Dwight Today Summer 2017 by Dwight School

Summer 2017

DWIGHT TODAY A Magazine for the Global Dwight Community

Volume 12, Number 2

AT THE TOP OF OUR GAME SETTING RECORDS ON AND OFF THE COURT

IGNITING THE SPARK OF INNOVATION DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MATT MORAN

SETTING GLOBAL VISION TO MUSIC AT CARNEGIE HALL

DWIGHT GLOBAL ONLINE SCHOOL

OUR CAMPUS IN THE CLOUD JONATHAN SHECHTMAN ’03

DWIGHT’S IMPACT REMAINS STRONG

Dwight is dedicated to igniting the spark of genius in every child. Kindling their interests, we develop inquisitive, knowledgeable, self-aware, and ethical citizens who will build a better world.

Proud Dwight Lions, circa 1929-30 Our 2017 Boys Varsity Basketball team, pictured on the cover, brought home the third State championship title in four years. Read all about it on page 21.

DWIGHT TODAY

FEATURE STORIES

Dwight Students Bring Down the House at Carnegie Hall

An Inside Look at an IB Unit of Inquiry

Meeting up with Dwight Global Online School Students

Coming Home: Alumni Who Work at Dwight, Part Two

New Innovators Dive into Spark Tank

Bidding Adieu to the Class of 2017!

Plus Foundation, alumni, and more

Laurie Silbersweig Editorial Director

Emily Chase Design Director

Kerry Tkacik Content Manager

Louisa Childs Head of Communications

CHANCELLOR’S LETTER | DWIGHT TODAY

Dear Dwight Community, This spring, I marked my 50th Dwight Commencement. It remains a privilege to see generations of students graduate with a unique preparation for life that goes far beyond their college years. I find new reasons to take pride in their accomplishments both as individuals and as a class. We have prepared them well through the International Baccalaureate curriculum and invaluable learning experiences that take them across continents through our global network of schools. Perhaps the most significant preparation we provide is encouraging students to see that there are no limits to what they can do, what they can achieve, and what impact they can have on the world. The path to this begins by igniting the spark of genius in every child. We are committed to building on our 145-year legacy as a pioneering school, with many firsts to Dwight’s credit, ranging from the first independent school to open a campus abroad in London in 1972 to the first school in the Americas to offer the comprehensive IB curriculum for students ages 3-18. As you’ll read in this issue of Dwight Today, Spark Tank has become a Dwight signature program, providing students with the unprecedented opportunity to cultivate their own ideas and bring their innovations and dreams to life at an early age. Spark

In the pages that follow, we also bring you an inside look at this year’s global concert and share the exciting news that we will be expanding our program in 2018 into the magnificent Stern Auditorium, where the greatest musicians, conductors, and composers have made history since opening night in 1891. So, too, do we look forward to expanding the Dwight Global Online School, our campus in the cloud, so that students can have more personalized options for learning. As always, we have much to report about where we are headed as a school, as a community, and as a guiding force in 21st-century education. Fondly,

Tank stands alongside Dwight’s annual global concert at Carnegie Hall as a truly unique experience not

Stephen H. Spahn

available at any other independent school.

Chancellor of Dwight School

onomic Jou r t s r

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

One of the truly tasty traditions our Parents Association hosts annually is the International Food Festival. This year, as our global community came together to share an abundance of cuisines curated and cooked by volunteers, we added some extra spice with a Brazilian Capoeira martial arts and dance performance!

Ar o un

rl d o d the W

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL | DWIGHT TODAY

DWIGHT TODAY | GLOBAL VISION

Setting Global Vision to Music #DwightCarnegieHall

Eight hands, four students, one piano â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and a video camera!

CARNEGIE HALL CONCERT | DWIGHT TODAY

In the closing moments of our annual Carnegie Hall concert, all of 57th Street could feel the good vibrations and hear the thunderous applause! That’s because 180 Dwight global students were on stage — all at the same time — bringing down the house with a rousing rendition of You’ve Got a Friend. This was an appropriate song to conclude the program in which Dwight students from New York, London, Shanghai, along with Dwight Global and ICL Academy students, performed in our annual Carnegie Hall concert. While some students had met in previous years and reconnected, many were new to the experience; all walked away as friends. These connections will last a lifetime. And they are one of many benefits our students reap from being part of Dwight’s global network. Cross-campus collaborations in the arts, in the classroom, and beyond are woven into everyday life at Dwight. And international exchange programs in which students travel to another campus and step into the shoes of their peers, steeping themselves in another culture, begin in fifth grade with a class-wide trip to London. In ninth grade, students travel farther to Shanghai. In the years to come, we look forward to exchanges with our new campus in Dubai. These experiences help prepare graduates to thrive in today’s globalized world. “Our annual global concert, which includes students in grades 4-12, brings Dwight’s cross-campus collaborative process to life in every way,” said Music Director Alistair Hamilton. “This year’s program, ‘Music of the Seasons,’ featured a breadth of musical styles and was orchestrated and composed by faculty and students from around the world. Connecting cultural traditions and ideas through the universal language of music is an incredible learning experience for our students. They auditioned virtually and met in New York to rehearse and perform as one family. This process illustrates the benefits of being part of an active global network of schools that values the arts and provides students with unprecedented opportunities such as performing together at Carnegie Hall.” While they had but a few days to rehearse, students had been preparing for months on their own campuses. Thanks to the support of their music directors and an amazing amount of talent, students performed together seamlessly — as one family.

DWIGHT TODAY | GLOBAL VISION

CARNEGIE HALL CONCERT | DWIGHT TODAY

At Dwight, We Either Go Big or Go Home!

And we’re going very big at next year’s Carnegie Hall concert! We’re headed to Stern Auditorium — the most iconic concert stage in the world, which has been on the forefront of musical performance since its inaugural concert under the baton of Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1891. Master composers Dvorak, Mahler, Gershwin, and Bernstein all premiered their works there. At the same time, Stern Auditorium has also been the platform for jazz, pop, and blues legends. With five curvilinear levels, over 2,800 seats, and amazing acoustics, the space is simply la crème de la crème! Dwight students first began performing at Carnegie Hall in 2000. At that time, they took to the stage in the Weill Recital Hall. We grew into the larger Zankel Hall stage in 2012, and over the past five years, we have invited students from all Dwight campuses to participate, making for a truly global musical celebration. With sustained growth in ensembles and 180 performers at our February concert, the time had come to take this creative collaboration for Dwight students to the next level — and into Stern Auditorium.

SAVE to join us for our 2018 concert: Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 pm. In addition to THE being Dwight’s inaugural concert in Stern Auditorium, it will be a DATE notable event in the history of Dwight School, as we’re

planning a student celebration of Chancellor Stephen Spahn’s 50th anniversary in education that evening.

DWIGHT TODAY | PERSONALIZED LEARNING

Calvin Solomon ’17

Debuts His Original Composition at Carnegie Hall Senior Calvin Solomon, a talented composer, was commissioned to write a piece for our global Carnegie Hall concert, in keeping with this year’s theme “Music of the Seasons.” With support from his mentor, Dwight’s Music Director, Alistair Hamilton — and seven years of composing experience to draw from — Calvin wrote Winter Whispers, a classical piece for flute, clarinet, French horn, piano, and strings. The piece was heard for the first time on the Zankel Hall stage and it was a delight!

He continues, “Though I had studied the piano for eight years, I never discovered great talent for performance. However, when I started writing my own music, I learned that this was a wonderful way for me to express aspects of myself that I could not articulate with words and that I could convey a range of emotions through music.” Calvin began an apprenticeship at the Center for Educational Enrichment with composition teacher Justin Hines, who also teaches for the New York Philharmonic and the Carnegie Hall-Juilliard Academy Program.

Winter Whispers was performed by professional musicians, who also recorded the piece at Downtown Music Studios prior to the concert. This is Calvin’s sixth professionally recorded composition, which is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and Google Play, along with his other pieces. Some of his work has been commissioned and performed by professional musicians at such venues as the Tenri Cultural Institute, Roulette, and Barge Music in Brooklyn.

The work paid off. Calvin has composed over a dozen instrumental pieces. But Calvin didn’t stop there. For the past two years, he also pursued an independent study in composition with Dwight’s Music Director. Mr. Hamilton and Calvin focused on advanced concepts in music theory, including more complex chord progressions, advanced instrumentation, and the basics of conducting. “Though I don’t anticipate becoming a conductor, I have learned how to direct musicians to achieve my intended musical expression. When I brought an idea to Mr. Hamilton, he enabled me to see it through a different lens, to re-evaluate, and to see it in a new light. Previously, my work was linear. With Mr. Hamilton, I explored ideas as they arose and didn’t worry about connecting them. That may come later. Mr. Hamilton’s insights have elevated my work, which was previously minimalistic in style. Now I explore without limitations.”

