EducationinAction

Falmouth Academy

Learning by doing has always been a hallmark of a Falmouth Academy education. “It all started with the Science Fair,” remarked Megan Starr ’06 at her April Community Series presentation. Starr is Global Head of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) Investing and partner at the private equity Carlyle Group in New York City, and a Falmouth Academy trustee. “My job has been kind of a progression from that initial interest in science fair,” she said with a wry smile.

Whether researching and presenting the results of a science fair project, leading a class on Senior Teaching Day, presiding over Upper School Student Council activities, writing for the literary magazine or school newspaper, or performing a musical piece or soliloquy before a full house, FA students have long had the opportunity to jump feet first into areas of interest outside of the traditional classroom.

But there are more opportunities to be explored, and the recent FA Forward strategic plan further endorsed the importance of providing students with a variety of “hands-on” learning experiences to build skills and prepare them for the future. The goal, as outlined in the plan, is to “connect our students to other ideas, places, and cultures by creating relevant learning opportunities in and out of the classroom and cultivating in them the curiosity, creativity and capacity necessary to fully participate in a diverse society and an increasingly interconnected world.”

Since the plan was published in 2020, much has been accomplished in a number of arenas to move the ball strategically forward (see sidebar). The newest experiential program, launched this year, is Extended Inquiry, designed for juniors but also for any seniors who elect to participate.

Under the guidance of science teachers Sharon Kreamer and Dan Nightingale, Extended Inquiry, which evolved from the previous Major Effort project, allows students time and space to delve deeply into an area of interest and produce a tangible final product that could take any number of forms. Those with a keen interest in science and engineering could choose to fulfill the requirement by participating in Falmouth Academy’s Science and Engineering Fair, which two juniors did; their outstanding work earned them the opportunity to compete in the state fair this May.

“By junior year, Falmouth Academy students are fairly proficient in extended inquiry due in part to the strong foundation they’ve acquired through participation in the Science and Engineering Fair every year since middle school,” said Kreamer. She explains that Extended Inquiry is designed to build on those independent research and presentation skills. “This is a longterm project that is see-touch-do, where students explore something they’re passionate about,” explained Nightingale.

While Kreamer and Nightingale guided students throughout the process, the students were responsible for designing and managing their projects from start to finish. Each student was required to work with a mentor from their chosen field of study and was responsible for scheduling monthly meetings.

Lily Connors ’24, for example, blended her love of art with her interest in studying business, creating a business plan for retail art sales. She worked with Carmen DiSanto, FA’s Director of Finance & Operations, who also volunteers as a mentor with Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), a national nonprofit organization that helps individuals successfully grow a business. “During our mentoring sessions, I observed Lily making well-informed and calculated adjustments, with the ultimate goal of achieving optimal outcomes,” said DiSanto. “Her ability to solve problems and think critically gave her the insight to recognize that original ideas can lead to different outcomes. Collaborating with Lily provided me with a unique glimpse into her entrepreneurial spirit,” remarked DiSanto. “Without a doubt, she has the qualities of a future business leader.”

Other students explored art forms, tried their hand at building something, attempted to solve an environmental or social problem, or deepened their understanding of a difficult concept. Examples of projects included creating a podcast about affordable housing, studying the philosophy of Kierkegaard; crocheting bunnies for premature babies; creating a website detailing the pathways to U.S. citizenship; building a microbial fuel cell; foraging on Martha’s Vineyard; designing a carbon hydrofoil; exploring the art of improv; and weighing the health benefits of cold-water immersion and sauna bathing.

