Far Brook Bulletin 2018-2019

BULLETIN

VOLUME XXXIV, 2018 - 2019

A COLLECTION OF VOICES FROM OUR PARENT COMMUNITY

OVERTURES Belonging: the feeling of being known and recognized, happy and comfortable in

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a particular place or with a particular group of people.

can remember arriving late to school one morning and wandering the hallway without a pass. The assistant principal caught sight of me. “Where do you belong?” she sternly asked. “In homeroom,” I muttered and scurried off, feeling neither known nor comfortable. I’ve asked myself the same question many times over since then: Where do I belong? I know I’m not alone.

We all belong, to families, to nationalities and cultures and religions, to the geography of where we were born and raised. But there is the where and to what and to whom we belong, not by biology or circumstance, but by choice.

I experienced my first Morning Meeting over seven years ago. I watched as students mindfully walked and sat; I listened as Amy Ziebarth uttered a soft “Good Morning” to a room where one could hear a pin drop; I heard voices ring out in beautiful, harmonious song. This is a place, I thought, where my children could feel known, happy, and comfortable. I feel blessed to be among so many others who have chosen the same, to belong to this community that is Far Brook.

-- Hope Chernov

Jimena, Grade 8

Where We Belong

By Guowei Li (Version in Mandarin follows)

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s a first-generation immigrant, my life so far has been divided in two halves: I was born and raised in China, and then as an adult I made the journey to America where I landed with two suitcases and $145 in my pocket. I squeezed into a tiny, windowless basement apartment in New York City, which “showered” on me when there was pouring rain outside. My first job was as a kitchen helper, where I worked 12-hour days with no break for $40 per day, an average of $3 per hour! When my wife and I were first married, we lived in an apartment that was less than 100 square feet with no kitchen, and a bathroom that we shared with the other tenants. We were robbed several times, once at gunpoint. Our first car was stolen and never returned.

tribulations, we recall our first days here together with happiness and gratitude. We were paying tuition at the time and our income was very low. Nevertheless, we still managed to buy a set of stereo speakers to enjoy music; we shared rental car expenses with friends to travel to Washington DC, West Point, and Niagara Falls; we spent many happy hours walking in Central Park; we picked up furniture from the curbside: a mattress, shelves, a refrigerator, even books.

Life was so happy, exciting, and shining!

Finally, 10 years after we arrived, we bought a house in West Orange, NJ. Now when we visit China, we look forward to returning to the United States. Our home is here.

Looking back at those early days in New York City, I don’t think of the hardship or difficulty. The memory of my wife having only $7 in her pocket to buy me my very first Christmas gift still brings tears to my eyes.

Even when I could afford only $1 a day to eat; even when my wife was injured after a taxi knocked her from her bicycle on a busy Manhattan street; even when I was fired from my warehouse job the weekend right before Thanksgiving; through all of these

Sofia, Grade 3

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About eight years ago, when we first visited Far Brook, we had no idea that we would become so deeply tied to the School. We stepped out of our car and from the front parking lot we saw a man with a beard sitting at the top of the slope; he was spraying water into the sky with a hose, and a group of little kids were running, jumping, and chasing each other under the mist. There was so much laughter! That man “watering” the kids was Nursery teacher Bill Deltz, who would become our daughter Yuxin’s first teacher at Far Brook, and those frolicking children are now Seventh Graders. After so many years here, we have come to understand that Far Brook nurtures children like water nourishes

flowers – each child is a tree whose roots are planted firmly in the earth. I like to think of Far Brook students like kites, that no matter how high or how far they fly, they always have a place to land, a home.

We are so happy for our daughter Yuxin, now a Sixth Grader, to be at this amazing School, something we could never have imagined when we arrived decades ago with so little in our pockets yet so full of hopes and dreams.

Often, we talk to Yuxin about the Universe.

We like to say that we are all the villagers on this tiny planet. We belong to this little Earth, we belong to each other, and we are grateful to belong to the Far Brook community.