Winter Whispers, which tends toward a movie score, fit well with the theme of our global concert. The title, according to Calvin, also fits a certain mood. “It is an emotional piece that reminds me of a quiet scene of snow falling.” He says, “I was thrilled to hear my work come to life in the hands of musicians, to gain new insight into my music from their interpretation, and to watch an audience listen and react for the first time.” We reacted with hearty rounds of applause! “It was an honor, and truly humbling, for me to debut my piece in one of the most famous concert venues in the world,” said Calvin, who will be attending Yale University this fall. “This event represents the coming to fruition, or culmination, of my passion — my spark of genius — for composing and hard work since I discovered it in sixth grade.”

Calvin has also explored his technology talents at Dwight. Beginning with his tenth grade Personal Project, he developed OurDwight, an app to bring the latest news and schedule updates to the Dwight community. Calvin developed it further in Spark Tank, and last year was awarded a $2,500 college scholarship from The Dwight School Foundation for reaching the final launch stage. OurDwight became our official app — and will continue, thanks to Calvin!

LEADERSHIP | DWIGHT TODAY

Vice Chancellor Blake Spahn Recognized as a Distinguished Leader in Education

Decision-makers and influencers in the world of education gathered at the Harvard Club recently for the 15th Annual Education Update Outstanding Educators of the Year Awards Program. Among them was Dwight’s Vice Chancellor Blake Spahn, who was named a 2017 Distinguished Leader in Education. The event honored seven leaders in New York City who have dedicated their careers to education, along with twice as many outstanding teachers and administrators who excel in enriching the lives of children in classrooms around the city every day.

“It was an honor to be recognized by a community that shares my commitment to excellence and advancement in education,” said Dr. Spahn ’89. “It’s also a privilege for me to serve as Dwight’s Vice Chancellor, alongside my father, whose 50-year devotion to igniting the spark of genius in every child has inspired me from my earliest days as a Dwight student and continues to this day.” After graduating from Dwight, Dr. Spahn received his BA and MBA degrees from Columbia University, followed by Masters and Doctorate degrees in Comparative

International Education from Oxford. In addition to founding Dwight’s preschool and kindergarten on our Riverside Campus, he has had oversight of Dwight’s London campus for the past 20 years. As Vice Chancellor, Dr. Spahn’s leadership role extends across our three campuses here in New York, around the world through Dwight’s global network of schools, and into the cloud with the Dwight Global Online School.

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

High atop our Athletic Center, Lower School students on the brown team showed they had some fierce moves during Field Day warm-up exercises!

TIMOTHY HOUSE FIELD DAY | DWIGHT TODAY

DWIGHT TODAY | IN THE CLASSROOM

THE EVOLUTION of a First Grade Unit of Inquiry

I wonder â&#x20AC;Ś

How do we grow fast? Why do sharks eat fish? How kangaroos change from a baby to a grown-up? How do tree roots drink water?

First graders wondered about these things and more in their How the World Works unit of inquiry this spring. With the central idea being that living things grow and change, they researched and explored the major stages in the life cycles of various living things, what living things need to grow and change, and the human impact on life cycles. Along the way, their teachers incorporated nonfiction reading and writing, art, and technology to support the inquiry process. Students observed ladybugs, butterflies, grass, and lima bean plants, as they grew and changed in the classroom. And with outdoor learning activities included that took them to a farm and the park, students had a great time learning together!

classroom

art room

local park

farm 14

UNIT OF INQUIRY | DWIGHT TODAY

Asking questions Teachers ask students to draw... and write about the word “change.”

Ladybug eggs find a home here.

Sowing begins: Students plant grass seeds to watch them grow.

Metamorphosis:

Ladybug eggs hatch into larvae. The life cycle unfolds: Yeah! Grass is growing!

It’s personal: Butterflies in the third, pupa,

Students choose an animal of interest to research.

stage of development.

DWIGHT TODAY | IN THE CLASSROOM

Seeking knowledge:

Students research images of animals on iPads and sketch them.

Before students begin drawing, they investigate how animals look so they can be accurate.

Taking shape: Students model the life cycle of their animal

Setting the scene: Students paint landscapes for their clay animation movies.

Claymation time: Students film animal life cycle stages

out of clay, preparing for claymations.

using stop-motion animation.

UNIT OF INQUIRY | DWIGHT TODAY

Field trip!

Students visit the Queens Country Farm to see the life cycle of chickens and learn about other animals.

And away they go!

After raising ladybugs in the classroom, the time comes to release them into the tulip garden on West 89th Street where they can fly free!

DWIGHT TODAY | IN THE CLASSROOM

Grade 8 Hopes to Transform Our World with a Little Help from Ambassador Williams

Several eighth grade students were “pinned” by Ambassador Dessima Williams when she affixed colorful UN lapel pins to their collars, symbolizing their grade-wide support of the UN General Assembly’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative. In keeping with Dwight’s commitment to educate global leaders who can help make the world a better place, students have been learning about SDGs in their Leadership class with Shelby Korman, Associate Head of the Middle School. Dubbed “a master plan for humanity” by President Peter Thomson, 71st President of the UN General Assembly, SDGs are an urgent and universal call to action to improve life on our planet in a sustainable way for future generations. There are 17 SDGs targets aimed at tackling some of our world’s most pressing challenges by the year 2030: 1. No poverty 2. Zero hunger 3. Good health and well-being 4. Quality education 5. Gender equality 6. Clean water and sanitation

7. Affordable and clean energy 8. Decent work and economic growth 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure 10. Reduced inequalities 11. Sustainable cities and communities 12. Responsible consumption and production

13. Climate action 14. Life below water 15. Life on land 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions 17. Partnerships for the goals

These goals are interconnected, as the General Assembly points out; the key to success in one area will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another. Ambassador Williams, who serves as Special Adviser for Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, encouraged students to “know, own, and live the SDGs to help yourselves, the world you are living in, and the world you will be passing on to your children.” She applauded their commitment to learning about the global goals and encouraged students to take action to improve life and our planet in a sustainable way. They began doing just that shortly after her visit: Eighth graders selected one of the 17 goals that personally resonates with them and worked on actionable SDGs-related projects in multiple classes, including Design, Individuals and Societies, and Leadership. Their inspired projects took shape quite well!

DWIGHT GLOBAL ONLINE SCHOOL | DWIGHT TODAY

A DAY ON CAMPUS FORGES

Deeper Connections TO LAST A LIFETIME

“I recognized her right away!” “Did you hear his story? It’s so cool!” These were some of the things Dwight Global students shared when coming together for their first gathering on campus. While they had gotten to know one another over the last two trimesters in their online AP Literature class, they had yet to meet in person. Once they did, it was just like bringing old friends together!

they are enthusiastic learners, but when we sat down together to interact face to face, I was able to see their passions come to life. Their energy was contagious!” Following the literature session, a few students working on the class newspaper project met with another in LA via Skype to plan the next issue. And all enjoyed a fun, casual dinner together at the end of the day. They chatted and made plans to continue getting to know one another.

This in-person connection is one of the distinguishing characteristics of Dwight Global, which offers residential experiences traditionally not available to online students. These unique opportunities enable our online students to forge deeper connections and become active members of the Dwight community. Where they take their classes is academic!

In fact, MacKenzie Clark, a sophomore, offered some tips for succeeding in an online class by encouraging everyone to connect through email and social media. “It’s much easier to ask a question or to make a comment you’re not sure about when you’re comfortable with your classmates.”

The AP Lit class is diverse indeed, including two ballet dancers, one champion tennis player, a student home after a year in Asia, and an adult student from Norway. They met with their teacher, Anthea Lake, to prepare for their AP exam. It was just as exciting for Ms. Lake as it was for her students to connect in person. She reports, “At Dwight Global, we personalize the education for every student based on his or her interests and talents. It was such a pleasure to meet my students, some of whom are training, performing, and competing when not engaged in their academics. I already knew

Another student, junior Isabelle Anderson, a ballet dancer whose schedule includes many hours each day at the barre, shared that being in a Dwight Global class has helped with her time management and study skills. We learned a bit more about the individual talents and dreams of our Dwight Global students during their visit, as they forged friendships to last a lifetime. And when we asked whether they would recommend an online class to others, we heard a resounding “yes” in unison!

DWIGHT TODAY | PERSONALIZED LEARNING

Twenty-six years and 3,673 miles had stood between Mette Eklund and Dwight, but thanks to Dwight Global Online School, she crossed that divide and earned her Dwight diploma this spring! Dateline 1971: Mette first came to Dwight as a freshman from her native Norway when her family relocated to Manhattan from Sandefjord. Her father worked for ExxonMobil and his work took the family far from home. At that time, Mette’s last name was Tjosas, and she absolutely loved her year at Dwight. Brief though it was, her Dwight experience left an indelible impression. Her favorite teacher was Doris Post, who sparked Mette’s passion for literature. “She was my big inspiration and I loved her classes. She remains responsible for my love of English literature to this day,” reports Mette.

Following Her Heart Back to Dwight!

