Spring 2016 MKA Review Magazine by Montclair Kimberley Academy

MKA rev覺ew

WHE N FACU LT Y

LOVE TO LEARN AND

LIVE TO TEACH

THE MAGAZINE OF

MONTCLAIR KIMBERLEY ACADEMY SP R I N G 2 0 16

MKA rev覺ew

THE MAGAZINE OF

MONTCLAIR KIMBERLEY ACADEMY SPRI N G 20 16

F E ATURE

Faculty Who Love to Learn and Live to Teach

DE PARTME NTS

FROM THE HE AD MASTER

AROUND MKA Campus, student and faculty news

PA R E NT NEWS

TRUSTE E N EWS

ALUMNI NEWS

A G E NE ROUS L I FE Stories of Giving

CLASS NOT ES

MISSION MKA’s challenging, engaging and innovative academic program provides a vibrant and transformative education. Our faculty’s deep and genuine understanding of our students as individuals and as learners fosters their ethical development, intellectual growth and personal success. MKA’s diverse, collaborative and inclusive community inspires students to lead lives of noble character, purpose and distinction.

ON THE COVER Our Spring 2016 cover showcases faculty on both sides of the camera. Photographer Tony Cuneo (Upper School Fine and Performing Arts teacher) captures his colleagues Barbara DuRant (Primary School Fine and Performing Arts Chair), Scott Geter ( Middle School Science teacher) and Mike Houston (Upper School World Languages teacher). Editors Gretchen Berra Kim Saunders Design Lilly Pereira Copy Editor Diane Lundy Assistant Editors Debbie Allen Kaitlin Maillet Lois Montorio Photographers Doug Allen Gretchen Berra Michael Branscom Phil Cantor Steve Clayton Tony Cuneo James Demaria Norman DeShong David Hollander David Kenas Kim Saunders William Stites Karen Schifferdecker

FAL L 2015

Evidence of our mission is found in the KNOWLEDGE, VISION and INTEGRITY of our students and our alumni: K N OWLE DGE • Academic excellence • Intellectual independence • Love of learning VISION • Personal engagement with the world • Understanding of human complexity • A sense of humility and compassion I N TEGRI TY • Strength of character • Responsibility as a citizen and leader • An honorable and generous life

FROM THE HEADMASTER

BY T HOM AS W. N AM MACK

Practicing what we Teach M KA’S ST RO NG FACULT Y D EV ELOP MENT P ROG RAM Teaching is a deeply personal enterprise requiring a total professional immersion that shapes every aspect of a practitioner’s life. In the early years of a career, teachers rely heavily on their instincts and what they experienced in the classroom as students. Successful teachers recognize that those instincts and prior experiences are not enough to sustain a career in the classroom and that regular opportunities for reflection on one’s practice, gathering feedback from students and colleagues and continuing professional development are essential. Just as we all may have one good book in us to write, we each may have some one thing we can teach well. It is quite a different proposition to live to write or to live to teach. MKA seeks and develops teachers who love to learn and who live to teach because that combination of commitments is what builds and sustains teaching excellence. When we interview teaching candidates we are looking quite specifically for those professional and personal qualities that are essential to teach at our school: fairness, compassion, humility, creativity, depth of knowledge in one’s area of study, endurance and the mindset necessary to discern what is authentic and true in the feedback and signals received from those with whom we work and those whom we teach. It is almost a scout’s list of virtues. Growth is scary, occasionally painful and ultimately exhilarating, and it is not just about the acquisition of new skills and abilities, growth also requires that we give up ingrained attitudes and practices that honest self-reflection tells us

impede our development as people and as teachers. MKA has a unique set of tools to reinforce this professional culture of growth. The faculty Professional Growth Process involves every teacher in an annual process of synthesizing feedback from peers and students, developing a focus for ongoing professional development and enacting a plan. Blauvelt Professional Study Advancement Awards fund curricular development that infuses units of study, resources and classroom experiences with elements of character education and ethics. PAMKA Faculty Trust Grants fund proposals from faculty for summer study and travel with the goals of expanding each recipient’s horizons and bringing back new knowledge, expertise and experience to the classroom. In addition to providing funding for graduate work to its faculty, MKA offers superbly crafted and well attended summer institutes and workshops to our faculty in areas of study such as ethics, technology integration, assessment, brain research and program innovation. MKA’s unique schedule of in-service days provides opportunities for departments to work together Pre-K-12 and allows us to work with nationally recognized experts on topics such as gender identity, cultural competency and establishing and developing inclusive classroom practices. I have not had my own classroom in fifteen years, and I am in awe of what it takes to be a truly effective teacher at MKA. I miss the classroom, but it would be delusional for me to think that I could simply step back into one. Knowledge

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TOM NAMMACK, HEAD OF SCHOOL ELECTED TO HEADMASTERS’ ASSOCIAT I O N In June 2015, MKA Headmaster Tom Nammack was elected to the prestigious Country Day Schools Headmasters’ Association of the United States. The Association, founded in 1912, limits membership to 100 active heads of schools who are selected based upon recognition of their careers in independent school education. Previous Heads of Montclair Academy and Montclair Kimberley Academy were elected in 1924, 1950, 1954 and 1987. The Association holds one general meeting and conference per year, hosted by universities and colleges across the country. The 2015 meeting and conference was held at the University of Virginia, and next year, it will take place at the University of Southern California. Join us in congratulating Mr. Nammack on this great honor!

about technology integration, advances in academic research, increased sophistication regarding assessment and brain research that relates to learning have not just progressed, but are doing so at an increasingly accelerated pace. MKA’s commitment to the growth and development of its faculty is one of the school’s most exciting attributes and a fact about which all parents, alumni, colleagues and students can be proud.

A Homecoming

A ROUN D M KA

2015 See page 12.

IN THIS SECT IO N : Big News Campus News Student News Homecoming Faculty News Athletics

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BIG News F U T U R E F O R WA R D U P D AT E S

Upper School Academic Center SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 29, 2016 Dedication Ceremony Homecoming Weekend 2016

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“The Academic Center invites students and teachers to choose their own path while utilizing the diverse resources at their fingertips. From the tech center to the idea lab, from flexible furniture to study carels, the Academic Center provides a transformative space for student learning.”—JI L L M AZA , Head Librarian

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A BRIGHTER FUTURE During an MKA Middle School Permaculture and Native Wildflower Assembly, students watched a movie trailer for “Inhabit.” The students discussed what permaculture is and what they are growing in the Middle School Community Garden Boxes. They then created native wildflower seed packets in their homerooms, which they will plant with members of the community this spring to help build much-needed habitats for pollinators. This was all part of a Green Apple Day of Service project which is a global movement to put all children in schools where they will have clean and healthy air to breathe, where energy and resources are conserved and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter future.

STUDENT LIFE FAIR The Student Life Fair is a long-standing Upper School event where students get to find out about all the extracurricular opportunities the school has to offer. Upper School student life is generally divided between clubs, community service initiatives (CSIs) and organizations. Both clubs and CSIs are open to all, while some organizations—like Student Government, the Unaccompanied Minors a cappella group or Mock Trial—may be limited through auditions or elections. While clubs are driven simply by a love of a common interest or a shared identity, CSI members provide service to an outside nonprofit organization and raise money and awareness for their cause. We have close to fifty different groups on campus this year, ranging from Badminton Club and Fine Dining to Habitat for Humanity and Amnesty International. With the help of faculty advisors, student leaders set goals for their groups and plan at least one community-wide event through the course of the year. For a full list of MKA clubs go to mka.org

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Math Initiative in Barbados A huge congratulations to rising junior Alex Eiden on his accomplishment of helping to implement a national math initiative in Barbados. Alex, who is the founder/president of the MKA STEM Team, a Community Service Leader, a 2015 Presidential Silver Award Recipient, a Tech Leader and part of the Global Experience Leadership Group, is helping to provide Barbadian children with the opportunity to experience a free world-class education, anytime, anywhere to compliment their academic studies. Inspired by MKA’s Global Leadership Programs, Community Service Initiatives and his embracement of technology, Alex saw an opportunity, and in 2013, traveled to Barbados to have a breakfast meeting with Barbados MES (Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation). It was there that he addressed the “fear of fractions issue” that exists amongst Barbadian primary school students. In subsequent visits, a three-school Khan Academy math pilot program began, running consecutively for three weeks. This has now resulted in a national math initiative, starting on September 7th, aptly named 2015–16 Barbados MES Math Initiative, which will affect more than 2,500 students in ten schools. The program has gained national prominence with global corporate supporters such as Apple and JetBlue, who have offered recycled HP notebooks to replace the over 10-year old computers the school currently has. On Thursday, September 3, Senator Harcourt Husbands, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, invited Alex to a ceremony in which JetBlue presented him with the refurbished laptops which were handed over to the St. Ambrose and St. Lukes/Brighton Primary Schools in Barbados.

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“Looking back on my experience, it’s been the teachers who make MKA such a special place.” — C H AR L ES R I L L I ’ 16

All-School Gathering Montclair Kimberley Academy’s annual AllSchool Gathering epitomized everything that makes MKA special: a community that is as diverse as it is united. Headmaster Thomas Nammack welcomed over 1,000 students (172 of them new to the school this year), 200 faculty and staff members and special parent, Trustee and alumni guests saying that, “MKA is one school when it comes to our mission and values. Today is a day to be grateful for all that we have and all that we share.” Student talent was exhibited by exemplary performances from the Primary School Bellringers, the Middle and Upper School Jazz Ensembles, MKA’s Choreography Workshop, the Unaccompanied Minors who performed an unbelievable rendition of “Shut Up and Dance,” the combined Middle and Upper School Jazz Bands, the Chamber Singers who sang a special tribute of “My Way” to MKA Assistant Headmaster Richard Sunshine, (who is retiring in June after 27 years at the school) and

finally, a truly moving performance from Casey Borella, Caitlin Ladda and Rob D’Alessandro who performed “Sky Full of Stars and Clocks.” MKA’s flourishing athletics program was celebrated with the hanging of new banners to celebrate last year’s team championships, the announcement of deserved athletic awards to student athletes, as well as by rousing performances from the MKA Cheerleader and Step Teams. Academic endeavors were honored with the presentation of MKA sweaters to meriting students (also given for Fine & Performing Arts and Athletic achievements). The school’s renowned faculty was recognized in the presentation of a 30-year service award to Carol Ippisch, Assistant to the Headmaster. Alumni Council President Jaclyn Spedaliere ’00 also presented the Founders’ Cup for Teaching Excellence to Middle School Physical Education teacher Ken Smith. Upper School Student Government President Charles Rilli ’16 said, “Looking

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back on my experience, it’s been the teachers who make MKA such a special place.” From the sea of MKA spirit clothing to the cheers for kindergartners receiving MKA Cougars from members of the senior class, school spirit was high and the morning concluded with the youngest member of the Class of 2028 (and granddaughter to MKA Boys’ Lacrosse Coach Paul Edwards), Julianna Edwards, helping Headmaster Nammack officially ring in the start of the 128th school year.

WELCOME TO MKA! On Tuesday, September 1, 2015, MKA kicked off the new school year with its annual “All School Meeting” where 27 new faculty and staff members were introduced and welcomed into the MKA Community. Headmaster Tom Nammack commented, “MKA is very fortunate to welcome twenty new full and new faculty and part-time faculty and staff members seven new members of our staff and administration for the 201516 school year. These new colleagues have come from near and far to join our school and bring with them a range of impressive experiences and talents and a common commitment to providing an outstanding education to students at MKA.”

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MKA B O O K SH EL F

ON STAGE

MKA’s outstanding fall theatre productions certainly did not disappoint. A Thanksgiving Feast offered eleven original one-act plays written by current students, alumni, faculty and guest artists. Each play had the November holiday at the center of the story. The audience took a theatrical trip that included a look at the origins of the first Thanksgiving, a fateful day in November of 1963, and several insightful looks into the tradition of the Thanksgiving dinner. Aftermath was written and directed by Upper School faculty member J.C. Svec. The collection of one-act dramedies explores very different perspectives on the end of life and what follows in the afterlife. The production successfully premiered at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity in New York this past June.

STRING CONCERT The Upper School Advanced Strings players, directed by Dimitri Hadjipetkov, were invited to perform at a concert series at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair. The young musicians opened the program with Mozart’s Overture “The Abduction from the Seraglio” followed by Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins and Cello RV. 565. Congratulations to all students on a spectacular show.

AN APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL Montclair Kimberley Academy has been recognized for a second consecutive, two-year term as an Apple Distinguished School for 2015 to 2017, for its unique implementation of Apple technology in its 1:1 Laptop Learning Initiative for grades 4–12, and its use of iPads for grades Pre–K–3. The selection of Montclair Kimberley Academy as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment.

MKA

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Black and White By Paul Volponi Marcus and Eddie are best friends who found the strength to break through the racial barrier. Marcus is black; Eddie is white. Stars of their school basketball team, they are true leaders who look past the stereotypes and come out on top. They are inseparable, watching each other’s backs, both on and off the basketball court. But one night—and one wrong decision—will change their lives forever. Will their mistake cost them their friendship … and their future?

“There are stories all around us. A lot of you have great stories in you!” PAU L VO L PO N I, author of Black and White (one of the Upper School’s summer reading books), visited Ms. Darling’s sophomore English class via Skype to discuss with the students his journey from reluctant reader and mediocre student in high school to an award-winning author of 12 books. The students had a chance to ask him questions and even share some of their writing with him. He offered the students advice and encouragement on their own writing and how their stories are worth telling.

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Giving Back D E LI VE R I NG WAR M T H This past summer, Thomas Jones and 15 MKA students, went on a service trip to the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. Winters on the Blackfeet Reservation are nearly seven months long with temperatures reaching 40-50 below zero. The students followed up their trip with a clothing drive this fall where they were able to collect 14 boxes of clothes, just in time for winter at Blackfeet. G I VI NG T R E E D RI V E The tri-campus Giving Tree Drive [ 1 ] that collected toys, hats, and mittens last week was a huge success. MKA collected 232 toys for families in need this holiday season. These toys have been delivered to Valley Settlement House in West Orange and were distributed to children at the VSH holiday party. In addition, 304 hats, gloves, mittens and scarves were collected and packaged by third grade volunteers in beautiful gift bags that were decorated by all of the Primary School children. The gift bags will be delivered to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. SUPPO RT ING COMMUNI TI ES The sixth grade students of MKA donated $1,000 to support child labourers and children of their age who were in difficult circumstances working to harvest the cocoa that becomes the chocolate they enjoy. The amount was used to address the inadequacy of furniture in Nsata Subriso D/A Primary school and 30 dual desks were built and distributed. The beneficiary classes and children have seen a significant improvement in their education. The headmistress of the school, Madam Marian, confirmed “Our children’s interest in schooling has increased; they are excited and more punctual at school. Teaching in the two beneficiary classes has definitely improved, and the classroom environment is more conducive to learning. We are most grateful for this support.” N O RT H E R N N J FOOD BAN K The freshman class at MKA recently visited the Northern NJ Food Bank [ 2 ] to help distribute food to people in need. Over 100 ninth graders worked diligently packing pasta into bags and sorting food into boxes to be delivered. The kids really showed how to do service for others with great big smiles on their faces! T H A N KSG I VI NG SHA R E The entire Primary School community gathered in the gym [ 3 ] to celebrate our eighth Thanksgiving Share. This special, formal, sit-down luncheon gives students from different grades the opportunity to interact with one another, and with adults from our community, over a delicious Thanksgiving meal at tables beautifully decorated with china, silverware and festive balloon centerpieces. As part of the Thanksgiving Share experience (and modeling MKA’s Character Standards), all students participated in a service learning project by decorating and assembling Thanksgiving “Care Kits” [ 4 ] for someone in need. A representative from Toni’s Soup Kitchen graciously accepted the kits and thanked our students for their commitment to helping others.

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BY T H E N U MB ERS

MKA students, went on a service trip to the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and donated

360 pounds of clothing (approx.) 14 boxes.

232 toys collected for families in need by the Giving Tree Drive

304 hats, gloves,mittens and scarves were also collected.

$1,000

donated by sixth grade students to to Ghanaian CocoaGrowing Communities. The amount was used to build and distribute

dual desks (serving 57 students).

100+

ninth graders volunteered at the Northern NJ Foodbank.

$992,000 raised on MKA DAY! (THANK YOU!)

Helping Hands Pre-K students and their third grade Buddies took a field trip to Alstede Farm together [ 5 ]. Buddies worked together in the fields to locate and pick green beans and tomatoes to donate to Toniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen, a soup kitchen located within walking distance of the Primary School. Working together, the 77 students were able to pick enough vegetables to fill two large boxes. They walked over to Toniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen to deliver the farm fresh produce. The children were excited that the soup kitchen was in their own neighborhood. These field trips are part of a yearlong study of the connection between sustainability and service learning, on which Pre-K and third grade students work collaboratively.

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Keep up with all the news at mka.org

News Shorts A H UG E SUCC ESS A huge shout out goes to the Upper School’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) as their annual, fall concert “Friday Night Out Loud” [ 1 ] to support GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) was a huge success! The $676.25 went directly to GLSEN to help them fund their programming in NJ schools for inclusivity training and anti-bullying projects. To date, MKA’s GSA has donated more than $10,000 over the last eight years to GLSEN! F ROST VA L L E Y T R I P The 6th grade headed to Frost Valley and although they did not have the best weather, students and faculty spent two days working together, building

relationships and finding the beauty in the rain [ 2 ]. Students participated in three different classes while at the camp, learning how to find shelter in the woods, identify pond life and fly (with the help of the homeroom and a rope). ST U DEN TS A BROAD Freshman students Sydney Polinchock and Luke Hunter attended another conference in Norway for Media Forum. Wearing Google Glasses they spoke again about being digital natives and how they utilize technology and what is important to them as consumers. [ 3 ] TABLE TENNIS 7th and 8th grade Chinese students took a fun field trip to the

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Lily Yip Table Tennis Center. The students were introduced to the history of the game and then got the opportunity to be coached by the former Olympic player, Mrs. Lily Yip before competing against one another. Everyone had so much fun from this unforgettable experience! [ 4 ] MATH TEAM MKA Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in six mathematics competitions each year in order to earn a spot on the MKA Varsity Math Team. On December 15, we had a great turn out of 56 students for the 3rd contest of the year. Congratulations to Ronny Bhatia (9th grade) and Jacob Waldor (11th grade) for earning perfect scores on the contest!

HOUR OF COD E Primary School students [ 5 ] participated in the Hour of Code global movement by exploring skills and concepts necessary for following and writing computer code. WATER QUALITY Ben Rich’s Environmental Science Class tested the water quality of the Peckman River in Cedar Grove. [ 6 ] Mr. Rich said, “It is important that students “do” science and don’t just read about it. They measured biodiversity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, pH, water flow rate, nitrates and phosphates.”

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THE BUZZ

ACCOLADES

“Wrong answers are better than no answers at all.” MARK LOVE, Founder of Engineers Teaching Algebra. 7th grade students spent the day with Mr. Love and were challenged to devise safe, efficient traffic patterns for a signalized intersection. Mr. Love spoke to the students about the many STEM related careers that will be available to them, and encouraged the 7th graders to continue to take as many challenging math classes as possible. Our budding engineers were extremely engaged in this interesting, meaningful, problem-solving experience.

Model UN

From November 6–8, 20 MKA students and two faculty advisors, US economics teacher Tom Carroll and Spanish teacher Isabel Janelli participated in the annual Brown University Simulation of the United Nations in Providence, RI. The conference is unique in the fact that all of the programs are held on Brown’s campus. Students get the authentic feel of participating in parliamentary debates in an actual college setting. This year, MKA represented Haiti and the Netherlands as well as a number of specialized committees. Students debated such topics as the crisis in Syria, nuclear proliferation and child labor in agriculture. The conference coincided with the annual Water Fire celebration in Providence that honors our veterans. The Providence River was alight with torches, accompanied by music from local artists and the event was capped off with a huge fireworks demonstration. The Model UN program is extremely vibrant at the Upper School. We fielded a full student contingent for Brown and 28 different students attended the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania.

ONE DAY REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE Thanks to the incredible generosity of the MKA community, MKA Day on October 16, was an overwhelming success! We surpassed our $250,000 goal therefore receiving a $50,000 Challenge gift from a small group of dedicated MKA parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff. Twenty-six volunteers helped throughout the day making phone calls to our loyal donors. Due to the unprecedented number of donations for MKA Day, we have raised over $992,000 to date for our students and faculty.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO… Hannah Kramer, MKA senior and glassblower, who has earned national recognition as a winner in the prestigious YoungArts Foundation competition. Hannah is among the nation’s top young artists in visual, literary and performing arts to be selected for this honor from an applicant pool of over 12,000 secondary school students from 42 states, and is one of the top 65 to earn recognition in the Visual Arts. MKA Senior Shelly Tsirulik who was named a Semifinalist in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Competition. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Of the 1.5 million entrants, approximately 16,000 students are recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. MKA students who have shown outstanding academic potential and are among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants nationwide in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. These students are: William Bromley, Emma Bruce, William Curtis, Ana Lucia Espinosa Dice, Sara Feraca, Julia Randall, Noreen Rizwan, Morgan Roberts, Paige Robinson, Marc Roube, Jordan Schildkraut, Rachel Sobel, Samuel Sobel, Caroline Taylor and Shelly Tsirulik. Sara Feraca and Ana Lucia Espinosa Dice who were invited to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program. In order to be invited, students must have scored in the top 2.5 % among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT takers in the region. Ronak Bhatia, Gary Hu, Hunter Smith and David Lippincott for their exceptional performances on the college SAT, ACT, or similar test as part of the Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth Center (CYT) Talent Search. CTY’s Talent Search identifies and recognizes the academic capabilities of advanced students around the world.

