Acorn – Winter 2019

North Shore Country Day School

· Winter 2019

Searching for NSCDS Memorabilia We can’t believe it—2019 has arrived and before you know it, our Centennial Celebration will begin! In the meantime, we are still on the hunt for scrapbooks filled with NSCDS mementos, diaries that contain stories of life at North Shore and even fond memories of time spent on campus.

Of course, we always welcome any photos, letters or other memorabilia from days past. Search your closets, drawers, attics and basements and let us know what you find.

Many thanks to Nancy Kimball Robinson ’58 for sending us copies of The Purple and White from 1954-1958, some photos (two pictured here from her 8th grade graduation), a Mikado program and yearbooks.

Ann Gegner Behm ’58, Elizabeth “Lisa” Guenzel Carlin ’58, Eleanor “Ellie” Royer Bruce ’58 and Nancy Kimball Robinson ’58

Nancy Kimball Robinson ’58 with Perry Dunlap Smith

in this issue

a c o r n · Winter 2019

features 4 Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds 10 Guiding Others to Explore the World 12 Symposium Explores the Future of Work and Education

depa r t men t s 2

WINTER 2019 The Acorn is published by the Marketing and Communications Department of North Shore Country Day School three times a year for alumni, parents, grandparents and friends. Its goal is to connect our school community, celebrate recent accomplishments and capture the essence of life and learning at North Shore.

North Shore Country Day School 310 Green Bay Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093 847.446.0674

Tom Flemma Head of School Tura Cottingham Director of Marketing & Communications, Co-Editor tcottingham@ nscds.org Christine Wachter Communications Associate, Co-Editor cwachter@nscds.org Jay Young

Communications Associate jyoung@nscds.org

HEAD’S LETTER

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ACADEMICS

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

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EVENTS

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FA C U LT Y

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BOOK REVIEWS

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LIVE AND SERVE

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VISUAL ARTS

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PERFORMING ARTS

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AT H L E T I C S

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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

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S AV E T H E D AT E S

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P H O T O S F R O M O U R PA S T

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CLASS NOTES

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ALUMNI REFLECTION

Molly Ingram McDowell ’80 Director of Development mmcdowell@ nscds.org Nancy Green Whiteman ’71

Director of Alumni Relations nwhiteman@ nscds.org Photographers Jay Young Tura Cottingham Michelle Kanaar Christine Wachter

Margaret Ringia Hart Design, www.mermadeart.com Graphic Arts Studio Printing, www.gasink.net

On the front cover Emmett Sheehan ’28 practices with the new Lower School cross country team.

On the inside back cover Artwork by Adair Connor ’23 On the back cover If you have information about this photo, contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 at 847.881.8848, or nwhiteman@nscds.org

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BALANCED PROGRAM REMAINS A HALLMARK “ It is not possible to handle the child in pieces; to try to build his character at one time, his physical attributes at another, and to pay attention to his mental qualities at a third time. He is learning and growing all of the time and in almost every direction.” — F O U N D I N G H E A D M A S T E R P E R R Y D U N L A P S M I T H It’s a busy time here at School. The year is in full swing, with the extra added excitement that is building around our Centennial. When we begin the yearlong celebration in June—when the 100th graduating class walks across the Auditorium stage—we will not only be celebrating a milestone, but the enduring values that have helped North Shore Country Day survive and thrive for a century.

Among those is our bedrock commitment to the “whole child.” At one point, speaking to a group of pediatricians in 1935, Perry Dunlap Smith noted, “Just as in medicine, in education it is not possible to handle the child in pieces; to try to build his character at one time, his physical attributes at another, and to pay attention to his mental qualities at a third time.

He is learning and growing all of the time and in almost every direction.” To Smith that fact necessitated a balanced approach to education, one that included athletics, arts and service alongside—and embedded within—the academic program. A rigorous physical education and athletic program was essential to his vision.

That remains true today, as you will see in these Acorn pages. Alongside unprecedented levels of interscholastic success for our Upper School sports teams, we have worked to build and hone a physical education and wellness program that continues to serve the needs of all of our students, JK-12.

Wellness is not just the absence of sickness, it’s a sense of “complete physical, 1 Girls Tennis 2 Middle School X-Day 3 Interim Week Habitat for Humanity 4 Lower School Recess 5 Halloween Parade 6 Faculty Student Volleyball Game

mental and social well-being,” according to the World Health Organization.

Recently, schools have been paying much more attention to all of these aspects of student life as they consider staffing, curriculum, programs and culture. Happily, several of those conversations are far along here at North Shore. Today, both our physical education classes and our interscholastic sports reflect this broader mandate, supported by instructors, athletic trainers, counselors, strength trainers and others.

Wellness in its full sense encompasses many different elements: physical health, mental health, fitness, safety. But above all, at least to me, it comes back to the idea of balance. It’s a very North Shore concept.

After all, how can we educate the “whole child” without considering the health and wellness of that child, along with their intellectual and social development?

While it might seem surprising today, it is no accident that Smith spoke to the American Academy of Pediatrics, or that he was published in their journal. He was ahead of his time in highlighting the very real connection between physical, mental and emotional health. The various elements of our program have always been meant to promote this synergy.

Kristen Allen’s discussion of the “mindful minute,” and the importance of relationships to peak performance, are quintessential North Shore (page 32). The tools that our P.E. teachers, coaches and trainers use have changed considerably over the years, but the willing ear might be the most effective. The field and the court, even the training or weight rooms, continue to be crucial classrooms.

Christie Graham Southern ’70, illustrates this beautifully (page 56). Expecting our students to participate widely helps our students grow “in every direction.”

We help build confidence by exposing students to some discomfort and helping them through it.

What better life skill could we teach?

Collaborative classrooms, teams, performances—all provide the ability to juggle multiple obligations, stretch out of a comfort zone, work with others. Even back in the 1940s there was an intention that our physical education program not only develop students’ bodies, but also prepare them “to meet with courage the problems they must solve in the future.” As Bruce Jarchow ’66 writes, at North Shore it is often the “ensemble effort” that wins the day—on the field, in the classroom and on the stage (page 37).

Annie Aggens ’88 helps clients around the globe solve challenges, too, especially those inherent to adventure travel (page 10). Her North Shore experiences and opportunities help her today as she teaches others about their role in the natural world and responsibilities to it. Her journeys out of her own comfort zone at North Shore help her guide others on their own paths. Annie’s sojourns still bring her back to campus, as a member of the Alumni Board and Morning Ex speaker.

Finally, the pages of this issue of the Acorn—really every issue—are replete with the evidence that a balanced program remains the hallmark of a North Shore education. Athletic triumphs (and defeats), artistic highs (and lows), academic adventures and service to others still shape the rhythm of our school years. Our students are still guided by teachers who care enough to support and challenge them at the same time.

The hallways and classrooms ring with laughter, and our JK-12 community grows—together and individually—as it has for a century. All is well.

—Tom Flemma, Head of School

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Andrew Steel ’32

HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS Callie Matthei-Schmidt ’26

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Trace Hefner ’19

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“ We want to encourage children to be active so when they leave here, whether that’s in 5th grade or 8th grade or 12th grade, they’ve found something they are passionate about and can continue to learn as they get older.”

K Y L E J O N ES, PH YS I CA L ED U CAT I O N D E PA R T M E N T H E A D A N D P.E . T E AC H ER

Since the School’s founding in 1919, health and wellness has been an important part of a North Shore education.

Founding Headmaster Perry Dunlap Smith was serious about educating the whole child—something that we still emphasize today. In the early days, that primarily took the form of mandatory athletic participation for all students and routine physical checkups, but over the years, it has expanded to encompass a JK-12 program that integrates both the mind and body.

In the 1920 School catalog, the precursor to today’s viewbook, parents were assured that “the motive of athletics is to build a foundation of health that will last through life.” The booklet also pointed out that “the school believes a healthy body is the first requisite of an active mind.”

Three times a year, each child was given a thorough physical and medical examination. Every morning, the School physician checked each Lower School child, while the headmaster shook their hand—a custom that lasted well into the 1960s.

The idea of being active for life is still the ultimate goal when it comes to health and wellness, explained Physical Education Department Head and P.E. Teacher Kyle Jones. That begins with building a solid foundation in the Lower School, and then increasing the exposure to various skills and activities as students grow older. “If you can’t throw, you’re less likely to play baseball,” he said. “If you can’t dribble a ball, you’re never going to play soccer. And if you’re not coordinated—you can’t skip or jump or hop or leap—it makes it difficult to do just about anything.”

In junior kindergarten through 1st grade, the focus is on body awareness, personal space and movement. Then basic skills like catching and throwing are introduced. As students reach 2nd grade and come close to mastering locomotor patterns, the focus shifts to object manipulation skills—catching, throwing, hand and foot dribbling, jump rope. “By mastering those skills, students are more likely to participate in various sports and those activities will be more enjoyable for them,”

Kyle explained. “It opens them up to be able to play the sports we offer here, like tennis or basketball, but also activities outside of school like squash or lacrosse.”

In Middle School, the focus switches to more functional training and tactical awareness. Students are introduced to body weight exercises and basic weight training involving multiple muscle groups.

There’s also a wellness unit introducing students to things like yoga, Pilates, the Feldenkrais Method, tai chi, martial arts— activities they’ll be able to explore more thoroughly once they reach Upper School.

Kyle explains that exposure to a wide range of sports and activities is crucial.

“Not every student is going to want to be on the volleyball court or on the basketball court,” he said. “We want to encourage children to be active so when they leave here, whether that’s in 5th grade or 8th grade or 12th grade, they’ve found something they are passionate about and can continue to learn as they get older.”

In Upper School, the physical education program shifts drastically. Instead of a conventional P.E. class, students are able

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Head of School Nat French and School Physician Herb Philipsborn ’33

to choose one of seven semester-long wellness electives. Outside teachers from the surrounding area are brought in to teach two types of yoga (athletic and mindfulness), Pilates, tai chi, Feldenkrais and martial arts. Athletic Development Coach Mark Medhurst teaches an athletic development class for those students who want a more sports-oriented experience. Each student participates in the 45-minute class twice a week for one semester each year.

Head of Upper School Dave Potter said they began thinking about revamping the program about 10 years ago. “The previous P.E. program in the Upper School wasn’t delivering an educational experience we felt great about,” he explained. “And we thought, wouldn’t it be spectacular to design a wellness program where every student, regardless of their athletic endeavors and involvement, would have an opportunity to take a physical education course that integrated mind and body, that focused on breathing and awareness in space.”

At first there was some pushback, particularly from student-athletes who were playing sports two or three seasons each year. (Previously, those students had been exempt from taking physical education classes.) But after a few years, the complaints died down and most student feedback has since been overwhelmingly positive, Dave said.

The School collects feedback about the courses from students periodically. An Upper School student who took tai chi several years ago said he felt like he had more energy throughout the day after taking a class. “I think this energy helped me stay attentive in other classes,” he explained.

“And the formwork taught me discipline.

Endlessly doing the same movement again

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and again taught me how to better stay focused when doing other activities that require full-on attentiveness.”

Another student said tai chi helped him learn how to relax. “I’m less stressed out over things like homework assignments and important tests in my academic classes, and my overall experience at school has improved,” he said.

ATHLETICS FOR ALL One thing that hasn’t changed since the School’s early years is the requirement that all Middle and Upper School students participate in team sports. Students in grades 6 through 11 are still required to participate in at least one sport a year.

“One of the principal tenets of the Country Day School plan of education is that active daily participation in team sports which place great emphasis on cooperative effort, subordination of personal glorification to the good of the whole group, and vigorous and strenuous physical effort is essential to the best development of young men and women, especially during the period of their growth,” wrote Perry Dunlap Smith in a newsletter to parents in November 1946. “The value is great, both in the physical benefits and even more, perhaps, in the characterbuilding factors which are brought out.

Good sportsmanship, a sense of fair play, courage and moral stamina all result from such a program.”

Smith’s words still apply today and full participation—in not only athletics, but also in the arts and in service—has been, and always will be, one of North Shore’s core values. As stated in the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, “Engagement in multiple

Paige Forester ’19

disciplines expands our students’ understanding, commitment, teamwork and potential.”

Over the School’s almost 100-year history, the athletic program has had its ups and downs. When Athletic Director Patrick McHugh first started at the school 25 years ago, winning four or five games was considered a really great year for some sports.

But in recent years, that balance has shifted. The girls tennis team has brought home state titles two years in a row, and the girls field hockey team made its third straight appearance in the Final Four, finishing fourth in the state this year and second in the state last year. The girls soccer team finished second in the state last spring. The School in recent years also has had individual state qualifiers in sports like cross country, golf, and track and field.

Patrick explained that the change happened incrementally, but the first hurdle they had to overcome was getting people to believe that success was possible.

“With anything in sports, you have to start with good, consistent practice habits,” he said. “Then we had to create schedules that were appropriate and gradually we began seeing improvement. And success builds upon success.”

He also focused on supporting and improving the coaching staff. When he first started at North Shore, Patrick said there were fewer than 20 coaches for the entire school. Since he’s been here, that number has nearly tripled.

North Shore also provides a great deal of support and training for the studentathletes, particularly in the Upper School.

Mark, the athletic development coach, is an invaluable resource for students who want to improve their performance in a

Olivia Theodosakis ’21 and Claudia Gonzalez ’21

Penny Luz ’32 and Carter Wilson ’32

THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION Wellness at North Shore extends far beyond athletics and physical exercise. The Counseling Department, under the leadership of Upper School Counselor Terri Webb, works hard to make sure the mental and emotional health of students is prioritized.

“A big part of what North Shore does isn’t just through the Counseling Department, but also through the relationships that all of the teachers here have with kids,” Terri explained.

“It’s the fact that kids here are visible and known. That in itself creates a holding environment for kids that is really critical to mental health—a safety net that supports our kids’ social and emotional wellness.”

Charlie Ver Eecke ’25 Cooper Rhoads ’22

The department also focuses on destigmatizing mental health and showing students it’s something everyone can work to improve. “Checking in with a counselor and just having a touch point can make a difference,” she said.

Each division has its own dedicated counselor—Debbie Youderian in the Lower School, Laura Cooper in Middle School and Terri in Upper School. Students are welcome to make appointments or just drop in when they need to. Parents can also reach out to their child’s counselor for help. “We really try to support parents as they support their kids,” Terri explained. “Our role isn’t always on the front line, working one-on-one with students. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work we do to support parents, teachers and coaches to help kids.”

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Sam Roszak ’21

David Jackson ’24, Peter Callahan ’09 and Felix Ricketts ’24

RULES OF HEALTH FOR NORTH SHORE The May 8, 1922 edition of The Purple and White, North Shore’s first school newspaper, was entirely devoted to health and wellness.

In that issue, the 4th graders published the “Rules of Health for North Shore.” These students, who would become the Class of 1930, advised their peers to keep their bedrooms well-ventilated at night, not to wear too many clothes, to keep their hands, faces and teeth clean and to practice good posture, among other things.

North Shore’s current 4th graders, with the help of their teachers Claire Detjen and Caitlin McLennan, came up with their own list. Here’s what the future Class of 2027 believes are the most important guidelines to staying healthy: 1. H ave a healthy, balanced diet. Eat fruits and vegetables instead of sugary foods.

Eat food that has protein in it. Try to have all five food groups on your plate. Drink lots of water and not sugary drinks.

2. G et a lot of exercise (an hour a day) so you don’t become a couch potato.

Try to unplug when you can. Don’t watch TV or play video games every day.

3. G o to bed early so you can get at least eight to 10 hours of sleep a night.

Sleep in a comfortable position so you wake up feeling well rested.

4. P ractice good hygiene. Wash your hands before and after every meal. Shower at least every other day. Go to the dentist twice a year, and brush your teeth at least twice a day.

5. C over your mouth when you cough so you don’t get others sick.

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Jonathan Wiggins ’25 Jordan Williams ’23 and Evan Fortier ’23

Edith Edwards-Mizel ’20

particular sport, or just develop their overall skills. He works both with teams and individuals, and creates personalized workouts based on a student’s goals.

“One of the biggest challenges nowadays is that kids have access to so much information on their phones,” Mark explained. “So they go online and find workouts that NBA players are doing. But North Shore students are not in the NBA and don’t need to be doing those kinds of workouts. And they have no idea of the greater scope of their workouts if they only see one exercise. My job is to train these kids and I want to put together a plan that’s going to help each of them individually.”

