SPRING 2019
belonging
THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship is Alive at DS! In mid-February, the Gateway conference room was alive with the buzz and chatter of innovation. A cohort of inventive students gathered with members of the Derryfield community, as well as local professionals and businesspeople, to share ideas in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Dean of Innovation Dr. Masoni envisioned the inaugural Innovation Breakfast as an opportunity for STEM-X students to make valuable connections with adults working in their fields of interest, and it more than lived up to his expectations. After a brief period of mingling and indulging in coffee and pastries, Jason Alexander, a Managing Partner at BANKW Staffing, LLC, kicked off the event with his opening remarks. Mr. Alexander emphasized the importance of equipping today’s young people with increasingly essential skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He urged adults and students alike to approach each other without inhibition and to seek common ground on the basis of exciting ideas and shared skill sets. Following his remarks, Julia Tilton ’20 led the first round of student presenters with her three-minute pitch of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project, “A Mindful Girl.” Dr. Masoni spoke about the rationale behind the condensed pitches, sharing that “I often feel that students are at their best when they prepare their work for presentation to an authentic audience in a public setting outside the classroom.” Julia described her efforts to develop a cohesive program that addresses the negative effects of social media on adolescent girls’ mental health and self-esteem. She was followed by several other B e l o n g i n g : S p r i n g 2 0 19
presenters, including Max Horton ’19, David Doan ’19 and Avry Truex ’19 on Project Tiny House; Marshal Dong ’19, on the DS Hackathon; Max Karpawich ’19 on the Student Journalism Coalition; Emma Place ’19 on the Plastic Project; and Rami Hanna ’19 on Turnafit. Each student identified a unique problem or set of problems affecting individuals or the environment, and shared their proposed solutions as well as the steps they were taking to legitimize their work. After these projects were shared, the group launched into a networking session in which the student presenters connected directly with attendees with relevant experience or suggestions for their projects. Said Dr. Masoni, “The Innovation Breakfast exceeded my expectations because everyone involved made a genuine effort to network and provide helpful feedback based on the ideas that were presented during the event. I heard many, many positive remarks from students about how they felt that their ideas were validated and, more tangibly, about the numerous ways they were offered guidance and mentoring from people in attendance who had expertise related to their areas of interest.” As Derryfield looks to the future of STEM-X with the construction of the new Science and Innovation Center, Dr. Masoni shared his intention to expand on similar opportunities to the breakfast: “events like the Innovation Breakfast are squarely aimed at generating enthusiasm about the work we are doing at Derryfield and connecting like-minded people around the core concept of challenging ourselves, both as students and as adults, to be original problem solvers who are pushing the boundaries in innovative ways.”
ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A BREAKTHROUGH STUDENT? Breakthrough Manchester will host its 2nd annual “Are You Smarter Than a Breakthrough Student?” event on May 21 from 5:00–7:30 p.m. at the Southern New Hampshire University Dining Center. Last year, there was much comradery and fun at this trivia event and attendees loved the interaction with Breakthrough students throughout the evening. The feedback from guests included, “Having the students at the event was delightful!” and “I loved the level of energy throughout the event and having the students as part of the team.” Breakthrough students are excited to be involved with the event again this year. The students helped to create trivia questions based on school curriculum. They will utilize leadership skills developed through the Breakthrough program in the following ways during the event: introducing themselves to attendees, handing out their own business cards as conversation starters, shaking hands with all guests while making eye contact, and being a team player during the trivia. They made special handmade gifts for all attendees as a way of thanking them for their support. Don’t miss your chance to share this special evening with Breakthrough students! Tickets and tables are still available for purchase at: http://bit.ly/BreakthroughAYS2019.
Reunions & Retirements
NYC ALUMNI GATHERING
May 17–18, 2019
May 17 - Founders’ Day 10:15 AM 12:45 PM 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM
Founders’ Day Assembly Open Classrooms and Campus Tours Derryfield Athletics including Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse vs. Exeter on the turf field Lyceum Gallery Reception, FRESH: Derryfield Young Alumni Artists Upper School Play, All in the Timing
May 18 - Reunion 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 5:00 PM
Alumni Tennis Tournament Tailgate Alumni Field Hockey Game vs. Current DS All-Stars Reunion BBQ including the official retirement party for Bruce Berk, Katy Keefe-Hancock, and Lenny McCaigue*
* Tickets to the Reunion BBQ are $20 for alumni classes of 2009 and younger and $25 for all others. To register for the event, go to derryfield.org/page/rsvp.
