Stanwich School Spring 2014 Newsletter

The Stanwich Heart The Quarterly Newsletter of The Stanwich School

Spring 2014

Inside This Issue Grade 6 Students Travel To the Medieval Ages Pg. 5

Seniors Partner With Kindergartners Pg. 6

IH Students Become Olympians Pg. 8

+ PLUS so much more!

www.stanwichschool.org

Oceans Away!

During spring break, a group of Junior House students experienced a marine science trip of a lifetime in Key Largo Pg. 14

Spring 2014 1

From the Head of School

The Stanwich Soul

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t long last, the winter snows have finally succumbed to longer days and warmer temperatures. The buds and shoots emerging around campus encourage us and nourish our spirits. Now that a most memorable March Madness is completed well beyond the sweet sixteen, we turn the attention at Stanwich to our own sweet sixteen.

Over the spring break, we began to map out our school garden. Beginning with our PreK charges, we will start seedlings, plant vegetables – from arugula to zucchini that the children will ultimately harvest and consume — study some soil sciences, and dig into having our campus leveraged into distinct learning spaces. Our Grade 6 science archeology classroom is being prepped beside the school’s campsite. Additionally, curricular planning for Wildwood Cottage’s use of the woods and wetlands is well underway, and our special partnership with Animal Embassy is exciting everyone.

Our acreage is unique to Stanwich and filled with substantive learning opportunities. This April, in fact, our upper school science classes will delve into their studies around the pond. And later this spring we will host our first Color Splash Dash for our entire lower school population. Be sure to look for more details on this fun and fitnessfocused event.

And what would springtime be without festive music and musical performances? Beginning in early May and extending to June, our talented children (and their teachers!) will grace us with

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their singing and playing and performing. Keep the school calendar close at hand for the listings, and be sure to invite any and all community members to join in and enjoy our Mostly May Music Festival. To quote Elisabeth Bishop from her Sonnet 1928, “There is a magic made by melody: A spell of rest, and quiet breath, and cool Heart, that sinks through fading colors deep.”

The solid footing of Stanwich, begun 16 years ago and now establishing its taproot at this historic, inaugural graduation, has found its place. United States Senator Richard Blumenthal will serve as our keynote and mark a new beginning for Greenwich. The vision of founder Pat Young to have a PreK-12 coeducational independent learning environment in Greenwich will have been realized. I, and so many others, are genuinely excited to transition to a single campus next fall.

For all those who, through their time, talent, and treasure, have cultivated and nourished the Stanwich spirit to help it grow, thank you. One former parent recently remarked to me that Stanwich is distinctive from all other area schools because of its soul. I would like to think it is because we live out our mission

One

former

parent

recently remarked to me that Stanwich is distinctive other

area

from

all

schools

because of its soul. quite intentionally; we create a rigorous and challenging learning environment in which personal excellence is the priority, a community in which being mindful of others is truly valued, and a school spirit that drives learners to think bigger and beyond themselves. That is the Stanwich soul, and it is fertile ground upon which our children, our scholars, will be exceedingly well prepared to make the world a better place.

The Stanwich Heart

College Bound Following is an impressive list of colleges and universities to which our seniors received letters of acceptance.

Barnard College

Temple University

University of New Haven

Boston University

Texas Christian University

University of Pittsburgh

Central Connecticut State University

Trinity University

University of Rhode Island

College of the Holy Cross

Tulane University

University of Vermont

Drew University

University of Alabama

Vanderbilt University

Drexel University

University of Connecticut

Washington and Lee University

Eastern Connecticut State University

University of Connecticut Medical

Whittenburg University

Emerson College

University of Denver

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Fordham University

University of Georgia

Wesleyan University

George Washington University

University of Hartford

Hartwick College

University of Kentucky

High Point University

* Bold listings indicate schools that students have committed to * As of 4/14/14

Iona College Lehigh University Loyola University Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marymount Manhattan Pepperdine University Purchase College Purdue University Quinnipiac University Rider University Rhodes College Roanoke College Sacred Heart University Salve Regina University Southern Methodist University Siena College Stetson University Stevenson University Stonehill College Southern Connecticut State University www.stanwichschool.org

The growing collection of college acceptance letters displayed on Jerome Murphy’s door Spring 2014 3

Life at the Lower School

Meaghan Mallin

Head of Lower School

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fter much eager anticipation, it seems that spring is finally upon us! I know we are all incredibly grateful for the warmth and sunshine that we are beginning to be blessed with, and our children certainly share in that feeling. I have the fortune of having a wonderful vantage point from my office window, and there aren’t quite words

to encapsulate the joy of watching our young ones, with flushed cheeks and beaming smiles, running around the hill soaking up every moment of playing in the sunshine.

