Spring 2021: Bulletin

RCDS Spring 2021 • The Magazine for the Rye Country Day School Community

B ULLE TI N

Inside: Fall ’20/Winter ’21 Moments | Hybrid-Flex Learning | Alumni Profiles

RYE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 2020-2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ALUMNI EXECUTIVE BOARD

Eric Medow President

Scott Weiss ’96 President

Nina Cheigh Vice President

Thomas Alston ’05 Joshua Bennett ’06 Melanie Baevsky Besvinick ’07 Adam Friedlander ’79 Jonathan Goldstein ’99 Robert M. Levine ’95 René N. Lumley-Hall ’96 Brendan McGuire ’06 Andrew S. Nathanson ’09 Jonathan Ostrau ’80 Robin Quittell Ponticelli ’94 Max W. Schapiro ’04 Zachary Tax ’10 Daniel I. Wallance ’00

Gregg Felton Treasurer Blanca Hirani Secretary Andrew Adams Lisa Allen Susan Bao Jennifer Blake Ashok Chachra ’95 Thomas Davidson Tyler Dickson Sarah Dodds-Brown ’91 Edward Dunn ’83 William Featherston Amy Chen Fisch Leigh Dyson Geller Alison Hinds-Pearl Michael Lazar ’87 Tina Mathias Blair Endresen Metrailler ’96 Thomas Nichols Patty Perez Jonathan Resnick ’85 Fernando Rivas Cindy Ganis Roskind ’90 Elizabeth Shah-Hosseini Jeffrey Talpins Andrew Wallach Scott Weiss ’96 Alumni Executive Board President

EX OFFICIO: HONORARY FACULTY Gil A. Castagna, Jr. EX OFFICIO: ALUMNI TRUSTEES Ashok Chachra ’95 Sarah Dodds-Brown ’91 Edward B. Dunn ’83 Michael B. Lazar ’87 Blair Endresen Metrailler ’96 Jonathan D. Resnick ’85 Cindy Ganis Roskind ’90 EX OFFICIO: MEMBERS Scott A. Nelson Head of School Lynette Gioffre Director of Advancement Melissa Mahoney Wirth ’97 Manager of Alumni Relations

Rosa Hyun Perkins Parents Association President TRUSTEES EMERITI Frederick A. Klingenstein♦ Carmen Ribera-Thain ’75 Edward B. Dunn Michael C. Murr Edgar Wachenheim III ♦ Deceased

CREDITS On the Cover: Photo by Dana Maxson Photography Editor: Dania Abu-Shaheen Alumni Content Editor: Melissa Mahoney Wirth ’97 Photography: RCDS staff photographers and Dana Maxson Photography Design: Rose Creative Group  ryecountryday @ryecountryday  @ryecountryday  @willythewildcat for athletic updates

CONTENTS UP FRONT

2 From the Head of School 3 Gratitude for RCDS Faculty and Staff ON CAMPUS

5 Fall and Winter Highlights from Rye Country Day WELCOMES & FAREWELLS

FEATURES

28 Hybrid-Flex Learning at RCDS Collaboration, Resilience, and Dedication in Action 29 Planning for the Unforeseeable RCDS Medical Committee Spotlight 34 RAMP: Resilience in Alumni Mentor Partnerships Mentor/Mentee Spotlights

16 Heart-Centered Leadership Barbara Shea Retires

PARENTS ASSOCIATION

18 2020-21 New Faculty and Staff

ALUMNI

36 Greetings from the Parents Association

19 2020-21 New Trustees

38 Virtual Community Alumni Programming

ATHLETICS

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20 Fall and Winter Sports and News

Class Notes

ARTS

Alumni Profile Seth Weissman ’01

24 Lower School Art Show Innovation & Imagination Middle School Art A Powerful Time of Discovery

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IN MEMORIAM

45 Community Remembrances

25 Upper School 3D Art Show Re-Invent 26 Music and Performing Arts Fall and Winter Highlights

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HEAD of SCHOOL

FROM THE

This issue of the Bulletin marks a milestone. You are likely receiving this magazine as we wrap up what has been a truly unparalleled year in education, both at Rye Country Day and around the world.

Let us think back to the fall of 2020, when questions about the logistics of safely returning to school abounded.

Following New York State guidelines, the RCDS Reopening Task Force developed a plan, and we welcomed our students back to a new safety-first and hybrid-flex learning environment. We wore masks; we practiced physical distancing; and we completed daily health screenings and weekly pool testing (and, of course, we continue to practice these safety protocols). Also, computers and software became central to teaching and learning, even for a school like RCDS that had already been ahead of the curve when it comes to technology.

Also with the new learning modes and routines came the sense of loss and missing beloved parts of school life, such as gathering as a full community and seeing one another in the halls, at games and performances, or during festive events.

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Spring 2021

It is important to acknowledge the loss that accompanied our much-altered year, for its weight is real. Then, we must look at the year through another lens, one that emphasizes all that we did accomplish in the midst of tumultuous and unabating upheaval.

With a passion for learning, our students attended school, whether inperson or virtually. With unwavering dedication to their students, RCDS teachers brought the full range of their innovation and love of teaching.

From the screen to the classroom and gym to our outdoor facilities—which also became learning and rehearsal spaces—Rye Country Day excellence endured. All of this could not have been possible without partnership.

At a time when we could not be physically near one another, members of our community bonded together in ways greater than any measure of proximity could deliver. Teachers, staff, students, and families collaborated in good faith, and together we made sure the RCDS experience and spirit were never diminished, even in the most trying of times.

In this issue of the Bulletin, you will get to read our story of meeting a new and unknown moment together, how Rye Country Day School transitioned to hybrid-flex learning and how our community—faculty, staff, students, and families—summoned the determination and enthusiasm necessary to go forward. You will get to look back on the fall and winter at RCDS and memorable student, faculty, and alumni news. As with every publication, the featured stories are just a few of the many stories that deserve telling, but I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.

Though I cannot predict what the next months will hold, I can confidently say that our community is ready to meet the next chapter that awaits us. We began the pandemic with a promise to navigate uncertainty together. We have kept that promise through community collaboration. Let us continue ... together.

Onward, Scott A. Nelson Head of School

THANK YOU FACULTY AND STAFF

The RCDS community is extremely grateful for all that our employees have done— and continue to do—to help the School navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their unwavering commitment to our students is inspiring.

In addition to providing the signature faculty-student relationships and outstanding RCDS education, faculty and staff have provided coverage for study halls, snack, lunch, flex time, homerooms, houses, recess, P.E., morning wait room, and myriad classes; helped with pool testing; supported staggered morning arrivals and afternoon departures and assisted with attendance; assisted community members who could not physically come to campus; conducted daily health screenings; cleaned and disinfected campus; and so much more!

ETERNAL GRATITUDE TO THE RCDS

HEALTH OFFICE

RCDS’s own healthcare heroes who have worked around the clock to keep our community safe and healthy during the pandemic.

From left: Nancy Gordon, Nicole Regan, Rebecca Tenney, and Erielle DeJesus.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO RYE COUNTRY DAY’S OUTSTANDING

Class of 2021

During this truly unprecedented year, you demonstrated incredible resilience and strength of character. Throughout your RCDS careers, you have impressed, inspired, and invigorated us.

We are proud of your many accomplishments and contributions to our community.

Welcome to the alumni family!

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S to the Class of 2025 on your Middle School graduation. We look forward to following and celebrating your achievements in the Upper School and to our Fourth Graders on the occasion of your moving-up. We can’t wait to watch and applaud your Middle School adventures.

Go, Wildcats!

This publication went to print prior to the events celebrating these milestones.

More detailed coverage of all of our graduations will follow in later publications.

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Spring 2021

FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from Rye Country Day RCDS POOL TESTING PROGRAM INCLUDED IN ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION REPORT

RCDS was one of the studied schools in the Rockefeller Foundation’s report COVID-19 Testing in K-12 Schools: Insights from Early Adopters. The report shared various K-12 schools’ and districts’ approaches to COVID-19 testing, as well as recommendations for implementing school testing broadly.

The Rockefeller Foundation commissioned the research from RAND Corporation and Mathematica, which found that regular COVID-19 testing in primary and secondary educational settings is critical to getting students and teachers back to in-person instruction.

Commenting on pool testing’s role in reopening Rye Country Day School—and keeping it open—Head of School Scott Nelson shared, “Weekly pool testing has been a critical component of our risk mitigation strategy, and it works well in conjunction with the health and safety protocols outlined in our Reopening Plan, such as daily health screenings, social distancing, mask wearing, and proper respiratory and hand hygiene. Through enabling early detection of asymptomatic cases, pool testing has allowed us to avoid extensive exposure and to remain open for in-person instruction.”

Mr. Nelson is pleased and proud to have RCDS participate in research that is part of the conversation about how to get schools back up and running. He concludes, “We know in-person instruction is optimal, but it must be done safely with the support of the entire school community.

I am extremely grateful to the Rye Country Day community for its partnership and to our Medical Committee for its ongoing, essential work with the pool testing program. It takes a strong and dedicated community to realize an effort like this.

We are fortunate to have just that here at RCDS.”

For RCDS news and updates, visit www.ryecountryday.org/news  ryecountryday  @ryecountryday  @ryecountryday  @willythewildcat for athletic updates

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FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

CODE LIKE A GIRL CONTINUES

2021 U.S. INVITATIONAL YOUNG PHYSICISTS TOURNAMENT

Twenty-two RCDS students competed in the 2021 U.S. Invitational Young Physicists Tournament (USIYPT), an annual physics research and debate tournament for high school students. This year, the tournament was held virtually with teams from the U.S. and China presenting their research on four undergraduate-level problems. Students spent the year leading up to the tournament experimentally and theoretically investigating the problems in the “Advanced Topics in Physics - YPT” course.

The Upper School’s Code Like A Girl Club, whose purpose is to encourage girls to enroll in computer science classes, resumed its work in the Middle School. The club’s inaugural meeting of the year, which was held during Computer Science Education Week, focused on expanding participants’ coding “toolbox” to help them create fun and interesting computer programs and build awareness of the endless possibilities that the computer science field offers. Meeting virtually during the winter and spring, the group coded with the Processing programming language, a variant of Java that is used by visual artists and is a robust and powerful textbased programming environment.

The tournament’s hallmarks are “physics fights,” hour-long student-led debates over the quality of each team’s solution to the posed problems.

Usually, the debates begin with the reporting team giving a ten-minute summary of their research on one of the four official tournament problems, and then they engage in discussion with the opponents—just as members of competing research groups at a conference might discuss a presentation. This year, the teams pre-recorded their presentations and gathered via Zoom for the live debates.

Rye Country Day had a strong showing in the preliminary physics fights, which were judged by physics professionals and professors. Overall, it was a valuable experience: Competitors learned a great deal from each other about both problem solving and conducting research while navigating the challenges of the past year.

“Students had to be especially creative with their experimental work this year, as we did not have the usual access to space and equipment. The team’s work had to be conducted virtually and socially distanced when in-person, which required effective communication and project management via online notebooks and drives to track progress. I am extremely proud of the research the YPT team accomplished and presented at the tournament.”

— Dr. Mary Krasovec, YPT Coach and Upper School Science Teacher

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Spring 2021

H.O.P.E. CLUB UPLIFTS

In advance of Winter Break, the H.O.P.E. Club prepared and distributed gift bags for their fellow Upper Schoolers to help them smile, de-stress, and relax. The packages included uplifting and fun goodies along with a list of apps for meditation, journaling, and motivation. Also included was a heartfelt note congratulating Upper Schoolers for completing the first half of this unprecedented school year and encouraging them to practice self-care during the break.

H.O.P.E. (Helping Obtain Positive Emotions) is a student organization that focuses on raising awareness about mental health in teens and boosting student morale through lessons on self-love and how to maintain a happy, balanced lifestyle.

SOCIAL IMPACT WEEK Rye Country Day School honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a new all-school program called Social Impact Week. The week consisted of special programming examining themes of activism, citizenship, and community, including the virtual Day of Action for all students and families, a panel of alumni of color for US and MS students, social impact crafts, and an all-community read-athon fundraiser for the immigrant resource center Building One Community in Stamford, CT. IDENTITY AND RESILIENCE ALUMNI PANELS Five alumni and four student leaders participated in virtual MS and US panels titled Identity and Resilience. The panels were conceived

by US student leaders, and the theme and questions were generated in partnership with MS student leaders. The discussions touched on issues of identity and advocacy as they pertain to the experiences of people of color at school and beyond. Many thanks to our featured alumni panelists: Ashley Richardson George ’04, Thomas Alston ’05, Vanessa Jackson ’05, Deelan Ayhan ’10, and Evander Jackson ’17.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF ACTION On Saturday, January 16, RCDS students of all ages, families, and employees were invited to participate in the MLK Day of Action, a virtual event honoring Dr. King. The event featured remarks from Margarita Zimmerman, Volunteer Manager at Building One Community. Ms. Zimmerman discussed issues of immigration as they relate to Dr. King’s message of social justice and civil rights.

