APPLETREE Winter 2019

APPLETREE

THE MODEL OF EXCELLENCE Our Middle School Turns 15

A publication of The Elisabeth Morrow School

Winter 2019

APPLETREE Winter 2019

APPLETREE is a publication of The Elisabeth Morrow School 435 Lydecker Street Englewood, NJ 07631 www.elisabethmorrow.org Articles, images, and other contributions from the extended Elisabeth Morrow community are welcome. Contact the communications office at jabernathy@elisabethmorrow.org or 201.568.5566 x7208. All submissions are subject to review and submission does not guarantee publication.

MORROW MOMENT STEAM skills are in use as four-year-olds design a way to transport farm animals utilizing found objects in the classroom.

Editor Jan Abernathy Director of Marketing and Communications Design Erbach Communications Group Content Contributors Paul Baly Phyllis Kesslen Dara Picard Sarah Rolle Keith Wiggs Photography and Photographic Contributors Nancy Dorrien Rich Formicola Stephanie Massaro Stephanie Nebel Dara Picard Jeremy Smith Kelvin Ward

On the Cover The Morrow House years are a time of engagement, exploration, and close bonds among students.

Our Mission:

The Elisabeth Morrow School’s shared purpose is to provide exemplary academics and character development in a diverse and inclusive child-centered community, inspiring students to become curious scholars, ethical leaders, and global citizens.

in this issue 2

Appletree News

Math in Focus expands through sixth grade, Faculty Summer Institute enhances professional development, another successful Book Fair, and other news

6

A Perfect Fit for EMS Introducing our newly appointed Head of School, Maureen Fonseca, Ph.D.

8

Our Middle School at 15 Years

Creating great students and great people

hello from Judy A student from The Squawk, the Morrow House newspaper, asked me, “As someone experienced in education but new to EMS, what do you see as our strengths and what could be improved?” Wow! How insightful of someone so young to figure out that fresh eyes may see differently that which accustomed eyes may not even notice. Here is some of how I replied: First, there is no greater example of a culture of warmth, welcome, and respect for all than EMS. There are countless examples: new parent activities; new student orientation and check-ins; new faculty mentoring; Parents Association outreach to a family that is struggling; the Fall Festival; the Book Fair; student tour leaders for prospective families; and so much more.

Something noteworthy claimed by few other schools is the level of diversity at EMS and the commitment here to nurture and continue to cultivate it. Our faculty have adapted curricula, engaged in training, and capitalized on the richness our diverse families bring to enhance students’ experiences.

Second, the engagement in music across the campus is unique.

I know of no other middle school where just about 100 percent of students are engaged in lessons and performing groups. That our students have an opportunity to explore their passions in all areas of endeavor — academics (to be sure), athletics, the arts, performance, governance, service — is a distinction worth noting.

Third, the courage of our faculty and staff to examine their curricula and pedagogies and embrace something new enriches the growth and achievement of our students. This models selfreflection and inviting feedback: the only ways meaningful change happens.

The leaders of the various areas of responsibility in the school with whom I work most closely work together with candor and respect. They tackle decisions that pit “good vs. good” and always, always keep the student at the heart of all discussions.

So, where do I see an opportunity for growth? I believe the facilities in Morrow House could better support the quality of instruction we expect for our students. I am heartened that in its strategic plan, EMS has committed to ensuring this.

12 Health & Wellness

A holistic approach at EMS, sports recap 14 Advancement

Honoring our donors, #Rally4EMS, a fun Fall Festival

16 Alumni and Class Notes A student is now the teacher, greetings from our graduates

As we celebrate our middle school’s 15th year in this issue of APPLETREE, we also look ahead with the assurance that the next 15+ years of students will be as well served by our fine school as its founders dreamed.

My best, Judith R. Fox, Ed.D. Interim Head of School APPLETREE 1

appletree news

Bright Ideas EMS LAUNCHES FACULTY SUMMER INSTITUTE Innovative schools need many opportunities for faculty professional growth. The Elisabeth Morrow School has created a Faculty Summer Institute to allow faculty to “dig deep” and create an even more engaging experience for their students.

“This institute allows faculty to think deeply about how to advance curriculum, apart from the pressures of the school year,” says Director of Curriculum and Secondary School Placement Michele Bower. One of the participants, Lower School STEAM Chair Kara Makohon-Moore, explored “finding interdisciplinary connections, and creating authentic and meaningful lessons for our students.”

This summer, the institute will have two sessions, in which department chairs will be trained in Understanding by Design, a backward-planning approach that looks at outcomes in order to design curriculum units, performance assessments, and classroom instruction.

Math in Focus Expands Through Sixth Grade

by Jan Abernathy, Director of Marketing and Communications Due to the success of Math in Focus in kindergarten during the 2017–2018 school year, EMS accelerated the adoption of the program through sixth grade. This ensures that more students will have the opportunity to experience a superior curriculum. Math in Focus is renowned for helping students develop an extensive conceptual understanding of math.

Using the Singapore approach and aligned with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards, Math in Focus is uniquely adapted for the American education system.

“Advancing this curriculum ensures that our students will remain competitive in a world with rapidly changing ideas about mathematical competency,” says Michele Bower, Director of Curriculum and Secondary School Placement.

“Students at all levels learn the concepts that they need to prepare them for the rigorous secondary schools that they attend, and, more importantly, they gain a foundation for mathematical understanding that serves them well throughout their lives.”

In Math in Focus, concepts are taught by moving through a sequence from concrete to pictorial to abstract, with a strong focus on math skills, concepts, and processes. Math in Focus develops algebraic thinking skills from the earliest ages. The curriculum also aligns well with our concern for the socialemotional well-being of our students. “With its emphasis on positive attitudes and metacognition, students gain the confidence to persevere and the ability to monitor their own thinking while learning advanced concepts,” says Beth Brennan, Lower School Head.

