INSIDE
BROWNE
Fall 2013
Annual Report Included Fall
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Head of School’s Greeting Our Community The core value of the 2013- 2014 school year, community, is evident throughout the campus, students, faculty and parents Dear Browne Academy Community, As I write this, I have just returned from an awesome assembly to kick-off Spirit Week. The enthusiasm of our students for their school, their teachers and each other is truly exciting. It is gratifying to see the genuine interactions of children of all ages-they care for each other and take pride in each other’s accomplishments! Head of School Margot N. Durkin
This year, we are partnering with our Parents Association to promote the core value of community. While I have always seen that value demonstrated at Browne, this year it is more evident than ever. We are making great strides in teaching children the importance of friendship, inclusion, kindness and all that goes with a real community feeling. In the pages of this magazine you will see the lists of donors who have stepped up in one critical way to support our community. I thank each of you for your support and continuing interest. Through philanthropy, our community grows even stronger and we are able to offer even more to our students. I would add that as we thank our contributors, we also thank our many volunteers whose commitments are crucial to the success of so many programs here at school. Many parents tell me that they feel greatly connected to the school, their children and the other parents when they volunteer. Best wishes always, Margot N. Durkin Head of School
Browne Academy Board of Trustees 2013 - 2014 Ms. Cynthia Rice Board Chair Mr. Bryan Bonner Vice-Chair Mrs. Margot Durkin Head of School, Ex-Officio
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Mr. Peter Aliferis, Trustee Emeritus Mrs. Jacquie Bloom Mrs. Deidre Boone Mr. Jeffrey Brooks Mr. Earl Brown Ms. Ann Colonomos, Honorary Trustee Mr. Richard Driscoll Mr. Richard Germroth
Mrs. Colette Gorman Mr. Christopher Hardimon Mr. A. Everett Hoeg, III, Ex-Officio Mrs. Nora Partlow Mr. Charles Platt Mr. Omar Shiblaq Mrs. Susan Simpson Ms. Patricia St. George Mr. Matthew Strottman Mrs. Debbie McCain Wesley
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fall 2013
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Features
A Warm Welcome Mrs. Peggy Otey is announced as Browne’s incoming Head of School for the 2014-2015 school year.
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School News
Browne Summer Camp
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Commencement
Established in 1975, Browne’s Summer Camp draws campers back year after year.
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Class Notes
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The 2012-2013 Annual Report
Technology Innovation Growing technology curriculum integration has emerged at Browne through the use of iPads and enhanced resources.
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Alumni Profiles Highlighted alumnae from the Class of ‘08 & ‘09.
Margot N. Durkin Head of School Inside Browne designed & written by Katie DaRin Contributing Photography: Robert Burke, Katie DaRin, James Kegley
Alex Clain-Stefanelli Director of Middle School
Mike Sasso Director of Development
Nicole Girvan Director of Lower School
Ann Feeley-Leetz Business Manager
Bonita Lea Director of Preschool
Dawn Hopke, CFRE Director of Admission
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ALUMNI
The Core Value of
COMMU
STUDENTS PRESCHOOL LOWER SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
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FACULTY & STAFF
UNITY Each year Browne Academy chooses one of the school’s four core values of excellence, diversity, character, and community to focus on for the school year. The core value for the 2013-2014 school year is community. Many different activities and events throughout the year will center around this value. Community dinners, breakfasts, gatherings, outings, service projects, all school assemblies and more have already taken place. Help us celebrate our incredible Browne Academy family all year long!
PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS
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6 Inside Browne
Three year old students in Preschool Blue are all smiles as they use the parachute during P.E. class.
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SCHOOL NEWS Family & Friends Visit Day More than 200 grandparents, family members, friends and parents came to Browne Academy to spend an April day with the students. Visitors enjoyed the all school musical program, “All That Jazz,” and then spent time doing a special activity in each classroom.
Xavier Southall and his grandmother, Sara Auserehl, worked together to create an illustrated character trait poster.
The Second Grade class sings “Jazz” during the musical performance for all visitors in the CAPA.
Ellie Rueger and her grandfather, Bob Moll, read together. Kindergarteners also filled out a questionnaire about their guests when they were young.
The Seventh Grade class performs an energetic swing dance number, “Sing, Sing, Sing!”
Teddy Azer in PS Blue made a book and then shook up some butter with the help of his grandparents, Wandaleen Adams, Samir Azer, Violet Kancir-Azer, and Roger Adams.
Two Beloved Teachers Retire Judy Curran and Philip Spiess were recognized for their years of teaching at Browne at a reception that featured animated testimonials from students both past and present. Colleagues shared fond memories of their time teaching together and presented Judy and Philip with gifts personalized by their unique interests and talents. Mrs. Durkin presented both retirees with a special hand painted Limoges enamel box featuring a portrait of the Greystone. Judy and Philip are two teachers who will surely be missed. Philip was first a Browne Academy parent and then a Middle School faculty member for eight years. Judy began working at Browne in 1989. In her 24 years at Browne, she witnessed much change throughout the campus as well as three Heads of School terms. A fourth grade teacher throughout much of her tenure, Judy contributed to the development of many Browne students’ Lower School experience.
Old friends back together again! From left Dara Manning, Bonita Lea, Ruth Evjen, Mary West, Ruth Witte, Ann Marie Wilmeth, Judy Curran, Janis Rosen.
All of us here at Browne wish them the best in their retirement. 8 Inside Browne
Mr. Spiess displays the Limoges box.
SCHOOL NEWS
In Recognition Volunteer of the Year
Lois Ferrer Award
Peggy Hinshaw was presented with the award for Volunteer of the Year at the Volunteer Appreciation Reception on May 31, 2013.
The Lois Ferrer Award is a peer chosen recognition for excellence.
Peggy has chaired the Book Fair for the last three years, volunteered at almost every event throughout the school year, played an integral role in reviewing our network security on campus, and the list goes on. The Hinshaws have been part of the Browne family since 2008 and their son, Ben, is currently a 6th grade student.
Peggy (right) accepts the award from PA President Julia Ebron (left).
Please join us in congratulating Peggy and thanking all our wonderful volunteers for their commitment and service to Browne Academy.
Welcome to Browne The Board of Trustees welcomed new Board Member, Mr. Earl Brown, this school year. Mr. Brown is the founder and CEO of Diamond Solutions, Inc. and family member of Eric Jackson in 4th grade. We are also pleased to introduce twelve new Faculty & Staff members to Browne for the 2013-2014 School Year: Carrie Banfield, Fourth Grade Brian Briscombe, Middle School History Karina Cano, Administrative Assistant Carrie Carter, Second Grade Julia Diefenderfer, Middle School Math Carissa ElChehabi, Technology Integration Specialist Danielle Gerber, Middle School English Komi Komlan, French Teacher Kristen Logan, Middle School History and Science Christina Pereira, Associate Business Manager Kara Schutter, Development and Auxiliary Coordinator Natosha Speight, School Counselor
The late Dr. Ferrer was Browne’s Head of School for 25 years, concluding her service in 2000. The Award is presented to a teacher that demonstrates the four core values of Browne, is missionsensitive, is a respected colleague, and someone that strives for excellence in teaching at all times. The Lois Ferrer Award for the 2012-2013 School Year was given to Mrs. Dara Manning. Mrs. Manning is a long-time teacher at Browne beginning in 1990 and now working in her 23rd year. She has spent the majority of her time at Browne as a Lower School teacher; recently making the switch to 5th grade English teacher in the Middle School. She is also a grandparent to 7th grade student, Madison.
Lower School’s 2012-2013 End of the Year Awards BROWNE BEAR: SECOND GRADE Feisal Beidas Emily Jacobson Andrew Lazarski Olivia Short THIRD GRADE Tilay Martin Jasmine Rice Matthew Wilson FOURTH GRADE Ethan Baxley McKenzie Brooks Elizabeth Kiklis
PERFECT ATTENDANCE: KINDERGARTEN Anton Nasrallah FIRST GRADE Fawzia Beidas Xavier Southall Kendall Swain Brennan Wise SECOND GRADE Sophie Atkisson Michael Lettieri Megan McMaster
THIRD GRADE Bryanna Bonner Noam Diggs Sam Feeley-Leetz Arjun Ramakrishnan Jasmine Rice Howard-John Wesley Matthew Wilson FOURTH GRADE Morgan Kessler Diana Kleiman Peris Missouri Rodney Rice MICKEY HAMILTON AWARD: McKenzie Brooks
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SCHOOL NEWS
Coming Together as a
COMMUNITY On a Friday in October, two community events took place on Browne’s campus that brought together students, teachers, parents, and staff. Held in the CAPA, The Community Pancake Breakfast was the first event of its kind at Browne Academy. All grade levels sat with their buddy classes and after enjoying many delicious pancakes, students completed pictures describing their favorite thing about Browne Academy. “I love my teachers” and “I love hanging out with my friends” were two popular submissions. Following the breakfast was the annual Walk for the Homeless that supports United Community Ministries (UCM). Browne Academy exceeded their fundraising goal by over $1,000; these donations will help homeless families locally in Alexandria and Fairfax County. Parents walked the loop that winds around Browne’s campus with their children, and students paired up again with their buddies. Because Friday was also the final day of Spirit Week, students and faculty wore their Red/Grey shirts to show support for their teams contributing to a great community feeling all over campus.
