Dwight Englewood School Today Magazine Summer 2015 by Peapod Design

Our Students TODAY

as Learners

Spring-summer 2015

Happiness, Mindfulness, & Traits for Success Youth Participatory Active Research Commencement-Reunion 2015 Alumni Profiles Class Notes

Lower School children welcome newly hatched chicks in the Exploratorium, an annual early spring treat at D-E.

It’s that time of year... Time to give to the D-E Annual Fund! It’s a perfect time of year to join our community of contributors by making an unrestricted gift to the Dwight-Englewood Annual Fund. Gifts to the Annual Fund every year provide critical funds to the School’s operating budget—making up the difference between the tuition charged and the actual cost of a D-E education. The Annual Fund this year has the potential to raise a record number of gifts, thus greatly contributing to ongoing program improvements and further strengthening our mission to “foster passion for life-long learning.”

Join our community of support: Give to the D-E Annual Fund today! For additional information, please contact Director of Advancement Pat Boig at boigp@d-e.org or 201-227-3108. To make your donation online, visit www.d-e.org/giving.

Dwight-Englewood School

ANNUAL FUND

To learn more and to donate online, please visit www.d-e.org/giving.

HEAD’SMESSAGE

and out or around the cities, and people from airports to downtown. During that time, our cities lost many great train station architectural treasures. For example, New York City lost its masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design— the original Penn Station—to Madison Square Garden.

Dear Friends,

raveling back by train from my home in Maine to New York City on a recent weekend, I had to stop for the inconvenient but necessary “self transfer” from Boston North Station to Boston South Station. With plenty of time to spare, I had the opportunity to appreciate the wonderfully coffered ceiling of the restored Boston South Station. Boston South Station was built in 1899 and quickly became the busiest train station in the nation. Like many of our old train stations, Boston South fell into disrepair after World War II when the country turned its attention to the new interstate highways and the quickness of air travel. Most cities developed transportation infrastructure to support cars coming in

Looking up at the magical coffered ceilings of South Station offers one the opportunity to reflect on a past age and to ponder how a changing world has fit into this grand old station. Have the architects designed and placed as carefully as they could the high glass dividing walls that now tower up to that grand old ceiling? Or, looking down, did the use of new terrazzo floors replace well the old marble mosaic floors that had been worn out from millions of footsteps? In architectural contrast to the grand old style of South Station and our own Leggett Hall is our new Hajjar STEM Center. It represents the best thinking about where we are going as a learning community: no hallways, spaces both inside and outside of the classroom that support learning, and laboratories that are like no others. Built on three tenets— “Learning Happens through Doing,” “Everything is Connected,” and “Any Time is a Teachable Moment”—the Hajjar STEM Center will move our program closer to fulfilling what we seek to achieve in our school’s Foundation Documents. The Hajjar STEM Center is designed with the premise that everything is connected. The ideas of integrated learning permeate the core of what the Hajjar STEM Center will be.

As a learning community, we have been working diligently over the last nine years to apply the best of current research on teaching and learning into our program—much of which connects all aspects of learning together. This past year's theme of happiness is just one of the many important ways we can reflect on how everything is truly connected. We now know that happiness is actually the prerequisite of the success we want in our students and they want in their lives. A school like ours has always had a strong tradition built on the achievements and products that our students produce at D-E. Today we are placing much more importance on learning process as well, and the non-cognitive characteristics or traits that highly correlate to academic and life success. Our community’s passion for this year’s series on health, wellness, and mindfulness reflects the growing understanding that to lead successful lives, we need to learn more about balance in our life. It is really an understanding of how all aspects of our lives are integrated and dependent— that everything is connected. I hope you enjoy another issue of D-E Today and see in it, as I do, that everything is truly connected, that every moment in our lives has been a teachable moment, and that our best learning has happened when we have been passionately engaged and doing. Warmly, Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett P ’13 & ’16 Head of School

Spring–Summer 2015

Architecture is a reflection of the times and the current thinking. On our campus, there is room for old and grand buildings, such as Leggett Hall, as well as the new and innovative Hajjar STEM Center and all it represents.

TABLEOfCONTENTS FEATURES

Teaching and Learning: Giving and Mindfulness

10 |

D-E and the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives

14 |

Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Our Mission As a community of learners, Dwight-Englewood School strives to foster in each student a passion for life-long learning. We seek excellence, honor integrity, and embrace diversity in order to develop the skills, values, and courage to meet the challenges of a changing world and make it better.

CAMPUS/COMMUNITY EVENTS

16 |

Commencement 2015

22 |

Reunion Weekend 2015

26 |

STEM Initiatives

29 |

D-E 360˚ Gains Momentum

32 |

Service Initiatives

34 |

Sustainability Initiatives

36 |

Diversity Initiatives

42 |

“Road to Well-Being” Speaker Series

44 |

Volunteer Happenings

46 |

Auction 2015

D-E's classroom culture and overall social dynamics have been explored in depth as part of some innovative research projects developed and conducted by students. See page 10 for details.

TODAY D-E Today is published by: Dwight-Englewood School Communications and Publications, in partnership with the Advancement Office. Comments are always welcome. Please address them to: Editor: D-E Today 315 East Palisade Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631 Phone: 201-227-3117 Fax: 201-569-1676 Email: tausne@d-e.org

Spring–Summer 2015

Editor/Director of Communications and Publications: Liz Tausner

Third graders (with Ms. Sussmann, center, back row) gathered in front of their Jackson Pollack-inspired splatter paint mural, a colorful culmination of their annual artist research project. For more D-E seasonal scenes, visit www.d-etoday.org.

Contributors: Terecille Basa-Ong ’03, Roni Blaustein, Pat Boig, Sherronda Brown, Ed.D., Clinton L. Carbon, Ericka Collado, Fred Daly, Mary Heveran, Elisa Garcia, Eli Goldberger, Maya Gunaseharan ’08, Joe Iwanski, Marc Jerome ’85, Beth Lemire, Kim Lewis, Bea Movsesian, Marco Pagnotta, Ph.D., Jessica Pomeroy, Maria Sanchez Gardner ’78, C. Christian Schmid, Karen Silvera, Michelle Sussmann, Erik Swanson, 3 Tasha Urbanowski and Leslie Virostek. Copyediting: Leslie Virostek Proofreading: Terecille Basa-Ong ’03 Graphic Design: Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT

DEPARTMENTS 50 |

Arts & Culture Highlights

52 |

Athletic Highlights

55 |

Student Standouts & Faculty Endeavors

60 |

Class Notes

72 |

Bulldog Bookshelf

74 |

In Memoriam

76 |

Last Look

Photography: Terecille Basa-Ong ’03, Harrison Co ’10, Alexa Colas ’13, Alexandra De Jarnett ’16, Jim Healey (Peapod Design), Bartosz Klemensowski, Ken Landau ’82, John McCabe, Erica Patterson and Fernanda Pimenta. Additional photography supplied by D-E student, parent, faculty/staff, and alumni submissions. Printing: American Litho Company On the front cover: Grade 4 students show off their contributions designated for the Lower School’s garden beds, while science teacher Beth Lemire (far left) considers all the exciting planting possibilities. Giving makes us happy, and happy students make better learners! For more details, see page 4. On the back cover: Commencement 2015 was once again a jubilant celebration of both the accomplishments and potential of our newest graduates. From left are: Elizabeth Goldberg ’15, Kai Marcel ’15, Wendy Grullon ’15, and Laura Prisament ’15. For more on both Commencement and Reunion 2015, see pages 16–25.

TEACHINGANDLEARNING

Dwight-Englewood School

The School has embraced the ideas related to well-being and success first introduced by Head of School Dr. De Jarnett in his Welcome Assembly in September 2014. These themes include: through giving to others, happiness is attained; that happiness is essential to the mindset of a life-long learner; that mindfulness matters in both teaching and learning; and that identifying and fostering certain non-cognitive traits such as perseverance, creativity, and collaboration help lead to satisfaction, and, ultimately, success.

Giving as the Catalyst

he Lower School offers many examples of how giving to the community develops and reinforces the eight traits— engagement, perseverance, risk-taking, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, daily preparation, and organization— and contributes to the happiness and well-being of students.

Third Graders Making a Difference Contributed by Roni Blaustein and Michelle Sussmann, Third Grade Teachers Consider this math equation: 229 pairs of shoes + over 1,000 box tops + dozens of cans and boxes of food + hundreds of thousands of grains of rice + 167 pairs of pajamas + thousands of dollars worth of diapers + lots of valentines for veterans + $608 in spare change + nearly 1,000 toiletry items + 90 recyclable canvas bags + $1,555 for the ASPCA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital = Third Graders Making a Difference! At the beginning of this 2014–15 school year, our third grade embarked on a monthly initiative to help different causes—local, regional and national. Each month, beginning in September with their Soles4Souls shoe collections drive, the students were dedicated to making an impact and concurrently flexing their traits muscles.

A year-end assembly summed up the highlights of “Third Graders Making a Difference.”

Uma Rajan ’24 demonstrates the trait of engagement when she says, “Can you imagine not owning a pair of shoes? Our shoes changed people’s lives. Now they can walk in the heat and on rough grounds with a pair of shoes instead of barefoot. We collected 229 pairs of shoes. I feel very proud, and I feel so happy too. A journey of helping people begins with a simple pair of shoes.” The rest of the year exemplified how the traits of collaboration, creativity, perseverance, organization and preparation all are essential to the learning process.

In October, the students collected Box Tops for Education; in all, more than 1,200 Box Tops were collected, and for each Box Top 10 cents was sent to a school chosen by the students. Chloe Jacobson ’24 explained, “After reading a book about Louis Braille, we decided to have the money sent to St. Joseph’s School for the Blind in Jersey City, NJ. The people at that school had never had another school send them money [earned through] Box Tops. They were so excited to be getting the money so that they could buy supplies.”

As thoughts turned to gift-giving in December, the students made the conscious decision to also think about giving. Participating in a special Carter’s pajamas program, the students asked everyone in the entire Lower School to contribute a new pair of PJs. Olesya Pogrebnyak ’24 stated, “You all were such a big help because we collected 167 pairs of pajamas. We celebrated our success with a school-wide pajama day!” In January, for two weeks, the students agreed to take on household tasks typically handled by their parents or other family members. They were then paid for doing these tasks, brought their earnings to a store, and then chose critical supplies for the Bergen Family Center for women and children. Nora Mager ’24 commented, “I always thought there were only big charities to help, but then I learned that there are some [organizations] right outside your front door that need help. And I never realized that just third graders could make that big of a difference.”

toiletry items and then delivered them to The Family Promise of Bergen County, a homeless shelter. Ella Parlak ’24 noted, “Before we did this I never noticed poor people asking for help, but once we started I noticed the people sitting outside and asking for money. Before I thought everything was perfect and no one needed help, but now I see how many people [actually] do need help.” In April, the students turned their attention to the environment. After learning how harmful plastic bags are for our environment, they decided to promote the use of canvas bags. Ben Tsirelman ’24 explained, “We decorated canvas bags with pictures and messages about the environment and we wrote letters explaining how important it is to use canvas bags instead of plastic bags. Then we gave these items as gifts and asked others to use them.” Sierra Vasquez ’24 said, “I think [the world] literally looks better since we started doing this!”

Finally, in May, the third grade held its annual used book sale. All in the Lower School were asked to bring in their gently used books. The students’ seventh grade buddies were also asked to help. At the end of the two-day sale, they raised $1,575. After the sale, the third graders were given the chance to present the money that they raised to a votedupon charity and they selected two charities: the ASPCA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Third Graders Making a Difference” epitomizes the premise and promise of our traits initiative here at D-E. Said Leah Ozgun ’24, “Before we started this program, I didn’t really know about problems and so I did not know to care. But this [experience] has now touched my heart, and I love how we [sent] a miracle every time we did something to make a difference.”

The students chose to reach out to people who help protect our country and help to keep us safe during the month of February. Davide Orlov ’24 explained, “We did two special projects: first, we made valentines for veterans. It was our way of sending our love and saying thank you. We even received a letter from them telling us how happy our cards made them. We also collected spare change for the whole month. By the end of the month we had collected $608.30 just in spare change. Wow! We came to see that a little change can make a big change. We donated this money to the Wounded Warriors program, [which] helps support people who are in the military after they [return] home.” With the arrival of March, the trait of risk-taking came to the fore. The students collected more than 1,000

Spring–Summer 2015

In November, there was a special focus on the problem of hunger. The third graders joined the Middle and Upper Schools in a Thanksgiving Food Drive and helped collect boxed and canned food for the locally based Center for Food Action. Additionally the students participated in an online program called “FreeRice.com”—for every new vocabulary word they learned, a grain of rice was donated to hungry people worldwide.

Danny Lax ’24 carried firewood as one of the household tasks that he took on for the “Third Graders Making a Difference” project.

TEACHINGANDLEARNING

Fifth Graders Learn Through Giving Contributed by Jessica Pomeroy, Fifth Grade Teacher

Dwight-Englewood School

This spring a small group of dedicated fifth graders worked together to organize a donations drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (Editor’s Note: Please see the Student Standouts feature on page 56 for more details.)

A natural outcome from this effort was the realization that the eight traits that D-E has identified for non-cognitive assessment—engagement, perseverance, risk-taking, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, daily preparation, and organization—can motivate and nurture constructive learning skills! The students had to organize the materials that were brought in over several days. They had to collaborate with each other in terms of pricing the materials, setting up the sale tables, and deciding who was going to work the sale tables and when. Also, the students had to persevere. When at first it seemed like there were not enough materials donated to even have the sale, the students repeatedly appealed to their peers to keep on donating. They didn’t want to give up on their idea of raising money for others. It was a great process for the students to think of a way to give back to the community and see it through to completion. It was also heartwarming to see these students deal with potential challenges in a constructive way. In the end, it was clear that their project was fulfilling, and this made them quite proud as well as clearly very happy.

The traits of perseverance and organization helped ensure success (and satisfaction) in a student-led initiative to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital..

To learn more and to donate online, please visit www.d-e.org/giving.

A Pathway to Well-Being through Mindfulness

indfulness is a pathway to well-being that has been explored this year across D-E and especially within the Lower School. According to Psychology Today, “Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present.” Here’s a look at how some Lower School teachers incorporate mindfulness in their work with the children each day.

Science and Mindfulness When studying the Hudson River this year, fourth graders were asked to consider many aspects of the river. They were to look not only from a scientificenvironmental viewpoint but also through cultural and personal lenses as well. Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Using mindful practices to do just that brought new depth and understanding to the children’s thinking that I would not have been able to witness in any other way. After learning how to focus on relaxing their bodies and breathing, the children were able to visualize being on top of Mount Marcy, where the Hudson River begins. Some beautifully vivid “guided imagery” stories were born from this activity. The children kept up this approach as they journeyed virtually all the way from the river’s source down to the North Atlantic, with descriptions of the sights and sounds being experienced along the way. When building their own miniature waterway within our Lower School Exploratorium, it was clear that the children had taken on the essence of the river and its contributions from an enhanced perspective, increasing their understanding of the environmental impact of this natural resource, and the importance of protecting and sustaining its health.

Lower School science teacher Beth Lemire (far right) encouraged her students to “look deep into nature.”

Spring–Summer 2015

Contributed by Beth Lemire, Fourth Grade Science Teacher

The Lower School’s garden beds encourage our students to be thoughtful and appreciate what the Earth gives us.

TEACHINGANDLEARNING

Art and Mindfulness Contributed by Elisa Garcia, Fourth Grade Art Teacher

Dwight-Englewood School

After developing a dedicated practice of yoga, tai chi, meditation and mindfulness in my personal life as well as immersing myself in nature, I have a deep appreciation for stillness. With a silent mind, it is easy to observe, recognize and let go of resistance in all forms.

While contemplating deepening our practice in visual art as a community of learners for the approaching school year, I signed up for a mindfulness seminar organized by the Dwight-Englewood Learning & Teaching Academy (DELTA). I can truly say this was one of the most profound educational workshops that I have attended. It was carefully crafted for the exposure of mindfulness in a learning community and provided ample participation as to lend itself to true future practice for myself and the other attendees. My Dwight-Englewood colleagues and I left the workshop exhilarated with the anticipation of using what we had learned. During the workshop, the instructor shared multiple techniques for introducing mindfulness to children of all ages. Each technique had a different point of interest. The one that struck me

River Smith ’24 (left) and David Levine ’24 in Swartley Gallery. Collaboration comes easier when creative energies are focused!

the most and that I chose to incorporate was teaching children to focus on their breathing in order to improve attention. Each day, classes ranging from kindergarten through fourth grade would come to art and use the first few minutes to focus their attention on their breathing, allowing their minds to be still and create a deep quiet space, in which they could center themselves. Naturally, some children struggled with this initially, but there were others who quickly gave themselves over to the concept of stillness. In time, they each began to experience the benefits of creating a quiet mind and space.

Lana Serpico ’24 concentrated on a computer design project after spending a few minutes in quiet breathing exercises, part of Lower School teacher Elisa Garcia’s mindfulness approach to teaching art.

Over the course of several weeks, I witnessed children coming into the studio requesting to lead or guide our focused sessions. The students would keep track of who was next to lead, thus fostering independence. Each child initiated his or her own style of mindfulness while verbally guiding the other children in relaxing the mind and focusing attention on breathing from their core. I began to notice that dedicating a few minutes at the beginning of each session gave meaning to our entire class. Children were more focused, intentional, and confident. This soon grew to, “Ms. Garcia, today I really need it, I need at least four minutes, I need five minutes!” and “Ms. Garcia, I can’t wait! Can I lead our mindfulness right away?” Children began negotiating with me and with one another to demonstrate what mindfulness looks like and sounds like in a learning community. The children began sharing their own personal stories about how mindfulness has improved their quality of life. Children started reporting that they felt more tranquil, more peaceful inside; they no longer worried. When one student used to have trouble falling asleep at night, he practiced his deep breathing and found that he could experience deeper rest. There has been a flood of appreciation for our practice and journey together. Children looked forward to exchanging their experiences on a daily basis. Our mindfulness journey within our Swartley Gallery studio has led, I believe, to our children experiencing a glimpse of enlightenment!

Fifth Grade Mindfulness Contributed by Erik Swanson, Fifth Grade Science Teacher As part of our school-wide health and wellness initiative, the fifth grade team attended a mindfulness workshop led by Bonnie Levine in October. Several years ago, Mrs. Levine decided to incorporate mindfulness practices into her classes. During the October workshop, she shared some of her personal recollections of those experiences. She also taught us various mindfulness practices that we could include in our daily routines with our students.

We purposefully practiced mindfulness this school year by taking part in several activities in the morning and periodically throughout the day, including mindful breathing, listening, eating, and walking. Ultimately, these activities became an integral part of our day.

Erik Swanson’s science classroom took a moment for mindfulness. Spring–Summer 2015

One of the main ideas that we learned about mindfulness is not about clearing the mind, but about being present. Too many times throughout the day, we are distracted by thinking about what happened in the past or what we are going to do in the future. If our brains are emotionally overwhelmed or stressed, it is difficult to make clear decisions and act thoughtfully. Practicing mindfulness and having the awareness of being in the moment strengthens concentration and attention, and supports “readiness to learn.” The advantage of mindfulness is that it can be practiced by anyone at any time and is a great aid to the educational process.

Eila Nambiar ’22 (left) helped Sunaya Mueller ’22 get into the right frame of mind for a deep breathing exercise.

