1963 making activism art. I’ve learned so much, including how to stilt; I practice everyday. I’ve met some incredible people, gone to several protests and have picked up some awesome skills when it comes to being a performer and a puppeteer. Living with and working with Bread and Puppet Theater is an experience I will cherish and hold onto for a lifetime.”
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2014
Jordan Louis writes, “I just wanted to share with you my accomplishments from my freshman year of college. As soon as school let out, I flew to Málaga, Spain, where I took two Spanish courses with upper classmen. Studying abroad in Spain was such a great experience for me; I fell in love with the culture, the people, the language, the beaches, the food... I could go on for hours. I had a great host family that really cared for me and made me an even better Spanish speaker. I have never felt so prepared and confident in my ability to communicate in another language, and AFS is completely responsible for that... *cough cough, Mary Jimenez P’09 P’11* Not once did I find myself in a situation where I couldn’t communicate clearly with others, even when I was lost, or felt that I was in danger. I cannot wait to go back!! Since I have returned to the United States, I have been interning with a laboratory through the Water Department here in Philadelphia. So far, I have learned to test chemicals that are used to clean the water that we drink, test materials that come into contact with water throughout the city,
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oak leaves fall
2015
I have only taken biology courses so far. But I can imagine that this experience will prepare me very well for the chemistry courses that I will be taking this year. Also, they have asked me to return next summer to intern in the biology lab, where I will be looking for different levels of different bacteria, good and bad, in our drinking water (fun!)
calibrate machines used in the lab, organize inventory and become extremely familiar with data entry and Excel (yuck.) Although I am a biology major, so far I have been doing a lot of chemistry. Emily Paar should and would be proud. It has been a little more difficult for me to connect the dots from what I have learned in class, since
I had a very successful first year academically at Spelman. I made the dean’s list both semesters, and as a result of being in the top 20% of my class I joined the Alpha Lambda Delta honors society. But, as for this fall, I will be starting a new journey at Seton Hall University, continuing on my biology, pre-med track. I’ll be much closer to my homes, my house and AFS, so hopefully I will be able to stop by soon! P.S. Did I ever mention that I met my idol, Rihanna? Talk about accomplishments!”
in memoriam
Josepha Clark P’75 P’78 P’83, AFSA, was the Upper School Librarian at Abington Friends from 1971 to 1988. She died on July 17, 2015. She was a woman with a great sense of humor and respect for young minds and hearts willing to learn. She laughed with and shushed students in equal measure. Her often heard refrain in the library was “qui-ET!” Josepha was born on March 28, 1930 in New York City and met her husband, John Dennis Clark, while attending Hunter College. They were married September 13, 1952. She was a stay-at-home mom between 1953 and 1970. She had six
“ The Class of 1974 would like to recognize all that she has done for us, and it is with appreciation, love and respect that this yearbook is dedicated to Ms. Josepha Clark.”
children in those years. Josie enjoyed travel, theater, gardening, cooking, a good practical joke, taking care of her family and friends and always, always, always a good book to read. She attended Drexel University and earned her master’s degree in library science in 1970, which landed her at AFS as the Upper School Librarian in 1971. The class of 1974 dedicated the yearbook to her as follows: In the fall of 1971 Abington Friends welcomed a new librarian, Ms. Josepha Clark. Having just received her master’s degree in library science from Drexel, Ms. Clark was ready to work with our students and help them in every way possible. Being an adamant Women’s Libber she teaches a human relations course on Feminism, and she has also taught two English courses to our 9th and 10th graders. She has, during the three years she has been here, fulfilled her job in every way. She understands young people, having 6 children of her own, 4 of whom attend Abington Friends. To all students who open themselves to her in both academic and personal aspects she is a valuable friend and advisor. The Class of 1974 would like to recognize all that she has done for us, and it is with appreciation, love and respect that this yearbook is dedicated to Ms. Josepha Clark. Four of her children attended AFS, with two graduating. She was predeceased by her daughter Brigid Maire Clark ’83 and her husband. She leaves behind five children and their spouses; 10 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. See you in the stacks, Mom, and we’ll do our best to be “qui-ET!” once we get there. Thanks for bringing us together. Love you always, Mom. Brian and Kate and the entire Clark family.
