J U NE 2014
The Park Parent in this issue: GRADUATION SPEAKER // 2 NEXT SCHOOLS FOR GRADE IX // 2
Folding the World in Half: Park in China and China in Park B y Pau la IVEY HENRY, Park Parent Editorial Board
一点浩然气 千里快哉风
MODEL UN // 3 FACULTY FAREWELLS // 4
It takes a little air of vastness within
NEXT SCHOOLS FOR GRADE VIII // 8 PA YEAR IN REVIEW // 10
to ride a thousand miles of crisp wind Su Dong-Po (1036-1101 A.D.), translated by Yun Wang
I
t was their first day of school, but one like no
other. In front of three Park Grade IX students stood 1,240 Chinese school children and 200 teachers and administrators neatly arrayed across the green, attentive with expectation. Young children paraded by to encircle the guests with flowered leis. The microphone was passed, and the first continued on page 6
Grade IX Mandarin students and their Chinese hosts planting a flowering osmanthus tree in a courtyard of the Hangzhou Greentown Qin Qin School.
Parents’ Association Year in Review B y Katie Mc WEENY, President, Parents' Association
P
ark School has been full of excitement, challenges, and new beginnings for the parent community. We were delighted to welcome Michael Robinson as our Head of School. His experience, leadership,
and perspective have been invigorating. He has been a warm, welcoming presence to the community and we have thoroughly appreciated his energy and partnership during his first year as Park’s Head of School.
vo l u me 46 nu mb e r 6 a pub lication of the park s c h o o l parent s’ assoc iation
We have also been happily celebrating our 125th anniversary all year long, embracing the chance to reflect on Park’s history, cheer for our 125th birthday, and share our celebration with communities here and around the world with our 125 Trees project. The mission of the Park School Parents’ Association (PA) is to make it possible for parents to participate in the life of the School, promote the interests of Park, further cooperation and understanding within the community, and raise funds to enrich the educational experience of students and faculty. These goals and more continued on page 10
MILESTONES
2014 Graduation Speaker: Sofia Silverglass ‘08 B y A L AN RIVE RA, Language Department Head
O
ne of the great pleasures of teaching students reveals
itself years later, after those students leave, and eventually return to, Goddard Avenue. Such is the case with the return of Park School alumna Sofia Silverglass ’08, who has been chosen to deliver the commencement address at this year’s graduation ceremony. To remember Sofia as a Grade IX student, and to now learn of her successive academic career, diversions, and recreations, put a huge smile on my face as I prepared to compose this piece about her. After Park’s Grade IX program, Sofia moved on to Milton Academy. She spent the fall of her junior year in a semester program at The Mountain School (TMS) in Vershire, Vermont, where farm work, wood crew, and “other outdoorsy things” replace sports and more traditional afterschool activities. At TMS, Sofia learned to know a place, take care of it, and work for a common good. Sofia traveled through Europe, including Once back at Milton, Mont St. Michel, while WWOOF-ing. Sofia furthered her outdoor activities by learning to rock climb, a sport she continues today.
Farm work and travel called Sofia even further after her graduation from Milton. Before beginning her post-secondary studies at Middlebury College, Sofia spent three months “WWOOF-ing” (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) on seven different organic farms in England, France, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Proudly for me, as one of her former Park French teachers, Sofia tells us that while in France she was able to speak almost exclusively in French. After exploring classes in many different departments, Sofia is pleased to have chosen geography as her major concentration of study at Middlebury and elementary education studies as her minor. She has become the co-president of the Middlebury Ceramics Club, a studio space open to all to “de-stress, get a bit messy, and learn to throw or hand build.” In 2013, Sofia returned to Park to speak to Middle and Upper Division students about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar
The Park Parent // PAGE 2
Decathlon, a program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered homes that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. In addition to designing and creating all the home’s dishware, Sofia served as an education coordinator, helping her team earn an 8th place overall finish among college and university competitors from around the world. Sofia proudly adds that her small, liberal arts college team surpassed teams from schools with full engineering and architectural programs! Shortly after addressing the Park School community and the graduating Grade IX class, Sofia will once again hit the road in late June 2014. She will fly to Dunedin, the second largest city of New Zealand’s South Island, to begin her sixth semester of college among students from over 100 nations at the University of Otago. Afterwards, Sofia hopes to get back outdoors, working on organic farms and “WWOOF-ing” her way through the New Zealand countryside before returning to the States. I am certain that Sofia will delight the audience at Park’s 126th graduation exercises on Friday, June 13.
NEXT SCHOOLS FOR THE CLASS OF 2014 Ramadani Abdul-Aziz
Boston Trinity Academy
Charlotte Blum
The Cambridge School of Weston
Ian Brostowski
The Rivers School
James Carroll
The Rivers School
Robert Crawford
The Roxbury Latin School
Adelaide Daly
Dana Hall School
Rohan Dhir
Belmont Hill School
Eleanor Formisano
Phillips Academy, Andover
Eliza Grossman
Concord Academy
Penrose Hallowell
Dexter School
Simone Henry
The Cambridge School of Weston
Ellie Laabs
Commonwealth School
Daniel Little
Milton Academy
Olivia Mills
Boston Latin School
Sophia Perry
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Kevin Rojas
Boston Latin School
Patrick Rose
Portsmouth Abbey School
Brianna Silva
The Ethel Walker School
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY
Model UN at Park: International Diplomacy Forum B Y D OROTHY RICHARDSON, Park Parent Editorial Board
F
sent another country’s position, the kids must often view a problem from a completely different perspective. This ability to analyze an issue from multiple viewpoints is a tremendous life skill.” Curt Miller further reflects, “It’s similar to the process actors must use in mounting a play. Taking on a role can expand one’s knowledge, increase empathy, and empower one to change the world.” Probably not unlike a number of families who participated this year, the Wilcoxes confess: “The first year we started MUN at Park, we made both our kids do it. They resisted, but we insisted. We saw MUN as a great way to learn about current events and pressing global issues and to develop important life skills like active listening and public speaking.” Now three years out, the Wilcoxes can confidently report, “both kids are totally hooked (our oldest has continued MUN at Milton Academy along with several Park alumni) and they look forward to seeing their ‘MUN friends’ from other schools at conferences throughout the year.” A Grade VI student who caught the MUN bug this year commented, “It’s the coolest thing, to learn