Echoes Winter 2024

ECHOES

WINTER 2024

WELCOMING LYNNE MACZIEWSKI

WELCOMING LYNNE MACZIEWSKI

BALDWIN’S 9TH HEAD OF SCHOOL

BALDWIN’S 9TH HEAD OF SCHOOL

IN THIS ISSUE

INSTALLATION OF LYNNE MACZIEWSKI

9TH HEAD OF SCHOOL

EDITOR Lisa A. Algeo

DESIGN Veronica A. Utz

PHOTO CREDITS Abby Anthony, Jay Gorodetzer, Ivory Tree Portraits, Melissa Kelly, Emily Lester, Theresa Regan and Shira Yudkoff

All photographs are identified left to right unless otherwise noted.

We welcome letters regarding the contents of the magazine and/or issues pertaining to the school. Letters must be signed. The editor retains the right to edit at her discretion.

Please send correspondence to:

Lisa A. Algeo, Editor, Echoes | The Baldwin School 701 Montgomery Ave. | Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 lalgeo@baldwinschool.org

For general alumnae requests or information, please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumnae Engagement:

Laura Armstrong, Chief Development Officer laura.armstrong@baldwinschool.org or (610) 525-2700, x286

ON THE COVER

Baldwin’s 9th Head of School Lynne Macziewski looks on as the Class of 2035 sings “It’s a Hap-Hap-Happy Day.”

2 From the Head of School

3 Upfront

5 Faculty

5 Bookshelf

6 Around Campus

10 Arts

12 Athletics

20 Homecoming

22 Brilliantly Baldwin

24 Lisa Ameisen ’76: A Legacy of Love and Learning

26 Carolyn Jones ’73: Engaging a Community of Passionate Thinkers and Doers

28 The Class of 1960 Global Fund for Girls

32 Class Notes

@baldwinschool @baldwinalumnae @Lynne Macziewski (mrsmacbaldwin)

@the.baldwin.school @thebaldwinschoolathletics @mrs.mac.baldwin

@baldwinschool @TheBaldwinBears @MrsMacBaldwin

baldwinschool.smugmug.com

baldwinschool

The Baldwin School

The Baldwin School Alumnae

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

As I reflect on the first half of the school year, and our theme of community and connection, I continue to be amazed at how welcoming and supportive the Baldwin community is – of me, of my family and of our community as a whole. In fact, in a recent survey, our students described a community in which they feel like they belong and are welcomed, even our new students, with positive teacher relationships driving this sentiment. I could not agree more. Our faculty and staff are at the forefront of the phenomenal education our students receive and at the heart of the extraordinary community here at Baldwin.

As you peruse this issue, and reflect on your connections within the Baldwin community, I’m certain that you, too, will echo these sentiments. You will notice some subtle, and not so subtle, changes to this issue of Echoes as we spruce up the look and content after receiving feedback from our community of readers. From our new Around Campus section, you’ll learn about all the amazing innovative and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, including Middle School drafters and directors to ethical hacking to Computer Science and Engineering Joy Day – all led by some of the most brilliant faculty members around.

We’ve also launched a new section called “Brilliantly Baldwin,” which presents a variety of student work, including poetry, short stories and artwork. We hope you also take note of the two features on our esteemed alumnae, Ms. Lisa Ameisen ’76 and Ms. Carolyn Jones ’73, who are building connections and giving back to the Baldwin school community through their roles as teachers and institutional leaders. As you know, once a Baldwin Bear, always a Baldwin Bear.

Lynne Macziewski

Head of School

Facebook - @Lynne Macziewski (mrsmacbaldwin)

Instagram - @mrs.mac.baldwin

Twitter - @MrsMacBaldwin

Class Events Build Community and Connection

To build community and connection, Head of School Lynne Macziewski has been holding a variety of class events to get to know students better, including a movie night and s’mores, hot chocolate, pizza and cookie parties. See more photos at www.instagram.com/the.baldwin.school.

2023 – 2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Baldwin’s 2023 – 24 Board of Trustees gathered in September for their first meeting of the year. Members of the Board are: (Row 1, front): Gene Pratter (P ’94); Mwanasha VanWright (P ’31)*; Julia Pudlin ’02; Head of School Lynne Macziewski (P '25)*; Vice Chair Rachel Gerstenhaber Stern ’83; Amy Sobel ’86; Treasurer Martha Ortiz (P ’16); (Row 2): Blair D. Stambaugh, Honorary Trustee; Rebecca Frank Burnett (P ’31, ’33), President, Parents’ Association*; Secretary Sejita Page (P ’19, ’22); Kim Heuer (P ’27); Pontea Fazeli Dixon ’98; Lindsay Davis, Faculty Trustee*; Thomas Heverin (P ’26); Sanjeev Swami (P ’30, ’32)*; (Row 3): Scott Deitz (P ’27); Fred DiBona (P ’34)*; Chair Patricia Weiser (P ’22, ’24); Sharon Simkiss Merhige ’86*; Louis Capano (P ’31); and Tom Bachrach (P ’29, ’31); Not pictured: Marje Armstrong (P ’31, ’36); Stacye Baker ’94, Vice-Chair, Alumnae Leadership Council*; Darren Bramen (P ’22, ’24); Katayoun Copeland ’85; Honorary Trustee Rachel Funk Jenkins ’44; John Karamatsoukas (P ’28, ’32); Rachel Dean Matthews ’84; John Pearlstein (P ’21, ’24); Alicia Roebuck ’05, Chair, Alumnae Leadership Council; and Senior Trustee Samuel R. Scott (P ’96, ’98, ’00, GP ’35). *New board member

ALL-SCHOOL THANKSGIVING ASSEMBLY

More than 30 alumnae returned to Baldwin for a Thanksgiving lunch and the All-School assembly. They joined our Pre-K, Kindergarten and 13- and 14-Year Clubs in singing the traditional turkey songs.

