ACORN North Shore Country Day School • Fall/Winter 2013
SPOT L I GHT
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Bringing the Strategic Plan to Life
IN THIS ISSUE FAL L /WIN TER 2013 The Acorn is published by the Marketing & 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. Tom Doar III Head of School Tura Cottingham Director of Marketing & Communications, Editor tcottingham@nscds.org Art Jessen ’70 Webmaster & Photographer ajessen@nscds.org
DEPARTM EN TS
Molly Ingram McDowell ’80 Director of Development & Advancement mmcdowell@nscds.org
RE F L E C T I ON Tom Doar See more reflections by Tom Doar at nscds.wordpress.com
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Kat Clark Communications Associate kclark@nscds.org Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 Director of Alumni Relations nwhiteman@nscds.org The Grillo Group Design www.grillogroup.com North Shore Country Day School 310 Green Bay Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093 847.446.0674 On the front cover To learn about how technology is being used in the classroom, read our story on page 12. On the back cover If you know anything about this historical picture please contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71, 847.881.8848, or nwhiteman@nscds.org.
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ON CA M PUS
PHOT OS F ROM OUR PAST
D E VEL O PM EN T N EWS
CLA SS N O TES
AL UM N I CO N N ECTIO N S
EVEN TS
The Acorn magazine is printed by Graphic Arts Studio on Neenah Conservation with vegetable-based ink. This paper is manufactured with 100% postconsumer fiber using biogas energy. It is Ecologo and FSC certified, and processed chlorine-free. In doing so, this issue of the Acorn saved the equivalent of 46 trees, 21,147 gallons of water and 4,391 lbs. of emissions compared to printing on virgin paper. Vegetable-Based Inks XX% Total Recycled Fiber
In this issue of the Acorn you will find several QR Codes. If you have a smartphone, scan the codes to access related information, or use your computer to type in the website address included in the accompanying story. If you don’t have a reader on your handheld device, i-nigma makes a free app for over 450 different devices. XX% Total Recycled Fiber
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Reflection I first came to North Shore as the Head of the Lower School in the fall of 1980. It was in my first weeks here that I discovered the power of intelligent and thoughtful strategic planning. That strategic-planning process was chaired by none other than Harold Hines, a trustee who was truly an insightful and inspiring leader. Mr. Hines shaped the analysis so that all voices were heard and hard questions were asked. From that experience, I learned firsthand how a clear strategic focus can lead to school improvement and meaningful institutional growth. A second Plan was created in 1992–93, when Julie Hall was Head of School, chaired by Claudia Lane. Again, hard questions were asked and ambitious goals established. All involved remain convinced to this day that it was that Plan that laid the groundwork for the substantive
program development and positive momentum that characterized North Shore in the ’90s. Since then, the School has followed a disciplined approach, drafting a Plan every four years. It’s among the initiatives that contribute to our focus and direction. At North Shore, the Strategic Plan doesn’t just sit on a shelf. It’s a working document that guides our daily efforts. I am confident that our most recent strategic-planning process will effectively steer us in a manner similar to previous plans. Students and faculty were sought out for their thoughts. Trustees, parents and alumni all played a role in shaping our aspirations for the next four years. All were asked to offer insight and perspective; all played an important role in the process. On the following pages, you will see the result of this herculean effort. I encourage you to use the link on page 11 to read the entire document posted on our website.
“At North Shore, the Strategic Plan doesn’t just sit on a shelf. It’s a working document that guides our daily efforts. . . . I am delighted to report that we have wasted no time starting to address some of the goals.”
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L ETTER F RO M THE HEAD O F SCHO O L TO M DO AR I I I
I am delighted to report that we have wasted no time starting to address some of the goals. While it is still early, we are gaining traction on a number of initiatives. You can read about them on pages 12–13. Shifting focus to what has been accomplished in the classrooms, on the fields, on stage and behind the scenes, we have much to celebrate. Our newly renovated Upper School received a silver LEED certification for its environmental sustainability. Our golf team scored its second state championship, and we opened the year with a record enrollment of 515. And the successful completion of our $30 million Capital Campaign is within sight. North Shore is in a very good place, due in large part to our good people. Teachers. Students. Parents. Alumni. All contribute. All make North Shore a community that is valued. Thank you to all.
Photos // 1 Tom Doar and Larry Gordon 2 Lucy Clayden ’26 3 Izzy ’24 and Kim Morgan
4 Stephanie Curley ’14, Jordyn Drake ’13, Paige Jendrisak ’13 and Allyson Vaughn ’16
5 Alexa Papazian ’22 and Jibraan Ghazi ’22 learn chemistry from Sam Tullman ’13
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Taking Action 30 Empty Bowls More than 30 ceramic bowls were handthrown, glazed and fired by Upper School ceramics students, then donated to Oakton Community College for their annual Empty Bowls event on Saturday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m. For a donation of $14, guests selected a distinctive handcrafted bowl that was theirs to keep, and received a simple meal of soup and bread as a reminder that “someone’s bowl is always empty.” Empty Bowls is a nonprofit, global movement that has raised millions of dollars for food banks, soup kitchens and other meal programs.
1,000+ Books The Upper School Community Service Club held a Book Drive that collected over 1,000 books. Students and families were encouraged to donate new or gently used books that were given to Open Books and the Chicago Friends School. Open Books is an award-winning organization that collects used books, sells them and puts the money towards literacy programs in Chicago. Chicago Friends School is an elementary school that is gathering books for its library.
One Week, Ten Organizations For the second year, the entire Middle School practiced “Live and Serve” by taking part in service projects during the second week of January. Students returned to some of the organizations where they worked in 2012 including Misericordia, Senior Life, Hilda’s Place, Backyard Adventures, Family Focus, World Relief, Equestrian Connection, as well as some new places like Ronald McDonald House, a LEARN school, Wright Way Animal Shelter and Santa Lucia School.
Photos // 1 Gavin Cotter ’19 2 Tess McNulty ’18 3 Katie Kirsch, Upper School academic integrator
4 The field hockey team 5 Ceramic bowls made and donated by North Shore students to
Teachers want their students to experience a wide range of organizations, doing everything from working one-on-one with younger students to interacting with and entertaining the elderly; from learning how to guide a therapy horse to cutting buckthorn. The goal is to help students discover what types of service interest them, with the hope they will continue to look for service opportunities with their families. The project also teaches students about different service opportunities available to their age group and located close to their homes and school.
Play for the Cure On September 27, North Shore’s field hockey team partnered with 11 other teams in Illinois to “Stick it to Cancer.” The team raised nearly $1,000 selling t-shirts and bracelets throughout the day to benefit the American Cancer Society, and in the afternoon they defeated Latin School 3–0 in the 3rd Annual “Play 4 the Cure” Game.
Teaching in Kenya In November, Upper School Academic Integrator Katie Kirsch traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with Be Free Revolution, a non-profit that sells Kenyan-made crafts, to help children. The funds provide counseling for victims of rape and violence, and supply local mentors for children in need.
North Shore believes these types of service connections teach students lessons beyond the classroom and help them understand that not only are they giving back by doing service, but they gain knowledge and experi“This organization spoke to me because ence from the organizations and people they partner with schools. As a teacher, with whom they work. that was really important to me,” said In conjunction with these activities, the Kirsch. “They help support the teachers, Middle School also completed several work on providing self-empowerment drives for items needed by some of these counseling for both girls and boys, and organizations: non-perishable foods, gently work with women in the community to used adult and child clothing, pet supplies, echo what they’re teaching the kids.” art supplies, and household items. While there, Kirsch spent her time with teenage girls. She participated in small Holiday Drive group sessions, talking with girls about In December, North Shore provided gifts how to make good choices regarding their for 13 families through the Northwestern bodies, friends and schoolwork. Those University Settlement House holiday assisconversations are what she hopes will have tance program. The School has participated a lasting impact. for 15 years, sponsoring children and “As much as it’s helpful to go and bring parents who could not otherwise afford to paper and pencils, that doesn’t necessarily have a Christmas. Faculty and Upper School help break the cycle,” said Kirsch. “Be students donated new toys, household Free has established relationships. They items, clothing and food to the families, have a strong belief that education is who are all part of the Settlement House’s key to moving out of the cycle. They are emergency services program. The program working on both the education piece and offers support and nourishment to the the empowerment piece.” Chicago area, providing resources that empower children and families to take personal responsibility and maintain or attain self-sufficiency.
the Empty Bowls project 6 Hayun Cho ’13, Nina Schield ’13 and Caitlin Adamson ’13
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STRATEGIC PLAN
2012–2016
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Bringing the Strategic Plan to Life Our Position We are fortunate in so many ways. Our heritage is over 90 years strong. Our predecessors were progressive educators and, since the early 1990s, North Shore’s upward trajectory has been steady.
community remains strong, due in part to leveraging the four hallmarks that set North Shore apart from other local schools:
Enrollment has increased from 350 students to an all-time high of 515 students. Our campus has been modernized with the Science Center addition, Lower and Middle School renovations and Upper School’s compete transformation. Curriculum and programming have grown in scope and quality. The School’s position in the
3) Participation Is Required.
1) Small By Design. 2) Rigorous, Relevant Academics. 4) Students Are Known.
It’s from this position of strength—our constant drive for continued improvement and recognizing that needs are always evolving—that the strategic-planning committee sought to further raise the bar. Equally important, the world is increasingly complex, technology is accelerating change and global connections are a necessity. Educational approaches that have been effective to date will need to
adjust for the future. To prepare our students for these new demands, we must be flexible, responsible and adaptable. Our commitment remains to delivering on our mission. So, in the spirit of academic excellence, development of the whole child, the strength of our JK–12 community, and recognition that the School’s culture and environment are valued, we embark on our Strategic Plan 2012–2016. The process has allowed us to rearticulate who we are and who we serve, and will propel us as we approach our second century.
The Process For the last 20 years, strategic plans have guided our work and the direction of our school. We have set forward-thinking, attainable goals to support our students and faculty; inspired innovative teaching and learning; improved facilities; and laid a course for the future that reflects our mission and values. This Strategic Plan is North Shore Country Day School’s map for the next four years. The 2012–2016 strategic-planning process began in May 2011 when the Board of Trustees identified four areas of focus. The first was to revisit the School’s mission and values statements to rearticulate our enduring principles considering the new realities and opportunities in education.
