NCCS Bulletin Fall 2017 by New Canaan Country School

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL

Fall 2017

BREAKING GROUND

on a New Dining Hall & Commons

New Canaan Country School Bulletin Fall 2017 Head of School: Dr. Robert P. Macrae Director of Advancement: Terry Gumz Editors: Brooke Arthur Kent Findlay ’80

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Design: Good Design, LLC gooddesignusa.com Printer: J.S. McCarthy Printers jsmccarthy.com Photography: Brooke Arthur Diane Briggs Kent Findlay ’80 Nanette Gantz Moina Noor Fraser Randolph Shiva Sarram Chi Chi Ubiña Torrance York Address changes: communications@countryschool.net On the cover: May 2017 Dining Hall & Commons groundbreaking Photo credit: Brooke Arthur

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017–2018 President: Randall M. Salvatore Vice President: Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81 Treasurer: Christopher T. Baker Secretary: Smita Singh Members-at-Large: Yolanda Seals-Coffield James P. Parmelee Dr. Robert P. Macrae, Head of School Steven E. Bloom ’03 Dr. Christopher M. Bogart Lynne F. Byrne

FOCUSES

Contributing Writers/Editors: Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 Mark Macrides Moina Noor

Annual Meeting & Dinner New Building, Same Heart Looking Forward Look on the Bright Side: 2017 Closing Exercises 17 Country School Students Explore the Galapagos Islands 18 Creating a Joyful Culture 24 Writing: A 21st Century Imperative 26 Tackling Real-World Environmental Issues 28 Kindergartners Explore Identity and Science through Body Maps 32 Techmakers 36 Kindergarten Music Program Celebrates Cultural Differences 37 Ninth Graders Attend Student Diversity Leadership Conference

Drew Casertano Marisa DiBiasio Gary D. Engle Sarah M. Irwin N. John Lancaster Jr. Mariko G. LeBaron Monique S. Mims Michael Riccardi Michael S. Sotirhos Brennen Strine Joseph P. Toce Jr. Caitlin A. Walsh Wilson S. Warren Megin E. Wolfman Sturgis P. Woodberry Elizabeth M. Carroll, Faculty Representative Andrew F. Johnson, Faculty Representative

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2017–2018 President: Marisa DiBiasio President-Elect: Tara Coniglio VP Community, Diversity & Inclusion: Jawanda Staber VP Community Service: Leigh Kennedy Secretary: Meredith Edwards Treasurer: Marcy Smith VP Volunteers: Marnie Gizzie

ALUMNI COUNCIL 2017–2018 President: Steven Bloom ’03 Emily Coughlin Basaran ’98 C. Daniel Bergfeld ’58 Matthew Bloom ’98 Carl Brodnax ’76 Richard Colligan ’01 Michael DiBiasio ’90 Philip Ford ’99 Frederick Golden ’90 Benjamin Halsell ’87 Paula Kennedy Harrigan ’81 Marshall Johnson ’04 Caitlin Maguire ’04 Carl Rohde ’66 Katharine O’Brien Rohn ’78

Kelsey Hubbard Rollinson ’86 Michael Sachs ’97 Richard See ’75 Saranne Burnham Warner ’88 Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81 Ex Officio Members: Dr. Robert P. Macrae, Head of School Holly Donaldson Casella ’04, Director of Alumni Affairs Terry M. Gumz, Director of Advancement

CONTENTS 42 Athletics 44 Transitions: Welcomes and Farewells 62 Horizons 92 A Look Back

SCRAPBOOKS

38 Faculty/Staff Talent Show 40 Kyle A. Markes Day of Service 54 Thank You, Faculty & Staff 55 Welcoming Back Former Faculty & Staff 56 Frogtown Fair 58 Grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Special Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day 60 Family Fun Night & Deal Days

ALUMNI

18 OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of New Canaan Country School is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral and physical potential. The school values the imagination and curiosity of children, and respects childhood as an integral part of life. Teachers set high academic standards and challenge students to question, to think, to collaborate and to act with integrity. The school works in partnership with families to teach personal, social and environmental responsibility, and to create a community that honors diversity and humanity. New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world around them.

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Alumni Gatherings Class Notes College Destinations In Memoriam

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Country School Gathers to Celebrate Community and Mission at

Annual Meeting & Dinner “We are fully committed to continuing Country School’s longstanding tradition of delivering an exceptional academic program that balances strong academic preparation with social emotional development for each child. Our mission is our compass.” 1

—RANDY SALVATORE, BOARD PRESIDENT

school’s mission, celebrate great teachers and look ahead to

Mr. Salvatore then turned his remarks toward the future of

the school’s future.

the school, noting that the construction of the new Dining Hall

Outgoing Board President Steve Rodgers was thanked for

& Commons is underway and the construction of a new Athletic

ew Canaan Country School came together at the Annual

success, including record annual giving, secondary school place-

Meeting & Dinner on Sept. 28. Nearly 400 parents, faculty

ment outcomes and key administrative hires. “By all metrics,

and staff gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the

New Canaan Country School is healthy,” he said.

his service to the Country School by Trustee Jim Parmelee

Center will follow.

and presented a pen and ink drawing of the school. “Steve

“We will sustain excellence and national leadership for future

has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the school’s

generations of students as past stakeholders have done for

mission and has worked tirelessly on behalf of our children, the

us,” said Mr. Salvatore. “We are fully committed to continuing

faculty and all members of the Country School community,”

Country School’s long-standing tradition of delivering an

said Mr. Parmelee. In particular, Mr. Parmelee highlighted Mr.

exceptional academic program that balances strong academic

Rodgers’ leadership on the Long-Range Campus Master Plan.

preparation with social-emotional development for each child.

During his remarks, Mr. Rodgers discussed the impact of tech-

Our mission is our compass.”

nology on children’s lives, an issue about which he is passionate.

Earlier in the evening, several faculty and staff members

“With trust in experts and our faculty, staff and administration,

were recognized for milestone service anniversaries, including

we will adapt our institution to this wonderful evolution in

Charles Bogus with 30 years of service; Cyndi Vitti, 20 years; and

education and remain a pioneer,” he said.

Aron Back, Jeannie Staunton Bean ’83, Lucyna Graham, Andrew

Head of School Dr. Robert P. Macrae proudly summarized a

Johnson, Will McDonough and Paul Nye, all of whom have been

letter written at the conclusion of the school’s 10-year CAIS

members of the faculty and/or staff for 10 years.

reaccreditation process that commended the school for its commitment to the value of childhood and sense of camaraderie. Randy Salvatore, who was voted in that evening as the new Board President, reviewed the school’s financial and academic

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

For more photos and videos from the Annual Meeting & Dinner, visit www.countryschool.net/annualmeeting.

Twee Haffner, a recently retired

and beloved Kindergarten teacher, received the Shirley and Jonathan O’Herron Award. This biennial award honors a member of the Country School faculty or staff who has shown extraordinary dedication to the school and to the students, and has taught

or worked at the school for at least 10 years.

This year’s recipient, Twee Haffner, will be remembered by generations of Country

1. Newly elected Board President Randy Salvatore addressed the crowd of parents, faculty and staff. 2. Jim Parmelee presented outgoing Board President Steve Rodgers with a token of appreciation for his 3 years of service as board president and 8 years on the board. 3. Sharon and Bill Baird with Will McDonough 4. Rob Macrae congratulates Charles Bogus on 30 years of service. 5. Jen Kline, Nancy Israelov, Ana Robledo and Arman Gokgol-Kline

6. Heather and Kurt Drstvensek, Marisa and Michael DiBiasio ’90 7. Charles Bogus with Jennifer Bogus ’10 and Chuck Cecil 8. Kristen and Steve Rodgers 9. Andrew Haffner ’93, Daley O’Herron ’05, Annie O’Herron Burleigh, Twee Haffner, Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80 and Dawson Haffner 10. Peter and Claire Londa with Maureen Knowles and James Knowles ’94 11. Jennifer Dulos, Aimee Ableman, Brian McCormick and Mark Ableman

School students as a once-in-a-lifetime, legendary Kindergarten teacher. The award was established in November 2013 through a bequest from the estate of Jonathan O’Herron. The O’Herrons were the proud parents of Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80 and grandparents of 11 Country School students from the O’Herron, Burleigh and Casey families.

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“Our Lower School space now better reflects who we are as a learning community: joyful, energized and

child-centered.”

©KAT_BRANCH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Same Heart Lower School Celebrates Reopening Country School’s campus was bustling with activity this summer. In addition to the usual joyful noises of children participating in the six-week Horizons Summer Enrichment Program, several major campus improvement projects were underway, including an extensive renovation to the Welles Building. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the first day of school, Sept. 5. Students in first through fourth grades arrived with their families to find a refreshed, lighter, brighter Welles Building. The renovations included a reconfiguration of spaces so that the homeroom classes are now in the “heart” of the building adjacent to the central commons, with updated science, music and library spaces anchoring the corners of the building; new flexible learning breakout spaces; increased natural light throughout; improved air quality; as well as new lighting, paint, carpet and fixtures. Pops of color, furniture designed for innovative learning and child-friendly accents throughout rounded out the renovation. “New building, same heart” was Head of Lower School Meaghan Mallin’s opening theme for faculty, staff, students and families. “Our Lower School space now better reflects who we are as a learning community: joyful, energized and child-centered. All around there are cues to our children that say, ‘This is your space.’ Of course, what really sets our Lower School apart is the culture and community we share together within our walls. We feel very lucky to share that magic in this beautifully updated building!” she said.

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LOOKING 1

BREAKING GROUND ON A NEW DINING HALL & COMMONS The entire school community gathered together at the annual

Memorial Day assembly for a groundbreaking ceremony for the

the 2018 school year, there will be enough seating for an entire

Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons.

division to eat at one time, which will alleviate the current

Standing in front of the current cafeteria, Head of School

burden imposed on the academic schedule.

Dr. Robert P. Macrae, and trustees Steve Rodgers, Randy Salvatore,

The new Dining Hall will also have a modernized kitchen

Karen Wood and Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81 joined with student

facility with additional space for food preparation and storage,

representatives from each division to break ground with special

allowing the dining staff to serve fresher foods, increasing the

shovels that were presented to them for the occasion.

overall nutritional quality.

The initial $2 million for this project was gifted by an alumna,

Most important, the Dining Hall & Commons will be an

Susan Haigh Carver, who graduated 66 years ago with the

inviting central gathering space in the heart of campus.

Class of 1951, and her husband John. Mrs. Carver passed away

“Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it happens

on Nov. 29, 2016. Please see In Memoriam.

during every experience on campus,” said Dr. Macrae. “The

“She wanted her gift to help us continue to create this commu-

conversations that students and teachers have over the lunch

nity atmosphere for generations to come,” said Dr. Macrae.

table are part of their overall personal development and should

Ninth grader Nate Stevens presented Dr. Macrae a shovel

not be overlooked.”

that his grandfather, former Head of School George Stevens,

Parents, alumni and others will also have the opportunity to

used to break ground for the Stevens Upper School Building in

enjoy the new space at the many events hosted on campus.

1977 and its subsequent addition and renovation in 2006.

“A sense of community is central to our culture and our

The ceremony concluded with songs, including the school

mission, and the culture is what sets Country School apart,”

song “Audentes Fortuna Juvat” and the Middle School Chorus’s

said Mr. Salvatore.

“Take Time in Life.”

When the new Dining Hall & Commons opens at the start of

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

FORWARD 2

1. Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons rendering by Beinfeld Architecture 2. Students from every division along with Head of School Dr. Robert P. Macrae and several trustees officially broke ground on the new building at the Memorial Day assembly last spring.

3. Kerry, Nate and Jill Stevens represented three generations of Country School during the ceremony. They proudly displayed the official ground-breaking shovel that has been used throughout Country School’s history, including by former Headmaster George Stevens.

4. The Schlesinger Library has been transformed into a temporary cafeteria space for the 2017–2018 school year.

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OUR FUTURE CAMPUS

sports options including basketball, squash, dance, yoga and

The Dining Hall & Commons is just one of the projects in the

spring volleyball. It will also provide much-needed spectator

first phase of the school’s Long-Range Campus Master Plan,

seating so that parents, alumni and friends can come and cheer

which also includes a new Athletic Center and a Campus Green.

on our student athletes.

“With all academic buildings in excellent shape, we now

The gymnasium will accommodate the entire school commu-

shift our attention to community spaces that serve all grades

nity and provide a bright and open space for community events

and all students,” said Mr. Salvatore, who co-chaired the Long-

such as all-school assemblies, the Annual Meeting & Dinner, as

Range Master Planning Task Force, and has been overseeing

well as academic events including the fifth grade Medieval Faire.

the campus developments. “These large, central spaces will allow us to convene as one school, one community. They will

AN EXTENDED CAMPUS GREEN

be designed with flexibility to serve us now and in the future.”

Country School’s 75-acre campus is an extension of the classroom. With the new Dining Hall & Commons opening to the campus from

NEXT UP: A NEW ATHLETIC CENTER

both north and south, and the rerouting of all service vehicles

Character, leadership, confidence, resilience, collaboration —

from the heart of campus, a new Campus Green will stretch from

these 21st-century skills are built on the sports field as well as

the Thacher Early Childhood Building to the Welles Lower School

in the classroom.

Building, creating countless opportunities for outdoor learning

While Country School offers a robust and developmentally-

and community gathering.

appropriate physical education and athletics program, the To find out more about the Long-Range Campus Master

physical space is sorely lacking. Many sports teams must travel

Plan, and for updates on each of these projects, visit

off campus to practice, which cuts into valuable class time.

www.countryschool.net/futurecampus.

A new Athletic Center will allow for increased on-campus

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

5. A preliminary rendering of the new Athletic Center by ARC 6. An overview of the future campus plans by ARC 7. Country School administrators work side-by-side with our building contractors. Shown here are trustee Stephanie Bowling

Zeigler ’81, Jeremy Reiss from Stantec Engineering, Justin Miller from Claris Construction, Head of School Dr. Robert P. Macrae, Director of Facilities Ed Kirk and Director of Safety & Security Josh Ziac.

look on the

Bright Side 2017 Closing Exercises

More photos available at countryschool.net

THE FOLLOWING ARE REMARKS MADE BY DR. ROBERT P. MACRAE DURING THE 2017 CLOSING EXERCISES:

hen I was a coach, I would start practices by having my players recite the adage that every day’s a

holiday, every meal a feast, every paycheck a fortune. While my approach may have been a bit dogmatic, I felt it was a prescriptive way to build awareness for the gift of their talents, the gift of each other and, perhaps even more importantly, to create the habit of being appreciative. I felt if my players verbalized this credo, they would be more inclined to reflect on the sentiment and embrace its message of gratitude. I also believed, and still do, that the team would win more games because an appreciative attitude nurtures a positive, I-can-do-anything spirit.

My look-on-the-bright-side approach comes from my dad. He reminds me that when you are playing golf, if you tell people you are a good putter, you are more apt to be one! Wise words. I believe this holds true in all aspects of life — a positive attitude goes a long way. From what I have been told, Kyle Markes led his life that way: always optimistic, always finding the good in other people and always finding joy! I believe Kyle is looking down on us today with a big smile. In your classes, you have learned strong habits of the mind, but your brain training shouldn’t be limited solely to academic areas. It’s equally important to accept responsibility for your reflective thinking and your emotions. Through the Mission Skills, you have learned how important resilience, ethics and

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Maintain an attitude of gratitude,

even in difficult times, and you’ll crowd out the

negativity that can diminish your prospects for success.”

1. Kevin Barnard and Molly Connors 2. The Class of 2017 3. Dr. Macrae with Henry Alpaugh 4. Maeve DeGulis, Celia Sotirhos, Griffin Dewey, Carolina Salvatore and Emma Hunter 5. Cameron Lawrence, Finley Bean and Teddy Zinn 6. Alan, Hayden and Reaney Critchell 7. Mark, Alice ʼ13, James, Lucy ʼ15 & Libby Hudson 8. Whitney, Allen, Carter and Meredith George 9. Patrick, Grayson ʼ18, Molly, Campbell ʼ14 and Brooke Connors 10. David, Charlie, Taylor and Rory Tait ’13 11. Josh ʼ86, Catherine, Christopher ʼ15 and Emily Ziac 12. Bela, Monika and Sofie Pasztor together with Julia Graham, Lucyna Graham and Vadim Seredenko

10 11

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teamwork are and how much more successful you will be if

of our 2017 graduates are children of

you maintain a growth mind-set. I want you to tap into the potential of thankfulness and reap the benefits that come with counting your blessings.

Country School alumni

Maintain an attitude of gratitude, even in difficult times, and you’ll crowd out the negativity that can diminish your prospects for success. It’s important to treasure the real, day-to-day moments that make up a life, whether it’s the adrenaline that comes when winning a hard-fought game, nailing your “This I Believe” speech or acing an English test. Developing the habit of appreciating the smaller moments can be more rewarding and deeply stirring than some of life’s grander events. Don’t get me wrong, I want you to work hard and go off and do amazing things. Discover a cure for cancer, develop drought-resistant crops, or simply find a way to be your best self. Please, go forth and be productive. However, also be grateful for those smaller, special moments that have been part of your Country School experience. After you leave this beautiful campus, during difficult moments or maybe just moments of self-reflection, take the 14

16 17

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Be also grateful

for those smaller, special moments that have been part of your Country School experience.”

13. Mark, Jean, Megan ʼ13, Teddy, Katelyn ʼ12 and Jane Isaacs Schoenholtz ʼ80, and Sue and Jed Isaacs 14. Award recipients Katie Stevens, Bo Zeigler and Haley Strom 15. Ijeoma, Mimi, Ifeanyi ’22 and Chibuzo Ndokwu 16. Bob, Cameron, Leslie and Oliver Lawrence ʼ15 17. Marc Belak, Sofie Pasztor, Sophie Gribin and Julia Graham 18. Tim, Shea ʼ14, Ian and Theresa Delehaunty 19. John, Kara, Ryan ʼ15 and Kathy Ventura 20. Alice, Shane, Lucy ʼ12 and Sherman Baldwin 21. Sophie Smith, Brynn McCLymont, Ellie Boeschenstein and Sloane Latimer 22. Bella ʼ14, Nancy, Chris ʼ83, Finley, Jeannie Staunton Bean ʼ83 and Anna Beanʼ15

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26 time to think about all the people that are at Country School for the sole reason of serving you, the students. First we should be grateful for generations of Country School alumni, teachers and families who laid the groundwork for Country School to be what it is today; for the trustees, who generously give of their time and talents to guide our growth; the parents and grandparents whose engagement and support create an environment for achieving our academic priorities. I’m deeply indebted to

our gifted teaching colleagues, whose talents and commitment inspire us every day. And most importantly, we need to be thankful for the family and loved ones who stand behind each and every one of you with endless love and support. But today I want to thank the ninth graders for the enduring imprint their class leaves on our campus. You received superlative praise for how you managed the Oat Trip, for making the Kyle A. Markes Day of Service day such a special event, and for running the Midway games at the Frogtown Fair. You rose to

the challenge and did an impressive job leading our school. I’m excited about your adventures that lie ahead. I know intellectually it’s time for you to move on from Country School, but it is still hard to say good-bye.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

23. Catherine Ziac delivers the Class Reflection. 24. Jed ʼ78, Kerry, Nate, Emma ʼ13, Jill and Walker Stevens ʼ15 25. Dr. Macrae and Nick Sosnow 26. Bob ʼ74, Griffin, Robby ʼ13 and Wendy Dewey

27. Fred, Sydney and Tyra Mouzon 28. Margaret, Megan, Lindsay and Lee Meyerson 29. James, Austin and Joyce Andersen

Class of 2017 Secondary School

Destinations

Henry Alpaugh �� Berkshire School

Taylor Mitchell �� Choate Rosemary Hall

Austin Andersen �� St. Luke’s School

Eloise Morgan �� Choate Rosemary Hall

Shane Baldwin �� Choate Rosemary Hall

Sydney Mouzon. ...................... Brien McMahon High School

Kevin Barnard �� Salisbury School

Mimi Ndokwu �� AITE Stamford

Finley Bean. . . . ........................ Brien McMahon High School

Sofie Pasztor �� King School

Marc Belak �� Millbrook School

Desmond Pratt �� St. Luke’s School

Ellie Boeschenstein �� King School

Emily Riccardi �� The Taft School

Merrill Bright �� The Taft School

Carolina Salvatore �� The Taft School

Molly Connors �� Deerfield Academy

Teddy Schoenholtz �� The Taft School

Hayden Critchell �� St. Luke’s School

Sophie Smith �� New Canaan High School

Maeve DeGulis �� Greenwich Academy

Nick Sosnow �� Millbrook School

Ian Delehaunty �� Marblehead High School

Celia Sotirhos �� Westminster School

Griffin Dewey �� Deerfield Academy

Katie Stevens �� Darien High School

Carter George �� Choate Rosemary Hall

Nate Stevens �� Westminster School

Julia Graham ��Kent School

Haley Strom �� Choate Rosemary Hall

Sophie Gribin �� The Ethel Walker School

Charlie Tait �� Choate Rosemary Hall

James Hudson �� King School

Kara Ventura �� Greens Farms Academy

Emma Hunter �� Darien High School

Chuck Warren �� The Taft School

Dylan Koo. . . . . . ............................. New Canaan High School

Bo Zeigler �� The Hotchkiss School

Sloane Latimer �� Darien High School

Catherine Ziac �� Greenwich High School

Cameron Lawrence �� Williston Northampton School

Teddy Zinn ��Blair Academy

Eloise Leclerc �� The Lawrenceville School Brynn McClymont �� Greenwich Academy

Class of 2014 College Designations

Megan Meyerson �� Greenwich Academy

See page 79

We wish the best of luck

to the members of the 2016–2017 eighth grade class who departed: Jackson Alvord, Sophie Bajaj, Maya Becker, Cayla Bernstein, Maizy Boosin, Amalia Calderini, Christopher Calderwood, Charlotte Callison, Grayson Connors, Arjun Dayal, Catherine Dewey, Sam Eglin, Grace English, Abby Fonner, Riley Gibbons, Ella Green, Meghan Griffiths, Sam Ives, Jack Johnson, Henry Katis, Katherine Klein, Emma LeBaron, Madeleine McCarthy, Cate McLeod, Cassidy Nash, Phoebe Naylor, Leila Pearson, Diego Pepe, Alice Purkiss, Amrit Samra, Jack Sanders, Janse Schoonmaker, Ryan Seth, Meghan Sisk, Charles Thompson, Teddy Truwit, Charlie von Stade, Talbot von Stade, Elizabeth Woodberry and Dania Zein.

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,I m Ready... Congratulations, Class of 2017!

Find out how the ninth grade graduates are ready to go boldly and take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For more than 100 years, Country School has provided an intentional, academic journey that balances strong academic

preparation with social emotional development for children age 3 through grade 9. The result is alumni who are confident leaders and bold thinkers who are prepared to contribute to their next school and beyond.

“Country School has prepared me to thrive.”

—Chuck Warren, New Canaan, is attending The Taft School

“Being part of a team is something I won’t forget.” —Katie Stevens, Darien, is attending Darien High School

“I’m ready to take on new challenges and opportunities.” —Griffin Dewey, New Canaan, is attending Deerfield Academy

“I’m ready to take on any academic challenges.”

—Dylan Koo, New Canaan, is attending New Canaan High School

“Country School has given me confidence on the sports field and in the classroom.” —Desmond Pratt, Trumbull, is attending St. Luke’s School

“I’m ready to step outside of my comfort zone.”

—Sophie Gribin, Norwalk, is attending The Ethel Walker School

www.countryschool.net/ready NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Country School Students

Explore

the Galapagos Islands 2

On the heels of Closing Exercises, 18 recent Country School

finches based on his observations in the Galapagos. In Spanish

graduates boarded a plane for the Galapagos Islands for

class, they role-played going through customs at an airport

the experience of a lifetime. They traveled to the volcanic

practicing the necessary vocabulary and phraseology. “I tried to

archipelago in the Pacific Ocean to view some of the world’s

make it as realistic as possible, asking them about the purpose

most amazing wildlife, practice their Spanish and immerse

of their trip, their residence in the country, if they had fruits and

themselves in a different culture.

vegetables,” said Mrs. Pepe.

“This year, we planned a Spanish and biology co-curricular

Aside from all that the students learned, the trip was special

trip,” said Spanish Teacher Liz Pepe, who, along with Science

in other ways. “It was their last hurrah before they all head off

Teacher Scott Lilley and Math Teacher Barbara van der Kieft

to secondary school,” said Mrs. Pepe. “They realized how truly

Latimer ’85, organized and chaperoned the eight-day trip.

unique everything around them was and how incredible it was

“It really was the best of all three subjects.”

to be there.”

Students landed in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where they

“It was my last Country School experience with my friends,”

learned about the bio-geography and natural history of the

said Austin.

islands. The next morning, they flew five hours over the Andes Mountains to arrive on Isabela Island. For the next few days, the students snorkeled, hiked, enjoyed hot springs and explored volcanic craters and lava formations. All the while, they kept their eyes peeled for indigenous giant tortoises, manta rays, sea lions, iguanas, penguins, finches and tropical fish. “I swam with sea turtles and actually stared down a sea otter,” said ninth grader Austin Andersen. “One of my favorite moments was taking a six-hour hike up a volcano. When we reached the edge, we all just stood there for 15 minutes of silence. I’ll never forget that.” One of the days was completely dedicated to service. While on Santa Cruz Island, the group worked with small-scale farmers to make organic fertilizer. Working alongside the farmers gave them another opportunity to speak Spanish with people who live on the remote island. “It was amazing to be able to communicate with the farmers about something that would help them,” said Austin. “I put all my Spanish into use — I even used the past perfect tense!” In preparation for the trip, students studied Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution in biology class, in particular his study of

3 1. Students traveled by boat to visit Los Tuneles, a snorkeling site, where they saw turtles, sea lions and manta rays. 2. The group hiked the north side of the Sierra Negra volcano on the island of Isabela. 3. Members of the class of 2017, their guides and teachers who traveled to the Galapagos Islands over the summer included, from left to right: Carmen Trujillo and Sandra Landazuri (Galapagos guides), Finley Bean, Teddy Schoenholtz, Eloise Morgan, Sloane Latimer, Shane Baldwin, Austin Andersen, Carter George, James Hudson, Katie Stevens, Haley Strom, Eloise Leclerc, Catherine Ziac, Taylor Mitchell, Sophie Gribin, Griffin Dewey, Brynn McClymont, Upper School Teacher Barbara van der Kieft Latimer ’85, Emma Hunter, Maeve DeGulis and Upper School Teacher Liz Pepe. Photo taken by Upper School Teacher Scott Lilley.