Baldwin Club of Boston Gathers

In September, Jane Westrich ’69, Richelle Gewertz ’11, Gina Sullivan ’94, Emily Unger Daly ’04 and Amy Brezin ’96 gathered at Caveau in Boston, a converted underground subway station, where they enjoyed dinner and conversation.

Alumnae Events

This fall Head of School Lynne Macziewski met with a number of alumnae, holding events in New York City, Washington, DC and in Ardmore, PA, during her installation weekend.

Gabbi Pettineo ’18, Taylor Trapp ’19, Da'Naira Dent ’19, Talia Viroslav ’20 and Maria Harlamova ’20 caught up during the lunch.

DR. JEFF GOLDADER Honored with Reed Fellowship

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Reed Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching, Science Department Chair Dr. Jeff Goldader. During his 19-year tenure at Baldwin, Dr. Goldader’s teaching has been beyond extraordinary – always looking for new and exciting ways to reach his students and connect them to science. His work with planning and integrating interdisciplinary learning has been a model for others, and he continuously puts the students at the center of his work.

The Reed Fellowship is awarded annually to a full-time teacher who demonstrates a passion for teaching at any grade level from Pre-K through Grade 12 and awards sustained excellence, passion for and innovation in teaching, and recognizes someone who leaves a profound mark on the community.

Dr. Goldader brings complex and challenging topics to a level that the casual observer can understand. “He can take quantum mechanics and related calculus and make it all seem so clear, even without any background or previous understanding,” said Upper School Director Christie Reed. “His presentations are fresh and new each year, his explanations connect to something current in the world, and he shares with such energy that it feels as if what he is teaching is the most important discovery ever made.”

New and experienced teachers alike enjoy observing Dr. Goldader’s class to gain inspiration, ideas and an example for how to manage challenging material with engaging and exciting delivery. As a department chair, Dr. Goldader’s perspective, leadership and genuine love of Baldwin – the School, the students and his colleagues – has created a positive experience for all in the science building and beyond. He is a true champion of Baldwin in all ways possible – teacher, leader, mentor and supporter.

BOOK SHELF

Small Shifts: Cultivating a Practice of StudentCentered Teaching

Kim Austin ’88

This Terrible True Thing

Jenny Laden ’88

ARrhyth-MIAS

Translated from the Spanish by Dorothy P. Snyder ’78

AROUND CAMPUS

Computer Science & Engineering Joy Day

On October 20, the Computer Science and Engineering Department held its inaugural “Joy Day,” bringing together 5th graders, 8th graders and Upper School engineering students to put their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) skills to the test. The students were divided into 13 mixed groups and charged with planning, building and racing a cardboard structure in Baldwin’s pool.

Pre-K Tackles Construction

Pre-K students have been hard at work on their Weiss Interdisciplinary Incubator (i2) unit focused on construction. By researching the history and design of roads, bridges and structures, our youngest bears investigated the tools, vehicles and complex processes involved with building. They employed a design cycle of “think, plan, try, try again” to inspire their own creative construction. Open-ended building objectives fostered important growth mindset and problem-solving skills. The girls are learning they can build anything with a good foundation, support and the help of their teammates! Students and families engaged in a Pre-K Family Build-Off, where they tackled a variety of construction challenges such as tallest tower and strongest bridge. And students visited

the Middle School DREAM Lab® to present their blueprints and ideas for a new playground structure.

Students Learn Ethical Hacking

Since early September, Baldwin Upper School students in the Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking course have ethically hacked into 60 unique devices across government agencies, universities, nonprofits and other types of organizations! Ethical hacking is defined as the authorized exploration of organizations’ devices and networks to uncover vulnerabilities and security weaknesses. The primary goal is to improve organizations’ security and to protect people in those organizations. The class has submitted vulnerability reports to security teams, aiming to promptly notify them of potential threats and drive essential security improvements.

Kindergarten Visits Head of School

In the first Inquiry Journey of Kindergarten’s new Social Studies curriculum called InquirEd, the girls learned what it means to “Navigate School” and answered the Inquiry Question, "How can we make school a great place for everyone?" During this journey, the girls are learning all about the people who help us at school and wanted to learn more about how our new Head of School Lynne Macziewski helps us.

AROUND CAMPUS

Middle School

Drafters and Directors

Grade 8

DREAM Lab students carved rubber stamps and made prints from them, playing with the juxtaposition of positive and negative space on a stamp.

Grade 7 girls in the DREAM Lab worked in teams of Drafters and Directors, where directors conveyed through specific drafting terminology how to draw a specific shape that the drafters could not see.

Learning from Leaves

Inspired by Isabel Gaines’ book Pooh’s Leaf Pile, Ms. Winkelman's Grade 2 class had some fun making fall crafts with leaves they found around campus.

