Spring 2019| Vol 3 | No. 2
Connect A Magazine for the Eton School Community
Time and Traditions
1978 Founded by Dr. Patricia Feltin
2002–2003 Re-accreditation by PNAIS (now NWAIS) and Accreditation by AMS
1978–1979 Inaugural Academic Year
2003–2004
1986–1987
Celebration of 25 Years Playground Murals Created by Students
Move from Ashwood (Downtown Belleuve) to Bel-Red Road Campus
1988–1989 Celebration of 10 Years Installation of Flag Pole
2004–2005 First Cultural Fair
2008–2009 Celebration of 30 Years
2010–2011 Becomes a nonprofit with a Board of Trustees
2011–2012
1991–1992 Recipient of United States Department of Education's Blue Ribbon School Award
Dr. Pat Feltin Head of School Retires
2012–2013 Dr. Russell Smith New Head of School Begins
1994–1995 Accreditation by PNAIS (Now NWAIS)
1998–1999 Celebration of 20 Years Bear Sculpture Created
2014–2015
2013–2014 Re-accreditation by NWAIS and AMS Inaugural Una Voce All-School Concert
New Logo and Brand Colors Adopted
2018–2019 40th Anniversary Party in the Park
Celebrating Milestones and Accomplishments Anniversaries which end in a zero always seem a little more significant. Eton School’s 40th Anniversary is no different. All year, we have been commemorating this landmark by reflecting on the past and celebrating the school’s achievements and progress. While forty years seems like such a long time to many of us, in the world of schools and educational institutions, Eton School is relatively young. (Eton’s namesake in England will celebrate its 580th Anniversary next year!) Yet, while Eton School may be relatively young, we’ve had quite a journey and come a very long way. In this edition of Connect, you will read many different articles and stories that describe and illustrate that journey. You will find the origin stories of many Eton School traditions and read about the growth from an enrollment of 75 students in three classes near downtown Bellevue to an enrollment of 300 in our current location. Throughout all these stories and recollections, you will also note the sense of community that is a hallmark of Eton School. Those new to the community and those who visit the school comment frequently on the sense of belonging that pervades Eton School. We regularly have former faculty and students return to visit, and we even have alumni who return and become faculty members. It is that sense of community that makes this 40th Anniversary such a special and moving occasion. Please join us in celebrating the first 40 years of Eton School, the milestones and accomplishments of our school, and those who have passed through our doors. We are extremely proud of where we started, the journey we’ve taken, and how far we’ve come. Here’s to the next 40 years!
Russell Smith, Head of School
Mission Statement
We at Eton School commit to educate the whole child and honor the diversity of each individual Intellectually by facilitating collaborative and independent learning teaching academic skills in the context of cosmic education developing higher order thinking through a vigorous curriculum giving meaningful evaluation Emotionally by promoting unconditional acceptance and respect of self assisting personal growth supporting the partnership of school and home providing a nurturing environment Socially by promoting unconditional acceptance and respect of others teaching communication and cooperation skills fostering positive group interaction cultivating a sense of responsibility and empathy Physically by recognizing the interdependence of mind and body teaching respect and care for the body assisting in the refining and strengthening of physical skills valuing the need for purposeful movement Spiritually by inspiring a love of learning encouraging self-determination developing and nurturing global awareness sharing joy, beauty and a reverence for life We support this Mission by providing developmentally designed programs and methodologies based on Montessori philosophy and educational research. We dedicate ourselves to lifelong learning.
