MEADOWBROOK MAGAZINE 2024
SPRING 2024
The Meadowbrook Magazine is published by
The Meadowbrook School of Weston, 10 Farm Road, Weston, MA 02493-2493
www.meadowbrook-ma.org
President of the Board of Trustees
Brian Sung P’22 P’23 P’27
Head of School
arvind s. grover
Editor Pam Scafati
Guest Writer
Tracey Palmer
Contributing Writer
Pam Scafati
Art & Design Direction
Dan Beard Design
Photography Jesse Kucewicz Joshua Touster
Third graders Catherine and Sam smile for the camera during free reading time. In addition to books that the class reads together, individual reading encourages students to find books that interest them to help them develop their passion for reading.
THIS PAGE
Third graders Chloe, Emmy, Finley, Ada, Sylvan, and Inaya embrace during gym class, an important part of the day in the lower school to keep students physically active. ON THE COVER
The journey from learning to read to reading to learn at Meadowbrook.
12 The Power of Passion
Lyndsey Mugford ’15 blends her love of the arts and science as she is named a Rhodes Scholar.
16 A Tapestry of Talent
Arts Week at Meadowbrook is reimagined, bringing a new tradition of showcases and performances. 20
100 Hours, 100 Days, and 100 Years
In Meadowbrook’s centennial year, the focus around “100” holds a special meaning.
The Happiness Advantage
BY ARVIND GROVER
Happy children will change the world.
Dear Colleagues,
I am a teacher and I love my job, and I know very well that you love your job too. All of us want to help young people to be capable of being happy and of making those around them happy.
Our mission as teachers is not just to transmit knowledge, but to form human beings, to construct a worthy, beautiful human race, in order to take care of our precious planet.
– from “letter to a young teacher,” by world-renowned Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh
Meadowbrook is known far and wide as the most academically ambitious K-8 school there is. I cherish that identity—we love scholarship and learning and are unapologetic in the pursuit of academic challenge. But it is far from the end of our story.
In our pursuit of academics, we leave no stone unturned in giving students every possible advantage. Perhaps the greatest advantage they can have is happiness. We partner with amazing families and teachers to create an environment that promotes both student and adult happiness. I love Thich Nhat Hanh’s call to teachers to form human beings, not simply to transmit knowledge. In my estimation, he could not be more right.
When you hear the word, “happy,” what do you think of? Perhaps it is something cheerful, pleasant, or heartwarming. For me, it’s the endeavor of a lifetime to help children lead the most meaningful lives possible. Did you know there is a science of happiness? We’ve been studying it at Meadowbrook for the past few years. So many of our school traditions are supported by this science: a deep belief in relationships; pursuit of intellectual stimulation; strong investments in physical development through physical education, athletics, and play; valuing the emotional lives and skills of children. We know these are some of the keys of happiness.
At Meadowbrook, our intensity can sometimes lead to the belief that success is the most important outcome for kids, and that if we invest in success, our kids can be happy. The science of happiness is clear that this is not the case. Some of the most successful people are unhappy. The relationship between happiness and success is strong, however it is the opposite of what most people think. As Tal Ben-Shahar says in his revelatory book, Happier No Matter What, “It’s not success that leads to happiness; rather it is that happiness leads to success.”
This is the beauty of investing in student (and adult) happiness. It is 1. the right thing to do, and 2. it sets kids up to be successful, both in the short and long term.
My opening premise, happy children will change the world, is both my deepest aspiration and the work of Meadowbrook as we turn the page to our second century. I wish for you and your family the deepest happiness! u
Working your creative and musical muscles is an important part of childhood development, which is why we incorporate music into every student’s schedule. Fourth grader Braydon’s happiness shines through here as he poses for the camera holding his string instruments.
From Letters to
The Journey from Learning to Read to Reading to Learn at Meadowbrook
Literature
AIn addition to the extensive collection of literature in the Callaghan Library, each lower school classroom is filled with a curated selection of books for students to choose from.
t Meadowbrook, learning to read isn’t a destination. It’s a journey, a journey each student travels at their own pace, along their own path, with plenty of support along the way. And it’s a magical trip. The first time a child slowly sounds out d-o-g and realizes they’ve read the word “dog” is a thrilling moment—a moment when a whole new world opens up to them.
Learning to Read
When will my child start reading? It’s a question on every parent’s mind, but there’s no way to predict, says Junior Kindergarten Teacher Ann Abbott Freeman. “Every year, about 20 students come to us, and they’re each in 20 different places. So, we use a variety of tools and techniques to meet each one of them where they are.”
During the early years, the goal of the Meadowbrook reading program is to help children master the foundational building blocks they’ll need to become proficient readers. In the Lower School, reading specialists join the Junior Kindergarten through 3rd grade classrooms, working with small groups of students based on their individual levels of performance.