about parliamentary Students are assigned in teams to represent different countries. They then research and debate, using parliamentary rules and procedure and the international rules of debate; you get to practice a lot of public speaking. Then, when you’re at the conference, it’s an procedure, political positions based on the actual policies of the countries they represent. “Students have tackled some of the world’s amazing process to caucus with students from other schools, who have been thinking about the same world problems you have.” most pressing problems as Model UN delegates,” Gina Wilcox Gina Wilcox adds, “It is also immensely rewarding to see quiet reports. “Issues have ranged from access to clean water, illicit students become passionate about an issue and to find their voices; human trafficking, nuclear proliferation, and the current crisis in watching these students debate is inspiring.” the Ukraine.” Park sent its last delegation this year to an all-day conference Russ Wilcox adds, “The core premise behind Model UN is hosted by Brookline High School on May 23rd. To prepare for the that young students are capable of grasping and tackling hard issues.” While the MUN network includes participants ranging conference, students were assigned their countries and issues to from middle school through graduate school, Park participates in research for four to six weeks prior. Mandatory two-hour training a regional middle school league for grades 6-9. Over a dozen local and practice sessions took place on three separate weekend days, middle schools participate in each conference. leading up to the conference. Park faculty member Curt Miller supports the Wilcoxes in Signing up for one or more conferences occurs in late Septhe training and development of Park’s MUN delegates. “What I tember. There is a conference specifically for novice students in the love most about Model UN is how students refine and integrate winter, which orients kids who have never participated before; but a multitude of skills.” Curt adds, “It is a perfect project-based, kids are encouraged to jump right into any standard middle school interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential learning experience. grade conference. Students must delve deeply into history and current events, refining Upper Division Head Alice Lucey offers her gratitude to the their research and analytic skills. They hone their writing, public Wilcoxes for bringing such a robust and enriching program to Park speaking, and debate skills.” students. “Gina and Russ Wilcox, Curt Miller, and the Upper Divi“We love watching the kids explore the world through their sion delegates are to be commended for their wonderful work. It’s research and debate.” The Wilcoxes mused, “To accurately repreclear that MUN has been terrific success... and that it’s here to stay.” orty students in Grades VI-IX participated in an extraordi-
nary extracurricular learning activity this year, Model United Nations (MUN). MUN is a worldwide network of conferences in which students participate in mock United Nations proceedings, serving as delegates from multiple countries to various UN Committees. For the past three years, Park parents, Russ and Gina Wilcox, along with Upper Division English and Drama teacher Curt Miller, have trained a delegation of up to 24 students at a time to participate in four annual regional conferences for middle school students.
JUNE 2014 // PAGE 3
Faculty and Staff Farewells 2013-2014 B y K ATE LAPINE, Director of Communications
Faculty & Staff Departing at the End of 2013-14:
Melody Bartlett will be an art teacher covering a sabbatical leave.
Peggy Blumenreich
Dir. of Academic Support
43 years of service
Chris Beeson will stay on after his intern year to teach Upper Division
Raine Miller
Kindergarten Teacher
27 years of service
Liesl Gilman
Grade V Teacher
11 years of service
Sarah Rose
Grade I Teacher
10 years of service
Ritu Singh
Pre-K Associate
8 years of service
Dan Eberle
Grade VI English Teacher
7 years of service
English covering a maternity leave.
Raymond Stewart
Director of Technology
3 years of service
Patricia Espinosa will become a Pre-K Associate and work at ASP.
Mindy Lawrence
Librarian
1 year of service
Flo Farrell will join the Communciations Office as an Associate for Social Media in addition to her responsibilites as the Director of Stewardship.
Mark Vialva
Music Teacher
1 year of service
Susannah Wales
Teaching Intern
1 year of service
Corbett Wicks
Teaching Intern
1 year of service
Faculty on sabbatical/leave-of-absence IN 2014-15: Andrea Sparks
Art Teacher (full-year sabbatical)
Brian Cassie
LD Science Teacher (spring 2015 sabbatical)
Emily Cause
Grade V Teacher (full year maternal leave)
Alli Smith
Grade III Teacher ( full year maternal leave)
Eliza Botsford
Grade IV Teacher (fall 2014 maternal leave)
English and Social Studies. Dorothea Black will return to the Library from sabbatical. Gio Bradley-Campbell will move into a new position as a Teaching Assistant Intern. Ellen Desmond will stay on after her intern year to teach Upper Division
Kimberly Formisano will co-chair the yearlong AISNE self-study in addition to her roles as Director of Interns and Park21 Implementation. Kyra Fries will direct the after-school drama program. Jeannie Hahn will teach Kindergarten. Debby Henry will become the Academic Support Services Dept. Head. Elizabeth Jansen will stay on after her intern year as a Pre-K Associate. Holly Mawn will stay on after her intern year as the Grade V Teaching Asst. Amy Saltonstall will become a Permanent Substitute. Steve Savage will return to the PE Department from sabbatical. Ellen Thomas will stay on after her intern year as a Grade IV teacher
Faculty & Staff returning from leave and/or taking on new roles in September, 2014: Maria Alvarez will co-chair the yearlong AISNE self-study in addition to
covering a maternity leave. Paul Toussaint will be a full-time PE teacher. Jean Wilmerding will be a Grade III teacher covering a maternity leave.
her role as Secondary School Counselor and Spanish Teacher.
Summer Reading
Need some help getting started with your summer reading?
“This is what wild reading is: readers who incorporate reading into their personal identities to the degree that it weaves into their lives along with everything else that interests
Go to The Park School website (www.parkschool.org) and from the Library drop down menu, select Summer Reading.
them.” – Donalyn Miller Read what interests you, read in interesting places. For the summer, the Library encourages the entire Park community to embrace Donalyn Miller’s call to get wild with your reading. Reading can take the most unexpected forms, and we sincerely hope you discover new ways to weave reading into your summer. We can’t wait to hear your stories! Capture the moment and send to
parksummerreading@gmail.com
The Park Parent // PAGE 4
The Library has compiled a summer reading guide for Grades II-IX. The list includes recent popular books, oldies but goodies, classics, and books to activate thinking about topics they will be studying next year. Each book has a suggested grade level, but students should choose whatever books appeal to them at any reading level. When you’re ready, head to the nearest library or bookstore. You can make a printable list to carry with you or access our site with your mobile device.