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*Additional photography courtesy of Mike Sasso
SCHOOL NEWS
A Warm Welcome On October 29, 2013, The Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Mrs. Peggy Otey as the Fifth Head of School for Browne Academy. The decision capped a ten month long search process begun when Margot Durkin announced her intention to retire after 42 years in education, including eight outstanding years as Browne’s Head. Margaret (Peggy) Patten Otey comes to Browne from Charlotte Country Day School, a leading independent school in North Carolina whose values of educational excellence, diverse community, character, and service mirror those of Browne. Since 2004, Mrs. Otey has served as Country Day’s Head of the Lower School Division, which has over 600 students and 100 faculty and staff. She has an exemplary record as an educational administrator with deep knowledge of curriculum, significant management experience, and an inspirational leadership style. Before becoming Division Head at Charlotte Country Day, Mrs. Otey served as Teacher, Grade Level Coordinator, and Director of Studies, where she was responsible for the division’s curriculum. Mrs. Otey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts and her teaching certificate from Appalachian State University, and her Master of Education degree from Queens University in Charlotte. The process to search for Mrs. Durkin’s successor involved a national and international search which produced 35 highly qualified applicants, including five semi-finalists who visited Browne for intensive rounds of interviews by the Browne community. “During her two visits to the Browne campus, Mrs. Otey impressed parents, teachers, and staff alike with her commitment to excellence and her passion for education,” said Ms. Cynthia Rice, Chair of the Browne Academy Board of
Trustees. “The Board believes there is no better individual to lead Browne into its eighth decade of nurturing academic excellence and the confidence to thrive.” “Browne Academy’s commitment to excellence in academics, character development, and authentic appreciation for diversity has created a community that is inclusive and inviting and one that I am privileged and honored to be a part of as the new Head of School,” said Mrs. Otey. “My husband and I are excited about this wonderful opportunity, and we are counting the days until we join our new school family at Browne. ” Mrs. Otey will move to Alexandria with her husband, Wade. They have two adult children, a daughter, Leigh, lives in Washington, DC, and a son, Tommy. In her time outside of schools, Peggy is an active outdoorswoman who enjoys gardening, cooking and reading. In December 2012, Margot Durkin announced her retirement as Head of School of Browne Academy effective June 30, 2014. During her tenure as Head, Mrs. Durkin has guided the school through the implementation of two strategic plans, the renovation of the Grasshopper Cottage, addition of the Junior Kindergarten program, the establishment of a culture of continuing learning through professional development, and has secured the school’s financial future through the creation of operating reserves. Fall
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The Class of 2013 High School Choices JOANNA JACQUELINE BAIRES Thomas A. Edison High School
ELENA PATRICIA FERNANDEZ West Potomac High School
DAVID RIZKALLA Flint Hill School
AUDREY M. BARBER Thomas A. Edison High School
DANA ASHLEY HENTZ Bishop McNamara High School
BRYCE ROPER Thomas A. Edison High School
FAWZI BASSEL BEIDAS Gonzaga College High School
CLARENCE MASON HILL Bishop McNamara High School
TANZANIA TANYCE TAYLOR Columbia Heights Education Campus
MUSTAFA BASSEM BEIDAS Gonzaga College High School
ZEMI LEMLEM JACOB Thomas A. Edison High School
LESLIE UMANZOR Trinity Christian School
NICOLAS BALLAS BLOOM Flint Hill School
ISABELLA ANITA KING International School of Stuttgart, Germany
JORDAN THOMAS WILEY St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
SYDNEE ANDERSON BRYANT Thomas A. Edison High School
SHANLEY FRANCESCA KIRK George Mason High School
ANDREW MCKINLEY WILSON Bishop Ireton High School
ANDRES EMILIO CESTTI Thomas A. Edison High School
JAYLA LAYETTE MUSE The Potomac School
MICHEAL WILSON West Potomac High School
R.J. DAVIS III Dennis J. O’Connell High School
ROBERT CAMMANN PYLE Mercersburg Academy
SIERRA ALEXIS YAO Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School
CALISTA S. DOULIS St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
YOUGESHWAR “BJ” RAMKISSOON, JR. Landon School
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COMMENCEMENT 2013
Awards & Honors MARION BROWNE AWARD Calista Doulis PETER V. ALIFERIS AWARD Isabella King BRUIN AWARD Tanzania Taylor (1st Trimester) Sierra Yao (2nd Trimester) B.E.A.R AWARD Sydnee Bryant ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Joanna Baires Fawzi Beidas Isabella King SUPERIOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Mustafa Beidas Sydnee Bryant Calista Doulis Mason Hill Sierra Yao EFFORT AWARD Mustafa Beidas
SUBJECT AWARDS ART Joanna Baires ENGLISH Calista Doulis FRENCH Joanna Baires GLOBAL ISSUES SEMINAR Sydnee Bryant
We did it! The Eighth Grade Class holds up their diplomas to a round of applause at the close of the graduation ceremony.
HISTORY RJ Davis MATHEMATICS Mustafa Beidas David Rizkalla Sierra Yao MUSIC Mason Hill PHYSICAL EDUCATION Calista Doulis SCIENCE Andrew Wilson SPANISH Mustafa Beidas
Sydnee Bryant and Mustafa Beidas present the Class Gift and collage to Head of School, Margot Durkin. The Class of 2013 planted a tree next to the kindergarten play lot.
Leslie Umanzor, Shanley Kirk and Jayla Muse are happy to be Browne graduates.
John Horey (Class of 2009) was the alumnus speaker at graduation. John attended Flint Hill High School (‘13) and currently studies at The University of Miami.