As spring gets underway, I can’t help but reflect on all of the highlights we shared as a Lower School community this winter.

While the winter felt harsh at times, it certainly did not impede the wealth of experiences and opportunities that our Lower Schoolers had at their fingertips. Both inside and outside of the classroom, our children were immersed in learning and play throughout the winter months. Though this happens in magical ways each day within the regular classroom routine, we also shared some very special experiences outside of the classroom in the past weeks.

Perhaps you saw our first-graders delivering the weather and singing about the water cycle on News 12, or our sixth-graders cloaked in costumes, enjoying jousting and a feast

LLAMA PAJAMA PARTY

during their Medieval Fair. Maybe you heard about our PreK, learning about animal survival strategies at the Bruce Museum’s Exhibit in the Dark, with flashlights in tow, or witnessed our third-graders perform The Wizard of Oz with such impressive poise and pride. Of course, a favorite highlight of the winter months is always our annual Grade 5 trip to Lake Placid, where students, along with their teachers, were able to experience cross country skiing, bobsledding, ice skating on the Olympic oval, and creating the social bonds that come with being away together. “Best trip ever” was heard echoing through the fifth-grade hallway multiple times upon their return.

So, regardless of the weather, it was a vibrant time in the Lower School. Our winter was chock full of joyful opportunities and unique learning experiences for our young people. We can hardly wait to see all that spring has in store for us in the coming weeks!

FLOWER POWER

As part of their author study on Anna Dewdney, PreK students read all of the author/illustrator’s “llama” books, and even created their own “llamas in pajamas.”

Kindergartners decorated flower pots into which they will plant marigolds as part of their Seed to Plant science unit.

STORMY WEATHER News Channel 12 weatherman Paul Piorek shared weather-related experiments with Grade 1 students. After producing an Alka-Seltzer explosion and making snow, the students delivered the weather report for the evening newscast.

WATER WORLD As part of their lesson on water, Grade 2 students used colored water to estimate what percentage of the Earth’s water supply is usable water. The answer? 1% 4 Spring 2014

The Stanwich Heart

OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD Grade 3 students put on a spectacular performance of The Wizard of Oz.

MEDIEVAL TIMES Dressed in Medieval costumes, the sixth graders played chess, feasted, composed ballads and jousted, as part of the annual Medieval Faire.

STANELLIS ISLAND

Grade 4 students dressed as their ancestors and took part in an immigration reenactment.

LAKE PLACID TRIP From sledding, to cross-country skiing to enjoying a bonfire, Grade 5 students spent three fun-filled days in picturesque Lake Placid. The trip was a true bonding experience for the grade.

www.stanwichschool.org

Spring 2014 5

Life at the Upper School

Jerome Murphy

Head of Upper School

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s I reflect on the last few months in the Upper School, I can’t help but marvel at all the wonderful mission related opportunities our students have had the chance to engage in recently.

Our 7th and 8th graders have continued to learn more about the importance of Service Learning and how to invest themselves in helping others who are less fortunate.

The Co-Chair of our Service Learning program, Nina Nacher, has spearheaded some wonderful opportunities for our students to actively engage their minds, bodies, and loving spirit in helping others. Between our partnerships and engagement with organizations like the Yerwood Center, Kids Helping

Kids, St Luke’s, ECAD, to name just a few, our kids are learning how to make positive differences in the lives of the homeless, disadvantaged adults and kids, and wounded veterans, among others.

The commitment shown by some of our Senior House students over the last few months came to fruition during the wonderful performance of Sylvia in February. With the guidance of the Director, Bruce Mandia, the SH cast managed to juggle and balance daily rehearsals among all of their other responsibilities and show their talents on stage to a packed house on a Friday night. Following a 2nd successful showing on Saturday, we are left with the reminder of how important it is for us to facilitate these opportunities in the arts for our students.

