Belonging, Fall 2022/Winter 2023

Much has Changed, Much Remains Constant

Head of School Andy Chappell recently had the opportunity to connect with one of Derryfield’s original Founders, Fran Winneg, and her son Neal ’78. While Derryfield’s campus and programs may look very different than our humble beginnings in 1964, much has remained constant. The independent, innovative, “can do” spirit upon which we were founded and “aim high” principles continue to define the Derryfield community.

Fran and her late husband Dick were immediately invested in the idea of creating an educational option for children of the greater Manchester region, and readily accepted a friend’s invitation to learn more. Their son, Neal, was only four-years-old at the time.

Fran shared, “Even though it would be many years before our son went to seventh grade, it was his future. We believed this new school would be the best option for our children. [As members of the first generation Founders] we had a voice in shaping the School.”

Neal reflects, “When I was in something like the 4th grade, I had a good friend named Jamie Carlson. His mom taught English and Latin at DS...and we tagged along with her one day, I believe it was a weekend. I don’t recall the details, but distinctly remember thinking, ‘What a cool place!’ While the specifics of the visit have faded from my memory, the positive impression or good vibes I felt on that initial introduction to the School have persisted.” reflected Neal.

Prior to that visit, he had not heard of Derryfield nor did he know the significant role his parents played in its founding. In fact, he continued to be unaware his parents were Founders when he first enrolled at DS. Soon he would discover his parents’ role and thought it “was a bit strange—not everyone’s parents help bring a school to fruition.”

Neal continued, “My parents talked to my brothers and me about most things that went on in their lives–you’d think it would have come up at some point. All our lives they had impressed upon us, early and often, the importance of education.” Upon reflection, Neal concluded his parents believed the importance of education was fundamental so they didn’t view their contributions as particularly notable.

However, Neal begs to differ, “It was a BIG DEAL! Derryfield provided me with wonderful opportunities, in a supportive environment that was conducive to trying new things. That community still exists today and is what makes Derryfield special to me.”

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO: Derryfield’s First 50 Years

Head of School Andy Chappell with Fran and Neal Winneg ’78

Founders Dick and Fran Winneg

REPORT ON DERRYFIELD’S STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS

Finding Connection Through Stories

Derryfield’s MLK observance on January 17 featured keynote speaker Joel Christian Gill, an accomplished author, cartoonist, and historian. Gill, who received his BA from Roanoke College and his MFA from Boston University, has dedicated his life to, “creating stories to build connections with readers through empathy, compassion, and, ultimately, humility.”

Joe Acone, Chair of the Visual Arts Department, introduced Gill, his former professor and continuing mentor. Acone talked about his own educational path, which eventually led him to the New Hampshire Institute of Arts. Until he met Gill, Acone observed that “school felt like something he was merely ‘surviving.’” He learned through his classes with Gill that there is “no judgment necessary in the study of art,” and the intention of school was to “build you up, not knock you down.” Acone ended by intoning, ”If not for Joel, I would not be here teaching today. Be humble and keep your eyes open for a mentor.”

A visibly moved Gill came to the podium and joked with Acone, “I need tissues man.” After that opening line, a tether between two friends, the packed audience of students, faculty, staff, and

goal 1: belonging

visitors were transported through history as Gill painted his origin through stories.

Stories of how his parents met, how they chose his name, and how his peripatetic childhood culminated in the tragic death of his father. Despite the ensuing poverty that his family faced, Gill was introduced to reading, to public libraries—an infinite access to books of all genres. Read More...

Click to Read “ Meet Derryfield’s BIPOC Student Affinity Group Mentor ”

Click to Read “ Navigating With & Supporting Transgender Students ”

Leadership,Ethics&Development2.0

Four years have passed since Derryfield first launched its new academic program. Included in that launch was the school’s move to introduce a program that would expose students in grades six through twelve to curricula that fosters and cultivates leadership, ethical decision making, and the development of health and well being. As with any new program, these past four years have given students and faculty alike the opportunity to teach and live the Leadership, Ethics, and Development (LEAD) program, assess its efficacy, and propose meaningful changes and improvements. Fortunately for us, Courtney Cheetham, Director of Wellness and LEAD Curriculum Department Chair, along with a group of Upper School students on her LEAD Advisory Board, are energized by this work.

