Annual Annual Report
2020-21 2019-2020
FAC U LT Y & S TA F F 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 Stephanie Aquilina Elizabeth Wastler Bruno Nicole Cardano Ian Chittenden Meg Chittenden Kristy Cunnane Marcia Diamond
Edie Dunham Merrie Eley Margot Entwisle Ruth Fiske Katharine Fodnaess Bill Gray Kasha Haggarty
Heather Dawn Jones Betsy Lieser Moira McMahon Catherine Moore Tara Nemeth Tobyn Oxman Bob Slayton
Scott Springer Paul Staples Shona Terrill Josh Wehrwein Bethany-Ray Woods
Halloween Celebration 2020
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-2021 Trudy Bell Advancement Committee Ian Chittenden ‘95 Faculty Chair Tim Crowley Buildings and Grounds Committee Marcia Diamond Head of School Abby Dunham ‘03 Secretary
Jan Emlen, Founder Honorary Director Bill Entwisle Equity and Access Committee Chair Dagan Heavrin Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair Holly Murphy President
Suzanne Norgang Vice-President Nominating Committee Chair Kate O’Dell Advancement Committee Chair Christopher Page Treasurer Finance Committee Chair Barbara W. Reeve Advancement Committee
THE PAST 21 MONTHS has produced plenty of positive examples of resiliency, creativity, and community despite also having posed serious health concerns, stress, and disruption to many. The mix of these conditions led The Bay School’s Board of Directors to deeply examine the school’s future as it pertains to serving the educational needs of the peninsula’s children and families. For example, it quickly became evident that The Bay School adapted as well as any to Covid-related health and safety protocols and the necessary pivot to alternative approaches to teaching and learning. In large part, our success was tied to the ongoing nature of our Waldorf philosophy and curriculum: Outdoor learning was nothing new to our students and faculty. In fact, we had more established resources and experience with outdoor education than most schools. It was, and remains, part of our school culture. Like most schools, we quickly prepared coordinated plans for the possibility of remote learning in the event that Covid conditions made it necessary. However, unlike nearly all schools in the state, we made it through the entire 2020-21 school year without missing a single in-person day of instruction because of Covid, and we had all our students on campus. The community noticed: In June the Ellsworth American published a front-page story about The Bay School’s success at keeping students both safe and in school. Other strategic decisions during the pandemic proved beneficial to the community. Through the work of the faculty, The Bay School expanded its offerings for parent-child programs and after school programming in recognition of the shifting work and the family life demands on parents. Those decisions are providing support for many parents in our community. They also attracted the attention of the many families who already lived here or had moved to the peninsula during the pandemic. Enrollment is strong and growing. These factors helped plant the seeds for the school’s strategic growth of its campus and its support for the community’s educational needs. The following pages explain how The Bay School plans to address those needs. This is an exciting time to be affiliated with The Bay School. On behalf of the Board, students, faculty, and staff, thank you for your continued support for our mission. Best wishes, Marcia Diamond Head of School
THE BAY SCHOOL’S FUTURE TAKES ROOT BUILDING ON OUR SUCCESS When The Bay School first opened in 1980, it enrolled 21 students in Kindergarten through Grade 3. Now, 41 years later, our student population has grown to over 100. The school also serves a wider range of children. Along with educating students in grades K-8, we offer parent/child programs for infants and toddlers as well as early childhood programs for children ages three to five. Demand for our programs continues to increase, especially for younger students. That reality, along with the peninsula’s demographics and current educational options, indicate that the time is right for upgrading The Bay School’s campus with additional classrooms and improved educational facilities. The Board of Directors has approved work on a new master campus plan designed to address our building needs of today and for generations to come. The plan will allow us to expand our early childhood programming in response to the growing, unmet needs of our peninsula community. This plan also recognizes that engaging families when their child or children are young helps expand and strengthen our school community and provides institutional stability as the children proceed through the grades. The master plan in its current form features three phases.
PHASE ONE: CLASSROOM VILLAGE Phase One is designed to address the acute and immediate need for additional classroom space. This phase will provide two larger, much-needed classroom buildings to allow space for increasing enrollment, updated instructional space, and ongoing student projects. A deck will connect the two buildings; it will include raised seating that could serve as instructional space outside or a sweet place for students to tuck in with a library book and enjoy fresh air and the sounds of the forest. This “classroom village” will be nestled in the woods adjacent to the previous location of the yurt. Work is currently underway, with the two new classroom spaces and deck expected to be ready for use in February 2022.
PHASE TWO: EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Pre-K and Kindergarten programs have a profound impact on a child’s development. In response to our shortage of space and the existing and growing unmet needs for early childhood programs throughout the entire peninsula, Phase Two of the plan includes the creation of a new, innovative early childhood center. The center will feature up to four classrooms, a common gathering space, and a full kitchen. The classrooms could accommodate four different groups of young children (totaling between 60 -80 children), which would expand our capacity to meet the local need. The early childhood center will be located behind the forge and will be surrounded by green space and forest. The buildings are designed to be low-impact and flexible so they can easily be adapted to meet the changing needs of the school.
