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Music Moves Us!
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Deconstructing Race Update
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In the Classroom: What Moves You?
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Cougars Win!
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Alumnae/i News
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Calhoun’s Mission
To inspire a passion for learning through a progressive approach to
education that values intellectual pursuit, creativity, diversity and community involvement.
B OA R D O F T RU ST E ES 20 1 3 –20 1 4
PA R E N T S A S S O C I AT I O N 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4
Eric Potoker ’85 Chair
Steven J. Nelson Head of School
OFFICERS
VICE PRESIDENTS, MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jon Brayshaw Vice Chair
CO-PRESIDENTS
LIFE TRUSTEES
Chris Rothermel Rosa Sabater
Nicole Frankel Susan Dubin
Dylan Hixon Treasurer Melissa Liberty Secretary
Robert L. Beir* Eric B. Ryan *deceased
VICE PRESIDENTS, LOWER SCHOOL/81ST
Sara Jane Held Louise Litt
SECRETARY
Lynda Roca
VICE PRESIDENTS, LOWER SCHOOL/74TH
TREASURER
TRUSTEES
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Susan Barkey Jonathan Bauman Stefanie Bhalla Andrea Booth Lori Fleishman Dorr ‘92 James Glasgow Melanie Griffith Dorian Herron Michael Marra Bernadette Mitchell Marc Murphy Brooke Parish Colleen Pike Blair Shaiza Rizavi Chris Rothermel, PA Rep Rosa Sabater, PA Rep Karen Segal Steven Sinatra Susan Thomson
Edwin Einbender* Constance Stern Flaum ’39 Ronald M. Foster, Jr.* Sally Goodgold* Lawrence S. Harris Mark S. Kaufmann Anne Frankenthaler Kohn ’39* Peter D. Lederer Stuart Levin* David C. Masket* Joan Masket Arthur S. Olick Elizabeth Parmelee* June Saltzman Schiller ’42 Jesse S. Siegel* Mary-Ellen Greenberger Siegel ’49 Allen B. Swerdlick Edward S. Tishman
David Hawkins Carolyn Tierney
Barbara Pyles VICE PRESIDENTS, UPPER SCHOOL
Ellen Cohen Marc Corpron
THE CALHOUN SCHOOL MAIN NUMBER
ALUMNAE/I RELATIONS
212-497-6500
646-666-6450
LOWER SCHOOL/74TH
ANNUAL GIVING
212-497-6550
212-497-6579
ADMISSIONS/81ST
COMMUNICATIONS
212-497-6534
212-497-6527
ADMISSIONS/74TH
Please send changes of address, phone or email to familyupdates@calhoun.org
212-497-6575
*deceased
O N T H E COV E R
WINTER 2014
Music Moves Us! Close to 200 Middle and Upper School students now participate in Calhoun’s instrumental programs, including (L—R) Sacha Rogosin ‘16 on sax, A Adam Horowitz ‘14 on bass, Claire Anino ‘20 on violin.
The Calhoun Chronicle is published twice each year by the Communications Office for alumnae/i, current and former parents, staff and friends. EDITOR
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Beth Krieger beth.krieger@calhoun.org
Angela Fischer Michelle Raum
NEWS EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jim Byrne jim.byrne@calhoun.org
Steve Nelson Hernán Ortiz
ALUMNAE/I NEWS
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Byrne Victoria Jackson Beth Krieger
Bart Hale ‘00 bart.hale@calhoun.org COPY EDITOR
Amy Edelman
DESIGN
Iris A. Brown Design, LLC
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Photo: Victoria Jackson
Contents WINTER 2014
Features Music Moves Us!
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Departments VIEWPOINT
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by Steve Nelson
SCHOOL NEWS
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Benefit 2014
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Deconstructing Race Update
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Grandparent Events
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Alumnae/i at the Helm
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Faculty/Staff Newsmakers
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In the Classroom: What Moves You?
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Onstage
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Sports
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ALUMNAE/I NEWS
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Spring Reunion
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Class Notes
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From the Archives
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On-the-Road: San Francisco
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Profile: Sarah Kra Kramer ‘92
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Profile: Sam Nagou Nagourney ‘05
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Even Event Photos
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Viewpoint BY ST EVEN J. NELSON, HE A D OF SC HOOL
Putting Stewardship in the Hands of Alums When I began my tenure at Calhoun nearly 16 years ago, I had many hopes. The first, rather modest hope was to make it through the initial year with the school and myself intact. That seems a long time ago…perhaps because it was a long time ago! We’ve since sent some 750 thoughtful, sensitive, creative, ethical and talented folks into the world. That may not solve all the world’s problems, but it’s no trivial contribution. Much about the school was wonderful indeed in 1998, but the finances were tight and the 81st Street building was in need of loving care and expansion. And there was a bit of a mission crisis. To oversimplify a complex situation, half the school clung tenaciously to progressive roots. The other half feared the word “progressive” and sought to ban it from the school’s lexicon. The school’s achievements since then are clear: We have wonderful facilities, enrollment is up nearly 60 percent, finances are solid and there is little ambivalence about our progressive mission. I believe we are widely recognized as being among the most distinctive progressive schools in America. As in any institution, reaching such a point is necessary but not sufficient. The challenge, then, is to make sure it stays that way. In my earliest years, I knew that this challenge would be best met
in 117 years! Lori Fleishman Dorr ’92 is a member of the board and chair of the Committee on Trustees, the most critical position in assuring the perpetuation of the board and, therefore, the mission. Alison Max Rothschild ‘85 (’85 was clearly a good vintage!) was recently appointed Director of Calhoun’s Lower School, after several years as Co-Director with Kathleen Clinesmith. Sonia Bonsu ’95 is Calhoun’s new Director of Development. Bart Hale ’00 is our Director of Alumnae/i Relations, and Debbie Aronson ’79 is Director of Community Service. Sabrina Spiegel Zurkuhlen ’06 was named Assistant Athletic Director earlier this year. Lisa Gilbert ’81, Bobby Rue ’85 (’85 again!), Hannah ScarrittSelman ’05, Dan Stein ’07, Chelsea Stilman-Sandomir ’05 and Michael Zurkuhlen ’06 are all members of Calhoun’s faculty. I handed diplomas to Bart, Hannah, Dan, Chelsea, Mike and
“We have wonderful facilities, enrollment is up nearly 60 percent, finances are solid and there is little ambivalence about our progressive mission. I believe we are widely recognized as being among the most distinctive progressive schools in America.” by involving Calhoun graduates in stewardship of the mission and program. No constituency understands the mission more powerfully than those who experienced it. No group benefits from the success of the school more than the alumnae/i who will carry the pedigree for a lifetime. This year, to an extent unprecedented in Calhoun’s long history, a number of very important roles in the school are occupied by Calhoun graduates. Eric Potoker ’85 is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He is only the third Calhoun graduate to hold this position
Sabrina, so this makes me especially proud—and a bit confused! Every aspect of the school’s growth and progress over these years is satisfying, but this part is particularly gratifying. The involvement of more and more Calhoun graduates will ensure that our preeminent progressive mission thrives in perpetuity. Head of School Steve Nelson is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, and has his own blog on Calhoun’s website at www.calhoun.org/stevesblog.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Cultural Programming Captivates Grandparents Now in its second year, Calhoun’s Cultural Excursions for Grandparents continues to earn enthusiastic reviews! Earlier this fall, 15 grandparents enjoyed a private tour (before museum hours!) of MoMA’s permanent collection of works by Picasso, Monet and other masters. More recently, a group of grandparents enjoyed a similar visit to the New Museum, which is located on the Lower East Side. Anita Fleishman, who has become a regular participant, was particularly enthralled by the trip to the New Museum, which features contemporary art—a place she acknowledges she might never have visited. “I found it very thought-provoking…and I’m actually still thinking about it,” she says. Calhoun Director of Special Events Nicole Nelson, who organizes the tours for grandparents, agrees that seeing the Chris Burden exhibit at the New Museum was a particular treat. “It was one of the most interesting art installations I have ever seen,” says Nicole. In the first year of the Cultural Excursions program, Calhoun offered grandparents a private tour of the Rubin Museum of Art, hosted by fellow grandparent and founder Donald Rubin; and a formal tea luncheon and tour of both the public and private rooms at Gracie Mansion. Nicole is already busy trying to plan something equally compelling for next year’s excursions. Calhoun grandparents who would like to be notified of upcoming events should register online at www.calhoun.org/grandparentemails, or contact Nicole Nelson, 212-497-6533.
GRANDPARENTS OF LOWER SCHOOLERS: COME BACK TO SCHOOL! Grandparents of Calhoun students in the 3’s through fourth grade are invited for an in-class morning visit on May 1 (3’s–1st) and May 2 (2nd–4th) Get on the invitation list! Contact Nicole Nelson, 212-497-6533, or nicole.nelson@calhoun.org.
THE CALHOUN CHRONICLE
I’m Not Racist…Am I?, a feature-length documentary produced by Calhoun and Point Made Films, follows the journey of 12 public and private school students—three from Calhoun—as they confront and explore issues of racism and white privilege.
Completion of Documentary Marks First Phase of Calhoun’s Deconstructing Race Project Calhoun is proud to announce the completion of the feature-length documentary film I’m Not Racist…Am I?, successfully marking the end to the first phase of the school’s three-part Deconstructing Race Initiative. The film, which explores issues of institutionalized racism through the eyes of 12 New York City public and private school students, wrapped in late September 2013 and is currently in postproduction. Calhoun project director David Alpert and the Point Made Film production team—led by director Catherine Wigginton Greene, producer André Robert Lee and executive producer Barb Lee—will be spending the next few months planning the film’s release. A trailer and supplementary materials about the film can be found at www.notracistmovie.com. “The ultimate objective of the film—and the overall project—is to expose the myth of color-blindness in a society that, for many, espouses a post-racial mantra,” explains David, who initiated and has been spearheading the Deconstructing Race initiative for The Calhoun School. Point Made Films was hired by Calhoun in 2012 to produce the documentary, based on the company’s deep commitment to and experience with projects that look at the intersection of race, individual identity, education and community responsibility. Point Made’s last three films include Adopted, an investigation into the unforeseen complications of transracial adoption; The Prep School Negro, a poignant film that examines the experiences of African American scholarship students at the nation’s most elite schools; and In 500 Words or Less, which explores the college application process through the eyes of high schoolers. Deconstructing Race is a three-part youth-based project focused on issues of white privilege and institutionalized racism. In addition to the documentary film, the project will include curriculum for students from kindergarten through twelfth grades, and an interactive website created by and for students. Since receiving its first grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the project has continued to receive additional funding, including contributions from the Bertha and Gilder foundations. Numerous organizations, educators and scholars have come out in strong support of the project, including Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the National Association of Independent Schools. Find out more about the Deconstructing Race project: Deconstructing Race project at www.calhoun.org/dr I’m Not Racist…Am I? trailer and supplementary interviews at www.notracistmovie.com Follow the film’s progress on Twitter @notracistmovie
SCHOOL NEWS
Alison Max Rothschild ’85 (right), newly named Director of the Lower School, will be joined on the LS team by Anthony Yacobellis, Assistant Director, and Hamida Butt, Director of Curriculum Development.
Sonia Bonsu ’95 Promoted to Director of Development Calhoun is thrilled to welcome Sonia Bonsu ’95 to her new position as Director of Development. When the announcement was made earlier this year, Head of School Steve Nelson noted that Sonia’s promotion marks the first time a Calhoun alum is taking on the stewardship of the school’s advancement efforts. Sonia comes to her new position after having worked for five years in Calhoun’s Development Office as the Director of Annual Giving, during which time she led the Annual Fund to record levels of participation and overall giving. In her new position, she is responsible for annual fundraising, Calhoun’s ongoing major gift program, periodic capital campaigns, and alumnae/i relations. Reporting to Sonia is Bart Hale ’00, Director of Alumnae/i Relations; Lauren Spirig, Major Gifts Manager; Nicole Nelson, Director of Special Events; Jessica Dudley, Data Operations Manager; and Barbara Bernard, Development Associate. Before being hired to join the Development team, Sonia served as an alumnae/i representative to the Calhoun Board of Trustees. The Calhoun grad earned her AB from Harvard University and a JD from Fordham University School of Law. “I was 12 years old when I set foot in this building for the first time, and I knew almost instantaneously that this was where I wanted to be a student,” says Sonia. “I benefited from the progressive philosophy, the diverse student population, the caring and astute teachers and the robust financial aid program. At that time, I could not have guessed that 14 years later, Calhoun would be a part of my everyday life again.” Sonia looks forward to new challenges. “I cannot envision a more gratifying role than dedicating my professional energy to securing resources that keep Calhoun a vibrant and leading educational institution. I love this place, and I am fortunate to be able to say thank you in this way each and every day.”
