Academic Year 2019/20 • Volume Two
C AMPUS On f Of CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
Inside 2 Visual Arts Cover, 3 Leading the Way 4 Grandparents’ Tea 5 Open House/Art Show 6 Past Parent Reunion 7 Remote Learning 8-9 Kindergarten | First Grade Second Grade | Third Grade 10-11 Fourth Grade | Fifth Grade 12-13 Alumni News—Class of 2016 14-15 16-19 Class of 2020 Graduation 20-21 Alumni News 22-23 LS Science | Sixth Grade Seventh Grade | Eighth Grade 24-28 29 Adiós a Mr. McKenzie 30 Theater Arts 31-Back Cover I Madonnari
Tenacity
& Creativity
The pandemic has changed our town, our country, and our world. For me, the most difficult change has been a consistent emptiness at Crane’s campus. I picked a pretty good career for my temperament, and I thrive with the constant motion of students, the music that drifts over from Cate Hall, and the daily conversations with Staffulty and parents. Even though Crane’s campus has been quiet over the last ten weeks, I have also witnessed the incredible determination, flexibility, and grit of the Crane community. As you’ll see throughout this special edition of the On Campus, our Crane family has come together in remarkable ways during the last few months. There has been a real tenacity to fully execute the rich collection of traditions that Crane celebrates each year—we have shown an unabashed confidence about recreating those events within digital environments.
When I contemplate this uncharted chapter of our school’s history, I’ve tried to understand why Crane School has been so successful during this time of social distancing. I’ve come to find there are many reasons. First, Crane has many longtenured Staffulty members who know the ins and outs of a Crane education. Second, a great many Crane teachers have had their own children at Crane, so they understand the Crane curriculum from both the educator side and the parent/student side. Third, many schools have teachers in isolation, focused on their own classrooms. Crane, on the other hand, has traditions like daily assembly that provide teachers a comprehensive understanding about the rest of the school, how it operates, and the importance of our traditions. When remote learning became necessary, faculty instinctively adapted and figured out how to recreate the important aspects of a Crane education. Continued on page 3
visual arts
After learning about the evolution of art through time and practicing art skills and concepts for years, Crane fifth and eighth grade students were given an opportunity to complete an independent project in the studio. This year offered unique challenges as students had to complete their pieces at home without in-person support. These two groups of artists not only rose to the challenge, but also set the bar high for all future classes. Please enjoy a selection of selfportraits completed by eighth grade artists, and i@pp projects completed by fifth grade artists.
Leading the Way TENACITY & CREATIVITY (continued from cover)
Crane is a community that intuitively knows what to do during difficult times. For example, in recognition of the additional work Staffulty took on with the shift to remote learning, the board of trustees sent every Staffulty member thank you notes and boxes filled with beautiful organic produce. When we learned that this pandemic financially devastated a handful of our Crane families, we moved to action. To support them, a vast majority of our parents chose not to accept the school’s offer to reimburse hot lunch fees, and instead directed those funds to provide groceries for Crane families in need. Crane traditions serve as a binding force for our community, literally holding us together during difficult times, and were vital tools for our success during our socially distant spring. Of course the best example of this unifying force is daily assembly, one of Crane’s longest-standing traditions. Although we could not be together each morning in Cate Hall, virtual assemblies quickly evolved into something special with unique depth and included a morning message, announcements, funny weekly traditions, Spotlights, and 8th grade speeches. Digital assemblies also became the perfect venue for many end-of-year celebrations. These assemblies fostered a sense of connection when we were isolated and brought a nice bit of normalcy into every Crane home. You’ll see throughout this issue countless examples of the wonderful culminations and celebrations Crane students experienced during remote learning. Social distancing forced new environments for learning, but the Crane School sense of discovery and exploration simply could not be stopped! It was extraordinary to witness students presenting final projects, reciting poems, and clearly proud of their many accomplishments throughout the last three months of the school year. Kids are kids and they just want to be with their friends, swinging from the monkey bars of the Big Toy or simply playing soccer on the vast Crane fields. I know the end of this year was difficult for everyone and the Class of 2020 did not envision spending their last days as Crane students
in virtual classrooms. Our 8th grade graduation is always a showstopper celebration at Crane School. This year, the graduation committee had to think outside the box to plan a digital celebration that would bring a sense of fun and closure for our graduates. On the morning of graduation, all members of the Class of 2020 received personalized wooden boxes, which were laserengraved in Crane’s Design & Engineering Center. Within the boxes were streamers and banners to decorate each home; personalized letters from administrators, the board president, and advisors; the traditional silver Crane pin with a letter from a devoted Staffulty member friend; the graduate’s diploma; and some celebratory cans of Silly String and sparkling cider to cap off the festivities! The ceremony was hosted through Zoom, and parents, extended family, Staffulty, and friends were in attendance to celebrate the Class of 2020. As with traditional Crane graduations, the highpoint of the ceremony is the personalized vignettes Upper School teachers read to each graduate. After Zooming, the graduation festivities continued into the afternoon with students and families driving through Crane’s parking lot for a final Victory Lap. Adorning a personalized Crane car flag, each vehicle passed through the lot amid cheers from Staffulty. Confetti in the air and bells ringing, it truly brought a sense of closure to this crazy year! Traditionally, graduation is the final celebration before we pivot to summer adventures. As we enter this summer of planning for a future impacted by a pandemic, I take solace knowing that Crane School has endured the many trials it has faced in the past. As I said to the students during graduation, I’m reminded of a flower forcing its way through a cement crack – we learn to adapt during less than ideal circumstances. We celebrated Crane School’s 90th anniversary last year and it stands as a reminder of the many challenges we have overcome to continue to flourish.
Joel J. Weiss Head of School 3
Grandparents’ Tea
Hana Harvey ’16 • Grandparent Day Speech • January 26, 2020 Just over three years ago, I walked into my first high school English class. I felt a little nervous because the teacher was known for being strict and giving out difficult homework. I was also really excited for what we were going to be learning that year.
work leads to satisfaction — even if the work takes time and I don’t fully understand what my labor will result in.
I impressed my freshman year English teacher with the fact that I not only knew the importance of using 12 point font, but that I also knew how to write a five paragraph essay, something she spent weeks teaching me and my fellow classmates. I was taught these skills by my beloved teachers at Crane, who knew exactly what skills I would need for my future.
forty chickens. Every morning, I fed them and collected their eggs, which we would eat for breakfast on Sundays.
Like Crane, Midland has a garden. Ours takes up eleven acres of land bordering the Los Padres National Forest, but like the Crane garden, it is largely tended to by students. We are the ones responsible for caring for and maintaining the garden and we feel the satisfaction of seeing the food we grew and harvested on our plates at dinner.
The high school I happened to choose and Crane have a lot in common — far more than I realized when I was thirteen. Even if I hadn’t gone to an admittedly weird boarding school in middle-of-nowhere California where students do all the work and we heat our shower water with wood fires, the lessons I learned at Crane would be valuable anywhere. Crane gave skills that gained me respect from my teachers and peers and I imagine that without them, I would be a sort of lazy shell of the person I am today, who would have had to learn MLA format with the rest of my class on the first day of high school. To Crane and its teachers I am eternally grateful — as I’m sure you all are too.
