Community Comment
Inside Retiring Teachers Sixth Grade Memories Headlines and more!
May 2014
14
4 6 10
In This Issue
Headlines: Ten Years Salute to 6th Grade! Memories & Thoughts
First Grade Treasure Debbie Barmeier’s Retirement
On the Cover & Facing Page: 5th Grade Shakespeare Play
Community Comment
Head of School Matthew A. Gould, Ph.D.
The parent newsletter of
Editor
Community School
Contributors
900 Lay Road St. Louis, MO 63124 (314) 991-0005 (314) 991-1512 Fax www.communityschool.com
Laura Falk Matthew Gould Mark Palmer Molly Smith ’08
11 12 12 13 13 14
Community’s Caretaker Pat Eppler’s Retirement “I Hear Her Laugh” Stephanie Oteng Advancement Update Campaign & Annual Giving A Quiet Ability to Connect Julie Heitmann’s Retirement Focus on Faculty News & Updates Cracked 3 Photos from the play
2013-2014 Board of Trustees John Stroup, President Kerrigan Kaplan, Vice President Jim Cooper, Treasurer Holly James ’81, Secretary Brandon Boyd John Daniel Nancy Diemer ’77 Jim Koman Matt LaMartina David Lemkemeier ’82 John Lochhead
Derek Mays Avani Nayak Pam Owens Julie Ralph Nick Tompras Asma Usmani Nina Wuestling Tracey Rupinski, CPA President Rob Armstrong ’84, Alumni Board President
3
Headlines
Excerpts from Annual Meeting
Reflecting on our past ten years together, I was amazed by how much we’ve accomplished. In asking myself what I was the most proud of, I reflected on things that have mattered the most both professionally and personally. In thinking about that question, I realized that the things that have really mattered to me fall into four general “buckets” that highlight these standouts. Curriculum: The first bucket is the great work that we’ve done with our curriculum these past 10 years. Our program has not stood still. It has improved and evolved and, ultimately, gotten better for kids. We have completely overhauled the Community School math program not once, but twice during my tenure. When I arrived at Community in 2004, there was a lot of good math being taught. However, it wasn’t necessarily tied together, gradeto-grade, in coordinated fashion. Thanks to a group of amazing teachers who were passionate about something called “curriculum mapping,” we were able to identify gaps and redundancies in our math curriculum and tighten the entire math program, SK-6. Now in our third year of the Singapore approach to math, we are seeing improved test scores, increased teacher satisfaction with the math program and, most importantly, greater engagement of our students. A second big idea in terms of program is not what we teach, but how we teach. The concept of differentiation has completely changed over the past decade and has transformed how we attempt to meet student
4
needs at Community School. The goal of differentiation is for each child to be both challenged and supported, and to find each child’s academic and developmental level and grow with them from there. This is an area that our ISACS accreditation team highlighted as a huge strength of Community, and so much of the credit for that goes to our teachers who constantly work to figure out how to meet the needs of more than 20 children in their classrooms. In terms of the Arts, they have become more integrated with different academic disciplines in the School. I believe that the Arts are a natural language of childhood. The Arts are crucial to the Community School program, and it is always fun and exciting to see just how alive and well our students are in them. Also, our curriculum has grown to become more global and outward looking. We’ve always had our grade level country and continent studies, but things like our International Day festivities, our character education through outreach program, current events, etc., have helped our students understand and appreciate difference—a skill that will undoubtedly be critical in the future and serve them well throughout their lives.
with the space just opened, the glorious Centennial Arts Center will become a gathering place for students, teachers, and parents for generations to come. I’m proud of these building projects, but I’m equally proud of our fundraising effort on behalf of the endowment. Over the past 10 years, we’ve added approximately $4 million new dollars into the endowment. This serves as a long-term safety net for the School, it allows us to support faculty salaries and professional development, and it allows us to provide financial tuition assistance to great kids and families.
“You’ve let me in your lives, you’ve let me in to your families, and I am forever grateful.”
I am also proud of our partnership with Washington University and the creation of the Community School/ Washington University Teacher Training Program. Community continues to be the only independent school in the St. Louis metropolitan area that has a direct university partnership. This partnership is a big win for our current teachers, the Washington University student teachers and, most importantly, our students.
