Issuu

The

gateway A P u b l i cat i o n o f C ha r l e sto n Day S ch o o l

Fourth Graders Get Down to Business

Ms. Janet Hopkins Teaches Art at Charleston Day

Providing Guidance

spring 2019

8&18

Scholarship | Integrity | Respect | Responsibility

Beyond the Gates: Alumni Spotlights

From the Head of School

Table of Contents Letter from Head of School

Dear Scorpions,

Scholarship & Integrity

3-5

Fourth Graders Get Down to Business

6-7

Alumni Spotlight: MaryMar Keenan (’88)

8-9

pring is always an exciting time in schools — students are well into acquiring the skills and competencies that will allow them to move into higher levels of learning, faculty members are deeply engaged in their instruction, and in a K-8 school, eighth graders are considering their options for the next leg of their educational journey. At Charleston Day, all of these events occur under an overarching umbrella of relationships and connections. During the Head of School Installation Ceremony in September, I was struck by the words of speaker and CDS alumna Austin Givens (’16), a junior at Ashley Hall. “For me, Charleston Day is more than a school. It’s a place where I learned much more than history or English. I was able to make unbreakable connections with both friends and faculty members — connections that remain intact today.” Austin’s words remind that the impact of a CDS education extends well beyond a graduation date.

Eighth graders Hammond Unger and SaSa Darwin share some Scorpion school spirit with Sting the mascot.

Welcome to Our Table

CDS Board of Trustees Update

Respect & Responsibility

12-13

Ms. Janet Hopkins at Charleston Day

14 -15

Excellence in Teaching Award

Providing Guidance

Alumni Spotlight: John Williams (’03)

18-19

Alumni News

Former CDS Faculty

21-22

Gateway Giving Fund

About the Cover

Charleston Day School serves nine grade levels from kindergarten through eighth grade. In this tight-knit community, we learn to lean on one another while lifting each other up. Photo by Tim Coffey.

The Gateway Contributors: Nicole Seitz Editor Elizabeth Cook Contributing Writer Tim Coffey Photography Elizabeth Cryan Photography

Over the past eight months, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the Charleston Day School Community better. I’ve spent every weekday morning shaking students’ hands and noticing how each child approaches his or her day. Some students arrive with boundless energy, some are quietly contemplative, and some vary depending upon the day. All of them enter into 15 Archdale Street knowing that the full support of every adult in the building is behind them. Charleston Day students spend their school days with adults who know and care about them — an ideal environment for students to feel safe to push the edges of their academic envelopes and strive to achieve at the highest levels. In this issue of The Gateway you will learn about a fourth grade project that builds entrepreneurial skills and reinforces critical thinking—from conception, branding, and packaging all the way to the sales handshake at the end. In addition, we will share the stories of alumni MaryMar Keenan and John Williams and faculty member Janet Hopkins. MaryMar’s and John’s journeys have moved beyond the gates of CDS and into the world of art and entertainment. Janet, who first taught at CDS in the 1980s, returned to the CDS art classroom this year, and is currently teaching some of the children of the very students she first instructed. At CDS, not only are the students known, but their parents are as well. These strong relationships build a legacy of lifelong learners, a hallmark of a CDS education. All told, these stories illustrate and celebrate what is distinctly, as Austin Givens noted in her speech, “A Charleston Day Thing.” The connections that are made each day behind the gates at 15 Archdale Street are lifelong. Countless alumni have shared with me that the friendships made while at our School are among their longest lasting and most cherished. Students regularly return to visit with faculty members, and teachers delight in learning of and celebrating student and alumni successes. Charleston Day School is a place of comfort and connection for faculty, students, parents and alumni. It is a place where community members flourish. If you haven’t had a chance to visit campus recently, please make a point to stop by. I’d love to hear your stories about what makes our School a special place, and the faculty would love to reconnect. The gates at 15 Archdale are always open to you. With gratitude,

Thanks also to several faculty, staff members and parents for providing photos and content.

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Judith Foley Arnstein Head of School

here is so much to tell about the Charleston Day story that happens in the classroom, in the hallways and off campus each day. Sometimes a picture says it best. Enjoy this photo-rich edition of The Gateway, and take a peek at the vibrant life within our gates.