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COMMENC E ME N T 2 0 13
Graduation Remarks By Mr. Philip Spiess, Middle School History Teacher and former parent. Retired June 2013 after eight years as a faculty member at Browne. Mrs. Durkin, Faculty, Distinguished Guests and Families, and above all, the Class of 2013: I am indeed honored to have been asked to speak to you today. I am humbled by the fact that no graduation address, be it Middle School, High School, College, or Graduate School, can rise above the perennial and banal sentiments so oft expressed to graduates of all ages. Would I speak to you on “This is the first day of the rest of your lives?” This warrants a “Well, Duh!” – an expression I believe first uttered by Socrates, though in impeccable Attic Greek. Would I speak on the subject of “Be yourselves”? I just saw this 8th Grade class on their recent class trip, and that is a subject I would not touch with a ten-foot pole. Indeed, I am reminded of the speech given by Dr. Edwin Wolff, then director of the Library Company of Philadelphia, our country’s oldest library, when he spoke in 1969 at the dedication of the new library building of the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown, New York. “I have just come,” said Dr. Wolff, “from speaking at graduation to an audience, inconceivable to me, of a mass of unwashed Hippies, to whom all I had to offer were stale gems of cheap graduation rhetoric. It was a distinct case of casting fake pearls before real swine!” So I thought: what can I speak of that might be of value to this rising generation, since, having taught them, I do truly value them? As a professional historian, I grasped upon the topic of “Change,” something which affects us all, and affects
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us continuously. Many people fear change, many people are simply loath to change, but, although a typical graduation speaker would tell you that “You can change the world!”, I am here to tell you that, au contraire, the world will change you. And let us keep in mind the dictum of the late Earl of Shaftesbury (who was pretty darned late actually, since he was back in the 19th Century): “When it is not necessary to change,” he said, “it is necessary not to change.” Yet change is inevitable. Edmund Spenser, an early Elizabethan poet, who is regrettably too little read these days, wrote, in his master work The Faerie Queene, a series of verses known as the “Mutability Cantos,” in which Mutability, a Titaness and goddess of Change, challenges Heaven and the gods themselves, proclaiming that she is the greatest power in the universe, because all things are subject to change. How this struggle turns out, I’ll let you discover for yourselves, but that all things are subject to change, you will find to be so, be it for better or for worse. You yourselves are changing now – physically, intellectually, spiritually, morally. And you will continue these changes throughout your high school and college years. No doubt you will remember changes during your years here at Browne Academy, particularly those of you who are “lifers,” who have been here from preschool on through today, your 8thgrade graduation day. I myself have been connected with Browne Academy for seventeen years, first as a parent for nine of those years, including a stint as Browne Academy’s Cubmaster, training many of your predecessors in the rigors and rituals of Boy Scouting, and then as a full faculty member for eight years, enjoying all of the classes which I had the privilege to teach, and which fell prey to my – shall we say -“hammer of discipline.” If I may reminisce for a moment about those years and their changes, you may recall some of those changes, too. When I first came to campus, when my son Philip – now a Browne
COMMENCEMENT 2013 summer camp counselor – was a Kindergartener, and Dr. Lois Ferrer was head of school, I was very confused: the Middle School, it seemed, was at the bottom of the hill, the Lower School was somewhere in the middle, and the preschool, or ELA, i.e., Kindergarten, and therefore the lowest school, was at the top of the hill (with toilets, I might add, that never really flushed). Fortunately, in the course of time, this bizarre geography of educational levels has been sorted out appropriately: you now start at the bottom of the hill and you work your way up. But there was more. The school property, it seemed, had been a farm: where CAPA now stands was a barn, complete with mice; there was also a springhouse and a Little House and a swimming pool near the creek (it’s still there, but you can hardly see it). Yet this was not Burgundy Farm, with – god forbid! – live animals and a horrendous soccer field that sloped downhill to the detriment of Browne’s teams ever winning there. The Browne family, having moved into their Rambler home adjacent to the Greystone, left the school library in what is now Mrs. Durkin’s office, and, later, when the Rambler was transformed into the Lower School (I was there, working alongside Billy Wendt), you could still find a bathtub in the closet closest to the present library’s back door! And there was one driveway bridge over the creek! When you drove up in the morning to leave your kid, you had to wait for other cars and school buses to turn around at the top of the hill by the amphitheater (about where the picnic tables are now) and come back down across the bridge before proceeding. The firm director of this traffic coming and going was our own Dara Manning, who, my then-young son said, was able to “hold up two school buses with a single hand!” The community has changed, too. We were a true community then. Everybody knew each other, partly because the school was smaller and partly because everybody attended the soccer games and Family Fun festivals, which were held on the parking lot down along Telegraph Road. The Greystone kitchen served meals every day to the Lower School, including the breaded and dreaded “Sea Wonders,” fish patties in the shapes of starfish and god-knows-what-else, nor did we ever find out of what food material – if it was food material (hence the “wonders” part) – they consisted. The building of the present Middle School marked a change for my son as he entered 5th Grade; “They built it for me,” he said, really meaning all of the Browne students of his generation. It made a significant change in Browne Academy, including a change in curriculum. It was shortly followed by the CAPA, which marked a real change in Browne culture. For a number of years, the music program had been held in trailers adjacent to the Rambler building. The end-of-the-year awards ceremony had been held in the open-air Amphitheater, uphill from the Barn, with sun in everybody’s eyes and nervous kids throwing pebbles at each other. And the annual Holiday Show in December was held first at some local schools and later, more importantly, in the splendid auditorium of the nearby
Bishop Ireton High School. Graduation and the Spring Concert were held in the Auditorium of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria. But all that has changed. So what does all of this say to our graduating class about change? It says, simply, that to cope with change, you must first accept it. You must not fear it or seek to shun it. And then, to embrace it, you must learn to be flexible. You must expect change, even anticipate it, and go with it. You have actually already learned to do this, for this is the lesson of Mountain Campus. Many of you in your Fifth Grade year, and thus in your first year of Mountain Campus, echoed, in your own way, the sentiment of the Browne mother who said firmly, “We don’t do outdoors!” “There are bugs!” You said, and “I’ve never slept away from home!” and “There are scary noises in the woods at night. I think it’s wolves! (Or maybe boys!)” Yet you did do outdoors, even when you came to my tent at 3:00 in the morning saying, “Mr. Spiess, Taylor just threw up!” We’ve heard, as you yourselves spoke today, many fondly remembered stories of Mountain Campus, for over the
“Many people fear change, many people are simply loath to change, but, although a typical graduation speaker would tell you that ‘You can change the world!’, I am here to tell you that, au contraire, the world will change you.” four years of Middle School you changed in attitude and ability; when you became more flexible, you became more relaxed, and thus you learned to cope. But change does not mean, by any measure, that you must cast off the past. The past – your past – is there to be used for the future. As your experience broadens and grows with the years, you will change because you will recognize what is useful to you from your past and what you can finally discard and be done with. Yet your past, including these years at Browne, will continue to help define you. As the 20th-Century American poet T. S. Eliot wrote in Burnt Norton, “Time past and time future / What might have been and what has been / Point to one end, which is always present.” Big changes are in store for you in the coming year as you enter high school. As many of you know, change is happening here at Browne Academy as well. As I’ve tried to show, it always has; that is life. And therefore change is about to happen in my own life. I go to new endeavors – like you. I face new challenges – like you. I may see new places and make new friends – like you. But – unlike you – I can sleep in in the mornings! Yet do not think I will be resting on my laurels. To paraphrase my first hero, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, “Old teachers never die; they just grade away!”
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First graders collect basil and other ingredients from Browne’s gardens to make pesto with grandparent visitors Mike and Adrienne Levy. Raquel Alvarez, also a grandparent, explored the garden with the students and here explains why the native wildflower beds are important.
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The
Magic
Year after year hundreds of campers pour onto Browne’s campus for eight summer weeks filled with adventure, discovery and most of all fun. 18 Inside Browne
of
Browne’s Summer Camp has a long and rich history, first established in 1975 as a division of the school. The mission states, “Browne Summer Camp is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for every camper in a safe, fun-filled and caring environment that fosters friendship and mutual respect for one another.” Yet those affiliated with the camp either as staff, parents or campers attest that there is something truly special about Browne’s summer camp; something they can’t quite put their finger on. Although it undoubtedly is memorable, fun, and a caring environment that fosters friendship, there is more to Browne summer camp than the mission statement suggests.
Every summer the camp’s popularity has grown with current and former students continuously coming back as campers and counselors. Recent Middle School graduates eagerly join the Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) program, ready after years as campers to experience their first job. They learn the importance of a work ethic and taking on individual responsibility, as well as leadership skills and the dynamics of working on a team. The camp also draws many campers who attend both public and private schools all over Virginia and Maryland creating an environment of inclusion and making the diversity of the camp ever present.
Inside Browne caught up with Steve Marshall, the Director of Auxiliary Services, to find out more about Browne Summer Camp past and present, and what makes the camp experience so unique. Inside Browne: How long have you been involved with Browne Summer Camp and in what capacity? STEVE MARSHALL: The summer of 2013 was my 9th summer. I started as a counselor, then became a lifeguard before becoming the pool director. And last year I began working as the Director of Summer Camp along with Janet Gomez. My wife has also been a counselor at Browne for 12 years and we have a daughter, Jane, who is now in 1st grade but has been attending summer camp ever since preschool three. What changes did you make to the camp program this year?
a change to the overnight for the oldest campers, group 9. All campers 3rd Grade and above have an overnight at Browne, but we decided to make it a little special for this group and took them to Burke Lake. They camped in tents, and made their own fishing poles out of bamboo to fish with (pictured below). What are some hallmarks of the program that will never change? The Grand Finale definitely. It marks the end of the summer and is a huge blow out event. Also, the camp has always incorporated aspects that touch on many different areas and skills - nature, sports, arts and dance - that will continue to be part of the program as well. Using the pool and swim lessons are a big part of summer camp at Browne too. The focus on safety and the lifeguard program are parts we don’t want to lose.
Browne already had such a great program, but I wanted to introduce some new things. This year we hatched ducklings and were able to watch them grow to adulthood over the span of the summer. We also built a fire pit which was incorporated in a lot of ways into various activities. On the overnights we cooked s’mores and one of our specialistsOut of the Box, did a new activity each week with the kids. One week they did “campfire cooking” with all the groups.
Lastly, I would say that one thing that is very important to not change is the sense of community and culture of respect at Browne Summer Camp. We treat everyone as if they’re family. I think that the C.I.T’s and alumni staff keep coming back because of this.