PHASE THREE: NEW LIBRARY AND EXPANDED OUTDOOR SPACES A new, larger library will be built adjacent to the two new classroom buildings of Phase One. Long overdue, the new library will provide much-needed room to accommodate full classes, an expanding book collection, and an increasing student population. The deck connecting all three buildings could serve as an outdoor instructional and reading area. Phase Three will also redesign the flow of foot and car traffic to address safety and parking issues. As part of our commitment to having children spend time outdoors in all seasons, this phase will expand wooded areas for exploration, create open spaces for community gatherings and instruction, and, potentially, additional fields for sports and games.
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE These improvements are essential to support The Bay School’s quality and accessibility as well as to serve and enhance the educational and community needs of our region’s families. We are excited about the school’s future and, most important of all, The Bay School’s influence on the social, developmental, and educational maturation of its students. The entire campus enhancement initiative will be financed through a major fundraising campaign that will depend on private donations and grants. To learn more, contact Lynn Boulger, chair of the campaign committee (and a parent of a Bay School alumna) at 207-669-2566 or lynn.boulger@gmail.com.
Transitions... Stephanie Aquilina Business Manager
Stephanie arrived in 2018 and immediately got to work. She possessed that rare combination of incredible focus and attention to detail and a warm presence that made everyone want to be around her. Stephanie used her skills to help us navigate very different budgeting during early Covid as well as managed the federal and state grants we were eligible for during this time. We miss her lovely disposition and incredible mind. Young daughters Anabelle and Leila are already part of our Morning Garden and Star Garden programs!
Edie Dunham Math Teacher
We recognize and thank Edie Dunham for her valued time here at The Bay School. She arrived on campus with her then two young daughters in 2013 and was an active parent and volunteer coach for many years. In 2017 she joined our Math team, teaching in grades 3 through 8. Thank you, Edie, for your service to our school and your expertise in the classroom.
Catherine Moore Development Director
Catherine was a valued member of the administrative team. She wore many hats (and most likely knit them all!) in her almost four years at The Bay School. Hired as a Business Manager, she worked seamlessly with both the Board and Administration. As a colleague, she championed the school and was a clear voice in our ongoing work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Two years into her time here, she filled the role of Development Director, working tirelessly to further our mission to create and maintain an environment for children on the peninsula to learn and thrive. We are so grateful to Catherine for the time she spent here with us and appreciate her ongoing support of our school.
Paul Staples Custodian
Paul arrived to work every day after the children left in order to ready the school for the next morning. An important caretaker, but easily overlooked as he mainly worked in solitude, he was always happy to get a glimpse and a conversation with us as we were heading out for the day. We thank Paul for his great sense of humor and fun and especially for his service to the school and our children.
...and Additions Sasho Emlen Business Manager
Sasho grew up in Blue Hill and attended The Bay School during its early years on Beech Hill Rd. We are happy to welcome him back to The Bay School, this time, as our Business Manager. He studied business administration at the GreenMBA program in San Rafael, CA, with a focus on sustainable entrepreneurship. There, he developed a clean energy/ waste management feasibility study for Torres-Martinez tribe in Indio, CA, and led small business workshops for LEAP Schools in Cape Town, SA. He is dedicated to passing on a love for the natural environment and excited to be supporting The Bay School through a resilient back office.
How are the children? The children are loved, respected, and learning every day! Written by Margot Entwisle The Bay School Parent/Child Program Director
Try to imagine what it was like to be a newborn infant.
It is a moment in time we all hold in common, yet few of us consciously remember. The world was brand new, filled with a multitude of first-time experiences. At birth, infants experience their bodies being outside the protection of the womb for the first time, absorbing the newness of their emerging senses. They instinctively seek nourishment, warmth, and the intimacy of touch. Given space and time, a newborn infant will actively creep up their mother’s belly to nurse, a miraculous journey to behold. From the moment of birth, the newborn seeks to engage with their caregiver and with their environment. In recent decades, scientists began to develop new methods to test and understand the infant mind. They are finding proof that even the youngest infants are actively engaged in absorbing and processing new information, noticing every detail in their environment.
An infant’s attention can be drawn to dust particles, visible in a ray of light, as much as to the wooden rattle lying alongside them. Everything is captivating and worthy of keen observation and curiosity. An infant’s capacity to see the wonders of the world is boundless. Babies are intuitive self-learners. When they are cared for with loving respect, their inborn capacities and natural desire to learn are free to develop and flourish. The security and sense of well-being a baby experiences through an adult’s loving care and attention are what enables them to grow and thrive into the fullness of who they are as individuals. When parents and caregivers give themselves time to observe and engage with loving interest and attention, they are gifted with the opportunity to see the baby’s unique individuality as it begins to emerge.