Rev. 8/2018
Connect A Magazine for the Eton School Community
Time and Traditions Founder's Day (2013–2019)................................................................................................................. 4 Reflections on Forty Years
by Patricia Feltin, Ed.D............................................................................................................................ 5
Apes Non Sunt Solitaria Natura “Bees Are Not of a Solitary Nature”
by Anne Gaskins, Latin Teacher........................................................................................................... 7
The Birth of the Cultural Fair: An Event with a Universal Appeal
by Beth Bazley, Alumni Parent and Board Member........................................................................ 9
Una Voce, One Voice
by Kris Meyer Gaskins, Assistant Head of School......................................................................... 11
Party in the Park..................................................................................................................................... 13 Eton Parent Council (EPC)................................................................................................................15 Back to the '70s at the 2019 Gala
by Monica Maling, Director of Development.................................................................................. 17
2019 Eton Community Gala: Thank You for Your Support............................................18
Life‑Long Learners Well Wishes.............................................................................................................................................. 20 Faculty and Staff Milestones............................................................................................................. 21 Alumni Update........................................................................................................................................ 22 Alumni, Let's Stay Connected!....................................................................................................... 22 Eton Graduates: Where Are They Going?.............................................................................. 23 Let's Get Social....................................................................................................................................... 24
Spring 2019 Volume 3 | No. 2 © 2019 Eton School www.etonschool.org 2701 Bellevue‑Redmond Road Bellevue, WA 98008 Phone: 425–881–4230 Editor and Designer: Alice McNeer, Director of Communications and Marketing Printing: AlphaGraphics, Seattle
Founder's Day (2013–2019)
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Spring 2019
A Note from Eton School's Founder
Reflections on Forty Years by Patricia Feltin, Ed.D.
“It is a story of belief in the mission and trust in the students. Every affiliated person over the past 40 years has contributed to Eton School’s legacy. ” “Why is there an Eton School in Bellevue?” I hear this question regularly during my annual classroom visits on Founder’s Day. The answer is just as meaningful in 2019 as it was in 1978—I wanted to provide a place where children could develop the necessary skills to succeed in life. I wanted their education to empower them to become independent learners with a deep sense of confidence and high self‑esteem—to achieve a joy of learning. Lofty goals? Yes! Attainable? For sure! Observable in the Eton classrooms? No doubt about it! I was fortunate to have been able to dedicate my professional career, 34 years of it anyway, to a mission I love and know is making a difference. I can be assured of its continuance because Eton School is based on the Montessori philosophy and approach. The method has been successfully proven for over 100 years in countries and cultures around the world. And the school’s administration and staff embrace it. A few key components are in place at our school to assure that children of varying ages are able to explore in a prepared environment where materials and activities are designed to arouse their interest and ensure success. The teachers are trained, and the curriculum is not solely standards-based or focused on testing. In Montessori inspired classes, students work and learn at their own level and pace, motivated through curiosity and discovery. So, Eton School in Bellevue is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. This is truly a gift to the community. Many of the nearly-original staff members are still in attendance every day, dedicated to the Eton culture. As VOL 3 | NO. 2
teachers and administrators retire, new professionals are hired, such as Dr. Russell Smith, who maintain the tenets on which the school was founded. It is a story of belief in the mission and trust in the students. Every affiliated person over the past 40 years has contributed to Eton School’s legacy. I am proud to be a part of this amazing journey. Although every moment of the school’s history has been significant, the following are most memorable to me: • Moving from the Ashwood Center to our own building on Bellevue-Redmond Road in 1984. • Celebrating our 25th Anniversary with an old‑fashioned birthday party involving a family parade to the park while sporting festive balloons. • Painting of murals annually by students that grace the fences surrounding the playground. • Receiving the US Department of Education Blue Ribbon award, the first Montessori school to be so honored, and attending the ceremony in the White House Rose Garden in 1991. • Gaining accreditation through the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (formerly PNAIS) in 1994 and 2003 as well as through American Montessori Society (AMS) in 2003. • Forming non-profit status with the first Governing Board made up of parents of former students in 2009. • Establishing student traditions including Spirit Days, Historical Halloween, All-School Dance, Science Fair, spring performances and Una Voce. • Welcoming my granddaughters to the school as Pre-elementary students and attending their eighth-grade graduations in 2015 and 2016. So, I say, “Congratulations, Eton School! You maintain high quality and dedication to the mission. You are ready for your 41st year.” Connect | 5
