Foote Prints Spring 2023

Foote Prints

Spring 2023

Vision: Why we do it

Inspire the next generation to change the world.

Mission: What we do

Values: Ideas we live by

Discovery

Curiosity, creativity, and joyful inquiry drive learning. We explore diverse paths to ask and answer questions, generate solutions, and better understand ourselves and our world.

Authenticity

Individuality, expression, and self-acceptance are essential to personal growth and development. True to ourselves, we develop our unique identities and capacity to navigate a complex world.

Community

We are a diverse, inclusive community where everyone belongs. We are leaders – prepared, connected, and responsible to each other and to our local and global communities.

Empower children to lead with courage, compassion, and purpose.

Spring 2023 | Vol. 50 No. 1

The Foote School

50 Loomis Place, New Haven, CT 06511

203-777-3464• www.footeschool.org

Foote Prints is published twice a year for alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, and friends.

Editor

Frances Moore

Class Notes Editors

Amy Caplan ’88

Mary Beth Claflin

Amy Stephens Sudmyer ’89

Design

AHdesign, Angie Hurlbut

Frances Moore

Lindsay Russo

Photography

Stephanie Anestis, Amy Caplan ’88, Frances Moore, Michael Valente

Contributors

Jody Abzug, Amy Caplan ’88, Rashana Graham, Christina MacLean, Amy Stephens Sudmyer ’89, Liz Warner

Board of Directors

George Atwood, Vice President

Kavitha Bindra, President

Elon Boms

Emily Brenner, Secretary

Wick Chambers ’62

Annette Charles

Ronald Coleman ’04

Mona Gohara

Rebecca Good

Danielle Ginnetti

George Joseph

Anna McGaw-Mobarak

Jason Price

Andy Rapkin, Vice President

Geert Rouwenhorst, Treasurer

Alexandra Shor

Brett Weiss

Mai Wu ’84

Ex Officio

Aléwa Cooper, Head of School

J. Richard Lee, Immediate Past President

The Foote School complies with all applicable civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristics in any of its educational programs or activities, including employment. Protected characteristics (or protected classes) include race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, alienage, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. The School is specifically required by Title IX and other applicable federal and state laws not to discriminate in such a manner.

Celebrating Our Super Powers

WHEN I BEGAN MY JOURNEY AT FOOTE, the school — and the rest of the world — was navigating uncharted territory. It was a challenging time for students, parents, faculty, and staff alike, as we adjusted to new restrictions in place all around us. As we move into a post-pandemic world, and reflect on the challenges of these past three years, we can also see the opportunities that the pandemic provided, like the opportunity to strengthen the bonds across our community.

The following pages provide a glimpse into just a few of the many ways in which our robust community remains united, as we work together to realize our reinvigorated mission and inspire the next generation to change the world. The seven priorities identified in our new Strategic Plan (p. 22) provide a road map for our future, intended to promote a healthy learning community where all voices are empowered, heard, and understood. These aspirational goals are not merely a means to prepare and inspire our student leaders, but to extend that inspiration to the greater community as well. It is our belief that by working in concert with the people and places that surround our campus, we bring strength and support to each other.

At the same time, we have already afforded space in our K–9 curricula (p. 30) that allows our students to forge deep connections with each other and with the outside community. It is then so meaningful when we can see our alumni taking these skills and values with them when they leave our campus. On page 44 we see how one alumna incorporates her Foote foundation into advocacy for early childhood education.

Perhaps this connection is most visible on our annual Giving Day (p. 62), when our entire community — from current families, to alums, to grandparents, and friends — rallies together to support Foote's mission to empower children to lead with courage, compassion, and purpose. My Giving Day alter ego Super Cooper and I are so grateful for your support, as it aids us in bringing our mission to life for our students now and in the future.

These special connections formed through our shared experiences at Foote are the true source of our super powers.

Ice Breaker!

FOOTE ON ICE

Students, parents, faculty, and staff looked sharp skating on Ralph Walker Ice Rink in February for the annual Foote on Ice event, sponsored by the Foote PTC!

Tribute

Moved by MLK

The whole school gathered for a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme of the day was leadership, as students from every grade shared their thoughts on what makes a great leader.

“

When I am leading a group of people, I need to make sure that I know how everyone in the group feels. If I make a positive impact on someone in the group, they will be able to spread it to someone else in need in the future. I want my actions to make a difference on this planet.

— Elaina Pakutka ’24

Early America Day

For six weeks at the start of the school year, every Foote 7th grader researches, organizes, writes, and practices their presentation skills in preparation for Early America Day. In December they took their projects to the New Haven Museum, where the students brought historical figures to life, interacting with visitors and “showing what they know.”

Math Counts!

Led by the Math Department (John Hay and Heather Zetterberg) and Foote CFO Jeannie Rumsey, the new after-school Math Circles encourage a love of playing with math, posing problems, and making beautiful representations of mathematical objects.

Astronomical Idea Gets NASA’s Attention

Second-grader Zach is reaching for the stars! Or more accurately, the asteroids. This spring, his essay made it to the finals in NASA’s The Power to Explore Student Writing Challenge.

The STEM-based contest asks U.S. students in grades K–12 to answer the following prompt: “Your challenge is to research Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) and dream up a new RPS-powered space mission. RPS is a type of nuclear ‘battery’ that has been used for over 60 years, enabling many spacecraft to explore some of the harshest, darkest environments, and the farthest reaches of our solar system.”

In his essay, Zach proposed a radioisotope-powered probe that could study the water on an active asteroid.

In an interview with Connecticut’s News 8, he relayed, “When I was really little I used to like making stuff out of things like glue and water, but now I was thinking it would be really cool to see if there is other life in space. Its really cool.”

If Zach wins, he could go to Ohio to visit a NASA research center.

Destination: Spain

Follow the 9th graders on their adventure: footescool.org/spain

“Do or do not. There is no try.”

By Rashana Graham, Executive Director

When I first started at Horizons at Foote last year, I had a majestic vision for our school-year programming. To quote one of my other favorite movies, “Go big or go home!” I dreamed of so many ways to engage students and families in learning and fun throughout the year. Together, with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, we did it! (Fun fact: they used to call me Yoda at Troup for how cryptically wise I am.)

In October, we kicked off our school year events with a Trunk or Treat in the Canner Street parking lot at Foote. Staff, interns, volunteers, Horizons and Foote teachers, board members, and Horizons families joined in to make it an afternoon filled with fun and candy for our Horizons students. It was fang-tastic!

In November, Horizons at Foote’s virtual cooking class was a delicious evening of learning and food. Junior Chef Jayson Martinez taught Horizons students, families, and staff his own recipes for baked chicken and macaroni ensalada. He gave us tips on his secret spice blends and even shared some oven tricks.

In December, we hosted our inaugural White Elephant party. From good food, music, and dancing, to gifts for all our students (generously donated by HSBC Bank), raffle prizes, holiday fun like cookie-decorating and card-writing, we had it all. Special shout-out to the Parent and Junior Advisory Committees, that transformed the Foote School gym into a winter wonderland, planned our activities, and, of course, helped clean up.

In February, CT Roller Derby joined Horizons at Foote at Roller Magic in Waterbury for a roller skating field trip. STRONG CT Derby skaters helped our younger students learn the basics, and showed our experienced students some stellar tricks. Everyone had a great time skating, eating and being together (with only a couple of injuries).

In March, Horizons at Foote partnered with the Eli Whitney Museum for our first STEAM Day. Our students engaged in a day of hands-on learning projects, one for each letter of STEAM — water clocks, race cars, solar sunflowers, electromagnets, tangrams and more. Our Horizons alums, our Board, our Parent Advisory Committee, and the New Haven chapter of Links all helped out. It was a wonderful day of building, experimenting, and learning.

Throughout the year, as part of our Horizons Best Foote Forward (BFF!) program, our high school students have been meeting with their mentors from the Black Student Alliance at Yale throughout the year for workshops on everything from team-building to organizational skills. Rosa Carrero from Liberty Bank led an interactive workshop on financial literacy, where our students learned real-life budgeting and money management skills by choosing a profession and navigating life decisions like housing, transportation, and more. For our Health Expo, we welcomed several local experts for engaging and informative classes: flow yoga with Chay Bershtein, mindfulness with Raynetta Gibbs, and nutrition with Julianne Kaphar.

All these activities wouldn’t be possible without the

hard work and dedication of our Board and committees. The Junior Advisory Committee is a group of Horizons at Foote alum and Foote School graduates who have interned or volunteered with our program. Its main goals are to advise current staff and Board, fundraise, and to organize and support Horizons school year activities. The Parent Advisory Committee, made of Horizons parents & guardians, plays an important role in planning for the future. They share ideas, help plan and lead family gatherings, support programmatic brainstorming, outreach, and more. Special thanks also to our Board, our Board Chair Francie Irvine, and Foote Head of School Aléwa Cooper.