2 APPLETREE

News, facts, and events from The Elisabeth Morrow School

EMS CLASS OF 2018 SECONDARY SCHOOL MATRICULATION

OUR NEWEST GRADUATES

by Dara Picard, Development and Alumni Officer Congratulations to the Class of 2018! Our

schools, including Academy of the Holy

44 graduates are headed off to secondary

Angels, Bergen Catholic, and Sacred

schools as diverse and amazing as they

Heart. Still others have decided to attend

are. We wish them well as they begin

top-notch public schools throughout

the next phase of their studies, whether

the region or the prestigious Bergen

it’s closer to home at Dwight-Englewood,

County Academies. All are well prepared

Brearley, Collegiate, Horace Mann, and

for success in whatever path they’ve

Masters, or farther afield at Mercersburg,

chosen, now and in the future, and will

Northfield Mount Hermon, and Phillips

carry the 4 C’s — courtesy, consideration,

Exeter. Some of our graduates are

cooperation, and compassion — with

studying at outstanding parochial

them always.

Academy of the Holy Angels Bergen Catholic High School Bergen County Academies Blair Academy Brearley School Collegiate School Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School Dwight-Englewood School Hackley School Hewitt School Horace Mann School Immaculate Heart Academy Masters School Mercersburg Academy Montclair Kimberley Academy Northern Highlands Regional High School Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan Northfield Mount Hermon School Phillips Exeter Academy Riverdale Country School Sacred Heart High School Saddle River Day School Spence School Tenafly High School Trevor Day School

EMS GIVES BACK WELCOMES COMMUNITY TO A DAY OF FUN AND GIVING Now in its fourth year, EMS Gives Back expanded its focus to include a volunteer fair for Eastern Bergen County nonprofit organizations supported by the Community Chest, as well as many fun workshops for children. As in the past, the price of entry was a food donation for the Center for Food Action.

Partners for this year’s event included Starbucks, Whole Foods Market, Cafe Angelique, Kink Salon, Haworth Apothecary, and H Mart. Activities

included acting and art workshops, a Tenafly Nature Center raptor exhibition, nutrition workshops, a petting zoo, and a musical cafe.

“This event is a win-win for all, but the biggest winners are our food pantry and our children in the school, who are able to see truckloads of food being collected to share with the community,” says Kathleen Visconti, Director of Enrollment Management. “It really is a perfect circle and so well aligned with our 4 C’s.”

APPLETREE 3

appletree news

So Much More Than a Book Fair!

by Phyllis Kesslen, Director of Parent Relations The 2018 “What’s Your Story?” Book Fair & Storytelling Festival was a literary extravaganza. Innovative Co-Chairs Judy Grossman, Sunny Cho, and Catherine Ferreira (Chair Emerita), along with their dedicated and creative team of committee chairs, created a weeklong event packed with workshops, author visits, a raffle, a café, alumni events, a story slam, and more. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” says Interim Head of School Judy Fox, Ed.D. “This is so much more than a book fair!”

A highlight of the event this year was a workshop for aspiring sportscasters, featuring WNBC-TV veteran Bruce Beck. The Little Animation Studio taught stopmotion filmmaking to more than 60 students. Anna Raff instructed students on how to create their own zines. Authors Tommy Greenwald and Elizabeth Wein presented their writing craft to students, and Ms. Wein offered our Morrow House students hands-on writing workshops. Matthew Reinhart hosted his popular pop-up art book workshops for the second year. And, as always, Musical Storytime with Mrs. Eickelberg thrilled our youngest students and delighted their parents.

ACCREDITATION by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) is a process based on self-evaluation, followed by a peer review, the purpose of which is to determine that a school meets NJAIS standards, provides a thorough education to its students, and is staying true to its mission and philosophy.

2008 Year of EMS’ first accreditation

173 pages in the self-study document submitted by EMS to NJAIS

9

months required to research, write, and edit the report

100+

employees participated in creating the self-study report

4

days the accreditation visiting team spent on campus

115

faculty and staff interviewed or observed by the accreditation team

10 years between accreditations for every NJAIS school

ALL

areas of the school’s operations or curriculum evaluated during the self-study 4 APPLETREE

News, facts, and events from The Elisabeth Morrow School

INTRODUCING NEW FACULTY AND STAFF

From left to right, front row, Betsy Tyras, Keila Pernia, Desere Diaz, Heather Santiago. Second row, Judy Fox, Scott Domenge, Alan Caro, Annie Rasiel, Carissa Garcia, Peter Everett, Nicole Siegel.

This school year, EMS welcomed new

Kushner Hebrew Academy, joined EMS as

faculty and staff in every division.

a lower school literacy specialist.

Leading our school for one year, Dr. Judy

In Morrow House, Nicole Siegel and Annie

Fox joined us after serving as Interim

Rasiel ’07 now teach sixth and seventh

Head of Presidio Knolls School in San

grade English, respectively. Nicole joined

Francisco. Carissa Garcia joined us to

us from the Town School, and Annie

teach the threes; she was most recently a

most recently worked at Special Music

head teacher at Tuxedo Park School. Also

School. Alan Caro, formerly of Equality

in Chilton House, Scott Dommenge is

Charter School, joined us as the Learning

our Administrative Assistant to the Early

Specialist. Previously at Wooster School in

Childhood Director and Chilton House

Danbury, CT, Peter Everett joined us as a

Librarian. He was an academic anchor in

middle school math teacher. Desere Diaz,

Little School last year. Formerly a school

formerly of Union City Public Schools, is

nurse in Oradell, Betsy Tyras joined us as

the Morrow House Nurse. Keila Pernia,

Chilton House and Little School Nurse,

formerly of Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.,

and Heather Santiago, formerly a teacher

joined the business office as Accounting

in the SINAI program at the Joseph

Manager and Business Office Coordinator.

