Lantern THE
FALL/W INTER 201 6–2 01 7
T H E M AGAZINE OF LANDM ARK SCHO O L
A Sense of Place
Our Mission
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2017 Student Advocates
K I ER A N K ES N ER ’ 09
Landmark School’s mission is to enable and empower students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) to reach their educational and social potential through an exemplary school program complemented by outreach and training, assessment, and research.
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The Lantern is published twice yearly by the Marketing and Communications Department at Landmark School, P.O. Box 227, Prides Crossing, MA 01965-0227 The Lantern is available online at landmarkschool.org/lantern Contact us at lantern@landmarkschool.org Lantern Editorial Committee and Contributors Bob Broudo P’11 Scott Harlan Carl Gasowksi Rob Kahn Tom O’Riordan Christine Ozahowski Lisa Robinson Joe Rose Susan Tomases Tristan Whitehouse Designer Melanie deForest-Malloy
Contributors Michelle Allessi Bill Bresnahan Jennifer Brennan-Blute Hazel Crowley Jon Ells Bill Ferguson Scott Harlan Robin Day Laporte Chris McKernan Jeremy Melvin Lauren Michaud Alberto Pennace Morgan Talbot Lauren Torres Jenna Wilder Amy Veling K I E R A N K E S NE R ’ 09
Photographers Jennifer Brennan-Blute Khiet Chhu Erin Curran Ryan DeJoy Bill Ferguson Carl Gaswoski Kara Healey Katie Jones Kieran Kesner Sosh Meier ‘17 Cindy Spreer
Thank you to Lifetouch Inc. for generously donating printing services for the Lantern FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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COVER STORY
13 A Sense of Place
24 Much More Than Just a Bike Shop 26 From the North Shore to Syria By Bill Ferguson
28 Coming Together By Susan Tomases
30 Treating Students From the Inside Out By Susan Tomases
32 From Theory to Practice
By Robin Day Laporte and Lauren Michaud
34 Tot Spot — Landmark’s Hidden Gem By Jennifer Brennan-Blute
36 Upgrading Landmark’s Information Technology Infrastructure By Jon Ells
37 A Sense of History By Morgan Talbot
Cover photo by Kieran Kesner
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DEPARTMENTS ◗ HEADLIGHT
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The Pillars of Place
◗ THE BEACON
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Landmark’s News in Brief
◗ SPOTLIGHT
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Student: Breaking Down Barriers Faculty: Deborah Blanchard: Crafting a Career Alumni: A Time to Give Back Family: A Family Transformed
◗ LIMELIGHT
46 Love and Connection ◗ PENLIGHT
48 Building Confidence 50 My Second Chance ◗ STARLIGHT
52 From Darkness We Find Light 54 Getting Physical with an Exemplary Class 56 Young Women in Sport — Body, Mind, and Spirit ◗ EVENTS
62 Homecoming Weekend ◗ FLOODLIGHT
63 Alumni Notes
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HEADLIGHT a message from the headmaster
The Pillars of Place by Bob Broudo When thinking about the long-term “sustainability” of Landmark, community and culture always surface as top priorities. The Landmark Culture is built upon many pillars, including the notion or concept of “sense of place.” At Landmark, a sense of place has several meaningful components: the school’s history, location, programs, faculty, students, families, and campuses. Everyone here does their best to celebrate and build upon these components, which inform our role in the larger educational community.
LOCATION: Landmark is located on the historic North Shore of Boston on Massachusetts Bay, a beautiful PLACE teeming with stories and events dating back to the arrival of Governor Winthrop from England in the 17th century. PROGRAMS: Landmark’s individualized, customized, remedial programs have been built and refined upon an understanding of neuroscience, research, and experience that provide the PLACE where teachers take the time to understand each student’s learning style, apply best practices, and meet each student exactly where he or she is in the learning process. FACULTY: Faculty members articulate that everyone is the same here – equal and important - and that they feel necessary, make a difference, and have a PLACE. PARENTS: Parents recognize that their children have been out of place in previous
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schools, and thus they have made a leap of faith entrusting them to Landmark. One parent stated: “You have all made a lasting positive difference in his life. He is just one of many students who have arrived on your ‘doorstep’ whose gifts would never have been realized had they not found their PLACE here.” STUDENTS: Students, too, quickly realize that Landmark is a safe learning environment and that teachers understand who they are as learners and how to teach them. One student stated: “I am one of the lucky ones who has a PLACE on the ark, but what about all of the students who can’t get on the ark, who will never have a PLACE at Landmark?” FAMILIES: Families immediately become members of the Landmark community and have a PLACE as members of the team and active participants in their children’s education. NEW FACILITIES: Landmark’s facilities, including the new Swalm Science Center, Rutter Academic Center, Black Box Theater, Maker Space, Advisors’ Offices, EMS Health Center, and Art Gallery, provide appropriate and empowering PLACES for teachers to teach, for students to learn, and for the school to operate at the highest level.
COLLABORATIONS AND OUTREACH AND ONLINE PROGRAMS: Landmark has a mission-driven PLACE within the broader educational community through collaborations with universities, research institutes, and organizations; online programs for professionals and students; direct consultations and training with public, private, and charter schools; and an on-site summer training institute, all of which make a difference for teachers and students throughout the world. NEAS&C RESPONSE TO THE FIVE-YEAR INTERIM EVALUATION REPORT: Accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges established Landmark’s PLACE within the world of independent schools. NEAS&C’s response to Landmark’s Five-Year Interim Evaluation Report was validating as it stated: “The report was thorough and informative, centering on the statement that ‘Landmark has transformed from a school with a mission into a mission with a school.’ The school appears strong, powerfully committed to its important mission, and well-positioned to meet its goals. Landmark is to be congratulated on its continuing innovation in a field where it is already a proven leader. The growing outreach and professional development opportunities will serve to educate not only its students but also the larger educational world.” n
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K I E R A N K E S NE R ’ 09
46 YEAR HISTORY: Landmark has had a sustained and significant PLACE in the field of language-based learning disabilities for 46 years. Our well-defined mission and student profile has allowed for exponential growth and refinement of programs based upon experience, neuroscience, research, and best practices.
Beacon Landmark’s News in Brief |
SPORTS
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FACULTY
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THE ARTS
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STUDENTS
❱❱ FALL/WINTER 2016–2017 |
PARENTS
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ALUMNI
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RESOURCES
❱❱ ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
High School FALL SEASON
KI E R AN KE S NE R ’09
Jack Anastopoulos, soccer Alex Watty, cross country Anya Crowley, soccer Izzy Boussart, volleyball Sam Esbenshade, golf Joa Segal, soccer Josie Steere, volleyball Jake Bennett, golf
Elementary• Middle School
Input/Output
OUTSTANDING FALL ATHLETES
Josiah Castellucci, soccer Nik Guthrie, cross country Jimmy Sheehan, soccer Blake Gondella, cross country
Landmark students benefit from a teaching methodology that fosters the integration of information and visual images, language, and motor output. Here, some EMS classes make use of the new courtyard space adjacent to the Rutter Academic Center.
Stay in the Loop CONNECT WITH US: facebook.com/landmarkschool @landmarkschool landmarkschool The Landmark School Alumni
EVENTS! SEE YOU THIS SPRING FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
MAKING WAVES
COMMENCEMENT
GOLF BENEFIT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
MONDAY, JUNE 5
Join us for a private concert with the Indigo Girls and an auction hosted by NECN’s Billy Costa
We cordially invite our seniors and their families to join us for Commencement - always a moving and transformative event at Landmark School.
Mark your calendar for our 25th Annual Golf Benefit at the stunning and award-winning Ipswich Country Club in Ipswich, MA. The Lantern 5
Beacon ❱❱ Landmark’s News in Brief
❱❱ IN THE LEAD
Leading the Way The Peer Leaders are juniors and seniors who seek to help new students transition into Landmark and promote and support their fellow classmates. They attend and support athletic events, community nights, concerts, plays, coffee houses, and other studentdriven activities. SENIORS: Jon Ahern Brynne Arsenault Chris Belfi Maddison Coddington Jack Cole Krystyna Dolson Ryan Dumont Amira Ghobrial Liz Hersch Alec Hurst Drew McNamee Philip Popken Riley Prokop Ady Tibrewal Sami Williams JUNIORS: Cole Bascome-Duong Adin Chapman Jake Cooper Cole Dubois Nick Engstrom Jared Joshi Emily MacMannis Lizzy MacMannis Julia O’Neill Itai Segev Mo Schuster Gwei Strong-Allen Jarrod Sweeney Jenna Wilder
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Making it Happen Super Bowl Champ ❱❱ Maxx Brennan ’21 EMS eighth grade student, Maxx Brennan, from Wakefield, was busy when he wasn’t at school this fall. He served as the captain of his undefeated youth football team, the Warriors. They won the Commonwealth Football Champion League and went on to win the Super Bowl against the Salem Witches. Maxx scored both touchdowns during his team’s 16–14 overtime win. Way to go Maxx!
Snapshot Takes Top Prize ❱❱ Sydney Jolivet ’23 Sydney Jolivet, EMS student and photo enthusiast, recently won the top prize for the youth category in the Hunt’s Photo Contest. Join us in congratulating Sydney on her talent, creativity, and humor.
Six students and two teachers from EMS’s Community Action Team met with Trustees of Reservations staff on a beautiful fall day to clean Magnolia Beach. They filled several large trash bags with rope, netting, and plastic that had washed up onto the beach and was tangled in the shore grasses. Learn more about the Trustees of Researvations at thetrustees.org FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
❱❱ LIBRARIAN’S DESK
Above and Beyond ❱❱ Gabrielle Kenney ’20 Among the six adults who were awarded the Paul Harris Award for outstanding service in Marblehead, Massachusetts, last fall was Landmark freshman, Gabrielle Kenney. Gaby’s commitment to service began in pre-kindergarten and included everything from organizing contributions to the Postal Food Drive and projects to support U.S. veterans to petitioning her public school to eliminate styrofoam lunch trays. Landmark’s Chaplain Bill Ferguson said, “Community service plays a critical role in the development of adolescents. Being connected with an organization, whether it be a religious or civic group, provides them with a sense of belonging. Having a specific role within that organization provides adolescents with a sense of purpose. And a sense of belonging and purpose, when combined, helps to establish confidence. I’d say Gaby has certainly established herself as a confident young lady with all of her community service experience.” Congratulations Gaby on this noteworthy award and recognition.
