Judith Arnstein speaks with 4th grader, Margaret Rawl.
Dear Charleston Day School Families, Spring is in the air at 15 Archdale Street. Much like the flowering trees that grace the streets and yards of Charleston, our students are in their blooming season. The lessons that started in the fall are taking hold and growing. Public speaking skills are strengthening, and our youngest students are acquiring the literacy skills that will last them a lifetime. Sometimes this growth is incremental, and sometimes it is exponential. Hearing a student read fluently or seeing the pride in their eyes when they master all of the math facts or grasp a difficult concept is one of the great pleasures of being a faculty member at Charleston Day School. Each day, your student is surrounded by adults who not only care about what your child learns, but also who they are and who they can aspire to be. The seeds of a CDS education are sown intentionally and nurtured carefully so that they take root and grow strong and true.
In this issue of The Gateway, we celebrate the student community service projects that form the cornerstone of responsible citizenship, delve into how students gradually and intentionally increase their public speaking proficiency, and highlight the many community members who come together to make our school great. Each of these areas form the building blocks that reinforce the School’s mission of fostering scholarship, integrity, respect, and responsibility in our students.
As we look to the future of the School and begin to envision the extension of our historic campus, please be sure to take a look at the article about the history of the Fielding Home for Funerals property that the School recently acquired and learn more about how that acquisition will enhance the overall Charleston Day School Experience. The addition of that property and the possibilities that it represents will solidify the School’s position both in the Charleston community and as the premier K-8 program in Charleston.
Finally, enjoy the Alumni Spotlight which features recently elected Charleston Mayor, William Cogswell and his Chief of Staff, Liz Dieck. CDS has long held the view that community service and active citizenship are foundational to a meaningful education and Mayor Cogswell and Mrs. Dieck are shining examples of that.
Enjoy the next few weeks of spring and know that whatever season, students are always growing at CDS.
With gratitude,
Judith Foley Arnstein Head of School
Judith Foley Arnstein
Tim Coffey
Ross Hostetter
Corie Hipp
Marietta Juillard
Jessica Mischner
Building Civic-Minded Scorpions
A Focus on Community Service
Recognizing the needs of others and feeling a responsibility to help is at the center of Charleston Day School’s Mission. Our faculty intentionally weave community service opportunities into each grade level’s curriculum, so we can cultivate responsible, empathetic, and engaged citizens who are committed to making a positive difference in the world around them. Through service projects, students have the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. This interaction fosters empathy and compassion as students gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by others in our community.
“When we create opportunities for service activities, it helps students see the relevance of their education and encourages critical thinking about social issues.”
-Chris Wascom, Community Service Coordinator and 5th/6th grade history teacher
Student Council Coat Drive
Our Student Council sponsored its 2nd annual coat drive and partnered with Project Street Outreach to deliver 126 gently worn youth and adult-sized coats and sweaters to the Family Outreach Center at Joint Base Charleston in person this past January. The members of the student government organization had an opportunity to see first hand the challenges faced by others and how an individual can actively contribute in making a difference in someone else's life.
3rd Grade Read-a-Thon
The Charleston Day School 3rd grade class completed their week-long Read-a-Thon in October. The Reada-Thon raises money each year for local organizations. The students read 5,089 minutes and received a total of $9353.02 in pledges during the 5-day reading challenge. Over the fourteen years, the school’s 3rd grade has donated more than $90,000 to local charitable groups.
The class takes regular field trips and welcomes visitors to the classroom to donate Read-a-Thon contributions in person. A key piece to the project is to meet with organizations receiving funds and learn more about how the fundraiser has a direct impact on local groups. The project motivates readers and makes a difference in the students’ awareness of needs in our community.
(L to R) Emily Manuel, Bea Anderson, Mrs. J. Denise Cromwell (Founder/Executive Director of Project Street Outreach), and Wills Walldorf sort coats at the Airmen Family Center.
3rd graders donate Read-a-Thon proceeds to the Camp Happy Days Holiday Giving Program in December.
5th graders sort canned food collections during their week-long November canned food drive.
4th Grade Holiday Market
The 4th grade class manages a Holiday Market each year. The student-led business project is a cross-curricular project that activates communication skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and has a community service element to it. Students create marketing materials including a logo, determine their product lines, and estimate costs. The school market project is not just about selling products; it's also about applying academic skills in a real-world setting and contributing to the local community. This year, the 4th grade donated $1,100 in profits to the Ronald McDonald House.
