BFS Journal Summer 2019

A Season of Celebrations and Thanks to Forever Friend Dr. Larry Weiss

Journal

SUMMER 2019

Guided by the Quaker belief

Commencement for the Class of 2019 ��������������������������������� 1

that there is a Divine Light in everyone, Brooklyn Friends School cultivates an intellectually ambitious and diverse community that celebrates each individual’s gifts. We challenge our students to value and embrace difference as they develop critical thinking skills and apply their knowledge and intelligence both in and out of the classroom. In this rich learning environment, we inspire all members of our community to voice their convictions, to discover and pursue their passions, and to seek truth. Our graduates are compassionate, curious, and confident global citizens who let their lives speak in the spirit of leadership and service.

Moving Up with Joy and Promise ��������������������������������������� 5

COV ER FROM L EF T Charles Campbell, Dania Leibowitz, Maxine Simons,

Farewell to Four Extraordinary Teachers ������������������� 20

and Devon Schwitzman of the Class of 2019

BFS Gala: Back to the ’80s ����������������������������������������������������� 6 A 45-Year Friendship ������������������������������������������������������������10 Celebrating and Thanking a Forever Friend �����������������12 Friends ‘Til the End: Alumni Day 2019 �������������������������� 14 A Day of Sharing and Delight ��������������������������������������������� 16 Athletics ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Performing Arts ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 19

Dr. Larry Weiss with Mary Beech, Curt Beech, and Eden Beech ’24

PHOTO A BOV E

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

is published by the Advancement Office of Brooklyn Friends School for alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, and friends.

Journal

SUMMER 2019

375 Pearl Street • Brooklyn, NY 11201 Tel: 718.852.1029 • brooklynfriends.org Joan Martin, Editor Karen Edelman, Director of Advancement Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99, Director of Alumni Anna Ferber, Director of the Brooklyn Friends Fund Emily Cowles, Special Events and Digital Marketing Manager Peter Mackie, Advancement Administrative Assistant

Commencement for the Class of 2019

M

embers of the Brooklyn Friends School Class of 2019 received their diplomas on June 12, 2019, in a ceremony characterized by seriousness of purpose, close ties of friendship, and the shared experiences of the 52 graduates. As one faculty member put it, “This group puts the word friends into Brooklyn Friends School.”

Indeed, the Class of 2019 reflects so much of what Brooklyn Friends School has to offer. The students’ academic strengths, wide-ranging passions, artistic and athletic commitments, and their dedication to social justice, equity, and inclusion make this group of young people stand out. Highly motivated, kind, and discerning, they embraced every aspect of school life and supported each other throughout their educational journey.

Thirteen members of the class have been together for even longer than high school, having begun at Brooklyn Friends in preschool, kindergarten or first grade. This group is affectionately known as Lifetime Friends. What ties all of the students together is the fact that they are the first class to have experienced all four years of upper school at 116 Lawrence Street, making the new building a true home for the student body.

Commencement took place at a superb new location—the auditorium of New York City Technical College, our academic neighbor just two blocks away from BFS at 285 Jay Street. Head of School Dr. Larry Weiss, Upper School Head Lisa Arrastia, and Board of Trustees Co-chairs Steve Burwell and Ed Oliver presided at the evening ceremony. Kwesi Cuffy-Scott ’19 and Lili Massac ’19 were the Class Speakers, and Alex Davis, Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Life, was the Faculty Speaker, chosen by the graduates.

By tradition, the Commencement Speaker was the 2019 recipient of the George Fox Distinguished Alumni Award. This year’s honoree was Camilla Church Greene ’60, the first African American graduate of Brooklyn Friends School. Camilla, a

Jailen Langhorne, Gabriella González-Cruz, Alyssa Williams, Keith Hill, and Kobe Cuprill of the Class of 2019

Hannah Schorr ’19 and Kwesi Cuffy-Scott ’19

teacher, anti-racist educator, and another Lifetime Friend, has been active in the life of the school and alumni relations.