Devouring Books and Ice Cream ❱❱ Jayla Odorczuk ’21 Eighth grade student, Jayla Odorczuk, co-leads a peer-facilitated book group for Jewish girls ages 9-11 from the North Shore, through the Robert Lappin Foundation. Jayla strongly supports Lappin’s mission — for Jewish youths to be involved in their Jewish heritage. This book club reads books with a Jewish theme written by Jewish authors. November’s pick was Looking For Me by Betsy R. Rosenthal and January’s was Pink Slippers, Bat Mitzvah Blues by Ferida Wolf. The club meets bi-monthly at Hawthorne by the Sea restaurant in Swampscott. Following the 90-minute book discussion the members indulge in ice cream sundaes!
Stepping Out ❱❱ Olivia (Liv) Pierce ’22 Olivia, a seventh grade student at EMS, began Irish step dancing at age 5 at Carney Academy. She has competed in more than 70 Feis Competitions all over the Northeast region. Competitors range in age from 5 through adult. Liv practices two hours a day, four to five days a week. FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
Curl up with a Good Book this Winter The following are reading suggestions from our High School and Elementary•Middle School librarians. FROM AMY VELING, HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARIAN Recommendations are appropriate for teen readers or adults. All American Boys Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Carol S. Dweck Eleanor & Park Rainbow Rowell FROM LINDA SYLVESTER, EMS LIBRARIAN The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Novel that Teaches You How to Draw Mark Crilley Rookie of the Year Phil Bildner Shadows of Sherwood (A Robyn Hoodlum Adventure) Kekla Magoon I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark (Debbie Levy)
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Beacon ❱❱ Landmark’s News in Brief
❱❱ LEARNING IS FUN!
Making Connections Connie the Connector visits Ms. Conant’s sixth grade Oral Expression class to encourage ACTIVE reading to help students improve reading comprehension. ACTIVE stands for Ask questions, Connect text with background knowledge, Tools to repair using fix-it strategies, Infer using clues, Visualize what you are reading, Explain using your own words.
❱❱ HIGH HONORS
And the Award Goes To... The Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recognized C.E. Floyd Company, Inc. with the Merit and Spirit Award at the 24th Annual Excellence in Construction Awards for its outstanding work on Landmark School’s Swalm Science Center. The Merit Award recognizes overall excellence in project execution, craftsmanship, safety, innovative elements and challenges, and client satisfaction. Independent architect Tom Peterman commented, “There was none of the stress often associated with a design and construction team that might have different objectives and priorities. I felt that the C.E. Floyd team was committed to the design and the quality of the workmanship as much as we were, and it made for a very successful outcome.” C.E. Floyd Company serves New England from its Massachusetts and Connecticut locations. The company provides pre-construction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build services in the commercial, educational, healthcare/ biotech, hospitality, and senior living sectors. 8 The Lantern
❱❱ Giving Thanks Before the Thanksgiving break in November, the Student Council organized a food drive for the Open Door Food Pantry in Gloucester. Non-perishable food was collected in hallways, kitchens, cars, and offices over two weeks. The residents of Porter House collected the most food and won the student competition, and the Expressive Language Department won the faculty competition. Honorable Mention went to Williston House and Lopardo 1 for the variety of their food donations. The high school community donated 1,741 pounds of food this year, helping to provide for many local families in need. Learn more about the Open Door Food Pantry at foodpantry.org.
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❱❱ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FACULTY & STAFF CHAMPS
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Dodgeball Champs
Landmark named the annual Volleyball Tournament after Tom Mitchell, beloved faculty member, who passed away last year. He would be proud of the spirit of the competition and the excitement and creativity generated by the event. Congratulations to The Volleybrawlers for an impressive and punishing win.
After a long night of crafty dodges, fastballs, curveballs, and the occasional out-of-bounds, the Chumbuckets found themselves up against Ruby Tuesday in a championship match that went all three rounds. In the end the Chumbuckets were victorious.
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Tom Mitchell Annual Volleyball Tournament
FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
Source of Pride In December, the Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (MABIDA) honored our very own Terry Jennings with the 2016 Alice Garside Lifetime Achievement Award for “Exemplary leadership, service, or achievement in a field that directly or indirectly furthers the mission of MABIDA.” Terry received her Ed.M. in Reading, Language, and Learning Disabilities from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She co-founded Landmark’s Expressive Language Program and has taught and directed language arts programs for children with dyslexia and language-based language disabilities for more than 40 years at our Elementary•Middle School. She has authored two books with her colleague Dr. Charles Haynes and is an accomplished presenter who has given workshops nationally and internationally. Terry has remained busy in her retirement and is currently working at Esperanza Academy, a tuition-free middle school serving girls in Lawrence, MA.
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Beacon ❱❱ Landmark’s News in Brief
A Dream Realized When Linda Fitzpatrick started Landmark School she dreamt of one day writing well enough to write a book. We extend our hearty congratulations to Linda for co-authoring her first book. And It Begins: A Memoir tells the story of Pudu Blamoh of Monrovia, Liberia, and Linda Fitzpatrick of Marblehead, MA, who were assigned as roommates in boarding school and evolved from strangers to sisters. “Through study abroad trips, school transfers, and the many other complications of growing up, these young storytellers open up about the four years that shaped them into who they are today.
All Stars In a season of ups and downs, last fall’s cross country season ended on a high note. The team finished third in the Eastern Independent League Conference Championship and placed third out of 42 teams in the New England Prep School Championship. Please congratulate John Maher ’17 and Alex Watty ’18 on being named NEPSTA All Stars. Landmark’s JV cross country team showed grit and determination at the NESPTA JV Championship. Josh Thibeau (first), Peter Laird (second), Robby McDougall (eighth), Grant Buchanan (18th), and Ian Alsop (21st) were Landmark’s scorers. Dominic Paolini (25th), Jarrod Sweeny (26th), and Jared Joshi (33rd) rounded out Landmark’s New England Champion JV team.
Brenden-Mann iPad Giveway
On the Farm Lilly Abbott, EMS eighth grader, spend much of her free time volunteering at Windrush Farm, a horsemanship and riding program for children with and without special needs. Lilly says, “I love going to Windrush every week to help out in the barn and in a class. I normally groom and tack up a horse for the lesson, fill up the horses’ feed buckets, and sweep the barns. In the lesson, I am usually with a girl and a horse named Cadence. I have a lead line attached to the halter to guide the horse and rider. In the lesson, we usually walk, trot, play some games, and the more experienced girls canter.”
Lucky Recipients!
Each year, John Brenden and the Brenden Mann Foundation give back to Landmark in a very personal and direct way. To show his appreciation to the many teachers who helped him along his educational journey, John has graciously donated hundreds of iPads to our faculty and staff. This year’s recipients are: High School Ruth Bossler Dana Butler Paula Deffer Jess Fauci John Fettig Sue Fiore Sally Gagnon Jenn Kuhns Sallie Pettengill Victoria Tansey 10 The Lantern
EMS Kathleen Babcock Debbie Chandler Julie Anne DeJoy Mary Kahn Freddi Pare Emily Linehan Joni McLaughlin Cecilia Mullings Megan Parsons Meghan Sebens FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
❱❱ PAYING IT FORWARD
Coming Home
❱❱ FAVORITE TRADITIONS
Talent, Poise, and Style Solo Night at the High School is a long-standing and very popular tradition right before Thanksgiving break. It is so popular that we had to move it off campus this year to the Cove Community Center in Beverly, because our Black Box Theater cannot accommodate our large and enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, and parents! This year featured many impressive performances by students and faculty singers, as well as several guitarists, a violinist, and a pianist. As a special treat the Landmark Chorus, almost 30 strong, performed a few show-stoppers!
Maura McDonald, former EMS student and current Brewster Academy junior, came back to talk with the current eighth graders in December about her experiences in high school and to share some insights about how Landmark gave her tools to succeed. Maura reported that though it’s a lot of work, she is accepting the challenge of taking an Advanced Placement U.S. History class, was recently named to the National Honor Society, and is on the varsity crew and field hockey teams, is advocating for her needs and learning style. We thank Maura for inspiring our eighth grade students with her enthusiasm and confidence.
NEW SAGE Dining at your fingertips! Stay in touch with SAGE with their NEW, FREE mobile app available on Android and iOS systems for any devices. Look for “Touch of SAGE” on iTunes or the Google Play store. It has all the same information that appears on the online menu, and the ability to: n “favorite” and recommend menu items n create a custom allergen profile n see school-specific event dates n provide feedback on menu items n find the SAGE manager’s contact information
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SKILLS + TOOLS FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTION + STUDY SKILLS
SUMMER WORKSHOP
Tell your family, friends, and neighbors...
Study Skills + strategies for students in public and private middle and high schools July 31 - August 11, 2017 Executive functioning challenges are common among middle and high school students. Our short and effective two-week, half-day workshops will help students refine their skills, explore and adopt new strategies and work habits, and boost academic achievement — all in a lively and low–pressure small–group setting. ◗ LEARN MORE:
landmarkschool.org/skillsplus
or contact Margot Marcou, Skills+ Director mmarcou@landmarkschool.org, 978-236-3324 HOSTED BY LANDMARK SCHOOL. TAUGHT BY LANDMARK FACULTY. 12
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A Sense
A sense of place suggests concepts and connections that draw from the concrete to the existential. Philosophers, biologists, environmental scientists, anthropologists, and sociologists all have views on what a sense of place means for humanity, community, and the planet. As Patricia Churchland, a leader in neuroscience and neurophilosophy posits, “Being engaged in some way for the good of the community, whatever that community, is a factor in a meaningful life. We long to belong, and belonging and caring anchors our sense of place in the universe.� Landmark’s sense of place is a tightly woven tapestry of our history, campuses, characters, and community. Our care gives it soul and humanity. We give to it and it rewards us tenfold.
Place of
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In 1971, paid with promissory notes,
founder Dr. Charles Drake invested $224,000 in a property overlooking the Atlantic Ocean that was to be the home of a school for students who struggled with reading, writing, spelling, and expressive language. He instinctively knew how to best serve these children, and his vision attracted a dedicated and energetic team of young, idealistic educators to make it happen. Teachers worked more than 100 hours each week teaching, training, painting walls, assembling furniture, and creating academic and extracurricular programming for 40 students who had come from as far away as California and as close as Beverly Farms. During that first year, teachers and students regularly spotted a fox on the property, convinced it was the spirit of original owner, Mrs. Warren, keeping watch over the campus. PHOTOS BY KIERAN KESNER
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A SENSE OF PLACE
The same Six Teaching Principles™ that are the
underpinnings of our approach today were employed from day one. While the one-to-one tutorial and academic classes were at the center of life on campus, athletics and other activities were offered for all students. The school built a small gym in 1972 (now our Black Box Theater) for a host of activities including basketball, floor hockey, and dodgeball. Built in 2011, the Ansara Athletic Center is a treasured jewel on the High School campus used for athletic events, fundraisers, and social gatherings.