Additional 2023/24 Class Community Service Projects
8th Grade Habitat for Humanity house project
7th Grade Corrine Jones Community Garden
6th Grade Book Angels gently used book drive
5th Grade Canned Food Drive for Lowcountry Food Bank
K, 1st, 2nd Grade Canterbury House Visit
Community Service Day in May (all grades)
Bonjour, la France
Building a Cultural Connection: Pen Pal Project
Every year, both kindergartners and fourth graders in Madame Juillard’s French class get the opportunity to connect with their peers in France. Kindergartners correspond with students from a private bilingual elementary school in Rouen, while fourth graders send their letters to a public middle school in Poissy, which is right next to Paris. Activities are adapted to the students’ level; kindergartners send drawings and videos singing French songs, whereas fourth graders do a lot more speaking and writing in French through videos and letters.
The purpose of the pen pal project is to expose students to a different culture while also finding similarities. “I think it’s very cool and interesting that everyone is so different like with the language and the food, but everyone also has something in common,” observed Siena, 4th grade. Her classmate Lawrence agreed, “I have the best pen pal because I realized he and I like the same sports!”
The best part is hearing back from their pen pals. As J.P. said, “It’s always fun to see what our pen pals have in stock for us!”
Margaret and Anuket, 4th graders, create informational brochures to share with their French friends.
Mrs. Smith ran into Wells Banas who made and sold dog treats at his neighborhood oyster roast. Many students participate in independent community projects outside of school hours.
BUILDING A LOVE OF READING
The South Carolina Book Award Program
Mrs. Sarah Young, Library Media Specialist and CDS class of ‘90, currently serves as Vice Chair for the South Carolina Book Award program. As she steps into the role of Chair this March, she will lead four committees of teachers, parents, librarians, and most importantly, students, who choose the top 20 Picture Books, Children’s Books, Junior Books, and Young Adult Books for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The purpose of the South Carolina Book Award program is to encourage students to read high quality contemporary literature by authors who have published a book within the last year. Mrs. Young shared, “Classics are always important, but this program helps students and schools locate fresh authors and new books that deserve a spot on people’s reading list. Also, Charleston Day students get very excited about participating in the statewide process of voting and selecting the winner from each year’s lists of nominees. Our second graders have learned about how the Caldecott committee chooses books, and they apply what they’ve learned to be responsible voters for the SC Picture Book Award.”
Current fifth grader, Margot David, is a member of the Children’s Book Award Committee for the 2023-2024 year and helped choose the top 20 books for third through sixth graders for the entire state. She read 40 books and traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to “stump” for her favorite book choices. Margot is a voracious reader and was brave enough to passionately defend her favorite choices while serving on the committee. “When I met with the panel, I had to speak up for books I liked and convince the adults on the panel to keep my top book choices on the final list.” Margot returned to Columbia in early March for the SCASL Conference and had the privilege of announcing the 2024 South Carolina Book Award winners.
Participating in the state book awards process is a huge honor and responsibility for Mrs. Young and Margot. Programs like this one encourage diverse voices, and the committees are committed to meeting the needs of all students in South Carolina schools. Most schools across the state use these books to promote the joy of reading high quality books to all kids.
Mrs. Young Recommends: Grades 5K to Adult
Out Of A Jar by Deborah Marcero
Grades 3-5
Witchlings by Claribel Ortega
Grades 6-8
Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King
Grades 8+
Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland
Margot David Recommends: Grades 4-7
Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
Grades 5+
The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
Grades 5-8
The Bluest Sky by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Mrs. Young and Margot visit with book author, Daka Hermon, at the SCASL Conference in Columbia.
Excellence in Teaching Award
CHARLESTON DAYSCHOOL
Excellencein Te achingAward
The Excellence in Teaching Award was started by an alumni family who wanted to recognize and thank the wonderful teachers and staff at Charleston Day School. Our School is filled with exemplary educators, and each year the School seeks nominations from parents, current and former faculty members, and alumni for this prestigious award.
Travis Whetzel is the 2023/24 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. Coach Whetzel is an educator who demonstrates excellence every single day and has a deep sense of empathy for students and parents. He understands that learning takes place both in and out of the classroom and that success is measured in multiple ways. He embodies our mission of respect, responsibility, integrity, and scholarship every day and is a quiet role model for all.
As one colleague wrote, “Travis teaches with humor, compassion, and a desire to have our students be the best that they can be.”
Another CDS colleague wrote, “Coach can be counted on to provide a supportive environment and calm demeanor at all times. The students always know what to expect from Travis and therefore have great respect for him. He gets to know each student as a whole person and is able to find each student’s unique strengths and use those to help a student find success.
Coach Whetzel has a solid reputation among teachers and parents. Many commented that Travis is never showy or acts in a way to attract attention. He is kind and respectful and does not need the spotlight to shine in his direction.
As Mrs. Arnstein observed, “Coach Whetzel is a true example of persistence, resilience, and understanding that a group of students can often accomplish more together than apart. He has a positive impact on every single student in the school, and we are thrilled to honor him with this well-deserved award.”