PA WELCOMES NEW BOARD, ADDS HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE Our Parents Association kicked off the first day of the school year with its ever-popular Welcome Back Breakfast, which allowed families to mix and mingle, purchase lots of new school merchandise, and meet the PA’s 2018–2019 Executive Board. Many also took this opportunity to become better acquainted with the group’s signature programs, including the Speaker Series and the Book Fair & Storytelling Festival.

“The Parents Association continues to strive to nurture our families while supporting the school’s mission. In addition to our many new initiatives launched in the past few years — such as Diversity Awareness, Community Service, and Speaker Series — this year, we are thrilled to add Health and Wellness and Green committees to our roster. We look forward to healthy, fun, and engaging activities for all,” says Melanie Weinraub, Parents Association President.

myEMS Puts Information at Families’ Fingertips Our new student information system, myEMS, combines more student and faculty information with broader functionality.

All families can now find their children’s classes, schedule,

attendance, and report cards, as well as a family directory, in one

place, and middle school students and parents can also see homework

assignments. All constituents can make changes to their contact information, which is

then immediately available to all users. The system also allows users to connect to other resources tailored to their specific needs.

“myEMS allows for greater efficiency as it brings together tasks that were accomplished in a variety of systems previously,” says Sarah Rolle, Director of Technology.

APPLETREE 5

feature story

A Perfect Fit for “ I like the fact that this school has a growth mindset. Not just for the children themselves, but for all in the community who are committed to modeling reflection, openness, and growth.”

Schools have always been a strong force in Maureen Fonseca’s life.

After 15 years as Head of School at The Masters School, which she joined after founding St. Philip’s Academy in Newark, Dr. Fonseca became the Chief Executive Officer of after-school program provider New York Edge in 2015.

While she enjoyed the new position, she began to miss the independent school world deeply.

“I missed interacting with the students, the faculty, and the boards of trustees in schools,” she says. “But what I missed the most is watching the progression — being close enough to families and a holistic community so that you can see how children change and grow, and how the institution grows as well.”

When she learned that the Elisabeth Morrow School was

“Very quickly, the Elisabeth Morrow School stood out as the perfect fit for me because of its programs, the aspirations for the school, and the great vision.”

looking for a new leader, she immediately wanted to learn more. “Very quickly, the Elisabeth Morrow School stood out as the perfect fit for me because of its programs, the aspirations for the school, and the great vision,” she says. “There is a very deep affinity between my beliefs and where the school wants to go.”

A fan of EMS for years, she eagerly recalled the orchestra’s performance at the National Association of Independent Schools’ Annual Conference in 2007. “I have a love for music and believe that it is so critical for children and learning overall. It was so clear that this was an exceptional school where children are aspiring to reach their full potential,” she

6 APPLETREE

EMS says. “Even though they were performing at such a high level, these kids had a joy about them.”

Dr. Fonseca knew this joy as a student herself, growing up in Guyana. She speaks fondly of a headmistress at her high school who caused her to be more self-reflective. “She saw in me a leader and I ended up becoming the Head Girl of the school, a position that was elected to lead the student body and work closely with the administration.” The lessons she learned there — in leadership, being of service to others, and the power of a diverse student body — are ones she carries to this day.

Looking forward to building on EMS’ strengths when she joins the school in July, Dr. Fonseca adds, “I like the fact that this school has a growth mindset. Not just for the children themselves, but for all in the community who are committed to modeling reflection, openness, and growth.”

“I would love to have EMS’ light shine more clearly and brightly throughout the larger community.”

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Founder of St. Philip’s Academy in Newark, dedicated to preparing underresourced students for competitive secondary schools, growing enrollment from 10 students to over 200 in 12 years • Grew enrollment at The Masters School over 70 percent from 2000–2015 • Raised over $70 million in two capital campaigns while at Masters • CEO of Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation/New York Edge, a community-based organization serving 35,000 students in 150 underresourced New York City public schools

As a mother of four and a grandmother of four, Dr. Fonseca is eager to partner with families as their children grow. “I try to be a supportive presence, having raised many children. I know that for myself, as a parent, I have tried to make my children’s path easier, but there’s lots of growth from difficult experiences if we give our children great love and tools.” She adds: “Being witnesses to that amazing burgeoning of each child as they develop is truly astounding.”

Noting the uniqueness of EMS’ diverse community, as well as how it educates the whole child, Dr. Fonseca looks forward to promoting our school’s strengths. “I am excited about reaching out to others and helping them discover how much

• Current Board Member of the French- American School of New York • Former chair of the Fairchester Heads Association and treasurer of the Headmistresses Association of the East • Served as Commissioner on Accreditation for the New York State Association of Independent Schools

there is to admire about EMS,” she says. “I would love to have EMS’ light shine more clearly and brightly throughout the larger community.”

APPLETREE 7

cover story

Our Middle School AT 15 YEARS

by Paul Baly, Middle School Head

Mention the concept of middle school among adults and one is likely to hear stories of awkwardness, confusion, and humor. For many, the idea of middle school feels like a necessary evil — a stage that must be endured to gain humility through hard lessons. On a recent episode of the show Black-ish, Dre and Rainbow stumble upon this realization when they attempt to ensure their children’s popularity by throwing them an over-the-top Halloween party. After sharing stories of their own middle school experiences, the family agrees that bad middle school experiences are necessary to make strong adults.

While this sitcom parody of middle school life rings true to many, there is so much about middle school that can and should be embraced.

On the 15th anniversary of the founding of our middle school, we celebrate Morrow House as a place that makes strong adults not through adversity, but rather through a commitment to a culture attuned to student well-being — physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

8 APPLETREE

LEADERSHIP TRAINING One of the strengths of a school that ends in eighth grade

An Intentional Addition

is opportunities for middle school students to lead. To strengthen their leadership capabilities, two years ago

When the Elisabeth Morrow School Board of Trustees and

EMS launched its signature Leadership Symposium class,

former Head of School David Lowry committed to adding two

allowing students to think more deeply about service

additional grades to the school, they couldn’t simply extend the successful formula of an excellent elementary school.

