M A G A Z I NE
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS: AN ALUMNI ROUNDTABLE
04 | Young alumni on the threshold of college graduation reflect on their Brimmer foundation
10 | Upper School students explore the world with Winterim 14 | Public school partnership leads to award-winning community arts collaborative 20 | Respect for the Earth begins by thinking outside the box
SPRING 2019
Co-Editors Sue Cuyler Director of Marketing & Communications Nicky DeCesare Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
Editorial Counsel Judith Guild Head of School
Contributing Writers Sue Cuyler Nicky DeCesare Jody Weinberg Mass Communications Concepts
Photography David Barron Oxygen Group Nicky DeCesare
Graphic Design blazar design studio
Alumni Affairs & Development Office Elizabeth Smith P ’17 Director of Development Sharin Russell Director of the Annual Fund Amanda Spooner Frank ’88, P ’22 Director of Alumni Affairs & Special Events
Special thanks to PK educator Allie Morey for capturing a beautiful moment in her student’s day.
Connect with us Twitter: @BrimmerandMay | Instagram: @BrimmerandMaySchool Facebook: @BrimmerandMay & @BrimmerandMayAlumni
Anne Bisson Database Coordinator
On the Cover: Keenan Iuliano ’15, David Labossiere ’15, Susanna Calhoun ’15, and Chardon Brooks ’15 inside the Hastings Center. Photograph by David Barron.
LinkedIn: Brimmer and May | YouTube: Brimmer and May School
© 2019 Brimmer and May School. All rights reserved. Published by Brimmer and May School, 69 Middlesex Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 (tel) 617-566-7462 | www.brimmer.org | Please send change of address to Anne Bisson: abisson@brimmer.org
IN THIS ISSUE
Table of Contents
10
Features 04 |
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS: AN ALUMNI ROUNDTABLE Four young alums return to campus to reflect on their Brimmer foundation
10 | WINTERIM
Upper School students explore the world
BUILDING BRIDGES TO CONFIDENCE
14 |
Public school partnership leads to award-winning community arts collaborative
24
04
20 | EXTENDING LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Respect for the Earth begins by thinking outside the box
24 | SPOTLIGHT ON MICHAEL SCONCE Good food, kitchen camaraderie, and the secret to kids trying new things
Alumni Happenings
20 Around Campus
03 | FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
38 |
CLASS NOTES
17 | BISSELL GROGAN SYMPOSIUM
42 |
ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY
26 |
ATHLETICS
44 |
ALUMNI WINTER GATHERINGS
30 |
BOARD OF VISITORS DAY
45 |
ALUMNI DAY REMINDER
32 |
HOMECOMING
34 |
GETTING CREATIVE
46 | BRIMMER READS
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New Year, New Look Y
ou may have noticed that our magazine has a brand-new look! The School’s biannual publication, which began as the Alumnae Bulletin and became the Ambassador in the 80s, has always been a means of keeping parents, alumni, and friends connected to Brimmer. The renamed Brimmer Magazine will continue to do just that but with more opportunities to tell our stories, create community, and share what makes Brimmer such a special place. And that’s not all! By the time you read this, we will be close to launching a newly designed Brimmer website. We look forward to unveiling our fresh new site in the coming months, and we hope you’ll reach out to let us know what you think.
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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
educating
ethical citizens
A letter from Judith Guild
B
rimmer’s community began the 20182019 school year exploring the theme “Empathy and Ethical Thinking.” Educating our students to be ethical citizens and leaders meant taking a purposeful and direct approach to examining this topic and understanding what it means to study human behavior. We began the year hearing from Dr. Kay Young, a past Brimmer teacher in the 1980s and now a professor of the humanities at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She shared how teaching literature is a pathway to learning empathy and how storytelling enhances the delivery of content in all disciplines. The topic emerged again at this year’s Board of Visitors Day. Dr. Pat Byrne, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College and past parent and past trustee of our School, spoke to our visitors on the “Importance of Philosophy, Empathy, and Ethical Thinking in Education.” Dr. Byrne provided insight as to how we move toward becoming empathetic people and how empathy, service, and learning intersect so we can develop true empathy. Both Dr. Byrne and Dr. Young talked about the importance of teaching the humanities and how understanding the world of others is important to making meaningful human connections. Then in November, the Parents Association invited Dr. Helen Riess, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at
’’
of teaching empathy. Our faculty and staff enjoyed reading her book this winter (see page 47) and look forward to welcoming Dr. Riess back this spring to discuss her research.
In this edition of Brimmer Magazine, you will read about Brimmer’s outstanding work of educating ethical citizens. You will read stories about our alumni, an article about teaching our students to care for their earth and food sources, a report on the long-standing service learning program between Brimmer students and the students at
. . . understanding the world of others is important to making meaningful human connections.
Harvard Medical School and Director of Empathy Research and Training at MGH, to Brimmer to present her work on the subject of empathy. “The Empathy Effect in Parenting and Education” was the title of her talk, and she offered well-researched ideas on the importance
Boston Public School’s Sumner Elementary, news about our world travel program that familiarizes students with the people and cultures around our world, and a featured report on the rich offerings of the Bissell Grogan Symposium. In each of these stories, our mission to “develop lifelong learners
who are informed, engaged, and ethical citizens and leaders in our diverse world” rings clear. What cannot be read in this magazine is all the inspiring and important work happening every day in our curriculum. Recently, Upper School history teacher David Cutler ’02 assigned his U.S. History Students the task of writing about the Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl as they take a historical look at empathy and if it helps or
hinders attaining a more complete understanding of the antebellum South. In his assignment, Mr. Cutler referred to the work of Professor Polonsky, a leading educator on the destruction of European Jewry. Using Polonsky’s own words on the subject, he remarked, “One has to be empathetic to everybody. This doesn’t mean one has to excuse or explain everything. You have to explain, but you don’t have to excuse. You have to try and understand and put yourself in the position of everybody in these situations to understand why they behaved in the way that they did.” Mr. Cutler joins his colleagues in helping our students see the importance of being informed and responsible citizens who view ethical thinking to be an important quality in life. I hope you enjoy reading this newly imagined magazine. We are proud of the work being done at Brimmer, which would not be possible without the support of our entire community. ■ Brimmer Magazine
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ALUMNI ROUNDTABLE
pathway to success :
an alumni roundtable On the threshold of college graduation, four young alumni reflect on their Brimmer foundation As school was wrapping up for winter break, we had the opportunity to sit down with some members of the Class of 2015 including Keenan Iuliano (Colby College ’19), David Labossiere (Connecticut College ’19), Susanna Calhoun (Santa Clara University ’19), and Chardon Brooks (Bates College ’19), and to hear how life has been going for them. Now seniors in college, they each brought their own unique perspective on how Brimmer has prepared them – both for life at college and the years ahead. Fresh from the Alumni Holiday Party held the night before at the Brae Burn Country Club (see pages 42-43), the group was excited to be back on campus (some of them for the first time since graduation), reconnecting with faculty and friends and touring the Hastings Center. To give them a taste of Brimmer’s newest building, we chose the Innovation Space for our roundtable discussion.
What is it like to be back on campus today?
to replicate since I graduated actually. It was really special.
DAVID: It is quite the experience. I love the
DAVID: Yes! Definitely Winterim as well. I went to Paris and Barcelona, and it was my first time being introduced to a new country. I was very thankful for that opportunity.
new building and it is great to be here catching up with these friends I graduated with.
CHARDON: It’s surreal seeing my old
teachers, faculty, and friends in this new space— it’s my first time back since the renovation.
SUSANNA: The campus looks so different! It has been nice to see people that we learned with and learned from—and classmates that I haven’t seen in what feels like forever.
Can you share one of your fondest memories of your time here at Brimmer? DAVID: I’d have to say it was participating in the Upper School musical, Seussical, my senior year. That’s the beauty of coming to a school like Brimmer—trying something new. Being in the play really got me out of my comfort zone. I only had one line, sadly, but it was an experience! KEENAN: Visiting two countries through
the Winterim Program was a really unique experience for me—one I haven’t had the chance
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CHARDON: I would have to say Brimmer
Athletics because it was such a huge part of my high school life—and my middle school life as well!
SUSANNA: For me, it was being involved
with all the musicals and plays. That’s really close to home for me. And because I was so actively involved in the arts in high school, I really wanted to pursue theater in college. Honestly, it’s really cool how theater brings people together—David, we might never have gotten to know each other if it weren’t for that play.
Do you remember performing together that year? DAVID: I do! [laughs] She had the much bigger role! But it was great because she’s so passionate about it. And with me being an athlete and seeing people who are so involved in the arts—that camaraderie of meeting new
people—it just wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been in the play.
Because Chardon, Keenan, and Susanna all started at Brimmer in PK or K, they have a unique perspective on what it means to be a “lifer.” We asked them about their earliest memories of each other and what they remember about joining Brimmer’s school community. CHARDON: I remember playing with Keenan in Kindergarten!
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KEENAN: You do? CHARDON: I do! [laughs] In fact that’s the only way I remember Keenan!
SUSANNA: I met Chardon at the pizza
party before Kindergarten started, and I remember telling my mom, “She’s going to be my best friend!”
CHARDON: And we were! SUSANNA: From Kindergarten all the way to graduating together—I definitely remember that.