(L to R) Coach Whetzel's family celebrates his award; The 2023 Trident League Champions enjoy their victory; Coach dresses as a human snow globe for the teacher costume contest at Halloween.
Coach Travis Whetzel
The K–8 Journey
Whether a student enters Charleston Day in Kindergarten or joins our campus community further into their K-8 journey, one thing is certain: he or she will leave and matriculate into the next phase of their scholastic career with public speaking skills that will last a lifetime. That’s because we emphasize the act of speaking publicly as part of the core curriculum at every age. Why? Because it is both an educational skill and a life skill; it builds character as much as it strengthens communication, and it instills confidence that translates to and prepares students for all facets of life and future career paths.
As students advance through the grades, they always have a speaking part. Whether it is embodying and then explaining a vital civic role during the First Grade Community Helpers show, performing a role in a second language during a play, reciting Shakespeare for a dramatic reading, or addressing the student body in an assembly, we believe in the power and importance of every student’s voice. After all, what they learn today will no doubt impact how they lead tomorrow.
Kindergarten: “We really start from the beginning. In the classroom, we get comfortable speaking in front of our peers and friends, and we respect their words with our silence. We also perform plays and understand that it takes many parts to make a whole story.”
–Garden Blincow
Signature Public Speaking Event: The Littlest Christmas Tree holiday play
1st grade: “The Community Helpers program takes the lessons our students have learned about communicating in a group setting, and empowers them to find their individual voices within the various community roles that make up civic life. They learn to describe their jobs—from the mayor to healthcare workers to emergency responders and law enforcement officers—in a way that not only strengthens their confidence but also their awareness of the communities in which they live.” –Keller Smith
Signature Public Speaking Event: Community Helpers play
2nd grade: “Students begin to learn more about listening to their classmates in group discussions, as well as gain fluency in presenting in front of them as individuals—how to react to each other’s words, share in an open forum, and organize ideas into coherent passages.” –Jane Bullard
Signature Public Speaking Event: Fairy Tale Festival retelling of classic fairy tales
Holmes Kratz introduces his father during a community helpers classroom presentation.
(L to R) Win David, Levi Byrd, Louise Hammond, and Annabel Seaman present their versions of “The Three Little Pigs” from a unique perspective.
Peter McCoy explains his invention and answers impromptu questions at the 4th grade annual Invention Convention.
3rd grade: “We do so many things to foster public speaking skills, including visiting the State House in Columbia. The students get to see their elected officials deliver addresses and propose new legislation. Oratory in action, especially outside of the classroom, is always impactful, but witnessing how the delivery of speech can literally determine policy and shape laws is an incredibly powerful lesson.” –Carrie Davis
Signature Public Speaking Event: South Carolina Park Ranger presentations
4th grade: “From developing entrepreneurial skills through invention concepts complete with formal sales pitches to a “convention” of adults, faculty, and fellow students; to mounting campaigns for student office elections, to emphasizing compromise and shared communication skills through written and oral projects with partners, there is a new level of focus on sustained back-and-forth communication, expressed with purpose and oriented toward results, that students learn in 4th grade.” –Shannon Page
Signature Public Speaking Event: Invention Convention
Jacob Folk (L) and Bowers Cantwell (R) provide color commentary during the faculty v 8th grade volleyball game.
5th grade: A highlight of the public speaking curriculum is the 5th Grade Dottie Rhett Speech Contest. All students research and write a speech on their chosen topic. Several finalists are selected to present to the entire school and an outside panel of judges. The rest of the students present dramatic readings.
“The annual Dottie Rhett Speech Contest is of paramount importance for our students' development as it equips them with valuable communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives. By learning how to confidently articulate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions in front of an audience, students can boost their self-confidence and overcome the fear of speaking in public. This skill not only enhances their academic performance, but also fosters effective interpersonal relationships, leadership abilities, and empowers them to become successful, influential communicators in various aspects of their future personal and professional lives.” –Kaitlin Pace
Signature Public Speaking Event: Dottie Rhett Speech Contest and research project
Dottie Rhett Speech Contest
Charleston Day School’s 41st annual Dottie Rhett Speech Contest was held on Thursday, March 14.
After many weeks of preparation, the finalists presented their speeches to over 300 spectators. The judges' panel included Elizabeth Cook, Will Hanahan (CDS '10), and Elizabeth "Libba" Holland.
Eleanor Macon won first place with a speech titled, "Evolution of Disney Princesses"
2nd Place: Hutson Parker, "Oysters"
3rd Place: Margot David, "The Salem Witch Trials"
Runners-Up:
Charlotte Freer, "Blackbeard"
Lucy McCoy, "Lucky Charms"
Logan Mozingo, "Nike"
Sophie Picard delivers her 8th grade speech to the entire student body at Monday assembly.
