A WINNING TEAM

Collaboration, teamwork, and camaraderie yield amazing results for students

Introduction by Judith Guild, Head of School continued on page 6

During our fall Open House, with the Head of the Charles on many people’s minds that weekend, I thought it was a good opportunity to share a regatta metaphor, one that helped tell the Brimmer story. As you know, crew is a team sport, and the team size depends on the boat’s size. Much like Brimmer, the boats are small, and it is the whole of a team’s effort that makes the individual feel the power of being part of a winning team.

I learned the power of being on a team in 1976 when my cousin Gail Ricketson rowed for the U.S. Women’s team, the debut event for women’s crew. I was a teenager then, and the excitement to see her compete for the United States as a female rower electrified my family.

1976 U.S. Olympic Women’s Rowing Team with Gail Ricketson (second from the right). Photo courtesy of USRowing.org.

If you have watched a regatta, you know that teams often pull ahead or fall behind within a blink of an eye. On that cool summer day in Montreal, the U.S. women’s 8 left the start line with strength and determination in the Olympics final race, clearly boat lengths ahead of the others, and destined to take the gold.

Then suddenly Gail’s shell slowed. The white caps were fierce, and the boat nearly capsized. Impressively, the team steadied themselves, reengaged, and crossed the finish line in third place. The crowds cheered, believed in the rowers’ talent and strength, and my cousin Gail and her team came home with the bronze medal.

This moment in the Olympic event is like the life of most young people. While few can experience what it means to be an athlete at the Olympic level, all young people want to have unconditional support, people on the sidelines cheering them on, teachers helping them move past a plateau, and adults and friends steadying a critical moment so they can cross the finish line. This metaphor reminds me of what it means to be part of Brimmer’s winning team.

We are a school that prides itself on its ability to be self-reflective, that believes in the strength of teamwork, and knows that growth and change is part of the journey. Teamwork has been an essential part of our School’s success, and the following vignettes highlight some of the incredible partnerships within our community. Whether you have been a part of the Brimmer community for decades or just getting to know us, we hope you feel the power of being part of Brimmer’s winning team.

Community-Driven Community Service

Where Students Take the Lead

By Andrew Beal, Middle School Math Teacher, Middle School Director of Student Life & Director of the Middle School Learning Center

In Brimmer’s Middle School, we strive to develop informed and engaged citizens of the world. To that end, we have shifted away from the more traditional approach to community service where programs are faculty derived and implemented. Because we believe the middle years are when students define and refine their voices, our cornerstone projects are chosen by the students. Each fall, the Middle School Senate brainstorms a list of initiatives they believe are important to their community, and the student body votes for the charity they wish to support. Organizations such as Make-A-Wish, The Trevor Project, and most recently The Ocean Cleanup have topped this list. Once an organization is selected, the Senate plans and runs several fundraisers throughout the year, such as bake sales and faculty dunk tanks. While faculty provides coaching and support, the students manage the logistics. For a bake sale, for example, class representatives recruit bakers during their weekly homeroom meeting. The Senate Vice President collects recipes and shares them with the Nurse for any allergy concerns. The Senate Secretary designs a poster to advertise, and the Senate President makes weekly announcements to remind the community. On the day of the sale, class representatives manage the event, and the Treasurer tallies the proceeds to add to our collective gift. We find there is greater buy-in when the entire endeavor is student led; moreover, we are helping shape future community activists, leaders, and caring members of society.

Students dunking Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle School Carl Vallely during a Dunk Tank fundraiser last year to support The Trevor Project.

The Fifth Grade Capstone Exhibition

Teaming Up for Success

By Ina Patel, Lower School Director of Teaching & Learning

Ella Fitzgerald, Muhammad Ali, Mother Teresa… What do all these historical figures that span hundreds of years have in common? They are all frequently explored topics for the Fifth Grade Capstone Exhibition. At the end of their Lower School experience, fifth grade students embark on an intensive study of an individual or event that demonstrates the traits of strength of character. All year long students analyze, reason, and question how various events and historical figures demonstrated strength of character throughout history. As March Break approaches, students are ready to delve into one last investigation: the Capstone Exhibition. The project is broken down into four components: a creative written piece, an artistic visual piece, a digital slideshow, and a reflective oral presentation. As fifth graders, the Capstone Exhibition may mark the end of their Lower School experience, but it celebrates all that has been learned and practiced through their years at Brimmer.