While the initial goal was to create an exceptional academic program that prepared students for the very best secondary schools in the area, they knew a true middle school must include broad programming to inspire students’ connection to their interests and passions outside of the classroom.

The original EMS middle school structure, developed with the guidance of then-Dean of Students and former Head of School Aaron Cooper, included an advisory program and Adventure Week, multiday, overnight class bonding opportunities to

leadership, identity, and ethical decision-making. For seventh grade students, Symposium focuses on healthy relationships and service. Eighth grade symposium starts with a lengthy unit of self-reflection, in which students take inventory of their strengths and explore their unique leadership skills and core values. Ultimately, the course is meant to serve as a capstone for the EMS character education program, allowing our students a forum to explore the complexity of the 4 C’s and how they will carry those values with them into high school and beyond.

facilitate close community ties. It also featured a compulsory athletics program and co-curricular programs such as cooking, technology, art, and other opportunities for students to explore passions beyond academic work. Its six-day rotating schedule was cutting edge in its design and implementation.

an even stronger emotional and educational resource for the self-conscious adolescent who will be exposed to more situations where they are expected to interact confidently

Although they didn’t seek to recreate the elementary

and appropriately with adults. While middle school teachers

experience for older children, EMS’ leaders weren’t surprised

are subject specialists, it’s crucial that they teach the whole

to discover that many of the signature characteristics of

child, not just the academic coursework. Add to this a rich

EMS’ early childhood and elementary programs directly

and challenging academic program, a sophisticated music

aligned with best practices in middle school education. A

program, leadership opportunities, vast extracurricular

strong character education component is crucial in the risk-

offerings, and an individualized secondary school placement

taking middle school years. The handshake, which connects

process and EMS was soon offering a program that took

each child with at least one caring adult every day, becomes

children through the entire arc of childhood in one school.

APPLETREE 9

cover story

IDENTITY EXPLORATION EMS offers time and space for students to explore their unique identities so that they can develop a fuller sense of themselves and others.

Our Diversity of Identity elective, offered for both a fifth- and sixth-grade group and a seventh- and

Changing Model for a Changing Time At the same time that EMS was graduating its first several middle school classes, the world of education was rapidly

eighth-grade group, is a comfortable space for

changing in response to economic changes and the realities of

students to deepen their own understanding of

the job market. Command-and-control workplaces were out,

diversity, inclusivity, and identity formation, while

and collaboration was in. Memorization of facts and figures

they also plan and execute ways to share this

fell away as search engines became a resource at everyone’s

understanding with the broader community.

fingertips. No Child Left Behind forced public schools to

Our Gay-Straight Alliance Lunch Bunch provides a space for students to become upstanders for their peers and learn about LGBT contributions to history and culture.

Fourteen members of our community, including three middle school students, also attended the third annual Widening the Lens Conference held at Far Brook School in Short Hills. This year’s focus on creating a deeper feeling of belonging

produce data-driven results, and parents searched for metrics to ensure that their child’s school was up to par. Globalization was taking hold, and an understanding of and appreciation for differences and diversity were increasingly seen as necessary for economic success.

As we move through the second decade of the new century, our middle school broadens its understanding of various learning styles, knowing that one size doesn’t fit all. Many of our signature curricular experiences involve projects derived from student interest and ingenuity. Teachers began to seek a

at our schools was particularly resonant as

variety of ways for students to show their knowledge beyond

teachers, staff, parents, alumni, students, and

traditional tests and quizzes. We designed our classes to

trustees considered how they might move the 4

have students and teachers sit together at Harkness tables,

C’s forward to include everyone in the Elisabeth

rather than having the teacher lecture in front of the room.

Morrow School experience.

Our eighth grade students now lead assemblies based on topics that they choose to share with their peers. The yearlong Leadership Symposium allows students to hone skills in

10 APPLETREE

Right, middle school students during drama practice for their production of Beauty and the Beast. Left, sixth graders doing their work during free time in between classes.

SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT Preparing for the transition to secondary school is a leadership, communication, and service that will serve them

time of positive growth for our middle school students.

well throughout their lives.

Starting in seventh grade, students are exposed to the

Our expanded electives program includes options like coding,

process in an age-appropriate way. Our school sponsors

Diversity of Identity, service learning, voice lab, and Shark

a school fair that attracts dozens of secondary day and

Tank. Our music program embraces all genres and our rock,

boarding schools in the region, and admissions officers

jazz, and concert bands now rival our world-class orchestra

from many schools visit during the school day to meet our

both in numbers and in musicianship. Two theatrical

students over lunch. In addition to specialized sessions

productions are mounted each year. Students market our

of the eighth grade Leadership Symposium that focus on

program as admissions ambassadors. A student government,

the nuts and bolts of the secondary school placement

Gay-Straight Alliance, Model United Nations, and the popular Waffle House, a student performance opportunity, have become staples in the Morrow House experience.

process, students can prepare for standardized testing in after-school classes. They are also assigned an interview mentor who works with them on an individualized basis to

The Future is Now

ensure that they are comfortable and confident speaking

EMS, like all schools, faces a challenging landscape. We are

with admissions officers. The results of this comprehensive

preparing students for an economy and job market that does

process speak for themselves, with our students routinely

not yet exist. A majority of today’s elementary school students

admitted to the top schools throughout the region.

will be employed in careers that have not yet been created.

In Morrow House, we are continuing to innovate by enhancing our approach to curriculum. Introducing Math in Focus in fifth and sixth grades will improve numerical thinking and the metacognition needed for quantitative reasoning. Our

Whatever the future holds, the cornerstones of an EMS experience will remain intact: the morning handshake, an

humanities coursework includes diverse, underrepresented

emphasis on the 4 C’s, and a rich student experience based

voices and approaches history through multiple perspectives.

on relationships. These values are timeless and impenetrable,

STEAM demands that we explore how we can dissolve the

and they will complement all of our initiatives. When our

restrictions of a traditional discipline-based approach. We

graduates come back to EMS, they tell us that EMS provided

continue to investigate and plan for more interdisciplinary,

them the best and most memorable school experience. Our

student-centered projects, expanded language and travel

focus on the future while remaining rooted by the values of

opportunities, and an enriched understanding of equity

our past will ensure that this remains a reality for generations

and inclusion.

to come.