6th grade: Students in 6th grade regularly make presentations in all academic classes. Technology skills become another element to the public speaking experience as students become adept at building slideshow presentations to enhance their public speaking projects. “Presentations require students to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively. By using technology, students have the opportunity to practice public speaking, develop their communication skills, and learn how to engage with an audience.” –Nicole Sharpe
Signature Public Speaking Event: Science Fair
7th grade: By 7th grade, CDS students expect to speak in front of their peers in all academic classes. “During an age when many students are coping with social changes, presenting to classmates helps students step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and build their interpersonal skills, which are essential for success in various aspects of life.” –Evelyn Ladue
Signature Public Speaking Event: Julius Caesar dramatic reading
8th grade: A capstone of Charleston Day’s public speaking curriculum is the 8th grade speech. After reflection and consultation with the homeroom teacher, each student writes and delivers a speech to the entire school community during weekly assemblies throughout the year.
“Giving a speech to the whole school about a personal topic is a transformative experience that enhances students' personal growth, communication skills, leadership abilities, and sense of belonging within the school community.” –Andy Willits
Signature Public Speaking Event(s): 8th Grade Speech and Gibbes Museum Docent project
Beyond 8th Grade: We often hear from alumni about how grateful they are to have an arsenal of public speaking skills that many of their contemporaries in high school (and beyond) do not have. Michael David CatlettFernandez, class of 2020, reminisced about the friendly teaching environment at Charleston Day and preparation he had with presentations and group work. He remarked, “I am comfortable in front of a crowd and am capable of speaking aloud to groups without being stressed.” Hunter Dawson, class of 2022 had similar comments. “I am better at speaking with other people because I had practice.”
Sylvie Zaplin, Class of ‘23, shares her interpretation of an art piece at the Gibbes Museum.
CAMPUS CANDIDS
1. To enhance the study of Ancient Egypt, 6th graders design clay sarcophagi and write names in hieroglyphics on handmade papyrus paper.
2. 2nd graders walk to the “Pirate House” as part of their study of the Golden Age of Piracy and the pirates’ impact on the Charleston economy.
3. 3rd graders honor Martin Luther King, Jr Day with a stained glass window activity.
4. A big step with student organization is managing your locker space. 4th graders proudly show their lockers.
5. 1st graders hone their map skills when they follow street maps on a quest for cocoa.
6.
graders dress in style for Valentine’s Day.
7. The 8th grade girls’ basketball team pose for a team picture after winning a game. Their final season record was 12-2.
9. Kindergarteners explore sounds in music class.
7th
8. 5th graders enjoy time on the playground with friends.
10. 3rd graders celebrate Mardi Gras with a parade down the Founder's Wing hallway.
The Fielding Property Acquisition
Securing a Bright Future for Charleston Day
Ross Hostetter, Board Chair, shares some insights into our school’s vision for the future.
The question of location and facilities for Charleston Day School has been a recurring topic around the board table for many years. The Board recognized that the Archdale Street campus, acquired in 1986 when CDS had only a single class each in 1st through 8th grade, would eventually be constrained in serving the needs and aspirations of a school that has since doubled the number of 1st through 8th grade classes, added a kindergarten class, and is serving a Charleston community that has almost doubled in population in that time.
“The Fielding project is an extraordinary opportunity to better support our school values by providing a space that unites our community while strengthening our ties to Charleston and our historic community.”
-Focus Group Participant
Many scenarios were discussed, all with difficult trade-offs, save one seemingly remote option-- to acquire the Fielding site. If only the family would ever be willing to sell a property they have owned since 1926. To have the opportunity to acquire a sizable, nearly blank canvas in historic Charleston adjacent to our Archdale campus would be quite extraordinary. So, when the rumors surfaced that the Fielding property may be coming on the market, the choice to pursue this transformational and once in a lifetime opportunity for CDS was obvious, though still a long shot to make a reality.
In the period since the Fielding property was placed under contract barely a year ago, we have sought and received zoning approvals to enable school use of the property and demolition approvals to remove dilapidated structures to maximize the usable footprint of the property. On closing of the property in October, we engaged an architectural firm, LS3P, to conduct visioning sessions across the CDS community that are informing the board’s development of a master campus plan for the next chapter in the life of CDS. We have begun the initial demolition and site securing process on the Fielding property and have laid the groundwork for the planning and execution that will be required to bring the building phase to fruition.
While much work remains, one critical question is settled once and for all. With the expansion of the campus afforded by the acquisition of the Fielding property, Charleston Day School now has the space to confidently declare that its current location in downtown Charleston is its “forever home”.