FACULTY FAREWELLS
Peggy Blumenreich Academic Support Services Department Head (1971–2014)
P
the department was only two full-time people: her aunt Toby (who worked at Park from 1962 – 1992) and Betty Haskell. Slowly, it added staff to keep up with the growing student population. Now, approximately 15-17 percent of Park students receive services from the department. In 1985, Headmaster Bob Hurlbut made Peggy the head of the department. It’s important for Park’s tutors to stay cur-
returning to Boston, Peggy enrolled in a one-year seminar and practicum with Alice at Park began with a phone call. One Garside and Dr. Edwin Cole at Massachuday in September 1971, her aunt, setts General Hospital (MGH). UnintenToby Rudginsky, called in a panic. Toby tionally, Peggy had entered into the nascent was the head of the small tutoring departfield of helping children with dyslexia and ment and a part-time tutor had failed to language-based learning differshow up for work! Could Peggy help out ences. Peggy’s course at MGH a few hours each week? “I wanted to work coincided with Dr. Cole’s foundand it was a schedule that suited me and ing of The Carroll School for my two very young children at the time. So children with learning differences. I said yes.” “I loved this new field. Here were Peggy, a Swampscott native, attended Wheaton College, where she majored in art bright kids who were having trouble learning how to read and history, but also took two courses in educawere falling through the cracks. I tion and psychology. After she married her husband, Gene, they moved to Washington, wanted to help them.” Over the years, Park’s D.C. There, she took a course at the KingsAcademic Support Services has bury School where she learned to teach grown with the School. When reading. “That really whetted my appetite Peggy, (top center) in 1987 with the Academic Support Peggy began as a part-time tutor, Services Department. Toby Rudginsky, Betty Haskell, Edie for this kind of work,” Peggy says. Upon eggy Blumenreich’s 43-year career
Cowen, Laurie Turner and Joanne Cunningham.
Profiles continued on page 9
Raine Miller Grade IV (1967–1970), Kindergarten (1990–2014)
R
aine Miller is a true Renaissance
woman and her classroom shows it. “She knows a little something about everything,” says an admiring colleague,
“and if you need anything—anything—you should ask Raine.” Need a magnifying glass? Velcro? Cuisinaire rods? A pair of pliers? A speaker cone? Any miscellaneous item that you can’t imagine anyone else would have? Raine holds onto everything, because she sees every item as a potential spark for her students. Back in 1967, Raine was unsatisfied teaching fourth grade in Wakefield. “It was something out of the dark ages: 30 kids in rows, creativity and project-based learning were frowned upon. I thought I had made a mistake about teaching.” At a party, someone suggested that Raine should look at The Park School before giving up Raine teaching in her well-stocked Kindergarten room in 1997.
entirely. “I called and made an appointment to see Headmaster Harry Groblewski when Park was located on Kennard Road. It was a snow-day, but Harry met me and we walked around the empty building. I could tell this would be different. He asked me if I’d like to come back, and I said ‘Yes!’” Raine taught Grade IV in the classroom next to Ruth Williams until 1970. “It was exhilarating,” she recalls. “I really loved the close-knit school. In fact our close quarters made for easy collaboration because you were bumping into faculty all the time.” She left Park to teach third grade at Shady Hill for a few years, where she met John Langstaff, who taught music there. She became friendly with his daughter, Carol, and became part of the core group who pulled together a large group of performers and staged three performances of The Christmas Revels at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre in 1971. For a while, Raine bal-
JUNE 2014 // PAGE 5
China, continued from page 1
Simone H., Danny L. and Alan Rivera attaching ‘wish cards’ at Shanghai’s Confucius Temple.
Ian B. working with Chinese students at the Hangzhou Greentown Qin Qin School.
Park student stepped forward to offer an extended personal greeting in Mandarin. Exclamations and clapping erupted mid-delivery, and Alan Rivera, Head of The Park School Language Department, leaned toward Mandarin teacher Mulian Chen, to inquire. Smiling, she translated the response: “How could American students so young speak their host’s native language so well?” So began the introduction of Park’s pioneering Grade IX Mandarin class to partner school, Greentown Yuhua Qinqin School in Hangzhou, China. Park’s Mandarin program takes its place among Grade IX language trips in successful culmination of four years of careful planning, with graduating students from Mulian’s first Grade VI Mandarin class in 2010, first Hangzhou student visits to Park in 2013, and three sojourns to China by Park faculty and administration. In new ways, both traveling and hosting students serve as ambassadors of Park’s broadest values, its most skillful teaching, and the irreducible potential of shared growth. Such lessons lie at the core of Park’s program, which understands that foreign language is not a tool to accomplish the same task in a different locale, but an entirely different sensory, intellectual, and social experience altogether. Fully comprehended, language is invisible. Uninterpretable, the sounds embody assumptions and uncertainties misaligned to a world that is shrinking geographically, even as it socially expands. Grade IX trips are more than a field-test of skills, they are designed for the global development of the child. There is no substitute for in situ learning, and Mandarin requires competencies that Grade IX students best experience in China, 7,376 miles from Park. The three American students, in fact, made a written pledge to only speak Mandarin to Chinese during the journey. For years they have practiced hearing and producing the unique sounds and tones of the language, so that, for example, communicating a polite request ‘would like’ 想 is not heard as the descriptive ‘appears like’ 像, as only the tones of xiáng and xiǎng, respectively, differ. They practice untangling semantics
from the nuance of context. For example, ‘salt’ 盐 and ‘color’ 颜 are both pronounced yán, and ‘he’ 他 and ‘she’ 她 are tā. The social perception required by this skill bears pause. As illustrated, Chinese also challenges English symbolic precepts (however irregular) anchoring sound and meaning to sight in ways that transform cognitive and fine motor reading and writing experience. An estimated 3,000 characters must be mastered to read a newspaper. But Park’s Mandarin students are undaunted, describing their achievements creatively, ‘I feel like I am painting, instead of writing’ and ‘it is like reading and writing a secret code.’ Observing a child dart between two graphical worlds is fascinating, whether brush-stroking the air to prepare for a quiz, or shifting between scripts while note-taking, wherever more efficient or effective. Sometimes, a character is worth a thousand words. The intimacy and intensity of Grade IX’s Mandarin experience is best reflected in students’ immersion with the Chinese people themselves. Their first days in China were spent exploring the languid canals and cantilevered façades of historic Wuzhen, where they gained footing after the long flight and began to tune their ears and senses to China from a restful spot. Westerners are rare in Wuzhen, and students encountered the confusion of dialects and accents of Chinese tourists from across the country. They learned how striking they appear to many Chinese, and the surprise and delight in responses to their first tentative conversations in Mandarin. “I don’t know whether they were more surprised that we were Americans or students, but when we spoke to them in Mandarin, they were shocked! Everyone was so welcoming,” as one student said. The real test of skills came in Hangzhou, where Park students settled into the homes and lives of Chinese hosts for six nights. They enjoyed a weekend with families touring an art museum, playing basketball, badminton, and volleyball, and watching Chinese television. The teens from two countries learned how
