Academic Year 2013/14 • 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 Staffulty 4-5 Advancement 5 Meet the New Board 6 Country Fair 7 Professional Development 8-11 Lower School 12 Alumni Connections 13-21 6th Grade Trip Week 22 7th Grade Trip Week 23 8th Grade Trip Week 24-25 Upper School Sports 26 Theater Arts 27
Parents for Crane – An Integral Part of Our Community PARENTS FOR CRANE was founded in 1982 by our very own Third Grade assistant, Anne Perkins. At the time, she had three children at the school and decided to formalize the parents as a volunteer force to help Crane in many different capacities. Over the years, PFC has both added and deleted various responsibilities, but the goal has always remained the same: to provide support for Crane to make it an even better institution for our students, while having fun and experiencing camaraderie and community. Prime examples of stellar PFC volunteers are the Fair Chairs: Ali Oshinsky, Tiffany Gordon, and Darcie McKnight. This was the third year for this team of women to chair our amazing Crane Country Fair. It is the hard work and dedication of parent volunteers that help make Crane Country Day School such a special place. Please turn to page 7 for more photos of this year’s Crane Country Fair
all-school
ARTS VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS VISUAL A A Crane Art Department tradition is to create a theme that will inspire creativity and conversation throughout the school year. "Rock, Paper, Scissors" is a game, a pattern, an array of art-making materials and was chosen as this year's All School Art theme by art teachers, Lori Moore and Gretel Huglin-Ridge. From Kindergarten to Eighth Grade, each student has chosen a rock and transformed it into a sculptural self-portrait. These no longer “Rolling Stones� have become an art installation in Mr. Weiss's office. Crane's Rock Stars are colorful, entertaining and unique. We invite you to take a look for yourself!
A
Leading the Way something even more powerful than either of its parts. Critical thinking, academic curiosity, operating within but at the outer edge of one’s abilities, the ability to impose structure on information, and being able to apply what has been learned to new areas – these are all aspects of intellectual rigor. It can also be described as convergent thinking – the predominant style of thought in our contemporary technological society.
With
convergent thinking, a student locates a problem at the center of her focus, and then she gathers resources to help solve that problem. This is the main style of thought in math and science. In a similar fashion, it is also the predominant mode that gets taught in schools. Creative thinking is a very different modality. Sub-skills of
Synergy
creativity include being able to reframe a situation, encouraging creative flow, not being too worried about failure, improvising, and being able to create variations on an existing theme. In a parallel way, just as academic thinking is related to convergent
RICE AND BEANS are a classic example of a complete protein
thought, creative thinking is associated with divergent thought.
dish. Rice grains are rich in starch. Beans contain a good amount
With divergent thinking, a student still locates a problem at the
of iron. Separately, neither food contains all eight amino acids;
center of her focus, but then the procedure is different; at this
therefore, both are classified as incomplete proteins. But when
point the student branches outward looking for novel ideas.
eaten together, they form a complete protein that provides the
Divergent thought opens a mind in many new directions.
human body with all the essential amino acids it needs. So, it is
But it is the synergy between these two domains that makes
the balance or the synergy between these two parts that creates
learning powerful.
something special, something greater.
augmented by time-tested academic traditions, creating a sturdy
In a similar way, synergy is what makes Crane Country
Crane’s palpable culture of innovation is
foundation for our students to learn.
We balance academics
Day School so special. Many schools stress the importance of
and the arts, as well as structure and flexibility. There is ample
academics. A much smaller number of schools emphasize the
evidence of this intentional balance throughout the school –
importance of creativity. It is a unique school, however, that
what our students study, how our teachers teach, and where our
strives to do both: balancing rigorous intellectual thought with
students learn. Every space at Crane, from the art rooms to the
expressive creativity.
science labs, and from the assembly hall to the playing fields, is
An example to illustrate this intense synergy is the Leonardo Effect.
Leonardo da Vinci is considered the classic standard
for a Renaissance man. Excelling on the creative front, he is considered one of the greatest painters of all time. Among his works are some of the most famous paintings in human history.
a place for learning. Every facet of Crane’s program cultivates children’s natural curiosity, for we know that this synergy results in learning that endures.
Joel Weiss Head of School
Yet Leonardo was far more than a great artist. He had one of the best scientific minds of his time, and he is also distinguished for his engineering and technological ingenuity. Just like rice and beans, Leonardo combined two separate domains, resulting in
3
Meet the New Staffulty (l-r) Courtney Banko, Erin Bonski, Erin Guerra ’93, Ashley Lemmex, Sarah Lopez
Erin Bonski Music Teacher
Director of Admission and Financial Aid for
Courtney Banko First Grade Co-Teacher
The daughter of a music educator and choral
from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville,
director in Pennsylvania, my childhood was filled
From the moment I took my first education
New York and worked briefly as a publicist
with myriad measures of joyful music-making,
course at Principia College, I knew that
for a book publisher in Manhattan before
which laid the groundwork for a lifelong love
teaching was my passion. After receiving my
beginning my career in admissions at Laguna
of music. My career reflects my interdisciplinary
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
Blanca School in 1998.
approach to music. I possess degrees in piano
and Sociology, I moved from my hometown
I am enjoying re-connecting with many
performance, accompanying and pedagogy, and
of Seattle to Santa Barbara to be closer to
beloved Crane traditions and exploring
I have worked with students from the collegiate
my fiancé. Over the years I have taught in
the new innovations, including expanded
level all the way down to preschool as a teacher
many different academic environments, from
facilities
and conductor. My research in music education
English in an inner city middle school to a
program. I consider it a privilege to introduce
is broad, and extends from choral education to
Second Grade classroom where 85% of the
families to the world of Crane where learning
the general music classroom, focusing on an
families were on welfare. This mixture of
is challenging, creative, expansive, joyous,
experiential approach to learning.
and full of wonder.
NEW STAFF AND FACULTY
a JK-8 independent school. I earned my B.A.
and
an
enhanced
technology
experiences has equipped me with the skills
As an Orff Schulwerk music teacher, I
to be an effective teacher and further fueled
Away from Crane, I am busy caring for my
explore with children the language of the
my love and passion for education. The
two and a half year old daughter, Fiona, and
world around them, encouraging their own
classroom is my niche; I get the opportunity
enjoy spending time with my family.
voices and ideas into existence through
to teach kids how to love learning. For me,
imaginative play with words, sounds,
learning looks like active, focused fun and
instruments and creative movement. I am
Ashley Lemmex Technical Theater Supervisor
it occurs in a safe, empathic and joyful
thrilled to be here at Crane, applying what
Crane and I met unexpectedly late this past
environment.
I know in such an amazing community of
summer. The minute I stepped onto campus,
As Crane's First Grade intern and long-
scholarly teachers and adept students, and I
I fell in love. I was reminded of my childhood
term Lower School Science substitute last
am excited to become a part of this amazing
elementary school, which was nestled in the
year, I am excited to return to the First Grade
team of passionate lifelong learners.
