Why did you choose BFS for your family? We were looking for an independent school that would allow Grace to continue to learn in a hands-on, project-based environment, similar to her Montessori preschool experience. During our tour of BFS, we visited Dennis Haupert’s class during their car-building project. We were impressed by the engagement and excitement of the kids in the class as they tested their cars. This was the type of learning experience we wanted for Grace. The experience of the teachers and the extraordinary outdoor campus gave us the feeling that this was the right place for our family.
Now that Grace has moved on to The Pennington School, what inspired you to join the BFS Advancement Committee? It was a privilege and a joy for Malaine to volunteer in the classroom, and as class parent during Grace’s eight years at BFS. She witnessed the extraordinary education BFS kids enjoy. As a chaperone, Andy saw firsthand how enriching field trips to such places as Washington, D.C., and the Pocono Environmental Education Center could be. Working with the Advancement Committee gives us the opportunity to make that happen for other kids.
You have made significant gifts to financial aid at BFS. Where does that motivation come from? We want prospective BFS students to have the same educational opportunities that Grace had, regardless of financial need. We want to show our appreciation to the teachers and staff, and help grow enrollment. We can help make that happen by directing our BFS gift to financial aid. We are also motivated by the energy, vision and inclusiveness of Paul Lindenmaier in his work as Head of School.
What are your aspirations for the future of BFS? With its excellent teachers and staff, campus-as-classroom, project-based learning, and JEM program, BFS is unique among independent K-8 schools. There are opportunities for expanding multi-disciplinary classes (such as Sustainability, which combined science and social studies). Also for collaborating with secondary schools to develop complementary curricula to better prepare our children for high school. We are hopeful that BFS will continue to provide a unique, independent education well into the future.
COMMUNITY MEMBER PROFILE
Malaine Reed & Andy Kantra ALUMNI PARENTS ‘19 | LIVE IN NEWTOWN, PA Active members of the BFS Advancement Committee ANDY: Graduate of Yale University and NYU Partner at Pepper Hamilton Volunteers with Winter Shelter -Trinity Church, Philadelphia MALAINE: Graduate of Clemson University Retired with 20 years in printing and publishing Long time BFS parent volunteer and VP of Wiltshire Walk Homeowners Association Board
If you could turn back time, what BFS moment would you revisit? It is hard to choose just one, but to name two… Volunteering in Judy Heggestad’s first grade classroom on a Science Friday where she made it “rain” in the classroom. Tapping maple trees on a snowy day with Mr. Haupert and the third grade class, then making maple syrup with them all a few weeks later. There were so many moments like this over the years! BFS gives its teachers the space to be creative in their teaching methods, which allows for unique educational experiences. Some of these include: observing caterpillars turn into butterflies; reporting (in costume) on a Greek character; becoming a historical character for the History Fair; writing, directing and acting in a movie; attending science classes by the pond; learning how to keep a scientific journal; writing and performing an original song in music class; building a table in woodshop; creating a sculpted vase in art class; and experiencing the world through language studies and the JEM partnership program. We are grateful for Grace’s foundational education at BFS and the support and encouragement of its leaders, which prepared her so well for an independent high school. SPRING
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