0100
THE PCD PARTICIPANT
spring 2015
Issue #6 SPRING 2015
THE PCD
Issue #6
Accept the Challenge
PARTICIPANT In this Issue
Boys Varsity Soccer Team Wins RIIL Championship Alanna Bareham ’16 Featured on NPR Environmental Studies Aim for Zero Food Waste And More…
THE PCD PARTICIPANT
01
Issue #6 SPRING 2015
Dates to Remember April 18 Athletic Hall of Fame
May 18 Play for PCD
June 8 Stepping Up Day
June 10 Commencement
A Championship Season: PCD Knights win first RIIL soccer championship in school history. Photo: risportsphoto.com
From the Head of School Vince Watchorn The magic of participating in something is more than a check mark on a list to say we’ve done it. The magic is the transformation that comes from a new sensation or a new perspective. This issue of the Participant is packed with examples of students, teachers, and alumni demonstrating that notion of Seeing things differently. When we participate, we can’t help but grow. We build confidence as our hard work yields proficiency, and we develop humility as we see others succeed where we do not. When we try something new—even just a little—we start to appreciate what it takes to do well, and we become practiced at understanding others’ experiences and skills. It is precisely the development of that understanding—the practice of empathy—that changes our worldview. When we participate, we see things differently, and we become more engaged citizens with greater capacity to foster positive change—in ourselves and in our communities. Enjoy the news of PCD!
Vince Watchorn
Shown on cover: The PCD Players production of Harvey Photo: Marianne Lee Photography
Looking in the Mirror Self study lays foundation for strategic plan
A
team of seven educators, from six different New England independent schools, spent three days at PCD in November—observing, questioning, challenging, and appreciating. Their visit was the culmination of our school’s year-long reaccreditation process—a process designed to promote self-discovery and fuel growth. The committee found a program deeply rooted in its mission and a community that was engaged, dedicated, and passionate about how it serves its students. A peer review allowed us to learn what works at other schools and see how we might apply some best practices here. We emerged with our reaccreditation secure and a strong foundation for the short and long-term strategic planning now underway. Stephen DiCicco, of Educational Directions, Inc., has begun working with us to help turn what we’ve learned into a roadmap for our future. A nationally recognized educational consultant, DiCicco will work with Trustees, the strategic planning committee, administrators, faculty, and other constituents to help guide our plan for PCD’s next chapter.
02
THE PCD PARTICIPANT
Issue #6 SPRING 2015
Art with a Twist
Chasing Rainbows
Mini-term lets artists stretch their creative wings— as both teacher and learner Full-year art students (choir, band, senior studio, portfolio prep) have historically immersed themselves in a single discipline from September through June. After students expressed interest in exploring additional art forms, while continuing to honor their full-year art commitment, an inter-department plan resulted in the creation of the Arts Winter Session. During January and February singers can take a painting class, visual artists can explore musical theater, and potters can try their hand at computer modeling. This year, sophomore Bryce Kerr Abraham, a guitar player in the instrumental ensemble, proposed teaching a class using a 3-D imaging program called Blender. Kerr Abraham developed the lesson plan and, when the session started, he had nine students in his class who had no idea what he was talking about. “The hardest part was explaining a multi-step process while keeping everyone on task,” he said. Art teacher Michaela O’Donnell loved being a student. “But the best part,” she said, “was seeing Bryce own this process and watching the kids learn by doing. We all developed a deeper understanding of how success comes not from watching an expert do something well, but by being an active participant and muddling along with purpose.”
Middle School students took advantage of their flexible schedule to spend a morning with teachers from The Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA). The “museum without walls” focuses on the building blocks of both art and science: curiosity, observation, experimentation, and communication. A perfect complement to PCD’s emphasis on interdisciplinary activities, the RIMOSA science teachers conducted several hands-on workshops to illustrate the principles of light, form, and color. “When students break from classroom routine with a fully experiential activity,” observed PCD Science Department Chair Mary Frances Hanover, “curiosity is sparked in a new way.” Hanover has observed that when topics are presented in relevant ways and students can apply what they learn to their own lives, the information sticks. Students who don’t generally consider themselves scientists engaged more deeply when looking at things from a new perspective; likewise with the students who tend to shy away from art. “When we see the connections we see the meaning,” Hanover said.