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Spring 2019
Latin and Junior Classical League Apes Non Sunt Solitaria Natura “Bees Are Not of a Solitary Nature” by Anne Gaskins, Latin Teacher “The attendees of JCL acknowledge that in order to understand where we are today, we have to look at the myths, histories, and ideas that shaped the past.” The 2019 Junior Classical League (JCL) theme speaks to the three things that the convention most inspires: community, curiosity, and the recognition of students’ unique talents and passions. Attending the Junior Classical League Convention in Warm Beach each year has been a tradition at Eton School since its earliest days. As the Chair Emeritus reminded us this year, JCL is the second-longest running Latin convention in the world and the only convention that is trans-national, embracing British Columbia as a long-standing member. It is often highlighted as Eton students’ favorite event of the year, and I get frequent requests to come back again even when students cannot continue Latin in high school. The community spirit is the first thing an outsider might recognize upon the opening of the initial general assembly. Schools immediately begin participating in the “spirit contest,” which awards points for creative cheers, good sportsmanship in competitions, participation in events and even the students’ use of conversational Latin with the JCL officers. There is each school’s individual community, but there are also the convivial gatherings around food, art, or other events which bring students from different schools together. The spirit of the convention as a whole is of all being in this together, passionate about Latin and sharing our passions in this one-of-a-kind event. Curiosity is the second cornerstone of the convention. Throughout the weekend, colloquia sessions bring professors and professionals from different areas to talk about the influence of Antiquity on our modern world. 2019 offered a lecture about the impact of bees on the ancient world, in keeping with the theme, and another lecture in which a professor explored the connection between the myths of old and science fiction novels. The keynote speaker was an apiarist (did you know the word for beekeeper? Because I didn’t!) who spoke about the unique and inspiring practices of VOL 3 | NO. 2
honeybee communities. As she said to the delegates, “they don’t work alone—and neither do you.” The third thing that I love about JCL is the appreciation for students’ unique passions and talents. As Latin students, young people don’t often feel like their chosen language is widely known or appreciated, which can influence their enthusiasm for learning it or their judgment of its worth. They come alive when they are able to connect with other students over their love of the ancient world. All of the officers cite one of their reasons for running for JCL office as: “I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me.” Eton students, in particular, often shine in new ways when they come to the convention. They are able to participate in whatever inspires them, whatever they find most fun. An academically-minded student can take as many tests as they want and compete on the trivia team, an acting enthusiast can write a skit, and an athlete can run track or Roman wrestle (and Eton students do all three!). The convention is the strongest evidence against the pervasive idea that Latin is a “dead language” and that the classics are no longer applicable to today’s world. These fourth through twelfth-grade students yell Latin spirit cheers through the campus, compete in classics trivia tournaments, fight each other in (foam-sword) gladiatorial combat and participate in creative arts contests. They get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world and words of ancient civilizations, appreciating these important cultural roots and learning the mother language of the western tongues. The attendees of JCL acknowledge that in order to understand where we are today, we have to look at the myths, histories, and ideas that shaped the past. The convention is not just for “nerds;” it is a place where creative and confident students can demonstrate their talent and collaborative attitude as they learn, experientially, what it means to be a citizen of the world. Connect | 7
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Spring 2019
Cultural Fair The Birth of the Cultural Fair: An Event with a Universal Appeal by Beth Bazley, Alumni Parent and Board Member “When we looked out across the playground, we realized that nearly the entire school was here celebrating the wonderful community that we all created.” As it is today, back in 2004–2005, Eton School was booming. Many, many families were seeking Eton’s high-quality education and thoughtful, committed teachers. Eton was a great place for my daughters and in fact, our whole family! We loved the friends that the girls were making and how those families were becoming our friends too. Meeting new friends was easy with so many families attending after-school and evening activities at school, but I noticed an odd thing. Each activity seemed to attract a different set of parents and families. It seemed that our community had become wonderfully diverse, but that our activities did not have a universal appeal. So I did what you would do. Made an effort to change that! I headed straight over to the office of the Head of School, Dr. Pat Feltin, and proposed a Cultural Fair.
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Without discussion, she said YES. I was in shock! No discussion of budget or timeline, just an unequivocal YES, and the trust to make it happen. Over the next many weeks, we discussed those things and many others, but the real enthusiasm was when I shared how many families came forward to help. We were going to have more than 20 countries represented! A success before the event even began. The day arrived, and it knocked our socks off. Each of those families had recruited others to help with their country’s representation. When we looked out across the playground, we realized that nearly the entire school was here celebrating the wonderful community that we all created. It remains that wonderful community today, even more so.
