Broughton family and speakers at the Broughton STEAM Center ribboncutting ceremony and open house on March 28, 2024.
Community School: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
One of the things that impresses me most about Community School is its devotion to both tradition and innovation. We hold true to traditions that ground us in what has been important—things such as our Guiding Principles, or the caring for each individual child, or the importance of nature. However, we are also keen to explore new ways of doing things, new approaches to teaching and learning that are based on the science of how children learn best. Importantly, when we institute new ways of doing things
here at school, it isn’t change for the sake of change, but an eagerness to become even better at educating the children in our care.
I think the new Broughton STEAM Center wonderfully embodies that combination of old and new, of tradition and innovation. Woodshop has been a key component of Community School since its inception in 1914, and it’s one of the program elements that I hear most about from alumni. But that old woodshop facility had been outgrown by our program. We have more students in a class than we used to, and had removed some equipment from the woodshop to make space for our students. We also wanted to implement some important safety features, such as a modern dust-collection system, and isolating the power tools away from younger children—which is what led to the new two-room woodshop. Best of all, the beautiful new woodshop is filled with wood—the floor, cubbies, work
benches—so it still has that traditional look, feel, and smell, while being updated to our current needs.
The new science facilities are another great combination of tradition and innovation. The school has ten Guiding Principles that were written one hundred years ago, and Guiding Principle eight says that, “The school should open a child’s eyes to the wonders of nature, the stars, the universe and the world around them.”
The upper division science room overlooks the newly-refreshed pond, and every year I visit fourth grade science classes to hear updates on the pond’s water quality, and what we can do to continue to improve its health. That traditional connection to nature is embraced by the new facilities, but we also have the new Burrows Family Innovation Space in which students do long-term robotics projects, and the Holton Idea Lab where students can find materials and tools to create—everything from sewing
and cutting machines, to cardboard and specialized connectors for constructing. We are staying true to our Guiding Principles, and our belief in the powerful need for us all to be connected to nature, while embracing the future in the classrooms we have designed.
The new drama spaces were created so that students can access the Gibson Family Costume and Prop Shop while they design these “back stage” parts of the play, and there are mixed-use spaces that can be used for everything from Shakespearean monologues to set painting. One of my personal joys is to walk through the new Ann Maritz Family Creative Commons—which spans the area between the drama classroom and woodshop—and see students collaborating and creating, working as teams to make beautiful sets and props. It’s a testament to
the power of the drama program and its importance in students’ lives, that even when we have a day off, we will often see students here working on an upcoming show.
The other thing I’d like to point out is that everything we do here has an emphasis on children doing, often with an equal emphasis on longerterm projects that do not give quick results. So much of what takes place in these spaces—the design, creation, programming, and finishing—can take weeks, or even months to complete. In this day and age of instant gratification, where the answer is often a Google search away, we do our students a great service when we teach them the skills of planning, patience, and perseverance.
If you haven’t seen it already, I invite you to come walk through the new
Students and faculty enjoying handson learning in the new woodshop, science, and drama spaces.
building. I know you will love the beautiful windows to the woods; the soaring ceilings; the areas where children can gather to learn, discuss, and engage; the window seats; and its warm, inviting feeling. And I also know you’ll love how new, forward-thinking, and innovative the classrooms and related spaces are. As you stroll through the Broughton STEAM Center, keep in mind that, as with so many things here at Community, we have purposely blended old with new, ensuring that our traditions are carried forward in exciting, innovative new classrooms that unleash the potential of teachers and students alike.
Warmly, Bob Cooke
Salute to Sixth Grade
We caught up with Community School’s 2024 graduates and asked them questions about their Community School experience. Here are some of their responses.
What do you love about Community?
I love the community that I am lucky to have been a part of the last eight years. The teachers who will always push me to try harder and give it my all, and help me if I make a mistake. Also my classmates, who are always there for me and have my back. I love everything about Community School.
- Maria Matthews
The faculty and students are all very close and kind to each other.
- Richie Lee
I love how everyone is friends with everyone else and we have a safe space to learn new things.
- Johanna Sanchez
I love how Community makes you feel welcomed.
- Caroline Johnson
The people here are so supportive.
I love the warm environment.
- Abigail Amos
- Savannah Harris
I love that it’s really one big community.
- Zoya Cheema
I love how amazing the community is, how great the teachers are, and how much fun we get to have.
- Alex Beracha
I love the teachers at Community.
I have a lot of friends here.
I love the teachers.
- Jack Bader
- Lucas Theodos
Everyone is nice, and we are all one big family.
- Wells Reisner
I love the environment of Community School.
- Hayley Kerner
I love the woods.
- Lucas McGehee
I love that it truly feels like a community. Everyone is like family and we all celebrate what makes us special.
- Eliza Butler
I love the people and all of the opportunities to learn and have fun.
- Abigail Armstrong
- Ashton Proctor
What I love about Community is that it feels like a family.
- Julianna Peritore
The Family Group leadership opportunities.
- Gwyn Bailey
What was your most interesting project or activity?
The LEGO® robotics project in Sixth Grade.
- Summer Khan
Making a Shaduf during our study of Africa.
- Richie Lee
It is like one big family.
- George Kaade
I love how the staff wanted to make Community an even better place by adding the Broughton STEAM Center.
- Victoria Ellinwood
The Shakespeare Project in Fifth Grade.
- Andrew Sonn
My favorite memory was the Invention Convention.
- Savannah Harris
In social studies when we got to make a parody of a song. This was an amazing way to combine learning and fun. We even got to eat Chick-fil-A while watching the educational parodies!
- Johanna Sanchez
I enjoyed working on my Shakespeare project.
