Special Edition
2020
Special Edition 2020 Lower School
Head of School
Middle/Upper Schools
Board of Trustees 2019–2020
50 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, New York 11215
9216 Seventh Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11228
OFFICERS
Editor
Nicholas Gravante, Esq. ’78, P’20, ’23 Chair
Staff Contibutors
Arnold F. Mascali ’84 Vice Chair
Maureen Sapega P’99, ’03, ’07
Linda Busetti Michael Robinson
Copywriting Cheryl Bardoe
Photography
Linda Busetti Alexandra Nava-Baltimore ’20 Matt Simpkins Photography Poly Prep Community
Video Editor Andrew Elliott
Design
Good Design, LLC www.gooddesignusa.com
THE BLUE & THE GRAY Special Edition by Poly’s Advancement Office features news from the Poly community of alumni, faculty, and students. Inquiries and comments are welcome. Contact msapega@polyprep.org. For more information about Poly Prep, visit polyprep.org.
On the Cover Poly’s tower illuminated in blue to honor our healthcare workers and first responders.
Audrius Barzdukas P’20
Robin L. Bramwell-Stewart ’86, P’16 Treasurer Andrew Foote P’27, ’29 Secretary
TRUSTEES
Indhira Arrington P’29, ’31 Lawrence S. Brandman ’78, P’16 Jeanne M. Cloppse ’84 Michael A. Correra ’87 Gary E. Hanna, Esq. ’84, P’22, ’22 Hans Humes P’15, ’21 Thomas Iannelli ’82, P’18, ’19, ’24 Sang Lee P’22, ’23 Michael Liburd P’21, ’24 Stephen Maharam P’25 Kristerfor Mastronardi ’95 Cassandra Metz P’26 Jennifer Powers P’26, ’28 Jennifer J. Ramberg P’26, ’27, ’28 Kareem Raymond P’31, ’33 John J. Regan ’86, P’23, ’24 Laurie T. Rosenblatt P’23 Wade E. Saadi, Jr. ’95 Robert G. Sabbagh ’87, P’27, ’30 Elizabeth R. Schlesinger P’28, ’30, ’32 Irwin Simon P’18, ’22 Daniela Vitale-Howell P’20, ’23, ’25 Maxwell T. Wiley P’18, ’21
BOARD MEMBER, NON-TRUSTEE Alexandra Maresca Azara ’00, P’33 (Pres. Alumni Board of Governors)
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Clifford Barr, Esq. ’48 Dr. Karen Burke Goulandris P’15 Harry J. Petchesky, Esq. ’55
Special Edition
2020
Advancement Office Peggy P. Cook Chief Advancement Officer
Courtney Archer-Buckmire ’98 Director of Major Gifts Donna Muoio P’13, ’17 Director of Alumni Relations Lori Redell P’10, ’11 Director of Annual Giving Maureen Sapega P’99, ’03, ’07 Director of Advancement Events and Parent Relations
Letter from the Editor
With so much uncertainty in our world, Poly provides continuity. We shifted to distance learning with thoughtful creativity and enthusiasm and embraced our new reality. While we long for our home away from home and yearn for in-person interactions in class, art studios, the Big Room, Commons, libraries, assemblies, on stage and athletic fields, and on campus, we continue to adapt to this environment. It is an honor to share Poly’s extraordinary and vibrant community as we do so much more than just weather this storm. Go Poly! —Maureen Sapega P’99, ’03, ’07
in this issue 4
Faculty Engage Students Strategically Through Digital Platform
12
Arts Synthesize Creativity and Community
22
4
Coast to Coast and Personal Fitness Challenges Motivate Students
12 22 contents 02 > Message from the Head of School and Board Chair 28 > Poly DESJ 29 > Around Virtual Poly 34 > Alumni News 43 > Poly Parents 44 > Admissions 45 > Annual Giving
POLY PREP MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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Message from
Head of School Audrius Barzdukas P’20 Head of School
Spring has sprung in Brooklyn. It’s just not the spring we thought it was going to be. We are apart, yet connected virtually through the miracle of technology. Our expressions of fellowship, community, and compassion are channeled through screens and masks. Yet, in very real (not virtual!) ways,
those expressions are an inspiring demonstration of Poly’s character, energy, and undaunted spirit. Thanks to foresight and planning, our Virtual Poly microsite was the first to launch in New York City. On Monday, March 9, with only 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York City, we announced that our campuses would close after school the next day. With the loss of just one school day, Poly students returned to classes online, allowing us to pilot Virtual Poly on Thursday and Friday of that week. Our faculty and staff then spent the two weeks of Spring Break conducting training, revising lessons, honing our processes, and improving all the technological
virtuosity that make possible Virtual Poly. The concerted efforts of Head of Technology Charles Polizano P’18 and Director of Lower School Technology Stacy Hunter P’15 helped make this herculean effort possible. Especially inspiring have been the creativity and resilience demonstrated by our faculty and students during these unprecedented times. Together, we have found ways to use technology to improve aspects of the learning experience. Together, we have found ways to stay connected through school traditions, assemblies, arts programming, athletic challenges, affinity groups, student clubs, and community service. Together, we have continued our commitment
Message from
Board Chair As the events of this spring brought tremendous hardship around the globe, and especially in New York City, I am proud of how Poly Prep has demonstrated the strength of our community. Our Head of School and his leadership team were ahead of the curve in preparing for the possibility of a campus closure. When that stark reality arrived, the entire Poly administration, faculty, and staff moved swiftly and smoothly into Virtual Poly, giving our children a cherished link to friends, teachers, 2
THE BLUE & THE GRAY
coaches, and mentors. The sense of purpose that is inherent in pursuing an education and feeling connected to a community has provided invaluable continuity during a time of disruption. As the parent of two Poly students, I see the results of these efforts unfolding in my own home. Because of Virtual Poly, my ninth grader is fully engaged and my graduating senior’s 15 years at Poly, beginning in Nursery, are culminating with a sense of cohesion and fulfillment. When I glimpse a classroom