Alexandra, Grade 6

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归属

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为第一代移民，我的生命到目前为止正好分成两个部分: 我生长在中国，近而立之 年，揣著145 美金和两只航空箱，踏上美国的土地。落脚在纽约的狭小的地下室， 没有窗，外面下大雨，里面淋雨。第一份工作是厨房打杂。工作12个小时，没有 休息时间。一天40块，平均时薪3块钱。我们结婚的房间，不足100平方英尺，没

有厨房，共用卫生间。我们不止一次被抢，被枪顶著，来美后的第一部车被偷掉，从没找回来。 回首早期的这些在纽约的日子，脑海里出现的，并不是这些艰辛和困苦。尽管每当想起我太太兜里 只有7 块钱，满大街转给我买我来美后的第一个圣诞礼物，会让我泪水难抑；尽管有些天，我一天 的伙食费只有一块钱；尽管我太太被出租车非常危险地撞倒在曼哈顿车流不断的大街上；尽管就在 感恩节前的周末，我的仓库工作被炒；而在这么多的磨难中，我们回想起最初的那些日子，心中的 却是开心和感恩。我们收入很低，还要付学费，但我们还是想法留些钱，买了音响欣赏音乐； 我 们和朋友合起来租车，去华盛顿；西点军校；大瀑布；我们经常去中央公园，度过许多快乐时光； 我们从路边拣家具: 床垫，书架，小冰箱，还有书。生活充满喜悦，激动和希望。 来这片土地10年 后，我们在西桔子买了房子，安顿下来。如今，去中国是探亲， 回美国是回家，家在这!

8年前，我们第一次访问 Far Brook 学校，那时绝对想不到我 们和学校的缘分会这么深。走出车，远远看到在坡顶，一 位老者举著水龙头，对著一群小童，喷洒水珠。孩子们笑 啊，叫啊，跳啊，相互追逐，笑声充满著整个校园。那 个”浇灌”孩子的是 Bill Deltz, 他后来成为我们女儿在Far Brook 的第一个老师。 而当年那些欢笑嘻水的孩子，也已是 7年级的大孩子。这么多年的学习浸润，我们理解到，Far Brook 的教育，像是在浇花，实是植树。这里的孩子，就像 风筝，不管飞的多高，飞的多远，他们永远维系在这里。 我们的女儿雨辛，现在六年级，我们真为她高兴，她能身 处这所不一样的学校，而这是我们刚来美国时，做梦也想 不到的! 那时，我们囊中羞涩，满怀希望。日常中，我们和 雨辛会常常讨论有关宇宙。我们常说，我们都是这个小小星

Julia, Grade 4

球上村民。我们属于这个小星球；我们属于彼此；我们非常荣幸地属于Far Brook 这个大家庭!

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From Attending to Belonging Widening the Lens: Far Brook’s Diversity Conference

By Tanya Nicholson Miller

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n November 2018, Far Brook was host to Widening the Lens for the third consecutive year. The day-long conference was attended by students, administrators, teachers, and trustees from 13 independent schools who came together to share thoughts and ideas on the theme, “From Attending to Belonging: Re-Imagining Independent Schools for Our Intersectional Communities.”

Author and inaugural poet Richard Blanco delivered the conference keynote speech, during which he highlighted his navigation of various socioeconomic, ethnic, geographic, cultural, and familial structures to find a sense of home, of belonging. He read personal poems and excerpts from his books which beautifully articulated the multilayered emotional nuances of intersectionality and the bittersweet cross-cultural immigrant experience.

Zeke, Grade 1

In the morning workshops that followed Richard’s presentation, small cross-sections of constituents examined the subtle and overt, authentic, and purposeful ways in which our school communities can create a sense of belonging Lily V, Grade 8 for all students. In the afternoon, a panel of students shared poignant reflections of representation – the spaces in which they felt meaningful dialogue could occur or had occurred – and experiences of misrepresentation in which comments – even from those with wellmeaning intentions – negatively impacted their

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sense of belonging within their school communities. In the final workshops of the day, attendees created action plans and concrete goals, intentional steps to increase thoughtful conversations and further community-building on their respective campuses.

The Widening the Lens conference enhanced our collective critical consciousness and reminded us to listen closely to the underrepresented voices among us. To be sure, sharing the perspectives of those not frequently seen, lauded, or heard, and building conversational bridges is impactful work that allows each of us to feel accepted, nurtured, and connected to and within our school communities.

Marlena, Grade 8

Editor’s Note: Keynote Speaker Richard Blanco was chosen in 2013 to serve as the fifth presidential inaugural poet of the United States. Blanco performed an original poem he wrote for the occasion, becoming the youngest, first Latino, immigrant, and openly gay writer to hold the honor. His recent book, How to Love a Country, continues to explore our nation’s sociopolitical issues while celebrating our hope and ideals. Below is an excerpt from his poem, One Today.

