TCS Summer Newsletter 2015

Volume 36

Engaging with the Community Submitted by Sophie Allen, Alumni Editor Middle School teacher Kevin Parentin best explains the importance of student engagement with the broader community, “Going into our communities is central to all that we do. Our curriculum could not exist without it. I think the tool is our mobility – our opportunity to use our busses or public transport to get out and learn life’s important lessons from real-life experiences.”

Here is a snapshot of some recent student project work in the St. Louis community:

Forest Park Collaborative Projects

Issue 2

Summer 2015

“Urban Study” theme. Teacher Kevin Parentin summarizes, “Students learn to use public transportation, explore neighborhoods, and interact with local residents and business owners in an effort to produce a podcast concentrating on a relevant issue.”

This spring, students explored their local communities (The Hill, The Loop, and the Central West End) in small groups and worked together to record interviews and gather research for their final podcast project.

One group decided to create a podcast focused on LGBT+ issues.

“Rather than reading about these issues in a text book (almost impossible) or in periodicals (better, but still not a complete picture), that group went to speak with the community leaders who work with issues of LGBT+ every day,” Parentin explained, “[At TCS] This seventh grade group explored brick theft in St. Louis’ students are encouraged to get out blighted neighborhoods as the topic of their podcast. They into their community and learn from it interviewed the Executive Director of Old North St. directly by exploring, talking to peoLouis Restoration Group, and then posed during this less ple, and asking important questions.”

Kindergarten Kindergarten collaborated with Forest Park staff to create a children’s playscape area. The class is working closely with Jean Turney, Forest Park Forever Education Coordinator, contributing design ideas that will inspire a new play- productive informal interview scape, scheduled for completion in 2019. Students learned how to draw maps, research, design, and create continued on page 4 for an authentic audience. They shared their work in a Forest Park exhibit, which included illustrations, posters, narratives and oral presentations.

“Working this way allows students to practice and apply skills they will need to be successful citizens in our rapidly changing Engaging with the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 world. It increases their drive and love for learning, and helps them build confidence in themselves and in what they can do,” Where in the World is TCS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 teacher and project leader Uchenna Ogu explained, “As Eva [a Congratulations to the Class of 2015 . . . . . . . . .3 TCS Kindergarten student] said, I learned that kids can do really important things.”

The Jan Phillips Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

What’s Inside?

Third Grade In 2013 and 2014, third graders created an exhibit in the Forest Park Visitors’ Center focusing on wildflowers and birds, respectively. This school year, the class focused on insects of Forest Park. With help from the St. Louis Zoo, students were able to create accurate drawings and descriptions of insects that may be found in the park for a spring exhibit.

“Students were excited about the project because we explained how they would be creating this work for an authentic audience,” Third Grade teacher Penny Allen shared. “They knew that whatever they put up had to be high-quality work. We talked about an ‘ethic of excellence’ so they would know to put their best effort into it.”

7th Grade Urban Study

Every spring, seventh graders participate in a three-month

Revising the Big Bend Campus Master Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 ALUMNI EXPERIENCE Alumni Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9 Reflections of an Eighth Grade Family . . . . . .9 Faculty Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Experiential Parenting Workshop Series . . . . . .11 Can We Be of Service? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Uchenna Ogu Receives ISSL Award . . . . . . . . . .12

Summer 2015

Where in the World is TCS? Submitted by Jaylen Riley, Alumni Editor

While Kathryn and Janelle were enand visits the teachers made, Tim shared joying their time in Italy, Spanish teacher, that the trip was “a wonderful bargain for Cindy Bruns was making possible a stuTCS.” The scholarship funding enabled The College School has long been dent trip to Costa known for its field trips. TCS students Rica. For Cindy, a know that perhaps the best part of the trip to Costa Rica school is the amazing and sometimes had many driving life-changing experiences these trips creforces, but for variate. This year, the trips were taken to a ous reasons the trip whole new and exciting level, as students just never came and teachers traveled to different places about.

Finally, around the world.

Cindy worked with In April, Early Childhood teachers Head of School, Ed Kathryn Bruntrager and Janelle Finder visMaggart, and the ited Reggio Emilia, Italy. In June, 15 midBoard of Trustees dle school students and five teachers travfor final approval eled to Costa Rica. Finally, this summer, to kick the planning three teachers embarked on a six-week into high gear. trip to Brazil. Each trip was a milestone in Once all of the technical steps in the process were completed, fifteen middle school The Costa Rica student/teacher crew in June at the Bosque Eterno de los Ninos, or the students and Children’s Eternal Rainforest. five teachers, including Cindy, Tim Wood, Doug a huge amount of teacher exposure and Brown, and Kathy Lewis plus area inlearning. structor David Bruns, made it to Costa The three teachers touched down in Rica in June. While there, students Rio de Janeiro on June 7. They stayed in learned about the ecology of the Rio for a week, toured the city and visited cloud forest and tropical rain forest. the Brazilian Oil Company. They traveled Early Childhood teachers Janelle Finder and Kathryn Bruntrager They visited places like the Institute to Sao Paulo and visited various sights, in Reggio Emilia, Italy, with Amelia Gambetti (center), a of National Biodiversity, Monteverde, including the State Water Treatment Reggio celebrity of sorts. Amelia is an author, lecturer, school local schools, Agency. Next, they consultant and educator who worked alongside Loris Malaguzzi, Costa Rica’s traveled to Foz do the founder of the Reggio Approach continental diIguacu and visited vide, and many the Triple Borders the school’s history and leaves us wonderother attractions. and lastly, they traving…where in the world is TCS? Both students and eled to Brasilia.