Nicholas Gravante, Esq. ’78, P’20, ’23 Board Chair
“ Both my daughters to equity, with support for families ranging from providing technology resources to helping with food insecurity so that all Poly students can stay fully engaged in their education. Throughout the pandemic, we have kept communication channels open throughout the Poly community. Many parents joined us for one of three Town Hall webinars, which each drew 150–258 families. Others attended the annual meeting of our Alumni Association, also held virtually. Teams now train virtually. Performances are webcasted. Our new website is generating traffic. The Poly Podcast has gone viral. We are grateful for the support of Poly families, alumni, and trustees
during this time. Your enthusiasm and support for our efforts, and commitment to our identity as a community inspire us every day. We are Poly, and that means that we will do everything in our power to deliver the finest educational experience possible for our children. There is nobody I’d rather be doing this work with than you. There is no community I’d rather be a part of than ours. Just as Poly has weathered numerous challenges during its 166-year history, we will do more than survive—we will thrive.
Audrius Barzdukas P’20 Head of School
have enjoyed Virtual Poly. I am impressed with how Poly got this up and running so quickly.
”
—Doria Lavagnino P’23, ’25
“ My favorite
online classroom has been AP Government because of the free writes and compelling conversations. —Katie Futterman ’20
interaction, I am again impressed by the dedication and expertise of Poly faculty. My sons particularly enjoyed the online squash banquet and when the football team spoke with alumnus Isaiah Wilson ’17 to celebrate his draft by the NFL. Moments like these bring home the point that despite distance, the Poly community remains close. Throughout the past few months, I have heard similar sentiments from many Poly parents. As we continue to navigate this extraordinary time, I am heartened
by the can-do spirit within our Poly community. Every day our trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students, and alumni demonstrate such extraordinary care and commitment that it is clear that Poly will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. Stay safe, stay well, and stay Poly strong.
Nicholas Gravante ’78, P’20, ’23 Board of Trustees Chair
”
“ The website is
informative and easy to navigate— both kids can get onto their sessions by themselves, which I think brings a sense of empowerment. —Shirley Lee P’30, ’34
”
POLY PREP MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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FACULTY ENGAGE STUDENTS STRATEGICALLY THROUGH DIGITAL PLATFORM HIGHLIGHTS
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THE BLUE & THE GRAY
Academic Highlights from Virtual Poly
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Upper School teacher Elaine Levia uses primary materials and artifacts from the Smithsonian Learning Lab to bring the reform movements of the 1800s to life in her U.S. History course.
POLY PREP MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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HIGHLIGHTS
Upper School students look forward to exchanging opinions in the 12th Grade elective, Black Power and Black Arts taught by Alex Carter.
Grade 2 teachers harnessed online resources and different modalities to study immigration. They took advantage of the screen format to zoom in on primary documents so that students could appreciate the details. Suddenly, a steamship ticket from 1913 became larger-than-life, and the $34 cost of traveling from England to the United States became more meaningful. The oral histories from Ellis Island immigrants felt more intimate when played through each student’s computer. “It felt as though we were holding these tickets in our hands and talking with the women from Sicily and Barbados right there in our virtual classroom,” says Grade 2 Head Teacher Sarah Davies. Using these techniques allowed teachers to focus student attention and emphasize connections in the digital platform. Students then crafted historical fiction immigration stories, which they recorded in written journals or recorded as oral
presentations with visuals. “I love using imagination in social studies,” Davies says. “That means thinking creatively about how to reach students in the digital platform.”
opposite page > Immigrants arriving via ferry at New York’s Ellis Island. Ferries transported passengers from their ocean-going ship to the immigrant inspection station. Ca. 1910. / Everett Historical / Shutterstock.com below > Share of the Cunard Steam-Ship Company, issued 1909 / Edhac-Edham - Erstes
Deutsches Historic-Actien-Museum e.V. (EDHAM), Kuernbach, Germany, Public Domain, https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52632291
Emily Prior and her fourth grade students discuss a novel and explore the fundamentals of persuasive writing.
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The excitement of hands-on science remains vivid in Guy Devyatkin’s Grade 7 science class. When discussing combustion, Devyatkin P’00 placed a burning candle in the camera’s view to demonstrate how it produces water vapor and can deposit unburned carbon onto a silver spoon. He directed students to lean in to their computer screens to examine the burning candle closely. When his computer screen filled with faces, a teacher’s inspiration hit. “I invited them to
make a wish,” Devyatkin says, “Then I counted to three, and we blew out the candle together.” Without hesitation, every student played along. Moments like this illustrate how Virtual Poly continues to knit students together for learning, fun, and a strong sense of community. Devyatkin says: “That image of 16 faces and their wide-eyed expressions when the candle went out was memorable.”
