footsteps Spring/Summer 2015
c n
Our Mission At Marin Primary & Middle School we make education meaningful, while encouraging pride in self, respect for others, and enthusiasm for learning. we treasure childhood.
We honor and enjoy children’s natural curiosity, competence, and exuberance.
we teach to reach children.
Using teams of teachers and educational methods tailored to how children learn best, we connect with our students, build trusting relationships, and make learning relevant, memorable, and fun. we teach children to reach.
Asking not “how smart is the child” but “how is the child smart,” we guide our students to see their full potential, and we equip them to pursue it with passion and purpose.
we inspire children to make a difference.
We value academic excellence, personal integrity, and community action and encourage our students to become informed, engaged, and ethical global citizens.
letters 4
Julie’s Letter
around campus 6
School Happenings
10
Around Campus
11
Did You Know?
features 12
Social Emotional
Learning 14
Treasuring Child-
hood in the Middle
School 16
Panther PALS
18
Welcome to the
Exploration Lab
20
Alumni Focus on
Robert Little
22
Congratulations to
the Class of 2015
24
Auction Recap
26
Alumni Reunion
t
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t n s
e
This edition of Footsteps provides a glimpse into the experiences and activities of the final months of the year and includes in depth articles on important areas of our program, as well as stories and reflections from our graduates as they head towards new challenges and opportunities in high school, college and beyond.
The end of each school year
white school in New Orleans in 1960,
personal and academic growth in
provides the chance to celebrate our
deepen students understanding of
high school and in college. While
students, individually and collectively,
our own history and help them better
each graduate’s story is unique, the
and to reflect on their growth over the
understand events taking place today.
common threads of feeling prepared,
We’re also pleased to showcase
ready for the challenges of school and
past year.
the integration of the visual and
life, and a sense of gratitude for the
presentations reflecting the depth,
This issue highlights events and
performing arts with the school’s
work of the faculty and staff emerge
complexity and strength of a number
core academic program, along with
each year. This year’s high school
of projects designed to enhance
outdoor education, social emotional
graduates are excited to be heading
student learning. International Day, a
learning, projects lab, and new
off to a range of great colleges and
long-standing tradition grounded in
activities such as “innovation time”.
universities all over the country; we
learning about cultures and traditions
Teachers provide many opportunities
look forward to hearing news of their
within our community and around
for hands-on experiences to enhance
accomplishments and adventures over
the globe, extends students’ global
learning and foster creativity, critical
the coming years.
awareness and understanding, as
thinking and collaboration. The
does the third grade African study
importance of social emotional
and glimpses into life at school on
and culminating Extravaganza.
learning through the grades is
the following pages, especially those
The week long visit of the teachers
highlighted in an article by our new
of you who may be far away. You
from our partner school, Collegio
school counselor, and our thoughtful
are all so important in the life of our
Williams in Cuernevaca, Mexico,
and wise middle school director
community, and we appreciate the
brings direct interaction for our
reflects on the meaning of “treasuring
chance to show you the many ways
students with teachers representing
childhood” during the important early
in which students grow and thrive as
countries and cultures beyond Marin.
adolescent years.
they engage with their teachers in
These long-standing programs
Spring also brings chances to
I hope you will enjoy the updates
the strong program grounded in the
evolve and change over the years,
reconnect with graduates of all
mission of Marin Primary & Middle
reflecting teachers’ new ideas and
ages during alumni reunions and
School.
the interests and passions of our
the JamFest musical celebration. My
students. Opportunities such as
conversations with our graduates
this year’s eloquent presentation by
often end up focusing on how their
Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all
time at MP&MS has impacted their
school happenings on and around campus
Colegio Williams School Visit
Ruby Bridges Visits the Middle School
African Extravaganza
International Day
MP&MS students develop an understanding of their
On Tuesday, March 23, MP&MS middle schoolers got to
African Extravaganza is the culmination of months
An idea born thirteen years ago by fifth grade teacher
role in the larger global community through interactive
meet a true hero. Ruby Bridges, the first African-American
spent integrating music, art, social studies, technology,
Meike Wanberg, International Day is a festive school-
experiences designed to immerse them in other cultures.
child to integrate into an all-white elementary school in the
language arts, and science in the third grade unit on Africa.
wide celebration that promotes the value of learning
This year, second and fourth grade students were able to
south, spent two captivating hours with our fifth through
Students worked with Kristi and Sarah to learn more about
and understanding world cultures, including many
use their Spanish through Skype and email communication
eighth grade classes sharing her unforgettable story.