- Elliot Reed
I liked the escape room in Fourth Grade.
- Melody Jefferson
I enjoyed making a field hockey stick for my final woodshop project.
- Zoya Cheema
The Africa regions project. It was a great opportunity to see other parts of the world and learn about them. - Alex Beracha
When we made a Shaduf in social studies.
- Georgia Bohlmann
I enjoy the plays because it’s really fun to set up the stage and all the practice is exciting.
- Pierce Ivy
My favorite is getting to make anything I want out of wood as my sixth grade project. It lets me show my creativity.
- Tristan Wooten
I enjoyed the Citizen of the Week activity in First Grade.
- Haley Kerner
My favorite was the element superhero project in science class.
- Jack Bader
I liked the Challenge Course field trip at Principia.
- Lucas Theodos
It’s hard to choose! I enjoyed the hands-on, creative activities.
- Lynn Kaade
I enjoyed the Create a Character project during reading.
- Kennedy Granger
The science projects were my favorites.
- Khalia Jones
Any activity in the woodshop.
- Adrian King
I loved the Invention Convention.
The sixth grade woodshop project.
- Justin Ziaee
- Ashton Proctor
The most interesting activity I have been a part of is the camping trip. It was so fun to bond with my classmates and learn new skills in such an interactive way!
- Eliza Butler
The Children’s Health Fair!
- Victoria Ellinwood
I loved making the Viking ship in woodshop and the inclusive playground for Family Groups.
- Abigail Armstrong
I liked our woodshop projects.
Fishing during the camping trip.
I liked making a TED Talk.
- George Kaade
- Ronit Sen
- Summer Carter
What are you going to miss most about Community?
I’m going to miss recess, doing the plays every year, and all the people I met here.
- Zoya Cheema
I will miss the hands-on learning and exciting projects.
- Emma Fouke
I’m going to miss all the faculty and friends who aren’t going to my new school.
- Spencer Kriegel
I will miss the people and family-style lunches.
- Savannah Harris
All of the friends I have made and the amazing teachers that always support me.
- Johanna Sanchez
I am going to miss all of my friends, teachers, and places where we made all of the memories.
- Charlotte Craig
One of the many things that I am going to miss is the feeling of community. The connection between my teachers, the faculty, and my friends who always greet me with loving smiles and kind hearts.
- Maria Matthews
I will miss my friends, teachers, and every person who supported me in my time at Community.
- Tristan Wooten
All my friends because I’ve known most of them for nine years, and they feel like family.
- Faith Hines
I’m going to miss all of the opportunities to go out of my comfort zone and try something new.
- Wells Reisner
I am going to miss woodshop.
I will miss having P.E. every day.
- Lucas McGehee
- Gavin Taylor
I am going to miss all of the wonderful friends I have met along my journey. So many of my classmates are so kind and have been a huge part of my experience.
- Eliza Butler
The recess and the really good lunch.
- Ronit Sen
Give your best piece of advice for a younger student:
Don’t stop trying your best and also never procrastinate because it leads to you never having your assignments done on time.
- Spencer Kriegel
Take it slow so you can enjoy every moment.
- Summer Khan
Put yourself out there.
- Savannah Harris
Enjoy every minute, especially the parts that push you. You will become stronger, smarter, and kinder with patience and trust.
- Emma Fouke
Enjoy the ride: you will be in sixth grade before you know it.
- Elliot Reed
Don’t be afraid to take risks because you might never get the opportunity again.
-Vivian Wong
You can rely on others here because that is what Community is about.
- Jack Bader
Stay strong and remember there will always be someone there for you even if you are feeling down.
- Faith Hines
Do your homework!
- Melody Jefferson
When school or friendships get hard, look for the people who will be by your side.
- Charlotte Craig
Cherish and make the most of every moment, because your classmates will become family, and the community that you will become a part of will always be there for you. And when graduation comes, you start to wish that you had made the most of every moment.
- Maria Matthews
Be yourself, do your best, pay attention, and find good friends!
- Georgia Bohlmann
A piece of advice I have is don’t stress over anything. Just enjoy your time and do your best.
- Pierce Ivy
Stay on top of your work and overall don’t slack. If you want to get into good schools, they don’t just look at your grades. They look at you as a person.
- Tristan Wooten
My advice is to be yourself.
- Adrian King
Make the best of your time here because you will miss it. And don’t be scared to make mistakes.
- Lynn Kaade
Never back down and never give up.
- Kennedy Granger
Don’t fall behind on work because it becomes more and more work for you to catch up!
- Khalia Jones
Keep track of when things are due with your planner.
- Melody Jefferson
Practice executive functioning.
- Haley Kerner
Be yourself and be kind to others.
Confidence is key.
Show others empathy.
Be a leader, not a follower.
- Gavin Taylor
- Addie Choe
- Gwyn Bailey
- Summer Carter
As Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” This is my favorite quote and I encourage everyone, younger and older, not to back down, to stand up for what is right, and to be a leader for those around them.
- Eliza Butler
Share a favorite memory from your time as a student: I enjoyed learning about Africa.
- Caroline Johnson
My favorite memory was the camping trip.
- Andrew Sonn
When I was sitting with Georgia and we were talking during dismissal. Ms. Luster came up to us and we thought we were going to get in trouble, but she said, “I love how you two are still friends.”
- Abigail Amos
My favorite memory was probably in fifth grade when I got the opportunity to teach a class about social studies.
- Spencer Kriegel
Playing outside in the creek during Extended Day.
- Emma Fouke
A great memory I have is Halloween because I liked being able to show off my costume. It made it really fun.
- Pierce Ivy
I enjoyed performing in the sixth grade musical, “Musicville!”