I was also super excited about the chickens as a student here and in fourth grade, I joined the Chicken Club — still possibly the best club I My classmates and I fell into perfect silence as my teacher began her have ever been a part of. A picture of me chasing a chicken through the lecture. She went over normal beginning of the year things, like the Crane chicken coop even ended up on a cover of the Montecito Journal. rubric and class expectations, and then she started getting to the I spent my free time after school “playing” with the chickens (I think in meat of the class period — which was MLA formatting. She started go- reality I was terrorizing them) and learning about chicken anatomy. I ing over how to format a high school essay — material I had first been think saying I was obsessed with the chickens is an understatement — taught by Mr. Caretto and Ms. Althoff in fifth grade here at Crane and they were my one true love. that had then been hammered into my head for the next three years Seven years later, long after my time as an official Chicken Club memby Mrs. Lombardi and Ms. Teare. ber, it became my responsibility at Midland to take care of the school’s
Another intensely vibrant Crane memory is ordering pizza for lunch as an eighth grader. I don’t know if this is still true, but we had the privilege of ordering pizza for lunch on Wednesdays. We also didn’t have to sit at the picnic tables during lunch, under one condition — we had to These days, I attend Midland School in Los Olivos. Although Midland pick up after ourselves. I remember that my class almost got our pizza and Crane look different on the surface (there is no pavement on privilege revoked several times, on the grounds that we somehow could Midland’s campus and to describe the school, admissions officers not figure out how to pick-up our pizza boxes after eating on the field. typically use the term “rustic, not rundown”), the schools have a lot At my high school, the campus is cleaned entirely by students and when in common. Like Crane, the values of Midland are rooted around ex- I arrived this felt natural. I used a space and it was my responsibility periential learning and giving students a hands-on education. Com- to take care of it. At Crane, I wasn’t allowed to get away with leaving munity is an essential piece of Midland and it really is what keeps the my messes for others to clean up after me and I learned an important school running. While taking a trip down memory lane and reflecting skill which translated into every aspect of my high school life, from livon my time at Crane, I saw similarity after similarity between the two ing with a roommate to being responsible for cleaning a bathroom or schools; each one almost uncanny in its shared individuality. classroom every morning.
I remember doing similar things here at Crane. When I was a younger student here, the garden was decidedly less cared for than it is now, since the program was just taking off, but we were still exposed to the satisfaction of planting seeds and watching them grow. Although I was young, working in the garden planted a seed in my mind that hard
Open House + Art Show
After
the
Grandparentsʼ
and
Special
Friendsʼ Tea, it has been a tradition that the students tour their grandparents through the Lower and Upper School art studios, showcasing multiple pieces of art by each student. In addition, all attendees were able to view the installation, Faces of Innocence, of over 100 photographs taken by well-known photographer Steve McCurry.
Crane Virtual Family Benefit It became clear by the end of March that Crane’s Spring Benefit, which was slated to be at the Coral Casino on Friday, May 1, could not happen in the traditional fashion. With much flexibility and help from many webinars, we kept the date, turned the benefit into a one-hour family-friendly virtual event, and had a fun-filled, energetic evening of singing, dancing, and game playing thanks to the superb emceeing of music teacher Konrad Kono. While we intentionally had no traditional silent, live, or online auctions, Joel Weiss did appeal to parents for financial support in light of the pandemic. We’re thrilled that we raised two-thirds of our originally budgeted Spring Benefit goal!
Debbie Williams Director of Development 5
PAST PARENT REUNION
Margerum Winery • February 12, 2020
REMOTE LEARNING lower and upper school
Kindergarten
POETRY IN KINDERGARTEN
Adair maggie and milly and molly and may
Alexandra Pancake?
Allison Rainbow
Austin Snowball
Dylan Skateboarding
Ethan Everybody Has A Name
Gaelen Nautilus
Hattie Hello, How are You? I am Fine
Hunter All of Me
Lou The Scroobius Pip (excerpt)
Luca Now We Are Six
Lydia Graduation Day
Mahana One of A Kind
Maude Rabbit
Phoenyx Song of the Lavender Fairy
Riley Risk
Ruby Spaghetti
Sam The Man in the Iron Pail Mask
Poetry is purposely woven into many aspects of the kindergarten curriculum. Since September, the kindergarten classroom has been sprinkled with playful words and rhymes that seem to dance through the air with magical rhythm. Titles such as “Gingerbread Cookies” and “Moon Catchin’ Net” were introduced during theme study classes where the students practiced not Tiger Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face only learning the words, but also reciting them with style! During small reading groups, students practiced their visualizing and verbalizing skills in relation to poetry. They listened to strings of carefully written words and learned to use those words to paint vivid pictures in their minds. While the kindergartners honed and refined their recitation skills during our class practice and presentations, the first school-wide recitation was during the Winter Sing in their class performance of “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.” The grand finale of the yearlong poetry study is the poem recitation at kindergarten graduation. Weeks before the big event, kindergartners are asked to search for the
Seeley Crowded Tub
Talia Letʼs Preserve our Nature
just-right poem. The poem might be playful, endearing, or represent a student’s interest or passion. After each student selects a poem, the words are committed to memory thanks to careful practice with parents and teachers. Finally, in their last performance as a kindergartner, each student is given a moment to shine as they recite their poem at the kindergarten graduation ceremony. This beloved and long-standing Crane tradition has been a part of this ceremony for over thirty years! In fact, there are three current Crane Staffulty members who were given this very task during their own kindergarten graduation. While many aspects of the spring semester shifted, the milestone moment of the poetry recitation lived on, thanks to the hard work and support of this year’s group of kindergartners and their parents. This year’s mix of poems was a charming representation of this loveable class. We are happy to honor their hard work and share the titles of selected poems with the greater Crane community. Be sure to congratulate our youngest learners on their accomplishments! Andrea Soto Kindergarten Co-Teacher
First Grade
keeping traditions alive The end of each school year is always full of traditions as we wrap up our time together, and this year was no different! Despite the distance between us with remote learning, first graders still wrote letters of advice to the upcoming students, made summer plans, and received memory books! Meganʼ 99 Flannery and Courtney Fleming First Grade Co-Teachers Summer Loving
The Truth About First Grade Each first grade student wrote a letter of advice, which included inside information to a current Crane kindergartner in order to ease his or her potential first grade jitters! We reminisced by taking a trip down memory lane with a video of photos from our time together. As we culminated our letter-writing unit, each first grader wrote a friendly letter entitled, The Truth About First Grade, to a kindergarten buddy. This is a longstanding first grade tradition in which the children usually read their letters while touring the kindergarteners around our room in late spring. While parts of that tradition could not be maintained this year, parents helped to make a personalized video of their child reading the letter, which we sent to each member of the kindergarten class! "You are going to have so much fun in first grade!" ― Etta "You will never forget building skyscrapers with some of your friends." ― Elle
During the last week of school, first graders pondered about their upcoming summer! While summer plans typically include vacations and the excitement of summer camps, we challenged students to think of family oriented, at-home adventures like backyard camping, water play, and family bike rides. We made a video of our own families engaging in these summertime activities to help the students start developing their own summer plans. Each student wrote a five sentence paragraph, full of descriptive adjectives outlining their summer hopes and dreams!
"I am going to the beach to body surf and swim." ― West "This summer will be different but I will still find ways to make it fun." ― Layla
"You need to know that your teachers smile a lot." ― Willow "Remember to always be a first time listener." ― Eastan "Don't worry if the teachers' names confuse you." ― Hudson "My final advice is always be curious." ― Kian Memory Books Traditionally, on the last day of school, first graders take home a special Memory Book full of their writing, artwork, and thematic projects from the entire school year. This year it was particularly important that we ended on a sweet note, so we hit the road and hand delivered First Grade Memory Boxes, full of workbooks, mementos, class awards, and memory books, to every student's house. At each stop we said a safe social distanced good-bye to each student who we had not seen in person for months! It was the perfect ending to a very strange spring semester.