Diversity: The third area is one in which Community has seen great change in the past 10 years and change of which I am immensely proud. The diversity of our student and parent body has greatly changed. In 2004, Community School had a non-white student body of 16%. Next year, that number will be an all-time high of 26%.
Facilities and Fundraising: The Leadership Wing which improved classrooms for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, the new kitchen which essentially doubled in size, and the new administrative suite and new entry plaza—all these changes occurred in 2009-2010. Now, in 2014,
The socioeconomic range of Community School students and families has also changed. Currently, 22% of our students receive some form of need-based financial aid. We have students coming to Community from 41 different zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, and
the vast majority of our families are dualworking income. This diversity is critical for our children and their future success. To the extent that our children are exposed to and come to appreciate difference, in all ways and in its broadest forms, the more likely they are to be successful in secondary school, in college, and in the workplace. Interacting in a diverse environment is now a life skill that kids need, and are receiving, here at Community School.
I want to thank the Board for giving me the chance and bestowing your trust in me. Running Community School is undoubtedly my greatest life accomplishment Teachers: and I am so Perhaps the greatest of these buckets are the proud of it. Ten teachers; the teachers that I’ve hired, the years ago, the teachers who were here when I arrived, the Board gave me new teachers, and the veterans. Two things a chance and I stand out the most about our teachers. have tried to take First, the caliber of teachers that we have this opportunity here at Community School; they simply given to me “get it.” They are dogged in their work with and treat it our children, and are always determined like a precious to do what’s right for kids—teaching gift. Having them skills that they will need to be the role of successful and nurturing them to grow into forming the best thoughtful, compassionate, hard-working environment for kids is an awesome adults. The second piece of pride for me in responsibility. regard to the teachers is the faculty culture that exists here at Community. It’s positive, One of the greatest things about running it’s professional, it’s collaborative, and it’s an elementary school like this is all of the supportive. You don’t always find that in wonderful relationships that are formed. schools. In this community, having more When you are dealing with people’s than 50 individuals working hard with the children, these relationships are emotional, same goals and with the same mission, it is personal, and intense. To the individuals in no surprise that great things happen. And, this community: you’ve let me in your lives, obviously, like being a student or a parent, you’ve let me in to your families, and I am teaching at Community School stays forever grateful. I also find it important to in your heart forever. We saw this pride remember three extraordinary individuals during Centennial weekend when dozens who we lost during my tenure: Allison upon dozens of former teachers returned to Cassens, Robin Berman, and Jim Hoots. celebrate! Their passing really demonstrated the incredible unity of our community and our Reflection ability to shine through in tough times and While all of these buckets of be more cohesive and stronger than ever. accomplishments are crucial, being a part of this institution is about living our Future mission. Community School is a great Community School, of course, is now school because we are clear about who involved in an extensive process of finding we are and what we do. It’s all about the a new head of school. We have a simply children being in an environment where outstanding individual in Cathy Haines they are individually known and loved. stepping in to hold the reins during this
time of transition. I am fully confident the Board will find the right permanent head to take Community to the next level. We have amazing teachers whom are our most precious resource, and great parents who care a great deal about this place. The future challenges facing the School are straightforward, clear, and not insurmountable. Fortunately, in my opinion, Community School is light years ahead of most schools in dealing with issues such as recruitment, enrollment, learning style differences and differentiation, but it is uniquely poised in a position of strength, looking forward.
5
Salute to 6th Grade!
compiled by Molly Smith
Community School’s sixth graders have wonderful memories of their time here, as well as sage advice for future classes.