Unlike other Lower School Exhibitions of Knowledge, the Capstone Exhibition is unique in one distinct way. Every student is assigned a faculty advisor who may be a teacher from a previous grade or a community member who has worked with the students in the Lower School. Over the course of three months, students will rely on their advisors for support, encouragement, and even comic relief. The excitement in the spring is palpable. Fifth grade students eagerly await finding out who their advisor will be. Even the adult community feels the anticipation of that first meeting. With weekly meetings, or more often as deadlines approach, this partnership is an integral part of the experience and the key to its success. Equipped with the due dates and rubrics provided to them by their teachers, the students and advisors work together to meet each deadline. Balancing the various components of the Exhibition is not always easy, but through this team approach, advisors provide mentorship, both academic and emotional, as well as a collaborative and creative partner. Each student receives individualized support and a personal cheerleader. Advisors encourage students to dig deeper, suggest a fresh perspective for a diary entry, or assist in adding a creative and personal spin to the oral presentation. This team approach extends further as well. Advisors are in constant communication with both teachers and parents so that students feel fully supported and empowered. The Capstone Exhibition truly embodies a team approach to teaching and learning, something we do extremely well at Brimmer.

The Parents Association

Everyone Is a Member of This Team

By Elizabeth Smith P ’17, Director of Development

There is a Brimmer team of which every parent and guardian is automatically a member, and it plays a vital role in the school/home partnership. Promoting participation in the arts, athletics, admissions, library, lunch, community events, community service, fundraising, and more, the Parents Association (PA) is an important and engaging way to bring our community together. Through monthly meetings covering a range of topics, including PK-12 programming, the strategic direction of the School, parenting concerns, summer reading, and ways in which the world outside Brimmer affects our community, the PA Co-Chairs provide insight into the many ways that Brimmer parents and guardians can partner with the School.

Nominated by Brimmer leadership for twoyear terms, PA Co-Chairs represent all three divisions of the School and are chosen for their leadership and the many volunteer roles they fill each year. They consistently bring

their enthusiasm to the role, sharing the list of opportunities available and encouraging parents and guardians to get involved in whatever way they feel most comfortable. We know that parents engage in different ways depending on their availability, and we want to thank all our PA members—every single one. You make up a winning team for Brimmer!

Brimmer Eats

The Secret Ingredient Is Love

By Craig Roman, Head Chef & Director of Food Services

The Kitchen Team at Brimmer is a well-oiled machine. The reason we work so well together is that we all get along and have a passion for what we do.

Each team member has their own unique role and special skill set. Debbie oversees inventory and takes the lead on organizing supplies behind the scenes. She also serves Lower School lunch, encouraging our youngest students to try new dishes and greeting them with a smile. Joanna is the kitchen assistant, pitching in on all tasks needed for meal prep and helping serve food during our busiest lunchtimes. Melany is the Catering and Event Coordinator. In addition to her work in the kitchen, she manages all the details and logistics for our many events on and off campus. Taran is the sous chef. He collaborates on recipes and helps lead meal preparation each day. Luz oversees deli bar and snacks, while Martha takes the lead with the salad bar. They both ensure our community has many delicious options to choose from in addition to the hot meal. Patricia is our lead dishwasher, and she keeps things running smoothly between lunch periods—not an easy task with the number of dishes our community goes through! As the head chef and Director of Food Services, I oversee the entire process, making sure lunch looks and tastes great and is executed well. I plan each month’s lunch and special event menus. I have also redesigned current offerings, implementing a new freshwater system, flavored waters, and topping bars, in an effort to improve the overall dining experience.

While we each have our own responsibilities, everyone helps each other when needed, and that creates a better environment for all. As a team, we also laugh every day. There is no need for tension or for things to be difficult when serving lunch to children. We genuinely love what we do, and as we all know, love is the most important ingredient when making delicious food for our community.

Director of Food Services Craig Roman (far left) with his team, including (L-R) Melany Ferrimy, Martha Arroyave, Luz Restrepo, Joanna Mesa, Deborah O’Malley, Patricia Lopera, and Sous Chef Taran Gavran.

The Big Green Running Machine

A Long-standing, Magical Ethos

By Ted Barker-Hook P ’23, Upper School History Teacher Head Coach of Brimmer Cross Country Team

Brimmer Cross Country is on a decade-long roll. With eight Massachusetts Bay Independent League (MBIL) team championships in the last nine seasons (not counting the season knocked out by the pandemic) and six individual league championships shared among standouts Connor Reif ’18, Caiti Cullen ’18, and Brian Gamble ’23, the Big Green Running Machine (as the runners are collectively known around campus) is a juggernaut. I have been honored and humbled to oversee the program for the last 15 years, but a coach can take a team only so far; sustained success requires athletes doing the heavy lifting required to create and maintain a culture of inclusiveness and shared purpose.

