Foote Prints Spring 2022 by The Foote School

Short Takes

Foote Prints Spring 2022

Editor’s Note

FAR E W E LL TO LO O MI S PL ACE

Over the past nine years, Foote School has become my second home—and not just because I commuted to work every day with my entire family! (My wife, Alison, teaches 8th grade and our two children, Lark and Rowan, are both students here.) My introduction to Foote came in 2004, when Alison succeeded Allie Kubler as the 8th-Grade English teacher. I remember seeing a Middle School performance of Anne of Green Gables in the theater, and watching 3rd graders in flower crowns joyfully dancing around a maypole. Even then, from a relative distance, it was clear that Foote was a little school with a big heart. When I came to work at Foote in 2013, everywhere I looked, children were engaged in learning that was creative and fun: from arranging pop songs on Boomwhackers to making natural dye from marigolds. I also came to know many Foote alumni and was continually amazed at the intense affection they felt for their school. It didn’t take long to discover why they loved the place so much. This is my last issue as editor of Foote Prints. This spring I started a new job at Yale’s Office of Sustainability. It’s been a joy to tell the story of Foote School and to meet so many of you. I’ll remain connected as a parent and look forward to many happy Foote family reunions. Andy Bromage, Editor

< Cover and opposite: After reading Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by poet Amanda Gorman, Kindergartners created an uplifting mural outside their classroom.

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From the Head of School Charting a path for the future Community Stories News about recent campus beautification, unique partnerships and special student projects Question & Answer Teachers address student curiosity in a new podcast series. Reunion Weekend Alumni Children at Foote Class Notes

Foote Prints Spring 2022

From the Head of School

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< Head of School Aléwa Cooper (center) participates with students in an 8th-grade chemistry class.

A Season of Renewal because it holds the promise of renewal. From the oncefrozen ground, dormant bulbs push through soil as they reach toward the strengthening sun. After two years of a pandemic that has tested schools as few things ever have, we enter spring with a greater sense of optimism. I LOVE S PR ING

Like those flower bulbs, Foote School is reawakening to some of the activities that were put on hold due to the health concerns during the worst of the pandemic, including this winter’s Omicron surge. Thanks to vaccines and lowered case numbers in Connecticut, students have resumed singing in music class. Live theater has returned to the stage and our gym rings with the sounds of full grades having indoor PE for the first time since February 2020. The things that used to pass for “routine” now feel sublime! Even as we look to reclaim what was lost, Foote is charting a path to the future. In February, we kicked off a strategic planning process to set a course for the school’s long-term future. Under the guidance of industry-leading consultants Ian Symmonds & Associates, Foote’s teachers, staff, administration and Board will be using survey data collected from our community—and examinations of best practices at other schools—to set priorities for our academic program,

facilities and school culture. The end goal of this process is to continue to build on a program that celebrates childhood and cultivates lifelong learners who can use their gifts to create positive change in their communities. I want to thank everyone who took the time to complete our strategic planning survey and offer feedback. Foote is fortunate to have a community of alumni, parents, parents of alumni and friends who are deeply invested in the success of our school. I hope you will take a few minutes to read our strategic report when it comes out this summer and that you continue to remain engaged in the life of Foote. Our community truly is the strength of our school. Lastly, I want to thank our incredible faculty and staff—from classroom teachers to the school nurses and the maintenance crew—for pouring so much of their time, energy and hearts into supporting our students and families during a challenge that none of us could have prepared for. The pandemic took away some of our usual activities but it didn’t take away the palpable sense of joy in our classrooms and the vibrance our teachers bring to their jobs. Each one of them has our enduring gratitude. Enjoy this issue and stay in touch. Aléwa Cooper Head of School Short Takes | 03

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P E ACE FU L PAL ACE Foote’s campus is a vibrant and lively place; however, there are moments when students need a break from the action. To promote emotional well-being Alexandra Wittner discussed with her Kindergartners what brings them comfort. On the basis of their feedback a corner of the room was designated a “Peaceful Palace” and thoughtfully curated with items to help students relax and calm their thoughts.