Homecoming

2015

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HOMECOMING 2015 / The weather could not have been more beautiful, and fun was had by all on MKA’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2015 held the weekend of October 10th. The MKA Alumni community celebrated reunion year classes ending in ’0 and ’5. / A celebration of Kassie Canter ’75, the newest recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, was held at a luncheon for Kassie and her family and friends on Friday, October 9, 2015 at Headmaster Tom Nammack’s home following her visit to Tom Carroll’s Honors Economics class that morning. / Later that evening, the Athletic Hall of Fame inducted Ed Conlin ’84 and Karen Ladenheim-Martos ’85. Mary Hayes McDaniel ’82, former MKA and Temple University fencing teammate and Athletic Hall of Fame member, introduced Karen to the audience. Karen was unable to join us due to a fencing tournament, but she sent a wonderful thank you video enjoyed by our guests. Rich Stanton ’87 shared stories of his lacrosse experiences with Ed Conlin who ended the evening with a heartfelt, gracious acceptance speech in front of his many friends and family members. / The traditional Reunion Luncheon on Saturday, October 10, 2015 heralded a new tradition —students from the Upper School choirs, under the direction of Maria Gilmartin, Chair of the Music Department, sang the alma maters from The Kimberley School, Montclair Academy and MKA. Alumni joined in and sang along! During the Luncheon, DAA recipient Kassie Canter ’75 spoke passionately about her commitment to the MKA Community Scholars Program and encouraged those gathered to consider supporting this scholarship program that provides an MKA education for deserving students. Alumni Council President Jaclyn Spedaliere ’00 invited alumni to attend upcoming alumni events. / The Montclair Academy and Kimberley School Classes of 1965, celebrating their 50th reunion, were well represented and introduced to those in attendance: Kimberley alumnae —Betsy Ridge Madsen, Ellen Curtin, Ellen Malcolm, Mary Hack, Jane Izod, Katharine Haines, Joan Taylor, Marilyn Blackwell, Ruth Morine and Susan Wright; and Montclair Academy alumn—Arthur Brown, William Davis, R. Victor Bernstein, Henry Allen, James Kuzmick, Joseph Hare, Robert Livesey, Michael Fink, Peter Stern, Robert Ferrara, Stephen Edelstein, Stephen Cutaia and Peter Ehrenberg. Congratulations on your milestone 50th Reunion! / As a tribute to Jason Spiotta ’88, an alumnus who tragically passed away this past summer, there was a moment of silence before the Homecoming football game. Following the moment of silence, Marc Spiotta ’86 and the Spiotta family accompanied the team captains on to the field for the coin toss. / Continuing the tradition of recent years, reunion year alumni gathered on Saturday evening at various venues in and around Montclair to catch up and celebrate together. / The weekend came to a close with yet another new tradition—the Alumni Homecoming Soccer Game, spearheaded by Ben Parker ’96 with an assist from Bryan Becker ’96, Mitch Decter ’94 and Laura Placentra ’10. Van Brunt Field was home to this co-ed game, and 29 players from three different decades enjoyed a spirited game with many friends and family members cheering then on, including Jane and Ken Smith, and Athletic Director Todd Smith. Breakfast in the US Dining Hall followed. / Mark your calendars for Reunion and Homecoming 2016, celebrating classes ending in ’1 and ’6—October 2016.

See more photos of homecoming at mka.org

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Game On! MKA’s Annual Middle School vs. Faculty Basketball Game was a huge success! Organized by the Middle School Student Government under the leadership of Laura Lemaire, Cheryl Amendola and Tina Jordan, a huge crowd came to witness the enthusiastic game where the impressive faculty beat the students 62–34. In addition to the great game there was lots of food, singing and an incredible pep band to add to the entertainment. This year’s charitable recipients, selected by the students (traditionally, one local and one national or international organization), are KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) and Doctors without Borders, who together will receive over $8,500! Congratulations to all involved in this incredible event.

FACU LT Y/STA FF NEWS SHORTS CO N G RAT U L AT I ON S TO Dimitri Hadjipetkov, MKA’s Tri-Campus Director of Strings. Mr. Hadjipetkov received accolades on his latest album, Beethoven-Schumann Violin Sonatas, in the world’s most prestigious strings magazine—The Strad, London. Dominique Gerard, the Dean of Student Life and Tri-Campus Director of Diversity and Inclusion, on being published in One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium: LGBT Educators Speak Out About What’s Gotten Better...And What Hasn’t David Hessler who had an article published in The Journal of Daoist Studies (vol 9) entitled, “Teaching with Dao.” The article informs one’s teaching by utilizing some of the ideas found in the Daoist text, Tao te Ching. Alise Shuart on being honored for her 10 years as a trainer for the US Lacrosse Coaching Education Program at the US Lacrosse Convention in Baltimore, MD!

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WHERE THEY ARE NOW…

Judy Nesbit

I was born in St. Louis, MO and moved to Glen Ridge when I was four. I was a ‘lifer’ in Glen Ridge graduating from Glen Ridge High School and then attending and graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University. I taught mathematics at the International School of Brussels (Belgium) and Frankfurt International School (Germany) before coming to the Kimberley School in 1969. I taught both Middle School and High School math and computer programming at TKS until 1974. After the merger I moved to the Upper School and stayed there until I retired in 2007. There has always been a very collegial atmosphere at TKS and MKA. I learned a lot from my colleagues. I attended the National Council of teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Conferences in St. Louis, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Philadelphia and New Jersey. With the support of MKA I was selected to participate in the Leadership Porgram in Discrete Mathematics at Rutgers University. In 1996 I was selected as the N.J. non public school teacher of the year. I have also spoken at many NCTM conferences. There are so many memories from the 38 years I was at TKS/ MKA and many took place outside of the classroom. I worked on the winter musical with Marilyn Faden and Calun Matcke and also had the pleasure of being a spectator at many sporting events. It was so fun to be able to witness the amazing football season MKA had this past fall! I still substitute at MKA and enjoy meeting students whose parents I taught. My advice for the students today is to keep their options open. Life takes twists and turns that you cannot predict. At my 25th college reunion a classmate polled the attendees asking, “What did you major in and what are you doing now?” She reported only four of us were doing something related to our major. You just never know…

A CREATION STORY Congratulations to Christian Ely and the entire cast and crew of the 8th Grade Performance Ensemble “A Creation Story for Naomi” by Stephen Spotswood. They did an absolutely spectacular job!

FIRST ANNUAL PA RENTS POT LUC K D INNER MKA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee hosted the first annual “Parent Potluck Supper” in the Middle School dining hall. Over 70 people took part in the fun and energetic evening which featured a wide variety of delicious cuisines. The event, co-chaired by Dominique Gerard and Karen Gulliver, was a wonderful evening celebrating community and culture and a great chance to break bread with many MKA families.

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Music @ MKA T I S’ T H E S E ASO N

MKA’s Upper School celebrated the accomplishments of the MKA Concert Band and Jazz Band on December 17th at their Winter Concert in Weiss Auditorium. The December 17th MKA Middle School Winter Choral Concert was a festive and joyous event featuring choruses in grades four through eight as well as the select Chamber Singers choir. Featured soloists in the Concert Choir (grades six through eight) were Cassie Polanskyi, Ella Breslawsky and John Colbert in “Winterlight” by Amy F. Bernon. All choirs joined together to end the evening with a wonderful rendition of “A Festive Noel” by Victor C. Johnson. We congratulate Mr. Charles Postas, our new MKA Middle School Chorus Director, on a wonderful debut performance. The MKA Upper School Vocal Music Program on Friday, December 11 was truly fantastic. Under the direction of Choral Director Maria Gilmartin, the student performances were absolutely beautiful, featuring the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and special guests the Advanced Strings Orchestra and the Unaccompanied Minors, were absolutely beautiful. A celebration of songs spanning

over 250 years from classical, jazz and contemporary pieces wowed the audience. Congratulations to all!

Crown Imperial, Into the Raging River, Buenaventura and Oogie Boogie’s Song from “Nightmare Before Christmas.”

The MKA Middle School Band Concert, Wednesday, December 16th was a festive occasion featuring a variety of musical repertoire.

Congratulations to all 4 Jazz and Concert Band Members on a fantastic evening!

Our 4th Grade Band, in their very first performance as a band, opened the concert with a Jingle Bell March and the theme from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The 5th Grade Band made a dramatic entrance with a fanfare and procession followed by a joyful arrangement of the African folk song Siyahamba. The Sixth, Seventh and Eighth graders combined forces to tell the tale of “Archers in a Forbidden Forest” by Joseph Eidson and to celebrate the mix of cultures and people traveling through the mid-west with an exciting performance of “Crossroads” by Michael Oare. Congratulations to all of these talented musicians! Directed by the masterful Chuck Olsen, the Jazz Band performed Blue Q, St. Thomas, Mr. P.C. My Favorite things and Ran Kan Kan and the Concert Band wowed with the performances of Celebration Tribalesque,

Primary School students rang in the holiday season with voices, bells and violins. The Winter Concert opened with selections by Primary School Strings students, led by Mrs. Karen Kamp and Mr. Dimitri Hadjipetkov. Mrs. Jane Smith once again expertly directed and beautifully accompanied each grade in special, joyful holiday selections, both vocal and instrumental. Madame Roure led both the third grade and the Pre-K in French holiday songs and Señora Banegas led the second grade in a traditional Hanukkah song sung in Spanish. Mrs. Marie Ihnen ended the concert with her violin accompaniment as the faculty sang. The entire concert was festively set with a “peace” backdrop that Mrs. Bates’ second grade class painted with the help of third grade student, Alexis Urquhart, who drew the lettering. The students and faculty are so grateful for Ms. Barbara DuRant’s, Mrs. Kristen Weaver’s and Mrs. Margaret Gonzales’ many hours of behind-thescenes help and guidance.

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ATHLETICS 2015 During the recently completed 2015 Fall Athletics season, the following MKA teams, coaches and athletes achieved honors:

FIELD HOCKEY Head Coach: Injoo Han (9th Year); Record: 12–9–1; 2015 NJISAA Prep B State Champions Amanda D’Alessandro ’16 Capt.; Honorable Mention AllPrep B; MKA Coaches Award; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; NJFHCA Senior All-Star Game; 2nd Team AllEssex/Union Conference Isabella Mendez ’16 Capt.; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; NJFHCA Senior All-Star Game; 1st Team All-Essex/ Union Conference; 1st Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger; 1st Team All Non-Public, NJFHCA Emma Pacifico ’16 1st Team All-Prep B; Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Essex/ Union Conference Caroline Taylor ’16 Capt.; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; NJFHCA Senior All-Star Game; 1st Team All-Essex/ Union Conference; 2nd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger; 2nd Team All Non-Public, NJFHCA Dorothy Cucci ’17 Honorable Mention All-Essex/ Union Conference Hannah Gross ’17 2nd Team All-Essex/Union Conference Sophia Garrubbo ’18 MKA Rookie of the Year Award Alix Talkow ’18 MKA Most Improved Player Award

Daniel Amirata ’16 1st Team Defense AllMetropolitan Independent Football League

Billy Hughes ’16 Capt.; Fall Captain’s Prize Recipient; 2nd Team AllAmerican Division, SEC; MKA Coaches Award

Ethan Fusco ’16 Capt.; MKA Offensive Player of the Year Award; 1st Team Offense All-Metropolitan Independent Football League

Davis Cook ’17 Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC

Max Hall ’16 1st Team Offense AllMetropolitan Independent Football League

Billy Massey ’17 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; MKA Most Valuable Runner Award; 3rd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger

Derek Kleinman ’16 Capt.; MKA Coaches Award Matthew Mitrovic ’16 1st Team Defense All-Metropolitan Independent Football League Christopher Sibilia ’16 MKA Most Improved Player Award Joseph Strain ’16 MKA Defensive Player of the Year Award; 1st Team Defense All-Metropolitan Independent Football League Robert Strain ’16 Capt.; 1st Team Offense AllMetropolitan Independent Football League Erik Zeug ’16 Capt.; 1st Team Offense AllMetropolitan Independent Football League Brian Bond ’17 1st Team Defense AllMetropolitan Independent Football League; 3rd Tm Defense All Non-Public, Star Ledger

Matthew Petrocelli ’18 Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC

Head Coach: Rob Leather (2nd Year); Record: 5–11–2 Alex Cappitelli ’16 Capt. Stephen Schaeffer ’16 Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B Jordan Schildkraut ’16 MKA Coaches Award John Baney ’17 Capt.; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; MKA Most Valuable Player Award; 2nd Team All-Prep B

Nicholas Wilson ’18 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; MKA Most Improved Runner Award

Robert Jack Miller ’17 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; MKA Players’ Player Award; 1st Team All-Prep B

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

Dylan Ladda ’19 Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B

Head Coach: Tom Fleming (17th Year); Record: 11–0 Salem Belay ’16 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC Emma Bruce ’16 2nd Team All-Colonial Division, SEC

GIRLS’ SOCCER Head Coach: Kieran Patrick (4th Year); 2015 SEC Coach of the Year, Star Ledger; Record: 18–2–1; 2015 SEC Liberty Division Champions

All-State, Star Ledger; 1st Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger; 1st Team All-Prep B Madeleine Sirois ’17 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC Jaclyn Kemly ’18 Honorable Mention All-Liberty Division, SEC Kerri McGuire ’18 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; MKA Coaches’ Player Award; 1st Team All-Prep B Jessica Schildkraut ’18 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; MKA Players’ Player Award; 1st Team All-Prep B GIRLS’ TENNIS Head Coach: Bill Wing (19th Year); Record: 10–9 Isabella Calandra ’16 Capt.; MKA Most Valuable Player Award; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC Gianna Balonze ’18 MKA Most Improved Player Award Mia Bohi-Green ’19 Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC

VOLLEYBALL Kathryn Correia ’16 Capt.; 1st Team AllColonial Division, SEC; MKA Coaches Award Anne Lemmer ’16 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC

Liam Gerard ’17 1st Team Offense AllMetropolitan Independent Football League

Caylie Privitere ’17 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY

Leelah Klauber ’18 2nd Team All-Colonial Division, SEC

Head Coach: Tom Fleming (17th Year); Record: 6–3; 2015 NJISAA Prep State Champions

Evelyn Wallace ’18 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC; MKA Coaches Award

FOOTBALL Head Coach: Anthony Rea (2nd Year); Record: 10–1 (Class of 2016 – Weiner Award winners); 2015 MIFL Champions

BOYS’ SOCCER

Hope Buchan ’16 Honorable Mention All-Liberty Division, SEC Sara Feraca ’16 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC Samantha Pai ’16 Capt.; 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 2nd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger; 2nd Team All-Prep B Shannon Raff ’16 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; MKA Coaches’ Player Award Olivia Vaughn ’16 Capt.; 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; MKA All-Time Leading Scorer; 2nd Team

Head Coach: Mike Tully (11th Year); Record: 25–5; 2015 NJISAA Prep B State Champions, 2015 Essex County Tournament Champions Kimani Freeman ’16 Capt.; 1st Team All-Prep B; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; MKA Coaches Award Kennedy Robinson ’16 Capt.; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; MKA Most Valuable Player Award; 3rd Team AllState, Star Ledger; 1st Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger Grace Andres ’17 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC

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COACHING MILESTONES CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR COACHES… Kieran Patrick (Girls’ Soccer—4th Year) won 50th career game Injoo Han (Field Hockey—9th Year) won 100th career game Congratulations to Billy Hughes ’16 (Cross Country) the recipient of the “FALL CAPTAIN’S PRIZE.” The MKA Captain’s Award is given out each season to a team captain who has exhibited the leadership, a strong work ethic and is a role model for his or her team.

“I have worked with several standout high school athletes over the last 26 years but I’ve never had a high school captain as dedicated in making his team members as successful in the sport as this young man has done for his peers and his team. He leads our team with positive energy and an incredible passion for our sport, which is easy for all of his teammates to respond to and follow. ” Head Coach Tom Fleming on Billy Hughes ’16

Samantha Dowd ’17 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; 3rd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger Tyla Parker ’17 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; MKA

Players’ Player Award; 2nd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger

Mike Tully (Volleyball—19th Year) won 150th career game Bill Wing (Girls’ Tennis—9th year) won 300th career match

SPORTS WINS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING… MKA Girls Cross Country who, for the 2nd year, are the SEC Colonial Division Champions! [ 1 ] Mike Tully (Head Coach) and the MKA Volleyball Team (22–4) who won the program’s 1st ever Essex County Championship with their 2-0 convincing win over Livingston High School. The team also won their 2nd consecutive NJ Prep State Championship. [2]

The MKA Boys Cross Country team who won the NJ Prep B State Championship. [ 3 ] Boston College bound, Olivia Vaughn ’16, who was selected to the Girls Soccer All-State 2nd Team (all schools) by nj.com. [ 4 ]

High flying Kennedy Robinson ’16 who was selected to the Girls Volleyball All-State “3rd team” by nj.com

Congratulations to Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Kiernan Patrick who was named the Super Essex Conference “Girls Soccer Coach of the Year” by nj. com. Coach Patrick guided the Cougars to an 18-2-1 record, including winning the SEC Liberty Division and their 1st ever Essex County Final Appearance.

Injoo Han (Head Coach) and the Varsity Field Hockey Team (13– 8–1) who defeated Morristown Beard 2–0 to capture the NJ Prep B State Championship. This is the Cougars’ 4th straight NJ Prep championship title and 6th overall! [ 5 ]

Hailey Sylvander ’17 Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC Sarah Abukwaik ’19 Honorable Mention AllAmerican Division, SEC 5

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Making History

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The 2015 MKA football team made history this year finishing 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1 on an extraordinary season. Highlights from the season include the team capturing the Metropolitan Independent Football League championship and the now infamous Hail Mary pass to beat Mater Dei with no time left in the Non-Public Group II first round. Congratulations to all the players, especially senior captions Derek Kleinman, Erik Zueg, Ethan Fusco and Rob Strain on a truly spectacular season. Go Cougars!

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W HE N FAC U LT Y

LOV E TO LEARN AND

L I VE TO TE AC H

BY DESIGN, learning at MKA is engaging. Teachers innovate intentionally–to spark students’ inquiry, encourage collaboration and exploration, and invite experimentation and risk-taking with new ideas. They encourage students to reflect on their learning and adjust strategies, just as they reflect on their teaching and adjust their instruction accordingly. Through this process, teachers come to understand their students well—as scholars and as people—and build the foundations of the relationships that are so essential to learning at MKA. MKA funds faculty members to travel to conferences and workshops—locally and sometimes globally—to explore emerging research in teaching and learning from experts in the field. Our teachers understand that learning is a journey, and they dive into that journey wholeheartedly. This means bringing new and exciting ideas back to share with the MKA community. What makes MKA unique is our intentionally designed on-campus opportunities for faculty to learn and grow. As a foundation, every faculty member takes part in MKA’s Professional Growth Process (PGP), a shared process of inquiry into professional practice. Prompted by the question, “How can I most significantly improve teaching and learning in my classroom?” all MKA faculty members annually collect feedback through peer classroom observations, student surveys and analyzing a body of student work for trends in strengths and challenges. Teachers reflect on this feedback and use it to inform and adjust teaching and learning. Conversations throughout

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this process are collaborative and provide limitless opportunities for faculty members to learn from one another and their students. To extend these conversations among MKA’s Pre-K–12 faculty and target topics of professional interest, MKA offers many on-site workshops where faculty collaborate and learn from one another as they inquire, explore, experiment, take risks with new ideas and design pathways for their students to do the same. From Institutes in Technology and Integrated Ethics to workshops in Diversity and Inclusion and How the Brain Learns, these MKA, home-grown learning opportunities provide the time, space and concentrated inspiration for faculty to examine current practice and adjust learning experiences for their students. Days spent working together are at once energizing and exhausting, reflective and transformative. As Upper School French teacher Meg Slotkin notes, “Professional Development [at MKA] pushes me to stretch my own comfort zone—just as I ask students to do each day. … The collegiality and collaboration that I appreciate with my faculty colleagues is repeated with my students.” Grounded in a firm belief in the power of both educational and scientific research to transform teaching and learning, all on-site professional development offerings are based on the most current research available about how students learn best. Together, teachers explore answers to questions such as, “How can we best use technology tools to enhance teaching and learning?” or “How can we enhance our multicultural awareness and curricular practice?” or “How can we utilize brain research to enhance learning?” In the Idea Lab, new last summer, smaller groups of faculty members working on their own curriculum (re)design projects were able to ask themselves “How can we think ‘outside the box’ to design this so students learn best?” Beyond the 11 in-service days each year where MKA faculty have the opportunity to collaborate and learn together, approximately 80% of faculty voluntarily spend summer days engaging in MKA-funded professional development. As they immerse themselves in research, they come to understand how students learn best. As they immerse themselves in their own learning, they remember what it means to be a student. They willingly explore current research and best practices to ensure that they can intentionally design students’ learning experiences for engagement and success. As Michael Feldman, Class of 1980, recently reflected on his MKA experience in the MKA JAM, “What I valued the most were my fellow students, our faculty and the engagement in scholarship, community and friendship that occurred between students and faculty.” MKA’s rich and ever-evolving tradition of professional development continues to cultivate our current community of lifelong learners, shaped by MKA teachers who truly do love to learn–and live to teach.— Karen Newman, Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Professional Development 23

W H E N FAC U LT Y

LOVE TO LEARN…

MKA is unique in its finely-tuned focus on professional growth for its faculty. Whether it be our spectacular, continuously evolving professional development program, our homegrown, teacher-led Professional Growth Process, or simply the passion shown by teachers for lifelong learning and continual growth. I’ve not see this elsewhere. —J I LL MAZA , Head Librarian

80%

of MKA faculty participates in targeted, MKA –funded learning each summer through professional development workshops facilitated by colleagues or around the nation in conferences and workshops.

the number of in-service days each school year during which all teachers learn and collaborate with colleagues.