We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always – home, always under one sky, our sky. And always one moon like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop and every window, of one country – all of us – facing the stars hope – a new constellation waiting for us to map it, waiting for us to name it – together Matías, Grade 6

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Snowstorm Avery Crashes the Third Grade Feast

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By Elizabeth Burke ’93

he Third Grade Feast is a long-held and beloved Far Brook tradition. Centered around the Third Grade’s study of Native Americans, the event is an homage to the Harvest Festival celebrated by Indigenous Americans and the English colonists. The repast offers a spin on the “traditional” Thanksgiving dinner many American families eat in celebration of the holiday. There is roast turkey and cranberry sauce and cornbread stuffing, but there is also Mohegan succotash, maple molasses baked beans, and Creek blackberry cobbler, unique recipes that strive to authenticate what the Native Americans and colonists would have had available to them at the time. The meals were seasonally and locally sourced, much like the community-supported agriculture of today!

Eleanor, Grade 3

As usual, tremendous effort went into the feast preparations.

Third Grade teachers Megan Martin, Jamie Yang, and Katherine Marantz provided context through lessons and books, and together with students, baked corn and zucchini bread. Class parents Sapna Lalla and Catherine Wragg sent emails, recipes, and google docs to coordinate, while families shopped, chopped, roasted, pureed, and baked away in the days leading up to the Feast. Siblings, parents, and loved ones were invited – and excited! – to celebrate on November 16, 2018.

Harry, Grade 3

The day before the Feast however, Snowstorm Avery struck, wreaking havoc across the entire county. The snow fell fast and furious starting around 2:00 pm and did not abate for seven more hours. Teachers, parents, and students kept each other safe and happy on campus through the long and nerve-

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Teddy, Grade 5

wracking afternoon-into-evening, which did not end until the last student was picked up just after 9:00 pm. Though the ordeal proved challenging, it was also a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of such a loving and resourceful community.

But with School canceled the next day (which happened to be on a Friday), what to do about the Feast? And what to do with all of the painstakingly prepared pounds of squash, gallons of acorn soup, and vats of wild rice? As chance would have it, the on-site chef at Isaiah House – the East Orange shelter and food pantry with which Far Brook partners – had been sick, the news of which sent Third Grade families into action. The dishes were dropped off to parents Corinne Amato and Nicholas Danzis, who then transported everything to Isaiah House. While not the Feast for which anyone had planned or hoped, this Far Brook tradition provided a simple gift to many in need, and a profound lesson in gratitude for all.

Shawn, Grade 4

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Smiles and Rainbows: Tributes to Paula Levin Whether through a heartfelt hug full of flowing skirts or a smile as wide as her glasses, retiring Head of Lower School Paula Levin has embraced us all with the feeling of belonging. She has welcomed us in and reassured us as parents, she has touched our children with joy and laughter, and her actions and guidance have molded and shaped the Lower School, creating a legacy that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on this community. Below, families share stories of that legacy and the gratitude and appreciation we have for Paula as we wish her farewell.

-Erin Doppes

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ince Fall 2011, when our first child stepped onto campus and into the Nursery, Paula has been a steadfast guide as both an educator and as a fellow parent. She KNOWS our children and understands them in a way I didn’t think was possible for a non-family member. When our middle child was one of the younger, quieter, and shyer kids in the Nursery, Paula saw so much more in her Benjamin Z., Grade 1 and continues to be one of her biggest champions even years later. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t hesitate to call Paula and ask for advice about our youngest child who was two at the time and not yet enrolled at Far Brook. Paula brings comfort, wisdom, and, of course, hugs and kisses to every encounter! Thank you, Paula!

-Robyn Bennett and Marc Schwartz

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Sabrina, Nursery 4s

aula flung open the door and exclaimed, “There’s a double rainbow! You must come see it!” before disappearing from the room. And so, instead of finishing our parent orientation with Mikki Murphy, Hope and I found ourselves outside at dusk with other new-to-Far Brook families and staff, gazing up at a perfect double rainbow framing the campus. I can still see Paula running from room to room, making sure everyone got the chance to witness this fleeting moment of beauty,

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positive that it was worth halting all progress to do so. And it sure was. Thank you, Paula. Thank you for showing us the rainbows.

-Michael Dahlen

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leven years ago, I began my journey as a new Far Brook parent to my son Miller. He was entering the Nursery class, and we were both pretty nervous.

