NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID SOUTHBOROUGH, MA PERMIT NO. 4
FAY
Spring 2012
MAGAZINE
48 Main Street Southborough, MA 01772 Tel: 508.485.0100 and 800.933.2925 Fax: 508.481.7872
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In this issue: Learning Across the Grade Levels A Vision for Peace: Nicholas Porter ’79 Taste of Nations
FACULTY PROFILE
Faculty Profile: Q&A with Bruce Chauncey This year, faculty member Bruce Chauncey celebrated his twentieth year of dedicated service to Fay. A graduate of Dickinson College who had worked at Eagle Hill School and Dexter School, Bruce came to Fay in 1992 as a dorm parent and coach. Since then, he has served in numerous capacities at Fay—as an admission officer, the Director of Financial Aid, and as a teacher in the Wellness department, the history department, and the International Student Program. Bruce is now entering his third year as chair of the history department; this year, he has particularly enjoyed collaborating with Latin teacher Dan Blanchard on the Ancient Greek and Roman history course, which is now offered to all eighth graders.
What keeps you at Fay?
How do you define a “teachable moment”?
I really enjoy the people I work with and the Fay community— and the students are terrific. Despite the fact that I’ve been here 20 years, when each September rolls around, it always seems new—and that’s always exciting. And I’ve been lucky to have been presented with great opportunities for growth and new challenges along the way.
We have some great conversations in my class. Some of the best moments are when the students make a connection between something we’re studying and the world today. That’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed teaching about Ancient Rome—there are significant parallels that the students are frequently able to identify. These are the moments that aren’t planned or scripted— but sometimes the informal moments are the most memorable.
What do you love about Fay students? There’s an incredible diversity here, with so many students who are enthusiastic about learning and hungry for sophisticated ideas. I’m looking forward to teaching sixth grade again next year—it’s such a great age group. The students have wonderful energy, they’re well prepared from fifth grade, and they’re ready to jump in and take on critical thinking challenges. I enjoy helping them make those leaps and make the connections across the disciplines.
Why do you choose to live on campus? My family has lived in the dorms for all but four of the years that I’ve worked here. I love the impact that we as dorm parents can have on the students’ lives. We build strong relationships that carry over into the classroom and the playing field. We get to see another side of the kids—and those strong connections that we make are so rewarding, for us as well as the students.
Contents 4
When We Teach, We Learn: Shared Learning Across the Grade Levels
How multi-age learning activities help all students to learn— and to lead
Fay School Magazine © 2012
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A Vision for Peace: Nicholas Porter ’79
Can one man make a difference in the Middle East? Meet Reverend Nicholas Porter ’79, world traveler, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport, Connecticut —and founder of a camp that brings together Israeli, Palestinian, and American teenagers
Fay School 48 Main Street Southborough, MA 01772-9106 Phone: 508.485.0100 Fax: 508.481.7872 www.fayschool.org
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Building and architecture take center stage across the divisions, from Pre-K construction aficionados to geometry students studying ancient Roman arches
Robert J. Gustavson, Jr. Head of School Marie R.B. Beam Director of Advancement
Photo Essay: Under Construction
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A Tasty Trip Around the World: Taste of Nations 2012
31 countries represented, and many delicacies consumed, at this year’s event
Gail Duffney Cirillo Director of Annual Giving
Page 12 Michael Voûte Director of Alumni Relations
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Rob Crawford Director of Marketing and Public Relations Erin Ash Sullivan Editor, Director of Communications
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“The Little Things in Life”
Read the winning speech from this year’s speech contest, by Joe Harrington ’15
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Christina Metcalf Stephanie Levine Publications Associates
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Celebrating 50 Years of Service: Campbell Steward ’48
A grateful thank you to dedicated alumnus and board member Campbell Steward ’48
Magazine Design Michele Page Design Communication Photography Tyler Auer Peter Fearey Ellen Harasimowicz A.J. Purcell III ’77 Erin Ash Sullivan
Dedicated Service: This Year’s Service Learning Trips
Fay’s upper school students make a difference in the Dominican Republic and New Mexico
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Class Notes
A pheasant shoot, a Malawi adventure, and some pretty amazing Formula 1 race cars
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In Memoriam
Remembering Dick Upjohn and Barbara Dumont Also in this issue:
Page 35 On the cover: Sixth graders Alex Tegan, Catherine Diamond, and Louis Scumaci check the connections on a robot, as part of a new robotics unit being piloted in the sixth grade science curriculum.
2 Head’s Notebook 14 Fay in Brief 24 Sports Spotlight 28 Campus Scrapbook
Head’s Notebook A Message from Rob Gustavson, Head of School
Ensuring Excellence A new plan for Fay’s future Similar to businesses and other kinds of non-profit organizations, most independent schools to have a strategic plan in place to set priorities and guide decision making. Fay's current strategic plan was created in 1999 and revised twice, in 2004 and 2007. Many of the benefits our students now enjoy are the result of proposals outlined in this plan, including the addition of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten; the construction of the Primary School, Village Dorms, Wellness Center, and Athletic Campus; and a number of other key initiatives. As the dramatic transformation of our campus attests, land acquisition and building projects have been particular areas of focus in recent years. Now that these projects are complete, and following our self-study and re-accreditation by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) last summer, the time has come for us to formulate a new strategic plan for Fay. The approach of the School's 150th anniversary also provides a unique opportunity to articulate where Fay has been, where we are now, and where we want to go. Throughout the past year I have been working with the Board of Trustees to develop a new five-year plan that describes how we envision the future of Fay and explainswhat we must do to make that vision a reality. We began by identifying critical issues, many of which emerged through reflection and assessment by faculty and staff
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The approach of the School's 150th anniversary provides a unique opportunity to articulate where Fay has been, where we are now, and where we want to go. during our self-study process and via recommendations we received in the accreditation report from AISNE. In order to structure our discussions, we grouped these issues into five long-term objectives that represent fundamental aspects of successful performance over time: • Attracting and retaining excellent faculty, staff, and administrators • Enrolling qualified, well-matched students • Offering a broad, balanced, and challenging program • Providing facilities that support program and enhance quality of life • Ensuring financial sustainability In early December we hosted a strategic planning summit attended by key members of the Fay community, including faculty, current and past parents, alumni, and trustees.
The group reviewed the list of critical issues and converted each issue into a specific goal. These preliminary goals were presented to faculty and staff for their feedback and suggestions during a professional day in January, and they were shared in an information session for parents in March. Trustee committees are now working to identify outcomes for each goal and are formulating strategies to achieve them. At the end of this process, the Board will approve a new strategic plan in its spring meeting. Our new plan will not change the mission of Fay; instead, it will articulate the steps we must take to ensure institutional excellence in the coming years, providing a useful roadmap that will enable us to achieve our mission. We will monitor progress on an ongoing basis and will make adjustments in response to changing conditions. Thus, our plan will be clear yet flexible, dynamic rather than
definitive. I’m pleased we have engaged in this thoughtful process and am excited about undertaking important new initiatives. I look forward to sharing the results of our work in the coming months.
Our new strategic plan will not change the mission of Fay; instead, it will articulate the steps we must take to ensure institutional excellence in the coming years, providing a useful roadmap that will enable us to achieve our mission.
When We Teach, We Learn: Shared Learning Across the Grade Levels There are a lot of words to describe the students on Fay’s campus: Mathematician. Scientist. Writer. Athlete. Artist. Musician. And one you might not expect: Teacher. by Erin Ash Sullivan alk through the hallways of the Primary, Lower, and Upper school divisions, and you’ll find students fully immersed in the “serious fun” of learning at Fay as they work with engaging teachers. But look closely: sometimes, you’ll be surprised to discover that those teachers are actually older students.
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“Shared learning”—projects that bring together students in different grades—occurs across the disciplines at Fay, whether it’s in the casual context of upper school students visiting the Primary School to read aloud to Pre-K students or a more structured setting where students team up to learn a specific math or science concept. The benefits of bringing together students of different ages are numerous, says Assistant Head of School David Liebmann. Younger students love working with the older students, whom
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they view as role models. They learn to collaborate and build essential communication skills as they interact with their older “idols.” Through structured activities, they also practice questioning and develop their critical thinking skills. Meanwhile, the older students, placed in the role of teacher, are challenged to synthesize and crystallize their thinking as they help younger students understand new concepts. “The older students develop empathy, practice patience, and build leadership skills that serve them well as they move on to secondary school,” David says. Adolescents always surprise you—and that’s one of the most wonderful elements of shared learning. Sometimes the best student teachers are the ones you’d least expect—the enormous quarterback, the reserved bookworm. “These opportunities to lead and help others bring out the best in every student,” David says.
