The City School Lantern Fall 2014

FALL 2014

GROWING INTO OUR VISION

ABOUT THE COVER: Jelani poses for a

photo with his proud mother at last year's graduation ceremony. Jelani now attends University of Pittsburgh, where he studies Engineering. For the tenth year in a row, 100% of our graduates have been accepted into a college of their choice, and our students have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in college scholarships. Last year's graduates are currently attending universities such as Oberlin, The Royal Academy of Music, University of the Arts, Messiah, Drexel, Cabrini, and Kutztown University.

Jessica thanks her parents for ensuring she received an excellent high school education.

FALL 2014 LANTERN VOLUME 2

ISSUE 1

We hope you enjoy reading the Lantern. We are excited to keep you informed about all that God is doing in the life of our school.

EDITORIAL

ADMINISTRATION

Krista Wieder Development Director

Jake Becker Head of School

Brandon Van Deinse Development Manager and Staff Writer

Dr. Barbara Moses Senior Advisor & Community Liaison

Anna Taylor Gunther Staff Writer and Publication Design

Katelin Jankowski Alumni Relations

Special thanks for photography go to Iola Broaddus, Kimberly Hamel, Aaron Henry and Joe Sinagra.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS Contact the Development Office.

The City School, 860 N. 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 or call 215.769.5363.

LANTERN C O N T E N T S GROWING INTO OUR VISION

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Principal Stephanie Hook shares how through name changes, mergers, and added campuses we are growing into the vision God has given us.

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REFLECTION ON TEACHING Retired English teacher Kate Apple reflects on her time at The City School.

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WASHING OUR DISCIPLES’ FEET Middle school students learn to lead through service and sacrifice.

SHALOM

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THE CREATED, CREATIVE CHILD Art teacher Cathy Struck explains that bearing God's image means sharing in his creativity.

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RETREAT TO ADVANCE Reflections from our staff retreat at Sandy Cove.

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A SUMMER OF SERVICE Rebecca, Jordan, and Ana spend their summer vacations mentoring students in the city.

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BOLD AS LIONS The City School’s girls' volleyball team plays its inaugural game.

PRINTING Messiah College | Mechanicsburg, PA The Lantern is the biannual publication of The City School. The City School is a pre-k through 12 college preparatory Christian school celebrating over 35 years in the heart of Philadelphia. Our mission is to train students’ minds, disciple their hearts, and bring light to the city—one child at a time.

VERITAS VOS LIBERABIT Why study a dead language? Latin teacher Norm Campbell answers.

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CURTIS INSTITUTE OF MUSIC & THE CITY SCHOOL Partnering in excellence, The City School provides core academic classes and a welcoming community for Curtis musicians.

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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT ON KENT BECK Kent Beck shares his passion for his students and the glory of God.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Farewell to Kate Apple and Gloria Semkiw, p. 8; Ballroom Dancing, p. 20; Join our Alumni Network, p. 20; Alumni Spotlights: Davida & Dominique, p. 21

Right: Smiling faces and exuberant spirits are found in abundance among our elementary school students.

A FEW DAYS AGO, A SECOND GRADE A FEW DAYS AGO, A SECOND GRADE BOY BOY STEPPED INTO MY OFFICE. "Mrs. STEPPED INTO MY OFFICE. "Mrs. Hook," Hook," he asked me sheepishly, "when Mrs. he

asked me goes sheepishly, Mrs.baby, Fornwalt goes Fornwalt away to"when have her will Mrs. away to have her baby, will Mrs. Nusom [our Nusom [our guest teacher] stay with us?" guest stay with us?" There hope Thereteacher] was hope and expectation inwas his eyes, and expectation in his eyes, so I replied, so I replied, "Why do you ask that?" He "Why

do you ask Hesame smiled.

"She has theassame smiled.

"Shethat?" has the passion for us all passion for us as all of our teachers." of our teachers."

"The "The same same passion passion for for us." us." That That is is aa wonderful wonderful compliment from anyone, but from the compliment from anyone, but from the lips lips of of a

second grader, it'sit profound.

When I consider a second grader, is profound.

When I God's work through The City School, it is stories consider God's work through The City School,

of likeofthis that crystallize vision he it isgrace stories grace like this thatthe crystallize thehas given us.

God is in the details.

I look back on vision he has given us. God is in the details. I my own ourand school, andofIour see look life backand on the my life ownoflife the life God's providence drawing us into his wonderful school, and I see God's providence drawing us vision. into his wonderful vision.

Thirty-four Thirty-four years years ago ago II had had aa vision vision for for myself. I was living in Washington, D.C., editing myself.

I was living in Washington, D.C.,training videos NASA.videos I was for building career I editingfor training NASA.the I was desired life, and I envisioned myself buildingfor themy career I desired for my life, and I

continuing to thrive on Capitol But envisioned myself continuing toHill. thrive onGod had a bigger, brighter, andamore blessed vision Capitol Hill. But God had bigger, brighter, for life blessed than anything I imagined. andmy more vision for my life than

anything I imagined.

Growing INTO OUR

By Stephanie Hook, Principal The City School at Spruce Hill

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Vision

AS GOD CONTINUED TO WORK IN MY HEART, I BECAME

that it was good stewardship to increase teacher compensation

MORE CONVINCED THAT HIS PLAN FOR ME WAS TO

and benefit packages. We saw an unmet need for school

RETURN TO PHILADELPHIA. God's leading was an exercise in

longsuffering grace, as he began to open his plan for me. In 1989 I began working as a fifth grade teacher in the Philadelphia School District, where my love for the students of our city developed into a passion for excellent education that is accessible for children in the Philadelphia area. I began to glimpse God's vision.

Then it came time to find a school for my own children. I searched for a place where an excellent education is rooted in the glory of God and the truth of the Christian worldview. God led me to The City School at Spruce Hill. I remember vividly one night at dinner, my oldest son, Josh, said to me, "Mom, it's all the same. Church, family, school—it's all the same." I knew we

counselors and looked forward to the day when our students would have a trained professional to trust with their troubles.

Thirty-six years ago we dreamt of a thriving community of partners—donors, parents, churches, businesses, universities—investing together in the future of our students.

Today those visions are reality.

I am excited to say that our merger this year with Philadelphia Mennonite High School is both the effect of, and a catalyst for, our next steps of growth. After meeting with teachers and administrators whose time and talents have blessed PMHS over the years, I can say with joyful confidence that we share a common vision. As much as our missions aligned on paper and we learned of our shared commitments in the many meetings

had found a home here. After seven years of watching my sons grow in knowledge, wisdom, and grace under the loving guidance of our teachers, God called me to join them in their mission.

I left the Philadelphia School District after nine years of service and began teaching fifth grade right here at the Spruce Hill campus. During those four years, I saw our mission come alive in marvelous and miraculous ways. To train students' minds, disciple their hearts, and bring light to the city—one child at a time: those are beautiful words, but even they fail to do justice to the relentless love and sacrificial service I witness here every day.

For the last thirteen years I have been honored to serve as principal of the elementary and middle school campuses at The City School.

I share my history with The City School to give you some context for my perspective. We have grown from a school of sixty-seven students in 1978 to a thriving community of over

Above: Stephanie Hook speaks to the entire school community at our annual all-school convocation.

leading up to our merger, the last few weeks of serving our students side-by-side has truly confirmed in my heart that we are one school serving one God with one vision.

three hundred today! We have grown through two mergers and

This merger and the exciting forward momentum it brings is as

a name change. I have seen standardized test scores rise as

much a blessing to the elementary and middle school campuses

teachers identify areas of struggle and pour their souls into their

as it is for our high school. Here are a few of the many ways God

students' success. I have seen a diverse array of teachers, leaders,

is blessing our elementary and middle school programs with new

and visionaries invest their lives in this school, each building

growth.

upon the strong foundation of the last. I say all that to say this: we are growing into our vision.