This year, Lower School teachers are also incorporating some new techniques based on the latest evidence-based findings that point to five essential components of effective reading instruction—phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. “We’re piloting programs that use explicit, systematic, research-supported teaching practices that provide opportunities for the application of learning across multiple settings,” says Director of Student Support Services Kate McGovern. One of Meadowbrook’s in-house experts on reading instruction, McGovern works with students and faculty to implement strategies that enhance literacy and comprehension across all grade levels. On a sunny winter day in the Junior Kindergarten classroom, children sit in a
semi-circle reciting letter sounds, while at the same time, drawing those letters in the air with their “long and strong arms,” as their teacher Joanna Markham calls them. The children are also learning how the letters and sounds work together to form words and sentences, and how to recognize “red words,” commonly used words that are difficult to sound out, like “the” and “to.”
All of this practice comes together when the children begin to read their “decodable textbook”—a short book full of simple sentences containing only the letters they’ve already learned to sound out. There are no pictures, so the children aren’t tempted to guess at words. They must use what they’ve learned to figure them out. When one of their teachers dictates a sentence for them to write out, they must remember to put a capital letter at the beginning and a period at the end. It might sound like a lot to ask of a four-year-old, but again, these are sentences that contain letter sounds and red words the children have already learned to write, like “Tam had to nap.”
So far, Markham and Freeman are loving how the children are responding to the new research-backed approach. “Junior Kindergarten is early to expect children to read, but we’re seeing more children who are able to read in a way we haven’t seen before,” says Freeman. “It’s exciting because we’re getting children to a place where they’re reading faster and processing and comprehending sooner.”
“And for children who aren’t ready,” Markham adds, “we’re celebrating their successes, building
up their confidence, and helping them take their own journey.”
Over in the 1st grade classroom, students are practicing adding suffixes, like “i-n-g,” to words they know. Instead of memorizing rules, there’s a lot of practice and repetition. A little bit later, their teacher, Elizabeth Twomey, stands ready at the whiteboard to help them make a “story map” of a book they’ve read. They’re excited when they realize they can answer questions like: What is the setting? Who are the characters? What’s the problem or goal? What is the resolution? At the end of 1st grade, most students have developed their phonics skills and can make the leap to do more. “They take that big step from first to second grade because we’ve prepared them,” Twomey says.
Second grade teacher Megan Rodriguez is reading aloud from a mystery book her students have read on their own. The class is discussing questions like: What’s a sleuth? What’s a suspect list? What makes a book a mystery? When Rodriquez asks for a list of skills and qualities the students think a detective needs to solve a crime, their hands eagerly shoot up. By the end of the lesson, they will have begun to understand story genres, expanded their vocabularies, and learned how to dive deeper into a text, setting them up for the next leg of their journey.
By 3rd grade, most students have cracked the code and learned to read. “This is when they can start to dig deeper into a text and go beyond literal interpretation, by analyzing and questioning what they’re reading,” says McGovern, “not just in their
Middle School English teacher Sam Wood guides her 8th grade class through a lesson on Macbeth. As they read, Ms. Wood helps them analyze and annotate the dense text, as they will soon be preparing essays on their unique interpretations.
language arts classes, but in social studies, science, SEL, etc.” For example, she adds, “in third grade social studies, students study immigration, so in their reading groups, they read historical fiction related to this topic. It’s the beginning of the ‘reading to learn’ part of the journey.”
Reading to Learn
Reading to learn kicks into high gear for most students around 4th grade. Now, students are ready to glean information and understanding from what they’re reading and apply it more broadly to their lives and the world around them. Teachers begin to ask: How does this story relate to your experience? What are other people’s thoughts on it? How can we discuss our different perspectives respectfully?
Another essential component of the Meadowbrook reading journey is when students learn to write about what they’ve read. “Of course, writing and drawing about what they’ve read happens in all grade levels, even as young as Junior Kindergarten,” says McGovern, “but focusing on writing for a specific purpose; incorporating descriptive vocabulary, proper mechanics and grammar; editing your work; and the overall depth and quality of the writing that we expect ramps up in 4th grade.”
Reading Milestones and Highlights
As students work toward the new reading and writing challenges presented in 4th through 8th grades, the Meadowbrook reading journey offers many highlights and milestones—special projects and events the whole school community looks forward to.
The Mask Assembly is an especially exciting highlight for 4th graders. For this highly anticipated event, students each choose a favorite book character and create a huge handcrafted “head” based on their character. The culmination of the project is a fun morning assembly when the whole school gathers to guess the characters and which student is hiding underneath each giant head. “It’s amazing to see the variety of books students choose from,” says McGovern. “It could be a character from a favorite book from years past, like Amelia Bedelia, or one more recent, like
Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series.” By 5th grade, students are divided into honors and advanced groups, with emphasis on reading comprehension, written expression, grammar, and writing structure. A fun project they all look forward to is producing a class play. They write the script, make the costumes and sets, and even step on stage to perform the show for the whole Meadowbrook community.
Shakespeare is a new and exciting milestone for students in 6th through 8th grade, a challenge that requires a whole new set of skills. “In the Middle School, we introduce active reading,” says Sarah Nourie, Middle School English Department Chair. “This means we teach students how to take notes, read slowly, re-read parts they didn’t understand, and look up words they don’t know.”
While 6th graders tackle A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 7th graders dive into Romeo and Juliet. In Middle School teacher Samantha Wood’s 8th grade English class, students are preparing to take a quiz on Macbeth. Nervous energy buzzes around the room, but Wood encourages them to relax. They know more than they think, she says, and they’ll be allowed to use their books to find evidence to back up their answers.