FEATURE
MEAN, MEDIAN, MODE, MEASUREMENT…AND IPADS Earlier this winter, second graders partnered with upper school algebra students to explore measurement and statistics. The lesson began with a real-world question about measurement: how are age and height related? Each algebra student introduced the concepts of mean, median, and mode to a small group of second graders, and then the groups collected data by measuring the height of each of the group members. Teams recorded their data on iPads, using GoogleDocs spreadsheets so they could share their information with each other, and then the algebra students showed the second graders how to display their data as a line graph on the iPad and identify a line of best fit. The lesson was part of an ongoing project by new math department chair Julie Porrazzo to pair older and younger students for
math learning and enrichment. Throughout the year, she has been identifying meaningful ways to integrate math instruction across the divisions. In one recent lesson, second graders and algebra students worked together to create “virtual wampum belts”: the second graders shared what they learned about wampum shells from their Native American studies, while the algebra students connected the shell patterns to algebraic equations. In another partnership, sixth graders used software called Scratch to program their own animations explaining base numeral systems, which they later shared with third graders just embarking on an exploration of these concepts. A great deal of effort goes into multi-age math lessons, as Julie and the other teachers work hard to make sure that meaningful learning is taking place for all involved—but the lively engagement that results makes it all worth it: “Everyone benefits from these learning experiences,” Julie says.
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DRAMATIS PERSONAE: THE LATIN PUPPET SHOW Some classics of antiquity came to the Primary School this winter, when Emily Gifford’s sixth and seventh grade Latin students created and performed a series of puppet shows based on stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The upper school students had read selections from Ovid’s work as part of their exploration of the culture and history of ancient Rome. The student plays featured adaptations of some of Ovid’s bestknown creation myths: Narcissus and Echo, Daphne and Apollo, Bacchus and Philemon, and Pyramus and Thisbe. Turning an English translation of Ovid into a child-friendly puppet show is no small task. Emily explains that after reading the stories, students wrote script adaptations, taking into account the limitations of their “theater” (an overturned table in the Multipurpose room)—and their “actors” (handmade sock puppets). The process of adaptation, rehearsal, and even building a googly-eyed, yarn-haired puppet that could accurately represent a mythical character all served to solidify the students’ understanding of the material. “As students condensed the stories, they had to focus on the major themes and figure out how to convey the most important ideas,” Emily says. And as far as the primary students were concerned, it was a Tony-winning performance: they watched, rapt, as each story unfolded.
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“As the Latin students condensed the myths, they had to focus on the major themes and figure out how to convey the most important ideas.” - Latin teacher Emily Gifford
“It was a great project,” notes Emily. “The upper school students loved the opportunity to express themselves creatively and connect with the younger children.”
“It felt great to share our stories! It was really exciting to present them to other students—and I loved seeing their faces during the intriguing or exciting parts.” –fifth grader Kian Behjat, on reading aloud to third graders during the Fantasy
FANTASY FESTIVAL: EXPLORING GENRE IN THE LOWER SCHOOL Guest authors are nothing new at Fay—but something special happened this past February, when fifth grade writers visited the third grade classrooms to share their creative efforts. Language arts teacher Devan FitzPatrick works with fifth graders on their writing, and her students have explored a variety of styles and genres throughout the year. As they began a creative writing project focusing on the fantasy genre this winter, Devan realized that the fifth graders’ work dovetailed nicely with that of the third graders, who were also exploring the fantasy genre in their reading.
Festival
Using GoogleDocs as a collaborative tool, fifth graders worked in pairs to write fantasy stories that met specific criteria established by the class at the beginning of the unit. The completed stories were shared at a “Fantasy Festival,” where third graders broke into small groups to enjoy fifth grade author readings and discuss the elements of fantasy that they recognized in each story. “When the students talk about the elements of literature, it’s especially powerful if they can make connections to their own writing or to that of their peers,” Devan says. Fay’s faculty value the essential skills that all students develop when they participate in multi-age learning—critical thinking, questioning, and analysis, just to name a few. But there’s no arguing that these lessons are also just plain fun—wonderful opportunities for teachers to collaborate and develop creative curriculum, and for students to develop the sense of community that makes Fay such a unique place to learn and grow.
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A Vision for Peace: Nicholas Porter ’79 by Erin Ash Sullivan
It’s a common scene across New England in the summer: teenagers arriving for camp, lugging heavy bags into cabins, meeting counselors and fellow campers, getting ready for a few weeks of challenge and fun. Only this camp is different. For the next two weeks, Acer Farm in Brattleboro, Vermont, will be home to 12 teenagers—Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans— as they struggle to communicate their perspectives and explore the possibility of peace in Jerusalem. icholas Porter is very much a citizen of the world. An ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, he has served congregations in Jerusalem, Paris, Geneva, and Southport, Connecticut. His time abroad—and particularly his time at St. George’s Cathedral and College in Jerusalem— instilled in him a passion for world affairs and a deep-seated belief that communication and shared understanding were essential—and possible—when envisioning a peaceful future in the Middle East.
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And this commitment to peace is what has led him and his wife, Dorothy, to establish a peace camp for teenagers at their Brattleboro farm. Jerusalem Ministries at Acer Farm celebrated its inaugural camp session during the summer of 2011. Twelve Palestinian, Israeli, and American teenagers gathered for two weeks to participate in traditional—and not so traditional—camp activities, all with the goal of building bonds of friendship and understanding. The project has been years in the making. Nicholas and Dorothy purchased Acer Farm in Brattleboro back in 1994. “As soon as we saw it,” he says, “we realized this would be a perfect place for a camp. And then we managed to procrastinate for about 18 years.” It wasn’t until 2009 that the doors began to open. Nicholas and Dorothy established a partnership with Kids4Peace USA, an organization that brings together Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children from
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Nicholas Porter ’79, top row, second from left, with campers and staff at Acer Farm.
Jerusalem and the United States for American summer camp experiences. Their vision was to make Acer Farm a “capstone” program for the youths who had participated in Kids4Peace over the years, a two-week period when 15- and 16 year-olds could connect in fun contexts but also have the difficult conversations that would lead to a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures and traditions. “It was a two-year process going from concept to execution,” Nicholas explains, “as we hired counselors, built a curriculum, and recruited speakers and religious leaders to animate that curriculum.” The response from the local community and further afield was overwhelming, Nicholas says. “The camp had such a clear mission. It touched a nerve for people, and so many individuals pitched in to make it all happen.” The camp, which runs on an extremely lean budget, is almost completely funded by individual donations. As the details of the program crystallized, Nicholas, Dorothy, and the other camp organizers realized that the success of the program would rely on some careful choreography. “We scheduled activities to create bonding, then stress, then rebonding. We wanted to build a sense of cohesion and then stress that cohesion, with the hope that the ‘muscle memory’ would help bring the cohesion back.” Cohesion took the form of classic camp fun: shared accommodations in a cozy cabin in the woods, canoeing, horseback riding, home-cooked meals, trips for ice cream.
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Center: Dorothy and Nicholas Porter, with Josh Thomas of Kids4PeaceUSA (far left) and Ann Lynn of American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (far right).
The stress was provided by a most unusual “camp counselor”: retired Ambassador Phil Wilcox, who during his career served overseas in Laos, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Jerusalem, and who now serves as president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace. Ambassador Wilcox led conversations with the teens that encouraged them to share their experiences and perspectives, to acknowledge their own misperceptions, and to reach a new understanding about the conflict in their homeland. The conversations were not easy ones, as teens shared personal and heartwrenching tales of how the conflict has affected their lives. “Our intimate setting is what made these challenging conversations possible,” Nicholas explains. “We worked to create a safe space where the kids could debrief and revisit the more intense
NICHOLAS PORTER AT FAY Nicholas knows first-hand from his own experiences as a student at Fay how important it can be as a teenager to connect with young people from different cultures and traditions. As a boarder at Fay for seventh and
“History teaches us that the history of Jerusalem is the history of the world, and what histor happens in Jer Jerusalem usalem is what happens in the wider world. To give give up on the Israeli Israeli and Palestinian conflict is to give give up on ourselves. ourselves.”” - Nicholas Por Porter ter ’79 parts of the day, whether it was chopping tomatoes for dinner in the kitchen or sitting around a campfire at night.” One aspect of the program that Nicholas was most excited about—and that he hopes to develop for future camp sessions— is helping teens to share the most meaningful aspects of their religious traditions with each other. “It’s easy for us to focus on the commonalities—that Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all revere the sanctity of human life, that they share a heritage as children of Abraham. But one thing that got the kids most energized was the opportunity to share the unique components of their religions with each other. As the alien becomes known, then it’s not scary anymore—and this is what ultimately brings them closer together.”
eighth grade, Nicholas lived and studied with students from around the world. In many ways, that international experience laid the groundwork for his future adventures abroad. Nicholas points out that Fay established an academic foundation, as well: “I loved the challenge of Ancient History with Dick Upjohn,” he says. “It made it possible for me to sail through my ancient history course at Andover.”
been selected, and Nicholas and Dorothy are busy laying the groundwork for another session of hard work, communication, and fun. Despite the busy pace, Nicholas is energized by the mission of the peace camp and his hope that it will inspire young people to return to their own communities to effect change. “History teaches us that the history of Jerusalem is the history of the world, and what happens in Jerusalem is what happens in the wider world,” he says. “To give up on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict is to give up on ourselves.”