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Una Voce 2013–2014 Una Voce 2014–2015
Una Voce 2015–2016
Una Voce 2016–2017
Una Voce 2017–2018
Una Voce 2018–2019 10 | Eton School
Spring 2019
Una Voce Una Voce, One Voice by Kris Meyer Gaskins, Assistant Head of School. “Could so many voices from age three to age fourteen be raised in harmony? So many questions. Yet, the incredible positive energy around the idea turned the possibility into a reality.” Stillness settles into the classrooms. Miscellaneous paper scraps and pencils litter the floors. Lockers hang open and empty. Classroom walls are stripped of student work. Silence descends as the final good-byes and happy summer wishes echo down the hallways and out the doors. For students, school is over for the year and summer vacation is here.
Una Voce, One Voice, struck a chord. Could we make this happen? Could we get buy in from the music teacher? Could we find a venue to house the entire school? Could so many voices from age three to age fourteen be raised in harmony? So many questions. Yet, the incredible positive energy around the idea turned the possibility into a reality.
For the Eton School faculty and administration, this is the time at the end of each school year to gather as a community, reflect on the year that just ended, and engage in conversation about the year to come. In June of 2013, there was a lot to celebrate. We had a successful first year with our new Head of School, Dr. Russell Smith. We were reaccredited by our accrediting agencies, Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) and American Montessori Society (AMS). Re-enrollment was strong, and the admission season had been successful. There was much to look forward to in the 2013–2014 school year.
In January 2014, Eton School had its first Una Voce all‑school choir concert. Practices pulled students together from across the grade levels. Songs were heard at all times of the day as students hummed and sang as they worked. There was a growing sense of camaraderie at each practice. The evening came and the concert was a huge success. As all the voices came together in the final song, We are the Young, there was hardly a dry eye in the house.
As the faculty and administration engaged in reflecting and planning, a seed of an idea sprouted. The suggestion of an all-school choir concert paused the conversation.
Although this was originally thought to be a one-year event only, that soon changed to, “We have to do this again!” The entire Eton School community loved the experience. It is now an annual event that everyone looks forward to.
We Are the Young by Mary Donnelly (The first all school song of January 2014) We are the young, the children of the world We hold tomorrow in our hands We are the young, the promise of a brighter day The future waits at our command Teach us well, teach us how to care Give us love, love that we can share And we’ll walk hand in hand in the light of the rising sun We are the young We are the young and so we look to you To show us how the world should be We are the young, we trust in your experience To help us shape our destiny VOL 3 | NO. 2
Teach us well, teach us how to care Give us love, love that we can share And we’ll walk hand in hand in the light of the rising sun We are the young That day is dawning, when we will be grown We will inherit this world for our own We are the children, we hold tomorrow in our hands We are the promise, the future waits at our command Teach us well, teach us how to care Give us love, love that we can share And we’ll walk hand in hand in the light of the rising sun We are the young Connect | 11
Party the P
Frid May 3
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Spring 2019
y in Park
day 3, 2019
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Connect | 13
Eton Parent Council All-School Ice Skating January 2019
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Spring 2019
Eton Parent Council (EPC)
Once a month during the school year, if you drop by Casa 207, you will see a table with every chair around it filled with parents. These are parents who volunteer as officers of the Executive Committee of Eton School’s Parent Council (EPC) as well as any parents who are interested in learning more about parent involvement in the school. They volunteer time, energy and voice to fulfill EPC's mission: The Eton School Parent Council supports Eton School's philosophy, programs, and activities for the benefit of all Eton School students. The Eton School Parent Council facilitates communication and parent education as well as encourages and coordinates volunteerism. The Eton School Parent Council fosters a spirit of inclusion, partnership, and cooperation among the entire school community. This year and in years past, EPC has sponsored a Welcome Picnic for all new families on the
first half‑day for their child. They have recruited volunteers to work and support the well attended annual Cultural Fair in September. They found volunteers to assist students and the photographer on picture day, brought in speakers on parenting subjects of interest to the greater Eton community and organized beloved get-togethers such as the Family Game Night and All-School Ice Skating Party. EPC also held special lunches each year for staff to say thank you, created play dates for students and families, and hosted the popular End‑of-Year Family Picnic. As we celebrate 40 years as a school, we recognize and thank Eton Parent Council for all of its help, support, and partnership. Furthermore, since every Eton School parent/guardian is a member of Eton Parent Council, we are thanking you for making a difference in the lives and educational journey of every Eton student!
