Footsteps Winter 2012

The Magazine of Marin Primary & Middle School

Vol. 10 winter 2012

Letter from Julie Elam 2 Our Progress is Building 3 Around Campus 4 Out of Curiosity 6 Book Fair Brings Out Our Best 7 In Our Halls and . . . 8 . . . Around the Community 9 Making Home Sweet 10 Hey! I Can Read! 12 Building 21s t Century Learners 14 Time Out with Lizzie Salzfass and Arturo Cuevas 16

Footsteps

Thanks for Making Good Things Happen! 18 MP&MS Alum 31

Marin Primary & Middle School

Treasuring Childhood—Learning for Life

Investigating and Growing Julie Elam, Head of School Greetings to all from Marin Primary & Middle School! Several months ago, when we began to think about the topics that would be most interesting for this edition of Footsteps, we were still in the beginning months of the school year. In what feels like the blink of an eye, we’re fully immersed in the second semester, with the end of the school year on the horizon. The stories in this edition describe many new learning initiatives and activities. We also take a fresh look at the way the hallmarks of our school help students hone the skills needed to take on the complex challenges and opportunities of our ever-changing world.

Footsteps editor Judy Zimola’s thoughtful article about the “Four C’s and the Three R’s”, both necessary components in a school filled with today’s 21st century learners, provides glimpses into just a few of the ways in which we are preparing our students to become critical thinkers, creative and innovative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and fluent communicators.

We learn about a new community program that provides opportunities for students and teachers to get to know each other (Panther Pals, page 5), and how involvement in drama fosters poise, creativity, and budding theatrical skills (Did I Dream That? Page 8). Acquiring the critical skill of reading (“Hey! I Can Read!, pages 13-14) shows how our teachers weave communications skills through their students’ entire day. Eighth graders step into their community with compassion and creativity (Making Home Sweet, pages 11-12). From preschool to eighth grade, MP&MS students are evolving as true 21st century citizens.

NAIS President Pat Bassett adds another “C” to this list, the development of “global cosmopolitans”—students fully equipped with the cultural competencies to be part of our global community. MP&MS strives to meet this goal in a variety of ways. Second graders communicate both electronically and on paper with their penpals at the Williams School in Cuernevaca, the visiting Lion Dance troupe celebrated the Lunar New Year right here on campus, and recently, a group of MP&MS families and teachers embarked on a two-tiered trip to Ecuador. Half environmental discovery, half service learning trip, they explored the rain forest and and visited the school whose classrooms we’ve helped equip over the years we’ve been visiting.

Our very own “C” could be “construction”. We’re incredibly excited about the Magnolia Access project, which will kick off Phase II of our master plan, beginning this spring and summer. Until that begins, enjoy the remainder of the school year. I know it’ll be creative, connected, and most of all, captivating.

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Our Progess is Building Mark Slavonia, Board Chair The MP&MS board has been working tirelessly on our Master Plan, “Building for their Future”, which will transform our existing blacktop and create a multipurpose gathering space. While we have not yet raised enough money to build everything immediately, we’re able to proceed with the Magnolia Access Project this summer.

The Magnolia Access Project is a part of our plan for a new sustainable schoolyard. It will create an attractive, inclusive and fully accessible connection between the middle and primary school buildings, and our outdoor spaces. Right now, this area is currently served by a makeshift ramp and several steep stairways, and is not fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with physical challenges currently make their way around campus through a cobbled-together series of half-solutions and workarounds. We’re an inclusive community with an inclusive curriculum, and this project will create an inclusive campus to match our mission. We’re excited that we can improve access for our students, staff and visitors and continue our progress on the Master Plan.

The construction work is planned for this summer, with no disruption to the school year. We continue to work towards our $8.5 million fundraising goal, which will allow us to break ground on the remainder of the sustainable schoolyard and the new multipurpose room. The timing of these projects will depend on our fundraising. Three things are affecting that timing: •

the economic environment, while improving, is stilldifficult and uncertain, which is affecting all charitable giving;

•

despite tough times, MP&MS is thriving, with record enrollment, a healthy budget, wonderful faculty and community, and Julie Elam’s remarkable leadership;

•

the MP&MS administration board is careful and prudent about borrowing and spending.

The support of our community is transforming the physical school, and I want to thank all of our incredibly generous donors and volunteers working to make this happen. Our students deserve a campus that reflects MP&MS values.

Footsteps • Spring 2012

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Around Campus Research Shows “Crepuscular. It means, like, twilight,” said fourth grader Jonah Glasser, from his seat in library science class, focus barely shifting from his iPad. His absorption in the study process proved several points: 1) learning new stuff is exciting; 2) it’s easier than ever to obtain good information; 3) the MP&MS library staff is jazzed about showing students how to learn. Assistant librarian Junia Ziblay has developed a method for better guiding students to the right resource to help with research projects, seamlessly blending students’ love of technology with their natural curiosity. For instance, after showing the fourth graders various reference tools, a survey is posted on their wiki asking questions such as: “Where would you turn to find out about antonyms and synonyms? What source is going to be of most help when researching biology? Would it be the same source as chemistry?” Students completed the survey on their iPads, Junia distilled the answers, and the results revealed the learning gaps: confusion between a thesaurus and a dictionary, for example. The class then got another quick reference lesson to clear up uncertainties. “This has made a huge difference in their research process. They find information much faster now,” said fourth grade teacher Susan Humphrey. No kidding. Crepuscular? Really?

Thirteen a Lucky Number for First Graders’ Families Chatter and late-November sunlight filled the first grade classroom as Jennifer Ingrassia and Jesse Swagerty’s students filed in and took their places. The thirteenth annual Family Day program, “a sort of follow-up to Grandparents and Special Friends Day,” as Jennifer described it, began with a recitation and visual interpretation of “The Happiness Tree” by Andrea Alban Gosline. Next up was “School Daze Rap”, a hip-hop song that tells of a student’s efforts to get dressed and organized, eat a decent breakfast, and arrive at school in the nick of time, only to remember it’s Saturday. The showstopper, however, was “When I Get Angry, I . . .” Using the iPad’s video feature, each student created a clip that described how they expressed anger. Voiceovers provided the narration as students acted out the various outlets for their emotion: throwing a pillow, drawing with passion, or fiercely squeezing a squishy toy. The morning wrapped up with students and family members sitting shoulder to shoulder at the child-sized tables, poring over math teasers, puzzles, and word games. Judging from the happy din, there was nothing but delight this Family Day. Showing Seventh and Eighth Graders the Ropes There’s a right time for middle schoolers to take risks, and Occidental’s ropes course provides the perfect environment for gaining confidence through testing one’s limits. At the beginning of this school year our seventh and eighth grade students learned teamwork and confidence-building by navigating a 20-foot high obstacle course while being spotted by earthbound classmates, or scaling a tall tree for the sole purpose of letting go, allowing classmates to belay them safely to the ground. “They leave for the ropes course as individuals, but return with a deeper sense of friendship and how to be a collaborative community.

It is a perfect way to start off a school year,!”said Middle School Director Dave DeMartini.

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Preschoolers Keep the Dream Alive In January, the Jungle class explored the idea of “same but different” as they were introduced to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Teachers Johanna Hall and Raquel Carrillo distilled Dr. King’s ideals of equality down to its essentials: Dr. King was treated unfairly because he looked different, and he wanted people to understand that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of appearance. “We talked about who he was, and what he wanted for the world. We discussed how people were separated based upon the color of their skin.” Johanna said. To illustrate, they drew faces on brown and white eggs, then discussed how the eggs were different on the outside.

After the students drew their own parallels between the eggshells and human skins, Johanna and Raquel cracked open the eggs to reveal how, despite their outward differences, the eggs were pretty much the same on the inside.

“We might look different on the outside,” began Raquel, “but . . .” “. . . it’s the same!” finished several young students. By giving kids a fresh perspective at an early age—for example, appreciating differences through examining eggs—the dream lives.