The early 1990s brought some
financial instability, despite the school’s growing reputation as a leader in the field of educating students with language-based learning disabilities. Longtime Board Chair, Nicholas Lopardo (P’92, GP’22,’23,’24) helped turn the school around and led the campaign to build the Lopardo Building that houses dedicated living and meeting space for students and faculty. It was a turning point for the school and put us on a permanent path to sustainability.
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Landmark purchased Governor’s Landing
in 2003 as a math building, expanding the High School campus to the ocean-side of Hale Street. Around the same time, the land that our Ansara Athletic Center and Headmaster’s House are on came on the market. The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of these contiguous properties, allowing the High School to expand to its present borders.
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A SENSE OF PLACE
All along, the land adjacent to Governor’s Landing was earmarked for a science center. In 2014 Landmark launched a capital campaign to raise funds for this initiative as well as a middle school classroom building on our Elementary•Middle School campus in Manchester. With a leadership gift from the Frantz and Swalm family, the Swalm Science Center became a reality, establishing a science, technology, engineering, and math hub on the High School campus. The benefits to our students have been immeasurable.
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Once a chicken coop, our High School boatbuilding and
woodworking building is brimming with personality and history. Renovated by woodworking teacher Jeremiah Riordan and lovingly maintained by his successors, the space provides students opportunities to carve, build boats, and construct award-winning furniture. The heartbeat of the High School campus is the cross walk and “the hill,� lovingly captained by Annie Elso, who greets every student by name, cheers them on when they are having a bad day, congratulates them on their accomplishments, and keeps them safely moving from one end of campus to the other.
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A SENSE OF PLACE
Just two years after Landmark was founded, the faculty and staff agreed that the population was growing quickly enough to warrant a second campus dedicated to our youngest students. In 1973, the school purchased the Rimmer Estate in Manchester, MA, on 13 acres of land. Built by New Orleans native Walter Denegre as a summer residence, North Campus (as it was called originally) provided dormitories, classrooms, and offices for students ages 10 to 15.
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A gymnasium building was constructed in the
late ’70s to provide recreation and added classroom space on the EMS campus. The main building and outbuildings were retrofitted over the years, and in 2001, part of the gym building was converted to a tutorial center. The dorms were repurposed into elementary classrooms in the mid-2000s as more and more young students applied. In 2006, a small sunroom was removed from the front of the building and a Meeting Room was added.
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A SENSE OF PLACE
As part of the 2014 capital campaign, the school raised funds for a
much-needed middle school classroom building. That September, beloved faculty member Matthew Rutter passed away after a sudden illness, and the Elementary•Middle School community unanimously agreed to name the new building in Matt’s memory. The Matthew M. Rutter Academic Center has been a game-changer for the campus. State-of-the-art classrooms offer our sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students space to stretch out, learn, experiment, and benefit from a building that was uniquely and thoughtfully designed for their needs. This monumental project has allowed former spaces to be renovated for faculty offices, conference and testing rooms, counseling, a new health center, and much more.
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EMS students enjoy a variety of extracurricular
offerings in various campus locations. The small art building constructed in the early days of the campus by high school woodworking students still houses art classes and Kids Around the Globe. The original gym has been restored, and a climbing wall has been added. The lower shop spaces are the site for Small Engines, Woodworking, Digital Art, Bike Repair, and Music electives. Computer classrooms in the main building, the outdoor Challenge Course, and the cozy library (once the estate’s billiard room) round out the offerings on campus.
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A SENSE OF PLACE
Much More Than Just a
BIKE SHOP O
n one wall hang six bikes, muddy from use at mountain bike club and a weekend of racing. Another wall displays a full assortment of tools, neatly organized and accurately labeled. In the middle of the room sit a pair of repair stands holding bikes. The remaining walls are adorned with cycling posters and banners. Music is playing, and the subtle scent of chain lube lingers in the air as aproned mechanics are busily working. At first, it would seem that this is just a typical bike shop. But in less than a month over the summer, Classroom C on the EMS campus was transformed from holding social studies classes to providing cycling repair service. The idea to offer a bicycle repair class was proposed by EMS faculty member Chris McKernan. A long-time bike racer and a former professional mechanic, Chris hoped it would be only a matter of time before his two worlds of cycling and teaching would meet. “I’ve always wanted to offer a bike repair elective class. And with the new space provided by the construction of the Rutter Center, I thought it was a good time to put together a proposal. I was so excited when Rob Kahn approved the class.” Although the class was officially on the schedule and the space allocated, the program was far from ready. “I had just a couple weeks to set the curriculum and prepare the shop for the beginning of the school year. I called in a lot of favors to industry friends. I’m extremely grateful and blessed to have had companies donate all the tools and other supplies. The sponsorships were instrumental in getting the program ready, and Dave Seiter, Head of Facilities, could not have been more 24
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accommodating and supportive. It was a little stressful, but it was definitely fun.” The Bicycle Repair Class aims to develop practical, basic bicycle maintenance skills along with emphasizing time management, planning, and safety within the shop environment. Over the semester-long elective, students have been instructed on the proper method of repairing a flat tire, how to adjust shifting and braking systems, as well as efficient cleaning and lubrication. But most of all, the group is having a good time. “Every day, we are laughing and learning. It’s a really fun environment for teaching” said McKernan. Along with developing repair skills, McKernan hopes the class can be a philanthropic enterprise as well by donating
CA R L G A SOWS K I
McKernan shares his bike mechanic expertise with students in his elective class
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refurbished bikes to local community organizations. The idea is inspired from Chris’s work with a local shop that organized a bike drive for kids who could not afford them. “It was extremely moving to see kids who had never owned a bike get one to call their own. I hope we can utilize the Landmark community to offer our time and talent to do good things for others and provide a tangible sense of giving.” n
“ It was extremely moving to see kids who had never owned a bike get one to call their own. I hope we can utilize the Landmark community to offer our time and talent to do good things for others and provide a tangible sense of giving.” The Lantern
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A SENSE OF PLACE
From the NORTH SHO BY CH A P L A I N B I L L FERG US ON 26
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n October 26, 2016, Nadia Alawa of Nashua, New Hampshire, spoke to the Landmark Community about the plight of the Syrian people who have been caught in over five years of civil war, and what her organization, NuDay Syria, is doing to help. The group’s concern is for those who are displaced, particularly women and children. With the large number of male casualties, women and children who often lack the skills necessary to make any substantial income, become especially vulnerable. NuDay Syria helps by sending large shipping containers filled with clothing, diapers, toiletries, and even stuffed animals for the children. The Landmark community responded by raising more than $600 and collecting many bags of goods destined for the containers headed for Syria. The money raised went to purchase 41 solar-powered lamps, called Solar Puffs, that can be used in the rudimentary conditions Syrians now endure. Nadia helped to provide the inspiration and NuDay Syria gave us the means to do something to help the Syrian people in such desperate times. n STUDENT REFLECTIONS: “Syria has been a hard topic to cover from the children traveling miles from home to seek protection to the constant threat from the government and ISIS. Nadia Alawa has shown the kids at Landmark the good that can be done to help everyone. Her information truly touched my heart and the peers that surround me.” —Julian Vye ’17 “Meeting Ms. Alawa and watching her presentation has opened each and every one of our minds about the world we live in.” —Henry Koo ’17 “The assembly was great. I loved hearing about what is really happening by hearing about it from the head of NuDay Syria. It is sad how children and adults are not treated fairly there but we all can make a difference by donating money or items and just volunteering — by one act of kindness.” —Gwei Strong-Allen ’18
RE to SYRIA FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
“I thought that the assembly was beneficial in showing us how lucky we are in our everyday lives. We should be extremely grateful to be able to go to school and get an education, to have electricity, have food, etc. It was nice that we could reflect from the assembly and a lot of people wanted to help or volunteer. I think it was eye-opening to a lot of the students and teachers.” —Sophia Grausam ’18
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A SENSE OF PLACE
Coming
TOGETHER BY SUSA N TOMAS ES EMS’s Sophie Wilson (left), and Alice Michel (right), and driver take a break from loading to pose for a photo before the truck heads to Livingston Parish, LA
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FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
W
hen the rains came and the waters rose last summer in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, Landmark School and North Shore residents quickly mobilized to pack and ship much-needed supplies to the embattled region. Alice Michel, resident of Hamilton and Louisiana native, who had just returned from doing relief work in the Parish, put out a plea for aid. Through Michel, Sophie Wilson, head of the Science Department at Landmark’s Elementary•Middle School, learned that Southside Elementary was one of the hardest hit: its building and all of its contents were deemed a “total loss.” Wilson contacted Yvette Spears, Southside’s English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, who clarified that, while they needed everything from pencils to furniture, what was most pressing were teaching materials so they could begin the school year in their temporary location. Wilson knew that Landmark School was storing teaching materials that had been replaced when two new buildings were added to the High School and Elementary•Middle School campuses. Supported by the respective campus directors, Bill Barrett and Rob Kahn, and the Headmaster Bob Broudo, faculty, staff and students throughout the Landmark community began to collect and prepare donations of everything from books to furniture and everything in between. Combined with generous donations of children’s books and clothing from North Shore communities, Michel and Wilson quickly arranged for multiple truckloads of contributions to be delivered to the temporary site for Southside Elementary. An update from Spears in January confirmed that the donations have been distributed to schools throughout the district benefitting students and teachers from kindergarten to 12th grade. Southside Elementary School serves over
“
What the band of people from Landmark School have been doing for us leaves us speechless with gratitude. The teaching resources, the school supplies, the children’s books, the office supplies have brought smiles to so many faces. We have received monetary donations that will be used to replace computers and other equipment lost to the flood waters. The kids are ecstatic! In addition to losing our classroom library, most of them lost all of their books to the flood waters. We love to read to our kids and they love to read and be read to. We can’t thank all of you enough!” —Yvette Spears, Head of ESL Program, Southside Elementary School
A flooded classroom at Southside Elementary days before the start of school. FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
500 students, 48% of whom are minorities with 23% ESL. Spears stated, “The vast majority of my ESL students live in poverty. They come from two-parent households where both parents work. They are the working poor. These parents know that education is the way to a better life for their children. Many of these families not only lost their children’s school, they lost their homes and cars in the flood.” Wilson added, “Many of the teaching materials we sent are designed to serve students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. We are really excited to be able to share what we have with Southside Elementary because we know that not only will it replace what they lost, but it also provides resources with Landmark’s proven methods of teaching students who struggle with reading, writing, and expressive language skills. The fit couldn’t be more perfect. We were looking for a place to donate what we had and the need arose at the perfect time.” n The Lantern
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A SENSE OF PLACE
TREATING STUDENTS
from the Inside Out BY SUSAN TOMAS ES
Front row left to right: Bonnie Corrigan, Georganna El Heneidy, Jessica Fauci; Back row left to right: Shari Gallant, Paula Deffer, Sally Gagnon, Deb Hadley, Carol Florendo
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FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
CA R L G A SOWS K I
T
he way a beehive looks quiet and still on the outside but reveals a bustling and hard-working community on the inside, so are the Landmark School health centers. Led by 24-year Landmark veteran Georganna El Heneidy, the department of eight registered nurses tend to an average of 300 students each day on the High School and Elementary•Middle School campuses. On the afternoon I visited the high school health center in action, the nursing staff was taking care of a range of needs from a poison ivy rash and a sprained ankle to a headache, administering daily medication and even doling out a few hugs. Georganna describes herself as a hugger… emotional. She loves her work, the Health Center, and her staff of highly-qualified and dedicated nurses who come to Landmark from a vast array of healthcare backgrounds — emergency room and cardiac units, psychiatry, pediatrics, obstetrics, and home health care. Georganna is proud of how the Health Centers have evolved over the years. “Our philosophy promotes wellness, not sickness. It’s our job to help our students get and stay healthy and empower them to focus on why they’re here, which is to learn.” She continues, “We try to get to know all of our kids, inside and out. For many, the health center feels like home, and we encourage that. Students know that they can come here for a bump or a bruise and talk about what’s going on in their lives. Our door is always open and they know that whatever they share here is always confidential. The nurses work closely with the residential team and the counseling departments and advocate when necessary.” “We treat the whole village; if not, we’re in trouble,” Georganna says with a wry smile. Her responsibilites extend far beyond taking care of our students. She administers Workmen’s Compensation, OSHA training, checking of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and training for staff members, offers an annual flu clinic to the entire staff, provides documentation for the New England Association of Schools & Colleges re-accreditation, makes sure all Landmark vehicles have first aid kits, acts as medical consultant to the Tot Spot, and much more. “We are the MASH unit at Landmark School. We try to approach everything we do with humor. It’s a big part of being healthy — being able to laugh.” n
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“ We are the MASH unit at Landmark School. We try to approach everything we do with humor. It’s a big part of being healthy — being able to laugh.” —Georganna El Heneidy, R.N.
