Stanwich Heart Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart The Magazine of The Stanwich School

No Limits Head of Lower School Trudy Davis says there are no limits to what Stanwich teachers do to support their students. Hear why she believes the hard work and focus she and her team expend is every bit as important as the mission the school embraces.

A Look at the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Inspiring Moral Leadership Projects Professional Exchange with Rwandan Educators

Summer 2017

There are no great limits to GROWTH because there are NO LIMITS of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.

–Ronald Reagan

STANWICH HEART MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2017 The Stanwich Heart is published by the Communications and Advancement offices of The Stanwich School HEAD OF SCHOOL

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Charles Sachs

Laura Dianis

ASST. DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

COPY EDITOR

Elizabeth McIntyre

Christi Wong

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Dianis, Rye Sports Photos, Melissa Bennett, Richard Howard Photography

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Naomi Azrak/Co-Chair, Andrew Richard/Co-Chair, Charles Sachs/Head of School, Lisa Bailey Cassidy, Tiffany Benincasa, Michael Estock, Elizabeth Fitts, Jennifer Frascella, Lorraine W. Gordon, Eileen Grasso, Rev. Dr. Nathan Hart, Alexandra Hochman, Liz Oestreich, Jeffrey Robertson, Vernon Schwartz, Diane Sebold, Edward L. “Bud” Sinclair, Timothy Yantz

THE STANWICH SCHOOL 257 Stanwich Road Greenwich, CT 06830 203-542-0000 www.stanwichschool.org

IN THIS ISSUE

36 No Limits Trudy Davis reflects on her first year as Head of Lower School

10

2

From the Head of School

3

From the Board of Trustees

4

From the Parent Association

6

Life at the Lower School

8

Life at the Upper School

Charles Sachs

Naomi Azrak and Andy Richard

Jennifer Frascella, PA President 2016-17

Trudy Davis, Head of Lower School

Jerome Murphy, Head of Upper School

10

Lower School Physical Education

12

Upper School Athletics

18

Performing Arts

20

News & Notes

26

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Stanwich

Field Days

Season Sports Reports

Year in Review

Highlights of the Year

Curriculum News

30

32

26

30

Returning the Favor

32

Moral Standing

34

Stanwich Traditions

40

Annual Benefit

42

Alumni Reunions

44

Support The Growth

Professional Exchange with Rwandan Educators

Senior Sets Sail on Moral Leadership Project

The Stanwich Seven

License to Give

Thanksgiving Reunion & Parent Reunion

Annual Fund

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

CHARLES SACHS

A Winning Team Effort

I

n all the many articles, TED Talks, and books about the skills and attitudes necessary for happiness and success in the rapidly emerging new world, resilience, flexibility, and teamwork are frequent themes. Consciously or not, schools have expanded their focus from content mastery to project-based inquiry, and from grade competition to peer collaboration.

Stanwich has always been about more than just grades and test scores. Parents who want more for their children recognize Stanwich as a secure environment where children have the social space and interpersonal support not only to master the traditional academic disciplines but also to develop essential skills and attitudes working together while being themselves. That seminal concept represents the “more” as in “At Stanwich, there is more to it” and the beat of the Stanwich heart.

As well illustrated in the enclosed pictures of our engaged students, Stanwich teams have been winning much more than athletic contests. For a small school, Stanwich performing arts are high profile and our many impressive productions reflect a team effort involving students from many Houses. Our Senior House Math and Robotics Teams stacked up well against much larger schools. Our school commitment to supporting the Blessing School in Rwanda stimulated the Lower School Hop-a-thon, the Junior House “Returns for Rwanda”

and the All-school “Fashion for Change” event. The opening of the Stanwich Maker Space this past year provided Lower School students an entire new realm of opportunities for collaborative creativity.

As recognized in our award for “the Biggest Heart” by the Red Cross, Stanwich current and past Parents work together in ways that outshine other bigger and more affluent schools. I have never before worked with a more cohesive, committed and engaged Parent Association. The consistent success of the Stanwich Annual fund to engage philanthropically over 90% of our families reinforces the altruistic sense of interdependent cooperation that has come to be a hallmark of a Stanwich Education.

At the School’s opening and closing assemblies, I always smile when the school community sings the Stanwich Fight Song to the tune of On Wisconsin. Although Wisconsin may be a wholesome place, I cannot think of many similarities between a Big Ten midwest university and Stanwich School. However, the connective spirit

of group effort to a worthy, if sometime elusive goal, essential for those Badgers is just as essential for our Spartans.

The Stanwich Community and I sincerely thank you for your engagement and the active engagement of our children.

With all best wishes for an even more successful 2017-2018.

In Memoriam • Nick D’Agostino I looked forward to seeing Nick D’Agostino at Stanwich social and athletic events. The last time I saw him at the formal Triskelion dinner at Burning Tree, he was dressed for the occasion along with the several cameras through which he captured the heart of Stanwich. Nick’s pictures made us look good and Nick made us feel good. Usually Nick would share a joke or a kernel of information, or a coupon for Louie’s. That last time, he counseled me that Greenwich men don’t wear socks in the summer. Always he would say how much he liked and appreciated the Stanwich students and the teachers. I attended Nick’s memorial event in July filled with family, friends and Nick stories, and a few of us wore socks. The Stanwich community will miss his pictures and never forget his personality. — Charlie Sachs

2 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES NAOMI AZRAK & ANDY RICHARD

Stanwich: An academically accelerated, valuesoriented, personalized education

A

head of the 2017-2018 school year’s celebration of 20 years since its founding, The Stanwich School can reflect back on years of significant efforts resulting in the first and only co-educational PK-12 institution (from an original K-2 program), consolidated on a 40 acre campus in the heart of Greenwich.

Through it all, the overriding goal of the school and Board has been, and always will be, to deliver the enduring Stanwich mission of providing an academically accelerated, values-oriented, personalized education to its students now and for generations to come.

The Board has made significant progress in several areas in 2016-17, and continues efforts in the following board committee-led initiatives: •B eginning last summer, the marketing committee and Communications Director Laura Dianis introduced a new marketing campaign to deliver updated video, print and website materials reflecting the spirit and energy of our community.

•T he facilities committee is in the final stretch of the permitting process with the Town of Greenwich to gain ap-

proval to expand the school’s physical footprint to better serve the needs of our growing school and program. Depending on the progress of leadership financial support for this project, we hope to broaden the outreach for this effort in the 2017-2018 school year.

•T he advancement committee, along with the advancement office, wrapped up another successful Annual Fund campaign for 2016-2017. To learn more about this vital source of school revenue and how you can be involved for 2017-2018, please contact Elizabeth McIntyre in our advancement office.

•T he IBDP Steering committee continues to ensure that we are on track for certification, and is providing parent education opportunities (at the group and individual parent levels) ahead of anticipated fall 2018 implementation of the program for our 11th and 12th graders.

•T he finance committee helped see the school through the transition of business office leadership to Anne Romanello, new Director of Finance, and Sukie McFadden, new Director of Operations.

The Stanwich Board of Trustees would like to recognize the extraordinary support of all of those who have made significant contributions over the 2016-2017 school year: Charlie, faculty, administration, staff, the Parent Association, and all of our Stanwich families and friends. The efforts of all members of our closely-knit and engaged community allow The Stanwich School to continue to serve its mission and grow.

We hope that you enjoyed a restful and happy summer, and we look forward to the new school year ahead. We welcome your input throughout our progress, so please feel free to contact us or any trustee with your thoughts.