Politics and Civics Lesson

Alumna Madeleine Marr ’17 visited History Teacher Dr. Athan Biss's U.S. Politics and Civics class to speak about her path from Baldwin to Capitol Hill, where she works as a senator’s legislative assistant. Students received an insider look into how a Senate office operates and the ins-and-outs of law-making. Madeleine shared her experiences helping to draft and negotiate major legislation, prepping for committee hearings and her passion for transportation policy.

Grade 8 Financial Literacy Class

This fall, the 8th Grade Financial Literacy students visited the local WSFS bank and had the opportunity to go in the safe, learn all the ins and outs of banking and ask great questions to further their understanding of the financial world from the banking perspective. They learned about how and when to start building credit and how their credit score will impact a car loan or a mortgage in the future. They also weighed the costs and benefits of different mobile payment apps. Most interestingly, the students had a chance to think about how banks make money in today's world, as opposed to back in 1928 when the location first opened. The students not only walked away with fun WSFS swag, but they now have an insider's view into the banking world.

ARTS

TEEN EDITION

Upper School Presents Chicago

The Upper School Musical, Chicago, was a true collaboration with a cast and crew of more than 25 students. The set, costume and lighting designers were all current students who collaborated with Computer Science and Engineering Teacher Paul Hermans and his class, who donated many hours both in class and after school, to build a dynamic multi-level set in the Simpson Center. Middle School English Teacher and Dance Coach Lauren Berlin taught the cast her beautiful and complex choreography, and Music Teacher Lee Hagon-Kerr put together an incredible professional pit orchestra to give the students a first-rate musical experience. The group rehearsed 8 - 12 hours a week during the months leading up to their four performances, including two sold-out shows. "I couldn’t be prouder of our cast and crew," said Director Ben Dibble. "It was a true joy to direct as my first show at Baldwin!"

Grade 1 Presents Adapted Play

The first grade presented a play adapted from three books by Laura Joffe Numeroff: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Moose a Muffin and If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. The students portrayed narrators and announcers dressed in black to highlight the props and scenery, and the audience enjoyed following the three main characters on their humorous paths.

Baldwin Tennis

Congratulations to Baldwin’s Tennis team for their participation in the PAISAA post-season tournament and for earning second place after a 2-3 battle against Episcopal Academy.

Powderpuff Game

In a hard fought battle, the seniors took the victory over the juniors in Baldwin’s annual flag football Powderpuff Game.

Joelle Pearlstein: Main Line Athlete of the Week

Senior Joelle Pearlstein was selected as the September Main Line Athlete of the Week. Joelle was instrumental in leading the Varsity Volleyball team to an overall record of 14-7, placing third in the Inter-Ac league. She also was a member of the USA U18 Volleyball team that took home the bronze medal at the 15th Maccabi Pan American Games in Argentina, which were held Dec. 17, 2023 - Jan. 5, 2024.

Fall Athletes Win All-Inter-Ac League Honors

Congratulations to our fall student athletes who were recognized with All-Inter-Ac League honors, voted on by the coaches for their stellar performance in their given sport for the 2023 season:

Baldwin Haverford Game Day

On a beautiful November day, Baldwin’s Middle School welcomed The Haverford School to campus for “Game Day.” The students participated in 12 fun outdoor games that built community and connection between the schools.

SOCCER

Makena Lee ’27 - Second Team

TENNIS

Bella Hu ’24 - League MVP & First Team

Marin Alter ’24 - Second Team

Megan Chan ’24 - Second Team

Nava Khojasteh ’27 - Second Team

Avani Shah-Lipman ’25 - Second Team

Eesha Sharma ’24 - Second Team

Allie Weiser ’24 - Second Team

VOLLEYBALL

Joelle Pearlstein ’24 - First Team

Anya Berlanska ’25 - Second Team

Cynthia Huang ’24 - Second Team

CELEBRATING THE INSTALLATION OF

LYNNE MACZIEWSKI

BALDWIN’S 9TH HEAD OF SCHOOL

The women before me have laid the foundation, brick by brick, word by word, to build the school we call home today and to write the stories that fill its halls. As Heads of School, we are bound together by a belief that each of you, just like the women before you, will grow into confident young women with vision, global understanding and the competency to make significant and enduring contributions to the world.”

- Lynne Macziewski

The Baldwin School celebrated the Installation of Lynne Macziewski as its ninth Head of School on September 29 in front of more than 800 students, faculty, staff, trustees, parents, alumnae, friends and other community leaders. During her installation address, Ms. Macziewski told the story of Baldwin’s leaders who came before her, as well as the story of Baldwin’s future.

“As we turn the page to a new chapter of The Baldwin School, just like each of the Heads before me, I too, believe in the importance of educating girls in an environment where your opinions are valued, your abilities are celebrated, your dreams are nurtured and you develop a profound sense of self-confidence,” Ms. Macziewski told the audience. “And, as Baldwin’s ninth Head of School, I know that our future is built not only upon a foundation of academic excellence, but also one where our girls find themselves building competitive skills on the field and on the court, increasing their prowess and presence on the performing arts stage and developing myriad other talents that will serve them well beyond the classroom.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Autumn Adkins

Graves, Head of School at St. Anne’s Belfield School, Charlottesville, VA, gave the Invocation and Dr. Anne Graybeal, Associate Head of School at The Blake School in Minneapolis, MN, delivered the Keynote address.