Next, US students read Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport.

The event concluded with a craft activity where families created bookmarks with quotes or drawings inspired by Dr. King.

ALL-COMMUNITY READ-A-THON RCDS students, families, and employees completed 224 read-a-thon units (chapters, books, articles, podcasts, and videos) examining social impact, activism, citizenship, and community, raising almost $2,700 to support Building One Community.

LOWER SCHOOL ROCK PAINTING ACTIVITY Lower School students participated in a division-wide rock painting activity affirming Dr. King’s message of community, empathy, love, and humanity. The painted rocks were donated to Building One Community’s new garden.

Social Impact week was a heartening reminder of the power of community, the importance of active citizenship, and the potential of the positive change we can effect when we approach others with empathy, examine local and global issues, appreciate differences in opinion, recognize and resist stereotypes and bias, and embrace and understand the importance of diversity. The program was sponsored by the Offices of Diversity & Inclusion and Public Purpose.

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FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

CAN-DO DRIVE

The RCDS P.E. Department and the Public Purpose initiative teamed up to coordinate the annual Can-Do Food Drive benefiting the Carver Center Market in Port Chester. During P.E., Lower and Middle School students learned about the Carver Center and the need for providing accessible food for our community.

Also during P.E., Lower Schoolers kept up the annual Fun Run tradition, which usually kicks off the drive at Wildcat Weekend. Upper Schoolers led by Braden Bass ’23 and Tyler Moyer ’23 also participated enthusiastically in the school-wide drive. Over the course of a week, students, families, and employees dropped off their donations at bins located outdoors, and Coaches Smith, Haft, and Zimmerman delivered them to the Carver Center. Thank you to all who supported this purpose-driven fall tradition.

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The RCDS community donated roughly 2,000 cans and $200 in Stop & Shop gift cards to the Carver Center Market in Port Chester.

2020 NAIS STUDENT DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE OF COLOR CONFERENCES Six RCDS Upper School student leaders participated in the 26th Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), which was held virtually. Trained adult and peer facilitators led this multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders, which was focused on self-reflecting, forming alliances, and building community. The four-day conference helped 2,086 participating student delegates from across the U.S. and abroad build new, diverse networks.

PPE DONATIONS CONTINUE

Concurrently, 11 RCDS faculty and staff delegates attended the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC), “New Decade, New Destinies: Challenging Self, Changing Systems, and Choosing Justice.” PoCC supports educators at all levels in becoming active leaders in improving the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in their school communities.

Continuing the PPE donations that the RCDS community started in March 2020, the faculty STEAM team (Don Fitz-Roy, Chris Kaye, Gail Sestito, Nicole Zazzarino, and Cathie Bischoff), Makerspace apprentices, and Ms. Bischoff’s advisory assembled over 55 face shields and donated them to the healthcare workers at Enclave at Rye Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Port Chester. The donation also included about 100 ear savers, which were printed in the RCDS Makerspace.

“It was important for me to hear other individuals’ struggles and triumphs and to realize that I am not alone. It was a breath of fresh air and gave me the ability to let my hair down.”

— Charles Ogbonna, P.E. Teacher, Coach “SDLC is a strong community that has taught me the importance of having a family and space where we understand one another and dive deeply into conversations. The energy was immaculate, uplifting, and powerful.”

—Arly Rodriguez ’21 “Between all of the inspiring speakers and workshops, what stands out most is the opportunities to connect.

Especially powerful is the annual tradition of our SDLC sharing activities with the RCDS community.”

—A li Morgan, Director of Diversity and Inclusion

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FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

RCDS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH “The goal of sharing these daily features with the school community was to celebrate Black history by learning about and acknowledging those who led the way for us.”

— Joshua Rivera ’15, DEI Teaching Fellow Rye Country Day School’s annual celebration of Black History Month was guided by the theme Black History is American History. Each day in February, DEI Teaching Fellow Joshua Rivera ’15 shared an announcement highlighting Black leaders. In homerooms and advisories, teachers and students discussed the featured leaders and their impact on American history, politics, education, art, and culture.

VIRTUAL SET The SET (Saturday Enrichment and Tutorial) program relaunched virtually this past winter. SET is a tuition-free academic enrichment program whose goal is to improve English literacy skills for local first through fourth grade students. One of RCDS’s signature Public Purpose programs, SET is designed to give local students extra support during the school year and improve their reading and writing skills.

To reimagine the program in a new virtual format, seven SET student leaders in the Upper School worked with faculty director Jennifer Doran and RCDS librarians Kimberly Love and Jennifer DeVito to digitize materials and develop a new virtual curriculum. A significant adjustment was breaking up learning groups by skill set rather than grade. In addition, the SET leaders decided to organize their curriculum and book selection based on monthly themes: Love (January), Gratitude (February), and Community (March).

The SET tutors, who were already seasoned in-person tutors, drew on their experience as hybrid learners and consulted with Lower School faculty to create exciting and engaging virtual lesson plans. The adult ELL (English Language Learners) program for SET parents and guardians, which is taught by a team of RCDS faculty, staff, parents, and students, was also offered virtually.

The SET program gives RCDS students firsthand experience as community partners, educators, and collaborators as they build meaningful connections across districts and communities.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

As a member of Senator Shelley B. Mayer’s Youth Advisory Council, Grade 9 student Isabel Tiburcio ’24 participated in a Coat & Toiletries Drive in collaboration with the Westchester Labor Alliance. Senator Mayer said, “I am so grateful for the dozens of community members who donated so generously. During this time of great need, it’s heartwarming to see the community rally to help others who are struggling. My Youth Advisory Council members, managed by my staff Perla Arellano, took the lead on this initiative, and I am so impressed by their work, deep empathy, and their desire to contribute.”

Ellie Zimmerman ’21 received three important recognitions for her dedication to public purpose and volunteerism.

She was named a State Honoree in the 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, America’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service; a President’s Volunteer Service Award winner; and the recipient of Volunteer New York’s Youth Leadership Award.

Ellie is the founder and CEO of the non-profit Interns 4-Good, which has motivated and mobilized thousands of high school students across the U.S. as volunteers who provide technology assistance to non-profit organizations.

In addition, the Interns 4-Good volunteer network has also offered technology, academic, and remote learning support to students, families, and educators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sydney Coffield ’21 was recognized as one of Stamford Magazine’s “Teens to Watch,” an annual list published by Moffly Media in Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan/Darien, and Westport/ Wilton Magazines. The article featured an interview with Sydney, covering everything from her favorite subject, French, to her aspirations of

becoming a civil rights activist and lawyer. Sydney spent the summer of 2020 running Camp on Wheels, a traveling backyard summer camp that she founded for children in prekindergarten through fourth grade.

When asked to describe herself, Sydney shared, “If I have a goal I want to achieve, I will do anything to reach that goal, and I will always push myself to be better.”

Campbell Babiarz ’21, Katie Farrell ’21, Andrew Felton ’21, Francisco Gonzalez ’21, and Matthew Mandell ’21 were named candidates in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars program, which recognizes the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. They are five of approximately 4,000 candidates selected from millions of U.S. high school seniors.

Jaymin Ding ’25 won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for his district. The challenge is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. Jaymin used the coding languages Swift and Objective-C to create CloudHanger, an app that provides users with instant ordering, tracking, and contactless payment with nearby Dry Cleaning businesses. www.ryecountryday.org 13

FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

CONGRATULATIONS! Dr. Sarah Danziger received a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.

Every year, newly admitted University of Chicago students nominate teachers for going above and beyond the call of duty every day and leaving an impression that will be carried over a lifetime.

The awards recognize teachers who shape young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Ten seniors, Alik Shehadeh ’21, Andrew Felton ’21, David Thurston ’21, Deepta Gupta ’21, Jason Russo ’21, Josep Pujadas ’21, Liam Bieber ’21, Matthew Harkness ’21, Max Hines ’21, and Nicolas Briano ’21, were named National Merit Finalists. These students are part of a competitive pool of approximately 15,000 National Merit Scholarship Finalists nationwide.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes outstanding academic achievement in high school students across the nation.

Lucas Oddi ’22 received an honorable mention in the BRAIN Initiative Challenge: Considering Ethics During Brain Technology Development. Hosted by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health, the BRAIN Initiative Challenge is a competition for high school students with an interest in science, the brain, and the ethical implications of novel technologies being developed and applied to understand the brain and treat brain disorders.

Lucas’s essay, The Neuro-Social Dilemma, shared his perspectives on neuroethics, the relationship between ethics and advancements in brain science and technology. It was selected for honorable mention from over a hundred submissions from students across the U.S.

“ This prestigious honor is a testament to Lucas’s passion for

science and ethics, as well as his ability to thoughtfully tackle complex issues,” said his AP Biology teacher, Catherine Bischoff.

Upper School Principal Jon Leef added, “Lucas is a wonderful thinker, and issues of bioethics are important to him.

Last June, he was part of our Ethics Project entitled BioEthics in Medicine, which explored the ‘in the moment’ decisions researchers, doctors, public health, and government leaders have needed to make during the COVID-19 pandemic and the various ethical considerations that go into each decision. At RCDS, students like Lucas are committed to academic excellence while also finding their path to serving the greater good.”

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2020-21 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

The Rally for RCDS Annual Giving Campaign is a call to each and every member of our community to support the 2020-21 Annual Fund. In these challenging times, RCDS needs you more than ever.

Make Your Gift Today

RYECOUNTRYDAY.ORG/GIVE 914.925.4524, VENMO @RYECOUNTRYDAY, OR USE THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

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FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

 Pre-K students

explored the five senses with crafts and sensory activities (pictured: sight).

 To share and  I n the fall, over 25 Upper School students, along with faculty members Clemmie Everett, Amanda Sackey, and Kerry Linderoth, volunteered to clean up the beach at Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. They collected 124 pounds of trash, including numerous plastic fragments, bottles, and cans, as well as articles of clothing, goggles, straws, balloons, and a discarded fishing pole. The Upper School Environmental Club led the local coastal clean-up.

celebrate love of reading, the Upper School English Department hosted another wonderful year of “Blind Date with a Book.”

Students, faculty, and staff selected from individually wrapped, gently used books that featured intriguing descriptions without giving away the titles.

 U pper School Computational Biology students  T heater technical director Jac-que

Robinson installed special lighting for the Upper School 3D Art Show display in the Cohen Center. Read more about the 3D Art Show on page 25.

had the opportunity to meet virtually with Dr. Caitlin Simopoulos, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Ottowa whose current work focuses on microbiota like bacteria and viruses that live inside our intestines, also known as the gut microbiome. In addition to learning about Dr. Simopoulos’s research, students gained insight into the day-to-day life and career path of a computational biologist.

 The Garden Club hosted a virtual tie-dye session to raise money to benefit Our New Way Garden, a nonprofit organization in White Plains that strives to educate the public about locally and naturally grown food and to increase community access to healthy organic produce.

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 Ninth grade biology students

conducted at-home radish seed germination investigations to answer the question: What abiotic factors affect the germination rate of seeds?

Factors tested included water, sunlight, fertilizers, salinity, acidity, and seed density. Lab kits were sent home and students were asked to design and set up their experiments, record data, and present their findings to classmates.

W hile learning remotely,

Grade 1 students selected a bird to research for Science class. When they returned to campus, students were given an assortment of common nesting materials (hay, twigs, branches, leaves, rocks, etc.). Drawing on their research, they selected the appropriate materials for their bird of choice and built their nests.

 F ifth graders in Mark Bortner’s science class carefully

constructed tetrahedral kites, based on a design created by Alexander Graham Bell in his effort to beat the Wright Brothers to the invention of the airplane. Students used tissue paper, string, and straws to make the models, which they tested to determine excess lift (how much the kite can carry beyond its own weight). Next, they compared the excess lift generated by their individual kites to tetrahedral kites of varying sizes.

 In the fall, ninth grade biology

 ryecountryday @ryecountryday  @ryecountryday  @willythewildcat for athletic updates

students embarked on an expedition to discover and track biodiversity on Rye Country Day’s campus. They used the iNaturalist app, a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society that helps people identify surrounding plants and animals and create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.

 G etting some air during fourth grade P.E. with Coach Rich Knazik.

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FEATURE

Heart-Centered Leadership BARBARA SHEA RETIRES AFTER 28 OUTSTANDING YEARS AT RCDS

by Lori Ferguson

As

Barbara Shea prepares to depart Rye Country Day School after nearly three decades of service, it’s tempting to chronicle her numerous accomplishments.

But Mrs. Shea is much more comfortable focusing on what has always been her primary motivator: students’ social and emotional well-being. And for that reason, says Mrs. Shea, her proudest achievement during her tenure at RCDS is the adoption of the Responsive Classroom. “It’s a philosophy, not a program, and it’s embedded in everything we do.”

