Academic Year 2012/13 • Volume One
OnCAMPUS CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
Inside Visual Arts 2 Leading the Way 3 Meet the New Board 4 Meet the New Staffulty 4 85th Anniversary 5 Advancement 5 Country Fair 6 Professional Development 7-9 Lower School 10 Alumni Connections 11-17 6th Grade Trip Week 18 7th Grade Trip Week 19-20 8th Grade Trip Week 21 Lower School Sports 22 Theater Arts 23
PURA VIDA!
!
eighth graders ventured to SarapiquĂ, in northern Costa Rica, for an action-packed week in the rainforest. They learned about plants, animals, and ecosystems from local guides. They worked with younger students in the classroom and on their campus to beautify Escuela Cristo Rey and to make it a more environmentally sustainable place through painting, gardening, and repair projects. Students were able to practice Spanish daily with people of all ages. To put some of their experiences into perspective, eighth graders also explored global issues such as poverty and access to education, as well as biodiversity and the impact of buying organic food. Finally, they discussed the leadership styles of local leaders and reflected on how they as future leaders can work to solve these global challenges. Joy Elizondo Upper School Spanish Teacher and Trip Coordinator CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
ARTS VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS VISUA all-school
Our first project in Lower and Upper School Art was the self-portrait of students’ eyes for Mr. Weiss's annual all-school art collaboration. The students worked directly on wood to create their mixed media paintings. These eyes are captivating, colorful, and extremely unique. At Crane, the “eyes” have it!
lower school
upper school
AL
Leading the Way School children sit on its back, and everyone rubs its nose and ears, bringing those areas to a high shine. It shows up in other ways, too. Right now, the eighth graders are doing their presentations for public speaking class, and most of them are weaving a photo of the coyote into their presentations – a kind of “Where’s Waldo” for Crane’s coyote crowd. The instant that bronze statue arrived, people began asking me, “What’s its name?” And this being an election year, I thought, why not teach something about the concepts of democracy by running a school-wide election to name the coyote? So we did! We first invited every student to suggest a name, and soon the suggestion box was packed with nearly 100 names. To reduce that list to a manageable number, the student council held a primary election. They set up a polling place in front of Cate Hall. Every student had a personalized ballot and could vote for three names out of the hundred. The finalists were: Doug, Mr. Fluffy, Pablo, Rover, and Wile E. Coyote. A few weeks later, having drawn one of the finalist names out of a hat, each student council member was asked to make campaign
Every student had a personalized
speech for one of the
ballot...The finalists were: Doug,
candidates. Then a
Mr. Fluffy, Pablo, Rover, and
final
Wile E. Coyote.
a
Crane Coyote Creates New Ways to Learn about Government WHEN I ARRIVED at Crane School a decade ago, we had no
short
election
was
held, again by ballot,
generating 88% voter turnout. Once the student council members had counted the ballots, it was announced that Rover had won – edging out Mr. Fluffy by just a small number of votes!
mascot. People wondered, “Who are we?” and they asked, “We
While naming our coyote statue at first appeared to be
are the Crane whats?” Some folks, unaware that the school was
a somewhat silly side note, it really evolved into a valuable
named for its founder, William D. Crane, thought that we must
undertaking. There was so much energy and excitement on
surely be “the Cranes.” And while all 15 species of those elegant
campus during the campaigning, while the kids gained first-hand
wading birds are impressive, “the Crane School Cranes” is just
experience on how to run an election. They learned that elections
too redundant.
are just a tool for making a well-organized group decision.
Eventually, we became the Crane School Coyotes, in honor
In the spirit of ongoing democracy, we decided to track along
of the intelligent, resourceful, and nimble native canines that
with the presidential election cycle; our friend Rover will be up
wander around our local hillsides.
for re-election – or renaming – every four years. Knowing our
This summer, I decided to take the next step, and give explicit form to our coyote. I ordered a bronze coyote statue and had it installed in front of Cate Hall. It has been a hit! The Lower
students, I’m sure some are already working on their Coyote Campaign for 2016!
Joel Weiss Head of School 3
Meet the New Board and Staffulty Members Patty MacFarlane and Art Merovick
(l-r) Chuck Watson, Malana Willis, and Susana Yee
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Art has served on the boards of Cold Spring School
source of inspiration. I feel privileged to support their growth during these exciting elementary years.
Patricia MacFarlane
(President), Montessori School, Laguna Blanca, and
Patty is a new member of the Crane Board, but has
Marymount. He has chaired several CAIS Accrediting
I began my life-long love of learning growing
been part of the Crane family since 2005 as a parent of
Teams and has served on the NAIS Social Studies
up in beautiful Santa Barbara. I received my BA in
Ian (7th Grade) and Dylan (5th Grade). She served as a
Curriculum Committee.
Psychology from Williams College and my MA in
frequent classroom and Hot Lunch volunteer, was First
Art currently serves on the boards of Sansum Clinic and
Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Grade Room Parent in 2008-2009, was a member of
The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. He graduated
from UC Berkeley. Upon graduating, I joined the
the Science Curriculum review committee, served on
from Colgate University and received his Masters from C.
design team for an innovative new school in the Bay
the Finance Committee from 2009 to 2011, and co-
W. Post. His daughter, Laura, is a graduate of Crane. Art
Area where I had the pleasure of teaching for five years.
chaired the Lost and Found from 2011 to 2013.
lives in Montecito with his wife, Carolyn.