For a complete list of reunion events visit derryfield.org/reunion. B e l o n g i n g : S p r i n g 2 0 19
A lively reception was held in New York City on April 11 at The District Tap House in midtown. Alums from the 70s all the way through those in their first year of college gathered together to share stories of their days at Derryfield. Athletic Director Lenny McCaigue joined us to kick off his retirement tour and Dr. Carter shared exciting campus updates including our new academic vision, schedule, and facilities. If you weren’t able to join us in NYC, perhaps you can join us on our west coast tour in June—we’d love to see you!
ICE HOCKEY Since returning to Derryfield as a varsity sport five years ago through a co-op partnership with Hollis Brookline, the hockey team has had a challenging road to travel. Due to the enrollment numbers at the two schools, the team had to start in D-II and wait two years to petition down to D-III. The team continued to experience growing pains over the next few years, finishing the 2017-2018 season with only one win. It is only in this year that the Derryfield-Hollis Brookline co-op ice hockey team has turned the corner, ending the 2018-2019 with a 9-9 record and graduating only three seniors. The young team made the NHIAA D-III tournament playoffs for the first time, losing in a hardfought double overtime game against Belmont-Gilford in first round. Assistant Coach and Derryfield Athletic Trainer Derek Lautieri has been impressed by how much the team has grown; “The players are really buying into the coaches’ philosophy that they are part of one team (HBDS Warriors), and not two different schools (HB Cavaliers and DS Cougars).” Lautieri has been instrumental in keeping a steady flow of Derryfield players coming into the system, coaching the middle school hockey program whenever numbers allow a team. The presence of an established hockey program also attracts outside hockey players to attend Derryfield, knowing they will be able to play for their school. Goalie Rylan Morgan is enjoying the experience of growing with the team; “As a sophomore, I have only been on the team for two seasons, but the changes that have been made between the seasons have created a strong team that could beat almost any other. With even more talented players joining the team next season, I have no doubt that we can make it very far in the playoffs.” With four players from Derryfield on the Warriors this year, and more coming up next year, the future of hockey at Derryfield is looks bright.
Goalie Rylan Morgan ’21 protects the crease during game play.
The Addams Family The Derryfield School Theatre Company enjoyed great success with their production of the upper school musical The Addams Family. All signs pointed to a successful run when the show officially sold out during the afternoon of opening night. The momentum carried through the weekend with near sold out shows and rousing standing ovations for the immensely talented cast. Behind the scenes, the backstage crew was equally key to the success of the show, executing flawless transitions. It is with bittersweet emotions that the company must say goodbye to our phenomenal seniors, who have graced the Derryfield stage for many years: Ian Davis, Jael Fleurant, Liz Gagnon, Matthew Michaud, Sally Mullins, Mark Rotering, and Emma Tierno. A heartfelt thanks for all the joy they brought to us with their amazing talents. L-R: Regan O’Brien ’21, Elana Weintraub ’20, Mark Rotering ’19, Caroline Desmarais ’20, Zoe Cousineau ’20, and Matthew Michaud ’19. B e l o n g i n g : S p r i n g 2 0 19
A PROGRESS REPORT goal 1: belonging “Build a sense of belonging and identity within the Derryfield family.”
DERRYFIELD WELCOMES ASSIST SCHOLARS Over the past several years, Derryfield has placed a growing emphasis on expanding our small but vibrant community of international students. Thanks to the efforts of Associate Head of School Susan Grodman and Director of Enrollment Kathleen Rutty-Fey, the School has fostered a new partnership with the ASSIST program. Founded in 1969, ASSIST is a non-profit institution that operates in 20 countries around the world and “matches academically talented, multi-lingual international students with American independent secondary schools.” For the first time in school
history, Derryfield welcomed ASSIST Scholars Nam Vo of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Karla Meschkat of Heidelberg, Germany to the Class of 2020 for the 2018-2019 school year. Nam and Karla wasted no time in immersing themselves in the Derryfield community, participating in everything from field hockey and basketball to soccer and robotics. Both Nam and Karla are spending the year living with host families from the Derryfield community. Karla notes that “the moment I knew that I had made the right decision to study abroad was when I met my host family for the first time. We are a perfect match and I am so grateful that ASSIST matched me with such a wonderful family.” Sharon Rohlfs, mother of Lauren ’17, Holly ’19, and Charlotte ’21 and host mother of Karla shares her enthusiasm. The Rohlfs family decided to open their home for the school year based on Holly’s summer visit to Germany several years ago. “Being able to guide Karla through a year in America has been an honor. Witnessing her firsts—eating mac and cheese, her wonder about all the wildlife we have in our front field, her first Thanksgiving, scoring a goal in field hockey (a sport she had never played), and prepping for prom! It has been a blast.” Sharon encourages families considering hosting an international student to “go for it,” and looks forward to connecting with Karla’s parents in the near future. If you are interested in learning more or applying to become a host family to a future Scholar, please contact Kathleen Rutty-Fey, Director of Enrollment, at krutty@derryfield.org.
