Fall 2021/Winter 2022 Belonging

belonging THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL FALL 2021/WINTER 2022

Expanding STEM Opportunities At Derryfield, STEM is delivered to students in numerous ways, both through classroom learning and through connections to community partners. STEM educational expertise at DS grew exponentially in the fall of 2021 with the arrival of Tom Eng, a former Senior Engineering Manager at FIRST. FIRST is an international youth robotics organization founded by Dean Kamen. During his nine years at FIRST, Eng was the leader of the team responsible for the development and support of a robotics control system used by over 76,000 students worldwide.

Eng and science department chair Mary Ann Watt co-teach the one-term computer literacy course required of all Derryfield tenth graders. The course explores computational technology’s impacts on all aspects of our society, including ethical and contemporaneous topics like artificial intelligence, visual and alternate reality, cryptography and security, and who controls big data. The purpose of the course is to build computer literacy.

In an effort to introduce the tenth grade students to careers in STEM, Watt and Eng set up virtual speaking engagements during the fall of 2021 with high-ranking professionals from large, international corporations as well as the United States intelligence community. The first guest was Lt. Nolan Hedglin (U.S. Army), who works in cyber operations for the federal government. The next speaker was Dr. Ramya Raghavendra, who is a research scientist at Facebook. She provided the students with a “big picture” description of what kind of artificial intelligence and machine learning research is being done in industry, and the importance and potential impacts of these efforts. Lastly, Dr. Nick Fuller of the IBM B e l o n g i n g : F a l l 2 0 2 1/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 2

Corporation gave a presentation about Cloud computing and how technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can be integrated into these systems to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.

Interest in STEM has expanded beyond the classroom, with the formation of the Women in STEM club. Ashley Hardner and Elena Moore, both Class of 2023, initiated the effort in the spring of 2021 and asked Mary Ann Watt to be the faculty advisor. In February the club hosted Dr. Lynn Ewart, who oversees the science and technology (S&T) research and S&T community of the Undersea Warfare Combat Systems Department at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, RI. In March Caitlin Burner, a young civil engineer, spoke about the high school and college experiences that led her to become a STEM major.

MAMMA MIA! After two years without live musical theatre, The Derryfield School Theatre Company triumphally returned with their successful production of Mamma Mia! The enthusiastic crowds cheered, sang, and danced their way through every performance. Rousing standing ovations were the reward for this immensely talented cast. It was the perfect way to celebrate bringing back live musical theatre to The Derryfield School. A heartfelt thanks for all the joy they brought to us with their amazing talent.

Mamma Mia! couldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of the parent volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped in this process. It truly takes a village to mount a successful production, and Derryfield is one amazing village!

ATHLETIC & WELLNESS UPDATE The Athletic and Wellness department opened the 2021–2022 academic year with a sense of excitement inspired by our state-ofthe-art facilities, programming changes that made LEAD part of the curricula, and the creation of two new positions in the department.

Courtney Cheetham has been named Wellness Director and Kelsey Federico has been named Fitness Director, enabling the Athletic Department to staff Derryfield’s new programs and facilities. With the entire Athletic & Wellness Center now fully available throughout the day, upper school students can navigate a plethora of options during their free blocks, ranging from shooting hoops to strength and conditioning training to ping pong, foosball, and putting practice. Yard games are also on offer, and a monthly, friendly competition (including the awarding of a ceremonial trophy) will contribute to culture-building. Strength and conditioning classes have also been added as Exploration Block and athletic credit offerings for all students. On any given day, the Athletic & Wellness Center is filled with active students exercising in the pursuit of mind and body wellness.

Derryfield’s varsity teams experienced continued success in their first seasons back from the heavy COVID restrictions of the 2020–2021 school year. This fall, girls’ soccer made the D–4 state semifinals, boys’ cross country placed second in D–4, and rowers won medals in sculling events at the Textile Regatta and New Hampshire Championships. In the winter, girls’ basketball played in the D–4 state championships and girls’ alpine placed second in the D–4 championships.

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Top to bottom: Derryfield athletes in the strength and conditioning class; girls’ varsity basketball after the state championship finals.

BREAKTHROUGH MANCHESTER When it comes time to celebrate a milestone anniversary, one usually thinks of galas, celebrations, and festivities.

