Community Comment | Summer 2023

Community Comment

Inside: Letter from the Head of School

Salute to Sixth Grade

Honoring Rob Knight Alumni Spotlight

A Closer Look: First Grade Faculty & Staff Awards and Accomplishments

Bob Cooke

& Contributor

Jennifer Thomas

Bob Cooke

Sixth Grade Class

Joe Mohr

New Faculty

Stacey Kamps, President

Brad Foss, Vice President

Tracy Shepard, Secretary

Jeff Burgess, Treasurer

Kelly Harris

Michael Laycob

Board of Trustees

Mayo Amos

John Choe

Jeffrey Evitts

Deanna Granger

James Jefferson

Sonie Orsay

Katie Schankman

Matt Scherrer

Jason Schnuck

Hana Sharif

Tony Sonn

Geneen Von Kloha

Kesha Proctor, CPA President

Kristin Keller, Alumni Board President

Building Community Campaign

A few years ago, Community School launched a master planning process with the goal of identifying facilities and grounds improvements that would have a deep and positive impact on teaching, learning, and the student experience here at school. As a result, we have purchased neighboring land (to “square off” the campus and protect the school’s woods), and launched an ambitious capital campaign and building project to expand and improve some of our key facilities.

An early part of this process was to identify those facilities most in need of improvement. A key finding was a confirmation of what most of us have known for quite some time: Community School needed to upgrade our woodshop and science facilities, as well as other teaching and learning spaces, to match our classrooms to the high level of teaching already taking place.

In several important ways the old shop building (built in the 1940s, and expanded in the ‘50s) could no longer support the programs that we housed in it. For instance, woodshop used to be classes of 10 students, where we now have up to 22 students at a time. That increased class size required our teachers to store some of our larger power tools. Science classes, which have shared the shop building for a number of years, require updated facilities so that students can do longterm (and space-intensive) projects such as robotics and chemistry. Additionally, having woodshop and science in a separate building creates accessibility issues for students with physical challenges, and poses safety and security concerns.

The need for improved facilities is the impetus behind the Building Community Campaign, which will result in a beautiful new addition on

the north side of the main building. The new Broughton STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Center will house a new tworoom woodshop (one room for hand tools, and another room behind a glass wall equipped with power tools), a new drama room, two science classrooms, a project space, an idea lab, collaboration areas, a creative commons, new offices, and a conference room.

Importantly, the Broughton STEAM Center is designed to further enhance our teaching and learning. There is an emphasis on shared collaborative spaces, not just because that is how science is often done but also because we know that this helps teach life skills such as leadership, working in teams, learning from others, and sharing ideas. We are creating flexible spaces that encourage creativity and imagination; for instance, the idea lab

will be filled with materials and tools that students can use to create, such as a 3D printer and robotics components. Additionally, the Broughton STEAM Center is designed to enhance crossgrade collaboration. The two Upper and Lower Division science classrooms will now be side by side with a shared office and prep space between them. This will not only allow our science teachers to more effectively plan and share ideas but also enable our older students to work with younger children, and younger students to easily see and learn from older students’ work.

There is also an important improvement in cross-subject collaboration. For instance, the woodshop has been an important partner in the creation of sets and props for the drama program. Students work with the shop teachers to build sets and make props, but that has been logistically challenging due to the distance between the old shop building and our Centennial Arts Center (CAC). The Broughton STEAM Center brings these programs into close proximity, with shared access to the new creative commons. The creative commons, which lies

immediately outside both the new shop and drama rooms, is large enough to serve as a set-building space, and is convenient to the CAC. Students will have the opportunity to design and build sets and props with the support of our woodshop teachers, giving them valuable experience in applying their skills to specific requirements.

One vitally important part of this project is the increase in physical accessibility it will provide for students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Because the Broughton STEAM Center will be attached to the main building, children and adults will no longer need to go outside and across the sometimesicy asphalt to get to their science and woodshop classes. Additionally, our goal is to relocate and improve our elevator (that currently serves two of the four levels in the main building) so that it will go to every floor. Every year we have children who are injured that would benefit from an elevator, as well as children or adults who have physical challenges that make it difficult to manage stairs. And I am sure our visiting grandparents will especially enjoy this upgrade!

I am happy to report that both fundraising and construction are moving along on schedule. We have raised approximately $6.3 million of our $7 million goal to date, and anticipate meeting (and hopefully exceeding!) our goal sometime this fall. The new building is going up quickly, with the steel framework largely erected, and walls beginning to take shape. Assuming the weather cooperates, we will be opening the new Broughton STEAM Center in the spring of 2024, and look forward to inviting the greater “Community of Community” to come back and take a tour of these beautiful new facilities.

Most importantly, Community School is the same place it has always been – a school that sees individual students for who they are and believes in a hands-on and engaged education. And over the next few months we will be building wonderful new teaching and learning spaces that will match our extraordinary educational program.

Warmly, Bob

Salute to Sixth Grade

We caught up with Community School’s 2023 graduates and asked them questions about their Community School experience. Here are some of their responses.