What is respectful loving care and attention? Respectful loving care is shown in the way we interact with babies, and how we engage with and involve babies in the activities of daily life, such as feeding, bathing, diapering, and dressing. Daily caregiving activities are an opportunity to give our babies undivided attention. “I’m going to get you dressed to go outside. First, we will put one arm in your sweater, then the other…here is a warm hat for your head.” With the devotion of our full attention, our language—speaking or singing—is calm, unhurried, reassuring, and gentle, inviting the baby to participate, Soon the baby will learn to expect what comes next, and will often hold up their arm to receive the sweater’s sleeve. If a baby is having a hard time cooperating, this can also be acknowledged by saying, “You are having a hard day today”. These activities give adults the opportunity to be in tune, both to themselves and to the baby’s cues. It is a time for both caregiver and child to refuel at a soul level, and for babies to know that
Margot Entwisle (pictured here, left) is Program Director and Early Childhood Teacher in The Bay School’s Parent/Child programs for children ages birth to age three. This expanded program began in fall 2021 and continues all school year. Margot is an active member of the Healthy Peninsula Board and initiatives that support early childhood educators and community services for families. Margot’s reflections on our earliest learners first appeared in “Your Health Matters” in The Weekly Packet in October.
their participation is expected and valued. Diapering is often an activity we try to rush through, as efficiently as possible. This ordinary caregiving activity, repeated many times over the course of a day, is a time to connect with babies, to sing to them, to offer soothing touch, to invite participation. It is a time when babies are learning about their bodies and how to care for themselves. Even young babies are capable of helping to unsnap their clothing, holding a wipe, and lifting their legs…they just need an invitation to participate. My twenty-threeyear-old son still remembers the t-shirt his father often wore while lovingly changing his diaper when he was a baby. Respectful care and attention is also about allowing babies to move freely with their own bodies—free of baby carriers, baby wraps, swings, car seats, and free of adult intervention. Just as important as devoting undivided attention during care-giving activities is creating the opportunity, each day, for babies to move independently, exploring with their bodies in a safe space that adults create for them. This can be a small, child-safe room or area near where their caregiver might be working, or a shady spot outdoors under a tree, anyplace where babies are able to sense or hear the adult’s nearby presence. A smooth, soft-yet-firm surface or blanket, and one or two simple play objects is all that’s needed for “floor time” each day. Babies don’t need anyone to teach them how to move and play. They instinctively know what they need to grow, both physically and emotionally, trying out and practicing movements as they develop new skills. Allowing our babies the time and space to play and master the physical milestones—rolling, crawling, and walking at their own pace—gives them the opportunity to grow fully into their own
bodies. It is a time for infants to discover joy and satisfaction with their own independence, and is important for their physical, social, and emotional development. Creating predictable rhythms and rituals is one of the most respectful and loving things adults can do for infants! Babies are growing and developing so rapidly that change is a daily occurrence. But babies are reassured when they are held within a secure, predictable rhythm, one that brings comfort and security within an ever-changing world. When babies know what to expect, the simplest rituals empower them, and they are free to immerse themselves in their exploration and play. Knowing when the curtains will be opened, when there will be time for outdoor play, floor time, mealtimes, evening bath, and when they will be rocked to sleep to the sound of a beloved lullaby—all bring comfort and peace. Predictable daily rhythms provide a nourishing framework, supporting the health of parents, caregivers, and particularly, the health of babies. The beauty of rhythms is that they grow over time, as the baby’s world grows and expands, to include weekly, monthly, and seasonal rhythms. Babies also give adults the opportunity to grow and expand in ways never imagined. Each new birth brings the promise of hope into our lives. Babies inspire us to look more fully at the world around us, to envision new ways of seeing—and they have much to teach us!
Introducing our new Parent/Child Programs at The Bay School MOON GARDEN
Parent/Infant (up to 6 months) Fridays 1:00-2:30pm Session 1: October – February Session 2: March – June
STAR GARDEN
Parent/Toddler (6-18 months) Thursdays 1:00-2:30pm Session 1: October – February Session 2: March – June
For more details go to: www.bayschool.org/parentchildprograms
MORNING GARDEN
Parent/Child (18 months – 3 years) Tuesdays 9:00-11:00am (or) Thursdays 9:00-11:00am (or) Fridays 9:00-11:00am Session 1: October – February Session 2: March – June
Annual Report The Bay School 2020-2021 Operating Revenue Tuition & Fees Fundraising & Gifts Other Income
Total Operating Revenue
$1,020,815 $72,609 $3,800 $1,097,224
Operating Expenses Salaries & Employment Costs Operating & Administrative Expense Tuition Assistance Fundraising & Development Other Expenses
Total Operating Expenses
OPERATING REVENUE Fundraising & Gifts
$982,958 $161,890 $72,851 $5,471 $11,458 $1,234,628
OPERATING EXPENSES Operating & Administrative Expense
Other Income
Tuition Assistance Fundraising & Development Other Expenses Tuition & Fees Salaries & Employment Costs
Annual Giving
This report includes gifts received in the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Gifts received later will be reflected in next year’s report. We are so grateful for each and every donation. Thank you very much for your generous support of our students.