Artistic Accolades PCD artists distinguish themselves among the best in the State Amidst a broad field of talented artists throughout Rhode Island, the work of four PCD students stood out to earn statewide recognition. As part of the National Scholastic Art Awards, Gold and Silver Keys are given each year in a range of categories to both middle and high school students. Rhode Island art teachers are invited to submit up to six pieces of work for consideration. “We have such great work to choose from,” commented Art Department Chair Michele Mennucci. “It is a huge tribute to our students and our program to be recognized in this way.”
1.
2.
3.
4.
1. Sally Philips ’17—Silver Key, Photography 2. Hannah Rossheim ’15—Gold Key, Ceramics 3. Eddie Chen ’15—Gold Key, Ceramics 4. AJ Maio ’18—Silver Key, Sculpture
03
There’s a New Bus in Town New bus route makes it easier than ever to get to PCD Students from all over southeast New England find ways to get to PCD—some driving just around the corner and others willing to drive over an hour to get here. Many Rhode Island students can take advantage of the Statewide Transportation System (yellow school buses); others drive, carpool, or take the “little red bus” (from Jamestown and Dartmouth). “We don’t want transportation concerns to keep students from coming here,” says Ashley Randlett, director of admissions and financial aid. “So we’ve added our own bus routes to serve more distant areas with high concentrations of PCD families like Jamestown and Dartmouth.” For the several students who live in the Mansfield area, carpooling has been the only option for easing the daily commute—until now. Starting in September, 2015, PCD will send it’s “little red bus” to the Shaws parking lot on Route 140 each morning to pick up PCD-bound students. Current families are thrilled with the new service and expect that the added convenience will encourage new families to join the community.
Out Damn Spot
Code Red — and Black Student-led dress code revisions focus on intent When senior Emily Gnys approached Dean of US Students Brady Wheatley to discuss modifying the school’s dress code, she poured accelerant on a burning issue. Five committed student change agents (Beibheinn Anderson ’16, Aquila Harper ’16, Sylvie Schneider ’16, Hannah Rossheim ’15, and Gnys) felt the code itself, as well as the language, was outdated and unrealistic—pointing to gender specific language that was demeaning to girls and didn’t address the code’s true intent.
Sophomores look at Macbeth through a new lens and discover new nuances in the process “Theater is written to be performed, not read,” says PCD Humanities Department Chair Chris Dodd. “So, unless you interact with the text somehow, you will be missing essential parts of the narrative.” That is why Dodd’s sophomores are asked to present a scene from Macbeth in a visual form. Working in either small groups or independently, students are invited to stage a scene or step widely outside the box to create something completely original. By reimagining the text, students are forced to consider plot, setting, and character intent in new ways. By choosing a new medium to deliver the message, students must consider the implications of their creative choices in order to express their understanding of the material. Dodd hopes students come away with a deepened appreciation for the original work, and an awareness of how dependent the text is on context. Projects this year included an online photo series, an animation, an interpretive dance (on film), a short film, several children’s books, and short stories. See Macbeth like you’ve never seen it before: Addison Braver Walsh ’17 (http://youtu.be/WJP5ZvzcCU0) John Shamgochian ’17 (http://youtu.be/XNKPJM6HBOk) Lucy Ehrlich ’17 (http://youtu.be/iXUkmjMTHFo)
After the new code passed, both students and faculty felt that the results validated the process. Wheatley was proud of the students who led the initiative. “There was a group of kids who identified something to change and saw it through. They were determined, patient, and respectful, and they learned a lot about their ability to affect change along the way. We talked about what it means to dress appropriately, professionalism, gender issues, and the importance of language. In the end, there was a lot more at stake here than a dress code revision.”