Our biggest project coming out of the merger is the opening of our fourth campus! Next year, PMHS' beautiful building located

Our vision now is clearer than it has ever been, but it has not

in the Fairmount section of the city will become our new pre-k

changed. When our school was founded thirty-six years ago, we

and second elementary school. When it is fully occupied, we will

had a vision for hundreds of students throughout the city

serve 140 new students. That is 140 unique image-bearers of

learning in a place where Jesus is honored and excellence is

God who will have the opportunity to pursue an excellent

pursued. We had a vision for elementary, middle, and high

education in a place where Jesus' love, grace, and gospel are

school campuses spread throughout the city, uniquely serving

taught and lived out every day. We are excited that this building

the neighborhoods in which they are planted. We yearned for

will remain a unique space in the city, where our teachers will

100% college acceptance among our graduating seniors. We saw

continue to emphasize the virtues of leadership, peacemaking,

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and service—an enduring commitment to the PMHS vision

As we commit to widening our reach in the city, we are also

which so clearly aligns with ours. Our Spruce Hill campus will

committed to deepening our investment in our students.

remain, and our new Fairmount campus will allow us to bring our excellent elementary program to a new neighborhood.

“ON THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN,

Melissa Sanchez, who has faithfully served as our kindergarten

MELISSA ENVISIONS EACH STUDENT

teacher for the past five years, has been appointed as the principal of our Fairmount campus. Melissa is a master teacher, and she has done much to cultivate our excellent elementary curriculum. She has used her experience and wisdom to mentor three new teachers to prepare them for the rigors of full-time teaching. Melissa rightly sees kindergarten as the foundation of all education, and she instills a passion and joy for learning in our youngest students. On the first day of

GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL. SHE IMAGINES THEM WITH COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES IN HAND, WITH BRIGHT FUTURES MAPPED IN THEIR MINDS.”

kindergarten, Melissa envisions each student graduating high

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school. She imagines them with college acceptances in hand,

Three years ago, Ms. Amy Evans, our second grade teacher,

with bright futures mapped in their minds, and works

walked into my office. She told me she was interested in

backwards from that guiding vision to her day-by-day

pursuing a second Master's degree, this time with a focus on

instruction. Melissa also brings a wealth of administrative

special education. "If I do this," she asked me, "is there any way

experience to our new campus, having served as principal of

it can benefit the school?" We didn't have all the answers at that

Timothy Academy and as Kindergarten Director at KEEP

time, but I trusted in Amy's gift and God's provision, and I

Kindergarten program in Havertown, Pennsylvania. Melissa is

encouraged her to pursue her passion. I am pleased to

also an early education professor at Esperanza College of

announce that this year Amy's vision is beginning to take

Eastern University. It is a joy for us to invest in our teachers

shape; we are piloting an academic support program for

and to see them continue to learn and grow at our school

students with learning challenges.

This year Amy is serving as our Academic Support Coordinator, developing our new program, training teachers, and working with non-profit and government agencies to identify and come alongside students with learning challenges. Amy's vision for a growing academic support program is allowing us to reach more and more students in the city, including those we've been unable to serve in the past. It saddens me to say we had to turn away 60 students last year because we could not provide them the level of support they needed to be successful in our school, but I am encouraged and excited to say that, starting this year, we are working diligently towards meeting the diverse learning needs of our city's students.

The middle school years are a precious and unique time in the lives of our students. During this brief but vital period most students begin to develop their lifelong personalities and perspectives. They come into their own. It is crucial that middle school students are nurtured by teachers who truly understand the way they think and look at the world. Mrs. Joan Hamel has a gift for this, and perhaps better than anyone I've ever met, she knows the minds and hearts of middle schoolers. She empathizes with their feelings and speaks their language in a way few adults can. As all our middle school teachers will joyfully confess, Joan leads the middle school. It is my honor, then, to formally announce that Mrs. Hamel has been promoted to Assistant Principal of the Walnut Street campus.

Mrs. Hamel's vision of excellence encompasses the whole school.

She has a God-given talent for organizing our curriculum, ensuring that every subject in every grade level integrates prior learning and builds upon material students have already mastered. Her gift is put to marvelous use in our middle school program, which strongly emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages teachers to work together in building unified lesson plans across their campus. This year, Mrs. Hamel will be working with our education committee to review and revise our school-wide curriculum. With her passion and expertise, I am confident that our already-rigorous program is becoming more excellent every day.

I look back at my vision for my own life and stand in awe of God's faithfulness to me. By placing me here, God has allowed me to witness, and even take part in, story after story of grace, redemption, and faithfulness. I have seen young minds illuminated with knowledge of God's world and hearts transformed by the love of our Savior. I have walked in a vision more beautiful than those dreams I had thirty-four years ago.

Above (Top to Bottom): Melissa Sanchez, Amy Evans, and Joan Hamel are all continuing to put their gifts and passions to use and are serving The City School in expanded roles.

Melissa will be our Principal at our new Fairmount Campus, Amy is our Academic Support Coordinator and, Joan is the Assistant Principal at our Walnut Street Campus.

Left: The Williams family proudly celebrate Ameerah’s graduation.

since our little elementary school campus opened thirty-six years ago. These stories of growth I've shared are ways of realizing this living vision. As you read the rest of The Lantern, my hope is that every story will

The same is true for our school. God has been faithful to us

brighten your own vision of The City School and you will

through times of trial and abundance, and this season of growth

gain clearer insight into all that our glorious God is doing

is allowing us to realize a vision shared by thousands of people

in our community. I pray you will see his vision.

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Reflection on Teaching

By Kate Kiersten Apple, Retired High School English Teacher

WHEN I FIRST STARTED TEACHING IN 1979 in

make a special copy, attach to the cylinder drum and push

northern New Jersey at a large suburban Christian school,

a button for the printing to begin. Technology in the

part of my preparation was learning how to turn a crank to

classroom consisted of reel-to-reel movie films and the

print tests and handouts from the mimeograph machine.

occasional slide show.

In order to achieve this miracle of technology, I first needed to type a stencil, scrape off any errors with a razor blade, attach the stencil to the cylinder, check the fluid in the cartridge, and finally turn the crank. High technology arrived a couple of years later when I could take a page,

Recently a friend posted a YouTube video of a variety of children exploring a 1970’s computer. There the computer sat in all its mammoth glory, boxy with a black and white screen, and no internet. As the children reacted to this strange contraption, I became aware that, although technology had changed, students' learning

"Mrs. Apple was the first person to see potential in me. She is truly the foundation of my love for literature today, and she inspired me to pursue English in college. When I came to The City School, I did not know what I loved. Every time I entered Mrs. Apple's class, there was a spark in my heart, and I could not help but to pay attention to every word that came from her mouth. She is a wise woman, and I appreciate her seeing me as a gem in the crowd.

they sought clarification from the instructor. Some became more frustrated as they found their “old” knowledge didn’t transfer easily to this ancient creature.

Some asked questions, some complained, and some came to appreciate the 1970’s computer's place in the timeline of technological history.

She also made it her business to pick me up, clean me up, and polish me into the person I am today. You

At The City School, some of the literature we read may

will never be forgotten, Mrs. Apple, and be content knowing that you touched so many people's lives through English and your love. What a great

iPhone-carrying, app-using, texting teens. That is why I

testimony!"