Major Gifts Founder’s Circle
Director’s Circle
Benedict Miller Foundation per the request of Edward Swain Caroline D. Bloomer Charitable Trust Jim Church Phoebe and John Cook Courtney and Tyler Cowan Marcia and John Diamond Jan and George Emlen Fidelity Charitable Trust Florence V. Burden Foundation at the recommendation of Will and Meg Burden Betsey Holtzmann John Lieser Frank Murphy Liz and John Parish Anne and Lawrence Piazza Kirsten Rickert and Cameron Skene Dr. Jonathan Springer Waldorf Schools Fund Anonymous (2)
Donna and Andrew Birdsall Jan Church Micki and Jeff Colquhoun Margaret Crary Mary Crary Liz Cutler Jane and Charlie Griffith Christiaan Highsmith and Meredith Osborn Peter J. Houghton Jeanne and Ray Jennings Douglas Johnson and Nancy Caudle-Johnson Terry and Bebe Moulton Robin and Burr O’Connor Anonymous
Gifts of $1,000 or more
Gifts of $500 or more
Bay Circle
Gifts of $300 or more Scott Blanchard and Francoise Gervais Lynn Boulger and Tim Garrity Jenny Brillhart and Chris Page Judith and Howard Chittenden Joe Crary Tim Crowley Rob and Helen Edwards Hadley Friedman Jennifer Muscato and Soren Hansen Julie Hermans Robert and Gail Lasalle Theresa and Ludger Morin Tara and Chris Nemeth Tom and Lynn Norgang Sherry Pfister Frank Pitcher Judy and Peter Robbins Alexandra Stark Joanne and Carsten Steenberg Rick Traub and Mary Whiting TreeKeepers LLC Nancy White and John Burns Greg Wiener and Shannon Corliss Sara Willis Goody-B Wiseman and Jasper Denniston
PARENTS Sergei Breus Jenny Brillhart and Chris Page Lindsey and Teo Canino Ian ‘95 and Meg Chittenden Jim Church Courtney and Tyler Cowan Tim Crowley Nicole Davis and James Guinn Edith Dunham Mark Eastman Jane and Charlie Griffith Ashley and Merton Hanscom Jennifer Muscato and Soren Hansen Joe Hermans Christiaan Highsmith and Meredith Osborn Jeanne and Ray Jennings Betsy and Stephen Lieser Brook Ewing Minner Holly and Matt Murphy Tara and Chris Nemeth Suzanne Norgang and Timothy Laflam Robin and Burr O’Connor Juli Perry and Bob St. Peter Colleen Prentiss and Rick Stevenson Kirsten Rickert and Cameron Skene Clara and Nathan Rutenbeck Robert M. Sullivan Zoë ‘89 and Keith Tenney Shona Terrill and Nicholas Fisichelli Kate Tomkins ‘93 and Fred Viennot Nancy White and John Burns Greg Wiener and Shannon Corliss Goody-B Wiseman and Jasper Denniston Anonymous
GRANDPARENTS Carole Beal Judy Bourgault Judith and Howard Chittenden Jan Church Phoebe and John Cook Walter and Janice Czerwinski Rob and Helen Edwards Jan and George Emlen Ed and Monique Fisichelli Hadley Friedman Nancy Hathaway Julie Hermans Frances Jennings
Douglas Johnson and Nancy Caudle-Johnson /TreeKeepers LLC Paul Kelly and Kate O’Dell Robert and Gail Lasalle Nola Lasalle John Lieser Rosamond McLean Theresa and Ludger Morin Frank Murphy Tom and Lynn Norgang Karen Oswalt Liz and John Parish LouAnna and Royce Perkins
Barbara and William Reeve Judy and Peter Robbins Carolyn Sullivan Brooke and Gilman Tenney Sally Tomkins Elizabeth and Richard Winings Charleen Wiseman Anonymous (2)
ALUMNI Karina Chase Dailey ‘92 & William Dailey Ian ‘95 and Meg Chittenden Isaac Chittenden ‘97 and Stephanie Aquilina Sean Crowe MD ‘99 Vesta Davis ‘06 Yana Davis ‘99
Abby Dunham ‘03 Sasho Emlen ‘92 Abigail Frost ‘12 Alexander Heilner ‘10 Justin Kaley ‘96 Kindle Loomis ‘04 Zoë ‘89 and Keith Tenney Kate Tomkins ‘93 and Fred Viennot Eliza van Heerden ‘03 Molly Wanning Cooper ‘88 and Daniel Cooper
FAMILIES OF ALUMNI (NOT PREVIOUSLY LISTED) Susan and Josh Adam Patty Bergstrom Kathryn Booth Bayard and Kerry Brokaw Elizabeth and Blas Bruno Kathie and Jack Burnett Richard and Jane Clifton Micki and Jeff Colquhoun Rena Crispin Tom Batt and Galen Davis Tracy Spencer and Hank Davis Paula and Fred Dick James W. Dow and Ciona Ulbrich
Henry Elliott and Wendy Ritger Margot and William Entwisle Ruth Fiske and Nicolas Lindholm Bob and Nina Fleming Brenda and Jack Frost Donna Gold and Bill Carpenter Kasha Haggarty Prudy and Fred Heilner Keith Herklotz Stuart Kestenbaum and Susan Webster Whitney Landon Jennifer Lapham and Paul Sacaridiz Bert and Myrna Lindholm Margie Lutz Jim Markos Moira McMahon and Jeffrey Allwine Jon McMillan and Kathryn Rensenbrink Lorenzo Mitchell William and Carolyn Mor Marion and Tom Morris Pam Morgenthaler-Nanson and Brian Nanson Gail Page Keating and Kim Pepper Sherry Pfister Frank Pitcher Roberta and Jeffrey Raymond Catherine Razi Dindy Royster Heidi Daub and William Schubeck Michael Scott and Maria Matthews Bob Slayton Scott and Catherine Springer Erlynne Kitagawa and Bruce Stahnke Joanne and Carsten Steenberg Jennifer and Andrew Traub Steve Tucker and Jody Wolford-Tucker Christiaan van Heerden Sherry Streeter and Jon Wilson Marjorie Yesley Eric Ziner and Melissa Greene Anonymous
