THE
2015 Spring
LINK
Dear TQS Community, Working at our school has always been meaningful to me, more so than at any other school. It continued to become more meaningful, the more I learned about our students’ needs. Ten years ago, I knew very little about specialized education. I did know that during my decades of teaching and counseling, I felt an affinity and special communication with children whose needs were “off center.” I identified with these different thinkers. It has been a privilege to work with parents whose lives are in some ways, so different than other parents. Aside from being more determined and protective, you are also more informed, compassionate and willing to think differently to find what will meet your children’s (sometimes unusual) needs. It has been an honor to work with the faculty at TQS. These teachers really know their students. They could often be mistaken for mind readers; they can anticipate their students’ behaviors and responses so well. Team meetings demonstrate the depth of understanding and the willingness our teachers will stretch to work to fill in the gaps, relieve the frustration, find the motivation and offer personalized support to get each student through each day. No place is perfect, and we have had our share of notso-perfect outcomes, but it is all part of our learning process as professionals. It is vitally important for good schools to continually strive to be better. In the case of TQS, our students’ lives depend on their teachers staying current with research on learning, on addressing needs as precisely as possible and maintaining the energy necessary to accomplish this daunting mission. Thank you everyone who makes this school tick. This is truly a loving community. We see it everyday in the eyes and smiles of children who once feared school and in the calmer faces of parents who used to fear their children’s future. Keep up the great work. Looking forward,
Ruth
2
Letter from Alex Brosowsky Dear Friends, Colleagues and Members of The Quaker School at Horsham family: As the start of my tenure as the new Head of School of TQS draws closer, I find myself often considering the principles of community, equality and peace. I imagine these tenets will be a recurring theme throughout my years at The Quaker School. It is just a few months until I arrive, and as I begin to meet many wonderful people, the community’s warmth, vitality, caring and commitment continually amaze me. During my first visit as the future Head of School, at which time dozens of people made me feel welcome, I was struck by the community’s deep and abiding love for The Quaker School and its students. Becoming a member of The Quaker School community is the best decision I have ever made. Accepting the Board’s appointment was easy, because the love of the students and the dedication of the whole Quaker School team were obvious. It is an honor to lead this fine school into its future continuing the work Ruth Joray began ten years ago. Before I begin, it is critically important that I acknowledge the extraordinary work of my predecessors. It is through the hard work of the people who came before me, faculty, staff, administrators, board members, our alumni, and their caring families that The Quaker School at Horsham is the fine institution it is today. I have spent the last fifteen years as an advocate for students with disabilities. My passion has taken me on a journey through several schools and positions. Through all of the stops along my career’s journey, the clarion call to support students in achieving their full potentials has remained at the center of my purpose and my practice. I look forward to continuing my work in support of the fine students of The Quaker School. In July, I will assume my leadership and I look forward to meeting all of you. Two-way communication is necessary for a school to thrive and I hope to make community and exchange of ideas hallmarks of my administration. I will send letters similar to this one several times a year letting you know about the wonderful things happening in our community. I am certain you will enjoy reading about the accomplishments of our students and I hope you will see these letters as an open invitation to share your thoughts and feelings with me. With the students’ return, along with cool breezes and changing trees, September will bring a time of festivity and fellowship that I hope will excite and unify The Quaker School community in setting the stage for the new chapter we are beginning. Being an eager new Head of School, I can barely wait to see what great evolution lies in the school’s bright future. My wife, two children, two dogs and I are moving from the small rural town of Gardiner in New York’s Hudson Valley to Doylestown at the end of June. We are very excited for our move and will have a lot to learn about Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley. I hope to get to know all of you well and look forward to our time together. Warmest Regards, Alex Brosowsky