When the Tjosas family moved back home, Mette graduated from high school and college, moved to the city of Trondheim, started her own family, and had a successful career in sales and marketing. Dateline 2016: Newly retired, Mette came back to Dwight for the alumni reunion. The Dwight she returned to had changed dramatically! It was no longer the small school on the Upper East Side. But one thing remained the same: Chancellor Stephen Spahn. He was still the leader she had admired and remembered fondly. While in New York, Mette visited Columbia University in the hopes of enrolling in English literature and creative writing classes. “I want to write about my life experiences, including travel and sailing in Norway, and perhaps even develop screenplays,” shares the spritely Mette. To achieve this goal, Mette thought it best to first take a few courses in English and U.S. history to brush up and prepare for Columbia. It didn’t take her even a minute to realize that there was only one place to do that: Dwight Global Online School. Recalling her excitement, Mette shares, “I knew that this was my chance! I wanted to follow my heart and set an example for my granddaughters, so they can do whatever it is they dream of doing. Children pay attention to adult examples and I wanted to inspire them.” Dateline 2017: Mette began taking courses and worked intensively to complete them this year. In June, she graduated along with 73 Dwight students. Mette has inspired us all!

Senior Dwight Global Online student Yara Shahidi, star of ABC’s “Black-ish,” appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show in March, chatting about the same things that were on the mind of every high school senior in America at that time: college applications. Yara shared that two women she admires wrote her recommendation letters — her AP Calculus teacher, Yumi Lee; and Former First Lady Michelle Obama! Yara and Mrs. Obama had appeared together on a panel to discuss the importance of global education with girls around the world when they discovered that they share an interest in sociology. Mrs. Obama majored in sociology in college and Yara plans to double major in sociology and African American studies at Harvard after a gap year.

Yara Shahidi ’17: On the Road to College on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

COMMUNITY | DWIGHT TODAY

Who’s House? Our House! Dwight’s Boys Varsity Basketball Team Wins Third NYSAIS Championship in Four Years The stakes were high. The air was filled with anticipation. And the outcome was victorious: Our Boys Varsity Basketball team came roaring back into the NYSAIS Division B Championship limelight after a year’s hiatus with a nail-biting 43-40 victory over long-standing rival, Packer Collegiate! Coach Dave Brown ’97, who also led Dwight to consecutive victories in the NYSAIS championships in 2014 and 2015, reports, “After defeating the top team in the regular season, Fieldston, behind an inspired allaround team performance led by sophomore Dajuan Piper, we faced probably the best defensive team in the State in Packer Collegiate.” At the end of the first quarter, Dwight was up 26-20; by the end of the third, it was tied at 32-32. “In the final quarter, thanks to a phenomenal game plan crafted by Coach Dermon Player and another stifling defensive performance by sophomore Barry Evans, Dwight was able to prevail with a 43-40 victory over our league rival,” reports Coach Brown. “Our team had an extraordinary difficult path to the title, having to play the number 5, number 1, and number 2 seeds; and there is no way it could have been accomplished without everyone stepping up and playing his role. It was a total team effort and I am so very proud of their accomplishment!” After their fantastic win, we let out a giant lion’s roar of congratulations to all the players, team managers, and coaches!

DWIGHT TODAY | ATHLETICS

As fans of our very proud Dwight Lions know, this year’s Boys Varsity Basketball team was young, with a number of sophomore players, including co-captain Dajuan Piper and Barry Evans, who it turns out are friends from their pre-Dwight days. They both began playing basketball at a young age and met as sixth graders when they played on the same Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team. Though from different states — Dajuan from New York and Barry from New Jersey — they traversed the U.S. together on a team that was ranked #6 in the nation! Both have since continued to play in the AAU on their own teams when not competing for Dwight. BARRY “When I first came to Dwight this year, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was glad to reconnect with Dajuan,” reports Barry, a 6’3” shooting guard and small forward. “In the late summer, we all began practicing together and we bonded well as a team, so we went into the season well prepared and strong.”

Off the court and in the classroom, Barry says, “I’m a math guy. I enjoy problem-solving.” He may pursue a career as an accountant or in another position where he can put those skills to work. But before making that decision, Barry hopes to play college ball. DAJUAN Dajuan, at 5’11” is a point guard, who first joined our Varsity boys as an eighth grader on the championship-winning team two years ago. His favorite subjects are English, math, and chemistry; and his longterm career goal is to become a neurologist or anesthesiologist. Like Barry, Dajuan hopes to first play ball at college and shares, “One of the biggest goals I can have as a teenager is to earn a Division 1 scholarship, which can open the door to so many future options.” One might assume naturally that Dajuan’s spark of genius is basketball. He reports that it’s being a scholar-athlete. “It’s equally important to me to excel in both areas. The two feed off of one another,” he

COMMUNITY | DWIGHT TODAY

explains. “You can’t be a good ball player without committing to academics and getting good grades; and vice versa. You can’t play for a college or as a pro without that balance. In fact, academics are even more important.” THE TEAM As for the team’s performance this year, Barry ascribes their success to “conditioning and practice — defense, offense, shooting, free throws — we worked so intensely on all at such a high level during practice, it made the games easier for us.” Dajuan emphasizes how the players grew together as a team and how important that has been. Both cite how much support they receive from their coaches. “Coach Brown lets everyone make their own mistakes on the court and we grow and learn from that,” says Dajuan. “Whether we’re up 50 points or down 50 points, our coaches are always there for us. We’re a family.”

Another factor has been community support from students, faculty, and parents who came out regularly to cheer the team on. “We played our hardest for our fans,” Dajuan reports. And nowhere were those fans cheering louder than at the league championship against Packer Collegiate! “We went into that game with confidence because we felt that we had already won the championship by defeating the number 1 seed, Fieldston, on their home court the week before,” explains Dajuan. “Fieldston had the best record in the league, so we had momentum to play Packer Collegiate, the second best. We had lost to them earlier in the league finals, so our win was a great feeling of redemption.” Barry adds, “We defeated a team of seniors, which felt so great. The crowd rushed us, everyone was jumping up and down, and all our hard work paid off. I thought to myself, ‘It doesn’t get any better than this!’”

DWIGHT TODAY | GLOBAL VISION

Shanghai Express

EXCHANGES | DWIGHT TODAY

“This Dwight trip to Shanghai exceeded my expectations throughout the entire journey. The various activities opened my eyes to parts of a culture that I had not known before … every day, I learned something new.” – Malachy O’Hare Malachy is one of 19 ninth graders who journeyed to China over spring break for Dwight’s second annual exchange program with Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School. He and his classmates reflected on their experiences and returned home with a deeper understanding of another culture, greater insights into the lives of their Dwight peers in China, and one step closer to becoming a global leader. Dwight’s commitment to educating the next generation of global leaders takes shape in numerous ways — through the International Baccalaureate curriculum, through our diverse community of faculty and students hailing from over 40 countries, through our culture of global-mindedness — but perhaps nowhere as immediately and profoundly as it does through exchange programs with Dwight campuses around the world. From the minute their plane landed in Shanghai, ninth graders — who traveled with their Science Teacher, Roberta Harnett; Director of Music, Alistair Hamilton; and Director of Extracurricular Programs, Fiona Imboden — were on the go beginning with a night-time tour of the city. The following days were jampacked with activities in which the rich culture, history, and

DWIGHT TODAY | GLOBAL VISION

unique beauty of Shanghai were brought to life. They visited different locales, including Old Water Town, Hangzhou, Puxi, Pudong, and the Former French Concession Area known as the Luwan district; and toured the Yu Garden, the Chenghuang and Ling Yin Temples, Green Tree Plantation, Shanghai Tower, museums, and marketplaces. And yes, they even went to Disneyland! Students had cooking and kung fu lessons, and of course, spent valuable time on campus at Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, the first independent Chinese-foreign collaborative high school approved by the Ministry of Education in China. From participating in early-morning exercises that are part of the daily routine of students in Shanghai, to attending classes with their buddies, New York students stepped into the shoes of their counterparts to try them on for size. They discovered aspects of life and school that they share in common, both inside and outside of the classroom. Some reconnected after meeting in New York for Dwight’s global Carnegie Hall concert less than two months prior — and others forged new friendships that will extend well beyond this trip. For more about this cross-campus learning and bonding experience, we leave it to the students themselves: “I enjoyed the coding class and how different it is in the US…and really enjoyed introducing SQDHS to some websites for research and giving an American perspective to students in English class.” – Pepe Valles Fons “A trip like this made me get out of my comfort zone and really get to know people who I didn’t really know before. I made friends … and it was a great cultural experience as well as a bonding experience that I hope still goes on when I get back to NY.” – Carlota Bustos “Going to the school has helped me understand and connect with people around the world and made me more open-minded. … I would like to express my gratitude to my teachers, parents, and fellow classmates for making this trip possible and very enjoyable.” – Amana Bhumitra

EXCHANGES | DWIGHT TODAY

New York and London Students Bond and Grow Through Our Annual

GLOBAL EXCHANGE This spring, fifth graders boarded a plane to London, embarking on their first journey abroad as Dwight global citizens. After crossing “the pond,” they met buddies in year 6 from Dwight School London and stayed with their buddies’ host families for the first leg in our annual exchange program. Immediately, students were introduced to a different culture and dove head first into a week-long experience that took them from North London, where our campus is located, to points east, west, and south in the historic capital city. This seminal program is a long-standing Dwight tradition that stretches back 19 years. In 1972, Dwight became the first independent school in the U.S. to establish a permanent campus overseas with the opening of Dwight School London. Today, our global network has expanded to include campuses in Shanghai, Seoul, and Dubai, along with our campus in the cloud, Dwight Global Online School. So much has changed since Chancellor Spahn first opened the door for students to cross continents and walk in the shoes of their peers around the world. This year, like every other, fifth graders traveled to school each morning with their host families and then toured with their classroom teachers from New York. They were excited to hop on double-decker buses and take the tube to visit sites such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Borough Market, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and so much more. A Harry Potter Wizard Walking Tour of the city was a favorite, along with the London Eye. Students were eager to bond with their UK buddies, who would be taking the reverse journey shortly thereafter.