the culture, geography, and wildlife of Tanzania. They
representing students and families within our community.
with their penpals at the Colegio Williams de Cuernavaca
She recalled having to be escorted to school by federal
compared and contrasted family, culture, and schools,
Each year, classrooms choose a country and delve into
in Mexico. MP&MS staff were involved in the exchange as
marshals, facing angry mobs who screamed and taunted
discovering interesting similarities and differences. Next,
exploring its uniqueness, learning about a range of topics
well — teachers Peter Eldredge, Yolanda Escandon, and
her, the white parents who pulled their children out of
they selected and researched an African animal using
such as currency, language, geography, customs, and
Chris DeMartini, as well as middle school director Dave
school, and the year she spent alone with the one teacher
the library and media lab to develop new research skills.
music. Their study culminates on International Day when
DeMartini visited their colleagues in Cuernavaca for a week
who was willing to educate her. Ruby’s story of courage
In groups of two, students created informative Keynote
costume-adorned classes present a unique song, dance,
last fall as part of this ongoing relationship. The return visit
kept our middle schoolers on the edge of their seats. As
presentations to share what they learned. The students
or theater piece to the school community. In keeping with
of a group of teachers from the Williams School to MP&MS
the founder of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, she seeks to
also worked with Paul to create art pieces representing
tradition, the day includes a delicious international buffet
was one of the year’s highlights. They spent the week with
end prejudice and racism and promote tolerance, respect,
their animals and with Jason in music class to learn African
with delicacies from around the world. From sombreros
our students teaching Mexican geography, culture, Spanish
and appreciation for all differences. She is passionate
music on the Orff instruments. All that hard work came
to Indian saris, from geography bees to Bollywood
songs, and dances that were then performed to the delight
about sharing her experience with children, and reminds
together on May 1, when third graders welcomed their
dancing, from Swedish meatballs to spring rolls, each year
of the whole school.
them that the solutions to many of these problems lie
families and demonstrated the beautiful results of their
International Day proves to be a community favorite!
within each and every one of us.
efforts in a spectacular and informative presentation, including their animal reports, music, food, dance, and performances.
school happenings on and around campus
Fifth Graders Take on Yosemite
JamFest
Art Show
Stepping Up and Graduation
Although overnight outdoor education trips begin in
The Sweetwater Music Hall was the perfect venue for
MP&MS’s annual art show reflects the wide variety of
Through preschool graduation, Stepping Up, and
second grade, only one grade takes on Yosemite: our brave
this year’s JamFest, a favorite MP&MS event for current
artistic expression and resources available to MP&MS
eighth grade graduation, we observed and celebrated
and resourceful fifth graders. Each year they diligently
students and alumni. The school’s many talented
students through the art program. Students create
the accomplishments of our students over the year. At
prepare by learning how to plan and navigate trips in
musicians — from singers and bassists to guitarists and
paintings, drawings, clay sculptures, and more under
Stepping Up, each grade shared a musical performance
the wilderness, and practice minimum-impact wilderness
drummers — enlivened the spring evening with a range of
the tutelage of teachers Paul Maes and Margot Koch.
before moving up to the seats for their next grade. Later
living. The trip provides students with an experience of
music. Close to 100 guests enjoyed both group and solo
Many projects emphasize the integration of the arts in
that evening, 29 MP&MS graduates impressed us all with
nature while exploring the topics of ecology and science.
performances by over 35 musicians. New to the lineup
academic life at MP&MS. Seventh graders learned about
speeches and performances at their graduation ceremony.
Spending time in an area that is so rich in biodiversity
this year were eighth graders Marshall Brown, Layne
the pop art movement by making large scale paintings in
Celebrated by their families, teachers, and members of the
and observing first-hand the relationships between plants
Ulrich, Gabe Mandossian, and James Cross, and seventh
the Lichtenstein style, while third graders created animal
MP&MS community, the graduates revelled in all they had
and animals certainly enriches the conversations in the
graders Jackson Powell and Cassidy Frafakis. The show
paintings to complement their study of Africa. In the end,
accomplished during their years at 20 Magnolia Avenue.