After moving back to Santa Barbara this past June I
Patty served as President of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara from 2010 to 2011 and President of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History from 2006 to 2008. Since 1999, she has had extensive committee involvement on both boards. She currently is a Co-Chair of the Scholarship Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, serves on the Santa Barbara Bowl Campaign Cabinet, is a member of the Storyteller Children’s Center Advisory Board, and volunteers at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. She enjoys tennis and reading in her rare free time! A native of New York, Patty relocated to Santa Barbara in 1994 when she married her husband, John MacFarlane. From 1989 to 1998, Patty worked at JP Morgan, serving as an Associate in Public Finance Investment Banking and then as a Vice President in Global Markets, marketing US Dollar Interest Rate Swaps. Patty earned a BS in Computer Science, with a Minor in Management, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
have enjoyed exploring the mountains and beaches and
NEW STAFF AND FACULTY
spending time with my friends and family.
Charles (Chuck) Watson Director of Finance and Operations
Susana Yee
Born in Chicago, I have lived in Wisconsin, Michigan,
When I first entered the Crane campus, I knew
Iowa, and Colorado, finally settling down in
immediately that this was a special place to foster
California. I am a proud parent of a Crane alumna and
a love for learning for children and adults alike.
Third Grade Teacher
live in Ventura with my wife of almost 30 years, Sara, and our two teenage children, Daniel and Rachel.
I grew up in the Bay Area and attended UC Santa Barbara. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
For the past 37 years I have worked in nonprofit
and Sociology and minored in Education and Applied
services for children and families, nonprofit leadership
Psychology. Continuing at UCSB, I received my
consulting, and more recently with a national social
Masters in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching
justice organization. For 15 of those years I served
Credential. Upon graduating, I moved to be closer
in Executive Leadership and am the Past President
to my family and taught Second Grade in the Palo
of the California Association of Nonprofits Board
Alto Unified School District for four years. Last
of Directors. I am on the faculty at California State
year, I moved back to Santa Barbara and worked at
University at Northridge and Phillips Graduate
Montecito Union School with the Fifth Grade classes.
Institute
My husband Nathan and I feel so fortunate to live
where
I
teach
Nonprofit
Financial
Management and Strategic Planning. I am an avid Manchester United fan, love all things board and card game-oriented, and enjoy the challenge
Arthur Merovick
of being a high school soccer referee as well as officiating
Art is the former Head of Upper Schoool at Buckley
for the local Power (wheelchair) Soccer League.
Country Day School in New York, former Dean
Malana Willis
in such a beautiful place. We enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. As a teacher, I believe it is critical to provide engaging opportunities for every child to explore, discover, think critically, and connect their learning to the world they live in. I am passionate about providing authentic learning experiences for all
of Students at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and
Fourth Grade Teacher
former Headmaster of Laguna Blanca School. He has
I am thrilled to be a part of the Crane community where
recently retired from the dual positions of Director of
learning is joyful, rigorous, and meaningful. Students at
Development at The Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
Crane are curious and compassionate, and everyone is
and respect one another’s ideas. As I continue to
and Senior Search Consultant for Wickenden Associates
encouraged to grow and seek challenges. Teaching is my
reflect and learn from my own teaching, I develop
in Princeton, where he conducted over 60 searches for
passion, and I am honored to spend each day working with
more and more each day into the teacher that our
Heads of School.
children whose creativity and enthusiasm are a constant
communities require and that our children deserve.
students. I have found that creating a safe and supportive classroom community provides an optimal learning environment for students to value
85th Anniversary/Advancement 85th Anniversary Celebration Week Celebrating Crane's 85th with a cookie for each student
Assembly guest speaker: Cathy Rose, former Crane English teacher 1984-1991
Assembly guest speaker: Selden Edwards, Crane Headmaster 1979-1989, with current staffulty members he hired or who were students during his tenure
Assembly guest speaker: Sarah O'Brien ’82, with sons Pierce ’21 and Ronan
Cathy Rose with former students Sarah O'Brien ’82 and Shana Lynch Arthurs ’84
Staffulty Representatives Traci Cope and Richard Downey
Annual Fund 2012-2013
Kindergarten:
Amy Wendel and Dan Meisel
1st Grade:
Suzanne Deardorff and Nancy Sheldon
EACH
FALL,
monies
2nd Grade:
Robin Kopeikin
raised
through
Crane’s
3rd Grade:
Dinah Calderon ’86
Annual Fund make up the
4th Grade:
Rachael Stein
5th Grade:
Pamela Brown
6th Grade:
Betsey Moller
7th Grade:
Mia Morphy
as the Upper School Musical, Lower School Spring Study Week,
8th Grade:
Debbie Mackall and Marion MacNeil
after school sports, and field trips.
Staffulty:
Traci Cope and Richard Downey
difference between tuition and the expense of educating our students. These funds are used to support approximately 10% of everything Crane does, including the programs that are part of beloved institutional traditions, such
This year we are lucky to have parents Neil Levinson and John Stegall ’75 co-chairing the Annual Fund, with the help of the
Debbie Williams Director of Development
following Class and Staffulty Representatives:
Thank you all as we move toward our goals of $600,000 and 100% parent participation!
5
Country Fair
Fair Co-Chairs Darcie McKnight, Ali Oshinsky, and Tiffany Gordon
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL is known for its strong sense of community, and perhaps no event builds community better than the annual Country Fair, which took place this year on October 28. “The fair really personifies the spirit of the school,” said headmaster Joel Weiss, “We like to have fun here, we enjoy being together as a community, but we also work hard. And this amazing day could not happen without the hard work of practically every family at the school.” Whether squeezing lemons, tossing footballs, painting faces, decorating cakes, swirling cotton candy, barbequing hot dogs, or dancing from cake walk chair to chair, students, parents, grandparents, and alumni work and play together for one full and festive day. Approximately 150 volunteers contribute to ensure the event is a success. This year’s theme embraced farm animals, incorporating a petting zoo and presentations on exotic predatory birds by the Ojai Raptor Center. In addition to rehabilitating injured birds, the center runs a wildlife education program in which eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures who are unable to be released into the wild serve as ambassadors for their species by visiting schools. The fair also featured live entertainment, an old-fashioned photo booth, a bungee-cord bounce house, a giant slide, glitter tattoos, arts and crafts, the Crane Country Kitchen, a bake-off competition, and Coyote Cub Corner for toddlers. “The Country Fair is my favorite event at Crane,” said Ali Oshinsky, who co-chaired for the third year in a row with two other Crane moms, Tiffany Gordon and Darcie McKnight. “It shows the best of Crane — everyone pitches in and works together to make it happen.”