- Jack Bader
Announcing the opening of the Broughton STEAM Center during assembly.
- Lucas Theodos
I enjoyed the sixth grade camping trip and the musical.
- Kennedy Granger
I liked dressing up for the Halloween parades.
- Khalia Jones
For me it was the Sixth Grade Musical.
- Vivian Wong
The sixth grade camping trip because it was really fun and it was a great opportunity to learn about the wilderness.
- Alex Beracha
The Dino Dig in Junior Kindergarten!
- Justin Ziaee
When George and I won best overall snowman in science.
- Lucas McGehee
Hanging out with my friends while ice skating.
- Addie Choe
I enjoyed helping with the Children’s Health Fair.
- Abigail Armstrong
When I went kayaking with my friend during the sixth grade camping trip.
- Ronit Sen
I enjoyed the camping trip and the musical.
- Julianna Peritore
My favorite memory is my first day in Nursery.
- Gwyn Bailey
Going on the camping trip and spending time with everyone in my tent.
- Summer Carter
What would you tell a family considering Community?
It’s a great school with great people, and everybody is there for one another. Your child would feel like they belonged no matter what.
- Richie Lee
It is an AMAZING school where everyone has a friend.
- Andrew Sonn
We have awesome teachers and fun classes.
- Caroline Johnson
It’s a really good school that challenges students but they still have fun.
- Summer Khan
It’s a wonderful school, and everyone will care for you. It makes you feel like you matter as an individual!
- Abigail Amos
Community is an amazing school that combines learning and playing to make an awesome environment. The teachers guide you but also make sure to let you adventure on your own.
- Johanna Sanchez
If you’d like your child to rush to the car in the morning in eagerness to get to school, this is the right place.
- Emma Fouke
This is a great school filled with people who care.
- Elliot Reed
Community will help them be the best that they can be.
- Vivian Wong
When you walk in, you are greeted with a hello and a warm smile.
- Melody Jefferson
Community is a place for everyone. Community has so many beautiful spaces to go and the teachers support us no matter what.
- Charlotte Craig
Community is a place where students grow not only academically, but as leaders, friends, and people. The amazing teachers will push you to always do your best, but still always be there and work through the mistakes until you understand. You are joining a community where everyone has your back, will help you no matter what, and a community/family that you will be a part of even after leaving.
- Maria Matthews
All the teachers are so supportive and everyone is very nice. Lunch is great. You do a lot of fun projects and can use your learning in real-life situations.
- Georgia Bohlmann
It’s a great place to learn and have fun. I also like the family-style lunches because you’re able to talk more with your classmates and teachers.
- Pierce Ivy
You should choose Community because your child will always have someone to support them, whether it’s the teachers or students. They will always feel loved just as I do.
- Tristan Wooten
Community holds amazing opportunities for young children, such as field trips and buddies, and the academics here feel more like play time than class.
- Lucas Theodos
I would say that Community is a great school, everyone is kind and welcoming, and everyone makes sure they are included and no one will be left out.
- Faith Hines
Community School is a great place to go because everyone is inviting and nice.
- Adrian King
This school will help your kids find amazing friends and make school the highlight of their day.
- Lynn Kaade
Community is what changes a kid into a kid leader. This school has so much to offer and you form one big family here.
- Wells Reisner
Your child will fit in no matter what and the teachers are welcoming.
- Gavin Taylor
It’s a wonderful school full of fun, learning, amazing people, and endless possibilities.
- Abigail Armstrong
This is an absolutely amazing place that can take care of students either individually or in a group. Community is able to nourish children in learning and new academics.
- Addie Choe
It’s a place where everyone can be themselves. - George Kaade
It’s a very welcoming place and you get so many opportunities so you can try everything.
- Victoria Ellinwood
It is a great place where they help your child grow.
- Julianna Peritore
It’s worth it! Everyone is so supportive and kind and will always be there for your child.
- Summer Carter
Community is like a second family.
- Justin Ziaee
Honoring our 2024 Faculty & Staff Retirees
As we transition from one school year to another, we’d also like to celebrate four team members who are making a personal transition to retirement. The following article is a collaboration between our retirees and Jennifer Thomas.
Kathy Fitzgerald, Lower Division Director and Assistant Head of School
Kathy is retiring after 18 years at Community School and 43 years in early childhood education. When asked what makes Community unique, she said, “The children, parents and educators. I believe Community School truly lives its mission. The attention to the development of the whole child is present in every decision made on behalf of students. In addition to helping a child grow academically, character and leadership skills are developed with equal importance.”
Kathy’s accomplishments included creating a developmentally appropriate preschool program, working with teachers in differentiating instruction for varied learners, and adding the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning to identify any developmental concerns in the Junior Kindergarten year at Community.
Kathy noted that she will miss daily interactions with students. “How lucky I have been to share my days with such amazing children,” she said. “I can’t imagine not starting a morning with a hug, listening to a recent adventure, or hearing the buzz of active learning in a classroom.”
Kathy’s favorite memories include attending graduation each year. “It is an incredible experience as an educator to watch a child grow from a three year old to a poised and confident sixth grader,” she reflected. “Seeing the progression from year to year is so special.”
In retirement, Kathy looks forward to traveling with her husband, as well as having extra time with their granddaughters and family. Kathy will also pursue volunteer opportunities and take advantage of hobbies like reading and listening to music.
Darla Ellsworth, Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Darla is retiring after 19 years as a Junior Kindergarten teacher. She recalled the impact of parents during her first year at Community. “I had a serious illness,” she said, “and I will never forget how the parents were immediately supportive. They were there for me. The Grade Chair organized meals for my family and they were delivered to my home on a weekly basis. These parents still hold a special place in my heart.”