The Park Parent // PAGE 6
much they have in common: the boys arm wrestled and the girls laughed together, they chose dumplings over vegetables, and enjoyed gelato best of all. Monday came with the surprisingly large audience of the Greentown Yuhua Qinqin school, but Grade IX students were now warmed up to the challenge. One student braved employing humor in his address, given the success of communication in smaller groups. They were buoyed by the experience, and extended themselves fully into each class that followed; Chinese painting, archery, and a tea ceremony. A school chef taught them the art of making dumplings, to which they applied their best ingenuity. Taekwondo was a favorite of one student with whom the instructor chose to demonstrate both rapid-fire Mandarin and takedowns. And, it was especially meaningful for them to reunite with Chinese students who had visited Boston the prior spring. With Alan and Mulian, Park students traveled to the beautiful and legendary West Lake, which lies between the metropolis of Hangzhou (21 million, including suburbs, with a density of about 1,600 per square mile) and a mountain reserve mirrored in its waters. Painted pagodas, extensive causeways lined with majestic trees, and delicately carved bridges and boats define the landscape. They translated a tribute to statesman and poet, Su Dongpo, and read inscriptions along the walls of a terraced temple. An afternoon was spent at a tea plantation, where the spring harvest had just begun. Graced with nature at its borders, Hangzhou is a city, like most in China, undergoing rapid change. “It seemed each day we would hear buildings fall,” said a Park student of the demolitions, and they cited a Chinese joke about the national bird: the crane. Like The Park School, Hangzhou Greentown Yuhua Qinqin School is not an ordinary school. As a private school, it is experimenting ambitiously with best practices, many stimulated by international partners. The diligence of its faculty and
students reflect millennia of the Chinese value of intellect as a means of advancement, but with a new burst of innovation to support the ‘whole’ child. However beneficial, diversions of effort from tradition come with risk, as the immutability of the national test means that narrow constructions of achievement still determine student placement in highly tiered Chinese universities. Quick to compare homework loads, Grade IX students offered that they had at least as much, but also observed the seriousness and stress of their counterparts, appreciating the greater degrees of creative freedom in American education and development. In the lives of Hangzhou families, Park parents, too, might find familiar the cascade of sacrifices to support children’s chances in an unpredictable future, and the increasing paucity of shared time between generations. In a reciprocal experience this spring, Park host families and students enjoyed the wonder and confusion that accompanies Chinese students in this country, surrounded by a world of English, for the first time. For a second year, Park hosted 12 Hangzhou students at varying levels of proficiency and shyness. Each earned the opportunity academically, and were considered considerate, adventurous and mature to manage the unexpected experiences of culture exchange. The Chinese students attended classes at Park, and ventured each afternoon to explore Boston. As Grade IX students experienced abroad, their Chinese partners soon warmed to the varied accents of their hosts, and halting phrases progressed with each new activity. In China, Grade IX students filled their last days with the accelerating TOP: Alan Rivera and Mulian Chen traveled contrasts of old and new Shanghai. They to China with the first Grade IX Mandarin coursed the paths of Yu Garden, and were students, pictured here in a traditional art enchanted reading carefully preserved class. Confucius (551–479 B.C.) writings, and by CENTER: Grade IX Mandarin students and Mulian Chen high above Shanghai on the the beauty of a 2,000 year-old temple and World Financial Tower’s observation deck. its Buddha. The striking discontinuity that BOTTOM: Grade IX Mandarin students visiting now characterizes China was illustrated by an iconic pagoda in the town of Wuzhen. a 60-second ride to the top of its current continued on page 8
JUNE 2014 // PAGE 7
China, continued from page 7
tallest building, the World Financial Tower, and the dramatic view through the glass floor of the viewing deck 500 meters below. Catching their breath, the students began jumping playfully, propelling themselves over astonishing changes in the landscape below; over horizons they once knew and those they now observed. On a rain-stippled day, Chinese students marked the end of their Boston visit with a simple and poignant ceremony, by helping to plant the last of the 125 trees that mark the years Park has nurtured the growth of its students and the everincreasing community of educators and families that create its character. In the middle of the Hangzhou school grows a young tree planted by Grade IX students, dedicated to Park’s Chinese social studies curriculum. A Grade IX student reflected how she and her student host parted with tears, so fully they appreciated the rare experience they shared. In Boston, the sense of treasure was as clear. For years Park parents have remarked how changed are their children from Grade IX language travels. The extraordinary success of Park’s first Mandarin trip to China, and as host community to Hangzhou students, may be measured by the trail of transformed lives. Or by Grade IX Mandarin student emails, where a regular chatter of communications has already begun to grow between new friends.
Park’s 2013-14 Annual Fund “Celebrate Park” These 65 individuals tirelessly volunteered as Annual Fund solicitors this year. Their time and efforts are the underpinning of the Annual Fund’s success – over $1.9 million for the operating budget. From all of us at Park – thank you! Rory Altman, Bhaskar Banerjee, John Barkan ’85, Kathrene Tiffany Bell ’96, Carla Bettano, Seth Brennan, Emily Potts Callejas ’89, Greg Cope ’71, Kathryn Gorski-Croce, Lilla Curran ’95, Melissa Deland ’95, Rob DiAdamo, Mark Dolins, LaToya Downing-Peltier, Brian Duckworth, Lee Englert, Sara Leventhal Fleiss ’95, Jim Formisano, David Glynn ’91, Marcus Gordon, Carolyn Greenspon, Pierce Haley, Jack Hodgkins, Beth Holzman, Julia Lloyd Johannsen ’93, Joanie Amick Kelly ’83, Alison King Haley, Justin Klosek, Keirnan Conroy Klosek, Soád Kousheshi, Abbott Lawrence ’85, Blyth Lord, Charlie Lord, Melissa Daniels Madden ’85, Stuart Mathews, Amy Lloyd McCarthy ’86, John Meunier, Peter Mills, Anne Mitchell, Anju Nohria, Holly Oh, Chip Pierce ’81, Rick Pinchera, Russ Porter, Emily Raviola, Pete Riehl, Will Rowe, Katharine Burrage Schmitt ’95, Rebecca Lewin Scott ’89, Heidi Shaff, Stan Shaw, Abeera Sheikh, Sarah Shoukimas ’97, Kerry Swords, Suzie Tapson, Kim Tesson, Diana Walcott ’85, EJ Whelan, Chris Wilmerding, Laura Church Wilmerding ’84, Phoebe Gallagher Winder ’84, Robert Wood, Natalie Waters Wright, Rod Wright, David Zug
We welcome all parents and alumni who would like to join our team next year. It’s fun and rewarding, and critically important to our School. Contact Jessica Conaway, Associate Director of Development, at 617-274-6019 or conawayj@parkschool.org.