Scan this QR code to see a short film about Acer Farm.
Nicholas, who is also the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport, Connecticut, and the father of three children, has a full plate, as he and Dorothy make their plans for the coming summer. The 12 teenagers who will be staying at Acer Farm have
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Under Fay may have already completed some major campus construction projects, but building is still very much part of the learning process in every division. Here’s a look at how students in Pre-Kindergarten, fifth grade, and the upper school geometry class all took part in winter projects related to building and architecture.
5TH GRADE SCIENCE FAMILY COLLABORATIVE: REINVENTING THE BRIDGE Fifth graders and their parents teamed up again this year for the annual Science Family Collaborative on bridge architecture. The project integrates material from the Museum of Science’s Engineering is Elementary program, where students learn the basic vocabulary of bridge construction and spend their time testing the strength and stability of different bridges, paying attention to materials and cost. After generating initial designs during their class time, students spent a morning working with their parents to implement and test their ideas.
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Construction UPPER SCHOOL GEOMETRY: THE ANGLES OF ARCHITECTURE Geometry in the Upper School is hands-on and heads-up! Students in Marina Whall’s and Jonathan Edwards’ geometry classes researched, designed, and built arches to complement their study of the properties of trapezoids. After learning how classical arches were built, students put their knowledge to the test by designing their own arches. They calculated the angles for trapezoidal blocks, built the blocks out of cardboard and tape, and then assembled an arch in the Root Building hallway to test their work.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN: TOOL INQUIRY Fay’s Pre-Kindergarten teachers use an inquiry-based approach in creating curriculum, so when the Pre-K children expressed interest in building and tools, it was a perfect opportunity to explore in more depth. The children embarked on a tool inquiry, learning about different kinds of tools and how they work. Children conducted research by reading books and interviewing “experts” such as Director of Facilities Colleen McCaw ’77, who demonstrated some of her team’s tools for the children down at the Maintenance Building. There was also plenty of hands-on building in the classroom at speciallydesigned workbenches where children practiced using tools like hammers, screwdrivers, sand paper, saws—and safety goggles!
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Fay in Brief
Eighth Graders Take Part in a Day of New Perspectives On December 6, Fay’s eighth graders participated in a morning of hands-on workshops, games, and discussions focused on what it means to be a good friend and a good citizen. Eighth grade dean and history teacher Emily Callahan explains that the key goals of the day were to help students appreciate the diversity of backgrounds and experiences at Fay; to consider what it means to be a good citizen; and to build empathy and understanding for disabilities and differences in the Fay community and in the world at large. Highlights from the day included an art activity where students created collages expressing personal experiences; a trivia game where students learned more about Fay’s faculty members; a hands-on activity where students filmed public service announcements about being responsible with technology; a discussion about what it means to feel included in the Fay community; and a workshop with middle school students from The Learning Center for the Deaf focusing on understanding for individuals with disabilities. Students loved the opportunities they found throughout the morning to reflect on their own experiences and learn more about members of the Fay community.
Fay Students Shine in Math Counts Competition Fay students made their mark at the MetroWest chapter of the MathCounts competition on February 11 at the Meadowbrook School in Weston. The competition brought together middle school students from 23 local independent and public schools. All participants took part in three rounds of math challenges— sprint, target, and team—as well as a final “countdown round,” when competitors went head-to-head in 45-second challenges. Two members of the Fay team—Diana Kim ’15 (grade six) and Chiho Im ’13 (grade eight)—received scores that placed them among the top five competitors that day. Both Diana and Chiho moved on to the state competition on March 3. Congratulations to them both, and to all members of Fay’s MathCounts team!
Fay Office of Admission Reports Large Pool of Applicants
Lower School Faculty Member Publishes Article in National Magazine
Beth Whitney, Fay’s Director of Admission, is delighted to report that it has been a busy and productive admission season at Fay. The number of parent inquiries about admission at every grade level is far greater than in previous years, and the number of applicants for most grades far exceeds the number of available spots. “We’re extremely pleased that so many families are exploring Fay as an option,” Beth says, noting that families interested in sending their children to Fay in future years should plan to apply for Pre-K or grades 5-7, as these four grade levels will now be the main entry points for all students. As always, Fay will continue to welcome applicants for our boarding program on a "rolling" basis throughout the spring.
Lower School science teacher Cecilia Owens has just published an article in Science & Children, the National Science Teachers Association’s journal for elementary teachers. The article, “Reinventing the…Bridge,” was co-written with Erin Ash Sullivan, Fay’s Director of Communications. The article describes Fay’s Science Family Collaborative as a meaningful alternative to the traditional science fair and a way to connect families to the science curriculum. (You can read more about Fay’s Science Family Collaborative on page 12 of this issue.)
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Preparations Continue for Sixth Grade Move to Lower School Fay’s faculty and administrators continue their preparations for next year’s divisional shift, when grade six will move to the Lower School. Lower School Head Lainie Schuster has been working closely with teachers in all the disciplines to craft a program that will best meet the sixth graders’ needs and facilitate their transition to Upper School in grade seven. Among the changes for next year is the exciting news that department chairs Bruce Chauncey (history) and Julie Porrazzo (math) will both be teaching in the Lower School, as will longtime upper school Spanish teacher Kara Mertz. All three are veteran teachers experienced
with teaching sixth graders. As department chairs, Bruce and Julie are both excited about the prospect of teaching in the Lower School, knowing that it will broaden their understanding of how to create a seamless program for Fay students from PreKindergarten through grade nine. Julie Porrazzo
Explore • Create • Connect Choice All Day! Build your own schedule and choose from fr om 80 activities each day
Specialty Workshops Workshops Each Week Week Athletics • Arts • Outdoor Adventures Adventures • Trip Trip and Travel Travel
Eight One-Week One-Week Sessions June 25 - August 17, 2012
Summer Day Camp for ages 3-15
www.fayschool.org/summer
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A Tasty Trip Around the World: Taste of Nations 2012
It was the biggest and best celebration yet: Taste of Nations 2012 featured cuisine from 31 different countries and all seven continents (if you include the snow cone machine representing Antarctica). And despite a Saturday snowstorm that made for one of the few bad-weather days of the winter, hundreds of members of the Fay community turned out to enjoy some delicious treats and celebrate the diversity of traditions on our campus. Parent Association Vice President of Student Services Laurie Student P ’15, ’17 was delighted with the outcome and was so appreciative of the efforts of the many people who worked hard to ensure the evening’s success, including PA event co-chairs Samira Menon P’18 and Maryellen Papelian P’11, ’16, World Languages teacher Sarah Ripton, and Assistant to the Head of School Fiona Carr.
Dozens of parents helped to make it all possible, from set up to clean up, including 38 families who volunteered to prepare a wonderful variety of ethnic foods to share at the event. In addition, 18 faculty members and staff gave their time and opened their homes to help coordinate cooking projects for the International Student Program and boarding students. “Each year, the event becomes more robust,” Laurie says. “It’s a wonderful celebration of multiculturalism in our community.”
Hong Kong and Taiwan
China Mexico
Bermuda sierrA Leone
Japan
philippines
Korea
iceland Afghanistan
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Dedicated Service: Fay’s Core Values in Action THIRTY-SIX UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS SPENT A WEEK THIS PAST FEBRUARY ENJOYING ADVENTURES—AND DOING GOOD—AS THEY PARTICIPATED IN SERVICE TRIPS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OTHERS AT HOME AND ABROAD.