At its first practice of 2009, the then-coed squad comprised just three runners, but by the end of that season, the roster had doubled, and the team surprised even themselves with a fifth-place finish at the championship meet. Excited by what they had achieved and eager to build on their success, that initial core of athletes began nurturing a close gemeinschaft that continues to this day, marked by an openness to anybody who wants to give running a try, a commitment to working to improve individual fitness, and dedication to supporting each other in pursuit of team goals, all while being exemplars of sportsmanship and grace. And it worked: the roster grew steadily as students caught wind of what was happening, veterans showed the rookies what it meant to be a part of the team, and Gator harriers moved through the pack, claiming ever-higher finishing positions. After losing the 2012 league championship by just two painful points, the non-graduating captains held an athletes-only meeting the very next day at school and committed themselves to each other in making sure to never feel the sting of just missing again. A year later, they won Brimmer’s first MBIL cross country title in convincing fashion, and the Big Green Running Machine hasn’t looked back since.

Charles Li ’17, who joined the team as a ninth grader new to the Upper School and able to speak very little English, remembered one of his first practices when junior Kyle Anderson ’15 welcomed him in his native Mandarin, and “from that moment, even though surrounded by a foreign land, I felt at home and that I belonged on this team.” Similarly, Talia Hammer ’23 also underscored the profound influence veterans had on her, explaining, “In ninth grade I was a reluctant runner, and the upperclassmen terrified me, but the Big Green Running Machine was incredibly welcoming and supportive, and older kids like Anja Westhues [’20] and Sophia Spring [’22] were an inspiration to me.” Edan Zinn ’23 pointed to the kindness of seniors in helping him learn “the Brimmer way” and find easy comfort on a team with a potentially intimidating winning tradition: “I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from them and later, as a captain, step into their shoes and bright green uniforms—to be a part of the magic of this team.” That magic continues: this past fall, the combined boys and girls varsity rosters totaled 35 runners, and each of them inherited and added to all that makes this program so special.

The Brimmer Varsity Cross Country Team celebrating its third consecutive MBIL Championship win last fall.

Line Segments, Bisectors, and Medians, Oh My!

Things Are STEAMing Up in Geometry

By Rupa Houndegla P ’21, ’26 Upper School Math Teacher and Kathryn Lee P ’32, ’34 Director of Innovation & Design Middle & Upper School Art Teacher

Brimmer Middle and Upper School students have been putting their understanding of geometry functions and concepts, such as bisectors, medians, reflections, and rotations, into action with the exploration of ComputerAided Design (CAD). Using the platform Onshape, students are introduced to 3-D modeling with the creation of unique triangular and hexagonal designs and patterns that are then extruded to reveal a three-dimensional object to be laser cut into wood or acrylic in the Makerspace. These designs serve as a base for a sculptural or print-based unit that each student designs and builds as the project unfolds. These semester-long collaborative projects culminate in stunning, large-scale installations such as the hanging mobile in the Hastings Center, the butterflies displayed in the Chase stairwell, and the collage of Islamic art in the Dining Commons. In the case of the latter, ninth graders studying the history and culture of the Islamic world during the seventh—fifteenth century learned how geometric shapes can be multiplied to make dynamic patterns found throughout Islamic art and architecture. They used their laser cut wood patterns as block print stamps, applying brightly colored ink on fabric.

This kind of collaboration also demonstrates the wonderful benefits of a PK-12 school as last spring Upper School students made birdhouses for the Lower School to install in the Organic Garden. Through this interdisciplinary curriculum, students bridge connections between terminology and concepts covered in their geometry class with the tools and functions of CAD modeling. This practice gives students the unique opportunity to transform their learned skills and concepts into a beautiful, collaborative, tangible object for the greater community to enjoy!

The Dynamic Duo

Driving Exciting Enhancements to Brimmer’s Libraries

By Nicky DeCesare, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

When Director of Library Services Elyse Seltzer and Lower School Librarian Stephanie Golas first met, they had a good feeling about the exciting ways in which they might advance the School together. That gut feeling would quickly become reality as their partnership continues to engage students in experiences that foster a love of reading, offer exposure to the world of ideas, and develop the skills and critical thinking needed to be successful in finding, evaluating, and using information. They seek to create library collections and school resources that represent the diversity within the School and global community, with protagonists that are identity affirming and display agency. They share the belief that these important tenants are building blocks that create lifelong learners, and they’ve spent the past few years refining their respective programs and spaces to align with their shared mission while relying on each as invaluable thought partners.

