The Lamp Fall 2014

T H E

L A M P

A NEWSLETTER FROM OLDFIELDS SCHOOL

INSIDE Cross Country Sportsmanship Technology: Tools for Success Gymnasium Renovation Unveiled!

Oldfields by the Numbers Shout Outs!

Fall Family Weekend

$1,000,000!

by Anne Ragland Finney P'97, Director of Development

Fun Faculty Housing Facts: Approximately 70% of our fabulous faculty and staff live on campus.

Garden House was the home of revered faculty, Hilary Bates and Justo Aniquita, for 19 years.

Tiffany Harrison, our IT network manager, is the current residential faculty member that has lived here the longest – 17 years!

Dr. Parnell Hagerman is delighted to announce that this fall an anonymous one million dollar donation was made to Oldfields' Capital Campaign, Sustain the Spirit, Support the Future: Oldfields at 150.

This inspiring demonstration of confidence in Oldfields and love for the School comes from the parent of an Oldfields girl who graduated many years ago, from someone who knows firsthand the difference the Oldfields experience can make in the life of a young woman, from someone who wanted to give something exceptional back to the School that gave so much to his daughter.

This remarkable gift led immediately to two more very large gifts, providing all the funding needed to renovate our

historic Garden House. Four spacious apartments for faculty will be built, the first new faculty housing since Jane House was built twenty one years ago. These four new apartments will be of enormous help in retaining and recruiting the best and brightest faculty to educate our girls.

Oldfields wishes to express our deepest gratitude to this wonderful donor and to everyone who has already made a gift to the Campaign. All the exciting things happening at Oldfields are the legacy of gifts like these. This momentous gift brings the total amount raised to $7.6 million of our $12 million dollar goal.

There is still more to be done. Please join these champions of the School and give back to Oldfields by making a gift to the Spirit Campaign!

SportsWomanship LEAVING FOOTPRINTS

by Alicia Bowers P '17, Director of Communications

Last week, my school (Park School) ran a meet against your team. I went into the meet very discouraged because I have horrible shin splints, and I ended the meet feeling empowered because of all of your help. First of all, the girls at your school always cheered for me

whenever I ran by, and some even ran with me for parts of it. Then, at the end of the race when I was feeling the worst, it was girls from your team who kept me going by running with me and trying to distract me from the pain. I can't even imagine finishing a race, just to run even

Oldfields' athletic teams and coaches are special – always have been, always will be. However, this year's cross country team is going the extra mile (pun intended!) in more ways than one.

Under the leadership of Head Coach, Allison Letourneau, and Assistant Coach, Paul Bisagni, this team is soaring!

Coach Letourneau's coaching philosophy is structured around a priority system, high expectations, and communication, which she learned herself as a NCAA Division 1 runner and which echoes the Oldfields culture. "First and foremost, I want my athletes to be healthy and happy, able to enjoy the sport without injury, and have a positive attitude so that they can reap the developmental benefits that athletics offer. Second, I never want my athletes to lose focus on their academics. They need to learn how to balance a demanding training regime with maintaining high academic standards. Third, I expect them to be exceptional citizens in and out of our Oldfields community. My girls know that these are all

farther with someone from the other team, nonetheless. The kindness that I was shown at your school was unparalleled to anything I've ever experienced at a meet before. Thank you SO much. I truly appreciate it.

– Park School Senior

more important to me than winning a race.

They soon come to realize that if they are healthy, happy, doing well in school, and modeling exceptional citizenship, success in athletics will follow."

Oldfields' runners do not focus on wins and losses; rather they focus on how they handle wins and losses. When they win, instead of partaking in instant celebration, they turn around to cheer on their teammates and competitors.

You will never see an Oldfields cross country runner celebrate a victory until every single competitor in the race has finished.

Proof that the "nice guys" can finish first, the team's record is an impressive 13 – 0! This team is the IAAM Conference C Champion because of the natural talent of its runners, but their collective achievement is so much greater than their individual athletic ability. The team has been successful because of their character. Oldfields couldn't be more proud of this year's cross country team. Keep up the good work!