The College School has been sendteachers found the From Italy to ing teachers to Reggio Emilia, Italy for trip fantastic and enCosta Rica and to many years to see firsthand the program joyed being part of Brazil from Big Bend that inspired our adoption of the Reggio TCS’s first student/ Boulevard, TCS can Approach. Thanks to TCS administrators teacher international now be seen worldand the Parent Crew, this trip was made journey. wide. The College possible again for the two early childhood Not far southSchool hopes that teachers who had not yet been there. east of Costa Rica, by broadening its Kathryn and Janelle spent a week in RegMiddle School reaches internationgio Emilia at a conference called the “Inteachers John Colally, it may expand ternational Study Group.” bert and Chelsea student and faculty At the conference, they engaged in Denlow traveled perspectives, apdiscussions and visited local preschools with Sustainabilproaches and unand infant-toddler centers. The two most ity Coordinator, Tim derstandings even important concepts that the teachers took Wood to Brazil. The further. away from the conference are the integratrip to Brazil was a tion of the natural world and documentagreat opportunity tion, both key elements of the Reggio Apfor TCS teachers to A snapshot of Rio de Janiero sent back by one of our three proach. As a teacher in the Newport (four/ travel fully funded teachers traveling on a six-week Fulbright Scholarship five) Room, she plans on reconstructing by a Fulbright schol- trip this summer to Brazil. the connection that the classroom has arship through Webwith the natural world by arranging more ster University and learn firsthand about outdoor experiences. sustainability. Given all the experiences

2

Summer 2015

Congratulations Class of 2015

Class of 2015 High School Selections Eighth grade graduates from The College School transition to a wide variety of secondary schools in St. Louis, including independent, parochial and public schools. The typical pattern is 35-40% independent, 35-40% parochial and 20-25% public. The Class of 2015 will be attending the following high schools this fall: Crossroads College Preparatory Angelo Gralnick Lauren Weber John Burroughs Jack Kellaher Kirkwood High Camille Nunes

The College School Class of 2015

Back row from left to right: Isabella Sanchez, Hannah Munz, Ella Basler, Reid Schulz, Annika Holland, Lily Rapp, Grace Wagner, Maggie VanEmden, Liam Dean, Camille Nunes, Morgan Burnside, Lauren Weber, Greg Eickhoff, Angelo Gralnick, Dylan James, Jack Kellaher, and Ben Stringer; Front row: Roman Smith, Micah Feliciano and Finn Murphy.

Giving a Speech is a Graduation Tradition The College School’s 20 graduates followed in the footsteps of tradition, as they each delivered a personal 3-5 minute speech at the graduation ceremony on May 21, 2015. Students draft their speeches in Language Arts classes, and fine-tune their content and delivery through peer and teacher review. Then they take the stage one by one and inspire all.

• Success Depends On Your Mindset (Annika Holland) • TCS Cares About Who We Are As Individuals (Liam Dean) • I Am An Artist (Hannah Munz) • The Future Is Scary, But In The End I Know It Will Turn Out Okay (Ella Basler) • There’s Always Room For Improvement (Ben Stringer) • Service Is Very Important To Me (Grace Wagner) • Live For The Now. Not For Yesterday. Not For Tomorrow (Finn Murphy)

• If You Fail, Don’t Give Up (Micah Feliciano) • Confidence Is Important (Camille Nunes) • It Makes More Sense To Do It Right The First Time (Jack Kellaher) • It’s Okay To Wonder And Dream (Isabella Sanchez) • TCS Teaches Many Valuable Lessons (Angelo Gralnick) • Everyone Has The Choice Between Stepping Up Or Stepping Back (Reid Schulz) • TCS Has Taught Me To Find New Things (Dylan James) • Conversations Build Friendships (Maggie Van Emden) • Believe You Can (Roman Smith) • I Am Grateful (Lily Rapp) • Never Underestimate The Values You Can Learn From Fiction (Morgan Burnside) • Dealing With The Unexpected (Greg Eickhoff) • Be Yourself (Lauren Weber)

Ladue High Lily Rapp Lindbergh High Micah Feliciano Nerinx Hall Ella Basler Morgan Burnside Hannah Munz Isabella Sanchez Reid Schulz Out-of-State (Portland, OR) Roman Smith (Lincoln High School) Rosati-Kain Maggie Van Emden SLUH Ben Stringer Ursuline Academy Grace Wagner Webster Groves High Dylan James Whitfield Liam Dean Greg Eickhoff Annika Holland Finn Murphy

3

Summer 2015

The Jan Phillips Learning Center Submitted by Jaclyn StewartStrothmann, Assoc. Director of Development & Communications On May 9th, nearly 50 members of The College School’s extended family endured a mini-monsoon to witness the groundbreaking celebration of The Jan Phillips Learning Center. Project namesake and former Head of School Jan Phillips joined with TCS alumni, current faculty, staff, students, and even future students to mark the momentous occasion.

The new, state-of-the-art learning center

The foundation for the new Jan Phillips Learning Center has been dug.

will be the hub of our pristine and diverse LaBarque campus, and will welcome faculty and students in early 2016.

Since the groundbreaking celebration, construction progress is moving forward despite wet weather in May and June. Doug Vaughn, Head of General Contracting at Harlan Construction, shared that the majority of the work to date has taken place behind the scenes.

He said, “The requirements set forth by The Living Building Challenge (LBC) are very detailed,” which require very selective sourcing of materials and manufacturers. Major milestones completed to date include: foundation excavation and laying the intricate rebar to pour the foundation.

Next steps will be to finish the secondary electric service, grade the storage pond to ensure that the structure has adequate access to water for fire safety, and dig the well that supplies the building with water.

Each week we move closer and closer to unveiling the center to the TCS community. Keep an eye out for a save-the-date postcard coming in the winter months, as we hope you will join us next summer to celebrate the Grand Opening.