When asked what makes Community unique, Darla highlighted having co-teachers in each classroom. “It has always been my favorite way to teach, with partners or on a team,” she shared. Darla also recalled a Sunday afternoon in March 2020 when the JK team learned how to create a Google Classroom page for the virtual lessons they would
have to present during the pandemic. “I did not consider myself to be technologically savvy at the time, and this was a huge challenge for me,” she said. “It was also deeply important to me that my lessons were comprehensive, imaginative, and engaging. For the rest of the school year each team member chose a few specific topics and created a lesson to present each week. Some of my topics included stars/constellations, clouds, frogs, and bugs/insects. I spent hours researching these themes. Every lesson integrated math, reading, art, science, and motor skills. Surprisingly, these lessons served to create a resource library of sorts that I still refer to even now from time to time.”
Darla will miss everyone at Community; the children, their parents, and her colleagues. Moving forward, she is excited to spend time with her family and grandchildren. She also plans on traveling, reading, boating, sewing, baking, and doing more crafts.
Keith Dudley, Facilities Manager
Keith has worked at Community School for eight years. Prior to Community, he worked in facilities at Webster University. Keith enjoyed Community’s setting with trails and woods. One of his favorite memories took place on a Friday just before Winter Break started. “We got a lot of snow that day,” he recalled, “and we wound up pushing cars up the hill.”
Keith managed major campus projects, including having new roofs put on existing buildings and supporting the construction of the new Broughton STEAM Center. When asked about his accomplishments, Keith said, “I just did as much as I could to improve the school and make it nice for everyone.”
Keith will miss being able to visit with colleagues and families. In retirement, he looks forward to playing golf, reading, spending time with friends and family, and volunteering at canine shelters and at Jefferson Barracks.
Karen Birdsong, Kitchen Staff
Karen started at Community in 1978 and celebrated her 45th anniversary on October 17, 2023. Her mother, Hattie, and sister, Linda, worked in the kitchen at the time. Over the years, her sister, Cassandra; sisters-in-law, Peggy and Josephine; brother, Bruce; and daughter, Quiana; also worked at Community. When asked what set Community apart over the decades, Karen said, “All of the people—the kids, the parents, and the headmasters. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of important people.”
Karen also has fond memories of events at Community. “I loved it when we hosted Cornucopia and picnics on campus,” she recalled. “They were fun to attend.” Her favorite meals to make include Jo Mazotti, macaroni and cheese (when it was topped with real bacon!), and all the meals the kitchen staff used to make from scratch for Thanksgiving. Karen will miss cooking and chatting with Community students.
In retirement, Karen is excited to spend more time with her daughters, Quiana and Ebony, and her granddaughter, Amari. She’ll take time to relax, sew, and help with her daughter’s catering business. She regularly volunteers in her spare time and will continue to work with children in that capacity, as well.
When asked what advice she would share with someone starting as a new employee at Community, she summed that, “You should be yourself. Do your work to the best of your ability, and smile. Everyone likes a smile!”
Reflections on the Broughton STEAM Center
Alissa Rowan, Drama
Tell me about your new classroom and storage area in the Broughton STEAM Center. How have these spaces enhanced student learning and creativity?
The day after we were allowed to move in, students were in the drama classroom—funded by the Deutsch family—painting set pieces on drop cloths on the concrete floor for “Musicville!” Not only was there space for multiple students to paint but there was no fear of getting paint on the carpet. While painting was happening, one student was pulling costumes, and another was practicing choreography in front of the giant mirror. Meanwhile, I was meeting with a student about the video trailer by my desk.
On performance days, the drama room with its wall of mirrors transforms into a green room with five to six stage makeup stations, a props table, and space to warm up.
The size and layout of the spaces allows multiple creative projects to be in process simultaneously.
How have the spaces benefited you as a teacher?
The drama room has copious shelving and is light and calm, which promotes creativity. Also, I have a sink! We can wash brushes without having to walk up to the art room now.
I love how easy it is to meet with students! The Gibson Family Costume and Prop Shop also provides a professional space for storage. The scope and size of these spaces provide easy access for student designers.
Tell me about your collaborations with the woodshop team.
The proximity to woodshop allowed the castle designers for the sixth grade musical easy access to supplies and mentorship. The woodshop teachers have already fixed broken furniture and put flats on wheels so students can transform them. The collaboration is just beginning!
Have there been any surprises about the spaces as you’ve settled in?
The space outside my room was the perfect setting for the Shakespeare monologue performances. I am already percolating on how to use it next year for other projects.
What are your goals for the spaces as you look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year?
My goal is to organize them and finish sorting all of the costumes so they can be hung. I brought 30 tubs of costumes to this job and Community had a robust collection already, so we have the number of costumes of a small professional theater! I’d also like to transform the props storage into a library with shelves that move and labels so access to all props is efficient.
What would you like our Building Community Campaign donors to know about your experience thus far?
Despite teaching for many years, I have never taught in a space I helped design. These spaces are not only functional for me but also allow for greater student independence as designers and creators. More student creativity and input means better productions. I am so grateful for the time, attention to detail, and craftsmanship that went into this space. It demonstrates Community’s dedication to the arts.
Dave Lang and Joe Mohr, Woodshop
Tell me about your new classrooms and storage area in the Broughton STEAM Center.
Joe: I’ve been in a lot of maker spaces and woodshops, and I always liked Community’s old woodshop, but this place has everything. It has space, the proper dust-collection system, the ability to minimize the sound from where the work is happening, and tons of storage and display space. It lends itself to more freedom and creativity for our students.
