Bulletin Board | Summer/Fall 2010 by Elmwood Franklin School

bulletinboard S U M M E R / FA L L 2010

Fo r A l u m n i , Fa m i l i e s , a n d Fr i e n d s o f E l m wo o d Fra n k l i n S c h o o l

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Elmwood Franklin School is Western New York’s oldest pre-primary through eighth grade independent school, emphasizing high academic achievement, good study skills, and positive character development. Elmwood Franklin accepts qualified students without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. www.elmwoodfranklin.org

The Bulletin Board is published by the Development Office for alumni, families, and friends of Elmwood Franklin School. E D I TO R / W R I T E R

Sally Jarzab D E S I G N A N D L AYO U T

Rebecca Murak A S S I S TA N T D I R E C T O R O F DEVELOPMENT

Sarah Mitchell Duddy ’90

FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please mail any address updates to: Elmwood Franklin School Development Department 104 New Amsterdam Avenue Buffalo, NY 14216 Call 716-877-5035 or e-mail development@elmwoodfranklin.org TO S U B M I T C L A S S N E W S

Visit www.elmwoodfranklin.org or e-mail news and photos to development@elmwoodfranklin.org T E L L U S W H AT Y O U T H I N K

Please e-mail opinions, editorials, and letters to the editor to sjarzab@elmwoodfranklin.org. Letters must contain sender’s name and contact information for verification.

Have you heard? Beginning in 2010 anyone with a traditional IRA may convert to Roth IRA regardless of income. The 2010 Roth IRA Conversion event has generated a lot of interest because of the many benefits it can provide, both long-term and immediately. Conversions that are made in 2010 can have half the taxable converted amount taxed in 2011 and the other half taxed in 2012. This option is available only in 2010—after that, taxes will be payable in full the following year.

( 7 16 ) 8 7 7 - 5 0 3 5

If you are considering converting, talk with your tax advisor about the opportunity to offset some or all conversion taxes with a charitable gift to Elmwood Franklin. That’s good for you and good for the future of Elmwood Franklin School. If you have questions about planned giving to Elmwood Franklin, please contact the Development Office.

D E V E LO P M E N T @ E L M WO O D F RA N K L I N . O RG

bulletinboard S U M M E R / FA L L 2010

2010/2011 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President Elizabeth Maloney ’70 Vice President Matthew Enstice Secretary Paula Ciprich Treasurer Michael Hogan

F E AT U R E S

The Seeds of My Youth CLASS OF 2010 POEM

8 11

Class of 2010 Family Ties MULTIGENERATIONAL FAMILIES

Rising Up

D E PA R T M E N T S

Day to Day

Class Notes

All You Really Need to Know, Part II AN ELMWOOD FRANKLIN ALUMNI GUIDE TO LIVING

A Quarter-Century Partnership FIRST GRADE TEACHERS ROSE GARDON AND JUDY JURNACK

Are You Smarter than an EFS 1st Grader

24 40

New Year, New Faces Who Was There 4TH ANNUAL ALL-ALUMNI OPEN HOUSE

From the Head of School

4 32 33 26

GRADUATION SPEAKER ADAM PAGE

Shashi Davae Ravi Desai Kenneth Drake Ludvig Karl Dan Keane Leslie Kellogg Trudy Mollenberg Donna Muscarella Robert Rich III ’81 M. Bradley Rogers Trini Ross Scott Saperston Michele Trolli

From Development Upcoming Alumni Events 2010/2011 ALUMNI COUNCIL President Tricia Barrett ’92 Amy Decillis Bard ’86 Gitti Barrell ’71 Kristin Schoellkopf Borowiak ’82 Jennifer Prince Bronstein ’74 Rob Drake ’96 Jessica Jacobs Enstice ’89 Elizabeth Jacobs ’96 Jordan Jayson ’90 Susan Penney Kimball ’69 Susie Lenahan Kimberly ’64 Madeline Ambrus Lillie ’64 Elizabeth Duryea Maloney ’70 Matt Mariconda ’92 Samantha Friedman Olsen ’00 Eric Saldanha ’85 Mary Franklin Saperston ’60 Ben Sorgi ’04 Wende Mollenberg Stevenson ’93

from the

HEAD OF SCHOOL

TONY

FEATHERSTON THERE’S A CERTAIN REPETITIVENESS THAT COMES IN SCHOOLING. IT ARISES FROM THE MANY ANNUAL EVENTS AND TRADITIONS THAT ARE THE BASIC MILESTONES OF OUR SCHOOL YEAR: OPENING DAY, BLUE-GRAY PICNIC, PREP NUTCRACKER,

COLONIAL

DAY,

MEDIEVAL

NIGHT, SPRING CONCERT, GRADUATION. THE REPETITION IS NOT A BAD THING, NECESSARILY, BUT IT IS UNAVOIDABLE, CONSIDERING ALL THE YEARS THAT ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL HAS BEEN PURSUING ITS MISSION.

“AS

WE EMBARK ON OUR 115 TH SCHOOL YEAR , WE ’ LL CONTINUE TO EMBRACE EACH AND EVERY DAY AS SOMETHING TOTALLY NEW AND FULL OF POSSIBILITY.”