Lynne Macziewski with 8th Head of School Dr. Marisa Porges '96 and 6th Head of School Blair Stambaugh.

Amore than 20-year teaching and educational leadership veteran, Ms. Macziewski began her career as a middle school science teacher and advisor at The Blake School, a co-educational day school for Pre-K – Grade 12 in Minneapolis, MN. She progressed into school administration both at Blake and at her most recent school, Girls Preparatory School, a Grade 6 –12 all-girls school in Chattanooga, TN, where she most recently held the position of Associate Head of School. Ms. Macziewski, a native of Minnesota, holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and two separate master’s degrees from the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota. She holds a certificate in school management and leadership

from Harvard University. Passionate about girls’ education, Ms. Macziewski is the co-host of the podcast “Confidently You: Women in Leadership,” published by Enrollment Management Association.

“As I look to the future, I see you, our students, writing profuse chapters of your story about the profound impact you will have on our society because you are critical thinkers, empathetic learners, diverse communicators and creative problem solvers,” Ms. Macziewski said during the installation ceremony. “It is an honor to be a member of the Baldwin community, to serve as your ninth Head of School and to be a part of the future story that we’re all writing right now, together.”

Amelia Nicklas '29 introduces the Keynote Speaker.

Senate Head Caroline Parillo '24 gives her remarks.

As a Baldwin Bear, your self-assuredness is not just about standing tall and speaking up:

· It’s about believing in yourself, even in the face of adversity.

· It’s about knowing that you have the skills, knowledge and support to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

· It’s about taking risks, asking questions and challenging the status quo.

· It is about believing in your abilities, being proud of your achievements and using your voice to effect positive change in the world.”

- Lynne Macziewski

Whether at her job or in the community with the people she cares about, Lynne puts in the work. She shows up on time. She communicates. She builds relationships. She doesn’t just remember everyone’s name— she knows the names of their partners, children and pets. She sets high expectations for herself and holds those same high expectations for others. She makes tough decisions with conviction and has hard conversations with grace and care. She asks for advice and she offers it freely. She listens.”

- Dr. Anne Graybeal, Associate Head of School at The Blake School in Minneapolis, MN

Keynote speaker Dr. Anne Graybeal and Invocation speaker Dr. Autumn Adkins Graves with Head of School Lynne Macziewski.

Board of Trustees Chair Patricia Weiser with 9th Head of School Lynne Macziewski.

Head of School Lynne Macziewski celebrates her Installation Day with son Jack, husband Nathan and daughter Grace '25.

GETTING TO KNOW MRS. MAC

What are your dogs’ names?

Lucy and Sadie

What’s your favorite food?

Thai food

Are you binge-watching anything right now?

No, sadly I don’t watch too much TV outside of the news.

Favorite music?

I listen to almost everything! Pop music, country, classical.

Favorite restaurant?

Manny’s Steakhouse in Minneapolis

Favorite book?

There are too many to choose!

But I love books on pedagogical strategies in education and on raising and educating girls. As a parent, I loved reading the Harry Potter books with my kids … still one of my favorite memories.

Favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving

Favorite vacation spot?

Summer at the lake in Minnesota

Favorite activity in your free time? Cooking or reading

Favorite place on campus?

In any classroom where teachers are teaching and students are learning.

What do you love about an all-girls school?

I love the confidence our girls have and the knowledge that they can do anything they set their mind to.

What mark do you want to leave on The Baldwin School?

I want to be remembered as an innovative, kind and compassionate leader who knew and valued everyone in the community and who left the school a better place than when I arrived.

The community enjoyed the largest and most well-attended Homecoming celebration in years.

Capping off the Installation festivities on September 29 was a highly spirited Homecoming Pep Rally directed by the Athletics Association student leaders and an exciting bonfire later that evening, located between Middle and Lower Fields. The fall team captains, along with Head of School Lynne Macziewski, lit the bonfire and then introduced the teams and their enthusiastic and well-choreographed dances. Homecoming competition against league rival Agnes Irwin School was held the next day, September 30. THE BEARS WENT 3-1-1 OVER THE OWLS! The community enjoyed a beautiful day complete with student-led activities and games, a BBQ lunch to support prom, dessert food trucks and exciting athletic competitions.

BRILLIANTLY BALDWIN

Grade 8 students participated in a captivating short story unit featuring the haunting works of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven and Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery. Exploring these classic tales provided students with insights into the art of storytelling and the use of symbolism, foreshadowing and imagery. To apply these newfound skills, students crafted their own “spooky” stories, focusing on incorporating sensory details to create immersive narratives. Students enthusiastically gathered in the Innovation Center to share their chilling stories, fostering a sense of community and creative expression.

The Witch’s Circle

By Vivian Matuch ’28

Adeline tossed another log on the fire, gazing at the diminishing pile in the town square. The Samhain sky was dark and full of clouds, as though even the stars had hid themselves away. The children had long since come back from trick-or-treating, their costumes left in attics and cellars to gather dust and cobwebs for another year. Halloween - the gentle, juvenile rite - was over. It was Samhain that the Witch demanded.

