The Magazine of Marin Primary & Middle School
Vol. 11 SUMMER 2011
Fostering Students’ Growth 2 Introducing the New Chair of the MP&MS Board 3 Around Campus 4 We Want to Know 6 Quick Hits for 2011 to Date 7 Transitions 8 MP&MS Auction is Off the Rails 9 Exercising Good Classroom Skills 10 In the Middle of Everything 12 The Larger Field of Learning 14 Time Out with the Division Directors 16 Class of 2011 18 Class of 2007 Ready to Rock 22
Footsteps
Marin Primary & Middle School
Treasuring Childhood—Learning for Life
Fostering Students’ Growth Through Support and Challenge by Julie Elam, Head of School Early fall greetings from Marin Primary & Middle School! The voices of children in the classrooms, on the playground and in the garden are always a special treat when school opens in late August, signifying the beginning of a new year of growth and learning as a community. We always enjoy noticing how much our students grow and change over the summer, returning ready for the challenges and opportunities of the next step in their educational lives. They eagerly head for their new classrooms on the first day, while also finding time for those special visits to see last year’s teachers. This is an energizing and exciting time of year around our campus, and the perfect opportunity to share the updates included in this edition of Footsteps. MP&MS is known for the close attention our teachers pay to the academic growth, physical health, and social-emotional well-being of their students. The snapshots at the beginning of this issue highlight school activities over the past winter and spring that gave students opportunities to stretch their wings: the middle school talent show and drama production, basketball and track events, International Day, preschool acts of kindness and a recent schoolwide celebration of reading. These all contribute to children’s success as competent, caring young people who will thrive as they meet the challenges of the future. This issue also looks at two of the ways in which our teachers and administrators support and challenge students. We profile PE Specialist Whitney Sutak, who has applied her research on links between physical activity and successful learning to help MP&MS students stay focused and centered on the playing fields and in the classroom. The article on Middle School Director Dave DeMartini’s development of the Life Skills program in our middle school offers a closer look at the ways our teachers provide a respectful, caring environment that nurtures and guides our emerging adolescents. As we welcome new families and returning students to the 2011-2012 school year, we are also following our graduates’ next steps. The class of 2011 ended their final year at MP&MS on a high note with a beautiful graduation evening, and they are now headed off to an impressive range of high schools in Marin and San Francisco. Our graduating class of 2007 (eighth graders during my first year at MP&MS), recently returned to campus to see each other and talk about their plans following high school graduation. In addition to attending first-rate colleges and universities all across the country (and Australia), they are an accomplished, thoughtful, and just plain fun group of young people. We’re proud of each of the 2007 and 2011 graduates, and they have our best wishes as they embark on new adventures. This wouldn’t be a strong and successful community for children without the support of our students’ parents, grandparents, and friends. You are each a vital piece to the fabric of our community. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Marin Primary & Middle School as we begin the school’s 36th year! 2
Introducing Mark Slavonia, Chair of the MP&MS Board by Mark Slavonia, Board Chair I‘d like to introduce myself as the new chair of the MP&MS Board of Directors. I’m Mark Slavonia, and I’m the father of two MP&MS students, fourth-grader Tom and third-grader Mary. We came to this school in 2006 when Tom entered the junior kindergarten and Mary was in the Seashore. By nature I’m a bit reserved, but it’s interesting how circumstances and children can push one’s envelope. This community also seems to be one that draws out everybody, and as a result, I’ve become more and more involved in life at MP&MS. In the past three years, Tom and Mary have learned to read. Literacy is one of civilization’s proudest achievements, and it’s gained one child at a time, through the efforts of teachers. I’m filled with appreciation for the teams of teachers that give our children the amazing education they receive at MP&MS. As board chair and parent, I want to support those teachers as much as I can. Now, about the role of board chair. Basically, the head of school is accountable to the board, which, as a broad cross-section of current and alumni parents and friends of MP&MS, represents the school community. The chair organizes the activities of the board. In practice, the board is a bunch of people who put a lot of time and effort into supporting Julie Elam and the staff in all aspects of running the school. Some of these activities are exciting, like the Master Plan to improve the school grounds, and some are critical, like reviewing and approving the annual budget. I aspire to chair the board as well as our outgoing chair, Therese Lawless, and her predecessor Eliot Hotzman, whose efforts inspire me as much as they daunt me. If we’re not already acquainted, please introduce yourself if you see me around. I can already tell that the best part of being chair will be getting to know all of the people who form our wonderful school. Footsteps • Summer 2011