As Laura says, “It takes a village!” Together, our Horizons at Foote village is creating educational equity and joy for students in New Haven. We’re counting down the days until the summer and cannot wait for our H@F fam to return!

Horizons at Foote is an academic and enrichment program dedicated to creating opportunities for New Haven public school students from under-resourced communities. It provides a joyful, safe, inspiring learning environment and empowers students to thrive in school and engage in an ever-changing world. Follow @horizonsatfoote on Facebook and Instagram to stay upto-date with exciting news and events!

Eurydice

In December, the 9th-grade class performed Eurydice, playwright Sarah Ruhl’s take on the classic Greek myth, as seen from the perspective of Eurydice as she travels through the underworld. As is tradition, the entire grade participates in the production, either as cast or crew.

A Wrinkle in Time

In March, 7th and 8th graders helped us believe that there really is a tesseract! Their stage production of A Wrinkle in Time shared the exciting adventures of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin, as they used love to conquer evil.

Let’s go, Falcons!

Read the season re-caps: footeschool.org/athletics

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

During the 2021–22 academic year, Foote School launched a comprehensive strategic planning process. Through a highly inclusive and participatory process, the strategic plan was developed to provide a long-range view of school priorities. A steering committee was formed and the school enlisted the assistance of a research and planning firm, Ian Symmonds & Associates. The Strategic Planning Steering Committee worked collaboratively to establish priorities based upon the findings of the research.

Each of these strategic goals contains several initiatives and numerous action plans. The strategic initiatives and action plans benefit from having additional implementation details, such as estimated costs and metrics of success, to be further developed in the planning process and will be utilized as the school moves forward on the execution of the strategic plan.

Our

vision for the future is one that leads with compassion and courage, embraces diversity and discovery, and encourages our students to be their authentic selves.

UNPARALLELED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Prioritize excellence as a hallmark of the Foote experience.

LEARN BY DOING

Establish experiential learning as our primary pedagogy, utilizing the outdoors and New Haven as our canvas.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Build authentic relationships so that students develop communication and leadership skills, cultural competence, understanding, and empathy.

WELLNESS AT OUR CORE

Develop a comprehensive and integrated health and wellness program that fosters social, emotional, physical, and academic well-being.

A PLACE FOR DISCOVERY AND BELONGING

Design/redesign campus spaces and facilities to foster belonging, well-being, and experiential learning.

CHARTING OUR FUTURE

Utilize our fiscal resources to optimize and achieve future enrollment goals.

AFFIRMING OUR IDENTITY

Clarify and communicate our identity in the marketplace through brand work and marketing.

Shared Stories Provide Perspective, Reflection

ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL MEANS OF STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY IS BY SHARING OUR STORIES. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY INTO OUR CLASSROOMS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH OUR STUDENTS. IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT EACH OTHER, THEY ALSO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES. WE ALSO PROVIDE RESOURCES THROUGHOUT CAMPUS TO HELP STUDENTS REALIZE AND APPRECIATE THE CONNECTIONS THAT DRAW US CLOSER TOGETHER.

IMAGINE: IT’S JUNE 6, 1944. A soldier in the U.S. Army, you’re part of the third assault wave at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. There will be 23 assault waves to follow, but the ocean water is already red with blood from the first two waves. The beach is strewn with carnage — just the beginnings of the D-Day invasion in which more than 9,000 lives would be lost. You have the critical job of supplying ammunition to your fellow soldiers, yet you are not allowed to have a weapon.

Eighth grader Jacob’s great-grandfather is the person who found himself in this situation all those years ago. He — and the other African American soldiers fighting

for their lives on the beach that day — was not provided a weapon to protect himself. Instead, he survived by taking weapons from the hands of dead soldiers.

Jacob’s grandparents, David and Joyce, joined other Foote parents and grandparents to share their family’s story with the 8th grade Humanities students. Their compelling personal tales not only illuminated history for our students, but exemplified the power of storytelling.

“The access we have to these stories is a banquet that we must all relish,” reminded Alison Moncrief Bromage. Together with Liz Warner, the Foote Humanities teachers hoped their students would gain perspective

8TH GRADE HUMANITIES

through the experiences of others.

David explained why his father-in-law and others were unarmed on that unprecedentedly dangerous day: “‘Negro soldiers,’ as they were called at that time, were not considered to have the know-how or capability to handle weapons.” Despite this immense disadvantage, Jacob’s great-grandfather survived. He earned two Bronze Stars and, more importantly, made it home — albeit a changed man.

“He didn’t want to talk about it,” said Joyce. In fact, she knew nothing about her father’s time in the U.S. Army until her son interviewed him for a school paper decades later. The history of African American service

in World War II is one that has been poorly documented, and veterans from that generation were not encouraged to share those stories. But Joyce was glad he eventually did.

“He served with dignity, and he served with valor,” she learned.

Liz cautioned her students not to wait until it’s too late to talk to their families about their life experiences. “Your family is a really valuable resource. Ask the questions. You’ll be glad you did,” she advised.

Read the full story at www.footeschool.org/blog

“Your family is a really valuable resource. Ask the questions. You’ll be glad you did.”

LIZ WARNER HUMANITIES TEACHER

KINDERGARTEN

FROM PERSONA DOLLS TO THE ANNUAL MAPLE SYRUP PROJECT, the kindergarten curriculum at Foote is one that honors tradition.

At the beginning of the year Foote’s newest students start by focusing on the concept of identity with their “All About Me” project. In addition to their first experiences with public speaking, the project encourages the students to celebrate qualities that are unique to them, and to also find connections to other students.

This is the inner circle in what kindergarten teacher Alexandra Wittner describes as the “concentric circle” approach to the social studies curriculum.

“We start small by thinking about each student individually, and then talk with them about how together they make up our kindergarten community. Then we extend that sense of community to include their family members,” Alexandra explained.

In the winter, parents/guardians/special friends are invited to the classroom to talk about traditions that carry a special meaning for their family. This year, one visiting family set up a tent in the Sacred Woods to teach

children about camping. Others introduced cultural traditions like the Hindu harvest festival called Onam, and the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Other families talked about simple pleasures they share together, like walking their dog or playing family board games. These traditions reflect a wealth of experiences that our students bring with them to Foote.

“I hope this experience helps the children broaden their horizons and learn about others,” said kindergarten teacher Susan Keegan. “In addition to learning about the traditions each family shares, the children also learn how to listen to a speaker who is not their parent or teacher.”

Instead of highlighting the differences between students, it serves to bring them closer together as they make connections and discover similarities.

“Kindergartners love to talk about their connections at this age,” Alexandra shared. “This is a great opportunity for us to really recognize all of the wonderful people and traditions that exist within our community.”

“Kindergartners love to talk about their connections at this age. This is a great opportunity for us to really recognize all of the wonderful people and traditions that exist within our community.”

ALEXANDRA WITTNER KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

E IS FOR EVERYONE — YOU BELONG IN THE LIBRARY

“IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR US TO THINK DEEPLY ABOUT HELPING OUR STUDENTS SEE THEMSELVES AS PART OF A FAMILY, a school community, and in ever-growing circles to encompass the larger world — and at the same time, we completely honor who they are as individuals.”

In February, Foote librarian Jennifer Friedman addressed parents, faculty, and staff at a Foote Families for DEIJ meeting, emphasizing the important role that the library plays in honoring themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.

The Foote Library’s collection of fiction and nonfiction — the most diverse, said one parent, that they had ever seen in any library — has resources for every age, but that’s not what makes the collection so noteworthy. The library staff devotes care and attention to finding books that will not only resonate with vast audiences, but will reflect vast audiences.

Stories like Gibberish, Tia Fortuna’s New Home, and The Door of No Return address the concept of what it is like for someone to suddenly be immersed in a strange,

new land while introducing readers to a world of new experiences. At the same time, the collection does not sacrifice visual quality. The beautifully illustrated A Boy Named Isamu and The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey appeal to readers (and viewers) of almost any age, and the school’s collection of graphic memoirs and graphic novels is extremely popular with student readers.

“The strength of these books lies not just in the beautiful imagery and eloquent language, but in the sense of empathy that is fostered,” Jennifer said. “These are human stories, and if that story touches another human in that moment, it works.”

Some books in the library take on more pointed topics for older readers: How to Be a Young Antiracist, Seen and Unseen and When Can We Go Back to America?

(the latter two about the Japanese internment camp experiences). The librarians also work to rid the collection of works that are dated or inappropriate by today’s standards, replacing them with modern perspectives on familiar topics.