FRIENDS AND BUSINESSES (NOT PREVIOUSLY LISTED) John and Mikey Bannister Dorrie Bean Trudy and Scot Bell Nancy and Warren Berkowitz Danish Woolen Delights Don and Merrie Eley Sam and Linda Emerson Tammera Fenn
THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE
GAVE IN MEMORY OF
Anonymous Ginger Manna Carole Beal Aimee Beal Church Benedict Miller Foundation Margot Willis Crary ‘00 per the request of Edward Swain Warren Berkowitz Margot Crary ‘00 Jan Church Aimee Beal Church Jane and Richard Clifton Sarah Clifton ‘93 Margaret Crary Margot Crary ‘00 Joe Crary Margot Willis Crary ‘00 Mary Crary Margot Willis Crary ‘00 Nola Lasalle Dorothy Ricardi Amanda Rivers Margot Crary ‘00 Alexandra Stark Mary Rousseau W. Paul Starkey Foundation Betty and Peanut Royster Kate Tomkins Sarah Clifton Rankin ‘93 Sara Willis Margot Willis Crary ‘00 Charleen Wiseman Goodwin W. Wiseman William and Jennifer Gray Hammond Lumber – Blue Hill Nancy Hatfield Philip Levendusky Mainescape Merle B. Grindle Agency Marianne New Amanda Rivers W. Paul Starkey Foundation Corinne Sucsy
The Blackbaud Giving Fund The Loring Walcott & Coolidge Charitable Trust Tuesday Yoga with Joanne Steenberg Deborah Wiggs and Phil Norris Bethany-Ray Woods and Clay Miller Anonymous
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Trudy Bell Ian Chittenden ‘95 Tim Crowley Marcia Diamond Abby Dunham ‘03 Bill Entwisle
THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE
FACULTY & STAFF Holly Arends Murphy Suzanne Norgang Kate O’Dell Chris Page Barbara W. Reeve
GAVE IN HONOR OF
Dorrie Bean Merrie Eley Trudy Bell Bay School Faculty and Staff Judy Bourgault Mair Jennings Bayard and Kerry Brokaw Faculty and Staff & Wonderful Memories Kathie and Jack Burnett Faculty and Staff Jane and Richard Clifton Erica Clifton ‘94 Rena Crispin Kasha Haggarty and Solomon Haggarty ‘19 Liz Cutler Alum with Dysautonomia Rob and Helen Edwards Juniper Franke Ed and Monique Fisichelli Lena Fisichelli Jack and Brenda Frost Bay School Staff and Teachers Jennifer Muscato and Soren Hansen AnaSofia Hansen ‘21 Nancy Hathaway Margot Entwisle Kindle Loomis ‘04 Plum ‘92 and Ghigs ‘94 Razi John Lieser Apple ‘14, Isabel ‘15, Elias ‘20, Sadie ‘22 Catherine Moore Awesome Faculty and Staff! Pam Morgenthaler-Nanson Zoë Robbins Tenney ‘89 and Brian Nanson Marianne New Jan Church Keating and Kim Pepper Sargeant Pepper ‘02 Frank Pitcher Kaolin R.E. Pitcher ‘06 Colleen Prentiss, North Cottage Teachers Rick Stevenson and Charlie Sullivan and Charlie’s Classmates Judy and Peter Robbins Ansel Tenney ‘21 Heidi Daub & William Schubeck Mesa ‘00, Fiona ‘04, and Mira Schubeck Dr. Jonathan Springer Morgan ‘03, Elias ‘06 and Scott Springer Carolyn Sullivan Charles Mowatt Sullivan Zoë ‘89 and Keith Tenney Ansel ‘21 and Oliver ‘19 Tenney Andrew and Jennifer Traub Stephanie Aquilina Martha Wanning Cooper ‘88 Catherine Razi
Stephanie Aquilina Elizabeth Wastler Bruno Nicole Cardano Ian Chittenden ‘95 Meg Chittenden Marcia Diamond Edith Dunham Merrie Eley Margot Entwisle Ruth Fiske Katharine Fodnaess Bill Gray Kasha Haggarty Heather Dawn Jones Betsy Lieser Moira McMahon Catherine Moore Tara Nemeth Bob Slayton Scott Springer Bethany-Ray Woods
PAST FACULTY & STAFF Trudy Bell Bayard and Kerry Brokaw Kathie Burnett Judith Chittenden Jane Clifton Paula Runge Dick Melissa Greene and Eric Ziner Paul Kelly Margie Lutz Lorenzo Mitchell Catherine Razi Judy Robbins Dindy Royster Bill Schubeck Bruce Stahnke Joanne Steenberg Corinne Sucsy Jody Wolford Tucker Nancy White Mary Whiting
CAROUSEL GIVING CIRCLE DONORS
GROCERY CARD FUNDRAISING PROGRAM
Lynn Boulger and Tim Garrity Sean Crowe MD ‘99 Tim Crowley Vesta Davis ‘06 Yana Davis ‘99 Marcia and John Diamond William and Jennifer Gray Kasha Haggarty Ashley and Merton Hanscom Jeanne and Ray Jennings Betsy and Stephen Lieser Catherine Moore Terry and Bebe Moulton Holly and Matt Murphy Tara and Chris Nemeth Clara and Nathan Rutenbeck Zoë ‘89 and Keith Tenney Nancy White and John Burns
Stephanie Aquilina and Isaac Chittenden ‘97 Steve Benson Brenda Cartwright Joy Cartwright ‘13 Ian ‘95 and Meg Chittenden Tim Crowley Marcia and John Diamond Emilie Disney Edith Dunham Jan and George Emlen Sasho Emlen Margot and Bill Entwisle Kasha Haggarty Jennifer Muscato and Soren Hansen Joe Hermans Nancy Caudle-Johnson and Douglas Johnson Heather Dawn Jones Betsy and Stephen Lieser Moira McMahon and Jeffrey Allwine Catherine Moore Holly and Matt Murphy Suzanne Norgang and Tim Laflam Kate O’Dell and Paul Kelly Colleen Prentiss WendiLou and Tristan Salman