Three additional areas focused on the essential elements of our school: students and their experiences; faculty and teaching methods; and finances and facilities. Committees for each initiative included a broad representation from our school community. Several principles guided our work. First, the strategic-planning process had to be inclusive. The 2012–2016 Strategic Plan reflects input from trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, students and outside experts. In fact, more than 100 individuals contributed to this plan. Second, the plan had to be driven by and reflective of the School’s mission and values. Third, it had to be research based and incorporate best practices for JK–12 education. Lastly, our plan had to be ambitious and measurable,
driven by an objective assessment of the School’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. The result of our collaboration is the 2012–2016 Strategic Plan. This plan reflects the input and expertise of many. It is a balanced mix of aspirational ideals and attainable goals that support the School’s enduring mission and values, and will guide our work over the next four years. Tom Doar III, Head of School Susan Bondurant, Chair, Board of Trustees Jim Valenti, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees Jim Lumberg, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
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Spotlight
Our M ission
We prepare students with a challenging education that requires them to think critically, communicate effectively and engage fully in their intellectual growth and personal development. In doing so, they become selfconfident, ethical citizens of the world who embody our motto, “Live and Serve.”
Our Values ACADEM ICS
C H A R AC T E R
PA R T I C I PAT I ON
Through a range of experiences in and out of the classroom, students are immersed in science, mathematics, humanities, language and the arts. Our broad and ever-evolving curriculum challenges and engages students to strive for personal growth and academic excellence.
We believe in the importance of developing individuals who are resilient, creative, confident and who persevere. We teach students to be self-advocates and expect them to own their education and actions, preparing them for lives marked by integrity, kindness, respect and fulfillment.
Realizing that students discover and develop their talents and passions through action, we require full participation in arts, athletics and service. Engagement in multiple disciplines expands our students’ understanding, commitment, teamwork and potential.
D IV ERSITY
C O M M U NI T Y
R E S OU R C E S
We embrace diversity and global literacy to build acceptance, strengthen compassion, instill social responsibility and expand competencies that enable students to succeed in a multicultural world. Students are enriched by the inclusion of individuals with varied talents, voices and backgrounds.
Our students are known and celebrated as individuals. Connections are formed with teachers that endure beyond graduation. Multi-age relationships emerge from our JK–12 campus to foster a strong sense of community. And, we leverage knowing each and every student with our active network of faculty, parents and alumni to help students reach their goals and aspirations.
Although people make up the core of our educational experience, we recognize the value and importance of the campus environment and resources. Our thoughtfully designed classrooms, course materials, outdoor spaces and campus facilities provide the resources necessary to maximize learning.
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Spotlight
The Plan
OP TIM IZE THE ST U D EN T
I N V ES T I N FAC U LT Y : E NH A NC E
I M P L E M E NT T E AC H I NG A N D
E XPERIEN CE F O R R EL EVA N C Y,
H I R I N G , E VA L U AT I ON A ND
C U R R I C U L U M I NNOVAT I ON
QU ALITY AN D BA L A N C E
P RO F ES S I ONA L D E V E L OP M E NT
We will refocus our energies on an educational experience that reflects the skills needed for 21st century global citizens while engineering balance in school life.
We will commit resources and dollars for developing and retaining a highly educated, talented and diverse faculty.
We will ensure a systematic coherence to our curricular scope and sequence by division and department while simultaneously assuring JK–12 program progression.
• Align Curriculum to Prepare Students for the New World
• Focus and Enhance the Quality of JK–12
• Further Enhance the Current Faculty Recruitment and Hiring Plan
• Build on the Newly Revised Faculty Evaluation Program and Develop a Merit Pay System
Community Programming
• Invest Strategically in Faculty
• Create New, More Balanced
Professional Development
Academic Schedules
• Use Ongoing Research Studies to Examine Student Experiences
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• Redefine the Employee Benefits Program
• Secure Curricular Coherency • Support Academic Department Leadership
• Optimize Academic Technology
CO N CEPTUAL IZE A N D B U I L D
B R I N G “L I V E A ND S E RV E ” T O
C ONT I NU E P ROAC T I V E
A F UTURE-O RIEN T ED A N D
L I F E: GL OB A L C I T I Z E NS H I P A ND
S T E WA R D S H I P OF F I NA NCE S
CHALLEN GIN G SC I EN C E P RO G R A M
EX P ER I E NT I A L E D U CAT I ON
A ND FAC I L I T I E S T O F OR T I FY
We will develop a more impactful, collaborative, exploratory-based science program that ensures preparation for challenging college sciences, and further develops students’ passion for science.
We will commit to reframing our campus, city, country and world as laboratories for our students to fulfill the School’s motto of “Live and Serve.”
I NS T I T U T I ONA L S U S TA I NA B I LI TY
• Invest in Faculty, Academic Technology and Equipment
• Study and Implement Best Practices in Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Create Co-Curricular Science Programs in the Lower and Upper Schools
• Develop and Nurture Key Partnerships
• Develop Institutional Best Practices for Global Programming and Connections
• Create a Chicago Community Partnership Program
• Develop a Global Citizenship Curriculum Scope and Sequence
• Integrate the Upper School Civic and Outdoor Education, Interim and Senior Service Programs
We will build on our strong foundation with effective financial and investment leadership.
• Shift to Budget Management Strategies that Reflect Full Enrollment
• Strengthen Financial Aid and Scholarship Program
• Determine a Proactive Debt Strategy • Continue Responsible Oversight and Planning of our Campus and Facilities
• Harness Resources to Implement the Strategic Plan
• Revitalize the School’s Diversity Plan To view the complete strategic plan online, use this QR or go to http:// goo.gl/RAStU
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Spotlight
Three Initiatives Underway L A N G U AG E I M P L EM E NT B E S T P R AC T I C E S I N T EAC H I NG A ND C U R R I C U L U M I N N OVATI ON North Shore’s expectation for excellence is high. It is important, however, not to allow our expectations for excellence to inhibit well-considered experimentation with creative teaching methods and curriculum. To make our teachers and curriculum even more dynamic, we will provide faculty with the resources, research and support required to create an environment that fosters and supports innovation and creativity.
GLOBAL D EV EL O P A G L OB A L C I T I ZEN S H I P C U R R I C U L U M S C O P E A ND S E QU E NC E The faculty leaders of the Global Citizenship Program will lead this initiative, partnering with their peers. The goal is to develop a scope and sequence that assures coherent development of student knowledge and skills in areas required of true global citizens.
T EC H N O L OG Y O P T I M I Z E ACA D E M I C T E C H NOL OG Y Integrating accessible academic technologies is key to moving forward, and collaboration is a prerequisite for achieving this goal. The Academic Technology staff and faculty will develop and implement a comprehensive JK–12 academic technology plan, including a 1:1 computer program in the Middle and Upper Schools, geared to empowering student-to-student and student-to-faculty collaboration and advancing the development of 21st century skills such as innovation, creativity and problem solving. 12 Acorn Fall/Winter 2013
For the last several years, North Shore language teachers have used oral proficiency interviews and writing proficiency assessments to evaluate their students’ ability levels and determine the effectiveness of the teaching program. “After interviewing Upper School students, we found that a high number of them were functioning at an advanced level in a foreign language,” said Carmen GomezFiegl, language department chair and Upper School Spanish teacher. “We want our program to be very communicative and our students to be linguistically competent when facing real life situations
Two years ago, a group of North Shore teachers led by Academic Dean Chris Boyle was challenged to find a way to better train the School faculty to develop students who are global citizens. Dana Specht, Middle School humanities teacher and now the Global Citizenship Program coordinator, was part of that group. “Because the world has changed so much and so quickly since most teachers were in school, expecting them to learn it on their own was not realistic. North Shore wanted to help teachers understand new methods of electronic communication, online
North Shore has spent the past year developing a plan to bring technology into the hands of teachers and students to enhance teaching and learning. This year, with funding from the Benefit Board, iPads are being used in Lower School. Last fall, the 4th and 5th grades used the devices when conducting polling in the community prior to the election. Using the iPads to record responses allowed students to spend their time analyzing rather than tabulating the results. In the 3rd grade, students make stop-motion videos with the iPads.
in Spanish, French and Mandarin. This skill opens students up to the world and enables them to serve as global citizens,” she continued. Teachers are also striving to adapt teaching techniques for different styles of learners and the range of abilities in each class. To do that, they need to know their students very well and customize the curriculum. Each year, there are modifications depending on the skill levels and different characteristics of students in each class. Lessons are also designed to provide comfortable and informal settings for students to feel connected and confident—encouraging them to participate.
educational resources, international trade and humanitarian issues,” she explained. “After researching a number of existing teacher development programs offered by outside organizations and determining that none were strong enough, the group created their own. The result is North Shore’s Global Citizenship Teacher Education Program. Each year, a crossdivisional and cross-departmental cohort of 12–15 faculty embarks on a two-year program,” she continued. The first year, the group meets for 12 two-hour sessions on a variety of topics such as globalization and multicultural
During the summer of 2012, all faculty received Apple iPads and laptops. Training began in the fall and will continue during in-service days. Select groups of faculty are also visiting schools with successful 1:1 programs. By the fall of 2013, 8th and 9th graders will use iPads for their classes. This soft launch precedes the full 1:1 program implementation for grades 6–12 in the fall of 2014. Director of Library and Educational Technology Lane Young explains, “We chose the iPad because its applicationbased learning allows teachers to go
Technology is consistently used in all language classes throughout the School. Textbooks have online versions and include updated audiovisual materials; cinema and YouTube videos provide mini immersion experiences; students use blogs for reflecting about travel experiences; and teachers record students’ oral delivery with iPads. “Culture is another focus of our program,” Carmen explained. “We are a diverse department. All of our teachers have lived abroad and we understand the necessity to move fluently in an increasingly interconnected world. We expose our students to not only the language, but also the culture,
education. It’s run very much like a graduate seminar. The first year also includes three full-day workshops. This year, participants will visit the Red Cross to discuss humanitarian law, consider the individual’s role in the world through a Facing History and Ourselves seminar, and explore sustainability and urban agriculture through a visit to Growing Power and Sweetwater Organics in Milwaukee. The second year is spent developing a full teaching unit curriculum plan devised to expose students to global issues and develop specific skills. According to Dana, “The projects have been outstanding.
in-depth on topics and students to get breadth from all their classes. There are many, many high-quality apps for education.” Other iPad advantages are opportunities for more individualized instruction with programs that customize assignments to the student’s ability level. For example, Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) is a web-based program that uses adaptive questioning to assess what a student knows and doesn’t know in a course. ALEKS provides the appropriate level of course work and provides “tutoring” online.
traditions, history, economy and, more importantly, the values of the countries where the language is spoken.” “Looking forward, the department sees real value in more North Shore students participating in immersion experiences and is considering how to make that possible. We know that oral proficiency jumps one level after three weeks of immersion. And students also grow immensely as people, not just language learners,” Carmen added.