"I will catch a rainbow trout and eat it!" ― Leo
"When we get there we are going to set up for two days of camping!" ― Eloise
Second Grade
LEARNING BY DOING STILL PRESENT
Throughout the second grade year, a major focus is engaging students in experiential learning. In the fall a large tent is set up in the classroom to create a cozy reading space to celebrate a favorite author, Kevin Henkes. Later, the room is transformed into a bustling downtown where student business owners open their doors to shoppers of all ages. In the winter, second grade travelers board a train and embark on a journey that takes them from coast to coast while students take on different roles, from conductor and snack purveyor to naturalist and state expert. But not all experiential learning activities happen in the classroom. This year, over half of the second grade students joined Coyotes Outside, an afterschool outdoor explorers club. They traversed the natural spaces in the Montecito community, looked at maps, used compasses, hiked nearby trails, splashed in the streams, and built dams. They became a community of explorers, working together as a cohesive unit. Experiential learning is embedded in the curriculum all year long. So, when we moved to remote learning in the spring, just as our Inventions Unit was to begin, we wondered how experiential learning would happen when students were at home. Could we continue to give students an opportunity to explore concepts and support Crane’s trademark teaching style of learning by doing? With a little creative thinking and student ingenuity we discovered the answer was a resounding yes! During our morning sessions students continued to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek solutions to problems. Their curious nature was evident as we analyzed and compared how transportation and communication inventions have changed the world. When we studied famous inventors like Thomas Edison and lesser-known ones such as Frank Epperson, the inventor of the Popsicle, many students took the opportunity to see how juice can transform into a frozen treat overnight. We worked with students during daily conferences to guide research and model writing skills as they focused on learning more about an inventor of their choice. The students then used their breadth of knowledge to create biography posters and give presentations to the class. Inspired by the inventors they studied, our young scholars also solved problems close to their heart. In their very own maker spaces at home, many of our students sketched ideas and tinkered with materials they had on hand. Parent photographers helped document their progress and capture the magic of their child’s imagination. We then took their sketches, designs, pictures, and video explanations and made invention commercials. From a self-defense bracelet to riser blocks to help you reach things up high, student ingenuity was alive and well during remote learning. Our setting may have changed, but opportunities for hands-on learning in our daily sessions were still present. We have been inspired to reimagine what teaching and learning can look like in the future. We are confident that teachers can successfully incorporate “learning by doing” into daily routines whether teaching happens remotely or on campus. Chandler Hartnett Teaching Fellow
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Karen Ohrn Second Grade Teacher
the world of poetry
Third Grade
This spring, the third graders put on their creative hats and explored the world of poetry. They learned about a variety of poetic structures including haiku, cinquain, limerick,hats and free verse. Enjoy these the third grade originals! This spring, the third graders put onconcrete, their color, creative and explored world of poetry. Julia Collins Donna Brown They learned about a variety of poetic structures including haiku, cinquain, concrete, Teaching Fellow Third Grade Teacher color, limerick, and free verse. Enjoy these third grade originals!
Curran When I go up to get him, he’s in his bright white fly-sheet waiting for me by the inviting silver gate with his ears perked up like an eager bunny When I ride him I feel like I’m a part of him, the part that is safe and warm Clippity clop, clippity clop on the trail at last… ~Brooklyn
~Addie
Dog
By Eli Babich Dog howls as if tornado Their paws as soft as playdoh Its fur as furry as a coat Sadly they’re too young to vote They beg and beg for food, but I say no ~Charlotte Potatoes By Indigo
I eat them every meal, hash browns for breakfast, french fries with hamburgers for lunch, and last but definitely not least, mashed potatoes with steak all delicious (unless my brother makes them) Qualities of a good potato mashed must be salty, creamy, buttery, maybe some gravy baked must be buttery, not too hard, not to soft, and maybe some parsley Maybe a side of steak and cooked carrots Hmmmmmmmm, now I’m hungry
Skiing By Jasper
Swish Swish Swish My skis gliding Swish Swoop Silence I take air, peace for a moment Thwump shsh swish bitter cold, it could freeze, boiling water in an instant, but it doesn't bother me now Swish Glide Swish Snow like it jumped off a cloud and now it’s biting my face Memories
Ducati by Seraphina
Ruff, ruff, racing out the door I sit, he sits on me I put my face close to his lick lick, he
nose
licked my !! Ducati is sweet, loving, adorable, cute Ducati is my friend
Fourth Grade
lower school experience
SUMMER DREAMINʼ Maybe we can’t go there this summer, but we can dream, imagine, remember… Enjoy the following excerpts: This summer I can only dream of smelling the fresh mountain air of Andorra, hearing the pitter patter of the rain in England, and gazing at the gorgeous mountain ranges of Spain's countryside. The extraordinary windy roads that crisscross through the hills and dive under mountains into road tunnels make me so happy. I would look down from those roads and see large vast valleys down below me, filled with colorful flowers. — Marlin in Europe
This summer I was supposed to go see my first Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field was built in 1914 and still is a top-three stadium in baseball. It is such a pleasant place to visit from its joyful peanut vendors to the stunning green ivy wall in the outfield… Wrigley Field isn’t all about the game; it’s also about the experience, and more than it is a baseball stadium, it’s an iconic landmark. — Johnny at Wrigley Field
I can see a deer prancing off into the distance as a bluegill jumps out of the lake. I can see the long dirt road that I have biked down hundreds of times before. I see tiny ducklings swimming gently but swiftly. I can taste the well-recognized blueberry pancakes that my grandpa made for breakfast. — Emmanuel in Minnesota
I touch the silky sand sliding through the palms of my hands and the swirly shells on the tips of my fingers. I see the black sand beach and the sheep in the hills with wool similar to fluffy clouds. — Emerson in New Zealand
I can see us having a lot of fun in the big blue lake. I can see a rope line that I hold onto and then let go and I fall into the water from high up. I can see deer and gentle tiny turtles and peacocks wandering by the lake and looking at us. I see the brown wood cabin, and I see me sleeping in my own bed, warm and comfy. I can see someone setting up some traps for Bigfoot. — Diego in a lake house near Yosemite ESPERANZA RISING This spring, we read Pam Munoz Ryan’s novel, Esperanza Rising. This book addressed concepts of immigration, class differences, racism, and hope. Students enjoyed the adventurous elements of the story as well as understanding Esperanza’s perspective, as she transitioned from the life she knew in Mexico to her new circumstances in California. In the spirit of multi-sensory learning, students sampled grapes, papaya, figs, and other produce mentioned in the chapters.