“At this stage, we ask them to read with a pen in hand,” Wood says, “so they can note their reactions, questions, unfamiliar vocabulary, and important plot points. It’s not natural at first, but by 8th grade, most students are doing this on their
own.” In addition to reading and writing sophisticated textual analyses of Shakespeare, Middle Schoolers learn to write creative fiction, and how to craft a nine-paragraph analytical essay. These assignments might not be easy for everyone, but Meadowbrook teachers don’t underestimate what their students can do. However, they also understand that different students might need different methods and techniques to find success. “Some students need more check-ins with a teacher, while others like to use audiobooks, video, or podcasts as they read,” says Nourie. “Whatever works for them is good with us.”
For the Love of Reading
The reading journey at Meadowbrook wouldn’t be complete without frequent stops at the library. Whether it’s weekly storytime for children in Junior Kindergarten through 1st grade, special library lessons for 2nd graders, curriculum-based projects for students in 3rd through 5th grade, or independent reading and study for students in 6th through 8th grade, the library is a place where everyone is welcome. “It’s important that
children see themselves as readers, at every age,” says Director of Library Services Lissa Iwasaki. “Loving reading and seeing yourself in the text doesn’t always happen in the classroom. Sometimes it happens here in the library or at home, anywhere a child finds a book that grabs their attention and sparks their interest.”
The reading journey is different for every Meadowbrook student, but one outcome all our teachers encourage is that they find a joy and passion for reading, whatever text they choose. “Reading and comprehension are essential skills, but we also want reading to be fun,” says Iwasaki. “We’re always asking students what they love and what excites them. Whether it’s Pinkalicious, Jack at Bat, a non-fiction book about trains, or a graphic novel, reading begets reading. So, when a student gets excited about a book they found here, I’ve done my job.”
The learning-to-read and reading-to-learn journey that teachers take with their students is only the beginning. Once students leave the school, they will take the skills, knowledge, and passion they’ve developed at Meadowbrook with them, well-prepared to take on what’s next, as they become life-long readers. u
“It’s important that children see themselves as readers, at every age.”
– Lissa Iwasaki, Director of Library Services
alumni spotlight: Lyndsey Mugford ‘15
The Power of Passion
Lyndsey Mugford ‘15 blends her love of the arts and science as she is named a Rhodes Scholar
On a recent visit to campus, alumna Lyndsey Mugford ’15 had a chance to look around the school, chat with former teachers, and address current Meadowbrook students. She spent a few minutes with the Meadowbrook Magazine to talk about her journey since leaving Farm Road.
MM: Tell us a little bit about what you’ve been doing since you graduated from Meadowbrook.
Lyndsey: After Meadowbrook, I went to Milton Academy and I really enjoyed my time there. After that, I went to Harvard College. While I was there, I took a semester off to do some research. And so as a result, I’m graduating this December [2023]. I just submitted my last final yesterday morning! And throughout both
FUN FACT:
Lyndsey was the first ever female vice president of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals while at Harvard. The following year, she served as the organization’s president. She was a part of the famous Hasty Pudding Man and Woman of the Year parades, riding alongside actors that included Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, and Bob Odenkirk.
Milton and Harvard, I’ve done a lot of work in...the sciences and in theater and the arts. All those pursuits really began here at Meadowbrook.
MM: You were recently named a Rhodes Scholar. Can you tell us a little bit about what that means and what you’ll be studying at Oxford?
Lyndsey: So the Rhodes Scholarship provides funding for two years of study at the University
of Oxford in the United Kingdom. And under the Rhodes Scholarship and at Oxford, I hope to be doing neuroscience research into... regenerative repair strategies for chronic pain, particularly in older adults, to try to address the epidemic of chronic pain that impacts adults later in life, especially as we’re facing a globally aging population.
MM: Where did your interest in chronic pain come from?
Lyndsey: In college, I did some research on sensory systems within developmental biology, and I was also doing a lot of work volunteering in a care setting for the homeless. And [there], I was working with a lot of patients who, although many had longterm chronic health conditions, [what was] really preventing them from having a high quality of life and being able to access resources and support and form meaningful connections, [was often] the experience of chronic pain. So I’m really interested in pain…not as something that needs to be chronically managed by a lifelong dependency on pain medication, but rather as a condition that oftentimes has identifiable underlying causes.
MM: Can you tell us a little more detail about your volunteer work?
Lyndsey: I was doing...research at Massachusetts General Hospital in the lab, and I found that I was really, really enjoying that work, but I was looking for ways to interact with patients and individuals more directly. I’ve grown up in the Boston community…and it was very important to me to do that in a way that was giving back to a city that had given me so much. I ended up volunteering [at the Boston Health
Care for the Homeless program] both to address my interest in patient wellbeing and working one-on-one with people. [The city] has a massive homelessness problem and it felt very important to be thinking about healthcare access and healthcare equity as I’m conducting research in some of the top institutions in the country. And so I ended up working there as a volunteer with the case
management team in the respite center. That center is for unhoused individuals who have recently been released from the hospital, but still require long-term care and support as they’re recovering from any given condition, but they don’t have a home environment to allow them to do that. In that setting, the management
team works on connecting patients with resources, helps them in housing application processes, and helps with a lot of the holistic aspects of care and resource navigation that come with being unhoused in the city of Boston within the context of a hospital stay.