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Around Campus Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Jungle Students Put their Best Thoughts on Paper This spring, the home mailboxes of MP&MS’s Jungle students contained more than the usual catalogs and coupon flyers. To help reinforce important messages of the preschool curriculum, such as practicing empathy, playing cooperatively, and sharing, students made brightly-colored postcards with from-the-heart sentiments such as “I like to play Legos with you,” and “You’re nice” to send home via the U.S. mail. Speaking about the preschool program’s focus on teaching students community-building skills, Jungle teacher Raquel Carrillo commented, “From the first week of school, we begin teaching and demonstrating the importance of helping out, sharing, and being considerate of everyone we come in contact with during our day. If I see students holding the door for somebody, or see them push a friend on the swing, I’ll give them a heart that we display in the classroom. We do that randomly, so it encourages students to not expect a treat every time they do something positive, teaching intrinsic social skills.” The pre-break postcard project also had other benefits. “I got something nice in the mailbox that I can keep!” exclaimed a happy Jungle student. What was on the card that made her so happy? “It said that I’m a good friend. And it has bears.” MP&MS has Talent This past February, midwinter blues were chased away as MP&MS middle schoolers beguiled a packed Multipurpose Room audience by staging the first Middle School Talent Show, organized by the MP&MS student council with help from teachers Jen Klem-Clark and Meike Wanberg. Acts covered a broad spectrum of interests, from original music by Jeske Dioquino, to a vaudevillian comedy routine with absurdist overtones by Danica Balslev and Isabella Sturdevant, to one rockin’ drum solo. “Doing that talent show was my favorite part of winter,” said sponsor and seventh grade teacher Jen Klem-Clark. “It showcased skills we don’t always see or celebrate in the classroom, plus it provided another opportunity to allow our students to be at ease in front of their peers. We want them to gain confidence in all areas of their lives.” Trustee Reunion MP&MS’s 35th anniversary trustee reunion and visit day was held in early May in the David Hale Memorial Library. Past and current trustees enjoyed reconnecting and learning about the state of the school from Head of School Julie Elam. MP&MS’s founder and current grandparent Roberta Heath, remarked on the school’s growth, saying “It’s a joy to see how the school has expanded. It’s a place where children love to learn.” Master Plan architect Peter Pfau presented plans for the school’s future, after which guests were given tours of the campus by middle school student representatives. Trustees shared lunch and memories with long-time teachers before adjourning. “It’s wonderful to pause, take a look at our school’s past, and spend time with the people who’ve helped us grow,” Julie said. “I look forward to doing this again.” 4
International Day Celebrates Diez . . . Diece . . . Ten Years! The MP&MS community loves International Day for its spirit, creativity, and food (oh yes, the food!) but many thought that this year’s celebration was exceptionally nuanced. “Let your imagination soar” was the theme for presentations, and the result was a tapestry of songs, skits, film, and poetry. Threaded throughout the celebration was a sense of awareness and concern for our world neighbors. Sixth graders recited traditional Iranian poetry, and fourth graders followed up a Japanese folk tale with a moment of silent contemplation in honor of victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami. “It gave the celebration a greater depth,” said International Day originator Meike Wanberg. “The students really displayed an understanding of life beyond the United States.” She added. “There are many important lessons around International Day, and it’s a really nice community event.” MP&MS Panthers Show Their Spirit on the Court and Track Ably guided by After-School sports coaches Jon Hull, Peter Eldredge and Whitney Sutak, this past spring our student athletes proved once again that nobody beats a Panther for pride and spirit. Our girls’ basketball team brought home junior varsity and varsity championships, while the boys’ teams placed second in their JV and varsity divisions. “All the Panthers showed heart and dedication,” said Jon Hull. “It’s so much fun seeing how the team evolves from the first day of practice to the finals. I’m proud of all of them.” The track team’s season also ended on a high note. Thirty MP&MSers competed in more than 120 races at the Marin County Office of Education track meet. Chloe Battelle placed first in the 100-meter at the Middle School Championship at San Marin High School. In the finals at Terra Linda High School, third- through fifth-grade athletes showed determination while having fun competing in the final meet of the year. “I can’t wait to see what our students do next year,” said a proud Peter Eldredge. “Everyone had a great time participating and many are eager to return.” First Ever “Reading on the Green” a (Quiet) Success This June, MP&MS librarians Ellen Abrams and Junia Ziblay proved that one doesn’t need to make a lot of noise to be heard; that in fact, sometimes the biggest statement can be made through silence. Students, teachers, and staff found this out during the first annual “Reading on the Green,” an all-school read-in conducted in the primary school halls due to grey skies dripping on the actual “green.” At 10:30 a.m., every adult and student grabbed his or her favorite book, pulled up a seat in the hallway, and focused fully on reading for a half hour. Organized to draw attention to the importance of silent, sustained reading, Reading on the Green promotes the idea of slowing down, using one’s imagination, and rediscovering the joys of books. The collective “awww” at the end of the half hour indicated the event was a thumping success.