This summer we also built a Gaga ball pit on the back field. This game is huge right now in camps. Basically, it is played in an octagonal pit with a soft lightweight ball and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. It is really fun and easy, and everyone gets a good workout.
Janet and I always say, “we never sweep anything under the rug.” Meaning we try to address every issue that comes up and make sure parents feel their children are taken care of. Also the quality of staff we have here I believe is a large contributing factor to camper retention.
Something else that’s new this year was
Families consistently return to Browne every summer for camp, why do you think this is?
I have to say I also think Janet and her 25 years at Browne is a big reason people keep coming back. She makes everyone feel loved and all the kids know her.
Janet and I always say, “we never sweep anything under the rug.” Meaning we try to address every issue that comes up and make sure parents feel their children are taken care of. So, what is it then that makes Browne Summer Camp so special and unique? I think we work really hard to make everything fun and engaging; to make each week different and extraordinary in its own way. We had one week where every day was a holiday and the staff jumped right in. They made a haunted house and had the kids mummify their counselors on “Halloween.” There is always our 4th of July picnic where the whole camp comes together, and every Friday there are assemblies where our campers get up on stage and put on dances or skits for everyone to see (parents too). We have a wind and water week where the fire department comes and sprays their hose on the kids, we hold Olympics in the CAPA, have had a petting zoo come to campus, you name it. Every day is interesting. Mostly I think people feel that sense of community and family here. Everyone is important. We want all campers to have fun and be safe but also to always feel included. We want to give kids unforgettable summers. *Additional photography courtesy of Kathy Roche and Steve Marshall
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20 Inside Browne
Innovate.
Exhilarate. Educate. Greatly expanding in recent years, technology at Browne provides amazing tools that enhance learning and contribute to the progressive education the school is known for. With the addition of the iPad program, the expansion of Promethean boards in classrooms and new techniques for research, study and practice, students and teachers alike are expanding their horizons.
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S
tudents today are 21st Century learners, most developing the skills to navigate smart phones, tablets and computers well before they are even school age. Schools must ask the question, how do we address the growing reliance, comprehension and use of technology in the learning environment? Browne has embraced this challenge head on by using technology to enhance the educational program in many ways. Traditional computer lab classes have transformed from learning basic skills such as keyboarding, although still a necessity, to designing websites, managing blogs and programming code. Carissa El Chehabi is the new Technology Integration Specialist at Browne and her position covers everything from navigating the world of iPad apps to classroom instruction for first graders on essential computer skills. Ms. El Chehabi comes to Browne after completing her masters’ degree in educational technology in 2009, and earning professional teaching certifications for PreK-12th Grade. Ms. El Chehabi is excited about growing the technology program at Browne and has eagerly engaged in many professional development opportunities to learn more about expanding technology education. “I’m always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance what the teachers are doing through technology.”
these integrated classes, a set of 25 mini iPads is available in the library for any class to sign out. Kindergarten and the Preschool have a set of three iPads for the classroom to use during centers and as needed. The iPad program was made possible in part through the generosity of our families and their gifts to the Annual Fund and Auction. Ms. El Chehabi has seen the students research and problem solving skills flourish through the use of educational apps in different subjects, “The apps also provide a greater sense of student independence.” In French class students recently began using “Duolingo” which is an interactive app that covers listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in the targeted language and tracks student’s individual progress. Likewise, in a traditional classroom setting a teacher may ask a question to the class, and subsequently the teacher calls on one student to answer. While the teacher may have gauged that student’s mastery of the subject, what about the other students? Recently Middle School history and science teachers introduced the app “Socrative” which is a student response system that allows teachers to ask questions aloud and students to respond via the iPads, showing only their responses to the teacher. This gives a clear picture of who understands the topic being covered. In this way, a teacher’s ability to engage and differentiate curriculum for students is additionally supported through the use of technology.
The iPad program, introduced in the 2012-2013 school year, has changed technology education at Browne. Currently, third, fourth and fifth graders are part of the 1:1 program with each student having and iPad or mini for use at school. In addition to
The iPad program has also given students a platform to go beyond conventional ways of learning and embrace creativity and innovation. Writer’s Workshop, which is a program used by all Lower School grades, has apps for students to publish their
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“
My role is largely about being a resource for the teachers. We’ll meet and decide as a team how I can integrate technology to enhance the curriculum.
”
work - an important step of the writing process in Writer’s Workshop. Students are able to see the stories they create come to life in a way they couldn’t before. Ms. El Chehabi has witnessed how teaching using purposeful apps has transformed classrooms and students’ ability to express themselves, “The students with iPads are really excited about using them and are very proud of their work. They can’t wait to show it off.” Some educators seeing the increased use of tablets and other portable devices have begun to wonder if computer labs will soon be a thing of the past. Ms. El Chehabi, however, attests that as technology evolves computer labs will not become obsolete. In fact, the computer lab setting works to build a foundation by broadening students’ proficiency with computer programs they will use throughout their academic careers, such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. As students increasingly become global citizens, schools have a responsibility to teach children what it means to be a
“Appy Hour” good digital citizen, online safety and “net-iquette.” Students’ accountability for their actions when using the computer is not overlooked at Browne. All students participating in the 1:1 iPad program were required to sign an iWill Responsible Use Policy. The concept of digital citizenship is something Ms. El Chehabi believes is an integral part of the technology curriculum, “I constantly try to incorporate the topic of digital citizenship into my classes so students learn how to protect themselves and their friends, and understand the proper way to use the internet.” Through growing technology integration at Browne, students are eagerly engaging with new forms of media, and teachers have a platform for collaboration, research and innovation.
Technology Integration Specialist, Carissa El Chehabi, shares her top 5 iPad app picks Let’s Create! Pottery HD Lite
Art app; e-pottery wheel - kids love this!
Socrative
E-administer quizzes, quick checks; monitor student knowledge
iMovie
A fun and engaging way to make stories come to life
Sushi Monster
Practice math facts addition, subtraction and multiplication
Duolingo
Speaking, reading, listening and more in a foreign language
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24 Inside Browne
Peris winds up for a kick during a home soccer game. The 5/6 soccer team had a truly outstanding season. They won all five of their games by wide margins and were a force to be reckoned with on the field.
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ALUMNI PROFILES Valerie Parker, Class of 2008 Alumna Valerie Parker is a Browne lifer, This past summer, before her sophomore year of college at Duke, she came back to Browne as an intern for the Advancement team, which is comprised of the Development and Admission Offices. Her responsibilities included assisting with open houses, enhancing social media, and engaging young alumni including organizing a Class of 2008 reunion. Inside Browne: As a Browne lifer, what’s your first memory of Browne Academy? Valerie Parker: I remember being in Preschool Red with Mrs. Rosen and singing songs. One song I can still recall is “put your finger in the air.” What are some of your fondest memories of attending school here? Kindergarten was big. We changed classrooms for the first time and my year, we moved into the new kindergarten classrooms in the middle of the year. I remember that everything was brand new with bright carpets and computers. I love to read and Mrs. Thompson, the librarian at the time, helped to foster that interest. She would pull books for me that she thought I would like; I loved going to her class. In Middle School, Mountain Campus was an unforgettable experience. We were given lots of freedom and the activities took you out of your comfort zone. It was a great bonding experience and taught us the importance of teamwork. Some of my most special memories are of the teachers at Browne. Mrs. Freidman was my English teacher for 5th, 7th and 8th grade and would give me formal warnings when I was unprepared for class, but she was always there for me and was always excited about what we were learning. What are you up to now? After Browne I went to Edmund Burke High School where I played soccer and track and became an admission ambassador. Now I’m going into my sophomore year at Duke. I’m on the pre-med track with a minor in Spanish and my goal is to be a pediatrician some day. I also hope to study abroad in Spain. Last spring break I took part in a mission trip to Costa Rica where we helped to build a Sunday school classroom as well as a kitchen and bathroom for a church and get it up to code so that it could reopen. How would you say your Browne Academy education prepared you for high school, college and beyond? Browne prepared me for the classroom with their strong math program. I was able to transition easily to high school and take AP classes later on. My English classes also taught me how to take notes and the caliber of books we read was consistently high; I think this gave me the ability to analyze material better in school. Overall, Browne taught me how to be
26 Inside Browne
organized as a student. An “accordion folder” was always on the supply list and I carried that with me into high school and college by continuing to buy one each year for my subjects. As I moved forward in my academic career, Browne left with me a great sense of community. We were a really close grade, so for high school and college I wanted a place that felt like a tight knit family and had people there that wanted to get involved. A big take away from Browne was the work ethic they instilled in me. Teachers pushed me to be the best I could be and I’m still pushing myself today to always try. What piece of advice would you give to current students? How about to alumni? I would tell current students that Middle School can be extremely challenging, but the friends you make here are friends that you can have for a long time after you graduate. Value those friendships and the people around you today. I would also say, don’t slack off! The work you do here, although at times you may feel it is basic or unrelated to your future goals, will provide a foundation for future learning. I’m a product of Browne, I spent 11 years of my education here. Four years of high school and college don’t even add up to my collective time spent learning and growing at Browne. To alumni I would say, stay in touch! Those that you considered your best friends at Browne, stay in contact with them as you get older. It is important to have those relationships as you move on in life. What are three words that sum up Browne Academy for you? Fun, challenging, community.