APPLETREE 11

health & wellness Promoting Student Wellness at EMS

by Jan Abernathy, Director of Marketing and Communications Student health and wellness is an

school that looks at children holistically,

to our older students about respecting

increasing focus at the Elisabeth Morrow

we believe that we have to be at the

personal boundaries well before they

School, as research continues to validate

forefront of providing for these needs.”

reach high school,” says Middle School

the importance of introducing activity, mindfulness, and other healthy habits to children as early as possible.

While EMS has always offered daily recess for all students and sports for middle school students, we have created

Head Paul Baly. “Parents also indicated that they wanted more information on how to discuss these issues with their children, so there was an education

CORE, a new class in Little School,

opportunities for activity in lower school

offers weekly direct instruction in

with the addition of structured recess,

social-emotional learning. Its goal

which provides a safe and supervised

The Parents Association is even creating

is for students to begin to recognize

environment for student activity

opportunities for families to have fun

their emotions and apply the knowledge,

during breaks. Additionally, Let’s Move,

and stay active through membership in

attitudes, and skills necessary to

a program held in partnership with

its Health & Wellness Committee, which

manage them. It is designed to help

the Parents Association, is designed

has sponsored hikes and teams for local

children set and achieve goals, show

to promote exercise for first-through-

road races.

empathy to others, and develop the

eighth-grade students right before the

skills and habits of mind to maintain

start of the school day.

positive relationships and make responsible decisions.

component for them as well.”

“One of EMS’ strategic goals is to offer a comprehensive and balanced whole-

To guide our emerging adolescents in

child learning environment,” says

Morrow House, we launched a new

Interim Head of School Judy Fox, Ed.D.

“There’s no question that mindfulness

program for seventh grade students

“Health and wellness programs are

of our emotions and behaviors provides

and their families about consent,

rightfully at the forefront of our efforts

real academic benefits for students,” says

relationships, and bystander behavior.

to deliver a fulfilling and well-rounded

Beth Brennan, Lower School Head. “As a

“We thought it was important to talk

student experience.”

12 APPLETREE

Sports Recap Coed Soccer

Girls Tennis

The 2018 coed soccer team compiled a 5–7–2 record this fall. Scoring was spread among students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, and our defense was anchored by a strong core of girls. Students from seventh and eighth grades provided solid goaltending and kept us competitive in many games.

The girls tennis season this year was successful, and each member of the team learned a lot about the game and strategy. There were a number of beginners on the team this season, and each of them was an important part of team spirit. Throughout the season, those girls showed tremendous growth, and their last match was the best of their season.

Cross Country With 24 athletes, cross country had one of the largest teams in recent years.

Nearly every athlete saw drops in their race times, with many cutting minutes off their 1.6-mile performance and some breaking their personal best times more than once during our season.

Girls Volleyball Although it was a building year for girls volleyball, with only three eighth graders returning to the line-up, the A team had several really close matches that ended in tiebreakers and came up with a win mid-season against Trinity. The B team had a very promising season and won four of its nine matches.

APPLETREE 13

advancement

FINAL RESULTS ARE IN!

S M E 4

y l l a #R

by Dara Picard, Development and Alumni Officer What has 85 bales of hay, 40 pizzas, 95 NEW MATH IN FOCUS CURRICULUM

RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM TRAINING FOR EDUCATORS

cups of popcorn, and more snow cones

Our Deepest Thanks To All Who Participated In The #RALLY4EMS!

54%

FAMILY PARTICIPATION OVERALL

25

Parent Volunteers On All 11 Grade Levels

Festival (formerly Family Field Day). By

spread out all over the EMS campus: our courtyard, Wolfer Playground, Cohen Center, Community Field, and the midcampus parking lot were buzzing with

SPECIALIZED READING CURRICULUM MATERIALS

fun activities. From pumpkin decorating to face painting, to a hay maze, bounce houses, and field games — with plenty of tasty treats along the way — the afternoon had something for everyone. It

SEE SAW A LEARNING PORTFOLIO SOFTWARE AND PARENT COMMUNICATION TOOL

was a great success thanks to Co-Chairs Candace Gonzalez ’94, Andrea Patterson, and Mary Ann Piccinich, together with the more than 70 parent and student volunteers who dedicated their time on a Saturday to help make the fun happen.

ERGONOMIC CHAIRS AND STANDING DESKS

Although the #Rally4EMS is now over, donations to the Apple Tree Fund continue to be gratefully accepted throughout the year. Visit our website for more details.

NEW DIGITAL VIDEO SECURITY

+

MUCH MORE!

#Rally4EMS Raises More Than $500K The #Rally4EMS, our four-week

Contributions to the Apple Tree Fund

fall appeal in support of the

are accepted throughout the year and

Apple Tree Fund, concluded on

have an immediate impact on our

Friday, October 26. Thanks to the

students and faculty.

generosity of parents, faculty, alumni,

For more information, go to our

and friends, the rally raised more than

website or contact the development

$510,000 toward our annual goal of

office at 201.568.5566 x7222.

$1 million in unrestricted annual gifts.

and a perfect day for the annual EMS Fall

perhaps our biggest attendance yet, NEW LAPTOPS AND IMPROVED NETWORKING

HERE’S HOW OUR COMMUNITY RALLIED 4EMS!