Mrs. Shea worked closely with Lower School Psychologist Dr. Debra Pager to launch the Responsive Classroom some 20 years ago during her first year as principal. “When we adopted the Responsive Classroom, we made a conscious

decision to put social-emotional learning before everything,” she explains. “It allows children to take ownership of their behavior and validates their feelings throughout the day. If children aren’t happy, they can’t function in the classroom,” she insists. “We felt that the Responsive Classroom had to be part of the DNA of the School, and I believe we were right.

Helping Rye Country Day embrace that philosophy is what I’d like to hang my hat on as I leave.”

Mrs. Shea is quick to note, however, that nothing would have been possible were it not for the dedication and support of her Lower School team. “I’ve always approached this role with the attitude that ‘we are a team.’ I don’t always have the answer, but I know we will find it together.”

“One of my forever RCDS memories is being greeted by Mrs. Shea and her welcoming — Samantha Roskind ’21 smile every morning at Lower School drop-off.”

Grade 3, RCDS Yearbook 1993-94

Barbara Shea, RCDS Yearbook 1993-94

Halloween, RCDS Yearbook 1998-99

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Grade 3, RCDS Yearbook 1999-00

In response, members of the RCDS community praise Mrs. Shea for her heart-centered leadership. “Barbara is our North Star,” says Assistant Principal Nicole Leath. “Her wisdom and vision for our program are what bring us together as a community. She’s professional and kind, and she supports our growth as educators.” Just as importantly, Mrs. Leath continues, she sees faculty not only as teachers but also as people. “Barbara has been there for her teachers and her students. It’s not just a job for her, it never has been.”

Head of School Scott Nelson agrees. “When I think of Barbara Shea, I think of the consummate professional, a dedicated educator who loves children and knows them all, and not just their names. Barbara is a wealth of information about every one of the roughly 215 children in the Lower School.” She is also a prized source of institutional wisdom and experience, Mr. Nelson continues. “I value her advice tremendously. During her nearly 30 years with Rye Country Day, she has been an outstanding teacher of Grades 3 and 1, a strong Lower School Principal who fostered faculty collaboration and brought RCDS the Responsive Classroom program, and a highly effective and supportive Assistant Head and then Associate Head. Whenever I need information or a helpful perspective about anything related to the School, I know I can turn to Barbara.”

“Daily, Barbara touched the minds and hearts of so many at RCDS, always making each individual with whom she interacted feel deeply seen, deeply understood, deeply heard, and deeply valued! Barbara will be sorely missed by the RCDS family, past and present!”

— Virginia La Grange Hearon ’64, Former RCDS Librarian (1981-2016)

“Barbara always used her talent with a dynamic force when immersing herself in increasing depth in the Lower School. Her crowning achievement was her role as principal and caring mentor to many. Barbara’s future accomplishments will be boundless.”

— Margo Otis P’75, P’78, Former Faculty (1977-2007) Assistant Head of School Meredith deChabert is equally enthusiastic. “Barbara cares deeply about the children and the teachers—she bleeds blue and gold,” observes Dr. deChabert with a laugh. Given her many years of experience and service in a variety of positions, Mrs. Shea brings valuable perspective to every situation, continues Dr. deChabert. “She understands teachers, parents, students, and administrators and has touched so many lives. She’s a gem, and I’m going to miss her.”

“There are so many who have been such an important part of my life at Rye Country Day these past 28 years—Corinne Grandolfo, the former Associate Head of School and my mentor; Margo Otis, who taught third grade with me for eight years; Debra Pager, who has been a font of information in addressing the learning needs of our students; Scott Nelson and Meredith deChabert, administrators whose doors were always open, to name but a few,” she concludes.

Although Mrs. Shea is grateful for the kind words, she is quick to turn the spotlight back to others. “It’s not about me; this is a chance to thank my colleagues for this incredible journey,” she demurs.

When asked what’s next, Mrs. Shea shares, “Well, I have five grandchildren, so I’m eager to spend more time with them.”

She pauses thoughtfully. “It has been such an honor to work with the faculty and staff here and a privilege to help children learn about themselves and their connection to the larger world. Now it’s time for my husband and me to relax.” www.ryecountryday.org 19

INTRODUCTIONS

THE FACULTY/STAFF CLASS OF 2021 Congratulations to the newest members of our community who joined RCDS in 2020-21.

1. Julianne Arcamone LS Assistant Teacher 2. Andréa Catalano Grade 3 Teacher

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6 16

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8 18

4

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8. Angela Guzman LS Assistant Teacher 9. Melissa Hansen MS Mathematics Teacher 10. Reham Islam US Computer Science Teacher

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6. Vivek Freitas US English Teacher 7. Charlotte Green US Humanities Teacher

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4. Darien Cruté US Computer Science Teacher 5. Charlotte Fleischman ’16 LS Assistant Teacher

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3. Matthew Chapnick US Mathematics Teacher

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11. Emilie Johnson LS Assistant Teacher 12. Kailyn Lazarus ’09 Pre-K Aide

13. Patty Oddoux (Returning to RCDS!) US Administrative Assistant 14. Janis Orzan Purchasing Agent 15. Nadia Padilla MS English Teacher 16. Dr. Barbara Prempeh Pre-K – Grade 12 Consulting Counselor 17. Nicole Regan Nurse 18. Nicole Reindel ’16 College Counseling Administrative Assistant 19. Joshua Rivera ’15 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Teaching Fellow 20. Jay Solis IT Support Specialist 21. Ryan Song MS Principal 22. Caroline Weihs LS Assistant Teacher 23. Jessica Zimmerman Physical Education Teacher; Head Girls’ Ice Hockey Coach

JOINING RCDS IN 2021-22

Dr. Stacey Sotirhos Lower School Principal

20 Spring 2021

Pamela MacAffer ’82 Assistant Head for Finance and Operations

Jessica Flaxman Dean of Faculty and Employees

❶ Andrew Adams is a director within the Client and Partner Group at Citadel Asset Management. He is responsible for capital raising, investor relations, and product development for the firm’s international clients in Europe and the Middle East. Prior to joining Citadel, Mr. Adams was a Director at Capula Investment Management from 2009-2016. Previously, he was in the Currency Strategy and Structuring Group at Barclays Capital (2006-2007), before joining the Macro Hedge Fund team at Deutsche Bank (2007-2009). He began his career in the British Army, deploying on operations in the Middle East and ultimately promoted to Captain (1997-2005). Mr. Adams holds an MSc in Finance from London Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering from Cranfield University. He also completed the Leadership Development Program at Harvard Business School and is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Mr. Adams and his wife, Laura, live in Greenwich, CT, with their three children, Joy (Class of 2031), Theo (Class of 2034), and two-year-old Joseph.

NEW TRUSTEES 2020-21 RCDS welcomed these new board members in July 2020. Board members elected in 2021 will be introduced in the fall Bulletin. ❶

❷ Thomas Davidson is a partner at PJT Partners, a global corporate advisory firm focused on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and fund placements. PJT Partners was spun out of The Blackstone Group in 2015. Mr. Davidson provides mergers and acquisitions advice to companies in the healthcare sector. From 2009 to 2015, he was Global Co-Head of Healthcare Investment Banking and then Vice Chairman of Investment Banking at Credit Suisse. Earlier in his career, Mr. Davidson served as Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Banking Group at Merrill Lynch. He began his career at McKinsey & Company.

Mr. Davidson holds a BA in Economics, Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Yale College and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on the Audit Committee of The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, from which he graduated. Mr. Davidson and his wife, Jennifer, live in Greenwich, CT, with their two children, Diana (Class of 2027) and Daphne (Class of 2032). ❸ Amy Chen Fisch emigrated from Taipei, Taiwan, at age three and grew up between Philadelphia and the Jersey shore. She received a BS in Economics with concentrations in Accounting and Marketing from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School, where she met her husband. Her previous professional experiences include PricewaterhouseCoopers and internet recruiting companies in accounting, financial planning, and corporate development. Ms. Fisch has been working with the Sidney E. Frank Foundation and their family office for over 15 years and is currently the Chief Investment Officer. She is on the Board of Directors of the Port Chester Carver Center. Ms. Fisch lives in Rye with her husband, Steve, and two children, Jacob (Class of 2027) and Caitlin (Class of 2028).

❷

❸

❹ Alison Hinds-Pearl is Vice President, Senior Managing Counsel at Mastercard, where she is responsible for leading the company’s Anti-Corruption Compliance efforts in North America.

Prior to joining Mastercard in May 2016, Ms. Hinds-Pearl successfully held various legal, business, and compliance roles. She came up through the legal ranks as a prosecutor with the Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County, New York, before transitioning to civil practice with a healthcare boutique law firm in NYC, which led to an extensive career in the corporate sector. She served as inhouse counsel with Quest Diagnostics and leveraged this experience to take on various leadership roles in the business and legal departments with Bayer Corporation. Ms. Hinds-Pearl earned her law degree from Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana, and her undergraduate degree in Literature from American University in Washington, D.C. Ms. Hinds-Pearl served on the Rye Country Day Parents Committed to Diversity committee and is the current Co-Chair of RCDS Community Connections (RCC). She and her husband, Scott, live in Mount Vernon with their son, Aedan (Class of 2025). ❺ Since moving to Rye in 2017, Elizabeth Shah-Hosseini has been involved as a volunteer in various Parents Association roles at Rye Country Day, serving as a class liaison, host family, and Co-Chair of the fall Book Fair, in addition to starting a parent book club at the School.

She is also a member of the Rye Free Reading Room Auxiliary Board. Ms. Shah-Hosseini holds an honors degree in Comparative Literature from Brown University, as well as an MFA in Fiction Writing from Hunter College, and an MA in English Education from New York University. She has worked in the publishing industry, handling subsidiary rights at the Aaron Priest Literary Agency, and also in the field of education. She has taught English and Creative Writing at Hunter College and worked as a lecturer in the Expository Writing Program at Rutgers University. Ms. Shah-Hosseini received a fellowship from The Center for Fiction for her writing, and she is currently at work on a novel. She lives in Rye with her husband, Sina Toussi, and their two children, Arianna (Class of 2026) and Cyrus (Class of 2032).

❹

❺

www.ryecountryday.org 21

ATHLETICS

FALL & WINTER SPORTS SHOW YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE! Shop for RCDS apparel and more at ryecountryday.org/shop

22 Spring 2021

looked a little different due to safety and social distancing requirements, but that did not stop the Wildcats from bringing their enthusiasm, energy, and team spirit to every drill, conditioning session, and competition.

The Wildcats have inspired and amazed us. They took a year that no one could have imagined and approached it with their signature athletic excellence. With camaraderie and team spirit, our student-athletes showed us that Wildcat spirit is simply unstoppable!

Thank you to our student-athletes and coaches—a team that can’t be beat!

— Wendy Jo Haft, Director of Athletics

FALL AND WINTER SPORTS

LET’S HEAR IT FOR OUR SENIORS! In 2020-21, seniors served

as role models to their teammates during team building, conditioning, skill development, and team play. They led by example and showed that resilience, perseverance, a positive spirit, and strength of character make outstanding athletes. Even amidst altered seasons, seniors maintained their athletic dedication and enthusiasm every step of the way.

www.ryecountryday.org 23

ATHLETICS

NEW TURF In the summer of 2020, the replacement of the artificial turf on the North Field (football, soccer, and boys’ lacrosse) was completed using an AstroTurf product that uses an underlying shock pad and Envirofill infill. This project completes turf replacement on all four of the School’s fields.

WILDCATS CONTINUE THEIR ATHLETIC CAREERS IN COLLEGE CONGRATULATIONS to the nine members of the Class of 2021 who are continuing their careers as student-athletes at some of the finest colleges and universities.

Left to right, from top: Charles Allen Bowdoin College, Football

Arly Rodriguez Bowdoin College, Track

Nicolas Briano Tufts University, Rowing

Kaela Smith Williams College, Field Hockey

Ashley Hatstadt Cornell University, Squash

Christopher Suter Union College, Baseball

Philip Kimmel University of Chicago, Football

R.J. Thalheimer-Santamaria Washington and Lee University, Football

Anna Owens Williams College, Rowing 24 Spring 2021

LACROSSE TALKS The Upper School Club RCDS Lacrosse Rollback coordinated a virtual Q&A for US students and faculty featuring professional lacrosse players Rob Pannell and Kylie Ohlmiller. Pannell plays attack for the Atlas Lacrosse Club, a professional men’s field lacrosse team in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Ohlmiller plays attack for New York Fight, a Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL) field team based in Long Island, New York. During the session, the seasoned athletes answered questions about drills and life as professional lacrosse players, and they offered advice on pursuing lacrosse at the collegiate level.

LEADERS OF TOMORROW AWARD Arly Rodriguez ’21 was named the recipient of a Leaders of Tomorrow Award. Presented

by Armory Track, the award recognizes exceptional academics, leadership, track and field performances, and coachability.