Revising the Big Bend Campus Master Plan Submitted by Ed Maggart, Head of School Even as we look forward to the completion of the Jan Phillips Learning Center on our LaBarque Campus, we are hard at work revising the Master Plan for our Big Bend Campus. The faculty and staff spent many hours excitedly discussing options for modifications that would elevate our curriculum. We reached consensus on several innovations including: a Science/ STEAM facility; a makerspace; a digital media center; Playspace updates; improving the Big Bend entrance; faculty workspace upgrades; and more designated space for tutoring, music rehearsal, and adventure education.

In March we engaged a local firm to develop a revised Master Plan. The architects held meetings with groups of faculty and staff as well as the Board. They are preparing a first conceptual draft to present in August. Over the fall months, there will be chances for review and input by the faculty and staff, Board, parents, and students. We plan to have a final version of the plan by November. While it may

4

include some build out, such as enlargement of the Big Bend entrance, our strategy is to focus on reallocating and renovating space within the existing building.

Some work on our Big Bend Campus is already underway this summer even as we wait on the larger vision of the Master Plan. We are working on upgrades to the

Visual of what a possible makerspace could look like at TCS, as master planning continues. playspace in the blacktop and track area.

In addition, we’ve engaged an engineer to complete acoustical upgrades in the Kent Family Theater. Come visit us in the coming months to see the work being done and get a look at the Master Plan to find out what’s just around the corner!

Engaging with the Community continued from front page

Global Communities and Model UN

In Middle School, students participated in a Model UN to finish up their winter theme on Global Communities. Students split into five geographic groups (Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East) to discuss three topics: women’s rights, genocide, and climate change.

“As you go up through the grades, students are increasingly able to think about things that go beyond their own little world,” Middle School Coordinator Kevin Roach explained. “This theme is focusing more on ‘How does the world work? What do people in various countries think about different topics?’ The very idea that different countries are going to have different perspectives because of their history is an important learning step for students.”

To more fully understand their geographical regions, TCS brought in speakers with various connections to the areas.

Some theme groups got a chance to cook food from their region, others went to cultural resource centers in the St. Louis area, and still others talked to people who immigrated from their region and are currently living in St. Louis. Two groups spent a night at the Zoo working with keepers and animals from different areas of the world. All students wrote research papers on topics tied to their regions of study, as the second trimester theme is researchfocused by design.

Kevin commented that one of the most amazing parts of the theme for him was the level of enthusiasm the students brought to the Model UN. “I was standing in the room where they were discussing climate change, and if someone had walked in during what we were calling a ‘break,’ they would’ve seen groups of kids standing around trying to convince each other of a different point of view.

They were actually continuing the simulation,” Roach said, “They bring a lot of themselves to it, they bring a lot of what they’ve learned, and they take it seriously and do some amazing things.”

the college school alumni association

Summer 2015

THE

EXPERIENCE the college school :::: Volume 9 :: Number 1 :: Summer 2015

Ann Aurbach (Class of 1995)

By Sophie Allen, Alumni Editor

The arts have been a long-standing passion for Ann Aurbach (Class of 1995) who currently works as the Production Manager at COCA in St. Louis, coordinating both theaters.

After graduating from TCS, Ann attended Whitfield School and became heavily involved in theatre. That led her to pursuing a degree in Theatre and Drama at Indiana University-Bloomington.

There, she met her mentor and he introduced her to the world of opera stage management. Ann shares, “I was hooked. I stage managed operas for 8 years and traveled all over the U.S., including Alaska.” She had already moved back to St. Louis and was contemplating switching careers when a friend pointed her to the job opening at COCA. In reflecting on her opera management days, Ann shared, “I really enjoyed the traveling that my work allowed, but I think I appreciate St. Louis all the more because of it. We are so lucky to have the arts and cultural access that we do.”

How have your experiences at The College School shaped you?

“Adventure education has given me a passion for nature, but one thing that I really learned is teamwork. Our class was small and we had to get along – teamwork and collaboration were great skills that I mastered. I definitely benefited from the academics, as well. Both

Alumni

Profile

What is your favorite TCS memory?

“I remember the sixth grade Wilderness Experience fondly. Actually, I remember all of the major trips and still tell stories to this day about my adventures.

I don’t know if this is a favorite memory, but it is a distinct one – it rained almost EVERY day of Field Ecology, starting when we entered the Okefenokee Swamp. It did not let up until the morning of our last day. The sun broke through on the beach and we made our traditional “Class of” sand drawing. We were never so happy to see the sun.”

Alumni Editors Sophie Allen

(Class of 2012) Sophie graduated from The College School in 2012 and is now a senior at Clayton High School. She participates in the school’s swimming, water polo, and cheerleading programs. She has also been on the staff of the Clayton High School Globe newsmagazine since her freshman year and is the executive producer of the school’s morning broadcast. She plans to go into journalism as a career.

Jaylen Riley

TCS and Whitfield prepared me well to not even blink at long papers in college, etc. I will always have a love for the outdoors. In fact, visiting every national park is on my life list and I’m well on my way. I don’t think I was quite the shutterbug that I am now, but I think the nature focus in my photography could quite possibly be attributed to my experiences at TCS.” Currently, Ann is a fine art photographer who has been exhibited locally several times including having two solo shows – “Alternate Views” and “From Winter to Spring” in October 2014, and January 2015 respectively. Her work can be seen (now through November) at Art at Des Peres at Des Peres Hospital.

“My current focus is on landscapes, floral, macro (making the super small seem larger than life) and urban decay. I hope to be opening a pet portraiture business soon.” Her work can be viewed at www.annkphotography.com or www. flicker.com/photos/akathryna.

(Class of 2014) Jaylen Riley graduated from The College School in 2014 and is beginning his sophomore year at CBC. In the spring, he ran track for the Cadets. His events were the 400-meter dash and the 4 x 400 meter relay.