“EXPLORATION BLOCK” ALLOWS STUDENTS TO DELVE INTO PASSION PURSUIT goal 2: leading “Develop a cohesive, coordinated middle and upper school program with an emphasis on academic and co-curricular skills most relevant to a 21st century education.”
Animation; World Making in Science Fiction, in which students would read sci fi and develop digital worlds of their own; a financial literacy course designed as an ISP by current seniors for future Derryfield students, and Gender Equity, in which students will design and lead the 4th Annual Derryfield conference on issues of gender equity.
An exciting innovation of the new Derryfield schedule and Academic Vision, the Exploration Block is a time for passion pursuit and creative exploration beyond the classroom. In the Middle School, all students will participate in at least one offering and can participate in up to two courses each term. The offerings include performing arts, such as Band, Chorus, or Strings, as well as Who Done It: Mystery Reading and Writing, Destination Imagination, Introduction to Yoga and Meditation, Conservation: Awareness and Action, Model UN, Crime Scene Investigation, and Songwriting, among others. These mini-courses will be offered on a “Pass/Fail” basis without any additional homework load. In the Upper School, students may choose a new course each term or commit to a year-long experience. Offerings may include Math Club, Robotics, and Model UN—courses that incorporate academic competition—as well as Beekeeping; the Craft of Acting; B e l o n g i n g : S p r i n g 2 0 19
Sample Upper School Weekly Schedule: The exploration block is denoted in pale yellow.
T ON DERRYFIELD’S STRATEGIC PLAN Over March break we embarked on the second project within Phase One of the master facility plan—the renovation of the gym into a Science & Innovation Center. The crew moved quickly to demo the floor (we saved some pieces for projects!), and removed the lockers, bleachers, and more. Windows and doors were cut through the brick walls, including a large entrance on the side of the building so heavy equipment can move in and out. The existing gym soon turned into a giant sandbox in order to pour the necessary footings needed to support a second floor. We continue to make progress on the Athletic & Wellness Center. The roof is complete and windows have been framed. It’s easier to see our building vision come together as the siding and windows go up. Interior framing of the offices, lockers rooms, and other spaces is underway, and installation of mechanical systems such as HVAC and electrical have also begun.
goal 3: building “Invest in a sequence of multiple physical plant upgrades by following a traditional master planning, campaign, and construction cycle.”
DERRYFIELD PARTNERS WITH THE BOOKERY This year Derryfield teamed up with a new local business in downtown Manchester, The Bookery, to offer a series of conversations with the community. The series launched in the fall with Dr. Carter presenting “Teaching Children to Sail Their Own Ships.” Over the months since the series launched, we’ve had a variety of presentations from “How to Solve the World’s Problems in 60 Minutes” with Dr. Masoni, to a robust conversation with Betty Jipson about the book Educated by Tara Westover. The event with Ms. Jipson had a wonderful turnout with so many familiar faces happy to reconnect, and other community members there to join the conversation. Please join us on May 13 for a great conversation with Deb McLeod on “The Case for Resilience.” She will share personal stories of resilience, as well as accounts of Breakthrough students who have gone on to achieve great success, both in and out of the classroom. Have a favorite Derryfield teacher you’d like to see present downtown on a topic you love? Let us know and we’ll get them on the schedule for next year!
Beloved Derryfield librarian Betty Jipson led a discussion on “Educated” by Tara Westover this March.
goal 4: elevating B e l o n g i n g : S p r i n g 2 0 19
“Expand program and marketing to attract more families and retain current families.”
belonging THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL 2108 RIVER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03104
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Parents of Alumni: If your child no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Advancement Office of the correct mailing address at 603.669.4524 or email advancement@derryfield.org.
Derryfield’s global programs took students near and far. Middle Schoolers experienced “The Big Apple”; learning about various historical events through Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9-11 Memorial and Museum; attending a Broadway show; and roaming amongst dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History. Down in Central America, another middle school group spent a week in the cloud forest of Costa Rica, participating in a home stay, meeting students at a local school, learning about biodiversity, and of course hiking and ziplining. On the other side of Costa Rica, a group of intrepid Upper Schoolers patrolled beaches at night protecting sea turtle eggs, challenging themselves with late-night shifts on the beach and sleep deprivation. The group also spent time inland designing and participating in scientific research. Closer to home, for the 14th year, students built homes with Habitat for Humanity. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has become our destination of choice, and the chapter very much appreciates our hard working crew each March. On the continent of Europe, another upper school group visited France and Germany, learning about World War II and the rise of Naziism. Starting in Normandy, the group was able to visit a number of historical sites as they traveled east to the cities of Paris, Munich, and Berlin, also experiencing two concentration camps. B e l o n g i n g : S p r i n g 2 0 19