Key to the LEAD program’s success is its intentionality. The curriculum across all grade levels is inextricably linked building on themes covered in earlier years. For example, in sixth grade, students focus on “Understanding the Community,” which includes an introduction to the Derryfield community, understanding the role they play as students,

and developing critical skills around building friendships, self regulation, and conflict resolution. In seventh grade, students are then asked to consider the concept of “Working Together in the Community;” they know how to build these relationships, but how can they proactively maintain them? How do they effectively work as a team when navigating challenges?

The same approach applies in the Upper School. In the fall of ninth grade, students are introduced to the concept that “Everyone is a leader,” and delve into the topics of leadership traits, inclusivity, equity, and ethical decision making. In the spring of tenth grade, they are asked to consider these topics within the social conditions of driving, dating, and these newfound teenage “freedoms.”

When asked how LEAD differs from a traditional health curriculum, Courtney is quick in her reply: “Health teaches in isolation. Through LEAD, we’re able to examine the brain, the body, and the soul, and how they’re interconnected; how they manifest within ourselves, our peers, and our greater community.” Allowing students to apply the teachings of LEAD directly to the unique contexts of their daily lives helps to build buy-in, as well.

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

“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.”

goal 2: leading

The MLK Celebration was made possible by the E. Charles Sanborn Visiting Fellow Fund. Thanks to proceeds from this fund, distinguished lecturers, scholars, and writers visit the Derryfield campus for classroom visits, faculty workshops, and public forums.

A PROJECT REPORT ON DERRYFIELD’S STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS

TheCommonsTakesShape

Following the groundbreaking ceremony in October, The Commons has swiftly begun to take shape in the center of campus. Throughout the late fall and early winter months, crews from Eckman Construction and other subcontractors:

L aid the building foundation and poured the concrete floor

s lab

• C ompleted plumbing and electrical work to connect The Commons to existing utilities on campus

• B uilt exterior walls abutting both the Athletic & Wellness

C enter and the Middle School that serve as a fire block between buildings

B egan work on the future walk-in refrigerator and freezer for The Commons, located on the ground floor of the Athletic Wellness Center.

• Erected the structural steel supports and installed the wooden roof trusses

In addition to construction we have engaged our food service vendor Flik, launched a Food Service Committee, hosted a number of events to provide education about the program, and made progress on our fundraising goal.

Click to View Video: Truss Installation (Video provided by Eckman Construction.)

goal 4: elevating

Neighbor to Neighbor

The expansion of our partnership with Bedford Greet, North End Living, and Stratham Stroll magazines has allowed us to highlight our people, programs, and educational philosophies—that which differentiates us in the educational marketplace. Recent spotlights featured our Independent Senior Project program and Middle School Experience. The December issue of North End Living included a “Meet Your Neighbor” segment which introduced Head of School Andy Chappell and his family to the community.

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

goal 3: building

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

Head’s Holiday

An auditorium filled with pajama-clad students and faculty were awoken from their winter doldrums as Head of School Andy Chappell declared it was Head’s Holiday! The top secret event included a bit of a twist this year as Student Council leadership worked in tandem with Mr. Chappell and event coordinator extraordinairre Greg Lange on logistics. Head’s Holiday mirrored an Olympics-inspired theme where students were assigned color teams and competed in various events including “Derryfield Family Feud,” volleyball, and a scavenger hunt. The afternoon culminated in the Athletic & Wellness Center with a school-wide Bonanza.