NURSES
Bonnie Corrigan, R.N. Years at Landmark: 10 Why she stays: Learns something new from her students every day Paula Deffer, R.N. Years at Landmark: 10 Reason she stays: Loves the age of our students Georganna El Heneidy, R.N. Years at Landmark: 24 Why she stays: Loves being a working director Jessica Fauci, R.N. Years at Landmark: 2 Why she stays: Enjoys treating the whole person, focusing on health and wellness Carol Florendo, R.N. Years at Landmark: 25 Why she stays: Appreciates the camaraderie of the nursing team Sally Gagnon, R.N. Years at Landmark: 23 Why she stays: Loves the community and the kids Shari Gallant, R.N. Years at Landmark: 5 Why she stays: Collaboration with the faculty and staff makes work effective and rewarding Deb Hadley, R.N. Years at Landmark: 5 Why she stays: Loves being nurse, social worker, and surrogate parent
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Derrick Neal ’04 takes a break from teaching one of his Study Skills classes
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FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
A SENSE OF PLACE
From Theory to
PRACTICE BY LAU R E N M I C HAUD AN D ROB I N DAY LA P ORTE , CO - D I R ECTO R S OF T HE HI G H S CHOOL STU DY SKILLS DE PA RTME NT
CA R L G A SOWS K I (L E F T ); K I E R A N K E S N ER ’ 0 9 ( RI G H T )
I
f you step foot into an introductory Study Skills class at Landmark High School, you will find first-year students who are eager to learn and poised to soak up a set of basic study skills. Students first develop a system to keep track of their digital and paper materials, then they conquer time management strategies to prioritize their time to complete work outside of class, and finally they spend countless hours actively reading and listening to challenging material in preparation for tests, essays, and multi-step projects. The goal is to help students integrate these essential skills into their school work and everyday life. Our experience over the last 20+ years has revealed that if students have access to essential and explicit skill instruction as soon as possible in their Landmark careers, they can utilize and employ these skills more independently in high school and beyond. One particular alum has taken on a special role in the department this year. In the Dudley Classroom Building you will find Derrick Neal ’04 teaching the very class that he credits for his success in high school, college, and professional life. Derrick attended Landmark for four years of high school and recalls one of his teachers calling him an “organizational disaster.” He remembers Study Skills as a class that was challenging, but exclaims, “It helped me stay organized, helped me find information, and kept things simple for me—I needed that breakdown to keep it simple.” He goes on to explain that study skills clicked for him when he learned a notebook system, cracked the code of taking FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
“ It helped me stay organized, helped me find information, and kept things simple for me.” —Derrick Neal ’04
notes, and figured out how to prepare for and take a test. For so many students, including Derrick, things fall into place when these skills are learned and practiced. With this foundation, a student can develop a personal system they can use for a lifetime. Derrick graduated from Landmark in 2004 and took his toolbox of study skills with him to University of New England. After earning a degree in education, he returned to Landmark, first working in the Student Life Department and now serving as a full-time teacher in the Study Skills Department. Derrick is a perfect example of why study skills instruction is valued at Landmark: It helps students acquire strategies to find success in high school, prepares them for the transition beyond high school, and ultimately gives students clarity about what they can do, and how they can set out to accomplish their life goals. n
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A SENSE OF PLACE
Tot Spot - Landmark’s
HIDDEN GEM BY JE N N I F E R B REN NAN -B LUTE
Free play is scheduled every morning and invites children to build, make crafts, and get a little wet.
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P H OTOS BY J E N N I F E R BR E NN A N - B LU T E
A
t the top of the hill on the High School campus is a small building where magic happens every day. Most mornings and afternoons you can hear the delightful laughter and chatter of young children at play. Tot Spot is a Landmark treasure that has been a hidden gem since it opened its doors in September 1983. Tot Spot was the brainchild of Landmark administrators Meryl Sheridan Doherty and Charlene Lakhdar. There was a growing need for child care at Landmark as the school was maturing and administrators and faculty members were starting families. Charlene moved overseas, but Meryl kept the dream alive. She researched all aspects of opening a child-care center and what kind of needs Landmark families had. She found space below the Prep Program, which was housed in the St. Margaret’s school building at the time. She soon pulled Charley Harris, Mark Brislin, and Rob Kahn on board, as well as Bob Broudo who was the Prep Program director. Tot Spot became a reality where the Elementary•Middle School (North), High School (South), Prep Program and administration, faculty, and staff could enroll their tots. The Tot Spot Parent Board was established to create a philosophy, policies, and procedures. As with so many things that Landmark does, this became a community effort started with heart and built with determination. In June of 1990, Tot Spot moved to the West Beach campus. When the West Beach campus was sold, Tot Spot moved to what were once maintenance sheds on the High School campus. For this transition, another group of dedicated Landmark administrators and teachers spent months researching new spaces FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
Children enjoy an expansive, shaded outdoor play area all year round.
“ As with so many things that Landmark does, this became a community effort started with heart and built with determination.” —Jennifer Brennan-Blute
and renovations. Doug Walker supervised the construction of the buildings and the play yards. Here Tot Spot stands today, at the very top of the hill. This year, Tot Spot is fully enrolled with 85% Landmark employee children. The remaining 15% of the population are community families who are affiliated with Landmark as past employees, employees’ friends, or neighbors. There are six staff members who have a combined total of over 75 years experience at Tot Spot! We are utilized as a practicum experience for Landmark’s Early Childhood Education classes; we have participated in Landmark’s work intern program, and welcomed Landmark students from Communications classes, Sign Language classes, Psychology classes, and Reading Fluency classes. While Tot Spot has remained the on-site child care for Landmark employees, it has become so much more: a true Landmark treasure. n
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A SENSE OF PLACE
Upgrading Landmark’s Information Technology
INFRASTRUCTURE (or How We Spent Our Summer and Fall) BY J ON E L LS
I
t’s hard to write an interesting article about network infrastructure — all that behind-the-scenes stuff you’d never notice unless it was missing or not working. Yet this barely visible infrastructure makes many things possible. Hopefully you won’t find this the most boring piece you’ve ever read. Our first network at Landmark was built in the early 1990s for use by our school administration. We attached computers and servers to store word processing documents and spreadsheets in a common location. It was cool. Around that time, something called the “world wide web” appeared, and a few years later we spent a summer building a larger network that included academic buildings. Over the next 20 years, using local electricians and a lot of self-taught know-how, we slowly expanded our network and attached other things. We added network printers and an internal email system. We had a bank of four 56K dial-up modems so any computer could claim one of the four internet connections and actually go online to browse this new-fangled “world wide web.” A few years later we got a “high-speed” cable modem from our local cable company and were able to send and receive email outside of our own little network. That, and the rapid expansion of this “internet thing,” spurred even more expansion. In the last 10 years all sorts of devices became part of the network: printers, phones, surveillance cameras, thermostats, wireless access points, time clock sign-in devices, and TVs. Meantime, there was an explosion in the number and types of devices people were using: desktop computers, laptops, tablets, cell phones, Chromebooks, and wireless printers. Our network that evolved bit-by-bit over the years was becoming taxed to its limits. Although functional, it was apparent that it was largely put 36
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together by amateurs in an unstructured way. With the ever-increasing number and type of devices, and reliance on internet access for almost everything, our network needed an overhaul. Beginning in June, the upgrade began. At this point we are almost done with the wiring at the High School campus. Approximately 115,000 feet (about 22 miles) of copper cable has been run! New fiber-optic cable runs between all the buildings, connected to a new set of network switches. At the Elementary•Middle School, the lion’s share will happen next summer. The new fiber optic cable gives us the potential of increasing data flow between buildings from 1GB/sec to 40GB/sec. The new wiring inside buildings is structured, certified, and capable of delivering all the speed required today and for many years to come. We hope, when this project is completed, the network infrastructure will continue to be an unnoticed system that just works quietly in the background, allowing us to get our work done efficiently and safely. We are very grateful to our Board of Directors, particularly Jim Duffy P’14 and Martin Slark P’01, who provided resources and personnel from their companies to make this important upgrade possible. n FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
A SENSE OF PLACE
A Sense of
HISTORY BY MOR GAN TAL B OT, head of the High School Social Studies Department who will be coordinating the new archives initiative at Landmark School
R
arely does a budding institution pay much mind to collecting internal material that could one day be considered seminal. It is extremely difficult to project 25, 35, or 45 years into the future to realize that decisions made today help share a story and impart wisdom to others later on down the line. As a result, documents disappear, meetings go unrecorded, and piecing together the elements that comprise an organization’s history, after the fact, can be yeoman’s work. In the case of Landmark School, Charlie Harris, assistant head of school emeritus, took on this task. For years, he collected and compiled documents he felt had great meaning to Landmark’s story. Charlie, and former public school liaison Steve Krom, dutifully took steps toward organizing Landmark’s historical material into an archival map. As the next step in preserving Landmark School’s history, the work started by Charlie Harris and Steve Krom will continue through the creation of a dedicated archival space on Landmark’s High School campus. In this space, primary source documents will be sorted and digitally cataloged as directed by a committee representative of both Landmark campuses, as well as administrative team members. It is the hope that faculty, alumni, and anyone else interested in Landmark School will be able to easily discover our institution’s development from the steps Dr. Charles Drake took in the fall of 1971 to the thriving independent school we are today. n
FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
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SPOTLIGHT student
Breaking Down Barriers by Tristan Whitehouse When Landmark’s High School goes on break each March, most students return home to relax. Senior Jack Cole heads to Florida to get to work. Jack is a competitive water skier who started attending Landmark in the third grade. He has been intensely practicing and competing for the last four years. At last year’s regional competitions Jack placed fourth out of 16 competitors who qualified.