CHARDON: I also remember the Gators
of the Week—those were a big part of our lives at Brimmer. The awards they gave out for doing something admirable? That was so exciting—the first time I got a Gator.
How did Brimmer prepare each of you for college life? Did a particular teacher, class, or program influence your choice of major?
prepared me well. When I got to college, I knew what to expect.
KEENAN: Going to a small school like
Brimmer definitely prepared me for college life because I was used to participating in small groups, contributing, and listening to other people’s ideas. I found myself contributing more in college classes because of it.
SUSANNA: Yes, I would second the
workload but also the work ethic. I would
DAVID: The challenging workload here
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add that Brimmer made me a much better writer and public speaker as well. When I got to college, I felt so much more prepared than my peers.
CHARDON: Writing for sure! I went on
to become an English major. Brimmer really solidified both my writing skills and my critical thinking skills.
relationships with friends and faculty members.
DAVID: I agree with Chardon and Susanna—relationships are really important. Also getting involved with new activities. When I got to Brimmer [in 11th grade] I did things I never expected to do. I ran cross-country. I played baseball with Keenan. I did the musical. Translating that mindset to college made me ask myself, “What can I get involved in at Connecticut College”? In fact, even though I am majoring in Biology, I decided to become a Dance minor. I never dreamed I’d be this involved in dance. CHARDON: That’s so cool—I had no idea!
What was it like going from a small school community like Brimmer to a larger college environment? SUSANNA: Because of Brimmer’s size, you develop strong interpersonal relationships with both teachers and students. When I got to college [Santa Clara University in California], I felt really prepared to use the communication skills I gained at Brimmer to meet new people and make new relationships. CHARDON: I agree. The communi-
ty-minded ideals that Brimmer fostered really transferred to college and helped me build
SUSANNA: David minoring in Dance makes me so happy!
Speaking of majors, can you tell us about how you each chose yours and why? SUSANNA: Because I was involved in the
Creative Arts (CAP) Diploma program at Brimmer, it was a natural progression for me to double major in Communications and Theatre Arts at Santa Clara. Honestly, I got my start in a journalism class here at Brimmer—mak-
ing videos for articles – and I’ve been making videos ever since.
KEENAN: After receiving my Global Studies
Program Diploma (GSP), I went on to major in Government at Colby with a minor in Economics and Anthropology. I took the foundation I got through my global studies coursework at Brimmer and I was able to apply that to my courses at Colby.
DAVID: I’m a Biology major and a Psychol-
ogy and Dance double minor [at Connecticut College]. [laughs] Yeah—I’m trying to do a lot! I really took an interest in athletic training and the sciences at Brimmer. I took an Anatomy class with Mrs. [Cecelia] Pan that I really loved. I worked closely with her and she helped me decide to major in Biology.
CHARDON: I’m an English major at Bates College. I was part of the Global Studies Diploma Program at Brimmer as well, with a concentration in Environmental Sciences, and it was my Brimmer senior thesis that really influenced my decision. I was so prepared to work on my senior thesis at Bates—I just don’t think a lot of high school students have the opportunity to experience that kind of a process the way that I did.
Because David joined Brimmer in the Upper School, we asked him how different Brimmer’s small school community was from his previous school(s). DAVID: I really liked the smaller size of Brimmer. I think a small school gives you the ability to be more comfortable with your teachers and classmates. My previous schools had so many more students. I remember that finding the extra help when I needed it at Brimmer was much easier.
What was the hardest part of your transition? DAVID: I would have to say it was leaving my old friends because I grew David was all smiles with Coach Nelson on his visit.
up with them. I knew a few of the basketball players at Brimmer and that helped.
We know that Coach [Tom] Nelson played a big role in your decision to come to Brimmer. Did he share his wealth of knowledge about navigating college athletics? DAVID: Yes – for sure. And Mr. Iuliano was a big help as well. We spent a lot of time narrowing down those NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) schools. I really thank them both.
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Was there a Brimmer teacher who left a lasting impression on you? CHARDON: My English teacher Jan Side-
botham—I had two classes with her, including AP English, and she definitely inspired me. As did many, many others!
KEENAN: Mr. [Ted] Barker-Hooks’ AP
classes—both Micro and Macro Economics— really made a difference in my Economics background. He really helped me figure it all out.
SUSANNA: For me, it was Mr. [David] Cutler’s journalism class. That’s how I got my film foundation. But for Creative Arts overall, it was Mr. [Carl] R-V [Rapisarda-Vallely] and Mr. [Bill] J [Jacob]. I am directing a one-act play this semester and I still reach out to them for suggestions and advice. It is so important to keep in touch with faculty you meet at Brimmer, and to create and maintain those meaningful relationships.
’’
Going to a small school like Brimmer definitely prepared me for college life because I was used to participating in small groups, contributing, and listening to other people’s ideas. I found myself contributing more in college classes because of it.
DAVID: Again, Anatomy with Mrs. Pan was such a great class—I loved learning about the human body. It was the class that influenced what I’m doing today.
What softer, more interpersonal skills did you acquire at Brimmer that you feel set you up for success socially in college? DAVID: Definitely communication and networking skills. At Connecticut College, our alumni office encourages freshman to get involved early on and so many students don’t take advantage of that. But thanks to my Brimmer experience, I headed straight for that office my first week of school! SUSANNA: Public speaking skills definitely
falls into that category for me. In fact, I remember what an influence my 8th grade Inspirations speech had on me. We were always working on our presentation skills and our communication skills. That and the ability to multi-task! We were so busy at Brimmer. Remember? I definitely brought that skill to college with me and it has helped me budget my time well—which has helped me keep my grades up.
CHARDON: Brimmer—and Mrs. [Cyn-
thia] Pendergast – really handled the college process so well. I felt so supported. And they had so many great resources. That support helped me develop confidence. Now that we are all moving on from college, we can draw from what we learned from that process. It’s about getting the support you need.
applied in any class, beyond school, in interpersonal relationships, with email. When it comes to basic communication, it is so important to be a good writer.
DAVID: I would second that. Our advisors and college counselors were very helpful. Not only did we have Ms. Pendergast but we had Mr. [Jack] Murphy as well. They really helped us navigate the college process.
Head of School Judy Guild reminded the group that Brimmer places much emphasis on the idea of a character education, and she asked our alumni how that emphasis served them in their college life.
KEENAN: I know this was mentioned be-
KEENAN: Because I started in PK, these
fore—but writing was one of the big things that helped me at Brimmer. It’s a skill that can be
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ideals have been imbedded in me throughout my time at Brimmer. I feel like these ideas come naturally to me. I don’t think about them day to day, but I know that they are there.
SUSANNA: I agree. Brimmer’s focus on
character education actually influenced my choice of college! At Santa Clara their motto is “Educating the Whole Person.” That really resonated with me, especially coming from a place like Brimmer where they do instill that in us at a very young age. It was really important to me to go to a college that fostered that as well.
spring, and eventually down the road strength and conditioning as well. But I did a marketing internship last summer and the idea of getting into marketing and sales really interests me. Given my Biology major, I am thinking maybe pharmaceutical sales?
KEENAN: Last summer I was a corporate
marketing intern with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. It was really different from what I am studying in school, but it is something I definitely want to continue pursuing. Working in sports, whether it’s baseball or otherwise, is something I really enjoy. I am taking a Sports Athletics class this semester that I’m excited for—I think
Speaking of sports, Keenan and David can you both share your experience with Brimmer athletics and how it helped you navigate college athletics? KEENAN: I play baseball at Colby and
played five years of Varsity baseball at Brimmer, and while the level of competition is different at the college level, being on a team at Brimmer helped me figure out what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. Everyone has their own goals for athletics but when you’re on a team, you start thinking about how you can help one another achieve those goals. You learn to figure out “What is my role here? How can I contribute?”
DAVID: Brimmer basketball prepared me to handle competition well. Since I got to college, I’ve been playing with guys who are on highlevel Division I teams or in the NBA and it has really helped bring my game to the next level. I’ve been in a leadership role since my freshman year and was chosen to be Captain this year. There’s so much camaraderie on my team.
You’re too modest to share but how many points have you scored in college so far? DAVID: I recently hit my 1,000-point mark
[group cheering]. Now I’m just looking to take my team to the next level.
Head of School Judy Guild and Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88 catch up with the roundtable participants.
DAVID: Those life skills and core values—the idea of doing the right thing—it is so important to bring those skills to college where you are out on your own. It’s easy to struggle when you’re by yourself, so having time management and life skills when you get to college can make all the difference.
What are your plans for after graduation? Are you looking forward to life after college? DAVID: First I plan on studying for my National Personal Training Certification this 8
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I prefer the athletic side of sports over the business side.
CHARDON: I have applied for a Fulbright Scholarship to teach and study in Bulgaria after I graduate. If that doesn’t happen, I am interested in a number of other international teaching opportunities.
SUSANNA: Last summer I interned at a Silicon Valley software company in their Human Resources Department where I produced e-learning content for internal and external audiences. It has led to a part-time job during my senior year of college. And though it’s not yet definite, I do think I will be working there in the fall.