How is the addition of the Fielding property consistent with the mission of the school?
We frequently reference CDS’ mission to foster scholarship, integrity, respect, and responsibility in our students. This is an everyday focus, irrespective of facilities or location. CDS also has a vision, however, to partner with families to provide a superior academic, artistic, athletic, and ethical foundation. The high caliber education for which CDS is known has always been a testament to the people delivering that education. However, facilities do play an important role in the quality of the experience for both our students and faculty. The new property offers space for expanded programming and activities not previously available to us, all of which helps bring us closer to realizing our vision.
How will the new space allow for growth in CDS’ programming?
Simply put, space for expanded programming and the growth of CDS is no longer a constraint. In addition to the space we are gaining with the Fielding property, we can reimagine the Archdale campus and a combined master campus footprint that will support the aspirations of CDS for this generation and for generations to follow.
What are the priorities as the School considers options for the space?
Our campus planning advisors, LS3P, conducted visioning sessions and surveys across six different CDS constituent groups and found very broad consensus on the desire for more open space / play space / green space. The need for a large multi-purpose space to accommodate performances, athletic and artistic, as well as the need for space to accommodate additional programming was also clear from the feedback.
The board is working with LS3P to define a “Phase 1” plan for the Fielding property that incorporates the feedback from the visioning sessions and that includes critical components that will address each of the four pillars of our vision to provide a superior academic, artistic, athletic, and ethical foundation for our students.
How will the acquisition impact CDS’ place in the Charleston community?
One of the most unique, enduring, and valuable attributes of our school is that historic Charleston is an extension of our campus. Our location in the center of one of the most historically significant cities in our country is quite remarkable and is part of our identity. Our eighty-six-year history on the peninsula, however, makes us part of historic Charleston’s identity as well. A thriving school is central to a thriving community. This acquisition secures our location in downtown Charleston and sets CDS up for generations of success to follow. Our privileged location also comes with welcomed responsibilities to our community. We are pleased that the board has committed to working with the Fielding family to honor their legacy and contributions to Harleston Village and the broader Charleston community in our plans for the Fielding property.
Existing Archdale campus, the 7 Magazine Street property, and the Fielding property
Removing the stained glass window from the Fielding chapel for storage, so it can be incorporated into new building plans.
CHARLESTON DAY SCHOOL
The Fielding Property
Fielding Family Story
Black History and Charleston Day School
Earlier this school year, CDS acquired a piece of black history that has served as a pillar in this community. In 1912, Undertaker Julius P. L. Fielding established Fielding Funeral Home at the corner of King and Queen streets. In 1926, Mr. Fielding purchased the three-story building at 122 Logan Street and fully moved his business operations to the new location by 1928. This historical monument will now serve as an extension of our campus.
Black funeral homes in the Civil Rights era provided sanctuary (money, food, transportation, and shelter) in times of crisis in addition to the traditional services for the deceased. They offered comfort to the community. Funeral homes shared their tables, folding chairs, and tents to assist in voter registration and to mobilize activists for the community. They provided spacious halls for meetings and auxiliary clubs in the community and were regular sponsors of educational scholarships for college, offering large financial grants to encourage education.
In Charleston, as in other areas of the country, the black funeral homes donated funds and other resources for activities that benefited the community, sponsored youth baseball teams, gave people rides to and from doctors’ offices, bought shoes and school books for underprivileged children, and sponsored gospel programs. Funeral home facilities were used for community meetings, music practices, community programs, and church services for several local congregations. African American funeral homes offered important social spaces, helped consolidate identity, served both the living and the dead, and helped forge a path for black lives through black deaths.
Herbert and Bernard Fielding will be remembered as historical leaders who worked to serve the Black community and Charleston in general. They were men of integrity and served in political positions in Charleston County and the State of South Carolina. They were responsible for many people becoming registered voters and tirelessly worked towards equality and racial justice. They offered opportunities for scholarship and helped to provide educational opportunities to members of the community.
As we prepare for the campus extension, we should take pride in knowing that a foundation was previously laid, by strong community leaders, who proudly supported a mission similar to that of Charleston Day School.
Herbert Fielding
• Herbert became the CEO and President of Fielding Funeral Home in 1952.
• He founded the Political Action Committee in 1965 This committee was committed to promoting voter education of African Americans in South Carolina.
• In 1970 he became one of the first African Americans elected to the SC House of Representatives since Reconstruction.
• Herbert was elected to the SC Senate in 1985.
Bernard Fielding
• Bernard was the first African American President of the Young Democrats of Charleston County in 1969.
• In 1976, Bernard became the first African American to be appointed Associate Probate Judge in Charleston.
• In 1984, he became the CEO and President of Fielding Funeral Home.