Ever the historian, Dr. Larry Weiss welcomed everyone to commencement by referring to the demands of “growing up and living in an ocean of content — a new dimension of life in the last decade.” He told the graduates that in this world of infinite choice and infinite content, the Class of 2019 would be continued on page 3

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BFS Class of 2019 Shamshad Abdullah Asca Akiyama* Daniel Altschuler Bria-Nicole Austin-González Otto Bailey Ema Ball-Storrow* Jordan Benn Jaden Bodden Ashley Borja Jakob Brattke Meg Buzbee Charles Campbell Tenzin Chusar Kwesi Cuffy-Scott Kobe Cuprill Charles Gabriel Neale Dalton Thea de Souza-Diop Patrick Dote* Simon Esvandija Mathilde Favel Shikira Domonique Fisher Rachel Freedman Cameron Glassman* Isabella González Cruz Violet Guinness Jacob Habbouch

Holly He Keith L. Hill Galen Jessop* Jailen Langhorne Dania Leibowitz* Minerva Macarulla Lili Massac Cailean Murphy* Zain A. O’Neal* Emma Alexandra Philip Claire Phillips Karen Sánchez Hannah Schorr Ila Schrecker Devon Schwitzman* Milla Sebbah* Janine Sharpe Maxine Rae Benedetti Simons* Oliver Slater-Pons Olufunke Sowole Peter Szakacs Charlotte Tampol* Amina Washington* Alydia Wells Alyssa Williams Sean Wong

Dr. Larry Weiss and Claire Phillips ’19, a second generation alumna

Shamshad Abdullah ’19

Sean Wong ’19

Olufunke Sowole ’19

Galen Jessop ’19

Alex Davis

Lisa Arrastia

COMMENCEMEN T PHOTOS BY ROL L A ND SMI T H

*signifies Lifetime Friends, students who began at BFS in Preschool and Lower School

Kwesi Cuffy-Scott ’19

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Lili Massac ’19

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

In 2019 at BFS there are safe spaces where students can create new bonds with other students across different grade levels and across racial lines. Through the many opportunities afforded students of color at BFS they are able to share their stories and learn that what they are thinking and feeling as students in dark skin identity. The conversations help students lean on each other.

I also got the sense that white students have many opportunities to develop the will, skill, courage, humility, love and knowledge to learn how to support students of color. It gives me hope that students both in white skin identity and students of color at BFS are able to practice being in an authentic diverse community that is practicing inclusivity.

—Camilla Church Greene ’60

Commencement continued from page 1 making decisions and taking action that ultimately are based on their understanding of the core ethical values of honesty and integrity.

Larry then presented the annual BFS George Fox Award to Camilla Church Greene ’60, an alumna who exemplifies these values and whose life has been an expression of bringing to life the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship.

In her commencement speech, Camilla related stories of her life experiences and journey as a self-described “Brooklyn Friends student of African descent Quakers allowed to graduate from BFS.” She spoke about her preparation for Commencement and her due diligence —researching George Fox, reading about the Quaker discourse especially as it related to the issues of “Negroes” in dark skin identity, and viewing a video about the duality of being a young woman of color today in the BFS community.

Listening to Camilla’s commencement speech was akin to a master class in history, religion, philosophy, and the power and persuasion of personal storytelling. She weaved her own experiences at BFS 60-plus years ago into the challenges facing students today. She encouraged the graduates to use their accomplishments as learners, critical thinkers, and members of a diverse community to “navigate this world in a way that forges us one step closer to being a truly peaceful, affirming and humanizing world for each inhabitant.”

Alex Davis, Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Life, was the Faculty Speaker. She reflected on the personal characteristics

of each of the 52 students with affection, humor, knowledge, and emotion. “As an educator, the first class you teach as you begin in a school becomes a part of you in an indescribable way,” she said.

“That is the Class of 2019 for me. . . . As we all move on from BFS, know we can’t be everything to everyone, but as long as we are true to ourselves, we’re good.”