Why do you love Community?

I love Community because it feels like a second home.

- Azam Bhutto

I appreciate the support I get from all the teachers.

- Gus Lochhead

I love the interactive style of teaching at Community.

- Hunter Wohlford

Because of the friends I have and the kindness I have experienced here.

- Lee Kirkpatrick

I love Community because of how inclusive everyone is.

- Jack Watters

Because I’ve had so many amazing teachers and friends that I will keep forever.

- Margot Todorovich

I love Community School because of all of the opportunities it offers, and how it feels like one big family.

- Piper Davis

I love Community because we get to connect with friends regularly.

- Annie Amos

We are all taught to be kind at Community.

- Frannie Varble

I appreciate all of the experiences and how all the teachers support us through everything.

- Brody Jones

Because Community gives me many opportunities like woodshop and access to a pond for science.

- Rani Orsay

I love Community because it provides a great education for a great future.

- Aiden Robinson

I love Community School because everyone here is very welcoming and it teaches valuable life lessons.

- Rylan Harden

It is an amazing place where you can make long-lasting friendships.

- Chris Stevenson

Because over the years I have made a lot of good friends, and we will always stay in touch.

- Samantha Burkhardt

Because they work hard to nurture my mind, body, AND spirit. I joined in Nursery, and they have enabled me to score well on my ERBs, created my love for the woods, and helped make me who I am today.

- Jade Edelstein

Because it is a place where I feel safe, and I can do anything.

- Grant Taylor

Community has taught me how to open up to my classmates and be myself. I am so glad for this, and it has made me love Community even more.

- Caroline Foss

I love Community because they teach in the best way for your needs. I can remember the things I learned in second grade because they teach in a way that we will remember all our lives instead of just for the test.

- Georgiana Von Kloha

I love Community because of all the friends that I have made and all the wonderful experiences, such as the sixth grade musical, the camping trip, going to the Cardinals game in JK, and when I made my three closest friends in fourth grade.

- Ethan Laycob

The teachers and staff are so kind and set time aside for each student. The teachers are not just interested in teaching us; they are also interested in getting to know us and creating bonds that last for a long time. You will not find better teachers than the ones at Community.

- Teddy Keller

What is your favorite memory of Community?

My first family group.

- Mack Evitts

The sixth grade musical with Rylan because we were MCs together.

- Blake Mattingly

When we collected books for the fifth grade book drive.

- Hadley Burgess

The sixth grade musical because of how much responsibility and all the choices we had.

- Jack Watters

My favorite memory was roasting marshmallows over the camp fire during the sixth grade camping trip.

- Chloe Lee

During the camping trip when our class went to a levee and lay down to watch the stars.

- Emery Burgess

I will remember singing at lunch in third grade and finally feeling like I belonged.

- Zahara Sharif-Jackson

A favorite memory of mine is from fourth grade when a hummingbird flew in the room on the first day of school.

- Rylan Harden

One of my favorite memories is the sixth grade camping trip when we went on the levee. We were silent and lay down to see the Milky Way and other stars above us.

- Reagan Anderson

I enjoyed the Advisory B morning meeting in sixth grade because we always got to have fun and be ourselves before school started.

-

Ainsley Long

My favorite memory is always being so early to woodshop that I would have to ask if we had class that day. Eventually when I came in, the teachers would say, “Yes, you have class today.”

- Georgiana Von Kloha

What are you going to miss most about Community?

My classmates and friends.

- Sadie Moore

I am going to miss everything. Our class is like my family; we are all so close.

- Sloane Silberman

The amazing teachers who care about our education and friends who make me happy.

- Jemma Edelstein

All of my friends that are going to different schools, and the campus.

- Annie Amos

The amazing food. Especially the great salad bar.

- Oliver Rhee

These last nine years have been the best. No other school will be like this.

-

Brody Jones

I am going to miss the people that surround me here at Community. They have made me the person I am now, and made a safe space that I feel comfortable in.

- Rani Orsay

The thing I will miss most is the family style lunches. They taught me to think of others during meals.

-

Zahara Sharif-Jackson

I will miss my teachers and friends.

- Mack Evitts

I am going to miss drama. It was so fun playing characters every year.

- Aiden Robinson

I am going to miss being a kid at Community, and everything about it. I will especially miss my homeroom teachers. They made me a better person.

- Grant Taylor

I am going to miss the happy environment. We all get along so well and feel like one big family. Everyone always challenges me to do my best.

-

Caroline Foss

Most of all I’m going to miss the people and the way we all have different personalities but they all come together to make one big amazing personality.

-

Ainsley Long

Just all the friendly people and the caring and nurturing environment that Community has. It feels like a home away from home.

- Teddy Keller

Give your best piece of advice for a younger student:

Hard work always pays off.

Just be yourself.

- Azam Bhutto

- Preston Townsend

Always study hard, don’t procrastinate, and turn in homework early.

- Blake Mattingly

Don’t fall behind on your reading goal or homework. It will come back to bite you!