Teachers are then eligible to apply for global impact grants to learn about something not covered in the coursework. Grants can be utilized towards a variety of experiences including graduate education, travel, internships and building partnerships with organizations.” Dana said that all North Shore teachers will participate in the program. “An additional benefit has been how the experience has forged relationships and connections across divisions. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
In addition, Apple TVs were installed in all classrooms. This enables teachers to easily project documents from their iPad or laptop, edit documents live, connect to websites, videos and share information with their classes. The Library and Educational Technology departments have been realigned to facilitate collaboration with faculty individually, departmentally and divisionally in order to enhance the integration of technology into the classroom and enhance teaching and learning throughout the School.
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On Campus Homecoming 2012 Campus was buzzing with excitement, cheering and happy reunions September 14–15. Festivities began on Friday with the student pep rally; sporting events; art gallery opening DanO: A Retrospective of Illustration featuring the comic-book pages and board-game illustrations of Dan O’Connor; reception for alumni, parents of alumni and faculty; and the bonfire. Activities continued throughout Saturday, beginning with the Francis R. Stanton Recognition presented to Peyton Young ’62. This honor is made annually to an alumnus/a of North Shore whose life work exemplifies the School’s motto “Live and Serve.” Peyton was recognized for his work on social norms and how they relate to the design of policy. He has written extensively on political representation, voting and distributive justice and is the James Meade Professor of Economics at Oxford University. In addition, he is an American game theorist known for his contributions to evolutionary game theory and its application to the study of institutional and technological change.
Above // 1 Class of 2014: Quinn Gray, Alex Theodosakis, John McHugh and
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During his conversations with Upper and Middle School students, teachers and alumni he commented that the focus of a quality education is about learning to think, to reason, to engage and to create. It is not about learning facts. He talked about his former teachers and their lasting impact, and how much of his success and his classmates’ success came as a result of their teachers’ direction and focus. Following the presentation, alumni, parents of alumni and grandparents of alumni were invited to join mini classes held in the renovated Upper School and studentled tours. Outdoors, there were events for all ages. The Little Raiders field hockey clinic engaged children grades 1–5 and the alumnae vs. varsity field hockey game recruited past and present players on the field. North Shore’s varsity football players took on Luther North College Prep to win 40–8. Then alumni took the field for a touch football game. Off campus class reunions were held to share meals and memories well into the night. (See photos on pages 34–36.)
Peter MacCarthy 2 Benjy Blenner ’02 and Upper School Head Dave Potter
3 Rachel Gordon ’16 4 Peyton Young ’62 and Upper School students
Right // 1 Students at the Homecoming pep rally 2 Bill Bach ’87, Francis R.
Stanton Recognition recipient Peyton Young ’62 and Head of School Tom Doar
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On Campus
André Robert Lee Visits On September 24, director and producer André Robert Lee was on campus to share his movie The Prep School Negro with students in grades 6–12. Following the presentation, he discussed with students the story of his journey and the making of the film. Lee and his sister grew up in a low-income area of Philadelphia. Their mother struggled to support them by putting strings in the waistbands of track pants and swimsuits in a local factory. When Lee was 14 years old, he received what his family believed to be a golden ticket—a full scholarship to attend one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country. Elite education was Lee’s way up and out, but at what price? While the exorbitant tuition was covered, this new world cost him and his family much more than anyone could have anticipated. In The Prep School Negro, Lee takes a journey back in time to revisit the events of his adolescence while also spending time with current prep school students of color and their classmates to see how much has really changed. What he discovers along the way is the poignant and unapologetic truth about who really pays the consequences for yesterday’s accelerated desegregation and today’s racial naiveté. Lee explained, “I have wanted to tell The Prep School Negro story ever since I first walked through the door of my private school. I was selected to attend Germantown Friends School (GFS) in Philadelphia, PA on a full academic scholarship. GFS is an elite prep school founded by the
Photos // 1 André Lee with Upper School students 2 Heather Mabie ’14, Darling Kittoe ’13 3 Focus on History
speaker Bennett Singer ’82 and Upper School History Teacher Kevin Randolph
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Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) over 150 years ago. The school has been repeatedly rated by The Wall Street Journal as one of the best schools in the country.” “While at GFS, I also thought of the family and the community I had left behind. We had been trained to live as second-class citizens, and I felt guilty about gaining access to this world of privilege and knowledge. I wanted to share this new world with those who were not able to walk with me. My former elementary classmates were not reading The Iliad or traveling the world on a choir tour. The idea for The Prep School Negro grew out of my first days at GFS. It has been with me ever since. As I reflect back, I can see more clearly the internal struggles I faced as an adolescent and as a young adult.” Note: André returned as a Master-inResidence in February and March, speaking with multiple grade levels and advising faculty, staff and students on diversity initiatives.
Focus on History Speaker Bennett Singer ’82, an award-winning New York-based filmmaker, was North Shore’s 2012 Focus on History Speaker on October 8. His latest film, Electoral Dysfunction, features political humorist Mo Rocca, who sets out on a road trip to discover how America’s voting system works—and doesn’t work. Following screenings at the 2012 Republican and Democratic
National Conventions, Electoral Dysfunction was broadcast nationally on PBS in October. His feature-length film Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, was broadcast nationally on PBS, and went on to garner more than 25 international awards. It was screened at the Kennedy Center, the United Nations and the Department of Justice, as well as at more than 250 festivals and community screenings around the world and has been used by an array of social justice organizations including GLSEN and Human Rights Watch. Bennett was an Associate Producer on the Emmy- and Peabody-winning documentary series Eyes on the Prize II and an editor of two books on civil rights history. For eight years, he was executive editor of Time magazine’s education program, where he produced award-winning teaching materials for a variety of film and television projects, including HBO’s Band of Brothers, John Adams and The Laramie Project. He is currently writing discussion guides for several American Experience films that explore the history of science. Bennett has also served as a juror for the Emmy Awards. The Focus on History Speaker series is dedicated to bringing working historians, and others working on history in the larger sense, to North Shore to interact with students. The series is funded by an anonymous, generous donation from a parent of North Shore graduates.
Angela Lee Duckworth, Ph.D. Shares Research on Child Achievement North Shore’s Parent Education Committee hosted “Will Power: Grit, Self-Control and Achievement” presented by Angela Lee Duckworth, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center on November 29. Dr. Duckworth’s two presentations (one for Upper and Middle School students and one for parents) provided an overview of her groundbreaking research into the character traits in children and teens that foster achievement in adulthood.
Wycliffe Returns to North Shore North Shore’s close affiliation with Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, England, continued as 15 students and two staff members arrived on campus in mid-October. During their nine-day visit, students immersed themselves in American schooling, culture, family life and musical performances. The Wycliffe Singers took to the stage at Morning Ex, St. Luke’s Church in Evanston and the CJE Senior Life Center in Skokie to share their talents. Several years ago, History Teacher and Model United Nations Advisor Frank Dachille received a Wavering Sabbatical and spent several months at the English boarding and day school. Frank lived on campus, taught U.S. history and started a
Model UN program at the school. He stays in close contact with the school and has taken numerous students for visits and Model UN experiences in the U.K. Art Teacher and Art Department Chair Kate Puccia also spent time at Wycliffe as an artist-in-residence, and several Wycliffe teachers have completed artist-in-residence stays at North Shore.
Renovated Upper School Garners LEED Distinction When North Shore renovated its Upper School, the goal was to set a new standard for 21st century school design. The building had to be flexible and adaptable, as well as a healthy, comfortable learning environment, and serve as a teaching tool for environmental stewardship. The result—a modern, 40,000-square-foot, environmentally responsible building serving more than 200 students—is reducing the School’s energy consumption and recently received LEED Silver certification. Studies show that natural light improves students’ reading and math scores, so the project team focused on daylight strategies such as placing windows on multiple sides of classrooms and reusing the existing large windows to bring light into interior spaces. Indoor air quality was also a primary concern. The building features operable windows to let in fresh air, carbon dioxide sensors, and paints and furnishings with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The Upper School is more energy efficient than comparable buildings because of innovative measures including lighting occupancy sensors, connecting HVAC coils to occupancy, and use of daylight. Water conservation is another key design element. Low-flow faucets and toilets were installed and rain gardens surround the building, in addition to green roofs on the north and east sides. Fuel and transportation costs were reduced by using regionally manufactured materials whenever possible. Priority was given to products with high recycled content. The building roof is made from a highly recyclable material that has a life span of 50 years. And, nearly 90% of the construction was diverted from landfills through recycling. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods.
Photos // 1 Angela Lee Duckworth 2 The renovated Upper School received a LEED
Silver certification 3 Wycliffe College performs at Morning Ex
Acorn Fall/Winter 2013 17
On Campus Auditorium/Arts Center Renovation Begins in June The School is excited to implement the next phase of its 2008 Master Plan with the renovations and modernization of the Auditorium and Arts Center. “Building on North Shore’s positive momentum, this reinvestment in performance and visual arts will raise the bar for arts education at North Shore and touch the lives of each and every student,” said Board of Trustees Chair Susan Bondurant. “The result will be a significant upgrade in the arts environment and will be critical to teaching and learning.” The Auditorium restoration will transform the existing facility with a new full rigging and theatrical lighting system; catwalk, curtains, stage floor, orchestra pit and audio/visual systems; seating to accommodate 455 house seats; and integrated acoustical design. The exterior will be enhanced with a new roof and new entrance steps. The Arts Center renovation includes repurposing the existing rooms to improve department adjacency and upgrade the spaces. Room names will be familiar (keyboard, band, chorus, ceramics, drama, photography, arts studios and wood/scenery shop) but the spaces will be transformed into collaborative teaching environments that encourage learning by doing. The teaching spaces will be technology-enriched, multimedia environments that permit both student and instructor participation in the worldwide “conversation of the arts.” In addition, the Arts Center will be upgraded with new heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems, fire sprinkler and fire safety systems, electrical lighting and updated plumbing in the existing bathrooms. Architectural finishes will be consistent with those of the renovated Upper School. These two projects will improve functionality and align with the School’s planned curriculum enhancements. Work will begin on June 10, 2013 and will wrap up in March 2014. For more information, visit use this QR code or visit nscds.org/construction.