Second-semester jewelry students were asked to create a functional utensil. Marisa McKinley ’25 created “Salt Spoon” using three different metals: copper, brass and nickel silver.

My Friend Wants To Be A Photographer

By Yasmin Mirghasemi ’32

My friend wants to be a photographer

But she doesn’t know what a camera is

My sister wants to be a chemist

“That’ll never last us the night,” Mrs. Philipa muttered. She turned to Addy. “Where’s your brother? Wasn’t he supposed to chop the wood?”

“Rowan’s not been himself recently,” Addy replied, hesitantly.

“When has Rowan ever been himself? That kid … Well, we’d best get it over with quickly.” The older woman pushed a curling lock of white hair behind one ear and brushed off her jeans. She lit a flashlight and strode to the old well, still standing in the middle of the square despite the hundred years of plumbing innovations. Above the well, a tarnished silver bell hung from an iron chain. Three times she yanked the cord, letting each ring resonate for a few seconds before sounding the next.

As the last ring faded, she turned off the flashlight. Addy watched as every other electric light in the town was turned off. The town stood in an unnatural silence, like that of a cat before it leaps upon its prey.

<<< Story continued here.

But she has never seen any fizz

And then there’s my brother

Who wants to be a mother

But the truth never gets to him

My cousin wants to be a doctor

But she screams when she sees Dr. Proctor

My classmate wants to be a spy on a mission

But she never makes the right decision

And then my babysitter wants to be a unicorn

But sadly, the only glitter she’ll see is her dream getting torn

But what about me?

It is clear, you will see

I want to be a poet

But wait, Hey

What about Ms. Gray?

She almost retired, But then got rehired

As a waitress at the local cafe

Now I’m finished with my list

But there’s still a little miss

What about you?

What will you do?

But be careful and check

Because your future might be coming up your wrist

Sophomore Kate Ma’s clay sculpture of Timothée Chalamet was created in Sculpture II class and is an observational study of a person she admires.

Susie Mcfishes Would Not Wash The Dishes

By Prisha Mishra ’32

Susie Mcfishes

Would not wash the dishes!

She’d used the plates and all the bowls

For all the food she ate in that empty hole

And though her daddy would try to be ambitious and give wishes

She would simply not wash the dishes

And so it piled up to the ceiling

Now her daddy was kneeling

Spoons with soup on them

Glasses that looked like they wanted to go to the shed

It filled the sink

It covered the floor

It cracked the window and blocked the door

It raised the roof, it broke the walls

And for help everyone called

But their neighbors moved away

And Susie Mcfishes’s friends did not want to play

At last Susie Mcfishes said,

“OK, I’ll wash the dishes now!”

But then of course, it was too late

The dishes went across the state

All the way to New York City

Then everybody there left in a jiffy

And then in the dishes that she did hate

Poor Susie then met an awful fate

So children, always wash the dishes

Harper Hoffman ’24 painted this oil still life painting in her Painting IV class. She worked from direct observation and was playing with saturated vs. desaturated colors to create a strong focal point.

Lisa Ameisen ’76 Lisa Ameisen ’76

A

A

Legacy

Legacy

of Love and Learning of Love and Learning

For more than three decades, Lisa Ameisen ’76 has been a beloved teacher of history, sociology, anthropology and psychology at The Baldwin School. Her connection to the school runs deep, as she attended Baldwin before returning to teach, sent her daughters Olivia Stanton-Ameisen ’09 and Savanna Stanton-Ameisen ’13 to the School and has contributed to Baldwin in nearly every facet of school life. Throughout her time at Baldwin, she has taught mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins. Her singular ability to connect with students has fostered a sort of sisterhood within the sisterhood of Baldwin. Generations of women and girls who each count their experience with Ms. Ameisen as one of the most influential aspects of their Baldwin education.

“Ms. Ameisen has always been supportive and happy for everyone's accomplishments,” said Nateerah Ransome ’23, cousin to Asidah McGough ’30. “I hope she will instill the values of hard work and love in my cousin and share all her amazing

memories of being a student, parent and teacher at Baldwin.”

Prior to her return to Baldwin as a faculty member, Ms. Ameisen earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both in Anthropology, from Bryn Mawr College. Her undergraduate thesis titled, "Exclusivity in an Ethnic Elite: Racial Prejudice as Boundary Maintenance" was published in her book, Encounters with American Ethnic Culture. And in what could be considered either foreshadowing or focused goal setting, her published master’s thesis was titled “Contemporary Concepts and Theories of Anthropology in the American Primary and Secondary Classroom: An Examination of Social Studies and World Cultures Curricula.”

She went on to apply her passion for world cultures and her expertise in curriculum development to her work at Baldwin, creating a variety of courses over the years including the Grade 6 Anthropology course, the legendary senior elective ICS – Individual, Culture and Society and the current senior elective in psychology. She’s held such roles as

“ Ms. Ameisen was a wonderful teacher who inspired my love of anthropology and history. She really taught me about the importance of different perspectives. I hope she also teaches my sister how to examine different cultures from an open perspective and be excited and passionate about learning.”

~ Riya Rao ’25

History Department Chair, Director of Upper School Advising, Middle School Dean of Students and faculty representative to the Board of Trustees, among others, all while teaching a full slate of classes.