- Lee Kirkpatrick

As Ms. Cadieux says, “Don’t stay stuck.”

- Sloane Silberman

My best piece of advice is to not procrastinate. Try and do your homework about 2 or 3 days before it’s due.

- Oliver Rhee

Always keep an open mind and step out of your comfort zone.

- Chloe Lee

My best piece of advice is to take advantage of all of the opportunities that Community provides.

- Emery Burgess

Always do your long-term projects early.

- Piper Davis

Sixth grade is going to be really fun. It’s my favorite year!

-

Be supportive, creative, and a leader.

Never fall behind on IXL!

Do your homework as soon as possible!

Frannie Varble

- Annie Amos

- Harold Lang

- Sadie Moore

Sixth grade is different than all the other grades because there is more homework and responsibility, but it has also been my favorite year.

-

Lana Loftis

My best piece of advice is to be open, happy, free, and to not be scared because Community is an amazing place.

- Chris Stevenson

Embrace every opportunity you are given.

- Rani Orsay

Be proactive and always go back and check your work.

- Rylan Harden

When you need help or have a question, don’t be afraid to ask.

- Samantha Burkhardt

Always do your homework, and be yourself. Then everything will come easier.

- Grant Taylor

I’d say keep up with your homework, and make your year pleasurable!

-

Jade Edelstein

Time flies when you’re having fun, so make the most if it.

- Reagan Anderson

What was your most interesting project or activity?

Playing on Community’s basketball team.

I enjoyed the Africa map and slideshow.

- Azam Bhutto

- Sadie Moore

The Invention Convention in fourth grade.

- Preston Townsend

Learning robotics in fourth and fifth grades.

- Hunter Wohlford

- Gus Lochhead

For me it was the medieval house that I made in fifth grade. It was a challenge and took time and care.

- Lee Kirkpatrick

When we had to do a scene from one of Shakespeare’s plays for our fifth grade play.

- Jack Watters

My Lego robotics project because it helped us be creative.

- Margot Todorovich

Creating and presenting our own TED Talk.

- Chloe Lee

My most interesting activity was playing on the Community soccer team. All of my teammates were energetic and delightful when we were on the field.

- Emery Burgess

One of the most interesting projects was in fourth grade when we made pizza because we were in our fraction unit, and I spent hours perfecting mine.

- Jemma Edelstein

I enjoyed our pond investigations in science class.

- Lana Loftis

Probably the fourth grade board game where we got to make our own board game and play it.

- Brody Jones

My most interesting and favorite project is probably my Lego robotics project because it was really fun to make with my partner and to experiment with different codes.

- Rani Orsay

Making a pool table in woodshop.

I loved the sixth grade camping trip. It is a wonderful way to bring everyone together.

- Zahara Sharif-Jackson

My most interesting activity was in fifth grade when we went to J.A. Biztown and I got to be CFO for AT&T.

- Grant Taylor

The sixth grade bake sale! Our class gift was a new basketball hoop, and on the first day, we raised enough money for a luxury hoop. My advisory bonded over this, and we learned that teamwork is key.

- Caroline Foss

For me it was the service learning project for the unhoused. We did a project that kept our attention and was fun while also completing our goal to help people in St. Louis.

- Georgiana Von Kloha

My favorite project was in first grade when I had to make a project about an Australian snake and then make a model out of clay. I loved this because I knew nothing about snakes and wanted to know more.

- Ethan Laycob

When we would turn the sprinklers on in Nursery and have a beach day on the playground.

- Teddy Keller

What would you tell a family considering Community?

That it will be one of the best decisions of their life!

- Azam Bhutto

It is such a warm and welcoming place.

- Hunter Wohlford

It is a great school, and you get lots of love and support from the teachers and students.

- Gus Lochhead

Community School is all about pushing students in a positive way. I would not trade my time at Community for anything.

- Hadley Burgess

Community has a wonderful learning style that can be adapted for those who need it. It creates a safe, open environment for anyone and everyone.

- Lee Kirkpatrick

I would tell them this is a great school where your kid is going to shine.

- Jack Watters

Community is an amazing school. The teachers are always there to help, and you will meet so many great people. Also, everyone is very accepting. I know I won’t be judged.

- Sloane Silberman

Community is a great school because the education is amazing and everyone has fun every day of the week.

- Margot Todorovich

The teaching staff at Community School is so welcoming. They recognize your strengths and weaknesses and adjust to your needs.

- Oliver Rhee

Community is full of intelligent and independent students and amazing teachers, and I know your child would thrive here.

- Jemma Edelstein

Go here! It’s going to be like home for your entire family.

- Frannie Varble

It provides such a great learning environment for young children.

- Harold Lang

I would tell families that this is such a great opportunity to maximize your future.

-

Aiden Robinson

This school will be a good fit because it is diverse, welcoming, and has teachers who will always take the time to help your child.

-

Rylan Harden

Choose Community School because it is a home where you can do anything, take risks, and be yourself. Plus, it has a lot of P.E.