3
Alumni News A letter from Peter O’Halloran 1/19/2015 Dear TQS, I am excited about this new year because I will be graduating from Upper Dublin HS in June. I am sending you this donation because I hope to make other students’ lives better. I felt TQS put me on the right track. Over the past year I have been attending the Eastern Center for the Arts and Technology in the Office Management Class. I’m learning different skills in an office setting. Over the summer I took a reading class at Montgomery County Community College. The class focused on current events and reading strategies. We were reading newspapers and a novel called “Up From Slavery.” The novel is about an African American named Booker T. Washington who was a slave and received his freedom after the Civil War. In conclusion, I hope everything is going well. I hope to visit you soon; maybe during the car wash on TQS Day. Sincerely, Peter O’Halloran
Steven Caldwell looks to a Future in Mathematics Steven Caldwell, 2004, completed his B.Sc. in Mathematics at Chestnut Hill College in December 2014. His studies concluded with his senior paper “Principles of the Macro Universe” and his presentation that covered the role that mathematics played in the development of physics over the centuries. One of the highlights of his studies at Chestnut Hill included an internship at the Temple School of Pharmacology where he worked with graduate students to code deterministic kinetic models. Steven’s academic interests include tensor calculus, differential geometry and topology. He is planning to attend graduate school in the fall of 2015 to pursue an advanced degree in mathematics. His hobbies include hanging out with his nieces, dogs and college mates, fine coffees and video games. Steven credits TQS for providing him with a solid academic foundation. Some of Steven’s fond memories of TQS include having a cup of tea or cocoa while working with Karen Pithie in reading, Lisa Sutton who introduced him to reading novels and instructed him in developing his writing skills, Mr. Lewis in math and history classes, mock elections, his trebuchet project and TQS Day.
4
From the Lens of Isaac Goldberg The past year for me has been that of substantial change. Early in 2014 while still attending my second year at Montgomery County Community College, I found out I did not get into Ithaca College to study film. This left my family and me at an impasse for what I should do next… Every professional we spoke with explained how the film industry works… having a film degree vs. not having one doesn’t make much of a difference. What matters more so, are connections. Plus, the film school debt is nothing to be joked about and I didn’t want the debt without a guarantee of work …which film school does not insure me. We ultimately decided the next phase of my life would be to leave MontCo and move to Los Angeles in search of work in TV/Film production. I moved to LA at the end of September after a crosscountry road trip/vacation with my Mom.
Examples of Isaac’s photography
The past few months have been about settling myself into new surroundings and expanding my social circle, both professional and casual.
In that time, I’ve made several advantageous contacts here in favor of jobs that could lead to careers. I have gained much knowledge about the film industry and film production; that has changed my view about the art significantly. I’ve also been expanding my horizons to topics of metaphysics (currently a student of Reiki II), professionally driven photography, and adapting my filmmaking equipment for projects yet to come. In the next year, I do not see myself becoming a famous director or cinematographer, but things are looking positive for seeding a foundation with which one day I will achieve my lifelong filmmaking career. I have not discovered if I have one true calling for a specific job in the industry, but have had some experience with a wide range of filmmaking and can currently say that what interests me most is directing, cinematography, and taking unit stills.
5
On Memory Lane with Crawford Jan Thompson David Wright and I rode the bus together to/from school. The name of the bus driver was a woman named Fred. This was the 1992-93 school year. We had the same bus for part of the 1993-94 school year but in the fall I moved and I had to take a different bus. I was in Miss Carpenter’s class and although he was in a different class we had lunch together. At the time we were still in the social hall of the Quaker Meetinghouse. My middle name, which everyone used, was Jan pronounced “Yan.” When I got there in 1992 Mr. Hallowell was the headmaster. I believe that was his first year. In the fall of 1993 I had Mrs. Rufe and Mrs. Powell for teachers. I left The Quaker School in February 1994 when we relocated to Washington.