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80% of MKA’s faculty members hold advanced degrees.

average number of faculty “dream” grants that MKA Parent Association provides each year for faculty to explore the world and bring it back to the classroom.

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Kerry Verrone Freshman Dean Tri-Campus Chair of Integrated Ethics

Every June, after students have completed final exams and projects, the classroom clutter has been cleaned out, and each campus has hosted closing exercises, MKA faculty take their turn as students by participating in a wide range of summer professional development offerings. Among these opportunities, Integrated Ethics Institute provides faculty with one such tri-campus forum for exploring all of the ways in which Integrated Ethics can play a more deliberate role in our school, from the classroom to the advisory program to extra-curricular life and support services. During these Institutes, held in the retreat-like setting of Van Vleck House and Gardens, participants engage in thought-provoking study and discussion centered around an annual theme, ranging from “The Habit of Happiness” to “Cultivating Curiosity and Character.” In particular, helping our students to develop the essential habits of inquiry has informed much of our summer work in recent years. During Integrated Ethics Institute 2015, we explored the theme of “Designing the Physical Space and Classroom Culture to Promote Inquiry”: during the week. Faculty chose from a number of directed readings, interactive workshops, and place-based field trips in support of their individual and group projects. These projects not only further faculty professional growth, but also honor the collaborative process of teaching and learning which begins anew each September.

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Dr. David Korfhage Upper School History Department Chair

This past summer, I got to experience the MKA Idea Lab, MKA’s latest approach to faculty development and curriculum design. The Idea Lab, inspired by the design approach at Stanford’s Design School, embodied a teacher-driven approach to professional development. Rather than having preset topics, MKA’s Idea Lab sessions would be designed around teacher projects, and would use brainstorming and open discussion to produce results that were tailored to teacher concerns. I attended three Idea Lab days—to design the new 9th grade history course, to think about interdisciplinary work at MKA, and to think about the future of the Professional Growth Program at MKA—and each day left me with new ideas and more energy around my work. We met in the conference room in Karen Newman’s office, and Karen guided us ably in our discussions, asking insightful questions and helping us develop our sometimes vague ideas into carefully crafted enduring understandings and essential questions. In our 9th grade curriculum work, we ended up with a framework to guide our new thematic approach to teaching. In the PGP workshop, we brainstormed around the question of making adjustments in teaching. And in the interdisciplinary workshop, we had the chance to think creatively and in an open-ended way about the possibilities that interdisciplinary work might have for broadening the student experience at MKA. In short, the Idea Lab took MKA’s strong professional development program and made it stronger.

Kathy Sasena First Grade Teacher

Oftentimes in the professional world, intrinsic motivation comes from a glimpse into someone else’s experience. This is how my interest in Responsive Classroom was sparked. Several years ago, I was invited into a new colleague’s classroom to observe, what she referred to as, Morning Meeting. I didn’t realize it then, but what I was witnessing was the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching. I eagerly observed as she integrated social-emotional learning with academic skills. The fundamental belief in the Responsive Classroom approach is if a student isn’t emotionally comfortable, learning will be hindered. There was a strong sense of community radiating from her students. I wanted my classroom to reflect the same, so I made a commitment to further develop my Responsive Classroom knowledge. I came to MKA having only a one-day workshop as my Responsive Classroom experience, with hopes to continue my studies. A whole new world was waiting for me to explore, and MKA has encouraged and supported me every step of the way. To date I have completed several one-day workshops, Advanced Courses I & II, and an RC Teacher Leader assessment. This Spring I have an opportunity to participate in a Responsive Classroom Teacher Certification program, that is being supported by MKA. This is a designation awarded by Center for Responsive Schools (CRS) to educators who use Responsive Classroom practices and strategies with fidelity in their classrooms and schools. The process includes further coursework, and a certified Responsive Classroom coach and mentor to visit my classroom and guide me through self-reflection. If I am accepted into this rigorous program, and fulfill the expectations, I will be certified to guide the MKA faculty in RC practices, lead informational sessions, and present to interested community members. I look forward to continuing my personal growth as a Responsive Classroom teacher, but also to helping others in the MKA community in building a positive classroom culture through Responsive Classroom practices.

Carlaina Bell Middle School Assistant Head

Jordan Raper Physical Education And Health Department Chair, Upper School

The biggest philosophy I have nurtured from being around teaching and coaching since I was a little boy, is that, if we want students to learn, the defining element is the teacher. So, being the best teacher I can be will lead to the students to be the best learners they can be. To this end, I think professional development is the overall most important thing we, as faculty, can do to help students learn. This summer I was fortunate enough to participate in Idea Lab and I gained a great deal of insight into our Upper School curriculum and how we deliver it. Removing the blinders and looking at it from different angles changed my viewpoint and extended creativity in my planning. We started to ask the questions “How can I be physically healthy?” and “How can I develop the habits of a physically healthy lifestyle?” In the classroom, this has really helped me become more empathetic to the needs of our students and helped energize my teaching, taking it to a new level. I now look at my classroom as a place of varied engagement most importantly, varied levels of learning.

In October, I had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans to attend the National Association for Multicultural Education Conference (NAME) to support MKA’s initiative to further consider ways for diversity and inclusion to permeate the curriculum. One of my big takeaways from the conference was that a truly exceptional multicultural education is not solely about curriculum, nor is it a method of just tapping into students’ racial identities. It is connecting the known with the unknown, validating who students are, and helping them develop a critical consciousness through which they challenge the status quo. A quote by the author Anais Nin resonated with me, “We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.” We all have an inherent bias and have to intentionally examine our curricula to look for ways in which we can transform them to be multicultural. In my job, I lead leaders, and more often than not, I lead through meetings. I always have two goals for meetings: first, accomplish a task and second, model how to lead. As I begin to guide faculty through the process of transforming their curricula to be more multicultural, I use multiple approaches. I plant small seeds by using multicultural vocabulary; I casually introduce a multicultural concept; and I guide workshop-type activities. For example, I created and played a fictitious Sports Center Weekend Update using derogative racial terms for team names to illustrate that names like the Washington Redskins are more than just politically incorrect. My hope is that middle school leaders will learn from their experiences with me and feel empowered to mirror them in their own departments and teams.

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LOV E TO LEARN AND

When you walk through those doors in the morning, you know that today is another opportunity to affect someone. And at the end of the day, no matter how exhausting that is, it’s very powerful.

L IVE TO TE AC H

—FACULTY

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Maria Arellano Middle School Dean of Students, Middle School English Teacher

Even the most thoroughly planned curriculum and highly qualified teachers are not enough to guarantee an outstanding school program. In order for children to meet the demands of academic classes, they must first feel fundamentally safe. This idea of safety extends far beyond the physical sense. Children have to feel a strong sense of belonging-they must believe that they are part of a larger community that values who they are. Being a productive member of such a community means having the ability to relate to others, take perspectives, have empathy and communicate effectively. These are some themes that comprise our Advisory Program. Students learn and practice skills regularly so that they may understand themselves and develop meaningful relationships. In a fourth grade advisory class, you might see children writing “I statements” in order to express what they need and want from one another. You might witness an eighth grader writing personal and academic goals along with the steps needed to achieve them. MKA’s Middle School places a high priority on the development of these skills in order to continuously uphold our mission to “inspire students to lead noble lives of character, purpose and distinction.”

Inspire students to lead noble lives of character, purpose and distinction. —MAR IA AR E LLANO

Rene Amirata Middle School World Language Department Chair

I am always so appreciative of the many professional development opportunities offered to teachers at MKA. I learn many new things to enhance my teaching during the summer Tech Institute, (a collection of workshops dealing with technology put together by MKA’s technology department). In addition, I have attended summer workshops hosted by EdTech Teacher. In June of 2014, I participated in a seminar called The Advanced iPad Classroom Workshop, and this past summer, I traveled to Boston to attend the Teaching Foreign Languages with Technology seminar. In regard to learning a language, the goal of using technology is to ultimately create fluent speakers of the language who also have a solid understanding of the people and culture of the areas around the world where the language is spoken, and to create an innovative culture in the classroom in which to learn. To help foster an innovative culture, Bloom’s Taxonomy is an interesting model to observe. The redesigned taxonomy of learning places creativity at the apex of the skills. I was able to learn about the importance of formative assessment strategies, using screencasting to help students learn, how to create multimedia presentations using a variety of apps, a process called “app smashing”, how to collaborate with colleagues and encourage students to collaborate using Google Drive and Google Classroom, and how the “Four C’s” of using technology and information (Collect, Curate, Create, and Collaborate) are interwoven with the four skills of communication: speaking, reading, writing and listening. Although these professional development classes have taught me so many techniques to use in my classes, the most important “take away” for me has been that nurturing students’ innate curiosity and desire to become independent learners is key. How do you nurture creativity so that students remember the language for years to come? Research shows that you have to make it memorable to make learning last. My recent professional development

Maureen Bates Second Grade Teacher

I have been fortunate to attend many transformative workshops to deepen and enrich my teaching at Brookside. One of these was the 2015 Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which I attended last July. Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell, leading experts in the field of children’s literacy development, were keynote speakers. The four-day institute focused on ways to help readers actively make meaning from text. I learned ways to extend children’s reading power through writing, ways to harness the power of children’s oral language to deepen comprehension skills, and ways to engage and motivate children to read. Developing my expertise as a teacher and reading specialist means that I can support children whose literacy skills are developing as well as extend the experiences of children who are ready for a challenge. I am so grateful to MKA for helping me to be a lifelong learner by attending workshops that are at the leading edge of literacy research.

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W H E N FAC ULT Y

LOV E TO LEARN AND

L IVE TO TE AC H

Scott Geter Middle School Science Teacher

Tom G. Holt, Ph.D. Upper School Science Department Chair

Thanks to MKA’s ongoing investment in professional development, I was able to attend the Assessment Training Institute in Portland, Oregon. The week-long event was a multilayered conference of short course offerings, keynote presentations and focused discussions. I gained new insight and was challenged to “unlearn” false assumptions in order to apply new understanding. The evenings were enriched by candid discussions with other attendees including MKA faculty. One way students benefit from my Assessment Training Institute experience is through a new approach to homework assignments. In order to encourage AP Chemistry students to be more willing to risk making mistakes as they engage in learning, assigned problem sets are now optional and are not graded. Without grading students on their practice coupled with more specifically defined learning targets, the students are better able to see how the assignments will help them close the gap between “Where am I going?” and “Where am I now?” Students track their own performance, taking more ownership in their results, and often students request more problem sets for areas where they see a gap in their learning. The skillful application of assessments for learning toward well-defined learning targets has truly transformed the way I teach.

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Curiosity may have been what killed the cat, but it is the driving factor that influences my growth as an educator. One conversation that occurred during my interview process revolved around the notion that MKA is not too interested in hiring educators that feel that are omniscient. Luckily, we share this sentiment. I believe that as an educator, especially a science teacher, it is important to embrace new information that improves your product. Like the many studies of science, a teacher’s skill set and knowledge should be continually updating and evolving because there are an innumerable amount of opportunities for learning. As the new kid on the block, my goal during the summer was to immerse myself in the MKA community by attending as many of the professional development sessions as possible in the hopes that I would be able to gain a stronger understanding of my new community. Through the course of the summer I attended three workshops at MKA, during which I witnessed the commitment my new colleagues have to their own professional growth and of others. It was this quote from the Ethics Institute that has set the tone for this journey of professional growth that I have embarked on at MKA. “To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take area always in the right direction.” —Stephen R. Covey (The 7 Habits of Effective People)

Caylie Marden Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Going to Reggio Emilia, Italy and visiting the preschools there and seeing the outstanding achievements of the students completely changed my life. The student work looked like the work of high school students but it had been done by 4 and 5 year olds. It was a real awakening to the reality of what children are capable of when given the proper encouragement and no limitations are placed on their learning. Something as simple as giving children thin markers to draw with instead of the chunky markers that every early childhood expert will tell you are “more appropriate” for young children, was a revelation. When we gave our students thinner markers and pencils to work with, we were amazed by the incredible detail that emerged in the drawings. Teaching in the Reggio Approach, is like setting off on an adventure with the students. It is as if we have a general map of the area, but none of the pathways are marked, so our learning is free to go in many different directions. The learning begins by posing a single open-ended question to the children, and it grows into a conversation as the students listen to each other’s ideas and build off of one another. There is an energy and excitement in the room that is almost tangible as new ideas inspire others. What might begin as a math lesson might grow through an art project into a writing piece. Often, the project will become a total immersion in learning. Many of the materials that we use encourage big ideas. Some of the projects the children have done include building a 4- foot- high robot, creating life- size models of sea creatures (sharks, orca whales, barracudas), building an ice cavern, and constructing a Zulu home and surrounding it with life-size animals (giraffes and elephants) of the African savannah. I have seen first hand that Reggio is the best approach to teaching in that the children get so excited by the ownership they have over their learning that they are motivated to continue with it for hours and over days. They have even been known to ask if they could miss recess to continue their academic pursuits. Each child brings new insights and new strengths to a project so that the finished project is a sum of all their thoughts and ideas and a visual representation of their thinking. As a teacher, I have gained a lot more insight into each individual child’s thinking process—not only what they know—but how they arrived at their ideas. I have also seen the student’s attention span increase dramatically and the observations that are a part of our art studies have helped the children become more observant in reading, writing, math and science. Also, the social aspect of Reggio learning cannot be emphasized enough. Most of our work is collaborative where the children work in pairs or in small groups. I have noticed that children develop the skills and confidence to voice and explain their ideas, to blend their ideas together, and negotiate and problem solve. As they learn together, they gain a different kind of respect for one another, and it really bonds a class. I have seen students develop incredible confidence in themselves

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and their abilities, become skilled problem solvers, and have the perseverance to take their ideas to completion. The Reggio approach is innovative in that instead of a teacher telling children what to think and what is important to know, it gives children the autonomy to discover that knowledge on their own and for themselves. They construct their own understanding of a topic through interaction with the topic and with their classmates. As a teacher, I am an equal participant in the learning, and there is a balance for me of when to step in and offer support and assistance, and when to step back and let the children construct their understanding on their own.

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Sheila Smith Kindergarten Teacher

...an education at MKA is the foundation for critical thinking, authentic inquisitiveness, and exploring a variety of learning and teaching styles. —D R E W JE NNIN GS, Class of 2004

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If you are in the halls of the Primary School and walk by the Green-Kindergarten classroom, more often than not you will hear singing. There is hardly a more joyful sound than five- and six-yearold voices, particularly when the lyrics they are singing sound like this: Kids for character, here we stand, We’re unified, side by side, Let’s get together while we can, Come on and take a stand for character, On and on, all across the land, We’re hand in hand, the future is ours, We are kids for character. What does it mean to be a “kid for character” in kindergarten? Thanks to the Blauvelt grant I received last summer, I had the profoundly rewarding experience of researching children’s literature, both old and new, and choosing five children’s books with which to create lessons that teach tolerance, respect and responsibility. I examined how children’s literature has changed over time and how best to take messages and morals from stories and engage kindergarten students in meaningful dialogue in which important issues are tackled. These issues are discussed through character studies, reader’s theater and engaging games. Together we are navigating our way through meaningful dialogue centered around ethics. It is my goal that the children and I become better citizens through our work together and more tolerant human beings from our discussions.

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Shanie Israel Middle School English teacher and Diversity and Inclusion Co-Chair Erica Budd Technology And Learning Coordinator, Upper School Coordinator Professional Development, Upper School

After attending my first neuroeducation conference, I was hooked. I brought back mountains of books; I read (and annotated!) copiously; and I learned as much as I could about how the brain learns. I have been fortunate. What started as a personal opportunity for professional development has influenced how I can frame my work with both students and teachers. Did you know that while everyone’s working memory capacity is limited to 5–9 “chunks” of information, those chunks are different sizes for the novice than they are for the expert? Knowing this, I can disseminate content and skills more intentionally in smaller chunks, so learners’ working memories don’t get overloaded, and they are able to process that same content more effectively. And did you know that the emotional center of the brain often filters out information before it can get to the prefrontal cortex, the thinking part of the brain? I now understand that I need to be more mindful of the impact of my students’ emotions on their learning--at any given moment--as I work with them to foster their intellectual growth and personal success. And did you know that the amount of sleep you got last night (and over time) significantly impacts your ability to process new content and retrieve previously mastered information? That’s been a great conversation with my students, advisees and colleagues! MKA’s support of my professional development in the area of brain-research has become the backbone that informs many of my conversations with students and with teachers as we all work to become more effective learners.

As part of a professional development opportunity at MKA, I had the privilege of sharing a meal with the governor of the Tesuque Pueblo. I was a part of a week-long intensive workshop called Culturelab at Santa Fe Prep. During my time there, I spent my mornings in a classroom talking about identity. My afternoons were spent visiting the different rich, vibrant, cultural communities of the city, and my evenings were spent discussing the impact of identity on perspectives. On this particular afternoon, the governor invited us to have lunch. At the table, he said, “Your people are born into boxes.” He then explained the birth ritual of bringing newborns in the community to the top of a mountain and showing them the land. He spoke about the expectation of ownership that each member of the tribe must take on in order to have a thriving community and sustainable life. As a teacher, one of my jobs is to engage students in society so they too can have a better understanding of the world. Through MKA’s dedication to professional development, I have had the opportunity to walk outside of the boxes I am used to and into a much wider and open space. MKA has enabled me to develop the skills and language to help my students look outside the box of our classroom, and as our mission states, become responsible citizens that understand human complexity and have the skills to engage with the world.

As a teacher, one of my jobs is to engage students in society so they too can have a better understanding of the world. —S H AN I E I S RAE L

John Odell Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

The Reggio Approach to learning allows kids to be kids. With this, we follow our teaching themes based on what the students want to know, and work on those themes as long as needed. Before this way of thinking and approach, lessons were set day by day. Some of the lessons may have had little to no interest for the child or relation to the world for them; there was no clear connection for the students to the outside world. Now, with the Reggio approach, value is placed on allowing children to explore and express ideas through a more hands-on methodology. Project-based learning is key to this curriculum. The projects are hands-on and allow each child to emphasize their own strengths, weaknesses, and learning modalities. Additionally, they use each child’s personal interests to teach the academic skills that they need to learn. I love how the Reggio Approach gives the students time to focus on their work and play in a balanced atmosphere. It’s a more relaxed, child-centered pace. Best of all, I can now provide an approach to learning that is meaningful to them. Anyone can teach a 4 year old a theme unit on bugs, but the Reggio teacher lets kids explore their world in and outside of the classroom.

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AND

LIVE TO TEACH

175 faculty members

8:1

MKA’s studentto-teacher ratio

96% of MKA faculty serve as students’ advisors

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THE BENEFITS of MKA’s commitment to their teachers is evident. Faculty stay for long periods while remaining at the top of their game; incorporating what they learn—including the most current educational research—directly into curriculum and instructional practice; and sharing it with their colleagues. Equally important, the school attracts the kind of teachers who have an ongoing desire to keep learning from each other and from external resources. Their much-vaunted “love of learning” is modeled in their “living to teach” as told here by members of our community.

Ben Parker ’96

When I think back on my time at MKA, a recurring theme that comes up is the long lasting bonds students develop with the faculty members. Today, when I go back to alumni events almost twenty years after graduating, I am struck by the number of faculty members I see who can still relive the time we spent together, whether in the classroom or on an athletic field. In just the past year alone, I have been fortunate enough to spend time with current faculty members Mr. Hrab and Mrs. Newman, and as always seems to be the case, they made it seem like almost yesterday that they were holding over late through lab lunch or teaching us the proper MLA format for an essay. More amazingly, this MKA bond extends beyond just the current faculty, which speaks to how devoted members of the MKA faculty are to the students they mentor. This year at the First Annual alumni soccer game Coach Stu Ward actually came down from Connecticut to reconnect with former students and players, many of whom he had not seen in over twenty years. While this might sound ordinary to members of the MKA community, I cannot think of many people outside of our community who have forged similar lasting bonds with teachers they had in primary school let alone college, and it is something our community should be very proud of and never take for granted.

Dillon Carroll ’16

I arrived at MKA in 9th grade as a relatively shy, yet determined student, who had no clue as to just how incredible, and impactful, the MKA faculty was. I visited many private high schools that praised their faculty and its availability for the students… but no school came close to comparing with MKA in terms of actual faculty strength. My academic dream coming to the Upper School was to never stop being curious. That dream has largely been fulfilled due to my teachers. It is very difficult to write such a short tidbit about the truly life-changing experiences I have had with my teachers, both in and outside of the classroom. In a school as small as MKA, it takes a special type of person to come in day after day and teach with a contagious enthusiasm that inspires students to think, work and question everything, all the time. I recently answered college recommendation questions for my sophomore history teacher, Mr. Hessler, and wrote: I know that the connection that I have made with you over the passed three years has been one of the greatest I have ever made in my life. I continually enjoy speaking with you for hours on end about my interests and growing love for research and discovery. You have helped me make history more than interesting, but enjoyable. I have no doubt that you will present me as the best student, dedicated intellect/conversationalist, and true lover of all things history you have come to know. Now just imagine… that was only one of my teachers.

green= student perspective, blue = alumni perspective

Emma Bruce â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16

One of the best parts of MKA is the support of my teachers, and the relationships I have developed with them. There is something very special about knowing I can send an email to one of my teachers and get a quick and friendly response, knowing that if I need help, they will find time for me, but that we can also joke around and chat about life. All the credit in the world goes to the math department for their never-ending patience. I am not a person that math comes easily to, but these past two years, I have gotten the best grades I have ever gotten in the subject, and that is all thanks to their willingness to explain things and dealing with my constant visits to math lab, no matter how many times I make them review the same concept. I have also had amazing science teachers, who have made me completely fall in love with the field, and changed what I want to do with my future career. But maybe the most special teacher to me is Mr. Cuneo. I have grown as a student and a worker in my classrooms, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also grown and found myself as a person in the art room. Mr. Cuneo has always been honest with me without ever once being mean and has stood with me through everything, encouraging me to be not only the best artist, but the best person I can be. All my teachers have taught me with their unwavering support and unfailing patience that I can do anything; I can be an art kid and a science geek and an English nerd all at the same time and that I am a valued as a person, regardless of my grades.