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creating a culture

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN â&#x20AC;¢ Fall 2017

One of the gifts of spending our days at Country School is bearing witness to the countless moments of zeal that happen around campus every single day. One of the most joyful times of the Lower School day happens in the first minutes, as the children arrive. These children hop out of cars and off buses with a love of school so palpable that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just walk toward the building, but instead run, skip and romp, smiles on their faces, filled with excitement to begin the day. As their small feet take those first steps into their day at school, their bodies arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feeling a sense of unease, but instead are filled with a sense of belonging and eagerness for the day ahead. The intangible yet powerful ethos that exists on our campus enables our students to cross the threshold of the building each day feeling a sense of confidence, competence and joy. The supportive community and clearly defined positive school culture that exists at Country School enables these children to arrive each day as their best selves. School is a place of true connectedness for our students, where they are valued, known

BY MEAGHAN MALLIN, HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

and loved. Because our community has kindness, caring and encouragement at its core, our children can move through their

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day with their shoulders held high. They are able to deeply exhale as they enter the Lower School Building because they know they have entered a space where the expectations and

One of the cornerstones of a strong community is a sense

cultural norms are clear. They know that they will spend their

of shared values. The north star of these values for a school

day being supported and appreciated, because that is how their

community should be the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mission Statement, as it is

school community works. It begins right in those first moments

at Country School. In doing the work of building community,

of arrival, where familiar and smiling adults are waiting to greet

values-based themes, which are mission aligned, should be

each student with genuine warmth and enthusiasm.

clearly defined and emphasized throughout the school year

By creating a culture where children feel nurtured and

through consistent messaging. Ideally, school leadership begins

supported by both their peers and the adults around them,

with the question of who do we want to be as a community? By

they are better able to take healthy risks in their learning, push

identifying what the major goals are for the community and its

outside of their comfort zones and develop a sense of voice.

members, we can work backwards to determine which values-

They can be active participants in their education and reach a

based themes to emphasize. For children in the Lower School

higher level of engagement across all subject areas. Students

years, themes should be simple enough to be accessible but

understand that mistake-making is part of learning, and are

also have meaning and value. They should be specific and overt

encouraged and supported in pushing through when learning

enough that they become part of the common vernacular for

becomes challenging, as it inevitably will. They trust that they will

students, faculty and parents.

be met with kindness and encouragement if they put themselves

make it relevant

out there. They also trust that if an unkind act occurs, the school community will take action to address it. Because we create this kind of learning environment during the foundational years in

Building a strong community requires a willingness to make

Lower School, we are building fundamental qualities for student

the messaging of the desired cultural norms loud and visible.

success in school later on and beyond: collaborative skills, active

The shared values of the community cannot live in isolation or

engagement, self-advocacy, confidence and resilience.

simply hang upon the wall; they must become woven into the

Of course, this sense of community does not come about by

fabric of school life. School leadership must be comfortable

happenstance. School culture must be given the same inten-

and confident in the messaging of the values of the community,

tionality and attention as the academic program. It requires

but they cannot do it alone. Teachers can carry themes through

thoughtful leadership, committed faculty and true partnership

their morning meetings, classroom team-building activities and

with the parent body. In order to create a community hall-

through academic curriculum. Summer reading assignments

marked by kindness and caring, all members must understand

can be chosen to message the ideals of the community. Parents

and align with cultural goals. These goals must be articulated

need to be brought into the fold as well so that the messaging

clearly and often, not just to students, but to all members of

can continue at home.

the school community. Some important factors to consider in building community:

a year of community activities The Lower School kicked off a year of community-wide projects with each student drawing and writing his or her hopes and dreams for the year and showcasing them in central spaces throughout the building.

define community values

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2017

During the fall, Lower School students, teachers and parents covered the hallways with sticky notes capturing small acts of kindness they had experienced or witnessed on campus. discover more countryschool.net

“

School is a place of true connectedness for our students,

where they are valued, known and loved.”

LITERATURE LANE

AUTHOR AVENUE

READING ROAD

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

During the winter, students created a Reading Road with cars depicting the “just right” books they had read and enjoyed.

give it life

model the magic

the building, and it must be in meaningful ways. For example,

adults in the school must be the models of the desired outcomes.

if kindness is a goal for the community, more needs to be done

If we want to create a community where each child feels known

than just talking about it. Students must actively engage in

and appreciated, that must begin with every adult in the building.

the work of kindness. Help them understand what kindness

Teachers must authentically value each child in their care and

sounds like, looks like and feels like. Have students look for

create genuine connections with all of them. Each classroom

it throughout the day and write down when they see it. Then

must become a microcosm of the larger school community, using

have them post the acts of kindness they witness all over the

the shared language, discussing the cultural goals and modeling

hallways. Invite parents in to witness this gallery of kindness,

the best version of what the community can be.

and to add some of their own experiences to the walls. Find

Building a positive school community is important work, and

ways to bring kindness to your local neighborhood or beyond.

it is work that is never done. There is no finish line on school

If you want the community to take on a certain trait as a cultural

culture. It must always be looked after with vigilance, as it is

norm, it is essential to immerse the community in it.

being maintained and created in every moment. As educators

The shared values of the community must have life throughout

In order for a true sense of community to be developed, the

of young students, we have the best possible collaborators in

gather often

this work. Younger children, who have such a natural proclivity

One of the driving forces in creating a sense of community is

picture those young students, lifting their small feet to cross

carving out time to come together in purposeful ways. Holding

the threshold of the school building, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also picture them

regular gatherings of the Lower School community, where the

planting those feet confidently on the other side, shoulders

faculty and students come together in a common experience

held high, exhaling deeply, as they firmly root themselves in the

and where messaging can be shared, is a key method in building

place where they are connected, valued and known.

for joy, are incredibly effective partners in creating and maintaining the right school culture for building community. As we

community. Parents can be invited as well, to create consistent messaging for all constituencies. Students should be given a voice and platform to share and to have ownership in the building of community. Gatherings should be dynamic and have a feeling of warmth to them. Songs, book shares, poetry and speakers can all be included as ways to broaden and deepen the way the shared values of the community are voiced.

In the spring, the Lower School created a Gallery of Gratitude, once again covering the walls with sticky notes. discover more countryschool.net

Writing A 21ST-CENTURY IMPERATIVE By Kristin Quisgard and Lauren Romeo, Language Arts Department Co-Chairs

here are some startling statistics surrounding Twitter. Six thousand tweets are sent every second. Eighty-three percent

In order to gain experience and move from skill to habit, students need to write. This year, English teachers across campus

of the world’s leaders use Twitter. And even though 25% of

spent two full days being trained in a

Twitter’s verified accounts belong to journalists, average

is widely lauded for instilling this habit.

workshop method of teaching writing that

Twitter users — and their pictures — have broken global

Writing Workshop provides a coherent,

news events before media outlets, such as the US Airways

sequenced curriculum in the three types

flight that landed in the middle of the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009.1 While users are restricted to 140 characters, their words have tremendous impact. They can vilify a leader, rouse a protest or champion a hero — instantaneously.

of writing — opinion/argument, information and narrative writing — and reflects the latest research on data-based, responsive instruction. With this 21st-century method of instruction comes two essential benefits for Country School: a Kindergarten through

The manner in which we communicate

being a skilled writer has never been of

grade 7 writing scope-and-sequence

has changed dramatically over the past

more value. At Country School, we have

and an increased emphasis on children

decade. Nowadays, people blog, tweet,

always considered writing to be at the

writing. Lucy Calkins founded the method

e-mail, post and publish their messages

forefront of our curriculum. Recognizing

and developed it with her colleagues at

endlessly. Our words abound and, like at

this skill as a 21st-century imperative, we

the Teachers College Reading and Writing

no other point in history, they are scruti-

remain committed to producing writers

Project. Ms. Calkins has served as a

nized, celebrated and, more often than

who are articulate, passionate, deliberate

preeminent leader in the field of literacy

not, ignored. Whether online or in print,

and experienced.

instruction for more than 35 years. This

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

think tank of more than 60 teacher-

program. After the year-long exercise,

Kindergarten through grade 7, Units

leaders piloted, researched, revised,

two questions emerged. How might we

of Study curriculum guides ordered for

deepened and extended curriculum for

improve the scope and sequence so that

teachers across campus, and a care-

literacy instruction until results showed

we are creating an identifiable learning

fully curated intranet page to serve as

that young people are far more engaged

arc across the divisions? And, how will a

a resource for writing teachers, New

and proficient. “This cycle of continuous

more consistent approach to our writing

Canaan Country School has been amply

improvement, field-testing and improving

program help a student achieve a faster

prepared to launch Writing Workshop

methods across scores of years and

rate of growth and a more seamless tran-

in September. Teachers have enthusi-

thousands of schools, has resulted in

sition from year to year?

astically embraced this new work and

methods that are extraordinarily powerful

Throughout the process, English

have purposefully collaborated to plan

— leading to stunning growth in young

teachers expressed a desire to identify

dynamic lessons. Most importantly,

people as writers and readers.”2

a more coherent vertical and horizontal

Writing Workshop aligns perfectly with

Ms. Calkins’ mantra is simple yet

writing curriculum. Despite our best

the pedagogical approach of Country

powerful: teach the writer, not the

intentions, and in spite of the fact that

School. It also leaves the classroom

writing. In order to help a writer grow

we were consistently producing high-

teacher with endless options to pursue,

in practice, writing skills need to be

caliber writers, we recognized that

as the content, materials and stories

transferable from one piece to another.

we were disparate in our teaching of

that a teacher might select to build his

Unlike in years past, when a teacher

writing. If we moved to a consistent

or her lessons can be personalized and

might have helped a student revise

model and a more deliberate scope-

made authentic. While our goal is to

his or her piece until it was “perfect,”

and-sequence, the question we asked of

prepare our students to be leaders in the

this method ensures that teacher-

ourselves quickly shifted to: How much

21st century, we also want to feed their

student conferences steer away from achieving perfection on a singular piece and, instead, focus on imparting techniques to improve the writer’s craft for years to come. “The old-fashioned way of teaching writing was where the teacher…would just sort of say, ‘At home tonight write an essay and make

MS. CALKINS’ MANTRA IS SIMPLE YET POWERFUL:

teach the writer, not the writing. In order to help a writer grow in practice, writing skills need to be transferrable from one piece to another.

sure it does these eight things. Bring it in tomorrow and I’ll correct it.’ In a writing workshop, a lot of actual writing happens in the classroom and right then and there, teachers give feedback and kids give each other feedback, too.

more talented will our writers be if we

souls and imaginations. Writing does just

Revision often begins before a draft is

implemented an intentionally developed

that. It allows students to share their

completed. There’s more of an emphasis

writing program?

stories, form communities, vary perspec-

on teaching in the midst of writing.”3

After extensive faculty training led

tives, build one’s voice, think creatively,

The choice to move to Writing

by facilitators from Teachers College

and slow down and observe the beauty

Workshop was inspired by our faculty.

Reading and Writing Project, hours of

around them. Whether through 140

During the 2015–2016 school year,

apprentice training, pilot programs

characters or a carefully composed

the English Department conducted a

rolled out in a handful of classrooms

anthology, Country School students will

Beginners through grade nine writing

throughout the 2016–2017 academic

know themselves as writers, understand

inventory in order to establish an

year, mini-units taught throughout

the impact of their words, and, most

overview of Country School’s writing

the spring in every English class from

certainly, will not be ignored.

1 Smith, Kit. “44 Astonishing Twitter Statistics for 2016.” Brandwatch. May 17, 2016. 2. Calkins, Lucy. UNITS OF STUDY in Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. 3. Rebora, Anthony. “Remodeling the Workshop: Lucy Calkins on Writing Instruction Today.” Education Week Teacher. June 20, 2016. ©VVADYABPICO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM discover more countryschool.net

TACKLING REAL-WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

gniting students’ curiosity can be as simple as taking a walk in the woods. Seventh grade science students do just that, spending their first trimester exploring the school’s 75-acre campus — much of it woods and trails — as part of their life science curriculum. As the year progresses, they learn how living beings are interconnected within an ecosystem and examine the role humans play within that environment. Life science then shifts into environmental science and students are introduced to natural resources, energy and environmental issues while also learning critical research and persuasion skills. Working collaboratively in teams, students are assigned a particular topic related to energy and ecosystem balance that they must research extensively. These studies culminate in a series of environmental debates. “We ask them to defend a position with evidence. It is not an opinion project. It’s hard because you may end up being asked to defend a position with which you don’t actually agree,” said Upper School Science Teacher Scott Lilley. “It’s

2 NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

©CREATURARTIMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

good academic practice. The best part is hearing from parents that these topics show up around the dinner table and are argued there as well.” After a month of intensive research and preparation, the seventh graders present their cases on topics such as the reintroduction of wolves to the Northeast, nuclear energy, oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, wind power, hydro-fracking and the Keystone XL Pipeline. “Academically, this is the most challenging piece. The students research, collaborate and ultimately write two minute speeches on their topic,” explained Mr. Lilley. “They also need to be ready to respond to the opposing side’s arguments.”

1. Seventh graders explore the school’s woods, trails and outdoor classrooms as part of their life science curriculum. 2. Gwen Thompson and Himani Narayan examine mollusks and crustaceans pulled from the Long Island Sound as part of a scientific study on biodiversity and sustainability. 3. Peter Miller defends his team’s position as part of the Environmental Debates. 4. Students identify and classify leaves found in our 30-acres of woodland trails. 5. Stanley Bright, Charlie Gosk and Tavin Staber review findings from the depths of the Long Island Sound.

The last term of the year has the students once again up

and out of their classroom, this time exploring the ecosystem of the Long Island Sound. Taking a boat out onto the tidal estuary, the students examine water quality and observe first hand the impact of environmental regulation, population growth and business development. This culminating experience brings together both life and earth science principles, as well as what they have studied, discussed, debated and seen for themselves about biodiversity, sustainability and the environment. There is a deliberate methodology to the seventh-grade science curriculum. “We call it ‘learn, practice, apply to the real world, master, repeat’,” said Mr. Lilley. It’s critical thinking, but combined with out-of-the-seat doing. The result is a deep and broad understanding of real-world environmental issues.

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Kindergarteners Explore Iden tit y and Science Through

Body Maps By Brooke Arthur, Director of

Marketing and Communications

One parent asked:

What do you call the white part of the eye?

The sclera, responded a Kindergartener.

A visitor asked:

Why do we have different color skin?

Some people have more melanin, another student replied.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2017

A teacher asked:

How can you get to know more about the inside of someone?

Say hello and ask them questions! a chorus of children’s voices responded.

he Early Childhood piazza had been transformed into an exhibit hall with the students serving as docents, showcasing

the work they had completed over the previous two months exploring their identities in a multisensory, multidisciplinary study of the body, that intertwined biology, literacy, art, music and cultural literacy.

Over the course of the study, a number of guest experts visited with KM (Jess McKinney and Lauren Williams’ Kindergarten classroom), including a nutritionist, dermatologist, the school’s diversity practitioner, guest readers, artists and musicians. Mrs. McKinney, who joined Country School last year, had helped teach this curriculum at The Foote School in New Haven for the previous five years and saw powerful effects.

“I want them to understand the basics of how identity plays a

“Children can handle deeper conversations. They can cope very

role in their lives and in our society. I want to give them vocabu-

well. They are not stuck in their ways,” Mrs. McKinney reflected.

lary with which to discuss complicated topics,” Mrs. McKinney

“Many of them have opinions about their day-to-day experience,

said. “And I want to give them experiences and exposure to

about food and clothing preference, but they may not yet have

people who are different from the majority of people they see.”

opinions about a person of color or a country or a hairstyle. That’s

Over the course of the study, Mrs. McKinney sought to

where we can intervene and say, ‘If you have questions, let’s talk

normalize the topic of racial identity by asking students first

about it,’ and not shy away from the conversation.”

to connect — by finding similarities among their peers or the characters in the stories they read together — and then to

Throughout the curriculum, the teachers employ a teaching

celebrate that which makes us each unique. The unit began

technique of Name it, Narrate it, Complicate it:

with a classroom read-aloud of the book We Are All Alike, We Are All Different, which was written by a Kindergarten class in

Name it

expands the students vocabulary

the early ’90s. The students created Venn diagrams showing the overlap of their own connections, whether through their physical appearances or personalities. For example, a similarity may be that

Narrate it

uses the stories of our lives or read alouds to present new situations

they are all Kindergarteners, and a difference could be that one student is particularly good at telling jokes. Mrs. McKinney shared with her students that one thing that makes her special is her freckles. As the work unfolded, each week two children shared some-

Complicate it

presents children with questions and asks what they think

thing about themselves with the class. They completed a packet at home with their families that posed questions such as: What is the origin of my name? Where is my birthplace? What are my favorites? What do I want to be when I grow up?

discover more countryschool.net

Discovering skin tones

Dermatologist Jennie Nally

One of many guest readers Moina Noor

“There is great pride in their ‘All about Me’ week,” said

Hot, Hot Rotis for Dada-ji written by her aunt, Farhana Zia. “It’s

Mrs. McKinney.

a wonderful book about cooking and telling stories in a multi-

Then the guest experts began to visit class. She always invites

generational family,” said Ms. Noor. Upper School Teacher Glenn

a person of color for the first read-aloud.

Rodriguez read All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka.

“As a white woman, I can only talk about my own experience.

Expert visitors also included parent Maureen Williamson,

I talk with the students a lot about perspective and how each of

a nutritionist, who talked about “eating the rainbow” as the

us only really has one lens to view the world, so we need to hear

students added a nose and mouth to their body maps. Parent

others’ perspectives,” she explained.

Maureen Knowles, whose professional background is in fashion,

As the children listened to then Director of Community

talked about the evolution of clothing and identity.

Development Lynn Sullivan read The Skin I’m In, Mrs. McKinney

After each lesson, the students added a piece to their body

began to mix paint in primary colors to create a brown paint.

map: skin, hair, eyes, ears, nose, mouth and finally, clothes.

She explained to the students that all of our skin is a shade of

Once the outside of the body was finished, the class had a

brown. Each student took a little cup of the brown and a cup of

discussion prompted by the question: How much can you tell

white and mixed it until their paint matched their skin tone and

about a person by looking at them?

painted a full sheet of paper with that shade. Next the chil-

“They come up with a good list, but it’s never more than 10

dren gave names to their shades such as pink sand, sand beige,

things,” explained Mrs. McKinney. “So I ask them, ‘How can you

ginger, tantastic, brownalicious, fantastic brown, lucky lace,

get to know someone more?’ And we talk about feelings, family,

caramel and hazelnut horse.

favorites, ability and all of the things we can’t see. Then we

Dermatologist Jennie Nally, a school parent, visited to share

brainstorm ways that we might get to know someone better.”

pictures of common skin imperfections — rashes, moles and

This launches their writers’ workshop. Several of the writing

warts — and then allowed the students to look through a high-

lessons offered multisensory experiences. While Mrs. McKinney

intensity magnifying glass at sweat glands and goosebumps.

read the book When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry,

“The two-sidedness of the lesson is what I love so much.

Music Teacher Diane Scanlon jammed on her guitar, creating

It’s not all abstract. We’re empowering kids with the facts,”

sounds to match the story. On another day, class parent Ian

explained Mrs. McKinney. “They have the vocabulary of melanin,

Nickum accompanied Mrs. McKinney on guitar as she read My

elastin. For kids who are 5 and 6, the science piece matters.

Friend Is Sad by Mo Willems.

That’s official business to them, so when they hear that, it

When they read The Way I Feel, the students noticed that the

sticks. You don’t have to tread lightly. You can take on vocabu-

colors in the illustrations and writing changed throughout the

lary and use it easily.”

book as the characters experienced joy, embarrassment and

Other guest readers included faculty and staff of color who

other emotions.

shared books and stories about their families and cultural

The students then chose three emotions to illustrate on

traditions. Digital Communications Manager Moina Noor read

the inside page of their body maps. They mixed primary colors

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Adding to her body map

Multisensory lessons

Sharing what we learned!

to match their feelings and then painted them on the part of

Head of Early Childhood Beth O’Brien. “Young children are

the body where they felt that emotion expressed. One child

capable of making complex connections. In fact, we ask

painted the feet of their body map red for excitement; another

them to do that every day. That’s why I think this unit is so

painted purple cheeks for happiness.

important. Mrs. McKinney and Ms. Williams have been able

Finally, the time came to invite parents, teachers and the school

to introduce important facts and skills which help the chil-

community to the “Body Maps” exhibit. Each Kindergartener stood

dren to deepen their understanding of self and other. In turn

proudly beside an easel displaying their unique body map and

this expanded knowledge creates strong connections which

shared the details of their work as eager docents.

strengthens our Country School community.”

“One of the essential core beliefs of our Early Childhood program is that children are competent and capable,” said

g in d a e R d e d n e m m o c Re

• One Family by George Shannon • The Way I Feel by Janan Cain • Parts by Tedd Arnold • Skin Again by Bell Hooks • Straight Hair, Curly Hair by August Goldin • I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley • What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele • Shades of People by Shelly Rotner

©BY MAGNIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

• We Are All Alike…We Are All Different by The Cheletenham Elementary School Kindergarten • The Colors of Us by Karen Katz • All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka • Whoever You Are by Mem Fox • We Are A Rainbow by Nancy Grande Tabor • Same, Same but Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

discover more countryschool.net

TECHmakers Innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, STEM, STEAM and design thinking are alive and well at Country School. Faculty continue to thoughtfully integrate technology into the classroom, and shared their professional expertise with educators around the state in an Innovator’s Workshop hosted on campus. The introduction of Augmented Reality projects is proving to be a huge success in both Middle and Upper School science classes. The Middle School robotics team is flourishing. In the Lower School, students as young as first grade are receiving dedicated instructional time in the Amicus Foundation MakerSpace Design Lab, giving them the same opportunity as students

Jaeon Anglin explores one of the new 3-D printers purchased through a grant from the Amicus Foundation

in the Middle and Upper School divisions to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and self-expression. Dedicated environments, each with a unique purpose, program and pedagogy, help to provide specialized hands-on learning, experimentation and creativity for our students. The Exploratory ©SUPPHACHAISALAEMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Lab, located in the Thacher Early Childhood Building continues to be a hit with children ages 3 through 6, who are just beginning their educational journey of discovery. Woodshop, the original tinkerer’s toolshed, is still the center of production for all-things wooden, including full-sized rowboats and winter toboggans.

MAKERSPACE DESIGN LAB Finds a New Home in Stevens Upper School Building In response to increased demand and with a gift from the Amicus Foundation, the MakerSpace Design Lab has expanded and relocated to a larger location in the Upper School’s Stevens Building. The space is designed to promote openness, shared experiences, collaboration and moving quickly from ideas to things. Furniture in the room is sturdy but also flexible in that it offers the opportunity to work collaboratively or individually, on large or small intricate projects. The new space provides good sight lines and natural lighting, lots of table, bench and floor space to spread out, storage for projects in progress, and most critically, a massive area for resource materials. “Cardboard is unwieldly and takes up a surprising amount of space,” said Upper School Technology Teacher Bruce Lemoine. So, too, apparently do the LEGO®, magnets, wire, tape and

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

“My hope is that students will grow accustomed to using familiar materials in unfamiliar ways.” —Upper School Technology Teacher Bruce Lemoine

hundreds of other bits and bobs that are kept in stock for the students to use in their projects. “Having a wide variety of materials with both lasting value and creative potential is important to us,” said Mr. Lemoine. Recycling is a hallmark of the maker mind-set. “It has also been a guiding principle to reuse, repurpose or recycle as much as we can from our homes and everyday lives,” said Mr. Lemoine. “Much of what you see here are recyclables brought in by members of our school community. My hope is that students will grow accustomed to using familiar materials in unfamiliar ways.” Technological resources in the space include a row of 3-D printers, microcontrollers, fabrication technology, video production and high-tech tools. These tools allow the MakerSpace to move beyond just being an arts and crafts studio. Computers add modern design, computational fluency, high-tech troubleshooting, and the ability to scale and grow with the students. Students use their laptops to run programming tools such as Scratch.

“The new space is really quite exciting,” said Mr. Lemoine.

“It allows learning to unfold. It is wonder-driven. The students are literally surrounded by creative inspiration. Learning is genuine and revealed as exploration.” discover more countryschool.net

Country School Hosts Technology INNOVATION WORKSHOP

Country School educators who presented included: • Grade 4 Teacher Maria Sette ’92 who

Fifty educators from around the state gathered on campus on Jan. 19 for a

showed how she has integrated Bridges

workshop, Technology Innovation in the Lower School Classroom, presented

math lessons into worksheets that she created with the ShowMe app.

by Country School faculty members. “We encourage and support our teachers as they thoughtfully integrate tech-

• Lower School Spanish teacher Sean

nology into the classroom,” said Director of Academic Technology Aron Back, who

Robb, who presented how he balances

organized the conference. “The workshop was a forum to share best practices.”

the use of technology and traditional

The day-long event, sponsored by Connecticut Association of Independent

language lessons with the Nearpod

Schools (CAIS), focused on the creative uses of technology in Kindergarten

App, providing his students with inter-

through grade 5 classrooms.

active lessons and assessments.

STUDENTS EXPLORE the World of Augmented Reality Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image, sound or video on a real-life image, providing an “augmented” or enhanced view. Sixth through eighth grade students have been experimenting with the technology and created interactive AR projects that were exhibited in the Middle and Upper School buildings. Visitors to the exhibit scanned an iPad or mobile phone over each image to reveal a two-minute video created by the student. “The students and teachers enjoy trying out the cutting-edge technology and connecting the natural world with the virtual world,” said Director of Academic Technology Aron Back, who has been working with science teachers to incorporate this technology into their classes.

Upper School students Seth Yoo and Lila-ViVi Fagel explore the innovative technology, Augmented reality.

“There is so much room for creativity with AR,” added Science

“There’s such a visual aspect to this project, which really

Teacher Sanj Maliakal. “Because of that, there is a lot of buy-in

appeals to me,” said seventh grader Lila-ViVi Fagel.

from students about their learning and finished products.”

The technology has been met with enthusiasm from students

Mr. Maliakal’s seventh grade science classes created a

in both the Middle (Grades 5–6) and Upper School (Grades 7–9)

complete exhibit of handmade masks featuring endangered

divisions. Eighth graders recently used Augmented Reality to

species such as the nearly extinct narwhal, forest owlet and

create an interactive periodic table that allows viewers to scan

Amur leopard. By holding an iphone over the masks of each

a drawing of a particular symbol, thereby activating a student-

animal, a video appears that is specific to that species. It might

made video about the element’s characteristics. In sixth grade,

include the animals’ movements, activities or sounds, along

students used augmented reality for their presentations about

with pictures and narration.

birds indigenous to our area. There is also a Middle School

For seventh grader Seth Yoo, who researched the forest

Augmented Reality Club, which was formed in response to the

owlet, the project pushed him out of his comfort zone and into

increasing popularity of the creative technology.

a much more creative style of reporting.

“In a few years Augmented Reality will be part of everyday

“I thought I was more of a research paper guy,” he said. “But

lives,” predicted Mr. Back. “Innovation is already part of our

I ended up using video effects and narration. I was also able to

everyday lives at Country School, and having students working

show the owl’s personality through my video.”

in cutting-edge media is what it is all about.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

TECHmakers • Country School parent, alumna and

• Kindergarten teacher Darby Webber,

• Grade 4 teacher Kristin Quisgard,

app developer Caryn Antonini ’87 and

who presented a digital self-portrait

who showed how her students use

Kindergarten Spanish teacher Catherine

lesson in which students use the

Google docs, a document camera and

Mendoza ’98 who co-presented an app

Paper 53 app to explore different art

an interactive screen for editing and

called Early Lingo that was created

materials using glass technology.

by Ms. Antonini. It provides a guided

• Apprentice teacher Alex Budd, who

learning experience through which

presented a third grade Continent

presented the Notability app which

students are able to unlock adventures

Project for which the class used QR

allows for note taking, annotating,

but only after completing interactive

codes to bring their final projects to

highlighting and inserting text and

exercises, games and videos. Each

life by linking to student-made videos.

audio. She also showed how the

peer review. • Grade 5 teacher Julie Porter, who

lesson builds upon the last and rein-

students back up and share their

forces previous activities.

notes via Google Drive.