-Davida, Alumna

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styles and reactions had not. Most asked “What is it?” as

seem like that antique computer to our information-age, often would ask the students questions like, “What can we learn about today’s world by examining the stories of the past?” Because we, and our literary companions, share a common humanity, I hope that my former students have

Above Left: Mrs. Apple with 2014 Valedictorian Jamie-Claire and Salutatorian Aaron. Above Right: At a retirement party for Mrs. Apple and Mrs. Semkiw, yearbooks lined up represent their combined thirty-seven year tenure at The City School.

learned that even if an adventure takes place in the ancient

serving others through the teaching profession. I have been

kingdom of Uruk or Greece, the values of courage,

privileged to serve my Creator and loving God, as a very

friendship, and the need for a loving family are still

imperfect image-bearer of the master teacher. I trust that He

important today.

will redeem even my inadequacies as I teach the students he

My follow-up question might likely have been, “Do people

has brought into my life.

change?” One way that I have changed from my teaching in

This past year in American literature we learned about the

1979 to the present day is that I have tried to move away

beliefs and writing style of the early American colonists called

from presenting the literature as a mountain of information

the Puritans. This brave group believed that all of life, yes

for the students to acquire, towards encouraging the learner

everything, was an act of worship. This sentiment is one that I

to engage with the literature, learning in a deeper, more

share, so I challenged the students to write a poem in the

personal way. The past five years especially have been

Puritan Plain style much like the 17th century writers Anne

professionally exciting years for me as I have tried to sharpen

Bradstreet or Edward Taylor would have used. One of the

my teaching skills by presenting new and sometimes creative

students challenged me to also complete the assignment. And

ways to engage student participation.

so I leave with my poem:

Even though technology, teaching methods, and subjects may change, the foundational vision of Jesus as our master teacher does not change. At The City School, teachers profess that all truth comes from God. He is the one who has ordered our universe. He is the one who has gifted all people with creativity and intellect because we are made in his image. It was my goal to challenge students to develop these gifts by giving them space to reflect on thought-provoking questions where answers are not always easy or memorized. As I imagined our talented students moving on to college, I

A TEACHER’S PRAYER OH PEN, DO NOT DWINDLE OR DRY. WRITE WORDS OF HIM, WHO CAME TO DIE. PLAIN SPEECH, WELL SAID, A PRAYERFUL TOKEN (FOR I AM WHOLE, WHEN I AM BROKEN).

visualized them in college literature courses engaging with other students in discussion. My goal was that The City

WRITE WORDS PROFOUND, OH USEFUL TOOL

School students be able to hold their own with the best and the brightest because they could analyze, critique, and use the

FILLED WITH HIS INK, PART OF HIS SCHOOL.

appropriate literary terms to express their new and sometimes profound insights on the nature of man and his place in the universe.

My place in the universe has been to serve the Almighty by

Kate Apple retired after 10 years service at the end of last school year. She is continuing to cultivate an enviroment of excellence at The City School by serving on our Education committee.

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WA S H I N G O U R DISCIPLES' FEET When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.

"You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

- Jesus, John 13:12-17

LEADERSHIP IS A COMPLICATED VIRTUE . Like anything

good, it can be corrupted, and in a world shattered by sin and

FA R E W E L L , F R I E N D S

self-glorification, it often is. At The City School, we strive to teach students how to lead with grace and love. Accomplishing this task means cultivating in our students' hearts and minds a rare and

This year The City School says goodbye to two of our most

righteous blend of confidence and humility, assertiveness and

devoted teachers, Kate Apple and Gloria Semkiw. For ten

meekness, strength and gentleness, leadership and servanthood.

years Mrs. Apple cultivated in our students a passion for

These are traits we find perfectly exemplified in Jesus, so we turn

reading, writing, and the English language, helping

to him for our example.

students find God's glory and Christian truths through works of literature. Mrs. Semkiw taught Spanish for a

Our middle school students saw Jesus' servant-leadership lived

staggering twenty-seven years, helping students develop

out in person when their teachers taught on—and then

new ways of expressing themselves and cultivating in them

reenacted!—Jesus washing his disciples' feet. "Jesus turns our

a deep appreciation for diversity in world cultures.

entire perception of leadership upside-down," Ms. Carter tells the

Mrs. Apple and Mrs. Semkiw modeled the grace of Jesus

class, "He calls us to become leaders by first becoming servants, to

for our students every day. While their retirement is

lead by inspiring people with our lives." As Ms. Mercer kneels

well-deserved, their presence will be missed. We love you!

down to a bucket of water, she explains how radical this act of service was in Jesus' time. "In Bible times," she says, "washing feet was reserved for the lowest of the low—the most despised, disrespected slave would be the one forced to wash your feet. You

"JESUS TURNS OUR ENTIRE PERCEPTION OF LEADERSHIP UPSIDE-DOWN. HE CALLS US TO BECOME LEADERS BY FIRST BECOMING SERVANTS, TO LEAD

BY INSPIRING PEOPLE WITH OUR LIVES." Right: Mrs. Hamel demonstrates Jesus' loving service by washing Olivia's feet.

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would never see a teacher washing his students' feet, and you would never expect the Son of God to do this undignified thing!"

As she and the other teachers knelt down beside their buckets,

they asked for volunteers to remove their shoes. At first,

An eighth grader, Shawn, showed his bravery, and

T H E C R E AT E D , C R E AT I V E C H I L D

demonstrated the lesson in leading by example, by

By Cathy Struck, Spruce Hill & Walnut Street Art Teacher

students were apprehensive. Some students giggled, some looked away sheepishly, some dared their friends to go first.

volunteering to have his feet washed first. He sat before Mrs. Hamel and took off his shoes. She dipped his feet in the water

"Earth’s crammed with heaven,

and began scrubbing his toes. As she washed, she prayed for

and every common bush afire with God

Shawn and shared encouraging words with him. "I'm proud of you. You've grown so much since you've been here. You're a

But only he who sees, takes off his shoes

leader and good example to your friends. Father, be with

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries."

Shawn this year and continue growing him into the man you

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Aurora Leigh” book 7, lines 821 – 24

want him to be." Seeing Mrs. Hamel's love for Shawn poured out in this act of service, other students began volunteering to have their feet washed as well.

It was a powerful time of sharing and service for students as well as teachers. "As we were washing students' feet," Mrs. King shares, "they started asking if they could wash my feet. At first I thought, 'that isn't really the point of this exercise,' but I saw that they wanted to show me the same love and grace they were receiving, and they wanted to put their lesson into practice." Mrs. King took off her shoes, sat down, and one-by-one almost the entire sixth grade class stooped down to wash her feet. "We love you, Mrs. King. We appreciate you.

Thank you for being our teacher."

EDUCATION THAT DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE GOD IS A HALF-TRUTH. In these few poignant verses,

Elizabeth Barrett Browning reminds us we inhabit a world ablaze with the beauty of God. We can learn much about our world without ever knowing its creator—we can map the stars and chart the oceans, calculate the circumference of our globe and send rockets to the moon, even crack the human genome.

But until we know, personally, the God who created us, we will never, as Browning so artfully puts it, take off our shoes. We will not know what holy ground we tread.

Below: Artwork by Anais, Grade 1 and Justin, Grade 2.

"Leadership is such an important virtue for middle school students," Mr. Spalding says, "They are at a critical age where their lifelong character is being created and cultivated. Starting the year off with this exercise in servant-leadership helps set a tone of grace for the entire year."

For our middle school students, leadership is more than a Bible lesson or an abstract concept. Every day our students and teachers seek out ways to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of their community. Gabriel, an eighth grader, comes to school half an hour early every morning to arrange tables and chairs, setup snacks for the day, and organize the office and break room. He does this entirely on his own direction. "My mom was a teacher," he shares, "I know how much responsibility they have, and I want to do what I can to make their day a little lighter." Gabriel also sees his acts of service as a way of emulating the character of his Savior. "Jesus' whole life is an example to us—how we should strive to live," he says, "He didn't need to come to earth, to wash his disciples' feet, or to suffer and die for us, but he did."