Colorado Rockies. After touring Cate Hall, I knew that I had stumbled upon something
classroom. From classroom walls adorned
truly special. The theater screamed of
board displays outside each classroom, one
Erin Guerra ’93 Director of Admission
can tell that Crane is filled with faculty and
As a former student it is a thrill to return
form of the student tech crew's enthusiasm.
students who love to learn.
to Crane after a 30-year hiatus to manage
Let me explain. Theater Tech will always be
admissions in the school where I discovered
an unsung hero. Long hours, stress, and late
the joy of learning.
nights are part of the ticket. Yet, it never stops
with student work to the lovely bulletin
Crane is a special place. I am grateful that I get to work with such wonderful colleagues, families, and students. I am just so thrilled to be here!
potential. The biggest surprise came in the
For the past eight years, I lived in Austin,
being exciting or fun. There is a constant thrill
Texas and most recently served as the
of creating new surroundings and realities to
New Staffulty – Advancement transport performers and audiences into the
kind and compassionate group of professionals
story. Tech is the invisible hand that helps us
who are collaboratively focused on bringing out
navigate our imagination.
the best in each student. Needless to say, I am
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Film
thrilled to be here!
Production and Graphic Animation from
Born and raised in Michigan, I attended
Brooks Institute of Photography and my
Michigan State University before moving to
Associate of Arts Degrees in Theater Acting/
Santa Barbara. Within a few years of living here,
Directing and Business Management from
I met my future husband, fell in love with him
SBCC. I continue to work as an independent
and his two incredible sons. After marrying,
filmmaker and theater stage manager.
we added our two amazing boys. We have been blessed with the addition of our remarkable
Sarah Lopez Technology Specialist/ Laptop Program Coordinator Working in Montecito for the past seventeen years, and through friends and former students, I have heard the accolades of Crane. Little did I know that some day I would have the wonderful opportunity to join such a genuinely
daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandsons. Currently, I am working on my Masters in Integration of Technology in the Classroom. When not studying, I can be found out and about with family and friends, playing at the beach with our dogs, reading, or taking on some new project at home.
Annual Fund 2013-2014 EACH FALL, we ask every member of the Crane community to contribute a meaningful gift to the Annual Fund. This year, we are
Kindergarten:
Jim Copus ’92
1st Grade:
Josh Narva
2nd Grade:
Kyra & Tony Rogers
3rd Grade:
Amy Wendel & Dan Meisel
We displayed banners and posters, created a video, and even changed
4th Grade:
Dinah Calderon ’86
our invitation-to-give in an effort to illustrate what a vital source of
5th Grade:
Michael Moore
revenue the Annual Fund provides. And, it seems to be working – we
6th Grade:
Pam Brown & Susan Jackson
are well on our way to meeting our goals of $610,000 and 100%
7th Grade:
Robin Fell & Betsey Moller
8th Grade:
Christina Lomeli
Staffulty:
Richard Downey
working to make sure our families know why those donations are so important – they make up one-tenth of our school’s annual operating budget. By design, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of educating a Crane student and the Annual Fund makes up that difference.
participation. We are grateful to everyone who makes the Annual Fund a success. Thank you to all of the donors to the campaign, and thank you to the hardworking volunteers listed at right who make it run so smoothly! This year we are lucky to have parents Neil Levinson, John Markham and John Stegall ’75, co-chairing the Annual Fund, with the help of the following Class and Staffulty Representatives:
Debbie Williams Director of Development
Thank you all as we move toward our goals of $610,000 and 100% parent participation!
Meet the New Board (l-r) Winifred Lloyds Lender, Hector Lujan, Mike McCarthy, Christine Smigel
NEW BOARD MEMBERS Winifred Lloyds Lender, Ph.D.
Monterrey, where he graduated with a degree in
2002, it has been 100% employee owned.
Business Administration.
The company has projects throughout the
Hector worked with a financial institution
country and serves a wide variety of markets
Winifred is the mother of two boys that
in Mexico as a Corporate Account Executive
— healthcare, university, K-12 educational
currently attend Crane: Mason a seventh
for four years, followed by ten years in the
institutions, civil, and laboratory and science.
grader and Cooper a second grader. She is also
agricultural sector. He joined Reiter Affiliated
Kathy has a children's and home furnishings
the mother of Logan, a 2012 Crane graduate.
Companies (RAC) in 2002 as Vice President
store, which occupies a portion of K.Frank on
Winifred has been active in the Parents for
of Central Mexico Operations. By 2005,
State Street.
Crane organization, including serving in the
Hector’s leadership increased to include
In their free time, Mike and Kathy spend
position of President from 2010 to 2012.
RAC’s Baja operations and in 2010, Hector’s
time with their family of five children and
Winifred is a licensed psychologist in private
responsibilities again expanded to include
eight grandchildren who are scattered amongst
practice. She completed her undergraduate
California and Wholly Owned operations in
the Midwest and Western states of California,
work at Cornell University, received her
all of Mexico. Hector relocated to the U.S. in
Colorado, and Missouri.
Masters and Doctorate degrees at the University
2011 to work out of RAC’s corporate office
of Pennsylvania and completed a fellowship
in Oxnard. In 2013, Hector was named COO
at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/The
of Reiter Affiliated Companies responsible
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
for Mexico and U.S. Business Units.
She is a past President of the Santa Barbara
Hector has served as a board member to
County Psychological Association and a
the Chapala, Mexico Red Cross, is a founding
member of the Storyteller Advisory Board.
member and former Vice President of the
Winifred enjoys outdoor activities such as
Mexican Berry Exporters Aneberries, and
skiing, tennis and hiking. She also likes trying to
currently serves as a board member for the U.S.
improve her Spanish skills and enjoys writing.
Processed Raspberry Council. The Lujan family enjoys going to the beach
Hector Lujan Hector is the father of four Crane students: Hector in Seventh Grade, Beatriz in Fifth
and actively participating in the Santa Barbara community. Hector also coaches his children’s AYSO soccer teams.
Grade, and twins Paloma and Regina in Second
Christine Smigel Christine Smigel's new role as a trustee at Crane caps a long and rich association with the school that began in 1987. She and her husband, Scott, are the parents of three Crane graduates, Ashley '94, Courtland '97, and Robyn '04, and are now proud grandparents as well. Christine's includes
an
educational undergraduate
background degree
in
Education and English from the University of Oregon as well as graduate degrees in Law (University of San Diego) and Clinical Psychology (Antioch). She has worked as a
Grade. Hector was born in Tijuana, Mexico,
Mike McCarthy
special education teacher, legal intern, and
graduated from Saint Augustine High School
Mike is the Chairman Emeritus for McCarthy
staff psychologist.
in San Diego, and continued his studies at the
Building Companies, Inc – one of America’s
Christine spends much of her free time
Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de
oldest and largest construction firms and since
with her granddaughters Isla (5) and Lyra (3).
