RHCD Bulletin - Summer 2024 by Rocky Hill School

from our

Head of School

Dear RHCD Community,

One of the elements of Rocky Hill that most appreciate is its commitment to a growth mindset. It approaches all things with flexibility and nimbleness, able to stay true to its roots while also keeping current and innovating. Over its almost 90 years of existence, the School has evolved from a small preschool on Division Street in East Greenwich into this gem of a Nursery -12 institution on the shores of Narragansett Bay. The motto “Know Thyself,” while not in place from the very start, has guided the students, and indeed the adults alongside them, for decades. That search for selfknowledge has not changed, but society has allowed the depth and manner of that self-expression to expand over the years, and thankfully so has the Rocky Hill community.

The respect for student voice, and the ways in which that supports students’ abilities to develop their identity, remains a hallmark of a Rocky Hill education.

From the 5th Grade’s “Here’s To” speeches honoring their classmates, to the Middle School Expositions and Senior Presentations, to all the ways they guide the inquiry based learning in their classrooms, students develop their own voice. From their opportunities for leadership on the stage, on the courts, and in the fields, to their opportunities to express themselves fully in the visual and performing arts, Rocky Hill continues to nurture the whole child. Here, still, academics, arts, and athletics serve equally as integral parts of a child’s education and growth.

I’ve enjoyed my time at RHCD, building on the solid foundation of the School’s values in serving its students. wish the community well as it Navigates 90, and beyond!

Sincerely,

Diane

Rich Head of School

From their opportunities for leadership on the stage, on the courts, and in the fields, to their opportunities to express themselves fully in the visual and performing arts, Rocky Hill continues to nurture the whole child.”

90 Years Celebrating

Q&A with Mr. Charles Laurent of Rocky Hill History

During the 2020-21 school year, Mr. “L” and his fourth grade students embarked on a year-long project with the goal of preserving the extensive archives of Rocky Hill Country Day. After countless hours of reading, sorting, and organizing, his junior archivists succeeded in creating a designated archives collection space in the School’s library, designing an interactive online timeline of the School’s history, and publishing a website dedicated to the School’s history. Through their hard work, they discovered some interesting and fun littleknown anecdotes and information about the School and its people. As the School prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary, Mr. “L” sat down with us to share some of the students’ favorite findings.

Q: Is there any particular story that you find especially interesting?

The school is a living and breathing testament to the dedication of community members throughout its 90year history. I couldn’t possibly point to just one person or group of people. Instead, it is the collective energy and desire to provide our students with the best educational experience possible.”

A: There are many, but one that comes to mind is the story of the school’s founding in 1934. It’s rather controversial, and I’m not sure it’s ever been definitively settled. When the School was celebrating its 40th anniversary in 1974, The Bulletin had a retrospective piece that stated that Rocky Hill began “in 1934 as a small group of nursery children in the home of Mrs. Gordon Belsey on Love Lane in Warwick.” That has always been the narrative. However, our junior archivists discovered not one, but two separate letters written by Dorothy Marshall refuting this claim. Dorothy wrote to Hugh Campbell in 1974, and Alan Flynn in 1976, expressing her displeasure, writing, “It was extremely upsetting to see so many things in it that were so inaccurate.” Dorothy continued, adding that she “did not know of any Mrs. Gordon Belsey and that her preschool was not the beginning of Rocky Hill.” Instead, she claimed that she started the group in an “unused room in the Cowesett Public School,” and that in her second year, the space was no longer adequate so

progressive Country Day movement of his day, and the Potowomut campus provided the outdoor learning and exploring environment that he felt was so critical to a child’s intellectual and social emotional growth. So, in a sense, and quite literally, Mr. Hale was the first RHCD community member to “Think Outside.”

Q: What have you uncovered about the School that gives one a sense for the type of community RHCD is?

the group moved to the home of Lucius Eldredge on Division Street. Even more controversial is Dorothy’s questioning of the School’s founding year. She ends her letter to Hugh Campbell, writing, “May I question Rocky Hill starting in ‘34? My recollection is that it was ‘35 or ‘36. However, any records I saved are at home so I cannot say positively at this time.” So, depending on who you believe, the School might be a bit younger than we think!

Q: Are there stories you and the junior historians have discovered that reveal the character of the School?

A: There are plenty to choose from, including a fascinating interview with Nathan Hale, which I think illustrates the essence of our School. Even 90 years later, the School continues to be shaped by his vision. Nathan recalls, “I stuttered, you remember. I had my tongue cut when I was ten (frenectomy). I spent three years doing lip and tongue exercises.” These experiences helped Nathan to better understand the needs of his students. He spent the entirety of his teaching career exploring new and innovative teaching practices, always with an eye to supporting each and every student with whom he worked. He was also a firm believer in the

A: The School has always relied heavily on the support of its various constituents. Rocky Hill Country Day School is a thriving school community in large part because of the passionate and unwavering commitment of its alumni, faculty and staff, and families. The School is a living and breathing testament to the dedication of community members throughout its 90-year history. I couldn’t possibly point to just one person or group of people. Instead, it is the collective energy and desire to provide our students with the best educational experience possible. Suffice it to say, there is not a single building, athletic field, or learning space that does not owe its presence to the ongoing support of the community. One historical

anecdote I can recall, which I think exemplifies that spirit, happened in 1954, when the East Coast was walloped by the double category 3 hurricanes of Carol and Edna. Carol remains one of the most destructive storms to have hit Rhode Island, and Rocky Hill’s “new” campus was not spared. Shortly after the school moved onto its new campus, several buildings were severely damaged and many trees toppled. In the days that followed, the Rocky Hill community came together, with each and every parent, student, administrator, Board, and faculty member joining hands to clean and repair Rocky Hill’s home. It was, and still is, this spirit that makes RHCD such a unique and special place to so many.

Q: Are there any other interesting discoveries you and your students have made?

A: There are so many to choose from. There’s the story of Mr. and Mrs. Crosspatch. In 1951, two screech owls were adopted as chicks by Head of School Nathan Hale and his wife, Lillian. The two owls even made the local paper! Lillian was partial to the siblings, feeding them and allowing them to fly freely throughout Hopelands. They were even known to “dive bomb” an

occasional guest of the School!

The School also had a long tradition of hosting a pet show on campus. Members of the community would bring all manner of animal family, including dogs, goats, ducks, turtles, and even snakes. Food was served on the front lawn of the school.

Before moving to Hopelands, RHCD was located at Howland Hall, another historic home located on Division Street in East Greenwich.

Like the Hopelands building, Howland Hall was surrounded by a beautiful 2-story collonaded verandah. More than once, old pictures of the school have been misidentified as having been taken at Hopelands because of the columns seen in the background. It’s an easy mistake to make. Howland Hall is still standing on Sanctuary Drive today.

Lillian Hale was a very accomplished artist who specialized in oil painting. It was she who painted the portrait of her husband, Nathan, that hangs in the Hopelands hallway today.

Charles Laurent Fifth Grade Teacher

World Languages

Costa Rica and France: New World Perspectives

Through the Rocky Hill Country Day School competencies

Even a simple visit to a local grocery store became an opportunity to compare and contrast food habits, tax systems, environmental regulations, and health nutrition laws.”

