Faculty Profile

Ten Minutes With Amy Paulekas

As Director of Studies, Amy Paulekas spends much of her time working one-on-one with students to help them stay on point academically. “So much of her day is devoted to helping students, teachers, and families find the most academic success and growth possible,” said colleague and friend Cassie Ruscz, who noted that Paulekas takes pride in and values those interactions.

In the Academic Office, Paulekas helps manage course registration, grades and comments, and parent-teacher-student conferences. She also educates students about the school’s Academic Honor Code — ensuring they are adhering to it — and helps them to navigate the course selection process for the coming academic year. She approaches her role much like she does coaching basketball: with confidence, a strong knowledge of what needs to get done, and a healthy dose of good humor.

Originally from Glastonbury, Connecticut, Paulekas graduated in 2011 from Colby College in Maine, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in mathematics. She rowed for Colby’s women’s crew team and was named team captain her senior year. Every summer since 2007, she has worked at Camp Eagle Wing, a 150-acre overnight camp on Gardner Lake in Marion Township. She teaches waterfront lifeguarding and is the waterfront head for some 75 campers, who range in age from 8 to 16.

Since joining The Frederick Gunn School in September 2011, Paulekas has taught Algebra I and II, PreCalculus and Calculus (including AP). She has coached boys crew, JV Field Hockey, Girls Varsity Lacrosse and Girls Varsity Basketball, including five years as Head Coach. She previously served as Assistant Academic Dean, Junior and Senior Class Deans, Head Dorm Parent in Bourne and is currently a dorm parent in Graham House, where she lives with her dog, Matrix.

Q: What is your favorite Frederick Gunn School tradition?

A: “I’m a big fan of School Walk day. I think it’s a very Freddy thing. It’s unique that we take the kids on an all-day walk. Who does that? That being said, the Christmas concert is a great event. I’m a big fan of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas.’ I can usually be seen yelling ‘three French hens,’ even if that’s not the number that I’ve pulled. And the years I do, I yell extra.”

Q: What advice do you have for new students?

A: “First and foremost, get out of your room, particularly for new boarding students. The first week, the easiest thing to do is stay in your room, because it’s the comfy place. Be OK taking risks. High school is a time and a place to figure out who you are, to be yourself, and part of that is learning from things. If you play it safe, you’re not going to learn as much. Go out, take a risk, try a sport you’ve never played, speak up in class even if you’re not sure. All those moments, little or big, are things you will remember. You took the risk to go do it.”

Q: What is your favorite lesson or day of the year?

A: “I’m pretty sure my classes will tell you that I tell them it’s my favorite lesson six times a year. Probably my favorite day of the year is the first day of school. I love the moment when you’ve got all the returning kids coming back and being able to see each other and this whole new set of kids. You watch them start to have conversations with people; just the whole ambiance is great.”

Q: Who has influenced you the most?

A: “Alisa Croft has kind of been there for me since Day One but has been there as a mentor, my department chair. She has always been there to look out for me but also to kick me to the wolves. She was a great role model when I started here.”

Q: What would you say to Frederick Gunn if he were here?

A: “After so many years, I hate to break it to you, but Brian Konik has the best beard on campus.”

Education B.A. in Economics, Colby College Honors and Accolades Tisch Chair for Excellence in Teaching 2015-2018 The Class of ’55 Distinguished Teaching Award, 2017 Current Responsibilities Director of Studies Mathematics Teacher Head Coach, Girls Varsity Basketball Assistant Coach, Girls Varsity Lacrosse Curriculum Committee Student Success Team Dorm Parent, Graham House

Peter Becker

Head of School

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020-21 OFFICERS 2020-21 Patrick M. Dorton ’86

Board Chair Neil Townsend P’18 ’20

Vice Chair Wanji Walcott P’19

Vice Chair Beth W. Glynn

Secretary William T. Tolley P’08 ’14

Treasurer

Stephen W. Baird ‘68 William G. Bardel Peter Becker, Head of School Robert Bellinger ’73 Sarah Scheel Cook ’82 Jon C. Deveaux Gretchen H. Farmer P’05 Ashleigh Fernandez Susan Frauenhofer ‘88 Adam C. Gerry P’21 Sherm Hotchkiss ’63 Peter R. Houldin ’92 Thomas R. King ’60 Jonathan S. Linen ’62 Paul McManus ’87 P’21 ’23 Len Novick P’18 ’21 Krystalynn Schlegel ’96 Omar Slowe ’97 Richard N. Tager ’56 Robert M. Tirschwell ’86 Dan Troiano ’77 Rebecca Weisberg ’90 TRUSTEES EMERITI Stephen P. Bent ’59 Leo D. Bretter ’52 P’88 Jonathan Estreich P’06 Edsel B. Ford II ’68 David N. Hoadley ’51 Joan Noto P’97 Jonathan Tisch ’72 Gerrit Vreeland ’61

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Laura Eanes Martin ’90

P’20 ’23 ’25

President Omar Slowe ’97

Vice President Scott A. Schwind ’89 Krystalynn M. Schlegel ’96

PARENTS FUND COMMITTEE CHAIR Keith Gleason P’19 ’21 ’23

Committee Chair

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Recipe for Success at The PO

In October, after a brief hiatus, The PO reopened to rave reviews through a new partnership between the school and local business owners Frank and Maggie Colangelo. A New Milford native and graduate of Newbury College, Maggie Colangelo previously attracted loyal followings as the chefproprietor of 9 Main Cafe in New Preston and baker-owner of Food for Thought in New Milford. At The PO, she has combined her talent for creating delicious baked treats such as homemade “pop tarts,” “cruffins,” and decadent layer cakes with entrees that showcase seasonal, local ingredients, some of which come from her own Flirtation Farms.

Business has been brisk from Day One, when students streamed down Kirby Road, eager to place their first orders. Community support has also been strong. Local residents brought the Colangelos old photographs of The PO, and a colorful painting now featured on PO coffee mugs. They also helped The PO to secure Reader’s Choice Awards from Litchfield Magazine in six categories as well as “Best Lunch” and “Best New Restaurant” awards from the Editors’ Picks at Connecticut magazine. The doors remained open throughout the pandemic with online ordering, curbside pickup, and outdoor seating at heated Kotatsu tables. With the community’s encouragement, Colangelo is planning to restore the original soda fountain. See what’s new at meetyouatthepo.com.