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Laura P. Jackson â&#x20AC;&#x2122;05

When my parents told me that I had an interview with Montclair Kimberley Academy after being away at summer camp, I knew that my life would never be the same. I joined the MKA community in seventh grade, deciding that repeating a grade would benefit me academically in the future. I will admit transferring to any new school is difficult, but I was fearful of a transition into such an academically rigorous institution, that I would continue to fall behind or just would not fit in. I was instantly proven wrong. The faculty, staff and students immediately made me feel welcomed and at ease. It was the first time since elementary school that I felt comfortable raising my hand to ask a question in class without the fear that someone would make fun of me for it. Throughout my years at MKA, I was continually supported by faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure a supportive and enriching environment for the entire student body. Whether it was Mr. Hrab and Captain Bob Iverson who aided me in pursuing my love of science; Mr. Kelly and Mr. Berry who brought Shakespearean and romantic literature to reality; Mr. Powers who helped me to see a different side to the athletic world by introducing me to Fencing or Mrs. Brown-Allen who showed me how to lead by example, I know that, without the support and guidance from my parents and my MKA family, I would not have the knowledge, vision and integrity that I have today in my career and in living my life.

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Kate Lindsey TKS ’72

Ross Turkington ’16

I remember during my sophomore year French class, Doc (the nickname of Dr. Michael Houston) told the class he had an extremely interesting video to watch. Expecting a French history film or something of the sort, I prepared for an hour of naptime. However, instead of approaching the DVD player, Doc went onto YouTube on his computer, and typed in the search bar, “Schlock, the Banana Monster.” He then proceeded to play a video about a mutant gorilla that befriends a blind lady and causes a ruckus amongst his surroundings. This set the tone for the remainder of Doc’s class. Each day, Doc had something fun planned, and although some days might not have been as intriguing as the trailer to “Schlock,” I found myself leaving class with a smile. I feel like Doc’s strongest teaching talent is his ability to integrate his sense of humor and amusement into each day’s class. Doc can even make the conjugation of irregular subjunctive verb tenses fun. I have so many fond memories of Doc’s classes. Whether he has the class talking in French about Hathaway Pendergrass the Third or conjugating the French verb of to caw, Doc has never failed to incorporate laughter, enjoyment and amusement into his classes. Doc helped me find my passion for the French language, and to say he loves to teach is a huge understatement. I am truly to fortunate to have experienced Doc’s classes, and to his future students, count yourselves lucky, because Doc’s classes are the ones you’ll remember.

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““Ahhh, girls, would you please take your seats?”—the opening words we heard every day in 12th grade English class coming from an elderly woman who stood no more than five feet tall but who was an intellectual giant and who changed many of our lives. In hindsight, I believe that Miss Hamilton was perhaps one of the most courageous teachers of her time, teaching books that were considered truly scandalous like D.H. Lawrence and using word phrasings that almost always had double meanings—often interpreted by her students as outrageous. I am sure, now, that she knew exactly what she was doing and most likely chuckled to herself when we left class whispering among ourselves about her racy comments. She always had a twinkle in her eye—and we certainly remembered what she had to say. Oh yes, her descriptions of some of the world’s leading literary characters are surely remembered by many, if not all, of us even forty-plus years later. Once she described Hamlet as an “onion” and suggested to us that a reader should peel back his character, layer by layer, recognizing that the true meat of the character was below many superficial and tissue thin layers—like skin. For many of us, one particular analogy, left us all slack jawed when she shared her desire to truly appreciate a reading and said it gave her pleasure similar to that of eating a large dill pickle. The description that followed can only be described as memorable. I laugh today thinking about it. Several years later when word came that she had died many of us gathered together and cried— cried for those who would not benefit from the gift of hearing her discuss great books with that twinkle in her eye.

green= student perspective, blue = alumni perspective

The faculty provided me with a vision of what an educator can and should be, in as much as they are dedicated to their students and their school in ways that go beyond their pay grade. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;A LUM N US

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Shayna Schmidt ’08

Henry ‘Hy’ Agens ’58

In the 1950s, Montclair Academy students were fortunate to have a faculty of talented, professional masters. A number of names come quickly to mind: H. Craig Morse, John Manning, Rena Nejelski, Ed Van Brunt, Wallace Coursen. It is likely that those who attended MA in the mid-20th century would easily concede that the faculty “stars” were the big three of William H. Miller (sciences), Claude W. Monson (Latin) and William Avery Barras(English). Recalling those days reminds me that the English department, led by Mr. Barras and able associates, was particularly strong. Those of us in the MA Class of 1958 as well as those in the Class of 1959 are singularly fortunate to have been taught by two inspiring, dedicated teachers: William A. Barras and Frank D. Brogan. Barras, a child of the late 1800’s, and Brogan, who came of age as a fighting Marine during the early days of World War II, were quite different in teaching styles and choices of authors and literary works to be studied. Barras possessed a stately, grand, imposing demeanor. He appeared, at least initially, to be difficult to approach. That image, if it ever really existed, was quickly dispelled. You sensed at once that he loved to teach and mold young minds, and was good at it. He cared about his students. He wanted you to succeed. Brogan, on the other hand, had the quiet, determined demeanor of a man who had seen and done a lot in his mere 35 years. He was approachable and eager to help, but he could spot a “phony” a kilometer away. (“Phony”, in this context, is just a mild euphemism for a more profane phrase. Think the second and nineteenth letters of the alphabet!) Both of these excellent mentors, each in his own unique way, introduced us the literary greats. Barras was succeeded by Frank Brogan who brought us something different. Like Barras, his respect for the literary giants was always there, but, as a younger man, he recognized that there were new, vibrant, gifted literary voices out there determined to speak and eager to be heard. Thus we read “The Grapes of Wrath” and discussed works by Hemingway and Salinger. Brogan brought us “Death of a Salesman”, Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Mister Roberts”. Remarkably, most of these works weren’t even ten years old at the time we read them. Now they are considered classics, Brogan was well ahead of his times.

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Not many people lead a life in which every hobby and passion aligns with one mission, but MKA science teacher Ben Rich comes quite close. His world seems to revolve around the statementSave and love the earth. Whether via teaching environmental science, riding around the country on his electric motorcycle or swing dancing, he lives by that truth every single day. Each summer, Mr. Rich goes on a cross-country road trip on an electric motorcycle. When asked if he’s ever had a bad accident, he admitted there have been a few. But he ultimately says, “It’s like everything else in life. I’ve fallen, but I get back up.” Again, a great example of the kind of wisdom Mr. Rich inevitably instills in his students through practicing what he preaches. David Grillo ’12

“Chaos breeds opportunity.” Those three words, written on a piece of paper just shy of four years ago, remain pinned to the bulletin board in my apartment as I write this. They are not the words of Aristotle, or Mark Twain, or even someone more probable, like my father or mother. Those were the words of my Economics Honors teacher Thomas Carroll. Those three words have helped me get to where I am today. Not only were they the words Mr. Carroll used to describe the possibilities that lie within the markets at their most volatile times, those words have served a role in almost every aspect of my life. When life gets chaotic, it’s important to recognize the opportunity that this chaos creates, rather than just focusing on the chaos itself. Not only did this simple quote light the fire that is my desire to study economics, but it also created a new light- a light in which I would look to in times of need, in times of despair, and as Mr. Carroll unknowingly explained, in times of chaos. For this, I am forever grateful to Mr. Carroll and the MKA family as a whole.

green= student perspective, blue = alumni perspective

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Mitch Decter ’94

Last year, I attended my 20 year reunion at MKA. Many of us questioned how it was possible that it had been 20 years since we graduated but what’s even more mind-blowing to me is the fact that it’s been 31 years since my first day as an MKA student. Fortunately, I am still very involved with MKA, as two of my kids are current students. While MKA has undergone significant changes since 1984, there are still many things that remain the same, including some incredible teachers who had a tremendous impact on my life. My first teacher at MKA was Donna Carrara. I can vividly remember walking into her classroom and being greeted with a warm smile and tremendous enthusiasm. Now Donna Carrara greets my kids with that same smile and enthusiasm when I drop them off in the mornings on car line. Jane Smith taught me how to play the recorder and now, my kids are learning some of the same songs, driving us crazy with early Saturday morning recorder sessions. I have great memories of playing soccer for Jane’s husband, Ken, and now my daughter comes home and tells me what a “cool” teacher Mr. Smith is. Scott Coronis directed me in many school plays, and now my daughter enjoys being Mr. Coronis’ “personal helper” when he boards the kids onto their buses in the afternoon. While I was never fortunate enough to play for Coach P, my kids will sign up for any after school activity that is run by him. As a parent, I take great comfort in knowing that these teachers, along with many others, continue to teach our children life lessons both within and beyond the classroom. They impacted my life in many ways, and I love the fact that they are now doing the same for my kids.

Salem Belay ’16

Moving in the middle of high school is not easy—especially if the move is across the globe and into a completely different academic environment. My move to MKA as a junior was a time of drastic adjustment, and one that I couldn’t have gotten through without the help of my advisor, Mrs. Kesler. Mrs. Kesler’s role in helping me in my transition to MKA is one that I will always be grateful for. She was not only my advisor and counselor, but also my first friend, and a source of constant support and encouragement. Whether it was listening to my worries about classes, or sitting down for hours after school finalizing my college list, Mrs. Kesler did all that she could to be there for me when I needed it the most. She embodies qualities that I have not seen in the any teacher and through her, I found a mentor that I could truly trust. I have been to nine different schools, and I had still never been one to really open up to my teachers until I came to MKA. Teachers here genuinely want us to succeed and I see that in their willingness to go out of their way to help us—be it academically or just whenever we need advice on something we’re dealing with- they strive to mold each and every one of us not only into scholars, but also into well-rounded individuals with our own passions and goals to accomplish—and that is something that should not be taken for granted.

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Peter Colbert ’16

Faculty at MKA have always been a great help to me, especially in the Upper School. I have always found MKA faculty to be very friendly, and I think this makes it possible to get to know them. Getting to know them has always been the greatest part of interacting with faculty throughout all my years at MKA, which are certainly many, as I am what you would call a lifer. I think that MKA faculty have the ability to connect with students though their obvious enthusiasm for the things they teach. That enthusiasm can inspire these students to take their classes seriously and to become interested in the subject matter. One of the Faculty members with whom I interact with the most is Dr. Ferguson. I have been, largely by coincidence, in three of her classes, but I can most certainly say that I am glad about this coincidence. After all, it was Dr. Ferguson who first encouraged me to begin writing after hearing some of my free writes from class. Writing has now become an activity that dominates a large portion of my free time, and I could not be gladder. I still work with Dr. Ferguson quite often, as she is kind enough to help me edit and assemble my work for competitions. I believe that people like this can only exist within MKA.

green= student perspective, blue = alumni perspective

P PARENT NEWS

On March 7, 2016, the PAMKA Lecture Series hosted A Conversation with Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and star of the Broadway hit Hamilton. More than 700 people were in attendance for this memorable evening.

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“FEELIN’ GROOVY” BOOKFAIR PAMKA’s 2015 “Feelin’ Groovy” Book Fair, the largest Scholastic Book Fair in the country, was once again a truly resounding success. Led by Tri-Campus Chairs Toni Friedman and Leyla Ganchi, our magnificent PAMKA volunteers transformed spaces and organized events that brought good vibes to the MKA community. Nathan Lane and Devlin Elliott garnered one of the biggest crowds to ever attend the Sunday Event, which was open to the public, selling out of their first children’s book, Naughty Mabel. Dan Santat, Dan Gutman and Betty Birney made our youngest cougars giggle and gasp with delight as they demonstrated how they illustrate books, rapped with a dinosaur and explained how a hamster could certainly befriend a frog. Jennifer Nielsen, Jeff Smith and Chris Grabenstein inspired and motivated both Middle School students and faculty alike to always be creative and exercise their imaginations, and Upper School students waited in line to meet Shane Snow after a thought-provoking lecture. As always, thanks go out to Scholastic for their support, especially Judy Newman (a former MKA parent) and Carol Levine, and to the parents on all three campuses who dedicate so much of their time to make this remarkable event possible.

PAMKA BOARD OF OFFICERS Amy South *President Sybil Eng Secretary Beth Fuchs *Finance Vice President Margot Macdonnell Communications Vice President Nancy Wheeler Community Vice President Rebecca Scuorzo Volunteer Coordinator Vice President Dawn Armbrust Special Events Vice President Anya Barrett Primary School Campus VP Michelle Dice Middle School Campus VP Angela Privitere Upper School Campus VP *Two-year position. All others are one year.

THE PAMKA MISSION STATEMENT PAMKA is a parent volunteer organization established to provide opportunities for parents to participate in the support and enhancement of the students’ educational experience at Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA). PAMKA pursues its mission working in cooperation with the school administration through activities consistent with the policies and goals established by the Board of Trustees of MKA.

PAMKA EVENTS February 20, 2016 PAMKA’s Parenting Workshops The MKA parent community and guests gathered on a Saturday morning to gain insight on some important parenting topics including: sharing world events with children, sibling competition, balancing enrichment and fun over the summer and discussing diversity with young children. The moderators and speakers are professionals in their fields and lead discussions that proved to be enlightening and inspiring. Parents often leave the event with a fresh perspective and possibly some useful tips. The PAMKA Parenting Workshops Committee Co-Chairs were Erica Amsinger and Suzanne Moyers. Their invaluable leadership and organization resulted in a panel of amazing guests including authors Michael Osit, Jill Tipograph,

specialists Ruth Vidal, Lauren Kaplan ’93 and Susan Parente and faculty members Erica Budd and Dominique Gerard. Margot Sage-El, owner of watchung booksellers, moderated a book discussion on How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims.

March 7, 2016 PAMKA’s Lecture Series PAMKA was thrilled to present Lin-Manuel Miranda as their 2016 Lecture Series guest which was a truly memorable community event! A packed house enjoyed a conversation with Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and star of the Broadway smash, moderated by our own Dominique Gerard!

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April 9, 2016 PAMKA’s Spring Fundraiser This year, the MKA community will gather and “Reach for the Stars” at the scenic Green Brook Country Club in Caldwell. The evening will feature an elegant menu, basket raffles, silent auction and an exciting live auction. The lucky winner will be announced for the traditional tuition raffle. Chairperson Nancy Wolk and her committee are planning a memorable evening of socializing, fundraising and celebrating MKA.

May 14, 2016, Cougar Pride Day Join the entire MKA Pre-K-12 community for a day filled with school spirit at the Middle School Campus.

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PAMKA Grants In 1978, PAMKA awarded the first Faculty Continuing Education Grant for $150 to faculty member Barbara Rabuse to purchase books for her doctoral study. In 1997, the program was renamed the PAMKA Faculty Trust to offer grants to faculty to pursue field-oriented, transformative courses that would enlighten them and enrich their students’ classroom experience in a unique way. PAMKA President Amy South celebrated the 2015 recipients at MKA’s annual opening meeting and invited each of them to present their findings to the faculty/staff.

KRISTI DELFINO Middle School Foreign Language teacher, traveled to Morocco where she studied the way that French is still used in the original colonies. PETE GAYNOR Middle School History teacher, traveled to Scotland to take a course in history in Edinburgh as well as explore the country’s history first hand.

PA MKA EV ENTS

Coffee Meet & Greet The PAMKA Coffees took place on all three campuses, where new and returning parents were in attendance and eager to learn more about all PAMKA does for MKA and how they can get involved.

Winter Boutique

PAMKA’s Winter Gift Boutique was back this year in the Middle School Upper Gym. Thirty unique vendors offered a shopper’s paradise just in time for the holidays!

TOM HOLT Upper School Science teacher, took part in an inspiring ceramics course at Alfred University where he learned the importance of introducing art into science. JOHN JACOBS Upper School World Language teacher, traveled throughout the UK and Europe to find and study Silius Italious manuscripts, specifically published translations of The Punica. KERRY VERRONE Upper School History teacher, traveled to Italy to study the economic and social reforms of the Italian people and to immerse herself in Italy’s progressive educational reform. TIM LYNCH Upper School Science teacher, traveled to Iceland to experience a solar eclipse and other natural phenomenons.

Congratulations to all of the recipients and thank you, PAMKA!

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NEW FAMILIES WERE FORMALLY WELCOMED TO THE MKA COMMUNITY

Welcome to New Families

One hundred and seventy-two families were formally welcomed into the MKA community at two fall events. On September 1st, PAMKA hosted a reception at the Headmaster’s home, and on October 7th, MKA’s Development Office hosted a formal New Parent Dinner at The Grove where over 100 new parents were welcomed to the MKA community. Our Upper School’s Unaccompanied Minors provided a fantastic performance for all of the guests. It was a wonderful evening where parents had the opportunity to meet our Board of Trustees, Administrative Council and fellow new parents.

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MKA JAM For the first time ever, MKA hosted a globe-spanning, ground-breaking JAM that invited every member of the MKA community, past and present, to join an online conversation and provide their input about MKA. On behalf of everyone at the school, we would like to thank all of those who participated in the MKA JAM on November 18th. Every group of our school’s community was represented in an exciting, rich and meaningful online exchange that garnered more than 500 posts and thousands of views on key topics about the school. This feedback will be used to develop the foundation for MKA’s next strategic plan that will help to shape MKA’s future for the next five to seven years. The material from the JAM will help provide a foundation for the work of the Strategic Planning Committee led by Trustee and Committee Chair Kate Logan.

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Montclair Kimberley Academy BOA RD OF TRUSTEES 2015 –2016

Celebrating Teachers I believe teaching to be the noblest profession. It is that rare endeavor in which can you literally shape hundreds of lives. The theme of this Spring Review, “Faculty who love to learn and live to teach,” perfectly captures the essence of our incredible faculty. Now I do not wish for a moment to diminish the bedrock contributions of the administrators and staff of MKA. They are like the engineers at NASA, building the necessary foundation for great things to happen. But the faculty—they are the astronauts. The magic happens with them. In my 15 years on the Board and my 22 years as a parent at MKA, I have seen countless examples of brilliance in the classroom. I have seen untiring dedication and unwavering commitment to the students. I have seen a real love of teaching. I have witnessed constant improvement, with educators committed to continually upgrading the content and methods in the classroom. Our renowned Faculty Development Program is an example of the effort to be our best in the classroom. This Program, which itself attracts great teachers, is an advanced and thorough system of peer review and feedback. At the end of every summer, I attend the Opening Day ceremony. One of the most striking aspects of the day is the group of presentations given by faculty members who have travelled on PAMKA grants. They have gone to amazing places around the world with the purpose of improving the classroom experience. They bring this vibrant energy back from these trips, but their genuine excitement, their electric charge, flows from their anticipation of sharing the new knowledge with the students. When a teacher brings this much raw enthusiasm into the classroom, students sit up and pay attention. MKA is the perfect combination of rigor and balance. To the faculty who make this possible, who work so very hard to deliver the magic in the classroom, I say thank you. You have our unremitting support. I wish you all a delightful and productive spring.

OFFICERS Michael V. Johnson President Christina A. Cotton Vice President Kathleen M. Logan Vice President Jeffrey G. Szilagyi Treasurer Kenneth W. Barrett Secretary MEMBER TRUSTEES Joseph V. Amato Merrick G. Andlinger Anya C. Barrett ’89 James L. Bromley Daniel B. Carson ’83 Evelyn M. Colbert Paige L. Cottingham-Streater ’79 David A. Crichlow Carolyn N. Everson Clifford B. Finkle IV ’92 Karen T. Gulliver Tracy E. Higgins Thomas W. Nammack Eric F. S. Pai ’79 Kenneth S. Rivlin Luke A. Sarsfield III ’91 Amy L. South Jaclyn V. Spedaliere ’00 Linda H. Sterling Jonathan M. Strain Chiming Tse Mei-Mei H. Tuan

Warm Regards, Michael V. Johnson, President, Board of Trustees

Lori W. Yanes HONORARY TRUSTEES Aubin Z. Ames ‘54 John E. Garippa

LEADING THE CHARGE Congratulations to Carolyn Everson, MKA current parent, Board member and the Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions at Facebook, on being named one of “The 30 most powerful women in mobile advertising” by Business Insider. The article states that, “Facebook is the biggest mobile advertising company in the world, and Everson is leading the charge.”

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Alice M. Hirsh Susan H. Ruddick Newton B. Schott, Jr. ADVISORY TRUSTEES Barry W. Ridings ‘70 Robert L. Tortoriello

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Max Hermann â&#x20AC;&#x2122;12 dominates on the court during the Annual Al Rehus Alumni Basketball game

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Dear Fellow Alumni,

SAVE THE DATE!