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Community Stories

Nurse Appreciation Quilt spend a lot of time thinking about small but meaningful ways to make a difference in the world and show gratitude. Over the past three years 1st graders have put their ideas into practice by making seasonal paper quilts. Drawing inspiration from Connecticut author and illustrator Nancy Elizabeth Wallace each child creates one square using cut construction paper to create a bright and happy scene. S T U D E NT S AT FO OTE

This year, while reflecting on all that our amazing nurses have done to support the community, 1st-grade teachers Margy Lamere, Melissa McCormack and Kayleigh Axon hatched a plan to surprise them with a quilt of gratitude. The students all agreed that the nurses deserved the thanks, love and gratitude. The quilt was secretly installed outside of the Health Office around Valentine’s Day and included a special message of love at the center.

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Coffee for a Cause during morning drop off and you’ll see parents and faculty sipping on coffee as students bustle to class. After a summer brainstorming session the Marketing and Communications Department proposed partnering with an independent roaster to create a line of locally roasted, sustainably sourced signature coffee blends that could benefit Foote as well as other New Haven-area nonprofits. After researching different options Canton, Connecticut-based Giv Coffee was the obvious choice. Giv’s mission naturally aligned with Foote’s and in October “Coffee for a Cause” was launched. LO O K AR O UND C AMP U S

monthly profits to in exchange for a representative from the organization coming to speak at school. The coffee was enjoyed at casual Grab-and-Gab events on the campus’ new patio, after admissions tours and during open houses throughout the fall. To date the initiative has raised over $3,000 for IRIS, Columbus House, Foote financial aid, the Yale New Haven Health Toy Closet Program and Horizons at Foote. Foote coffee will be available for local pickup through the end of the school year. To purchase visit footeschool.org/coffee.

After surveying the community, Falco’s Fuel, Big Foote and After School Decaf were chosen as the names. The Middle School student-led Community Council proposed organizations to donate

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Community Stories

What’s Old is New Again at the corner of Loomis Place and Highland Street has been a beacon to many for more than 30 years. After seasons of New England weather caused the wood to rot and decay, the school looked into replacement options. But maintenance staff member Walter “Wally” Siracuse proposed a better idea—restoring the sign back to its original glory. THE FO OTE C AMP U S S I GN

After removing the sign from its posts, Wally began by digging out the rotted wood and sanding the sides to a natural 08 | Foote Prints

finish. Tar paper was added along the edge before encapsulating the top with cedar to protect it from further water damage. Finally, three coats of varnish were applied and the sign was reinstalled with little fanfare on its special corner of campus. Wally, who started working at Foote in 2002, credits his mentor, the late Bob Celotto, who taught him much of what he knows now. In turn, Wally feels proud to have mentored maintenance staff member Mike Milazzo ’08. Echoing Foote’s motto, Wally notes, “You can always learn something from someone.”

Early America Day celebrated Early America Day at the New Haven Museum on a Wednesday evening in December. The event was the culmination of a seven-week humanities research project on the people and forces that shaped early U.S. history. S E VE NTH GR A D E R S

Foote’s Early America Day is “the perfect humanities-based project,” said teacher Sheila Lavey. It is designed for students to learn and practice the research process, note-taking, writing and revision, organizational skills, public speaking and evaluation of credible sources. At the reception, parents and guests circulated asking students questions about the early American they studied. Students identified their research subject with signs that included a book cover

they created and the introductory paragraph of their essay. Humanities teacher Skye Lee shared that students were able to choose from a broad group of individuals to research, including indigenous people, women and people of color. < Scan the QR code to visit the 7th graders’ interactive website created to share their research.

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THE ATE R R E T U R NS Under the direction of Drama chair Katie De Vries, live theater returned to Foote this school year with the 9th-grade production of The Alibis. Class periods leading up to the performance were devoted to constructing the set, organizing props, crafting costumes, selecting audio cues, programming lights and learning stage-management skills. After weeks of rehearsal the play opened to packed audiences.