What fifth graders are saying about mindfulness: “ I learned that I never really listened. Also, I learned I always thought about the past or future, never the present.” “The mindfulness practice makes me feel positive and peaceful.” “ I like the mindfulness practices because you get some time to reflect. I learned that in such a high-tech world, it is sometimes hard to do this.” “Mindfulness helps me connect with myself.”

I have been able to observe first-hand how these practices—which take only a few minutes—have helped our fifth graders to reduce stress and increase self-reflection. I look forward to hearing from both these students and my teaching colleagues [up the hill in Umpleby Hall] in terms of how this practice positively influences them as they begin Middle School next year!

TEACHINGANDLEARNING D-E’s Work with the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives

Dwight-Englewood School

What if students wanted to explore their school culture and social dynamics through quantitative and qualitative research, and then use their research to effect change? At Dwight-Englewood, Upper School students are doing just that through a partnership with the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives.

hrough an Upper School elective course that uses an approach called Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), a group of D-E juniors and seniors this past year conducted a massive research project called “Social Group Dynamics.” Guided by Clinton L. Carbon, D-E’s director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the teacher of the yearlong course, students came up with the idea of the study, developed protocols, solicited responses from students throughout the Upper School, gathered data, analyzed trends, and wrote a report that administrators can use to make informed decisions and programmatic and curricular changes to create a more welcoming, inclusive, safe, and affirming school culture.

engage in research in the service of action.” CSBGL was originally established as the Center for the Study of Boys Lives—back in 2001—by Michael Reichert, Ph.D., then a school psychologist working at the all-boys Haverford School in Pennsylvania, and his University of Pennsylvania advisor, Peter Kuriloff, a fellow of the American Psychological Association in School Psychology. It eventually expanded its purview to include girls as well, and it currently has eight member schools. D-E first partnered with CSBGL when Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett, who had been involved with the organization at his previous school, saw the potential benefits for D-E. Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant and Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs Clinton L. Carbon concurred, took the lead on the relationship, and have been working with a researcher and urban education expert at CSBGL, Dr. Joseph Nelson.

CSBGL provides the structure and support system for member schools. In the YPAR approach, students think of the questions and design the project, while the school coordinator and the assigned research associate teach them how to conduct the research. Having the students drive the project “pushes them to be very empirical and scientific in their methods, to be evidence-based,” says Dr. Nelson. “It’s a school change model that’s very applied, as the research products are very specific and local to the institutions, which is theoretically the best way to institute change.” Dr. Nelson notes, “It also raises their critical consciousness of the school and helps them to develop as researchers, both in quantitative and qualitative methods. There is also the social justice aspect, as they are addressing issues of equity and opportunity and diversity within their school.”

Social science research by students for students—it’s a concept that has piqued the interest of students like Kai Marcel ’15, who took the YPAR class. He says, “It’s important for schools to have programs like YPAR because the students are the ones with the real potential to change the hidden curriculums and social cultures of their schools, and YPAR gives students a direct way to do that.” YPAR gained a foothold at D-E in 2010, when the school became a member of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives (CSBGL), an organization that states it is “committed to helping schools

D-E’s Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) students attended the annual Roundtable at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Study of Boys and Girls Lives in late April, where they shared their projects with peers from other independent schools.

Value to the School

The YPAR team this year built on the progress of earlier studies and developed specific recommendations to further improve the culture of student life at D-E. Relationships between students in the classroom, in our hallways and playing fields, during activities, and elsewhere were explored in depth. The team was encouraging heightened awareness about and challenging the typical identifiers used to develop friendships.

The Projects at D-E D-E’s first work with CSBGL was the “Upper School Identity Project ” of 201112, conducted as an extracurricular opportunity in which four students joined forces with four adults: Algrant, Carbon, Ethics Department Chair Joseph Murphy, and former class dean and learning specialist P. Alex Shaurette. A survey was sent to all members of the Upper School asking them to describe who they were and how they would characterize D-E. “There were 200–300 responses that we had to analyze to construct the portrait of the school community and the sense of experience,” says Dr. Nelson. Questions that arose included: “How do we incorporate more social programming that illuminates the diversity of school community, highlighting students whose experiences are a bit more marginalized? What’s the intervention we can introduce to minimize this experience?” That first project was followed by “Gender and Leadership” in 2012–13 and then “Perceptions of Student Success” in 2013–14. It was last year that the research project went from being an extracurricular activity to an academic class with Clinton L. Carbon— trained by CSBGL—as its teacher. Head of School Dr. De Jarnett states, “The

advantage is that [students] have time to do the work, and we give them credit for the good academic work.” The model is still evolving, notes Dr. Nelson: “Starting the 2015–16 school year, YPAR will be a course with two-year projects [first year for implementation, second for action] as the norm for all schools, to account for how the product could benefit from more analyses.”

He notes, “The project this year, in conjunction with those from the last couple of years, do point us in a direction to improve the culture of student life in the school. This [year] was the first time that the project ended with specific recommendations, which is a tribute to the progress that the program has made.” Carbon notes that the recommendations were created as a final step of the project and were directed toward individuals who are in a position to work toward change: • Head of School—To create more all-school events where students and families can mix outside their preferred social groups and engage with the breadth of diversity in the school community. Continued next page.

While the research team's focus was on Upper School students, their findings and the impact of their recommendations will be likely felt at all levels of the School, even the Lower School.

Spring–Summer 2015

Both administrators and students see the value for the school in conducting a close examination of school culture and how it is experienced by students. Algrant says that the first study “continues to guide my thinking in almost all areas of school life. I refer to that report frequently, and although it did not come with recommendations, it presented a very poignant and true picture of our school.”

TEACHINGANDLEARNING • Upper School Principal—To work closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to make the Upper School community more aware of the effect of the major social identifiers on social groups (in particular religion, socioeconomics, and race/ethnicity). With increased awareness, the researchers look to the school to educate students to look beyond those identifiers when selecting friends.

Dwight-Englewood School

• Deans (through the Upper School Principal)—To create more activities at all class levels to promote opportunities for students to get to know classmates beyond current social groups.

• Faculty (through the Upper School Principal)—To seek and provide additional training for advisors to enhance the advisory program and its ability to offer students additional ways to open their social groups. • Student Government (through its President)—To increase the number and quality of activities where students can meet other students and establish friends other than the ones they make in classes, sports, arts, school-provided transportation, and other activities. Efforts to implement some of these recommendations have already begun.

“ Aside from being immersed in the scientific method, students feel that YPAR is important for the way it changes their views about themselves and their community. “

Value to the Student Students as individuals attest to the benefits of this kind of research, particularly as an exciting academic passion. Sophia Kim ’16 was inspired to take the YPAR class this past year after having been interviewed as part of a previous study and being struck by how compelling the research questions were. She says, “From this experience of doing a complete research project, I learned so much about the research process, and the amount of collaboration that it takes to take on a project of this volume.” According to Nelson, five D-E alumni have gone on to pursue similar research in college, including Alexa Reinfeld ’14 at the University of Pennsylvania and Zachary Hodges ’11 at Columbia University. Like professional scientists, student researchers must take what they’ve learned and be able to articulate their findings. In addition to presenting their work to the school community, including the Board of Trustees and faculty and staff, students participate in a “Roundtable” event with the eight other CSBGL member schools each spring.

Aside from being immersed in the scientific method, students feel that YPAR is important for the way it changes their views about themselves and their community. Sophia says, “To me personally, the contribution that we’ve made to the school as a whole didn’t seem apparent when actually conducting the study. However, when we identified themes in the data (in the forms of interviews and surveys) we collected, the significance of the research that we were doing became apparent. We were exploring the dynamic of the school, observing trends, and asking ourselves, ’How can we be better? What can we do? How can we help our school become a better place?” — Research for this article contributed by Terecille Basa-Ong ’03. To learn more about the CSBGL research and two other initiatives that explore student experiences—the Comprehensive Assessment of Student Life (CASL) and the College and Work Readiness Assessment (CWRA)—visit www.d-etoday.org.

Spring–Summer 2015

Participant Kai Marcel ’15 says of the event, “It was genuinely very uplifting to see so many inspiring, driven students who were so enthusiastic about trying to make the world and their schools better. Every person who’s there contributes to the experience, and it was great to see how our thoughts and ideas were both similar and different.”

OURALUMNI Celebrating Three of D-E’s Finest A special part of Reunion Weekend is always the Alumni Awards Ceremony, at which we honor a few of our outstanding alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Award. For more on Reunion Weekend 2015 and the Alumni Awards Ceremony, please see page 22. By Terecille Basa-Ong ’03

Dwight-Englewood School

James Lord ESB ’40 (Posthumous Award)

he late James Lord ESB ’40 is best known for his biographies of Paris-based artists Alberto Giacometti and Pablo Picasso, whom he met thanks to being posted in Europe during World War II. An obituary that appeared in the New York Times upon his death stated: “Mr. Lord, while serving with Army intelligence during the war, traveled to Paris on a three-day pass in December 1944 and made a beeline to Picasso’s studio on the Rue des Grands-Augustins. There he gained entry into the artistic set in Montparnasse. Returning to Paris after the war, he became a kind of Boswell to the artistic and social elite in France and, to a lesser extent, Britain.”

History Department Chair Carole DeVito presented a tribute to Distinguished Alumni honoree James Lord ESB ’40, who received the award posthumously during Reunion 2015. DeVito gave a fascinating account of Lord’s life while serving in the military and then later on when he became a noted art critic/historian and artist biographer.

Born and raised in Englewood, Lord graduated from Williston Northampton in 1941 and then enrolled in Wesleyan University. However, he never graduated, choosing instead to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1942, later portraying his wartime experiences in his ninth book and fourth memoir, My Queer War, which was released posthumously in 2010. His first three memoirs, all written while he was in his 70s, included accounts of such notables as Balthus, Jean Cocteau, Peggy Guggenheim, and Gertrude Stein. As mentioned in the Times obituary, Lord once wrote, “An autobiographer is in the business of doing for himself what he wishes not to be done to him by anyone else.” He spent most of his life in Paris, where he passed away at age 86 on August 23, 2009, and is survived by his companion and adopted son, Gilles Roy-Lord.

---

Lawrence “Larry” Kudlow ESB ’65

conomist and senior contributor to CNBC Lawrence “Larry” Kudlow ESB ’65 is the former host of CNBC’s primetime program The Kudlow Report, a columnist, an author and the radio host of The Larry Kudlow Show on WABC-AM. It might seem that he was born to be a media presence, but in fact he believes some of his best work was as a practicing economist, particularly in serving as associate budget director at the White House during the Reagan administration. Kudlow, who describes

His second career as a TV/radio broadcaster “came out of the blue,” but has been rewarding in different ways. He says, “I’ve worked primetime for a dozen years, and I’m very proud of that.” Kudlow believes that both of his careers have roots in his experiences at Englewood School for Boys. He credits ESB for introducing him to his two loves: economics and American history. He says, “I took my first economics course senior year, taught by a wonderful guy named Dick Overton, who also taught American history.” At the time, it was unusual for schools to have economics courses, but he fell in love with the discipline. He notes, “History has also played a major role in my approach to economics.” Additionally, Kudlow cites ESB as having taught him how to talk and communicate through his participation in school plays, as “having stage experience…really prepared me for broadcasting later in life.” He also remembers taking a speech class in middle school with Francis Roach, “where we had to memorize poems and passages, and stand in front of the class and recite them. A lot of people have said to me, down through the years, that I made things easy to understand, with my explanations of the economy or stock market or even politics…but I think I learned that both in the drama—the plays we produced— and in speech class.” Kudlow also recalls the important impression left by his English teachers, people who “were not bashful in correcting your English or syntax or grammar, or lack thereof.” Being at ESB also helped establish a certain decorum with Kudlow that still resonates with him: “In those days, we had to wear a shirt, a tie and a jacket,” he explains. “I will say that uniform idea created a discipline for me that I carried for the rest of my life.”

Lisa Landau Carnoy ’85

n 2008, Forbes characterized her as “one of Wall Street’s speediest ascents.” Just last year, Bloomberg called her “one of Wall Street’s highest-ranking women.” That Lisa Landau Carnoy ’85, the managing director/division executive for the Northeast and Metro New York markets of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, is flourishing in the male-dominated world of Wall Street should be no surprise. She has been a pioneer from the start.

She first took a chance on D-E’s very first American Studies seminar, taught by beloved D-E teachers Frimi Sagan and Doris Gelman her junior year. “We knew we were part of something special,” she says. When she arrived at Columbia University, there was no American Studies major, so she had to invent one. Even though she didn’t major in finance or economics—or even take classes in either as an undergraduate—she landed a job in investment banking after graduation, deciding three years later to obtain her M.B.A. in finance. After graduating from Harvard Business School in 1994, she began a 14-year tenure at Merrill Lynch, and has stayed on through the merger with Bank of America in 2010. Spring–Summer 2015

himself as a free market supply-side economist, found that the experience made “a major imprint on my life” not only because of the learning experience, but also because it was there that he met his wife of 27 years.

Carnoy says that some of her tools for success were developed at D-E. “Through sports, I learned to compete and win, to love being part of a team, to endure pain and develop tenacity,” she says. “And as a teenager, it was an opportunity to gain confidence in my body and myself. Playing six years of tennis and several of spring and winter track were a major part of my D-E experience.” Academic work was also important. She says, “The English and history classes were my favorites, and the caliber of teachers was exceptional. Being a strong writer and passionate reader enabled me to succeed in college and grad school—and is a big part of my success in business.” One of the greatest lessons learned at D-E, though, was how not to be successful. “D-E taught me to fail,” says Carnoy. “Yes, there were a lot of tears

during those years. Not only because of bad hair or a lost tennis match, but when I failed (not a B-, an F) a semester of Pre Calc. It’s true. Mrs. Paes, who taught my math class senior year, was very surprised when I was admitted to Columbia!” Aside from being a mom of four “amazing” kids, Carnoy is “enormously proud of being a trustee of Columbia University. It is an enormous responsibility—and endlessly interesting and fun.” She’s been on the board at her alma mater since 2010 and is currently the vice chair. And as for her career, she is “proud of being a survivor (25+ years, many periods of intense volatility, one financial crisis and the mother of all mergers), a partner to amazing colleagues, a leader of outstanding teams and an advocate for the remarkable women on Wall Street.”

Commencement2015 A Glorious Day Featuring beautiful weather, engaging speakers, moving student performances, both old and new traditions, moments of gravity and levity, and a whole lot of joy, Commencement Day on May 31 was as perfect as could be.

Dwight-Englewood School

By Terecille Basa-Ong ’03

s is tradition, DwightEnglewood School’s Commencement took place under the big tent on Leggett Field the Sunday after Reunion. However, this year’s ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for the orientation of the big tent: instead of facing west as in previous years, it faced the Modell’s Sports Complex and Imperatore Library, thanks to the construction of the new Hajjar STEM Center.

It was fitting that the tent placement for the 2015 graduating class was affected

by the Hajjar STEM Center construction, since the new facility has had an impact on so many other things related to the class. In his amusing and lighthearted speech, senior class speaker and Tufts University-bound Adam Rapfogel ’15 noted that he and his 125 classmates— one of the biggest classes in recent years—had “drawn the short straw” because of the lack of a senior parking lot due to the construction for a building that will be finished in September 2015, long after they are gone. During his remarks, Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant reprised the theme, acknowledging what he called the

Michael S. Klein ’81 gave the Commencement address to the Class of 2015, sharing the “gratifying experience” of his efforts on behalf of the UN World Food Programme; advice on how he applied “the incredible privilege of a D-E education” to these and other endeavors; and the importance of “just showing up.”

“parking lot fiasco,” while explaining why each graduate received a little car stress ball under their seats: “Use these cars in good health to squeeze when you need to de-stress, and try to forgive us for the inconvenience. You did take one for the team so that the rest of us can soon have the Hajjar STEM Center, and we appreciate the sacrifice. Maybe your children, say, the class of 2040 or so, will one day sit in one of those STEM rooms that you are now facing, and you’ll share with them the traumas of shuttle buses and cold walks up East Palisade Avenue.” In a ceremony that had both firsts and lasts, Board of Trustees President John H. Hajjar, M.D., delivered his final trustee address as he rounds out his nine-year tenure on the board. Speaking as a parent, Hajjar gave this advice to the Class of 2015: “When you get to college, really reflect on what your passions are, and pursue something that makes you happy. You’ll never know what new passions you have yet to discover if you don’t try new things.” Hajjar also reminded the soon-to-be graduates to not forget to simply stay in touch and “call home every so often.” Student contributions to the ceremony included poetry and music. Senior class reader Lisa Mordkovich ’15, who will be attending Middlebury College in the fall, gave a reading of the spoken-word poet Anis Mojgani’s poem “Closer.” In addition, musical performances were interspersed throughout the ceremony and included songs from the seniors of the Jazz Rock Ensemble, the Senior Handbells Ensemble, the Upper School Chorus, and StringJam. The audience also lauded the recipients of the School’s most prestigious, most

its predecessors. After leaving Citi in 2008, he served as a private advisor to the United Kingdom in its response to the financial market crisis. He also helped lead the working group tasked with drafting and implementing the UK’s Bank Recapitalization Program, which became a framework for other governments.

The Commencement Address was given by Michael S. Klein ’81, the managing partner of M. Klein & Company, LLC, an independent financial and strategic advisor to companies, investors and governments. In his introductory remarks, Dr. De Jarnett noted that Klein’s reputation as a leader in financial services and as a strategic adviser was built during a 23-year career at Citi and

Among his many volunteer and service efforts, Klein was an instrumental leader in launching the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Emergency Network, a groundbreaking partnership between the WFP and the private sector. Noted Dr. De Jarnett, “Through a multimillion dollar, multi-year grant that Michael facilitated from Citigroup’s Foundation, a new initiative was started by

the WFP to conduct emergency needs assessment when a disaster occurs. Companies are able to deliver pre-planned contributions — such as trucks, telecommunications equipment, food, and other critical items — to augment WFP’s disaster response ahead of time.” Speaking at Commencement was something of a family affair for Klein, who was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Beth, his children, his mother-inlaw, and his siblings, Mark Klein ’80 and Rachel Klein ’87. Klein encouraged the graduates to be physically present, as “Time is the only commodity that matters.” In noting that there are “only 130 Saturday nights in college,” Klein advised them to be mindful: “Don’t fall for the fallacy of later. Don’t be convinced with the words ’next time.’ Time is a gift for you only when you are present.” He also pointed out that much of what one accomplishes is simply through “showing up” even if you may not always know what to expect. He invoked the famous call to action of President John F. Kennedy’s “If not us, who? If not now, when?”, and offered this advice: 1. Pick your path. Whatever you choose, master your craft. You have no choice but to excel.

Senior class reader Lisa Mordkovich ’15 gave a memorable presentation of the poem “Closer” by spoken-word poet Anis Mojgani.

2. Take this school, and all of its teachings, philosophies and the friends you’ve made, [as a sturdy base] as you become an adult. 3. Make time for yourself, and make good use of it. As a reminder for the graduates to do good and help others, Klein gave each senior a FEED Projects FEED 1 Bag, the purchase of which provides a donation equivalent to feeding one child for an entire school year.

Adam Rapfogel ’15, senior class speaker, provided amusing yet touching perspectives on the D-E Upper School experience, particularly with regard to events of the past year.

Following the presentation of the diplomas, the faculty was led by the bagpipers to form the traditional Dwight-Englewood Honor Guard reception line to congratulate the newest D-E alumni. Best wishes to the Class of 2015!