I can see a gurgling stream winding through fields of orchids, plumeria and hibiscus trees, then falling down a waterfall into a pool of clear pure water where Koi fish gently swim. — Paulina in Oahu
I see the giant rocks, standing strong and tall, as we start to walk up the hill. I can see big round boulders, and the red rocks of Sedona, striped with the colors of red, orange, and yellow. I see the frozen ice, arched in the shape of a small waterfall. The water is still trickling under the layer of cold ice. It is smooth and cold to the touch. — Poppy in Sedona In my grandparents’ house in Maine, the kitchen smells like lobster and garlic bread. On their boat are fishy smells, seaweed, and the smells of my cousins’ wet dogs that came with us. — Ella in Maine Patti Smart Fourth Grade Teacher
REMOTE LEARNING As we transitioned from working on campus to remote learning, students demonstrated remarkable resilience. With daily “office hours” we were able to have more one on one interaction and work together in small groups. This allowed us to further learn about each other as growing individuals. Often, children would introduce their pets as special guests and sometimes give us a tour of their gardens. Students shared their thoughts as they reflected on our world as it is changing before our eyes. Stephanie Bagish Fourth Grade Teacher
12
lower school experience
You know it’s spring when the fifth graders begin preparing for three major events during the last few months of the school year. Events that would normally take place in Boston, the Mulberry Tree Quad, and Cate Hall were all presented virtually from the students’ homes. These events include a weeklong Boston trip, an in-depth study of a famous American, and the recitation of a poem presented to both the school and parent communities. It comes as no surprise that the Boston trip had to transition to a virtual journey this year. Through the educational program at Sturbridge Village, fifth graders visited some of the traditional sites to learn about life in 1830s New England. As cooking is usually a part of this experience, they were challenged to make a recipe from scratch in their own kitchens. Students also took a virtual walking tour of the Freedom Trail and were able to learn about the famous ride of Paul Revere while visiting the Revere house. They studied the Longfellow poem that recounted the events of that evening and analyzed the inconsistencies that changed the actual event into one of legend. Their semester-long study of a famous American, which included detailed research and writing, concluded with their personal portrayal of a historic individual on Google Meet. Students regaled their classmates with stories of their Americans’ lives and answered questions virtually. The recitation of a poem of at least twelve lines is a tradition that bookends the Lower School experience. For many fifth graders, their first recitation took place at kindergarten graduation. Now, as they end their time in the Lower School, they participated in this second rite of passage prior to entering Upper School. These recitations—humorous, poignant, and inspiring—were also filmed at home and shared with the Crane community in one of our end-of-year assemblies. We are very proud of our fifth graders for navigating this unique time with complete success! Carrie Althoff Chris Caretto Fifth Grade Teachers
Maddie Davidian Teaching Fellow
Fifth Graders with their choice of a famous American for an in-depth study: Edie Abbott Astrid Andrade Nat Babich Avery Barrell Aydin Barry Chloe Bellamy Jordan Caratachea Keanu Christiansen Lucien Dempsey Ronan Dowling Maisie Duncan Owen Eiler Kaden Greene Java Holloway Alexei Ivanovic Jamie Levinson Reagan Mack Peter Markham Fiona McCoy Teke Meisel Jackson Muller Loma Murdy Austin Muzzy Zackary Pesepane Marlow Rogers Andrew Sheshunoff Mia Talerico
Georgia O’Keeffe Walt Disney Neil Armstrong Abigail Adams Ethan Allen Amelia Earhart Cesar Chavez Davy Crockett Lewis and Clark John Muir Maya Angelou William Cody/Buffalo Bill Wright Brothers Annie Oakley Sitting Bull Ben Franklin Frederick Douglass Muhammad Ali Martha Graham George Washington Albert Einstein Louisa May Alcott Wild Bill Hickok Harry Houdini Richard Nixon Jimmy Carter Harriet Tubman
October Evening by Robinson Jeffers Male-throated under the shallow sea-fog Moaned a ship’s horn quivering the shorelong granite. Coyotes toward the valley made answer, Their little wolf-pads in the dead grass by the stream Wet with the young season’s first rain, Their jagged wail trespassing among the steep stars. What stars? Aldebaran under the dove-leash Pleiades. I though, in an hour Orion will be risen, Be glad for summer is dead and the sky Turns over to darkness, good storms, few guests, glad rivers. This poem was recited by 5th grader Lucien Dempsey.
Fifth Grade
alumni news Congratulations Class of 2016 on all your high school accomplishments. Come back and visit us!
Class of 2016 Tommy Brittingham
Hana Harvey
Katie Ohrn
Ian Brown
Rosy Hernandez
Lily Pieramici
Attended: The Thacher School Attending: University of Southern California Marshall School of Business (fall 2021) (fall 2020 – gap year New Zealand /Colorado) Head Tour Guide and Prefect Thacher Surf Club President Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Georgetown University Eagle Scout Head of School Pin - Senior Scholar Athlete
Macy Christal
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Southern Methodist University Scholar Athlete
Harry Corman
Attended: Cate School Attending: Bates College (soccer) First Team All Tri-Valley League (soccer) Head of the Jewish Student Union National All-Hair Team 2019-2020
Attended: Midland School Attending: Smith College (fall 2021) (fall 2020 – gap year of travel) Benedict Rich Award–outstanding leadership Certified Ranger Head Prefect Attended: Santa Barbara High School Attending: Santa Barbara City College School of Cosmetology
Mark Huerta
Attended: Cate School Attending: Stanford University James Masker Global Studies Award Model United Nations
Bryce Jackson
Attended: Cate School Attending: Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business 4-year member of Cate School rock band 6-varsity letters water polo/soccer/lacrosse
Owen Jones
Attended: Santa Barbara High School Attending: Northwestern University AP Scholar with Distinction Distinguished Don Award Presidents’ Community Service Award
Khadim Pouye
Attended: Cate School Attending: Santa Barbara City College Student Activities Award 10-varsity letters Varsity Sports Senior Captains Award (basketball)
Melina Powell
Attended: Phillips Academy Attending: Carleton College (MN)
Attended: The Thacher School Attending: Occidental College Captain–Basketball Team Named First Team All League
Attended: Cate School Attending: Emory University (Atlanta) Freshman Seminar TA Outdoor Program Award Physics Prize
C-Mo Ridge
Spencer Drew
Paige Levinson
Attended: Cate School Attending: Williams College Durham Writing Prize Morgan Gwynne Temby Humanitarian Award Santa Barbara Scholarship Cup
Owen Dexter-Meldrum
Attended: San Marcos High CTE & Culinary Arts Programs Attending: Santa Barbara City College Golf Team all 4 years
John Geyer
Attended: The Thacher School Attending: Dartmouth College
Ethan Ha
Attended: Cate School Attending: Westmont College Morgan Gwynne Temby Humanitarian Award Public Service Award Varsity Sports Senior Captains Award (water polo / tennis)
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Santa Clara University Director of Communications TEDx events Presidential Service Award Scholar Athlete Award (all 4 years)
Dylan MacFarlane
Attended: Cate School Attending: Stanford University Cum Laude Photography Prize
Ainsley McGovern
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: New York University Scholar Athlete
Jack Morouse
14
Attended: San Marcos High School Attending: Santa Barbara City College; Pepperdine University fall 2021 National Honor Society Community Service Award Theater Award/Scholarship
Attended: Santa Barbara High School Attending: Santa Barbara City College National Honor Society
Kimberly Rogers
Guinevere Samora
Attended: San Marcos High School Attending: Santa Barbara City College
Julia Samuels
Attended: Santa Barbara High School Attending: Boston University (fall 2021) Boston University Book Award PTA Reflections Contest Songwriting Award 2019 Storyteller Volunteer of the Year Award
Bella Sanford
Attended: California School of the Arts Creative Writing Conservatory Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: University of Southern California Attending: University of California at Berkeley Bilingual Marshall School of Business Full college scholarship Scholar Athlete Valedictorian status; National Honor Society
Class of 2016 JR Shelburne
Attended: Cate School Attending: Stanford University With honors; Cum Laude History Prize Co-Captain Boys’ Lacrosse
Zoe Silverberg
Attended: San Marcos High Attending: Tulane University Delegate to ADL National Youth Leadership Mission TEDx Santa Barbara speaker Tulane Leadership Merit Award
Juliana Slater
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Tulane University Graphics Coordinator at SBTV Lead Roles Laguna Blanca theater productions Varsity Soccer
Chris Tarafa
Attended: Cate School Attending: Southern Methodist University
Xiaxia Taylor
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: (fall 2020 – gap year) Elena D’Agostina Art Award– dedication to artistic development Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team Captain Scholar Athlete
Connor Trost
Attended: Bishop Garcia Diego High School Attending: undecided
Olivia Trujillo
Attended: Alta Vista High School Middle College Attending: University of Redlands (first generation college student) Achievement Award Scholarship (UR) 36+ college credits Varsity Lacrosse (SBHS)
Emi Wahlberg
Attended: Santa Barbara High School Attending: Santa Barbara City College
Luca Wahlberg
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Claremont Makenna College Scholar Athlete
alumni news
Kerick Walker
Attended: Phillips Exeter Academy Attending: Pomona College (basketball) 2-time NEPSAC Champion/Team Captain for Varsity Basketball 7-term Highest Academic Honors History Award for Harkness and Approach
Tea Wallmark
Attended: The Thacher School Attending: Dartmouth College
Natasha Weiss
Attended: Cate School Attending: Yale University Graduated with Highest Honors Sculpture Prize Writing Prize
Daniela Wood
Attended: Carpinteria High School Attending: Skidmore College Will graduate from high school Spring 2021 / College Fall 2021
Nick Riney Ashler Sedlin
class of 2016 reunion (may 8) Though not as originally planned, the alumni reunion took place on its originally scheduled date and time for the class of 2016, just in a different format — virtually. Attended by both the 2020 high school graduates and several current and retired Staffulty members, it was a great reminder about the strength of community. It was a wonderful way to hear about these graduates’ future plans and a chance to wish them the very best on their future endeavors.