“When I was Ms. Ameisen’s student, she was juggling a full-time teaching schedule while

raising three very young children,” recalled Kirsten Dickerson ’90, mother to Charlotte Cochran ’30. “Even at the time, I remember being impressed by her ability to seemingly do it all and she never seemed overwhelmed. She was a wonderful representation of someone who successfully managed to balance a career and motherhood.”

Throughout her tenure, Ms. Ameisen has taught countless students, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success in their own right. Her passion for history and anthropology is infectious, and her ability to connect with students on a personal level has made her a favorite among generations of Baldwin girls. “Ms. Ameisen not only creates connections with families but with the individuals within that family,” said Lauren Halak ’24. “I never feel like I'm just being treated as ‘one of the Halaks.’ I'm not sure how she does it, but the relationships she creates with generations of Baldwin girls have such a perfectly crafted balance between treating each

student as an individual and as a member of a Baldwin legacy family at the same time.”

That perfect balance is as valuable to Ms. Ameisen as it is to the generations of students who have benefitted from her lessons. “Can you imagine what it feels like when I see a child’s face light up as they catch on to a new concept, or succeed at something they’ve been struggling with, and then I remember seeing that exact expression on their mother’s face when she was their age?”

When she attended Baldwin as a student, Ms. Ameisen had a faculty member she looked up to, much the way her students look up to her. She recalled one of her many experiences working on theater productions with Lois Goutman, as much a Baldwin institution then as Ms. Ameisen is now. During a school production on a rainy night, the roof over the light board was leaking. Ms. Ameisen recalls Lois Goutman asking, “Do you have sneakers?” and handing her an umbrella. “I spent the entire evening running the electric light board under a giant umbrella,” Ms. Ameisen recalls. “Mrs. Goutman never let us forget that the show must go on.”

Ms. Ameisen has passed on that same grit and wisdom to her students. As Vandana Gupta ’91, mother of Anjali Chahal ’30 and Annika Chahal ’30 shared, “She always told us to fight on and keep

going and to never give up; if one door closes go knock down another one.” Daughter Anjali has come to understand her mother’s admiration firsthand. “My mom has always told me ‘Ms. Ameisen got me through Baldwin’ and now I understand why,” she said. “Ms. Ameisen is everything my mom said and more!”

Ms. Ameisen's contributions to education and culture extend beyond the walls of Baldwin. Her dedication to the School and its mission has been unwavering, but she has lent her talents and anthropological expertise to the wider community as well, including being a founding member of the Philadelphia area Multi-Cultural Resource Center (MCRC). Through her work with the MCRC she has run workshops for the Middle School Heads conference and presented on issues of class in independent schools. She also presented papers four different times at the National Association of Independent Schools national conference and gave different speeches, workshops and professional development presentations more than 100 times at schools, churches and other organizations throughout the midAtlantic region.

“

As her relationships with students have always touched their hearts, her expertise in her field continues to enrich their minds. As Meredith Mariani ’94, mother to Susie Durst ’30 put it, “Having my daughter gain the opportunity to learn from a teacher who cultivated my educational journey at Baldwin deepens our shared connections while fostering a sense of deep love and appreciation for such a special place. I hope that Susie will learn from Ms. Ameisen to appreciate the lessons other cultures can teach us.”

It would be easy to imagine that someone with so many projects in the works could seem rushed or distracted, but Ms. Ameisen’s compassion and attention to each student is what sets her apart for so many of the girls and women who have taken her classes. “Ms. Ameisen has taught me a lot in the classroom, but there are many things to be learned simply from observing her,” said Joelle Pearlstein ’24. “She displays extreme patience and kindness, always. She observes every student in her class and can always tell if a student is having an off day. When she asks how you are doing, she cares about the answer.”

My favorite part of Ms. Ameisen’s class is learning about things that are happening in the real world like refugees and boot camps. I love that Ms. Ameisen taught my sister too.”

~ Avana Dilks ’30

Sarah Raab ’04, aunt to Elizabeth Raab ’30, echoes the sentiment. “Throughout the years I had her as a teacher, Ms. Ameisen taught me confidence, persistence and the importance of hard work in achieving a goal. She showed me what a joy it can be to deeply delve into a topic and learn it inside and out, something I carry with me still. I'm so glad my niece has the opportunity to have her as a teacher as well.”

“By teaching so many Baldwin generations, Ms. Ameisen has created incredible connections through the years,” said Ali Cappola ’24. “It is wonderful to see how many Baldwin students, including my sisters, remember her teaching skills, relatability and sense of humor. It is inspiring to watch a Baldwin alumna teach in the classroom.”

Ms. Ameisen has touched the lives of many students and colleagues, and her passion for teaching and learning will continue to inspire generations to come.

“I’d like for my legacy at Baldwin to be that every student I encountered, whether as a teacher, advisor or coach, thinks that they were better off for having worked with me,” she shared. “I’d like to imagine that I contributed in some positive and enduring way to their lives. I can honestly say that has been their impact on me.”

CAROLYN JONES ’73:

Engaging a Community of Passionate Thinkers and Doers

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Carolyn Jones ’73 (P ’14) first stepped onto Baldwin’s campus in 1968. She was part of a visiting day, when 10 girls from her Philadelphia public school spent a day here (and 10 Baldwin girls spent the day at her public school). “It was such an eye-opening experience,” said Carolyn. “The small classes, the uniforms, the dining hall … everything! I loved it!”

