Sycamore School Magazine / Winter 2019 by Sycamore School

WINTER 2019

SYCAMORE OUTDOOR PLAY LAB DEBUTS // VEX PROGRAM GROWS // SYCAMORE STUDENTS AT BOARDING SCHOOLS

VOLUME 13.2 HEAD OF SCHOOL

GIFTED EDUCATION SUMMIT

OUTDOOR PLAY LAB DEBUTS

SYCAMORE STUDENT AT BOARDING SCHOOL

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

VEX PROGRAM GROWS

SUMEETA BHATIA

SYCAMORE MATH

DIANE BORGMANN

PRESIDENT

RETURNING TEACHERS

THE HOOVER DOCTORS

NEWS + NOTES

SYCAMORE FUND

DEAR SYCAMORE FRIENDS,

to enhance our facility and offer our students a program that is even more impactful. This year we hired Mary O’Malley as our Alumni Coordinator, a new parttime position. Mary is increasing our connections and

Greetings from Sycamore!

interactions with our

It has been a busy fall

alumni. In this edition,

here! We’ve kicked off an

you will hear about

exciting academic year

some of our alumni who

and set lofty goals for our

have chosen to attend

own learning as well as

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

boarding schools as

for progress at Sycamore.

well as about alumni

We hosted the most

adventures of other sorts.

GLENNA LYKENS

successful Open House

HEAD OF EARLY CHILDHOOD JENNIFER WILLIAMS

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBERT WALKER

since 2011. Sycamore also

Students aren’t our only

hosted its third annual

“alumni.” We have faculty

Gifted Summit, a national

and parent alumni who can’t seem to ever

conference for educators from independent

really leave Sycamore! You’ll get to read about

schools with missions for gifted learners.

several of these alums who continue to return to Sycamore and enrich us in new ways.

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Under the guidance of our Strategic Goals Task Force, we have begun to create new

DR. SUSAN KARPICKE

I hope you find enjoyment and amazement

strategic goals that will drive us forward for

in the stories contained in this edition.

the next few years. This group is considering

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

I continue to be inspired by our students,

input from our ISACS Visiting Team Report,

our faculty, our parents, and our alumni.

last winter’s board retreat, and last spring’s

I feel privileged to be on this journey with

HOLLY LEE

parent survey as they thoughtfully evaluate

such an incredible group of people.

Sycamore’s strengths and challenges and

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PATRICK JUDAY

ON THE COVER & BACK: Sycamore 4th grader Aditya Bhatia.

SYCAMORE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Sycamore students with the food the school collected for the Crooked Creek Food Pantry.

NADYA SWIDEN AND HER DAUGHTERS SUPPORTING THE SYCAMORE FUND 100% IN 100 DAYS CAMPAIGN. S YC A M O R E S C H O O L . O R G

SUMI MAUN PRESIDENT

pathways into the future.

Onward and upward! Best regards,

We are also considering facility improvements needed for Sycamore’s future. This summer we completed the Early Childhood Play Lab, and our kids in Preschool, Prekindergarten, and

Diane Borgmann

Kindergarten are absolutely loving it!

Head of School

In consultation with Johnson, Grossnickle, and Associates, we are analyzing next steps

SYCAMORE CELEBRATES HOSTING SUCCESSFUL GIFTED EDUCATION SUMMIT

DIANE BORGMANN WELCOMES ATTENDEES

As part of a continuing goal of being

share and exchange thoughts with other

folks and knowing they will share with

the core faculty for Talent Development

in the U.S. with missions to serve gifted

Borgmann notes that many of the issues

a national leader in gifted education,

practicing professionals,” she says. “We

others is terrific.”

at Texas State University, San Marcos,

learners,” she says. “I set out to create

in gifted education are the same in an

Sycamore School hosted its third annual

also get to share our pride in Sycamore

she is a Lyndon B. Johnson Institute

that database. Through a variety of

independent school and in a public school,

Gifted Education in Independent Schools

and our kids.”

The 2019 conference featured two

Faculty Research Fellow and serves as

communication methods, we put out the

especially from an instructional standpoint.

keynote presenters. Dr. Michael Postma

the NASA STEM Educator Professional

word, and slowly the database was created.

She says they both have to consider

summit on September 19-20. A national conference for educators from independent

In the two previous years, the conference

and Dr. Katrina Henry Collins. Postma,

Development Collaboration Research and

After we had the list, I thought that we

identification, appropriate instructional

schools with missions to serve gifted

was held during the summer months.

a consultant, speaker, and author,

Strategic Projects Specialist.

should try to bring these schools together

methods and strategies, assessment, and

learners, participants came from eight states

This year, the conference committee

came to Sycamore as an expert in the

in some way, and my idea was to host a

social/emotional development. The

and twelve schools across the country.

elected to hold it during the school year,

holistic development of both gifted and

As Sycamore gets ready to enter its 35th

conference for this small subset of schools

difference comes from the independence

allowing those attending to see the school

twice-exceptional children. In addition

year as a gifted school, Borgmann says the

that doesn’t fit perfectly in the independent

of the schools like Sycamore, and those

in action.

to delivering his keynote, Postma

driving force behind deciding to host a

school world and not does it fit perfectly in

attending the conference.

stayed around for the afternoon of the

gifted conference was built on a realized

the gifted education world, which is usually

need to bring schools together.

very public-school focused. So I created a

“Being independent, we are not obligated

committee here at Sycamore to plan the

to follow some mandated or legislated

first conference for 2017.”

model for any aspect of our program,”

Sycamore’s Head of School, Diane Borgmann, says the conference allows

DR. KRISTINA HENRY COLLINS

Sycamore to be at the forefront of

“Participants are always grateful to be

conference and into the second day,

gifted education. “We gain visibility

able to see and hear about such a good

working with teachers. Dr. Kristina

and recognition as the leader in gifted

school in operation,” Borgmann says.

Henry Collins presented the keynote at

“I discovered that I could not find a

education, and get the opportunity to

“Getting to share our school with those

the event’s second day. A member of

database anywhere of independent schools

Borgmann says. “We are able to think,

BREAKOUT SESSIONS FROM 2019 GIFTED EDUCATION SUMMIT

NEW OUTDOOR PLAY LAB DEBUTS

n The Power of

Thinking in Different Bases

n Adventures in Academic Competitions

n Mystery Places- Ignite a love of

geography in your students!

n Online Collaboration in a Gifted

Fourth Grade Science Class

n Creating Positive Classroom Communities

“Outside of the school, the play area is one of the first things that visitors see and is now reflective of the kind of school we are.” SYCAMORE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER MARISSA ARGUS

n Modeling - The Key to problem solve, and try things that are

“Conference participants, as is typical

good choices, according to our best

of most educators, love to explore how

professional judgment, not according to

someone else approaches the same

a state or federal mandate.”

challenges they have,” Borgmann says. “This conference is an ideal opportunity

With presentations from not only the

for the exchange of ideas and sharing of

keynote speakers, but also from visiting

philosophies. The issues are amazingly

teachers and Sycamore teachers, the

similar at various schools.”

conference committee worked to build

Empowerment in Math

n Executive Function and

Student Success

n Differentiating Literature n Creating a Homework Policy

and Some Examples of Successful Projects

n Meet Your Math Brain n Gifted Technology for

She adds that the conference checks

hold the interest for all the attendees,

a number of boxes for Sycamore too.

no matter what their school role might

“One of my goals is for Sycamore to be

be. A committee of nearly 20 Sycamore

new Early Childhood Outdoor Play Lab made its debut. The shouts of excitement and sights of 3, 4, and 5 year-old students climbing, crawling, and exploring on the new equipment was a ringing endorsement of the success of the project.

Gifted Students

n Cultivating Curious Minds:

a varied agenda, and one that would

As the 2019-20 school year began, the

It’s Time to Teach the Love of Math

n Topics in Gifted: Small Group

With the designs conceived last year, and with some of the money raised during the Trivia Night event last February,

Share-Out

construction started as soon as school was

a national leader in gifted education.

n Equity and Justice in the

out last May. The Play Lab replaced a play

faculty and staff work year-round to

I’ve evaluated many schools similar

area that was in need of an upgrade. A

plan the event, holding organizational

to Sycamore, and I see how far ahead

meetings throughout the school year to

Sycamore is in lots of ways. We’ve done

prepare. As soon as the previous year’s

the work; and this conference is our

with an eye on creating an environment

summit concludes, planning for the next

baby, and we will continue to be the

that fosters growth for young students and

conference begins.

leader and the host.” n

provides a safe and fun place for recess.

Classroom: Constructing Meaning with Students

n The Power of

Personalized Learning and Student Units

number of parents and staff were integral in the planning and design of the area,

“I think there are a lot of reasons

imagination, dexterity, physical strength,

and they can’t focus because they have so

kids to work through social-emotional

carries over into the classroom and then

“The play lab is reflective of the kind of

why recess is now better for our Early

and coordination.”

much energy,” says Pam Cross, a parent

issues with their peers,” says Ruth Moll,

helps with social-emotional development.

school we are on the inside,” Moll adds.

of two Sycamore students.

Sycamore kindergarten teacher. “It is

Childhood students,” says Sycamore

parent Cory Martinson, a pediatrician

During a school day, it is important for

in Indianapolis. “The outdoor lab was

our youngest students to have a time to

Even if students spend much of their

designed to really encourage gross motor

release some energy. Recent studies have

recess time socializing, an ability to

and social development through play. We

demonstrated that recess makes children

refocus cognitively has been shown to be

know from studies that kids need play

more attentive and more productive in

stimulated by a break from the classroom.

to consolidate learning and also learn

the classroom. “I really feel if my children

through play. Play allows children to

don’t go outside and run around, they will

move their bodies while developing their

bounce up and down in the classroom,

“It provides a really engaging space for

a way we really foster creativity in our

“Kids build confidence when tackling

our students, and it’s something that’s

students, to think differently.”

obstacles on the playground like

going to be a permanent fixture at our

climbing. The swings help develop their

school to affect multiple generations of

According to Martinson, she sees play

vestibular systems,” Martinson says.

kids who come through Sycamore.” n

as important because it builds fine

“As a parent, I love that we have a well

motor and gross motor skills. She echoes

thought-out, safe, and attractive play

“The optimal play lab provides different

Moll’s thoughts that play aids in brain

space for our youngest students to thrive

spaces for different kinds of games for

development and flexible thinking, which

and grow.”