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020
Hala Abed*
Chloe Adams*
Greer Biddlecome*
Melanie Davidson
Kate Deardorff*
Christian Gonzalez
Avi Gordon*
Henry Hagerman*
Will Hammond
Deacon Johnson
Jack Kane
Cooper Lender*
Drew Levinson*
Bella Lomeli*
Ingrid Lu
Paloma Lujan*
Regina Lujan*
Brody McGonigle
Cole Murphy
Tanner Murphy
Camilla Perkins
Elizabeth Purdy*
Robert Reyes
Griffin Rick*
Graham Rogers*
Luke Sain*
Phoenix Seal
Charles Sheldon*
Leighton Smith
Diego Veras
Summer Corey
Shane Gifford
Louis Leclercq
Ganden Walker*
Zach White
* K-8 Crane "Lifer"
The Crane faculty and staff are very proud of the accomplishments of the eighth grade class of 2020 and wish them the best of luck in their high school adventures.
Awty International (TX)
Dos Pueblos High School
Santa Barbara High School
Ingrid Lu
Camilla Perkins Charlie Sheldon
Chloe Adams Summer Corey Shane Gifford Cooper Lender Bella Lomeli Robert Reyes Leighton Smith
Bishop Diego High School Avi Gordon Diego Veras
Episcopal (VA) Hala Abed
Cate School
Laguna Blanca School
Melanie Davidson Christian Gonzalez Will Hammond Zach White
Henry Hagerman Louis Leclercq Drew Levinson Paloma Lujan Regina Lujan Brody McGonigle Cole Murphy Tanner Murphy Griffin Rick Ganden Walker Loomis Chaffee (CT) Elizabeth Purdy Oaks Christian Luke Sain
Santa Catalina Greer Biddlecome Stevenson School Phoenix Seal The Thacher School Deacon Johnson Graham Rogers Undecided Kate Deardorff Jack Kane
Awards
Class of 2020
Headmaster’s Prize
Lejeune Teaching Fellowship
description Awarded to the student who, through
description An annual award for an inspirational teacher
leadership, participation, and consideration of others, has served best as an example for us all
recipient Henry Hagerman Amiability Award description Awarded to the student who showed the greatest cooperation with congeniality toward all
recipient Henry Hagerman
Ingrid Lu
Art Cup description Given for exellence in studio art or design that consistently highlights original thought and creativity
recipient
Leighton Smith
Dan McCaslin History Cup description Given in honor of retired teacher Dan McCaslin to the student that demonstrates outstanding effort, achievement, curiosity, and consistent participation in the study and discussion of history
recipient
Christian Gonzalez
David Echols Math Cup: Mathcounts Team description Given in honor of former Crane teacher David Echols to the student with outstanding performance in mathematics
recipients Melanie Davidson
Christian Gonzalez Will Hammond Ingrid Lu
Design & Engineering Award description Given to recognize the student whose designs have exhibited social consciousness, outstanding skill in fabrication, and technical innovation
recipient
Avianna Gordon Elizabeth Purdy
Drama Cup description Awarded for outstanding participation and memorable performance on the stage
recipient
Graham Rogers
Julia Brown English Cup description Given in honor of former English teacher Julia Brown to the student who has demonstrated the highest achievement and greatest love of learning English
recipient
recipient
Donna Brown
Elizabeth Teare
Third Grade Teacher Upper School English Teacher
Lejeune Language Award (Spanish Cup) description Given in memory of founding Head of School Arnold Lejeune for outstanding achievement, effort, and enthusiasm in the study of the Spanish language and culture
recipient
Henry Hagerman Cooper Lender
Library Award description Given to the student who shows a voracious appetite for books and reading, who uses the library resources well, and is an avid participant in the summer reading program
recipient
Melanie Davidson Christian Gonzalez
Music Cup description Awarded for diligent study and accomplishment in the realm of music
recipient
Henry Hagerman
Nagle Community Service Award description Awarded in memory of Frank Nagle, to the student who showed outstanding enthusiasm in community service
recipient
Henry Hagerman
Rose Bowl description Given in honor of former Crane teacher Cathy Rose, to an unmistakably unconventional eighth grader
recipient
Griffin Rick
Science Cup description Awarded to the student who most closely embodies, through outstanding effort and achievement, the popular sentiment at Crane that “science is everywhere”
recipient Melanie Davidson
Sheila Davidson Cup description Given in honor of former Crane Coach Sheila Davidson, to the athlete who best exemplifies commitment, teamwork, passion, and sportsmanship
recipient
Deacon Johnson Charlie Sheldon
Ingrid Lu
Congratulations Graduates
Awards
Class of 2020
Award Recipients
(left to right)
Sports Cup description Awarded for outstanding performance and participation in athletics
recipients Chloe Adams
Ganden Walker
Talia S. Klein Award description Given to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has been an unassuming force for good
recipient
Chloe Adams Sports Cup Melanie Davidson David Echols Math Cup Library Award Science Cup Christian Gonzalez Dan McCaslin History Cup David Echols Math Cup Library Award Talia S. Klein Award Avianna Gordon Design & Engineering Award Henry Hagerman Amiability Award Headmaster’s Prize Lejeune Language Award Music Cup Nagle Community Service Award Will Hammond David Echols Math Cup Deacon Johnson Sheila Davidson Cup Cooper Lender Lejeune Language Award Ingrid Lu Amiability Award David Echols Math Cup Julia Brown English Cup Elizabeth Purdy Design & Engineering Award Griffin Rick Rose Bowl Technical Theater Award Graham Rogers Drama Cup Charlie Sheldon Sheila Davidson Cup Tower Achievement Award Leighton Smith Art Cup Ganden Walker Sports Cup Tower Achievement Award Donna Brown Lejeune Teaching Fellowship Elizabeth Teare Lejeune Teaching Fellowship
Christian Gonzalez
Technical Theater Award description Given to the student who has excelled in the mastery of all electronic systems used in the theater
recipients Griffin Rick
Tower Achievement Award description Awarded to the student who showed greatest academic improvement through effort and application
recipient
Charlie Sheldon Ganden Walker
Award Recipients!
19
alumni news Chris Cohen ’97 and his wife, Nellie, welcomed
a Consulting Hydrogeologist for GSI Water Solutions
a son, Augustine "Auggie" Dietz, on May 27,
Inc. in Santa Barbara and Sam is the Volunteer and
2020. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and
Interpretation Manager at the Santa Barbara Museum
was 21 inches long. He joins his big brother,
of Natural History Sea Center. Sam regularly sees Crane
Dean (2.5 years old), to make a family of
students on their field trips and says they are some of
four. Chris continues to practice as a social
her favorite volunteers. They live in Mission Canyon
enterprise and estate-planning attorney
with their dog, Huckleberry, and are
in Ojai, and Nellie recently launched a
enjoying their first year of marriage.
consulting firm focused on recommerce and corporate environmental strategy and
Max Barbakow ’03 is a director/writer
marketing.
in Los Angeles. After graduating
Alex Rochestie ’97
from the American Film Institute and his wife, Ashley,
Conservatory
with
an
MFA
in
on
Directing, Max spent time chasing documentary projects
December 14, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital in
around the world, from the 2016 Republican National
Santa Monica. Campbell is an active baby
Convention in Cleveland to an intensive filmmaking lab
and is always smiling. They are living in Los
with Werner Herzog in the Cuban jungle. Most recently,
Angeles where Alex is the founder of Spiro100
Palm Springs, his debut narrative feature starring Andy
– an online wellness platform for the active
Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J.K. Simmons, premiered
aging community, and Ashley is a sales
at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews (currently
manager at The RealReal.