“At one time we had a lot of books in which Native American people were not represented appropriately,” Jennifer said. This was particularly problematic when approaching the topic of Thanksgiving. Now the library can point to books like Keepunumuk: Weeåchumun’s Thanksgiving Story for a more authentic representation of indigenous peoples.

Jennifer emphasized that in addition to looking for books that appreciate other cultures, the librarians also offer materials that appropriately address topics like gender and identity, counting True You: A Gender Journey and If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist among the collection.

The librarians use a variety of resources, like We Need Diverse Books, Walter Awards, and #FReadom Fighters to identify resources that they feel would be important additions to the Foote collection. It is a thoughtful and collaborative process that they hope will filter into the community.

“As librarians, we aren’t always the loudest voices in

the room, but we put these books in the hands of teachers, parents, and students and we know that the messages come through,” she said.

Jennifer said she feels an urgency to opening up avenues to explore new — or continuing — issues that are important to Foote students. Waiting for a convenient time to take on certain topics can have severe consequences, particularly with school districts across the country initiating book bans, she explained.

“For example, LGBTQ+ books are under siege right now, and it’s not OK,” she cautioned. “Here students can find their voice and feel totally comfortable expressing themselves.”

Students looking for many of these titles (and more) can find them in the E section — that’s right, E for “everyone.”

“We want everyone to feel seen. Loud voice or small voice, we’re making sure they’re all heard,” she reassured.

View a partial list of our available books: footeschool. org/blog

“The strength of these books lies not just in the beautiful imagery and eloquent language, but in the sense of empathy that is fostered. These are human stories, and if that story touches another human in that moment, it works.”

JENNIFER FRIEDMAN LIBRARIAN

Science, Naturally

WHY I TEACH: ANDREW ZIELINSKI

LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER ANDREW ZIELINSKI GETS HIS INSPIRATION from time spent outdoors. Here at Foote, he brings his passion for the outdoors into his classroom. And often, he brings his class outdoors.

Andrew is now in his seventh year at Foote, starting out as an Associate Teacher, then becoming a science teacher for grades 3–5. His first teaching experience was in Wisconsin as an educator for Nature’s Classroom. There he worked with visiting school groups of all ages in an experiential educational setting, incorporating the environment into traditional classroom subjects like history and science. After seeing how well those students connected with the material in that way, Andrew was inspired to share those same concepts with his students at Foote.

“In my experience as a teacher, I’ve learned that kids pick up on what you’re passionate about. Sharing those values can be an important way to connect with the students. I try to bring that into my teaching,” he said.

Andrew’s science students are often seen exploring the Sacred Woods, making deeper connections with our campus’ ecosystem through physical interaction. Sometimes his classes will meet outside simply to enjoy their lesson in a natural setting. He also leads an expansive fifth-grade unit on ecology, which includes a visit to the Milford Point Audubon, where students use official research techniques to explore the marsh and tidal ecosystems, and compare them to our more forested ecosystem on campus.

“What is unique to Foote’s approach to education is the way that we emphasize student-centric and student-driven learning as much as possible,” he explained. “I think Foote makes it possible to have a lot of really wonderful experiences both here on campus and through field trips.”

Those same research techniques they practiced in the marsh were put to work on campus, leading one class to discover an invasive species. Andrew said that this discovery led to an in-depth — but unexpected — discussion about invasive-species management, where the class dove into the same high-level questions that scientists worldwide are grappling with themselves.

“Being able to open that door a little bit for them, and really just giving them the space to open it themselves, is really inspiring,” he remembered.

By implementing a hands-on approach to all of his classes, he invites the students to explore and investigate, learning how to interact and engage with the material on their own terms. Encouraging independence for students at this age is really important, Andrew said. He is always there to help them find answers, but if they come up with one on their own, he'd love to hear it.

“I had a moment recently where I just kind of stood back along a wall in my classroom, and watched my classroom full of 4th graders at work. I didn’t have to really even be there. They were just that independent,” he beamed.

Of course, working with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders has its share of unique challenges, but those are teaching moments that Andrew also embraces. He explained that

working with these age groups might mean taking a momentary detour from science to discuss exhibiting appropriate behavior, conducting respectful interactions, and keeping excitement levels in-check.

“It’s the most exciting stage for me: students are still young and curious and really excited about school — and willing to show that they’re really excited about it,” he shared. “At the same time, they’re at a stage where they’re developing their own interests and starting to develop these really meaningful social relationships with each other and with adults in their lives. It’s just really exciting to be part of that and to help support them through that process.”

His appreciation for growth and development isn’t restricted to flora and fauna — or even to his students. He feels that growth is critical to being an effective educator. Andrew consistently looks for new ways to inspire his students. Whatever new ideas he decides to explore, he always wants it to incorporate an element of fun— like his favorite day, Dry Ice Day, where students conduct experiments with various forms of the material.

Sometimes even he is surprised by the results of his own projects. For example, in conducting a series of experiments using baking soda and vinegar, Andrew was using many different containers. One had a tiny hole punched in the cap; he set that aside, not intending to use it …

“The classroom experiences of our students — along with what they learned from their families at home — really provide them with the knowledge that the world is a wonderful place full of awesome stuff. And you can ask questions about it, you can explore it, you can investigate it; there’s really no limit to what you can do.”

ANDREW ZIELINSKI LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

until a student asked the inevitable question: “What if we used that one?” Andrew thought about the science (and safety) of it, and knew that the likely outcome would be that the pressure built up inside would result in a stream of bubbles erupting from the tiny hole — “and it’s gonna be awesome. Let’s try it,” he said.

Far from a tiny stream of bubbles, the resulting hydrogen gas — also dyed with green food coloring — erupted with such force that it reached the classroom ceiling, creating a giant green spot, surprising everyone (including the facilities department).

“The kids were rapt; it was totally unplanned based on a question that a student asked. So it’s fun for them and it’s fun for me, and it’s really wonderful to be able to share those moments with my students,” he said.

Andrew also places a high priority on connecting with

the Foote Middle School science teachers to ensure that they are all working together toward a similar goal, and to ensure a smooth transition as the fifth graders become middle school scientists. Most importantly, he works to ensure that the students are supported in this same way throughout their Foote experience.

“There’s a community of faculty, families, students, administration, and even a broader community of people who really make Foote a special place to be,” Andrew said. “The classroom experiences of our students — along with what they learned from their families at home — really provide them with the knowledge that the world is a wonderful place full of awesome stuff. And you can ask questions about it, you can explore it, you can investigate it; there’s really no limit to what you can do.”

Frank Perrine Turns 90!

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO HONOR THIS VENERATED EDUCATOR AND FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL (1967–1992). WE ASKED HIS FORMER STUDENTS (AND THEIR PARENTS!) AND COLLEAGUES TO SEND HIM A NOTE IN HONOR OF HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR. THE FOLLOWING ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY TRIBUTES WE RECEIVED. ALL OF THE MESSAGES THAT WERE SHARED WITH US WILL BE INCLUDED IN A SPECIAL BOOKLET THAT WE WILL SEND TO MR. PERRINE.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Perrine!

“As a lifer at Foote from kindergarten to the first 9th grade cohort to graduate, thank you for your thoughtful leadership. You built character and intellectual curiosity in generations of Foote School students. … Warm wishes on your 90th.”

JOHN CANELLAKIS ’73

“One of my all-time favorite Foote memories has to be the day you gave me and two best friends a gigantic shout out and wave as you sped down Canner Street in your Saab. It was a day we had decided to take a clandestine mission to go off-campus to Whitney Market for lunch. Your genuine joie de vivre was on full display and we eventually returned to campus to face the music. But your against-thegrain response to the situation remains a part of our collective lore forever. In the world of headmasters, you’re the very best! So, a happy happy birthday to you, Frank. (Mr. Perrine)!

TAG MENDILLO

’80

“Happy 90th Birthday! I remember that you used to call me ‘Liberty,’ to the point that I wondered if you remembered my real name. A few years after I graduated I happened to be talking to someone who knew us both and they mentioned they were going to see you. I asked them to say hi from ‘Liberty.’ When I next talked to them they reported that you looked confused at the name ‘Liberty,’ only connecting it to me when they said ‘Justus.’ I realized then that, not only did you know my name, but that it was truly how you thought of me. It enforced my understanding of how connected you were to your students, and how much you cared about them! I wish you all the best on your 90th birthday!”

JUSTUS “LIBERTY” ADDISS ’73

“My life would not have been the same if I had not been on the receiving end of this man’s love and passion for his students and education. I wish him the choicest blessings on his 90th birthday, and am proud that I encountered his encouragement and enthusiasm — especially directed to me as a minority student while at Foote. May God bless you continuously — happy 90th birthday!”