The weight room on the lower level of the Mac Gym and Mark’s services as a trainer are available to all Upper School students, regardless of whether they are currently playing on a School team. “We want this to be a place where people are free to be themselves and not feel like they’re being judged or that someone is lifting more than them,” he explained.

“One of our big mantras here is that if you’re consistent, you’ll see results. So show up every day and give what you can and you’ll be better for it.”

NEW OFFERINGS Every so often, the School’s athletic offerings are evaluated and adjusted based on the needs and desires of the student body. Last year, the School decided to cut its tackle football program, but it added a girls golf team. This year, the School added Middle and Lower School cross country teams and Upper School paddle tennis.

Starting a Lower School cross country team was something Head of Lower School Tim Sheehan had wanted to do for a long time. He had coached it previously

Zoe Bogan ’20

before coming to North Shore, and every time he looked at the playing fields he thought about what it would be like to bring it here. “I’m a firm believer that getting kids moving in the morning— especially those who might be a little more wiggly than others—is a great kinesthetic way for them to start the day,” he said.

Twenty-eight 3rd through 5th graders joined the inaugural team, and committed to attending at least two of three practices a week, either before or after school. Over the course of the season, the students competed in two meets running mile-long races. Joining Tim as coaches were 4th Grade Teacher Claire Detjen and 3rd Grade Teacher Berkley Wellstein.

The coaches said both parents and students were incredibly enthusiastic about the sport. By the end of the six-week season, parents were asking if it could be extended into the winter and spring, and wanted to know if it could be expanded to include even more grades.

“For a lot of kids, it’s the first time they were part of a School team and they could show off talents that don’t always show up in the classroom,” Tim explained. “That’s one of the powers of athletics. Schools are built around very specific academic parameters and yet kids can excel in so many different ways. I didn’t know that some of these kids were really good runners. It was just part of their identity we didn’t really know and it was allowed to flourish in a very public, very meaningful way.”

well as foster team success. Last year, as the School began a campus master planning process, the focus became evaluation of our current athletic facilities.

North Shore currently has two gyms shared among all three divisions, and there is a huge need for more indoor space, said Patrick, who co-chaired the task force, along with Cori Chandler, parent of alumnae Jenny ’11, Katherine ’13, Stephanie ’15 and Margaret ’18. Neither of the gyms are air conditioned, so it’s not uncommon to have to cancel volleyball games in the fall because of extreme heat that sometimes lasts into September. In the winter, nine Middle and Upper School boys and girls basketball teams have to coordinate use of only two courts. The School also has to lease field space, which has its limitations.

As part of their research, representatives from 180 Studio, the firm that is leading the master planning efforts, met with several members of the faculty and staff, including Mark Medhurst and Athletic Trainer Kristen Allen.

In an ideal world, Kristen said she would love to see the athletic training room and the weight room in a more shared space. Currently, if she sends a student to do rehab exercises, they have to go to the weight room on the other side of the building. And even the weight room itself has limitations. She said she’d love to see it turned into a more functional space with enough room for agility and speed work.

“We make it work—we’re very flexible,” Kristen said. “We do the best we can with FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS the space that we have. It would be lovely Over the years, the School has convened to have a wet area with a whirlpool that several task forces on athletics— most could also be an ice bath, or to have a prirecently last year. The groups, which vate room for students to do concussion pulled in parents, alumni, former student- testing. Those are things that would make athletes, faculty, staff, coaches and trustpracticing more convenient—things we ees, discussed various ways to support our can dream about.”

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GUIDING OTHERS TO EXPLORE THE WORLD ANNIE AGGENS ’88

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“ I learned early in life that self-growth occurs when you immerse yourself into the surrounding world, embracing new experiences and new situations.”

Health and wellness is often described as a physical state of being, but Annie Aggens ’88 says her definition reflects a mindset, stemming from lessons learned in childhood and further reinforced by North Shore Country Day School’s “Live and Serve” philosophy. The result is Annie’s dedication to an adventurous career, leading expeditions to the North Pole, South Pole, Greenland and Iceland, challenging the mental muscle more than any other part of the body.

Annie grew up in Wilmette with her two sisters, Christy Aggens ’86 and Wendy Aggens Griffiths ’83, a father, Larry Aggens, who wore many hats while working at NSCDS, and a mother, Joanne Aggens, a psychotherapist who loved adventure and new experiences. Whether they were packing the family station wagon and heading across country or inviting foreign exchange students into their home, the Aggens sisters were taught to view the world from a variety of perspectives.

“Growing up, it was very normal for our family to constantly explore our world,” Annie said. “I learned early in life that self-growth occurs when you immerse yourself into the surrounding world, embracing new experiences and new situations.”

While the Aggens family enjoyed many travels and adventures together, it was the combination of several solo endeavors that left a profound mark on Annie, shaping her into the person she is today.

First, the summer following 6th grade, Annie set off to a wilderness camp in Wisconsin, on her own for the very first time.

“The philosophy of the program was to use canoe tripping in the wilderness as a way to develop character and build leadership skills,” Annie recalled. “There was something about being on these adventures, on my own, that made me realize how much impact I could have on the world in which I lived. It was truly inspiring and instilled a lifelong love of the outdoors and exploration.”

Then, as Annie entered her Middle and Upper School years, she was exposed to one new experience after another, furthering her desire to embrace the world outside her own backyard. At the time, 8th graders were invited to participate in Interim Week and engaged in a variety of service and other experiential activities.

For her first Interim, she volunteered at a veterinary clinic. The following year came a trip to Russia, where Annie’s eyes were opened wide to the way different cultures worked, lived, struggled and existed.

“It seemed as if all the experiences from my family, my personal life and from my school, reinforced the importance of service and the necessity of being a global citizen. Each experience taught me that we have a responsibility to take care of the world and one another,” she said.

When the time came for Annie to graduate from NSCDS, she attended Cornell College in Iowa. During the summers she worked at a summer camp, leading small groups into the wilderness. After college, she found traditional work in office settings, but always looked for jobs with flexible summers so she could continue to lead wilderness trips.

“Leading small groups for 20-30 days out in the wilderness is an incredible education. You see changes in yourself, you see changes in individuals and you see changes in the entire group. People transform for the better,” Annie explained.

“I was particularly moved when I led groups of high school girls; they figured out pretty quickly what’s a problem and what’s really a problem.”

To Annie, being able to embrace the unpredictability of what nature gives is the epitome of health.

“I always say that if you’re looking for an insurance policy towards becoming a healthy person, then spend time in the wilderness; you realize your true capabilities,” she said. “In the wilderness, there is no such thing as failure, unless you don’t take the time to reflect on or learn from your experiences. Nature forces a person to stay open minded, be flexible and, for lack of a better word, to have grit.”

All of Annie’s experiences eventually led to a career, since 1998, with Polar Explorers in Wilmette, where she no longer has to negotiate summers off, because it is her year-round job to organize and guide polar expeditions. Her clientele are successful, educated, type A, soulseeking folks who discover that true success often comes from relinquishing control; no easy task for those who are used to being the leaders of the pack.

“I tell my clients, ‘get ready to leave control at the door.’ Easier said than done for most,” she said. “These tours are truly about the journey. Nature and its elements are completely unpredictable, so it’s imperative to stay open to the process and derive strength and joy from the situation at hand, particularly when it doesn’t go as planned. These are lessons they can take back into a traditional work setting and all aspects of life.”

Annie is also the author of the Encyclopedia of Outdoor and Wilderness Skills and lectures about polar history and expedition travel. Her role as polar guide allows her to teach people about the effects of climate change on the Arctic and polar regions.

Along with her adventurous career, Annie now lives with her husband, Dirk, and two daughters—Lola, 9 and Piper 7—and is committed to teaching her daughters the same lessons her parents taught her.

“My mother always had a way of seeing the good in other people, and I hope that’s what I pass down to my children. This tip has been helpful to me, particularly when you are out in the wilderness with groups of individuals, all with their own personality traits and experiences that they bring to the group. Sometimes you have to look beyond the surface to see the true motivation behind the behavior.”

by Alexa Burnell, freelance writer

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Symposium Explores the Future of Work and Education “ Our job as a school is to always be thinking about how we are preparing our students for the world they’re going to inherit and the world that they’re going to lead.” — TOM FLEMMA, Head of School

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ake a minute to imagine the world the Class of 2032 will encounter when today’s junior kindergartners graduate 13 years from now. What skills will they need to be successful? And what could they do without?

About 175 parents, alumni, faculty and staff packed into the Science Center Atrium on September 17 to ponder these questions and more during a special symposium. The evening featured a group of futurists, educators and entrepreneurs who explored the possible paths the School could take to best prepare its students for the future.

“Our job as a school is to always be thinking about how we are preparing our students for the world they’re going to inherit and the world that they’re going to lead,” explained Head of School Tom Flemma as he welcomed everyone to the event. “That’s why, in our strategic planning and master planning process, we are spending as much time as we are trying to think ahead. What are those skills our students are going to need in a world that we can’t really predict? What are the things that are eternal—that North Shore has always focused on—and what will be foundational skills in the future? As the world becomes more technologically and digitally based, the human skills we have been fostering for 100 years—communication, problem solving, collaboration and empathy—are going to become more and more prized possessions as we go forward.”

North Shore hired the 180 Studio team, led by architect and futurist Trung Le, to enlist the entire community in helping to envision a new, multi-dimensional learning and living environment. Le is the 12

architect of the renovated Upper School building, which was completed in 2011.

The goal is nothing less than strengthening the School’s overall learning environment—not just spatially, but also culturally and pedagogically.

As symposium audience members entered the room, they were given a card and asked to write down the answers to two questions: “When contemplating the future of work in this ‘age of acceleration,’ what should North Shore consider hanging on to and what should it let go of?”

From there, they were led on a scouting expedition—the beginning of an ongoing process in the community to figure out how best to pack for the future.

“Tonight is not about certainty,” explained Sam Chaltain, a partner with 180 Studio. “Tonight is about curiosity.

Better yet, tonight is about insatiability.

And, if it really works—epiphany.”

The featured speakers were an eclectic group of provocateurs—an entrepreneur, an engineer, an organizer, a technology guru and a researcher/artist.

“They come from radically different fields,” Sam said. “And we’ve asked them to give us a little sense of how they’re seeing the world in this moment of disorientation and how that can begin to put us in a position to better ascertain the ways in which the future path of North Shore can provide orientation to the Class of 2032.”

Each speaker had 15 to 20 minutes to elaborate on a different topic, reminiscent of a TED talk. Melissa Kauffman, executive director of the Garage at Northwestern University, talked about entrepreneurship and startups. Jon Carson, managing partner at Trajectory Energy Partners, talked about clean energy. George Aye,

co-founder and director of innovation at Greater Good Studio, talked about power and privilege. Sanza Kazadi, chief technology officer at Energetically, talked about artificial intelligence. And finally, Sarah Newman, creative researcher at the metaLAB at Harvard University and a fellow with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, talked about the intersection of research and art.

There were a few common threads throughout all the presentations. First, the world is changing very quickly and the pace at which technology is accelerating keeps getting faster and faster.

Because of this, teaching students how to think is absolutely critical. Many of the jobs that current graduates aspire to— doctors, lawyers, computer programmers— may not exist a few decades from now.

To be successful in this uncertain future, students need to know how to learn, how to think critically and how to make educated guesses.

In between speakers and at the end of the program, audience members were asked to respond to several other questions based on what they had heard: “What excites you? What scares you? What about your own beliefs and values have been challenged? What have you heard that resonated with you?” They answered some of the questions on notecards but also spent time in small group discussion and sharing out to the whole group.

“It was an inspiring evening,” Tom said.

“It felt great to see how well North Shore Country Day is already positioned to prepare kids for what’s coming and energizing to hear how eager everyone is for the conversations ahead.”

George Aye

Melissa Kauffman Jon Carson

Sanza Kazadi

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ac a demics

Greyson Gent ’31, Finley Todd ’31 and Hunter Wessel ’31

Isabel Dart ’20, Grace Bartell ’20 and Brody Rountree ’22

Isa Ameen ’20, Jibraan Ghazi ’22, Caroline Lommer ’19 and Alex Arenson ’19

Jake Kann ’12, Eva Smith ’31, Lilly Frezados ’31, Christopher Burden ’31 and Will Port ’31

Theater and Science Classes Join Forces What’s the point of building a fog machine if you’re not going to use it for anything?

That’s the question that drove Middle School Science Teacher Ty Scaletta to think about how his students could collaborate with Upper School technical theater students to put their engineering projects to work.

The end result was a Halloween house, open to Lower School students on October 29, and then reimagined into a scarier haunted house for older students on October 31. Technical Theater Director Austin Gruber and his students built the maze, painted and decorated the structure, and staffed it on both days, while Middle School science students built and ran fog machines that were placed throughout.

“It’s a genuine engineering problem,” Ty explained. “One that comes with a set of real criteria—like it needs to be small, portable and can’t run off electricity. And there’s also a time constraint. It forces them to actually use some of the design thinking they developed in Lower School science classes along with the principles they’ve learned in the past eight weeks of Middle School science to create something that Austin and his Upper School class can actually use.”

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The project also provided a different kind of experience for the 15 Upper School students enrolled in Austin’s technical theater class.

“They were using traditional scenic building techniques to create something different that’s seasonal and is going to engage the students in a different way,” he explained. “When I told them that we were going to build a haunted house this year, they lit up like the Fourth of July. They’re excited when they work on shows, but giving them another opportunity where they are not only building but also going to be involved has allowed them to engage so much more fully in the process.”

In addition to building the structure, which utilized leftover set pieces from past theater productions, as well as scraps of wood and other materials, the students had to think about designing the lighting and sound, as well as incorporating other atmospherics like fog. Upper School students in Austin’s Advanced Open Studio class and Middle School technical theater students also pitched in with painting and other last-minute tasks.

The senior kindergartners were the first to go through the maze on Monday.

Austin and Ty met with Early Childhood Director and Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Kathy Irvin for advice on how to make the Halloween house appropriate for the littlest Raiders. So for the first version, all lights were up and the focus was on being silly and goofy, rather than scary.

The students embarked on a scavenger hunt of sorts where they were tasked with finding hidden broom sticks. Along the way they encountered a dancing scarecrow, a silly science witch demonstrating dry ice bubbles and the Great Pumpkin, who led them in a pumpkin rolling game.

Austin and the theater students spent Tuesday transforming the space into a bona fide haunted house for the older students, complete with strobe lights and actors hiding in the shadows, ready to pop out and scare passers-by. On Halloween, students lined up during their free periods, and those who dared went through four at a time.

Austin and Ty said they hope they can build on this project in years to come, and they’d like to involve even more people in the future.

“There’s not a lot of cross-departmental work like this,” Ty explained. “There haven’t been a lot of opportunities for performing arts and science to cut across and do something together, so that’s a nice interaction there, too.”

Camryn Deveny ’19, Shahaan Ghazi ’31, Aidan Zavala ’19, Sebbie Brindley ’31 and Edison Collins ’31

Science Class Takeover Each year, as the autumn chill begins to fill the air in early November, North Shore Country Day School sets aside a week for its Upper School students to enjoy extensive educational experiences outside the confines of its classroom walls and campus buildings. Known as Interim Week, it has become a favorite for many students because it allows them to actively and fully engage in topics they care deeply about while exploring the world—both near and far. Interim Week projects this year took place in locations such as Morocco, Belize and New York City, to name a few. One group of students, however, did not have to travel nearly as far to have a fulfilling Interim Week experience.

Taking over Science Department Head and Lower School Science Teacher Annie Collins’ science classes for a week while she chaperoned the Belizean trip, Upper School students, mentored by Upper School Science Teacher Jerry Rietveld, spent the week teaching the Lower School students about pennies—and science— while bonding with the younger kids.

“The Lower School students were very much taken by the presence of the Upper School students,” Jerry said. “The lower grades in particular relished the

Eva Smith ’31, Emily Weil ’19 and Emmy Wentzel ’31

one-on-one attention. They saw the Upper School students not only as their teachers, but also as their friends.”

The two groups spent the week doing every imaginable activity involving pennies. They learned what pennies are made of; they cleaned pennies with salt and vinegar while learning about chemical reactions; they built structures comprised of nothing but pennies; they learned about probability by using pennies; and then even learned about the man whose portrait graces the penny—Abraham Lincoln.

“We taught the Lower Schoolers all they needed to know about pennies,” said senior Aidan Zavala ’19, who partici-

pated in the Interim Week project.

