footsteps Winter 2016
Our Mission At Marin Primary & Middle School we make education meaningful, while encouraging pride in self, respect for others, and enthusiasm for learning. we treasure childhood.
We honor and enjoy children’s natural curiosity, competence, and exuberance.
we teach to reach children.
Using teams of teachers and educational methods tailored to how children learn best, we connect with our students, build trusting relationships, and make learning relevant, memorable, and fun. we teach children to reach.
Asking not “how smart is the child” but “how is the child smart,” we guide our students to see their full potential, and we equip them to pursue it with passion and purpose.
we inspire children to make a difference.
We value academic excellence, personal integrity, and community action and encourage our students to become informed, engaged, and ethical global citizens.
c letter 4
Julie’s Letter
n
around campus 6
School Happenings
10
Did you Know?
features 12
40 Years Later:
Remembering the
Founding of
MP&MS 16 Technology
It’s Not the End,
It’s the Means
18
SEL and Monday
Morning Meetings
20
The Global
Citizenship Project
22
A Letter from Sam
Cross, Board Chair
24
Parents Association
Update
alumni 26
Alumni Focus
27
Alumni Update
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t n s
e
The rain is coming down outside my office window as I write, just after greeting our bootclad (just like those on the cover!) students in the parking lot. The path to the door included perfect puddle jumping opportunities for many of the youngest preschoolers while primary school students hustled inside under hoods and umbrellas, and middle schoolers raced through the rain toting raincoats in hand!
An ongoing joy offered by a school with preschool, primary, and middle school students is the chance to recognize and celebrate the characteristic, develop-
community; global citizenship and community service, to sustainability efforts on campus and beyond. Our 40th year marks the beginning of another step in
mentally appropriate differences as our students mature.
the timeline of our growth as a school. As we implement
Watching the different stages of growth on display in the
the goals announced in the recent Strategic Plan, we are
parking lot is a great way to begin the morning!
especially excited about the upcoming growth of the
This edition of Footsteps, coming to you at the
middle school program, with additional students in sixth,
midpoint in a busy and exciting 40th year for Marin
seventh, and eighth grades. Aligned with this growth
Primary & Middle School, includes updates on new
will be enhancements to the academic and specialist
initiatives and areas of our program that continue to
programs, especially science and math, and facilities
grow in depth and strength each year. Looking back at
improvements including a new science lab, an art deck,
the vision and goals developed by co-founders Roberta
and classrooms. More information on Middle School 2.0
and Jim Heath and first head of school David Heath, I
can be found on our website, www.mpms.org.
appreciate their vision and recognition of the critically
Stay tuned for news about upcoming events over
important elements necessary to create an engaging and
the second half of the school year. Your support and
inspiring educational environment for students.
engagement is so important as our school continues to
You will see this vision in action today, through the work of teachers and a dedicated and inspiring faculty, from the deep integration of technology to enhance learning and reflection; the focus on the development of skills needed to foster an effective and caring learning
thrive!
school happenings on and around campus
Welcome Picnic
Coastal Cleanup
This year’s new families may have been unfamiliar with
On Coastal Cleanup Day, the MP&MS middle school
MP&MS, but they do know a thing or two about having fun,
community comes together to rid local beaches of trash
especially when meeting longstanding MP&MS families.
and debris. Starting at 9:00 a.m., fifth, sixth, seventh, and
After their first two weeks at school, new students were
eighth graders grab trash bags and get to work cleaning
joined by their parents and returning families for the
the beach. Finding items such as cigarette butts, plastic
Welcome Picnic, allowing families to meet in an informal
bags, and even diapers, middle schoolers properly dispose
setting. After lunch, parents relaxed in the shade of the
of these unwanted items, leaving the space cleaner and
amphitheater and got to know one another while the kids
safer than when they arrived. When asked about her
investigated the schoolyard, played games, enjoyed arts
experience, seventh grader Grace Furey Peters remarked,
and crafts, listened to music, and had their faces painted
“It’s great to be able to help make the world a better and
with help from eighth grade volunteers. The activity and
cleaner place.”
good cheer on this sunny September day capped an extremely successful start of the new school year.