WHAT ABOUT BOARDING SCHOOL? SYCAMORE ALUMNI SAY “TAKE A LOOK!” BY LISA HENDRICKSON

Moving away from home to attend boarding

Joe was concerned about the financial

cross-country team and a varsity track long-

school might be a daunting prospect for high

commitment his parents would have to

distance runner. As a freshman, Joe founded

school students (not to mention their parents),

make if he chose Culver, but that concern

a club called Debating American Topics. He

but for some Sycamore School alumni, it’s a

fell away when he learned he had earned a

credits Mr. Young’s eighth-grade history class

choice that’s reaping rewards.

merit scholarship. The transition to boarding

with spurring his interest in current events.

school wasn’t difficult, he says, because Seven recent graduates report they were

Sycamore prepared him well.

that moving away from home was probably

well-prepared to take on the responsibilities and challenges of attending high school

“I had more homework in seventh and

harder on his parents than it was on him,

away from home, thanks to their Sycamore

eighth grade than I did my freshman

especially when his sister, Carly, also enrolled.

education and the confidence they gained

year. I was placed in advanced math and

“They were empty nesters three years earlier

before heading out on their own. We

science (at Culver),” Joe says. “Sycamore had

than they thought they would be.” However,

recently touched base with them to ask

prepared me how to manage my time and

his mom, Kristen Chandler, says he made

about their experiences at boarding school

my homework and had already taught me a

the right decision, although the family had

and their tips for success.

lot of the foundational knowledge I needed.”

never considered boarding schools. While Joe

He’s interested in a career in aerospace

was lured by Culver’s leadership program,

The bucolic campus of Culver Academies in

engineering: “I like flying and have always

Carly was attracted to the Girls Academy’s

northern Indiana recently has attracted four

been gung-ho about engineering.”

equestrian program. “Choosing a boarding

Sycamore’s academic rigor helped Carly

of the buildings, and since my visit was

me at Culver because I am able to handle

school was a difficult decision for me because

adjust to boarding school and living on her

in the fall, all of the leaves were changing

harder classes and more extracurriculars than

Sycamore alumni: Joe and Carly Chandler,

“I like being independent,” Joe says. He adds

CULVER CLASSMATES EVELYN TABOR, CARLY CHANDLER, AND CASSIE KAPLAN

Cassie Kaplan, and Evelyn Tabor. Joe, now a

Opportunities for leadership attracted Joe to

I did not want to leave my home in Indy,”

own. “I did not have to worry about the

colors.” Cassie wasn’t intimidated by the fact

my peers.” Her full extracurricular schedule

senior at Culver Military Academy, was first

Culver, and he’s taken advantage of them.

says Carly, “but I knew that it would benefit

classes I was taking because I was used to

that she would have to leave home. As the

bears that out. She’s captain of the equestrian

to enroll. Carly followed her brother a year

He’s a unit commander at the Military

me and help me develop into the person I

them being challenging.” Cognitive sciences,

eldest child, she often cared for her younger

Rough Riding team, which includes a mixture

later, signing on at Culver Girls Academy.

Academy, in charge of an honor unit of

want to be.”

psychology and human development are

siblings when her mother was away from

of vaulting, trick riding and Roman riding.

Cassie Kaplan, also a junior, and Evelyn

64 cadets. He’s responsible for overseeing

career areas she’s interested in exploring.

home. “This made me very independent

She also plays polo and is a member of the

Tabor, a sophomore, joined her.

the unit’s weekly military competitions

Her mom adds, “With our experience with

from a young age,” she says. “The idea of

jump team. She holds the distinction of being

and ensuring that members are doing well

Sycamore, it did not make sense to have my

Carly’s Sycamore classmate, Cassie Kaplan,

going to boarding school and being able to

selected to join an honor organization called

Joe says he was “pretty set on going to a day

academically. “I have a staff and have to

kids at different schools. We vetted it out

made the decision to visit Culver after

care of myself drew me in.”

the Equestriennes, a choreographed mounted

school until we went on the seventh-grade

make sure that everyone’s doing their job,”

for Carly, and she thought she could find a

watching a video about the school at eighth-

field trip to Culver. And then I really changed

he reports. He’s also commander of the

home in the Equestrian Department.” Carly

grade High School Information Night.

Cassie adds, “At Sycamore, I learned to follow

competes throughout the Midwest. She also

my mindset.” Initially, he was captivated by

Lancer Band, an instrumental group that

takes advantage of equestrian offerings

Her impressions were borne out during a

my passions... At Sycamore, you are taught to

plays rugby, is a photographer on the school

the beauty of the campus. “Now,” he says,

accompanies the performances of other

such as western team, polo, and jumping.

visit. “Once I stepped on campus, I knew

hold yourself to a higher standard. You are

newspaper staff, a peer academic coach, and

“it’s the people I’ve met. I think you find a

honor organizations, such as the Equestrians,

“Horsemanship is a super unique experience

that it was the school for me,” she says. “I

taught that your hard work pays off and how

a member of the Green Life Club and the

different breed of student at Culver.”

as they ride. In addition, he’s captain of the

that you can’t get at any day school,” she says.

was absolutely enthralled with the beauty

to maintain that hard work. This has helped

Global Studies Institute.

drill team of female riders that performs and

“AT SYCAMORE, OUR TEACHERS EXPECTED US TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND MATURE, AND THAT REALLY CARRIED OVER INTO HIGH SCHOOL.” — EVELYN TABOR

Cassie plans to study biology and pre-med

She’s a coxswain on the varsity girls rowing

Then, Emma was awarded the Institute

in college, with hopes of becoming a doctor.

team, as well as a varsity swimmer. She’s

for Educational Advancement’s Caroline

“I want to be able to help people and

the sophomore class secretary and is also

D. Bradley Scholarship: a merit-based,

potentially save lives,” she says.

involved in Model UN, the Green Life

need-blind award for highly gifted students

environmental group, the Women’s Rights

that covers four years of tuition. Her

Evelyn Tabor also thought she would attend

Awareness Program, and she serves as a

family encouraged her to look at a variety

an Indianapolis high school, but after going

student ambassador for prospective students.

of boarding schools, and that’s when she

on the seventh-grade trip to Culver and

In the future, Evelyn is interested in pursuing

discovered Choate Rosemary Hall. “I went

later attending a campus open house, she

a career in law, politics, or public policy.

to three schools for a revisit, and at Choate, I

increasingly felt, “This is where I want to end up.” She then learned that she had been

really felt like I could see myself there. I feel ________________________

awarded a full merit scholarship. “It was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” she says.

class sizes of about a dozen students, “It’s Three other Sycamore alumni headed

very easy to get extra help …. At Sycamore, I

further afield for their studies. Olivia

could always go in the morning and get extra

Like Joe, she was attracted by Culver’s

Williamson and Brian Liu attend Phillips

help. I can do the same thing here,” she says.

leadership curriculum. She wasn’t

Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, while

intimidated by the thought of being away

Emma Hermancinski enrolled at Choate

from home. “I think it was more difficult

Rosemary Hall in Connecticut.

high-level classes in areas I like to challenge

for my family than for me,” she says. “The

Olivia, a sophomore, briefly attended high

myself.” The school’s signature programs

school does a really great job of keeping you

school in Indianapolis but was interested in

offer her the opportunity to study abroad.

busy. My parents come up fairly often, and

attending an East Coast boarding school.

She’s headed to La Coruña, Spain this

I come home every few months. It was a

After visiting several, she knew “almost

associated with exceptional study skills.

which have proved invaluable at Exeter.”

spring, where she’ll study language, arts, and

pretty smooth transition.”

immediately” that Phillips Exeter was her

Knowing how to properly take notes, solving

In addition to his academic work, Brian is

literature. In the future, Emma is interested

top choice. Because she plans to pursue a

problems instead of memorizing formulas,

maintaining a full plate of extracurriculars,

in exploring a career in international law,

She adds, “At Sycamore, we took care of

career in a STEM field, she was attracted

and developing an in-depth knowledge of

“since I figured it would be best to take

politics, or government.

everything for ourselves. Because it was a

by its strong math and science programs.

history were all incredibly valuable.”

advantage of the vast opportunities,” he

small environment, the teachers gave us more

Along with her academic interests, Olivia is

guidance initially, and by the time we were

involved in many extracurricular activities,

in seventh and eighth grade, it was really up to us to get things done. That’s the way it is

JOE CHANDLER (RIGHT) WITH SYCAMORE’S DAVID FINK

Emma points out another benefit: “I can take

says. He shares a list that’s “definitely

She says her classmates at Choate remind

Brian knew he wanted to attend Phillips

not comprehensive”: physics, economic

her of those at Sycamore: “There are a lot

including rowing, student council, Model

Exeter by the time he was in sixth grade,

and math clubs; debate; orchestra; peer

of people who are really self-motivated.”

UN, and other social and academic clubs.

when Exeter’s Midwest admissions officer

tutoring; along with badminton club,

Her own motivation has led her to start a

visited Sycamore. “From that moment on,

squash, and ultimate frisbee.”