Lili Massac and Kwesi Cuffy-Scott, the Speakers for the Class of 2019, were genuine, authentic, and wise for their years. Kwesi talked about the hard work needed to get to graduation day as well as the rewards – such as “building connections with classmates and teachers” and knowing that at the BFS Upper School, “everyone’s feelings were heard and held.”

Lili recalled an English class and teacher as a turning point: “It was working though complex passages as a class that helped me to see that I am not defined by perceived stereotypes of my Black or Asian-ness, or the expectations of my womanhood or socioeconomic class. And it was feeling the communal curiosity and excitement to learn that made me feel safe enough to take up space, for the first time, where once I was made to feel small...

When I began to feel heard, represented and important, it became easy to see beauty in all the things I once complained about.”

Just prior to the all-important presentation of diplomas, Upper School Head Lisa Arrastia spoke about the impermeable bonds between parents and children and reminded students of their responsibilities for self, society and the world. She thanked the graduates for “letting us love you into the future.”

—Joan Martin

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College Destinations

Members of the Class of 2019 have chosen to attend the following colleges and universities: Italics indicate that more than one BFS graduate will enroll at the college.

American University Bard College University of British Columbia University of California, Los Angeles Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, England University of Chicago CUNY, City College Clark University Clarkson University Drexel University The George Washington University Goucher College Juniata College

Maryland Institute College of Art University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Nazareth College Northeastern University Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences Pennsylvania State University University of Pittsburgh Quest University Canada Savannah College of Art and Design Skidmore College St. Francis College Stony Brook University SUNY Albany SUNY New Paltz

SUNY Plattsburgh Syracuse University Temple University Towson University Tufts University Vassar College Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University Wheaton College MA Williams College University of Wisconsin, Madison Yale University

PHOTOS A BOV E FROM L EF T 1 Emma Philip, Ashley Borja, and Rachel Freedman 2 Jakob Brattke 3 Jordan Benn 4 Asca Akiyama and Amina Washington 5 Patrick Dote 6 Ila Schrecker and Meg Buzbee 6 Violet Guinness 7 Shikira Fisher, Bria Austin-González and Janine Sharpe

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BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

Moving Up with Joy, Confidence, and Promise T

he BFS Classes of 2027 and 2023 said their goodbyes to Lower and Middle School respectively in high-spirited “Moving Up” ceremonies held on June 12, 2019. Head of School Larry Weiss, Lower School Head Jackie Condie and Middle School Head Glen Pinder commended the 51 fourth graders and 65 eighth graders for their commitment to succeed in their studies and student life, as well as their readiness for more independence and responsibility.

Applauded and encouraged by their families and teachers, the fourth graders played their recorders and sang together throughout the closing program. The music they created reflected their sense of pride and accomplishment as they completed the formidable BFS Lower School program.

The eighth grade used music as well to express themselves, along with Quaker Meeting for Worship. Student speakers reflected on the group’s exceptional capacity for friendship and resilience. Also evident was the care and commitment of the students’ families and teachers; this core of support will serve the class well as they move with great promise into the future.

After Middle School Certificates were presented to the students, special recognition was given to the three eighth graders who received Merit Scholarships as they continue into the BFS Upper School in September. Congratulations to Raia Thomas, Alice Sebbah, and Carter Roebuck, Class of 2023!

PHOTOS FROM TOP 1 Fourth Graders 2 The Class of 2023 Merit Scholars 3 The Class of 2027 celebrates in song

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Back to the 80s Gala O

by Emily Cowles

n Friday, April 5th, 330 members of the BFS community gathered at beautiful 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and jumped into a time machine to 1985. What a trip it was! Gala: Back to the 80s was a resounding success, raising over $100,000 for our financial aid program, and bringing together parents, faculty, staff, and alumni for an evening of 80s fun!