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Photos // 1 A preliminary rendering of the renovated Auditorium 2 Drawing of the ground floor of the Auditorium and Arts Center 3 View of the Auditorium and second floor of the Arts Center
Facing Page // 1 Middle School dance class performs on stage: Thandi Steele ’18, Abby Gifford ’18, Hannah Fortier ’17 and Aidan Mitts ’18 2 The Middle School winter play The Jungle Book
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On Campus
Lower School Composer-inResidence Concert For one week last November, the Lower School Chorus welcomed New York City composer Jim Papoulis, who worked with them two hours each day to write a song and rehearse pieces. On Thursday, the students traveled to Studio Media Recording in Evanston to record their new song. The culminating concert took place that night in the Conant Science Center Atrium. The recording of their song was featured in the New Year greeting posted on YouTube. This was the sixth time Papoulis worked with the Lower School Chorus. He has also produced original music for UNICEF, the Dance Theater of Harlem and Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Use this QR code to see the video and hear the recording or visit http://goo.gl/mq7Yi.
Photos // 1 Lower School Chorus in the recording studio with Composerin-Residence Jim Papoulis: Quinn Turilli ’21, Ellie Winkler ’21, Conor
Fryer ’21 and Aris Chalkias ’21 2 Darling Kittoe ’13 (left) at the Seeds of Peace International Camp last summer
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Seeds of Peace At a summer camp in rural Maine, there is a sign that reads: “Welcome to Seeds of Peace, The Way Life Could Be.” North Shore’s Darling Kittoe ’13 spent three weeks there, living and learning with 200 young people from all over the world. Darling first heard about Seeds of Peace International Camp in 8th grade, when two North Shore alumni talked to her class about their experience. She decided to apply after taking world history and learning more about her family’s experience escaping civil war in Liberia. During her junior year, she received a scholarship from Seeds of Peace to attend camp in summer 2012. Darling, who is also a student ambassador for the non-profit Shoes for Liberia, was one of 20 teenagers in the American delegation.
Campers at Seeds of Peace eat together, bunk together, play sports and perform on stage. The hope is that by giving a name and a face to someone on the other side of a conflict, young people will learn to confront their prejudices and tackle global issues. “Before camp, people from different regions see the other side as their enemy without even knowing their names,” said Darling. “Change isn’t going to come after three weeks together. But their thought processes are different when they leave camp, and they’ve become like family to people who were their enemies. I realized that you have to understand the problem from a wide range of perspectives before you can act on it.”
Sign Up for eScrip to Support Our Students
The Parents’ Association (PA) encourages “In my session, there were teams from Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Afghanistan, every North Shore family, alumni, grandparent and friend to sign up with eScrip India, Pakistan, the U.K. and the U.S.,” so that every time they shop at Dominick’s, said Darling “Most of the kids were from a percentage of their purchase will benefit areas in the midst of conflict, and many the School. It’s free, it’s easy. Participants were mad at each other about what was need to renew eScrip every year. Here’s how: going on. I was scared about that at first, but then realized the reason they were • Go to http://www.escrip.com there was to create peace. I used that • Click on “Sign Up” as motivation. • Enter North Shore Country Day School as “At camp you engage in dialogue for two the Group Name hours each day. I was part of the Middle • Provide your information and Fresh Values East dialogue, and the main topic of discussion was the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” card number said Darling. “We realized that it’s not OR about who’s right or who’s wrong, or who • Email your Fresh Values card number started the conflict, or who’s suffering to Dawn Steele at dawnchristensen@ more; it’s about the realization that no one yahoo.com and she will sign you up. gains anything from the conflict. It’s up to us to start going out and seeking peace and trying to make a difference.”
Getting to Know Our Faculty What is it about teaching technology to elementary students that you enjoy the most?
The excitement of discovery for children— to show them something new and cool that they can do and then see what they can produce with those tools. North Shore does a wonderful job of encouraging creative thought and process. I enjoy doing that from a technology point of view. How is North Shore different from other schools where you have taught?
Jeff Shaw Lower School Academic Integrator What attracted you to North Shore?
I retired from public school teaching and really wanted to keep teaching. Thirty years ago, I taught in an independent school and liked the experience. I started looking and found the exact job I wanted at North Shore. When I submitted my application, Lane Young, who is in charge of hiring, recognized me from Ravinia Elementary School in Highland Park. He was in 3rd grade when I was a 4th grade teacher there.
I have taught primarily in public schools. Over the years, public schools have become more and more focused on standardized tests, satisfying all the laws that are required, and it really constricts teachers’ freedom to teach what they feel is the best for their students. It’s refreshing to come to a school where we talk about the creative possibilities for teachers and students, and encourage people to try new things and encourage growth.
Describe your approach to teaching French.
I was teaching French to adults at night when my daughter was young and wanted to find a school where I could teach during the day. One of my students was the parent of an 8th grade student at North Shore. I had heard about the School and its great reputation. She told me about a job opening to teach French in the Middle School here and gave me a recommendation.
I really enjoyed helping the 4th and 5th graders use iPads for data collection when they were polling people before the election. It was a challenge for me to come up with a format that would work on the iPad. I also enjoyed going with them to do the polling in Evanston and Chicago. I was proud of how well the kids handled the challenge. With 3rd graders, it has been fun to see them create stop-motion videos. They really pick it up so quickly and easily. I’m happy to be here, working with children again. It’s a chance for a second career and to be part of a new school family. I was missing that when I retired and North Shore is a nice community.
I love to read to students, share a good story, show them new things and turn them loose to see what they can do. I also
Many things. The fact that you have the chance to know your students very well, I deeply appreciate. Also, here you have the freedom to try new things and even experiment with teaching techniques and materials. My department head and Middle School Head trust me. And, of course, the friendships and relationships with colleagues make you want to stay.
What brought you to North Shore 10 years ago?
Do you have a favorite teaching moment or memory at North Shore?
What is the best part about your job?
What keeps you here?
Anne-Marie Dall’Agata Middle School French Teacher
enjoy the day-to-day interactions with children and working in the library. Here you connect with students of all ages and faculty from all divisions. It’s a wonderful atmosphere.
We provide the next best thing to immersion. We meet with our students regularly and speak the language all the time. It’s like teaching someone to swim. You can’t learn without water. I know middle school students like to have fun so I try to include a wide range of activities each day including games, movement, writing, listening and speaking exercises. I also have been trained to conduct oral proficiency interviews. This was a big shift in our department and helped us guide our students to reach a high level of oral proficiency by the end of high school.
in common with teaching music and a foreign language. Listening to the language is the same as listening to the music. My students will say they love the sound of certain French words. The language has a beautiful melody. What are your goals for your students?
My goal is to have my students be able to communicate in French. I don’t want to see “what” they know about the language, but want to see what they can “do” with the language. Can they name things, ask and answer questions, describe, narrate or have a conversation? Do you have a favorite teaching memory?
For me, the best times are when there is harmony in class, and the students and I flow from one activity to the next—when they are with you in the moment, listening and participating.
When I was in France I was a second grade teacher and taught French. I also studied music and realized there is a lot Acorn Fall/Winter 2013 21
On Campus
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Interim From November 5–9, Upper School students participated in the School’s annual Interim Week—a program that provides a variety of in-depth educational experiences outside the traditional classroom environment. Teachers offered “classes” that challenged students to expand their horizons. The philosophy of Interim Week reflects the origin of the word “educate:” to lead out into the world. Students shared their experiences with each other and their families during Interim Night the following week. Among the programs offered were an immersion trip to France; a trip to New Orleans to rehabilitate houses with the St. Bernard Project; volunteering at the Chinese American Service League in Chinatown, St. Vincent DePaul Center, Heartland Animal Shelter, and CJE Senior Life; Bilingual Tutoring at Oak Terrace; and other topics including studio art immersion, investigating Sherlock Holmes in literacy and film, Second City comedy and more. Facing Page // Interim snapshots 1 St. Malo, France 2 Documentary film making 3 BBQ University 4 Eat and Serve 5 Eat and Serve 6 St. Malo, France
Above // 1 Harold Hines Visiting Fellow Will Allen speaks with Lower School students while Mary Pick Hines ’49 (widow of Harold Hines, Jr.) observes 2 Image from Will Allen’s presentation on urban agriculture
2012 Harold Hines Visiting Fellow Will Allen, founder and CEO of Growing Power, is North Shore’s 2012–2013 Harold H. Hines, Jr. Visiting Fellow. On January 23, he presented to the School community and spent the day talking to students about his work. Will is known as the preeminent practitioner of urban agriculture in America and throughout the world. He grew up on a farm in Maryland, the second youngest of six children. As a teenager, he was a standout basketball player and became the first African-American scholarship athlete at the University of Miami. He was the captain of the team and graduated with a degree in education. He was drafted in both the NBA and the ABA. After playing in the ABA for a year, Will entered the European League and played for Belgium. While living abroad, he reconnected with his farming roots. He observed the methods of local farmers and started his own garden, where he grew food for his family and his teammates. Upon returning to the United States, Will worked in corporate sales and marketing before deciding to take over his wife’s family’s farm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. In 1993, while looking for a place to sell his produce, he located a vacant three-acre garden center on Milwaukee’s north side. As it turned out, the small property was the last tract in the city still zoned for agriculture. Will realized that, in addition to selling produce from his farm in Oak Creek, he could also grow food on-site in Milwaukee.
His life changed when young people from the city neighborhood, including children from the largest low-income public housing project in Milwaukee, began asking him for advice on growing their own vegetables. Will organized an impromptu gathering of local children called the Youth Corps, a program that continues today. In 1995, Growing Power was born: a not-for-profit center for urban agriculture training and building community food security systems. Today, Growing Power employs a staff of 65 and is involved in more than 70 projects and outreach programs throughout the world. Will has trained and taught in the Ukraine, Macedonia and Kenya. He was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2008 and helped launch First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative in February 2010. In May 2010, Time magazine named Will one of the World’s 100 Most Influential People. The North Shore Country Day School Harold H. Hines, Jr. Visiting Fellowship is an annual event in memory of long-time Board of Trustees member Harold Hines. Mr. Hines provided exceptional leadership to North Shore and was president of the Board from 1971–1973. The Fellowship annually brings to campus a distinguished individual who articulates the School’s motto, “Live and Serve.”