Naomi Azrak & Andy Richard, Co-Chairs

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 3

FROM THE PARENT ASSOCIATION JENNIFER FRASCELLA

Parents Make it Possible

R

eflecting on the 2016-2017 school year from the Stanwich School Parent Association, we had a very productive and enjoyable year. Our team of committed and enthusiastic parent volunteers worked hard on many successful events and created lasting friendships and memories!

Fall was a whirlwind of back-to-school house coffees and cocktail parties. Thank you to all of our incredibly generous hosts and grade reps organized by Karen Richard for making these events possible.

As our school community approaches the 20th anniversary of our beloved school, it is the perfect time to think about stocking up on new spirit store swag. The Spirit Store was expertly managed by Jen Davis last year, and we can’t wait to see what goodies she has this year.

A highlight of our fall calendar was the book fair led by parents Kim Lange and Kim Yantz. Their team of eager volunteers created a wonderful shopping and community building experience and celebrated reading for all.

In addition to social time and fundraising goals, the Stanwich PA works hard to educate our community about the latest issues in parenting and to support our students and faculty in their service learning projects. This year we were blessed to have Saskia ReillyCorsano as our Parent Education Chair and Stephani Nedzamar as Service Learning Chair. Thank you for all your hard work.

Throughout the year our Athletic Advo-

cate Danielle Esposito organized Spirit Days that rallied our entire community around our sports programs. Kara Gerardi, our Performing Arts Advocate, organized parent volunteers as our students from Wildwood Cottage to the Senior House took to the stage.

Paige Recchia, our Arts & Enrichment Chair, booked fabulous educational and fun experiences for our students to enjoy. Lynn Schwartz and Elizabeth Fitts as Library Chairs not only assisted with the book fair but engaged the students in trivia and bingo and more. Lori Murphy, US advocate, organized volunteers for our US dances and the Triskelion Gala, while Janine Wakim created a yearbook of our best Stanwich memories.

A huge thank you to our Annual Benefit Chair, Dara Miles. Not only did Dara and her team create a spectacular Bond themed”party, but she inspired our Stanwich community to be incredibly generous and surpass our financial goals.

We also thank Joan Mirabile for her tireless work on Communications, keeping the website up-to-date and everyone in the know. Well done.

We thank the super-organized Erin O’Brien for all her hard work as Recording

Secretary, with minutes, agendas and more.

Thank you to Maureen Vitanza, our Treasurer and resident financial wizard, for making sure we stuck to our budget and leaving next year’s PA in strong financial shape.

As every Stanwich parent knows, our faculty and staff are truly amazing! Marli Meier as our Faculty Appreciation Chair organized Sweet Wednesdays, pop-up raffles and an elegant and delicious luncheon to show our teachers and staff how much we care.

For the 2017-2018 school year, we are incredibly fortunate to have the PA under the leadership of President Jennifer Servedio, Vice President Janill Sharma and Treasurer Amie Perez. Their Stanwich hearts, positive energy and school spirit inspire those around them. It has been an honor to work with each and every one of you and I look forward to being part Stanwich’s 20th year with you fulfilling our mission of supporting our Stanwich students, faculty, administration and families.

2016-2017 PA Board Elin Collins, Marli Beer Meier, Amie Perez, Janill Sharma, Jennifer Frascella, Jennifer Servedio, Lynn Schwartz, Maureen Vitanza, Erin O’Brien, Jennifer Davis and Karen Richard 4 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

2016-2017 Parent Association Board

2017-2018 Parent Association Board

Thank you to all those who served the school so well this year!

Position Chair

Position Chair

President Jennifer Frascella

President Jennifer Servedio

Vice President

Jennifer Servedio

Vice President

Janill Sharma

Treasurer Maureen Vitanza

Treasurer

Amie Perez

Secretary Erin O’Brien

Secretary TBD

Arts & Entertainment

Paige Recchia

Arts & Entertainment

Paige Recchia

Athletic Advocate

Danielle Esposito

Athletic Advocate

Cathy Steel

Communications Joan Mirabile

Communications

Joan Mirabile

Community Building

Janill Sharma

Grade Representative

Melanie Paddon

Grade Representative

Karen Richard

Faculty Appreciation

Kim Lange

Faculty Appreciation

Marli Meier

Family Relations

Hope Mihailovich

Family Relations

Amie Perez

Library Elizabeth Fitts

Library Lynn Schwartz

Parent Education

Saskia Corsano-Leopizzi

Parent Education

Saskia Corsano-Leopizzi

Performing Arts

Kara Gerardi

Performing Arts

Kara Gerardi

Service Learning

Karen Richard

Service Learning

Stephani Nedzamar

Sustainability

Melissa Raezer

Upper School Advocate

Lori Murphy

Upper School Advocate

Lori Murphy

Ways and Means

Jennifer Davis

Ways and Means

Jennifer Davis

Yearbook Janine Wakim

Yearbook Lora Robertson

Benefit Chair

Dara Miles

Benefit Chair

20th Anniversary Committee

Book Fair

Kim Lange

Book Fair

Kim Yantz

1

2

1 Book Fair festivities 2 Trivia Night fun 3 Bounty from the school garden www.stanwichschool.org

3 Summer 2017 5

LIFE AT THE LOWER SCHOOL Trudy Davis

Head of Lower School

1

2

3

6

4 1 PreK leaf collection 2-3 Chicks hatch in Kindergarten 4 Kindergartners working on visual spatial skills in the MakerSpace 5 Grade 1 Writer’s Workshop 6 PreK Hop-a-Thon 7 G rade 1 Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character Day 8 Grade 1 Audubon field trip 9-10 Grade 2 Green Screen project 11-12 G rades 3 & 12 superhero collaboration 13-15 G rade 4 Civil War Wax Museum 16 Grade 5 creative problem solving 17 Grade 5 Rome Day 6 Summer 2017

5 7

8 Stanwich Heart

9 10 11

13

15 12

14

16 17 www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 7

LIFE AT THE UPPER SCHOOL Jerome Murphy

Head of Upper School

1

2

3

4 5 1 2

Students support Breast Cancer Awareness Month Senior House film elective in action

3 Advisory flag football 4-6

JH service learning

7-9

J H Spring Fling dance

10-11 Grade 8 sludge exam 12

Grades 11 & 12 SoundWaters trip collecting water quality samples

13-14 S H Triskelion Cup competition 6 8 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

7

8

9

10

12 11 13 14

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 9

LOWER SCHOOL FIELD DAYS

10 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 11

UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

FALL SPORTS REPORT

fall sports Cross Country Coach: Scott Lohmeyer Field Hockey Coaches: Merilyn Stephens & Kate McGovern 6/7 Football Coaches: Jerome Murphy, Will Colombo & Philip Grant 7/8 Football Coaches: Jerome Murphy & Will Colombo Girls JH Soccer Coach: Ali Steinberg Boys JH Soccer Coach: Chris Cardarelli SH Volleyball Coach: Tim Epps

2017 12 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

Nick D’Agostino • Rye Sports Photos

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 13

UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

WINTER SPORTS REPORT

winter sports 6 Boys Basketball Coach: Will Colombo 7 Boys Basketball Coach: Steve Feder 8 Boys Basketball Coach: Mark Milostan SH Boys Basketball Coach: Peter Katona 6 Girls Basketball Coach: Ali Steinberg 7 Girls Basketball Coach: Chris Cardarelli 8 Girls Basketball Coach: Ms. McGovern SH Girls Basketball Coach: Gary Dunn Squash Coach: Merilyn Stephens & Natalie Grainger