If each of your could go back in time, what would you tell your 9th grade self about how to navigate the high school experience? KEENAN: I’d say don’t be afraid to take
advantage of all the available opportunities because Brimmer offers such a wide range of courses. Freshman year I took a stagecraft class, and even though it was outside my comfort zone, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s definitely something I might not have tried somewhere else.
DAVID: Get involved! It will make your time
at Brimmer so rewarding. My first year here was my junior year and I only played basketball. But if I could go back, I would have done so much more! By my senior year, I was singing in Greenline, performing in the musical, and playing three sports. It helped me meet so many new people.
CHARDON: I think that speaks to the
open-minded core value—one of those characteristics that Brimmer students take with them when they graduate. Being able to experiment and have the confidence and courage to try new things outside of their comfort zone.
major in. If I could go back, I would try so many new things early on. You have more time than you think to experiment before you decide on a major or focus. Cherish that time and try not to worry. At least not freshman year. Now we can worry [laughs]!
SUSANNA: Take as many classes in as
many different areas as you can. I took a Religion class my freshman year and found it so in-
SUSANNA: Oh, and study abroad in college! That’s my last piece of advice. I just got back from London and it was incredible. CHARDON: Yes—that’s a must! ■ Editor’s Note: We reached out to our four roundtable alums this spring to hear about their lives since their December visit to Brimmer. Don’t miss their updates in the Class Notes (see pages 38-41).
SUSANNA: Like I mentioned earlier, I was in-
volved in theater and David was involved in basketball, but we were such good friends. At another school, we never would have crossed paths. But here we are—we still keep in touch. It’s awesome. Create those meaningful relationships with your teachers too while you’re here. It’s invaluable.
DAVID: I agree. Don’t be afraid to create
those relationships! Brimmer teachers are so much more than just staff. I spent so much time in Mr. [Joe] Iuliano’s office just venting. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help—Brimmer is a very open community—that’s one of the big benefits of this small school.
SUSANNA: Yes! They’re not just your teachers—they actually care about what you’re going through. They care about you as a person, not just as a learner.
To wrap up, what advice would you give your 12th grade self about how to navigate the college experience? DAVID: Stay busy and make connections
early on with the career path you want to take. Ask questions. Pursue interests. Be curious. Stay in touch with alumni for networking. Oh, and always be on time for class [laughs]! 8:00 am classes can be tough!
SUSANNA: Don’t take morning classes
[laughs]! That’s my advice.
CHARDON: I completely agree with David. I spent so much of my freshman year worried about what I wanted to do and what I should
teresting. It’s funny because I was never strong in math and I never saw myself in the business world but I’m taking a business management class in the spring this year! My advice is to try things that interest you even if you don’t end up majoring in them.
DAVID: I have to agree. Being a Biology
major, I was never really interested in Economics but because I’m at a liberal arts college, it was a requirement. I took Introduction to Macro Economics and I have to say it impressed me. I never expected that. Above: Media Art teacher Christian Kiley sets up the photo shoot. At Right: Assistant Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano shares a moment with Susanna Calhoun ’15 Brimmer Magazine
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Winterim 2019 Experiential Learning Through Immersive, Authentic Travel
Stewardship in the American Southwest: A Cultural & Environmental Perspective
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Students took in the wondrous beauty in Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park, where amidst the stunning landscapes they learned about chronic water-related problems challenging the region and considered issues and solutions for 21st century sustainability. They also studied the historical influences of westward expansion on the land and its people and met with people from the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.
TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD
O
n their way to becoming global citizens, our Upper School students have the opportunity to explore and engage with the world through Winterim, our signature cultural and service learning program. In March, over 150 Brimmer students joined faculty and administrators on trips to both international and domestic destinations. The curricular focus of each program were as diverse as the destinations themselves: Students traveling internationally explored the history and culture of Northern India, visited the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia (the first time Brimmer students have visited a Balkan state), interned at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu, China, embarked on a service learning trip to the Dominican Republic, reveled in the history of art and architecture in southern France and Italy, and traversed through Shakespeare’s England. And for our groups staying stateside? One discovered the Southwest with an eye towards stewardship while the other reconnected with Boston through politics and media. A hallmark of Brimmer’s curriculum and a favorite among students, what makes this biennial program so unique is that the
Winterim experience begins in the classroom. Prior to departure, students and faculty meet to research their upcoming destinations, build cohesive travel groups, and define the curricular and cultural context for their chosen program. This level of advanced preparation lays the groundwork for truly meaningful travel experiences. “At Brimmer, we continuously look for ways to expand learning beyond the classroom,” says Winterim Director Kelly Neely. “My students still talk about how [Winterim] was one of the best experiences of their lives.” As Humanities Co-Chair and Director of Global Studies, Neely appreciates that the program gives students a way to connect what they’re studying in the classroom to people, places, and cultures around the world. “It gets them out of their comfort zone,” she adds. “What a wonderful way to challenge them as they learn to become global leaders.” We hope you enjoy reading about our students’ Winterim experiences on the following pages. On social media? Check out #BrimmerWinterim to see even more photos and highlights! ■
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History & Culture of Northern India Students traveled along “The Golden Triangle” of India comprised of the three most visited cities in the country’s north-west: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This triangle has been dubbed “golden” for the extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical splendor available in each of the three cities.
From Ancient to Modern Times: Exploring Venice & Croatia In taking part in the first Winterim program to visit a Balkan state, students gained insight into the connection between Venice and Dalmatia and why Dalmatia and the Balkans is a unique part of Europe.
visit
#brimmerwinterim on Instagram to see more!
Politics & Media in Boston It takes a lot to keep the historic city of Boston running, with its everchanging priorities and challenges. Students on this program visited The Harvard Crimson, Channel 10, Boston’s local NBC news affiliate, WGBH, a popular, award-winning PBS station, the Boston State House, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, where they assumed the role of US Senators to pass bills, learn about national politics, and experience a fullscale replica of the United States Senate chamber in Washington.
Shakespeare’s England Using Bill Bryson’s brief but fascinating biography Shakespeare: The World as a Stage as a guide, students visited the major landmarks from the life of William Shakespeare, including the British Library, Borough Market, Holy Trinity Church, New Globe Theatre, and a day trip to Stratfordupon-Avon.
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China: From Panda Conservation to the Great Wall The highlight of the program was time spent interning at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu, which included a visit to the baby panda (aptly named “Brimmer�) that students raised funds to adopt. They also visited the ancient Taoist site of the Qingcheng Mountains, Beijing, the Forbidden City, and spent the night at a remote section of the Great Wall to learn about sustainable travel and community development.
Service Learning in the Dominican Republic
Exploring Art & Architecture in France & Italy Students experienced the history of southern France and Italy through art and architecture and the culinary riches of the Mediterranean. Students traveled from Grenoble to the Pont du Gard and Avignon before making their way to Pisa, Florence, Tuscany, and Rome.
While experiencing the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic, students had a first-hand opportunity to study the history of Haitian-Dominican relations, challenges facing agricultural workers and their families, and the pressures that an increasingly globalized economy places on developing nations. Students constructed homes for people in need, and they returned with a deeper understanding of global economic development and a firm commitment to engage with people from other nations and cultures to create a more harmonious world. Brimmer Magazine
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PUBLIC SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
building bridges to confidence
F
lashback to 2010: A tiny Oompa Loompa skips across the stage to talk to Willy Wonka. Her emerald green hair glimmers under the stage lights, contrasting sharply with her bright orange make-up and exaggerated white eyebrows. “Her enthusiasm was undeniable,” remarked Bill Jacob, Creative Arts Department Chair and director of Brimmer’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that year. That Oompa Loompa was Laura Lopez, a fourth grader at the Sumner School, a public elementary school in Roslindale, MA. Wearing baggy overalls and a big smile, she was performing onstage for the first time ever and thrilled to be pulling it off. It was Lopez’s first taste of theater, and she was determined
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not to make it her last. “I told my mom,” she remembers. “When I go to high school, I’m going to Brimmer and May!” Fast-forward eight years, and Lopez is deep into a very busy senior year at Brimmer. Fresh from serving as co-stage manager of the Upper School’s production of Tom Jones she was already looking ahead to the spring musical, Newsies. Since enrolling at Brimmer in 9th grade, she has embraced everything the theater has to offer—performing in Candide and In the Heights and working behind the scenes co-stage managing Into the Woods and Alice in Wonderland—in addition to Tom Jones. With a heavy academic course-load,
as a member of the school’s curling and recreational tennis teams, and with a plan to pursue pre-med and political science studies at college next year, Lopez doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. “Laura has been a really valued member of our community since she arrived,” reflects Jacob, Lopez’s advisor for the last four years. “It has been marvelous to watch her confidence grow.”
This Page: Laura Lopez ’19 (second from left) performing in Brimmer’s 2016 production of “In the Heights” Opposite: Laura returned to Sumner with Bill Jacob this winter to visit Sumner Extended Day Director Jeanette Pizzaro
Jeanette Pizzaro, Sumner’s Extended Day Director, remembers Lopez as a sweet, shy student who emigrated as a nonEnglish speaker from Colombia at age four. Reflecting back on Lopez’s stage debut, Pizzaro is emphatic. “I was amazed. Without words,” she recalls. “I teach my students you can do whatever you want, and it was incredible to see her doing just that.” This unique partnership between Sumner and Brimmer, now in its 14th year, began as a way to collaborate on creative arts, with Brimmer students making quarterly visits to Sumner’s Extended Day program. When Brimmer launched its signature Creative Arts Diploma Program (CAP) in 2008, giving students the opportunity to focus on a chosen arts concentration and share their talents with the larger community, “It was a natural progression to take the program to Sumner,” says Jacob.