A new year is often perceived as a time for change and we on the Alumni Council are truly embracing the concept! Internally, we’ve superseded our own goals for 2015, specifically with the progress we’ve been able to make on our four committees. Most notably, we’ve helped to positively impact the development efforts in Alumni giving campaigns and we’ve launched three important awards recognizing outstanding MKA community members. I am so proud of our Council members and all of our Alumni community for working together to achieve these great outcomes! The Alumni Council Development Committee has extended great efforts in supporting the school’s efforts in campaigns and fundraising. With your help, we are expecting to reach our goal of 13% Alumni participation by June… We can’t let Newark Academy beat us on this playing field! I urge you to participate in MKA giving in any way that you can—as always, it’s not the amount that matters, but solely your participation. You can donate any time at www.mka.org/giving. Our Networking and Events committee has been busy supporting the Alumni Office with some exciting upcoming events this spring. We hope to see many of you at our Regional Receptions in March. We will be hosting alumni in Washington, DC on March 30th and in Philadelphia on March 31st. The Council will be holding our popular Spring Social event his year on May 12th at Halycon in Montclair. Finally, our Spring season comes to a close with the Klank Klassic and Alumni Games Day on June 18th. Hope to see you there! I want to encourage the alumni community to submit nominations for our Founder’s Cup award. This is a very prestigious and important award and your voice matters! Nominate at www.mka.org/awards. Finally, as the 2015–2016 school year comes to a close, the Alumni Council will be seeking new members. Please contact me or Lois Montorio in the MKA Alumni Office for information. I am so proud to represent a community of amazing people who are passionate about driving positive change.

October 29–30, 2016 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Celebrating classes ending in ’1 and ’6, and the 50th Reunion Year Classes of 1966 from The Kimberley School and Montclair Academy

Best, Jaclyn Spedaliere ’00, Alumni Council President

EVENTS! MKA Alumni on the Road March 30, 2016 Firefly, Washington, D.C. 6:00–8:00 p.m. March 31, 2016 JG Domestic, Philadelphia, PA 6:30–8:30 p.m. If you would like to host one of these events please contact Lois Montorio at lmontorio@mka.org or 973-509-7939

April 6, 2016 Alumni Phonathon 6:30–8:30 p.m. Help us reach our goal of 13% alumni participation If you would like to volunteer, please contact Lois Montorio at lmontorio@mka.org or 973-509-7939

May 12, 2016 Alumni Council Spring Social 7:00–9:00 p.m., Halcyon June 18, 2016 Klank Klassic/Alumni Games Day All Day, Various MKA fields and Egan’s— check your emails for updates in May

ALUMNI COUNCIL The Montclair Kimberley Academy Alumni Council is an organization that advances the interests and influence of MKA, strengthens relations between alumni and MKA, cooperates with the Board of Trustees and with MKA’s other associations and participates in MKA’s fundraising activities. The Council makes known to the Trustees, the administration, the faculty and students the ideas, interests and concerns of the alumni; and to the alumni, the desires, purpose and objectives of the school. The Council engages current students and alumni through meaningful connections, activities and services in order to build a loyalty bond that encourages philanthropic and volunteer support of Montclair Kimberley Academy. We are grateful to the following alumni who have volunteered their time and talent to serve on the Alumni Council beginning July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016: Executive Committee Jaclyn Spedaliere ’00 President Jessica Simpson-Cook ’99 Executive Vice President Amanda Englander ’04 Secretary

Dennis Rodano ’87 Treasurer

Lindsay Braverman ’01

Lauren Hyman Kaplan ’93

Casey Breslow ’03

Cooper Knowlton ’03

Klaudia Pyz ’98 Networking Vice President

Jon Bruno ’02

Angela McCaffrey ’06

Jared Cook ’01

Diane Ridley-White ’84

Rich Cosgrove ’84

Richard Stanton ’87

Pamela D’Amato Davis ’89

John Thompson ’03

Caitlin DiRuggiero ’06

Lee Vartan ’96

Council Bryan Becker ’96 Brittany Berckes ’06

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Michael Fortunato ’02

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WELCOME BACK

Alumni Games The MKA annual “day-after-Thanksgiving” Alumni Hockey and Basketball Games were played on Friday, November 27, 2015 at Clary Anderson Arena and MKA’s US Gymnasium, respectively. MKA’s new hockey coach, Casey Mignone, attended both the game and post-game reception, taking advantage of this opportunity to meet the alumni players he has heard so much about. He was warmly received, and he and his student players received best wishes for a successful season. The 3rd Annual Al Rehus Alumni Basketball Game, held in memory of Albert Rehus, a beloved and treasured member of the MKA family who passed away in September 2012, was held in the US Gym with the Rehus family in attendance. Coaches Jessica Bishop and Tony Jones led a lively competition between even and odd years, with the “even” years victorious this year. All players, current and alumni, along with family members and friends, continued the tradition of coming together Upstairs at Tierney’s for a great evening of food, fun and camaraderie.

Wednesday, January 6th the Alumni Office welcomed college-age alumni back to campus. Students from the classes of 2012–2015 enjoyed lunch with their former classmates, a tour of the exterior of the new academic center and dessert with faculty and staff. It was a great opportunity to welcome our newest alumni back to campus!

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS MKA follows the lives, and proudly celebrates the accomplishments, of its alumni. Two awards specifically honor outstanding alumni achievement. The annual Distinguished Alumni Award bestows recognition for outstanding achievement, and the Athletic Hall of Fame Award is given every other year to an individual, team or coach who has brought distinction to the school through excellence in athletics. In addition, the Founders’ Cup Award is sponsored by the Alumni Association in recognition of MKA’s strong tradition of teaching excellence, dating back to 1887. The award will be presented to an outstanding faculty member who is most representative of the best qualities of MKA teaching.

WINTER SOCIAL On Thursday, January 21, 2016 the Alumni Council hosted their Annual Winter Social held at Tao Downtown. This fantastic event brought alumni from the classes of 1975–2011 together to enjoy a fun evening. A special thank you to Bryan Becker ’96 and Klaudia Pyz ’98 for organizing the event.

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The Awards Committee of the Alumni Council, chaired by Brittany Berckes ’06, welcomes your participation in nominating candidates for these awards. Nominations are accepted year-round. Please visit www. mka.org/awards for criteria, past recipients and nomination forms.

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Young Alumni Happy Hour Young alumni from the classes 2001–2011 enjoyed a spectacular late summer evening on September 16, 2015, on the rooftop bar at Social Bar & Lounge in New York City. This much anticipated event provides young alumni with the opportunity to visit with one another and former faculty, and it’s a great way to stay connected with MKA. Headmaster Tom Nammack was joined by faculty members Mark Bishop, Jane Smith and Ken Smith, along with former faculty member Geoff Branigan, Director of Development, and the Director and Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Lois Montorio and Kait Maillet. A great time was had by all!

CO LLEGE CA RE PAC KAGES MKA’s Alumni Relations Office and the Class of 2015 Parents of Alumni recently got together to assemble College Care Packages for our most recent graduates. Parents had a wonderful time catching up with each other, and our 2015 alumni received a package filled to the brim with goodies. Thank you to Lisa and Joe Amato for hosting this wonderful event in their home. A special thank you to all the parents who participated and donated something to be included. Whether you are near or far, you are always home at MKA.

Networking Event

HARD HAT TOUR On September 17th 2015 a group of 30 guests including alumni from the MA, TKS and MKA Future Forward Committees, gathered for a hardhat tour of the Academic Center. Upper School Head Dave Flocco guided the group through the worksite explaining the purpose behind the new facility and pointing out its anticipated impact on the way educational services will be delivered to our students. Head Librarian, Jill Maza and Educational Technology Coordinator, Erika Budd were on hand to provide details about the space and its uses. Following the tour, the guests gathered in the Dining Room for a light supper and conversation.

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The Alumni Association held its annual Alumni Networking Event on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at the iHeartMedia Corporate Headquarters in New York City. Owen Grover ’91, Senior Vice President and General Manager of iHeartRadio, and one of four featured alumni speakers, generously provided the state-of-the-art venue. Joining Owen Grover were Karen Sullivan ’80, Executive Sales Director of Dr. Oz The Good Life Magazine, Alfredo Bequillard ’97, Director at Lazard Freres & Co., and Lisa Gittleman ’93, Senior Recruiter and Marketing Manager at The Woods Group, an executive search firm. The Alumni Office hosts this program for alumni who are looking for a first job, preparing for a midcareer change or simply hoping to expand their professional connections. Current parents are also invited to provide them with an idea of the vast network of alumni who will be ready to mentor their future alumna/us. Nearly 30 alumni and MKA parents attended the event, learning best practices from and networking with our featured speakers during a one-hour program, and also with one another during the informal networking time that preceded and followed the formal program. If you are able to donate space for us to host next year’s alumni networking event, please contact Lois Montorio, lmontorio@mka.org or 973-509-7939.

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A GEN EROUS L I F E

YOUR GENEROSITY SUPPORTS We believe in our ability to empower our students and we know that to support new generations our future must include expanded and renovated facilities, robust Annual Giving and a stronger Endowment that provides security and confidence.

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Erin (Culbreth) Hotchkiss ’02 Activities at MKA: Soccer, Lacrosse, Mastersingers, co-founder of the AIDS Awareness Club College: BA from Bates College (History major, French minor) Occupation: Marketing Director at ABRAMS Books

I graduated from MKA in 2002, and frequently reflect on the education I received there and how it prepared me for both college and my career. From my first semester at Bates College, it was clear that all the late nights of homework after practice, independent study opportunities, and my May Term project, left me more than ready to take on college-level work. But it was during a recent dinner with three of my best friends from MKA, who remain my closest friends today, that I realized that MKA offered me something even more important: an encouraging environment for young women. At that dinner, while discussing the latest article about women leaning in or out (it seems there’s a new one every week), we acknowledged that at MKA, we were very lucky to be surrounded by strong, smart and ambitious women, both teachers and classmates. By pushing us to be leaders in the classroom, arts, and sports fields, MKA fostered in each of us a desire to do well and to be recognized equally for our efforts. As I looked around the table at these amazing women, three of whom now have graduate degrees, and all of whom are succeeding in their chosen fields, I felt grateful to have been educated in that environment. I donate to MKA yearly as a thank you to my teachers and coaches who remain there, and to show my support for the future of the school. Since graduation, I have watched MKA become a finer, more inclusive, and scholarly institution. I know my donations play a role in that progress. ■

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Malcolm O’Hara ’73 Malcolm O’Hara ’73 is modest about his years of loyal giving to the MKA Annual Fund. His lifelong friend and classmate, the late Rudy Schlobohm ’74, a former MKA Trustee, “hounded me into giving for many years, and in my mom’s memory I will continue to give.” While a student at Montclair Academy, he ran cross country “with some limited success” and was the number two runner to the two-time State Champ Hunt Geyer on the 1972 undefeated team coached by Doug Jennings. Nixon Bicknell selected him for Mastersingers in sophomore year. Memories of Christmas concerts off campus with the Mastersingers and a class that really seemed to come together socially in senior year are among his fondest memories. “I am in regular contact with Nixon Bicknell and his wife Saundra. He has done more for me than any man still alive.” He was in touch with Rudy Schlobohm almost daily until his death, in June 2015, and he is regularly in touch with Dave Brandley ’73 (“I was best man at his wedding, and I am godfather to his daughter”). Other Class of 1973 Montclair Academy alumni he is occasionally in touch with include Peter Redpath, Dean Paolucci and Jeff Kindler. “I was taught to write and write well at Montclair Academy. Imagine, we were even taught grammar, a big help when I went to college. I went to Colgate, where many alums of MKA followed, and then Albany Law School. I cannot recall my last visit to campus, but it would have been when my mom was still living in Montclair.” (His mother Janice passed in January 2011.) Malcolm is an attorney in Glens Falls, New York, where he has lived since 1981. He has served as President of the Warren County Bar Association and the Federation of Bar Associations for the Fourth Judicial District. He is most proud of his wife and three children, the youngest of who is at Colgate singing in The Colgate Thirteen a cappella group, as he did. “He owes it all to Nixon.” ■

A G E N E RO U S L I F E

The Carson Family

The MKA community has been fortunate to include the Carson family for many decades. Buck and Marty Carson raised three proud MKA alumni: Bill ’79, Bob ’82 and Dan ’83. The Carson family remains committed to supporting MKA’s Annual Giving appeal because they believe their sons and the students currently studying at MKA are “encouraged to embrace diversity, respect individual differences and defend their own beliefs.” Buck and Marty laud the faculty as “…wonderful role models, who have adopted a strong role in teaching each student to find and be comfortable with his/her own place in family, school and community.” Bill Carson ’79, his wife, Marina, and their three children currently reside in California. Bill’s memories of MKA revolve around the close-knit relationships with his teachers and classmates, especially those who rode Bus 29 with him. He credits faculty members Bob Sinner, Ken Gibson, Calvin Matzke and Jim Chudomel with leaving “indelible marks well into my professional life.” Bill and Marina’s children attend a school very similar to MKA, and they both agree that “a whole child education is way more important than teaching to the test, and that makes a quality education one of the most important issues facing this country.” Bob Carson ’82 and his wife, Beth, are enjoying time with their

four children and two granddaughters. Bob fondly looks back on his time at MKA and says he was “challenged, encouraged and appreciated.” Many of his happiest memories include school plays, Mastersingers, football and lacrosse. When asked about a faculty member who had a significant impact, Bob shared, “I sang for Nixon Bicknell at First Congregational Church in Montclair for many years, so I couldn’t fool him when I arrived at Lloyd Road. He was sharp and tough and gave me a forever love of music.” Dan Carson ’83, his wife, Whitney, and their daughter, Montana, all enjoy living and working on their large farm in Frelinghuysen, NJ. Whitney is very involved in hospice and animal rescue. When Montana is not working hard at MKA, she enjoys ballroom dancing and riding her horse. Dan warmly looks back at the lifelong friendships he developed and the teachers that had a strong influence on his education including Nixon Bicknell, Nate Fuller, John Noble and Judy Nesbitt. Dan and Whitney continue to support MKA’s Annual Giving because “…my education at

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MKA left me prepared to face the challenges of running a construction business, and the lessons I learned during that time, I still use today.” As current parents, Dan and Whitney put in countless volunteer hours. MKA is grateful to Dan for volunteering his time on our Board of Trustees and as a prior member of our Alumni Council. Buck and Marty currently enjoy spending time with their boys’ families, which include eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Although retired, Buck still administers the family partnership in addition to being an avid antique collector. Marty owns a garden design business. She also sits on the board of Chatham University and sings with The Masterwork Chorus. Buck and Marty eloquently summed up their MKA experience by saying “We are proud of our family and grateful to the MKA administration and faculty for their part in giving our sons the tools to achieve success and happiness.” MKA is proud to have the Carson family in our community and wishes them continued success in all their endeavors. ■

WHAT’S YOUR LEGACY? The Heritage Society recognizes the select group of donors who include Montclair Kimberley Academy in their legacy plans.

MAKE A GIFT TO MKA THROUGH YOUR ESTATE PLANNING JOIN THE HERITAGE SOCIETY. It’s as simple as naming MKA as a beneficiary in your will, insurance policy or retirement account. Life income gifts, such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts, are also practical options for some people.

THE HERITAGE SOCIETY

Legacy

You can learn more about bequests, life income and other types of planned giving by going to our website at www.legacy.vg/mka or by contacting Geoffrey Branigan, Director of Development, at (973) 509-7940 or gbranigan@mka.org.

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HOMECOMING MKAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend brought together many members from our community at the Upper School campus.

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E D I TO R ’S N OT E

The deadline for news for the FALL MKA Review is May 1, and the deadline for the SPRING issue is January 1. News can be submitted at any time in response to the Alumni Office’s annual mailing, on the back of Annual Fund remittance envelopes, via mail or email to MKA Alumni Associate Director Kait Maillet (kmaillet@mka.org), or your Class Representative. We keep ongoing files for each class and welcome photographs in digital or hard copy. If your class does not have a Class Representative listed, please consider volunteering for the position! It is a great way to re-establish contacts with old friends, does not require a great deal of time and is essential to the ongoing vitality of the school. Thank you.

1935

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Stewart

Carpenter (Josephine

Fobes), Crane’s Mill, Apt. 1419, 459 Passaic Ave., West Caldwell, NJ 07006

lences go out to the 1939 family of (nee / TKS / Our condo-

Ann Caroline Sterr

Ann Caroline Hann), who passed away on October 7, 2015. The world was a better place because she lived. Our condolences go out to the family of Ann Curtin who passed away on September 19th. She was the mother of three TKS/ MKA graduates: Ms. Ellen Curtin ’65, Mrs. Kate Lindsey ’72 and Ms. Kyle Curtin ’82. Ann’s keen mind, unparalleled wit, and well-known feisty spirit, combined with her commitment to family and friends will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her.

1940

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Alfred D.

Williams (Joan Bayne),

15 Piper Road, Apt. K310, Scarborough, ME 04074 , Summer Phone Number at Belgrade Lakes, (May-September) is 207-495-2617

1941

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. James F.C.

Hyde Jr. (Enid Griswold),

5402 Duvall Drive, Bethesda, MD 20816

MKA recently learned of the passing 1942 of in March / TKS /

Cynthia Blancke Bartholow

2013, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family.

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/ MA /

/ Mr. Richard L. Charlesworth,

27 Whipple Farm Lane, Falmouth, ME 04105, diknan@aol.com

1943

/ TKS /

/ Miss Lucile G.

Mason, The Rockcliffe, 10

Crestmont Rd., #6B, Montclair, 07042

1944

/ MA /

/ Mr. Winterford

J. Ohland, 39A Cambridge

Court, Lakewood, NJ 08701

1945

/ TKS /

/ Leigh Berrien

Smith, 847 Franklin

Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, lbsmith15@yahoo.com

News from Leigh (Berrien) Smith: A very full life (and short-term memory problems have slowed my tending to my duties here; apologies for fewer contacts than usual—but I’d love to hear from any of you with nice news! I was glad to have word of Anne Gerhauser Bookbinder from a close lifelong friend of hers with whom I’m in contact. She’s been enjoying monthly phone chats with Anne recently from East Coast to Arizona, as Anne is godmother to a son of hers. Sally duBois Moberg in North Carolina was able to travel to West Virginia to check on her son Duby and some of her several great grandchildren. She may well be our champion in that department. Aside from continuing health issues Sally enjoys life in Ashville, North·Carolina, a beautiful part of the U.S., with her daughter and

MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

son-in-law and a lovable family dog. Last year was a difficult one, to say the least, for “Pete” Lamborn Peters. After losing her sister Patsy Lamborn Kolbe ’44, she lost several other family members including son John’s wife. We hope 2016 will be much more pleasant, with eldest grandson Nathaniel Peters, her son Eric’s offspring, planning to marry his lovely fiancée whom I was able to meet with him one evening last summer while Pete was back in her Vineyard home. As indicated above, 2015 was a busy year for me, mainly thanks to son Proc’s “branch.’’ In May, his Nellie (my only granddaughter who followed 5 grandsons) finished college; in June, her brother Leighton married his fellow Hamilton alum Elena, a native of Bulgaria where their wedding took place. For those of us not able to make that trip, in September a lovely waterside ceremony was held at Salisbury, CT where Proc teaches and Leighton studied before college. Thanks to daughter Pam, I was on hand at Nellie’s graduation, and this celebration that involved four festive days, welcoming Elena’s mother, godmother and aunt on their first U.S. visit with a special family dinner, plus a night before and evening of ceremony and a closing barbecue before their departure. A month later, Pam and I journeyed to New Hampton, N.H., for the first birthday celebration of my only great granddaughter. Proc’s Charlie, my eldest grandson at 32, teaches art and coaches soccer there. Finally, a December trip to daughter Alison’s home in Delaware concluded a very pleasant family year for your lucky scribe, I only wish all my classmates could have such good fortune. / MA /

/ Mr. William B. Grant, 537

Milano Rd, Kissimee, FL 34759-4052, grantwb@cfl.rr.com

1946

TKS /

/ Eleanor Helm

Ketcham, 4 White Oak,

Elon, NC 28244, ellieketcham@aol.com

Class Representative

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A Creative Life WILLIAM F. BROWN ’46

Once or twice in every cohort of students graduating from MKA, you encounter a real standout personality. The Montclair Academy class of 1946, now celebrating their 70th Reunion, had one young man who more than any other embodied that combination of talent, charm and creativity. Of course, I’m speaking of celebrated cartoonist, author and playwright William F. Brown. Bill Brown came to the Academy in 1938, as a 3rd grader. By his senior year, he was deeply involved in school life serving as Class President, Editor-in-Chief of the Montclair News, Art Editor of The Octopus (yearbook), President of the Dramatic Club, President of the Red & Black Society and Head Boy. Bill fondly remembers faculty members Claude Monson, Avery Barras, Frank Harmon and many others who challenged and molded him into a young man. Following graduation, Bill attended Princeton where he majored in psychology. While academics were important, his other great interest was Princeton’s legendary Triangle Club, which produced musical comedy—written, directed, choreographed and performed by professionals—to showcase student talent. Also, during this time, Bill created his first book of cartoons called Tiger Tiger with witty “gags” and illustrations in the style he developed during his years at Montclair Academy. After Princeton, Bill served in the Army at Fort Riley, just as the Korean embroglio was reaching its crescendo. His degree in psychology landed him a job as an intelligence officer courtesy of General “Wild Bill” Donovan who is perhaps better known as the father of the CIA. Hoping to get into the entertainment industry, Bill spent six months at Look magazine followed by a job with MCA as a talent agent in California. Next, he was lured to New York City by a job with BBDO that was taking an initial swing at the nascent television industry. His responsibilities ran from casting to buying shows for syndication to being agency producer. He worked for television producer Max Liebman (Your Show of Shows) and wrote for Jackie Cooper, Shirley Jones, Ernie Kovacs and newcomer Carol Burnett. In 1959, Bill wrote the cartoon book The Girl in the Freudian Slip. A decade later, he turned the book into a play of the same name. A photo from this time shows Bill sitting in the center of a table with Mary Rodgers Guettel (author of Freaky Friday and composer of Once Upon a Mattress) and Woody

