Compluvium - Winter 2019

COMPLUVIUM & REPORT OF GIVING WINTER 2019

Remembering Ginny Virginia (Ginny) Lewisohn Kahn, founder of Atrium School, will be remembered in many ways by a broad group of friends, students, families and colleagues. Many of us were fortunate to know Ginny and work closely with her to build a school where students learn the value of community, collaboration, and how to listen to everyone’s voice. She believed deeply that joy in learning came from a strong community and she placed great emphasis on the emotional growth as well as the intellectual growth of children.

Ginny frequently spoke about her own early education in New York City at the Lincoln School, a beloved place that deeply informed her vision of what schooling could be for children. As an educator, she perennially sought to spark joy in learning, strength in community, and authentic experiences, and she did just that in establishing Atrium School.

As noted by Bruce Droste, Atrium’s founding director and former head of school, “Ginny had a vision and the wherewithal to make it happen.” He added that she “cared about people, and she saw there was a need to be filled in the independent school world.” We are all the beneficiaries of that care and love, whether they were displayed in holding up the Maypole in the early years so that the wind wouldn’t knock it down, getting to know new faculty, and staying connected to alumni families and retired teachers, or receiving a note from her at the start of the school year. She had a natural and genuine way in connecting with everyone in the community, and she loved doing so.

In a service held on October 13, 2018 in the school’s Atrium space, family and friends gathered “to celebrate her being, accomplishments, spirit, and the ways in which she touched each of our lives,” noted her cousin Geraldine Zetzel. Each of you has at least one Ginny story that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Filmmaker and alumni parent Alexandra Anthony put it beautifully: “Ginny was extraordinary—her profound understanding of human nature, her respect for every person’s unique abilities, her infectious enthusiasm for life, her curiosity about the world, her openness to new ideas, but above all the unconditional love she radiated—she brought out the best in all of us.”

In a November 1988 Founders Statement Ginny wrote in part, “The Atrium School is seen as a place for discovery and sharing for people of all ages. The tenor of life at the School is to assist each individual to feel positively about herself/himself and respectful of the needs and feelings of others. The three Rs at Atrium are: Respect yourself, Respect others, and Respect the environment.”

Ginny gave us all Atrium School, and, as importantly, she gave us the values, experiences, and inspiration that we carry within. As head of school Marshall W. Carter recently remarked, “The school owes Ginny a profound gratitude for its beginning and ongoing values.” We remember Ginny today and we honor her going forward by living Atrium values, getting involved, contributing to our communities, and making a difference in our world.

Photo by Mark Ostow

Letter from Marshall HEAD OF SCHOOL

My days at Atrium are wonderfully varied. A morning might include welcoming families on the ramp, some long-range financial planning, and then reading with a 2nd grader in a quiet hallway. Often, elements of my work intersect in unexpectedly meaningful ways.

Such serendipity occurred this winter! While previewing the autobiographical messages from Atrium alumni in this COMPLUVIUM, I was also writing high school recommendation letters for our 8th graders. I was compelled to reflect on the immediate influence of Atrium, and the long-term impact of our school.

Grounded in—and guided by—their experiences here, our alums describe Atrium’s lasting, often transformative impact. Emma Becker ’89 notes that Atrium's lessons “of kindness and empathy, of the work it takes to build a community that you are proud of—have formed me into the person I am today.” Such impact and purpose is shared with the world too. Celia Reddick ’96, now returned from research work in Uganda and pursuing a Ph.D. at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, asserts that her intensive and culturallyrich experiences at Atrium “forever plant(ed) the idea that building bridges between people and places should be a lifelong endeavor.” Wilder Perkins ‘16, now a junior at Commonwealth School, has parlayed an emerging passion into an internship with Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Be glad that you’re at Atrium—there is no school like it” he notes enthusiastically.

I couldn’t help but connect our alumni’s purposeful lives to the portraits emerging in my recommendation letters for our 8th graders. They too have probing intellects and compassionate hearts, expressed through profound, unconventional thinking and a clear inclination to actively address injustice. Their ethical values are clearly emerging, alongside an unusually strong capacity to wrestle with ambiguity and communicate with great clarity. Our 8th graders are propelled forward joyfully by their passions. They are whole and integrated young people, each a distinct individual empowered by their families and by Atrium to become and to know themselves. As I wrote about each, I pondered: who will they be? What will they report in the years to come about their Atrium roots? It’s very exciting to anticipate.

This year, we’ve experienced another juxtaposition—an unusually poignant one for Atrium.

Coming into this school year, we anticipated charting Atrium’s future via a community-wide strategic planning process. Just as we gained momentum, Ginny Kahn passed away at 90.

Immediately every fresh branch towards Atrium’s future was re-rooted by Ginny’s founding vision: an inclusive community for all kinds of children and families, and a school where curiosity and extraordinarily skilled teaching thrive. Even as we grow, we will ensure that generations of future Atrium students can heed the words of William Droste ‘93: “Embrace what Atrium gives you. Love it all, be it all, and let it all help guide you in becoming who you want to be.”

Warmly, Marshall W. Carter, Head of School

2017-2018 AT A GLANCE JUNE 2018 Fourth and fifth graders study climate and present research papers and model houses designed for a particular climate—combining science, literacy and engineering into one unit of study.

NOVEMBER 2017 Atrium celebrates BFG (Bring a Friend or Grandparent) Day and Harvest Assembly. Kate Auspitz speaks about Atrium’s civic and moral education.

Former Heads of School return to Atrium to be interviewed by 8th grade students as part of the 35th Celebration.

SEPTEMBER 2017 School Opens—Celebrating our 35th year.

Community welcomes Marshall W. Carter as new Head of School.

Faculty members, Liz Perekrest, Laura Page, and Liz Caffrey speak at the fall Community Forum about their summer professional development and how it informs their teaching to help enrich the lives of their students.

JANUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

Noah Bartel ‘08-Filmmaker, Sharon Lineso Hong P’20, ‘24-Director, Alexander Anthony P’05-Filmmaker, Rachel Morrison ‘90-Cinematographer, present their films in the first Atrium School Film Festival at Brandeis University.

As part of their social justice curriculum, second and third graders spend a day volunteering at Cradles to Crayons.

Rachel Morrison ‘90, becomes the first woman in Oscar history to be nominated for Best Cinematographer for her work on Mudbound.

Founder Ginny Kahn celebrates her 90th birthday.

Musical Theater Program presents Seussical the Musical.

More than 20 educators from around the world visit classrooms and meet with teachers during the Progressive Education Network (PEN) Conference which was held in Boston.

Students, faculty and families celebrate hope and joy through music, poetry and drama at the winter Solstice Assembly. "Light Up the Night" continues to be a community favorite.

Middle School math teacher, Liz Caffrey, presents “Walking in Anothers Shoes: Two Middle School Math Projects About Social Justice” at the PEN Conference in Boston.

Eight students accompany Liz to assist with the presentation and answer questions from the audience.