-

Grant Taylor

Community has great classes and amazing opportunities. For example, I got to compete in the spelling bee three times and created LEGO robotics projects for two years in a row in science!

- Jade Edelstein

I am so glad I came to Community. It has taught me to be myself. I came to Community super shy and now I am very confident with my classmates. Community taught me life skills that will last forever.

-

Caroline Foss

I would tell a family considering Community that it will help your child learn how to develop as a person and a friend.

- Ainsley Long

Definitely join! It will change your children’s lives.

- Reagan Anderson

This is a great school that really focuses on each child’s needs.

- Georgiana Von Kloha

This is an AMAZING school where you will learn how to be a kind person, a good athlete, and a smart student alongside lots of friends. Most of all, no matter how long you have at Community, you will always wish you had a longer time.

- Ethan Laycob

Community is a place for all children. It helps each child grow in the ways they need to grow and gives them many opportunities to try something new and improve on things they already know.

- Teddy Keller

Honoring Rob Knight

Written by Joe Mohr, Woodshop Teacher

In woodshop at the end of every class, Mr. Knight or I say, “It’s time to ‘reset’.” We say that because no child (or adult?) likes to hear, “It’s time to clean up!” To reset is to put the woodshop back the way it was when you got here; to reset the room to its previous state. It’s our least favorite time of class because it’s typically the only time we hear moaning and groaning in the woodshop. That’s not because the students don’t want to reset (or clean up), it’s because they want to stay in the woodshop. The act of working deliberately with your hands on something that interests you is one of the most important things a person can experience. Kids today lack the opportunity; they do not lack the desire or ability. Kids. Love. Woodshop.

When I started here at Community School nine years ago I quickly learned another reason why kids love woodshop— Rob Knight. What I got to experience for the past nine school years, and what students at Community School get to experience for a span of seven school years (if they join Community by SK) is a unique gift. Just as the opportunity to work slowly and deliberately with our hands is becoming an increasingly rare act, it is also increasingly rare to find a teacher (male nonetheless) who is so kind, calm, and patient with EVERY SINGLE CHILD. I aspire to be that way and fortunately for me, I had the best example of “that way” for almost 2000 school days. Mr. Knight has time for every kid on any day. He listens and lets kids lead discussions, he interjects only when he feels it’s needed, and he uses humor at appropriate times, all while demonstrating a pervasive calmness and patience.

Mr. Knight is also an amazing husband and father, woodworker, artist, musician, music lover, friend, maker, breaker, helper, cook, camper, hiker, biker, colleague, environmentalist, storyteller, gardener, and grandfather. I am blessed to have spent so much time with Rob Knight, and even though he is retiring after more than a quarter century at Community, his influence will live on here in the woodshop. I know I’ll stay in touch and continue to learn

from him, and I’ll always do my best to share all that I learned with future students. Rob Knight was a gift. The kids know it. Those of us who got to work closely with him know it. This article was written with the hope that the rest of you know it. Community is losing a true gift.

To reset is to put the woodshop back the way it was. Mr. Knight cannot reset the woodshop, or the school. It’ll never be back the way it was. Because of Rob Knight, Community School will always be a much better place.

Thank you for 26 years, Mr. Knight. You will be missed.

Alumni Spotlight: Meredith Benson ’04

Meredith Benson graduated from Community School in 2004. Her mother, Donna, graduated in 1966 and is a Community School Life Member. Meredith’s three older siblings are also alumni of the school. In the fall of 2022, Meredith returned to Community while training Skipper, our school therapy dog. Learn more about Meredith and the training process in the article below.

When thinking back to her favorite memories as a student, Meredith said, “It’s very hard to pinpoint one. I enjoyed the ongoing experience of shop class. I would love to do that now as an adult. The Jungle Escape in P.E. was another highlight.” Meredith also recalled lessons learned at Community. “I remember when I was doing homework or preparing for a test, my dad would always say, ‘The work you are doing now will be useful for the rest of your life, so learn it well.’ Everything I learned, starting with basic grammar and math; those are the foundations that I use daily in my small business. Community’s core curriculum has carried me through every part of my life so far.”

Meredith highlighted the impact of leadership development at Community, as well. Leadership training starts in Community’s earliest grades through a combination of public speaking and learning how to interact with others, and opportunities culminate in sixth grade when students carry out a variety of responsibilities around the school, such as raising the school flag each day and helping serve lunch tables. “I remember looking forward to responsibilities as a

Written by Jennifer Thomas

younger student,” she shared. “I saw my older siblings and their friends in those roles, and it instilled a desire to take them on myself. This gave me a lot of confidence going into secondary school.” Meredith went on to John Burroughs School, followed by a boarding school in Virginia where she played field hockey and enjoyed a similar focus on leadership development.