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Nan Harbison ’69 passed away on October 14, 2014, in her home, after a brave eight-month battle with cancer. Nan is survived by her husband, Bob Connor, her daughters Elizabeth MacSwan of Waltham, MA, Margaret MacSwan of South Boston, MA, and Meredith MacSwan Harjes and her husband Dan Harjes of Acton, MA. She was a devoted grandmother to Caiden and Reese Harjes and loving sister to Catherine Parker ’68 and Ellen Harbison of Seattle, WA, Laura Keery of Weston, MA, and Dana Harbison of Lower Gwynedd, PA. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Nan has been involved in the community of Concord in many ways over the years, including tutoring kids in math and SAT prep at CCHS, Concord Academy and Middlesex, doing website development for various town businesses and being active with the Concord Community Chest, Chamber of Commerce and Concord Country Club. She will be missed. Excerpted from The Boston Globe from Oct. 16 to Oct. 17, 2014 For those of you who may not know, we are sorry to inform you that a dedicated AFS parent, volunteer and friend,
Edie Churchill P’08 P’15 P’20, passed away in January. Edie was committed to sending her 3 children–Sarah ’08, Emily ’15 and Matthew ’20 to AFS. Sarah graduated in 2008 and was selected to give a commencement address. Emily and Matthew both attended AFS for many years until the family moved to Lancaster, PA. During that time, Edie was an enthusiastic participant and smiling face at many AFS school trips and events. Edie was so passionate about AFS as a community that she commuted from Lancaster with Matthew and Emily three years ago for an entire year, hoping to stay connected after the family had moved away. We are very sorry to lose Edie as a supporter and close friend of the AFS family.
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oak leaves fall
2015
Geralyn Winner Roden ’52, of Huntingdon Valley, whose life revolved around her family, home and beautiful gardens, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Abington Hospice Warminster. Born to Edwin and Pearl Winner in 1934 in Abington, Mrs. Roden graduated from Abington Friends School and attended Bennington College. “Things were different back then,” Mrs. Roden recalled in the 50th reunion book for Bennington’s Class of 1956. “Parents just dropped us off and vanished after unloading our meager belongings. There was only one hall phone for the entire floor. We had a grand piano in every house and played bridge after dinner most nights. Never have I had so many grand slams.” She married Lincoln Roden III in 1955 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh. The couple lived in Huntingdon Valley for 60 years.
Before her marriage, she pursued a career in classical ballet with the Thomas Cannon Company. Her most memorable moment was performing in Sadler’s Wells’ Giselle, a romantic ballet in two acts, with Sir Robert Helpmann and Dame Margot Fonteyn. She also appeared with La Scala Opera Company of Philadelphia before going to Bennington. “It was something she was so proud of,” her husband said of her ballet career. Mrs. Roden’s love of family and home, though, was the centerpiece of her life. “When her family was gathered around her, Geralyn was her happiest. She was a hardworking, loyal, vibrant, and intelligent individual who exuded elegance, grace, and beauty in person and soul,” said her relatives in a remembrance. Besides her husband, she is survived by daughters Melanie Winner Roden Bartlett, Robin Halley Roden Jones, and Valerie-Clark Roden; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She will be missed. Excerpted from Philly.com, posted Aug. 22, 2015.
Please submit obituary announcements of the greater alumni community to the Alumni Office. Submissions are welcomed with or without a photo (at 300 dpi or greater). Electronic submissions are preferred and may be sent to alumni@abingtonfriends.net.
Homecoming Wednesday, November 25, 2015 MORNING AT THE MEETINGHOUSE
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
9:00 a.m. 3rd Annual Alumni Faculty & Staff Alliance (AFSA) Breakfast All former employees of AFS are warmly invited to gather together for a casual breakfast with Head of School Rich Nourie. Short Stable
12:30 - 2 p.m. * 4th Annual Musicians Jam The entire AFS community is You bring the instruments and talent, welcome to campus for food and fun! we’ll provide the lead sheets.
10:00 a.m. All Alumni Association Breakfast All former students, parents and employees of AFS are invited to join us for a light breakfast prior to Meeting for Worship. John Barnes Room 11:15 a.m. Meeting for Worship Celebrate our shared tradition alongside Upper School students and faculty.
Alumni Athletics * Alumni, Faculty and Varsity Soccer Game Bring your A(lumni) game to this long-running pickup soccer match. * First (again!) Annual Alumni Ultimate Frisbee Game We were snowed out last year... but not this one!
Alumni Gaming * Tournament of Champions FREE Magic Draft with Jordan Burkey. And pizza. Always pizza. * Beyonder You play-tested this alumni-designed tabletop role-playing game last year, and now it’s about to be published! And yes: pizza.
Alumni Arts * 4th Annual Improv Open Mic Improv jam hosted by alumni MCs and Megan Bellwoar-Hollinger.
Join the Alumni of Abington Friends School Facebook group to receive updates and links to photos of the day. Young alumni, will your class win the 2015 Homecoming Challenge?
#Gi ingTuesday is December 1, 2015. Go online to give the gift of AFS to today’s students.
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Life at Abington Friends School Calendar Highlights Book Fair Admission Open House LS Fall Food Drive & Fun Fest Upper School Play
October 15-16 October 17 November 8 November 12-14
Homecoming
November 25
Lower School Winter Program
December 18
Martin Luther King Day of Service
January 18
Admission Open House
February 6
Middle School Musical
March 3-4
Upper School Play
April 14-16
All School Science Night
April 21
Arbor Day
April 29
Alumni Day
April 30
Commencement
June 10