Traveling abroad is often touted as an enriching experience that broadens students’ perspectives. While this may sound cliché, the reality is far more profound. This year, during spring break, 11 students embarked on educational journeys to Costa Rica and France. These school trips, organized by the World Languages Department, offered experiences that transcended the cliché, providing insights that were both enriching and enlightening.

Our students, characterized by their kindness, resilience, responsibility, and curiosity, demonstrated their ability to think critically, navigate ethically, and communicate effectively in diverse cultural environments.

Despite the packed and demanding schedule, our students remained enthusiastic and eager to explore what lay ahead. Even a simple visit to a local grocery store became an opportunity to compare and contrast food habits, tax systems, environmental regulations, and health nutrition laws. They engaged tour guides with thoughtful and sometimes humorous questions, drawing parallels between their classroom learning and real-world observations. The students could

see with their own eyes some creative environmental initiatives that they only heard about in the classroom. For example, even though they learn about how some countries are making it difficult for people to have a car and are investing in bike lanes and public transportation, it is different when they have the experience to use the subway and the train. Also, it is not everyday that they see a traffic jam in a bike lane! Students were also able to see how prioritizing sustainability can truly change the way in which farms operate, fruits taste, and an entire country thinks!

We had the privilege of sharing our trips with two other schools: Lincoln School joined us in Costa Rica, and Portsmouth Abbey School accompanied us in France. Our students’ kindness extended beyond their immediate circle of friends, as they offered assistance to students from other schools, whether it was sharing a charger, engaging in friendly conversation during bus rides or assisting peers in navigating a conversation in a different language. Their awareness

and respect for others were evident in their actions, such as offering their subway seats to those in need, communicating in a very effective way that only kindness and citizenship permitted.

Communication was a key aspect of the trip. Our students understood the importance of greeting people in their native language, a gesture of respect for their cultural norms. It was rewarding to see students who were studying French or Spanish put their language skills to use, while those who were not familiar with the language finished the trip by being able to use some phrases to communicate.

Immersing oneself in a foreign culture can be challenging and uncomfortable. However, it offers a unique opportunity for introspection and a fresh perspective on one’s own culture and themself, which is rewarding and transformative. These school trips abroad equip our students with additional tools to fulfill our mission: ‘Inspiring each other to discover our full selves and use our wisdom for good.’

Elaine Costa Bernardino and Alex Nunnelly

TheHistoryEcological

and the Greater Rhode Island Watershed of Greenwich Bay

of working in a single medium or applying a particular technique, students are encouraged to explore an idea, issue, or question through various media.

An inquiry-based approach often drives the curriculum in our Advanced Portfolio course, as well as in other visual arts courses. We incorporate themes and big ideas driven by essential questions to frame an investigation. So, instead

This year, students in two different sections of Advanced Portfolio were introduced to the theme, the ecological history of Greenwich Bay and the greater Rhode Island watershed, and researched related topics of interest. The concept of

and the presence of nearly two inches of microplastics on the floor of Narragansett Bay and the impact on the health of the bay. Each student approached the project by formulating a question that would drive their research and artmaking process.

The students had the opportunity to meet with Deb Ehrens, Art League of RI artist, and physical oceanographers, Caroline Ummenhofer and Svenja Ryan from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. We learned about Deb’s artistic process, as well as Caroline and Svenja’s research that drove their collaboration in the Synergy project that pairs artists from the Art League with scientists from WHOI to communicate science through art. This virtual visit gave our students insight into the project and the many parallels between the way artists and scientists approach their research and problem-solving.

During the final rotation of the school year, the Ecological History Project expanded to connect our 5th-grade students with three Advanced Portfolio students. Parallel to the work that the US

students were doing, Mr. Laurent’s 5th-grade students were embarking on their study of the ecology of the Potowomut Peninsula, developing questions to guide their inquiry and research: For example, why do we no longer have horseshoe crabs on the peninsula? How did the sea wall, along our school property, dating back to the 1800s, affect the ecology of the salt marsh? Our Advanced Portfolio students met with the 5th-graders several times to explore some of these questions and ultimately decided to create a 4x8 foot mural visualizing the past, present, and future of our school’s waterfront. This project aimed to engage the students in a project that empowered students from both age groups to become teachers and learners of this history, where “teacher is learner and learner is teacher.” The mural serves as a way to communicate the story of the rich cultural history of the area and how it has impacted Greenwich Bay and Greater Narragansett Bay. This experience promoted a deeper connection between young learners and their local environment while fostering collaboration, creativity, and historical understanding.

ecological history focuses on the interactions between humans and their environment, over long periods. Students were inspired to examine topics such as the history of the jewelry industry in Providence and its detrimental effects on the environment; the impact of presentday toxic amounts of copper nitrate discharged into the Pawcatuck River from the Kenyon Industries textile mill in Kenyon, RI, and how it affects aquatic life in this river;

The practice of electroplating, which gained prevalence in 1794 from the works of Nehemlah Dodge, made costume jewelry —which looked beautiful and was far more accessible—incredibly popular in the United States. But this booming industry, combined with a lack of environmental protections, has resulted in high levels of heavy metals in Narragansett Bay, impacting not just our health, but also that of marine wildlife.”

- Excerpt from Elina Sun’s artist statement

Meghan Getsinger Visual Arts Department Chair

Using inquiry to guide the artmaking process

Mural by Alex Lehouiller ‘24, Jeremi Morrison ‘24, Lauren Zheng ‘24

Microplastics Mixed Media artwork by Elliot Osbrey ‘24

Gilded in Gold Sculpture by Elina Sun, ‘24

Wire Sculptures by Collin Zito ‘24

Kindergarten and First Grade Bond with 8th Grade Buddies

This year Kindergarten and First Grade made unbreakable bonds with their 8th grade buddies. What started off as a fun activity led to a field trip to the zoo, biweekly meetings, and sitting together at All School events. Next year, they will continue to meet when they all move up to their next grade level.

Glow Dance

With our highest attendance to date, Lower Schoolers danced the night away while enjoying yummy treats, taking silly pictures at the photo wall, and getting their faces painted.

Lower

School’s Greatest Hits of

23-24

Lower School Gatherings

Each month fifth grade leaders work diligently to plan all Lower School Gatherings. During this time we do an activity that gets us energized, share the happenings in Lower School, and get to take a mindful moment together.

Poetry on the Rock

Lower School’s annual poetry sharing event happened on a warm spring day at the end of April. Students from all classes shared both original poetry and their favorite poems by others. Lower School teachers shared poems about their classes that brought smiles to each student’s face.

MLK March

Students in Lower School honored and remembered the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by standing up for what they care about. Lower Schoolers did their own march around campus to share what they care about with signs created in Library class.

Author Visit by Gail Fulton-Anderson

Gail Fulton-Anderson, author of Play Me

Please!, visited our Lower School students for a musical storytime in the library. Play Me Please! is a picture book inspired by the author’s experiences teaching piano lessons at Rocky Hill. Our Lower School community celebrated the joy of the Rocky Hill music program - past and present.