Middle School “Cougar bots” Earn Success at ROBOTICS COMPETITION The Middle School Robotics Team once again participated in the ROBOnanza! competition for Westchester and Fairfield County independent schools. The fifth and sixth graders who built robots completely out of LEGOs® and programmed them, contended

Katey Charnin, Waverly Walters and Anne Nichols program their robot.

against students from other schools in three levels of challenges. The CSI-inspired theme of this year’s ROBOnanza! was

place honors in the same category. The robot designed by Tyler

“Forensic Frenzy.” With that in mind, the students were chal-

Rosolen and Sam Cherry scored second place in Collect the

lenged to build robots that could travel down a lane and knock

Evidence, and Waverly Walters, Katey Charnin and Anne Nichols

over as many burglars (pins) as possible in a five-frame game

placed third. Parakram Karnik scored second place in Bowling

(Bowling for Burglars); navigate to five numbered areas with

for Burglars.

various “LEGO® evidence” worth various point values (Collect

“It was a great combination of STEM challenge, creative

the Evidence); and complete an obstacle course autonomously

problem solving and teamwork,” said Grade 6 Teacher Fraser

(Police Academy Training).

Randolph. “Once again, the students worked hard and showed

Sofie Petricone and Charlotte Calderwood took home the

their resiliency in the face of challenges. Many of the robots had

first place trophy for Police Academy Training, while Malcolm

to be completely reprogrammed on the spot, and the students

Stewart, Cyrus Pearson and Decatur Boland netted second

did so successfully with great results.”

Middle School Robotics Team members include from left to right (front row): Charlotte Calderwood, Anne Nichols, Waverly Walters, Cyrus Pearson and Katey Charnin. In the back row: Grade 6 Teacher Fraser Randolph, Sam Cherry, Tyler Rosolen, Sofie Petricone, Decatur Boland, Malcom Stewart, Rebecca McGee, Parakram Karnik, Peter Metcalf and Technology Teacher Bruce Lemoine. With the new Amicus Foundation MakerSpace Design Lab, our teams will have the opportunity to build even more sophisticated robots for future competitions .

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Kindergarten Music Program Celebrates Cultural Differences

Each year, Country School Kindergarteners travel the globe

Over the course of a month, students delve into all aspects

through music, dance, clothing and food. Often the countries

of the country’s culture. They learn how to say “hello” in the

are chosen based on that particular class’s cultural origins,

specific language which then expands to the “hello song.” At

inviting families to participate in the celebrations.

the end of the study, parents are invited to the Thacher Piazza

Last year, they journeyed to Ghana, Cuba, Ireland, Mexico and

for a musical performance. Children sing and dance and then

Norway. The flags of each of these countries now decorate the

ask their parents to join in. They also enjoy a sampling of the

Early Childhood music room along with dozens of other world

country’s local foods.

flags, each one representing the heritage of a child who has

Students and the families have danced the cumbia, a Colombian

come through the Thacher Building in recent years.

folk dance; played African drums; listened to bagpipes; dressed in

Diane Scanlon, the recently retired music teacher, started

traditional Norwegian dress, and tasted fresh mango juice.

the Kindergarten world cultures music program seven years

All of this is done in partnership with parents who are invited

ago after completing a master’s degree in Music and Peace

into the classroom to teach songs and dances, share artifacts

Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

and tell stories about their family’s culture.

“I want the children to learn that we are all different, but all

“Many of the students have parents and grandparents from

the same, too,” said Ms. Scanlon.

different parts of the world. This program honors that,” said

Jack Alrich, the current Early Childhood Music Teacher, is

Ms. Scanlon.

continuing the program.

“The whole process made us, as parents, feel more engaged

“Similarities among cultures are highly evident in music,” he

with the school,” said Tichianaa Armah, mother of Natalie, a

said. “Music is a powerful tool for highlighting the places where

Kindergartener, who shared her family’s Ghanaian heritage.

cultures vary and where they connect.”

“We developed a bond with the teachers, other families and

After selecting a country, the class begins with a geography

students during this process.”

lesson. Students look at a large world map, that hangs at eye

It was Natalie’s experience, however, that was most mean-

level in the music room to find the assigned country and deter-

ingful to the Armah family. “Natalie felt so much pride in

mine where it is in relation to New Canaan.

being able to share her father’s culture with her friends,” said

“This helps children think about themselves in the context of

Mrs. Amrah, who along with Natalie perfected the Ghanian

a larger world, but also helps them locate their place in it,” said

Kpanlogo dance. “It helped to build her confidence and sense

Ms. Scanlon.

of belonging, which so was important in her first year.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Ninth Graders Attend Student Diversity Leadership Conference Six ninth grade students attended the 2016 National Student Diversity Leadership Conference titled “Advancing

“Children come to the Thacher Building and feel celebrated,”

Human Civil Rights — Fulfilling the Dream Together,” held

said Beth O’Brien, Head of Early Childhood. “We are threading

in Atlanta, GA.

home and school together, building connections and under-

“I returned to school with a deeper understanding of

standing. There is power in that.”

the world around me and the tools to communicate these

Natalie also loved learning about other cultures. “She came home

experiences to others,” said Teddy Schoenholtz.

practicing dances from around the world. She shared, but she also

“Now that my journey to the conference is over, there

received an appreciation for others in her class,” said Mrs. Armah.

is one more challenge that must be faced,” said Sofie

“In Early Childhood, we are developing the idea of commu-

Pasztor, “and that is to bring back all that I’ve learned

nity,” says Mrs. O’Brien. “At this age, children move from ‘I’ to

from my trip and share it with the students and faculty

‘we.’ Teachers talk about the family first and move beyond to

at my school. We need to meet people in the middle and

concentric circles of school, community, country, world.”

listen to different perspectives.”

Country School intentionally teaches world cultures at an

Students who attended the conference included

early age. Educators agree that these early years provide a

members of the Class of 2017 (from left): Teddy

unique opportunity to discuss world cultures.

Schoenholtz, Sofie Pasztor, Sydney Mouzon, Mimi Ndokwu,

“There is such an openness at this age,” said Mrs. O’Brien. “The

James Hudson and (not pictured) Eloise Morgan.

earlier we talk about who we are and celebrate our uniqueness, the more children will move toward one other, to seek out what is the same and to learn more about what is different. This is one of the most important gifts we can give them.” 1. Annie Mallozzi and Oliver Porter danced the cumbia. 2. Joseph, Natalie and Tichianaa Armah taught Kindergarteners about Ghana. 3. Early Childhood Music Teacher Diane Scanlon sat in front of the world map in the music room with (back row) Sloane LeBaron, Reeve Burley, Annie Mallozi, Morgan Thompson, Oliver Porter, (front row, L to R) Cooper Famigletti and Stephen McGovern. 4. Grandparent Stephen McGovern played the bagpipes as part of the Irish celebration. 5. Joseph Armah played African drums. 6. Geraldine Edwards danced the salsa with her daughter, Haley. discover more countryschool.net

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN â&#x20AC;¢ Fall 2017

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Faculty & Staff Share

Their Talents Members of the faculty and staff wowed the school community with their songs, dances and skits at “Time and Talent for Service,” held on Feb. 3. “Our faculty members are exceptional educators. We now know that they are also hugely talented performers,” said Head of School Rob Macrae. The faculty chorus opened the sold-out show with the school song, “Fortune Favors the Bold,” composed by Music Teacher Andy Tyson. Former Director of Community Development Lynn Sullivan, who organized the event, welcomed the audience and introduced special guests from the four organizations that received the proceeds from the event: Americares, Blossom Hill Foundation, K.E.Y.S. and Building One Community, formerly known as Neighbors Link. Veteran Upper School Teacher Tom Giggi and retired Upper School Teacher Al Perry reprised their “Who’s on First” performance originally made “famous” at a faculty and staff talent show more than a decade ago. Additional acts included a Shakespearean scene, a fiddler, a ragtime band, Irish hip-hop and step dances, and songs by solo performers and rock bands. Faculty and staff also contributed original artworks that were auctioned off as door prizes, and others prepared culinary delights. 1. Raphe Elkind 2. Sean Robb, Jacob Alrich and Scott Lilley 3. Students and faculty joined together in song 4. Director of Facilities Ed Kirk with his wife, Cheryl, display their handcrafted quilt 5. Teachers Johns Hastings, Hannah Liu and Kristin Quisgard

6. 7. 8. 9.

Michael McGovern performing an Irish jig The finale Andrew Tyson and Kathryn Kravec Tom Giggi and former faculty member Al Perry reprised their “Who’s on First” performance originally made “famous” at a faculty and staff talent show more than a decade ago.

Acts included: • “Somewhere” by the Faculty Chorus • A Shakespeare act by John Hastings, Hannah Liu and Kristin Quisgard • A piano duet by Kathy Kravec and Andy Tyson • An original song by Sean Robb • A fiddle tune by Chris Lawler • “Don’t Know Why” by Melanie Silverman ’08 • A barbershop quartet featuring Jake Alrich, John Hastings, Scott Lilley and Andy Tyson • “A Raisin in the Sun,” performed by Lynn Sullivan • “Rise Up” by Kayla Berube • Ellen Baer, Tim Delehaunty, Raphe Elkind, Kathy Kravec and Diane Scanlon performing “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” • “Nearly Was Mine” solo by Jake Alrich • An Irish Ceilie hip-hop dance by Mike McGovern • A song by Rob Mallozzi and Nick Manfreda • A step dance by Brooke Arthur, Kayla Berube, Sarah Lauture, Nehemie Moise and Kevin Thompson • A song by Jake Alrich, Scott Lilley and Sean Robb • The finale of “Love Train” by the full cast and crew discover more countryschool.net

Kyle A. Markes Day of Service

Members of the ninth grade class led more than 400 Country

Agency (Norwalk), prepared gift

School students and their parents to serve the wide-ranging

cards and gift bags for pediatric

needs of 14 local nonprofit organizations. They were

patients of Yale’s Smilow Cancer

participating in the third annual Kyle A. Markes Day of

Center (New Haven), and held

Service in honor of a classmate who passed away in 2013.

a bake sale to benefit blood

The day-long event was held on April 1 throughout Fairfield

cancer research and Delete

County at the sites of the organizations in need and also on

Blood Cancer (New York City).

the school’s campus.

The day culminated with a basketball tournament on a

Volunteer groups washed windows and painted at the

court dedicated in Kyle’s honor. Twenty 4-person teams

Boys and Girls Clubs of America (Stamford), raked leaves

comprised of Middle and Upper School students, including

and prepared food trays at Inspirica (Stamford), sorted and

many of Kyle’s classmates, competed in a spirited 3 v 3 tour-

stocked deliveries to the food pantry at New Covenant Center

nament. Proceeds from the games will benefit Horizons at

(Stamford), prepared grocery bags of food at Person-To-Person

New Canaan Country School.

(Norwalk), cleaned up a playground, planted spring flowers

Before the tournament began, Jackqueline Mclean-Markes,

and organized donated clothing at the Open Door Shelter

standing alongside her husband, Walter Markes, thanked the

(Norwalk), planted a tomato garden at the New Canaan Inn,

crowd. “We know that Kyle is smiling down on us. He was all

played Family Feud with seniors at the Waveny Care Center

about service and this is the best way to honor him. Thank you

Nursing Home (New Canaan), participated in a charity spin class

from the bottom of our hearts.”

in support of the ELM Project and Camp Amerikids at JoyRide

“It has been moving to see Kyle’s graduating classmates

Darien, compiled dental hygiene kits for Americares of Norwalk,

develop an ongoing commitment to service,” said Director of

created flash cards, clocks and other teaching tools for ESL

Community Development Lynn Sullivan, whose office organized

students at Building One Community (Stamford), packed snack

the event along with the school’s Parents’ Association. “The

bags for the homeless population served by Family & Children’s

Class of 2017 may be moving on, but Kyle’s legacy remains.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

1. Members of the ninth grade class who participated in the day’s events included Henry Alpaugh, Austin Andersen, Shane Baldwin, Kevin Barnard, Finley Bean, Marc Belak, Ellie Boeschenstein, Merrill Bright, Molly Connors, Hayden Critchell, Griffin Dewey, Carter George, James Hudson, Emma Hunter, Dylan Koo, Sloane Latimer, Cameron Lawrence, Megan Meyerson, Taylor Mitchell, Eloise Morgan, Sydney Mouzon, Mimi Ndokwu, Sofie Pazstor, Carolina Salvatore, Teddy Schoenholtz, Sophie Smith, Nicholas Sosnow, Celia Sotirhos, Katie Stevens, Nate Stevens, Haley Strom, Charlie Tait, Kara Ventura, Chuck Warren, Bo Zeigler and Catherine Ziac. 2. Ariane Triay makes welcoming remarks. She co-chaired the event with Lauren Secko. 3. Students, their families and teachers who volunteered at Stamford’s New Covenant Center included (front row from left) Nikolas Cadoret, Katie Stevens, Ella Agulay, Charlie

Stevens, Nick and Luke Sosnow, Teddy Zinn; (back row from left): Evan Hayes, Gracie Agulay, Brynn McClymont, Charlie Tait, Shane Baldwin and Carter George. 4. Maya Coniglio, Leena Aronson and Caroline Coniglio preparing ziti at Stamford’s Inspirica emergency shelter. 5. Annie Mallozzi, Cooper Famigletti and Morgan Thompson finished assembling “health kits” for Americares. 6. Volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford included (front row from left) Kathryn Thompson, Elizabeth Hackett, Lizzy Briggs, Izzy Goldberg, Yared Delva, James Landis, Madelynn Hasbrouck, Waverly Walters, (second row): Nancy Davis, Tucker Hackett, Paige Davis, Daniela Soto, Menna Delva, Kristel Battle, Lawrence Delva, (third row): Elaine McCarthy, Mary Singleton, Cristina Soto, Ava Landis, Kerri Riccardo and Mark Landis.

“The Class of 2017 may be moving on,

but Kyle’s legacy remains.” —LYNN SULLIVAN

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VARSITY SQUASH WINS DIV. VI NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP The varsity squash team took home Division VI Champion honors at the 2017 Head U.S. High School Squash Championship, held Feb. 10–12. Seeded 9th–12th in the all-boy division (due to the co-ed nature of our team), the squad faced a challenging field of all-male, older opponents. The event, played on a variety of courts in and around the Hartford area, is the largest junior squash tournament in the world, drawing 180 teams and more than 1,500 high school athletes. Undaunted, the nine-member squad of seventh through ninth graders delivered a 4–3 upset victory in the opening round over

Riverdale Country School (Bronx, NY), which proved to be the most difficult contest of the weekend. The Cougars went on to handily defeat teams from Loyola Blakefield (Towson, MD) 6–1 and St. Mark’s School (Southborough, MA) 5–2. In the finals, they faced Delbarton School (Morristown, NJ) and clinched the win solidly, 7–0. “We received many compliments during the weekend about our tremendous team spirit, impeccable sportsmanship and resilience,” said Country School Coach Cynthia Badan. “I am tremendously proud

of how our players performed under pressure.” The boys’ and girls’ teams also competed in the 2017 U.S. Middle School Team Squash Championships held at Yale University Jan. 27–29. The girls’ team earned a fifth-place national ranking in Division 1, while the boys’ settled for a 1–4 tournament finish in Division II. Open only to fifth through eighth graders, our ninth grade players cheered on their teammates from the viewing stands. The 10th annual event drew heavily from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland with a total of 70 teams

and 450 players competing.

1. Members of the Div. VI National Squash Championship team included Carolina Salvatore, Captains Griffin Dewey and Bo Zeigler, James Kontulis and Mary Duffy; (back row) Assistant Coach Henry Nelson, Ella Schoonmaker, Megan Meyerson, Teddy Schoenholtz and Chuck Warren. 2. Girls’ Squash team members included (front) Amanda Miller, Maeve Baker and Cece Salvatore; (in back) Coach

Cynthia Badan, Captain Griffin Dewey, Ella Schoonmaker, Daly Baker and Mary Duffy. 3. The squad competed in the all-boy division, a challenge that they overcame. 4. Boys’ Squash team members included James Kontulis, Peter Miller, Stanley Bright, Charlie Von Stade and (not pictured) Cody Comyns.

DRIBBLERS Builds

Confidence and Coordination Second and third grade girls fine-tuned their

dribbling skills, building confidence and coordination while having a ton of fun in an after-school “Dribblers” program, just one of the many activities offered through the school’s Plus Programs. Each year the girls showcase their skills at a Lower School assembly and again during the halftime of a girls’ varsity basketball game. Physical Education Teacher Chantal Angelis introduced the program three years ago. “It has been so amazing to watch these girls grow in confidence and skill. I want them to feel empowered in knowing that if they try their best and work hard at something, they can do anything they put their minds to,” said apprentice Melissa Fryer, who coached the girls alongside Ms. Angelis.

UNDEFEATED LACROSSE TEAM Boys’ varsity lacrosse accomplished an undefeated season with a 7–0 final record. The team, consisting of Upper School students (grades 7, 8 and 9), competed in the Fairchester Athletic League, made up of independent schools from Fairfield and Westchester Counties. The Country School Cougars netted 103 goals scored versus just 27 allowed, showing their strength at both ends of the field. “The team’s success was based upon a willingness of all players to put ego aside regardless of role or position, and work together,” said Head Coach Charles

Boys’ varsity lacrosse accomplished an undefeated season with a 7–0 final record. Members of the team included (front row, from left to right) Jack Johnson, Thomas Ricciardelli, Sam Ives, Finley Bean, Jeffrey Ricciardelli, Cameron Lawrence, Teddy Schoenholtz, Desmond Pratt, Owen Collins, (top row, left to right) Coach Khuen, Alex Byrne, Jackson Alvord, Shane Baldwin, Bo Zeigler, Henry Alpaugh, Nate Stevens, Carter George, Carter Alvord, Dylan Koo, Austin Andersen, Kevin Barnard, Hayden Critchell and Coach Furbee.

Khuen. “These boys really understand the concept of a shared goal. Many of them

Bo Zeigler. They were assisted by face-off

a southpaw talent, left defenses in

have been playing together since Middle

specialist Teddy Schoenholtz. The defen-

fits all season with his elusiveness and

School (grades 5 and 6) and have tremen-

sive lineup was marshalled by eighth

shot accuracy.

dous individual and collaborative skills.”

grader Jackson Alvord and brothers

Highlights of the season included

The midfield was led by the four

Thomas and Jeffrey Ricciardelli. Thomas,

quality wins against perennial rivals

ninth grade captains, Henry Alpaugh,

a star goalie, made saves that were

Greenwich Country Day School and

Shane Baldwin, Carter George and

truly beyond his years, while Jeffrey,

Brunswick School.

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TRANSITIONS

Welcome TO OUR NEW COLLEAGUES Getting to Know Head of Upper School

Alex Wellman Alex Wellman joined us on July 1 as the new Head of Upper School. Alex holds an M.A. in English Literature and a B.A. in English and Spanish Literature from Middlebury College. Alex was the Assistant Director of College Guidance and Sophomore Class Academic Dean at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT, since 2008. He has held several other positions there over the years: Freshman Class Dean, Upper School Admission Associate and English teacher. Prior to his work at GFA, Alex taught English and Spanish for one year at Kimball Union Academy. Recently, we had the opportunity to meet and interview Alex. What drew you to Country School? Aside from a long-standing awareness of and respect for the quality of education that Country School provides, the people drew me here.

Joining us or taking on new responsibilities this fall (indicated by an asterisk) are the following: • Jake Alrich* LS/MS/US Performing Arts Teacher; EC Music Teacher • Renee Bornstein* Advancement Support Manager • Stefan Borowski* Assistant Athletic Director; Associate Director of the Apprentice Teacher Training program • Diane Briggs* Associate Director of Advancement; Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship

• Ginger Brooker Apprentice KW • Alex Budd* Apprentice 5P • Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 Director of Alumni Affairs • Abby Cerone Physical Education Apprentice • Autumn Chipp

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Apprentice 1B • Tom Furbee* Apprentice 4G • Nanette Gantz* Capital Campaign Coordinator; Director of Research and Data Analytics • Mauricia Gardiner Grade 6 Teacher

• Pamela Ha-Stevenson Database Manager • Brayden Henry* Grade 6 Teacher • Melissa Heus* Grade 5L Leave Replacement Teacher • Brooke Kelly* Apprentice 5L • Madeleine Ker ’10

Apprentice 3Sp

• Kristen Giacalone*

Apprentice KS

• Rebecca Comizio

Grade 4 Teacher

• Chloe Kimberlin

School Psychologist • Claire DeLaurentis* Apprentice Beginners 4/5B • Elizabeth Erbafina Apprentice 4S

• Melissa Fryer*

• Julia Grace Apprentice 3Sc • Claire Harding, Academic Director, Horizons

Apprentice 4Q • Kathy Kravec* Co-director of Service Learning

Through my work at Greens Farms Academy in Admissions,

what it has to teach, even if — and perhaps especially when —

the English classroom, and as a dean, I have gotten to know

the lesson isn’t an easy one. I think recognizing the importance of

quite a few Country School alums over the years, and I’ve always

seeking that balance is one of the most essential components of

been impressed by them. To me, that’s a direct reflection of the

childhood. That’s why I’m a big fan of the Mission Skills — they’re

good work being done by Country School’s faculty and families.

an embodiment of how daily habits of mind and action can

And because of those efforts, there are so many wonderful

contribute to future success. Make no mistake, I’m the first to say

things about this school and the learning environment it

that having an idea of what you want to accomplish in the future

fosters. While there is certainly emphasis placed on academic

is important. At the same time, I firmly believe that being your

rigor, it’s equally clear that the adults in this community care

best self today is what will help you shape and pursue tomor-

deeply about nurturing the whole child.

row’s goals.

What are your first impressions?

How would students and colleagues at GFA describe you?

During my interview days and subsequent visits to campus, I

Student-centered, creative, enthusiastic and energetic. I’d like

was able to see Country School through a variety of lenses.

to think that they’d also say I’m a collaborator who enjoys both

Whether I was watching a basketball game, sitting in on a

being on a learning curve and leading others through new kinds

class or chatting with students, faculty and parents, I always

of intellectual challenges.

saw a community of individuals committed to one another’s success and who take great pride in their school. I feel it in my

What are you most looking forward to this year?

exchanges with colleagues, the conversations I’ve had so far

Getting to know everybody, especially the students, and getting

with families, and everything that’s being done behind the

to see the community in action on a day-to-day basis!

scenes here in anticipation of making the upcoming school year a great one for our students. There’s a cheerful spirit of collabo-

What are your passions outside of work?

ration in all that’s going on, and I’m as excited as I am humbled

I love reading, writing, cooking and going for long runs. I love

to be part of it all.

the first two because stories and storytelling have always been important to me, thanks by and large to my parents who,

What skills do students in Grades 7–9 most need?

regardless of how busy they were, always took time to read

As much as seventh through ninth graders need an education

to me each night as a kid. Cooking makes the list because as

that gives them the academic nuts and bolts necessary for

much as some of it is rule-based, the opportunity to flex your

success in high school and beyond, I think it’s equally important

creativity is unparalleled. And running is something I do to clear

for them to appreciate being in the moment and learning from

my head and get outdoors.

• Andy Johnson* US Math Teacher; Advisor • Rob Mallozzi* Apprentice 6G • Whitney Mallozzi, Development and Communications Coordinator, Horizons • Nick Manfreda* Apprentice 6S • Will McDonough* Co-director of Service Learning • Molly McKennan* Apprentice 1F • Hadley Merrill ’10* Apprentice 5E

• Daley O’Herron ’05*

• Lauren Romeo*

Assistant Teacher

Upper School Learning

Beginners 4/5W

Resources Teacher

• Karina Olsen* Apprentice 6H • Caroline Orem Apprentice 2N • Tricia Ostendorf* Apprentice 2A • Kisha Palmer, Director of Diversity and Inclusion • Timber Pech* Lower School Science Assistant Teacher • Byron Reding*

• Wendy Root Grade 5 Teacher • Toby Rosen* Apprentice 5R • Melanie Silverman ’08* Apprentice 6R • Tracy Spain* Kindergarten Teacher • Lindy Toczko Performing Arts Teacher • Helga Tomala World Language

• Nancy von Euler, Executive Director of Horizons • Caroline Weihs Apprentice 1K • Alex Wellman Head of Upper School • McKenna Wilkinson Apprentice 4H • Anna Williams* Apprentice 2B • Lauren Williams* Apprentice KM • Jon Zajdel* Apprentice 3D

Teacher

Assistant Teacher Beginners 3/4I; EC PE Teacher; Coach

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Welcome to Our New Colleagues CONTINUED

Director of Alumni Affairs

Holly Donaldson Casella ’04

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Kisha Palmer Kisha Palmer joins us as the Interim

Nancy von Euler

Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the 2017–2018 school year. Kisha

Nancy was the Vice President of

was the Director of Women as Global

Programs at Fairfield County’s

We are pleased to welcome alumna Holly

Leaders at the Forest Ridge School of

Community Foundation (FCCF), where

Casella, Class of 2004, to the position of

the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, WA, for

she had worked since 2008. She joined

Director of Alumni Affairs. Since 2011,

eight years. She holds a Masters of Public

the Foundation to serve as the Director

Holly has served in various fundraising

Administration from the University of

of the Fund for Women and Girls and

capacities for Americares, a global

Washington Evans School of Public Policy

went on to serve as a program director

health and disaster-relief organization

and a B.A. from Vassar College.

overseeing the grant-making and

headquartered in Stamford, CT. She is

With a strong commitment to leading

community leadership for the Economic

a graduate of Country School, having

innovative change within institutions

Opportunity, Health and Human Services

attended for 10 years, followed by

of learning, Kisha is passionate about

and Arts and Culture priority areas

The Taft School and Hamilton College,

cultivating inclusive educational environ-

before being named Vice President

where she attained a B.A. with honors in

ments for students, families, faculty and

of Programs in February 2015. The

Public Policy. She has fond memories of

staff. From designing diversity initia-

Foundation received national recogni-

Country School rites of passage such as

tives to building global partnerships and

tion for work led by Nancy, including the

the ice skating program, the fifth grade

collaborations, her versatile experiences

2013 HUD Secretary’s Award for Public-

Medieval Faire and the eighth grade

at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred

Philanthropic Partnerships and the Citi

World Congress.

Heart allowed her to implement compre-

Foundation Partners in Progress Award.

Holly, who has recently relocated to

hensive programming through the

Prior to joining FCCF, she spent nearly

New Canaan with her husband, has been

Women as Global Leaders strategic initia-

20 years doing program development

described by colleagues as “an ambitious

tive. Through her background in program

and grants management for municipal

fundraising professional with strong

development, strategic planning, curric-

agencies and nonprofits. Nancy holds a

experience and a positive attitude.”

ulum design and team management,

B.A. in Urban Studies from Vassar College

Kisha is moved by the opportunity to help

and an M.P.A. in nonprofit management

inspire and support others in their own

from NYU’s Wagner School of Public

educational journeys, and she lives for

Administration.

those definitive “transitional moments” in a culture and community.

Executive Director of Horizons

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

If you are lucky in life, you will have at least one great teacher.

Country School is full of them.