Tech: Tools for Success

by Alicia Bowers P '17, Director of Communications

"We take the responsibility seriously of teaching our students how to balance the enormous capabilities of emerging technology with the responsibility of its appropriate use. It is incumbent of the School to fully prepare our students to thrive in their post-secondary education and beyond. The ability to wield technology will be a determining factor in our students' success."

– Dr. Parnell Hagerman The Brougher and Rollins families, parents and grandparents of recent OS graduates, believe in Dr. Hagerman's sentiments strongly enough to have funded three exciting enhancements to our technology program: •T he Brougher e-Learning Center opened in August when the girls returned to campus. This state-of-the-art computer lab, which includes 12 PCs and 12 Macs, creates a wonderful learning space in our Nevens Library that allows for group workshops as well as project-based learning.

• A Wi-Fi upgrade that provided broadband internet connection in all of our dormitories and public spaces was also funded.

"Wow, this looks like a college library!"

O UR L E G EY T A EA

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– Visitor to Nevens Library

• Ongoing professional development for teachers, designed to increase utilization of technology in the classroom, has been expanded.

Supporting our technology immersion is a newly created faculty position, Coordinator of Educational Technology, skillfully filled by Patricia Reilly. With the infrastructure in place, the next step is to insure that everyone knows how to use it. Ms. Reilly will help OS stay at the forefront of technology in several ways: • T eachers now have a dedicated "go to" person and coach who will support them in utilizing 21st century learning strategies in the classroom.

•S tudents, as well as teachers, will be able to participate in workshops on essential tools, such as Google applications, lessons on coding, and Class Pages, a program for seamless sharing of grades, resources, and information between parents, students, and teachers.

•E ventually, Patricia would like to create an Oldfields technology volunteer organization to act as mentors for the Baltimore County community schools and model the Oldfields mission of social responsibility.

REMEMBER OLDFIELDS IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST.

OS is now on LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/company/oldfields-school

Add Connections from the OS community

Gymnasium Renovation Unveiled!

by Alicia Bowers P '17, Director of Communications

On October 9th, the community got to "sneak a peek" at the newly renovated gymnasium and entrance lobby – and it was worth the wait! The lobby, with its beautiful lighting, leather furniture, and flat screen television was the perfect place to host our Baltimore Gathering. There was a great crowd on hand to cheer as Board Chair, Hilary Gardner Swain '72, and Dr. Parnell Hagerman cut the ribbon!

Many thanks go to R. Randall and Margaret Rollins, grandparents of Haley Rollins '14, whose generous support made these improvements possible.

Dubious and Images, Oldfields' a cappella groups, performed several songs in the gymnasium. As the girls' beautiful voices filled the room, you could see the reflection of their crisp white blouses on the shining new floor. And if one paid close attention, the echoes of past games, cheering crowds, and renditions of girls singing "The Sheep on the Hill" could be heard as well. The Oldfields gymnasium perfectly blends the richness of the old with the excitement of the new.

Come home to the faces and pl aces you love!

Save The Date

A pril 2 4 -26 , 2 015!

Shout Outs!

So many wonderful people contribute to the success of Oldfields that we couldn't possibly list them all, but here are a few recent special supporters.

Alumnae Gatherings!

OS gatherings couldn't happen without our wonderful hosts. Thanks to Elizabeth Harkey '05 and her parents for hosting the Atlanta Alumnae Club gathering at their home in September!

Coming up, our New York City Gathering on December 4 will be hosted by Adelaide Goldfrank '96 and her father, Lionel, at The River Club of New York. Aren't they wonderful?

A special thanks to our own Chair of the Oldfields Board, Hilary Gardner Swain '72, for hosting the Washington, D.C. Gathering on March 26, 2015 at her home.

If you would like to attend or host a gathering, please contact Joan Jermakian '81 P'15 at 443-662-1018 or JermakianJ@OldfieldsSchool.com.

Opening Hearts and Homes to OS Admission It makes all the difference in the world when our Admission Team sees a friendly face on their travels. Thank you to all those who extended hospitality to Parny, Allison, Caroline, Tom, and Annabelle as they crisscrossed the country this summer and fall!