MELANIE STRINGER ’75

“Happy Birthday to dear Mr. Perrine, who gave so much to Foote and to those of us lucky enough to benefit from his presence in our lives. Frank greeted all of us students by name, knew every family, and was always available to talk, advise, or share a lighthearted moment. He taught us, encouraged us, and helped us grow. … I will never forget my Foote years and the wonderful man who made them fun!”

PAT (PALLUOTTO) BURNS ’72

The one trait that keeps coming back is your personal involvement with each student, and how you truly got to know each one and their family, and what made them happy. Thank you, sir, for the years of dedication to all the students whose lives you touched.

JEFFREY VENTER ’69

Happy birthday, Frank. You made Foote such a wonderful place to grow up, one that gave us a stellar education and lifelong friends. Your wisdom, creativity, and humor are remarkable! Many happy wishes for your 90th.

JONEA GURWITT ’75

Happy 90th, Frank! Teaching at Foote in the Learning Support Program under your leadership was a privilege. You cared about the well-being of all students at Foote, including those who experienced learning challenges. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Foote Community!

CAROL POLING (FORMER FACULTY)

As a member of the class of ’68, I remember being excited about the prospect of a new Head of School — someone we could “break-in!” But soon after meeting you it was clear you didn’t need any remedial training. What a kind and caring person you are and the wonderful presence you provided to our class and the entire school. That was evident as soon as we learned that one of your favorite songs was “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night. Congratulations on reaching this birth milestone. We love you!

GEORGE HOLDEN ’68

Thank you for your leadership and love! Happy 90th birthday!!

TOYA HILL CLARK ’89

I learned to love learning at Foote. I felt seen and known. I know you were a huge part of building the culture of the school at that time and I am so grateful.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Perrine!

ELISABETH SACCO ’98

With his disarming, self-deprecating sense of humor, he was able to hold together a talented group of teachers with very different, strong opinions! As someone once said, it felt as though there was a rainbow from one end of Loomis Place to the other!

JENNY BYERS (FORMER FACULTY MEMBER)

You have the rare gift of encouragement and good will towards all — students, teachers, staff, and board. You embodied the spirit of Foote.

LAURA ALTSHUL

(FORMER FACULTY MEMBER)

Your smile and the way that you cared about each of us is what I remember the most about you. You took such great care of all of us at The Foote School, we owe so much to you, Mr. Perrine, for always making sure that learning was fun. Happy birthday, Mr. Perrine!

CATHY (HANSEN) SHERRICK ’88

Happy Birthday to you! I’ve never mentioned my time at Foote without a huge smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart, thank you. … It was truly a special and magical place. I will always hold my years there as one of the best times in my life. Thank you for ALWAYS smiling and upholding a positive energy throughout the community. Cheers to you. P.S. I still know all my state capitals.

PAIGE MILLER LEWELLYN ’90

Whenever I remember Mr. Perrine, I remember someone full of positive energy. One memory that particularly stands out took place during the blizzard of ’78. The highways were closed and I was one of a small group of students who had no way to get home. Mr. Perrine put us in one of the school’s vans and drove us to his own house. … To pass the time, we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace. Talk about a principal who went above and beyond.

EVAN WRIGHT ’86

When an individual senses another’s belief and trust in her or him, it is life-changing and I claim my first teaching experience on your faculty as the most influential period of my formation as a teacher, collaborator, positive influencer, and community-builder. My memories of those years are full and happy, and so very treasured. I thank you for the difference you have made in my life, personally, professionally, and spiritually. No flattery here — simply the truth!

GEORGETTE DIONNE (FORMER FACULTY MEMBER)

A Champion for Children

Allyx Schiavone ’85 doesn’t take “no” for an answer — not if she knows there is a better answer. She has made it her mission — and profession — to take up the causes that are closest to her heart, and she’s made it clear that she will not back down from a challenge.

“I’ve always been a fighter. That’s been part of how I grew up,” she said.

For example, when she was a middle school student at Foote in the ’80s, there was no girls soccer team. If she wanted to play soccer, she had to try out for the boys team — and make the team, of course. For many teenage girls, that would be too intimidating. Not for Allyx. She made the team, and made an impact on the school at the same time.

“I think after that the next year, they started doing girls and boys soccer — which they should have been doing before that, but it’s great to see an institution shift and make it work for the students,” she said.

Today Allyx is an early childhood educator with more than 30 years of experience. She helped develop the Friends Center for Children (New Haven) and serves as its executive director. Friends Center is an early childhood care and education center for children as young as 3 months up to 5 years old. As the driving force behind its rapid growth and innovation, Allyx and her team collaborate across three educational facilities to ensure that the families they serve can thrive. Some of her initiatives at Friends Center include: the Emotional Wellbeing Program, the Free Teacher Housing Initiative, and the Teacher Leadership Program.

She is also a founder of New Haven Children’s Ideal Learning District (NH ChILD), “a coalition of local and national early childhood proponents who have come together to create an ideal learning place-based pilot program … to provide high-quality early care and education experiences for all 15,000 New Haven children ages zero to eight,” according to its website.

Also a mother of two (her children Penn ’17 and Josie ’19 are also Foote alumni), it’s safe to say that Allyx is an expert on early childhood development. Because of her experiences in the classroom and as a parent, she sees firsthand the disparities and deficiencies in the existing system. Part of the reason for this is that early childhood education is undervalued, she said.

“We have a completely upside-down view in our so-

ciety about the way brain development works. We make this push for higher education and high school and how critical that is, and really, the most critical time for brain development in humans is between the age of 0 and 5,” she explained. “Ninety percent of our brain has developed by the age of five, 80% by three, so 0–3 is a critical time.”

At the same time, government support for early childhood education is severely lacking. Without sufficient government funding, childcare remains too expensive for parents, and doesn’t pay its educators a fair wage. For every dollar invested in the education for children ages 0–5, there is a 13% return per year.

“That’s a really high rate of return for any investment, and we still continue to ignore it,” she pointed out. “We don’t see it as a public or social good. We need to start seeing early care and education in the same way we see the K through 12 system, and we need to provide it for the children in our communities.”

The tragic reality of underfunding this facet of education is that the children are the ones who suffer. Yet it’s not just about affordability and access for parents and children. It’s also about supporting the educators who work in this space. Allyx pointed out that compensation for all educators is deficient, but particularly for this perceived “pink” profession. On average, early childcare providers/educators only make about $29,000 a year.

“Early care education is looked at as a female profession, and as a result of that — and the fact that it’s disproportionately black and brown women or women of color who are in this field — you have the intersectionality of sexism and racism on total display in this system,” she argued. “You can’t say you’re pro-childcare, unless you’re also pro-female or pro-family, pro-child, pro-racial-equity, pro-gender-equity.”

It’s one thing to notice a problem; it’s an entirely different challenge to seek a solution. But remember, Allyx is a fighter. She has made it a priority to challenge the standards of equity in the early education sector. Allyx is also the co-chair of Childcare for Connecticut’s Future coalition. Alongside legislators like Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and other early education experts, Childcare for Connecticut’s Future has helped pass legislation and bring awareness to the critical needs of (and requisite funding for) early childhood education programs.

When Connecticut’s FY 2023–2024 budget report was initially released, the coalition was dismayed to see that there was no money allocated for early care and education. The group took their fight to the New Haven Green in March 2022, rallying for “a morning without childcare” to demonstrate what society would be like if parents and children had no access to childcare. It had an immediate impact, and legislators advocated for a revised budget that now allocated $183 million for early care and education.

Then the FY 2024-25 Biennial Budget Report was released February 2023; the early care and education budget was slashed again. They rallied again.

“We continue to fight for what we know is best not just for children, but for the community and for the economy. You can’t have a workforce without us,” she stated.

This year Congresswoman DeLauro invited Allyx to Washington, D.C., to attend the 2023 State of the Union address. Before the event, Allyx was asked to take part in a press conference to talk about the need for public investment in early care and education. She saw herself standing alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, advocating for children, now with a national audience.

“[I was there with these] amazing champions of early care and education and of women and gender and racial equity. … It’s an electric thing to be a part of,” she remembered.

The problem, she said, isn’t that the cause is unpop-

ular. In fact, it’s one of the rare issues that sees support from both conservatives and liberals. The issue received standing ovations at both President Joe Biden’s and Gov. Ned Lamont’s State of the Union addresses. “What is then disappointing and remarkable is that the investment doesn’t come,” she lamented.

Allyx is well aware that this is an issue that will need constant care and attention; she will need to keep fighting. The needs of society are ever-changing, and children will always need concerted care. But she’s been preparing for a long time — even as far back as her time at Foote.