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Alison Max Rothschild ‘85 Named Lower School Director Head of School Steve Nelson has announced a transition in Lower School leadership that will begin taking place over the next few months. Effective next fall, Alison Max Rothschild ‘85 will be the Director of the entire Lower School, 3’s through fourth grade. Kathleen Clinesmith, with whom Alison has been serving as Lower School Co-Director, will begin a new position working closely with Steve on a number of school initiatives. Various aspects of this transition will be phased in through the remainder of this current school year. Also effective next fall, LS math teacher Anthony Yacobellis will begin serving as the Assistant Director of the Lower School, 81st Street, reporting to Alison. Hamida Butt, who has been acting as Curriculum Coordinator for second through fourth grades, will serve as the Director of Curriculum Development for the entire Lower School. “Our Lower School is a model of progressive education at its best,” said Steve when he made his announcement to Lower School faculty and parents. “This leadership team will continue to build on the remarkable work that Kathleen started several decades ago.”
calhoun annual fund 2013-2014
what moves you
www.calhoun.org/onlinegiving
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SCHOOL NEWS
FACULT Y/STAFF NEWSMAKERS
In the Spotlight Ben Schwartz, MS math teacher (left) and LS math teacher Anthony Yacobellis were guest speakers at the Progressive Education Network’s National Conference, held in Los Angeles. LS teachers Brian Hallas (below left) and Rob Kleinschmidt led a media workshop at the Blue School’s Making/STEAM Teaching Innovation Conference.
Math teachers Ben Schwartz and Anthony Yacobellis were guest speakers at the Progressive Education Network’s National Conference in Los Angeles on Oct. 10–12. The conference was attended by progressive educators from across the country. For their workshop, “How Much Is a Million: Conceptual Understanding in Mathematics,” Anthony and Ben described Calhoun’s hands-on approach to engaging elementary-age students in the self-discovery of mathematical concepts. Anthony, who has been teaching third grade math at Calhoun for 13 years, was recently promoted to LS Assistant Director at 81st Street. Ben, who began at Calhoun as a fourth grade math teacher in 1999, currently teaches math to sixth and eighth graders and serves as the chair of Calhoun’s Academic Cabinet.
THE CALHOUN CHRONICLE
Lavern McDonald, Upper School Associate Director and history teacher, penned an article that was published as the September cover story of “Bookends,” the Sunday literary supplement of the Jamaica Observer. Lavern’s article was about the Caribbean and diasporic writers who contributed to the Brooklyn Book Festival last summer. Brian Hallas and Rob Kleinschmidt, Lower School media arts teachers at 74th Street and 81st Street respectively, led a workshop at the Blue School’s second annual Teaching Innovation Conference on Tues., Nov. 5. This year’s conference, titled Making/STEAM, was dedicated to unleashing creativity and imagination in schools. Rob and Brian’s interactive workshop—“Making Classroom Videos with Found Objects and Recycled Materials”—demonstrated various techniques and examples of past work as well as materials used and storyboards created by students.
They also explored ways and means for video projects to support curriculum needs; how to acquire low-cost, low-tech equipment and software; how to create stories and scripts; how to use a green screen; and easy methods for stop-motion animation.
Joan Gillman, MS science teacher, was a guest presenter at the Science Teachers Association of New York State’s annual conference in Rochester this past fall. One of her workshops, “Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Curricula Go Handin-Hand,” was a two-hour class on how to design, build and launch straw rockets. Earlier in the fall, an article she wrote based on the same curriculum—“Straw Rockets Are out of This World”—was published in Science and Children, a magazine produced by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The article describes the hands-on physics project that Joan conducts with her fifth graders as part of an annual astronomy unit. Marjorie Duffield, US theater teacher, had her full-length play Ice Island produced last September at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS. Originally mounted off-Broadway in 1999 by the Melting Pot Theatre Company, Ice Island tells the story of the crew of The Endurance, led by Sir Ernest Shackleton, and their failed attempt to cross Antarctica in 1914. The play chronicles their journey and explores how Shackleton and his men used heroism and humor to survive.
Gregg Landes, Upper School drum and percussion teacher, played percussion for The Landing, an Off-Broadway musical that opened at the Vineyard Theatre in Union Square this past fall. The produc-
tion was created by theater composer John Kander (Chicago, Cabaret, Kiss of the Spiderwoman) and playwright Greg Pierce (Slowgirl). Says Gregg, “The band includes only four instruments—cello, woodwinds, piano, and an extensive percussion setup—but the music is beautiful, the playing was very challenging and satisfying, and [the musicians] were visible the entire show and act as four additional voices to the four actors on stage.”
Steve Nelson, Head of School, continues to irate and inspire in his Huffington Post editorials on issues of education and social justice. Here are some of the latest: ■ “A Look Ahead at 2014 in Education Reform” (Jan 3, 2014) ■ “Education Isn’t Broken, Our Country Is” (Dec. 16, 2013) ■ “Lipstick on the Pig of Education Reform” (Oct. 6, 2013) Find a link to Steve’s HuffPo blogs from Calhoun’s News & Media mash-up page, www.calhoun.org/newsmedia.
SCHOOL NEWS
Calhoun Celebrates Brendan Kiely’s First Book Launch Calhoun celebrates the release of US English teacher Brendan Kiely’s first novel, The Gospel of Winter. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books of Simon & Schuster, the book hit stores on Jan. 21. “Sharing the book launch with the Calhoun community is so meaningful to me,” says Brendan, who began working at Calhoun in the admissions office in 2004. “It’s also exciting because, since I teach English and creative writing classes, it’s fun to think that the publishing of my book can serve as inspiration for my students.” The Gospel of Winter has received praise from two bestselling authors—Colum McCann (Let the Great World Spin, TransAtlantic) and A. M. Holmes (Jack, The End of Alice)—and has earned a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. “Setting his story against the shaky aftermath of 9/11 and the scandals that surfaced in the Boston archdiocese in early 2002, Kiely hits his mark with a sickening portrayal of Father Greg and those who let his behavior continue,” notes Publishers Weekly. “But it’s the combination of Aidan’s vulnerability, denial, and silent rage that makes the novel so distressingly vivid and real.”
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SIX WAYS TO CONNECT ONLINE WITH THE CALHOUN COMMUNITY 1.
CALHOUN WEBSITE www.calhoun.org
2.
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/calhounschool www.facebook.com/calhounalums
3.
TWITTER www.twitter.com/calhounschool TEACHERS TEACHING TEACHERS US art teacher Hailey Kim (left) goes over the finer points of silkscreen monotypes with chemistry teacher Kim Cassidy. The lesson was one of five different hands-on activities offered one afternoon in December as part of a larger initiative promoted by US Director Lorenzo Krakowsky, whereby colleagues teach colleagues. Other offerings included a literary conversation with Brendan Kiely and Nicole Nemergut on the theme of “Exile and Homecoming”; a pinhole photography lesson with Gary Cohen; a woodshop project with David Hyman; and experiments demonstrating “How Electric Charges Behave” with John Roeder. “It’s a valuable exercise for our teachers to learn by being students, to understand a bit about the experiences of our students, to learn about other teachers’ approaches, and to explore possibilities for collaboration,” says Lorenzo. In addition to the one-day workshop last December, Upper School teachers are invited throughout the year to colloquiua presented by fellow teachers on a variety of academic topics.
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INSTAGRAM @calhounschool
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YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/calhounschool
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LINKEDIN http://bit.ly/calhounlinkedin
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IN THE CLASSROOM
What Moves You? Calhoun’s 2013–14 yearly theme is about getting our community to study action
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and movement. It allows our younger students to explore the more literal concepts—modes of transportation, physical movement, exercise, and how people are “differently abled” in terms of mobility and accessibility. For our older students there are also more
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abstract explorations: how the arts
2. MS English teacher Larry Sandomir poses with visiting author Liz Murray, whose message students called “life-changing.”
inspire; how technology, design and innovation are reinventing what it means
3. Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, inspired students with his courage and humor.
to be mobile; and how one can take action for change. Here are just some of the projects and activities that have “moved” us so far this year.
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THE CALHOUN CHRONICLE
1. Sixth graders Noah Shaub and and Lauren Kauppila practice coding skills using manipulatives and “robot vocabulary.”
IN THE CLASSROOM
Coding Captivates “Digital Natives” Upper and Middle School students were enthusiastic participants in December’s Hour of Code, a nationwide event organized by code.org, the nonprofit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science education. Sixth graders in Alba Polsley’s math class practiced coding in a lesson called “My Robotic Friend.” Using cups as manipulatives in various formations, the students learned how to employ programming techniques and a pre-defined “robot vocabulary” (code) to complete specific tasks. Explains Alba, “The students learned the connection between symbols and actions as well as the valuable skill of debugging.” Meanwhile, in Jonathan Haff’s US Intro to Programming class, students were excited to learn how to make their first iPhone games using Objective-C, the language used to write all native iPhone apps. “Programming is an important and powerful skill every student should explore,” says Jonathan, Director of Technology and Building Operations. “Today’s students are often referred to as ‘digital natives,’ but they have no understanding of the technologies they’re using. Learning to code enables a deeper understanding of technology, and more important, provides them the ability to create new technologies.”
Author Liz Murray Brings Words of Empowerment The words “life-changing” were cited several times by Calhoun Middle School students and faculty when describing their time spent listening and talking to Liz Murray, author of the memoir Breaking Night and subject of the 2003 TV movie Homeless to Harvard. Liz came to Calhoun in October to talk about her experiences in the 1970s in New York as a homeless youth raised by drug-addicted parents, and how she turned her life around—graduating from high school in two years and getting admitted to Harvard on scholarship. First speaking at an assembly for the entire Middle School and faculty, and then meeting in smaller groups with seventh and eighth graders, the author “made us feel empowered—that we all mattered,” observes MS English teacher Larry Sandomir, who arranged for the visit. Clearly his students agreed. In thank-you letters to the author, one student wrote: “Listening to your story and to hear you say that there was a possibility that I could totally change my life around was like opening my eyes after the storm.”
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Ishmael Beah Shares His Inspirational Story Upper Schoolers couldn’t have been more amazed or honored when they got to hear and meet Ishmael Beah, former Sierra Leonean child soldier and author of the published memoir A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. Ishmael spoke to Upper Schoolers about his harrowing experiences as a 12-year-old during his country’s civil war, and how he has managed to rise above his tortured childhood and commit himself to social activism and service. Ishmael’s memoir was a community-read for Calhoun’s Upper School, and students and teachers had spent countless hours discussing the book before Ishmael’s visit in late October. “He left me speechless,” said Jules Starn ‘16 after the presentation. Another student, Nica Delbourgo ‘14, remarked on Ishmael’s sense of humor, which clearly “got him through” his struggles, and was amazed that “he never expressed pity for himself; he just accepted [it] and moved on.” Rebecca Snow ‘14 was similarly inspired: “He used his struggles as a way to better himself and make a difference,” she observed. See a video of Ishmael’s talk at Calhoun: http://bit.ly/1anlM4r.
SUN POWER! Chris Jager ’15 (below left) and Jack Javer ’15 demonstrate the new solar cell chargers that were purchased and placed in various classrooms by the new Upper School Sustainability Club. If initial tests go well, the two leaders of the club hope to raise money for more units to be installed on windows throughout the school. Earlier this year, Jack gave an impassioned talk to fellow Upper Schoolers about the need for renewed sustainability initiatives at Calhoun. Some of the projects on the docket: more efficient water fountains that might encourage classmates to refill water bottles; new waste stations with compost trash recycling bins; and an educational campaign for recycling that will be a collaboration among kids in all divisions of the school.
KEEPING IT GREEN: Chase Smith (below) was one of the enthusiastic first graders who teamed up with the Upper School Community Action Class in late October to participate in the Central Park Conservancy’s Keeping It Green program. 5
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IN THE CLASSROOM
WHAT MOV ES YOU ?