Quiz Bowl team—a carryover from her stint

at Culver too. We have really close personal

so supported by the teachers.” With small

relationships here with teachers, as we did

She calls her Sycamore experience “a key

I knew Exeter was a high school I wanted

as captain of Sycamore’s Quiz Bowl team

at Sycamore.” Evelyn says she also was well-

contributing factor” in her decision to

to attend,” says Brian.

prepared in terms of time management and

attend boarding school. “I really missed

taking the initiative to meet with adults. “Our

the environment that makes Sycamore so

He adds that because “Exeter is one of the most

teachers expected us to be responsible and

special,” she says. “Phillips Exeter provides

academically rigorous schools in the country,”

mature, and that really carried over into high

me with an opportunity to continue to be

the transition brought its share of challenges.

Emma, a sophomore, first contemplated

she has continued after five years of running

school with no parents here to do it for me.”

challenged in the same way that Sycamore

“Nonetheless, I think Sycamore did make that

boarding school in sixth grade after

at Sycamore. An advanced debater as well,

challenges students.” She adds, “Sycamore

step up smaller for me than for my classmates.

attending High School Information Night

Emma says, “I’m happy to see that Sycamore

Evelyn has taken the initiative to become

prepared me to study, and the environment

More importantly, I think Sycamore helped me

at Sycamore. “I was interested in Exeter,”

has started a debate team.”

involved in countless extracurriculars.

allowed me to develop the muscle and rigor

develop my intellectual curiosity and work ethic,

she says, but “my family was very hesitant.”

He hasn’t yet decided what he wants to study

in eighth grade. She serves as secretary-

in college but is interested in combining his

treasurer of the Gay Straight Alliance and

interests in engineering and business.

writes for its magazine. She’s also on the varsity cross-country team, another interest

Although Emma notes that some of her

it seems. Kids need to make sure they’re

classmates at Choate struggled to adjust to

ready for it. I know I was.”

the boarding school world, “I was much more comfortable because I had already

Brian offers some practical advice: “Don’t

taken challenging courses at Sycamore and

procrastinate on your applications. Try to

knew how to ask for help from my teachers.

explore your passions and try new things

I knew more about where my strengths

while you still have so much free time. Take

were, and I think that was really helpful.”

the time to visit or research boarding schools and find one that truly fits you.”

THINKING ABOUT BOARDING SCHOOL?

FROM ZERO TO WORLD In a world facing a need for new innovators,

and an example of how the program grew

thinkers, and problem-solving leaders, VEX

organically into something that students

TIPS FROM ALUMNI

Kristen Chandler agrees that a campus

Robotics is a competition that allow teams to

wanted to be a part of. “My friend, Kate

“Don’t worry about not being prepared

visit is imperative. She adds that as a

use STEM-based skills. Teams design and build

Weigand, was on the team and wanted

to take on the challenges of boarding

parent, “You have to pretend that you’re

a robot to play against other squads in a game-

another girl on the team. I was skeptical,”

school,” Olivia says. “Sycamore certainly

not sending your kid to high school,

based engineering challenge. It was back in 2014

she says. “Mr. McCarter would show our class

prepares you!”

you’re sending them to college.” She says

when Sycamore School jumped into the VEX

the robot on which they were working and

it’s crucial to think about how best to

Robotics arena, as former Sycamore Middle

the problems the teams were encountering

schedule required activities that generally

School Science Teacher, Jim McCarter, put

and ask us if we had any ideas how to solve

scared. There’s a stigma surrounding

take place during the school year, such as

together the first Sycamore Cyber Eagles team.

the challenges. I became intrigued with the

some boarding schools. If you are the type

doctor’s visits, immunizations, and driver’s

of person who has been able to go to a

education classes. “It is almost exactly like

“In 2014, my first year at Sycamore, Karen

One day after science class, I walked up and

summer camp for a while without missing

sending them off to college,” she says,

Wang and Peggy Brooks came to me during

asked if I could join the team even though the

Emma echoes that sentiment: “Don’t be

EMMA HERMACINSKI

challenges and decided I wanted to join.

your parents, if you have good time

Joe adds, “I would encourage kids not

“with one difference – they’re still under

a LEGO League practice and asked me if I

season had already started. He handed me a

management skills, if you feel that with

to shrug off the application process and

18, so you’re still responsible for them.”

had heard of VEX IQ robotics, and would I

contract saying I could join once I filled out

the help of adults from the school you’ll be

at least look at boarding school and see

be interested in sponsoring a team,” McCarter

the form. I had my dad sign the form after

able to manage your life there … I think

if it’s right for you. There are a lot of

She adds that parents should “understand

says. “So we bought our first robot with a grant

school that same day and began working.”

you should consider boarding school.”

valuable things that can be found in a

that even though you’re sending your kid

from TechPoint. Karen, Peggy, and Parker

boarding school experience. Culver is the

away, you can still maintain your family

Passarelli made up our team. It was Peggy’s

Sycamore 6th grader, Sarah Hinchman, tells

She adds, “Go to the school that makes

preeminent leadership training boarding

values—but you should also understand

and Karen’s mothers who donated money

a similar story. “Back in 3rd grade, I would

you feel the best about yourself. When

school in the country. What I’ve learned

that they’re starting to form opinions of

to buy us a playing field and spare parts. We

stay after school, and I would see the Vex

you go to see the school and shadow some

here at Culver really can’t be overstated.”

their own.” Most importantly, parents

built a basic claw robot and entered the big

teams practicing and I would constantly ask

should establish communication ground

Indianapolis VEX IQ tournament in a game

what it was, and when I could join,” she

classes, and you can see yourself sitting in those classes, then that is the right school

His sister agrees: “Boarding schools

rules, such as how often their child should

called Highrise. We qualified for the finals

recalls. “Once the form went out when I was

for you.”

actually prepare you for college in the best

be in touch. “With modern technology,

in that first event. The next year’s game was

in 5th grade, I jumped into it. All I know is

way.” She cites the academic challenge and

you’re not as far away as it seems.”

called Bankshot. Peggy and Karen again

that it looked like fun, and they were always

were on our primary team members, along

laughing and smiling.”

Cassie tells prospective students, “The people

learning to live independently.

you meet and live with become like a second

VEX

She adds, “A lot of people will say to those

with Owen Wright and Karl Wang. We got

family to you. Also, if you are too intimidated

Evelyn says prospective boarding students

who choose to send their kids to boarding

more serious and made it to both the state and

Those early successes and growing the teams

to go freshman year, apply to transfer in

should ask themselves these questions: “Are

school, ‘How could you?’ But I say, ‘How

worlds, where we placed 16th in the world.”

set the stage for taking the program to the next

sophomore year. Get a chance to understand

you ready to be away from home? Do you

could I not?’” n

how high school works before going to

have all the components you need to be

Mary Cudworth, now an 8th grader, is the

Math teacher, Nathan Keith, and a host of new

boarding school, if you feel afraid.”

successful? … It’s really not as daunting as

next generation of VEX students at Sycamore

parents started the next round of progress.

“WE LEARN TO TRUST ONE ANOTHER, WHICH DEVELOPS A BOND THAT MAKES US ALL BETTER STUDENTS.”

level, and that’s where Sycamore Middle School

Q&A WITH TWO VEX VETS WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT YOU HAVE

you have one minute to drive it in order to

without giving them the answer. The

LIKED MOST ABOUT BEING INVOLVED? HAS IT

score points. This is my favorite part of VEX

program could not be as big as it is today

because I personally love driving the robot.

(with a whopping 9 teams) without Mr. Keith

You can experiment with many different plans

and the dedicated parent volunteers.

MADE YOU A BETTER STUDENT OR PERSON? MARY CUDWORTH (Sycamore 8th grader):

VEX

has helped me improve my leadership and

to do when you are driving.

teamwork skills. The program has helped WHAT KIND OF SUCCESS HAVE YOU HAD

decision, they give us advice; such as

IN A COMPETITION?

what we want to do, and what would be

are all trying to come up with the best ideas before other teams. Since

a solid knowledge base in middle school

McCarter retired, has helped grow the

definitely gives the kids a leg up as they move

More than 11,500 middle school, high school,

program to more than 40 students from the

on to their high school and college computer

which is what has helped us to move

and college/university teams from 40 countries

humble beginnings. “Even with some of our

science courses,” he says. “Plus, the students

forward and gain confidence from one

compete in more than 750 tournaments

successes last year, we are only beginning

have to strategize how to overcome challenges.

another. I also like that if we get into an argument, we learn from it and move

our second year of competing in the Design

We expect them to brainstorm three or four

competitions. Tournaments are held year-round

element of VEX and in our third year of

options before building a specific part of their

and culminate at the VEX Robotics World

being able to hit the Teamwork component

robot. They learn how to go through a design

Championship each April. There are three

at our practices,” he says, adding that he

process. Many times, this leads to crazy ideas

I’ve gotten involved, I feel that I’ve made stronger connections with my classmates,

forward, instead of holding the whole team back and repeating the past. We learn to trust one another, which develops a bond that makes us all better students.

MARY:

Last year at the tournament held

better for us long term. They show us

at Sycamore, my team won the three

different variables we could use to make

top awards (Excellence, Robot Skills, and

this happen. In text coding, it is difficult

Teamwork Champion). At the 2019 VEX

to know what variable or command you

State Championship, held at Lucas Oil

need to use in order to have the robot do

Stadium, my team was the first Sycamore

the action you want it to. Mr. Keith is an

Middle School team to win trophies, which

amazing mentor. He makes sure we are

qualified us for the World Championships

always on track.

(second place in Robot Skills and the Think Award). I have been to the World Championships all three years that I have

HOW DO THE SKILLS YOU USE IN VEX TRANSFER TO YOU AS A STUDENT IN YOUR CLASSES?

participated in VEX, and I am hoping to

MARY:

make it four.

VEX helps me to be able to think on my

The problem-solving aspect of

feet and come up with creative solutions. SARAH:

Last year, our team had a huge

VEX robotics gives me exposure to

main categories: Standard Matches, which pit

truly isn’t as concerned about finishing

that aren’t going to work, but I also know that

two alliances of two teams, each playing against

first as he is about student growth. “For

when we let our students use their creativity

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VEX?

each other; a Robot Skills Challenge, in which

me, it is much less about the trophies and

to solve a problem, it can lead to a cool, and

MARY:

one robot plays alone against the clock; and

awards and more about the growth students

unique, solution.”