In the weeks leading up to the big celebration, an online auction featuring over 100 fabulous items built excitement for the party and was open for bidding to Friends around the world, raising a total of $31,000. The main event on Friday, April 5th kicked off with a cocktail hour as guests showed off their 80s fashions, gathered in the photo booth and picked out accessories from the neon Glow Bar. PAC-MAN, Galaga and Donkey Kong were on hand for the nostalgic gamers in the crowd. Guests then moved

into the neon-dazzled ballroom for dinner and a special film tribute to our retiring Head of School, Dr. Larry Weiss. PAT copresidents Sabrina LeBlanc and Raymi Ramseur-Usher led the guests in a “paddle raise” for our financial aid program. A highlight of the party was a performance by our student dance team, the Panthers Supreme. The dancers got the crowd moving well into the night with their 80s-inspired moves and beats!

Thank you to the hard-working and creative Gala Committee and volunteers led by Co-Chairs Paula Dunbar and Ashley Williams, the 13 Leadership Sponsors, 55 Host Committee members, donors who underwrote the 80 faculty and staff tickets, online auction donors, the Panthers Supreme Dance Team, and the entire BFS community that helped to make Gala: Back to the 80s a success.

PHOTOS ABOVE FROM LEFT 1 Jennifer Landry, Sarah Marchal Murray, Tim O’Donnell and Lil Amatore, Jermy Miller and Terese Cunningham, Sharon Han Koblence and Phillip Koblence, and Ashley Williams 2 Whitney Armstrong and Monica Youn 3 Kevin Lapin and Debbora Gerressu 4 Matthew and Ronit Prince

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BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

PHOTOS A BOV E FROM L EF T 1 Jenn and Thaddeus Rudd 2 Ashley Williams and Paula Dunbar, Gala Chairs 3 Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99, Crystal Backus ’96, and Anna T. Ferber 4 Meredith Martin, Kara Canal, and Laura Newmark 5 Rachel and Ryan O’Connell

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BFS G A L A : BACK TO T HE ’80S PHOTOS BY ROL L A ND SMI T H PHOTOS ABOVE FROM LEFT 1 Caleb Miller and Tiffany Huggins 2 John Kline 3 Sabrina LeBlanc 4 Joshua Schneps and Tracey Wells-Schneps 5 Melissa Poitevien ’98, Kimberly Messina, Ashley Okonma,Natasha Harris and Vanessa DeRiggs 6 Board Co-Chairs, Steve Burwell and Ed Oliver 7 Agnes Harley and Sy Kim

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BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

8 Herb Eilberg, Cori and Gary Schuman 9 Rose MacLean and Maria Sanchez 10 Panthers Supreme Dance Team 11 Richard Usher and Raymi Ramseur‑Usher 12 Amanda and Jarrett Hoffman, Reena Mehta, and Dashiell Flynn 13 Candy Willcocks and Jeremy Hawkins Summer 2019 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

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A 45 Year Friendship: ’73

by Emily Cowles

1973–1979

Dr. Larry Weiss began his career in education as a history teacher and college counselor at Brooklyn Friends. A member of the alumni community from Larry’s tenure at BFS in the 1970s recalled that Larry has “the ability to discern the exceptional in his students”.

’10 ’11

2010

Dr. Larry Weiss Appointed 19th Head of School The Board of Trustees noted in their announcement about Larry’s appointment: “Brooklyn Friends is the foundation on which Larry’s career sits- it is here that he discovered his deep commitment to progressive education and to Quaker values.”

Dr. Weiss returned to the Brooklyn Friends School community at a time of tremendous hope and expectation. In 2008, the School published a comprehensive strategic plan designed to strengthen its commitment to students, faculty and Quaker values while also meeting an unprecedented demand for admissions and ensuring financial stability for years to come.

Larry rose to these challenges.

2011

The Family Center

The Family Center at Brooklyn Friends opened a brand new space on Schermerhorn Street, close to BFS’ original home, allowing for an enrollment jump in the Family Center program as well as with the three and four olds who could spread out on the second floor at Pearl Street.

Fulfilling Goals of the Strategic Plan for Diversity Following up on the BFS Strategic Plan for Diversity, Larry appointed the School’s first Director of Diversity to lead and support significant diversity training and programming at the school; this work had previously been undertaken by faculty and staff volunteer leaders.