Belonging: Fall 2022/Winter 2023

SCAN QR CODE OR CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Fall Sports Recap

The fall athletic season saw fantastic participation numbers at both our middle school and high school levels. Highlights from the middle school season included our boys XC team winning their first ever Tri-County league championship and our boys and girls soccer and field hockey teams all making the playoffs. At the varsity level highlights included our golf team finishing as regular season champions and finishing as runners up at the State meet. The boys XC team finished second at the division 4 championships. Boys and girls soccer both qualified for the division three playoffs and our crew program qualified a boat for the Head of the Charles and took home silver in women’s junior 2x at the NH Championship George Dirth ’04 Regatta. And finally, Field Hockey had a fantastic season advancing to the quarterfinals of the division two playoffs.

Alumni Games Are Back!

The Derryfield boys lacrosse team and Coach Hettler welcomed home alumni ranging from the class of ‘08 to ‘21 on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The alumni team won a spirited game against the current players renewing friendships and making new connections with the current team. After the event alumni gathered downtown for food and drink at the Thirsty Moose to catch up, celebrate and relive past glory days. Coach Hettler and the team are already looking forward to next year’s event and having even more alumni home.

On December 22 we welcomed basketball alumni back to campus for a chance to scrimmage against the current varsity squads and to play in the new Athletic & Wellness Center. Having been a tradition for several decades, with the help and enthusiasm of both current varsity teams plus Girls Varsity coach Courtney Cheetham, retired Girls Varsity coach Ed Lemire, and Boys Varsity coach Ed Meade, the event made

The Outsiders

The Derryfield Theatre Company opened their production of The Outsiders on November 3rd and enjoyed an unprecedented record-breaking two-day run. Revenue and attendance shattered all previous records, with closing night being officially sold out and standing room only. These numbers rival and even surpass any two-day snapshot of any past play. Mr. Westenberg stated that, “It was a truly astounding weekend! Never has a play sold out the way The Outsiders did. The energy in the audience was palpable and the actors enjoyed an experience that they will never forget. I could not have asked for more from a group of students and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

In November, six DS seniors signed their National Letters of Intent to play collegiate athletics. (L to R): Athletic Director Chris Hettler, Ethan Flanagan (Lacrosse, Ithaca College), Tate Flint (Lacrosse, Merrimack College), Kira Geddes (Field Hockey, Ohio Wesleyan University), Mitch Regan (Baseball, Thomas College), Quinn Silvio (Lacrosse, Merrimack College), Ava Young (Swimming, Bentley University), and Head of School Andy Chappell.

a very successful comeback with over 20 alumni plus numerous alumni parents in attendance. Alumni who participated hailed from class years ranging from 1993 to 2022, showcasing the strong history and team camaraderie of Derryfield basketball. Both scrimmages featured back-and-forth fast-paced play; in the end, both alumni teams prevailed.

Alumni

Page Fairman Rich ’92 earned a degree in Music and History with a minor in Modern American Politics and Culture at Trinity College. Following college, she taught music at a private school for a couple of years before pursuing her masters in Curriculum Instruction at Boston College. Upon attaining her masters, Page and her Naval husband relocated to Virginia where he was stationed.

She would call Norfolk Academy, the oldest private school in the state and eighth oldest in the Nation, her work home

Alumni Gathered “Turkey Day Eve” at the Bookery in Manchester

The Philanthropy and Engagement team hosted a Pre-Thanksgiving Alumni Gathering at the Bookery in downtown Manchester. Head of School Andy Chappell and his wife Kate Hurlbut Chappell ’93 welcomed alums representing our most recent graduates, the Class of 2022, as well as many others. It was a festive evening filled with laughter as alums shared fond Derryfield memories.

for a number of years. As a 6th grade math and English teacher she was afforded the opportunity to teach subjects she had not taught in her prior work experience, noting that it gave her great joy.

In 2010, Page and her growing family moved back to New Hampshire where she served as the Organist and Music Director at a church in New London. Their final move in 2012 brought her family to the seacoast of New Hampshire where she returned to her private school teaching roots as a Pre-K through 4th grade teacher at Berwick Academy in Maine. Her love of arts is also fulfilled as she serves as a middle school chorus teacher and co-directs the school play.