Clem Miller
First Grade Family Day
A month into the school year, fifth and sixth graders set
Family Day in first grade is the culmination of a month-
off for a four-day adventure to the Point Reyes Clem Miller
long study of the many ways to be a family. Families are
Environmental Education Center. The trip began with
invited to come to the classroom to join as students share
the sixth grade class heading out a day early, preparing
the activities they had prepared for the day’s events.
the site for the fifth graders who arrived the following
This year, some of the activities included reciting a family
day. Sixth graders, having experienced being new to
poem, teaching the audience words in Spanish and sign
middle school the year before, were well aware of the
language, sharing a technology project involving family
challenges associated with entering a new division and
similes, and engaging in a family engineering building
used their leadership skills to support the fifth graders
challenge. Finally, the first graders invited their families
over the course of the trip. Together students, naturalists,
to play arcade games they designed and built using
and teachers engaged in a community-rich experience
cardboard boxes and electronic littleBits. The games
honoring the area’s spectacular coastline. Highlights
came to life with moving parts and bright lights to make
included a stop at Bear Valley Visitor Center and a hike
them more difficult and attract the attention of would-be
to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Students studied plant life
players. A fun time was had by all as balls were thrown
and animal tracks and listened to Dennis Belliveau, who
through holes blocked by moving fans and cars were rolled
brought his yurt and shared a tie-dye activity. This fifth
down brightly lit ramps blocked with obstacles.
and sixth grade MP&MS tradition continues to challenge our students and helps them develop strong connections in our community and with the natural world.
school happenings on and around campus
Service Learning Initiatives
Harvest Festival
Service learning projects lie close to the hearts of
MP&MS has a rich tradition of schoolwide events that
MP&MS students, and they take an active role in making
engage our greater community. Certainly one of our most-
a difference in both local and global communities. This
loved celebrations is the annual Harvest Festival which
year a massive pile of clothing was sorted, classified, and
took place this year on October 24 in the David R. Heath
boxed by 35 student volunteers for the Caring Closet drive
Outdoor Education Center. Students made baked goods
benefiting students at Laguna and Tomales Elementary
and craft projects using the bounty of the garden nurtured
Schools. There, they met with social worker and MP&MS
over the previous months, and played games in celebration
parent Pam Taylor and learned about the challenges faced
of the harvest. Certainly a highlight of day’s festivities was
by many families who work on ranches and dairy farms
the collaborative musical performance by student fiddlers,
in West Marin. Service learning at MP&MS also extends
teachers Jason Jones, Ferenc Dobronyi, and Michael Wray,
to the whole family. At the Horse Hill Community Service
parents, and outside artists. In the spirit of sharing and
Day, students and their parents helped remove invasive,
giving thanks, fresh fruit, vegetables, and other food items
non-native plants and seeded the area with native grasses.
were collected and then donated to a local food bank.
Participants had the chance to meet the herd of horses on the hill, clear the area, and reduce fire risk, making the hill safer for the horses and the greater community. Through these initiatives, MP&MS students and families are able do something tangible to make a difference, learn many valuable lessons, and experience the joy of giving back to the community.
Book Fair
The Importance of One-to-One
The MP&MS Parents Association transformed the library
“Raise your hand if you can give me an example of
into an alligator-filled marsh for the annual book fair from
technology,” said technology innovation and integration
November 16 through 19. This year’s theme was “Deep
specialist Chris Corrigan in a fall class with fourth graders.
in the Swamp” and the tables of books, wall murals,
Chris stood at the front of the room with an iPad and
and original artwork character cut-outs transported the
explained to the students that they would receive their
shoppers into another world. Family night was certainly
own iPads to use at school throughout the year to support
the highlight, when children and adults shared food,
their work in the classroom. While excited to begin using
arts and crafts, music, and an enchanted swamp walk in
their iPads, the students first had to learn about the AUP,
the garden. This year’s collaboration with Copperfield’s
or Acceptable Use of Technology Policy. This is a critical
bookstore was a huge success and included inspirational
set of rules that guide MP&MS students’ technology use
“Title Talks” by special guest and bookseller Susan Ryan
and encourage good digital citizenship. As students
as well as a magical puppet show performance of The
develop research and information fluency, they are
Three Little Pigs by The Magical Moonshine Theatre. This
simultaneously acting as critical thinkers, problem solvers,
three-day long event is one of MP&MS’s most popular and
and decision makers. As part of this program, Chris meets
is a celebration of our collective love of books and our
regularly with teachers to help plan technology integration
commitment to lifelong reading.
that supports curricular goals and learning objectives in thoughtful and purposeful ways.
did you know? About MP&MS professional development? Here are some of the programs our staff participated in last summer.