GOLFX / Shutterstock.com
HIGHLIGHTS
Students in Math 8 - Advanced work with Stephen Bates to analyze graphs that have the potential to explode to infinity.
Middle School math teacher Geeta Vir outlines the algebraic steps for factoring polynomials in her 8th grade math class.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Sixth grade students in Michael Gentile’s language arts class study the subtlety and beauty of Petrarchan sonnets.
Upper School Mandarin teacher Kai Kang took advantage of remote learning to teach a unit about Chinese foods right from her kitchen. For her Mandarin 2 classes, Kang demonstrated how to prepare braised chicken with potatoes, a favorite dish from childhood. The recipe involves stewing ingredients slowly in soy sauce, sometimes for two hours while the meat absorbs the rich flavors. “It requires no sophisticated cooking techniques,” Kang says, “only patience and time, which is a very similar process and philosophy to learning Mandarin.” Kang developed the unit after brainstorming how she could turn the home setting into an advantage for her classes. “Cooking reflects parts of our culture, of who we are and where we come from,” she explains. The lesson emphasized vocabulary for cooking utensils
and common foods. It also introduced a grammatical structure that native speakers frequently use in daily conversation relating to the impact of verbs. For a final project, students prepared their own cooking videos, featuring such Chinese dishes as soup dumplings, braised pork belly, tofu pudding and jian bing, which is a traditional Chinese street food similar to crepes.
left: TMON / Shutterstock.com; right (laptop): Zhee-Shee / Shutterstock.com
Ninth grader Jesse Cavaliero ’23 used his time in quarantine to build a device for taking measurements from the stars, based on research in Linda Russo’s geometry class. Students studied scholarly schools from history, including their purpose and the mathematics underlying their construction and function. POLY PREP MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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ARTS SYNTHESIZE
Creativity AND COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
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More Highlights from Virtual Poly Arts
Each year fifth grade students perform the school song at our final assembly to honor the senior class. This year Performing Arts Department Chair Dan Doughty and music teacher Maddy Wyatt reconceptualized this tradition. The recording of “Far Down on the Heights Called Dyker” better known as “The Poly Song,” brought a great boost to community spirit—quickly receiving more than 1,500 views on social media. POLY PREP MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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HIGHLIGHTS
While on campus, Middle and Upper School students in the course Creating and Curating with the Brooklyn Museum studied American paintings. Then in Virtual Poly, the students chose an artwork from the museum’s online collection and scoured their homes and imaginations to recreate it.
Lower School students explored their
creativity
in new ways. Weekly synchronous classes encouraged students to look at their world with fresh perspective and to find inspiration all around them. Nursery through Kindergarten created rainbow signs of encouragement to post in windows for neighbors and essential workers. They also built sculptures from different materials including boxes, paper, and clay. Grades 1 and 2 examined the work of Romare Bearden and developed warm and cool color collages using colored paper, cereal boxes, newspapers and magazines. They also experimented with line to create 3-D effects within their Zentangles™ and zen doodles. Third and fourth graders created gesture drawings before learning about Keith Haring and creating drawings in his style. Students in first through fourth grades learned about the Surrealist movement and the game Exquisite Corpse, followed
by an exploration of photomontage and the work of Hannah Höch and Lorna Simpson. The entire Lower School participated in the highly popular “Found Object Color Wheel Challenge,” using objects such as toys, boxes, and household items. “It’s been a treat to see and engage with our enthusiastic young artists each week,” says Lower School visual arts teacher Patti Smith P’20. “It’s been heartwarming and enriching to connect with our students and continue the creative process of making art together ‘outside of the box’ of the Lower School art studios,” adds Lower School visual arts teacher Heidi Zarou ’86, P’22, P’22.
Middle School students learned the true meaning of the saying,
“the show must go on,”
as they continued rehearsing the musical Matilda. Choreography videos and vocal recordings were made and uploaded to the show’s Google Classroom page so that cast members could independently practice their singing and dancing. The group also took advantage of Google Meet to work together on scene work, character development, comedic timing, line delivery, and vocal solos. “I was impressed by how much the kids loved virtual rehearsals,” says drama teacher Jill Bolstridge. “There was one point when we took a brief hiatus from virtual rehearsals due to some technical difficulties, and the kids were begging us to schedule more rehearsals. When I sent out the announcement that virtual rehearsals
were starting back up again, we got emails from parents saying their kids shrieked with joy.” Bolstridge, along with dance teacher Ashley Hacker and music teacher Maddy Wyatt met with the cast of 34 students in grades 6–8 on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, when the young thespians practiced together and took advantage of seeing themselves and each other on screen to hone facial expressions for their characters. The final production is now planned to be presented next fall. “The kids loved rehearsing online,” Bolstridge says. “I’m so proud of their commitment to each other and to their craft.”
above > Set designed by Woongjin Oh. left > Costumes designed by Devario Simmons.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Our Speech and Debate team maintained its momentum through virtual meetings and competitions. Jonah Sah ’23 and Nicholas Menegatos ’23 advanced to the quarterfinals at the National Tournament of Champions, which is the most competitive tournament of the year with a field of more than 220 debaters. As a team, all of our debaters made a strong showing this spring.