When London students arrived in New York a week later, our families welcomed them warmly and they were treated to quintessential Big Apple experiences, including rooting for a hometown team at Yankee Stadium, shopping in Times Square, touring the UN, and visiting the Museum of Natural History and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Over the course of the reciprocal exchange, students forged international friendships, broadened their perspectives, and grew in a variety of ways, as captured in this sampling of reflections: I loved London! It was a great experience to travel with my class. I learned a lot of new things about my London buddy. At first, I was scared I would be too shy with my London family, but I wasn’t in the end. I had so much fun exploring and discovering London! — Anouk I learned that I can be principled and a leader, even in another country. Something that I was apprehensive about prior to the trip that I learned to accept, and ultimately accomplished, was eating different types of food that I don’t normally eat at my house! — Guilherme During the week in London, I learned about how I am able to take care of myself more than I expected. — Enzo In London, I learned that I am a risk-taker by taking a tour of the London Dungeon. I thought it would be super scary, but I told myself to be open-minded and try it out because it might be fun and I might learn something. I was right! I think I can sustain this growth by trying more new things and not being afraid of things I am not familiar with. — Miles

DWIGHT TODAY | GLOBAL VISION

There Are

No Limits to Where Dwight Students Can Go!

Mission accepted. Eighth graders spent an out-of-this-world weekend as trainees at NASA’s Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, in Huntsville, AL. In keeping with Dwight’s commitment to personalized learning, this overnight trip sparked students’ interest in science and provided exciting opportunities to learn first-hand about the history and future of space travel. During their mission as Space Camp trainees, students: • Designed, built, and launched their own rockets • Trained like astronauts on rides such as the 1/6th Gravity Chair, Multi-Axis Trainer, Space Shot, and more

Upon their return to campus, students shared their impressions of the trip. Here are a few of their reflections: “My favorite thing was the mission. I loved being the commander and learning which buttons to press at the right times, and experiencing a simulation of what it is like to be in space!” – Gabi Machado “I enjoyed learning many different things about rockets in a fun and hands-on way. I also really liked watching a movie about men and women making a difference in the world by creating bridges and buildings to help people overcome obstacles and improve their lives after natural disasters.” – Zuri Marshall “I enjoyed the mission the most, because it is the activity that required the most teamwork, communication, and problemsolving.” – Justin Chen “Everything was really fun and interactive! My favorite memory was riding on the Space Shot. I was super scared, but I’m happy that I got to conquer my fear while also having fun.” – Fuschia Steward Emma Ryan, Middle School Science Teacher, who led the students on this intergalactic journey, reports that the trip showcased a host of amazing things that can be achieved through science and collaboration. She concludes, “Students saw how science can be applied in a variety of ways to solve problems — and how it can be a source of inspiration for discovery!”

• Teamed up to tackle engineering design challenges • Explored the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Museum • Worked together to launch a simulated space mission

SPARK TANK | DWIGHT TODAY

Entrepreneurs Fire up

NEW INVENTIONS in Spark Tank

“Alves credits Dwight’s Spark Tank program and school’s motto —‘igniting the spark of genius in every child.’ If I didn’t go to Dwight and I didn’t have that spark of genius engraved in me, I wouldn’t have had confidence or motivation to bring this device to light or to my community.” Alves is Hunter Alves ’17, whose hometown paper, The Queens Tribune, profiled her Spark Tank project under the headline “Woodside Entrepreneur Combats Sexual Assault.” In the latter part of her senior year, Hunter jumped headlong into Spark Tank to begin developing a safety tracking device called HŌLT (Hidden Observation Location Tracker). She was inspired to do so after visiting colleges with her parents and inquiring about on-campus security. Hunter reported that “while most of the schools

we visited have the blue light feature, it didn’t seem as immediate as a form of security should be.” Shortly thereafter, HŌLT was born. In just a few months, Hunter developed her idea for a small, concealable device resembling a button to be worn under one’s clothing that can alert others via an app that the wearer feels uncomfortable, uneasy, or in imminent danger. By the time Hunter graduated, she had progressed from the level-one idea stage to the level-two research stage and received a $4,500 innovation grant from The Dwight School

DWIGHT TODAY | INNOVATION

Foundation to develop her device. She is devoting time this summer to making progress in a Makerspace prior to starting her freshman year at UC Berkeley. Hunter is joined by several other students who received grants this year to fuel their projects in Dwight’s incubator designed to nurture student innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills beyond the classroom.

DWIGHT’S CALLING CARD As readers of Dwight Today know, we have brought you news of Spark Tank in every issue because the program has become a standout on campus and beyond. Word is spreading in the independent school community that Dwight offers students, as young as kindergarteners, a unique opportunity to start their own businesses — one that is usually not available before reaching college. Dwight believes that the next “big ideas” will come from the under-18 sector, and is dedicated to equipping students with real-life skills

that go beyond academics and theory, so that they can pursue their dreams now instead of some uncertain day in the future. “When I share information about Spark Tank with parents around the world, they all say, ‘I want this great program at my children’s school’,” reports Dave Lindsey (David ’18, Maggie ’19, JackieRay ’21), Chair of the Spark Tank Committee.

MENTORSHIP MATTERS An integral part of the Spark Tank experience is mentorship. A student whose project aligns with the expertise of a Committee member may be paired with a Dwight parent or alumnus for one-on-one guidance. Maria ’23, whose dream is to become the world’s best fashion designer, had the unique experience of working with three mentors over the last two years: Drew Pizzo (Isabella ’15, Stefano ’18), founder and president of Collection 18, a fashion accessory line; Jessica Capiraso (Gwynne ’22, Grace ’25), Vice

SPARK TANK | DWIGHT TODAY

GROWING, GROWING, GROWING This year, the number of students whose ideas for businesses, non-profits, and products are brewing in Spark Tank rose to 90 from 35 last year. We saw exciting new projects begin to take shape and others pass to more advanced levels. New entrants who, along with Hunter, presented their ideas at Spark Tank Events this year are: • Fourth grader Audrey, who introduced her idea for a children’s book series, Ocean Explorers, designed to raise awareness of endangered sea creatures due to water pollution and to share the profits from book sales with a like-minded charity. • Ninth grader Stephane Hatgis-Kessel also presented the Hephaestus Hand, a low-cost, 3-D-printed prosthetic hand for people who have lost limbs. • Tenth graders AJ Rothenberg and Federico Zampedri, who shared their idea for an app designed to make cell phones easier to use called Simple Mode. • The Dwight Business and Investment Club represented by eleventh graders Jacob Lindahl, Marcus Kapoor, and Alex McKillop, and ninth grader Stephane Hatgis-Kessel, who want to make the club sustainable over the long term, increase their rate of return, and donate profits to the Foundation. President of Marketing and Ecommerce for Henri Bendel; and Liz Lange (Alice ’19), who founded the largest maternity apparel brand in the U.S. These industry leaders helped Maria to focus on a few signature items in her line that she can recreate in different ways each season, such as her circle skirt. They also helped Maria to fine-tune her branding and logo to better reflect her unique sense of style, while also suggesting sales strategies. In addition, students who were Spark Tank “veterans” this year mentored and encouraged new participants, growing into leadership roles. “We found that in the first two years of Spark Tank, the program has had a profound effect on our school community, especially in how it has helped to foster deeper connections among students themselves — and among students, parents, and alumni. The parents and alumni, successful entrepreneurs themselves, serve in invaluable roles as both Spark Tank judges and mentors, providing students with guidance and real-world experience so that young entrepreneurs can achieve their goals,” says Matt Moran, Director of Technology and Innovation, who spearheads the program with the Foundation.

• Senior Aaron Colodne and junior Ilan Pesselev, who want to take Spark Tank to the next level through a franchise — Spark Labs by Dwight — to enable more students at Dwight Schools around the world, and eventually students everywhere, to innovate and start a business.

DWIGHT TODAY | INNOVATION

• Fourth graders Maya and Alexander, who want to create the Endangered Animals Foundation to help protect species on the endangered list: 81,094 different species at the time of their presentation.