Armory Track hosts over 100 track meets annually with the goal of serving youth by promoting fitness, a love of sport, and the pursuit of individual excellence.

Arly and other awardees were honored at 27th U.S. Air Force Hispanic Games in January 2021.

www.ryecountryday.org 25

ARTS

Innovation & Imagination VIRTUAL LOWER SCHOOL ART SHOW The Lower School Art Show was presented virtually this year. An online gallery of nearly 400 pieces of art was posted for the community to enjoy. Each Lower School student was represented in the show, and the student artists individually selected which pieces to display.

A Powerful Time of

Discovery MIDDLE SCHOOL ART

“Our Middle School artists have discovered that the process of creating art—whether at home in their sketchbooks, or in their fifth grade “pod” classroom, or in the Black Box Theater Studio—is a powerful time of discovery that can bring great joy.

They have learned to be patient with themselves and flexible as they adapt to new circumstances, and they have used the process of creating to reflect and explore their world.”

—Sue Keown, Middle School Art Teacher

26 Spring 2021

Re-Invent UPPER SCHOOL 3D ART SHOW

Twenty-two Upper School student artists contributed work to the annual 3D Art Show, which was on display in the Cohen Center for the Creative Arts and in an online gallery. The exhibit’s name, Re-Invent, was inspired by the need to adjust the creative process to a socially distanced and hybrid-flex learning environment. The show highlights the use of upcycled materials and transformation: how a book becomes a sculpture, how a newspaper can be transformed into wearable art, and how artists can reinvent practice.

“Creating three-dimensional artwork during a pandemic requires a rethinking of methods and practices to meet the various physical limits of social distancing and remote learning. Throughout the semester, we explored a variety of solutions and Re-Invent is the culmination of that work. It is often during challenging times that artists find new ways to create.”

—Erin Dolan, Upper School Art Teacher

www.ryecountryday.org 27

ARTS ‹M embers of

the RCDS Concert Choir rehearsing at a distance in the Performance Arts Center auditorium.

The Sh

Jolee Pisacano ’21 performed her original composition Lie to Me.

w M

Rye Country Day performing artists collaborated and shared their talents virtually this year.

Visit www.ryecountryday.org/music to enjoy videos of student performances. ‹ VIRTUAL UPPER SCHOOL MUSIC SHOWCASE

‹ WINTER VIRTUAL VOCAL STUDIO RECITAL

Twenty RCDS ensembles and soloists performed in a wonderful virtual concert, which was broadcast to the community in March.

Music Department Chair Mary Marcell and Director of Instrumental Music John Hager greeted audiences and explained how the ensemble videos were put together: Students recorded individual tracks that were uploaded and mixed into a master audio file, and then they submitted accompanying videos of themselves performing; the video files were edited and synced with the master audio track. With help from Matthew Bremer ’23, students also submitted solo performance videos. With genres ranging from classical and jazz to musical theater and contemporary pop, the showcase was an innovative RCDS collaboration for the books!

Student vocalists ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 12 presented songs that they had been preparing since the beginning of the school year.

› A s part of her independent study, Haley Herman ’21 produced and directed a 10-minute musical titled Finding the Words.

28 Spring 2021

› VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT In lieu of the annual tradition of Jazz in the Hallways, volunteers from the US Wind Ensemble produced a special virtual holiday concert for the RCDS community.

‹ T he Upper School Wind Ensemble brass section rehearsing on the lawn.

‹

Must Go On!

Rohan Malik ’23 played Frédéric Chopin’s Balade #1.

› CAPTAIN AMERICA MARCH

PHOTO: KODY GURFEIN ‘01

The Upper School Wind Ensemble performed Captain America March by Alan Silvestri.

› TRY EVERYTHING ‹

The WildScats performed a joyful and energetic rendition of Shakira’s Try Everything, which was used to welcome newly admitted students to Rye Country Day!

FESTIVAL CHORUS

Over 115 members of the greater RCDS community—from California to New York to Ghana—gathered virtually to rehearse for Festival Chorus. They joined forces with the RCDS Choir to release a virtual performance of Kirby Shaw’s arrangement of Bridge Over Troubled Water.

‹ RESILIENCE

‹

The RCDS Concert Choir delivered a powerful performance of Resilience by composer Abbie Bettins from the Justice Choir Songbook. The students recorded their vocals individually, having rehearsed under the music direction of Ms. Marcell. The final audio was edited and mastered by the departmental accompanist, piano teacher, and chamber music coach, Keith Burton, who also played the djembe on the track.

In addition, students were asked to take a selfie or submit a photo that represents what resilience means to them, and Ms. Marcell created a video montage to augment the choir’s moving message.

Grace Casale ’22 performed the song Khan Artist from her original Star Trek Musical.

www.ryecountryday.org 29

Hybrid-Flex Learning at RCDS COLLABORATION, RESILIENCE, AND DEDICATION IN ACTION

By Lori Ferguson In March of 2020, Rye Country Day School created RCDS@home, an entirely online learning environment that enabled students to continue to recognize their full potential for personal growth—socially, emotionally, and academically—in the midst of a pandemic. Throughout the summer of 2020, RCDS administrators prepared to welcome students back in the fall with a schedule and technology that best accommodated learning, whether in-person, remotely, or as a hybrid of the two.

Anticipating the need to adapt, the Board of Trustees allocated over $2.5 million for technology and safety updates, as well as professional development, and the Office of Advancement solicited donations to further defray costs. And in a nod to the moment, the administration chose character as the school-wide theme for 2020-21, noting in the Reopening Guidebook that the selection would serve “as a guide for our community as we navigate this new landscape and exercise our shared responsibility for health, learning, and service at school and beyond.” The theme has proved to be a centering point for the Rye Country Day community, in ways both large and small. While the intervening months have been marked by successes and setbacks, growth and grace, the RCDS spirit and commitment to excellence have prevailed.

TAPPING TECH TO ADVANCE LEARNING

Throughout the summer of 2020, the RCDS technology team evaluated resources and worked feverishly to update classrooms in anticipation of reopening.

The team arranged for the installation of an additional fiber optic line, quadrupling network access from one gigabyte to four and making it possible for all 86 classrooms to video conference live. Team members outfitted each classroom with an 80” monitor, two personal computers, a tablet, an HD-quality camera, video conferencing software, and a soundbar to optimize interactions between remote and in-person learners. “We made an extremely large investment in every classroom that was necessary for us to deliver synchronous learning to groups who were both at school and remote locations,” says Director of Academic Technology Katie O’Shaughnessey.

30 Spring 2021

Faculty received training on the new hardware and software in late August, and the School reopened in September. “The willingness and ability of our teachers to learn technology at such a rapid rate has been truly astounding,” observes Ms. O’Shaughnessey. “They are passionate and jaw-droppingly dedicated to delivering on our mission.”

Hearing and acting on community feedback were critical parts of navigating the new landscape of hybrid-flex teaching and learning. When the community began experiencing a series of technical difficulties, administrators instituted a deliberate plan to shift to an alternate hybrid learning platform, Zoom Rooms, during Winter Break. “We trained the entire faculty on the new software before the break, and then the IT team turned over the PCs in all 86 classrooms while everyone was away,” explains Ms. O’Shaughnessey. “This enabled students and teachers to get back to the business of learning free from technical glitches. Many people took on extra work in myriad ways to make sure we could continue to deliver on our mission and educate our students at our signature standard.”

RISING TO THE OCCASION

The effort put forth by every member of the RCDS community has been considerable, agrees Head of School Scott Nelson. “Each day is different, but everyone has risen to the occasion,” he says. Faculty have worked long hours to master new technology and teaching techniques, notes Mr. Nelson, and students have remained flexible and engaged. Division principals have designed schedules that can shift from hybrid-flex to 100 percent remote overnight. Teachers forced to quarantine have continued to teach from home, and others have stepped forward to provide adult supervision of their in-person classrooms. “Some days we have 20 to 25 subs on campus, versus a normal-year day when we would have four or five at most,” he observes. “It has been a challenge, but we have stepped up to meet it.”

Families have also been key partners in the journey.

“To be most effective, we know education has to be a collaborative effort between home and school,” Mr. Nelson notes. “Our families have been right there with us during this unprecedented and continually changing time. They have put in long hours during remote learning and have worked with us in the spirit of partnership to refine our approach to hybrid-flex learning,” he continues.

TEACHABLE TRIBULATION, LESSONS LEARNED

When met with determination and an eye on a common goal, such tests can also lead to opportunities, Mr. Nelson notes, as the hybrid-flex model has revealed. “We have found that virtual programs for parents and guardians get better attendance than live events, and course selection meetings for current and newly enrolled students and families have also generated stronger support in the virtual format.” Transforming the admissions process to a virtual experience has yielded unexpected benefits, too, says Mr. Nelson. “We’ve discovered that we can offer prospective families and students greater access to faculty and administrators, which is a big plus.”

Planning for the Unforeseeable: Risk Mitigation in a Pandemic When Head of School Scott Nelson initially formed the Medical Committee in June of 2020, no one was certain what its work would entail. “We recognized that we needed a plan to bring students back to campus safely and we were getting an array of policies and guidelines from county, state, and federal authorities,” he explains. Seeking answers, Mr. Nelson tapped two trustees, RCDS Board Vice President Dr. Nina Cheigh, PharmD, P’20, P’23, P’25, and pediatric emergency medicine specialist Dr. Cindy Roskind, MD, ’90, P’21, P’23, to provide guidance on quarantining, contact tracing, testing, and the like. In addition, the School engaged medical consultant and pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Natalie Neu, MD, MPH. “Our challenge was that no one knew the best path to take,” recalls Dr. Cheigh. “The state mandated masking and social distancing, so that was clear, but testing was another matter.

Tests weren’t as available as they are now, and weekly testing for 1,200 students, faculty, and staff was exorbitantly expensive.”

The Medical Committee discussed various testing options, the cadence of testing, and costs to determine the best way for RCDS to implement hybrid-flex learning more safely. “There was interest, but not widely accepted thought, on surveillance testing,” observes Dr. Cheigh. Ultimately, the Committee secured donated funding for saliva pool testing—deemed more userfriendly and less invasive for a population that spanned four-yearolds to adults—and did a three-week pilot program to assess its viability. The pilot program revealed that weekly pool testing could offer the School a more cost-effective way to monitor infection rates in the community, thereby giving employees, students, and families some peace of mind regarding the safety of a return to in-person learning.

Faculty have also continued to look for ways to enrich the learning process while also centering health and safety. The shift from traditional technology carts to 1-to-1 learning for students in Pre-K through Grade 6 is one such example. In addition to shared devices presenting a potential health risk, it became clear that providing every student with an individual learning device presented an opportunity for greater connections. Emerging writers and readers could Launching the program and collecting 1,200 saliva samples be given tablets with write-on screens, and students every week was quite the logistical undertaking. Committee of all ages could continue learning remotely. members and a cadre of Upper School student volunteers and Teachers rapidly leveraged the situation to the best administrative assistants dedicated countless hours to putting advantage. The tech team implemented the Clever together test kits for collection, then the Medical Committee digital learning platform to allow students to sign tapped Director of Advancement Lynette Gioffre to head up in to numerous educational apps with one digital the operation. Ms. Gioffre and colleagues Mike Verrino and badge rather than a username and password system, Julie McCrory quickly became an energetic presence at weekly something difficult for younger learners. They pick-up and drop-off and in worked alongside teachers to implement the extensive behind-thelearning software, including Seesaw, scenes work. The entire school “It has been a privilege for me Haiku, and Google Classroom, to facilitate community—students, families, to do my part in contributing to interactions with students. And tech team and employees alike—did their our community’s safe passage members also helped teachers implement an part by supporting this broad array of formative and summative assessment on our shared journey through safety effort, as well as other tools, including Kami, Socrative, Kahoot!, and an unprecedented time, and it risk mitigation strategies, Nearpod, to better assess student performance has been heartwarming to see including mask wearing, in a digital environment. “It has required faculty and staff from across physical distancing, daily an enormous amount of internal work to health screening, and hand and the community step forward to support our digital learning initiative,” Ms. respiratory hygiene. support this initiative.”

O’Shaughnessey concedes, “but RCDS, who

— Dr. Nina Cheigh was an early adopter of the laptop program over 20 years ago, has always been ahead of continued on page 31 the curve when it comes to embracing a digital learning environment.”

www.ryecountryday.org 31

PROMOTING DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

While implementing hybrid-flex learning, RCDS has affirmed its position as a thought leader in digital citizenship, shares Ms. O’Shaughnessey. “The School has been addressing issues of digital citizenship like bullying and appropriate language for some time now,” she explains.

With the move to a more comprehensive online learning environment, the Tech Team doubled down.

“We were very thoughtful about the software we chose,” explains Ms. O’Shaughnessey. Parents and guardians were also asked to approve their children’s use of video conferencing platforms for classes and counseling services.