While a lot of these events can convey a “same stuff, different year” appearance on the surface, from a closer perspective—from the point of view of a teacher, or a parent, or a student—their uniqueness is revealed. Each one is experienced fresh by the people who take part in it. Even veteran teachers attest that one of the things they enjoy most about their jobs is that they never know what might happen next. This past school year was no different, in that it has been like no other. Yes, most of the old stand-bys were there, but there were also innovations added into the mix, such as the seventh grade trip to Toronto. Along with their teachers, students took a walking tour of the city, visited the Hockey Hall of Fame, toured Casa Loma, explored Chinatown, stood atop the CN Tower, and took in a stage production of the

popular musical Mamma Mia!. New technologies, including SmartBoards in just about every classroom, have transformed teaching methods, opening up creative possibilities for the use of multimedia and encouraging student interest and participation. Look through this edition of Bulletin Board to see what else was new and special about this past year. As we embark on our 115th school year, we’ll welcome some new faces, in the form of students, faculty, and staff, and we’ll enjoy new enhancements to our building, particularly in the Lower School. And we’ll continue to embrace each and every day as something totally new and full of possibility continue to embrace each and every day as something totally new and full of possibility

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ELMWOOD FRANKLIN The year generally accepted as the founding year of EFS is 1895. We say “generally accepted” because there is some ambiguity, complicated by the school’s inception from two separate entities, the Elmwood School and the Franklin School. These two schools, which both date back to the late 19th century, were each known as groundbreakers in the field of elementary education. The Elmwood School was established as the very first kindergarten in Buffalo. It soon expanded its grades and came to provide such curricular innovations as athletics for girls, Swedish woodworking, science classes, field trips, and sewing. The Franklin School was the outgrowth of a kindergarten in a private home that later established itself as a premier academic institution known for its focus on educating the “whole child.” The two schools, pursuing essentially the same mission, officially merged in 1941. The new school operated on the Elmwood School property at Bryant and Hodge and moved to its present campus in 1951. The school operated as a coeducational day school from the nursery school through the fourth grade and a girl’s day school in grades five through eight. In 1980, boys were included incrementally in grades five through eight, with the school becoming fully coed in the 1983-1984 school year. Throughout its 115 years, Elmwood Franklin has maintained a tradition of progress while remaining committed to the goal of educating the whole child. Today, Elmwood Franklin School is proud to be the oldest independent school with a pre-primary to eighth grade configuration in Western New York.

SEEDS OF MY

YOUTH COMPOSED COLLABORATIVELY BY THE CLASS OF 2010 ARRANGED BY MARGOT VINCENT ’86

Sitting silently, I sprinkle the seeds of my youth. Time initially moves like a snail, Picking up speed as I grow older. I stare at the clock, counting every tick. The seasons fly. I patiently wait on the garden of my youth. At first, it’s as if I am staring at a blank screen. The cursor blinks. No message appears. No thoughts abound. Another day is wasted. A roll of thunder sounds in the distance. Memories flood my mind, Memories I will hold forever of the time spent together. Seeds are soaked and begin to sprout. There is a stinging pain of growing up, Growing older. The thrill of moving forward. Germination has begun. The sun streaks out— Running, laughing, Jumping, pulling me along. Tender sprouts awaken and stretch for the sky. I flop and flail on my back. Thinking about my past, I read everything in the clouds.

On your mark! Get set! Go! I race to the shed for my tools. I must quickly cultivate my past. A dainty dragonfly dances by— Laughing at my breakneck speed. I jump, hop and flip. Gingerly, I touch the stepping stones of my youth. Some hot, some cold, Some bumpy, some smooth. I fly away like a bird from a nest, Not knowing the language, Not knowing where I will travel or where to go. My map is misplaced. I am sure of nothing in this faraway land. I stand alone on a cobblestone road, Hidden in my secret garden. In a flash, I prune and shape my fragile plants— Watching for thorns, Deadheading the wide-spreading perennials. Memories wash over me. It is a blink ago that I was reading Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden. She watched her plants closely— Checked daily for weeds and pests. She knew that different plants had different needs. Some plants grow quickly, Some unfold themselves bit by bit, While others need gentle care. The message in this book seemed irrelevant. My garden, in places, has transplant shock, Sour soil, and a PH level that is way off. Somehow, someway my plants inch toward the light. Memories of work, Memories of play, Some I laugh about, Some I would rather forget. Rain drips down and nourishes. Unsure of what to do, I open a manual—an encyclopedia of everything. Elmwood Franklin dances up off the page. I breathe a sigh of relief as I enter the garden of my youth— A place where parts of me want to stay, Parts of me want to leave. I timidly peer down the path of memories. Everything from Prep to eighth grade runs through me— The building and the warm classrooms, Forever friends and teachers, Each first day of school nerves. Pulling my mom’s arm— Screaming, “I don’t want to go. Don’t make me go!”

What would life have been like without all that? Twinkling Little Stars shine down upon radiant Rainbows— The start of my life. Yet, gone in a flash to the final farewell. Wildflower weeds twist and intertwine. This is the beginning of tears, smiles, and laughs. Blue and Yellow Bears, Sign language and Donuts with Dad. First grade—the first year in the big hallway. Becker Farms and succulent apples, Lead me to a butterfly taking flight at the Conservatory. Third grade Colonial Day, Fourth grade writing, Brambles and berries grow thickly in the meadow. New teachers, new faces, new classes, a new hallway. Medieval Times, musicals, The sticks and mud of Letchworth, Les bon temps in Quebec. Pathfinder’s shimmering water reflects The time that quickly runs out. All I have to do is make all the shots before the buzzer. From water boy, to riding the bench, A few minutes here and there. Ten minutes become half the game, The game of my life— The swan song of my youth. Even with all this known, something is true— EFS is home, shelter, my splendid garden. It is the car I have been driving all my life. I never thought of where I was going or what I passed. Sometimes I drove quickly and sometimes I was slow. Through bad conditions and good, I kept driving. Sometimes there were people with me in the car, Other times, I was alone. Memory after memory passed. The drive was long. The wait was hard. Sometimes you just have to leave— No matter how beautiful the scenery. A new chapter begins— So sad to leave, but so excited to move forward Enjoying, but never remembering the details. Never looking back, Always looking forward. I close the cover on my EFS adventure. I glance at my garden, Then sprinkle my new saga with sunshine. Magically, it begins to brilliantly bloom with color. I head for the hammock— Humming a familiar lullaby, I sway over and survey the seeds of my youth. A beautiful and bountiful bouquet is ready for harvest.