2019–2020 Eton Parent Council Officers (left to right): Franziska Eckerlin (Treasurer), Meridith Atkins (Vice President), Andrea Doan (President), Karen Yeh (Secretary), and Jia Li (Volunteer Coordinator).
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Spring 2019
2019 Eton Community Gala Back to the '70s at the 2019 Gala by Monica Maling, Director of Development “We are grateful to those of you who purchased auction items, contributed to the Raise the Paddle, and who made donations to support the school programming.”
Eton School families, faculty, and staff gathered on Saturday, March 16, to celebrate our wonderful community and to support our school’s educational programming. As this was a special year for Eton School celebrating our 40th Anniversary, we held the Gala at a new and exciting venue in downtown Bellevue, the W Hotel. The beautifully presented silent auction was enjoyed by guests while indulging on delicious appetizers. A wine toss, Plinko game, and foosball were part of the festivities before going in to enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner and the live auction. Dining tables were decorated with mirror balls and records that fit with the '70s theme. Eton School was founded in 1978, and the '70s theme was a fun way to commemorate our Anniversary! The live auction was exciting as the auctioneer skillfully led guests through a lively round
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of Heads or Tails and then took us through the live auction, which was highlighted by unique stays in beautiful vacation homes. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and participate in this special evening. The Raise the Paddle with employer matching has reached $34,000, which has helped to purchase new campus signage. The big, new Eton School sign with reader board now proudly sits at the entrance to the Casa driveway along Bel‑Red Road. Students enjoy checking the temperature and seeing upcoming events displayed on the new sign. Directional signage is going to be installed this summer to help families find their way around campus. We are grateful to those of you who purchased auction items, contributed to the Raise the Paddle, and who made donations to support the school programming. All in total, you helped to raise over $80,000!
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2019 Eton Community Gala: Thank You for Your Support
Vipul Aggarwal and Mila Mihova Mahadev Alladi and Vandana Gummuluru John and Morgen Asher Susan Baccellieri Srinivasan Badrinarayanan and Anuradha Srinivasan Wenjie Bao and Shuang Li Beth Bazley Matt and Florence Bernhard Bob Bowman Stefani Brand Lenox and Trudy Brassell Ilya Bukshteyn and Meredith Atkins Kerena Burns Diana Butler Marjie Butler Laurren Chase Siddhartha and Apsara Chowdhary Scott and Julia Cole Alessandro Contenti and Lin Han Karl and Michele Dehmer Beth Douglass Chris and Viki Dragich Ibrahim Eden and Semiha Ece Kamar Eden Stephen and Lin Farmer Vic and Patricia Feltin Jiamian Feng and Jia Li Holly Fleming Bob Frangooles and Anne Pace Kris Gaskins Anne Gaskins Arif and Nausheena Ghouse Kevin Gilfillan Kevin Glatt and Shaterra Overton Cherie Goetz Sharon Gonzalez Colleen Grygier and Glenn Pawlak Mario Guimaraes and Suzana Canuto Tom Hansen and Kiruthika Selvamani Rae Ann Haistings and Chris Horton Dreslaine Haistings 18 | Eton School
