Academic Year 2015/16 • Volume One
OnCAMPUS CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
Inside Visual Arts Leading the Way Meet the New Staffulty Meet the New Board Advancement Grandparent Event Country Fair Professional Development Lower School Coyote Cameo Alumni News Visitors to Campus Gardening at Crane 6th-8th Grade Trip Week Sports Theater Arts
oak tree quad groundbreaking THE OAK TREE QUAD Groundbreaking Ceremony on October 20, 2015 was a singular moment in time for Crane Country Day School. Roughly 100 Crane parents and 260 Crane students encircled our enormous oak. As I stood at the podium, I noticed everyone’s focus and happiness as they enjoyed a collective moment under the shade of the over 100-year-old tree. Beginnings and endings hold special significance for humans. There are so many examples such as a baby’s birth and the day someone dies; the crack of a gun to start a race and the checkered flag at the finish line; a plane’s takeoff and its landing; the opening moments of a symphony and the final chord. Our groundbreaking ceremony is yet another beginning and it has allowed me to reminisce about Crane’s bookends. This idea of bookends holds true with all building projects. Continued on Page 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9-12 13-14 15 16-19 20 21 22-25 26 27
VISUAL ARTS Each year, every Crane student from Kindergarten to Eighth Grade creates a piece of art expressing the Art Department theme. "Motion/Emotion" is this year’s theme with the idea reflected in these watercolors on board Picasso-esque portraits. The paintings contain a small mirror, which catches light and color as the viewer moves in front of the installation.
Leading the Way oak tree quad groundbreaking Continued from Page 1
The cycle begins with the groundbreaking ceremony and the moving of earth, and then many months later, when the
could attract an up and coming young educator who could turn the school around. The Head’s house was opened in 1978.
building is completed, a community enjoys a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of those new
• The 1990s brought many changes to the campus. In 1995 a
spaces.
group of audacious trustees envisioned an academic space that would be future-oriented. After a successful fundraising
As much as I was thrilled by that
effort, Crane built the Sprague Science
morning’s collective energy, when
and Technology Center.
I reflect on the significance of the groundbreaking, I realize that it was
• Another wave of construction and
just one of many important moments
renovation was tackled in the mid-
in Crane’s 88-year history. Most
2000s.
days are surprisingly similar to the
Family Library and Browne Family Art
preceding day, but over the course of
Center were opened, adding spaces
Crane’s history our school has also
that embody Crane’s dual curricular
enjoyed a collection of giant steps:
focus of academic rigor and creative
In
2006
the
Brittingham
expression. • The inception of Crane’s history was in 1928. Sitting on just six beautiful acres, Crane first opened its doors to 32 young boys.
• In 2007 the First, Second, and Third Grade classrooms were renovated and enlarged to provide the necessary space to make experiential education come alive.
• During Crane’s first decade there was limited growth, in part due to the Great Depression. This era took its toll on
• We have continued to develop the campus with the completion
many organizations in our own area, including the Santa
of the Kindergarten building in 2011. Not only beautiful and
Barbara Girls School that closed its doors in 1936. Crane’s
spacious, the new Kindergarten has separate teaching spaces
Board of Trustees saw an opportunity and quickly adapted
to take advantage of our two-teacher model.
into a coeducational institution and happily absorbed the new students.
The Oak Tree Quad groundbreaking is yet another bright moment in the school’s history. This project is the school’s
• In 1955 a very forward thinking board of trustees envisioned
largest building expansion, with the addition of 6,100 square
an expansion to the school and the campus grew from the
feet of teaching space necessary for our Upper School students.
original six acres to the current eleven acres.
We are also continuing to expand our curriculum by adding the Engineering and Design Center.
• The Cate Hall complex was built in 1957, adding a large auditorium and a library—the same space we now use for
I look forward to our ribbon cutting ceremony next fall.
our English classrooms. The auditorium has provided us a
And, although there will be resulting changes on campus,
permanent home for our sacred daily assemblies.
I have come to realize that what we will see in the Oak Tree Quad is a thriving educational community which has been
• Enrollment reached an all-time low and the school was
here all along.
struggling financially in the 1970s. To help attract strong
Joel Weiss
candidates for a vacant headmaster position, the trustees
Head of School
decided to build a house on campus. With the lovely side benefit of getting to live in Santa Barbara, the hope was that Crane
3
Meet the New Staffulty
NEW STAFF AND FACULTY
challenged to navigate their robots through
freelance designer for many entertainment
Christine Bouma Third Grade
mazes, and to program different sensors to
companies including DreamWorks. She has
follow a line to avoid obstacles. They would
taught courses in design, multimedia, and
My love of student-centered, innovative
then participate in a robot Sumo wrestling
computer-based design at Santa Monica and
education was likely born at a young age,
or demolition derby contest—always a class
Santa Barbara community colleges for ten
when I accumulated many happy memories
favorite. Joe has also taught programming
years. She has also spent the last 15 years
at a Montessori school. Much later, while
skills using Scratch, and projects have
developing visual arts and design curricula
studying art at UC Irvine, I met my future
included short animations and computer
for K-12 students at the Music and Arts
husband Craig, who opened my eyes to the
games. He has also used Khan Academy to
Conservatory of Santa Barbara and has taught
beauty of science. That would soon grow into
teach students math and coding.
for the Santa Barbara Unified School District
a love of STEM education, which led me to
Outside of his teaching career, Joe has
since 2006. She developed classes in 3D
become a presenter at the state and national
spent much of his life busying himself with
design and fabrication, architecture, nature
levels. While teaching for 19 years in the Los
hands-on projects. He was a cabinetmaker,
of materials, and visual communications,
Alamitos Unified School District, I became
worked in the contracting trade, and
and has focused on interdisciplinary courses
a fellow of the National Writing Project as
has built additions and re-plumbed his
uniting arts and technologies. She excels at
well as a demonstration teacher in inquiry
entire home. In addition, he was a fitness
designing projects and getting kids to craft
science methods, reading workshop, math,
instructor and a native plant seed collector.
devices/gadgets that encourage learning core
and gifted education.
Joe and his wife also served on the Dos
skills and essential tools.
When we decided to move to Santa
Pueblos Engineering Academy’s parent
When Sabina is not teaching others, she
Barbara, our first concern was to find an
building committee in 2007, and helped
is busy making new creations. She has built
exceptional school for our two sons, Will and
support DPEA fundraising to construct
her own sailboat, a massive playhouse for
Henry. Within moments of setting foot on
the academy’s building. Their son Casey
her children, and replicas of 19th century
Crane’s campus, I was head over heels in love
attended DPEA from 2007-2010, which
rocking horses. She enjoys working in many
and desperate to become a part of it! Being at
gave Joe the opportunity to help support
different media: wood, glass, paper, metal,
a place that fosters learning through inquiry,
the robotics team and organize fundraising
and food. She is an expert educator in visual
exploration, discovery, and learning-by-
efforts
and
communication software. Her artwork
doing is a perfect match for me. I am thrilled
become an active parent volunteer during
was recently featured in an exhibition on
to join such a talented, passionate staffulty,
preparations for major competitions.
handcrafted toys at the Maloof Museum.