Spring–Summer 2015

highly anticipated senior student awards: The Bailey Award was presented to Clement Wong ’15, who will be attending Carnegie Mellon University; the Trustees’ Award was given to George Georges ’15, who is heading off to Princeton University; and the Senior Citizenship Prize was awarded to Columbia Universitybound Spencer Papay ’15.

18 Dwight-Englewood School

Springâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Summer 2015

CLASSOF2015AnnualFund

Dwight-Englewood School

The following families, through their gifts to Annual Fund 2014–15, honor our Upper School faculty and staff for their commitment to our children.

The Family of Lauren Aboodi The Family of Shereen Al-Sawwaf The Family of Toren Arginteanu The Family of Lars Arienti The Family of Joshua Ashkinaze The Family of Jack Brosnan The Family of Benjamin Brown The Family of Zachary Canelos The Family of Austin Chen The Family of Olivia D’Alessandro The Family of Vincent DeBellis The Family of Luke Drobner The Family of Shira Federman The Family of Jon Feikens The Family of Hao Feng The Family of Andre Festekjian The Family of Adriana Fini The Family of Jared Finkel The Family of Jack Forman The Family of Jaime Gilman The Family of Elizabeth Goldberg The Family of Emily Goldner The Family of Kianna Gonzalez The Family of Wendy Gonzalez The Family of Erin Greenberg The Family of Isabel Guerriero The Family of Jacob & Julia Hyman The Family of Sarah Hyun The Family of Nikita Jain The Family of Elena Jiao The Family of Melanie Kavaler The Family of Ashley Kim The Family of Kendall Kim The Family of Vikram Kirpekar The Family of Corin Klein The Family of Anastasia Kuske The Family of Kee Hoon Lee The Family of Jacob Lefcourt The Family of Isabel Levin The Family of Evangelina & Natalie Leventis The Family of Rachel Linder The Family of David Lysenko The Family of Noah Mansoor The Family of Kai Marcel The Family of James Martin

The Family of Yanal Matari The Family of Alexis & Stella Mayer The Family of Nicki Mohammadi The Family of Liam Obergfoll The Family of Yu Omiya The Family of Atilla Ozkan The Family of Giulia Panter The Family of Spencer Papay The Family of Tyler Perin The Family of Naomi Popkin The Family of Adam Rapfogel The Family of Daniel Reiff The Family of Danielle Roman The Family of Melissa Rosner The Family of Jack Seidenberg

The Family of Ryan Semsel The Family of Julia Shin The Family of Elyse Shulman The Family of Alphonse Sisca The Family of Jacob Snyder The Family of Larry Suprun The Family of Mariam Syed The Family of Alex Taub The Family of Kabir Uttamsingh The Family of David Victor The Family of Andrew Wong The Family of Amani Wynter The Family of Olivia Yi The Family of Brian Zhang The Family of Jonathan Zhang

Congratulations to the Dwight-Englewood Class of 2015 2 0 1 5 M AT R I C U L AT I O N American University ...................... 1

Fordham University ....................... 3

Barnard College...............................3 Bentley University .......................... 2

FranklinWashington and MarshallUniversity College......... George ......14

Bentley University............................ Boston College ............................... 12 Boston College.................................1 Boston University .......................... 1 Boston University............................ 1

University of North Carolina...........2 1 Oberlin College .............................

George Washington University........ Georgetown University ..................42

Parsons (TheofNew School)............... University Pennsylvania .............1 6

Georgetown University....................2 Georgia Institute of Technology..... 1

Purdue University............................ 1

Iowa State University.......................1

Rochester Institute of Technology....1

Johns Hopkins University................4

University of Rochester....................2

Lehigh University............................ 3

Rockland Community College........1

Louisiana State University................1

Sarah Lawrence College...................1

Maryland Institute College of Art....1

Savannah College of Art and Design ..................................... 1

University of Massachusetts.............1

and Design....................................... 1 1 Skidmore College...........................

University of Michigan....................5

Skidmore Stanford College.............................1 University ........................ 1

Iowa State University ..................... 1

Bryn Mawr College........................ 1

Johns Hopkins University .............. 4

Bucknell University........................ 2

Lehigh University .......................... 3

Carnegie Mellon University ........... 6

Louisiana State University.............. 1

University of Chicago .................... 3

Maryland Institute College of Art .. 1

Columbia University...................... 2

University of Massachusetts ........... 1

Connecticut College ...................... 2

University of Michigan .................. 5

Cornell University ......................... 5

Middlebury College ....................... 1

University of Delaware................... 1

Morehouse College ........................ 1

Drexel University ........................... 3

University of New Haven .............. 1

Emory University........................... 2

New York University ....................11

Bucknell University..........................2 Carnegie Mellon University.............6 University of Chicago......................3 Columbia University........................2 Connecticut College........................2 Cornell University...........................5 University of Delaware.....................1 Drexel University.............................3 Emory University.............................2

Princeton University ...................... 2

Indiana University...........................1

Bryant University ........................... 1

Bryn Mawr College.......................... 1

University of Pennsylvania...............6 Princeton University........................2

Indiana University ......................... 1

Bryant University.............................1

Oberlin 11 ParsonsCollege............................... (The New School) .............

Georgia Institute of Technology.......1

Brown University ........................... 1

Brown University.............................1

University of North Carolina ......... 2

Fordham and University.........................3 Franklin Marshall College ....... 1

Middlebury College......................... 1 Morehouse College..........................1 University of New Haven................1 New York University......................11

Purdue University .......................... 1

Sarah Lawrence College ................. 1

Spring–Summer 2015

American University........................1 Barnard College ............................. 3

Savannah College of Art

Rochester Institute of Technology .. 1 University of Rochester .................. 2 Rockland Community College ...... 1

Stanford University..........................1 Stevens Institute of Technology...... 1 Stevens of Technology........ SyracuseInstitute University ........................1 2

Syracuse University..........................2 Tufts University ............................. 2 Tufts University................................ 2

Tulane University ........................... 1

Tulane University.............................1

Union College ............................... 1

We celebrate the class of 2015 as they graduate and move on to the next We celebrate thelives. class For of 2015 they graduate and move on to chapter of their theseastalented and spirited seniors, thethe end of next chapter of their lives. For these talented and spirited seniors, the end their Upper School experience is truly a “commencement” as much as of their Upper School experience is truly “commencement” as much a graduation. The broad range of their ainterests and accomplishments as a graduation. The Dwight-Englewood broad range of theirfirm interests accomplishments allows them to leave in theand knowledge that they allows them to leave Dwight-Englewood firm in the here. knowledge have succeeded in many ways during their time They that are they well have succeeded many duringintheir time here. They are well prepared to face in their newways beginnings many of the most selective colleges prepared to face their new beginnings manychosen of the most and universities in the country. Theyinhave these selective colleges after significant focused research, so theyThey also have leavechosen with the confidence colleges andand universities in the country. these colleges that they have made smart choices for so themselves. after significant and focused research, they also We leaveapplaud with thethem for their efforts and wish them the very best. confidence that they have made smart choices for themselves. We applaud them for their efforts and wish them the very best.

Dwight-Englewood School

Union College................................. 1

University of Southern California .. 1

University of Southern California....1

University of Vermont ................... 1

University of Vermont.....................1

Villanova University....................... 2

Villanova University.........................2

Wake Forest University .................. 1

Wake Forest University....................1

Washington University (St. Louis) .. 2

Washington University (St. Louis)....2

Wellesley College ........................... 1

Wellesley College.............................1

Wesleyan University....................... 2

Wesleyan University.........................2

College of William and Mary ........ 1

College of William and Mary........... 1

University of Wisconsin ................. 1

University of Wisconsin...................1

Yale University ............................... 3

Yale University................................3.

3 1 5 E A S T PA L I S A D E AV E N U E , E N G L E W O O D, N E W J E R S E Y

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w w w. d- e. o rg

REUNION2015 Return, Remember

Dwight-Englewood School

Reunion 2015, held May 29–30, was host to hundreds of alumni from the Dwight School, the Englewood School for Boys, and Dwight-Englewood School. More photos from the many events can be found online at www.d-e.org/alumni and also at www.d-etoday.org. For information on future alumni events, please see the inside back cover of this issue, or email sanchm@d-e.org.

eunion weekend included myriad moments of reconnection among friends and classmates, as well as a number of formal gatherings, including one at Collins House—the home of Head of School Dr. De Jarnett—for an enthusiastic group of ESB and Dwight alumni who were celebrating their 50th Reunion. The group enjoyed a special dinner and unexpected solo vocal performance of “My Favorite Things” by D-E alumna Margo Bennett ’09.

Alumni Awards Program Distinguished Alumni

t Reunion 2015, the Dwight-Englewood School honored three alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards. (Please see page 14 for profiles of the honorees.)

The Alumni Office arranged for campus tours, although some alumni opted to go on their own for a “walk down Memory Lane.” Many were surprised and delighted by the changes on campus.

• The biographer, memoirist, and art expert James Lord ESB ’40 was honored with a posthumous Distinguished Alumni Award. His accomplishments were described by Carole De Vito, History Department Chair. • Lawrence “Larry” Kudlow ESB ’65 was also honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, after a heartfelt introduction from Howard “Howie” Berman ESB ’70. Kudlow, who is an economist, author, television commentator, and newspaper columnist, spoke about his time at the Englewood School for Boys and what he gained from his experiences. “I got my love for economics and American history from the Englewood School for Boys, and I thank you for that,” he said,

The evening’s festivities took place under the tent. With few chairs to spare, delicious food, and live music provided by an ensemble led by D-E’s own Jazz Rock director and music teacher Rob DeBellis, the Alumni Reception was a hit. It finally took a lack of clean plates and some gentle cajoling by Alumni Director Maria Sanchez Gardner ’78 to encourage alumni to wrap up the festivities and head home, so that the D-E Buildings and Grounds crew could get the area prepared for Commencement the following day!

From left are Head of School Dr. De Jarnett, Marc Jerome ’85, Larry Kudlow ESB ’65, and Howard Berman ESB ’70, who officially presented the DAA plaque to Larry.

Reunion would not be complete without sports, including lacrosse and soccer games that pitted alumni and coaches against students on Graham Field. The games may have gotten a little rough, but beloved D-E coaches such as C. Christian Schmid (aka “Schmiddy”) and D-E Legacy parents like Steve Borg ’86 clearly enjoyed this match opportunity.

DAA recipient Lisa Landau Carnoy ’85 expressed appreciation to her family, friends, and her “D-E teachers, coaches, and mentors” who have positively influenced her over the years.

also noting,“You need to work, and you need to work hard. I learned that ethos here.” • Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Lisa Landau Carnoy ’85 was introduced by her brother, Ken Landau ’82. The managing director/division executive for the Northeast and Metro New York markets of U.S. Trust, Carnoy talked about the impact D-E has had in her life. “D-E contributed to two of my loves—reading and running,” she said. “I have a deep appreciation of the people who walk with me in life, and that’s thanks to my education and friends at D-E.”

Special Recognition for Marc Jerome ’85

“Marc epitomizes both the idea and the ideals of a volunteer alumnus. By his count, he has been an active member of our D-E community for more than 35 years, in his roles as student, alumnus, trustee, and ARC member. More specifically, Marc served on our board for nine years, from 2003 to 2012. He joined the ARC in 2003 as well, serving as co-chair and then eventually as chair. But Marc’s impact goes far beyond these decades of time. Marc has dedicated himself to strengthening connections that our alumni feel toward

D-E. He has motivated our alumni to ’give back’, through networking and other resources. Additionally, he has encouraged our alumni to become ’Legacies’ by sending their own children to D-E. Indeed, D-E has become a family affair for Marc, as not only his three daughters— Hanna ’14, Sophie ’16 and Lucy ’22— attend or attended D-E, also his wife Helen is the Lower School’s director of Admissions.” As he reflected on his more than three decades with D-E, Marc noted the connections he now shares with his daughters: “Incredibly, some of the

same people that were involved in my education 35 years ago are also involved with our three daughters’ education. This is one of the things that makes D-E great. People like [Upper School English faculty member] Jerry Krauthamer, [Upper School history faculty member] John Stott, [History Department Chair] Carole De Vito, [Middle School Athletics Director] Chris Schmid, [7th Grade history teacher] Elizabeth Carson and [Upper School English faculty member] Joan Maffetone carry on the school’s values and institutional history between generations of students and faculty.” Marc Jerome ’85, outgoing chair of the Alumni Relations Committee (ARC), took a moment during the Alumni Awards program to recognize and thank his wife, Helen, in the audience, for “very graciously” celebrating their wedding anniversary dinner at Reunion 2015. In Marc's words, "[we] share a love affair with Dwight-Englewood.”

Class of 2015 “Lifers”

special group from the Class of 2015 gathered for dinner in Hajjar Auditorium in mid-April, along with their families and D-E teachers and staff, to celebrate their “sentences” as “D-E Lifers.”

Lifers are those students who have been enrolled in all three divisions at D-E—Lower, Middle, and Upper. This year’s set of 36 Lifers is one of the biggest such groups ever, with many of them having spent nearly 15 years at the School. During the dinner, Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant read from Lower and Middle School teachers’ comments on each of the students, a very entertaining (and in some cases quite enlightening) segment of the program. Each Lifer had a turn at the podium as well, to praise one teacher or advisor who had a significant, positive, and supportive influence on him or her. A multimedia presentation showing all of the Lifers at various ages and stages rounded out the evening. In both introductory and closing remarks, the students’ families were acknowledged and thanked for the impact that they have had on the life of Dwight-Englewood over the years.

Spring–Summer 2015

he awards ceremony provided a fitting opportunity to acknowledge the many years of volunteer service from outgoing Alumni Relations Committee (ARC) chair Marc Jerome ’85. When not volunteering, Jerome is executive vice president at Monroe College. Following are remarks from Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett:

The Class of 2015 D-E “Lifers” gathered this spring for a final group photo on some familiar territory: the Lower School playground.

Congratulations and thank you to our Class of 2015 Lifers! Lauren Aboodi Shereen Al-Sawwaf Julia Bront Hao Feng Andre Festekjian Alexa Gerber Jaime Gilman Emily Goldner Kianna Gonzalez Isabel Guerriero Sarah Hyun Nikita Jain

Elena Jiao Ashley Kim Kendall Kim Corin Klein Anastasia Kuske Evangelina Leventis Natalie Leventis Isabel Levin Rachel Linder Alexis Mayer Stella Mayer Yu Omiya

Giulia Panter Spencer Papay Melissa Rosner Annamaria Schreiber Ryan Semsel Larry Suprun Mariam Syed Alex Taub Kabir Uttamsingh David Victor Clement Wong Olivia Yi

REUNION2015

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

t Reunion Weekend’s Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Frank Sparrow ESB ’48, Bruce Black ESB ’72, Rick Black ’75, and Deborah Rebell Moss ’90 were honored. Each reflected fondly of his or her years as a student-athlete.

Dwight-Englewood School

• Frank Sparrow ESB ’48, Varsity Football, Basketball and Baseball: “My parents sincerely believed that education was the key to life.”

“In 1940, as a fifth grader at the Englewood School for Boys, there were six guys in my class — the teacher/ student ratio was great!” “Coming to ESB was such an important step in my life that I didn’t recognize till years later.” “[Then-Headmaster] Marshall Umpleby was a great leader for a bunch of knuckleheads like me.”

• Frederic “Rick” Black ’75, Varsity Cross Country and Track: Rick’s coach, Coach DeWitt, actually flew in from Florida to introduce him, and got emotional because he was “so proud” of Rick and his teammates. Rick then reflected on the various runs he would make during practice: “To the George Washington Bridge and back, 10 miles. To the Alpine Boat Basin and back again. Sometimes, I’d even run home to Bergenfield, surprise my mom and grab some cookies and milk, then head back to school!” “I wouldn’t be a runner without my brother, my role model. Otherwise, I wouldn’t wake up at 6:30, especially with a foot of snow on the ground!” “There were some wonderful English teachers, but I hated English, especially poetry. But they must have done something right because now I run

a small printing press, and I publish poetry!” • Deborah “Debbie” Rebell Moss ’90, Varsity Soccer and Lacrosse: Liz Traub, Debbie’s varsity lacrosse coach and the current seventh grade dean, provided the introduction for Debbie, who also gave Betsey Carson recognition for introducing lacrosse to her in seventh grade. Debbie then based her remarks on grit: “It was a work ethic instilled by Traub. She didn’t call it grit, but that’s what it was. Besides the camaraderie and teamwork, 25 years later, what I love is that I learned to appreciate and internalize grit. It has steered me personally and professionally ever since.” “I dedicate this to my dad, Arthur, who always believed in me. He knew that sports is where I could gain my grit. He always supported my passion.”

“We might have won those undefeated seasons without [Coach Luke Ward], but we wouldn’t have learned how to be men and citizens without the way Luke taught us.” • Bruce Black ESB ’72, Varsity Cross Country and Track: “We used to have a cross country course here: from Solomon Field to [North] Woodland [Street], right, and then left down Booth [Avenue] to Lydecker [Street]. Left to [East] Palisades Avenue...The opposing team would think, ’Great, it’s all downhill’— until they saw The Hill!”

New Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Debbie Rebell Moss ’90 talked about how she was consistently motivated by her parents, her teammates, and her coaches during her years as a standout D-E soccer and lacrosse player.

Rick Black ’75 spoke fondly of the influences of his older brother, Bruce, a new fellow Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, and how they shared early morning runs together or after school along the Hudson in Palisades Interstate Park and “all the way back home to Bergenfield.”

On Coach Henriques: “Mr. Henriques started the track team to train his wrestlers! He taught dedication and fostered a passion for something.” “Being here today is like grabbing a teammate’s hand and crossing the finish line together. It’s a celebration.” “[ESB] gave me the gift of understanding what it is I love. If you love something, no matter the obstacle or challenge, you just did it anyway ’cause you loved it. Do what you love, no matter what it is.”

New Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Black ESB ’72 spoke memorably of how he was inspired to begin running and join the cross country and track & field teams.

Frank Sparrow ESB ’48 (right) was congratulated by Athletic Director Eli Goldberger upon being presented with his Athletic Hall of Fame plaque. Goldberger described Frank’s athletics career at the Englewood School for Boys as “nothing short of incredible” given his leadership in football, basketball, and baseball.

Springâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Summer 2015

Scenes from Reunion 2015

STEmINITIATIVES Construction Continues, Inspires Field Trips

Thanks to the construction of the Hajjar STEM Center, it can be said that STEM is in the air, on the ground, and on everyone’s mind at D-E. Along with progress on the new facility, STEMrelated activity this spring included a field trip to the construction site for second graders and off-campus adventures related to STEM academic work for students in the Upper School.

Dwight-Englewood School

Construction Update

onstruction of the Hajjar STEM Center is on schedule! (See photo collage on page 28.) The building will be officially open to students, faculty, and staff during a special Welcome Back All-School Assembly in early September. The list below reflects those families who have so generously contributed to making the vision for this building become a reality. Progress on the building can be viewed live, 24/7 on the D-E STEMcam at www.d-etoday.org/stem. For additional information about the Hajjar STEM Center, please email Karen Silvera at: silvek@d-e.org.