Miller had felt some anxiety about attending his Rian, Kindergarten former preschool, which had been a difficult transition. I wondered how he would ever survive a full day of school in a new environment. But once we met Paula, we were enveloped into her world of goodness. Paula is a warm hug, an effervescent smile, a positive light of happiness. She called me several times the first few weeks of school just to let me know how well Miller was adjusting.

Leaving my little ones at Far Brook always felt just perfect because Paula, a grandmother to the children and a mother to the parents, was a part of their day. My mom doesn't live nearby, and knowing that Paula was at the heart of the Lower School felt like the best community I could find for raising my children.

-Katy Burns

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can’t really think of a role that Paula has not played in my life.

Paula has been a family friend, my camp leader when I was a young camper at Far Brook Mini-Camp in its infancy (Michael Repetti, Asher, Nursery 4s my husband, was there too, by the way!), a second parent to me and the rest of the Far Brook class of ’93, and my boss when I returned to Far Brook as a Mini-Camp counselor.

Finally, and most importantly, she has been our guide and supporter as Michael and I have returned to Far Brook as parents.

From the first minute of Nathan’s “interview” play date, Paula was there with a huge smile and even bigger hug, assuring me that he would be a great fit in the next Nursery class. She was there and just as excited to welcome Eliot. She has been with us through every question and concern since then, always available to relieve my anxiety or patiently allow me to process in order to inevitably

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Logan, Nursery 4s

come to the same conclusion she had already. As many have said, it is hard to imagine Far Brook without Paula; but the truth is, Far Brook reflects so much of Paula that luckily, we don’t really have to.

-Rebecca Wildman Repetti ’93

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hen my daughter was in the Nursery class with Bill Deltz and Paula, they took a field trip to see a presentation of instruments of the orchestra. I told Paula that my daughter had never been on a Eliot, Kindergarten school bus before and I expressed my concerns to her. Paula said, “You know, I have to say that you are not the first parent who has said that to me and it’s a common concern, and I completely understand why you feel that way, but I want you to know that we are going to be so safe and we will be back before you know it.”

At that moment, Paula made me feel so heard by not trivializing my fear and also so respected by indicating that other parents also felt the same way. Paula’s skill of being able to understand the world from someone else’s perspective was clear from the beginning of my experience with her.

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Reagan, Second

-Nancy McIntyre

hether as a substitute teacher to my sister’s Sixth Grade class, as my Kindergarten teacher, as a mentor to my wife who teaches here, or as the Head of Lower School to my five Michael, Grade 3 nieces, nephew, and two sons, Paula’s love of students, families, and colleagues has remained steadfast.

Paula has been consistent in her caring, calm demeanor, and in her ability to connect with every generation of our family.

While we each have our individual memories of Paula, we all share a common bond – our love and appreciation for her.

Every day, in every year, in five different decades, Paula has made and continues to make Far Brook a special place.

-Charlie Miller ’81

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aula for me is the face of Far Brook. She was the first person I met when I stepped onto campus. At the time, I had three things on my wish list: move to the East Coast with my husband Charlie, a Far Brook alum; start our family; and, hopefully, work at Far Brook. I arranged a visit with Paula to coincide with the Thanksgiving Processional.

She took the time to welcome me with warmth and enthusiasm, even in the midst of a hectic day. She asked all about my life and told stories of my husband’s school days when she was his Kindergarten teacher. It felt almost as if Paula had been my teacher as well.

Abby, Nursery 4s

Over the next several years, we managed a move to the East Coast and to create our family of four. When I finally signed a contract for a short-term position at Far Brook, Paula was there to give me a warm, congratulatory embrace and I instantly felt like part of her work “family.” This feeling would continue, whether I came to her as a teacher or as a parent. My husband and two sons know exactly what this connection feels like. Hundreds of families can say the same.

Shane, Nursery 3s

Paula, I cannot imagine Far Brook without you. And I'm guessing that even after you officially retire, you will continue to be a part of Far Brook. I will be walking around the Junior High building, and I will see you on the walkway alongside the Lower School building, with your smile and energy and time for everyone who wants to visit with you. You are the face of Far Brook...and the heart of it, too.