Field Trips

The students in preschool through fifth grade have explored all around the state and beyond, including but not limited to the Southwick Zoo, Smith’s Castle, Goddard Park, The Cookie Countess, East Greenwich Town Hall, Rhode Island State House, Purgatory Chasm, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Center, and Casey Farm.

Grandfriends Day

Our annual Grandfriends Day was a blast and it was a joy to host over 120 Grandfriends! Students were able to share a day in their lives at school and put on an enjoyable performance that included a special Grandfriends Day song. We can’t wait for next year!

Making

Girls Varsity Basketball’s Championship

HERstory

For years, Girls Varsity Basketball has chugged along with a chip on their shoulder, working towards small successes in the shadow of a perennial powerhouse Boys Varsity program. This year, however, a new chapter was written when the Girls Varsity team claimed their first ever New England (NEPSAC) Championship!

Under the leadership of Coach PJ Thibodeau, the program has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past two years. This season, all the pieces aligned with new players combining with returners to go on a historic run. Seniors Ju’elle West and Mackenzie Carney anchored the team with their experience and leadership and the Mariners received heavy offensive contributions all season from Sophie Mahar ‘25, Addie Mahar ‘27, Aliona Nikulina ‘27, and Darien Kiernan ‘26. Lily Sokol ‘26 shone on both ends of the court this season, and Dariia Serednytska ‘26 was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year in New England Class D.

The whole team dazzled all season with their Resiliency, Effort, and Pride, which culminated in the first (of many to come!) championship in the program’s history.

The pride that I have in our team comes from the trust they put in the process, their resiliency throughout a challenging season, and their teamwork when it mattered most. It was the perfect result for a group who sacrificed for each other and I hope they’ll always remember what it means to be a part of something special.”

Megan Williams Director of Athletics

Run

Coach PJ Thibodeau

Amplifying Student Voices:

Looking Out, The Student Advocacy Subcommittee Looking In

‘Thee’ Class of ‘79

It is not easy to keenly focus, with clarity, on my teenage-experienced world of 45 years ago. We must look through the busy, ever-dimming, time-lengthening lens of many intervening decades! I’m going to give it a go.

I’ve heard it said that “life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” So, to help me with this longago context I “googled” search words such as “top songs, popular culture, fashion, movies, electronics, sports, 1979.” In those days, just the notion of an instant, detailed, cyber “calling up” of such information by an individual was only found in Sci-Fi thrillers or the Orwellian world of 1984. But, seeing the words: “Le Freak”, Soviet Afghanistan Invasion, Amityville Horror, Iranian Hostages, “My Sharona”, Sony Walkman, (SALT) II, “Happy Meal”, Joe Montana,” allowed the floodgates to open and the memories to flow back. That was our world … looking out.

Looking in … at our year as Seniors at Rocky Hill School, we took pride in being the largest graduating class in school history (a whopping 21)! I recall us as eager, enthusiastic, awkward, curious, silly, rambunctious and kind. The first word in our yearbook was SPIRIT—our class “theme.” It proved to be an apt word. We involved ourselves in a bit of everything because our small, insular, idyllic school setting allowed for it and cultivated these things: the quiet pursuit of learning; the

determination to achieve (without cutthroat competition); completing long homework assignments that included memorizing lines for the upcoming play, practicing a musical solo or perfecting the basketball “layup” or soccer “centering” kick; the patience of our faculty who also coached us in sports, proctored us in study hall, chaperoned field-trips and taught and tamed us in our respective Home Rooms.

In large part, we were those individuals that my mother would describe as “jack(s) of all trades and master(s) of none.” We tried new and unfamiliar approaches to problem-solving and planning—involved ourselves in activities that we weren’t particularly interested in or especially good at—driven often times by youthful curiosity, adventurousness or simply because, with

such small numbers, we needed “all hands on deck” to make an idea or event better, or happen at all—a “spirit” to risk, experience and succeed. Who else sings “The Twelve Days of Christmas” or, the then hit song, “Fire” in public and … in Latin?!

It was (and still is) that unique, special and distinctly “peculiar” ethos of RHCD that allows a group of teenagers from different localities and backgrounds to value each other, share vulnerabilities and make the most of those all-too-short years— together. We, self-proclaimed (and dubbed by parents and teachers alike), “THEE Class of ‘79,” sowed the seeds for a lifetime of self-discovery and examination that our school motto exhorts us all to ponder and pursue. It is the worthy and epic journey to … “Know Thyself!”

The students who participated were able to express their thoughts on how their racial identity impacted their daily experience at RHCD to an attentive audience where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. “

The Student Advocacy Subcommittee, initiated by the Director of Equity + Belonging, Michelle Jones, serves as a student-led extension of the Office of Equity + Belonging. It was established in 2023 with a keen understanding of the need to provide a platform for students passionate about social justice, while recognizing the presence of identity-based experiences within our school community. In the 2023-2024 school year, the committee appointed its inaugural co-chairs, Ju’elle West ‘24 and Feidy Blandino ‘25.

The Student Advocacy Subcommittee has begun to change our learning community and students’ attitudes toward our Equity + Belonging journey. At its core, the Subcommittee creates a space dedicated to students to share their lived experiences and provide critical feedback with their peers and administrators. Communication within the greater community is also a part of this group, and this winter it held a

student panel for the Upper School faculty. The students who participated were able to express their thoughts on how their racial identity impacted their daily experience at RHCD to an attentive audience that valued what they were sharing. Another achievement was the installation of two new vending machines, now integral to our US community, fostering student unity.

The Student Advocacy Subcommittee is committed to building a Mariner Community where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. We plan to hold more student panels about a variety of identities for more audiences. We want to increase transparency around discrimination, and we are currently talking about a teach-in around language. We also want to look at and adjust policies around Equity + Belonging. All of this will be done to make our community align with our shared RHCD ideals and values.

Jeff Clark ‘79 Alumni

Feidy Blandino ‘25 and Jillian Pogacar ‘25

Spotlight

Cortlandt Meyerson, Class of 2020, H4GG Co-Founder, and Senior at NYU, brings a rural challenge to an urban environment.

Using the skills and experiences at RHCD and all the amazing learning happening at NYU, Cortlandt Meyerson recently launched another first-of-its-kind event with 225 attendees representing 120 organizations. RegenerativeNYC, a regenerative agriculture conference held on Earth Day in April 2024, addressed the gaps and needs on our farms and in our food systems to become more sustainable. The event will be annually recurring to continue to build alignment and community in the regenerative agriculture sector.

Photo: Christine Davis Jones ‘80 and children, Michelle Jones (RHCD Director of E+B), Marshall Jones (CT Law Enforcement), Matthew Jones (USAF Aviator, Major Jones), with grandchildren Michael, Aaliyah, and Jessie.

Three Generations of It’s unimaginable that me starting at RHCD back in 1975 would lead to three generations of Jones. We are all proud to be a part of the RHCD family!”