2017 14 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

Nick D’Agostino • Rye Sports Photos

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 15

UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

SPRING SPORTS REPORT

spring sports Golf Coach: Gary Dunn JH Boys Lacrosse Coach: Keith Radcliffe JH Girls Lacrosse Coach: Ali Steinberg & Ms. McGovern JH Baseball Coach: Will Colombo & Scott Lohmeyer JH Softball Coach: Morgan Murphy SH Softball Coach: Hank Kelly & Joan Garcia Competitive Tennis Coach: Steve Feder Instructional Tennis Coach: Merilyn Stephens Recreational Tennis Coach: Mark Milostan

2017 16 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

Nick D’Agostino • Rye Sports Photos

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 17

PERFORMING ARTS YEAR IN REVIEW

18 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 19

NEWS & NOTES

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

STEAM Kicks Off September 30

Henry Hittle Teen to Watch September

Pinwheel Project September 21

Stanwich’s own Henry Hittle was named as one of Greenwich Magazine’s Ten Teens To Watch. Check out this junior’s stellar accomplishments: He founded Stanwich’s robotics team and led it to a 7th place finish in its inaugural competition. He’s a PADI-certified rescue diver. He’s working towards a pilot’s license. He volunteers for Kids in Crisis and Adopt a Dog. He’s developing a project to repurpose computers and other technology to low-income families for educational uses. He even had a starring role as the Tinman in the school’s production of The Wiz. #StanwichProud

In celebration of International Peace Day, Lower School students created pinwheels penned with inspirational messages. #lettherebepeaceonearth #letitbeginwithme

Fall Family Festival September 23

Maker Space Opens September 6

What’s a Maker Space? A creative, DIY space where kids can create, invent, and learn. Why do we need one? Young minds are stimulated by hands-on learning. With the expertise and guidance of our fantastic faculty, students design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering. Case in point? The Kindergarten class spent a math lesson using the Osmo camera app on the iPad, working with tangrams to expand their problem solving and visual spatial skills. #21stcenturylearning

20 Summer 2017

Lower School students started the year’s STEAM Team activities by creating illustrations of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math in action. While STEAM is regularly built into our curriculum, in order to engage our students more directly this year, we have carved out designated time on Fridays where special STEAM challenges take place for PreK - Grade 5 students. From using circuits to design and create motorized robots, to playing with polymers while making slime, our students compete in challenges with their multi-grade level, collaborative STEAMteams.

Our STEAM lessons make the joy of learning come alive. #fullsteamahead

RNC & DNC October 4 & 11

Members of the Stanwich community came together to participate in carnival games for the Fall Family Festival, a fundraiser for Project Blessing. Upper School students hosted the afternoon’s event and created each of the booths to provide a fun afternoon for the school’s younger students. Old-fashioned games such as Water Balloon Smash, Hit the Target, Throw-A-Sponge, Ping Pong Ball Accuracy, and Decorate a Pumpkin entertained the students for the afternoon. #projectblessing

Upper School students stayed up to date on current political issues after hearing from the Town Committee Chairs of both the Democratic and Republican parties. Greenwich Democratic Town Committee Chair Jeff Ramer fielded political questions ranging from defense spending to the expense of a college education, and Greenwich Republican Town Committee Chair Stephen Walko discussed the political process in Greenwich and the State of Connecticut. #democracyinaction

Stanwich Heart

Digital Photography October 18

New Communications and Website launch January 26 Harry Connick, Jr. November 21

Upper School Digital Photography students enjoyed a picture perfect day at the Whitney Museum of American Art and Manhattan’s High Line. #welovelivingandlearninginnewyorksbackyard

Returns for Rwanda October 28

The Returns for Rwanda program began with students collecting approximately 450 bottles, with funds raised to be donated to Project Blessing. #everycanmakesadifference

A special holiday assembly with Harry Connick, Jr. was an opportunity for the school to learn more about Jazz as part of Grade 8 student George Drennen’s independent study project. Mr. Connick spoke about the musical influences of growing up in New Orleans. Did you know that Associate Director of Admissions Jessie Drennen’s older sister was Mr. Connick’s first piano teacher (and cousin). #starsecretsrevealed #HarryHeartsKrispyKremeDonuts

Ali Steinberg January 9

This week we launch a new communication initiative to better define the positive differences and wonderful opportunities inherent in a Stanwich education. The keynote for all pieces of this significant marketing project is: “At Stanwich, There’s More To It.” A new website, advertising campaign, brochures, and an updated logo round out our new branding efforts. Our brand promise champions the unique talent and potential within each student, while challenging them with the highest standards. Our students achieve truly meaningful success by embracing and building upon who they are as individuals. When it comes to preparing children for a lifetime of achievement, at Stanwich, there’s more to it. #theresmoretoit

Charter Day January 28

Scrabble Tournament November 16

C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S! For the third year in a row, Stanwich’s Scrabble team took home the trophy at the 16th Annual Scrabble Challenge, sponsored by Family Centers. N-I-C-E J-O-B! #Thats18points

www.stanwichschool.org

Stanwich’s own PE teacher Ali Steinberg will be competing in the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse Women’s World Cup. She’s also working to raise $5,000 for Sticks for Kids, a program that seeks to engage and empower at-risk youth around the world through the sport of lacrosse. #fantasticfaculty @sticksforkids

Happy 19th birthday Stanwich! So much to celebrate: over nineteen years, our distinctive school culture and extraordinary teachers have raised the bar and broadened the community’s understanding of excellence in education. That’s almost 20 years of creating a positive impact on students and families! #StanwichProud #Triskelion

Summer 2017 21

NEWS & NOTES

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Fashion for Change January 31

Shakespeare Competition March 2 Electronic Blackout Day March 28

Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it – well, maybe there is, especially if it’s the voguefilled Fashion For Change event. The fashion show featured faculty as well as students in grades PreK through 12 wearing fashions from the collections of Jolie Gotique, Stella M’Lai, Winged Money and Vineyard Vines. Hair and make-up were styled by The Loft Hair Salon and Spa in Stamford, and music from Dexter Fisch, DJ from Arch Street (Greenwich Teen Center) entertained the audience. Models walked up and down the light-lined runway, pausing to pose, smile or playfully toss a hand on their hip as the crowd of family and friends cheered. All in good fun, sure, but all the fun was for good. Fashion For Change is an annual fundraiser for Project Blessing. #ModelCitizens

All the world’s a stage, and Cullen Murphy ‘19 and Ted Frascella ’19 are but players upon it.

The sophomores gave two dramatic performances at the 32nd annual Shakespearean Monologue regional competition at the Cole Auditorium of Greenwich Library. Sponsored by the English-Speaking Union of the United States, participants were required to perform from memory a monologue from one of Shakespeare’s plays and recite a sonnet by Shakespeare. Bravo! #thebardlives

Musicians March 22

National Reading Month March 31

Biggest Heart February 23

It’s official: Stanwich School has the “Biggest Heart in Greenwich.” February’s “Biggest Heart in Greenwich” blood drive, run by the American Red Cross, collected 32 pints of blood for hospital patients in need. According to the Red Cross, many schools, churches, synagogues, the Greenwich Police Department and community groups participated.

Red Cross sponsors recognized Stanwich for recruiting the most attendees to take part in this lifesaving mission. #savealifegiveblood @RedCross

22 Summer 2017

Parents and (some) teachers will remember a time when computers didn’t dominate our days. Students today sometimes need a reminder that the imagination works without an iPhone or X-Box. So, dressed in black, the Lower School participated in an Electronic Blackout Day. Students and teachers put their computers, iPads and interactive displays on the back burner, and gave a “thumbs-up” to spending more time participating in “unplugged” activities.