Best Piece of Advice for a Younger Student? “Use your time wisely, do your homework, study for tests, and try your best at everything.” –Terrell Harris “I love Community because every time I walk through the doors, I am walking into an environment where I can be myself and make friends without anyone judging me. Thank you Community for making me the person I am today.” –Bryn Daney “I love Community because they accept you for who you are and accept the learning style each individual kid has.” –Caroline Latta “The most interesting project for me was the ‘Where in the World’ project. I liked this project because you have the opportunity to study the country of your choice.” –Sally Arneson “I am going to miss seeing the people I grew up with and all the little kids that go to school here.” –Jimmy Fox “The most interesting project in my opinion is the five paragraph research essays because before the essay, I knew very
6
little on the subject but afterwards, every fact on the essay I knew by heart.” –Jon Sky Best piece of advice for a younger student? “I would say get your homework done and turned in on time. Also, greet your teachers in the morning and always make sure you have your materials.” –Emery Miller To a family considering Community: “Community is a great place that prepares you for life. It’s a place where you make friends.” –Dave Gould “My favorite memory of Community was in 6th grade when we went to the low ropes course. It was a blast! I had so much fun!” –Makenna Webster “I am going to miss the awesome teachers at Community School most of all because they have always been very supportive.” –Chloe Brackney “I would tell a family considering Community that Community is the most kind and caring school in the world. The academics are outstanding.” –Sarah Reed
“I am going to miss shop class the most.” –Donny Diemer “My favorite memory is the camping trip. I loved being with my friends and the food was so good.” –Robbie Wetzel I love Community because: “It taught me who I am and helped me through the hard times. Community also made me feel like I was home every time I walked in.” –Rachel Curci “I love Community because there are so many memories that will stick in my mind forever.” –Klarissa Henderson “My favorite memory is the Dino Dig in JK because it is the first real memory of Community that I have.” –Court Hyken “One of my most interesting projects that I remember was the third grade Edible Book Report. They were a fun way to share your book with the class.” –Alex Hutton “Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and take risks.” –Matthew Matava
compiled by Molly Smith
“Community inspires everyone to try their best and never give up. If I didn’t go to Community, I would not have been prepared for secondary school.” –Koby Schmer “The most interesting project was the Literature project where we had to make a map of Egypt. It was hard but fun at the same time.” –Jack Brackney
“I love Community because it is a place where all the teachers care and help the students one on one.” –Claudia Latta I love Community because: “Everyone is so kind. When I came new in fourth grade, everyone welcomed me with open arms.” –Edie Tynes What you’ll miss the most: “Mr. Gould because he shakes our hand every morning and is extremely friendly.” –Jack Mattingly To a family considering Community: “I would tell them that this is an amazing school—it is life-changing and gives you so many memories.” –Gigi Mahley Most interesting project: “Making gingerbread houses with my buddy because it was fun and entertained both of us and involved eating lots of candy!” –Lauren Goldberg “I’m going to miss the fun activities the teachers create. I’m also going to miss the awesome P.E. classes.” –Charlie Lemkemeier
7
6th, continued “I love Community because I have made friends, great friends, and it feels like a second family.” –Noah Reichman
“I would advise a younger student to always get homework done early so you can play later.” –Pearson Georges
Best Piece of Advice for a Younger Student: “Always try your hardest. That doesn’t mean that you will always succeed but you know you tried your best and there is nothing to be ashamed of.” –Lindsey Steinkamp
Most interesting project: “In my opinion, making the Viking ship in 5th grade was the best.” –Jack Petersen
“I am going to miss the teachers the most. They helped me and made the environment nurturing and caring.” –Grace Vogel “My favorite memory at Community is the camping trip. I had a blast hiking, cooking, and sleeping. I had an awesome trip.” –Reagan Calcari “My favorite project was the third grade Edible Book Report. We read a book and then brought in food that was related to the book.” –Lauren Bedell To a family considering Community: “I would tell them to enlist right away because you will want your kids to grow up here. They will thank you later.” –Isabella Koster “My favorite memory is the Low Ropes Course. I loved working together with my group and facing each obstacle and never giving up.” –Gaby Thornton
Best Piece of Advice for a Younger Student: “Always make sure to have tests and homework assignments written in your planner or you might forget the homework.” –Bridget Moench I love Community because: “The teachers are amazing and so are my friends.” –Harrison Pruett “I am going to miss the teachers and the classes.” –Matthew Stroup
“The most interesting project was the ‘Where in the World’ project. It was great to learn about another country.” –Ryan Ahn “My favorite memory at Community is the track meet. I loved getting to see my friends succeed!” –Ben Kazdan “My favorite memory at Community is in sixth grade shop class, after I finished my Captain America Shield and showed it to the class.” –William Hylen What you’ll miss the most: “Homeroom, because we won’t have one next year. I’ll also miss being with little kids.” –Will DeWitt
A First Grade Treasure “Simply compassionate about helping her students succeed.”