Shake Hands With Your New Panther Pal Thanks to the efforts of first grade teacher Jennifer Ingrassia and helped by an enthusiastic planning committee, MP&MS has a fun new way of building connections within the community. Panther PALS—twenty groups of students, faculty, and staff—will meet four times this school year. Each group was tasked with creating their own handshake, and named after fruits. Why fruits? “Because we wanted something non-hierarchical, something that’s easy to draw and remember,” Jennifer said. “Then we thought about a name for the whole operation. “PALS” is actually an acronym that stands for Promoting Acceptance, Laughter and Support.”

Providing support and enhancing children’s sense of feeling known, valued, and accepted is the goal of Panther PALS. The idea came partly from MP&MS’s two year involvement with Stanford University’s Challenge Success program.

“Part of Challenge Success’s message is that it’s important for children to feel connected and known. This is an ideal way for children to feel connected to their own class and school division, as well as to all the adults in the school.”

Jennifer said. Groups will remain intact throughout the students’ MP&MS careers, adding new members as the eighth graders peel out. “Once a persimmon, always a persimmon,” Jennifer laughed.

A Table By the Hallway, Please The best lunchtime reservation in early January was the front office at 20 Magnolia, and seating was reserved for a select few. Over lunch in her office, Julie Elam hosted a series of get-togethers with new students. “I’ve done these lunches in the past at other schools, and I enjoy this as a way to touch base with students. It’s a great to collect feedback regarding the experience of being new at our school and I like hearing what these students like best about MP&MS. The report was a good one—each student said they didn’t feel lonely or new because the kids and teachers were so friendly and welcoming.” With the head of school treating you to lunch, who wouldn’t feel heard, comfortable, and happy?

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Out of Curiosity . .

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A writer. Or a comedian. Will Ferrell is my favorite. Landon, left, sixth grade.

An interior designer. I’m always designing the space in my room. I get an idea, then go on the internet to find pricing and measurements.

Violet, right, sixth grade.

A video game designer. I’ve already made some games, and I’d like to sell one.

Lucas, sixth grade

An inventor.

Liam, second grade

A policeman.

Charlie, seventh grade

Well, I’m thinking of a couple of options. I’d like to be an actress, or a doctor.

A veterinarian. We have a big backyard.

Zoe, fourth grade

Frida, first grade A marine biologist because I like animals and the outdoors.

Rose, seventh grade 6

Book Fair Brings Out Our Best

Nothing beats the David Hale Library stuffed with great books for sale, but this year, MP&MS decided to take the annual Book Fair up a notch by making opening night “family night”. Besides shopping, there were crafts for the kids facilitated by our middle schoolers, and professional photographer Abigayle Tarsches took portraits of MP&MS families. The book fair kicked off a delightful holiday season, and MP&MS enjoyed two days of thriving sales and community spirit.

all photos by Abigayle Tarsches Footsteps • Spring 2012

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In Our Halls and . . .

Did I Dream That?

Played within a lush forest twinkling with fairy dust, MP&MS primary schoolers brought so much whimsy, sparkle, and charm to this winter’s production of the Bard’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream that even the Multipurpose room was transformed. Ava Coven (Hermia) and Anna Albinson (Snug the Joiner), took time from their studies to reflect on life in the theater and the hazards of spirit gum.

What was your method for memorizing lines?

Ava: It was kind of hard, but every night before bed I practiced my lines because I heard that they would be easier to remember that way.

Anna: I looked at them a lot, then I got them down.

Was learning the language of Shakespeare hard?

Anna: A little bit. It’s kind of hard to play to.

Ava: I liked the language they used. It’s kind of confusing, but I think it’s cool.

They use weird words.

Did it feel different rehearsing once you switched to costumes?

Ava: Well yeah. You couldn’t eat in your costumes.

Anna: I think it really affected Bottom [Trevor Canton] because he had that big donkey head and he had to talk really loudly and it was hot.

Ava: The makeup is a part I didn’t really like because you have to put it on with sticky stuff, and the elf ears weren’t sticking on the way they were supposed to.

Anna: And the horns didn’t stick on, so she went on, and there were these big circles on her forehead.

Ava: We used this stuff to put it on, it was like nail polish sort of, but it was glue and it was supposed to stick.

Spirit gum?

Ava: Yeah!

It doesn’t always work terrifically well.

Anna: Especially when it’s mixed up in people’s hair.

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. . . Around the Community Traditional Chinese Lion Dance Brings Luck and Smiles If the faces of the student body was any indicataion, the coming year of the dragon will be filled with smiles and delight. The Marin Chinese Cultural Association, ably assisted by MP&MS eighth grader Sophie Jonak, gave a live performance on the MP&MS blacktop of the traditional Lion Dance to honor Chinese New Year in February.

The dance depicts a lion that faces a series of obstacles in order to reach a lettuce leaf, perched on a difficult to reach location. Playing the front half of the lion, Sophie and her partner deftly hopped on metal piles approximately two feet high. The script has the lion at times easily jumping, at times hesitating, ears twitching and eyes blinking in consternation, until he finally reaches his goal. When the lion reaches the green he eats it, removes the liscee or traditional New Year’s red envelope, then throws the shredded green back out, spreading the prosperity and luck through the audience. The Lion Dance ends with a message of good luck unfolding from the lion’s mouth. A dragon dance followed, with about a dozen members holding aloft the dragon’s tail while snaking around the schoolyard, twisting and undulating as the dragon chased a runner holding a bright orange ball on a pole, the ball representing wisdom.

After the performance, Sophie fielded audience questions with ease despite being hot and winded from her athletic performance. Students learned that the troupe rehearsed the Lion Dance for about three hours straight every Saturday since last autumn; the mirrors on the dragon’s eyes reflected back bad luck and the ball he chases represents wisdom. Members of the Marin Chinese Cultural Association range in age from eight to eighteen years old.

The performers received a warm round of applause before packing up their instruments and magical costumes.

Two other schools were waiting for their lucky Lion Dance, and the troupe couldn’t keep them waiting.

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Making Home Sweet Our eighth graders learn through doing that community service enriches everyone involved.

Ottoman-sized terra cotta planters brimming with pansies, lavender, and trailing greens, and jewel-colored step stones will be part of the landscapes at two new Habitat for Humanity homes, thanks to the efforts of the MP&MS class of 2012.

The project took shape last October. “Students were eager to get involved in a project outside of the school,” said eighth grade teacher Steve Fanfelle. “They were really into the notion of doing something to help out the community.” They bounced around ideas ranging from clearing trails to raising money for a good cause. “The idea of doing something hands-on appealed to them,” he added. “They’re a proactive group.”

Doing something with Habitat for Humanity had been on eighth grade homeroom parent Pam Bohner’s mind for a few years. “I kept thinking that Habitat would be a great way to help the kids invest their time in something that was meaningful, where they could make a difference in their community.” She and fellow homeroom parent Vesa Becom began a dialog with Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Christine Gibson. After a few exchanges, a Habitat representative visited campus to speak to the students.

The presentation focused on the many benefits of home ownership and how meaningful it is for a family to feel secure in their living space. Habitat for Humanity presented their position in a matter-of-fact way, explaining to students that families spending the majority of their paychecks on a place to live are also probably having trouble paying for food, clothing, medical care and transportation. Students were surprised to learn that families in which

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both parents work full time at jobs vital to the community—teachers, policemen, and health care workers—find it difficult to put a roof over their heads without severely limiting other important basics. “I thought firemen made a lot of money,” murmured one student.

A list of suggested projects, provided by Habitat for Humanity, was discussed until the class landed on projects that fit the students’ talents. “After they figured out what they wanted to contribute, there was no holding them back,” Pam remarked. Some students dove into the project by painting the large planters and selecting plants that would grow successfully together as well as give color throughout the year. Other students set tile in a mosaic pattern for stepping stones. Still another group made baked goods for the opening ceremony.

