Brunswick Trust Report: Winter/Spring 2022

The Brunswick Trust N E W S L E T T E R

‘A New Path for Old Shoes’

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runswick boys have spent the winter focusing on the notion of responsibility — for ourselves and for others — and the concept that’s akin to trustworthiness now serves as the worthy theme for this, the winter/spring newsletter of The Brunswick Trust.

What is responsibility? What does it look like?

To whom are we responsible? What does it mean to be a responsible student, friend, son, brother, teammate, citizen?

Brunswick students are considering the questions in every corner of school; on Edwards Campus, fourth graders have returned an answer all their own, with some of Wick’s youngest once again carrying the messages of The Brunswick Trust to their younger peers.

Ambassadors for

This winter, messages have centered on taking responsibility for what does and doesn’t get thrown into the landfill, with older boys playing a game with younger students to help them remember exactly what goes where in terms of recycling and compost, as everyone tidies up after lunch.

Another visit by the ambassadors had boys considering how to take responsibility for what happens to the shoes on their feet once their feet have gotten too big for them.

Boys learned that shoes that get tossed in the garbage might hang around in a landfill for 30 or 40 years; they were invited to write a “A New Path for Old Shoes” as they brainstormed about new homes not just for old shoes but also for all sorts of other kinds of used sporting goods. Now, a gently used sporting drive is planned for spring.

Character Education made the rounds at the Lower School from about 2015 until the pandemic temporarily sidelined them.

Now, a newly revived program is once again seeing about 20 fourth graders take on the responsibility of envoy as they visit the classrooms of their younger classmates to lead discussions on character traits of the highest order.

“For these shoes, there are better ways this story could end,” said Brett Martell, Pre and Lower School science teacher. “To think, ‘I didn’t add to the pile, and I helped someone.’ That’s a great thing.”

“Eventually, it will make a big difference.”

CHARACTER

D I V E R S I T Y, E Q U I T Y,

H E A LT H

SERVICE &

& LEADERSHIP

INCLUSION &

& WELLNESS

S U S TA I N A B I LI T Y

BELONGING

The Brunswick Trust Character & Leadership

‘An Inventory of Strengths’

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ositive psychology was the focus for eighth graders this winter as a new tool was introduced to enhance the Character Continuum.

Brunswick Trust Coordinator Kate Duennebier introduced the VIA Institute on Character to boys on Jan. 25; she said the Institute arose in the early 2000s after a big shift in scientific thinking, one that moved decidedly away from diagnosing what’s wrong with a person in favor of looking more closely at human goodness and what’s right.

“The shift here is that we started to look at what works, rather than what’s broken,” Duennebier told the boys. “That’s the foundation on which this Via Institute was built.

“They created this renowned survey to bring their work to the world,” she said.

The survey provides an “inventory of strengths” for use in the practice of wellness; eighth graders completed the survey in a follow-up Brunswick Trust session in February. Each student received a unique report detailing the unique combination of their top five character strengths — naming things like honesty, perseverance, and leadership.

“In a nutshell, we are using the VIA character survey as a tool to enhance our existing Character Continuum,” Duennebier told the boys. “Everyone receives their own, personal character profile. Then, it becomes our job to understand what those strengths are, and to reflect on how we can both use and improve them in our own journey, and when we are trying to function at the highest level as part of a group.

“It’s not a diagnostic,” she said. “It IS enlightening.”

Boys used the report to reflect on mid-year progress reports and get ready for exams; they are also putting it to work as they embark on their seminal, interdisciplinary Capstone Project that will see them tasked with working together with three or four of their peers.

Insight and enlightenment have also been the goal for Upper School juniors, who are once again considering the finer points of ethical thinking in a Character and Ethics class that aims to help boys understand ethical oppositions, self-identify as ethical thinkers, and gain self-knowledge in their own decision making.

Known as a kind of “character self-study,” the class was launched about six years ago as a way to infuse the work of The Brunswick Trust directly into the academic curriculum; it’s a required class for juniors.

“In the words of one participant, ‘I’ve never had so much fun falling.’’’

Also at the Upper School, 20 juniors trekked up to Vermont in January to train for their senior year leadership roles in Brunswick’s Vermont Program.

The juniors were selected for leadership for their ability to make connections and be positive influences on the small groups of sophomores who travel to Vermont for week-long wilderness education and applied-classroom learning. Their January trek to Vermont served as a training program, in preparation for their senior-year leadership roles.

“This trip was incredibly special and impactful,” said Danny Dychkowski, Vermont Campus director. “The last time this group visited the campus was under full COVID restrictions.