Dave: Having the dust-collection system makes us feel better about being in the space because we know it’s healthier for everyone. I’ve also enjoyed having the glass window between the Werner Family Woodshop and power tool room. It allows us to monitor and support students as needed when working in both areas.
Have there been any surprises about the spaces as you’ve settled in?
Joe: Utilizing tables in the power tool room and the storage space made it possible for sixth graders to build bigger projects like bookshelves and tables.
Tell me about the response of students.
Joe: The sixth graders loved it. They were the ones who got to dig in right after the Broughton STEAM Center opened. They often commented about the new vices and overall beauty of the space.
Dave: I was very impressed with the work they got done given that they started in the art room and transitioned to this space mid-semester. We didn’t have a lot of time in this space, but the projects they completed were fantastic.
Joe: It was also fun to learn the space with them. They had a lot of helpful ideas about where to put things and how to best use the space.
What are your goals for the spaces as you look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year?
Joe: We’ll continue to figure out how best to use them. We want to add tools and further organize the power tool room.
Dave: We also want to get more of the kids using some of the power tools. We’d like to give fifth and even fourth graders some exposure to that space moving forward.
What would you like our Building Community Campaign donors to know about your experience thus far?
Joe: I was blown away by the renderings, and the building has gone above and beyond my expectations. It’s a healthier place to spend the next 15 years. I am thankful for all the
kindness and generosity of our donors and feel fortunate to come to work here every day.
Dave: I feel like I won the lottery. I love coming here, and it’s such an incredible space. I feel lucky to work here, as well.
Trisha Stanley, Lower Division Science
Tell me about your new classroom and shared spaces in the Broughton STEAM Center.
The biggest benefit for lower division science is having the space to do everything, whether on the lab tables, desks, floors, or in storage. I can organize everything by topic and lesson, which is a tremendous time saver.
Tell me about a project that highlights these benefits. We have new robots that we code with color tiles, so students need a lot of room to move around and do the programming of the tiles. We used the Barry and Jackie Albrecht Science Collaboration Space for that project, as well as the floor space in our room.
Have there been any surprises about the spaces as you’ve settled in?
I was worried about having enough storage, but I have so many drawers that aren’t even full yet. I have more space than I ever imagined. Even the height of the back bench is more accessible to younger students. Instead of using counter space, I can lay out materials on the bench and they can easily see what they need.
What are your goals for the spaces as you look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year?
I get to have Senior Kindergarten twice a week and Junior Kindergarten once a week next year. I am excited to do centerbased science with them. I will also partner with Jen Gosnell to run the Holton Idea Lab. We’ll pull materials into the Burrows Family Innovation Space and collaborate with different teachers on projects throughout the year.
What would you like our Building Community Campaign donors to know about your experience thus far?
I think it’s the wow factor. Whenever someone walks into the space, they always say wow, this looks amazing. None of that would have been possible without our donors.
Tell me about your new classroom and shared spaces in the Broughton STEAM Center.
Kathy: I’ve enjoyed having room for the kids to spread out, work in groups, and use the Burrows Family Innovation Space. When we are setting up labs, we aren’t on top of each other. It’s also nice to have the prep room and the dishwasher—it’s a game changer for our chemistry and pond units. We have more accessibility to storage and can find and store things easily, which means we can do prep earlier and more quickly.
Marieann: The spaces have allowed students to move freely within groups and across groups. We can share our learning better that way. It’s a more relaxed and enjoyable space, and it promotes collaboration. With the extra space, we’ll also be able to organize and house different projects for different grades.
As a teacher, it’s easier to prep materials and not have them clutter the classroom.
Tell me about a project that highlights these benefits.
Marieann: During the chemistry lab, students had an area where they could go get materials in the back of the classroom. They could return and get materials as they finished different steps. They had less in front of them at their desks, which made it easier to understand each step.
We’ve also been able to set up labs in the Barry and Jackie Albrecht Science Collaboration Space, which is a nice change of scene. You could see that the kids were excited to learn in that space.
Have there been any surprises about the spaces as you’ve settled in?
Kathy: It’s nice to have easy access to the pond and to be able to use the back bench for lab set up in the classroom.
Marieann: It’s also easier for kids to make up classes after an absence. We can record a video of the lesson via Zoom, and they can make it up as they watch in the Barry and Jackie Albrecht Science Collaboration Space while the rest of the class continues with the next lesson. Then, they can make up the second lesson at home.
What are your goals for the spaces as you look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year?
Kathy: I’d like to utilize the Burrows Family Innovation Space and Holton Idea Lab more. We’ll be in the Innovation Space for LEGO® projects, and students can use the lab for their inventions.
Marieann: We’ll also continue to use the Burrows Family Innovation Space and collaboration area when we break into small groups and engage in hands-on lessons that don’t require pencil and paper.
What would you like our Building Community Campaign donors to know about your experience thus far?
Kathy: The Broughton STEAM Center has greatly enhanced the flow of everything. Students are more comfortable and able to be more productive in the space.
Marieann: Thank you for being generous with your money to allow us to be generous with our space and teaching styles. The generosity is circular and helps all of us.
A Closer Look: Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade is a pivotal year at Community School as students transition to a middle school model with electives, advanced classes, and increased leadership and service opportunities. Students also move from a self-contained classroom to one of three advisories. They start in their advisory during morning meeting each day, and their advisor is their point person for academics throughout the year. The fifth grade teachers have specialty areas but also team teach so they have the chance to build relationships with all students. When sharing highlights from the year, many students mention JA Biztown, Shakespeare, the Book Drive, and Students for Change (an optional student group for fifth and sixth graders). Learn more about each of these highlights and how they support student learning and growth.