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Alumni May 6 & 7, 2022 A joyous in-person Reunion Weekend! FRIDAY, MAY 6 6–7 pm Alumni Happy Hour at 116 Crown SATURDAY, MAY 7 10 am–4 pm • Campus Tours • Class Photos • Lunch • Head of School Remarks • Presentation of the Alumni Achievement Award • Open meeting of the Alumni Council • 7th- and 8th-grade play Midsummer Night’s Dream

Read more about the weekend at footeschool.org/reunion

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2022 Award Winner

Alumni Achievement Award During Alumni Weekend in May, alumna C AITLIN C AH OW , Class of 2000, was honored with the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award. Introduced by her former French teacher, Jenny Byers, Caitlin embodies the true spirit of a Foote alum: resiliency, fearlessness, persistence, confidence and embracing differences. Reflecting on Caitlin’s time at Foote, Byers recalled “During the Middle School years, she went all over the state for games and practices, often after a long day at school. There was a lot of time spent on the road. She learned to concentrate, study and write in cars and buses. Did she ever turn in her homework late? No! Was she ever unprepared for class? No! Did she ever complain about the workload? No! It was very impressive.” She attended Hotchkiss School after Foote and earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Harvard University in 2008. Caitlin pursued a career as a professional ice hockey player following college, winning a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics and a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Games. Following her hockey career she studied law at Boston College, earning her J.D. in 2014. Caitlin was also appointed in 2014 to serve as a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. Currently, Caitlin works as a corporate lawyer in Chicago, serves on the USA Hockey board of directors and is a member of the board of directors for the Inner-City Education Program which helps low-income children obtain educational and hockey opportunities. Jenny Byers (left) with Alumni Achievement Award winner Caitlin Cahow at Foote in May

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Alumni Children

Continuing the Tradition testaments to Foote’s approach to education is the alumni who return to Foote as parents. Their fond memories of the school often lead their initial inquiry, while Foote’s growth in the years following their graduation galvanizes their decision to enroll their children. O NE O F THE GR E ATE S T

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In alphabetical order: Lexi Baez, daughter of Tim Gabbard ’05 • Leo and Oliver Berkowitz, sons of Ben Berkowitz ’94 • Felix and Penelope Boone, children of Sarah Netter Boone ’89 • Violet Bradford, daughter of Kossouth Bradford ’87 • Matias Candelo-Diaz, nephew of Yami Diaz ’99 • Philip Corso, son of Taryn Villano ’83 • Natalie Curtis, step-cousins of Brad Fischer ’80 and Wendy Fischer Magnan ’82 • Archer, Farley and Keillor Fitton, sons of Peter Fitton ’89 •

Max Garsten, great nephew of Ruth Healy ’43, Bill Healy ’44 and Kent Healy ’46 • Jemma and Julia Grauer, daughters of Jonathan Grauer ’85 • Olivia and Nolan Greenstein, children of Annie Berman Greenstein ’96 • Barrett Hansen, son of Chris Hansen ’86 • Bodhi Henley-Cohn, son of Juri Henley-Cohn ’93 • Adrian, Ambrose and Ari Khachane, sons of Anil Khachane ’93 • Benjamin Kruger, son of Avery Grauer ’87 • Gage and Zee Lang, children of Catherine Balsam-Schwaber ’85 • Beatrix, Gus and

Mercer Nast, children of Jonathan Nast ’94 • Graham Possick, son of Jeff Possick ’89 • Jack Randazzo, son of Laura Lovejoy ’84 • Mateo and Noa Rengifo-Miller, children of Andrea Miller ’97 • Atticus and Cleo Roche, children of Sarah Blanton ’93 and Eamon Roche ’80 • Charlie and Ellie Sudmyer, children of Amy Stephens Sudmyer ’89 • Eliza Wareck, daughter of John Wareck ’84 • Levi York, son of Annie Wareck ’85

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Class Notes

“Mrs. Shepler and the Fireside Book of Folk Songs and Miss Wellershaus’ dancing lessons were very much on my mind while I worked in the archives of the Slater Museum (Norwich, Conn.) this winter. Cheers from the trenches, and keep fighting friends!” — Nina Barclay ’67

W E ’ D LOVE TO HE AR FR O M YO U !

Please contact your class correspondent or Mary Beth Claflin in the Alumni Programs Office at mclaflin@footeschool.org to share news about you and your classmates, or visit www.footeschool.org/alumni.

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Please note: In order to save space, we have listed the classes that submitted notes by our deadline. To submit a class note online, visit footeschool.org/alumni.