Rick and Anica Harris Eric and Noah Heutchy Aaron Holm and Saira Khan Bruce and Bridget Horne Blair and Kathy Hotchkies Lifeng Hu and Christine Han Yuxiao Hu and Ning Yu Aleksandar Icev and Katica Iceva Thomas and Dell Johansson Carolina Jurgensen Gordon Kaplan Pete and Kelly Kashevarof Aaron Keeney and Tiffany Sparks-Keeney Angela Kim Jeff Kizner and Allison Hastings Jim Knapik Minnu Kotha Joe and Madeline Lee Michelle Lee Kirill Levinidov and Nadia Levanidova Ian and Poppy Louthan Yun Ma and Debbie Liu Attilio Mainetti and Jia Na Monica Maling Jason and Jamie Mallon David Marlow and Jinhui Zhong Mark and Cindy Mattix Maxim Mazeev and Nadejda Poliakova Cliff and Alice McNeer Chris Music and Thorn Michaels Erin Nakasone Jeremy and Cory Newtown-Smith Michael Nguyen and Andrea Doan Lynette Oshiro Nilesh and Aloka Parson Kannan Parthasarathy and Lavanya Krishnan Amitha and Yinglin Perera Pedro and Katie Perez Pascal Pinck and Erika Flesher Vaqar and Manizeh Pirzada Charles Potter and Laura Harris
Michael Pressman and Lina Li Stephen and Jackie Rauch Ryan Rautio and Sonja Everson Peter Roppo and Berengaria Winkler Roppo Khurram and Nikki Rehman Alice Ryan Brad and Julie Suavage Baris Saydag and Ferdane Bekmezci Kushal Shah and Vijal Tapar Khawja and Nasreen Shamsuddin Junqing Shang and Yu Deng Paul and Lucy Sharman Amelia Sherritt Manyu Shih and Zhiying Chen Fnu Sidhartha and Ritu Singh Russell and Rebecca Smith Sherrie Sparks Rick and Mary Springer Douglas Straight and Laura Moore Joe Suty and Judi Hoskins Eric and Ashley Tadeja Mohan and Sudha Vaghul Ranjit Varkey and Maya Subramanian Kam and Patricia VedBrat Gurpratap and Sonia Virdi Susie Walden Kalsom Wali Dylan Walker Jinghui Wang and Yiman Huang Ning Wei and Ningxin Zhang Jo Weise Carol Wellman Charley and Carolyn Wen Hank and Gwen Williams Matt Wood and Karen Yeh Patrick and Kristin Wyatt Fan Yang and Hua Li Zhiqing Yao and Yijun Zhang Jinbai Yin and Lan Tang Joerg Zender and Kirsten Steinhauer-Zender Wei Zhang and Chunping Li Spring 2019
A heartfelt thank you to friends of Eton School and local businesses who donated items for both our silent auction and live auction. Through the generosity of these individuals and companies, we were able to create an exciting auction experience for our guests that helped raise money to benefit the students and program at Eton School. Alderbrook Resort & Spa Aloka Parson Amelia Sherritt Angela Kim Big 5 Sporting Goods Blair & Kathy Hotchkies BMW of Bellevue Burgermaster Restaurants Canlis Cheryl Smith Mosaics Chris and Viki Dragich Crossroads Mall DigiPen ProjectFUN Disneyland Resort Emerald City Trapeze Arts Fire & Vine Hospitality Flywheel Sports iD Tech J&J Snack Foods Corp. Joe Suty and Judi Hoskins Julie Sauvage Karen Yeh Kevin Gilfillan KEXP KiwiCo Inc. Lake Hills Orthodontics Laura Allen
Laurren Chase Learning Professionals Lin Farmer Lynette Oshiro Maggi and Robin Walker Magic Castle Mathnasium of Bellevue McMenamins Michelle Lee Michelle O'Malley Monica Maling Nadia Levanidova Northwest Aesthetics Paddy Coyne's Bellevue Pagliacci Pizza Pascal Pinck and Megabox Pete Kashevarof Phillip and Rebecca Heckinger Rebecca Smith Rick and Anica Harris Schwartz Brothers Restaurants— Daniel's Broiler Seattle Cascades Seattle Meowtropolitan Seattle Movement Lab Seattle Reign FC Seattle Shakespeare Company
Seattle Storm Shuang Li Sirena Gelato Sno-King Ice Arenas STEP Computer Academy Stone Gardens Sweet Wheels Ice Cream Tavern Hall The Cheesecake Factory The Pizza Coop & Ale House The Roppo Family Tiffany Sparks-Keeney Tito's Handmade Vodka Total Wine & More TPC Danzante Bay Golf Course Trader Joe's Travis Kim Tree Time LLC Tutta Bella Neopolitan Pizzeria Valve Corporation Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto W Bellevue Wayback Burgers Wilderness Awareness School Yinglin Perera
We are very grateful to our Gala sponsors who made donations to underwrite the expenses of the event. Due to their generous gifts, faculty were able to attend the Gala and we were able to provide childcare at the venue. Thank you! Gold Star Sponsors Andrea Doan and Michael Nguyen Angela Ting and Desney Tan Beneficial State Bank Ferdous Rubayait and Farah Farzana Jinbai Yin and Lan Tang Manyu Shih and Zhiying Chen Randi Hedin and Andy Gardner Revel Rouser Events Violeta Arroyo and Miguel Guerrero