Through thousands of small acts of encouragement and guidance, our faculty and staff ensure that our students have exactly what they need to face the challenges that lie ahead. Your contributions to the Annual Fund help us give our students the best gift possible:

Make your gift today: www.countryschool.net/give

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FAREWELL

to our dear colleagues

Twee Haffner BY FRASER RANDOLPH

The core of Twee’s belief in five-year-old, 36-inch children is that they are human beings of integrity and independence, they are capable, and their lives are just as serious and important as that of any adult in the world. They are to be treated with the same dignity and respect that you would treat anyone. Twee may not even remember this incident, but I certainly do. I was fond of “dropping in” on Twee’s class whenever I had the chance. Perhaps this is where our buddy relationship started. One day a little girl asked me to tie her shoe — and I started to, when suddenly I heard, “Don’t you dare!” I stopped immediately, looked around to see if it was I Twee was talking to. To my chagrin, it was! “She can tie her own shoes,” Twee clarified. “Let her do that for herself.”

Besides teaching a little girl to tie her shoes, Twee was

group that I thought could benefit from thinking about other

teaching an older man about the serious work being done in

people. So, Twee and I paired up our classes, with each fifth-

Kindergarten. I spent the next 28 years learning that lesson.

grader being responsible throughout the year for his/her

Twee taught children the joys of the outdoors, the subtleties

Kindergarten buddy. It worked. We started writing notes to

of negotiating differences between friends, the importance

buddies, welcoming them at the beginning of the year, solving

of listening to each other with patience, the necessity of

puzzles together and playing math games. Twee taught the

cleaning up, the excitement of wonder, the exhilaration of

students (and me) about the vernal pond in the woods. The

sharing new knowledge and the importance of waiting.

whole idea of older student and younger student buddies

All of these lessons came from an astounding array of

seems so natural, so human. I still get emotional when I see

sources. She brought modern art into her classroom, animal

our buddies walking over to gym class from the Thacher

anatomy, botany, endless stories from around the world

Building. They stroll right by my classroom door. If I have a

that raised children’s awareness and made them ponder

class, I HAVE to stop it so that my students can greet their

indecisively — just as adults do. Fearless, bold and always

buddies. If the classroom is empty, then I have to endure fallen

expecting the most from her students — that was her gift

faces and disappointment on the part of the Kindergartners.

to Country School.

What can be better than that?

It is Country School lore that Twee and I started the buddy

Indeed, I feel as if for 28 years I have been one of Twee’s

system at Country School. I don’t know if that is accurate or

students. Coming to this school having taught eighth-grade

not. I’m not even sure when Twee and I started as buddies.

English in Danbury’s public schools for many years, I was

Probably there was no was official date. More likely, it origi-

lucky enough to observe Twee in the classroom where she

nated organically. I know that when I would play the Trade

displayed the most natural teaching style in the world: you

Route Game with my fifth-graders, we would play with Twee’s

learn by doing. How do you get kids to behave? You treat

class. I remember one year I had a particularly rambunctious

them with respect, you hold them to high standards, and you

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

TRANSITIONS

excite them with wonderful projects, intriguing stories and

For over 30 years Mrs. Haffner has taught all of us at Country

the great outdoors.

School that Kindergartners may be small in stature, but they are

No, Mrs. Haffner was never the soft, easygoing stereotype

all capable of the colossal feats in learning that life imposes on

that modern culture has of Kindergarten teachers. She incul-

them once they leave her classroom.

cated rigorous independence in the lucky children who graced

Mrs. Haffner has become so much a part of her many

her room from day one. She bestowed upon them the dignity

students that it will be impossible for her legacy to be

they earned by being responsible for themselves and their

forgotten. She will never be far from her students. Every time

learning. Every day, they were greeted by her “daily messages,”

they witness a soaring bird, kneel down to examine a curious

which they “read” with greater and greater aptitude as the

plant, paint a picture, read a fascinating story or do any one

Kindergarten year progressed. The expectation was always

of a hundred “unremarkable” activities that kids do, they will

there. You learned by doing, by experiencing just as you expe-

remember that she made these experiences richer for them by

rienced her beloved birds, her dogs and the innumerable other

her dedication and excellence at a teacher.

creatures that inhabited her classroom.

Twee can sleep peacefully each night knowing that she has

Indeed, Mrs. Haffner did not like computers or any modern

enriched the lives of hundreds of Country School students. I hope

contrivance that removed children from direct interaction in

she comes back often to enrich this big Kindergarten kid!

their world. If you were lucky enough to be in her classroom, you HAD to learn in order to experience all that was offered there.

Tim Delehaunty BY LIZ CARROLL

Walk past Tim Delehaunty’s office door, and you’ll notice that it’s festooned with index cards, each containing a short, pithy quotation. These are excerpts from ninth graders’ “This I Believe” essays. As the students deliver their well-honed speeches in front of the whole Upper School — speeches that Tim has helped them revise and rehearse — he listens for and scribbles down these nuggets of wisdom. Tim’s selections aren’t usually the blockbuster phrases, the knockout lines that the students themselves think are their best. Instead, they’re the small, glimmering truths beneath: the mark of each kid’s true character. As gifted educators do, Tim holds a mirror, as it were, up to the students, so they see what they’re capable of — indeed, what they already possess. There’s a metaphor lurking in here somewhere — in the fact that Tim has to walk literally through the words and ideas of his students each time he enters his office, but we will leave it to cleverer minds than ours to discern. Instead, let us focus on what Tim does for each denizen of the Stevens Building, from faculty to staff to almost 200 students. Through his inclusive leadership style, his compelling public speaking and his focus on kindness and character, Tim encourages us all to become better versions of the people we already are. We’re not asked to change to fit some mold, we’re nurtured and guided to become, as Tim’s catchphrase puts it, our “best selves.” And always, behind every decision Tim makes, stands the question: What’s best for the kids? During his nine years as Head of Upper School, Tim has been an administrator, teacher, writer, editor, coach, mediator, mentor, parent, club leader, trip chaperone and most important, friend. He has worn all these hats (and sometimes his really cool grandpa hat) with grace, calm and a deep emotional intelligence. He truly leads by example. Tim now leaves Country School to become Head of the Tower School in Marblehead, MA. We will miss him and his family, but count ourselves lucky to have worked with this extraordinary leader.

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Ryan Buckley BY KERI KERN

Well, the first thing about Ryan that the people who know him well understand, is that he calls himself numerous names — Ryan, Buck, Coach Buck, R, RB, R Buck. Keeping on the name theme, he has an incredible ability to give others nicknames, such as Ricky “The Pipes/Pied Piper.” For example, in hockey season, some of his most notable ones from the past are Henry “To the Alps” Alpaugh, Jack “Spain Train” Spain, Charlie “Tater Tot/The Tiger” Tait (depending on which one showed up to practice). Tim Bazemore will forever be “Purple Baze” ever since he wore his purple turtleneck to the faculty band send-off of “Bye Bye Baze.” Another one of Ryan’s talents is his ability to reference any and all ’80s and ’90s sports comedies. Major League, Slap Shot, Tin Cup, and anything with Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze or Will Farrell. Ryan has worn many hats in his years at Country School. He began his NCCS career as the Director of Boys’ Athletics in 2009, during which time he also taught ninth grade history, coached varsity soccer, varsity hockey and JV baseball, as well as ran an eighth grade homeroom and documentary class during the Horizons Summer Program. For years that kept him busy, until he wanted to up the challenge and put his Master’s in Independent School Leadership to work. He shifted his duties over to the Secondary School office and also took the reins of the Apprentice Teacher Program. The beauty of those two positions is that the results are very public, so it goes without saying that Ryan did an outstanding job in both of those roles. Some of Ryan’s lesser-known roles during the course of his Country School career include being a regular in the dunk tank at the Frogtown Fair every spring, attending the Upland Hockey Tournament for eight consecutive years over MLK weekend, chaperoning the seventh grade trip to Boston, followed by a quick run in the 2014 Boston Marathon in honor of his cousin who lost her leg the year prior in the bombing. Members of Ryan’s departments have described him as humble to a fault, incredibly bright, balanced, unflappable, loyal and a brilliant speaker. Lisa Schultz will remember fondly their school visits together, and in particular the time they

What I think we will all miss is Ryan’s laidback, friendly

received a tour of the custodial closet at a peer school or the

demeanor, which he carries with him all over campus, and

time she had to help him pack his suitcase for a conference. She

of course his sense of humor. We’ll miss his wife, Meredith,

will not miss Ryan leaving his Dunkin’ Donuts coffee cup under

who we all know is the brains of the operation (joking!), and

her chair after every morning meeting.

we’ll miss their boys Jack and Tyler, who have really become wonderful, known members in the Thacher Building and Lower School. Ryan, thank you for everything you and your family have given to Country School over the past eight years. We wish you all the best up in Marblehead at Tower School.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

TRANSITIONS

Diane Scanlon

BY CARIN WALDEN

Though she joined the faculty in 2010, Diane Scanlon is one of those Country School teachers who you feel has been here forever — in fact it’s hard to imagine the Thacher Building without her positive energy and collaborative spirit. I was fortunate enough to first meet Diane in her capacity as parent when Roan joined my Beginners B class. I was thrilled when she joined the faculty, and good fortune struck again when I had the opportunity to work closely with her teaching music to the Beginners 3/4 class. I am most honored to call her my friend. Diane is so much more than a music educator, for she truly sees the whole child and considers the building of community and respect for individuals’ contributions to be just as valuable as song lyrics and rhythm concepts. She stretches children’s musical awareness beyond what one might consider traditional early childhood ditties to include folk favorites and modern pop songs. The Erie Canal and Katy Perry’s “Firework” battle weekly for the top of the most requested song chart in the Thacher Building. Diane is keen to connect the work that she does in her space with concepts being explored in the individual grade-level classrooms. She co-wrote a song with Beginners studying egg incubation, she provided the soundtrack for Lantern Walk shadow plays, and brought the children’s musical voices to the Kindergarten Penguin and Carrot Seed plays. Her dedication to inclusive peace education has led to the development of a cultural study as part of her Kindergarten music curriculum. These yearly trips around the globe to celebrate the heritage of the children in Early Childhood support her commitment to developing community as well as cultural awareness and will stand as a wonderful legacy of her time with us. And the children who have danced the cumbia and the Mexican hat dance will forever hold those rhythms deep in their bones. Beyond the walls of the Early Childhood Division, Diane served on the Service Learning Committee and Community Development Committee, as well as various faculty/staff musical groups showcasing her multiple talents. She brought renewed energy to the Upper School performing arts electives by offering options such as Garage Band, Music Tech, Music Recording, Songwriting, Beginning Guitar and Rock Band. Throughout her years at Country School, Diane has empowered students to explore and express their personal ideas and passions, her work always emphasizing the key elements of justice and equity, of peace, of community and of collaborative engagement. Diane, with deepest gratitude for weaving your contributions into the ever-evolving fabric of Country School, I salute the light within you. Namaste.

Gina Ely

BY TERRY GUMZ

Gina joined Country School in 2013

centennial. Gina truly came to understand the DNA of Country

as Director of Alumni Affairs. From

School as she worked tirelessly to reach out to alumni near and

the very start, her approach was to

far, gathering them to the school for the capstone events of our

get to know the students on campus.

centennial year, beginning with the alumni ice hockey tourna-

She always paid special attention to

ment and ending with the Friday night event of centennial

our alumni-in-waiting — our current

weekend when alumni honored faculty and staff — an event so

eighth and ninth graders — and

popular that it has since been renamed Blue + White Night and

young alumni in general. Gina was a

will become a permanent addition to future reunion weekends.

perennial at school events, often on

Gina’s greatest legacy to Country School will certainly

the sidelines of athletic games, and

be the centennial publication, 100 Faces of Country School.

of course, she has been ready with candy and a kind word when

With past parent and author Kate Upson, Gina spent countless

students visited her office in Grace House.

hours researching, tracking down, contacting and arranging

Through career networking panels, young alumni events,

interviews with the 100 alumni who were ultimately profiled

reunions and regional gatherings, she developed strong rela-

in the book.

tionships with Country School alumni of all ages (from 15 to 90).

It is with hearty wishes for her continued success that we

If any year could be said to be particularly daunting for an

bid farewell to Gina as she embarks upon new adventures

alumni director, it would certainly be a milestone year like our

with her family.

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Lynn Sullivan BY KAYLA BERUBE

Lynn Sullivan worked in the role of

Another colleague wrote,

Director of Community Development

“Lynn is not afraid to speak

for four years. My understanding is that

the truth and stand up

she visited the school several times

for what is right. She has

during Paul Mayo’s tenure and quickly

modeled a true desire to

became beloved. The work of Lynn’s role

practice what we preach,

is boundless, but her impact is tangible

and she has expanded our

and measurable. Lynn’s job is to pull

horizons in many ways

abstractions like diversity and inclusion

by exposing us to what is

out of the air and to define them, to

different, uncomfortable

inspire others to understand the human

and not always easy to accept

elements of power, to facilitate change,

but in the end rewarding

and to live out two Country School

and enriching.”

missions. Extraordinarily self-critical and

A board member said,

never satisfied, Lynn drives in strategic

“Lynn embodies the mission of

yet wholly authentic fashion. She has

Country School. She is fiercely

connected our community — through the

protective of the childhood

Day of Service, KAM day, relationships

of every student, while recognizing that

committed to giving equal consideration

with local nonprofits, the faculty and

they can be challenged to grow at appro-

to all voices in and out of the conversa-

staff talent show, and her own resolute

priate levels. She is a sounding board and

tion. Lynn acts in the highest profes-

voice. She is fearless and steadfast,

place of comfort for countless parents,

sional regard, and is equally approach-

introducing discomfort and exceptional

and will be sorely missed.”

able one on one, colleague to colleague,

listening in equal measure. Lynn is a

Another colleague added, “Lynn

friend to friend.”

woman of unwavering conviction; she

entered our community and immediately

Lynn, your work is steep but you scale

embodies the diversity and inclusion

became a beacon — of light, inspiration,

unlike anyone I know. I could never do

mission of our school at every moment

wisdom, guidance. Always balanced,

what you do. Thank you for your insight,

of every day. If you ever sat outside of

her goals were both lofty and rooted

your friendship and your laughter. Thank

Lynn’s office door for a few hours, you

in humanity. She is an incredibly hard

you for what you’ve given to Country

would understand what this means.

worker, spending endless hours on

School. We are so grateful.

Parents, students, faculty and staff of all

developing programs, experiences, stra-

races, ethnicities, religious orientations,

tegic plans, events, speakers, meetings

sexual orientations, ages, abilities — you

and so much more with both the wide

name it — fill her office. Each time they

lens and the nitty-gritty details in sight.

emerge, they reach for hugs, give super-

An avid supporter of all ideas, she is

lative praise, or offer profuse thanks and appreciation. In the spirit of inclusivity, I would like to share some of Lynn’s colleague’s words about her. An Upper School colleague said, “Lynn’s doorway has been such a place of peace and safety for all of us. When we cross the threshold, we find ourselves in such a place of acceptance. She gives us permission to be ourselves.”

Departing Faculty & Staff We thank the following members of our community for their dedication and contributions: • Christie Lundquist (3 years), Upper School World Language Teacher; Advisor • Dana Thomas (3 years), Assistant Director of Community Development • Haley Sanborn (2 years), Upper School Learning Resource Teacher • Melissa Levin (2 years), Associate Director of Advancement • Catherine Flint (2 years), Upper School Math Teacher; Coach • Sierra Adler (1 year), Lower School Science Assistant Teacher • Maria Viale (1 year), Upper School World Language Substitute Teacher

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

TRANSITIONS

Departing FAMILIES Below is a list of departing families who have been with Country School for five or more years and other families who have graduating ninth graders or have Upper School students who are moving on. We will miss the families who have given so much to the school and wish the students well as they embark upon the next step of their academic careers. Twenty Years • Wendy & Bob Dewey ʼ74 Tori ʼ08, Lindsey ʼ10,

• Emily & Josh Ziac ʼ86 Christopher ʼ15, Catherine ʼ17 Thirteen Years

• Alice & Sherman Baldwin Henry ʼ10, Lucy ʼ12, Shane ʼ17

• Brooke & Patrick Connors Campbell ʼ14, Molly ʼ17, Grayson ʼ18 • Diana & Milan Galik Alex ʼ16, Daniela ʼ20

Seventeen Years • Mark & Jane Isaacs Schoenholtz ʼ80

• Ann & John von Stade Lily ʼ14, Charlie ʼ18,

Twelve Years • Kathy & John Ventura

Sixteen Years

• Joyce & James Andersen

Marc Becker • Tami Wilkinson Jim Besaw Cameron ʼ20, Alex ʼ22 • Mary Singleton & Mark Landis Ava ʼ19 • Leslie & Bob Lawrence Oliver ʼ15, Cameron ʼ17

Ryan ʼ15, Kara ʼ17

Trevor ʼ20, Brooke ʼ21 Beckett ʼ21, Thad ʼ23,

• Monika & Bela Pasztor

Reeve ʼ26

Sofie ʼ17 Ten Years • Reaney & Alan Critchell

Chauncey ʼ12, Oliver ʼ15,

Hayden ʼ17, Carsen ʼ20 • Courtney & Bobby ʼ17, Riley ʼ18

Fourteen Years

Vadim Seredenko

• Jeannie Staunton Bean ʼ83

Julia ʼ17

& Chris Bean ʼ83 Bella ʼ14, Anna ʼ15,

Nine Years

Finley ʼ17

• Theresa & Tim Delehaunty

Alice ʼ13, Lucy ʼ15, James ʼ17 • Stephanie & John Sisk Emma ʼ14, John ʼ16, Meghan ʼ18 • Carolyn & Sturgis Woodberry

Cece ʼ20, Charlotte ʼ22

• Tara & Mark Metcalf Peter ʼ21, Ian ʼ23 • Kristie & Kevin Smith Sophie ʼ17

Marc ʼ17 • Meredith & Whitney George Carter ʼ17 • Beth & Michael Gosk Charlie ʼ19, Fiona ʼ21, Louisa ʼ23 • Jean & Steven Strom Haley ʼ17 • Martha & Arthur Zinn Henry ʼ16, Teddy ʼ17

Bob Gibbons ʼ86 • Lucyna Graham &

• Libby & Mark Hudson

• Lee & Bryan Jennings Ella ʼ19, Will ʼ21

Rory ʼ13, James ʼ15,

Catherine ʼ18

Lilly ʼ16, Alice ʼ18,

• Tina Andrews & Fred Belak

Bruce Anfindsen

Eleven Years

• Rachel & Chauncey Dewey

Dylan ʼ17 • Shira & Allen Purkiss

• Stefanie &

Nate ʼ17

Fifteen Years

Charlotte ʼ18 • Lucy & Paul Koo

Four Years

Emma ʼ13, Walker ʼ15,

Charlie ʼ17

Riley ʼ24, Reagan ʼ26 • Stephanie & Scott Callison

Seven Years

• Megan & Justin Burley

• Kerry & Jed Stevens ʼ78

• Taylor & David Tait

Austinʼ17, Everett ʼ18 • Carol & Richard Anderson

Talbot ʼ18

Katelyn ʼ12, Megan ʼ13, Teddy ʼ17

Five Years

• Leslie Tamarkin & Maya ʼ18

Robby ʼ13, Griffin ʼ17 Eighteen Years

Eight Years

Shea ʼ14, Ian ʼ17 • Claire & Andy Hunter Emma ʼ17 • Margaret & Lee Meyerson Megan ʼ17 • Liz & Josh Pepe Diego ʼ18, Lina ʼ21

Six Years

Three Years

• Shashi & Jag Dayal

• Ellie & Will Eglin

Arjun ʼ18

Sam ʼ18

• Sarah Marchand &

• Jill & Rick Klein

David Lefkowitz

Katherine ʼ18

Miles ’22, Oliver ’23 • Cate & Todd McKee Rebecca ʼ20, Sammie ʼ23 • Jody & Mitch Truwit ʼ84 Alexandra ʼ15, Jack ʼ16, Teddy ʼ18 • Jehanne Anabtawi &

Two Years • Paola Acosta & Jorge Bautista J.J. ’19 • Lauren & Brian Bernstein Cayla ʼ18

Saad Zein Dania ʼ18

One Year • Mae Brudner &

Paul ʼ13, C.J. ʼ15,

Edward Namath

Elizabeth ʼ18

Nicole ʼ18

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THANK YOU, Faculty & Staff

On June 2, members of the Board of Trustees held a reception to thank all the faculty and staff and to honor those departing Country School. Board President Steve Rodgers thanked Trustee Karen Wood for her nine years

of significant service to the Board, and Dr. Robert Macrae thanked departing colleagues for their contributions to the school. The evening was made all the more special by the presence of so many former faculty and staff, alumni and parents of alumni who returned for the occasion. 1. Steve Bloom ’03, Meredith and Ryan Buckley, Stefan Borowski, Jonathan Zajdel and Rob Mallozzi 2. Sophie Black, Beth O’Brien, Diane Scanlon, Carin Walden and Cyndi Vitti 3. Jim and Gretchen Tapscott, Tim and Theresa Delehaunty, Shiva Sarram 4. Martha McAndrews, Haley Sanborn and Hannah Liu 5. Kerry Stevens and Kit O’Brien Rohn ’78 6. Liz Pepe, Tara and Aron Back, and Christopher Bogart 7. Head of School Dr. Robert Macrae and Board President Steve Rodgers gave a toast to departing colleagues and friends. 8. Jennifer, Twee and Andrew Haffner ’93 9. Jim Parmelee, Karen Wood and Mike Sotirhos 10. Lauren Romeo, Abigail Cali, Meegan Rourke, Chantal Angelis, Haley Sanborn and Maria Viale

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Welcoming Back Former Faculty & Staff It was wonderful to have so many faculty and staff members return to campus April 26. They heard about the school’s upcoming campus plans, took a tour of the archival exhibit “Grace House in the Fields” and joined former colleagues at the weekly faculty and staff lunch. 1. Front row: Nancy Ziac, Kate Lowe, Dana Mallozzi, Betsy Hulme, Sue Isaacs, Anneliese Gastrich, Agneta Smith, Topsy Post ’66; back row: Eric Garrison, Chris Garrison, John Ziac, Lyn Bremer Chivvis ’60, Jules Spotts, Amy Cholnoky, Andrew McLaren, Jill Stevens, Ann Martin DiLeone, Alice Ballin, Al Perry, Francine Irvine, Marsha Whitman and Jean O’Dell. Missing from the photo: Margie Baylor and Molly Farnsworth. 2. It was a Lower School reunion for Dana Mallozzi, Betsy Hulme, John Hastings and Michal Speck. 3. Twee Haffner welcomes Jules Spotts. 4. Lilani Balasuriya and Francine Irvine 5. Liz Carrol, Liz Ferran and Marsha Whitman 6. Al Perry and Nancy Ziac

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Frogtown Fair The annual Frogtown Fair brought students, alumni, faculty, families and friends to campus. As is tradition, members of the ninth-grade class created and hosted games of skill and chance. There were fire engine rides, pony rides, a picnic lunch and live music provided by both the marching band and the faculty band. Proceeds support the Country School financial aid program. 1. Ninth grader Katie Stevens ran the doughnuteating contest. 2. The Sullivan family (Laura Pollock, Paul, Virginia and Phoebe) enjoyed the day. 3. Harper and Nathan Miller got in on the fun. 4. Frogtown Fair PA Co-Chairs Andrea Matthews and Allison Ryan with Head of School Rob Macrae 5. Cindy, David, Devon and Conner Havens enjoyed their first Frogtown Fair. 6. Andrew and Mike Riccardi headed to the Midway games. 7. Caroline Irwin, Charlotte and Olivia Parker and Beatrice duPont enjoyed the games. 8. Annabelle Baird, Maggie Ruvinsky and Ella Zea got “married” on the Midway.

More photos available at countryschool.net NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

9. Ninth graders Eloise Leclerc, Mimi Ndokwu and Sophie Gribin had a picture-perfect moment. 10. James Cardon enjoyed the carousel. 11. Sam Aliapoulios, Olivia Spain, Keeley Strine and Hilary Miller took a lunch break. 12. Ninth grader Nate Stevens watched as apprentice teacher Brooke Kelly took a turn in the dunk booth. 13. The Horizons lunch table offered an array of delicacies. 14. Volunteers Libby Hudson, Ashley Burr and Berti Vasquez worked the candy table. 15. Faculty members Suzy Sensbach, Annie Upton, Brayden Henry and Andy Johnson enjoyed the festivities. 16. Caitlyn, Jenelle and Corey Wideman stopped for lunch.

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Grandparents’ and 3

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Special Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day 18

Nearly 600 grandparents and special friends joined us on a beautiful spring day in May to experience a day-in-the-life of a Country School student.

1. Grandparents and special friends enjoy the Early Childhood sing-along in the Thacher Piazza. 2. Christopher Blair with Jim and Candy DiSabatino 3. James and Dick Bilden 4. Carol Malaquias with Charlie and Janet Ryan 5. Barbara and David Dick with Keane and Scarlet Zorub 6. Bob and Cullen Smith 7. Hilary Miller and Missy Crisp 8. Blake McDonnell and Mary Davidson 9. Peter, Cameron and Lee Leach with Barbara and Joseph Esterly and Thomas Godina 10. Mariolene and Menna Delva 11. Ben, Anna, Blake and Thacher Williams 12. Janet, Augusta and Don Nelson 13. Judy and Regan Famigletti 14. Jackson Alpaugh with Mimi and Dick Alford

15. Seth Harvey with Joan Anglund, Carol Martin, Joy Anglund-Harvey with Peach and Rose Martin 16. Abigail Manny, Abigail Manny Newport â&#x20AC;&#x2122;89 and daughters Maggie and Riley 17. Beth, Arthur and James Golden 18. Abigail Reilly and Tom Sheehy 19. Arthur Batson and Teddy Regan 20. Andrew and Charlene Liebau 21. Audrey, Vida and Layla Magnusen 22. Vira Veselovska and Kai Gokgol-Kline 23. Thomas Barnett and Kathy LeRoy 24. Andrew and Mirella Riccardi 25. Mike Taylor with Jack Fichthorn 26. Johnnie Chace with Ben Cotter 27. Joan, Audrey and Phil Ives 28. Jasper van Reesema and Marijke Cordia with Fleur, Nickel and Augusta van Reesema

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FAMILY FUN NIGHT & More than 400 students, parents, faculty and staff gathered for our biennial Family Fun

Night April 21. The community enjoyed a circus-themed evening that included a stilt walker, a magician, a food truck, games, tag sale preview shopping and a raffle. The next morning, we welcomed the broader community to campus, hosting our traditional Deal Days tag sale. Families from all over Fairfield County shopped the sale, finding items ranging from clothing to appliances, toys to lawn furniture. The funds raised support the school’s financial aid program, while unsold items were donated to various local charities. 1. Deal Days Co-chairs Jen Kearney and Sarah Irwin, with Rob Macrae 2. Tess Boosin and Mackie Coffield got in on the fun. 3. Lola Triay learned how to spin a dish like a circus magician. 4. The Country School Cougar welcomed Beginners 4/5 classmates Lillian Kelley, Ben Cotter, Taylor Kern, Caroline Bilden and Kai Gokgol-Kline. 5. Deal Days donations filled the Watson Gym.

6. Cam Mackey, Andrew Benett and Kate Benett find comfort on donated lawn furniture. 7. Allie Knowles Thompson ’92 and Sean Robb 8. Tina Miller, Eila Johnson and Tatum Fichthorn 9. Jen Kearney, Katherine Tarrant, Ashley Ghriskey, Dr. Macrae, Katie Adams and the Cougar 10. Sanj Maliakal, Kate Baliotti, Beth Gosk and Nika Skvir Maliakal hunt for treasure at the Deal Days preview.