However, during these still uncertain Covid times, we are instead sharing Breakthrough stories of dedicated champions, inspiring teachers, and amazing students to highlight our 30year history on The Derryfield School campus.

Beginning at the beginning, Marc Hurlbut (Head of School 1982-1994) shared in the founding of Summerbridge (now Breakthrough Manchester) in 1991. He reflects, “I still consider the launching of this wonderful program one of the greatest achievements of my life!”

Joel Vargas, Breakthrough’s second Director, hailed from the first class of Breakthrough students in San Francisco. Lois Loofbourrow, Breakthrough Collaborative’s founder, encouraged him to head to Manchester after graduating from Boston University to be part of the creation of Breakthrough Manchester. When Lois visited after the launch of the program, she commented, “No other program has as warm hellos and goodbyes as you do daily!” Joel initiated a name challenge to encourage every student, Teaching Fellow, and staff member to learn each and every students’ name. This tradition continues today and is something for all to aspire to each summer.

Our steadfast nurse, Lainee Shaughnessy ’14, who has so ably navigated Derryfield’s Covid response, shares, “My college journey started when I was eleven; if it wasn’t for the continuous support, encouragement, and opportunities supplied by Breakthrough and Derryfield, I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today!”

BUILDING AN ALUMNI NETWORK In the spring of 2021, the Philanthropy & Engagement Office (P&E) conducted an alumni survey. One of the survey questions asked if alumni would be willing to connect with current DS students, and over 150 alumni responded, “Yes!” P&E team member Jordan Cady then got to work creating a plan to match students with alumni. At the beginning of the 21–22 school year, Cady sent out the list of the alumni to faculty & staff, and asked if they had any students interested in meeting with anyone on the list.

Pictured above is Jaisen Soundar ’23 (center) meeting with Luke Chapdelaine ’16 (left) and Jordan Cady (right). Jaisen is interested in studying science in college and connected with three alumni in various fields to gain an understanding of the numerous paths he could pursue.

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Breakthrough Super Saturday teachers, several of whom are Derryfield students.

During our storytelling crusade we met Susan Beaudry Blinn, Breakthrough alumna, and founder of Tinyhood. She carries a favorite photo of herself as the student speaker at 1997’s Summerbridge Celebration. The Breakthrough norm, “lean into discomfort” is what put Susan on her path to college, computer science engineering, and ultimately co-founding her own company.

Visit www.breakthroughmanchester.org to read these stories and learn about Breakthrough’s focus on educational equity and our proven students-teaching-students dual mission; setting students from traditionally underserved communities on their path to college while training the educators and leaders of tomorrow.

Word traveled fast, and since the fall, this exciting initiative has made over 25 personal connections and fostered some wonderful relationships. Six current students have met with multiple alumni, and two young alumni have met with alumni in the fields they are interested in pursuing. More requests arrive in Cady’s inbox on a daily basis! She is currently working with four other students and one other young alum to make connections in the fields of dermatology, nutrition, policy, psychology, business, and environmental sustainability. This program has also allowed four alumni to zoom into advisories and classrooms this semester to speak with students about the college process, career choices, and their profession.

Keep an eye out for alumni profiles in every issue of Derryfield Today!

A PROGRESS REPORT ON DERRYF A RETURN TO JOYFUL ACTIVITIES The winter of 2022 may have been cold and snowy, but a slew of social events in February and March warmed the hearts of our community.

The first to lauch was the Middle School Happening. Billed as “an opportunity for all middle schoolers to have fun,” the energetic event included a pizza party, games, music, and an outdoor firepit. The upper school musical production of Mamma Mia! capped off the evening.

Next, the junior class organized two Valentine’s Day activities. On February 14, there was a carnation sale, where students could send flowers (anonymous or not) to brighten the day of a friend or secret crush. A Valentine’s dance followed on February 18, a night that also included home basketball games and pizza.

During the final week of February, Winter Carnival raised Derryfield’s collective levels of both creativity and competition. There were the everpopular theme dress up days—super heroes and construction workers roamed the halls—as well as games—dodgeball and tug-o-war and musical chairs. Aside from frivolity and laughter, there was the more serious tallying of points. Go maroon! Go white!

goal 1: belonging “Build a sense of belonging and identity within the Derryfield family.”