Overall, it was a fantastic week and great learning experience for both the Lower and Upper School students.

“They always came to class with the smile on their face,” Aidan said. “I couldn’t tell if they were happy to see us or to find a special penny and keep it. One of the students said I was his favorite teacher ever. It was a great way for us to bond with the Lower Schoolers.”

Jerry agreed. “The Upper School students and Lower School students absolutely enjoyed each other’s company,” he said. “There was very good energy between the two groups.”

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accomplishmen t s

Beth Ann Fennelly, Rosemarie Hartley, Justin Hartley ’19 and Merrick Hartley

Justin Hartley ’19

University of Chicago Model United Nations participants

Reading Power On October 18, Justin Hartley ’19 spoke to more than 350 guests at the 15th anniversary celebration for Reading Power, a nonprofit that provides early literacy interventions to pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade students in underserved schools in North Chicago and Zion, Illinois.

Justin, who grew up in North Chicago, participated in the program as a 1st and 2nd grader at what was then South Elementary. In his remarks, he explained how the organization helped shape him into the person he is today.

“This passion for reading allowed me to excel in middle school and helped me to become a lifelong learner, a broad thinker and an active leader,” he said. “I cannot imagine a life without books. Every day, I read on the train, on the way home from school. Reading has helped me expand my horizon. It has opened doors that otherwise would’ve been locked for me.”

Justin acknowledged his “intelligent and compassionate” parents, and explained that because of their encouragement and the support of early childhood organizations like Reading Power, he had the opportunity to come to North Shore Country Day and is now on track to attend the college of his dreams— Northwestern University.

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“Reading Power lays the groundwork individual honors were earned by Bella for a more successful future for so many Flemma ’22 (best delegate) for her work young people just like me,” Justin said. on the UN Human Rights Council, repre“I firmly believe in the mission and agree senting Indonesia; Maya Valliath ’19 that all children deserve to reach their (best delegate) for her work on the UN intellectual potential. As I continue to Security Council, representing the United grow as a person and as a learner, I know Kingdom; Rob Pierre ’20 (outstanding I’ll face new challenges, but the things delegate) for his work on the UN Security I learned when I was 6 years old at Council, representing Indonesia; and Reading Power will always remain with Justin Hartley ’19 (verbal commendation) me. So I stand here tonight with hope in for his work on the Palestinian Unity my heart that other children—hundreds, Council, representing the Minister of thousands or maybe even many more— Foreign Affairs. can share in the same successes that I Sixteen NSCDS delegates from grades have, by becoming confident readers, writ- 8-11 participated in the Carl Sandburg ers, learners and thinkers, and becoming Model UN Conference on October 6. an important and motivating force for Individual awards were earned by Emmy good in our society.”

Cho ’20 (best delegate) for her work on the French Revolution, representing Charles Lavigne; and Izzy Cho ’20 (outstanding Model United Nations delegate) for her work on the UN Office on It was a busy fall for Middle and Upper Drugs and Crime, representing Indonesia.

School students involved in Model United On November 3, 18 Middle and Upper Nations, who participated in four conferSchool students participated in the highly ences and brought home a number of competitive St. Ignatius Model UN individual and team awards.

Conference. Individual awards were At their first conference, held at earned by Emmy (best delegate) for her University of Chicago Laboratory Schools work on the Organization of American on September 22, the 15 delegates from States, representing Venezuela; Rachel North Shore earned the top team award— Block ’19 (outstanding delegate) for her Best Large Delegation. Additionally, work on the International Olympic Committee, representing Sweden; Izzy

Lorenzo Lopes ’19

Jacqueline Turner ’20, Justin Youderian ’20, Dylan McLamore ’20 and Thanos Drossos ’20 (Photo courtesy of WTTW Chicago Tonight)

St. Ignatius Model United Nations participants

Laurie Berkner (center) with members of Lower School Chorus and Singing Raiders

Mikva Challenge (outstanding delegate) for her work on the U.S. Senate, representing Lisa Murkowski; Rob (outstanding delegate) for his work on the African Union, representing Libya; and Lorenzo Lopes ’19 (honorable mention) for his work on the European Union, representing Sweden.

The final conference of the calendar year was the Chicago International Model UN, held at the Chicago Hilton November 29-December 2.

Over the past few years, Upper School English Teacher Kathy McHugh and Upper School Social Studies Teacher Tim Curren have partnered with the Mikva Challenge, an organization that helps young people get involved in the political process. On October 8, four of Tim’s U.S. history students attended a taping of a gubernatorial forum at WTTW Channel 11 studios. Thanos Drossos ’20, Dylan McLamore ’20, Jacqueline Turner ’20 and Justin Youderian ’20 joined students from more than 70 Chicago-area schools to ask Student Artwork on Display Democratic candidate J.B. Pritzker quesA group of North Shore Upper School stu- tions ranging from why he ran, to how dents participated in the Chicago Academy his wealth affects his policy decisions, for the Arts fall exhibition, which opened to criminal justice reform to pensions.

November 9. North Shore students created Justin, who asked how legalizing mariwork in response to a show at the Chicago juana would benefit communities, was one Museum of Contemporary Art, entitled “I of a handful of students whose questions Was Raised on the Internet,” that ran from were answered on air. Pritzker replied that June 23 to October 14. Students who were his biggest concern was making sure there not able to attend the MCA exhibition cre- isn’t an increase in teen use. “But when ated pieces that explored the intersections you have the right regulatory framework … of technology, art and social issues. it doesn’t increase teen use,” he said. “If Participants included: Alex Arenson ’19, we legalize, we can make it safe, we can Alex Carrigan ’20, Axel Garcia ’21, make it more just and we can bring in Lorenzo Lopes ’19, Abby Renaud ’19, about $700 million of revenue to the state Eloise Richardson ’20, Alessandro Colzi while also creating jobs.”

Risaliti ’19, Martina Colzi Risaliti ’19, Justin said he was disappointed he Anna Roszak ’19, Sheridan Tyson ’19 and didn’t get to choose the question he asked Livvy Whitmore ’19.

Pritzker, who was elected governor in

November, but he thought it was cool to see how the show was made. “Overall, it was a great experience and a good opportunity for me to be involved in politics before voting age,” he said.

Lower School Chorus and Singing Raiders at Ravinia In August, members of the Singing Raiders (SK-2nd grade) and Lower School Chorus (3rd-5th grades) joined awardwinning singer/songwriter Laurie Berkner onstage at Ravinia for a children’s concert.

Laurie has been a longtime fixture on TV’s Nick Jr., Sprout and Universal Kids channels, and has released numerous original songs, albums, DVDs, music videos and books.

While Laurie often performs with her band, the Ravinia concert was a solo show.

The following North Shore students joined her on two of her most popular songs, “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “Walk Along the River”: ZeAnn Blair ’27, Avalon Felty ’26, Konstantina Kalyviaris ’29, Callie MattheiSchmidt ’26, Gabriel Rosen ’24, Samuel Rosen ’26, Katie Sheehan ’28, Elizabeth Shinn ’30, Emily Ver Eecke ’27, Bronwyn Wood ’28 and Payne Wood ’30.

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dis t inguished gues t s

Susie Brew Schreiber ’58

Jeff Foreman ’80 and Susie

Susie Brew Schreiber ’58 Receives Francis R. Stanton ’27 Recognition Susie Brew Schreiber ’58 received the 38th annual Francis R. Stanton ’27 Recognition on Saturday of Homecoming Weekend.

As she accepted the honor, Susie reflected on her experiences at North Shore Country Day School and the learning that occurred both in and out of the classroom. She spoke about the many teachers who challenged and set examples for her, and also shared stories about learning opportunities and travel with her family. These combined experiences helped create her “Live and Serve” mentality and inspired her to be involved in her community.

North Shore’s focus on collaboration and global citizenship was a key element of her education. This launched her into a lifetime of collaboration in many arenas, including her remarkable work with the concerns of the Great Lakes Region so notably recognized and applauded on local, state, federal and global levels in protection and advocacy for this major freshwater source. As she said, it began sitting in the North Shore Auditorium every day where she saw the “Live and Serve” motto displayed, and it has remained with her over her lifetime.

The day before the presentation, Susie spent the day on campus visiting a number of Lower, Middle and Upper School science classrooms. She brought a model of the Great Lakes to Middle School science classes to teach students about the impact humans have on the environment, and to demonstrate runoff and the effects of pollutants on waterways. She also met with 2nd and 3rd graders in the Lower 18

School science lab, where she used stuffed Commission and for many years an owls as props to tell the Great Lakes story. advocate for girls’ sports regionally. She She later met with Upper School students also pursued her interest in environmental in the Advanced Open Research class. concerns. In 1993, Susie worked with On Saturday, Alumni Board President partner organizations to convert the Jeff Foreman ’80 presented Susie with the former 25,000-acre Joliet Arsenal property official citation. into the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. While on the Illinois Audubon C I TAT I O N E X C E R P T S Society Board of Directors, she was asked As a “Lifer,” Susie credits “sitting in North to serve on the Waukegan Harbor Citizens Shore’s Auditorium every day for Morning Advisory Group (CAG). Susie not only Ex and staring at the motto ‘Live and became involved, but has led the CAG Serve’ displayed on the wall” for since 1998. Today, after 31 years and tens encouraging her to get involved. She also of thousands of volunteer hours by CAG believes that North Shore’s approach to members, and paid federal, state and teaching and learning prepared her well. county employees, the harbor is very close Her lifelong community engagement, to moving into a new status: Area of orientation and focus to serve the greater Concern in Recovery. good has been recognized, and she has In 2012, Susie was the recipient of the been commended as a highly motivated, 10th Congressional District of Illinois dedicated and caring leader.

Friend of the Environment Award. She has After graduation from North Shore received other recognitions including the Country Day in 1958, Susie attended 2007 Grassroots Citizen Advocate Award Skidmore College. She is a great believer from the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat in continuing education, having done Network and Fund, the 2009 Waukegan graduate work at Harvard University and Park District Volunteer of the Year, the the University of Illinois at Chicago, and 2011 National Park & Recreation through organizations such as the Illinois Association Barb King Environmental Association of Park Districts and Stewardship Award, the 2011 Illinois opportunities with the United States Audubon Society Conservationist of the Environmental Protection Agency Year Award and the 2016 Distinguished E. (USEPA), the Illinois Environmental Ted Erickson Environmental Professional Protection Agency and environmental award from the Industrial Water, Waste groups. She states, “A great deal of my life and Sewage Group. She was also a Lake has been just learning by doing.”

County Cares 2016 Volunteer Honoree.

An ardent supporter of her community, Her impressive career as a volunteer in her volunteer work has included her community, a civic leader and her numerous Scout leader positions, passion for the environment and Great Winnetka Park District Commissioner, Lakes exemplifies the School motto of member of the Winnetka Plan “Live and Serve.”

Susie at the Alumni Field Hockey Shootout

Colin Gupta ’24, Felix Ricketts ’24, Susie, Noah Youderian ’24 and Gabriel Rosen ’24

John Carter ’28, Ethan Yoo ’28, Will Carlson ’28, Annie Collins, Isaac Lumpkin ’28 and Susie

Susie in Lower School science class

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Susan Moses Harris Thompson ’58, Nancy Kimball Robinson ’58, Susie Brew Schreiber ’58, Buzz Norton ’58 and Martha Uhrig Malnic ’58

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dis t inguished gues t s

Andy Duran

Heather Havrilesky

Ingrid Fetell Lee

Lizzy Appleby

Andy Duran Parents of Upper and Middle School students were invited to a parent education program entitled “Get the Facts: Vaping and Juuling,” in September sponsored by the Parents’ Associaion. Andy Duran, executive director of LEAD (Linking Efforts against Drugs), talked to parents about what they can do to help their kids make healthy and informed choices.

Included in the presentation was an interactive exhibit of a teenage bedroom containing items that may be indicative of risky behaviors. Upper School Counselor Terri Webb was also present to answer questions specific to the School community.

The program was designed to educate parents on the topic and prepare them to engage in a conversation with their children on these topics. Andy returned to campus in November to give a similar presentation to Middle School students and answer their questions during the monthly Middle School Community Gathering. LEAD has served local communities for nearly 30 years, and now conducts trainings, workshops and presentations for both youth and adults all over the country.

Lizzy Appleby often funny essays suggest an embrace of the flawed, a connection with what already is, who we already are, what we already have. Our salvation, she says, can be found right here, right now, in this imperfect moment.

Her writing has been called “whip-smart and profanely funny” (Entertainment Weekly) and “required reading for all humans” (Celeste Ng). In her work for New York magazine, The Baffler, The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic, as well as in “Ask Polly,” her advice column for The Cut, she dispenses a singular, cutting wisdom—an ability to inspire, provoke and put a name to the most insidious cultural delusions.

Ingrid Fetell Lee

North Shore welcomed Brooklyn-based designer, writer and IDEO fellow Ingrid Fetell Lee on October 16 to discuss how the spaces and objects we interact with every day have surprising and powerful effects on our mood. Drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology, she explained why one setting makes us feel anxious or competitive, while another fosters acceptance and delight —and, most importantly, she revealed how we can harHeather Havrilesky ness the power of our surroundings to live fuller, healthier and truly joyful lives.

On October 29, NSCDS hosted a Family Ingrid devoted 10 years to answering Action Network (FAN) event entitled the question: “How do tangible things cre“This Imperfect Moment: A Conversation ate intangible joy?” Her remarks were entiwith ‘Ask Polly’ Heather Havrilesky.” tled “Joyful: The surprising power of The acclaimed critic, memoirist and ordinary things to create extraordinary advice columnist is also the author of happiness.” Her book, Joyful, and her blog the newly published book of essays “The Aesthetics of Joy” explore the powerWhat If This Were Enough? ful connection between our surroundings Heather urges readers to reject the pursuit of a shiny, shallow future that will and our emotions, and empower people to find more joy in daily life through design. never come. Her timely, provocative and

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Laura Hoover

Parents gathered at a workshop on October 18 with Lizzy Appleby, LCSW and youth program manager of Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook. The program, entitled “Supporting the Sexual and Gender Identity of Our Children and Teenagers,” was open to parents in all three divisions.

Lizzy guided parents through the importance of positive gender and sexuality development for all youth. After discussing the process of identity formation, parents explored the impact of family, school and community on a child’s development. Parents were provided with concrete strategies to use at home to ensure their children are empowered, safe and healthy.

Laura Hoover The PA Parent Education Committee invited Laura Hoover to speak to Lower School parents on the topic of “How to Raise a Healthy Eater” on November 14.

Laura, a Chicago-based registered dietician, nutritionist, author and founder of Smart Eating for Kids led a discussion on healthy eating for children. Her presentation addressed the most common eating challenges that families with young children face. Parents were given specific strategies to make mealtime a more pleasant and nourishing experience for their entire family.

“Healthy isn’t a goal, it’s a way of living,” Laura explained. She encouraged parents to incorporate small changes that would help them to slowly work their way up the “health ladder.” Her two most important tips were to try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into the entire family’s diet and to reduce the amount of sugar, and she offered a variety of creative strategies on how to do so.

As North Shore Country Day School prepares to celebrate its Centennial next year, we are taking a look at the Acorn to make sure we are providing you with the best magazine possible. This past fall, we released a reader survey to find out what you love and what you’d like to see improved. Thank you to everyone who participated and for sharing your feedback.

• 6 3% of those surveyed read every issue of the Acorn. Another 19% read most issues.

• 77% prefer to read the Acorn in print.

• 6 ,367 alumni, parents, donors, faculty, staff and friends of North Shore Country Day received a printed copy of the Fall 2018 issue.

•8 5% say reading the Acorn strengthens their connection to North Shore.

•7 1% say it keeps them informed of what our students are doing.

• 5 5% say it reminds them of their experience at the School.

Things You’d Like to See More Of • Student life and achievements • Profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni • New technology in the classroom and new approaches to learning • Photography, both new and historical

Reader Favorites

Overall Quality Acorn readers said the quality of the magazine is good or excellent.