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On Campus
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Arts Showcase Almost, Maine
In the mythical town of Almost, Maine, residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. The play by John Cariani is the most widely produced play in North American high schools. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This classic by Ken Pickering is a dramatization of the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, including all the favorite characters. The Jungle Book
The Middle School winter play was based on the collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling. Photos // 1 Alex Karmin ’15, Manny Hodzic ’15 and Sara Hondmann ’14 2 Caroline Wolfe ’26 3 Peter Weiser ’17, Mia Lecinski ’18 and Destin Teamer ’17 4 Zeke Edward-Mizel ’17
5 Zak Nelson ’15 and Quinnyata Bellows ’15 6 Kayla Robinson ’15, Shemar James ’14 and Evan Kaspi ’15 7 Lower, Middle and Upper School chorus students
Acorn Fall/Winter 2013 25
On Campus
Upper School Athletics Scoreboard Cross Country had a great season, with the highest-ever finish for the boys’ team at Regionals. They advanced to the Sectional Meet along with Hanna Cunningham ’13 and Antonia Theodosakis ’15, who both qualified as individuals. Girls’ Field Hockey won their 5th consecutive ISL Championship this year and advanced to the state quarter-final game. They posted an overall record of 13–5. Boys’ Golf won their second IHSA Golf State Championship title in a row by 11 strokes. Nick McCall ’14 finished at -2 with a one-stroke lead and took individual state honors. The team had an overall record of 9–2 in head-to-head competitions and, in addition to State, they won the ISL Preseason, ISL Conference, IHSA Regional and the IHSA Sectional tournaments. Football won seven of their first eight contests and concluded the season 7–3 in the IHSA Class 2A playoffs. Boys’ Soccer advanced to the Sectional Final, winning the School’s first Regional Championship and tying the best season record of 11–4–3. Girls’ Tennis finished with a record of 11–5. Girls’ Volleyball advanced to the IHSA Regional Semi-final match and finished with a record of 8–10. All-Conference 2012 Carl Anderson ’14–Honorable Mention Addie Ball ’13 Andrew Bedford ’13 David Blechman ’13 Elias Butler ’13 Katherine Chandler ’13 Matt Cook ’15–Honorable Mention Lizzy Gendell ’13 Manny Gonzalez ’14–Honorable Mention
Photos // 1 Andrew Bedford ’13 2 John McHugh ’14, Jackson Lubin ’15 and Zander Mitchell ’15 3 Jossy Hernandez ’15 4 Rebecca Kirtley ’14 5 Heather Mabie ’14 6 Varsity golf team: Andrew Bedford ’13,
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Andrew Blechman ’15, Nick McCall ’13, David Blechman ’13, Coach Joe Bosco, Coach Jay Bach, Will Skinner ’14 and Sam Reategui ’15 7 Floris Hondmann ’13, Ben Potter ’16 and Daniel Kwon ’14 7 Danny Young ’15 and Ian Talty ’15
Kendrick Hales ’13 Riley Hall ’13 Floris Hondmann ’13 Kemani Hunter ’14 Joel Hylton ’13 Alex Karmin ’15 Rory Kelly ’14 Paige Jendrisak ’13 Kaitlyn Johnson ’14–Honorable Mention Nick McCall ’13 Alissa Nolan ’13 Mackenzie Nolan ’15–Honorable Mention Ayo Okesanya ’13 Sam Reategui ’15 Jamie Swimmer ’13 Sam Tullman ’13 Allyson Vaughn ’16 Athlete of the Year Addie Ball ’13, Field Hockey Andrew Bedford ’13, Golf All-State Field Hockey Addie Ball ’13 Lizzy Gendell ’13 Rory Kelly ’14 All-State Golf Nick McCall ’13, State Champion
Acorn Fall/Winter 2013 27
Development News
Photos // 1 Jackie Melissas 2 Pia Mueller and Christine Olatunji 3 Kwesi Steele
Volunteers Reach Out to North Shore Community Alumni, parents, Trustees, faculty and staff volunteers connected with the North Shore community during the fall phonathon/ notathon. Over 500 calls were made and notes sent during the patriotic-themed event that coincided with the Presidential election. A big thank you to our volunteers for their commitment to North Shore’s Development efforts!
Thank You to Our Phonathon Volunteers Bill Ake ’88
Tom Flickinger
Nick McClanahan
Gretchen Ake
Jeff Foreman ’80
Bill McDowell
Dina Healy Richter ’89
Heidi Avedisian
Scott Gendell
Jackie Melissas
Julie Schmidt
Chris Avery ’87
Bob Geraghty ’65
Esra Mitchell
Honey Skinner
Lisa Baccich
Hall Healy ’59
Pia Mueller
Kwesi Steele
Bill Bach ’87
Chris Hiland
Alex Moffat ’00
Duff Stevenson
Jay Bach
Stacy Hunt
Jeanne Morette
Tina Trott
Linda Bay
Elizabeth Ingram ’82
Andrea Vaughn
Bruce Blair ’69
Mickey Jaffe
Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87
Chris Charnas ’83
Lance Johnson
Christine Olatunji
Nancy Green Whiteman ’71
Jim Colley
Katrina Wolcott Kelley ’43
Scott Olson ’79
Alice Pirie Wirtz ’49
Cece Ewen Durbin ’67
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Suki Lipman ’70
Midge Chase Powell ’49
some of which I tried, many I pursued. Without these opportunities, I would have never had the experiences. And the byproduct of those experiences fostered my development as a person and instilled the self-confidence and general awareness to prepare me for my future. What motivates you to continue your support of North Shore each year, and how do you encourage other alumni in your decade to participate?
Decade Representative Profile Dan Bloedorn ’87 What part of your North Shore Country Day School experience has remained with you in your life?
I truly believe it is the whole body of all my experiences at North Shore that has remained with me throughout my life. North Shore gave me opportunities to participate in everything—arts to academics, sports to philanthropy, culture to social awareness—
I was given such a gift by being able to attend North Shore and I have never forgotten this. North Shore shaped who I am today and it benefited me in so many ways. Thus, I am highly motivated to give back to the School and support its mission to foster such a distinct learning environment, the one I had, for students today. Sometimes thought and reflection can be the greatest catalyst to participation. I would encourage others to reflect and identify what part of their North Shore experience contributed to who they are today. What did they take from their
experience, large or small, that shaped their passions, talents and endeavors? North Shore offered us so much on so many levels at such a young age. Why is it important to you to support Annual Giving?
It is important for me for two reasons. First, Annual Giving is important because it is the one way I can truly make the most impact on the well-being of the School. It supports so many unseen needs that can be taken for granted but are critical to the existence of the School. I want to be a part of North Shore today and tomorrow. Second, supporting Annual Giving is important because North Shore is a special place to me. It shaped me in so many ways. It will always be a part of my life as a wonderful memory and a current commitment. I hope this resonates with anyone who has been a part of the North Shore community and had the pleasure of experiencing Perry Dunlap Smith’s vision.
“Sometimes thought and reflection can be the greatest catalyst to participation.” Thank You to Our Reunion Annual Giving Chairs Alice Graff Childs ’37, 75th Reunion Liz Price Hunt ’42, 70th Reunion Jean Cullin Mertz ’47, 65th Reunion Hall Healy ’59 (for class of ’52), 60th Reunion Joan Palm Johnson ’57, 55th Reunion
Reunion Annual Giving Update
Fred Bowes ’62, 50th Reunion Tom Geraghty ’62, 45th Reunion
Reunion classes have led the way with their support of Annual Giving this year. The class of 1987 was recognized as the class with the highest Annual Giving participation as of Reunion and Homecoming weekend in September. (Pictured above are 1987 lifers Joel Jacobson, Bill Bach, Fred Scott, Lauri Reagan Harris, Chris Avery and Ari Kogut.)
Jim Darrow ’67, 40th Reunion
Each alumni decade will be challenged with increasing participation and the leading decade is recognized in the Annual Report. Thank you to the Reunion Annual Giving Chairs for their continued support of North Shore!
Idalia Gabrielow ’07, 5th Reunion
Phyllis Beattie ’72, 35th Reunion Jane Alexander Beck ’77, 30th Reunion Bob Vieregg ’82, 30th Reunion Alison Rosen-Vogel ’83, 30th Reunion Dan Bloedorn ’87, 25th Reunion Michaela Murphy ’92, 20th Reunion Jordan Lockwood ’97, 15th Reunion Benjy Blenner ’02, 10th Reunion
Highest Participation Special thanks to the top three decades with the highest percentage of Annual Giving pledges and gifts to date:
1) 1940s 2) 2010s 3) 1980s Please help increase your decade participation percentage and support students and teachers with a pledge to Annual Giving today. Pledges may be made now and fulfilled until June 30, 2013 by returning the envelope enclosed in this Acorn or online at www.nscds.org/give.
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Development News
Foster Hannaford Recognition Presented to Jay Bach On October 25, 2012, North Shore’s Board of Trustees hosted the annual Hannaford Recognition Event to acknowledge leadership donors to Annual Giving 2011–2012, Heritage Society members (those who have designated North Shore in their estate plans), and this year’s Hannaford Recognition recipient, Jay Bach. This 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 an individual who has demonstrated distinguished service to North Shore Country Day School. The following was presented by Head of School Tom Doar to Jay Bach: Forty-eight years. Jay’s service to North Shore spans over half of North Shore’s existence. Flexible and responsive. Committed and connected. For Jay, no task is too large, no task is too small. Jay Bach has done it all—with a steadfast focus and a true Raider commitment.
Photos // 1 Jim Deuble ’76, Jay Bach and Patrick McHugh 2 Amy and Jim Gray 3 Rocky Wirtz ’71, Pam Whalley, Bruce Blair ’69, George Mitchell, Jay Bach, Marilyn Wirtz, Nancy
Emrich Freeman 4 Honey Skinner and Ashley McCall 5 Tracy Bach Vogel ’85, Jay Bach, Patti Bach and Bill Bach ’87 6 John Anton ’89, Marc Peters ’82 and Melissa Anton
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“Jay is a difference-maker who makes the places and people he touches better.” Jay has taught P.E., JK–12, and coached football, basketball, baseball, golf, soccer and volleyball; he even coached one ice hockey game in the late ’60s. He has been part of the Summer Camp for more than 40 years and also has served as Director of Transportation. Jay coached side-by-side with another one of North Shore’s finest— Mac McCarty. Jay understood Mac; they had a remarkable partnership. This partnership, and Jay’s insight and manner, in many ways, allowed Mac to be Mac. It is ironic and truly fitting that as Jay nears the end of his coaching career at North Shore, he goes out as a two-time State Champion Golf Coach. For those who have played for Jay or worked with him, we know he has truly been a champion since day one. Jay’s first day at North Shore was in September of 1965, shortly after he and his wife Patti were married. Their children were lifers: Tracy, class of 1985 and Bill, class of 1987. Bill now serves as President of the Alumni Board. Patti was active with the Parents’ Association and Woman’s Board, now called the Benefit Board, having served as its President. Not only
has the School benefited, and continues to benefit, from Jay’s presence, but from Patti’s, Tracy’s and Bill’s as well. Clearly, Jay’s investment personally and professionally in North Shore—as parent, coach, teacher, colleague and friend—has been enormous. His impact has been felt in all areas of the School. Jay is warm, friendly, genuine, affable and real. So many like and respect Jay. So many are grateful. The 2003 Mirror was dedicated to him and quoted in that yearbook was Chris Avery ’87 who said, “Jay is a differencemaker who makes the places and people he touches better.” Athletic Director Patrick McHugh has known Jay since 1994, and describes him as “the epitome of the word Gentleman. He is always courteous. Even in situations where a lesser man might struggle to keep his cool. Although an intense competitor, Jay is quite modest. Great communities are built around people like Jay Bach who are the glue that keep us all together.” Jay’s service to the School is valued and appreciated, and serves as an example to us all.