6
Country Fair
Six Crane Alumni participated in the first annual Crane Alumni Marketplace where they sold their creative wares (photography, jewelry, cupcakes, notecards, and bath salts) at the Country Fair
7
Professional Development Ten Things I Learned on Sabbatical I was awarded the honor and incredibly rare opportunity to take my family away for a year. Here is a very abbreviated version of some of the things my family garnered while on this adventure.
were a daily part of the life at the school and in Bali. In terms of homeschooling, I didn’t have the nerve to chuck all of the workbooks, but I bet my boys learned more going to the first Art Biennale in Fort Kochin, India, or carving wood in a five-hour class led by a master sculptor in Ubud or making a Sri Lankan meal from absolute scratch with two non-English speaking teachers.
3. Get Small In Bali we rented a two-story house with a pool in the middle of a rice field. In Sri Lanka, we rented a farm and made our own yogurt, milked cows, and picked peppers. A few times, we splurged on fancy hotel rooms. Oddly, my family fought the least and loved the most
1. It’s Okay Not to Know I didn’t know a lot of things last summer when my family left for our trip around the world. I didn’t know where we were going to stay beyond our first stop in Bali. I didn’t know exactly
in the tiniest of spaces. We got so used to it, that even when we had more space, the four of us piled into one room to sleep; we just felt better that way.
how we were going to homeschool our children,
4. The Internet Isn’t All That
and I didn’t know where
While it’s true we used the Internet
we would live when we
for logistics and planning of all
got back to Santa Barbara
kinds, we didn’t have it consistently
a year later. Not knowing
with spotty and sometimes non-
was
existent
occasionally
nerve-
connections
all
over
wracking, like the multiple
the world.
As a result, we read
times we would arrive in
constantly, and the boys learned
a little village tired from a
about
languid
time,
inventing
games, playing cards, drawing and
long bus or train ride and had to find the basics - food and shelter. But serendipity
writing or sometimes…just daydreaming. I encourage
and surprise intervened more times than I can count, and
fostering boredom and see what
I learned to trust that my family has the inner resources
happens.
to find our way.
5. Waste Not 2. Art is Education
We’ve been back for months, and
As an art teacher, I always had a feeling that children
I’m still using toothpaste until
can learn almost anything through art, creation and
the final squeeze and soap to the
experiences. Working with the Green School in Ubud,
last sliver. I save pasta water and
Bali, I witnessed an entire school built around that idea.
water the plants because boiled
Architecture, food, design, music, culture and dance
water is too precious to put down
8
Professional Development a drain. The last three months of our trip, we stayed in a
where pigs are the sole trash collectors. Over and over
bungalow on the beach in Ecuador. We had to walk two
we experienced people giving to us with grace, pride and
miles to get to the market- you better believe we thought
humbleness when they had next to nothing.
about every purchase, what it weighed, the health benefit, and the waste it would produce.
8. Hands On History is Important Learning about the Vietnam War while climbing through
6. Things Go Wrong
the Chu Chi tunnels outside of Ho Chi Minh City, climbing on abandoned American tanks and
There are too many
touring Pol Pot’s death camps in Cambodia,
stories to tell under this
all
heading, but maybe it
served
as
difficult
but
incredibly
meaningful ways to make history pertinent
should be: things go
and real. As difficult as it was, it fostered our
wrong so you can grow
connection to all humanity.
or they aren’t really as wrong as you thought. So
many
times
we
9. Connect to the Green
were presented with a situation too
that
difficult
Nature constantly served as our family
seemed for
meditation. While living on a nature
us.
An example, Boo became very sick in a tiny mountain town in Sri Lanka. We were due to head to India in two days. A lovely doctor came to our hotel, connected us with a specialist, drove us in a rainstorm to a pharmacy, scheduled an x-ray for the next day, and made sure Boo was ready to move on safely. It brought out the best in everyone. I needed to learn to not overreact and stay grounded, C-Mo muscled up and carried Boo’s backpack on the front of his body and his own on the back, Tripp became commander “Z” and negotiated multiple trains, planes and taxis — all with an even keel and a ready barf bag.
preserve in Ecuador, we found our blood pressure would lower, the day would become slower and the rhythm of life became more apparent. We would do dissections of what washed ashore, surf, and meet with farmers to buy our fish and produce and then have bonfires under the stars. Planning a meal, cooking and seeing where our meals came from was important.
10. Risk As you can see, we couldn’t plan for
7. There is No Shame in Poverty I think of a lunch we were invited to in Favela on the side of a cliff in Sri Lanka. I saw the most well sculpted clay oven and then we experienced one of our most
all that occurred, but taking that risk into the unknown was the best decision we ever made as a family. Just do it.
remarkable meals off a freshly picked palm leaf served by a very proud
homeowner.
Later the boys learned to play cricket with a group of very skilled boys using a branch and a wadded up trash ball. We visited a tiny village with dirt streets
Gretel Huglin Upper School Art
Professional Development ALASKA: Eldon Boyd Reflections I WAS VERY EXCITED when I heard I had received the 2013 Eldon Boyd grant to travel with my family to Alaska. When you look at the numbers, you can understand why we wanted to visit the 49th state. Alaska is our biggest state and has over 100,000 glaciers, over 3 million lakes, over 100 active volcanoes, and 39 mountain ranges. With the extreme weather in Alaska, it is not surprising that only 770,000 people live there.
My sister-in-law
and her family live in Fairbanks, and together we traveled
One of our most memorable Alaskan experiences was
about 800 miles in Alaska from the southern coast of the
our trip to the Arctic Circle. The long days and short nights
Kenai Peninsula up to the Arctic Circle.
gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. We drove north
Our first stops were the small towns of Seward and
from Fairbanks on the Dalton Highway, a desolate two-lane
Homer where we visited Fjord National Park. We hiked out
road that followed the Alaskan pipeline to the Arctic Ocean.
to the glaciers, toured a marine center that rescues injured
The purple wildflowers along the highway were our only
sea animals, and ate a lot of fresh fish caught daily in the
companions as we made our way through the quintessential
local waters.
Alaskan wilderness.
Next, we boarded a train in Anchorage and headed north
I am so thankful to have received the Eldon Boyd grant.
to Denali National Park. We enjoyed hiking, attending park
We left Alaska with great memories, a better understanding
ranger presentations, and watching for wildlife.
It was
of the history and diverse cultures of Alaska, beautiful scenic
fascinating to learn about the park sled dogs and the role
pictures, and tee shirts that said Alaska‌Life is an Adventure!
they play.
We had cloudy weather for many of our days
there, but one magical moment while sitting on the deck of an Alaskan lodge, the dark clouds began to move, the sky started to lighten, and for thirty spectacular minutes, we enjoyed viewing the majestic Denali Mountain in all her glory.