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We Want to Know . . . What are you looking forward to in the 2011-2012 school year? I love seeing how much the kids have grown over the summer. I like the warm fuzzies, the kids and their hugs.
Reading books. Mishka, third grade
Stephanie, nurse
The trip to Washington. Emmet, eighth grade
“The field trip to gold country!” “And the haunted house!” “And learning math!”
Lauren, Grace, and Samara, fourth grade
Moving to the other building and getting a locker. Oh, and wearing a uniform.
Bringing Cookies to school. Cookies is my goldfish. Shane, second grade
James, fifth grade
Art class. Mimi, kindergarten
Well, it’s the last year of middle school, so that’s a big thing. It’s also the year where I don’t have any more surgeries. Connor, eighth grade
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Quick Hits for 2011 to Date JANUARY — FAM is here! FAM is here! And my name’s in it! The Family Access Module (affectionately known as FAM), MP&MS’s new online parent portal, was launched right after the holiday break. Parents can see all contact information for the school and update their information online! Added bonuses: FAM helps MP&MS reduce paper consumption, and cuts down on email clutter. FEBRUARY — We love our school. And our community. And a dance party. On Valentine’s Day, the entire school gathered in the Multipurpose Room for an assembly that celebrated love in all forms: Students told stories of how they reached out to the larger community by donating hair to Locks of Love, and making and sending Valentines to veterans. “Love Train” provided the exit music, and months later, we’re still feeling it. MARCH — Sprouts appear in the OEC. Exploring the OEC helps our preschoolers learn how a garden grows, but give them a leaf of arugala, fresh from the ground, to eat, and the lessons really begin. “Suck on the stem,” encouraged OEC specialist Angela Layton. “Can I chew the whole thing?” an adventurous Meadow student inquired. Then, “It tastes like lemon!” APRIL — Waiter, what’s this roach doing at my table? Nimble middle school actors juggled slapstick and quick dialog in their afterschool production of Chateau LaRoach. “The cast demonstrated good understanding on delivering comedy,” said director and drama teacher Charlie Queary. “After all, they sold the audience on the notion of a life-sized, top-hat wearing cockroach.” MAY — MP&MS Speaker Series scores a hit with Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg. MP&MS Speaker Series lecturer Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg blew everybody away with his presentations on raising resilient children. In lectures to both the faculty at MP&MS and the parent community at the Lark Theater, Dr. Ginsburg related stories from his work as director of health services at a shelter for homeless youth in Philadelphia, Dr. Ginsburg pulled no punches about the challenges adolescents face, and the power of love and acceptance as healing agent. We’re sold. JUNE — Pass the hankie, it’s time for Stepping Up. As always, the very special MP&MS rite of passage Stepping Up brings a little tear to everyone’s eye as students break dance, sing, strum, and generally whoop-de-do their way into summer. The mood was jubilant, but parents, teachers, and students couldn’t help but feel a little pang as the hugs commenced.