“Browne left with me a great sense of community. We were a really close grade, so for high school and college I wanted a place that felt like a tight knit family and had people there that wanted to get involved.”
Lily Pickett, Class of 2009 After spending her high school summers as a Browne Summer Camp counselor, Lily returned to the campus once again to complete her senior year internship. Before leaving for college, Lily wrote the thank you note below to Browne Academy.
Dear Browne Academy, Browne has always and will always be my home. I began school at Browne when I was four years old and graduated with the Class of 2009. Currently, I am attending the Maret School and will be headed to Butler University in the fall. But I have not left Browne behind. I work at Browne Summer Camp every summer and have been for the past two summers. My co-counselor and I work with the three year olds every day as they explore for the first time the school that I came to grow and love. Their first interactions with Ms. Janet, the camp director who was one of my preschool teachers, remind me of the days I would spend on the playground in my frilly dresses enjoying recess. Each day at summer camp is an adventure and also a great way for the campers to get to know Browne before they attend school in the fall. As a former camper, I love coming back and seeing the camp from an older perspective, getting to know my former counselors as my co-counselors. Each summer brings familiar faces and I love seeing the returning campers. As I look forward to returning to Browne Summer Camp for my third summer, I am back at Browne for my senior project. My two week “internship� has brought me back for some of my last weeks of high school. I am working with the admissions office for some time and will also get the opportunity to spend some time in the lower and preschool classrooms as well. Seeing faces that are familiar from my time as a student as well as faces from summer camp has been great. Graduating from Browne was scary, but the school prepared me for high school and taught me both the academic and the social lessons that led to a great four years at Maret. I learned how to write a paper, as well as how to make friends, and I honestly could not have done it without the support and experiences that I got from my years at Browne. So, this is my great big thank you to Browne. Thanks to the teachers that inspired me. Thanks to the students who made it a great community. Thanks to the administration who made it run smoothly. Just, thank you. Yours, Lily Pickett Browne Academy Class of 2009
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Class Notes
life after Browne
1991 Dan Coe is currently an astronomer working at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. For the past 10 years, he has used the Hubble Space Telescope to study our universe. Recently he discovered a strong candidate for the most distant galaxy yet known. Dan would like to extend his appreciation for the great friends and teachers he had at Browne Academy, and the fond memories of his time there. Robyn Reynolds went on to Edison High School where she graduated in ‘95. Robyn then worked for a collection agency for six months. From there she went to work for the government. Her summer plans included a trip to North Carolina and Massachusetts.
1992 Jasmine Singh (Sethi) is currently living in Bethesda, MD and works for IBM as a cybersecurity subject matter expert for the Department of Defense. She has a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.
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She has been married for three years, with a ten month old daughter, and two dogs. Jasmine also has a fashion blog on the side. After attending the University of Maryland - College Park for undergrad, she then did a summer program in fashion design at Parsons in New York City.
1993
1994 Kim Lundberg married Karl Tigges on July 26, 2013. Kim and Karl currently live in Alexandria, VA (less than one mile from Browne Academy) with their dog Kita, but are in the process of custom building a house in Stafford, VA. Kim is a Safety Data Analyst supporting the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Personnel and Readiness at the Pentagon and Karl is a professional photographer.
1996
Akilah Harris (Owens) is a Sales Manager for The Pulte Group. She attended the Bullis School for high school and continued on to study Broadcast/Corporate Communications at Elon University. Akilah is the proud mother of Ethan and Elle (pictured above with husband Kelvin Harris). Shelby Lloyd graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC in 2004, bought a house in 2006 in Charlotte, NC, and is currently the Associate Buyer of designer handbags
Class Notes
for Belk Department Stores (a 125 year old privately owned department store chain with over 300 locations in the southeast). In 2011, while in NYC on a buying trip she met Beyonce and was invited to the launch party for her new fragrance ‘Pulse’ as a prestige fragrance buyer.
2003
2007
Sarah Walker (Carr) attended Edison High School and after graduating in 2007, she went to VCU in Richmond for the art program. There, Sarah met her (now) husband that first year, and they married in 2008 and moved to North Carolina to start their life together. He’s in the Army and has been deployed four times since they were married. Sarah graduated from the Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill, NC and is currently working as an Arch Expert for Benefit Cosmetics.
Joanna Webb is currently a junior at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) majoring in Sequential Arts. Her art has been sold at various comic and anime conventions on the east coast. Joanna is also an organizer in the UMES Envision Arts Club and was selected to serve on the faculty search committee. In 2011 she was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She is a graduate of Edmund Burke High School where Joanna’s original artwork was selected for the official graduation materials for her class.
2001
Kristin Knihnicki went to Virginia Tech, class of 2009, and spent about four years as a recruiter in DC. About seven months ago, she decided to make a new life and adventure in NYC. She is now a recruiter for a boutique firm in Union Square. If any Browne alums are looking for a job in NYC, Kristin would be happy to get in touch.
2002 Forthe Carson left northern Virginia to play Ice Hockey for Appalachian State University after graduating from St Stephens & St Agnes High School. Since graduating in 2011 from ASU, Forthe has moved to Charlotte, NC where he confounded a tech start up, SweetRelish.com, and where he currently heads up the sales team.
“I tell everyone I can how privileged I was to go to Browne Academy and the memories I have from there will forever stay with me. I love the school and it truly shaped who I am today.”
2006 Ropafadzo Maweni just started his fourth year at the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland where he expects to earn a Master of Arts, Joint Honors degree in English and Philosophy. Ropafadzo spent the summer interning at Farmworker Justice in Washington, DC and also with the Terry McAuliffe 2013 Virginia gubernatorial campaign.
2008 Chris Adleson finished a successful freshman year at Christopher Newport University where he is a computer engineering major. Chris’ extracurricular activities included crew, break dancing, rock climbing, performing with CNU’s sketch comedy club, going to the beach, and participating as a member of the Kappa Delta Rho service fraternity. One highlight of the year was performing with his hip hop crew at half-time during a CNU basketball game. Chris also gave a “Preparing for College” seminar to local high school seniors as part of CNU’s Leadership program. Upon his return home, Chris received the Triple Crown of High
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Class Notes
The Class of 2008 had a reunion dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill in Alexandria in July. From left (first row), Johanna Cheney, Valerie Parker, Emily Morgan, Paige Foley, (second row) Kayla Tucker, Antonia Hill, Sara Bonanno, Chris Adelson, Bonita Lea, Jevin Clark (third row) Peter Wickham, Taylor Foster, Christophe Poyac.
Adventure Award from the Boy Scouts of America for participating in the Philmont, Sea Base, and Northern Tier programs as a scout. Chris is working for Hydro-Tech Irrigation this summer, servicing irrigation systems throughout the Metro area. When not working, Chris enjoys catching up with friends, perfecting new break dance moves, and programming in Java. He will travel to Yellowstone National Park with his family this summer before heading back to college. Sarah Bonanno attends Old Dominion University where she is part of the Latino Student Alliance and has met a lot of diverse, new people. She currently lives in Washington, D.C. Jevin Clark attends Lehigh University and is majoring in chemical engineering. She is a RA as well as a swim instructor. Taylor Foster is currently working and traveling. He has been to Japan, South America and Europe. This fall he is taking a few months to travel the U.S.
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Top left: Charlotte Sadar (‘11), Janis Rosen and Alexandra Cline (‘11) catch up at the retirement reception. Top right: Christina Fernandez (‘11) & Sydney Yao (‘11) visit with Johanna Cheney at their sister’s graduation. Bottom: Browne Alumni and former campers who returned to be C.I.T’s and Assistant Staff at Browne Summer Camp in 2013.