10
Karen Ohrn Second Grade Teacher
Professional Development Icelandic Earth Science earth forming processes - Iceland. To appreciate Iceland you must understand that the entire island is divided by the midAtlantic Ridge, technically an area of two divergent tectonic plates, a boundary typically found along the floor of the ocean that emerges from the sea in Iceland. The western portion of Iceland is slowly heading west while the eastern half heads east upon the Eurasian plate. Ancient cloud-cloaked volcanoes, many still active, predominate the southern extent of Iceland. Ten-percent of the country is covered FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, I’ve been interested
by towering masses of glaciers and glacial carved fiords
in rocks and earth science. Growing up in central Oklahoma
surround the island. I visited geysers and muddy fumaroles
exposed me to gentle rolling hills blanketed in low scrub oak
spewing sulfurous steam. I hiked down deep cave-like cracks
with outcrops of brick colored sandstones.
that were filled at their bottoms with scalding water. Every
Wide shallow
rivers with sandy berms and
small town on the ring-route
bars provided corridors for
around
deer, wild turkeys and seasonal
changing circumference had
ducks and geese. Along creeks
splendid outdoor swimming
you might find barite rock-
centers with lap pools, natural
roses.
steam
We’d ride along mile
the
baths,
island’s
and
ever-
hot-pots
after mile of arrow straight
with a variety of temperatures.
country roads of endless red
Along cliffs and road cuts you
dirt. In school we learned
could see majestic columnar
about the Ogallala aquifer,
basalt formations that looked
vast
deep
as if someone had perfectly
under the ground in our state’s
carved them. Icelanders heat
ancient
waters,
panhandle. In summers, our family would load up the station
their homes with the abundant hot water using geothermal
wagon and head west for camping trips in Colorado’s Rocky
technologies. A gentleman in a hostel where I stayed said that
Mountains. Here there were giant slabs of granite to scramble
he had to pay far more for cool water than hot!
on and turbulent rivers with rainbow trout. On one trip my grandpa gave me a chunk of glassy Apache Tear obsidian. Now, nearly fifty years later, mountains and rivers and
Pat Bixler Upper School Science
rock formations still mesmerize me. This summer I went to a country like no other, a place that has been a cauldron of fiery
11
Lower School Making Our Garden Grow IT TAKES PATIENCE and trust to make a garden grow. You have to trust that a tiny seed will grow even when a child has buried it under three inches of soil and watered the seedling within a drop of its life. You have to trust very capable third graders to cut and peel butternut squash, demonstrating their dexterity and ability to follow safety instructions. And, you have to be patient as you do it over and over again. Miraculously, plants grow and children learn. They learn through soil on their hands, failed experiments, fast-growing beans, and cucumber taste tests. All the while there is wide-eyed wonder and laughter. This year, the Crane Garden program has been expanded to include all of the Lower School grades as well as utilizing a larger garden space. An additional garden area just below the basketball courts was prepared and planted at the end of last year. Now that plot is producing at least 15-20 lbs. of food per week.
This abundance is integrated into the Hot Lunch program with additions to the salad bar, the
creation and preparation of specialty soups prepared by students, and taste-testing during garden lessons. The garden program is not just about food production and gardening, but includes curriculum-based lessons, using the garden as a hands-on outdoor classroom and lab for “digging” into science, social studies, math and English. This fall, the First Grade has learned about parts of the plant through observation of many different species as well as by planting their own quick-growing bean seeds — watching them grow, observing which parts appear first, and noting their function to the whole. They culminated this series by “seed saving.” The seed saving process involves harvesting the best of our tomatoes, fermenting the seeds, and packaging them to be saved for next season when perfect seeds will be planted. They will also be the strongest tomatoes because the tomatoes were picked with a blueprint for success inside, also known as a seed! Smiles abounded as tomatoes squished through small fingers, the gelatinous seeds were prepared for fermentation, and tomato skins were fed to the chickens. A happy circle of life! The first Monday of every month is “Meatless Monday.” During the past few weeks, second graders harvested and prepared mounds of butternut squash and turned them into a huge pot of soup for the school at hot lunch. Not a ladle was left of the Butternut-Apple Soup prepared by the Second Grade and Garden Tomato Soup prepared by the First Grade! The tradition continued with pumpkin soup variations in November. Speaking of pumpkins, students are working with them in a brand new way. Art teacher Lori Moore led a project with the Fourth Grade where they pre-carved the pumpkins while still on the vine, watching the carvings turn into scars which create beautiful designs on the pumpkins. These pumpkins were on display for Halloween. This fall the Third Grade studied a social studies unit on Explorers. In the garden, they learned about the advanced Native American “Three Sisters” system of growing corn, beans, and squash. They planted their own Three Sister mounds where corn will provide the support for the beans to climb up, the beans will fix nitrogen to be used by the corn and squash, and the squash will suppress weeds and water loss due to evaporation. After harvesting, they were able to prepare corn, beans, squash and tomatoes into a traditional dish called succotash, lauded for the nutritional value of the food combinations. Whether cooking, exploring or measuring the circumference of a pumpkin, the garden is an unforgettable tool and place where the students of Crane are truly blossoming. As the garden grows, so do patience and trust, especially in the abilities of students and the heartiness of a planted seed.
Kjessie Essue Garden Educator
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
Nan Edwards ’81 Pickens is married to David Pickens. They have two children Olivia (11) and Selden
’88, Cameron Gray ’91, Atoia Jeter ’91, and Jesse Powell ’91. The newlyweds are living in Sonoma. After
(8). They live in Washington DC where Nan teaches
nearly five years in the advertising industry, AJ is president
Spanish at Sidwell Friends School and David directs a
of his family's winery, Hyde de Villaine (HdV Wines), and
foundation. Their children are fluent in Spanish and
Leslie owns Aspen Spa Management, a premier global spa-
when not in school, they spend every minute on the
consulting firm.
basketball or tennis court.
Bruce Edwards ’82 and his wife, Kirsten, live in
Elizabeth Waldrop ’92 Wagner attended Santa Barbara
Mill Valley with their three children: Reed (7), Dillon
High School and the University
(5), and JP (1). Bruce is a partner at Parallel Advisors,
of Colorado at Boulder where she
an investment bank in San Francisco, and Kirsten is
majored in Italian and History. It
an administrator for a national college-prep tutoring
was in Boulder that she met her
service. As a family, they spend time together playing
husband, Nat. They now live in
sports in the local parks.
Santa Barbara and have two boys:
Paula (Polly) Edwards ’84 and her husband
Wyatt (3) and Crosby (7 months). Elizabeth is a realtor with Village
David Agnew have two children: Rachel (10) (David's
Properties and is actively involved in
daughter by a former marriage) and Edison (4). Paula
the Santa Barbara community.
writes screenplays, and David works in Hollywood designing giant LED billboards. Edison loves music
Ashley Smith ’94
and both kids love to dance.
in Claremont in 2002 with a B.A. in Psychology, taught at
Charles (AJ) Fairbanks ’91 and Leslie Glover ’95 were married this past summer on
graduated from Scripps College
Laguna Blanca for one year and was assistant teacher in Crane’s 2003-2004 Pre-First class. She married artist and former professional surfer, Ryan Moore, in 2006. They have
August 24 at the Valley Club. The following Crane
two daughters, Isla (5) and Lyra (3). They own and operate
Tiffany Burns ’95, Drew Carter ’91, Laura Fairbanks
The Lucky Llama Coffee House on
graduates were part of their wedding party:
Carpinteria Ave. Ashley currently is in her third year of Waldorf teacher training and will be graduating in July 2014. She loves being a mother and also continues to pursue her passion as a jewelry designer.