Brooke and Gil Tenney Marianne Vandiver Piari Weiss
AUCTION DONORS Ancestral French Soaps Blue Hill Co-op Bold-Sky Studios Bucklyn Coffee Chickadee Compost China Hill Downeast Family YMCA Fin & Fern Goody-B. Wiseman/GalleryB Greenhead Lobster Harbor Cafe Hardy Orthodontics Haystack Mountain School of Crafts John Bapst Memorial High School Joyful UpCycled! Lawns in Order LLC Pennello/Leanne Nickon Milkweed Gardens/ Lindsey and Teo Canino MAE Blue-Zee Farm/ Mark and Renata Scarano
AUCTION DONORS cont. M.D. Joyce & Co. The Maine Blanket Penobscot Bay Press Quills End Farm Rusted Pulchritude Sandy’s Blue Hill Cafe Tinder Hearth WoodenBoat Store Yanni’s Leslie Anderson Kathy Arends Carole Beal Amy Bramblett Jenny Brillhart Nancy and Tom Crowe Kristy Cunnane Claire Danielson Nicole Davis Janelle Delicata Merrie Eley Margot Entwisle Nora Flanagan
James Guinn Kasha Haggarty Nancy Hathaway Daniel Hays Wendy Hays Tim Laflam Jason Lepper Libby Monaghan Catherine Moore Matt and Holly Murphy Martha Ohrenberger Carrie Palmer Rebekah Raye
Bella Salman ‘18 Jon Spivak and Tanya Prime Scott Springer Paul Staples Joanne Steenberg Robert M. Sullivan Kate Tomkins ‘93 and Fred Viennot Marianne Vandiver Josh Wehrwein Jean and Gerald Wheeler Jennifer White Cynthia Winings Bethany-Ray Woods
We apologize (and offer pie) for any errors or omissions. This report reflects contributions received by June 30, 2021.
Rowan Gagne Restoring a 1970 International 1200D Truck Mentor: Jeff Gagne
I chose to restore a truck. I decided on this project because I have been interested in vehicles for a long time and wanted to learn more. The truck I chose is a 1970 International Harvester 1200D partly because it is built with bolts and sheet metal and does not have many cheap plastic parts. This project has taught me lots of useful skills that I will probably use throughout my life, such as welding, sandblasting, fabrication, painting, and more. My interest in vehicles has only increased, and I hope to do more projects like this one in the future.
Eleanor Rutenbeck Calligraphy Mentor: Lelania Avila
For my eighth grade project, I chose the art of Calligraphy. I had done some calligraphy in art class last year and was really excited about it, so when my dad suggested illuminated manuscript as a potential project, I jumped on the idea. I had trouble deciding on many things, including what style to learn, and what to do as something to show once I had decided. There are many different styles of calligraphy. I decided to learn a Western gothic script. Because I chose a script that originated in Europe, I decided to illuminate parts of Beowulf. Beowulf is a poem in Old English that follows the story of a hero named Beowulf. I really liked doing something new, and I loved writing in a different and interesting way. I know that I will continue learning individual styles into the future.
Ansel Tenney Theatrical Costuming
Mentors: Moira McMahon, and Marianne and Magnolia Vandiver
For my eighth grade project I chose to learn about theatrical costuming. Within this, I focused on two main things: organizing our costume room here at The Bay School and designing and constructing a French Revolution-era gown. We looked at historical patterns and at clothing of that era for inspiration and ideas. Although I encountered various challenges throughout my project, my mentors were always able to save me from myself, and I will certainly carry everything that I have learned with me, and hopefully be able to put it to use in the future.
Maya Skene Children’s Clothing Design Mentor: Bess Turner
For my 8th grade project, I chose to create a small collection of children’s clothing. I have always been interested in clothing, and this project gave me the opportunity to explore it in more detail. Since the presentations were going to be in May, I decided to give the clothing a spring theme. The designs would be simple because I did not have much experience sewing. Though there were challenges, I managed to overcome them, and I am overjoyed with the finished product.
AnaSofia Hansen Surfing
Mentor: Becka Gagne
I learned the skill of surfing. I chose this project because I have always been drawn to the ocean and the creatures that live in it. I started in December and as of my project presentation, I have about 65 hours of time invested in surfing, researching surfing, conditioning, and studying waves. This adventure has been so fun and yet so hard. I am so glad that I chose this project. When I started, I had no experience with surfing. And now I am proud to say that I am capable of catching a wave.