Silver Star Sponsors Bridget and Bruce Horne Gaurav Poothia and Varsha Khanna Katie and Pedro Perez Laura Harris and Charles Potter Matt Wood and Karen Yeh Nadejda Poliakova and Maxim Mazeev Pat and Vic Feltin Chris and Viki Dragich Wei Zhang and Chunping Li
Childcare Sponsors 520 Coachmen Townhomes Raman and Tina Sarin Steve Bush and Christine Chang Inivitation Sponsor AlphaGraphics—Seattle
Thanks to the help of these Eton School parents, the Gala was a fantastic and fun event. We are grateful for their boundless enthusiasm, time and energy they put into creating a truly memorable evening at the W Hotel! Laurren Chase Julia Cole Andrea Doan Nausheena Ghouse VOL 3 | NO. 2
Anica Harris Noah Heutchy Kathy Hotchkies Nadia Levindova
Jia Li Shuang Li Michelle O’Malley Anne Pace
Aloka Parson Karen Yeh Nikki Rehman Coral Zhu Tiffany Sparks‑Keeney Patricia VedBrat Connect | 19
Well Wishes Retiring: Mary Springer, Music and Performing Arts Teacher After twenty-six years of dedication and valued service, Mary Springer (also known as Miss Mary) is retiring on June 30, 2019. During her time at Eton School, she has earned the gratitude, respect, and admiration of those of us lucky enough to work with her. Mary has brought music to life and developed a love for performing in students—from the youngest at age three to the oldest in eighth grade. She has a way of touching the lives of students that continues long after they leave Eton School. Many Eton School graduates have gone on to pursue acting or singing as a result of her teaching.
Saying Goodbye to Faculty and Staff As with all growing schools, staff changes are inevitable. At the end of this school year, we will say goodbye to the following Eton School faculty and staff. We wish them all the best on their personal and professional journeys.
Kerena Burns Library Assistant
Kim Dacorogna Teaching Assistant Upper Elementary
Kevin Gilfillan (Sabbatical) Physical Education Teacher
Kevin Glatt Math and STEAM Teacher
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Anne Gaskins Latin Teacher
Kristin Smith Main Clubhouse Supervisor Spring 2019
Faculty and Staff Milestones Congratulations to the Following Employees for Reaching a Milestone Anniversary with Eton School!
30 Years Susan Baccellieri Pre-elementary Teacher
10 Years Natasha Baldyuk Pre-elementary Assistant
10 Years Myla Spektor Pre-elementary Assistant VOL 3 | NO. 2
15 Years Monica Maling Director of Development
10 Years Angel Kim Lower Elementary Teacher
10 Years Kirsten Zender Teacher and Yearbook Coordinator
15 Years Cindy Mattix Financial Services Administrator
10 Years Madeline Lee Pre-elementary Teacher
5 Years Stacy Moon Pre-elementary Assistant Connect | 21
Alumni Update career that offered a balanced lifestyle, Claire earned her master’s and clinical doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California in occupational therapy. She currently works as an occupational therapist specializing in pediatric early intervention and sensory integration in the Los Angeles area. Now, in her professional career as an occupational therapist working with young children, Claire finds that her personal experiences with Montessori education align with the therapeutic treatment that she provides professionally. She consistently promotes the importance of developmentally appropriate and child-led learning opportunities for young children. The importance of connecting movement to learning, the use of multi‑sensory materials, and practical life skill development from an early age leads to Claire often reaching for Montessori materials in her own work!