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BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

a Timeline of Dr. Larry Weiss and Brooklyn Friends School

’12

2012

Mandarin at BFS

Begun as an afterschool elective for the Upper School in 2012, spearheaded by Larry, Mandarin instruction at BFS soon grew into a part of the regular curriculum. A generous parent donation in 2014 helped the hugely popular classes grow into one of the School’s elective language courses starting in 8th grade, and became a part of the IB curriculum for Juniors and Seniors. Larry, a Mandarin scholar himself, served as a Mandarin instructor in the 8th grade.

Quaker Self Study

The School embarked on its first ever community-wide Quaker self-study, following guidelines developed by the Friends Council on Education. Queries included “what is the BFS version of being a Quaker school?” and “how is the community living those values on a day to day basis?”. Larry led a series of book discussion groups about Robert L. Smith’s “A Quaker Book of Wisdom” and a written analysis of Quaker life at BFS was produced.

2013

The Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement was created and a Director of Service Learning was appointed. Larry wrote that as a School, “we seek to bring this process of combining educational inquiry, project planning, supervised active experiential learning, and structured reflection to all aspects of our school-wide service learning program.”

2015

At a major milestone moment for Brooklyn Friends School, a $7.5 million Capital Campaign concluded with the opening of the new Upper School at 116 Lawrence Street. After years of planning, hard work, and fundraising, Larry cut the blue ribbon on the doors to our brand new state-of-the-art facility designed and constructed specifically for our Upper School program.

2019

The Dr. Larry Weiss Endowed Fund for Merit Scholarship was established to provide funding for merit scholars in the Middle School who are continuing into the Brooklyn Friends School Upper School.

’13 ’15 ’19

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Celebrating and Thanking a Forever Friend

by Joan Martin

H

ead of School Larry Weiss will be remembered for the monumental achievement of creating an outstanding permanent home for the Upper School in Metrotech while simultaneously upgrading the physical plant at 375 Pearl Street and expanding the Family Center with a new facility, tripling its enrollment.

First and foremost a teacher, he imparted his wisdom and expertise in Theory of Knowledge and Mandarin classes, taking great pleasure in his work with students. He strengthened student health, psychological, and learning support services; wholeheartedly advanced both infrastructure and academic technology throughout the school; and ensured that the key goals of the Strategic Plan were realized. Larry was also responsible for updating the school’s visual identity and messaging as he advocated for BFS to be “one school” among five educational components: Family Center, Preschool, Lower School, Middle School and Upper School.

Yet Larry’s legacy encompasses much more than the physical and programmatic growth of the school. Under his leadership, Brooklyn Friends School provided uncommon academic excellence; maintained a diverse and tremendously talented administration, faculty, staff, and student body; and kept Quakerism as core to the life of the school. For his full nineyear tenure, Larry’s Executive Assistant Mary Osorio was a steadfast support to the Head’s Office, helping to manage the day-to-day operations of the school and continually keeping the big picture in focus.

On a personal level, Larry was open to all people and experiences—including Karaoke singing during a faculty and staff professional day to serving dinner at the annual Black History Month Celebration. He loved to attend athletic games and student performances and made sure to keep an open door policy for all members of the community. Whenever he had setbacks or disappointments, he demonstrated responsibility, resiliency, and a determination to find solutions and move forward.

The last three months of Larry’s nine-year tenure as Head of School were marked by several events to honor and celebrate his accomplishments and connections to the community.

April 5 At the Back to the 80s Gala, Larry was honored with a video tribute that began when it all started with him teaching at BFS in 1973 and concluded with a prediction that Larry will continue to inspire, guide, and teach all those around him.

April 28 Brooklyn Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends held a Meeting for Celebration in Larry’s honor, presenting him with a beautiful quilt signed by members of the Meeting.

May 22 The inaugural Sprinting for Scholars 5K Run/Walk in honor of Larry took place. With all members of the various school constituencies in attendance, the Run was a benefit for the newly established Larry Weiss Endowment for Merit Scholarship.