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This unique partnership between Sumner and Brimmer, now in its 14th year, began as a way to collaborate on creative arts.
of students throughout the year. Each fall, Jacob leads a new group of Sumner students in singing, rhythm, dance, and drama. As the year progresses, CAP 11th and 12th graders take the lead in these hands-on activities. Lopez still remembers how, as a quiet elementary student, the circle activities helped her develop her voice. Brimmer’s relationship with Sumner extends right into the summer months as well, with several camp scholarships offered each year.
teachers. “They are thrilled to see their Brimmer teachers on stage,” says Pizzaro. “And even years later, they remember the characters they played.”
The collaboration between Brimmer and Sumner has been beneficial to both school communities, with the continuity over the years leading to authentic relationships between the students. Brimmer students serve as role models and mentors, giving Sumner students a glimpse in to future interests and opportunities. Younger students’ circle of trusted young adults expands as they connect with their student
University ’20. “It was so inspiring to have younger kids look up to me, especially as a young person myself. It made me feel important and helpful in that moment; whereas, most parts of my high school life were helping me be prepared for my future.”
Brimmer alumni report that working with Sumner students was a high point of their high school education. “I realized how important it was that everyone experience art, and I saw the effect it had on the students,” reflects Gen Lefevre ’15, Harvard
Each year, a few Sumner students are selected to participate in Brimmer’s two Upper School productions, and approximately 50 students are invited to attend all four Middle and Upper School productions throughout the year. “We select students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to be on stage, and you can see how the experience impacts them as they grow,” exclaims Pizzaro. “Laura was identified early on by Sumner as a student with promise,” adds Jacob, leading to her role in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Brimmer’s first collaborative production with Sumner. “It made me feel so good about myself,” recalls Lopez on her first stage role. “I was so excited to learn choreography and dress up. It was a big deal for me.” It became a wonderful opportunity for growth. “Brimmer students made it all look so easy,” she adds. “When you come here, you see everyone working hard together, and you realize that being a part of the theater is a great way to bond and grow. I’m so grateful for the experience.” Today, Brimmer CAP students visit Sumner twice a week and work with the same group
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Bridges to Confidence continued from page 15
Tony Ni ’16, Berklee College ’19, adds, “The kids had so much artistic potential. We presented a variety of artistic expressions so that they could explore their interests and get a sense of possible future careers. As a pop artist and musician, one of my goals is to use my music to inspire others to reach for their
The program has been recognized on a national level, receiving several professional accolades including the 2017 Arts | Learning Award for “Outstanding Community Arts Education Collaborative—Mixed Media,” which honors organizations and individuals that have developed model arts collaborative programs between school and community cultural resources. It has also received multiple awards from the Parents
approach that is at the heart of the program’s success. “Independent schools like Brimmer, which draw from Boston and over forty Greater Boston communities, benefit from their diverse population and are enriched beyond their own school walls and into the larger community of learners,” believes Brimmer Head of School Judith Guild. Ms. Pizzaro agrees. “It’s an amazing advantage to have collaboration—it contributes to our students’ views of the arts and gives them an experience that many of them might never have had,” she says. “Bill [Jacob] and I both care about our students, connect with each other regularly, and share great ideas. We just make it happen!” When she thinks back on her high school life, Lopez is proud of the path she has taken. “When I came to Brimmer, I knew I would work hard to be as perfect a student as possible,” she reflects. “I didn’t think about how I would grow as a person. The theater department taught me how to evolve. Backstage it’s all teamwork. It’s stressful. But once it plays out on stage, it’s so satisfying and exciting!” Ultimately collaboration is about building bridges and working together to maximize learning and growth opportunities; creating something in the process of which students can be proud. These two schools have accomplished that mission, providing experiences that empower the next generation of leaders. “I’m thrilled that we’ve had such longevity,” muses Jacob when asked about the success of this model collaborative program. “It has enabled us to share the arts with so many students over the years.” ■
dreams. The Sumner students reminded me what it means to fall in love with art—the same way I fell in love with music when I was a kid.” Top: Laura Lopez ’19 (third from left) performing in her first Brimmer production, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” as a Sumner Elementary student. Bottom: Laura and fellow senior Cara Rittner ’19 work behind the scenes on “Newsies”
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of Independent Schools Network (PIN) for community service. In 2018, Jacob was honored to present the program at the National Network of Schools in Partnerships Inspire Conference in Washington, D.C., which aims “to support public-private school partnerships and to meet the growing demand for models of best practice.” It’s this award-winning collaborative
Former Brimmer Communications Director and founder of Mass Communications Concepts Jody Weinberg enjoyed reconnecting with Bill Jacob and Laura Lopez for this freelance piece. Having watched the CAP Program grow from its inception, she was delighted to share this “full-circle” story. She has a deep interest in working with schools and following innovative trends in education.
SPARKING INTEREST IN HUMANITIES
14th annual bissell grogan symposium Delivers Powerful Message on the Power & Impact of Teams while providing jobs for those in marginalized communities,” he shared. Named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” and one of Fortune’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” Dr. Panjabi had an important message to impart. “We are not defined by the conditions we face as a community,” he stressed. “We are defined by how we react to them. If we are to shift the conditions we face, we have to realize that we are all in this together.”
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We are not defined by the conditions we face as a community. We are defined by how we react to them . . .
“N
o condition is permanent.” Keynote speaker Dr. Raj Panjabi first heard his father speak these words when he was a little boy growing up in Liberia. He lived these words when civil war forced his family to evacuate and resettle in the United States. In his thought-provoking presentation to Brimmer students and faculty, No Condition is Permanent: The Power of Teamwork in Public Service, Dr. Panjabi explained that his father’s message would affect him deeply as he matured and engaged in opportunities to serve neighbors and communities in need. It instilled the belief
Dr. Raj Panjabi of Last Mile Health delivers the Keynote at the Bissell Grogan Humanities Symposium on January 14, 2019
that when people come together as a team, powerful things can happen. He returned to war torn Liberia in his twenties as a medical student and was shocked by the physical destruction, illness, and lack of available health care. He wondered, “Where are the teams of support here?” “Illness is universal,” he explained to students. “Access to health care is not.” This realization lead him to become CEO and a co-founder of Last Mile Health, a health equity and social justice organization that invests in the people physically closest to those in need. “By providing individuals in remote areas with basic medical training and equipment, Last Mile Health offers vital access to health care
In addition to his empowering work with Last Mile Health, Dr. Panjabi is Associate Physician in the Division of Global Health Equity at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, the TED Prize, and the Global Citizen Movement Award. Following Dr. Panjabi’s keynote presentation, students dove into hands-on workshops focusing on The Power & Impact of Teams with experts across a diverse mix of industries including sports, law, politics, firefighting,
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Bissell Grogan Symposium continued from page 17
Workshops Teamwork and Political Campaigns Kevin Conroy, Partner at Foley Hoag The Power of Teams at Your Favorite Brands and Companies Bradley Davenport, Principal at Bain & Company Science Teams on Boats: Studying Marine Biology in the Boston Area Torrance Hanley, Associate Research Scientist at Northeastern University Marine Science Center Ensuring High Quality Care for Children and Families: The Importance of Health Care Teams Dr. Sandra Clancy, Program Director at Coordinated Care Clinic and MGH for Children Leadership and Teamwork Dynamics in the Firehouse Lieutenant Paul Canney and Firefighter Patricia Cripe Brookline Fire Department Creating and Producing Public Radio Shows: The Team Behind the Program Kathleen McNerney, Senior Producer at WBUR Human Nature vs. Championship Behavior Chris Hamblin, Women’s Soccer Coach at Harvard University 500 to One: How a Team of Artists Came Together to Create a Documentary Play about the Heroes that Arose from the Boston Marathon Bombing Joey Frangich, Artistic Director of the Boston Theater Company All Hands on Deck: How a Team of Teams Comes Together to Put on Coachella, the Iconic Music and Arts Festival Kyle Smith, Contract Administrator at Goldenvoice Creativity Takes Teamwork: How Collaboration Drives Meaningful Digital Design in Marketing Monty Cagwin, Creative Director at Isobar Teamwork in the Law Firm: Litigation and Corporate Perspectives David Kreisler, P ’23, Partner at Sidley Austin LLP Gwyn Williams, P ’23, Partner at Latham & Watkins LLP
THE BISSELL GROGAN
HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM
WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2006 IN HONOR OF KENYON BISSELL
GROGAN, FORMER CHAIR OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND BRIMMER GRADUATE OF THE CLASS OF 1976. THE GOAL OF THE SYMPOSIUM IS TO
BOTH EDUCATE AND ENGAGE
STUDENTS IN RELEVANT TOPICS OF TODAY. AN ANNUAL EVENT ATTENDED BY STUDENTS IN
GRADES 8–12, IT COMMENCES
WITH A KEYNOTE SPEECH AND IS FOLLOWED BY WORKSHOPS THAT EXPLORE A DIVERSE
RANGE OF SUBJECTS ON A CHOSEN TOPIC.