“I would love to serve the Quaker school in some capacity in the future if that is possible. I learned so much when I was a student there and would love to give back in some way.” Crawford Jan Thompson I attended Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, PA where I went to high school and got my Associates Degree. I graduated college with a degree in International Relations. While in high school I ran cross country and played baseball and was involved heavily in the French and German clubs. At Valley Forge I was a cadet leader in charge of training other cadets, instilling discipline and values. During my years in College I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. In the future I am hoping to work for the Foreign Service. I also have dual US and EU citizenships. This enables me to work both in the United States and in Europe. I have previously taught English in several foreign embassies in the DC Area. My hobbies include running, reading, studying other cultures, and researching my family tree and studying history. I would love to serve the Quaker school in some capacity in the future if that is possible. I learned so much when I was a student there and would love to give back in some way. I currently reside in Bethesda, MD but I would like to move back to the Philadelphia area.
From Matthew Gray’s mother, Carol Ann Gray (member of Sassafras Society) I first learned about The Quaker School at Horsham, shortly after it was founded, when George Rowe made a presentation at the Adult First Day class at Newtown Meeting. Little did I know at the time how important that presentation would become to our family. Our son, Matthew, had undiagnosed learning difficulties as early as his kindergarten years, and we entered him as a second grader in TQS in 1990. He began the year in the lowest 5th percentile in reading, but was at grade level by Thanksgiving! Matt’s progress continued rapidly from there, and the staff also steered us to a pediatric neurologist who was able to pinpoint and help treat his learning problem. After three years, Matt went back to public school, where he continued his academic success. Our son, who initially hated school, returned to TQS as a guest science teacher in 2012, and is now in his final year as a PhD candidate in marine biology.
6
Huston Dawson, Structural Engineer = TQS Success Story Huston “Hupi” Dawson spoke at a TQS luncheon in May 2014 about the pivotal role that TQS played in his early education and contributed to his later successes. After leaving TQS, Hupi went on to John Story Jenks School in Philadelphia, then to Chestnut Hill Academy for high school, and Lehigh University where he completed an undergraduate degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He was awarded a Research Fellowship at Lehigh University where he continued his studies and received a Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is currently an Associate Principal at Weidlinger Associates as a structural engineer specializing in extreme loads including bomb blast, vehicle impact, and flood mitigation, in addition to conventional structural engineering. He has worked on over a dozen US embassy projects, multiple federal buildings, and dozens of private sector buildings. Huston has published several papers on the protective design of curtain walls and installation of bollards in New York City. He has been involved in developing finite element models of custom curtain walls and anti-ram systems as well.
Huston has fond memories of school in the Meetinghouse, which included time in the wood shop, where he built a Woolly Mammoth marionette. The Mammoth only came to life when George Rowe surprised Hupi with real ivory Boar tusks, which completed the marionette. Huston also has fond memories of the weekly trips to the ice skating rink during the winter time. Huston followed his interest in the outdoors and joined the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Huston currently resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, Patricia O’Connor, and twin daughters, Hallie and Riley. In his free time, which isn’t much these days, he enjoys playing squash and golf. He also enjoys cooking, which helps keep him at home with his loving family. Huston mentioned at the luncheon that TQS played a significant part in who he became and what opportunities were made available to him as a result of what he learned at TQS. However, Huston also said that none of that would have been possible without the courage of his mother, who made the decision to send him to TQS.
A Very Fond Farewell to Joanna Robinson Joanna Robinson is retiring to “The Farm” this summer. Joanna has worked here, communicating consistently calmly and gently, since anyone can recall. Nearly every student who ever returns to visit, remembers her as one of his or her best loved teachers. Joanna is the quintessential TQS teacher – she has taught nearly every subject graciously, although her clear favorites and most passionate are Reading/Writing and Word Study. She is a true expert on the English language and she ensures that her students share her love of the nuance of the carefully chosen and artfully placed word. Her students acquire the gift for poetry recitation, a nearly lost art. Her annual trips to the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater are one of the favorite traditions of Middle School.