Jaylen was one of four freshmen from CBC to compete in the Class 5 track and field state final in Jefferson City. At TCS, he participated in the Middle School Shakespeare performance all three years and was also a member of the Junior Leadership Program and the Middle School Diversity Council.

Check out our Alumni Facebook page www.facebook.com/ TheCollegeSchoolAlumniAssociation

5

the college school alumni association

Summer 2015

Matt Schumacker (Class of 2006)

By Jaylen Riley, Alumni Editor

Matt Schumacker (Class of 2006) graduated from Saint Louis University High (SLUH) in 2010, and from Butler University in 2014 with a degree in Electronic Media and Journalism. Since then, he has worked with various media companies as a broadcaster and reporter. Currently, Matt is working as the play-byplay broadcaster and Media Relations Director for the Johnson City Cardinals baseball team in Tennessee, the rookie affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

His work in sports has been inspired by his own athletic experiences. As a sophomore at SLUH, Matt wanted to play two sports: football in the fall, and basketball in the winter. Unfortunately, he was cut from the basketball team, so he picked up track and field, and that became his primary focus as he moved into college.

Matt’s main events were the 400-meter dash, the 400-meter hurdles and 4 x 400 meter relay.

He was injured before his indoor season his freshman year at Butler University and after that he was plagued with various injuries until senior year. That year he felt great, but a month before the Big East Conference Outdoor Championship, Matt stopped jumping the hurdles due to trouble with his hips.

He worked with his coach for seven months before he was ready to run his three races in the Big East Conference. He was nervous, but he knew it would be one of his last races ever and he trusted his

coach had prepared him. After he set personal records in the 400-meter dash and the 400-meter hurdles, his Butler University squad took the bronze medal in the 4 x 400 meter relay.

Off the track, Matt had the opportunity to study abroad at Butler. Through parts of his college years, he lived in

Alumni

Profile

Rome, Italy. While there, Matt took various courses, including Global Food and Culture and Italian Language and Society. With his Global Food and Culture course, he and his class visited the United Nations in Rome to discuss issues surrounding global food crises and food consumption.

When asked what impact The College School had on him, he shared, “I learned so much from my time at The Col-

Michelle Marincel Payne (Class of 1998)

By Adrienne Rusbarsky, Editor

Science is intimately tied to discovery, and Michelle Marincel Payne (Class of 1998) followed her interests to discover a career path in scientific research and teaching college. She is finishing her Ph.D. at University of Illinois and is an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana. Here are her replies to some “discovery” questions of ours: After The College School, where did your path lead you?

“After high school at Nerinx Hall, I decided to pursue an engineering degree

6

lege School. One big thing TCS taught me is the importance of reflection. I have used this often in my life since graduating college as a way to measure my progress and to figure out where I am headed.

Reflection is imperative. It gives us time to take a step back, view things from a grand perspective, and reassess things in our lives.”

He continued, “The other thing I learned from my time at TCS is to have an open mind and a sense of adventure. Life is short. Something I have often been told is that you rarely regret the things you tried.

It’s the things you don’t try that people often regret. All throughout my time at TCS, we were pushed to take risks and to embrace new experiences. I feel very strongly that this is one great way to enrich our lives. In order to reach a high level of success in broadcasting, you have to be willing to be adventurous and take risks. I moved to a place that is very different from St. Louis, where I knew no one. It doesn’t pay great, but it is enough to live on. I took the job because it is a tremendous opportunity to grow both as a person and as a professional.

I am learning so much.”

He concluded, “If it weren’t for my years at TCS, I’m not sure I would have embraced this opportunity. Many of my peers are working in bigger cities with stable jobs. TCS and my family played a significant role in giving me the confidence in myself to chase my dreams and shoot for my goals, even if they are a bit different from those of others.”

Alumni

at Missouri University of Science and Technology. I was interested in energy, so I chose to study nuclear engineering. I discovered I was interested in learning about the intersection of energy and water, so I earned my master’s degree in environmental engineering. In my master’s research, I investigated the degradation of pesticides in drinking water treatment plants. I am currently wrapping up my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, where my research focuses on developing bio-

Profile

continued on page 7

the college school alumni association mimetic membranes for desalination. The goal is to improve the energy efficiency of reverse-osmosis water purification membranes. As a Ph.D. student, I discovered that I enjoy teaching about engineering and science as much as being an engineer and scientist. I am currently an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at RoseHulman Institute of Technology, and I enjoy my job very much.”

Looking back, what has been the most significant impact or influence of The College School on your journey?

“TCS taught me to be curious, ask questions and embrace learning. TCS helped me build the confidence to not be afraid of doing these things, even in the face of the unknown, by challenging me to rappel and climb, as well as tackle large-scale projects. At TCS I also first experienced the iterative process of prob-

lem solving by working through writing story/paper drafts, putting together projects, reflecting on outdoor and classroom experiences, music and play rehearsals, etc. Science is built on asking questions, testing hypotheses, and then using what we learn to inform our next questions.”

She added, “I also find my peace in the out-of-doors. It’s where I recharge and get inspired to learn more about our world. TCS helped instill in me a sense of wonder and refuge in nature. In my research, I am seeking to mimic how nature has evolved to efficiently transport water across cell membranes. There are many examples of how nature inspires science and engineering today. In my field of environmental engineering, one example of bio-inspired design is that we use microorganisms to convert wastewater to clean water in wastewater treatment plants. Nature is amazing and there is so much we

Summer 2015 can learn and use for problem solving.”

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

“I enjoy getting students excited about appropriately managing our water resources and challenging them to consider innovative and sustainable practices that they can bring to their careers in civil and environmental engineering. I enjoy learning. Teaching and research require continuous learning and I learn as much as (or more!) than my students each year.”

Michelle shared this advice with a middle school student interested in science, “Explore and find an area in science that excites you and learn more about it.

Don’t be afraid to contact people working in the field and ask questions!”