Watch a reading of the poem at the 2010 commencement at youtube.com/ElmwoodFranklin

THE

CLASS OF 8

2010

SITTING ( From L to R) Grace Loiuse Munschauer, Helen Boisaubin, Rachel Piazza, Annabelle Cleary, Erica Lipke, Sarah Obletz, Alexandra Glick, MacKenzie Hamill, Rachael Barnes STANDING ROW 1 Katherine Herer, Justin Jacobs, Cameron Frank, Stewart Whitney, David D’Agostino, Kirk Daniel, Jordan Tick, William Lahood, Marc Cangé, John Bassett, Amber Chinn ROW 2 Brendan Watkins, Hunter Bielat, Joshua Osinski, Colin Hogan, James Humiston, John Vance, Amir Gulati, Michael Rapaport, Matt Morris, Peter Obletz, Khari Seals

C L A S S O F 2 010 HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES

Rachael Barnes John Bassett Hunter Bielat Helen Boisaubin Marc Cangé Amber Chinn Annabelle Cleary David D’Agostino, Jr. Kirk Daniel Cameron Frank Alexandra Glick Amir Gulati MacKenzie Hamill Katherine Herer Colin Hogan James Humiston Jeremy Jacobs III William Lahood Erica Lipke Matthew Morris Grace Louise Munschauer Peter Obletz Sarah Obletz Joshua Osinski Rachel Piazza Michael Rapaport Khari Seals Jordan Tick John Vance Brendan Watkins Bo Whitney

Buffalo Seminary Nichols School Park School Buffalo Seminary Clarence High School Buffalo Seminary Buffalo Seminary Canisius High School City Honors High School City Honors High School Buffalo Seminary Canisius High School Nichols School Buffalo Seminary Nichols School Canisius High School Nichols School Nichols School Buffalo Seminary Nichols School Nichols School Gow School Buffalo Seminary Nichols School Sacred Heart Academy Nichols School Nichols School City Honors High School Nichols School Heritage High School Nichols School

John with Elizabeth ‘07, Kingman '73 and Sarah ‘05 Bassett

Annabelle with Melissa Kennedy ‘72 and Sukie ‘08 Cleary

Alexandra with Emily ‘09 and Archie '71 Glick

Cameron Frank with Nancy Kells (grandmother Georgia W. Kells ’41 recently passed away. See Class Notes on pg. 37)

family T

here is a sizable group of alumni and students who are making a family tradition out of an Elmwood Franklin education. This group makes up a valuable resource for Elmwood Franklin’s future. Not only are their families shaped by the school, but the school is inevitably shaped by their families.

Eight graduates in the Class of 2010 have a parent and/or grandparent who is an alumnus/a of Elmwood Franklin School.

MacKenzie with Christopher '75 Hamill

Justin with Melissa ‘08 and Jeremy '77 Jacobs

Grace Louise with Grace Walsh Munschauer '70, Holly Sweet Walsh '43, and Lyman Munschauer ’05

Sarah and Peter with Sally Hatcher '77 Obletz

UP rising PA R A LY M P I C G O L D - M E D A L I S T A D A M PA G E SHARES HIS SECRET FOR SUCCESS

Graduation speakers are typically selected for their unique perspectives and wealth of life experience. Although Adam Page, who delivered the commencement address to the Elmwood Franklin School Class of 2010, is only 18 years old, he certainly qualifies. Adam is a world-class athlete who just happens to have been born with spina bifida. He plays right wing on the US sled hockey team that brought home the gold medal in the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver. A modified form of traditional ice hockey, the sport incorporates a metal-framed sled with two skate blades to accommodate athletes with disabilities. In his speech, Adam shared the secret of his extraordinary success. Read the following excerpt to find out what it is.

“

he first time I tried out for the [junior national] team, I didn’t make it. I was disappointed but I knew I was close. So I went home and trained twice as hard and the next year I tried out again and made the junior national team. At age 14, I was one step closer to my dream.

I learned a lot during my time with the team. That fall, I took a shot at trying for the US Men’s National Sled Hockey Team—my dream. I was trying out against guys twice my age and older. I went out and tried my best. I didn’t make it. I was really disappointed at this because it was my dream to make it and I really thought I could. I wanted it so bad. I remember walking away from the experience and my dad told me, ‘Next time, be so good there isn’t a reason for them not to take you.’ This advice can be used for anything you do in life: Be so good there isn’t a reason for someone not to offer you the job. Be so good there isn’t a reason not to be accepted to the college of your dreams. Be so good that you too can play professional sports. I kept what my dad told me in the back of my head every time I went out on the ice or to the gym. There are those days when you don’t feel like doing anything, but I wanted this so bad I wasn’t going to let anything stand in my way. I went back the next year at the age of 15 a little stronger and faster. But at 135 lbs., I was one of the smallest guys out there…On the morning of picking the

team, I was so nervous, thinking, Did I make it or not? We get to the middle of the pack of players picked, and my name was called. I did it: I made the US National Men’s team at the age of 15—the youngest player ever picked. Even at that time, I didn’t know where it would take me. Three years later, I was at the Paralympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, where I was playing in the highest competition you can get at in the sport. We won the gold medal, and I got my first goal in my first Paralympics. I made my dream come true. All that hard work and time paid off in more ways than I could ever imagine. …The real story you should all take away from this is that often the obstacles in your life are really in your mind. If you think something’s unbeatable, you’ll treat it like it is. It’s a state of mind. I took those obstacles and made them something I just needed to work on to get to my dream. …Rise up and meet those things that stand in your way, and you will become successful at anything you want to do in your life.”

Watch Adam’s full speech online at youtube.com/ElmwoodFranklin

“BE SO GOOD THERE ISN’T A REASON FOR SOMEONE NOT TO OFFER YOU THE JOB. BE SO GOOD THERE ISN’T A REASON NOT TO BE ACCEPTED TO THE COLLEGE OF YOUR DREAMS. BE SO GOOD THAT YOU TOO CAN PLAY PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.”

famous piece of writing by Robert Fulghum entitled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” extols the lasting value of the basic wisdom we learned as children. For example: Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Take a nap every afternoon. Clean up your own mess. These are indeed the lessons that Elmwood Franklin students learn here in Prep and carry with them their whole lives.