January
February
March
April
May
June Footsteps • Summer 2011
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Transitions As the MP&MS community begins the 2011-2012 school year, we’d like to thank the many people who have given their valuable time and expertise to our school’s growth, and welcome new leaders in our community. MP&MS Board of Trustees First, a thank you to our outgoing trustees. Board President Therese Lawless has led with vision and grace for the last two years, and she will be missed. Trustees George Carver, Rory Little, Cathy Hunter, Kevin Johnson, and Tom Restaino have also contributed much over the years of their involvement at MP&MS, and we’re grateful for their service. The board welcomes new members Mike Schon, Julie Chaiken, LeAnn Wanninger (joining as regular member after transition from PA president,) and Kim Kraemer. Sam Cross will join as an ex-officio in her role as PA president. MP&MS Welcomes New Staff! Middle school: Lizzie Salzfass will join Derek Berka in the seventh grade while Jen Klem-Clarke is on maternity leave. Lizzie is a graduate of Wesleyan University and received her M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she participated in a research project on bullying prevention strategies. She taught humanities and English for three years in middle schools in Oakland. Arturo Cuevas will teach middle school Spanish. Arturo most recently taught fourth- through seventh-grade Spanish at the Old Orchard School in Campbell. Arturo received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from IMCED Morelia in Michoacan. Primary school: After her year of maternity leave, Paige Missamore will resume teaching kindergarten with Mario. Darinee Hoonsuwan will transition from her kindergarten post to primary school literacy support teacher, helping our young readers and writers. Preschool: Amy Curby will join Gayanne Fambrini in the Seashore classroom. Amy taught with Raquel in the Jungle during Tika Hick’s absence. Her son Ford is an MP&MS preschooler. Johanna Hall will teach with Raquel in the Jungle until Tika’s return. In addition to her credentials and experience as an early childhood educator, she is the parent of three MP&MS students: Parker, Isabella, and Sophia. Office Staff: Sarah Brewster joins the administration staff in the critical role of assisant to the head of school. 8
MP&MS Auction Off the Rails! MP&MS’s 35th Anniversary Auction, held April 1 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, exceeded expectations on every level. Working with the theme “Orient Express,” PA President LeAnn Wanninger and co-chairs Nessa Brady, Stephanie Cannell, Lisa Christensen, Sam Cross, Kathryn Freeman, Hilary King, Aimee Mandossian, and LouAnn Micucci produced a first-class evening. Mistress of Ceremonies Sharon Stone kept the bid paddles in the air. When the last item was wrapped up, the amount raised was a record-breaking $270,000, an astounding forty percent over last years’ auction. Impressive numbers alone don’t tell the whole story of the auction’s success. The enthusiasm, generosity, and caring spirit of the MP&MS community created a night to remember. Thank you to the hundreds of current and former MP&MS parents and grandparents, faculty, staff, and local businesses who contritubted to the night’s stunning success.
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Exercising Good Classroom Skills Tossing a softball on grassy fields, twisting with a friend to pass a medicine ball side-to-side, or dancing a little soft shoe in a hallway during a rainy day makes a body feel good. Physical Education Specialist Whitney Sutak is reminding MP&MS students and staff that play also makes a brain work better. During a summer vacation to Ethiopia, Whitney spent some time at a village school observing students at play and in the classroom. She noticed that the time they spent out of the classroom was filled with vigorous physical activity. But when class started up again, there was a full transformation – the students immediately shifted gears to become intent, quiet, and focused. This got her thinking about the connection between classwork and play, and its effect on children’s learning development. MP&MS has long considered recess an integral part of the school day, but did physical activity make a difference in learning? Furthermore, were there specific exercises that directly enhanced a person’s ability to perform a particular academic task? Whitney uncovered a wealth of information published by doctors, teachers, and physical therapists, pointing to the strong connections between work and play. She also found research indicating that very specific activities can help students who experience challenges with certain educational tasks. Students struggling with reading may find thier efforts flow more easily if they 10
work on the motor skills needed to read, rather than on the reading itself. Exercises that warm up reading skills include dribbling a ball to practice eye tracking, and skipping to improve a sense of midline crossing. Both activities enhance the sense of having two sides of the body that work separately and together. Last year, Whitney presented her findings to parents as part of the primary school’s “Third Fridays” series in the David Hale Library. In addition, to help teachers better integrate physical activity into MP&MS classrooms, she’s also developed a database of exercises that link specific activities with equally specific brain functions. Just a few examples of what you might find in Whitney’s database: • The grapevine—criss-crossing legs to move sideways quickly, improves focus for reading and writing. It’s jazzy and fun, plus the lateral cross-over step helps develop both sides of the brain.
Whitney recommends the following reads for good information on the ties between exercise and brain function: web www.well.blogs.nytimes.com www.johnratey.com www.schoolmoves.com print “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” by John Ratey
• The army crawl—crawling along the ground using forearms and legs to move—builds a strong core, which helps students sit up when they’re in a circle on the floor as well as in their seats. Sitting up straight literally helps students “take in” information, plus they’re not distracted by loose limbs, either their own or others’. • Pointers offer a wealth of classroom benefits, including core strength, laterality, and spacial awareness. Students start on hands and knees then extend opposite arm and leg while keeping the back flat. “I ask them to try the move without toe contact to make it more challenging,” said Whitney. In our classrooms, teachers incorporate their understanding of the mind-body connection in a variety of ways. Preschoolers may engage in ball play, strength work, or wall pushups before morning circle. Primary schoolers take a mental breather via running breaks, or if the weather is bad, they may do v-sits and mountain climbers indoors. Balance boards are a popular way to limber up a fatigued brain—they help reduce stress while training both brain hemispheres, essential to reading and speech. “It’s important to try new things and find ways to integrate this information daily. The learning process needs to be dynamic, and to do that, it’s necessary to break it down and try different things,” says Whitney. Though information about exercise’s measurable effects on brain activity is still being researched, the value of play and its link to classroom performance is clear—and play has been an essential part of the MP&MS program for many years.