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break my barriers to get past 35 miles per hour. I was fighting through a mental block of fear.” Jack says this was the greatest gift water skiing has given him — a lifelong appreciation for hard word and grit. “Sometimes you just get stuck and you have to keep working at it,” he said. Jack has seen how this lesson has translated into working hard at school. Jack hopes to continue to train while at college, but knows that regardless of his future, the lessons of water skiing will stay with him for life. n
NAME
Jack Cole HOMETOWN
West Newbury, MA YEARS AT LANDMARK
10 FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
Hiking, camping, outdoor survival NEXT STOP
University of Southern Maine
K A R A HE A L EY
Jack describes water skiing as his passion. He competes in slalom water skiing tournaments, and he is currently ranked 64th in the nation for the 15-18 age group. Slalom water skiing is a high intensity event where skiers use one ski like a forward-facing snowboard, weaving between six buoys. As competitors complete the circuit, the boat pulling them shortens the rope and speeds up until it reaches speeds of 65 miles per hour. Training each spring in Florida allows Jack to work with the best professionals in the industry. His coaches put him through rigorous practices that last all day and test Jack’s skills, grit, and physicality. On three separate occasions, Jack injured himself pursuing his passion suffering two broken ankles and a fractured vertebra. It was after breaking his back that Jack faced his biggest challenge. “I definitely had post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from breaking my T-5 vertebra,” he said. Mending his broken bone was the easy step; becoming confident enough to ski again was the bigger struggle. “It took me a whole summer just to be brave enough to mentally
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Deborah Blanchard: Crafting a Career by Hazel Crowley 40
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SPOTLIGHT faculty
E RI N CU R RA N
Deb Blanchard has unfinished business. In a closet somewhere at Governor’s Landing, her campus home with husband Bobby for the past seven years, hang a dozen or so miscellaneous, elaborate, bone-white frames. No, they aren’t skeletons. “I’m part of a national English smocking group,” Deb said. “It’s very precise, detail-oriented. I have a grandchild now but even he’ll never wear the stuff.” Deb is praised universally by coworkers for her tireless commitment and organizational expertise, so her passion for needle arts comes as no surprise. In smocking, hundreds of small stitches gather fabric into decorative pleats in lieu of buttons or elastic. The traditional craft requires hyper-focus and extends back to farm laborers in the Middle Ages. Whether life imitates art or vice versa, Deb’s devotion to the Landmark community is equally enduring, meticulous, and efficient. In the summer of 1976, as a rising senior majoring in Urban Studies at Wheaton College, Deb learned of Landmark when Dr. Drake spoke to her stepfather’s Rotary Club. After a single summer teaching, she was “hooked.” Pairing her love of language with her passion for community action, Deb enjoyed the work so much, she returned again and again. “It’s exciting because no two years are ever the same. The campus has become bigger, better, looks different, but there are always new students experiencing new opportunities. It never gets old.” Over the years, Deb has held numerous titles, both formal (Language Arts Teacher, Summer Program Director, Academic Advisor, Public School Liaison, Academic Dean) and informal (friend, cheerleader, barbecue hostess, queen of aesthetics, descendant of the gods). This fall, Deb FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
was honored for her tremendous contributions to the project management and completion of the Matthew M. Rutter Academic Center. About her, EMS Head of School Rob Kahn said, “Deb’s attention to detail and her comprehensive skill set are unparalleled. The title Academic Dean is merely the tip of an iceberg which, when you look beneath the surface, actually comprises countless diverse talents beyond her job description, such as architect, computer database wizard, campus social director, photocopier repairperson, knowing every paint color on campus by name and vendor, one-person bell choir of Parents Days, and many more.” “I believe performance is impacted by surroundings,” asserted Deb. Over nearly 40 years, this conviction has guided countless room renovations, preserved original architecture, and supplied teaching essentials from staples and erasers to home-sewn curtains and cushions. About her contributions, Deb is self-deprecating. “I can be pushy. I have opinions.” Yet her intent is obvious. “My favorite thing is to make systems that work.” About a house, a novel, or a job, the adjective “unfinished” has a negative connotation. No roof, no happy ending, no closure, and no satisfaction. For Deb, both in her crafts and her work at Landmark, “unfinished” is a thrill. To her, it means the student and parent testimonies of success will keep coming, the operating systems will keep improving, and her closet will keep expanding. Landmark will be richer for it. n
NAME
Deborah Blanchard YEARS AT LANDMARK
40 MANY TITLES AT LANDMARK
Language Arts Teacher, Summer Program Director, Academic Advisor, Public School Liaison, Academic Dean HOBBIES
English smocking, gardening, handbells STRENGTH
Making systems work
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SPOTLIGHT almuni
A Time to Give Back by Tom O’Riordan Michelle Gonyeo Roccio ’99 has always felt the call to be involved and give back. At Landmark she played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, was a member of student government, and was also a Peer Leader. Michelle is still involved as a longstanding member of Landmark’s Alumni Council, helping with many social and fundraising events. Michelle credits the influence of her teachers and houseparents while at Landmark for helping her stay involved and find time to give back. “I was motivated by the teachers at Landmark wanting to help, and going above and beyond their job. It’s like they all said: ‘If I can help more, why not do it?’” Michelle and her husband Dave live in Beverly with their two children Hunter (7) and Austin (5). She loves being a mom, and when Hunter and Austin started spending the day at school, Michelle found herself needing something to fill the time. Inspired by her teachers, she decided to look for a way to give back to the community. She also remembered her many friends at Landmark who were adopted and saw an opportunity. Michelle and Dave started taking classes and volunteering through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a national program committed to supporting and promoting courtappointed volunteer advocacy, so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. Although they didn’t know much about adoption or foster parenting when they began volunteering, it wasn’t long until the couple decided it would be a good fit for their family. The Roccios have now been fostering two children, Logan (2) and Madison (1) for over a 42
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year. They are moving toward adoption, which entails providing a loving home and hosting up to five visits a week from various officials and the children’s birthparents. While the adoption process can be long and difficult, Michelle knows it isn’t about what is easy, but about giving and helping. Landmark gave her much more than the organizational skills necessary to be a mom of four, said Michelle. She credits the example of the Landmark faculty with giving her the mindset to try to do more. n
NAME
Michelle Gonyeo Roccio HOMETOWN
Beverly, Massachusetts CLASS OF
1999 FOCUS
Raising four children GRATEFUL FOR
Influence of her Landmark teachers
FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
LANDMARK SCHOOL PARENT EDUCATION EVENT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 6:00 PM
GUEST SPEAKER DAVID FLINK LOCATION: Ansara Athletic Center, 447 Hale Street, Prides Crossing Hosted by the Landmark Parents Association (LPA)
David is the co-founder and CEO of Eye to Eye, the only national mentoring program empowering students with learning disabilities by giving them a mentor who shares that experience. The motivation for founding Eye to Eye stemmed from David’s personal experience of struggling through school due to a diagnosis of ADHD and dyslexia. He founded the organization in 1998 while attending Brown University. Thinking Differently, is David’s first book. In it he sets out to enlarge our understanding of learning and offers new, powerful strategies for teaching, parenting, and supporting the 20% of students with learning disabilities. Lite fare will be served. This event is open to the public.
Learn more and register: landmarkschool.org/events or call us at 978-236-3408. FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
A limited number of signed books will be available for sale.