1945 David Madden reports that he had a stroke during the fall of 2022. “I’ve made a lot of progress with therapy. It is so much hard work but I am recovering!” At age 90, Anne Hunt Tritz writes that she does not get around much any more but enjoys classical music, needlepoint, crossword and Sudoku puzzles. She feels fortunate to have one daughter in New Jersey who keeps an eye on her! Michael Buchanan said he would love to be in touch with any old friends from Foote who are “still alive and compos mentis.” Michael is also proud to report that his son James is a political writer, son John is a doctor with Dartmouth/ Hitchcock Hospital and grandson Andrew (a junior in high school) has climbed all the 46 Adirondack high peaks and all the New Hampshire 48, which are peaks all at 4000 feet in elevation or more!

1946 We extend our sympathy to Class Correspondent Kent Healy’s loved ones, Kent passed away October 31, 2021. Jennifer Hillhouse Griswold writes,“It’s hard work to remain an optimist. If Trump would go to Argentina or Bora Bora that would help.” She had cataract surgery in January and February of 2022 but continues to read, do jigsaw puzzles, write letters and work on the woodpile. Jennifer would love to hear from Guido Calabresi, Peggy Cannon, Barbara Long Wedmore or Barbara Butterworth von Haunalter. Peggy Cannon says she is “living the good life still in the old family homestead in Chocorua,

New Hampshire.” Peggy reports that she is relatively healthy; her close companion is her 17 year old Beagle, along with two horses. Peggy has four daughters, six grandkids and four great-grandkids. She last saw former classmate Barbara Butterworth von Haunalter two and a half years ago in California and would love to hear from any of her Foote classmates.

1952 “Still serving as lector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Eugene,” states Lee Gaillard. “I was appointed to its Endowment Board last summer.” A member of the Eugene Round Table Club, her presentation War Poetry: Four Poems from Four Wars was voted Paper of the Year.

1953 Jordy Mott “would love to catch up with any of the old gang.” He is retired now, a widower with five kids, eight grandkids and one greatgrandchild. Jordy spent 20 years in yacht sales, traveled extensively and loves sailing and playing the guitar.

1954 The Class of 1954 needs a class correspondent. If you are willing to collect news from your classmates, please contact Mary Beth Claflin in the Alumni Programs Office at mclaflin@ footeschool.org. Edward Johnson is still writing articles covering local issues, politics and personalities and now his daughter has joined him in doing this as well. Both father and daughter remain very concerned about the environment.

1956 We extend our sympathy to Barbara Brennan Usher’s family. Barbara passed away on September 20, 2021. Sally Loeser writes, “the more things change, the more things stay the same. Following Covid protocols, no traveling, no eating out, resigned Short Takes | 17

1959 The Class of 1959 needs a class correspondent. If you are willing to collect news from your classmates, please contact Mary Beth Claflin in the Alumni Programs Office at mclaflin@ footeschool.org.

1960 Happy Clement Spongberg writes, “I spent a week in Ann Arbor, Mich. at Christmas time in 2021 with my daughter Nia and others. May 2022 be gentler on all of us.”

1961 Sally Loeser ’56 with her daughters and sons-in-law

We extend our sympathy to Joan Patterson, whose sister, Barbara Brennan Usher ’56, passed away on September 20, 2021.

1962 from the gym and exercising at home, limited socializing; so happy to Zoom for book club and condo meetings. Still able to enjoy walking around the city.” She also reports that her oldest granddaughter graduated from Northeastern University in Boston in December and will return to work remotely from Boston for a graphic design firm based in Chicago. Her grandson is due to graduate from the same university in December. A third grandchild, a granddaughter, attends the University of Wisconson in Menominee and her youngest grandchild is a sophomore in high school. Sally said she is missing her oldest Foote friend, Barbara Brennan Usher, who died last September.

1958 Kerry Triffin has started a new chapter having accepted a position as the president of the Board of HomeHaven a mutual self-help membership organization of people in the New Haven area who wish to continue to live in their own homes. Kerry reports that the position is “yielding multiple rewards, especially some stellar burgeoning friendships.”