04
THE PCD PARTICIPANT
Issue #6 SPRING 2015
Middle School Clubhouse F-Day is Fun Day, thanks to a growing middle school club program When the new Atlas schedule went into effect last year, it offered up new blocks of time begging to be turned into new opportunities. The middle school jumped on the chance to make clubs a part of the school day. “Middle school clubs were always after school,” said Middle School Dean of Students Jen Caletri. “That meant that not everyone could participate; now all students have the chance to get in on the fun.” Once every seven days (on F-Day), middlers have a dedicated club period. Clubs rotate each term, so all students take part in three different clubs. “The clubs are faculty created but student inspired,” said Caletri, who sees the clubs as opportunities for students to pursue existing interests as well as discover new ones. In addition to building skills, clubs provide enrichment outside of the classroom, and, because they are mixed grades, clubs also broaden social circles.
Everybody Wins PCD co-op hockey team is Burger King Team of the Week Following on the heels of this year’s all-school community service day—an event that ushers in the PCD winter break each year—a six-school hockey tournament focused more on giving than winning. As a result, everyone was a winner. When the head coach of the PCD/St. Rays/Wheeler co-op team, Gary Leonard, pitched his idea for a Hockey Scores for Hunger Tournament, the Portsmouth, Narragansett, and Pilgrim High School coaches were all in and it was game on. Leonard definitely wanted to win the tournament, but he also wanted to collect 300 lbs. of canned goods for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The cost of tournament entry was one can of food per coach and team member, and one can per fan at the door. When the tournament ended, and the PSW team clinched the final game victory, the teams’ combined efforts added up to 520 lbs. of canned food to help stock the shelves at the Food Bank. For their victory and their work to inspire community service, the PSW team was named Burger King Team of the Week. The elated athletes were invited to the 92 WPRO-FM studios to tape radio spots, which were aired the following week.
05
Physics Phenom Carol-ann Tripp is honored for a lifetime of teaching excellence PCD teaching veteran, Carol-ann Tripp, has been doing what she loves for 45 years— changing the way students view the physical world and influencing the science curriculum sequence at the national level. Mrs. Tripp pioneered the trend to teach physics first in high school, and has been a recognized leader in a field that used to be reserved for men. In 1989 she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Science; she received a Distinguished Service Citation from the American Association of Physics Teachers in 1994, and was honored by the New England chapter of the same organization in 1996, with the Janet Gurnsey Award for Excellence in High School and College Teaching. Inspiring students is routine for Mrs. Tripp, and countless alumni credit her for their commitment to science. It is no surprise, then, that she recently was named a fellow in the first cohort of the American Association of Physics Teachers Fellowship Program. The honor signifies “…recognition by one’s professional peers. (Fellowship)…is awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to…the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching.” The distinction is an appropriate capstone for Mrs. Tripp’s life-long commitment to sharing her infectious enthusiasm.
Fitting in by Standing Out Alanna Bareham ’16 speaks up on “This I Believe” PCD’s Compass Program, which culminates with the college search/application process, is designed to help students think deliberately about their interests and goals long before the college search begins. A progressive series of grade appropriate activities supports a growing sense of self and self-awareness. One of the benchmark activities is the writing of an essay at the beginning of the sophomore year that expresses a personal belief. PCD has been invited to submit a few essays each year to be considered for the This I Believe program on Rhode Island Public Radio. The segment features the personal stories and opinions that shape our region, and the topics are as broad as the population from which they come. PCD junior, Alanna Bareham, was honored to have her essay on overcoming racism selected for the broadcast, and she read it on air February 10. You can listen to her taped recording here. http://ripr.org/post/i-believe-rhode-island-overcoming-racism
No More ORT Senior environmental students commit to zero food waste at PCD by June, 2015 When seniors in Mary Frances Hanover’s environmental science class graduate in June, they want to leave a legacy with lasting impact. They know that one person can make a difference and that, as a school, we can make a big one. So began the war against ort—scraps of food waste that burden landfills and are especially wasteful, given the almost one billion malnourished people throughout the world. Research during the first trimester raised some eyebrows. “We learned that food is the second largest single source of waste in the US, and we can do something about it,” said Sarah Griffin ’15. A dining hall experiment revealed that, in one day, 30 lbs. of food waste would make its way to the landfill. The solution? Less ort and more composting. “It’s all about education, and knowing that our actions can promote positive change,” said Catalina Perez ’15. The kitchen staff is all in. Leftovers (as opposed to plate scraps) are used in the preparation of the next day’s meal, and after just six months of composting, they recycled 4.2 tons of pre-consumer food waste.