MM: What about your experience as a student at Meadowbrook has impacted you the most?
Lyndsey: When I think about my time at Meadowbrook, it was tremendously valuable to me to be an early learner in a space where I knew that there was a community of teachers who were invested in me. I was able to chase curiosities and try to build things and explore my interests in flexible and rewarding ways. And that curiosity was encouraged and reinforced and celebrated.
And I think one of the things that I learned at Meadowbrook, which really guides me still, is that it is never embarrassing to be excited about things. That being interested or curious or fascinated by something, whether it’s something in science or writing a play or how does beekeeping work – chasing that interest and excitement and listening to that almost never will lead you astray, and surrounding yourself with people who
Click here to watch a February episode of the Meadowbrook Minute featuring a story about Lyndsey.
alumni spotlight: Lyndsey Mugford ‘15
Lyndsey Mugford ‘15 visited campus this winter, reuniting with former teachers and connecting with current students. After a Q&A with middle school film students, the group watched some of Lyndsey’s film productions from her time at Meadowbrook.
cheer that on in you is one of the best decisions that you can make in life.
MM: Can you share a favorite Meadowbrook memory?
Lyndsey: I remember in fifth grade, me and my best friend, Abby Nicholson, wanted to write a story about a bridge we saw in the woods. And we wrote it and went up to Mr. Lauten and we said, can we get your feedback on this? And he not only gave us feedback, but he encouraged us to read it for the whole class. And so we did. And then it became a regular series. We’d write new installments and we’d read them for the class and we’d get suggestions and feedback and we’d go write more—and it spurred this whole writing interest in me and this love of creating stories.
MM: What advice do you have for today’s Meadowbrook students?
Lyndsey: Trust yourself. Trust your ability to know what things excite you. Trust your ability to explore those things and trust that things will work out, even if they’re
not in ways that you expect. Know that things will not go exactly according to plan, and that that can be a really wonderful thing. u
“Trust yourself. Trust your ability to know what things excite you. Trust your ability to explore those things and trust that things will work out, even if they’re not in ways that you expect.” – Lindsey Mugford ’15
A Tapestry of Talent
ARTS WEEK BEGINS A NEW TRADITION OF SHOWCASES AND PERFORMANCES
This winter, Meadowbrook celebrated all aspects of the arts through a reimagined Arts Week. From January 29 through February 2, all grades took part in special activities and the hallways were transformed into art galleries, brimming with visual masterpieces.
The arts department invited special guest Jonathan Todd, a local author and illustrator, to teach a workshop during arts week. Todd spent time teaching students how to create a comic strip, develop characters, and tell a story through images and speech bubbles.
Visual arts in a variety of mediums graced the walls and display shelves—everything from oil paintings to wood carvings to pottery and more. Bright colors, stunning shapes, and astonishing details were all on exhibit. Among the highlights was the art created by the faculty, which featured beautiful pieces of photography, water color, digital arts, and even cross stitch. It was no surprise that our faculty shared our students’ passion for the arts, and the depth of talent was truly remarkable.
The Friday morning Arts Assembly emerged as a highlight of the week, with musical numbers, a special Meadowbrook Minute broadcast, and a dance performance, showcasing the broad spectrum of student creativity. The 5th grade even used instruments to provide a live soundtrack to silent films starring Charlie Chaplin. Performances by several Middle School bands brought down the house with their impressive singing and instrumentation. The audience tapped their feet and enjoyed singing along to the Survivor classic, “Eye of the Tiger,” among others.
A special element to the week was the weeklong workshops with Jonathan Todd, a renowned author and illustrator, who conducted classes for grades 1 through 8. He led the students in experiencing the creative process of making their own comic strip—starting with developing an original character and then moving to writing a script and storyline.
Matt Molyneux, chair of the Arts Department, loved how Arts Week brought everyone together. “Art creates joy, in the artist and the audience, and the depth of February was a great time to share a week of artistic adventure and togetherness,” he said. He noted the event’s inclusivity, pointing out its appeal across diverse artistic disciplines, from drawing to performing to filmmaking. Mr. Molyneux praised the school’s art teachers for their unique approaches, saying, “We are fortunate to have such innovative and passionate art teachers who bring the joy of creativity to life every day, during Arts Week and every week.” u
“We are fortunate to have such innovative and passionate art teachers who bring the joy of creativity to life every day, during Arts Week and every week.”
– Matt Molyneux, chair of the Arts Department
100 Hours, 100 Years: Unprecedented Success
In a remarkable display of community spirit and generosity, Meadowbrook successfully completed its “100 Hours of Giving” drive, a monumental fundraising challenge that took place from February 5th to 9th. As part of the school’s year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary, we set an ambitious goal of securing $250,000 from 250 donors within a 100-hour timeframe, a target that was not only met but exceeded! Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community – including gifts from parents, faculty, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, grandparents of alumni, and friends – a total of 276 donors contributed an impressive $289,368 to The Meadowbrook Fund during the “100 Hours of Giving.”