At the end of their visit day, students met with a counselor to discuss their impressions of the School. Carolyn’s first question was how could a girl like her go to a school like Baldwin. Fast forward over several months of testing and visiting, she was accepted into Baldwin!

“I was the first girl of color in my class,” she explained. “That fact did not make for a negative experience. I believe it was because of the times we were living in, where many were open and curious about all the ways we are different, as well as an inclination toward making positive changes in our world. I, along with my classmates, felt comfortable asking questions, as well as challenging each other, in the classroom and of each other.”

For Carolyn, Baldwin accomplished what she and her parents expected – for her to be academically prepared for college. But Carolyn also developed some deep relationships and friendships with classmates and faculty that still exist today.

“I just celebrated my 50th Baldwin reunion, and it was so wonderful to spend a few days with classmates, some of whom I hadn’t seen since we graduated,” Carolyn said. “As an alumna, and a parent of an alumna, as well as a board member several times over the past 20 years, I was curious to hear how many classmates experienced Baldwin now, as opposed to when they were students. Overwhelmingly, my classmates felt Baldwin had continued to grow and was a great experience for students.”

Coming Back to Baldwin

For Carolyn, joining the senior leadership team as the Director of DEI feels like a full circle moment. “I was easing out of over 20 years in global corporate settings and even though I wasn’t ready to retire, I wanted a chance to share my years of experience in the field of global DEI with a school I value and appreciate,” she stressed. “Baldwin is not perfect (what organization is?) but Baldwin is committed to ensuring we create an environment where all feel connected and included.”

Carolyn appreciates the energy of the student population, their excitement around learning and their willingness to push and challenge themselves and each other. She also appreciates the faculty and staff’s commitment to Baldwin’s mission and vision, and particularly Head of School Lynne Macziewski and her passion for excellence in education and for the work of DEI. “I’ve also enjoyed connecting with parents and listening to their views on their daughter’s Baldwin experience,” she noted. “I’m experiencing Baldwin as a community of passionate thinkers and doers.”

In her new role, Carolyn looks forward to strengthening Baldwin’s alumnae engagement, particularly with those of color. “I’ve talked to many alumnae over the years and sometimes it’s disheartening to hear some say that once they got their diploma, they had no intention of staying connected to Baldwin,” Carolyn lamented. “I use any and all opportunities to encourage all alumnae to come back. The students look up to them. They love seeing someone who looks like them leave Baldwin and go do incredible things in the world. Regardless of your experience here, you can have a wonderful and long-term impact on the students who will come behind you. I encourage everyone to give their time and their experience. Come back to Baldwin!”

DEI Work at Baldwin

Carolyn’s approach to DEI work at Baldwin is about inclusion, respect, collaboration, connection and the journey of discovery.

“I’ve spent 30+ years in global leadership, education, learning, professional development and DEI,” she explained. “For me, I always look at this work through a global lens. The issues and challenges are not just U.S. based, nor are they only about race and gender identity. They are about nationality, religion, culture, generations, various forms of physical and social ability, socio-economic status and many others. So, DEI work must cast a broader net than it’s sometimes perceived.”

Carolyn enjoys working with members of the Baldwin community and will build a DEI roadmap that supports the School’s vision and mission. She also hopes she can serve as a resource for creating and strengthening an environment where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging.

DEI Tenets

“In any DEI role I’ve had, I like to establish a set of tenets that inform others around my approach to this work and what I focus on when it comes to making decisions,” Carolyn explained. “I’ve established a set of tenets that describe my work and the work that comes out of my office.”

A few of those tenets include:

1. We cultivate cultural competence and capacity in all. We focus our expertise on learnings, tools and resources to be leveraged across our communities; this focus allows our communities to communicate, connect with, empower and encourage each other in meaningful ways.

2. We build the Baldwin brand through community and impactful stories. We engage in work that helps communities celebrate their value and to share their stories.

3. The good/bad binary is a myth. We build experiences that encourage a culture of lifelong learning. Our work fosters a foundation of curiosity. This focus, at times, may create levels of discomfort, but will encourage healthy friction around the subtle and nuanced work associated with DEI.

4. We lead with intersectionality. We recognize that identities are multi-dimensional. We understand that no community is monolithic, therefore we build experiences and resources that reflect this nuance; and we advocate for individuals beyond a singular identity in order to meet them at their intersections.

One effort Carolyn has promoted is professional development programming for faculty and staff. “Pollyanna, Every Voice Matters” is a non-profit organization that Baldwin has partnered with for a few years within the Lower School curriculum. This year, Pollyanna launched a monthly workshop series for faculty and staff and is led by a team of inspiring and knowledgeable educators. Each session is conducted over Zoom and offers insights, resources and strategies about essential diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging topics in school communities. Carolyn also started “Mindful Moments,” which are bite-size audio learnings for the entire Baldwin community. “This is a project close to my heart,” she expressed. “I believe focusing on mindfulness offers us a chance to be aware of what we’re experiencing and practice conscious intentionality. Mindfulness strengthens our ability to practice inclusive behaviors like self-awareness, curiosity and empathy. This translates to understanding our mind, managing our reactions and filters, and viewing the concept of mindfulness through a DEI lens. This effort is a cross-community collaboration, including students, faculty, staff and parents.”