STEAM: Nueva Design
Child Development:
Diversity, Cultural
Assessment Task Force:
Thinking Institute: Ferenc
Children Learning with
Competence: Teaching
Amy Taylor, chair (LRC),
Dobronyi (Projects Lab),
Nature Institute: Joan
Tolerance: Bringing Social
Paige Missamore (K), Jesse
San Domenico iTeach Tech
Lynch, Caitlin Nassar, Claire
Justice Curriculum to Life:
Swagerty (first grade), Sarah
Workshop: Daydra Bell (sixth
Charbonneau (preschool),
Jennifer Lucas (first grade),
Abbey (third grade), Susan
grade), Jesse Swagerty (first
Children at the Heart of
Meike Wanberg (fifth
Humphrey (fourth grade),
grade), Teach 21 – Project-
Learning: Mitzi Medrud
grade), Teaching About the
Dan Harrison and Mitzi
Based Learning: Kristi Durst
(preschool), Gesell Institute
Holocaust–Belfer National
Medrud (preschool), Madeline
(third grade), ICB Artists’
Developmental Observation
Conference for Educators,
Mendelsohn (LRC), Whitney
Workshop: Margot Koch (art),
Training: Leila Poutiatine
Holocaust Museum: Madeline
Sutak (PE), Leila Poutiatine,
New Strategies in Teaching
(preschool director)
Mendelsohn (LRC)
Erin Murphy, Dave DeMartini,
Math: Kelly Checo (LRC)
and David Gottlieb
Information Literacy, Library
Social Emotional Learning:
Language Arts and Social
Masters Programs:
Media Skills: American
Greater Good Science Center
Studies: Lindamood Bell –
Masters in Education, USF/
Library Association Annual
Educator Institute: Elizabeth
Visualizing and Verbalizing
University of the Pacific:
Conference: Ellen Abrams,
McLeod (counselor), Institute
Training: Amy Taylor (LRC),
Rebecca Wunderlich (fifth
Junia Ziblay (librarians),
for Social & Emotional
Workshop/Coaching with
grade), MEd. for School
Graduate Coursework in
Learning: Darinee Hoonsuwan
Amy Symons on Curriculum
Nurses, Cambridge College,
Library and Information
(second grade), Charlie
Development, Differentiation:
Boston: Stephanie Mink
Sciences: Junia Ziblay
Queary (drama), Ellen Abrams
Daydra Bell (sixth), Meike
(school nurse)
(library), Paige Missamore (K),
Wanberg (fifth), Liz Brown
Responsive Classroom: Christa
(fourth)
Butler (third)
did you know? About sustainability at MP&MS? In today’s world, what could be more pressing than educating our students about how to care for the Earth? Respect for our environment is an important focus at MP&MS as we help students develop an understanding of their role in securing a safe and sustainable future for our world.
Students learn and
Each year our middle
Recent campus renovations
Students are encouraged
practice environmentally
school students head to
involving upgraded lighting,
to explore ideas and
responsible habits through
Stinson Beach to participate
heat, plumbing, and
creative solutions to water
outside and in-school
in California’s Coastal
temperature-controlling
preservation and solar
service commitments and
Clean-up Day, collectively
shades have reduced our
energy. The challenge of
by observing the choices
amassing over 100 pounds
carbon footprint. Students
inspiring and preparing
we make as a school
of trash and recyclable
can see the power collected
students to make a
community. Reducing our
items in a mere three hours!
from the solar panels in the
difference in the world is
contribution to landfills is
Our parent-led Green Team
garden, and learn about the
especially clear through
a good place to start. Our
facilitates opportunities for
importance of managing
the lens of environmental
recycling program includes
environmental stewardship
storm water runoff from the
sustainability, and deeply
composting food scraps,
by coordinating family
bioswale recently added to
important to the MP&MS
using metal or compostable
service learning projects
the campus.
community.
plates and flatware, and
throughout the community,
collecting rainwater from
as well as engaging
the roof near the garden.
specialists and speakers to
Seventh grade students sort
share their expertise and
our recyclables each week
resources.
while fourth graders collect and deposit compost in the garden.