"And," Gabriel summarizes the entire lesson on leadership, "we should lead with the same kind of love and sacrifice he showed us on the cross."

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Education is holy ground. It is discovery of self, discovery of our world and its wonders, and ultimately discovery of God. Education must engage the whole person, heart and mind. At The City School, education is a bit like an antiphonal song: it has a call and a response. It is relational.

At The City School, we acknowledge God’s work in his world, and we teach students to find evidence of his artistry everywhere they look. The starting point for a holistic curriculum cannot be humankind or society, but rather God, who made and presides over both. As Christian educators, we do not add God to our curriculum—we choose not to remove him.

This leads me to the subject—my favorite subject!—of art.

We are called to use our talents to interpret, subdue, and reform every aspect and element of creation, to the glory

Above: (Left) Artwork by Hannah, Grade 2. (Middle) Cathy Struck inspires creativity in students like Jaylin, Kaya, and Nya through our

of our maker. This task requires us to learn what is

told me, "to express who we really are." Art students develop

aesthetically good, to develop an understanding of beauty,

another voice to communicate to, and about, God the creator.

and to nurture our created creativity. God requires, as art requires, for us to find and draw out beauty everywhere in creation. As fifth grader Imani once told me, "Different pieces of art show that people can create beauty in many different ways, just like God does with us."

Art students also learn to be better communicators, and communication makes us whole and wholly human. We study art as we would study another language, a uniquely

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"AT THE CITY SCHOOL, EDUCATION IS A BIT LIKE AN ANTIPHONAL SONG: IT HAS A CALL AND A RESPONSE. IT IS RELATIONAL.”

universal language. We learn the language of color theory

Art students learn to make connections and think creatively.

and the power of color relationships. We learn the

Creativity is the catalyst that turns knowledge into ideas and

language of line, the message in the juxtaposition of

implementations. Art education engages the child as a learner

shapes, and the rules of perspective. We learn about beauty

in a way few other subjects can. The process of envisioning,

and order. An art educator assists children in developing

planning, creating, problem-solving, persisting, revising, and

personal themes for expression. Students learn, as Alex

presenting produces life skills that tests alone can't measure.

innovative art program. (RIght) Artwork by Carmelina, Grade 4. Below: Zion poses with her work at our annual Spring Arts Celebration.

Students learn to take risks. They learn that there can be more than one solution to a problem. They learn that the details matter. Art requires personal investment.

What does all this educational ideology look like in the classroom? The fourth grade art class does a project called "Reflections of Mexico." This project has several objectives: we explore some of the connections between the art and culture of Mexico, we learn about radial designs, we practice the embossing process. But we also discuss the importance of "reflection" as a theme in both art and life. "In Mexico," fourth grader Alayna explains, "they look into the mirror to see their souls. In this project, we learned to look into our own souls." Her classmate Mina notes that, "Art is like putting your imagination down on a piece of paper," and Michaela adds, "It's a way of showing the world your soul." In each project, at every grade level, we look for God's truths. "We are

God's art," Janai says, with wisdom well beyond her eleven years, "and when we make art, we become more like him."

Whenever we create, we are standing on holy ground.

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Retreat T O Advance EVERY YEAR FACULTY AND STAFF at The City School

gather together for a time of prayer, fellowship, sharing, and rejoicing in our mission. This is a time to reflect on all God accomplishes in our community—in our own lives and the lives of our students. It is also a time to cast a vision for excellent, Jesus-honoring education in the city. This time together prepares us to face the often-grueling school year with peace, "For me the retreat solidified the intentional act of making us one school family. It gave me a clearer picture of the vision for The City School and how it is up to us, with the help of God, to realize the vision. Most importantly, I became excited at the presence of God in this work and each person's story, which confirmed for me that I am in the right

joy, and a shared commitment to Jesus' reign over our mission.

This year we went to Sandy Cove, a retreat center on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. For many of us, it was our first time meeting new teachers and administrators, including new friends from the PMHS community. Dr. Barbara Moses, community liaison and senior advisor to the administration,

place at the appointed time for me to pour out into

led us through introductions and team-building exercises, and

others all that God has poured into me."

Jake Becker, head of school, shared our vision for a growing,

Kim Jones, Administrative Assistant

thriving school with campuses throughout the city. Afterwards, we prayed as a team, broke bread together, and had some time for fun and relaxation. Kim, Kent, and Rich took a boat ride

"The retreat was an enjoyable time of mutual encouragement and building each other up. It provided us a time to share our various visions of what we want to see in this school with one another

along the bay, Amy trounced Anna and Evelyn at mini-golf, Norm took a well-deserved nap, Brandon hit the gym, Cathy and Michelle went antique shopping in the town. For dinner, we gathered at a local seafood dive to celebrate our renewed

so that together we may better serve and equip our

commitments.

students to be Jesus' hands and feet to this city."

Refreshed and with a renewed vision for God's work through

Ben Guy, History Teacher

The City School, we're ready for another year of joyful learning.

“Love and unity was on full display during our retreat Sandy Cove. I could feel the closeness of friendships among the faculty and staff. Our time together was meaningful—and downright fun. Jake's message was right on the mark: starting with our love for Jesus, loving one another and serving the children of the city faithfully—one child at a time. This prevailing attitude will surely result in shalom from our Lord and great blessing to our school community.

The retreat certainly helps us get out of the starting gate with much greater fervor and resolve to serve our Lord and our city more effectively."

Hank Prevette, Development Associate

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Top Left: The 2014-2015 faculty and staff of The City School.

Above: Our staff retreat prepares faculty, like Becca Geller-Puchalsky (pictured above with Stephania, a sophomore at Rittenhouse), for a year of loving and serving their students.

Above: Rebecca with some Spruce Hill students on an excursion to the pool.

A Summer of Service "AND WHOEVER WOULD BE FIRST AMONG YOU MUST BE SERVANT OF ALL. FOR EVEN THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY." - JESUS, MARK 10:44-45

REBECCA’S STORY FOR THE PAST TWO SUMMERS, I travelled with a

group of friends from Northern Ireland to volunteer at

Students and teachers at The City School, with our friends from all over Philadelphia and the world, often spend parts of their summer vacations volunteering at camps around the city. Every year Tenth Presbyterian's youth group summer camp is hosted at our Spruce Hill campus, where many teachers and high school students serve as counselors. Grace & Peace Community Church also hosts a summer camp run by our high school art teacher, Mr. Joe Sinagra, with the help of many of his students.

summer camp at The City School's Spruce Hill campus.

Jesus taught, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Our students, teachers, and friends give generously of their time, even their precious summer breaks. In return, they are blessed with joy, love, new relationships, and a better understanding of the grace of Jesus. Here are a few of their stories.

I noticed he became more and more interested in the

Our team joined more than thirty other volunteers from Philadelphia, and it was a joy serving alongside so many other Christians.

I met a seven-year-old named David. At the beginning, he was distracted and had trouble concentrating. He often disrupted our class. However, we continued to love him and show him grace. Gradually, as the first week went on, message of Jesus we were sharing with the kids. At the end of the first week, David spontaneously opened up to me about his life. He told me, with tears in his eyes, that his mum left when he was four years old and never returned. I told David that, no matter what difficulties we

13

face in life, God has never-ending love for us. His story challenged me and I resolved to show more love and care to the children entrusted to me.