FA FORWARD Strengthening the Student Experience at FA

A question that has helped shape FA Forward and the ongoing strategic direction of the school is, “What opportunities could strengthen the academic experience and support student engagement?” Since the publication of the strategic plan in 2020, Falmouth Academy has instituted a number of new initiatives and programming in response, including:

• the Community Scholars program, supporting equitable access to students from culturally underrepresented populations

• the addition of the Auxiliary Programs Department, resulting in the expansion of community programming

• the establishment of Changing Earth, the co-curricular ninthgrade program studying the effects of global change

• the addition of Spanish to the Modern Language Department

• the expansion of external educational opportunities like the four-day CRISPR, gene-editing intensive course offered by the Marine Biological Laboratory

Space And Staff

• the addition of Cross Country as a varsity sport

• establishing an online student newspaper, The Chandlery

• hosting a regional social and environmental justice conference two years in a row

EDUCATION IN ACTION IRL (In Real Life)

When Head of School Matt Green welcomed students on opening day in September, he shared with them his fascination with texting abbreviations like BTW (by the way), LOL (laugh out loud), and BYTM (better you than me). He noted he was especially intrigued by IRL (in real life), and wondered out loud what it means to be connected “in real life” at FA. He noted that “here we are connected by a shared set of values and a common history. Our love of learning and pursuit of scholarly excellence connect us,” he said. “Our pledge to treat others as we wish to be treated connects us, our belief that learning and working in a diverse environment stimulates creative and critical thinking connects us.” He closed by inviting students to fully engage in the life of the school, noting the correlation between an engaged, involved student and a happy one.

Institutions and forward-thinking programs like FA’s new Extended Inquiry that make IRL connections are the “here-and-now” social networks, according to Green, that promote adaptability and resilience by valuing and investing in community and connection, enabling small schools like Falmouth Academy to be able to provide big school opportunities.

Green’s comments formed the basis for an article published in the spring 2023 issue of the NAIS Independent School magazine titled “IRL (In Real Life).”

“Through this project, I was able to take my knowledge of ceramics to new depths,” said Wylie Wakefield ’24, who honed his handbuilding techniques, taking inspiration from ceramic designs from other cultures, while working with Seth Rainville, Falmouth Academy’s ceramic teacher.

Noah Manning ’24, a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head researched health disparities affecting indigenous youth such as obesity and diabetes and worked with a designer and a grant writer to draw up plans for a recreation center to be built on tribal land. “I also created a budget and identified grant funding so I think this is really possible,” said Manning, who plans to bring his proposal before the tribal council sometime this year.

Not all projects worked out as initially planned. Together Benjamin Angell ’24 and Adele Francis ’24 researched the contributing factors to the lack of affordable housing on Cape Cod and ambitiously mapped out a ten-episode podcast covering various aspects of the issue. They worked closely with Dave Garrison of the Falmouth Housing Trust and history teacher, Matthew Barnes. In September, they sent letters requesting interviews with over 15 people in the community. After a less-than-hoped-for response, the team scaled back the audio project and produced two informative episodes featuring interviews with Onjale Scott-Price, a Falmouth select person who detailed the zoning process, and Lauren Kanzer, who discussed home-sharing as a possible solution. Students were evaluated by both their mentor and their Extended Inquiry teacher on their process, presentation—which was expected to go beyond a simple poster—and on a background research paper.

The inaugural class of Extended Inquiry projects—27 in total—were showcased on February 23rd in the Simon Center Gallery and Hermann Theater to students and faculty throughout the day. Family and friends were invited during the public viewing portion of the Science and Engineering Fair which was held that same day. As people made their way through the gallery, they were encouraged to engage with the students and their projects—to watch a video, touch a model, listen to a podcast, flip through a journal, ask for a demonstration, or even take a taste.

“We hoped that students felt emboldened to create something spectacular to showcase in February,” said Kreamer, “and they did not disappoint.”

The inaugural program was deemed a success by faculty and students alike. “This type of largely self-directed research demonstrates our students’ initiative, discipline, and intellectual curiosity; traits that are exactly what colleges are seeking in prospective students,” noted college counselor Ruth Slocum.

“This was a new experience for me, well, for everybody,” said Gonzalo Noriega Minguez ’24, “and it was a different way of learning.” Noriega Minguez is an international student studying this year at Falmouth Academy from Spain. “Extended Inquiry gave me the opportunity to share the culture of my country, before I return to Madrid in June.”