13
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
Jennifer Baron-Weinstein ’95
grade in Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing I and
started the non-profit Girls Rock SB! in
Legal Research and Writing II. He finished the year in the
2012, which is a self-empowerment and
top 5% of his class and made Law Review. Quentin is a
music education program for girls aged 6-17.
member of the McAuliffe Honor Society.
This program served over 350 girls this past
Robyn Smigel attended ’04
summer. www.girlsrocksb.org
Courtland Smith ’97 graduated from
Vassar College and
UC Santa Cruz in 2005 with a double degree
transferred after two
in economics and politics. He moved to San
years to UC Berkeley
Francisco in 2007 and was an early employee
where she graduated
at Adify, a tech start up that he helped see
with
through a $300 million acquisition by Cox
Honors"
"Highest in
2012,
Next, he started a sales and
with a B.A. in Sociology. She taught summer "bridge"
marketing operations consulting practice
classes in 2012 and 2013 for incoming freshmen at UC
as well as developing an iPhone app for
Berkeley in Chicano Studies, U.S. History and Education
location-based personal recommendations.
40. Robyn currently is studying Arabic at Qasid Arabic
Courtland is currently a marketing executive
Institute in Amman, Jordan with her husband, Abe
at OpenDNS. He and his girlfriend, Helen
Kaplan. If you'd like to learn more about her Jordanian
Pekker, have been living in San Francisco for
adventures, check out her blog: abeandrobyn.blogspot.
the past two years.
com.
Enterprises.
Chaz Branham ’01
graduated as
Julia Weis ’04 graduated from Hamilton in 2012.
salutatorian
Chapel
She is living and working in San Francisco for a start-up
from
Desert
High
School in Palm Springs. He graduated
apparel company, American Giant.
from Pepperdine University with a BA in Integrated Marketing and Communication,
Casey Griffin ’05
and received his MBA from the Acton School
Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los
of Business in Austin, Texas. Chaz is currently
Angeles. She lives in Westwood and enjoys working full
an executive coach and program director for
time as a sales representative / account executive at The
Emergent Execs.
Globe, a women's contemporary clothing showroom.
graduated from the Fashion
Her job requires her to travel throughout the west and
Quentin Roberts ’01 graduated from
also participate in seasonal trade shows in New York, LA,
UCSD in December 2010 with a degree in
Texas and Las Vegas.
Economics and Political Science. After two years working as a legal assistant for a law
Austin Spivey ’05
firm in San Diego, he entered law school at the
Institute of Technology and is living in New York City and
University of San Francisco in the fall of 2012.
working for Path Interactive, an online marketing firm. She
During his first year he was given three Cali
still loves the fashion and the fast-paced life of New York.
Awards for Excellence, awarded for the highest
graduated from the Fashion
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
Evelyn Weis ’05 moved to San Francisco after her May 2013 graduation from Davidson College. She is working as an analyst at the Bureau of Real Estate (BRE), a department of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT). She is very happily sharing an apartment with another Crane (and Davidson) grad, Shelby
Sanford Spivey ’07
DeGroot ’05.
is a junior at Boston University and
a starting player on the men's soccer team. He is in the School of Management, concentrating on Entrepreneurship.
Erin Griffin ’08 is a sophomore at Colby College in Waterville, Maine where she is busy as a Community Advisor. Prior to school starting this fall, she spent a week in training where she participated
Selden and Gaby Edwards with their grandchildren (left to right): Reed, Edison, Olivia, Rachel holding JP, Dillon and Selden
in many exercises, workshops, and roleplaying activities to prepare for the incoming freshmen.
Sheridan Spivey ’08
is a sophomore at Duke University
where she pledged Tri-Delta Sorority and joined the women's club soccer team. She writes a blog called The Collegiate Cooker. (https:// www.facebook.com/thecollegiatecooker)
Annie Weis ’08
(left to right) Austin ’05, Sheridan ’08 and Sanford Spivey ’07
is a busy sophomore at University of
Pennsylvania where she is a history major, a club soccer player, a Tri Delt, and a volunteer at WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape).
Cha Cha Fisher ’10, Charlie Green ’10, and Sophia Russo ’10 were named 2013-2014 National Merit Semifinalists — Congratulations!
Alexis Flores ’10 was named Goleta’s Student of the Year at the 64th annual Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony on November 21 at the Bacara Resort & Spa.
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! 15
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
All-Alumni Reunion
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni News
Alumni Santa Barbara Sightings Kendra Levin ’96
Alumni at the Country Fair
was passing through Santa Barbara and
stopped by campus. She currently lives in New York and works as a senior editor for Penguin Books.
Jessie Bridges ’97 played at SOhO on August 31 to a sell-out crowd, many of whom were past Crane parents and alumni.
Kerry Wheeler ’00 was the DJ at Cadiz during Santa Barbara’s Fiesta celebration. Many of the fans in attendance were Crane and/or Santa Barbara High alumni.
Chaz Branham ’01 was in Santa Barbara and stopped by to visit (see Alumni Notes for further information).
Rachel Ross ’04 was on campus this fall to see her brother, David, coach our boys’ junior varsity soccer team. He will continue coaching next season in our girls’ program. Eighth grader Ian MacFarlane’s current event on Biologically-Inspired Robotics highlighted the work of
Rivers Ingersoll ’04, who is
at Stanford working on his masters degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Dawson Ingersoll ’06 was a huge help to Crane’s Technology Department this past summer. He helped run cables and upgrade the network infrastructure.
Jana McIntyre ’06 performed Friday
in
Spotlight
the
first
sharing
her operatic talents with the student body.
Nicole ’08 and Natasha ’12 Feshbach came by campus to see our latest change – the addition of a yurt where Mr. McCaslin is teaching his Seventh Grade World History classes and his Sixth Grade World Cultures and Religions classes.
17
CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni Spotlight
This year we have four alumni who have their children in Crane’s Kindergarten class. Below are interviews by Crane eighth graders, the “parents” to these kindergarteners in our Crane Families Program.
Shana Arthurs ’84
Whitney Abbott ’86
Shana Arthurs came to
Whitney Abbott, whose
Crane in the Seventh
Kindergarten
Grade and graduated
is Gweneth McTigue,
as a ninth grader in the
graduated in 1986. She
year 1984. She was the
told
us,
daughter
“Crane
has
first of her family to come to Crane. She has many memories,
always been very special to me. It’s really a magical place, and
but her favorite is having the lead role as Marian the Librarian
that’s what drew me to bring Gwen here.” She says the biggest
in The Music Man, which this year’s eighth graders did as their
differences since she was at Crane are the new buildings, like
Fifth Grade play. She enjoyed working with the Barbershop
the library and art rooms. “Cate Hall was brand new when I
Quartet, consisting of Mr. Edwards, the former head of school,
was here, and I swear it still smells the same. Every time I step
Mr. McCaslin, Mrs. Milton, and Mr. Echols. Another memory
through those doors, I feel like I’m in Eighth Grade again.” She
is climbing the big oak tree in her free time. She loved all of her
says that while she is glad that Crane is moving with the times
classes and teachers, but the two classes she liked the most were
in terms of technology, she is glad that Crane still also heavily
history and English taught by her favorite teachers, Mr. Edwards
emphasizes the outdoors. She notes, “It is important for students
and Mr. Echols. She says that the Crane campus has changed
to understand [technology], but it should not be a focal point.”
a lot! For example, there used to be a field where the science
She repeats that Crane is a truly magical place, and that although
building is now and more grass in the upper basketball-court
the school has gotten bigger, the love of learning has not changed
area. Even though the campus has transformed, Crane’s spirit
in the years since she was at Crane. She says she is glad for some
and Mr. McCaslin remain the same. Today, Mrs. Arthurs works
of the changes, and she is glad that the main points of Crane have
as the drama teacher at Crane and has two children of her own,
not changed a bit.