As important as these early years of education are throughout life, it turns out that our EFS alums have picked up a thing or two since they’ve left our nest. There is, apparently, more to learn. And so, with their expert guidance, we offer…

ALL YOU REALLY

NEED TO KNOW, PART II An Elmwood Franklin Alumni Guide to Living

LESSON #1:

“Confidence is important. When you feel that you look your best, then you carry yourself in a more confident manner. When you’re comfortable in your own skin, it’s contagious—you make the room light up!” So says Linsey Snyder, make-up artist extraordinaire and founder of Face Time Cosmetics and Face Time Beauty Concierge. Through both branches of her business— her product line and her service division— Linsey is dedicated to helping women look and feel their very best.

LOOK YOUR BEST. Linsey Snyder Wachalter ’93

Face Time Beauty Concierge, which launched just this year following the successful start of Face Time Cosmetics in 2007, is a team of beauty professionals based out of New York City and Palm Beach that work with clients for any occasion for which “beauty calls.” “We mostly work with brides,” says Linsey, “but we are always adding to our client list. We work with celebrities occasionally. We just did a shoot with Jane Birkin, and recently we finished a project for General Mills for a Cheerio box! Basically, we will work on any project we find interesting.”

whenever I could. I left SNL and later decided I wanted to just jump right into the industry head first.” And beauty, ironically, isn’t always glamorous. Linsey admits that when she first started on her own, she would do anything to get her foot in the door. “There were many times when I would do makeup for a fashion show or a video shoot and find myself in a basement somewhere bent down for six hours straight. It wasn’t glamorous, but looking back, it was the best thing I ever did.” Business-wise, it’s been a whirlwind for Linsey. “I never could sit still, even as a child, so this industry is perfect for me. I am never in one place for too long, and I am always right in the center of the excitement. Every day is another learning experience. I went on Fox’s “Good Day New York” last year and it really forced me to step out of my comfort zone.” Beauty-wise, it’s an ongoing joy: “It’s amazing. It’s fun. It’s fulfilling. I love to create and use my imagination. I also really like to look at a face and highlight the person’s best features—everyone has a best feature.”

And beauty itself is interesting to Linsey, and always has been. “Many girls love beauty, but there was always something more to me about makeup than glitter,” she says. “When I was little, I would sit in front of a mirror for hours and mix colors on my hands and use lipstick for blush and blush for eye shadow. I love that there is no right or wrong. I also love people’s expressions when they look in the mirror after I have done their makeup. It must be like what a chef feels when a customer eats their food. It really is an art to me.”

So in terms of looking your best, Linsey offers a few favorite tips: If you want to “pop” one feature, she says, make sure you play down the others. “For example, if you highlight the eyes, put a nude color or lightly hued gloss on the lips.” Linsey likes to use blue eyeliner, especially greenish blue, on models who have early morning shoots to make them look more awake and vibrant, as the color enhances the whiteness of the eyes. She suggests putting highlighter down the nose and on the apples of the cheeks to get an automatic glow. And for chapped lips, she recommends Aquaphor, a thick ointment usually used on skin.

It’s an art she perfected over a lifetime, but as far as a business venture, it’s something she jumped into rather suddenly. “I worked at Saturday Night Live for three seasons, and I made friends with the hair and makeup crew. I learned a lot and developed an interest by watching and helping them

But it’s not just about the products or the techniques. When it comes down to it, it’s about knowledge—and knowledge is power. “When I apply makeup to a face, it eventually comes off,” Linsey says. “But the experience teaches my clients how to get the look they want every day.”

LESSON #2:

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS. Brian Meegan ’73 The lesson gleaned from Brian Meegan’s example is simple: Don’t limit yourself. Explore other countries. Sail away to distant shores—and don’t feel compelled to come back. Let the world be your oyster. Brian, who has been living “globally” for some time in locales such as Great Britain, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, now makes his home in a waterfront estate that faces the Red Sea in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, about a quarter-mile down the street from the king’s grand palace—which, incidentally, is where he works, as educational advisor and private tutor to the Saudi royal family. His job offers him additional travel opportunities as well— in his first year alone, he traveled with “the family,” as he refers to his royal employers, to Los Angeles, Paris, Barcelona, and Beirut.

... We’d like to make this an ongoing feature, and we’re looking for EFS alumni of all ages who are willing to share their perspectives with our readers. All you’d need to do is answer a few questions about some aspect of your work, hobby, or pastime. Alumni from all class years, backgrounds, and professions are invited to respond. E-mail sjarzab@elmwoodfranklin.org if you’d be willing to participate.

It’s a long way off from Elmwood Franklin, where Brian not only went as a student but also taught English in the early 1980’s. “I aspired to administration and so went off to Harvard for graduate school and later worked in the admissions office at Dartmouth.” He went overseas after learning about a new private school in Abu Dhabi that needed a college counselor; the school was graduating its first senior class and had no one to lead them through the college admissions process. The initial interview took place at an apt location: “I spoke to the director of the school and learned he was flying through O'Hare. I lived twenty minutes away from the airport, so I had my first interview at the bar in Terminal B. A few days later, I was flying over to Ankara, Turkey to interview with the Board and students at Bilkent University Prep School.” It was while working there that an American co-worker told him how years back she had enjoyed working for the Saudi royal family—who were now looking for a tutor. “I took the job