06
THE PCD PARTICIPANT
Issue #6 SPRING 2015
Summer Sojourn
Matinee Idol
When school is out for the summer, PCD’s 33-acre campus will keep on bustling with 15 weeks of camp programs for students, ages 4–17.
An all-school screening of Selma, helps students and faculty think together about important historical events in context
This year children can solve virtual crimes, roll up their sleeves to explore visual, culinary, and theater arts, swing a racquet, shoot some hoops, and put on their own RedSox uniform at the official RedSox youth baseball camp. With seven different camps and counting, there are 15 weeks of fun for everyone. Go to the homepage link at ProvidenceCountryDay.org for more information and to register. The same principles that make our community thrive during the school year, infuse our summer programs with a spirit of adventure, abundant learning potential, and guaranteed fun. Accept the Challenge—Try something new. See Things Differently—Learn from new perspectives. Find Your Voice—Discover what you have to say and new ways to express yourself. Get Your Hands Dirty—Learn by doing, not observing. Make Some Noise—Make a difference when you stand up and are counted. Make Something Better—See how your hard work leaves every place better than you found it. Fit in by Standing Out—Dare to be different; it’s the best way to belong.
When historical events are given artistic life—through poetry, music, film, theater, etc.—we are given new ways to understand facts, and new platforms for discussion. PCD students study the Civil Rights Movement in history classes as well as through selected literature in English classes, and this past February, Associate Head of School Mark McLaughlin seized the opportunity to put those classroom studies in context. An all-school screening of the new film, Selma, allowed students to explore together, the connections between past and current events. To make the most of the movie outing, humanities teachers shifted scheduled assignments to align their study of civil rights. “There was a lot of preparation,” said Upper School Dean of Students Brady Wheatley. “Teachers focused their classroom work on relevant topics, but the real benefit came afterwards, when small group discussions brought sensitive issues to the fore.” Conversations about race, gender, equality, voting, oppression, discrimination, and leadership flowed freely. Students were asked to consider what might inspire them to stand up and be counted, connecting what they knew about past events with how they might influence the future themselves.
A Gift of Giving The Graboys family celebrates a milestone with a gift designed to honor a way of life, inspire action, and make a difference Ken Graboys ’81 turned 50—a landmark that was recognized by his parents in a fitting, if unconventional way. “Ken has had a successful life,” observed his father, George— a former PCD trustee, “and he has been deeply committed to community service since his PCD days, when he worked at the Meeting Street School.” When Ken’s parents considered how they might honor Ken’s milestone, as well as the life he has led, they thought of PCD, which they credit for helping to develop the values and discipline which still guide Ken today. As such, they endowed the “Kenneth R. Graboys Community Service Prize,” to distinguish “a graduating senior who has demonstrated extraordinary giving of self in service to others in the greater community.” The award will include a grant that can be applied to a summer service project or designated as a philanthropic gift to the charity of the recipient’s choosing. “By recognizing outstanding service and supporting additional service through the grant, the Graboys family gives both back and forward,” said PCD Head of School Vince Watchorn. “This prize says, ‘Giving is important. We give to you so you can give to others.’ The prize is more than a prize; it’s a call to action.”