“We were all touched by the MP&MS students’ generosity, and our families were thrilled to be welcomed home with treats and beautiful flowers. It’s because of people like your eighth graders that these families will feel right at home.“ Christine Gibson, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator

On the morning of October 24, the gifts were presented by eighth grades representatives during a ceremony at one of the Habitat homes, presided

by Novato mayor Madeline Kellner and Habitat for Humanity Regional Executive Director Phillip Kilbridge. Afterwards, students had a chance to tour the home and meet the families who received their gifts. The families — Alexandr, Yelena and their college-age daughter, plus Heather, Hector and their twelve-year-old daughter — beamed with pride. Alexandr, who speaks Russian and very little English, was asked how it felt to be a homeowner. Putting his hand to his chest he said, “spaciba,” Russian for “thanks,” as a huge smile encircled his face.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, Habitat’s Christine Gibson said, “We were all touched by the MP&MS students’ generosity, and our families were thrilled to be welcomed home with treats and beautiful flowers. It’s because of people like your eighth graders that these families will feel right at home.”

This project was so fulfilling for the eighth graders, another Habitat for Humanity project is in their scopes. On the way back to the campus, Erika Mott remarked, “That felt good. It made me feel like I’m part of their new lives. Something pretty at their new house came from us.”

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Hey! I Can Read!

How going to the market, talking about the cat, and hopping in place creates successful readers.

A child’s job is to play. Games, stories, singing, and drawing teach kids how to talk, listen, read and write. “Emerging literacy” describes the gradual, ongoing process of learning to understand and use language that begins at birth and continues through the early childhood years. Interaction with family, caregivers, even a teddy bear, forms the basis of a child’s communication and literacy skills. By the time a child is eighteen months old, he or she is adding a new word to their vocabulary at the rate of one every two hours!

Introducing books to children starts them on a game of literacy connect-thedots. By junior kindergarten, MP&MS students are fully immersed in learning about reading. What may appear as informal fun is a very carefully constructed program that weaves reading through all facets of the curriculum, including play and exercise. For example, January is “The Body Project” for Mia Munson and Camille Roth’s JK students. They learn about their bodies through a variety of activities that encompass nutrition (a trip to a local market to find items from each food group), health (exercise and activity), and biology (identifying internal and external body parts). As “The Body Project” becomes more in-depth, students are engaged in a variety of writing and reading lessons. They start the section by making outlines of their bodies.

During writing workshop, they draw and label organs, and create journal entries related to their own body and how to take care of it. “They’ll continue to label things, and begin to make sentences, like ‘I have blue eyes,’ Mia said.

“The unit continues long after it’s completed because the kids are so into it.”

By kindergarten, reading has become a way of life. Students start each day by reviewing the large paper tablet placed on an easel that says what day it is and the special events taking place. With teachers Mario Moran and Paige Missamore leading, the kids read the page by associating what they know with what’s written. “For example,” said Paige, “they may know that today is Monday, and ‘Monday’ begins with an ‘M’. By connecting knowledge and recognition with sounds, they’re on the path to reading.”

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Fully briefed on the day to come, students continue exploring literacy by taking turns sharing what’s on their minds: did something exciting happen, or is it about to happen? Did they see something unusual? As the students relate their thoughts, Paige and Mario write them on large-format ruled paper, which the kids will illustrate before the sheets are bound into a book. By doing this, students are learning the word associated with its sound, and the letters associated with the word. “It’s a huge process, learning to read,” said Paige. “Creating a literacy-rich environment immerses the kids in reading through storytelling, drawing and labeling, and even movement.”

Movement? It’s true. After a morning of readers’ or writers’ workshop, learning Spanish, or discussing the parts of a tooth, they’re ready for a “body break.” “That’s when we shake it out and jump around, while making “M” sounds or “O” sounds,” Paige said. “Come in at any moment of any day, and the students will be into something that’s teaching them to read. When it’s integrated like that, they’re having fun learning.”

Early reading is a whole-child process that combines their observations, gifts of story-telling, and home experience with books. “We’ll start with this,” Mario explained, pulling out a copy of How Does a Tree Help? The top of each page reads “How does a tree help?” Underneath is written, “It is a [bug’s, raccoon’s, etc.] home.” The opposite page features an endearing photo of the animal. “These books are great for early Tips for parents of early readers because kids learn first by the repetition of the first sentence. In the second sentence, they can associate the animal with the letter it begins with. readers: For instance,” he says, pointing at a picture of a cardinal perched on a tree Start reading to them as branch, “see how the second sentence says ‘It is a home for birds?’ A child early in their lives as possible, might look at the picture and say, ‘that’s a cardinal.’ I’d say, ‘yes, but look at the word, what does it begin with?’ We’d see that it’s a ‘B’, which leads the reader and keep reading! No one is to connect the word ‘bird’ with the letter ‘B’. The pieces fall into place, and too old to be read to. then it’s ‘Hey! I can read!’”

Share books every day.

“It’s all about comprehension, not just saying words,” says Primary School Director and Reading Specialist Erin Murphy. “For me, there is nothing like the sound of a first grader learning to read. It starts with the child reading patterned text: ‘Here is a red ball. Here is a blue shirt.’ The hope is that the child will turn and look at the picture so he or she will be able to ‘read’ the word ‘shirt,’ maybe needing a small prompt to remember the “sh” sound. The reward comes when the child stops and notices the pattern change. That’s a clear indication that the child is not simply memorizing the pattern, but that reading has begun.”

Success with reading can be measured in many ways, but the goal of the reading program is for our students to enjoy the process. “We want them to leave kindergarten as confident readers who have fun with books and words,” Mario said. “That’s when they love school.”

Reread favorites. Most children love to hear their favorite stories over and over.

Be creative and read with expression! Show the pictures. Or, use wordless books and make up your own story.

Footsteps • Spring 2012

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Creating 21st Century Learners Move over, three Rs. The four Cs are quickly gaining headway.

Commotion bubbled from the Multipurpose room. The voices of what sounded like a hundred kids poured out the double doors in a hopped-up tangle of enthusiasm and inspiration: “Now put a couple of chairs over there!” “What can we use for the steering wheel?” “I want to be the big brother!” A peek inside revealed about twelve students creating an on-the-spot scenario. Drama specialist Charlie Queary watched as the scene unfolded, allowing the students to work the scene out themselves. Chairs were arranged like bus seats with the back row on a small platform. A table made the hood of the vehicle. Kids were bouncing as they “rode”, making up dialog to match a scene that evolved and got more complex with every line, changing the vehicle from a bus to a jalopy to an SUV. One thing, though, was clear: Wherever they were headed, the journey was a blast! “They did this themselves,” Charlie chuckled. “All of a sudden, there was a bus in the Multipurpose room, and we’re all headed to LA!” They didn’t know it, but the students were demonstrating the new skills necessary for success in the twenty-first century. The “three Rs,” reading, writing, and arithmetic, must now share their long-held educational throne with the “four Cs”: critical thinking, creative problem solving, communication, and collaboration.

The “four Cs, three Rs” model is quickly being embraced by leaders in education and business. Daniel Pink argues in his bestselling book A Whole New Mind (summer reading for our faculty and staff two years ago) that right-brain thinkers, those more in touch with their creative and intuitive instincts, will be the leaders of the twenty-first century workplace. Apple Computer, Dell Computer, and Microsoft feel so strongly about fostering innovative thinkers they’ve founded Partnership for 21st Century Skills, dedicated to aligning classroom and real world environments by interweaving the three Rs with the four Cs. For MP&MS students, a fifth C is added: community.

The Cs, in some form, have been woven into MP&MS culture from the moment founder Roberta Heath opened the school in 1975. Today, students putting the Cs to work, in any combination of ways, can be witnessed any time, any place on campus.

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• In third grade, Character Education teaches students the importance of communicating with others not only by speaking, but by listening and picking up on non-verbal messages—body language. “We talk about what a closed-off person looks like,” teacher Sarah Abbey said as she demonstrated by crossing her arms. “Then we explore how we might draw that person out.” Listening skills are practiced through progressive storytelling, where each student adds a sentence to the previous person’s story.

• When a student actor rushed Charlie Queary backstage during a performance to ask how to deal with a missing crucial prop, Charlie gave sage advice for any situation: “Figure it out!” After a beat, the student disappeared to quietly confer with castmates. She made a timely entrance with a wand fashioned from a wooden spoon and sparkly fabric, the ends flowing in true princess style. Agile critical thinking skills enabled her to solve the problem.