Teachers, Veena Hari, Mia Bullock, Jaleesa Anselm, and Sydney Holloman-Pressley attend the NAIS People of Color Conference in CA.

OCTOBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017

Seventh grader Nadlly wins first prize in the Crescendo International Music Competition at Carnegie Hall.

Atrium celebrates heroes who fight for social justice and equality around the world through song at the Freedom and Justice Assembly.

APRIL 2018 Sophie Rich ‘03, Atrium’s Performing Arts Specialist, launches Girls’ Voices Theater Club.

Faculty members, Merry Murray Meade, Jill Ferraresso, Mia Bullock, Jaleesa Anselm, Paul Capobianco and Liz Caffrey are recognized by national and regional organizations for their teaching.

Atrium School places 5th out of 30 teams at the Massachusetts State Science Olympiad competition. All 26 students who participate place in their respective divisions.

MARCH 2018

Seventeen students graduate during Atrium’s third 8th grade commencement ceremony.

Shoshanna Friedman ‘95 speaks to students at the ceremony about how “Atrium lives in her today.”

Atrium Fund reaches goal of $161,000 and more than 35 alumni contribute to the “35 alumni gifts for 35 years” challenge.

AISNE five year follow up team approves accreditation through the 2022–2023 school year.

35th Anniversary Art Show celebrates the artistic talents of our community and our shared history.

Dozens of artists contribute to the show and more than 90 guests attend the opening reception.

The Middle School performing arts program presents The Neverending Story as the first spring production.

MAY 2018

Our Newest Alumni THE CLASS OF 2018

GHANA PEN PALS

On June 7th, 17 members of the Class of 2018 graduated from Atrium, including several members of the class who began at Atrium in Kindergarten.

When asked what they valued most about Atrium, students overwhelmingly wrote the sense of community and feeling like a member of one big family with their friends and teachers.

Graduation speaker Shoshana Friedman ’95, asserted that “Atrium is alive in me every day—through my music, spirituality, sense of justice and devotion to the environment, service to something bigger than myself, my curiosity, and sense of myself as a life-long learner.” Knowing they too will hold Atrium in their hearts as they continue on their journeys our students move on to many high schools, both independent and public, well prepared for the challenge ahead.

Since adding grades 7 and 8, Atrium graduates have been accepted to the following independent schools: Beaver Country Day School, Brimmer and May, Boston University Academy, Cambridge School of Weston, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, Commonwealth, Concord Academy, Gann Academy, Governors Academy, Groton, Holderness, Meridian Academy, St Sebastian’s, The Newman School, The Putney School, Waldorf High School, Walnut Hill and Waynflete.

And are attending these public schools: Arlington, Cambridge, Cambridge Rindge & Latin, Lincoln-Sudbury, Newton North and Watertown.

In an age when information is so easily digitized and downloadable, Atrium students are making an effort to communicate and forge connection the old-fashioned way. In coordination with Peace Corps volunteer and Atrium alumna Zoe Norcross ‘02, our 8th grade students are sending handwritten letters to school-aged pen pals in Ghana to form friendships that bridge both distance and difference. The process is slow, yet rewarding! Eighth grader Henry says, “I think it’s so great to get to know people who we wouldn’t get to know otherwise.” This sentiment is echoed by classmate Maya, who adds that “exchanging letters is a really good way to learn more about someone.”

To date, one full round of letters has been delivered between the two groups of students. Atrium students noticed that the introductory letters they received followed the same template, so in their responses, they worked to personalize their messages. Students are now anxious for the second set of letters to be delivered, saying, “It’s suspenseful, because we don’t know what they’ll write back!” Zoe is currently working with the Ghanaian students to contextualize our questions and generate responses. She writes, “We took some time to try to think about how the students at Atrium don’t see goats, mango trees, and farmland when they look outside, which sparked some curiosity!”

Curiosity is certainly reciprocated on our end, and our students are eager to continue this exchange.

I am in awe of the faculty and staff and the steadfast commitment and dedication to the founding vision Ginny presented to the original board and leaders of the school.

—Edmund Lang, Chair, Board of Trustees

Alumni Notes

ALUMNI RECALL THE JOY OF ATRIUM Atrium’s first graduation took place in 1989. Since that time our graduates have gone on to schools and professions where the values and joy in learning they developed at Atrium endure. Jaya Aiyer ’09 notes, “I know that the core values I gained at Atrium will stick with me and continue to inform who I am and what I do.”

Whether at the Armenian Cultural Center, Browne School, or 69 Grove Street, joy in learning was and is a part of every students experience. In this issue of the COMPLUVIUM we share how our alumni are engaged in activities connected to our commitment to the arts, sciences, and greater community.

Sophie Rich ‘03

Edmund Lang ‘95

Chair, Board of Trustees

I don’t remember my first time at Atrium School, but my sisters, Sarah ’89 and Penelope ‘92, tell me stories of our parents Ilene and Ed bringing them to school with me in a stroller. Sarah was in the first graduating class of Atrium, and my family joined the community when she was in kindergarten in 1983. In those early years, families and faculty worked side-by-side creating a community that supported Ginny’s vision where students would learn the value of the 3 Rs—respect ourselves, respect others, and respect the environment.

“Every member of the Atrium community contributes to the collective success.”

I am in awe of the faculty and staff and the steadfast commitment and dedication to the founding vision Ginny presented to the original board and leaders of the school.

We will miss Ginny—her openness to new ideas, her love for children and education, and her bright smile. I for one will continue try to steward her legacy.

Since graduation I have stayed close to the school through family connections and friendships. In 2012, I had the privilege of joining the Board of Trustees. Since joining the board I have served on the Development, Strategic Planning, and Building Committees, as well as helping the school complete two recent Capital Campaigns—Growing with Atrium and the Building Purchase. I now serve as the Chair of the Board of Trustees and am extremely excited about where the school is headed.

The Atrium of today feels very similar to the school Sarah, Penelope, and I attended in the 80s and early 90s. The school now goes through 8th grade, but the traditions and values remain. Every member of the Atrium community contributes to the collective success, and every student develops a love of learning that I found so instrumental in my life—one of many characteristics that makes me proud to be Atrium graduate. Our alumni serve and work in a variety of professions—serving the greater community throughout the world.

I invite you to stay connected, get involved, and visit Atrium soon—I’m happy to give you a tour of the building if we can coordinate schedules! On the following pages are stories and updates from several alumni in their own voices.

I am so grateful that my path after Atrium led me right back to Atrium, where I now serve as the Performing Arts Specialist, teaching theatre and creative drama to students of all ages, directing after school productions with grades 5-8, and spearheading projects in the Middle School including the performing arts Cluster and the co-taught ELA/ drama Macbeth unit in 8th grade. After receiving my seed pot in 6th grade, I attended the Winsor School and then went on to major in theatre and to minor in Italian and psychology at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. It was there at Northwestern that theatre education became my focus, and, when I returned to Boston after graduating, I started both to seek out and to create opportunities to teach. In addition to my work at Atrium, I have created the Shakespeare-based education program of Boston Theatre Company, where I serve as Education Director, as well as working at Watertown Children’s Theatre, Wheelock Family Theatre, and performing with the touring company Theatre Espresso.