100% on Rotten Tomatoes), before NEON and Hulu
welcomed
son
Campbell
Theodore
acquired it for a record-setting figure. They will release the
A.Tianna Scozzaro ’99 and her husband, Andre
dark romantic comedy in drive-in theaters and streaming
McGlashan, welcomed son Lionel Joseph on
platforms on July 10. Next up is the adventure-adventure
May 17. Weighing in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces,
con artist comedy Good Bad and Undead, starring Peter
the proud parents are settling into their new
Dinklage and Jason Momoa in a Game
family life in Washington D.C.
of Thrones reunion, which he will direct for Legendary Entertainment.
Quentin Roberts ’01, SBHS ’05, UCSD ’09, and Wren Thomas were married September 14,
Kristen Franz ’03 Cantor and husband
2019 in Hopland, California in the gardens
Zach met in Santa Monica and were
of Campovida. Quentin and Wren met in
married at Hollister Ranch in 2017.
college. In 2012, they moved to the Bay Area
They welcomed their son, Bennett,
for graduate school. Quentin graduated from
on May 31, 2019. The family is
USF with a law degree and Wren obtained
enjoying the beach life in Santa
her PhD from UC Berkeley in neuroscience.
Barbara, where Kristen is the founder and principal of
Both are working in San Francisco; Wren in
Franz Design Studio, Landscape Architecture, and Zach
biotech at Genentech, and Quentin at the law
is the managing attorney at his law firm, Cantor Law.
firm Diamond McCarthy. In their free time they travel, cook, laugh, and enjoy life.
Morgan Lunt ’07,
Dos Pueblos ’11,
UCSD ’15, is living in Seattle with
Erica Fieger ’02 is an Assistant Engineer for
his girlfriend, Emily. They have
the Coachella Valley Water District. She is an
purchased their first home and
agriculture specialist and is working towards
Morgan works for Microsoft.
her Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Brian Franz ’02
Aaron Lunt ’09, Dos Pueblos ’13, UCI
and Samantha Macks met
’17, is living with his fiancé, Rachel,
at the Santa Barbara Harbor in July of 2015,
in Santa Barbara where they bought
were engaged in April 2017, and married at
their first home. Aaron works for the
Matteis Tavern in Los Olivos in September
local engineering company, SpaceK,
2019. Kristen Franz Cantor, Crane alumna,
where one of his supervisors is a
was the matron of honor. Brian works as
Crane past parent, Jeff Childers.
alumni news Berkeley ’17, completed a degree in
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Sofia Schuster ’18 In sixth grade, I began my journey
Public Health. She is living in Davis with
at Crane, and was immediately immersed in the
her boyfriend, Trevin. She will enter UC
inclusive and dynamic culture. My classes in music,
Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in
theater, and English nurtured my passion for the
fall 2020.
performing arts. I took opportunities to perform
Emily Lunt ’09,
Dos Pueblos ’13, UC
Spencer Smith ’10 (pictured with his sister Summer ’13) graduated from the
in front of my peers regularly, which stretched me beyond my comfort zone and strengthened my selfconfidence, and laid the foundation for my performing career.
Santa Barbara City Fire Department’s
Last year during my freshman year of high school, I won a local singing
42nd Academy on June 12, 2020 and
competition, Teen Star, and a few months later I received a message
has begun his probationary year as a
from a casting director for American Idol. Before I knew it, I was
firefighter for the City of Santa Barbara.
performing an original song for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke
He
Maritime
Bryan and receiving the golden ticket to Hollywood. As the youngest
with his bachelor’s degree in Marine
competitor at fifteen, I knew I was up against formidable competitors.
Transportation in 2018, then completed
In reflection of my time on American Idol, I realize it was the work ethic
the Allan Hancock Fire Academy in
and belief in myself that I learned from Crane teachers Mr. McKenzie,
2019. During that time he also worked
Ms. Teare, Mr. Downey, and Mr. Kono that enabled me to make it as far
on the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol crew
as I did. Each time I perform, I am transported to where it all began,
with his former Crane QED mentor,
on the Crane stage. The lessons I learned, the relationships fostered,
Anthony Lombardi.
and the education I received at Crane are forever embedded inside me.
Brooke McGill ’11
University of Notre Dame with a BS in
In Memoriam: David W. Russell ’39 passed away at the age of 94 in December. He was
Neuroscience and Behavior in May 2019.
born in New York City and attended Crane from the 4th through 8th
In August 2019, she began Creighton
grades. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He died peacefully
University School of Medicine. This
at home in San Mateo surrounded by his beloved family.
graduated
from
Cal
graduated from the
summer she will be involved with pediatric research.
Maud Christal ’16, Paige Levinson ’16, Zoe Lozano ’18, Molly Morouse ’18, Emma Raith ’16, and Kate Spaulding ’17 all participated in the team behind the January 29, 2020 presentation of TEDx at Laguna Blanca School.
Class of 1997 Alumni Reunion With the Thomas Fire two years ago and Crane’s 90th anniversary last year, the class of 1997 had to wait and celebrate its 20+ year reunion on December 22, 2019.
Boo Ridge ’18, honor roll and middle blocker on JV Volleyball Team at SBHS.
Diego Velazquez ’18
was named the
#1 squash player at the Santa Barbara School of Squash and was lucky enough to attend Stanford’s Summer Squad Squash Camp in 2019. He hopes to attend again this summer.
Charlotte Weis ’18 received the Frank B. Light History Cup at Cate School.
Ryan Slater ’19,
president of SBHS freshman class; JV
Volleyball.
Tatiana Young ’19 received the Joseph Knowles Foundation Arts Award at Cate School.
top row: Colin Grant, Chris Cohen, Christy Kovacs, Louis Caron, Julian Davis, Sam Cross middle row: Courtland Smith, Katie Bank, Grace Jackson bottom row: Noelle Nelson; Sierra Witnov; Sarah Bixler; Dari Cohn Sidney; Brad Vickers
Science
lower school
You may have heard the saying, “Models are wrong, but some are useful.� In science, models are a simplified representation of phenomena. They help us understand, learn about, and predict patterns in the natural world. When Lower School scientists make and interact with physical models, they create a path to complex scientific concepts and phenomena. Enjoy these photos of each grade demonstrating the making of such paths. Christine Bouma Lower School Science Teacher
22
Sixth Grade Addie Pidduck
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING: TINKERCAD Teaching in the current Age of Innovation is a tremendously exciting time to be in the Design & Engineering Center where fabrication is the name of the game. Just in time for Crane School’s transition to online learning, sixth grade students delved into the colorful and playful world of TinkerCAD, an online software tool for building in three dimensions. The primary goal was for students to simply have fun letting their imaginations wander. From a giant red lobster, to “hamsterville,” to rabbit-shaped water towers, the Class of 2022 learned to creatively merge and manipulate basic geometric shapes to create stunning 3D creations. This program also happens to be one of the more intuitive and individual platforms used in the Design & Engineering Center, making it optimal for independent learning. As their culminating project, students were tasked with designing a city. It did not have to be realistic, or even be for humans—it could be for sheep, or aliens, or anything else! Sixth graders all demonstrated their TinkerCAD expertise and constructed strikingly ingenious cities.
Gweneth McTigue
Going above and beyond is always an option for students in the Design & Engineering Center where projects are “challenge by choice” and studentdriven. Two sixth graders, Leo Korman and Ian Sheshunoff, already had experience and background in 3D printing. During the COVID-19 shelter-inplace order, they borrowed 3D printers from the Crane Design & Engineering Center and kept themselves busy by taking on the challenge of 3D printing face shields for medical professionals. Leo and Ian demonstrate the true spirit of community that is at the heart of all we do here at Crane.