HIGHLIGHTS
Earlier this year fifth graders enjoyed two field trips to the SLAM studio (shown here), followed by two on-campus sessions led by STREB dancers. This partnership continued with dance lessons through Virtual Poly.
A studio partnership with a professional modern dancer offered eighth grade students additional challenge and
inspiration. Students first met Will Tomaskovic, a company member with the New Jersey-based 10 Hairy Legs, during the winter when he taught studio classes on Poly’s campus. “Will is an amazing dance educator who quickly had our dancers moving together seamlessly,” says dance teacher Ashley Hacker. When Poly transitioned to remote learning in the spring, so did this collaboration. Students finished choreographing and learning their parts through Virtual Poly. “Even through the computer, it almost felt like we were in the classroom
together,” says Eleanor B. ’24. “I liked how we each had to use the space we had to all learn something together.” As a final project, students filmed their individual performances in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor areas. The videos were combined into a cohesive piece entitled, “And Now, Together.” MaKiyah T. ’24 particularly liked how the class made it a priority for each student to have their own solo within the choreography. “The collaboration between teachers and students made this class something to look forward to.”
above > Will Tomaskovic teaching Ashley Hacker’s Grade 8 Dance class.
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Our Coffeehouse took on extra significance amid the backdrop of social distancing. For a Friday Assembly in May, the entire Upper School logged in to watch a short Coffeehouse Collection of pre-recorded acts. Izzy Axinn ’21 impressed us on the piano, Daniel Kenigsberg ’22 showed off new guitar riffs, and Athena Chuang ’21 captured the mood of many with her original song lyrics: “Do you want to be in quarantine with me… we can’t hold hands, but we’ll touch knees.” Performing Arts Department Chair Dan Doughty performed as a one-man chorus and English teacher Sarah Whalen sang a parody called “Dear Students,” to the tune of “Dear Prudence,” by the Beatles. Later that afternoon Coffeehouse Live was a separate event. Performers
included Emily Weinstein ’20 presenting poetry, Cooper F. ’24 singing, Lolita Mafoud ’20 on piano, Akil Foster ’20 sharing original music, Alexandra Fried ’20 shared poetry, Robert Magnus ’21 singing, and Thalia Glyptis ’21 singing and playing guitar. Faculty and students also shared visual artworks created during Virtual Poly. “Kids need a space where they can share their talents, be vulnerable, and feel supported by each other,” says Whalen, who helped students launch the Coffeehouse last spring. The event quickly became a staple of the Poly Prep community. Performances earlier this year, held in the library, also featured poetry,
acting monologues, stand-up comedy, and juggling. The event is designed as a forum for students to feel seen and heard through creative expression. “At this spring’s Coffeehouse was a special opportunity to gather together,” Whalen says. “I saw people laughing, dancing, and smiling as they watched. This spring’s Coffeehouse was a much-needed opportunity to gather together and share in each other’s remarkable talents,” Whalen says. “I saw people laughing and dancing as they watched. Throughout the performances, students used the chat to share words of support. It was beautiful to see the unabashed outpouring of love.” right > Artwork by Bella Farkas ’20: “I create artwork based off of the emotions I am feeling at that time. Everything an artist does has some significance and it’s up to the viewer to connect themselves to the piece. Throughout my process of creating works of art, I remind myself that my hands are the orchestrators of my mind.”
HIGHLIGHTS
How would you share your everyday experience of being a New Yorker in a single image? Focusing on the significance of place, seventh and eighth graders responded to this question by designing faux covers for The New Yorker magazine.
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Coast to Coast & Personal Fitness Challenges
MOT IVAT E STUDENTS
Giving us something to cheer, the Blue Devils demonstrated
ST RENGT H & SPORT SMANSHIP through virtual contests. motivating their student-athletes. In the first event, Dylan Hale ’20 and Declan McMahon ’22, with respective times of 5:05 and 5:28, placed first and second when our football team competed against the football team from HarvardWestlake School in Los Angeles. Later Maeve Igoe ’23 and Olivia Gryson ’21 were the top performers when our girls’ lacrosse team took on members of the girls’ and boys’ water polo teams from Oaks Christian School in Los Angeles.
“ We challenged them because even in
these unusual times we can find creative ways to honor team spirit, athleticism, and a commitment to lifelong fitness. —Rich Corso, Head of Athletics
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”
(laptop): Zhee-Shee / Shutterstock.com
The Coast to Coast 400 Challenge Series called on students to see who could complete 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and 100 lunges in the fastest time. The 400 Challenge began with Poly teams competing against each other. The concept evolved when Head of Athletics Rich Corso, who formerly coached water polo at Harvard-Westlake, contacted schools on the west coast to see if they would be interested in competing with Poly. “We challenged them,” Corso says, “because even in these unusual times we can find creative ways to honor team spirit, athleticism, and a commitment to lifelong fitness. These challenges occurred live across time zones with coaches from each school instructing and
400 The Coast to Coast
CHALLENGE
100 100 100 100 push-ups
squats
sit-ups
lunges
in the fastest time.