An Auspicious Start for FA’s Cross Country Team

The coaches of the Cape and Island League named Falmouth Academy ninth-grader Elise Casso ’26 as this year’s Cross Country League MVP. She and her teammates, Nathan Gartner ’26 and Bianca Greco ’23, were also named to the All-Star team. Natalie Pil ’24 and Wylie Wakefield ’24 received honorable mentions. “This is an auspicious start for a relatively young team,” said Jon Olson, assistant coach.

Casso, Gartner, and Greco qualified for the Massachusetts AllState Cross-Country Championship, which was held on Saturday, November 19th at Fort Devens. Casso placed 17th with a time of 20:34 in one of her best races of this season; Gartner ran his best race of the season, placing 30th with a time of 17:23; and Greco ran a good race with a time of 22:55.

“There is a lot of young talent on this team,” noted Jason Cullinane, head coach. “I look forward to seeing where we can go.”

Bianca Greco ’23 Runs Her Way to Westminster College

On January 31st, surrounded by family, friends, and teammates over lunch, Bianca Greco ’23 signed a letter of intent to run cross country for Westminster College, NCAA Division II. “We could not be prouder of or more thankful for Bianca’s contributions to FA’s cross-country program,” said Athletic Director Patrick Kennedy.”

It was Greco’s passion and talent for running, even as an 8th-grader, that provided the inspiration for the creation of the FA cross-country team. She guided the program from club status to a varsity-level sport. “Her competitiveness will surely be missed (along with her infectious smile) and we wish her the best as she continues her running career at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah,” said Kennedy.

At the end of the state championship, Cullinane reflected, “We owe the existence of our team to Bianca, and even though this was her last meet, she will always be welcomed back!”

Middle School Basketball Round-Up

The Middle School Boys basketball team had a successful season that ended in a second straight trip to the final game of the Cape Cod Super Six basketball tournament. Despite the loss, Coach Patrick Kennedy commended the team, saying, “This team displayed tremendous improvement over the course of the season and finished up with a 5-6 record.” He finished, they were a pleasure to coach.

“What an exciting season for girls middle-school basketball,” said Coach Suzanne Caruso. The team ended their season with an even record of wins and losses and competed in the Cape Cod Super Six Semi-Finals. Over the course of the season, each of the players developed their game and tenacity on the court, said Caruso. She also gave a big shout out to her Assistant Coach Bill Andrade.

Mariner Soccer News

Varsity soccer players, Noah McCabe ’23 and Lily Connors ’24 were named league All-Stars, Roberto Marzot ’23 and Sophea Souza ’27 were awarded honorable mentions, and Margaret Lowell ’23 and Benjamin Angell ’24 were recognized for their sportsmanship.

Lighthouse Division Varsity Basketball League Honors

Falmouth Academy Boys Varsity went undefeated in conference play this year, and star forward Nate Holmes ’24 (league MVP) and Drew Reeves ’24 (All-Star) led Falmouth Academy to the title in the Lighthouse Division and qualified for the MIAA tournament for the first time in school history. Teammate Matthew Coggins ’23 received a league honorable mention and sportsmanship award Girls Varsity Captain Lily Connors ’24 was the season’s high scorer and was again named a league All-Star along with up-and-comer, Sophie Holmes ’27. “The positive, never-give-up attitude that this team possessed paired perfectly with their ability to win and lose with grace and humility,” noted Coach Kyla Krueger. The team finished second in the league and Margaret Lowell ’23 was recognized with an honorable mention. Maria MacDonald ’23, who sang the National Anthem at every home game, was honored for her sportsmanship.

Every year, Falmouth Academy extends a warm welcome or a fond farewell to faculty members whose lives either bring them to our door or away from it. This year, we tip our caps in gratitude for the arrival of Kate Durkin, and the departure of Liz Klein, Pauline Levy-Valensi, Patrick Kennedy, Sharon Kreamer, and Ed Lott.

Mid-year, science teacher Liz Klein took a new job teaching middle school at Falmouth's Lawrence School while continuing to volunteer with FA's social justice conference. Dr. Kathryn Durkin was hired to fill the vacancy. During the transition period, Dr. Alison Ament came out of semi-retirement to bridge the gap until Dr. Durkin could assume responsibility for the Changing Earth science class.