I believe that my love for teaching has grown directly out of the love for learning and the encouragement of discovery and curiosity that I felt when I was a student at Atrium. Through teaching drama, I hope to offer students a medium through which they experience creativity, collaboration, empathy— above all, joy. Drama allows us to engage in and learn through play, to express the self through the expression of another character, to explore new ways of communicating, and to work as a team to achieve a goal. I try to embody Atrium’s emphasis on the magic of the learning process throughout my work as a teacher. I feel the imaginative spark, the penchant for asking questions, and the appreciation for individuality that Atrium helped me embrace as a student, informing the way I lead my classroom each day. Whether bringing to life the stories of Dr. Seuss through creative drama or examining the intersections of theatre and social justice, my time at Atrium as a teacher continues to inspire and excite me as a learner.

“I am so grateful that my path after Atrium led me right back to Atrium...”

Jaya Aiyer ‘09 After graduating from Atrium in 2009, I went on to Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School where I spent my middle and high school years, graduating in 2015. Now, I am starting my senior year at New York University where I study Global Public Health and Anthropology, minoring in Social and Public Policy. While I graduated from Atrium nearly 10 years ago, the memories and values I learned at Atrium stuck with me. From hanging out with Kerplunk and learning about heroes, to later creating a podcast about Feminism and watching President Obama be inaugurated, Atrium has and will always hold a special place in my heart.

My time as a student at Atrium truly shaped my outlook on life. At BB&N, I took the lessons of inclusivity and equity I had gained in 5th and 6th grades to develop and implement a day of community learning and workshops on identity. I aimed to create a safer space for my peers, similar to the sense of safety I felt in the classroom at Atrium. Now, at NYU, my Atrium values guide me in engaging with student activism on campus and working with coalitions outside of my university to address the need for sanctuary, equity, and justice for students and residents alike. Atrium taught me the importance of serving my community and creating change through social justice and open reflection. On a personal level, Atrium taught me to value and respect the individual; reflect on my emotions and experiences; and spend time with those I love.

These values have impacted the work I do beyond the classroom as a member of the large New York City community.

As I look forward to this next chapter of my life, I know that these core values I gained as an Atrium student will stick with me and continue to inform who I am and what I do.

“My time as a student at Atrium truly shaped my outlook on life.”

Emma Becker ‘89 I am a proud member of Atrium’s first graduating class. When I started at Atrium in 1984, it was housed in a few small rooms at the Armenian Cultural Center in Watertown and only went as high as 2nd grade. Each year, as my 13 classmates and I grew older, the Atrium added a grade, so that by the time we graduated in 1989 the school went as high as 6th grade and had moved to the building on Main Street.

There was an incredible energy in those early years, of being part of something special and working to build a different kind of community: a place where everyone (even teachers!) used first names; a place where we felt safe raising our hands to ask a question; a place where we knew each other’s parents and brothers and sisters; a place where we were all friends together and no one was left out, on the playground or in the classrooms. We were so much more than classmates and students and teachers: we were a family.

And we had fun! I remember the joy of dancing around the Maypole, the communal Thanksgiving meal that all families and teachers took part in at the Armenian Cultural Center, laughing at the made-up lyrics to familiar pop songs that the teachers played in class, constructing artwork from the scrounge box, and the incredible exchange program Ginny spearheaded when our entire 6th grade class traveled to New Mexico to meet Evelyn Ortiz and stay with local students.

The lessons I learned at the Atrium—of kindness and empathy, of the work it takes to build a community that you are proud of—have formed me into the person I am today. They are lessons that I try to teach my three children and bring with me into my work as a lawyer. Even though I’ve only been back to the Atrium a handful of times since graduating, and even though it’s now housed in a new building with many new teachers, it still feels like home. That’s because Atrium has always been so much more than the physical space it contains—it’s all of us, the global and local community that Atrium has launched out into the world.

“There was an incredible energy in those early years, of being part of something special...”

Wilder Perkins ‘16

Patrick Rettig ‘90 I graduated Atrium in 1990 as part of the second graduating class. All these years later I still have vivid memories of the classrooms, the Atrium Space in the original building, the playground ( jumping off the swings), the projects (3rd grade cross-country road trip), and of course the people—the kids and the teachers who created a place where I learned to love learning and discovered the joy of trying things, making things and figuring things out.

“Looking back, I can see the lessons of Atrium carried forward in my life.”

Looking back, I can see the lessons of Atrium carried forward in my life. In high school, I received the requisite doses of English, math, and science, but I also had a chance to try painting, art history, and two classes dedicated to Shakespeare. In college, I majored in philosophy (the ultimate attempt to figure things out) but took advantage of a liberal arts curriculum to study astronomy, music theory, geology, Russian literature, and opera.

After college, I tried construction and loved it. I worked as a laborer, carpenter, project manager, and draftsperson. For a time I was a student again pursuing a degree in Architecture in a work-study program, and now I am a practicing architect with a focus on sustainable residential projects. I’ve found a life where I can make things and figure things out, and learn something new every day.

A few years ago I was invited to work with the school’s building committee which was then overseeing the design and construction of the new middle school space—it was a great opportunity to re-engage with the school and subsequently I also had a chance to start working with 7th graders on an annual multi-disciplinary architectural design project. Every time I meet with the students, I can see that those same lessons and that same spirit I remember from my time as a student are still part of the fabric of the school. It continues to be the amazing place that I remember as a young student, always inspiring a love for learning.

After graduating from Atrium in 2016, I began high school at Commonwealth School, a private school in Boston’s Back Bay. As an 11th grade student, I’ve found the teachers and students to be kind like the people at Atrium. I fondly remember my time at Atrium, where I learned, as cliche as this may sound, that learning can be fun!

When I think about my Atrium experience, I remember The Atrium Sun, the trips to Washington D.C., Project Adventure, and sledding during recess. As a current 11th grade student, I appreciate the hard work my teachers put in every day, challenging me to find learning opportunities in everything I do. I’m currently interning with Senator Elizabeth Warren and learning about how government works, sparking a possible future interest.

I have one piece of advice for current students: Be glad that you’re at Atrium—there is no school like it!

“...I appreciate the hard work my teachers put in every day...”

Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman ‘95 When I reflect on my adult life, many of my deeply held values can be traced right back to Atrium: confidence in myself as a learner, a love of curiosity and play, a passion for contributing to social justice movements, and the power of community and music to lift the spirit and create resilience and joy. I see these values in my work as a rabbi and in my new role as a mother.

“...values can be traced right back to Atrium: confidence in myself, a love of curiosity and play...”