The 100-hour initiative was sparked by an extraordinary pledge from three anonymous donors who promised to donate an additional $100,000 to The Meadowbrook Fund if the school achieved both its participation and dollar goals.
Supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, this challenge served as a catalyst, inspiring an unprecedented turnout of donors eager to support the school’s mission and ensure its continued success. The “100 Hours of Giving” not only celebrated a century of educational excellence at Meadowbrook but also demonstrated the powerful impact of collective action and the deep-rooted sense of belonging within the school community.
We are grateful to our generous challengers, volunteers, and every single one of the 276 donors. Your generosity and belief in the importance of a Meadowbrook education is part of what makes our school and community so special. Every gift truly matters and helps ensure that our second century is even more vibrant and successful than our first.
The fiscal year closes on June 30, so there is still time to make YOUR gift to the Meadowbrook Fund. Scan this QR code or visit meadowbrook-ma.org/giving.
Cheers to 100 Days (and Years!)
The 100th day of school this year held an extra layer of significance, as it coincided with Meadowbrook’s centennial anniversary. These two milestones came together on February 21, and in a school-wide dress-down day, everyone donned their favorite blue and white gear for Meadowbrook.
The younger students were the most excited. Their mid-morning parade was a standout moment, as they marched around singing “100 Days of School,” instruments in hand and sporting unique 100 Day crowns. This spectacle wasn’t just for them; even some Trustees, who happened to be on campus for a meeting, got caught up in the excitement. For the older students, watching this parade brought back their own fond memories of participating in past years. They cheered on the little ones as the parade snaked through the halls.
Teachers creatively wove the ‘100’ theme into the day’s lessons. In PE, the challenge was to hit 100 different goals, turning the gym into a hive of activity. Meanwhile, science class took an adventurous turn with students on the hunt to collect 100 pine cones, making the most of the school’s outdoor classroom.
At lunchtime the students enjoyed birthday cake and sang “Happy Birthday” to Meadowbrook. This shared moment of joy and festivity highlighted the dual significance of the day: celebrating both the 100th day of the current school year and a century of our beloved school.
Pick me, pick me! Seventh grade students in Mr.
class excitedly raise their hands to answer a question.
Glenwerks’
A Night of Blue and White
The Under the Lights tradition continues for fans of Meadowbrook and soccer
Under the shimmering lights of Harvard Stadium, the Meadowbrook community came together in unprecedented numbers, turning the annual “Under the Lights” event into a night to remember. With faces painted and temporary tattoos adorning fans of all ages, the sea of blue and white was vibrant with excitement.
The boys’ team set the tone for the evening, clinching a 3-1 victory over their friendly rivals, Belmont Day. From the kickoff, it was clear they were there to make a statement. Their determination and skill were on full display, as they orchestrated attacks with precision, defended their lead with tenacity, and celebrated each goal with the roaring crowd.
As the spotlight shifted to the girls’ team, the energy remained high. Despite ultimately facing a tough loss, they showed grit and dedication. Younger students, especially, loved cheering wildly for their middle school varsity heroes.
Athletics Director Matt Gabellieri said, “Under the Lights is such a great community event. Our student athletes take pride in putting on the Meadowbrook uniform and showcasing their talents and all the hard work they have put in since the beginning of the season while performing in front of a massive crowd at Harvard.”
The night was more than just soccer; it was a celebration of community. The record turnout, the communal cheer, and the shared moments of joy underscored the event’s significance beyond the scoreboard. Whether it was enjoying community time, grabbing a slice of pizza, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it was hard not to feel a sense of Meadowbrook pride. Go Blue!
Family Fun at Fall Fest
Fall Fest brought the community together in a vibrant celebration, creating a day filled with joy and festivity. This family-friendly event offered engaging activities such as games, crafts, and pumpkin painting, complemented by a wide variety of tasty food and treats. We were thrilled to have a record turnout, with a significant number of families and recent alumni sharing in the fun. Highlights of the day included a petting zoo that offered up-close encounters with animals, and face painting that delighted both the young and the young at heart. This longtime Meadowbrook tradition not only celebrated the season but also kicked off a year of Centennial celebrations.
Smiles and Stories: Grandparents Day Fun
Meadowbrook welcomed an extraordinary number of grandparents and special friends on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving for the annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day. The morning assembly featured heartwarming musical performances by our students, lighting up the faces of an eager and joyful audience. A cherished moment— and undoubtedly the highlight for our esteemed visitors—was the invitation to immerse themselves in their grandchildren’s classrooms. There, they engaged in games and a variety of activities. This cherished Meadowbrook tradition acts as a bridge between generations, offering our students a precious opportunity to share parts of their learning journey with special people in their lives. Thank you, grandparents and special friends, for supporting our students!
Save the Date for Grandparents Day 2024! Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Faculty Milestones
Weddings
Tom Furbee married Timber Pech on July 22, 2023 in Darien, Connecticut.
Elizabeth Twomey married Christopher Schwake on October 14, 2023 in Boston.
New Arrivals
Marisa and Rick Bellovin welcomed baby Lily Hope Bellovin on May 10, 2023.