Ann Pieramici Parents for Crane Publicity
6
Professional Development
Artful Thinking THIS SUMMER I fell in love with a chandelier. Wildly decorated with plastic toys by artist Pepon Osorio, it hangs in a huge gallery in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.* I chose El Chandelier as the focus of my weeklong Clarice Smith Fellowship at the museum, an experience that has already enriched and deepened my teaching. The fellowship brings classroom teachers from around the country together with two main goals: to teach them to integrate art into their curricula and to encourage them to use new technologies. To prepare for the program I spent several weeks researching Osorio’s work, and to conclude it, I developed a lesson plan based on El Chandelier that I’ll use with the eighth graders at the end of the year. During the week in DC I learned several “Artful Thinking” techniques: sophisticated ways to use art to stimulate critical thinking. I’ve been using one technique, “See/Think/Wonder,” to prompt thoughtful writing for my English students—and I’ve been meeting with Lower School colleagues who use this technique in fascinating ways in their classrooms, too. Seldom have I been so “professionally developed” so successfully in so short a time! I’m immensely grateful to the museum staff who run this excellent program, to the foundations that make it practically free, to the PFC for supporting my travel expenses, and to my parents for running a week of “Camp DC” for my daughter while I worked. * You can see El Chandelier at americanart.si.edu/education/corazon/artistas_04_zoom.cfm
Elizabeth Teare Upper School English
7
Professional Development From Textiles to Textbooks: Service Learning in Guatemala LAST SUMMER, I had the great fortune to participate
Through stories and photographs, I hope my travels will
in a weeklong service learning project with a small group
raise global awareness and citizenship among my students. I
of US-based teachers in Chajul, Guatemala, sponsored by
hope, too, that they will understand and value their unique
Limitless Horizons Ixil, a non-profit, non-governmental
access to education, as well as how they can share this with
organization dedicated to community-driven development
others by connecting with students in Guatemala.
through increased educational opportunities for the people of rural Guatemala. My journey began in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua. From there, we stopped at the famous market town of Chichicastenango, and spent the rest of the week in a place that felt like walking through the pages of National Geographic. Most of the women weave and wear traditional garb, and nearly everyone speaks Ixil (a Mayan dialect) as their first language. Usually, when I travel in Latin America, I blend in fairly well, but this time was different. In Guatemala, indigenous communities comprise over 40% of the population. Seven out of every ten indigenous people live in poverty. Most folks own a small plot of land, a milpa, to grow corn, but live annually on less than the cost of our cameras. Yet, the teachers, librarians, and students I met left me awestruck at how much they accomplished with few resources in such a remote place. Our group gave a workshop to local librarians on teaching Spanish as a second language and on building literacy. We read stories to local students in Spanish and ran activity stations at a library member party. As with any service-learning endeavor, I reaped unexpected benefits professionally and personally just by listening to the stories of the Chajulenses I met: a librarian who worked as a maid for two years to save money to study more, a human rights advocate who survived a government-sponsored massacre, a psychologist who works on reforming schools in Guatemala, a woman my age who is a master weaver
To learn more about the work of Limitless Horizons Ixil, visit: www.limitlesshorizonsixil.org
with nine children to feed and educate.
Joy Elizondo Upper School Spanish
8
Professional Development Service Learning Goes Global AT CRANE, service learning projects get their
stuffed full of art supplies from the States: lots of
direction from student concerns and input. Last
colored pencils, crayons, markers, and paper. We
winter, a group of students talked about their
set up three art stations for the students and they
concern for the single-use plastic bags that are
were able to move about, experiencing each one
accumulating on our planet, and wanted to work
throughout our first day with them.
From many ideas, the one
My favorite station involved making a greeting
that was chosen was led by Lori Robinson of the
card for Crane students. I handed out cards made
Santa Barbara based non-profit, Africa Inside. Ms.
by last year’s service learning students, and each
Robinson has created a program that exchanges
had the photo of a Crane student on the back.
plastic bags for donated reusable tote bags in
Using an instant camera, I was able to put photos
villages in Africa. On YouTube, you can watch
of Kenyan children on the backs of the cards they
Africa Bags Project to learn more about this.
created for us.
toward a solution.
When Crane students learned about this project,
During our second day at
they began a drive to collect reusable totes. Ms.
the orphanage, the students put
Robinson came to Crane and asked our students
on several performances for
to personalize this project by writing to students in
us. Later, we gave them gifts
Tanzania. When Lori returned from Africa a few
of school supplies and clothing
weeks later, she had a letter for each of my students
from our students in the States.
from a new pen pal from St. Joseph School in
A
Arusha, Tanzania. As Lori and I got to know each
moment for me was when a
other, we discovered our shared passion for service.
young girl named Celine asked
She asked me to join her on an August trip to
her teacher if she could sing
Kenya, during which we would do a service project
a solo for us.
together. We spent much of the summer preparing.
teacher if we could then thank
We arrived in Nairobi, Kenya on August 20, and
her by presenting her with
particularly
emotional
We asked her
spent the next two days at the Lighthouse Grace
one of the several iPods that Crane students had
Academy Orphanage. As soon as we arrived, we
donated to the orphanage. Celine was absolutely
found the children gathered in their warehouse-
shocked and overwhelmed by this gift, and, after
style classroom, singing songs to greet us. What an
drying her tears, began listening to American tunes
amazing first impression! Though most have lost
with one ear bud, while sharing the music with her
their parents to AIDS/HIV, it was clear that these
friends with the other.
lovely children are joyful, healthy, and well-cared
I am extremely grateful for the professional
for. We soon learned that they are also open to new
development grant I received that made this
experiences and have lots of hopes and dreams for
experience possible.
their futures.
continuing the new connections with the teacher
Art lessons filled the hours of our first day. The teacher, Regina, had told us that the students rarely get to do art, though they love it, because they do not have the materials. We brought a duffle bag
I am looking forward to
and students at Lighthouse Grace Academy through future projects with Crane students.