NEXT SCHOOLS FOR THE DEPARTING MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2015 Isabelle Antonelli
Newton North High School
Grady Hayes The Roxbury Latin School
Eloise Baker
Milton Academy
Priscilla Hodgkins
Roland Hall School (UT)
Isabelle Balson
Concord Academy
Jordan Hurley
Concord Academy
Evelyn Baranski
Beaver Country Day School
Rebecca Isaacson
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Molly Chiang
Milton Academy
Evan Jacobson
Brookline High School
Adam Cohen
Beaver Country Day School
Matthew Kaufman
Concord Academy
Neila Connaughton
Noble and Greenough School
Rebecca Kendall
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
William Connaughton The Roxbury Latin School
Alexander Ketterson
Concord Academy
Tristan Edwards
Commonwealth School
Anna Kraft
Beaver Country Day School
Constance Faling
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Madeline Mills
Noble and Greenough School
Serey Flanagan
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Lucas Mueller
Brookline High School
Charlotte Fox
Concord Academy
Nihal Raman
Milton Academy
Lily Franks
Noble and Greenough School
Annabel Reay
Brookline High School
Jeremy Freedman
Newton South High School
Isabella Riehl
Noble and Greenough School
Annabelle Fulton
Beaver Country Day School
Joshua Silbersweig
Beaver Country Day School
Dahlia Gordon
Beaver Country Day School
Jessica Smith
Milton Academy
Isabella Hartshorn
Brookline High School
David Tsai
Phillips Academy, Andover
Timothy Hartshorn
Brookline High School
The Park Parent // PAGE 8
Faculty Farewells, continued from page 5
rent with the latest research and educational Sarah Rose on a Park21 Peter Amershadian ing family. They have seven grandchildren ages 4 – 14. “Our daughter Megan lives in Grant looking at best practices and models theory. Peggy took a leave of absence in of academic support services in independent New Jersey with two children, Stephen is in 1988 – 1989 to earn her master’s in the theory of reading and education at Harvard. schools. They visited schools in the Boston Bronxville, New York, with three boys, and our youngest, Kate (Park Class of 1988), area and around the country to view a “It was an intense and fantastic experience lives in Belmont with her two girls.” variety of delivery models. While our onethat really helped me as the Department Enjoy your retirement, Peggy, you Head, but I missed Park’s 100th anniversary on-one tutoring has been enormously sucdeserve it! photo!” Since then, Peggy has led the group cessful, Peggy hopes this survey of current trends will ensure that Park will become be of seven tutors as they work one-on-one with Park students. “I really love working at a leader in providing outstanding services to meet the needs of all its students. Park School, the bright students, the comWhat’s next for Peggy? She’s looking mitted faculty and staff but, especially, the forward to calling upon her early training in group of tutors I work with. They are, as a art history and working in one of Boston’s group—cohesive, fun, and intelligent—a wonderful combination. In fact, I often felt museums. Gene, a lawyer, isn’t ready to retire yet, but he is slowing down, which for like coming to work at Park was like takhim means working only three or four days ing a break from my regular life. We have really had a good time together and I think a week! Luckily, his work schedule is more flexible than in the past, leaving time for it’s made for both a rewarding work and travel and new ventures. Peggy and Gene personal life.” live in Cambridge and try to visit their Even as she leaves, Peggy expresses New Hampshire home as often as they can. her appreciation for and confidence in There will be more time for antiquing (she Park. For the past year and a half, Peggy and Gene collect Americana) and for visithas been working with Anita Brush and
anced teaching and Revels. But her responsibilities grew with the Revels organization, and soon were all-encompassing. Raine managed all the costumes and props for hundreds of actors in dozens of performances and launched Revels Records. “I was in charge of scheduling all the recording sessions with musicians and performers, shipping, distribution, and I had to work
with the union!” When Raine was ready to return to teaching in 1990, she heard that there was an opening at Park. Headmaster Bob Hurlbut called and explained that the opening was in Kindergarten. “I thought: I’d love to work with five- and six-year-olds where it all begins. They are so interesting and curious, and they love learning.” Little did she know that she would be able to use some of her ‘real-world’ experience in the Kindergarten room. “Being able to think on my feet has been an invaluable skill, and I’ve even used some labor-negotiation skills with them too!” Raine’s Kindergarten classroom embodies the “joy of learning.” Curious to her core, she provides all sorts of treasures and is known for letting kids take apart radios, VCRs, and other machines to let them figure out how things work and invent their own contraptions. “It’s been a real treat teaming up with Director of Operations Mike Massauro who is incredibly patient
and creative.” Together they built the windmill on the Pre-K/K playground. “There are so many interesting things out there—I love integrating different disciplines.” “These last 24 years have just flown by. I’ve loved all the children and parents who’ve come through my classroom—it’s been really wonderful.” She makes life-long connections with her students; many former students drop by in the morning just to say hello. Some have even come back on a more permanent basis. Former Kindergartener India Davis ’03 is Raine’s classroom assistant this year, and Mally Smith ’01 worked with her former teacher from 2010–2013. Raine has been spending the summers in Eastport, Maine, since 1989. Her house isn’t winterized yet, but she expects to spend a little more time there this year. Not surprisingly, Raine’s dream is to open an architectural salvage business. “I’d love to hear from anyone who would like to go into business with me,” she says. “I just need capital and a really big space!” JUNE 2014 // PAGE 9
Parents’ Association PA, continued from page 1 have been accomplished due to generous contributions of time, energy, and talent from parents. The PA’s governing body of officers comprises 27 parents who have volunteered in a variety of ways during their time at Park. In an effort to remain forward thinking and serve our mission and the community, the PA officers focus on key initiatives for the year. We thank them for their thoughtful work on these initiatives and their governance of the PA. All parents are members of the PA and many have contributed to our work this year. Each PA Committee fits into one of four areas of focus: Student Enrichment, Faculty Support & Grants, Parent Support & Education, and Community Building. As you will read in the following committee reports, the PA has had an impact on many aspects of the school and the community, underscoring the relevance and purpose of our partnership. The 56 chairs of Park’s PA committees were supported by hundreds of volunteers throughout the school year. Please make a special note of several new efforts, specifically our New Parent Dinner committee and the free online community access to school performances like Yule Festival and May Day. Congratulations to all the PA committee chairs and volunteers. And, thank you for your time and service to the Park community. As my two-year term as PA President comes to a close, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with so many of you. I am consistently impressed and delighted by the efforts of our parents: the willingness to solve problems, make things better, and connect with each other to create a real sense of community. Though I will continue to be involved as a volunteer in other capacities, please accept my gratitude for the privilege of representing the Park community for the past two years. It was an honor. —Katie McWeeny, PA President 2012-2014
Grade IV visited the Clay Center Observatory to study astronomy with support from the Curriculum Enrichment Committee. Fall: We held a number of Middle Division programs. Michael LaFosse, Origami master, visited Park to help Grade V make connections to geometry. Nora Dooley, critically acclaimed author and story-teller, worked with Grade IV to help them kick off their Greek Studies unit. Performer, author, and master storyteller, Odds Bodkin, came to Grade IV to retell the Odyssey. In collaboration with Mr. Cassie, we introduced two popular, optional evenings to Grade II—Owl Banding, at Moose Hill Sanctuary and Lookout Rock, and a chance to observe the stars at Dexter Southfield’s Clay Center Observatory. Winter: Musical performances included a vibrant show by the African Children’s Choir (invited by Janice Allen) and a field trip to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Kindergarten enjoyed their yearly program discovering how some animals survive the winter, brought in by Audubon Ark. New this year, we asked a Park parent/architect and architectural historians to help sixth graders with their annual House Project. We brought back Native American Perspectives to the third grade to support the year-long study of Native People in America. We brought back the Discovery Museum’s Physical Changes in Matter to Grade IV. They loved investigating physical properties of solids, liquids and gasses, including playing with dry ice and seeing liquid nitrogen! Spring: This spring, for the first time, Grade III had an opportunity to talk with a representative from the Wampanoag tribe of Gay Head about how Wampanoag preserve their culture today. This opportunity gave the students a chance to engage in a dialogue with a tribal leader about the things they have learned this year. Grade IV was invited to sign up for an optional evening at Dexter Southfield’s Clay Center Observatory to coincide
STUDENT ENRICHMENT
with their study on astronomy. In May, Grade I enjoyed a lively visit from live
Curriculum Enrichment Committee
reptiles. Grades I-V saw the Tanglewood Marionettes as they have in the past.