because the boys and family were very welcoming and internationally-minded, and I believed I could make a difference in the lives of the kids,” says Brian. On a typical day, Brian will work with his main pupil, a sixth grade boy, after school for two hours, helping him with homework and reading. He also works with the boy’s brother, a tenth grader, as he prepares for the IGCSE, a comprehensive series of exams he will complete at the end of this year at his British school. “The boys will attend college in the U.S., like their older relatives, so I am helping them to be prepared to apply to the universities of their choice,” Brian says. He also teaches introductory English daily to a group of adult men. “Some of them have received only five or six years of education, but they work hard and are reading Dr. Seuss, just like students at EFS!” And that’s not all: “Twice a day I walk six dogs, one of which is my 11-year-old border collie, Hinckley, who has traveled the world since he adopted me in Turkey.” Brian describes Jeddah, his hometown for more than half a year now, as “similar to Las Vegas,” a relatively new conglomeration of housing developments and shopping establishments. “Every franchise and type of product is now for sale here—Starbucks is just down the road,” he says. It makes for a comfortable life: no winters, beautiful sunsets every evening, meals made for him daily, walks on the beach, snorkeling dives in the sea, no need to wear a coat—or even socks, for that matter. And while he does visit the U.S. occasionally, he says he finds himself missing the intrigue of being abroad—not to mention the rewards of his job: being able to make a difference in the lives of his students, walking with the dogs each night, and, of course, the adventure of it all. “Now,” he says, “if I can just find a sailboat for sale here in Jeddah...”

A QUARTER-CENTURY

PARTNERSHIP Since 1984, Judy and Rose have worked side-byside, together welcoming more than 900 first graders into Lower School.

JUDY JURNACK Place of birth: Buffalo Education: BS in elementary education, Daemen College Years at EFS: “This is my 32nd!” What she loves about first grade: “The kids! They are so curious and eager to learn. It's fun to see the progress they make by the end of each year. Also, I love the hugs!” What she values most about her job: Judy says it’s the great kids, supportive parents, and amazing colleagues. What challenges her: “Having to let go of a class in June! You really do get attached to them! Having said that, it's exciting to start fresh each September. Not many occupations can boast that!” On her own memories of first grade: “Ironically, I have very negative memories of first grade! In fact, my mother had to have several conferences with my teacher, Mrs. Mroz, to talk about my tearfulness. Maybe that's why I've wanted to be a first grade teacher as long as I can remember—to help kids learn and be happy!” If Judy weren’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: sports writer or commentator Hobbies: reading, sports (especially the Sabres!) home decorating, day trips Favorite book: Judy particularly loves mysteries by Patricia Cornwell, Jeffrey Deaver, Vince Flynn, and others. A few things you may not know about Judy: Her first job was working in the Dutch Shoppe at Fantasy Island, wearing wooden shoes and all. She’s an animal lover despite having been thrown by a horse and knocked over by a 400 lb. pig while visiting a friend's farm. And she started college intending to become an English teacher after being told there would be more job opportunities, but switched nearly at the last minute to pursue her dream of being an elementary school teacher! “It took an extra year of college to complete my program,” she notes, “but thank goodness I listened to my heart!” On working with her cohort Rose Gardon for more than 25 years: “It's been the best experience imaginable! Rose and I agree on all the important aspects of being a classroom teacher and we work hard to give the kids a great experience. We both appreciate each other on a daily basis. In fact, we might be each other's biggest fan! I know I've been blessed to have been able to be Rose's partner!”

ROSE GARDON Place of birth: Buffalo Education: BS and MS in elementary education, SUNY Buffalo Years at EFS: “I started here right out of college in 1971.” What she loves about first grade: “First graders love life and it's contagious. Everything is fresh and exciting to them, and they delight in the simplest things. It is such a treasure to see the world through their eyes.” What she values most in her job: “It is so rewarding helping young children become more independent students. By the end of the year, they can really read, write and do so much math. The academic growth is amazing.” What challenges her: meeting the all the varying needs of twenty active first graders. It takes a lot of energy! On her own memories of first grade: “I attended a very strict Catholic elementary school. I think I followed the rules and did what I was told. I adored my first grade teacher, Sister Bernice. I remember reading to her and getting a star card. She would put a sticker or stamp on a little 3x5 card every time I read. There were forty students in my class and when I think back I wonder how she did it.” If Rose weren’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: florist (she does have the perfect name, after all) or a writer Hobbies: gardening, art, and all kinds of music— especially the blues. “Family and friends are the main focus in my life.” Favorite book: “It's often the one I'm reading, but I loved The Poisonwood Bible, Pretty Birds, The Zookeeper's Wife, and The Secret Life of Bees. A few things you may not know about Rose: She’s married with a great stepson, stepdaughter-in-law, and step-dog. She also points out: “I have taught many, many parents of my students. It has been one of the unexpected rewards of the job.” On working with her cohort Judy Jurnack for more than 25 years: “Working with Judy has been one of the most precious experiences of my life. I have learned so much from her about what it is like to be a caring, loving teacher who inspires children with humor, hugs and creativity. We are like a happily married couple, sharing in each other's joys, sorrows and wisdom. Judy has helped me through many a tough time and I hope I have done the same for her. The years have flown by with a wonderful partner by my side.”

You may have left first grade behind long ago, but if you went back, how would it be? Perhaps not as easy as you think! While EFS first graders are enjoying the perks of childhood—singing songs, playing in the sandbox, drawing with crayons— they’re also learning some impressive things. Go ahead and test yourself:

Are

YOU

smarter

than an EFS 1st grader?

1. What are the three main body parts of an insect? ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ 2. What is the name of this polygon? ____________________________ 3. What color are pumpkin blossoms? ____________________________ 4. A group of penguin chicks clustered together to keep warm is called a what? ____________________________ 5. What artist painted “The Japanese Footbridge”? ____________________________ 6. What is the French word for yellow? ____________________________ 7. In math, what is a “fact family”? ____________________________ 8. What are the two basic parts of a tooth? ____________________________ ____________________________ 9. What is a male pig called? ____________________________ 10. Name all of the primary and secondary colors. ___________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Answers

10/10: You’d make a great first-grade teacher! 8-9/10: You’re a star pupil. 5-7/10: You’ll need to study harder next time. 2-4/10: You may not be the sharpest crayon in the box. 0-1/10: You might want to think about enrolling in Prep.