Hydroponic Growing Tower Feeds Calhounders Students in the Middle School Sustainability Club are growing and harvesting greens and herbs for Calhoun’s lunch program using a new hydroponic tower garden that “lives” in the seventhfloor science lab. The tower is a self-contained, closed system that uses about 20 gallons of water (none wasted) and doesn’t require soil or sun— though the new full-spectrum growing lights are definitely contributing to the growing
(Clockwise, from left) Calhoun’s hydroponic garden tower; Maddy Gordon ’14, one of the US student liaisons to the Middle School Sustainability Club, shows second grader Henry Dorr how well the seeds he helped germinate are growing; Chef Drew Grabiner (right)
THE CALHOUN CHRONICLE
gives some pointers on planting seedlings in the tower garden to (L–R) MS science teacher Kristin Bozymowski, Matthew Glimcher ’19, sustainability coordinator David Hyman, Sam Draeger ’20 and Oscar Llodra ’20.
tower’s efficiency. As many as 20 plants are planted at one time and ready for harvest in as little as 21 days! Lower Schoolers are contributing to the project by nurturing the seedlings for the tower garden. Middle Schoolers are planting the seedlings, testing the water acidity to ensure the correct pH factor, and harvesting the plants. Already, they have provided a healthy batch of basil, kale, arugula, bib lettuce and other greens to our food service program!
David Hyman, the MS club’s supervisor and new sustainability coordinator at Calhoun, says he hopes to get three more towers. But for now, he’s thrilled about the way the Middle School students are taking charge; he’s even more optimistic about the opportunities the tower garden is creating for cross-divisional cooperation. Next up: a fresh look at how we use our Green Roof and third-floor greenhouse!
IN THE CLASSROOM
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(Left) Jenna Taylor ‘14 poses with international fashion photographer Rick Guidotti, who is redefining the concept of beauty through his portraiture work (above) “helping people see not the disease or diagnosis, but the child as a human being.”
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Redefining Beauty and What Is Normal “I will never use the word normal ever again.” That was the promise that John Sharon extracted from members of the Calhoun community when he came to the school in November to talk about his organization, Disabilities Understood, and how to create a supportive, inclusive community for people with different abilities. “We are all temporarily able-bodied; none of us are immune,” John told his audience of Middle and Upper Schoolers. He also asked the students to imagine “how hard it is to be defined by what you can’t do.” Equality, he explained, doesn’t mean justice: “Justice means everyone gets what [he or she needs] to succeed. We should fight for justice, not just equality.” John’s visit to Calhoun, arranged by MS social studies teacher Irene Baigorri, was inspired by the 2013–14 year theme, What Moves You? Ability Mobility Accessibility Accountability—which was, in fact, a choice largely influenced by a powerful presentation made to Calhoun faculty last year by senior Jenna Taylor about issues of disability and accessibility. Jenna, like John Sharon, was born with
arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a rare condition that limits muscle and bone growth. As a follow-up to John’s visit, Jenna arranged an Upper School town hall meeting this winter featuring Rick Guidotti, a former international fashion photographer who left a successful, glamorous career to look for and capture “nontraditional” beauty among children with differences. Over the course of the last 15 years, Rick has traveled the world as both a photographer and advocate of children with physical differences, establishing or partnering with support groups to mount exhibits that help people see “not the disease or diagnosis, but the child as a human being.” Referencing Calhoun’s yearly theme, Rick avowed that “when you change how you see, you see how you’ve changed.” The photographs, he says, also help the individual children redefine their own beauty, leading to self-acceptance, selfesteem and self-advocacy.
For Jenna, Rick’s visit was a personal accomplishment. “To be able to be given the space to bring in a guest speaker on a topic I am so passionate about, and affects me personally, makes me so happy,” she says. “But it is another thing altogether to have the speaker so well received and to hear students talking about it in the hallways and during class. It means that we’re not
only getting a message out there, but the message is being heard.” Read more about Rick’s work at www.positiveexposure.org, an arts, education and advocacy organization he established to work with individuals living with differences. For information about John Sharon’s organization, go to www. disabilitiesunderstood.com.
GET MOVING: Students enrolled in this Upper School October Session got the ball rolling for a special yearly theme activity related to health and physical fitness. Using a Fitbit tracker, they learned to monitor and analyze physical activity, following Lower Schoolers as they ran, jumped rope and got moving with hula hoops. The data was shared with Lower Schoolers in their math classes, where the results were turned into lessons in charting, estimation and prediction. (L—R) Ashley Wrght ‘16 with third graders Hope Coven and Leah Sever
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IN THE CLASSROOM
WHAT MOV ES YOU ?
Is Nuclear Energy the Answer? Middle Schoolers Investigate It may be some time before they step into their eventual role as stewards of the earth, but Middle School students in Kristin Bozymowski’s science classes are already researching and debating the merits of nuclear energy and renewable resources. “There is a rush in this country to find alternative energy sources, since fossil fuels have a limited life and also pose a huge environmental impact,” notes Kristin, who designed an engrossing unit of study this year that her students have embraced. Students began the year by looking at the pros and cons of nuclear power as a potential larger-scale source of energy, gauging how much of the energy we’re currently using is from nuclear (20 percent) and exploring issues related to nuclear waste. To supplement their research, the students screened the documentary film The Ultimate Wish, which examines the impact of nuclear weapons and nuclear power
through the eyes of Nagasaki survivors and Fukushima evacuees, and read Trinity, a graphic novel about the Manhattan Project. The seventh and eighth graders also met with Geoffrey Shaw, representative of the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency to the United Nations, for a talk about alternative uses of nuclear technology. Then, in December, Kristin’s students stepped into roles as “radiation detectives,” leaving no stone unturned in New York City for this hands-on, experiential investigation. Equipped with Geiger counters to measure radiation levels at various locations around New York, the students broke into groups and traveled to 10 different sites—all tied to the original Manhattan Project. One group ventured to the Baker and Williams warehouses, located near the High Line, which was a storage facility for the uranium ore used for the creation of the atomic bombs deployed by the United
States in World War II. Upon returning to school, the students entered their data to cross-reference and analyze their readings— all of which felt below maximum acceptable radiation levels. The fieldwork was followed by various activities on the subject of radiation, including a nuclear energy debate; a survey of the Calhoun community to determine people’s perceptions of nuclear energy; and a conversation via Skype with Japanese teens who had been evacuated from the area near the Fukushima Daiichi power plant meltdown in 2011. The final piece of the unit will come in the spring, when Calhoun again hosts Hibakusha Stories, an assembly that features speakers relating their experiences during the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
(Far left) MS science teacher Kristin Bozymowski helps seventh graders Stephanie Vaccaro and William Rothermel enter and analyze radiation measurements from their assigned Manhattan location. (Left) Seventh grader Anna Valentino uses a digital Geiger counter to measure radiation levels in the Baker & Williams warehouses, a former storage facility for uranium ore located near the High Line.
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IN THE CLASSROOM
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(Top) THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! Practicing their photo and graphic skills, seventh grade students in Mike Zurkuhlen’s photography class created PSA posters that would be meaningful to their fellow students. (Poster by Bennett Wood ‘19 and Fiona Geddes ‘19) (L-R) Fifth graders Alex Simmons, Annie Brewer, Jude Thompson and Eli Samson play their roles in a trial based on the novel Esperanza Rising.
Fifth Graders Take Esperanza Rising to Court Pam Muñoz Ryan’s novel Esperanza Rising had fifth graders in an uproar this fall. The novel, set in Mexico during the time of the Great Depression, set off an emotional debate as to whether Mama and her daughter, Esperanza, could be legally thrown off their land now that Esperanza’s father had died. “The kids were outraged that Mama wouldn’t get to stay in her home unless she agreed to marry her evil brother-in-law— who also was the supposed legal heir,” explains humanities teacher Chelsea Stilman-Sandomir ’05. The students resolved to take matters into their own hands and stage a trial. Chelsea and her fellow humanities teachers—Andrew Marsiglio and Ebony Murphy-Root— gave an immediate thumbs-up to the student-driven project. “It not only meant they were thinking deeper about the implications of the novel, but their initiative would also incorporate what they had
been learning in social studies about government and courtroom procedure,” notes Andrew. To make the learning process an even richer cross-disciplinary project, the teachers brought in MS Spanish teacher Linda Sandoval to help the students translate the narration, questions and “testimony” into Spanish, so the trial could be a bilingual exercise. Immediately, the kids began writing a transcript for the trial based on the plot lines of the story; and they designed the courtroom and assumed the various roles of judge, jurors, lawyers, witnesses, defendants, bailiffs and sketch artists. Ready for their day in court, the fifth graders presented the two-day case before an audience of fellow students and parents, with an extra day for the jury to deliberate. Their decision? Mama gets to keep her land, by a 5—4 vote. It was a win-win situation!
(Right) GIVING BACK: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Calhoun girls’ volleyball teams held their annual Dig Pink event last October and raised an impressive $2,200 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation three times more than last year! (L—R) Caitlin Leung ‘17, Emma Vallo ‘15, Alexandra Schonfeld ’15, Michelle Zukerman ’15, Joelle Schneider ’17, Lia Barnhard ’16
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CALHOUN KIDS LOVE MATH! At least, that’s the educated opinion of Abby Jean-Baptiste ’14 (left), who elected to spend two mods this year on an independent study in advanced multivariable calculus with US math teacher Danny Isquith (right). The opportunity was made easier because of the flexibility of the block system and the encouragement of the Upper School administrators who made it work, says the senior.
Abby confesses that she loves the concreteness of math working through textbook concepts and then applying them to problems. “I think math is more popular at Calhoun because teachers are so passionate about it; they try to make it understandable and fun. It’s more than memorization; it’s about understanding and discovering something for ourselves. That makes it more meaningful.”
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IN THE CLASSROOM
WHAT MOV ES YOU ?
Internships Drive Senior’s Passion for Physics
Zach Simon ’14 has his “Rocky” moment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he did a summer internship on an astrophysics project.
Zach Simon ’14 was busy last summer. Immediately after school ended, the senior headed to Cleveland, OH, for a six-week internship with the Neurology Department at Case Western Reserve University. From there, it was off to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) for a second internship—this time with an astrophysics team—that lasted for five weeks and finished just in time for the beginning of the new school year at Calhoun.
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“I already loved reading and talking about physics with [US teacher] John Roeder, but to watch [the scientists] actually conduct science and research firsthand? It was simply breathtaking,” says Zach. At Case Western, much of Zach’s time was spent at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He went on rounds with the neuroophthalmology team, worked on programming in their mathematics lab, and assisted with tracking the eye movement of multiple sclerosis patients. “We got to hear
all these amazing stories from veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Iraq wars,” says Zach. Earlier in the summer, while on a college tour at UNC, what was supposed to be a five-minute chat with Dr. Chris Clemens, the chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, had turned into a 90-minute conversation. Dr. Clemens was so impressed by Zach that he personally gave him the department tour that a grad student was originally scheduled to provide. At the end of the visit, Dr. Clemens offered Zach an internship on an astrophysics project at Chapel Hill if it came to fruition later in the summer. It did, and Zach jumped at the chance. He ended up working alongside several undergraduate students on a project that was actually the brainchild of artist Christopher McCall, who travels to exotic places to capture the sun as it moves (McCall’s work has been exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art). For his part, Zach helped program a remote camera to follow the sun
robotically, to ensure maximum exposure. By using astrophysics equations, Zach and the students were able to derive formulas to guarantee that the camera would catch the sun exactly at sunrise each day. During his time at UNC, Zach was also able to attend some 300and 400-level classes taught by Dr. Clemens on astrophysics and cosmology. “Yeah, I got to raise my hand,” says Zach with a smile. He adds that the most memorable part of his summer was staying up all night with graduate students at UNC’s remote observatory, where they communicated with the SOAR telescope operator near Santiago, Chile, and looked at binary star systems. Zach hopes to land another internship in the physics realm for his Senior Work project this spring, and intends to study the subject in college.
Do you have an internship opportunity for Calhoun’s Senior Work program (six weeks in May/June) or during the summer? If so, submit details at www.calhoun.org/seniorwork or contact Lavern McDonald, lavern.mcdonald@calhoun.org.
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Students Score Points with Hoops for Housing This year’s Hoops for Housing fundraiser—a round-robin basketball tournament that raises money for the Next Step Men’s Shelter on the Upper West Side—was an enormously successful community effort, led by a core of Upper Schoolers with a strong team of Lower and Middle Schoolers as collaborators. The Upper Schoolers engaged students from the Lower School special course Help the Homeless to promote and support the event’s fundraising activities. Meanwhile, Lower and Middle School students from Calhoun as well as other NYC schools were invited to take part in the event, which featured two tournaments—one for second through fourth graders and the other for fifth through eighth graders.
(L-R) Matthew Pfeffer ‘17 and Oliver Otcasek ‘17, together with classmate Adam Shankman ‘14 (not shown), reached out across divisions to raise funds for the Next Step Men’s Shelter.
