the masters school | fall 2014
WHAT BELONGS IN THE TOOLKIT FOR
STUDENT SUCCESS?
Experiential learning is a key component of the Masters’ toolkit. Middle School students go seining as part of their study of the Hudson River.
C O N T A C T S The Masters School 49 Clinton Avenue Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522-2201 914-479-6400 www.mastersny.org Send letters to: Bob Horne bob.horne@mastersny.org Send address changes to: Judy Donald judy.donald@mastersny.org Send alumnae/i news to news editors listed in Class Notes or: Angelique Chielli angelique.chielli@mastersny.org
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ON THE COVER Masters School students graduate with a “toolkit” of knowledge and skills that prepares them to achieve success in today’s rapidly-changing world.
CONTENTS D E PA RT M E N T S
COVER STORY
04
WHAT BELONGS IN THE TOOLKIT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
>> Masters School students graduate with a toolkit for success that includes the ability to collaborate with diverse groups, think critically and creatively, and self-teach. Faculty members discuss innovative ways they incorporate relevant skills and knowledge into the curriculum so that our students flourish as ethical leaders for decades to come.
F E AT U R E S
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MASTERS SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM
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MASTERING THE ART OF CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
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FROM MAUREEN FONSECA ON CAMPUS GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AUTHORS’ CORNER ALUMNAE/I UPDATE SNAPSHOTS
>> A new science research program launched by Dr. Catharine Boothroyd makes science accessible and enjoyable while teaching students cutting-edge techniques and ‘best practices’ for their experiments. Meetings with Postdoctoral Fellows from The Rockefeller University offer an insider’s view into real-life science research.
>> Christina Krumrine, a member of The Masters School Class of 1980, has spent 30 years working to conserve and restore beautiful works of art for museums, galleries, institutions and private collectors. She talks about her passion for art conservation and restoration and the meticulous work that is required.
the bulletin | fall 2014 | 01
FROM MAUREEN FONSECA
Preparing Our Students for the Future Dear Friends, This past June, 107 students from the Class of 2014 graduated from The Masters School and joined the ranks of alumnae/i around the world. It has been a pleasure to watch this spirited, talented and caring group of young people grow and shine throughout their years at Masters. I was so proud to see them walk across graduation terrace and to recognize the impressive array of colleges they will attend this fall. It was also gratifying to learn from our alumnae/i office that one-third of this class has already volunteered to work as reunion volunteers, class agents, and class notes editors! They are really a great class and I have no doubt that they are well prepared for success in college and for life and will be strong contributors to their communities. Speaking of success, the education community has been abuzz in debate about the skills and programs needed for today’s children to become effective citizens and leaders of this 21st century. A group of more than 250 researchers across 60 institutions worldwide – under the auspices of the University of Melbourne’s Assessment & Teaching of 21st Century Skills (ATC21S) – are engaged in a multi-year collaboration with CISCO, Microsoft, Intel and other industry leaders to pinpoint and define those skills needed for success in the coming decades. They have categorized 21st century skills into four broad categories: • Ways of thinking: Creativity, critical thinking, problemsolving, decision-making and learning; • Ways of working: Communication and collaboration; • Tools for working: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and information literacy; • Skills for living in the world: Citizenship, life and career, and personal and social responsibility. At Masters, we too have been studying this question and adapting to the changing future our graduates will encounter. The feature article in this issue of The Bulletin, “What Belongs in the Toolkit for Student Success in the 21st Century and Beyond?” reflects some of the ways our faculty are thinking differently about teaching and learning.
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Matt Ives, Head of Upper School, writes about the forces driving curriculum development, teaching and learning at the School. It incorporates a series of interviews with faculty on curriculum refinement designed to meet the challenge of preparing students to successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges and a globally competitive workforce. In addition to the cover story on teaching and learning, I believe you will enjoy learning about the work of Dr. Catharine Boothroyd, an Upper School science teacher, who has launched an innovative science research program featuring “real world” coursework, guest speakers and laboratory experimentation. We truly appreciate the parent support that helped us launch this program through the purchase of sophisticated lab equipment and supplies. I hope you will also enjoy the news and accompanying photos highlighting campus events over the past year. It is always a special joy to be part of reunion and witness alums rekindling warm memories and to learn how they continue to Do it With Their Might as they make their mark in the world. We continue to be proud of all that our alums have achieved and are truly grateful for your enduring support. As you know, this will be my final year as Head of The Masters School. It will be a bittersweet parting for me. Even as I am excited to embark on a new adventure it will be very hard to leave so many dear friends among all constituent groups. It is comforting though to recognize that the School is in such a strong position with its most robust enrollment ever, exciting new facilities, and a dedicated and innovative faculty of distinction. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with our outstanding Board of Trustees during these 15 years. And, of course, it will be wonderful to celebrate the opening of the Masters Athletic and Arts Center (MAAC) with all of you during the 2014-2015 academic year. As always, thank you for your dedication to the School. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on campus during the upcoming year. Warm regards,
MAUREEN FONSECA, Ph.D. Head of School
the bulletin | fall 2014 | 03
COVER STORY
Teaching and Learning:
What Belongs in the Toolkit for Student Success in the st 21 Century and Beyond? By Debbie Shure P’07
THE 21ST CENTURY IS RACING BY, WITH TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND NEW INFORMATION UPENDING MANY OF THE TENETS THAT PREVIOUS GENERATIONS RELIED UPON. AS THIS CENTURY UNFOLDS, HOW DO WE PREPARE OUR CHILDREN TO BE ETHICAL LEADERS AND ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN AN EVEREVOLVING WORLD?
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The answer is to ensure that students graduate with a toolkit of knowledge and skills that can be adapted to the changing needs of life and career. The kit will include the ability to collaborate with diverse groups, think critically and creatively, take risks, and to self-teach. Masters School faculty members have been working on this toolkit for years, continually finding innovative ways to incorporate relevant skills and knowledge into the curriculum. A sampling of their methods is outlined in interviews on the following pages.
Introduction by Matthew Ives Head of Upper School Our students are growing up in a world in which technological change is rapid, libraries of information are available instantly and wirelessly, individuals are increasingly mobile, and social groups are more diverse. Schools have to respond to this changing world and teach students the skills they need to thrive. Reading, writing and mathematics will always be important, but we also need to arm our students with the skills and experiences that this century demands. The successful 21st century citizen will be nimble of thought, open to new ideas and the possibilities of new technologies, able to collaborate with people from many different backgrounds and above all, able to teach themselves in a rapidly changing world. In traditional schools, memorization is at the core of the educational experience. But today, spending time learning all the state capitals or all the presidents in order makes less and less sense as that information is now easily accessible on smart phones or tablets. Working around a Harkness table is one crucial way that our students learn the importance of engaging in a discourse with a group, thinking critically, creatively, and collaboratively, all while being faced with a multitude of different opinions. At Masters, teachers present students with possibilities and ask them to do the hard work of coming to their own conclusions. Metacognition is the trendy way to refer to something that is really pretty simple: learning to learn. Because things are changing so quickly, it is impossible for us to teach our students everything they need to know in only four years. So, perhaps the most important skill our students graduate with is the ability and independence to teach themselves.
Students also need to understand that most problems do not fit neatly into one discipline and that solutions to most problems require a cross-disciplinary approach. This is why more and more of our course offerings, from the tenth grade year-long Model U.N. project to American Studies to Culinary Chemistry, transcend traditional departments. Exploring a single theme as a school also teaches us how a subject such as “Water” is important to the humanities, the sciences, math and art. (Editor’s Note: Water was the school-wide theme for 2013-2014; this year’s theme is Diversity.) It is almost impossible to survive these days without understanding and leveraging technology. Besides asking students to master certain core technologies, such as spreadsheets, word processing and Google Docs, Masters provides opportunities for students to learn to use technology to solve problems, whether live-streaming a performance across continents (The Ireland Project, see page 7) or building a robot (Robotics), a potato canon or a balloon that will reach the upper limits of the atmosphere (Makers Club). As a school, we’ve been saying for a long time that it is important that teachers not serve as dispensers of knowledge, but as facilitators or coaches. Students learn better and more deeply when they construct their own knowledge, which is what Harkness teaching is all about. Experiential learning—learning by doing—places students in situations as close to the real world as possible. It is these skills that will make Masters’ students leaders in today’s ever-changing world. >>
Masters’ students also have the advantage of learning with an incredibly diverse group of peers. This is the workplace of the future, and our students are ready for it. the bulletin | fall 2014 | 05
COVER STORY
>> Model U.N.: Negotiating Real World Issues Eric Shapiro, History and Religion Teacher Tenth grade students had the opportunity to visit the United Nations’ Security Council chambers as part of their Model U.N. experience.
“It’s an incredible experience. It makes history real and leads to a greater depth of understanding. It’s very much a team-based experience, so they learn to work collaboratively.” –Eric Shapiro
Unlike many schools where Model U.N. (MUN) is solely a club, Masters integrates this experience into the 10th grade World History curriculum, linking history and current events. Additionally, projects in English classes provide an interdisciplinary approach to MUN work. Each year, sophomore history classes break into groups to address critical world issues through research, discussion groups, field trips, and presentations by guest speakers. Topics for 20132014 included water; the environment and development; childhood poverty; the global drug trade; and sovereignty and the Arab Spring. The sophomore teachers select the Secretaries General. Interested students submit an essay as part of the application process and then are interviewed by the tenth grade teachers. Students define the topic, organize field trips, set up a website, coordinate assignments, and as a culminating event, run a full-day Model U.N. conference in Estherwood Mansion, complete with representatives of each nation (some in dress typical of their country), and homemade food (for extra credit!) from various nations. In preparation, students also read literature from their assigned countries and prepare their speeches for the conference in their English classes. Students also work with MISH (Masters Interested in Sharing and Helping) grade representatives on service learning projects related to the primary topics. For example, students volunteered at a literacy program in connection with the topic of childhood poverty. One Masters’ parent arranged for an hour-long meeting with the Tunisian ambassador to the United Nations to discuss sovereignty and the Arab Spring. Students also had the opportunity to visit the U.N. Security Council meeting room and the General Assembly. Masters’ diverse student body plays an important role in the Model U.N. program. “For example, we have Russian and Ukrainian students here who bring their own perspectives of what sovereignty is,” noted tenth grade teacher Eric Shapiro. Students focus on understanding policy, issues, challenges and goals to develop their resolutions for the MUN simulation in Estherwood. “They set out what they want to accomplish and then determine whom they can work with (in terms of other countries) and what they are willing to give up to achieve their goals. It’s like the real world: you don’t always get all you want,” he added. “It’s an incredible experience. It makes history real and leads to a greater depth of understanding. It’s very much a team-based experience, so they learn to work collaboratively.” (Editor’s Note: A vibrant Model U.N. Club at Masters attends the Princeton and Yale Model U.N. conferences each year, with students consistently winning awards for their representation of various countries and historical figures. Under the direction of John Comforto, students across grades in the Upper School conduct research and prepare to represent their assigned countries at each of these prestigious conferences.)