Janey Cohen Upper School Science and Service Learning Coordinator 9
Lower School Third Grade Poets WHY do we have children write poetry? The creative writing process allows students to celebrate their creativity, explore self-awareness, and pursue their intellectual curiosity. But it is not just the students who benefit from the study of poetry. Each time a child stands and reads one of their poems to the class, teachers gain a deeper and fuller understanding of the students’ thoughts and feelings. It can even help build a sense of community where a student is recognized for taking a risk and acknowledged for their efforts.
Say Spring
By Charlotte, 3rd Grade Say spring and see the multi-colored flowers emerge out of the ground. Say spring and taste the fresh honey from the beehive above. Say spring and hear the blue jays singing to each other.
During the fall semester, students in Third Grade worked with Lois Klein, a poetteacher with California Poets in the Schools, to explore their creativity and feelings through a variety of prompts and poetic styles. Each week when Lois arrived, she greeted students with her bag filled with magic words that sparked their imaginations as they found new ways of self-expression. When asked why writing poetry with Lois was so special, students were quick to share their thoughts and observations. Their insights into the process are as telling as the pieces they wrote:
Say spring and feel the breeze carry
Ella D. — I like when I am having a hard time and she motivates us to just cross it out and start a new line.
leaves up and lay them down again. Say spring and smell the nectar that the hummingbirds collected.
Ian — Writing poetry with Lois is special because it brings much more emotion in the classroom and it is fun because we don’t have any limits or guidelines.
Say spring and know that summer is on its way.
Jaeda — Writing poetry boosts your self-esteem because you can write about how you are feeling that day. Xander — You can write as many poems as you want. You don’t have to write just one. Alesandra — We get to hear each other’s poems and then that gives us new ideas about what to write ourselves. Parker — You don’t have to write about just one thing. You get to pick what you want to write about.
About Feelings
By Luke, 3rd Grade
Poetry can make us laugh, capture a memory, paint a picture, help us explore feelings or let us know more about who we are as a person. A mentor can unlock the key to
When I am excited,
self-expression that is buried
I am like an eagle soaring through the clouds.
deep inside of us, waiting to be
When I am happy,
revealed.
I am like a pencil writing on a piece of paper. When I am afraid, I am like a fox getting chased by horses and dogs. When I am lonely, I am like a ship in the sea.
10
Gayle Sandell Head of Lower School
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
Chris Caretto, 5th Grade Teacher
Cyrus Caretto ’08
is a freshman at UC
Davis where his interests are widespread, ranging from mathematics to philosophy.
Janey Cohen, Science Teacher
Christopher Cohen ’97
resides with his
wife, Nellie, in Ojai. He graduated from UC San Diego in 2005, and has been working for Scripps Institute of Oceanography since then. He is also pursuing a law
ALUMNI Children of Staffulty During the 2012 All-Alumni reunion, it was suggested that we highlight the post-high school alumni children of staffulty.
degree through Ventura College of Law.
Katie
Pat Bixler, Science Teacher
Lily Bixler ’01 and husband David Clausen were married on the Crane campus on September 2, 2012. After their honeymoon to Japan, they are living in San Francisco. David is an analyst for Facebook and
Cohen
’01
graduated
Boston University in 2009 with in
a
from degree
photojournalism, and is now the staff
photographer for Boston Children’s Hospital. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Lily is an editor and journalist at Stanford in both the
Stephanie Bagish, 4th Grade Teacher
women’s studies and ethics departments.
Melanie Hebert Samora ’96
Sarah Bixler ’97 was the event planner for
her love of art on to her children, Guinevere, 10;
Lily and David’s wedding, and is now residing in San
Atticus, 8; Holden, 3; and Petra, 1.
Francisco working in marketing, public relations,
She and her husband Joe live just a
and event planning.
block from her mother in her mother’s
Ellen Bonning, 2nd Grade Assistant Teacher
Rebus Bonning ’91 is living in Kailua, Oahu
childhood home.
Bob Ingersoll, History Teacher
with his wife Nicole
Dawson Ingersoll ’06
and
2-year-old
junior at Clark University. He is
son, Emmett (left). He
planning to return to Santa Barbara
teaches geography and
for the spring semester to get some
history at ‘Iolani School
practical experience in the field of
in Honolulu. They enjoy
psychology.
all the natural wonders
Rivers Ingersoll ’04 received a
that Hawaii has to offer.
Stanford Fellowship after graduating
their
has passed
is a
from Georgia Tech in 2012. He is taking classes
Peter Bonning ’94 is living in Oakland while
and doing research in a fluid dynamics lab where
he finishes his secondary school teaching credential.
he is studying hummingbirds and the forces related
He is president of the non-profit Carpinteria Skate
to their unique methods of flight. For fun, Rivers
Foundation, which is working toward building a
plays beach volleyball.
Melanie Hebert Samora ’96, with husband Joe and their four children
skate park/community garden in Carpinteria.