GRADUATING FROM SPARK TANK In 2016-17, the Spark Tank Committee awarded students over $47,000 in grants, including five who received $2,500 college scholarships for reaching the fifth and final launch stage. They are: • Daniil Frants ’17 for his portable particle accelerator • Maria ’23 for her signature fashion line • Jack Basora ’18, Ilan Pesselev ’18, and David Lindsey ’18 for their youth fashion line, Suivant NYC

• Eleventh graders Ben Alpert and George Cho, who took up a Spark Tank challenge to help Soundproof Saturn with an indoor wall garden.

Congratulations all! To catch up on Spark Tank Events that you may have missed this year, check out Dwight’s YouTube channel!

MATT MORAN | DWIGHT TODAY

MATT MORAN IGNITES IN SPARK TANK AND ACROSS CAMPUS Behind the wheel, driving our ongoing mission to embrace personalized learning and innovation is Matt Moran, Director of Technology and Innovation. He teaches students to navigate an ever-evolving digital world with confidence, and fosters a deep understanding of how technology can be used to enhance every student’s exploration of his/her spark of genius. We sat down with Mr. Moran to learn how technology is used in our classrooms and more about Spark Tank. WHAT DREW YOU TO EDUCATION? As I was heading into my senior year at BU, I was uncertain about my career. I took a summer job as a writing teacher and I just loved my students’ creativity and joy! As a senior, I worked in an after-school program, wrote curriculum for a tutoring company, and was a writing tutor at college. While juggling these three jobs, I learned that I most enjoy working in a school setting because helping someone learn or achieve something new doesn’t feel like work. It’s a lot of fun!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OBJECTIVES AS DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION? I manage the ways in which we use technology in the classroom and foster a culture of innovation. The most important thing is that we’re using technology to meaningfully enhance learning, not just for its own sake. I’m also the head of our Design Department, so I oversee the curriculum and instruction in design technology classes. In the past, I’ve taught math, science, writing, and humanities;

and I still teach because I want to keep a foot in the classroom to see what really works and test out new ideas. I draw inspiration from “Understanding by Design,” an educational planning approach by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe. They advocate for designing students’ learning experiences to focus on what they will understand, as opposed to focusing solely on acquiring skills and amassing knowledge. If we did so we couldn’t have a program like Spark Tank, where students are creating new inventions and trying to solve real-world problems. To do these things, one has to be able to ask meaningful questions, inquire, and try to understand the problem on a deep level. My goal is to demystify technology and enable students to use it to drive their inquiries and to work toward their goals. Students may

DWIGHT TODAY | FACULTY Q&A

have a naïve understanding of technologies that they use every day, and it’s important that they develop a deeper understanding of how they work. For example, when a student mentioned a Google “doodle of the day,” honoring Google’s birthday, I began a classroom conversation about the effect that Google has on our lives. I asked students to imagine the Internet without Google. At this point, many seniors are young enough that they don’t remember a time when it wasn’t available. We discussed how Google’s search improved on previous search engine options by using links from other sites as a factor in determining the ranking of search results. We observed how links from one site to another are an important part of the value system, not just for Google search results, but also

leadership roles in helping to shape our community-wide understanding of technology. WHAT COURSES DO YOU TEACH? I teach IB MYP Design classes for grades 6, 7, 8, and 10. I love the way that our curriculum includes a balance of different types of design experiences. Some of my favorite projects are: • Grade 6: Students learn to program video games in Scratch and design an educational game for an audience of their choice. • Grade 7: Students redesign a space at Dwight and create a 3-D model using computer-assisted drawing programs. • Grade 8: Students learn to be social innovators and create a product or service to address a social issue. These projects vary widely, from designing an app to inventing a new product. This year, students tackled challenges from the UN’s list of Sustainable Development Goals.

It is such a thrill to be working with Spark Tank. It’s the most innovative thing that we could be doing, and it feels great to be on the cutting edge of the educational experience. for the Internet as a whole. Then, I drew a connection to the importance of citations on the web and the need for students to cite their sources in their own creative work, which underscores what they’re learning in other classes. We also recently formed a Student Technology Committee, comprised of students interested in discussing technology issues with the Dwight student body. Topics include everything from issues of online privacy to the finer points of Dwight’s 1:1 program. I look forward to seeing this program expand, as students take

In technology education, we often ask students to deconstruct the world around them and build it again. For example, when asking a student to create a trailer for a favorite summer reading book, the first step is watching existing examples to understand what makes a trailer persuasive and effective. Then, the student will use that knowledge to create his/ her own video to persuade others to read the book, reinforcing our personalized approach to learning. Students are researching, planning, creating, and testing out their ideas all in service of their own goals.

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY? My philosophy is influenced by “constructivism,” which is based on the understanding that learners create their own knowledge and understanding. It’s a student-centered theory of learning, and its values are reflected throughout the IB curriculum. I think that students shouldn’t receive wisdom directly from a book or teacher; rather, they should be guided to discover how new knowledge is meaningful to them and to connect it to their life and surroundings. On my first day of orientation at BU, the dean told us that we were there to “build the minds that we would live in for the rest of our lives.” That phrase has stuck with me ever since, and the word “build” really stands out to me. Education really is about building and creating, not just inputting information. The best part of education is when we — educators and students alike — create something new. YOU WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN LAUNCHING SPARK TANK. TELL US ABOUT IT. It is such a thrill to be working with Spark Tank. It’s the most innovative thing that we

MATT MORAN | DWIGHT TODAY

could be doing, and it feels great to be on the cutting edge of the educational experience. The most enjoyable part is that the projects are so student-driven. Instead of telling students what they should be doing and learning, we ask them what they want to create — what problems they want to solve. In Spark Tank, we’re teaching a problemsolving process. Students progress through a five-stage development cycle — idea, research, prototype, execution, and launch — with guidance and mentorship from our faculty and The Dwight School Foundation’s Spark Tank Committee, comprised of industry experts and entrepreneurs from our community. We wouldn’t be able to accommodate such a diverse range of unique student interests without the individual attention of mentors and judges. Students gain tremendously from the expertise of their faculty mentors. For example, Alana Zussman, a Lower School technology teacher, and I have worked together with dozens of Timothy House students on their Spark Tank projects during lunch, recess, and after school. Bentley Ferraina, a Quest and English teacher, has coached students on their presentations before every Spark Tank judging event and advised many of them as they developed ideas and plans for their projects. Vita Zambetti, our Lower School music teacher, organized our first Timothy House student group for Spark Tank, the SPARKlers, whose project was to bring the gifts of Dwight’s music program to others, including residents at nursing homes and students at under-resourced schools. Steve Farnsworth, a Design Technology teacher, helped Niko Sansevere ’21 learn about the different processes and tools that he needed to create molds and design and print his customizable pen grips. These are just a few examples of faculty who mentor our Spark Tank participants.

Instead of telling students what they should be doing and learning, we ask them what they want to create — what problems they want to solve.

Students also benefit greatly from the support and validation that the judges offer during presentations. Many of the Spark Tank judges have personally requested to mentor students after seeing their presentations. HOW HAS THE PROCESS BEEN INTEGRATED INTO THE CURRICULUM? Spark Tank is a new frontier for Dwight, but there’s a natural crossover with the IB curriculum, and Personal Projects in particular — the culminating experience for tenth grade students in the Middle Years Program. For example, some students create their Personal Project and then bring it to Spark Tank for further development. Others take what they’ve worked on in Spark Tank and turn it into their project. It’s a twoway street! In our ninth and tenth grade design classes, we’ve integrated Spark Tank’s development cycle into project assignments. For example, during the second trimester my students developed ideas and presentations based on the Spark Tank model. The best from each class presented in front of the entire grade — and the best of those presented their ideas in Spark Tank. No matter how it happens, students are working on something that began with their own initiative. They have ownership over their projects and get to feel proud of their work and accomplishments. It’s a very self-reinforcing system!

I’m excited to see how Spark Tank will continue to evolve. Thanks to Spark Tank, when a student works on a project in the classroom, it doesn’t have to end there. That work can graduate into something much bigger. Each student’’s only limit is his or her own level of interest. We know that their potential is boundless! WHAT ARE SOME SURPRISING THINGS YOU LEARNED FROM STUDENTS AS A SPARK TANK MENTOR? I’ve learned so much! These students are so talented — I’m always trying to stay one step ahead. I’m surprised and excited to see the breadth of projects that students decide to take on. I thought that everyone would want to create an app, but we have a whole variety of projects in the works: a fashion line, a customizable writing aid, a prosthetic hand, a solution to second-hand smoke, a child-friendly aid for receiving shots, and many more. We even have students who want to turn Spark Tank into its own product and share it with students beyond Dwight. Now that’s what we call entrepreneurial! WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL SPARK OF GENIUS? That’s a tough one! I’m creative and I have a passion for learning and studying new things. Outside of school, I’m constantly reading and gathering ideas. I think my spark is generating new ideas, whether they’re technology-related or otherwise, and finding a way to execute them all in my life and the lives of those around me. WHAT IS A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU? As a technology expert, you might be surprised to learn that I’m a two-finger typist — and a great one, at that!