After all, science is all about curiosity and discovery.

AluMNi News Class of 2007

Madison Beckmann graduated from Bryn Mawr College, where she was a fouryear field hockey player.

Olen Berthold graduated from St. Louis University.

Kate Butler graduated magna cum laude from Skidmore College in Sarasota Springs, NY with a BA in English and minor in French, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She is working this summer at a digital agency in New York City before leaving in the fall to teach English in France for a year.

Molly Glascock graduated from Principia College.

Emma Hanson graduated in December 2014 from St. Louis University. She married Darren Crane, who she met on a study abroad semester in Europe, on May 23, 2015 and will be working for IKEA this fall.

Luke Hellwig graduated in June from Carleton College with a degree in Physics.

At Carleton, he was involved with KRLX radio, the Afro-Cuban Percussion Ensemble, a student-run alternative newspaper, and student government. He is now living in Brooklyn, NY and working for DOOB3D, a company that specializes in highquality 3D prints of scanned, real-world objects and people.

Grace Kennedy recently returned from a study abroad semester in Geneva, Switzerland, where she spent time assist-

ing her Psychology professor in projects concerning cognitive research. She was an intern and writer for Sauce Magazine, and is currently the primary catering assistant for Local Harvest Catering. She plans to attend graduate school for social work in the near future.

Rachel Kent graduated in May from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, where she majored in Spanish and minored in Education Studies.

Her focus was on urban education, and her experience is mostly with immigrant children. She studied at La Universidad de Leon for a year in Spain. She will be working at the International Institute of St. Louis as an Americorps member in their Education Department.

Adam Kopp graduated from New York University in May. He is living in NYC and is employed by NBC/Universal in their Page Program.

Martha Orlet graduated from Grinnell College.

Sean Rempe graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Industrial Technology. He has moved back to St. Louis and is working as a cost estimator at Missouri Metals, an aerospace manufacturing company. He’s currently looking for an apartment in the city, and is still connected to TCS friends!

Lily Schulte shared, “Over the past four years, I have spent time traveling internationally, both independently and

with a program, Carpe Diem Education, through India, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Cuba, and Canada. More recently, I have been enjoying exploring the Adirondacks in New England near Poultney, Vermont where I attend Green Mountain College. It’s a fantastic part of the world to climb, hike, ski, and camp! I’ll graduate this December 2015 with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology. Thanks so much to TCS for sparking my love for the outdoors!”

Sean Shannon graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia.

Ryan Torno graduated in May from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO with a BS degree in Business and Management and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He reports to Cape Canaveral in August for his first assignment as a Space Operations Officer.

Elise Viox has been pursuing and developing her interests in biological research since graduating from TCS. She was a finalist in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles as a high school student at Cor Jesu and double majored in Biology and Human Health at Emory University in Atlanta. During her four years at Emory, she was also a varsity cross country and track continued on next page

7

the college school alumni association Alumni News

continued from previous page and field athlete. She plans to continue research in immunology and attain her PhD. Scott Williams will graduate in December from the University of Miami with a degree in Marine Biology. Scott spent a semester abroad in Wales in 2014.

Irene Wilson graduated from University of Denver with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. She was accepted into a management training program with GKN and began work in Rockford, IL in June.

Emma Hanson Crane (Class of 2011) on her wedding day in May with groom Darren, proud papa Scott Hanson (TCS Drama Teacher), and mom Ruth Hanson.

Derek Wohlfarth will graduate this summer with honors from Syracuse University after completing his capstone with the Auburn Doubledays baseball team, a part of the Washington Nationals program, where he is the Accounting Manager. Derek will receive a BS in Sport Management and a BS in Management/ Accounting.

Class of 2011

Isabella Crang graduated from Whitfield School and completed her senior service project teaching science to first graders at The College School this spring.

She heads to Hendrix College in Arkansas this fall and plans to study pre-medicine.

Paige Eickhoff graduated from Nerinx Hall as a National Honor Society member. She will be attending William Woods University’s Honors Program in Fulton, MO this fall and will study Biology with the plan to attend medical school.

Libby Freihaut graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and is headed to Mizzou this fall to study Mechanical Engineering.

Owen Grimm Howell graduated

8

summa cum laude from Webster Groves High School. He received scholarships from Missouri S&T and Drake University in Iowa, but chose St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where he was awarded a President’s Scholarship, because of its outstanding music opportunities. He plans to major in Physics and minor in Music (violin).

Claire Knox graduated from Whitfield School and just completed an internship with Amy Johnson, designer for KayOss Designs. She will be attending Mizzou for Textile and Apparel Management for a year or so to get her portfolio together, then go to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York to pursue a career in fashion design.

Evan Main plans to attend Rhodes College this fall.

Brett McBride will be attending University of Missouri-Columbia.

Kate McClain graduated from Ursuline Academy and will be attending University of Missouri-Columbia.

Colleen McGrath graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and will be spending a gap year with Carpe Diem Education, traveling throughout the world. Carpe Diem is a Portland-based program that works closely with Portland State University. She will start her adventure in September in India, then she will begin a second journey in Bosnia or Cambodia, volunteering with local NGO’s helping the community recover from recent genocides. She plans to “build up her independence and curiosity, two traits that I discovered during my years at TCS.” Her third adventure will be a cross- country bike trip with friends.

Ian Odendahl graduated from SLUH and will be attending Missouri S&T to study Computer Science. This summer Ian took a trip to Ireland with a group from SLUH. He traveled to Italy with a teacher and group from his Latin class sophomore year. Over Spring Break, he went on a service trip to Appalachia. Outside of school, Ian is still involved with Venture Crew where he frequently hikes, canoes, camps, and does Stream Clean every year.