Leah Weintraub & Emmanuele Salvati welcomed baby Isidoro Carlo Trauvati on June 14, 2023.
Liz Wand and Brian Dean welcomed baby Arden Glynn Wand-Dean on September 25, 2023.
Craig Saslow and Katy Lasdow welcomed baby Linden Grace Saslow on October 4, 2023.
Jamie and Benjamin Tso welcomed baby Emmanuel Ash Tso on October 9, 2023.
Tom Furbee and Timber Pech
Lily Hope Bellovin
Arden Glynn Wand-Dean
Emmanuel Ash Tso
Linden Grace Saslow
Isidoro Carlo Trauvati
Elizabeth Twomey and Christopher Schwake
New Faculty
Welcome to the following members of Team Meadowbrook who joined us for school year 2023-24!
Sol Bencosme
Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion
Stephen Bennhoff
Grade 5 Teacher (parental leave replacement)
Scout Brink
Middle School Science Teacher
Ryan Buckley
Dir. Of Secondary School Counseling/Middle School Teacher
Conrad Buys
IT Level 1 Help Desk Technician
Brianna Crimaldi Campbell
School Nurse
Renelle Chauvin
Database & Gift Administrator
James Davis
Middle School Science (parental leave replacement)
Owen Finnegan
Middle School English Teacher (parental leave replacement)
Theresa Hanlon
HR Coordinator
Lissa Iwasaki
Director of Library Services
Trinity Johns
Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion (interim placement)
Jeff LaValley
Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement
Kaitlin Mattison
Middle School English Teacher
MaryBeth McMahon
Auxiliary Programs Operations Coordinator
Carly Orhan
After School Teacher
Keyla Orozco
Lower School Music Teacher
Teagan Seltzer
Middle School Math Teacher (parental leave replacement)
Sam Wood
Middle School English Teacher
Experts Speaking
Meadowbrook faculty members are often called upon to share their expertise with others. Here are examples of some of the work they have shared recently:
Jessica MacManus and Meredith Houghton, “Outdoor Learning in Formal Education,” Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference, Marlborough, MA, November 8, 2023
Jessica MacManus and Meredith Houghton, “Outdoor Learning in Formal Education”, Massachusetts Environmental Educators Society Annual Conference, Worcester, MA, March 6, 2024
Jessica MacManus and Dan Riles, MassCUE conference. October 18, 2023. Student Inventors; MassCUE Fall Conference, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA, October 18, 2023
Mike Scafati “Film & Broadcast Media: Collaboration & Community” A Panel Discussion with Meadowbrook Students – Khadija, Meghan, Andy, and Jane. MassCUE Fall Conference, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA, October 18, 2023
Keyla Orozco composed “El Canto De La Cigarra,” adapted from an original story by Onelio Jorge Cardoso; world premiere, April 18 at Americas Society, New York City, performed by Toomai String Quintet.
Dan Riles taught a Masters in Education class for Lesley University, “Design a New Context for Learning,” Spring 2024
Jonathan Schmid, Conference Planning Team, Massachusetts CTO Clinic, Medford MA, March 7-8
Jonathan Schmid, Texas Cultural Trust Texas Young Masters, Event Production Team – Content Creation and Projectionist, Austin, TX, April 16.
Welcome New Trustees
Congratulations to the following Meadowbrook community members elected to the Board of Trustees in May 2023.
Geraldine Alias
Geraldine Alias is Managing Director at Three Cairns Group. With over 20 years of investment experience, Geraldine has successfully allocated capital and led investments. She also has expertise in private equity investing and serves on technology business boards. Geraldine holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Geraldine serves on Roca’s Finance & Audit Committee and co-chairs Meadowbrook’s Investment Committee. She has worked at firms such as North Bridge Growth Equity, Volition Capital, and Battery Ventures, investing in technology businesses and serving on their boards. Geraldine is a native French speaker and dual citizen, born in Paris. She resides in Weston with her husband, Phil Swisher, and their children Isabelle (4th grade) and Felix (3rd grade).
Nina Freeman ’92
Nina Freeman is the Assistant Head of School at Brooks School in North Andover. Prior to Brooks, she was the Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid at Greenwich Academy and a teacher at her alma mater, Noble and Greenough School. Nina is a graduate of Brown University where she majored in Africana Studies and rowed for the varsity crew team. She received her MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco and her M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Nina has served on the Meadowbrook Board as alumni trustee for three years, supporting the Committee on Trustees, Community, and Compensation and Benefits Committees. Nina is a proud Meadowbrook alumna from the class of 1992.
Arathi Reddy
Arathi Reddy, DO, is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and an assistant professor of Pediatrics. With over 15 years of experience in conducting developmental and behavioral evaluations of children, as well as providing ongoing care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, intellectual and learning disabilities, Dr. Reddy is deeply committed to delivering compassionate and equitable care to children with disabilities and their families. Her dedication to pediatric care is underscored by her active involvement in community outreach programs aimed at promoting health and well-being among children. Arathi and her husband, Rakesh Loonkar, reside in Wellesley and are parents to children, Ishan ‘23 and Arya (7th grade).