Photos by Peter Fearey
New Mexico Sixteen seventh graders headed for the Southwest on February 14, accompanied by faculty members Elizabeth Senecal, Peter Fearey, and Corie Fogg. Their destination: Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico. Their mission: to work with students and staff from Navajo Preparatory School to complete projects to benefit the school as well as local aid organizations. According to Peter Fearey, the students jumped right in and embraced the spirit of the trip, which was to work hard—and have fun. One project was to paint a fence at Navajo Ministries, a home for underserved children; another was to clean out an abandoned administration building at Navajo Prep. The students also spent time repainting the interior of a two-bedroom apartment at New Beginnings, a shelter for women and children located near the school. In addition to their work, the students went on excursions to learn more about the history and culture of the Navajo people. The students toured Santa Fe, rode the Sandia Tram, and visited Shiprock, a rock formation rising nearly
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1,600 feet in the desert. They spent time with a Navajo medicine man who gave them an introduction to Navajo life, which included a visit to a hogan, a traditional Navajo meal of mutton, and a Navajo dance performance. The students also had a memorable day with Matt Rembe ’85, owner of Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, an historic inn and organic farm that has been in the Rembe family for three generations. Matt generously provided a delicious lunch (made from organic food grown on the farm) and took the students on a tour, where he spoke to them about sustainability and even got students involved in a composting project. Chaperone Peter Fearey was impressed by the effort and passion that the Fay students invested in the trip, and he has no doubt that they came away changed by their journey. “Everywhere we went, people commented on how well mannered, kind, and positive our students were,” he says. “I was so proud to share this experience with them.”
PROGRAM UPDATE
The students spent time with a Navajo medicine man who gave them an introduction to Navajo life, which included a visit to a hogan, a traditional Navajo meal of mutton, and a Navajo dance performance.
The Dominican Republic Twenty eighth graders participated in a life-changing adventure on their service trip to Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic. The trip was coordinated in conjunction with Outreach 360, an agency that focuses on English education as a path to increased opportunities and improved vocational futures.
For the week they were there, the Fay students became teachers: in the morning, they planned and taught English classes to students in the local public school, and in the afternoons, they worked with students at Outreach 360’s English institute. The Dominican students ranged from ages five to fifteen, and each day included a mix of whole-class teaching, small-group work, and one-on-one tutoring. “Between planning and teaching, the Fay students had incredibly full days,” says Director of Student Life Scott LeBrun, who chaperoned the trip along with teachers Emily Callahan and Amy Mohn. “By the time the school day was over, it was already time to prepare material for the next day.”
PROGRAM UPDATE
In a short time, Fay students became fully immersed in the life of the community. They slept at the local community center (which for some meant open-walled dorms and bunks covered by mosquito netting), and evenings were spent at the park across the street, where they enjoyed pick-up games of kickball or volleyball with the neighborhood children. During their time there, says Scott, the students developed a much deeper appreciation for the struggles of the local community as well as those of the neighboring Haitians. On their last day there, the students visited the border and watched as Haitians streamed through the gate to make what purchases they could. “At that moment,” says Scott, “our students saw the difference between poverty and pure survival.”
Scott notes that the trip to the Dominican Republic marks the fifth year of Fay’s international service trips (after two years to Peru and two years to Chile). He is passionate about what these experiences offer the upper schoolers. “Fay students get a chance to see and experience different cultures first-hand, along with a direct lesson in what it means to make a difference in someone’s life. The students come back tired, because they’ve worked hard, but also empowered, because they realize that they can have an impact in the world.”
The Little Things in Life: The Many Roles of Family Anecdotes by Joe Harrington ’15
As is always the case, the night of Fay’s speech contest finals was one to remember, as sixteen finalists presented remarks that were thoughtful, creative, humorous, and articulate. We are delighted to share the winning speech, presented by sixth grader Joe Harrington ’15.
“What do you mean you don’t like salmon?” While this may not sound comical to you, to my family it’s hilarious. Several years ago, my family was planning a trip to Ireland. The hotel we were going to sent us a DVD featuring their famous five-star restaurant. In one of the scenes, an Irish chef with a huge scowl on his face swings around holding a giant smoked salmon in his outstretched hands. My dad interjected, “What do you mean you don’t like salmon?” and we all burst into instant laughter. Now, whenever we are at a restaurant and there is salmon on the menu, one of us has to say, “What do you mean you don’t like salmon?” We usually measure the passage of time in our lives with milestones—graduations, weddings, births, and deaths. However, these events are rather few and far between. It is the little things that happen every day that we must cherish and embrace to give meaning to our lives. Family jokes, stories, and anecdotes are an important part of the “little things.” It is these shared memories that make up the rich fabric of our lives, that knowing wink that reminds us of our inside joke. Another one of our family stories happened when my little brother Owen was in his terrible twos. As all children occasionally do, he was giving my parents a hard time. My exasperated father finally said, “Owen, you’re a tyrant!” Owen stood up with his hands on his hips, looking almost insulted from my dad’s comment as he replied, “I not a tyrant, I a baby!” My parents jokingly remind us of this tale any time we are being difficult.
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Speech Contest Winners 2012 Congratulations to all our our speech contest winners! Left to right: Speech winners Joe Harrington ’15 (first place), Jimmy Zhou ’13 (honorable mention), Joey Caradimitropoulo ’13 (third place), and Cameron Turnbull ’13 (second place). Scan the QR code to read the speeches by Cameron, Joey, and Jimmy.
Family anecdotes can offer more than just a good laugh: they can also be used to remind us of our values and provide encouragement. A few years ago on a family vacation, we were waiting for our turn at the rock climbing wall. The proud mother of the girl climbing the wall at that time stood below shouting encouragement to her daughter. Because of her accent, we quickly realized she was from New York. She yelled, “Oh my Gawd! Jocelyn you’re a star!!! Don’t look down! Look up, Jocelyn, look up! Think about what you can do, not what you can’t do!! Oh my Gawd! You’re a star, a star, Jocelyn! Go!” While we were trying to hold in our laughter, we realized all this drama was simply a mother encouraging her child. Now, every time we need that extra push to accomplish something challenging, my parents are bound to say “Jocelyn, you’re a star!” even though they might sound ridiculous saying it. These family stories can also be used to deal with sad times.
rummaged through his old things. He walked down the stairs wearing his top hat from the 1800s. He sat down at the table for breakfast and everyone in the house started laughing hysterically. He had brought laughter back to the house, and even though he later passed away, things were not quite as sad. Now, every time something bad happens in that home, someone is bound to say, “It’s time for a trip to the attic.” Robert Brault, an American writer, once wrote, “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” This quote explains how the big things don’t happen every day. It may take years for a big thing to happen. The little things can be much more important. They happen every day, but we just need to notice them. I want all of you to go home and seize the opportunity to find the joy in everyday life and cherish it, always.
Many years ago, the father of my grandma’s good friend was dying. Their house was a very sad and quiet place. One day her father had had enough. He walked up to their attic and
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Wrestling Tournament, where over 100 wrestlers in grades five through seven from 12 local independent schools participated in the event. Fay wrestlers maintained their reputation as skilled and tenacious competitors: Eduardo Zhang ’14 placed first in his weight class, with Doug Robbins ’14 placing second in the same weight class. Other noteworthy victories included those of Louie Lyons ’16, who placed first in his weight class; David Moon ’14, who placed second in his weight class; and Joseph Pape ’14, who placed fourth in his weight class in his first match of the year.
Photos by A..J Purcell III ’77 and Ellen Harasimowicz ay athletics is all about having fun, improving skills, and honoring the game…but it’s also nice to win! And Fay athletes celebrated a winning season this winter, amassing a 76-50-3 record overall.
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Athletes playing all three winter sports—basketball, wrestling, and hockey—experienced thrilling games and great tournaments. Nine different basketball teams, from fifth grade through varsity, represented Fay on the court this winter, with terrific results. The boys’ sixth grade team placed second at the Meadowbrook Tournament, and girls’ varsity placed second at the Nashoba Tournament. At the annual Park Hoopfest, where the teams played Meadowbrook, Park, and Applewild, both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams claimed first place. Fay’s wrestlers also shone throughout the season. A tradition continued with the 31st Annual Fay Invitational
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This season saw some new traditions along with the old, in the form of two hockey tournaments hosted by Fay. Athletes from Fenn, Fessenden, and Belmont Hill gathered in late January for the Third Annual Fay Boys’ Hockey Invitational Tournament. Fay won its first game against Fessy in a heartstopping victory, coming back from a 4-1 deficit to win 5-4. The second game of the tournament was against Belmont Hill, and the two teams went into overtime, with Fay losing 5-4 on a sudden death goal. Fay lost to Fenn 2-0 in the semifinal, and Fessenden, who had lost their first three games in the tournament, defeated Belmont Hill in the championship game. January also saw the Second Annual Fay Girls’ Hockey Invitational, with teams from Fay, Noble and Greenough School, and Dedham Country Day competing. Fay ended the day as tournament runner-up, losing in the final to Nobles. Coaches from all three schools selected Fay ninth grader Amy Tournas as Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Stay tuned for the spring update: with baseball, softball, lacrosse, and track in the mix, it promises to be an exciting season!