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C RE DI T T K
A Family Transformed by Lisa Robinson 44
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SPOTLIGHT family
Landmark families often form an emotional connection to Landmark School, one that stems from the long and often frustrating journey culminating in a new educational environment. New students can be anxious when they first arrive, and parents tell us that they are too. Randa Pehl P’21, mom of eighth grade Prep Program student Jessica, reflects on her initial impressions: “I was nervous on my first visit to Landmark. We had tried our best to provide Jessica with the skills she needed to succeed academically with after-school tutors and specialists but she became increasingly frustrated and we were all exhausted. We knew that we needed to move to a model that integrated support services into the academic day rather than layering it on at the end of the day when she was tired. A new neuropsychologist suggested to us that Landmark could be a good fit for Jessica’s learning profile. We knew we had to make a radical change and hoped that Landmark held the key.” One of the first marks of reassurance was the homework experience, explained Randa: “ Prior to Landmark, homework was full of crying, screaming outbursts, and frustration. Upon arrival at Landmark we were told parents should not intervene in the student’s homework since students should be receiving homework they could complete independently. We had to learn to trust and let go. This was a turning point for us. The freedom to allow Jessica to manage her own homework reduced the tension in our home tremendously. We weren’t at odds with each other anymore. The crying was replaced by a calm and concentrated effort to get the work FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
done. Jessica could handle the assignments and felt empowered. We had our daughter back and we felt so grateful for that.” Jessica Pehl is an eighth grade Prep Program student who spent two years at the Elementary•Middle School. Three years into her Landmark journey, she shared her perspective, reflecting on the way Landmark has fostered her individual voice while building her skill set: “At EMS, Mr. Harris was one of my favorite teachers ever. He was the first person I talked to about creative writing, when I was drafting a short story that I hoped would become a book. He pushed me to use thoughtful vocabulary and to try different writing styles, especially nonfiction. When I learned by the end of seventh grade that I was ready to go to the Prep Program at the High School I was torn. I didn’t want to lose my favorite teacher, but I also wanted to prove to everyone that I could succeed in any environment. During the EMS Transition Ceremony, Mr. Harris used my own quote to send me off to high school, reminding me that ‘I could do anything I wanted to do because I would always be my own unique individual.’” n
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♥ LIMELIGHT a love story
Love and Connection by Christine Ozahowski Tara and Courtney met in the summer of 2002 as roommates at a lakeside house near the University of Connecticut, where Courtney was a student. Tara, on a one-year exchange program from Kent State, came for the experience of studying at another school, and found much more. She and Courtney connected almost instantly. As Courtney says, I met Tara and thought, “Wow, I get to live with this person!” Their first “official date” happened when Courtney invited Tara to a restaurant where she had celebrated special events with her own family. The memory evokes a huge smile from Tara. “I’m from Ohio, and a fancy restaurant and the size of that bill were a whole new experience for me!” When Thanksgiving arrived, they set off for Ohio in Tara’s Eclipse convertible so that Courtney could meet Tara’s family. An unexpected blizzard turned that trip into an adventure that included getting stuck on the side of the road and being rescued by the local fire department. “When you spend 20 hours in a snowstorm, stuck in a tiny car with bucket seats,” said Tara, “you get to know and understand a lot about the other person.” What neither anticipated was Tara’s mom’s almost instant reaction when they finally arrived. “Mom pulled me aside and said, “Tara, she’s the one!” They share an extraordinary capacity for being sure of their own hearts and minds, and a willingness to follow their instincts. A friend’s mention of a school called Landmark drew them to Massachusetts. A tour of Landmark High School 46
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left Courtney enthralled by the community and sure this was where they belonged. That certainty proved true as Tara’s career path at Landmark led her to a master’s degree from Northeastern University in Corporate and Organizational Communication with a concentration in Leadership, and her current position as assistant dean of students at EMS. Those who see Tara in action are impressed by the energy and passion that she brings to her work. Courtney eventually left Landmark High School to pursue a career in post-secondary education. She is now the director of a program at Boston University that serves students who are on mental health leaves from BU and other schools. Tara and Courtney approached their wedding day with the same mix of mindfulness and sheer joy with which they approach life. In 2010 they were married with 100 friends and family, including grandparents, in attendance. To describe their lives, Courtney begins with “Doing what we love, and loving the people we are with, is what we’ve always envisioned. It’s just, well...” Tara finishes the thought by quietly adding, “…just magical.” n
NAMES
Tara and Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk HOMETOWN
Massilon, OH (Tara) Cumberland, RI (Courtney) FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
Going to the beach, travelling, playing Yahtzee PET
Bella, 12-year old lab
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PENLIGHT
in her own words
Building Confidence by Jenna Wilder Changing schools in fifth grade was a hard transition for me, but it was the best decision I have ever made. When I was in elementary school the classes were big, so I felt like I was falling behind. In fifth grade I transferred to the Carroll School, where the classes were smaller, which allowed the teachers to help me more. Finally, I transferred to Landmark for freshman year, and I learned strategies to address my learning disability. Now that I am a junior, I finally have the confidence I need to continue on with higher education.
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which gave me the confidence that I lacked. Finally, when I arrived at Landmark, I knew I had more work to do in order to develop my language, written, organizational, and advocacy skills. I became more independent because I was living away from home. I learned how to advocate and ask for help. I have learned to apply the strategies I have been taught to become a stronger student. I got involved in more activities, such as technical theater and soccer, which helped me to meet friends that I will have for the rest of my life. I am confident that I can succeed in anything that I put my mind to. Without Landmark, I am not sure where I would be today! n
NAME
Jenna Wilder HOMETOWN
Groton, MA CLASS OF
2018 FAVORITE ACTIVITY
Chorus and dance FAVORITE SUBJECT
Science CA R L G A SOWS K I
When I was younger I did not have confidence academically. I was pulled out of classes for a one-on-one tutorial everyday, which made me fall behind even more. The teachers would give me a passing grade, even when I was not mastering the material. It made me feel like I could not learn. When I transferred to the Carroll School where the teachers were trained to teach students with language-based learning disabilities, the workload felt easier. I got the extra help that I needed to complete my assignments. Because I was not pulled from classes, I did not miss out on instruction and could finish my work. I then realized that I could learn, even with a learning disability,
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PENLIGHT
in his own words
My Second Chance by Alberto Pennace
CA R L G A SOWS K I
As an eighth grader, completing my sixth year at the Elementary•Middle School, “Second Chance” is what I think of when I hear the word Landmark. My foundation for learning started here. In third grade I thought that it was not worth coming here. I thought that I was just fine at my old school even though the skills I was learning were not comparable to the other students in my class. I was often taken out of class or I had to miss recess because of my learning disability. When I first came to Landmark, I did not recognize progress in my school work, but my parents definitely did. Halfway through the year I realized the education I was receiving was vital and that I should try harder in my classes. Landmark taught me more in half a year than my old school had in two years. Now I am treated as though I am an average student in my class, no differently than the other students. I do not feel uncomfortable asking questions or participating in class projects. In class, it is almost a competition among the students to answer questions first. Finding a nice group of friends was not very hard for me. My friends and I often talk about sports, and I found I share a lot in common with the other students, including some of the same hobbies like surfing. Focusing on my work was not a problem when I had friends in the classroom. To this day I am still very close with the people that I met at Landmark six years ago, and I stay in touch with the kids who left. FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
At Landmark, academics are not troubling for me. In fact, my three favorite subjects are math, science, and computer science. I enjoy learning math because the use of numbers fascinates me; learning new skills in math grabs my attention. During science I love doing experiments because I am more of a hands-on learner. Even when I am bored at home, I experiment with new things. For example, my friends and I try to find new ways to make our longboards go faster when riding them. During my free time, one of my favorite hobbies is working with computers. I am able to apply what I have learned in the computer science classroom outside of school, and I am still able to learn more about computers from my teachers. Teachers at Landmark always have a good attitude towards kids. The first impression I get is positivity. The teachers make me feel good about myself and my work. The benefit of having good teachers is that I always try to make my work the best it can be for them. Teachers understand students when we get frustrated or confused and try to help the best they can. Overall, my experience at Landmark has been a time that I will not forget. I will take what I have learned here and apply these skills to future situations such as high school, and maybe even a job as a stockbroker. n
NAME
Alberto Pennace HOMETOWN
North Andover, MA CLASS OF
2021 FAVORITE HOBBY
Surfing FAVORITE SUBJECTS
Math and Science APPRECIATES
How much time Landmark teachers give to their students.
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*
STARLIGHT performing arts
From Darkness We Find Light by Jeremy Melvin This past fall’s play was The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, the story of how Annie Sullivan helped the young Helen Keller first learn to communicate. It is also a story about finding one’s place in the world. Sullivan is an orphan trying to make her way as a teacher, and Keller is a young girl, deaf and blind almost from birth. Both need to find a place for themselves in the world — both are trying to figure out where they can belong, who they are. In this way the play has a particular meaning for our students and families, many of whom have searched for years to find a school that fits them and their needs, and who have finally found it at Landmark.
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end of Act Two. For that scene we used special breakable plaster plates made by Skylur Demers ’19. Other impressive performances were delivered by Paige Steriti ’19 as Helen’s mother, Kate, Jake Skiffington ’17 as her brother James, and Ian Ruggiero ’19 as her father. The ensemble was filled out by Jessica Pehl ’21, Nova Trauben ’18, Eleanor Bradley ’19, Morgan Frazier ’20, Abigail Garthwaite ’20, and Ndaua Ndilula ’20 — several of whom had to also portrayed blind characters, a demanding task. The cast also featured two faculty, both making their Landmark Stage Company debuts: John Fettig and Kylie Murphy. John is a long-time teacher and Kylie is in her first year at Landmark. One of the things that makes Landmark such a special place is that we all — from new students to veteran faculty — work and learn together, creating impressive and meaningful things as a daily part of school life. n
SOS H M E I R ’ 1 7
Perhaps it was that deeper resonance that inspired our cast and crew to put on what several faculty members said was the best show they have ever seen produced at Landmark. As always, our excellent technical crew was the backbone of the performance, creating one of the finest sets we have ever had (led by Evan Graham ’18 and Gavin Carmichael ’17). The well-run backstage crew of Krystyna Dolson ’17, Jenna Wilder ’18, Cara O’Neill ’17, Ned Barrett ’20, Beth Singer ’20, Colin Gruszka ’18, and Charlie Healy ’17 kept the production on track beautifully. Leading the actors were the four young women who shared the lead roles of Helen (Nellie Maxwell ’19 and Alice Schwechheimer ’20) and Annie (Erin Morrisseau ’20 and A. J. Hughson ’20). Both roles demanded sophisticated acting and physical stamina — particularly in the epic battle between Annie and Helen in the dining room near the
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STARLIGHT athletics
Getting Physical with An Exemplary Class by Michelle Alessi, Bill Bresnahan, and Scott Harlan How often is physical education (PE) class filled with vitality, focus, and communal joy? You may respond with skepticism to this description, but it perfectly describes the period two PE class at the Elementary•Middle School. This group is brimming with joie de vivre and it’s a role model for team spirit. 54
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“‘ I want to be better; if I put in the effort I know I will be.’ As a physical education teacher and coach, that was the most heartwarming thing I could have heard.” —Michelle Alessi
Left to Right back row: Alberto Pennace, Aidan Shea, Michael Sheehan, Joe Fleming, Josiah Castellucci front row: Nik Guthrie, Landon Alpaugh, Leo Redford, Colin Rich, Jonathan King
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The ten middle school boys are described by their teacher, Bill Bresnahan, as “respectful, focused, and determined…models of peer coaching who offer words of encouragement without any adult prompting. In addition, the class collectively displays a willingness to accomplish all tasks with an essence of unwavering positivity!” Co-teacher Scott Harlan adds: “All 10 bound into class eager to play and to start the day’s routine and activities. Although they are a mix of middle school ages and skill levels, with some new to Landmark and some returning, they all share a strong desire to get the most out of their time together and genuinely enjoy one another’s company.” Their t-shirt slogans express their relentless, spirited approaches — “Unleash the beast!” (Leo), “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” ( Josiah) They have taken every activity to the limit, whether it was Aidan and Josiah’s epic badminton showdown, the robust Olympic Rugby matches, or mastering the difficult javelin noodle throw through the hoop! “From a fitness standpoint, they have respect for the process,” teacher Michelle Alessi observes. “They understand the standards that need to be met and then exceed them. I once asked what kept them motivated to move through a fitness activity, and Josiah’s answer was simply, ‘I want to be better; if I put in the effort I know I will be.’ As a physical education teacher and coach, that was the most heartwarming thing I could have heard.” “Their energy is inspiring to us as teachers,” agree Harlan and Bresnahan. “They have created an atmosphere that draws out the best in each other and are a pleasure to watch in action!” n The Lantern
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STARLIGHT athletics
Young Women in Sport Body, Mind, and Spirit by Lauren Torres This past October, 31 female athletes from Landmark’s High School campus participated in an in-school field trip with the group, Young Women in Sport. The organization’s mission statement is: “YWIS focuses the energy, enthusiasm, and expertise of women athletes on the lives of middle and high school girls — connecting, educating, and inspiring female athletes at all levels, and helping them realize the value of sustaining their commitment to sport.” The event was focused in three areas: teamwork, mindfulness, and celebration of self. The concept of teamwork was explored through group activities in which the athletes participated in or supported the other participants in the group while they competed in tasks. They were encouraged to listen and to use their judgement respectfully. YWIS facilitated discussions around owning your own behavior, being honest, and winning gracefully. The athletes were given roadblocks to explore and encouraged to communicate with their teammates to problem-solve. Throughout the activities the girls supported and motivated each other and learned that teamwork can be applied to both life and sports. The next activity was mindful breathing during which the girls learned breathing techniques to help them clear their minds and reflect on who they are, what they’ve done well, and how they can be better. The ultimate goal was to help them control their emotions and goals to work well with others as leaders or peers. The final component was to celebrate the individual students and their accomplishments. Various leadership types were explored and it was acknowledged that people all have roadblocks and stumble, but it’s how we support each other that defines who we are. Participants were left with the idea that they should feel good about who they are and what they’ve done and look to better themselves in the future. FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
Students are joined by YWIS leaders Mel McLaughlin and Whitaker Hagerman.