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and radio broadcasting among others (see below). “The goal of the Symposium is to spark interest in the humanities; to bring them to life so that students can understand their importance and relevance in a real-life context,” said Megan Dolan, Symposium Co-Chair and Brimmer Library Director. For this reason, she and Symposium Co-Chair/Upper School English teacher Kenley Smith like to see students who are engaged and active during the keynote and the workshops. They want to feel a buzz in the air about what students are learning, and this year’s Symposium delivered. “There was great energy throughout the school,” Dolan shared. “The speakers were talented, friendly, and pitch perfect, and the students were really engaged. That’s what makes all the hard work that goes into the event worth the effort.” ■
Opposite Page: Kathleen McNerney asks students to recall their favorite story-telling mediums in her workshop on public radio program production. Top: Kyle Smith asks students to break into groups to tackle the different logistical challenges involved in putting together a large-scale event like Coachella. Middle: Brookline firefighters Paul Canney and Patricia Cripe lead a hands-on workshop on teamwork in the firehouse. Bottom: Boston Theater Company Director Joe Frangich shares with students how survivors responded to their documentary play about the Boston Marathon bombing.. Brimmer Magazine
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Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom Developing Respect for the Earth Requires Thinking Outside the Box
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EXPLORING OUR GARDEN
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t was hard to miss the excited students lined up outside, their arms filled with leafy produce. They had just finished their very first garden harvest and were now preparing to cross the campus with a delivery for the kitchen. These second graders were grinning ear-to-ear knowing they would be handing over their produce to the school chef for chopping and seasoning—produce they had a hand in cultivating and growing. Who would be the first to tell their fellow classmates where their lunch came from?
One of many innovative learning spaces Brimmer offers students, the organic Lower School Garden challenges them to think “outside the box”—or in this case, the four walls of the classroom. Tucked behind one of our historic buildings, and inspired by the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine, the Garden is a magical place for learning about the environment, beginning as early as Pre-Kindergarten. Leaving the confines of a school building and moving to such a unique outdoor space opens up a world of possibility, helping students explore the connections between curriculum and the earth they share, and literally bringing learning to life. Lower School Science Coordinator and grade 4 teacher Ina Patel believes the Garden presents an invaluable opportunity to teach students about caring for the planet. “Our outdoor classroom provides our students with the opportunity to learn about sustainability and composting, and it allows them to observe nature and enjoy outdoor learning experiences. Our students learn about ecology and respect for the Earth. They develop a curiosity for the world around them.” In Fall 2015 a generous donor helped the School transform what was originally a Certified Wildlife Habitat® into an organic Garden to “provide students with essential learning experiences unique to gardening, life science, and ecology.” This was just the beginning. Opposite: Brimmer in the Backyard camper waters strawberry plants in the Lower School Garden last summer.
With a section of the space maintained as a wildlife garden to observe pollinators and bees, the Brimmer Garden is now a hub for science, technology, engineering, math, and creativity. To support an interdisciplinary curriculum, the School’s campus has two solar-powered Davis Instruments weather stations, one of which is located in the Garden and measures soil temperature and moisture. Housing a weather vane, an anemometer, and a bucket for measuring rain fall, this informative device allows students to compare and contrast data and watch for trends and variables. Data is even accessible to students (and their families) on their school-issued iPads via the Davis Weather App.
The concept of sustainability is the foundation of Brimmer’s Garden curriculum—it’s literally in the soil. The compost, comprised of food scraps leftover from the kitchen and grass and leaves collected by the Building and Grounds team, provides organic soil on-site. Wood chips are made from campus branches and used to insulate the cold frames and raised beds, while rain water collected in barrels hydrates the plants. Students learn to use resources efficiently and understand how to reduce our carbon footprint. “Students see small-scale sustainability working in their own plots,” says Janet Sweezey, grade 3 teacher and Garden Coordinator. “They all share the excitement of keeping the Garden habitat healthy and productive.”
Above: Lower School students harvest a bountiful crop of carrots headed for the Brimmer Kitchen.
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Extending Learning continued from page 21
Head of School Judith Guild has an office view of the Garden and a front row seat to this innovative curriculum. “Plants and the systems we know colloquially as ‘gardens’ are a medium for observation and developing the scientific method,” she explains. “These small ecosystems
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hands-on learning with a developmentally appropriate scope and sequence that builds on previous learning and spirals to allow students to explore concepts with increasing complexity and depth. Kindergarteners hone their observation skills throughout the year by drawing flowers in
The Garden is incorporated into the curriculum at every grade level for real-time, hands-on learning with a developmentally appropriate scope . . .
are models that can be simple or complex depending on how broad or deep students and their teachers decide to look. Brimmer’s Garden is an open-ended laboratory.” Indeed, the Garden is incorporated into the curriculum at every grade level for real-time,
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different stages of growth. After becoming seedling experts in first grade, second graders take the learning to a higher level. Their science soil unit exposes them to organic compost—from how it’s created to how it’s used to support plants. By the time they reach the fourth and fifth grades, students are raising
seedlings, plot spacing, transplanting plants to outdoor raised beds, and maintaining the Garden on a weekly basis as part of their Environmental ColLab, an inquiry-based, hands-on science program. Their engaging curriculum focuses on solar and wind energy, climate change, composting, water use, animal biomimicry, and water filtration, all which connect environmental concerns to real life application for students. Brimmer’s Summer Camp takes over where the school year curriculum leaves off. Specialty camps such as “Brimmer in the Backyard” concentrate on themes related to nature through activities, games, and stories, while taking care of and exploring the bounty of the summer Garden. Additional help from Brimmer’s faculty and staff ensures that the Garden receives proper care and attention year-round, so students can leave for the summer knowing they will jump right back in when they return in the fall. Through the School’s farm-to-table partnership, students harvest additional
crops such as beets, carrots, and lettuce and deliver them to Chef Michael Sconce in the Brimmer kitchen on a regular basis. He and his staff prepare dishes such as braised collards and chard, and kale chips with olive oil, and they dry and crush chilis for seasoning dishes after the harvest season ends. The strong collaboration between the Garden and kitchen encourages students to be healthier, more adventurous eaters, think about nutrition, and try new vegetables for the first time. “Many young students have no idea where vegetables come from,” Ms. Sweezey remarks. “When they harvest carrots for the first time, some are very surprised to pull a root out of the ground.” What does the future hold for the Brimmer Garden? Ms. Sweezey and Brimmer’s chief parent Garden volunteer Garth Smith aspire to a future where all the Garden’s plants begin as heirloom seeds, under classroom grow lights. “We eat industrialized vegetables and fruits that over time have been optimized for shape, color, and size,” Mr. Smith notes. “When you start with heirloom seeds, you are contributing to biodiversity, and you begin to see plants growing that you don’t see in the supermarket.” Regardless of the outcome, the Garden is far more than an outdoor classroom teaching science. It’s a place that brings to life the School’s mission to “develop lifelong learners who are informed, engaged, and ethical citizens and leaders in our diverse world.” As Ina Patel so aptly states, “As lifelong learners, students realize that learning doesn’t end at the classroom door; it happens everywhere.” ■ Jody Weinberg served as Brimmer’s Communications Director for 19 years and is now freelancing for the School through her new company, Mass Communications Concepts. Her passion for gardening began as a child, while spending time in her grandfather’s magical seaside garden, and she has been thrilled to watch Brimmer’s Garden literally come to life.
Opposite: Brimmer Trustee and parent volunteer Garth Smith P ’25,’27 shows students the proper way to handle seedlings. Above and at right: Students enjoy hands-on learning in Brimmer’s innovative outdoor classroom. Brimmer Magazine
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FUELING YOUNG MINDS
spotlight on Michael Sconce Brimmer’s Director of Food Services talks good food, kitchen camaraderie, and the secret to kids trying something new.
I
t’s lunch time at Brimmer and the Corkin Dining Commons is the bustling heart of the school as the Brimmer kitchen prepares to serve what amounts to nearly 600 meals for a hungry crowd ranging from age 3 through septuagenarians, all with a variety of favorite foods, dietary observations, and taste preferences. What might seem like a daunting task for most is all in a day’s work for the Brimmer kitchen team, led by Director of Food Services Michael Sconce. With a calm, soft-spoken demeanor paired perfectly with a wealth of experience, Sconce has all the essential ingredients for a recipe for success. Sconce first took an interest in cooking as a young adult. “I enjoyed good food but I couldn’t afford to eat out at the time, so I learned to prepare it myself. My older brother learned to cook when he moved out of the house, and it seemed so sophisticated. I watched what he did, experimented by myself, and started buying cookbooks.” He was surprised to find that behind his budding interest was a real aptitude for cooking. “It came naturally to me—one of the only things really,” he remembers. But securing a job in a kitchen with no experience would prove to be no easy feat. In fact, it would take more than 10 years of applying, during which Michael worked as both a bike mechanic and a ski patroller while living in Washington State. Around this time, he also took the opportunity to return to school. “I chose to pursue a degree in nutrition because I like the idea of alternative medicine, though I’d consider nutrition to be more preventative than alternative.” His studies would, in part, help open the door to his first kitchen job. “The chef I worked for went to the Culinary Institute of America, and while his job was food, his passion was nutrition. Meanwhile I was studying nutrition, but my passion was cooking, so we interacted well-together. Since then, all I’ve done is cook.” Upon relocating to the East Coast, Sconce took a job as a Chef/Manager at Boston Medical Center where he oversaw a team
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of 40, preparing food for both catering services and patient meals. Among the many challenges of this role was observing firsthand some of the outcomes of poor nutrition and dietary habits in patients with chronic illness caused by obesity. Looking back, he sees a connection between his work at Brimmer and his previous position. “You can be a chef at a hospital which is a great use of your talents, or at a school which is arguably more useful,” he says. “If you can teach people to eat well early in life, they might continue to do so, and hopefully stay out of the hospital.”