DWIGHT TODAY | SENIOR PRIDE

Oh, the places they will go! In keeping with one of Dwightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual traditions, members of the Class of 2017 gather wearing sweatshirts from the colleges and universities they will be attending this fall. And oh, what fun they had!

OFF TO COLLEGE | DWIGHT TODAY

DWIGHT TODAY | COMING HOME

Alumni Who Work at Dwight With fond memories of their years as a Dwight student, alums Part come back frequently to their alma mater to visit. A few have come back to stay, helping to educate future generations of graduates! We asked each Dwightonian now on the roster of faculty and staff the same five questions. Because they had lots to say, we are sharing their responses in two parts; the first was in the previous issue of Dwight Today and the second is here: TED BELCHER ’05, PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER No doubt, you have many fond memories of Dwight. Please share one or two. My best memory was winning the baseball division championship when I was in tenth grade. I was starting as catcher during the game and we went into the last inning up by one run. With two outs and a runner on second, the opposing team was very close to tying the game. And because the runner was leading too much off third base, as catcher, I attempted to throw him out. Unfortunately, my throw was low and I thought I blew the championship. In that one instant, I felt all the dread in the world pile on top of me. With a low throw, the opposing runner decided to try and score at home to tie the game for his team. Luckily my teammate, Adam Skollar ’04, at third base was able to block the ball from going into the outfield and threw it home. Everything went by so quickly, but I was able to catch the ball and tag the runner before he could touch home plate. Next, the only thing I could feel were my teammates jumping on my back as we celebrated our win and title as champions! How did Dwight foster your spark of genius? Starting in seventh grade, I had a strong love for everything medieval, fantasy, and science fiction. My first fantasy book was borrowed from the Dwight library. With this love of fantasy came a strong desire to design and create art. Even though I do not have a job in the field of design or art, I still work on both as hobbies almost every day. Where did you continue your education? I went to Florida Institute of Technology to study forensic psychology. What brought you back to campus? A fellow Dwight alum who works here told me of an open position. I applied and have never looked back!

Two

What’s the best thing about working at your alma mater? I love working with faculty who taught me in seventh grade. It’s amazing that they are still teaching here. The hardest part about that is not calling them “Mr.” or “Ms.” now that we are colleagues! SORUSH PANAHI, TIMOTHY HOUSE TEACHER, ATTENDED DWIGHT FROM 1999-2001 No doubt, you have many fond memories of Dwight. Please share one or two. So many memories, indeed! If I had to isolate just one or two, I would definitely pick my interactions with the great Radomir Kovacevic as being profoundly impactful. I was an energetic, but also impulsive, young man and Radomir helped me understand that my actions can have consequences, both good and bad.

ALUMNI WHO WORK AT DWIGHT, PART TWO | DWIGHT TODAY

He helped me see that I need to be accountable for how I represent myself at all times, whether or not anyone is observing. Secondly, I still have vivid memories of Sandy Darzy’s science classes! I distinctly remember learning about the composition and structure of atoms in her class and being truly awe-struck. What a paradigm shift! How did Dwight foster your spark of genius? Ever since I was a youngster, my prevailing spark of genius has been my interest in, and appreciation for, different cultures (both traditional and hybridized). At Dwight, global vision and international mindedness were always at the center of the School’s culture and curriculum. I remember that the humanities were an area of emphasis. Between my geography, history, and literature classes, I learned so much about perspective and cultural relativism. This really set the tone for me moving forward in my academic and intellectual journeys. Where did you continue your education? After Dwight, I (begrudgingly :)) moved to Long Island for high school and then onto Binghamton University for my undergraduate studies. I just finished my double master’s degree in education and literacy at Bank Street College of Education. What brought you back to campus? Actually a combination of things. Having tried my hand at a few different internships and jobs during my latter years of college and after graduation, I was at a crossroads. No particular career was calling me. On a whim, I decided to apply to an open administrative position at Dwight. I had always felt that there was unfinished business for me here, as my time as a student ended much more abruptly than I would have wished. C’est la vie. Fast-forward five years and here I am, back at Dwight and immersed in globally minded, inquiry-based education. I’d say things turned out pretty well! What’s the best thing about working at your alma mater? Being a complicit agent in the exciting changes that are taking place, of course! Dwight is a dynamic school in all senses of the word and is constantly looking for new ways to invigorate students, families, and teachers. Being part of such a robust and increasingly diverse community is what truly piques my interest as an educator — and as a citizen, moreover. BLAKE SPAHN ’89, VICE CHANCELLOR No doubt, you have many fond memories of Dwight. Please share one or two. I have a wonderful memory of competing in the Doris Post Oratory competition. It continues to be one of my favorite traditions here at

Dwight. My topic was animal rights. I spent a great deal of time researching what was happening in the farming world and how chickens were treated, with no space to roam and basically reduced to egg-laying machines. During all this research, I developed a sense of outrage about the issue and wanted to communicate everything I had learned to other students. The competition made me realize the importance of mastering the skill of effective public speaking, and now at Dwight we start public speaking training even earlier in our Lower School programs. The topic also stuck with me — I am still concerned about animal rights, and food quality and sustainability; and this is part of our current health, wellness, and food programs. Another memory that I will never forget is intense morning and afternoon workout sessions with Olympic Judo champion Radomir Kovacevic, who was the head of Dwight’s P.E. Department. It was a tremendous benefit to have an Olympian teaching at the School and he always pushed the bar higher, going beyond the call of duty to share his passion and drive with students before and after school. How did Dwight foster your spark of genius? Dwight really allowed me to pursue my passion for tennis in high school — I had the flexibility to train at a high level without having to sacrifice anything on the academic side. That training allowed me to reach my full potential as Captain of a Division One team at Columbia and cap an undefeated season by winning the Ivy League title. Where did you continue your education? At Columbia, where I graduated with a major in political science and then earned an MBA. My master’s and doctorate degrees are from Oxford in comparative international education. What brought you back to campus? It was always my desire to continue our family’s tradition of helping Dwight students reach their full potential. Also as a father and educator, I wanted to find the best possible education for my children. When we were looking for a preschool for Kyra, we didn’t find a program anywhere in Manhattan that met our standards. That’s what drove me to start what is now the Dwight Preschool, where we have the same Dwight ethos and the IB Primary Years Program curriculum starting at age two. What’s the best thing about working at your alma mater? The people — I really enjoy working with our leadership, faculty, and staff. It is great having a perspective of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

s k n a h T for Supporting The Dwight School Foundation

• • • • •

Financial aid grants for 66 students Funding for 88 faculty professional development grants 22 students presented 17 innovations to Spark Tank judges for advice, mentorship, and funding Community building with the annual Spring Benefit, alumni reunions and events, and volunteer appreciation gatherings Volunteering to make a difference: The Board of Trustees, Annual Fund Committee, Spring Benefit Committee, Senior Gift Committee, Alumni Council, and Spark Tank Committee

COMMUNITY | DWIGHT TODAY

Spark Tank Judge

Nuno Teles on Giving Back to Dwight

When Nuno and Patricia Teles moved their family to New York from Brazil, they found that Dwight stood out from all the other schools and was the best choice for their daughters, Mada ’19 and Maria ’22. “We were so keen on how Dwight helped our girls transition from the Portuguese system to the IB curriculum and acclimate so well to speaking another language in school,” Nuno says. “They became comfortable quickly and we could not expect anything better than Dwight’s approach. It’s rewarding for us that our children wake up super-excited to go to school each day!” Mada and Maria’s first year at Dwight was 2014-15 — the same year that The Dwight School Foundation introduced Spark Tank to our community at the Spring Benefit. As Spark Tank, an incubator for K-12 students, took shape, Nuno was invited to join the Committee as a judge, alongside other industry leaders who could share their business expertise with Dwight’s young entrepreneurs. It was a perfect fit. Nuno is Chief Marketing Officer of Heineken USA. Before assuming this position, he served as CMO in Brazil, where he oversaw a 500% growth rate in four years. “When I was asked to join the Committee, I immediately found the Spark Tank idea to be fantastic and said I would love to be involved,” Nuno shares. For the last two years, he has been part of the panel

of judges who come together several times a year to hear students present their projects at various points in Spark Tank’s five-stage development cycle. Judges provide insightful feedback and guidance to students, as well as mentorship and funding through the Foundation’s innovation grants. As Nuno tells us, being a judge is not a one-way street. “We also learn from students! I have been very impressed by their thinking and entrepreneurship. I am responsible for stimulating new initiatives at Heineken and our teams develop proposals that take them through stages from idea through launch similar to those in Spark Tank, so I especially enjoy seeing how Dwight students approach their own projects.” Nuno’s daughter, Mada, is a Spark Tank participant, and he has seen how the program has nurtured her drive, curiosity, and skills such as public speaking. He is proud of how both of his children have grown at Dwight and wants to be involved with, and volunteer at, their school. “It is important to contribute to Dwight. It brings my wife and me closer to what our children are learning and experiencing every day. I am fascinated by the way Dwight inspires kids to grab life with both hands and follow their spark of genius. I am very proud of the work that Dwight is doing and want to be a part of it. At the end of the day, I feel super rewarded!”