3x3 reps Lateral slide lunge
Centipede Jump rope
Spiderman Three point to start
Fire hydrant
Split jump
The creativity of our coaching staff allowed for even more
F UN & EDUCAT IONAL opportunities.
(cell phone): Can Yesil / Shutterstock.com
The Poly boys’ and girls’ squash and football programs hosted special guests at their events. Then in May our girls’ lacrosse and girls’ soccer teams had a live international workout session with the Spanish Women’s Lacrosse National Team. Meanwhile, physical education faculty in every division offered age-appropriate games and activities on Virtual Poly to reinforce the importance of staying healthy while sheltering at home. Teams accessed warm-ups and skills drills specific to their sports and coaches created brief videos to demonstrate proper form. Eager to stay fit while sheltering at home, many students took advantage of workout sequences posted regularly on social media channels as well as live fitness sessions at 7 AM.
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DESJ CENTERED EQUITY AND STRENGTHENED VOICES. As we shifted to Virtual Poly, our diversity, equity, and social justice (DESJ) work continued. The growth of our affinity and alliance groups shone this spring as Lower, Middle, and Upper School student groups met virtually, keeping the experiences and voices of students and their faculty co-advisors centered amid the new realities of the pandemic. Parent/guardian leaders of Historically Underrepresented Groups (HUGs) and the Poly faculty and staff of color affinity groups also met regularly for virtual check-ins to support their constituencies. In addition, DESJ topics were explored through webinars, facilitated discussion, and
right > Poly Prep Asian Pacific Heritage Month Concert Poster
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THE BLUE & THE GRAY
presentations. A highly engaging virtual Middle School Community and Diversity Day examined gender identity and activism, and assemblies highlighted Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Most recently, the Upper School hosted a conversation on the book and movie The Hate U Give. “Bringing our community together strengthens voices that are often less represented,” says Director of DESJ Motoko Maegawa. Fourteen members of the Poly community, representing trustees, administrators, students, alumni, diversity coordinators, faculty, and parents, participated in the Dalton Conference. This annual event brings together NYC independent schools to examine diversity and inclusion within their own institutions and learn from the experiences of peer schools. The virtual, day-long immersion concluded with our school cohort discussing Poly’s successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. As COVID-19 shines a light on inequities in our society, students and faculty are activating more dialogue about social awareness. Following student interest, the ninth grade Ethics in Leadership class, which is taught by Maegawa and other IfEL leaders, shifted to focus on equity, sustainability, and wellness issues relating to the pandemic. “Students led the discussions themselves, based on what they were seeing and reading in the news,” Maegawa says. “They bring knowledge and questions and a commitment to bring about positive change.”
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Assemblies highlighted life lessons, celebrated school traditions, and expanded horizons. Did you know that Head of Middle School Andre Del Valle P’29, ’33 has a soft spot for Big Macs because they remind him of spending time with his grandmother? Or that Head of Upper School Sarah Bates finds joy in the music of New York rock band The Velvet Underground? On Friday afternoons Middle and Upper School each gathered for shared experiences that emphasized the importance of life balance. Upper School English teacher John Rearick P’10, ’14 shared his passion for fixing old typewriters, Upper School science teacher Matt Dilley is learning how to crochet, and Middle School visual arts teacher Helena Elko P’35 demonstrated the fun—and dramatic splash—that comes from jumping in puddles. These forums also honored school traditions and introduced
students to guest speakers. As Middle School continued our custom of having students and faculty alternate presenting a word of the week, math teacher Geeta Vir explored “perseverance” as a process for pursuing goals. In Upper School, speeches and elections for the Student Government ran smoothly. Special guests included: Eric Ulloa, writer of the play 26 Pebbles and the musical Passing Through, about a man who walked across the United States; 10 Hairy Legs, a male dance company based in New Jersey that is widely recognized for creating new works; Feifei Yang, a virtuoso on the stringed erhu and banhu who is known for blending Chinese and Western musical styles; and Wynona (Yinuo) Wang, a concert pianist whose performance appearances include Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
Upper School English teacher John Rearick P’10, ’14
Upper School science teacher Matt Dilley
Middle School visual arts teacher Helena Elko P’35
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Poly librarians rallied our community around reading and research this spring.
(pie) Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com
When librarians launched a Read-a-thon in May, students in grades 5–12 and faculty logged more than 78,000 minutes of community reading in the event’s first two weeks. “We want students to enjoy all the benefits of reading while they are spending more time at home,” says Director of Library Services Allison Bean. “Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of reading, for personal enrichment as well as academic success.” For extra fun, librarian Brian Lorenzen has volunteered to receive a pie in the face if readers reach the schoolwide goal. To further encourage students to become conscious creators and consumers of media and information, librarians published a weekly newsletter offering faculty book recommendations, along with a variety of interesting links for down time. The Virtual Poly Library site also recommended resources for students of any age to find information, inspiration, and entertainment. Lower School librarian Kristen Robb P’24, ’26 curated online literacy resources and made her own pre-recorded read-alouds for students to enjoy. Virtual visits from children’s book authors included New York Times bestseller Mac Barnett and Brooklyn-based writer Hannah Salyer. As always, the spring was also a 30
THE BLUE & THE GRAY
busy season for librarians to support eighth graders in researching history-themed capstone projects. Early in this project, librarians visit each class to instruct students on navigating available databases and resources. Students later reach out for more help as needed in their search for primary and secondary sources. With the library’s print resources
unavailable this spring, librarians supplemented Poly’s online collection by providing links for students to secure e-cards through public libraries in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. “The Poly library is students’ one-stop-shop for all the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly technology-dependent world,” Bean says.