Another example of commitment came to light following the Junior House students’ recent Marine Lab excursion in Florida.

When I consider the time and effort that went into planning and making this opportunity happen, I am reminded of how special this school is. Thanks to the planning efforts of Jen Weyant, Grade 7 Life Science teacher, and the help she received from LS colleagues, Amy Kerekes and Jeff Magliola, who accompanied her, our seventh-graders were afforded the wonderful opportunity to

FOR THE BIRDS Members of the Senior class recently worked with kindergartners to construct birdhouses. The houses will be decorated and hung around campus.

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make genuine connections between their science curriculum and real life. In true Stanwich fashion, as it relates to our partnerships with parents, the additional support provided by parent, Lisa Bailey Cassidy, only added to the joy felt by all on this trip.

As our seniors continue to receive great news about their college acceptances and offers of merit-based scholarships, they also took the time, as part of a community building program, to engage with the kindergartners in building birdhouses for the main campus. Led by 12th grade advisors, Jane Graham and Shannon Hubertus, our seniors partnered with the K’s last week to start the project. In the coming weeks, after a few more working sessions at the main campus, our seniors, with the help of the kindergartners, will finish their project and hang the birdhouses throughout the campus.

Career Day serves as another wonderful opportunity we look forward to providing our students. On May 2nd, our juniors and seniors will have the chance to hear from and engage with a host of professionals who are visiting SE. The panel of professionals will all share their experiences growing up and how they decided on college, majors, and work experiences, reflecting in essence, on how they became who they are today.

DOG SHOW Mr. Katona’s advisory is raising funds to support ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities. This organization’s mission is to educate and place assistance dogs to enable people with disabilities to gain greater independence and mobility.

Look for the “Smooch a Pooch” event in June!

The Stanwich Heart

SYLVIA ON STAGE The talent of Stanwich Senior House students was on full display as they presented Sylvia, a dramatic play about a dog, the couple who adopts her, and the drama that results!

www.stanwichschool.org

Spring 2014 7

Lower School Physical Education

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tudents in grades K-6 enjoyed their first full winter in their new gymnasium. With the addition of new equipment and the bigger space, the students were able to experience a plethora of new activities and units. The two units that generated the most buzz and enthusiasm were the PE Olympics and the rock climbing unit.

While the torch has been extinguished in Sochi and the PE Olympics are over, the memories of the first Stanwich PE Olympics are alive and bright. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 competed in the physical education versions of the Skeleton, Bobsled, Biathlon and Curling. Fun was had by all and the games even inspired a separate faculty Olympics! Congratulations to team Brazil for winning the Lower School Olympics!

Chantal Angelis In addition, students in grades 1-6 reached new heights this winter with one of the newest adDirector of Athletics ditions to Stanwich’s PE Program. The climbing wall, located opposite the stage, stretches 20 feet across the gym wall and is 10 feet high. It features color-coded hand and foot holds that indicate the difficulty and allow students to choose their climbing challenge. With the focus on traversing and bolstering, students worked on their upper body strength, coordination and problem solving skills.

Throughout our three week unit, students were engaged in a variety of different activities and challenges including limiting their hand and footholds and reaching for different targets.

OLYMPIC GAMES Intermediate House students enjoyed their Olympic competitions in Skeleton, Bobsled, Biathlon and Curling.

8 Spring 2014

The Stanwich Heart

Upper School Athletics Spring Season Outlook After a short pre-season, Middle School Fairchester Athletic Association League competition has begun. Stanwich will be fielding a total of five teams this spring.

Season Preview Tennis Coming off a one-loss season in 2013, the Stanwich tennis team looks to build off of last year’s successes. Having trained at Chelsea Piers in the few weeks leading up to the season, Stanwich placed strong in their first match of the season against Resurrection.

During the season, the tennis team will play against Resurrection, Greenwich Academy, Greenwich Catholic, and Hackley.

Baseball With a veteran team made up of mostly 8th and 9th graders, Stanwich’s baseball team looks to improve on last year’s 4-2 record. With powerful pitching and solid defensive play, Stanwich has high hopes for their 2014 campaign.