• 8 8% Cover • 8 7% Photography • 8 3% Layout and Design • 8 2% Content • 8 2% Writing • 8 0% Ease of Reading

Acorn readers most enjoy features and articles about: • Cultural events and performances • Student achievements • Campus facilities and growth • Stories about new or interesting academic classes • Student issues and opinions • Student community service • Student research or other academic experiences • Extracurricular life and activities • Message from the Head of School • Athletics

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events

(Front row) Jane Deuble, Liz Price Hunt ’42, Mouse Doar, Tom Doar, Susan Bondurant, Howard Jessen and Art Jessen ’70; (Back row) Rory Finlay, Mary Ann Finlay, Jay Bach, Deborah Vainder Edidin ’67, Cam Avery, Jeff Colman, Susie Getz and Bert Getz Jr.

Mouse and Tom Doar Receive Foster Hannaford Recognition On the evening of October 23, North Shore Country Day School honored our two newest Hannaford Recognition recipients—Mouse and Tom Doar. Following welcoming remarks and reflections from Board Chair Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87 and Head of School Tom Flemma on the Doars’ transformational and heartfelt impact on the School, Tom Flemma then read and presented the recognition plaque.

IN RECOGNITION

“On the cusp of our Centennial, we are honored to acknowledge two treasured Raiders, Mouse and Tom Doar, as they join the ranks of the ‘Hannafordians,’ a term coined by former Board Chair Susan Bondurant when she was acknowledged in 2016. The impact Tom and Mouse have had on our School community is incalculable, and something we all cherish. They are steadfast believers in students and teachers, as are their three children, Tom ’00, Charlie ’03 and Mullery ’06, who were raised as Raiders. They have left an indelible mark on North Shore Country Day School, and we will be forever grateful.

“Tom served and steered the School in a variety of ways during his 27 years of service: as teacher, coach, Head of Lower School, Director of Admissions and 22

Development, and 16 transformative years as Head of School. Some of the significant highlights from his tenure include: enrollment growth from 361 students to 524 students, a 45 percent increase; a strengthened reputation in the surrounding community; expanded student body in all three divisions; increased number of families from local and extended communities; faculty and staff growth from 82 to 121; endowment growth from $5.5 million to $23 million; Annual Giving growth from $584,000 to $1.3 million; more than $75 million raised, $50 million in campaigns; campus improvements of $40 million including the state-of-the-art Conant Science Center linking all three divisions, renovations of Lower School and Middle School, transformation of Upper School through a new schedule and renovated spaces, modernization of the Auditorium and Arts Center, and establishment of The Goodrich House for the Head of School and family—all impacting thousands of students, their families, and hundreds of faculty and staff. It is not an overstatement to say our School has been re-energized.

Tom’s steady and passionate leadership— in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, students and friends of the School—made it possible.

“For Tom, as with North Shore, it’s all about people. To recognize this fact, upon his retirement in 2016, The Doar Scholarship Fund was established in the endowment, further cementing the Doars’ steadfast belief that students are always at the center of the work we do together at NSCDS. A commitment to scholarship is a commitment to the future, and, in Tom’s own words, ‘It begins and ends with the students in mind.’ In addition, over the years Tom has mentored countless colleagues, alumni and students, and continues to do so, ensuring his legacy of thoughtful schoolkeeping will echo for generations.

“Mouse’s impact on this place is similarly broad and meaningful. Her heart, style and sensibilities are evident everywhere in our halls, buildings and culture.

For decades, she enthusiastically offered her time and energy, devoting her creativity as an active volunteer in the Parents’ Association, Country Day Fairs, Women’s Board/Benefit Board, special-event celebrations and day-to-day life on campus. She led with her whimsical style in creating fun and festive auctions that raised significant funds for special projects impacting students and faculty, each and every year.

Mouse’s design talents added to the

Mouse Doar, Tom Flemma and Tom Doar

Maggie Scheyer, Susan Fortier and Lizzy Giffen

Deb Keyt, Alison Fitzgerald and Bryan Keyt

Shaina and Tom Doar ’00, and Howard Jessen

warmth of our School’s spaces and can be felt in the colors and textures throughout the School where she offered input on wall and floor colors, as well as lighting and windows. Mouse knew in her bones, long before it became trendy, that carefully curated school spaces can transform learning. If those spaces are the ‘third teacher,’ at North Shore, then Mouse is surely a master teacher herself. The welcoming spirit she nurtured at North Shore can be felt in the halls, classrooms, library, cafeteria, walkways and links between buildings, where we all interact on a daily basis, continually feeling her presence and care.

“In their actions and in their very being, Mouse and Tom Doar embody North Shore’s core values: commitment to educating the whole child; partnerships among teachers, parents and students; respect for the individual in an inclusive environment; access and opportunities for all. Quoting from a student during Tom’s retirement year in 2016, ‘You truly do care for this school and each and every one of its students.’

“The Doars have left an indelible legacy on North Shore, always willing us forward with optimism and the Doar mantra, ‘Onward and upward!’”

IN THE WORDS OF TOM AND MOUSE

After accepting the recognition, Tom and Mouse shared stories and memories of their years at North Shore. Tom recalled how North Shore served all five Doars incredibly well. He recalled Mary Wagner, former Lower School art teacher, who said “If one were to start a school, it would be a school with a soul like North Shore.”

“North Shore is a school where everyone matters and contributes—students, faculty and staff, parents, alumni and friends.”

Tom ended by quoting Head of Lower School Tim Sheehan who, an hour before the event, sent him an email explaining that he was juggling things and might not be able to make it. “He thanked Mouse and me for ‘All we have done for this fine little school.’ I thank everyone in the room for all they have done for this fine school emphasizing that it is, in fact, a fine little school with a remarkably big impact, and that everyone in the room and so many others have made, and continue to make, a difference.”

Mouse recalled, “It was very clear to us from the beginning that North Shore was a small school with a big heart and its big heart grew on you. After being at the School for enough years to have three

children of our own—Tom, Charlie and Mullery—we ventured to New York. And after seven years, we decided it was time for a shift.

“We were lucky enough to get interviews at many wonderful schools around the country. After each stop, we’d get back into the airplane and I’d say to T. Doar, ‘nice school, nice people, but it just doesn’t feel right.’

“And then I told T. Doar, ‘you know I’m with you bucko, I’m on board, I’m flexible, I’ll go anywhere ... as long as it’s back to Winnetka and NSCDS.’ So, in 1996, back we came to the small school with the big heart. North Shore gets into your blood and it just becomes you.

“Thank you for giving us the privilege of raising our three children here. Thank you for giving them a safe haven to grow up, to learn how to be who they wanted to become, and to be part of a place where a big heart matters.”

The recognition is named in honor of Foster Hannaford, who served as a member of the Board of Trustees for 48 years and as a Trustee of the School Foundation for 35 years. It was initiated in 1985 and is conferred annually upon a person or persons who demonstrate distinguished service to North Shore Country Day School.

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events

Aidan Zavala ’19 and Malcolm Hansell ’19

Friday night bonfire

Jane Scullion ’21 and Caroline Segal ’20

Homecoming 2018 More than 275 alumni and many more students, parents, faculty, staff, friends and neighbors returned to campus September 28-29 for a packed Homecoming weekend.

Although Friday’s rain forced a few athletic cancellations and a delayed start to some of the family activities planned for the evening, it didn’t keep people away and, luckily, cleared in time for the traditional bonfire and introduction of the athletic teams.

New this year was a Lower School Carnival, expanding on last year’s Family Fun Fest organized by the Parents’ Association and the Athletic Council. In addition to inflatables, the Carnival included face painting and games like cornhole, can smash and a ring toss, and entertained all the families in attendance. Food trucks and booths from Bub City BBQ, Graeter’s Ice Cream,

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Grateful Bites, Tomate Fresh Kitchen and Piko Street Kitchen, run by North Shore’s own Eric Hattori ’06, stayed busy feeding the crowds.

Alumni from as far away as the United Kingdom returned to campus with their friends and families to reconnect with former classmates, faculty and staff.

The oldest alumna in attendance was Liz Price Hunt ’42, followed by Katrina Wolcott Kelley ’43, who was celebrating her 75th reunion.

Various formal and informal reunion class dinners and gatherings were held off campus, and alumni and their guests were invited to a Friday evening reception with current and former faculty and staff on campus in the Hall Library. Later that evening, young alumni from the classes of 2006-2013 met at the Firehouse Grill in Evanston to continue the celebration.

On Saturday, alumni, parents of alumni and former faculty gathered in the Auditorium for the Francis R. Stanton ’27 presentation to Susie Brew Schreiber ’58.

The Stanton Recognition is given each year to alumni of the School whose life work exemplifies the School’s motto, “Live and Serve.” The morning program also included an update from current students as well as Head of School Tom Flemma, and closed with a traditional sing-along of Gilbert & Sullivan and other favorite tunes.

As in past years, the Little Raiders field hockey clinic gave children ages 4 and up an opportunity to learn the basics of the game from North Shore players and coaches, and practice their shooting and passing. Later, older Raiders got the chance to show off their skills during the first-ever alumnae field hockey shootout, held during halftime of the varsity field hockey game.

Marina Bullock-Puzon ’26 and Caroline Wolfe ’26

Evan Fortier ’23 and Hugo Hourihane ’23 Adam Terhaerdt ’20

Fran Luz ’25, Colin Casey ’25 and Finley Todd ’31 Little Raiders field hockey clinic

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Country Day in the City: Carlos Angeles ’12, Todd Searle ’05 and Jack Kelly ’12

Larry Williams ’87 and Alex Silets ’87

Happen/Stance Opening Reception: Rita Obeillero, Laura Hsieh, Keith Sklar, Jackie Melissas and Montserrat Alsina

Winter Celebration: Lifers Maya Valliath ’19, Paula Fiegl ’19, Katie Nolan ’19, Max Marshall ’19, Rachel Block ’19, Livvy Whitmore ’19 and Caroline Lommer ’19

Michael and Jennifer Larsen

Happen/Stance The fall exhibit in North Shore’s John Almquist Gallery, entitled “Happen/ Stance,” was a tiny invitational celebrating former faculty member Jackie Melissas and a few of her many students: Joanne Avery ’90, Chris Davis ’00, Ben Tullman ’06, Cindy Taylor Mooers ’08, Shaun Teamer ’08 and Clayton Cottingham ’14.

Jackie explained that she didn’t want to do a solo show. “It just didn’t feel OK in this space, in this community,” she said.

“But bringing it together with the kids— I just love it. It makes me feel like my work has life.”

In her 33 years as an art teacher at North Shore, from 1980 to 2013, Jackie worked with hundreds of students. For this exhibit, she chose just a handful whom she had mentored in some way, or with whom she had kept in touch over the years. “I tried to think of a variety of positions, locations in life and media to just give a sample, she explained. “So it’s just the six people out of many.”

The exhibit showcased the work of a digital artist, a furniture-maker, a textile artist, a photographer, a glassmaker and a painter. Jackie’s clay sculptures and other pieces were scattered throughout. The title of the exhibit referred to the dual nature of Jackie’s process and her views as an artist.

She lives and teaches that life happens, 26

encouraging students to work with the unexpected and to fashion outcomes that reflect what they encounter. For Jackie, this creative openness is founded upon her belief in living an ethical life, the importance of the arts, and in the value of each and every person, as well as being brave enough to take a stance, either through one’s art or by the way one lives their life.

A more inclusive alumni showcase is in the works for next year’s Centennial celebration. (See call for entries on page 54.) “There are a lot of serious artists who went through our program,” Jackie said. “There’s a lot of giftedness in so many areas, and these people are out there doing it. It’s a gutsy thing to do. This is not an easy field. But there are lots more.”

Day School as a way to build School connections with alumni, parents of alumni, current parents and friends of the School. The luncheon program will be held April 18.

Winter Celebration

Although it’s gone by different names over the years, the Winter Celebration is one of North Shore’s oldest traditions, dating back to its founding in 1919.

This year’s program on December 21 began with a welcome by Head of School Tom Flemma. Next, the entire community joined to sing Jingle Bells and the two emcees dressed as elves, Lifers Maya Valliath ’19 and Livvy Whitmore ’19, read aloud the timeless children’s classic Frosty the Snowman. At the end of the story, they Country Day in the City were joined by the rest of the Lifers, Rachel Block ’19 (Dreidel), Paula Fiegl ’19 This year, Lunch in the Loop shifted (Snowman), Caroline Lommer ’19 to an evening program in the fall and a (Gingerbread Man), Max Marshall ’19 daytime luncheon in the spring, and was (Santa) and Katie Nolan ’19 (Mrs. Claus). renamed Country Day in the City. The Different grades paired up for a variety fall reception and program were held at of dances, highlighting Jewish, German, the Union League Club in Chicago on November 15 and featured Head of School Mexican, South African and Irish tradiTom Flemma who presented “North Shore tions, and even the faculty and staff joined Country Day School: What Matters Most.” in the fun with a High School Musical dance. The program closed with the tradiThe Lunch in the Loop program, now in tional alumni, faculty and staff sing-along its 16th year, was introduced by the of Winter Wonderland.

Alumni Board of North Shore Country

Brian Capozzi and Bill Ake ’88

Darla Hovden

Peggy Smith Coffee ’90 (front), Janie Koster and Larry Williams ’87

Fall Connectathon: Your Impact. Their Stories.

Giving back is fun, and it is also full of stories. At our annual Connectathon in November, volunteers worked with staff to reach out to alumni and parents. Whether participating on campus or from home, volunteers shared updates and garnered Annual Giving support through texts, phone calls, notes and emails.

Volunteer Darla Hovden, parent of Ryder ’22, shared her time to help call the parents in her son’s class. “We support Annual Giving, and I volunteered for the Connectathon to help bridge the gap between what tuition provides and the cost of educating each student,” she explained. “This added financial support ensures NSCDS can reach its high standard beyond what tuition alone can provide. Recently, our son experienced his first Upper School Interim Week. I am grateful he has access to this immersive and enriching experience. Programs like Interim are supported by Annual Giving and expose students to a variety of opportunities and helps to prepare them for a life of engagement and service.” Darla and her husband Ryan’s gift is matched by his employer, which helps to double their contribution.

It is a great time to not only help raise dollars for Annual Giving, but also a way for alumni to connect with each other, and for them to share their stories. They heard from an alumnus who reminisced about playing football in the ’60s, a member of the Class of ’42 who talked about her good buddies from high school, and one member from the Class of ’49 who said he made his first gift right out of college and has been giving every year since.

The generous support from all who committed to supporting the School again this year is greatly appreciated. Each contribution impacts every student and helps continue these stories year after year.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers (on-campus volunteers in bold): Annie Aggens ’88

Mervat Kalil

Bill Ake ’88

Janie Koster

Carlos Angeles ’12

John Lillig

Karen Arenson

Suki Lipman ’70

Steven Arenson

Danny Lowinger ’08 Amanda Macejko Ches Manly ’89 Suzanne Folds McCullagh ’69 Ciara McDonagh ’90

Chris Avery ’87 Cathy Bell Bartholomay ’79

Phyllis Beattie ’72 Bruce Blair ’69 Benjy Blenner ’02 Karen Block ’09 David Brown ’84

Melissa Mizel

Eileen Murdock Craig Niemann

Karen Buckner

Ted Notz ’53

Brian Capozzi

Scott Olson ’79

Peggy Smith Coffee ’90

Basma Quraishi

Jackie Cotter

Sarah Geist Rosen ’86

Jim Davis ’64 Charlie Doar ’03 Dolores Farhat

Hilary Bishop Scott ’96 Jeannie Lea Scully ’63 Todd Searle ’05 Kristin Sheftel

Jeff Foreman ’80

Jennifer Shreve

Katie Freiburger

Alex Silets ’87

Sarah Cody Gallas ’04

George Smith ’81

Tom Geraghty ’62

Katie Todd ’96

Steve Haislet

Susanna Ver Eecke

Naomi Hattori ’02 Sophie Hiland ’18 Betsy Perkins Hill ’70

Larry Williams ’87

Darla Hovden

Nina Yoo

Pascale Dunaway

Janelle Wood

Andrew Wood ’90

Elizabeth Ingram ’82

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facult y Professional Development All members of the faculty and staff are participating in professional development activities to advance the intercultural competencies through individual and collaborative work throughout the 2018-19 academic year. Most are participating in professional learning communities on topics such as Navigating Power, Privilege and Bias, Building Cross Cultural Communication Skills, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, and Building a Pilot Summer Bridge Program.

Related to that work, Assistant Head of Upper School and Upper School French Teacher Lynsey Wollin-Casey participated in the Intercultural Development Inventory’s Annual Conference and an IDI Qualifying Seminar in Minneapolis. Head of Middle School Barrington “Barry” Fulton Jr., Upper School English Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator Drea Gallaga, 1st Grade Teacher Anya Leist and Middle School Humanities and Science Teacher David Kubacki attended an IDI Qualifying Seminar in Baltimore.