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What Belongs in the Toolkit for Student Success?, cont.
>> From Animal Behavior to The Ireland
Project, There’s Always Something New
Kristen Tregar, Science Teacher “A lot of the best teaching and learning we do is in moments we don’t anticipate.” So says science teacher Kristen Tregar, who combines her love of animals and science with a passion for theater to create innovative learning opportunities for Masters’ students. “Exposure to new things and ideas is very important,” she stated. “I try to encourage in my students a willingness to consider everything, but with a touch of skepticism so they’re not jumping on every train that goes past.” To that end, Ms. Tregar has introduced curriculum and outside projects ranging from a Japanese-based theater production that was innovative in the U.S. to her Animal Behavior class, a horseback riding physical education option, and her collaboration with Irish teachers and students on The Ireland Project. Students have responded enthusiastically to her Animal Behavior class, which for five years has included field trips to work with animals and even a live presentation at school by a wolf preservation program. Many of the skills learned in this class apply to much broader learning, including the need to be “highly observant, a sense of timing, being able to take what you’re given and work with it, and a sense of self-awareness—to learn to feel what’s happening around you. These skills are incredibly valuable because they are profoundly useful. The highest compliment I can get is that my class was useful.” Animal Behavior, in turn, offered a natural segue to the horseback riding P.E. option. After taking horseback riding as a gym credit in college, she fell in love with the sport. “It opened a door I didn’t even know existed,” she explained. She now owns two horses, officially named Rhiannon (nicknamed Annie) and Torchwood (Nike). She views horseback riding as an opportunity to get Masters’ students into a new environment. A range of students, from beginners to experienced riders, took part in the class last year. Ms. Tregar opens doors for her students both inside and outside the classroom. After being awarded a professional development grant to work during summer 2013 with theater professionals in Ireland, she launched The Ireland Project at Masters. Known as Devised Theater, a group of 14 students at Masters and a group in Ireland developed an original work. Both groups of students worked within their own communities to create original interview-based theater projects exploring the idea of “home.” This theme was selected in part due to its universality, but also because both communities are comprised of a diverse group of individuals, in terms of ethnic and national origin, gender, race, age, and economic status. In March 2014, the Masters students traveled to Ireland and participated in a series of workshops with the Irish students. In doing so, they learned about their own strengths, gained confidence, and were exposed to the strengths of their Irish counterparts. Then,
Animal Behavior classes teach students to be highly observant and develop a sense of self awareness, both of which are “profoundly useful,” notes teacher Kristen Tregar (center).
As part of The Ireland Project, Masters’ students developed an original theater work, and then traveled to Tallaght to collaborate with Irish students in a series of workshops.
using the text from the interviews the students performed, they crafted an original script and staged that script using techniques learned in Tallaght, Ireland and here at home. The ability to work collaboratively, and the skills this project involved, prepare students for college and the workplace, where critical and creative thinking and the ability to work with a diverse group are highly valued. > >
“I try to encourage in my students a willingness to consider everything, but with a touch of skepticism so they’re not jumping on every train that goes past.” –Kristen Tregar the bulletin | fall 2014 | 07
COVER STORY
>> Middle School Art:
A Safe Place to Explore Creativity
Bruce Robbins, Art Teacher If creative thinking is one of the major building blocks of a 21st century education, Middle School art teacher Bruce Robbins has been nurturing that skill in Masters’ students for the past 23 years. “At middle school age, many students have already decided whether they are an artist or not,” he noted. “As a teacher, I try to turn the page from students saying ‘I can’t do it’ to ‘I’ll try it.’ I strive to create a safe environment where they will not feel judged on their skill and ability level. However, their effort does matter. It is how they are evaluated and, more importantly, how they grow as young artists. I teach them new techniques to help them improve their skills. I stress that the more you practice anything, the more comfortable you become with your ability to express yourself.” Throughout the Middle School years, students are exposed to drawing, painting, sculpture and photography. Art is often part of interdisciplinary studies, connecting it with curriculum and “real world” projects. For example, as fifth graders study opera and ancient history in the classroom, they also go to the MET Museum as well as attend a performance at The Metropolitan Opera. Back in their classrooms they learn to write their own puppet operas collaboratively in groups. They learn to create and Students express themselves as individuals by notate a musical score as creating self-portraits, explains art teacher Bruce they design their puppet Robbins (right). characters through drawing, sculpting, painting and costuming. They then rehearse and practice vocal techniques and puppet movement to tell their story. They perform the operas live and for a video production as a culminating event at the end of the year. This project, like many others, involves key skills designed to prepare students for the years ahead: creative thinking, collaboration, the ability to pull together learning from all their subjects, public speaking, and the ability to be “authors of their own learning.” Students begin the year in art by creating self-portraits that are then displayed in the hallways. “The students can then see that their way of expressing themselves as individuals is interesting and exciting,” he said.
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>> Zetetics Encompasses Robotics,
Engineering, Math
John Chiodo, Math Teacher and Zetetics Advisor Zetetics offers students the opportunity to participate in challenging multidisciplinary interscholastic team competitions on a regional, national and international basis.
The new Engineering and Robotics co-curricular encourages students to develop problem-solving skills, notes Zetetics advisor John Chiodo (left).
Zetetics Mathematical Modeling was the first of this series of enrichment programs developed for The Masters School by faculty member John Chiodo. Students participate in the High School Modeling Competition in Mathematics (HiMCM – an international competition held in November) and Moody’s Mega Math Challenge (M3 – a growing national competition that takes place in March). This program started during the 2010-2011 school year with five students and has grown to 30 students. Zetetics Quiz Bowl was introduced during the 2012-2013 school year. In this program, students prepare for MSG Varsity’s “The Challenge” quiz show as well as for on-campus competitions. Planning has begun for “The Masters School Challenge,” an event that the School will host and to which we will invite area schools to compete in a one-day tournament. Zetetics Math Team was introduced during the 2013-2014 school year and is a “traditional math team” where students participate in the Mandelbrot Competition, which has both individual and team competitions. Research is also underway to determine the feasibility of participating in two “live” competitions: 1) the New York State Math League; and 2) the American Regional Math League competition sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America.
What Belongs in the Toolkit for Student Success?, cont.
Zetetics Engineering and Robotics is being offered as a four-day-per-week co-curricular for the first time in 2014-2015. Zetetics Engineering and Robotics will introduce students to: • • • •
analyzing task requirements, learning the design process, designing to specifications, understanding engineering standards, • anticipating design flaws and conducting research and analysis to uncover these before ‘builds’,
• writing technical documentation, • communicating methods, • learning the processes of fabrication, • coding to task; and • building teamwork.
“This will necessitate that discussions about mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, software control, and kinematics be interwoven in the process,” Mr. Chiodo explained. “In this way, students develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work, and communicate solutions.”
>> Pilot Program Using Tablets
Links Technology and Math
Lynne Versen, Middle School Math Teacher Middle School technology “guru” and math teacher Lynne Versen is on the frontlines of 21st century teaching and learning as she researches and implements the best new programs to enhance math education designed for fifth to eighth graders. After testing materials for over a year and investigating new technology, she will launch a pilot program in 2014-2015 with the help of math
teacher Lauren Diamante using Dell tablets that offer major enhancements to math education for seventh grade Pre-algebra students. (Editor’s Note: iPads do not have flash, which is required.) This past year, sixth graders used the Math Connects textbook from McGraw-Hill that offered an online option. “Algebra tiles were one of the ‘virtual’ tools available to use with a white board,” she explained. Students responded enthusiastically to the online tools, which provided an experiential learning environment to advance their math skills. Online work also meant students could leave their heavy textbook at home, using it for homework and review as needed. As a result of this success, the Middle School has subscribed to the online book (no heavy textbook required!) for use with a cart of Dell tablets for the 2014-2015 academic year. This new program offers a series of important benefits for students: • Homework assignments can be tailored and assigned to individual students based on their progress in the classroom. The program prints individual worksheets for each student. • The program comes with ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces), an online practice program for every sixth grader that sends reports to teachers on skills that have and have not been mastered, including what the student is ready to learn. “ALEKS is a great tool for personal learning and allows students to move ahead or review at their own pace,” she added. • 1XL, a tool that was used last year by seventh graders, is a personal tutor that can be accessed from home to help students practice for tests. This proved very useful in helping students to master concepts and practice, prompting their test scores to improve dramatically. • Cartoons are designed to take what students are learning and turn it into an interactive, “real life” situation. • A one-year subscription to the entire online package, including ALEKS, the online textbook complete with all resources, and textbook costs approximately $25 compared with $88 for just the printed textbook. “I’m very excited about the program and think the students will be, too,” Ms. Versen stated. “All this supports their learning so they can master the skills.” >>
A pilot program using Dell tablets supports student learning in math “so they can master the skills,” says Middle School teacher Lynne Versen.
the bulletin | fall 2014 | 09
COVER STORY
>> Classical Studies Program
Brings Ancient Languages to Life
Emily Zocchi, Classical Languages Teacher Latin and Ancient Greek are thriving at Masters, thanks to an innovative Classical Studies Program developed and implemented by language teacher Emily Zocchi and her colleagues, Keith Kitchen and Jonathan Karpinos. Integrating art into Ancient Greek and Latin classes, teaching calligraphy and bookbinding, and inspiring students with trips to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The New York Botanical Garden have fostered a vibrant learning environment that engages students in all grades in a steadily expanding selection of courses.
but quite distinct from Classical Latin. Students also try their hand at several scientific illustration techniques, make their own paper from botanical specimens, and produce handbound books to showcase their writing and drawings. • Students of Advanced Topics, Advanced Placement and Latin Seminars learn about the transmission of manuscripts firsthand as they transcribe their favorite lines of Latin poetry using pen and nib to execute calligraphy techniques from the Middle Ages. • In Ancient Greek, the imagery and designs of ancient Greek pottery are studied at The Met, which informs an annual shadow puppet play. Students in Greek I and II write script, construct puppets and perform a show. “Puppets are designed after the figures and images painted on authentic ancient Greek vessels in the Metropolitan’s collection,” she explained.