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Allen (Academy Award-winning filmmaker, director, author and actor). Bill’s career as a writer for television and theater grew throughout the 1960s. Following How to Steal an Election with actor Clifton Davis, producer Ken Harper contacted Bill to adapt the L. Frank Baum classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, for a new allblack production destined for Broadway...The Wiz. The show went through several staff changes adding director Geoffrey Holder and songwriter Luther Vandross who provided A Brand New Day. However, Harper, composer Charlie Smalls and book writer Bill Brown stayed with it from inception to its successful run on Broadway. Upon the show’s arrival in New York, the team was so unsure of the strengths of the show that General Manager Manny Azenberg, a legend among Broadway insiders, suggested that they close the show following its first preview. Fortunately, the final version of the show went up on January 5, 1975 to wonderful notices. The show launched the career of singer Stephanie Mills and ran for over four years for 1,672 performances and won seven Tony awards. Bill won a Drama Desk Award and a Tony nomination. Later generations remember the film starring Diana Ross, as Dorothy, and Michael Jackson, as the Scarecrow. Recently, NBC presented The Wiz Live with Cirque du Soleil. Despite revisions and additions to the score, the show remains fundamentally as Charles Smalls and William F. Brown intended it. After the spectacular success of The Wiz, Bill continued his distinguished career in television and theater, as well as in revues and industrials. His later collaborations included A Single Thing in Common (1978), and A Broadway Musical with Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, lyricist and composer of Bye, Bye Birdie, Applause and Annie. In discussing his tremendous accomplishments, Bill quotes, “You’ve gotta have talent and you’ve gotta have luck…” Today, Bill still writes, often with his wife, Tina Tippet (who contributed material to The Wiz and for such comedic icons as George Gobel, Imogene Coca, and Eartha Kitt). Bill has remained a loyal donor to the school since his graduation. About his time at Montclair Academy, he recently stated, “Some of my best friendships developed during my Academy days. While many have passed on, I cherish the ones who remain and I look forward to my 70th Reunion in 2016.” ■

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The daughter of Barbara Becker Meyer wrote to tell us that her mom passed away in 2014. Karen L. Meyer wrote that Barbara married Irving Meyer shortly after graduating from Skidmore College. After a few years in Upper Montclair, the family (three children) moved to Mountain Lakes. Barbara was a realtor in Mountain Lakes and later a claims examiner with the NJ State Department of Unemployment, as well as a volunteer at the Morristown Medical Center. Karen said her mother loved hearing about her Kimberley classmates. Eleanor Ketcham writes: Joan Powell Adams recently reminded me that 2016 is the year our class will celebrate our SEVENTIETH Reunion! It’s hard to believe that at least twelve of us may live to see our 70th reunion! Besides Joan, there is Christa Arnold Buergin, Joan Denney Carlisle, Connie Ritchie DuHamel, Connie Munoz Hirshon, Nancy Lockerty Hoffmann, Eleanor Helm Ketcham, Barbara Becker Meyer, Margaret Shanks Moore, Gloria Paul, Abby Keebler Ryan, Heidi Ames Troxler—and perhaps a few others whom I cannot find a way to reach. If anyone knows how to reach Sheila Hancock DureSmith, Marilyn Scanlon Reid, or Carolyn Emery McClelland, will you let me know? Joan Adams told me that she and Doug lead a quiet life now and don’t travel much. Their two sons live in Nevada and Illinois, whereas Joan and Doug have lived in Madison, CT, since 1985. Joan does volunteer work for the Episcopal Church in Madison. But they have five grandchildren and two great grandaughters—and two great grandsons are on the way. Ultrasound photos have arrived to prove it! Those grandchildren are dispersed in Colorado, Iowa, Florida and Kentucky as well as Illinois and Nevada. It seems that many families in our generation are as widely dispersed as Joan’s. My own grandchildren are in California,

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Massachusetts, Minnesota and Illinois (and that doesn’t count “study abroad” this year in Berlin and Amsterdam). Yet Connie Ritchie DuHamel brought me up to date on her six daughters who all live in the northeast USA, relatively close to Connie in Montclair. Stancie and Kate live in NYC, Lucy, in Connecticut, and Betsey, Emily and Charlotte near Boston. All of their families can get together in Little Compton in the summer. And some of the grandkids have lived with Connie while they had summer jobs at the club there. Further away, Gloria Paul has lived most of her life in Florida. She reminisced with me about Kimberley where she transferred from northern Maine when she was a junior. She felt she was behind the rest of us, and she had to work hard to catch up. But she said she probably learned more in those two years at Kimberley than in her whole four years in college. She felt the teachers were outstanding, and she loved that old building on Plymouth Street. Gloria went on to Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, and she was a varsity basketball and softball player there, which off-putted some of the southern girls of that time who were not brought up to play sports. She also wrote sports for the school newspaper and she had to find ways to avoid using her own name too much in her reports. I was interested in that experience because I was worried that I would be considered a “damn Yankee” when Jack and I moved to NC in 1984. But by then, there were Yankee accents everywhere and I never felt marginalized. Gloria was a journalist for local newspapers in St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL and then studied for a doctorate in ministry in Dayton, OH. She is still active in the Unity Church in St. Petersburg. / MA /

/ Dr. Peter B. Lawrence, 4802

Olympic Lane N #D , Wilson, NC 27896

MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

1947

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. David

Hannegan (Louise Rudd),

49 Canterbury Lane, Lakeville, CT 06039, weezieh@sbcglobal.net

1948

/ MA /

/ Mr. John

Leonhard, 51 Fromm

Court, Mahwah, NJ 07430, nhandjhleonhard@aolcom

Our condolences go out to the 1949 family of who / MA /

E. Alden Dunham III

passed away on September 26th. Clark “Mac” Simms writes: As you may well have heard, MKA lost a most distinguished alumnus who died on September 26, Alden Dunham of the Class of 1949. It was my great good fortune to be a classmate of Alden’s at the Academy for five very good years, then rooming with him at Princeton for four years and remaining a lifelong friend thereafter. Alden was a steady and committed student. He had to be to juggle his varied commitments, then graduate first in his class and give the valedictory address. He was captain of football, basketball, baseball, and tennis. When the baseball game and tennis match were in close proximity, Aldy would often win his #1 singles match, then hurriedly change into his baseball uniform. Aldey was not the only member of our class to hold a leadership position, but he was the natural leader in our class, always capable, modest, and considerate of others. Shortly after college, Alden went to Naval OCS. After naval duty, he earned an MA in teaching at Harvard. Next came teaching at Andover and work with Dr. James Conant on a book on, as I recall, effective pre-college teaching. In the early 1960s, Aldey became then Director of Admissions at Princeton, where he succeeded in broadening the social and economic base of entering class. Aldey and I were both grateful to the Academy for the challenges and opportunities that made us

Class Representative

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aware of opportunities and our own abilities to contribute to others. Alden was a remarkable person. As MS took over more physically, he worked to set limits to his capitulation to the disease. I shall miss him.

1954

1950

1955

/ TKS /

Mrs. Richard

Lewis (Audrey Maass),

4551 Gulf Shore Blvd. N, Apt. 804, Naples, FL 34103, rdlew@aol.com

/ TKS /

/ Ms. Georgia

Carrington, 38 Silver

Spring Lane, Ridgefield, CT 06877

/ MA /

/ Mr. Sheldon Buck, 51 Cornell

Road, Wellesley, MA 02482-7408, sheldonbuck@me.com / TKS /

/ Mrs. Cecily

Wilson Lyle, 433 Wright’s

Neck Road, Centerville, MD 21617, cecilyle @hughes.net / MA /

/ Mr. Lawrence

Martin, P.O. Box 1058 , Lexington, VA

1951

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Lloyd

24450, martinlexington@centurylink.net

Marentette (Gail

Robertson), 93 Glen Avenue, Llewellyn Park, West Orange, NJ 07052

1952

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Martha

“Skipper” Moran, 8011

Strauff Road, Baltimore, MD 21204, martha.moran1@verizon.net Doris Ruprecht Carlisle of Cumming,

Georgia passed away on October 11, 2014 at the age of 80 after her battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard (Dick) Carlisle and son Chris Carlisle. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Bill Parks, son and daughterin-law Bruce and Marybel Carlisle, daughter-in-law Jeannelle Carlisle, sister Bette Fitting, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Carlisle was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Doris and Dick were happily married for 56 years. She loved spending time with friends, her children and grandchildren, playing bridge, painting, camping, and playing the piano. Doris was an active member of her church and faithfully served as a Stephen Minister for 16 years. She believed in sharing her faith through her actions more than her words. Throughout her life she was focused on humbly witnessing her love for Christ and her desire was for others to experience that same love. She had a gift of seeing God’s beauty in His smallest creations and in every person she encountered.

Larry Martin writes: I am sorry to

report that Mike Ludlum died on November 29, 2015. He had been a long-time CBS Radio news executive and NYU journalism professor. After graduating from Hobart College, he started his career as disc jockey and news anchor and had increasingly responsible positions at CBS radio and TV stations. He was head of research and research staffs for ABC-TV’s Good Morning, America and director of news and programming at WCBS News radio 88. He then spent 22 years as Professor of Broadcast Journalism at NYU and also served as Director of Undergraduate Studies. He is survived by his wife Melissa, daughter Catherine and husband Michael Foos, son Gregory and wife Martha, and sister June and husband Mike Blake.

1956

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Carol

Barnard Ottenberg,

1420 41st Avenue, E, Seattle, WA 98112, ottenbergc@aol.com Nancy Prescott Ward: Bob and I are

both still working in our business but son Rob has taken over much of it, which is great for us and for him. He and his wife, Caitlin, live about 5 miles from us and the office. Our biggest news for 2015 is the March birth of our 4th grandchild, Malcolm. Daughter Jen and James (who returned from his deployment in Kosovo) also have a 6 year old daughter Morgan. They live in Asbury Park NJ, about 75 miles from us, so we see them fairly

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often. Vicki and Raoul and Oscar (12) and Iris (11) live in Woolwich ME, about 30 miles from our summer house in Christmas Cove. Nini de Jurenev: Had a delightful and way too short lunch with Carol Barnard Ottenberg and her delightful husband, Simon, when they were in Santa Fe for an opera tour last August. I am now the proud mother of an entire hive of about 40,000 honey bees—an effort to help with the extreme pollinator die-off. I find the bees totally adorable and they have the most delicate and exquisite combs. Betsy Hasbrouck Cole: I had a lovely luncheon with Henny Nelson Skeen in the fall as we live about a half hour from each other in MA. Bob and I had dinner with Peter and Gail Zabriskie Wilson and Aubin Zabriskie Ames ’54 last summer in Little Compton RI. None of them ever seems to change! We hope to see Betsy Beatty Matlock and Lou this winter when they make their annual trip to Vero Beach. We still summer in Little Compton and go to Vero Beach in the winter. In spring and fall, we have an apartment at Fox Hill Village, a retirement community in Westwood MA. Sally Webb is there and also Susan Ruddick. I am active here in a Garden Club, play bridge, and we are part of two lecture series and the symphony. / Ann de Vausney Hallowell: Greetings from Vermont. If you are in Burlington, I would love with see a classmate or two, so give us a call! Jane Romeyn Dunning: I was at Kimberley through grades 2–8. An ordained deacon and priest, I serve as Priest Associate at St. James Episcopal Church in Greenfield MA and as Chaplain for the Shelburne Falls Fire Department. Mother of two, grandmother of six, “with another on the way.” Sue Crook Ferdinand: I have a nice little condo in Lopatcong NJ (that’s Lopatcong, not Hopatcong or the next town over, Pohatcong). I’m still in the face painting business —can’t do as much as I used to,

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but enjoy being more selective in picking my clients. My daughter and grandchildren help out, so it’s really a family business. In between gigs, I work for a company that handles foreclosure mitigation (a euphemism for short sales). Gives me a chance to use some of my 30 years of real estate experience to help folks who are in a jam. Gail Zabriskie Wilson: Peter and I are still in Greenwich (CT). My recent claim to fame was initiating Greenwich Reads Together, a community read program, now in its fifth year. I’m also still involved with Wells College. Peter and I both drive for At Home (seniors), work at Neighbor to Neighbor (clothing and food pantry), and play tennis 2–3 times a week. A few aches and pains but overall, life is good, and we do realize how lucky we are. Carol Cooper Henry: I retired from my job training synchronized swimming judges for New England and judging as a U.S. Zone judge a number of years ago. It demanded too much time and travel around the country to keep my judging rating current. Also, I promised myself, after the 5 years I spent coaching in Mesa AZ with daughter Annie in the 80s, that I would never be a 70 year old or older judge who couldn’t climb up into the lifeguard chairs to judge at meets. I keep busy keeping up with the Boston pro sports teams and also participate in our local Congregational Church activities. Linda Cole LeStage lives very near now which is so nice, and I saw Henny Nelson Skeen on the Vineyard several times in September. Husband Bill still works on a consulting basis at his vet practice; the business is run by our son, Charlie, who lives nearby. Annie lives near Napa CA, where she has 3 young daughters and works in sports psych for various athletes—she has her doctorate in that field. In her spare time she trains for ironman triathlons. Eldest son Bill is a film editor in NYC. He was very close to director Mike Nichols and was supposed to

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work with him on a project with Meryl Streep for HBO when Mike suddenly died last year. He is currently working as editor of the mini series, Marco Polo. Julia Schou Estes: Henry and I recently attended the wedding of our grandson in Jacksonville Beach FL. My 4 children, their spouses, 8 of our 10 grandchildren, and our great grandson were able to attend. Our great grandson and his parents still live with us, and it is great fun watching him develop every day. In June Harry and I will celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary. We are very blessed. Carol Barnard Ottenberg: ‘Twas a summer of travel for Simon and me, including an opera tour to Santa Fe and a cruise from Boston to Quebec City with our usual stay at our Maine summer camp in between. Along the way, I enjoyed visits with Nini de Jurenev and Gail Zabriskie Wilson and a long phone call with Nancy Prescott Ward. More recently, I have had email or phone chats with Connie Sommer deBrun, Jane Goodwillie Swann, Molla Kaplan Reisbaum and Lilla Emetaz McDonald. I hope to see all of you at our 60th reunion luncheon in Montclair next October. / MA /

/ Mr. Eric Jaeckel, P.O.

Box 20153, Boulder, CO 80308, efjaeckel@hotmail.com /

/ Dr.

Lawrence Nazarian, 29 Surrey Place, Penfield, NY 14526, lfredn@aol.com

1957

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Thelma

“Tam” Miller Knight, 3001

Linton Boulevard, No. 201C, Delray Beach, FL 518, tknight115@aol.com

1958

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Diana

Bethell Little, 1-K

Buckingham Rd., West Orange, NJ 07052, littlecorp@verizon.net

/ MA /

eschewed any 50th gala and instead took a 16 day Viking Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Peter said it was “like being in heaven.” They spent several months at their other house in Damariscotta, Maine. In November, they headed back to their place in Maine to enjoy Thanksgiving with all their family. Damariscotta, by the way, is a town located about 53 miles northeast of Portland, ME. Peter says they’ll probably take another Viking summer trip to either France or Scandinavia. Van Judd reports that he is still volunteering as a Critical Care Tech on the Ballston Lake Emergency Squad and “infrequently with the Anthropology Section of the New York State Museum.” He’s been a volunteer for the squad for 41 years now. Ballston Lake is an area in the Town of Ballston in Saratoga County in upstate New York. Van says he and Janet are “starting to think about downsizing. To date that means designing a smaller house and looking at CCRC’s. Progress to date has been limited, getting rid of a run out back hoe and 250 canning jars.” That’s about it except I can’t resist asking a trivia question that I just thought up. Forgive me. However, with your generous indulgence, there’s the query: In 1910, President William Howard Taft named Edward D. White to be Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. White died in office in 1921. He was succeeded by whom? Answer in next MKA Review. I know your breath is bated and you just can’t wait!

1959

/ TKS /

/ Ms. Jarvis

Reilly Nolan, 15612

Via Marchena, San Diego, CA 92128, jarvisno@aol.com

/ Mr. Henry Agens, 86 Eagle

Rock Way, Montclair, NJ 07042, hymelee@earthlink.net Hy Agens writes: Peter and Donna Grieves marked their 50th wedding anniversary last year, but they

MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

is living in New Rochelle with a magnificent view overlooking Long Island Sound; there is a tremendous sense of peacefulness in spite of our today’s turbulent world.

Lily Solmssen Moureaux

Class Representative

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My camera and photo archiving continue to give me a great deal of satisfaction. From my work at the International Center of Photography’s historic photo library in New York City, to introducing disadvantaged teenagers to the art of Photography in Greenwich Young Mariners Summer Program, my lifelong love for viewing and capturing the world through a lens has never waned. / MA / Our deepest condolences to the family of Richard Haney who passed away suddenly on December 1, 2015.

1960

/ MA /

/ Mr. George

Bleyle, 200 Laurel

Lake Dr., Apt. E267, Hudson, OH 44236, 777bleyle@gmail.com

writes: I spent the 1st 30 years of my career specializing in bankruptcy/corporate reorganization law, mostly in mega cases, the last 15 as head of the New York practice of the global law firm, Jones Day. Instead of retiring, I joined a client managing distressed investments for 5 years, then opened my own advisory business in the restructuring field for 8 years, working mostly as a court appointed fiduciary in number of prominent, complex corporate bankruptcy cases. About a year ago, I joined a well-known boutique financial advisory Firm in NYC called Goldin Associates, as Senior Managing Director. We specialize in advising parties in financially distressed businesses and providing litigation support, valuation and fiduciary services. At the moment, I have been very lucky to continue in good health, and I am having lots of fun in a very challenging and interesting career, so have no present intention of actually retiring. Our classmates might remember my high school sweetheart, Linda Copper, who I married during senior year at Dartmouth. We divorced 10 years later, but raised Mark Kirschner

jointly our 2 children, Jeffrey, a public school teacher in Chicago, and Pamela, an interior designer in NYC. Pam has 3 children ages 11–16, and Jeff has one child age 12. My wife, Nancy, and I have been married for 37 years, and have 2 children, Philip, a consultant for the real estate firm JLL in NYC, and Diana, a doctor currently serving a fellowship in pediatric intensive care at Cohen Children’s Hospital in Long Island, NY. Philip, age 35 , has one 19-month-old child . Diana, age 31, was married last month. Despite my active work load, I try to spend as much time as possible with all the kids and grandchildren, which is made somewhat easier because all but Jeffrey and his family live near Nancy and me in NYC. For my 50th Dartmouth Reunion, each of my classmates was asked to write a “ life story” which was later published in a fascinating book. Most classmates and I found the task to be very difficult, but I finally got through it by reflecting on the true start of my life at Montclair Academy, and actually wrote about the influence Frank Brogan had on my life. I started my “ life” story and ended as follows: “ ‘…During this momentous age of the atom, in which the human race may well be rushing headlong into extinction, it is wise to stop and ponder upon those meanings of man and life which we seem to ignore so completely.’ I authored these words in 1960, as editor-in-chief of my high school yearbook, and as I look back fifty-four years later, I wonder if perhaps that was my 17-year-old self warning me about where my adult limitations would lie. I’ve never pondered the meaning of my life, never devised a life plan, never even reflected much on the choices I’ve made… until now, that is, preparing to write this essay. And today, five decades later, my advice to my teenage self would indeed be just the opposite—I have derived the most meaning in

M KA review / Mon tc l a i r K i m b e r l e y A c a de my

my life from taking advantage of chance opportunities. I am not sure the world situation has really changed since I wrote that piece in my high school yearbook about the “human race… rushing into extinction.” But, I hope it has, and that we achieve some world peace, protection of the environment, and equality for all men and women, so that my children and grandchildren can have lives as happy, productive, interesting and challenging as mine was and continues to be. I will always urge them to do as I now realize I did: work hard, keep intellectually and physically vibrant, be scrupulously honest, play hard, laugh often, and, of course, be flexible, adapt and take advantage of chance opportunities in life.” George Bleyle writes: Graduated from Tufts University in June 1964. Commissioned as Ensign, USN, July 1964. Entered U.D. Navy flight training, Pensacola, FL, August 1964. Married Jane Ryan of Wilton, ME, Aug, 1965; Completed Navy flight training and received my Wings of Gold in Corpus Christi, TX, Nov 1965. Reported to Patrol Squadron TEN, Brunswick, ME, July 1966. Then, instructed in the T-34B at Pensacola, FL. Got out of the Navy and was hired by United Airlines, January 1970. Furloughed by United, June 1970. Returned to the Navy in September 1970, in the T-28B as a formation instructor. Returned to United in November 1977. Flew the Boeing 737, the 727, the DC-10, the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 777. Flew domestically in darn near all 50 states and internationally to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Mexico City, Guatemala City, San Jose (Costa Rica), Caracas, San Paulo, San Juan, Beijing, Tokyo and Vancouver and Toronto—if you count Canada. During all this (or in spite of it), my son Mike was born in 1968. And, after two miscarriages, my wife and I adopted three (3) daughters: Alison in 1971—in Pensacola

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at the age of 17 days and Jill (from Korea) in 1976 at age four months and Sarah (also from Korea) in 1979 at five months. Today, all four kids are fine. No one’s in jail; no one’s in rehab and no one’s on Dr. Phil! I retired from United in August 2002 with more than 22,000 hours in my logbook. Bought a 45 foot raised pilot-house trawler which I keep on Lake Erie. Went to a Coast Guard Captain’s school and got my 100-ton Masters license. Have been a railroad diesel locomotive engineer and brakeman on a local scenic railroad for the past 12 years. Other than losing my wife three years ago, life is good.