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
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A Conversation with Rob Feingold, Director of Athletics ay welcomed Director of Athletics Rob Feingold this fall. A graduate of Lewis and Clark College with
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a master’s degree in education from Boston University, Rob was Middle School Athletic Director and Admission Officer at Noble and Greenough School, and prior to that he was Assistant Director of
Admission and a math teacher at Fenn School. Rob has enjoyed learning about Fay and getting to know the students this year—and he’s excited about the opportunities ahead for Fay’s athletics program. ON THE CONTINUITY OF FAY’S PRE-K – 9TH GRADE PROGRAM: One thing that makes Fay’s program great is that we embrace each developmental stage, so there’s a steady progression of skill acquisition from Pre-Kindergarten through ninth grade. The youngest students in the Primary School explore and practice different locomotor skills. In third and fourth grade, students learn to apply those skills and movements to a sports setting and receive instruction in
specific sports. By fifth grade, students are refining their skills and beginning to compete interscholastically.
letes. This approach helps all athletes, whether they’re novices or playing at an elite level, to focus on what they can
ON SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESS ON THE FIELD:
A huge benefit of Fay’s sports program is how it builds bonds among students as well as individual confidence.
It’s not all about winning, of course— but it’s great when we do win! Fay’s teams had a winning season overall, and I credit our coaches, who do such a great job of setting effort-based (rather than achievement-based) goals for their ath-
control—their own effort—and in doing so, to keep developing their skills and help their teams be successful.
ON HONORING THE GAME: Our partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) has been incredibly successful so far. This year, we’ve provided training and guidance to coaches, parents, and students on what good sportsmanship means and how youth sports is fundamentally about being supportive of your classmates and striving for a goal. A huge benefit of Fay’s sports program is how it builds individual confidence as well as bonds among students. Because Fay’s upper schoolers are required to play one sport each season, everyone has opportunities to grow. These are the experiences students take with them into adulthood, knowing they have the strength to face any new challenge.
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Alumni Athlete Profile:
Catching Up With Connor Light ’10 ndover’s hockey team has had a strong season this year—and that’s due in part to the efforts of Fay alumnus Connor Light ’10. At 6’5” and nearly 200 pounds, Connor is an imposing presence, and this year, he’s one of the team’s starting defensemen and an integral member of the team’s power play unit.
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Connor has been a member of the 24-man team since coming to Andover in ninth grade, and he has enjoyed the process of coming up through the ranks over the years. “When you’re 14, you’re playing with kids who are 19, even 20 years old. You really have to focus and work on getting stronger and faster,” he says. “I learned a lot about how to become more physical, how to overcome those boundaries between me and the older, stronger players.” Now one of the senior players on the team, Connor enjoys mentoring the younger athletes. “It’s been fun building that reputation as a leader,” he says, “and then taking over the reins.”
Connor looks back fondly on his time playing hockey at Fay—he was a key member of the school’s team while also playing for local leagues. “I loved being on the ice with my classmates,” he says. “Those were the kids I shared classes and meals with—and those bonds we built outside the rink transferred to the ice.” At Fay, Connor took the opportunity to expand his horizons athletically and focus on other sports. “I also played football and lacrosse,” he says, “which meant that I built a strong athletic base and strengthened my skills as an all-around athlete.” Reflecting on team sports at Fay, Connor adds, “One of the fun things I personally enjoyed was the ability to play at different levels. With all the teams available—from thirds through varsity—we were matched with athletes of similar ability, as opposed to getting stuck with much better players and not getting as much playing time. Fay gave all of us a place to play and enjoy ourselves.”
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Third grader Michael Greyston shares his geography project with Rob Gustavson: a cookie in the shape of a country, with edible map features.
Pre-Kindergarten student Nikhil Shah collaborates on a building project.
Campus Scrapbook
Eighth graders Kolbi Bradley, Simrun Jaggi, Joey Caradimitropoulo, and Grace Cheng check the results on their boiling and freezing experiments. Kindergarteners Jacob Morse, Victor Longinov, and Christian Brown don their colorful best for Plaid Day, in honor of Mr. Upjohn.
Tony Abbott ’49 speaks to Corie Fogg’s ninth grade English class about his novel, Leaving Maggie Hope. 28 | Fay Magazine 2012
Left: Noelle Morgan ’15 and Suzy Shin ’14 in the winter drama production. Above: Victoria Waterfall ’16 at Cradles to Crayons.
Lower School students at this year’s Winter Concert.
Kindergarteners Nicholas Haseotes and Vaidhu Moorthy.
Kindergarten students Daniela Carvajal and Lulu Mohn explore math concepts with iPads.
Kenley Giblin ’21.
Third graders Jillian Robertson and Robyn Campos at a special assembly featuring the Bamidele Dancers.
Members of the cast of How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Elise Bergman ’13, Jumaane Ford ’12, Starr Phillips ’12, and Chiho Im ’13.
Shivam Sharma ’15 tests a programmable robot.
Faculty and staff present “We Are the World” for Multicultural Week.
Fay Celebrates Chinese New Year Fay parents put together a wonderful Chinese New Year celebration for kindergarten students, with stories, slide shows, projects, and treats.
All dressed up for Plaid Day, in honor of Mr. Upjohn: Mary O’Sullivan ’12 and Ilianna Santangelo ’12.
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Celebrating 50 Years of Service: Campbell Steward ’48 t a special ceremony this winter, current and former board members gathered to thank Campbell Steward ’48 for his vision, guidance, and leadership during his 50 years of dedicated service to Fay School.
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Campbell’s connection with Fay began in 1944, when he first came to Fay as a fifth grader. After graduating in 1948, he attended Groton, Harvard, and the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. In 1961, Campbell joined Fay’s board as a junior trustee; he was elected a full trustee in 1965 and became president of the board in 1969. Over the next twelve years, he helped to guide Fay through significant changes and growth, including the 1973 vote for coeducation and the construction of both the Reinke Building and Steward Dormitory (which was named in his honor in 1978). Over the years, Campbell has been instrumental in ensuring that the board take on a more active role in facilitating the School’s growth. He established the
“Changes don’t just happen. It takes leadership, understanding, many meetings, patience, guidance, and wisdom...Campbell has been the guiding force to see to it that Fay continues its important role in the education of children.” –Former Head of School A. Brooks Harlow, Jr. ’49, October 21, 1978 current committee structure, which enables trustees to focus in depth on a specific area of growth of the School, such as program, facilities, or fundraising. He also increased the number of day parents on the board, making possible a broader representation of the parent community. “Today,” Campbell says, “we have an excellent board, whose members have a wide range of talents to support the School.” Campbell has certainly seen enormous changes over the years, but he is also proud that the School has successfully held on to those elements that are “essentially Fay”: “The School has always kept up with the times while retaining its traditional values, the emphasis on a well-rounded education, and the effort system,” he says. Campbell is also confident in Fay’s future and how well the School is positioned to move forward as it meets the needs of 21st-century learners. “I’ve always been impressed by the fact that Fay has always had the kind of headmaster it needed for the times,” he says. “With educational programs at the fore, and excellent teaching such a priority, it has been perfect to have Rob Gustavson at the helm—he has assembled a team that’s particularly able to pursue what’s needed today, and the educational program has been advancing by leaps and bounds.”
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Founders’ Weekend and Reunion Celebrations Saturday, May 5, 2012 e hope you'll come back to Southborough on Saturday, May 5 to celebrate Fay's Founders' Weekend. This year, it's your chance to relive your Color Competition glory days, with the Alumni Color Games. Try your hand at events like the Lacrosse/Soccer Shootout, Dorm Room Inspection, Upjohn Eraser Toss, Waiter Obstacle Course, and Academic Trivia Challenge!
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We will also be remembering the late Richard V. "Dick" Upjohn and Barbara Dumont, two dedicated members of Fay's faculty and staff. This year, Mr. Upjohn and Mrs. Dumont are the recipients of the Alumni Council Faculty Recognition Award, in honor of their commitment to Fay's core values and their unsurpassed commitment to Fay's students.
Whether or not it is your reunion year, we hope you'll join us for a day of fun and celebration!
Schedule of Events 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Registration
3:00 pm Upper School Musical matinée performance: Aladdin
9:30 am – 11:00 am Student Color Competition: Reds vs. Whites
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm An Update on the Strategic Plan for Fay’s Next Ten Years with Head of School Rob Gustavson
11:30 am – 12:30 pm All School Picnic
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Young Alumni Dinner (for Class of 2007 - 2011)
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Remembering Mr. Upjohn and Mrs. Dumont 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm Alumni Color Games: Reds vs. Whites!
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Cocktails (for alumni 21 and older and guests) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Founders’ Dinner and presentation of the Alumni Council Faculty Recognition Award
Accommodations Make your reservations directly with the Doubletree Hotel Boston/Westborough at (508) 366.5511 or (800) 222.TREE. Be sure to mention the reservation is part of Fay School’s Founders’ Weekend room block.