Captured from Carolyn's whiteboard in her office, where she periodically poses a question to the Baldwin community and invites them to respond.

Apopular Asian proverb asserts that it’s better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.

When Class of 1960 alumna Ellen Phillipps Wales suggested a travelrelated gift for her class’s 50th reunion, she had that sentiment in mind. “When my parents took me to Europe when I was 13, it made my classes back at Baldwin so much more meaningful,” Ellen said. “History came alive after seeing where it had occurred, and it became so much easier for me to understand the significance of what I was learning.”

Ellen’s classmate, Mary French, agreed. “We realized that Baldwin offered many opportunities to travel abroad,” she recalled. “We also realized trips were expensive ‘extras’ and thought we could level the playing field to make travel affordable for all.” With that in mind, the class agreed to focus their reunion gift on making similar experiences more accessible to Baldwin girls whose families may be unable to take advantage of travel opportunities.

With the support of their fellow alumnae, the idea took flight. The Class of 1960 Global Fund for Girls was established in May 2010

and has gone on to benefit dozens of Baldwin students. The endowed fund assists students with financial needs, allowing them to participate in Baldwin's global courses, trips and other initiatives, with a focus on travel and living expenses associated with experiences abroad.

The travel opportunities made accessible by the Global Fund for Girls begin in Middle School and expand when students reach the Upper School. Baldwin girls can visit Quebec and Puerto Rico in seventh and eighth grade, where they engage with different cultures and practice their language skills. Once they reach the Upper School, longer journeys to more varied locales become available.

Through The French Exchange Program, established by Baldwin, Shipley and Lycée Notre-Dame de Mongré in Villefranche-sur-Saône, students enjoy an immersive visit to France before welcoming French students to attend classes at Baldwin and live with students and their families.

“This wonderful program is the highlight of our students’ French studies at Baldwin,” said Languages Department Chair and French Teacher Josiane Mariette (P ’17). “While in France, our students discover all they have been learning in class through the French language, culture and literature. They seize countless opportunities for personal growth and maturity as they navigate this life-enriching experience.”

“To travel is to live.”

– Hans Christian Anderson

“I am immensely thankful for the invaluable experience of participating in the French Exchange trip. This journey provided me with the perfect environment to enhance my French language skills, while also offering an immersive encounter with French culture and the forging of lifelong friendships,” said Darya Dumon ’24.

At the same time the French students were enjoying their trip, another Baldw in contingent was spending

their spring break in southern Spain.

Spanish teachers Tanya Berrios and Diana Sacerio (P ’03) accompanied 15 students during the nine-day trip to Benalmádena, a town near Málaga, on the Costa del Sol. The students were presented with intensive opportunities for immersive language practice, living with families who spoke little to no English and studying and traveling with a guide who conversed with them in only Spanish.

“It was amazing that we not only got to immerse ourselves in the culture (historical sites, beautiful buildings, architecture), but we also got to meet and interact with native speakers,” said Amara Okechukwu ’24. “One of the most memorable aspects of the trip was our teacher/guide who only spoke Spanish with us. We quickly became comfortable conversing with her both in and out of class.”

Beyond language immersion and gaining cultural knowledge, travel allows

“ Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.”

– Seneca

Baldwin girls to share their talents on new stages. In addition to living with Danish families and attending classes during a trip to Denmark, the B-Flats a cappella group, along with the Haverford School Notables, enjoyed a musical exchange with Ordrup Gymnasium. The trip was an extensive performing tour, during which the students sang daily at schools, churches and castles, some dating back to the 12th century. “It's always a gift to meet people who share the same love for music, and it made us realize how small the world is,” said Anna Altman ’24. “It

was an incredible experience and I miss it every day."

“In all these various travel experiences, there is an opportunity to learn how people are similar or different,” said Mary French ’60. “There’s an opportunity to evaluate assumptions about how one should or shouldn’t live; an opportunity to expand ideas about what is possible, to be more humble and more accepting of others and yourself.”

Throughout the past 13 years, the Class of 1960 has seen their gift manifest invaluable experiences for many Baldwin girls. The ripple effect of this initiative, like the impact of travel itself, is incalculable. However, the actual value of the Class of 1960’s generosity will be realized in the coming years as the investment in cultural fluency shapes the next generation of Baldwin girls in their journey to becoming global citizens helping to build a more just and equitable world.

WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE BALDWIN FUND...

...YOU ARE DOING MORE THAN JUST MAKING A DONATION.

You are helping to create the foundation our girls need to become inquisitive, empathetic and strong leaders capable of changing the world. Through challenging classroom lessons and engaging co-curricular activities, our students have the opportunity to develop their unique talents, find their authentic voice and create connections with one another that last a lifetime.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO SUPPORT BALDWIN STUDENTS!

Gifts can be made to The Baldwin Fund at www.baldwinschool.org/giving or by mailing a check to:

The Baldwin School

c/o The Advancement Office

701 Montgomery Avenue

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

ATTENTION CLASSES OF PURPLE!

Mark your calendars now and save the date for Reunion 2024, May 3 - 4.

Plans are being made to welcome alumnae back to campus! The schedule is coming soon, so watch the website for details.

We look forward to seeing you in May!

www.baldwinschool.org/reunion