Madeline Rick
Lora McManus Teaching Fellow
Mason Copus
Massimo Bonilla-Zakosek
WORD ART
In English, the sixth graders were asked to type any and all words that describe, symbolize, or reflect this year for them into a shared document. Using Word Art they chose the shape of a tree. 23
Seventh Grade This was the 19th year of Q.E.D., and yet it was a year like no other! The second semester of the seventh grade year, students are paired with a mentor who is an expert in a field they would like to know more about. Some seventh graders explore careers, hobbies, personal interests, and some use this opportunity to learn something they have always wanted to learn. This year's seventh graders started their projects in the winter and were well along when a global pandemic hit and we all were asked to shelter in place. Some of our students were able to continue with their original idea, and others had to switch their project in its entirety. One thing all seventh graders learned was adaptability and flexibility this spring! This is a capstone project for seventh graders, and we were still able to hold a Q.E.D. night celebration — digitally using Zoom. Traci Cope Librarian and QED Coordinator
QED PROJECTS 2020
QED STUDENTS GiGi Abed Mason Ball Kiy Barry Thomas Bilek Henry Bouma Ava Brilman Alexandra Calderon Ruby Campbell Pierce Dowling Jacob Gabbay Kylee Greene Fafi Guerrand Hermes Soren Haddock Citlaly Hernandez Nieto Milla Hirsch Caroline Horton Ilya Ivanovic Josue Iventura Caroline Kenny Vivi Klentner Liam Knezevic Jules Leclercq Milton Lopez Zadin Lozano Silvie Marsetti Eli Meisel Porter Murray Samuel Narva Nathan Newlove Hiro Phillips Isabel Rochel Natalie Schweitzer Ethan Somer Matt Stoney Mias van Tonder Georgette von Yurt Linn Wallmark Benjamin White Zsa Zsa Zemeckis
Surfboard making Figure drawing Photography Hunting safety certification Building own computer Music production and creation Community service raising funds for local nonprofit Asian cultural ceramics Art from mythology in different cultures Basketball training Photography Architecture and design Cooking Dog training Natural cosmetics and skin care Comic book character design Studying great white shark Investing and stock market Photography Horse vet intern Architectural design and 3D model rendering Shape surfboard Zoo animal care and Mexican food cooking Baking Japanese tea ceremonies SCUBA and underwater photography Architecture design Make sports shoes DJing Screenwriting Horse training and running a riding school Cake decorating Cooking Commercial lobster fishing 30 day fitness challenge Fashion design Understanding the stock market Learning to cook Acting
Seventh Grade
QUINCEAÑERA TRADITION As part of our study of Julia Alvarez’s book, Before We Were Free, seventh grade students planned a quinceañera, a Latina tradition highlighted in the book. In the story, the family decides to throw a quinceañera at their compound since they cannot leave their house due to difficulties surrounding the Trujillo dictatorship. Leading up to the quinceañera, seventh grade students participated in crosscurricular work in both English and Spanish classes. In English class, students read and wrote responses on a variety of topics related to the book. In Spanish class, students learned the merengue and created electronic posters on various aspects of Dominican culture. In a joint assignment for the final step in finishing the book, Antes de ser libres (Before We Were Free), students wrote a poem in Spanish and a poem in English from the perspective of the main character, Anita. It was wonderful to see the laughter and enthusiasm in the students while celebrating literature and traditions from Spanish speaking cultures.
From the students: We celebrated the seventh grade with a quinceañera. Due to social distancing we had a modified version of our traditional celebration. Normally, we would be gathered outside of Cate Hall dancing to music and honoring a chosen quinceañera. This year everyone was to create a Coming of Age poster to be shared with the class over a Google Meet. There was good Hispanic music and everyone loved the Coming of Age posters that the whole seventh grade created. We talked about traditional Dominican Republic food, beverages, and pastries. It was a good way to connect with the whole class during this pandemic. Even though we weren’t able to see each other in person it was great to see all of our classmates and we all had an excellent time. We would like to thank our teachers, Ms. Amery and Ms. Fischer, for arranging this wonderful event for us. Caroline Kenny and Milton Lopez
Lauren Amery & Alexis Fischer 7th Grade English and Spanish Teachers
25
Eighth Grade Eighth Grade Speeches A tradition that began decades ago still continues each Tuesday and Thursday when an 8th grader is responsible for an Assembly speech, reinforcing Crane’s commitment to the value of public speaking. Speech topics 2020 (in order of presentation): Cooper Lender Griffin Rick Zach White Ingrid Lu Diego Veras Melanie Davidson Will Hammond Ganden Walker Henry Hagerman Luke Sain Elizabeth Purdy Charlie Sheldon Cole Murphy Regina Lujan Camilla Perkins Phoenix Seal Leighton Smith Christian Gonzalez Hala Abed Drew Levinson Tanner Murphy Kate Deardorff Chloe Adams Paloma Lujan Avi Gordon Bella Lomeli Jack Kane
Monopolies Bass Sustainability History of a T Shirt Genetic Engineering Women’s Soccer Activists Wave Pools Ramen Dirt (sustainable farming) Music Production Time Travel NCAA Bees The Future of Shopping Publishing Oceans 7 Billie Eilish Referees Women Sailing Guinness World Records Food Waste Kelp Breakfast Nutella Earthquakes Tik Tok Rubik’s Cubes
Pandemic Virtual Speeches: Deacon Johnson Robert Reyes Louis Leclercq Graham Rogers Brody McGonigle Greer Biddlecome Shane Gifford Summer Corey
Astros Cheating Scandal Dwayne Johnson Colonizing Mars Self-Driving Cars Lacrosse Streaming TV Electric Cars Voice Acting
Word Art
The words come from the eighth-gradersʼ final six-word memoirs.
26
Architectural Project Crane’s Design and Engineering Center challenged 8th grade students to design a home to fill an economic, environmental, or social void. Students began by researching various locations, causes, and potential solutions to present their idea in a concise statement of purpose. Designers then displayed their visions on an aesthetically pleasing mood board, taking into account locally available resources, environmental sustainability, and unique climate considerations. This year, we had the unique opportunity to receive critique from local architect Johnny Hirsh (father of Mila Hirsh ’21) who offered generous insight on design considerations. After an inspirational walking tour of unique and varied architecture in Santa Barbara, our budding architects set to work on their elevations and plans, learning to draw plans and elevations to scale with extraordinary precision. Crane’s transition to remote learning came at an opportune time in this semester-long culminating unit as students had just begun to use SketchUp, a 3D modeling software, to transfer their elevations into fully furnished rooms and buildings. Ordinarily, this capstone project would conclude with a 3D laser-cut presentation model and a physical presentation walk. However, in true engineer fashion, 8th graders magnificently adapted to present their final designs in a narrated SketchUp walkthrough video. Sabina Funk Director of Engineering
Eighth Grade Chloe Adams designed this Hawaiian duplex out of composite Macadamia Nut shell wood. It is complete with an interior water courtyard that doubles as a rain catchment system.
Griffin Rick designed this cantilevered “Cliff Home” to mold into the hillside without disturbing the natural landscape.
Christian Gonzalez designed this San Francisco apartment complex to maximize space and allow for affordable green living in the big city.
Lora McManus Teaching Fellow
Selfie Project #LOVE 2020 In eighth-grade English, students explore the essential question, “Who am I?” They read coming-of-age novels and memoirs to see how others have answered this question, and they choose independent-reading topics to explore their own passions more deeply. Eighth graders also undertake the year-long Selfie Project, which was developed in collaboration with Gretel Huglin-Ridge and the art program. Each month students take and write about a “selfie.” These pictures range from traditional selfies to pictures of their shoes, clothing flat lays, records of family traditions, and more. This spring one theme was #LOVE. Here are some of the selfies inspired by that theme. Elizabeth Teare Upper School English Teacher
Graham This picture says “love” to me because I love traveling to new places and exploring. I knew that I wanted to use a photo that I took in another country for this project, and it was just a matter of picking which one. I eventually chose this photo because it really captures the sense of adventure that I have while on trips. Some of the important details in my picture are the temple, which is called Tiger’s Nest, and the mountain in which the temple sits. I did not show that there is a mile-long hike to get up to the temple, and I also didn’t show that I was standing at the edge of a two-hundred-foot cliff. It was a tough climb to get to the temple, which is located in Bhutan, but it was definitely worth it. I got this beautiful photo, and I saw the most stunning view of my life. This photo says “LOVE” to me because it shows my love of adventure and travel.