Questions about Founders’ Weekend or interested in helping with your class’ reunion plans? Contact Mike Voûte, Director of Alumni Relations, at +1-508-490-8205 or mvoute@fayschool.org.
For more information and to register online for Founders’ Weekend events, please visit www.fayschool.org/founders www.fayschool.org | 31
CLASS NOTES 1936
1959
1973
News from JOHN BERMINGHAM: “In the University of Denver's "Lifelong Learning" program, I am presenting The Bursting of Humanity's Bubble and the Myth of Sustainability—an eight-week course that meets for two hours each week. I wonder if anyone at Fay is talking about this future, teaching about it, or even thinking about it.” FAIR GOODALE writes, “A dull but happy report. My entire family is well and all will be visiting in the next few months.”
TED GREEN has this update: “I had two books on Global AIDS published in 2011: Broken Promises: How the AIDS Establishment Has Betrayed the Developing World and (with Allison Ruark) AIDS, Behavior, and Culture. I am currently director of The New Paradigm Fund, and I hold an appointment at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. I was in Indonesia recently to begin a study of AIDS and injecting drug addicts. I am also on Facebook these days.”
JEFFREY JAY writes, “On January 17, I co-hosted a reception for Mitt Romney in New York City. I was with Mitt and Ann Romney for the Republican debate in Jacksonville before the Florida primary. I ran into KRIS AND TUSHARA CANEKERATNE P’11, ’12 at the Super Bowl. They were there with their boys, and we all were disappointed with the fourth quarter results.”
1947
65th Reunion
Responding to sports news from Fay, PETER MILLARD writes, “I wish I lived closer to Southborough so I could participate…but I opted for Hawaii. I played a lot of hockey starting at Fay and through college, so the thought of watching the present day kids play is enticing!”
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1964 News from TOM KANE: “Still defending the faith, selling trade credit insurance from my home in Quito, Ecuador.” Jeffrey Jay ’73 (pictured right) at a pheasant and partridge shoot in Scotland this fall.
CLASS NOTES
1975 ALICE HARLOW RONCONI writes, “I recently connected via the phone with fellow Fay alumnus DAVID PAQUETTE ’87 after reading about his Biba brand of beverage that was featured in Fay Magazine. It's also been marvelous to be in touch with other Fay alumni on Facebook. I encourage any member of the class of 1975 to connect and be a part of the ongoing conversation. I'm also Skyping on a fairly regular basis with classmate Mark Posselius. It's fantastic how technology can be leveraged! I was also so proud of the Fay School Alumni Award that was given to my dad, A. BROOKS HARLOW, JR. '49.”
will continue to make a massive difference in people’s lives. This is just my way of saying that so many years later, Fay School continues to impact my life and the lives of others around me. Fay’s impact is not on just those of us who attended and who are now alumni— Fay’s impact is felt by the people whose lives we touch as well.”
1983
1985 We heard this news from
1981 TOM FLEMING checked in with this update: “I am the executive director in the West Central Florida Area of a worldwide company called BNI. One of our company mantras is, “Changing the way the world does business”—last year, members of this worldwide organization generated $2.3 billion worth of business for each other through a culture of what we call R-AP (results-oriented, accountable and passionate). These are the values by which we pursue “excellence” in the spirit of continuous improvement …We have about 50 team players here in the West Central Florida area that support our 1700 members. I was so enthralled with Mr. Gustavson’s communication regarding “An Expectation of Excellence” [in our previous issue of Fay Magazine] that I had to share it with our team via email to read and comment on. In future months, at our monthly team meeting, I will be handing the article out to everyone so we can have a focused discussion around the article. My reasoning is that if we too as a team can continue to embrace the ideals so well said in this article we
which was pretty ambitious (and crazy) of us to do. We live in the Hollywood Hills, almost underneath the Hollywood sign, in a mid-century house with great floor to ceiling windows and redwoods in our backyard— which is great, because we never get out of the house anymore except to work. But our little one is fabulous, even if he's trying to break us by sleep deprivation (we call him our little terrorist).”
Isabel Pedraza ‘83 with husband and son, Keegan.
Here’s the latest from ISABEL PEDRAZA: “Well, I guess I finally have something I can contribute, since it's been a pretty eventful year. I had my first baby, Keegan Carlos Pedraza Singer, on September 30. We bought our first house in September and moved in almost two months later,
RICHARD NEDLIN: “Great to see some names from the past. I have made my home in Aspen, Colorado, with my wife and two daughters, ages three and eight. I still keep in touch with CHRISTIAN BAGSHAW and unfortunately have lost touch with others. I am the deputy district attorney in town and having a blast. If anyone comes to town, feel free to send me a note or just drop by the courthouse and stop into my office. Hope everyone is well!” BURTON GRAY writes, “Yardley and I are still in DC. Our daughters Courson (CC) and Abigail are now eight and six, in grade three and grade one at St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School.”
1987
Keep in Touch! Send your news and photos to Erin Ash Sullivan, Director of Communications, at esullivan@fayschool.org.
25th Reunion
BEN FERNANDEZ writes, “I have lived in Chicago for the past two years. My wife Carmen and I have three girls (ages four, two, and eight months). In May, we are going to open a new restaurant in downtown Chicago called Caza Mezcal by Black Coffee Gallery.” GARY EICHELBERGER writes, “In early March, my wife, Kacey, and I will be traveling to Lilongwe, Malawi with our two young children, Virginia and Jack, and will be spending three
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CLASS NOTES
months there. Kacey will be doing obstetrical care and maternal health research, and I will be teaching theology and serving in the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi. (I am still a lawyer but am in the process of becoming an Episcopal priest.) Over ten years ago, Kacey and I spent a year living and working in Zimbabwe, which is not far from Malawi, and we are eager to introduce our children to this part of the world.”
Seth Martin ’91 with wife Sasha Dizard and mother Mary Martin.
1988 ANGELA WONG has this news: “My husband, Lawrence, and I are happily settled in San Francisco, raising our two-year-old twins Amelia and Aidan. I work as a pediatrician with Kaiser and would love to hear news from old Fay friends!”
1991 SETH MARTIN writes, “I was married to Sasha Dizard in October of this year. Attending the wedding were NICK CONIARIS in the wedding party; my best man, MICHAEL MARTIN '88; and Fay teachers past and current including STU ROSENWALD, LEANN BREWITT, LILY GOLDFARB, and of course my mother MARY MARTIN.” ANDREW KELLAR shares, “My wife and I decided to start Bev LaFoley, the mother of M.J. LAFOLEY ’92 , invites all Fay alumni to participate in MJ's Race, which takes place Friday March 23, 2012 in Waterville Valley, NH. You can come join other alumni on the hill or afterwards at Coyote Grill. If you have any questions, contact Bev at bevlafoley@gmail.com or mjfoundation.org.
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mission/vision remind me so much of Fay! When I look back at my time as a boarding student at Fay, far from my family, I really appreciate my time there. I still remember my weekend trips, basketball games, my dinners at Stu Rosenwald's home, family-style meals with other international students, the Red/White competition …gosh, there are so many great memories there. Hopefully this year we'll be able to make our way to good old Southborough...my girls have been asking to visit the school that I've talked so much about!”
Andrew Kellar ’91’s winter home in Nicaragua.
our kids on an online schooling program so we could open their minds to new cultures by traveling to Nicaragua for part of the winter for family surf trip. We are also starting to get involved in the community down here and are excited to call this home for the winter.”
1992
20th Reunion
TERI GOTGART ANDERSEN and her husband Derek recently welcomed their second daughter, Esah Joy, into their family, joining her big sister Chloe Mae, who was born in 2004. LIZA DENNY ONEGLIA writes, “My husband, Dan, and I welcomed our second child, Andrew Sterling, on October 15, 2011. We hope to bring him and his big sister, Beatrice to visit Fay sometime soon!” From AMBI BOWO: “We are currently living in San Francisco. My wife, Thesia, and I are blessed with three girls: Almira, age nine; Jameela, age seven; and Aleema, age three. While Thesia and I are working in the furniture/art business, two of our girls go to an all-girls school whose philosophy and
Ambi Bowo ’92 and family.
1993 AMY TRUMBULL reports that she received a doctorate in physical therapy from Simmons College in 2010 and is working at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. MARIA DANTOS has this exciting news to share: “My husband and I had a baby boy on November 30. His name is Theodore Alexander Katsaros, and we are overjoyed.” Theodore Alexander Katsaros, son of Maria Dantos ’93.