Meredith has always been drawn to animals; specifically, dogs. “Anybody from Community and any other part of my life who has known me for five minutes,” she shared, “knows I am drawn to dogs more than the average person. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with them in some capacity.” Meredith began her dog training career observing and shadowing established trainers around the country. After receiving her B.A. in Sociology from DePauw University, she furthered her dog-specific knowledge while studying and training at a professional K9 training school.

She currently serves as owner and head trainer at K9 Help You, which provides customized dog training and K9 services. “I work to bring a more formal program into institutions or an individual’s life,” she explained. “I have Tater Tot as a service dog, and he has been life changing for me. Once I personally experienced that, I knew I had to give it to as many people as I could.” In addition to training dogs, Meredith breeds Golden Retrievers. In the fall of 2021, she had two litters of puppies available and reached out to Community’s Director of Advancement, Kathleen Kelly, to see if any families were

Opposite page: Meredith and Skipper during the training process at Community School. This page: Skipper greeting students in the hallway and during morning carpool.

interested in buying one. Coincidentally, Kathleen had just spoken to our Head of School, Bob Cooke, about the potential for a school therapy dog. The conversation evolved from there.

Enter Skipper. Skipper is a Portuguese Water Dog and Poodle mix and belongs to Ellen Noel, a co-lead teacher in First South. Ellen explained that before Covid, Bob had mentioned the idea of having a school dog, and she offered to try it out with her family dog, Rocky, or to host a new dog. The conversation paused during Covid, but when teachers had the opportunity to brainstorm wishes that would make an impact on the school for Community’s Winter Wishes gala in 2022, she brought the idea up again. Her new dog, Skipper, seemed like the perfect candidate; he didn’t shed and was about to turn two, which is an ideal time for training. As she started to discuss the idea with Kathleen and Bob, Meredith reached out about the Golden puppies, and everything came together.

Meredith trained Skipper in Colorado for several months in the summer and fall of 2022. “The training process evolves,” she shared. “It starts with me getting to know the dog; I always value building that bond and relationship.” While finishing training at Community, Meredith enjoyed ‘reliving’ the school, seeing former teachers, and hearing about some of the traditions still in place. “It was surreal and exciting for me,” she said, “because I think that’s a big part of what makes Community unique. It has such a heartwarming, nostalgic feel for so many alumni. I sort of felt like I was back at home.” Meredith also enjoyed Community’s handler team who worked with her virtually and in person. She was incredibly impressed with their work ethic and commitment to the program. “They were wonderful to work with and had me laughing the entire time. I am honored that they chose to work with me and K9 Help You. They really lit a spark in me to keep doing work with therapy dogs.”

When asked about the benefits of a therapy dog, Meredith recalled the times she brought her family dog to Community for show and tell. “At the time, I didn’t know the science behind the positive effects, but as I got older and researched the benefits, I learned it can do different things for different students, like boost their serotonin levels and provide a grounding experience for those with test anxiety.” Meredith explained that having a dog as a tactile aid helps anxious students redirect what they are thinking about. This regulates their parasympathetic nervous system and leaves them in a better position to take a test.

A therapy dog can also help students who are in a different place socially. “It’s a different form of communication and interaction,” Meredith said. “Therapy dogs can help students feel better and have more confidence. They are a resource that teachers can add to their toolbox.” During the training process, many teachers came up to Meredith privately to share their excitement about how Skipper would help certain students. Ellen has seen the benefits firsthand this year. “When he comes to First South,” she said, “he knows exactly who to sit next to. He’s very good at sensing when people are upset or need support. Kids will immediately calm down and start smiling or laughing when they are with Skipper. Even his presence at morning carpool and around the school makes people happy.”

Thank you to Meredith and to every donor who made the wish of having a school therapy dog possible. Skipper is the perfect companion for our students and staff, and we are grateful that he allowed us to reconnect with Meredith.

Meredith regularly comes to St. Louis to train and welcomes new clients for training or those interested in exceptional Golden Retrievers: “My roots are in St. Louis, and I’ll keep coming back!”

A Closer Look: First Grade’s Study of Community and St. Louis Neighborhoods

Written by Jennifer Thomas

First grade is a benchmark year at Community School as students transition to the “Big Building” and engage in smaller teaching groups that allow for increased differentiation and academic skill building. Students also develop lasting friendships with older peers through Community’s Family Groups program, which begins in first grade and consists of a child from each grade paired with a teacher.

When sharing highlights from the year, many students mention social studies, and more specifically, the field trips. In the fall, students research the history of Community School through artifacts and oral history, and in the spring, they explore The Hill and Delmar Loop neighborhoods. Learn more about these units and how they fit within Community’s broader curriculum below.

History of Community School

Each fall, students spend approximately three months studying the history of Community School. They tour different parts of campus, talk with school administrators and staff, and learn about key figures and events that have shaped the school since its founding in 1914. This year, the students performed “We Are Community,” a play written and directed by our drama teacher, Alissa Rowan, and featuring an original song by our Lower Division music teacher, Meriam Dwidar. Characters include the Founding Mothers, Ruth Ferris, John Hartford, class pets, and the Liberty Tree. First graders transformed into their characters, bringing our school’s history to life on stage. Students do not perform this play every year, but each of their plays incorporates a historic perspective that relates to what they learn in social studies.