Caitlyn Peters graduated from MICDS and will be attending Colorado State to study Exercise Science/Sports Medicine. Her high school 4x400 relay team won first place at the MO state track meet, and Caitlyn also placed 3rd in the 400m race.

Kathryn Rempe graduated from Webster Groves High School and will be attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas this fall. She will be studying health sciences as a Pre-Occupational Therapy student.

Sophie Sears graduated from Webster Groves High School and will be at-

Summer 2015 tending University of Missouri-Columbia.

Matt Walch graduated from Webster Groves High School and will be doing a post-graduate year at Fryeburg Academy in Maine to help him figure out what is next. He is interested in theatrical lighting (and enjoyed his internship at Stages last summer) and robotics.

Andy Warfield graduated from SLUH and will be attending University of Tulsa as a National Merit Scholar. He plans to study Computer Science and Russian.

Mike Warfield graduated from SLUH and will be attending Washington University in St. Louis, where he plans to study Engineering. Mike received a Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship.

Fisher Wells graduated from Westminster Christian Academy and is headed to TCU (Texas Christian University) to study Nurse Anesthesiology.

Rasa Whittaker graduated from Nerinx Hall and will be attending DePaul University in Chicago this fall.

Ryan Torno (Class of 2011) pictured with his parents, Jenny and Mike, at his graduation from the US Air Force Academy in May Eliana Zuckerman is traveling around the USA this summer, camping, rock climbing and working at two sites: Echo Valley Ranch in Wisconsin, and Wild Echo Bison Reserve in Montana. This fall, she will attend Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio, and is planning to major in Neuroscience and Biology.

Other Class Years

Shay Bullin (1995) is living in North Carolina and has been working as an independent contractor, traveling around the country doing paintless dent removal work after storms. He’s a new father and is opening a local business in North Carolina, so he can travel less and spend more time with his family. continued on next page

the college school alumni association Dan Marincel (2002) received his PhD from Penn State in Materials Science and Engineering in October 2014 and is now a Postdoctoral Researcher at Rice University.

Max McClorey (2003), a Dartmouth College graduate, is working as an engineer in Jackson Hole, WY. Steve Marincel (2005) will begin medical school at Loyola University Chicago this fall, where he completed both his BS and Masters degrees in the sciences.

Jeff Viox (2005) is currently in a post baccalaureate program in medicine at Washington University, as he prepares to take the MCAT and apply to medical school in the next year or so. He completed his undergraduate degree at St. Louis University.

Gabrielle Calandrino (2009) just finished her sophomore year at the Commonwealth Honors College-Amherst, MA, where she is a Natural Resources and Wildlife Conservation major and is interested in Marine Biology.

Jack Kellett (2009) is a junior studying Mechanical Engineering at Purdue

University. He has been working as an engineering intern at TUMS in St. Louis this summer, within walking distance of Busch Stadium.

Austin Lewandowski (2009) spent time this summer as an Animal Keeper intern at the Endangered Wolf Center in St. Louis. Midway through college, Austin is interested in pursuing a career in animal behavior research for large predators.

The internship enabled him to indulge his passion for photography. You can check out his photos at oneyedhunter. com or on Facebook at Oneyed Hunter Photography.

Kristen Rusbarsky (2009) returned in May from a semester of study abroad in Rome at the John Felice Rome Center of Loyola University Chicago. She returns to Chicago this fall for her junior year as a Business Honors Student and is weighing a double major in Finance/Sports Management.

Sabrina Walch (2009) is spending her summer as a nanny to a TCS family and then heading off to Japan for the 2015-16 school year at Waseda University in To-

Summer 2015 kyo. She’ll return to finish her senior year and graduate from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Thomas Stahlhuth (2010), who graduated from CBC in 2014, completed a season of junior hockey with the Rochester Junior Americans as a defenseman.

He was recruited this spring by Colby College in Maine to play on their Division III hockey team and will begin this exciting journey in New England this fall.

Henry Brown (2012), a rising senior at Clayton High School, is working for the St. Louis Mayor’s office this summer as an intern. Last summer, he was a US Senate Page in Washington, DC.

We love to hear your news!

Please keep us updated on your news, accomplishments and adventures by visiting our “Keep in Touch” form on The College School’s website (www.thecollegeschool.org) on the Alumni tab or email Jaclyn Stewart-Strothmann at jstrothmann@thecollegeschool.org.

Reflections of an Eighth Grade Family Submitted by Tracy Kellaher, Alumni Parent of Jack, Class of 2015 Last year our family participated in Hands on Kirkwood, a one-day community volunteer event. We were assigned to work in the thrift store, set up in a church gymnasium, where people would come to shop for clothing and household items.

There was a lot of commotion, with people flooding in as soon as the doors opened, and volunteers uncertain of exactly “how” to help.

Within 15 minutes of the opening, we couldn’t find our son Jack. Then we spotted him in the corner of the gym, organizing discarded hangers; plastic in one box, wooden in another, and so on. He saw that they were piling up, and jumped in to be part of the solution.

This is The College School in action-preparing students not only for the educational challenges of high school, but, equally importantly, preparing them for the challenging role of “citizen.”

We came to TCS in third grade with a boy who had a lot of ideas, but no proper place to channel them at his elementary school.

We weren’t exactly certain how to engage with this cool school we’d heard so much about, that offered “experiential education.” We knew he’d have exposure to top-notch academics…but…what else?

Wow - what else? It’s that “what else” that is the very essence of everyday life at TCS. Each day opportunities unfold around the children, orchestrated by caring teachers who know exactly the right amount of risk, reward, failure and success

The Kellaher family, whose son, Jack (right), graduated in May as part of the Class of 2015. Jack attended TCS from third through eighth grades and is headed to John Burroughs this fall. for each student, to build up their confidence, grade-by-grade.