World Championships. It is amazing to see

a chance that we could either lose our

SARAH:

Online Challenges, which are unique contests

show in communication and teamwork

all the different cultures and their views of

ranking or improve it. It all depended on

time, stay on track, and to have good

using CAD, animation, and essays.

as the season progresses.” In fact, he

robotics. In the past few years, my team

how we drove. The pressure pushed us to

sportsmanship. In a classroom, you need to

has been paired with teams from different

do better every time, so we did. Eventually,

know how to manage your time well so you

countries, including: Germany, the United

it all paid off. We did have a chance against

can get as much done as you can, so you

Kingdom, Finland, Russia, China, India,

all of those teams, and weren’t just a team

have more time later for other things. In

that faded into the background.

a tournament, if you don’t keep track of

VEX states their goal is to create engaging,

My favorite part of VEX is the

notes, the teams – and not the coaches

affordable, and powerful solutions that

Last school year, six Sycamore VEX Robotics

- are responsible for setting their own

immerse students in STEM through the

teams advanced to compete at the VEX

competition goals for the season, and he

excitement of building and programming

and Turkey. It is also fun to end the season

Robotics World Championships in May.

says they reevaluate after each competition.

educational robotics kits. That echoes

going to Kentucky Kingdom.

made it to the Division Finals and won the

Being a program at a school for gifted

volunteer coaches strive to do at Sycamore.

Think Award, which is the top award for

students has its benefits too. At the Indiana

Keith admits he couldn’t have grown

programming excellence. All of the teams

VEX Coaches Summit that Keith attended

the program to where it is without the

advancing (two 5th grade teams and four

this past summer, he learned that Sycamore

involved parents, who, he says, have been

Middle School teams) were ranked in the top

is one of a very few VEX IQ programs

15 in the state, and two of the teams were in the top 10 in the country.

success at state. My favorite part of the

programming that I wouldn’t otherwise get

competition was the chance that we could

at Sycamore.

succeed. Every time we ran, we were taking

SARAH:

My favorite part of VEX is the

activity. Every year, they come up with a

VEX teaches you to manage your

your time, you might miss a run and ruin HOW DO MR. KEITH AND THE PARENTS HELP

the goals of what Keith and his parent

There, the Sycamore 5th grade boys’ team

SARAH HINCHMAN (Sycamore 6th grader):

Keith, who took over the program after

at local, regional, national, and world

If we are in the middle of a tough

hard, I could be good at something. VEX has also helped boost my confidence. We

________________________

SARAH:

my self-esteem by proving that, if I work

THE PROGRAM AND MAKE GOOD COACHES AND MENTORS?

you and your alliance partner’s ranking. Most importantly, you must have good sportsmanship. Just like in every other

Mr. Keith and the parent volunteers

new game. Every new game, you have to do

MARY:

different things in order to score points. Every

help the students through the problem-

that’s just what we do. If you or your

year you need to do different things that may

solving process and keep the students on

an integral part of the program since the

alliance partner messes up, you can’t go up

help you with ideas for future challenges.

task and focused. The coaches are great

there and yell at them. VEX helps to make

that have students code using text-based

start in dedicating their time, money, and

Once you have a fully functioning robot,

at helping lead students on the right path

me a better student. n

programming instead of graphical. “Getting

expertise. “With there being nine teams this

sport or activity, people make mistakes;

SECOND GRADE TEACHER DORIS FULWIDER HELPS HER MATH STUDENTS

season,” Keith admits, “it is impossible for

supporting two other Indianapolis events.

“Individually, it has helped me really get

me to support each team in each area of

“Although the number of VEX teams has

to know students and parents beyond what

VEX. Mark Cudworth gives up so much

dramatically increased in Indiana the last

happens in typical classroom interactions.

of his time each week in helping students

few years, the number of tournaments has

I’ve learned to appreciate the complex

with design and programming. Jill Fiur is

stayed steady in middle school and decreased

lives that our students and parents balance

a great resource for students in learning

in the elementary division,” Keith says. “As

daily. In building, programming, and

programming and is one of our parent

a program that has expanded rapidly, it was

driving the robots, there are going to be

team managers. Stephanie Smart and

time for us to step up and begin to lead.”

many failures for our students. This allows

Gregg Hinchman did a great job last year helping keep our 5th grade teams focused

them opportunities to grow in areas of ________________________

as they navigated through the extended VEX season.”

communication and empathy. Students can

It is a cool fall morning, between 7:30 and

Last year, Sycamore students correctly

of thousands per year. The overarching math

8:00 a.m. and well before the official school

solved 5,372 of these problems. This year,

philosophy at Sycamore is more nuanced

day is set to begin. A dozen middle school

the students have already correctly solved

than this, but if you had to narrow it down to

students are hunkered down, working

2,970. If you walk the Middle School

one single idea, it would be we implement a

on math problems. It is a ritual that has

halls, you can see the evidence of this

problem-solving approach to math.”

played out for a number of years in Trent

problem solving anywhere you see a 4 inch

Tormoehlen’s room.

by 5.5 inch piece of paper containing a

Sycamore alumnus, Youkow Homma (’08),

couple of math problems.

a data scientist at Microsoft, has come to

watch how they stack up against teams in the Two years ago, when then Head of Middle

state, nation, and world in real time.”

School, Jamie MacDougall, and Keith

SYCAMORE MATH: TAKING A PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH

Keith says that have added more parent

met about the idea of expanding the

“As we have grown to be more competitive

managers as the program expanded from 7 to

program and the possibility of hosting

in each area of a VEX competition, our

9 teams this year. “In the last three years, we

our own event, they really had no idea

students see what is possible and success has

have grown from two teams and 10 students

the future would include the nine teams,

bred success,” Keith says. “I was told before

to nine teams and 44 students this year.”

hosting three large events, and finding

coming to Sycamore, a little over four years

During the 2019-20 school year, Sycamore

time, energy, and resources for nearly 50

ago, that the school community was very

will be hosting three events, co-hosting

kids. But Keith says the benefits have

supportive - and they have fully blown away

with Cold Spring School for another, and

been too numerous to refuse the growth.

my expectations.” n

One popular activity that grew from this time is

the realization that his Sycamore education,

solving “Morning Math Problems.” Despite the

“When I first considered the number of

and math in particular, had given him a

nomenclature, students work on these problems

‘Morning Math Problems’ that had been

head start on education in high school and

anytime during the day. They have the option

solved, I realized this only represents a very

college. “Sycamore’s math program showed

of solving the 240 contest problems, which

small percentage of the math problems

me the power of working backwards from

are pulled directly from math competitions, or

solved in our building during a given year,”

an answer, how to quickly recognize when a

the 120 challenge problems, which are at an

Tormoehlen says. “It occurred to me the total

solution is inconsistent, and how to choose

increased level of difficulty. Completing a full

number of problems solved through classwork,

the most efficient, least error-prone way to

set earns them entrance into the Morning Math

homework, assessments, contests, and extra-

solve a problem. The material I learned at

Hall of Fame.

curricular practice must be in the hundreds

Sycamore set me up for success not only in

my future math classes but also helped me

Sycamore math program is the respect for

balance equations in chemistry, dissect RC

creative thinking.

circuits in physics, and identify arbitrage in economics class.”

I love that we teach students that there is not one single correct way to approach a problem.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR MATH

It is about developing a toolkit of strategies and

In Middle School, the majority of the extra-

skills that fit them best. I love to see the look of

curricular math happens as a part of Sycamore’s

amazement on 1st grade faces when we solve

math team. The problems that students

the same problem through different strategies

encounter during math team activities range

and still get to the same answer. To me,

from those that can be solved using nothing more

encouraging this creativity respects the learning

than elementary math computations to problems

needs, styles, and differences of my students.”

in the areas of algebra, geometry, number theory, and probability theory that would challenge most collegiate math majors. These problems

FINDING THE MATH SPARK

JENNIFER HENDRY TEACHES MATH SKILLS TO HER 1ST GRADERS

Part of the magic trick for teachers is engaging

come directly from math competitions or are

students and getting them excited to learn.

problems written by Sycamore teachers. In fact,

How do you do that with math? It starts in

the consistent quality of the problems from math

Early Childhood, with the Preschool, PreK and

competitions is one of the reasons Tormoehlen says Sycamore participates in math competitions. The problems are written by mathematicians from around the world, and they challenge students to think and engage with curricular and non-curricular math in ways that go well beyond normal classroom activities. “The Sycamore math team works to provide opportunities for a large number of Sycamore students to improve their problem-solving skills beyond what there is time for in the classroom,” Tormoehlen says. “Students engage with the team at levels commensurate with their schedule, time, and interest level. Morning math meets twice a week before school and serves as an entry point for students interested in

MATHCOUNTS is the largest and most

and beyond,” Homma says. “Whether it

students engaged in math with a lot of “hands-

Sycamore experience. Fulwider understands

popular middle school math competition

was doing a team round in a hotel lobby

on” activities. Her philosophy is noted in her

some students will take that track, while others

in the country. From October to March,

the night before a competition, or playing

“My Mathematics Creed” (posted at end of

just need an ability to like math.