11
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News Laurie Pincus, Art Teacher
Dan McCaslin, History Teacher
Gabe McCaslin ’96
earned a
German MA degree from the University of Munich (’11) in “Musikpaedagogic” (music teaching). He is a singersongwriter and performs in Munich
Kate Pincus-Whitney ’08
is a freshman at
Sarah Lawrence College where she is taking “Theater Third”, meaning three areas of study: Romantic Poetry; Hunger and Excess: The Politics, History, and Culture of Food; and three courses in the theater department
and southern Germany with his band
— actors workshop, scenic design, and set design.
LikeTimeFlies, which you can hear on
Gayle Sandell, Head of Lower School
YouTube. Gabe is a guitar teacher and
Brooke Sandell-Villa ’91 lives with her husband
lives in Munich with his life-partner, Sophie Kiener (left). Sophie gave birth to twin boys, Anton and Edward, on December 9, 2012.
Doug McKenzie, Math Teacher
Matthew McKenzie ’06
is a junior at UC
Santa Cruz. He is double majoring in psychology and environmental studies. He continues pursuing his interest in hypnosis and hypnotherapy. He is also interested in
Joey, daughter Camille, and son Jaiden (pictured above
native plants, gardening, and permaculture.
with Todd Sandell ’96 and Gayle Sandell) in Las Vegas.
Anne Perkins, 3rd Grade Assistant Teacher
Elliott Perkins ’89 is an architect and lives in New Orleans, where he has been Executive Director of the Historic District Landmarks Commission since 2003.
Kacey Perkins ’91
surgeon living in Venice Beach with her husband William and sons Cole and Elliott (left). They are expecting another baby in January. She is in private practice in Fountain Valley. is
running the family cattle ranches, dividing her time between Goleta and Fort Bidwell, in the farthest
ALUMNI and PAST PARENTS: Please email us at alumni@craneschool.org to share any updates and photos. Come visit us on campus anytime. We would love to see you! 12
northeast corner of California. She spent time this fall coaching volleyball at Midland School in Los Olivos.
delights in spending time with her family.
Todd Sandell ’96
lives and works in Paso Robles.
He is a general contractor with his own company,
is a pediatric orthopedic
Sarah Perkins ’93
Brooke works for a national mortgage company and
Todd Sandell Construction, and specializes in fine woodworking.
Debbie Williams, Director of Admission and Development
Michael Williams ’03 is working as an accountant at Holthouse Carlin and VanTrigt accounting firm in Santa Monica. He has passed the four CPA exams and will have his two years of experience for his certificate in August. He is also training for a half-marathon.
Chris Williams ’06
is a junior at Chapman
University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, where he is working on a major in PR and Advertising, and minors in Leadership Studies and Picture and Sound Editing. He also plays on the Chapman men’s tennis team.
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News 1960s Alumni Reunion
ON FRIDAY, October 26, approximately 20
as well as his beekeeping tools and apparel to
graduated in 1961. She has vivid memories of
Crame alumni from the classes of the 1960s
share. The students learned that bees pollinate
riding bikes to school with her sister, Henrietta.
met for a reunion at Montecito Country Club.
flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as
Marta remembers that the girls wore short
It was a lovely evening of connecting!
create honey.
white dresses and carried roses for graduation,
The 60s reunion also yielded a guest
Marta Holsman Babson ’61 visited which also included the graduates performing
Paul Cronshaw
Santa Barbara in October and was able
a Greek tragedy. After Crane, she went to
’67, who has a long history with Crane. He
to stop by Crane – the first time since her
boarding schools back East and in Switzerland.
and his siblings attended Crane, and both of
graduation in 1961! She fondly remembers
She graduated from Northwestern University’s
Paul’s parents were teachers at Crane. Today,
her First and Second Grade years with Ms.
Medill School of Journalism and had a career
Paul teaches at La Cuesta High School, is an
Hammer, though there were only eight or nine
in the investment world. She loves to play
avid backpacker, and works in bee removal
students in her class and she was the only girl
competitive tennis and travel the world.
and relocation around Santa Barbara. His
– the reason why her parents moved her to
assembly message was, "We need the bees and
Cold Spring School. However, she came back
the bees need us!” Paul brought a box of bees
to Crane for Seventh and Eighth Grades and
speaker for our assembly –
A small group of
1980s Alumni Reunion
also reunited over
at Padaro Beach
dinner at Cielito
Grill in October
Restaurant in October
members of the
Class of 1992
13
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
SECOND ANNUAL ALL-ALUMNI REUNION 1
2
3
6
5
8
9
4
7
10
11
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
Parents from the Classes of 1997 to 2001 gathered at Garden Market in September 2012
John Kinnear and Rick Ryu
Gayle Sandell and Pat Bixler (current faculty and past parents)
Bill Morton-Smith, Joel Weiss, Melissa Dvorak
Janey Cohen (faculty and past parent) and Ruth Kovacs
Lailan Fell and Pam Schiffer
Karin Schmidt and Steve Grant
Linda Solin, Sally Witnov, Maria Areno
Linda Solin, Tricia Price, Craig Price, Loren Solin
Second Annual All-Alumni Reunion photos on facing page, captions below
The Second Annual All-Alumni Reunion took place on campus at the end of October. Approximately 200 alumni and their families returned to Crane for a competitive soccer game, campus tours, and a taco dinner. Save Saturday, October 26, 2013 for the Third Annual All-Alumni Reunion!