While they share an educational philosophy, their day-to-day work looks slightly different, due in part to the range of ages our School represents. Golas supports Lower School classrooms with responsive resources for an evolving curriculum, curating materials that expand the diversity represented in our collection. She greatly values her partnership with the faculty and enjoys supporting their teaching. A recent Faculty Innovation Grant winner, Golas used her grant to purchase a variety of audio-integrated books to help engage our young learners, and she has been thrilled to see these resources fly off the shelves this year.

In the Library Learning Commons, Seltzer helps guide our older students as they begin to explore more contemporary literature options. Like Golas, she is steadily increasing the range of diversity represented in literature while learning more about the cultural representation in the school to ensure that they are reflected in the collection. Her work as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Curriculum Liaison allows her to regularly connect with departments and teachers about how these new resources can support their curriculum.

Adding to the strength of their shared educational philosophy is a deep mutual respect and genuine joy in each other’s company. Summing up their two-person team in one word, their undeniable connection continues to reveal itself; without consulting, they respond with nearly identical answers: powerful and strong. This dynamic duo has more than doubled the impact of their superpowers through their close collaboration. Their partnership has enhanced Brimmer’s PK-12 library program in immeasurable ways, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Brimmer Librarians Stephanie Golas P ’36 (L) and Elyse Seltzer (R) collaborate weekly on their curriculum goals.

Admissions Winning Team

The Impact of Ambassadors

By Brian Beale P ’35, Director of Enrollment

This past fall, I went to Philadelphia to attend a World Series game. As a Philadelphia native and die-hard Phillies fan, this was incredibly special and a memory I will cherish for years. On the flight back to Boston, I found myself thinking about the ingredients necessary for a winning team. At the professional level, theoretically, all teams should be set up to win. They have the best players in the world, state-of-the-art facilities, and seemingly endless resources. So why do some teams win, while others struggle?

My brother works in the Phillies front office. Just two weeks prior, I had celebrated a Division Series win with dozens of employees, coaches, and broadcasters. I wondered how many people would ever think about the hard work (by countless individuals) that went into getting to that moment. That evening—that game. It’s natural to only think of those on the big stage and not those behind the scenes. Yes, a baseball team will never advance to the World Series without a talented and deep roster. But has a winning team ever been successful without a devoted and exceptional coaching staff? What about the trainers, field crew, and scouts who quietly contribute to success?

While I may not encounter professional athletes in the hallway each day like my brother, I, too, am part of a winning team. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated team of professionals who care greatly about success and are equally invested in the prospective student experience. We could never do the work we do (and achieve our goals) without our own extended roster or front office.

We are incredibly fortunate to have some of the best ambassadors in the business. From student tour guides at the Middle and Upper School level to dozens of parent volunteers representing all 14 grades, we have a deep bench of dependable staff. From campus tours to phone calls and email exchanges, and even the occasional request to dress up as the Brimmer Gator, our ambassadors do it all. While we thank them at every chance we get, there are no words to fully express our appreciation and admiration.

The next time you are watching your favorite team, I encourage you to think about the individuals who contribute to its success. I know we will continue to be grateful for our winning team here at Brimmer.

Student tour guides help the Admissions office tell the Brimmer story.

Buddy Groups

Building Connections in the Lower School

By Sarah Wyllie Kindergarten Teacher

Designed to build community and facilitate leadership, Brimmer’s Buddy Program offers our youngest in early childhood the opportunity to be paired with our upper elementary students for a variety of activities throughout the year. From Buddy Walks to STEAM activities to pairing up for our beloved annual fall apple picking trip, the program intentionally builds meaningful and rewarding connections between our youngest and oldest Lower School students, both oneon-one and in small groups. It is no surprise that our alums list Buddy Groups as one of their top memories from Lower School.

Lower School Buddies meet regularly throughout the year.

Unsung Heroes Behsind the Scenes Behind the Scened

By Bill Jacob P '06, Creative Arts Department Chair

Meet the winning team that works (literally) behind the scenes of Brimmer’s exceptional Creative Arts department. A group of consummate professionals, they’re teachers and artists with impressive careers apart from their Brimmer gig. We’ve collaborated for so many seasons they are like family, but we’ve never put names to the long list of impressive craftspeople. Let’s meet the Production Team!