07
Good Chemistry
A Worthy Match The Hoffer Family challenged the PCD community to raise the bar— and we’re nearly there As a trustee and a staunch supporter of all things PCD, Marcia Hoffer is always thinking of new ways to make our school stronger. This year,
Champlin Foundations grant will support upper school chemistry lab renovations The Champlin Foundations have awarded PCD a grant in the amount of $50,000 to support renovations in the upper school chemistry lab. The planned upgrades will enhance the physical learning space as well as student safety. The Foundations, whose funding priorities lie at the intersection of program and facility, invited PCD to apply for the grant, and we are thrilled to now create a learning space that reflects best pedagogical practices. The lab renovations will result in a 21st century, flexible, project-based learning environment, scheduled for completion for the start of school in September, 2015. All new safety equipment (fume hoods, emergency eye wash stations, and showers) will be complemented by a suite of classroom enhancements (fixed stations replacing desks, stools, sinks and utilities, a mobile teacher’s table, and a white board). The newly defined and equipped space will support the essential development of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, confidence, and competence in the school’s STEM curriculum.
she challenged us to double— and even triple our money by creating the Hoffer Family Match. Her hope was (and is) to inspire donors to give new and increased donations to the Annual Fund. Annual gifts help fund all the faculty and programs at PCD that help our students thrive. Ms. Hoffer, who has been on the PCD Board since 2003, and whose daughter, Katie, is an alumna from the class of ’04, is “a great friend of this school,” said Head of School Vince Watchorn. “She believes in the work we do here and works tirelessly to support our mission with a constant, upbeat attitude. We are extremely grateful to Ms. Hoffer and her family, and to all the donors whose gifts will multiply as a result of their generosity.”
Hey Alumni! Got a Minute? four Quick Things Alumni Can Do to Make a Difference 1. Login and create your profile in our website Alumni Center. 2. Become a career mentor and/or post available or needed positions/internships on our Career Networking page. 3. Connect with us on our social media sites: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, and list PCD on your professional profiles. 4. Come to Play for PCD—the Benefit Event, May 18, 2015.
Once a Knight, Always a Knight Young alumni gathered in Lund over the winter break to swap new stories and old memories They’re in college but a part of them will always be at PCD—and PCD will always be a part of them. Approximately 30 alumni from the classes of 2011–2014 reconnected in the Lund foyer, eager to catch up with teachers and each other. With a wide range of college, travel, and work experiences under their belts, alumni appreciated their shared PCD history— a bond that seems to defy the passing years. Prior to the reception, PCD seniors met with members of the class of 2014, who answered questions and tried to demystify college freshman issues surrounding social life, free time, roommates, homework, being away from home, and more. Following the reception, alumni migrated to field house, where five PCD basketball games gave all Knights something to cheer about.
The Providence Country Day School 660 Waterman Avenue East Providence, RI 02914-1724 www.providencecountryday.org
Not Just Along for the Ride Motorcycle riding Father Frank Hicks ’59 was only at PCD for one year, but the impact of that year has lasted a lifetime. Father Frank is committed to helping students benefit from a PCD education as he did. He recently established the Peter James and Margaret Ryan Hicks Endowed Scholarship Fund, to ensure that students, who otherwise would not be able to attend PCD, will receive a life-changing education. Frank started and ended his PCD career his senior year. “I was there for such a short time,” he said, “but the experience underwrote the rest of my life. It gave me a solid foundation—for college and beyond—and I would not be where I am if it weren’t for PCD.” Today he is at the pulpit of St. Basil Catholic Church, in Los Angeles, supporting a congregation of 5,500 families. He is also the chaplin for the LAPD and on several boards that support those in need. Inspired years ago by PCD’s supportive teachers and his new PCD friends, now he is inspired by his calling to help others. Frank advises young people today to get a strong educational foundation, be well-rounded, and stay positive when things don’t turn out like you planned. He clearly follows his own advice: riding his motorcycle in the LA hills and giving generously—through his ministry, and now to PCD. (Photo: Kyle Alexander)
First Class Presort US Postage
PAID
Providence, RI Permit No. 537