Founder ($4,000,000) Kyung and Dr. Jen Lee Sharon and Dr. John Hajjar Dr. Lili Deligianni and George Leventis Courtney and David Levi Benefactor ($1,000,000) Marion and Steve Lobo The Grace and Mercy Foundation Diana and Steven Pae Jodi and Dr. Bryan Massoud Dr. Joan Popkin and Jan Popkin Shelley and Ira Taub and The Lois Roman Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation Kelly and Mitchell Sacks Leader ($500,000) Susan and Steven Shaw Abbey and Steve Braverman Jacqueline and Eric Witmondt Loren Merson-Breslow ’91 and Partner ($50,000-$99,999) Dr. Gary Breslow Anonymous Frank Leanza Lynn and Dr. Craig Abramowitz Holly Peterson Foundation Nelly and Michael Arougheti Fellow ($250,000) JoJo and Luis Chang Elisabeth and George Altirs Terri and Fadi Chartouni Valentina and Andrey Anikeyev Lesley and Bill Collins Tipaporn Chearavanont ’87 Kristen and Warren Geller Lisa Canino D’Alessandro ’83 and Stephanie Goldman-Pittel and Kurt D’Alessandro Andrew Pittel Fabiana and Victor Gallo Barbara and Matthew Golub Pamela and Dr. Paul Greenberg Helen and Patrick Herssens The Jerome Family Rebecca and Richard Koenigsberg Kerry and Michael Lagana Jennifer and John Law Drs. Natasha Leibel and Harlan Levine Devika and Sivan Mahadevan Tammy and Scott Mager Yolanda and Meredith Marshall Lisa and Dr. Mehmet Oz Carren and Dean Shulman Kelly and Ray Spitzley Jill Melnick Sedley and Ron Sedley Nancy and Peter Serpico Patron ($100,000) Phoebe Boyer and Todd Snyder Anonymous Jennifer and Thomas Tierney Ronit and Dr. Marc Arginteanu Trout Family Robin Klehr Avia and Kenneth Avia Eunha and Woo Song Dana Drapkin Baumgarten '94 Anna and Basil Williams and Joshua Baumgarten The Borg Family Contributor ($25,000-$49,999) Julie and Eugene Diaz Gabrielle ’10, Michelle ’12, Lauren ’15 Nila and Nazareth Festekjian and Eric Aboodi ’19 The Harjen Charitable Foundation Karen and Dr. David Abramson Jacqueline and Herman Hirsch Lorin and Jonathan Cook Janine and Marshall King Margaret Holen and David Coulson Mazal and James Kong Parand and Arash Emami Lisa and Craig Lax Caralyn and Steven Fuld

Dyan and Scott Haworth Stacey and Adam Katz Roni and Michael Katz Drs. Jill and Leon Kavaler Amy and Robert Miller Cyma Zarghami ’80 and George Obergfoll Chithra Balasingham and Ravinder Tikoo Caren and Jordan Waxman Robyn Binstein Zeller ’82 and Barry Zeller Friends (Under $25,000) Dr. Maryann and Mark Aaron Remedios Rogel and Dr. Monqidh Al-Sawwaf Adrienne Buda Anderson ’85 and Christopher Anderson ’81 Patricia Gedney Boig Peggy Ding and Steven Chu The Diaz Family in memory of Joan Judelson Dwight-Englewood School Math and Science Faculty Guohong Fu Mindy and Michael Goldstein Frances and Dr. Mark Gurland ’71 Margi and Irwin Hirshberg Juliette and Mark Janssens Anshu and Jatindar Kapur Emily and Charles Lachman Stephanie and Kenneth Landau ’82 Heidi and Steven Lurensky Stephanie Lee ’85 and Harold Lee (In honor of Caroline Lee ’20) Marie and Arthur Ley (In honor of Evan ’13 and Jason King ’16) Marion Lebson Prigoff ’43 and Milton Prigoff Margaret and Dr. Gangram Ragi Tanya Tylevich and Paul Suprun Jami Rubin and Eric Reiff Naomi and Peter Waltman

mong the new field trips inspired by the coming of the new Hajjar STEM Center is one that members of the Forensic Science class took to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City this spring. While the entire sophomore class goes to the museum each fall for the Integrated Biology and Chemistry II course, the Forensic Science class paid a visit to the museum’s Sackler Educational Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Human Origins for the first time. On April 14, the 16 juniors and seniors attended a morning 90-minute lab called Forensic Anthropology: Whose Body Was Left Behind, focusing on the guiding question: “How do scientists use human remains to figure out someone’s identity?” With access to a real human skeleton, along with microscopes and gel electrophoresis, students learned how to determine the approximate age, sex, and height of persons by examining skeletal remains. Based on students’ positive reviews, this particular lab (and the field trip component) will likely be included in Forensics classes going forward.

Second Graders Celebrate Safety at STEM Center Construction Site

n a sunny day in early May, D-E second grade students donned hard hats, safety goggles, and neon T-shirts for a tour of the new Hajjar STEM Center construction site. In honor of National Safety Week, Gilbane Building Company invited the students to see the progress on the building and facilitated a “tool box talk” session in the Lower School, prior to the on-site tour.

Representing Gilbane were Fred Ringler, New Jersey regional safety director; superintendent Mike Burns; and engineer Shane Phipps. Additionally, Jill Schiff, a representative of the ACCNJ (Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey), joined the tour, as did Cindy Stadulis, D-E’s former director of Business and Finance, who provided contextual information throughout the talk and the tour. Second grade teacher Jessica Rullo later commented, “Our social studies curriculum focuses on community, and the students have spent

the year learning about the D-E community, different types of other communities, economics, volunteering and also map skills. The construction of the new Hajjar STEM Center touches upon all of these areas! It was a natural fit for the second graders to have this special and unique touring opportunity.” To prepare for the trip, the students looked at well-known buildings, as well as the specifications and blueprints of the STEM Center. Questions from the students ranged from “What is the perimeter and area of the building?” and “Will there be real wood and glass in the building?” to “How many classrooms will there be?” and “Will they make robots in the new building?” The students were amazed to learn that, in fact, there will be a robotics lab space and a 16-unit projection plasma screen. They were also thrilled to see the placement of the I-Beam that was signed by the entire D-E student body and teachers and staff, earlier this year. Ringler summarized the enthusiasm expressed by all the adults involved in the special day: “The D-E students asked us some extremely engaging questions. It was hard to believe that these students are in second grade!” See page 28 for more photos.

Physics Students Take On Six Flags

he physics classes taught by Dr. Marco Pagnotta and Tara Weinstein went to Six Flags in April for one of its two Exclusive Education Days, where the theme park was only open to schools. About 60 D-E juniors and seniors analyzed two of 12 pre-selected rides, before going on a few rides for fun. They also enjoyed a “Meet the Engineer” presentation with the chief corporate engineer of Six Flags, Larry Chickola. Chickola shared diagrams, charts, and facts on various Six Flags rides across the nation.

Vicki Solis’ Forensic Science class went on a field trip in April to the American Museum of Natural History’s Sackler Forensics Laboratory. The students played the role of “forensic anthropologists” and collected evidence (including DNA) from unidentified skeletal remains, attempting to make matches with missing persons data.

It sounds like fun and games, but a park with roller coasters and other rides is actually an excellent place to study physics, according to Weinstein. She says, “It’s a chance for the students to apply the concepts that they’ve been learning in physics all year (velocity, acceleration, momentum, energy, centripetal motion, light, sound, and electricity) to the real world--while spending a portion of the day upside down!” D-E juniors and seniors, together with Science Department teachers Dr. Marco Pagnotta and Ms. Tara Weinstein, enjoyed a “Physics Day” at Six Flags this spring. The students heard from experts about the physics of “track transitions” and analyzed two roller coaster rides at the theme park.

Spring–Summer 2015

Forensic Science Meets the American Museum of Natural History

Dwight-Englewood School

stemINITIATIVES

LIFE-LONGLEARNING D-E 360˚ Gains Momentum

wight-Englewood 360˚ has offered some interesting and innovative learning experiences in recent months. The program was initially introduced as the D-E Learning & Teaching Annex (DELTA) in the fall of 2013, and in the spring of 2015 it was re-launched and expanded to integrate Summer Connections, weekend Youth Enrichment, and all Lower School after-care programs. It continues to evolve and grow. A recent offering was a “makerspace” workshop for educators interested in using emerging technologies and platforms for teaching, presented by Director of Technology Trevor Shaw.

Other youth-targeted programs included a Narrative Performance Lab with visiting artist and D-E alumna Sabrina Peck ’80; Young Visionaries (see next page); a Master Class Seminar for Violin and Cello; and a Shark Tank for Kids workshop series. The Master Class featured violinist Susie Park (see photo) and cellist Julia Bruskin, and culminated in a collaborative performance with the more than 25 student musicians representing D-E, Elisabeth Morrow School, and the Bergen Academies. The Shark Tank program was specifically designed to help students think like entrepreneurs. Students in A custom-order smartphone case subscription series; a limited-edition sneakers exchange program; and a driving service and related app targeted at middle school-aged children were just a few of the new business ideas pitched by student entrepreneurs to a panel of potential “investors” during the final Shark Tank for Kids showcase.

grades 6–9 were able to learn the “how to’s” of starting their own business, from understanding the basic fundamentals of business to following and creating a business plan. The students’ entire process was thoughtfully guided by Michael Williams, founder, CEO, and president of Voiptell One Communications, a server and network integration company. The class culminated with students giving formal presentations to an expert panel, in some cases sharing actual prototypes of proposed products and impressive multi-media demonstrations. Afterwards, during a celebratory reception, one young entrepreneur commented, “I was nervous about presenting my idea, but once I began, I relaxed. After answering some of their questions, it was very exciting to be given encouragement by these professionals. I learned so much from pulling together my product from the ground up.”

Violinist Susie Park (right, standing) advises a Winter Strings Master Class participant. Students performed solo works and then enjoyed a collaborative workshop at the conclusion of the event.

Spring–Summer 2015

Dwight-Englewood School is expanding its engagement in the community and demonstrating its leadership as a mission-centric institution by promoting life-long learning through a program called D-E 360˚. D-E 360˚was conceived to provide classes, workshops, and innovative avenues for learning beyond the school day for children, educators, and adult learners who may or may not already be a part of the D-E School community.

LIFE-LONGLEARNING

Young Visionaries

Dwight-Englewood School

nspired in part by the exciting construction of the Hajjar STEM Center, the Young Visionaries architecture course this spring provided hands-on learning opportunities that involved students’ innovative and purposeful responses to real-world challenges and concepts in architecture and design. The course also covered how architecture and design affect our communities and world. During the course, students created a portfolio of drawings, mixed-media works, and architectural models as a way of developing an understanding of various concepts in art, architecture, and design. They also had a chance to tour the STEM Center construction site.

In addition to enjoying hours of hands-on work in D-E’s Swartley Gallery, during one of the sessions, the students heard from three guest speakers including Head of School Dr. De Jarnett, a STEM building architect from international firm Gensler, Inc., and a representative of the STEM building construction company, Gilbane. “Through this course, students were challenged to discuss key concepts in architecture and design (’form follows function’); 1- and 2-point perspective (a drawing project); how architecture relates to its environment, including how buildings have been inspired by different aspects of nature; green architecture and a sustainability overview; and city planning,” notes Dr. Sherronda Brown, DE 360˚ director. “This was quite a lot of content to cover, but the students were extremely engaged at every step of the way, as was evidenced by the beautiful

showcase during the final session of the course.” The course was led by D-E Visual Arts Department faculty member Rachel Brusky, who is the director of visual arts for the D-E Summer Connections program and a private art teacher and workshop instructor for students from kindergarten to adults. In addition to teaching, Brusky has exhibited her artwork around the United States, receiving awards and recognition for her work. Prior to joining the D-E facuty, Brusky worked as an art director and graphic designer at SoHo Publishing Company in New York City, and as an artist-in-residence in the pediatric oncology and neurology clinics at New York Presbyterian Hospital. To view more photos from the Young Visionaries course and a video summarizing the showcase, visit www.d-etoday.org.

Students in the Architecture & Design: Young Visionaries course used 2- and 3-D media to conceptualize their ideas about future homes, businesses, and cities.

The students’ initial concepts and finished-product models were developed after discussions about natural resources and long-term sustainability factors, “wired” design, and a construction site tour of the new Hajjar STEM Center.

Springâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Summer 2015

SERVICEINITIATIVES Making a Difference at Home and Abroad

Compassion in action was visible at Dwight-Englewood through volunteer and fundraising efforts that students led and promoted, supporting causes both near and far. For more stories and photos about D-E service initiatives, please visit www.d-etoday.org.

Dwight-Englewood School

All-School Snack Pack Drive (and Spring Carnival)

ork before play is always the best way: On a sunny Sunday morning in April, D-E students spent two hours in Modell’s Sports Complex assembling more than 1,200 “snack packs” for needy families, before enjoying the Spring Carnival 2015. The Snack Pack Drive for the Center for Food Action was part of the D-E Fights Hunger community service event, which also involved a collection of non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations. “Matt Waltman ’16 applied for a Youth Service America grant for this project, and we got it,” said Director of Student Activities Maya Gunaseharan ’08. She noted that with the $400 grant and the donations from the community, the effort raised more than $3,500.

INSPIRE was just one of several Upper School clubs hosting an activities station during the Spring Carnival.

The weather was perfect for the Spring Carnival on Leggett Field, which was held immediately following the all-school Snack Pack Drive effort.

Families and D-E faculty and staff worked together to pack more than 1,200 weekend snack packs for needy children in Bergen County.

The best part of the Snack Pack Drive was that volunteers of all ages were able to help!

The Photography Club managed a popular photo booth, adjacent to the Hajjar STEM Center construction site, where even administrators were seen hamming it up.

Student volunteers also created handmade cards for the children who will receive the weekend snack packs.

Nepal Disaster Relief Bake Sales

Olivia D’Alessandro ’15 and Matthew Waltman ’16, co-leaders of CODES, came up with the idea of the bake sale immediately after hearing of the devastation in Nepal. The first sale, on May 1, brought in $1,601. The Middle School bake sale, held on May 13, was the result of a collaboration between Carla Moriarty’s sixth grade

HomeBase and Kirin Mueller ’20, who had given a PowerPoint presentation about the disaster in a Morning Meeting following the earthquake. The sale brought in an additional $350. “We wanted to contribute to the Upper School CODES donations, and we thought a bake sale would be a great way to do it— especially after Kirin educated the Middle School about the disaster,” said Moriarty. CODES students took responsibility for making the donation, which amounted to $2,061, thanks to additional donations from D-E families. “The members of CODES met and decided the money would be best donated to Oxfam International, a non-profit organization stationed in Nepal which provides humanitarian services to victims of the earthquake,” said Matthew Waltman.

Ryan Rodgers ’19 (gamely holding tongs) was one of several Middle School students who organized a bake sale to raise funds for victims of the Nepal earthquake.

Student-Led Edgewater Disaster Relief

pper School student clubs CODES (Community Outreach for DwightEnglewood School) and HOPE (Helping Out People Everywhere) co-led an Edgewater Disaster Relief Donations Drive that was organized to assist victims of the fire at the Avalon apartment complex in Edgewater on January 21. The drive was held from January 29 to February 6, and baby- and toddler-related donations were collected, as well as household items and gift cards. Contributing to the effort, the second grade opened a pop-up store on February 10 in the Lower School Lobby, selling school supplies with proceeds being donated to the drive. Second grade teachers Kristin Geller, Marina Byrne, and Jessica Rullo explain that this entrepreneurial endeavor was not merely a good deed—it was the culmination of an important unit of study: “As part of the second grade’s yearlong study of communities, the students completed a focus on economics and how it impacts our local community. We began by learning about bartering and money systems. We focused on the money system in the United States and how

that money is made. We also learned about the important concepts of: earning money and spending money, income, producers, consumers, goods, services, needs and wants, supply and demand, and of course profits.” The pop-up store was a way to put into action what they had been learning. In preparation for the project, each second grader was assigned to one of three divisions: PR/Marketing, Finance, and

Retail. Each division had specific jobs to do such as advertising, determining price and profits, and sales. The students applied their knowledge well in this real-life venture, raising more than $400 through purchases and donations. In the words of the teachers: “The Second Grade Pop-Up School Store was a huge success! The students solidified their understanding of economics and also experienced the pleasure of giving back to our own community.”

Students in all three divisions initiated an Edgewater Disaster Relief Donations Drive. Grade 2 students contributed by organizing and managing this Pop-Up School Store, which alone yielded approximately $400. Pictured (from left) are “retail managers” Quentin Nicolas-Manav ’25, Alex An ’25, and Wyatt Obergfoll ’25.

Spring–Summer 2015

n response to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal in April, two bake sales were hosted by CODES (Community Outreach at D-E School), D-E’s Middle School, and the parents of the South Asian Affinity Group. These lunchtime bake sales featured goodies that were contributed by a dozen D-E community members, including students and faculty members.

SUSTAINABILITYINITIATIVES Seeing and Being Green

From campus garden projects to Earth Day activities, D-E students, faculty, and parents demonstrate an appreciation for nature and a sense of stewardship.

Dwight-Englewood School

Middle School Garden Initiatives: A Play-by-Play

By Tasha Urbanowski In April, the sixth grade class used the Umpleby garden and compost arena to train for their service learning project. The project involved creating and planting a vegetable garden for the Englewood Center for Food Action (CFA). Before leaving for the CFA, students learned to test and amend soil, handle tools correctly, figure the area of a raised bed in order to calculate the amount of compost or other soil amendments needed, and how to harvest finished compost to add to garden soil.

DIG students created and placed signs that enable visitors and summer gardening students to more easily identify the plantings. QR codes on many of the signs link to student write-ups describing how to cultivate the vegetable labeled and how it is used by classes at D-E.

Our Middle School students were busy with other activities as well. They harvested, cleaned, and enjoyed eating the first salad of the season; observed natural chick behavior as part of their project-based learning “chicken project”; and laid down drip line to irrigate the garden beds in a sustainable, water-saving way. Throughout the summer, construction will continue at the site of the new, larger garden beyond the upper parking lot. DIG students are already dreaming big about projects they can undertake there next year!

Middle School DIG students show off the fruits of their labor: an organic vegetable garden near Umpleby Hall.

Upper School Initiatives: Celebrating Earth Day Green Garden Project Update

The Upper School Environmental Club hosted an organic fruit kebab stand during the Spring Carnival 2015, using this opportunity to both entice and educate classmates on “green” gardening benefits.

n appreciation of our planet, the Upper School student body celebrated Earth Week April 19–25. Throughout the week, students participated in environmental-themed events organized by the Environmental Club. Some of the events included wearing blue and green on Earth Day, holding a “blackout” event where little to no electrical energy was used on campus, and taking a hike at Sterling Forest State Park in New York. In addition, students got to have a special Earth Day lunch made possible through FLIK Dining Services.

Be on the lookout for a brand new GGP web page this fall at www.d-e.org/greengardenproject!

Environmental and All Mountain Clubs students and faculty advisors Don McNeil and Russ Goodrich, respectively, rounded out Earth Week 2015 with a five-mile hike in Sterling Forest State Park.

“These activities served as valuable reminders to manage our environmental impacts responsibly, and they also gave students a chance to get outdoors and enjoy some local mountain forests that were preserved by dedicated conservationists,” said Don McNeil, Upper School science faculty member and faculty advisor to the Environmental Club.

of the new environmental initiatives at Dwight when I come back to visit from college next year,” said Clement Wong ’15, co-president of the Environmental Club.

“It was awesome to see the Upper School enjoy the variety of activities the Environmental Club hosted throughout the week and to see my teachers and fellow classmates’ enthusiasm for the Earth. I am confident that the D-E community will grow as a ’green’ community and am excited to see all

The April 25 Sterling Forest State Park hike was a joint effort of the Environmental and All Mountain Clubs. The five-mile trek, led by Don McNeil and Upper School math teacher and All Mountain Club faculty advisor Russell Goodrich, was a fitting way to close out Earth Week 2015.