As a rabbi, I work within Jewish and interfaith communities to increase meaning in people’s lives, supporting folks on their own journeys of life-long learning and connection to the Jewish wisdom tradition. I have become active in the interfaith social justice community in Boston, particularly focusing on climate change and now the immigration crisis. I think in many ways I first got hooked on the nexus of music, social action, and spirituality in Atrium assemblies, where I felt the emotional power of singing beloved songs with a large group of caring people. These assemblies also gave me my first experience in song-leading, a skill that has helped me enormously in both leading Jewish prayer and in activism. In 2014, my husband and I co-wrote a song called "The Tide Is Rising", which has gone viral in the climate movement. It has been sung in the National Cathedral, on multiple continents, in national marches, at Standing Rock and in countless houses of worship. I am grateful to Atrium for encouraging my love of song, and introducing me to the transformational power of communal singing.

My son Abraham was born in December 2017, and Atrium inspires my parenting style even for a young toddler. I see this in how I trust Abraham to develop his own relationship to the world, in how I encourage him to test his limits and explore without interfering unless there is a critical safety risk.

I see this in how Yotam and I treat him as a full human being, with emotions and desires to be validated even as we assert necessary boundaries. I see this in how we let him show us his interests and in how we trust his pace and process of development. I love watching Abraham’s confidence in his body grow, and his curiosity flourish. Through him I reconnect to my own innate wonder—another legacy of the Atrium School.

Celia Reddick ‘96 Atrium profoundly influenced my life and my view of the world, and I am so grateful that I spent my elementary years in the little brick building in Watertown. There are so many moments from Atrium that have shaped the years since. I remember sitting on the carpet for independent reading and journal writing, practices that built a lifelong love of reading and writing, informing my work as a teacher. I remember being invited to process early experiences with illness by creating a hospital in a class-wide activity in which we built a city, integrating a sense of pride rather than embarrassment about surgery and scars.

That pride guided me to work in medical education. And I remember making materials for El Mercado and learning about El Salvador, forever planting the idea that building bridges between people and places around the world should be a lifelong endeavor.

Today, I am in the midst of a (neverending!) Ph.D. in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In my research, I am seeking to understand the connection between language and refugee children’s learning, identity development, and a sense of belonging. I am writing this from dusty Kampala, Uganda, where the first phase of the study is taking place.

Before coming to Kampala, I worked as a teacher in New York City through the NYC Teaching Fellows program and in curriculum design with Partners In Health in Rwanda. My husband Alain and I are now based full time in Jamaica Plain; my brother James, who also went to Atrium, is a journalist in San Francisco, California. Our mother Susan is close by here in Cambridge and our father Allen is in Zurich, Switzerland. We all talk of Atrium fondly and often and are thrilled but unsurprised that the school is thriving!

“Atrium profoundly influenced my life and my view of the world...”

William Droste ‘93

Elizabeth Doolittle Kahane ‘99 I graduated from the 6th grade class in 1999, and to this day I fondly remember playing flag football, learning to play the recorder and then the trumpet, typing lessons using Mavis Beacon in the computer lab, and smiling at the yellow giraffe in the front lobby. I remember the creative outlet we had in after school with scrounge projects and setting up dominoes that stretched from one end of the hallway to the other. I don’t get to use all of these skills directly anymore, but I believe my Atrium education set the groundwork to think and act creatively in my personal and professional life today.

“...I believe my Atrium education set the groundwork to think and act creatively...”

I had the opportunity to learn and explore at Atrium, went on to a progressive high school and a liberal arts college, where I had the chance to continue exploring different passions both in and out of the classroom. I started rowing on the Charles River and spent four years of high school and then four years in college competing.

I have worked in philanthropic, nonprofit, and higher education institutions, collaborating with donors, alumni, friends, and other organizations for most of my career. I currently serve as the Director of Development for the Graduate College at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and as a board member of the Junior League of Las Vegas. I also volunteer in various roles at my alma mater Dartmouth College.

I still think about the plays our classes put on in 5th and 6th grade—I played Boxer in Animal Farm and Dr. Discord in The Phantom Tollbooth. While I did not pursue acting as a career, I channel Boxer and Dr. Discord when I confidently speak and present.

While I haven’t had the chance to visit for a while or see the new space, I have no doubt that the students continue to have the same adventures and the opportunity to learn by doing, which I was so grateful to have during my tenure at Atrium.

When I reflect on my Atrium experience, I think about the mantra I learned there that served as a strong foundation for my personal journey: respect yourself, respect others, and respect the environment. I remember speaking these words daily, and more importantly, I remember the real meaning developing inside, slowly over time, and then forever guiding me in my future endeavors. After graduating from Atrium in 1993, I continued digesting and reimagining what that mantra meant to me, and it remains a central focus for how I live every day.

But I also remember the joyful experiences that made Atrium a family. I loved the rush of emotions as we gathered in song at assembly. I remember moments of intense empathy when a classmate was sick or hurt, especially because I knew even at a young age that they would feel the same for me. I learned to see my teachers as family friends, and when I entered other schools and colleges, I immediately saw educators in a much brighter personal light than some of my classmates.

This perspective fostered a much deeper learning experience in educational institutions, my work places, and in everyone I continued meet in my life.

To all current students: embrace what Atrium gives you. Love it all, be it all and let it all help guide you in becoming who you want to be.

“To all current students: embrace what Atrium gives you. Love it all...”

Student Excellence Recognized of whom deserve praise and thanks.

as Canada, Germany, Korea, Austria, and Russia.

“I’m always blown away by what students learn while working on this competition,” said Erika Montana, one of the Science Olympiad coaches. “As a teacher with a background in science (I got my B.S. from MIT in Biology and Chemistry), I think of myself as reasonably well versed in things middle school students should know, but in this competition they must outpace me. It is literally impossible for me (or Laura) to know everything that they must know for all 23 (or even 10) of their events.”

Nadlly has been playing piano for an hour a day for seven years, starting when she was five years old. “I don’t remember the exact reason, but when I was little I was just always jealous at people who can play piano,” she said. “One day my mom asked me, ‘Do you want to learn piano or not?’ and I said yes, but then she told about how hard it would be and you have to practice every day and if I learned it I can’t stop in the middle.”

She added, “They learn so much, not only about science and how to teach themselves about different topics, but also about teamwork (students are often paired with people who are not in their grade level), organization/planning, the engineering design process (improving failed designs), and dealing with stress, frustration, and disappointment.”

Atrium students explore their interests in the classroom, through extra curricular activities, and outside of school. Here are a few student clips and highlights from 2017–2018.

Science Last March, after months of preparation, 26 students from the Middle School traveled to Worcester to compete in the Massachusetts State Science Olympiad. Atrium students faced tough competition against much larger teams from other independent and public schools. Nevertheless, each of Atrium’s students placed in the top 10 in their division in at least one event, and won the school’s first gold medal.

Atrium’s primary team placed 5th out of 30 teams in the competitive division, in the top 10 in 16 out of 23 total events.