Kearney Shanahan
Kearney Shanahan is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Ambler Brook, a growthoriented investment firm focused on investing in Healthcare and B2B service and technology businesses. Prior to founding Ambler Brook, he was a long-time private equity investor at HealthQuest Capital, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Solamere Capital, having invested in and sat on the board of many Healthcare and B2B service and technology companies. At Meadowbrook, he serves on the Advancement, Centennial Campaign and LongTerm Financial Planning Committees. He is also a Corporate Trustee of The Trustees of Reservations where he sits on the Finance and Audit Committee and the Coskata-Coatue Property Committee. Kearney and his wife, Emily, are parents to Meadowbrook students J (1st grade) and Milly (JK).
Ryah Whalen
Ryah Whalen is the Executive Director of Innovations at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). With over 15 years of experience at BCG, Ryah has worked across various industries and functions. Currently, she leads business model innovation, focusing on evaluating and launching new businesses and ventures. Ryah’s recent efforts have centered around climate change and sustainability, notably co-founding the Aviation Climate Taskforce, a nonprofit organization dedicated to decarbonizing the airline sector. Ryah holds a BS in math and statistics from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She and her husband Max de Groen live in Newton with their children, Anton (2nd grade), Evelyn (SK), and Madeleine (3rd grade).
Meadowbrook Welcomes New Board President
On July 1, Brian Sung P’22, P’23, P’26, assumed the role of President of the Board of Trustees. Brian succeeded Chris Austen ’81, P’18, P’18, P’23, who completed a three-year term. Brian and his wife Ali are the parents of two graduates, Mia ’22 and Audrey ’23, and Jack, currently in the 5th grade. Brian has served on or chaired a number of board committees in his time at Meadowbrook—Marketing, Advancement, and Committee on Trustees. Currently the Chief Operating Officer at J.S. Enterprises, Brian’s professional endeavors include extensive experience in law, business development, and management. He holds a JD from Fordham University School of Law and completed his undergraduate studies at Bowdoin College, where he remains actively engaged in various volunteer leadership roles and activities. He serves on the boards at Horizons for Homeless Children and YMCA Camp Coniston, while also volunteering as a mentor for Braven. In a letter to the school community, Brian said, “I appreciate all that Meadowbrook has given to me and my family over the years and look forward to seeing what the future brings to generations of new families.”
Class of 2019 College Decisions
WILLIAM G. AUSTEN
Harvard University
RYAN D. AWAD
Georgetown University
AVERY A. BLACKLOW St. Lawrence University
SUSANNA J. BOBERG Williams College
CHLOE M. CHAO
Harvard University
SAMANTHA R. COHEN Tulane University
THOMAS D. CONNOLLY Wake Forest University
WILLIAM B. CRONIN Fordham University
ANNIKA C. CUNNINGHAM Emory University
CHARLIE L. DAWSON Trinity College
ALEXANDER W. ECKFORD Harvard University
WILLIAM P. FINE Colgate University
ELIZABETH R. FREEMAN The Skin and Makeup Institute
PHOEBE D. FRITZ Middlebury College
VICTORIA M. GORMAN Duke University
ABIGAIL G. HEPPELMANN Purdue University
JAMES C. HURD Harvard University
MICHAEL S. JENNINGS James Madison University
ARIANNA KAMAL Middlebury College
WILLIAM J. KELLY Emory University
HENRY KNIGHT Lehigh University
ANJALI J. LAL Gap Year
COLTON T. LARGAY Eckerd College
MEGAN LI Harvard University
VINCENT LIAO New York University
PAIGE MCCARTHY Occidental College
HAILEE A. MCSWEENEY Villanova University
ARIANNE A. MOTAKEF Colgate University
JAKE R. NICHOLSON Wake Forest University
BENJAMIN A. OUTAR
University of Toronto, Trinity College
RILEY E. PARK Providence College
ALAN D. ROSE III Georgetown University
HENRY F. SALYER Skidmore College
TYLER M. SANTANA Dartmouth College
LUISA SEEMAN University of Virginia
OLIVIA P. SEGEL Skidmore College
CALUM H. STEIN University of Wisconsin-Madison
AUDREY Y. SUN Harvard University
SAMANTHA T. THOMSON University of Virginia
SOPHIA E. THOMSON Wellesley College
MATTHEW A. WATKINS Boston University
SHIRA B. WAXMAN University of Chicago
ALYVIA J. WOODS Northeastern University
AUDREY B. XIAO Boston College
AARON T. ZHANG Middlebury College
*Note: this list is inclusive of all members of the Class of 2019 for whom we have college information, including students who did not graduate from Meadowbrook.
In Memoriam
We fondly remember these members of the Meadowbrook community who have passed away recently.