Table, Virigina Beech assured me that it was authentic German quality, and she has lived in Germany!” As any parent can attest, convincing kids to try new foods can be downright impossible. But this challenge, according to Sconce, is one of the best parts of the job. “I love seeing
food and warming it up to making fresh ceviche. It’s exciting to see the change and have the support and trust of a team that includes people who have worked here for 25 years. I don’t have to know everything about the kitchen, or know their jobs as well as they do, or keep all the knowledge to myself. I can trust that they take care of what they need to
With this insight in mind, Sconce landed at Brimmer four years ago in the role of Lead Cook and Assistant Kitchen Manager. “This job has been some of the best education I’ve ever had,” he explains. “It has been a tremendous opportunity for me.” While the daily management of the kitchen and food services takes up much of his time, Sconce still finds ways to interact with the community outside of the Dining Commons. Through the curriculum-based activities happening in both the Outdoor Garden and the Library Tower Gardens, he has been able to build meaningful relationships with students and teachers around cultivating organic food. He also teaches an After-School Club called Mini-Cooks, where he has a chance to get to know Lower School students better by teaching them basic cooking techniques and showing them how to experiment with different foods. In another effort to bring Brimmer’s cuisine closer to its curriculum, Sconce infuses global learning into lunch each month through his Traveler’s Table series. A concept that originated as a collaboration with the Creative Arts Department, it has given the kitchen an opportunity to explore new and different foods every month. Initially the program featured meals from countries and cultures in Africa, South America, and Asia, but recently Sconce and his team branched out to explore the cuisine of Europe. “People don’t realize how many meals we try having never tasted, cooked, or demoed them before,” he laughs. “For example, after eating the sauerbraten we made for our recent Germany Traveler’s
kids try new things, which they’re willing to do if they know you and they trust you,” he says. “If you can start by cooking the things they like, and you do a good job with that, then they begin to trust that you can make something taste good even if they’ve never heard of it.” You might think the Mini-Cooks students would be his toughest critics, but they are often the most eager to taste test. “I vividly remember a Kindergarten student remarking, “I never liked apples before, but now I like them because we made that apple crumble!” Though he remains mostly behind the scenes these days, Sconce’s confident leadership sets the tone in the kitchen and helps ensure that his team thrives. In fact, he can’t speak highly enough about the Brimmer kitchen staff. “I love working with them,” he raves. “There’s so much experience. They’ve seen the whole process over the years, from opening canned
do. We’ve achieved so much together.” Is it any surprise that Sconce and his team are some of the most beloved members of the Brimmer community? Ever humble, Sconce insists that this adoration boils down to one simple truth. “We have the food. Don’t you always love the ones who serve you food?” ■ Nicky DeCesare, Brimmer’s Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, loves going behind the scenes to spotlight our amazing faculty and staff. As a self-proclaimed foodie and Brimmer lunch enthusiast, she was thrilled to learn more about Michael’s culinary journey, the inner-workings of the kitchen, and the integral role that Michael and his team play in enhancing the student experience and contributing to the positive culture of the School.
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FALL & WINTER ATHLETICS
Connor Reif ’19 Caps Off a Record-Breaking Running Career with Impressive Accolades Connor Reif ’19 won his second consecutive MBIL individual championship, becoming the first runner to win two individual league crowns. He was also unanimously voted Most Valuable Runner by the league coaches. This is his second MVR recognition and second undefeated season, something no male runner has ever accomplished in the league. Reif placed 8th in the New England Championship race this year, the highest finish in school history and the second highest finish for an MBIL athlete.
Varsity Girls Soccer The team had a winning season, finishing with a 9-7-1 record under new head coach Carlos Folgar.
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Varsity Girls Cross Country Captures First Championship The Gators claimed the first ever girls team title in Massachusetts Bays Independent League (MBIL) history. Leading the way was Caiti Cullen ’19, who took first place in a field of over fifty girls. Caiti was followed by Elisabeth Ellervik ’23 (8th place), captain Anja Westhues ’20 (9th place, pictured at left), Leah Bell ’22 (12th place), and Ella Meranus ’20 (17th place) rounded out the scoring.
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Varsity I Boys Basketball
The Varsity I team finished their season with a winning record of 10-8, playing in the most competitive NEPSAC Division against schools like Milton Academy, Phillips Academy, and Rivers.
Varsity II Boys Basketball
The Varsity II team upset the #1-seeded team in the MBIL semifinals to advance to the championship, where they fell to Boston University Academy in a heartbreaking overtime loss.
Varsity Boys Soccer
For the first time in School history, the boys advanced to the semifinals of the NEPSAC Class D Tournament after finishing in second place in the MBIL. The team ended their season 12-1-3.
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Varsity Curling
28 students joined this year’s Curling team, the largest in School history. Brimmer curlers took home both the “B” and “D” League Championship titles.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES Connor Reif ’19 Boston Herald and Boston Globe Prep School All-Scholastic Honoree All-NEPSAC Division IV Varsity Boys Cross Country Breanna Durand ’20, Rebecca Calhoun ’19 All-NEPSAC Class D Varsity Girls Soccer Justin Ewing ’19, Ben Ernest ’19 All-NEPSAC Class D Varsity Boys Soccer Sophia Gomez ’19, Marianne Alagos ’21 Independent Girls Conference (IGC) All-League Varsity Girls Basketball Jordan Minor ’19 NEPSAC-AA First Team, Varsity I Boys Basketball Leo Wen ’21, Miles Munkacy ’20 MBIL All-League, Varsity II Boys Basketball
Varsity Girls Basketball The Varsity girls advanced to the NEPSAC tournament for the second year in a row!
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ON CAMPUS
board of
visitors day
Each fall, Brimmer welcomes this dedicated group of former trustees, alumni, current and former parents, local community leaders, educators, and friends
Head of School Judy Guild, BOV member Kate Haigney Krims, and Trustee Rich Mynahan P ’19
Our panel of students from across all three divisions of the School presented their most recent project work BOV member Carla Leeder and Trustee Howard Leeder P ’15, ’20 with Assistant Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano P ’14, ’15, ’18
Choral Director Scott Koven leads Greenline, our award-winning Upper School chorus, in a performance for our visitors
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Trustee Derrick Rossi P ’24, ’26, ’28 and BOV member Sheldon Borkin P’ 02 catch up with Annual Fund Director Sharin Russell
The 2018–2019 Annual Fund in Action What an exciting year it has been for Brimmer and for the work we are privileged to do in the Alumni and Development Office. As of February, we have already raised $715,000 and are well on our way to reaching past our goal of $800,000 and high levels of parent and alumni support. Brimmer is committed to developing compassionate, curious, and collaborative students who go on to become leaders in our global communities. The Annual Fund helps us to attract and retain the very best faculty; create state of the art classrooms for an innovative learning environment; offer a well-rounded blend of academics, performing and visual arts, and athletics; and create a strong, diverse community of learners through generous financial aid. A strong Annual Fund speaks volumes for the Brimmer experience and guarantees continued excellence for today’s students. Remember you have until June 30 to make a contribution—all gifts count and all gifts matter.
You make this possible! Consider a gift today at brimmer.org/give
We are looking forward to the Brimmer Green & White Auction on Saturday, April 27, at the Wellesley Country Club. Proceeds will benefit student financial aid and faculty professional development. That evening we will hear from several alumni on the impact of financial aid on their lives and the lasting impact of a Brimmer education. If you are an alum of the School, we are piloting new and exciting ways to connect with you and you with each other. Please join us on LinkedIn, find us on Venmo @brimmer1880, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Or better yet, come visit us! Alumni Day is on Saturday, May 18, and we look forward to seeing you.
Homec
Upper School students stay dry while cheering on their peers
oming
Coach Chris Hardman and the Varsity Boys Soccer team get psyched up for the start of their Homecoming game
Soccer teammates show their Gator pride
Middle School students showing their school spirit
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What’s a little rain among friends?
Math Department Chair Nancy Bradley and Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Nicky DeCesare share an umbrella between games
Senior photographer Michelle Levinger ’19 and her mom Lisa Murphy
The Sant’ Anna family out in force to support their niece Sophia Chaves ’22
Head of School Judy Guild with alum Justin Ernest ’09 and his brother Ben Ernest ’19
Grandparents of senior Rebecca Calhoun enjoy the game with her mother Kathy Taylor P ’15, ’19
Lead Cook Craig Roman serves up hotdogs and burgers for the masses
Varsity Girls Soccer teammates celebrate their win
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GETTING CREATIVE
Fall Plays Draw Deep Emotions & Big Laughs!