When Debbie Barmeier applied for a job at Community School, she was unaware of the community she would be entering. She had spent previous years teaching at another school and developed a love for working with children. One of her colleagues at the time referred her to Community, and “of course I fell in love with the school as soon as I walked in the door,” she states. Thus began her journey through eighteen years of shaping the way children view learning in the First Grade Classrooms. While watching her two sons grow up, Debbie Barmeier quickly learned that lacking a solid foundation of reading greatly impacts the future intellectual development of children. She became determined to help prevent this challenge: “One of my most treasured moments is when a light goes off for someone who was struggling to read. Their joy in that moment is indescribable.” She has also changed how the First Grade children are taught. “She has impacted our students greatly by putting her own imprint into the curriculum in all subjects,” said her colleague Julie Heitmann. Debbie recognized the ability for teachers to be creative with the curriculum and tailored lessons around specific needs of each of her students. Debbie’s love for the students is unmistakable. As Kathy Fitzgerald states,
“She is simply compassionate about helping her students succeed. She is such a hard worker and is always willing to go the extra mile for any student, even coming in before school to help someone who is struggling. I mostly appreciate her professionalism and commitment to the children. You can count on her to get things done when needed!” When she has free time, Debbie finds herself reading on the beach, walking, volunteering, or spending time with her family. She is excited to reconnect with old friends and spend time with them. She plans to find an organization that helps children learn to read. As she reflects on her memories here, she will miss the children, young and old, the most. “I love when the 6th graders give their speeches. It is neat to feel like you helped with a little piece of that; I am always so proud to see them up there.” In her final words reflecting upon her time at Community, she said, “I want to be remembered as someone who really cared about her students, created a community of learning for them, and helped them to be the best they can be. I want people to know how much I loved my job and how much I loved working here.”
by Molly Smith ‘08
While Community will greatly miss such a special, loving woman who truly nurtured the minds, bodies, and spirits of her students, we wish her many relaxing days spent on the beach, and the best in her retirement. The Children Say… “You are the kindest teacher I know. You are also caring, helpful, fun, creative, funny, cooperative, and the most awesome teacher.” “I loved when you were my teacher. You were patient, kind, considerate, caring, and very helpful. Some memories I have are when you taught me to read and spell. Some advice I would give you is to relax, read a lot, and never forget me and all your Community School friends.” “You’re a great teacher. I feel so sad that you are leaving Community. I hope you find a new hobby, but come back and give me a hug.” “Thank you for being such a wonderful 1st grade teacher for me and so many other children. You made the subject of Australia so fun and clear. 1st grade was such a memorable year. I will miss you.” A fellow teacher states, “Thank you for all you have given to the children, parents, and staff of Community School. You are an excellent educator.”
Community’s Caretaker
by Molly Smith ‘08
While “Accounting Assistant” was her title, Pat Eppler has been so much more!
After spending 26 years working in the Business Office, Pat Eppler has decided to retire and spend her time relaxing. She had worked at an insurance firm and in the Kirkwood school district but decided to move on after her second son graduated. She tremendously missed being around the excitement of children and decided to apply for a position at Community. Since then, she has loved her job and has taken on the role of being a reliable, go-to individual for anyone at any time. While at work, Pat carries herself in a very professional manner. But anyone knows her knows that she is one of the most nurturing and funny people in the building. She is someone with an admirable heart who loves both her work and home life dearly. Every day, she has an honest, in-the-moment presence. Pat has always done a lot of behind the scenes work for the school. What is more incredible is all that she has voluntarily done for the faculty, staff, and students. As Christine Ficker says, “When I first came to Community, she took me under her wing. She’s the woman who will help anyone at any time with anything they need, and her patience is impeccable. She’s the person to stay on the phone after hours to help people out.” Whether it is with finances, issues with medical plans, or personal issues, Pat has never failed to be there with a non-judgmental attitude and a loving smile. In the words of Cheryl Garrison, “She takes care of the Community School faculty. This is her family away from her home. We are all going to miss her terribly.” When the faculty heard the news of her retirement, the room was silent and everyone was in awe. It was hard for them to imagine Community without her. Christine Ficker said, “Pat is a person of character; she is a loyal friend and coworker and has a strong work ethic. She is a kind, generous, nurturing, fair, and a humble friend. She is someone you can lean on and without a doubt one of the strongest, most independent woman I have come to know.”