“Planned Giving was our way to register our gratitude and our hopes for the future of the School.” What part of your North Shore Country Day experience is important in your life?
Planned Giving Profile Julie Schmidt and Doug Schmidt, Parents of Anna Schmidt ’13 What compelled you to make a Planned Gift to North Shore?
North Shore felt like “home” the first time we stepped onto the campus in 1998. That first impression has endured. When Anna was young, it seemed enchanted. As she grew, it seemed to open up as her curiosity and skills developed. We have encountered so many fantastic teachers along the way; instructing, challenging, inspiring (Anna and us). Planned Giving was our way to register our gratitude and our hopes for the future of the School.
North Shore has become one of the central focal points around which our lives revolve. Obviously, Anna’s development as a student and a person will have life-long importance and impact. A little less obvious but just as significant, is the amazing community of committed, caring people with whom we have had the opportunity to establish, what we hope will be, life-long connections and relationships. What do you hope your Planned Gift will accomplish for the future of the School?
and for its vigilant attention to maintaining the culture that has become an essential part of the School’s identity. North Shore’s Heritage Society recognizes visionary individuals who have made provisions in their will or estate plans to benefit North Shore Country Day School. Planned Gifts include bequests, trust arrangements, gifts of property, life-income gifts and life insurance. Members of the Heritage Society are gratefully acknowledged with a gift of appreciation, a separate listing in the Annual Report and through an annual invitation to a special recognition event.
North Shore is a remarkable school and community. Like any organization, there is always room for improvement. Our hope is for its relentless movement toward uniform excellence in teaching and learning, Acorn Fall/Winter 2013 31
Alumni Connections December Young Alumni Events Two annual young alumni events were held on December 21, the College-age and Faculty Breakfast followed by the Holiday Celebration in the Mac Gym; and the Young Alumni & Faculty Evening Gathering at Tommy Nevin’s restaurant. Many recent grads attended and enjoyed reconnecting with friends and faculty. Photos // 1 Becca Dachille ’09, Danny Nolan ’09 and Chris White ’09 2 Jonah Levi-Paesky ’13, Kelsey Hagen ’10, Kathy McHugh, Nora Philbin ’11 and Tess Weiner ’12 3 Shreve Fellars ’08 and Billy
Gendell ’08 4 Chris Voigt ’07, Michael Querio and Mike McGee ’07 5 Annie Schmidt ’08, Annsley McKinney ’08 and Drea Gallaga 6 Dylan Ball ’12, Ben Goren ’12 and Carlos Angeles ’12
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Lunch in the Loop North Shore’s fall Lunch in the Loop event, “North Shore’s New Global Citizenship Program,” was held on November 14 in Chicago at the Union League Club. Head of School Tom Doar provided remarks about North Shore today followed by the presentation by Middle School Humanities Teacher and Global Citizenship Program Coordinator Dana Specht on North Shore’s global initiatives and opportunities. Alumni, parents of alumni, current parents and friends attended.
North Shore on the Road Alumni and friends regional gatherings were held in January in Washington, D.C. at the City Tavern Club and New York City at the Cornell Club, giving the opportunity for alumni to connect and also hear an update on the School today. Other regional events planned in February and March include Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Sarasota, Naples and Sanibel, Florida. The next Acorn publication will have information and photos on these events. Photos // 1 Sarah Cody ’04 and La Vina Lowery 2 Ginny George, Dina Healy Richter ’89, Jenny Lerum, Susan Eichner and Linda Karmin 3 Bill Reitz ’07, Olivia Wiznitzer Friedman ’06, Hersh Friedman, David Brown ’84 and Jeff Meyer ’97 4 Jim
Golden ’70, Joanie Golden ’74, Lew Davis and Annie Patton ’70 5 Dick Meyer ’76 and Fisher Howe ’31 6 Mary Cahn Wolf ’47 and Ellen Howe ’65 7 Caroline Blehart ’08, Frank Dachille, Chris Davis ’00 and Max Patinkin ’04
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Alumni Connections
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Class Reunions Photos // 1 Class 1982. Seated: JT Beatty, Lori Lustbader Ashworth, Jennifer Stone. Standing: Sarah Freeman Packer, Courtney Nigro Fitzgerald, Leslie Burmeister Rodriguez, Elizabeth Ingram, Bob Vieregg, Rob Kleiman, Dana Burnell, John Whitlock, Lisa Jones, Steve Purze and Tom Marrinson. 2 Brian Jessen ’02 and Joyce Randall ’02 3 Ginny Speakman Tips ’57, Sally Simmons Kiper ’56, Joan Palm Johnson ’57 and Harold Johnson 4 Class of 1983. Seated: David Dewoskin, Jon Schwarz, Jason Smith. Middle row: Budge Cooper, Leslie Gordon Goldberger, Seemi Ghazi, Alison Rosen-Vogel. Top row: John Krohn, Jeremy Goldberger, Chris Charnas, John Park, Annie Aggens. 5 Class of 2007: Emily Finlay, Xandy Vertrees, Bert Kelly-Jarchow, Bill Reitz, Alex Kahnweiler 6 Class of 1962. Front row: Stuart Hamill, Lucy Moore, Julie Littlefield, Judy Brew McDonough. Middle row: Scott Russ, Eleanor Wagner Cornog. Back row: Lane Jennnings (with camera), Rick Fall, Jim Howe, Jon Strong, Peyton Young, Nell Kneibler, Anne Darrow McCausland, Ron Cahan, Fred Bowes, Ted Boal, Tom Geraghty 7 Class of 1967: Deborah Vainder Edidin, Rob Mayer, Patty Missner Johnson, Lorraine Dille Williams, Tom Stibolt, Cece Ewen Durbin, Bill Harper, Wick Loomis Blasi 8 Class of 1977. Front row: Michael Lipman, Jody Turley Elisha, Anne Hines Young, Lucy Yee, Anita Dalmar, Jane Alexaner Beck. Middle row: Mark Sargis, David Sahlin, Pam Gibson, Dan Deuble, Lauren Stone, Scott Knowlton. Back row: Kathy Lewis Ginebaugh, Bill Thompson, Steve Walter, Shelley Spencer Fitzsimmons, Bob Elisha 9 Class of 1997: Jeremiah Holt, Luke Bakalar, Matt Kelley, David Gorelick, Hillary Wirtz, Virginia Wharton, Eliza Durbin Harrigan, Michael Wolf 10 Class of 1992: Robyn Goldman, Dan Berenberg, Seth McCulloch, Missy Wemstrom Samuels, Maciej Ceglowski, Michaela Murphy, Gladys Granados Lambert, Tavarian Dinkins, Ale Levi, former faculty Michael Conroy 11 Class of 1972. Front row: Susan Stetson, Jim Faulkner, Ginger Hobart, Jim Carton. Middle row: Phyllis Beattie, Chip Herndon, Holly Rodgers Todd. Back row: Andy Scheman, Nancy Pfisterer Leon, Bob Stibolt, Walter Mack, Scott Becker
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Class Reunions Photos // 1 Seated: Charlie and Jean Cullin Mertz ’47. Standing: Carol and Jim Mooney ’47 2 Steve Edwards ’52, Paula Bates, Ginny Simmons Hardy ’52 3 Liz Price Hunt ’42 and Dick Golden ’44 4 Class of 1987. Front row: Lauri Reagan Harris, Dan Bloedorn, Molly Shotwell Oelerich. Back row: Joel de la Fuente, Joel Jacobson, Ari Kogut, Bill Bach, Chris Avery, Larry Williams, Dimitria Cook, Fred Scott (back), Brian Hurst (in front of Fred), Caren Jeskey, Jenny Barr Bell, Christine Griffin Norton, Andrew Brown, Lisa McClung.
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Alumni Connections
Annual Men’s Alumni & Faculty Basketball Tournament “The Few, The Proud, The Raiders” who came on January 5 for the annual Alumni & Faculty Basketball 3 on 3 Tournament experienced lots of exercise, no injuries, and fun for all!
“Waking the Echoes”—Why History Matters at North Shore
2012–2013 Children of Alumni Facing Page, Front Row: Dixie Oelerich (Cy ’89 and Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87), Elizabeth Tilton-Kohl (Stephen Kohl ’75), Thomas Scott (Hilary Bishop Scott ’96) , Daisy Stone (Jennifer Stone ’82), Razaan Ghazi (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Charlotte Ake (Bill Ake ’88), Danielle Richter (Dina Healy Richter ’89), Henry Richter (Dina Healy Richter ’89), Hadley Ake (Bill Ake ’88), Buckley Oelerich (Cy ’89 and Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87), Margie Blair (Bruce Blair ’69), Natalie Richter (Dina Healy Richter ’89), Cassidy Healy (Denis John Healy ’91), Oscar Hines (David Hines ’81), Jibraan Ghazi (Rashid Ghazi ’85) 2nd Row: DJ Healy (Denis John Healy ’91), Ella Ristic (Lisa McClung ’87), Duncan
Applebaum (John Appelbaum ’80 & Lisa Appelbaum-White’82), Tori Blair (Bruce Blair ’69), Allie Charnas (Chris Charnas ’83), Colin Norton (Christine Griffin Norton ’87), Lachlan Getz (Bert Getz ’55), Hugo Hines (David Hines ’81), Haniya Ghazi (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Bert Getz (Bert Getz ’55), Anna Ristic (Lisa McClung ’87) 3rd Row: Will Lawler (Janet Musselman Ley ’36), C.J. Charnas (Chris Charnas ’83), Brendan Doyle (Neil Flanagin ’48), Alex Karmin (Phil Karmin ’80), Jack Colley (Ski Webbe ’34), Katie Karmin (Peter Karmin ’83), Meggie Richter (Dina Healy Richter ’89), Thomas McDowell (Molly Ingram McDowell ’80), Griffin Norton (Christine Griffin Norton ’87) Not pictured: Jenny Reinsdorf (Michael Reinsdorf ’85)
The winter program for alumni, parents of alumni and former faculty was held on January 24 at Indian Hill Club. Tom Doar provided his reflections on the School today and the continuing impact of the Campaign. History Teacher and Historianin-Residence Kevin Randolph discussed the exciting archives progress to further develop and document the School’s history.