Sabina Funk Engineering Teacher
Elizabeth Del Negro Garden Coordinator
Sabina Funk has been teaching art and
My husband and I are first generation
Since 2001, Joe Donahue has been teaching
design and working in the multi-media
farmers. Together we own and operate a small
science, mathematics, computer coding, and
industry for 20 years. After graduating with
family business, Rio Gozo Farm, a 5-acre,
robotics. He holds a B.A. in Environmental
a Bachelor of Arts and minor in Science
organic vegetable farm in Ojai. We grow
Biology, an M.B.A., and a teaching credential
Communications from UCSC, she spent two
row crop vegetables for our CSA program,
for mathematics and the sciences. Joe has
years at the Art Center College of Design
restaurants, schools, and our local hospital.
taught Lego Mindstorms robotics classes
in Pasadena specializing in illustration,
In addition, my husband and I homestead our
where students build and program robots
environmental
industrial
3-acre property and farmhouse where we’ve
using NXT software. His students were
design. Since 1997, she has worked as a
planted a small orchard, herb garden, and
and to call Crane our new home.
Joe Donahue Director of Engineering
for
the
team’s
design,
projects,
and
Meet the New Board two universities, to hotels, museums, energy
keep pigs, goats, chickens, and quail.
Cyndee is originally from Los Angeles but
residential,
moved to Santa Barbara after transferring
something for the first time, like making
industrial, and commercial developments.
from UCLA to attend UCSB, where she
chevre, pickling olives, or hanging my own
Her clients include Vail Resorts, UCSB, San
earned her degree. She also raised both of her
prosciutto. As a first generation farmer,
Diego Gas & Electric, Westar, and our own
children in Santa Barbara. Cyndee has six
I don’t have grandparents passing on the
MOXI here in Santa Barbara. Before moving
grandchildren — four who currently attend
traditions of growing and raising food.
to Santa Barbara, Beth attended UCLA School
Instead, I whip open a book or ask Google,
of Law, clerked for two different judges,
Crane: Spencer (8TH), Arwyn (7TH), Luke (2ND), and Jack (2ND). Jackson was Class of
reminding myself that people have been
and practiced at Latham & Watkins in Los
2011 and Charlotte is applying for the 2016-
using these skills for at least 10,000 years
Angeles.
2017 Kindergarten class. In her free time,
What
ignites
me
most
is
doing
infrastructure,
and
various
Beth is passionate about diversity, science,
Cyndee is an artist and photographer (with
and education issues. After graduating from
a studio/darkroom on her property), a pilot,
This past summer I traded my tractor for
Smith College with a degree in Biological
and a world traveler. She loves to “hang” with
gardening. At Crane School I’m excited to
Sciences, she joined Teach for America and
all of her kids and grandkids, connecting
help build the garden program and work
taught seventh and eighth grade science,
through their love of art, music, theater, golf,
with students again. It’s not the first time I’ve
health, and sex education for five years in
hiking, and cooking.
worked at Crane, but walking through the
southeast Los Angeles and inner-city Phoenix.
gardens, you see something new blooming on
During that time, she also counseled at-risk
campus. So far, we have shitake mushrooms
youth and earned a Master’s in Education
in our mushroom garden, indigo in our dye
from Arizona State University. Beth currently
beds, lemongrass in the tea garden, lettuces
serves on the Board and Executive Committee
in the towers, worms in the worm bin, chickens
and as Chair of the Development Committee
in the coop, and a farm stand in the parking lot.
of Equality California – California’s largest
That is just the beginning; I’ve got a lot of ideas
LGBT civil rights organization. Finally, and
and I can’t wait to make them happen.
most importantly, Beth is incredibly lucky to
with fewer resources at hand — how hard can it be?
share her life with her amazing wife Ann and two fantastic fifth graders, Nora and Quinn.
Erin Eberhardt Spence Erin is the mother of two girls that currently attend Crane: Jaeda in Sixth Grade and Sienna in Fourth Grade. Erin has been involved
with
the
Parents
for
Crane
organization in many different capacities, including co-chairing the Crane Country Fair in 2014 and 2015. Erin has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s in Social Work from Wilfrid
Cyndee Howard Cyndee
commercial
NEW BOARD MEMBERS Beth Collins-Burgard Beth Collins-Burgard is a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck who specializes in permitting high-controversy building projects and defending those permits if litigation is filed. Beth’s practice spans California. She has worked on projects ranging from master plans for a ski area and
and
owns
and
industrial
a
as a school social worker for a school board
estate
that services over 24,000 students (K-12) in
operates real
management
Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada. While living in
business in Santa Barbara in conjunction with
Canada, Erin served on the Waterloo Region
her brother’s office in Los Angeles. Working
Suicide Prevention Council. She also sat on
locally with her son Todd Eliassen, they have
the Hospice of Waterloo Region Committee
a variety of properties and love to renovate
and has helped organize and participated
distressed properties of all types. Cyndee
in many events including a 60km “Walk to
has served as President of the Santa Barbara
End Breast Cancer,” her 20-year high school
Board of Realtors, a State Committee Director,
reunion, and a variety of her daughters’
Trustee of the Santa Barbara Zoo, and she
school fundraising events both in Canada
recently completed her seventh year as
and in England.
development
Erin Eberhardt Spence and Beth CollinsBurgard join the Crane board (not pictured: Cyndee Howard)
Laurier University. She worked for 14 years
Howard and
property
Trustee of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Erin,
her
husband
Patrick,
and
She has also served on the finance, building
their two daughters are originally from
and grounds, and various committees for
Canada, and have spent two years living
other boards. Currently, she is involved with
in both Australia and England. Erin and
the SBMA renovation project, which she has
her family moved to Santa Barbara from
worked on since its inception.
England in 2012.
Advancement 2015-2016 This year’s Development Representatives are a dynamic and diverse group of individuals whose common denominator is their willingness to give time and energy in order to help raise our 2015-2016 Annual Fund goal of $610,000. The 2015-2016 representatives, led by Development Chair Ricardo Calderon and Annual Fund Co-Chairs Dan Meisel, Matt Morphy, and Jim Copus ’92 are:
Kindergarten: Nancy Sheldon 1st Grade: Sarah O’Brien ’82 2nd Grade: Jim Copus ’92 3rd Grade: Josh Narva 4th Grade: Kyra and Tony Rogers 5th Grade: Colleen O’Brien and Karen Wintringham 6th Grade: Dinah ’86 Calderon, Kerri Murray, and Julia Rodgers 7th Grade: Mary Knezevic and Christina Stoney 8th Grade: Jim Morouse and Laura Shelburne Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Top: Ricardo Calderon Above: Dan Meisel, Matt Morphy & Jim Copus ’92
Debbie Williams Director of Development
crane planned giving The Lejeune & Crane Society was established in 2005
6
Like Mr. Lejeune, members of the Lejeune & Crane
to recognize and honor
Society share a passion for education and Crane’s
individuals who have
future. Many of Crane’s closest and most generous
expressed their intention to
friends have included the school in their will in the
leave a legacy gift to Crane
form of bequests, life insurance, real estate, trusts,
Country Day School. The
and/or annuities. Regardless of size, these gifts are
namesake commemorates
a critically important component in providing for
F. Arnold Lejeune, Crane’s
future generations of Crane students.
first headmaster, whose
If you, with the help of your financial advisor,
passion for teaching kept
are considering Crane in your plans, please contact
him in the classroom until
Debbie Williams at dwilliams@craneschool.org
he was 75 years old.
or (805) 969-7732 x105.