6 Jim Copus ’92 and his wife Sheri, son Mason, and daughter Lily.
1 All-alumni attendees.
8 Crane alumni Myles Adams ’10, Theo Caretto ’10, and Jack Baker ’10 all participated in the alumni soccer game.
2 Crane alumni Bridget Mitchell ’12, Bea Tolan ’12, and Yvette Vega ’12. 3 Past parents Sheila and Jim Davidson with Meredith Brace, former Crane librarian and past parent. Sheila is also Crane’s former Business Manager and Jim is Crane’s former Board President. 4 Former Head of School, Cheryl Hamilton (1989-1994) and her husband Alan, with current Head of School, Joel Weiss. 5 Paul Cronshaw ’67 and Wright Watling ’64 having an animated conversation.
7 Sarah O’Brien ’82, Hilary Dole Klein ’60, and past parent and Second Grade Assistant Teacher Ellen Bonning.
9 Elizabeth Beifuss Swolgaard ’90 with her husband and their four sons. 10 Megan MacMurray ’99, current Kindergarten Teacher, with fiancé Tommy Flannery and her parents Wendy and Tim MacMurray. Wendy was Crane’s event coordinator and Assistant to the Head of School. 11 The Crane alumni soccer game had some serious plays with Myles Adams ’10 and Vince Werthman ’08.
15
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni Spotlight Evan Sutton ’01
E
Evan Sutton ’01 lives in
the dance floor. He is a regular performer in the bustling New
Brooklyn, NY, where
York electronic music scene, and continues to appreciate the wide
he is a freelance music
variety of electronic and non-electronic music (and food!) the city
producer,
has to offer.
and
sound
composer, designer.
When asked what Crane contributed to where he is today,
After graduating from
Evan does not hesitate in his answer. The first was the opportunity
Crane, he attended Dos
to perform: “Crane always emphasized getting up and expressing
Pueblos High School, where he was the guitarist for the school’s
yourself, and the environment was so supportive that even
jazz combo. The group won acclaim at jazz festivals throughout
coming in as a sixth grader, I felt comfortable to do what I loved;
the US and Europe, including Montreux and North Sea. Evan
mostly playing my guitar.” The second contribution was the
was honored individually with several awards for outstanding
emphasis on technology: “It cannot be stated strongly enough
musicianship.
that an education that emphasized the use of technology is one
He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and
of the main reasons that I have succeeded in my chosen field. The
continued his study of guitar and musical composition, but
two big game changers were the video program and doing Tech
became engrossed in experimental sound design and digital
[Crew] in Cate Hall.” Evan credits learning iMovie skills to edit
audio engineering. He became versed in state-of-the-art audio
video as preparing him for learning digital audio software.
programming and sound design techniques, and in his senior year
When asked if he had a favorite teacher, Evan is quick to
contributed C programming code to The Audio Programming
name Phil von Phul. “I really connected with him over the three
Book, published by MIT press.
years in Tech [Crew]. He got me thinking about behind the scenes
In 2010, Evan moved to New York City. That year, he
work as I never had before, and that is something that can be
held just about every job in the audio industry, from recording
traced directly to what I do now. Perhaps the best thing he did
and editing audio books (credits include Dick Van Dyke and
was trust me, gave me a sense of responsibility, and gave me a lot
Governor Deval Patrick) to supervising sound for film (credits
of freedom, but always there to guide when it was necessary.”
include Wired magazine). He developed sound design curricula
Living on the East Coast does not give Evan much opportunity
for a production school in Manhattan, where you can still find
to see former Crane classmates. One who he does see on occasion,
him teaching a couple of sessions a week.
however, is Caroline Hummer, with whom he just so happened
Evan currently works as a producer, composer, and
to share Crane’s Rose Bowl, an award given at graduation to
programmer with a variety of artists and musicians, from
an unmistakably unconventional eighth grader who is a positive
underground to Grammy-award-winning.
influence on the class. Even back in 2001, Evan’s creativity and
His compositions
span the genres from forward-thinking pop to experimental and electro acoustic pieces that would be at home in a gallery or on
16
individuality were impressive.
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni Spotlight leader in his white butcher’s apron and bandana. He navigates quickly between his guests, staff, and the meat counters. Like any good chef, Cosmo knows how to multi-task. And despite his exhausting job – his hours often run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Cosmo is full of jokes about the butcher’s process when we take a tour of the basement. There, a staff of 40 are baking bread and preparing newly arrived pigs, cows, and chickens. “One of my favorite parts of this job,” he says, smacking the side of a hanging pig, “is watching the animal go from whole to chopped.” It is clear that he loves it here. As it turns out, restaurants have been an important part of Cosmo’s life since his days at Crane. His parents own the Arts & Letters Café on Anapamu Street. After Crane and Santa
Cosmo Goss ’01
Barbara High, he attended Johnson & Wales University in Denver, where he studied Culinary Arts. And in 2007, he and
W
the sous chef from Blackbird, another top Chicago restaurant,
When Debbie Williams asked me if I would interview fellow
opened the Hungry Cat in Santa Barbara. A year later, he was
Crane alum and Chicago resident Cosmo Goss ’01, I could not
invited to be a line-cook at The Publican, where he has quickly
say I remembered Cosmo – he was in Eighth Grade when I was
risen in the ranks.
in Second. But I certainly was aware of The Publican, where
Finally we talk about Crane. Cosmo remembers Crane
Cosmo is head of charcuterie. It’s one of the most desirable
fondly. He remains close with classmate Thomas Minehan
restaurants in Chicago, and has been given the thumbs up by
’01. When I ask him about his favorite Crane teachers and
the likes of actress-turned-foodie Gwyneth Paltrow and chef
traditions, he quickly says, “Bixler and Baja” and “von Phul
Anthony Bourdain. For his work there, Cosmo was recently
and Sludge.”
named to Zagat’s “Chicago 30 Under 30” list of up-and-comers in the Chicago food scene. I quickly agreed to the job.