Spend just a little while on campus, and you’ll know it: Stanwich = music. And some Stanwich students are really quite accomplished. Case in point: John Russell (oboe), Madeline Azrak (alto saxophone) and Harrison Azrak (trumpet) performed in the 117-member concert band as part of the Connecticut Music Educators Association Western Region Middle School Festival on Saturday, March 18.

It was no small feat. The students had two months to prepare four difficult pieces, and the full ensemble only rehearsed for two days before performing at the festival in front of an audience of 875. If you listened with your eyes closed, you’d have sworn it was professional musicians performing. #stanwichgottalent

“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” Students and faculty know that statement from Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) is on to something. Celebrations of National Reading Month highlighted the month of March.

Check out the creativity of our students and faculty as they became their favorite literary characters! #booksareauniquelyportablemagic @StephenKing

Stanwich Heart

Math Team April 7

Breast Cancer Alliance Fashion Show April 3 WW Hop-a-Thon April 7

Students Lily Grady and Cullen Murphy conquered the runway at the Junior Breast Cancer Alliance Fashion Show. More than 20 local students modeled clothing from Richards as part of the annual teen fashion event. Funds raised help @BCAllianceCT provide breast health services for underserved women in Connecticut and Westchester County. #fashionismorethanjustclothes

NatGeoBee April 3

Could you name the official language of Libya, Yemen, and Mauritania? Jordan Mirabile ’22 probably can. His geographical knowledge is impressive – and so was his performance in the 2017 Connecticut State Geography Bee. He earned 11th place in the state-level competition, which started with 10,000 middle school students being quizzed across the Nutmeg state, culminating with 100 students competing at Central Connecticut State University.

It is impressive to note that 2017 is the second year Jordan has been competing in the Connecticut State Finals as he has been the Stanwich School champion two years running — first in 2016 when he was in Grade 6, as well as this school year. What is Jordan’s goal for next year? To place in the top 10 statewide! #natgeobee #theanswerisarabic

www.stanwichschool.org

Think Wildwood Cottage students are too young to live out the mission of making God’s world a better place? No way! Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten students used their natural abundance of energy in the annual Hop-a-Thon to support Project Blessing. Turns out jumping can make a world of difference. #jumpforjoy

LS Trivia Bowl April 7

Quick! Name the capital of Australia! What’s the name of the bear in The Jungle Book? How long is the term of a United States senator?

What’s the largest two-digit prime number less than 100? Master those questions, and you’ll fit right in at the Lower School Trivia Bowl. Younger students participated in an exciting outdoor scavenger hunt, while older PH and IH students formed teams to see who could earn the bragging rights as trivia champions (as well as a delicious lunch of their choosing served by Head of Lower School Trudy Davis). #Canberra #Baloo #6years #97

Students may recognize the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the modern world. But they may not realize that skills such as logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical thinking will be critical in those fields. No problem: MATHCOUNTS’s club and competition program is designed to improve these skills for middle school students through mathematics. Of course Stanwich students were right in the middle of @MATHCOUNTS activities, and their participation was not insignificant: Team Stanwich placed in the top 10 in its school grouping in the Connecticut State MATHCOUNTS Competition! #mathintherealworld #mathletes

Pitch Your Peers April 24

Philanthropy isn’t just for adults. Pitch Your Peers collectively funds grants to charitable initiatives that serve unmet needs and impact the local community of Greenwich. PYP offers girls from three schools – Greenwich High, Sacred Heart, and Stanwich – the chance to identify a local non-profit and pitch for a grant to support the group’s work. A group of Senior House girls prepared a presentation to secure a donation for Friends of Autistic People. The girls hoped to ensure that adults with autism receive mandated services that enable them to lead better lives and secure their futures. They must have been persuasive: Stanwich earned a second place grant of $2,000. #talkthetalkwalkthewalk

Summer 2017 23

NEWS & NOTES

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

US Trips April

Gr 10 MLP Presentations May

Art Expo May 5

We know that Stanwich is about much more than academics. Nowhere is that more evident than the Moral Leadership Project in the Senior House. One case in point: Grade 10 students presented their MLP plans this spring, ranging from job placement assistance for autistic adults, to fostering companionship with the elderly. Not only did students create their own proposal to support an important cause, they had to defend it to a faculty panel. (#publicspeakingiscritical) Now students are outlining a course of action to support their chosen initiative. #makinggodsworldabetterplace

Color and artistry abound in the annual Visual Arts Expo each May. This year’s celebration was a lively fiesta that included a student art exhibit and sale, with 100’s of artworks created by Stanwich students in PreK through Grade 12. Art teachers Jane Graham and Leanne Bloom also offered a fun Painting Fiesta for adults, expertly guiding party-goers through the creation of a colorful and expressive painting. #artisforeverybody

National Teacher Appreciation Day May 9

K Persuasive Writing May 4

Stanwich students don’t just sit in classrooms. From building catapults in Frost Valley, NY, to visiting our nation’s capital, walking the freedom trail in Boston, zip lining in Costa Rica, to cooking in Paris, Upper School students explored the world in April. No doubt those memories and experiences have given students a new perspective and deeper understanding – and who knows where that might lead? #traveliseducationwithsuitcases

24 Summer 2017

What do kindergartners want? More stickers and stamps, a longer slide, three 64-packs of crayons, and water for children in Rwanda.

Lessons in persuasive writing were put to good use in asking Mr. Sachs to consider procuring these items. Those lessons were effective: additional crayons were ordered, and Upper School students worked hard on the well at the Blessing School in Rwanda this summer. #ourjobisdonehere

It’s Teacher Appreciation Day every day!

Stanwich is blessed by a faculty that is secondto-none. Our distinctive school culture and extraordinary teachers have raised the bar and broadened the community’s understanding of excellence in education. As a result, we have been unparalleled in our positive impact on students and families. Our teachers champion the unique talent and potential within each student, while challenging them with the highest academic standards. When it comes to getting children ready for a lifetime of achievement, at Stanwich, there’s more to it. #weloveourstanwichteachers

Stanwich Heart

Robotics Competition May 16 Triskelion Cup Olympics & Gala May 10

It was off to the races as Senior House students competed in the 2017 Triskelion Cup Olympics. A 3-legged race, tug of war, and an inflatable obstacle course challenged students to add points to their respective Hale, Stowe and Twain Houses before Friday night’s annual Gala at Burning Tree Country Club.

Who took home the coveted cup this year? #halehousewinsagain #friendlyrivalry

Grandparents Day May 11

Commencement 2017 June 1

Picture a crowded gym in Rahway, New Jersey, home of the 2017 New York/New Jersey Botball Tournament. The Stanwich Robotics team had earned its best seeding-round rank in their brief history (7th) and entered the double elimination round with spirits high. It was then that technical difficulties joined with #badluck and after two short matches, in both of which Stanwich was favored to win, they found themselves eliminated. But all was not lost. The team entered the final competition, the alliance competition, partnered with another team and worked to score points cooperatively. Stanwich students know that being your best means helping others be their best. So is it any surprise that Team Stanwich finished in first place for the alliance competition? #collaboration #HeartofStanwich

7 Award June 7

Is there a tradition more loved than Grandparents and Special Friends Day? Who wouldn’t love the chance for students in grades PreK through Grade 3 to share some of their Stanwich Spirit with grandparents and/or special friends? Visitors get to enjoy not only classroom activities in which Stanwich students were proud to share their learning, but also a joyful “Stanwich Seven” concert which left grandparents and friends already looking forward to next year. No doubt that #theresmoretoit at Stanwich.

www.stanwichschool.org

If the Espys were held at Stanwich, then the highlight would definitely be the Seven Award.