During the season, the baseball team will play against Fairfield Country Day, Brunswick, Rye Country Day, King, and Eastern Middle School.

Softball The 2014 Stanwich softball team is looking to be a big contender throughout the season. With speed, game experience, and defensive chemistry, the Cougars have high expectations for their upcoming season. The team brings back 8 returners and 6 newcomers in hopes of remaining one cohesive unit to push hard the entire season.

During the season, the softball team will play against Greens Farms Academy, St. Luke’s, Greenwich Academy, New Canaan Country School, and Rippowam Cisqua.

Boys’ Lacrosse With leadership and experience sprinkled around the field, Stanwich looks forward to a successful 2014 season. Speed in the midfield coupled with an experienced team of defensemen gave Stanwich a great deal of confidence going into their first game of the season against New Canaan Country School.

During the season, the boys’ lacrosse team will play against New Canaan Country School, St. Luke’s, Unquowa, King, and Greens Farms Academy.

Girls’ Lacrosse The Cougars return their leading scorer and the core of their team from last season. With great team chemistry, a solid foundation of skills and great coaching, the team looks forward to successful 2014 season.

During the season, the girls’ lacrosse team will play against Greenwich Academy, King, Greenwich Catholic, Rye Country Day, and Hackley.

Upper School Teams Tennis — Coach Angelis Baseball — Coach Dunn & Coach Colombo Softball — Coach Alper & Coach Abbott Boys’ Lacrosse — Coach Radcliffe & Coach Higle Girls’ Lacrosse – Coach Davis & Coach Leblanc

Additional Upper School Sports Offerings Instructional Tennis — Coach Milostan Fitness — Coach Wood & Coach Soprano Golf — Coach Cardarelli

www.stanwichschool.org

Spring 2014 9

News

Over 8 Years, Stanwich Raises $284,117 for St. Jude’s

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Graduation Speaker Announced for Inaugural Commencement The Stanwich School is pleased to announce that United States Senator Richard Blumenthal has accepted the school’s invitation to serve as keynote speaker at Stanwich’s first commencement ceremony on May 29, 2014. Senator Blumenthal, a former Stanwich School parent, was invited by the Class of 2014, and we are delighted he was able to accept.

“I’m excited and proud to attend this joyous and significant graduation — launching these very special young people on the next phase of their educational journey,” said Senator Blumenthal.

The Stanwich School class of 2014 includes 16 young men and women who will be the first seniors to receive diplomas from the school. All of the scholars have been accepted to 4-year colleges or universities.

or the eighth year in-a-row, Stanwich students helped to save lives by participating in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Students asked their friends and family to pledge a specific amount of money for every math problem they solved.

The event, which ran for a month this winter, had an impressive number of students participating. In Grades K, 2 and 5, 100 percent of students raised funds. Students in the remaining Lower School had more than a 96 percent participation rate.

Over the past eight years, Stanwich students have raised more than $284,117 for the world’s premiere pediatric cancer research center. These funds will help St. Jude in its ongoing fight against childhood catastrophic diseases. This year, Stanwich’s Math-A-Thon raised $29,638 for St. Jude’s.

“Our goal in holding this event is to help children who are stricken with diseases like cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease and other illnesses. We always hold this event in January to link with the Stanwich value of Wisdom, demonstrating how children can use their minds to help others,” said Laurel Peterson, coordinator of the event.

Students in grades K through 6 worked diligently to raise the funds. “Our students have a wonderful time participating in the Math-A-Thon. Talk about a win/win situation: generating donations for such a wonderful charity, empowering our children with the knowledge they can make a difference and getting our kids to do additional math problems,” said Meaghan Mallin, Head of Lower School.

For 30 years, the St. Jude’s Math-A-Thon program has successfully helped children improve their math skills and helped raise millions of dollars in the fight against childhood cancer. More than 10,000 schools across the country take part in the Math-A-Thon program.