Hannah Riley Bowles, Vicky Joshi, Melissa Madden, Shade Solomon
Grade V engaged in Tom Walhe’s Weather Workshop, answering questions
The Curriculum Enrichment Committee actively supports academic initiatives across Grades Pre-K-IX. This school year has been another innovative and exciting one for our committee. With over 15 programs in total, we con-
like: What is weather? What is air pressure? We had writer, story teller, and performer, Slash Coleman, come to this year’s final assembly where he entertained Grade’s VI and VII with his humor.
tinued many of the newly implemented ideas from recent years and added
We enjoyed working closely with Park’s faculty, once again, to enhance our
some pilot programs as well. Here are just some highlights:
children’s learning experience at school.
The Park Parent // PAGE 10
2013-2014 Year in Review
Grade I and II created Birthdays-in-a-Box to take to Birthday Wishes.
Community Service Committee
The annual clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons involved the entire Park community and netted 1,720 pounds of clothing.
Student Picture Day
Julia Clarkson, Karen Kaufman, Sara Strand
Jennifer Fulton, Shamiso Hart, Papri Sarkar
Fall: The Community Service Committee started the school year with a terrific all-school Chop-a-thon Marathon on October 16 . More than 200 th
students and 110 parents, faculty, and staff peeled, chopped, and snapped 948 pounds of vegetables to feed the guests of the Pine Street Inn, an organization that provides services to more than 1,600 homeless men and women every day. This was the 2nd year of the new full day format which allows adults and students to serve before, during, and after school, creating more opportunity for community service. November featured the Healthy
Student Picture Day was a great success! We got lucky with the weather this year, which meant that all photos could be taken outdoors. Photographers took over 500 individual photographs and
Cereal and Halloween Candy Drive for the Pine Street Inn and the Pump-
11 grade shots with the help
kin Bread Bake for the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving meal. Throughout the year, Park sixth and eighth graders cook monthly dinners for 30-50 people from the Allston Brighton neighborhood and eighth graders
of 12 parent volunteers. The results grace the “picture wall” of Park’s main hallway.
Green Committee
serve meals in advisory groups.
Kelly Lawrence, Greg Cohen, Nancy Cohen, Ted Wells
Winter: The Community Service Committee highlighted holiday drives to help organizations connected to Park before Winter Break. On February 6
The Green Committee has continued to participate with the Park School
the Birthday Wishes project, now in its 3rd year, took place. It was an exciting
community in promoting green projects.
th
and productive morning, during which Grade I and II students and 50 parent volunteers assembled 58 Birthdays-in-a-Box to take to Birthday Wishes, an organization that provides birthday parties for homeless children in 150 shelters in New England. Spring: During our annual Cradles to Crayons clothing drive in April, the
Fall: We collected vegetable scraps from the annual Chop-a-thon to compost for Park’s community garden. We had a very successful Blue Blazer, Halloween, and Sports Equipment Swap. All of the extra clothes and equipment were recycled and donated to the Bridge Boston School. We launched a “food waste reduction” program and educated the community on ways to
Park community contributed 1,720 pounds of clothing! The clothes were
build a healthier lunch while reducing waste in the dining room. The Garden
sorted by the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes and 35 parent volunteers and
Club met Friday mornings at 7 a.m. to work in the garden beds.
teachers and then taken to Cradles to Crayons for distribution to homeless and low-income children in Massachusetts.
Spring: In April, on Arbor Day, the Green Committee collaborated with the 125th Anniversary committee to host the ceremonial 125th tree-planting event.
Thank you to the extremely generous Park community for all your contribu-
The Park community helped plant the tree and take home seeds to plant at
tions throughout the year. A special thank you to the Food Service Staff, the
home. At Springfest, we coordinated all recycling at the fair. We continued
Maintenance Staff, and Comfort Halsey Cope for making these projects
to support the efforts of the Garden Club and helped organize the summer
possible. It is amazing what we can accomplish together.
gardening program.
JUNE 2014 // PAGE 11
Parents’ Association
On May Day, parents showed their appreciation for all Faculty and Staff at a luncheon in their honor.
Yinglei Zhang introduced the Upper Division to a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
FACULTY SUPPORT & GRANTS
2013-14 Faculty Grants
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Committee
The 2013-14 Faculty Grant Program supported by the PA offered $15,000 for
Sarah Keating, Tracy Richmond, Shoshana Farb, Beth Holzman
new initiatives and innovations sought by faculty, a $5,000 increase of funds
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon: As tradition has it, immediately
from the previous year. Grants this year included:
following May Day, the faculty and staff were treated to a much-deserved
Pilot of IXL Online Math Curriculum Individual Student
celebration. This year’s theme was a “Trip to Napa Valley” and featured
Memberships, Upper Division (Grade VII)
a delicious meal paired with wine served by a group of parent volunteers.
This grant funded individual student memberships to the IXL online math
Thanks to the generosity of the Park community, there were many opportuni-
curriculum, with the goal of allowing faculty to improve assessments and
ties to win amazing raffle prizes. The Co-Chairs would like to thank all the
collect data more readily. Upon completion, the math department will
volunteers and donors who helped make this event so successful.
review effectiveness and, if useful, will take on the cost for Grade VII as
Faculty & Staff Birthday Celebrations: Each month the PA thanks the
well as possible expansion to other Upper Division grades.
faculty and staff with a gigantic birthday cake honoring all faculty and staff
Thinking Across Informational Texts, Middle Division (Grade IV)
members who have a birthday that month. Thanks to all the volunteers who
Over the course of this school year, Grade IV faculty members put a much
picked up and delivered the cakes each month.
greater emphasis on nonfiction reading. This approach supports student
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Breakfasts: The PA thanks the faculty and
learning that shifts from accumulating information and facts toward dis-
staff with a delicious breakfast that is delivered bright and early to the faculty
covering concepts, ideas, and analyzing arguments. The grant supported
lounge one morning every month. Thanks to Beth Holzman who single-hand-
the purchase of four classroom sets of new texts to support the revised
edly coordinated these breakfasts.
curriculum.