“Other schools have sought our advice on how to implement polices,” she notes. “And we’ve strengthened our digital citizenship guidelines, which we believe are of central importance for the emotional development of our students.”

SUPPORTING SAFETY

Of course, the community’s physical health has also been a central and ongoing consideration. Last summer, in preparation for reopening, Mr. Nelson formed the Medical Committee, comprising RCDS trustees and healthcare professionals Dr. Nina Cheigh and Dr. Cindy Roskind, independent infectious disease physician Dr. Natalie Neu, and three school nurses.

Together they formulated and executed the School’s safety protocols and pool testing plan. The team continues to meet weekly to discuss ways to keep the community healthy and safe as the pandemic evolves. Read more about the Medical Committee’s efforts on pages 29 and 31.

REIMAGINING HOW COMMUNITY IS CREATED

Recognizing that the community’s social and emotional well-being are of equal importance to physical health, Director of Health and Wellness Priya Singhvi,

RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL CITIZENS ARE:

• Aware of how they use and share intellectual property • Mindful of their digital footprint and reputation • Knowledgeable about and equipped to reject cyberbullying and digital drama and gender stereotypes • Safe, legal, ethical, and positive users of social media • Able to manage their personal data online with awareness of data-collection technology

32 Spring 2021

Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago, and Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ali Morgan collaborate regularly to provide opportunities for community engagement.

RCDS counselors in each division also joined with the Health and Wellness initiative to create an All-School Wellness Plan to provide a mix of coping and preventative measures. “One thing we learned this year in trying to create programming is the importance of ensuring that people can come and go as they please, according to their needs in the moment,” says Mr. Morgan. “We have had lots of conversations to tackle the social-emotional issues that arise during times of great uncertainty, and we have made very intentional efforts to find moments of joy,” adds Ms. Singhvi.

All three cite the weekly virtual Upper School Community Meetings, led by English Department Chair Iain Pollock, as a highlight of the hybrid-flex learning environment. “We have worked with Mr. Pollock to totally reimagine the Community Meeting to empower students and allow their voices to shine.

The kids laugh, display artwork, perform, and blow up the chat—it’s terrific,” says Ms. Singhvi.

Similarly, the Middle School Student Leadership Council, led by six eighthgraders, created a fun-filled, virtual Middle School Meeting before March Break that included homeroom-based contests, a Kahoot! trivia game, and highlights of the hybrid-flex year. The younger MS students, in particular, were delighted to feel the collective energy of the division gathered together—even via Zoom!

In the Lower School, students connected joyfully through division-wide activities within their pods including spirit weeks,

continued from page 29

The results of the community collaboration proved effective. Weekly pool testing enabled the Medical Committee to identify incidents of infection before people developed symptoms and thereby keep infected individuals remote to lessen the likelihood of spread at the School. “I’m grateful to say that at the time of this interview, we haven’t had to shut the school down once,” notes Dr. Cheigh.

Halloween celebrations, and book character day. LS division meetings also leveraged technology to connect students virtually and in-person across grades, classrooms, and pods.

TOUGH TIMES WITH TREMENDOUS PROMISE

Clearly, the past year has been unlike any the School has experienced, but members of the RCDS community have continued to pull together and met the challenge collectively. “Over the past year, normal has not been anywhere near,” concedes Assistant Head of School Meredith deChabert. “With the everchanging landscape brought about by the pandemic, it seems like we’ve been forced to reinvent ourselves every three months!” But the RCDS community has remained resolute, she notes proudly.

“There has been a nice balance between expressing needs thoughtfully and respectfully and trying to address these needs.” Dr. deChabert acknowledges that it’s not always smooth sailing.

“Lacking our common touchpoints, and the pre-pandemic human connection, has been difficult for all of us.” Still, she insists, the kids have been incredibly kind to each other, and faculty and staff have repeatedly gone the extra mile to accommodate the changes. “RCDS is a strong community, and we are going to emerge from this period even stronger than we were,” concludes Dr. deChabert.

Guiding the School’s safety and health initiatives these past months has been an exercise in flexibility, responsiveness, and nimbleness, shares Dr. Cheigh. “There’s no playbook. We’ve had to evolve based on changing guidelines, school infection rates, local community infection rates, etc. We’re always pivoting and trying to plan for the unforeseeable.” Dr. Roskind agrees sharing, “It requires constant reassessment, within RCDS, as well as in the surrounding community.

We have worked hard to keep the community safe, with an eye to preserving some amount of normalcy and mental well-being.” The Medical Committee has done its best to anticipate what’s coming and offer guidance, continues Dr. Roskind, but the day-to-day stress has fallen on school administrators and the nurses. “The nurses are on the front lines daily, answering questions and implementing policies— they’ve really borne the work.” Mr. Nelson agrees. “We all owe a deep debt of gratitude to the School’s nursing staff led by Nurse Nancy Gordon; they have been our very own healthcare heroes,” he says.

Dr. Cheigh notes that although hitting a wall in a pandemic is expected, the process of managing community risk is a marathon rather than a sprint. “Mr. Nelson’s leadership style is steadfast and nonalarmist, which has really helped,” she observes. Mr. Nelson is quick to point out that the collaboration and partnership of the Rye Country Day community is also a key ingredient. “We knew navigating life and school during the pandemic was going to be a community effort, and I have been humbled by and grateful for the commitment and active support of our students, families, faculty, and staff, ” he says. “I am proud of Rye Country Day. We have always been a strong community, and our shared experience of the past year has shown our strength to be worthy of even the greatest challenges.”

Thank You to the RCDS Medical Committee Left to right, from top: Dr. Nina Cheigh, PharmD, P’20, P’23, P’25, Julie McCrory ’03, Dr. Cindy Roskind, MD, ’90, P’21, P’23, Dr. Natalie Neu, MD, MPH, Nancy Gordon, RN, Rebecca Tenney, RN, Scott Nelson, and Nicole Regan, RN.

Thanks also to

• The pool testing implementation and logistics team: Lynette Gioffre, Director of Advancement; Julie McCrory ’03, Manager of Stewardship and Engagement; Michael Verrino, Manager of Advancement Services; and Angela Monti, Main Entrance Receptionist.

•T he many employees, including teachers, coaches, and administrative assistants, who have volunteered their time and energy to support the pool testing program.

www.ryecountryday.org 33

PRINCIPAL PERSPECTIVES

MRS. SHEA, MR. SONG, AND MR. LEEF REFLECT ON HYBRID-FLEX LEARNING ACROSS THE DIVISIONS

■ LOWER SCHOOL The Lower School has had the good fortune to conduct classes entirely in-person this year. Cases where students or the division had to pivot to hybrid-flex learning required logistical coordination between teachers and families. “On the plus side,” says Lower School Principal Barbara Shea, “working in a hybrid-flex learning environment has allowed students to hone their executive function skills. We have taught our kids to be nimble with technology, so now when they must move to a virtual format, they’re more comfortable with the technology and persevere in their learning.”

■ MIDDLE SCHOOL “In reflection, the most powerful tool we used to combat the challenge presented by the pandemic was our mindset: Grace and Grit,” observes Middle School Principal Ryan Song.

“Grace we extended to others in addition to ourselves. The rest was a commitment to being gritty, putting in the long hours to check every detail to do and redo as we iterated forward. That mindset, in combination with all of our human-centered educators, was exactly what the Middle School needed to persevere and find elements of success.”

■ UPPER SCHOOL The key to making hybrid-flex learning work in the Upper School was designing a schedule that could accommodate both a hybrid and fully remote approach, says Upper School Principal Jon Leef.

Understanding that a successful hybrid approach must serve remote and in-person learners simultaneously, the Upper School embraced several key features, including longer periods, breaks between classes, community time, a shared lunch hour, and an every-other-day class schedule.

“One of the major differences between last spring and this fall was that when the pandemic hit last March, teachers had already established learning communities in their classrooms,” says Mr. Leef. “Connections had been made. Relationships had been formed. Rituals of learning had been established. We prioritized making these connections in the classroom this fall.”

34 Spring 2021

www.ryecountryday.org 35

RAMP Resilience in Alumni Mentor Partnerships Connecting RCDS Students of Color with RCDS Alumni of Color

BY LORI FERGUSON

As Samantha (Sami) Abreu ’12 watched the changes taking place in the world last year, she knew it was time to act. “Black Lives Matter protests, the murder of George Floyd, it all hit me,” she recalls. “I realized that as a student at Rye Country Day and even in college, I often wasn’t sure how to talk about things or how to deal with being a minority student.”

As an engaged alumna with an affinity for her alma mater, Sami decided to join the conversation and give back to the RCDS community. “I really care about the School and I want it to be a better place for people of color like me.” Sami is well acquainted with the importance of being actively engaged in one’s community. She is a former Prep for Prep student, an RCDS Class Agent, and a RAMP Steering Committee member.

Sami was matched with Grade 9 student Isabel Tiburcio ’24. “Isabel is great—she’s smart and ambitious, and I am really enjoying watching how she makes her way. It’s cool being a resource for her.”

Isabel is equally enthusiastic. “When I moved from Middle School to Upper

School, I lost some important mentors, so I was really happy to be matched with Sami. Talking to her has helped me realize that other students feel the way I do—I feel like I can tell her anything!”

RECOGNIZING the importance of providing support and community for students of color, the Office of Alumni Relations joined with the Offices of Diversity and Inclusion and Public Purpose to create RAMP (Resilience in Alumni Mentor Partnerships), a dynamic program that connects RCDS students of color with RCDS alumni of color.

The program is designed to foster meaningful connections and help current students build networks, share perspectives and experiences, celebrate successes, raise issues, and inspire change as they learn and grow at RCDS. Matches between the inaugural group of mentor/mentee partners were made last fall and the preliminary feedback is positive. Below is a glimpse into the experiences of three of these alumni/student mentoring partnerships.

Samantha (Sami) Abreu ’12 & Isabel Tiburcio ’24

Sami says when it comes to conversations with Samantha (Sami) Abreu ’12 (left) & Isabel Tiburcio ’24 (right) Isabel, there are no rules. “I leave it to her to dictate what she needs from me.

Sami is delighted. She knows the I encourage her to be authentic, and importance of having mentors who I tell her, ‘If something doesn’t exist, are available and empathic. “I just you can make it happen. You have the want to be there for Isabel. As a firstdrive and intelligence to do anything generation college student, I often you want.’” didn’t have anyone to talk to about what it’s like to be a minority student, Isabel is grateful for the reminders so I’m just trying to figure out what that the journey is just as important value I can provide,” she concludes. as the destination. “When I started “It’s nice to keep in touch with RCDS high school, I was obsessed with this way and share my experiences getting to the finish line,” she admits, with a current student; it’s fun to see “but Sami has encouraged me to how we can help each other.” be open to new experiences. Since starting RAMP, I’ve joined new clubs and tried new things.”

The RAMP program is part of RCDS’s comprehensive all-community Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.

Read about the DEI Plan at www.ryecountryday.org/deiplan

36 Spring 2021

Thomas Alston ’05 & Dean Hogans ’24

Thomas Alston ’05 (left) & Dean Hogans ’24 (right)

As an RCDS student, Thomas Alston ’05 was the only Black male in his grade for his four-year Upper School tenure at the School. The experience was isolating at times, he concedes. After graduating, Thomas continued to think about what the institution was doing well and where it could do better, musings that led him to reach out to Head of School Scott Nelson in the summer of 2020. The conversation proved to be a springboard.

“My fellow alums and I worked in

When it comes to Rye Country Day School, Nicole Granston ’96 is passionate. “I’ve served on the Alumni Executive Board and the Board of Trustees—I love giving back.” So, when the idea for RAMP was raised, Nicole was all in. “RAMP was a no-brainer for me. I’ve always had a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I enjoy working with young people,” she says.

During her four years in the RCDS Upper School, Nicole continues, she was one of only two Black females in her class. “The number of students of color has increased, but it can still be hard to navigate the system,” she observes. Nicole is grateful to have shared time and a connection with Grade 12 student Alex Dunkley ’21.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know Alex in this time before she graduates, and I hope we’ll be able to stay in touch.”

Alex is equally delighted with the pairing. “At first it was kind of weird to

conjunction with the RCDS administration to develop the RAMP mentoring program. I looked to my experiences with Prep for Prep for inspiration,” recalls Thomas, who is now a member of Prep for Prep’s Associates Council Board.

“Representation matters.

I thought that it was very important for current RCDS students of color to have an opportunity to connect with successful alumni of color who understand the unique challenges facing high-achieving students of similar backgrounds competing in a predominantly white institution.”

“When I was in high school, I was thinking about what I needed to do to be successful,” continues Thomas, who is currently an associate with the Structured Products Group in the Blackstone Credit investment team. “But I didn’t have many people around with whom to discuss my goals.”

He hopes RAMP will change that calculus. Thomas’s mentee, Grade 9 student Dean Hogans ’24, feels like the program is doing just that.

see how well we meshed,” she confesses with a laugh. “It was easy to relate to Nicole from the start.” Participating in RAMP has helped her to gain a fresh perspective, Alex continues. “I’ve learned I’m not alone.