40 years later: remembering the founding of mp&ms
Ref lections by roberta heath bradshaw Even though it has been 40 years
his commitment to their education.
school and changed our name to
since Marin Primary & Middle School
Soon after that first meeting we hired
Marin Primary & Middle School.
opened, I can still remember so
him as our director and the three of us
vividly when we began thinking about
started Marin Primary.
starting a school.
It was very exciting to create our
David was our director for 27 years and through his leadership, vision, and dedication, the school grew and flour-
It was 1974 and my husband Jim
vision and goals for the school. We
ished. One of his most important jobs
Heath and I had three wonderful chil-
wanted a place where children felt
was to find exceptional teachers who
dren. Craig was 7, Jeanne was 2, and
safe, where they felt good about
shared our vision. He hired wonderful,
Kristy was 1. At that time I had some
themselves, where they were re-
dedicated, loving, bright, and talented
ideas about what children needed to
spected and listened to, where they
teachers – some of whom are still
best grow and learn. The ideas came
loved learning, where they were
with us today. He brought all aspects
from my own experience during my
provided an excellent education,
of the school together… exceptional
years at school and as a primary
and where each child’s potential was
teachers, parents, staff, and Board
school teacher. One thing I believed
honored and nourished.
members to create a wonderful space
is that children learn and grow the
I remember wondering how we
that supported the well being and ed-
best in an environment where they
were going to create such an environ-
ucational growth of children. Although
feel safe, loved, and respected. In l971
ment. David knew, he just naturally
David is no longer with us, we will
I had tried to find these qualities in
knew what to do. It was so inspiring
forever be grateful for his dedication
a nursery school for our oldest son
to watch him take the reins and follow
to the children and families of MP&MS.
Craig but neither of us was happy
our collective vision.
with the schools we found. As our girls were approaching
We developed a very supportive
We now have another wonderful Head of School, Julie Elam. She has
Board of Directors who helped us with
carried forth the original vision of the
preschool age, I reflected deeply on
everything from the legal issues, the
school with deep commitment and
the qualities I wanted in a school
non-profit status, and the financial
dedication. She has brought so much
setting. I suddenly had the thought,
needs of the school. They also pro-
kindness and joy from the amazing
why don’t we create a school? At first
vided us with invaluable support of
new schoolyard, to her everyday
I wondered if it was possible and then
our ideals.
personal conversations with parents
I realized, of course it was. I told my
In September of 1975 Marin Primary
and students, to her incredible knowl-
husband and he completely sup-
Preschool opened its doors at a rented
edge about how children grow and
ported the idea. These thoughts were
space in the Marin Lutheran Church.
learn. She has unwavering support
the beginning of what Marin Primary
We had a Board of Directors, a Director,
and dedication to MP&MS.
would become.
David Heath, a teacher, and six stu-
We realized we needed a wonderful, experienced, dedicated, and
I am so pleased that our grand-
dents, one of whom was our daughter.
children are now attending MP&MS. It
In 1980 we outgrew the church
is such a joy to be with them as they
loving director who shared our vision
basement with approximately 50
and who could help us create such
children and moved to our current
a place for children. After much
location. At first we only had the pre-
nings of the school and look now at
searching we met David Heath. He
school building but parents wanted
the magnificent, warm, and loving
even had the same last name as
their children to stay at the school,
environment it is today, I am inspired
ours. In our first meeting we were
so we added classes and ended up
by, awed by, and so very grateful to
very inspired by his dedication to
taking over the entire facility.
everyone for providing such a special
the well-being of children as well as
In 1991, we added the middle
grow, learn, and thrive at the school. As I remember the humble begin-
place for children.