11. Matt and Sloane LeBaron enjoy Family Fun Night festivities. 12. Blake Ryan and Sina Tangen 13. The Logo team in action included Tara Coniglio, Jennifer Ryan, Allison Krongard, Constanze Sheridan, Kelly Brewer (missing from photo: Ashley Williams, Maureen Knowles and Allie Knowles Thompson ’92). 14. Ellie Rosolen gave the stilt walker a super high five.

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

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Building Brighter Futures Since 1964 Hosted at New Canaan Country School

We Are Horizons SPRING CELEBRATION 3

Approximately 325 guests came together on May 20 at the Stamford Yacht Club to celebrate Horizons during the “We Are Horizons” biennial event. The guests enjoyed a night of cocktails, surprise boxes, inspiring speakers and a video presentation, followed by dinner, a live auction and dancing. Thank you to our event co-chairs, Heather Raker and Tracey Riccardi, along with the many volunteers and donors who generously contributed countless hours of

time, creativity and resources to make the benefit a huge success. Horizons is a scholarship-based program and this event raised funds, that will be allocated over the next two years to support academic and enrichment programming for 400 children from Norwalk and Stamford. Find out more about Horizons and how to get involved at www.Horizonskids.org.

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

“When I think back to the days of having Horizons kids as regulars in my backyard pool, I usually heard splashing and laughing. This particular day, I heard ear-piercing screams. I dropped what I was doing and ran as quickly as I could to find that my pool had been taken over by a family of frogs! The children were terrified but a savvy teacher immediately converted a scary scene into a hands-on learning opportunity. Within

minutes all of the children, Frisbees in hand, were stretched out on their tummies, leaning over the side of the pool, rescuing frogs. As I drove the group back to campus later in the afternoon, all of the students were bubbling over with pride at having saved a family of frogs. Now that is Horizons to me!” —ANNIE COHEN, COUNTRY SCHOOL PAST PARENT, HORIZONS VOLUNTEER, BOARD MEMBER AND DONOR, SHARED A SPECIAL HORIZONS MEMORY AT THE “WE ARE HORIZONS” EVENT ON MAY 20

14 1. Jawanda Staber, Jane Isaacs Schoenholtz ’80, Mandi Morgan, Uchenna Pratt and Head of School Rob Macrae 2. Heather Raker, Mandi Morgan and Tracey Riccardi 3. Julio Romero, Rosy Gonzalez, Katherine Romero and Emily Romero 4. Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80 and Jane Isaacs Schoenholtz ’80 5. Steve and Kristen Rodgers, Marnie Gizzie 6. Sea-inspired table décor 7. Allison Ryan, Horizons Board Chair Jennifer Barnard and Sanny Burnham Warner ’88

15 8. Ryan Buckley, Keri Kern, Spencer Mallozzi ’92, Becky Thornton Leach ’92 and Alex Leach 9. Lyn McNaught, Isaiah Bien-Aime, Annie Cohen, Roy Pfeil and Michael McNaught 10. Horizons Team: Tatiana Mendoza, Kerry Stevens, Ginny Pracilio, Nehemie Moise, Amy Stevens, Kevin Thompson and Whitney Mallozzi

11. Mason and Beth Lenhard, Nancy and Roni Israelov 12. Claire Salvatore and Sheila Bajaj 13. Craig and Pam Scott, Ginny Pracilio and Nehemie Moise 14. Mara Neafsey, Sarah Woodberry and Carolyn Woodberry 15. Rob Macrae, Jill Stevens, Link Stevens ’74 and Kerry Stevens 16. Surprise boxes

16 discover more countryschool.net

“Horizons made me want to lead.” —JOSE CEVALLOS

Horizons Class of 2017 including Country School alumnus Alexander Mitchell ’14

HATS OFF TO THE

Horizons High School Graduates! On May 22, the Class of 2017 graduated from the Horizons High School Program. The 26 seniors each shared aloud their own six-word memoir, a personal reflection of their many years with Horizons, which proved to be an empowering and inspiring moment for their families, the younger Horizons high school students, and the many teachers, friends and academic coaches in attendance.

“Taking a step towards something greater.” −DEVONTE HENLEY

“Inspiration and sunlight changed my life.” —ALEXANDER MITCHELL One hundred percent of our high school seniors graduated on time, and 96% of them are enrolled in college. Here is where they are going: Boston College

Sarah Lawrence College

Coastal Carolina University

University of Connecticut—Stamford

Delaware State University Farleigh Dickinson University

University of Massachusetts—Boston

Gordon College Harvard University

University of New Haven

Louisiana State University

University of Pennsylvania

Marymount Manhattan College University of Vermont Morgan State University

Western Connecticut

Norwalk Community College

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

State University

2017 AWARD Winners (above) The Jackie Roberson Valedictorian Award goes to the graduating high school senior who has achieved the highest cumulative weighted GPA during their four years in high school. Emily Romero received this year’s award and has been accepted into Harvard University’s Class of 2021. Emily Romero pictured with High School Program Director Kevin Thompson and Horizons Dean of Students and Academic Coach Jackie Roberson. (below) The Leah Kimmet College Aid Award is given to a graduating high school senior in recognition of outstanding kindness, enthusiasm and dedication to others. The recipient embodies these qualities — loving, empathetic, admirable and happy. This year’s recipient is Raeann Scott, who will attend Coastal Carolina University in the fall. Raeann Scott is pictured with Kevin Thompson and the 2017 Horizons Parent Council Leaders Nedra Rutherford and Johana DeLeon Flores.

Good-bye TO OUR DEAR HORIZONS COLLEAGUES KEVIN THOMPSON

Program. Amy has accepted a job opportunity at a New York

High School Program Director Kevin

City-based family foundation, which she began in June. She

Thompson, an alumnus of the Horizons

will be missed sorely by the entire Horizons community. A

program, departed at the end of June

huge thank you to Amy for all she has done for Horizons over

to become Head of School for East End

the years.

Academy, a school that will be launching in Bridgeport in the fall of 2018. During

KERRY STEVENS

the past two years, Kevin led and

Executive Director Kerry Stevens has been

enhanced the High School Program,

a constant in the Horizons community for

providing more opportunities for students to build a strong

the past 15 years, first as a Board Member

sense of community during their high school years. Kevin

and Board Chair (12 years) and then at

introduced regular community service projects, grade-specific

the helm in her current role for over

college tours and arranged many valuable academic, enrich-

three years. During her time as Executive

ment and career-related experiences for the students. Kevin

Director, Kerry made a significant impact

also served as a wonderful advocate as they explored and realized their college and other post secondary aspirations.

on Horizons at New Canaan Country School and beyond. Drawing upon her professional experience in philanthropic consulting, Kerry developed a strategic

AMY STEVENS

approach that examined all aspects of the Horizons program

Amy Stevens was a dedicated Horizons

for improvements looking to maximize program offerings.

board member for 10 years, and she

Kerry collaborated with local community organizations and

spent the next three years on the staff.

schools to identify common outcomes and measurement tools

In her role as Director of Development

to ensure we have the greatest impact on the students served.

and Communications, Amy worked to

Kerry introduced RULER, a Yale-based program that helps build

maintain and to grow the Horizons

social and emotional awareness and growth. Kerry provided

donor base, to meet yearly budget

additional support for STEAM and play-based learning activities

goals and bring into the fold new donor

and facilitated more community time for student-led gatherings

relationships. Amy launched the refreshed website and “We

and reflections. Above all, the entire Horizons community will

Are Horizons” brand campaign, and worked closely with the

miss seeing Kerry (and her sidekick Boomer) greeting students

Benefit Committee to ensure the biennial event was again

as they get off the buses in the morning and again as the buses

a success. In addition, Amy identified outcomes and data

pull away at the end of a busy day. We are grateful for Kerry’s

allowing Horizons to report to donors the progress being

generous spirit, warmth and dedication to the children, their

made in terms of eliminating the “summer slide” and reducing

families and the teachers, and for continuing the legacy that her

the opportunity gap. Amy continued to dedicate her time to

father-in-law, George Stevens, started over 53 years ago. Kerry

teach swim lessons to Horizons parents during the Summer

looks forward to spending more time with her family.

2017–2018

Horizons Scholars Christopher Santa of Norwalk, Maria Flores of Stamford and Amira El Hattab of Stamford have been named the 2018 Horizons Scholars as students combine a strong commitment to academic work with an equally strong commitment to character skills.

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ALUMNIgatherings 1

Young Alumni Reception in New York City Alumni Council members Steve Bloom ’03, Dick Colligan ’01 and Caitlin Maguire ’04 along with Suzanne Beinfield ’06, Lindsay Grant Savarese ’03, and Katherine Schultz ’08, hosted the annual Young Alumni Reception in New York City in November 2016. It was a great night as alumni enjoyed reconnecting with their Country School friends and classmates, all while watching the Chicago Cubs ultimately win a dramatic

Game 7 of the World Series! 1. It was a big turn out! 2. Mara Upson ’06, Jackson Logie ’07 3. Chris Fezza ’03, Steve Bloom ’03, Suzanne Beinfield ’06, Dorothy Brown ’05 4. Channing Tookes ’04, Edin Fako ’04, Ryann Tookes ’04

5. Tessa Tookes ’10, Christian Tookes ’02 6. Taylor Gould ’06, Rob Munro ’03, Lindsay Grant Savarese ’03 7. Ted Growney ’07, Oliver Brown ’07, Jackson Logie ’07, Jeffrey Kontulis ’07, Dorothy Brown ’05

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Thanksgiving Reunion 1

Our youngest alumni from the Classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016 returned to campus on Nov. 21, 2016, for the traditional Thanksgiving Reunion hosted by the Alumni Office. More than 70 alumni caught up with friends and faculty. 1. Returning from the Class of 2015 2. Members of the Class of 2014 3. Our newest alumni, members of the Class of 2016

Alumni March Madness Giving Challenge vs. Greenwich Country Day School: Thank you, Alumni! This past March we “tipped off” versus Greenwich Country Day School in a fierce, first-ever Alumni March Madness Giving Challenge. Our alumni community contributed 228 gifts totaling $27,000 to surpass GCDS by 21 gifts and claim victory! Thank you to our Alumni Council for its leadership and to all our participating alumni who showed tremendous team spirit and made this win possible. We couldn’t have done it without you — and your incredible support ensures today’s Country School students have the same great experience you had at your first alma mater so many years ago. Stay tuned for this year’s competition — and help Country School defend our title!

vs.

228

207

NCCS ROSE TO THE

CHALLENGE! discover more countryschool.net

Country School Faculty and Alumni Teach in Horizons Summer Program By Holly Donaldson Casella ’04, Director of Alumni Affairs This summer, more than 30 Country School alumni, faculty

turn these weaknesses into strengths — and to keep a large

and former faculty members taught in the Horizons Summer

group of students engaged and excited about learning. They

Enrichment Program. Their commitment to Horizons and

even learned some patience along the way, showing up each

enthusiasm for its mission is palpable.

day with a smile and energy for the task at hand, driven by

“It’s incredible to me how much the students learn in just

the impact they know they’re having on students’ lives and

six weeks — and how helpful it will be when they go back to

future achievement.

school in the fall,” says Phoebe Casey, NCCS Class of 2015.

Here at Country School we aim to inspire students to be

Her twin sister and classmate, Elizabeth Casey, added, “The

lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make

little things can make such a big difference in their lives. It’s

a positive contribution to the world. We want our alumni to

amazing that Horizons gives these opportunities to the kids,

take the values we teach and learn here at Country School

but also to their parents and families.”

with them wherever they go. As it turns out, our alumni don’t

Horizons is a place to learn — not only academics, but

have to go far to make an important impact.

important life skills as well. Sabrina Sotirhos, also Class of

To learn more about teaching at Horizons, visit

2015, recalls, “Horizons offers a very personalized education

www.horizonskids.org.

that mirrors Country School’s in that we are committed to getting everyone ready, giving them that little boost that they need, not just in the classroom, but through other skills like learning to cook and learning to swim — opportunities

Country School alumni, faculty and former faculty members:

to step out of your comfort zone. I used to be a swimmer, so I get excited when I can teach them how to swim and watch them grow throughout the summer in the pool, too.” Not only do the Horizons students benefit from the experience of our NCCS alumni, but our alumni also emerge from the program with a new appreciation for the art of teaching and new skills that will shape their future educational and professional lives. “At first I was surprised by how much responsibility I would have,” said Elizabeth. “I actually have a classroom, and now a huge appreciation for the teachers I had at Country School. I didn’t know how lucky I was.” Sabrina added, “I am teaching reading, writing, math. Horizons has given me a whole new appreciation for teachers.” Their experiences this summer have shown them what it takes to be a great teacher — and the hard work it requires. They learned to notice and address students’ insecurities and

Lilani Balasuriya

Isadora Machado

Carl Brodnax ’76

Jeffrey Ramirez ’16

Elizabeth Casey ’15

Fraser Randolph

Phoebe Casey ’15

Sean Robb

Kate DeFrino ’13

PJ Sensbach ’15

Chantal Detlefs

Ben Sosnow ’15

Tom Furbee

Sabrina Sotirhos ’15

John Hastings

Emma Stevens ’13

Brayden Henry

Nate Stevens ’17

Lucy Hudson ’15

Walker Stevens ’15

Alex Ivanov ’16

Alyssa Thomas ’13

Jonathan Jean-Louis ’16

Ryan Ventura ’15

Kelsey Johnson ’15

Erin Visconti

Molly Kirkland

Lily von Stade ’14

Kathy Kravec

Avery York ’15

Sarah Lauture

Christopher Ziac ’15

Chris Lawler NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

NYC Alumni Reception with Greenwich Country Day School and Sacred Heart, Greenwich Country School alumni gathered on a lovely summer evening in June at the Boat Basin on the Hudson River. 5

MEET OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 returns to Country School. See her bio on page 46.

1. Matthew Evans ’11, Austen Tibbetts ’11, Jack Hall-Tipping ’11, Thomas Shafer ’11, Cuyler Brodnax ’11 2. Xandy Peters ’04, Holly Donaldson Casella ’04, Drew Fink ’04, Andrew Williams ’04, Caitlin Maguire ’04 3. Class of 2011 (Cuyler Brodnax, Caroline Frank, Matthew Evans, Winslow Laverack, Thomas Shafer,

Avery Lowe, Austen Tibbetts, Alden Woolford, Jack Hall-Tipping) 4. Katherine Brislin Bell ’03, Aynsley Bubbico ’97, Tracy Brislin Hyatt ’97, Karin Portlock-Letiecq and Mickela Mallozzi ’97 5. Bridget and Hilary Stock ’07 with Betsy Luke ’07

Washington, DC, Alumni Reception Country School and Greenwich Country Day School co-hosted an alumni reception in Washington, D.C. Many thanks to Alex Stoddard ’75 and Philip Ford ’99 for hosting the event on the rooftop of the DuPont Circle Hotel. A great time was had by all, and we look forward to more regional alumni events in the future! 1. Jamie Resor ’75, Alex Stoddard ’75, Luke Swinford ’99, Philip Ford ’99, Rishonda Thomas ’02 and George Watson ’45

2. Heidi Knechtle ’75, Jamie Resor ’75 and Alex Stoddard ’75

Marshall Johnson ’04, Bella Bean ’14, Nick Byrne ’14, Carter George ’17, Jack Gartland ’13, Alyssa Thomas ’13 and Barbara van der Kieft Latimer ’85.

Meet Our Recent Grads On Jan. 5, the Parents’ Association hosted a panel discussion titled Meet Our Recent Grads & Ask Them (Almost) Anything. Moderated by Upper School teachers and alumni Marshall Johnson ’04 and Barbara van der Kieft Latimer ’85, the panel of young alumni fielded questions from the audience about their individual educational paths, academic and leadership outcomes, as well as what advice they would offer current students and their parents in order to make the most of the Country School experience. Many thanks to Bella Bean ’14, Nick Byrne ’14, Carter George ’17, Jack Gartland ’13 and Alyssa Thomas ’13 for a wonderful evening!

2017 Alumni Award: Maurice “Mo” Vaughn ’82 The Alumni Award is presented each year to honor an alumna or alumnus who best embodies the statement from the school’s mission, “New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence

2016: G. David Forney Jr. ’54

to make a positive contribution to the world.”

2015: Zachary Iscol ’94

This year, the NCCS Alumni Council awarded

2014: Katherine Ward ’79

Maurice “Mo” Vaughn ’82 with the Alumni Award

2013: Elizabeth Barratt-Brown ’74

in recognition of his career in both professional

2012: Matthew Heineman ’98

baseball and as an active supporter and contributor to several community-

2011: Rick Ackerly ’60

based organizations and charities.

2010: Edward Hoagland ’47

Vaughn enjoyed a successful 12-year career as a professional baseball

2009: Patricia Lawrence Gates

player with the Boston Red Sox (1991–1998), the Anaheim Angels (1999–

Lynch Ewell ’41

2001) and the New York Mets (2002–2003). While in Boston, Vaughn was

2008: Hardy Jones ’58

the recipient of the Silver Slugger Award, was the American League RBI

2007: Elizabeth Spelke ’64

champion (1995), the American League MVP (1995) and three times made

2006: L. Paul Bremer III ’56

the All Star Team (1995, 1996, 1997).

2005: Edmund L. Resor ’66

Vaughn is currently the Managing Director and co-founder of Omni New

2004: William A. Shutkin ’80

York LLC, a real estate development company with a purpose of bringing

2003: Emily McMurray Mead ’41

revitalization and development to neighborhoods in New York and other

2002: Keith H. Brodie ’54

states. Vaughn is also the president and chief executive officer of Mo

2001: Samuel Sachs ’50

Vaughn Transport and just recently announced the launch of his new men’s

2000: Elizabeth Smith Crow ’61

fashion line, MVP Collections.

1999: Hedrick Smith ’47

Vaughn joins a distinguished list of past award winners, each embodying

1998: Jonathan B. O’Brien ’53 and

what it means to make a positive contribution to the world. The 2018 Alumni Award winner will be announced next spring.

Previous Alumni Award recipients include:

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Joan Dominick O’Brien ’53 1997: Peter C. Goldmark Jr. ’55

Class Notes

The Class of 2004 having fun on the steps of Grace House.

1937

Barbara Wheeler Spaulding celebrated her 90th birthday in style with daughter, Alex Bongaerts DuVal ’72, grandson Flip Bongaerts ’02 and granddaughter, Nikki Bongaerts ’04, in California this past March. Barabara died peacefully on Sept. 3, 2017. She and her sisters Catherine Wheeler Garvan ’39 and Dotsy Wheeler Adams ’42 attended the Community School when it was located on Park Street, in New Canaan. Please see In Memoriam.

1945

Frederick Kingsbury “King” Curtis died Sept. 6, 2016, near his home on Bainbridge Island, WA. King was the brother of Frances Curtis Hardie ’47, John Curtis ’53 and Anne Curtis ’57. Please see In Memoriam. Richard Haenschen died Jan. 6, 2016, near his hometown of Chatham, NJ. Please see In Memoriam.

1938

For information on Bill Helm, please see Class of 1946 notes.

1939

Beverly Selinger Buder died Jan. 19, 2016, in St. Louis, MO. Beverly was the older sister of Nancy Selinger Summers ’42. Please see In Memoriam.

1940

Betsey Williams died Jan. 5. Betsey lived in Lexington, MA. Please see In Memoriam.

Barbara Wheeler Spaulding ’37

1941

Emily “Amie” McMurray Mead died Aug. 5, 2016. The 2003 Alumni Award winner lived in Hanover, NH, and was also featured in the centennial alumni publication, 100 Faces of New Canaan Country School. Please see In Memoriam.

1943

For information on Eleanor “Nella” Lloyd Helm, please see Class of 1946 notes. Jeanne Rudolph Pechin writes, “Still living in Hawaii and loving it! Surrounded by palm trees and other tropical flora. I’m happy.” Katharine Wadsworth Wilson shares, “I continue to work as a marriage and family therapist. Also, I am in several poetry organizations and frequently present at open mic events. I took a cruise through all five Great Lakes in July 2016. I also attended my 70th reunion at Garrison Forest School.”

1946

Virginia “Kip” Macdonald Farrell “enjoyed being the chairperson of our 70th Class Reunion and working with Gina Ely. I found seven of our 21 classmates are left, and four returned for the centennial weekend; Jim Gaston, Tom McLane, Talia Young Robinson and myself. I will never forget dancing under a huge tent with over 700 people and also being honored as one of the 100 Faces of New Canaan Country School.” Tom McLane writes in with news, “Had a great gathering of family in July 2016, including my brother, Jamie McLane ’54 and sister, Greer McLane Hopkins ’56. We celebrated my wife Judy’s 80th birthday and our 60th anniversary.” Barbara Pennypacker Worcester shares, “Old age is a nuisance — chopped off leg, failing ears and eyes, but sense of humor and dog-walking and some community activity remains just fine. Also annoyance at political results. But fun to know Country Schoolers back to the beginning — Nella Lloyd Helm ’43 and Bill Helm ’38, and Kip Macdonald Farrell, Geneva Porter Test and Tom McLane from my class.”

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Jonathan Carver, John Carver, Gail Miller Stoddart ’51 and Hayden Connor ’51

1947

The Alumni Office received word that Stephen Thomas died Aug. 6, 2015, near his home in Peterborough, NH. Stephen was the brother of Nancy Thomas Adams ’43 and Peter Thomas ’46. Please see In Memoriam.

1951

Susan Haigh Carver died peacefully Nov. 29, 2016, near her home in San Mateo, CA. The new Dining Hall & Commons at Country School will bear her name. Please see In Memoriam. 2 On Jan. 26, Country School welcomed John and Jonathan Carver (husband and son of Sue Haigh Carver, respectively) along with Sue’s classmates and friends, Gail Miller Stoddart and Hayden Connor (who traveled from Colorado for the occasion). The group toured the campus, viewed plans for the new dining hall and enjoyed lunch at the home of Rob Macrae.

Penelope “Penny” Ratsey Hunt passed away on Aug. 7 in London. Please see In Memoriam.

1953

Joan Dominick O’Brien writes in, “Bob Shields and I had a busy spring (2016) trying to track down many of our classmates from 1953 for a Class of 1953 reunion. We had a great tour of the Country School campus followed by a delicious lunch in the library. It was amazing to see a few people whom we hadn’t seen since graduation. Really a fun event.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

1954

H. Keith H. Brodie died Dec. 2, 2016. The 2002 Alumni Award winner and former president of Duke University lived in Durham, NC. Keith was also profiled in the centennial alumni publication, 100 Faces of New Canaan Country School. Please see In Memoriam. Catherine “Cathy” Crane shares, “I am in the middle of a three-year term as president of the City Gardens Club of New York City. It’s an exciting time since we are planning the organization’s centennial celebration in 2018. To commemorate the occasion, we are rehabilitating and beautifying the pond and waterfall site in Morningside Park in Harlem as our gift to the city.” The Alumni Office received news that Wendy Truebner Knapp passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 1 at home in North Haven, CT. She is survived by her sister, Elise Truebner Henning ’58. Please see In Memoriam. For information on Jaime McLane, please see Class of 1946 notes.

1955

3 Caroline DuBois Hutton reached out with news of a mini reunion with her classmates Susan Carr Pickett and Kathy Clark De Long. The group met Feb. 11 for a performance by The SNARKS, an all-female comedy group that performs at the Amateur Comedy Club in New York City. Susan has been a member for decades and has acted in many of their plays.

Cornelia and Penn Kavanagh are delighted that their grandson, Ridley, a second grader, loves Country School so much. They appreciate all the thoughtful and caring faculty at the school.

3 Class of 1955: Susan Carr Pickett, Caroline Dubous Hutton, Kathie Clark DeLong

The Alumni Office received news that Marianna “Mia” Mather passed away unexpectedly on June 12. She is survived by her sister, Linnell “Linn” ’68, and her brother, Ted ’60. Please see In Memoriam.

1956

Greer McLane Hopkins writes, “Love to hear from or read about classmates. Still working as a corporate event planner. Brilliant, young operatic voices are the excitement of the year through Merola Opera Program and San Francisco Opera. Wonderful to reconnect with Matthew Quinn Carroll in January 2017.” For more information about Greer, see Class of 1946 notes. Louise “Weezie” Murphy Johnson shares, “As Rick says, ‘Life now is all about family, friends, and fun!’ We split our time between Concord, MA, where we have downsized, and a camp in North Waterford, ME. Our three sons are an arborist, a writer, and an adored teacher. Two live near us with four grandchildren. One lives with his dog in Bend, OR. I feel extremely fortunate to have had a Country School education!”

1957

George Noble writes in, “All goes well in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Hope that all are well!”

1958

Jim Barker shares, “Chris and I are living in Gloucester, MA, seven months of the year and Sydney, Australia during the winter months, which are summer there. Not a bad life!”

Class Notes

1960

4 Country School classmates Pam Swallow, Lyn Bremer Chivvis, Bob Kniffin, Rick Ackerly, and Peg Hubby Heck gathered together in July 2016 for a mini reunion at the “camp” that belongs to Dave and Peg Hubby Heck in Norfolk, CT.

1963

Jane McCall Politi writes, “I serve as vice chair of the NGO Committee on Migration in New York, and am a member of the Migrant/Refugee Children’s Issues Subcommittee. Three delightful grandchildren keep me busy too — in Rome and in Branford, CT. They speak English and Italian and interact easily in both countries. My husband, Mauro, is an expert on the U.N. Committee on Human Rights and is an international law professor in Italy.”

1966

The Alumni Office received word that Sarah Slater died March 8, after a long illness. Please see In Memoriam. Chris White’s first book, Working with the Emotional Investor, was recently published and, according to Amazon, is “an invaluable resource for wealth managers advising individuals, couples and families, this book explains why human emotions drive all investor behavior and makes a powerful case for why advisors need to be aware of such emotions in advising clients — especially in high-stakes situations.”

1967 50th reunion Daniel Cohen, brother of John “Jace” Cohen ’69, passed away on Sept. 9, 2016. Please see In Memoriam.

Samuel Scott writes in, “In Maine since 1988 practicing hand surgery. Very happy. Five grandchildren, plus hockey with Link Stevens ’74 two days a week. We are considered old.”

1968

For information on Nancy Reighley Cavanaugh, please see the Class of 2001 notes.

4 Class of 1960: Pam Swallow, Lyn Bremer Chivvis, Bob Kniffin, Rick Ackerly, and Peg Hubby Heck

1970

The Alumni Office received the sad news that Matthew Ross died July 19, 2016, in Minneapolis, MN. Matthew was the brother of Jonathan Ross ’68. Please see In Memoriam.

1972

For information on Alex Bongaerts-DuVal, please see the Class of 1937 and Class of 2004 notes.

1973

Liz Connery Mitchell shares, “All is well in Marblehead, MA! Celebrating 27 years at my interior design firm, focusing on residential and commercial projects throughout the east. So sorry to have missed the centennial dinner and celebration, but enjoyed texting with classmates and friends who attended and said it was fabulous! Thinking about my days at Country School always brings a smile. Cheers to all!” For information on Tom Reed, please see the Class of 2001 notes.

1974

5 Congratulations to Gigi Brush Priebe ’74 on the Jan. 3 release of her debut children’s book, The Adventures of Henry Whiskers! The first in a series of books for readers aged 7 to 10, The Adventures of Henry Whiskers

Debut children’s book of Gigi Brush Priebe ’74

focuses on the escapades and antics of a young, book-loving mouse who lives in Windsor Castle’s most famous exhibit: Queen Mary’s Dollhouse. Order your copy through Amazon, Barnes + Noble, or your local book store! “For young, book-loving Henry Whiskers and his family, this is the perfect place to call home. But when the dollhouse undergoes unexpected repairs and Henry’s youngest sister, Isabel, goes missing, he risks everything in a whisker-whipping race against time to save her. His rescue mission will take him to the murky and scary world of Rat Alley, and Henry will have to dig deep and find the courage he never knew he had in order to bring his sister back home.” (The Adventures of Henry Whiskers) For information on Link Stevens, please see the Class of 1967 Notes.