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In the Middle of Everything Myriad issues face adolescents: grades, friends, self-image, peer pressure, the future. MP&MS’s Life Skills program helps middle schoolers cope with the world around them. It’s no secret that adolescence is tricky for everyone: the young adult, his or her family, even close friends. MP&MS Middle School Director Dave DeMartini knows navigating the pre-teen (otherwise known as ’tween) and teenage years can be arduous, but also believes there are many ways to embrace the journey. “Those years from middle to high school are pretty amazing,” David said, sitting in his office, photos of field trips and MP&MS alumni surrounding him. “Outside of growing from an infant to a toddler, adolescence is that time any person experiences the most change, both physically and mentally. It takes a lot of patience and I have to say, humor, to handle the transition.” To address the needs of MP&MS students as they morph from children to young adults, MP&MS offers a Life Skills program. Historically a part of the sixth through eighth curriculum, this year will be the first year that fifth graders join the program. Classes meet once a week. “We meet in gender groups, mixed-gender groups, and sometimes as a whole class. When the whole class meets, we might watch a film or have a presentation that triggers conversation,” Dave explained. “This demands more time to make sure we debrief in a way that honors each student’s voice. Dealing with relationship issues or concepts such as bullying or negative peer pressure takes time to process.” “It’s a fairly relaxed atmosphere, given the sensitive nature of some of the discussions,” Dave says in his trademark laid-back manner. Designed to be flexible, the Life Skills program adapts to situations the students might be experiencing at the moment. “To get the kids to understand what they’re going through during these years of dramatic change is important so they can develop strategies and build a tool box of ways to cope with emotions that can sometimes seem crazy.” Life Skills sessions delve into the “whys” of adolescence as well as the “wherefores.” Students study the brain’s development and the physical differences between an adult brain and an adolescent brain. They also look at how those differences affect day-to-day behavior. “Students like studying the development of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that regulates sound decision-making and other adult behaviors. It gives them a basis for understanding some of the big changes they’re experiencing. That knowledge is comforting to a young teen.” 12
Along with looking at the science of adolescence, Life Skills topics include learning how to accept and be kind to themselves, and how to embrace and respect the differences between themselves and their peers. “The thing I love about the kids at MP&MS is that they do respect the differences that are part of their classroom community. I see that they’re fiercely loyal to their friends, and stand up for the rights of others to be themselves,” says Dave. To facilitate conversation, students can drop topic suggestions or issues they’re concerned about into a box, to be brought up during Life Skills class. “Often we’ll start talking about the subject—for example, last year bullying was a big concern—and in the course of a conversation, the person who wrote the topic will step forward. They feel comfortable enough to drop their anonymity.” Life Skills isn’t limited to class time. An open door policy is utilized by the middle school teachers that encourages and welcomes students to discuss any issues that may be on their minds. “We don’t want to miss out on what we call the ‘teachable moment’”, Dave said. “Life Skills are just that—resources students need to be comfortable with themselves. We realize those lessons don’t always fit conveniently into a classtime slot.” This year, MP&MS is folding a program called Being Adept into the existing Life Skills curriculum. Developed by Jennifer Grellman, former president of the Kentfield School District board, Being Adept provides guest speakers to help students think about tough situations in which they may find themselves in the not-so-distant future. Speakers will include peers who are willing to talk about their own experiences, as well as high-level professionals such as a Kaiser critical care nurse or a CHP officer who will offer their expertise and advice to the group. In all, the goal of MP&MS Life Skills class is to not only make adolescence less confusing and scary, but also to help our students become better equipped to handle the obstacles of their teen years. “In many cases, I’ve known these students since their preschool days.” With a laugh he adds, “What’s crazy is how they get older and I stay the same age. But honestly, I consider it a privilege to be here for them as they make that huge transition from children to adolescents. The rewards are great.” Footsteps • Summer 2011