Study of Neighborhoods

In the spring, students transition to a focus on neighborhoods, investigating the neighborhood surrounding Community School with the neighborhoods they live in and The Hill and Delmar Loop areas. Lori Branch is a co-lead teacher in First North, and she has planned the unit and field trips for roughly 20 years. “I created a neighborhood booklet,” she shared, “and we start off by discussing the meaning of ‘neighborhood’ – what it is, what it contains, and how a neighborhood can be in the city, the country, or the suburbs. We also talk about manmade structures and physical features of neighborhoods, like a swimming pool versus a pond.”

After learning about the characteristics of neighborhoods, students describe their own homes and make a map of their neighborhood. After each field trip, they reflect on what they learned about the neighborhoods, share their thoughts and ideas, and complete written and hands-on activities. Lori chose The Hill and Delmar Loop for field trips due to their diversity. “We are so fortunate here in St. Louis to have such distinctive neighborhoods, and we like to show the students how neighborhoods can be so different yet alike.”

A Taste of the Delmar Loop and The Hill

Lori starts planning each field trip in September. The process involves a lot of phone calls, coordination, and flexibility as Lori determines the locations they’ll go to. “I had to readjust our itinerary for the Loop this year,” she explained, “because the library flooded and is now closed to visitors, and City Hall is no longer able to offer tours. On the other hand, we didn’t know that the Loop trolley would be opening the very day First North went on the trip, and that was a fun addition. Everything always comes together.”

In addition to going on the trolley, students enjoyed a tour of the University City fire station (and practice using a water hose!), a birds-eye view of the neighborhood from the top of City Hall, lunch at Fitz’s, and a visit to the post office where they mailed postcards to themselves. At the end of their visit, one of the parent volunteers told Lori it was the most wonderful field trip they’ve been on, and that experiences like these are what make Community School so special.

While First North explored the Loop, First South took a trip to The Hill. A couple of weeks later, they went to opposite locations. The Hill field trip included a variety of stops including St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milo’s Bocce Garden, Herbaria Soap Shop, Missouri Baking Company, Volpi Foods, DiGregorio’s Italian Market, Gelato Di Riso, Favazza’s on the Hill, and the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company. Students loved learning about the history of each neighborhood from their teachers, the fire fighters, the bakers, the tour guides, and restaurant staff. They also enjoyed a mix of sweet and savory food samples while on The Hill and an Italian-style picnic when back at school the following week.

A School-Wide Curriculum

The study of history flows through Community School, with each grade responsible for an area of focus that continues to broaden in scope as they get older. In Nursery, for instance, students discuss the meaning of ‘family’ and share about their family members. In second grade, students talk about St. Louis more generally, and in third grade they focus on the history of Missouri. This approach helps build students’ understanding of various perspectives, traditions, and cultures. First grade’s study of Community and St. Louis neighborhoods provides an excellent example of how our program connects learning to real-world experiences and events, which in turn helps our students develop as critical thinkers and civically aware citizens.

Spotlight on New Faculty

Four faculty members joined the Community School team in fall 2022: Phoebe Mendelson (4 North), Kat Mowczko (School Librarian), Madeline Wilder (Fifth Grade), and Mark Yu (Senior Kindergarten West). Learn more about their backgrounds and first-year highlights below.

What inspired you to teach your current grade or subject area?

Kat: Five years ago I was working in a role that included running my school’s library. When I realized that my favorite parts of my day were the times in the library, I decided to go back to school to earn my MLIS (Master in Library and Information Science) degree. I finished my degree in 2022 and was excited to have the opportunity to come to Community and to be in the library full time!

Phoebe: I have always loved to express myself through writing, so it is a fitting spot for me on the fourth grade team. I love all ages, but fourth grade is so special because they grow so much over the course of the year and we send them off to be independent humans in the leadership wing.

Madeline: Teaching Fifth Grade writing is my absolute dream job! Fifth grade writers are so fun to work with because they are full of strong opinions, creative ideas, and a willingness to trust the process!

Mark: I actually never thought I would teach kindergarten. I always saw myself teaching upper elementary and was intimidated by the littles, but at Korea International School, I was offered a kindergarten position and after a few years, realized how fun it was and was told by many that I was pretty good at it. The rest is history! I love being a kindergarten teacher.

Share a highlight of your first year at Community.

Get to know Community’s newest faculty

members and their thoughts about the school after their first year here.

kindergarteners check out their first books, it’s been so rewarding to see their reading skills and interests grow and change over the year.

Phoebe: I am so lucky to be part of an amazing team, and I am especially thankful for my homeroom partner, Megan Futhey. She has been a fantastic role model and we have grown our partnership into something beautiful! Any time we laugh with our fourth-northerners, which is often, is my highlight.

Madeline: The highlight of my first year at Community was the spontaneous Taylor Swift dance party my students and I had as a brain break during ERB week.