ANA’S STORY ANA, A SENIOR JOINING US FROM PMHS , spent her

On the last day of camp, we all shared what we learned.

summer volunteering at New Freedom Theatre, where she

David confided that he learned, for the first time in his

trained and counseled young dancers and actors involved in

life, that God loves him.

the Performing Arts Training Program. "I was basically a god-mother to the younger performers," Ana says, "I helped them get comfortable with one another and learn their skills together as a community." The Director of her program, Diane Leslie, shares that Ana, "built encouragement among the team, showed enthusiasm, and performed on stage alongside students. She was open, eager, and conscientious, and we are very, very pleased with her contributions." Ana sometimes worked 14-hour days, giving graciously of her time and talent for the sake of newer performers who looked to her as a mentor.

Towards the end of their summer program, Ana participated in and won first place in the Youth Voices Against Violence talent show. Along with her friend Mary, Ana performed a spoken-word poem about the horrors of rape and the dangers of shaming and bullying victims. They built their

JORDAN’S STORY THIS SUMMER I VOLUNTEERED AS A COUNSELOR at

Grace & Peace Church's summer camp. When I arrived on my first day, Mr. Sinagra introduced me to the group

poem around the experiences of Jada, a young woman from Houston who was humiliated online after being raped at a party. Our students face violent realities with grace and maturity, and Ana's poem (printed below) is a testament to our ability to overcome evil with good.

of children I would be working with. I thought to myself, "This will be nice and easy." I was wrong.

Some of the kids were loud, some were distracting and disruptive, and some were too shy to participate in group activities. Working with them taught me a lot about being

#JADAPOSE I BETTER SEE A FLEXED BICEP

gracious and showing love even when it isn't easy. One of

A FIST IN THE AIR

my favorite kids was Maki. He was energetic and fun, and

#JUSTICEFORJADA

he spent most of the day trying to get other campers to have as much fun as he was having. Sometimes, though,

JUSTICE FOR ANYONE

he would break down in the middle of the day. I never

ANY VICTIM STILL WAKING UP FROM NIGHTMARES

learned all the reasons he would suddenly get upset, but

OF THEIR OWN SILENCE

God gave me a chance to speak into his life. I loved him in Bible class, and he would always ask me questions about God. I gave him the best answers I could think of.

It seemed that I made a difference in Maki's life and in the lives of other campers. They also had a big impact on

THE SILENCE THAT WAS STRANGLED BY ACCUSATIONS OF "YOU WERE ASKING FOR IT" SILENCE BECAUSE YOUR MOUTH COULDN'T REMEMBER WHAT SHAPE FORMS A SCREAM

my life. They showed me you can always do your best, and

SO PLEASE SPEAK UP

you can always find time for fun. Every day each student

AND SPEAK OUT

had a smile on his or her face. I am thankful for this great experience, and I am glad my campers had a fun summer and, most importantly, learned more about our God.

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"SO THE NEXT TIME YOU HIT THAT

BECAUSE JADA COULD'VE BEEN YOU."

BOLD AS

LIONS

By Anna Gunther, Development Assistant I’M NERVOUSLY PACING THE

SIDELINES , camera in hand—I’m

still trying to figure out how to get the camera controls to keep pace with the action in front of me. The humid gym air resonates with shoes squeaking on the court, calls of “I’ve got it!” and the satisfying thwack of a well-filled volleyball connecting with fearless forearms. It’s match one—the first match in school history—for The City School Lions.

Win or lose our girls are courageously striding into new territory with grace, determination, and a fair amount of laughter.

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D I D YO U K N OW ?

The City School’s mascot is the Lion. Last year, in combination with the name change, students and families voted on a unified mascot. The winner was the Lion, chosen because of Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” The Lion mascot was designed by students at Gordon College. Their Return Design Service delivers “design solutions to non-profits” and graciously offered their services to help us in rebranding our athletics program. Thank you, Gordon College!

I got the chance to walk over with the team from the

Her words echoed those of Athletic Director Kenyatta Rush.

Rittenhouse campus to their home court, the YMCA on

“Our sports program has a foundation in excellence.” For

Christian Street. As they assembled in the catacombs, casting

Mr. Rush, athletics are not just about having additional

nervous glances and helping each other fix their hair, some

extracurricular activities, fitting in with the cool kids, or

of their classmates gathered around. “We want to send the

winning at all costs. “As a staff we want our athletes to know

team off with prayer.”

that anything we do, we are going to do it well. That

“You all better pray quick, then—we’ve got a game to get to!” Ben Moore, former history teacher at PMHS and now dean of students and volleyball coach, responded between counting heads and packing water bottles.

Kadeem stepped up. “OK, everyone, we’re going to pray.”

A hush settled over the room, as even students and faculty at other tables for study hall bowed their heads. “Father, be with our girls; help them to play with excellence and to support each other as a team. And give them courage—because they’re going to need it!”

It’s a five block walk to the YMCA. As we walked, I chatted with Sonia, the team manager, and Cherisse, a junior. They were upbeat. “I don’t want to make a call about how this game is going to turn out,” said Cherisse, smiling. “But Mr. Moore told us that the other team is pretty new too. I think we’ve really been coming together as a team. We’ve started taking some ownership of our practices. We all want to be there. We want to learn.”

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doesn’t mean we will be the top team, but we will take the resources we have, coaches, facilities, students, and do our best in order to glorify God. Students need to know that working hard is excellence.”

The push for a volleyball team came last year, when a group of students started expressing a desire for the team. The school coaching staff agreed that it was a good fit for our program. But it was the expanded resources and increased student body provided by the merger of PMHS with The City School that made the team possible. Twenty-one girls tried out for the team. This is the first time we’ve been able to offer a sport in the fall.

Many of the students, since the merger, have begun to develop a sense of unified community. The volleyball team is one example of how this is happening. “The girls from both schools are blending well, being supportive of one another, and working hard to learn the basics of volleyball,” says Mr. Moore. A robust athletic program provides a way,

T H A N K YO U TO O U R C OAC H E S This year our athletic department is adding girls volleyball, coached by Ben Moore and co-ed weightlifting, coached by Kenyatta Rush. We will continue to have girls and boys basketball teams at the high school level coached by Ben Moore and Marc Daniels; a co-ed basketball team at the middle school level, coached by Iola Broaddus; co-ed middle school soccer, coached by Emily Carter; girls middle school cheerleading, coached by Felicia Mercer; and boys and girls track team at the high school, coached by Kenyatta Rush. Our coaches are the backbone of our program, living out and teaching their athletes to pursue excellence with boldness.

Far Left: The inaugural girls’ volleyball team with coach Mr. Moore.

Middle Left:Taylor powerfully serves the ball.

Middle Right: Athletic Director, Mr. Rush keeps track of the action and the score.

Adjacent: Sabree, Ashley, Cherisse, Maria, and Ixtzel discuss strategy during a time out.

outside of the classroom, to build community, develop

encouragement. “This was our first game—the other team has

camaraderie, and have exposure to the larger community.

a year on us. We’re going to keep getting better. Let’s shake it

Sports also build the school spirit so deeply needed in

off and move on to the next match.” The team breaks their

fostering unity, giving students a sense of pride in their

huddle with a resounding “LIONS!”

school.

Mr. Rush is proud. “I thought they did an excellent job for

Back to the volleyball court—the school spirit is on full

their first game. They came out and were competitive. They

display at the team’s first match. Before the opening whistle,

held their own and were supportive and encouraging to each

dozens of classmates, parents, and teachers had streamed in

other. I'm excited by all the students, faculty, and families that

to support the team. We’ve spent our time on the sidelines

turned out to support us.” This game was the first step in a

both jovial and inquisitive—trading knowledge about

broader vision. We will continue to grow not only the breadth

volleyball scoring systems, calling out encouragement, and

of our program by organically adding teams over time, but

enjoying the sense of exploration on an otherwise dreary

also continuing to develop the character and skill of our

Thursday.

athletes.