There are so many others who have come before us who have experienced the same challenges.

Talking to Nicole has been great; she’s helped me to gain a new perspective on things, both in school and beyond. I’ve learned to weigh all my options in a situation, instead of just jumping impulsively. ” Nicole’s experience as a mentor has been deeply moving, and she is eager to devote her energy to Rye Country Day’s DEI work. “I work on other committees at the School, so

“When my parents told me about RAMP, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to learn from an African-American man who has been through the RCDS experience,” he says. Dean says speaking with Thomas has been more fun than he thought it would be. “We don’t just discuss classwork; we talk about being athletes at RCDS and about Thomas’s college experience.

It’s been helpful to learn about his career path and the college choices he made. Talking to Thomas has helped me understand that I have to work hard in the classroom to succeed and that drives me.”

Thomas is happy to show up for Dean in whatever form necessary. “Our primary goal in creating RAMP was to provide an environment that allows students of color at RCDS to succeed,” he concludes. “My hope is that the program brings about meaningful change. When students think about being at RCDS, I want them to feel that the School is invested in their success and to understand that there are resources they can draw upon to realize their goals.”

Nicole Granston ’96 & Alex Dunkley ’21

Nicole Granston ’96 (left) & Alex Dunkley ’21 (right)

I can see what’s working and what’s not. My conversations with Alex have shown me that RAMP needs to be here to stay. Teenagers today have pressures that we simply didn’t have, and I’m happy that I can be there for a current student as an advocate and sounding board.”

www.ryecountryday.org 37

PARENTS ASSOCIATION

GREETINGS FROM THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION 1

Rosa Perkins Rosa Hyun Perkins P’26, P’28 Parents Association President

Let’s give a warm Wildcat welcome to Victoria Maggard P’22, P’25, P,’27, P’30, who will assume the role of PA president starting in June!

For more information about the Parents Association and parent volunteer opportunities, please visit www.ryecountryday.org/parentsassociation 38 Spring 2021

4

5

6 PHOTO: ERICDITTELMAN.COM

As I complete my tenure as PA president, I want to remind you that the lifelong bonds within the parent and guardian community keep RCDS strong. Our collective work and engagement ensure that current and future generations of students, as well as alumni, are part of a supportive network that is guided by the School’s dedication to community and service. Thank you for your commitment to Rye Country Day.

2

3 PHOTO: CHAPEQUITY.COM

The PA’s goal is to create a warm environment that gives each and every member of our community a sense of belonging. This year perhaps more than ever, this work was deeply meaningful. Many thanks to those who helped coordinate these important events and initiatives, and to those who attended!

PHOTO: IINSTAGRAM.COM/DRKIRABANKS

During this unprecedented year, the RCDS Parents Association developed virtual programming in support of its mission to foster parent and guardian engagement with each other and with the School. Signature events like the Book Fair & Gift Boutique and the Arts Festival & International Fair were reimagined, and liaisons and volunteers and various committees worked tirelessly to provide events and activities designed to uplift and connect our community.

5. T he Arts Festival & International Fair was reimagined to celebrate culture and history through food with unique virtual events. The two-day 2. The RCC (RCDS Community Connections) celebration included a family trivia Committee hosted a DEI workshop led by night, a drumming demonstration, Dr. Kira Banks, RCDS Director of Diversity and a cooking demonstration by Julia and Inclusion Ali Morgan, and RCDS Director Turshen ’03. The event co-chairs, of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago.

Ann Colin, Sebastian Gutierrez, and 3. RCC also partnered with Heard in Rye to Cintia Pierry, also documented the create a virtual space for Dr. Sandra Chapman community’s most cherished recipes in to lead a workshop focused on raising children the RCDS Cookbook. with healthy racial awareness.

6. S enior parent liaisons coordinated a 4. Seniors Katie Farrell and Jordan Miller led a special evening for seniors and their fireside chat with RCDS counselor Dr. Barbara families featuring celebrity mentalist Prempeh for the parent/guardian community Eric Dittelman. The astounding in mid-February. Dr. Prempeh talked about the performance left the audience importance of tending to mental health, as wondering, how did he do it?! our community, like our nation, continues to navigate uncertainty.

1. T he RCDS PA Book Club led by Elizabeth Shah-Hosseini read and discussed Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad.

ALUMNI

Cooking Demonstration and Conversation with Julia Turshen ’03 The Arts Festival & International Fair was reimagined to celebrate culture and history through food with unique virtual events. The two-day celebration included a family trivia night, a drumming demonstration, and a special cooking demonstration by bestselling cookbook author, food writer, cook, and food equity advocate Julia Turshen ’03.

PHOTO: JULIATURSHEN.COM

During her presentation, Julia prepared a Tex-Mex turkey meatball recipe from her new cookbook Simply Julia: 110 Easy Recipes for Healthy Comfort Food.

While the meatballs baked, Julia discussed the ways that cooking connects communities, supports mindfulness, reduces stress, and builds confidence. Julia shared that the RCDS dedication to service has resonated with her through the years and informed her commitment to purpose-driven advocacy such as her 2017 activism cookbook Feed the Resistance and her volunteer work with God’s Love We Deliver, an organization that provides nutritious, medically tailored meals for people in the New York metro area who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves.

Many thanks to Julia for an engaging conversation and to the Office of Alumni Relations and the Parents Association for coordinating this opportunity for RCDS alumni, students, and families.

www.ryecountryday.org 39

ALUMNI

Alumni Trivia Nights Across the Decades

Rye Country Day alumni battled it out for the trivia bragging rights during fun events with decade-themed questions.

Classes from the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s participated.

Valentine’s Day Themed Bedtime Stories and Lullabies

Beloved RCDS employees helped current students and children of alumni unwind before bedtime with readings of their favorite Valentine’s Day books followed by a few quiet lullabies. Thank you to our readers, Coach Gil Castagna, US Dean of Students Donald Kyle ’81, LS Music Teacher Melissa Liebowitz, LS Librarian Kimberly Love, and Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ali Morgan.

VIRTUAL

Rye Country Day alumni from the 1960’s gathered virtually for a Zoom cocktail reception. Old friends from Paris to California to Georgia spent time catching up and reminiscing about their shared RCDS experiences.

Parenting Through a Pandemic: Providing Helpful Insights and Resources

Have an idea for an alumni event? Want to connect with alumni?

Contact Melissa Mahoney Wirth ’97, Manager of Alumni Relations, at melissa_wirth@ryecountryday.org

PHOTO: DYNAMOGIRL.COM

Virtual 1960’s Cocktail Reception

The RCDS alumni network continued its tradition of active engagement through a variety of virtual events. Special thanks to the alumni and parent volunteers who collaborated with the Office of Alumni Relations to facilitate programming and community connection.

In October, RCDS parents/guardians and alumni attended Parenting Through a Pandemic, a virtual presentation and resource-sharing session led by Vanessa Kroll Bennett ’94, Founder of the girls’ self-esteem building program Dynamo Girl, and Mary Pat Draddy, LMSW, the program’s Director of Workshops and Training. The presenters, who were introduced by a former Alumni Executive Board member Michele Lallemand Brazil ’92, shared strategies for alleviating children’s stress and worry, and they addressed important elements of pandemic-era parenting of kids of all ages, including creating structure and boundaries, organizing schedules, setting realistic expectations, maintaining flexibility, sharing and empathizing with discomfort, and being supportive and open to resetting. In a comforting and informative session, Vanessa and Mary Pat touched on the very raw and real moments that parents and children have experienced in the wake of the pandemic. They offered actionable, practical tools and a reminder to seek support and community.

40 Spring 2021

College Counseling in the Year 2020

Rye Country Day’s Offices of Alumni Relations and College Counseling hosted a virtual webinar titled College Counseling in the Year 2020. Parents/guardians, alumni, and employees heard from members of the RCDS College Counseling team, public high school counselors, and college/university admissions counselors. The panelists provided helpful tips and insights into the college process during this unprecedented year.

PANELISTS • Gena Archer, School Counselor at Pelham Memorial High School

• Jeff Bates, Director of College Counseling at Rye Country Day School

• Susan Davidson, Associate Director of College Counseling at Rye Country Day School

• Jonathan Gowin, Admissions Counselor at Trinity College

• Grace Chapin James, Deputy Director of Admissions at The University of Chicago

• Sonia Mahabir, Assistant Director Undergraduate Admission at Case Western Reserve University

COMMUNITY Total Wellness February

Alexandra Wolitzer ’08 and Ben Turshen ’99 led an end-of-the-day yoga/meditation session.

Stacey Freis Schulman ’95 discussed nutrition and intuitive eating.

PHOTO: KAREENWALSH.COM

The Office of Alumni Relations partnered with alumni and current parent volunteers through the month of February to provide a program of weekly events focused on wellness and self-care. The virtual workshops covered food and nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, mental and emotional well-being, and work/life balance. Thank you to our incredible volunteers!

Kareen Walsh Zahr ’93 provided tips, tools, and support on how to align what you love with what you do daily during a work/life balance interactive discussion.

Frannie Rochat P’16, P’18, P’20, P’22 and her sister, Tricia, led a 50-minute Hot HIIT workout.

www.ryecountryday.org 41

ALUMNI

Class News & Notes 1970

to the Dallas 500 as one of the most powerful business leaders in north Texas in 2021.

1972

Congratulations to Cindy Rosenwald ’72 D-NH on winning re-election to her state legislature.

Jody Ann Sabia Pongrantz ’78 was recognized for her work with NPH USA, a national organization that transforms the lives of vulnerable children in Latin America and the Caribbean by supporting the homes, health services, and educational programs of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH).

1974

1980

Congratulations to Ann Pugh ’70 D-VT on winning re-election to her state legislature.

Alison Healy ’74 writes, “Until Covid, I was CEO at Alliance for Smiles, repairing cleft lips internationally for all children in need. It was an incredibly rich experience traveling to countries like Egypt and Morocco and watching children’s lives being transformed. I am still living in Sausalito with my 18-year-old son, Tiger, and husband, Luis. Please call on me if you are in the area.”

1975

Patrick Healy ’75 continues as Chef/ Owner at the Buffalo Club in Santa Monica. His daughter, Olivia (16), and son, Benoit (35), have been living at home during the pandemic.

1977

Frankie Miller Rowland ’77 writes, “Me and my husband, Mark, moved from New York, where I worked as CMO with Northwestern Mutual on Park Avenue, to Windsor, CO, this summer.

I am now focused on my artistic pursuits with some marketing consulting on the side. We are now near one of our two daughters, Katie, and her husband and two of our grandchildren, Quinn (2 and 3/4) and Bo (1 and 1/2). Our other daughter, Leigh, and her family, including our second granddaughter Rowan, live in Arlington, VA.”

1978

Corporate Managing Partner of Katten’s Dallas office Mark Solomon ’78 was named by D CEO

42 Spring 2021

Jamie Allen ’80 and Andrea Adams ’80 are thrilled that they are now living together in Providence, RI. Andrea continues to teach her architecture students at Roger Williams University, while Jamie is composing, practicing music, and preparing for a new life in the New England arts community. They write, “When it is safe to do so, we hope that any and all RCDS friends come to visit us in the Creative Capital.”

On March 23, 2021, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra released its 2021 Learning in Concert virtual program entitled Bird Flight Patterns and Music. The concert includes the world premiere of Jamie Allen’s ’80 Nightingale Concerto and is accompanied by an extensive online curriculum of music, art, writing, photography, and science lessons, as well as activities and educational games.

1981

Thank you Donald Kyle ’81 for being a special guest reader in February’s Valentine’s Day Themed Bedtime Story event coordinated by the Office of Alumni Relations for RCDS alumni and current families, and for emceeing the Mentalist event for seniors.

1982

Caren Osten ’82, certified life coach and author, wrote an article for the New York Times titled My Week of ‘Noble Silence’ about mindfulness and her experience during a meditation retreat.

^ Boston Robotics, where Al Rizzi ’82 is Chief Scientist, designed Spot, the robot dog that helped remind people in Singapore to maintain a safe social distance during the pandemic.

Boston Dynamics robots also went viral as they danced into the new year to Do You Love Me?

1985 & 1986

Ellen de Boer ’86 writes, “Richard Eckrich ’85 and I recently made Dakar, Senegal, our home, after six years in Abuja, Nigeria. While we miss Nigeria, we are greatly enjoying living in a coastal city and getting to know Senegal. Our sons are now both in college, one in New York and the other in Scotland.”

1987

David Boxenbum ’87 acquired and executive produced the documentary Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something, which was released in October 2020.

1989

Emily Lazar ’89 was nominated for three 2021 Grammy Awards, bringing her total number of GRAMMY nominations to eight and making her the first mastering engineer to ever be nominated for three GRAMMYs in the Album of the Year category at the same time.