Even though Pat spends her days in an office rather than a classroom, she has gone out of her way to get to know and love the children in this school. One of the ways she does this is by serving a lunch table of Junior Kindergarteners. It is clear that it is one of the highlights of her days; the children love her dearly. JK teacher Katie Norris spoke of the echo of excitement that is heard throughout the classroom when the children hear they are sitting at Pat’s table, and how fun the animal game that she plays with them is. Next for Pat will be time spent relaxing, camping, and gardening. Her love for nature is apparent in the ways that she voluntarily watches over the indoor plants and keeps them alive and beautiful. In her very modest response to how she wants to be remembered when she leaves, she simply stated, “I have always tried to help anyone who needed help. One, I was doing my job, and two, it is who I am.” But her impact on Community is far greater than what the boundaries of her job expectations have led to. Pat has spent her days shaping those whom she has helped and being an example for us all of how one can take her title of Accounting Assistant and turn it into a lifetime’s worth of being a caretaker.
The Children Say… “I like it when Mrs. Eppler plays games with us at lunch.” “I miss you because I want to color with you again.” “I hope you have fun. Community School will miss you.” “I will miss just herself.” A colleague states, “You’re the kind of person that makes people feel happy to be in your presence. You are so kind to remember everyone’s birthday, placing a cupcake in our mailboxes each year. You even took care of the plants around the school, ensuring they looked good and stayed healthy, Thanks so much for all you have done for us.”
“I Hear Her Laugh” Sixth grade teacher Stephanie Oteng is moving on from Community.
by Molly Smith ‘08
Community is the home to the start of Stephanie Oteng’s teaching career after time spent in the journalism field. She knew teaching is what she wanted to do long term and knew Community was the right place to begin.
Lynn Christopher said, “Everyone loves her. She is a beautifully deep thinker and an extremely dedicated educator. But when I think of her, I hear her laugh. Her excitement for everything shows how much of a team player she is.”
has to offer, and always be true to who they are. I will miss the camaraderie in the faculty and their ability to joke with each other and disagree in ways that help to progress in finding how to teach the students better.”
Stephanie grew up in a loud household with five siblings. She came to understand the value of family laughter, found her wonderful ability to love the individuality of every person she interacted with, and the power in self-confidence. Those lessons she learned in her own household have, without a doubt, defined her time here at Community.
Stephanie has helped to implement a lot of project-based learning to emphasize the idea of “learning by doing.” She is also part of the Curriculum Council, faculty diversity committee, and takes the role of writing scripts for the sixth graders to run assembly. In the words of co-teacher Pam Qualy, “Mrs. Oteng is a wonderful person and a fabulous teacher. She has touched so many children in her years at Community. It is no surprise students come back to visit her long after they’ve graduated. They love her!”
Community School will certainly miss everything that Stephanie has added to this family, but know she is moving on to benefit the greater St. Louis community through her love for math in another teaching position.
“I love waking up knowing I get to come to a job I love. I have always loved working with children in general, but at Community I have loved that I get to be myself around them and they are themselves around me,” Stephanie states. All of the children in this school know Stephanie and have shown a clear excitement about getting to be in the sixth grade to have her as a teacher. As
Stephanie said, “I hope the students remember me as a teacher who helped them become a great citizen, a good learner, and someone who helped them apply learning to life. I hope they remember to take risks, see what life
Advancement Update With an official launch during the ribboncutting ceremony for the Centennial Arts Center on April 28, Community School has embarked on a capital campaign in commemoration of its 100th year. This $6 million effort aligns with the School’s strategic plan for controlling tuition increases in the near future, maintaining appropriate compensation levels for our teachers, and enhancing our programming for the children. The campaign’s dual focus centers on raising $2 million to increase the School’s endowment and $4 million dollars to cover the cost of the Centennial Arts Center.