Photos // 1 Alumni & Faculty Basketball Tournament. Front row: Trey Surpless ’10, Ryan Nolan ’16, Bruce Blair ’69, Geoffrey Curley ’10 and Jeff McCarter ’88. Back row: Mikey Gendell ’10, Danny
Nolan ’09, Jerry Rietveld, Jonathan Misch ’08, James Elam ’10 and Patrick McHugh. Not pictured: Art Jessen ’70. 2 Tom Doar, Cathy and Mike Leonard 3 Cece Ewen Durbin ’67 and Susie Brew Schreiber ’58
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Alumni Connections Photos from Our Past “A picture is worth a thousand words” and tells an important and interesting story. If you can identify any of these photos, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093, or nwhiteman@nscds.org, 847.881.8848.
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Record Your Story We will be test-driving a new way of gathering stories for North Shore’s 100th Anniversary in 2019. It’s called SpeakSake and you’re invited to tell your North Shore Story. 3 Easy Steps for Using SpeakSake
1. Dial: 641.715.3365 2. At the prompt, enter: 98283 followed by the # key 3. Follow the recorded instructions: Leave your message (make sure to say your name), then hang up. Aim for approximately 5 minutes in length. The last day to call in and leave your story is Monday, March 25.
If this first recording session is successful, we will schedule another one later this year.
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HOMECOMING & REUNION WEEKEND Save the Date! OCTOBER 4 – 6, 2013 Reunion Chair/Committees Class of 2008 Danny Lowinger
Class of 1973 Bill Hines
Henry Gaud
Class of 1968 Russ Stern
Class of 1998 Rachel Abarbanell
Class of 1963 David Bradford
Class of 1953 Jack Harper Ed Hines
Class of 1988 Brian Dole Courtney Williams Class of 1978 Reunion committee needed
George Schultz Jeannie Lea Scully Mitch Sisskind Barbara Schilling Stanton Mike Wartman Buff Winston
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it to the Alumni Office or contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 nwhiteman@nscds.org 847.881.8848. Or, go to the North Shore website and login to My North Shore and submit the following information in Class Notes. This alumni group will inspire our current students. Check the sports you played while attending North Shore’s Upper School:
Class of 1948 Tom Pick
Jay Delaney Class of 1993 Erik Sosa
Did you participate in three seasons of sports all four years in the Upper School? Then you are an Iron Raider! To join the Iron Raider ranks, please complete the form below and mail
Class of 1958 Lisa Carlin Guenzel
Sam Howe Class of 2003 Charlie Doar
Are You an Iron Raider?
Class of 1943 Katrina Wolcott Kelley
Winter
Fall
Spring
Cross Country
Soccer
Basketball
Baseball
Field Hockey
Tennis
Ice Hockey
Softball
Football
Volleyball
Track
Tennis
Volleyball
Track
Golf
Class of 1938 Dorie Warner Sills Name
Email Phone
Class Year
Class Notes 1930s Dorothy Warner Sills ’38 reports, “No exciting news at the moment except that I’m still 92 and my lovely Lexus is 13 and still purring and putting along as I am still! Busy writing and rewriting the family history, and, of course, there’ll be room for an anecdote or two about the fun-loving and frequently misbehaving class of 1938.”
Bill Jacobs ’43 is “Still hanging in there! Now have 3 great-grandchildren!!” Wendy Smith Buchen ’47 reports, “I’ve just returned from a trip to Canada—combined walker and rented wheelchair. Had my three children plus my son-in-law to push me. Started with big city of Toronto, smaller in Montreal, even smaller in Ottawa and smallest in Quebec. Great museums everywhere. Wonderful scenery.” Bill Steinwedell ’49 “had two birthdays last year. Now how did that happen—cheers from ‘years ago’ Walden Road.”
This fall several ’38ers had lunch with Head of School Tom Doar. Pictured are Bud Goodrich, Larry Howe and Onnie Straub Darrow.
Several members of the class of 1949 enjoyed a mini reunion/birthday luncheon while sharing stories of their student experiences with North Shore’s Historian-in-Residence and Faculty Member Kevin Randolph. Pictured: Kyle Benkert, Mary Pick Hines, Sue Searle Dixon, Alice Pirie Wirtz, Joan Hauser Gately, Midge Chace Powell and John Roberts.
1940s
1950s
Louise Konsberg Noll ’40 “celebrated my 90th birthday in late November. My son and daughter, six grandchildren and spouses and four great grandchildren were all here to celebrate with me.”
Suzan Baskin Bernhard ’52 writes, “Victor and I have embarked on a wild travel schedule over the past few years—we suddenly realized we’re not getting any younger! From the Arctic to Antarctica we’re crossing places off our ‘bucket list.’ Only about a dozen left to go . . .”
Sallie Welsh VanArsdale ’40 writes, “Despite age, Buzz (New Trier, 1945) and I are still active—bicycling, kayaking, swimming, etc. (not with the energy of years past!). It is so nice to see NSCDS thriving as it surely is.”
Russ Ahrens, Jr. ’59 “has a new book, One Shoe and the Golden Medallion now on Amazon.com. What a blessed journey I’ve been on.”
participants including three NBTC Commissioners, attorneys, engineers and enforcement personnel. This is the third year the International and Executive Legal Education (IELE) program at the Law School has presented courses tailored for the Thai Commission. A description of these programs is available at http://www.law.berkeley.edu/12725.htm. For the past three years I have also taught in the Law School’s JD and LLM programs.” Bob Wilcox ’66 ’s son, Ben, was named a Rhodes Scholar in November. Ben is currently a senior at Harvard University majoring in history, with a minor in economics. Rhodes Scholars are chosen for their outstanding scholarly achievements, for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains they choose for their careers. Martin Jack ’67 was a 2012 Democratic candidate for Hillsborough 36 of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He ran unopposed in the September 11 primary election. The general election took place on November 6, 2012.
Sally Green Handley ’68 and Barbie Carton ’68 had a get together over the Christmas holiday when they were both visiting their families in Winnetka. Suzanne Folds McCullagh ’69 was the Ruth and Clarence Kennedy Professor in Renaissance Studies at Smith College this past fall.
1970s
1960s Bob Geraghty ’65 reports, “We now have seven grandchildren. We are having fun with all of them.”
Motorcycle Mama Polly Goodrich O’Brien ’41 is still ridin’ with the hawgs. Polly says she’s going to treat herself to a new Harley on her 90th birthday in 2013. Polly remains forever grateful for the shop/mechanical repair courses at North Shore as she has saved “a bundle over the years doing my own repairs.”
Jim Tuthill ’65 writes, “I have just completed providing four weeks of legal training for three groups from the National Broadcast and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC) at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. The topics covered First Amendment issues, federal regulation of broadcast and cellular services and Internet matters. The program included about 50
Art Jessen ’70 and Walter Porter ’70, pictured above, had a fun visit over the summer.
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Alexandra Silets ’87 writes, “My latest documentary I co-produced with Eddie Griffin aired on WTTW this fall titled, Remembering Chicago: The ’70s & ’80s. It’s a nostalgic look back at the city and our experiences back then—the clothes, the music, the places, the changing skyline, the politics, etc.—between 1970 and 1986 when the Bears won the Super Bowl. It’ll take you back.”
Hattie Blair Mulligan ’72 became a grandmother in the fall with the birth of her grandson Parker Brown. Peter Reed ’73 was the 2011 nominee for an alumni award by the Music Institute of Chicago. Laura Pettibone Wright ’73 writes, “Yikes! My son Torin is a junior in high school and we’ve just begun the college search. Was it this overwhelming in our day? I’m still teaching dance in a public school gifted dance program and can still touch my toes. Ha!”
1980s Bob Kaplan ’80 lives with his wife and two sons in Baltimore. He is Managing Director of the Multi-Family Financing Group for M&T Bank. The Kaplans visit the Chicago area frequently. Jory Vinikour ’81 emailed, “My recent recording, The Complete Harpsichord Works of Rameau, has been nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Classical Solo Instrumental. Obviously, I am very proud, as the appearance of harpsichord in this category is very rare!” Jason Smith ’83 was on campus Homecoming weekend and “was quite taken with the sense of school spirit and the level of sports achievement @ today’s NSCDS. We didn’t have quite as much of a robust flavor in my day. I’m currently engaged in producing a documentary film titled I Voted? It’s about what happens to your vote after you cast a ballot. The answers are both surprising and disturbing . . . visit www.ivotedmovie.com.” Beth Conrad Billings ’84, writes, “I’m enjoying a year of travel, including a week’s residency over the summer at Wells Cathedral, U.K. to sing with the Trinity Chamber Singers from Cleveland’s Trinity Cathedral, and to Kaikoura, New Zealand to see the whales! Florence and Paris are next.” Dimitria Cook ’87 emailed, “I am so excited to announce the publication of my new book, Parents Playbook: Tips, Tweets, & Other Common Sense Advice. It is a succinct, 64-page activity book and resource tool for parents, educators/ school counselors and licensed therapists to strengthen communication between parents and their tweens and teens. Parents Playbook is available on Amazon.”
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Brian Dole ’88 “is now with IBM–Kenexa. My wife, Sherry has a new business— www.dolcemorso.com (mini cake bites). Our son Gavin turned 6 in December! All is well in Arizona.” Jeff McCarter ’88, is Founder and Executive Director of Free Spirit Media. “So far this year, nearly 500 talented young people have stepped into Free Spirit Media’s seven program spaces and gotten busy—learning to think critically about media’s influence on their world and to actively produce their own meaningful media—resulting in the creation of over 900 documentary, public service and journalistic works. FSM students have worked side by side with media professionals, covering stories at the NATO Summit, the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to the Gary Comer Youth Center. Youth have appeared on CBS2, NBC5, ABC7, WGN9, WTTW11 and CAN TV, sharing their powerful experiences in FSM and promoting the inclusion of youth voice in media.”
1990s Stacy Ratner ’90 was featured in the Chicago Tribune in December highlighting her nonprofit organization Open Books (open-books. org) which sells donated books to fund literacy programs for kids. In the fall, North Shore students led a book drive to support Open Books.
2000s Sarah Meador ’00 emailed, “Since Denison, I’ve been living in Eugene, OR and I love it here. I work for an accounting firm and am proud to say that I’m a homeowner as of 2010. It’s GORGEOUS here—we are an hour away from the coast and a half hour away from the mountains where we can get to the snow but do not have to shovel it off of our driveways. Attending North Shore was such a great experience for me and it is great to hear about what all of my former teachers and classmates are up to.” Alex Moffat ’00 and his improv group gave a Morning Ex that delighted the NSCDS students and faculty. Alex was also involved teaching North Shore students improv at Second City during Interim Week.