“Calhoun students are inspired to care for others,” observes senior Adam Shankman, a member of the US elective class Hunger and Homelessness, which co-hosted the event. “As a class, we wanted to help those less fortunate while giving our younger students an opportunity to be active citizens.” All told, the event raised more than $1,500 for the shelter—plus a lot of enthusiasm for a job well done!
Malala: Our Voice By Nia Howard Fenton ’19 Malala is the incredible voice of hope The non-stop argumentative voice of beliefs and rights And the powerful voice of education. She represents children and women who are depending on her Who have had their voices silenced and now must fight for THEIR OWN RIGHTS. Malala wants an education She yearns for equality and fairness She wonders where the voice of women and children are hiding She lives in a country where women have been deprived of making decisions and speaking out Malala is the leader of chances for women and children around the world She is the Northern Star that people will follow, A symbol of bravery and determination. She has taught many people that ONE CHILD ONE TEACHER ONE BOOK AND ONE PEN CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
PHYSICS OF FURNITURE: Students in the new Upper School elective course The Physics of Furniture learn how to test the weight-bearing capacity of wood in variable sizes before designing and building stools for the school’s woodshop. The interdisciplinary course, co-taught by US math teacher Taylor White and woodshop teacher David Hyman, is an example of Calhoun’s commitment to “STEAM” project-based learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, art and math. (Top) Leo Bien-Aime ‘16, James DiBiasi ‘16 and Lindsey Randle ‘16 test the weight-bearing capacity of their wood. (Bottom) Josh Copperman ‘16, Javay Fraser ‘16, Layla Garcia-Carela ‘16 and Alex Horsley-Redding ‘16 go over the design specifications for the stool they’re building for woodshop.
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(Left) MALALA: Seventh graders responded, in poem and prose, to the news about Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teen who was shot by the Taliban for encouraging girls to get an education. Read more poems and essays by students in the Middle School literary journal, Chrestomathy, January 2014, viewable online at www.calhoun.org/ chrestomathy.
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SCHOOL NEWS
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Onstage UPPER SCHOOL THEATER: O N T H E RA ZZ L E 2
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4 Upper School thespians were right on the mark creating some of their own “improvised” sight gags for this production of On the Razzle, by Tom Stoppard.
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1. (L-R) Emma Morrow ’16 and Juliana Cordero ’14 2. (L-R) Abigail JeanBaptiste ’14, Carlotta Kane ’14 and Emma Newman ’14 3. (L-R) Noelle Clark ’14, Jules Starn ’16 and Dylan Jacobs ’16 4. (L-R) Jason Alejo ’14 and Shoshana Baraschi-Ehrlich ’14
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5. Emily Kuper ‘15 and Shoshana BaraschiEhrlich ’14 emerge from the amazing set, designed by
tech director Marc Aubin and created with the help of students in the US theater tech class.
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E I G H TH G RA D E T HEAT ER : M I D D L E CL ASS 1
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Brad Slaight’s Middle Class, which explores the tribulations of young people in a series of poignant and sometimes humorous sketches, was performed with aplomb by the eighth grade theater class. 1. Tomio Filiaci and Jake Madsen 2. Talia Kurlansky (center) with Oummu Barrie (left), Celia Goodman (back center) and Jeniffer Rodriguez (right) 5
3. Jake Roshkow 4. Lindsay Jackman and Ethan Lichtenstein 5. Talia Kurlansky and Teo Torrado
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S PORTS
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”TWO” SWEET: Girls’ Volleyball Team Wins NYCAL League and Tournament Championships! 2
The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team staged an inspiring come-from-behind rally in the NYCAL Tournament Finals at CCNY on Oct. 25, capturing the championship for a second consecutive year. Already down two sets to one, the topseeded Cougars were on the brink of elimination, trailing 18–11 in the fourth set to numbertwo Columbia Prep, before heroically digging out and riding that momentum to a stunning 3–2 victory. “I couldn’t be more proud of these girls,” says head coach Sabrina Spiegel Zurkuhlen ’06, who was joined by assistant coaches Desmond Hamilton and Patricia Amador (who is also a Calhoun parent). “The win was amazing,
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but I’m even more proud of the way the girls won. With their backs to the wall and the end drawing near, they pulled it together as a team and supported each other to be the best they could be.” The Cougars, who had already captured the league title by virtue of a perfect 12-0 record against NYCAL opponents in the regular season, finished 16-4. Adds Sabrina, “A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to support the girls throughout the season. The enthusiasm and support was undeniably a huge factor in the momentum shift and winning push toward the end of the title game!”
The team loses just two seniors this June, but the pair—Taj Cutting and Maddy Gordon— will undoubtedly be missed for their leadership. Nevertheless, the Cougars are expected to contend once again for the NYCAL crown in 2014, as they’ll return with a cast of young and talented players, including Emma Griffith ’17, Rose Gruber ’16, Isabel Thomson ’16, Taylor Gerard ’15, Nicole Carey ’18, Olivia Abrams ’17, Natalie Zukerman ’15 and Dalas Zeichner ’15. Says Sabrina, “With such a young team and developing talent in the Middle School and JV program, I couldn’t be more excited about the future of Calhoun volleyball!”
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Cross-Country Team Finishes Second at League Championships By Hernán Ortiz, Assistant Coach
The Calhoun Cross-Country team had quite the run this season—pun intended! The team peaked at the NYCAL League Championships in October at Van Cortlandt Park, when each of the 10 athletes competing set a personal record. On the boys’ side, our front-runners, Jason Kauppila ‘18 and Dylan Jacobs ’16, ran the 3.1-mile course in 18:31 and 18:49, respectively. Michaela Harvey ’17 led the girls by taking down the course in 24:42. Overall, only three points separated Calhoun from first-place Columbia Prep, who won for a second straight year. This year the team says goodbye to Jason Alejo, a strong, tough senior who helped Calhoun place second by finishing 21st (21:47), despite running the championship meet while hurt. Amazing feat! From the beginning to the end of the fall season, when Calhoun sent a school-record seven runners to the NYSAIS State Championship meet, everyone improved his or her personal best time by a minimum of 1:15 in a 3.1-mile race. Some even improved their times by up to five minutes! These Cougars worked hard and were dedicated to achieving their absolute best. Next year we’re looking forward to wresting the championship title from Columbia Prep with continuous hard work and effort!
Sports Briefs The Boys’ Varsity Soccer team, coached by Francesco Filiaci, finished just 3-8-2, but all signs are there for continued improvement next year. The Cougars will return with this year’s captains, Michael Leavitt ’15 and Thomas Gatanis ’15, along with Zeus Rocancourt ’15 and star goalkeeper Bennett Hagemeier ’16. In addition, the new JV team should provide solid replacements for Alex Minev, Ben Minerva, Reece Robinson, Zach Wiener, Massimo Costantini and Brad Driscoll, all graduating this spring. Departing seniors Rebecca Marcus, Noelle Clark, Leila Jacobson and Lila Lopez-Ruiz admirably led the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team through a season with plenty of improvement, a few close calls and abounding spirit. “Very special thanks to those pioneering ladies who helped found the team four years ago and
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earned placement alongside Calhoun’s most cherished athletes,” says head coach Bryan Caine. “With 16 players due to return and the promise of some talented freshmen, the possibilities for the 2014 season are endless.” Calhoun fielded its first-ever Boys’ JV Soccer team this fall. Under the leadership of Sean Cullity ‘16 and Michael Fortunato ‘16, the Cougars fought hard and grew tremendously as a team. “Despite the fact that the Cougars closed the season with a losing record, their determination was apparent in every game,” says head coach Eric Rydin, who notes that the nerve-racking tie with Browning (3–3) and nail-biting losses to both Columbia Prep and Lehman serve as a testament to the incredible potential of this young squad. And the Cougars weren’t short of firepower this season; Craig Supcoff ‘16 led the team in goals, with Jackson Lundy ‘16 and Michael Fortunato not far behind.
1. The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team celebrates after its dramatic, come-from-behind NYCAL tournament championship victory over Columbia Prep. 2. For a second-straight year, the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball season ended with the Cougars posing for an official tourney championship photo! 3. Varsity player Taylor Gerard ’15 returns the ball as Nicole Carey ’18 looks on. 4. Calhoun’s Cross-Country team finished second at the NYCAL League Championship meet. 5. Boys’ Varsity Soccer: Outgoing senior Ben Minerva battles for possession.
The Girls’ JV Volleyball team finished the season 9-6, with a 5-5 mark in league play. But the standings won’t be what the players remember. “Every athlete grew, became more confident on the court, and saw firsthand what hard work and dedication can do,” says assistant coach Kevin Randazzo. “What started out as a team unsure of its talent and skill ended up a tight-knit group, ready for any challenge.” Positive highlights abounded during the season for the Girls’ Middle School Volleyball team. Each Cougar learned to successfully serve the volleyball over the net by the end of the season, and many of the seventh graders intend to return to the team next year. Says head coach Alyssa Viglietta, “As the eighth graders move on, what I hope is that they’ve not only learned about the game of volleyball, but that their love for the sport pushes them to continue playing in the future.” WINTER 2014
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Music Moves o us!
w h at m ov es yo u?
By JIM BYRNE
(Clockwise from top) Music teacher Dan Stein ’07, Michael Fortunato ’16, Jack Gulielmetti ’14, and Sacha Rogosin ‘16
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hile the economic climate has led h many schools across the country to man shutter their music programs or, at best, relegate them to the endangered species list, the approach at Calhoun has been exactly the opposite. Simply put, the music program here has exploded. Today, students can choose from a variety of music classes in strings, brass, wind instruments, chorus and chamber music as well as in percussion, keyboard, jazz improvisation and lyric writing. In fact, there are more than 20 music electives in the Upper School; in Middle School, in addition to chorus, instrumental (winds/brass) and strings, students can opt for classes like Electronic Music Lab or the newest offering, Introduction to Jazz Improvisation. The tremendous growth in the music program has been spurred in part by scientific evidence that proves the enormous impact the study of music can have on brain development. But it is also reflective of Calhoun’s historic dedication to integrating the arts seamlessly into academic studies. Plus, teachers and student musicians alike point to the collaborative nature of music performance, the discipline it instills, and, not insignificant, the sheer joy and fun that music brings. Head of School Steve Nelson, a serious violinist who once served as president of Detroit’s Center for Creative Studies, Institute of Music and Dance, says his experience with and passion for music was probably why he was hired. “Certainly I was clear in my intentions when I came to Calhoun that music is an important part of overall education of kids and adults and just of humanity in general.”
Teachers and student musicians alike point to the collaborative nature of music performance, the discipline it instills, and, not insignificant, the sheer joy and fun that music brings.
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Shortly after arriving at Calhoun in 1998, Steve teamed with Lower School Director Kathleen Clinesmith and her husband, music teacher Ben Clinesmith who had come to Calhoun in the early ‘90s after running youth orchestras and working in music education to plan a strings program. Their first hire for the fledgling strings program, launched in 2002, was violin and piano virtuoso Victor Lin, who, as fate would have it, met Steve while both were Rollerblading in Central Park. “The only reason I stopped to talk to him was I needed to know who this dude with the silver hair was who had rocketed past me,” says Victor. Music teacher Brian Coogan recalls Mus that there music at all” ere was “hardly any mus when he joined oined the school in 1990 as the sole instrumental ntal teacher and band ccon“There were ductor. “Ther re some recorders and appreciation course,’ whatever a ‘music apprec recalls Brian. “We started that means,” rec with five clarinets and continued to grow over ver the years.” Today, there are cclose to 200 studentss in the Middle and Upper School instrumental performing in the mental program, pe all-school orchestra, Comm Community Orchestra, chamber ensemble, ban band, percussion ensemble, wind and brass ens ensembles, and one of seven jazz ensembles…not …n to mention another 80 in choral groups. Brian says the growth of the instrumental program really kicked in when the 81st Street building almost doubled in size, in time for the 2004–05 school year. The expanded building included the addition of four new floors providing several music rehearsal rooms and a new performing arts center. Teachers like Brian, who had worked in the basement (or “down in the dungeon,” as he referred to it), suddenly had their own space…and
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Our program has developed O this sort of specialization, which is simply remarkable for a music program in a school that isn’t a conservatory. ry.