The award recognizes Upper School athletes whose actions throughout the year display the ideals at the heart of the school’s mission: an athlete’s commitment and compassion, his or her courage and honesty, and the competitor’s wisdom, forgiveness, and joy. This year, athletes Ainsley Hoemann ’21, Ben Mihailovich ‘21, Jenny Matute ‘17and Matthew Rivera ’17 were honored for the way they embrace the mission of the school and remind us of all that is good in sports. #honorablecompetition

Looking for words of wisdom? Commencement 2017 offered several. “Instead of looking into the future, I would like to encourage you to cherish the present,” Valedictorian Helen Wang told her fellow graduating seniors at the commencement ceremony on June 1. “Cherish this connection with your teachers, with your friends, and with Stanwich.” Addressing the audience, salutatorian Aidan Sebold said, “I’m here to tell you that the class of 2017 is not only prepared for college, but I would argue we may be even better prepared than many of our fellow graduates at larger high schools. We’re engaged every day in lively discussions with our teachers and classmates, and we’re constantly challenged to offer our opinions on a variety of topics. Here, your individuality is allowed to shine.” Giving the commencement address, Steve Ginsburg, Director of the Connecticut Region Anti-Defamation League, said, “Your personal success and happiness will undoubtedly at some point depend upon having a productive and positive relationship with someone who is coming from a different place than you are. Whether they are your neighbor, co-worker, boss, friend or partner, the world is simply too small to surround yourself only with people with similar ideas and backgrounds. So do everything in your power to make these relationships work.”

Joining Helen and Aidan in #classof2017 #goingontogreatthings are Shelby Crimmins, Yona Dervishi, Samantha Erfe, Alexander Gardner, Lauren Henderson, Jenny Matute, Luke Martin, Isabelle Nelson, Matthew Rivera, Matthew Shindel, and Michelle Wakim.

Summer 2017 25

CURRICULUM NEWS

Upper School Art Teacher Jane Graham introduces Stanwich Trustees and administrators to an IB Diploma Programme lesson on “Appropriation in Art: Recreating the Birth of Venus.”

26 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme At Stanwich The Stanwich School mission emphasizes academic rigor, holistic learning and improvement of the world.

Our school community is defined by a commitment to develop students with the skills and values to lead lives of meaning and purpose. To further these goals and enhance the academic experience for our oldest students, Stanwich will offer the highly respected International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme beginning in the fall of 2018. The capstone to a Stanwich education, the Diploma Programme will provide 11th and 12th grade students with exemplary critical thinking skills that will prepare them for success in college and beyond.

Stanwich will be the first and only school in Greenwich to offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Stanwich is currently in the second year of a two-year authorization process to offer the IB Diploma Programme. We anticipate that authorization will be granted next spring and implementation of the Diploma Programme will begin in the fall of 2018.* The Stanwich School is a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and pursuing authorization as an IB World School.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision. *Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 27

CURRICULUM NEWS

SAVE THE DATE The IBDP Steering Committee and the Upper School Faculty Present

An Evening of IBDP “Mini-Lessons” Experience the excitement of an IB classroom and learn more about the IB Diploma Programme

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7:00 pm All current families will be invited. If you are not a current family and would like to receive an invitation, please contact Catalina Sposato at csposato@stanwichschool.org.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging, interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students in grades 11 and 12 for success in college and beyond. The two-year course of study aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are prepared for living and working in a complex, highly interconnected world. Its holistic educational approach develops students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, and encourages students to think and to draw connections across disciplines. Designed in 1968 and now taught in the most prestigious secondary schools worldwide, the Diploma Programme has earned respect and recognition from leading colleges and universities.

Stanwich Head of School Charlie Sachs has extensive experience with the IB Diploma Programme and can attest to

its importance. “With a changing landscape and the uncertainties of the 21st century, more than anything else I believe an International Baccalaureate education for our oldest students is necessary for their success,” says Sachs. Jerome Murphy, Head of the Upper School, agrees. “Independence is one of the most important skills emphasized by the IB. All of our research and all of the feedback that we have received supports the claim that students who participate in the Diploma Programme are far better prepared to succeed in college than those who do not. The program is highly effective at preparing students not only for college but also for life. The program creates an environment that fosters independent learning and an autonomy that is critically important when students progress to higher learning.”

For general information about the IB Diploma Programme, visit www.ibo.org For specific information about the Diploma Programme at Stanwich, visit www.stanwichschool.org/IBDP or contact Catalina Sposato at csposato@stanwichschool.org 28 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart

Professional Development All Stanwich Upper School teachers are undergoing rigorous professional development training as they prepare to teach IB Diploma Programme classes in the fall of 2018. Our teachers reflect on their training: “My IB training has connected me with peer teachers all over the world with whom I exchanged teaching ideas and conceptual understanding. This feedback was invaluable.”

—Chris Hughes, Upper School History Teacher

“Like teachers, students will be part of a global network of students and schools. There will be many opportunities available not otherwise possible.”

—Peter Katona, Upper School History Teacher

“The IB calls for students to be globally minded and engaged. This is something close to the Heart of Stanwich.”

—Shannon Hubertus, Upper School Science Teacher

“The Diploma Programme fosters an environment where all subjects are connected. Students learn how to see the relationships between different subjects and I believe this will increase retention and problem-solving skills.”

—Steve Feder, Upper School Mathematics Teacher

“Rather than racing through a tremendous amount of material to memorize, students are thoughtfully involved in subjects in a deeper, more substantive way. The critical thinking and grit they develop will serve them well not only in college, but throughout their adult lives.”

—Mark Milostan, Upper School Latin Teacher

“The IB Diploma Programme curriculum truly engages students. It not only prepares students for the rigors of college, it inspires them take charge of their own learning.”

—Jane Graham, Art Department Chair

The IB Diploma Programme and College Admission The IB Diploma Programme is recognized and respected as a mark of academic excellence by all leading colleges and universities.

Last fall, Stanwich hosted a roundtable discussion about the IB Diploma Programme with college admissions professionals who shared their perspectives on the advantages of the IB Diploma Programme.

“When you have this formula that ensures that the student is going to have a full curricula and have some advanced work and is going to have the kind of curriculum that encourages service and growth in different areas, the student is probably going to be a standout in the admissions process. So it is not surprising to me that the statistics are as they are [indicating higher acceptance rate for IB students versus non-IB students].”

- Panetha Ott, Director of Admissions, International Recruitment, Brown University “To parents looking for a curriculum and an assessment measure that will best help to prepare their children for success in college and beyond, I strongly recommend the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Unlike the Advanced Placement program or SATs, the IBDP fosters critical thinking and writing skills and provides depth as well as breadth in specific subject areas. The program is highly regarded by college and university admissions officers who have come to know that students who successfully complete the IBDP possess the requisite skills to be equally successful in higher learning.”

- Terrance Giffen, former Director of College Counseling at Choate and Taft “The IB is like having a first-class ticket when you go somewhere. For an individual to say that they have an IB diploma, it just carries them across the world.”