100%

raindrops gave way to a sunny afternoon

all accounts, this year’s event featured

TOTAL RAISED FOR THE APPLE TREE FUND

GIFTS

14 APPLETREE

pumpkins, 12 pounds of licorice, 500 than we could possibly count? Our very

$510K

INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR

BOARD OF TRUSTEES PARTICIPATION

Fall Festival Has Fun for Everyone

own Fall Festival, of course! Morning

36% 408

SINCE JULY 2016, THE APPLE TREE FUND HAS PAID FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Celebrating Our Morrow Society Members On Thursday, September 27, members of the Morrow Society gathered for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the home of trustee, alumnus, and current parent J Agresta ’78. The Morrow Society recognizes donors of $3,500 or more to the Apple Tree Fund.

This annual reception is our way of thanking members for their leadership and generosity in support of teaching and learning at every level.

Cars and Cocktails

On Thursday, October 18, donors at the Chilton Circle

who attended EMS with the Manns’ sons, Jonathan ’86 and

level or higher were invited to a private viewing of vintage

James ’90. Emily is not only a former parent but also a Trustee

automobiles from the collection of Sam and Emily Mann.

Emerita. She and husband Sam remain active at EMS and

The guests that evening included several alumni families

continue to be influential throughout our community.

APPLETREE 15

class notes

From Student to Teacher, Finding a Home in Morrow House

by Dara Picard, Development and Alumni Officer Annie conceived of a summer project that would eventually become the Oberlin Children’s Shakespeare Project. Now in its fourth year, the Oberlin Children’s Shakespeare Project is a 501(c)(3) organization, with operations managed by a theater professional and the artistic side helmed by a rotating group of college students, based on seniority and experience. Annie is still on the board of the organization, which plans to mount its 14th production in spring 2019.

Annie enrolled at Teachers College, Columbia University, after working as the Oberlin Children’s Shakespeare Project’s Brian Hajjar, Rachel Hollander, Laurice Rawls, Annie Rasiel, Julie Emra, and Julia Russell, all Class of ’07

director for three years. Annie finished her degree and was

The year was 2004. The Spirit rover arrived on Mars. Mark

about a job opening at EMS. With strong encouragement

Zuckerberg launched thefacebook.com. The last Oldsmobile

from Middle School Head Paul Baly and former Head of School

rolled off the assembly line. David Lowry was Head of School

Aaron Cooper, both of whom embraced her desire to push

at The Elisabeth Morrow School. And EMS made the important

boundaries in her teaching while maintaining EMS’ high

decision to expand its educational offerings to include grades

standards, she came on board last August.

seven and eight within the school.

planning on working in public schools until she learned

Annie notes that EMS has evolved in many positive ways.

Annie Rasiel ’07 was in the fifth grade at the time and is a member

The fourth “C,” compassion, was added while she was a

of the second eighth grade graduating class at EMS. In 2018,

student, and the school’s focus on equity and inclusion is a big

Annie returned to EMS as a seventh grade English teacher. From

difference. “Our student body is larger and more diverse now,

Room 23 in Morrow House, where she remembers learning math

with more students of color,” she explains. “Our Gay-Straight

and French, Annie examines literature through a different lens.

Alliance is an amazing addition!” What has remained constant

“I teach the canon alongside more recent and diverse publications as a means of breaking down the hierarchy we impose on literature. I teach Shakespeare, not because he was a genius,

is a dedication to character education that she feels sets EMS apart. “Being kind is taught here and taken seriously — it really all comes back to the 4 C’s,” Annie says.

but because I want students to question the entire notion of

Those values are reflected in her lifelong friends from her four

‘genius.’ I want students to know that in his time, he was derid-

years here, who include a teacher, social worker, philosophy

ed as lowbrow entertainment for the masses,” Annie says.

graduate student, and performing artists of many types. Annie

Annie was joined at EMS by her younger brother, Jack (’08). As a student, Annie studied violin with Lorra Baylis. “I wasn’t very good and I didn’t practice, but I enjoyed it,” she says. A lover of acting, she was involved in school plays and remembers the fifth-grade production of Charlotte’s Web. A self-described “weirdo,” Annie says that her parents longed for a school where they felt their children’s intelligence and uniqueness would be embraced and celebrated. She and her brother had different needs, but their parents wanted them to be able to attend the same school and “EMS was a saving grace.”

From EMS, Annie went on to Riverdale Country School and Oberlin College, where she majored in English and tutored students at a local middle school. It was through a college internship at Riverdale that Annie first got the idea that she could combine her love of acting and teaching.

16 APPLETREE

notes, “All of them are engaged in doing good in various ways.”

HOW TO SUBMIT

CLASS NOTES

We welcome news and photos from alumni. Please email Dara Picard, Development and Alumni Officer, at alumni@elisabethmorrow.org.

1959 Jon Meyer writes to us from Vermont, reporting that he has started Brilliant Light Publishing (www.brilliantlightpublishing. com). As the website explains, “Our mission at Brilliant Light Publishing is to promote the work of poets and writers from the New England community who illuminate the inner and outer states of our natural and cultural environment.

We accomplish this by featuring poets and writers, providing their name, a brief author bio, a sample of their work, and where to purchase books, as well as details of their upcoming readings, workshops, and other events.”

1969 Beverly Hinton Beers checks in to say, “We had a wonderful time at the wedding of our middle son, Daniel, this past August. Good to have everyone together!

Hope all of the rest of the class is well.”

Hal Sprague sends us news from the Midwest. He writes: “Now 61, I have had a fun career as an environmental lawyer and advocate, protecting our natural resources and wildlife, fighting for clean air, clean water, open space, energy conservation, and more. After working at the U.S. EPA in Philadelphia (three years) and a law firm in Hartford, CT (five years), I relocated to the Chicago area to work at a large manufacturing company, Abbott Laboratories. After 14 years there, I changed jobs again and joined the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a nationally recognized nonprofit, promoting nature-based stormwater management practices. I miss New Jersey

and the East Coast, but the Midwest and Great Lakes region have been good to me. I vacation in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York each year, which is my favorite place to be in the summer. I have two children, who currently live in the Boston area and Austin, TX.” He goes on to say, “I fondly remember my time at EMS, with Connie Chilton, Mrs. Anderson, Miss Graham (K), Miss McGavin (first grade), Miss Hall (second grade), Mrs. Wheeler (third grade), Mrs. Milliron (fourth grade), Mr. Brost (fifth and sixth grade), Mr. Barr (sports), and Mrs. Crawford (music), and I could probably remember more if I had some prompting!”