During that stay, dining had plexiglass, masks were worn at all times, and they slept in single rooms and tents. To contrast, this year was normalized — no masks, roommates, and the plexiglass is gone.

“I think the most significant aspect of this is having roommates — staying up too late, chatting,” he said.

Dychkowski said crosscountry skiing was one of the highlights.

“In the words of one participant, ‘I’ve never had so much fun falling,’’’ Dychkowski said. “Some boys unlock skills that were unknown to them, which is empowering. You see this in any of the new activities, which is why we do obscure things like curling, broomball, and ice climbing! continued on page 3

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The Brunswick Trust DONALD MIRALLE/GETTY IMAGES

Character & Leadership continued from page 2

“Most importantly, the boys make deep connections to their peers on the trip — ones that will last through their time at ’Wick and beyond,” he said. “It’s the power of the shared experience.” * * * At the Middle School, a paralympic athlete brought his message of resilience to students in a Zoom assembly on Jan. 21.

Chris Waddell was a ski racer at Middlebury College when an accident left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Waddell’s philosophy: He’s now a paralympic athlete and champion, and his incredible perseverance and positive attitude dovetailed with the Middle “It’s not what happens to you. It’s what you do with what School theme this year, which is Outlook. happens to you.”

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

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ick students built connections around Martin Luther King Jr. day in January, with assemblies and projects in every division aimed at building “bigger and bigger circles of connection.”

The pre and lower school celebrated the day with a special assembly on Jan. 14 created by the Culturally United Bruins (CUBs). Six boys from the Lower School met weekly to put together the assembly honoring the life and work of Dr. King. The group shared a story by Brad Montague called The Circles All Around Us. “Lower School President Jackson Kronewitter ’30 encouraged us to continue Dr. King’s work at ’Wick by making sure that we are building bigger and bigger circles of community and connection,” said Beth Barsanti, coordinator of CUBs. “Homeroom classes continued the discussion by brainstorming ways that we can love others by being inclusive.”

At the upper school, a clip from the famous 1967 film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was the subject of the Martin Luther King Jr. assembly in Baker Theater on Jan. 27.

Run by the Upper School Diversity in Action club, the assembly saw Upper Schoolers break into “fishbowl” discussion groups to dialog about ideas presented in the clip, including what it means to be racially colorblind.

A second clip of American author James Baldwin appearing on The Dick Cavett Show, from the same era, provided the context for more discussion as students broke off into discussions with their advisories.

Upper Schoolers marked Black History Month on Feb. 10 with a presentation in Baker Theater built around two issues:

Black hairstyles, and the history and lingering consequences of redlining.

Presented by Arnez Dowe ’25 and Luke James ’25, a slideshow detailed how African Americans once straightened their hair to camouflage into white society, and in the 1960s used the Afro as a political symbol.

The two discussed Black hairstyles, and how for them personally, haircare is part of a bonding and community-building experience.

A second video from National Public Radio, Housing Segregation and Redlining in America, detailed the origin and lingering consequences of redlining, including how the practice arose in the 1930s when the new Homeowners Loan Corporation created “residential security maps” that for years were used to legally discriminate.

At the Middle School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was marked with a presentation by the seventh and eighth grade DIA club that centered on the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Discussions in advisory groups followed. Overall, Middle School DIA remains a busy and very active group, with frequent weekly meetings that have centered on topics like the lawsuit filed by Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores and a visit by YWCA Greenwich for Women’s History Month.

Meanwhile, at the Pre School,an identity project during Trust Time with Emmanuel Saldana saw students read Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes.

It’s a story about a girl in kindergarten who gets teased for her “long and flowery” name.

In collaboration with their families, Pre Schoolers were able to learn their own “name story” to share and celebrate in continued on page 4

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The Brunswick Trust Diversity, Equity & Inclusion continued from page 3

class. Students decorated a chrysanthemum flower petal with details about their own names; all the petals were put together and made into one flower for each class, with all the petals detailing the origins and diversity of everyone.

Affinity groups continue to bring people together at the Upper School; an Asian American Affinity Group has so many participants it now features two separate monthly luncheons for members to get to know one another and discuss cultural identity. The luncheons see groups of 10-12 juniors and seniors gather for lunch and friendship, with special cultural food brought in that helps set the stage for conversation.

Mr. Grannum, and Mr. Saldana. The students spend time reflecting on their own experiences and how best to navigate their racial and ethnic background throughout their time at school. Saldana said the hope is to bring in speakers to talk about the importance of affinity spaces, fostering strategies for inclusion, and a sense of brotherhood.