May 31–June 1 Larry was honored at Alumni Day and welcomed Crissy Cáceres, his successor, to spend time at school for gatherings with parents, administrators, and alumni. In hosting Crissy, Larry graciously set the stage for the school’s continued growth, renewal, and optimization of community resources well into the future.

June 8–14 At his final closing ceremonies and special events as head of school, Larry is acknowledged and thanked by school leaders, trustees, and friends, for his career in education, commitment to teaching, and love of children and young people.

View a film about Dr. Larry Weiss’ years of friendship with Brooklyn Friends School at brooklynfriends.org/larryweissfilm Dr. Larry Weiss and Benjamin Warnke at the Meeting for Celebration at the Brooklyn Monthly Meeting

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BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

Crossing the Finish Line

by Emily Cowles

The BFS community held a very personal celebration for Dr. Weiss on the beautiful spring evening of May 22nd. 100 BFS runners and walkers participated in the inaugural Sprinting for Scholars race at Prospect Park. The event kicked off with a kids’ dash, was followed by a spirited 5K around the Park and ended with pizza, cupcakes and friendship.

With the Sprinting for Scholars celebration as well as generous donations, together we’ve raised over $45,000 for the Dr. Larry Weiss Endowed Fund for Merit Scholarship. Thank you to all who ran, walked, cheered and supported Sprinting for Scholars.

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Friends ‘Til the End: Alumni Day 2019 T

by Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99

he venue and program were a bit different this Alumni Day, but it was all in keeping with the spirit of rejuvenation that Brooklyn Friends School has been embracing for the past few years. Much of the expansion of BFS both physically and academically, can be attributed to our retiring Head of School, Dr. Larry Weiss, who was honored during the Alumni Day reception. But I’ll share more on that later. First, let’s recap our celebration of Friendship.

The alumni events began on the evening of Friday, May 31st with the Alumni basketball game taking place at the Pearl Street lower gym, while the 50th reunion dinner was held at the neighborhood favorite, Queen Italian restaurant. Some alumni dined, while others dribbled.

Both groups enjoyed engaging in activities with their fellow friends, proving that Blue Pride spans decades and destinations. Incoming Head of School, Crissy Cáceres was a welcomed guest at the 50th reunion dinner, and graciously

joined us for Saturday’s events as well. Saturday began with Quaker meeting at the Schermerhorn meeting house followed by an official alumni meet and greet with Crissy. During this time, alums were able to casually converse with Crissy so they could get acquainted with one another. The mingling of BFS’ past and future was a special moment in our history to witness.

Alumni then gathered at the impressive Dumbo waterfront development, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, to resume their reunion in style. 1 Hotel provided a beautiful backdrop to the festivities. Aside from celebrating my own 20th reunion with friends, the highlight of the day was the heartfelt tribute to Dr. Larry Weiss delivered by former beloved teacher and Head of Upper School, Don Knies. Don and Larry’s friendship dates back over 40 years and has blossomed over time, much like the cultural landscape of Brooklyn Friends. For alumni, Larry’s retirement marks the end of an era and the ushering in of a promising new relationship in our ever evolving alma mater.

Honestly, I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate.

PHOTOS A BOV E FROM L EF T 1 A group of alumni and faculty following Quaker Meeting 2 Seth Phillips ’81, Lekeia Varlack Judge ’99, Jonathan Richards ’99 and son, Nicole Paré, and Crissy Cáceres.

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BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

PHOTOS A BOV E FROM L EF T 1 Chuck McVey ’91 and David Gardella 2 Dr. Larry Weiss 3 Alumni Basketball Game 4 Leneil Roderique ’13 and Sue Aaronson 5 Crissy Cáceres and Lisa Varlack Betts ’87 6 Richard Cutler ’62 and Don Knies 7 Tyler Clarke ’14, Elinor Hills ’14, and Clara Siegmund ’14 6 Alumni Basketball Game 7 Wendy Smith ’74, Erika Goldman ’77, Susan Rettig ’75, and Warren Harding ’77 with Dr. Larry Weiss

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A Day of Sharing and Delight

by Emily Cowles

O

n Thursday, May 23rd, the Preschool hosted Grandparents and Special Friends Day and what an extraordinary day it was! Over 200 guests from as close as State Street to as far as Turkey arrived at Pearl Street and headed to the Meetinghouse for greetings and music. They were wowed by our Middle School jazz musicians and welcomed by Head of School Dr. Larry Weiss and Head of Preschool Maura Eden. Larry and Maura shared our gratitude for the vital role that grandparents play in the lives of our students and school.