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We extend our sympathy to the family of Susan McAllister Warner who passed away on July 27, 2021. Wick “Red” Chambers, Cecie Clement and Don Ross worked on plans for the 60th reunion including a class dinner. Doug Curtiss, Ellen Warren Faller and others are working to gather up a trove of old photos, including ones we have not seen, such as pre-Foote School shots from Kindergarten at Hamden Hall. Jessica Rostow thought that dinner at the Lawn Club “sounds great, but do we have to wear white gloves as we did for dance class?” Natalie Wilmer Blenk writes that she and her husband Peter have enjoyed being tourists in London for nearly 40 years but will return to America for the birth of a grandson due this spring. Susie Swords Stevens has a granddaughter applying to Kindergarten at Foote! Doug Curtiss, Ellen Warren Faller and Don Ross all reported making the difficult decision to part with summer homes that belonged to their families for over a hundred years.

As an example of something good that happened during the Covid shutdown Amos Galpin writes: “I’ve spent the last two years working on my hockey skills in a big, new, wideopen rink here in Idaho. Very few players show up during the week, and I discovered it as a fun place to go. Who would imagine that one could increase one’s skills at our age? But it’s pretty amazing. So now, we have scrimmages again, and I’m better than I was.” The past year has been a bit busy for Sam Howe splitting his time between South Portland, Maine and Holderness, N.H. as well as recently volunteering in the re-election campaign of N.H. Sen. Maggie Hassan.

1964 Robin Hicks reports that he is living in Texas and is divorced with one daughter, two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren.

1965 Jim Farnam writes, “Happy 2022! I hope you are all weathering Omicron and looking forward to the end of the pandemic soon. It is hard to believe most of us have hit 70 recently. Janet lent me some slides from our graduation party at her place in June 1965 and I finally scanned them with a new slide-scanning app on my phone. I am hoping to redeem myself with her by returning them soon!”

1966 Grace Hammond Boss is currently writing her autobiography/memoir for her family. She reports identifying photographs in albums and taking art classes to be most enjoyable. Grace will be traveling to Mardel in West Columbia, S.C. in February and then to Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., and is “hoping for lots of fun in the sun!” She would love to see Vicky DiSesa, Leslie Sefried Lockard and Patty Ruggles.

Class of 1965 graduation picnic photos discovered by Janet Alley McClure ’65 and scanned by Jim Farnam ’65

1967 The Class of 1967 needs a class correspondent. If you are willing to collect news from your classmates, please contact Mary Beth Claflin in the Alumni Programs Office at mclaflin@ footeschool.org. Nina Barclay volunteers at two non-profits and thinks often of Foote, past, present & future. “Mrs. Shepler and the Fireside Book of Folk Songs and Miss Wellershaus’ dancing lessons were very much on my mind while I worked in the archives of the Slater Museum (Norwich, Conn.) this winter. Cheers from the trenches, and keep fighting friends!”

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1968

1978

We extend our sympathy to Cathy Smith Cuthell, whose mother, Dr. Ora Smith, passed away on February 17, 2022.

We extend our sympathy to the family of Charles “Chuckey” Brown, who passed away on December 17, 2021. Charles Brown was first and foremost a gospel singer, but his talents went far beyond. Known at various times as Chucky, Chuckey or C.C. Brown, he was an actor, dancer and choir director. Chucky arrived at Foote as a Kindergartner in 1968 and attended through 7th grade. He went on to attend Hillhouse High School and was the school’s first male cheerleader. Later in life Brown directed the Salt and Pepper Gospel Singers, a diverse choir founded in 1984 by his mother, Mae Gibson Brown, and Sheila Bonenberger and had a career in musical theater. His roles included parts in the Broadway casts of The Lion King and Miss Saigon. He starred as Collins in the first national tour of Rent, and other roles included parts in Dreamgirls and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. After his years working in the theater industry, Brown moved to Maryland and served as the vocal musical director of all five branches of Zion Church.

First Kill (Netflix) and Kingdom Business (BET+) were two TV series that Jim Bigwood reported working on in 2021 as producer. “So much for trying to retire!” Jim would like to be in touch with Henry Hunt.

1970 The Class of 1970 needs a class correspondent. If you are willing to collect news from your classmates, please contact Mary Beth Claflin in the Alumni Programs Office at mclaflin@ footeschool.org.