Jones at RHCD

Davis Jones, ‘80

Chriss

Hack for Global Good

In 2017, Cortlandt Meyerson ‘20 and Ben Pogacar ‘20 developed the Hack for Global Good, a social good hackathon aimed at bridging the gap between classrooms and the world’s most pressing issues. Now in its 6th year, the Hack for Global Good continues to weave citizenship, innovation and entrepreneurship into an intensive real-world problem solving event. Each year, students embark on a journey of discovery as they seek bold solutions to local and global challenges with guidance from mentors and industry experts. During the Hack for Global Good, students collaboratively innovate solutions. At the end of the hackathon, student visionaries present their solutions to a panel of judges as they vie for the Moonshot, Global Impact, and Best Pitch Awards.

Since its inception, the Hack for Global Good has been an event “by students, for students.” The unique perspectives, visions, and strengths of each student leadership team have contributed to the continuing evolution of the Hack for Global Good. While the Hack for Global Good has stayed true to its original goals, our student leadership team has embraced the spirit of the Chinese proverb, “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.”

Whether faced with a global pandemic or the charge to bring the hackathon to all three divisions, our student leaders embraced the challenges allowing the Hack for Global Good to evolve and its impact to grow.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Hack for Global Good Co-Directors are poised to embed new, authentic, innovative problem-solving challenges into the H4GG. In the words of 2025

H4GG Co-Director, Koray Kokturk ‘25, “The power of the hackathon is showing students that they truly can create impactful solutions to genuine problems people are facing, and that is something we really want to highlight this year.” Co-Director,

Elina Sun ‘25, adds, “H4GG is an incredibly rewarding experience that stimulates personal growth in ways that other experiences might not, and it is my hope that this event shows people how capable they really are, especially when it comes to solving problems in our community.” Stay tuned to learn how H4GG 2025 Co-Directors Elina Sun ‘25 and Koray Kokturk ‘25 bring their aspirations to fruition.

New in 2024:

• “Design Thinking” was added to the Upper School Course of Study. Students enrolled in this course used design thinking protocols to redesign the Lower and Middle School Hack for Global Good experience. They developed a pre-H4GG curriculum that engaged Middle School students in design thinking exercises, gamified the hackathon to increase student enthusiasm for the event, and created online mentor training modules to better prepare Upper School student mentors for working with our Lower School students.

• The H4GG partnered with CIC, Venture Café, and RIHub to more closely connect Upper School students with the Rhode Island innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. Mentors from RIHub shared their knowledge and experience with Upper School hack teams as they ideated and prototyped. We held the final pitch event in the CIC building in the heart of Providence’s design and innovation district. Venture Café hosted our winning teams at a sustainability themed Thursday Gathering allowing our student teams to share their innovative work with area entrepreneurs, designers, and educators.

• The H4GG Student-Led Marketing Committee created the logo and spearheaded the social media campaign.

2018-19 2020 2022-23 2024

Hackathon Core Principles Established

“The essence of the H4GG is what makes it stand apart from other hackathons. It gives younger people, typically more creative as they are less constrained by popular opinion/biases, the opportunity to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.”

-Ben Pogacar ‘20

Hack Energy

Hack Pollution

Hackathon Goes Virtual Due to Covid

“Given the logistics of the pandemic, moving H4GG online was a necessary decision. During my year as Chair, I learned about pivoting and leading a team when things didn’t go as planned. My peers on the organizing committee and I had to think quickly and intentionally about the best way to move our event to an online platform.”

-Lucia Caito ‘21

Hack Food

H4GG Welcomes International Teams and Expands to Lower and Middle Schooll

“I think that including students of all ages further emphasized our message that innovation is for everyone and anyone can spark change despite their age or experience.”

-Jayci Izzi ‘23

Hack Education

Hack Health

Pitch Event Moves Off Campus

”Through newly formed partnerships with CIC and Venture Café, we were able to offer Upper School students the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas to the entrepreneurial community and receive feedback from people with experience in sustainability and innovation.”

-Cole Brown ‘24

Hack Cities

By Elina Sun ‘25 and Wendy Gustavel, RHCD Librarian & Instructional Facilitator

Admissions

Over the 90-year history of Rocky Hill Country Day School, enrollment looks very different today than it did when the first group of students came together. Utilizing an electronic application, formal recommendations, and bringing together students from nearly 35 different towns around the world, the Rocky Hill of today is very different than it once was. However, there are still similarities to the overall process. Students come to Rocky Hill to learn from talented and passionate teachers and to get the chance to practice authentic learning with like-minded peers in a classroom that expands beyond the four walls of a schoolhouse and

extends from the classroom to the saltmarsh and beyond.

The incoming class of 2023 represented the second largest enrolling class in the last 15 years, with new students in every grade but 12th. A 58% increase in inquiries to the school and a nearly 20% jump in applications from the 2022-2023 school year shows interest in Rocky Hill has never been higher. We increased our global presence, enrolling students from three different countries and sent acceptance letters to nine states and five countries. Our history is never far from mind and in the 2023-2024 school year we enrolled eight new

James Pinkham Director of Enrollment Management

Students come to Rocky Hill to learn from talented and passionate teachers and to get the chance to practice authentic learning with like-minded peers...”

students who have siblings currently attending Rocky Hill and we will open the new year with 43 legacies on campus, including eight children of former students.

The past 90 years have brought great changes to the school, pedagogy, and enrollment process. What hasn’t changed is the interest in our school by diverse learners bringing unique geographic, social, and academic experiences to our campus each year. am excited to see what the future holds in the 90th year of Rocky Hill Country Day School.

Staff & Faculty

Highlights

2023-2024

Performing Visual Arts Arts

Our Performing Arts Programs are growing and thriving at Rocky Hill Country Day School. This year our community was treated to concerts from our ensembles including Chorus, Orchestra, and Band for all divisions. We also performed outreach events for our community including appearances at the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Providence Bruins, and a Valentine’s Concert at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home.

Our students were involved in music through the Rhode Island Music Educators Association as honored All-State musicians in Junior Band, Junior Chorus, and Elementary Chorus as well as performing for the state Choral and Band Festivals.

We expanded our on-campus performances this year to include an exciting Coffee House for Middle & Upper School in addition to performances at the All-School Veterans Day Ceremony and Winter Solstice. In the Lower School, our Fourth grade class started a new recorder curriculum this year which culminated in a performance with the Rhode Island Philharmonic in Providence.

And our theater troupe, the Deckhands Theater Company, entertained our community with rousing performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid which garnered several nominations for the Providence Performing Arts Center Ocean State Star Awards. Deckhands finished their season with a production of a one act comedy play entitled, Band-A-Thon Our performing arts students have certainly enriched our community with their vibrant creativity and talent this year!

At the end of the academic year, the All-school art show celebration represents the culmination of each student’s artistic journey. Their artistic expressions reflect not only their talents and growth, but also limitless interdisciplinary and cross-divisional, collaborative opportunities.

Art has a unique power to bring people together. Here at Rocky Hill, we are fortunate to witness firsthand the joy and inspiration that artmaking brings. It serves as a powerful tool, encouraging students to think more critically and creatively about questions or problems, often sparking a deeper exploration of ideas. An example of this would be our Advanced Portfolio students who examined topics related to the ecological history of Greenwich Bay and the greater Rhode Island watershed, creating compelling artworks in response to their research.