In the summer months, Page serves as the Program Director at Alford Lake Camp in Hope, Maine. She also serves on the Camp Association’s standards committee Board where she is responsible for visiting and evaluating other camps according to status and standards.

Page’s educational career has spanned over 25 years—a passion pursuit one may attribute to her fond memories of Derryfield faculty.

“Derryfield gives students a place to challenge themselves. The DS community is made up of the best teachers, those who even recognize me with my mask on, 20 years later. It is so wonderful to be a part of a place that full heartedly loves their Founders and their traditions. We were fortunate to have learned from the greats.” Page Fairman Rich ’92

DERRYFIELD CONNECT

Join

Network with fellow alumni, reconnect with classmates, post career opportunities, share your business offerings, offer your expertise to current DS students, and more! Get the most out of our incredible Derryfield network by registering at derryfield.alumnifire.com.

Alumni Profile: Page Fairman Rich ’92

Calling All College Students and High School Juniors &

Seniors

Are you passionate about equitable education, working with middle school students, and having fun? Join our exciting community for a summer of learning and summer camp fun as a Breakthrough Teaching Fellow. You will have the opportunity to step in front of a classroom of middle school students and teach! This is a chance to learn leadership skills, work with a team of educators and view education through the lens of equity and social justice. Applications are due February 23.

Learn More & Apply Here

McLoud Joins Breakthrough Collaborative National Board

Breakthrough Manchester has been a member of the national Breakthrough Collaborative since its founding as Summerbridge Manchester in 1991 by The Derryfield School. Each year, one regional executive director is elected to the national Breakthrough Collaborative Board of Trustees for a three year term. Their role is to represent the affiliates in the field working directly with students and Teaching Fellows, to report on successes and challenges, and to work with fellow trustees to meet those challenges and plan strategically for the future. In July, Debra McLoud, Executive Director of Breakthrough Manchester, was elected to serve on the Board.

The highlight of Deb’s first meeting was meeting new CEO Vince Marigna and learning of the $5 million gift from MacKenzie Scott to further the mission of Breakthrough— especially as it relates to training future educators and leaders during this time of critical teacher shortage. She looks forward to delving into the strategic plan work ahead.

Click to Read, “ BTM’s Super Saturdays are Superb! ”

Are You Looking for Ways to Keep Your Child Engaged & Active This Summer?

Look no further! Derryfield’s Summer Programs lineup has something for everyone.

Whether your child is an athlete, thespian, tech-enthusiast or high schooler preparing for the college journey, Derryfield summer programs will keep them active and engaged.

Summer programs also allow students to foster new friendships and build confidence through the acquistion of skills and knowledge.

A sampling of programs offered include: Jump Start Your College Essay, Strength & Conditioning, Algebra Bootcamp, basketball, soccer, and field hockey camps, and LEGO Master Engineer and Stop Animation.

To learn more or register: DERRYFIELD.ORG/SUMMER.

BTM’s 6th Annual Event March 15, 2023

SNHU Dining Center 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Trivia Buffs: Mark Your Calendars!

Don your thinking cap and rally a team of colleagues and friends for a fun-filled community evening of trivia and teamwork to support educational equity! Challenge yourself with trivia from the academically rigorous Breakthrough curriculum. Don’t worry, Breakthrough students will join each team to help get you the win!

This is a great team building and corporate sponsorship opportunity to directly inspire students and develop teachers! Enjoy competing with other businesses to prove just how smart you are.

Your partnership will make Breakthrough’s 32nd Summer happen at a time when it is more important than ever as our students navigate pandemic learning loss and for our Teaching Fellows who are being trained as leaders and educators to help overcome the national teacher shortage crisis. The sponsorship form and details can be found here.

For More Info. Contact: Director of Philanthropy & Communications Alice Handwerk at 603.621.6273 or ahandwerk@derryfield.org. Sign up soon! Early bird pricing ends February 18th.