• Producing a newspaper requires the collaborative talents of many, as staff of the Panther Press will tell you—when they’re not busy looking for stories, that is. Conceived by eighth grader William Brandon, the idea of a student-run and edited paper quickly gained popularity. A community service, writers work on their own time to put the school paper together, and the photography elective class contributes pictures.

• Technology and creativity go hand-in-hand in the classroom. In sixth grade, students are using wikis to respond to each others’ writing. This also employs developing skills in anaylsis (critical thinking) and constructive criticism (communication).

These examples vividly illustrate key conditions for student success: a learning environment geared towards teaching students to trust their ideas as well as providing a solid foundation of the fundamentals; giving them room to make and learn from mistakes; and encouragement to share their views.

“As we think about the qualities our students will need as learners and leaders in the 21st century, the school’s focus on “treasuring childhood” remains a helpful guide.

Our teaching structure and core program are designed to provide the time and space for children to experience a range of learning opportunities, to become skillful collaborators and creative thinkers, and to think critically about the information presented to them.

The pace of children’s lives is as much a priority as their educations.”

—Julie Elam

The skills developed through the Cs will be essential for navigating the jobs of the future, say researchers who have studied the rapidly-evolving twenty-first century workplace. Communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, a sense of community will be as valuable as technical skills and savvy. And in that case, the students driving the make-believe bus are charting the course to a successful future.

Footsteps • Spring 2012

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Time Out With Arturo Cuevas and Lizzie Salzfass As a middle schooler, what did you think you were going to be as an adult?

Arturo: I was thinking I’d be an engineer in something related with computers. I loved computers back then and we hardly used them, so they were very interesting to me.

My access to computers was limited though. Later I realized I liked to be with others and work in a group, and I decided to become a teacher.

Lizzie: I had a wide range of ideas. At one point I wanted to be a hand glider so I could fly around and deliver messages, but mostly I wanted to be a veterinarian. I also remember taking a career test and optometry came up as one of the major options, which is funny because there are a lot of optometrists in my family. Turns out math and science weren’t my favorite, so being a vet or optometrist wasn’t in the cards for me.

What was middle school like for you?

Arturo: Mine was a public school in a small town in Mexico. We had a 16

lot of outdoor activities, like a small farm that we’d work on during the week. It was fun to feed the cows.

They also had beehives. They had options for different groups to work on.

Lizzie: My midde school experience was not an overall positive one.

It was a public school in a suburban town, about 400 kids in the school.

The building had a sort of coldness to it, and my sixth grade class was the first elementary school to move up to middle school., and I felt kind of yanked, It was a tumultuous time for me and that’s why I wanted to teach middle school. I wanted to be an adult to notice social dynamics and make things better for kids who might be having trouble.

What do you think are some issues students deal with today that are the same as when you were in middle school?

Arturo: I’ve noticed that consideration for one’s peers is one of the issues that continues through the years. We want to work on esteem in both public and independent schools. I think that’s one of the

Being a middle school teacher comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. New MP&MS teachers Lizzie Salzfass (seventh grade) and Arturo Cuevas (Spanish) talk about what’s changed and what’s the same with today’s young adults.

most important issues that students face and that we face as teachers.

Lizzie: I found this to be a more inclusive, welcoming environment than my middle school was. I think that part of it is being a small school and part of it is great efforts on everybody’s part to make it a welcoming place. There are also opportunities for students to explore multiple intelligences and have different experiences where they can connect with each other, like buddies. But I think social cruelty is a common problem among adolescents, so we’re trying a curriculum I brought called “Owning Up.” It’s about looking at more subtle forms of bullying and social exclusion, and the roles that kids play. There’s a girls’ and boys’ curriculum, and I’ve been impressed and amazed by how much students want to stand up for others, and are willing to speak out.

The Allies group has been a huge success. It’s an elective that encourages peope to speak up when they see or hear unfair treatment of anybody. The turnout was much bigger than we’d planned. We got about fifteen kids, and we had several

subcommittees, a couple parent visitors, even some alumni. We’ve done a lot of different things around the school already, and we’re going to do some more next elective period, so that makes me feel really positive about the school. The students are really willing to be champions.

How do you think students learn best?

Arturo: They pick up the language best when I give them a project, and while they’re working on it they can only speak Spanish. It helps them learn the rhythms and think in the language, instead of about the words.

Lizzie: Students learn best when they’re working on the subject and interacting with the other students.

When they study medevial town, for example, they’re so into it and talking about it all the time. I’ll also have them read and teach chapters to each other, so they’re not just reading and trying to absorb it from a book. When they’re trying to teach it to others it makes a big difference in how they learn it.

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MP&MS 2010-2011 Annual Report Thanks for Making Good Things Happen!

Meredith Clark, Director of Development and Communications

My message of introduction for Marin Primary & Middle School’s 2010-11 Annual Report is a simple one: Thank YOU for a wonderful year!

I’m delighted to share the chart on the bottom of the page, which details fundraising growth for our school over the last six fiscal years. As you can see, MP&MS’s 35th Anniversary school year was a banner year for us. From great success for our Building for Their Future capital campaign, a strong annual fund campaign to a record-breaking auction, I am proud of the tradition of giving that continues to develop and strengthen at MP&MS. Hundreds of donors need to step forward and give meaningfully for us to achieve this success. We are ever grateful for your generosity. We are also thankful for the tireless efforts of many volunteers who helped last year with our fundraising efforts, Six-Year Summary of Funds Raised for including Annual Fund chair Mark Three Biggest Annual Campaigns Slavonia and the classroom Annual Fund reps, the Building for Their Future campaign committee, chaired

by Sue Whitaker and John Stobo, and our 35th Anniversary Annual Auction committee, led by PA President LeAnn Wanninger.

Again, thanks to each and every donor listed on the following pages.

Your investment in our program ensures that MP&MS remains the place that our students don’t want to leave at the end of the day.

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Year

Opportunities for Support MP&MS depends on the generosity of our community to keep our program great.

MP&MS Annual Fund and the MP&MS Annual Auction Funds Raised for: General Operating Support Frequency: Annual Purpose: To fill the gap between the actual cost to educate each child and tuition paid. Annual Fund and Auction support keep MP&MS vibrant by supporting teachers, curriculum, and our great programs, from Tuition Assistance to the Outdoor Education Center.

Building for Their Future Capital Campaign Funds Raised For: The MP&MS Master Plan Frequency: Defined Period of Time Purpose: To raise funds for the next phases of the campus Master Plan, which will include transforming our current blacktop into a lush sustainable schoolyard and a new spacious and flexible multipurpose room. Construction on the Magnolia Access Project, Phase IIA of the Master Plan, will take place in Summer 2012.

Fund-in-Need Funds Raised for: Special Projects Frequency: Annual Purpose: To meet a pressing need for the educational program. This year’s Fund-in-Need drive, which happened at the MP&MS Auction on March 31, wraised funds for three new school vans to be used during field trips, afterschool sports and for other transportation needs. Past Fund-in-Need drives have benefited educational technology and the music program.

Restricted Major Gifts and Foundation Grants Funds Raised for: MP&MS Programs and Projects Frequency: Annual Purpose: To fund specific programs, projects and the school’s endowment. Connects donors passionate about a particular area of the school directly to the cause.

Annual Fund donations can be made online at www.mpms.org/donate. For information about supporting another area of the development program, please contact Meredith A. Clark, Director of Development & Communications, at (415) 413-9046 or mclark@mpms.org.