Upper School and College Counseling Administrative Assistant Erin Aiston, Upper School English Teacher Christina Baik, Library Specialist Jessica Brown, Upper School Mathematics Teacher Carissa Clark, Middle School Counselor Laura Cooper, Upper School Science Teacher Gina Gnoffo, Instrumental Music Director and Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Ann Goodrich, Director of Educational Technology Lucy Gray, Upper School Social Studies Teacher Louis Mercer, 1st and 2nd Grade Assistant Teacher Madisson Morgan, Middle School Mathematics Teacher Graham Rosby, Senior Kindergarten Teacher Meredith Steiner, Middle School Mathematics Teacher Rachel Sun, 5th Grade Assistant Teacher Christina Timbers, and Middle and Upper School French Teacher and Penn Fellow Stephanie Waterman are participating in this year’s Year One Program for new faculty and staff. The program works to acculturate new members of the faculty and staff to North Shore. The faculty for this year’s program are Assistant Head of School and Academic Dean Chris Boyle, Associate Director of College Counseling and Upper School English Teacher Lizzy Giffen, Lower School Reading and Learning Specialist Sharon Lieberman and Middle School Science Teacher Ty Scaletta.

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Social Studies Department Head and Upper School Social Studies Teacher Kiernan Aiston attended the Advanced Placement Comparative Government Workshop in Florida.

Kiernan Aiston, Upper School Mathematics Teacher and Penn Fellow Zach Blickensderfer, Upper School Dean of Students and Social Studies Teacher Erik Cooper, Mathematics Department Head and Upper School Mathematics Teacher Brian Frederick, Upper School French Teacher Beatrice McKenna, Upper School Social Studies Teacher and Penn Fellow Brian Sarfo, and Stephanie Waterman attended the University of Pennsylvania Day School Teaching Residency Program’s Summer Meeting on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Additionally, Zach, Erik, Brian Sarfo and Stephanie attended the group’s fall meeting at St. Anne’sBelfield School in Charlottesville, VA. Kiernan Aiston, Middle School Mandarin Teacher Yun-Chu Chen, Middle and Upper School French Teacher AnneMarie Dall’Agata, 5th Grade Teacher Libby Ester, 2nd Grade Teacher Marcy Giesler, Gina Gnoffo, English Department Head and Upper School English Teacher David Grossman, Lower School Spanish Teacher Winder Holeman, Head Librarian Jenna Nemec-Loise, Visual Art Department Head and Upper School Visual Art Teacher Rita Obelleiro, Middle School Learning Specialist Christine Ritchey, Graham Rosby, Upper School Science Teacher Joan Ryder, Brian Sarfo, Senior Kindergarten Teacher Amy Shuldiner, and Director of Counseling and Upper School Counselor Terri Webb participated in a symposium on The Future of Work and School conducted

by Trung Le and his associates from 180 Studio.

Lower School Visual Art Teacher Montserrat Alsina, Christina Baik, Zach Blickensderfer, Upper School Social Studies Teacher Tim Curren, Senior Associate Director of Development Tracie Frederick, Drea Gallaga, Lucy Gray, 3rd Grade Teacher David Green, Upper School Visual Art Teacher Laura Hsieh, Anya Leist, Upper School Science Teacher Leanne Marcus, 4th Grade Teacher Caitlin McLennan, Assistant to the Head of School Izzy Steach and Middle School Mathematics Teacher Grace Wood are participating in a professional learning community focused on Service Learning. The

group is being co-led by Zach, Drea, Anya and Grace, who are members of the Faculty Service Learning Council.

Montserrat Alsina and Rita Obelleiro attended the Arts Educator Day at the Chicago Academy for the Arts.

Christina Baik, Middle School English Teacher Susan Schinleber and Middle School Social Studies Teacher Dana Specht attended the Facing History and Ourselves Fall Chicago Schools Alliance Colloquium.

Zach Blickensderfer and Graham Rosby are participating in the Chicago Math Teacher’s Circle at Loyola University Chicago, which meets several times throughout the school year.

Middle School Science and Computer Science Teacher Lee Block and Gina Gnoffo attended the Great Lakes Science Olympiad Coaches Clinic held in Naperville.

Chris Boyle, Director of Finance Sue Downing, Head of School Tom Flemma, Barry Fulton, Lucy Gray, Caitlin McLennan, Rita Obelleiro, Upper School Mathematics Teacher Brian Posner, Head of Upper School Dave Potter, Head of Lower School Tim Sheehan, Middle School Humanities Teacher Sarah Walsh and Board Vice Chair Duff Stevenson participated in an Apple Education Briefing. Coordinated by Lucy, the event was specifically designed for North Shore at Apple’s Executive Briefing Center in Chicago.

Chris Boyle, Brian Frederick, David Grossman, Tim Sheehan and Lynsey Wollin-Casey attended a workshop sponsored by NEMNET on “Overcoming Obstacles to Recruiting Faculty and Staff of Color” in Chicago.

Chris Boyle attended The Mastery Transcript Consortium Site Director Meeting at the Nueva School in San Mateo, CA. Jessica Brown attended the Association of School Library Educators Annual Conference and Workshops in Chicago.

Erik Cooper and Director of Admission Jason Giffen presented a session entitled, “Powerful Partners: How intentional student on-boarding creates successful student transitions” at the Enrollment Management Association Conference in San Diego.

Laura Cooper attended the Independent Schools Association of the Central States’ workshop on The Power of Social Emotional Learning.

Members of the Year One Program for new faculty and staff

Upper School Science Teacher Becky Corrigan attended The University of

Chicago’s Marine Biological Laboratory Open House at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Falmouth, MA. Three North Shore teachers— Becky Corrigan, Middle and Upper School Choral Director and Music Teacher Will Hester and Brian Posner, served as Advanced Placement Exam Readers in Biology, Music Theory and Calculus respectively.

Director of Marketing and Communications Tura Cottingham, Middle and Upper School Computer Science Teacher Arturo Garcia, Director of Development Molly McDowell and Communications Associate—Print Specialist Christine Wachter attended the 2018 Cusp Conference—an annual conference on the “design of everything”—at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

A number of faculty and staff attended the fall meeting of the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools held at the Latin School of Chicago. Those in attendance were Tura Cottingham, Tracie Frederick, Lucy Gray, Sharon Lieberman, Lower School Learning Specialist Tobye Ostrow, Molly McDowell, Christine Wachter, Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Whiteman, Development Associate— Annual Giving Maureen Wilde and Lower School Counselor Debbie Youderian.

Tura Cottingham and Christine Wachter attended the UCDA Design Conference in Grand Rapids, MI, September

29-October 2. The annual conference provides an in-depth look at the issues facing the design and communication communities, both in and out of educational institutions.

Barry Fulton, Arturo Garcia, Junior and Senior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher and Spanish Teacher Rebecca Reategui, Anya Leist, Rita Obeillero and Brian Sarfo attended the National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference in Nashville in November.

Barry Fulton attended the Administrators of Color in Independent Schools Conference in Chicago.

Lizzy Giffen and Director of College Counseling Kristen Kaczynski presented on a Team Approach to College Counseling at the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools Conference in San Antonio, TX, and attended the National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference in Salt Lake City, UT. Gina Gnoffo attended the Construct3D Conference at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Lucy Gray participated in the 2018 Europe and North America Regional Global Citizenship Education Network Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, an event that brought together 50 thought leaders on global education from Europe and North America.

Director of Early Childhood Programs Kathy Irvin, Associate Junior Kindergarten

Teacher Janet Lord, Rebecca Reategui, Amy Shuldiner and Meredith Steiner

attended The Alliance for Early Childhood’s Annual Networking Event.

Lower School Music Teacher Linda Kiracibasi participated, along with other members of her chamber group Coriolis, in the Holstein-Schleswig Music Festival in Lubeck, Germany. During the week she participated in a masterclass on ensemble singing and performed in the festival’s final concert with the King’s Singers.

Molly McDowell attended the INDEX Consortium Meetings in New Orleans.

Louis Mercer attended the Advanced Placement United States History workshop in Chicago.

Christine Wachter served as a mentor for Northwestern University students in an Adobe Creative Jam, a tournament where students put their creative skills to the test as they competed to create an app on a given topic. The multidisciplinary event, hosted by the Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications, took place on the Evanston campus on November 16.

Terri Webb attended the Illinois School Social Work Conference in Chicago and attended workshops on a number of topics including, “The Emotional Connection Between Substance Use and its Progression” and “The Pursuit of Perfection: Mitigating the Impact of Perfection on Student Achievement and Wellness.”

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facult y

Wavering Sabbatical Broadens World, Feeds Soul

By Carmen Gomez-Fiegl, World Languages Department Chair; Upper School Spanish Teacher

T

o take a breather from the daily routine of heads-down busyness, I love reading travel blogs about faraway places.

On a winter night two years ago, after a shift as an after-school activity driver for my kids, I ran across a testimonial that made me wonder if I should change the quotidian rhythm, at least for some time: “Traveling opens my eyes, sharpens my mind, tires my feet, lightens my wallet, brightens my life and gladdens my heart.”

Our family’s recent 12-month stay in Berlin and tour of Europe not only did just that but it also left its distinct mark in our lives for good. A colorful array of unexpected encounters with places and people marked our way, occasions that were sometimes short and inconspicuous, but accompanied with a spark of emotion that made me feel alive and privileged to experience them. Here are some fragments of them.

Nature helps me to be introspective and discover my inner self. It was immensely gratifying to contemplate the magnificent sunrise on the Baltic Sea when we crossed from Germany to Denmark in the fall. Here, water was our path of transportation but also a silent witness to history. Getting to know the Danish and, later on, the Swedish cultures opened our minds as we encountered a societal mindset centered on mutual fairness and quality of life, with educational systems that are not only professionally effective and academically reputable, but accessible to everyone and packed with opportunities for recharging one’s energies through family and healthy leisure.

Having the flexibility to devote long periods of time to reading gave me a

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wonderful daily mental activity and it sharpened my mind. Since I finished my dissertation in 2000, I have been looking forward to reconnecting to that part of my experience. My research field was female novel writers in Spain in the 1990s and how they influenced the contemporary configuration of current family structures.

During my year in Berlin, I was reconnected with the work some of these authors published a decade later and was inspired for future projects with my North Shore students.

Berlin is a never-ending project.

Having been destroyed, restored, divided and unified in the last century, and having hosted thousands of immigrants and refugees during the last few decades, the city is consistently making an effort to find balance in the chaos of such history. My dream of believing we can make a difference with small gestures tired my feet every Saturday around a table of a soup kitchen in the Kreuzberg, Berlin. Peeling potatoes for a group of refugees and homeless was a family activity that allowed us to become intimate with great souls. Among the exemplary volunteers we met, Peter, a former Red Cross chauffeur, was without a doubt my family’s superstar. His stories of an earlier Berlin will always stay with us.

Reconnecting with our family’s roots was also a rewarding part of our experience that brightened our lives. We celebrated my husband’s 50th birthday in Vienna, Austria, surrounded by old friends and family members. A few months before that, I was thrilled to attend my 25th college reunion in Salamanca, Spain, visiting with former classmates at my alma mater.

In December, we recklessly hosted 16

members of the Gómez family in our apartment in Berlin for Christmas and, in May, we gathered with the extended Fiegl family in Minden, Germany, where we got to know about 40 new distant relatives.

This multifaceted, energizing experience gave me so much emotional and intellectual freedom that having the year come to a close was not easy. Inevitably, July arrived and we needed to return.

Expressing gratitude was the last item on our list and we did it in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Hiking barefoot up the steep rocky mountains around the village gladdened my heart. With a notebook in our hands and the sunset coming down, that last evening of our year abroad marked the end of a deep family experience and the beginning of a new stage in our lives knowing we learned a bit more about ourselves and the world.

I would like to thank North Shore Country Day School for giving me the opportunity to broaden my world and feel my soul again, to Béatrice Mckenna for chairing the World Language Department with generosity, grace and professionalism while I was gone, to Mary Ann and Brad Whitmore for genuinely receiving Paula as their own daughter during the second semester and to our children Paula, Claudia and Jojo for being open to having their lives changed. I am immensely grateful to my husband Patrik for continuing to create family memories and for being the best companion in another life adventure.

The Vera D. Wavering Sabbatical was established to renew the spirit, invigorate teaching and enhance the School community. The program is open to teachers and administrators.

“Traveling opens my eyes, sharpens my mind, tires my feet, lightens my wallet, brightens my life and gladdens my heart.”

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facult y Faculty Profile: Kristen Allen AT H L E T I C T R A I N E R ; M I D D L E & U P P E R S C H O O L H E A LT H T E A C H E R

Q . This is your second year as a North Shore Country Day employee, but you’ve been working with our students for a lot longer than that. Tell us how you came to be the School’s athletic trainer.

A. My first four years I was contracted to North Shore through Athletico. I would say 80 percent of my job happened here at the School, maybe even 85 percent. And the rest of the time, I was either at an Athletico clinic or covering other assignments for the company. Then North Shore hired me full time at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year.

Playfield, and if the tennis team needs anything, they’ll call and the other athletic trainer can head over there. I’m usually here on campus. But then sometimes we’ll switch off so I can be with all the teams at some point. Varsity normally takes precedence since it has the most potential for contact injury.

rough day and you have to give them a little more grace with their attitude and/or athletic performance.

Q. Do you incorporate any mental or emotional wellness practices into your work with the students?

A. It depends on the team and that’s

really up to the coaches. Mark Medhurst, our athletic development coach, is amazA. One of my favorite things about my job ing at incorporating that with the teams is the relationships I get to build with the that work with him. I know with field hockey, volleyball, tennis, soccer and boys athletes. I see these kids every day and spend time with them, sometimes in their basketball, one of the first things they do every day is a mindful minute. Essentially, most vulnerable moments. So it’s imporQ . What exactly does an athletic trainer do? tant for me to know them and to be on the it’s a moment of quiet. You can lay down, sidelines for them, not just in case they get stay standing, close your eyes, do a yoga A. I care for all of the Middle and Upper pose, whatever you want. It’s just a injured or something else happens, but School sports teams—whether that’s also for them to know that I am a constant moment of silence before you start anyinjury prevention, injury treatment, rehathing for the day. And I’m sure other support for them. I see them at their best bilitation or immediate on-the-field care. teams do similar things. and at their worst, and I want them to I’m also a liaison between doctors, parents know I care about how they’re doing. and coaches. If I’m not at games or pracQ. When most people think about health tices, I have administrative work like keep- Q. Students today are under a tremendous and wellness in schools, the first thing that ing up on treatment notes and usually comes to mind is sports. What’s amount of stress, worrying about things communicating what’s going on with ath- like academic performance, relationships, another element of health and wellness that letes. I also teach a section of 6th grade we don’t always think of immediately? college, etc. How do you see their mental health and co-teach 10th grade health in and emotional state impact their A. That’s something Mark and I have the second semester. athletic performance? talked a lot about over the last few years.

Q . How do you balance your time during A. Someone might be in the best physical Space to play is really important—a place for kids to come down and leave their some of the busier sports seasons when condition of their life, but they just phones and books and everything else and you can’t be on all the sidelines at once? flunked a test they needed to do well on after studying really hard and they’re fight- just play games. Obviously we believe that A. Fall is definitely our busiest season organized sports teams are very important, ing with their best friend, and suddenly when we have the most teams. And we but for that time in between practices and they’re not able to compete at their best. also utilize Skokie Playfield and the The biggest part of knowing your athletes when the season ends, it would be nice for Nielsen Tennis Center. I have an assistant kids to have a place to come play spikeball is really knowing their baseline self and athletic trainer through Athletico, so or have a place to relax and hopefully not being able to tell when something is that person will mainly cover Skokie be attached to a device. wrong. Sometimes kids are just having a

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Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?

book re v ie ws Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness

by Ingrid Fetell Lee

The Number Devil

by Hans Magnus Enzensberger PUBLISHED 2000 H E N R Y H O LT A N D C O.

I met my first number devil in 2005, but it might be more accurate to describe him as a number pirate. Paul Sally wore an eyepatch, had two prosthetic legs and routinely berated us about the “Mickey Mouse math” we did in school, in contrast to the knot theory he was teaching us. Being in a class with Paul was frustrating. Math came so easily to me before, but was pretty boring: solve for x, distribute the negative sign, rationalize the denominator. Learn a skill and then apply it. Paul wanted us to play around with things and pose our own questions, instead of just answering the ones he gave us.