1972 From Boulder, CO, Jean Housepian writes: “I feel that I have been a very lucky person my entire life and am very grateful for all I have. I am taking a sabbatical from my job of 28 years as a family nurse practitioner. The time off is good! I write this from Grand Cayman, where I went snorkeling with friends and family this morning. My only son just started college at Pomona College. My husband is happy to still be working as a lawyer. Both of my parents are gone. Next Day Hill holds deep and meaningful memories. But life rolls on. I consider all of the friends in my class at EMS distant cousins, especially the people I met in the lower school in Miss Johnson, Miss Graham, Miss Hoover, and Miss Dunn’s classes. I (mostly) still remember everyone’s names and think about each of you now and then. Hoping you are all as well and happy in your lives as I am in mine.”

1973 Kenneth Chiang sends his greetings from Hong Kong, where he is married to Christine Lo and works as a Managing Partner at Redwood Peak, an asset manager focused on fund management and separate account management for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutions. Kenneth writes: “Greetings to the Class of 2019. I feel blessed to have had great experiences, made lifelong friends, and gotten a great well-rounded education at EMS.”

1975 “Running to serve in the Minnesota State House,” Cordelia Pierson writes, “I reached out to EMS classmates and friends, and am very grateful for their encouragement and support. While I did not win the primary, I served as campaign manager for a climate scientist and mother in a different district who did win.

She will be sure to make decisions based on facts, and to protect our clean drinking water and air for generations to come.”

1980 Susan Hamburger recently designed the lighting for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s production of Shelter, which is part of the company’s 2018–2020 season.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s production of Shelter

1987 Ian Fischler reports that he runs a successful wealth management practice for Morgan Stanley in Beverly Hills, CA. 1993 Lisa Anderson Green has been living in Santa Barbara, CA, for the last handful of years with her husband and four young daughters. She writes, “We are enjoying the sunshine, the surf, and doing a lot of traveling on school vacations. If you swing through the area, let us know!”

1997 Traveling for work, George Hill writes: “I recently presented a paper at the Mentoring Conference at the University of New Mexico on my work coordinating a peer mentoring program at Kingsborough Community College. The ODLC Peer Mentoring program is something I designed (with a lot of student input) and it’s in its fifth year. The paper was titled “Creating a Culture of Giving Back Among College Peer Mentors: How to APPLETREE 17

class notes

Mentor Your Mentors,” and it focused on ways that we encourage our peer mentors to think about community service and civic engagement. It was pretty well received, and I’m very proud that I was able to talk to a national audience about the great work my peer mentors do!”

George Hill giving a talk at the University of New Mexico

2007 Polina Kasparova reports: “After working in the human rights nonprofit space for several years, I am pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy at Tufts University.” Kara Lessin checks in to say, “I’m beginning a master’s degree in clinical social work at the University of Chicago and doing work in opioid harm reduction.” Brian Hajjar recently graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre management and producing.

While attending Columbia, Brian started a full-time position in The Shubert Organization’s Theatre Operations Department, where he manages the implementation of new in-theatre technologies. One of Brian’s main projects, GalaPro (a mobile app that produces on-demand closed caption and audio description), has shaped the way we view technology inside the theatre.

2008 Jack Rasiel is pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science at the University of Maryland, focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics. Ariana Panbechi shares the following happy news: “On October 21, 2018, I married my wife, Rachel Cole, at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, VA, near our home of Washington, D.C. Standing right beside me as one of my bridesmaids was Hannah 18 APPLETREE

Jenkins, my best friend since our early days in Mrs. Weeks’ sixth grade class.

Thank you, EMS, for giving me my best friend and bridesmaid.”

debating society. This past summer, he was awarded a grant to intern at the Manhattan Institute, a leading free-market think tank focusing on public policy.

Hannah Jenkins and Ariana Panbechi

Christian Maloney speaking at a public policy debate at The University Club in Manhattan this past summer

2010 Ben Kesslen writes: “I graduated from Tufts University in May, where I majored in American studies. During my senior year, I wrote a thesis about 19th century Jewish agricultural colonies in southern New Jersey and worked for Boston Review. Now, I’m a News Associate at NBC News and live in Greenpoint with two friends. I would love to hear from any of my former EMS classmates! You can reach me at benjaminkesslen@gmail. com.” Daryl Johns met up with Adam Kirsch ’07 backstage in London’s O2 Arena at a Lemon Twigs/Arctic Monkeys concert. Adam was traveling on business; he works for West Monroe Partners, a consulting firm. Daryl, a bassist/vocalist, is on a worldwide tour performing with The Lemon Twigs.

2014 Daniel Schwartz graduated from DwightEnglewood School in spring 2018 and recently began his freshman year at Washington University in St. Louis. He is studying film and psychology. Julia Stewart-Wood has begun her first year at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where she is majoring in natural sciences. Noah Crooks checks in to say: “I recently graduated from The Masters School with honors in science, music, English, and history. I also served as captain of my school’s fencing team during my freshman year, placing fifth in the individual league tournament and leading our foil team to win the league. Over the summer, my high school math modeling team was honored as one of the top five teams to compete in the International Mathematical Modeling Challenge, and we were flown to Australia to attend the awards ceremony. I have completed my first semester at Vassar College, where I have been accepted into the Vassar Devils, an award-winning coed a cappella group.”