Mark: A huge highlight was being able to read a story by Korean-American author, Julie Kim, to my niece’s classes for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month.

Share a goal for next year.

Kat: I’m really excited to work on getting the nonfiction section of our library ready to be a great companion to the Broughton STEAM Center.

Phoebe: One of my goals for next year is to work with and get feedback from Madeline, the fifth grade writing teacher, based on areas of growth that she identifies with the incoming class.

Madeline: A goal I have for next year is to create more opportunities for students to share amongst peers the growth they make as writers.

Kat: I’ve had so much fun getting to know all of the kids this year through books we’ve shared. From building book boxes for Upper Division students to helping senior

Mark: One goal I have for next year is to explicitly teach vocabulary to help our students expand their expressive vocabulary, such as any words that you use very with: Very kind (amicable), very mad (frustrated), very fun (enjoyable). A high level of vocabulary is one of the indicators of students becoming successful readers.

Why work at Community?

Kat: I chose Community because it’s a community! I love the culture of support and care that is here for every child and staff member.

Phoebe: My mom recently visited, and she put it best: “When you walk into this school, it feels like a good place to be.” The faculty and kids have such a love for learning that it overflows into every aspect of the school, and I’m happy to be part of that energy.

Madeline: Community School fosters an environment that attracts students and teachers that view learning as a lifelong journey. This community is whole-heartedly invested in embracing each individual and lifting each other up!

Mark: One should work at Community because it is student-centered, strong in differentiation to meet all students’ needs, and is such a wonderful place to be!

What are your hobbies outside of school?

Kat: I love to bake – this year I have been working on perfecting croissants. I run or walk almost every day. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my husband and our dog and cat. I’m also almost always reading – either a print book or an audiobook!

Phoebe: I love watching my backyard birds, tending to my plants, and spending time with those dear to me. I enjoy playing tennis and soccer, as well as walking in nature looking for neat wildlife!

Madeline: I love to travel, cook, sail, and snowboard.

Mark: My wife and I love to hike, walk our dogs, Sally and Coco, and try new restaurants. We also love music. She plays the violin, viola, and piano and I play the guitar, drums, and piano. I love to sing as well! We also have been to (combined) over 10 countries supporting and serving local schools, churches, and communities.

Top Photo: From left to right, Mark Yu, Phoebe Mendelson, Madeline Wilder, Kat Mowczko.

Ellen Watts

Lowenhaupt Award Recipient

Excerpt from Mr. Cooke’s speech from the Annual Meeting in May 2023:

Every year one Community School faculty member is recognized for his or her work furthering the education of young children through excellence in program development in their classroom, presenting educational information at conferences or workshops, or publishing works for other educational professionals. The award is named in honor of Henry C. Lowenhaupt, an important member of Community School in the 1970s. In addition to recognition tonight and in a permanent display in the main office, there is a cash award that accompanies it.

In one of the nominations that led to this year’s award winner, this teacher was described as “a role model for patience, kindness, and care for children and adults. Love is contagious, and she makes everyone feel loved.”

I imagine that, when she was hired here in 1995, the administrators saw in her what we see now: Someone fiercely devoted to helping children learn and grow, and equally committed to ensuring that every child feels cared for and loved. Those are just some of the characteristics that led Ellen Watts to being chosen for this year’s Lowenhaupt Award.

Her work as a Senior Kindergarten teacher here at Community is exemplary. Ellen brings a kindness and humor to the classroom every day, and her patience with children is legendary—a particularly important skill when your students are 5 and 6 year olds! She has a commitment to children learning through exploration and hands-on projects, perhaps best exemplified in the

That focus on nature extends to the outdoors, which Ellen ensures is a regular part of her students’ experience. She has also built social studies into the curriculum, with the amazing China unit being a perfect example. She has a deep belief in searching for better ways to do things, and is one of the first to be open to new ways of doing things—witness the improvements in the school’s math program as Ellen has embraced the Math in Focus approach. She is thoughtful as she approaches every aspect of the classroom, whether it is reading stories to kids, thinking about the social and emotional growth of her students, teaching the little ‘life lessons,’ or serving as a partner and team member to her teaching partner. Oh, and if a student in another classroom needs a place to go to refocus, Ellen’s classroom is the first place her peers think of.

However, it is important to note that Ellen’s positive impact at Community School goes far beyond the classroom. Ellen is attuned to keeping a focus on ensuring that the school is a safe place for us all; for instance, she was an invaluable member of the Community School Health and Safety Committee during the pandemic. That was no small task, requiring significant investments of time, and carrying the burden of ensuring the safety of all.