12
Thanks to the generous support of over 60 families, Community has already raised over $5 million towards its goal! We are now reaching out to more families and alumni to be a part of this exciting effort that is not only providing immediate and wonderful change for our students, but also setting the stage for the next century of Community. You will be contacted in the coming months to seek your support. Please join us as we provide for the future of this incredible school that serves as a second home to so many children.
In addition to the other fundraising activities this year, the Annual Giving campaign is nearing its successful conclusion. We are at 99% of our $552,000 goal, with Board and faculty participation at 100 percent and great support coming from parents, grandparents and alumni. Thank you to everyone who has participated this year. And to those who have yet to do so, there’s still time! Please send your donation to the school or give online at communityschool. com before June 30 to be included in this year’s Annual Report, due out next fall. All gifts to Annual Giving truly make a difference!
A Quiet Ability to Connect First grade teacher Julie Heitmann is retiring this year.
Years ago, Julie Heitmann first had a role at Community School in the office and as a substitute before leaving to get married. She could not forget how wonderful a place Community is, and that influenced her to return as a full-time First Grade teacher in 2007. She willingly agreed to teach an age group that she had never taught before and, from the start, the school learned just how much of a team player she is. Her colleagues believe her calm demeanor and thoughtfulness towards the needs of her students are some of her best traits. As Debbie Barmeier mentioned, “She goes about things quietly, almost unnoticed, but she is absolutely great at what she does. She has a wonderful way with students, and they respond really well to her way of teaching.” Her quiet ability to connect with young children is a special trait that will be missed by the School. Julie saw the value in good teaching when she was in the midst of raising a daughter
who struggled with reading. It inspired her to love her students individually and recognize their own needs. “I take an empathetic look at the whole child and learn their teaching style. I really try to help nurture their mind, body, and spirit,” she said. In return, her students have learned to have an enthusiasm for learning and coming to school. In the words of Matthew Gould, “Her strength as a teacher is undeniable. She works tirelessly for her students and has made a positive impact on the lives of so many children.” When entering her classroom, you are greeted with a smile welcomed into her nurturing environment. She believes that one of the best parts of her job is walking into the First Grade room and hearing her
by Molly Smith ‘08
students say, “Hi, Mrs. Heitmann!” The children admire her and often share stories with her that brighten her day. During her retirement, Julie is hoping to spend lots of vacation time at her lake house, reading, walking her dogs, and visiting her family. We will see her again as she is also planning to come back and substitute teach. Community’s students and faculty will miss her but we wish her the best in her future endeavors.
Focus on Faculty Congratulations to this year’s Lowenhaupt Award Winner, Jan Wisland! The Lowenhaupt Award recognizes faculty members who have furthered the education of children through excellence in program development, presenting information at conferences or workshops, or publishing works for other professionals. The award was established by the Lowenhaupt family in honor of Henry C. Lowenhaupt, a former parent and grandparent. The award is conferred by a committee consisting of the Head of School, Division Directors, and the past four Lowenhaupt Award winners. This year’s Annual Meeting awards featured a number of teachers. Receiving recognition for ten years of service to
Community School were Upper Division Director Lynn Christopher, Maintenance staffer Edgar Davis, Purchasing Agent Becky Harman, 2N teacher Jessica Hendricks, and Fifth Grade teacher Lynn Smith. Receiving 15-year honors were Discovery Center Coordinator Debbi Krieg, SKE teacher Gale Reed, and Sixth Grade teacher Pam Qualy. Coming in at 20 years was French teacher Lori Marusic, and 25-year honors went to P.E. teacher Christine Bugnitz.
Lynn Smith (5th) recieved an ISSL Teacher of Distinction award to support her attendance at the Future of Learning Conference at Harvard University, and to do research on the potential of integrating gaming into the curriculum. Photo: A few of the teachers honored at the Annual Meeting.
13
Sixth graders received the privilege of performing the first play in the new Centennial Arts Center— Cracked 3: Life in the Big City.