Cotting Connection A tradition of innovation and excellence since 1893. SUMMER 2022
Congratulations to this year’s graduates: (clockwise from left) Jamie D., Patrick D., Billy C., Liam M., Frankie V., Amadi G., M.E. L. and (not pictured) Zach L.!
Celebrating the Class of 2022 What’s Inside Graduation..........................................................1-2 President’s Message............................................ 2 Climbing Wall...................................................... 3 Cotting Consulting............................................. 3 Thermo-Fisher Field Day................................... 3 Senior Trip.............................................................4
Cotting School 453 Concord Avenue Lexington, MA 02421
On a stunning Saturday morning in June, seven seniors took center stage at Cotting School’s 2022 graduation. Cheered on by family, friends and faculty, each graduating senior was personally celebrated with comments from President Bridget Irish and received a scholarship and award for their individual accomplishments. As is tradition, the graduating class was welcomed into the ceremony through an aisle of cheering faculty. Personalized keepsake banners, created by nursing assistant Courtney Martinello, were hung for each graduate and formed a beautiful backdrop to the celebration. Faculty members Andy Lindblad and Jane Perera played a delightful rendition of Pomp and Circumstance. Continued on next page.
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Rolling Admissions Contact Director of Admissions Elizabeth Russell at erussell@cotting.org for more information.
Class of 2022 (continued) Holding graduation in the new campus center for the first time made it especially memorable and created a new tradition for future classes. The ceremony was preceded by a creative video montage of the seniors throughout their years at Cotting, which was carefully produced by longtime faculty member Bill DeAngelis. Stu Randle, a member of the board of trustees and alumni parent, challenged the graduates by saying, “I bet every one of you achieved more at Cotting than you ever thought possible. Well guess what? There is still more for you to do! So don’t stop striving; keep learning and trying new things. Remember that Cotting grit that helped get you through COVID, and apply that same grit to the new things you want to do.” Class President Billy Carroll reflected on his time and accomplishments at Cotting, noting that the school
President Irish talked about the personal accomplishments of each of our seniors at the graduation ceremony.
supported his love of participating in (five!) sports and prepared him for his dream of having a full-time job. Billy started his new position soon after graduation, and will surely take all of that Cotting grit with him. In addition to celebrating the graduates, Ms. Irish had a special word of thanks for the families who worked so hard to support their students’ successes. “You were your child’s first teachers and advocates. You entrusted
us with their care and education, and have been a partner to us all along the way….Thank you for including us in this journey with you and for being here today. Working with your children has been our delight and privilege. When they became Cotting Falcons, you also became part of the Cotting community and you will always have a place with us here.” Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon!
President’s Message | Bridget Irish, M.B.A., S.P.H.R. Now that the regular school year has ended, the second phase of construction on the main building has begun and we are gearing up for this summer’s five-week extended school year program. Our staff and faculty are looking forward to our students’ return President Bridget Irish to campus. But before we dive into summer, let’s take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of the past few months. The Cotting School calendar has been chock full of exciting events, including a fun-filled field day, an inspirational virtual transition fair, a successful senior trip to Cape Cod and a glamorous starry-themed prom. We even got to enjoy a few firsts, such as the long-awaited in-person alumni reunion at the new campus center, a parent get-together during prom in the Cotting Family Courtyard and a wonderfully moving graduation ceremony in the new gym.
While this year had its challenges, they were overshadowed by some of the most memorable and exhilarating moments in Cotting School’s history. From the record number of admission referrals we received to completing over 100 ondemand MCAS sessions to helping 84 students successfully get up on the brand new rock climbing wall, I am extremely proud of the work we have done. Our staff and faculty have continuously achieved countless gains and made an impact on their students and fellow colleagues. Through collaboration, determination and a willingness to try new things, their work in and out of the classroom helped to make Cotting better today than it was in September. I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful first year as President, and I hope that everyone in the Cotting community is looking forward to next year as much as I am.
Reaching New Heights Cotting students had the opportunity to try out our new rock climbing wall before the school year ended.
COTTING
Consulting B Y TH E N UMBERS It’s been a record-breaking year for Cotting Consulting, a team of specialists that provides Massachusetts school districts with technology-focused assessments, consultation and professional development to improve curriculum access and functional independence. Since September, Cotting Consulting has:
Provided services to
In May, Phil Snell (front middle) and several other Thermo Fisher Scientific employees continued the longstanding tradition of volunteering at Cotting’s Field Day.
30+ districts statewide Worked with approximately
165 students Completed
80+ student evaluations “Your presentation was motivating and inspiring for our staff. We do the best we can with the little knowledge we have in this area, but when we can get valuable and meaningful ideas and direction, we can do so much more and it feels so empowering. Thank you!” – District Special Education Specialist
Thermo Fisher Scientific Volunteers Continue Longstanding Tradition With Cotting Over many years, Thermo Fisher Scientific has been a valued supporter of Cotting School by volunteering during Field Day, partnering as a Project Bridges job site and making generous grants. Phil Snell, the current leader of Thermo Fisher’s partnership with the School, also coordinated a service opportunity this past winter that allowed his colleagues to experience Falcon basketball for the first time. We are tremendously grateful for the various ways Thermo Fisher makes a difference in the lives of our students! If you or your company would like to learn about volunteer opportunities at Cotting, please contact Associate Director of Advancement Carly Churchill at cchurchill@cotting.org.
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Senior Trip After months of planning their itinerary, seven of the eight members of Cotting School’s 128th graduating class spent a few fun-filled days exploring Cape Cod together.