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— Steve Nelson, Head of School
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with that extra room came increased flexibility for more small-group instruction, more rehearsal space and an increased performance schedule. The physical expansion of the school also opened the door for the music program to add electives and hire additional music teachers, including adjuncts who could provide specialization sometimes one-on-one. “Our program has developed this sort of specialization, which is simply remarkable for a music program in a school that isn’t a conservatory,” says Steve. Aside from the professional music faculty, the school is populated by an unusual number of academic teachers who happen to be talented musicians. In the Lower School alone, math teacher Anthony Yacobellis is also a punk-rock musician and concert promoter; math teacher Austin Applegate is an accomplished guitarist who also gives after-school music lessons; and kindergarten teacher Tina LoGuidice moonlights g as the lead singer in a rock band.
Sixth grader Noelani Wilkinson
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[Mu [Music] helps the children understand the world better, and assists with issues of diversity and anti-racism by allowing for a better standing of someone lifestyle. e. — Debbie b Morenzi, LS74 Music Specialist
Fourth graders Axel Fonseca and Isabella Ulfelder
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Ben Clinesmith (left) and a younger Noah Krauss ’15 performing with the Community Orchestra, an ensemble of musicians ranging from beginners to professionals.
A Community of Musicians Calhoun’ss Community Orchestra is perhaps Calhoun the best example of the democratic impulses of progressive education. It is a unique ensemble of Middle and Upper School students performing together with Calhoun’s professional music faculty as well as other staff and parents. In two concerts each year, the Community Orchestra performs first as a small group and then with the school’s full orchestra of student musicians, ranging in skill from beginner to advanced. The result is astounding and inspiring for musicians and audiences alike. “The adults don’t see this as a groaning duty, but as an incredibly joyful opportunity to just make music with other human beings,” says Head of School Steve Nelson of the orchestra. “Doesn’t make a difference if you’re technically accomplished or just a beginner—the quality and feeling behind a simple musical phrase is the same thing. This kind of democratic commonality with music at its center is a real hallmark of our school.” The Calhoun Community Orchestra dates back to 2001, when Lower School Director Kathleen Clinesmith traveled with CoDirector Alison Rothschild ’85 and learning specialist Hamida Butt to the International
School of Brussels for a conference on early childhood education. While there, they enjoyed a concert performed by the school orchestra, a group that coincidentally happened to play a piece written and arranged by Calhoun music teacher Ben Clinesmith. It was decided then that Calhoun would have its very own strings program, which in turn led to the creation of the Community Orchestra. “I felt that we might be able to do something more interesting and reflective of Calhoun by creating an orchestra made up of students, parents, teachers and anyone loosely affiliated with the community,” recalls Kathleen. “It meant offering free lessons to our teachers and staff—some of whom would be beginners or who only played in their younger years—along with the several parents and teachers who were pre-eminent professional players and willing to join.” Since its humble beginnings, the Community Orchestra has held relaxed rehearsals each week during the school year, which makes for a comfortable and pleasant experience for the amateurs while providing professionals the opportunity to solo or try
out an arrangement rr or comp composition of their own. The linchpin of the group has been Ben Clinesmith, thanks to his ability to compose arrangements for a range of players, from beginners on up. But, ultimately, what makes it all work is the democratic environment that allows its members, ranging from the 10-year-old who just learned “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to the 35-year-old who just last week played at Carnegie Hall, to perform the same music side by side, with each voice equally important. Noah Krauss ’15 has performed with the Community Orchestra since he came to Calhoun in fifth grade, and says there is nothing like it. “I can look to my right and see Ben Clinesmith, who is a fantastic cellist, and I can glance left and see a fifth grader trying his or her hardest. It’s such a strange thing to see, but the results we get are pretty amazing. It’s such an inspiring experience to see all of these people just playing their hearts out.” Watch video excerpts form Community Orchestra concerts at www.calhoun.org/music
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“In some cases, we didn’t even know they were musicians at the time they were hired,” says Steve. But because he believes in “hiring interesting human beings who can do more than just teach within their discipline,” he says he’s not surprised that Calhoun ends up with a disproportionately high number of teachers who are also musicians. The best part is, their passion for music frequently finds its way into the classroom, so students get exposed to music all the time—both inside and outside of the music program. Music as Interdisciplinary Partner Music is, in fact, interwoven with curriculum in all divisions, reflecting Calhoun’s mission to seamlessly integrate the arts with other academic studies. Debbie Morenzi, who incorporates world music into her work with Calhoun’s youngest as the LS74 music specialist, notes that music is a wonderful resource for teaching social studies. “It helps the children understand the world better, and assists with issues of diversity and antiracism by allowing for a better understanding of someone else’s lifestyle,” she says. Ben Clinesmith’s “Sing It, Say It” program, which he debuted at Calhoun in 1993, uses music to help teach and reinforce reading, writing and math skills to first graders. Simple songs are broken down into measures and beats, and the vibrations that make up actual sound can be counted mathematically and charted in terms of waves on a graph. An increasing body of scientific evidence supports Ben’s approach, that the study of music is actually related to the acquisition of math skills as well as reading, says Steve, who points to recent research that shows that parts of the brain developed by music actually have to do with linguistics and mastering both oral and written language.
Students get exposed to music all the time— both inside and outside of the music program.
First graders record songs they wrote with direction from LS music specialist Dustin LeVasseur.
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Itt’s c It’s crazy to think that there isn’t more experiential learning with music happening like this on a larger level. — Dustin LeVasseur, First grade music specialist
Ben’s curriculum continues today at Little Calhoun under the auspices of first grade music specialist Dustin LeVasseur, who embraces music as the core of the Calhoun experience. “The arts have the ability to stand alone, but can also be woven into many aspects of learning,” he says. “For me, it means having a curriculum based in creativity, where I’m able to intertwine music with any aspect of the students’ lives. It’s crazy to think that there isn’t more experiential learning with music happening like this on a larger level vel elsewhere.” As students progress through the Lower School, their class time continues es to include song, movement, music apprereciation and percussion instruments. In second grade, they begin their first formal mal instrumental lessons with recorders, and nd then in Middle School, each student can n choose to sing in the chorus or pick an
Adjunct music teacher John Romeri provides a one-on-one lesson to Celia Goodman ‘18.
instrument to learn. By eighth grade, students can opt out of music, but more than half continue on in choir or instrumental music. Cynthia Wuco, Middle/Upper School chorus teacher, likens her position in the middle grades to something of a life coach. “It’s a time that can be emotional and tumultuous and filled with personal struggle,” she says, noting that “singing, or any type of music instruction, gives a student who might feel as if nothing is going right just one great thing they are able to do.” Victor Lin, director of the
Upper School jazz program, agrees that music gives students an opportunity to express and better understand themselves. “They need it to process all the things that are happening to them,” says Victor.
All That Jazz It may come as a surprise that the beginnings of Calhoun’s jazz program can be traced back to what many consider the lowest form of music: the type that’s played in elevators. Well, sort of. The program literally got its start in the 81st Street elevators, as an unofficial class taught by Victor Lin with one “enrolled” student. That student, Dan Stein ’07, began playing the upright bass as an eighth grader in 2002, when Calhoun added a strings program. Dan started studying the bass in the context of classical music, but he also absorbed a lot more that Victor had to offer. “As I got a little better and more excited, Victor just started teaching me all kinds of music—pop, funk and jazz—and we’d ride up and down the elevator, playing for whoever would listen whenever the door opened. That was the beginning of the jazz program.” Today, Calhoun’s Upper School jazz program—headed by Victor—boasts more than 30 students performing in seven ensembles, coached by an extended adjunct faculty composed of some of the most promising jazz artists in America. It’s even trickled down to the Middle School, where a jazz program began this year in the eighth grade under the leadership Kevin Farrell. The success of the program has been astounding in terms of both student enthusiasm and the talent that has emerged. In the la ast two years, Victor has taken his more advanced jazz students in the “730 for the time they practice Band”—named ” each morning—to the prestigious Berklee Colleg ge High School Jazz Festival in Boston, where e they’ve placed in the upper echelon of winne ers from mostly top conservatories. Jack Gulielmetti ’14, who has performed J in both competitions and last year earned Most Accomplished Player at the e festival, says, “The biggest difference between us and the groups from other schools is that some of those kids are literallly majoring in music in high school. We don’t have a major here, but if it’s something
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(L-R) Victor Lin, head of Calhoun’s jazz program, and adjunct music teacher Dan Stein ‘07 re-create the “elevator music” that started it all in 2003.
you take seriously enough, you can take advantage of the resources we have.” Steve Nelson believes that students have gravitated toward the program because, at its core, “jazz is sort of cool,” observing that most of, if not all, popular music has its roots in jazz—and thus students are intuitively attracted to the form. “It’s pretty easy to take kids from the milieu of popular music that they have on their iPods and other devices and draw them from that into jazz, which I think is much more complex, richer and interesting intellectually,” says Steve. When it comes to explaining his approach to teaching, Victor says there is “no recipe,” but the key is individual attention for each student. “It’s not even about what they achieve,” he notes. “It’s about cultivating relationships and piquing their curiosity.” Still, he believes that the jazz program would not be where it is today without his “remarkable” original student. “I remember saying to Dan, ‘If we’re going to show that this can work, you’re going to be the big example.’ I literally threw everything I knew into him, and told him that by the time
he graduated I wanted to be gigging with him, and that when he graduated college I’d be hiring him professionally for my trio.” All of that came true. Dan went on to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he graduated with honors, and is now completing his master’s degree in jazz studies at Juilliard. He’s also back at Calhoun, teaching the subject he loves. “It’s incredible for me to see how the jazz program has developed,” he says. “The year after I graduated was the first year of actual jazz classes, and that was kind of a bittersweet thing for me, because I would have loved to have had those classes while I was here. But I was still happy that Calhoun was embracing this art form that I knew other students would be really excited about. And now the fact that it’s such a big program with enormous excitement around it? It’s astounding. It makes me so happy, and I’m so glad that I can come back and be a part of it.” See video interviews with Steve Nelson, Dan Stein ’07, Jack Gulielmetti ’14 and other musicians at www.calhoun.org/music.
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Karina Rajchman '12
Confidence and Collaboration Karina Rajchman ’12, who currently attends NYU and plays in three bands with fellow alum Josh Musto ’12, acknowledges that the music program at Calhoun did wonders for her self-esteem. “Learning new pieces of music, as well as performing live, instilled a great deal of discipline and confidence in me from a rather early age,” says Karina. “I quickly learned there is no feeling quite like the moment after playing a great gig, or transcribing a tough solo. When you have those skills and moments under your belt, the way you approach life each day takes on a different meaning. I truly believe music, or any kind of artistic passion, gives people a certain lust for life that you
simply can’t find elsewhere.” Karina calls Victor Lin and Ben Clinesmith “unbelievably inspiring teachers,” whose approach to teaching music is far more than a series of notes and scales that should be memorized. Collaboration is key to the way Calhoun’s music faculty approaches instruction. “Our mantra here is that every student has a job, and that job is to make everyone else in his or her band or orchestra better,” says Victor. “It’s not about looking good or getting your solo in the spotlight. The best person isn’t any better than the newest musician. Musicmaking isn’t supposed to be a spectacle. It’s something that people should want to participate in.” Although the objective of the music program isn’t isn’ to churn out professional musicians, Calhoun is indeed home to C some serious talent. Pianist Tiffany Poon, a senior this year, came to the United States from Hong Kong at the age of 10 to attend the J Juilliard School while concur-
Noah Krauss '15
Learning new pieces of music, as well as performing live, instilled a great deal of discipline and confidence in me from a rather early age. — Karina Rajchman '12
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rently enrolled at Calhoun. She has since played in numerous international venues, from Australia and Russia to Montreal and across the United States, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and Steinway Hall. Most recently, she won first prize and Best Performance of Concerto Award at the VIII Moscow International Fredrick Chopin Competition for Young Pianists. Junior Noah Krauss has also earned countless accolades including the New York Music Competition, first on cello and second on piano. But what both Noah and Tiffany also have in common is that they chose not to take the traditional route of conservatories. “I never really had any interest in leaving Calhoun,” says Noah. “You get individual attention here, which is so great. It’s really student-based.” Noah recalls his earlier years at Calhoun, beginning in Middle School. “It was very inspiring to see high-caliber musicians come in and play with us,” he says. He had the option of auditioning for a music school when he was 14, but opted to stay. Instead, Noah who performs with the school’s Community Orchestra, all-school orchestra and in various ensembles decided he wanted to be a positive role model for Calhoun’s younger students. “I’m just trying to show them the greatness of this program and what you can do with it if you work hard and if you have a real love for music. And I think this program really does [encourage that], because you get to play pieces that aren’t necessarily common in high school orchestras. We play pop songs, movie themes and all the really great classical works, so it’s a really wide spectrum. I just love it.” Jack Gulielmetti ’14, a talented guitarist who attends Juilliard’s pre-college program, studies composition and has actually composed for the New York Philharmonic, is another student who
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I have friends who go to [music] schools but don’t have the same access to practice rooms, instruments or faculty; I think that sets Calhoun apa apart. rt. — Jack Gulielmetti ’14
Practice time for eighth graders Michael Nelkin, Ethan Lichtenstein, Jake Rosenthal and Noah Copperman in Ben Baron’s instrumental class.