1973 We extend our sympathy to Elizabeth Smith Reed, whose mother, Dr. Ora Smith, passed away on February 17, 2022. Ellen Sherk Walsh shares, “we continue to cruise extensively on our sailboat, spending the summer in Maine and Martha’s Vineyard waters, the fall in the Chesapeake and this winter in the Bahamas. When home I substitute teach, run a community garden and ride my horse whenever I can!” Robert Moulton-Ely says he left banking in 2000. He now co-owns 12 weekly newspapers “in the rural area of the heartland. Small-town newspapers are alive and needed! Married to Alice for almost 40 years, who delights in telling people that my nickname at Foote was “the pest”!

1979 We extend our sympathy to Francesca Danforth de Frise, whose father, Frederick Danforth, passed away on June 13, 2021. We extend our sympathy to Paige Usher Rankin, whose mother, Barbara Brennan Usher ’56, passed away on September 20, 2021.

We extend our sympathy to Roger Smith, whose mother, Dr. Ora Smith, passed away on February 17, 2022.

Sandra Draper has been working as a mental health counselor for the past 30 years for a number of agencies in the New Haven area. “I still see many of our classmates (Liz Holt, Cheska Danforth de Frise, Mary Talbot, Caroline Farnam).” She speaks with Ellen Hirs and would love to catch up with anyone from any year!

1977

1980

We extend our sympathy to Margaret Smith, whose mother, Dr. Ora Smith, passed away on February 17, 2022.

We extend our sympathy to Alicia Thompson Churchill, whose father Robert Thompson passed away on November 29, 2021.

1975

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Mark Danforth’s birthday gathering, October 28, 2021. From left to right: Brinley Ford Ehlers ’83, Mark Danforth ’83, Kirsten Mendillo ’83, Mark McFadden ’83, Ted Sawyer ’83 and Franscesca Danforth de Frise ’79 We extend our sympathy to Ted Danforth, whose father, Frederick Danforth, passed away on June 13, 2021. Tag Mendillo writes that he “spent this past Thanksgiving (2021) with Ted Danforth and both of our respective families in Millbrook, N.Y. It was fantastic! Nick Palumbo ’13 and his mom Leslie Hunt Palumbo ’80 also attended!”

1981 Ben Allison sent a note that “this year I released my 14th album as a leader, titled Moments Inside. Also, great to be back performing live, with concerts in Portugal, Spain, and more planned in Brazil.”

1982 We extend our sympathy to Clark Thompson, whose father Robert Thompson passed away on November 29, 2021. Clinton White wrote that he was looking forward to some type of 40th year Reunion in May 2022. Beginning in October 2022, Clinton will serve as counselor to the agency for the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Clinton brings 20 years of experience to his new position. The USAID is an independent agency of

the US federal government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid, as well as development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States. Congratulations to Clinton!

1983 We extend our sympathy to Mark Danforth, whose father, Frederick Danforth, passed away on June 13, 2021. Brinley Ford Ehlers writes that she enjoyed catching up with Foote ’83 classmates Kristen Mendillo, Ted Sawyer, Mark McFadden, Mark Danforth and Cheska Danforth ’79. She recently saw many Foote friends at the wedding of Lisa Sandine and Patrick Clendenen ’81! Congratulations to Lisa and Patrick on their marriage.

1984 We extend our sympathy to Suzy Usher Harris, whose mother, Barbara Brennan Usher ’56, passed away on September 20, 2021. Liz Holt ’79 writes that she had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jenny Ogilvie and that Jenny is now chief of endocrine surgery at Yale!

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1988 Jessica Pritchett shares “2021 was a big year for me and my company OOLI. We won a global vegan award, became a Pinterest Elevates Black Business Partner, secured an international distributor and got accepted into a pre-seed accelerator. Watch for OOLI in mass retail in 2022.” (OOLI is a hair care and styling treatment company.)

1990 David Holley settled down to a new life in Mesa, Ariz. “In June I successfully closed on the purchase of my mom’s condo.”

James Keul ’96 and sister Jenny Keul ’93, this past December in North Carolina

1992 Hilary Askenase Tordai reports that she is a certified nurse midwife/women’s health nurse practitioner at Kaiser Permanente in Southern, California. “I am married with 2 kids: Everly (8) & Leo(6).” She would love to catch up with her teachers Mrs. Murray and Ms. Raymond.