JA Biztown
JA BizTown is a program that combines several weeks of in-class learning with a visit to a simulated town. Students interview for and play the roles of software engineers, CEOs, personal bankers, teachers, disc jockeys, and more. Their day includes town meetings and breaks so they can shop at other businesses.
Bella Ituen served as the Director/CEO of the Career & Learning Center. “I learned how to become a better leader and how to manage my time,” she shared. “I also learned how to handle having a lot of stuff going on at once. It helped me understand what it’s like to run a business.”
In class, students learned about basic business practices and their roles as members of a broader community. Bella and her peers enjoyed learning about economics and real-world skills like how to make deposits and use checkbooks. Bella’s favorite part of the process was “feeling pressured for time” during the simulation. “It made me feel like I was more productive. I also liked working with my CFO, Alex Miceli. We were really good teammates, and I had a lot of fun!”
Written by Jennifer Thomas
Book Drive
Fifth Grade’s service learning project also focuses on citizenship and an awareness of the community at large. Each year, fifth graders invite all Community families to bring in gently-used children’s books that they no longer need. Fifth graders promote the drive and sort and box the books. Donations are given to students throughout the St. Louis area through two non-profit organizations, Ready Readers and The Little Bit Foundation.
When asked how they promoted the drive, Zaib Bhutto said, “We talked to our families and friends, and everybody made a poster to hang in different places around the school.” “I liked telling younger kids about it,” added Julian Chang. “My advisory partner and I made an announcement in Senior Kindergarten, and they had so many questions!”
Over the course of the drive, students from each advisory collected books from a particular grade. Each grade kept a donation bin, and students brought donations to tables in the fifth grade hallway and sorted them into board books, picture books, and/or chapter books. They also learned about the mission and work of Ready Readers and The Little Bit Foundation. At the end of the drive, they donated approximately 70 boxes of books to the organizations. “I was surprised by how much of a difference we could make,” Julian said. When asked why this work matters, he summed that, “It’s about stepping into kindness and helping other people.” “The projects help you learn about the community,” Zaib added. “It’s always something educational and helps you grow.”
Shakespeare
Each spring, fifth graders complete a multidisciplinary unit on William Shakespeare. Students read about Shakespeare’s life and then select a project to demonstrate their understanding of his life or the time period. “The projects
started in March,” shared Sophie Lesser. “You could make a timeline, map, newspaper, model of the Globe theater, or an Elizabethan-era ship, house, or outfit. You also had to write a summary of your research. We learned a lot!”
Students also read adaptions of three Shakespeare plays and completed writing exercises to showcase their comprehension of the characters, plot, and more. This year, students read “Romeo and Juliet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Hamlet.” They also performed “Shakespeare Smorgasbord,” a lively journey through the two tragedies and comedy. Our drama teacher, Alissa Rowan, adapted scenes from each play and incorporated modern language and contexts.
In addition to performing on stage, students made their own costumes (using only what they had at home!) and performed a traditional Shakespearean monologue for the class. “It was difficult to memorize the monologue,” Sophie said, “but I loved hearing everyone and seeing their costumes.”
Students for Change
Students for Change is the brainchild of Janae Harris ’19, a Community School alumna who wanted to provide a space for fifth and sixth grade students to have deeper conversations about issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. During the 2023-2024 school year, students met regularly with Nina Nichols (Director of Diversity & Inclusion), Sarah McCarthy (Fifth Grade Teacher), and Alissa Rowan (Drama Teacher). Eliza Hogue was a regular attendee and shared that, “It’s a safe space to learn more about each other and important topics. This year we focused on racism and censorship, and next year, I’d like to talk more about cyber bullying.”
Most students return to Students for Change as sixth graders and share their learning with new students while continuing to develop as leaders of the school. It’s one of the many ways fifth graders grow as they prepare for the transition to secondary schools.
Spotlight on Nina Nichols
Get to know Community’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Assistant Director of Admission as she reflects on her first year at Community School.
Nina Nichols is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Assistant Director of Admission at Community School. Nina was born in England as the daughter of a diplomat. She grew up in different countries around the world (England, China, Malaysia, Chile, Argentina, Canada, and the United States) and came to St. Louis to attend Washington University. Nina has worked in independent schools in St. Louis for over twenty years, in both elementary and secondary schools, as both an educator and administrator.
Learn more about Nina and highlights from her first year at Community School in the interview below.
What inspired you to work in education?
Summer break! My parents lived in Canada and I loved the idea of being able to be with them for an extended period of time over the summer. However, the number one reason was that I really enjoy working with kids and being in a space that encourages growth and learning. There is always more to learn and doing that in a place where children are filled with wonder and curiosity is an amazing thing. Kids are also pretty funny—whether they mean to be or not; the work is serious but being around kids is the best work environment I could ask for.
Tell me about your role as Director of Diversity and Inclusion. What all do you do?
My work is pretty great because I get to collaborate with lots of different people: students, parents, teachers, board members, and administrators. It’s a broad scope from looking at pieces of the curriculum, to pushing into classrooms, to planning events, to conversations with students, to looking at systems and policies and how to create a more inclusive and equitable school community.
I am fortunate to be in a place that values people and wants to improve and have felt support in this effort from so many! Ultimately, we are all working together to ensure that all students, families, faculty, and staff at Community feel valued and seen.
Why is this role needed in an elementary school?