Parents also got back into the social scene with the return of in-person Parent Socials. The PFA and External Affairs team collaborated to throw three social events during the spring to help reignite parent connections and community here at DS. These events were meant to provide a setting for parents to meet and connect with Derryfield friends old and new.

DR. CARTER’S NEXT CHAPTER What I’ve appreciated as we’ve moved forward is the willingness to be more innovative and recognize that you’re not starting out fresh and just have to stay alive. We now know that Derryfield is very alive, and it’s because we’ve had people like Mary at the helm.” —Ellie Cochran ’69, P ’01 Serving as Head of School since 2013, Mary Halpin Carter, Ph.D will depart Derryfield at the end of the 2021–2022 school year, having overseen the most transformative decade since the School’s founding. Carter originally came to Derryfield as the Director of Admission in 1997 and served in a number of roles, including Upper School history teacher, Upper School Head, and Dean of Academics, prior to being named Head of School.

During her tenure as Head of School, Carter guided Derryfield in adopting a new Strategic Plan and Master Facilities Plan, which culminated in the implementation of a new academic program and schedule as well as the construction of the Athletic & Wellness Center and Science & Innovation Center.

goal 2: leading “Develop a cohesive, coordinated middle and upper school program with an emphasis on academic and co-curricular skills most l o na g i21 n g st : Fcentury a l l 2 0 2 1/ Weducation.” inter 2022 relevantB eto

Former beloved faculty member and administrator Chuck Sanborn says of Carter’s tenure: “Derryfield has come of age; Mary pulled all of the threads together and has woven a wonderful educational experience for students and for faculty.”

Known for her energy, sense of humor, care for the individual, and love of dogs, Mary Halpin Carter (and the entire Carter family) will be missed at Derryfield and will remain a valued member of the community and storied figure in the School’s history.

FIELD’S STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS SUMMER ENHANCEMENTS Whenever students are away from campus, the Derryfield Building & Grounds staff tackles maintenance projects and implements updates to keep campus looking its best. With additional school closures over the past two years, they’ve accomplished even more than usual.

goal 3: building “Invest in a sequence of multiple physical plant upgrades by following a traditional master planning, campaign, and construction cycle.”

When you walk into the entrance of the Upper School, you will immediately see a beautifully updated Main Office. New cabinets, reception desk, flooring, furniture, and finishings have transformed the room into a stylish and welcoming space for our visitors, as well as our beloved Ms. Wall. As you make your way down the halls of the Upper School you will also glimpse new ceiling tiles and updated furniture in classrooms and the Senior Forum. Additionally, lighting throughout the Upper School has been converted to LED for significant energy and cost savings. The Middle School was not left out—the halls and stairwell have received a fresh coat of paint.

There is always more to do, but we are very happy to have had the opportunity to freshen up so many spaces on campus!

GETTING THE WORD OUT Derryfield is no longer “a gem too hidden,” but as more families move to New Hampshire, we continue to look for opportunities to introduce Derryfield as an extraordinary educational option. This marketing work takes many forms, and last December as we prepared to go out on break Associate Head of School Lindley Shutz joined radio host Mike Morin for a Mike In the Morning Weekly Business Spotlight on radio station WFEA 1370 AM and 99.9 FM. The program aired in early January and garnered tremendous positive feedback. Listening to Lindley so eloquently highlight the most recent Academic Program Vision and the opportunities currently available at Derryfield is both informative and inspiring. This is twenty minutes well spent—take a listen! Go to Soundcloud.com and search for “the derryfield school wfea.”

goal 4: elevating “Raise our profile in the state for the purpose of expanding enrollment and ensuring long-term financial strength.”

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Summer construction projects (top to bottom): Removing the ravine terrace balcony; moving College Counseling offices to the Library; and an Upper School front office facelift.

belonging THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL 2108 RIVER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03104

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During their spring break, Derryfield students, faculty, and staff traveled to Colorado and North Carolina to participate in two community service initiatives. These trips were a reinstatement of an annual Derryfield tradition, a pattern that was broken by Covid in 2020 and 2021, but joyfully resumed this March. True to their motto, Derryfield students aspire to “lead lives of passion and purpose.”

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Parents of Alumni: If your child no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Philanthropy & Engagement Office of the correct mailing address at 603.669.4524 or email philanthropy@derryfield.org.