1. head, thorax, abdomen 2. trapezoid 3. yellow 4. crèche 5. Claude Monet 6. jaune 7. a set of related equations using the same numbers (e.g., 2+4=6, 6-4=2, 4+2=6, 6-2=4) 8. the crown and the root 9. a boar 10. primary: red, blue, yellow; secondary: green, orange, purple

Scoring

NEW NEW Y

Along with more than 40 new students, Elmwood Franklin is welcoming two new faculty members: second grade teacher Mark Saldanha ’90 and Upper School chorus and general music instructor Clare “Archie” Archer.

Mark Saldanha ’90

Clare Archer

Education: MS in childhood education, Canisius

Education: MM in music education, Boston

College; BA in communications, Canisius College Prior to teaching here: Mark served as a student and substitute teacher at Nardin Elementary, Discovery School #67 in Buffalo, and here at EFS. A few facts about Mark: He’s been a working stand-up comedian for the past ten years. His first gig was opening for Jon Stewart at the Comedy Trap on Hertel Avenue. In 2007, he performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival, considered the Sundance for comics, sharing the stage with Lewis Black and Jon Stewart. What he is looking forward to this year: “Going to the head’s office for a good reason,” he says. Mark has really missed the school and looks forward to joining the faculty so he can apologize to his former teachers for his past behavior. Those former teachers, now his professional colleagues, couldn’t be more excited to have him on board, however, they remember Mark as a bright and engaging student!

Conservatory; BA in music education and psychology, University of Massachusetts at Boston Prior to teaching here: Clare, who generally goes by her nickname “Archie,” lived in Boston, where she attended graduate school and taught students in grade 6 – 12 choral, AP Music, band and orchestra at the Boston Latin School. A few facts about Archie: Archie moved a lot as a child and lived all over the world (her father worked for corporate GE Asia), but music has always been a constant in her life. While living in Japan, she worked as a concert some back-up singer for big-name acts and performed for Pope Benedict XVI. She can read, write and speak fluent Japanese. What she is looking forward to this year: She is looking forward to getting to know our community and “putting down some roots.”

DAYtoDAY A rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performance Above, Prep and Lower School students put on a rock-n-roll-themed closing program for families. Around town Upper School students who do not ski spent winter Options heading out to various locations around the town, including an Elmwood Avenue excursion. At right, students enjoy a hot cocoa at Spot Coffee.

Beyond the textbook Above, sixth grade students video conference with Dr. Marjorie Miller, an EFS grandmother who was a civil rights activist in the early 1960s. Speaking in real time all the way from South Korea, Dr. Miller shared her story and answered questions from the students, bringing a new perspective to their study of that part our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Snow painting Prep I mom Kate Ross introduced Prep I students to drip painting and the work of Jackson Pollock. Here, students make their own large, energetic, abstract works in the snow.

Click here With the overwhelming generosity of our Raise the Paddle for Technology donors, the computer lab has been upgraded with 23 new iMacs, pictured top left. This much needed upgradeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the last happened five years agoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; gives students more options when working on projects, from improvements such as built-in audio and video and more speed and stability. Olympic-sized dreams Bottom left: Matt DePeters, a member of the U.S. Ski team who competed in the Vancouver Games in freestyle skiing-aerials, meets with Prep students. Matt's mom wrote to Prep as part of their Olympics blog project. Students learned more about the sport, watched Matt's Olympic jumps, and asked questions about skiing, aerials, and the Olympics.

Sharing a story Bottom right: Since Father's Day takes place while school is out of session, Prep students honor their favorite big guys in January at the annual Donuts for Dads gathering. Giving thanks Above: Students pack up food donations for delivery to the Ronald McDonald House. The annual food drive is an Elmwood Franklin tradition started in 1907.

A fresh start Following last summer's hallway renovation, construction continued on renovating the Lower School classrooms this summer. Our first through fourth grade students were greeted with new ceilings, lighting, carpet, and classroom partitions when they returned this fall.

Reaching journeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end Above, three boys, all refugees of Burma, visit the fourth grade classroom to talk about their experiences relocating to Buffalo from a refugee camp in Thailand. The visit was facilitated by Journey's End Refugee Services, which was the beneficiary of a winter clothing drive sponsored by the EFS fourth grade. Windmills of the mind Students in grades 5 to 8 participated in the annual Upper School Science Fair. At left, sixth grade students test wind turbine blades they designed based on the KidWind project.

FROM DEVELOPMENT SARAH MITCHELL DUDDY ’90 RETURNS TO ELMWOOD FRANKLIN It isn’t unusual for alumni to return to EFS for a visit, and every so often we get some who make the homecoming in an even bigger way, by joining the staff or faculty. One of the latest to do so is Sarah Mitchell Duddy ’90, who we’re thrilled to welcome back as our Assistant Director of Development. After graduating from Elmwood Franklin in 1990, Sarah went on to high school at Nichols and then to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. She studied elementary education, and after graduating in 1998 moved to New York City. Once in New York, Sarah started a career as an elementary educator, first teaching kindergarten at The Buckley School and then first and third grade at The Browning School. While teaching, Sarah continued her education, earning a master’s degree in elementary education from New York University. After teaching for ten years, Sarah took a year-long break to pursue another passion, cooking. This led her to London and Le Cordon Bleu, where Sarah completed a semester of training. Heading back across the Atlantic, Sarah attended The Klingenstein Center at Teacher’s College, a part of Columbia University, and this May earned a second master’s degree in the Private School Leadership Program. After celebrating her wedding at a ceremony in Donegal, Ireland this June, Sarah returned to Buffalo with her husband Anthony. Here at Elmwood Franklin, Sarah will be managing Alumni and Parent Council relations and overseeing our annual auction. You can connect with Sarah at upcoming alumni events or find her on Facebook (and be sure to fan Elmwood Franklin School while you’re there!).