My role is to make sure that everyone feels that Community School is a place where they belong, where they can be themselves, and be valued for who they are. Our goal is to prepare our students to be leaders and good leaders center people and relationships. Working with students to understand the power and impact of their words and actions not only makes them better humans but teaches them to value the uniqueness that each of them brings to our spaces. Learning how to build relationships and have conversations around topics that might be uncomfortable is a skill that many of us need practice with as adults. Starting that at a young age equips students to ask questions, be curious, and learn from others. Kids are also powerful leaders and their voice matters, no matter how young they are. Working with
them to grow those skills and use their voice to work for positive change is a rewarding journey and by the time they leave, we hope they will carry these and use them to better the next place.
You also serve as our Assistant Director of Admission. Tell me about that role and how you balance everything!
I don’t! Admissions can be a lot, especially from October through March. That part of my job involves a lot of logistical work, which might be my hidden superpower. I make a strong effort to be organized, prioritize what needs to happen first, and get immense satisfaction from creating a checklist and crossing things off! I help make sure that all the details of events we run for prospective families go smoothly and help families with whatever they need. Dana Scott Saulsberry is wonderful and has been an invaluable resource, friend, and mentor to help me navigate through the details of the job. The first year is always hard and I am so thankful for her and Bob Cooke.
Additionally, I am fortunate that there is an incredible team that supports admissions work and between all of us, we manage to get the job done! It is certainly a team effort and I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I work with.
Share a highlight from your first year at Community.
A highlight for me was watching all the pieces come together for the MLK Day of Service. There was a lot of planning and coordination that was required from so many people—watching everyone work their magic to make that day happen was amazing. I am so thankful for the Parent Diversity Group (PDG) and their commitment to bringing people together to build a stronger community.
The Students for Change group has also been a wonderful highlight. I have really enjoyed the conversations we have had and the ways that we have been able to learn from each other during our time together. We had some great student presentations that were thought-provoking and I am excited for the group to continue next year.
Share
a goal for next year.
My goal for next year is to know every student. I am close! I am also looking forward to getting to know more families and build deeper relationships with my colleagues. Another goal would be to consider how to have a more unified approach for our DEI work as a school; currently, there are lots of great things happening in different areas, but pulling those pieces together to support one another will ultimately lead to better outcomes. Now that I have a year under my belt, I am excited to continue the work that we are doing and dig deeper next year!
Why work at Community?
Where do I start! There are 445+ reasons and one dog—the people are the best part of Community School. The ways that the adults and kids have made me feel valued and included has been really touching. I feel so incredibly lucky to be here and to be able to build friendships and work alongside some pretty awesome people (some of whom excel at not just teaching but also at karaoke!). I get to work in a place where I get hugs and notes from kids, get to see smiles and hear giggles throughout my day, and am fed well. What more could I ask for!
What are your hobbies outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy a number of things. I love acting, mostly film and commercial work. I like being able to do multiple takes which you don’t get in theater. I like being active; running, walking, and hiking are some of my favorite activities along with spending time with my family (husband, Dave; three kids, Ella, Hanna, and Silas; and two dogs, Mae and Otto). My parents live in Malaysia and my sister lives in Philadelphia so I cherish times when we can all be together. I love food and exploring new places. I am also back in school getting my Master’s degree and the list of books I want to read keeps growing. I am a giant Star Wars and Marvel fan (DC is okay) and am excited to binge lots of shows and movies with my kids.
Darci Cadieux
Lowenhaupt Award Recipient
Excerpt from Mr. Cooke’s speech from the Annual Meeting in May 2024:
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 model of program development for the betterment of our students.” When we hired her in 2017, we knew that we were bringing an innovative master teacher, with a fierce dedication to improving the teaching and learning of reading and literacy. I don’t think we realized that she would apply this passion beyond literacy, and beyond her classroom, to the betterment of all. These are just some of the characteristics that led to Darci Cadieux being chosen as this year’s Lowenhaupt Award winner.
Darci’s work here as a sixth grade teacher has been exemplary. Her lessons are innovative and engaging, and she brings a kindness and sense of humor every day, which is certainly needed with sixth graders! Additionally, she has the ability to help students find authors and genres that kindle a general, and lifelong, love of reading. One of my favorite units of hers to observe is the annual study of dystopian fiction—it’s already a topic near and dear to many
a pre-teen’s heart, but Darci helps them understand it in a way that goes beyond that particular novel, to a deeper love of literature.
Darci has also embraced the idea of sixth graders as leaders, and morphed what has long been an idea and belief into an entire curriculum. Her students grow to understand that leading is a privilege, and that they should use their positions to help others. This is perhaps most evident in our Family Groups, where, with her guidance, the sixth graders become empowered and compassionate leaders.
She also works with her students to help them understand that they can and should be lifelong learners, and that they can train their brains to be flexible to new ideas and experiences. This is especially true in her work with neuroplasticity, the concept that the brain can be rewired to better adapt to new experiences and expectations. I love being in her classroom as her students demonstrate their knowledge about how to do this rewiring—kids will be juggling, or stacking cups, or doing dance moves, all while reciting songs. It’s astonishing to see, and humbling when they try to teach me to do it!
Darci’s dedication to improvement extends beyond her classroom, as well. For instance, she created and is leading what we are calling “literacy loops.” These are a series of meetings and discussions between reading and literacy teachers at all levels of the school. They are designed to fight against the tendency toward “siloing” within a particular grade level, and ensure that there is vertical alignment from
grade to grade. These literacy loops have teachers of reading across every grade talking to each other, which has led to a significant improvement in the scope and sequencing of reading instruction. It is no surprise that Darci is leading the charge in this area, given her Master’s in Reading Instruction, and her experience as a literacy teacher and instructional coach. We’re just lucky that she decided to join us here at Community.