Hands-on projects help reinforce the deep learning that takes place in Latin and Ancient Greek classes. Students learn from the past and apply that knowledge to current coursework.
The program cuts across the curriculum, linking language study with a wide array of subjects. For example: • In the Seminars Classical Mythology in Art and Literature, students translate myths from Latin and then explore how these same myths manifest in later art and literature. The first semester culminates in a show of original, myth-inspired student artwork in the Claudia Boettcher Theatre Lobby. • In the Seminars unit Latin & Botany, students delve into the history of science, translating Pliny’s first century Historia Naturalis as well as the Latin writings of 18th century botanist Carolus Linnaeus. The recording and organization of scientific data are compared across millennia, and students go into the field, recording (in Latin) their own observations of plants and trees. The Latin and Greek roots of scientific nomenclature are illuminated along with Botanical Latin, a language based on,
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Imagery and designs from ancient Greek pottery at The Metropolitan Museum of Art are studied in preparation for the annual shadow puppet play.
So what does the future hold for Ancient Greek and Latin? Drama & Satire, a new Latin Seminars course developed and taught by Latin teacher and playwright Jonathan Karpinos, will be offered for the first time this fall. For 2014-2015, the School is adding Classical Studies Major/Minor to meet the growing interest among students. Looking forward, the department hopes to develop Latin & Botany from a three-month unit to a year-long course in 2015-2016.
What Belongs in the Toolkit for Student Success?, cont.
>> Hands-On Science and Math Projects
Engage Middle School Students
Dan Russo, Science Teacher Sixth grade scientists begin the year by posing a problem they would like to investigate and then following up with a hypothesis in November, an experimental procedure to answer the question in December, and experiments, data collection, and creation of charts and graphs in January, explained Middle School science teacher Dan Russo. In February, students analyze results, March is for drawing conclusions, and in April, students put the finishing touches on their displays for their class presentations and the annual Celebration of Science in May. Along the way, they learn the steps and procedures involved in Tri-boards are one way that students share their research on realMiddle School students design and build water filtration systems, scientific study and research. life volcanoes, along with class presentations and the creation of guided by science teacher Dan Russo (standing). This is one of Group projects each volcanoes that “erupt” in class. several projects that foster collaboration. trimester teach collaboration along with scientific knowledge. The All projects are designed to promote teamwork, collaboration and first project involves water filtration where they learn about the communication. “It’s more about the process than the product,” properties of water, the water cycle, water pollution and the according to Mr. Russo. “They learn lifelong skills and skills that process of filtering water. Each group of students designs a water will serve them in Upper School.” filtration system, gathers materials for their filtering devices, and tests their project. In class, they present on the thinking behind their designs, problems they encountered, and how they solved st them. “They learn to work collaboratively and handle disagreements, skills that will serve them throughout their lives,” he noted. “It also teaches them not to take clean drinking water for granted.” This project is followed by the study of volcanoes, where each group selects a real life volcano to research. Students gather facts, historical information, myths, legends and folk stories surrounding the volcano and create tri-boards summarizing their research, and then present their data to the class. For extra credit, students create volcanoes that “erupt” in class. In fifth grade math, students “inherit” $1million; their job is to spend it without going over budget. “Students are learning –Matt Ives about decimals and this project allows them to practice their skills and balance a budget,” Mr. Russo explained. For every purchase, students write checks and include “receipts” and printouts for all their purchases.
“The successful 21 century citizen will be nimble of thought, open to new ideas and the possibilities of new technologies, able to collaborate with people from many different backgrounds and above all, able to teach themselves in a rapidly changing world.”
the bulletin | fall 2014 | 11
FEATURES
Science Research Program Gains Foothold Via Innovative Coursework, New Lab Equipment SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE SIGNPOSTS OF THE FUTURE, SO IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT MASTERS’ SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM IS AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE SCHOOL’S COMMITMENT TO 21ST CENTURY TEACHING AND LEARNING. By Debbie Shure P’07 Spearheaded by Upper School science teacher Dr. Catharine Boothroyd, who earned her Ph.D. and conducted post-doctoral work at The Rockefeller University, the program has made science research both accessible and exciting for students.
“One of the reasons I left research was to make science more accessible,” she explained. “My goal is to break down the Ivory Tower. I want students to think of science as enjoyable and relevant to real life rather than just something they have to get through.
DNA extraction and testing for GMOs are just two of the cutting-edge techniques that students learn in the science research program founded by science teacher Dr. Catharine Boothroyd (center). 12 | www.mastersny.org
It can be so much fun.” Dr. Boothroyd launched the program as a three-pronged course for seven students during the 2013-2014 academic year. The first “prong” focused on coursework that would encourage students to think and understand what research and science involve in the ‘real world.’ “For most students taking science in high school, it’s a lot about ‘knowing’,” she said. “In this class, it’s a lot about not knowing. In science research, 90 percent of the time what you’re doing is not working. You can support a hypothesis, but you can’t prove it. You’re asking questions and thinking outside the box, but it can be humbling.” Then, of course, there are “those controversial hypotheses on the edge of a field that become transformative moments,” resulting in dramatic scientific discoveries. Arranging for guest speakers every second week offered students an insider’s view of some of the cutting edge science currently being done by Postdoctoral Fellows at The Rockefeller University. Prior to each presentation, students were required to read a relevant paper from the primary literature (i.e. a scientist describing his/her work, not a journalist) as preparation for the class. Each speaker presented his/her work to students and answered questions. In return, Dr. Boothroyd vetted their presentations. Topics ranged from the replication of bacteria to “How Rats Can Help Us Figure Out What Causes Alcoholism.” Presenters hailed from around the globe, ranging from Italy to Russia. “One thing that’s nice about science,” she noted, “is that it’s international. There are no borders.” The third “prong” involved conducting experiments in the lab. Students learned cutting-edge techniques and ‘best practices,’ such as extracting DNA from plants, putting a gene into bacteria that make them glow fluorescent green, and testing for GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in food samples. Although there were no tests, the course did
require students to write a research proposal as if they were seeking a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). All the work in the lab was made possible by the purchase of lab equipment funded by a donation from Kenneth Cowin, parent of Kai Cowin ’21.These funds allowed the Science Department to purchase the materials as well as a thermocycler, incubators, gel electrophoresis chamber, micro-pipets, and other important supplies for student experiments. Dr. Boothroyd’s near-term goal is to have the space and supplies to accommodate more students and to purchase a micro-centrifuge and other molecular biology equipment to expand the program. In the future, she envisions a project room, where students can carry out their own cutting edge research and be mentored by a teacher.
Clockwise from top: Students work in two-person groups on an experiment to insert a gene into bacteria to make them glow fluorescent green. Students learn “best practices” for safely conducting science research experiments. Success! Dr. Boothroyd demonstrates that the bacteria glow fluorescent green following the experiment.
the bulletin | fall 2014 | 13
ON CAMPUS
Five New Trustees Join the Board The Masters School welcomes five new members to the Board of Trustees this year. We are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of parents and alumnae/i volunteering on behalf of the School. KAREN DORSEY ’84 is a Project Manager with Skanska USA, a national construction company. Karen has worked for the company for 15 years and manages a team of engineers. She was recognized as a Top Woman in Business in 2012. Karen has served as a member of The Masters School Alumnae/i Board since 2008; she was elected President of the Alumnae/i Association beginning with the 2014-2015 term. KERYN NORTON MATHAS P’19, ’22 is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland, where she earned her B.A. in Communications. She received her M.A. in Publication Design from the University of Baltimore. She enjoyed a career creating educational materials for Sylvan Learning Centers before becoming head of graphic design for the MainStay Funds. She left to start a Manhattan-based graphic design business – NortonDesign. She retired from her professional career and lives in Armonk with her husband, Ted, and their three children, Julia ’19, Tim, and Ella ’22. Ted is Chairman and CEO of New York Life Insurance Company. J. KEITH MORGAN P’17 retired from his position as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at GE Capital in April 2013. Keith graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Economics and received his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. Keith and his
wife, Jane, live in Scarsdale, NY. Their daughter, Lauren Evans, is a member of the Class of 2017. Another daughter, Kathryn, is a freshman at Stanford University. JANET VULTEE PIETSCH P’09, ’20 is President of The Masters School Parent Association and has served as a class representative and an admissions ambassador and mentor. Janet graduated from Swarthmore College and has worked in book publishing for more than thirty years, currently as a freelance children’s book editor. Janet lives in Sleepy Hollow, NY, with her husband, Michael, and son, Owen ’20. The Pietsches also have two grown children, Jackson ’09, and Caroline. Michael is CEO of Hachette Book Group. SHAN ZHU P’16 currently serves as President of Bridge Capital, a leading independent investment bank based in Beijing, China. Shan holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Kennedy School of Harvard University and an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from Guanghua Management School of Peking University. Shan lives in Beijing with his wife, Li Jiang. Their daughter, Boya, is a member of the Class of 2016.
Basketball Team Wins FAA Championship! Masters' Boys Varsity Basketball Team beat Greens Farms Academy 61-56 to win the FAA Tournament Championship on Saturday, February 22. Senior Isaiah Hayden had 18 points and junior Max Ishmael had 15 points. The team finished the season with a 12-2 record in the league and a 15-6 record overall. Congratulations to the Panthers and their coach, Matt Kammrath!