Recommended reading: Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague

“These luncheons really are bringing us together around food and culture and identity,” said Marianne Barnum, Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Inclusion associate.

At the Middle School, an affinity group for students of color meets about two Fridays each month with Mr. Montanez,

Health & Wellness

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umans take 25,000 breaths a day without even thinking about it. Nevertheless, on Thursday, Feb. 3, Upper Schoolers took a few moments to pause and take notice of a few of them thanks to a special mindfulness assembly led by Jon Kaptcianos, Upper School dean of student of life.

With outside speakers still restricted at that point, Kaptcianos volunteered to lead the assembly on a topic that is close to his heart.

“This is something I personally am a big fan of,” said Kaptcianos. “It’s not an end-all cure-all. (But) I think there’s some real value to it.”

Aside from breathing exercises, students viewed the popular and delightful Ted Talk, Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator by Tim Urban.

The talk features the wonderful shenanigans of the “instant gratification monkey” who works alongside the “panic monster” in a procrastination comedy; Urban also raised more serious concerns about the kind of “long-term” procrastination that leads people to overlook their true passions over a lifetime.

Healthy relationships, meanwhile, were the topic of a joint Upper School assembly with Greenwich Academy on Valentine’s Day. Lisa Damour Ph.D, a psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of Under Presssure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls and other books, Zoomed in from Ohio to present a talk around promoting healthy relationships; topics included hook-up culture, the concept of consent, and healthy versus unhealthy relationships.

“Our boys asked thoughtful questions,” Kaptcianos said.

Also at the Upper School, the new Freshman Seminar is in its second full year. Designed to help freshmen adjust to life at the Upper School, the class also known as “Wick 101” features small discussion groups facilitated by veteran faculty members. Topics include academic integrity, mental outlook, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, drugs and alcohol, and healthy relationships.

One of the highlights of this year has been visits from seniors, who are sometimes asked to come to class to talk about their own challenges and accomplishments while at the Upper School.

“The younger boys look up to the seniors,” said Kaptcianos.

“That was by far one of my best classes.”

Freshman Seminar actually serves as a segue to a sophomore Health class that sees boys gather for 16 sessions to learn content and acquire skills so as to more successfully navigate Upper School, college, and beyond. The curriculum focuses on self-knowledge, nutrition and physical health, masculinity/ identity, drugs and alcohol, mental and emotional health, relationships and sexuality, and mindfulness and wellness.

“It’s really easy for us as adults to assume they know more than they do,” Kaptcianos said. “It’s important to have that opportunity to sit with the boys, and give them the opportunity to ask questions.”

Parents, meanwhile, gathered online for some learning aimed especially at them.

Common Sense Media presented Thank You for Being a Friend, IRL. Helping Kids Build Relationships in Our Digitally Connected Lives, on Wednesday, Jan. 26. continued on page 5

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The Brunswick Trust Health & Wellness continued from page 4

Panelists included Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and bestselling author of The Care and Keeping of You and Guy Stuff, and Lisa Damour, a psychologist, best-selling author of Under Pressure and Untangled, and a New York Times columnist, in conversation with three teens.

From the eldest to the youngest; Pre Schoolers are all the way up to the letter “W” after launching the year with considerations of the “ABCs of Brunswick.”

“W” brought the word Wellness to ’Wick’s youngest as they learned about the brain and how food is a source of energy for both body and brain. Guided meditations and morning yoga rounded out the lessons.

Kindergartners continued social-emotional RULER lessons with a focus on the feeling words “hurt” and “excited,” while grades 1-3 considered the words “joyful,” “excluded,” “competitive,” and “distracted.”

to recognize those emotions in others,” said Joey Zannino, Pre and Lower School counselor. “We talked about different ways to get either more or less of the feeling, and recognize whether more or less of that emotion would be helpful for your current situation.”

With much relief and gratitude, normalcy has returned to the realm of athletics and physical education this winter, with teams hosting games starting in November and also able to travel to away games.

“It was as close to a normal sports season as possible,” said Marc Strileckis, associate director of athletics. “It was a relief. It was great to see kids participating. It was great to see the fans.”

Many, many fans packed Brunswick arenas for the big games.

“It was fantastic to see so many people show up in support,” said Strileckis.

Lower School moved its wrestling tournament to the spring, with the high hopes the annual, can’t-miss event can be held with the full participation of parents and students.