Special Event
Local Grandparent Event Each January we celebrate Crane Grandparents at our annual Grandparent and Special Friends’ Tea. However, given that we have a number of local grandparents, we hosted a fall meet and greet. At this event, Stephanie Bagish, Crane Fourth Grade teacher and grandmother to Gwen ’16 and Atticus ’17, led the grandparents through a mapping activity, which generated fascinating childhood stories. We hope this event was the foundation for many friendships to come.
Debbie Williams Director of Development
SAVE the DATE GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS’ TEA Sunday, January 24, 2016 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. (followed by Crane’s Annual Open House and Art Show 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
Country Fair
8
Professional Development Sabbatical in Europe
Karen Ohrn -Second Grade Teacher If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what are 5,000
senses, mealtime in every country was memorable.
pictures worth? While traveling through Italy we fell in love with While traveling through Europe last spring with my
their light, thin, crispy pizza, the homemade pasta
husband Luke and our daughter Katie, we took thousands
made with the freshest ingredients, bruschetta served
of photos and collected countless stories. Each picture
with tomatoes and fresh basil, and, of course, their
reminds us of our great adventure — a trip of a lifetime!
incredibly creamy gelato. We were sure there couldn’t possibly be any calories in dishes that were so delicious.
Our sabbatical began as a dream to take time off from work, school, and the hustle and bustle of daily life to
Cooking with the friends we stayed with became
travel slowly, visit countries we hadn’t been to before,
one of our favorite activities and soon we were
and to set our own pace each day. Our desire was to spend
collecting recipes to bring back home.
time learning about history, art, food, fashion, and other
pictures of the food we ate was soon accompanying
cultures, and to spend time visiting with friends who
recipes in my journal and our European cookbook
were living abroad.
was started. In Italy we learned how to make fresh
Taking
pasta. In France, creamy soup recipes were added. In When our dream actually became a reality, we could
the Netherlands and Sweden, delicious sauces with
hardly believe our good fortune. Our travels brought
grilled meat were our favorites. But, one of the best
us to Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, and
recipes we collected was for Swedish cardamom buns.
London. Each day was magical and every place we
We spent a lovely afternoon baking with our friend’s
visited was inspiring. Visiting the Vatican and being
mormor (grandmother) and watched as she effortlessly
blessed by Pope Francis on my 50th birthday was one of
kneaded the dough with experienced hands. It is hard
my highlights. Other favorite memories include hiking
to describe the amazing aroma of fresh Swedish buns
the Cinque Terre trail on the Italian Riviera, seeing
as they are about to come out of the oven.
the statue of David in all his glory in Florence, viewing prehistoric cave art in Dordogne, France, going out to
It was particularly special spending the month of
Mont Saint - Michel and viewing the tide as it surrounded
June in Sweden. We celebrated Midsummer with our
the abbey, walking the quiet beaches of Normandy more
dear friends at their cabin on the southwest coast. We
than seventy years after the D-Day invasions began,
gathered flowers for wreaths and danced around the
walking the Gaudi Trail in Barcelona and standing in
maypole. We helped prepare a traditional Swedish
La Sagrada Familia in the afternoon as the sun shone
Midsummer meal with herring, caviar, new potatoes,
through the stained glass windows, standing on Monet’s
meatballs, dill sauce, lingonberries, and grilled
bridge in the rain as the water lilies floated by, standing
sausage. There was a lot of laughter, singing, and
at the top of the Eiffel Tower, touring the Anne Frank
toasting to good health and friendship.
House in Amsterdam, going to the Nobel Museum in Stockholm, and taking a tour with an art historian at the National Gallery in London.
When we think about the value of our 5,000 photos and the time to meander the back roads, to linger in galleries, take walks on historic cobblestones, sit in
One of the joys of travel is experiencing the culinary
cafés, learn new recipes, explore new places, visit with
delights of each location. Often what people remember
family and friends, and to savor each day, we now know
most vividly from their travels are the great restaurants
the gift of a sabbatical was priceless!
and the fabulous food. That was certainly true for us as we meandered our way through Europe. From the decor and service that created the atmosphere, to the tantalizing
Thank you Crane School for making teacher sabbaticals possible!
aromas and sweet and savory flavors that awoke our
9
Professional Development Southeast Asia Stephanie Bagish - Fourth Grade Teacher
This summer the Dorothy
after balloons, laughter
Waugh
filled the air and showed
my me
Grant
allowed
grandchildren the
opportunity
and
how the commonality of
to
play can overcome any
explore several southeast Asian
countries.
language barrier.
Our
journey began in southern
Next stop on our
Thailand where we swam
journey was Vietnam.
and kayaked every day and
In Saigon, we visited
climbed steep rocky cliffs
the
to find breathtaking views
Museum, followed by
of hidden lagoons.
a visit to Hanoi where
War
Remnant
we toured the “Hanoi we
Hilton,� a French-built
headed on to Southern Myanmar. We visited giant caverns
From
Thailand,
prison that first housed
transformed into shrines packed with Buddhist statues of
Vietnamese prisoners, then American soldiers during the
every size. The landscape is planted with a variety of crops,
Vietnam War. We also sailed Halong Bay, a spectacular
and oddly shaped limestone karsts jut out from the lush
World Heritage Site dotted with 1,969 limestone islands.
green fields. We climbed steep and slippery steps to the tops of some of these to find 360-degree views of the land below.
Luang Prabang, Laos was a perfect ending to our journey. This ancient capital is also a World Heritage Site and is
The areas where we were traveling had only recently been
an interesting blend of colonial buildings, monasteries,
opened to foreigners. There is something surreal and magical
and local businesses along the Mekong. The distance, the
about wandering alone in spectacular temple grounds filled
varieties of cultures, and experiences of our six-week journey
with intricate paintings and carved wooden structures, the
allowed us to have a perspective on not just other cultures,
scent and smoke of incense
but on our own lives as well.
rising in the still air. One of the highlights of our trip was in Kalaw, Myanmar where we undertook a trek. At the end of it we visited a remote school where we were able to give supplies to the students. Guinevere and Atticus played with the preschoolers and as they chased each other, racing
10
Professional Development Science in Europe Phil von Phul - Upper School Science & Geography
from before the Industrial Revolution to present. The first locomotive is on the first floor, amid engines, vehicles, and explanations of how things work. Much attention is given to the development of steam power. There is even a V-2 rocket like the ones that terrorized Londoners during WWII. The floor devoted to the history of computing includes many pre-electronic computing devices and shows the stages of development leading to modern computers. Again, my one scheduled day was not enough. The most exciting visit in London was to The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, which focuses on current work in science. There were twenty-four exhibits, My Eldon Boyd fellowship allowed me to visit three European science exhibits, one in Munich and two in London. The Deutsches Museum in Munich is the largest museum of science and technology in the world and focuses on the history of technology development from the Industrial Revolution to present. The museum is remarkable because it displays full-size devices (airplanes, ships, engines, and agricultural equipment). There is even a U-boat in the museum. I could have happily spent a week exploring its three locations, but I had unfortunately scheduled only one day. After my rushed oneday visit to the Deutsches Museum, I headed off to London to the Science Museum, interactive provoking
which
is
an
thoughtplace
and
was much larger than I imagined. The museum includes displays showing development of technology
each with representatives from research labs around Europe. The highlights were as follows:
•
The search for magnetic monopoles at the Large Hadron Collider
•
The challenge of developing a new effective flu vaccine each year
• • •
Development of plasma rockets Current work on fusion reactors Engineering arrangements of atoms to develop new materials Because of my interest in
engineering, I took a side trip to Chartres Cathedral south of Paris. Built between 1194 and 1250, it is a marvel of structural engineering. A building like that would be a challenge for present-day engineers who have the use of concrete, rebar, and structural steel, but the people who built it had only blocks of stone and mortar.