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Board of Trustees

Parents Association

2010-2011

Officers Chair Therese Lawless Vice Chair John Stobo Treasurer Laura Tauber Secretary Mark Slavonia

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2010-2011 Board Members Chris Albinson Scott Bohner Phil Bronstein Craig Burton George Carver Thomas Dietz Kathy Fields-Rayant Cathy Hunter Kevin Johnson Kim Kihara Sloan Klein Rory Little Stephanie Mellin Tanya Peterson Liz Ranieri Kuth Tom Restaino LeAnn Wanninger Susan Kan Whitaker Donna Wiggins, M.D. Julie Elam, Head of School

Officers President LeAnn Wanninger Vice President Sam Cross Treasurer LouAnn Micucci Secretary Adriana Rabkin PA Director of Communications Julie Rootes MP&MS Director of Development and Communications Meredith Clark

Annual Fund 2010-2011

John and Diana Stobo Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless

Guardians $5,000 to $9,999 Jeff and Kirby Burke Ed and Susan Catmull Head’s Council Julie Chaiken $10,000 to $24,999 Clara Jeffery Charitable Trust Phil and Chris Bronstein Shawn and Samantha Cross Bob and Myra Fairchild Christian Fair and Kelli Limm Fair Laurie and Rachel Lehman Chris and Allison Fragakis Rory and Jan Little Goldman, Sachs & Co Matching Gift Garry Rayant and Kathy Fields-Rayant Program Tom Restaino and Jan Becker Claire Haggin Jeff Haggin MP&MS Magnolia Society Donald and Donna Kelleher MP&MS’s Magnolia Society recognizes sustainByron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth ing donors who have given for eight or more Vishal Makhijani consecutive years, from 2002 to 2011.

Bill and Stephanie Mellin Chris and Deb Albinson Adam and Karen Murphy Mark and Susan Anderson John and Diana Stobo Clint Bajakian and Deniz Ince Sharon Stone Jacob Bastacky and Laurie Roth Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless John and Michelle Battelle The Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation Wendy Bolker The LEF Foundation Jayme and Gayle Canton Lars Ulrich and Connie Nielsen George and Kathy Carver Rick and Paula Coven Patrons Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz $2,500 to $4,999 Jim and Larie Flaherty Anonymous Claire Haggin John and Michelle Battelle Jeff Haggin BlackRock Matching Gift Program Mark Henderson and Laura Tauber Craig and Vida Campbell Eliot and Margot Holtzman Alex Cobb and Melissa Norris Joe Keene and Susan Andrus Jonathan and Stacey Cohen Rory and Jan Little Chris and Nancy Connery Brian and Nicole Mott Dick and Lorin Costolo Paul and Melanie Nichols Leonard and Margaret DeSomma Tom and Cristy Norian Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz Liz Palacios Adam Elsesser and Martha Siegel Jim Parton and Maureen Brown Parton Mark and Maria Forney Garry Rayant and Kathy Fields-Rayant Eliot and Margot Holtzman Tom Restaino and Jan Becker Jewish Federation of St. Louis Joe Rusbarsky and Margaret Warner Lorin and Becky Kaplan Dan Schlager and Donna Wiggins Founder’s Circle $25,000+ Mark and Catherine Slavonia

Walter and Karen Kieckhefer Hilary King Rob and Sloan Klein Aaron and Marilyn Levinson Gail Marentette Jeremy and Amy Noblin Edwin Ong and Aleksandra Vikati Liz Palacios Rich and Tanya Peterson Mr. Samuel Riezman Greg Schilz and Kim Kihara Dan Schlager and Donna Wiggins Jon Myers and Bonnie Seto Arkady Shirin George and Lisa Shumny Roman Stanek and Romana Stankova Frances Stroh Marc Watrous and Kimberly Kraemer Watrous Gideon and Jacquelyn Weil Erik and Ali Witte Benefactors $1,000 to $2,499 Chris and Deb Albinson Jason and Negissa Araghi Clint Bajakian and Deniz Ince Sudeep Balain Sunaina Balain Vinit and Hilarey Bhatt Kurt Birkhahn and Christienne DeTournay Birkhahn Scott and Pam Bohner James Bowbliss and Laurie Smith Robert and Anne Brooks Ned and Catherine Brown William and Sue Butler Jayme and Gayle Canton George and Kathy Carver Peter and Jeanne Conklin Stuart and Lois Coven Adam Cummings James and Catherine Eddy Julie and Jon Elam Jim and Larie Flaherty Footsteps • Spring 2012

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Andrew and Michelle Foster William and Kathryn Freeman Gap Foundation Gift Match Program Warren and Risa George Paul and Maria Giordano Robert and Jennifer Hamill Roberta Heath Bradshaw and Whitt Bradshaw Institute for Global Futures Kevin Johnson and Karen Jenkins-Johnson Joe Keene and Susan Andrus Kurt Klimenko and Kate Jaquet Cortland and Elizabeth Larned Ed and Carol Lehrman Daniel Lentz and Caryn Tantilla-Lentz Roger Levy and Lynn Kanter-Levy Jon Lotter and Jami Coulter Robert and Maribeth Marchi Marin Software Bill and Krista Martin Paul and Victoria Masterson McDonald’s Robert and Karen McHugh Michael and LouAnn Micucci Peter and Amanda Mortimer Tom and Cristy Norian PG&E Philip and Cynthia Pillsbury John and Lourdes Reed Todd and Alison Regenold Stewart and Elisa Reubens Kurt and Elizabeth Rieke Joe Rusbarsky and Margaret Warner John Ryan and Sue Stott-Ryan Salesforce.com Foundation Jason and Molly Salzettí Todd Schneider and Devin Dixon Michael and Tara Schon Chris and Eileen Sheldon Alexei and Elena Sorokine The Joseph R. McMicking Foundation Dennis and Nancy Thompson Daniel and Elizabeth Traub Timothy Waddy and Indira Guerrieri Craig and Gia Wallace 22

Jimmy and LeAnn Wanninger Wells Fargo Foundation John Whitaker and Susan Kan-Whitaker Greg and Gay Wilcox David Wilson and Belle Cole Adam Wolfson and Dana Oliver Heroes $500 to $999 Christopher and Maryam Barrett Nicholas and Jennifer Bartle Eric and Cristina Brandon Susan and Jim Burns Craig Burton and Marjorie Maloney Sean and Robin Carew Robert and Kimberlee Chase Jeremy and Wendy Coon David and Lara Corey Lassa and Kristel Frank Barry and Elaine Gilbert Jonathan and Kirsten Goff Mark Goodrich and Heather Ainsworth Alan and Elsie Gregson Steven and Margo Hays Kurt and Julie Houtkooper Cathy Hunter Leon Lepyansky and Mary Hope McQuiston Donna Maier Luke Moix and Andrea DeRochi Mario Moran and Skylar Ulrich Richard Moss and Sonia Bolaños Brian and Nicole Mott Brian and Shari Mueller Steve and Cindy Patrizi George and Susy Pfau David and Mary Phillips Jeffrey and Rakel Reed David Rutgers Frank and Tricia Saul Charles Schaefer Peter and Liz Schumacher Ken and Tarja Settles Jordan and Margaret Silber Erik and Rachel Steinman Ross and Rebecca Sullivan

Patrick Summe and Christa Butler Brian and Alison Sung Mark and Samara Toole Barbara and John Treat Craig and Stacey Tupper Patrick and Caroline Wabl Sean Williams Friends $1 to $499 Raymond Ahearn Mark and Susan Anderson Anonymous Autodesk Khalid and Aelish Baig Knud and Lynda Balslev Jacob Bastacky and Laurie Roth Richard Battelle Kirsten Bauer Tim Bauer Gwenael and Vesa Becam Steve and Christine Berkley George and Sheila Bertram Ari and Mead Blum Wendy Bolker Holly and Larry Bragman Dini Brown Owsley and Victoire Brown Brian and Vanessa Calder Michael and Judith Calder Stephanie Cannell Bob Cassinelli and Stacey Lavender Roy and Renee Chernus Clif Bar Family Foundation Charles and Sandi Cohen Fannie and Jessie Coleman Kevin and Katherine Cope Rick and Paula Coven Drew and Amy Curby David DeCotis and Paige Missamore-DeCotis Jess and Ymke Dioquino Cristi Drake Steve and Elizabeth Dveris Joe Estus and Veronica Skelton Douglas and Julia Evans