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firmly believes in Calhoun’s approach to music education. “I have friends who go to [music] schools but don’t have the same access to practice rooms, instruments or faculty; I think that sets Calhoun apart,” he says. “I also think you need to be a well-rounded person to play music. You can’t just get inspiration from music itself; that would get old after a while and you would end up sounding like the people you listen to. You have to bring in ideas from what you read or what you do in math or something you learned in biology.” What’s been most noticeable about the music evolution at Calhoun is how quickly it bonds students and faculty.
Says Meighan Stoops, Director of Music, “The first level of music education is listening together as a group, and then it’s on to playing music together. But the third level, when you’re in front of people performing that’s when the experience is ratcheted up to an entirely different intensity. You learn that you have to take care and look out for one another. And that’s something that can translate to any other scenario in life.” Concludes Noah, “Calhoun is such a great environment for musicians, artists and…I really can’t picture myself anyplace else…it’s one of my favorite places to be.”
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Reunion Friday, May 16, 2014 Celebrating Classes Ending in “4” and “9” All other alumnae/i are welcome as well! Location: Rooftop, 81st Street www.calhoun.org/alumreunion
Be a Reunion Class Chair Q Help
plan your reunion Q Provide updates/class news about classmates To volunteer, contact: Bart Hale ’00 Director of Alumnae/i Relations bart.hale@calhoun.org 646-666-6450
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Maxine Margolis ’60 (right), who authored a new book on Brazil, returned as a guest speaker for an October intersession class offered by US math teacher Erika Zamfirescu.
MARRIAGES Annie Polyn ’95 to Jorge Peña Raul Julia ’01 to Betsy Lippitt Jack Hale ’03 to Erin Grattan Ian Law ’03 to Angela Sbiliris Sonia Balaram ’06 to Saad Yousuf
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LITERARY EVENING HIGHLIGHTS ALUM AUTHORS
BIRTHS To Stephanie Diamond ’93 and Ethan Kerr, a daughter, Grace Sequoia To Nora Zelevansky ‘95 and Andrew Weiner, a girl, Estella Rose To Pete Harris ’93 and Breda Carroll, a boy, Oliver To Troy Cummings ’97 and Laura Cummings, a girl, Chloe To Brian Peters ’97 and Yael Leopold, a girl, Journey
IN MEMORIAM Dorothea Weitzner ‘39 Edna Fredericks Engoron ’41 Betty Neuwirth Lee ’48 Prudence Duff Jube ’78
Many thanks to Barbara Williams Fullard ’66, Nancy Kohl Wergeles ’60 and Daniel Romoler– oux ’98 for participating in Calhoun’s Evening of Original Literary Works, held on October 24, 2013.
1940s-1960s Please send news about your families, your work and your celebrations to alumni@calhoun.org. We’re especially eager to hear from alums celebrating their reunions
—particularly alumnae
this spring
Heeding the call for authors, these three alums submitted their poetry and prose, which was read with other community works by a cast of students, teachers and parents. Barbara’s poem “Brownstone” recalls her years at the school’s 92nd Street building; Daniel’s poem “Imagine” is a lyrical ode to following one’s passion; and Nancy reflected on how she discovered her love for cooking when she was in Middle School in her essay “Food for Thought.” Read their work at www. calhoun.org/alumauthors, and watch for future calls for submissions for Calhoun’s next literary evening!
from 1954, 1959 and 1964, who are marking their 60th, 55th and 50th reunions. Looking forward to hearing from you!
1960s Maxine Margolis ’60 returned to
Calhoun this fall for an Upper School intersession course about Brazil, led by US teacher Erika Zamfirescu. Maxine, who has spent her career as an anthropologist specializing in the people and culture of Brazil, authored a new book this year, Goodbye, Brazil: Émigrés from the Land of Soccer and Samba, and has been traveling to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro for TV and radio interviews about the book. Her other published works include True to Her Nature: Changing Advice to American Women, and all are available on Amazon. Earlier in her career, Maxine taught at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she is professor emerita of anthropology. She is also a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
Nancy Kohl Wergeles ’60, who lives
in Connecticut with her husband, Donald, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Nancy has also become an enthusiastic writer; one of her essays, “Food for Thought,” was submitted and read at Calhoun’s Evening of Original Literary Works, held this past fall (see box at left). “The evening at Calhoun was wonderful; hearing my words read by someone else was indeed a thrill,” says Nancy, who mostly writes fiction, but also enjoys writing about her cooking adventures. “The Calhoun of today is a far cry from what it was like in my day. Today the environment is so warm and nurturing.” Edith Tomi Wilson ’69 traveled to
South Korea last summer with her uncle Tommy on a trip for Korean War veterans who were celebrating their 60-year reunion. Edith hopes to continue to travel abroad, including a possible trip to Egypt next year.
1970s Carol Havdala ’78 returned to
Calhoun this year, but this time as a parent—with her daughter, Nicole Decrem ‘15, who entered the eleventh grade this fall. Carol’s mother, Huguette Havdala, joined Carol at the new parents’ reception in September and was equally excited to see the school again. Carol is a math teacher at the High
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From the
Archives FLORENCE LOUCHHEIM STOL ’18:
New Light Shines on Patron of the Arts
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Florence R. Louchheim ’18 (1900–1967), a renowned patron of the arts, was the subject of a lecture this past November by Boston University Spanish professor Christopher Maurer at the Residencia de Estudiantes, Madrid, in anticipation of the biography he is currently writing about her.
1. Portrait of Florence Louchheim ’18 by Francis Bruguiere (archive of Mary L. Evangelista)
“The Jacobi School [Calhoun] gave Florence a life-long interest in languages (she knew French and German and wrote excellent Spanish), art and theater.” “Florence graduated from The Jacobi School* with her own peculiar vision of the role of women in post–World War I American society and with a passion for languages and art,” says Maurer. “She became—like Peggy Guggenheim, who graduated from Jacobi a few years earlier—a superb collector of contemporary paintings, sculpture and prints.” Maurer’s lecture revolved around Florence’s stormy relationship with a Spanish poet and painter, José Moreno Villa, who fell in love with her in Spain, traveled with her to New York in 1927, and published a book of poems and drawings, Jacinta la Pelirroja (Red-Haired Jacinta), about the unsettling experience. The eccentric Florence and her collection (which she bequeathed to the University of Michigan Museum of Art) are captured in My Crowd (privately printed, 2003), a vivid memoir about the Louchheim family by her niece Mary Louchheim Evangelista. Florence was one of 25 students in the graduating class of 1918. She was class vice president and one of the literary editors of the The Ink Pot, for which she wrote a lead editorial, “Strange Garments,” which focused on the responsibility of “the girls of America,” and more broadly, “the youth of America” for “rebuilding and…reinvigorating the United States in post-war reconstruction.” Florence was also in the cast of the senior play, performing the role of the wife in a one-act drama by Monica O’Shea titled The Rushlight.
THE CALHOUN CHRONICLE
2. Florence Louchheim Stol ’18 (top row, center) was on the editorial board of The Ink Pot, the school’s combination yearbook/ literary journal.
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Professor Maurer, who was in touch with Calhoun to glean information about Florence’s high school years, writes: “From what I can tell, The Jacobi School gave Florence a life-long interest in languages (she knew French and German and wrote excellent Spanish), art and theater.” Later in her life, she established the Florence Louchheim Stol Foundation, which continues to give grants to major New York arts and music institutions. She died in Vermont as Florence L. Stol in 1967. *Calhoun began as The Jacobi School in 1896, named after the school’s founder, Laura Jacobi. The name was changed in 1929 by parents who wanted to honor headmistress Mary Calhoun.
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School for Environmental Studies in Manhattan, and she, her husband, Peter, and Nicole live in Irvington, NY.
(thanks to Ben) and then headed off to the closing night party,” says Rama.
Stephen Cadwalader ’79 enjoyed
Nicole Betancourt ’86 , who lives
reuniting with friends at the annual Alumnae/i Pub Night in November. He is currently serving as vice president at Jason McCoy Gallery in New York, which features contemporary works in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and video.
in New York with her husband and two daughters, Pilar and Biulu, enjoys a successful filmmaking career as a producer and director. In 1996, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for her documentary film Before You Go: A Daughter’s Diary. More recently, Nicole was granted a fellowship by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to create a video series, Parent Earth, which educates parents about healthy food. Launched in 2009, the project “creates and distributes short videos on everything from cooking and gardening to nutrition and behavior.”
1980s Betsy Lichtenstein ’80 lives in New York with her husband, Matthew, and two children, Molly and Sammy. She has worked for the last three years as a geriatric care manager while attending classes at Hunter College’s Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging. She hopes to receive her certificate in geriatric care management in 2014. Adam Campagna ’84 launched
his own architecture business last winter after five years as a senior architect at Rockwell Group, where he handled residential and hospitality projects. He holds a master’s in architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Sheila Choi, and his son, Aidan, who is in fifth grade. Rama Wiener Dunayevich ’84
shared news that a San Francisco Bay Area contingent of Calhounders took the opportunity to have a great mini-reunion on October 15 at the Mill Valley Film Festival for a screening of Ben Stiller ’83’s new movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. “While Ben was honored with a tribute award, a group of us—Marco Aurelio ’80, Geoff Strawbridge ’81, Erika Milvy ’82, Michael McCormick ’84 and I—
cheered him on from the VIP seats
Will Pollock ’86 , who is living in
Atlanta, published a new e-book in November, Pizza for Good, cited as an inspiring and wildly entertaining cookbook, memoir and philanthropic guide to building local community through food. It includes 20 recipes for specialty pizzas that stress local ingredients and covers a range of kitchen tips. (Featured in the book is another Calhounder, Rachel Harris Brown ’87, and her son, Ethan.) Will, who is also the founder of a charitable Atlanta-based artists’ collaborative called ARTvision, is donating 50 percent of the proceeds from his book to Positive Impact, an organization that provides programs for people affected with HIV. pizzaforgood.wordpress.com Marc Mendelson ’87 is the latest
Calhounder to return to his alma mater as a parent. He and his wife, Tara, have been thrilled since their daughter, Sacha, entered first grade this year. Marc has a background in finance, having most recently been at JPMorgan Chase; Tara, who had been an assistant principal with the NYC Department of Education, has
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1
1. (L—R) Geoff Strawbridge ‘81, Rama Wiener Dunayevich ‘84, Ben Stiller ‘83, Erika Milvy ‘82, Michael McCormick ‘84 and Marco Aurelio ‘80 joined Ben for the movie premiere of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty at the Mill Valley Film Festival. “It was great to meet and catch up and, of course, joke around,” says Rama, who adds, “as you can see, Michael has matured considerably since high school…” 2. Marc Mendelson ’87 joined his daughter, Sacha, a new first grader, at Calhoun’s Welcome Back Picnic for Lower School parents.
now started her own business in personal and home organization. The couple also has an older son, Jacob. Ross Kleinberg ’88 has built his own PR freelance consultancy, KBERG MEDIA, specializing in strategic media relations for consumer-facing and businessbased clients, while still passionately coaching soccer and playing basketball on the weekends—“sans Sybil yelling or Neil draining 3’s!” Ross notes. His daughters, Sophie, now 10, and Samantha, five, are both competitive gymnasts and “still enjoy Dad’s motivational quotes.” Kathleen Acosta ’89 is completing
her master’s at Bank Street College in dual-language childhood special and general education. “Between my experiences as a full-time special-education teacher and various substitute-teaching assign-
2
ments, I have gained exposure to varied learning environments across the grades,” Kathleen reflects. She also provides private tutoring to elementary students in all subject areas. Ellie Spielberger Wertheim ’89 is a family law attorney, specializing in divorce mediation and family conflict resolution as a partner at Family Mediation LLP. Ellie, who received her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1997, is a certified mediator in New York City family courts and serves on the board of the Family and Divorce Mediation Council of Greater New York. Ellie and her husband, Jon, have two children, Benjamin and Allegra.
1990s Naomi Horowitz Fowler ’90 lives in New York and has been working in jewelry manufacturing for EF3 Alliance. Her son, Griffin, will be starting kindergarten next year.