classroom. During the four-day trip to Yosemite, students
also featured stand-out alumni performances by Kendra
we all marvelled at our students’ ability to mine their
Julie Elam addressed the graduating eighth graders on
walk the valley floor, observing its biological, ecological,
Pollock, Miles Schon, Alex and John Rusbarsky, Cole and
academic studies as a source of self-expression. When
this sunny, hot day with a mixture of personal anecdotes
and geological marvels. They hike to Mirror Lake, explore
Brett Schneider, Addi Kuth, Jake and Zoe Holtzman, and a
asked what he liked best, Paul Maes answered “The best
and humor. She urged the graduates to trust their own
the Spider Caves at the base of Yosemite Falls,
special appearance by slam poet Jordan Ranft.
thing about the art show is how much joy shines through
instincts, and to listen to their inner voices, as they moved
and take time to journal and reflect about their
the pieces when they’re up on the wall. The kids had a
through their lives — skills that were learned here at
experiences. The Yosemite trip is an anchor for the middle
great time working on their projects and that sense of fun
MP&MS and ones that are sure to aid them in the journey
school’s dedication to outdoor education, which enriches
in the process is easy to see in the finished art. We play a
through high school.
our curriculum and ultimately our students’ lives.
lot in the studio and it shows! I guess you could say we’re engaged in “creative improvisation.” No matter what you call it, we sure do have a good time!”
around campus
did you know?
What can you do to go green? Our graduates’ college choices are a testament to the strength of their academic preparation. MP&MS students apply to, and are accepted by, leading institutions around the country and abroad. MP&MS graduates are currently attending a variety of institutions, including: American University
San Diego State University
Babson College
Santa Clara University
Boston College
Scripps College
Brown University
Skidmore College
Cal Poly, Pomona
Smith College
Dave: In middle school,
Foster: Bring your own bags
Ella and Serena: Compost!
Michael: Turn off your lights
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Southern Methodist University
we teach the core science
to the store instead of using
Compost! Compost!
when you leave a room,
California College of the Arts
Southern Oregon University
and social issues at play in
paper or plastic ones. Doing
and use energy-efficient
California State University, Chico
Standford University
environmental sustainabity.
one thing can really make a
fluorescent bulbs to use less
Central Saint Martins College of Art
Syracuse University
By the time they graduate,
difference!
electricity.
and Design, London
Trinity College
students know that
Chapman University
Tulane University
environmental issues are
Claremont McKenna College
University of Arizona
an important part of global
Clemson University
University of British Columbia
citizenship.
Colby College
University of California, Berkeley
Colorado College
University of California, Davis
Columbia College, Chicago
University of California, Irvine
Cornish College of the Arts
University of California, Los Angeles
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo
University of California, San Diego
Dartmouth College
University of California, Santa Cruz
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of Colorado, Boulder
Emily Carr University of Art & Design
University of Illinois, Urbana
Emory University
University of New Hampshire
Exeter University, England
University of Oregon
George Washington University
University of the Pacific
Harvard University
University of Puget Sound
Marianne: Planting your own
Maddy: Ride your bike, walk,
Sarah Our students stay
Shaan: Taking public
Lewis and Clark College
University of San Francisco
garden or buying locally-
or scooter to school. You’ll
green at school by collecting
transportation – the bus,
Massachusettes Institute of Technology
University of Southern California
grown produce means not
save the planet and stay fit!
recyclables. The great
ferry, or train – is a great way
Middlebury College
University of Victoria, Canada
having to buy fruits and
thing is, they don’t need
to get around. It’s good for
Northeastern University
Washington and Lee University
vegetables imported from all
supervision to do so. The
the environment, too.
Oberlin College Conservatory
Wellesley College
over the world.
MP&MS culture is a green
Oregon State University
Wesleyan University
one. What needs to be
Pomona College
Whittier College
learned by most grown
Queens University, Canada
Willamette University
ups, is second nature to our students.
social emotional learning Elizabeth McLeod, MP&MS School Counselor
What is Social Emotional Learning?