Meredith Brown and Guy Bryant P'18 hosted an Admission Gathering in California during a recent visit by Parny and Allison. Thanks so much for everything! Admission also had the pleasure of visiting: Mary Boyd P'18 Lisa Gandal P'17 Kathryn Koorenny P'18 Carlisle Van Meter Mayer '78 and her daughter, Charlotte '14 Cindy and John McCarthy P'15 Treva Stephens P'17 Senior Parent Gift 2014 The Senior Parent gift of the Class of 2014 included two flat screen televisions for the students' use in Gookie's and the AOD Office, as well as upholstery for numerous pieces in the Admission lobby and offices. What a legacy to leave for the Class of 2015!

Fall Decorations for the Campus OS extends its warmest thanks to volunteers Rosaleen Bernier P'16 (Parent Association President), Kelli Davies P'16 (Parent Association President), and Julie Selby P'17 (Parent Association Secretary) for leading the campus-wide fall decorating effort as well as the silent auction at Fall Family Weekend, which reaped 66% more funds for the Parent Association than last year.

The cheery pumpkins and mums added greatly to the atmosphere of Fall Family Weekend and lasted through our well attended Admission Open House on October 26!

Fall Family Weekend

by Joan Carter Jermakian '81 P'15,

"This Fall Family Weekend was the best ever!" We say it every year, but we honestly heard this sentiment repeatedly from parents, students, and faculty! The goodwill and joy around campus was evident everywhere, and the sunny, crisp fall days showed Maryland's horse country at its autumnal best!

As every day at OS begins, Friday morning began with parents attending advisory with their daughters, followed

by Morning Meeting with Megan Machak '15 giving an inspirational Senior Presentation. It was then off to attend classes so parents could get an inside view of academic life. In true Oldfields' fashion, we followed hard work with a bit of fun, as everyone was treated to the Performing Arts Showcase.

Our School may be small, but the talent here is HUGE!

Director of Alumnae Affairs

After school activities and athletics provided a wonderful opportunity for girls to show their parents where their passions lie. From a soccer scrimmage to riding lessons, everyone enjoyed this special time. In the evening a reception was held at Dr. Hagerman's house followed by a lovely dinner and line dancing in the gymnasium. What a great way to work off that delicious crab dip! The Parent Association held their annual silent auction, which always features some truly unique items, such as naming a street on campus for a year, or months of baked treats made by faculty members. The bidding was fierce, but all in good fun. The Parent Association wants to thank everyone who participated – they raised 66% more than last year!

Saturday morning was filled with productive parent/teacher conferences, and then it was time for a well-deserved Fall Break. On Tuesday evening, the girls returned ready to finish their first trimester with enthusiasm.

Attention Parents: Want to see pictures of your daughters at Fall Family Weekend?

Create your account on Vidigami – Oldfields' new photo sharing site.

Upload. Download. Share. Smile.

An invitation was e-mailed to you on October 24.

If you need assistance, please contact Communications@OldfieldsSchool.

Remember, you have

until to receive a deduction on your 2014 taxes for your gift to The Oldfields Fund!

Better Technology | Stronger Community Carrying your fellow alumnae in your pocket No matter how busy your schedule, you can now connect with the School and Oldfields alumnae via an App called Oldfields Alumnae Mobile.

Available Free at iTunes or Google Play for Android.

Locate and contact OS girls based on class, city, business, or field of interest.

Check out gatherings in your area and who's coming.

Stay caught up and in touch... on the go!

It's Simple!

Type in "Oldfields Alumnae" at your app store.

Authenticate your device using your email.

Questions?

Contact Pam Crowder-Thompson '85, P'12 at 443-662-1028 or CrowderP@OldfieldsSchool.org

O l d f i e l d s S c h oo l

1500 Glencoe Road Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152

WHO WILL BE OLDFIELDS' ANGEL? Have you heard about the $40 million bequest just left to Foxcroft School by one of its alumnae?

O l d f i e l d s S c h oo l 1500 Glencoe Road Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152 PHONE: (410) 472-4800 FAX: (410) 472-3141 E-MAIL: BowersA@OldfieldsSchool.org FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/OldfieldsSchool TWITTER: www.twitter.com/OldfieldsSchool YOU TUBE: www.youtube.com/OldfieldsSchool Editor: Alicia Bowers www.OldfieldsSchool.org

News of this gift gives us hope that somewhere out there among you is an angel and champion who may someday transform Oldfields School with a miraculous gift of your own!