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Masters Hosts Annual Poetry Festival The quality of poetry was extraordinary at the Fourth Annual Westchester Poetry Festival, held in Estherwood Mansion at The Masters School on April 12. Seven distinguished poets were on hand to share their work and discuss elements of the creative writing process with the audience. The event, which is co-sponsored by the School and The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center, featured Ann Lauterbach as the Keynote Poet. Ms. Lauterbach is the author of several poetry collections, including Or to Begin Again, which was nominated for the National Book Award. She has also been the recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.
Year-Long Study Culminates in Water Symposium The Masters School hosted a “Water Symposium” on Earth Day, April 22, 2014. This event was the culminating project of the School’s yearlong waterbased initiative. Throughout the year, students read and wrote about water, conducted experiments including a taste test, and made it one of the five themes of the sophomore Model United Nations. John Cronin, Jr., founder and current executive director of the Beacon Institute, addressed the Upper School during an extended morning meeting. For 37 years, he has dedicated his career to environment and innovation. He has worked as an advocate, legislative and congressional aide, commercial fisherman, professor, author and filmmaker. He is known internationally for his Hudson River work, for which the Wall Street Journal called him “a unique presence on America's major waterways.” He served as Hudson Riverkeeper from 1983-2000, a position that has inspired a legacy of 200
Keynote poet Ann Lauterbach discussed her writing with faculty member Dr. Paul West at the Fourth Annual Westchester Poetry Festival held in Estherwood Mansion.
Boys’ Fencing Teams Sweep Awards in All Three Weapons Congratulations to our fencing teams for an outstanding season! The boys’ fencing teams won in all three weapons, "a record very difficult to match for any school in the future, including us," noted Coach Francisco Martin. "This is the first time ever that a school won all
Waterkeeper programs that fight pollution on six continents. The celebration continued with a school-wide assembly in the Claudia Boettcher Theatre with a viewing of an edited version the film Last Call at the Oasis. Following the film, a panel discussion was moderated by Karl Weber, editor of the companion book to the film. Distinguished panelists included Alison Jones ’67, conservation photographer and founder of the No Water, No Life Foundation, Alex Prud’homme, author of The Ripple Effect: The Fate of Fresh Water in the Twenty-First Century and Hydrofracking: What Everyone Needs to Know, Nicholas A. Robinson, distinguished professor on the Environment and Co-Director of the Center for Environmental Legal Studies at Pace University, and Mr. Cronin.
three weapons in a gender. Last year our girls were close to doing that by winning foil and sabre and coming in second in epee." The boys’ teams placed: first in foil for the sixth consecutive year, first in epee, and first in sabre for the second consecutive year. The girls’ teams placed fourth in foil, third in epee, and first in sabre for the third consecutive year.
Go Panthers!
the bulletin | fall 2014 | 15
ON CAMPUS
Masters Bids Farewell To Beloved Faculty The Masters School bid farewell to three beloved faculty members at a cocktail reception in their honor during Reunion 2014. The entire Masters School community wishes the best for all three of these beloved and respected faculty members. M.A. HASKIN, the School’s Drama Department Chair for 35 years, retired as of June 30 to spend more time with her husband and family. Ms. Haskin joined the faculty in 1979 and directed the Upper School plays and musicals as well as serving as the advisor to Phoenix.
Family Weekend is Almost Here! Join us on October 17-18 for Family Weekend 2014, when students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends gather on campus for an activity-filled weekend to celebrate life at The Masters School. Root for the Panthers at sporting events, see rising student stars at our performing arts showcase, connect with faculty and administrators, and meet other Masters School parents in a casual and fun setting. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.masterny.org/familyweekend. Questions? Interested in volunteering? Contact Amie Servino ’95 at amie.servino@mastersny.org or 914-479-6611.
JANE RECHTMAN retired as a teacher of world religions, bioethics, and world history. She also organized speakers on Matters of Faith and has served on various committees throughout her 23 years at The Masters School. She was named to the Henry Sloane Coffin Chair in Religion in 2005. GILLIAN CRANE ’92, the ever-smiling Associate Head of Upper School, left to become the Dean of Students at The John Cooper School in Woodlands, TX. Gillian wore many hats during her years at Masters including student activities coordinator, advisor to Dobbs 16, and admission associate.
Head of School Maureen Fonseca with M.A. Haskin at the retirement reception.
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Dr. Fonseca toasts Jane Rechtman on her retirement.
Dr. Fonseca wished the best of luck to Gillian Crane in her new position.
Dr. Kemp to Address Diversity at Convocation Ceremony Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights South African Elections project which hosted U.S. elections observers.”
Dr. Amanda Kemp, a member of the Class of 1984, will address the topic of diversity as the keynote speaker at The Masters School Convocation ceremony on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the Strayer Hall gym. The entire community is honored to have Dr. Kemp discuss diversity, the school-wide theme for 2014-2015, at this annual celebration of the academic life of the School. “A survivor of the New York City foster care system, Dr. Kemp has been a lifelong poetperformer and advocate of racial justice and equality since her first anti-apartheid march in 1983,” explains her online biography. She earned her B.A. from Stanford University, where she was awarded the prestigious Gardner Fellowship for Public Service. “She earned her doctoral degree in Performance Studies at Northwestern University. After two years of doctoral work, Dr. Kemp traveled to South Africa to work with the Ford
Foundation, where she consulted and coauthored on a report on the complex and dynamic women's movements during the transition to democracy. While in South Africa Dr. Kemp also consulted with the
The MAAC is Coming!
“A master teacher, Dr. Kemp has taught at Cornell University, Dickinson College, Millersville University, and Franklin & Marshall College where she served as the chair of Africana Studies. She has keynoted Martin Luther King programs at colleges, high schools, and in elementary school settings. Dr. Kemp is currently a Research Associate in Africana Studies at Franklin & Marshall College and continues to publish on race and freedom. In 2007, Dr. Kemp founded Theatre for Transformation, a performance method and theatre company whose mission is to create a world of forgiveness, abundance, and peace. Dr. Kemp has earned awards from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.”
Take a Look at Strayer Hall! Strayer Hall is sporting a new look, thanks to improvements made as part of the Masters Athletic and Arts Center (MAAC) project. The façade and entranceways have gotten a facelift and the music wing has been upgraded. Additional practice rooms and improved acoustics will benefit all students participating in the School’s music program.
There is still time to make your gift to the Masters Athletic and Arts Center (MAAC)! Create your family’s legacy by naming a space within this new campus hub. For more information, contact Tim Kane, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, at 914-479-6527 or tim.kane@mastersny.org.
Giving opportunities are still available in Strayer Hall’s music wing. For more information, contact Tim Kane, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, at 914-479-6527 or tim.kane@mastersny.org.
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Great Accomplishments!
Upper School Christopher Kumaradjaja ’16 won first place in the 2014 DiscoverDesign.org National High School Architecture Competition sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF). Christopher “took first place out of 219 students from 12 states and 28 high schools who submitted design projects to redesign their high school athletic pavilions to promote healthy lifestyles,” explained the organization’s press release. “A jury of 35 architects, engineers, designers and university professors from across the country evaluated the entries.” The prestigious Cum Laude Society, which honors academic excellence, inducted eight seniors and four juniors into its ranks on May 19. The newest members are graduates Hsin-Ping Chao, Jonathan Eatroff, Acacia Hoisington, Hanna Mitamura, Susanna Plotkin, Lucy Price, Jay Bennett Saltzman, and Sabrina Stanich and juniors Hazel Kalderon, Francesa LaPasta, Jonah Ury, and Serena Wessely. They join three 2014 graduates who were inducted last year: Alex George, Sophie d'Orchimont, and Morgan Nakatani. Congratulations to Latin Seminars students Paulina Aue ’16 and Carla Vollmoeller ’16, who placed first and third, respectively, in Division 3 of this year’s New York Classical
Club’s High School Sight Translation Contest at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus. On May 2, freshman Phoebe Van Essche was awarded first place in an essay contest sponsored by the Ninth Judicial District Committee to Promote Gender Fairness in the Courts. The contest has been held for the past fifteen years to celebrate Women’s History Month. Upper School Peer Leaders for 2014-2015 are: Rory Maglich ’15, Serena Wessely ’15, Dante Moussapour ’15, Eric Passarelli ’15, Julian Januszka ’15, Asher BerksonGold ’15, Ali Ince ’16, Kwun Ip Patrick Lee ’15, Hailey Payea ’15, Gabby Torres ’16, Cesca LaPasta ’15, Evan Vietorisz ’16, Kadrea Dawkins ’15, Julia Brown ’15, Emily Barshay ’16, Alex Zuckerman ’16, and Margaret Dupree ’15.
Moussapour ’15 – Honorable Mention; Justin Schmerler ’15 – Outstanding Delegate; David Mancione ’15 – Best Delegate; Deniz Bengi ’14 – Honorable Mention; Catharine Sufiyarova ’14 – Honorable Mention; Peter Yergeau ’14 – Best Delegate; Will Turett ’15 – Outstanding Delegate; Hailey Payea ’15 – Best Delegate; Sabrina Stanich ’14 – Best Delegate; Bennett Saltzman ’14 – Outstanding Delegate.
Yale MUN award winner Paige Titus ’16
MISH (Masters Interested in Sharing and Helping) Senior Officers for 2014-2015 include Co-Chairs Olivia Gibson and Max Ishmael and Vice Chairs Rebecca Via and Jonathan Pang. Upper School students made the most of their experience at the Yale Model U.N. Conference, bringing home a number of awards. The award winners were: Al Daibes ’15 – Honorable Mention; Paige Titus ’16 – Best Delegate; Emily Kahn ’15 – Outstanding Delegate; Jonah Ury ’15 – Outstanding Delegate; Dante
Deniz Bengi ’14 and Catharine Sufiyarova ’14 at Yale MUN
WenXuan Ni (left) and journalism teacher Ellen Cowhey
The Dream, a poem by Paige Titus '16, was selected by Sarah Lawrence College to be read at the school's 11th annual Poetry Festival on April 25. A homework assignment prompted her to write this distinctive poem. Peter Yergeau ’14 with his award
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On March 19, junior WenXuan Ni and journalism teacher and Tower advisor Ellen Cowhey presented a session at the 90th Anniversary Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The session, “Growing Your Own Journalism Program,” was designed to help new advisors build a sustainable journalism program in their high schools. Cowhey shared her own experience of expanding the journalism program at Masters into three distinct levels of instruction, developing specific protocol for students, faculty and administrators, all while creating a cohesive and awardwinning staff. Ni shared her experience as a third-year journalism student in the program.