Donna Firenzi Geoff and Karyn Flynn Marco and Julie Garbarino Scott and Kiffany Gibbs John and Anne Gilchrist David Goray and Jana Wondriska Jason and Johanna Hall Tim and Carolyn Harrington Mark Henderson and Laura Tauber Sam and Frances Hinckley Paul and Victoria Hinks Mike and Laura Hislop Matthew Hoevet and Tal Klein Michiko Holliday Elaine Holtzman Paul and Nicole Howard Eric and Heather Johnson Eric and Kimberly Johnson Jonathan and Carrie Kaufman Roger and Sally Kirk Jerry and M’Liss Klein Sarah Lamb Charlie and Helen Lambert Harrison Lazarus and Christy Smith Don Lesser and Maria Whitaker Jerry and Kathy Lewis Don and Else Limm Susana Lua Paul and Jennifer Maes Jonathan and Jane Maier Virginia Mann Nancy Matthews Phillip McNall Robert and Missy McQuiston Mitzi Medrud Medtronic Foundation Robert Mellett and Nessa Brady Dan and Elizabeth Mendoza Richard Mogan Dennis and Irene Mosblech David and Mia Munson Jaime Nisenbaum and Alyssa Levy Nikolas and Debbie Novograd James and Katja O’Brien Oracle Corporation Matching Gifts Program

Jim Parton and Maureen Brown Parton Michael Stortz and Valerie Pierce Carol Pott Peter and Leila Poutiatine Jeff and Kristen Powell Jeff and Kim Qvale Mark and Amy Rabe Jeffrey and Adriana Rabkin Lisa Ramezzano Violet Ramezzano Cathy Reed Lori Rifkin Edward and Elyse Robinson John and Julie Rootes Todd and Camille Roth Ethan Russell and Shannon Mong Ed and Bonnie Russo Peter and Diana Ryan Tom and Nan Ryan Bank of Marin Brad and Amy Scelfo Kurt Schottstaedt and Daryn Sperling Matthew and Tove Sharp Peter Shumar and Raquel Carrillo Renny and Lisa Slatkin John and Barry Smeltzer Eric Stafford and Robin Smiley John Stein and Janet Rapport Joshua Steinhauer and Patty Glatt Douglas Styles and Deborah Pearl-Styles JW and Mary Sullivan Jeff and Amy Taylor Carol Thomas Christine Virk Suzanne Warren Warren Watkins Jeremy and Heather Wenner Stephen Wilson and Corinne Wong Ted Wilson and Darcy Sears Eric and Tia Wu Jeong-Ae Yoon Bradford and Lisa Zampa Faculty/Staff Gifts to the Annual Fund Sarah Abbey

Joy Abesamis Ellen Abrams Nora Bailetti Daydra Bell Derek Berka David Brown Liz Brown Claire Charbonneau Meredith Clark David DeCotis and Paige Missamore-DeCotis Mark DeRango Kristi Durst Julie and Jon Elam Andrew Eldredge Peter Eldredge Mia Elsberg Yolanda Escandon Steve and Donna Fanfelle Alexandra Fox Linda Franco David and Dana Gottlieb Celine Hamel Dan Harrison Jennifer Henzi Tika Hick Darinee Hoonsuwan Jon Hull Susan Humphrey Jennifer Ingrassia Jason and Angela Jones Rhonda Jones Jennifer Klem-Clarke Margot Koch Angela Layton Michael LoRusso Joan Lynch Paul and Jennifer Maes Al Mayberry Joe McGovern Mitzi Medrud Madeline Mendelsohn and Steve Shakin Stephanie Mink Mario Moran and Skylar Ulrich David and Mia Munson Erin Murphy Footsteps • Spring 2012

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Molly Myerson Peter and Leila Poutiatine Charlie Queary Lisa Ramezzano Tom and Irene Rosko Todd and Camille Roth Peter Shumar and Raquel Carrillo Missy Silver Julia Smith LuzMaria and Jeffrey Strohm Whitney Sutak Jesse Swagerty Claudine Taillac Jeff and Amy Taylor Julie Terry Marianne Thomas Meike Wanberg Sarah Westmoreland Michael Wray Rebecca Wunderlich Judy Zimola Julieta Zuniga

Endowment, Capital, and Other Restricted Gifts 2010-2011

Endowment Robert and Kimberlee Chase Gifts in Kind Scott and Pam Bohner Phil and Chris Bronstein Ed and Susan Catmull Michele Field Mark and Maria Forney Kathryn and Bill Freeman Claire Haggin Jeff Haggin Eliot and Margot Holtzman Ed and Carol Lehrman Alex and Aimee Mandossian Andrea and Lee Marshall Jeremy and Amy Noblin Jeff and Kristen Powell Kurt Schottstaedt and Daryn Sperling Jon Myers and Bonnie Seto Myers 24

David Sheets LeAnn and Jimmy Wanninger Fund-in-Need Chris and Deb Albinson Knud and Lynda Balslev Nicholas and Jennifer Bartle John and Michelle Battelle Daydra Bell Steve and Christine Berkley Vinit and Hilarey Bhatt Scott and Pam Bohner James Bowbliss and Laurie Smith Phil and Chris Bronstein Susan and Jim Burns Brian and Vanessa Calder Jayme and Gayle Canton Julie Chaiken Del and Lisa Christensen Alex Cobb and Melissa Norris Jonathan and Stacey Cohen Chris and Nancy Connery Dick and Lorin Costolo Rick and Paula Coven Shawn and Samantha Cross James and Catherine Eddy Julie and Jon Elam Adam Elsesser and Martha Siegel Fidelity Charitable Fund Jim and Larie Flaherty William and Kathryn Freeman Christopher and Nerida Gallagher Mark and Molly Gamble Warren and Risa George Paul and Maria Giordano David Goray and Jana Wondriska Jason and Johanna Hall Dan Harrison Roberta Heath Bradshaw and Whitt Bradshaw Paul and Victoria Hinks Lorin and Becky Kaplan Hilary King Stacy King and David Glad Roger and Sally Kirk Rob and Sloan Klein Byron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth Laurie and Rachel Lehman Ed and Carol Lehrman Jonathan and Jane Maier

Vishal Makhijani Alex and Aimee Mandossian Bill and Stephanie Mellin Michael and LouAnn Micucci Ravi and Christy Mohan Mario Moran and Skylar Ulrich Brian and Nicole Mott David and Mia Munson Adam and Karen Murphy Jeremy and Amy Noblin Philip and Cynthia Pillsbury Carol Pott Mark and Amy Rabe Garry Rayant and Kathy Fields-Rayant Todd and Alison Regenold Tom Restaino and Jan Becker Kurt and Elizabeth Rieke Greg Schilz and Kim Kihara Dan Schlager and Donna Wiggins Matthew and Tove Sharp Renny and Lisa Slatkin Mark and Catherine Slavonia John and Diana Stobo Sharon Stone Frances Stroh Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless Daniel and Elizabeth Traub Lars Ulrich and Connie Nielsen Patrick and Caroline Wabl Jimmy and LeAnn Wanninger Marc Watrous and Kimberly Kraemer Watrous John Whitaker and Susan Kan-Whitaker Stephen Wilson and Corinne Wong Adam Wolfson and Dana Oliver Jeong-Ae Yoon Bradford and Lisa Zampa Building for Their Future Capital Campaign Chris and Deb Albinson Anonymous (2) Jacob Bastacky and Laurie Roth Scott and Pam Bohner Phil and Chris Bronstein Owsley and Victoire Brown Craig Burton and Marjorie Maloney Craig and Vida Campbell Jayme and Gayle Canton

George and Kathy Carver Ed and Susan Catmull Julie Chaiken Jeremy and Wendy Coon Will Costa and Kitty King Shawn and Samantha Cross Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz Jess and Ymke Dioquino Julie and Jon Elam Adam Elsesser and Martha Siegel Christian Fair and Kelli Limm Fair Fidelity Charitable Fund Jim and Larie Flaherty Gap Foundation Gift Match Program Eliot and Margot Holtzman Cathy Hunter Kevin Johnson and Karen Jenkins-Johnson Lorin and Becky Kaplan Joe Keene and Susan Andrus Rob and Sloan Klein Byron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth Cortland and Elizabeth Larned Rory and Jan Little Gail Marentette Bill and Stephanie Mellin Paul and Melanie Nichols Tom and Cristy Norian Joseph and Eda Pell Rich and Tanya Peterson Phil and Nina Pillsbury Philip and Cynthia Pillsbury Jeff and Kristen Powell Garry Rayant and Kathy Fields-Rayant Greg Schilz and Kim Kihara