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Join us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Follow @NCCSAlumni for the latest alumni news and updates in real time! Share wedding photos, chance encounters, mini-reunions and, of course, your favorite throwbacks for #TBT.

1977

The Alumni Office received the sad news of the passing of Jennifer Link on March 10, in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Jennifer was the sister of Katherine White ’78 and Helen Link Egger ’76. Please see In Memoriam. 6 Heather Knight Pech won her age group in the 2017 Boston Marathon, running the 26.2 miles in 3 hours, 10 minutes, and 30 seconds. Heather came in first of 698 runners in her division and finished in the top 1.8% of all female runners and the top 9% of all race participants. Congratulations to Heather on this awesome achievement!

The Alumni Office was sad to hear of the passing of Elizabeth “Bailey” See on Sept. 21, 2016, in Beverly Farms, MA. Bailey is survived by brothers Alva See ’73, Richard See ’75, Samuel Thorne ’70 and Guyton Thorne ’73. Please see In Memoriam.

Heather Knight Pech ’77

1982

Mo Vaughn launched a new fashion line called MVP Collections, which includes a full range of stylish and affordable fashion for men, all made here in the USA. He is also this year’s recipient of the Alumni Award. For more, please see the story on page 70.

7 Jamie Vanderbilt ’91, Vik Govindan ’91 and David Coggshell ’91

1984

Christopher Kahler writes, “I have two sons, 9 and 15. I have been at Brown since 1997 and chair a department in our new school of public health. I see Mitch Truwit regularly since my older son is also very into the New England, and sometimes national, tennis scene. I certainly have many fond memories of Country School!”

1985

Ed Staunton shares, “I am helping to develop and oversee the new Hospital for Special Surgery Sports Medicine Center on the west side of Manhattan. What a surprise when I ran into the Country School alumni table during an evening bike ride to the Boat Basin. Lots of smiling faces and it was great to see the school spirit going strong.”

1991

7 David Coggeshall writes, “Jamie Vanderbilt and I had a great time catching up with Vik Govindan at Jamie’s Malibu home. Vik was in town to open an LA branch of Vik’s Licks, his chain of artisanal custard shops. So great to see him!”

1992 25th reunion 8 Congratulations to Robert Anderson and Fiona McCarthy, who married on Sept. 24, 2016, in the chapel of St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City. The bride is originally from Montclair, NJ, and is a manager in the transaction advisory practice of KPMG in Manhattan. Bob is CFA and director of investor relations at Raging Capital Management in Princeton, NJ. The couple live in New York City.

1994

Jenne Hatfield Whitelaw shares, “I started a new job in interior architecture at OTJ Architects this year, and our daughters Vivian (5) and Jo (3.5) enjoyed visiting the campus for the 100th celebration!”

1995 8

Robert Anderson ’92 with wife Fiona

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Congratulations to Corey Gammill and his wife, Jen, on the birth of their son, James Morgan Gammill. James was born Oct. 15, 2016, and weighed in at 7 lbs., 1 oz. Best wishes to the Gammill trio!

Class Notes

1997

Jennifer Levitt lives in New York City, teaches high school students and is a poet whose work has appeared in Tin House, Sixth Finch, The Literary Review, CutBank, No, Dear, The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor and elsewhere. Her poetry collection, The Off-Season, was published by Four Way Books in fall 2016. Congratulations to Michael Sachs and his wife, Krystal, on the birth of John Edward “Jed” Sachs on Oct. 24, 2016. Jed joins big brothers William, Benjamin and Connor! Mickela Mallozzi was featured on the front page of the ARTS & STYLE section of The Stamford Advocate on Oct. 2, 2016. The article focuses on Mickela’s success with her New York Emmy-winning series “Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi,” which follows Mickela as she travels the globe uncovering the dance and music culture of the places she visits.

1998

For information on Caroline Mandler Lopez, Christy Williams and Sara Miller, please see the Class of 2001 notes.

2001

9 Brooke Cavanaugh married Thomas Reed on Oct. 8, 2016 in Nantucket. Both Brooke and Thomas come from longtime Country School families; Brooke’s mom Nancy Reighley Cavanaugh ’68 and Thomas’ dad Tom Reed ’73 are also graduates. Their wedding party featured several Country School alumni, including Jennifer Cavanaugh Moroney ’00, Allie Cavanaugh ’05, David Mandler, Cynthia “Bz” Reed Altchek ’02, Nick Spillane, Richard Colligan and Parker Richey. Other alumni in attendance were Anne Greenwood ’02, John Greenwood ’00, Annie Rauscher ’02, Michael Stern, Robert Dudley, Kate Ashforth Hurley, Emily Mendez-Penate Sturgess and Caroline Mandler Lopez ’98. The couple met in Kindergarten at Country School and both stayed through 9th grade. The rest is history! Congratulations to this true Country School couple — we wish you happiness and hope you’ll visit us back where it all began.

Brooke Cavanaugh ’01 and Thomas Reed ’01

Hillery Williams ’01 with husband Michael

10 Hillery Williams married Michael Stack on July 22, at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Virginia. Christy Williams ’98 was Hillery’s maid of honor, and Cricket Whitton was a bridesmaid. Other Country School alumnae in attendance included Emily MendezPenate, Meg Miller and Sara Miller ’98. Congratulations to the happy couple!

2000

For more on John Greenwood, please see the Class of 2001 notes. For information on Jennifer Cavanaugh Moroney, please see the Class of 2001 notes. Ryan Wegner launched “Audm,” an app that lets you listen to feature magazine stories read aloud by audiobook narrators. The app’s partners include The Atlantic, Wired, Esquire, The New York Review of Books and over two dozen others. Ryan spent his summer working on “Audm” as part of Y-Combinator’s highly competitive summer class. Beyond this recent success, Ryan became a father in December 2015, when he and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed a baby girl, Lillian Katcher Wegner. Congratulations, Ryan! For more information on Ryan, see the Class of 2004 notes.

The NCCS Network is a career networking platform exclusively serving the Country School community. • Connect with classmates in your industry • Mentor young alumni • Post jobs and internships • Browse employment opportunities • Learn about upcoming events

Join today!

QUESTIONS? Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 Director of Alumni Affairs hcasella@countryschool.net

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2002

Cynthia “Bz” Reed Altchek and her husband, Charles Altchek, welcomed a baby girl, Gwen, on July 23. Congratulations to the happy family of three! For information on Bz, please see the Class of 2001 notes. For information on Flip Bongaerts, please see the Class of 1937 notes.

Carolyn Silverman ’03 with husband Peter

For information on Bz Reed Altchek, Anne Greenwood and Annie Rauscher, please see the Class of 2001 notes.

2003

Peter D’Agostino was married Sept. 10, 2016, on Nantucket to Rebecca Daube. The ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with a reception at the Nantucket Yacht Club. Will D’Agostino ’04 was the best man and Jennifer D’Agostino ’09 was a bridesmaid. Elizabeth Ughetta ’09 was also in attendance. Peter is channel marketing manager at EGR International, a digital marketing firm in downtown Manhattan. Peter and Becka live in New York. 12 Savannah Nicole, daughter of Brittni Taylor Acosta ’04

Sydney Sainté ’07 and Flora Birnbaum ’04

Lindsay Luke recently moved to San Francisco, where she joined The Rich Talent Group. She earned her MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2015. For more on Lindsay, please see the Class of 2004 notes. The New Canaan Advertiser ran a story Aug. 18, 2016, about artist Alexandra Nason and her work buying bison skulls and painting different colorful designs on each one to sell. This “skullduggery” began when Alexandra lived in Scottsdale, AZ, after her 2010 graduation from Washington University in St. Louis. Although now back in New Canaan, Alexandra loved the outdoors and lifestyle of the southwest. Visit www.alexandranason.com to see her work. For information on Hayley O’Donnell, please see the Class of 2004 notes.

Laura Bostwick ’04 with husband Carl

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Haley Priebe recently launched her own marketing consultancy business called Canvas and is splitting her time between NYC and Schenectady, NY, where her boyfriend opened a new craft brewery

called Great Flats Brewing. She hopes all will visit if they’re in the Capital Region! For more on Haley, please see the Class of 2004 notes. 11 Carolyn Silverman married Peter Crisafulli on Aug. 26. Her sisters, Melanie Silverman ’08 and Olivia Silverman ’12, were bridesmaids. Carolyn’s brother, Alex Silverman ’05, was a groomsman. Carolyn Beinfield was also in attendance. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

2004

12 Brittni Taylor Acosta and her husband, Oscar Acosta, welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Savannah Nicole, on Sept. 13, 2016.

13 Flora Birnbaum is the writer/director of the six-part web series Cleansed, a dark comedy that follows a jaded 30-something who goes on a magical juice cleanse to shed pounds and problems, catapulting her into a fever dream of quirky Los Angeles personalities and insane scenarios. Cleansed is due to be released next spring and features Sydney Sainté ’07 as one of the characters.

14 Laura Bostwick married Carl Spevacek on June 17. Her sisters, Kathryn Bostwick ’05 and Lucy Bostwick ’11, were the maids of honor, Caitlin Maguire was a bridesmaid, and Lee Ziesing did a reading at the ceremony. Best wishes to the happy newlyweds!

15 Holly Donaldson Casella and Adam Casella were married Aug. 27, 2016, in Landgrove, VT. Many NCCS alumni were in attendance, including matron of honor Heather Wegner Wald, bridesmaids Nikki Bongaerts and Lindsay Luke ’03, along with Harry Weyher, Eliza Kontulis, Kelsey Craig, Haley Priebe ’03, Betsy Luke ’07, Johnny Luke ’08 and Alex Duval Bongaerts ’72. Congratulations to the newlyweds! For information about Will D’Agostino, see Class of 2003 notes.

16 Morgan O’Neil married John Shaddock on June 24, in Kennebunkport, ME. Morgan’s sisters, Colby O’Neil ’07 and Tyler O’Neil ’09, were bridesmaids, and many other Country School alumni attended, including Emory O’Donnell ’05,

Class Notes

15 Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 with husband Adam

Layton O’Donnell ’09 and Scout O’Donnell ’15. Wishing John and Morgan all the best on this next adventure! 17 Xandy Peters is operating her own business, X&Y Design, and is an independent knitwear designer. Her work has recently been featured in Knitty magazine and KnitScene. She was also interviewed in Vogue Knitting (early fall 2016), which included her design for a knit shawl. Xandy continues to design and teach classes in her innovative techniques.

Alexa Reid is an artist liaison in Los Angeles at the David Kordansky Gallery and is engaged to William P. Colinsmith III. 18 Heather Wegner Wald married Steven Wald on June 11, 2016, in Tarrytown, NY. Holly Donaldson Casella served as her maid of honor, and Kelsey Craig was a bridesmaid. Heather’s brother Ryan Wegner ’00 and Nikki Bongaerts were also in attendance. The couple now resides in Santa Monica, CA, and Heather is a VP at Bel Air Investments.

2005

For information on Kathryn Bostwick and Emory O’Donnell, please see Class of 2004 notes.

Morgan O’Neil ’04 with husband John and family

2006

Marisa Fezza, and her mother, Marilyn Fezza, are the co-founders of the 7Sisters project, a positive girl community that connects, empowers and mobilizes young women ages 18 to 24 from all seven continents. 7Sisters collaborates with colleges and universities to host live empowerment events. For more information, check out www.the7sisters.com. Marisa currently lives in New York City where she is also the manager of employee experience at Blue Apron.

Xandy Peters ’04

Doug Williams was recently featured in the New York Times for his SNY show, Geico SportsNite, a nightly sports highlight show that he regularly hosts. Tune in at 11pm to see him live!

2007 10th reunion

For information on Allie Cavanaugh, please see Class of 2001 notes.

Betsy Luke recently moved to New York City, where she is studying interior design at the New York School of Interior Design. This summer she interned at Jonathan Adler. For more on Betsy, please see the Class of 2004 notes.

For information on Alex Silverman, please see Class of 2003 notes.

For information on Sydney Sainté and Colby O’Neil, please see Class of 2004 notes.

18 Heather Wegner Wald ’04 with husband Steven

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athletic award given to a senior male at Yale University. Their awards were presented May 21 at Class Day ceremonies by Tom Beckett, Athletics Director.

2008 For information on Johnny Luke, please see the Class of 2004 notes. For information on Melanie Silverman, please see the Class of 2003 notes.

2009

For information on Jennifer D’Agostino, Layton O’Donnell, Tyler O’Neil and Elizabeth Ughetta, please see the Class of 2003 notes. James Randon earned First-Team All-American honors at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship, finishing eighth in the 1,500-meter event at the historic Hayden Field at the University of Oregon in June. This follows a stellar year where he broke the four-minute mile running a 3:58:85 at the indoor IC4A Championship in Boston in March. James placed first in the 1500-meter run earning All-Ivy Honors at Princeton this spring. A senior at Yale University, he is captain of the Cross-Country team for the 2016–2017 season. He was awarded All-Academic honors by the USTFCCCA for 2015–16 track and field season. John Hayden ’10, a National Hockey League player and former collegiate allconference player, and record-breaking runner James Randon have been selected as co-recipients of the 2017 William Neely Mallory Award, the most prestigious

2010

Gabrielle Grimmett is currently a senior at Hobart William Smith. She is an Asian studies major and studied abroad for the fall 2016 semester at Nanjing University in China. Gabbie studied Mandarin for two years at Westover and three years at Hobart William Smith, and her goal is to become fluent in Mandarin. She also hopes to attend law school and study international law. Of note, Gabbie was the only female from Hobart William Smith at Nanjing University, and also the only student of color attending the university this semester.

Congratulations to Hugh McGlade, a senior history major at Emory University, who received a grant from the U.S. State Department’s Fulbright program for

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! countryschool.net/giving

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

2011

For information on Lucy Bostwick, please see the Class of 2004 notes. Alden Woolford lived in New York City this summer and interned for the internal communications team at PVH Corp., which is one of the largest global apparel companies. PVH leverages a diversified portfolio of brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen and other owned and licensed brands, and markets them globally.

19 Olivia Hompe, a senior at Princeton University, scored seven goals (a career high) as the #7 Tigers defeated #10 Syracuse in women’s lacrosse on March 29. Not only was Olivia one of the five women’s finalists for lacrosse’s distinguished Tewaaraton Award, she has also been accepted to the master’s program at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs at Princeton.

We pulled together for the 2016–2017 Annual Fund.

research in Brazil. The grant provides funding for one year of academic study and research. McGlade will live in Rio de Janeiro for nine months and enrolled as a graduate student at the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, and will expand his research on U.S.Brazilian hunger alleviation programs in the 1940s, a subject he previously studied in his honors thesis.

Olivia Hompe ’10

Class Notes

Class of 2014 20

Charlotte Zonis ’12 and Olivia Silverman ’12

College Destinations Clare Armstrong �� University of

2012

Lexi Kelley is the founder of Kids Helping Kids (KHK), a Stamford-based organization that focuses on developing leadership through youth-led service. KHK now has over 1,200 students from 117 schools coming together to effect change and be a part of a cause they care about. According to its website, KHK is “a way to proactively get middle and high school kids involved in community service projects. It offers a way for youths to learn how to ignite an idea and follow it through with a project and possibly even obtain a grant. KHK partners with local schools in the Fairfield County and collaborates with other not-for-profits in the needed areas to expose children to numerous opportunities to meet the needs of people locally and globally!” Most important, while there are adult supervisors, kids own their projects from beginning to end. Charlotte Zonis and Olivia Silverman met up in late February at the college squash nationals at Princeton. Charlotte was playing for Hamilton College and Olivia was playing for Colby College. For more on Olivia, please see the Class of 2003 notes. 20

2013

Kudos to Maggie Basta and the Harvard Crimson women’s soccer team for capturing the Ivy League championship for the third time in four seasons. Maggie, a freshman forward/midfielder, played in 12 of the team’s 17 games this season, earning two starts. Sara Connick made dean’s list honors at Furman University for the fall 2016 semester. For information on Robbie Marcus and John Fox, please see the Class of 2014 notes.

Paul Molter..........................Hamilton College

Notre Dame

Henry Moreno................... Bentley University

Whitney Balanoff...........Middlebury College

Eva Murphy...............Sacred Heart University

David Ball.........................Middlebury College

Estella Noels................. Middlesex School ’18

Isabella Bean �� University of Virginia

Alison Norton..............Santa Clara University

Paloma Blandon �� University of Chicago

Reece Olmstead............Southern Methodist

Nicholas Byrne....Greens Farms Academy ’18

University

Tyler Carney..............................Yale University

Mason Parker......University of Pennsylvania

Melanie Carr........................ Tulane University

Michael Pastor.......... Deerfield Academy ’18

Casey Chanler.........................Duke University

Samuel Pfrommer �� University of

Tatiana Chermayeff ��Harvard University

Pennsylvania

Campbell Connors ��King School ’18

Brett Raker........................... Miami University

Abigail Conway................Pomfret School ’18

Caroline Reilly..........St. Lawrence University

Madeleine Culpepper �� Barnard College

Oliver Richards..................Harvard University

Thomas Dale.....................Bucknell University

Caroline Rintoul...........Vanderbilt University

Shea Delehaunty ��Union College

Harlene Samra.......................Carnegie Mellon

Julia DellaRusso.......St. Lawrence University

University

Caroline Dunleavy �� University of

Ian Sanders.....................New York University

Notre Dame

Holly Santero....................... Lehigh University

Henry Elkind........................Hamilton College

Samuel Saunders �� University of

Gabriella Finley....University of Pennsylvania

Southern California

Jason Gold.......................... Brooks School ’18

Camryn Schlim............. University of Virginia

Eugenie Greeff............... Columbia University

William Schulz........................Tufts University

Charles Grow...............College of Charleston

Samuel Shafer �� Loyola University

Charles Hedlund ��Boston College

Maryland

Hadley Henderson.........Southern Methodist

Finnegan Simpkins �� Colgate University

University

Emma Sisk........................... Liberty University

Olivia Jebrine..............College of Charleston

Phoebe Slaughter.... Georgetown University

Christopher Jessup �� The Juilliard School

Madeleine Smith............... Colgate University

Pre-College Program

Katherine Somerby �� St. Lawrence

Abigail Ker............. University of St. Andrews

University

Julia Lane....................... Princeton University

Calder Stewart.....Choate Rosemary Hall ’18

Luke Leasure....................... Colorado College

Lily von Stade ��Colby College

Robert Leonard ��University of Michigan

Sophie Vos....................... University of Miami

Hannah Lupica ��Boston College

Katerina Voulgaris �� Furman University

Catherine Marine......... University of Virginia

Kai Walker........................... Boston University

Margaret McManus...... Millbrook School ’18

William Wappler �� University of

William McNear............. University of Denver

California, Berkeley

Alexander Mella.......Northeastern University

Jack Williams.................... Occidental College

Taylor Melton.................. Hobart and William

Robert Williams.............. Dartmouth College

Smith Colleges

Grace Zaro........................ Stanford University

Francis Mendoza �� Unknown

Grey Zeigler..................... Belmont University

Alexander Mitchell �� Unknown

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2014

Bella Bean and John Fox ’13 were two of 10 local high school seniors named “Teens to Watch” by New Canaan, Darien & Rowayton Magazine. The two now both attend the University of Virginia after impressive high school achievements at Brien McMahon and Brunswick, respectively. Congratulations to Bella and John! 21

Shea Delehaunty and Madeleine Smith, 2017 graduates of New Canaan High School, both received the National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation at a ceremony on Nov. 11, 2016. They were among 34,000 commended students nationwide who have reached this level. 22

Bella Bean ’14 and John Fox ’13

Christopher Jessup writes, “This summer I am one of 13 who will be participating in the Oxford Piano Festival at Oxford University in England. I will participate in master classes with several renowned pianists and pedagogues — some of the artists that will be both teaching/ performing at the festival include Andras Schiff, Richard Goode, Menahem Pressler, and Alfred Brendel.” 23 Caroline Rintoul was a student leader at Greens Farms Academy, serving as class president for this year’s senior class — and she and Will Wappler had the opportunity to present the Senior Class Gift together during their graduation ceremony in June 2017. Congratulations to all the NCCS alumni who graduated from Greens Farms Academy this year — Henry Elkind, Blair Marine, Robbie Marcus ’13, Daniel Tepler, and Jack Williams.

Shea Delehaunty ’14 and Madeleine Smith ’14

2015

Will Wappler ’14 and Caroline Rintoul ’14

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Former teammates Emily Riccardi ’17 (Taft) & Taylor Mitchell ’17 (Choate) faced off against one another in JV field hockey.

Finn Simpkins was featured in the Oct. 6, 2016, issue of The Vineyard Gazette. The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School senior is not only an elite skier, he is also the co-captain of his golf team. The article focused on the mental challenges you must overcome in order to excel at these two sports — which Finn clearly does. The article continues by stating that Finn made the decision to focus solely on golf and hopes to play in college. Will Wappler was featured in the September/October 2016 issue of New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton magazine as a “Teen to Watch.” This comes as no surprise given his impressive career at Greens Farms Academy, where he served as student council chair as a senior this past school year.

2017

Former NCCS field hockey co-captians and 2017 classmates Haley Strom and Eloise Leclerc found themselves on opposite teams recently.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! To submit photos, direct

Sabrina Sotirhos, Phoebe Casey, Elizabeth Casey, Lucy Hudson, Kelsey Johnson, PJ Sensbach, Ben Sosnow, Walker Stevens, Ryan Ventura and Christopher Ziac all returned to work at Horizons this summer. For more on their experience, please see page 68.

message through Instagram or

For more information on Scout O’Donnell, please see the Class of 2004 notes.

possible — and feel free to include

email to Director of Alumni Affairs, Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at hcasella@countryschool.net. Please identify everyone in the photo, with class years wherever a caption!

Class Notes

Faculty & Staff News 1 Kate and Jordan Alper and welcomed twin daughters, Madison and Taylor, born Sept. 7, 2016.

2 Kevin and Chantal Angelis had a baby girl, Ainsley Marie, born on Feb. 14. Ainsley joins brother Miles.

Kate and Jordan Alper with daughters

3 Betsy Hulme ran into old friends in New Haven at a tennis tournament. James Kontulis ’18 and Adam Rizvi ’18 were ball boys at the event held in Aug. 2016.

Ainsley Angelis

Maranello Duque Lo Presti

Abigail Bay McKinney

4 Matt and Elisse Lo Presti welcomed a baby boy, Maranello Duque, on June 18.

5 Former faculty member Louise Leeds is proud to announce the birth of her first grandchild, Diana Xiomara, born Aug. 23, 2016.

3 Adam Rizvi ’18, Betsy Hulme and James Kontulis ’18

Brad and Christie Lundquist welcomed twins, Finn and Bram, in October. 6 Ryan and Jess McKinney welcomed a daughter, Abigail Bay, on May 31.

In March, Morgan Nichols won a two-year term on the Stowe, VT select board, beating her opponent 646–485 votes. 7 Emily and Steve Willson welcomed a son, River James, and daughter, Emerson Mae, on April 13. They join older sister Reese.

8 Current and former faculty and staff gathered over the summer to celebrate Mary Ann Lansdale’s birthday.

Emily and Steve Willson with their children

5 Mitchell and Louise Leeds in front of Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park

8 From left to right: Chris and Eric Garrison, Hank Rowett, John and Nancy Ziac, Mark Macrides, Mary Ann Lansdale, Jacquie Jeffress, Pat Oakes, Francie Irvine, Andrew McClaren, Betsy Hulme, Judy Rowett and Jean O’Dell.

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In Memoriam Alumni Barbara Colbron died peacefully on Dec. 28, 2016, at Kendal at Hanover in New Hampshire. She was born in New Canaan in 1914 and was 102 years old. She leaves behind three cousins, Judith Erdmann Makrianes ’45 of Essex, CT, John F. Erdmann ’47 of New Canaan and Pamela Erdmann ’52 of Hancock, NH as well as many relatives in the next generation. Her parents, Paul and Alma Diefenthaler Colbron, settled in New Canaan at the turn of the last century and were one of the founding families of New Canaan Country School. A graduate of the Madeira School and Bryn Mawr College, Barbara trained as an apprentice teacher at the Shady Hill School in MA, taught in the Chapin School in New York City for three years and then assisted the Director of Admissions at Bryn Mawr. Recommended by Bryn Mawr, she served during World War II as a captain in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), Intelligence Division, Third Service Command, where she was in charge of a training program involving the protection of classified material. Upon returning to civilian life in 1945, she became Assistant to the Dean of Women at the University of Wisconsin, and four years later she was named Associate Dean at Swarthmore College. At age 37 Barbara became Headmistress of the Spence School in New York City, where she served for 18 years and retired in 1970. In summing up her achievements, the school’s Board of Trustees described her “unfailing sense of justice, her sensitive judgment and her very special sense of humor. Her wisdom and discernment shine through all her acts with a lovely clarity.” The Spence School says they will forever remember her

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Barbara’s parents, Paul and Alma Diefenthaler Colbron, settled in New Canaan at the turn of the last century and were one of the founding families of New Canaan Country School. There are no files on record to indicate the exact years she attended. distinguished leadership that continues to serve as the foundation of the school today. Barbara lived for many years in New Canaan, where she is fondly remembered for her gracious manner, inclusive ways and dedicated volunteer work. She served on the Board of the New Canaan Library for 10 years and five as President. She ran the Bryn Mawr Book Sale for many years and was on the Rehabilitation Center Board. Among her hobbies, she loved traveling, reading, drawing, knitting and making rugs. For the past 28 years Barbara was a resident at Kendal at Hanover, where she was known by residents as a cheery, intelligent and caring lady with a great sense of humor. For those many lives she touched, a light has gone out in her passing.

Barbara Wheeler Spaulding ’37 died peacefully Sept. 3 at Casa Dorinda in Santa Barbara, CA. She was born March 29, 1922, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of Marion and Arthur Wheeler. When profiled in 100 Faces of New Canaan Country School, a centennial publication, Barbara shared that she took great pride in her deep and enduring connection to the school. A connection that remarkably spanned eight decades, the transition from a small community school in town to the current campus and most important, three generations. She and her sisters Catherine Wheeler Garvan ’39 and Dotsy Wheeler Adams ’42

attended the Community School when it was located on Park Street in New Canaan. In those early years, many of the girls would stay beyond ninth grade, and in the fall of 1936, Barbara was one of seven girls to attend tenth grade. That was the same year the school relocated to the Frogtown Road campus and was renamed New Canaan Country School. When the students excitedly explored the classrooms in Grace House, Barbara couldn’t have predicted that her three children and two of her grandchildren would receive their Country School diplomas on the same front lawn as she did. “One of my proudest moments was when my granddaughter Nikki Bongaerts ’04 graduated from Country School and I was there near the front steps of my school building to witness it. I love the fact that three generations of our family have benefitted from small classes, the dedication of their teachers and diversity of the student body,” she said. While at Country School, Barbara studied Latin and began a lifelong love of languages. She graduated from the Shipley School (’39) in Bryn Mawr, PA, and majored in French at Sarah Lawrence College (’42). She returned to New Canaan in 1952 and enrolled her three children — Cookie Agnew ’61, Philip Bongaerts ’67 and Alexandra Bongaerts DuVal ’72 — in Country School. In addition to being a member of one of the founding families of the First Presbyterian Church, Barbara was an entrepreneur. In 1963, she opened her own ladies apparel shop called Clothes Incorporated on Elm Street in New Canaan shortly after her friend Judy Stinchfield opened The Whitney Shop across the street. “As you can imagine, we as women were in the minority, but we embraced the challenge,” she said. When she married Ed Spaulding and moved to Santa Barbara in 1971, she opened Whitney

Shop West and operated that retail gift and accessory store for almost 15 years. They split their time between Montecito, CA, and Big Timber, MT. The matriarch of one of six threegeneration families at Country School noted she personally knew five heads of school — from Mrs. MacIntosh at the Community School through Henry Welles, George Stevens, Nick Thacher and Tim Bazemore, who was the head of school when Alexandra Bongaerts’ son Philip “Flip” Bongaerts ’02 and daughter Nikki Bongaerts ’04 were students. And when the cover of the 2004 Bulletin Magazine featured a photo of Barbara, Alexandra and Nikki following her granddaughter’s graduation, she was more than delighted to share it with friends and family on both coasts.