Daryl Johns and Adam Kirsch ’07

2013 Currently a sophomore at Williams College, Christian Maloney runs on the varsity cross country team, plays violin in a string quartet and the Berkshire Symphony, and is President of the Williams Forum, a political

Noah Crooks

2016 Gabi Skinner and her swim team at Immaculate Heart Academy have been racking up wins. Swimming freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke, Gabi and her team won not only the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association State Championships, but also the National Catholic Swimming & Diving Championship, held last spring at Loyola University Maryland.

Gabi Skinner with her teammates

2018 Conrad Lee is enjoying his first semester at Mercersburg Academy and has joined the wrestling team.

ALUMNI EVENTS

Over 21 Cocktail Party Reunion Wednesday, April 10 Axia Taverna

Young Alumni Reunion Thursday, June 6 EMS Campus

IN MEMORIAM Justin Starr Imperatore ’10 died suddenly at home in October.

He was the son of Arthur ’75 and Marian Imperatore, nephew of India Imperatore ’68, and brother of Arthur ’08, Alexander ’11, and Augusta Imperatore ’14. A graduate of Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut, he attended Amherst College, where he studied history and played goalie on the varsity lacrosse team.

The Star-Ledger notes: “A deeply thoughtful and sensitive young man, he was a gifted creative writer and was pursuing studies in history and philosophy. He loved working with kids and volunteered as a tutor; he also worked to raise awareness for mental health causes. Justin will be remembered and adored by all who knew him for his unabashed sense of humor, his loving nature, and his deep commitment to his family, teachers, mentors, and friends and the institutions that formed him.”

Justin was predeceased by his grandparents, Helen Imperatore of Fort Lee, NJ, and Kevin Starr of San Francisco, CA. He is survived by his parents, Marian Starr Imperatore and Arthur Edward Imperatore Jr. of Summit; his siblings, Arthur, Alexander, and Augusta; his grandparents, Sheila Starr of San Francisco, and Mei Ling and Arthur E. Imperatore of Cliffside Park, NJ; his cousins, Andrew, Alicia, Amanda, Emma, Olivia, Raquel, Ava, and Stella; his aunts and uncles, Armand Pohan and Nancy Rieger, India Imperatore, Jessica Starr, and Michael McEvoy; and his devoted nanny, Maureen McCann.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Justin Starr Imperatore may be made to Avon Old Farms School in support of scholarships: www.avonoldfarms.com/justin.

Anthony Bourdain ’68, noted chef and television personality, died from suicide in June. As noted in The New York Times, his book Kitchen Confidential has sold more than a million copies in paperback and remains the defining memoir in the field. At the time of his death, he was in the Alsace region, near France’s border with Germany, with a television production crew to record an episode of his show, Parts Unknown on CNN. Bourdain, a Leonia native, is survived by his mother, Gladys Bourdain, a longtime editor for The New York Times; a daughter, Ariane; and a younger brother, Christopher Bourdain ’71.

Ruth Finley, grandmother of Daniel ’11 and Alex Lein ’12, who brought order to the fashion world for nearly 70 years by publishing a biweekly calendar that mapped out the schedules of designers’ shows in New York City and helped them avoid conflicts with rivals, died of respiratory failure at 98. According to The New York Times, “Ms. Finley’s Fashion Calendar was the essential guide to the showrooms, department stores, theaters, and lofts where designers long introduced new collections.

Decades later, as New York Fashion Week transformed and consolidated the industry, she was still at work, scheduling the hundreds of shows that were staged at Bryant Park and Lincoln Center.”

EMS also extends its deepest sympathies to the following faculty and staff: Maureen York, who lost her husband, Don Jerie; Barbara Bhagia, whose father, James Patterson, passed away; Vito Liza, whose mother, Eva Liza, passed away; and Allison Egert, who lost her mother-inlaw, Maxine Egert.

Invitations to follow APPLETREE 19

class notes

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer on a Sunday

January 27 • 9–11 a.m. • Chilton House (Early Childhood) February 24 • 1–3 p.m. • Grades 2–6 March 10 • 1–3 p.m. • Open House

Chilton House Grandparents + Special Friends Day Friday, April 12 • EMS Campus

Summer Explorations June 24–August 9

Maker Day Saturday, April 27 10:00 a.m. – EMS Campus

Summer String Festival August 12–16

LOOK WHO CAME TO VISIT

Kelly Yen ’13 (Rutgers Honors College) and Maxine Musto ’13 (Franklin & Marshall College)

Jack Bloom ’16 (Millbrook School) and Gabi Skinner ’16 (Immaculate Heart Academy)

Brigette Candler ’15 (Tenafly High School) and Ragan Henderson ’15 (Horace Mann School)

Peri Brooks ’15 (Horace Mann School) with mom, Shari, and sister, Maddie ’22

Adelina Latinsky-Ortiz ’12 (Loyola University Maryland)

Eliza Knowlton Oursler ’74, who joined us as a substitute teacher in Little School

Christopher Hall ’13 (Rider University), a Summer Explorations counselor, with grandmother Gloria Hall and Nancy Dorrien

Paige Riley ’17 (River Dell High School) and Nancy Dorrien

Stephanie Lee ’20 (Horace Mann School), sister of Albert Lee ’23

20 APPLETREE

GIVE YOUR VERY BEST You want the very best for your child. At EMS, that means a warm and nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, student-centered learning, a dynamic curriculum including STEAM, robust music and art, and so much more!

Gifts to the Apple Tree Fund make it all possible.

Thank you in advance for giving your best, so we can deliver our best, on behalf of your children.

Make Your Gift Today!

Contact Director of Development Keith Wiggs at 201.568.5566 x7222 or visit our website: www.elisabethmorrow.org/give.

We look forward to seeing you on campus and sharing with you all the ways your gifts help us to grow.

The Apple Tree Fund

www.elisabethmorrow.org/give

The Elisabeth Morrow School 435 Lydecker Street Englewood, NJ 07631

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