It happens in third grade, when students camp for two nights away from fami-

ly. Or when they hold hands and admit their anger or disappointment in each other, or situations, and learn to talk it through. In fourth and fifth grades, it happens when they learn lines and step onstage, in spite of stage fright, to perform. In sixth grade, it occurs when they attend parent teacher conferences where both parent and student actively participate, and as they spend a solo night in the woods during the class’ Wilderness Experience trip. In seventh grade, it happens as they bike for several days, sometimes in the rain, and in eighth grade when they travel to New Orleans to build houses and observe postKatrina development in the community and in the streets.

What you get at the end, are eighth graders who don’t say “I can’t.”

They might say, “I’m scared,” or “I’m uncomfortable,” but they will figure out a way to dive in and get it done.

To the teachers and staff at TCS, we say thank you. Your job is to educate but you do so much more. With attention, patience and certainly a sense of humor, dayby-day you mold our children into citizens, who are confident, self-reliant, supportive, smart people who have a sense of belonging in their own skin and in the community.

TCS is truly a magical community our family has come to love and one that we will miss dearly as we forge ahead to high school.

9

Summer 2015

Faculty Milestones Submitted by Kevin Navarro (Class of 1989), Assistant Head of School It is the people of The College School that make it what it is. We pride ourselves on our students, parents, Board members, and, perhaps most of all, on our staff. The faculty and staff at The College School are second to none. They are the ones that grow our mission of hands-on and childcentered education into a reality every single day.

Cindy Bruns, Spanish Teacher – 10 Years Cindy holds a minor in Spanish, a Bachelors degree in Human Ecology and a Master’s degree in Biology. Through her undergraduate studies and graduate research projects, Cindy has spent time in Spain, Italy, Mexico, Central and South America. She enjoys sharing the Spanish language and her knowledge of Hispanic cultures with all of her students and initiated the Costa Rica trip this year.

published in the National Association for the Education of Young Children professional journal. The article, entitled Investigating Rocks and Sand—Addressing Multiple Learning Styles through an Inquiry-Based Approach, was featured in the March 2009 issue. This article was later published in a textbook titled, Spotlight on Young Children: Exploring Science.

In September 2013, Suzie and Uchenna published another article in the NAEYC journal titled, Environments that Engage and Inspire Young Learners—The Natural Playscape Project. She is an alumni parent of three TCS students.

Staffing Shifts

The 2015-16 school year marks another year where not a single faculty or staff member is leaving The College School. However, one of the great aspects of The College School is that the life-long learning we foster in students applies also to the staff. We, too, are life-long learners and are constantly evolving in our own ways – new projects, higher education, revised curricula, etc. One particular way this evolution is evident is in internal shifts in staffing, as we are able to modify people’s jobs based on interests, new lines of thinking, or life changes. Below are some shifts for the 2015-16 school year:

Faculty anniversary honorees at a special celebration in May, complete with songs, skits and presentations. From left, Kevin Parentin (10 years), Suzie Schmidt (10 years), Mary Jo Wilmes (20 years), and Cindy Bruns (10 years).

Anniversary Celebrations

Each year we take time to celebrate anniversary years for our faculty and staff.

The length of service that many faculty and staff have shared with The College School is a powerful testament to their love for our school. Please join us in congratulating these faculty: Mary Jo Wilmes, Visual Arts Teacher – 20 Years Mary Jo holds a BFA in Sculpture from Webster University with an Art Education certification. She has been teaching at The College School since 1995 and taught in Webster University’s education program for the past 12 years, working with Art Education students. She continues to support student teachers working on obtaining their certification. Mary Jo teaches first through eighth grade and supports many of the outdoor experiences and trips, bringing a creative aspect to student work.

10

Kevin Parentin, Middle School Teacher – 10 Years Affectionately called KP by the students, Kevin teaches Sixth Grade Language Arts, as well as exploratory courses and themes. Kevin earned his BS degree in Outdoor Education/Recreation from SIU and his MS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to teaching, he worked for many years in our summer camp program as a lead counselor. As part of his education, Kevin received certification in outdoor leadership from both Outward Bound and Wilderness Education Association, and serves as our Adventure Education Coordinator.

Suzie Schmidt, Second Grade Teacher – 10 Years Suzie holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Truman University and a MAT in Early Childhood Education from Webster University. Along with her former teammate, Uchenna Ogu, she was

New Early Childhood teacher Jess Lorentzen, Preschool-Big Bend Room.

Mayuko McGuire, Early Childhood Faculty Support. Mayuko is moving from full-time preschool faculty to part-time Early Childhood Faculty Support so that she can spend more time with her family while also pursuing her passion of working with young children. continued on next page

Summer 2015 Jess Lorentzen, Preschool Big Bend Faculty. After spring trimester in the Kindergarten class as a long-term substitute covering a maternity leave, Jess was our final pick from 100 applicants to the opening in Big Bend Preschool and is thrilled to be working full time with us.

John McElwain, Auxiliary Program Coordinator. John is adding to his role of Faculty Support to take on coordinating all of the Auxiliary Programming (ASP, Summer Camp, etc.) both at the Webster Groves and the LaBarque campuses.

Sandy Geitz, ASP Coordinator. Putting more time into her role of grandmother, Sandy is excited to consolidate her hours and focus solely on her role as ASP Coordinator.

Calli Collier, Faculty Support. Calli has worked as a substitute and summer camp instructor and is excited to join us full time in 2015-16. She will work as BSP staff, lunch coordinator, Early Childhood rest time supervisor, and manage other faculty support tasks.

Experiential Parenting Workshop Series Submitted by Kevin Navarro, Assistant Head of School At The College School, we believe in experiential education. A major part of our project-based, hands-on, and outdoor-adventure approach to experiential education is to empower our students from 3 to 13-years old. They all are citizens of today who are capable of real impacts on their communities.