“For me, Foote is really part of who I am,” she stated. “I remember very distinctly the people, the place, the feelings that came out of my time there. They absolutely created a space for me to think about others, which is really what drove me to the work that I do.”

Her training also comes from the work she does alongside co-workers, peers, legislators, and other advocates. Allyx advised that anyone interested in effecting change needs to get involved — be it through advocacy, volunteering, donating, or all three. Taking care of one’s community is another Foote value she cherishes.

“Being in a community where I was accepted for who I was at that time, and having teachers who really cared about my well-being is really how I made it through and got to a place where I am today,” she said. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity and the experience that I had and the basic education, which is just foundational for everything else.”

Photos

Page 44: Allyx Schiavone ’85 at a rally in March; page 46: Allyx met President Joe Biden while attending this year’s State of the Union (at the invitation of Rep. Rosa DeLauro); below: Allyx was the only girl on the soccer team in ninth grade; bottom: the eighth grade class in 1983–1984. She still has the signed sneakers from her Middle School days at Foote, along with her Mr. Perrine-signed certificate and varsity letter.

Art, Alumni @

Amy

Caplan ’88

What do a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting, a signed pair of eponymous Nike Air Jordans, and 10 silkscreen Marilyn Monroe prints by Andy Warhol have in common? They were all on display for Foote alumni and friends to enjoy at Sotheby’s New York, where on Nov. 5, 2022, we hosted our first in-person alumni event since the pandemic began. We were thrilled to welcome so many Foote alumni, parents of alumni, former faculty, and friends for a brunch and guided tour of the many impressive (and expensive!) works of art displayed at this renowned auction house.

Head of School Aléwa Cooper relished greeting those who attended and shared with them a glimpse of Foote today through her eyes. CEO of Sotheby’s and Foote alumnus Charles Stewart ’85 graciously hosted the event and recalled his own years at Foote along with the lifelong friendships that he maintains.

Foote continues to develop unique and engaging events for our alumni. If you have any ideas for a future gathering, please email the Office of Alumni Programs: alum@footeschool.org.

Young Alums Day 2022

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, members of the Classes of 2020–2023 gathered in the Twichell Room for Young Alums Day. High-school-aged alumni enjoyed reuniting with friends and faculty and sharing warm beverages and treats. Ms. Cooper greeted the returning students and all shared memories as well as stories of new adventures.

Class Notes

Please note that we report news about Foote alumni, as well as their passings, as we become aware of them.

1936

Our office received a recent note from Eugenia Lovett West updating us that at 100 years old she is still going strong. Eugenia is still writing and said she remembers with fondness her years in the “old stable with great teachers!”

1945

With deep sympathy we report the death of John Gardner on March 25, 2021. He was a clinical professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine from 1967 until 1998. In addition to being a supportive alumnus of the Foote School, John was active in the Yale Alumni Association. John was also Chair of the Yale Scholarship Ball for many years. His family felt he was one of the smartest and most fun men you would have wanted to know, and we extend our sincere condolences to them.

Michael Buchanan sent a note recalling that while his sons had a wonderful education, “Foote’s would [have been] my first choice.” Michael went on to share that one son is a doctor with Hitchcock Health while his other son is an author.

1946

Peggy Cannon reported to Foote that she is happily living at the family home in New Hampshire and she would love to hear from any members of her class.

1948

We are sad to report that Betsy Butterworth McEwan Whitehead passed away on June 27, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. Born in New Haven, Betsy was raised on the Sleeping Giant Valley Farm. After Foote Betsy attended the Westover School followed by the all-women Bennett College. A road trip to Virginia led Betsy to UVA and first husband John McEwan. They married in 1959, raised five children together and were married until his death in 1995. Betsy wed William Whitehead in 1997, William passed away in 2011. Betsy entertained with elegance, loved to play bridge, golf and dine out. She had a gracious and fun-loving spirit. We extend our sympathy to her children and to her brother Frank Butterworth ’53 and sister Barbara Butterworth von Haunalter ’46

A note from Angelica “Gay” Harter relayed her delight for greater

freedom to travel again. Gay and husband Dick are still energetic and spry and report that they are making the most of their remaining time to travel. Trips to see friends have included stops in Chicago, Madison, WI, and NYC!

1949

From Bangor, ME, Diana Corbin Young writes that her favorite activity at her age is being happy! Diana keeps “happy” by drawing, painting, and walking as well as eating. Diana said she loves maps and attributes this to Mr. White who was her teacher at Foote in 1946. Other memories of dear teachers included Mrs. Paul, Hitchy, Mrs. Beach and Miss Campbell. Diana also noted she is writing her autobiography so watch out!

1950

Class Correspondent: Mary Pigott Johnsen

jlmpjohnsen@west-point.org

It is with sorrow that we report the death of W. Perry Welch on January 27, 2019. We extend condolences to his wife Catherine and his children. His brothers and sister all attended Foote. Perry’s sister Car-

“

I’ll be 100 in February! Still going strong and writing and publishing. I remember with great fondness my years in the old stable with great teachers.

— Eugenia Lovett West ’36

olyn Welch Chadwick predeceased him. We also express our condolences to his three brothers Harold ’42, Noble ’44 and Wilford ’52.

Frances Salter McElheny died in Hospice Care on September 28, 2022. Frances was an artist and special needs tutor. We extend our condolences to her husband Ken and their two sons.

Long retired and living in Maine, Laurance Barbour writes he is spending time reading, playing duplicate bridge and watching TV. Laurance proudly reported that his grand-daughter is about to graduate from the London School of Economics and his grandson can fix ANYTHING!

1952

Class Correspondent: Harald Hille harald.hille@gmail.com

1953

Class Correspondent: Robert Wing wing.1@osu.edu

Jordy Mott wrote to us to say all is well, and that it would be great to hear from his classmates.

Bob Wing wrote in to remind everyone that this May would be the 70th reunion year for the class of 1953!

1954

Edward Johnson wrote in to update us that he is well and still writes articles with daughter Lucy.

Stephen Mendillo reported he is living in L.A. and still working as an actor with The Actors Studio NYC-LA. Stephen reports that life

in showbiz was greatly affected by COVID.

Lavinia Meeks is living in Lenox, MA. She is still a docent at Ventfort Hall, the gilded age mansion of J.P. Morgan’s sister, Sarah. “Ventfort Hall is an amazing example of restoration of such a grand house. I also assist in the preparation of the Lenox Library’s annual book sale.” Lavinia extends greetings to all who may read this from her class and neighboring classes!

1955

Class Correspondents: Nawrie Meigs-Brown grannyn13@gmail.com

Lee Dunham wlhdunham@gmail.com

1956

Class Correspondent: Will Amatruda willtam88@hotmail.com

1957

Class Correspondent: Kevin Geenty kevin@geentygroup.com

While Kevin Geenty had to postpone two trips due to severe weather in 2022 he is hoping for better luck in 2023. Kevin is also hoping to see more classmates at this year’s Foote School Reunion May 12–13.

1958

Class Correspondent: Barry Stratton barrystratton@yahoo.com

Thomas F. Fiorito wrote, “I live in southern New Hampshire near two of my three children: Caitlin (32) and Christina (44) who has

Class Correspondents Needed!

The following graduating classes are seeking class correspondents to collect news from classmates and submit them to the Foote School for publication in Class Notes and alumni profiles. If you are interested in representing your class as a Class Correspondent, please contact Mary Beth Claflin in the Alumni Programs Office: mclaflin@footeschool.org

three children, ages 13, 10, and 8. My son, Tommy, is a radiologist in Zurich, Switzerland, and has two daughters ages 7 and 6 yrs. I’ve had two very different careers: investment banking — 20 years on Wall Street, and 20 years running my startup videography boutique, creating “highlight reels” for high school scholar/athletes who wished to display their athleticism to enhance their chance to be accepted to their college of choice. My high school clients attended boarding schools in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. After Foote I attended Hopkins, Yale, and Columbia Graduate School of Business. I now spend my time fly fishing and playing with my grandchildren.”

1960

Class Correspondent: Happy Clement Spongberg happyspongberg@earthlink.net

1962

Class Correspondent: Donald O. Ross doross48@gmail.com

Deborah Stilson Abbott is working part time as a clinical psychologist. Deborah has four grandchildren. Her daughter Laura Abbott ’95 has two children: Eamonn 4 years and Sabinel 1 ½. Deborah’s son Steve Abbott ’00 has two children as well: Lyra 3 years and Auri, 7 months.

1963

Class Correspondent: Susan Stratton susanstratton4@gmail.com

Susan Stratton wrote in: “COVID was challenging and forced us all to look inward. So it was true for me.