The results showed incredible growth from last year, when the team was 9th overall with half as many placings. The alternate team placed 4th out of 28 teams in the alternate ( junior varsity) division, and also placed in the top 10 in 16 out of 23 events.

Students started Olympiad preparation in November, meeting twice a week for 90 minute sessions. Many of the students worked additional hours on weekends, February vacation, and optional Friday practices.

Atrium’s Science Olympiad team began four years ago, under coach Laura Page’s supervision. Since then, it has grown exponentially, to the point where the program now includes more than half of the Middle School. One parent volunteered to be a coach, and countless others helped in myriad ways–all

Not only were the students impressive in the scientific competition, their teamwork and support skills were also on display. “They did spectacular work, not only in their events but in the way they supported each other and even students from other schools,” Erika said. “I heard so many stories of lending someone a pencil, or running notes across campus to get them to the right event. Competition day abounded with the joy and kindness of our students and it was wonderful to be a part of.”

Poetry Every year for the past 15 years, 2nd grade students have been entering a poetry contest at the Children’s Bookshop in Brookline. Hundreds of children enter the contest every year, and in the second grade category four awards granted: a winner and three honors. The Explorers from Jill Ferraresso's class have placed every year, winning between one and three of the honors, and sometimes the first prize slot.

Last summer, Nathaniel and Raphael won two of the honorees for Nathaniel’s poem “Bug” and Raphael’s dragon poem.

Winners and honorees read their poems at the bookshop and have their poems displayed in the bookshop window for a month, and also on their website.

Music In January 2018, Nadlly, an Atrium 7th grader, won first prize in the Crescendo International Music Competition at Carnegie Hall, competing against musicians from across the Northeast as well

The Crescendo Competition was the first competition she had performed in, and she chose it because it was at Carnegie Hall.

“When I was backstage I was so-so-so nervous and also really excited because it’s my dream to play in Carnegie Hall,” she said.

Teacher Excellence Recognized This past spring, Atrium faculty members were recognized for their teaching in the form of admission to institutes, partnerships and fellowships run by highly respected organizations. In competitive fields, these Atrium teachers were selected as some of the most skilled, committed and talented educators in the country.

Jill Ferraresso & Merry Murray Meade

Liz Caffrey

Second grade teacher Jill Ferraresso and kindergarten teacher Merry Murray Meade were selected as members of the 2018 Boston Writing Project Summer Institute: Exploring Cultural Identities Through Writing. As part of a cohort of only 10 people, Jill and Merry Murray participated in a two-week summer institute in which educators explored the themes of race, culture, gender issues, language, and the immigrant experience as they connected to their own identities and to the teaching of writing. “Every human being is important and valuable. By learning more about cultural identities outside of our own experience, we can deepen our knowledge about others and in turn, grow our empathy and deepen our understanding that we are all one human family,” Jill said.

Middle School math teacher Liz Caffrey was chosen to be a member of the 2018 Desmos Fellowship cohort. Out of more than 400 applicants, she was one of only 40 selected.

Accepted applicants had to demonstrate a deep knowledge of how technology can support student learning, as well as strong communication skills via video and in writing. Desmos funded Liz’s travel and participation to San Francisco for the annual meeting at Desmos HQ, during which she further explored math, teaching, and technology. She also became a lifetime member of the Desmos Fellowship.

The Institute built on the work Merry Murray and Jill had already done with Boston Writing Project as part of its partnership with Atrium last year. Merry Murray said, “It was so amazing working with BWP. I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed writing and sharing with them over the year and when they offered me a chance to work off-site to explore cultural identities through writing, I wanted to be a part of it.”

“Desmos has basically stolen a bunch of really hot shot math teachers to come develop their graphing program,” Liz explained. “I was able to nerd out with the nerdiest nerds, and to meet other teachers in the fellowship from around the country to who love teaching math and who are committed to constantly improving their pedagogy. Once you are a Desmos fellow, you are part of a supportive, responsive community of teachers who actively reach out (via Twitter, and conference presentations) to teach others about what they know. It’s like a cult for math teachers!”

Jaleesa Anselm Kindergarten teacher Jaleesa Anselm was selected to join the 2018 cohort of the Kingswood Oxford Leadership Institute for Educators of Color. Kingswood Oxford has an expressed mission to develop and enhance leadership in independent schools by helping educators of color explore, prepare for, and position themselves for leadership. Jaleesa was chosen to participate in this summer’s Institute in recognition of both experience and clear potential for present and future leadership.

“While there are many quality leadership institutes nationally, few adequately capture and prioritize the particular challenges that exist for people of color aspiring to leadership positions,” Jaleesa said. “I feel incredibly lucky to work at an institution where the administration also understands those challenges and works strategically to counteract them. Joining the KO cohort for this year seemed like a natural fit for an Atrium teacher, being that Atrium is a place that encourages having hard conversations and supporting the community through them. Institutes like this one are critical to the development of quality leaders and I am very excited to share what I learned this summer with my colleagues and our entire Atrium community.”

Paul Capobianco, with Mia Bullock Middle School social studies teacher Paul Capobianco was designated as an Atrium liaison working with Dustin Tenreiro of Facing History and Ourselves, and he will be joined by PreK teacher Mia Bullock. As a member of the Partner Schools

Network, not only will Paul participate in relevant professional development, but will also co-construct, with Dustin and also in collaboration with the ABE committee and Atrium faculty, a learning plan for all of Atrium. Thanks to Paul’s leadership, Atrium is now part of a nationwide network that will further extend our diversity work, social justice curricula, and capacity for civil discourse.

Paul explained, “This spring, Atrium was chosen from a long list of applying schools to join FHAO’s Partner School Network. This provides Atrium with a trove of resources and an opportunity to allow these important topics to permeate through the rest of the school. As liaison to our partner, I will help both Atrium faculty and FHAO representatives facilitate faculty professional development, consider social justice benchmarks for our students, and begin the process of building this curriculum throughout grades 4–8. Throughout this year with the help of PreK teacher Mia Bullock as co-liaison, we will be learning how best to carry this work to the younger grades of PreK–2 in the following year. This will be a multiyear effort that will hopefully benefit all of our students as they progress through their learning at Atrium.”

Report of Giving 2017–2018

Over the past several years Atrium has seen growth and transition in extraordinary, visible ways. We expanded programs, successfully completed two major capital fundraising efforts, and purchased the building—establishing a permanent home for the school.

After all this growth and transition, 2017–2018 allowed us to pause and reflect. It was a year to look back at our roots and think about the guiding values that launched Atrium 35 years ago. We celebrated our 35th anniversary by honoring our mission, community and the arts. Middle School students researched the school’s history, interviewing Ginny and former heads of school, and creating a digital timeline. The Film Festival honored alumni and alumni parent artists, storytelling, and the meaningful stories their films tell. We gathered for an all community day of service and clean-up along the Charles River. The year of celebration concluded with an Art Show with works from every generation and constituency of Atrium. We thank everyone who joined in the celebration of Atrium.