Cosmo has accomplished a lot since his Crane graduation eleven years ago. At 24, he is among the youngest of Zagat’s
On a chilly afternoon in October, I drove up from the
list of 30, and the sole head of charcuterie. Asked about his
University of Chicago —where I am a student—to meet Cosmo
future plans, he says, “I want to own a restaurant someday.”
at Publican Quality Meats, the shop that supplies the meat
And when he does – because at this rate, he most certainly will
and bread for The Publican and five other restaurants run by
– don’t miss it. If you ever find yourself in Chicago before that
the prominent restaurateur Paul Kahan. Inside the shop, Neil
day, reserve at a table The Publican, and if you’re up to it, ask
Young plays on the stereo and a young, artsy crowd gets lunch
if Cosmo is in.
and buys their meat. Cosmo is immediately recognizable as the
Guest Writer: Lauren Gurley ’07 University of Chicago sophomore
17
sixth grade
Upper School Trip Week
Catalina Island Warm, sunny weather accompanied this year’s Sixth Grade students on Trip Week to the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program at Howland’s Landing. Janey Cohen, Eric Haessler, Chris Reussner, and I watched the students push their comfort zones by going on a night snorkel and a high ropes course. We watched students stretch their boundaries by working on leadership skills and communication. The four chaperones also watched the sixth graders grow together as a class. What a wonderful week we had! It was a great adventure AND a great educational experience. Read what they had to say about their experiences.
Bat Ray
Traci Cope Librarian and Trip Coordinator Bugs Bunny did in the cartoons, this should be easy!”
By Charlie MacNeil
Looking straight ahead of me to maintain my courage,
The bat ray glided through the sand like a kite
step by step I inched my way across. About halfway,
in the windy sky, feeling the sand creep over his
I realized that if I made one wrong move I could be
back and camouflaging him from predators. He
hopelessly dangling in mid air while my harness
listened for the snapping sound of the crustaceans’
desperately tried to hold me. “Come on, scaredy cat!”
claws, desperate for the crunch of their shells. He
I told myself. “You can do it! You’re already half-
was looking for a snack. He smelled the curious
way there!” “You’re right! I can do it!” I replied to
children floating in the water.
He hoped they
myself. Forgetting about how high off the ground I
wouldn’t see him gently drifting into the deep.
was, I slowly inched across the rest of the tight rope.
He remains unseen. Quietly settled down in the
“Wow, that was the quickest I’ve ever seen someone
sand, he waited for the night. The sand rippled like
cross a tight rope, “ the instructor teased. As he helped
little tornadoes as he disturbed the phytoplankton,
me hook my harness onto the zip line, I thought
making them light up like thousands of Christmas
about how fun this trip was and wondered how fast
lights. The bat ray is a magnificent creature.
this thing could get me off of the platform. I sat at
Night Snorkel By Jack Stein
I kicked my powerful fins and rocketed down to the sandy ocean floor. I followed a small fish until I realized that my breath had run out. I was kicking to return to the surface when I was stopped. I looked around and discovered that I was entangled in a
the launching pad, and when I was ready I shouted, “Geronimo!” I launched myself into the sky. I was happily screaming the whole way down. When I got off, my friends congratulated me and I thanked them. Maybe ropes courses aren’t so bad after all!
Rising Above
By Katie Gerawan
patch of kelp! I kicked furiously, but the tendrils of
I looked around slowly, trying not to think about
kelp relentlessly held on like grasping tentacles of a
how high up I was. The high ropes course sounded
monster from the deep. I flailed my arms, and with
fun until I got up onto the platform. I knew I was
a final push I was out! Swimming quickly to the
wasting time, and they wanted to make me get
surface, gasping for breath, I was happy to be out
down, but I didn’t want to give up. Staring straight
of the underwater trap.
ahead, I walked slowly, trying not to look down.
The Ropes Course (excerpt) By Ryan Kopeikin
When I was eight, I remember watching Bugs Bunny cartoons with my little sister. I remembered how he used to juggle on a unicycle and walk across tight ropes. “That’s it!” I said to myself. “If I do what
One step . . . then another . . . then another. After what felt like an eternity, I finally made it across. I heard everyone below me cheering and screaming how proud they were. It was at this moment that I realized I had risen above my fear.
Upper School Trip Week
seventh grade
Pali Institute John Muir once wrote we all “…need beauty as well as bread, places to play in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul.” Due to an unexpected closure of Yosemite’s Curry Village this fall, Crane’s seventh graders experienced a new adventure at Pali Institute, located high in the San Bernardino Mountains. Our students hollered out songs to earn their meals, darted through trees playing epic rounds of Camouflage, supported each other to push past usual comfort zones, and engineered towers able to withstand a 10.2 earthquake. I will never forget Soren Walker and Clay Rodgers completing the challenging high ropes course—blindfolded, and Laura Vences letting out a whoop of combined adrenaline and joy as she jumped off the zip line perch and flew hundreds of feet above the ravine. We heard peals of laughter daily as Crane kids bonded with each other and their Pali leaders. Our students took on challenges designed to test character and build leadership skills. Warm weather, clear blue skies, delicious meals, and Pali’s high-energy staff made our time there delightful!
Theresa Gorey Learning Specialist and Trip Chaperone
The Night's Spotlights By Chloe Schwartz
The night’s spotlights seem to gaze down on all, telling of many tales, looking as if they are going to fall. They appear sitting, still as the night; They light up the earth, the brightest things in sight, reflecting on water, shining down as a beacon of light. I lay on Pali’s concrete and admire them, filled with no fright as they magnify the beauty in all.
seventh grade
Upper School Trip Week
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
My Reality (excerpt) By Camila Lemere
I look around and wonder what it would be like if I was all by myself out here. I think about what it’s like for the animals that actually live here. I absorb all of the nature around me, breathe in the fresh air, and realize that THIS is what our teachers wanted us to experience. Our world is something wonderful. Sometimes we don’t realize what we live in. I close my eyes in a moment of peace and think about home. It’s not very often that I go into the woods and build a shelter! I’m always going to school, doing homework, taking piano lessons, and stressing out. I wonder what it would be like if none of that existed. I open my eyes and realize that’s never going to happen. I focus on the moment: I’m at the Pali Institute having a great time with my friends and teachers. I welcome myself back into this lovely yet sometimes annoying world called reality.