Eliza Crowley Claymation
Mentor: Andrew Ruheman
I chose to do claymation. I was inspired to learn about claymation when I saw Millie’s 8th grade project four years ago. I was so amazed with the videos that she made that I immediately ordered a camera and started filming my own. I spent about 90 to 100 hours on this project making videos, building sets, forming characters, and learning new techniques. It has been a very awesome experience every step of the way. I am happy with the results, but it feels like I am just getting started with this project. I am sure that I will do more with this, I have lots of new ideas for films, characters, and sets.
Moira O’Connor Acupuncture
Mentors: Meaghan McKay, Erica Moffet, and Catherine Springer I decided to explore the Art and Practice of Acupuncture. There are many different kinds of healing in the world. Acupuncture is a healing practice centered around bringing our bodies back into balance. Acupuncturists don’t talk about treating the problem, they talk about treating the person. This is the main intention of Chinese Medicine. I loved this experience, but I feel there is no finishing it; this is a lifelong project that I would love to continue. It has been wonderful and such a learning experience for me in so many ways. This project has shown me that I can get through the rough patches and be happy with what I have accomplished. I am proud to report that I am now less scared of needles and less scared of talking to adults I don’t know than when I started this project.
Thomas Coolidge Green Woodworking Mentor: Josh Wehrwein
I chose to explore the art of Green Woodworking with hand tools. I spent about 125 hours on this project, and I still have all 10 fingers. I remember the first time I used a spoon that I had made myself. It was a rice server. It just felt really good. It didn’t give me any splinters. It was smooth. It served good portions to my family. It was really fun to make and really useful. This project is such a great opportunity because I found out that, as a student, it’s so easy for me to learn about something when I am genuinely interested in learning about it.
Nelson Salman Building a Go-cart
Mentors: Al Hutchins, Tristan Salman, Aaron Lyman
I decided to build a go-cart. I have always loved motorsports, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to learn about how they worked, and in the end, I would have something to drive. I learned many skills during this project. I learned lots of basic metalworking skills like MIG welding, plasma cutting, and simple forms of drafting. I am also much better at coming up with designs for brackets and metal fabricating in general. I have always enjoyed building and designing things, but I have never built something this big or complicated. It required lots of patience and determination and tons of time. But I had a great experience throughout the project.
Hunter Newbert Building a 20-gauge Shotgun from Scratch Mentor: Mike Newbert
I chose to make my own shotgun. I chose this project because I like using guns to hunt and target practice with, and I wanted to know how much work went into making a shotgun. I learned that I can be good at learning, but I just need to pay attention to learn. The skills that will stay with me are how to work with a lot of the machines, sharpen drills, use drills, end mills, taps, and calipers, file metal, use belt sanders, how to use a computer to virtually make any part using measurements, and how to put together and take apart a shotgun. I also learned a lot of math. This project not only taught me skills that will be with me forever, but it will help with other skills in life.
Owen Norgang Rock Climbing
Mentors: Charlotte Clews and Rebecca Rose Tousignant
I chose the sport and art of rock climbing. I hiked up to a small cliff on the Precipice Trail where I learned basic climbing techniques, rope handling skills, and how to use gear. This was all I needed to know that I loved climbing. As it got colder the opportunity for climbing grew less. I didn’t get any work done on my project until the end of December, when my dad surprised me with the idea of building a small climbing wall in our attic. I hope to continue climbing for years to come. I learned that taking your time to work at something will yield greater results than rushing it, and that even when things don’t go as planned, you can still have fun with it.
Leo Hays Claywork
Mentor: Nisa Smiley
I decided to do three different types of clay work so I could experience three different materials. Number one: Porcelain. Number 2: Polymer Clay. Number 3: Precious Metal Clay. I was surprised to see how many steps to all of this there were from bag to kiln or oven. There is so much to do before you just finish. You need to take the smallest details into consideration and remember the tiniest things. It was so interesting to see all of this come full circle. From panicking when all my friends had a project and I had still not decided what to do to showing all that I accomplished, and from my initial failures and then the start of something that I feel like I might do well with one day.
Caden Wehrwein Learning Heavy Metal Guitar Mentor: Paul Oxman
I chose to learn to play heavy metal style electric guitar. I have liked metal for years, and I’ve wanted to learn to play the guitar for longer. The first things my mentor taught me were chords and a basic soloing pattern that most metal solos are based off of. I can play things now that I had only dreamed about but had never really thought I would be able to play. I have learned throughout this project that playing an instrument is very entertaining and challenging. Learning to play has given me a deeper appreciation. I know I will continue to play the guitar, and I hope to play more with other people in the future.
Guthrie Bannon Videography
Mentor: Tate Yoder
I chose to learn videography and video editing. As part of my research into techniques needed for videography, I watched YouTube videos. I was particularly intrigued by video stories of bakeries. I thought that maybe I could make a video of a local bakery, Tinder Hearth. Not only did I learn a lot about videography itself, I learned that it also requires much patience and skill. If a shot is out of focus or the lighting is bad, I had to do it again. I am excited to start recording my own videos and telling my own stories.