ON CAMPUS
The top 10 Masters students in The Mandelbrot Individual Competition, which encompassed five rounds of mathematics testing over five months, are: 1. Tony Zhang ’17 2. Elliott Liu ’15 3. Oak Porncharoenwase ’14 4. Kenneth Li ’17 5. Harrison Guo ’16 6. Wei Wang ’16 7. Allen Miyazawa ’16 8. Ben Church ’16 9. Paul Butterfield ’16 10. William Wan ’17
Brothers Sam Epley ’15 and John Epley ’17 both qualified for the prestigious U.S. Junior Squash Championships, held in Princeton, NJ, in March. Unfortunately, John had to withdraw from the competition due to an injury, but finished the season at number 15 in the boys under 15 category. In addition, U.S. Squash announced that Sam Epley had been awarded the William T. Ketcham, Jr. Award for most improved in his age group. Sam
also qualified to try out for the Men’s National Team, which sent the top four U.S. boys to Africa this past summer to compete for a world title. He finished fifth in the playoff and has been ranked between nine and 15 in the U.S. this season.
Middle School A composition created by Noah Barton ’19, titled “Composition for a String Quartet – Instrumental Wave,” was performed in April at the Hoff-Barthleson Music School as part of the Master Class “Compose Yourself.” Noah created the piece as part of a year-long project for his composition class. It will be performed by several professional artists and faculty members, among them the cellist Frederick Zlotkin and violist Lani King Chang. Congratulations to the Middle School, which exceeded its goal
of $5,000 and raised a total of $6,700 to build a well for an African village. The well digging has been completed in Goradera, Ethiopia, so the children there no longer have to walk all day for water and will be able to go to school! Extra funds were used to provide needed spinal surgery for a village resident.
Faculty Math teacher Matt Kammrath and his wife, Brooke, are now the proud parents of a baby girl, Riley, who was born on March 30, weighing in at 6 lbs., 14 oz., and measuring 20 inches long. Math teach Marianne van Brummelen and her husband welcomed their second son, Cole Patrick Newcomb, on April 19. He is 20.5 inches long and weighs 8 lbs., 8 oz. He joins big brother, Finn, as part of the Masters family.
Erica Chapman, Director of CITYterm, and her husband Steve are enjoying their son, Theo Atticus Kaell, born on May 1, and weighing 8lbs., 12oz. Adam Gimple, Associate Director of College Counseling, and his wife Dana welcomed their first child, Margaret “Maggie” Maeve Gimple, on June 27.
Meet Our New Parent Annual Fund Chair Meet this year’s Parent Annual Fund Chair Cori Worchel, mother of Sasha ’21 and Lucas ’19. Cori is a seasoned Annual Fund volunteer who is passionate about increasing parent participation. We count on parent volunteers to help us get the word out about the importance of Annual Giving. If you are interested in volunteering on behalf of this year’s Annual Fund, please contact Cori at coriworchel@yahoo.com. To make your gift today, visit www.mastersny.org/makeagift or call 914-479-6433
Children in Ethiopia thank the Middle School for raising funds for a village well.
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AUTHORS’ CORNER
Out on a Limb By Louise Cecil ’57 and Kathy Scalzo Published by Turning Leaf Press January 2013
ALUMNAE/I UPDATE
Dorsey Named President of Alumnae/i Association
“Trees are among Earth’s oldest inhabitants — their life-span extending far beyond our generations and memories. With roots buried deep within the earth and leafy crowns reaching towards heaven, trees stand as universal symbols linking two realms. Many cultures respect and revere trees for their strength, grace, and the protection they offer countless other species. This book is dedicated to all tree spirits.” This beautiful book by alum Louise Cecil ’57, features stunning photos accompanied by quotes.
Letters from the Attic: Beloved bedlam of raising a family in the 1950s By Betty Eddy Lidgerwood ’39 Illustrated by Kay Harris 2012 This compilation of letters, illustrated by humorous pen-andink drawings, provides a “rambling account of the doings and growth of two families over a period of ten years,” explains author Betty Eddy Lidgerwood, a member of the Class of 1939. The book began when Betty’s favorite cousin, Eve, “cached” the letters Betty wrote to her, after repeatedly urging her to “do a book. These she presented to me…and said, ‘Now do something!’” Betty’s two daughters, Anne “Ohnie” Eddy Palmer ’66 and Elizabeth “Lisa” Eddy White ’68, attended Masters, as well as her stepdaughter, Graeme Lidgerwood Dayton ’66, and several cousins.
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Karen Feinberg Dorsey ’84
Karen Feinberg Dorsey ’84 has been named president of the Alumnae/i Association effective July 1, 2014. She takes the helm following the retirement of Lusyd Doolittle Kourides ’70, who was elected to the Alumnae/i Association Board in 2001 and has served as president since 2008. Lusyd will continue to serve as a member of the Board. Karen is a Project Manager with Skanska USA, a national construction company, where she manages a team of engineers. Karen has worked for Skanska for the last 15 years and has worked on construction of the JFK Light Rail and the new World Trade Center Transportation Hub. In 2012, Karen was recognized as a Top Woman in Business. She has served as a member of The Masters School Alumnae/i Board since 2008, holding the position of vice president for the past three years. As president of the Association, she will also serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. In addition, David Heidelberger ’01 has been named vice president of the Association and Sujata Adamson-Mohan ’01 will serve as recording secretary. Sharon Nechis Castillo ’84, Linda Vipond Heath ’69, and John McGovern ’07 have also joined the Board. The board is grateful to retiring members Matthew Kozar ’02, Sandhya Malhotra ’07, and Elizabeth Maria Reed ’99 for their dedication and work on behalf of all our alumnae/i.
Darwin ’07 Returns to School... As a Teacher! Darwin Bernardez, a beloved member of the Class of 2007, returned to Masters...to teach a World Health Class with Dr. Lee Dieck. Following graduation, Darwin earned a B.S. in Public Health from Syracuse University, worked at Lincoln Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, and earned his Master's degree in Public Health from Brooklyn College in May 2014. He currently works for Bronx Health Link as a Research, Policy, and Advocacy Analyst, and plans to either attend medical school or continue work in public health. Darwin immediately engaged the 15 World Health class students in a lively Harkness discussion on issues related to world health, epidemics, social injustice, politics and policy, and vaccines. By asking questions and providing information, Darwin was able to draw students into the issues and concerns of health care in the South Bronx, allowing them to utilize their knowledge from the class and apply it to a location much closer to home.
World Health Class students engaged in a lively Harkness discussion with Darwin Bernardez ’07 (standing) as Dr. Lee Dieck (left) looked on.
Congratulations to the Deltas for winning the first-ever
Delta / Phi Challenge! While the Deltas may be the champions this time around, the real winner is our alma mater. Nearly 800 alumnae/i from all over the world came together to support this year’s Annual Fund. Together, our gifts have an impact on today’s students and teachers. Whether you are a Delta, a Phi, or you can’t recall which team you were on, your participation in the Annual Fund helps to ensure that Masters continues to provide a unique and vibrant learning community for today’s 600+ students. If you are interested in supporting the 2014-15 Annual Fund, please contact Director of Annual Giving Mary Ryan ’00 at mary.ryan@mastersny.org 914-479-6440 or visit www.mastersny.org/makeagift
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FEATURES
Alumnae/i Profile: Christina Krumrine ’80 Mastering the Art of Conservation and Restoration Angelique Chielli, Associate Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations Christina Krumrine, a member of The Masters School Class of 1980, has spent 30 years working to conserve and restore beautiful works of art for museums, galleries, institutions and private collectors. For the past 20 years, she has worked in private practice. Christina, who is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation, has worked at the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History, among others. As she noted in our conservation, her two years at Dobbs prepared her academically for college, which helped her get into Barnard, where her passion for art conservation first took root. Q: Were you involved in art when you attended The Masters School? I went to Dobbs for two years, but I didn’t take any art classes there. Academically, Dobbs prepared me for college, which helped me get into Barnard. Q: How long have you been working in art conservation? I have had my own business for 20 years… but I have been involved in conservation, including all the work that I did before and during graduate school, for 30 years. Q: How did you become involved in art restoration/conservation? My father was a collector of American Folk art, so I grew up in a house full of antiques. However, I really got interested in conservation as an undergraduate at Barnard College where I studied Art History. During my junior year I went to Paris to study Gothic Architecture and Gothic Sculpture at Reid Hall, which is Columbia University’s campus in Paris. We climbed, literally climbed, all the major cathedrals in and around Paris. We were able to go up into the turrets above the vaults; we studied the sculpture on the outside, and I was able to see a
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lot of the sculpture in the cathedrals undergoing restoration. We saw where the original masons who built the cathedrals had their workshop in the cathedral and we saw conservators restoring broken pieces of stone missing from elements of the sculpture. That’s when I decided I really liked conservation and wanted to do restoration work. Q: What did you do after you graduated from Barnard? For my first job out of Barnard, I went across the street to Columbia University where they have an office for architectural conservation. I was hired as a lab technician in the graduate school conservation lab. The lab did conservation of architecture in and around the city. There I learned about paint, paint analysis, matching paint colors, and mortar analysis in buildings. I did a study with a German scientist on consolidation of American building stone; I worked on some major buildings in the area. It was those two years following my undergraduate work when I really prepared myself to apply to graduate school.