Beverly Selinger Buder ’39 passed away Jan. 19, 2016, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Following Country School, Beverly attended St. Mary’s in the Mountains (now called The White Mountain School) and graduated from Smith College in 1946. She met and married Arthur Stein, a student at Amherst College, together moving to St. Louis, where she became a professional trainer of Labrador Retrievers while he worked as chair of the orthopedic department at Washington University. Beverly enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, skiing, birding, music and traveling. She was very active in the Episcopal Church, loved her family and was very generous with her time and talents. Following the sudden death of Arthur in 1981, Beverly married Marshall Buder, owner of Whistling Wings, a duck hunting club. Beverly is survived by her daughter, Nancy Stein Hitzeman, a granddaughter, two great grandchildren and her sister, Nancy Selinger Summers ’42. Dr. Betsey Sampson Williams ’40 died peacefully, with family at her side, on Jan. 5. Born in White Plains, NY in 1925 to Richard Richardson Williams and Dorothea McKeen Gutterson, Betsey attended The White Mountain School in Littleton, NH, received a B.A. with honors from Vassar College, a master’s from UC Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from Radcliffe (Harvard). In 1953, Betsey married George Paul Hess. They divorced in 1980. She taught at Cornell University and as an Assistant

Professor of Biology at Ithaca College. In 1975, upon moving to Newton, MA, Betsey worked at Harvard Medical School as Assistant Director of the Department of Anatomy, and Lecturer in Anatomy and Embryology, where she remained until her retirement in 1995. In 1995 she co-founded Muritech Inc. to prototype an internetbased atlas of mouse embryological development. She met her second husband, John Dennis Biggers, in 1982 and they married in 2004. They subsequently moved to Brookhaven in Lexington, MA. Betsey is survived by her husband and four sons by her first marriage; Peter George Mueller Hess (Natalie Mahowald), Richard Linsley Colbath-Hess (Chris Colbath-Hess), Paul Mitchel Hess (Katherine Childs) and David Williams Hess (Andrea Kahn). She is also survived by three step children; David John Biggers (Kathleen O’Connell), Philippa Jeanne Biggers (Bob Salzman), and Jennifer Biggers Wasserman (Peter Wasserman). Also surviving are six grandchildren and nine step grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Barbara Williams Quattrone ’36. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Unitarian Society in Newton, Vassar College or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Emily “Amie” McMurray Mead ’41 of Etna, NH, an avid golfer, die-hard Republican and a resident of Hanover since 1967, died in Lebanon, NH, on Aug. 5, 2016, following a brief period of declining health. Born on March 27, 1927, in Des Moines, IA, to Emily Prouty and Donald McMurray, Amie spent her youth mostly in New York City and later New Canaan with her mother and stepfather, Malcolm A. Sedgwick. Following Country School, Amie attended Abbot Academy, (now Phillips Academy), in Andover, MA, and Barnard College. An enthusiastic conservative, she majored in government and history and found the lively political debate at Barnard invigorating. In 1948, she was a young campaign volunteer for GOP presidential candidate Gov. Thomas Dewey and was one of a dozen people in the suite at the Roosevelt Hotel with the Governor when he learned

of President Truman’s upset victory — a memorable moment in presidential election history captured by an erroneous “Dewey Defeats Truman” newspaper headline. Upon graduation from Barnard in 1948, one of her first jobs was with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was tasked by then director Francis Henry Taylor, as they stood together in the cavernous and very empty entrance hall, with getting people in the door, thus creating the membership department. It was there that she met her future husband, Edgar T. Mead, a Wall Street broker and avid rail enthusiast. A lifetime Republican, Amie worked on John Lindsey’s successful run for mayor in New York and was appointed to the Board of Visitors of the Manhattan State Hospital by then Governor Nelson Rockefeller. She and her husband were also instrumental in transforming a small church nursery school into a thriving day school at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, (now the prestigious Trevor Day School). Amie’s lifelong commitment to volunteerism also included a stint on the Board of the YMCA where she and two fellow board members forced the desegregation of the swimming pools. Her work on the Hospitality Committee at the United Nations brought many diplomats and their families, often in colorful native dress, to her home on Fifth Avenue, several of whom became lifelong friends. As a Board Member of the Carnegie Hill Association, she helped pave the way for the newly established all-black Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe to have a place to rehearse. In 1967, they left New York for the “boondocks” of Hanover, NH, where she continued her civic and political life as a member of the Hanover school board, as the first president of the Friends of the Hopkins Center, as a board member of the Spaulding Youth Center, and active fundraiser for the local United Way. She served on the Board of Dartmouth Overseers as well as helped raise funds for the new Howe Library. She and her husband Edgar ran several unsuccessful campaigns for the New Hampshire House as Republicans to provide some loyal opposition in the heavily Democrat community. Amie could not have predicted her passion for politics would take her to the White House almost five decades later, but her spirited interest and involvement in government and public policy paved the way. The culmination of her lifelong interest

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in politics brought the Meads, in 1986, to Washington, DC, where Amie worked, first on the presidential campaign, then in the Executive Office of the President, Office of Domestic Policy as a member of the Senior Staff to President George H. W. Bush for four years. In 1993, heeding the call for conservatives to return to the foundations of conservatism and states’ rights, the couple returned to New Hampshire and started the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, a nonprofit, non-partisan, independent thinktank focused on state and local public policy issues that affect the quality of life for New Hampshire’s citizens. Named to honor Josiah Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first Governor of New Hampshire, the center has played an important role in Concord over the last 25 years. Amie remained involved with the Bartlett Center, still thriving in Concord, NH, under the leadership of Charlie Arlinghaus, which she called a “very fulfilling” coda to her political career. Amie was a formidable woman with a keen sense of right and wrong. She always led with a smile and an open Iowa heart. Her primary source of fuel was her family and her many friends, who will all sorely miss her wonderful sense of humor and laugh. Amie was predeceased by her sister, Cornelia McMurray Brooks ’40, husband, Edgar T. Mead Jr. and her eldest son Thorn Mead. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Mead of Warner, NH, and her son, Malcolm W. Mead.

Frederick Kingsbury “King” Curtis ’45 was born June 5, 1930, in New York City to Helen Kingsbury Curtis and Herbert Pelham Curtis. He passed away Sept. 6, 2016, at his apartment at the Madrona House in Bainbridge, WA. He was the first of four children. The family lived in Tuxedo Park, NY and then New Canaan, CT, with a brief time in Toledo, OH, during World War II. He attended the Dalton School in New York City and then Country School. He also attended St. Paul’s School in Groton, MA. After graduation from St. Paul’s, he attended Yale University, majoring in physics and music theory. He then attended Columbia Medical School for his graduate training. While living in New York City, he met Lois Mossman on a ski trip to Vermont. He and Lois married three months after that trip. King’s service in the Navy led the couple

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

to San Diego. With his discharge from the Navy, and a new son, Douglas, in tow, the family moved to the Pacific Northwest, settling on Mercer Island, WA, while King completed his residency in nephrology at the University of Washington and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Seattle. During that time, he and Lois had three more children, Spencer, Charlie and Helen. The family moved to Bainbridge Island in the spring of 1963. King stayed with the VA for his entire career, working on teams focused on the development of the artificial kidney machine that was the precursor to the kidney dialysis treatments of today. During his tenure at the VA he rose to fill the role of Assistant Administrator while teaching at the University of Washington as an Adjunct Professor in the medical school. He retired from the VA in 1984 in order to pursue his dream of sailing to the South Pacific. An avid and accomplished sailor since his youth, King pursued his passion in the waters of Puget Sound and beyond. He and Lois took a two-year sailing odyssey to New Zealand; down the West Coast and Mexico, across the Pacific (in a 23-day ocean crossing), to Tahiti and through the Polynesian Islands and the Moreas to the final destination in New Zealand. A complicated, inventive person, King could come across as the ultimate curmudgeon. Gruff at times, but sweet to the core; he never could stand to see a cat play with a mouse. King had a way of seeing the path to solutions of problems whether mechanical puzzles or the twists and turns of life. His counsel, intelligence, humor and loyalty will be greatly missed by his wife, Lois; children Doug, Spencer, Charlie and Helen; six grandchildren; and siblings Frances Curtis Hardie ’47, John Curtis ’53 and Anne Curtis ’57. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Helpline on Bainbridge Island www.helplinehouse.org/donate.

Richard S. Haenschen ’45 of Chatham, NJ, passed away on Jan. 6, 2016, from congestive heart failure at Kindred Hospital in Dover, NJ. He was 85. Richard was raised in West Norwalk, CT, and following Country School, attended Phillips Academy Andover in MA, Washington University in St. Louis, MO and graduated from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force and was

a financial consultant in the brokerage industry, retiring from Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of the Chathams. Throughout his life, Richard played golf and followed many sports, particularly the UConn women’s basketball team. He frequently attended their games with his daughter. Survivors include spouse Kathryn; daughter Katherine; sister Betty Martin, and five nieces and nephews.

Barbara Bennet Hancock Hart ’47 of Redding, CT, formerly of Westport, died Oct. 7. She was 85. She was born in Stamford on Dec. 5, 1931, and raised in Darien, where she rode horses and was a champion sailor at Noroton Yacht Club. She was a proud alumna of New Canaan Country School, the Thomas School for Girls (now King School), and Wells College (’54), where she majored in economics and was the founder and president of the sailing club. As a young wife and mother, she moved several times before settling in Westport, where she was a member of New Neighbors, and a charter member of its subsequent spin-off, the Gourmet Club; the Westport Woman’s Club, where she chaired the Yankee Craft Fair for several years; and Y’s Women. In addition to holding jobs in finance, she was an active volunteer — as a Girl Scout leader and trainer; as PTA president; with the Junior League, where she served as an officer and a wetlands guide; and at her beloved Christ & Holy Trinity Church, where she was a member of the Altar Guild and led the making of palm crosses every year until her death. She was predeceased by husbands Reginald F. Hancock Jr. in 1978 and William J. Hart Jr. in 2014. She is survived by her brother, David S. Bennet of Aptos, CA and two daughters: Priscilla Hancock of New York City and Pamela Hancock Kinsey of Fort Fairfield, ME.

In Memoriam

Stephen M. Thomas ’47, 83, of Peterborough, NH, died on Aug. 6, 2015, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester after a period of failing health. Stephen was born in Connecticut on July 30, 1932, the son of Harold B. Thomas and Marion (Lane) Thomas. Stephen grew up in Norwalk, CT. He lived in Great Falls, VA, before moving to Peterborough, NH, in 1982. He graduated from Harvard in 1954, and after his military service went on to graduate studies at Columbia University, specializing in the history of Central Europe. He spoke Russian, Czech, French and German fluently but for most of his life he worked in politics, serving as Director of the Council for a Livable World. Upon retiring he returned to his love of history, and shortly before his death finished writing a book that will soon be published about ethnic conflict in Czechoslovakia after World War I. He enjoyed music, politics and languages. Stephen is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Elizabeth (Marshall) Thomas of Peterborough, his brother, Peter Thomas ’46 of Dublin, NH, and his sister, Nancy Thomas Adams ’43 of Carlsbad, CA; also his daughter, Stephanie Thomas and her husband, Robert Kafka of Austin, TX, and his son, Saibhung Singh Khalsa and his wife, Saibhung Khaur Khalsa of Peterborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen’s name to the Marlboro School of Music in Brattleboro, VT, or remembrances may be made to his son, Saibhung Singh Khalsa, at 67 East Mountain Road, Peterborough, NH.

Susan “Sue” Sacket Haigh Carver ’51, died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 29, 2016, after enduring an arduous battle with Alzheimer’s disease since 2011. Her loving family was by her side at the time of her passing. She was 80 years old. Born March 26, 1936, in New York City to Frances DeValen Haigh & Thomas D. Haigh, she was raised in Darien, CT. She attended Country School through ninth grade, then The Ethel Walker School and finally Smith College. While in college, she spent her junior year abroad at the University of Geneva in Switzerland.

As a young girl, Sue Carver attended Country School from fourth through ninth grade, and has vivid memories of riding the bus to and from her childhood home in Darien, leaving school early on Wednesdays to go horseback riding, and bringing friends to swim at Tokeneke. Upon graduation in 1958, she moved to San Francisco, CA, and was employed by the Emporium Department Store until her marriage to John Carver on Aug. 29, 1959, in Darien, CT. The couple were blessed with three children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They were married for 57 years. Aside from raising her three children, Sue became an avid gardener. Her Hillsborough garden was selected by the Smithsonian Museum to be placed in their national archives. She also enjoyed tennis, skiing, jumping at the Ox Ridge Club in Darien, CT, and trail riding in numerous western states. In addition, she assiduously studied cooking and became an outstanding classic cook. Sue was a member of the Hillsborough Garden Club, The Burlingame Club, Hillsborough Racquet Club, Crippled Children’s Society and various reading clubs. She loved to read and devoured books until her eyesight began to fail in 2013. Sue is survived by her husband John; children Thomas Carver (Cindy), Amy Palmer Gilbert (Steve) and Jonathan Carver (Janine); grandchildren: Caleb, Danika, Jessica, Matt, Christian, Ian, Liam & Charlie; and great-grandchild Carter. Private services were held. Should you wish to honor her memory, the family suggests contributions be made to the Hillsborough Garden Club, PO Box 209, Burlingame, CA 94011, or New Canaan Country School, 635 Frogtown Rd., New Canaan, CT 06840 or www.countryschool.net/giving (where a new dining hall building is currently being constructed in her name). Excerpted from an article originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle Dec. 10, 2016.

Penelope “Penny” Ratsey Hunt ’51 passed away on Aug. 7, in London. Penny was daughter of George Colin Ratsey, a yachtsman and fifth-generation member of the English sailmaking concern of Ratsey & Lapthorn, and Janet Scott Ratsey. Her father won an Olympic silver medal for sailing in Los Angeles in 1932. Penny herself was an avid sailor. She is survived by two sons, Colin and Anthony, and two granddaughters, Lucy and Nell.

Dr. Keith H. Brodie ’54, 77, a psychiatrist, educator and former president of Duke University, died Dec. 2, 2016, at Duke University Hospital. Born in New Canaan on Aug. 24, 1939, Keith attended Country School from Kindergarten through ninth grade, went on to Milton Academy and received his A.B in Chemistry from Princeton University and his M.D. from Columbia University in 1965. He completed an internship in internal medicine at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans and a residency in psychiatry at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center where he met his wife, Brenda Barrowclough Brodie. In 1968, Keith joined the National Institute of Mental Health as a clinical associate. Keith taught at Stanford University from 1970 to 1974 and was Chair of Stanford’s Medical School Faculty Senate and Director of the General Research Center. Keith received the A.E. Bennett Research Award from the Society of Biological Psychiatry, the psychopharmacology prize of the American Psychological Association, and the Edward A. Streck Award of the Pennsylvania Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania Health System. He served as President of the American Psychiatric Association and chaired the Board of Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine of the Institute of Medicine. In 1974, he moved to Durham, NC, to chair the department of psychiatry at Duke University and later become the James B. Duke Professor of Psychiatry. In 1982, he was named Chancellor, and became President of Duke University in 1985, serving until 1993. As president, Keith helped to expand applications to graduate and undergraduate programs and increase Duke’s national reputation as a research university. He also led efforts to increase

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racial/ethnic diversity among the faculty through the Black Faculty Initiative. After retiring from the presidency, he continued to practice psychiatry in Durham, mentor chief medical residents, and serve as a consultant to Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, his four children and three grandchildren.

Marianna “Mia” Mather ’55, 76, of New York City and Vinalhaven, ME, passed away unexpectedly on June 12, of complications following surgery. Despite being born with poor vision, Mia was never one to miss an adventure, especially if it involved riding a train almost anywhere in the world. She is remembered for her humor, compassion and the joy she found in even the smallest of things. The daughter of Edward and Helen Engelking, she was born in Comfort, TX, in 1940, but spent most of her childhood in Stamford, CT. A graduate of the Brearley School and the University of Oregon, she started working for IBM right out of college in one of their first groups of programmers, a career she pursued until her retirement. She married the love of her life, Warren J. Mitofsky in 1996; he predeceased her in 2006. Mia is survived by her sister, Linnell “Linn” Mather ’68 of Vinalhaven, ME, a son, Kent Holce of Portland, OR, a brother Edward “Ted” Mather ’60 of Campbell River, BC, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and stepchildren.

Sarah Wiggin Slater ’66, 65, of Cambridge passed away on March 8, after a courageous 10-year battle with breast cancer. Sarah was the daughter of John E. Slater and Nancy McVickar. Sarah grew up in New Canaan, CT and Tuxedo Park, NY. After Country School, she attended Concord Academy, graduated from Cornell University, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. She was a successful media executive at Time Magazine before joining WGBH, where she was Director of Business Development. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing tennis, hanging out at the beach, listening to the Grateful Dead and the Beatles and spending time with her children.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

She is survived by her three children: John Slater Brauns, Colin Stewart Brauns and Elizabeth Randolph Brauns. She is also survived by her brothers, Nathanael Slater and Gifford Slater, and by her mother, Nancy McVickar. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Cancer Genetics Program, which is run by Dr. Judy Garber, Sarah’s oncologist for over a decade. Checks may be mailed to DanaFarber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, D-1123, Boston, MA 02215.

Daniel H. Cohen ’67, who was the Senior Vice President in charge of advertising when The New York Times became the first publication to generate more than $1 billion in advertising in a single year, died Sept. 9, 2016, in Zurich. He was 64. He had traveled to Zurich with family members and died there after a long struggle with brain cancer, his family said. Daniel was a great-grandson of Adolph S. Ochs, the family patriarch who bought The Times in 1896, and a first cousin of Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr., the company’s current chairman and publisher, and of Michael Golden, the vice chairman. He held several senior executive positions in the circulation and advertising departments before he left to begin a television production company in 1999. Daniel was a Director of The New York Times Company from 2007 to 2010 and a Trustee of the family trust that owns most of the Class B shares that elect a majority of the company’s board members. Daniel joined The Times’s strategic planning department in 1983. He served as Northeast Circulation Manager and Circulation Sales Development Manager in the circulation department, then shifted to the advertising department, where he was Managing Director of Sales, Group Director of Promotion and Vice President of Advertising. In 1996, he was promoted to Senior Vice President for Advertising. Later, his production company, Dan Cohen & Sons, produced television shows, some with culinary themes. One, “A Cook’s Tour,” on the Food Network, introduced the chef Anthony Bourdain to a television audience in 2002. (He later moved to

CNN.) The Cohen Company also produced two other Food Network shows starring the chef Bobby Flay: “Boy Meets Grill” and “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” Daniel later founded DeepSee, an oceanic exploration and submarine leasing company. Daniel Hays Cohen was born in Manhattan on Aug. 1, 1952, the son of Dr. Judith P. Sulzberger, a physician and Mr. Ochs’s granddaughter, and Dr. Matthew Rosenschein Jr., whom she had met in medical school. (He was certified in psychiatry and internal medicine.) They divorced in 1956. Daniel and his brother, James, who is known as Jace Cohen ’69, were adopted by Dr. Sulzberger’s second husband, Richard N. Cohen, former Country School President of the Board of Trustees and a Yale-educated insurance broker, whom she married in 1958. After graduating from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974, Daniel was hired by the Multimedia Corp. as a management trainee. He went on to work from 1976 to 1980 as a television cameraman; a broadcast journalist and a director at WESH-TV in Orlando; a program director for Warner Amex Cable in Dallas; and, from 1981 to 1983, Vice President for Business Affairs for Fort Worth Productions, an independent film company that supplied content for public television. In Orlando, he was so successful as an investigative reporter that local power brokers implored him, unsuccessfully, to run for mayor. There he met and married a rival TV reporter, Leah Thompson Keith. She became a prosecutor in the Manhattan district attorney’s office and now represents accused young people pro bono. They lived in Manhattan. She survives him, along with their two sons, Alex and Adam; and his brother, Jace. Daniel was Director of Education and Corporate Development for ReServe Inc. (Retired Professionals Serving the Nonprofit Community) and a volunteer math and reading mentor at Spark Academy in Newark, an elementary school that is a part of the KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network of nonprofit public charter schools. He also served on the Tufts University Board of Overseers for Arts and Sciences. An avid outdoorsman, he was on the board of the Rainforest Alliance, a conservation group, and Treasurer of the nonprofit Arctic Explorer Fund.

In Memoriam

Matthew Alan Ross ’70 of Minneapolis, MN, passed away July 19, 2016. He was 61 years old. A loving husband, father, son and friend, his kindness and warmth touched the lives of everyone who came into his life. Born March 12, 1955, in Ithaca, NY, he grew up in Stamford, CT. Following graduation from Country School, Matthew attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Cornell University and Boston University’s Graduate School of Business. He had a long, successful career in banking that included 16 years with Bank of Boston and many years with several leading Twin Cities banks. He enjoyed a love of sports, and formed many lifelong friendships on the golf courses and in the hockey rinks around the Twin Cities. He is survived by wife Elizabeth, son Samuel of Minneapolis, son George of Plymouth, MN, father Harold of Delray Beach, FL, mother Grace (Friedman) of Newton, MA, and brother Jonathan “Jon” Ross ’68 of Arlington, MA.

Jennifer Fernald Link ’77, 54, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, died peacefully in her sleep at her home on March 10. She was born on July 26, 1962, in New York City. She was the daughter of Deborah S. Link, MD, of New Canaan, CT, and the late Gordon L. Link of New Smyrna Beach, FL. She was a resident of New Smyrna Beach since 2001. Jenny was raised in New Canaan and attended Country School. She continued her education at Milton Academy, graduating in 1980. Jenny received her B.A., cum laude, from Wesleyan University in 1985. Jenny lived in San Francisco for years, working for the Jewish Community Relations’ Council for nearly a decade. She also pursued her training in fine arts, receiving her Master’s of Fine Art with distinction from the University of San Francisco. Jenny’s work has been exhibited in numerous shows and online journals across the country. She was a master of printmaking and collage. Her beautiful collages often explore themes of nature and time. Jenny loved her work as an art instructor to children at the New Smyrna Beach Public Library. She collaborated with her friend, Carl Scharwath, in poetry and photography projects. Much of her art appears under the name Jennifer Clare Fernald. Jenny was an avid reader. Her passion was poetry, from classic Greek to contemporary. Her visual art was often accompanied or inspired by poetry. She was a lover of

animals, especially her beloved cat. She was often at her happiest in nature, whether at Aloha Camp in Vermont, summers in New Hampshire or marveling at the majesty of the great Sequoias. Her love of nature and her religious faith were closely connected. Raised Presbyterian, Jenny actively explored her faith with the intellectualism that was her strength. She also honored her Jewish heritage. In 2004, Jenny converted to Catholicism, and was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, FL. Her confirmation name, Clare, symbolized her connection to St. Francis of Assisi, whom she revered. She had many dear friends at church. Jenny was keenly interested in genealogy, and was a member of the Colonial Dames of America and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Jenny is survived by her mother, Debby Link, of New Canaan, CT; her sister, Helen Link Egger ’76, of Durham, NC; Helen’s husband, Daniel Egger, and their children, Rebecca, Sasha, Leo and Oliver Egger of Durham, NC; her sister, Katherine Link White ’78, of Northampton, MA; Katherine’s husband, T. Michael White and their children; Margaret and James White, of Northampton, MA. Jenny was laid to rest at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA. with a service at Bigelow Chapel on May 6, where she joined her beloved grandmother, the late Helen Fernald Shaw. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Aloha Foundation in Fairlee, VT, where Jenny grew up loving the mountains. Jenny treasured her connection to the traditions, community and joys of camp.

Elizabeth “Bailey” See ’77, 54, died peacefully at her home in Beverly Farms, MA, on Sept. 21, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. The cause of death was complications following Goodpastures Syndrome which she had courageously battled for two years. Born in Greenwich, CT, she was the daughter of Mrs. Samuel Thorne and stepdaughter of Samuel “Spike” Thorne of Bedford, MA, and the daughter of the late Alva B. See Jr., of Atlanta, GA, and stepdaughter of Nancy Quarles. Following Country School, Bailey graduated from the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY, earned a bachelor’s degree from the Mass. College of

Art and a master’s degree in Education from Lesley College. She was a tennis professional and a member of the tennis coaching organizations USPTA and PTR. She received the Al Rogers Award for Education in 2015. For the past seven years she ran the summer tennis program for the Town of Rockport. She taught at the Indoor Court in Hamilton and taught privately. A resident of Beverly Farms for the past 20 years, she will be remembered by her many friends for her joyful spirit, her generous nature and her deep love of and loyalty to her family and friends. She was strong till the end. In addition to her mother and stepfather, she is survived by four brothers, Alva “Terry” B. See III ’73 and his wife, Alison Davis See ’77 of New Orleans, LA, Richard Evans See ’75 of San Francisco, CA, Samuel Thorne ’70 of Minnesota and Guyton Thorne ’73 and his wife, Pamela of Manchester-by-the-Sea; her nieces and nephews, Trischa Thorne and her husband, Ryan Davis of Missouri, Sam Thorne III of Wisconsin, Phoebe Thorne of Colorado, Hannah Thorne of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Bennett See and Nicholas See both of New Orleans, LA. She was also the sister of the late Susan Tierney Thorne. Her marriage to Robert F. Perkins ended in divorce. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be welcomed by the Harvest Program of Trinity Congregational Church, 70 Middle Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 or Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, PO Box 518, Deer Isle, ME 04627.