The Number Devil is a book for both the student who is deeply bored in math class and the student who hates going to math class (and suggests, perhaps, those students may have more in common with each other than they think!). It presents a murderer’s row of primary and compelling math ideas that veer off the beaten path from pre-algebra to calculus: Fibonacci numbers! Pascal’s Triangle! Infinite series!

And of course, all the problems that cannot or may not ever be solved. The story grounds the work of math not in credentials, SAT-readiness or other kinds of gatekeeping, but rather in play.

“Yes, mathematics is an endless story.

Keep digging and you keep coming up with new things.” Calculators will keep getting better at doing algebra, calculus and more. But storytelling will never go out of fashion.

Graham Rosby Middle School Mathematics Teacher

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

PUBLISHED 2018

PUBLISHED 2014

L I T T L E , B R O W N S PA R K

MILKWEED EDITIONS

Any Lower Schooler could probably list all sorts of things that bring me joy: science, sure, but also creatures (furry, spiney or scaley, even), puns, fashion, bubbles and picture books. I love to celebrate creators and inventors. I also love to create, and more often than not, my creations are not at all useful. My bucket list includes mastering the ukulele and visiting Albuquerque for the hot air balloon festival. For my birthday each year, I challenge 5th graders to design and build a confetti launcher that promises an impressive cloud in my honor. Luckily, at work I am surrounded by children who appreciate and share in the spaces and objects that bring me joy. But for all other aspects of my life, is it OK to look outward? To seek joy from what surrounds me, not just from within myself?

Mindfulness, meditation and minimization of “things” are certainly worthy trends today. But as I poured through each chapter of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee, I found opportunities to understand myself and all the things—yes, things!—that also bring me joy. A celebrated designer and TED star, the author organizes the book by theme, such as energy, play, surprise, and effectively draws from neuroscience and psychology to articulate her ideas. More often, she uses the power of stories. Yes, as I read, I often “secret signaled” in response to the way the author shares evidence from her own lived experiences as well as those of others around the globe.

Secret signaling is our way of expressing a connection to something at School, and for many of our children [ahem, and adults], it’s a reflex. So, when someone else is sharing we can silently relate by rapidly bending our pointer finger up and down and up and down. My pointer finger was sore by the end of this book.

Braiding Sweetgrass is a slow, meditative book, well suited to the rhythms of my summer. Through memoir, storytelling and science, it considers a question I ask students in my Comparative World Religions elective: “What is our responsibility to nature/the earth? What should our relationship with it be like?”

In contemplating these questions, Sweetgrass combines two of my loves: plants and spirituality. Author Robin Wall Kimmerer is a botany professor and a member of the Potawatomi Nation. She writes reverently about humans’ relationship with nature, and particularly with sweetgrass, a culturally and religiously significant wild plant that has developed a reciprocal relationship with humans.

Robin has deep insight into this reciprocity. She was taught both to ask the plants for permission to harvest and to take no more than half, and her experience confirms that sweetgrass flourishes when approached with care and respect, as a conscious being.

She contrasts and connects science and traditional knowledge, university structures and community life. She writes about her college students, whom she pushes outside the boundaries of the traditional classroom, and their joyful ability to discover and create. Robin’s thoughtful perspective as a botanist, a mother, a teacher and a deeply spiritual person resonated with me and shifted my mindset. As August rolled around, I approached the gardens less concerned about picking every tomato; I found myself more eager to meet my students with enthusiasm for their creativity and insights. I appreciate summer’s pace and this time for reading and reflection.

drea gallaga Upper School English Teacher; Upper School Director of Service Learning and Community Service

Annie Collins Science Department Head and Lower School Science Teacher

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live and serve

Kali Pfannerstill ’20

#Pfannerstrong: Volleyball Team Honors Former Coach in Annual Dig Pink Game Ask anyone in the NSCDS community and they will surely tell you it’s always a good day to be a Raider. Most will probably say it’s always a great day to be a Raider, as they burst with school pride while talking about the girls tennis team winning its second straight state championship or the field hockey team making its third straight Final Four appearance.

And then there are the days when it’s truly extraordinary to be a Raider. Friday, October 5, was one of those special days— the day of the annual Dig Pink volleyball game to support cancer research.

In the middle of a close third set of an even closer match, libero Kali Pfannerstill ’20 eyed the ball as it made its way to a Christian Liberty Academy outside hitter.

Anticipating where the slam would land, Kali instinctively reached out both arms and made a diving dig, robbing her opponents of a near-certain point. Still on the floor, she looked up to see the ball fall harmlessly inside the pink-colored sideline on the other side of the net.

Point Raiders.

With equal amounts of relief and excitement, Kali let out a yell as she leapt to her feet and threw her arms in the air.

The packed house followed. Wearing black t-shirts with pink lettering that 34

“You’re not supposed to wear jewelry,” read, “Team Pink,” students in the crowd Kali said, “but the referee said I could wear jumped and danced around. Shouts of it. By wearing that necklace I believe that I “Kali” filled the rafters. It was truly a was more at ease and I was able to think special night. about volleyball.”

“It meant everything to me,” Kali As much comfort as the necklace prorecalled. “I felt so supported and loved vided, what really resonated with Kali was by everyone at North Shore. I felt like the words her younger sister Meg ’24 they were there to support my family and offered her before the start of the honor my mother. I’m so thankful for it.” match.“She gave me a hug and she whisThe specialness of the night was pered in my ear,” Kali recalled. “She said, evident from the beginning. During a ‘You got this; you can do it for Mom, you pregame ceremony, Kali’s mother, Jen Pfannerstill, former Upper School science can do it for me, for Haidyn, for Dad. Just go out and be you.’” teacher and scientist-in-residence, was With those words, Kali begin to cry honored. Jen, who last year roamed again, but she said they gave her the the sidelines as the head coach of the strength to focus on the match. varsity team, lost her battle with cancer “Meg and I are super close,” Kali said. in July.

Tears welled throughout Mac Gym as “She really cared about how I was gonna make it through the night. Hearing her Kali’s uncle spoke to the full house about say those words just gave me a push to what an inspiration Jen was. “When my uncle spoke, it was just so emotional, Kali flip this switch and focus on playing the match.” recalled. “I was crying so much that my That support continued through the dad just hugged me the entire time.” night. Once the final point was scored and As the start of the match approached, the teams shook hands, fans poured onto Kali needed to somehow focus on just the court to be with Kali and the team. playing the game. First, she spoke to the “I remember after the game was over, referee about wearing a necklace—a gold our fans sort of spilled onto the court,” bar with the word “faith” etched on it— during the match. The necklace was a gift Kali recalled. “I got lots of hugs and support. Some people were like, ‘You’re so from her mother.

Varsity and junior varsity girls volleyball teams

Meg Pfannerstill ’24 and Kali Pfannerstill ’20

strong, I can’t believe you did that.’

Another said, ‘You played so well and your mom would be so proud.’

“Everyone was so positive, which is something that I think in that sad of a time, we needed to keep going. It’s something I’ll always remember,” Kali continued.

Despite all the love and support shown to Noel Pfannerstill and his daughters Kali, Meg and Haidyn, the night was so much more than that. Calling back to the School’s motto of “Live and Serve,” the event helped raise awareness in the fight against cancer as well as raise funds for cancer research.

“I think faculty, students and everyone are willing to go above and beyond what they’ve done in years past,” said Rebekah Kauffman, athletic assistant, physical education teacher and coach.

Haidyn, Meg ’24, Noel and Kali Pfannerstill ’20

In the days leading up to the event, Upper School students held bake sales, sold t-shirts, made posters and decorated the School. The volleyball team coordinated their Dig Pink match with the field hockey team’s Play4TheCure game in order to extend the events a little longer.

“Historically, we’ve tried to be pretty unified about it, but this year we did a much better job,” said Head Field Hockey Coach Mullery Doar ’06, who is also the associate director of admission for grades 6-12 and a Middle School health teacher.

“They played their game on a Friday night, which was really fun, and then we played the following Monday. So that kind of kept it going a little bit longer.”

When it was all said and done, the teams raised over $2,500 for the Bright Pink organization, which focuses on

prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. However, the impact was far bigger than just the money raised.

“It’s a service in that this is a disease that people need to be aware of,” said Athletic Director Patrick McHugh. “I think there are a lot of people in this community who are affected by it. Moms, sisters, or even men who’ve been affected by the disease. I think the good news is there’s been a much higher awareness from this movement.”

“I hope something can be fixed soon because I don’t want another family to lose a parent; I don’t want another young girl to feel like the way I did,” Kali said. “It was important to be a part of this event. It really pushed me to want to make a difference because no one should have to go through this.”

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live and serve

Ahmad Oluewu ’25, Josh Sanders ’25 and Katie Loeb ’25

Teddy Bradshaw ’21

Middle School Service Week In 2011, North Shore Country Day School launched Service Week as a way to incorporate the School’s “Live and Serve” motto into the educational experience in a way that is developmentally designed for Middle School students. As the program entered its seventh year, the goal remained to plant seeds for students to become involved with service during the year and instill in them the desire to perform service throughout their lives.

Middle School teachers Dana Specht, Grace Wood and Christine Ritchey planned and organized the program to introduce students to different types of service. The weeklong format offers an immersive, intensive experience with students grouped together in advisories. That time together also has the added benefit of strengthening the connection among the advisory.

In addition to scheduling three days of hands-on, off-campus visits to local service agencies, the teachers also incorporate a two-day speaker series.

Outside guests come from a wide array of local organizations.

Among the organizations where students had hands-on service experiences were Feed My Starving Children, Bernie’s Book Bank, Peterson Garden Project, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Backyard Nature Center, Wings and Cradles to 36

Crayons. Organizations partnering with and staff from all divisions pitched in to NSCDS to share speakers were Honor take care of the 12th family.

Flights Chicago, Traffick Free Chicago, “We don’t sign the gifts from ourselves, James B. Moran Center for Youth so the parents or grandparents can choose Advocacy, McDermott Will and Emery, to not disclose that the gifts were donated,” Ski Patrol, Peace Corps, Special Olympics, explained Livvy Whitmore ’19, one of the the American Civil Liberties Union, Community Service Club leaders who Beyond Spots, Night Ministry, Northbrook helped organize the drive. “I really like Fire Department, Refugee One, Winnetka that, because it makes sure that we’re on Police Department, Meals on Wheels, an equal level with the families instead of First Slic and the Mayor of Evanston. making them feel like we pity or look down on them. So much about this drive, from the way we buy gifts to the way Northwestern they’re given out, embodies a combination Settlement House of both generosity and respect.”

Once the collection period ended, stuThis holiday season, North Shore students, dents met in the V for a packing party faculty and staff provided much-needed where they sorted and boxed up the clothing, toys, household items and growrapped presents. The next day, students cery store gift cards to 21 adults and 42 loaded all the items into an activity bus so children from 12 families who were havthey could be delivered to Northwestern ing a hard time making ends meet. The Settlement. effort was part of a collaboration between The adults in these families are often the Upper School Community Service working full time or more than full time Club and the Northwestern Settlement and still are not earning enough to supHouse, a nonprofit organization on the port their children or parents. Many of West Side of Chicago that the School has them are dealing with health problems worked with for more than 25 years. within the family.

Oftentimes, families Upper School advisories joined forces must choose between buying food and to adopt 11 of the 12 families for the holipaying rent, or having enough money to days and provided anonymous gifts to afford a warm coat and daily necessities. each family member, who had the opportunity to list a few wishes. While students In these circumstances, parents often cannot provide anything special for were not required to participate, most the holidays. enjoyed the opportunity to help. Faculty

Heritage Society Spotlight: Bruce Jarchow ’66

Beth Schwartz and Preston Ver Eecke ’31

“Being able to step in and do something that might seem small for us actually brings such a great feeling,” Livvy said.

“Picking up twin sheets, a gift card or coloring supplies might not seem like a big deal, but thinking about the joy it will bring the families is amazing.”

PA Holds Book Fair Once again, the Parents’ Association logged hours upon hours volunteering to organize and run the annual Book Fair.

New this year was a collaboration with Follett Book Fairs, based on the recommendation from Head Librarian Jenna Nemec-Loise. “It’s so beautiful,” said a 6th grader when he walked into the fair held in the Library.

The event, held in October, focused on literature for our junior kindergarten through middle school students. The most popular book among the students in grades JK-2 was Creepy Pair of Underwear

by Aaron Reynolds and Caldecott Honor winner Peter Brown.

The Book Fair netted revenue of $13,600 from 380 transactions. Proceeds will be directed to the School library. In addition, the PA also organized a drive for Bernie’s Book Bank and collected 1,000 books in conjunction with the fair.

Individuals who have made provisions in their will or estate plans to benefit the School are recognized in the Heritage Society. Bruce Jarchow ’66, an alum and a parent of alum Bert Kelly-Jarchow ’07, is a television, film and stage actor who divides his time between New York City and Connecticut, where he resides with his wife Nancy McCabe-Kelly. Known for his roles on Seinfeld, Ghost, According to Jim, Desperate Housewives, and a number of other movies and television shows, Bruce and Nancy have spent much of the last decade performing in Been There, Still There, a theatrical performance about a baby boomer couple on a road trip to Wisconsin from North Avenue in Chicago for a wedding.

WHY I MADE MY PLANNED GIFT

Over the years I have tried to stay engaged and supportive of North Shore, not only as a way to say thank you for my time there, but mostly because I believe in the purpose and mission of the School. The fact that this purpose and mission has held fast for nearly 100 years, adapting and growing within an ever-changing climate, is a testament to the strength of these ideals. I make my planned gift knowing that North Shore will continue to educate and inspire for a long time to come.

W H AT PA R T O F N O R T H S H O R E ’ S E X P E R I E N C E HAS REMAINED WITH ME

This is a hard question because I’ve held on to so many moments—both real and, I suspect, slightly imagined. I can still quote some words of wisdom from teachers. I can still sense the excitement of a line delivered on stage. I can still remember papers I wrote, tests I took and Morning Ex adventures. And I can still envision balls flying and teammates rushing around at all the games I played. Some memories—like someone’s smile, or navigating the winter’s ice on Tally’s Alley—are small moments, but to me they still have meaning.

However, I think my greatest takeaway from North Shore has been the ability to learn from other people; not only teachers and coaches, but friends and classmates, parents, Middle Schoolers and Lower Schoolers, the hardworking school staff, and all the guest speakers, performers and artists who came to campus to share their worlds with us. All these gifts were made possible

by North Shore.

W H AT D O I H O P E M Y G I F T W I L L A C C O M P L I S H

North Shore always valued the ensemble effort, and I’ve found that to be an obvious truth in my life since graduating. I trust that my gift will be accompanied by many others, and that the School will find a good home for it.

For more information about North Shore’s Heritage Society, please contact Molly Ingram McDowell ’80; 847.441.3316; mmcdowell@nscds.org.

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v isua l a rt s

Sophia Wall ’23

Mira Goldstein ’23 Mac Devereux ’23

Wyatt Giffen ’27

Sheridan Tyson ’19 Ben Berghammer ’19

Campbell Fleming ’24

Eloise Richardson ’20

James Forrest ’27

AJ Millner ’30 Eli Gallaga ’28

Lydia Lane ’19

perfor ming a rt s Fall Play: The Sparrow North Shore kicked off its theater season in October with The Sparrow, a drama by Chris Mathews, Jake Minton and Nathan Allen.

Ten years ago, Emily Book (Claire Umpleby ’20), the lone survivor of a horrible school bus accident, was sent away from the tiny town of Spring Farm. Now, in her senior year, Emily must return in order to graduate from high school. When she arrives, shy and guarded, Emily is unwillingly thrust into the whirlwind of Spring Farm High. Guided by her biology teacher, Mr. Christopher (Zach Barker ’19), and befriended by head cheerleader, Jenny McGrath (Alex Carrigan ’20), Emily must learn to fit in with her classmates while yearning to stay out of the spotlight. But when Jenny’s life is threatened in a dangerous stunt at the homecoming basketball game, Emily reveals her true powers as she saves Jenny’s life in a stunning display of telekinetic heroism. Thus, Spring Farm’s own darling superhero, “The Sparrow,” is born. Can this strange girl with even stranger powers be the hero that her town is longing for, or will her dark secret destroy them all? The Sparrow taps into the fundamental aching of adolescence—fearing that we’re somehow different while hoping that we’re somehow special.