Madison Hardimon completed his freshman year at Loyola University. He is majoring in International Business with a minor in Political Science. He has earned recognition in both academics and athletics. Madison was awarded the athletic deans list and continuously seeded as a key contributor to the Greyhounds swim team. In Buffalo, NY at the MAAC Championships, he contributed to the overall team final points in all of his events 100, 200 and 500 Freestyle and was subsequently named on the MAAC Academic Honor Roll for his student athlete performance in the classroom. During the summer he continued his third year as an intern for Adams & Reese LLP in D.C. and coached swimming at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA.
Antonia Hill attends Spelman College and was inducted into the Alpha Lamba Delta Honors Society as well as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Antonia also spent an internship helping implement programs in inner city Atlanta schools. Emily Morgan attends the University of South Carolina and is planning to go abroad to Scotland in the spring. She is also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Will Regnell is a sophomore at Hobart College in Geneva, NY. This summer he had a job at a winery in Mendoza, Argentina working on his Spanish that he first started learning at Browne. Kayla Tucker attends the University of Maryland and is majoring in psychology. She is also part of the Dynamic Dance Team. Pete Wickham attends Manchester College where he studies math and is still playing rugby.
Class Notes
2010 Amanda Breed is attending Edmund Burke High School as a senior this fall. During the summer, she attended Marine Biology Camp at Topsail Island, North Carolina. She enjoyed scuba diving over North Carolina’s reefs and interacting with 200-pound green sea turtles. She worked with marine biologists there, seeking improved coastal conservation methodologies for the remaining species of sea turtles, working with rehabilitation programs, and exploring how the fate of these creatures is tied to the overall health of the planet. Other summer plans included trips to visit colleges in Florida, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
2012 Cameron (CJ) Abell attended the Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) Federal Agents in Training Program in Washington D.C. this past summer.
looking forward to being a sophomore this year.
Savannah Jelks is excited to start her sophomore year at the Maret School. She has enjoyed playing on the varsity girls tennis team and the girls JV basketball team this past year at Maret. This summer, Savannah was an Assistant Staff member at Browne Summer Camp, and had fun helping out the counselors as well as working with the other CITs and Assistant Staff. She has also gone to the beach and London.
Skye Carlson had a great freshman year at Thomas A. Edison High School. She received an Edison varsity letter in swimming and golf. Skye stuck with her love for being on stage and was a part of the ensemble in the spring musical, “Once upon a Mattress.” Skye and her parents traveled to Peru for a two week vacation! They explored Inca Ruins, such as Machu Picchu, and practiced some Spanish with the locals. Skye is
James Manship is currently attending Edmund Burke School in Northwest Washington D.C. He absolutely loves it and is doing extremely well both academically and socially. This summer, James embarked on his first “tour” to Honolulu, Hawaii, called “Wide Open Hawaii 2013”. The trip was a choir and band tour, as well as a mission trip to the island of Oahu. The group was able to feed 2,250 people in one day, run a kids’ fest for underprivileged kids in Wahiawa, organize a camp for a local church, and perform five concerts all over Oahu. “It was awesome to be able to help so many poor and underprivileged people and to see past the paradisiacal image that most visitors see.”
2013 Sydnee Bryant traveled to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji this summer with a student ambassador program called People to People. “Browne has prepared me for a bright future ahead of me.”
ALUUMNI CONNECTIONS Have class notes or a story to share with Browne? Email communications@ browneacademy.org.
Need to update your contact information? Visit www.browneacademy. org and fill out the Alumni Contact Information form under Our Community.
Interested in organizing a class reunion? Contact the Development Office, development@ browneacademy.org. Fall
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Families at Browne Academy took the month of November to celebrate something they are so thankful for—the Browne Community. Because the Admission Office knows that most new families hear about Browne from word of mouth referrals, they handed out “Proud to be a Browne Academy Family” yard signs which were displayed from November 8-27 in front yards, along streets and in windows at their place of business. By sharing in that great Browne community spirit, families contributed to an invaluable marketing campaign making Browne’s name known all over their neighborhoods and local communities.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
34 Inside Browne
THANK YOU
Thank you for making a difference in the education of every student at Browne Academy. We are thrilled to announce that we exceeded our fundraising goals thanks to the generosity of the Browne community. Gifts made to the school during the 2012-2013 school year: 100% of the Board of Trustees 100% of the Faculty and Staff 71% of Current Families As a result, the Annual Fund and Auction raised over $250,000 allowing the school to enhance the educational experience for every child on campus.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW FINANCIAL AID & DISCOUNTS 12% AUXILIARY SERVICES & SUMMER CAMP 7%
REVENUE
DEBT SERVICE 3%
INSTRUCTIONAL 45%
GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE 15%
OTHER 15%
PLANT & DEPRECIATION 18%
TUITION & FEES 85%
EXPENSES YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ANNUAL FUND HELPS TO COVER THE REMAINING 15%
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The Annual Fund supports the educational experience of every student on campus by enhancing many aspects of the academic program as well as other needed areas of the operating budget. These are just some of the ways your Annual Fund contribution benefits our remarkable students.
The
IMPACTof Faculty & Staff Professional Development The foundation of a great school is its teachers. Our students benefit from Browne’s commitment to the professional growth of our excellent teachers every day. In the 2012-2013 school year, 60 members of the faculty and staff attended 44 conferences, institutes, workshops, and roundtables focused on improving instruction and student achievement. In addition, seven members of the faculty and staff were pursuing an advanced degree. Continuing our own education is an important way of modeling lifelong learning to our students and remaining current in the latest trends in the field.
36 Inside Browne
Over the last two years, 15 Lower School and Middle School teachers attended the Lucy Calkins Writing and Reading Workshop Institute at Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
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21st Century Education
The different apps we use makes learning fun! Tables of Doom helped us learn our math facts and Earth 101 is an exciting way to learn about different places and landmarks around the world.
The generosity of our community through the Annual Fund and Auction allowed Browne to expand our iPad program. An iPad mini cart containing 25 devices for use by any class was purchased, 3rd through 5th grades have class sets, each Kindergarten and Preschool class has three iPad minis for use in centers, and teachers have iPads to use with their Promethean interactive white boards.
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– BRYANNA AND GRACE, 4TH GRADE
Your Annual Fund
GIFT “
Focusing on the Arts The Annual Fund allows Browne to provide a number of additional opportunities for students to explore and perhaps develop a passion for the arts. Your generosity helps to bring special presentations such as the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre and Mother Goose Productions to our younger students and supports our Handbell and Drama programs for older students.
There is no greater avenue for achieving a sense of personal and team accomplishment than through the hard work of performing in a musical production. For the performer, the applause that comes at the end of the show is a celebration of individual and communal effort.