In 2009, Stanwich raised the most amount of funds for the Math-A-Thon out of any participating school in the country. In Math-A-Thon Donations Raised recognition of this accomplishment, St. Jude’s, in partnership with PlayCore, rewarded Stanwich with $50,000 worth of playground 2006-2007 ..... $39,392 equipment. Stanwich repeated the accomplishment the following 2007-2008 ..... $42,315 year, and was awarded an additional $50,000 worth of equipment.

2008-2009 ..... $35,890 “We never told our students that winning a new playground was even a possibility. At Stanwich, we emphasize to the children that, 2009-2010 ..... $33,971 ‘the gift is in the giving,’ ” said Peterson.

2010-2011 ..... $34,756 St. Jude’s is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other cata2011-2012 ..... $36,750 strophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, 2012-2013 ..... $31,405 and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude’s freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No fam2013-2014 ..... $29,638 ily ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families Total raised ........ $284,117 without insurance are never asked to pay.

Source: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

By The Numbers

10 Spring 2014

The Stanwich Heart

Stanwich School Students Receive $194,000 in Scholarships from the Patricia S. Heyman Foundation

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he Stanwich School is proud to announce that seven students have been awarded scholarships from The Patricia S. Heyman Foundation of Greenwich, CT. The total amount of the scholarships is approximately $194,000. The foundation, named for and funded by the generosity of the late Patricia Heyman, who lived in Greenwich for most of her life, is in its first year of operation. Its principal mission is to provide educational scholarships to students based on their need, academic performance and community service.

Numerous applications were received by the foundation and the process of awarding scholarships began with a comprehensive nomination form followed by a personal meeting with the foundation directors. After meeting the seven Stanwich students, the directors commented on how the Stanwich nominees impressed them with their accomplishments, energy and goals. Harry Peden III, president of the foundation, remarked that “each student and family we met through The Stanwich School presented themselves very well and effectively articulated their backgrounds and aspirations.”

Paul Geise, Head of School, said “We are deeply honored to have seven students selected as scholarship award recipients.

While we are proud and impressed with our exceptional students, it is affirming for an outside organization to also recognize the talents we see daily in every student. I admire and applaud The Patricia S. Heyman Foundation for taking the extra steps of getting to know each nominee and was sincerely impressed with their

comprehensive review process. Their important work is needed in the world as we all strive toward shaping a future with highly educated, morally grounded adults who also give back to their respective communities.”

The award recipient names will be kept confidential. Stanwich is proud of their accomplishments.

About The Patricia S. Heyman Foundation The Patricia S. Heyman Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation that seeks to award scholarships to students in Greenwich and nearby communities at all levels of education.

Pictured are Lisa Bailey Cassidy, Stanwich School Trustee, Paul Geise, Head of School, and The Patricia S. Heyman Foundation directors Harry Peden III, Dr. Vaughn Dunn and Terry Coates.

What Does Stanwich’s College Admission Process Look Like?

Uniformity

Wednesday, April 23 at 9:00am on the Stanwich Road campus

Need an extra uniform?

Outgrown a gym uniform?

Howard and Matthew Greene will present an introduction to the college admissions and educational planning process for parents of first through sixth graders. They will discuss the structure of the college guidance program they have put in place for the upper school students during the past two years, and what parents can expect as their children enter high school. To provide context, the Greenes will cover some of the bigger trends and concerns related to college admissions in recent years. Questions and discussion will be welcome.

No problem. Stanwich has a number of gently used uniforms on hand. Stop in any of the offices to find out what’s on-hand.

www.stanwichschool.org

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News 4th Annual Trivia Bowl Puts Students to the Test

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ho is the President of Russia? What is 8% expressed as a fraction in lowest terms? In what country was LEGO invented? In what year did Apple Computer introduce the first iPhone? What is the dog’s name on the Disney show, Dog With A Blog? These questions and dozens more challenged students during the fourth annual IH Trivia Bowl held Friday, March 7.

Teams of scrambled fourth, fifth, and sixth graders competed to correctly answer questions from an array of academic subjects, popular culture, and school history. With more than 95 excited students, a crew of enthusiastic parent volunteers, and the entire exuberant IH faculty participating, the IH Assembly Room was a rollicking roller-coaster of fun!