Her 2021 nominations include recognition for her work in the Album of the Year category for Coldplay’s Everyday Life, Haim’s Women in Music Pt. III, and Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol. 3 (Emily co-mastered Djesse Vol. 3 with Chris Allgood).

Emily also mastered albums for the following GRAMMY nominees: Little Big Town - Nightfall - Best Country

Album; Little Big Town - Sugarcoat Best Country Duo/Performance; Joanie Leeds - All The Ladies - Best Children’s Music Album; Jacob Collier featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Mahalia - All I Need - Best Arrangements Instruments and Vocals; Jacob Collier - He Won’t Hold You - Best R&B Performance; Haim The Steps - Best Rock Performance.

Congratulations, Emily!

1990

Carolyn Cannistraro ’90 writes, “I wanted to take a moment and share some news that I passed my New York State EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) recertification!

I feel grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and be able to make a difference in some small way.” In December 2020, Carolyn was interviewed by Forbes Magazine in an article entitled With One Foot In Front Of The Other ‘Warrior Princess’ With Multiple Sclerosis Trains For The NYC Marathon. She spoke about working in corporate America and her work with Achilles International, as well as marathon training, ballroom dancing, relationships, and uncovering creative opportunities for all people with disabilities to be engaged in our economy.

1992

Susanna Sussman ’92, Executive Director of Meals-on-Wheels of White Plains, partnered to create Westchester Cooks, an online cookbook filled with recipes from Westchester chefs, cookbook authors, and even local reporters. All proceeds for the book go to Lifting Up Westchester, an organization that provides food, shelter, and support to those in need.

1991

Sarah Dodds-Brown ’91 was honored by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) with the Corporate Counsel Leadership Award. The award recognizes Sarah’s longstanding and active commitment to advancing change, equity, and social justice. The benefit also featured a conversation with Cory Booker, U.S. Senator for New Jersey, and NCLEJ Executive Director Dennis Parker ’73 (RCDS alumnus, past parent, and former trustee) moderated by New York University Law Professor and NCLEJ Board Member Deborah Archer. The event featured a third Rye Country Day graduate, spoken word artist, poet and Dartmouth College professor Dr. Joshua Bennett ’06.

1996

Congratulations to Ancy Verdier ’92 who joined the board of trustees at Tufts University.

Dan Goodfriend ’96 announced that his company Mediaspa is now a part of Overdose. He wrote, “Not much is changing as I still get to work with my high school buds Gary Benerofe ’95 and Andrew Potkewitz ’95.”

1993

Kareen Zahr Walsh ’93 was interviewed for Authority Magazine about ways for creating an inclusive, equitable, and representative society. In February, Kareen partnered with the Office of Alumni Relations to present a special workshop to RCDS alumni and families that discussed work/life balance and offered tips, tools, and support on how to align what you love with what you do daily.

1994

Vanessa Kroll Bennett ’94 writes, “I’m thrilled and nervous to announce I am launching Uncertain Parenting, a newsletter about learning to live with uncertainty so that we can learn how to parent through uncertainty.

This newsletter explores the skills and processes we need to build in order to support our families and ourselves while living through uncertainty.”

1994 Fifty members of the RCDS community attended Parenting Through a Pandemic, a virtual presentation and resource-sharing session for parents led by Vanessa Kroll Bennett ’94 . Read more on page 38.

^ Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah ’94 writes, “I am delighted to share that my first Womanist devotional book, Loves ... Regardless is available on Amazon.

1995

In April 2020, Jessica Fields ’95 coorganized a fundraiser providing meals from local restaurants to hospital staff on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. She told the Brooklyn Paper, “We’ve heard from so many people in the community about how this has provided them such a wonderful outlet to feel that they can give back and show their support.”

The fundraiser netted over $100,000.

Congratulations to Small Change Brewing Co. owners Emily Vides ’95 and her husband, Mike Patterson, whose beer, The Future is Unwritten, was featured in the Boston Globe.

Thanks to Stacey Freis Schulman ’95 for leading a discussion for RCDS alumni and families on How to Eat Intuitively during Total Wellness February hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations. During her presentation, she discussed how families can support a healthy and balanced relationship with food and their bodies.

Nicole Granston ’96 recently joined the DEI Advisory Committee at RCDS. Read about Nicole’s involvement as a RAMP mentor on page 37.

René Lumley-Hall ’96, was recently promoted to lead the Cross-Product Digitization team at BNY Mellon.

René was also honored by Yahoo!

Finance and included on their 2020 HERoes 100 Women Future Leaders list, coming in at #18. Each awardee was judged on the influence of their role, their impact on gender inclusion and equality inside and outside the workplace, and their business achievements.

Congratulations to Nick Kroll ’96 who launched Good At Business, a new production company that is developing an adaptation of Calvin Kasulke’s Several People Are Typing as a TV series. Nick and his wife, Lily Kwong, welcomed a baby boy on January 21, 2021.

1997

Michael Wacht ’97 writes, “Proud to announce my election to the Board of the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives Foundation, the world’s largest archive of LGBTQ materials.

Excited to be a part of preserving and exhibiting queer culture and history.” Michael was also featured in ShoutoutLA where he is described as an “Architect of Community.”

^ Lindsay Marcus ’97 wrote the original score and song for the animated short film If Anything Happens I Love You, which is now on Netflix. This short film was the #4 most popular film in the U.S.; #1 in Mexico, Italy, and Spain; and in Netflix’s Top 10s around the world!

Congratulations to Michelle Freis Dancyger ’97 who recently launched two new companies on Instagram, @serveitup and @ customcreationsryebrook.

1998

RCDS Hall of Fame inductee Josh Carter ’98 is the new Head Football Coach for Juniata College. In addition to his outstanding athletic record at his alma mater, Muhlenberg College, Josh has over a decade of coaching experience at Muhlenberg College, Fordham University, and Lafayette College. Josh is the first AfricanAmerican head coach of the Juniata football program and the third to lead a Centennial Conference football team. Josh was recently featured on ABC23 Sports Desk.

US Lacrosse Magazine’s Blaxers Blog featured Pamella Goode Jenkins ’98, Delaware State’s Head Lacrosse Coach, for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the sport of lacrosse.

1999

Thank you to Ben Turshen ’99 who led alumni and RCDS parents through a 30-minute meditation during Total Wellness February programming.

www.ryecountryday.org 43

ALUMNI

Alumni Profile SETH WEISSMAN ’01 Investor and involved citizen

By Lori Ferguson

“I learned the importance of serving others at Rye Country Day, and it’s something I’ve never forgotten.”

Real estate investor Seth Weissman ’01 is a deal maker. The founder of Urban Standard Capital—a New York-based private equity firm specializing in financing, development, and renovation—Seth works to create properties that serve their communities economically and emotionally.

Seth is also a listener, so committed to giving back to the neighborhoods in which he invests that he penned a set of social impact initiatives to guide his company. These qualities converged in a powerful way last spring when Seth launched Real Estate Has Your Back (#REHasYourBack), a program to provide meals to New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity amid the pandemic. “Our company has strong relationships with local politicians and community leaders in Harlem, Brooklyn, and Queens where our investments are based, and as I spoke to people in these neighborhoods in March of 2020, it was clear that food insecurity was a serious problem for many residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties.” The conversations revealed that the city had only allocated $1 to $1.50 per meal to provide food to public housing tenants, many of whom work in healthcare and other essential services.

Seth knew immediately that he needed to do something. “I recognize how fortunate I am, and I believe it’s important to give back. As a lifer at Rye Country Day, the motto of Not for Self, but for Service was deeply ingrained in me,” he says.

Seeing an opportunity to put his commitment to service into action by helping both residents and struggling business owners, he queried his restaurant tenants on what sort of investment it would take to enable them to prepare healthy, well-balanced nutritional meals for NYCHA residents while also realizing a profit and allowing them to rehire employees.

“They told me $8 a meal,” he recalls. And with that, it was game on.

On April 13, 2020, Seth launched the Real Estate Has Your Back campaign and announced a goal of delivering 500 meals per day for the next three weeks. Urban Standard Capital stepped forward with a pledge of $40,000 and invited other mid-size real estate companies in the neighborhoods to join the effort. “Some 60 other real estate companies responded to the call—not one firm I approached said no—and by the end of April, we had delivered approximately 12,000 meals,” Seth notes proudly.

Although the campaign has drawn to a close, Seth remains committed to his community partners—and to the RCDS network as well. He has enlisted colleague Robert Levine ’13, an analyst at Urban Standard Capital, in his community initiatives. “We have strong relationships with local leaders and elected officials, and they often come to us for support, financial and otherwise,” he says. “For example, we’re currently working with 36th District Councilman Robert Cornegy to do another $100,000 drive to address food insecurity in the Bedford-Stuyvesant and northern Crown Heights neighborhoods in Brooklyn.” Seth hopes initiatives like #REHasYourBack will help to strengthen the real estate industry’s ethos of community support and engagement. “We’re not just investing in real estate in these neighborhoods, we’re investing in communities. We care about the residents and small businesses there, and we want to make sure people know that. I had the opportunity to participate in some of the meal distributions last spring and it was truly impactful to see the benefit of our efforts.” Maintaining perspective on the world around you is essential, concludes Seth. “I learned the importance of serving others at Rye Country Day, and it’s something I’ve never forgotten.”

44 Spring 2021

Class News & Notes 2000

^ Derek Mahoney ’00 and wife Molly had their third daughter, Jacqueline Marion, on May 20, 2020. Jacqueline joins big sisters Daisy (5) and Dorothy (4).

2001

Seth Weissman ’01 was included in Crain’s New York Business among 2021 Real Estate Notables. In 2015, Seth Weissman founded Urban Standard Capital, a real estate private-equity firm. Read more about Seth on opposite page.

of clothing. After countless days and years in labs and manufacturing facilities, our great scientists and operators have turned dreams into reality. Peter Majeranowski and I have the fun job of sharing that story.

We are on our way to powering the clean closet. Thank you to Patagonia, Marubeni Corporation, Alante Capital, Card Sound Capital, and our great partners who are working with us every day.” Conor generously spoke to US STEAM students to kick off the beginning of Earth Month in April.

2002

In an article on Bizjournals, SHOWFIELDS co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer Katie Hunt ’02 talked about the desire of consumers to support mission-based companies and how SHOWFIELDS has both maintained and revised its business model with a focus on social good.

2003

Best-selling cookbook author, food writer, cook, and food equity advocate Julia Turshen ’03 provided a guide to creating a family cookbook as a special COVID project in an article in the Washington Post.

^ Stefanie Gordon ’01 and Matthew Glover celebrated their one year anniversary in October. They live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she owns a landscape design business called Cambridge Botanica Designs.

Conor Hartman ’01 is putting Not for Self, But for Service into action through his start-up textile recycling initiative, Circ. Conor writes “It’s an honor for us at Circ™ to be covered

by Esha Chhabra in Forbes. Our team wakes up every day with a passion to protect the planet from the cost

In March, the Office of Alumni Relations welcomed Julia back to RCDS for a virtual cooking demonstration for alumni and current families, where she introduced her new cookbook, Simply Julia: 110 Easy Recipes for Healthy Comfort Food. Read more about the event on page 37.

Congratulations to #NABCRMP Member Renee Wardlaw ’04, Esq., MBA, CCEP, for being featured on the cover of the January Edition of the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) CEP Magazine.

2005

Thomas Alston ’05 recently joined the Alumni Executive Board and DEI Advisory Committee at RCDS. Read about Thomas’s involvement as a RAMP mentor on page 37.

2006

2010

Thank you to former WildScat Janelle McDermoth ’10 for her vocal percussion in the virtual performance of Try Everything by the RCDS WildScats!

2011

Joshua Bennet ’06 recently joined the RCDS Alumni Executive Board.

In March, Robi Hager ’06 performed a cabaret series entitled So Far with The Arden Theatre Company.

The concert is a journey through his original music, including his instrumental and solo work, songs from Basic Witches, and new music from his musical Little Duende.

2008

Thank you to Alexandra Wolitzer ’08 who led alumni and parents in a restorative yoga session during Total Wellness February programming.

2009

^ Congratulations to #23 Left Back/ Left Wingback Taylor Washington ’11 whose MLS team, Nashville SC, will exercise the option to sign him for the 2021 MLS season making this his third MLS contract.

2013

TechCrunch featured Adam Alpert ’13 and his company YC-backed Pangea where he discussed growth and fundraising ahead of demo day.

Andres Soto ’13 recently joined the DEI Advisory Committee at RCDS. Congratulations to Reed Waggoner ’13 who in January was welcomed as an associate to RM Friedland, Westchester’s largest privately-held commercial real estate brokerage company.

2004

Alex Peters ’04 is a surgical resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City, where he worked rapidly to convert space in the hospital to intensive care units during the pandemic.

strong team, and developing two inventory management systems.”

Congratulations also to Andrew and Courtney on their marriage.