1993 After many years away in California and then New York, Juri Henley-Cohn states “that a welcome silver-lining to the disaster that was 2020 and 2021, was that our family moved back to Connecticut. Now, my eldest son, Bodhi, is attending Foote. He is currently in Felicia McKee’s 2nd-grade class and we are thrilled to once again be part of the Foote family.”

Jessica Weissman ’93 and Peter Wolanin were married on October 15, 2021.

Ting Poo recently produced, edited and codirected the documentary Val about Val Kilmer on Amazon Prime. It’s a fascinating behindthe-scenes story about the actor who played Ice in Top Gun and Jim Morrison in The Doors, among other memorable characters.

1996 James Stewart Keul writes that he is enjoying working as an artist in Durham, N.C. and being a dad to his amazing 7-year-old son, Ethan. He is also thrilled to report that he enjoyed a visit 22 | Foote Prints

over the holiday season with his sister Jenny Keul ’93 who came to visit him from Italy along with her son Leo.

1997 Tera Nova Zarra announced her East Coast tour: Robin Hood’s Faire-Harwinton, Conn. June 25–July 3; New York Ren Faire-Tuxedo, N.Y. August 27–October 9; Also Bristol RenFaireKenosha, Wis. July 9–August 21. Kate Kubler Anderson writes that she is a family physician and associate director of education at Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency.

2001 Yale News reported that Dan Fleschner was on the team in charge of delivering the Beijing Olympics on NBC this past February. Dan is an Emmy-winning writer and producer. He was NBC’s vice president for content and programming for the Olympics. Dan and his team traveled to China to help bring each event seamlessly to life for viewers at home. It’s a task that takes years to pull off; as Fleschner told Yale News, “In my role, I’m always looking one or two Olympics ahead.”

Gabriel McCray ’19 (left) preparing food with his school’s culinary arts program

2019 Thinking about you again is the new song by Stella Wareck; it can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and other music platforms. Maya Aviles reports that she is in California attending high school and preparing for college.

Jessica Weissman reports that she married Peter Wolanin on October 15, 2021 in Waterford, Conn. and then took a honeymoon around Italy. Jessica got her doctoral degree in clinical psychology and is a therapist for college and graduate students.

Recently Gabriel McCray has been involved in the Staples High School’s WWPT “Wrecker Radio,” a student-run radio station that broadcasts countrywide. It is one of a few high school radio programs in Connecticut. Gabriel also participates in the school’s culinary arts program which contributes to the Westport community.

2010

2020

Caroline Agsten is working on her MA at Yale’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs.

Elias Theodore interned this past summer at Horizons at Foote and had an amazing time! He is looking forward to returning to school in person.

2002

2018 Andrew Crews is a senior at Choate and spent last summer as an intern at the Yale Center for British Art.

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Elayah Grant’s baby Peyton Olivia Harris

Anna Collins’ daughter Marian Ellen Collins

Faculty News

Former Faculty News

Lower School associate teacher Elayah Grant and Daishawn Harris welcomed baby Peyton Olivia Harris on September 12, 2021.

Laura Altshul’s 4th book of poetry: The Shearing was released in September 2021. Laura is a past member of the Foote Faculty and alum parent. You may have seen Laura at her poetry reading for The Shearing this past November at the Yale Bookstore. The artwork on the cover of Laura’s book is a painting by former Foote art teacher Jerry Oberle.

Librarian Anna Collins and husband Dustin welcomed daughter Marian Ellen Collins on December 1, 2021.

Mystery Photo Update From Newell “Toby” Garfield, Class of 1964: I believe the woman on the left with the gray skirt and coral sweater is Margaret “Peg” Campbell who taught Kindergarten for many years; she was one of my Kindergarten teachers in 1956. The woman on the right in the red sweater and long coat is my mother, Jane Day (later Jane Garfield and later still Jane Hooker), Class of 1937. Peg and mom were lifelong buddies. I do not recognize either of the gentlemen, but the naval rank of the man on the right is lieutenant junior grade.