Zach Barker ’19 and Claire Umpleby ’20

Winter Choral Concert Students from grades 3-12 joined together on December 13 for the School’s annual Winter Choral Concert, featuring performances by the Lower, Middle and Upper School choruses. Middle and Upper School selections included not only a number of holiday-themed songs, but also a Disney show tune (“Hakuna Matata”) and a contemporary cover of John Legend’s “If You’re Out There.” Lower School selections ranged from a Nigerian Christmas song in the Yoruba language to a Hanukkah song to a jazz tune with a guest saxophone player (Ann Goodrich, Middle and Upper School instrumental music director and music teacher). After each group performed individually, all three choruses came together for the closing piece, “Grant Us Peace,” sung in Latin. The day before the concert, North Shore students got a sneak peak at a few selections during a Morning Ex preview.

Lower School Holiday Program The Auditorium was transformed into a butterfly sanctuary with student artwork for the annual Lower School holiday program on December 20. The theme for this year’s program mirrored the School’s theme for the year: “You Belong.” Students in grades JK-5 performed songs and dances by grade, and with the Lower School Chorus and Singing Raiders. Selections ranged from an adaptation of the classic tune “You Are My Sunshine” to a bluesy “I Will Be Your Friend” to “Dreams of Harmony” in two parts. The 5th graders served as the emcees for the afternoon, introducing each group’s performance and reading poems written by each class. For the finale, the entire Lower School filled the stage to sing a song entitled, “You Are Welcome Here.” Lower School Music Teacher Linda Kiracibasi said she was inspired to choose “You Belong” as the theme after attending a Morning Ex program earlier in the fall. “We all learn differently, so using the theme in different mediums and in different ways makes it more accessible to the entire community,” she said.

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Lower School Chorus: Samuel Rosen ’26, Marina Bullock-Puzon ’26 and Wyatt Giffen ’27 Cooper Larsen ’27

Cast of The Sparrow

Upper School Chorus: Ian George ’21, Thanos Drossos ’20, Caroline Gray ’21, Gavin Schneider ’21, Abby Kaplan ’21 and Rachel Block ’19 Lower School Holiday Program

Justin Youderian ’20, Kate McKown ’21 and Phoebe Casey ’20

Middle School Chorus: Quintin Bar ’25, Brady Phillips ’25 and Caroline Meyer ’24

at hle t ics Fall 2018 Conference and State Honors

Fall 2018 Season Wrap-Up

F I E L D H O C K E Y : All-Conference Allie Charnas ’20, Paige Forester ’19, Julia Fortier ’20, Xas Morgan ’20, Abby Renaud ’19, Caroline Segal ’20; ISL Player of the Year Xas Morgan; All-State First Team Xas Morgan; All-State Second Team Paige Forester, Julia Fortier, Abby Renaud

This was another record-breaking season for North Shore athletes, who participated in more than 300 events this fall. At the end of the day, they brought home a state trophy, made an appearance in the Final Four, and won conference and regional championships. In addition, 26 students—more than 10 percent of our high school—were named to All-Conference teams.

B OY S G O L F : All-Conference Quinn Connolly ’19, Luke Madigan ’22, Eli Sherman ’21; ISL Player of the Year Eli Sherman G I R L S G O L F : All-Conference Caroline Gray ’21 B OY S S O C C E R : All-Conference First Team Aidan Zavala ’19;

All-Conference Second Team Vincent Luglio ’21, Axel Garcia ’21; All-Conference Honorable Mention Jacob Sherman ’21 G I R L S T E N N I S : All-Conference Alex Arenson ’19, Claudia Miller ’21, Vivian Miller ’22, Caroline Lommer ’19; All-Conference Honorable Mention Edith Edwards-Mizel ’20, Gabrielle Kaplinsky ’20, Emily Weil ’19, Emily Yoo ’22; ISL Player of the Year Claudia Miller V O L L E Y B A L L : All-Conference Kamryn Deveny ’19, Kali Pfannerstill ’20, Anna Roszak ’19; All-Conference Honorable Mention Caroline Rice ’19 I S L C O A C H I N G S TA F F O F T H E Y E A R F I E L D H O C K E Y : Mullery Doar ’06, Rachel Cahan ’04, Rebekah Kauffman, Mark Medhurst, Michaela Bowler B OY S G O L F : Cy Oelerich ’89, Jay Bach and Tom Saleh

Cross Country The theme of the cross country season was to peak at the right time and according to Coach Michel Moreau, they did just that. For only the fourth time in program history, both the boys and girls cross country teams qualified for the sectional meet. Twelve out of 13 students who competed at the sectional achieved a personal best. The boys team finished 12th in that meet, which tied the School record at a sectional.

Other season highlights include the boys winning a meet at Lake Forest Academy and winning the inaugural, Guerin Prep Invitational.

Field Hockey Field Hockey had another historic season, finishing fourth in the state. The girls were undefeated in their conference, advanced to the Final Four of the state tournament for the third year in a row, and had a season record of 20-4.

During the regular season, the team scored an impressive 76 goals on their opponents, while only allowing nine goals against. The field hockey team embodied the mantra, “The Few, The Proud, The Raiders” and competed with (and beat) teams from schools up to 18 times the size of North Shore. They did all of this while having fun, working hard and being gracious and respectful to their opponents, which earned them the ISL Team Sportsmanship award.

Ward Madigan ’19, Quinn Connolly ’19, Luke Madigan ’22, Henry Echt ’20, Eli Sherman ’21 and Evan Dybas ’22

Boys Golf The 2018 boys golf team was one of the largest in the program’s history, with 28 players. The varsity team continued its dominance this fall by winning the ISL championship for the 12th straight season. Following a successful regular season, the varsity team won the IHSA regional by a whopping 35 shots and Eli Sherman ’21 was the low medalist with a score of 71. The team advanced through the IHSA sectional and traveled to the state championship as a full team for the first time since 2015. The first day of the state finals was canceled due to snowy conditions and the Raiders finished the season tied for eighth in the state.

Caroline Grey ’21, Mia Askew ’19 and Jason Giffen

Girls Golf The girls golf team completed its second season this fall and despite only fielding two golfers (Captain Mia Askew ’19 and Caroline Gray ’21), the team achieved some great individual results. Caroline was All-ISL for the second straight year, placing second at the ISL tournament at Cog Hill. In the state series, both Mia and Caroline advanced to sectionals with personal best rounds. Caroline also advanced to the state finals, where she amassed a two-day total of 165 (85-80), finishing 25th overall.

Riley Jones ’20

Xas Morgan ’20

Payton Anderson ’20

Caroline Hagerty ’21 and Olivia Theodosakis ’21

Boys Soccer The varsity soccer team won its third ever regional championship this fall, defeating Rochelle Zell 1-0 in the final game to cap off a successful season. The young squad faced some tough competition but managed to finish the season at 9-9-2. Aidan Zaval ’19, Vincent Luglio ’21, Axel Garcia ’21 and Jacob Sherman ’21 were named to the All-Conference teams, while Vincent was named to the All-Sectional team.

Girls Tennis It was another record-breaking year for the girls tennis team. For the second year in a row and under the leadership of a new coach— Alex Bergman ’12—the girls brought home the first-place state trophy, and Claudia Miller ’21 finished second in the state in singles, which is the highest individual finish in School history. Claudia’s younger sister, Vivian Miller ’22, also had a spectacular season, finishing fourth in the state in singles. Alex Arenson ’19 and Caroline Lommer ’19 went 3-2 in the state doubles bracket for North Shore. The team also won their sectional meet, which was another NSCDS first.

Volleyball The 2018 varsity volleyball team finished second in the ISL behind Latin School of Chicago.

Senior night was a very special win against Lycée Français, with significant contributions from all the seniors: Captains Caroline Rice, Anna Roszak and Kamryn Deveney, as well as Julia Terhaerdt, Maya Valliath and Martina Colzi-Risaliti. The highlight of the season was the October 5 Dig Pink match versus Christian Liberty Academy. The match and bake sale honored former Head Coach and Upper School Science Teacher and Scientist-in-Residence Jen Pfannerstill and her family, and raised over $2,500 for the Bright Pink organization, which focuses on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer.

Ian George ’21, Mason Myers ’22 and Phillip Hoffman ’19

(Front row) Claudia Miller ’21, Caroline Lommer ’19, Alex Arenson ’19 and Vivian Miller ’22; (back row) Coaches Jake Kann ’12, Alex Bergman ’12 and Ty Scaletta

a lumni connec t ions Homecoming Reunions Alumni from 12 classes, spanning from 1953 to 2013, returned to North Shore during Homecoming/Reunion weekend September 28-29.

On Friday, alumni from all class years were invited to attend a complimentary cocktail party in the Hall Library with parents of alumni, and current and former faculty and staff. Later that evening, several reunion classes held informal gatherings off campus. Young alumni from the classes of 2006-2013 held their annual gathering at the Firehouse Grill in Evanston. On Saturday, alums gathered with former faculty and staff for a reception in the Auditorium lobby after the Raider Review.

Later that evening, those celebrating a reunion attended various class dinners and gatherings off campus.

Tag! You’re It! Archives Event North Shore alumni and parents of alumni participated in the archives photo tagging event on November 4 in the Hall Library with Archivist Siera Erazo. Siera presented a sample of how NSCDS archives are being incorporated into student learning, followed by an orientation on how to use tags to identify people in the archives’ photo galleries. The volunteers set to work, enjoying a walk down memory lane. There will be additional tagging events in the future that further support the preparation for the School’s Centennial in 2019-2020. Everyone is encouraged to help—you can tag from the comfort of your own home or come in to volunteer in the Archives Office. Learn more by contacting Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 in the Alumni Office, nwhiteman@nscds.org, 847.881.8848.

Join our alumni group on Facebook! Search for “North Shore Country Day Alumni” or look for the link on the School’s Facebook page.

Claudia Lockhart

Virginia Caspari Gerst ’60, Gary Gerst, Sandra Notz and Ted Notz ’53

Jim Deuble ’76 and Lucy Sievers ’80 names

Benje de la Fuente ’93, Courtney Williams Shelton ’88, Blake Allison ’68 and Joel Parshall ’68

Members of the Class of ’88

Class of ’63: Jay Delaney, Kathy Culbertson Nothnagel, Buff Winston, Glenn Geist, Jeannie Lea Scully, Anne Coulter Tobey and Heather Ramsey Campbell

Bill Hines ’73, Lynn Lillard Jessen ’74, Ned Jessen ’73 and Francis Stanton ’73

Mary Bowles, Hugh Bowles ’58 and Marcia McMillan Hines ’56

Class of ’03: Jeff Thomas, Andrew Hill, Carly Gertsman, Charlie Doar, Alison Kaplan Bosco, Elizabeth Brantley Lau and Nickey Rodin

Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87, Jennifer Stone ’82 and Marc Peters ’82

Class of ’08: Kelly Powers, Madelaine Kukanza, Bobby Sullivan and Patrick VerBockel

Class of ’68: (back row) Denny McPhee, Ellary Eddy, Sally Green Handley, Michelle Booz, Marnie Rogers, Harriette Hoyle Tuttle and Diana Gillispie; 46 (front row) Blake Allison, Joel Parshall, Dunny Creigh, Jake Howe and George Dern

David Foster, Caroline Foster ’13 and Helen Foster

Denny McPhee ’68, Paul Krajovic and Francis Stanton ’73

Jay Bach, Sarah Geist Rosen ’86, Lew Davis and Patti Bach

Jonah Levi-Paesky ’13, Julie Block ’13, Ross Matheson and Peter Callahan ’09

Betty Fisher Wiggins ’93, Tom Flemma and Liz Price Hunt ’42

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a lumni connec t ions 2018-19 Children and Grandchildren of Alumni North Shore is proud of our alumni connections, especially those current students, pictured here, whose parents and grandparents attended the School.

R O W 1 Payne Wood (Andrew Wood ’90), Bronwyn Wood (Andrew Wood ’90), Margot Ake (Bill Ake ’88), Camilla Sheftel (Gordon Hall ’40), Devin Todd (Katie Todd ’96), Finley Todd (Katie Todd ’96), Walter Weathers (Ashleigh Palmer Weathers ’04), Shahaan Ghazi (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Greyson Gent (Jennifer Gonzalez-Gent ’98), Page Stanley (Peggy Carton Stanley ’70), Gabriel Rosen (Sarah Geist Rosen ’86), Samuel Rosen (Sarah Geist Rosen ’86).

R O W 2 Thomas Scott (Hilary Bishop Scott ’96), Razaan Ghazi (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Dixie Oelerich (Cy Oelerich ’89 and Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87), Lottie Ake (Bill Ake ’88), Daisy Stone (Jennifer Stone ’82), Jonathan Wiggins (Betty Fisher Wiggins ’93), Jibraan Ghazi (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Will Karmin (Peter Karmin ’83), Cece Norton (Christine Griffin Norton ’87), Dusty Karmin (Peter Karmin ’83).

R O W 3 Charley Bell (Cathy Bell Bartholomay ’79), Margie Blair (Bruce Blair ’69), Anna Ristic (Lisa McClung ’87), Abby Renaud (Lisa Paul Renaud ’85), Allie Charnas (Chris Charnas ’83), Buckley Oelerich (Cy Oelerich ’89 and Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87), Hadley Ake (Bill Ake ’88).

R O W 4 Tori Blair (Bruce Blair ’69), Colin Norton (Christine Griffin Norton ’87), Will Hough (Betsy Schroeder Hough ’85), Andrew Karmin (Philip Karmin ’80).

I N S E T Noah Beider (Danny Beider ’91)

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CENTENNIAL HOMECOMING & ALUMNI WEEKEND Save the Date! September 27-28, 2019

Reunion Classes: 1944, 1949, 1954,1959,1964,1969,1974,1979, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014

CALLING ALL ALUMNI—JOIN US!

2nd Annual “Live and Serve” Day: Saturday, May 11 Every alum can be part of this day of service across the country.

More information to follow. Interested in coordinating a service project where you live?

Contact Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 in the Alumni Office, nwhiteman@nscds.org, 847.881.8848.

pho t os from our pa s t “A picture is worth a thousand words” and tells an important and interesting story. If you can identify any of these photos or tell us a story about them, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093, nwhiteman@nscds.org or call her at 847.881.8848.

cl a ss notes

1930s illness and improving mental health care was a model for colleagues and students; his intelligence, his enthusiasm for life, and his delight in pursuing his boundless curiosity will be missed by all who knew him. He is remembered with much love by his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Carol Barkin, and her husband, Coleman (Spike), of Hastings-onHudson, N.Y.; his son, Robert Aldrich and his wife, Amy, of Washington, DC; his daughter-in-law, Leslie Aldrich (the widow of his son Michael) of Ann Arbor, MI; and his daughter-in-law, Susan Aldrich (the widow of his son Thomas) of Pelham, NY. Knight Aldrich ’31, 103, died on November He is also survived by eight grandchildren 3, 2017, at Westminster Canterbury of the and three great-grandchildren.

His wife, Blue Ridge in Charlottesville, VA. Julie Honore Aldrich, died in 2013 after 71 Following North Shore, Knight attended years of marriage. and graduated from Wesleyan University Knight remained connected to North in Middletown, CT, in 1935 and from Shore, attending events as well as calling Northwestern University School of to discuss current programs and activities Medicine in Chicago in 1940. After internat school.

He said he was proud of the coning at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital, he tinued development of the range of learnwas a resident in psychiatry at Ellis Island ing opportunities that engaged and and later a commissioned officer in the developed students in their understanding U.S. Public Health Service. After World of diversity and community awareness and War II, he was a faculty member of the involvement. medical schools at the universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and in 1955 he became chairman of the newly formed Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago School of Medicine.

Knight’s interest in short-term solutions to mental health problems began when he worked with college students and continued as he investigated and taught ways in which general physicians can deal with the mental health problems they encounter in their practices. It culminated in a commitment to community psychiatry, which took him first to an effort to improve the care of psychiatric patients living in Newark, NJ, and later to the Region Ten Community Mental Health Center in Charlottesville, where he also served as professor of psychiatry and of Alice Pirie Wirtz ’49, known to her close family medicine at the School of Medicine friends as Ittie, died peacefully at her at the University of Virginia. He was the home in Winnetka on December 8, followauthor of many articles and several books, ing a courageous battle with lung cancer. most about aspects of psychiatry and one She was surrounded by her children, and based on his great-grandfather’s Civil War with her dear dog Molly by her side. Born letters. In an unexpectedly long retireon March 24, 1931, to Alice Quarles Pirie ment, he traveled widely and pursued an and John Thomas Pirie II of Winnetka, interest in history—of psychiatry, of his Alice graduated from North Shore family and of the Civil War. His unwaver- Country Day School in 1949 and Finch ing commitment to understanding mental College in 1953.