But as impressive as all of this is, it’s the informal things about Darci that many of us think of first. She is Ladue’s go-to dog sitter, has a vast collection of photos of school events, spends weekends watching the sports games of Community School alumni, and is a camper extraordinaire on the sixth grade overnight. She is the keeper of book knowledge, stays current on seemingly everything that is published, and is able to recommend a book to any child or adult who describes a topic that interests them. Darci is an extraordinary athlete, and used those skills to make three-pointers during the faculty and sixth grade basketball game last week. She is a Cardinals and Blues fan, and one of Skipper’s best friends. Darci is also a wonderful collaborator, bringing her belief in working with others to initiatives such as Family Groups.
Darci practices what she preaches. And what she preaches is:
• It’s okay to get stuck, just don’t stay stuck
• Stay curious
• Love
All of this ensures that Darci is not only a great teacher, but someone who makes this a better school for us all.
Opposite page: Darci Cadieux, 2024 Lowenhaupt Award recipient.
This page: 2024 Service Award recipients. Not pictured: Sharon Barnholtz, Lauri Torrie, Colleen Wyss.
SERVICE AWARDS
We honored 12 Community School team members for their tenure at the Annual Meeting.
Thank you for your service!
5 Years of Service (2019)
Rochelle Chandler
Taylor Mata
10 Years of Service (2014)
Amanda Hazelwood
Joe Mohr
Ellen Noel
Lauri Torrie
Colleen Wyss
20 Years of Service (2004)
Becky Harman
Jessica Hendricks
30 Years of Service (1994)
Lori Marusic
45 Years of Service (1979)
Sharon Barnholtz
Karen Birdsong
Professional Development
Bob Cooke (Head of School), Nikki Dantuono (Upper Division Director), Nina Nichols (Director of Diversity & Inclusion), Eve Rudolph (Director of Auxiliary Programs), and Dana Scott Saulsberry (Director of Admission) attended the NAIS Conference held in St. Louis, MO. Several faculty (featured below) participated, as well.
Megan Futhey (4th Grade) took a Responsive Classroom (RC) course on Interactive Grouping, which focused on how to make more dynamic and effective groups. She also participated in a RC Elementary Core Course on classroom management and the basic implementation of RC.
Jen Gosnell (Academic Technology Specialist) attended ISTE 23 in Philadelphia, PA, and learned about emerging educational technologies and practices. She also attended the NAIS Conference in St. Louis, MO to learn about best practices for AI use in schools.
Ingrid Bonds (Junior Kindergarten), Nikki Dantuono, Meriam Dwidar (Lower Division Music), Kara Horton (Senior Kindergarten), Rachelle Luster (2nd Grade), Taylor Mata (School Counselor), Nina Nichols, Donna Scott (Director of Finance & Operations), and Dana Scott Saulsberry attended the People of Color Conference (PoCC), hosted by NAIS in St. Louis, MO.
Lori Branch (1st Grade), Matt Dade (5th Grade), Katie Felker (6th Grade), Megan Futhey, Jessica Hendricks (2nd Grade), and Abby Reed (Math Specialist) attended the Jumpstart Your Singapore Math Conference in Charlotte, NC. They learned about the pedagogy behind Math in Focus: A Singapore Math Approach and best practices for hands-on exploration of the program.
Nina Nichols participated in Blink Consulting Workshops on “Doing DEI” and “DEI for Success” and attended the Equity Exchange, which brings together educators from local and national schools, both public and private, to develop professional and personal approaches to inclusivity in schools. Additionally, Nina co-led the NAIS People of Color Conference affinity group for international educators.
Mindy McManemy (3rd Grade) attended the Greg Tang Math Conference in St. Louis, MO. She learned new strategies for teaching computation skills as well as top manipulatives to use with students.
Jessica Hendricks participated in online Responsive Classroom courses on building community and helping children invest in
Professional development is a hallmark of Community School. Below are highlights from the 2023-2024 school year.
learning with academic choice. She finished her Early Education Leadership certification through Harvard University in July 2024
Abby Reed attended a workshop on “Transformational Design for ISACS Lead Learners” in Chicago, IL. She learned innovative strategies for designing meaningful professional learning opportunities. Abby serves on the ISACS Board of Trustees and ISACS Professional Services Committee. She also attended the NAIS Conference in St. Louis, MO.
Anna Lemen-June (4th Grade), Alissa Rowan (Drama), and Colleen Wyss (3rd Grade) attended the White Privilege Conference in Tulsa, OK. They spent time learning about how to be anti-racist educators who support all students. Highlights included a trip to the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park which memorializes the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. Colleen also attended the NAIS Conference in St. Louis, MO.
Veronique Gardet (Lower Division French) attended an online Responsive Classroom course in the fall. It was tailored for specialists and provided helpful tools for classroom management.
Joey Murphy (6th Grade) attended the Responsive Classroom Elementary Core Course training in Austin, TX. The highlight was learning how to better plan and execute morning meetings. He also attended the July Writing Institute for the TCRWP Units of Study curriculum in New York, NY, and enjoyed learning how to better conference with students and provide individual feedback.
Stephen Lott (2nd Grade) participated in the NAIS Conference held in St. Louis, MO. He attended workshops on nature-based learning and integrating AI into education. Stephen also attended an educators retreat in Maryland. This three-day workshop was geared toward educators who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and was facilitated by two well-known leaders in the DEI community.
Lori Marusic (Upper Division French) participated in “Teaching Engaged Brains: Improving Student Attention, Motivation, and Mindsets in a Disengaged, Distracted Age,” hosted by the Learning & The Brain Conference in San Francisco, CA. She attended virtually and learned about the benefits of mindfulness training.
Donna Scott completed a year-long leadership training with the NBOA Leadership Academy.