One of our art program’s most distinctive aspects is how it fosters cross-divisional and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ms. Dumas’ 3rd grade students created drawings of imaginary creatures, which Ms. Temple’s Art Foundations

students then transformed into three-dimensional hand-sewn models. Similarly, Mr. Laurent’s 5th graders worked alongside three Upper School students to explore the ecology of our land. Using this inspiration, those students created a 4x8 foot mural. These collaborations are not just about making art; they are about building relationships, fostering mentorships, and developing a deeper understanding of the world around us.

We are incredibly proud of how our students shine in these environments. In our studio spaces, nascent talents are not only recognized but also nurtured through the dedicated guidance of our talented faculty as well as through peer mentorships.

Some pieces created this year showcase skill-building, and reveal personal interpretation, or form and function, while others voice social or political points of view. Our RHCD family is grateful to have a front-row seat to the magic that happens in our artrooms. The student artworks invite us to be present, engage, and reflect upon our shared capacity for boundless creative expression.

Heather Skidds Performing Arts Department Chair Chorus & Music Teacher

Meghan Getsinger Visual Arts Department Chair

Perspective Drawing by Art Foundations student, Alara Kokturk ‘27

Surfboard Mosaic by Olivia Gaudet, ‘24

Ms. Dumas 3rd Grade students and Ms. Temple’s Art Foundations students “Imaginary Creatures”

Our

day.

Our celebration. Our lasting legacy starts here!

Giving Day

From all of us at Rocky Hill… Thank you!

Your generosity made a tremendous impact on the students, faculty, and campus here at RHCD. We would also like to thank everyone who came out for the Spring Fling! The weather cooperated and it was wonderful to see so many Rocky Hill families enjoying the festivities.

While Giving Day may be over, you can still support the life-changing experiences that happen at Rocky Hill anytime.

#LifeChangesAtRHCD

Golf Tournament

Jared Ross Advancement Services Specialist

After a five-year absence, the Rocky Hill Golf Classic and Dinner Auction returned with a bang. Held at Warwick Country Club on May 20, the event had 103 golfers competing in a scramble format. Parents, Alumni, Grandparents, Trustees, Faculty, and Friends of Rocky Hill enjoyed a beautiful day on the course. After golf concluded, we welcomed an additional 87 guests for dinner and our silent and live auctions. Led by guest auctioneer Matt Taylor, live auction items included a week-long stay in Turks and Caicos, a week-long stay for 10 people on Block Island, and a Newport Harbor Cruise for eight people. The highlight of the auction was the intense bidding to become Head of the Lower School for a Day. Two lucky families won this item, enabling us to double our winnings. Overall, the 2024 Rocky Hill Golf Classic raised $70,000 in unrestricted funds, money that will be used to support our students, faculty, academic programs, and our beautiful campus. Plans are already underway for next year’s golf tournament, and we hope to see you there.

Community

Kristin Mitchell Director of Community Programming and Rentals

&Programming Rentals

After School Programs

RHCD ASP programs have been a huge success this year

In addition to offerings in crafts, cooking, and soccer, this year we added chess, strings, and lacrosse. Also new this year was programming for our middle schoolers, giving them a chance to try rock climbing and to head to Launch Trampoline park.

After School Shredders, though, was the hit of the town! The LS students were coached by LS Science teacher Eric Wyzga and Chef Jeremy Beaudoin, who partnered with local skateboard shop, Civi.

Jeremy: “It has been fun seeing the resilience of the skaters, skateboarding is incredibly hard; you have to fail over and over to get one simple thing right.

It hasn’t deterred any of these kids. They get more involved and ask more questions as they gain confidence on their skateboards; it’s truly inspiring to see. Their smiles are typically ear to ear as well, lol.”

Eric: “Not only does it help both gross and fine motor skills, it builds courage, and patience, and what am seeing is it helps their decision making skills of knowing limitations. There is a social community aspect and there is plenty of crossover into other sports as well. Not to mention there is evidence this generation is way more removed from going outside and playing on their own, than kids did years ago. Plus the look on their faces when they overcome a little fear is totally cool.”

Athletic Rentals

• The gym continues to be rented each night weekly through SWARM AAU, RHCD coaches and Warwick PALS.

• Fields are rented this summer for a huge lacrosse tournament with Trilogy lacrosse.

• We are happy to host Gamebreakers Lacrosse and Revolution Soccer again this Summer.

• URI held a female lacrosse tournament on campus.

Across the decades, Rocky Hill continues to expand opportunities to discover new experiences and build lifelong friendships!

Hopelands by the Bay

• Hasbro’s Heroes Ball was held in August of 2023.

• The Heroes Ball returns August of 2024.

• East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce returns for their third consecutive Fashion Show fundraiser.

• We continue to be a popular wedding venue; we are excited to have more newlyweds on campus this summer!

Summer by the Bay

We welcomed over 298 campers in 2023.

• This year we are welcoming Providence Pirates basketball team.

• Ice cream trucks continue to be a hit each Friday.

• This summer we are anticipating even more campers! 19 255 Events (2023-2024) Campers

Rocky Hill recognizes Diane Rich!

Farewell,Diane

I remember the moment when I first met Diane Rich. It was during the spring of 2013 and she had come to Rocky Hill as a candidate to be our Head of Upper School. At the time, Diane was teaching at Portsmouth High School, and before that, she was one of a team of educators who had created a progressive and certainly exciting new high school for Bedford, New Hampshire. Although we eventually selected one of our own to step into the division head position, we all agreed that here was a special educator that we had to bring into our community. And so Diane became our new Dean of Faculty the following fall.

During our time together on the administrative team, Diane nurtured our sense of camaraderie and purpose, always putting our students at the heart of each decision and initiative. For me, I had a like-minded colleague who was open and honest, and who cared deeply about our school. It was Diane who as Head of School led us to redefine our mission, shifting our focus from how we work as individuals to how we work within a diverse community. How fortunate we were to have her at the helm as we navigated the unknown turbulence of the pandemic, having to make all of the final decisions as we rewrote the playbook on

11 Years at RHCD

• Dean of Faculty/Studies (2013-2016)

• Assistant Head of School (2016-2018)

• Head of School (2018-2024)

To lead with both head and heart takes strength, daring, tenacity and, some might even say, chutzpah

how to do school. Her leadership was inspiring and gave me confidence that we had a solid plan of attack and that our students were safe and learning.

Diane has helped me “discover my full self”, and I feel blessed to have had her as a mentor and colleague, and continue to have her as a dear friend.

Mike Jedrey

There

are many reasons why I have appreciated working with Diane, but what impressed me was how open she was in sharing information with the faculty. She made us much more aware of the state of the School which truly made me feel more like a part of the team.“

Timothy Greenwood, Middle School Faculty

As the first female Head of School since its founder, Diane embarked on her journey with a forwardthinking vision, illuminated by her unwavering determination and resolve. Through eleven years of stewardship including Dean of Faculty, and Assistant Head of School, she reshaped our narrative with courage, wisdom, and grace. As Head of School, she has championed and ushered in landmark changes including academic, community, and athletic initiatives: the Student Competencies, Project-Based Learning, a culture of Health and Wellness, Equity + Belonging, and the Mariner Way, a guiding athletic philosophy centered on the tenets of Resiliency, Effort, and Pride.