Library Volunteers Tricia Claudy, Nancy Hagens
Lego Robotics Program, Middle & Upper Divisions, (Grades III - VIII) Junior FIRST Lego League and FIRST Lego League provide students with opportunities to solve real-world engineering challenges. The grant sup-
By the Numbers:
ported the pilots of these programs and, if successful, the Science Depart-
• Books checked out in the 2013-2014 school year, most of which were
ment may consider broader integration into the curriculum.
checked in, checked out, and shelved by parent volunteers: 35,145 • Members of the Park School community (students, faculty, staff, parents) served by the library parent volunteers: 1,478 • Number of library parent volunteers: 55 • Average number of hours per week of service by library volunteers: 20 • Hours of sleep lost by librarians due to lack of volunteer effort: 0!
The Park Parent // PAGE 12
Disabilities Understood, Lower, Middle, and Upper Divisions The Faculty Diversity Committee identified that students’ understanding of disabilities was not as robust as it could be. This grant supported speaker John Sharon, a teacher at the Fessenden School, born with a rare condition that limited his muscle and bone growth, to give three presentations (one per division). Students had the opportunity to think more about what
2013-2014 Year in Review Grade IV and Grade V students to over 50 in 2013. The grant supported the expense of the costumes for the 2013 performance.
PARENT SUPPORT & EDUCATION Parent Roundtable/All-School Evening Committee Martina Albright, Shannon Falkson, Benna Kushlefsky, Susan Laster, Peter Rempelakis The Parent Round Table/All-School Evening Committee is responsible for organizing speakers for the Park parent community on various topics of general interest. They also organize the All-School Evening which is an annual speaking event to engage the entire parent community. The 3 events for the 2013-2014 school year were: A PA faculty grant supported the Grade IV and V Indian Dance costumes at Yule Festival 2013.
“Should I Panic? Your Kids and Technology” in October: This Parent Round Table featured speaker Mark
it’s like to live with a disability and about all our similarities and differ-
Kline, a clinical psychologist and
ences.
the Clinical Director of The Human Relations Service in Wellesley.
Visual Thinking Strategies, Lower Division (Pre-K - Grade II)
He consults to local schools and
Last year’s pilot project (led by Grade II teacher Kat Callard) introduced
maintains an active clinical practice.
a powerful teaching strategy, Making Thinking Visible. This year’s grant continued this work and supported a full year of digital access to images of works of art through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and on-site consultation for faculty members.
Mark has a particular interest in the effects of technology and the internet on children and parenting. The evening offered insights and discussion about the ongoing
Main Gym Scoreboard Re-Wiring, Middle and Upper Divisions
parenting challenges of evolving
At the 2013 PA Springfest Auction, parents and other Park community
technology.
members generously raised funds for two scoreboards. The Athletic Department learned mid-fall that special wiring was needed to install the indoor scoreboard. This grant supported the re-wiring.
“The Virtues and Challenges of Seeking to Teach our Children Progressive Values” in April:
Chinese Tea Ceremony, Upper Division
An all-school evening that featured Randall Kennedy, Harvard Law Profes-
This grant supported a Chinese tea ceremony and tea tasting workshop
sor and parent of Park alumni, who has written numerous books on
led by Yinglei Zhang, who taught the students the methods of preparing
discrimination, race, and affirmative action.
different teas, the equipment used to make and enjoy different teas, and tea drinking customs.
A Discussion of Unconscious Bias and Stereotype Threat in May: In conjunction
Ugandan Scarves for PACE, Upper Division
with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee,
This grant supported the purchase of scarves used at this year’s Yule
and using Claude Steele’s Whistling Vivaldi as a
Festival performance and in future events.
starting point, Dr. Olivia Moorehead-Slaughter
Costumes for Upper Division Theater Program, Upper Division
and Head of School Michael Robinson moder-
The theater program has put on many exciting and thoughtful perfor-
ated a discussion about bias and stereotypes.
mances this year. The grant supported needed replenishment to the costume room.
In the spirit of collaboration, recognizing the widespread interest in issues of inclusion within
Yule Festival Indian Dance, Middle Division (Grades IV - V)
our community this year, these three events were co-sponsored by the
Since the fall of 2009, the traditional Indian Dance performance has
Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
become a highlight of the Yule Festival performance, growing from 12
JUNE 2014 // PAGE 13
Parents’ Association
Author Jason Chin shared his book writing experience with Grade III.
Craft Fair Co-Chairs organized the 13th annual Brookline Marketplace in November.
Parents’ Independent School Network (PIN)
where she gave a similar program to K2 and first grade. Inspired by her work,
Jenn Krebs, Gina Wilcox, Darius McCroey
our Kindergartners made a book about their school day, which we digitally
The Parents’ Independent School Network Inc. (PIN) is a volunteer organiza-
published and donated to the library at Mather.
tion composed of parent representatives from approximately 65 indepen-
In April, the Committee together with Park, welcomed acclaimed non-
dent schools in greater Boston. The goal of PIN is to improve the quality of
fiction picture-book author, Jason Chin, spoke with Grade III about his
non-academic life at member schools through the exchange of information
global travels and how this research led to the creation of books about the
among parents and the cultivation of community service initiatives across
redwood forests of California, the coral reefs of Belize, and the Galapagos
campuses. This year, Park was honored to receive a PIN Community Service
Islands. Again, through our sponsorship, Mr. Chin visited The Mather School
Award grant for its work on PSite.
to deliver his presentation to second and third grades. At both schools, Mr.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Heetan Kalan, Samantha Kaplan, Russ Porter
Chin spoke about his Asian-American background and how that informs his work, especially his inclusion of children of color in his work. Evening Speakers: In March, Christine Savini from Diversity Directions
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee sponsors events that provide parent
held an interactive session on Supporting an Inclusive School Culture in
education and student enrichment. These events promote and are part of
which we explored why 21st century schools need inclusive cultures; why
an ongoing dialogue aimed at building inclusivity and openness within the
affirming identity in a school community enhances teaching and learning;
school community. This past year, the committee was actively engaged in
and in what ways can we affirm identity and examine privilege in a school
organizing the following:
community. Following Christine’s presentation, the audience broke up into
Meetings with the Head of School: The Co-Chairs met regularly with
smaller groups and explored the role of identity and what we bring and hide
Michael Robinson to discuss our mission and help orient him to diversity
as individuals within the Park community. This session generated meaning-
issues at the school. Through these meetings we learned more about
ful conversation and insights among the participants. Those interested in
Michael’s vision and how the Committee could bridge multiple issues and
Christine’s presentation should contact the Committee.