Joanna is often the one to whom a troubled child will turn when needing unconditional caring and trust. She has been there when a child found the inner strength to rise to a challenge, and an important turning point was reached. Joanna has championed the School to become mindful of all things that relate to stewarding one’s life in a thoughtful manner. Under Joanna’s watch, our students learned the value of recycling, charitable acts of kindness and generosity, doing weekly chores, and always doing the right thing. We love you, admire you and will miss you immeasurably.
7
Board of Trustees The mission of the Board of Trustees is to ensure the best possible education for the children who attend TQS. This volunteer Board ensures that the School remains true to its mission and oversees the financial health of TQS. We thank the Board for their expertise, generous dedication to this valuable mission and their financial support. Their oversight of the School’s priorities and programs enables the staff to continually improve the high standards that characterize our School.
John Kruidenier, President Joseph Devlin, Vice-President David Charles, Treasurer Karen Wright, Secretary
William Clark Marc Davies Betsy Eschallier
Jane Fox-Laquer Phillip Henderson Frank Jarrett
Ann Reece Peter Schiano Charles Sines Michael Stefanski
Sassafras remarks from Carol Ann Gray Soon after our son Matt became a student at TQS, I joined the school committee, and stayed for the term limit of 9 years. Both as a parent and as a committee member, I was impressed with the quality of the faculty and programs, and with the nurturing of the spirit consistent with Quaker values. It was, and continues to be, a wonderful community. During my time on the committee, the school grew and prospered, and George retired. A building dedicated to the special needs of children with learning differences was still a dream when I left, and so it was a thrill to see that dream eventually become a reality a few years later. In 2001, I was invited to join the Sassafras Society, composed of people who demonstrate a strong and continuing faith in TQS and an ongoing concern for its wellbeing. Since many of us remember the earliest years of the school, we have served as an institutional memory at times, and at other times have worked behind the scenes, giving advice or financial support. A recently established tradition is that we contribute to the annual student ice skating program. It is always a joy to visit the school, and I look forward to continuing to support its mission.
8
Sassafras Society Linda Brockway Betsy Eschallier Carol Ann Gray Dafydd Jones Beverly Morgan Leon Oboler George and Margie Rowe Mimi Seyfert Charles (Bud) Sines Geoff Tilden Thomas Unger Diane Vernon Sue Weir Karen Wright
There are many ways
that you can be a part of our many successes A Sustaining Gift is a regularly scheduled gift over time that can make giving more manageable than a single gift.
Appreciated Stock, Real Estate and other tangible gifts may be gifted to an organization in a way that has tax advantages for the donor.
Challenge Grants can help fund larger projects by motivating others by multiplying their gifts.
Planned Gifts through a bequest in your Will, a Charitable Gift Annuity or Donor Advised Fund can enhance your estate plans.
Many corporations provide Matching Gifts when their employees make a contribution directly to the school or through the United Way. Our United Way Code is 8840.
Contact the Development Office at 215-674-2875 ext. 19 to discuss any of these options.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs allow Pennsylvania businesses to redirect their tax dollars to scholarships for our students.
Van Richards, In Memoriam It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Van Richards. Van was most recently our Grants Associate in the Advancement Department of TQS. Formerly he was the Director of Development 2005-2008. Above all, Van was a great loyal fan and generous supporter of TQS. He will be warmly remembered for his kind heart, great sense of humor and dedication to our school. Van dreamed big for our school; his aspirations will continue to be reflected in our work going forward at TQS.