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1
CALHOUN ROAD TRIP!
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3 1. Erika Nakamura ’99 (right) and her wife, Amelia Posada, run the acclaimed organic butcher shop Lindy & Grundy’s Meats in Los Angeles.
KEY CODE Over 100 Calhounders on our radar 4–100 Calhounders on our radar
2. Annie Polyn ’95 and Jorge Peña strike a pose at their destination wedding in Dubois, WY. 3. Jessica Daniels Schwarz ’95 with her husband, Jaime, before winning an Emmy for Outstanding Casting in a Comedy Series for NBC’s hit show 30 Rock. Jessica Daniels Schwarz ’95 won a
Calhoun’s ON-THE-ROAD program has been connecting alums in the biggest cluster areas outside the New York tristate region for the past three years. PHILADELPHIA (2011) LOS ANGELES (2012) WASHINGTON, DC (2012) WEST PALM BEACH/BOCA RATON/MIAMI (2013)
Make sure you’re on THE CALHOUN MAP!
If the numbers swell, your city could be the next destination for a CALHOUN ON-THE-ROAD reception as we continue to grow the alum network! Email alumni@calhoun.org whenever you move, and we’ll put you on our GPS!
THE CALHOUN CHRONICLE
2013 Emmy award in the category of Outstanding Casting in a Comedy Series with NBC’s hit show 30 Rock, where she was a casting director for three and a half years. Annie Polyn ’95, a data analysis
manager at Bellevue Hospital, married Jorge Peña, a New York City architect, on September 7, 2013, in the “small cowboy town of Dubois, Wyoming.” Annie was happy to celebrate her nuptials with Calhoun friends Nora Zelevansky ’95 and Devon Roe Whitney ’95, who attended the New York City bachelorette party, and Tim Hawkey ’94, who attended the wedding. Dan Fraidstern ’96, is an attorney
with the firm Warren & Warren, P.C., in Brooklyn, which he joined in August 2011. Previously, he spent six years working for the Administration for Children’s Services in the family court legal services
division, where he prosecuted childabuse and neglect cases in Kings County. He lives in New York with his wife, Jennifer Napuli Fraidstern, and two sons, Max and Ben. Jamie Gerardi ’97 is senior editor
at Weight Watchers, where he has worked for the past eight years. In the spring of 2007, he contributed to the launch of the Weight Watchers Online for Men subscriber site. He lives in New York. Greg Goodman ’98 is currently
starring in a National Geographic Channel TV show called Get Lost in Korea, which premiered on November 23. He still lives in Thailand with his wife, Carrie Martin, and travels throughout Asia. The show is available to view at www. adventuresofagoodman.com/watchget-lost-in-korea-online. Marina Sapritsky Nahum ’98
is co-founder and the current
CLASS NOTES
director of development for Migdal International Society, Inc., in New York, which focuses on Jewish community programs. She previously spent time in London to pursue a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, and, subsequently, a PhD in anthropology. In 2005, Marina also traveled to Odessa, Ukraine, where she then spent several years living, traveling, and working on her dissertation. Erika Nakamura ’99 lives in
Los Angeles and, together with her wife, Amelia Posada, owns and operates Lindy & Grundy’s Meats—a butcher shop focused on local, sustainable, organic meats. Their shop practices nose-to-tail butchering to utilize the whole animal, and they work with farms that use natural grass feed without employing hormones or antibiotics. Erika attended the French Culinary Institute after college and, soon after, began her butcher career with an apprenticeship at Fleisher’s Grass-Fed & Organic Meats in Kingston, NY. Erika and Amelia’s shop has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine and The New York Times, and on NBC, CBS and The Huffington Post. lindyandgrundy.com Ilya Sapritsky ’99 lives in New York where he works in pharmaceuticals, currently serving as the director of business development for Unipharm, Inc. Since last spring, he has also been serving as vice president of Sequoia Laboratories.
2000s Bart Hale ’00 sailed in the Sunfish World Championships last October, held in Lewes, DE. Bart and the other competitors battled tropical storm conditions all week, including squalls, heavy winds and even
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Profile SARAH KRAMER ‘92
Emmy Award Winner Says the Story—Not the Medium— Is the Message Sarah Kramer ’92 remembers when she fell in love with storytelling. “I was 13, at sleep-away camp. I recall pulling my bed near my friends’ [beds] when we were going to sleep, to talk about our days. There would be long, detailed [accounts]. I really fell in love with stories that summer.” Even so, the road to Sarah’s career wasn’t yet clear. At Middlebury College, she majored in art history and briefly thought she would be a curator. And while that was certainly one way of telling stories, she wasn’t completely satisfied, so she decided to intern at a documentary film company, where she did photo research on historical documentaries. Now interested in nonfiction narratives, she went back for a master’s degree in journalism at Columbia University, graduating in 2003. Having found her stride, the Calhoun alumna went on to help launch a public-radio project, StoryCorps. As a senior producer and founding staff member, Sarah had key roles in all of the StoryCorps projects, including weekly national broadcasts, and spent four years as part of a Peabody Award– winning production team. By 2007, Sarah was at The New York Times, and, recognizing the quickly changing media climate, worked there as an interactive journalist on longform narratives. Though she didn’t have a traditional print-journalism background, she observes that “content is one thing we’ll always continue to need, regardless of how it’s given out or distributed. The way we’re all digesting content is changing drastically, but the hallmarks of doing deep dives on stories and giving thoughtful analysis remains the same.” The key is to be able to tell a story, says Sarah, who credits Calhoun for giving her the freedom to be creative, to explore her interests and figure out
how to express herself. “Calhoun really teaches you how to think in your own way—it was there that I had the real beginnings of finding my voice.” Sarah’s thoughtful work at the Times earned her and her colleagues an Emmy in 2010 for a multimedia project called “One in 8 Million,” a collection of stories that portray everyday New York-
“Calhoun really teaches you how to think in your own way—it was there that I had the real beginnings of finding my voice.” ers, and a nomination for their 2011 production, “Coming Out,” a multimedia project highlighting stories of LGBT teenagers around the country. “Coming Out” inspired a tremendous outpouring from teens who submitted testimony via Twitter and other social media outlets. “We had a huge response—close to 1,000 submissions in just one day. For some kids, it became a mechanism to come out or just be heard.” Sarah’s work is about uncovering the universality in very different personal experiences, particularly from “the unsung people you might not know about.” Her hope is to inform, educate and help others—and herself—to make sense of the world. And she never stops finding new ways to do it. Last summer, after six years at the Times, Sarah left to join up with a colleague at a storytelling startup. Again, the medium is changing. But she hopes her projects will continue to unfold many more stories that just need to be told.
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CLASS NOTES
a tornado watch, but Calhoun’s sailor held on for 46th place out of 75 boats, which has him ranked number 64 internationally on the Sunfish boat. Lisa Horowitz ’00 earned a degree
in sociology from New York University last spring and is now working as a certified EMT in Stratford, CT. From 2006 to 2011, she was a paramedic in the New York City Fire Department. Lisa lives in Connecticut with her dog, Greysee. Raul Julia ’01 married Betsy Lippitt
at his family’s home in Hurleyville, NY, on August 31, 2013. The fellow actors met in 2009 at the Flea Theater in Tribeca, where they both appeared in the play Unum. According to a New York Times profile (“Vows,” Sept. 15, 2013), the couple’s relationship grew when they were cast together in another Flea performance, Office Hours. Classmate David Tunick ’01 was among those in attendance. Tamar Sinclair ’01 is dean of
discipline and safety as well as a ninth grade history teacher at Edward R. Murrow High School, a district school in Brooklyn. She has also taught law electives as part of College Now, in connection with Kingsborough Community College. Tamar, who began her career in education more than five years ago, holds an MA in teaching
of social studies from Teachers College at Columbia University. She is also a 2012 graduate of the Summer Principals Academy at Teachers College, which prepares leaders in district and charter schools. David Kramer ’02 began pursuing
his MBA part-time at New York University’s Stern School of Business while continuing his work at Morgan Stanley. He is living in Brooklyn with his girlfriend, Liz. Jack Hale ’03 married his college
girlfriend, Erin Grattan, this past July in Rochester, NY, after nearly 10 years together; the two started dating in their freshman year at Colgate University. A large delegation from Calhoun was represented, including groomsmen Andrew Booth ’03, Tommy Grochal ’03, Darko Latic ’03
and José Ortiz ’03. Also in attendance were Sam Breier ’02, Gianni Cionchi ’03, Ian Law ’03, Daniel Winarick ’03 and best man Bart Hale ’00. Daniel Winarick ’03 completed his
PhD in clinical psychology from Adelphi University and has been providing in-home, psychologically informed and clinically oriented tutoring to students from various private schools in New York City. His approach has a focus on building organizational and executive functioning skills such as
CALLING ALUMNAE/I PERFORMERS AND WRITERS…
ALUMNAE/I CAFÉ CALHOUN WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014 The storied tradition of our Upper School talent show, Café Calhoun, will be re-created this spring as a celebration and showcase of alumnae/i performers and artists! Details and invitation to come. Those interested in participating should contact: bart.hale@calhoun.org.
THE CALHOUN CHRONICLE
planning, time management, and attention/memory for students with ADHD and learning disabilities, or emotional issues interfering with their academics.
Michigan Alumni Association’s Northern New Jersey chapter. Nick got his BA from Macalester in 2009 and his master’s in urban planning from Michigan in 2011.
Victoria Miller ’04 is assistant editor/ video publishing at About.com in New York. Since joining in December 2012, she has been managing freelance producers and work flow for web video creation, working with new freelance hires, and overseeing contractual terms and financial records. Victoria received an MA in film theory and production from the New School in 2010 and has her BA in English from Wheaton College.
Nina Kompanek ’05 hit the stage
Dan Raskin ’04 transitioned last September from his sales associate role at Essential New York Real Estate to Halstead Property on the Upper West Side, where he is now licensed as a real estate salesperson. Rosanna Volchok ’04 is currently
in November to play an “old lady” in Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, which ran at The Players Theatre on MacDougal Street in New York. Outside of her acting, Nina has been teaching in the afterschool program at Trevor Day and substitute-teaching at Calhoun. Justin Kruger ’05 moved to Cary,
NC, where he took a job in October as a social media, marketing and community manager at the video game development company Ubisoft. Previously, Justin had been in New York working as a social media manager—first for Global Grind and then for Social Tree Frog, where he stayed for two years before his latest move.
pursuing a master’s in public administration at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, from which she expects to graduate in 2015. For the past two years, she has been working as a laboratory administrator for Rockefeller University, a center for research and education in biomedical sciences.
Eric Levy ’05 has teamed up with Andrew Curtis ’06 to start their own business venture, YourNeighborhood, an online real estate social portal that helps individuals locate and adjust to a neighborhood that fits their interests and needs. Andrew is also working toward a master’s degree in computer science from City College. www.yourneighborhood.co
Nick Kahn ’05 is currently working
Samara Savino Antolini ’06 is
as an urban planner for FEMA’s Hurricane Sandy Community Recovery Assistance team in New Jersey. He is managing two projects in Tuckerton, NJ: One is the creation of a municipal economic development strategy, and the second is a plan to relocate essential municipal services out of flood zones. Nick currently lives in New Brunswick, NJ, where, in his spare time, he is the social media coordinator for the University of
keeping especially busy these days, working as an assistant in the college guidance program at the Chapin School while also pursuing her MBA in international business at St. John’s University, expecting to graduate in 2015. Sonia Balaram ’06 married Dr. Saad Yousuf on January 4 at the RitzCarlton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sonia and Saad met in September 2006 as undergraduates at Brown University. Over the years, their
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friendship blossomed until, in May 2013, Saad proposed to Sonia in Central Park. Sophie Harris ’06 began a new job this year at CD Network, a multi-label showroom, where she is serving as a fashion executive assistant. Sophie is also keeping busy as a freelance photographer. Katie Schreiber ’06 has returned
to Sarah Lawrence College, where she earned her BA, to continue graduate work for an MFA in creative nonfiction. “I am currently co-authoring a book about exercise addiction with a researcher based in Florida,” Katie notes. “I’m at work on a future manuscript that will be my thesis (and hopefully my second book!)…I also write regularly for Psychology Standard and continue to freelance.” As if that’s not enough, Katie is also planning a wedding with her fiancé, Sandy Marks! Sabrina Spiegel Zurkuhlen ’06
remains a familiar face at Calhoun, but now in a new role, having transitioned from part-time coach and school nurse to a full-time role as Assistant Athletic Director. This fall she coached the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team to a successful tournament championship victory— the second in as many years! Blair Baron ’07 started working
this fall as a first grade teacher at Harlem Prep Elementary School, which is part of Democracy Prep Public Schools—a network of openenrollment public charter schools operating in Harlem and Camden, NJ. Blair spent her first two years after graduating from Vassar College as a high school social studies teacher in Plymouth, NC, working under the auspices of Teach for America. Javier Bautista ’07, who holds a BA
in political science and government
1. Bart Hale ’00 placed 46th in the Sunfish World Championships in Lewes, DE, last fall and is currently ranked number 64 on the single-handed boat.