1975
1980s
1990s
Marin Primary opens its
The vision and core values
Under David Heath’s
doors at the Lutheran Church
of the founders and the
leadership, the school
on Meadowsweet Drive in
founding head of school,
develops robust specialist
Corte Madera with six children
David Heath, remain central
classes in the performing/
and one teacher. The founders
to MP&MS in moving forward.
visual arts and physical
envision a school where
At the heart of the school’s
education, and adds a unique
childhood is treasured, and
mission lies a deep respect
projects lab while continuing
where teachers respect the
for childhood. The integrated
to refine its programs. David
pace of each child’s journey
curriculum provides ample
provides an entrepreneurial
from childhood to adolescence,
opportunities for children to
spirit and vision which remains
recognizing the many ways
explore their passions and
strong and alive. The Learning
in which children learn,
attracts dedicated teachers
Resource Center is created,
striving to educate the
with a deep understanding of
a library is built as the result of
whole child.
children and learning.
a dedicated parent’s initiative, and the middle school opens.
2000s
2010
2016
Phase I of the campus
By 2010, the school receives
MP&MS shares its plans for a
renovation Master Plan begins
Division of the State Architect
new, enhanced middle school
led by parent and architect
approval for Phases II and III of
program – Middle School
Peter Pfau and the Master Plan
the Master Plan. In June 2013
2.0. After careful study with
Committee. New fences, gates,
Phase II – The Schoolyard
educational experts, these
and signage is installed and a
Project, a plan to renovate the
plans focus on increasing the
toddler playground is built for
playground, play structures,
overall size of the middle school
our youngest students. The
and the construction of the new
over the next three years,
renovations continue from
amphitheater – begins.
restructuring the schedule to
2009-2010 with the revamping
Over $2.8M is raised
provide flexibility for a dynamic
of the interior hallways, the
to support the project.
curriculum, incorporating 21st
installation of skylights, as well
In March of 2014 the new
century skills, and creating new
as improved electrical systems.
schoolyard opens to the delight
and efficient spaces with the
Finally, school restrooms are
of students, faculty, staff,
flexibility to meet the needs
ADA upgraded, the preschool
and parents and creates a total
of – and foster collaboration
kitchen is built, and the
transformation of MP&MS.
between – middle school
school exterior gets a new coat of paint.
students and teachers.
technology
it’s not the end, it’s the means Chris Corrigan, MP&MS technology innovation and integration specialist, explains why we teach technology in schools and the importance of the integration of technology and 21st century learning skills. use technology to enhance learning
music. Then you have students who
class in educational technology with
Every year I start my graduate
and reflection. It’s about how they use
have worked on the core research
a simple question: Why do we teach
technological tools to solve problems.
and writing skills, but have built upon
technology in primary schools? The
I often feel the best use of technology
them as well. They have manipulated
answers are always the obvious ones:
is seamless – almost invisible. You
media to elicit a response and can
“Kids need to know it,”
don’t notice that a carpenter is using
think critically about media directed
“It gets the kids excited,”
a hammer per se, you just notice that
at them. They have used a variety of
“It will help them get jobs in
she has built something.
tools in concert to address a problem.
the future,” “My school paid a ton of money
Likewise, technology helps address
They have developed facility with the
an invisible curriculum. More and
devices and apps. They have commu-
more we hear talk about 21 century
nicated their ideas in several ways
learning skills: problem solving, collab-
allowing those with a variety of learn-
Now although these answers are all
oration, resiliency, critical thinking,
ing modalities and intelligences to
legitimate and, for better or worse,
communication, and media literacy.
draw upon their individual strengths.
and bought all this stuff.” This last one is always my favorite.
correct, they fail to hit on the true power of technology in the classroom.
st
On my end, I hear teachers’
More importantly they can begin to
concerns about working these skills
assess if the technological solution is the best for a problem at hand.
When talking about classroom
into their already robust curriculum.
technology, the key word is “integra-
“I need to cover fractions; how am I
tion.” It amazes me that even today
going to fit in this new stuff?” This
nology education, don’t think about
in the Bay Area, people still see the
is where tech integration provides
particular devices, platforms, or apps.
teaching of technology as an end,
the answer. We can still cover core
Any of these are likely to change or
rather than a means.
content, but by presenting the stu-
become obsolete by the time you
So... when thinking about tech-
dents with problems and projects that
finish reading this paragraph. Think
measured by a set of observable
incorporate technology as a means
about how technology is used. Think
outcomes or a rigid skill set, rather it
to address the work, the 21 century
about how technology can support
is something fluid. It’s not “Can you
learning skills cover themselves.
the lessons at hand and the students’
Technology proficiency is not
set a tab and insert a photo in Word?”
st
There is no need to rewrite proven
varied learning styles. Think about the
It’s more about “How can you use
curriculum or units. Rather, adjust
larger, unseen aspects of the curricu-
technology to do research, synthesize
them to allow for the use of technolo-
lum, those abstract skills we all know
ideas, and express your knowledge
gy. Teach the research paper, but then
to be important but until recently
in a variety of ways for a variety of
have students record the paper, add
have been almost too intangible to
audiences?” It’s about how students
some images, set it to appropriate
address in a classroom context.
monday morning community meeetings By Elizabeth McLeod, MP&MS school counselor
A longstanding tradition at Marin
meetings. Students stand up and name
projects are highlighted.