We also want to thank our steadfast and generous donors who supported Atrium this year and for many years. The Atrium Fund had another successful year in growing and reaching our goal of $161,000. Each of us has a role to play in not only sustaining Atrium, but also advancing its reputation. It is the people behind each gift and the story that inspired it that shape our philanthropic culture. We want you to know that the spirit behind your gift is as precious and lasting as the gift itself. Thank you for your support of today's faculty and students.

INCOME

EXPENSES

Tuition & Fees

Instructional Program

Atrium Fund

Benefits

Restricted Support

Non-Operating

Bequest

Financial Aid

Other Programs

General Operations

PTA Contribution

Administration Professional Development

Once again, thank you for making Atrium a philanthropic priority. Your ongoing support illustrates a true belief in the school, and its mission and values.

With deep gratitude,

Renée Curtin Director of Advancement

Community Volunteers At the heart of Atrium is the involvement of the entire community. Our longtime tradition of volunteerism is supported by our PTA and Class Parents who, together with the faculty and staff, host activities and events throughout the school year.

Thank all the parents at Atrium for their continued engagement in school activities. The PTA is a vital and vibrant part of the Atrium community. Your support in every way—the auction, book fair, family buddies, fall festival, pizza lunch, running activities, box maze production, light hanging—all the big and little tasks you do builds and makes our community welcoming and inclusive.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Atrium.

2017-2018 LEADERSHIP Claire Bigley, President Robyn Dollar, Vice President Tania Bogue, Secretary Seth Mangum, Treasurer COMMITTEES Auction: Alyse D’Amico, Claire & Morgan Bigley, Robyn Dollar, Mason Ham, Nicole Heisler, Anna Kontos & Mike Seegers, Evan Horowitz, Neil Klinman, James Lee, Tonya May, Margot Phelps, Lisa Poma, Megan & John Popp, Carol Ann Wilson Book Fair: Jamie Siglar Fall Festival: Megan Popp, Pam Weiss Pizza Lunch: Nance Aronoff, Eve Russell CLASS PARENTS PreK: Alexis Khalil Kindergarten: Laura Weinstein Grade 1: Tania Bogue & Amanda Yip Grade 2: Eve Russell Grade 3: Evan Horowitz & Brendan Murphy Grade 4: Jamie Siglar Grade 5: Jackie German Grade 6: Scott Metcalfe Grade 7: Liz Van Cleef Grade 8: Kerry Nugent-Wells & Owen Mack

Multi-Year Giving

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION

We are thrilled that the Atrium community gave once again in record numbers, and are honored by the commitment of so many long-time donors. Clearly there is a deep understanding of the vital link between giving to the Atrium Fund and the school’s ability to provide an extraordinary education experience to its students, professional development to faculty and staff and exceptional programming opportunities.

With great success comes genuine gratitude to our entire community for making Atrium an exceptionally joyful teaching and learning environment for students of today and the future.

We look forward to another record year of giving!

20+ YEARS Anonymous Judith L. Berman Catherine & Paul Buttenwieser Richard Coursen Lisa Dames & Barry Wilensky Jill Lazarus Eurich & Donald Eurich Judith Hall & Frederick Gordon Virginia L. Kahn Judith Katz & Dean Solomon Ilene Lang Rebecca & Richard Lubens Nancy Clark McGrath& John McGrath Barbara Payne & Roger Tobin Brett Robbins 15+ YEARS Anonymous (2) Beth Barth Nina Barwell & Kent Werth Emma Drummond Becker ‘89 Susan Diller Jill Ferraresso & Linda Echt Carolyn Fine & Jeremiah Friedman Carol & Harold Forbes Richard & Priscilla Hunt Susan Jacoby & Ilene Cohen Annalee Johnson Susan Johnson Susan Keane & John Adams Diana MacPhail Sumana & Gopinath Mallya Roxanne & Donald Mayer Merry Murray Meade Talin Megherian & Todd Bartel Ashley & Said Nazemi Laura Paul & Paul Messier Elizabeth & Andrew Perekrests

Nancy Reed & Sharon Rich Sandra Resnick & John Field Ulrike & Peter Rettig Diana Stewart G. Elizabeth Wylde & Lance Drane 10+ YEARS Beatrice Affron & Larry Scripp Peter Agoos & Diane Fiedler Anonymous (6) Marilyn Arnold & Michael Sussman Stephanie Avelino & Paulo Avelino Alves Emily Barclay & John Hawes Nada Barry Barbara Bauman & Roland Barth The Berlin/Liebman Family Theresa & Robert Bradford Steven Broadstone Jananne Cannon Jean Carney Janet Collett Marianne & E. Michael Collins Irene and Meyer Diller Margery Dimond Beverly Edgehill & Robert Awkward Carlyn & Soren Ekstrom Brenda & Monroe Engel Marianne & Jose Estrela Genevieve Fisher & Vincent Stanton Shoshana Friedman ‘95 Patricia Geller Sandra Glucksmann & Charles Haverty Devorah Goldstein & Will Durfee Wendy & Edward Gulley Connie & Dewitt Henry Robert & Carla Horwitz Debby Hunter Mills & Graeme Mills Jane & Randall Imai

Tara & Peter Keppler Roberta Lamb Sonia Landes & David Landes Kelley & Orlando Leyba James Manges Barbara Marriott & James Van Donsel Betsey Martinez & Deborah Wollheim Yefkin Megherian Deborah & Tim Moore Betty Morningstar & Jeanette Kruger Andrew Morrison Anne Nash Silvia & Shawn Nerssessian Jacqueline & Michael O’Brien Trisha O’Connell & John Damroth Barbara O’Neil Mark Ostow Lia & William Poorvu Margaret Powell & Peter Thorlichen Deepak & Samvedam Randles Nixie Raymond & James Terry Joyce Rosen-Friedman & Lev Friedman Jeanne Segal & Richard Williams Carol Seitchik & Alan Feldman Olga Smulders-Meyer & Marc Meyer Doreen & Albert Stevens Consuelo Tagiuri Diana Tatz & Steve Spodaryk Ann & Michael Taylor Jessie & Eric Von Hippel Susan Wadsworth Laura Wainwright & Whit Griswold Bonnie Waltch & Paul Rocklin Jennifer White Tracy Winn & Joseph Rigali Barbara Wolf & Robert Kegan

Atrium Fund 2018

Last spring an anonymous donor challenged the community with a $10,000 matching gift to help us reach our goal of $161,000. The challenge gave incentive to new and additional gifts to the Atrium Fund.

Thank you to the community for rising to the challenge and fully realizing our Atrium Fund goal.