-Mona Boewe

Ansel & Oceane, Grade 2

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Did you know…

How Far Brook Got Its first mascot?

by Hope Chernov than sly hen-hunting prowess. The fox is, The Place: Far Brook’s Second Grade of course, known Classroom for its agility, playfulness, and The Players: The Second (now Third) intelligence, not to Grade and Sixth (now Seventh) Grade mention its speed, students, Head of School Amy Ziebarth grace, and beauty. reg Bartiromo (Associate But the fox is also a Director of The Far Brook Fund deep thinker that and Alumni Relations and demonstrates strong Cindy, Grade 6 Athletics Coach) remembers 20 loyalty to and years back, when then-Head of School Mary respect for its pack community. Is there Wearn Wiener proclaimed, “We need a anything more Far Brook-ian than that? And mascot!” A much-greener Greg was actually when Amy began taking note of myriad fox part of the brainstorming that produced ideas sightings on campus and during her morning like Far Brook Phoenix and Far Brook runs, she couldn’t help but think there was Tempest, but alas, consensus could not be some kind of divine fox energy at work. So reached and the very idea of a mascot was on March 24, 2018, the Far Brook Fox was shelved and ultimately forgotten. That is, officially unveiled! until 2018, when Far Brook’s intrepid Fast forward a few months to fall 2018 and a Second Grade approached Amy Ziebarth new school year: The Sixth Graders took on with the notion to appoint a School mascot once and for all – and entrepreneurial roles as they developed their small business, Foxware, which took on they knew exactly many forms throughout the school year, but which woodland creature best captured ultimately produced original t-shirts as gifts for the graduating class of 2019. Sixth Far Brook’s spirit.

Graders took part in all parts of the process, Why a fox, you ask? from devising a business proposal and plan, The now-Third ordering and maintaining materials, and Graders will tell you evaluating the need for their product. Now, that there is much that’s what I call ingenuity. I think the Far more to this creature Brook Fox would agree!

The Time: 2018

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Ketan, Grade 3

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The Simple Gift of a Phone Call

by James Jean-Pierre

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h, social media! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram! What did we ever do without you? How would we stay informed and connected? Where else could we share just about anything in our hearts and minds, all in the name of bringing us closer together? Well, call me old-fashioned (you wouldn’t be the first), but even with all of this feel-good power at our swiping fingertips, I’d venture to say that social media has the very real potential to keep us further apart. Because as folks become more addicted to their screens and devices as their primary means of communication, we become less inclined to actually speak to each other. I maintain – in the absence of being physically present with the people we love – the most powerful way to truly connect is through voice-to-voice communication: a good old-fashioned phone call. Now don’t get me wrong, my wife and I have absolutely embraced social media to share with family and friends near and far.

We can’t resist highlighting our son Bailey’s accomplishments and sharing pictures of his awesome smile and spiky haircut. But none of this takes the place of what remains a consistent practice in our household – Bailey’s weekly phone call to his Grandma Bessie in Chicago and

Grandma Maricille on Long Island. Although his grandmas are on Facebook and keep up with our every post, they truly look forward to hearing Bailey’s voice. They love hearing him share about his Far Brook classmates, violin and orchestra practice, his pets, lacrosse, and his crazy social play-date calendar. He laughs out loud. He makes them laugh out loud (we can hear them through the phone!). He shares things with his grandmas that he might not share with us. One day, if the stars are aligned and Bailey becomes a parent, we pray that he will keep up the tradition of having his child call Grandma Monique and Grandpa James (at least) once a week. We would be over the moon happy and cherish every single conversation. Until then, our son will continue to do all of the things that Fifth Grade boys do, and we will continue to encourage him to give his grandmas the simple gift of a weekly call.

Mateo, Grade 3

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A Soft Place to Land

By Michelle Trotter Little brick-red schoolhouses with white trim scattered all about a sprawling campus. A playground with a carpet of soft wood chips, blades of grass kissed with a misty dew. A rising sun peeking through the buildings.

parents leapt into action. They showed up so beautifully for us, bringing lunch, stews we could nosh on for days, toys for our son, offers of transportation so I would not have to wake a napping baby, sleepovers so our daughter could have some fun and so that I Smiling faces. Peals of laughter. Backpacks could rest. I didn’t think new friends were a bigger than the little bodies carrying them. possibility at this age. I was mistaken. We Older kids holding the little hands of the wee felt blessed in every way imaginable. ones, walking them to class with loving care.

Pure, sweet energy buzzing all around.

Morning Meetings to the music of Tchaikovsky, greeting little faces full of wonder. This is Far Brook to me. It has been and continues to be a blessing to our family, through sunshine and rain.