Claire Bazley has found that her elementary school Montessori education set the foundation for her adult life in more ways than one. The critical thinking, independent learning, and growth mindset fostered by her time at Eton School led to a fulfilling academic career. Claire completed the fourth grade at Eton School and then attended the Overlake School in Redmond, Washigton through high school. She received a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. In the pursuit of an intellectually challenging and service‑minded
Claire has also found parallels to Montessori learning in her own professional development. She finds that the multi-stage learning process of exploration, mastery, and leadership that is introduced in the multi-age Montessori classrooms has been applicable to her own professional development, and she is mindful to allow herself and her mentees to develop their skills appropriately during each stage of learning. She has also seen that the benefits of learning through the observation of one’s peers continue throughout the lifespan, and that collaboration with peers can be the best way to grow one's own skills. Claire lives in Long Beach, CA with her husband. She enjoys her work, playing Ultimate Frisbee and board games, and spending time with family and friends.
Alumni, Let's Stay Connected! Although you have moved beyond the walls of Eton School, you are still part of our community! You are important to us, and we want to build your connection with Eton and the alumni community. We invite you to drop by the school to visit and say hello. Check out our events on our website calendar and then plan to attend. You are always welcomed at Eton School! Have some news to share? We love hearing about what you have been doing since you left Eton School. Please email your news to our Director of Development, Monica Maling at mmaling@etonschool.org. 22 | Eton School
Two of the Alumni who volunteered at the 2019 Community Gala
Spring 2019
Eton Graduates: Where Are They Going?
Class of
2019
On Wednesday, June 11, 2019, our eighth-grade students graduate and become Eton alumni. Join us in wishing them all the best as they move on to their chosen high school. Matt: The Cambridge School of Weston (Weston, MA) Steven: Seattle Academy of Arts and Science Zoe: The Overlake School Anna: Lake Washington High School Will: Eastside Catholic High School
Eton School alumni from the Class of 2015 are graduating high school. Congratulations to each one, and we wish them the best in the next exciting phase of their journey! Bar Ben-Zvi attended Home School, Washington Network of Innovative Careers, and Digipen Institute of Technology. He is continuing his post-high school studies at Digipen Institute of Technology.
Ammar: The Overlake School Ian: Redmond High School Natasha: Lake Washington High School Lydia: Interlake High School
Madrona Maling is graduating from Holy Names Academy and will attend the University of Washington. Rahul Misal is graduating from Interlake High School and will attend the University of Washington. Jack Orton is graduating from Sammamish High School and will attend Seattle University.
Graham Frangooles is graduating from Sammamish High School and will attend Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
Kavya Varkey is graduating from Sammamish High School and will attend Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
Hana Mahmud is graduating from Interlake High School and is taking a gap year to work on local political campaigns and to travel.
Katrin Zender is graduating from Interlake High School and will attend Franklin University in Lugano, Switzerland.
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Let's Get Social Follow us on social media to gain insight into the greater Eton community. View photos, read posts, and check out our events!
etonschool.washington Eton School
May 28 at 10:00 am
The air buzzed with excitement on Friday as Upper and Middle School students explained and demonstrated their STEAM projects at the Eton STEAM Expo. For weeks, the students worked hard on their projects and in creating engaging, and informative displays. Congratulations to the students for a successful STEAM Expo and to everyone that attended!
twitter.com/EtonSchoolWA Eton School @EtonSchoolWA May 9 Pre-elementary students are beginning their end of the year sewing projects. #WeAreEton #Inspired #Prepared #Empowered
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24 | Eton School
Spring 2019
Eton School
2019 Summer Program Camps ✧ Montessori Camp ✧ Childcare June 17 through August 23 Information and Registration: http://bit.ly/ESSummer2019
2701 Bellevue-Redmond RD Bellevue WA 98008
Vision In educating the whole child, Eton School inspires creative, confident thinkers who have an enduring passion for learning and are poised to contribute to the world.
www.etonschool.org