Q: What background do you need in order to pursue a graduate degree in art conservation? You have to have a background in chemistry, fine art and art history. The chemistry is important because it helps you understand why materials deteriorate and, in particular, what causes deterioration of a metal. So while I was working I took organic chemistry and I started to build a portfolio of fine art. I did paintings, stone carving, papermaking and filled my portfolio with all different types of art. Q: Where did you attend graduate school? What was the curriculum comprised of? I went to Buffalo State College, where I earned my master’s degree in Art Conservation in 1989. The Buffalo program is a three-year Art Conservation program. For the first two years I took classes and conservation science, which was a way to apply what we learned in organic chemistry. I learned about adhesives, synthetic adhesives, what adhesives are, solvents…I learned why metals corrode, and studied the history of every imaginable material, how it was used and then formed
into artwork throughout history. And then I actually did work on paintings, paper documents, sculpture and decorative arts. The third year of graduate school I applied to do my internship at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in sculpture conservation. Q: Is there a code of ethics an Art Conservator has to abide by when restoring a piece? Conservators abide by a code of ethics/standards of practice issued by the American Institute of Conservation. Usually in conservation, you don’t make the replacement parts out of the same material. What we were taught in school and how it applies to the code of ethics involves all our adhesives, all our fill materials, all our varnishes, all our inpainting has to be reversible without damaging the original material. It also has to be detectable, maybe not to the naked eye. For example, you can use an ultraviolet light to see if part of an object was made from a different material. You can also x-ray an object to see if pins were inserted.
Q: What is one of the most challenging projects you have worked on? A statue of Augustus Caesar, which is in the private collection of the University Club in Manhattan. I worked on the full figure, it’s larger than life-sized and made of plaster. The University Club was a gentleman’s club in the city in the late 1800’s. The plaster was covered in smoke from cigars and cigarettes; there was wine and old cleaning detergent on it. This project was very involved, removing this heavily imbedded grime layer. I used a paste that I applied to the plaster for an hour and then removed it and pulled out all the dirt and yellow staining. The fingers were also missing. I made the fingers out of plaster. I said earlier that replacement features wouldn’t necessarily be made out of the same material, but I also used stainless steel pins, so if an xray was used, it would show that those were replacement fingers.
Q: What’s the process that you follow once you’re commissioned by a museum or private collector? First I go and look at the piece and do a cursory examination. I write a condition report on the object before I do anything, talk about every little crack, every little loss, every little damaged area. And then I do a treatment proposal which details how I’m going to remove the poorly done restoration or clean the object. Then I provide an estimate of how much it’s going to cost. If I get the job, the piece comes to my studio and I photograph it before treatment, during treatment if there is something really dramatic or during different phases of the restoration, and then take after-treatment photos. I write a treatment report outlining every material I used, including adhesives, solvents, and pigments used in painting losses. And I list all the steps that I performed. This way, the museum or the collector has complete documentation, both written and photographic, about the history of the piece.
Left: A detail from a demon sculpture following treatment reveals clarity that was not previously visible.
Left: Restoration of a statue of Augustus Caesar was one of Christina Krumrine’s most challenging projects.
Left: Replacement fingers had to be created for the statue of Augustus Caesar.
Christina Krumrine can be reached at 917-566-1377 or christina@christinakrumrine.com.
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Reunion 2014
Alums Reconnect at Reunion 2014 Amid the laughter and hugs, alumnae/i reconnected with classmates and friends during Reunion 2014, held on May 16-17. Current and former DAA members danced the Maypole, everyone joined the Glee Club Sing-Along and Gold Key Campus Tours, and friends mugged for fun photos at the Photo Booth. The community joined in honoring Richmond Bowl recipient Christine Grim Neikirk ’84 and Anna Howe Faculty Award winner Chris Goulian, the Upper School Academic Dean. Class photos and lunch, cocktail parties and a
Near right: Katherine McKeon Curran ’99 and her daughter, Annie, enjoyed time with classmate Lauren Cohen Coughlin ’99 and her daughter, Claire. Far right: Members of the Class of 1999 had fun in the Photo Booth!
Near right: Board Chair Tracy Tang Limpe ’80, P’18 watched the Maypole dance with Libbie Payne ’69. Far right: Reunion was a family affair for Joshua Rothenberg ’00, son JJ, and Fiona HopkinsRothenberg ’99.
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banquet, Harkness classes designed for alums all combined to create an activity-filled weekend that still included plenty of time for reminiscing. One highlight of the weekend was a special panel discussion on Friday titled “Creative Enterprise: Artistic Endeavors. Panelists included three outstanding Masters alums: avid contemporary art collector and hotelier Laura Lee Brown ’59 (www.21cmuseumhotels.com); poet-performer, playwright, and Theatre for Transformation founder Dr. Amanda Kemp ’84 (www.theatrefortransformation.org); and critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Alexa Wilding ’99 (www.alexawilding.com). Enjoy a sampling of photos from Reunion 2014 on the following pages. And be sure to save the date for Reunion 2015: May 15-16.
ALUMNAE/I UPDATE
Left: During a Gold Key campus tour, alums visited the Faculty Room and were delighted to recall the school’s motto: Do It With Thy Might!
Left: Members of the 50th Reunion class enjoyed cocktails at Park Cottage.
Left: Members of the Class of 1984 celebrated Karen Feinberg Dorsey (fourth from left), who was elected Alumnae/i Board President, and Christine Grim Neikirk (far right), who received the prestigious Richmond Bowl award.
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Reunion 2014
Far Right: Singer-songwriter Alexa Georgevich Wilding ’99 (second from right) met with fans following her appearance as part of a panel discussion featuring art entrepreneurs. Near Right: Reunion was the perfect meeting place for (left to right): Head of School Maureen Fonseca, Jennifer Smith Huntley ’67, and Trustee Lynn Pilzer Sobel ’71, P’99, ’05.
Far Right: The Millholland sisters returned to campus to celebrate Reunion. (Left to right): Carol Millholland Strasburger ’54, Allaire Millholland Warner ’60, and Louise Millholland Cecil ’57. Near Right: Academic Dean Chris Goulian (seated) was thrilled with The Masters School chair he received as the Anna Howe Faculty Award winner. The chair was presented by David Heidelberger ’01, vice president of the Alumnae/i Association.
Right: Alums from the Class of 1989 and the Class of 1994 relaxed in front of Morris Hall during Reunion 2014.
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ALUMNAE/I UPDATE Far left: The Richmond Bowl was awarded to Christine Grim Neikirk ’84 by her classmate and Alumnae/i Board President Karen Feinberg Dorsey. Near left: Alums had fun catching up on the news with one of their all-time favorite faculty members, Colleen Roche (far left).
Far left: Members of the Class of 1964 toasted their 50th Reunion! Near left: Former faculty member Ginger O’Shea (left) congratulated Drama Department Chair M.A. Haskin on her retirement. M.A.’s husband, Paul Harrington, is at right.
Left: D.A.A. members danced the Maypole before turning it over to alums.
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Reunion 2014
50th Reunion - Class of 1964 (left to right)—Front row: Mary Ann Blanchard Essex, Christina Bacchiani Schieffelin, Joan Whipple Trimble, Sarah Fialla Puhy, Laura Van Ness Remsen, and Gail Griffin Kincaide. Second Row: Drew Velde Gay, Lisa Gonzalez, Jean Studt Gunnell, Karen Hovey, Avery Halsey Dickinson, and Alice Collins. Third Row: Allison Scudder Reagan, Susie Upham McIntosh, Caroline Richmond Orgain, Sally Gray Markesky, and Charlotte Vandeweghe Scott.
Class of 1944 Julie Schoepf Crocker.
Correction Two members of the Class of 1983 were misidentified in a Reunion 2013 photo in the Winter issue of The Bulletin. Members of the class are (left to right)—Front Row: Suzanne Meshken Hagen, Sabrina Kass Lipton, Lauri Simone Palladino, former faculty member Betsy Turner, Alexandra Luckett. Second Row: Maggie Manetti, Bonney Armstrong. Third Row: Barbara Gill-Vayo, Valerie Cardinal Fry, Harriet Sussman Rachlin, Leslie O’Shea, Christina Labrie, Lucy Anderson Boyer.
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Class of 1954 (left to right)—Lee Masselman Kallos and Carol Millholland Strasburger.
Class of 1959 Laura Lee Brown.
ALUMNAE/I UPDATE Class of 1969 (left to right)—Kristy Heffner Alpert, Joanie Vaughan Ingraham, Linda Vipond Heath, "Jeeves," Gladys Waltemade Scholl, and Libbie Payne.
Class of 1974 (left to right)—Front row: Diane Pappas-Sfedu, Jill Lewis-Odel, and Karen Baschkin Paul. Second Row: Bonnie A. Krasik, Carolyn Kalisch Lundberg, and Carol Anne Hodges-Balodis.
Class of 1984 (left to right)—Front row: Amanda D. Kemp, Clare Louise Levy, Courtney Walthour Lamontagne, Karen Feinberg Dorsey, Jenny Coleman Petito, Sharon Nechis Castillo, Elizabeth Shasun Goldberg and Marni RabinMarron. Second Row: Andrea Rizzo Cuvelier, Cole McKenry Johnson, Helen Hadley, Christine Grim Neikirk and Ondine Appel. Third Row: Jennifer Embree Lannan, Ann Ragsdale Ainslie, Valerie Grulich Thompsen, Nancy K. Kehoe, Kelvy Bird, Gretchen Gutstein Alter, and Abby Spencer Moffat.
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Reunion 2014
Class of 1989 (left to right)—Anne Shapiro Bloom, Lelynn Ruggles, Sallie Sills and Jennifer Zimmermann.
Class of 1994 (left to right)—Allison Hope King, Marina L. Ferraro, and Claudia Siepen.
Class of 1999 (left to right)—Front Row: Brett R. Bastiansen, Katherine McKeon Curran, Sara Kaplan, Dorothy Walsh Sasso, Christina Mastrogianakis Lambrakos, and Lindsay Hamilton. Second Row: Lauren Cohen Coughlin, Alexa Georgevich Wilding, Christopher T. McKeon, Allison Bienkowski Evans, Haley Haft Pagnotta, and KC Tondel Lundy.
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ALUMNAE/I UPDATE Class of 2004 (left to right)—Katherine E. Weiner, Althea Webber, Emily Brewster, Samantha Brown, and Sabrina Leichter Rudin.
Class of 2009 (left to right)—Front row: Alexandra C. Barie, Erika L. Tang, and Chelsea L. Dieck. Second Row: Nico Tutino, Francisco F. Oliviera, Ning-Yuan Ernest Wang, and Henry Ginna.
REUNION 2015 Rediscover the places that hold special memories for you, rekindle friendships, and learn about Masters today at Reunion 2015. All alumnae/i are welcome; classes ending in 5’s and 0’s are celebrating special Reunion milestones! Make plans now to join your classmates on campus in the spring.