• In 1990, he became the first elected Charleston County Probate Judge.
First grade teacher, Shantel Russell, presented a history of the Fielding family and property at an assembly focused on Black History Month.
Herbert Fielding
Bernard Fielding
A Timeline OF TWO INSTITUTIONS
1926: Undertaker Julius Parks Levy Fielding (1896–1932) purchases 122 Logan Street.
Full operations move to Logan Street from Short Street by 1928.
1939: Julius passes away, and the family converts the business to a corporation known as “Fielding Home for Funerals”.
Emily F. Fielding acts as president and works with the younger Fieldings.
1940s: The Fielding Home for Funerals purchases properties along Magazine Street.
1952: Herbert U. Fielding becomes President and CEO of Fielding Home for Funeral Services and handles the day-to-day operations of the family funeral home business.
1960s: Fielding Home for Funerals purchases two more Logan Street properties to use as additional entrances and parking for the business.
1970-80s: Emily Fielding passes away and Fielding descendants carry on the family business. Well-known black contractor, Herbert A. DeCosta, conducts several renovation campaigns like adding air conditioning.
1984: Bernard Fielding becomes President and CEO.
2023: Charleston Day School acquires the Fielding Home for Funerals property.
1937: Mary Stuart and Emily Tenney found Charleston Day School at 48 ½ S. Battery.
1949: CDS expands into a second building at the corner of Bedon’s Alley and Elliott Street.
1969: Board of Trustees is established.
1971: Miss Stuart and Miss Tenney retire.
1973: The campus moves to State Street.
1986: The campus moves to 15 Archdale Street (the former College Preparatory School).
2001: The Kenan Music and Arts Center is completed (the current kindergarten and music space).
2011: The new library, commons, science labs, terrace, and middle school space opens. The school purchases 17 Archdale.
2023: Charleston Day acquires 7 Magazine Street and the Fielding Home for Funerals property.
A Grand Performance
We welcomed grandparents and special friends to campus on Friday, February 9 for a “Grand” performance directed by longtime music teacher, Chrystal Hawkins. Grades K-3 performed a medley of songs and ended the morning’s performance by sharing personalized handmade gifts and big hugs with our visitors.
Scan the QR code to see a video of the performance!
CHARLESTON DAY SCHOOL
Celebrating Lifelong Learning
Faculty and Staff Recognitions
Just like students, teachers and staff participate in ongoing learning experiences and are members of local organizations where they can connect with others in their field.
Kate Brundrett, K-3 Science Teacher
Ms. Brundrett attended The SEPARC (Southeastern Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation) annual meeting at the beginning of March. The meeting is an opportunity for herpetology enthusiasts with a wide range of backgrounds-- professional biologists to students to educators to amateur herpers-- to network, learn, and share their passion.
“SEPARC is based in the southeast and celebrates the diversity of this region. I strive to anchor my curriculum to Charleston, South Carolina, and the southeast in general.” By attending this event, Ms. B brings back new information and ideas to incorporate into her lessons. What she shares with her students is not only interesting and engaging but also fosters closer connections to the biodiverse space we call home.
Ms. Brundrett whole-heartedly believes that each student is a scientist every day, and she is too. By participating in this event, she is able to contribute to the scientific community in ways that are relevant to our region.
Keller Smith, Shantel Russell, and Hannah Salters 1st and 2nd Grade Teachers
Several members of our primary teacher teams completed an online Orton Gillingham training over the summer. The purpose of the comprehensive phonics training was to enhance phonics instruction in our lower grades and add more resources to our teachers’ phonetic toolbox!
Phonics is just one piece of the literacy puzzle, and teachers implement many strategies to build confident readers who will love to read. Decades of research has shown that explicit phonics instruction benefits early readers. At Charleston Day School, our intentional approach to reading instruction encompasses a variety of best practices as each student’s early literacy skills emerge.
Cheryl Waddell, Director of Finance
In January, Cheryl Waddell, Charleston Day School’s Director of Finance, received the Palmetto Association of Independent School's Bill Gannt/Dewar Business Officer Award.
The Bill Gantt / Dewar Business Officer Award is presented to a PAIS business officer who has consistently shown generous support of their time, energy, and efforts in the spirit of collaboration and collegiality within the independent school business officer community in South Carolina. It is intended to recognize an individual who contributes to the work and advancement of their fellow business officers in the state.
There is not a more deserving business officer than Cheryl for this prestigious award. Please join us in congratulating her and celebrating this well-deserved recognition.