Sycamore practices every Monday after

games in the car ride to Rose Hulman,

story) and guides her teaching.

school from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The team

or getting together on a normal Monday

also has another dozen practices spread

afternoon for practice, some of my best

“In a nutshell, I try to expose young children

if it is approached as an opportunity to put

throughout the year to help prepare for

memories at Sycamore are from the

to the ‘real’ math that students don’t usually

forth one’s best effort and work hard to achieve

specific contests. During practice, students

relationships I built with the students and

see until they reach high school or beyond. I

future personal goals. I always tell my young

participate in activities that increase their

teachers involved with the math team.”

have never understood why those beautiful

students that if they have done their best in a

ideas are withheld from our youngest and most

competition, they can feel proud. Not everyone

curious children. Second graders learn about

can be the winner, but everyone can be a winner

fractal geometry, Eulerian paths and circuits,

by working hard and doing their best.”

problem-solving skills and math knowledge, and prepare them to specifically compete in the MATHCOUNTS contest. While only 10 students from Sycamore are allowed to

LAYING A FOUNDATION

the Eratosthenes Sieve for filtering out prime

compete in the official contest each year,

FOR MATH IN LOWER SCHOOL

numbers, Euler’s polyhedral formula, and on

Sycamore 1st grade teacher, Jennifer

there are usually 25 to 30 students who attend

By the time students reach Middle School, the

and on and on. It’s so much fun. I am excited

Hendry, has the philosophy that with math,

practice to improve their problem solving.

foundation for math has been laid in Lower

that all of the Lower School math teachers

it is important to empower students through

School. Doris Fulwider, who teaches 2nd grade

work closely with one another to create a

choice and to match the activities with

“Being a part of the math team allowed

and also works with students in extra-curricular

challenging and cohesive experience for

their learning style. “We offer students a

me to share and present my ideas to my

math opportunities and teams, works with her

students as they progress through the grades.”

variety of activities each week so that they

peers, interact with some of the best

students and other teachers to give kids a love

As students go on to the next grades, the

can learn to manage their time and support

teachers throughout Indiana, and make

of the academic area and a base for growing

competition opportunities can increase,

their own mathematical growth,” she says.

life-long friends both within Sycamore

as students. She does a terrific job of getting

though it is not a required part of the

“One thing I’ve always loved about the

the math team. During this time, students have opportunities to work in groups on team rounds and to compete in shorter, entry level contests. The second opportunity is to participate in the Sycamore MATHCOUNTS team.”

________________________

“I think competition is fine,” she says, “especially

Kindergarten students, and then blossoms in Lower School. Kindergarten teacher Ruth Moll, wants to instill a confidence in her students. “When students leave the EC division, we want them to know they are capable of being a good math student; we want them to be deep math thinkers; and we want them to enjoy math,” Moll says. ‘We accomplish these things by teaching them how important a growth mindset is. We look at challenging problems as an opportunity for our brains to grow, and the students really start to embrace that enthusiasm to tackle difficult work.” Sycamore starts with play-based math learning in Preschool and PreK and by the time they reach Kindergarten, students are ready to take the next step in the math maturation and problem-solving process. Sycamore’s Tiffany Stahl, who now teaches

3rd grade, but taught for many years in Early

schoolwide MAPS (Measures of Academic

Childhood, says watching students grow

Progress) results that not only demonstrates

as they go from EC to Lower School is an

continuous and sustained growth over time,

amazing thing. “The progression of academic

but also that students consistently outgrow

levels that students go through is an incredible

their peers and move up the percentile

thing to witness,” Stahl says. “Students start at

charts. Since Sycamore has been giving

a young age and continue building skills until

the MAPS test, an incredible 44% of

they reach mastery of numerous concepts

Sycamore 8th graders have scored in the

before turning the corner into Middle

99th percentile.

School. Students are challenged at their own mathematical skill level on a daily basis so that confidence and success can be achieved.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER TRENT TORMOEHLEN GOES OVER MATH PROBLEMS WITH HIS STUDENTS

In addition, Sycamore continues to lead the state in math competition performance. The team has finished in the top six at

Fulwider thinks it is ironic that she loves math

the State MATHCOUNTS competition

so much now, because it wasn’t always that way.

every year since 1999, including eight

“A lot of people are surprised to hear that I did

love it! Now I feel so fortunate that I can share

First, just because you have to work harder at

team championships and five runner-up

not like math growing up,” she says. “At some

my passion with Sycamore’s young students.”

something also doesn’t mean you can’t do it or

finishes. Thirty-one Sycamore students have

you’re not good at it,” she says. “I always try to

represented Team Indiana on the National

point in my education, I had decided that math was not for me.” As a teacher, she engages her

And that passion stokes fires that enable

keep in mind that my students are still only 9

MATHCOUNTS team, which is made

students with a hands-on teaching style, building

Sycamore Middle School math teachers to

and 10-year-olds and to make an effort to get to

up of the top four individuals from the

shapes, working with the Golden Ratio, and

take their students to heights and places that

know my students early in the year, to see where

state competition. Over the last 10 years,

generally finding ways to make the learning fun,

other school’s students may not travel.

their interests lie. I try to find math practice that

a Sycamore student has been recognized

incorporates that interest and we talk a lot about

as the top girl performer at the state

grit and perseverance in my class.”

MATHCOUNTS contest 9 times.

which she says wasn’t the case when she was a kid. “When I was in school, math was taught

________________________

very differently than it is today. Teachers showed

DORIS FULWIDER

n I believe that ALL students can

n I believe that math class is about

achieve at a high level in mathematics,

learning, not performing, so I will

so I will foster a growth mindset

use assessments to inform instruction.

by providing an appropriate challenge

for every student every day.

n I believe in a student-centered

approach to teaching math, so I will

n I believe that mathematics is more

encourage inquiry and ask students

than rules and procedures, so I

to take ownership of their learning.

will guide students to look beyond

WHAT the answers are to WHY

n I believe that depth is more important

they make sense.

than speed, so I will balance

acceleration with enrichment,

n I believe that mathematics is

asking students to think deeply

multi-dimensional, so I will provide

every day.

for students a balance of experiences

intended to develop computational

n Most importantly, I believe

and procedural skills, a deep

that math is an open, beautiful,

conceptual understanding,

and creative subject full of

and problem-solving skills.

interesting patterns and connections,

so I will share my passion for

n I believe that students must

mathematics, sincerely hoping

experience a sense of disequilibrium

in order to grow, so I will encourage

children to value and embrace

mistakes, productive struggle,

and failure.

students the steps and procedures for executing

“True mathematics is not a process of memorizing

“I work very hard to differentiate instruction

As a team this past year, Sycamore was the only

standard algorithms, expecting students to

formulas and applying them to problems tailor-

- to push each child just outside of his/her

middle school to compete in the High School

imitate and memorize them, without any

made for those formulas. Instead, the successful

‘comfort zone,’ Fulwider says of her students.

Math League, finishing 4th in the state, ahead

explanation of why those steps and procedures

mathematician possesses fewer tools, but knows how

“This way, everyone has an opportunity to

of many of the top public and private high

worked or made sense.”

to apply them to a much broader range of problems.

perform at a very high level, to enjoy doing it,

schools in the area. Sycamore students also

We use the term problem solving to distinguish this

and to experience continuous growth. I believe

compete against high school students while

Fulwider discovered years later, as a teacher,

approach to mathematics from the memorize, use,

in a challenging, rigorous, and fun experience,

participating in the AMC 10 math contest, a

that there was a spark still burning in her math

forget approach.” RICHARD RUSCZYK, FOUNDER OF

and honestly, I have never had a student leave

contest for students in 10th grade and under.

says Rhea Acharya (’17). “Almost everyone

small role in the education of future world

soul. “Fast forward several years to when I

ARTOFPROBLEMSOLVING.COM

second grade not loving the subject, regardless

Only the top 2.5% of scorers qualify for the

who has been part of Sycamore’s math team

changers,” Tormoehlen says. “Whether

of their instructional level. That energizes me.”

American Invitational Mathematics Exam, a

has loved it (and wants to) come back and help

that world is medicine or education or

very prestigious honor. Sycamore has had 43

the next group of elementary and middle

technology or politics, or one of the vast

students earn that status.

school students experience the same amazing

number of other areas Sycamore graduates

moments that they once had experienced.”

influence, I am confident they will be

taught in a 1st grade self-contained gifted and

MY MATHEMATICS CREED

talented classroom. I discovered, at that time,

As a student progresses to the end of Lower

how fun and interesting the subject was. I

School, 4th grade teacher, Jean Wright,

found my way to Sycamore, where I was able

continues to find ways to differentiate the math

to focus solely on primary math education, and

education and keep students encouraged as

I became obsessed with the subject, along with

math gets a bit more difficult. “There are two

how to teach it so that students would learn to

messages I hope I get across to all my students.

MATHCOUNTS AND MORE

There is much evidence that shows the

that all students will learn to love the subject and appreciate its beauty.

success of Sycamore math students

“As you can see from the number of alumni

because of the problem-solving approach.

who come back every year to help out with

“One of the motivators for teaching at

Sycamore to help solve problems that will

Concretely, there is evidence from

the math competitions that Sycamore hosts,”

Sycamore is knowing that I get to play a

make the world a better place.” n

able to call upon the tools they learned at

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

MARY O’MALLEY, Former Language Arts Teacher, and Middle School Coordinator CURRENT ALUMNI COORDINATOR

infinitives, I was thrilled to still work with for 3 years. Last year I was baptized by

ERICA HARRISON (’99) Former Student CURRENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

I had been at Sycamore for 20 years

fire into an entirely different world of

In 1989, my parents were looking for a

MAKING A COMEBACK AND

when in 2017 life’s circumstances

students in Early Childhood where I

better school for my older brother, Kyle.

Now that I am a mother, my children’s

RETURNING TO SYCAMORE

beckoned me to take a temporary

substituted and was introduced to the

They found a school near our home

education is a top priority. When my son

BY MARY O’MALLEY

departure. Back in 1997, while I was

playground and afternoon naptime.

in Greenwood, Indiana that offered

was offered admission to Sycamore, it was

advanced classes. When my mother

the easiest decision to make. It isn’t easy

“What could ever lead you...back here where we need you? We always could spot a friend. Was there something that made you come back again?” Those are some of the lyrics from John Sebastian’s 1970’s theme song for Welcome Back Kotter. In the situation comedy, Mr. Kotter returns to his alma mater, James Buchanan High School, to teach. Although Sycamore’s student population is different than the students he came back to, the sentiment is similar: Coming back to a place where one has spent time previously is one of the greatest testimonies to the institution.