Guests then headed to the second floor and joined their students. The Preschoolers shared their daily classroom life and their special projects. Guests joined in singing on the rug and decorated memento picture frames with the Preschoolers.

The morning ended as students took their guests to the All School Art Show and showed the incredible work of the entire student community. Thank you to the Preschool teachers and staff, the middle school jazz band, and the BFS facilities staff for their work in hosting this special day.

The host for Grandparents and Special Friends Day alternates annually. We look forward to 2020 when the Lower School will welcome these special guests!

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Summer 2019 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL

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Athletics

TEAM RECORDS

Boys Varsity Baseball 7–6 Girls Varsity Softball 2–6–2 Boys Varsity Volleyball 8–10 MS Boys Baseball 5–2–1 MS Girls Softball 3–3–2

SPRING 2019 was spectacular

for the Panthers! We are so proud of all our spring athletic teams and are pleased to recognize the Boys Varsity Volleyball team, who were champion contenders in the ISAL and ACIS leagues, as well as the Boys Varsity Baseball team, who played in a championship game. Win, lose, or tie, every team played their best and represented BFS in an exemplary way.

BLUE PRIDE RUNS DEEP!

For all athletic schedules, go to bfsathletics.org 18

BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL JOURNAL Summer 2019

Performing Arts

U

April 26–27, 2019

pper School thespians went old school and chose a classic comedy for their spring production when they presented Joseph Kesseling’s play, Arsenic and Old Lace. Set in 1941 Brooklyn, it’s the story of an eccentric family with two maiden aunts who get creative with elderberry wine. When their nephew uncovers what’s really going on, physical comedy ensues, featuring ringing telephones, slamming doors, and climbing in and out of windows.

An ensemble cast of 11 actors brought the show to life under the direction of Catherine Clark. Technical direction and scenic display were provided by Larson Rose and a crew of six students.

Bravo to all, who helped prove that laughter really is the best medicine.

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Farewell to Four Extraordinary Teachers Just as the end of 2018–19 marked a “commencement” into the next chapter of life for Dr. Larry Weiss, so too did BFS say farewell to four extraordinary educators who have had a profound impact on students and our entire teaching and learning community.

Diane Mackie spent almost her entire career at Brooklyn

Friends School; she also experienced the life of the school as the parent of two students, Anna, Class of 2014, and Peter, Class of 2012 and now a member of the BFS Advancement Office.

Diane joined Brooklyn Friends as a Lower School teacher in 1980. She served the division in numerous capacities, from her position as Head of the Lower School for 7 years and one as Head of both the Middle and Lower School to the last 18 years as the Assistant Head of Lower School. She excelled in her role as a teacher of teachers, an exceptional curriculum developer, and a champion of teacher professional development. Diane’s written messages to teachers and parents, though in prose, were like poetry—one faculty member characterized her writing as “love letters to the Lower School.” She will be remembered for her outstanding intellect, boundless energy and keen interest in teaching and learning at all levels of the school, and as an exceedingly well-respected and admired colleague.