Former Faculty/Staff Willis “Will” Foster Abbey, 91, of Charlottesville, VA, died peacefully on Feb. 20. Born in Hartford, CT, to Willis Flagg and Edith O. Abbey, he lived and worked in Connecticut until retiring to Charlottesville in 1991. In retirement, he was an enthusiastic member of the Charlottesville Senior Center and an avid traveler. Will was preceded in death by his son, Willis Frederick ’72, and his wife, Esther Glassbrook, and is survived by his daughter, Eliza Abbey ’76. Will came to Country School after a varied educational experience woven into war service: study at Purdue University (1943–1944); World War II action in the Philippines (1944–1945), general education

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study at Oberlin College until 1947, then Hart College of Music, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Theory in 1951. Next came one and a half years’ military service in the Korean War. Back in Oberlin in 1954, he studied in its Department of Education, work that was followed by teaching seventh grade in Hartford public schools until 1956, the year he came to Country School. Former Assistant Headmaster Michael McNaught remarked during Will’s retirement party in 1990 that Will personified a true Renaissance man; “A sixth grade homeroom teacher for many years, math teacher for many more, coach, camper, jazz pianist par excellence, faculty meeting gadfly — the list is endless! Few students, one suspects, were taken in by Mr. Abbey’s occasional gruffness, for all quickly recognized his essential kindness and his willingness to help out in a hundred ways.” Colleague Hugh Whitman recounted in an article originally published in The Bulletin (1990) that Will and Art Teacher Dick Andrews competed for years in creating the optimum hull design for ice boat racing. “They built beautiful models, though they never divulged the results of those races.” Then-music teacher John Huwiler (now deceased), recounted in the same article that Will composed an operetta for one of his classes, “The Mayflower Compact by Revlon,” implementing his own talents for both music and poetry. “He is mathematician and pianist-or is it pianist and mathematician?” said John at the time. “Some sort of creative mathematical mind has to be in charge of turning out those marvelously spontaneous musical ideas. Simply said, he is a great talent, and we have been blessed with his music.” Stories of Will’s methodically stacked firewood and booming voice which could be heard across campus hurrying laggard students to their destinations were legend. The time his Faculty–Student Ragtime Jazz Band sat in with the Dave Brubeck Quartet during a Friday morning school assembly is also an event still widely remembered.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

Jane Davison An avid supporter of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, devoted educator and community volunteer, Jane died at her home in Lyme, CT, surrounded by her family on Dec. 26, 2016. She was 90 years old. She was born in Cleveland, OH, in 1926, the second of five children to parents Louise H. and David S. Ingalls. Her father was the nation’s first and only Naval Ace from World War I. In 1947, she graduated from Vassar College with a degree in physiology and briefly taught school before her marriage to securities lawyer Endicott Peabody Davison, “Cottie” in 1948. Both she and her husband were licensed private pilots. Her husband died in 1996. She began her career as an educator at the TinkerBell School, a preschool in New Canaan, CT. She then briefly taught at Country School from 1966 to 1968, returning a few years later to coach field hockey and lead a grade 5 homeroom from 1972 to 1979. Along with a coterie of other Country School parents, Jane and Endicott were instrumental in the creation of the New Canaan Winter Club ice-skating facility, located across the street from the school. She moved to Lyme, CT, in 1980 and over the years was active as a volunteer and Board Member at both the Lyme Land Conservation Trust and High Hopes, where she served for 27 years. Known to her family and friends as “Jammy,” she is best remembered for her extraordinary energy, devotion to family, and generous and funloving nature. She played the accordion and loved to take family canoe trips. The many poems she wrote and shared at family gatherings are legendary for the joy she expressed toward those around her and her deep love of the natural world. She is survived by four children: Endicott Peabody Davison, Jr. ’67 of Boothbay Harbor, ME, Jane Davison of Geneva, NY, David Ingalls Davison ’70 of Seattle, WA, and Malcolm Peabody Davison ’72 of Atlanta, GA; seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be sent to High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, or to the Lyme Land Conservation Trust Inc.

Cassandra “Candy” White Sweeney died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Pound Ridge, NY, on Aug. 5, following a lengthy illness. Candy was born Aug. 22, 1958. Following graduation from Wheaton College, Candy worked until 1983 at Bankers Trust, New York, in the Investment, Personal Trust and Recruiting departments. From 1985 to 1988 she was Associate Director of Development/ Alumnae Director for Westover School. From 1988 to 1993, Candy worked at Country School in the Development Office. Candy earned her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from Manhattanville College in 2004. Later that year, she began teaching at Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, CT. She continued her elementary school teaching career there through 2016 and taught both third and fourth grades. A longtime colleague there recalls that “absolutely no one was more conscientious than she was. Candy was wide open to suggestions as to her teaching style, content presentation, classroom management — anything and everything.” Candy continued her service to schools throughout her life. She served on the Board of Trustees of Pine Point School from 1996 to 2000. At Westover School, she was a member of the Alumnae Association Board of Governors from 1983 to 1985 and again from 1989 to 1993. She was President of the Alumnae Association from 1991 to 1993, during which time she served concurrently on the school’s Board of Trustees. She served again as a Westover Trustee from 2010 to 2016. Candy is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Sweeney III, her daughter, Keelin Maire White Sweeney, her sister, Starr White Snead of Charleston, SC, and her brother, William King White of South Kingstown, RI.

In Memoriam

Francis Hale “Whit” Whitcomb, 94, of South Albany, VT, died June 21, surrounded by his beloved family. Whit taught history and English at Country School (1962–1966) and is remembered for his enthusiasm for maple syruping. Whit was immensely proud of his three children and their families and was a very present force in his many grandchildren’s lives. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Patricia Jane Hale; their children, Marian Guihan, her husband Peter and their sons Benjamin and Samuel; Jennifer Elliott and her husband Clarke; and David Whitcomb and his wife Kim and their children Christopher, Alex, Annalise, Kimberly, Taylor and Grace.

Former Trustees Emil Francois Aysseh, age 74, a resident of New Canaan for over 43 years died May 2, at Bridgeport Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Jan. 24, 1943, in Teheran, Iran. He was the son of Armenian parents, the late Antoine and Yeranik Aysseh. Emil attended the Peddie School in Heightstown, NJ, and was a 1966 graduate of the University of Virginia. He was the husband of Josephine “Jodie” Aysseh. Emil was known to all as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend. Emil served on the Country School Board of Trustees from 1977 to 1990. In addition to his wife, Emil is survived by four sons and their wives; Charlie Aysseh ’82 (Suzanne) of Greenwich; Alex Aysseh ’83 (Jessica) of Fairfield; Gordon Aysseh ’86 (Kesti) of Darien and Nick Aysseh ’94 (Christina) of Fairfield. These also include: two brothers, Alfred Aysseh (Armineh) of New York City, and Charles (Linda) Aysseh of New Canaan, and one sister Linda (Rene) Chirinian of New Canaan. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Emily, Dillan, Peter, Benjamin, Skylar, Caroline, Lillian, Thomas, Austin and Charlotte.

Bert Ballin, 93, passed away peacefully at home in Stamford, CT on Sept. 25, 2016. He was born December 26, 1922 in New York City. Bert graduated from Oberlin College with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1943. After two years in the U.S. Army Specialized Training Program, he attended Columbia University College of Dental Medicine where he received his D.D.S. in 1948. During World War II, he served as a Senior Assistant Dental Surgeon in the U.S. Public Health Services. Bert moved to Stamford in 1954 where he enjoyed a long and productive career as an orthodontist. After retirement from his practice in 1991, he enjoyed a second career as a real estate professional. He also made his mark as a community leader, including service as a trustee for Country School (1971–1978), and as one of the five founding trustees of the Horizons Summer Program which he helped establish in 1964. More than fifty years later, the program which is now known as Horizons at New Canaan Country School, has grown to be a nationwide movement with over 50 programs serving 4,500 children annually. Additional organizations to which Bert was dedicated included New Neighborhoods, Senior Services of Stamford, the Dental Division of the United Way and the Stamford Health Commission. In his spare time, Bert was active in the Democratic Party and a talented tennis player. Bert was also a world traveler, a passion that he shared with his growing family of children and grandchildren over the years. Bert is survived by his wife, former Country School Science Teacher Alice Ballin (1972–1971); his four children Jim ’78 and spouse Sophie; Amy ’74 and spouse Tim; Debbie ’73 and spouse Jon; and Dan ’71 and spouse Mia; and six grandchildren Noah, Michael, Ella, Jacob, Aaron and Casey.

John J. Burns Jr., 85, of New Canaan, passed away suddenly on March 10, in Naples, FL. John was born on June 27, 1931, in Cambridge, MA, the eldest son of John Joseph Burns, the son of Irish immigrants and a Massachusetts Superior Court judge, and Alice Blake Burns of Malden, MA. John

was a graduate of Boston College, where he played football, and went on to receive an MBA from Harvard Business School. He then served in the U.S. Navy for two years as storekeeper on the destroyer USS Purdy. After completing his naval service in 1957, John began his career on Wall Street, working as a Securities Analyst and Associate in the Arbitrage and Corporate Finance Department at Goldman Sachs & Company, where he specialized in analysis of railroads and trucking companies. His next position was as a General Partner of New York Securities Company, an investment banking firm, from 1963 through 1967. In 1968, John joined Alleghany Corporation initially as Vice President, Finance. Alleghany Corporation (NYSE: Y) is a publicly traded diversified financial service and holding company. In his 42-year career at Alleghany, John served as President and Chief Operating Officer (1977–1992), President and Chief Executive Officer (1992–2004), Vice Chairman of the Board (2005–2007), and Chairman of the Board (2007–2010). He oversaw the growth of Chicago Title and Trust into a leader in the title insurance industry, expanded Alleghany’s holding in industrial minerals by purchasing Celite Corp., and re-established its presence in the railroad industry. In the 1990s, he recognized early the dramatic upturn in the fortunes of the U.S. railroad industry, and established a position for Alleghany in Santa Fe Pacific Corp., which became via merger the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. Another defining moment of his career was the completion in 1998 of a tax-free spin-off of Chicago Title Corp. to Alleghany stockholders, creating a major new independent insurance company with an initial market capitalization that exceeded $1 billion. In 2002, Alleghany acquired Capitol Transamerica (now CapSpecialty). Throughout his career at Alleghany, John also cultivated his longstanding interest in trucking and transportation. In 1965, John purchased a majority share in Superior Carriers, a long-haul bulk trucking line originally headquartered in Kenvil, NJ. Under his guidance, the company grew into Superior Bulk Logistics (SBL), a leading provider of bulk truck and transloading services, for both food grade and chemical products, serving 48 states, Canada and Mexico from a network of 59 terminals. A resident of New Canaan for more than 30 years, John was known for his dedication to ice hockey, regularly playing at the Winter Club into his 70s. During the summers, he

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enjoyed spending time at his family home on Cape Cod and pursuing bluefish in Vineyard Sound. He was an avid reader who supported the New Canaan Bookstore, the New Canaan Library and the Honorable John J. Burns Library at Boston College, named in honor of his father. Other involvements include support of Catholic Charities, Waveny Care Center, endowment of the Coach Mike Holovak Endowment Fund at Boston College, and service on the Alumni Board of Harvard Business School, the Taft School Board of Trustees and the Country School Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1990. He often went out of his way to mentor and jump start careers for many young graduates, and he truly loved helping others. John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Miller Burns, siblings Alice Burns Scanlan, Brian P. Burns, and Michael Burns, his five children, John J. Burns III, Christine Burns Bent ’81 (Steve), Gregory Burns ’84, Timothy Burns ’85 (Rachel), and Jennifer Burns ’90 (Nick), and seven grandchildren: Blake, Chase, Brooke, Rose, Leah, Iris, and Anton.

Philip Livingston Rollin DuVal died peacefully in his sleep Nov. 6, surrounded by his family at home in New Canaan, CT. Philip was born April 6, 1920 in Manhattan, NY. He attended the Allen-Stevenson School in New York City and graduated from Groton (1939) and Yale (1943 NROTC). Philip spent 6 years in the Navy spanning two wars, retiring as a Commander and earning a Bronze Star with Valor. He started his career in the menswear business and subsequently began a long and successful career in the advertising and publishing business. He was a born salesman with a strong work ethic and rose up the ranks to become President of Harper-Atlantic Sales and then Marketing Director at The New York Times Magazine. Philip believed strongly in giving back to his community. He served as a volunteer fireman in New Canaan for over 30 years and also volunteered at The Norwalk Hospital. He was a founding Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, Chaired both the local United Way and the Town Zoning Board of Appeals and was Commissioner of The New Canaan Fire Department. Philip had a passion for all things related to fire fighting. His fascination began at an early

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

age when he would visit Ladder Company 16 in NYC. He bought his first fire engine, a 1924 American La France, in 1957 and thus began The Old Faithful Hose Company, which now consists of three engines. He and his fellow Old Faithful members have given thousands of children rides, bringing joy to parents and children alike. Philip is predeceased by his loving wife Janis Lee, sons Ian Stuart Chapin and Philip Livingston Rollin II, brother Clive and sister Augusta. He is survived by his daughter Alexandra Bongaerts-DuVal ’72 and sonin-law Joost Bongaerts, grandchildren Flip Bongaerts ’02 and Nikki Bongaerts ’04; step daughter Connie and son-in-law Tim Brown and their children Tim, Matt and Maggie; step son David and daughter-inlaw Natalie and their children Katharine and Caroline; and step daughter Cookie and her son Angus. Philip was a member of The Yale Club of New York, The St. Andrews Society and The Country Club of New Canaan. In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to The First Presbyterian Church or The Old Faithful Hose Company.

Kenneth Mountcastle, 88, of New Canaan, CT and Sea Island, GA passed away on Feb. 26, in Brunswick, Georgia. He was born on Oct. 8, 1928 in Winston-Salem, NC, son of May and Kenneth Mountcastle and graduated from Woodberry Forest School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then joined the U.S. Army where he served for two years in counterintelligence on the Korean front. Following military service, Ken joined Reynolds Securities, later Dean Witter Reynolds, as a stockbroker where he worked on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange for most of his career. Throughout his work life and retirement, he actively participated in the leadership of many non-profit organizations. He served as trustee of Country School (1966–1971) as well as on the boards of the Fresh Air Fund, INFORM, the Ethel Walker School, Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and as national chair of the Coro Foundation. An avid golfer, he was a member of Pine Valley Golf Club, Country Club of New Canaan, Wee Burn Country Club and Ocean Forest.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Katharine, and his children, Mary ’69, Laura ’71, Ken ’75 and Katharine ’78; daughter-in-law Lisa Mountcastle and sons-in-law, James Overton and Mark Koster, and five grandchildren: Holt, Kemble and Kara Mountcastle and Katharine and Alexander Koster. He is also survived by his brother, George, of Winston-Salem.

Hudson “Hud” G. Stoddard, a former Chairman of the New Canaan Board of Education and a former member of the New Canaan Town Council, died on Oct. 2 at Waveny Care Center of natural causes. He was 94. Despite struggling for many years with dementia, Hud always maintained his kindness, sunny demeanor, sense of humor, respect for others and joy in everyday life and those around him. Hud and his wife of 63 years, former Country School faculty member Patricia Stoddard (1968–1978), moved to New Canaan in 1956. He served for eight years on the Board of Education, two of them as its Chairman. He was instrumental in securing the land for the construction of New Canaan High School. In 1989, he was elected to the New Canaan Town Council. He is a former Board Member of the New Canaan Nature Center, the Coalition for Nuclear Arms Control, the New Canaan U.N. Committee, the New Canaan Country School (1969–1971) and the Silvermine Guild. He authored two books on town history for the New Canaan Historical Society, and took part in New Canaan fundraising efforts for the construction of a school for girls in Afghanistan and the removal of landmines from Cambodia. As a longtime member and former Elder of the New Canaan Presbyterian Church, he was proud to have attended the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington. In 2015, Hud and Pat were honored by the New Canaan Community Foundation for their many contributions to the town of New Canaan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and their families — Daniel Stoddard ’71 (Milagros Lecuona), Jane Stoddard Williams ’72 (Brian Williams), and Alexander Stoddard ’75 (Lisa Wyatt) — and by grandchildren Allison Williams ’03 (Ricky Van Veen), Douglas Williams ’06, Caroline Stoddard and step-granddaughter Isadora Gacel Machado Lecuona.

In Memoriam

Hud was born in Bronxville, NY, in 1922 and attended public schools in Schenectady, Providence, Denver and Philadelphia, moving with his father’s career as a school superintendent. He graduated with honors from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs in the class of 1944. He served as a Diplomatic Courier with the U.S. Department of State before joining Time Inc. in 1947. He was later named Assistant to the Publisher of LIFE Magazine, where his assignments included the publicity campaign and LIFE cover story surrounding the publication of former President Harry S Truman’s memoirs. In 1965, Hud joined New York Public Television Station WNET/Channel 13 as Vice President for Development and Secretary of the Educational Broadcasting Corp. He became known as the originator of two public television staples: the on-air fundraising “pledge break,” and the now-ubiquitous WNET tote bag — along with other premiums designed to reward donations from “viewers like you.” In his role at WNET, he led the effort to ensure the long-term financial viability of the then-fledgling medium. He retired from WNET in 1987. Prior to his work in public broadcasting and under the direction of John D. Rockefeller III, he served as Director of Development for the successful campaign to raise $150 million to build Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

In Cold War-era New Canaan, while Chairman of the Board of Education, Hud took part in an urgent civil preparedness effort that is largely forgotten today. During the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, he supervised a plan of action for the protection of New Canaan’s public school students from nuclear fallout in the event of a Soviet attack on New York City. In subsequent years, he cataloged the residential bomb shelters of the era that were constructed in New Canaan, many of which exist to this day. For those wishing to make donations, the family suggests: Thirteen WNET, Horizons National (headquartered in Westport, CT), and Staying Put in New Canaan, where Pat Stoddard is a founding member.

Current Parents Tatjana Freelove, mother of current student Madeline ’24, and a resident of Darien for the last decade, passed away Jan. 26, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Tatjana is survived by her husband of almost eleven years, David W. Freelove, and four daughters, Katarina, Jelena, Mia and Madeline.

She is also survived by her mother, Marija Vanjak of Brooklyn, and two younger brothers, Josip Vanjak and Petar Vanjak of Brooklyn and Darien respectively. Tatjana has five nephews and two nieces.

John Robert Nichols, father of current student Anne Nichols ’21 passed away at his home in New Canaan on Feb. 5, at the age of 54 after a two-year battle with stage IV gastric cancer. John is lovingly remembered by his wife, Susanna, and, daughter, Anne; his parents, Robert and Carole Nichols of Greenwich, and Naples, FL; sisters Beth (Blair) Crump of Darien; and Nancy (Brad) Wright of Keller, TX; father-in-law Keith (Janet) Polk of Durham, NH; mother-in-law Marie Polk of New Canaan; brother-in-law Eugene (Virginia) Polk of Pensacola, FL and nieces and nephews Katherine and Emily Crump; Thomas and Jonathan Orr; and Max, Elena and Olivia Polk.

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the following members of our extended school community: Joe Anderson: Parent of Joseph (Rick) ’69 and former Country School staff member Missy Fallon Maura Cannon: Grandparent of Garrett ’20 Thomas Kennedy: Grandparent of Maggie Ruvinsky ’19 and Charlie Ruvinsky ’21 Fred Godley Jr.: Parent of Mac ’61, Betsy Godley Spence ’64 and Rick ’69

Karin Krumpelbeck: Parent of Steven ’99 and Katja ’00

Anne Gilbreath: Parent of Sydney Gilbreath Maley ’82

Nancy Pullins: Parent of Jerald ’90, Catherine Pullins Miles ’93 and Amanda Pullins Fend ’97

Jonathan Dodd: Parent of Elisabeth Dodd Callahan ’81

Jens Risom: Parent of Thomas ’69 and Sven ’74 and Grandparent of Brad Bull ’82, Sky Bull Minckler ’90, Thayer Bull Smock ’92 and Whitney Bull ’97 Lunsford Richardson: Parent of Robin Richardson DuFournier ’73 and Bobbie Richardson Evans ’75

Barbara Freehill: Grandparent of George Clark ’12, Chapin Clark ’13 and Siobhan Clark ’16; Grandparent of Brendan Hoffman ’13; Henry Seth ’13, Tucker Seth ’15, Ryan Seth ’18 and Dylan Seth ’19

Murat Merdinolu: Parent of Arthur Merdinian ’80 and Christine Merdinian Valdez ’82 A.C. Morgan III: Parent of Lord ’80; Grandparent of Eloise ’17 and Gigi ’19 Donald Miller: Grandparent of Amanda ’19, Peter ’19 and Hilary ’23 George McGinniss: Parent of George ’02, Richard ’05 and Beau ’07

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A LOOK BACK

Farewell to a Special Place by Mark Macrides,Archivist ur campus always looks and feels different in the summer months. This

they exchanged stories about Country

summer the view changed almost daily. As the cafeteria building was

School people, places and events. It

removed, vistas that had not been seen for over 100 years became visible.

was nothing I knew anything about, but

The view up the main drive changed overnight to include a glimpse of the red

everything I wanted to know.

barn. The Watson Gym, which previously appeared to be so close to Grace House,

I remember being asked to paint the

suddenly looked far away across the empty expanse. The visible connection between

mission statement on the walls and

the north and south ends of campus became a compelling metaphor for unity.

feeling something very special about being alone and up close and personal

It reminded me how important it is

table and Rita, Wanda and Isabelle, and

with those words and sentences. I admit

periodically to change one’s view —

later Carlos Mendoza and Jack’s daughter

up to that point I had not memorized the

whether literally or figuratively. As our

Cindi, would be at another table. Let me

mission, but after that, much like after

faculty and staff community gathered for

tell you, that was the place to be! I would

you attend a Broadway show and can’t get

our last Wednesday lunch this spring and

plan my morning around it. The conversa-

those show tunes out of your head, the

prepared to bid farewell the cafeteria, we

tion back and forth between the tables

words and phrases echoed in my mind.

reflected on 72 years and 2,450 faculty-

was great, real-life stuff — whose team

It was around that time that I began

staff lunches. Over that time, it had

was in first place, the latest recipe tried

to deeply understand the connection

become a familiar space of comfort and

and what dirty deeds Donna Mills had

between this mission statement and the

routine, where we could mark time by the

been up to on Knots Landing the night

importance of the work that the faculty

variety of discontinued floor tile colors, or

before. It was one of the few places

and staff have accomplished at NCCS,

by how much squishier the soft spot in the

I could share stories about my grand-

much of which was inspired and culti-

floor in front of the yogurt bar was, or by

mother’s latest senior trip to Atlantic City

vated in the old cafeteria. It was in that

how many days you had been greeted by

with people who really cared, and when

space that the culture of the faculty

Yahaira’s smile in the lunch line.

she got sick with cancer, it was with that

and staff evolved. It was in that space

I remember my first faculty-staff lunch,

group that I found comfort and concern.

that stories were shared and work was

back in 1985. I had just graduated college

It was in the cafeteria that I acquired

done together — the work of forming

and it was my first job. I remember who I

my interest in school history, one day

a community of educators, the work of

sat with: Judy VanderVeer, Eric Garrison,

sitting between Emma Thurton and

professional development, the work of

Loretta Gilson, John Aime, Marion Troy,

Evelyn Liotard. Both had started in the

caring for each other and the work of

Bill Martin and Eddie Mercer. It was rather

’40s, and I remember listening intently as

honoring our time together.

intimidating breaking into that conversation. What did I know about schools and teaching? I need not have worried, immediately the conversation was about me. Who was I? Where was I from? By the time I had finished a second slice of Rita’s meatloaf, I had seven new friends, and after that wherever I went on campus, I knew someone. I remember that the kitchen staff and maintenance staff used to take their morning break together. Carmine, Jack, Richie, Charlie and Leroy would be at one

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2017

A History of Dining

The Country School Archives is pleased to announce an archival exhibit in the Grace House Lobby titled “A History of Dining at New Canaan Country School.” Timed to coincide with the start of construction on the new Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons, the exhibit, through photographs, architectural drawings, artifacts and other interesting objects, gives historical perspective to the development of the lunch program at NCCS as well as the various dining facilities. The exhibit, which opened Aug. 28, is curated by Archivist Mark Macrides and will run through Dec. 22.

Planned Giving Did you know there are creative ways to support Country School?

The Welles Society

Giving techniques called planned gifts allow you to

are often the gifts with the greatest

create win-win solutions for you and Country School.

impact, and they can be the easiest

Bequests and beneficiary designations

way to give. A thoughtful gift and

Planned gifts

estate plan can help address personal

• Are a significant resource for Country School.

financial-planning needs and allow you

• Make extraordinary opportunities possible for students.

to maintain control of your assets while

• Help you create a lasting legacy in your name.

providing Country School with important long-term support.

• Can come from anyone at any income level.

Please let us know if your plans already include a gift to NCCS and we will welcome you into The Welles Society.

Country School’s future strength and well-being depend in great measure upon the generosity of families such as

Henry H. Welles

yours, through planned gifts.

Named for Henry H. Welles, Country School’s first Headmaster, The Welles Society recognizes those who

Put Country School in Your Will

support Country School through planned gifts. Members

Although there are many ways to give a planned gift, and

will be honored guests at upcoming school events and

you may wish to consult with your financial advisor, the most

receive periodic information, as a courtesy, about charitable

straightforward type of planned gift and one that allows you to

planning or tax and estate law changes. Country School

make a significant contribution is a bequest in your will or living

honors all donor requests for anonymity.

trust. Wills provide many donors an excellent opportunity to

To join The Welles Society or to ask a question about estate

support Country School. You may bequeath a fixed percentage

planning, please contact Director of Advancement Terry Gumz

of your estate or a specific amount to support our mission.

at tgumz@countryschool.net or (203) 801-5633.

The Welles Society Members We are deeply grateful to all members of The Welles Society for their gracious and generous support to help ensure that the quality of the Country School experience will continue for generations to come. Anonymous ’46* Anonymous P’83, ’76

Mrs. Walter Mansfield* P’64, ’63, ’59, ’58, GP’97

Sarah Mleczko Woolworth ’73 Liz and Michael Zea P’19

Alice and Sherman Baldwin P’10, ’12, ’17

Robert McKay ’81

Robert R. Barker* P’66, ’62, ’60, ’58

Sandy Carr Motland ’58

Current Faculty and Staff

Pauletta and Ralph Beaty GP’14, ’16

Katie Mountcastle and Kenneth

Holly and Bruce Lemoine P’08, ’06, ’05

C. Daniel Bergfeld ’58 Karen Brody P’99 Loocie Brown ’74

Mountcastle* P’78, ’75, ’71, ’69 Jonathan O’Herron* P’80, GP’15, ’15, ’13, ’09, ’08, ’07, ’06, ’05, ’03, ’03, ’02

Former Faculty and Staff Albert “Ben” V. Bensen* P’72, ’67, ’66, ’63

Susan Haigh Carver* ’51

Joanna Pennypacker* ’45

Jean Caldwell*

Margaret Childs P’85, ’83, ’76, ’75, ’73,

Jane Pollock* P’63

David Crandall ’77, P’09, ’08

Joel S. Post ’81

Ann Martin DiLeone P’78, ’74, ’72

Linda Post* and George Post P’81, ’68,

Anneliese and Berni Gastrich

’73, ’72 Judith Bricken Flanagan ’63 Timothy Gilbert* ’56

’66, ’65, ’63, GP’00, ’95

Elizabeth Hulme Sue Speers and Guthrie Speers* P’77,

Jack D. Gunther Jr. ’56

Heidi and Douglas Riggs P’02

Heather Winters and Cary Holcomb P’10

Patsy Rogers ’52

Robert Hubby ’54

Kathy and Peter Sachs ’54, P’03, ’99, ’97

Marilyn Starr*

Lorna Layton Kellogg ’83

Christopher Smith* ’57

Pat Stoddard and Hudson Stoddard*

Sarah Storm Lockee ’55

John W. Stokes* P’87, ’82, ’81

Charles T. Lusk ’56

Steven Tower* ’65

S. Brinton Luther ’76

Katharine Wadsworth Wilson ’43 Dart Winship ’42

’75, ’73, ’72

P’75, ’72, ’71, GP’06, ’03 Sarah and Nicholas Thacher P’88, ’85 * (deceased), P’ (parent class of), ’ (alumni class of) GP’ (grandparent of alumni class of)

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Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 Director of Alumni Affairs hcasella@countryschool.net