After decades of living in Saratoga, I uprooted and pivoted back to the Connecticut shoreline to be closer to family and my new love. Living close to my roots and the water, and much closer to my daughter in Brooklyn, I’m happy here . Still working, thanks to Zoom and remote technology.” Susan says she hopes to see Class of ’63 in May!

Judith Hull wrote that she falls into the new career category, with two interesting part-time jobs! She hopes one of the new jobs will become full-time before the year is out. “I think I have written about these before: Grafton County Master Gardner Coordinator for UNH Cooperative Extension and facilitator/market developer for Community Heart & Soul, a non-profit that works on civic engagement and economic development in small cities and towns. Both interesting, with some overlap. For the Master Gardeners, I am developing a virtual training that will be used state-wide. Otherwise, I am eager to move my full-time headquarters back to Massachusetts before another winter, but the housing market is, well, you know.”

Kathy Arnstein hopes all are doing well and has a few updates to share. She wrote, “I made the move from a third-floor walk-up to an elevator building with outdoor space and covered parking. Now I can age in place. Katharine Adams Walker and I have gotten together. She lives near me. I took a few trips in 2022. I went to Israel in September. Lenny, my late partner, is buried there. I went because his family dedicated a Torah in his memory and I had never been to his grave. It was an emotional and worthwhile trip. In November I went to Northern Cal-

ifornia to see my brother and some other relatives. I come to Connecticut occasionally to visit my sister, Anne.”

1964

Class Correspondent: Verdi DiSesa verdi.disesa@gmail.com

1965

Class Correspondent: Eric Triffin

eric_triffin@aya.yale.edu

1966

Class Correspondent: John N. Deming Jr. jndjr@yahoo.com

In 2022 Grace Hammond Boss moved her book store, Boundless Grace, to a new location in Tilton, NH. This Christmas, Grace was in Connecticut to celebrate with family and was happy that her son and his wife were able to join!

Eliza Twichell moved from Santa Fe to Millerton, NY, to be closer to her children. Eliza still misses the warm New Mexico sun but is slowly settling in to life in the northeast.

1968

Class Correspondents: Leland Torrence lelandtorrence@optonline.net

Rob Clark rclark@perrigo-inc.com

1969

Class Correspondent: Meg McDowell Smith megsmithvt@gmavt.net

Condolences to the family of Carl Jenkins who passed away on No-

vember 16, 2022. Peter Salisbury wrote, “Though I lost touch with him these last few years we were very close for a long, long time. Carl was always a kind, fun-loving friend who never had a bad word for anyone. Our Foote group, about seven of us, have stayed close over the years. We all have fond memories of Carl.”

We extend our sympathy to James Tapscott, whose mother, Leslie Tapscott passed away on December 13, 2022.

1972

Class Correspondents: Rob Gurwitt robg@valley.net

Greta Nettleton gretan@optonline.net

1973

Class Correspondents: Peter Hicks phicks@websterbank.com

John Persse johnpersse@bhhsne.com

We extend our sympathy to Robert Tapscott, whose mother, Leslie Tapscott, passed away on December 12, 2022.

Jane Hammond sent an update that she is in the midst of building a new home on her 70-plus-acre farm in Madison, VA.

1975

Class Correspondent: Jessica Drury sjsaz@optonline.net

Net Net: Stories from a Lifelong Pursuit is Joanie Bigwood Osborn’s

new book. It is a memoir that features racquet sports, life lessons, and some laughs. There are a few mentions of Foote in the book, says Joanie.

Bo Sandine has just started a new role working for the City of New Haven. Bo is working as the Public Educator, leading all marketing and communications for the Department of Health.

1976

Class Correspondent: John Holder johnholder@comporium.net

1977

Class Correspondent: Elizabeth Daley Draghi gdraghi@sbcglobal.net

1978

Class Correspondent: Stephen Fontana stevef1701@aol.com

Anne Brownstein sent a note with a request not to be edited and so honored: “Retiring after 25 years from the NYC Public Schools in 2019, I decamped for the literally greener pastures of Western North Carolina, thinking I would look at trees for a while. In January 2023 I became Head of School of MacGillis Global Academy, a start-up online independent school serving 6–12 grade students worldwide. It’s turning out to be an entertaining next chapter for me as an educator, and I hope my Foote School homies look me up when in the Asheville area! Thanks so much for reaching out!”

Eliot Righter Ramos wrote: “Hi Class! I guess I’ll break the spell and

write in for our shy class. Ha ha! I am happy living in the Hudson Valley town of Millerton, NY, after moving from Providence, RI a few years back. I run a landscape design company and live with my longtime boyfriend who still sets my wheels on fire! Two of my kids have children so I spend a lot of time with my grandbabies, galavanting around the countryside and NYC. I would love to see some Foote comrades, and have a big old house to put you up! (I can be reached at ramoseliotday@gmail.com.) I still get to kick it in New Haven with my dear Foote friends Caroline Loewald, Liz Geller Brennan, and Betsy Burbank and we always have a blast dancing to all the old favorite records. Kindest regards and if anyone can help me find Darlene Senior, I’d love to reconnect.”

David E. Weinstein wrote to update that he is still a professor of international economics at Columbia University, with a specialty on the Japanese economy. “I love living in New York and all the travel that comes with the job. I have a lot of friends who are professors at Yale with kids at Foote, so I get updates through them. It’s great to know that Foote continues to be a great school. I have lots of fond memories of my classmates from my time there. I hope to make it to one of the reunions!” David, we hope you and your classmates can join us this year for the Reunion on May 12 and 13!

1979 Class Correspondent: Bonnie Welch

bonniewelch@taftschool.org

1980

Class Correspondent: Liz Geller Brennan gelbren@aol.com

On January 2, Tag Mendillo attended the Winter Classic game in Boston, MA, with his wife Beth, son Jake, and daughter Avery. Tag says he is in touch with Ted Danforth and that they are able to see each other both in Connecticut and Florida.

1981

Class Correspondents: Jennifer LaVin jen2766@gmail.com

Nicolas Crowley nyjcrowley@hotmail.com

1982

Class Correspondent: Bethany Schowalter Appleby bethany.appleby@gmail.com

Best wishes come to all from Perry Grossman: “I was recently visiting my dad and step-mom at Evergreen Woods retirement community in North Branford, while there we

stopped in to see Annie Clark who lives down the hall!” Perry further reported that his family is doing well. His wife, Carrie James, recently co-authored a book on kids and technology titled, Behind Their Screens. Perry has two daughters, Ella and Taila. Ella is a senior in high school who just finished her last high school gymnastics meet. His youngest daughter is a skateboarder who recently built a quarterpipe. Perry was recently elected as a Town Meeting member in Brookline, MA. “Now I am working on what I guess could be called my calling in life, which is legalizing skateboarding in Brookline,” stated Perry.

Darren Clark sends word that he and his wife are empty-nesters. Daughter Hannah is living in Vermont and getting married in March, while daughter Emma is living with her boyfriend and finishing up a degree in sustainable food and farming online at UMass Amherst. Darren and his wife Marge are looking forward to a summer of Bluegrass festivals in their new trailer camper. Darren had a message for Perry Gross-

man: He wished he still had his skateboard with the beat-up sticker that said: “Skateboarding is not a crime.” Unfortunately that was a few boards and a few decades ago.

Bethany Schowalter Appleby, wrote to update that she has two married children now, is living in Connecticut but working for DLA Piper out of its Boston office. Bethany confesses she is trying to be patient while waiting for grandchildren to (hopefully) materialize someday.

Debbie Fong Carpenter shared an update on her son Nicholas (Foote ’19), a freshman at Franklin and Marshall College who is currently studying Computer Science and Government. Since Debbie and husband John are “partial” empty nesters with Nicholas in college, Debbie has taken up American Mahjong with a friend. Debbie says they took some lessons and are now part of a club that meets once a week in Branford while husband John continues to run in his spare time.

Annie Walton-Teter (AKA Ann Myra) recently published a memoir Amazing Grace: She was Born to Live, under the name Ann Myra. Annie has also published two children’s books Annabel on the Ground and Annabel on the Sea.

Kate DeVane will be sending one of her twins, Maggie, off to Northeastern this fall. Maggie’s first semester will be somewhere outside the U.S. and Kate is feeling a little nervous about that! Kate’s son Mark is 18 as well. Mark is a happy student at Boston Higashi, a school for people with autism. Kate continues to work as the executive Director of Island Autism. Island Autism has

Above: Perry Grossman ’82 recently visited his father and step-mother at Evergreen Woods, where he stopped in to see Annie Clark.

just started its campus build-out and Kate reports that times in her household are pretty exciting.