11
Professional Development Traveling Through Time Carrie Althoff - Fifth Grade Teacher
Just as the early explorers in our history set out to discover new lands, I, too, spent
time
this
summer
exploring new places thanks to funding from the Eldon Boyd Grant. I gained a new appreciation for state park educational programming and the plethora of free museums
the Museum of American History; however, Frederick Douglass’ house was definitely the high point. After
on the East Coast that enlighten and educate visitors.
escaping slavery, Douglass became a famous orator and
My plan was to visit places associated with the Fifth
writer for the abolitionist movement, and he actively
Grade curriculum but also allow time for finding unexpected
supported women’s suffrage. He was a firm believer in
gems along the way. I began
the equality of all people. Visiting his home and learning
my
about his life’s accomplishments was quite humbling.
journey
in
Virginia
where I visited Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
Finally arriving in New
Jamestown and Williamsburg
York, I stepped out of history
highlighted
American
life
and into the present. I went
during
early
colonial
on the hunt to find a Banksy
the
period, and Yorktown focused
public
on the American Revolution.
myself to a Broadway play,
Interactive exhibits explained
and found the funkiest, most
hardships, cultural clashes,
delicious Indian restaurant to
and success stories.
enjoy with my friend for her
These
museums gave me ample opportunities to take photographs
art
piece,
treated
birthday.
and to collect resources that I can now use to showcase this period of history in my
Thanks for the adventure,
classroom.
Crane!
As travels D.C.
I
continued
north, loomed
my
Washington large
with
possibilities. Memorable spots included the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and
12
Father-Daughter Dance | Mother-Son Kickball
Lower School
Father-Daughter Dance - May 29, 2015
Mother-Son Kickball - October 2, 2015
13
First Grade
Lower School Welcome to Our Nest! “If I had wings could I then fly and swoop and
backyard birds because of the experiential
soar across the sky?”
practice in the classroom.
The first line of Amy Goldman Koss’s poem,
Before stepping outside with the mission
“How Do Birds Fly?”, puts first graders in the
of spotting birds, the children looked at large
perfect mindset for their first theme study,
photographs of 20 Santa Barbara backyard
Birds. On the first day of school the children
and shore birds. The children compared
walk into a room with an inviting sign that
wingspan, beak, color, and toes in order to
reads, “Welcome to our Nest.” Nests are the
be successful ornithologists.
perfect metaphor for the first weeks of school.
students worked towards their culminating
A bird’s nest is delicate and filled with all kinds
project where they pick a Santa Barbara bird
of different materials, just like the children’s
to study. Collecting research and pictures
“nest” or circle on the rug — filled with all kinds
from iPads and books, the students gathered
of different personalities that come together to
character traits and special markings to
make a cozy and warm community.
describe their bird without actually saying
Eventually,
what it is. Can you guess this child’s local To be a birder, one must be outside.
Santa Barbara bird?
Equipped with small binoculars, first graders spent a lot of time roaming our gorgeous
I have a bright yellow belly and black cap
campus searching for birds. They practiced
on my head. I have a short bill.
using binoculars correctly and found the best
I am a vegetarian. I don’t eat bugs.
spots to see a variety of birds. It turns out
It takes me 6 days to build a nest.
that the construction zone for the new Upper
When I sing it sounds like I’m saying
School buildings was an incredible spot to
po-ta-to chip.
witness scrub jays hopping from branch to
I am very pretty.
branch,
Who am I?
Anna’s
hummingbirds
gathering
nectar, and downy woodpeckers pecking at the surrounding trees. The students’ once quiet
If you guessed a goldfinch, you are correct!
voices now became loud, enthusiastic chirps as
With this new, applicable information the
they exclaimed, “I see the downy woodpecker!”
children are now experts in the field.
or “Is that a goldfinch?” Within the first few weeks the children were able to identify these
As
the
year
continues,
we
provide
encouragement and gentle support so that when first graders are ready to fly, they feel safe enough to flap their wings and, eventually, soar.
Courtney Fleming and Susana Yee First Grade Co-Teachers
Coyote Cameo Patricia Gates
Kindergarten Teacher (1946-1949) but well-trained teacher, to meet the mommies. They were lovely ladies who were so kind to me. I was even privileged along with my new bridegroom to attend some of their festivities in their beautiful Montecito homes.
are there people you remember most fondly? Mr. Tower was the Headmaster while I was at Crane. He was a pleasant, accommodating gentleman. Oh, and dear Chip, the poor child who slammed his head against a bar out on the field. That was a very difficult day—doctor’s visits, x-rays. I remember everyone being so worried, but in the end he was fine. I also had a mentor and dear friend who taught First Grade—Helen Hammer. She was a caring, I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Gates, a former Crane
compassionate, and wonderful teacher.
Kindergarten teacher from 1946-1949, in late October 2015 when she and two friends dropped by for a campus visit. Currently a Reno,
did your class participate in any extra programs, field trips,
Nevada resident, Patricia was enjoying a 5-day coastal California
or other activities?
cruise on the Ruby Princess, which had a scheduled stop in Santa Barbara. Patricia noted that Crane had transformed since her time on campus, but that it was just as beautiful as she remembered and it
There were none at the kindergarten level. The young ones were so young and I truly think they were most comfortable and more secure in the surroundings that Crane provided. I do remember going to the
brought back many joyful and happy memories.
Santa Barbara Library on my own to find pictures of unique topics—
what brought you to santa barbara and to crane country day school in the 1940s?
have great discussions about things that were really out of their scope,
I was a bride of only three months with a teaching credential from
talked, we pretended, we had happy times.
sports, history, animals, and events—to share with my students. We’d but through pictures I helped expand their periphery. We painted, we
USC when my husband Cecil, just out of Patton’s Third Army, received funding from the GI Bill to attend UCSB. Three months
what were your next adventures once you left crane?
after arriving in Santa Barbara a kindergarten position opened up
My husband and I moved to the San Fernando Valley where I became
at Crane, which began my wonderful time on campus.
a first and second grade teacher for another 27 years. I became a
what did the campus look like when you taught at crane?
reading specialist and lead training teacher for many young women
There was only one large building and a field of grass with some play equipment, but nothing like today’s facility. I would estimate there were less than 100 students in the mid-1940s.
what were your fondest memories at crane? It was such a special three years with my Kindergarten “babies.” I called them “babies” because at Crane the young ones were allowed
at Cal State Northridge. My husband Cecil became the head of a large industrial arts department in a few local high schools. I wrote a book about our adventures navigating every river in the U.S.A. with my husband’s battleship models called, You Can’t Go Incognito in a Battleship. I also wrote a children’s book entitled, The Apple Tree’s Secret.
to enter school at age 4. I so loved and appreciated my little people.