Upcoming Alumni Events ALUMNI REGIONAL GATHERING

NEW YORK CITY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 6-8 P.M. Times Square office of Hogson Russ LLP 1540 Broadway, 24th Floor

HELLO. That’s what being alumni of Elmwood Franklin enables us all to do—to say hello. To be able to connect with old classmates, share thoughts and memories, open new doors, and create new relationships. The real strength of Elmwood Franklin lies in these connections at every level. Yes, we have all been part of something larger, but the foundation that Elmwood Franklin set, and the work that is being done on a grassroots level by your alumni council—the programs, special events, class agent work, annual fund support, and networking opportunities—is where the real value comes into play. The alumni council is committed to helping you make connections quickly and easily again. Our calendar for the year is chock-full, offering something for everyone—wherever you might be. Coming soon, join us for our Alumni Regional Gathering in New York City on Wednesday, November 17 and for our second annual post-Thanksgiving Alumni Happy Hour at Mothers on Friday, November 26. Details are in the sidebar and online at elmwoodfranklin.org. So pick up the phone, send an email or text or tweet, like us on Facebook, add us to your network on LinkedIn, surf for us on YouTube, view our albums on Flickr, subscribe to Tony’s blog, even become the mayor of EFS on foursquare; and begin the conversation about this school with people who are as interested and as interesting as yourself. Talk with you soon.

Tricia Barrett ’92 President, Alumni Council

POST-THANKSGIVING

HAPPY HOUR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. Mothers Restaurant 33 Virginia Place, Buffalo, NY

SATURDAY

STORY HOURS SATURDAYS IN JANUARY 9-10 A.M. Elmwood Franklin School Library

WHO WAS THERE

Head of Lower School Susie Barrett Green ’62 2 Chuck Abell ’80

Denis Wettlaufer ’68

Karen Lillie ’01

Sarah Lillie ’96

Joan Willard Gruen ’47

Mary Franklin Saperston ’60

Amy Decillis Bard ’86

Sarah Mitchell Duddy ’90

Matt Mariconda ’92

Monica Wlodarczyk ’05

Derek Robins ’05

Jay Dref ’05

Penny Matthews ’66

Debby Clark ’63

4 5

Susan Lenahan Kimberly ’64 Trum Cary ’66 Sarah Bassett ’05

1st grade teacher Rose Gardon

David Schulz ’86

8 9

Elizabeth Schulz ’83 Edward Broenniman

Linda Ambrus Broenniman ’70

Madeline Ambrus Lillie ’64

Alumni parent David Lillie

4TH ANNUAL ALL-ALUMNI OPEN HOUSE JUNE 5, 2010

Save the for t date h All-A 5th ann e u lumn i Ope al n Ho

June

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Matt Mariconda ’92 and Omar Fetouh ’92 joined forces with Upper School teacher Dee Drew for Quiz Night.

CLASS

NOTES Mary Ellen Palmer writes, “My memories are of Franklin School. After graduating from Pine Manor, I received my BS and MS degrees from Buffalo State. I taught from 1951 to 1988. Since then I have been active in the local Welsh Society and the Welsh school in the summers. I have traveled to Europe several times, especially Wales. I volunteer for West Falls Colden Volunteer Library and have volunteered for Buffalo Philharmonic and Kavinoky Theater.”

1944

Barbara French Pace retired

1957

after 30 years working for the CIA, but still does consulting and is currently exhibiting her oil paintings and photography in galleries in the midAtlantic region. Barbara is enjoying her four grandchildren, all nearby in the Washington, DC area. Visit Barbara’s website at www.barbarapace-art.com.

Betsy Esty Franklin writes, “I graduated 50 years ago and still wear my Elmwood Franklin class ring.”

1960

Peter McGennis, Jr.'s movie Buffalo Bushido premiered at the Queens International Film Festival on November 14, 2009. The film received a Queen’s Spirit Award nomination, and its female lead won for Best Actress.

1985 1989

Betsy Constantine has

joined the Community

Amanda Lullo '97 spent a week with her Human Rights and International Law graduate class in India.

Foundation for Greater Buffalo as a gift planning officer. Prior to joining the Foundation, Betsy served as Vice President, Head of High Net Worth Communications for Lehman Brothers and as the Marketing Associate for Global Branding at Morgan Stanley, both in New York City. In her new role, she is working with individuals, families, and organizations and their professional advisors to establish their charitable foundations within the Community Foundation. Betsy is a member of the Junior Group at the Albright Knox Art Gallery and holds a B.A. in economics from Franklin & Marshall College. She married Joseph Jankowski in February 2010.

Lindsay Campbell has finished her fourth year of medical school at the University of Buffalo. She plans to do her residency in psychiatry focusing on women’s issues.

Justin Bishop received a master’s degree in military diplomacy and international relations. He is working as a research analyst for a defense security company in Hawaii.

1999

Lee Fabiatos is entering his second year at Thomas Cooley Law School in Michigan.

Lisa Niswander spent last year at The National Institute of Health working in a cancer research lab and has resumed her MD training in Rochester this summer.

Lauralynn Drury is a business consultant for Alvarez & Marsal, an independent global professional services firm in New York City.

2000

1996

Ian Simmons graduated from Williams

Andrew Constantine married Cara

College in June 2009. After graduation, Ian returned to Buffalo and worked as a ski racing coach in Ellicottville. He is currently attending law school at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Starosielec on July 18, 2009 in Buffalo.

Andrew Simmons graduated from Boston

1997

Amanda Lullo spent a week

1998

Julia Drury was elected into

in India in November 2009 with her Human Rights and International Law graduate class.

the Dartmouth Hall of Fame for squash in May 2009. She is currently a student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University.

Dionne Fabiatos graduated on May 14, 2010 from New York Law School in New York City.

College in May 2009. He resides in Boston and is currently attending Suffolk University Law School.