Diane lived the Mission: “inspiring each other to discover our full selves and use our wisdom for good” believing with unflinching conviction that it is intrinsically at the core of what we do. The motto “Know Thyself” inspires students, of all ages, guiding them towards self-discovery and awareness; prepared and poised to navigate the complexities of the world.

In times of uncertainty and adversity, she stood as a pillar of strength, her resolve unshaken even when confronted by the unpredictability of the COVID-19 virus. As a school and a community, we faced the ultimate disruption: the pandemic represented the most profound challenge to school life—and the

lives of our children and families. Disruption represents innovation; it also defines creativity. Diane, alongside the administration, faculty, and staff embraced the opportunities and authored a new chapter where the students not only grew but also thrived.

I have had the privilege of partnering with Diane in several endeavors, most recently leading the decennial Self-Study in 2023, resulting in the reaccreditation of RHCD. The accolades from the Visiting Team and Commission on Independent Schools commended our supportive atmosphere, growth mindset, and collaborative ethos. Throughout her tenure, Diane has demonstrated not only her managerial acumen but also her profound understanding of the human spirit, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity that transcended trials of varying degree. Disarming, vulnerable, and stoic through triumph and tragedy, Diane would always rally, reaching out to whoever needed a caring word, a shoulder, or a lifeline.

Her legacy embodies the transformative potential of leadership rooted in compassion and goodwill. As we bid her farewell, we celebrate her radiance, her laughter, her profound love for children, and her steadfast dedication to education.

Upper School Humanities

Snyman

Of my many and varied experiences working alongside Diane, one that immediately comes to mind is her laugh. Diane loves to laugh! I have seen her recognize humor in situations that benefit from a respectful degree of levity; appreciate the humor offered by others; and acknowledge the humor in herself. Our interactions and engagement with colleagues spark the growth to be better at what we do. The positive impact of someone’s laugh can make us better at being ourselves. Thanks, Diane, for the gift of laughter in moments that truly made me smile…and even laugh!”

Diane’s unwavering support for mindfulness and social and emotional learning over the last decade has benefited this community more than most could understand. Her commitment to putting the needs of our students first and truly living the whole child approach as the leader of this institution will have a lasting and lifelong positive ripple effect on our students’ lives. For that, as well as her continued mentorship and encouragement in my journey at RHCD, I am forever grateful.”

- Traci Fairchild, Director of Counseling and Wellness

Diane introduced the Critical Friends Group to our faculty. This is a space where teachers from all three divisions gather monthly to discuss topics of their choosing. This has been a time to brainstorm, listen, and offer feedback. It has been a creative way to allow us to meet with teachers from other divisions, learn more about the challenges and successes that they encounter, and offer suggestions and potential solutions. Under Diane’s leadership, we have been able to connect more frequently and support each other in a more intimate setting, strengthening our teaching community.”

- Whitney Barker, Academic Center for Enrichment

After working with Diane for 10 years, both as a member of her faculty and her administration, I admire her authenticity, humility, and ability to be supportive and pragmatic. It has been truly a pleasure to work for and with Diane.”

- Caity MacDonald, Head of Lower School

Patty Pontarelli, Frm. Head of Lower School

New

Faculty and Staff

Rocky Hill Country Day School welcomed new faculty and staff members in the 2023-24 year.

Faculty and Staff

Milestones

Each year we recognize faculty and staff whose years of service reach a five-year milestone. In 2023-2024 the following individuals are recognized: Elaine Bernardino World Language Teacher and Department Chair

Years Years

Helen Dembinski Director of the Academic Center for Enrichment

James Himmelmann

General Music and Band Teacher

Dan Shaker Technology Manager

Brady Wheatley Upper School Division Head

Sherry Leonard Staff Accountant

Sophie O’Brien Kindergarten Teacher

Caitlin MacDonald Lower School Division Head

Colleen Abruzzese Nurse

Barbara Chilton Assistant and Extended Day

Matthew Dandola Head of Middle School

Nikki Griffis 3rd Grade Teacher

Ilana Revkin MS/US Strings Teacher

Dan Rocha Interim Director of Advancement

Janell Sullivan Earlybird

Carrie Ventura Assistant and Extended Day

Matthew Gnolfo Humanities Teacher

Timothy Greenwood Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Michael Jedrey Middle School Science Teacher

MOVING UP 2024 MOVING UP 2024 5 TH GRADE 8 TH GRADE

A Time to Celebrate A Spectacular Class

Lower School Moving Up Day is a day filled with joy and celebration of another successful year at Rocky Hill Country Day School. It is a day for all of our Lower School students from Preschool to Fifth Grade to be recognized and welcomed into their next grade level. We especially honor our 18 fifth graders who are moving on to Middle School. This mighty group of students, some who have been here for most of their school lives and others who joined just this year, served as excellent role models and leaders of the Lower School throughout the year. They took a special place in the preschoolers’ lives as they visited them weekly to read to them and develop relationships that will last well past this year. In this class you will find athletes, actors, musicians, avid readers, and talented writers to name a few of their strengths. Regardless of that, their biggest strength was learning to work together and enjoy each day together. We will miss you up and down the halls and sidewalks around Perkins and can’t wait to see all you do in the years to come. Wishing you all the best, Class of 2031!

The Middle School moving up ceremony is a celebration of the hard work and accomplishments of all of our Middle Schoolers. Sixth graders moved up to the seventh grade, and seventh graders moved up to eighth grade. Our eighth graders, the Class of 2028, moved up and put the final exclamation point on their Middle School experience.

had the pleasure of representing the Middle School faculty and sharing our thanks to the Class of 2028. am thrilled to be able to also share those thanks here, in this year’s RHCD Bulletin so our whole community can join in celebrating this fantastic class of Mariners.

To the class of 2028, we thank you for leading the Middle School this year. Thank you for showing me the ropes in my first year at Rocky Hill and making sure I didn’t get in trouble with Ms. Conroy. Thank you for coming together as a class, for making every day joyful, and for giving your all in your Expos presentations, during our Hack for Global Good, in each of your classes, and in all your performances and games. Thank you for helping us

create a new 8th grade trip, for teaching me about Del’s, and proving that sugar packets can, indeed, be snacks. Thank you for closing your lockers, for jumping in to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Thank you for dancing at the dance, screaming at Fright Night, and arguing about answers with Mr. Bioteau and Ms. Schofield at Trivia night. Thank you for being incredible buddies to our littlest Mariners.

You’re an incredible group of humans, Class of 2028, and you made the Middle School even more of a special place in your time here. We wish you well this summer, next year in Upper School, and in all that you do, and we can’t wait to see the amazing places your journey takes you.

Caity MacDonald Head of Lower School

Matt Dandola Head of Middle School

Commencement

A Class That Found Its Own Path!

“Maturity is knowing when and how to push yourself to the next level, and giving yourself the time, space and circumstances to allow for this growth.”