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The Larger Field of Learning At least once a week at MP&MS, you see parents and students (and sometimes a pile of luggage and sleeping bags) in the parking lot. This ragtag scene illustrates a vital part of the MP&MS curriculum—field trips! Students of all ages leave our campus to experience the world firsthand, from the Meadow class trip to the San Francisco Zoo to the eighth grade’s adventure to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Starting in second grade, overnight field trips are an important annual tradition for each grade. The trips enhance and extend the learning that goes on in the classroom, combining science, arts, social studies, and other classroom subjects, with real-time lessons in community and cooperation. Add to that some quality time for individual writing or exploring, and the field trip becomes a memorable part of life at MP&MS. A chat with second-graders Julia Pearl-Styles and Foster Lehman offered many insights on why students love taking their studies to the field. “I liked going to the Marin Headlands because we got to stay overnight,” said Julia. “We saw a lot of the plants and animals that we studied with Peter.” “Yeah,” chimed Foster. “We saw two blue jays in a nest. They were feeding their babies. And we saw banana slugs! They really do look like a banana.” “The first day we got to eat outside on stumps. You know,” Julia mused, “I think being outside makes you hungrier.” The Marine Mammal Center, where injured seals and sea lions are tended before being released back to the ocean, was also part of the second graders’ Marin Headlands adventure. “We got to see a hurt sea lion, but it was getting better,” said a thoughtful Foster.
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Last February, a field trip to Chabot Space and Science Center showed our third graders how life on earth and in space are intimately linked. MP&MS’s third grade curriculum includes an extensive unit on Maya civilization as well as an in-depth study of space exploration, which made Chabot the perfect destination to reinforce these lessons. Students watched “Tales of the Maya Skies,” a movie about the timekeeping and calendar-making process of the Maya people. Projected into the dome of a theater, the movie effectively created the illusion of sitting outdoors on a starry South American evening. Students then took an opportunity to view the skies for themselves by peering at Venus through “Leah,” an 1883 telescope. On to Bill Nye’s Climate Lab, where interactive displays allowed students to learn about energy and the atmosphere by riding bikes, cranking turbines, and exploring the properties of different biofuels. This past May, the seventh grade class was reacquainted with of the power of nature on their weeklong field trip to El Capitan Canyon, near Santa Barbara. During their stay, naturalists taught students basic outdoor travel skills and conducted educational activities on the canyon trails. Students were then placed in situations that encourage them to work together.
Impressions on the San Francisco Zoo field trip, straight from our first graders: “We went to the zoo. Wowee it was hot, but I didn’t care. The kangaroo was so cute. The emu too.” —Jack Murphy “The rhino was trying to get the ball over the fence and he didn’t but he almost did. Then we went to see the lion. It had very sharp teeth but it was sleeping.” —Felix Eddy “I heard birds chirping. I heard monkeys ooking. The wind was blowing. It
William Brandon was hooked from the start of the trip. “I really enjoyed being outdoors with my classmates. We did everything outdoors, even cooking and eating. We went through a lot of sunscreen.”
was a bright and sunny day. I felt like a
William had to put some thought into his favorite part of the trip. “We paddled sea kayaks, rock-hopped in streams, tide-pooled, and hiked around a lot,” he said. His face then lit up as he remembered his favorite: “The ropes course! A person would strap into a harness, then a team of two or three classmates would hold you in the air,” he said, raising his hands above his head and looking up as if back in the canyon. “We traversed this obstacle course about twenty feet off the ground. It was so fun. I wish we could do it next year too, but I hear Washington is a great trip.”
—Ashley Powell
butterfly being released because we were there.”