Congratulations
The Bay School Class of 2021
A MESSAGE TO THE GRADUATING CLASS Did you notice how, in giving your speeches, you have created a tapestry together? A linking story of your collective moments of discovery and wonder, crazy laughter and sweet connection, hard challenges and loss, and a growing capacity for acceptance. You are prepared. To borrow from one of your classmates: “You got this.” You do because you have done it together. Do you notice that one of the main ingredients of our work together has been developing conscious attention? This may be the most important aspect of education; something that we can continue all through life in all walks of life. Have you noticed that some people celebrate the eagle? They admire it as a symbol of independence, power, and majesty. It’s the national bird! I won’t dismiss that, but I prefer geese. Think about it--they fly farther, they fly faster, and they get everybird to their destination. The lead goose opens the space. On the powerful downstroke, its wings scoop the air, but it is already ahead so that air actually moves the wings of the goose just behind, who then executes an easier upstroke which moves the wings of the next goose [I am now flapping my arms]. Can you feel that? It is an act of love. When the lead bird tires, another moves up. This is what we have done for each other these years. This is what you have done for the school. Keep flying. Scott Springer, Class Teacher
ALUMNI
CLASS
NOTES
1993 Kate Tomkins Kate Tomkins,‘93, her husband Fred, Olivier (4th grade), and Tom (2nd grade), are celebrating the birth of their newest addition Nina Camille Viennot on August 19th, 2021. We are all in love with little Baby Gaga!
2006
Elias Springer On October 15th, Elias Springer ‘06 and Heather Thaung shared a celebration of their marriage with their families and friends. Among the happy crowd, Pierre Dillon ‘06 and Dillon Morris ‘05. (Elias ‘06 and Heather pictured this page lower left)
2009
Madeline Heilner After many years together, Sam Grindle and I are thrilled to announce our engagement. We currently reside and are working outside of Boston, but enjoy coming to Maine as much as we can to catch a glimpse of the ocean or hike around the Peninsula. We look forward to celebrating with family and friends come 2023.
2013
Evan Soukup We extend our deepest condolences to his family, classmates and many friends upon hearing of Evan’s passing this past summer.
2014
Zeya Lorio A senior at College of the Atlantic (COA), I’m studying elementary education and food systems, with hopes of combining these interests through school gardens and other agriculture to classroom programs. I am currently fulfilling a fifteen week student teaching internship, where I find myself back at The Bay School, with Kristy in the 4/5 grade class. It is wonderful to be back, this time, from a new perspective. It is inspiring to be a part of the community that brings such a thoughtful education to all students. I am thrilled to be learning how to hold safe spaces for students to learn in ways that differ from the more traditional models. In January, I will return to COA to complete my senior project, a few last courses, and my teacher certification, before graduating in June.
Zeya Lorio ‘14 in costume with a student (we mean, bunny) at The Bay School fall parade.
2017
Ezra Bramblett-Williams and Amara Birdsall Last summer fellow Bay School graduate Amara Birdsall and I decided we would move to New York City, a lifelong dream for both of us. The transition from Blue Hill, Maine, to one of the most densely populated cities in the world was a shock for sure, but one that we handled with grace. We attribute at least a little bit of our overall preparedness to The Bay School and specifically to Kristy for our main lesson block on maps! Thank you Kristy! Without that knowledge we might never have made it through our first voyage (see photo above) on the subway.
2018
Phebe O’Connor I am writing from the small medieval town of Viterbo, Italy, where I am spending my senior year of high school studying abroad. After graduating from The Bay School, I spent my first three years of high school at John Bapst in Bangor, and arrived in Italy a little over a month ago. For the next eight months, I will continue attending an American high school with roughly forty other students, and living with my wonderful Italian host family (the photo below is of my host mom teaching me to make Italian-style meatballs). I arrived in Italy knowing little more Italian than “ciao” and “grazie,” while my host family spoke little to no english. We are quickly developing our own hybrid language of Italian, English, hand gestures, and lots of confusion and laughter. And I am already constantly surprised by my own ability to pull random new Italian words and phrases out of the air when I need them! After so many years at the Bay School, I have never forgotten the value of learning through experience, nor the experience of school as a starting point for personal and interpersonal growth. It is through this mindset that I approach every day in Italy: each moment in school, and each moment in a foreign country provides an opportunity to learn from many angles (and laugh through my many horrendous Italian grammatical errors). If you’d like, you can also check out the monthly blog I’ll be starting soon at sya.org.
The Bay School 2021 Online Winter Faire Auction!
Auction opens: Sunday, November 28th Auction closes: Sunday, December 5th Each year The Bay School hosts a fundraising auction to support school activities and financial aid. Our auction will take place online again this year, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to bid on amazing items and experiences, all donated by local businesses, families, and friends of The Bay School. Items range from beautiful pieces of art and crafts, gift certificates and items from local businesses, services and handmade items provided by families. Our faculty and staff often get in on the action by donating art, blueberries, carved items, and fun experiences such as dinner together over zoom and sledding experiences. There is something for everyone! Access our website to bid on all items at charityauction.bid/bayschoolwinterfaire2021 beginning on Sunday, November 28 and ending on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Items can be paid for online or when they are picked up on Monday, December 6. We can’t wait to see what you win!