Boys in the Middle School Physical Education completed units on swimming, health and nutrition, basketball, squash, and even got a chance to try out the rowing tanks.

Lessons were paired with readings that included Lila and Crow by Gabrielle Grimard, When’s My Birthday by Julie Fogliano, All My Treasures: A Book of Joy by Jo Witek, The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, and It’s Hard to Be a Verb by Julia Cook “We discussed what each emotion looks like, and feels like, and how to recognize the feelings inside of yourself and how

Service & Sustainability

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t ’s been an exciting and very busy time in the fields of Service and Sustainability, as boys in all divisions work to address challenges in their communities and across the world.

In late February, Upper School students rallied to raise $5,500 in support of Save the Children’s efforts to deliver essential humanitarian aid to children and families in Ukraine. Save the Children was the first global movement for children, boldly declaring that children have rights when the organization was founded in 1919. ’Wick students also wore blue and yellow on Friday, March 4, in honor of all those suffering in Ukraine.

“Like everyone, we are eager to do anything we can to help the innocents of Ukraine as they endure the horrors of war,” Head of School Tom Philip said. “Our boys were eager to step up and support Save the Children.”

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The Brunswick Trust Service & Sustainability continued from page 5

Head of Community Service Amy Kerekes added, “We emphasized the importance of donations coming from students’ very own pockets. This was a children-to-children, student-to-student fundraiser.”

Also at the Upper School, three students from the Sustainability Council were able to attend the daylong MIT Sustainability Summit, held virtually on Feb. 25.

Valentines for Veterans is an effort led by Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), who every year collects cards made by school children all over his district, and delivers them to veterans’ groups.

“The Valentines are a small token of us saying thanks,” said Brett Martell, Pre and Lower School science teacher. “We are safe as a result of their sacrifice.”

Even more Upper Schoolers were able to cycle into the event for shorter time slots during their free periods.

The summit’s theme this year was From the Ground Up: Elevating Grassroots Action Towards Climate Justice.

J.R. Mastro, Upper School science teacher and Sustainability Council advisor, said under this umbrella were five key ideas.

“Understanding the Ground” focused on the importance of understanding the history of the land we live on and building context for our communities to better understand how community players and actors relate to their home. “Place” highlighted grassroots solutions developed by local and indigenous communities for climate-related problems they face.

“Alignment” built on “place” by exploring how organizations can scale up and expand their efforts. “Relationship” explored how companies can practice non-exploitative allyship with local communities and grassroots organizations. And finally, “Movement” focused on calls to action and “how we can collectively embrace a just transition from an extractive economy, and look towards a regenerative economy.”

The Sustainability Council is also pleased to announce its new website, which it hopes will help spread awareness for greener living around the greater Brunswick community.

Check it out here: sites.google.com/brunswickschool.org/ brunswicksustainability

Lower Schoolers, in the meantime, have reinvigorated their composting program post pandemic, and to refresh everyone’s memories, fourth grade ambassadors visited classrooms on Feb. 24 to host a kind of Where Does it Go? game with students.

Boys were asked to sort photos of typical lunch items onto three different trays colored green, blue, and black, each representing the different composting bins in the lunchroom.

Also at the Lower School, students created hand-made Valentine cards in appreciation for the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform.

The annual Souper Bowl at the Pre and Lower Schools served as a great opportunity to help local food banks replenish their shelves, which tend to empty out at this time of year after a big rush of giving at the holidays. Boys were able to use their donations to “vote” for their Super Bowl favorite, and while the ballots here were exceptionally close, the Bengals came out on top.

Meanwhile, Saturday programming for Horizons at Brunswick has been chock full of enrichment for boys of every age.

Financial literacy was the goal for seventh and eighth grade boys on a recent Saturday, as the cohort was invited to share a skill for a day and seek “jobs” with Horizons board members.

Boys received training by Nancy Kail from Good Money Habits before heading out to work for Job Day on Saturday, March 3.

Organized by Horizons board member Angelique Bell, the day was a huge success. Bell reported that 12 boys participated as employees, six Horizons board members served as employers, four “Friends of Horizons” also participated as employers, and one Brunswick Horizons Club student was also an employer.

Another recent Saturday program saw 15 volunteer drivers deliver food and supplies early in the morning so that K-4th graders could work with their teachers on a remote art project, and 5-6th graders could participate in a STEAM marble run project.

At the same time, 48 parents and caregivers signed on to Zoom for a parent workshop that introduced AVID, a nonprofit college readiness program, and also featured a discussion about phone and social media use by Leslie Andersen, Brunswick director of parent and student counseling services.

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