Every morning students arrive at school
needs of children, academic learning
Social emotional learning (SEL) is
carrying backpacks. Younger children’s
improves and students and teachers
the process by which children and
packs may contain favorite objects
are happier, leading to an emotionally
adults acquire and effectively apply
from home; older students carry books,
safe school climate that is inclusive
the knowledge, attitudes, and skills
cell phones, and homework. Imagine
and friendly. There are also long-term
necessary to understand and manage
another backpack — a metaphorical
benefits. People who can recognize,
emotions, set and achieve positive
one. This pack is filled with emotions
understand, and manage emotions are
goals, feel and show empathy for
and feelings — joy from visiting with
more engaged in their communities,
others, establish and maintain positive
grandparents or sadness from losing
hold higher positions in their jobs, and
relationships, and make responsible
a pet. The contents are ingredients for
are generally healthier.
decisions. (Source: CASEL)
some of the most important lessons children learn in school and life
SEL Core Competencies Include:
Throughout MP&MS, there are
This year MP&MS began a process of examining our longstanding SEL program. SEL goes beyond a set of
• Self-management
systems that provide safe places for
lessons, and our scope and sequence
• Self- and social-awareness
students to unpack these backpacks
also highlights systems and structures
• Relationship skills
and share what’s inside. Class meetings,
that support SEL. You can see SEL in
• Responsible decision-making
mindful moments, SPARK assemblies,
action as the adults coach students
and Open Session are just a few of the
to peacefully solve conflicts and
Elizabeth McLeod
structures that create a safe place to
strengthen and repair friendships and
Elizabeth holds a Master of Education
explore feelings and learn about others,
when children play, learn, and create
from the Harvard Graduate School of
promoting empathy and compassion
together during collaborative projects.
Education, a degree in English and
Daniel Goleman first coined the
Playground partners, cross-grade
Human Development from Boston
term Emotional Intelligence (EI) in
buddies, Panther Pal activities, doll
College, and a teaching credential
his groundbreaking book Emotional
stories, life skills classes, and service
from San Francisco State University. At
Intelligence: Why it Matters more than
projects are just some of the places
MP&MS she leads the social emotional
IQ (1996). Since then, decades of
that SEL lives and breathes at school
learning program, supports individual,
research have validated the intuitive
as students use the contents of
small group, and grade level student
fact that when schools attend to the
their backpacks to make learning
growth, as well as parent education.
emotional, psychological, and social
meaningful.
treasuring
CHILDHOOD in the middle school
We Treasure Childhood. These are
aptic pruning, the active restructuring
success in working in teams and
the first three words of the Marin
of the neural circuitry. This is also the
groups. From science fair projects in
Primary & Middle School mission
time when the prefrontal cortex, the
fifth grade, putting on a Greek Festival
statement.
area of the brain that supports logical
in sixth, to planning and building
reasoning and executive functioning,
Medieval castles in seventh, and de-
working with middle school students?
is experiencing its most dramatic
signing simple machines in eighth, our
How does a school embrace the nat-
growth, and the brain’s limbic system,
students have ample opportunities to
ural developmental levels of each age
the emotional control center, fields
develop collaborative skills while also
while also maintaining high expec-
much of the individual’s reactions to
achieving as individuals.
tations related to academic achieve-
daily events.
What does this mean when
ment and personal responsibility?
Our middle school teachers have
Treasuring childhood is about understanding adolescent devel-
These are questions middle schools
deep appreciation for this time in a
opment. Middle school students
face as they develop programs,
student’s life, and our program and
thrive when given the opportunity to
schedules and structures that define
structure responds to this growth
develop as individuals while working
the student experience.
period in a manner that acknowledges
with others, feeling empowered
Middle school students are dy-
the struggle while simultaneously cre-
to take chances despite the risk of
namic individuals going through
ating a safe place to take risks and to
failure, and developing the desire and
massive change. Physically, young
achieve at one’s highest level. Visit an
persistence to try again and again.
adolescents are experiencing acceler-
MP&MS middle school classroom and
Our middle school teachers relish
ated and uneven growth in relation to
you will find teachers and students
the opportunity to mentor students
height and weight. Even their internal
engaged in conversation and working
through these years.
organs are growing and changing.
together to achieve goals. Class sizes
These factors can lead to an awkward-
are small enough for teachers to
they are defined by an ability to
ness and self-consciousness at a time
work with each student, while large
know themselves as learners and are
when children are craving more inde-
enough for students to interact and
characterized by a thirst for knowl-
pendence and acceptance from their
collaborate with each other. Academic
edge that enables them to navigate
peers. Neurologically, the adolescent
progress is measured individually,
academic, social, and emotional
brain is experiencing accelerated syn-
and also by assessing each student’s
challenges in high school and beyond.