The event, which included a pizza lunch and ice cream, was underwritten by fourteen IH families and orchestrated by Annie McCurdy, Mia Simonsen and Maureen Vitanza and their team of volunteers (Melissa Bennett, Mary Brauer, Donna Brydson, Sheri Ng, Winifred Marion, Julie Newcomer, Kristin Taylor and Dina Weinstein); more than $2,600 was raised for the Stanwich School library. Thank you!

Competition for the grand prize was fierce. At the end of regulation play, two teams were tied for first place and advanced to a nail-biting face-off. The tie-breaking trivia question: How many pages is the hard-cover, first edition of the 7th book in the Harry Potter series? Answer: 739!

STAT BLAST

83% of Stanwich students who took Advanced Placement exams received scores of 4 or 5.

Source: The College Board results of Stanwich 2013 AP exams. AP scores are ranked 1 - 5, with 5 being highest

2013-2014 AP OFFERINGS

AP Calculus • AP Biology • AP US Government and Politics • AP Literature • AP French • AP Spanish • AP Studio Art •

Junior Achievement Honors Two Of Stanwich’s Own Junior Achievement is an educational program that allows dedicated students from various schools to practice practical and realistic economic business tactics.

Stanwich juniors José Maita and Victoria Slater were honored with awards for their hard work and effort in their “businesses.”

Junior José Maita won the Vice President of Production award and was featured in the Greenwich Time .

Maita’s company, Equinox, also went on to win Company of the Year, and he won this award for a second year in-a-row and is

12 Spring 2014

again presented with the opportunity to travel to Canada this summer for an all-expense-paid trip to a convention where he will have the opportunity to meet with many different business owners/executives.

Junior Victoria Slater won a spirit award due to her avid effort and participation within her group. She participated in various programs and was elected for the award out of everyone in her company.

The Stanwich Heart

Students Compete at Regional Spelling & Geography Bees

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tanwich School sixth-grader Winnie Marion and fifthgrader Sophie Jayaweera proudly represented the Stanwich School at the Hearst Media Services Regional Spelling Bee, as part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury on March 21.

Competing against approximately 60 spellers at this regional bee, Winnie Marion competed through to the second round, missing the word “fandango.” Sophie Jayaweera made it to the third round, where she misspelled “elixir.”

One student from each class of Stanwich’s Intermediate House, grades 4 through 6, faced off to determine a winner and runner-up, which were Winnie and Sophie, respectively.

Similarly at Stanwich East, Upper School history teacher Chris Hughes moderated the school’s entry into the National Geographic Bee. Selected as winners of robust seventh and eights class-level competition, six students — Yusef Abaza, Sean O’Neil, James Winn, Charlie Rote, Maeve Sebold, and J.J. Evans — headed to Stanwich’s championship. The final round came down to Sean and Maeve, with Sean taking the top seat after a few tie breakers. Following the competition, Sean took a written test to qualify for the National Geographic state competition.

Chromebooks 101 Students in grades 4 through 6 are enjoying the new Chromebooks they have at their disposal.

The Chromebook is a new type of computer designed to get users on the web as quickly as possible.

They’re faster, simpler, and more secure than traditional computers.

The computers are used in weekly tech classes, and for research and projects in class. During tech classes, students learn how to use Google Apps, and one lesson earlier in the year introduced students to Scratch programming.

Next year, the program will be expanded to include Grades 7 and 8.

What makes Chromebooks different? All work is done in a browser. All content is saved on the web. Chromebooks start up fast and last all day long. The device is always up-todate. There is built-in security. The device doesn’t need that much RAM.

www.stanwichschool.org

That Empty Feeling: Seniors Skip A Day Upper School students returned from Spring Break on the last day of March only to find a group missing. Seniors took an extra day to snooze by organizing a Senior skip day, a high school tradition but a first for our new high school.

Senior Skip Day is a tradition in most American high schools where senior students take a random extra day off once a year. This was a surprise to some teachers as they were eager to be back and continue teaching.

Mrs. Hubertus, a senior advisor, commented on the situation by saying that she “felt this was an act of coming together, which showed unity.”

“I do not mind them taking an extra day off since it’s a tradition, and it shows bonding throughout the student body.”

Seniors for years to come can continue this tradition, which was pioneered suddenly and in surprising fashion by the class of 2014.