By the end of the school year, the DIG garden was primed and ready for summer growing!

Spring–Summer 2015

he D-E Green Garden Project (GGP) parent volunteer group had a fruitful first year following its inaugural workday in November. Under the leadership of parents Sue Evans P ’18, Sayantani DasGupta P ’20 & ’22 and sixth grade dean Tasha Urbanowski P ’20 & ’25, GGP has sent out several e-newsletters featuring a “Plant of the Month,” starting out in December 2014 with the elderberry, a choice that was inspired by Upper School science teacher Jane Park and her Ethnobotany class’s field trip to Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in Westchester. The e-newsletter reported, “While there, the students learned about cultivation and pruning. Julie Grinvalsky, the landscape apprentice from Stone Barns, gave them a sample of elderberry plant to take back to D-E and plant in our garden.”

DIVERSITYINITIATIVES Discussion, Reflection, and Celebration

Dwight-Englewood School

D-E’s commitment to diversity is reflected in the growing strength and number of affinity groups in the School community, the cultural celebrations and educational events on campus, and the delegations of students and faculty members who participate in conferences dedicated to empowering groups and individuals to combat racism and promote equality. For more photos highlighting D-E diversity initiatives, visit www.d-etoday.org.

“South Asian Connections” Concert

he Jazz Vistas Ensemble presented a “South Asian Connections” concert on March 12 in Hajjar Auditorium. This was a special collaboration with several of New York’s top South Asian instrumentalists featuring traditional Indian offerings, Bollywood-inspired hits, and more. World-renowned singer Falu, professional dancer Barkha Patel, percussionist Deep Singh, and percussionist/drummer and D-E alumnus Dave Sharma ’94 performed an exhilarating night of music and dance. The Jazz Vistas Ensemble is composed of music faculty members Rob DeBellis (reeds), who is director of D-E’s Jazz Rock Ensemble and Stage Band; Tom Barney (bass), and Robert Levin (keyboards and percussion). The concert also featured student performers, including Jack Seidenberg ’15 on guitar and dancer Sara Uttamsingh ’19, along with student dancers Riya Babani, Ashita Dhadda, Diya Mookim, and Arushi Srimal. Dave Sharma says, “At its best, the music from the Indian subcontinent is so much more than the sum of rhythm, melody, voice, and instruments—it speaks to the shared experiences, spirituality, and emotions of literally billions of people across the thousands of years of its existence.”

Sara Uttamsingh ’19 (far left) relaxed with her fellow Indian dancers after their performance during Jazz Vistas’ “South Asian Connections” concert.

Diwali Celebration

he South Asian Affinity Group sponsored an event for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at the home of parent Vikram Akula P ’19 in October. This celebration for the Indian New Year includes lively decoration, as explained by the co-chairs, Vandana Arora P ’21 and Jasmine Jaswal P ’18: “Lamps and candles are lit in people’s homes to remind all that light triumphs over darkness, and good triumphs over evil.” The event featured food, entertainment, and conversation among members of the D-E community, including students, parents, and Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett.

Holi Festival of Color

Strewing dyes (and getting colorful in the process) are traditions of the Holi Festival of Color.

Affinity Groups: An Overview By Clinton L. Carbon Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs

he Office of Multicultural Affairs supports the efforts of D-E’s parent affinity groups for our Black/Latino, Korean, and South Asian (formerly Indian) communities. We have also added a Chinese Parent Affinity Group this year. I am working closely with these groups to raise their visibility and integration into the D-E community. Together the group leaders and I are working with the president of the D-E Parents’ Association to foster better communication of affinity group activities, to find allies for affinity activities, and to find opportunities to share cultural information with the larger parent body. We have also begun to establish affinity groups for students. Our work with the National Association of Independent Schools and the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives underscores the importance of racial identity work in the development of and care for students of color. Last spring, connections were made with a number of D-E Black/African-American alumni in an attempt to actively engage them on campus to provide active support for the school—and a presence on campus as role models and mentors for current Black/African-American students. We are in the beginning stages of plans to do the same for East Asian, Latino, and South Asian students. Definition and Purpose of Affinity Groups: • Affinity groups are made up of people of common racial/ethnic heritage that meet to explore and develop their own identity while also affirming, nurturing, and celebrating who they are. • Affinity groups are held in safe and trusted environments where people who share a racial/ethnic identity come together to build community, fellowship, networking, and to be empowered. • Members may have additional cultural lenses that create a tapestry within the racial/ethnic group, adding more beauty to our community. • One does not attend an affinity group out of interest or desire to learn something about racial/ethnic identities and/or experiences that are not one’s own. Affinity group participants speak from the “I” perspective.

South Asian Affinity Group Thrives

he recently renamed South Asian Affinity Group (formerly the Indian Affinity Group) had a banner year of events during the 2014-15 school year. The group is co-chaired by Vandana Arora P ’21 and Jasmine Jaswal P ’18, who say they took on the posts because they “both share a passion and appreciation of different cultures. Co-chairing the South Asian Affinity Group gave us the opportunity to share our traditions and heritage with the diverse cultural community at D-E.” They believe that the affinity group exists to: “Promote and cultivate our culture and further develop the understanding/ awareness amongst our school community of our traditions, special holidays, food, and customs.” Aside from organizing events and gatherings for both the parents and students at D-E, they also enjoy being a part of this affinity group because of the opportunities to hear different viewpoints and ideas from parents and students. South Asian Affinity Group meetings are held every quarter, and as an affinity group, they also: meet with the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Clinton L. Carbon; connect with other affinity group chairs; and meet with the Parents’ Association president, Stephanie Landau P ’13 &’17.

Spring–Summer 2015

n the beginning of April, all three divisions of Dwight-Englewood celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of color that welcomes the spring season, in three age-appropriate assemblies. (Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in February or March, but the assemblies were held about a month later due to the weather.) The assemblies were presented through the efforts of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the South Asian Affinity Group. The Lower School celebration of Holi began with a welcome from Krish Gulrajaney ’22. Eila Nambiar ’22 then introduced children’s fiction author Vinitha Ramchandani, who provided a special storytelling experience live from Mumbai via Skype. After the story, the author answered questions posed by Rohin Juneja ’22, Vir Juneja ’25, and Arav Tank ’23. Then the students were treated to two dance performances— a solo performance by Sara Juneja ’29 and then one featuring Eila Numbiar ’22 and Sunaya Mueller ’22 (see photo lower left, previous page).

DIVERSITYINITIATIVES

Compelling Conversations: “Law, Enforcement and Equality” Panel

Dwight-Englewood School

n light of national events in recent months, the D-E community has engaged in many important conversations about race in America— and students are often leading the way. Nicholas Schuermann ’16, who organized a “Die-In” on Leggett Field in December, also put together a panel discussion on “Law, Enforcement and Equality,” held on April 7. A group of about 40 D-E community members gathered in Hajjar Auditorium to see and hear the panel that discussed the recent events in Ferguson, Staten Island and elsewhere. Nick conceived and moderated the event, which was presented in conjunction with Clinton L. Carbon, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “Nick’s desire to plan this program grew from his awareness and involvement with New York City protests over the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown last summer,” Carbon explained. “When

Nick approached me with the idea, I immediately got on board with the project as I saw an opportunity for the D-E community to talk about these events.” Panelists included: • Bill Burke, former police officer and detective in Harlem and the Bronx, professor of African-American Studies, and father of two D-E Lower School students; • Ivan Wei, New Jersey State NAACP Youth & College Division president and past president, BCC NAACP Chapter; • Lawrence Suffern, Englewood chief of police. The evening included statements from the panelists, a discussion moderated by Nick, and a question-and-answer period. According to Carbon, “The panel spoke of the need for change in policing; the use and need for new technologies such as body cameras,

gun laws and response training; the need for more officers of color; better dialogue between police and civilians; and individual reaction to the string of events since last summer. Nick was very prepared with a range of questions to cover a number of topics, and the panel provided insightful and thought-provoking answers.”

D-E parent Bill Burke (left), a former NYPD officer and detective, was one of the featured panelists.

Why I Organized the “Law, Enforcement and Equality” Panel By Nicholas Schuermann ’16

his event was held to not only reflect on and discuss the recent events in Ferguson, Staten Island, and elsewhere, but also to encourage individuals to form their own beliefs. People came not only to listen, but also to learn. They entered with open minds as our fantastic lineup of panelists attempted to uncover what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen regarding racial inequality in today’s society. As the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” I believe the event itself was a huge success. My goal was to have people come and learn, and I believe I achieved that when some of the people in attendance stayed 30 minutes after the event ended to ask questions of our panelists, even after a two-hour event that included a Q & A session. The maintenance crew eventually kicked us

out, but the conversation continued. Some of the questions I heard were really well thought out and eloquent, and I realized that I had started something new at Dwight-Englewood. This was reinforced when people came up to me

[over] the next couple of days and continued to ask very insightful questions. The fact that I did not have answers to many of these questions really encouraged me to continue my study into this topic.

Five Students Attend Young Men of Color Symposium Contributed by Clinton L. Carbon, Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs

n April 11, five D-E students and I attended the second annual Young Men of Color Symposium, “iMatter: My Words, My Actions, My Life,” at Riverdale Country School. Symposium attendees included LeRoy Barr III ’20, Seon Layne ’16, Jalen Watson ’18, Naseer Wilson ’18, and Qadir Wilson ’20.

that men and boys might start to reconsider the way they want to be manly, what kind of men they want to be, when you start asking questions

challenging the status quo for what it means to be a man; it forces men… to reconsider all these very destructive symptoms of patriarchy.”

Carlos Andres Gomez, an award-winning poet, actor, and writer from NYC, was the keynote speaker and framed the day by highlighting the complexities and multiplicities that exist for each individual as he challenged and reimagined modern manhood for all who attended. Gomez stated, “The hope is…

Spring–Summer 2015

The symposium was a leadership conference for young men of color, grades 6–12, in independent schools in the New York City area. The day featured workshops and opportunities for participants to learn skills geared toward self-advocacy and academic achievement. The goal of the event was to create a collaborative community of schools serving young men of color. The symposium leadership wrote in their invitation to attend: “What our young men can be is often limited by stereotypes and prejudice, driven by comments like ‘You’re not Asian/Black/ Latino/Middle Eastern/Native enough’ or ‘You’re not a real man.’ This year’s conference will address the complexities, similarities and differences that exist amongst our young men of color.”

D-E students who participated in the Young Men of Color Symposium included (from left) Seon Layne ’16, Naseer Wilson ’18, Jalen Watson ’18, LeRoy Barr III ’20, and slightly behind, Qadir Wilson ’20.

Compelling Conversations II: I’m Not Racist…Am I?

onversations about race and privilege are at the heart of the documentary film I’m Not Racist...Am I?, which was screened at D-E in April. The evening event in Hajjar Auditorium included an introduction by the film’s director, Catherine Wigginton Greene, and a discussion and question-and-answer session afterward.

teenagers from public and private schools in New York City come together over the course of a school year to talk about race and privilege in a series of workshops and in conversations with friends and family members. Several D-E faculty members had seen the film at a national conference and wanted to share it with the greater D-E community.

Brought to the School through the efforts of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the film shows what happens when 12

As was noted in an invitation to the screening from Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant and Middle School

Principal Kathy Christoph to the Middle and Upper School communities, the intention was “to acquire language and vocabulary to hold meaningful discussions and to create safer spaces to foster dialogues about race. Many independent schools have been at the forefront of the movement to engage in these talks in our school communities, and we are one of those schools.” For the trailer of the film and more information, visit www.notracistmovie.com.

DIVERSITYINITIATIVES

Teens Talk About Racism Conference

Dwight-Englewood School

reating inclusive small-group conversations and not being afraid to voice opinions—even if they cause discord or controversy—were among the topics raised by students at the Teens Talk About Racism (TTAR) leadership conference held at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Hackensack Campus on May 28. D-E students were participants and group leaders at the event, which was attended by more than 100 high school students from nine area schools—both public and independent— and which featured a keynote address, a panel discussion, student presentations, and group sessions led by student facilitators.

Five D-E students served as student leaders in the group sessions: Joel Lee ’17, Gregory McDowell ’16, Arlene Mendez ’17, Leslie Moreaux ’16, and Isaiah Pean ’17. The other members of D-E’s student delegation were Nicholas Daniel ’17, Rachel Kim ’17, Seon Layne ’16, Nasrin Lin ’16, Estella Muro ’16, Nevien Swailmyeen ’16, Antonios Tsougarakis ’16, Christopher Victor ’17, and Naseer Wilson ’18. The group was chaperoned by Tasha Toran, director of College Counseling, and Terecille Basa-Ong ’03, communications associate. Joseph Murphy, chair of the D-E Ethics Department, also attended and facilitated the group sessions for the teachers, while his wife,

Maryann Woods-Murphy, served as co-chair of the event. Debbie Rivera ’11 also helped to coordinate the event. The keynote address was given by Joiselle Cunningham of the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Education, and the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. The Teaneck native told the audience told the audience, “Anti-racism is dismantling racism.” She offered five pieces of advice:

Nine D-E Upper School students were attendees while five students were facilitators at the 12th annual Teens Talk Racism conference held at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

2. Build your community. Who can you count on to help you think about challenging racism—either virtually or at school—and help you speak out in your circles and peer group? 3. Make sure you’re proud of who you are, and lift others in the process. If you’re proud of who you are, you’re a walking statement of anti-racism, not dictated by stereotypes or race or hierarchy. Part of the work of challenging racism, and building up others, is also part of the work of dismantling racism. 4. How do you show up when you enter a room? How does the skin you’re in affect the information you’re trying to convey? How does your skin relate to the work you want to do? Understanding the historical context and how it relates to what we experience today dismantles systemic racism. 5. Don’t be afraid to have uncomfortable conversations. Speak your truth, and don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind. In the conference’s final group reflection exercise, six student representatives spoke on behalf of their groups. Seon Layne noted: “We should use social media since it seems to be the way of the future. We need to talk in small groups rather than one big collective group.” Arlene Mendez stated, “Everyone should be in the conversation, not just people of color, and make an environment that everyone can be accustomed to. Diversity is not just about race.” The importance of the conference was perhaps best summed up by a student from Ridgewood, who declared, “We are the generation that can institute change.”

D-E Well Represented at National Diversity Conferences

even faculty/staff members and eight students comprised the D-E delegation to the National Association of Independent Schools’ 2014 People of Color Conference (known as PoCC) and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) in Indianapolis in early December. The separate but connected annual conferences drew more than 3,800 attendees this year and shared Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as two combined sessions on the third day and final day. The conferences featured a number of insightful speakers, including Michael Eric Dyson, author and professor of sociology at Georgetown University. In his speech on “Race, Racism, and Race Relations in America,” Dyson encouraged the crowd to “Open your mouth and be brave. Recognize the humanity of everyone who exists and the right for everyone to breathe.” Dyson also gave a “shout-out” to his student Debbie Rivera ’11, a member of this year’s SDLC faculty for the first time since attending the conference as a D-E student.

Students attended workshops, participated and led group exercises on class and race, and enjoyed an “open mic” session and a dance. D-E’s students, Jennifer de los Santos ’15, Savannah DiGiovanni ’16, Miranda Duster ’15, Joel Lee ’17, Yanal Matari ’15, Arlene Mendez ’17, Isaiah Pean ’17, and Michelle Rowicki ’16, also participated in evening “debriefs” with their chaperones, who included: Terecille Basa-Ong ’03, communications associate; Clinton L. Carbon, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs; Diane Christian, Upper School English teacher; Marisol Diaz, visual arts teacher; Maya Gunaseharan ’08, director of Student Activities; Joseph Murphy, Ethics Department chair; Shakeh Tashjian, director of Summer Connections and Upper School math teacher; and Tasha Toran, co-director of College Counseling.

In many of the workshops and activities, students and adults were in separate groups, but on the third day the groups joined together for affinity groups by race/ethnicity and gender, and by region/state. In the student-led dialogues, D-E was grouped with Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) and Another speaker and master class Princeton Day School (PDS), and each leader, psychologist and scholar school’s student contingent led the Derald Wing Sue, discussed entire group of adults in thought“microaggressions.” He advocated for provoking exercises. MKA had the adults education as the best way to combat play Charades by creating six-second racism. “We are in a struggle and battle Vine videos of a hashtag, with the other concerning the racial reality of America,” adults guessing the hashtag—such as he said. “It’s a systemic situation, so how #AllLivesMatter and #WhitePrivilege. do we address it? The only way we can PDS led a fishbowl exercise where faculty get rid of these biases is if we aim our members, divided by gender, listened efforts to pre-K to 12 [students] through in on each other’s conversations about a multicultural curriculum…Many things exclusion, safety, and sexual identity. are important here, but the key element Meanwhile, D-E got the adults is to make the invisible visible.” thinking about where they stood along the privilege line. Other speakers included Maysoon Zayid, a comedian/actress, who spoke A few days after returning, PoCC and on “Growing Up Muslim in America”; SDLC attendees from 2014 and prior Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter of years met during the Faculty/Staff the Reverend Oliver L. Brown who sued Diversity Committee meeting with Head the Board of Education of Topeka in the of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett and 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education Upper School Principal Joe Algrant. lawsuit that declared segregated schools Students and faculty members had unconstitutional; Pulitzer Prize-winning a chance to share some of their journalist and filmmaker Jose Antonio experiences and to discuss how to Vargas; and award-winning journalist keep the judgment-free, positive Sonia Nazario. spirit of the conferences alive at D-E.

Spring–Summer 2015

1. Challenge yourself. Challenge the message you’re receiving, your beliefs, and how you counter racism on a daily basis.

SpeakerSeriesOverview Staying on “The Road to Well-Being”

Dwight-Englewood School

The yearlong series of “Road to Well-Being” speakers continued throughout the winter and early spring, featuring panelists and individual guest speakers from our alumni body, as well as current and past parents. Intriguing discussion topics and spirited discourse were a common aspect of the series. To see more photos from the series and access resource links to many of our presenters’ representative organizations, visit www.d-etoday.org.

n December, D-E welcomed back to campus alumna Daphne Oz ’04, co-host of ABC’s hit daytime show The Chew and author of best-selling cookbook Relish. Oz joined Middle/Upper School chef Luke Kuchavik and Lower School chef Ricardo Alvarez from D-E’s Flik Dining Services team for an educational and entertaining panel discussion. Titled “The Chew & You: Healthful, Tasty Nutrition,” the presentation included a display on the Schenck Auditorium stage of representative “smart” and “not-so-smart” lunch, dinner, and snack plates.

The speakers also discussed topics such as how nutrition can be used to deal with stress and low energy; how students and adults both can make eating decisions in thoughtful (but not overly sacrificial!) ways, particularly after a long day at school; and how chefs and professional nutritionists make decisions on what they themselves should eat. Both children and adults asked a variety of thought-provoking questions including how to avoid “the freshman 15” when starting college; what types of foods are best for healthy living (think whole grains and beans); and why eating a Snickers bar is essentially the same as eating a bagel, in terms of carbohydrates. In January, D-E hosted Dr. Wendy Chung, a molecular geneticist and D-E parent (Rudy ’20 and Johnny ’27). Chung directs the clinical genetics program at Columbia University, where she is responsible for managing NIH-funded research programs in human genetics of obesity, breast cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and birth defects. She also leads the Simons VIP study characterizing genetic forms of autism and tests novel treatments for autism in clinical trials. For her presentation to D-E students, Chung provided a fascinating overview on the impact of genetics on myriad aspects of peoples’ identity—such as eye color and the condition of color blindness—and how those in the field of genetics today are helping medical professionals to better understand chronic conditions, congenital diseases, and more. Also in January, psychologist Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair provided

a series of presentations for students, faculty, and parents/guardians, on the topic of “The Sustainable Family: Principles for Strengthening Family Connections in the Digital Age.” The author of The Big Disconnect, Steiner-Adair discussed the idea that while technology can be complicated, “deciding that we want the healthiest, most meaningful and sustainable lives for our children and families isn’t complicated at all.” Dr. Steiner-Adair also offered practical perspective on the reality that connectedness will look different “as technology continues to shape-shift before our eyes: The parenting paradox of the moment is that as much as technology enables us to connect to our families more than ever, it also can contribute to our losing touch with those we love in some essential ways.” Her presentations demonstrated how talking realistically about technology can help families to support their children and educate them for both social and emotional intelligence.