CLASS NOTES
Close to the Action: A Look Back at Racing’s Glory Days with Jimmy Gibson ’54
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immy Gibson ’54 has had just a few adventures in his years since Fay: he’s worked as a graphic designer for Raymond Lowy, founded an ad agency, established the National Federation of Commercial Fisherman, successfully lobbied Congress to obtain the 200-mile limit for commercial fisherman, written and published a book (Tell It Goodbye, Kiddo, about the decline of the New England offshore fishing industry), sailed competitively, and run a company that helps organizations procure energy at reduced prices. Now, you can find online documentation of one of Jimmy’s earliest adventures, as a sports car and Formula 1 racing photographer. Jimmy’s new website, www.jimmygibsonphotographer.com, showcases images from racing’s golden era of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The images feature major drivers of the day racing at circuits like Sebring, Bridgehampton, and Nassau, along with some of the most beautiful racing vehicles of the time, including Ferraris, Porsches, Cobras, and Alfa Romeos. Jimmy’s vivid photos capture the ethos and
excitement of racing during this era—and his own passion for the sport. “I got my first opportunity to work in the pits for Lucky Casner [creator of Casner’s Camoradi] back in 1959, while I was still at St. Paul’s School,” he explains. “I graduated later that spring and went on to Parsons School of Design, but I still managed to find my way down to Nassau Speed Weeks in December 1959.” Today, more than 50 years later, Jimmy has made the images available on the Internet. He has enjoyed the process of converting the classic Kodachrome images to digital scans and has been amazed by the level of detail the scans provide. “Before scanning,” he says, “there wasn’t a way to print the old slides anymore, but now the scans provide incredibly sharp prints in large sizes.” From a moody shot of a white 2-liter Ferrari sitting in the rain to a picture of Phil Hill pushing his Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa to the grid, the photos truly capture a moment in time. As Jimmy notes on his website, his goal is to “bring you so close to the action that only the sweet smell of Castrol R wafting through the pits could bring it any closer.”
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CLASS NOTES
currently live in Washington, D.C. and work in Virginia (though Sarah is now in a masters program at Georgetown as well). LANRE DOKUN was one of my brother's groomsmen (he spared a quick break from his busy med school schedule), an obvious choice as he was Jonathan's roommate at Fay and at St. Paul's. As we have some new family and old friends that were once our Fay rivals— some from Fenn, Dana Hall, and Fessenden, even some Brookies, we joked that it was a mini ISL conference, as many more in the wedding party attended St. Paul's, Middlesex (where Sarah attended school), but
Newlyweds Justin Jagher ’95 and Stacy Satter Jagher ’97.
Jackson and Declan Perry, the sons of Kinsley Burrill Perry ’97.
1997
15th Reunion
ROB TRUMBULL shares that he is currently vice president at State Street Global Advisors, Boston. STACY SATTER JAGHER writes with this news: “JUSTIN JAGHER ’95 and I are very happy to share that we got married on June 4, 2011! JULIA PINSHAW and my brother, DAN SATTER '95, were part of our bridal party.” NIKKI BROMMA ’02, sister of JON BROMMA, wrote in with this news of her brother: “Jon was married on September 24, 2011 to his lovely and amazing wife Sarah Butterfield at Woodlawn, a gracious estate once part of Mount Vernon, in Alexandria, Virginia. Jon and Sarah
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SARAH LONG COHEN reports that she continues to work as Director of Risk Management for GovConHR based out of Annapolis, Maryland. She and her husband welcomed their first child, a son, in April 2011.
1999 CARLYN FITZGERALD writes, “Life is going great. In the fall, I moved from Boston, MA to Wichita, to pursue a master’s degree in marriage and family therapies at Friends University. Wichita is beautiful—full of the friendliest people I've ever met, along with some surprisingly amazing restaurants! Hope everyone from Fay '99 is happy and healthy.”
2000 LEICO WAKABAYASHI has this good news: “I got married at the end of 2011, and we will be flying to the Maldives for our honeymoon!”
1995 JUSTIN JAGHER married STACY SATTER JAGHER ’97 on June 4, 2011, with DAN SATTER and JULIA PINSHAW ’97 as part of the bridal party (see entry for 1997).
1998
2002 many more schools were represented from along the east coast.” TOM MOSCHOS writes, “I will be getting married down on the Cape in September to Erin Hickey. We are very excited to be celebrating with friends and family this fall.” KINSLEY BURRILL PERRY also has news: “Since my wedding in 2008, I have had two precious little boys with my husband Trevor. Jackson William Perry was born on October 19, 2010, and Declan James Perry was born on January 11, 2012. I've also been involved with a start-up online gaming business: LeagueNation.com. I hope everyone at Fay is doing well. I look forward to seeing some familiar faces in May.”
10th Reunion
Update from JONATHAN DEMELLO: “I am currently attending Harvard University and am roommates with ADAM OCH '03 in Boston. I
FAY ONLINE You can find fay alumni online at facebook.com Fay’s Alumni Council has created a page for alumni to reconnect and catch up. Login to facebook and search for “Fay School–Southborough.”
CLASS NOTES
work at Back Bay Social Club and look forward to our 10th class reunion this year.” Be sure to check out NIKKI BROMMA’S notes about the wedding of her brother, JON BROMMA ’97 (in the 1997 entry).
2004 MIKE LEVANGIE has this news: “I graduated from Lehigh University this past December. This August, I am moving to New York City to begin work in the Health Industries Advisory practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. In the meantime, I will be living in Hopkinton and doing some traveling before entering the ‘real world.’”
2005 JUSTIN BRODIE KOMMIT writes, “I am graduating from Bucknell University this year. After spending the summer leading teen adventure trips
for Wilderness Ventures, I will be beginning a PhD program at Johns Hopkins University in cell, molecular, developmental biology, and biophysics (CMDB).”
2008 ERICA SHAY graduated from Cushing Left to right: Members of the Class of 2011: Hannah Fuller, Academy and is Sydney Howard, Emma Baumbach, Paige Crotty, and Katie Fuller. currently a freshman at Salve Regina College in Newport, taking a gap year, living in California, RI. Earlier this winter, she took part in working and learning a lot outside of a fundraiser and raised over $60,000 the classroom.” SCOTT ISBELL, a for the Invisible Children’s Protection singer who is attending Berklee Plan, a non-profit organization that College of Music, just signed an artist works towards ending the war in development deal and production conCentral Africa, rebuilding schools for tract with veteran music executive and children, and funding rehabilitation producer Burnie Stevenson. Stevenson centers. TALIA LESSER writes, “I'm has produced for artists such as Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child, Ray J, Dru Hill, and the production team of Sugarhill Records.
A. Brooks Harlow, Jr. ’49 Receives Fay School Alumni Award
A. Brooks Harlow Jr., ’49 has been selected by the Alumni Council as the 2012 recipient of the Fay School Alumni Award. This prestigious award is presented each year by vote of the Council in recognition of actions exemplifying Fay School’s motto, Poteris Modo Velis, “You can if you will.” Mr. Harlow’s unwavering commitment to Fay’s values and its community of alumni, parents, students, and faculty is unrivaled. He opened Fay’s doors to a generation of women, some of whom are now sending their daughters and sons to Fay, and he extended Fay's reach across the U.S. and around the world. Through their enthusiasm for building community, Mr. Harlow and his late wife, Mimi, have long been the cornerstones of the Fay family for hundreds of grateful alumni. This award was presented to Mr. Harlow at his home in Florida on February 11 by Rob Gustavson, Head of School, and Steve White, former Head of School, on behalf of the Alumni Council.
2009 SEITU MOREL, a senior at Northfield Mount Hermon, played varsity soccer this past fall and is playing varsity basketball this winter.
2010 MADDIE BEECHER was named to the Dean’s List for the fall term at Choate Rosemary Hall.
2011 JANE CHIAVELLI reports that she’s in the fourth form at St. Marks, “still riding and competing and enjoying my new English springer spaniel puppy, Sophia.”
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In Memoriam May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. -Irish Blessing
RICHARD V. “DICK” UPJOHN his winter, Fay mourned the loss of Richard V. “Dick” Upjohn, who died on January 4, 2012. A dedicated member of Fay’s faculty for 52 years, Mr. Upjohn influenced the lives of generations of students with his intellect, warmth of spirit, and love of learning.
T
The son of Columbia University fine arts professor Everard Upjohn and his wife, Florence, Mr. Upjohn grew up in Minneapolis, New York City, and Rindge, New Hampshire (where the family maintained a summer home). He attended Kent School before graduating cum laude from Harvard University in 1951 with a degree in American history.