Fostering this sense of empowerment in children happens not only at school but also at home. Last year and again this year we are partnering with Suzanne Tucker to run various parenting workshops and classes for TCS staff and parents, as well as parents from the broader community.

Suzanne Tucker is a parent educator, physical therapist and mother of four.

Through her work, Suzanne enables families to find the answers to difficult situations within themselves -- with love and with each child’s best intentions at heart.

In her work, Suzanne encourages parents to create more joy and less stress at home through learning and implementing simple strategies. Suzanne’s philosophy runs parallel with both the Reggio Approach and our school belief that children are capable, responsible members of society.

She, like The College School, wants to empower our young people. We feel like Suzanne is a perfect match for The College School.

She will be hosting workshops at The College School this fall through spring, and onsite childcare is available. Also, she will be a presenter at our First Friday Parent Coffee on Friday, November 6, 2015, from 8:15-9:30 AM. To read more about Suzanne and Positive Parenting, you can browse her webpage, mymommymanual.com, to check her workshop dates, sign up for classes, request materials, or join online parenting conversations.

Can We Be Of Service?

By Sophie Allen and Jaylen Riley, Alumni Editors At TCS, there is no shortage of ways students can learn the valuable skills of leadership, and engaging in meaningful service is a key channel, especially during the middle school years. Here are some ways students serve the school and outside community.

Junior Leader Program and Student Service Leadership Program (SSLP)

Middle School students operate under an umbrella theme of “Pathways to Leadership,” and may participate in one of three major programs to practice those skills, including the Diversity Council, Junior Leader Program, and Student Service Leadership Program.

The largest program offered at TCS is the Junior Leader Program. Kevin Parentin, Middle School teacher and Junior Leader Coordinator, breaks it down as “an opportunity for TCS 7th and 8th Grade students to use outdoor skills (sometimes called the hard skills) and teambuilding skills (sometimes called the soft skills) in an authentic leadership role.”

Students apply to be a part of the

program and, after being accepted, are assigned to a younger grade’s overnight trip or field trip. In this context, students make great leaders because they have been through all of the previous trips themselves and are able to give helpful advice to mentor younger students.

The main purpose of the Student Service Leadership Program (SSLP) is to help students design and complete a service project. Students are selected to be a part of the program, and after being chosen, may create almost any service project they can imagine.

“The possibilities are nearly endless,” Parentin said, “[SSLP] is an opportunity to lead specifically in a way that is appropriate for each student.” For example, this year an eighth grader mentored kindergarten students in reading, while others supported various teacher projects throughout the school.

Eighth Grade “Now What?”

Theme is Service-Focused

Service is also built into the curriculum, specifically via the eighth grade capstone theme titled, “Now What?” The theme is designed to help students answer the questions “What?, “So What?,” and “Now What?” on social issues

through service work. The theme incorporates student service projects in both St. Louis and New Orleans.

The class of 2014 was the first class to explore New Orleans as part of their “Now What?” theme. With great success and positive feedback, the eighth grade class of 2015 also traveled to New Orleans this past April.

Before leaving Missouri, students performed service at local organizations.

The class took local field trips to The Bridge, Kingdom House, Cornerstone, and the Shaw Area Children’s Center to support projects. In New Orleans, students worked with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans to help rebuild houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. This year, the students helped dig the foundation for a house.

“It was hard work,” Lauren Weber, a student who was on the trip said, “but it felt really rewarding to build something that will benefit a whole community.”

With all their skills and experiences, students graduate with the firsthand knowledge that they can make an impact in their communities and be agents of change.

11

Preschool through Eighth Grade 7825 Big Bend Blvd.

Webster Groves, MO 63119 (314) 962-9355 www.thecollegeschool.org

N o n - P ro f i t U.S. Postage

PAID

St. Louis MO Permit No. 3469

Upcoming Events Fall Festival Open House, Sat. Nov. 14, 9 AM to Noon.

This year’s Open House will feature an opening performance from 9:15-10, followed by student/teacher/parent-led personal tours and refreshments.

Friday School Tours: Fri. 10/16, 12/11, 1/22 and 1/29 Drop by for a 90-minute school tour on the following Fridays: October 16 (9 AM), December 11 (9 AM), January 22 (9:30 AM), or January 29 (9 AM). Note: 1/22 start time is 30 minutes later than other dates.

Middle School Night, Mon. Dec. 7, 7-8:30 PM. Our teachers will share the sixth-eighth grade journey at TCS with you, then will join a panel of students, alumni and parents for questions.

Alumni Reunion (Classes of 2008-2015), Wed. Jan. 6, 3:30-5:30 PM Winter Children’s Festival Open House (Ages 2-8), Sat. Jan. 9, 9 AM to Noon. Choose from a variety of activity stations followed by a special performance.

Kindergarten/First Grade Showcase: Wed. Jan. 20, 4-5 PM. Spend an hour getting an up-close look at our K/1 classrooms and program from our teachers. Current preschool parents and families interested in K/1 are invited. Childcare will be provided for ages 3-11.

Main Cycle Application Deadline for 2016-17, Friday, Feb. 6

Uchenna Ogu at the Kindergarten playscape exhibit at Forest Park’s Visitor Center in May. A grant from ISSL will help fund additional project work.

Uchenna Ogu Receives ISSL Teacher of Distinction Award In June, ISSL (Independent Schools of St. Louis) selected Kindergarten teacher Uchenna Ogu as a 2015 Teacher of Distinction. She will receive a $500 cash award to be used towards the successful implementation of her project, “Early Childhood Natural Playscape,” and will advance to the 2015 Emerson Teacher Awards program this fall.

Jamie Driver, Executive Director of ISSL wrote, “While every teacher who was nominated is deserving of recognition for their hard work in ISSL schools, the judges were delighted to spotlight Uchenna’s proposal and the thoughtful and comprehensive approach she will take to see her project come to fruition.”