Our first years here were like a dream; our now 13-year-old daughter, Saaliha, embarked on her journey at age four, reading with ease, creating in abundance, soaking up the education all the while finding joy in her close connections. Saaliha was happy, life was good, and we counted our blessings.

Then, after a few years of hoping, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy.

I’m an older mom. Seasoned, if you will. I had forgotten how much work a new baby requires, and our son, Tarik, was no exception. But the circle of Far Brook

Kate, Grade 1

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But life has a way of bringing more lessons. My Far Brook family – faculty and friends – Not long after Tarik was born, Saaliha’s hair has shown me that when we face adversity, began to thin, then to fall in clumps. She was we help each other. A simple gift, but a diagnosed with alopecia areata, and when that profound one. Far Brook continues to be a school year came to a close, she decided she place where our daughter is nurtured, where no longer wanted to she can find her footing, hide under hats and and gain her confidence side ponytails. She to fly. came to me and asked As for our little guy, he if she could shave her loves his teachers and head. I was frightened, his School. It doesn’t imagining the hurt to know that all of turbulent adolescent the Seventh and Eighth years that lay before Graders dote and love her. But when I looked him every minute. Who in her bright eyes, I wouldn’t want that? I’m realized that I needed Tyler, Grade 4 excited to watch his to match her courage, light shine bright throughout these brick-red and so we went to the barber together. I buildings. would like to think that her bravery comes from her strong upbringing, or her innate resilience. And though that may be true, we also credit Far Brook in large part. After the “big buzz,” Saaliha sent pics to a few of her friends and these beautiful souls rallied around her, lifting her up with loving kindness, showing her how beautiful and cool she is. Every single one of her teachers has shown up and supported her, and they continue to demonstrate daily that they have skin in the game, helping us meet all of our challenges with so much love and generosity of spirit.

Ethan, Kindergarten

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Memories and Moments in the Carpool Line

By Natali Morris

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iles walks from the Lower School building and rounds his way towards the carpool bench. He is barely five years old, and his tiny face reminds me of a Glow Worm doll I had as a child. His backpack and coat are far too big for him. He takes big steps for his little body, his eyes scanning the cars for his mother. Erasmia (Voukelatos, Lower School Music Teacher and Interim Choral Director) walks up and takes his hand, leading him the rest of the way. When he sees me, his face breaks into a big, broad smile.

That was when Miles, my oldest, was in Kindergarten. He’s now in Third Grade, but thanks to smartphone magic I can watch that small moment captured from behind my windshield over and over.

When Ava, my second, began her journey at Far Brook, my husband dropped her off on day one and recorded her first carpool moment. In it, she piles on a backpack that dwarfs her and pauses to look at Moore Hall. Her brother takes her hand and she willingly accepts it. He walks her in assuredly and neither of them look back.

These glimpses caught on video are not necessarily Facebook-worthy. Nobody is playing an instrument at recital or scoring a game-winning goal on the field.

These are the precious small moments that I will miss and look back on as I come to understand, as all parents do, that our children grow up way too fast.

Aidan, Grade 5

And while I could go on about the wonderful moments of carpool, I will confess they are not all picture perfect.

After a long day, you never know what you’re going to get when you order up your kids from a smiling face

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holding a walkie-talkie. Some days the news is sad. “Mommy, Sonny the class bird died today and we buried him under the flowers.” Some days there is heated squabbling between tired siblings that inevitably ends in tears. “Let me have my own experience, Miles!” Some days I don’t have a snack to their liking. “You KNOW I don’t like cashews anymore!” I can only hope that they have spent all of their collaborative and cooperative energy in the classroom and have none to spare for their mother.

But I think that for them, the minute they climb into the car must feel like arriving home after a long day of work, or finally unbuttoning jeans that have been too tight all day. We all just want the time and space not to have to be “on,” and that first chance for them comes as soon as they are in the safety of Mommy’s car.

Margot, Nursery 4s

As I reflect on my years driving to and from Far Brook each day, I realize why I felt it so important to document the small moments at carpool. It’s so I can remember the happy looks they gave us when they recognized their car from afar. And what it was like as a mom to be their “home.” And how tiny they once were. And to remember the sacred moment of silence I had before they clambered on in.