Cosi and Beckett Arthurs. She would like Cosi and Beckett to have a great education and discover the joy that school brings, much like the way she did. — Kaleigh Flores and Laura Vences
18
— Charlie Corman and Camila Lemere
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni Spotlight
Jim Copus ’92
E
Hannah Gimbel ’01
Jim Copus is an alumnus
Hannah Gimbel came to
who graduated in 1992.
Crane for Kindergarten
He is now a Crane parent
in 1992 and stayed until
to Mason, who is in
the Seventh Grade in
Kindergarten. Jim was a
1999. Hannah’s brother,
lifer, along with his older two brothers. As we sat down and talked
Peter Gimbel, attended Crane Kindergarten through Eighth
with him, he told us his memories of Crane. “I have always loved
Grade. Her two favorite memories at Crane are the Music Hour
how friends are close to each other. Even the teachers connect
with Mrs. Mackie’s dancing dog and the egg drop off the Cate Hall
with the students,” he says. His favorite subjects were science
roof. Her two favorite subjects were geography with Mr. Von Phul
with Bix and VP and history with Caz. Although those particular
and Spanish with Señora Calderon, and her other two favorite
teachers have not changed, the campus has. He remarks that the
teachers were Mrs. Sandell and Mr. Caretto. She explained to us
campus has been “revamped” and has expanded. Many things
how the Crane campus has changed: “The campus has become
have changed at Crane, but Jim says that the core values at Crane
even more beautiful than I remember. There are more buildings;
are still alive and active, and he is glad that he can stay connected
the library and art rooms are new as well as the Kindergarten
with this beloved school. As we concluded our talk, we asked him
area.” She also explains how it is the same: “The big toy and
about any odd facts he and Mason have in common. He said that
the redwood tree are still the same. Also, most of my teachers
they share many strange quirks. For example, they both sleep
are still teaching at Crane.” She explains what she wants her
with their arms up, and Mason has the same gap in his tooth that
daughter Peyton, a kindergartener this year, to experience: “I am
his father had when he was little.
excited for Peyton to experience the community atmosphere that
— Zoë Padilla-Vaccaro and Merith Velazquez
is Crane. I am also excited for her to make lifelong friends and to have good life experiences in the best possible environment. I am also looking forward to watching Peyton explore her passion for the arts, and to see where she takes it.” She is very excited to see her daughter bloom at Crane. — Leah Martin and Orlando Soriano
19
CONNECTIONS
Crane Alumni Spotlight
Jean Roy ’67 The following is a continuation of the essay submitted by Jean Roy ’67 after his visit last year. The first installment of his article appeared in the spring/summer 2013 issue. Debbie Williams, editor
I personally experienced how the Crane faculty cared about their students beyond the classroom. Two examples are: Mr. Eric Pepper was my Sixth Grade teacher and the main faculty member responsible for my being admitted to Crane on scholarship. For a short interval, my mother and I didn’t have anywhere to
There was something special about Crane beyond the academics that
live, and Mr. and Mrs. Pepper let us stay in a large room in an old
helped prepare the students to become responsible and successful
mansion on Santa Barbara Street that they were renovating.
citizens. The caring faculty taught us that we, and the society that
If Eric Pepper was responsible for my attending Crane, Bill
we live in, are at our best and happiest when we excel personally and
Nadeau, another Crane teacher, was responsible for my mother
also help each other to succeed.
being able to buy the house that we lived in from 1963 onward. As
For example, one of our best and most creative teachers was
a single woman, my mother didn’t qualify to obtain a mortgage, but
Miss Julia Brown who taught history and social studies. The 1950s
Bill Nadeau could - so that’s what he did. When my mother finished
and 1960s were a time of de-colonization, and as former colonies
paying the mortgage in 1993, Bill transferred the title to her. He
gained their independence, Miss Brown would teach us about
was a gentleman, a scholar, and as we say on the East Coast, a real
each new nation, its resources and new forms of government. This
mensch.
supplemented our civics lessons about our own government, and we
A Crane teacher took an extraordinary chance to help us. If
learned a lot of world geography. Miss Brown brought in a board
Crane graduates students with outstanding character, it’s because
game that simulated the international triangle trade of the American
the faculty and staff are also outstanding.
colonial era. She divided us into teams, and we rolled the die to move our cargoes of sugar, rum, manufactured goods – and slaves – across the Atlantic. The transport of slaves from Africa to the Americas was the central and unforgettable element. She wanted us to understand how slave trade had been integrated into the economy of Britain and the American colonies. She didn’t try to sugar coat our history. She was a seeker of truth and wanted us to always seek the truth, even if it sometimes is unpleasant.
20
In Memoriam
Montecito Peak. He waxed eloquent about green fields, picturesque cypress trees, and the “alligator pond.” Across San Leandro lay “88 Acres” (now Las Entradas) where children in science and other classes would roam in the wild nature, sometimes seeing deer, foxes, and condors. Brosie would laugh and say, “You know, Crane School in some ways actually pre-dates Montecito!” The gist of his many comments rang clear and true: Bill and Kitty Crane were prescient in seeing how this coastal potrero, beside Romero Creek, ringed by huge oaks and silver eucalyptus, is an ideal
Ambrose C. Cramer ’30
location and enchanting spot to educate creative, healthy, and lively kids. Brosie knew this in his bones, and it was his lifelong unshakable
A Crane Legend
belief because he had loved his own early years here, spent with his
E
visited often and worked for the school at the Board level.
very great independent school has signature stories about
brother Nevie, on our golden campus. Brosie never forgot Crane: he
legendary leaders and founders from the institution’s beginnings.
Some of our older students at Crane today still remember the
When I joined Crane as a math and science teacher in 1980, the
aged Brosie Cramer’s last stately visit to Crane in 2006. Already
mythic names from 1928 were Bill Crane and Arnold Lejeune,
in his very late 80s, he was still dapper and impeccably attired, a
founder and founding Headmaster, respectively. The third name in
very intelligent and highly educated man who spoke in Cate Hall at
this Crane School pantheon is Ambrose C. Cramer, whom everyone
Assembly about Crane’s early days. He recalled earlier Assemblies
happily called “Brosie.”