Middle Schoolers in a different capacity

teaching at St. Malachy, my mom saw an

of a great education and wanted to provide the best for us. Sycamore, to them, was worth every sacrifice.

Indianapolis Star ad for an Assistant in

Presently, I am at the other end of the

went to learn more about this school,

financially, but just like my parents, I will do

Sycamore’s Language Arts Department.

spectrum: serving as Alumni Coordinator.

one of the employees, Diane Borgmann

whatever I can to send my kids to Sycamore

I wanted a change, and I got it. For those

My students range in age from 3 to 43

(Sycamore’s current Head of School), was

because I know they will be getting the best

first two years, I was the assistant in

and up! It’s always an interesting day for

happy to help. Diane listened to my

education from teachers who care about

6th Grade Language Arts for Maureen

me seeing and interacting with the little

mother talk about Kyle and his unique

them, fuel their passions, and fulfill their

Powell. In 1999 I was hired for the lead

preschoolers while still communicating,

needs, and she thought another school

needs. I absolutely loved this school as a

teacher position under sad circumstances

connecting, and reconnecting with

would better suit him. She told my mom

student; I found a new appreciation for it as

as Mrs. Powell passed away. I then taught

my beloved alumni. During my time

to look into Sycamore.

an employee for the last 10 years; and now

grammar, vocabulary, composition, and

away, I missed this school more than I

literature to a combination of 5th, 6th,

ever imagined I would. When someone

Kyle joined Sycamore’s 2nd grade class in

in love with it, too. Sycamore has always held

7th, and 8th graders for the next 16 years.

would ask me where I worked (actually

1990, and the very next year I joined in 1st

a special place in my heart, and it just keeps

I was not employed), I replied, “Sycamore

grade. Sycamore was quite a drive for us,

getting better. n

In 2014 a new position was created:

School in Indianapolis.” To me I was not

about 45 minutes each way in good traffic.

Middle School Coordinator. Although

misrepresenting the truth; I was in denial

And it was expensive. My father was a

I was apprehensive that I would miss

because I was so eager to return to my life

serviceman for a heating and air company,

sitting in my rocking chair conducting

here on 64th Street. Sycamore is where

and my mother was a cardiac nurse at St.

vocabulary bees and standing at the

“I thrive!” n

Francis, working mainly on weekends. Even

I’m overjoyed to watch as my kids are falling

white board with my colored dry erase

though it was a stretch for us geographically

markers teaching gerunds, participles, and

and financially, my parents knew the value

JOANNA JOCKISH Former Lower School Assistant for 25 years CURRENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

After leaving Sycamore after the 2019 school year, I couldn’t commit to a full-time position due to many factors. However, I wanted to return to my beloved school on a more flexible schedule. I am substitute teaching this year because I enjoy working with the talented Sycamore students. I enjoy the community’s positive atmosphere at Sycamore that you don’t find at other schools. I am also teaching an after-school volleyball clinic this session for Lower School girls because I would like to build the game and continue to contribute to the volleyball program at Sycamore. n

“I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD SYCAMORE.” — DIANE BORGMANN

DIANE BORGMANN Past parent, former Head of Lower School, former Associate Head of School CURRENT HEAD OF SCHOOL

We had settled into life in North Carolina Sycamore’s consultants contacted me

JEAN WRIGHT Past parent, former Kindergarten Assistant, past Board member CURRENT 4TH GRADE TEACHER

DEB REIDY Retired 3rd grade teacher CURRENT LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM PROJECT

ALEXANDRA MILLER (’09) Former student CURRENT PRE-KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

I had been Head of Lower School at

about becoming a candidate in Sycamore’s

In my heart and mind, I never truly left

At the end of the 2018 school year, I retired

search. At first, I didn’t think that was a

their life, they often say high school or college.

Sycamore since 1993, when in 2005, our

Sycamore. I see evidence of the academic

from Sycamore after 24 years as a 3rd grade

good idea. As I considered opportunities

For me, it was my time at Sycamore School.

family moved to North Carolina. We had

and social-emotional foundations the

teacher. It was a bittersweet ending to my

at other schools, however, it eventually

I went to Sycamore from the time Preschool

two kids in college and one starting high

school has given my sons every day.

teaching career. I was looking forward to

became clear to me that Sycamore

was called EC-1 and stayed until 8th grade.

school, and my husband and I felt the need

While pursuing my teaching license,

more time for travel and writing, and I knew

was really the best match for me. So I

I remember doing the Pre-K owl dissection

for some change in our lives. We wanted

faculty and staff members regularly

I wouldn’t miss that early alarm clock and

submitted my materials, and when the

in portable classrooms while the EC wing

to live in a different part of the country,

checked in to provide me with advice and

long drive to work every day. But I also knew

search process concluded, I was offered

was being built. I remember breaking ground

and so we did our homework regarding

words of encouragement. When I was

there was going to be a void in my life. At

the position as Sycamore’s next Head of

for the Middle School entrance. I remember

opportunities for each of us in locations

presented with the opportunity to teach

school, I was surrounded by curious students,

School. It was too perfect to turn down.

building roller coasters out of foam pipes

that were attractive to us.

at Sycamore, it was easy to decide to

lively conversations, and a whole building

There was probably nothing else that

and marbles in 3rd grade. I remember going

physically be where my heart and mind

full of people who were passionate about

would’ve caused us to move away from

to Florida in 6th grade and dissecting a

I accepted the Lower School Director

have been all along. n

the same things I was. I knew I would miss

North Carolina!

squid. Sycamore was the foundation of my

position at Greensboro Day School, a large

Sycamore. That’s why I eagerly accepted

childhood. I will never forget the faculty and

an offer from Mrs. Borgmann to return

staff that helped me become the person I

and loved it. As I pursued my own search,

independent school in Greensboro, NC.

When people get asked about the best time of

My husband was admitted to the North

I think life has a way of evolving as it

part-time a few months after my retirement.

should, and I’m so grateful to have the

am today, which is why I made the decision

Carolina Bar and accepted a position

I started out working on some short-term

opportunity to lead Sycamore. The

to come back and become a teacher at

with a legal think tank in Greensboro.

projects for Mrs. Lykens. One of those tasks

experience I had at GDS broadened

Sycamore. I would like to make that big of

After four years in Greensboro and the

transitioned into a more in-depth project

my perspective and enabled me to be a

an impact in my students’ lives as well. I want

arrival of a new Head of School at GDS,

of curriculum review and development for

stronger head at Sycamore. I’m happy to

to see them succeed and enjoy the amazing

I decided I wanted to look for a headship

the entire school. I enjoyed the challenge

be back. n

opportunities that I experienced. Sycamore

at an independent school. At the same

of the job, and, of course, being part of the

School is unlike any other school. Sycamore

Sycamore community once again! n

School is my home. n

time, Sycamore was in a search for a new Head of School. We never considered that we would move back to Indianapolis.

THE HOOVER DOCTORS THREE SYCAMORE GRADS EARN MEDICAL DEGREES BY SHARON HOOVER; ALUMNI PARENT

The Hoover family is a bit odd in some ways.

first attended, there was no library, and he had

We have been known to discuss diseases at

physical education, ate lunch, and performed in

dinner, group text about mysteries in medicine,

plays and concerts in the one-room “Café-gym-

and choose medical missions in jungle rain

natorium.” The building was not important to

forests for family vacations. I know that I brag

our educational decision because the quality of

when I say that we all have Phi Beta Kappa

the teachers and the curriculum was incredible.

keys, and most recently we dressed alike for a

Where else could preschool students dissect owl

family photo in white coats. David and I are

droppings, develop a love of books before they

proud of the current and future physicians in

knew how to read, learn to ask questions, and

our family. We give some credit for our children’s

most importantly, learn how to find the answers

success to medical tradition, but we are most

to questions? Education at Sycamore was both

grateful to the emphasis placed on the education

amazing and fun! While David and I eventually

they received at Sycamore at an early age.

moved to Zionsville for its excellent school

LAUREN DITCHLEY Past parent, former Art Assistant CURRENT 2ND GRADE ASSISTANT

ELLIE GRUBAUMS Past parent CURRENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

CAROL PAIK Past parent and SSA President CURRENT VOLUNTEER

Sometimes after leaving you can see more

I have never actually left Sycamore, so I’ll

One of my favorite memories was working with

clearly what is right in front of you. During

write why I’m still there! My subbing “career”

a wonderful alumni parent, Janet Raker. Janet

my two years away from Sycamore, I had the

started 18 years ago, when my youngest

came back every year to teach Safe Sitter class to

Our family has important role models

to send all of our children to Sycamore School

opportunity to grow my art practice and explore

son, Christian, was a kindergartner in Mrs.

our students many years after her children had

for our children. My grandfather, John T.

from EC2 through eighth grade. JD graduated

my place with fresh eyes. Returning to Sycamore

Williams’ class, and I’m still subbing. Why?

graduated from Sycamore. Our students were

Emhardt was a family practice physician in

in 2006, and Ellie in 2008. By the time Maddie

as a substitute I was able to experience parts

I enjoy watching and helping my student

so lucky to get this babysitting class for free at

Indianapolis for over fifty years. My father,

finished in 2011, David and I had spent 16 years

of the school I had never known. Entering my

friends progress and blossom as they move

Sycamore. There were other alum parents who

Dr. William H. Fulton, was one of the first

as Sycamore parents. That is one of the best

assigned classroom for the day, including the art

from Preschool through 4th grade. I feel

volunteered to help with this class. They are my

neurologists in the state of Indiana, and he

choices we ever made.

rooms where I once taught, a new world was

blessed to be a small part of this journey, and

role models in showing that one could volunteer

retired last year after sixty years of practice.

introduced to me. The freedom to work next

nothing brings me more joy than watching

after their children have graduated. As a former

I am an ophthalmologist, and my husband,

Following Sycamore, all three kids attended

to colleagues whom before I would only see for

these young people grow. I love the energy of

dentist, I am so glad that I still get to talk to the

David, is a practicing anesthesiologist, as well

University High School, and then my Alma

fleeting moments in the hallways sparked my

the teachers and the school. They are always

preschool classes. The message is still the same

as the Anesthesia Director of Surgery at St.