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– ALEX CLAIN, CO-DIRECTOR
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HONOR ROLL OF DONORS 2012-2013 We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the donors on the following pages for their generous contributions, our Annual Fund Chairs Bryan Bonner and Omar Shiblaq, and the Chairman of the Advancement Committee, Chris Hardimon. Your support creates an environment where every student at Browne is able to thrive! FOUNDER’S CIRCLE $10,000.00 and above Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Strottman The Stewart B. Eckers Charitable Trust United Way of the National Capital Area HEAD OF SCHOOL’S CIRCLE $5,000.00 - $9,999 The Anderson Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Brooks Mr. David S. Germroth and Ms. Rebecca J. Hudson, AP ’12 Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. McGlynn Mr. Charlie H. Platt Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Strottman DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $2,500.00 - $4,999 Mr. and Mrs. Keith W. Bloom, AP ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne M. Boone, AP ’09,’12 Mr. Kyle E. Chadwick and Ms. Cynthia A. Rice Mr. and Mrs. James V. Durkin Mr. Christopher J. Hardimon and Ms. Lisa M. Balzereit, AP ’08 Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Lambert Lands’ End, Inc. LTC Christopher J. Lettieri and LTC Christine F. Lettieri Mr. Aaron Newman and Ms. Bevin Newman Mr. Cornelius Southall and Ms. Patricia St. George Mr. John P. Venzon and Mrs. Amy R. Wallace-Venzon Dr. and Mrs. Andrew E. Wise 1941 CLUB $1,941.00 - $2,499 Mr. Robert Baxley and Ms. Jean Baxley Mr. Bryan A. Bonner and Dr. Ingrid D. Johnson Mr. Alex Clain-Stefanelli and Mrs. Eleanor Clain-Stefanelli Ms. Julia Ebron Col. Darry Johnson and Major Anna Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Brian Klock Mr. and Mrs. Evan Morris, Esq. 38 Inside Browne
Mr. Hatem Rizkalla and Mrs. Nashwa Kawkab, AP ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Arnold G. Simpson, AP ’03 Mr. and Mrs. Ivan G. Swain BRUINS’ CIRCLE $1,000.00 - $1,940 Anonymous Bank of America Mr. and Mrs. Michael Boriboon Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Brioche Mr. Steven C. Doulis and Dr. Sophia P. Doulis, AP ’12,’13 Ms. Lili Dunn Mr. Oliver Gacad and Ms. Aileen Gonzaga Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Gayle, AP ’12 Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Gorman, AP ’12 Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Hopke Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Irvin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Kiklis, AP ‘09,’12 Mr. and Mrs. David M. King, AP ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Klawiter, AP ’07 Lincoln Financial Foundation Mr. Gerald Lindrew and Ms. Ellen McGuire, AP ’98,’04 Mr. and Mrs. Robert MacKenzie Mr. and Mrs. Richard Manning Mrs. Debbie McCain Wesley Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McMaster Mr. Rob Morris and Ms. Nicole Girvan Dr. Christopher North and Dr. Stella North Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Nyerges Ms. Cathleen L. Peters Mr. and Mrs. Ram Ramakrishnan Ms. LeAnne Redick Wilson, AP ’13 Safeway Mr. Michael Sasso Mr. Omar A. Shiblaq Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey O. Short Mr. Craig Stevens and Mrs. Mary Casson Stevens General and Mrs. Gordon Sullivan, AP ’08 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sullivan SunTrust Foundation Mr. Terrance Taylor and Ms. Candace Ewell Mr. and Mrs. Jack M. Victory III Mr. Robert Wittpenn and Ms. Elizabeth Price Mr. James M. Wozniak and Ms. Robin A. Johnson
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The drama program has helped me become a more confident public speaker and taught me how to express myself in different ways. – SAM STEVENS, 8TH GRADE
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ANNUAL GIVING D O N O R S FRIENDS’ CIRCLE $500.00 -$999 Adams and Reese LLP Lt.Col. Eric Atkisson and Dr. Jianying Atkisson Bank of America United Way Campaign Mr. and Mrs. James E. Bickley, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Brooks Ms. Nelda Brown Mr. and Mrs. Ali Chebinou Mr. Michael J. Collins and Dr. Linda D. Fama Master Sgt. and Mrs. Earl Covel Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Denholm Mr. Ernest Donovan and Ms. Cari Donovan Employees Charity Organization of Northrop Grumman Giant Food Mr. and Mrs. Adam Guy Mr. and Mrs. Damon B. Hinshaw Mr. and Mrs. Don J. Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Theodore E. Kalo Mr. and Mrs. William Lese Mr. Anthony V. Lupo and Ms. Jean C. Hsu Mr. Andrew Taylor and Ms. Kimberly McCue Mr. Nathan T. Musick, Ph.D. and Mrs. Vesselina H. Musick Mr. and Mrs. Guy S. Neal, AP ’12 Ms. Sylvia Pearson Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Pyle, AP ’13 Ms. Kerrie Rushton Mr. and Mrs. Karl Schmidt Major Susan Smeltzer Mrs. Juliet A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Sutherland, AP ’00 Mr. and Mrs. A. Dexter Tugbang United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta Mr. Adrian White Mr. and Mrs. Euseekers Williams, Jr.
RED AND GREY CIRCLE up to $499 Ms. Farana Abdul Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Ahlgren, AP ’94 Ms. Catherine B. Alexander, AP ’01 Ms. Reshon Alexander Mr. Nicholas V. Aliferis, Class of ‘98 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Aliferis, AP ’98 Dr. Sharon M. Alston America’s Charities Anonymous Dr. Timothy Ashenfelter and Dr. Kathleen Ashenfelter Ms. Maria Baires, AP ’13 Mr. Christopher Baker and Ms. Lucretia A. Pearce Mr. and Mrs. Duane J. Banks, AP ’09 Mr. and Mrs. Rodney E. Barber, AP ’13 Ms. Audrey Baugh Mrs. Stacie Becker Dr. and Mrs. Bassel Beidas, AP ’10,’13 Dr. and Mrs. Bassem Beidas, AP ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Wassim Beidas, AP ’04,’05 Mr. Diego M. Bergara, Class of ‘09 Mr. Pablo Bergara, Class of ‘07 Ms. Sherri Berthrong, J.D., AP ’98,’00 Ms. Marcia A. Bevington Ms. Gina G. Biver Mr. and Mrs. Eric Blankenstein Mr. Isaac Boone Box Tops for Education Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brockway Mr. Neil Byrne, AP ’07 Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Camp Mr. Parry J. Carlson and Dr. Karen Cochrane Carlson, AP ’12 Ms. Shannon Casey Mr. Alvaro Cestti and Ms. Ana Caballero, AP ’13 Mr. Andres Cestti, Class of ‘13
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Mrs. Rose A. Cipriano Mr. and Mrs. David Clark Mr. Benjamin Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Paul Curran Ms. Michele Darbeau Ms. Katie DaRin Mr. Bryan H. Davidson, AP ’08 Mr. and Mrs. Jamal Davis Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Davis, Jr., AP ’13 Mr. John DeMarchi Mr. Edward B. Donohue and Ms. Joan E. Milkovits, AP ’96 Mr. and Mrs. Llewellyn W. Dortch, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Dove Mr. Richard Driscoll and Ms. Elizabeth Seltzer Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Durkin, AP ’10 Dr. Gwendolyn H. Everett and Mr. Ralph B. Everett Mr. Frank Fannon Dr. Jon M. Farber and Dr. Michaela L. Zajicek-Farber, AP ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Francis X. Feeley Ms. Ann M. Feeley-Leetz and Ms. Lori A. Feeley-Leetz Mr. Rodney E. Ford and Ms. Arita J. Tillman Mr. and Mrs. Brent Forrest Mr. and Mrs. Scott Getzow Ms. Janet Gomez Ms. Ginny Grabelle Ms. Eron Grabowsky Mr. Wesley Grady Ms. Lelia G. Grinnan Ms. Gloria Guerrero, AP ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Jayant Haksar Mr. and Mrs. David Hartshorn Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Hentz, AP ’09,’13 Mr. and Mrs. Mark Holbrook Mr. and Mrs. Phillip D. Huheey Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hutchings
Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop empowers students to take ownership of their learning. This individualized approach to building essential reading and writing skills engages our students by allowing them to choose books and writing topics important to them. Teachers then facilitate lessons geared toward improving each child’s understanding and ability.
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– KIM GAYLE, 1ST GRADE TEACHER & ROBYN LAHA, 4TH GRADE TEACHER
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“
The iPads are boosting student engagement in and out of class. I regularly see students using science apps (such as Build a Body) outside of class time to practice their knowledge of the body systems. In history, the fifth graders used their iPads to film a “day in the life” documentary about the Stone Age. The iPads allowed them to jump into the history books and relive life as an Early Human. Students achieved far more in this unit than simply memorizing facts from a textbook- they truly experienced the Stone Age.