Visit our Reunion 2015 web page at www.mastersny.org/reunion throughout the year for updates and news, as well as information about hotel accommodations. Questions? Interested in volunteering? Contact Amie Servino ’95 at amie.servino@mastersny.org or 914-479-6611.
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SNAPSHOTS Masters School Blossoms at Spring Benefit >> Stunning displays of orchids, extraordinary food, stellar auction and raffle prizes, and great company were the hallmarks of the Masters in Bloom Spring Benefit, held March 8 at The New York Botanical Garden. Benefit Chairs Janet Bernstein P’13, ’16, Michelle Coppola P’17, and Lisa Eatroff P’14, working with Amie Servino ’95 and Angelique Chielli, created a magical evening for parents, alums, faculty, trustees Private tours of the orchid exhibit with Molly Edwards ’08 were a highlight of the Masters in Bloom benefit. Molly gave Head of School Maureen Fonseca (center) and parents an insider’s view of the display. and administrators from The Masters School. Auction Co-Chairs Kim-Adele Rosner and Cori Worchel made sure there was a plethora of exotic trips, beautiful jewelry, culinary delights and other fabulous auction prizes chosen to entice everyone to bid with their favorite iBid valet. Masters own Head of Upper School, Matt Ives, dressed the part and served as our live auctioneer. Music by talented Masters School musicians provided an elegant Parents and alums had fun using iBid valets to bid on a Masters School student musicians performed for backdrop for the fun-filled evening. A wide array of wonderful auction items. attendees at the Masters in Bloom benefit. wonderful video, created by alum David Heidelberger, featured students commenting on the best aspects of living and learning at Masters. Cheers erupted when the raffle prize winners were announced--and absolutely everyone loved the specialty Masters in Bloom cupcakes and cookie garden created by Masters’ parent Roxanne Ferrance, owner of Cake in a Cup NY. Beautiful orchid arrangements from parent Bonnie Stelzer of Peacock Flowers carried the Masters in Bloom theme throughout the dining and auction space.
Pietsch Named President of Parent Association >> At the annual wine and cheese party in May, the Parent Association honored Jerrie Miller P’10, ’14 for her many years of outstanding service as President. Head of School Maureen Fonseca spoke fondly of her work with Jerrie as the association president and a trustee. Leslie Rusoff P’17, ’17, ’18, presented Jerrie with a Tiffany vase and a monthly flower delivery (on PA Morning Meeting Thursdays!) on behalf of the Executive Committee.
Past president Jerrie Miller (center) and Head of School Maureen Fonseca (left) welcomed Janet Pietsch to her new job as Parent Association president. 32 | www.mastersny.org
The event also welcomed Janet Vultee Pietsch P’09, ’20, who has been selected to serve as the next association president. Janet is a children’s book editor and will serve as a member of the School’s Board of Trustees. (Editor’s Note: Please see Janet’s bio, which appears on page 14.)
UPPER SCHOOL
Class of 2014 Graduates with Style! >> Tossing red roses in the air amid the cheers and applause, the Class of 2014 graduated on Saturday, June 7, on a picture-perfect day in the beautiful setting of Graduation Terrace. The ceremony opened with the traditional processional featuring faculty and administrators in their academic robes. The Invocation was delivered by Ellen Cowhey, a member of the History and Religion Department. Co-Presidents of the Senior Class, Olivia Lifflander and Bennett Saltzman, offered welcoming remarks.
Fairytale Evening for Audience at Into the Woods >> Audience members were drawn Into the Woods during performances of the Upper School Musical on February 28 and March 1. A stellar cast of student-actors created a whimsical melange of well-known fairytale characters joined through their journeys “Into the Woods.” Guests were riveted by these two wonderful evenings of theater on the Masters campus!
Great Gig in the Sky Brings Down the House >> This year’s Great Gig in the Sky brought down the house with Upper School students’ recreation of Fleetwood Mac's album, Rumours. More than 80 students were involved in making the album come alive, guided by “Artistic Shepherds” Gilles Pugatch, Vincent Galgano, Jeff Carnevale and Janie Wallace. Music, dance, lights... it was an amazing show of talent.
Head of School Maureen Fonseca introduced the Commencement speaker, Anthony Mason P’14, ’18, co-host of CBS This Morning: Saturday and CBS News’ Senior Business Correspondent. Mr. Mason has spent more than 30 years as a television journalist. In a quarter century as a correspondent for CBS News, he has reported from more than 30 countries and won nine Emmy Awards. Head of Upper School Matthew Ives presented the diplomas to the Class of 2014. John Comforto, the Class Dean, delivered the Benediction. The newlyminted alumnae/i marched out to the traditional recessional music, passing between the rows of faculty, to be greeted by cheers and warm hugs from family and friends. Seniors crossed Graduation Terrace to receive their diplomas from Head of School Matt Ives.
The Masters School Class of 2014 the bulletin | fall 2014 | 33
SNAPSHOTS New Drama Award Honors M.A. Haskin >> A new award was added to the Senior Awards ceremony this year. The M.A. Haskin Leadership in Drama Award was created by the Drama Department faculty to honor Department Chair M.A. Haskin on her retirement in June, 2014. The award will be given annually to a senior involved in Theatre Arts who demonstrates the type of leadership that M.A. brought to the department during her 35 years at Masters. It recognizes a spirit of inclusivity in one who is not only a role model for other students, but whose supportive passion is evident in all of their commitments. The award is comprised of two components: a perpetual statue, bearing the recipient’s name that remains on display in the Theatre Lobby, and a smaller replica of the statue for the student. The inaugural winner of the award is Henry Jaffe ’14.
M.A. Haskin
The inaugural M.A. Haskin Leadership in Drama Award was presented to Henry Jaffe ’14.
Dancers Shine at Dramatic Evening of Dance >>
UPPER SCHOOL
Jonestown Benefits from Students’ Hard Work >> Upper School students put their muscles to work during the annual MISH spring break service learning trip to Jonestown, MS. Students planted flowers as part of a beautification project, painted trim on an elderly resident’s home, and did a “huge job” clearing an area of the town's track/field of fallen limbs. One highlight of the trip was a softball game with Jonestown's children and Sister Kay Burton, who administers the annual trip. In addition, students visited a number of historic Civil Rights sites. Many thanks to chaperones Eric Shapiro and Judy Murphy, and Director of Community Service Amy Atlee.
Students worked diligently to paint and beautify a home as part of their MISH work in Jonestown, MS.
Members of The Masters Dance Company charmed the audience with a wonderful “Evening of Dance” on May 16-17. Under the direction of Artistic Director Mary Rotella, dancers mesmerized the audience with lively numbers like “Red Rose Rag” and “Runway Dreams.” Solo performances by professional guest choreographers Jessica DiMauro, Liliana Morales and Lars Rosager were an interesting counterpoint to the student program. All told, the evening provided a perfect way to showcase the range of amazing talent among the company's dancers.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
Class of 2018 Looks to the Future >>
Reflecting on the love and support they have received in Middle School—and the fun they've had along the way—the Class of 2018 took the first step in their journey to the Upper School during graduation ceremonies on June 4. Head of School Maureen Fonseca welcomed students, faculty, families and friends to the eighth grade graduation, commenting on the special traits that have distinguished this class, including the strong bond of caring that exists among the students. Head of Middle School Everett “Doc” Wilson recalled how much he and the faculty have enjoyed working with this class and his high expectations for them in the future. Farewell remarks were delivered by Eliza Brewster and Isaac Kelly, followed by the presentation of diplomas by “Doc” Wilson, Dr. Fonseca, and Board Chair Tracy Tang Limpe ’80, P’18. Middle School students created detailed exhibits to share with their peers, faculty and parents for the annual Celebration of Science.
Students Share Research at Celebration of Science >> Fifth, sixth and seventh graders shared their knowledge of topics in science through displays and interactive exhibits at the Middle School's Celebration of Science on April 25. Students chose topics ranging from Alzheimer's disease, Cholera and Ebola to water's properties and plant and environmental issues, conducted research, and then created displays for the exhibition. Teachers, parents and peers spent time visiting the exhibits and asking questions. Our student-scientists responded with thoughtful answers reflecting the detailed knowledge they acquired through working on their projects. It was an enlightening (and fun) morning of science!
Members of the Class of 2018 celebrated their graduation from the Middle School and prepared to become Upper School students this fall.
Masters Creates Its Own Little Shop of Horrors >> Seventh and eighth graders brought down the house with their outstanding performances of Little Shop of Horrors on March 13. Under the direction of faculty member Mary Chappell, the students created a fun-filled florist’s nightmare. With sets by art teacher Bruce Robbins, the show came alive for audience members at both performances.
With a Venus Flytrap looming over their shoulders, eighth graders produced a lively rendition of Little Shop of Horrors.