Sebastian, Grade 3

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Far brook reflections By eighth grade parents

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itting in Morning Meeting as a guest in 2013, I knew this School was meant for Becket and for us. The calm, the creativity, the song! Since Third Grade, Far Brook has been a blessing for our family. The first day sitting by the fireplace in the library; donuts on a string (or on the face!) and the rockets on our first Fall Family Day; trawling for fish with nets at Sandy Hook; wearing the maroon soccer kit for the first time in 2015 and helping the team; hearing that “science is really interesting.”

Beckett playing the villain, Chao the Jug, in the Fifth Grade play, The Ghost of the Pot, and being part of “team choir” at Thanksgiving Processional and Stabat Mater and Other Voices. Most of all, we cherish the caring community that is Far Brook.

-Ian Foster

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will always remember, a few weeks after Jimena started First Grade – her first year at Far Brook – I walked her to the classroom instead of bringing her to the carpool circle as I usually had done. On the way, at least three Eighth Graders said, “Hi Jimena,” and gave her hugs! I was so surprised and happy seeing these teenagers befriend my seven-year-old girl. Later, I learned that this is simply the Far Brook spirit of community, friendship, and kindness.

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-Sirlene Montenegro

Akasha, Grade 8

remember sitting at a Sixth Grade parent-teacher conference and feeling somewhat nervous about Marlena’s progress. Valerie [McEntee, Sixth Grade teacher] assured my husband Kevin and me that our daughter’s frustration with the Junior High curriculum of notetaking, research, and study skills would eventually produce a happy, confident learner. I was not so sure. Valerie said with utter certainty, “She will be fine.”

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The summer before Seventh Grade at our Getting to Know You conference, I expressed lingering concern about Marlena’s confidence. Mike [Chodroff, Associate Director of Upper School] said to me, “This will be her breakthrough year.” I think my parting words to the Seventh Grade teachers were, “Good luck…”

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fter 10 wonderful years at Far Brook, we have been consistently pleased with Nick and Ale’s (Alejandro) overall experiences. From their initial activities in art, music, and storytelling that incorporated them into the school to representing Far Brook more broadly at conferences and in sports, the sum of the boys’ growth has been wonderfully immeasurable. Our family has felt the community’s embrace, allowing us to share countless precious moments over the years that we shall forever be grateful for.

Today, at Marlena’s final conference, I look across the table at my Eighth Grader and realize that Valerie and Mike were indeed correct.

Marlena reads aloud her teachers’ comments, among which are -Rose M. Perez and “confident in the Juan Carlos Lorenzo material,” “perseveres,” olin came to Far “determined.” She is Brook in Seventh proud, happy, and Grade from a large smiling. Her teachers set Bryce, Nursery 4s middle school. From high expectations and were the moment we stepped on campus, patient and flexible as Marlena progressed he felt at home. It is hard to imagine what a through Junior High. difference two short years have made. From I am forever thankful to all of the Far Brook the very first day, this entire community – teachers who allowed my daughter to faculty, students, and parents – embraced him experience the turbulent pre-teen years in a as one of their own. My son came in as a safe, judgement-free space. They were the quiet and polite young man and he leaves safety net when she was afraid to try. I am so with a new-found confidence and selfhappy to say that Marlena is very wellassurance that I never could have imagined. prepared for high school and beyond.

As a parent, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

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-Dona Gapp

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-Minnie Saladin-Cummings

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illiam came home very excited from his first day at Far Brook. He told me, “Everyone wants to sit next to me because I’m the new kid and they all want to help me!” It made me laugh thinking back on how warmly his new class welcomed him. But I quickly found that this was not unusual. Whenever I’m on campus, I always hear someone calling his name or cheering for him during sports, classmates and non-classmates alike. (He seems to have more friends than he realizes!) I have watched him grow into the now “big kid” who walks Kindergartners to the classroom, holding their little hands. Far Brook is just such a caring and supportive community, the students build friendships that they will treasure for many years to come. I know William will always remember his Far Brook years with great joy!

-Susan Zhao

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Far Brook Sound Poem

Standing in the back of Moore Hall for the first time, a wave of warmth washed over me as the kids split into (what seemed like) 12part harmony. My heart leapt, my soul smiled, and my mind knew we were home. Since that first day, Far Brook has been the soundtrack of our family.

The playlist: Lilting Laughter - trickling through every day, every class, every corner on campus.

Safe Silence - the exceptional way each morning begins in contemplation.

Excited Encouragement - students cheering on their classmates as every single person explores every single activity.