OUND AR
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Student and faculty community service fulfilled many needs. Even as the COVID-19 outbreak disrupted so much for so many people, our faculty and students sought out ways to engage with their community—within Poly Prep and beyond. Activities included: Lola Stephens ’21 and her family made around 1,000 masks, mostly for workers at recreation centers citywide that were offering daytime care for children of first responders. Laila B. ’24, working with her mother and sister, made more than 140 cookies for a food pantry in upstate New York. “I felt really good about where they were going,” Laila says.
Owen S. ’24 and his father delivered food to at-risk individuals through Invisible Hands, a volunteer organization launched in March to deliver groceries, medication, and other essentials to the elderly, disabled, and immunocompromised. Bradley Schessel ’22 and the Student Service Board developed an initiative for Upper School students to provide virtual babysitting during the day for faculty with children ages 5–10.
Upper School students wrote letters of thanks for first responders and active military personnel through Operation Gratitude. This initiative was a collaboration among students in the Physics Innovations and Engineering elective, taught by Matt Dilley, and the IfEL course taught by Motoko Maegawa.
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BARNARD BATES BOSTON UNIVERSITY BROWN BRYN MAWR CARLETON COLBY EMORY GRINNELL GW HAMILTON HAVERFORD LAFAYETTE MT. HOLYOKE OBERLIN PITZER RICHMOND SKIDMORE SMITH ST. ANDREW’S TULANE UCHICAGO WASHU–ST. LOUIS WESLEYAN Virtual Poly College Series
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Each Tuesday evening, students met with admission officers and asked questions about a range of college experiences. Participating schools included: Carleton College, Emory University, The George Washington University, Tulane University, Wesleyan University, and Washington University, in St. Louis.
As previously scheduled in June, Upper School deans are preparing rising seniors for the next phase of life after Poly. Application Labs for the Class of 2021 are two-day intensive workshops that help students start their Common App and prepare for completing personal essays and admission interviews.
Jannis Tobias Werner / Shutterstock.com
Despite the cancellation of spring college fairs, we offered students the opportunity to connect directly with admissions representatives from colleges and universities across the country. Beginning in May, students in the Class of 2021 and Class of 2022 logged into virtual meetings that were exclusively for Poly students.
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Virtual Poly Wellness
“ Mental health
(iPad) mama_mia / Shutterstock.com
awareness and self-care are especially important in this anxious and uncertain time. —Dr. Karen Ezra P’16, ’19, ’21
Poly Prep’s school counseling team supported students and families during this stressful time. Students virtually dropped into weekly mindfulness classes led by Lower School psychologist Dr. Dalia Gold. Counselor Courtney Birch continued to check in regularly with each Middle School student, as she usually does. Birch and Upper School psychologist Dr. Karen Ezra P’16, ’19, ’21 also offered office hours during which Middle and Upper School students scheduled 15-minute check-ins to discuss sources of stress and find strategies for coping in the face of difficulties. The Virtual Poly site offered a range of resources, targeted to student age groups, to promote wellness. Plus, each member of the counseling team
”
offered weekly virtual “coffees” for parents within the school divisions. “Mental health awareness and selfcare are especially important in this anxious and uncertain time,” Dr. Ezra says. “Easing the transition to the virtual school setting helps students and families balance mental, physical and social/emotional well-being amidst the backdrop of the pandemic and social/physical distancing.”
Virtual Poly Learning Support Middle and Upper School learning specialists held virtual meetings with Poly students and faculty to discuss effective learning strategies and provide resources as needed. Our learning specialists are committed to helping all students meet the demands of our curriculum, and become proficient self-advocates who are resilient, meta-cognitive, and well-able to recognize and use strategies we teach over time to grow as learners.
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2020 Alumni Association Distinguished Achievement Awards Since 1983, the Poly Prep Alumni Association Board of Governors has honored graduates who have excelled in one of three categories: distinguished achievements in their respective fields, service to Poly Prep, and support of our Alma Mater. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, who were announced at the Alumni Association Annual Meeting on May 14, 2020.