Selfie Project continued next page 27
Eighth Grade continued Selfie Project Phoenix
This picture says “love” to me because it includes two of my favorite things: my friends and my ice cream. The important details are that our hands were both tan, showing that it was summer, and the contrast between the ice cream we each chose. Kate chose vanilla with sprinkles, while mine is chocolate with marshmallows, and they look very different next to each other. The picture doesn’t totally show how happy I was that day because I’d just come back from camp and got to see all my old friends. It also really felt like it was summer, and this picture brings me back to that day. This photo was so easy to take and so in the moment that I barely remember Kate even taking it.
Griffin
This picture means to me that I love and respect my close friends. Before I took the picture, I noticed that there was glass on the ceiling and announced to everyone to look up. They cooperated, and I was able to snap a quick photo of them looking up. The picture was taken at the Coca Cola Museum in Georgia, walking through the Vault in the back of the building. My friends and I were oddly happy on this trip and were able to connect and grow closer as a friend group. The only part of the picture that I altered was a few other feet behind me that I easily removed with a vignette.
Will
For this selfie I chose a picture that captures me and my friends from a Southeast-Asian Adoptee Camp that I do every summer. I love going to this camp and seeing these friends because I can really be myself there. Though we only see each other for about one week every year, we text and call each other during the school year and savor the time that we are together. I know that I could use any picture of my school friends, but this is the group of people with whom I feel most at home. This was on what some called a hike but really was a half-mile stroll through the Arizona desert. We found this huge rock structure and decided that a group picture was in order. I changed the exposure, brightness, brilliance, vibrance, and saturation because it looked a little bit bland. Other than that, this is just how it looked, originally. This picture says “love” to me because the friends that I have made at camp over the years all have had the same experience as me, just of a different flavor. We were all adopted from Southeast Asia, raised by white parents, and go to predominantly white schools, and from the moment we all met, we felt this kinship that we none of us have at our schools. That’s not to say that we don’t all have friends at our schools, but when you can get together with a group of people who you can truly relate to, unlike anyone who you are normally around, it is bound to be a truly special friendship.
Christian
I chose a picture of one of my cats because he is someone I have come to love. He makes me laugh, even if he’s not doing anything particularly funny. One day I came home from school, and I found that he was just sleeping in a bucket. I put a blanket on him, and I took the picture. I tried calling him to make him look at the camera, which was a phone, but he just ignored me. Recently he was attacked by some type of animal in my backyard. It was around 8 pm when I heard the loud cries of a cat and ran with my parents to see what had happened. We turned on the light, and we only found a bunch of cat hair on the floor. We thought he was dead. The next day in the morning he showed up limping. This made me greatly value having him alive and around, ready to make me laugh.
Camilla
This picture is one we took during our trip to Mexico over the four-day weekend. We went with friends, and one day we went to a small boating dock and climbed up a mast post. I like this picture because it shows everyone in action and the directions we are looking in. Because everyone is looking up at each other, it makes the photo look more like a chain and like everyone is connected. My mom, who didn’t climb the post, took this picture, and I think the reason why I like it so much is because it was taken spontaneously, as a casual picture.
Greer
This picture was taken with my mom, my aunt and my cousin. I would look forward to visiting them in Virginia every time we planned a trip. I am giving my mom a kiss, and I remember my mom always saying “Give me some smooches.” In the picture we are all smiling,and that is one of the things I love the most. My dad took this photo, and I don’t know if he told us he was taking it or not. I like to think that he didn’t tell us to smile, and we were already so happy just being around each other. One of the things I love most about looking at old pictures is seeing how much we have all changed. It’s sad sometimes to see that I can never go back, but at the same time it feels like we have all grown up, and it’s really exciting.
Elizabeth
I chose this picture because I love travel and my friends and family, and this picture is of Sun Valley where we travel to, and we usually see our friends and family there. It says “love” to me because it shows my love of travel and skiing almost immediately, but there are also important meanings behind the picture and the things you can’t see. This picture does not show that I was with some of my friends and family on our way back from dinner. This picture does not show that I had a fun day skiing and was kind of tired. This picture does not show how my mom’s cousin’s wife, Cindy, who we see sometimes but not enough, took this picture while we were all stuffed in the back of a car not large enough to possibly hold all our ski stuff. To take this picture I had to try leaning over five laps just to get close enough to see the mountains and take 15 to 20 pictures until Cindy helped by taking my phone and easily taking the perfect picture on her first try.
the production, and I would get chills watching students on stage
briefly tell how you ended up at Crane
just nailing it with a great performance. And the big production numbers: everyone moving together, after weeks of practice to
I knew my now-wife Sharon
in
college,
but we had lost touch. We
reconnected
at
a conference in our first year of teaching —
I
science
was
teaching
and
math
near Oakland at The Athenian School and Sharon was at Cate. We started
dating
Adiós a Mr. McKenzie
long
distance, got engaged, and decided I would move to Santa Barbara. I first interviewed at Cate with Bob Bonning. It wasn’t a good fit for me, but Bob's sons were going to an elementary school that was looking for a math teacher. Bob sent me to meet Selden Edwards, the head of Crane at the time, and Selden took
get it right, with big smiles on their faces ... there was so much pride and joy.
what is your favorite place on campus and why? That is easy. I love the Oak Tree Quad, and not just because I teach there. The oak tree is a guardian spirit of Crane, having watched over so many generations. That space used to be the drop off for the Lower School, the start and finish of the day. We had graduation there and generations ago they used to take naps on the lawn that was there. It is beautiful at night, and my son and his wife cut their wedding cake at the reception in the Oak Tree Quad.
What is your hope for Crane going forward? Crane's greatest resource is the teachers, and we have so much to offer each other. I hope that teachers remember to go visit each other’s classrooms, ask each other what is new and useful, and
me on.
share ideas and resources, especially with the demands of this
what is the one thing you are most proud of accomplishing and/or bringing to Crane?
emotional learning and issues around equity and inclusion. I
I am very pleased with our emphasis on making sense and building understanding in our math classes. I have always been interested in having student thinking be the foundation for our math work, by starting with a question or a problem and then building instruction depending on how the students respond. It takes a lot of work to figure out how to do that right. I spent most of my time at Crane refining that approach, putting it into practice, and modeling it in my classroom.
if you had to choose just one favorite Crane memory to share what would it be? Pick one? That is so cruel. I have lots of great memories from playing in the band for the musicals. It felt great to be part of
coming year. There is a lot of excitement and interest in socialhope the culture of collaborating and learning together continues to blossom at Crane and that time and space are dedicated to sustain it.
THE PETER PAN PROJECT
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020
upper school musical | peter pan
second grade | camp rock ’n rhyme
kindergarten | STONE SOUP
I MADONNARI As with many things this spring, Crane was unable to purchase a space at the Santa Barbara Mission for the annual I Madonnari Chalk Painting Festival. Instead, Crane families were invited to participate from home by submitting their photos of chalk paintings. As you can see, many entries were received!
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CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 1795 San Leandro Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93108 www.craneschool.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OnCAMPUS
Jill Levinson President Jim Copus ’92 Vice President Rick Banks ’62 Treasurer Nancy Sheldon Secretary
Off
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni Academic Year 2019/20 • Volume Two
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
I Madonnari 2020
Jen Abed Tamar Adegbile Andrea Alfano Kevin Brine Beth Collins Will Freeland ’00 Paul Gauthier Cyndee Howard Robin Kopeikin Bino Marsetti Sarah Muzzy Hikaru Phillips Guille Gil Reynoso Allan Rogers Erin Eberhardt Spence Christina Stoney Carrie Towbes Melissa White Honorary Lifetime Trustee Scott C. Brittingham EDITOR Debbie Williams DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lorie Bacon SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER Teresa Pietsch COPY EDITOR Elizabeth Keadle