Our condolences go out to the 1961 family of , who passed / MA /

Fred Heller

away on August 24, 2015.

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Winifred Sage Wilson,

13819 Vidal Place, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123 /

/ Mrs. Suzanne Scannell

Hardy, 47 Bartlett Parkway, Winthrop, MA 02152, MA

1962

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. C. D.

Creed (Barbara Bywater),

1769 Forest View Avenue, Hillsborough, CA 94010, bbcreed@aol.com / MA /

/ Mr. Doug Donald, 4325

North Landmark Dr., Orlando, FL 32817, d1donald@aol.com

1964

/ MA /

/ John

Benigno, johnbenigno

@hotmail.com

1965

/ TKS /

/ Ms.

Katharine Haines, 3779

Center RdEast Montpelier, VT 05651, lyn.blackwell3@gmail.com

We had a great 50th (Yikes!) reunion/celebration in October 2015. On Friday evening, Ellen Curtin and Ellen Malcolm hosted a cocktail party in Manhattan and then we went out to dinner in the neighborhood. (Mary, Kate, Ellen C., Sue, Kitty, Jane, Ellen M., Betsy, Andrea, Lyn, & Joan. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of that group.) On Saturday, some of us went to

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the old TKS building, now middle school, and went on a tour of the amazing facility. We were able to recognize some of building but there have been many changes, additions and updates in 50 years. We then went to the luncheon at MKA/Upper School and Ruth Sisler joined us. A couple of us talked to Merrill’s son who teaches physics at MKA. (Merrill unfortunately had to cancel her trip to the reunion at the last minute.) During the luncheon, a member of the class of ’85 spoke. Their class gets together in non-reunion years-a “girl’s weekend.” Someone suggested a Bermuda trip for the class of 1965. Details to follow. Our condolences go to both Ellen Curtin and Ellen Malcolm. Both of their mothers died in the late summer of 2015. In the past 2 years, many of the class of ’65 has shared with all class members detailed emails about their lives, passions and events, The following is a summary of those emails. Merrill Adickes Rich lives in Titusville, FL, is engaged to Russell Bausch, has 2 children (daughter Becky and son, Ben, MKA teacher) and she teaches 3rd grade at a local charter school. Mary Ayres Hack just celebrated her 40th anniversary with her husband Randy, lives in Greenwich, CT and NYC, has 2 children (Tobin & Tony) and enjoys dance and yoga. Cheryl Calmenson Graff lives in Toronto and said “my husband Dennis and I sold our family home of 41 years and happily moved to a condo.” She has 3 children, 6 grandchildren and is still working in real estate. Ellen Curtin lives in San Diego and just retired after 46 years as an educator (most recently, as the superintendent of a school district). Her “children” are two British Cream Golden Retrievers, she enjoys golf and tennis and this year is traveling to Southern Asia. She also travels to NYC to see her siblings and to go to the theatre. In

MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

Top photo from the left: Lyn, Joan, Kitty, Ellen C., Sue, Ellen M. and Mary). Bottom photo first row from the left: Lyn, Ruth, Ellen M., Sue, Mary. Back row from the left: Ellen C, Jane, husband Tom, Joan, Betsy, husband Peter, Kitty

December, Mary and I enjoyed a lunch and matinee with her. Sue DeBevoise Wright and her husband, Jim, are moving back to Hanover, NH in 2016 from Lake Sunapee. She retired from Dartmouth in 2009 and is now active in many local volunteer organizations. She has 3 stepchildren and 7 grandchildren. In December 2015, they traveled to Cambodia and Vietnam and are going to Spain in the spring of 2016. Jane Kuzmick Izod lives in Southport, NC with her husband of 46 years, Tom. She has three children and four grandchildren. She retired from computer training and consulting in 2015. Her passion is singing, and she performs with her church choir, a regional singing group and directs a madrigal group. Ellen Malcolm is retired but is still the chair of the board of EMILY’s List. She also chairs the board of the National Partnership for Women and Families, which is leading the fight to get paid family leave passed by Congress. Her book will be released in March of 2016 and is called When Women Win: EMILY’s List and the Rise of Women in American Politics (available at Amazon.com). She lives in Washington, DC and loves to spend time in the Arizona desert whenever she can get to her ranch.

Class Representative

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50TH REUNION GIFT

A 50th Reunion Year gift that will last a lifetime! The Montclair Academy Class of 1965 wanted to make a 50th reunion year gift that would mark their presence in the Academy in perpetuity. They succeeded and have set a precedent for future 50th reunion year classes who may want to follow in their footsteps! Under the leadership of the Reunion Year Committee—R. Victor Bernstein, Joe Hare, and Rob Livesey—there now exists a Montclair Academy Class of 1965 Endowed Scholarship that currently has $50,000 in donations from their class and will provide need-based scholarship funds for deserving MKA students. Recognizing that their time at the Academy was varied, the committee also acknowledged that, in the end, it helped them become who they are today. The Committee appealed to their class to be leaders and challenge other classes to follow. Their class was the first in the new building and wanted to be first in supporting MKA in this way. Donors were able to make this one-time commitment at once or with a five-year pledge. Page Paterson lives in Wilmington, NC with her husband, Charles Robbins. She has three children and two grandchildren. Her work is acupuncture and oriental medicine and travels the US to promote her profession. Sally Poor Owen lives in Breckenridge Ski Resort, CO with her husband Harry, enjoying skiing and hiking. She also spends time in Denver with her 2 children and 4 grandchildren. In early 2016, they will be traveling to Peru to climb to Machu Picchu. Ginny Redpath lives in Wayland, MA but is constantly on the move traveling to visit her 3 children (NY & PA) 7 grandchildren, friends (Joe Mecham in Anasquam, MA) and family. Her family still goes to Pocono Lake Preserve every August. Betsy Ridge Madsen lives in Essex, MA with her husband, Peter. She has 3 children (SF & DC) and 4 grandchildren. After 17 years teaching in various capacities, she

enjoys sailing along costal ME, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, gardening and the church choir. In 2016 she is going to Turkey and hopes to go to Cuba in the spring. Lyn Schultz Blackwell lives in a farmhouse in East Montpelier, VT with her husband Terry. She has 3 sons and 6 children. She taught history for 20 years at local colleges, published many articles and two books, before retiring from teaching. Now she continues to research and write articles, mostly on women’s history. Her trips revolve around hiking locations and in 2016 she is going to Argentina. Barbara Sloan wrote in October that she had just sold her home in Kauai and purchased a 1913 cottage in Sonoma, California. Andrea Sporer Simon lives in Greenwich, CT and is contemplating becoming bicoastal since her daughter lives in LA. She heads up the business and legal affairs for Scholastic, Inc., concentrating on

M KA review / Mon tc l a i r K i m b e r l e y A c a de my

media. In 2016, she is planning to travel to Cuba and India. Gabby Thummel Leach wrote “Jeff and I are alive and well in the country of upstate NY. We have been here for the last 15 years. Along with really enjoying the land and animals we have been traveling for English shooting sports, the sport of Kings. We have wild blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, plums and apples growing on our property. Also, I garden organically. We are really close to the land. I have chickens for eggs and enjoyment. They are Thelma, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, and Patsy Cline. I am referred to as the “crazy chicken lady up on the hill.” Next on our bucket list is Africa for a driven bird shoot and camera safari.” Joan Vanderbeck Taylor lives in Wilmington, DE and is working for a small property management company. She has a stepson and 2 “stepgrands” who live in Portland, OR. I happily retired from the department store/garment center in 2008 and split the year between apartments in NYC and an historic farm in Wayland, MA. Besides regular travel to Napa/SF, CA and Bermuda (my other “homes”), I am going to Ireland in 2016 with my sister Nancy Aldous (TKS 1961). In between traveling, I manage friend’s web sites, study musicals, go to every Broadway show and play golf. / MA / MKA is very grateful to the Montclair Academy Class of 1965 for this lifetime gift of support. (see 50th Reunion Gift sidebar, left)

1966

/ MA /

/ Mr. D. Carter

Fitzpatrick, 70 Eastern

Vista, Sedona, AZ 86351, fitzlaw @sedone.net /

/ Mr. A. Craig Cameron

11 Bay Point Dr., Ormond Beach, FL 32174, ccameron@cameronhodges.com Captain Lloyd LeCain writes: Following a stint at Montclair, went to military school and Texas A&M for college and UT for law school and have been happily married for 26 years. My wife and I are both retired US Navy Captains.

C L ASS N OT ES

Craig Cameron writes: I continue to live with my wife of 43 years in Ormond Beach, Florida and continue to practice law in Orlando, Florida. I have two kids both on their own and four grandkids. I had a right total knee arthroplasty in January 2014 and a left total knee arthroplasty in September 2014 with quick recovery. Golf is good; the gospel is better. I continue to teach an adult Bible study at my church. Traveling a lot in Europe including France where I practice my rudimentary French that reminds me of my first encounter with Montclair Academy. I was required to take an oral proficiency test in French administered by Instructor Carmen Marnel, whom I later learned was also the football and basketball coach. I failed miserably and was required to take first year French. However, I was less disappointing to Coach Marnel on the football field and basketball court although he did call me “uncoachable” at one point. (I was an undisciplined, headstrong rebel without a clue in my youth.) We never did beat Newark Academy in football, but we beat them several times in basketball and we were the state basketball champs in the 1964–65 Prep School Division and made it to the finals the following year. What I remember most about Coach Marnel was his calm, deliberate manner, always in control and never losing his temper. He never shouted or berated his players and as a result of his demeanor, he was able to ease the tension in his athletes to allow them to perform to the best of their athletic ability. Coach Marnel was a force to be reckoned with, and he demanded your complete and total attention that he invariably received. He had true “gravitas” before the word ever entered the American lexicon. Next to my Dad, he was the greatest role model in my life. Thanks Coach! Peter Orgain writes: I have lived in Vermont for 45 years with my wife, Carol. We met when I was

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a graduate student at Dartmouth in 1970. My career was having my own design and build company for 12 years; then I spent the next 33 years as a business consultant for workplace HR issues (personalities, behavioral styles, conflict resolution, etc.) I have been retired for four years. We spend our winters on our small coffee farm in western Panama. We have two sons: Nathan (41) is an anesthesiologist at the University of Utah Medical Center and David (37) is a woodworking craftsman in Burlington, Vermont. We have three delightful grandchildren. Captain Lloyd LeCain, I am CEO/ CFO of my own company and work in heavy construction OCONUS only. I have about 3,000 people working for me up and down as per contract commitments. I do have a law degree but do not practice law. Mark Geannette writes: I am still an in-house attorney at Sun Chemical Corporation (it will be 25 years next February). My wife Gloria (of 38+years) is managing editor of the local Ridgewood News. Son Christian is an attending neuro-radiologist at NYC’s Hospital for Special Surgery and daughter Marissa is a 6th year associate at White & Case (I guess I failed in advocacy trying to discourage her from the law).

1967

/ TKS /

/ Ms. Margot

Escott, 1818 Imperial Golf

Course Blvd., Naples, FL 34110 /

MA / Mr. Craig Perry, 3467 Pinestream Road, Atlanta, GA 30327

1968

/ TKS /

/ Ms. Avie

Claire Kalker, 5805

Birchbrook Drive, #202, Dallas, TX 65206, heraldicone@gmail.com / MA /

/ Geoff Gregg, 512 N Harbor

City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935, geoffgolubpa@aol.com

1969

/ TKS /

/ Christine

Hannon, 97 North Street,

Northampton, MA 01060, channon@ smith.edu

MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

David Fox ’99 and Lynn Erhardt Gildea ’69

Congratulations to the family of the late Barbara Fox McWilliams who celebrated the wedding of her daughter Mary on Saturday, August 29, 2015, in Pinehurst, NC. David Fox ’99, cousin of the bride, and Barbara’s former classmate Lynn Ehrhardt Gildea, were both in attendance. A special thanks to Lynn for providing the photo. “Life is good,” says Nina Szot Boral. She and Andrew have been married for 41 years and have four grandchildren. Nina retired after 25 years as a medical office director and is now “obsessed” with researching and investing in equities. Andrew is pondering retirement from his profession as a cardio thoracic anesthesiologist at Hackensack University. They enjoy their Rutherford home and their New York apartment, close to music and theater. Nina and Lynn Erhardt Gildea sometimes meet for lunch. Lynn and Chip have lots of fun with their four grandchildren, ages 3, 5 and 10. They spend two months in Jupiter, FL, commuting back and forth for work. Last spring, Phyllis LaTouche Rawlins and Jim visited for two days on their way home from the Keys. Lynn also provided a photograph from the wedding of Barbara Fox McWilliams’ daughter. Ellen Hare writes, “this heretofore seldom traveler happened into two great vacations in a row: first, my nephew’s wedding in Coral Gables, FL—crazy extravagant elegant FUN festivities at The Biltmore— cousins galore—son Liam had a ball—followed by a week in Taos with Frank.” Ellen also reconnected with Marilyn Cowing Dulin in Ocean City, MD. “Awesome!” says

Class Representative

C L AS S N OT ES

Sean Jones ’80 visits MKA

IN MEMORIAM Anne I. L. Moore, 76, of Montclair

died peacefully at home on November 27th. Mrs. Moore was born in Edinburgh, Scotland where she resided until 1981 when she and her family moved to Montclair. She graduated with an MA in Literature from the University of Edinburgh and then taught for several years in Edinburgh city schools. Upon moving to Montclair, Mrs. Moore taught English Literature at the Montclair Kimberley Academy Upper School. She is survived by her husband John S. More, Children David Andrew and Elizabeth; daughters-in–law, Clare and Ana; son-in–law, Patrick, and her brother John Brown. Mrs. Moore is also survived by her grandchildren, Daniel, Anna, John, Billy, Bobby William and Charlie.

Marilyn. Marilyn and Steve visited her brother in Mountain View, CA and loved seeing the Bay area and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Last fall, Susan Schadler and husband Leslie moved from Washington DC to Boston, closer to their three daughters, all in Boston, and their house on midcoast Maine. Susan and Leslie “retired” some time back and now do a lot of consulting work. They eagerly await their first grandchild, due in April. Susan Lowry works as a consultant, mostly in fund development for non-profits. Daughter Emma and husband Adam live in Los Angeles, where he is a cardiology fellow at UCLA and she a fourth grade teacher. Younger daughter Nora married last October and lives with her wife, Liz, in Philadelphia. Nora works for a foundation established by the owner of the Philadelphia Flyers that provides programming for city youth combining ice hockey with leadership

development and academic support, while Liz works as a development officer at Bryn Mawr College. Susan’s husband Michael is now teaching part-time at Swarthmore College as a bridge toward retirement. Susan and Michael hope to spend nine months in their beautiful Sedona, AZ, home and three months in their Philadelphia condo.I also love the travel time that retirement provides. 2015 trips included New York City, Florida, Santa Fe, Provincetown, MA and an incredible walking trip in the Basque region of Spain. Now planning for a bicycle trip in Poland in May. Thanks for the news. Send more anytime! / MA /

/ Dr. Edward A. Griggs Jr.,

8 Yates Boulevard, Poughkeepsie, NY

/ TKS /

Road Brookline, NH 03033, pwebb@ winerbennett.com

1971

/ TKS /

/ Miss Philippa

Bowles, 39 Orts Road,

Hamburg, NJ 07419, wvbond60@gmail. com / MA /

/ Mr. Anthony Vitale

(Reunion Chair), 10 North Wood Avenue, Apt. 601, Linden, NJ 07036 Tony.Vitale@ TVOD.com

1972

/ TKS /

/ Mrs. Linda

Finney Williams, 6 South

Pasture Lane, Box 1446, Nantucket, MA 02554, czarinalinda@comcast.com /

/Ms. Deborah Peck, Esq., 128

Victoria Bay Court, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, deborahpeckesq@gmail.com

Our condolences go out to Katie

Lindsey whose mother Ann Curtin ’39

passed away on September 19th.

12601

1970

Webb, Mile Slip Farm, 48 Mason

/ Ms.

Leslie Bryan, 844

East Morningside Drive, NE, Atlanta,

1973

/ TKS /

/ Ms. Susan

Read, 38 College Circle,

Staunton, VA 22401 / MA /

/ Mr.

GA 30324, lbryan@dsckd.com

Gregory Lackey, 138 Paupukkewis Trail,

Medford Lakes, NJ 08055, gregory.

/ Ms. Kim Kolbe, 38 Kent Dr.,

lackey@usps.gov /

Roseland, NJ 07068

/ Mr. Tom

Galligan, 504 Main St., P.O. Box 2156, Leigh Berrien Smith writes: A

December mini-reunion brought 5 Kimberley 1970’s together in Boston. Heidi Sanders Bryan and Betsy Kimball got Alison Smith Driscoll, Alison Boochever Saawyer and Winnie Henschel Tractman to join them for food and reminiscencing.

New London, NH 03257, tgalligan@ colby-sawyer.edu

Our deepest condolences go out 1974 to the family of who / MA /

Andrew Tarnell

passed away on April 27, 2015. / TKS /

/ MA /

/ Mr. V. James Castiglia,

3 Lark Lane, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438, vjc@ vjamescastiglia.com/

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/ Mr. Peter

/ Ms. Erin Cuffe Crawford,

121 Clarewill Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ 07043, erincrawford@verizon.net

C L ASS N OT ES

1975

/ MKA /

/ Mr. Paul

Zuckerberg, 1790 Lanier

Place NW, Washington, DC 20009, paul.zukerberg@gmail.com

MKA recently learned of the passing of Nicholas Lieder Eastman in June 2015. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.

1977

/ MKA /

/ Mr.

Andrew Pedersen,

1 Washington Avenue, Rumson, NJ 07760, apedersen@thenation.com /

/ Mr. Robert Hubsmith, 16 Warren

Rd., Maplewood, NJ 07040, rjhjr24@ comcast.net

1978

/ MKA /

/ Ms.

Pamela Zeug, 60 W.

57th Street, #15F, New York, NY 10019, pzeug@downinggroup.com /

/ Ms.

Jane Lugaric Burkhard, 299 Crown Rd., Kentfield, CA 94904, janeburkhard@ comcast.net

1979

/ Dr. John

drjack2020@aol.com /

/ Mrs. Carlos

/ MKA /

Brink, 1246 Beach

Haven Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324-3842, Ortiz (Shawn Mahieu), 2163 Gilbride Road, Martinsville, NJ 08836, csaortiz@ optonline.net

MKA extends condolences to John Joseph and Janis Joseph ’81 on the death of their father Stephen Henry Joseph in July 2015. Congratulations to Ruth Perretti and her husband Eric Kaplan for the success of their restaurant Ruthie’s Barbecue & Pizza. Ruthie’s was named one of the five best barbecue restaurants in New Jersey by AAA. www.ruthiesbbq.com

1980

/ MKA /

I’ve written a scientific paper on LIGO (Laser Interferometer GravitationalWave Observatory), which has gotten some attention. It’s published online at Vixra, which is not peer-reviewed but I have

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Even before graduating from MKA, Peter “Pete” Michelotti ’86 was part of the Community Bank of Bergen County family thanks to his father and uncle who owned a construction firm and who banked there regularly. Pete came to the bank as a summer intern, working for spending money, while he attended Widener University near Philadelphia as an accounting and economics major. Before graduating from Widener, Pete was called on by the president of the bank to “fill in” for someone who quit unexpectedly. In the early years, Pete wore many hats—junior accountant, loan originator, computer tech, ATM servicer and general “Mr. Fix It.” Gradually, he began focusing more and more on serving customers directly and learning the skills of a good banker. This “learn on the job” approach was almost a thing of the past. However, it provided an invaluable way for Pete to gain experience from the ground up. Pete was appointed President and CEO in 2009, just as the national economy was in a deep recession. Under his steady guidance, the Community Bank of Bergen County thrived and deepened its commitment to service through corporate philanthropy that supports Little League, Boys’ and Girls’ Scouts, service clubs, local schools and nonprofits. Pete takes a leadership role in the Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce and is the Chairman of the Board of the Atlantic Community Bankers Bank. A focus on longtime relationships and smart growth are Pete’s philosophy. In his words, “Community Bank is a small bank with BIG service. And, meeting people is the best part of my job. We have three branches— Maywood, Fair Lawn and Rochelle Park—and 80 employees. We’re proud of the fact that we have at least one customer, who’s in her 90s, who has been with our bank since the 1930s.” Pete’s wife, Doreen, met him through a mutual friend at the Jersey shore. Pete and Doreen have two active children—Jack, age 13 and Emma, age 11—who enjoy playing a wide variety of sports. He remains close to his family including brother Anthony Michelotti ’85 and his wife Tami. Regarding his experiences at MKA, Pete says, “I credit MKA for giving me the tools I needed for success in college and in life. I remember fondly my teachers and coaches, especially Ken Gibson, for their guidance and advice. I stay in touch with many of my friends and teammates and I’m happy to support this wonderful institution.”