Many years have passed since I walked the grassy fields of Crane and
They were all so wide-eyed and excited to be going to school. And,
so many wonderful changes have brought tremendous growth to a
I well remember the huge black limos driving up in the circle to
tucked away, hidden gem in the heart of Montecito. Kudos to all of
deposit the children. The limos were so large that the chauffeur
you for bringing such a fine educational facility to students! It was a
would jump out, pick up the child, deposit him/her on the ground,
golden day with all of you.
and he/she would race to my classroom (which is now the First Grade classroom). It was also a joy, even as a fairly inexperienced,
Elizabeth Keadle Assistant to the Head of School
alumni news
alumni news
Morgan Neville ’81
co-produced the documentary Best
Sugey Gama ’96 Bragdon,
of Enemies which opened July 31, 2015 to great reviews.
husband Josiah, and three-year
The subject of the documentary is the series of debates
old Ella welcomed Charlotte
between William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal prior
Parker on September 27, 2015,
to the 1968 presidential election. Morgan was most
mere hours before the total
recently heralded for his work on Twenty Feet from
eclipse of the full-harvest moon.
Stardom with late Crane father Gil Friesen.
Charlotte was born a healthy 10 lbs. 1 oz. and 20.1 in.
Blake Andrews ’84 and his wife Gina have lived in downtown Santa Barbara since 2003. They have two boys, Jack (10) and Ryan (6). In 2011, Gina started an online party supply/gift shop called Bon Fortune. The company has since opened a retail shop in Carpinteria and has become an event coordination company as well. Blake started a commercial real estate
Karrie Crane ’99,
her husband, Eric
Carlstedt, and 4-year old daughter Olive welcomed the newest member of their family, Frances Foxen Carlstedt (Frankie), on May 29, 2014. She was born at home and weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz.
company called Presidio Commercial in
Zak Kitnick ’99
2009 after having spent six years brokering
graduated with a
with one of the larger brokerage companies in
B.A. from Bard College in 2006. As
town. Presidio specializes in the sales and leasing of
his professional biography states,
commercial properties.
“He creates sculptures utilizing products instead of materials.
received his B.A. from Wesleyan
Interested in the inefficiency
University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Princeton
between our expectations for an
University. His professional biography states, “He
object and an object’s potential,
has been an editor of numerous volumes, including
he repurposes industrial products
Alex Kitnick ’95
a collection of John McHale’s writings,
and procedures.”
The Expendable Reader: Articles on Art,
many prestigious galleries and museums around the world
Architecture, Design, and Media, 1951–
including Moma PS1 in New York, VAVA in Milan, Ribordy
1979, and October [journal] no.136 on New
Contemporary in Geneva, Carlier/Gebauer in Berlin, and the
Brutalism, he is also a frequent contributor
Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum. Zak is represented
to publications including Artforum, May,
by Clearing, an international gallery with spaces in both
October, and Texte zur Kunst.” He is an art
Europe and New York, and most recently, the Whitney
historian and critic based in New York, and
Museum of American Art in New York has purchased a
most recently was named the Brant Foundation
He has already exhibited his work in
major piece of his for their permanent collection.
Fellow in Contemporary Arts at Bard College’s Center for Curatorial Studies after the college
Ashley McGowan ’99, SBHS ’03, and San Diego State University
received a $1M grant.
’07 graduated with a B.A. in child and family development. After graduating, Ashley moved to Los Angeles where she (SBHS ’98, UCLA ’02)
started her career in mental health working alongside the
and his wife Sarah Wilkinson welcomed
Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments as an on-
Everett Parke Taugher on November 21,
scene trauma counselor as well as Cedars Sinai Emergency
2015. He is the younger brother of Alden
Department. In 2013 Ashley
Phelan Taugher. Damon is the director of
returned to Santa Barbara to
U.S. programs for Direct Relief in Santa
be closer to family and met
Barbara, having started the program in
professional polo player and
2004 and growing its relationships with
future husband JW Hall. They
over 1,000 community clinics and health
welcomed
centers nationwide. Damon and his family
Sienna on November 19, 2014.
Damon Taugher ’94
reside in Santa Barbara.
16
their
daughter
alumni news Vanessa Bagdasarian ’00 Chambers continues to work with her
Blake Mackall ’08, a senior at Williams College majoring
family on the production of the Alvin series on Nickelodeon.
in Computer Science and Mathematics, was elected to Phi
She is the associate producer, a contributing writer for many
Beta Kappa after his junior year based on his cumulative
of the episodes, and she provides the voices for many of the characters including Eleanor the Chipette.
Hayley Bridges ’00
has her own interior design firm, Hayley
Bridges Design, hayleybridgesdesign.com
Taryn Adams ’02 celebrated
GPA. Blake was also elected president of his Phi Beta Kappa class.
McCall Koenig ’09 is working towards a double major in Economics and Communication Studies at UCLA. An avid advocate of local Humane Societies, this semester
daughter
Sylvie Esmé Dussubieux's first birthday with her Santa Barbara family. It was particularly special as Sylvie was surrounded by three generations of mothers...even Sylvie's middle name honors her great-great-grandmother. Great-grandmother Claire Bacon and grandmother Lorie Bacon are also shown in photo.
she is in Washington D.C. as a legislative intern for the United States Humane Society. During her time in D.C., she is planning to complete a research project comparing United States and European Union factory farming policies.
Bolden Brace ’12 and Natasha Feshbach ’12, both seniors at Santa Barbara High School, took part in a Signing Day Celebration. They both received early college acceptances for sports — Bolden to Northeastern University for basketball and Natasha to Yale University for track and field.
Teddy Montesano ’04
and Blake Muller,
a Santa Barbara native, met in October 2008 at a Stanford football game. They were engaged in December 2014 and married at her father's home in Santa Barbara on October 10, 2015, on the weekend of their seven-year anniversary. Crane alumni who attended their wedding include: Maid of Honor,
Siena Montesano ’05 and bridemaids/ readers Carley Werts ’04, Julia Weis ’04, Ellery Allebrand ’04. In addition, Michael Bagdasarian ’04, Dominic Atkatz ’04, Rachael Ross ’04, Breton Birkhofer ’03, Andrea Black ’97 Taylor and Hunter Black ’99 were in attendance. Their wedding was coordinated by long-time family friend and dedicated past Crane parent Merryl Brown of Merryl Brown Events. Teddy teaches private pilates out of her home, at Physical Focus in Montecito, and at various corporations in town. Blake is the assistant Men's Tennis Coach at UCSB and teaches private tennis lessons as well. They have lived together in San Francisco, New York, and are now living in Santa Barbara. In December, they honeymooned by traveling around Argentina.
Ariel Eakin ’12
starred in the Center
Stage Theater production of What Rhymes with America, A Comedy of Lost Souls. Ariel, a senior at Santa Barbara High School, played Marlene, the teenage daughter in Melissa James Gibson's play about estrangement. Crane Development Officer, Rhoda Yarbrough Lauten, was the costumer for the play.
Bridget Mitchell ’12,
a Sant a
Barbara High School senior, is also a student at the De Marcos
Fashion
Academy,
and had her third collection of designs unveiled at the September
2015
fashion
show. Bridget’s designs were pieces inspired by “nature and the iridescent creatures of the sea.” She has also put her talents to work for SBHS where last spring she used her skills to costume a cast of 25 for the school’s annual Music of the Night.