When I learned that Mr. Cramer had
from his boyhood held outside beneath the towering oak in our main
peacefully passed away on July 4th, 2013, I mourned the loss of this
quad (right where the gorgeous camphor tree stands today). Along
sweet man, one of our most important benefactors and supporters.
with his repeated affection for Crane’s overpowering physical beauty
Over the 1980s I had the privilege to chat with Brosie a number
and beneficent location (and a bit of salty talk), he appreciated his
of times, and after I switched to teaching history, he occasionally
teachers and the solid educational foundation he acquired here. He
answered questions about the past of our little school. He would often
praised Miss Brown, a legendary English teacher for whom our
chant his favorite Crane mantra to me when we met at a school event:
English Prize Cup is named, science teacher Peter Cronshaw, and my
‘Crane, Cate, Yale,’ which was certainly his own cursus honorum
good friend, Mizz Rose. But Crane’s green fields were his deepest
signaling the educational route one should follow through life.
love, and he treasured his memories running around the campus as
My research revealed that during some of Crane’s darkest days
an adolescent boy.
in the late 1960s and middle 1970s, Brosie was a tireless force
My tribute here to Brosie is less than an obituary, but rather,
pushing to keep the school open despite falling enrollment and
in his very positive and vigorous spirit, more of an appreciation
financial problems. He served on Crane’s Board of Trustees for
of the mythical Crane he loved his entire life. As an adult and a
several decades, including long periods as Chair, and never lost his
Montecito businessman, he visited Crane frequently to recharge his
enthusiasm for our school. He would comment frequently about our
spirit and reclaim his joi de vivre. Brosie supported our school with
“sacred eleven acres.”
his affection, his time and work, and yes, with his money.
And why not? Young Brosie Cramer and his brother Neville
For over 20 years I taught classes in “The Cramer Learning
(Nevie) were both members of Crane’s very first graduating class in
Center” — aka “Cramer” to a generation of history students. At the
1930 at the height (or, depths) of the Great Depression.
time, it was the first “new” building added in several decades, thanks
Crane was a much smaller and different school then — all boys, no auditorium (Cate Hall was built in the 1950s), and comprised of
to Brosie, and was indeed a modest harbinger of the expansion of gorgeous buildings we now have today.
only six acres before World War II. But as Brosie told me himself
All of us are fortunate to learn joyfully and play with abandon on
during an oral history video interview I conducted with him in 1993,
this astonishing landscape pitched between the mountains and the
“What a beautiful location for a school and for children to play and
sea. Brosie knew this in 1930, and those of us learning and teaching
ramble!” He never lost his love for the landscape itself: near the
here experience the same today.
ocean (no Hwy 101 in those days), flat, studded with magnificent trees, and framed by our spectacular coastal mountains including
Dan McCaslin Upper School History
Upper School Trip Week
sixth grade
Catalina Island Glorious weather, cerulean blue skies, and eager students were the ingredients for a very successful Sixth Grade trip to Howland’s Landing on Catalina Island. Janey Cohen, Richard Downey, Ellen Bonning, and I felt privileged to chaperone our incredible group of Sixth Grade students to Catalina Environmental Leadership Program (C.E.L.P.) this fall. Jean Michel Cousteau founded the camp to inspire students to care for our world and its resources. By snorkeling, kayaking, and tide pooling in pristine and protected waters, students learn firsthand what needs their care and protection—indeed they are empowered to be ambassadors to the environment.
Leopard Shark By Owen Jones
Traci Cope Librarian and Trip Coordinator
garibaldis but no sharks. We had lost all hope when
Gaga on Catalina (excerpt) By Ian Brown
a small group of leopard sharks started swimming
“Ga, ga, ga!” everyone chants as the ball bounces into
all around us. I was startled to see how close they
play and the fast-paced game begins. Someone rolls
were coming towards us. One nudged against me,
the ball along the ground and hits another player’s
and I could feel the tooth-like denticles on the
shins. That person is out of the game, and well, that
animal’s skin. It was really an amazing experience.
person is usually me. Even though I never win, I still
I loved watching and touching these beautiful
find it fun. The gaga pit was a small circular area
creatures as they roamed the sandy bottom eating
with a green tarp on the bottom and wooden rails all
their afternoon meal. I didn’t want to leave.
around it. When you were out, you would sit on the
Our group swam through the water finding rays and
Just Jump (excerpt) By Bella Sanford One afternoon activity was the high-ropes course. It was about thirty feet up in the air and extremely intimidating. We listened to our counselor, Venetia, about how to put our harnesses on and where the different challenges were. Then we were off. The first course I did was the Catwalk. It may sound easy, but it was not. It was a long beam in the air that you could walk across. It was terrifying. I will always remember hugging the ground when I got down. The second one I
railing. When I think about the Catalina trip in the future, I will remember the gaga pit and playing the game with my friends.
The Ocean By Tea Wallmark This is where I belong This is where I fly This is where I hear laughter This is where the sea lions wave This is where the dolphins swim This is where my dreams come true This is where the salty ocean smell lives
chose was Eagle’s Perch, a skinny pole straight up
This is where the wind turns me cold
in the air. I wanted to cure my fear of heights, so
This is where the seagulls fly
I climbed up to the top of the pole. The hardest
This is where I belong
part was getting up on my feet. I took a moment
This is the ocean
and looked at the unmistakable view. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. It took me a while, but I finally let go and jumped. I was free falling! Finally I landed and took off my harness. I shouted, “THAT WAS CRAZY! CAN I GO AGAIN?!?!”
Upper School Trip Week
seventh grade
Pali Institute It was a mild early fall, the perfect blend of warm sunshine and cool breezes when the Seventh Grade headed into the San Bernardino Mountains. The students had a full week of nature, outdoor skills, and team building at the Pali Institute. They built outdoor shelters from available materials, faced the physical and emotional challenge of a high ropes course, and enjoyed both daytime and nighttime ziplines, all with the support and camaraderie of their classmates.
Doug McKenzie Upper School Math and Seventh Grade Chaperone
The Valley at Pali By Stella Haffner
Cabin Fun By Bella Gavasse
A deep, sloping valley
I open my eyes:
with dry, helpless brush,
blasting “I Love It” through the cabin,
barely stirring.
dashing to the showers,
Nothing for my nose to grasp onto
playing MASH till ten o’clock PM,
except the distant, dusty forest.
rushing out the door into the cold morning,
Each stride I take seems to draw the far off
brushing my teeth,
mountains
hearing Regan say, “It’s crisp outside, ladies,”
even more out of my reach.
laughing till we are shushed to sleep.
The profound impression in the land seems to suck me in.
Friendship By Alexander Fell
For a second, all noise becomes
Friendship.
drowned out,
Pali.
As if my friends’ chatter and footsteps
A place where I made
were miles away.
friendships
Then I am overwhelmed
to last a lifetime.
with the beauty of the ditch,
Friends that cared
with its abundance of dead trees
About everything I had to say.
that a second ago
Out of a group placement
didn’t seem to matter.
Of which I had little part,
Maybe it’s not so meaningless.
Rose friends on whom
Now, it does matter.