Haven Tyler wrote in to say she loved Perry’s updates, “Skateboarding rocks-good for you! Personally I’d be afraid to break my hip.” Haven is patiently and expectantly waiting for “empty-nestness,” with older kids launched and her “caboose” child heading to the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst in the fall. Haven continues to work as a consultant helping clients to develop their medical devices. Haven’s mom and her husband moved to Guilford right before COVID hit and so she travels there once a month or so and is the sole remaining Foote School Tyler kid on the East Coast. John Tyler ’79 is in Portland, OR, and is about to move to Washington state, and Nathan Tyler ’84 is still in the San Francisco area.

Elizabeth Toole wrote she is still in Indiana, and is a solo legal practitioner. “My oldest kid is graduating from Haverford College this year, and so will be joining my husband and me as alumni of that college.”

Elizabeth’s youngest child is graduating high school and is mulling over which college to attend next fall. She wrote, “I’ve become an obsessive knitter and crocheter — not as cool as skateboarding — but creating things to wear and use in my house makes me happy. I’m hoping to go to the New York Sheep & Wool festival in Rhinebeck, NY in October and will no doubt be knocking on Kate Brooks Laing’s door. “

ble with media technology to create educational immersive experiences for undergraduates, Masters, and Ph.D. students. “The name of my group is The Center for Digital Innovation in Learning, so I’m actually paid to break stuff. :) As you can imagine, it’s incredibly fun, but also super fulfilling. We recently collected over 800 positive responses from undergrad students about two of our 3D videos shot in Mexico at a famous church, and Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage site! In addition to the 3D videos I’ve been doing a ton of podcasts, am just now getting into projection mapping (think the immersive Van Gogh exhibit), and recently started working with the forensic scientist genius who helped the FBI come up with the process of developing profiles of serial killers. She and the two agents she worked with were the inspirations for the (extremely twisted) Netflix show Mindhunters. Don’t watch it unless you have a strong stomach… My job is to take her briefs of actual cases and recreate crime scenes in 3D virtual models that students can then ‘walk through’ on a VR headset (think gaming). It’s grim, but will provide

a much more detailed experience than the in-person Simulation Lab. My brother and I were devoted amateur skateboarders during our (1977?) year abroad in Paris, but I don’t think we brought the boards back. Also, they were made of plastic. Everyone, look! Perry is shaking his head… ;)”

Clark Thompson sent this note: “Time flies. Last July after successfully launching a blockchain interest rate swap start-up earlier in the year — only to watch the yield markets on which it was based collapse — I joined Accenture where I’ve been doing digital asset solutions. Spent most of September and October in Sydney reviewing a failing project at the Australian stock exchange. Not sure I want to be known for having a client write off a $250 million investment after I was done, but that’s a lifetime achievement for me. Since then I’ve been working a lot to develop the carbon trading markets in particular and ESG (sustainability investment) in general. Everything from green travel in Thailand to sustainable sugar in Brazil.

Alexia Prichard is in her fourth year working at Boston College trying to push every boundary possi-

Above: Clark Thompson ’82 with his wife Laura, daughter Lydia, and son Gus.

“My wife Laura continues to rock as a painter, with an incredible solo show at David Richard Gallery in New York last year. Our son Gus has been living with us since the beginning of the pandemic and I’ve watched him transform from a chef to a designer for a web marketing company. He still cooks for us :-) Our daughter Lydia is a first-year Ph.D. student in ecology at UCDublin, working under an EU grant to study environmental regulatory impact on bee populations in the West of Ireland. She left her dog with us so we now have five pups in the house. Meanwhile we continue renovating our house in Garrison NY, doing a vertical addition that doesn’t change the square footage but makes 80 as opposed to 20 percent of the second floor into livable space. I’ll be very glad to not be living in a construction site when it’s over.

“In more somber news, we finally celebrated the memorial for my Dad who passed away in November of 2021. The memorial took place at Battell Chapel last September, and we planted a tree in his honor in the TD courtyard. My mom just recovered from her own bout with COVID, and sends her regards to all, especially all of us who were her first kindergarten students.”

Stephen Holt had a Bethany Appleby-sighting when both attended a gathering for Stephen’s sister Liz Holt ’79 when she was leaving Yale for a new job in San Francisco.

Finally, a note from Dan Noble: “So great to hear what everyone is up to. My wife Elizabeth and I are still living in Woodstock, VT, and loving it. I have been in real estate for about 6 years which is busy and going well. My oldest daughter Hailey (27) is getting a dual master’s in Public Health/Social Work at Boston University and my middle daughter Lilly (25) recently graduated from Wake Forest Business School (Business Analytics) and works for Digitas in Boston. My youngest daughter Chloe (21) is a senior at Lehigh University and graduates in May. True empty-nesting on the horizon! As some of you may know, my father passed away early last year, and we had a small service for him this past December in New Haven.

“On a separate note, if anyone knows of any college-age sailors looking for a summer job, I am looking for a couple of instructors to teach kids sailing this coming summer in Michigan. Great spot, lots of fun, housing provided, and good income! Best to all!”

1983

Class Correspondent: Brinley Ford Ehlers brinleysf@aol.com

1984

Class Correspondent: Ann Pschirrer Brand annie.brandt@rocketmail.com

1985

Class Correspondent: Carter LaPrade Serxner lapserx@gmail.com

1986

Class Correspondent: Jody Esselstyn jesselstyn@gmail.com

1987

Class Correspondent: Jonathan Levin jdlevin@stanford.edu

We extend our sympathy to Courtney Freeman Phillips and her brother Hunter Freeman ’90, whose mother, Marcie Freeman, passed away on January 3, 2023.

1988

Class Correspondent: Sara Mulligan Farina saramulligan13@gmail.com

1989

Class Correspondent: Toya Hill Clark trose7@hotmail.com

Sarah Netter Boone continues to work at her family-owned tennis club. Sarah has two children still at Foote, one in the 7th and the other in 8th grade and two Foote alumni! One son is a junior at Wilbur Cross and Sarah’s oldest is a freshman at Yale with more than a dozen of his Foote classmates!

1990

Class Correspondent: Amy Cohn Crawford amycohncrawford@mac.com

Above: Bethany Appleby ’82 and Stephen Holt ’82.

Dave Holley writes he is adjusting to life in Arizona after relocating there from San Francisco.

1991

Class Correspondent: Bo Bradstreet ebradstr@gmail.com

1992

Class Correspondent: Katie Madden Kavanagh katieblee@hotmail.com

1993

Class Correspondent: Jenny Keul jennykeul@gmail.com

Sarah Blanton wrote with an update and a smile at just seeing the names of her class of 1993 classmates on the email chain. “Hello to so many old friends! And while I’m not attempting to start a huge reply-all string of emails, if anyone wants to share life updates I’m happy to help collect them for Foote Prints (or just for the purpose of reconnecting). In the meantime, I’m actually headed to Loomis Place to pick up my fourth and sixth graders!”

Michael Fertik echoed Sarah’s note with a hello and warm wishes to all of the class of 1993, he added a “mazel tov” to Sarah on her Foote fourth and sixth graders!

Michael Kayne updated us that Audible will be producing a one-man show with him off-Broadway this May. Congratulations to Michael!

This is the 30th Reunion year for the Class of 1993 and Foote would love to see you all this May!

1994

Thank you to Arna Berke-Schlessel Zohlman, Class of 1994 Correspondent. Arna is retiring from the position. Like many from the class of 1994, life appears to be BUSY! Thanks to those who quickly dashed off even a brief update. We love to hear from our alumni!

From Emily Lustman came this note, “I’m living in Connecticut, working as a social worker at the West Haven V. A. I am busy chasing after my 4-year-old son and 1-yearold daughter.”

And from Kate Harrison: “My news is that I have joined a new green tech startup called MoveEV as the Head of Marketing.” Kate writes that MoveEV, is the firstof-its-kind AI-driven green tech solution designed to make it easy for companies to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, reduce their carbon footprint, save money, attract top talent, and achieve their net-zero emissions targets by 2035. Kate, Foote wishes you well with the new endeavor!

Mary Hall writes that she is living in New Haven and is the Program Coordinator at Connecticut Violence Intervention Program. Mary is also a mom to two very active boys, Ryan age 5 and Dylen age 7.

A note from Juliana Priest (aka Julie) Ricks with updates that she too has her hands full with kids and work! Julie has two young kids (daughter Penny is almost 3 and son Nate is 6 months) and wrote, “Life is just too crazy right now! I still work in commercial real estate investment. My husband Mike and I live in La Canada, CA., which is near Pasadena. I keep in touch with

Arna and get to see Andrei Pogany here in L.A. on occasion. ”

1995

Class Correspondent: Jack Hill seaburyhill@aol.com

1996

Class Correspondents: Brett Nowak nowak.brett@gmail.com

Katy Zandy Atlas katy91@gmail.com

1997 Class Correspondent: Eliza Sayward elizasayward@yahoo.com

After 13 years representing parents and children separated by foster care, Eleanor Wilkinson is transitioning to a more administrative role helping other attorneys who do that work. Good luck Eleanor in your new role!