-Howard Greene, Howard Greene & Associates Educational Consultants

www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 29

PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGE

Returning the Favor Rwandan educators spend two days on campus developing ideas to improve teaching and learning in their native country

S

tanwich School’s special connection to Rwanda was established in 2008 with the creation of Project Blessing, the nonprofit organization which is building a school in Rwanda. This project, originally established through the Board of Trustees Humanitarian Grant and teacher Shaun Fletcher, has allowed several students and faculty to travel to Cybatanzi each summer. This year, however, Stanwich was able to return the welcome as we hosted two Rwandan

30 Summer 2017

educators to the campus.

The visit was organized with Inspire, Educate and Empower Rwanda, a nonprofit which trains teachers and provides other resources to 170 public schools in Rwanda. Each summer, the organization helps train Project Blessing teachers and advises on curriculum. As a result of this partnership, IEE Rwanda executive director Emmanuel Murenzi and IEE Rwanda teacher trainer Rachael Owomugisha visited Stanwich in

April as part of a two-week trip to the U.S to develop new ideas for improving schools in their country.

But, as Murenzi noted, the chance to learn was not one-sided. “These exchange visits, we get to benefit from both ends,” he said. In addition to the lessons he learned from Stanwich, “We get to talk to [Stanwich] teachers, explain to them our situation, they get to understand.”

Murenzi and Owomugisha were

Stanwich Heart

both born in Uganda and moved to Rwanda as adults. As part of their visit to Stanwich, they spoke to students about life in Rwanda and Uganda and the impact of the Rwandan genocide, a planned campaign of mass murder that occurred over the course of 100 days between April and July of 1994. More than 800,000 civilians were killed during the campaign.

The educators’ visit allowed the school community a closer look at the obstacles facing Rwanda as they work to implement their Education Sector Strategic Plan, which focuses on increasing education to vulnerable groups, improving the quality of education, and increasing access to quality pre-primary education. As part of this initiative, the government established a plan in 2013 for 12 years of free, universal education for the country’s children. “We’re very proud that at least now all our children are in school,” said Murenzi. “In East Africa, it is the only country that has free education up to our level.”

With this advancement in the accessibility in education have come challenges, including burgeoning student

www.stanwichschool.org

enrollment. The educational system is still working on managing the large numbers of children. “We have so many children coming to school and the structures are not enough,” he said. “Teachers are not enough also.”

As a result, children often learn in crowded classrooms of up to 60 students. Schools days are split in half, as teachers work double shifts, educating half the school’s students in the morning and half the students in the afternoon. “It’s very tiring because in a day, one teacher may get into contact with 200 children,” said Murenzi.

Language is an additional challenge.

The former French colony switched the official language of instruction in schools from French to English seven years ago, and many teachers must become proficient in English while also teaching it to the children. As a result, Murenzi noted, “We have students who speak better English than teachers.”

Teachers are also looking for ways to improve parent involvement in education. At Stanwich, teacher and parents work as partners in allowing children to be successful learners, but

many Rwandan parents never went to school themselves, often making it difficult for them to get involved in their child’s education. “[The parents] don’t know how to read and write and some of them even fear coming to school,” said Murenzi.

IEE Rwanda invites parents into the schools during their students’ classes because “their presence in school means a lot in terms of shaping the child’s learning.”

Trudy Davis, head of the Stanwich Lower School, said the Rwandan educators’ stay was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each country’s strengths in education. “We might assume that because our educational system is well established, we have nothing to learn from a country like Rwanda. But if we want our students to be active citizens of a global community, understanding education in different culture is vital.”

Murenzi agreed. “We are all residents of this planet. What takes place here, if I am in Rwanda, it should be of my interest because at the end of the day, we are neighbors and it will affect me.”

Summer 2017 31

VALUES EDUCATION

Moral Standing

Senior Alex Gardner sets sail on his Moral Leadership Project

By Emilie Munson for the Greenwich Time

U

nder a warm morning sun, Stanwich School senior Alex Gardner, his fingers deft from nearly 10 years on the water, slid a large white sail onto the mast and mounted it onto his 12-foot Laser sailboat. He circled the vessel, fixing lines, attaching the rudder and making adjustments until every rope was in its place. For a final touch, he secured his waterproof speaker to the mast, so he could listen to music. It would be a long journey.

On Wednesday, October 12, Alex, sailed solo across Long Island Sound to raise money for Tuesday’s Children, which supports young people who lost a parent in the Sept. 11, 200,1 terrorist attacks.

“My main goal in this process was to combine something that I love to do, which is sailing, with something

I’m passionate about, which is Tuesday’s Children, and the work they do,” explained Alex.

Alex’s father, Christopher, was managing director of Aon corporation and was in one of the Twin Towers when they fell. Gardner was just 3 years old when his father was killed.

“I’ve been told that I look very much like him, like spitting image,” said Alex.

“I’ve been told I have the same personality as him. He was very smart and very hardworking.”

He was also a passionate sailor, like his son, who loved testing the winds on the family’s 39-foot boat, Evening Star.

Growing up without him was difficult, Gardner said. Seeing other kids with their fathers at baseball practice and games would send a twinge through his heart.

Now, Gardner tries to honor his father by looking forward.

“He would have wanted us to live life to the fullest, to do the things we want to do, see things we want to see, not be stuck in the moment of the horribleness of it all,” Gardner said. “We do remember and we do get sad and we cry, but we know that he would have wanted us to keep going and to not just stay in sadness but to go out there and take the world.”

“This is really for charity, it’s for him, it’s for all the kids who are in situations like mine,” he added.

Throughout childhood, Gardner was involved in Tuesday’s Children. The organization assigned him a mentor, a middle-aged Manhattan man, to do things with him that a father might.

Often, they went fishing and walked around New York.

A Look at Two Special Class of 2017 Moral Leadership Projects Sam Erfe and Jenny Matute After learning about a budget shortfall at Kids in Crisis, Sam and Jenny conceived the idea of starting a volleyball clinic to benefit the non-profit agency. On Friday afternoons during the winter, the seniors ran a clinic teaching volleyball basics to Lower School students and donated the $2,000 in “Afters” fees to the local organization.

Seniors Sam Erfe and Jenny Matute present a check to Kristen Tomasiewicz of Kids in Crisis Summer 2017 2017 32 Summer

Lauren Henderson After her cousin was badly burned in an accident, Lauren has been involved with Shriners Hospital for Children. This past holiday season, Lauren encouraged Grade 4 and 5 students to donate a small gift for Shriners Hospital that she delivered herself at Christmas time. We’re proud to announce that 100% of fourth- and fifth-graders participated in the gift collection.

Stanwich Heart Heart Stanwich

Moral Leadership Project Alex’s sail was the capstone of his Moral Leadership Project. Beginning in Grade 10, students research a cause they are passionate about and either partner with an established organization, or create one of their own. A student’s Grade 11 year is spent organizing their project, while students put their plan into action as seniors.

Through this sail across the Sound, Gardner raised $6,825 for Tuesday’s Children. The money will most likely be used to fund college application workshops for the now-teens who lost a parent.

Much of Gardner’s fundraising came from Stanwich School students, staff and parents. Stanwich School provided the gas for the support boat following Gardner on the trip and also sent another boat containing several faculty members and Head of School Charlie Sachs to encourage Alex on his journey.

“Stanwich School was so supportive,” said Susan Gardner, Alex’s mother who trailed her son in the support boat throughout his sail. “It’s just been a great opportunity for him. It’s just brought the whole community together.”

The sail across the sound was smooth and uneventful.