By the time our students graduate,
Panther Pals Panther Pal Groups:
If you walk down the halls on certain days
close-knit bunch throughout their time at
apricots
you might hear children proudly proclaim-
the school. This allows deep relationships to
peaches
ing, “I’m a pear!” “I’m a tangerine!” “She’s a
develop naturally.
plums
banana.” Those comments are not part of a
apples
nutrition lesson, a drama exercise, or even
to month and may involve an art activity,
imaginary play – they are affirmations of
a philanthropic project, or a group lunch.
membership in special multi-grade groups
In March every Panther Pals group chose a
called Panther P.A.L.S.
service-oriented project in honor of Cesár
pears bananas lemons limes
The Panther P.A.L.S program was
Panther P.A.L.S events vary from month
Chavez Day of Service and Learning. The
developed in 2013 to reinforce our com-
groups gave back to our school community
grapefruits
mitment to social and emotional learning
and beyond by performing tasks to beautify
figs
in our nurturing community. The aim was
and uplift.
tangerines
to strengthen the connections among all
nectarines
students and staff to enhance each indi-
to read, play, and lead activities and the
vidual’s sense of being known and valued.
preschoolers loved every minute of it. Many
The acronym, P.A.L.S, truly summarizes the
groups tidied up the campus and the neigh-
mission: Promoting Acceptance, Laughter,
boring areas by removing trash and cleaning
and Support. Happily that mission is alive
structures and play areas.
coconuts
oranges persimmons mangoes guavas kiwifruit starfruit pomegranates
and well during our regular gatherings. The JK-eighth grade students and staff
Six groups visited our preschool classes
One industrious group disinfected all the door handles on campus to reduce the
are organized into 20 groups consisting
spread of germs. Whatever the project,
of at least one child per grade and two or
the intent was to work together to make a
three adults. Each group is named after
difference and each group accomplished
a fruit with members staying in the same
that goal.
welcome to the
Exploration Lab! Current trends in education are rife with enthusiasm for STEAM initiatives and our program reflects the integrated principles of the STEAM paradigm in many areas. “Wow, that’s cool!” Capturing a
materials and concepts. I left the
learner’s excitement is one of the
conference eager to put my students
best parts of being a teacher. We are
through the same experience.
constantly looking for ways to inspire
Exploration Lab integrates
and engage our learners. In first
science, technology, engineering,
grade, my teaching partner Jennifer
art, and math in dynamic projects
Lucas and I have been able to do that
that incorporate social skills such
every week through a new class we
as collaboration, active listening,
are calling Exploration Lab.
flexibility, perseverance, and more.
Last summer I joined Ferenc Jesse Swagerty has been
We have built towers and ramps and
Dobronyi in New Hampshire for a
bridges with unconventional materials.
conference called Invent to Learn. I
We have explored circuitry and built
Here he explains how he integrates
signed up not really knowing what to
box robots to help solve a problem.
science, technology, engineering, art,
expect. On day one, we were dropped
We have designed toys and games to
into a warehouse full of electronics,
be played by others. We have used
components, and software I had
coding to make our own reading
never heard of MakeyMakey, Aurdino,
games and demonstrate the water
Lillypad, Raspberry Pi, Scratch,
cycle. We have “reverse engineered”
Hummingbird, TinkerCad, LittleBits,
pens and built aluminium foil boats to
Sphero, Circuit Scribe. We were told
carry marbles.
teaching at MP&MS for five years.
and math (STEAM) into the first grade curriculum.
to invent. Learn. It can be overwhelming to take
Throughout this process, we keep repeating the same three words over
on a challenging project with new
and over to our students. Think. Make.
materials and no expertise. Yet we
Try. It is a learning process that never
ask our students to do this on a
stops. Except for when the clock says
regular basis. Pushed outside of my
it is time to go home. Exploration
comfort zone in an authentic learning
Lab has allowed us to answer lots of
environment, I experimented and
questions, especially our favorite one:
collaborated and explored these new
“When can we do that again?”
think!
make!
try!
Robert Little ‘06 MP&MS graduate Robert Little (Class of 2006) is easy to spot by his orange bike and signature bow ties. The bike
career services mentor, to name a few. After graduating from the Marin School, Robert planned
he picked up from Craigslist; the bow ties he started wear-
to study business and history at Pitzer. But in his first se-
ing when he was a Congressional intern as a bright-colored
mester, he took two classes that changed the course of his
protest against the conforming cravatted uniform he saw
coursework: one on natural history and one on sociology’s
everywhere in DC. He kept wearing them for his four years
world view changed everything. He graduated on May 16
at Pitzer College, in celebration of the opposite ethos.