17
alumni news Bea Tolan ’12, a senior at Laguna Blanca School, performed in the school’s fall production of Harvey as Veta, Harvey’s sister, as well as serving as the play’s assistant director. Also in the production were Stella Haffner ’15, Camila Lemere ’14, and Jack Whitten ’15. Clay
Rodgers ’14 was part of the sound and light design crew. Lillian Perlmutter ’13, Kate Smith ’13, Elijah Weiss ’13, and Diarra Pouye ’14 were cast members in Cate School’s performance of Nine
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS: Class of 2005: 10-Year Reunion on December 26 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Corks n’ Crowns Wine Club at 32 Anacapa Street
Lives: An Evening of 10-Minute Plays in October.
San Francisco and Bay Area Alumni:
Olivia Gordon ’14, Jonathan Lindsey ’14, Leah Martin ’14, Zane MazorBrown ’14, and Soren Walker ’14 are part of the group Assisteens,
San Francisco on Thursday, January 21
a local community service organization through the Assistance
ThirstyBear Brewing Company at 661 Howard Street
Join us for our first All-Alumni Reunion in from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the
League. Olivia, Leah, and Soren are on the governing board. Both Olivia and Soren spoke to 100+ women at the National Assisteens
Class of 2006:
Conference in Long Beach as well as the Santa Barbara Assistance
Be on the lookout for an announcement about your
League chapter meeting in November. Past and present Crane moms
10-Year Reunion in 2016*
Jamie Gordon and Karen Martin serve on various committees.
Camila Lemere ’14, Shelagh Morphy ’14, and Brenda Rodriguez ’12 all helped create a beautiful chalk drawing which took first place at the Carpinteria Arts Center’s Chalk the Walk. Under the direction of retired Crane teacher Janey Cohen, the following Crane alumni from the Class of 2014 participated in the two day Carpinteria Arts Center Teenfest Summer Mural Project in June: Camila Lemere, Anna Martin, Shelagh Morphy, Diarra Pouye,
Class of 2001: Be on the lookout for an announcement about your 15-Year Reunion in 2016*
* if you have new contact information - mailing address and/or email address - please be sure to notify Debbie Williams at dwilliams@craneschool.org in order to receive reunion announcements/invitations
and current students: Jason Lemere, Khadim and Aida Pouye, Gwen
Atty Samora, C-Mo and Boo Ridge, Bella Knezevic, and Melina, Jasmine, and Alesandra Powell. and
Tyler Dahneke ’15, KiSea Katikka ’15, and Leah Martin ’15 were part of the cast of Santa Barbara High School’s performance of Pippin.
Ryan Kopeikin ’15 served as part of the technical crew.
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!
Alexander Fell ’15 was the only freshman chosen to be part of the San Marcos Madrigals. This group has been invited to participate in Disneyland’s Candlelight Ceremony and Processional in December.
Visit with Crane faculty and see what is new on campus at the ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE & ART SHOW January 24, 2016 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
left: Class of 2000 celebrates their 15-year reunion on August 1, 2015.
18
alumni news
All-Alumni Reunion
October 24, 2015
alepho deng | josh duvendeck ’00
Visitors to Campus
PICTURE THIS: the whole Upper School
he started to speak. He paced back and forth
had just come back from an amazing Trip
as he spoke. He had no objects, no pictures, no
Week, all of us full to bursting with new ideas,
instruments, but it was clear everyone within
memories, and experiences, unaware that our
hearing distance of his words was entranced.
lives would be changed forever by a speaker
He told us about the walking, about how he had
with an extraordinary story. We were each
taught himself to catch rats with his feet so
given a book in library class, called A Long
that he could eat them. There was a story about
Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, about a boy
how, a few months after they arrived in Kenya,
living in South Sudan in 1985 and a girl living
soldiers chased them and shot them if they
in the same place 23 years later in 2008. The
refused to cross a crocodile-infested river. He
book illustrated the hardships of modern and
told another story about how he was standing
past South Sudanese people, ranging from
under a palm tree, and his gut told him to
dirty water, to escaping bloodthirsty soldiers,
move, to leave, to run away. A few minutes
to surviving only by walking into the endless
after he got far enough away from the town
horizon. About two weeks later, the entire
he was in, a bomb was dropped and destroyed
Upper School assembled during study hall
it. There was nothing left of the palm tree
to hear Alepho Deng speak to us about his
but a smudge of black ash. That a man was
experience.
able to live through horrors like that and live to tell a group of middle-schoolers the tale
He began by thanking us for bringing him in
was remarkable. And honestly, I’ll never take
to talk to us, telling us a few jokes, and giving
anything for granted again.
some compliments about the school. And then Special thanks to Susan McMillan and Human Rights Watch for making this visit possible.
Daniela Wood Eighth Grade Student
Dear Joshua, Thank you for coming to Crane to show us what someone from Crane can do. You helped inspire me, and probably many others to try and be comedians and actors. I most enjoyed seeing all the Gatorade commercials you have done. You also gave me an example of what my life might be like if I turn out to be a comedian. Again, I want to say thank you for coming to Crane.
IN SEPTEMBER, Crane was fortunate to have alumnus Josh Duvendeck ’00 present in assembly. Living in Los Angeles, Josh is a comedian and an actor. The students had a great time listening to and asking questions of him as he told about his experience of shooting the Gatorade “Sweat with the Best” commercials with Serena Williams, Dwayne Wade, Payton Manning, Jimmy Johnson, and Bryce Harper. One particular fourth grader was so impressed, he wrote the following letter:
Sincerely, Cliff Ficker, Fourth Grade Student
Gardening at Crane Additionally, the campus now has high yield farms (the lower and upper gardens, the tower gardens, and the peripheral fruit trees) which are being harvested by the students and parent volunteers to provide food for our Monday and Friday hot lunch program, as well as our very own farm stand where Fourth Grade students are learning harvesting and posthandling of produce, marketing, and weekly Thursday sales from our Crane Country Farm cart newly constructed by parents Ann Collins-Burgard and Bino Marsetti. Physical space improvements have created serene natural environments such as a garden lab, and official outdoor classroom, as well as sitting areas for multiple uses — reading, sketching, and meditating.
THE 2015-2016 GARDEN is under new leadership. Elizabeth Del Negro joined the Crane community as our Garden Coordinator in July 2015. Elizabeth is not entirely new to Crane, as she was the long-term Spanish substitute for both Joy Elizondo and Alexis Fischer during their maternity leaves. Currently, she and her husband have been running their own farm, Rio Gozo Farm in Ojai, and we are thrilled that Elizabeth is now bringing her farming expertise to Crane. In just a few months time, Elizabeth has created new gardens, farms, physical spaces, and community volunteer opportunities to integrate into our curricular programs. Crane now has a wide range of garden beds for specific purposes: •
bouquet making
•
natural plant dyes
•
edible flowers
•
plants found in a colonial garden
•
plants found in a traditional tea garden
•
native California plants
•
butterfly garden
•
world religions garden
•
mushroom garden
•
pizza garden (all plants and herbs needed to make a pizza from scratch)
21
Sixth Grade
Upper School Trip Week
Catalina Island Richard Downey, Sarah Lopez, Jessica Nichols, Ryan Long, and I
Charlotte Weis
chaperoned this year’s Sixth Grade students to CELP for Trip Week.