Psychologist Kim Agresta ’81 discussed the critical importance of nurturing mental health and knowing when to get professional help in “the pursuit of happiness.”

Award-winning poet Joshua Bennett provided an inspiring spoken word performance centered on the importance and empowerment fueled by self-expression. At both the Middle and Upper School assemblies on February 19, the Yonkers, NY, native read from his new collection, Algorithm & Blues, as well as other poems and a work-inprogress manuscript. A 2010 University of Pennsylvania graduate, Bennett is a doctoral candidate in the English Department at Princeton University and has received fellowships from the Ford Foundation, The Center for the Study of Social Difference at Columbia University, and the Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop. Winner of the 2014 Lucille Clifton Poetry Prize, Bennett has had poems published in publications such as Anti-, Callaloo, and Women & Performance. Bennett has recited his original work at events such as the Sundance Film Festival, the NAACP Image Awards, and President Obama’s Evening of Poetry and Music at The White House. He is also the founding editor of Kinfolks: a journal of black expression.

How far in advance should you turn off your electrical devices before going to bed? Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair challenged students’ concepts of appropriate tech use during her “Road to Well-Being” presentation. The answer? Power down 30 minutes before lights out!

Spring–Summer 2015

D-E parents and alumni came together for a February evening panel discussion on “Happy, Healthy Living: The Basics & Beyond.” Coming from very different areas of expertise, the guest speakers had lively debates on a number of topics. Panelist Kimberly Agresta ’81, who has a master’s degree in clinical social work and is a co-founder of Women’s Wellness, brought to bear her more than 14 years of experience in the mental health profession, specializing in anxiety disorders, relationship counseling, women’s issues, and family and group therapy. Panelist Laurence M. Milgrim, M.D. ’81, has been in private practice for more than 20 years, specializing in facial plastic surgery, both reconstructive and cosmetic, and non-surgical rejuvenation of the aging face. Panelist Heidi Skolnik ’79, who is a certified dietary manager and a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, is considered a thought leader in nutrition. She has advised professional sports teams (including the New York Giants and Knicks) and influenced millions through her media work on national news, writing, and thriving consulting business. The three ensured that the program was a fantastic opportunity to hear varying, expert insights on how diet, exercise, stress and anxiety can affect one’s skin, body, mind, and overall sense of well-being. The “Road to Well-Being” series wrapped up with two events in April. A “Keeping Healthy Kids Healthy” session was held in partnership with the D-E Parents’ Association parent education committee, featuring Sarah Burrill with the Freedom from Chemical Dependency educational organization. Burrill met with D-E students in grades 6–12 and then followed up with an evening session for parents and guardians for intensive, thought-provoking conversations about healthy decision making and substance use. Also in April, “The Pursuit of Happiness” was the topic of a daytime assembly program for students in grades 5–12 and an evening panel presentation for adults, both presented by certified professional coach Allison Holzer and educator Deb Park of the nonprofit organization Pursuit of Happiness. The experts talked about how individuals can develop a new mindset of happiness to help deal with everyday and long-term challenges and, ultimately, impact identity and self-confidence.

Alumna Daphne Oz ’04 was joined by chefs Ricardo Alvarez (far left) and Luke Kuchavik of D-E’s Flik Dining Service for a fun, food-centric panel discussion called “The Chew & You.”

Plastic surgeon Dr. Laurence “Larry” Milgrim ’81 discussed physiology and how to foster a healthier body and happier self-image without taking overly invasive tactics.

VolunteerHappenings Three Cheers for Volunteers!

The importance of volunteers to Dwight-Englewood School is highlighted in two relatively new gatherings: the Parents’ Association Volunteer Fair and the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. For more information about the D-E Parents' Association (PA) and opportunities to volunteer and get involved, visit www.d-e.org/pa.

Dwight-Englewood School

he Parents’ Association (PA) Volunteer Fair this spring took place in a packed Hajjar Auditorium, with lines forming at virtually all the committee sign-up tables. “Our fair continues to gain momentum, motivating both current and newly enrolled families to volunteer with the School,” noted Stephanie Landau, PA president. “We have been lucky to also have great representation by all our volunteer leaders during the fair. There is tangible excitement in the air, when you hear people talking about the rewards of serving as a Class Rep; helping out at the COOP; lending green thumbs, shovels and trowels, and muscle power to our Green Garden program; rallying support for Annual Fund; assisting our librarians; or becoming a “Friend of the Arts” member who coordinates our fantastic opening night receptions. The fair helps to put all these opportunities into better perspective and better connects us all too!”

The Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, held on Leggett Field under the tent the week prior to Reunion-Commencement weekend, kicked off with welcome comments from Director of Advancement Pat Boig, who noted, “We can never repay you for all that you have given to D-E—your time, your energy, and your ideas.” Head of School Dr. De Jarnett recognized three “happily graduating but unfortunately irreplaceable parents who have contributed literally thousands of hours to D-E”: •Bonnie Federman (mother to Shira ’15 and Eric ’09) has been a champion of parent education at Dwight-Englewood. She was a founding member of PEP, the Parent Education Partnership, and most recently served as the chair of the Parent Education Committee of the D-E Parents’ Association. Bonnie worked with Student Support Services to update the Parent Resources web page as a way to offer parents important information ranging from mental health to college transition. She has also worked closely with the Upper School office to plan invaluable student and parent programming on a variety of issues affecting our students’ lives. During her tenure as a D-E volunteer, Bonnie also worked at the COOP and the annual Book Fair.

Parent volunteer Bonnie Federman was one of three honorees recognized, in particular for her “visionary leadership” with regard to parent education workshops and resources.

Parent volunteer and honoree Lenora Klein has been involved in “spending literally thousands of hours on countless, incredibly successful special events” as noted by Dr. De Jarnett.

•Miki Hyun (mother of Sarah ’15) has been a leader and a mentor to the Korean American Affinity group for the past seven-plus years, serving as president from 2008 to 2010. Among many other projects, Miki was instrumental in introducing the Sejong USA teacher cultural exchange program to Dwight-Englewood and spearheading

The annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch was held in the big tent on Leggett Field and emceed by “Dr. D” (at podium).

Spring–Summer 2015

Head of School Dr. De Jarnett answered questions during a Parents’ Association meeting held after the annual Volunteer Fair.

D-E parent Deb Gagnon welcomes a new volunteer to the Lower School Halloween Party Committee.

the fundraising efforts to underwrite the trip for two D-E faculty members every year for the past four years. She has chaired numerous fundraising and community building events in her home playing a large role in making the Korean Affinity Group the supportive and involved group that it is today. She has also served as a member of the Annual Fund Committee. •Lenora Klein (mother of Corey ’15 and Cameron ’14) has been at the helm of the annual Book Fair for over 12 years. Starting in the Lower School with a small bake sale, Lenora expanded the Parents’ Association main fundraiser to encompass the entire school, including a much-anticipated Raffle and Student Café. Involved with special events since 2001, Lenora revitalized the look and feel of the Fashion Show & Luncheon along with her co-chair, Robin Modell. A biennial event, the Fashion Show has contributed significantly to the Faculty and Staff Professional Development Fund over the years. Lenora has served as a vital member of the Auction Steering Committee and as chair of the Souvenir Journal for the past 12 years. This past year, Lenora was chair of the Auction Steering Committee and was an invaluable member of the 125th Gala Steering Committee in 2014. She is also a long time COOP volunteer and has served as a Class Representative throughout her children’s years at D-E.

Tasha Urbanowski (in green, right), a co-chair of the Green Garden Project, talks with a prospective parent volunteer about exciting, future garden plans.

After the honorees were each given a small gift, they received a standing ovation, and these final words of thanks from Pat Boig: “We want you to know that you are simply the best of what D-E is all about.”

Miki Hyun (center, front row) was surrounded by friends following the recognition of her efforts on behalf of the Korean Parents Affinity Group, during the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch.

AUCTION Auction Gala Dinner Dance

Dwight-Englewood School

The 2015 Auction Gala Dinner Dance for Dwight-Englewood School took place on February 28 at The Rockleigh country club in Rockleigh, NJ. As is tradition, the fundraiser for the School’s Faculty and Staff Development Fund also honored a few of D-E’s exceptional teachers and staff members. Special Events Director Bea Movsesian stated, “We chose the theme of 'Reach for the Stars’ for Auction 2015 because we believe that this is something that the faculty and staff of Dwight-Englewood prepare our students to do every day!”

he event kicked off with cocktails and a Silent Auction, which featured hundreds of items in categories that included Around the House, Health & Beauty, Entertainment, Gourmet & Getaways, and Sports & Electronics. Auction guests then enjoyed dinner and dancing to live music by the New York-based party band Booga Sugar. The Live Auction featured many enticing items for bid, including a 2015 Mercedes-Benz, a table for six at the famed Rao’s, premiere seating for a Yankees vs. Orioles game, and a 201 Magazine photo shoot. During the evening’s festivities, Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett recognized the three Auction honorees:

• Carole DeVito, the current chair of the History Department, joined the D-E faculty in 1979. She has taught a variety of courses over the past 35 years, including ancient and medieval history, art history, and European history. She was on the founding committee that created the now well-established D-E Senior Focus program along with two colleagues, Rob Brisk and Peter Herzberg. She has received numerous awards and fellowships, including two Fulbright awards, one to India and one to Japan. DeVito has participated in NEH seminars and has received awards for her teaching from the University of Chicago and Stanford University, and she spent a full year at Columbia University as a Klingenstein Fellow

Dr. John Hajjar, president of the D-E Board of Trustees, welcomed Auction guests and described the importance of the School’s Faculty and Staff Development Fund, which is the program that the fundraiser supports.

studying independent schools and preparing a project on a feminist re-vision of art history. She credits D-E for educating her daughter and son-in-law, Sara ’91 and James Farnsworth ’83; introducing her to her husband, the veteran faculty member Pasquale DeVito; and giving her a life of community, support, and endless stimulation and growth. • James “Bud” Praylow started at D-E in 1999 as one of the first security personnel for the School. Praylow

Event Highlights Big-Ticket Items: Rao’s Table at $13,000—sold twice; new Bulldog puppies at $10,000 each—sold twice. Net Income: $275,000 - $300,000 Attendees: 410 Live Auction Income: $100,000

• Fifth grade teacher Erik Swanson has been teaching science and social studies and assisting with the Creating Original Opera Program at D-E for 10

years. He says, “One of my goals as a teacher over the years has focused on keeping my students excited about their learning with the hope of fostering a life-long passion for learning. In science, for example, I try to make many of my lessons hands-on. I want the students to be the scientists to instill ownership over their work. Learning is fun, and the more active students are in their learning process, the more success they will have academically and socially. We encourage students to take chances and to try even when they are not sure of the outcome. I also try to model this in my classroom by trying new ideas, from Responsive Classroom techniques to mindfulness practices. We are all life-long learners if we want to be.”

Thanks to the Auction 2015 Steering Committee! Auction Chairs Lenora Klein Robin Modell Acquisition Chairs Monica Borg Julie Diaz Display & Decoration Chairs Kelly Sacks Miyako Hontani Schwartz ’81 Invitation Chairs Nila Festekjian Mary Ann Guerriero Marcia Knowles Souvenir Journal Chairs Abbey Braverman Kate Rodgers Alumni Liaisons Christine Campos Semsel ’86 Julia Hollander Weksler ’85 Special Events Director Bea Movsesian

This year’s Auction paid special tribute to: Lower School science teacher Erik Swanson (far left); James “Bud” Praylow of D-E’s Security and Maintenance Team; and Carole DeVito, chair of the History Department.

An exciting item for bid during the Live Auction was the new Bulldog Puppy statue. Congratulations to both Dr. Bryan and Jodi Massoud and Dr. John and Sharon Hajjar for winning “twins” of this special D-E keepsake. More Bulldog Puppies are available; for additional details, see page 71.

D-E parents Robin Modell (left) and Lenora Klein, who served as the Auction’s co-chairs, “did an absolutely incredible job yet again” in the words of Head of School Dr. De Jarnett, in terms of coordinating a highly successful, entertaining, and productive special event.

Spring–Summer 2015

provides campus security during the evening hours and “so much more,” according to Special Events Director Bea Movsesian. Movsesian notes, “Bud takes care of everyone at the School who is here for after school events, making sure all students are picked up, everyone is safe, and that the campus is secure. He relates well to parents, students, staff, administration and the community, upholding his high moral character and telling a few riddles here and there.” In 2002, Carpe Diem, the official D-E School Yearbook, was dedicated to him.

Dwight-Englewood School

auction

Springâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Summer 2015

ARTS&CULTURE highlights Applause, Applause!

This spring and early summer, the D-E arts program offered dozens of opportunities for education, entertainment, and even some enlightenment! The photo collage here represents a small sampling of artworks and images captured during all these events. Go online to www.d-etoday.org to view even more examples of how D-E celebrates the arts.

Dwight-Englewood School

Performing and Visual Arts Highlights

he annual Spring Arts Festival and Orchestra Extravaganza events featured fantastic live performances—in a packed Schenck Auditorium—from all our instrumental and vocal groups including the newly formed Lower School Winds and String Orchestra ensembles; our Middle and Upper School hand bell ensembles; Dwight Mix; and the D-E Guitar Ensemble. Displays of ceramics, line drawings, watercolors, and mixed media pieces rounded out the event, which was enhanced by a reception hosted by the D-E Parents’ Association “Friends of the Arts” group. Cabaret Night, a more cozy affair in Hajjar Auditorium in late May, showcased Stage Band and Upper School vocalists in soulful performances of “Stay With Me” (Smith); “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (Porter); and “Manteca”(Gillespie), among others. Our youngest artists and performers in the Lower School created works inspired by Monet, Van Gogh, and Pollack; dramatically demonstrated the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest;

and carried on a great tradition with the fifth grade’s “Crew of 52” original opera production titled Inside Out. Middle School thespians were equally inspired and created #dreaming, an original and memorable modern-day rendition of A

Midsummer Night’s Dream. Within the Upper School, the Orchestra shared performances with visiting ensembles from the United Kingdom and Australia, and the spring musical, Seussical, was a hit with all ages. The elite ensemble StringJam worked on its first professional recording (visit www.d-e.org/arts later this summer to learn more). The Swartley Gallery was fortunate to host “Selections from the Conglomerate,” an exhibit featuring the works of Phil Young (professor emeritus of art, Hartwick College, and father of visual arts teacher Caitlyn Young), and also hosted our most accomplished student artists with the annual Senior Spotlight Exhibit (kudos to this year’s exhibit winner Isabel Levin ’15).

STEM Art Making Challenge

Spring–Summer 2015

Motivated by the exciting construction of the Hajjar STEM Center, the D-E Visual Arts Department coordinated a STEM Art Making Challenge this spring, led by faculty member Rachel Brusky. All Middle and Upper School students and faculty were invited to create art inspired by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Submissions were welcomed in all media, including drawings, photography, digital artwork, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and videos. The results were incredible! The array of works were then displayed at the Imperatore Library and are now viewable online at www.d-e.org/arts. Brusky commented, “While viewing the work, you are invited to reflect on the connections that the artists are making and that you perceive between these subjects. Additionally, this show represents the transition from STEM to STEAM, which incorporates art and design into the study and practice of the STEM subjects.”

ATHLETICHIGHLIGHTS Thrilling victories, agonizing defeats, and history being made were all part of the exciting spring 2015 sports season, detailed below. Catch more sports photos at www.d-etoday.org, and for the very latest in practice and game schedules, directions to fields and courts, and news highlights, visit www.d-e.org/athletics!

Dwight-Englewood School

Middle School Sports Overview

By C. Christian Schmid, Middle School Athletics and Physical Education Director The level of participation in the Middle School athletic program continues to be remarkable! More than 50% of our students were engaged with one of the six teams offered this past spring. The fields and courts of play were hubs of activity for well over eight weeks, and to varying degrees, all teams experienced success both on the individual and team basis. In girls track and field, Hannah Brown ’19 established new records for the 800, 55 hurdles, and 100 hurdles. Jessie Law ’21 now holds second place in the record books for the 1600, as does Paulina Chartouni ’20 for the 200.

Finishing 9-2-0, the softball team was led by pitcher Chloe Levi ’19, who average four strikeouts per game. Jayna Waldman ’19 and Ryan Rodgers ’19 led the offense and defense, while Marion Kemelman ’19 steadfastly protected the plate at the catcher’s position. After a slow start to the season, the baseball team won three out of the last five games to end well. The last game of the season finished in dramatic fashion, as the team posted a comefrom-behind victory with two outs in the bottom of the last inning. Jason Gordon ’19 finished with a .409 batting average followed by Ethan Brochin ’21 (.385), Conor Tierney ’19 (.333), Ben Zhu ’19 (.316) and Jake Lagana ’20 (.304). Jason Gordon ’19 also provided leadership by tossing two no-hit games this season. Shout-outs for stellar plays also go to Amaan Mahadeven ’19 and Max Modell ’20.

Our boys tennis team finished the season with a 5-4 winning record. With each passing match, the boys displayed more grit and became more focused as they honed their strategies and skills! Our boys lacrosse team, with leadership from three-year members Michael Kuske ’19 (2nd leading scorer) and Simon Model ’19 (goalie), had a 3-5-1 record. The Bulldogs achieved key wins against long-time rivals Elisabeth Morrow School and Montclair Kimberly Academy. Other highlights include stellar play from seventh graders Jonny Leibowitz ’20 (leading scorer) and Ryan Katiraei ’20, and sixth graders Paul Philliou ’21 (defense) and Justin Abramowitz ’21 (midfield). Under the guidance of Coach Garcia and Coach Franco, the girls lacrosse team finished with a record of 7-2-1. Scoring leaders were Linda Chen ’19 and Chloe Levi ’19. The defense was anchored by Ashley Chang ’19 and goalkeeper Phoebe Snyder ’19.

By Eli Goldberger, D-E Athletics Director What a fantastic season for the Bulldogs! It’s not an exaggeration to claim that the 2014–15 campaign was the most successful D-E sports year in history! Our boys tennis team again reigned supreme in Bergen County! The Bulldogs won both the league title and the County title and were named North Jersey Team of the Year! The team advanced to the State Sectional final where they were defeated by the #1 team in the State: Newark Academy. (See the boys tennis sidebar for the full story.) The boys lacrosse team had a slow start, losing three tough games to start the season. However, as the season wore on, our Bulldogs bounced back by winning the last five games to finish the regular season at .500. The highlight was when we soundly defeated Pascack Hills’ Cowboys at home after losing to the same team a few days earlier in the Bergen County Tournament.