^ Bisnow recently featured Andrew Nathanson ’09, who shared, “The last 12 months at Bisnow have been transformative for me: Architecting solutions to delivery operations challenges, putting in place a

2014

Chef Nathalie Sternberg ’14 sold her handmade Babka and Challah at the RCDS Book Fair. www.ryecountryday.org 45

ALUMNI

Class News & Notes Many thanks to Ashley Richardson George ’04, Thomas Alston ’05, Vanessa Jackson ’05, Deelan Ayhan ’10, and Evander Jackson ’17 for participating in the virtual Identity and Resilience panels for Middle and Upper students. Read more about the panels, which were a part of RCDS’s weeklong celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on page 7.

2016

Charlotte Cooper ’16 earned National Academic Recognition at Williams College in field hockey. The Division III Scholars of Distinction program recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.9 or higher through the first semester of the 2019-20 academic year.

2019

Congratulations to Bucknell University student, Sabrina Vumbacco ’19 who was chosen as female swimmer of the week in the Patriot League in February of 2020.

PHOTO FROM CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

L E AV I N G A L E G A C Y

2019

The Susan J. Life Society recognizes and honors the generosity of those who have made provisions for the School in their wills or estate plans.

For more information on ways to combine planning for the future and support of Rye Country Day School, please contact Julie McCrory ’03, Manager of Stewardship and Engagement, at (914) 925-4526 or julie_mccrory@ryecountryday.org

46 Spring 2021

Reilly McManus ’19 is majoring in Civil Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering.

She was featured for her winning project in the challenge to design a bridge connected to a ramp capable of sending a bowling ball, representing 2020, into a toilet bowl! McManus’s bridge, which she completed with a team of hybrid and remote students, used the fewest beams and weighed the least of all the class projects. This achieved the challenge’s goal of infusing concepts like managing tradeoffs in constructability, sustainability, and cost and how the build process integrates with design.

Congratulations, Reilly!

Stay connected to RCDS! • Send class notes to alumnirelations@ryecountryday.org • Join the alumni Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/rcdsalumni • Visit the alumni website: ryecountryday.org/alumni

In Memoriam

Rye Country Day School expresses its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the following members of our community who passed away since the last publication of the RCDS Bulletin.

Alumni

Remembrances

Vincent P. Dole, III ’62 Lisa Challenger ’72 Kevin Gerleit ’97 Dana Maisel ’97 Patricia Lind Migliore ’75 T. Fredrik Paulsen ’72 Susan Springer Pournaras ’81 Constance Ryder Smith ’43 Helen “Brucie” Douglas Talcott ’46 Mary Frances Penney Wagley ’44 Peter Allison Van Bomel ’70 Herbert Willetts ’52

Edward D. Kleinbard ’69 After a long struggle with cancer, Edward Kleinbard ’69, age 68 and an extraordinary practitioner and scholar of tax law and fiscal policy, died on June 28, 2020. A graduate of Brown University and Yale Law School, Edward was the Robert C. Packard Trustee Chair in Law at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, where he joined the faculty in 2009. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff at the Joint Committee on Taxation, the nonpartisan tax resource to the U.S. Congress. For more than 20 years, he was in private practice as a partner at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton in New York. He was a Fellow of The Century Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank, and he was named Tax Person of the Year in 2016 by Tax Analysts.

Former Faculty & Staff Patricia Blun Deetjen ’54 Former Senior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (1957 – 1962) Marie (Dolly) Petrosillo Former food service employee Carol Farrell Former Lower School Assistant (1988 – 1999)

Parents, Grandparents, and Friends of the School Yale Abrams Anne Rice Bernsten Robert Birer Alan Cornell Chunxiang Du Carol Farrell Stanley Friedman Edward Gardner Dr. Richard Hale Frank Hearn Pat Swartz Herbst Dr. Ismet Kherani

Albert Kim Aileen Campbell Linehan Dr. Harold Markowitz Elaine Miller Paul and Renee Neubelt Michael Paganelli William Saunders Raffaella Scinto Phyllis Siegel W. Andrew Shea Paul Skulsky Dennis J. Trelinski, Sr.

Edward was regularly quoted on tax and fiscal policy issues by the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg News, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and other news outlets. His academic work focused on government taxation and fiscal policy, in particular as a means toward achieving more progressive social outcomes, including We Are Better Than This: How Government Should Spend Our Money (Oxford University Press, 2015) and his forthcoming book, What’s Luck Got To Do With It (Oxford University Press, scheduled for publication in early 2021), along with numerous journal articles and opinion pieces. Edward is survived by his mother, Joan; his wife of 35 years, Norma Cirincione; his beloved son, Martin, and daughter-in-law, Andrea; his granddaughter, Vivian; his brother, David ’85, and sister-in-law, Anna; his sister, Kathy Heinzelman ’71, and brother-in-law, Kris; and his devoted partner, Suzanne Greenberg.

George Hanson George W. Hanson, 93, died in his home on May 1, 2020. George was born in Port Chester, NY, and grew up in Katonah and Valhalla, NY. He graduated from White Plains High School in 1944. A World War II veteran, George served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946.

He attended Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA, from 1946 to 1948, before transferring to Columbia University in New York. He graduated from Columbia in 1950.

From 1952 to 1977, George was a teacher at Rye Country Day School.

He taught English and History and became the History Department Chair in 1964. He also coached the soccer and ice hockey teams, taught music (including wind ensembles), and ran the private music lesson program. A devoted and patient teacher, George’s joy throughout his life was to help others excel on their own. He was generous and giving with his many talents and had a tremendous impact on those he mentored. His wit was renowned and always hinted at his inner thoughts.

Many of George’s greatest accomplishments were in the world of competitive sailboat racing. In 1956, he became a member of Horseshoe Harbor Yacht Club in Larchmont, NY, and he was inducted into the Herreshoff Hall of Fame in Newport, RI, in June 2011.

www.ryecountryday.org 47

In Memoriam Music was also a constant in George’s life, and he played with many musicians, amateurs, and pros alike. In 1988, he joined The Big Band Sound, a 20-piece jazz orchestra based out of Poughkeepsie, NY, that recreates music from the big band era.

George is survived by his son, George Eric Hanson, and daughterin-law, Danielle, and step-daughter, Cindy MacMillan. He is also survived by his cousins, the Wenzel family of Rye, NY, and his close friend and companion Alice Hall. He was predeceased by his wife, Elisabeth Hanson, and his former wife, Esther Anne Wiley.

Lucia Fasolino Scarlato Lucia “Lu” Fasolino Scarlato passed away on February 28, 2021. She was born in Port Chester, NY, to Catherine Massinello Fasolino and Emil A. Fasolino. She graduated from Port Chester High School, and prior to raising her own family, Lucia worked for an import and export company, Indussa Corporation, in New York City.

On January 22, 1961, Lucia married John G. Scarlato, Sr. at Holy Rosary Church in Port Chester. She and John built a house in Rye Brook where they established a life and raised their two children, Donna and John, Jr. They were parishioners of Corpus Christi Church for many years, and Lucia was an active member of the PTA for the Blind Brook schools. Once her children were a little older, she returned to the workforce. Eventually, she began working at Rye Country Day School where she worked for more than 30 years in the Head of School’s office, retiring in 2013.

Lucia and John enjoyed ballroom dancing, and they attended weekly dances where they made life-long friends. They also enjoyed traveling to different places such as visiting her niece, Cathy, in Florida, taking cruises, and touring Italy. They spent many summers up at Copake Lake with extended family, where they enjoyed boating, water skiing, and tubing. She became a member of the Southern Westchester NY Elks Lodge. Under the guidance of her son, John, who is an architect, she built a vacation home overlooking Copake Lake with a beautiful view. She enjoyed going to the lake and entertaining family and friends and continued to enjoy boating and even went snowmobiling on the lake. Since 2015, Lucia was a resident at The Osborne in Rye, NY, where she enjoyed eating meals with her new friends, participating in the many activities offered to the residents such as arts and crafts, watching movies, and going to concerts. She especially enjoyed visits from her grandson, Sean.

Lucia is survived by her son, John (Kim) of Armonk, NY, and her daughter, Donna (Ron) of Rye, NY, and three grandchildren, Sean, Melissa, and Nicole. She was predeceased by her husband, John, in 1996 and by her brother, Anthony Fasolino, and her two sisters, Josephine Fasolino and Catherine Scatenato.

Anne Chapin Stevenson Anne G. Stevenson, a longtime teacher at Rye Country Day School, died on November 2, 2020, at the age of 92. Anne was born in Bronxville, NY, on July 7, 1928, attended The Walnut Hill School and Smith College, and received an MA in Teaching from Manhattanville College. She taught English at Rye Country Day School before

48 Spring 2021

becoming head of the English Department, a position she held for 20 years. Following her retirement, she remained active as a volunteer in the teen rehab program at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Anne and her second husband, Lincoln Stevenson who passed away in 2017, shared a love of travel and visited over 65 countries together. They also enjoyed music and attended concerts regularly at Lincoln Center, the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, and Caramoor. She is survived by her daughters, Robin Martin ’76 and Cary Yarema ’79; four grandchildren, Bill Stanley (Lisa), Hillary Cappelen (Ryan), Paige Martin, and Audrey Yarema; and her greatgrandchild, Rory Stanley; her three stepchildren, Jeffrey Stevenson ’78 (Debbie), Nicholas Stevenson ’84 (Julie), and Christopher Stevenson ’82 (Raz), and their ten children.

Paul Weissman Paul M. Weissman died peacefully on September 30, 2020, surrounded by his beloved wife and children, at the age of 89. A lifelong philanthropist, Paul had a distinguished career at Bear Stearns, where he was a Senior Partner and Global Head of Institutional Equity Sales. Together with his wife, Harriet, Paul pioneered and endowed numerous programs that have touched the lives of countless students.

Born in New Haven, CT, to Regina and Abraham Weissman, Paul graduated from the Hopkins School and received his BA from Harvard College and his MBA from the Wharton Business School. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the Army Finance Corps.

Paul devoted decades to helping young people realize their potential. Harvard College, Mount Holyoke College, Connecticut College, Hopkins School, and Rye Country Day School were among the recipients of his financial support and personal interest. A passionate believer in the value of education, he and Harriett established Harvard’s International Internship Program, Coach for College fellowships for scholar athletes in Vietnam, the Library Preservation Center, the Weissman Family Financial Aid program for undergraduates, and the Golf Team Directorship. As President of the Harvard Alumni Association and Chairman of the Harvard College Fund, he was recognized for his outstanding leadership and fundraising efforts. He was Captain of the Harvard varsity golf team and served as Class Agent from 1952 on. Through their generosity and vision, he and Harriet supported the creation of the Weissman Leadership Center and the Weissman Student Commons at Mount Holyoke College; the children’s section at the White Plains Public Library; and EL Education, a leading K-12 nonprofit empowering teachers to transform schools in diverse communities across America.

White Plains Hospital benefited from Paul’s involvement as Chairman of the Board and Co-Chair of its Foundation. He received the Joseph Hofheimer Leadership Award for his commitment and service to the hospital. He also served as a Board Member of Connecticut College, Hopkins School, and Rye Country Day School. In recognition of his efforts, he received the Hopkins Medal and Harvard Medal in 1998.

Paul is survived by his wife of 59 years, his children, Michael ’81 (Leslie), Stephanie ’83, and Peter (Bach) ’85, and grandsons, Matthew ’12, Justin ’16, Ethan, Andy, and Will.

FOUNDED

RYE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

1869

AT A GLANCE Not for Self, but for Service –

SCHOOL MOTTO

Campus in memoriam page and half layout with dummy text

8:1 87% 15 student/ faculty ratio

of our teachers have advanced degrees, including many doctorates

24% 76% acceptance rate

yield

Main entry points: Pre-K, K, 4, 6, & 9

Core Values

average class size

R Respect &

The 26-acre RCDS campus features state-of-the-art academic, athletic, and creative facilities and is conveniently accessible by train. Students and faculty commute from Fairfield and Westchester counties and New York City. Explore campus at www.ryecountryday.org/virtualtour

900+ 40+ 36%

students who come from a 20-mile radius surrounding the School.

school districts from NY and CT are represented. of students self-identify as people of color.

VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON $2.5+ million invested in leading-edge technology for hybrid-flex learning, professional development, safety equipment, and facilities updates.

Responsibility

C Commitment to

Personal &

Academic Excellence

D Diversity within

an Inclusive Community S

Service

SIGNATURE INITIATIVES: • Health & Wellness • Diversity & Inclusion • Educational Technology • Global Studies • Public Purpose • The RCDS Institute • STEAM • Sustainability

Non-profit U.S. postage PAID White Plains, NY Permit #1782

RCDS | Summer Session

Co-ed summer classes for Grades 5 – 12 | June 28 — August 6, 2021 Learn more and register at:

RYECOUNTRYDAY.ORG/SUMMERSESSION