The activities and discussions were met with great enthusiasm from the participants who engaged in all of the activities with passion and excitement. Senior Madison Coddington said, “I thought it was an amazing opportunity because you were actually doing things that challenged you to become a better leader.” We look forward to hosting the event again next year! Landmark continues to look for opportunities to support the development of our athletes regardless of their self-identification so if you are aware of a program please reach out to Athletics Coordinator Lauren Torres at ltorres@landmarkschool.org. n
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SUMMER PROGRAM
2017
FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
DISCOVER THE
LANDMARK ADVANTAGE
Tell your friends and neighbors!
Landmark is now accepting applications for our popular summer programs. 2017 Dates: ◗ Elementary•Middle School (entering grades 1–7) June 30–Aug. 4 (Day Program) ◗ High School (entering grades 8–12) July 9–August 4 (Day and Residential Program) Students will benefit from our signature one-to-one daily tutorial, in a relaxed and productive environment. The academic day will also include classes to help students improve writing, reading comprehension, study skills, and more. Afternoons offer fun and challenging activities for the adventurous, creative, and everyone in between.
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3 RD ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT & AUCTION
JOIN US! Join us
for a private concert with the INDIGO GIRLS . » WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2017
SHALIN LIU PERFORMANCE CENTER, ROCKPORT, MA
With a legacy of releases and countless U.S. and international tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have forged their own way in the music business. Selling over 14 million records, they are still going strong. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are the only duo with top 40 titles on the Billboard 200 to have been earned in the ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and ‘10s. landmarkschool.org/events
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PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION (GRADUATION, TRANSITION, RETIREMENT, WEDDINGS... AND MORE) Order your Landmark School Pendant today, made exclusively for Landmark by LOLA Company and Lil Guerrera P’19. These beautiful, high-quality, and handcrafted pendants marked with the Landmark lighthouse also include the inspirational words; “Embracing Potential, Empowering Lives” engraved onthe back. Each piece is made with enamel, combined with delicate,hand-painted glass embossed over a 925 sterling silver design, then hand-polished. Each pendant is one-of-a-kind just like the person who wears it. Small, white pendant on 18” chain........................................ $111.56* Small, gray (NEW COLOR) pendant on 18” chain............. $111.56* Medium, white pendant on 18” chain..................................$185.94* Small, oxy pendant on brown or black leather cord........... $90.31* (not shown) *Pricing includes tax. Limited quantities available To order: Please contact Katie Mullen, kmullen@landmarkschool.org to place your order. A portion of the proceeds will support The Landmark Parents Association. Cash or check accepted.
Make a Statement! Purchase a Pathway of Honor brick today, show your support, and become a permanent part of the fabric of Landmark School. Each brick is engraved with your special message. Bricks will be placed in either the walkway in front of the Alexander Building at the High School or in the pathway adjacent to the Elementary•Middle School dining and meeting rooms. ◗ Thank a special teacher ◗ Honor a student ◗ Memorialize a loved one ◗ Congratulate a graduate ◗ Make a statement!
◗ Your personal message can include 15 characters per line, maximum of 3 lines of text/brick. ◗B ricks are $100 and are a tax deductible contribution.
Order today!
Please contact Matthew Murphy, High School campus coordinator, at 978-236-3456 or mattmurphy@landmarkschool.org.
Visit:
www.landmarkschool.org/bricks
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25 th ANNUAL
GOLF BENEFIT JUNE 5, 2017 Join us at the magnificent Ipswich Country Club for our popular annual golf benefit. To learn more about sponsorships and how to reserve your spot please contact: Ryan DeJoy, 978-236-3208 rdejoy@landmarkschool.org or visit us at landmarkschool.org/events
148 COUNTRY CLUB WAY IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS 01938 www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Ipswich-Country-Club
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Fall Festival and Homecoming On October 15, 2016, Landmark School welcomed a host of friends, family, and alumni to campus for our H omecoming and Fall Festival. The day began at the Ansara Athletic C enter with the annual 5K, followed by a celebration on the lawn. The group then progressed up the hill for a barbecue at Collins Field while the boy’s varsity soccer team played a great game against Waring. The staff won the annual alumni vs faculty soccer game for the second year in a row. Thanks to everyone who helped make Homecoming and the Fall Festival such a fun and memorable day. 62
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Alumni Notes facebook.com/landmarkschool
@landmarkschool
landmarkschool
The Landmark School Alumni
Stay in touch! Please email us and let us know what you’ve been up to. Send updates and pictures to toriordan@landmarkschool.org William Mulvey ‘79 William received an associate business degree from Mitchell College and a marketing degree from Saint Leo College before starting his career in the boat business. He worked briefly in Florida and then spent 20 years selling for Albin Marine in Greenwich, CT. In 2006 he started his own business, Greenwich Fiberglass and Repair. After spending his whole life around boats, he rekindled a relationship with his high school sweetheart and moved out to Utah, where they married in 2014. William is now retired and enjoying exploring the wildly different landlocked state of Utah. While he was only at Landmark one year, he credits his time at Landmark for turning around his education.
Philip Rodriquez ‘86 Philip moved back from California and is living on Cape Cod. Mark O’Maley ’89
William Mulvey ’79
Mark O’Maley ’89 Mark is the lighting designer for the band Magnetic Fields’s international tour which premiered at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in November and will stop at The Next Wave Festival at Brooklyn Academy of Music, as well as in Philadelphia.
Mara Paul ’86 Mara completed her Master’s Degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2014 and is teaching Kindergarten at Little Sprouts in Nashua, NH. She has enjoyed being reconnected with so many friends and teachers, including Kathy Ells who was her math teacher at the Prep Program and is doing a phenomenal job tutoring Mara’s son Shayne, a sophomore at Pinkerton Academy!
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Heather Miltner ‘91 Heather graduated from Johnson & Wales with a Culinary degree. She is employed as a chef at The South Seas Island Resort in Florida.
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Alumni Notes landmarkschool Sean Bisson-Donahue ’97
Julia, daughter of Liz Winchell ’91
Sam Boardman ’99
Liz Winchell ‘91 Liz and her husband Jay have a daughter named Julia. Jay is the owner of All Fired Up, a paint-yourown pottery studio in Washington, DC, and Bethesda, MD. John Leshure ‘93 John graduated from Landmark North (EMS) campus in 1993. John finds it ironic that 23 years later he and his high school roommate, Joe Lovetere ‘96, are once again living together as roommates. Sean Bisson-Donahue ‘97 John is married to fellow alumnus Margaux (Tudor) Bisson-Donahue. They have two children, Roux (3), and Cree (9). We live in Sharon, MA where Margaux runs a home daycare and John works for Horizons for Homeless Children as a teacher in Jamaica Plain. Jeannine Mianowski ‘98 Jeannine has worked as a personal assistant for over 20 years. She lives on Long Beach Island, NJ and in Philadelphia.
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The Landmark School Alumni
Gabe Abeyta ‘05
Jason Hill ’06
Sam Boardman ‘99 Sam and his wife, Kristel, live in West Newton, MA. Sam is a Teaching Assistant at Wellesley Middle School and is on the Varsity Football Staff at Brookline High School. Mark Davidson ‘04 Mark graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography. He lives in Beverly, MA, where he is the owner of Clear Choice Photo Booth, and Mark Davidson Photography. His best memories of Landmark are dorm nights with Campus Cottage and trips with Chamberlain. Gabe Abeyta ‘05 Gabe reports that one of his film scripts, The Beginnings of My Heart was accepted into the Sundance Institute, and over the past year-and-a-half he was able to turn it into a feature film. He happily reports he is doing well and has started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for production. “I have struggled with dyslexia my whole life. Landmark helped me with the tools I still use
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Jennifer Sweeney ‘06 Jennifer is currently in her sixth year of working at New England Baptist Hospital. She is looking into attending graduate school for elementary education.