After departing Stamford Yacht Club mid-morning, favorable easterly winds allowed Alex to sail south on a reach, the fastest point of sail.

Although October typically has stronger and more consistent winds than the summer breezes, Alex had worried that lack of wind combined with fewer daylight hours might prevent him from completing the journey before night fell.

Instead, Alex cruised across the open water. He rounded a buoy in Lloyd Harbor, N.Y., just after noon and landed back in Stamford at 1:56 p.m. Alex said he was proud to complete the journey.

“I think I really did something good,” he said.

He hopes his sail might inspire others.

“For people my age, it‘s excellent to make a connection between something you love doing and something you really care about to help what you care about, and that for me is sailing and Tuesday’s Children,” he said. “Hopefully, I can inspire people to do stuff like this.”

www.stanwichschool.org www.stanwichschool.org

Summer 2017 2017 33 Summer

STANWICH TRADITIONS THE STANWICH SEVEN

At Stanwich, ethics and values are a priority in the curriculum.

Here’s what our Lower School students have to say about the Stanwich Seven Values of Commitment, Compassion, Wisdom, Courage, Honesty, Forgiveness and Joy.

HONESTY is when you tell your Being kind to others creates parents you didn’t a DOMINO do your homework.

EFFECT. – WILLIAM – EMMY

PETTING MY DOG brings me JOY.

– LEON

Courage is standing up in front of people and GIVING A SPEECH.

– BELLA

The best thing to brighten someone’s day is a

34 Summer 2017

SMILE

=)

– KAREEM Stanwich Heart

COMPASSION is lending a classmate a pencil if they don’t have one. – ANNABEL

COMMITMENT: Courage is trying a Someday I hope to be a scientist.

– CHARLIE

I forgave my

NEW

FOOD.

BROTHER for saying I had to do whatever

– THAYER

he wanted me to.

– KEVIN

Courage is going on a

ROLLER COASTER ICE CREAM brings me JOY. – CHARLIE

www.stanwichschool.org

that is as fast as a

CHEETAH.

– JACQUELINE

Honesty is when you make a MISTAKE, but come forward to be TRUTHFUL. – ELLIE

If I had a million dollars to HELP OTHER PEOPLE, I would use it to build a system that RECYCLES WATER so there will be no more droughts. – MAIA

Summer 2017 35

COVER STORY

No Limits

Head of Lower School Trudy Davis says there are no limits to what Stanwich teachers do to support their students. She believes the hard work and focus she and her team expend is every bit as important as the mission the school embraces.

Below, Trudy reflects on her first year at The Stanwich School.

Describe the schools you attended as a student: Initially our village school was very small, everyone knew everyone. We all walked next door to the village church for services and celebrations each week and to the village green for PE lessons. Math often involved practical activities around the village. For high school all the villages bussed students to one large school in a nearby small town. At age 18, I went to university a few hours’ drive away on the south coast, the University of Chichester, part of the larger University of Southampton. I completed my master’s here in America at Columbia University which I chose because it had the most relevant and rigorous program. Following this I took many master’s courses at Bank Street College of Education in New York which focused on educational change in curriculum.

36 Summer 2017 2016

What is your professional experience as an educator?

I began my teaching career volunteering at local primary schools when I was 16 18 years old. My first job as an elementary school teacher was in a small school in Chichester where I taught PreK 4 through Grade 4 for several years.

After England my love of exploring new countries and experiencing different cultures took me to a teaching job in Tanglin Trust School — a very large and wellestablished British school in Singapore.

I chose this school partly due to location.

Southeast Asia will always be a favorite part of the world, and partly because it was well known for its very high academic standards in international British education. My three years there, teaching and taking on curriculum leadership roles, set the bar very high for anything that was going to come afterward in terms of the

choices I would make in my career.

After Singapore I moved to America to form part of a team to found the British School of Boston. While this was an extremely exhausting two years, the joy of building a school is hard to match and the friendships I made with teachers, parents, and students are still going strong.

In 2002 I moved to New York to complete my Masters and then joined the United Nations International School, initially as a teacher and curriculum leader, and then as a school administrator. The mission of the school, to create a better world, is something that is at the core of my desire to work in education. In moving from being a teacher to an administrator, I felt that the impact that I can have on children, their learning, their self-image, and their ability to understand their role in the world, increases further.

Stanwich Heart

www.stanwichschool.org

2017 37 Summer 2016

COVER STORY What drew you to Stanwich?

When I began to consider moving from UNIS I wanted to find a school that similarly strived for high academic standards for all students, but also something more. I was looking for a school that wanted to develop in students the ability to understand themselves, each other, and their role in society, both locally and globally. I was also looking for a smaller school in which I could have closer relationships with all of the students and know their families better. Having worked in both large and small schools, and having enjoyed different aspects in both, I was ready for a change back to a school which had chosen to be small by design with all the benefits that come from that.

What is your experience with IB and/ or IBDP? I have worked in two different schools that have the IB in their high schools, as well as middle and elementary schools.

For me the IB brings a clearly defined “end goal” to the school. As an ex-

tremely rigorous program — IB students often state that the first year of university is easier that Grade 12 — it also sets very high standards for what students need to be able to understand and do in order enter the program in Grade 11.

As a school leader, this helps me to set goals for where I need my students to be when they leave the Lower School, which investigative skills they need in science, which math concepts they need to be able to understand and transfer, how well they need to be able to express their ideas in both writing and orally, and so on. I have trained and worked extensively in the concept of backwards design, using the “Understanding by Design” model of Grant Wiggns and Jay McTighe. Using this method to design units of study in a grade level is very effective in ensuring students learn what it is they need to understand and be able to do within that unit. The introduction of the IB in our Upper School is already having a positive impact on our Lower School curriculum and analysis of our teaching methods.

GETTING PERSONAL Place of birth? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Reading, England, and grew up in a small village called Woodchurch which is in Kent (Southeast corner of England).

What book do you currently have on your night stand?

Unfortunately there are large piles of them and they keep falling off, but they include: Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope with Explosive Feelings by Fonseca; Rules In School: Teaching Discipline in the Responsive Classroom by Brody (my own children were not happy to see this one hanging around the house); and a Magic Tree House book Mummies Before Dark that I am co-reading with my son. Underneath that there is last Sunday’s New York Times which I am still working my way through.

Hobbies and Pets?

I like to run, road bike when I can, and I love to travel during vacations as much as I can. As much as possible I get back into Manhattan to eat out with friends or just wander and enjoy the city buzz.

We have two adopted cats who are adored by the family and who put up with an enormous amount of cuddling, being carried around and they even have been known to have their fur dyed pink on occasion.

If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with the time?

I would go back to Southeast Asia and show my children the places I fell in love with. Food, beaches, mountains, oceans, rainforests, rickshaws and boats, and so many new people to reconnect with. I would also make sure to include Angkor Wat in Cambodia as I never visited there. I left Asia in 2000 and still miss it terribly.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I sing loudly in the car when I’m driving and really don’t care who is watching. It embarrasses my children.

38 Summer 2017

Using your skills and experience, what do you believe your greatest contribution to Stanwich has been?

I believe that I have been able to bring to Stanwich the benefit of having experienced multiple different curriculums and teaching pedagogies. With wide-ranging experiences as a teacher, administrator, and professional development coach, I have come into this position knowing that there are several ways you can teach or assess any given concept; one approach that worked well for one particular class may not work for the next class or even for one particular student. I believe that as educators we must always be looking at how we teach; research into how students learn, the development of our brain, and the impact of emotional and social situations, to name just a few, is changing as quickly as the students themselves are. I have a passion for curriculum and really enjoy this aspect of my role here.