William Cogswell ‘89 and Elizabeth Applegate Dieck ‘84
An Interview at the Mayor’s Office
Two Charleston Day School alumni work together to support the City of Charleston
When William Cogswell, City of Charleston Mayor, and Liz Dieck, Chief of Staff, attended Charleston Day in the 1980s, they may not have imagined that their professional paths would cross years later. Both agree that many foundational skills they acquired at CDS continue to help them in their current careers.
Q: Are there any skills you use in your job that you can tie back to your time at Charleston Day?
Cogswell: Absolutely. One skill I frequently rely on is public speaking. Whether addressing constituents, giving presentations, or participating in public forums, the ability to communicate effectively was cultivated during my time at Charleston Day School.
Dieck: I feel very fortunate to have gotten a solid academic foundation at CDS. And, I agree with William that the focus on public speaking is an important skill. In addition, the teachers at CDS made every effort to teach us critical thinking, and they provided ample opportunity for student participation in classes. These particular skills have been helpful to me both in my law career and now with the City of Charleston.
Q: How did CDS prepare you for your career?
Cogswell: Charleston Day School fostered in me a deep sense of intellectual curiosity. This curiosity, instilled through engaging lessons and a supportive learning environment, has been instrumental in driving my career forward. It taught me to continuously seek knowledge and approach challenges with an open mind.
Dieck: CDS felt like an extension of my family, and it shored up a foundation which gave me the confidence to try new things and explore different opportunities.
I've always been drawn to roles where I can actively contribute to the well-being of the community that raised me.
-William Cogswell
Q: Why have you always wanted to work in a capacity with strong community ties?
Cogswell: Growing up in Charleston, I witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of our community. That experience instilled in me a profound appreciation for the power of community ties. I've always been drawn to roles where I can actively contribute to the well-being of the community that raised me.
Dieck: Both of my parents were committed to the City of Charleston, and service was a core value that informed their day to day. Growing up here and having opportunities starting at a very young age to serve this amazing city is the reason I am here. My current role provides an incredible opportunity, and I feel extraordinarily lucky to hopefully do some good for the city that I love.
Cogswell was sworn in as mayor on January 8, 2024.
Q: How do you collaborate with others in your office and why is collaboration important?
Cogswell: Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective governance. In my office, we prioritize collaboration by fostering an environment where ideas are freely exchanged, and diverse perspectives are valued. Working together allows us to harness the collective expertise and creativity of our team to address the challenges facing our city.
Dieck: I think that all of us can learn something from each person we encounter during the course of a day, but you have to be present, and you have to be willing to listen. I truly believe that diverse/collaborative thinking is critical to making good decisions for a city as diverse and wonderful as Charleston.
Q: How has the city of Charleston changed since your time at CDS?
Cogswell: Charleston has undergone significant growth and transformation since my days at Charleston Day School. The city has expanded both economically and culturally, attracting new residents and businesses while preserving its rich heritage. It's been inspiring to witness this evolution firsthand.
Dieck: Charleston has changed a lot during my lifetime. Some of my best memories are trips to the Little Pig on Broad or Boxes on King and Tradd or to White Point Gardens to look for shark teeth…and of course Lakesides and Burbage’s and riding in Hazels’ Model T to East Bay playground. We dominated the streets on bicycles and knew all our neighbors. Although we now share the city with the gazillion folks who have discovered the grace and charm of our steeples and cobblestone streets, I look forward to doing what I can to preserve the character of the best city on the planet!
Q: What is your favorite memory at CDS?
Cogswell: One of my fondest memories at Charleston Day School was participating in the 5th-grade speech contest. It was an opportunity to showcase my public speaking skills and express my thoughts on various topics. I had the pleasure of judging the same contest last year, bringing back nostalgic memories.
Dieck: Riding my bike to school early to play 4-square, Jungle Juice, and Friday lunch at the Gorm.
Q:
Red or Blue team?
Cogswell: Red
Dieck: Red (really good thing as my new job might not have worked otherwise!)
Liz Dieck and William Cogswell stand on the front steps of City Hall at the Four Corners of Law at the intersection of Meeting and Broad Street.
William with his 7th grade class
Liz's 7th/8th grade girls' basketball team
BEYOND THE GATES Alumni News
Class of 1994
Class of 2000
Former classmates (L to R)
Katherine (Parker) Clark, Taylor Smith, Mary (Cutler) Baarcke, and Scott Liipfert posed for a picture at a school basketball game in the CDS gym.
Congratulations to Charlton and Sofia deSaussure on the birth of their second son on February 26, 2024. Daniel Huger deSaussure joins a super proud big brother, Charlton.
Class of 2004
Class of 2005
Alexandra Thornton Carrick and her husband, Greg, welcomed their son, Robert Thornton Carrick on April 29, 2023. Robert joins his big brother, Baxter. They are enjoying their time as a family of four (plus family newfoundland, Wendy) in Raleigh, NC.