The entire cast of seventh and eighth graders delighted the audience with their performances for the Middle School musical. the bulletin | fall 2014 | 35
Deaths 1930 1930 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1937 1938 1938 1938 1939 1939 1940 1941 1941 1943 1943 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1947
Helen Smith Lapham of Bloomfield, CT on March 23, 2011 Cynthia Griffin Wardwell of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC on May 16, 2004 Elizabeth Glover Clarke of Savannah, GA on September 12, 2009 Katharine Dunlop French of Phoenix, MD on December 13, 2013 Caroline Gray Phillips of Boca Raton, FL on February 18, 2014 Adele Haywood Graham of Sarasota, FL on July 27, 2013 Joan Alker Arbon of London on December 12, 2012 Peggy Powers Ford of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI on April 7, 2014 Lee Coney Gordon of Pittsburgh, PA on November 10, 2013 Holley Randall Smith of Glen, MT on May 8, 2013 Norris Beakes Swaner of Rhinebeck, NY on August 10, 2011 Caroline Ericson Maxey of Lake Forest, IL on February 21, 2011 Mary Hubbel Waterman of Bettendorf, IA on June 5, 2011 Doris Leas Hall of Gladwyne, PA on April 2, 2011 Eleanor Jenkins McFeely of Delray Beach, FL on July 15, 2011 Gweneth M. Williams of Pawling, NY on October 11, 2013 Marion Cooke Kimberly of Princeton, NJ on March 31, 2014 Barbara Forman Irons of Naples, FL on March 28, 2012 Dorothy Fraser Shore of Radiant, VA on November 21, 2013 Lucile Ralston Gray of Greenwich, CT on May 12, 2014 Elizabeth Camp Driscoll of Westerly, RI on May 3, 2013 Jane Jackson White of Stuart, FL on March 17, 2014 Flora Biggs Davis of Los Altos, CA on May 12, 2012 Elisabeth Sands McNeil of Annapolis, MD on July 8, 2014
1947 1947 1947 1948 1948 1948 1948 1948 1949 1950 1951 1951 1951 1952 1954 1954 1955 1958 1961 1963 1966 1969 1988
Mary King Swayzee of Saint Louis, MO on December 7, 2013 Harriet Judson Van Ingen of Greenwich, CT on November 6, 2010 Carolyn Taylor Peirce on June 1, 2014 Eleanor Rumpf Gero of Lake Forest, CA on May 1, 2009 Frances McCain Maury of Memphis, TN on May 30, 2014 Sally Zurn Mead of Albuquerque, NM on June 14, 2014 Gertrude Haff Rowland of Bradley, SC on October 30, 2008 Betty Schoubye Soulek of Bella Vista, AR on October 25, 2010 Polly Clancy Sikes of Rochester Hills, MI on November 9, 2013 Claire List of Peterborough, NH on March 5, 2014 Hope Anderson Dalgleish of Hagerstown, MD on October 20, 2011 Anne Schroder Higgins of Suttons Bay, MI on June 29, 2014 Judith Morrell Devitt of West Palm Beach, FL on January 21, 2012 Anne Schreiber Parker of Canton, MA on February 12, 2014 Sharon Winger Hyde of Carefree, AZ on March 31, 2014 Lois L. Wilson of London on August 13, 2010 Margaret Forker Smith of Cincinnati, OH on June 30, 2011 Patricia Pierce Garre of North Chatham, MA on March 19, 2014 Anne Matthews Parham-Brown of Alstead, NH on March 15, 2014 Andrea Dickson Wells of New Canaan, CT on November 30, 2013 Frances Woodcock MeVay of Stamford, CT on March 1, 2014 Carolyn Kittle of Memphis, TN on March 11, 2014 Khakasa Wapenyi of Brooklyn, NY on September 18, 2013
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stay connected There are many ways that today’s alumnae/i can connect with each other and with our School. Even if you can’t make a visit to campus or attend an event, there are many options for staying informed and involved.
>> Watch your inboxes for our Alumnae/i e-newsletter. >> Download our App: The Masters School mobile app for both iPhone and Android connects you to your classmates and to the School anytime, anywhere! The app provides access to an alumnae/i directory and map, news, class notes and photos. To download, visit the App Store and search for Masters School Alumnae/i.
>> Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MastersNY >> Follow us on twitter @mastersny >> Join “The Masters School Alumnae/i Network” on LinkedIn to connect with other Alumnae/i professionals.
Need help connecting? Contact Angelique Chielli at 914-479-6532 with questions. 78 | www.mastersny.org
SCHOOL’S OPEN !
“Fantastic” teachers, great classes, and a wide array of engaging co-curriculars all contributed to the enthusiasm surrounding the beginning of school in September. Students stopped to comment on their first days in the Upper School. Middle School students also displayed their trademark high energy and excitement to be back on campus.
Campbell Ives ’18 “It’s all very new,” Campbell noted on her second day as a freshman. “My classes are good. I’m excited for dance auditions and the Upper School musical.”
Benjamin Catania ’17 “It’s tiring; I’m not used to waking up so early,” Benjamin said. “My classes are good; I have good teachers. I’m looking forward to Music Theory and improving my guitar skills.”
Petar Janicijevic ’18 The Upper School is “very exciting,” Petar said. “It’s a new format of learning. The teachers are energetic and positive. I’m looking forward to fencing.”
Isaac Kelly ’18 Upper School is “very interactive and fun,” Isaac stated. “It’s a lot more student-run and independent” than the Middle School. “The teachers are fantastic; I like them a lot.”
Ileya du Boulay ’19 “The best thing about being back at school is seeing my friends and being able to meet new people,” Ileya said.
Michael D’Angelo ’19 and Harry Clay ’19 The best part of being back at school is “seeing Ms. T,” stated Harry (right), referring to Middle School Administrative Associate Kelly Torielli. He and Nick are also happy to see their friends and teachers and meet new students. According to Nick, another highlight of the return to school is “getting a great lunch.”
Georgia Rosenberg ’19 As Co-Chair of the Middle School with Ted Horowitz ’19, Georgia (third from right) is looking forward “to running Morning Meetings and starting community service projects.” She and Ted also want to start an outdoor classroom this year.
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T H E
B U L L E T I N
f a l l
2 0 1 4
Maureen Fonseca, Ph.D. Head of School maureen.fonseca@mastersny.org COMMUNICATIONS Bob Horne Director of Marketing & Communications and The Bulletin Editor bob.horne@mastersny.org Debbie Shure P’07 Assistant Director of Communications debbie.shure@mastersny.org ADVANCEMENT Timothy Kane Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement tim.kane@mastersny.org Angelique Chielli Associate Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations angelique.chielli@mastersny.org Judy Donald Development Associate judy.donald@mastersny.org Rosaria Golden Campaign Associate rosaria.golden@mastersny.org Lisa Nussbaum Campus Store Manager lisa.nussbaum@mastersny.org Maryann Perrotta Database Administrator maryann.perrotta@mastersny.org Mary Ryan ’00 Director of Annual Giving mary.ryan@mastersny.org Amie Servino ’95 Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations amie.servino@mastersny.org Photography: Bob Cornigans, Bob Horne, Anne Marie Leone, Michael Polito, Bruce Robbins, Debbie Shure P’07. Design: White Communications, Inc. Printing: Puritan Capital
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leadership 2014-2015 Head of School
Dobbs Alumnae/i Association
Maureen Fonseca, Ph.D.
Board of Directors
Board of Trustees Tracy Tang Limpe ’80, Chair Ralph Rosenberg P’13, ’15, ’16, ’19 Vice Chair Beth Nolan ’69, Secretary Stephan Feder P’15, ’19, Treasurer Edith C. Chapin ’83 Jonathan Clay P’19 Karen Feinberg Dorsey ’84, Alumni Association President Maureen Fonseca P’05, ’08 Michael Greene P’10, ’13 Elise Funke Griffin ’47 Alexandra Herzan P’13 Sheree Holliday P’16, ’20 Clay Lifflander P’14, ’16 Sydney Shafroth Macy ’70 Edgar M. Masters H’98, Life Trustee Keryn Norton Mathas P’19, ’22 Mindy Meads P’11 J. Keith Morgan P’17 Susan Follett Morris ’57, Life Trustee Christine Grim Neikirk ’84 Suzanne Paxton ’88 Janet Vultee Pietsch P’09 Parent Association President Elizabeth “Penney” Riegelman Lynn Pilzer Sobel ’71, P’99, ’05 Diana Davis Spencer ’56, P’84 Shan Zhu P’16 Honorary Trustees Marin Alsop ’73 Cynthia Ferris Casner ’52, P’76, ’86 Lilian Hall Fisher ’37, H’65, P’60, ’65, ’72 GGP’15 Jeannette Sanford Fowlkes ’58, P’87 Ruth Mitchell Freeman ’51 Helen Fisher Grim ’53, P’84 Nancy Maginnes Kissinger ’51 Claudia Boettcher Merthan ’51
Karen Feinberg Dorsey ’84, President David Heidelberger ’01, Vice President Sujata Adamson-Mohan ’01, Recording Secretary Sharon Nechis Castillo ’84 Linda Vipond Heath ’69 Priscilla Franklin Hindley ’66 Lusyd Doolittle Kourides ’70 Evan Leek ’01 John McGovern ’07 Ricardo Oelkers ’03 Mary M. Ryan ’00 Jennifer Zimmermann ’89 Amie Servino ’95, Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations Angelique Chielli, Associate Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations Parent Association Officers Janet Pietsch P’09, ’20 Kristy Fitzgerald P’16, ’18 Janice Woodward P’11, ’15 Janet Sikirica P’19 Anita Tartt-Stewart P’19 Sonia Levethan P’15 Amie Servino ’95, Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations Angelique Chielli, Associate Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations
Celebrating your Masters experience as part of your life's journey... Journeys to far-away and different places have always fascinated me. I have shared with readers some of these travels in my travel books. In my life journey, my two years at Dobbs played an important part in a journey common to us all. Dobbs taught me well in mind, body, heart and soul. The School’s teachers and mentors helped me to begin to know myself: to have faith in God, and to have more confidence in myself. They taught me to travel well in my life’s long journey, to “do it with my might,” with gratitude, and a sense of adventure. I hope that remembering Dobbs in my legacy will enable future students at The Masters School to have the same wonderful Dobbs experience. – Virginia Best Clarendon ’43
As you think about Dobbs' legacy to you in helping to shape your life journey, we invite you to consider establishing your legacy to the School through your estate plans. Membership in The Estherwood Society is our school’s way of recognizing and thanking alumnae/i, parents, and friends for their foresight and generosity to Masters through their estate plans. • Include The Masters School in your will. • Elect the School as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, lead or remainder trust, or retirement assets.
• If you have included Masters in your will and have not informed the School, please contact us so that we may add your name to our list of Estherwood Society members. If you are considering including such a step, we would be delighted to provide you with further information. • Even if you would like to remain anonymous, please let us know of your intentions so we can properly document your future gift.
For information, please contact Tim Kane in the Advancement Office at 914-479-6527 or email tim.kane@mastersny.org.
49 Clinton Avenue | Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522-2201
MAAC Takes Shape as Construction Advances
Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Nashua, NH Permit No. 375
There really is a new athletic and arts center rising on Miss Masters’ campus! After years of planning and months of construction, the new Masters Athletic and Arts Center (MAAC) is rapidly becoming a recognizable structure. The pool is in place, the walls are sweeping upward, and excitement is mounting. Before you know it, students, alumnae/i, parents, faculty and staff will all be enjoying this new campus hub!