Dr. Peter Taubman ’65 Dr. Peter Taubman began his career as a high school teacher in 1969. While chair of Poly’s English Department, he
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helped launch the Anti-Bias Coalition and served as coordinator for the Center for the Study of Diversity and Teaching. He eventually became a professor at Brooklyn College, where for 22 years he taught graduate courses in education and English. While there, he co-founded the Bushwick School for Social Justice, a public high school in Brooklyn, where for a decade he worked with teachers and administrators to develop socially relevant curriculum. Taubman has written over 30 articles and multiple books on teacher identity, pedagogy, psychoanalysis, and the problems with audit culture. His book, Teaching by Numbers: Deconstructing the Discourse of Standards and Accountability in Education, received the 2010
Outstanding Book Award from the American Educational Research Association, the 2010 Critics Choice Book Award from the American Educational Studies Association, and the Outstanding Book Award from the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum. Taubman has won numerous awards, including Brooklyn College’s 2014 Claire Tow Distinguished Teacher Award and the 2012 Eric M. Steinberg Award for College Citizenship. He was recently nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the American Educational Research Association’s Division of Curriculum Studies. He received the 1997 Spirit Award from Poly and was honored to be the first faculty member at Poly to deliver a Commencement Address.
Ira Feldman ’75 Ira Feldman is committed to advancing sustainability thinking in the United States through policy initiatives and electoral politics and bringing clarity and coherence to the emerging field of sustainability professionals. He has more than 25 years of experience as an attorney and management consultant focusing on environmental regulatory innovation, strategic environmental management, sustainable business practices, and corporate social responsibility. He currently teaches these topics at the University of Pennsylvania and the City University of New York. His recent work explores the role of environment-social-governance factors in the financial sector and the use of public-private partnerships to advance sustainable development.
As team leader or in partnership with other consultancies and law firms, Feldman has assisted governmental entities, multilateral organizations, think tanks, and trade associations, on a wide range of implementation, policy development, and training activities. Previously, as Special Counsel at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency headquarters, he pioneered new enforcement settlement approaches; developed the EPA audit and self-disclosure policy; and was the architect of EPA’s first corporate voluntary excellence program. Three years ago, Feldman established the Poly Prep Sustainability Lecture, an annual event that is part of the Nathan & Estelle Feldman Sustainability Education Initiative,
named in honor of Feldman’s parents. Additionally, the Nathan and Estelle Feldman Sustainability Prize, another component of the initiative, was awarded to Nick Perez ’20.
Diahann Billings-Burford ’90, P’20 Diahann Billings-Burford is currently CEO at Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national
nonprofit organization that works to educate and empower people in the sports community. Through partnerships and programs, RISE inspires leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality. Billings-Burford previously served as a senior member of Time Warner Inc.’s Cultural Investments’ team, where she managed grantmaking and operations and led the company-wide college internship, employee community engagement and community investments programs in New York City. From 2009–2014, BillingsBurford served as Chief Service Officer in NYC Service, which was Mayor Bloomberg’s city-wide initiative to engage New Yorkers in service more easily, target
volunteerism to pressing challenges, and promote service as a core part of what it means to be a citizen of New York. In its first two years of existence, NYC Service launched 38 initiatives and engaged more than 7 million New Yorkers. In addition, Billings-Burford serves on the National Board of Directors for buildOn, an international organization working to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and low expectations through service learning programs in America’s under-served high schools and by building classrooms in some of the world’s economically poorest countries. She also serves on the boards of Philanthropy New York, the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, and Success Academy. POLY PREP MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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Poly Donates PPE to Support Health Care Workers Lia Capri Minkoff ’00 is the daughter of a doctor working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn. When every doctor and nurse suddenly needed to be covered from head-to-toe with personal protective equipment, Minkoff reached out to Poly and asked that we donate any goggles and gloves from our science labs to the cause. We responded within hours and two days later the hospital received these critical supplies. Fellow
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alumni Dan Fogler ’94 and Laura Terruso ’99 joined the cause. To help boost morale at the hospital during the peak of the crisis, Fogler and Terruso had messages of gratitude sent to the staff of Maimonides from Mark Ruffalo, Jane Fonda, Katy Perry, and Orlando Bloom. “My father and all of the hospital community are incredibly grateful,” Minkoff says. “And twenty years after graduation, I still feel that the Poly Prep community is a place where I can turn in times of need.”
“ My father and all
of the hospital community are incredibly grateful. And twenty years after graduation, I still feel that the Poly Prep community is a place where I can turn in times of need.
”
below > Dr. Howard Minkoff (third row, fifth from left) and his colleagues.
A Powerful Performance by Alumni, Parents, and Faculty In January, theater alumni, parents, students, and faculty shared their professional theatrical expertise to perform a staged reading of 26 Pebbles, written by Eric Ulloa. Based on interviews with residents of Newtown, Connecticut, this play explores gun violence and a small town shaken by the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Cast members included: former Poly theater faculty Sonya Baehr, Middle School theater faculty Jill Bolstridge, Dan Fogler ’94,
Upper School Director of Theater and Speech Caleb Goh, Ashley Taylor Greaves ’12, Nina Hellman P’25, P’27, Will Hochman ’10, Leah Horowitz ’97, Gauri Purohit ’21, Jeremy Shamos P’25, P’27, and Hallie Stephenson ’20. This important community-engagement event was directed by Head of Arts Michael S. Robinson and produced by Director of Arts Outreach Robert Aberlin ’62, P’00, ’03. The playwright himself was also among the performers. “This cast put such love and care
into these characters,” Ulloa says. “Humanity was pouring off the stage, and I was honored to have those people telling the story and passing on the messages.” A Virtual Assembly later brought Upper School students an interview with Ulloa and a sneak peek at the musical Passing Through, which he wrote through a collaboration with Brett Ryback. Ulloa offered a special masterclass in playwriting for Upper School students as part of our Virtual Poly Arts experience. POLY PREP MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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Poly Alumni
ON THE ROAD
Earlier this year, Poly reconnected with alumni from across the country. Check out photos from Seattle, Los Angeles, Boca Raton, and our annual gathering in New York City.