Extending the curriculum beyond the classroom deepens our students’ understanding of their book learning, and of themselves. From observing a banana slug at close range to stargazing through an antique telescope to navigating a ropes course in the air, our students return a little smarter— in the classroom and in life. Footsteps • Summer 2011
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Time Out with the MP&MS Division Directors There are so many facets to being a division director— teacher, counselor, boss. What part of the work fills you up? Marianne: I think that preschool children are just about the coolest people who walk on our planet. They’re so excited, they’re free, they find happiness and joy in the smallest things. It’s gratifying when families are so happy with their children’s school. The field of early child development is always eye-opening, and working with teachers to evolve the program, making it exciting and rich for the children, brings me great joy. Erin: I love spending time in classrooms with kids and teachers. When I walk into a classroom I’m greeted with “Look at this!” or “Come see what we’re doing!” from both teachers and kids, which really makes me feel connected to what’s going on everyday in our incredible school. That’s what really matters when dealing with difficult situations with families or students. Dave: It’s a challenge understanding the adolescents that I work with on 16
an objective level, while personally interacting with them during their middle school years. I love observing the fifth graders as they enter middle school, while my mind’s eye sees them as eighth graders getting ready to enter a new world beyond middle school. It’s such a crazy time for kids—helping parents understand how to “be” with their changing children is a reward in itself. Marianne: That’s something, too. Of course, I don’t wish a parent to be in a tough spot, but helping them is also a part of my job that’s fulfilling. Erin: Right. The tough times aren’t “fun,” but the work we do really feels meaningful and at the end of a tough situation, it’s rewarding to reflect back and think of the work that went into resolving it. You guys have your ears to the ground as part of your profession. Did any particular exchange or day give you a special charge? Marianne: At the beginning of this year, Chloe was out on the
Take equal parts inspiration, heart, and knowledge, mix in a generous dose of humor, and what do you get? An MP&MS division director! Preschool Director Marianne Thomas, Primary Director Erin Murphy, and Middle School Director Dave DeMartini give the school spirit and vision as they strengthen our wonderful program.
playground, it was the first month of school, kids were crying, and she looked at me and said, “Marianne, get me out of here. I have a headache.” Seashore student Edmund likes to help me in the office. We have a printer, and one of the teachers was printing something from his or her computer. Edmund saw it and right away kind of barked, “Something’s coming in.” I felt like I was in a 1940’s movie. All he needed was the fedora. Erin: That’s funny, Edmund likes my office, too . . . maybe he has a future calling as a division director! Every time I see a child change or grow, that’s memorable. I get so much joy from seeing kids in their element and discovering themselves. Also, when the kids come by and peek into my office during a meeting or when they just walk right in and start playing with all of the toys. It shows me they’re comfortable and want to be there. Dave: I like getting into the classroom and teaching Life Skills classes. It’s a great time for me to connect with students in a relaxed atmosphere and talk about relationships, personal values, priorities, risky behavior, etc.
With all the time you put in, some people think you guys take up residency here. Dispel that notion and tell us how you relax. Marianne: My daughter and I are close, and we do a lot of things together. This summer we went to Kauai. This fall I’m going to fulfill my lifelong wish to zipline. Erin: Marianne! More power to you, girl! I would NEVER zip line. Dave: I’m no zip-liner … just ask anyone who has been to Ecuador with me. I like my feet on the ground! Coaching Little League is a blast—lots of fresh air with a little bit of action. But I’m with Marianne, family time is the best. Erin: You guys are right, family time is good stuff. My parents are coming to visit right before school starts and I haven’t shown my dad anything since I moved here three years ago. And I work out a lot. Running half marathons has become something I do for fun that most people consider torture! Marianne: But it is torture! Footsteps • Summer 2011
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Class of
2011
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Congratulations to MP&MS’s Newest Alums!
Josh Bastacky
Claire Berry
Shawn Bolker
Da’Jon Bynum
The Urban School
Sir Francis Drake High School
The Bay School
Tamalpais High School
Spanish Award and Theresa B. Cook Technology Award
Orator-Animator Award
Kele Gasparini Music Award
Limitless Potential Award
Lia Carver
Jeske Dioquino
Darian Dveris
Zoe Gilbert
The Bay School
Lowell High School
Marin Catholic High School
The Drew School
Resilience Award
Parents Association Award
Sheila McBroom Writing Award
Project Creativity Award
Natanya Glatt
Erika Johnson
Isabel Keene
Addi Kuth
Tamalpais High School
San Domenico
Marin Academy
The Urban School
Algebra and Art Awards
Public Speaking Award
Parents Association Award
Carol Place Achievement Award
Cortland Larned
Tess Liberman
Andrea Little
Jacqueline Lua