ALUMNI
Stewart Clifford, Class of 1940
Sibling of Frederic Clifford ’48
July 29, 2023
FRIENDS OF MEADOWBROOK
John G. Berylson
Grandparent of students Benjamin ’26, Zachary ’27, AJ ’30; father of trustee Jennifer Block July 4, 2023
Cornelia Clifford
Spouse of Stewart Clifford ’40 June 30, 2023
Maura King Scully
Writer, Meadowbrook Magazine
August 25, 2023
Lois Tedeschi
Grandparent of students Vanessa ’27 and Amanda ’24
October 23, 2023
Rochelle Goldberg
Grandparent of alumnus Hayden ’23, students Sander ’25, and Ilana ’27; mother-in-law of trustee Bryan Krause
December 24, 2023
JoAnn McGrath
Alumni Grandparent of David ’10, Kevin ’14, and James McGrath ’12
February 19, 2024
In Memory of Arianna Kamal ’19
Arianna Kamal ’19 died on December 28, 2023 at the age of 18. Arianna left an indelible mark on Meadowbrook and all who knew her through her poetry, music, and unwavering kindness. Her life was a testament to the beauty she saw in the world and the complexities of humanity she explored through her many interests.
Arianna’s passion for the arts was evident in every facet of her life. She was a gifted poet, finding beauty in the mundane and expressing it in words that touched the hearts of those around her. Her love for novels showed her deep empathy and understanding of others. Music was Arianna’s joy; she performed with grace on stage, getting her start here at Meadowbrook in Shrek: The Musical as the unforgettable Dragon.
After graduating from Meadowbrook, she attended Milton Academy, where she was a standout student who volunteered her time
as a tutor and interned at Mass General Brigham. She received an academic achievement award upon her graduation in May 2023. She had just completed her first semester at Middlebury College.
Arianna’s authenticity and courage were admired by all who knew her. Her journey at Middlebury was
one of discovery and belonging. Studying neuroscience and actively participating in student groups, including Women in Computer Science, the college choir, theatre, and a foraging group, Arianna was loving her new community and making close friends.
Head of School arvind grover said, “In her three years at Meadowbrook she quickly became an integral member of her class. She will be remembered for so many things, including her powerful contributions in the classroom and stage, but more than anything, she’ll be remembered for the wonderful friend and person that she was.”
graduation 2023
Meadowbrook Graduates Take Center Stage
June 14, 2023 marked the culmination of a significant chapter in the lives of its 8th grade graduates. This 2023 graduation ceremony was a celebration of individual achievements and contributions. As is tradition, each graduate was honored with a “Meadowbrook M,” a special citation that noted their unique impact on the school and their class. The “Ms” from the class of 2023 highlighted everything from academic excellence and community service to athletic prowess and artistic talents.
The ceremony was made even more memorable by the speeches delivered by English teacher Craig Saslow, who was chosen as the class’s Beloved Person, and student speaker Clara Szeman. Mr. Saslow’s words resonated with warmth and wisdom, offering both reflection and encouragement for the future. Clara shared thoughtful insights and personal memories that evoked laughter and a few tears. It was a day filled with applause, laughter, and a touch of sentimentality, perfectly celebrating the spirit and talents of the Meadowbrook class of 2023.
graduation 2023
Class of 2023 Secondary Schools
Our graduates are now attending the following independent and public secondary schools:
PETER ANGELLA Newton North High School
LAURA AUSTEN Groton School
SASHA BOYKO Commonwealth School
ELLA CAMPBELL Noble and Greenough School
JOSEPHINE CHAO Boston University Academy
CLAIRE CHOW Noble and Greenough School
ELLIS CRAMER Wellesley High School
JAMES D’AGOSTINO Middlesex School
ALEX FAUBERT Cambridge School of Weston
CHARLOTTE FITZPATRICK Winsor School
OLIVER FOLEY Wellesley High School
WILLIAM GRACE Noble and Greenough School
LILY GREENBERG Newton North High School
MILES KIM Beaver Country Day School
HAYDEN KRAUSE St. Mark’s School
NOELLE LEE Concord Academy
MAGGIE LI Wellesley High School
ISHAN LOONKAR Concord Academy
ARIA MALHOTRA Milton Academy
ISHAAN MEHRA Concord Academy
ELISABETH NELSON Groton School
DILAN PAYNE Milton Academy
RAJ RANDERY Needham High School
EMME SALYER The Rivers School
MAC SALYER Proctor Academy
PIERCE SETH Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
LEXI STUCKEY Wellesley High School
AUDREY SUNG Dana Hall School
CLARA SZEMAN Middlesex School
MIMI TARLOW Concord Academy
PIERCE THUROW Concord Academy
REVA VADDI Weston High School
SONJA VOULTEENAHO Boston University Academy
ALICIA WEN The Rivers School
CICI YE Boston University Academy
ALEXA ZHOU Noble and Greenough School
YOYO ZOU
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
The library is much more than a place to browse and borrow books. Our librarians have made it a space where students can find a quiet space to read, explore resources and find help on a topic they are interested in, and gather together for a lesson outside of the classroom.
THE MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL
Saturday, June 1, 2024
For ages 21+
All are welcome
Join us for live music, amazing food and drinks, and a chance to reconnect with friends from the Meadowbrook community. This party is 100 years in the making!
Invited!
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
For alumni under 21 Classes of 2018–2023
This celebration will include a live performance by Steeples and Satellites, as well as a visit by Monica Leal Rodriguez and Adrian Salas Campos, our longtime guides from Costa Rica!
Whether your relationship to the school goes back for months or decades, we would love for you to be present with us. Scan the QR code to register and purchase tickets, and be on the lookout for a printed invitation coming your way.