Primary & Middle School is the Monday
specific people and experiences that
morning community meeting. Here
have touched their hearts, resulting in a
students stood up and announced
students, faculty, and staff gather by
genuine feeling of abundance.
that they had donated their hair to
division or all together to start the week
In middle school, administrators,
In one memorable meeting, several
organizations like Locks of Love –
with intention and shared purpose.
teachers, and students report on
an organization that provides hair
The meetings begin by pausing and
projects, and students have an
prosthetics to disadvantaged children
practicing mindfulness together. During
opportunity to share their interests,
with medical conditions or treatments
these moments, students and teachers
questions, and passions in a variety of
that cause them to lose their hair. The
are invited to focus on their breath or
creative ways.
audience was surprised when a first
the sound of a bell. Sometimes they
Humor and storytelling appeal to
grader proceeded to have her hair cut
are led through a guided visualization
middle school minds and serve as
right there in front of everyone, and
or another form of focused attention.
vehicles for life lessons and thought-
listened carefully as she and her hair
Each of these experiences can cultivate
provoking questions that set the tone
stylist shared personal stories of people
self-awareness and unite the energy
for respectful and engaged learning.
in their lives who had benefited from
and focus of the group.
A preview of the week is offered as
similar hair donations.
In primary school, classes take turns
are fun and practical goals such as a
All community meetings are an
leading the meeting so everyone learns
“politeness tip of the week.” Often
example of the MP&MS mission in
what is going on in other parts of the
current events are discussed in a
action. They relate to and extend
school while practicing leadership and
way that makes them relevant and
classroom learning, making them
communication skills. The topics are
connected to life at school.
meaningful and public. The gatherings
varied and range from sharing science
Several times a year, the primary and
discoveries or lessons learned through
middle school students gather together
friendships. Students see themselves
solving playground conflicts to students
for SPARK community meetings.
as contributing and belonging to
reciting poetry or leading a song.
SPARK stands for Safety, Personal Best,
something greater than themselves.
also encourage cross-grade
Accountability, Respect, and Kindness.
Through this sense of connection and
focus on an “SEL Tool in the Spotlight,”
Students and adults who have
purpose, students start each week
such as appreciation. As a result, a
demonstrated these qualities in big and
feeling safe and connected –
ritual of sharing what we’re grateful
small ways are honored and various
the optimal conditions for learning
for is built into the structure of the
“making a difference” service learning
and growth.
At regular intervals, the meetings
the seventh grade
GLOBAL
citizen project By Jen Klem-Clarke, seventh grade teacher
What does it mean to be a global citizen? How are we
The project doesn’t end with their educational short
connected to people across the globe? How can we help
films. Service learning is a huge component to the GCP.
solve the problems and injustices that plague our world?
We volunteer locally and fundraise for a global cause every
These are the questions seventh graders tackle in October
year. Last year seventh grade students raised over $3200
before deciding on a Global Citizenship Project (GCP).
for Free the Children, an organization that was started by
Over the first two months of humanities we plunge into current events and generate possible topics for further research. We also wrap our minds around how closely we are
a Canadian seventh grader in 1995 to help children around the globe. Our students also inspired the junior kindergarten
connected to everyone on the globe through inter-depend-
through eighth grade classes (and individual adminis-
ence. It is exciting to watch the students become outraged
trators and faculty) to collect small change in order to
by social injustice and begin to ask complex questions
purchase goats for families in developing countries. We
about how the world works economically, politically, socially,
purchased more goats than any other school in California!
culturally, technologically and environmentally.