The Drew School
Redwood High School
Marin Catholic High School
Marin Catholic High School
Positive Perseverance Award
MP&MS Admissions Representative Award
All-Around Talent Award
Physical Education Award
Footsteps • Summer 2011
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Class of
2011
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Cole Mogan
Gabriel MossBola単os
Nick Norian
Rainier PearlStyles
The Bay School
The Drew School
Redwood High School
The Bay School
Resilience Award
Admirably Affable Award
David Heath Spirit Award
Linda Dunn Drama Award
Mark Rayant
Clarence Rosenstein
John Rusbarsky
Will Ryan
Marin Academy
The Urban School
Marin Academy
Tamalpais High School
Science Award
Roy and Renee Chernus Community Service Award
Literature Award
Logic Award
Ariel Saiga
Emma Schlager
Berkeley Stobo
Marin Catholic High School
Tamalpais High School
Marin Catholic High School
Diligence Award
Sue Campbell Reading Award
Algebra Award
Charlotte Thompson
Harrison Williams
Audrey Wilson
The Drew School
Marin Catholic High School
The Drew School
Eternal Optimist Award
Physical Education Award
Self-Advocacy Award
Footsteps • Summer 2011
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Class of 2007 Ready to Rock If anyone were to have walked through the MP&MS courtyard on the evening of May 20, they may have felt like they’d entered a time warp. There was Sam Perrella goofing around with Brett Cutler. Amanda Heinemann, Mariah Canton, and Catherine Steidle were trading stories with Dan Harrison and Middle School Director Dave DeMartini as Projects Lab Specialist Al Mayberry’s remote control cars zipped around. For those who took a closer look, however, one thing was very clear: Members of the MP&MS class of 2007 have grown into assured young adults, poised to charge into the future. Before setting sail, however, several members of the class gathered in the MP&MS courtyard for snacks and a chance to catch up with classmates, teachers, even the campus itself! “Did you see the halls?” asked a surprised Erica Smith. “There’s new carpet and the cubbies are different. It’s pretty!” An informal poll of the attendees revealed that math class was a favorite. “Hands down, Derek’s math class,” Davis Standley stated. Catherine Stiedle also opted in with math, because “Tom [Rosko], the teacher, made it one of the most fun things.” Fine arts got a shout-out from Gabe Joseph, who added, “Drama was pretty good, too.” Parents shared mixed feelings about their fledglings’ pending departures. “He started in the Jungle, and there were a lot of students in that class that stayed all the way through eighth grade, so there’s a lot of history here,” said Shannon Mong, mother of Gabe Joseph. “You don’t want them to go, but at the same time, it’s everything you hoped they could do.” Max Friedlander’s father Joel echoed Shannon’s sentiments about his child’s next phase. “I’m absolutely terrifed and excited at the same time,” Joel said with a tentative smile. “He started in the Seashore, graduated with that great MP&MS education, got into a great high school, The Bay School, and now he’s on his way. And he is really excited.” 22
College, internships, travel . . . the MP&MS class of 2007 has a lot to anticipate. With smiles (and a smidgen of nerves,) some members shared their plans and memories.
Canton
Here’s a roundup of where our alums are headed this fall: • Jack Bird is working on a stop-motion animation film by Henry Selick, while concurrently taking classes at California College of the Arts and at the Animation Collaborative in Emeryville.
Cutler
• “I’m interested in psychology and communiciations,” said Mariah Canton, who will study at the University of Puget Sound. • Brett Cutler heads to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
Friedlander
• Molly Dietz will attend University of Washington in Seattle. • Rachel Dobronyi is going to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. • Emma Feshbach will attend MIT in Cambridge. • Max Friedlander will study for a semester at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, before attending Northeastern University in Boston in December.
Heinemann
• Malcolm Fuller and James Giorgi are attending the University of Arizona in Tucscon. • Amanda Heinemann will go to Stanford, majoring in economics. Joseph
• Walker Henderson will attend University of Illinois, Urbana as a James Scholar. • After three live and several DVD auditions, Jake Holtzman has chosen Oberlin College/ Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. • Gabe Joseph is headed to Boston to attend Tufts University. “I’m really excited about all the new things there will be to study. And meeting new people!”
Perrella
• Benjamin Mages will go to Dominican College in San Rafael as part of their honors program. • Sam Perrella will attend Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. • Gabriel Renstrom is going to Fordham University in New York. • Erica Smith will attend Texas Christian University in Forth Worth.
Smith
• Davis Standley is going to Digipen Institute of Technology in Washington. • Kate Steidle and Raina Williams will attend University of the Pacific. • Jens Solvkjar will go to UC Irvine. • Remington Stobo will attend University of Puget Sound; his sister Samantha will go to University of San Diego.
Standley
• Liz West heads to San Diego State. • Katherine Williams will go to Chicago to attend Columbia College of Performing Arts. Steidle Footsteps • Summer 2011
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MP&MS is a certified Bay Area Green Business.
Footsteps is printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper. 24