What I See
By Olivia Gordon Far above the towering trees and looking straight down, my heart beats as fast as a hummingbird; my adrenaline is rushing all through my body – all my thoughts are about to come out of my mouth. I count to three and hold my breath: One...two...three! I slide off, filled with joy; my body releases the stress, and I spread my arms and legs out wide.
Upper School Trip Week
eighth grade
CONTINUED FROM COVER On Tuesday I was lucky enough to play games with a group of
One of the things that I learned in Costa Rica is to go with the flow
kids at Escuela Cristo Rey and show them American games. It was
with things. When you are back in the United States, you don’t realize
so fun to see all these kids smiling and enjoying life. It was also
how precise your schedule is. Our life is controlled and sane all because
cool seeing all of the students from Crane having a good time and
of the twelve numbers on the clock, and we think we could never live
singing along, not caring what other people thought about them. On
without it. In Costa Rica, we were taught differently. We had many
Monday and Wednesday I played soccer and Frisbee with a big group
activities planned but could not do some of them because it was raining
of kids. All of us were so sweaty running down the field, but no one
or the guide got sick and things like that. At one point I asked Mr. Bixler,
cared because we were all having such a good time. Even though
“What is the next project?” and his response was, “I don’t know.” This
there was a language barrier between us, we still communicated just
was a big shock for me because Bix is always the one on top of the
fine, and you didn’t need to talk in order to see the happiness of the
schedule, so that is when I started to truly learn to go with the flow.
— Jake Klentner
kids as they ran across the field in the pouring rain.
— Liana Tacconelli
We all had fun in a time that not very many people would have thought fun. One high point was when an army of fire ants and Aztec ants surrounded our lodge. When we got near, they would climb up our feet and bite us. My friend Mason was able to counter them with his “power of dance.” I, on the other hand, just picked my feet high off the ground before the ants could get up. I learned that technique because at one point four fire ants and one Aztec ant were biting my feet. I threw off
COSTA RICA
my flip-flops and ran inside. Finally, one of us came up with a way to get past the ants. We ended up making a pathway of shoes to walk on so we could get through. The experience was
The zip line appeared impossibly long, but the ride lasted merely twenty seconds.
painful, funny, and a little scary.
This is how our trip felt. We spent weeks in anticipation and preparation, but
— Harrison Kerdman
before we knew it, we were on the bus home, with our eyelids half shut from
Mr. Ingersoll told the story of the starfish, how the young
exhaustion. We were constantly told to live in the moment. The moment on the
man knew that he could not throw all the starfish back into the
suspension bridge, when I nervously looked down to find that the only thing
sea but that at least he could help a few. This story assisted me in
separating me from the impossibly deep forest floor was a grate of metal links.
realizing that even though I could not help all the kids at Escuela
The split second when my feet plunged through the water as I jumped off a
Cristo Rey, at least I could brighten the day of a few of them. The
ledge into the frigid river. Or the moment when the rain droplets hit my face as
next day I went back to the school and played with as many kids
I rapidly zoomed over a mass of lush green foliage on the zip line. Whether it
as I could. I took this new knowledge and applied it to the rest of
was devouring the best pineapple I had ever tasted or being rudely awakened by
my life when I came home by not destroying the beautiful spider
howler monkeys, I will always be able to look back and smile upon my memories.
web in my yard and pouring the water from my water bottle that
— Lauren Lokre
I did not want onto my garden and not down the sink. At least one spider and one plant would benefit.
— Lillian Perlmutter
Lower School Sports FALL SPORTS OUR FALL soccer season began in early October for our fifth graders. This league is a fun and enjoyable co-ed team with a
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
more relaxed feeling. It offers the students a variety of playing experiences: there are fifth graders who have played soccer since they were five years old, students who have never touched a soccer ball, and even several players who jumped back on the field after a long respite. The excitement and energy level before our games is over the top. We have a grand circle of student-led warm-ups that are taken very seriously. Some players wrestle with their cleats and seem perplexed about how to wear their shin guards. Sure enough, more experienced players run to their rescue and help get everybody up and running for the game. The beauty of this league is the support and camaraderie that happens on the field. You can hear shouts of “Nice job,” or “Great shot!”and screams of joy as a goal is scored. And, of course, the game would not be complete without delicious snacks provided by our huge crowd of fans. It's a team I'm proud to coach! Suzanne S. Rossi Lower School Physical Education
presented by Fourth Grade
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 1795 San Leandro Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93108 www.craneschool.org
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Santa Barbara, CA Permit No. 430
OnCAMPUS Academic Year 2012/13 • Volume One
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Carrie Towbes, Ph.D. President Mark Schwartz Vice President Thomas Kenny Treasurer Michael Walker Secretary Jill Gribb Bell Anthony Browne Ricardo Calderon Kimberly Crane Tom Deardorff II Kristen Klingbeil-Weis David E. Lafitte Jill Levinson Patricia MacFarlane John E. McGovern Arthur J. Merovick Ann Pieramici Linda Ryu Jonathan Samuels Laura Lewis Shelburne Honorary Lifetime Trustees Scott C. Brittingham Ambrose Cramer EDITOR Debbie Williams DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lorie Bacon SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER Teresa Pietsch PRINTER Wilson Printing