“Whether it was the chalk hanging like a cigarette from his upper lip as he rolled through Greek history, the loving encouragement while climbing Mount Monadnock, or his discoveries in economics along with his students when teaching the course for the first time, my two years in his classroom stand out as the some of the smartest, warmest, most encouraging times I had at Fay.” –David Panagore ’79 Mr. Upjohn’s teaching career began at York Country Day School in York, Pennsylvania. In 1960 he accepted a position at Fay, and over the years he taught history and served as history department chair, athletics coach, and administrator. Mr. Upjohn officially retired from teaching duties in 1997, but, as
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he noted in an interview with Fay Magazine in 2009, “it didn’t stick.” For the next fourteen years, he continued to work in the Learning Center, supervise athletic activities with students, and he even helped lead rigorous hiking trips up Mount Monadnock each fall. An avid birdwatcher and Adirondack Forty-Sixer, Mr. Upjohn shared his love of hiking and the outdoors with his family and countless Fay students. He spent many summers in Keene Valley, New York, in the heart of the high peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains. There, he managed Putnam Camp, a small seasonal resort, often putting in a full day of physical labor before taking off in the late afternoon for a quick climb up one of the region's many mountains. It was at Putnam where he met his wife, Sabra, and after retiring from his managerial duties he continued to summer and hike in the region for the rest of his life.
IN MEMORIAM
“I had the honor of being a student of Mr. Upjohn as well as a colleague at Fay. He modeled intellectual curiosity, the most outstanding of work ethics, and commitment to others and an institution.” –Suzanne Walker Buck ’86 A lifelong environmentalist, Mr. Upjohn was instrumental in starting a recycling program at Fay long before such activities were fashionable, and he served on the Southborough Conservation Commission for many years until his death. Mr. Upjohn was also known and beloved for riding his bicycle to and from campus regardless of the weather, and for his affinity for plaid blazers and pants. For those who spent their Fay years with him, however, he is perhaps best known for his dexterity on the Dining Room chimes and his recitation of the “Irish Blessing” at important community meals.
At the age of 82, Dick’s life ended here at Fay, between classes, at one of the places he loved best—ever committed to his students, the School, and its motto, Poteris Modo Velis.
My grandfather was my first teacher—the one who first instilled in me a love of wildlife, who taught me to be fearless, who taught me that there was so much more to history than facts in a textbook.” —granddaughter Kate Leist ’04 Mr. Upjohn leaves his wife, Sabra; his daughter, Emily Leist Vatis (a former member of Fay’s faculty); sons Richard Upjohn ’73 and Stephen Upjohn ’78; and grandchildren Kate Leist ’04, Chris Leist ’07, and Erin Leist ’09.
BARBARA DUMONT, former staff, December 9, 2011 Mrs. Dumont, born Barbara Craig, graduated from Marlborough High School in 1931 and married Raymond Dumont. She spent the first part of her adult life as a housewife, mother, and Brownie and Girl Scout leader. The early death of her husband in 1964 led her on a new path, and in in 1965, she began working as a seamstress at Fay.
The Fay community was reminded of one of its “traditions of old” this past winter, with the passing of Mrs. Barbara Dumont, Fay’s seamstress for 41 years.
But Mrs. Dumont was much more than a seamstress. As her official obituary noted, she was also “laundry and package monitor, lunch table mentor, tea pourer, and unofficial grandmother to several generations of Fay students.”
Mrs. Dumont retired from Fay in 2006 at the age of 93. She continued her active life as deaconess at Pilgrim Church and enjoyed time at the card table in her living room, where she could be found playing cards or doing puzzles. Mrs. Dumont was 98 when she died on December 9, 2011. She leaves her sister, Dorothea Brown; her son, Robert Dumont; daughters Joan Clark and Donna Wilson; and many grandchildren (including grandson Brian Clark ’85), great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
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IN MEMORIAM
ELISHA DYER, JR. '47 October 27, 2011 Elisha Dyer was born in New York City in 1932 to Katharine Whitaker and Elisha Dyer. After Fay, he graduated from St. George's School in Newport, Rhode Island, and earned a B.A. from Brown University. He served in France for two years with the U.S. Army as a mechanic and later joined the investment firm Clark Dodge in 1960, where he specialized as an equity research analyst. In 1969 he moved to Hilliard Lyons, representing them on the American Stock Exchange, and he retired in 1997 as senior vice president. He was a past trustee of the Washington Montessori School and Rumsey Hall School, treasurer of the Stone Church in New Preston, Connecticut, and served on Washington's Greenway Committee. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Natalie Hubbard Dyer, and three daughters. THOMAS HENRY SAWYER ’51 June 11, 2011 Thomas Henry Sawyer was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1935, the son of the late Albert E. and Ellen C. Sawyer. After Fay School, he attended Westminster Academy and graduated from the University of Maine in Orono, where he was a Sigma Chi. He also attended Williams College Trust School,
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where he became a Certified Life Underwriter and a Certified Financial Planner. He was employed by Key Bank as Senior Vice-President of the Trust Division for over 20 years. He also worked for Travelers Insurance and was a teacher and coach at Boothbay Regional High School. Tom was a member of the Augusta Country Club and was an avid golfer and fly fisherman. He was also active in many civic organizations in the Kennebec Valley, including Old Fort Western, Kennebec Historical Society, and the Republican Party. Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sara Boyd Sawyer, three daughters, and many grandchildren. PETER VON SCHILLING STANLEY '53 February 7, 2012 Peter Stanley was born in 1938, the son of Sara von Schilling Stanley and James Selwyn Stanley. After Fay, he graduated from The Governor’s Academy, and later from Harvard with a degree in psychology. He served in the Army in Vietnam on a special assignment to study the psychological effects of guerrilla warfare and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center training monkeys for space missions. Later, he became a stockbroker, working at Merrill Lynch, Wheat First Securities, Branch Cabell, and Scott & Stringfellow. For several years he was also an
alcoholism counselor with Region X in Charlottesville. A life-long musician, he hitchhiked with his guitar and sleeping bag around the U.S. collecting folk songs wherever he could find them, and he engendered his love for music in all who heard him sing and play his guitar and banjo. An avid outdoorsman, he and close friends reached the summit of Mt. McKinley in 1985, and with family and friends he canoed rivers and lakes in Virginia, West Virginia, Canada and Norway. Peter is survived by his wife, Virginia Stanley, and their three sons. READ ALBRIGHT former faculty July 16, 2011 Read Albright was born in 1938, the son of Fuller Albright and Claire Birge Albright. He attended Park School and Dexter School, and he graduated from Milton Academy in 1956. Read graduated from Harvard in 1960 with a degree in English. Read taught at Fay from 1962 to 1964; he also coached and served as a dorm parent, living on the third floor of the Dining Room with his wife, JoAnne, and their first child. After leaving Fay, Read taught at Fenn School, where he remained for 39 years. Read leaves his wife, Joanne, a son and two daughters, and six grandchildren.
FACULTY PROFILE
Faculty Profile: Q&A with Bruce Chauncey This year, faculty member Bruce Chauncey celebrated his twentieth year of dedicated service to Fay. A graduate of Dickinson College who had worked at Eagle Hill School and Dexter School, Bruce came to Fay in 1992 as a dorm parent and coach. Since then, he has served in numerous capacities at Fay—as an admission officer, the Director of Financial Aid, and as a teacher in the Wellness department, the history department, and the International Student Program. Bruce is now entering his third year as chair of the history department; this year, he has particularly enjoyed collaborating with Latin teacher Dan Blanchard on the Ancient Greek and Roman history course, which is now offered to all eighth graders.
What keeps you at Fay?
How do you define a “teachable moment”?
I really enjoy the people I work with and the Fay community— and the students are terrific. Despite the fact that I’ve been here 20 years, when each September rolls around, it always seems new—and that’s always exciting. And I’ve been lucky to have been presented with great opportunities for growth and new challenges along the way.
We have some great conversations in my class. Some of the best moments are when the students make a connection between something we’re studying and the world today. That’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed teaching about Ancient Rome—there are significant parallels that the students are frequently able to identify. These are the moments that aren’t planned or scripted— but sometimes the informal moments are the most memorable.
What do you love about Fay students? There’s an incredible diversity here, with so many students who are enthusiastic about learning and hungry for sophisticated ideas. I’m looking forward to teaching sixth grade again next year—it’s such a great age group. The students have wonderful energy, they’re well prepared from fifth grade, and they’re ready to jump in and take on critical thinking challenges. I enjoy helping them make those leaps and make the connections across the disciplines.
Why do you choose to live on campus? My family has lived in the dorms for all but four of the years that I’ve worked here. I love the impact that we as dorm parents can have on the students’ lives. We build strong relationships that carry over into the classroom and the playing field. We get to see another side of the kids—and those strong connections that we make are so rewarding, for us as well as the students.
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MAGAZINE
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In this issue: Learning Across the Grade Levels A Vision for Peace: Nicholas Porter ’79 Taste of Nations