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2. Barry Weinstein ’09 launched his own company, Pillowcase Studies, while enrolled at American University’s Kogod School of Business. 3. Jack Hale ’03 married Erin Grattan at a ceremony in Rochester, NY, last summer. 4. Calhounders did some “heavy lifting” as groomsmen at the wedding of Ian Law ’03 to Angela Sbiliris this fall. (L—R) Andrew Booth ’03, Tommy Grochal ’03, Gianni Cionchi ’03, Roberto SotoCarrion ’03 and Ian.
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5. Sonia Balaram ’06 and Saad Yousuf were married this January in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 6. Andrew Curtis ’06 and Eric Levy ’05 are business partners in the real estate venture YourNeighborhood.
from Yale University, began working for the nonprofit organization Transportation Alternatives last summer. He serves as the community affairs coordinator, advocating for alternatives to driving cars on city streets—including options such as riding bicycles, taking public transportation and walking. Wade Brill ’07 has transitioned from Argentina to Seattle, where she is working as a certified life-purpose coach. On the side, Wade also teaches Pilates and meditation. Caroline Castro ’07 took a new job in New York last May as a brand licensing analyst in sales research at Ziff Davis, Inc. The digital media company, which specializes in technology, gaming and men’s lifestyle industries, receives more than 100 million unique visitors each month. Alex Gumpel ’07 continues taking his
passion for hiking to “new heights”: Earlier this year he climbed to the summit of Mount Shuksan in
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Washington State, just south of the Canadian border. More recently, Alex hiked the highest peak in the northeastern United States, Mount Washington in New Hampshire, which stands at 6,288 feet. When he’s not summitting, Alex puts his climbing expertise to good use, working for Patagonia’s store in downtown Manhattan. Sam Schreck ’07 has touched down in Beijing, China, where he is interning with the operations and development team for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He is also serving as a teaching
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fellow at China Foreign Affairs University. Sam is a consultant for Booz Allen in Washington, DC, but is currently on a leave of absence. Shelby Wong ’07 is pursuing an MFA in acting at The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. She expects to graduate in 2016. Meanwhile, she continues working at Jujamcyn Theaters. Eve Blazo ’08 graduated from
Brown University in 2012 with a concentration in modern culture and media, before returning to New York to work in the fields of fashion and media. She has held
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CLASS NOTES
Profile SAM NAGOURNEY ‘05
Campaign Guru for de Blasio and Brewer Sam Nagourney ’05 spent this fall immersed in New York’s political landscape, where he helped manage two successful bids for city office. Following a triumphant primary win as deputy campaign manager on Upper West Side Councilmember Gale Brewer’s race for Manhattan borough president, Sam was hired as deputy finance director for Bill de Blasio’s mayoral campaign. A graduate of Bates College with a BA in political science and sociology, Sam paused recently to reflect on his busy campaign season. What were the most challenging and rewarding aspects in your campaign roles for Gale Brewer and Bill de Blasio?
I enjoy taking on a high level of responsibility and thrive in highpressure situations, so the fundraising side has been a natural draw for me. For Brewer’s race, the most challenging parts were fighting political insiders’ perceptions and keeping the team’s spirits up. Gale entered the race extremely late—only six months before the primary, compared with
the limit on individual contributions, the matching program truly allows any donor to be nearly as important as the wealthiest. We still have a lot of work to do. In an ideal world, campaigns would be supported entirely by public funds, thus reducing the need for candidates to fundraise and allowing them to spend more time working on the issues. Did Calhoun inspire or support your interest in politics?
While I’d always been interested in government, my first true experience was as student body president during my senior year at Calhoun. My biggest political misstep occurred during the annual Secret Santa gift exchange. I mistakenly assumed the entire school wanted to participate rather than asking people to opt in. On gift-giving day, more than a dozen kids didn’t get anything. But, luckily, with John Roeder’s
“The person at Calhoun who most inspired me [was] English teacher Phil Tedeschi… the lessons I learned from Phil both in and out of the classroom prepared me for my career and are still top of mind in my day-to-day political job.” her opponents, who had been campaigning for two years. When we entered the race, every insider said it was too late. The majority of local Democratic clubs and Manhattan electeds endorsed our opponents. I’ll never forget sitting with my campaign team as it became clear not just that we had won, but that we had come from behind to win handily. I came to de Blasio’s race after Gale’s primary win to help finish out his fundraising. I joined an amazing team, and we had to put the pedal to the metal to raise $6 million in five weeks. We would often have four fundraising events a day, traversing from Tribeca to Little Neck, Queens, in a matter of hours. The pace was consistent and thrilling. We were often up at 6am and in bed at midnight. There isn’t a moment of boredom on competitive campaigns. And of course, the most rewarding thing about both was winning, and winning convincingly. What types of campaign finance reform, if any, do you think are needed most today?
Campaign finance reform is critical to reduce the influence of money and big business in government. New York City has made great strides by offering a public funds program. City residents who contribute up to $175 have their donations matched six times by the city. Combined with
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Sam Nagourney ’05 (center) with NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray.
great guidance, we were able to make sure everyone got a present. It’s moments like those that quickly develop one’s political instincts. The person at Calhoun who most inspired me [was] English teacher Phil Tedeschi. From him, I learned essential skills like attention to detail; he played a large role in forming my work ethic. Perhaps most important, Phil taught me the basics of writing. His instruction led me to the editor-in-chief role for The Issue, and his guidance as an advisor helped me succeed. The lessons I learned from Phil both in and out of the classroom prepared me for my career and are still top of mind in my day-to-day political job. Where do you hope to go from here?
I’m not sure what’s next. The campaign trail is certainly addictive. I’d be happy to join the mayor-elect’s administration and help him push his agenda, and I’d be happy helping more great candidates get elected. We’ll just have to see.
CLASS NOTES
positions at Vogue and Style.com, and freelances as a fashion stylist and writer. Alexandra Koutsomitis ’08
participated in Calhoun’s Holiday Craft Fair this year, showing her beautifully designed silk scarves, which she sells through her own accessories company, Alexa Sofia. All of her products are based on her original artwork. The company, which Alexandra launched in September 2013, specializes in “playful creations, bridging the gap between fine art and fashion,” says Alexandra. “Each design conveys the intricate details and the unique qualities of the materials that were used in my original artwork.” Find her designs at www.alexasofia.com Gaia Rikhye ’08, who has shifted her
career from the arts to the beverage business, is working in wine sales while also going for an MA in wine studies at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the Institute of Masters of Wine. “I had wine experience from having worked at an auction house out of college,” says Gaia. She was working at Sherry-Lehmann in corporate sales before moving to New Zealand, where she spent time in viticulture with a few vineyards and wineries. “I plan to return for the harvest next year,” she says. In addition to her time back at school, Gaia now acquires, selects and buys wines for Vitis, which has a retail shop and an Internet-based company. Skylar Sasson ’08, who had been
working in admissions at Avenues: The World School, is now working as a professional development assistant coordinator at the law firm Paul, Weiss. She says she’s “weighing my options” as to whether law school is in her future. Terry Horowitz ’09 earned a BS in
biology from Bates College last
spring and spent the summer working as an administrative coordinator for Partners HealthCare in Boston. In November, she headed off to Hawaii, where she volunteers for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) on two different organic farms to continue learning about sustainable living and farming. Marcy Isaacson ’09 completed her BA in American studies at Dickinson College, which included a junior year study-abroad experience in Bologna, Italy. She is now back in New York. where, in August, she began as an administrative and event assistant in the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Community Events.
envisions possible expansion to printing study notes on bed sheets and other items such as plates. www.pillowcasestudies.com
2010s Rebecca Lansbury ’12, who is a
sophomore at Bard College, volunteers as a peer health educator on campus. She is also working as a lab
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assistant, and says she is considering a major in biology. Zuri Pavlin ’12 joined classmates Max Lemper-Tabatsky ’12 and Alex Tritto ’12 at Connecticut College this year, where he enrolled following a postgraduate year at Brewster Academy. Zuri is playing on Connecticut College’s varsity basketball team.
Albert Namnum ’09 caught up with classmates at the annual Alumnae/i Pub Night in November. He graduated from the University of Virginia last spring with a BA in economics and government, after having transferred from Wake Forest, and is currently living in Washington, DC, where he works for Capital One. Amanda Nason ’09 is working as a marketing consultant at LocalVox in New York, having earned a degree in psychology at the University of Delaware earlier this year. In her position, she researches prospective clients and offers online marketing solutions for small and medium-size local businesses. Barry Weinstein ’09, who went to
American University’s Kogod School of Business after Calhoun, spent a year abroad at the London School of Economics before launching his own entrepreneurial initiative in 2011, Pillowcase Studies, which designs pillowcases inscribed with text on a range of subjects. The idea, he explains, is to make studying comfortable, fun and a more natural part of the day. He
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ALUMS PROVE THEIR METTLE NO MATTER THE TEAM!
The ninth annual Alumni-Faculty Game was an instant classic! The faculty team defeated the alumni squad 59–55, exacting revenge for last year’s close-fought loss while taking the all-time series lead, 5–4. Some would protest, however, that the Calhoun graduates were the real winners in this contest, as the core of the faculty team was actually made up of alums wearing their “staff” hats: Casey Shane ’06 and Richard Lin ’97, who coach various teams at Calhoun, played key roles in the faculty win, and Upper School English teacher Bobby Rue ’85 calmly sank a pair of free throws late in the contest to clinch the victory for the faculty. If not for these former varsity players switching sides, the faculty team would have had an even worse chance at winning than the Generals do when they play the Harlem Globetrotters! GO, COUGARS! (Above) Playing for the alum team, Tim Gruber ’13 (center) sets a pick for Desi McGrath ’12 (right).
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N OV EMBER 26, 2013
Seventh Annual Alum Pub Night Calhoun’s seventh annual Alum Pub Night kicked off the holiday season in late November with a spirited celebration. Held again this year at Legends Bar in midtown Manhattan, the gathering boasted a terrific mix of graduates spanning 30 years. It was especially great to see the number of grads from the early ‘80s, who used the occasion for a “mini-reunion,” and more recent alums from the 00’s, who are already starting to approach significant reunion anniversaries!
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1. (L—R) Stephen Cadwalader ’79, Andrea Newhouse Moynier ’83, Tracy Cohen ‘83, Anthony Coleman ’82, Kriss Roebling ‘83, Amanda Naughton ’83
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2. (L—R) US biology teacher Francesco Filiaci, Emily Kaiser ‘05, Jen Lewis ’05 and Max Marcus ‘05 3. (L—R) Rico Bautista ‘07, Mirella Brussani ’07, Ally Kotowski ’07 and Jessica Neufeld ‘07 4. (L—R) Samara Savino Antolini ‘06, Alex Gelband ’05 and Sophie Harris ‘06
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5. Chris Foster ’95 with US science teacher John Roeder 6. (L—R) Amanda Nason ’09, Amalia Safran ’09, Xander Green ‘09, Marcy Isaacson ’09 and Jack Asimov ‘09
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Holiday Homecoming Luncheon
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Just before winter break, Calhoun welcomed back nearly 40 alums who had an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and visit with their former teachers. The homecoming event kicked off with the traditional 12 Days of Christmas celebration, followed by a full spread of Chef Bobo’s food and a pick-up basketball game in the gym. It was great catching up!
M O RE P H OTOS AT www.calhoun.org/alumevents
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1. (L—R) Carner Round ’13 and Lizzy Indek ’13 2. (L—R) Lily McMillan ’13, Hannah Klingenstein ’13 and Jana Gharzeddine ’13
5. (L—R) Max Lemper-Tabatsky ’12, Jake Wegweiser ’13 and Benny Tuchman ’12 6. James Basuk ’13 and US Spanish teacher Hernán Ortiz
3. (L—R) Michael Luzmore ’13, US art teacher Gary Cohen and Stephen Mondesir ’13 4. (L—R) Alex Tritto ’12, Zach Taylor ’12 and US English teacher Ellen Kwon 4
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