Ellen has also worked to improve education across the entire school. In 2015 Ellen took on the leadership

silkworm project that they just wrapped up.

role of helping teachers become stronger as they applied Responsive Classroom with their students. This program is essential to the overall health of the institution, because a consistent approach to helping students become kind, caring members of the school, and having the same expectations for behavior across all grades, is key to making this a school where all children can thrive. Ellen presents frequently at division meetings on Responsive Classroom, and takes on the responsibility to deliver updates and reminders to teachers on the core principles of the program. Ellen coaches new teachers as they begin at Community School, and serves as an active resource to all, sharing her knowledge base from continual training. And she uses her wonderful teaching skills as she brings Responsive Classroom to life for teachers—for instance, she created a book for everyone that talks about the power of language, and a basket of terms that prompt critical thinking that serves as a grab-bag of teaching prompts for everyone.

Perhaps most importantly, Ellen is kind, sincere, and genuine. Her love of Community School, the children in her care, and her peers here at work is unparalleled. Ellen has a great sense of dry humor, and can be relied upon to bring levity at any time. She is committed to her craft, and has had an impact far beyond her own classroom, but she remains modest and self-effacing. I guarantee you that Ellen is currently in shock at being named this year’s honoree. She can—and will—tell us all the great things that others are doing, that others should have received this award, and that she’s just doing what she can to make the school a better place for children. And that’s the point: She IS doing what she can to make the school a better place for children, and in so doing, she makes this a better school for everyone.

Opposite page: Ellen Watts, 2023 Lowenhaupt Award recipient. This page: 2023 Service Award recipients.

SERVICE AWARDS

We honored twelve Community School team members for their tenure at the Annual Meeting.

Thank you for your service!

5 Years of Service (2018)

Kristin Campanella

Wendy Cooper

Stephen Lott

Maureen Ross-Lang

10 Years of Service (2013)

Sarah McCarthy

Megan Futhey

15 Years of Service (2008)

Barbara Jaworski

Katie Norris

Trish Reeb

20 Years of Service (2003)

Sandra Cirrito

25 Years of Service (1998)

Dana Scott Saulsberry

35 Years of Service (1988)

Marty Hoessle

Faculty Professional Development

Rebecka Briney (1S) and Rachelle Luster (2S) attended the “Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning” conference hosted by The Center for Literacy and Learning in New Orleans, LA. Highlights included attending workshops and listening to keynote speakers who are leaders in research of best practices for literacy and helping students with diverse reading difficulties.

Lori Marusic (Upper Division French) participated in “Why Our Children Must Draw,” a webinar by Lisa Wright offered through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Lori learned that doodling boosts focus, memory, concentration, and blood flow to the brain. Lori is also completing her sixth year as a member of the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Language Immersion School.

Martha Overcash (SKW) completed an online session titled, “The Power of Our Words.” Participants discussed teacher language and how it can engage children. It reinforced the importance of current practices like morning meetings.

Lauri Torrie (JKE) attended the “Learning and the Brain –Teaching Emotional Brains” conference in San Fransisco, CA. The conference focused on establishing relationships with students to increase the sense of belonging, which will in turn decrease unwanted behaviors. It also highlighted the importance of collaborative problem solving between teachers and students as well as brain-based, effective classroom management strategies, and understanding that regulated brains are the best kind of brains to be ready to learn.

Marieann Barratt and Kathy Lepsky (Upper Division Science) went to the National Science Teachers Association Conference in Chicago, IL. They learned more about implementing the Next Generation Science Standards into their teaching.

Darla Ellsworth (JKW) completed a training on best strategies for decreasing attention getting and tantrum behaviors. She compiled new ideas for classroom management, reshaping behaviors, and online resources.

Colleen Wyss (1N) attended the National Association for Independent Schools’ annual conference in Las Vegas, NV.

Nikki Dantuono (Upper Division Director) and Kathy Fitzgerald (Assistant Head of School and Lower Division Director) attended the 2023 Academy for Division Heads hosted by ISACS in Chicago, IL. Attendees were excited to be together in person for an energizing opportunity to hear from stellar presenters supporting all facets of their leadership development. They learned about developing executive presence and inclusive excellence in recruiting, hiring, and retention.

Stephen Lott (2S) completed the Emerging Leaders Accelerator, a professional development opportunity here in St. Louis. The group met in person five times during the school year. The program included many readings, media explorations, and professional reflections over the course of nine months. Using the Clifton Strengths Finder, participants focused on analyzing leadership through their own individualized strengths profile and studied ways that leaders can use their strengths to develop trust, hope, stability, and compassion.

Abby Reed (Math Specialist) joined the ISACS Board of Trustees and serves as the ISACS Professional Services Committee Chair.

Megan Futhey (4N) completed a Responsive Classroom Elementary Core Course in Charlotte, NC and is working with co-teacher Phoebe Mendelson to strengthen Community’s Responsive Classroom approach to creating a positive learning environment.

Kat Mowczko (School Librarian) attended the Missouri Association of School Librarians conference in Osage Beach, MO. She presented for this year’s Show Me and Mark Twain award announcements and brought back a lot of new ideas for our library, from new story time practices to integrating and teaching kids about artificial intelligence.

Professional development is a hallmark of Community School. Below are highlights that teachers shared from the 2022-2023 school year.

A look back at the 2022-2023 school year. Have a wonderful summer break, Community!