Georgia Lagadinos, Costume Designer

With over 20 years of experience with students of all ages, Georgia has been designing costumes for our theater productions since 2014, including all Upper & Middle School plays, musicals, and set dressing.

Jenna McFarland Lord, Scenic Designer

Jenna has been designing sets for an impressive array of companies and educational institutions around New England (including Brimmer!) for over 23 years. “I’ve been working at Brimmer so long that I remember when I had to paint the set in the gym because there was no theater and no production shop,” she recalls. She has designed Off-Broadway and is a 2022 recipient of the Elliot Norton Award for set design.

Laura Hildebrand, Lighting Designer

Master electrician, programmer, and freelance lighting designer, Laura spent her early theater days as a violinist in pit orchestras before slipping into the technical theater world at Princeton University. Having worked for the American Repertory Theater and Emerson College Office of the Arts, she is a lighting teacher at Brimmer and a lighting designer for Fox Sports News, recently lighting the commentators for the last World Series and the Super Bowl.

Kyle Olmstead, Sound Designer

Kyle has designed sound for productions at a range of schools and theaters in New England. Under renowned sound designer Frank Gaeta, owner of Sound For Film in Los Angeles, CA, Kyle has had the opportunity to work on films with actors and directors that include Matthew McConaughey, Catherine Hardwicke, Robert Pattinson, and Kristen Stewart.

Colin McIsaac ’14, Technical Director

A former Brimmer student and an alumnus of the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts, Colin began giving back to the school that sparked his love of theater by assisting in the construction of our props and sets. Colin now handles the brunt of construction and assists in teaching our popular Stagecraft elective on how to do the same, while performing in stage and film productions around Massachusetts.

Kelly Teal Goyette, Choreographer

A graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Musical Theater, Kelly is our resident choreographer working with both Middle and Upper School casts. She has joined four international tours, including Annie , Beauty and the Beast , Grease , and Shrek , with regional work that includes playing Ursula in The Little Mermaid in Indianapolis.

Eric Kamen P ’20 Pianist, Composer & Teacher

A graduate of New England Conservatory with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance, Eric has been a member of our performance arts program since 2010 and accompanies our Lower School concerts. He has served on the faculty of Groton Hill Music Center as well as the Longy School of Music and has performed extensively around Massachusetts. Eric’s original commissioned compositions were performed at the Massachusetts State House, the Brattle Theatre, and on WCRB radio.

Caitlin Johnson, Makeup Designer & Costumer

Caitlin is a knowledgeable theater artist, passionate about education, directing, and technical design. She has vast experience working with a variety of after-school programs and summer theater programs in Massachusetts. A recent graduate of Emerson College majoring in Theatre Education and Costume Design, Caitlin is assistant director for this spring’s MS Musical and a dramaturg for the Student Directed Play.

David Medzorian, Videographer

A former television and radio news anchor and reporter, David has been working in video and audio production for nearly 50 years, forming Daval Video Productions in 1991. Also a voice-over actor for both radio and television and a professional photographer, David has been videotaping Brimmer productions for over 33 years.

THE BAND

Dorothy Travis, Piano

A member of the Brimmer Orchestra Pit for over 20 years, Dorothy is active in the Greater Boston musical scene as a music director, accompanist, teacher, and performer. With an extensive background in musical theater direction, she has prepared the casts and orchestras for dozens of productions. Dorothy has been the principal pianist for the Polymnia Choral Society for over 15 years and is Past President of the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association (MMTA).

Landon Rose, Electric Guitar

Landon taught instrumental music and video at Brimmer from 1999 to 2016, and continues to support Brimmer productions. “Playing in the professional pit band for the musicals was always a welcome addition to my busy winter-spring schedule,” he recalls.

Brian Flan, Percussion

Having performed in over 100 theater productions for local theaters and high schools, this will be his ninth year hitting the skins in the Brimmer Orchestra Pit. When not supporting Brimmer, he keeps the network running for Beth Israel Lahey Health and plays with his classic rock band, Vinyl Fix. He’s a proud dad to two theater kids and two equally dramatic cats.

Jeri Sykes, Reeds

Jeri is an arranger/orchestrator for musical theater and an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. A long-standing member of the Brimmer Orchestra Pit, she has been playing the clarinet for 45 years.

Rick Copeland, Trombone

After graduating from UMass Amherst, Rick has been a Boston-area freelance musician and has performed with various chamber groups, musical pit orchestras, and regional symphony orchestras. Rick is currently the principal trombonist of the Video Game Orchestra and is on several major video game soundtracks such as Final Fantasy XIV and XV, Code Vein, and Re: Legend