Spring 2014 13

Oceans Away!

Marine Science

During spring break, a group of Junior House students experienced a marine science trip of a lifetime in Key Largo

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acques Cousteau said, “The happiness of the bee and the dolphin is to exist.

For man it is to know that and to wonder at it.” For seventeen of Stanwich’s seventh and eighth-graders, mankind’s gift of “wonder” was explored for four days and three nights on the trip of a lifetime.

The students spent part of their spring vacation participating in a marine science experience at MarineLab, an educational marine science facility located in Key Largo, Florida.

At MarineLab, students participated in discussions, hands-on lab activities, and snorkeling-based field observations to learn about the interdependent, holistic nature of the marine ecosystem of the subtropical Florida Keys. Lessons and activities were based on coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass ecology.

“After learning about each of these very important ecosystems in the classroom, students had the rare opportunity to experience each one of them first hand during our four snorkel excursions,” said Upper School

science teacher, Jen Weyant.

“It was wonderful to experience marine life like never before! We explored organisms in their natural habitats, as well as the importance of partnerships around the world; including our own,” said seventhgrader Cullen Murphy.

The trip was so interesting to Lily Grady, also a seventh-grader, she commented that, “Both biology and marine biology will be part of my future studies.”

Lab activities conducted by the students included invertebrate diversity, sponge spicule identification, sea turtle stranding discussions, and a plankton identification lab. “Students made strong connections between the Grade 7 Life Science curriculum and their field experience,” said Ms. Weyant.

“This trip was a lot of fun for many reasons. I made some new friends, saw many cool things and learned a lot about marine biology. I especially liked seeing a sea turtle and a nurse shark while snorkeling! I would highly recommend others to go on this trip

given the opportunity,” said seventh-grader Will Ferrarese.

Echoing his classmates experience was eighth-grader Ethan Berman whose favorite part was, “snorkeling in the mangroves and learning about mangrove ecology.”

Also participating in the trip were Intermediate House science teacher, Amy Kerekes, and IT specialist, Jeff Magliola. “I was certainly impressed by the knowledge of our students. They arrived with a vast array of information about what we were learning at MarineLab, and were able to share it with the center’s instructors,” said Mrs. Kerekes. “The trip was also a great professional

Continued ›

“What is a scientist after all? It is a curious man looking through a keyhole, the keyhole of nature, trying to know what’s going on.”

Jacques Yves Cousteau 14 Spring 2014

The Stanwich Heart

www.stanwichschool.org

Spring 2014 15

Marine Science development opportunity for myself, and an additional way for me to strengthen my connection with our students.”

Recreation Time In addition to the time spent at MarineLab, students also had an opportunity to go off campus and receive a private tour of Theatre of the Sea, a marine mammal park located in Islamorada, Florida. “Because we wanted the kids to have some recreation time, we also enjoyed a day of swimming and other recreational activities at a private, ocean side community at Ocean Reef in Key Largo, complete with a wellreceived catered lunch,” said Ms. Weyant.

“While the trip was a complete success, and the students had a lot of fun, the greatest accomplishment of the adventure was the wealth of knowledge and wonder gained by all of us, teachers and students alike.”

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MarineLab sits on Largo Sound in Key Largo, Fla.

The Stanwich Heart

www.stanwichschool.org

Spring 2014 17

Parent Association

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know I speak for most of you when I say how pleased I am to finally see the sun, and put away my winter coat! The bulbs are blooming, the air is fresh and things are heating up at Stanwich!

The Parent Association supports Stanwich in so many ways. Our aim is to foster a spirit of unity amongst our community and ensure that our parents, faculty and children benefit from the experiences we all have at the school. To this end, we are constantly working behind the scenes to provide enriching, fun and inspirational events for all.

Our Faculty We are constantly trying to go above and beyond to show our teachers how much we appreciate their time and efforts with our children. In addition to our sweet Wednesdays — when parents host a breakfast event — we have weekly raffles and occasional pop up raffles that include trips to sporting events, various store vouchers, spa days, etc. Faculty appreciation week is May 5th to May 9th, for which there is much planned. We have just hosted an appreciation lunch for our faculty, with food provided and served by our parents.