Upper School Production of “Tom Jones” “The play is the story of a young man trying to find his way in the world, and it has special significance in light of the #MeToo movement, including the treatment of women and issues of classism that still resonate today,” said Director Bill Jacob.
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Middle School Production of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”
“The story of a vain porcelain rabbit doll who is accidentally tossed overboard during an ocean voyage, this play touchingly deals with the importance of love, friendship, home, and coping with and healing from loss,” says Director Nick Malakhow.
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GETTING CREATIVE
holiday concert warms hearts Featuring Greenline, May Chorale, Grade 4 and 5 Chorus, and Upper School Instrumental Ensemble
Middle & Upper School Choral Director Scott Koven
Lower School Choral Director Elizabeth Wooster
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SAYING GOODBYE
bidding T
farewell to catering manager cathy gardner
he Brimmer community said goodbye this year to longtime staff member Cathy Gardner who retired after twenty years working in our kitchen. A dedicated and tireless chef and event manager, Cathy has been the creativity behind those delicious and nourishing soups served daily in the Dining Commons, and the mastermind behind our beautifully imagined and meticulously executed School events. “I have
a deep appreciation for the heart of service Cathy has demonstrated over the years,” says Head of School Judy Guild. “I admire Cathy for her integrity, work ethic, humble gratitude for the simple things in life, and for all she does to make life better each day for each and every one of us. I know I speak for us all when I express how thankful we are for having had Cathy part of our daily lives here at Brimmer.” ■
CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW AT THE BRIMMER SPIRIT STORE!
brimmer.org/spiritstore
MS NEW ITE G! IN R FOR SP
TODDLER GEAR TOO!
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Class Notes
ALUMNI
February. John is currently the Head of Installation & Design at the Norton Art Museum in Palm Beach where he has worked for the past 8 years. John has three children, including 12 year old twins and an 11 year old.
1948
Mary Jo Goggin Hopkins “Living in sunny Florida. My husband Erskine is 94 and I am 88—still have drivers licenses! Be sure to visit if you are near: eeandmj@yahoo.com. Had wonderful times at Brimmer and May and grateful for the opportunity back in the 1940’s.”
2000
Rachel Zeig-Owens Rachel is the Director of Epidemiology at FDNY. She is also a research assistant professor at Einstein College of Medicine. She has two children, Zena 3.5 and Fiona 1.5.
1958
Catherine Spinale Rieger “Hi to all classmates of 1958! We’ve moved to a retirement community and life is good! Very good! All the best.”
1959
Anita Alvheden Reslow We connected with Anita who reflected on her years at Brimmer. “I came to School every day by car along with other girls from the area. The driver was Mr. John Castelli, whom we all appreciated. As I understood, it was very important for the girls to find the right man to marry. Very peculiar to me, as we were all very young. I guess that was alright at that time. I am looking in the yearbook and finding out that the senior class of 1959 was: Stephanie Abbott, Meredith Coleman, Ellen Bredlee, Mary Cooper, Elizabeth Dabney, Edith Hall, Gail Doodhue, Nancy Jones, Wilma Nathanson, Barbara Quinn, Susan Peakes, Sheila Sadlon, Barbara Widett, and myself. I have decided to visit, and booked
John Welter ’97 with Judy Guild at the alumni luncheon in Palm Beach.
a trip, as I have a grandson who is now at New York University working on his PhD.” Anita hopes to stop by for a campus visit over March break.
1995
Mahlet Woldemariam Mahlet is the Global Project Manager for Sanofi.
1997
John Welter
It was wonderful to catch up with John Welter, from Brimmer’s first co-ed graduating class, when he joined our Palm Beach luncheon in
Sarah Eisenberg ’04 with Amanda Spooner Frank ’88.
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ALUMNI House. I will be producing two more this year in LA and Miami. The show is called “Brave”. Bought a condo in New Jersey and loving travelling all over the world!”
Emily Pendergast Emily was married on September 8th, 2018 to Reed Laverack at Camp Cody on Ossippee Lake in Freedom, New Hampshire. Brimmer Alumni in attendance included Christopher Dawson ’04 (who served as the Man of Honor), Nick Lovejoy ’05, Courtney Camps ’04, and Jenny Hatton ’04.
2007
Duwaraka “Luxmi” Gunarajasingam “Just became a newly minted Dentist! (BU Grad) Completing my 1-year Dental residency at a hospital in Brooklyn. Channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw and enjoying my new life in New York City”.
2009
Holly Eaton Holly recently moved to NYC to take a job at the Wholesale Credit Program at Wells Fargo Capital Finance as an analyst. Emily Pendergast ’04 and Reed Laverack on their wedding day Katya d’Angelo ’04 on safari in Africa
2004
Katya d’Angelo Through her work at Boundless Journeys, Katya had the opportunity to travel to Botswana and Zimbabwe for a safari. She saw lion cubs, enormous herds of elephant and buffalo, endangered white rhino, endangered wild dogs, baboons, hippos, and a host of other incredible wildlife. Feel free to email her at Kldangelo@gmail.com for tips if you are planning your own safari!
Sarah Eisenberg “So excited to be connected with Brimmer! I produced my first all-female show in October with all proceeds donated to The Convent
Holly Eaton ’09, Michael Laskaris ’07 and Amanda Spooner Frank ’88 at our NYC Alumni Event. Holly recently moved to NYC to take a job at the Wholesale Credit Program at Wells Fargo Capital Finance as an analyst. Brimmer Magazine
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ALUMNI
Class Notes cont’d is a large company with around 5,000 employees that works to take administrative tasks off the plates of providers in medical organizations of all sizes, with everything from electronic health records to billing. My role at athenahealth is managing their Customer Community and site for resources. Throughout my time so far at athenahealth, I’ve been able to build up a Champion program for their most active customers, work on Community and Knowledge Management strategy and process improvement and helped to manage a major platform migration. I am also the President of the Alumni Board and continue to be very involved with the School!”
2014
Luxmi Gunarajasingam ’07 and Patrick Pierre-Victor ’10 catch up at our Winter Alumni event in NYC.
Ryan Coughlin
Hanna Pastor ’11
2010
Patrick Pierre-Victor Patrick has recently started a new job at Refinitiv in Times Square as a Financial Analyst.
2011
Eliza Truscott
“I studied Public Relations at Boston University, and after graduating, I worked first at a company called Hearts on Fire in Customer Marketing and Events. Now I work at athenahealth in Watertown. athenahealth
Eliza got engaged in June 2018 to Patrick Gallagher. She is currently a Sales Assistant Manager for Citizen Watch Company for the National Accounts team.
Hanna Pastor
IN MEMORIAM Nathalie Warren McCulloch ’37
Alice Woodall Comisky ’48
Phyllis Hughes Lowell ’39
Anne Andrew Brantley Betts ’53
Martha “Penny” Galliston Hubbell ’41
Katalin ’Kathy” Kelety ’63
Nancy Carter Wheeler ’46
Brian Johnson ’09
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Ryan attended the College of Holy Cross and graduated with a B.A. in Economics in 2018. He spent one year studying at Trinity College in Dublin and exploring Europe with his friends. After graduating, Ryan took a job with Cambridge Associates in their San Francisco office as an Investment Analyst.
2015
Susanna Calhoun Susanna’s prediction during our Alumni Roundtable discussion (see page 4) was correct! “I will be working full time at Coupa Software in the fall,” she writes. “As their Associate Multimedia Producer in the Human Resources Department, I will be using skills I developed at Brimmer in my journalism class.”
2016
Adam Mikula In his first two years at Boston University, Adam was the Men’s Basketball team manager after being benched for multiple injuries. By junior year he was off the bench and playing Division I basketball!
ALUMNI
Adam Mikula ’16
Brimmer community came out to cheer on AJ Reeves ’18 when Providence College played Boston College in December 2018
2018 AJ Reeves
In more amazing Division I basketball news, AJ has been having a stellar first year playing for the Providence College Friars. Consistently scoring 18+ points a game – many of which are 3-pointers – he has been lauded as one of the top freshmen D1 players in the country. The Brimmer community came out in force for his triumphant return to Chestnut Hill when PC played Boston College in December 2018. Current students, faculty, and staff came out to cheer him on and got to witness his 3-pointer with seconds to go, pushing the game into overtime! PC came off with a win of 100-95, with Reeves scoring 24 of those points.