I could count.
eighth grade
Upper School Trip Week
Costa Rica When the eighth graders head off to Costa Rica, we “unplug” from our electronics for a week. We don’t go cold turkey, though: student volunteers blog each evening, and we have set up another blog to stay in touch with the students at Escuela Cristo Rey. This year I asked students to play with another kind of social medium by “tweeting” their memories of Trip Week. To read more about the Costa Rica trip, please visit our blog at http://craneschoolcostarica-2013.blogspot.com/
Costa Rica Twitter
Elizabeth Teare Upper School English
Mia:
Brynkly:
The first thought when I step out of
ICED TEA ALERT! Iced tea
the Costa Rican airport is kill me
is sooo delicious everyone
now it is soooooo hot!!! #costarica
is taking it all. #noneforme
#howhotcanitget
Whit: Just got to Chilamate. Rusted tin houses,
#pleaseslowdownwiththeicedtea #arrozconpolloandicedtea #happiness
Clay:
emaciated cows, familiar sounds of
Ugg it rained today…AGAIN. Why
cicadas #lush #wet #buggy
does Costa Rica have to rain so much?
Isabel G: The ticos & ticas are the nicest
#Rainforest
Diarra*:
people in the whole world! #costarica
Haven’t left house for a week! Totally
#craneincostarica
blocked from the outside world! I feel
Adam: Monkey. Howler. I gave it a high
like a prisoner! Planning to escape soon! #Blocked #Prisoners
five. Howler Monkey peed on me.
Gabby:
#HowlerMonkey #Crazy #Fun
Zip lining was so much fun, did an
Charlie:
local fruits! Saw a sloth and toucans
The zip lining was long… better than Pali
#chilamate
ethnobotanist workshop and tried
#Ha_7th_Graders #I_Believe_I_Can_Fly *did not attend Upper School trip
Upper School Trip Week Gordon:
Miles:
Saw jesus christ lizard, high-fived a howler monkey, drank fresh cow
Zoe:
Chloe*:
Cold showers aren’t great.
We can smell the boys from our
Just mastered my songs in New
#Chilamate
bunk—take a shower, please! #ew
York. Happened to be at the
Ryan*:
Sienna:
Went biking in #newyork almost
River Rafting was so much fun!
got hit by a car
Arin fell in the water and was
milk, made my group run #haha #YOLO #bucketlist
Grace*:
eighth grade
In Boston the buildings all
Orlando: Clay, some other people, and
neighborhood the buildings all
Just got thrown into the water by
looked like I was back to the early
@MilesMcgovern @WhitShelburne
Camila:
1900s #oldboston
@AdamHogue numerous times.
I saw a sloth! My day just got
#River #Chilamate #Exciting
better. #chilamate #costarica
where everything they sell is Japanese. #strange
Kaleigh: Cute little frogs and big ugly spiders. #spiders #Chilamate
Laura: They told me to suck on the
Shelagh:
Jonathan:
30 min. walk to the school, the
Everywhere I look I see rainforest
library there is nice and cool, see a
and green. #inthewild
girl, her smiling face, there are lots of smiles in this place #Smiles
go wrong with juices either. Try arroz con pollo. Naranja & piña
life. Do not eat chilis. Also had
best juice!
of sugarcane. #mouthisonfire
can I say? The seed was slippery
#needwater
#accidentshappen
Leah: I lost all of my pairs of long pants and then found them on the last day. #lame
Costa Rican food amazing. Can’t
Soren:
cocoa seed, not swallow it. What & down my throat it went.
Ian:
Just had the spiciest pepper of my five coconuts and a huge piece
Zane: The challenges were very fun. #MilkingCows #MakingTortillas #Teamwork
#bestproducer
#thatgirliscrazy
Sean:
I’m in a shop in Los Angeles,
gets his mastered! #surprise
floating away! It was hilarious!
look old. Driving through a
Isabel T*:
same place that Kanye West
Arin: One rain forest, twenty-nine students, fourteen zip lines, one amazing day! #flyingovercostarica
Ava: Got attacked by leaf cutter ants. Ants and mosquitos love me. #bitten #itchy
I played cards #claysrager #in the wild
Lizzie: Speedy games of Speed at 6:50 in the morning. Who won? #challenge
Merith: Hey! We are in the #SarapiquiRiver and getting ready for river rafting #inthewild It’s raining!
Olivia: After the last day at the school, Cristal gave me a card that she made and a marble. #3rdgrade #tica
Anna: Leaving Costa Rica! So sad! Don’t want to go! But I miss my family and my pets. Can’t wait to see them when I get to school! #classtrip
Sports FALL SPORTS ON THE FIRST Monday of the school year, 76 of our 103 Upper School students adorned their
UPPER SCHOOL SPORTS
cleats, sneakers and sporty clothing to head out to the fields and courts for a new year of soccer and volleyball. With four girls’ volleyball teams and two boys’ soccer teams, our facilities were used to capacity. Our boys’ varsity soccer team was loaded with talent. They finished the season undefeated in league and showed great promise heading into tournament play. They defeated Ojai Valley School in round one, sending us to the championship game against Laguna Blanca. They performed to their potential and brought home the first-place trophy. It was a flawless season filled with teamwork and good sportsmanship. The boys’ junior-varsity soccer team had their highlight game in the first round of tournament play. This developmental team trucked through the whole season without a victory, but they never gave up. With their determination, they pulled off their first victory against Marymount. We fielded two varsity girls’ volleyball teams this year. The varsity green team was a young team full of promise, and they finished league play with just three losses. With each game they became a better team. Great season, girls! Varsity white was a team full of eager players just wanting to learn the game and play for the joy of the sport. They played with passion and determination, which made them successful. Our girls’ junior-varsity volleyball players were as spunky as they come. They were a 50/50 team, finishing league play in the middle of the pack. They progressed through the season with a steady rise in their abilities. Jack Nicklaus once said, “The longer you play, the better chance the better player has of winning.” These girls will get many more chances. The Sixth Grade girls’ volleyball team was our superstar group, full of hard workers. Everyday we would find these girls practicing whenever they had a free minute. When it was time for the tournament, this group of girls was seasoned and it showed. All of their hard work and effort paid off with a first place victory in the tournament. Indeed, it was another memorable season for the Coyotes!
Terri Willis Athletic Director
presented by Fourth Grade
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 1795 San Leandro Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93108 www.craneschool.org
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OnCAMPUS Academic Year 2013/14 • Volume One
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
Reason to Celebrate! These students read more than 5,000 pages for the Summer Reading Challenge, helping the Crane community to achieve its goal of reading over one million pages — 1,048,629. Congratulations to all!
Congratulations to these third, fourth, and fifth graders who performed as the Children's Chorus in Opera Santa Barbara's production of Tosca at the Granada Theater. Bravo!
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Carrie Towbes, Ph.D. President Thomas Kenny Vice President Michael Walker Treasurer Jill Levinson Secretary Anthony Browne Ricardo Calderon Kimberly Crane Tom Deardorff II Kristen Klingbeil-Weis Winifred Lender Hector Lujan Patricia MacFarlane Michael McCarthy John E. McGovern Arthur J. Merovick Ann Pieramici Linda Ryu Mark Schwartz Christine Smigel Honorary Lifetime Trustee Scott C. Brittingham
EDITOR Debbie Williams DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lorie Bacon SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER Teresa Pietsch PRINTER Wilson Printing