- Brady Wheatley, Head of Upper School

Watching this class grow from masked ninth graders to confident seniors holding their community to a high standard has been an honor. They made it through incredible challenges, tragedies, the normal pressures of high school, a paradigm shifting global pandemic, and held onto a profound appreciation for community, friendships and balance. The Class of 2024 found the path that made sense for them, and treated each other’s decisions with respect and understanding. They are a class full of leaders, capable of impacting the world so positively just as they have impacted all of Rocky Hill.

“How can I capture each moment we’ve shared, the amazing things everyone has accomplished, and the challenges we’ve faced, all in a few brief minutes? 660. That’s how many days we’ve spent together in the upper school. 4,620 hours in the classroom, 277,200 minutes, and if each second holds a memory, that’s 16,632,000 memories. ...Throughout them all, as we grew and friendships changed,

we always supported each other with kindness, empathy, and spirit. Those qualities define the Rocky Hill community.”

- Hadley Wheeler, Senior Commencement Address, Class of 2024

“As you head off to your next adventure, whether it be near or far, you will encounter people who are different from you, people who look differently from you, people who think differently from you. Remember to be curious, not judgmental. You never know where it might lead you!”

- Diane Rich, Head of School

Awards

• The Rocky Hill Country Day School Community Service AwardAlyssa Ya

Valedictorian

• The Dumas Family World Language Award - Imanol Acevedo

• Henry and Peggy Sharpe English Award - Lauren Zheng

• The Gregor/Coes Award in Mathematics - Haixiang ‘Sea’ Liu

• Dr. Richard R. MacMahon Science Award - Haixiang ‘Sea’ Liu

• Lillian Boynton Hale Art AwardLauren Zheng

• Howland Music AwardWill Hogan and Biagio DiCenso

• The Roberta Wintersteen Knight ‘61 History and Social Sciences Award - Lillian Liebermensch

• Lieutenant Governor Leadership Award - Hadley Wheeler

• Rotary Award - Hadley Wheeler

• The Mauran Bowl - Alex Lehouiller

• The Valedictorian AwardLauren Zheng

“I just really care.” Lauren Zheng has demonstrated genuine curiosity, leadership in a myriad of advanced level courses, countless hours of service, and a tenacious determination that has made our community stronger. Lauren stepped up to lead others not just when asked, but when she saw the need. Her innate qualities of humility, strength, and unwavering determination shaped her leadership on the field, in the classroom, in our community spaces, and on the robotics team. Her standard for excellence is unmatched, but it is her kind, approachable, and empathetic character that is the heart behind her drive for excellence, and is what will prompt future Mariners to say, “I want to be like Lauren someday.” Lauren, you have left an indelible mark on the spaces and communities you have touched.

Congratulations to the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024: Lauren Zheng.

Brady Wheatley Head of Upper School

From the Mariner Community Association

Dear Mariner Community,

Last Friday I had the privilege of watching this year’s senior class graduate, arriving as students and leaving as RHCD’s newest alumni. Sitting on our gorgeous campus under a sunny blue sky with Hopelands rising in the background and the bay sparkling behind me, I was reminded once again of what a truly special place Rocky Hill is. And indeed the graduating class sitting before me was an even more poignant reminder of what makes this school great. This class of seniors reflected the educational excellence, the opportunities for athletic and artistic achievement, and perhaps most importantly the confidence in themselves and their unique contributions to their community that Rocky Hill helps our students discover. It was an inspiring day and one that makes me proud to be part of the Mariner Community.

As RHCD’s parent and community organization, the Mariner Community Association’s (MCA) mission is to help foster a fun and vibrant community here at Rocky Hill. As I reflect on the past year, it is really exciting to see what a huge impact the MCA has on our school life and on our kids’ Rocky Hill experience. The MCA is involved in so many ways, and we are proud to support a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year - look at all we accomplished!

• Start-of-the-Year celebrations, including our annual Allie’s Donuts treat for students and faculty at Convocation and a parent reception for Back-to-School Night.

• Several hugely successful and well-attended community events, including Blue & White Night in the Fall, a Trivia Night for parents, and our two newest community events, the Spring Fling Carnival and our All-School Art Show Cocktail Reception.

• Many efforts to show our appreciation for our amazing RHCD faculty & staff, including a Thanksgiving Coffee Truck event, our annual Holiday Cookie Exchange, Valentine’s Day Friendship Bracelets, and of course our month-long May Faculty & Staff Appreciation Celebration with student-led expressions of appreciation, MCA’s Friday Surprises, and our annual al fresco Appreciation Luncheon on Hopelands lawn.

• Support for student social events in all three divisions, including the Upper School Semiformal and Prom, Middle School Fright Night and Masquerade Dance, and the Lower School Glow Dance, to name just a few.

• Support for RHCD academic programming events, including providing brain break snacks for the all-school Hack for Global Good, outfitting and equipping the Upper School Class Olympics, providing t-shirts and Del’s Frozen Lemonade for Lower and Middle School Field Days, contributing to this year’s

special Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, and many more.

• Supporting RHCD’s Development and Advancement efforts, helping to bring back the Rocky Hill Golf Classic as well as participating in our new “Meet a Mariner” tours for visiting families.

• Providing Classroom and Division Level support through our dedicated group of Class and Division Representatives.

• Supporting Mariner Athletics through countless MCA tailgates and concession stands at games, championships, and athletic tournaments, as well as recognizing the athletic achievements of our graduating senior athletes with custom RHCD stadium blankets at the Spring Athletic Awards.

• Creating end-of-year celebrations including the Lower School Moving Up Ice Cream Social, cookies and lemonade following Middle School Moving Up, and hors d’oeuvres and refreshments at this year’s Commencement ceremony.

The MCA would like to thank our parents, students, and faculty for your participation in our community and school events, and we would especially like to thank those who took time out of their busy schedules to volunteer your time at our events. Know that your contributions make a real difference, and none of this would be possible without the support of our amazing Mariner families. Joining the MCA means you can make a big impact on our wonderful school and help foster the Mariner community we all treasure - it is so rewarding to give back to the place that does so much for our kids while also helping to make our kids’ experience even more fun!

We are already planning for the 2024-2025 school year, and as we look to the exciting year ahead I am thrilled with the possibilities Rocky Hill’s 90th year will bring. The MCA looks forward to continuing to create a vibrant social and community experience, to strengthen connections with our alumni and friends, both new and old, and to celebrate the shared history that the past nine decades has given us. The coming year marks an incredible milestone for our school and our community and we are excited to be a part of the amazing things the next 90 years will bring!

With gratitude, warmth, and best wishes for a wonderful summer,

Jill Jill Millard MCA President

MCA Celebrates Rocky Hill Teachers & Staff in 23-24

Thank you for the work you do, the care you show, and the support you give to our students all year long, and I know that this sentiment is shared across our Mariner Community!”

Jill Millard MCA President

Convocation: Allie’s Donuts treat for students and faculty

Coffee Truck

Valentine’s Day Friendship Bracelets

National Teacher Appreciation Week. Student shout-outs to their Teachers!

Spring Fling Carnival

Bue & White Night

1979

Daniel Bentley. I live with my wife Carolyn in McKinney, Texas, and still work with Bank of America. We have six grandkids and miss the beach and great Rhode Island food. We have been married for 42 years! She is still putting up with me!