Tera Zarra will be appearing at the Harwington Medieval Fair (CT). Look for “Supernova” on the website for more information.

1998

Class Correspondents: Andrew Lebov aklebov@gmail.com

Elisabeth Sacco Klock saccopotatoes@gmail.com

1999

Class Correspondent: Jeremy Zuidema jmzuidema@gmail.com

2000

Class Correspondents: Alex Kleiner alex.m.kleiner@gmail.com

Shannon Sweeney smsweeney07@gmail.com

Ian Lebov heard from his mom that he ran into Mrs. Gianella and that they had a nice time reminiscing about the class of 2000.

2001

Class Correspondent: Cassie Pagnam cassie.pagnam@gmail.com

2002

Class Correspondent: Hope Fleming hope.fleming@gmail.com

2003

Class Correspondent: Adam Shapiro adamshapiro1488@gmail.com

2004

Class Correspondents: Dillon Long know33@gmail.com

Dana Schwartz danaschwartz5@gmail.com

2005

Class Correspondent: Gabriella Rhodeen gabriella.rhodeen@gmail.com

2006

Class Correspondents: Audrey Logan logan.audrey@gmail.com

Adam Gabbard adamdgabbard@yahoo.com

An exhibit at the Creative ARTS workshop upstairs galleries, featuring self-taught artist Jasmine Nikole, née Tompkins ’06 offers a new series of paintings that embrace the uniqueness of our cultural heritage, celebrate diversity within Blackness, and prompt us to take pride in our individual and collective identities. In the artist’s own words, freedom dreams are about, “being free to express ourselves authentically and without fear of judgment or censure,” and, “being liberated from the restrictive norms and expectations of Western society.” Jasmine was at the Gallery when Foote School kindergartners paid a very special visit to Creative Arts Workshop with art teacher Karla Matheny.

2007

Class Correspondents: Kenny Kregling kregke01@comcast.net

Symphony Spell symphony.spell@gmail.com

2008

Class Correspondents: Michael Milazzo michael.milazzo12@gmail.com

Kate Reilly Yurkovsky

kate.yurkovsky@gmail.com

2009

Class Correspondents: Chris Blackwood christopher.blackwood@tufts.edu

Eva Kerman edk2123@barnard.edu

2010

Class Correspondents: Brandi Fullwood brandi.n.fullwood@gmail.com

Clay Pepe cpepe@guidepoint.com

2011

Class Correspondents: Nate Barton natebarton95@gmail.com

Britney Dumas bdumas13@gmail.com

2012

Class Correspondents: Harrison Lapides jharrisonlapides@gmail.com

Cassidy McCarns cassidy.mccarns@yale.edu

A few months ago, Jasmine (Tompkins) Nikole ’06 hosted the current Foote kindergartners at her exhibit at Creative Arts Workshop (New Haven).

2013

Class Correspondents: Lawson Buhl lbuhl@umich.edu

Anika Zetterberg ahzetter@syr.edu

2014

Class Correspondents: Robinson Armour rarmour22@amherst.edu

Sophia Matthes Theriault sophiamtheriault@gmail.com

2015

Class Correspondents: Anli Raymond anliraymond15@gmail.com

Will Wildridge william@wildridge.org

2016 Class Correspondents: Omid Azodi oazodi1@gmail.com

Evelyn Pearson evie.pearson11@gmail.com

2017 Class Correspondents: Graley Turner graleyturner@gmail.com

Hilal Zoberi hzoberi20@choate.edu

Currently Jake Nadzam is studying aerospace engineering at Purdue University.

2018

Class Correspondents: Alexandra Collins alexandrabcollins03@gmail.com

Pablo Rollán pabloo.rollan@gmail.com

The Development office recently received word that Casey Nadzam is studying Neuroscience at Fairfield University while she continues to dance.

2019

Class Correspondents: Josie Cancro josie.cancro@gmail.com

Malachai York malachai@yorkfamily.net

2020

Class Correspondents: Zainab Khokha zmkhokha786@gmail.com

Tristan Ward tristan103417@gmail.com

We recently received an update on Lucy Fritzinger from a member of the Foote Faculty. Lucy, a senior at Daniel Hand High School (Madison, CT), just completed her final season with the Hand High School girls volleyball team. She received the Tiger Pride award in her junior year, and served as team co-captain this fall as a senior. Lucy has proven herself in the classroom as well and is a member of the National Honor Society and is one of two Student Representatives to the Madison Board of Education.

We received news that Tristan Ward is going to be an intern this summer at Yale. Tristen will shadow the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The internship will be concentrated in three areas: New Haven Hiring Initiative, Diversity Programs. and ODI coordination.

In Memoriam

John Gardner ’45

Elizabeth (Betsy) Butterworth Whitehead ’48

Frances Salter McElheny ’50

Carl Jenkins ’70

Right: Julian Schlusberg sent in a photo of his NYC lunch with grandson Kyle Gelzinis ’14 and daughter Jennifer Gelzinis. Center: While at lunch, Julian ran into Richard Soper ’10. Julian reports that Richard has been living in New York City for 10 years. Right: Juliette Kenn de Balinthazy ’12 and Emily Zetterberg ’15 after finishing the NYC half marathon in March. Both ran to raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Giving Day

ABC s OF GIVING DAY

406 DONATIONS TOTALING OVER $71,0000

Ais for alumni

— we received donations from alums from the Classes of 1942–2020

Bis for the Foote board

— we are grateful for their $10,000 challenge

Dis for dollars

— together we raised more than $71,000

Cis for current parents

— more than 40% donated on Giving Day

Fis for faculty & staff

— 77 of whom participated

Eis for everyone who donated — over 400 of you!

Gis for grandparents

— who collectively donated over $5,000

What better way to honor your alma mater than to include the next generation in the experience! We’re so grateful for the deep relationships that we forge with our legacy students and their families! This year the following children of alumni are enrolled at Foote: Alexis Baez, child of Tim Gabbard ’05; Leo and Oliver Berkowitz, children of Ben Berkowitz ’93; Felix and Penelope Boone, children of Sarah Netter Boone ’89; Violet Bradford, child of Kossouth Bradford ’87; Philip Corso, child of Taryn Villano ’83; Natalie Curtis, stepcousins of Brad Fischer ’80 and Wendy Fischer Magnan ’82; Archer, Farley, and Keillor Fitton, children of Peter Fitton ’89; Max Garsten, cousin of Kent Healy ’77; Nolan and Olivia Greenstein, children of Annie Berman Greenstein ’96; Barrett Hansen, child of Chris Hansen ’86; Bodhi Henley-Cohn, son of Juri Henley-Cohn ’93; Adrian, Ambrose and Ariston Khachane, children of Anil Khachane ’93; Teddy Kleinerdaum, child of Alex Kleiner ’00; Gage and Zee Lang, children of Catherine Balsam-Schwaber ’86; Cove and Scout Lee, great-grandchildren of Tassie Walden ’26; Katie May, child of Ginger Stevens May ’96; Summer McNair, child of Tiffany MacKinnel ’07; Beatrix, Gus, and Mercer Nast, children of Jon Nast ’94; Mina Osborn, child of Landon Osborn ’04; Graham Possick, child of Jeffrey Possick ’89; 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, child of John Wareck ’84; Levi York, child of Annie Wareck ’85

The Making of a Mural

Head over to our Highland lot to check out the Keith Haring-inspired mural designed and installed by Meredith Andrews' ninth-grade art students.

The Foote School

50 Loomis Place

New Haven, CT 06511

www.footeschool.org

(203)777-3464

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Notice: Postal regulations require the school to pay 75 cents for every copy not deliverable as addressed. Please help us contain costs by notifying us of any change of address, giving both the old and new addresses.

Spend Your Summer With Us!

Summer Adventures

Our summer camp offers hands-on projects and outdoor play for children ages 5 and up. For two weeks in June and two weeks in August, they can enjoy activities like yoga, art, and gardening, plus plenty of time for free play. Sign up for one day, all of them, or anything in between!

June 20–23, June 26-30

Aug. 14–18, Aug. 21–25

Summer Theater

Our celebrated Summer Theater program gives students entering grades 7–12 the opportunity to be part of a major hit musical performed in our black box theater, and learn valuable skills in acting, singing, costuming, set construction, and technical theater. New this year are week-long classes for students in grades 5–6!

June 26–July 30 footeschool.org/summer