The baseball team finished the season 13-10 overall and advanced to the second round of the state tournament. The ’Dogs were led by first-team all-league performer Dallas Devlin ’16, who recorded the 100th hit of his career; freshman standout Lachlan Charles ’18 in center field; and designated hitter Chris Anton ’16, who was named second team all league. Other notable performers were pitcher and second baseman Corey Klein ’15, right fielder Dan Reiff ’15, catcher Joseph Saffioti ’16, and shortstop Michael Guerriero ’17. The girls lacrosse team showed considerable improvement this season. Our Lady Bulldogs won five of their last nine contests, including a thrilling and very satisfying 16-15 decision over Fieldston. The team was led by standout Stella Mayer ’15 who, although it was only her first season playing lacrosse, was named first team all league. Also contributing to the success of the team were Captain Stasia Kuske ’15 (an all-league goalie), Katie Park ’16, and Regan Contrucci ’17. Our track and field team took our breath away on more than one occasion. Of special note was our 4x100 Girls Relay team, which won a state group title in Egg Harbor—a first for D-E. (See the track and field sidebar for more details.)

The Ultimate Frisbee team (who call themselves the “Plastic Bulldogs”) had an amazing year in only their second season as a varsity sport! The team finished the year with a 20-5 record and advanced to the state quarterfinals of the Division 1 State Tournament! (See Ultimate sidebar for the full story.) The golf team, led by first-year head coach Emily Linn ’08, had a fine season. The Bulldogs finished 11-4 and placed second in the league. The team was led by Matthew Lee ’17 who was named first team all league. Also receiving all-league honors were Brandon Hahn ’18 and Amil Prajapati ’16 who were both named second team all league. Finally, our softball squad went 4-16 under first year coach Juan Gomez. Although the team didn’t win as many games as they would have hoped, they did show steady improvement as the season progressed. The team had three players named second team all league: catcher Isabel Guerriero ’15, pitcher Heather-Rae Goldfarb ’16, and outfielder Olivia D’Alessandro ’15.

Spring–Summer 2015

Upper School Sports Overview

Boys Tennis, Ultimate, and Track & Field Teams “Spring” into History!

Dwight-Englewood School

Boys Tennis

he boys tennis team capped off a memorable season in which they went 24-3 and won the Bergen County Tournament decisively, with unprecedented success at the NJSIAA singles and doubles tournaments: the Bulldogs had three players make it all the way to the quarterfinals for the first time in D-E School history! Doubles pair Zachary Canelos ’15 and Martin For the first time in D-E history, we had three Bulldogs make it to the quarterfinals stage of the Schecter ’16, the top doubles pair in Bergen County, advanced to the NJSIAA tennis tournament singles and doubles Round of 8 for the second year in a matches. Pictured (from left) are Coach Chris Chan, Coach Sarah Macone, Zachary Canelos row, losing a tight three-set match to ’15, Martin Schecter ’16, Daniel Nuzhny ’18, #3 seeded Millburn, while freshman Coach Joe Iwanski, and Captain Jordan sensation Daniel Nuzhny ’18, a Runyon ’15. Bergen County Champion, also advanced to the Round of 8, where he lost a tight two-set match to the #3 seed as well. Coach Joe Iwanski also noted, “The Star-Ledger came out with their end-of-season honors in early June, and several of our players were recognized, in a big way! First of all, the entire boys varsity team finished #9 in the final Top 20 poll. Zach and Martin were named 3rd team all-state doubles, and were first-team all-non-public doubles. Daniel was named first team all-non-public singles, and was also named the North Jersey Athletic Conference’s Player-of-the-Year! Pretty fantastic news for all three guys and great for the team to finish in the top 10.”

Track and Field Start, Finish Strong

oach Fred Daly chalked up a number of successes this season. For starters, the boys set 12 new relay records, and the girls set 10 relay records. The girls also were second in the Bergen County Relays, D-E’s highest finish at the county level ever, and the boys also achieved second place at the state sectionals, which was the team’s highest finish in the state tournament ever. In terms of specific student standouts: The girls 4 x 100 team (Miranda Duster ’15, Elise Simon ’17, Sally Hwang ’18, Shereen Al-Sawwaf ’15) won the race at the state groups, making them state champions for our group. Also qualifying for the State Meet of Champions were Aleem James ’15, David Lysenko ’15, Ryan Semsel ’15, Tara Satnick ’16, and Jessica Verp ’17. Perhaps most notably, no less than 17 D-E athletes qualified for the New Balance Nationals Outdoors, held in Greensboro, NC, from June 19 to 21. They are the first athletes in our D-E School history to go to nationals. Way to go, Bulldogs!

Our 4 x 100 girls relay team are New Jersey State Champions for Non-Public Group B! Here they are after their successful race at the championship meet in Egg Harbor on May 30. Pictured (from left) are Coach Courtney Marro, Elise Simon ’17, Sally Hwang ’18, Miranda Duster ’15, Shereen Al-Sawwaf ’15, and Coach Fred Daly.

Plastic Bulldogs Make Us Proud

wo years after making its full-league season debut, the D-E Ultimate Frisbee team had its best year yet, with a top-five finish in the New Jersey High School Boys Division I after a 20-5 season. According to Coach Mike Bell, “This was our strongest season to date, having placed 10th last year and 2nd in Division II, and 14th in 2013.” The team, which refers to itself as the Plastic Bulldogs, attended the 2015 New Jersey High School Boys Division I State Championship as the #5 seed in late May. “The boys played very hard… and came within one point of taking down the #4 seed, West Windsor South, who won the game in overtime at 12-13,” noted Coach Bell. “We went 3-3 in the tournament and ’ultimately’ (pardon the pun) finished fifth in the state.” “Captain Jacob Snyder ’15 set a new record for touchdowns scored in one season, 50,” Coach Bell added. “He was the previous record holder, scoring 48 in 2014.” With the 24-member team made up of a good mix of freshman, sophomores, and juniors, we look forward to future successes from the Plastic Bulldogs!

D-E’s Ultimate team finished the season 20-5, placing fifth in New Jersey. Captain Jacob Snyder ’15 set a new record for touchdowns scored in one season: 50!

STUDENTStandouts&FacultyEndeavors An Embarrassment of Riches The talents and interests of our students and faculty members are many, as are their accomplishments on campus, in the community, in the country, and in the world. For even more student standouts and faculty endeavors, visit www.d-etoday.org.

Robotics Team Makes Super-Regional Championship Contributed by Dr. Marco Pagnotta, Robotics Faculty Advisor

“We met a lot of competitive teams from all over the East Coast, and we competed in nine intense games,” says Irene Wu ’15, who joined the team her senior year. “Although we didn’t get the opportunity to advance to internationals, I do believe that as a team, we did our best in the Super-Regional, and we showed

Robotics team member Toren Arginteanu ’15 won first place in the PTC Design Challenge at the State Championships, in which he had 30 minutes to computer design a virtual bot that could sort seashells by size.

Spring–Summer 2015

-E’s robotics team, known as Team 0207/Critical Mass, ended its best season ever with a trip to the First Tech Challenge (FTC) East Super-Regional Championship, held at the University of Scranton over spring break in March. Team 0207 competed against the top teams from Maine to Virginia in a game called Cascade Effect, which involved knocking different sized Wiffle-type balls out of an elevated container, picking them up and placing them into rolling goals—basically tubes of varying heights—and getting the robot to move these goals up onto a ramp.

D-E’s robotics team, known as Team 0207/Critical Mass, had its best season ever, according to faculty advisor Dr. Marco Pagnotta.

ourselves what we are capable of, and I think that’s what counts most.” The three-day event also included fun as well as competitive games. “Spectators were dressed up in crazy costumes and cheering on their teams,” says Tara Satnick ’16. One of the nights included a dance. Says Tara, “We had a mixer with all of the teams in the competition, which was especially interesting to me because I was able to interact with our competitors in a new setting.” The team’s road to the FTC East Super-Regional was a long one, involving competitions and qualifying meets in both New Jersey and New York. Highlights included winning the prestigious Inspire Award (which is given to teams that perform well both on and off the field); qualifying for the Garden State Rumble New Jersey FTC State Championship Tournament; and winning the PTC Design Award, spearheaded by the computer designs

of Toren Arginteanu ’15. Toren also came in first in the state in a separate design challenge where he had 30 minutes to computer-design a robot that could sort sea shells at the Jersey Shore. The team also competed for and was awarded two grants this season—one for financial support and one for a 3D printer, which was used to make some critical parts for the team’s robot. Overall, this past season was a great way to end the robotics experience for the nine graduating seniors who were active members of Team 0207, seven of whom are going on to STEAM-related fields in college. Says Irene Wu, “I am grateful to Dr. Pagnotta and all of my teammates for making robotics one of my best high school memories that I will cherish forever. They not only helped me open up my eyes to a brand new technology field, but also led me to believe that with imagination and determination, I can do much more than I ever expected.”

StudentStandouts&FacultyEndeavors

Student-Led Effort for St. Jude

Dwight-Englewood School

his spring a group of fifth grade students organized and implemented a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Organizers Diya Bhatia ’22, Hyeri Chun ’22, Emma Lagana ’22, Sunaya Mueller ’22, Naz and Nehir Ozden ’22, and Sophia Seriale ’22 started by inviting classmates to donate gently used toys and books for resale. During their recess periods and after school, they sorted the materials, put prices on them, and created flyers advertising the sale. Since they thought most of the items would appeal to younger students, they decided that the sale would be for students in kindergarten and first and second grades.

Environmental Honors for Don McNeil, Lynne Algrant

wo members of the D-E community were honored by the Flat Rock Brook Nature Association in Englewood at its biennial Recognition Dinner and Auction this spring for outstanding volunteers and community support. Don McNeil, a faculty member of the Science Department, became the first-ever recipient of Flat Rock Brook’s Environmental Leadership Award, given for the countless hours of time and excellent guidance that he has provided to that organization over the years. Additionally, City of Englewood Councilwoman Lynne Algrant, who also is a D-E parent (Isabelle ’17; Haley ’21) and wife of Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant, was recognized with the organization’s Community Leadership Award. The Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is a 150-acre nature preserve with more than three miles of hiking trails and hundreds of annual educational programs. Its mission is to preserve the woodlands within its boundaries and to provide outdoor educational experiences to thousands of adults and children each year.

The effort was the brainchild of Emma Lagana, who says the idea of helping children at St. Jude came to her last Christmas when she was reflecting on how fortunate she is. She pitched the idea to the other fifth graders, who decided they wanted to help. The event ultimately raised more than $500. She says, “The day of the sale, I felt really excited and nervous. During the entire process I learned how to work with a group and how to keep organized. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’m glad that we helped St. Jude!”

D-E science faculty member Don McNeil (back row, first on the right) and D-E parent Lynne Algrant (front row, third from left) were both recognized for their outstanding voluntarism at the Flat Rock Brook Center’s spring gala.

Lisa Mordkovich ’15 Represents United States at International Philosophy Olympiad

L Fifth grade students took on a new initiative to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which involved creativity, organization, and perseverance. For additional details on how their work was an excellent example of nurturing these and other non-cognitive traits, please see the “Teaching and Learning” section on page 4.

isa Mordkovich ’15 was one of two students to represent the United States at the 23rd International Philosophy Olympiad, held in Tartu, Estonia, in May. She was selected via a national essay-writing contest of the American Philosophy Olympiad (APO). Essays must be written in a language that is not the national language of one’s own country. Lisa, who will attend Middlebury College in the fall, wrote her philosophical essay in Spanish. A rewarding part of Lisa’s trip to Estonia was the time delegates spent interacting with one another, “having thought-provoking conversations with them, and sharing your various perspectives with each other.” She says, “These kinds of experiences are so rare, so I feel incredibly lucky that D-E provided me with the opportunity to seize them.”

Following in the Footsteps of Haydn and Mozart: Mary Heveran

ower School music teacher Mary Heveran was one of several teachers able to combine a D-E professional development opportunity with realizing a lifelong dream. Her grant from the School enabled her to visit the places where classical music began—and to use what she saw and did to enrich her teaching.

Heveran also visited the famed St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, where Haydn sang as a choirboy.

Lower School music teacher and director of the “Creating Original Opera” program Mary Heveran used a D-E grant to immerse herself in the milieu of composers Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Here is Mary before she enjoyed a performance at the Vienna State Opera House.

Heveran’s desire to follow in the footsteps of Haydn and Mozart in Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest has always been closely related to her teaching. “For many years I have been telling children the stories of the childhood and young adulthood of classical composers,” she explains. “I choose this approach in the hopes that children would realize that, at one time, these famous composers were children just like them and to hopefully inspire them to become the next great composer of our time. As I would read these stories to the children, and I would mention certain places in Europe, I always wondered what it would be like to visit the house where Mozart was born or where he composed his first opera or go to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna where Haydn first sang as a boy. It has also been my dream to attend an opera at the Vienna State Opera House, combining my passion for opera with the experience of being in the city of music where Mozart conducted his operas.”

In Salzburg, Heveran visited Mozart’s birthplace and childhood home. On an all-day “Sound of Music” tour, she went to “all the places where the von Trapp family lived, played, sang, and summered, as well as the chapel where Maria married Georg von Trapp.” Ending in Budapest, Heveran attended “several outdoor concerts, street fairs, and festivals where all types of music were being played, everything from string quartets, to opera, to accordion music, as well as attending high Mass at St. Matyas Church.” Sharing her experiences with her students this school year was as rewarding as the trip itself. “It is so satisfying and heart warming to see the faces and hear questions and comments from children in all grades say things such as: You actually went to Mozart’s house? You stood on the same floor he did? What was it like to see the clavier Haydn played? You mean you actually got to see the violin Mozart played as a child? You saw the actual writing implement that Haydn used to write his symphony! Are you saying that the Vienna State Opera House sets up their costumes just like we do for our original opera?” As a final element to her grant, Mary is now editing the 700 photos and 50-plus videos that she took for a PowerPoint presentation that will be regularly presented to D-E students and serve as a resource for her fellow teachers.

Spring–Summer 2015

The journey really began when Heveran first began to study music and dreamed of going to Vienna, Austria. As her studies continued, she began to concentrate on two areas of interest: opera and the music of Mozart. Her passion for opera led Heveran to introduce the Creating Original Opera program, offered in cooperation with the New York Metropolitan Opera, into the Lower School’s fifth grade curriculum over the last 27 years. In recent years, Heveran was one of four teachers in the United States to be chosen to partner with teachers in London who wanted to bring opera into their school’s curriculum.

In Vienna last summer, Heveran had a private tour of the Vienna State Opera House and spoke with stagehands, lighting designers, and opera singers. She also visited the home where Mozart lived as a young man; attended Sunday mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and toured the homes of Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, and the home where Beethoven composed his only opera, Fidelio. She attended a concert at which the conductor and all of the musicians dressed in the style of Mozart and a performance of her favorite opera, Tosca. Finally, she visited the cemetery where Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Strauss are buried and where there is a monument to Mozart.

StudentStandouts&FacultyEndeavors

Swimmer Standouts: Tavis Siebert ’20, Anton Lee ’22

Dwight-Englewood School

arlier this year Tavis Siebert ’20 placed 1st in seven individual events and 2nd in two individual events to be the high point winner in the 11–12year-old-boy category at the Metropolitan Junior Olympics Championship. Tavis’s swimming “bug” started a few days before his 10th birthday, in the lead-up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, when all the world was talking about Michael Phelps and his quest to become the most decorated Olympian of all time. Tavis and

Tavis Siebert ’20 smiling (and for good reason!) at the Metropolitan Junior Olympics 2015: He was the high point winner for 11- and 12-year-old boys.

Tavis swimming the butterfly at the NASA Showcase Classic 2015, Clearwater, FL.

his family attended the final night of swimming in London and saw Team USA take gold in both the men’s and women’s medley relay and watched Michael Phelps receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Tavis says it was “an unforgettable and inspiring experience.” Since then, Tavis has been honing his craft. Breaking the record in his age group for the Metropolitan Junior Olympics 200 fly and earning a number of top-five or better finishes at the NASA Showcase Classic in Clearwater, Florida, were among the highlights of his season, which ended with Tavis being ranked 23rd in the nation among 12-year-olds. He says swimming has been rewarding for what it has taught him about discipline, dedication, and sacrifice. “Best of all,” he says, “I love swimming in that it forces me to challenge myself daily. I’m always racing against that clock and trying to improve against myself.”

Anton Lee ’22 shows off his Jr. Olympian jacket, which he earned for finishing in 2nd place overall for high points within his age group of boys 10 and under at the New Jersey Junior Olympics in March.

Anton Lee ’22 has also achieved a string of swimming successes in recent months. In the 2015 New Jersey Junior Olympics competition held at Rutgers University in March, he earned 3rd place in the 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, 500yard freestyle, and 100-yard IM (individual medley) and 200-yard IM. He also place 2nd overall in the State of New Jersey for boys 10 and under, based on high point awards. “I believe that swimming is one of the hardest sports,” says Anton. “Even if you’re in a team, you can’t depend on anybody but yourself. It is a fight against yourself, both physically and mentally. I’m happy about what I have done so far with swimming, and I look forward to pushing myself further in the future!”

Ericka Collado, Prolific Conference Presenter

ower School Spanish teacher Ericka Collado will be a presenter at the 2015 national convention of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in San Diego in November. She says her session, “Transforming Culturally Thematic Units into Virtual Educational Theme Parks,” is based on a website she designed as part of her doctoral coursework, which closely relates to her work with D-E students. She explains, “Students in three grades had the opportunity to enjoy it as part of a unit on Frida Kahlo, and they provided very positive feedback. I plan to continue working on it and perhaps create more in the future as it allows me to provide more individualized instruction, as well as activities for different kinds of learners.” (To learn more, go to http:// fridakahlothemepark.weebly.com.) “Misi Collado,” as she is affectionately known to students, will also be a presenter at the International Society for Technology in Education Conference in Philadelphia in June and the International Federation for the Teaching of English Conference in New York in July.

Lower School Spanish teacher Ericka “Misi” Collado has been active as a presenter in many regional and national conferences for foreign language teachers. Here she is leading a workshop at the Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey Spring Conference, on the topic of “using 100% target language in the classroom.”

pper School seniors chosen for the honorary Dwight-Englewood School Chapter of the Cum Laude Society were recognized at a special induction ceremony in April. The Cum Laude Society is the most prestigious membership organization for independent school students nationwide; DwightEnglewood faculty, staff, and students’ families and friends were in attendance for the event, held in Hajjar Auditorium. The mission of Cum Laude is “to recognize

academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence (Areté), justice (Diké) and honor (Timé).” Peter Bograd, D-E’s Cum Laude chapter president and a D-E faculty member, notes, “These students are exceptional examples of young men and women who practice these values every day, in the classroom, in their activities, and in their communities.” In addition to personal remarks from D-E faculty and administrative staff members about each of the student honorees, the Cum Laude Dinner this year featured a speech by alumna Royce Caitlin Abrams ’06, the retail manager for the prestigious skincare line Kiehl’s, owned by L’Oreal.

Congratulations to the newest members of D-E’s Cum Laude Society! These exceptional seniors from the Class of 2015 were each recognized by a favorite teacher during the annual dinner held in Hajjar Auditorium.