Notes

1989

Anthony Mendillo. Scott Grace ‘89 and his girls came down to Isla Mujeres for a quick visit and to get some Sailfish fishing in.

1981

Erika Waldman Aldazabal. Erika started a new job as Sr. IT Project Manager for General Datatech where she is on-site at a well known large hospital group in Boston overseeing a major infrastructure refresh. Also, daughter, Jasmine, class of 2020, graduated Summa Cum Laude, from Adelphi University (Political Science) in May. For her final semester she resided in Manhattan as a student intern EU United Nations Observer, putting her dual citizenship status to good work.

1998

Abe Murray. Hi everyone! Was part of this class in freshman & sophomore years, then dropped out of high school to run fishing boats in the family business. Miss you all! Wound up at URI as computer engineer, then BAE SYSTEMS & WPI, then HBS, Google, Verily, angel investing. Lots on me at x.com/ abemurray/bio - currently general partner at AlleyCorp leading our deep tech investing - alleycorp.com/ robotics

Melissa Tukey. I visited Dorothy Young in April and took this great picture. She was at the school when was born in 1980 and she got to meet my daughter during my visit.

1990

Mary (Gruetzke) O’Connell moved back to RI with her family after spending many years in New York City working in the book publishing industry. Her son recently joined the Mariner community in the middle school!

1999

Charles Iacono. I was appointed President and CEO of the Green Beret Foundation in April of 2023. The Foundation focuses on providing support in a variety of ways to the US Army Special Forces and their families. The Green Beret Foundation has mission impact and engagement across all Special Forces Groups here in the United States and across the globe. Learn more at www.greenberetfoundation.org

2000

Joshua Dubs. In September 2023, after more than 14 years of private law practice, I became the Principal Law Clerk to the Surrogate Judge of Erie County, New York, Hon. Acea Mosey. The Surrogate handles estates, guardianships, and adoptions in the greater Buffalo, New York region. I am adjusting well to the new life working in the Court system and so far have been enjoying myself immensely.

2001

Caroline Carney. Greetings!

Here are some updates from the Hayes/Carney family: My daughter, Vienna (11), is in the 5th grade, is on student council, and recently received an award for her positive contribution to the school community. She’s an avid lacrosse and flag football player with a passion for the NFL. Juliette (8) is in the 3rd grade and is enjoying math and science. She is a creative and funny kid who makes friends wherever she goes. Michael (5) is in kindergarten, loves building with legos, and writing stories.

Sarah Williams. completed my MBA from Isenberg School of Management (UMass Amherst).

2008

Sarah Knowles. It’s been a busy year! After living on Cape Cod for over a decade, I bought my first home in Falmouth in fall 2023. I also got engaged in March 2024!

2010

Polina Chesnakova. My husband Lee is finishing his cardiology fellowship with the University of Washington this June. So after 7 years in Seattle, we are finally moving back to the East Coast - to Rhode Island no less! I’m excited to be back in my home state after so much time away, and to reconnect with my community there. am also finishing up my third cookbookan exploration of life and cooking in the post-Soviet diaspora through my family’s immigrant story and recipes- which will come out in Fall 2025 with Hardie Grant USA.

2012

Shannon O’Rourke Ciaravino.

I got married on August 18, 2023 to Paul Ciaravino at the Newport Harbor Island Resort in Newport, RI. I had two fellow RHS alumni in my wedding party, Lauren Gertz, maid of honor, and Christina Leahy, bridesmaid along with other RHS alumni in attendance. (Laura White and Robbie Petteruti). I currently reside in North Kingstown, RI with my husband and our two huskies.

2020

2011

(‘11) and her husband Andrew welcomed their son, William, in October ‘23.

Neha Basu. Neha just graduated from Pitzer College and received a Fulbright Student Grant!

Neha’s research on street food vendors in Kolkata will shed light on important issues surrounding the conceptions of public space, culture, and economic factors, as well how vendors in Kolkata navigate regulations. Her dedication to this project, as well as her past work with street vending communities as a CASA Research Fellow with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, demonstrates her commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

2013

Anna Yoshie Yamada. I am the Snowboard Program Director at a private boarding school in Maine. We were awarded Snowboard Club of the Year 2023 by the US Ski & Snowboard Organization and I was also selected to coach Team USA at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games for Snowboard Cross.

This is my 6th contract with Team USA for coaching snowboarding, coached Team USA at Junior World Championships last year in Passo San Pellegrino, Italy as well.

2018

Cortlandt Meyerson. Cortlandt co-founded the first-of-its-kind Regenerative Agriculture Conference at NYU. Regenerative NYC was held on April 22, where Cortlandt and his co-founder launched something that has garnered significant spotlight and the support of community of leaders working to address the gaps and needs in our farming and agriculture sectors. Bringing a rural challenge to an urban environment was no small feat. To learn more about Regenerative NYC, visit https://www.regenerativenyc.com/

2023 – 2024

Alumni Officers

Elected by their classmates, the Alumni Class Officers act as liaisons between the school and members of the Class of 2023 as they maintain their relationships with each other and Rocky Hill. Alumni Officers manage and advance class communications, organize Class Reunions, and encourage the ongoing support of RHCD.

Congratulations, Alumni Class Officers 2024!

Alumni

Olivia Ann DePasquale. I started a Ph.D. program in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience at Rutgers University. I am researching the intersection of opioid use, pain, and stress to hopefully inform future pharmacological treatments for pain without the risk of substance abuse. If there is anyone interested in applying for graduate school, especially in the sciences, feel free to reach out!

President

Hadley Wheeler

Vice President

Alex Lehouiller

Treasurer

Cole Brown

Dear members of the Rocky Hill Alumni Association,

As alumni of Rocky Hill, we share a bond that connects us not just to a physical place but to each other through both shared and unique experiences.

I want to personally thank each previous member of the Alumni Association for your commitment and time that you have devoted to our alma mater. As we approach the new year, I hope to reinvigorate the positive energy and excitement of the Alumni Association.

This period of transition in Headship marks a pivotal time for us as alumni to reaffirm our dedication to the School in ensuring it inspires the next generation of RHCD students. Just as changes occur in our own lives, change also happens to our alma mater.

I believe that our continued involvement and engagement with the Alumni Association will help to maintain a strong bond between the School and the alumni community. Please join me in sharing the traditions that we hold dear and supporting the School as they pave the way for new opportunities and connections.

Sincerely,

Knowles ’08 RHCD Alumni Board President

Hayley Greene Dunne. Hayley Greene Dunne

Sarah

In Memoriam

Rocky Hill Country Day School offers condolences to the families and friends of those community members who have passed away the last year:

Clifford Blanchard Father of Betsy Rafferty ‘79 and Charlie Blanchard ‘84

Pamela Bockoven

Former Faculty Member, Mother of Sam Dumas ‘79, Amy Engelsman ‘82, and Priscilla Kubas ‘87, Mother-in-Law of Trixie Dumas ‘81, Grandmother of Troy Dumas ‘07, Tory Dumas ‘10, and Sabrina Dumas ‘16

Brittany Colasanto Class of 2015