What unique strengths do you bring to your position?

I do not believe that this is a unique strength as I believe all educators need this in order to make it through their first year, but I do have a high level of positive energy, and a good sense of humor!

What excites you the most about being an educator?

It will always be the students. While I get passionate about curriculum and could easily lose days planning for learning goals, teaching activities, and assessments, in the end it is only about the students. One of the most difficult parts of the decision to become an administrator was knowing that it would move me further away room the classroom and from the amount of time I would have directly with students. At Stanwich I do get to be in front of, or with, the students each day, which was something that was not always possible in a much larger school.

What is your greatest accomplishment in the classroom?

For me they have always been the small ones that wouldn’t necessarily be remembered even by the child, such as a girl Stanwich Heart

who refused to speak for her first year of school who one day whispered her reading book to me. Of course, when you try a new program or strategy out in your classroom, or across a grade level, and you find that not only did the students learn what you wanted but they also loved it, that is always a good feeling.

What educators have inspired you/ do you follow?

I have worked with many amazing educators who have each inspired and impacted my practice in different ways.

When I first went to work at UNIS I really wanted the experience of working for a Principal, Tonya Porter, who I had the honor of interviewing as part of an assignment for Columbia University.

From that one interview and several hours shadowing her around the school, I saw a unique type of patience, kindness, and wisdom in how she spoke with every child and teacher. To lead and run a school that large and yet come across like that with every child or adult was incredibly inspiring. Another formal Principal I worked with had more emotional intelligence than anyone else I have ever www.stanwichschool.org

met, combined with her knowledge of curriculum and child development. She has become a mentor whom I reach out to still.

Grant Wiggins was also someone who had a great impact on me. After I attended several professional development conferences of his, he would always give me feedback if I reached out regarding curriculum work I was doing in my own school.

There have been many teachers who it is nothing short of a joy to observe in their classrooms. In particular I love to hear teachers using positive language, as in the Responsive Classroom approach, to help children become more confident and independent, and to own their own learning and actions.

Here at Stanwich, the teachers’ commitment to their students and to the school is difficult to explain to people outside of this community. There really is no limit to what the teachers will do to support each individual student.

Of course over the past year, Jerome Murphy and Charlie Sachs have been a valuable support duo, and it really is a pleasure to work with both of them.

Summer 2017 39

ANNUAL BENEFIT

LICENSE TO GIVE

License to Give: A Stanwich Bonding Experience On April 28, more than 200 parents and faculty members attended The Stanwich School’s annual benefit. Dara Miles chaired the event celebrating the school’s nineteen-year history. Sleek grey and black decorations highlighting popular James Bond movies adorned the Burning Tree Club creating a polished and elegant atmosphere.

The evening included drinks, dinner, a paddle raise and silent auction items. A live auction included a weeklong stay at the exclusive Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, a chef’s table dinner with wine pairings at award-winning restaurant Gabriel Kreuther, tickets for a Yankees game behind home plate and the ever popular “Head of Lower School for the Day,” among other items.

Following dinner and the live auction, the celebrants danced well into the night to music performed by Stolen Moments. The event was an overwhelming success raising over $200,000 for Stanwich. Thank you to everyone who helped make the night such a special event.

1 Scott and Mara Kellen 2 Lynn and Vernon Schwartz 3 Tim and Ayesha Khan 4 Charlie Sachs, Naomi Azrak and Andy Richard 5 Brook and Tom Ashforth 6 Janill Sharma, Kristine Gigliotti, Karen Richard, Jennifer Servedio, Elizabeth Davis McIntyre, Dara Miles, Amy Andrews, Kristen Beckman and Jennifer Frascella 7 Jessie and Greg Drennen, Mindy Nagorsky-Israel and Ronen Israel 8 David and Alexandra Hochman 9 Paige and Tony Recchia 10 Tom and Dara Miles 11 Jeff and Lynn Slovin 12 Jeff and Lora Robertson 13 Danny Combatti, Jennifer and Daniel Servedio 14 Ryan Edward, Elizabeth and Nelson Fitts

2

1

3

4 40 Summer 2017

5 Stanwich Heart

6

Nick D’Agostino • Rye Sports Photos

11

8

7

9

10

13 www.stanwichschool.org

12

14 Summer 2017 41

STANWICH ALUMNI THANKSGIVING REUNION 4

Alumni Thanksgiving Gathering On the night after Thanksgiving, adult Stanwich alumni gathered at The Gingerman to re-connect with former classmates and faculty. Attendees shared food, drink and stories about their experiences at Stanwich. This popular annual gathering has quickly become a welcomed Stanwich tradition.

1 Didi and Juliann Whitman 2 Kabreena Rankine, Imani Barnard, Tajai Gantt, Dylan Brodie and Sam Bellissimo 3 Jeffrey Meeker, Charlie Russell and Renwick Wilson 4 Denzeyl Morris and Rebecca Konolige 5 Andrew Grasso, Bruce Mandia and Niki Consuegra 6 Stanwich alumni 7 Philip Brauer, Sam Konolige, Evan Tesei and Grant Khosla 8 Caitlyn Ruzika, Margaux and Samantha Knox

5

2

1 6

3 7

8

Like us on Facebook! Keep up-to-date on Stanwich happenings! www.facebook.com/stanwichschool 42 Summer 2017

SHARE! Send us your news! We enjoy reading and promoting Stanwich alumni.

Please submit your news to alumnirelations@stanwichschool.org

Stanwich Heart

STANWICH ALUMNI PARENT REUNION “First Families” Alumni Parent Reunion

1

In November, a group of parents who joined the Stanwich School community in the first ten years gathered together at the home of Kathleen Wasson Finlay and Chris Finlay to reconnect and share many fond recollections of the school. The spirit of innovation held by this group of “first families” continues to thrive today!

1 Past and current Trustees 2 Eileen Grasso, Barbara Kugler and Kathleen Wasson Finlay 3 Chris Finlay and

3

Nick D’Agostino • Rye Sports Photos

2

Partick Downes 4 David and Chris Zadik 5 Cindy Meeker and Jeff Taufield 6 Laura Wack and Wendy Duryea 7 Dan Goggin, Pat Young and Sheila Goggin 8 Lisa Cooper, Tracy Smith and Sheila Moeller

4

5

7 www.stanwichschool.org

6

8 Summer 2017 43

100% Faculty that contributed to the Annual Fund this year

93% Parents that contributed to the Annual Fund this year

100% Trustees that contributed to the Annual Fund this year

The Stanwich School Annual Fund

Thank you!

Your support makes a difference in the lives of each student and faculty member who learns, teaches and grows at The Stanwich School.

44 Summer 2017

Visit “Support Stanwich� at www.stanwichschool.org to learn more about the Annual Fund

Stanwich Heart

Scientific research is like a VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY into unknown lands, seeking not for new territory but for new KNOWLEDGE. –Frederick Sanger

THE STANWICH SCHOOL 257 Stanwich Road Greenwich, CT 06830

Save these dates as Stanwich celebrates 20 years!

October 13 & 14, 2017 Fall Family Festival Homecoming Day

Friday, April 27, 2018 Annual Benefit Gala at Greenwich Country Club

Thursday, January 25, 2018 CHARTER DAY Parent & Faculty Party • Chili Cook-off

Friday, June 1, 2018 Graduation Class of 2018

46 Summer 2017

Stanwich Heart