Durkin earned her Masters and Ph.D. at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and then completed a post-doc at WHOI. She worked as an assistant scientist at WHOI and as a science teacher at the New Heights Charter School in Brockton prior to Falmouth Academy. In addition to teaching the ninth-grade science curriculum, she is the assistant coach for Girls Varsity Lacrosse.

Although only at Falmouth Academy since September, Dr. Pauline Levy-Valensi has made a lasting impression both as a skilled French teacher and as a creative writing advisor for the Resonance literary magazine. Valensi fondly recalls some special moments from her year here—bonding with the junior class on their class trip, her middle-school students surprising her on her birthday in October, and her parents visiting from France and making crepes for everyone. Dr. Levy-Valensi and her husband are relocating off-Cape.

Sharon Kreamer spent the last four years of her nearly 40year career teaching biology and chemistry at Falmouth Academy, and her students and colleagues are the better for it. Honored by the Class of 2022 with the yearbook dedication, Kreamer has been a source of inspiration and enthusiasm in and out of the classroom. She has shepherded two groups of FA students to MBL to learn about cutting-edge CRISPR research, championed Falmouth Academy’s Women in Science program, and most recently, successfully launched the Extended Inquiry program with Dan Nightingale. While known for these innovations, Kreamer is a kind, curious, and gifted educator who is deeply dedicated to the success of her students. We wish her well in her retirement on the outer Cape.

“I will never forget the sudden-death victory of the FA Boys Varsity Soccer team at their very first MIAA tournament,” recalls Athletic Director Patrick Kennedy, who will be stepping down at the end of the year and relocating to Vermont.

Kennedy started at Falmouth Academy in 2019 to teach 7th and 12th-grade history and coach soccer and basketball, after 14 years at the Harvey School where he held similar teaching and athletic leadership positions. This past year, Kennedy’s well-loved labrador retriever Quint passed away, which caused this veteran teacher and coach to take stock of his life and decide that he would like to try something new. With gratitude, we wish him well as a “flatlander.”

Over the years, the entire Lott family has passed through the halls of Falmouth Academy, all on the recommendation of a friend. After six years working in a boarding school in CT, Ed Lott wanted a change, and on the advice of a friend from Falmouth, applied to Falmouth Academy and was hired in 1996. Since then, Lott has been an anchor of the math department, the behind-the-scenes technical wizard of the Science and Engineering Fair, a seasoned soccer and basketball coach, and so much more. His wife, Amy Fish, taught at FA from 2001 to 2003, and his daughters, Sarah ’18 and Abigail ’22 attended all six years. However, what Ed Lott is most known for besides his penchant for golf and sailing, is his incredible knack for teaching math, in very accessible and applicable ways. Some people are gifted in understanding mathematics but it is a wholly different skill to be able to teach it, and Ed Lott is that kind of gifted. His special sauce was to craft lessons and assignments that taught his students to think mathematically while making connections to real-world situations and other ways of knowing.

To enumerate the contributions that Mr. Lott has made to Falmouth Academy would surpass the limitations of this paragraph of appreciation and would greatly offend this most humble man. Over the past quarter of a century, many Falmouth Academy students both began and ended their middle and high school math careers with Mr. Lott as their teacher. In his classes, they learned to appreciate the value and applicability of mathematical principles through group work and real-world problem solving such as devising a bike tour of Cape Cod, developing a business plan for a chocolate company, creating a solution to the Steamship Authority parking issues, designing a retirement plan through various savings and investment strategies, and, most recently, determining how to use $1,000,000 to solve a problem in our community or the world.

Through all these explorations and activities, Mr. Lott always treated his students with respect, dignity, and concern for their education and welfare, and he will be remembered fondly for all the of the numerous ways he contributed to the school community. –Doug Jones

Liam Doherty

’96,

Eliza Van Voorhis ’17, Betsy Wadman ’13