We are most grateful to the donor who made the challenge possible and to everyone who reached deep to support the 2017–2018 Atrium Fund. *indicates 5 or more years of giving

Anonymous (10) Lori & Ron Adjami* Beatrice Affron & Larry Scripp* The Alvarado Walsh Family Lorrie Anderson and Conant Brewer* Jaleesa Anselm* Nance Aronoff* Lee & Kate Auspitz Stephanie Avelino & Paula A. Alves, Jr.* Robert A. Awkward ‘04 Victoria Awkward ‘08 Allison Baker & Seth Mangum The Barrozo Family* Roma Bartel ‘13 Noah Bartel ‘08 Beth Barth* Nina Barwell & Kent Werth* Adam Bass* Ingrid Bassett & Robert Morris* Emma Drummond Becker ’89* Becky Benett ‘04 Danny Benett ‘08 Gordon Benett* Claire & Morgan Bigley The Bogstad Family Tania & David Bogue Theresa & Robert Bradford* Emelia Brinkley ‘18 Jennifer Brinkley* Maxsym Brinkley ‘13 William Brinkley, Jr.* Ionica Brito-Perkins Lara & Phil Buchanan Mia Bullock Melissa Burns & Steve Nadis* Katie & Paul Buttenweiser* Liz Caffrey & Derek Faulkner

Alexander & Janice Caillet* Leanna Caillet ‘12 Jananne Cannon* Paul Capobianco & Karen Lindsay* Marshall W. Carter Missy & Marsh Carter Francis Cash & Eileen Callahan Philomena Cassidy* Rose Catino Anna Churchill & Brian Curtis Jane & John Coan* Janet Collett Dennis & Maura Colling* Mariah (’00) & James Collins Marianne & Michael Collins* Tessa Collins ‘09 Sierra Colman-Hersey & Adam Thacker Maura Conron & Ted Shields* Richard Coursen* Kelly Cramer Renée & Bill Curtin* Katie Dadagian Lisa Dames & Barry Wilensky* Alyse d’Amico & Chris Goff Rachel Davenport & Mark Paley Mary Lou & Dan Denison* Susan K. Diller* Ben & Robyn Dollar Susan & David Doolittle Bob Dowling* Julia Dumov & Leon Kogan Dawn Dunleavey Sandi & Irv Dunn Can & Susannah Erbil* Jill Lazarus Eurich & Donald Eurich* Rebecka & David Evans Barry & Carol Faulkner

Catherine Fazio & Scott Stern* Igor, Bella & Nathaniel Feldman ‘24 Tamara & Gregory Feldman Jill Ferraresso & Linda Echt* Carolyn Fine & Jeremiah Friedman* Carrie Finison & Jay Negro Shoshana Friedman ‘95* The Gakidis Family Katherine Gamble & Frank Shirley Dorothy & Steve Gilman* Sandra Glucksmann & Charles Haverty Caron & Frederick Golder Devorah Goldstein & Will Durfee* Jacob Gordon ‘92 Sarah Gordon ‘01 Sam Griswold ‘97 Ned & Wendy Gulley* Carolyn Gulley ‘17 The Gutierrez-Lara Family Allie Haley & Tim Hill Gordon Hall ‘95 Judy Hall & Frederick Gordon* The Harrison Family Ann Hersey Adrianne & Ted Hewlett John Hewlett* Monique & Michael Hickey* Nicole & Robert Hilgraf Sydney Holloman-Pressley Ann-Ellen Hornidge & Ned Murphy* Robert & Carla Horwitz* Mark Howland Thomas Howland ‘96 Linda & David Hoyt Grace Huang Sarah & Nathan Hugenberger Richard & Priscilla Hunt* Nora & Satya Iluri Jane & Randall Imai Nate Imai ‘99 Susan Jacoby & Ilene Cohen* Feng Jia & Zhenyu Huang Annalee Johnson* Susan Johnson* Deborah & Maria Jonas-Walsh Tamsin Kaplan* Rachel & Michael Kesselman Alexis & Najib Khalil

Jim Koch Anna Kontos & Michael Seegers* Regina Koziyevskaya & Kenneth Kraft Ed Lang ‘95* Ilene Lang* Penelope Lang ‘92 Sarah Lang ‘89 Lynda & Kenneth Laurence Carol Lazarus* The Levitt Family Julia Yan Hui Li & Victor Teixeira* Liz Chase Lienhard* Rebecca & Richard Lubens* Nia Lutch & Michael Kreppel* David E. Macdonald James & Beth Macdonald* Diana F. MacPhail* Joanne Magliozzi* Barbara Marriott & Jim Van Donsel* Sydney Mason-Barrett Tonya & Robert May* Roxanne & Donald Mayer* The McDonnell Family* John Michael McGrath ‘01 Mary McGrath ‘03 Nancy Clark McGrath & John McGrath* Merry Murray Meade* Talin Megherian & Todd Bartel* Yefkin Megherian* Louis Messier ‘09 Ruby Messier ‘07 Deborah Mitchell & Ben Auspitz Nicole & Sean Moran* Anne F. Morris* Rachel Morrison ‘90 Anne Morriss* Mae Kerwin Myers ‘20 Anne Nash* David Nazemi ‘11 Katherine Nazemi ‘07 Said & Ashley Nazemi* Anthony Nerssessian ‘16 Silvia & Shawn Nerssessian* Kerry Nugent-Wells & Owen Mack Trisha O’Connell & John Damroth* Barbara O’Neil Mary O’Neill & Angela Gunn* Joanne & Timothy Oyer

Laura Page Laura Paul & Paul Messier* Dvora & Josh Pemstein Lea Perekrests ‘05 Liz & Andrew Perekrests* Joan Perera Edith Perkins* Wilder Perkins ‘16 Will & Sarah Perkins Chris & Margot Phelps Parents of Cian Poe-Sheehy Allen Poma Lisa Poma & Milo Locherer Ben & Megan Popp* Lia & William Poorvu* Nancy Reed & Sharon Rich* Sandra Resnick & John Field* Sophie Rich ‘03 Brett Robbins* Rebecca Rogers & Marc Tanner* Tatiana Sandino & Seth Bruder Evelyn & Steven Schiavo Kathleen Schmatz Julia Schroeder Jeanne Segal & Dick Williams* Jamie Siglar & John O’Neil* Jodi & Travis Small Gretchen Solomon ‘96 Martin Solomon ‘00 Julie & David Sopp Jennie Staples & Laurie Crane* Deborah Steenland & Kim Hull Diana Stewart* Cynthia Strauss & Harry & Edward Sherr ‘17* Sadry & Rosanna Tavana Ann & Michael Taylor* Grace Teixeira ‘11 Zachary Teixeira ‘16 Laurie & Joel Tepper* Maryann Thompson Architects* Diane Tiernan Benjamin & Jodi Tillinger Sarah Tom & Bruce Bishop* Elizabeth Van Cleef & Peter Quinn Amelia Van Donsel ‘10 Christiana Von Hippel ‘03 Eric Von Hippel ‘07

Atrium Fund 2018 CONTINUED

Jessie & Eric Von Hippel* Laura Wainwright & Whit Griswold* Emily Walhout & Scott Metcalfe Brenda & Allan Walkey Bonnie Waltch & Paul Rocklin Laura Weinstein & Keren Goldenberg Pam & Allen Weiss* Jennifer White* Carol Ann Wilson* G. Elizabeth Wylde & Lance Drane* Thucydides Xanthopoulus* Amanda Yip & Simon Yan Anna Yoo & Guido Guidotti