Mater of DePauw University. We chose

spirit in ways I did not expect. It was a feeling

seeking better ways to improve the curriculum,

since my first talk 23 years ago: brush your teeth

Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. All three

both institutions for their dedication both to

of familiarity and newness holding hands. As

challenge their classes, and try new teaching

after you eat your Halloween candy!

of our kids are Sycamore School alumni,

academics and a liberal arts education. JD then

I would pass students, friends, and parents in

techniques. Each time I substitute, I survey

and David and I credit Sycamore with the

attended Indiana University School of Medicine

the hallway, the exchanges of smiles, waves,

the amazing work and projects as I walk down

I really love helping at the front desk. You might

educational base that prepared all three to

followed by a year of internship in Internal

and hugs made me feel at home every time.

the halls and note how they evolve from year

hear my voice on the phone when I explain that

become fourth generation physicians.

medicine at Eastern Carolina University in

Conversations around the lunch table on those

to year. I love watching the enthusiasm of the

I might accidentally disconnect you because I

special days reminded me of the wonderful

students scurrying down the hall at 8:00 AM,

am a volunteer. I help to staff the front desk so

While David and I obviously believe in the

an anesthesia resident at IU. Ellie is a senior

people and place I am surrounded by. Slowing

the clamor of the cafeteria, and noting how

that every staff member can go to graduation

value of medicine as a career, raising three

medical student at Marian University College

down and viewing the whole picture has

the students walk down the hall to specials,

or an all staff meeting. I always look forward

doctors was not our goal. We did believe in the

of Osteopathic Medicine. She is currently

shown me what a gift I have in Sycamore. I am

waving to former teachers or “high-fiving”

to coming back to Sycamore and seeing the

importance of early education, so we chose

interviewing for a family practice residency and

continually thankful for the opportunity to grow

buddies in other classes. Perhaps I’ll stay

inspiring teachers who taught my sons. n

Sycamore School for JD in 1995, not long after

has been asked to contribute a chapter for a

and learn here. n

another 18 years! n

the school was in its present location. When he

book about family medicine. Maddie has just

system, ironically, we never utilized it. We chose

“THE QUALITY OF TEACHERS WAS INCREDIBLE. WE CHOSE TO SEND ALL OF OUR CHILDREN TO SYCAMORE. THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST CHOICES WE EVER MADE.” — SHARON HOOVER

Greenville, North Carolina. He is currently

acted as a knowledgeable “docent” when we visited art museums. Sycamore also helped to inspire and educate beyond “reading, writing, and arithmetic.” The curriculum was challenging, required time management, and the children were often asked to do more than memorize. They were given logic-based questions. Ellie expressed, “Sycamore taught me the value of a good education, how to approach difficult workloads, how to break down difficult concepts into smaller pieces, and how to think critically. I am begun her education as a freshman at Indiana

Within the Word” program which taught

School of Medicine.

vocabulary and analogies. Ellie said,” I still use my knowledge of Word Within the Word Latin

While my kids did not start Sycamore with

roots to deduce the meaning of words I don’t

the intention of going to medical school,

know. I’ve gotten many Jeopardy questions

the programs there certainly made a career

right because of this, so I can’t thank Sycamore

in science seem attractive. They received a

enough for that.” The ability to analyze words

background in biology, chemistry, and physics

has helped all three to decipher the occasionally

that gave them building blocks for further

new language of medical school.

education. Science fair projects were a fun way for them to learn the scientific method that

Art and History were also an important part

helped them all to become Science Research

in education at Sycamore. The “History

Fellows at DePauw University.

Day” projects were time-consuming, but they offered a chance to fully explore one particular

Sycamore taught more than science. My kids

person or moment in time. That experience

all know the difference between lay and lie, and

made history seem more interesting than

they know where to place commas. JD told me,

memorizing places and dates for a test.

“I learned to dissect sentences long before I had

Similarly, while the kids often brought home

dissection in anatomy lab. I learned how to write

great art projects, the Art History program

correctly in Middle School. That is a skill I will

Eileen Prince developed for the school is

appreciate for the rest of my life. The first time

priceless. I have retained all of her volumes in

I peer-reviewed a paper for another student in

our bookcase. Maddie said, “I am so grateful

college, my first thought was that I could not

for what I learned in Art at Sycamore. Because

have submitted that paper at Sycamore. That

of Mrs. Prince, I was not afraid to take a

is when I really realized how fortunate I was to

photography and a book-making class in high

have Miss O’Malley as my grammar teacher.”

school, and Art History was one of my favorite

The kids also really appreciated the “Word

classes.” Later, on a family trip to Italy, Maddie

grateful every day for the education I received because I feel it made me well prepared for high school, college, and even medical school.” David and I are grateful because our children learned how to learn, how to analyze, and how to both

SYCAMORE PARENTS, FAMILY, AND STAFF PACKED 21,000 MEALS FOR MILLION MEAL MOVEMENT

ask and answer questions. Another really important aspect of Sycamore School for all of us is the friendships we made there. The kids have all expressed that it was important to have friends, parents, and teachers who all valued education. Maddie said, “It was great to have peers that wanted to know as much as I did.” Sycamore did not just provide my children with grade school and middle school friends. They made friends for life. Ellie

SYCAMORE NEWS + NOTES

UPCOMING PARENT FORUMS WITH DIANE BORGMANN

ADMISSIONS CALENDAR

Sycamore will host two upcoming parent

for current families

forums to answer questions, share ideas, and

JANUARY 13 | Sneak Peek-Let’s Get Moving

give parents an opportunity to offer feedback

9:00 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.

on any aspect of Sycamore. We will provide

JANUARY 31 | Early Childhood Open House

coffee and breakfast snacks. The forums are

9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

scheduled as follows:

FEBRUARY 22 | Preschool Screening Saturday

JANUARY 2020 | Re-enrollment starts

said, “I didn’t realize until after I left Sycamore

8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

just how lucky I was to go to a place that fostered

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

so many important and lasting friendships in my

8:15 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.

life. I still regularly talk to many of my Sycamore friends. In fact, even though we went to different high schools and colleges, I reunited with one of my very best friends from Sycamore when we ended up in the same medical school class, and it was just like old times.” David and I also have been blessed with many of our best friends

FEBRUARY 15 | Applications for admission due

in the Bhatia Lab, for Middle School parents THURSDAY, APRIL 23

of admission offers FEBRUARY 15 | Financial Aid applications due

8:15 A.M. - 9:30 A.M. in the Bhatia Lab, for Lower School parents

by this date to be considered for the first round

by this date to be considered for the first round of financial aid offers MARCH | Offers of new enrollment extended MAY 31 | Deadline for withdrawal for the 2020-2021 school year

who are Sycamore parents and teachers. The community continues to enrich our lives. n

PACKING MEALS

SOPHIE GEORGE, AARON CHAI, AND GRACE LEE

SYCAMORE SERVES

BOX TOPS APP MAKES

SYCAMORE SERVES UPCOMING

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

MOVES INTO YEAR TWO

COLLECTING EASIER

EVENTS BEING PLANNED

VISITS SYCAMORE

Sycamore families packed more than

For many years at Sycamore, 3rd graders

The Sycamore Serves committee is

21,000 meals on September 15, with 200 people working in our gym to kick off the 2019 Sycamore Serves activities and events. Sycamore Serves worked with Million Meal Movement again this year to provide an opportunity for all

have collected Box Tops for Education. The revenue from the Box Tops is used for a philanthropic project that supports local charities and projects at Sycamore. The Box Tops for Education program has now moved to an app-based collection

working on their Winter and Spring 2020 events. For the winter event, they are holding a Valentines Party at Dayspring Homeless Shelter. For the spring event, they are planning a week of service with Sycamore families organizing and/

BRODY EARNS

Author/Illustrator Matt Tavares visited Sycamore School in September. He talked

Lauren Ciulla (‘11) and Ash Mahenthiran

graduate Mary Brody (‘06) has been awarded

with students from Kindergarten - 4th grade.

(‘12) participated in the University

“Teacher of the Year” at IPS 51 and the

It was part of his only tour through the

of Northwestern Feinburg School of

“Excellence in Teaching Award” at KIPP

midwest in 2019. Matt’s first published picture

Medicine’s 2019 White Coat Ceremony.