Mary L. Cole, Esq,

1 Ferrous Court, Chester, NJ 07930

J. Catania:

A BA NKER FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP

discussed the ideas that are represented in the paper with Dr. Rainer Weiss, a founder of the LIGO project, and he wants to assign a student to research its validity. By September, I should know more. The paper can be found at http://vixra.org/ pdf/1411.0375v3.pdf. Mr. Catania

MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

recalls “that as far as encouragement is concerned, it was two MKA teachers, Ms. Chamberlain and possibly Ms. Bailey, who ushered me into an empty room at the Middle School, and kept me there until I understood what they meant by ‘The Michelson-Morley experiment results were not null.’ This

Class Representative

C L AS S N OT ES

CO N T I N U E D SU P PO RT Mary Louise (Mare) Rubin ’86

joined Associate Director of Development Keith Wiggs for lunch to catch up. Like many, Mare and husband John lead busy lives with work and two active children. Son Caleb attends the Calhoun School and daughter Maddie is a student at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City where she majors in musical theater. Mare continues in her position as a marketing executive with Benjamin Moore Paints while John recently transitioned from psychologist with a social service organization to become a full time entrepreneur by starting Replay Music Studios, a high-tech music rehearsal space and rock band school. In addition to being a consummate drummer, John has cultivated a rapport with his students based on the belief that personal expression is at the heart of meaningful music. Mare stays in touch with many of her MKA colleagues through Facebook and other social media. Her sister, Lisa Neary ’83, is part of a network of friends and family that keep Mare connected. Mare is especially looking forward to her reunion in October 2016 and has agreed to help encourage others to participate. Regarding her financial support of MKA, Mare says “I’ll always continue to support MKA any way I can. It’s where I met many of my dearest friends, and it holds a special place in my heart.”

Joseph Yudin ’86 touring company

Ingrid Ramos ’92 baby Eleanor

planted the seed for the paper I submitted.” A huge congratulations to Hamilton Bowser who married Lisa Pittman on May 2nd! Sean Jones from the MKA Class of 1980 and a 1996 Super Bowl Champion (Green Bay Packers), visited MKA’s Upper School on February 1 to present the NFL’s 50th Super Bowl Anniversary Golden Football to senior football captains, Ethan Fusco, Derek Kleinman, Rob Strain and Erik Zueg. As the NFL marks their 50th Super Bowl this season, all former Super Bowl players and coaches are presenting the NFL 50th Anniversary “Golden Football” to their respective high school to commemorate this very special occasion and to recognize the high schools and communities that positively impacted these athletes and the sport. He told the students, “MKA prepared me for college and for the rest of my life. Not just the rigorous academics, but also my experience in the athletics program here.”

death of their father Stephen Henry Joseph in July 2015. Robert Cunniff writes, “Looking forward to seeing my old classmates at Reunion. Stop whining about how busy you are and show up!”

1981

/ MKA /

/ Mrs. Laura

Itzkowitz (Laura Reisch),

37 Nottingham Road, Manalapan, NJ

1982

/ MKA /

Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073

Tom Robbins achieved Ameriprise Hall of Fame status. Membership in this elite group represents consistent and dedicated service to his clients. Our condolences go out to the family of Robin Kittrell, who passed away on October 1, 2015. Our condolences go out to Kyle Curtain whose mother Ann Curtin ’39 passed away on September 19th.

1983

/ MKA /

New Providence, NJ 07974, davisteam@ comcast.net /

/ Ms. Maureen Towers

Natkin, 5 Riverview Road, Irvington, NY 10533, motowers@aol.com

1984

/ MKA /

/ Mrs. Jennifer

Jones Ladda, 110 Glen

Rock Road, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009, jjones@dmjadvisors.com

Dede Swanson Montgomery writes

1985

M KA review / Mon tc l a i r K i m b e r l e y A c a de my

/ Mr. Walter J.

Davis, 66 Oakwood Dr.,

07726, howardandlaura@optonline.net

that she and husband John are leading very busy lives with one daughter who’s just graduated from Colgate (Dede’s alma mater), one who’s a Junior at Tulane, and one who’s entering 6th grade at Rye Country Day. MKA extends condolences to John Joseph ’79 and Janis Joseph on the

/ Mr. Thomas

Robbins, 410 Liseter

/ MKA /

/ Mrs. Susan

Ciccone O’Donnell, 9

Andover Drive, N. Caldwell, NJ 07006, snmodonnell@aol.com

Congratulations to Michelle KesslerSanders who was named President of Calvin Klein Collection. Congratulations to Karen Ladenheim-Martos for being named

C L ASS N OT ES

Anand Pathuri ’94 as Michael jackson

Tai Cooper ’98

the USA Coach of the Men’s Foil in the International Circuit in Europe. Karen was inducted into the MKA Athletic Hall of Fame last October. Karen Ladenheim-Martos was designated as the USA coach for the Cadet Men’s Foil (age 13–17) in Pisa, Italy. Only the top 20 US fencers were qualified to represent the USA. The results were amazing! The top eight positions where swept by the American Men’s squad! Karen lives with her family in El Cerrito, CA. Karen coaches for Greg Massialas (MTEAM) and was recently inducted into the MKA Athletic Hall of Fame.

MKA extends condolences to the family of Jason Spiotta who passed away suddenly on, August 20, 2015.

1986

/ MKA /

/ Ms.

Sherry Ahkami, P.O.

Box 3187, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, shirin@sdspineinstitute.com /

/ Ms.

Jennifer Remington-Knodel, 44 Hamilton Drive East, North Caldwell, NJ 07006, jenremknodel@aol.com

MKA extends condolences to Marc on the death of his brother Jason Spiotta ’88 who passed away suddenly on August 20, 2015. Congratulations to Joseph Yudin on his company ‘Touring Israel— Luxury Private Tours’ winning TripAdvisors’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence three straight years in a row. Spiotta

1987

/ MKA /

/ Mr. Dennis

Adam Dovico ’00 Caroline Friezo ’15

1993

/ MKA /

/ Mrs. Renee

Ciccarella (Monteyne),

43 Veranda Avenue, Little Falls, NJ 07424, rmonteyne@yahoo.com

1989

/ MKA /

/ Mr. Louis

Lessig, 2009 Morris Drive,

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, llessig@ brownconnery.com /

/ Mr. Josh

Raymond, 33 Oak Place, North Caldwell, NJ 07006, jraymond@trenklawfirm.com

1991

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Dara

Marmon, 330 E.39th, Apt.

21D, New York, NY 10016, daramarmon@ gmail.com /

/ Mr. Luke Sarsfield, 105

Franklin St., Apt. 4, New York, NY 10013, luke.sarsfield@gs.com

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Thomas Johnson who passed away suddenly on August 8th. Dara Marmon writes, “After five years at one firm, I started a new job at Direct Lending Investments. While the firm is in LA, I remain NYC based. Too many years to count on this Island.”

1992

/ MKA /

/ Dr. Enrique

Neblett, 718 Ainsley

Court, Durham, NC 27713, enrique. neblett@gmail.com /

/ Ms. Tamar

Safer, 816 Chippewa Trail, Franklin

Congratulations to Educational consultant Lauren Hyman Kaplan. She was featured in Montclair Magazine’s Back to School 2015 issue sharing how you can foster your children’s emotional intelligence. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Scott Johnson (who passed away on September 11th 2001) for their loss of son Thomas Johnson ’91, who passed away suddenly on August 8th.

1994

/ MKA/

/ Mr.

Jason Awerdick,

jasonawerdick@gmail.com

Congratulations to Anand Pathuri who lead the performance of Michael Jackson’s smash hit Thriller for thousands of people who came to haunt the streets of New York City on Halloween.

1996

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Tanya

Barnes, tbarnes@fas.

harvard.edu /

/ Ms. Erica Hirsch, 10

Lakes, NJ 07417, tsafer5400@aol.com

West 15th Street, #902, New York, NY

10011, ehirsch77@yahoo.com /

/ Ms. Anne Marie Verdiramo, 302

/ Mr.

Timberbrooke Drive, Bedminster, NJ

Lee Vartan, 3 Swayze Ln, Chester, NJ

07921, amverdiramo@gmail.com

07930, ldvartan@yahoo.com

Congratulations to Ingrid Ramos and her husband, Stephen Nakamura, on the birth of her daughter Eleanor Lucia Ichika Nakamura, born on August 25, 2015 at 20.5 inches, 7 lbs., 8 oz. in NYC.

Joseph Yudin says, “…happily married, 3 kids, living on Kibbutz Megiddo in northern Israel, studying at University of Haifa towards a Ph.d in Israel Studies and I just began a new start-up tech company www.SmartItinerary.com. Check it out!”

Rodano, 14 Wayland Drive,

Verona, NJ 07044, rodanod@verizon.net /

/ Mrs. Lynne Y. Krest, 230 Forbush

Mountain Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, lynnegy@aol.com

1988

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Susan

Bartlett Rankin, One

Barbaree Way, Tiburon, CA 94920

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MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

Class Representative

C L AS S N OT ES

Melissa Slomienski’s ’02 new daughter Elizabeth

1998

/ MKA /

Amy Trainor ’03 married John Ashby

/ Ms.

Gemma Giantomasi,

80 Avon Dr, Essex Fells, NJ 0721, gemma.diaco@gmail.com

Tai Cooper, who served as Baraka’s spokesperson and policy advisor during last year’s highly contentious mayoral campaign in Newark, has become one of the Mayor Ras Baraka’s most trusted and closest advisors. Cooper’s role as chief policy advisor puts her in the mayor’s tight inner circle and wields her with tremendous power in the state’s largest city. “I love Newark,” Cooper said. “I love what I do behind the scenes.”

1999

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Sandra

Tritt, 300 E. Seminary,

Mercersburg, PA 17236, sandratritt@ gmail.com/

/ Mr. Alexander Holz, 538

E. 85th St., Apt. 2A, New York, NY 10028, alexbhlz@gmail.com

Casey Glugeth ’03, Husband Jared and Baby Lex

2000

/ MKA /

/ Mr. John

Garippa, 2741 NE

58th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, oceanhut@aol.com /

/ Mrs. Anna

Cook, 5 Highview Court, Wayne, NJ

Congratulations to the family of the late Barbara Fox McWilliams ’69 who celebrated the wedding of her daughter Mary on Saturday, August 29, 2015, in Pinehurst, NC. David Fox, cousin of the bride, and Barbara’s former classmate Lynn Ehrhardt Gildea ’69, were both in attendance.

07470, anna_labowsky @yahoo.com /

Friezo ’15. From Cougars to Demon

Deacons together!

2001

/ MKA /

Ms. Dana

Pisacane, dana.piscane@gmail.com

/ Mrs. Jaclyn Spedaliere, 60 E.

Oak St., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, jaclynspedaliere@gmail.com

MKA alumni connections! Adam Dovico is a professor at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. He is advising freshmen this year and one of his students is Caroline

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Congratulations to Lindsay Forman

(Braverman) and her husband, Dan

Forman, on the birth of their son Jack Elliot who was born at 1:16 am. on September 13th weighing 7 lbs 15 oz. at 20 inches tall! Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well!

C L ASS N OT ES

FINDING A CURE

Congratulations to the Abramson family for being featured on Pix 11 for their work with the The Cure Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). Carly Abramson ’09 is the Co-Founder and President, Andrew Abramson ’71 is the Co-Founder and Treasurer and Lauren Mirman ’01 and Heather Symons ’01 are Vice Presidents. CBCF raises funds to devote entirely to research by Dr. Larry Norton and colleagues on the growth and spreading of breast cancer cells known as the Self-Seeding Theory, which provides radical new insight into how breast cancer grows and spreads. This research focuses on improving the understanding of not only breast cancer, but also other cancers, thereby helping to improve and understand how to better manage and treat these diseases. Dr. Norton feels this is one of the most exciting new research ideas in the quest to cure cancer. www.curebreastcancerfoundation.org

Kim and Brandon Jones ’04

2003

/ MKA /

Gioiella Mayer ’04 married Anthony Belasco

/ Ms.

Judith Ferreira, 819

Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104-3211, jferreir@pratt.edu /

/ Ms. Melanie

Braverman Bieber, 20 West 72nd St., Apt. 302A, New York, NY 10023, mel.braverman@gmail.com

Alexander Chew’04 is engaged to Jill Jeffries

Lauren Pugh ’07

2002

/ MKA /

/ Mrs.

Melissa Fortunato

Slomienski, 40 Holton Lane, Essex Fells, NJ 07021, fortunme@mac.com / / Miss Emily Santangelo, 27 Woods

Road, Little Falls, NJ 07424, emilyannesantangelo@gmail.com

Congratulations to Melissa Fortunato Slomienski and her husband Michael on the birth of their beautiful daughter Elizabeth Mara Slomienski (Ellie) on November 13th. She weighed 8 lbs 11 oz.

Congratulations to Casey Glugeth (Breslow) and her husband Jared on the birth of their precious little boy, Baby Lex Evan Glugeth, born October 16, 2015. He weighed 7 lbs 7 oz and was 20 inches long. Amy Trainor is happy to report: I married my best friend, John Ashby, on September 26th. My big brother Mike Trainor ’99, was one of our groomsmen. I am currently finishing up my last semester of grad school at Queens University of Charlotte and will receive my MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing in January. I also work as a freelance copywriter and editor for books, magazines, websites, and more. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, gaming, and hanging out with my new husband, my sevenyear-old stepson, Chase, and our Lowchen mix, Willie Dog.

2004

/ MKA /

Congratulations to Brandon Jones (son of Upper School science teacher and Head Varsity Basketball Coach, Tony Jones) on his wedding to Kim Wronski on October 11th 2015! Congratulations to Gioiella (Joy) Mayer who married Anthony Belasco on Nov 14th! Congratulations to Alexander Chew on his engagement to Jill Jefferies. Jenna Willis played Abby Gibbs in the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds on January 20th.

2005

/ MKA /

Drive, Riverside Court, Secaucus, NJ 07094, 201-617-5312, manav.lalwani@ gmail.com /

/ Mr. Edmund Kozak,

184 Noll St., Apt. 4B, Brooklyn, NJ 11237, e.g.kozak@gmail.com

2006

/ MKA /

Santoro, 333 River

/ Ms.

Natalie Azzoli, 8 Spruce

Street, Apt. 33D, New York, NY 10038, nat6888@gmail.com /

/ Ms. Angela

McCaffrey, 218 Bloomfield St., Apt. B, Hoboken, NJ 07030, angelamccaffrey@ gmail.com

2007

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Kate

/ Mr. Manav

Lalwani, 132 Blue Heron

/ Mr. Brian

May, 22 N. Bayard Lane,

Mahwah, NJ 07430, bmay88@gmail.

Street, Apt. 539, Hoboken, NJ 07030,

com /

Kate.santoro@gmail.com /

7th St. , Apt. 3, New York, NY 10003,

Mr. Brendan McCaffrey, 240 Lafayette

/ Mr. Harry Raymond, 19 E.

raymond.harry@gmail.com

St. , Apt. 1, New York, NY 10012, brendan.a.mccaffrey@gmail.com

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MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

Class Representative

C L AS S N OT ES

Claudia Carcamo ’13

2008

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Cara

Placentra, 125 Upper

Mountain Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042, caraplacentra@mac.com /

/ Mr.

Matthew Metzger, 740 Gold St., Apt. 8C, New York, NY 10038, metzgermd@ gmail.com

2009

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Jane

2010 MKA Alumni bleed blue! Devon Barrett ’10, David Trabka ’08, Brian Purcell ’09, Matthew Harwood ’14, Stuart Harwood ’07, Max Rudnick ’07, Eddie Barttelson ’08, JR DeVita ’09, Dwight Jackson ’08, Lindsay Kass, ’09, Mark Philips ’13, Michael DeVita ’11 & Friends

Stanton, 240 South

Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042, janestanton18@gmail.com /

/ Mr.

Brian Purcell, 89 Davis Ave., Bloomfield, NJ 07003, bnpurcell4@gmail.com

2010

/ MKA /

/ Ms. Devon

Barrett, 109 Llewellyn

Road, Montclair, NJ 07042, dlbarret@ princeton.edu /

/ Mr. Matthew

Palmisano, 51 Grove Ln., West Caldwell, NJ 07006, nbovals@att.net

Rebecca (Becky) Smith, graduated Gordon College with a BA in Middle School Education and BA in French after completing a semester in Aix, France and student teaching. Becky is currently employed by the Beverly Public Schools, MA and the Womens Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Manchester-Essex High School.

2012

/ MKA /

Elana Stern graduated Phi Beta

Kappa from Penn with a Political Science major (& a French minor). Among her academic recognitions, she won the Robert Holtz Memorial Prize “awarded to the student named the most outstanding graduating senior in political science” and she was one of 6 seniors in the College of Arts & Sciences named a 2015 Dean’s Scholar an “this honor is presented annually to students who exhibit exceptional academic performance and intellectual promise.”

2011

/ MKA /

/ Seth Bynum,

sefaref22@gmail.com /

/ Ms. Carina Wong, carinamwong@

gmail.com

/ MKA /

/ Elizabeth

“Lizzie” Amato,

ljamato420@mac.co /

/ Mr. Ed Bozik,

bozik@me.com

Congratulations to Rob Pannullo who made Cornell University’s Big Red baseball team as a pitcher!

2014

/ MKA /

Savannah Fusaro,

/ Casey

Musicant, casey.

musicant@gmail.com /

2013

/ Mr. Ed

savannahfusaro@aol.com /

Ms. Kassandra Fotiadis, kfotiadis3@ verizon.net

Rossini, erosini32@gmail.com David Grillo worked as the Head

Corporate Finance intern for the Madison Square Garden Company. He was one of 80 interns chosen out of over 4,000 applicants. He conducted analysis and calculation of salary accrual, deferred revenue sales, costs of goods, tax accrual, cash-flow distribution and had a key role in the fiscal year 2015 operations close as well as multiple audits done by KPMG and the NHL. He also designed an independent proposal for an employee investment partnership with J.P. Morgan that garnered a lot of high-level attention at MSG.

M KA review / Mon tc l a i r K i m b e r l e y A c a de my

After an extensive application and interview process, Savannah Fusaro has been accepted into the PreHealth Volunteer Program (PHVP) at the Duke Hospital. She will be spending her time in the Duke Patient Concierge Program as a Duke Ambassador Volunteer, working with the professional Patient Concierge staff and learning how to offer the highest level of service to patients and families.

2015

/ MKA /

/ Kori Durando,

koridurando@gmail.com

C L ASS N OT ES

AT A GLANCE MAR R IAG ES 1980 Hamilton Bowser and Lisa Pittman May 2, 2015 2003 Amy Trainor and John Ashby September 26, 2015 2004 Gioiella Mayer and Anthony Belasco November 14, 2015 2004 Brandon Jones and Kim Wronski October 11, 2015

IN ME MOR IAM ROU N DTA B L E

Upper School Honors Economics Instructor Tom Carroll hosted Alumni Roundtables for his current students followed by a lunch for his former students at Toast. The Alumni spoke about tips for succeeding in college and current students were able to ask questions about things like forming study groups, major selection, resume writing, interviewing, networking, internships, study abroad opportunities, interacting with professors/TAs and study/life balance. It was a great way to be able to ask questions in an informal, non-university sponsored environment. The alumni really enjoy paying it forward and talking with current students.

2011 MKA gathers at Yale University! There are seven MKA alumni currently studying on Yale’s campus where they manage to get together for dinner. Pictured (from left to right): Benjamin Wallach ’15, Nic Harris ’14, Drew Chrichlow ’15, Devon Geyelin ’12, Evin Santana ’15, Madeleine Colbert ’14, Rafi Bildner ’11

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MA Montclair Academy / TKS The Kimberley School / MKA Montclair Kimberley Academy

1939 Ann Dixon Curtin September 19, 2015 1939 Ann Caroline Hahn Sterr October 7, 2015 1942 Cynthia Blancke Bartholow March 2013 1944 Patricia Lamborn Kolbe May 22, 2015 1949 E. Alden Dunhm, III September 26, 2015. 1952 Doris Ruprecht Carlisle October 11, 2014 1959 Richard Haney December 1, 2015 1939 Ann Curtin September19, 2015 1966 Robert J. Massie June 7, 2015 1974 Andrew Tarnell April 27, 2015 1975 Nicholas Eastman June 6, 2015 1982 Robin Kittrell October 1, 2015 1988 Jason Spiotta August 20, 2015 1991 Thomas Johnson August 8, 2015 FACU LTY, FORMER FACULTY, STAFF AND TRUSTEES Anne Moore November 27, 2015

Class Representative

MKA LIFE

CH E M I ST RY 1 SC I E N C E R ES E ARCH HONORS ( SR H)

Dr. Tom Holt heats a salt sample over a bunsen burner while 10th-grade students Caitlin Koto and Sarah Fatkin observe the red flame with hand-held spectroscopes. The students use the spectroscopes to identify the distinct lines of the atomic emission spectrum characteristic of strontium.

M KA review / Mon tc l a i r K i m b e r l e y A c a de my

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MON TC L A I R K I M B E R L E Y A C A DE MY 20 1 VALLEY ROAD, M O NTCLAIR, N J 07042

PHOTO: NORMAN DESHONG

Congratulations to Monica Elmore and her extraordinary students on their performances on Wednesday, January 20th at the MKA Middle School Dance Programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual performance honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other prominent human rights activists. Included in this wonderful program celebrating diversity, were two dances commemorating the Chinese New Year. Students, with faculty members Monica Elmore, Fangzhou Zhang and Veronica Toscano, collaborated to choreograph the dances. Many different genres of dance were featured, including traditional Indian dance, Chinese dance, Latin dance, ballet, tap, modern and hip-hop.