Justin Horne ’05, wife Tina and family
everyday. It was one of the greatest feelings in my life knowing that out of all the film submissions from around the world, my script was chosen by Sundance! And as much as I struggled with words, grammar, and punctuation, I still made it.” Justin Horne ‘05 Justin graduated from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management with an M.S. in Management Information Systems. John has worked for Goldberg and Osborne, a large law firm in Arizona, for 11 years. John and his wife, Tina, have three children, Mikayla (4), Charlotte (3), and Hailey (2). Jason Hill ’06 Jason graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology and is an assistant superintendent for Suffolk Construction. He has enjoyed working in construction on projects such as the Millennium Tower in Boston. He is looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
Amy Bradley ’07 FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
Maeve Tintle ‘06 Maeve graduated from the University of Scranton and now lives in New York City. She spends a large percentage of her time on an airplane traveling to and from Europe for work. Her company is like an eBay for airline seats, where passengers in Economy can bid on an upgrade to First Class. She manages relationships with a handful of airlines which allows her to travel a lot and interact in a business setting with people from different backgrounds. She credits Landmark not only for amazing academic tools but also for preparing her for her current role by allowing her to interact with people from all over the world. Amy Bradley ‘07 Amy finished her Master’s degree from Simmons College in Special Education. Amy and her fiancé bought a house in Oxford, MA in May. Molly Pugsley Lopez ‘08 Molly got married to Michael Lopez on August 12th. In addition to Molly’s older brother Rob and older sister Becca (both also Landmark alums), six of the
Molly Pugsley ’08
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nine bridesmaids were alumnae. Pictured: Alanna D’Orlando ‘07, Gia D’Orlando ‘08, Katie E. Pineo ‘06, Elizabeth Pineo ‘07, Emily Rose ‘08, Molly Rose Lopez ‘08, Rebecca Pugsley ‘04. Chloe Sernet ‘08 Chloe is back home in New Mexico, working as a paramedic in Albequerque. She and her fiance Adam will be getting married in July! Matt Cohen ‘08 Matt graduated Syracuse University with a B.S. in Sport Management and a minor in Sociology. He is currently a Senior Account Executive at Legacy Marketing Partners, a Chicago based experiential agency working with brands from Sears to Bel Brand Cheeses, Arizona Coyotes, and more.
Chloe Sernet ’08
Mary (Ogorzaly) and Dillon Okner ‘04 Dillon graduated: Columbia College Chicago 2004–2005 Manhattanville College, Purchase NY 2005– 2008
Danny Czerkawski ’12 Danny is working as a videographer at Suffolk Construction in Boston. See photo with Jason Hill on preceding page. Katy Aldrich ‘13 Katie is at Colby-Sawyer College and is planning to graduate in the spring. One of her best memories of her time at Landmark is Outdoor Leadership with Mr. Whitehouse. Luke Gass ‘14 Luke is a junior at American University in the honors program. So far it has been a good fit, and he is enjoying his studies. Luke is pictured with Elizabeth Warren whom he recently heard speak on inequality.
Luke Gass ’14
Katy Aldrich ’13
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Mary graduated: BFA Manhattanville College, Purchase NY 2004–2008 Six years ago Mary and Dillon relocated from the New York metro area to California in order for Dillon to further his career with Apple, Inc. After growing in his career from a store associate to visual merchandising manager and then assistant project manager building and maintaining Apple Stores nationwide, he left Apple and took on a role at Tesla Motors, Inc. as a project manager, building and maintaining Tesla stores and service centers. During this time Mary worked for three years at a Silicon Valley startup before returning to her true passion of photography. Founding Mary Bea Photography, she focuses her time now on creating beautiful and timeless images for families in the Silicon Valley and beyond. In 2014 the two wed at Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood, CA. Surrounded by friends and family including, Mark Davidson, Mallory O’Connell, and even Robb Genetelli and his wife Allison. Today they are overjoyed to be embarking on yet another new adventure. They are expecting their first child in the spring and Dillon has begun a new job with Enjoy Technologies as their Head of Real Estate & Development. One of their favorite pastimes while at Landmark was checking out at the duty office to take a walk down Hale Street to get some ice cream at Scoops!
FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
Jake Falk ’15
Aurise Miedico ’16 and Nicole Foilb ’16
AJ Centrella ‘14 AJ is attending Drexel University in Philadelphia. He is enrolled in a five year co-op program. His first co-op was at an insurance company.
ALUMNI FACULTY UPDATES
Jake Falk ’15 Jake is working part time at Vineyard Vines and is a full-time leasing consultant for Cortland Partners, a management company for apartments. Jake was recently featured in the 2016 Holiday Catalogue for Vineyard Vines and is living in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Katie Hamon Katie earned a degree in Policy and Leadership in Education at Stanford Graduate School of Education. She is living in the San Francisco Bay Area working for CK-12, an educational Katie Hamon nonprofit. Katie appreciated and misses the tight-knit Landmark community and enjoys visiting as often as she can.
Claire Spaller ‘15 Claire is a sophomore at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont, where she is double majoring in elementary education and psychology. She is looking forward to starting a career in special education. One of her favorite memories of Landmark is the Prep seniors prank when they covered Ms. Orsini’s classroom in toilet paper.
Tina Upton Tina taught at Landmark until she had her first daughter in 2005. She left Landmark to raise her three little girls, the oldest of whom is now 11! Tina and her family now live in Hopkinton, NH (Contoocook). Tina keeps herself updated on Landmark on Facebook and gives her regards to all the faculty members and former students.
Aurise Miedico ‘16 and Nicole Foilb ‘16 Aurise and Nicole came back to campus during their holiday break to have lunch and visit with friends and faculty.
Kim Dillaby About a year ago my husband and I took a leap of faith and sold our home in Beverly, sold most of our belongings, hopped on a plane with four suitcases, and moved to London with our Kim Dillaby and family two girls (and two dogs). I can happily say that it has been one of the most adventurous and amazing experiences I’ve ever had. The travelling aspect of being here has made everything
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worth it. Recently we ventured five hours north and visited Beatrix Potter’s house! I owe so much to Landmark and I am forever grateful for the tools and strategies Landmark taught me that continue to inspire my teaching career. Currently, I am a full-time lecturer of writing, research, and study skills at Newcastle University London. My students are from all over the world... Ukraine, Thailand, India, Korea, Italy, Turkey, Venezuela, China, Mexico, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, just to name a few places! Teaching an international student body with the skills I developed at Landmark has been a very positive experience. My students gain from me much of what I gained from my experience as a teacher at Landmark. That is, the confidence to live, learn, and discover through reading and writing.
IN MEMORIAM - LIZ SPARKES By Rachel Sauer Sun, Landmark Math Teacher 2005–2007 It is with great sadness that I report the passing of former Landmark math teacher, Liz Sparkes. Liz lived by the idea Liz Sparkes of leaving a place better than she found it, and she certainly did so at Landmark in her six years there (2002–2008). However, this concept also extended to people for Liz: She made it her mission to cheer people up, and she would tell jokes and do silly things in pursuit of a smile. Some colleagues referred to her as “Sparkles”; her smile, enthusiasm, and “sparkle” were contagious. Liz treasured her students, and her joie de vivre and love of math shone through in her lessons. Former math department chair, Jenn Sauriol, said “If the teacher isn’t having fun, the students aren’t having fun.” – Liz was always having fun teaching her algebra and trigonometry classes. Her joy for learning extended beyond her own classes as well: she was a passionate reader who almost always reading at least one novel, and she was an expert wordsmith who crushed most competitors at Words with Friends. She even taught herself conversational Spanish before a trip to Spain. I am hopeful that those of us who knew and loved Liz are able to retain some of her sparkle and take on her mission of spreading positivity.
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Alumni Recognition
Inducted for Excellence in Athletics his January we inducted four new alumni into the Landmark T School Athletic Hall of Fame. Please join us in congratulating Danny Czerkawski ‘12, Alina Donato ‘11, Jordan Yorks ‘09, and Luke Crocker ‘11. The Landmark School Athletic Hall of Fame was formed in 2010 to honor those alumni, coaches, and friends who have made a significant contribution to the athletic program at Landmark School, or whose participation in athletics outside of Landmark was so outstanding that is brought credit to Landmark School and served as a model for the Landmark community.
Michelle Authelet ’16
We congratulate recent graduate Michelle Authelet whose illustration, “Salad Days,” was selected as one of the top 65 pieces in the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. This year a record 320,000 entries were submitted from teens representing all 50 states. Michelle is studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she reports she is working hard and doing well.
CORRECTION In the last issue of The Lantern we mistakenly reported that Sam Curtis left Landmark to attend Brookwood School. We regret the error. Sam is attending Fessenden School. FALL/WINTER 2016–2017
LANDMARK SCHOOL
Board of Trustees FOUNDED 1971
Harvey L. Alter ’82 Glenview, IL Vice President The Alter Group Jeffrey Carney P’16, ’18 Wellesley, MA President & CEO Mackenzie Investments Moira McNamara James P’10 CHAIR Marblehead, MA Director of Video Operations The Conference Board *Nicholas A. Lopardo P’92, GP’22, ’23, ’24 CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Newburyport, MA Founder and President Susquehanna Capital Management Co. Robert J. Broudo P’11 PRESIDENT AND HEADMASTER Beverly, MA Landmark School, Inc. Martin P. Slark P’01 VICE CHAIR Burr Ridge, IL President and CEO, Molex, Inc. Mark R. Brislin VICE PRESIDENT Hamilton, MA Landmark School, Inc. Gia F. Meicher CLERK Beverly, MA Landmark School, Inc. Charles P. Harris CLERK EMERITUS Winchester, MA Landmark School, Inc.
Jennifer Paul Casey Marblehead, MA Casey Family Foundation Nancy Crate P’19, ’21 Beverly, MA Volunteer Alan Dachs San Francisco, CA CEO and Director, Fremont Group Lynne Darling Melochiek ’98 Hampden, ME Director of Community Relations Darling’s Automotive Group John DeJesus Marblehead, MA Retired Entrepreneur James Duffy P’14 Auburndale, MA President Ravago Holdings America, Inc. Nadine Gaab Cambridge, MA Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School Faculty at Harvard Graduate School of Education
Bill Gersh ’06 Beverly Hills, CA Agent, The Gersh Agency Emily Haggman Manchester, MA President and Director of Client Services, Haggman, Inc. Sandra L. Jesse P’13 Manchester, MA Vice President & Chief Legal Officer Haemonetics Corporation Robert S. Merowitz P’06 Sudbury, MA President & CEO Universal Realty Corporation Joseph H. Morgart P’12 Weston, MA Alternative Investment Pioneer Investments
Michael D. Tancreti P’09, ’11 Nashua, NH Chief Executive Officer Ashwood Development Company David A. Tessier P’10 Beverly, MA President Hospitality and Gaming Advisors *Robert J. Campbell P’04 Rockport, ME Investment Counselor Beck, Mack, & Oliver *David G. Peterson P’08 Bedford, MA Sales Management Consultant *Suzanne H. Sears P’02 Hamilton, MA * Trustee Emeritus
William T. Patten P’07 Hamilton, MA Director of Administration Brookline Bancorp Edward W. Probert Jr. P’15 Simsbury, CT Westminster School Assistant Headmaster for Advancement George W. Ratermann ’79 Livermore, CA Founder and Owner Ratermann Manufacturing, Inc. Catherine Slark P’01 Burr Ridge, IL Volunteer
Post Office Box 227 Prides Crossing, Massachusetts 01965-0227 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NON PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Rockford, IL Permit No. 781