constituencies at the school. Fall Welcome: The Committee convened in the Fall to welcome parents and introduce the two new Co-Chairs. At this meeting we solicited ideas for future programming and brainstormed on potential events and speakers. Book Speakers: In November, The Diversity and Inclusion Committee together with Park hosted Ifeoma Onyefulu, who spoke to Kindergarten and Grade II about her ground-breaking children’s books set in different African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia). Ms. Onyefulu then headed over to our partner Boston public school in Dorchester, The Mather School,
The Park Parent // PAGE 14
COMMUNITY BUILDING Craft Fair 2013 Lynn Bradbury, Michele Fournier, Carolyn Kraft The Brookline Marketplace Craft Fair is a fun-filled, community-building event and a major PA fundraiser that supports PA programs and initiatives. Our 13th anniversary featured 90 artists and crafters from across New England and, thanks to generous donations by Park parents, a spectacular raffle and sell-out bake sale. This year’s Craft Fair brought record revenues and welcomed over 1,000 guests from Park and the broader community.
2013-2014 Year in Review
Springfest Co-Chairs welcomed the Park community for a sunny “day of play” on May 18th.
Michael Robinson and ‘over 125’ Park students, parents, and faculty helped plant the 125th ceremonial beech tree on Arbor Day in April.
Springfest 2014
School and around the globe supporting grade-based curriculum. The 125th
Carol Batchelder, Julie Saltzman, Sara Strand, Christina Vest
ceremonial beech tree was planted behind the main building on the new
Springfest, “a Community Day of Play,” is the PA’s largest fundraiser of the year and, once again, proved to be a fabulous time for all, made even more special by celebrating Park’s 125th anniversary! The day included rides, games,
property on Arbor Day. This summer, the PA and Park Administration will conclude the 125th year by filling a time capsule with a remembrance from every student! Who will open it in 2039? Happy Birthday Park School!
crafts, food, and tons of prizes. The raffle and silent auction were the special
New Parent Dinner Committee
highlights of the fair, offering the chance to bid on an amazing array of items
Heena Lee, Sandra Taylor, Alkia Powell
such as tickets to sporting events and entertainment, restaurant gift certifi-
This year marked a new tradition for Park! New Parent Dinners for all grades
cates, popular electronic gadgets, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
were funded by the Park Parents’ Association and hosted by Michael and
Thank you to the generous and talented members of the Park community
Frances Robinson in the warmth of their on-campus home on October 17th
for your donations! We were also pleased to roll out Springfest online this
(for Kindergarten through Grade II parents), November 7th (for Pre-Kindergar-
year, enabling the community to purchase admissions bracelets and raffle
ten parents), and November 14th (Grades III through VIII parents). Thirty-three
tickets and providing the ability to bid on and view items in the silent auction
of the 36 new families at Park were able to attend their respective dinner
through our new software.
evenings. The venue was convenient, comfortable, and the dinners were a
Springfest relies on the hard work and dedication of all the members of
warm welcome to the Park community.
the Park community. Thank you to all the Springfest Committee Co-chairs
Hospitality Committee
for their tireless work, planning, creativity and enthusiasm in the months
Jen Dolins, Brooke Laughlin, Aparna Raja
leading up to the event. We also owe our sincere thanks to more than 300 parent volunteers who made this event possible, pitching in to make sure that everything ran smoothly. And, a special thank you to Betsy Ball and Mike Massauro and their teams. We couldn’t have done it without you!
The Hospitality Committee kicked off the school year with the All-School 125th Picnic in September which was a fun community building event for all! Then the Hospitality Committee helped Park turn out the welcome mat to families and friends at Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, Yule Festival,
125th Committee
and May Day. Parents graciously donated delicious baked items that were
Darshak Sanghavi, Emilie Kendall
offered to all who attended these fantastic events.
Park celebrated its 125 anniversary in keeping with Park School motto of
Park Apparel
simplicity and sincerity. Starting in September, Park families were invited to
Keirnan Conroy Klosek, Laura Wilmerding, Elizabeth Wood
th
an All-School Picnic on a perfect fall evening at Faulkner Field. The entire Park community received special 125th commemorative t-shirts. In April, 400 Park alumni, faculty, and parents, gathered at an event, “Our Past & Promise,” to celebrate 125 years of Park history and welcome Michael Robinson. To end the year and honor Park School’s values, 125 trees were planted at Park
Park Apparel continued to build school spirit with old favorites, new tailgate items, and en trend pieces for both boys and girls. Because the objective is to encourage school spirit, Park Apparel is not a source of fundraising for the PA. All goods are offered at cost. We are excited and already gearing up for next year. Thanks for all of your support!
JUNE 2014 // PAGE 15
Upcoming Dates of Note
June 12 Thursday VI-IX No School; Pre-K – V Last Day III – V Dress Day Final Assembly, 10:30 a.m. Noon dismissal; No ASP
Sept. 1 Monday Labor Day – NO SCHOOL Sept. 2 Tuesday New students visit school Sept. 3
Wednesday Opening day of school K – IX
Director of Communcations: Kate LaPine Editorial Board: laura barkan, Carol batchelder, Laura Carroll, Chris Hartmann, Paula Ivey Henry, Todd idson, Anne Harvey Kilburn, Kate Olmsted, Padmaja Raman, dorothy richardson, darshak sanghavi President, Parents’ Association: katie mcweeny
June 13 Friday VI-IX Dress Day Graduation, 10 a.m. VI-IX End of School Year On April 27, alumni, parents, and faculty & staff gathered to celebrate Our Past & Promise. The program featured a readerstheater presentation of the School’s 125-year history performed by faculty and alumni. Michael Robinson, head of school, capped off the event with insights for Park’s future. Watch the evening’s program: http://goo.gl/VblWi8
Parents’ Association Communications Network: Emilie Kendall AlISON HONG (photographer) Chair, Board of Trustees: Suzie Tapson Head of School: michael Robinson
We want to hear from you! If you have a story idea or issue you’d like to see covered or thoughts about something you’ve read, please let us know.
TheParkParent@parkschool.org
Read The Park Parent online at www.parkschool.org The Park Parent is a newsletter that highlights academic, extracurricular, social, and fundraising activities at The Park School. It is currently published six times a year, and its readership includes parents, grandparents, faculty, alumni, and other friends.
The Park Parent
Wednesday VIII Luncheon and Closing Ceremony, 1 p.m.
Editor: Editorial Board Chair: TC Haldi Stanley Shaw
JUNE 2014
June 11
DATES FOR FALL 2014
The Park School 171 Goddard Avenue Brookline, MA 02445 617-277-2456
June 10 Tuesday VI – VIII Noon dismissal
The Park Parent