The girls play well. They win their first set after several

On the back of each girl’s jersey is a golden lion. As our school

exciting rallies and weathering an injured teammate. During

mascot, it’s a symbol of unity but also a reminder. In Proverbs

the second set, the nervousness gets the better of them. The

28:1 it says, “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the

match is tied at 1-1. Jacquelyn, the team captain, appeals to

righteous are as bold as a lion.” The Lion represents how God

her team: “Come on, focus—we just have to go out there and

has sent us out to proclaim his name with boldness and

do what we do—and focus!” Her pep talk renews the team’s

courage. In sports, we are being bold and courageous,

determination, and the third and fourth sets are close, with

allowing others to see our flaws in a very public way. Virtues

several sessions of collective breath holding by the audience.

learned on the court translate into the classroom, the

But it’s Mercy Tech that collects the win.

workplace, and into lives lived valiantly. Today our girls

The team is disappointed but not dejected. Mr. Moore gathers them around to close the game with prayer and

attempted something new for our school; they did it boldly and courageously; and that is something to be proud of.

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veritas vos liberabit

T H E T R U T H S H A L L S E T YO U F R E E

By Norm Campbell, Latin Teacher AT ITS HEART, NEARLY EVERYTHING WE STUDY IS ABOUT

Why Latin, then? Why study this so-called dead language?

PEOPLE. History, art, literature, language, these are subjects we

There is a whimsical rhyme I learned as a boy, and my own

explore to better understand ourselves. Who am I? Who are we?

What is our story?

it since I first began teaching:

Language, in particular, is deeply personal. Nothing reveals our

"Latin is a language,

character so truly as the language we use. The apostle James

Dead as dead can be,

lamented, " the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full

First it killed the Romans,

of deadly poison," and our own Savior saw the right of it when he taught of man, "out of the abundance of the heart his mouth

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students have been (cleverly, they think) tormenting me with

Now it's killing me."

speaks." We study language because language is mastery of self

But consider this. The Romans conquered most of the

and self-expression. To know language is to know the heart.

then-known world. Their legions marched into Gaul, into

Spain, into Germany, Britain, Thrace, Greece, and Palestine.

In the reign of Tiberius, [Jesus] was executed by the

Their armies brought more than soldiers: they brought

procurator, Pontius Pilate.

culture, philosophy, language. They brought Latin to the very heart of the world, the cradle of civilization.

—and I cannot help but worship with my students!

Incredible, that the maker and sustainer of the universe

Like a centuria of warriors, the Latin language is an amazing

should let himself be mocked, jeered at, spat upon, flogged,

array of verbs, nouns, prepositions, adverbs, and

and nailed to a Roman cross. God meets and masters human

interjections. And, like Rome's unconquerable legions, Latin

history at each specific moment in time.

is splendidly organized. It is sharp, precise, beautiful, and powerful. It is disciplined. To study Latin is to train your mind in thinking clearly, and to speak and write with precision and power!

There are places where these detours from the main subject may be seen as distractions, as being side-tracked from what really matters. I do not see them this way. I see these impromptu, spur-of-the-moment discussions as forays into

Much of modern civilization—in philosophy, in art, in

my students' interests, as ways of connecting textbook

government, and even entertainment—finds its roots in the

knowledge to the tactile world. A medieval proverb jests that

Roman Empire, and therefore in the Latin language. To

all roads lead to Rome; I see our classroom conversations as

know Latin is to know the ancient world, and to know the

roads from ancient Rome to modern Philadelphia.

ancient world is to know the world of today and tomorrow.

The Latin Vulgate, translating John 8:32 from its original

This is why I teach Latin as more than a language. We must,

Greek, renders our Lord's charge to Pontius Pilate this way,

of course, master conjugations, cases, persons, tenses, and

"veritas vos liberabit." The truth will make you free. This phrase, in

moods, but there is—and there must be!—time for more.

its striking, succinct Latin, echoes through the ages. In

When I speak of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius, we

present day, these words serve as the motto for some of the

find occasion to discuss modern politics. When I teach on

world's premier institutes of higher learning, including The

Virgil, we may trace his influence through to the middle

California Institute of Technology and Johns Hopkins

ages, to Dante and Milton, all the way to Lord Tennyson and

University. Wherever education is revered, these words will

even to our contemporaries. We deconstruct a sentence from

be found drawing continuous life from the very lips of our

Tacitus, the only pagan reference to Christ Jesus—

Lord Jesus.

"Tiberio imperitante, per Pontium Pilatum procuratorem supplicio

Education is revered here, at The City School, so I say to you

adfectus est."

as I say to my students, "veritas vos liberabit."

L AT I N T H E N A N D N O W Latin I students complete an interdisciplinary research project in conjunction with their freshman Humanities course. This project explores any person, event, or theme from the ancient Roman world and evaluates its continued influence in the modern world. Students connect history, language, and ethics and consider their findings in light of a worldview rooted in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Here are some excerpts from their work.

JOHN, “PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN ROME”

ANDRE, “CRUCIFIXION KILLS”

The persecution of Christians in ancient Rome still

Many people agree Roman crucifixion was the most

affects today’s world. The amount of bravery for their

agonizing and excruciating death sentence ever created by

faith influences many Christians. Even today, Christians

mankind. This punishment was so grotesque it was

continue to suffer and are martyred for following Jesus.

reserved for the lowest criminal in ancient Rome. Hengel

The history of ancient Rome is an encouragement

notes, “No ancient writer wanted to dwell too much on this

because it shows people today that they are not alone.

cruel procedure” (25). The barbaric practice of crucifixion

Even Christ suffered.

is actually where we get the term “excruciate” from: it comes from the Latin ex, which means "out of" and crux, which means "cross."

19

W H AT ’ S YO U R S T O R Y ?

ARE YOU AN ALUM N US OF T HE C I T Y SC H O O L? D O E S YO U R D I P LO M A SAY C I T Y C E N T E R AC A D E MY, PHILADELPHIA M E N N ON I T E HI GH SC HO O L , S P RU C E H I L L C H RI ST I A N SC H O O L , O R T H E C I T Y SCHOOL? It is such a joy sending each and every class into the world

Wherever life has taken you since you've graduated from

bearing the love, grace, and light of Jesus. Graduation day is

our school, we’d love to connect with you and hear more

not the end of an educational journey, but the beginning of a

about your journey. We want to keep you updated on what

new chapter brimming with endless possibilities. Many of you

God is doing at The City School and let you know about

have excelled at universities around the nation, putting your

alumni events where your presence is most welcome. We’d

intellect to use in pursuit of your degree. Some of you have

also like to help you find ways to volunteer and serve our

found other ways to run after your passions: art, music,

current students.

carpentry, dance—we even have a recent graduate who decided to defer college in favor of an exciting modeling opportunity.

TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ALUMNI NETWORK, VISIT US AT CITYSCHOOL.ORG/ALUMNI OR SEND AN EMAIL TO ALUMNI RELATIONS AT KJANKOWSKI@CITYSCHOOL.ORG. INVITE YOUR CLASSMATES TO JOIN, TOO!

A J OY F U L S P I R I T

B A L L R O O M DA N C I N G

Junior, Cherisse, spent two weeks of her summer at City on the Hill, a Christian leadership conference, where she learned about public policy, law, and politics. About her time there, Cherisse says, “I felt God calling me to make a change in my government and to stand up for what I believe in.”

This year our fourth and fifth grade students put on their ballroom best and learned to salsa, swing, and waltz.

Cherisse was awarded the Spirit Award for her passionate and joyful attitude.

To read more about Cherisse’s experience, visit cityschool.org/news-upcoming-events.