9
Alumni information Life after TQS:
TQS students have followed their dreams at the following schools: High school: Bridge Academy Bucks County Technical High School Christopher Dock Mennonite High School* Constitution High School The Crefeld School Delaware Valley Friends School Eastern Center for the Arts & Technology Hilltop Academy Kildonan Day & Boarding School LaSalle College High School New Hope Academy* North Montco Tech Career Center The Pennington School The Phelps School Solebury School SLA/Science Leadership Academy String Theory Charter School* Upper Dublin High School Valley Forge Military Academy Woodlynd School Wyncote Academy College: Chestnut Hill College Clark University Drexel University Earlham College La Salle College Lehigh University Messiah College Millersville College Montgomery County Community College Muhlenberg College Penn State University St. Joseph’s University University of the Arts 10
*2014 graduates now attending these schools
About Ruth by Karen Wright Ruth joined TQS 10 years ago as the dean of students and director of an undefined creative program. When she first arrived at TQS, students were in three buildings: the 1740 schoolhouse across Rt. 611, Horsham Friends Meetinghouse and the “cabin.” The work on the present building had just begun. As acting head of school in the spring of 2007 and then head of school in 2008 she led us into the new building and exciting growth in our program with the students and families who are part of our TQS family. Ruth’s goals “to make the school a safe, transformative and affirming haven for children who struggle to learn...to bring the strengths of the school into the foreground and build the structure to move forward in our local competitive independent school marketplace” have guided her through her tenure here. The school is professionally represented among outstanding educational associations including the Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, PA Association of Independent Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, Friends Council on Education, International Reading Association and All Kinds of Minds Institute. We regularly have student teachers from Arcadia University, Gwynedd Mercy University, LaSalle University and the University of the Arts. Our students are enriched
with programs from Michener Museum, Woodmere Art Museum, Special Equestrians, Mad Science, Musicopia and Drexel University’s Star Lab planetarium. The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides hours of valuable professional consultation. Ruth initiated most of these valuable partnerships and has nurtured them to provide the best benefit to the School. Ruth secured a dedicated faculty who willingly continued to learn new techniques and take on new responsibilities all to meet the diverse learning styles of our students. All of these professional associations and connections bring credibility to our many programs and reflect admirably on the School’s growth. However, these feathers in the School’s cap pale when compared to the effect that Ruth has had on the lives of children and their families. Ruth truly loves our students, shares in their lives and expands their experience. Children leave TQS with an understanding of how they learn, comfortable and secure in their abilities and with the potential to be successful in the next phases of their young lives. We are truly blessed to have had Ruth be the leader of the school and part of our lives for these years. We wish her and Frank only the best as she moves on to the next phase of her life.
11
THE QUAKER SCHOOL AT HORSHAM Ruth Joray, Head of School
THE LINK Editors: Ruth Joray, Patricia Thomas, Karen Wright Photographers: Ruth Joray, Jonathan Kratz Writers: Ruth Joray, Patricia Thomas, Karen Wright Graphic Design, Printing and Mailing: EnForm Graphic Productions, Inc.
250 Meetinghouse Road Horsham, PA 19044 (215) 674-2875 www.quakerschool.org
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Langhorne, PA Permit No. 81
Upcoming Events March 21 Speaker Series: Maxine Young, Audiologist School Atrium, 9:30 AM to 12 noon April 15 and 16 Middle School Play Performance The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, Horsham Friends Meetinghouse, 7:00 to 9:00 PM April 24 Special Friends Day School Atrium and classrooms, 9:00 AM to 12 noon April 25 Speaker Series: Bruce Sham, Financial Consultant School Atrium, 9:30 AM to 12 noon
May 9 TQS Day Entertainment - Peter Pitchford, Magician http://www.magicbymanipulation.com/ 10:45 - 11:45 Service Project to beautify the school Jonathan Kratz 12:00 - 12:45 Lunch with Mingle Magic by Peter Pitchford 1:00 - 2:00 Magic by Manipulation - Peter Pitchford 2:00 - 4:00 Car Wash by Middle School students May 21 Ruth Joray Day! Celebration of Ruth School campus, 9:00 AM to 12 noon June 11 Final Collection School Atrium, 10:30 AM
April 30 Luncheon at Foulkeways in Gwynedd
June 12 Commencement Horsham Friends Meetinghouse 9:30 AM
May 9 Open House 9:00 to 10:30 AM
June 29 – July 31 Summer Enrichment Program