Dan Schlager and Donna Wiggins Schwab Charitable Fund Matthew and Tove Sharp Mark and Catherine Slavonia Joshua Steinhauer and Patty Glatt John and Diana Stobo Frances Stroh The Don G. Powell Foundation The Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation The Funger Foundation Inc. The LEF Foundation The Minneapolis Foundation Dennis and Nancy Thompson Jimmy and LeAnn Wanninger Ted Wilson and Darcy Sears Tuition Assistance Program S. Mark Taper Foundation

Auction Donors 2010-2011

A Child’s Delight A.G. Ferrari Food Sarah Abbey Joy Abesamis Ellen Abrams Chris and Deb Albinson Jason and Negissa Araghi Arkady Yoga B.R. Cohn Winery Khalid and Aelish Baig Clint Bajakian and Deniz Ince

Christopher and Maryam Barrett Nicholas and Jennifer Bartle John and Michelle Battelle Bay Area Discovery Museum Bear Hugs Unlimited Daydra Bell Gordon Bellis Benissimo Ristorante and Bar Berkeley Repertory Theatre Steve and Christine Berkley Blue & Gold Fleet Bluemercury Ari and Mead Blum Body Image Personal Fitness Scott and Pam Bohner Wendy Bolker James Bowbliss and Laurie Smith Sarah Brightwood Phil and Chris Bronstein Robert and Anne Brooks David Brown Liz Brown Ned and Catherine Brown Buckeye Roadhouse Buoncristiani Photography Jeff and Kirby Burke Susan and Jim Burns CA Classics Cafe of Life Chiropractic Brian and Vanessa Calder Michael and Renee Caldwell Camp Doodles Camp Edmo Stephanie Cannell

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Jayme and Gayle Canton Sean and Robin Carew Raquel Carrillo George and Kathy Carver Bob Cassinelli and Stacey Lavender Ed and Susan Catmull Julie Chaiken Chaiken and Capone Clothing Champagne French Bakery Claire Charbonneau Charles M. Schulz Museum Robert and Kimberlee Chase Cheeky Monkey Portrait Photography Del and Lisa Christensen Meredith Clark Classic Kids Photography Cline Cellars Alex Cobb and Melissa Norris Jonathan and Stacey Cohen Kevin and Leené Coleman Columbine Peter and Jeanne Conklin Chris and Nancy Connery David and Lara Corey Dick and Lorin Costolo Rick and Paula Coven Chad and Melissa Cristo Shawn and Samantha Cross Adam Cummings Mollie Cummings Danko Tennis Deeply Organized Dave and Chris DeMartini Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz Dinglesticks Christian Dior Dish Restaurant Doodlebug Maya Durie James and Catherine Eddy Editorial Girl Julie and Jon Elam Andrew Eldredge Peter Eldredge Adam Elsesser and Martha Siegel Yolanda Escandon Judith Esler Ewald Tajbaksh Architecture Christian Fair and Kelli Limm Fair 26

Ada Famulari Steve and Donna Fanfelle Jim and Larie Flaherty Fortunati Vineyards Alexandra Fox Deborah Fox Chris and Allison Fragakis Lassa and Kristel Frank Cully Fredricksen William and Kathryn Freeman Mark and Molly Gamble Marco and Julie Garbarino Warren and Risa George Paul and Maria Giordano Gold’s Gym Golden Gate Fencing Center Mark Goodrich and Heather Ainsworth David Goray and Jana Wondriska David and Dana Gottlieb GreenPlay Sustainable Summer Camp Gym World Claire Haggin Jeff Haggin Half Day Cafe Jason and Johanna Hall Robert and Jennifer Hamill Tim and Carolyn Harrington Francesca Harris Dan Harrison Roberta Heath Bradshaw and Whitt Bradshaw Hellman Family Jennifer Henzi Sam and Frances Hinckley Paul and Victoria Hinks Matthew Hoevet and Tal Klein Eliot and Margot Holtzman Harris Holzberg Darinee Hoonsuwan HotShot Portraits, LLC Paul and Nicole Howard Hypnotherapy of Marin Il Fornaio Jennifer Ingrassia Iron Springs Pub and Brewery Jason Jones JoomiNYC Joseph Cozza Salon Joshua Ets-Hokin Photography

Beverly Jovais JulieWatsonStyle JumpStart Medicine Kai Fragrance Lorin and Becky Kaplan Kate Spade Jonathan and Carrie Kaufman Joe Keene and Susan Andrus Kentfield Fitness Kilham Farm Hilary King Sandy King Stacy King and David Glad Roger and Sally Kirk Rob and Sloan Klein Kurt Klimenko and Kate Jaquet Kevin and Renee Knee Byron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth La Petite Baleen Swim School Lambert Bridge Winery Lark Theater Cortland and Elizabeth Larned Las Camelias Mexican Restaurant Laser Center of Marin Bill Lawrence Harrison Lazarus and Christy Smith Laurie and Rachel Lehman Ed and Carol Lehrman Daniel Lentz and Caryn Tantilla-Lentz Aaron and Marilyn Levinson Rory and Jan Little Jeff Lucero Lulu Designs Stephanie Lyle Joan Lynch M Clothing Paul Maes Bob Maier Donna Maier Jonathan and Jane Maier Vishal Makhijani Alex and Aimee Mandossian Margaret O’Leary Marin Brewing Co. Marin Country Mart Marin Dance Theatre Marin JCC Marin Primary & Middle School Marin Primary & Middle School

Preschool Summer Camp Marin Rowing Association Marin Shakespeare Company Marin Tennis Club Lee and Andrea Marshall Bill and Krista Martin Mary Small Photography Al Mayberry Arbor McCauley Robert and Karen McHugh Mitzi Medrud MEGA Gymnastics Robert Mellett and Nessa Brady Bill and Stephanie Mellin Michael Stars Michael and LouAnn Micucci Milvali Salon and Cosmetics Stephanie Mink Paige Missamore Ravi and Christy Mohan Luke Moix and Andrea DeRochi Mario Moran and Skylar Ulrich Peter and Amanda Mortimer Brian and Nicole Mott Zee Zee Mott Mountain Camp Moylan’s Brewery and Restaurant Mt. Tam Racquet Club Brian and Shari Mueller Dana Muise and Leigh Beisch

Mia Munson Adam and Karen Murphy Erin Murphy Molly Myerson NBC News Jeremy and Amy Noblin Tom and Cristy Norian Katherine Novak Novato Pilates James and Katja O’Brien Oakland A’s Community Fund Obagi Medical Skincare Sue Oda One King’s Lane Edwin Ong and Aleksandra Vikati Liz Palacios Pandora’s Box Paper Source Steve and Cindy Patrizi Marcy Pattinson Patxi’s Pizza Carl Pearl Peek...Aren’t You Curious Peggy Parks Photography Peju Winery Peter Olivetti Photography Rich and Tanya Peterson Peter Pfau and Kimberly Starr Pier 39 Michael Stortz and Valerie Pierce

Philip and Cynthia Pillsbury Pixar Planet Granite Carol Pott Pott Wine Leila Poutiatine Pyramid Gymnastics Charlie Queary Mark and Amy Rabe Lisa Ramezzano Rancho La Puerta Garry Rayant and Kathy Fields-Rayant Red Robin Caterers John and Lourdes Reed Todd and Alison Regenold Dan and Jen Reidy Rent-A-Parent Tom Restaino and Jan Becker Mike Retzer Hugh and Leela Rhoads Rick’s Wine Cellar Kurt and Elizabeth Rieke Lori Rifkin John and Julie Rootes Tom Rosko Linda Ross Ethan Russell and Shannon Mong Peter and Diana Ryan San Francisco Rock Project