Mary McGrath & John Michael McGrath Mary Murray Meade Talin Megherian Sara Segal-Williams Noa Weinstein GIFTS IN MEMORY OF Mae Benett Cheryl Nicholas

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES Ameriprise Financial The Baupost Group MFS Investment Management The Reebok Foundation Tufts Health Plan The Vertex Foundation The Wells Fargo Foundation FOUNDATIONS The Joan H. Perera Charitable Lead Annuity Trust The Nancy & Maurice Lazarus Fund* The Roy A. Hunt Foundation* Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign* GIFTS IN HONOR OF Atrium School Sammy and Jonah Bass Sophia Bishop Liz Caffrey Paul Capobianco Marshall Carter Renée Curtin Linda Echt Jill Ferreresso & Linda Echt Ginny Kahn Amy & Andrew Morrison Myckie Mayman

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Ed Lang, Chair Claire Bigley Tania Bogue Marshall Carter Dennis Colling Renée Curtin Cathy Fazio Alexis Khalil Sarah Hugenberger Sadeq Quraishi Kathleen Schmatz ATRIUM FUND CO-CHAIRS Susannah Madan-Erbil Can Erbil Margot Phelps Chris Phelps

Last spring, we set a goal to generate 35 Alumni gifts for 35 years of Atrium. CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to our terrific alumni for your support and meeting the challenge!

Robert A. Awkward ‘04 Victoria Awkward ‘08 Victor Barrozo ‘17 Roma Bartel ‘13 Noah Bartel ‘08 Emma Drummond Becker ’89* Becky Benett ‘04 Danny Benett ‘08 Emelia Brinkley ‘18 Maxsym Brinkley ‘13 Leanna Caillet ‘12 Mariah Collins ‘00 Tessa Collins ‘09 Shoshana Friedman ‘95* Jacob Gordon ‘92 Sarah Gordon ‘01 Sam Griswold ‘97 Carolyn Gulley ‘17 Sol Gutierrez-Lara ‘17 Gordon Hall ‘95 Thomas Howland ‘96 Nate Imai ‘99 Ed Lang ‘95* Penelope Lang ‘92 Sarah Lang ‘89 John Michael McGrath ‘01 Mary McGrath ‘03 Louis Messier ‘09 Ruby Messier ‘07 Rachel Morrison ‘90 Mae Kerwin Myers ‘20 David Nazemi ‘11 Katherine Nazemi ‘07 Anthony Nerssessian ‘16 Lea Perekrests ‘05 Wilder Perkins ‘16

Sophie Rich ‘03 Gretchen Solomon ‘96 Martin Solomon ‘00 Edward Sherr ‘17 Grace Teixeira ‘11 Zachary Teixeira ‘16 Amelia Van Donsel ‘10 Christiana Von Hippel ‘03 Eric Von Hippel ‘07

Restricted Giving

Alumni Donors BUILDING PURCHASE FUND Tonya & Robert May TripAdvisor GROWING WITH ATRIUM Susan & Alan Fuirst CLASS GIFT—CLASS OF 2018 Anonymous Allison Baker & Seth Mangum William Brinkley, Jr. The Bogstad Family Catherine Fazio & Scott Stern Katherine Gamble & Frank Shirley Janice Gjersten-Caillet & Alexander Caillet Adrianne & Ted Hewlett Monique & Michael Hickey Deborah Jonas-Walsh & Maria Walsh Rachel & Michael Kesselman Kerry Nugent-Wells & Owen Mack Carrie O’Leary & Neil Schiavo Will & Sarah Perkins Justin Sheehy & Shannon Poe-Kennedy Anna Yoo & Guido Guidotti FUND A NEED—A-SPACE AUDIO/ VISUAL IMPROVEMENTS Anonymous Adam Bass Ingrid Bassett & Robert Morris Barbara Bolstorff & George Ratkevich Theresa & Robert Bradford Liz Caffrey & Derek Faulkner Paul Capobianco & Karen Lindsay Marshall W. Carter Renée & Bill Curtin Robyn & Benjamin Dollar Sandi & Irv Dunn Rebecka & David Evans Catherine Fazio & Scott Stern

Igor, Bella & Nathaniel Feldman Zohreh Firouzabadian & Naveed Nour Angie & Harry Gakidis Janice Gjersten-Caillet & Alexander Caillet Ned & Wendy Gulley Mary Helen Gunn & Matthew Laurence Kathy Hanson Adrianne & Ted Hewlett Linda & David Hoyt Sarah & Nathan Hugenberger Rachel & Michael Kesselman Alexis & Najib Khalil Anna Kontos & Michael Seegers Marc Levitt Julia Yan Hui Li & Victor Teixeira James & Beth Macdonald Can & Susannah Erbil Tonya & Robert May The McDonnell Families Merry Murray Meade Ingrid Bassett & Robert Morris Anne Morriss Kerry Nugent-Wells & Owen Mack Mary O’Neill & Angela Gunn Will & Sarah Perkins Chris & Margot Phelps Jamie Siglar & John O’Neil Sadry & Rosanna Tavana Elizabeth Van Cleef & Peter Quinn Brenda & Allan Walkey Pam & Allen Weiss Anna Yoo & Guido Guidotti The Baupost Group

OUR MISSION Atrium School’s PreK—Grade 8 progressive education encourages academic curiosity, creativity, and exploration while fostering each child’s intellectual growth and promoting Excellence with Joy. Our students develop confidence in themselves and respect for others within a joyful, vibrant community of nurturing teachers, engaged parents, and enriching partnerships.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2017–2018

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dennis Colling, Chair Ed Lang ’95, Vice Chair Mary O’Neill Megan Popp, Clerk Tonya May, Treasurer Marshall W. Carter, Head of School ATRIUM BOARD Jaleesa Anselm Claire Bigley, PTA President Paul Capobianco Robyn Dollar, PTA VP Catherine Fazio Alexis Khalil Joanne Oyer Ionica Brito Perkins Margot Phelps Sadeq Quaraishi Kathleen Schmatz HONORARY BOARD MEMBER Ginny Kahn

The Atrium School Summary of Giving is published by the Office of Advancement. Listings in the report reflect gifts made to Atrium School during the fiscal year July 1, 2017–June 30, 2018. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. Please accept our apologies if an error or omission has occurred and kindly notify the Advancement Office at 617-923-4156 X116

69 Grove Street, Watertown, MA 02472 (617) 923-4156 | atrium.org

EDITORS Katie Dadagian | Associate Director of Advancement Allie Haley | Director of Communication Julia Schroeder | Middle School ELA Teacher Aakash Shah | Leadership Intern–Harvard Graduate School of Education

DESIGN Lindsay Amoroso Design PHOTOGRAPHY Atrium School Joe Murphy Photography Mark Ostow