DWIGHT TODAY | JONATHAN SHECHTMAN

JONATHAN SHECHTMAN ’03 Fifteen years after graduating from Dwight, Jonathan Shechtman ’03 found himself back on campus this spring — and back in the classroom — this time as the teacher. The tables had turned and he was the one imparting his knowledge to students in an eleventh-grade business class. The topic was real estate investing, Jonathan’s area of expertise as Managing Principal of Axonic Properties in Manhattan. Jonathan says that he was happy to share his experience with a new generation of students because “Dwight made all the difference in my own life.” How?

Dwight’s Impact Remains Strong to This Day

“Dwight focuses immensely on students’ strengths and passions, which was far different than other schools I had attended and where being well-rounded was the goal for all,” explains Jonathan. “At Dwight, I was encouraged to concentrate on my favorite subjects, math and business, in which I excelled more than other subjects. In addition, Chancellor Spahn’s unique vision in education inspired me as a teenager — and he continues to inspire me today as an adult.” DWIGHT BRINGS NEW HORIZONS Jonathan was 16 when he first met the Chancellor. As a resident of the Upper West Side, Jonathan didn’t have far to travel to

school, but upon first crossing the West 89th Street transom, he discovered a whole new world: Dwight’s strong focus on international education and emphasis on critical thinking — two IB fundamentals that set Dwight apart — which made a difference in his own life. In addition, Jonathan reports that the inclusive nature of the community, which welcomed him warmly, and the leadership opportunities afforded to Dwight students were equally impressive. He became part of the Institute for Civic Leadership, founded by Kirk Spahn ’95, and launched the after-school investment club. Jonathan explains that he had always been

ALUMNI PROFILE | DWIGHT TODAY

interested in business, so this was a great way to fuel his spark of genius. Among the coaches Jonathan remembers the most fondly is the late Radomir Kovacevic. Well-known for his intense workouts that pushed students well beyond their limits physically and mentally, Radomir is a Dwight legend among many alumni. Born in Bosnia, he was the 1980 Bronze Olympic medalist in judo who made many a student into a better athlete — and a few into champions. The rigor of Radomir’s sometimes-alternative exercise regimens prior to and after school also left a fair number of students in a heap. For Jonathan, “Radomir was a mentor, teacher, and friend. He inspired me to think about mind over body; and encouraged me to question everything and to always believe in myself. He took me under his wing and

Dwight made all the difference in my own life. Chancellor Spahn’s unique vision in education inspired me as a teenager - and he continues to inspire me today as an adult.

had an enormous influence on my sense of self that remains strong to this day.” Armed with a strong belief in his own abilities, Jonathan graduated from Dwight and went to Bucknell University, where he earned a BS in Management and Finance. While there, he started the real estate investment club; and hosted the college radio station’s controversial talk show titled “Showering with Friends,” in which both the format and the issues discussed had the whole campus buzzing about the show. DIVING INTO REAL ESTATE IN REAL LIFE After Bucknell, Jonathan joined a private equity real estate fund for a few years. “When the housing market crashed, I moved with my friend from college to Naples, FL, where we saw an opportunity with the massive amount of foreclosed homes,” reports Jonathan. The duo began flipping houses with money invested by their former fraternity brothers. The enterprise was successful and a year and a half later, they started buying and renting single-family homes. New York beckoned Jonathan back in 2012 and he joined Axonic, a hedge fund that embraced his

vision for purchasing these homes. Now they have a few thousand apartments and houses under management valued over $200 million. Jonathan is the Managing Principal for all of the firm’s real property business, Axonic Properties, requiring him to travel every other week to Florida — a commute that has become part of life. Bringing experience in distressed real estate investing, Jonathan is responsible for the strategic repositioning and business plan for each investment opportunity that arises. With a track record of success and fondness for Dwight, it’s no surprise he was tapped to talk to our business class students. While Jonathan reports that things have certainly changed quite a bit on campus in the years since he was in the classroom, one thing has not: Chancellor Spahn. “He is still such a visionary force. The Chancellor is a brilliant thought leader in education. His ability to think creatively and look at every situation as an opportunity truly sets Dwight ahead of other schools. And he remains a very important person in my life. I always want to catch up with him — and if I can get involved by teaching students, all the better!” We agree!

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

COCKTAIL PARTY

This year’s Young Alumni Cocktail Party drew grads from the Classes of 1995–2014 for an evening of good cheer and cool drinks on a hot summer night! We had a blast reconnecting on the Rare View Rooftop and send a special shout-out of thanks to Doug Boxer ’91 for making this event possible. We look forward to seeing all of our alums at our next Reunion on October 21!

YOUNG ALUMNI COCKTAIL PARTY | DWIGHT TODAY

DWIGHT TODAY | ON CAMPUS

IB Film Showcase

ARTS ROUND-UP

Students have numerous opportunities to share their talents, express themselves, and spark dialogue through the visual and performing arts at Dwight. During the second half of the year, they wowed us, inspired us to think in new ways, took us on journeys, and made us laugh and tap our heels through the following:

IB Visual Arts Exhibition Little Women: The Musical

ARTS ROUND-UP | DWIGHT TODAY

Winter Conservatory Concert

Winter Art Exhibit

Spring Scene Night

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

The Tassels Have Been Turned ... and the Caps Tossed!

COMMENCEMENT | DWIGHT TODAY

Congratulations to Our 2017 Graduates On the sunny morning of their big day, seniors leapt up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, caps and gowns in hand, for Commencement and their last hours altogether as members of the Class of 2017. With family, friends, faculty, and staff looking on proudly, more than 20 graduates were recognized with awards for their outstanding achievements and contributions to our school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and all 74 received their well-earned diplomas. This moment was a milestone in their lives and in Dwightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, marking the 145th graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of students. Amanda Hartman and Jacqueline Hahn each played beautiful violin pieces, sharing their musical sparks of genius during the exercises, which included three student speeches by Valedictorian Jayashanmugapriya Jayaveerapandian, Salutatorian Lotte Paulis, and Dwight Global Online School student Yara Shahidi. They recounted challenges, triumphs, and experiences they shared and said good-bye to their classmates with addresses that were inspiring, humorous and deeply moving. The speakers reflected on the unique journey they took together as a class; the unflagging support they received from faculty and staff throughout their IB academic careers; and the diversity of people, cultures, and insights found in our global community.

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

In his final words to the graduating class, Chancellor Stephen Spahn said: “Today also marks a personal milestone, as this is my 50th year at Dwight. While so much has changed in five decades, one of the privileges I have as Chancellor is to bid farewell and congratulate, each one of our graduates. At Dwight, you have embraced the IB mission to become morally and societally responsible individuals. In addition, our school’s spark of genius ethos has encouraged and challenged you to harness the energy of your passions to build a better world. The world that awaits needs your talents, knowledge, and creativity. And the fine colleges and universities that will welcome you this fall are expecting you to be leaders and innovators, just as you have been on our campus. You have passed through Dwight’s “School of Spirits” doors for the last time as a student. These iconic doors were constructed deliberately to be heavy and require effort to be opened, so that all who entered did so with a purpose — to learn and embrace knowledge. In keeping with their message, never stop endeavoring to learn. Never stop challenging yourself. Take risks. Always keep your spark of genius alive. You have been prepared well at school and by your families to succeed and thrive anywhere you go in this world. And remember that wherever life takes you, you’ll always have a home at Dwight. We look forward to seeing you enter our “School of Spirits” doors once again as alumni. Until then, good luck!

With diplomas in hand, the time had come for students to turn their tassels from right to left, symbolizing the crossing from high school to the next exciting stage in their lives. They are headed to top colleges and universities this coming fall — and destined for many great things in the future!

COMMENCEMENT | DWIGHT TODAY

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

A New Trio Joins Dwight’s

13-Year Club!