Above Left: Cherisse receives the Spirit Award at the end of her leadership conference.

Above Right: Noé and Mina enjoy showing off their swing skills to parents and friends at our ballroom dancing night.

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As students transition into adolescence, it is important they begin to learn how to be respectful, upright, and honorable with their peers. Through the art of dance, boys and girls are brought face-to-face and hand-to-hand as they learn to embrace one another in safe, appropriate ways.

While they learn about rhythm and reciprocity, our young dancers also learn about dignity, confidence, and proper expressions of affection. Students learn about closeness and distance, about respecting boundaries, and about physical communication.

DOMINIQUE, EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY Dominique Washington graduated from Philadelphia Mennonite High School (now part of The City School) in 2011. Currently a Political Science major at East Stroudsburg University, he will graduate in the spring of 2015. “My teachers at PMHS challenged me to think outside of the box and encouraged me to achieve more.

They taught me the fundamentals that equipped me to be

DAVIDA, EASTERN UNIVERSITY Davida graduated from The City School in 2012. She currently studies English at Eastern University, following a passion she discovered in her AP Literature course senior year. "I was blessed to have wonderful English teachers such as Mrs. Apple and Mrs. Fatigati," she shares, "They helped me explore different forms of literature, challenging me to read everything from Plato and Dante to Hawthorne and Conrad.

They helped me discover my love for reading."

successful in college,” expresses Dominique.

PMHS was also a place where Dominique was encouraged to take on leadership roles. At ESU he has continued to develop this gift. As a student orientation leader, Dominique welcomes new students to the university and gives them a feel for campus life. As a member of Student Senate, he sits on the Extracurricular Affairs Committee, where he helps to oversee the budgets for school programs and clubs to ensure they are operated efficiently and honoring their mission. He is also the Vice

Last year, Davida founded a campus book club, hoping to

President of the University-Wide Senate and works to

inspire her friends to find the same joy in reading she

cultivate a culture rooted in ESU's values of, " intellectual

discovered at The City School. Her club, R.E.N.E.W., Reading

integrity, freedom of expression, the fair and equal

Enters a New Engaging World, gives students an opportunity

treatment of all, good citizenship, environmental

to talk about the literature they love with peers who share

stewardship, and accountability for our actions and the

their passion. This year they read C.S. Lewis' Screwtape

resources entrusted to us."

Letters and Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. "In Screwtape Letters," she says, "Lewis gives us a glimpse into the spiritual realm, and it's eye-opening to see the world from the enemy's perspective! The Great Gatsby is a book I first read in high school, and I've discovered, with its beautiful, intense imagery, it's a book you can read over and over again."

Dominique has always understood the importance of embracing opportunity. Although he has been writing poetry for many years, it wasn’t until his mother passed away at the end of his freshman year of college that he decided to self-publish his first book of poetry, Life: The Struggle of a Man. His book is a poignant expedition

Davida believes students should pursue their passions in

through grief and triumph. He reveals, “Nothing could

college. "I don't know what career God will call me to," she

have prepared me for the life lesson I had to face when I

says, "but I know reading and writing keep me going—I know

lost my mother. Losing her was the hardest thing I

English kindles a fire in me. I also know many companies are

experienced in my life, and I have faced some difficult

eager to hire English majors because we are strong writers

things.”

and communicators, we tend to be critical thinkers, and we have keen problem-solving skills. By choosing a major I am passionate about, I can find joy in learning and working."

Dominique has experienced great loss and grief in his life.

Through it all, though, the hard things have helped him to realize it is important to embrace life. “My advice to high

Davida earned a position on the Dean's List last semester and

school students now is to take advantage of every

gives a joyful "thank you!" to all the teachers who have

opportunity. When life happens, don’t run from it;

inspired her to pursue excellence in her education.

embrace it and learn from it.”

21

Curtis Institute of Music

& The City School

PARTNERS IN EXCELLENCE THE CURTIS INSTITUTE OF MUSIC IS ONE OF THE

core courses at our school while studying music at Curtis.

"By partnering with The City School," Laurel says, "we

MOST PRESTIGIOUS CONSERVATORIES IN THE

know our students are individually known and cared for

WORLD. With an acceptance rate of just 6.8%, Curtis

in the same way they are at Curtis, and that they are

invests in only the most gifted musicians. Students from

receiving an excellent academic education only a few

across the globe pour their souls into music—practicing,

blocks from our campus."

literally, until their fingers bleed, struggling for the rare opportunity to perfect their craft at Curtis.

22

Above: Jenny performs at last year’s Merger Celebration and Annual Benefit.

Last year we were honored to welcome Jenny, Curtis' youngest musician, a fifth grade violinist. Principal

Curtis enrolls the best musicians in the world, regardless

Stephanie Hook remembers her entrance interview. "It

of their age or educational attainment. Many of their

was funny," she says, "we were talking about her busy

students are still completing high school when they are

schedule—the hours of practice, the recitals—and how to

accepted into Curtis' baccalaureate of music program,

balance that with her life as a fifth grader. As we were

and even a few prodigious elementary schoolers have

talking, Jenny looked longingly outside. She wanted

received this high honor. Laurel Grady, Associate Dean of

nothing more than to run around on the playground with

Student Services, explains, "We want to foster an

the other students." This moment encapsulates the beauty

environment that addresses the whole student. For

of our partnership with Curtis. Jenny is a virtuoso in the

musicians who are still school-aged, that means providing

making, but she is also a ten-year-old girl who needs to

them a well-rounded education by finding school options

learn reading, math, and science, who needs friendships

that accommodate their unique schedules and

with students her own age, and who needs to run around

responsibilities."

on the playground at recess.

In order to do this, Curtis partners with The City School.

Jenny is in sixth grade with us this year. She describes

Curtis students who are still completing their primary or

The City School as, "really strict, but in a good way . . .

secondary education have the opportunity to take their

challenging but still a lot of fun."

This year we are also serving seventeen Curtis students at

aspirations. Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu once asked,

our Rittenhouse campus, just a few blocks from Curtis.

"Isn't it amazing that we are all made in God's image, and

"I'm able to practice piano in the morning, come take my

yet there is so much diversity among his people?" The

math and science classes, and then fly off for a recital or a

City School's partnership with the Curtis Institute of

competition," Zitong shares. "The teachers are gracious

Music is a celebration of that diversity. Our classrooms are

and understanding, and they accommodate my schedule."

a home away from home for students as diverse as the

High school principal Jim Sorge also notices the little

city itself. Our students span the spectrums of race,

moments that exemplify the value of our partnership. "I

cultural heritage, faith tradition, economic status, and

have noticed," he observes, "that as Curtis students make

academic ability. Some are artists, some are scientists,

friends and become a real part of our community, they

some are poets, some are point guards, some are dancers,

start taking their lunch from Curtis and eating here, with

actors, or sprinters—some are virtuoso violinists.

their friends. I think that speaks to the real sense of family we cultivate here: these students are virtuosos outside of these walls, and their lives are very busy, but here they are

Below: Curtis students like Nana enjoy making new friends at The City School.

just another friend at the table."

Curtis and City School alumnus John-Henry Crawford echoes principal Sorge's sentiments. "Despite my unique circumstances as a musician at Curtis," he says, "The City School allowed me to live a normal high school life, and that experience helped form the person I am today. The teachers who invested in me, the friendships I made—those relationships continue to inspire me." Today, John Henry is a world-renowned cellist and has played with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Louisiana Philharmonic, and has given a solo recital for the International Concert Series at the Louvre.

Our partnership with Curtis gives students from both schools new opportunities to expand their horizons.