Congratulations to Sallie (Johnson) Barrera and her husband, Sam, on welcoming their daughter, Dicksie Gregorie Barrera, last July.
Class of 2009
Madame Morin recently had coffee with graduates, Mary Lawrence and Jane Gilbert. They were both in Madame Morin’s 6th grade when she started at CDS. Mary is a vet in West Ashley/ James Island. Jane is in a PHD program in Indiana and is completely fluent in French.
Class of 2015
Class of 2016
Augusta Dixon earned all-NESCAC accolades this season. She plays basketball at the college level for the Middlebury Panthers. Dixon was recognized for several second-team achievements and was the only NESCAC player to average a double-double this season with 11.6 rebounds per game and 11.1 PPG.
Class of 2018
Congratulations to Emmy Keogh on being named cheer captain for the University of Pennsylvania.
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Emma Navarro secured her first WTAlevel title at the Hobart Classic in Australia in January.
Mason Cogswell and his sister, Meade (class of 2021), attended their father’s victory party after he was elected the next mayor of Charleston. See more about alum, William Cogswell (class of 1989) in our Alumni Spotlight.
Class of 2021
Thomas Boulware will attend SCAD film school in the fall of 2024.
Hand danced the leading role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in BalletNova’s production of Tchaikovsky’s, The Nutcracker, in December 2023. MacKenzie is a junior at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. She dances with her high school as well as in the pre-professional division at BalletNova Center for Dance in Falls Church, Virginia.
Grace Griffin received the overall Distinguished Young Woman title at the local level and will be proceeding as one of nine semifinalists at the state level this summer. The Distinguished Young Women's program seeks to "empower young women to reach their full potential by providing scholarship opportunities for college as well as personal development to become confident leaders."
CHARLESTON DAY SCHOOL
Thank You, Parents’ Council
R)
Our CDS Parents’ Council supports our school in so many ways. They provide fantastic programming for our students by organizing the Halloween Carnival, Spirit Days, and Field Day. They support our staff with special treats like a candy buffet on Valentine’s Day, delicious lunches on teacher work days, and snacks before faculty meetings. They run the Scorpion’s Den and manage the used uniform sales. They dress up, get involved, and go above and beyond to spread the love all year long. Thank you, volunteers!
(L to
Ashley Rawl, Claire Byrd, Elizabeth Shealy, Katye Fayard, and Katie Seaman greet students at morning carpool during the fall Spirit Day.
(L to R) Bridget Walker, Kat Clark, and Cindy Hayes run the snowcone machine at the Halloween Carnival.
Whitney Stoddard and daughter Devereux (class of 2030) man the Scorpion’s Den before school.
MacKenzie
Show your Scorpion Spirit, Alumni!
Join your fellow scorpions for Alumni Giving Week! Every gift, large or small, makes an impact on our greatest assets–CDS students and faculty.
Because once a Scorpion, always a Scorpion!
ALUMNI GIVING WEEK MAY 7-10
Here's how you can participate:
1
Gift+Challenge
Make a gift and challenge friends and classmates to do the same. Get points for the Red or Blue Team!
2
Earn Some Swag
Earn fun CDS swag by becoming a Giving Day Scorpion Advocate! Learn more at charlestondayschool.org
Legacy Breakfast
3
Spread the Word Share on social media why you support CDS with #cdsalumni and follow the fun by commenting, tagging friends, and sharing posts by CDS.
START GIVING NOW!
While our alumni giving week officially starts on May 7th, any gifts received now until May 10th will be included in our goal.
Over 25 legacy parents and their students joined us on campus for the annual Legacy Breakfast on January 24. We are so appreciative that our former students believe in the values, quality of education, and overall environment provided by Charleston Day and choose to send the next generation of students to school here. Not only did parents have a chance to visit with their child(ren) on campus, but the adults also had a chance to catch up with former classmates. Thank you for continuing the CDS tradition!
(L to R) Group picture; Caroline (Cutler) Rowe and her daughter, Ellie, peruse the breakfast buffet line; Meg (Cleveland) Stokenberry and her daughter, Ceny, pose for a quick picture; Sallie (Bennett) Robinson (L) and her two children, Caroline and John, joined sister, Katie (Bennett) Freer, and their cousins, Elisabeth and Charlotte, for breakfast.
Bequest and other planned gifts have a lasting impact on Charleston Day and serve as a continuing source of support. The correct plan balances what you wish to accomplish for yourself, your family, and your charitable interests in your overall estate and financial plans. There are innovative and creative ways to include Charleston Day School in your plan. To learn more about giving strategies that allow you to make a meaningful charitable gift, please contact the Advancement Office at 843.266.9798 or Mary.Baarcke@charlestonday.org.