1940s

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She was the widow of the late William W. Wirtz, former President of the Chicago Blackhawks and Wirtz Corporation. Her first husband was the late Homer Hargrave, Jr. Alice is survived by her three children, Charles Pirie Hargrave (Kathy Laughlin) of Wilmette, William Arthur Hargrave (Christina Louise Cox) of Chicago and Alice Quarles Hargrave of Chicago, widow of Jean-Brice Wallon; her eight grandchildren, Sara, Charles, Katie, Jennifer, Ezra, Gabriel, Joseph and Deshler; her great-grandchild Malcolm; and her brother William Quarles Pirie of Minocqua, WI. Alice will be remembered most of all for her two passions ... her artistic creations and her sense of civic responsibility.

In 1972, she became conservator of The Thorne Rooms at The Art Institute of Chicago, a position she held for 14 years.

Her lifelong love of miniatures was certainly enriched by her mother-in-law, silent film actress Colleen Moore Hargrave (dear friend of Narcissa Thorne) who created The Colleen Moore Fairy Castle. Alice created exquisite shell-enrobed mirrors, each unique and reminiscent of 18th and 19th century decorative arts which she also collected along with English antiques.

Many of these exotic shells were collected

by Alice from remote islands in the Bahamas while on trips with her husband, Bill, aboard the Blackhawk.

Alice’s involvement in the community was manifested in her civic work. She served as president of The Junior League of Chicago, president of the Women’s Board of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital (formerly Children’s Memorial Hospital) and volunteer for The Crusade of Mercy. Always a proud North Shore alumna, she volunteered as archivist of the School’s history, which included reconnecting alumni from across the country. Most recently, Alice dedicated herself to the John T. Pirie School in Chicago, a well-respected school within the Chicago Public Schools system, named for her great grandfather, John T. Pirie, founder of Carson Pirie Scott & Company. The department store (founded in 1854) survived the Chicago Fire and resided for over a century in its landmark store designed by Louis Sullivan.

Alex Moffat ’00 (far right) with current North Shore students in New York City

Cece Ewen Durbin ’67, Barbie Carton ’68, Chip Moses ’68 and Debby Woodward Leach ’68

Jessica Harper ’67

use in the creation of a podcast that is a 10-episode memoir of my childhood in Winnetka. It features the voices of my five siblings—some of you know Diana, Billy, Sam, Charlie or Lindsay—and my mother Eleanor (but you knew her as “Cooie”) as we collectively tell our story. I wanted to share this news of this with you, as you are more likely than anyone to find it relatable! The podcast is called WINNETKA. The full episodes launch February 4, but you can subscribe right now to hear trailers and sample stories that I’ll post weekly.

Jessica Harper ’67 provided a recent You can find WINNETKA at Apple podupdate: “I have nothing but fond memocasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your ries of my time at NSCDS. I also vividly podcasts.

You can find more info at recall growing up in suburban Chicago in http://www.winnetkapodcast.com.” the 50s and 60s. It was Eisenhower’s postwar America, a seemingly idyllic time and Bill Harridge ’68 and Karin sold the last of place. But in our personal lives and in his- their Illinois farm and moved to Red tory, I think many of us would agree that Lodge, MT, where they enjoy skiing, huntthings weren’t always as “Norman ing, fishing, rebuilding a classic Jeep, back Rockwell” as they appeared. I have been country leather work, summers at their an actor and an author for many years, and longtime cabin in Ontario, Canada, and have recently turned those interests to new

Karin enjoys weaving, needlework and yoga. Bill has joined the Colorado Saddle Makers Association and is learning western saddle making. Hopefully more horses in the future.

Most important to Alice’s many friends, family and the neighbors who love her was her extreme kindness and thoughtfulness.

She shared her award-winning roses with anyone in need of a special pick-me-up and gifted countless homegrown raspberries and jam. Her hand-written notes of thanks, sympathy or congratulations were all infused with love.

1960s

Alumni friends had a mini-reunion that included Cece Ewen Durbin ’67, Barbie Carton ’68, Chip Moses ’68 and Debby Woodward Leach ’68 a year ago at Debby’s lake home in Vermont.

1970s Laura Pettibone Wright ’73 emailed: “I retired from full-time teaching and have been restaging some of the dances that I did in my 12 years of touring with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. I’ve worked with performing arts high school students, college students and professional companies over the last few years. It’s very fun and fulfilling to share this beautiful choreography.”

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cl a ss notes Alumni Art Show: September 27, 2019 Celebrating our Centennial Year 2019-2020

We are excited to celebrate the creative breadth of our North Shore Country Day School alumni in the opening exhibit of The John Almquist Art Gallery next fall.

The opening reception will be on Friday, September 27, during the Centennial Homecoming/Reunion Weekend. The show is open to all alumni artists. We are accepting one piece of artwork in any medium from each artist.

For more details about the show and to submit an application form, visit www.nscds.org/homecoming. Any questions, please contact Nancy Green Whiteman ’71, Director of Alumni Relations, nwhiteman@nscds.org, 847.881.8848.

1980s Betsy Blank Regan ’80 became a grandmother to Charles Christopher Newman born November 29, 2018.

Ben Ferdinand ’86 “retired from the federal government last year after 29 years in law enforcement. I now own and operate Benjamin Specialties LLC, a firearms business here in Libertyville, IL (www.benjaminspecialties.com).”

Mark Bransfield ’86 announced, “‘The

Bransfield Strait,’ an album I worked hard on with Liam Davis ’86 and many others, will soon be coming out. Liam was the producer of this project. I was the artiste and got to sing some original songs.”

Caren Jeskey ’87 is “currently working as a medical social worker in the Seton family of hospitals. I also offer instruction about sleep hygiene and meditation, sometimes with the healing sound effects of live flute, at Lake Austin spa. I also have a therapy practice that focuses on the Mary Hubbard ’76 reports, “My research in mind-body connection and contemplating existential questions for the purpose of Nepal goes back to my Ph.D. dissertation research in the 1980s. I was in the field in self-acceptance and reducing suffering.

In December, I am offering a brief workthe area around Mt. Everest in 1985-1987 shop on best-practice for offering yoga to studying a fault zone that was active folincarcerated students for Conviction Yoga lowing the collision between the Indian and Asian tectonic plates. I had a long gap teachers. https://www.convictionyoga.org/.” where I worked in other parts of the world (Pakistan, France, New Zealand, Namibia, Senegal and the United States). In 2016, I returned to Nepal to follow up on some Luke Bakalar ’97 wrote, “We recently celeobservations I’d made in the 1980s that brated the first birthday of daughter, Stella have become more relevant now, and that Lake Bakalar, and third birthday of daughtrip convinced me there is still a lot to be ter, Ruby Rose Bakalar.” done in the field in the Nepal Himalaya. I am also at a point in my career where I can promote other important aspects of the sciences such as the value of international Alex Moffat ’00 met up with current North collaboration. Last year, I spent six weeks Shore students during the Theater in the on a Fulbright Fellowship at the TriBig Apple Interim trip in November. He Chandra Campus of Tribhuvan University spoke to the students about his road to in downtown Kathmandu. I taught classes Saturday Night Live and answered their and worked with the local faculty. Now I questions. He also shared about his time have several collaborative projects, a at North Shore and represented the School Nepali graduate student at Montana State by sporting a Raiders baseball cap.

University and a renewed love of Nepal!”

Mike Moreau ’04 completed the California Carol Cuncannan Demaio ’78 “was sorry to International Marathon. miss her reunion this year. Joan Kraft Graza ’78 and I had our own little reunion Ashleigh Cross St. Peters ’04 ran into NSCDS friends Amy Deuble and Aleda this past summer in Chicago at Deuble ’12 at the People of Color Millennium Park for NPR’s Wait Wait…

Conference in November.

Don’t Tell Me airing. So great to see my high school buddy in person.”

Lusia Zaitseva ’06 received a Ph.D. in

1990s

2000s

comparative literature from Harvard University.

Tommy Brown ’08 writes, “I am a legislative

assistant to Congressman Brad Schneider, who represents much of the North Shore. I work on national security and domestic policy for him.”

Kenna Sullivan ’09 writes, “Dylan and I got married, and just started a company together.

Total Sona Fitness which specializes in inhome personal training on the North Shore.”

2010s Lilly Milla ’10 is a M.S. Advocate Lutheran General Research Fellow, Chicago Medical School | Class of 2020.

Zoe Gerber ’11 graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in May and is working at the hospital.

Paige Jendrisak ’13 graduated with her master’s in accounting from Southern Methodist University and passed her CPA exam. She lives in Dallas and works for BKD Accounting firm.

Rachel York ’15 came to North Shore to speak with AP and French 5 classes in September. She discussed the French University system and her experience studying there for three years.

Middlebury College soccer player Ben Potter ’16 was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American Team. He is the 13th student-athlete in Middlebury’s history to achieve the accolade and the ninth since 2014. Ben helped lead the Panthers to a 10-4-3 mark and played in the NCAA Tournament.

Tess Considine ’17 released her album

in the fall under her professional name of Tess Clare.

Clayton Durning ’18 reports, “Since the start of my year at Pitzer College I have joined an a cappella group called the Claremont Shades. We participate in the ICAA’s, a national a cappella competition, as well as put on SCAMfest (Southern California a Cappella Music Festival). In addition to the Shades, I joined the Underground Theater Institute, an improv group. I have really liked being able to continue singing casually and have enjoyed doing improv for the first time.”

Former Faculty Frank Wallace, a longtime mentor for the schools in York, ME, was recently recognized for establishing the Childscapes York Mentoring Fund. His contributions

Beth Foster and Barb Sherman

Karen Block ’09 and Matt Thomas ’09

Betsy Blank Regan ’80 and Chris Prine

Kate Keegan-Cook ’06 and Shane Semler

John Thomas Foley and Caroline Ann Anderson

Ashleigh Cross St. Peters ’04, Amy Deuble and Aleda Deuble ’12

Dylan Johnson, Kenna Sullivan ’09, Kelly Powers ’08 and Bobby Sullivan ’08

will be used to support enrichment scholarships and programs for children in the K-12 mentoring program. (for full article: http://bit.ly/FWallace)

Births

peter d. horne

ella delight bonetti

October 25, 2018 Husband of Pat Collins Horne ’52

June 16, 2018 Brant and Caroline Whitmore Bonetti ’11

Barb Sherman and her husband Ian hiked

with David and Beth Foster in the Rockies this past summer and also had a visit with Christine and Frank Dachille.

Caroline Ann Anderson and John Thomas Foley were married June 30 in the Merrick Rose Garden in Evanston.

Engagements Kelly Powers ’08 to Bobby Sullivan ’08 Karen Block ’09 to Matt Thomas ’09

Marriages Rachel Abarbanell ’98 to Michael Botti

June 30, 2018 Lenny and Emma Colman ’12 July 7, 2018

In Memoriam dr. c. knight aldrich ’31 November 3, 2017

virginia penfield denham ’43 August 31, 2018

joseph wentz shenton, sr.

September 14, 2018 Father of Joe Shenton ’91

jay northam whipple, jr.

September 18, 2018 Father of Ashley Whipple Skelly ’01

john s. wilson ’40 September 18, 2018

beverly kent herndon November 22, 2018 Mother of Meredith Herndon Whitten ’71, Chip Herndon ’72, Susan Herndon Connelly ’74 and Jennifer Herndon Mackey ’75

barbara king macfarlane ’44 November 27, 2018

alison leeds puth ’81 December 1, 2018

alice pirie wirtz ’49 December 8, 2018 Sister of Bill Pirie ’55

Send in Your News!

THE DEADLINE FOR THE SPRING

jane nodot

ACORN IS MARCH 1.

Email nwhiteman @ nscds.org or call Nancy at 847.881.8848 .

Betsy Blank Regan ’80 to Chris Prine

September, 2018 Mother of Sydney Almquist Isabell ’81 and Erik Almquist ’85

September 28, 2018

john m. callander iii ’63

Kenna Sullivan ’09 to Dylan Johnson

October 4, 2018

November 9, 2018 Kate Keegan-Cook ’06 to Shane Semler

November 17, 2018

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a lumni r efl ec t ion christie graham southern ’70

FROM CLEATS TO KIMONOS I particularly like working with athletes to integrate an “East Meets West” approach, combining the latest in western cognitive neuroscience ... with the ageless wisdom of the East.

Christie Graham Southern ’70 with a client

A

s we can all attest, one of the many things that makes NSCDS unique is that it places a high priority on making it possible for all students to participate in a wide range of activities beyond academics—from sports to theater to the arts. For example, during my high school years, I had the good fortune to have a lead in The Mikado (led by Vin Allison), play a role in Shakespeare’s Everyman (directed by drama teacher David Newman), be captain of the girls field hockey team and have a welding project displayed in a student exhibition organized by John Almquist.

(I had never welded before.) The opportunity to be involved in such a range of activities under the direction of teachers— each incredibly accomplished in their own fields—was something I never would have been able to do at most other high schools.

Beyond expanding our horizons and teaching new skill sets, these experiences taught us how to approach life’s various “performances”—whether on a field, a basketball court or a stage—with confidence and composure. As students, we experienced this not just for ourselves, but also in watching our fellow classmates. For example, it was commonplace to cheer on our friends on the football and basketball teams on a Saturday morning, and to be applauding the same friends that evening on stage in their wigs and kimonos performing Gilbert and Sullivan! Just as impressive was seeing our athletic coaches at these theatrical performances applauding their players as they sang and danced under Vin’s direction.

At NSCDS, the faculty supports the whole person. Their primary interest is in 56

instilling confidence into their students so they can perform well in any situation.

Our deans at the time were Ginnie Deane ’41 and Frank Wallace. It was from their mouths that many of us heard for the first time the expression, “Experience is the best teacher…perhaps the only teacher.”

An NSCDS education delivers exactly that.

Inspired by my teachers at NSCDS, I decided to pursue a career in performance psychology. At HeadCoach Performance Training, I work with athletes ranging from recreational to highly competitive/ elite to help them build mental strength and confidence so they can pull out their very best performances when they need it the most—in the pressure cooker of competition. To realize one’s full potential and compete at the highest level of any sport, one has to develop not only physical strength but mental strength as well.

I work to help these athletes build confidence, composure and consistency in competition and to make sure that nothing holds them back from achieving their full potential in their sports— including distractibility, negative self talk, perfectionism, dwelling on mistakes, and so on.

Simply put, to “bust up the head stuff” that gets in the way.

Thanks to recent developments in `neuroscientific research (NSCDS teaches you to love science, too) we now know that the brain is not fixed or hard-wired as originally thought, but rather that its “circuitry” can be altered and enhanced to develop the kind of mental strength needed to perform well under pressure. Gone are the days when sports psychology was considered primarily “therapy” for those with emotional problems. Today, it is viewed as

a means of training the mind much in the same way athletes train for the physical and technical demands of their sports.

Of particular interest to me, especially after my own years as an athlete at NSCDS, is working with high school athletes to help them develop their “champion mindsets.” In today’s highly competitive environment, the pressure on these athletes can be substantial. So much more is expected of our student athletes than ever before—especially if they have an interest in going on to play at the collegiate level.

Consequently, it is important that we equip them with the mental tools they need to meet these challenges so they can play their best and to pull out the performance they know they are capable of when it matters the most. Specific strategies can be taught which, when practiced regularly, will result in improved performance.

I particularly like working with athletes to integrate an “East Meets West” approach, combining the latest in western cognitive neuroscience as it applies to sports and performance psychology with the ageless wisdom of the East (mindfulness and visualization) in order to help clients reduce stress and perform with confidence.

World-renowned sports psychologist Ken Ravizza, who many credit as instrumental in helping our Chicago Cubs win the World Series after a 108-year drought, told his players “confidence grows as you learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” At North Shore Country Day students are given the opportunity to challenge themselves in ways often outside their comfort zones—and in doing so to discover their own “inner champion.”

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