In the past, students have volunteered locally at the Marin
Because students pick their own global issue, they are
Food Bank and Family House in San Francisco. This year
engaged and excited to learn, teach others, and act in
we are forging a relationship with Homeward Bound in
order to help their cause. First, students research using
San Rafael.
multiple sources, including an interview with an expert on
By the end of the first semester the main goal is for
their topic. Some interviews have involved employees of
every seventh grader to be aware of the wider world, have
large corporations about sweatshops, doctors about infant
a stronger respect for diversity, take responsibility for their
mortality and infectious diseases, Peace Corps volunteers
actions, and have a sense of their own role as a world cit-
about what they have witnessed abroad and scientists
izen. The Global Citizenship Project has become a right of
about pollution in the Bay. Next, they write a formal
passage in the middle school and many students continue
research report before creating an educational short film
to look for ways to give back to our community and wider
for their classmates.
world once finished.
LIVING OUR MISSION, REACHING FOR THE FUTURE a letter from sam cross, mp&ms board chair
In this edition of Footsteps, you will find wonderful examples of learning, growth and inspiration and I’m confident these stories will reinforce your commitment to Marin Primary & Middle School, as each of us play a role in realizing our school’s mission in the classroom, on the playground, and in the greater community.
This is my family’s ninth year at MP&MS and, as
• Solidifying MP&MS’s financial sustainability by growing
Board Chair, I am honored to partner with Julie Elam, our
enrollment and reducing the school’s dependence on tui-
Head of School, and to interact daily with our faculty and
tion while attracting and retaining teachers who exemplify
staff, while leading an extraordinary group of trustees.
our commitment to excellence.
Being Board Chair also allows me to spend a significant
As I wrote in my letter to the community that accom-
amount of time with students as well as current and pro-
panied the Strategic Plan this past October, we are now
spective parents. It has been tremendously rewarding for
embarking on the final phases of our Master Plan with
me to get to know our school community so well.
the first step being the addition of a new science lab, art
On occasion, when I’m at an MP&MS function or leading
deck, and middle school classrooms. We have been very
a prospective parent on a school tour, I am asked, “What
fortunate to work with alumni parent Peter Pfau, of Pfau
does the Board of Trustees do?” The Board of Trustees is
Long Architecture, a nationally recognized award-winning
comprised of twenty two individuals who work directly
firm based in San Francisco, in the design of our school’s
with the Head of School to ensure MP&MS’s sustainability
campus. The design Peter has created for this phase of
and act as stewards of its mission. The Board also defines
the expansion will be as impactful on our campus and
MP&MS’s strategic priorities as we recently outlined in our
our students’ learning experiences as the beautiful new
2015-2020 strategic plan, Living our Mission, Reaching for
playground has been on the school’s exterior space.
the Future. MP&MS’s strategic plan encompasses three key
Please look out for information in the coming months
priorities that will guide the work of the administration,
which will provide further detail on this phase of our
faculty, and board over the next five years. These priorities
growth and how you can contribute to this wonderful
include:
project.
• Enhancing our academic program with advanced curriculum, technology, and an expanded middle school to prepare our students for high school and beyond. • Continuing to transform our campus to support our evolving program with inspiring, flexible, and innovative learning facilities.
I look forward to seeing you at school! Warmly,
parents association update
The first half of the school year seems to have flown by! Perhaps that’s because the MP&MS community has been so busy with the many events hosted by the Parents Association. The year started off with a bang at the Welcome Picnic where students and their families were treated to a picnic lunch, games, music, and arts and crafts. Next up was the Harvest Festival where students made baked goods and craft projects using the bounty of the garden. Both young and old enjoyed eating treats, listening to the band, and taking a chance at the pie walk. At the Halloween Parade, fun was had by all from the smallest preschooler to the tallest eighth grader. Speaking of fun for all ages… the return of the Sock Hop was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. Fiftiesinspired decorations turned the MPR into a dance hall where guests enjoyed music, dancing, dinner, and root beer floats. At this year’s Book Fair, the library was transformed into a swamp where everyone wanted to read, read, read! None of these events could have happened without the dedicated parents who donate their time and energy to make these events so successful. The fun continues at the MP&MS 40th Birthday Bash, our annual auction gala, on Saturday, March 5, 2016! Tickets are on sale now (www.mpms.org/auction) for this fabulous night of fine food, dancing, and fun!