FROM LEFT Kathy Hartzler, Librarian, Jackie Condie, Head of Lower School,

and Diane Mackie, Assistant Head of Lower School

Kathy Hartzler came to Brooklyn Friends School in 1992 as a preschool teacher and shortly thereafter became the Pre- and Lower School Librarian, a position she held for more than 25 years. For quite some time, Kathy also served as the Chair of the Library Department; her knowledge, expertise, and endless long hours of hard work, led to the creation of several iterations of the BFS libraries. Always forward-thinking, Kathy presided over the technological transformation of the libraries and eagerly added new programs to enhance the children’s learning experiences. Her warm demeanor, love of children’s literature, and deep understanding of the stages of child development made Kathy a favorite among students, families, and her colleagues. Also the parent of a BFS alumna, Kathy will be remembered as an exemplar of dedication to Brooklyn Friends School and a champion of the school’s progress and success.

Sidney Bridges joined the BFS faculty in 2000 continuing

a stellar career in Friends education — first as a student, then as a teacher and also as a well-respected professional and leader in the independent school community. For 10 years, Sidney was Chair of the BFS English Department and teacher of Middle as well as Upper School students. He also worked in college counseling, alumni outreach, and the Upper School international travel program. To be in Sidney’s class was to be totally immersed in the world of Shakespeare, the Harlem Renaissance, classical Greece–in fact, in any era characterized by outstanding English, American, and multicultural literature.

In 2015 Sidney became Upper School Head; he worked to advance the International Baccalaureate curriculum, faculty professional development, and student life. He continued in this position until the spring of 2018 and returned to BFS this academic year to lend his considerable talents to further important schoolwide initiatives. Sidney will be moving on to the Park School in Baltimore in the fall. He will be remembered as one of the great teachers of Brooklyn Friends School and as one who gave unreservedly to the school, his colleagues and the students in his care.

Martin Moore has had one of the longest tenures of the

BFS faculty, having started as a Latin teacher at the little red schoolhouse at Schermerhorn Street in 1967. A master teacher, advisor, colleague and friend, he received the Distinguished Faculty Award from BFS Alumni in 2009. Martin had a powerful impact on the academic lives of generations of students. He was especially gratified to join Dr. Weiss upon Larry’s return to BFS and to teach Latin to a new generation of wonderfully motivated middle and upper school classicists.

He will be remembered for his kindness, impeccable manners and sense of style, and the confidence and joy he consistently expressed being a teacher in the classroom with intellectually ambitious students.

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—Joan Martin

Sidney Bridges

Martin Moore

Welcome Crissy Cáceres!

C

rissy Cáceres joined BFS as our 20th Head of School on July 1, 2019, marking a new era in the history of the school.

Even before she arrived, Crissy spent quite a bit of time this Spring getting to know our community, meeting with families both in and out of school. She joined the Class of 1969 at their 50th reunion dinner, attended Quaker meeting with Faculty and Alumni, and celebrated with everyone on Alumni Day. We’re so excited for everyone to have an opportunity to meet Crissy when school begins in September. If you would like to host a welcome event for Crissy in your home sometime this school year, please reach out to Karen Edelman, Director of Advancement at kedelman@brooklynfriends.org.

Save the Date!

Thursday, September 12, 6PM

New York City Technical College Auditorium 285 Jay Street, Brooklyn

The entire Brooklyn Friends School community is invited to celebrate the start of the 2019–2020 school year to formally welcome our new Head of School Crissy Cáceres. Invitations will be sent later this summer.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID S. Hackensack, NJ Permit # 79

Brooklyn Friends School 375 Pearl Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

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Brooklyn Friends Fund 2018-2019

We Raised Over $1.1 Million Thanks to You!

969 Donors

gave to the 2018-2019 Brooklyn Friends Fund, 361 of whom have given consecutively for 5 years.

$946,000

raised for the Brooklyn Friends Fund.

$103,000

net raised from the Spring Gala.

$47,500

Your support of the Brooklyn Friends Fund makes an impact on

over 900 students

raised for the Dr. Larry Weiss Endowed Fund for Merit Scholarship

Thank you to all our supporters who make this possible. A special thanks to our dedicated Brooklyn Friends Fund Committee led by Co-Chairs, Michael Lieberman and Sharon Reid. To join our dynamic group of Brooklyn Friends Parent and Faculty and Staff Volunteers, please contact Anna Ferber at aferber@brooklynfriends.org.