Catalina was extraordinary in many ways, but for me, when I
CELP stands for Catalina Environmental Leadership Program. Jean-
felt that deep connection with a person whom I didn’t really
Michel Cousteau founded the camp to show students how all living things
know much about, that really made my day. Catalina was a trip
are connected. They learn about ways to positively impact and make a
where I made a lot of new beginnings.
difference in the environment. Students also learn about composting and gardening, skills they bring back to Crane while performing as our school’s compost heroes and tinkering in our garden. We watched students learn, grow, encourage classmates, think and reflect, push themselves out of their comfort zones, and conquer fears. We had perfect weather for a week of snorkeling, hiking, climbing a rock wall and high ropes course, and much more. What a wonderful week we had! It was a great adventure and a
Cooper Adams I heard the sound of flippers slapping the surface of the cold water and the bubbles coming from a fish’s breath popping once they touch the air. I heard my breath flowing in and out of my snorkel as I swam through schools of awesome, colorful fish. I smelled salt water and the smell of fish and sea creatures of the bay being carried around the camp by the strong wind.
great educational experience. Students were captured by the beauty of
Sofia Schuster
Catalina, the stillness of nature, and the joy in building friendships.
At the end of the week, I didn’t want to leave because of how
Below are a few excerpts about their experiences.
much fun I was having. At CELP, I had the chance to meet my
Traci Cope Librarian/Trip Chaperone
classmates because I am a new student at Crane. My activity leader made a lot of opportunities for my group to interact with each other while playing games and learning at the same time. My overall experience at CELP was remarkable in so many ways.
Nico Gaggero When we got to where we would build the trail, we decided to move a dead tree. When Alesandra, Mr. Long, and I moved the tree out of the way, I stepped on a cactus, and it made me mad because it hurt me, so I kicked it. Then I had to pull all the spines out of my shoe, my socks, and my foot.
Aria Fan As I lie with my eyes wide open, I spot a satellite providing the entire Internet the people are using back on the mainland. Here on Catalina right now, it’s only nature and me. I wish this could last forever; I love the silence at night. I can also hear the waves rolling on the beach in the distance. I think of all the magnificent moments I’ve experienced on Catalina Island, and it hurts just to think that I would be leaving the next day. But for now, I’m just going to cherish this moment.
Juliette Calderon The instructor tells us to turn off our flashlights: dinoflagellate time. I dive underwater with the rest of the group and gasp into my mask! Our group oohs and aahs as we stare at the dazzling sight. It looks as though hundreds of fairies have decided to nest underwater, Or as if the water were filled with tiny, brilliant blue stars lighting up the ocean.
Seventh Grade
Upper School Trip Week The Yosemite Valley
The seventh graders gained a multitude of unforgettable experiences during their week in the fresh mountain air of the Yosemite Valley. Students worked closely with skilled guides from NatureBridge, an environmental education program. Through team-building exercises that included the human knot and blindly leading one another through Spider Caves, students were challenged to communicate as a team and to take on a wide array of leadership responsibilities. Physical challenges filled the week as well, with hikes to Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Mirror Lake, rock scrambling, night hikes, and top-rope climbing. Inspired by John Muir’s writings previously read in English class, students spent time on the trail journal writing. From those journals, students wrote one-liners describing the natural beauty of the Yosemite Valley. Then, those lines were compiled to create the following three poems.
Elizabeth Keadle Assistant to the Headmaster/Trip Chaperone The Beauty of Yosemite The mountains trapped us between them. We couldn’t help but wonder how it would be if we stayed there forever. The great rocks towered above us
Trascendence
and surrounded us on both sides.
Monstrous and full of grandeur,
After it rained, we saw small waterfalls
the waterfall flows vigorously
trickling off the mountains.
over the steep, rocky precipice.
The trees were like giants,
The igneous rocks are enough
making us feel as if we were timid mice,
to make it beautiful;
hiding in the shadow of things.
these rocks can
We had never seen trees bigger or clouds higher—
withstand anything.
they formed a blanket around Yosemite.
The water roars through the air,
The clouds were magical
and the mist spritzes over me—
and were a bluish color, like the ocean.
I can taste the freshness of the air.
Billions of two-story tall trees cover Yosemite’s ground;
The mountains rise high
I gaze upon them, and nature consumes me.
into the sky, beautiful clouds swirling
Kings of the Forest
around them.
The sequoias are kings of the forest.
Ripples float across the
The mighty trees glisten in the bright, blue sky
water’s surface,
as their tips softly touch the cotton-candy clouds.
just as a butterfly drifts gently
The thundering sound of the cascade
across the ever-blue sky.
majestically flowing
The raw beauty and power is
disrupted the tranquil afternoon as we walked
breathtaking.
and took in the tall and beautiful trees around us. Hundreds of thousands of gallons fell and splattered on the hard, course rock. The mist drifted away to reveal a cerulean and violet sky, and the young blue jays in the trees sung a beautiful melody. The growing trees and baby birds prove that nature keeps changing.
23
Eighth Grade
Upper School Trip Week
Costa Rica Eighth graders savored the last week of September in the rainforest at Chilamate Eco-Retreat in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. Our hosts, Meghan Casey and Davis Azofeifa, made us feel like part of the family. Students sampled delicious fruits, rice and beans, and traditional dishes like chicken empanadas and fried cassava (yuca) and plantains (tostones). Whether river rafting, zip lining, chocolate tasting, or face painting with plants, adventures abounded. Students bird watched in the morning, searched for frogs in the afternoon, and listened to cicadas in the evening. They studied leadership styles, met community leaders, and explored the local impacts of global issues like poverty and access to education through organic pepper farmer Daniel Vega’s first-hand stories. The heart of our journey focused on Crane and Cristo Rey students working together to repaint tables, complete a construction project, read books in Spanish, play sports, or weed the garden. Working side by side proved a great way, not only to practice Spanish, but also to make a new friend.
Joy Elizondo Owen Dexter-Meldrum
Upper School Spanish/Trip Chaperone
As I lie in a hammock without a care in the world—well, besides my
John Geyer
friend pestering me for a turn in the
We went rafting, zip lining, and
hammock—I think about how Costa
even eating Costa Rican chocolate,
Rica has changed me. Before Costa
but visiting the school was the real
Rica, I was always rushing from activity
experience that defined the trip. The
to activity—from sports to homework
mile walk to and from the school
to bed—but while I was in Costa Rica I
gave us the idea of what it was like to
learned that life can be a lot more fun
be a student. Instead of the bustling
when you live in the moment. While we
streets of the U.S., I found that trucks
were there we never had to worry about
were as frequent as passing cars and
what was next, because a lot of the time
that a verdant field dotted with cows
we did not even know what was next.
was as common as a McDonald’s in
While in Costa Rica, if I was playing a
Los Angeles. When we arrived at the
soccer game, then that would be the only
school, the environment was one of
thing I was thinking about until the next
gratitude, not the American one of
activity.
“Why do I have to go to school?”