Remembering Betsy Richardson Long-time MP&MS teacher Betsy Richardson passed away on January 15 following a sudden and short illness. Many knew Betsy as a beloved second grade teacher during her eighteen years at MP&MS. She was involved in many initiatives at the school, including co-founding the Canal Alliance Community Service Program. After retiring from MP&MS in 2008, Betsy continued to inspire young writers on campus through her leadership of the After School writing club. She was also a co-leader of the biennial trips to Ecuador involving many MP&MS families.
A L U M NI F O C U S O N G R A NT S H A P IR O , ‘ 1 3 MP&MS graduate and Branson junior Grant Shapiro, 16, has been president of Saving Sight and Sound since
an orphanage. It was really eye-opening. That’s what made me want to start this.
he launched the non-profit with his brother Spencer in 2011. As president and assistant medical technician, Grant
Q: What do you do as an assistant technician?
has been able to help nearly 100 uninsured Marin County
A: I ask patients questions about their medical history: Do
residents receive free eye exams, glasses, medications for
they smoke or not, what medications they use. I determine
eye diseases, and for some, corrective surgery.
what type of eye issue they have, how close it is to the
Grant has expanded the foundation to a community
pupil, I look to see if it’s progressed toward the pupil or has
engagement club at Branson, which now has 26 members
covered it. I take their vision with an eye chart and then
and raises money through bake sales and other efforts.
we use a lamp to do a screening to check for glaucoma,
The non-profit offers monthly clinics at 2020 Ophthalmic
cataracts, and pterygiums, a growth that can grow over
Consultants in Greenbrae.
your pupil and make you blind.
Recently, he sat down with the Marin Independent Journal and answered the following questions about
Q: Why is this important to you?
his non-profit, his inspiration, and why he likes to work
A: Vision is one of the most important senses. A lot of
with patients:
these are important to catch early because left untreated could lead to blindness.
Q: What inspired you to start Saving Sight and Sound? A: Both my parents are doctors. They took me and my
Q: What is your favorite part of working with patients?
brothers to a lot of third-world countries where we were
A: Just seeing how this changes people’s lives — the
exposed to a lot of places where people don’t have access
immense impact it has. To see them so genuine, so grateful
to medical care. We went to Leon, Mexico, where there was
— that’s why it’s worth doing. Many thanks to Marin Independent Journal
Our graduates’ college choices reflect the strength of their academic preparation. MP&MS students apply to and are accepted by leading institutions around the country and abroad. MP&MS graduates from the last four years are attending a variety of institutions, including: American University
Santa Clara University
Babson College
Santa Monica College
Boston College
Scripps College
Brown University
Seattle University
California College of the Arts
Skidmore College
Cal Poly, Pomona
Smith College
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Southern Methodist University
California State University, Chico
Southern Oregon University
Central St. Martin’s College
Stanford University
Chapman University
Syracuse University
Claremont McKenna College
Tufts University
Clemson University
Tulane University
Colby College
University of Arizona
Colorado College
University of British Columbia
Columbia College, Chicago
University of California, Berkeley
Cornish College of the Arts
University of California, Davis
Dartmouth College
University of California, Irvine
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of California, Los Angeles
Emily Carr University of Art & Design
University of California, San Diego
Emory University
University of California, Santa Cruz
Exeter University, England
University of Colorado, Boulder
George Washington University
University of Miami
Harvard University
University of Michigan
Humboldt State University
University of New Hampshire
Lewis and Clark College
University of Oregon
Middlebury College
University of Puget Sound
Northeastern University
University of San Diego
Oberlin College Conservatory
University of San Francisco
Occidental College
University of Southern California
Oregon State University
University of Victoria, Canada
Otis College of Art and Design
Washington and Lee University
Pitzer College
Washington University
Pomona College
Wellesley College
Queens University, Canada
Wesleyan University
Reed College
Whittier College
Regis University
Willamette University
San Diego State University
Stay in touch! Please send us your news for upcoming issues of Footsteps.
Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 94939
the mp&ms parents association presents
40
TH
BIRTHDAY BASH
put on your dancing shoes and join us in celebrating 40 years of marin primary & middle school dinner & auct i o n saturday, march 5, 2016 • california academy of sciences rsvp by february 22, 2016 www.mpms.org/auction
tickets on sale now!