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In Memoriam

Marion Tyzack Candido From Foote Prints, Summer 2002, on the occasion of her retirement Born in the United Kingdom, she attended the University of Wales and the University of London. She taught high school English and French before joining the Foote School faculty. During her 29-year teaching career at Foote, Mrs. Candido became a beloved teacher of history—mostly European history—and English. Her curriculum captivated students. She enlivened historical information by adding anecdotes based on her childhood in London during World War II. Her humor and British witticisms, and the use of primary sources, radio, movies and books, brought wartime Europe alive for her students. Marion’s classroom was at once challenging and supportive of individual learning styles. Highly regarded by her colleagues as well as her students and their parents, she served as Upper School Head for 18 years. As former head of school, Jean Lamont, recalled, “I asked her to stay on to help with the transition after my arrival; once I realized how good she was at the job, I didn’t let her step down for five years!” A great mentor of young faculty and an administrator adept at handling disciplinary incidents, Marion was known for her ability to “tell it like it is” with compassion and humor. She herself described the value of her teaching this way: “What I teach isn’t as important as how I do it, the role model I show students, the work habits and the moral attitudes. I’d like them to get a sense of priorities, be honest with themselves and others, and, in short, smart or not, to be productive, decent, kind people.” After her departure from Foote, Marion moved back to London, U.K., but remained in touch with the Foote community. She passed away on September 14, 2021.

Anne Rose Hiliard ’35 September 18, 2021

Deborah Brewster ’64 August 26, 2021

Kent Healy ’46 October 31, 2021

Charles Brown ’78 December 17, 2021

Barbara Brennan Usher ’56 September 20, 2021 Susan McAllister Warner ’62 July 27, 2021

Short Takes | 25

Question & Answer

Kids Ask, Teachers Answer help guide Foote School’s approach to learning. To help address ideas outside of the curriculum, The Foote School Podcast debuted a segment this year titled “Kids Ask, Teachers Answer.” Students had the opportunity to submit a question on any topic for the podcast. Faculty and staff volunteered to answer these questions in their area of expertise or interest. While some answers were known, others required additional research inspiring further discovery. This reciprocal learning highlights what makes Foote’s student-teacher connection so strong. E S S E NTIAL Q U E S TI O NS

+ Q 26 | Foote Prints

Q: Ocie, Grade 4

Who invented soccer? A: Denise Quinn, Grade 4 Teacher Most people think that soccer was invented in England but, soccer was actually invented in the second century B.C. in China during the Han Dynasty. The soccer-like game was called cuju and was a military game that used a ball made of hair and feathers and a bamboo net that was three feet off the ground.

Q: Sophia, Grade 5

How did the planets get their names? A: Elliot Dickson, Science Teacher Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were all discovered in ancient times and named after Roman gods. More recent discoveries like Neptune and the former planet Pluto were also named after Roman gods. However, the British astronomer who discovered Uranus actually wanted to name it after the king at the time, King George. So Uranus, for about 100 years, was named George, and it wasn’t until the scientific community decided to name all planets after Greek gods that it was renamed Uranus.

Q: Mavis, Grade 1

What was the first book ever published? A: Jake Burt, Grade 5 Teacher Most historians would say it’s the Epic of Gilgamesh which was written on stone tablets in Mesopotamia. That’s the first book we know of, but if we’re talking about the publication process the first printed book is usually attributed to Johannes Gutenberg who lived in Europe in the 15th century. The Gutenberg Bible was mass produced using moveable type on big machines. Finally, the first book printed in the United States was a book of psalms, little lessons or songs from the bible, that was printed in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Short Takes | 27

Q: Lola, Grade 6

What inspired the creators of Foote School to create Foote School and why did they name it that? A: Cindy Leffell, School Archivist

+ Q > Hear more

“Kids Ask, Teachers Answer” at footeschool.org/podcast or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music

28 | Foote Prints

In the early 1900s education was focused on memorization of facts and written repetition of lessons. While studying at Bryn Mawr College, Foote’s founder Martha Babcock Foote developed her ideal school founded on principles of progressive education. These included curiosity, creativity, independence, co-education, academic rigor, embracing the arts and service to others. More than a century later these ideals remain at the heart of a Foote education.

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Mark Your Calendars

Jun/ Aug

Summer Adventures June 21–24 & June 27–July 1 August 8–12 & August 15–19 Foote’s Summer Adventures camp features yoga, art, gardening and other fun activities with plenty of time for free play.

Summer Theater June 27–July 31 Foote Summer Theater returns in 2022 to celebrate its 40th year with Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Register for Summer Adventures and Summer Theater at footeschool.org/summer

Foote Prints Vol 49.1