”
–KRISTEN LOGAN, 5TH/6TH GRADE HISTORY, 5TH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER
Mr. Lloyd E. Irvin, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Claude Johnson, Sr., AP ’87 Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Jones Mr. Juan Juarez Lt.Col. John Jurden and Lt.Col. Deidra Fleming Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Keiser, AP ’11 Mr. Lorence L. Kessler Mr. Gary Kleiman and Ms. Beth Morrissey Ms. Leah Kleiman Mr. Mahesh Krishnamurthy and Mrs. Nandita Kalyan Mr. and Mrs. Ted T. Kukoski Mrs. Robyn A. Laha Mrs. Jennifer Lam Mr. and Mrs. David Larson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lattimore Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lazarski Ms. Bonita L. Lea Ms. Alyssa Lee Ms. Elizabeth Lee Ms. Aimee L. Litwiller and Mr. Thomas Nordby Mrs. Kathy A. Louryk Mr. Hubert Lowder Ms. Felecia Lowe Mrs. Sharon B. Lyon Ms. Erin Mackey Ms. Susan Manship, AP ’12 Mr. and Mrs. J. Douglas Marchant Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Marsh
Mr. Steven Marshall Lt.Col.Pattie McElveen-Ramkissoon, AP ’13 Ms. Laura McFarland Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Medina Dr. Ann B. Metzinger Mrs. Nancy R. Morrissey Ms. Jacqueline Oduro Ms. Ofelia Oronoz Mr. and Mrs. Christopher E. Palmer, AP ’03,’09 Mrs. Nora Partlow Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Peters, AP ’99,’01 Mr. John T. Pickett and Ms. Virginia J. Mayes, AP ’06,’09 Ms. Cheryl A. Platt Col. Tom Posch and Ms. Laura Megan-Posch Mr. David Post Ms. Shameatra Powell Mr. Christophe Poyac Mr. and Mrs. Andrew L. Price Ms. Casey Ridlon Mr. and Mrs. Gordon J. Ringer Mrs. Jessica Robinson Capt. and Mrs. Mark E. Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Roth, AP ’12 Reverend and Mrs. Herbert Rouson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Herve D. Roussel Mr. Dmitriy Rozhkov and Ms. Anastasiya Rozhkova Ms. Robin Rueger and Ms. Jane Rueger Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Rushton
Mr. Stephen Salvo and Dr. Christine Whatley Salvo Ms. Regina Samuels Mr. and Mrs. Roger Schenk Mr. and Mrs. David W. Schoeder, AP ’02 Mr. and Mrs. Roman G. Schweizer III Mr. and Mrs. Byron Scott Cmdr. and Mrs. Brandon Sellers Dr. and Mrs. Anish Shah Ms. Sarah F. Shonnard Mr. and Mrs. Jerome A. Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Southard Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Spiess II, AP ’05 Ms. Kara Stadelman Mr. William Stribling Target Mr. and Mrs. T. Bertram Tucker Mr. Dustin Tyson and Mrs. Caroline Perez Mr. Mahesh Vaddi and Ms. Venkata Nunna Mrs. Frances S. Vaughan Ms. Jennifer Vernier Ms. Kimberly Viani Mr. Mark M. Viani Mr. and Mrs. Jose E. Vivas Mr. and Mrs. Lauck Walton IV, AP ’12 Mr. Jim Weakley Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Whitfield Ms. Tonya T. Wiley, AP ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Williamson Mr. Kelvin Yao and Ms. Chelsea Traylor, AP ’11,’13 Mr. Jonathan Zelaya *AP signifies Alumni Parent
GIFTS IN KIND Mr. and Mrs. Peter Aliferis Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brockway Ms. Julia Ebron Mr. and Mrs. Selwyn Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Nyerges 40 Inside Browne
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE Chris Hardimon, Chair Peter Aliferis Jacquie Bloom Bryan Bonner, Annual Fund Co-Chair Jeff Brooks Rich Driscoll Julia Ebron
Frank Fannon David Germroth Colette Gorman Larry Hentz Nora Partlow Omar Shiblaq, Annual Fund Co-Chair Debbie McCain Wesley
Thank you to all the MVP’s in the Browne community who supported our students and teachers by participating in the 2013 “March Madness” Auction. The Auction was a great success raising over $95,000, including an emotional appeal to expand our iPad program. We would like to extend a very special thank you to the members of the Auction Committee for creating such a wonderful community event.
AUCTION DONORS 2013 RAISE THE PADDLE FOR 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION AT BROWNE The generosity of our community during the Auction’s “Raise the Paddle for Twenty-first Century Education at Browne” allowed the school to expand our iPad program and technology education. Mr. Alex Clain-Stefanelli and Mrs. Eleanor Clain-Stefanelli Dr. and Mrs. Bassem F. Beidas Ms. Marcia A. Bevington Mr. and Mrs. James E. Bickley, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Eric Blankenstein Mr. and Mrs. Keith W. Bloom Mr. Bryan A. Bonner and Dr. Ingrid D. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Sam Brooks Mr. Kyle E. Chadwick and Ms. Cynthia A. Rice Mr. Michael J. Collins and Dr. Linda D. Fama Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Denholm Mr. Ernest Donovan and Ms. Cari Donovan Mr. Richard Driscoll and Ms. Elizabeth Seltzer Mr. and Mrs. James V. Durkin
Ms. Julia Ebron Ms. Ann M. Feeley-Leetz and Ms. Lori A. Feeley-Leetz Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Gacad Ms. Janet Gomez Mr. and Mrs. Adam Guy Mr. and Mrs. Damon B. Hinshaw Mr. and Mrs. Mark Holbrook Mr. and Mrs. Don J. Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Kiklis Mr. and Mrs. Brian Klock Mrs. Robyn A. Laha Mr. and Mrs. David Larson Ms. Bonita L. Lea Ms. Elizabeth Lee LTC Christopher J. Lettieri and LTC Christine F. Lettieri Mr. Gerald Lindrew and Ms. Ellen McGuire Mrs. Sharon B. Lyon Mr. and Mrs. Richard Manning
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Evan Morris, Esq. Mr. Charlie H. Platt Ms. Robin Rueger and Ms. Jane Rueger Mr. Michael Sasso Mr. and Mrs. Roman G. Schweizer III Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey O. Short Mr. Cornelius Southall and Ms. Patricia St. George Mr. Craig Stevens and Mrs. Mary Casson Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Strottman Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Sutherland Mr. and Mrs. Ivan G. Swain Mr. John P. Venzon and Mrs. Amy R. Wallace-Venzon Mr. and Mrs. Jack M. Victory III Mr. and Mrs. Euseekers Williams, Jr. Mr. Robert Wittpenn and Ms. Elizabeth Price
AUCTION COMMITTEE C.J. Bickley Diane Brooks Lisa Brooks Cari Donovan Lili Dunn Tanya Fuller Kendall Holbrook
Mica Howard Charon Johnson Theresa Lynch Callie MacKenzie Tracy Morris Michele Swain Amy Wallace-Venzon
Sheryl Williams Karen Wise Ivy Woods Dave Zadareky Sherri Zadareky Fall
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AUCTION SPONSORS
CHAMPION Fischer McMaster Homes, Daniel and Sandra McMaster Paisano’s of Crystal City, Hatem Rizkalla and Nashwa Kawkab ELITE EIGHT Keith and Jacquie Bloom Jeff and Lisa Brooks, Adams & Reese LLP Capital One Bank Christopher Hardimon and Lisa Balzereit Lloyd and Vicki Irvin Ted and Kristine Kalo Cornelius Southall and Patricia St. George Kenneth and Barbara Strottman SWEET SIXTEEN Rudy and Shawna Brioche Steven and Sophia Doulis Jim and Margot Durkin Gary and Noelle McGlynn Charlie Platt Kerrie Rushton Karl and Manuela Schmidt Kevin and Dagmar Sullivan AUCTION DONORS Jeff and Lisa Brooks Kyle Chadwick and Cynthia Rice Ali and Cornelia Chebinou John DeMarchi Yolanda Dooley Jim and Margot Durkin Scott and Jane Getzow David and Wendy Larson Roger and Sara Schenk Arnold and Susan Simpson Cornelius Southall and Patricia St. George Frances Vaughan
FACULTY SPONSORS Michael and Kia Boriboon Jeff and Lisa Brooks Sam and Diane Brooks Nelda Brown Michael Collins and Linda Fama Jim and Margot Durkin Julia Ebron (two sponsorships) Oliver and Aileen Gacad Damon and Peggy Hinshaw Douglas and Heather Hutchings Christopher and Christine Lettieri Gary and Noelle McGlynn (two sponsorships) Pediatricare of Northern Virginia, PC Roman and Pepper Schweizer Cornelius Southall and Patricia St. George Craig Stevens and Leslie Casson Stevens Kevin and Dagmar Sullivan Zeke and Sheryl Williams (four sponsorships) Andrew and Karen Wise (two sponsorships) AUCTION UNDERWRITERS A special thanks to: • Global Thinking and Omar Shiblaq for taking care of all of our auction printing needs. • Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and Mark and Colette Gorman for providing spirits for the event. • Maribeth’s Bakery and Tom and Maribeth Nyerges for providing wonderful desserts for the event. • Dr. Ann Metzinger - Rob and Callie MacKenzie for providing a festive atmosphere through the DJ for the event. • Valerie Christy (a.k.a Ms. Val) of Pottery Playground for providing her artistic expertise on many of the wonderful class projects. • Middle Atlantic Whole Sale and Conklyn’s Florist for providing flowers for the event
Every effort has been made to ensure that the listings in the Annual Report include everyone who contributed to Browne Academy during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Any gifts received after August 30, 2013, will be included in the next year’s Annual Report. To correct errors, omissions, or to make a gift, please contact the Development Office at 703.960.3000. 42 Inside Browne
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