Students at The City School are enthusiastic about learning alongside master musicians. Their Curtis classmates often bring new perspectives to the classroom, and this is especially true because many Curtis students

CLASSROOM NOTES Through our merger, our teachers have new opportunities to deepen our program by teaching electives based around their unique interests and talents. Mr. Kent Beck is using his gift of singing to teach a vocal music elective this year.

are international, and American culture and ways of

A few days ago he shared that it was his sister's birthday. His class

thinking may be entirely new to them. It is a joy for our

spontaneously decided they should call her to sing "Happy

students to share different points-of-view and experiences and to borrow what is beautiful from each other's cultures.

Many City School students learn to appreciate classical music for the first time while attending their Curtis friends' recitals.

In the same way, many Curtis students get their first real glimpse of Philadelphian culture by sharing life with their City School friends. It is a delight for Curtis students to share the classroom with peers whose passions and talents are in science, art, history, poetry, math, or athletics.

Curtis students also enjoy small class sizes and close

Birthday." As they began to practice, Mr. Beck noticed the students were singing entirely different songs! The words were the same, but there were four different tunes being sung by his students. "A pretty rambunctious conversation ensued, and I discovered that my students, coming from such diverse backgrounds, had grown up with different versions of the song," he said. "Happy Birthday" is one of the most popular and most-often translated songs in the world, so Mr. Beck's Chinese and Korean students knew the words, but sang it in a foreign tune.

Other students were only familiar with Stevie Wonder's version of the song. Only a few sang the "traditional" tune. "One of my great hopes for this class," he shares, "was to diversify our appreciation of music. This turned into a perfect lesson!"

teacher-student relationships that foster academic, social, and emotional well-being.

"Finally," Mr. Beck says, "we made the call and enjoyed serenading

Every student is uniquely knit together in the image of

learning and performing this simple song, we all left feeling like

God and is blessed with individual talents, insights, and

one big happy family celebrating our sister’s birthday!"

a person only I had ever met, but through our impromptu work of

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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT KENT BECK, SCIENCE TEACHER our wonderfully created world. Having a deep appreciation for our students, I hope that they can experience the fullness of God's love and peace in their lives as well, in their journey of becoming adults and making positive contributions to this city and beyond."

Since then, Mr. Beck's passion has been education. In addition to his work as a high school science teacher, he has taught ESL to Ukrainian immigrants, supervised Education majors in their fieldwork, served for a decade as a school nurse, and returned to Egypt to direct Mennonite Central Committee's outreach to hospitals and Christian schools.

Above: Mr. Kent Beck at our Merger Celebration.

the love of his own teachers. "I had an aunt and uncle," he

OUR FAMILY IS GROWING , and it is our joy to welcome so

recalls, "who taught me not only to find joy in learning and

many new teachers to The City School. We are fortunate to

teaching, but also how to apply those principles across

be joined by many of PMHS' passionate teachers and leaders

cultures." From Tanta to Philadelphia, he has always had a

through our merger, and their love for our students is a

heart for making excellent educational options accessible for all

testament to God's blessing on this season of growth. Please

people. "Especially here at The City School," he says, "there is a

join us in welcoming all our new teachers—those from PMHS

beautiful diversity of racial, cultural, social, even religious

and those brand new to our community—to The City School.

backgrounds. Teaching and learning in such a multicultural

We would love to share every story with you and tell you in

community is a joy for me."

detail why each teacher was handpicked to joyfully educate our students, but space allows us one spotlight. Mr. Kent Beck's story is his own, but the big picture narrative of his life is shared by each teacher we choose for our school: they are here because they love God, love the students of our city, and are gifted with the ability to teach with excellence.

Mr. Beck taught science at PMHS for the last three years, right here in the city we love. His journey as an educator, however, begins a world away in Tanta, Egypt, where he served for three years as a volunteer of the Mennonite Central Committee, a ministry committed to sharing God's love and compassion by meeting basic human needs and working for peace in places of conflict. "Those were tense times," he reflects, "I started teaching in 1981, right after the

This year Mr. Beck will be teaching his favorite subject, science, to ninth and tenth graders. "Science is all about the beauty, elegance, and interconnectedness of the natural world," he says, "Whether in biology, physics, or earth sciences, what we are doing is uncovering the logic of our universe. As Christians, that is like a glimpse into the mind of God." Outside of school, Mr. Beck is a member of Cordus Mundi, a men's acappella ensemble, and leads singing at Plains Mennonite Church. He plays soccer and serves as a referee for high school games, and he enjoys tennis, swimming, and jogging. Kent has four adult children, two pre-school grandkids, and a lovely wife, Karen, who serves as CEO of Rockhill Mennonite Retirement Community.

assassination of President Sadat, which delayed the opening

Mr. Beck's enthusiasm for our mission has been a source of

of our schools and put the entire region in a state of

encouragement for us through this merger. His love for our

emergency." Mr. Beck saw his teaching in Egypt as bringing

students and his profession create a shared excitement among

the grace of Jesus to life for students by empowering them

both students and teachers as our two communities become

with an excellent education. "Teachers teach," he observes,

more fully and truly one. "I loved PMHS for their

"not only with books and lesson plans, but with their lives. A

commitments to leadership, service, and justice," he says, "and I

life rooted in the love of Jesus is potentially a never-ending

see those same commitments lived out every day here at The

stream of teachable moments. That's what I strive and

City School. The legacy of PMHS, the real heart of our mission

struggle toward: teaching in ways that can articulate and

there, lives—and continue to thrive!—in this community."

model the joy and appreciation I have for discovering about

24

Like many teachers, Mr. Beck was inspired to his profession by

Plan Your Legacy Did you know there are ways your estate can bless The City School during your lifetime?

Do you have a will or living trust? Has it been updated in the past 3 years?

Are your assets subject to probate administration?

Do you have an up-to-date power of attorney?

Planned Giving is a way to ensure that your faithful partnership will continue to bless our students long after Jesus calls you home. For more information on Planned Giving or to schedule a complimentary professional consultation, please contact Hank Prevette, Development Associate, at 410.562.5775 or hprevette@cityschool.org.

Thank you!

GIVE TODAY AT CITYSCHOOL.ORG/GIVE

Or contact Brandon VanDeinse, Development Manager 215.769.5363 | bvandeinse@cityschool.org

860 N. 24TH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130, 215.769.5363 FAIRMOUNT, ELEMENTARY CAMPUS

WE WARMLY WELCOME

D R . B A R B A RA M OS E S

WE ARE PLEASED TO WELCOME DR. BARBARA MOSES to The City School family. Dr. Moses will serve as Community Liaison and Senior Advisor to the Administration. Until now, she has faithfully served where God has called her as the founding principal of Philadelphia Mennonite High School (PMHS).

Through our merger, Dr. Moses' devotion to Jesus and passion for the students of our city have been a source of unity and encouragement for our schools. As a person devoted whole-heartedly to the mission of PMHS, her enthusiasm over our merger is a sure sign that we are striving after a singular vision.

WE SERVE A GOD OF INFINITE JOY, peace, wisdom, grace, and power, and we are continually amazed as he broadens and clarifies our vision, showing us—daily, yearly—that his plans for our school are greater than we imagine. His vision is as vast and limitless as the kingdom of Jesus, and we strive to do our part in bringing that vision to life here in our city.

AS DR. MOSES BEAUTIFULLY PUT IT, "Our vision is for a city full of young students who love Jesus and work to establish his kingdom right here in our neighborhoods." Please join us in welcoming Dr. Moses and the rest of our PMHS friends and supporters to The City School family.

Above: Sharing wisdom at our annual convocation, Dr. Moses challenges students to avoid conflict by learning to T.H.I.N.K. before they speak. “Is what you’re going to say True? Helpful? Important?

Necessary? Kind?” she asked.