Running Feet - the magic of a school without hallways, the unconfined potential for all.

Solemn Steps - the grace of this community to help heal heartbreak.

Magnificent Music - from voices, bells, and horns, to strings and keys, to drums, hands, rocks, and sticks, even the handrail leading up the front steps.

Alejandro, Grade 8

Proud Proclamations - Eighth Graders sharing pentameter and potential before embarking on their next great adventure, instilling hope in those lucky enough to know them.

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Eternal Experience - graduates not leaving Far Brook, but instead, taking Far Brook with them as a gift to the lives they will touch, and the world they will lead.

-Tami Evans

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ome of my most enjoyable Far Brook moments have occurred while volunteering. Library shifts inevitably brought book discussions with six- and seven-year-olds along with their delight using the checkout scanner and playing librarian. There were precious conversations in the Lower School classrooms gathering sketches for the Bulletin, with the children curiously asking what I was doing and offering up their favorite work. Then there were the countless interactions with teachers, reviewing artwork and upcoming events with bottomless patience, flexibility, and willingness to assist. It is a blast being part of the parent kitchen team and feeling instant camaraderie deciding how best to heat up chili, or working the cash register and sharing parenting “can you believe it” stories…. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, I strongly encourage you to volunteer!

-Janice Cherkis

Ellis, Grade 4

there were five kids between the ages of eight and fourteen, the two eldest of whom had graduated from Far Brook and performed The Tempest just a few days before. We spent the hot summer day in Central Park, and the humid evening at the outdoor Delacorte Theater. Now, post-performance, the kids were animatedly discussing different interpretations of the play.

They all agreed that they preferred “our” Prospero to the talented actor they had just watched (shout out to Gerry [Gerardson] Alexandre ’15!). They were surprised that Stefano and Trinculo were oppositely Sawyer, Grade 7 characterized, Trinculo being the funny drunk and Stefano the straight man. “And their Ariel was waaay creepier.”

“He was dark and scary.” “He made me

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t was the end of a very long day in New York City spent with another Far Brook family. We had stayed overnight and woke up at the crack of dawn to stand in line for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park, to see The Tempest. Across our two families

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scream!” They went on and on. We parents stood in proud amazement, while nearby audience members commented in surprise.

Children…children were discussing Shakespeare with such depth, enjoyment, and understanding.

In this, and so many ways, Far Brook has enriched the lives of my entire family.

Because of Bill Deltz [Nursery teacher], my kids eat vegetables. Worth. Every. Penny.

Both of my children discovered their love of math at Far Brook. One has been inspired to become a teacher, the other a researcher (she’s still always asking questions). My kids learned how to play on teams, how to get along with people with whom they didn’t always agree, and how to encourage others to do the same. They learned how to work hard at things where success does not come easily, how to advocate for themselves, how to talk in front of large groups. And man, did they learn how to sing! My husband and I learned along the way too. We learned about friendship, hardship, advocacy, art, history, culture, and education. We’ll miss this place more than we ever imagined.

-Erika Fanelle

E

mmet was 5 years old in 2010 when his sister Maeve entered Far Brook in the Seventh Grade. I will always remember that first Fall Family Day. It was such a wonderful event and I was struck by how much fun Emmet was having and what a perfect environment

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the School would be for him. A handful of years later, Emmet entered Far Brook in Seventh Grade and here he is, about to graduate. We’re so happy to see the full circle. When I think of Far Brook, I think, kindness. Thank you, Far Brook.

-Patricia Price

Elliott, Grade 8

Far Brook Bulletin Team Koonam Aurora Jennifer Barba Joan Burr Janice Cherkis Hope Chernov Peggy Fawcett

Irene, Grade 7

Inside this issue: Overtures

by Hope Chernov

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Where We Belong

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by Guowei Li 归属 (“Where We Belong” Mandarin Version)

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by Guowei Li From Attending to Belonging

The Simple Gift of a Phone Call

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by James Jean-Pierre A Soft Place to Land

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by Michelle Trotter Memories and Moments in the Carpool Line

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by Natali Morris

7

Far Brook Reflections

by Elizabeth Burke ’93 Smiles and Rainbows: Tributes to Paula Levin

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5

by Tanya Nicholson Miller Snowstorm Avery Crashes the Third Grade Feast

Did You Know...How Far Brook Got Its First Mascot?

by Hope Chernov

by Eighth Grade Parents 9

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