Parents Our special events and community building events are organized to give you, the parents, a chance to meet others and feel part of the Stanwich Family. Coming up on 25th April is our main parent event of the year, our annual benefit. We hope you will all be there for an opportunity to relax and party together.

The annual parent luncheon serves as a thank you to all the parent volunteers and as a social event for all parents. This year it will be on May 14th at the gorgeous Belle Haven club. Again, please RSVP as soon as you receive the invite.

As part of Parent Education, a series of talks is scheduled throughout April and May. These are well worth attending, and will give us tools that will help us as we navigate the road that makes us the best parents we can be.

May is the month for music. Save the dates for all the performances scheduled in May, and at the end, come together to enjoy a showcase of our very own Stanwich Faculty who will perform for us on June 1. An English High Tea will be served.

Our Children Throughout the year, during the occasional Friday assembly, the Lower School children have been entertained and inspired through our Arts and Enrichment program; and as part of the service learning curriculum, they

have been participating in many different projects, both in and outside of the school.

From Neighbor to Neighbor collections, to building and supplying gingerbread houses to Nathaniel Witherell residents. All these projects have the aim of helping our children make God’s world a better place.

Our children are starting to get word of the “Stanwich Splash Dash.” Heard of it yet?

The children will be so excited, they will literally be seeing rainbows. The event is a fun dash through the Stanwich woods, and a splash of color thrown in, too. Look for it on June 5th after early dismissal.

I have mentioned much about the happenings at Stanwich, but there is so much more going on! I hope that you feel encouraged to get involved in some of the events and activities, or at least support them as much as possible to ensure Stanwich moves forward each year as a community with success and strength.

On a final note, please remember that the Annual Campaign is still moving forward toward the goal of 100% parent participation. If you haven’t made your contribution, please consider it now. Have a wonderful Spring. See you at the benefit.

­—Ingrid Winn Parent Association President, 2013-2014

Announcements from the PA Please join us for the 2014 Stanwich School Annual Benefit!

A Sweet Celebration Friday, April 25 • 7:00PM L’escale 500 Steamboat Road, Gwch An Evening of Dinner, Dancing and Sweet Surprises!

18 Spring 2014

The Stanwich Heart

Coming on June 5

Stanwich Splash Dash!

Lower School students: Come and get splattered with paint by your teachers as you run through Stanwich’s trails.

Pizza and refreshments will be served!

Raffle prizes and lots more fun!

Registration and details to follow in May! www.stanwichschool.org

Spring 2014 19

The Back Page Mostly May Music Celebrations This spring, Stanwich is proud to host a series of celebrations of splendid music in its various forms. Invite your friends and those who also might benefit from hearing the joys of song and performance. All events will take place on the Stanwich Road campus!

DATE

TIME

EVENT

May 4

11:00am

Curiosity Concert Series Cassatt Quartet hosted at Stanwich School

May 9

1:30 & 6:00pm

Grade 7 musical production of FAME

May 14

6:00pm

IH Spring Concert

May 16

1:30 & 6:00pm

Grade 8 musical production of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

May 16

11:00am

PH Piano Recital

May 17

1:30 & 6:30pm

Senior House & Grades 2 -3 musical production of CINDERELLA

May 21

6:00pm

Upper School Spring Concert and Art Presentation

May 23

8:00am

PH Piano Recital

May 23

11:00am

IH Piano Recital

June 1

4:00pm

Stanwich Music Faculty Showcase

June 3

1:00 & 6:00pm

IH musical production of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2

SAVE THE DATE

SPRING OPEN HOUSE • Wednesday, April 30 at 9:00am

ALL-SCHOOL PICNIC HOSTED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

When Katie and her classmates arrive for the first day of school this September, they’ll be making history in Greenwich.

The Stanwich School will be Greenwich’s first and only coeducational PreK—12 independent school.

Greenwich Point Clambake Area Tuesday, May 27 5:00 - 7:00pm

Come, be a part of history!

INVITE A FRIEND

Stanwich has limited openings in select grade levels for qualified candidates for the 2014-2015 school year.

20 Spring 2014

The Stanwich School • 257 Stanwich Road • Greenwich, CT 06830 • www.stanwichschool.org

The Stanwich Heart