AJ Reeves ’18 Brimmer Magazine
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ALUMNI
alumni holiday
party
Paul Buchanan ’11 and BOV member Lisa Pastor ’11
Former Trustee Pat Byrne P ’02, ’09 and BOV member Sally Arnold P ’05, ’09
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David Labossiere ’15 and Bobby Brooks ’15
Director of Development Elizabeth Smith P ’17 Souhila Touileb P ’19 and daughter Naila Silmi ’19
Head of School Judy Guild with alumni
Director of Enrollment Brian Beale with former advisees Anthony Anderson ’17, Simon Acevedo ’16, and Sarah Smith ’17
Jodie Poresky P ’19, Meredith Bryan P ’19, Trustee Susie Durocher and John Durocher P ’18, ’21, and Melissa Ewing P ’19
Brimmer seniors enjoy the holiday festivities
Former Trustee Dolores Wesley and Allen Wesley P ’01 with Trustee John Fitzgerald and Peggy Fitzgerald P ’07
Associate Director of College Counseling Anya Huston with Jonathan DeJesus ’18, Katheryn Maynard ’18, and Emily Onderdonk ’18
Assistant Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano with sons Grant ’18, Keenan ’15, and Quinn ’14
Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88 with Owen Meredith ’16 and Claudia Slifka ’16
Head of Middle School Carl Rapisarda-Vallely with Enna Spivak ’17, Sarah Smith ’17, and Regina Carey ’16
Senior Michelle Levinger ’19 with Matt Ayers ’18
Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88 with Beverly Barnes Quinn ’87 and Bethany Schwartz Sonderling ’86
Trustee Lisa Hastings P ’18, ’18, ’19 with daughter Emma ’19
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ALUMNI
Winter Gatherings
Sarasota, FL
(Top row L-R) Director of Development Elizabeth Smith P’17, Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88, Head of School Judy Guild (Bottom row L-R) Mary Jo Hopkins ’48, Nina Cook ’84.
Palm Beach, FL
(Top row L-R) Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88, P’22, Head of School Judy Guild, Trustee Carol Croffy ’67, Development Director Elizabeth Smith P’17, Katie Malone ’84, John Welter ’97 (Bottom row L-R) Leslie Fallon ’66, Nancy Lemcke ’50, Trustee Emeritus Mollye Block ’66.
Newton, MA
New York City, NY
Great to connect with some of our NYC alumni at a Brimmer event in Soho in January. (L-R) Development Director Elizabeth Smith P’17, Head of School Judy Guild, Holly Eaton ’09, Michael Laskaris ’07, Eliza Truscott ’10, Luxmi Gunarajasingam ’07, Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88, P ’22, Tracey Keay-Powell ’81, Patrick Pierre-Victor ’10. Not pictured: Rachel Zeig-Owens ’00, Sarah Eisenberg ’04, Mahlet Woldemariam ’95.
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Had a great time with recent alumni at our first (of many) Black Friday alumni event at Terry O’Reilly’s, First row: Ali Fisher ’12, Lily Kaplan ’12, Diana Chaves ’12; Second row: Head of School Judy Guild, Samantha Cacciatore ’13, Hanna Pastor ’11; Third row: Corey Murphy ’12, Colleen Mullaney ’13; Top row: Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88, Benji Alford ’13, faculty member Rupa Houndegla, Director of Development Elizabeth Smith, and Director of Annual Fund Sharin Russell. Not pictured: Megumi Milla ’12.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR
May 18, 2019 Come back to Brimmer and reunite with classmates and faculty! Alumni Day is a special opportunity to celebrate our alumni community. We have a full day planned so why not return to your alma mater to explore what’s new on campus, tour the Hastings Center, watch some soccer, and dine with friends! RSVP today at
brimmer.org/alumniday
or call Amanda Frank at 617-264-1424.
Brimmer Magazine
Spring 2019
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FACULTY & STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
brimmer
reads
Faculty and staff share the books that had the biggest impact on them this year
R
ead as part of a new Lower School Teacher Book Group, many of our faculty members raved about this book. “To say that reading this was lifechanging is not an overstatement,” says Grade 1 teacher Sara Murray. “It has fundamentally changed how I view my role as a white person in our society, and I am recommending the book to anyone who will listen!”
G
Brimmer Authors
rade 5 educator Nikki Atkins recommends this picture book by Allan Say about an immigrant’s journey to the U.S. “It’s about his yearning for his homeland,” she explains. “Beyond the captivating illustrations, it heightened my understanding of my husband’s desire to return each year to England, his homeland, and his enduring love for the English countryside.”
46
A
ssociate Director of Marketing & Communications Nicky DeCesare published this moving picture book about overcoming our fears. “We’ve all experienced our first day of school – our first of anything really – and we know it’s not always easy,” says Sharin Russell, Director of the Annual Fund. “But once we try something it’s never as scary as we anticipate it to be. This may be a book for young readers but the message it carries can be strongly felt no matter how old you are.”
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Brimmer Magazine
H
ead of School Judy Guild shared two recent favorites, including Educated which she found to be a compelling memoir and a must read. “By sharing her own painful journey, Westover shows the reader how being well-educated opens up a future guided by hope not fear.” She also recommends Eight Years in Power commenting that, “This thought-provoking collection of essays reminds us of our own history as a nation and the implicit bias we struggle with as individuals.”
V
oted Best Book of the Year by Washington Post, NPR, and New York Public Library, this book is a very unique twist on a family saga,” says Admissions Coordinator Myra Korin. “It is craftily executed and a great read.”
M Marlie Kass ’23
iddle Schooler
was the youngest playwright featured in this ed t h s published collection bli r a Pu tho 13! of plays performed au age at last summer’s annual Stagedoor Manor playwriting festival. Entitled “The Dreamer,” Marlie’s play is based on the story of her great-grandmother’s immigration to America at the age of 12.
T
his incredible story takes place in Chicago and Paris in both 1985 and 2015, and follows a group of friends whose lives are torn apart by the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic,” says Head of Middle School Carl Rapisarda-Vallely. “It is a sobering reminder of the terrifying early days of the disease and the dire consequences of government inaction. It has stuck with me long since I completed it.”
U
pper School English teacher Kenley Smith was affected most by this New York Times bestseller. “It is a fascinating look at how we construct objective truth in an age when the media is deeply distrusted by many Americans.”
S
uch beautiful historical fiction,” says Middle School Humanities teacher Kyla Graves. “I found it to be important intergenerational commentary on immigration and identity in 20th century Korea and Japan.”
community
read!
“This book is timely in all of our lives as we seem to tend toward antipathy rather than empathy in our relations with others,” says Joe Iuliano, Assistant Head of Academic Affairs. “It speaks clearly to the how and why of empathy and compels me as an educator to work to develop this capacity in all of our students. After meeting Dr. Helen Riess, who spoke at Brimmer’s November Parents’ Association meeting, I could see the book’s themes and attributes brought to life in her: intelligence, affability, warmth, and of course, empathy.”
A
lum Marcus Burke ’06 came to Brimmer as a basketball star and soon discovered that he had a gift for writing. “It was no surprise to me that he published this novel,” says Nancy Drourr ’66, former Director of Development and Burke’s advisor. “With the feel of a memoir, it follows a boy trying to survive very difficult teenage years. Through basketball he becomes a survivor of many difficult life obstacles.”
A
lum Jacquelyn E. C. Sholes ’96 recently published her first book which “…provides a fresh look at the ways in which Brahms employed musical references to works of earlier composers in his own instrumental music.”
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SAYING GOODBYE
A Career to the Fullest Head of School Judith Guild reflects on Thomas Fuller’s legacy as Brimmer’s Head of Lower School
F
rom the beginning of Thomas Fuller’s employment back in 1994, he was noted from previous employers as a man of “exceptional personal qualities, high moral standards, and as one with a loyal commitment and genuine concern for children who serves as a wonderful role model.” The central character of an adult sets the tone for others, and Thomas’ high standard for upholding the “life rules” never changed. He leaves us with these same important qualities his previous school head spoke about over twenty-five years ago.
During his twenty-five years of service at Brimmer, Thomas has arrived on campus at the pre-dawn hours, always assuring not one child arrives unsupervised. He has supervised the safety of drop off and pick up procedures nearly every day, has poured countless cups of water and milk, served thousands of children hot soup on cold days, assured steadfast commitment to the cross walk as a safe means for crossing the street, and has kept a constant stream of to-do lists on whatever system is best for the times. The daily tasks are just part of Thomas’ job. The critical thinking required of a leader demands attention to educational practices,
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trends, and emerging content and skills. Thomas has used thoughtful approaches to curriculum and pedagogy, which was essential as the changes that the School needed to consider over the past two decades was significant. He did this while keeping the children and teachers at the center of his decision. Thomas has managed the budget, chaired committees, supported the work of teachers, studied and applied the results of the ERB, embraced new technologies as they emerged, and still kept the focus on childhood and the importance of protecting it. Mr. Fuller has paid attention to change, has decided when to adapt, and when to wait. This wisdom comes with a life-time commitment to education. For many, he has had entire families of children move through the Lower School. Board Chair David Kreisler remarked, “I have had the honor, over the past 15 years, to interact with Thomas as both a parent and a trustee of the School. His always cheery disposition, his commitment to the School and, most importantly, his focus on the children under his charge, impressed our family from the very start. My oldest son (now a freshman in college) still enjoys coming back to campus
and catching up with Mr. Fuller about what he is doing. Thomas has built a legacy at Brimmer and while he may not be in car line every day anymore, his presence will continue to be felt around Brimmer for a long time to come.” It is with great honor that I have had the privilege of calling Thomas my colleague and friend. He has been a first-rate administrator, a team player, and an important “doubting Thomas” when we most needed it. He has brought balance and wisdom to our thoughts and decisions, and for all these reasons I am truly thankful for his life commitment to educating children at Brimmer. ■ At Top: Thomas Fuller catches up with students during their day. Inset: Thomas Fuller shares pizza with students at a Brimmer community event in 1997
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