Daniil Frants, Helen Sullivan, and Ethan Stamatakis, who share a history from their first days together in Kindergarten to graduation this June, are the newest members of Dwight’s 13-Year Club. As their final trimester came to a close, we asked the trio a few questions hoping to capture a glimpse of their journeys. Here’s what they had to say:

13-YEAR CLUB | DWIGHT TODAY

fortunate to be at one of the very few schools that offers students the opportunity to develop it. Helen: My spark of genius has been fostered mostly through a range of after-school programs. I have been involved in clubs such as Model UN and Mock Trials. In addition, I have also written for the school paper. What is your spark of genius? Daniil: My spark of genius is being able to produce results while not being sure where things are headed or how I will get there. In the past four years especially, but also throughout my time at Dwight, I have learned to go beyond what I learn in class and my extracurriculars and venture into the unknown, trying to create something new. Now, as I am coming to the end of my time at Dwight, I feel more comfortable than ever trying to make sense of something of which I initially have little understanding. Few things compare to the feeling when, after spending a long time in such a state, everything makes sense again. The ability to make something new based on concepts that I don’t understand fully when beginning my exploration has served me well in developing innovative solutions. Helen: My spark of genius is in the humanities. I am interested in law, politics, and journalism. How has Dwight fostered your spark of genius? Daniil: Dwight’s educational structure has allowed me to explore my other interests and to learn how I can innovate more effectively. Specifically, Spark Tank has allowed me to develop both a number of my projects and the set of skills involved in presenting my ideas to others. This is an incredibly useful skill set, and I consider myself quite

What is your best Dwight memory or what have you enjoyed most about Dwight? Ethan: My best Dwight memory would have to be Coach Coy’s soccer camp when I was in sixth grade. Helen: My best Dwight memory is the trip we took to Dwight School London in fifth grade. It was a trip everyone looks forward to. At a young age, I had the chance to travel with my peers to the UK and explore the city with my friends. I still have a lot of photos from the trip! It was a unique opportunity most fifth graders at other schools don’t have and it was a great experience. Daniil: My time at Dwight has provided me with far too many great memories to reliably pick one, but one of the best is attending the GIN (Global Issues Network) conference with the other members of Dwight’s GIN team. These conferences offered a great opportunity to interact with other IB students and see a variety of perspectives on global issues. Some of my closest friends today (over three years since the first time I went), I met while working on GIN presentations. What has changed the most? Ethan: Over the years I have been at Dwight, the facilities have changed the most. When I started here, the Quad and half of the Main Campus didn’t even exist!

learning to innovate is a necessary component of one’s education. Although my perspective is limited to one school, from observing other schools and their students, this level of commitment to fostering student innovation seems to be unique to Dwight. Helen: Dwight has expanded quite a bit over the many years I have been here. There are new facilities, including the Dwight School Athletic Center and the Great Hall, as well as so many new opportunities and offerings at the school — almost too many to name! What college will you attend this fall? Daniil: Johns Hopkins Helen: University of Wisconsin-Madison Ethan: FIT What do you hope to study in college and what might you want to do as a career? Helen: I hope to study something in the humanities. I am not sure what specifically I will major in. And for a career, it’s a bit too early to say for sure, but it may be something related to sports or journalism. Daniil: I will probably study math, computer science, and physics, with the first two as likely majors. While in college — as well as after — I plan to continue running my company, building social innovations, and working to bring them to market. My goal is to create something that will have a major positive impact on a significant number of people. We look forward to learning more about Ethan, Helen, and Daniil and their paths beyond Dwight. We wish them and their fellow classmates every success!

Daniil: It seems to me that now more than ever Dwight is embracing the idea that

DWIGHT TODAY | COMMUNITY

DWIGHT LIGHTS UP SOCIAL MEDIA: facebook.com/ dwightschool

#DwightSchoolAthletics Our Varsity Girls Tennis team is off to the @USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center tomorrow, where they’ll compete in the ISAL League Championship at noon. Wishing them the very best of luck!

#DwightSchoolPersonalizedLearning Congratulations to our fifth graders, who proudly shared their extensive knowledge of “How the World Works” with our community at the PYP Exhibition!

#DwightSchoolCommunity #DwightSchoolSeniorProm What a glamorous night! High above Chelsea’s starry skyline, Dwight seniors danced, made memories, and celebrated their final year together at Prom in @TheGlassHouses.

@dwightschool

#DwightLeadershipProgram Students reunited w/ Jacob Hadjigeorgis ’02 of @JacobsPickles to learn about business.

#DwightSchoolPersonalizedLearning Congrats to Benjamin ’21, our National Geography Bee champion! He’ll go on to compete in the New York State Geography Bee. Best of luck!

#DwightSparkofGenius Results are in for our 34th annual Shakespeare Competition! Watch the winning performance.

SOCIAL MEDIA | DWIGHT TODAY

Like, Share, Retweet! dwightschool

Dwight School

#DwightSchoolVisualArts Anika Jeyaranjan ’19 is leaving her mark! She painted a lovely mural in our North Campus, which she hopes evokes the innocence and wonder of students who are learning something new at Dwight every day.

#NYCIsOurClassroom Second graders made a special visit to Ellis Island, where they learned that sometimes the best way to study “where we are in place and time” is to explore the journey taken by those who came before us!

#DwightSchoolClassrooms #DwightSchoolCommunity Eighth graders shared their knowledge of simple and compound machines with kindergarteners during a special visit to our Riverside Campus. They learned so much together!

Dwight Global Online School Student Profile: Isabelle

Behind the Scenes: The Crucible

#DwightSchoolCommunity Did you know that kids are naturally better at meditation than adults? Dwight parent and life coach, Michelle Brock, visited fifth graders to teach them all about the benefits of meditation and mindful living.

Moving Up Ceremony 2017

DWIGHT TODAY | ALUMNI

Franklinite yearbook staff, 1974

Paula Oppenheim Cope ’71“I was just given a full-time faculty appointment to the Grossman School of Business at the University of Vermont, my alma mater. I will be teaching leadership, organizational behavior, human resources, and working in the Master’s program for sustainable innovation.”

Melissa Roske ’82 “My debut middle-grade novel, Kat Greene Comes Clean, about an 11-year-old girl whose mom has OCD and decides to go on a TV game show about — you guessed it — cleaning, will be published by Charlesbridge on August 22. I’m looking forward to sharing my book with the Ian Lustbader ’74 (Franklin) Ian writes that Dwight community! For more information he is now the Clinical Associate Professor of about Kat — or just to say hello — please Medicine at N.Y.U. Medical Center, where visit www.melissaroske.com.” he sees private patients, teaches at the Medi- Cynthia Schultz-Hornig ’87 “I’m excited to cal School, and runs clinical research studies. share that Forbes.com recently featured my He has been a guest on Bloomberg Radio new business venture, Women You Should and Sirius XM Radio. Ian shares that he has Fund, a rewards-based crowdfunding platgreat memories of Franklin and Dwight! form designed to help women and womZara Grace ’77 (formerly Zara Kolb at the en-led teams make their products, projects, 30th reunion and Robin Smith at Dwight) and business ventures a reality. To learn more, “I plan on coming up from Texas for this please visit us at womenyoushouldfund.com!” year’s reunion! If anyone has a place where I Ed Metzendorf ’91 “I’m writing to share can crash for a few days (a week at most) or news of my work and the value of the points for a hotel they won’t ever use, please well-rounded Dwight education. I have let me know! Looking forward to seeing every- been in the summer camp business for 17 one again and hope all are well and happy! I years and can say that Dwight gave me a am on Facebook as Zara Grace and my email great foundation for this career. After counis zaragrace44@gmail.com.” seling and directing, I launched a startup Bruce Haynes ’78 “I was promoted from Asso- based in the camping industry because I saw ciate to Professor of Sociology at UC Davis this a desperate need for flexible, single-gender past spring. Also, my wife, Syma Solovitch, and summer camps in Westchester. Parents were I just published Down the Up Staircase: Three searching for options where girls and boys Generations of a Harlem Family (Columbia Uni- could develop skills and confidence without versity Press 2017), which was recently reviewed the pressures that normally arise in co-ed in The New York Times. I also have a forth- camps. I opened my first Next Level Day coming coming book with NYU Press (2018).” Camp for girls in New Rochelle in 2015 and

a second camp for boys last year. Looking back, I believe that my experience at Dwight helped me to think creatively, confidently, and ambitiously to give Next Level a shot. At Dwight, I was able to be challenged academically, but still have an opportunity to play three sports and participate in many clubs, exposing me to many things and helping me to develop traits that have helped me along the way: passion, resiliency, the ability to balance multiple projects, and to think outside the box. I have tapped into these, nurturing some unconventional talents and skills — all of which have contributed to the success of Next Level. Earlier this year, my philosophy and camps were the focus of a feature in Westchester magazine. I hope to open more camps in the future. Check us out at www.nextleveldaycamps.com and wishing everyone a happy summer!” Amy Tsoutsouras Hahn ’05 Amy married Eric Hahn in New York City on May 27. In attendance for their big day were alums Jennifer Taylor Pasinetti ’90, Jason Tsoutsouras ’03, Caroline Axelrod ’03, Ted Belcher ’05, and Shriti Rath ’05. Amy and Eric will be honeymooning this summer in Italy and Greece. Evan Rabin ’08 In addition to starting a B2B sales outsourcing company, Pillar Sales, Evan runs a chess instruction business called Premier Chess.

Share your latest news with your classmates for the next issue of Dwight Today. Send news and a photo to Amy Tsoutsouras Hahn ’05, Associate Director of Development, 291 Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024; or via email to atsoutsouras@dwight.edu.

All Dwight, Franklin, and AngloAmerican Alumni are WELCOME â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially those classes celebrating Landmark Years!

291 Central Park West New York, NY 10024

When: Saturday, October 21, 2017

Where: Dwight School 18 West 89th Street New York, NY 10024 Why: Reconnect with friends and faculty, and see the amazing facilities! For more information about Reunion, the Alumni Council, and other ways to get involved, please contact Amy Tsoutsouras Hahn â&#x20AC;&#x2122;05, Associate Director of Development at 646.400.0314 or atsoutsouras@dwight.edu.

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Energetic members of the Class of 2031 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for preschool PE time to begin!