Congratulations to The Class of 2015 Cum Laude Society Inductees Shereen Al-Sawwaf Toren Arginteanu Julia Bront Andre Festekjian George Nabil Georges Nikita Prem Jain India Belfield June Kee Hoon Lee Isabel Pannell Levin David V. Lysenko Alexis Mayer Lisa Mordkovich Rushy Panchal Spencer Shattuck Papay Matthew Petti Laura E. Prisament Naomi Shi Julia Shin Larry D. Suprun Joshua Swerdlow Mariam Sajid Syed Shitian Wang Clement Hau-Man Wong Simeng Wu Brian Zhang

Abrams reflected on her own induction into the Cum Laude Society and her memories of being one of Ms. Betsey Carson’s “Tough Cookies,” of learning to play lacrosse, and of being named captain of the varsity team for her senior year. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Abrams noted, “When I arrived at college, many students did not understand time management. To my surprise, I was thankful for the workload I had at Dwight, as I was able to manage my work better than most students at Penn.” During her senior year at Penn, she was invited to become the first intern for a new business—what would become the highly successful Warby Parker eyeglasses online retailer. Upon graduation from Penn, she took a full-time job with the start-up, ultimately creating the company’s original retail strategy, from opening its first showroom and serving as the first retail associate to opening the first brick and mortar store (and then five others). Abrams’ advice to Cum Laude members included “set your own goals and standards. If you’ve worked hard enough to be inducted into DwightEnglewood’s Cum Laude Society, you can achieve whatever you want to.”

Matt Waltman ’16 Wins “Profile in Courage” Essay Contest

atthew Waltman ’16 has won the 2015 National John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students, beating 1,913 students who entered from all 50 states and Washington, DC. The contest encourages students to write about an act of political courage by a US elected official and is named for Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage.

Matthew Waltman ’16 won the 2015 National John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students, beating 1,913 students who entered from all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Matthew was encouraged to submit by older sister Emily, a current sophomore at Stanford University who was a finalist in the 2012 Profile in Courage contest as a junior at Tenafly High School. He explained that one of the issues discussed during his Current Events course last fall was immigration reform: “I decided I wanted to tell the story of a politician who took a courageous stance on immigration reform, which led me to Tom Selders.” The former mayor of Greeley, Colorado, Selders is a Republican whose “refusal to ‘compromise away his principles’ on immigration cost him the [November 2007] election,” as Matthew wrote. Matthew was honored at the ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston in May, also attended by his nominating teacher, Upper School English faculty member John Deal, and essay subject, Mayor Selders. He was also awarded $10,000 for his essay, while Deal received a $500 John F. Kennedy Public Service Grant for school projects that encourage student leadership and civic engagement. Matthew, who hopes to major in history in college, will be spending his summer as a peer mentor for the International Rescue Committee’s Refugee Youth Summer Academy in New York City, which assists newly arrived refugee youth and prepares them to succeed in the New York City public schools.

Spring–Summer 2015

Cum Laude Society Welcomes Class of 2015 Inductees

ATTENTIONALUMNI Celebrate our New Arrivals!

Dwight-Englewood School welcomes the newest members of our community: Bulldog Puppies!

Each Bulldog Puppy is signed and foundry stamped; its dimensions are 12” (length) x 8” (height) x 7” (width). Set on a polished red granite base, sized at 2” (height) x 11” (diameter) and incised with the Dwight-Englewood School emblem, each sculpture weighs 33 lbs., and also features the school’s core values in gold leaf.

The price for each Bulldog Puppy is $6,500, with proceeds donated to support both the international burn programs of Burn Advocates Networks in Israel, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, and student service learning programs at D-E. To learn more, please email sanchm@d-e.org.

About the D-E Bulldog The original D-E Bulldog sculpture was dedicated in September 2014 during a special kick-off assembly in recognition of the 125th anniversary year for Dwight-Englewood School (see photo below left). The Bulldog was commissioned by alumnus Samuel Davis ESB ’70 and instantly became a beloved landmark and symbol of pride for the entire school.

About the Sculptor: Branly Cadet Sculptor of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Memorial in New York City and numerous other monumental public commissions and private sculptural commissions, Branly Cadet was trained in the classical tradition of both figurative and portrait sculpture at Cornell University and the New York Academy of Art. In all of his creations he “strives for excellence that will stand the test of time.” Learn more at www.branlycadet.com.

Spring–Summer 2015

hose who want to show school spirit, support a good cause, and own a piece of art by a renowned sculptor can purchase one of a limited edition “litter” of 500 bronze bulldog puppy sculptures. Each one is by nationally acclaimed artist Branly Cadet (see sidebar), was created from the scale model of the actual used for the original D-E Bulldog sculpture now installed on the D-E campus, and was cast by the same foundry: Artworks of Berkeley, CA.

BulldogBookshelf If you are a D-E alumna, alumnus, student, parent, or a current or former faculty/staff member, we welcome your submissions to Bulldog Bookshelf. Please forward press releases, electronic files of cover art, and related materials about your book, music CD, or film to: alumninews@d-e.org. Bulldog Bookshelf descriptions are adapted from promotional materials and do not reflect the views or opinions of the School or its staff.

Dwight-Englewood School

Peter Balakian ESB ’69

Vise and Shadow: Essays on the Lyric Imagination, Poetry, Art and Culture University of Chicago Press, April 2015

In Vise and Shadow, the critically acclaimed poet and memoirist Peter Balakian brings together his most influential essays of the past 25 years. He argues that the force of the lyric imagination is able to hold experience under pressure like a vise—while it also shadows history. Precise, lyrical, and eloquent, Balakian’s essays explore the ways poetry engages disaster and ingests mass violence without succumbing to the didactic. He gives us new insights into the relationships between trauma, memory, and aesthetic form; his essays on major Armenian voices and the aftermath of genocide are a fresh contribution to contemporary literature and art. Other essays engage painting, collage, song-lyrics, and film as forms of enduring lyric knowledge. With a range that includes Elia Kazan, W.B. Yeats, Bob Dylan, Yeghishe Charents, Joan Didion, Hart Crane, Primo Levi, Robert Rauschenberg, Arshile Gorky, and Adrienne Rich, Vise and Shadow offers a cosmopolitan vision of the power and resilience of the human imagination.

Ozone Journal

University of Chicago Press, April 2015 For four decades, Peter Balakian’s poetry has received critical acclaim in the United States and abroad for its inventive language and its forays into history. The evolution of Balakian’s form from book to book encompasses an expansive imagination and a unique voice, one that is both personal and cosmopolitan. His poems envelope the discordant and the harsh, as well as the organic and the beautiful. His collage forms and dialogical, layered poems open up terrains of lyrical interrogations that bring us to startling places. In poems that are sensuous and elliptical, layered and daring, Balakian has taken on large aftermaths of violent histories (from the Armenian genocide to 9/11), and the complexities of trauma and memory across generations. The long poem “Ozone Journal” in this new book is the second part of Balakian’s New York trilogy. Ozone Journal is the most accomplished book of a distinctive American voice.

Steve Johns, Featuring Former Faculty Debbie Keefe Johns, Daryl Johns ’14, Dave Stryker, and Bob DeVos

Family (Music CD)

Produced by Dave Stryker Engineered by Chris Sulit, April 2015 The debut recording by the jazz drummer Steve Johns is aptly titled Family, as the impetus came from the realization that his son, Daryl Johns ’14, would be leaving home soon. Says Johns, “I wanted to capture our magic as a musical family in a bottle before he left for college.” Daryl plays jazz bass, while his mother, Debbie Keefe Johns, plays saxophone on the album.

Daphne Oz Jovanovic ’04

Relish: An Adventure in Food, Style, and Everyday Fun Harper Collins, NY, April 2013

Dive into the relish life! Daphne Oz, cohost of ABC’s hit lifestyle show The Chew, shares the concerns of women everywhere: How can I eat food that is delicious and nutritious, live in a home that feels like mine, develop my personal style, find purpose and love in my life, get out and see the world, and still have me time left over? In short, how do I start living a life worth relishing? In Relish, Daphne shares her essential and practical advice for happy, healthy eating and delicious living. Relish includes more than fifty of Daphne’s favorite, fail-proof recipes; tips for cultivating a stylish existence at home, in your wardrobe, and in your beauty kit with expert decorating, styling, and makeup tricks; and advice on how to balance navigating your career, relationships, and playtime with vision and joy.

Judy Klass ’84

The Brooklyn Cowgirl Rides Again (Music CD) Klass’s music might be classified as modern country. She describes it thus: “I’m a happy peasant who likes commercial Nashville country, and yet when I set out to write it, something often goes wrong. Nashville country gets tangled up with NJ, NYC, and Brooklyn sensibilities and neuroses, taking the music in strange new directions.”

Cynthia Walker D ’65

Freeing the Light Within: A Guide to Radiance Practice Central Fire Productions, August 2011

This Radiance Practice workbook is a step-by-step guide to finding our wisdom through our own life experiences. The purpose of the workbook is to retrain our minds to restore the expansive triumvirate of the body/mind/spirit for our own healing, for the future of humanity, and for all living things. The Radiance Practice is transformational. We learn to bring back to ourselves that which we are always looking for: Love, Joy, Happiness and Peace. This practice reminds us that all the wisdom, everything we are looking for, is already within us.

Karl Zimmermann ESB ’61

Dwight-Englewood School: Celebrating Our Story The Donning Company Publishers, May 2014

One hundred and twenty-five years in the making, today’s Dwight-Englewood School has been shaped by legions of teachers and administrators who have shepherded many thousands of students into adulthood, and also by the events and assumptions of each era of the schools’ substantial history. This volume provides a framework for understanding the evolution and growth of Dwight School, the Englewood School for Boys, the Bede School, and Dwight-Englewood, while dipping in for a closer look at some aspects of life and learning at all the schools. “Sharing our story” is the book’s theme and goal. While certainly not definitive--that would be impossible--this history is descriptive of the richness of Dwight-Englewood’s traditions. Copies of the History of Dwight-Englewood School book can be purchased at the bookstore on campus or by contacting the Alumni Office at 201.569-9500 x3111.

Spring–Summer 2015

Produced by Warp & Woof Music, January 2015

INMEMORIAM Dwight-Englewood notes with regret the passing of the following members of the extended Dwight School, Englewood School for Boys, and Dwight-Englewood School family. Every effort is made to include members of our community who have passed away as we are made aware of the news. Please forward information to the Alumni Office at alumninews@d-e.org or to your Class Representative.

Dwight-Englewood School

ALUMNI/ALUMNAE

Dwight 1935 Nancy Scarborough Angier 2/19/2015 Sister of Frederick Scarborough ESB ’41 and the late William Scarborough ESB ’37. Elizabeth Vanderbilt Crampton 4/6/2015 Sister of the late Louise Vanderbilt Quarrier D ’33. Dwight 1938 Barbara McIntire Gorham 5/25/2015 Sister of Jean McIntire Leuchtenburg D ’43 and the late Catherine McIntire Leslie D ’36; aunt of H. Ashley Smith ESB ’59, Catherine Smith Leonard D ’62, William Smith ESB ’71, and Patricia Smith Perron D ’66. Dwight 1939 Irene Jones Reinert 7/14/2011 Dwight 1940 Betsy Dunn Kennedy 9/28/2012

Lesley Gore D ’64

inger-songwriter Lesley Gore D ’64 passed away from lung cancer on February 16 at age 68. She was known for pop hits such as “You Don’t Own Me”; “She’s a Fool”; and “Judy’s Turn to Cry”; and most particularly her 1963 chart-topper “It’s My Party,” which she recorded as a Dwight School junior. Later in her career, Gore co-wrote notable songs for film soundtracks, including the Academy Award-nominated “Out Here On My Own” (co-written with her brother) from the film Fame and “My Secret Love” for Allison Anders’ film Grace of My Heart.

In a message to members of the D-E community, Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett noted: “Lesley was a vibrant member of the School’s community when she was a student, accomplishing the remarkable feat of managing a successful music career (and a life in the ’spotlight’) concurrent with all the complex aspects of being in high school, including handling rigorous academic and other responsibilities. For this reason and more, she was honored by D-E with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004, along with her brother, Michael ESB ’69, who is also an extraordinarily accomplished Academy Award-winning composer and musician…We are so proud to have counted Lesley Gore as a member of our community. Her passing is a significant loss, but we are also so very grateful to have her be a part of our history here at D-E.” She is survived by her brother, Michael; her mother, Ronny; and her longtime partner, Lois Sasson.

ESB 1941 John Eustis II 8/27/2014 ESB 1942 John B. Halsted 2/25/2015 Brother of Henry Halsted ESB ’43 and the late Frances Halsted Rye D ’39. ESB 1943 Victor Chartrand 7/5/2014 Brother of Suzanne Chartrand Santaella D ’58 and the late Marilyn Chartrand D ’44. Dwight 1945 Barbara Wilson Taber 4/7/2015

Lesley Gore D ’64 performed for an appreciative group of D-E alumni in May 2009. Here she is after her cabaret show at the celebrated Fiersteins in New York City. Pictured from left are Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett; Lesley; Alumni Director Maria Sanchez Gardner ’78; Lois Sasson; and Steve Abrams ESB ’70.

ESB 1947 Charles Boenau 9/26/2007 Dwight 1948 Virginia Fairhurst Quackenbush 12/3/2014 ESB 1952 Hobart Betts 11/28/2011 Peter de La Chapelle 8/2/2010 Brother of Richard de La Chapelle ESB ’51 and the late Anne de La Chapelle Morris D ’50. Stuart Farmer 12/12/2014 Dwight 1953 Justine Wakelee 10/1/2014 Sister of the late Margaret Wakelee Haskell D ’45 and the late Joan Wakelee Durante D ’49; former faculty, Dwight School. Dwight 1955 Linda Houstoun VanAllen 5/26/2015 Dwight 1958 Mary Auburn Barber 8/2/2013 Sister of Parker Auburn ESB ’61. Dwight 1959 Nancy Grubb Schrijver 6/2/2014 Sister of Susan Grubb Jennings D ’62. Dwight 1964 Lesley Gore 2/16/2015 Sister of Michael Gore ESB ’69. ESB 1965 Harvey Arnold 8/2/2013 ESB 1972 Thomas Holman 3/16/2015 Brother of Bert Holman ESB ’70. D-E 1977 Sue Coddon Kreps 4/11/2013 Sister of Jonathan D. Coddon ’78. D-E 1978 Angel “AJ” Malave 4/29/2015

D-E 1979 Monique Majeune 5/25/2015 D-E 1992 Noah Pressler 1/7/2015 Brother of Jessica Pressler ’82.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS William (Bill) John Alford III 12/4/2014 Father of Walter Stewart Alford ESB ’60 and Susan Alford Pozdena D ’63. Predeceased by his eldest son, William John Alford IV ESB ’59, in 2013. Erika Barr 4/1/2015 Mother of former trustee Edward Barr III ’84. Faye Bloch 12/15/2014 Mother of Peggy Bloch Schneider D ’68 and Paul Bloch ESB ’72; mother-in-law of Stuart Schneider ESB ’68; grandmother of Benjamin Schneider ’07. Alan H. Buchsbaum 1/11/2015 Father of Richard Buchsbaum ’81. Dr. Amir Girgis 1/3/2015 Father of Nina Girgis ’81. Wayne Golden 12/18/2014 Husband of former trustee Sylvia Golden; father of Wendy Golden ’91 and Barrie Rose Golden ’02. Freda-Lee Hubler 14/30/2015 Mother of Eric” Rick” Hubler ’82 and Ingrid Hubler ’84. Helen Imperatore 3/27/2015 Mother of Armand Pohan ESB ’60, India Imperatore ’74, and Arthur

Imperatore Jr.; grandmother of Andrew Pohan ’96, Alicia Pohan ’98, Amanda Pohan ’03, and Justin Imperatore ’14; wife of Arthur E. Imperatore. Gloria Loew 2/3/2015 Mother of Shannon Loew ’91 and Jennifer Alexandra Lowe ’87. Bruce D. Lummis 3/19/2009 Former Faculty Dr. Elpidio Marcelo 1/3/2015 Father of Simeon Marcelo ’78, Dorothy Marcelo Torres ’80, and Elpidio Marcelo ’81. Harry Oppenheimer 3/9/2015 Father of Jeff Oppenheimer ’76. Linda Ota 4/8/2015 Mother of Chika Ota ’07; former faculty. Betsy Palmer 5/29/2015 Mother of Melissa Merendino ’80. June Peretti 3/29/2015 Mother of Valentina “Tina” Peretti-Acuti ’78. David Pressler 6/11/2015 Father of Jessica Pressler ’82 and the late Noah Pressler ’92. Eli Sagan 1/4/2015 Husband of former faculty Frimi Sagan. David C. Stark, M.D. 3/11/2015 Father of Cowan Stark ESB ’73, Donald Stark ’74, Peter Stark ’76, and Fiona Stark Manseau ’79.

D-E expresses its deepest sympathies to the family of Mary Ferguson, long-time faculty member of the Mathematics Department. Mary passed away on June 15, 2015, at Englewood Hospital. She began her D-E teaching career of more than 25 years in 1972, and the Mary Ferguson Award (given annually to a Middle School student) was established in her honor. We invite and encourage all D-E alumni, current and former faculty and staff members, and friends to send us their memories of Mary, so that we may pay tribute to her in a future issue of D-E Today magazine. Please email sanchm@d-e.org or send your reflections to: Maria Sanchez Gardner, Alumni Director, Dwight-Englewood School, 315 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631.

Spring–Summer 2015

Dwight 1946 Betty Vandersluis 5/8/2015 Sister of Peter Vandersluis ’52.

LASTLOOK Summer Sizzles at D-E

This summer the Dwight-Englewood campus was especially ’abuzz’ thanks to both Hajjar STEM Center construction and the D-E Summer Connections program. For more photos from Summer Connections 2015, and information about the program, visit www.d-e.org/summer.

O Dwight-Englewood School

ur youngest campers in the Summer Connections course called Adventures & Discoveries embarked on a lively literary journey with the theme of “Uncover the Story, Live the Tale” and also enjoyed outdoor yoga, water play, and nature walks.

Middle and upper school-aged campers in the Enrichment program participated in traditionally popular and new “a la carte” course offerings such as 3D Printing, Cheftastic, Model Rocketry, and the Artistic Curiosity Project. The new Enrichment 360˚ program offered more comprehensive offerings in design, entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and more. Scholars took on academic classes providing an introduction or credit for full-year advancement courses in math, science and English. And a new four-week Summer Stage program in partnership with Black Box Studios culminated with the production of Legally Blonde: The Musical in late July. All in all, more than 1,000 students attended Summer Connections in 2015, one of our highest enrollment years yet!

Campers showed off their self-portraits drawn for the Sketch It! course.

Campers honed their improv skills and hammed it up in the Make ’Em Laugh course.

Adventures & Discoveries campers had a great time with water play on Mr. Rocky’s Field.

Picture Yourself Here Next Year!

An Invitation to all D-E Alumni and Their Families Upcoming Events 2015–16 2015 Monday, October 5 Bulldog Golf, Tennis and Yoga Classic Alpine Country Club Annual fundraiser to support financial aid for students Wednesday, October 13 Parents of Alumni Brunch Collins House Friday, October 23 Legacy Families Breakfast Hajjar Auditorium Thursday, December 3 Annual NYC Alumni-Faculty Holiday Party Penn Club of New York

2016 Sunday, February 21 – Wednesday, February 24 California Alumni Parties Friday, June 3 – Saturday, June 4 Reunion 2016 With special celebrations for class years ending with 1 and 6 Saturday, June 4 Recognition of 2016 Distinguished Alumni Honorees and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Deadline for nomination to selection committee for 2016 consideration is October 15, 2015. Contact the Alumni Office at sanchm@d-e.org for more information.

Friday, December 18 Young Alumni-Faculty Luncheon Following Jazz Rock Concert Wharton Lessin Dining Hall Please visit www.d-e.org/alumni for alumni award nomination forms and updates on events, information and registration.

Dwight-Englewood School 315 EAST PALISADE AVENUE, ENGLEWOOD NJ 07631-3146

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