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San Francisco Zoological Society Sandbox Elizabeth Saul Say it in French Greg Schilz and Kim Kihara Dan Schlager and Donna Wiggins Todd Schneider and Devin Dixon Michael and Tara Schon Peter and Liz Schumacher Jon Myers and Bonnie Seto SF Bay Adventures Matthew and Tove Sharp Arkady Shirin Peter Shumar and Raquel Carrillo George and Lisa Shumny Silk Nail Salon Missy Silver Renny and Lisa Slatkin Mark and Catherine Slavonia Julia Smith Matthew and Shannon Spotswood Annie St. John Stamper Family Optometry Leonard Stecklow and Karen Steiner John Stein and Janet Rapport Erik and Rachel Steinman John and Diana Stobo John and Mary Ann Stobo Sharon Stone Frances Stroh LuzMaria Strohm Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless Douglas Styles and Deborah Pearl-Styles Patrick Summe and Christa Butler

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SusieCakes Whitney Sutak Jesse Swagerty Synergy Fitness Studios Jeff and Amy Taylor Teacake Bake Shop Terroir Wine Merchants The Bar Method The Kleid Design Group The Melting Pot The Painter’s Place The Peninsula New York Marianne Thomas Thundering Grace Massage Mark and Samara Toole Daniel and Elizabeth Traub Barbara and John Treat Craig and Stacey Tupper Steve Turner Tutu School Lars Ulrich and Connie Nielsen Uncorked Events Robindira Unsworth Dave and Vendela Vida Vintner’s Collective Patrick and Caroline Wabl Timothy Waddy and Indira Guerrieri Mark Walsh and Sabrina Eliasoph Meike Wanberg Jimmy and LeAnn Wanninger Wasabi by Jill Pearson Marc Watrous and Kimberly Kraemer Watrous Gideon and Jacquelyn Weil

Wendy Mink Jewelry, Inc. Jeremy and Heather Wenner West End Nursery Stephen Whatmore and Jane Rodger John Whitaker and Susan Kan-Whitaker Whole Child Tutor and Educational Therapy Stephen Wilson and Corinne Wong Wipeout Bar & Grill Erik and Ali Witte Adam Wolfson and Dana Oliver Michael Wray Rebecca Wunderlich Jeong-Ae Yoon Bradford and Lisa Zampa

Financials Exhibit 1: 2010-2011 School Revenues Tuition Fundraising Interest and Other

90.9% 8.3% 0.8%

Exhibit I1: 2010-2011 School Expenditures 1. Salaries and Benefits: 68% 2. Building and Grounds 9% 3. Tuition Assistance Program 11% 4. Educational Supplies and Field Trips 7% 5. Other (Fundraising, Marketing, Insurance, Telephones, Postage, Printing) 3% 6. Professional Services 1% 7. Parents Association 1%

Exhibit I1I: Gifts to Marin Primary & Middle School Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2011 Unrestricted Funds

Includes funds raised by Annual Fund and Parents Association

$546,876

Temporarily Restricted Funds

$1,366,125

Permanently Restricted Funds

$5,000

Includes capital campaign donations and other restricted gifts

Includes endowment donations

Total Gifts

$1,813,499

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Faculty and Staff 2010-2011

Administrative Directors Head of School Julie Elam Director of Admission Donna Fanfelle Director of Development and Communications Meredith Clark Director of Finance and Human Resources David Brown Preschool Director Marianne Thomas Primary School Director Erin Murphy Middle School Director Dave DeMartini Learning Resources Center Director David Gottlieb Administrative Office Admission Office Coordinator Celine Hamel Communications Manager Judy Zimola Development Associate Alexandra Fox Facilities Manager David Munson Finance Associate Sarah Westmoreland Maintenance Assistant Carl Hawk Network Administrator Michael LoRusso Nurse Stephanie Mink Office Manager Lisa Ramezzano David Hale Library Media Center Librarian Ellen Abrams Library Assistant Junia Ziblay

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Preschool Meadow Claire Charbonneau, Joan Lynch Forest Stephanie Lyle, Mitzi Medrud Seashore Julia Smith, Gayanne Fambrini Jungle Raquel Carrillo, Amy Curby, Tika Hick Zoo Rhonda Jones, Leila Poutiatine, Barn Joy Abesamis, Mark DeRango Primary School Junior Kindergarten Mia Munson, Camille Roth Kindergarten Darinee Hoonsuwan, Mario Moran First Grade Jennifer Ingrassia, Jesse Swagerty Second Grade Peter Eldredge, Jennifer Henzi Third Grade Sarah Abbey, Kristi Durst, Fourth Grade Liz Brown, Susan Humphrey Missy Silver, Inclusion Specialist Middle School Fifth Grade Meike Wanberg, Rebecca Wunderlich Sixth Grade Daydra Bell, Andrew Eldredge Seventh Grade Derek Berka, Jennifer Klem Eighth Grade Steve Fanfelle, Linda Franco Specialists Art Margot Koch, Paul Maes Drama Charlie Queary Education Technology Yolanda Escandon Spanish Nora Bailetti, LuzMaria Strohm, Julieta Zuniga Music Jason Jones, Michael Wray Outdoor Education Center Molly Myerson, Angela Layton Projects Lab Al Mayberry

Physical Education Jon Hull, Whitney Sutak Social Curriculum Joe McGoverm Learning Resources Center Learning Specialists: Mia Elsberg, Madeline Mendelsohn, Tom Rosko, Amy Taylor After-School Program Manager Matt Penwell After-School Staff: Dan Harrison, Will Brubaker, Alexandra Kalia, Kendra Pollock

Demographics 2010-2011 Founded May 1975 Incorporated not-for-profit, coeducational, non-sectarian.

Student Enrollment Preschool JK-4 5-8 Student:Teacher Ratio Preschool JK-8

361 113 135 113

Total Number of Staff

75

5:1 7:1

Disclaimer MP&MS has made every effort to check the accuracy of the lists in this report.

Acknowledgment lists include gifts received during the 2010-2011 fiscal year and names appear as listed on school forms.

We sincerely regret any errors or omissions.

MP&MS values every contribution and greatly appreciates your support. Thank you.

Articles in Footsteps, unless indicated otherwise, are written by Judy Zimola, MP&MS Communications Manager. Questions and comments are welcome. Contact Judy by email: jzimola@mpms.org, or phone: (415) 413-9048.

MP&MS Alumni Report MP&MS alums are always doing something interesting!

In the summer of 2011, Marissa Lambert ‘04 received the George P. Cuttino Scholarship, offered by the history department of Emory University. She spent a month in England, at both the British Library in London and the National Archives in Kew, then a month in Paris, with time split between the Archives de la Comédie Française, the Bibliothèque national de France, and the Archives Nationales de France, Paris branch.

Her time was spent looking up original documents, decrees, and manuscripts relating to her honors thesis topic: the relationship between the state and the stage in the last few years of the seventeenth century, and the beginning of the eighteenth. The research will be put into a sixty-page honors thesis over the course of this coming school year, and in April she’ll orally defend it before the thesis committee, after which they’ll determine the level of honors she’ll receive at graduation.

“It was a very long summer, and not at all what I was expecting. I missed the carefree feeling of more ‘normal’ summers, but I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to do this,” Marissa said. “Experiencing Europe balanced out the many many hours spent slogging through outdated catalogues and archaic handwriting. It was an eye-opening experience, to say the least, getting to live and work in a foreign country for that long, figuring out the bureaucracies as well as the academic parts, but I’m certainly a stronger student for it.”

Seventh grade had a huge influence on Marissa, particularly Marilyn Englander’s social studies—from units on Islam, to Asia, to Enlightenment Europe. “Academically, Marilyn’s social studies class was probably one of the most eye-opening classes I took at Marin Primary, not only based on the history we were leaning, but also the high standards to which she held our writing and how difficult the tests could be,” she remembers. “I thought it was really good to be handed back essays with red pen all over them, especially in preperation for high school and college: the teachers don’t go easy on you. I adored every class I had with the other seventh grade teacher, Mark Biglieri, too,” she adds quickly. She “absolutely loved art with Paul Maes, even though I never felt like I was a great artist. I still have several of my art projects, and when visiting art museums like the Louvre, I get a special thrill remembering some of the pieces we studied, or the Delacroix I copied in eighth grade as part of my final project. In fact, I would be remiss not to mention so many of my teachers. In a way I think the people themselves were what influenced me and my studies more than particular classes.”

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Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 94939

MP&MS is a certified Bay Area Green Business.

Footsteps is printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper.

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