Poly alumni gathered together in Seattle during the People of Color Conference (PoCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). Each year, Poly sends a contingent of faculty, staff, and students to participate in this national conference focused on issues of diversity, equity, and sustaining inclusive communities.
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West coast alumni gathered in Los Angeles at the home of Robert Cort ’64 and his wife, Rosalie Swedlin, who graciously hosted our event in December.
In February, over 40 snowbirds gathered at the Polo Club in Boca Raton to reminisce and meet with Head of School Audrius Barzdukas.
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Alumni representing the classes from 1950 through 2015 gathered for a festive New York winter evening along with current and past faculty members at Slate NYC, owned by current Poly parents, the Hatzigeorgiou family.
THE BLUE & THE GRAY
Poly Alumni
BACK ON CAMPUS Alumni returned to Poly for a variety of events and student-engagement opportunities. Here are some highlights from this year.
Our college alumni enjoyed a pizza party in the library on Oasis Night and met with faculty who welcomed them back to Poly.
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BACK ON CAMPUS Alumni returning for Homecoming 2019 mingled with friends, faculty, and current families enjoying spirited games and celebrated Coach Mildred Piscopo, the 2019 Spirit Award Winner.
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We were honored to have alumni return for Upper School Black History Month Assembly in February. After a thought-provoking presentation by actor, writer, and director Kareem Lucas ’04 of his original work, there was a brief Q&A hosted by Runako Gulstone ’04 and Raquel Thompson ’02. Lucas then met with student affinity groups to continue the discussion.
Parents Enjoyed The Moth: Live From Their Living Rooms
On May 9, Academy Award-winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez P’23, ’27 joined with poet, playwright, and host of The Moth podcast CJ Hunt to present tales of schooling and being schooled. “I’ve always loved The Moth and wanted to host a story slam,” Anderson-Lopez says. “It was very meta that the theme for the night was ‘learning curves.’” The event focused on the stories of students, teachers, and parents whose learning took unexpected directions, with all the rewards and pitfalls that come with authentic exploration. The evening highlighted four storytellers with diverse life experiences: Maxie Jones works in workforce development and drives for Lyft in Detroit; David Lepelstate is high school senior in
unique, intimate, uplifting, and funny journey through shared humanity. “Stories have a wonderful way of organizing the chaos of individual life into a form that can be shared and digested,” Anderson-Lopez says. “To hear a storyteller share a true story from their life is to download a small piece of someone else’s consciousness. It makes us feel connected and less alone.”
Parents’ Association Our PA executive committee and grade reps continue to keep our parents connected to Poly and to offer support where needed. A PA Coffee hour led by Common Sense discussed Digital literacy during COVID-19. PA elections for next year took place and a new slate voted in.
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(laptop): Zhee-Shee / Shutterstock.com
Kristen Anderson-Lopez P’23, ’27 helps sew costumes for Grease backstage In February.
New York City who likes making jokes, playing basketball, and playing guitar; Tim Lopez is a storyteller and improviser who also tends bar at an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. This was one of a series of virtual events presented through the Poly Prep Party Book, in which parents host get-togethers while raising funds to support our community. Nearly 50 parents attended this
ADMISSIONS Applications Process Streamlined for 2020–21 Poly is the first independent school in New York City (and perhaps nationwide) to eliminate standardized testing for the 2020–21 application cycle in response to the pandemic. “Equity is central to our identity, and we want our admissions process to reflect that commitment,” says Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Rebekah Sollitto P’29, ’32. With the ISEE and SSAT exams being offered as online exams taken at home, Poly’s admissions team felt uncomfortable with an unreliable internet connection or laptop computer acting as a potential barrier to entry to a fair shot of admission. In eliminating standardized testing as a requirement, we support equally students who decide to submit scores and those who do not. Poly’s enrollment has never been stronger and the demand for spaces at our school has never been higher. Over the past four years, applications have increased by 31% to all-time record volumes, and the acceptance rate to get into Poly is lower than any time in school history. We have a robust waiting list at every entry point and our spring (virtual) open houses are quickly filling up.
Upcoming Open Houses LOWER SCHOOL Virtual Open House June 10 at 9:00 AM MIDDLE SCHOOL Virtual Open House June 23 at 9:00 AM
www.polyprep.org/admissions
To support Annual Giving Give by credit card by visiting www.polyprep.org/giving/annual-giving Or mail your check to Poly Prep Advancement 9216 Seventh Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11228
For more information, please contact Opeyemi Laniyonu, Director of Annual Giving at (347) 394-1177 or olaniyonu@polyprep.org
Lower School
50 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, New York 11215
Middle/Upper Schools 9216 Seventh Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11228
has also gone digital!
(laptop) Chuenmanuse / Shutterstock.com
Explore the digital version of this issue at blueandgray.polyprep.org to enjoy all the articles, plus videos of life at Poly. Plus, check out our new website at polyprep.org