Indy Unite Elementary. Currently, Brody

book, Zachary’s Ball, won a Massachusetts

Lauren graduated Summa Cum Laude

teaches 3rd grade reading and writing and

Book Award Honor and was named one of

from Butler in May. Ash graduated in

serves as Grade Level Chair at KIPP. n

ages, from preschool through adult, to

system to make it easier for both the

or participating in a variety of service

Yankee Magazine’s 40 Classic New England

help fight hunger in Indiana. Million

families and the schools. Instead of

activities. They will have a list of activities

Children’s Books. Since then, Matt has

Program in Medical Education. n

Meal Movement is a humanitarian

cutting individual Box Tops and bringing

throughout April, as simple as picking up

illustrated 19 more books, nine of which

hunger relief organization that uses the

them in, you can simply scan your grocery

trash at a park, volunteering in a nursing

he also wrote. Three titles won Parents’

process of packing meals to encourage

receipt and it will automatically find

home or organizing an event at Gleaners,

Choice Gold Awards, two were named ALA

volunteerism in children and adults.

participating products and instantly add

Wheeler Mission, etc... n

Notable books, and 11 have been chosen

Volunteers worked in an assembly line

Box Tops to Sycamore’s earnings online.

dehydrated vegetables and a powder mix with vitamins and minerals. The event was open to all Sycamore staff, parents, students, siblings, and grandparents. n

NEW THIS YEAR:

Parents created sample

for the Society of Illustrators’ Original Art

SYCAMORE GRADS AT STANFORD

Brandywine River Museum, the Eric Carle

1. Download the Box Tops for Education app.

Three former Sycamore students from the

Museum, and the Mazza Museum. When

3. Scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase. n

same 2015 class - Sophie George, Aaron Chai, and Grace Lee - are attending Stanford University as members of the class of 2023. They are part of a total of

meals to experiment with the best recipe

14 students from Indiana who are enrolled

ideas, and those recipes were included in

in the freshman class. n

our meal boxes. n

exhibit. His artwork has been exhibited at the

TO PARTICIPATE:

2. Follow the set-up instructions and choose Sycamore School.

MARY BRODY

TWO PARTICIPATE IN WHITE COAT CEREMONY AT NORTHWESTERN

three years from Northwestern’s Honors

to fill bags with rice, soy, a blend of six

MATT TAVARES

Matt’s not working in his studio on his latest book project, he travels the country speaking (and drawing) at schools, libraries, conferences, and bookstores. He has presented at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the White House Easter Egg Roll, and he has done book signings at Fenway Park. n

TEACHING AWARDS In just six years of teaching, Sycamore

ALUMNI AT CULVER GREET 7TH GRADERS

SYCAMORE REPRESENTED AT

During the annual 7th Grade trip to Culver in

HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT

October, students and faculty had the opportunity

Sycamore Alumni Evelyn Tabor (’18),

to visit with our Sycamore alumni, including

Joe Chandler (’16) now at Culver, Anya

Evelyn Tabor (‘18), Carly Chandler (‘17), Cassie

Neumeister (’16) at Cathedral, and Justin

Kaplan (‘17), and Joe Chandler (‘16). n

Kinchen (’16) at Park Tudor, were among those who represented their respective

ALBERTS WINS WRITING AWARD

high schools at the annual High School

Elizabeth Alberts, a Sycamore 2nd

Information Night at The Orchard School.

grader, participated in a creative writing

The night was held for Sycamore families

competition in Holland, Michigan this

and parents of private school students in

summer. She was awarded 3rd place for her

Indy. Ten area schools and seven boarding

short story entry, “The Dragon.” n

schools gave presentations to 7th and 8th Grade students. n

JACK MILTON FINDS A HOME ON

taught courses on modern American history

STAGE AT NORTH CENTRAL

at IU since 1981. His scholarly and teaching

Sycamore alum Jack Milton (‘16) appeared

interests focus on modern U.S. history with

as part of the cast a “Radium Girls” in the

a special interest in the relationship between

North Central High School production of the

politics and culture. He served two terms as

play. It was a story set in the 1920s centered

chair of the department and one term as director of the Indiana University Institute

on the lives of female factory workers who

for Advanced Study. n

painted watch dials with self-luminous paint. The paint contained radium, so the women

BROWN CONTINUES TO

who worked closely with the materials were

CLIMB CHESS CHARTS

exposed to radiation poisoning. n

Sycamore 3rd grader, Madison Brown,

THE SYCAMORE AUCTION

is on three chess player national ranking

IS RETURNING IN 2020

charts. She is #5 in the nation for ‘Girls 8

Mark your calendars, because the auction

and Under’, #35 in the nation for Boys and

is back! The gala, featuring a silent and

Girls 8 and Under, and #45 for Girls 13

live auction, food, drink, music, and more

SYCAMORE GIRLS XC FINISHED 2ND IN IISL

Donors who made a gift after June 30, 2019 will be included in the 2019-2020 list.

SYCAMORE CIRCLE: $10,000 OR MORE

Xiangning Deng and Hongyi Duan

Brian Tabor and Dawn Brooks

Ankit and Archita Desai

John and Jennifer Hur

Debashish and Soma Dey

Ruth Pryor

Jamie MacDougall and Heather Givans

Richard and Jamie Schulte

Deepak and Sangeeta Guttikonda

Hale Stuart and Rachel Simon

Jeff Hagerman

The National Bank of Indianapolis

Carl and Carolyn Hansen Tim and Cami Hovda

VISIONARY: $5000 TO $9,999

Martin and Patty Jischke

Troy Hege and Claire Fiddian-Green

Yogesh and Shweta Joglekar

Goelzer Investment Management, Inc.

Patrick and Krenta Juday

Lisa Haynes

John and Susan Karpicke

Michael and Whitney Hutchings

David and Kathryn Kroeger

Greg Merrell and Melissa Kacena

Eric and Holly Lee

Shan Cheng and Alison Klenk

Harold and Jessica Lee

Christian Sanft and Sarena Lin

Joseph and Susan Loftus

Robert Metzger

Michael and Glenna Lykens

Andy and Nina Mulvey

Dipen and Sumi Maun

Raja Mahidhara and Geetha Rao

Julia Clay and Dustin Mergott

Jonathan Ting and Samantha Yeap

Stephen Wintermeyer and Ginat Mirowski

Jeff Whorley

Justin and Julie Moeller

and Under. She took first place in the 12th

Scott and Denise Murray HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE: $2,500 TO $4,999

Curt Warren and Sara Naderi

Art to Remember

Jared and Samantha Outcalt

will be held in Carmel on February 1,

Grade and Under division in Westfield and

2020. Join us for a party not to be missed!

tied for 2nd in an adult open tournament in

Jonathan and Sonal Bazeley

Roland and Catherine Pangan

Evansville this fall. n

Eugene and Mimi Ceppa

Mihir and Chandrika Patel

Chih Hsiung and Doris Cheng

Chris and Lara Pesavento

SYCAMORE STUDENTS WIN RIBBONS AT INDIANA STATE FAIR

Conner Insurance

Michael and Melissa Roch

Randy and Pam Cross

Gianvito Salerno and Christina Santangelo-Salerno

Manish Chheda and Seema Dedhiya

Roger and Pam Singh

Joseph and Whitney Faires

Mark and Jennifer Sniderman

At the 2019 Indiana State Fair, some

Christopher and Wendy Harlow

Ally and Najwa Somani

Michael and Beth Irizarry

Kent Butcher and Celeste Spaans

Thomas Dorantes and Sunah Kim Dorantes

Frederick and Helen Stehman

Questions? Contact our advancement team at 317.202.2540 n

HAGERMAN EARNS ALLCONFERENCE FOOTBALL AWARD

SYCAMORE GRADS EARN CROSS COUNTRY HONORS Five Sycamore graduates from the class of

Sycamore grad (‘17) and current Brebeuf

2016 were being selected to the 2019 IHSAA

High School junior Drake Hagerman

Cross Country Academic All-State Team.

Sycamore students had exhibits on

was named to the 2019 Circle City All-

Joe Chandler (Culver), Varuun Chheda

display and won ribbons. Jason Shaye,

Clement and Kellie McDonald

Mark and Elizabeth Stetzer

a 7th grader, was a finalist in the 2019

Martin and Leslie Obst

Nathan and Amanda Swingley

Lily Pai

Anand and Sweta Tandra

Patrick and Taeran Park

Jack and Laurie Tanselle

Conference team as a quarterback, leading

(Park Tudor), Kendrick Mernitz (Cathedral),

the Braves to a 7-3 record this season. n

Rachel Moore (Brebeuf), and Madalyn Sailors

Young Hoosier State Piano Competition

(Carmel) earned the honor. Open to only

and won 1st place in the Junior Chopin

Jeremy and Wendy Reymer

Frederick and Marla Thompson

Competition and 3rd place in the Junior

Rob Siwiec and Christine Santori

Trent and Laura Tormoehlen

Aaron Cohen-Gadol and Isabelle Saparzadeh

Vasey Commerical Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Ninad and Nirali Shah

Jay and Rori Watson

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM EARNS TROPHY; 2ND AT LEAGUE MEET The Sycamore girls cross country team brought

high school juniors and seniors, they must carry a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale,

Beethoven category. He was also invited

and have scored a minimum SAT of 1200 or

to perform at the State Fair. Nina Shaye,

Andrew and Melissa Smith

Ruel and Cynthia Williamson

a 4th grader, won multiple awards in the

Andrew and Sumi Swearingen

Michelle Woodall

Joseph and Joanne Whelan

Timur Yurtseven

ACT composite of 26. n

home the second place trophy from the IISL High School this fall. Annabel Hermacinski

IU HISTORY PROFESSOR MEETS, TALKS WITH

was the highest-placing Eagle with her 10th

8TH GRADERS

Conference Championships at North Central

place finish and Hasini Ambaty finished 12th.

Eighth graders were privileged to be able

The boys came in 5th place in the league, with

to have professor John Bodner talk to them

Erik Haggstrom leading the team with a 23rd

during history classes at Sycamore. Bodner, a

place finish. n

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professor of history at Indiana University, has

youth art competition. Her wood carving

Jie Zhang and Yun Wang

art piece was awarded 1st place in the 1st-

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Mark and Meg Alberts

Xiongbin Lu and Xinna Zhang

Robert and Diane Borgmann

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Neil and Lisa Brierley

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and jewelry categories and a 3rd place

Franklin Sequeira and Deeya Brooks

Martin Bott and Angelia Barnes

in pencil drawing, plus two honorable

Nathan and Nicole Brown

Patrick and Jennifer Cauley

Bryan and Virginia Burney

Paul Helft and Melissa Cavaghan

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Guangsheng Yang and Ruihua Cheng

also won 2nd place in sewing, oil painting,

mentions in oil painting. n

Nick Blesch Clark and Christina Clark

Evelyn Berry

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Marianna Hege

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Debbie Peed

Contour Hardening

Jose Carlos Gomez Valdivia and Paige Bertram

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