Kate Niswander graduated from George Washington University Phi Beta Kappa and is working as an associate for Alliance for Women in Media in McLean, Virginia.

2001

2002

Contessa Gayles

participated in the 2010 NYCDC AIDS Ride on September 23-26, 2010. The event takes riders 330 miles over four days, from New York City to

An Elmwood Franklin Affair Sarah Mitchell Duddy ’90 celebrated her wedding in Ireland with many of her EFS pals. From left to right: Brendan Swift ’01, alumni parent Robert Constantine, Tricia Boland ’90, Andy Snyder ’95, Lauren Gioia ’90, Tim Swift ’61, Trudy Mollenberg ’61, Evans Mitchell Geisler ’95, Anne Swift ’66, Adam Mollenberg ’92, Meg Mitchell ’65, Betty Urban ’65, Betsy Swift Mitchell ’65, John Mitchell ’92, Janie Constantine ’62, and Carolyn Gioia ’97.

Washington, DC, to raise funds for AIDS research.

Eric Lux is a full-time professional race car driver in the US and Canada and a marketing and communications major at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. He writes, “I don’t have much free time, but I enjoy getting together with my EFS friends when I am home.”

2003

Eliza Friedman is attending

the University of Rochester and will graduate in 2011. She spent the summer interning at Tea Town, a movie production company, in New York City.

Amelia Kermis is studying communication and biomedical engineering at Cornell University. She is on the debate team and has debated in Slovenia, Switzerland and at the Oxford Union. She writes, “My experiences at Elmwood Franklin were wonderful and they prepared me well.” Julia Friedman is majoring in English with a minor in dance at Union College. She interned at Gloss Magazine in New York City over the summer.

2004

Rachael Kermis is studying at Cornell University in the Human Biology, Health and Society program. She is on the student-run Emergency Medical Service squad at Cornell. Emily Simmons spent this past summer in London, England working in the marketing department for New Holland Publishers. Emily is entering her junior year at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, majoring in English.

Jay Dref is a sophomore at the Juilliard School. He took part in the Opera Young Artists Program at the Chautauqua Institute this summer.

2005

Derek Robins researched cosmology at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics over the summer.

Monica Wlodarczyk, a sophomore at Bowdoin College in Maine, is playing varsity squash.

2006

Madeline Friedman

graduated from Buffalo Seminary in May 2010 and is starting her freshman year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York.

University of Denver and awarded a Pioneer Scholarship based on her academic record and achievements.

Sandy LoFaro moved to Wilmington, Delaware in June

2007 2010.

James Blackwell was named New York State Junior Golf Player of the Year.

2008

IN MEMORIAM

Gaye Barker Godell ’58, mother of Andrew ’90 and Ashley ’93 Godell, passed away on February 16, 2010.

Amanda Gresens ’89, sister of Aaron Peter Loree graduated from Nichols in June 2010. He is attending college at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York and plans to major in biology. Peter is also participating in the Air Force ROTC program. He writes, “I am still friends with Ari Goldfarb, Steve Kellogg, Ed Spangenthal and Kilby Bronstein. I loved my years at EFS from Prep through eighth grade, especially winter camping and snowshoeing with my teachers at Camp Pathfinder. EFS started my love of all things science.”

Gresens ’95, passed away suddenly on April 18, 2010.

Georgia Williams Kells ’41, grandmother of Cameron ’10 and Madison ’11 Frank and mother of Upper School teacher Dee Drew, passed away on April 20, 2009. Louis B. Reich ’49, father of William Reich ’84 and the grandfather of William Reich. Jr. ’15, passed away on March 24, 2010.

Elizabeth Richard Sinks ’51 passed away suddenly on April 30, 2009.

Grace Niswander graduated with highest honors from Buffalo Seminary in May 2010 and is attending Washington University at St. Louis.

Julie Dopkin Stratton '91, sister of Amy Dopkin Little ’93 and Joseph Dopkin ’15, passed away in a traffic accident on December 12, 2009.

Abigail Slone graduated from Kent Denver in June 2010 where she also received her varsity letter for volleyball. She was accepted early action at the

Paul Taefi ’92 died suddenly in a boating accident off the coast of Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida on May 27, 2010.

Following a nine-year tradition, alumni gathered at the Head of Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in June to celebrate their graduation from high school and to catch up before heading off to college.

CLASS OF 2006

COLLEGES Jarrett Almand Brea Bates Kilby Bronstein Jake Cappuccino Dieter Clauss Samuel Cohen Devin Friedlander Madeline Friedman Ramsey Gayles Alexanger George Michael George Ari Goldfarb Allison Joseph Dillon Joseph Jordan Joseph Michael Jurnack Stephen Kellogg III Jasmin Koleini Thomas Liptak Peter Loree Grace Niswander Brett Notarius Alexander Rutland Jacqueline Sanders Jacob Shedd Hannah Sorgi Edward Spangenthal Jacob Stark Jordan Sternberg Carol Sullivan Trey Toy Denise M. Winters Chelsea Wooten-Cerre Christian Young David Zemsky

Rochester Institute of Technology Allegheny College Hobart and William Smith Colleges John Hopkins University Cazenovia College Delaware Valley College George Washington University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Columbia College Chicago University of Puget Sound Rochester Institute of Technology University of Maryland Colgate University Skidmore College Skidmore College Niagara Community College Case Western Reserve University Trinity College Rochester Institute of Technology St. Lawrence University Washington University in St. Louis Marietta College Rochester Institute of Technology Trinity College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Hobart and William Smith Colleges Colorado College Williams College University at Buffalo University of Rochester Columbia University Florida A&M Howard University SUNY Geneseo Ithaca College

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CLICK H ERE Thanks to the generous donations of our Auction attendees who â&#x20AC;&#x153;Raised the Paddleâ&#x20AC;? for technology and a grant from M&T Bank, 23 new computers were installed in our computer lab at the end of the 2009/2010 school year.

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