Eighth Grade
Upper School Trip Week Rosy Hernandez
the salsa and merengue during
choosing people, and taking
our raft was safe. One moment
We played a game called the
the race, but I was still worried
charge. I then acknowledged
I remember vividly was when it
Amazing Race in which we had
I wouldn’t know how to keep up
that I was the type of leader
was pouring rain and we had to
to complete different tasks. One
with everyone else. Once the
who likes to be involved in the
listen carefully for directions.
of the tasks was to make tortillas.
music began blaring from the
building or the process, not the
I remember being surrounded
When I was about five or seven
speakers, people started twisting
explaining or the rule making.
by the swaying trees perching
years old, I would make pupusas
and turning all around the dance
with my grandmother. Pupusas
floor. I began spinning into my
are made from rice-flour dough
friends and laughing. People
that is usually stuffed with
were being swung this way and
chopped pork, cheese, beans,
that, and we kept switching dance
zucchini, and/or other vegetables.
partners every minute or so. We
Making the base of the pupusas
danced until our hair was soaked
is the same as making a tortilla.
in sweat and our feet began to
So I knew how to make tortillas
ache. I was so thrilled how fun
but had never had a chance to
that night had become. As I
put my knowledge into practice.
crawled into bed, I replayed the
I could help my teammates
memories in my head and went to
understand what the steps were.
sleep with a smile.
I also interpreted for the woman because she only knew how to speak in Spanish. I took a risk interpreting because I am not a fluent speaker, and I could have easily made a mistake. In the end I am glad that I did take those chances because it gave me more confidence in myself and my abilities.
Owen Jones At Escuela Cristo Rey I played baseball with the kids, worked on the gardens, paved the walkway in front of the bathrooms, or painted the tables. All the activities were quite enjoyable, and the kids seemed to enjoy them, too. During that time they were very kind and playful. It seemed that no matter how bad my Spanish was, they would
on either bank, while it sounded like the biggest bag of microwave popcorn ever was being made right above our heads. Our raft learned to paddle together and make sure we were very in-sync and effective. I loved the whole rafting experience, and I believe I learned a lot with my group on how to communicate with each other.
just laugh and try to understand
Katie Ohrn
Ainsley McGovern
what I said. In each of the service
Going to Costa Rica was a
When I was a leader of the day, I
activities they just helped us out
great experience for me. I
really realized the type of leader I
while we all worked together. My
learned a lot about myself.
am. We were all in the sitting area
heart felt warmed by all these
When you go on a big trip
of the dining room, and Lily and
kids who have nothing yet are
like we did, there are lots of
Natasha were announcing what
still incredibly happy, and I am
opportunities to be brave.
was on the agenda for the day. I
glad that I could be a part of that.
For me, traveling, sleeping,
was just sitting back, letting the rest of the leaders do the talking. Then it was time to play a game
Lily Pieramici
to wake us up a little. Again the
After our long day of running
others did the explaining of the
around, seeking out hidden
rules, and then it was time to
locations, and cooking delicious
choose people to be “it,” and that’s
corn tortillas for the Amazing
when I took over. I chose people
Race, we were surprisingly ready
and ran the whole thing from
for our Fiesta. We had learned
there, telling people what to do,
Jack Morouse Our raft was full of spontaneous and outgoing people, and they all were very excited for river rafting. But we all also had to learn how to listen and to communicate as a team when we had to do the strokes to make sure
and speaking Spanish were the hardest parts of the trip. Even though I was scared I was able to do them all, and that made all the other parts of the trip even better. In the future, I will remember that sometimes the hardest part is just starting.
BOYS’ SOCCER • GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Sports JV Soccer (by Luca Cévaër-Corey)
JV Volleyball – Seventh Grade (by Bella Knezevic)
The JV team had many people who will become great soccer
Our season was filled with cooperation, courage, and fun. We
players in the future. We did not win many games, but we fought
learned teamwork and volleyball skills. We got to practice
hard and did not make it easy for the other teams. Our defense
with girls from the other grades, so we got to know everyone.
blocked the attackers from getting even close to the goal, but
Although we did not win every game, we always won something,
if they did, our outstanding keeper was there. Left and right,
like new skills or new experiences. We improved our serves and
wherever the balls would go, he would catch or punch them away.
sets, and we can now play and pass a lot better. Everyone was
Our midfielders fought hard for the balls in the air and created
super determined to win and to have fun. I loved the feeling
scoring chances for our forwards, who shot hard and zoomed the
of community that our team had when we came together as a
ball into the net. The person who pushed us and taught us was
group. In the end, I feel like everyone had a great experience in
our outstanding coach, Ms. Fierberg. We all had a tremendous
volleyball, and we also had a ton of fun.
amount of fun, and we all wish to play again next year.
Varsity White Volleyball (by Julia Samuels) Varsity Soccer (by John Geyer)
On our team we had: Paige the Powerful, who served and spiked
Varsity soccer had an amazing season. We conceded only five
over every ball; Zoe the Strong-Hearted, who always tried her
goals, and scored at least five times as many, winning all of our
best; Lily the Lively, who was happy to help the team in any
games. Along with this dominance, we had plenty of enjoyable
way; Olivia the Spirited, who was a setter with passion; Hana
moments. Every member of the team would grin when recalling
the Motivator, who cheered us on while doing the hippity-
the final win of the season: a 1-0 finish against Providence. As
hop serve; Julia the Quick, who ran to every ball; Melina the
Luca Wahlberg stepped up to take the penalty kick, the opposing
Majestic, who slammed balls over with her spikes; and Rosy the
goalie moved to the side, urging Luca to kick it one way. The goalie
Radical, who could hit the unexpected ball over the net. Even
then made a spectacular save, but it wasn’t enough, for William
with this incredible line-up, we lost many of our games. Still,
Deardorff sprinted to get the ball, crossing it to Luca, who calmly
we had a great season and will remember it after we graduate.
slotted it into the goal. Thanks to Coach Bixler’s motivating attitude and our players’ hard work we achieved top results.
Varsity Green Volleyball (by Ainsley McGovern) Our team was bonded together by teamwork, perseverance, and
JV Volleyball – Sixth Grade (by Alesandra Powell)
determination. It consisted of four fun-loving eighth graders,
The first sports season for girls was volleyball. The Sixth Grade
three spunky seventh graders, and two extraordinary sixth
team enjoyed the season very much, and we learned a lot. Our
graders. We started out the season with four wins. Then came
coaches were Bob Ingersoll from Crane’s History Department
a loss against SBMS. After that game we were so frustrated,
and Dea Kidd from the Santa Barbara Volleyball Club, and they
not because they had won, but because we knew we could have
coached us very well. Our team improved a lot over the weeks.
beaten them. We lost only one other time in the regular season,
We were given tips on setting, serving, and conditioning for the
to the unbeatable Marymount team. Then came the playoffs,
game. It was fun watching us grow as athletes from the beginning
where we got to play SBMS again. We played better than we ever
to the end of the season. I know that the Sixth Grade girls loved
had and to our satisfaction snagged the third-place trophy.
being on our first Upper School team. We are looking forward to the next few seasons, too.
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Academic Year 2015/16 • Volume One
OnCAMPUS CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Tom Kenny President Jill Levinson Vice President John McGovern Treasurer Patricia MacFarlane Secretary Ricardo Calderon Beth Collins-Burgard Cyndee Howard Kristen Klingbeil-Weis Robin Kopeikin Winifred Lloyds Lender Hector Lujan Mike McCarthy Gavin Moores Ann Pieramici Linda Ryu Nancy Sheldon Christine Smigel Erin Eberhardt Spence Mike Walker Honorary Lifetime Trustee Scott C. Brittingham EDITOR Debbie Williams DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lorie Bacon SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER Teresa Pietsch COPY EDITOR Elizabeth Keadle PRINTER Boone Printing