of this year with a double major in environmental analysis
“If you can drum to your own beat, it’s a lot more rewarding,” he says. Steve Fanfelle, Robert’s eighth grade teacher at MP&MS,
and sociology. Robert would like to take a break after graduation, but it’s hard to see when he’ll have time for time off. He is
couldn’t agree more. According to Steve, Robert already
one of two students to receive a $10,000 Davis Projects
had a strong sense of self in middle school: “If anyone
for Peace award, which they will use to create a commu-
served as an example of forging your own path and not
nity-owned, women-run solar project in rural Ghana this
being a follower in school, it was Robert Little.”
summer. He also won a Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs to
Robert’s passions have continued to develop since his time at MP&MS and have taken him all over the world —
go along with the Fulbright and Davis awards. Ultimately, Robert plans to get graduate degrees in
to Ghana to work on clean water access, to Costa Rica to
business and environmental management so he can help
study rainforest ecology, and soon it will take him to South
the world see both the moral imperative as well as the
Korea on a Fulbright as an English teaching assistant.
financial incentive in going green.
At Pitzer, he wore many hats as well as many ties (well,
Robert says he chose Pitzer because it had “more
maybe not quite as many — he subscribes to “the Netflix
flavor” than other colleges. The flavor was distinctive, like
of bow ties” so he can swap out his neckwear weekly).
an orange bow tie, but hard to define — and that was part
He’s been an admission fellow, an RA, a Green Bike Pro-
of its appeal. “I got to season it myself,” he says. “The best
gram manager, an intermural sports coordinator, and
educational formula is the one that you create.” Photo credit and thanks to Pitzer College
On Thursday, June 11, our accomplished MP&MS eighth graders sat center stage at MP&MS for their eighth grade graduation. After being greeted and congratulated by board chair Susan Kan Whitaker, students listened as Julie Elam, head of school, welcomed and then recognized special guests. Throughout the ceremony families, teachers, and friends who surrounded the Class of 2015 were wowed by musical performances by Sophie Klein, Carly Toole, Marshall Brown, James Cross, Gabe Mandossian, and Layne Ulrich. Our graduating eighth graders are a talented group, with varied academic interests and goals for their next educational experience as can be seen in the impressive list of high schools they will be attending in the fall: • The Bay School • The Branson School • Convent of the Sacred Heart • Eagle Hill School • Marin Academy • Marin Catholic High School • The Marin School • Marin School of the Arts • Millbrook School • Redwood High School • San Marin High School • Stuart Hall High School • Tamalpais High School
congratulations
mp&ms 2015 grads
it’s a
wildlife a night of great
adventure & giving
It was indeed a night of great adventure and giving at this year’s auction. Led by chair Hilary King and the Auction Committee, the MP&MS community once again came together for a night of fun and fundraising. Guests were greeted at the event by the beauty of nature and wildlife. The ballroom tables drew on the WILDlife theme, evoking the outdoors with gorgeous animal prints, wood, and stunning flowers. Bidders wielded their smart phones as they bid on items of all types in the silent auction. The fantastic selection of donated jewelry, trips, unique experiences, and an amazing array of class treasures was hard to resist. The live auction built to an exciting crescendo as bidders battled for some new and exciting packages! Our lightening quick Fund-in-Need segment saw raised paddles all around in support of upgrading and expanding equipment for our students and improved technology infrastructure for the school. After the delicious dinner and amazing desserts, DJ Rene Alvarado got people moving on the dance floor and there were some impressive moves to be seen. Thanks to our generous donors and bidders and the volunteers who made it happen, another successful fundraiser and community builder is in the books.
alumniday
On May 14, 2015 over 35 MP&MS alumni gathered to catch up with friends, classmates, staff, and faculty. While here, their excitement about recent high school successes and college plans in the fall were contagious. After admiring recent renovations to the campus, our alumni couldn’t help but notice how much MP&MS has changed. Even still, conversations turned to the constants. “Everybody not only looks the same but acts the same as when we were here,” asserted Rainier Pearl-Styles ‘11. Eighth grade teacher Steve Fanfelle, agreed, adding: “We tend to stay the same here at MP&MS, but it’s amazing how much our students have accomplished since leaving!”
Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 94939
happy 40th birthday mp&ms! Treasuring our Past, Celebrating our Future
save the date
The MP&MS Parents Association Annual Auction Gala March 5, 2016 California Academy of Sciences Co-Chairs: Maiya Shaw and Renee Tremmel Want to get involved? Let us know! Contact: development@mpms.org