Brendan Kolton ’01 provided an informative and motivational Morning Ex on his business, Hoops4Health. He related the health challenges he had to overcome to pursue his passion to play basketball. What he learned and accomplished further motivated him to form his business teaching and developing basketball athletes with a focus on nutrition, mental and physical stamina and training. He has been working with over 150 young people through park districts and schools in the north suburbs of Chicago. Pictured with Brendan are Tom Doar, Frank Dachille, Patrick McHugh, Barbara Castilla and Kathy McHugh. C.W. McCullagh ’01 and his wife, Amber, are expecting a baby in April and live in Houston, TX. Christine E. Castilla ’02 has completed an MAT in Early Childhood Education from National Lewis University. Emily Yates ’02 completed the Madison, WI Ironman/triathlon—a great accomplishment!
Wendy Warner ’90 “teaches full time at Columbus State with my fiancée who teaches viola. We are expecting a baby boy August 30.”
Aaron Morris ’03 was married on August 9, 2012 to Ho-Ming So. They moved to Jakarta, Indonesia in September.
Hillary Wirtz ’97 has been appointed to the North Shore Country Day School Board of Trustees.
Abby Smith ’03 will be married to Peter De Jager on March 30, 2013. They will live in South Africa.
Erika Kondo ’99 recently graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Masters in Architecture.
Matt Downe ’04 is a film editor and living in Chicago. He worked on a film at the International Film Festival with Ben Keegan ’05. David Reitz ’04 is engaged to Kristen Linscott. They’re being married in Seattle on Sept. 28, 2013.
studied both at a local public high school in Mosel Bay and a private day school in Cape Town. Also in Cape Town he volunteered at a literacy program, helping distribute books to underprivileged students. He also traveled extensively throughout the country. Along the way, he became functional in Afrikaans, the language spoken by most South Africans. He wrote a blog with postings every few weeks. Hundreds of people, including Tom Doar, read it. He received his diploma at North Shore’s Commencement in absentia. Frank Dachille visited Sarah Finlay Maddox ’05 at her home in Cambridge, England over the summer. Jessie Regunberg ’05 is engaged to be married to fellow Vassar alum Garrett King. After teaching Upper School history for a year at NSCDS, Jessie moved back east, where she is studying for her Ph.D. in early American History at the University of Pennsylvania. Garrett works in acquisitions at Rubenstein Partners, a real estate investment firm. A May 2013 wedding is being planned. Todd Searle ’05 has moved to Washington, D.C., where he will be attending graduate school in the Security Policy Program at Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Gibs McCullagh ’06 has just completed his certification as a paramedic and has been accepted into Harvard graduate program in public policy.
Former Faculty
visits, a little extra pay and assigning an adoptive family). This past April, the lead in the IDF magazine profiled lone soldiers. Ben was not only one of them, but they chose his photo for the cover of the magazine. In addition, a fundraising agency, Friends of the IDF, produces a calendar and chose Ben as one of two soldiers from the US. Thus, Ben is Sargent November. Ben is doing well and was home in August for a few weeks of leave. Jackie Melissas attended the open house we had for him. This was really a wonderful treat for us and a great surprise for Ben. It was really lovely for her to do so. Ben also went to NSCDS a couple times to run with the cross country team while he was here.”
Aaron Regunberg ’08 is Director of the Providence Student Union and columnist for GoLocalProv.com.
Former Development Director Nancy Emrich Freeman and James Hayward Freeman were married on August 18, 2012 in St. Hubert’s, NY.
Blair Hunt ’09 was awarded an Undergraduate Humanities Honors Fellowship for spring 2013 by Emory’s Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry. Emily Keyser ’09 is a senior at Cornell College this year. She’s a starting player on the Cornell Rams Soccer team for the 4th year in a row. Recently the Rams traveled back to play at Lake Forest College where one of Emily’s former NSCDS coaches, Cory Mares, came to see her play! This summer she worked with Kyle Jones coaching at the summer soccer camps at North Shore. Mick Reedy ’09 wrote, “last October I presented my research on chi shao, a pain reliever in Traditional Chinese Medicine, at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in New Orleans. It’s one of the biggest neuroscience conferences around.”
Pictured above are faculty member Jen Watson, faculty member, David Kubacki, Adam Griffin ’11, Ashleigh Cross ’05, Tess Weiner ’12 and faculty member Lynsey WollinCasey, who all met up for a mini-reunion at the People of Color Conference this fall.
Former faculty member Sheldon Rosenbaum and his wife Phyllis visited North Shore in October, touring the redesigned Upper School and seeing faculty and staff friends including Sharon Dole and Linda Kiracibasi, pictured above.
Engagements
2010s Ben Crane ’10 ’s father writes, “Ben is serving in the Israeli Army, just finishing his second year in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). He moved to Israel to join the IDF after graduating from NSCDS in 2010. He is in a Special Forces Green Beret unit, and has status as a “lone soldier,’ meaning he does not have family in Israel. The IDF makes a few special accommodations for lone soldiers (time off for family
Former faculty member John Foley and his son, Jack Foley ’12 , will be represented simultaneously in New York theaters this spring. John’s production, Pump Boys and Dinettes, will be playing at Circle in the Square Theatre while Jack will appear in the movie Superman, Man of Steel just a few blocks away.
Courtney Williams ’88 to David Shelton Chris Davis ’00 to Genevieve Mekeel Kristin Rooney ’03 to Stephen Reenock Abby Smith ’03 to Pieter De Jager Jack Foley ’12 appears as young Pete Ross in the movie Superman, Man of Steel, which opens in summer 2013.
David Reitz ’04 to Kristin Linscott Jessie Regunberg ’05 to Garrett King
Danny Schur ’12 is a freshman at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He spent February through August living in South Africa as an exchange student. While there, he lived with several families and
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Marriages Liam Davis ’86 to Keely Vasquez June 23, 2012 Aaron Morris ’03 to Ho-Ming So August 9, 2012 Heather Bates ’00 to Sam Denton August 25, 2012 Katie Butler ’05 to Ben Wakana July 28, 2012 Rebecca Lockhart ’04 to Matthew Curry-Edwards October 14, 2012
Births Henry Banfield Hilbink August 6, 2012 Susan Homberg and Tom Hilbink ’89 Kate Mariah Loennig August 21, 2012 Helen Loennig ’86
Catherine “Mae” Maeve Fisher December 22, 2012 Caite Whitbeck and David Fisher ’95 Rocky Carmine Heinz January 15, 2013 Ted ’00 and Christina Enrico Heinz Avery Addison Heinz January 28, 2013 Tom ’97 and Allegra Rosberg Heinz ’97
Events Spring Musical: “Into The Woods” March 14, 15 & 16
Spring Annual Giving Phonathons
Lunch in the Loop April 18 Union League Club – Chicago
Susan Marshall ’76 Memorial Concert May TBD
Alumni/Faculty & Student Baseball Game June 2 On campus
11th Annual Golf Outing June 10 Highland Park Country Club
For more information on events, contact the Alumni Office, nwhiteman@nscds.org, 847.881.8848.
March 18 & 19 Upper School Building
In Memoriam Stacy Mosser ’40 May 17, 2011 Bruce Block ’72 September 17, 2011 Elizabeth Johnson de Peyster ’36 June 25, 2012 Sister of Bob Johnson ’43 Sister-in-law of Diane Holliday Johnson ’43 Thomas L. Daughaday ’41 August 7, 2012 Roger Fisher ’39 August 25, 2012 Brother of Ethel Fisher ’36 Brother of John Fisher ’38 and Francis Fisher ’43 John R. G. Parker ’47 August 25, 2012 Brother of Charles Parker ’44 John P. Flanzer ’66 August 30, 2012 Husband of Miranda Miller Flanzer ’67 Brother of Peter Flanzer ’76 Brother-in-law of Estelle Miller Weedon ’60 and Carolyn Miller Short ’64 Robert J. Kirkpatrick III ’50 September 12, 2012
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Solange MacArthur ’70 September 22, 2012 Sister of Rick MacArthur ’74 Julia Targ ’70 October 15, 2012
Larry Christopher December 24, 2012 Husband of Nancy Geyer Christopher Step-father of Katie Geyer Young ’84 and Peter Geyer ’89
Nathaniel H. Blatchford ’32 October 15, 2012
Brad Williams January 10, 2013 Husband of Marcia Durling Williams ’68
Richard Pettibone November 4, 2012 Father of Susan Pettibone Fraser ’69 and Laura Pettibone Wright ’73
Aaron Swartz ’04 January 11, 2013 Brother of Noah Swartz ’06 and Ben Swartz ’08
Sherry Bigelow ’72 November 12, 2012
Diane M. Fall January 19, 2013 Wife of Rick Fall ’62
Frances Fenn Fogarty ’47 November 20, 2012 Susan Ballard Boal ’33 November 21, 2012 Mother of Stewart Boal ’60, Ted Boal ’62 and Nina Boal ’64
Casey Schulman December 1, 2012 Daughter of David Schulman ’74 Charles Martin December 19, 2012 Father of Carey Martin ’06
Annick de Marion ’49 January 23, 2013
Margot Townsend Merrick February 8, 2013 Mother of Mitzie Fraker Wynkoop ’60 and the late George W. Fraker ’63 Step-mother of Richard L. Merrick ’60, William C. Merrick ’61, Susan Merrick Bacon ’63 and Tappan G. Merrick ’66
Social Media Update
Alumni App
Did you know that North Shore has a Facebook page with 800 fans,
With the NSCDS Alumni App you
a Twitter account with 200 followers, and a YouTube page with 27,000
can access the directory, locate
video views? We also have a Pinterest account with hundreds of pins,
alums in your area, submit photos
full of North Shore news and ideas for families. Our Pinterest boards
and class notes, check the latest
include a faculty lookbook, profiles of alumni, healthy recipes, photos
school news and Alumni events,
of our campus and links to local happenings.
and network with fellow Raiders on Facebook, LinkedIn and more. Visit the iTunes App Store for iPhone or iPad, or visit Google Play for Android. You will need your Alumni website/portal username and password to access the NSDCS Alumni App. Questions? Contact Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 at 847.881.8848 or nwhiteman@nscds.org.
Most of our social media sites are updated on a daily or weekly basis—please visit our Stay Connected page to start following today.
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North Shore Country Day School 310 Green Bay Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093–4094
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