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Scholarship

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Alumni Spotlight

Integrity

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IN THE CLASSROOM:

Fourth Graders Get Down to Business with Philanthropy

By Elizabeth Cook

When Mrs. Tobin joined the old breezes whip at their faces and teaching team, the project evolved the sky threatens rain. A group of into selling soup and lemonade before fourth graders huddle together settling on the Holiday Market, which under a tent at the Mount Pleasant they’ve hosted for the last three years. Holiday Farmers Market on a Saturday in December. They’ve been preparing for THE CURRICULUM this event for months. A woman approaches and asks about The project is tied into every aspect of the contents of a plastic bag containing the fourth grade curriculum. some spices. “What’s this? How does “There are so many options it help?” she asks. Mary Collins steps for integrating into our fourth forward to answer. grade curriculum,” said Mrs. Kathy “It helps your home to smell like Hughes, fourth grade math and Christmas,” she says of the Simmering science teacher. “Any time we practice Spice, a product they sold for $4.00. “It adding or subtracting with decimals, makes you feel all warm.” The trick is to I can pull money numbers from our get them talking, she explains later. She project. Because the math is tied said that she followed the customers’ eyes to the students’ experience, they to see which products interested them. typically have more success.” Sales training was just one of the ways Math: Students determine total cost, Fourth graders celebrate their business logo after a the fourth grade business project was cost per unit to make each product presentation on branding and marketing by assisting designer upleveled this year. Instead of hosting Courtney Rowson. and profit margin. a Holiday Market in their classroom, Reading: Students read literature selling mostly to other Charleston Day students and parents, this year the that teaches business terms and depicts characters who are the same age fourth grade had a booth at the Mount Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market running a business. (Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, The Bread on Coleman Boulevard. Winner by Arvella Whitmore, Lunch Money by Andrew Clements) History: Students read nonfiction articles about American businesses, and research and write essays about an American business founder or entrepreneur. Service: Students investigate non-profit organizations to choose a recipient for any profits. Past donations include Water Missions, I Heart Hungry Kids, FirstBook, and One80Place. The students try to choose a local organization or organizations that work with children.

In the classrooms, we had guaranteed sales. At the public market, we might succeed...or fail.

“We were nervous because you’re not seeing people just from school, but from everywhere,” Mary said. “It was like a real store.” Fourth grade teacher Mrs. Caitlin Tobin sought out the change in venue because she wanted to make the experience more authentic. “A retail store does not have a captured audience the way we did at the school. In the classrooms, we had guaranteed sales. At the public market, we might succeed… or fail.” THE HISTORY Like any successful business, the project has evolved over the years. It started in the 2009-2010 school year when Mrs. Julie Tonks taught fourth grade math. She wanted a way to ensure the students grasped the difference between revenue and profit and hoped the real-world experience would make the lesson stick. So they hosted a pie sale, which involved visiting a nearby commercial kitchen owned by a CDS parent for an all-day, pie making workshop.

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REAL-WORLD APPLICATION Even more than the classroom lessons, the students learn real-world skills. They complete job applications and are assigned to after school workshops where they work assembly line style to make all the products. “I learned that it’s fun to go out and do stuff and be adventurous,” Mary said. Making the products was fun, the students said, especially learning to curl ribbon and eating spilled ingredients, but don’t mistake fun for easy. “Be prepared to do more than what you expect to do,” Atticus Mauldin said. His job during the workshops was quality control. People would put the labels on backwards so that you would see the instructions and not the name of the product. “That was a major problem,” he said, dragging out the word major for emphasis. “I had to check every single one.” Tying the ribbon also needed additional training. “I had to remind people that it takes two fingers to tie the bows.” Atticus said he was constantly telling his classmates to “Tie it hard enough to choke the jar.”

Number of cookie mix jars sold:

Fourth grade teacher Caitlin Tobin reads along with her class.

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MARKETING Through brainstorming, pitching ideas, and voting, the class worked together to name the business and create its logo. They’ve even filmed commercials to share during the School Assembly over the years. Guest speakers visit each year to share topics of customer service, running a cash drawer, product placement, and branding. The teachers try to incorporate field trips to local businesses too. In the past, speakers and on-site visits have included: Kevin Gillum at James Island County Park Courtney Rowson at Stitch Design Co. John Ferguson of Hubee D’s Beezer Molten of Half-Moon Outfitters And what about the initial impetus for the project: Understanding revenue versus profit? Atticus answered without a moment’s hesitation. “Revenue will be the money you make,” he said. “Profit is the money you make after you have paid all your expenses.” The group hoped to top 2017 sales, which were just under $1,750. The profit for this year’s business was $2,270, the largest profit to date. As Atticus noted, “I think we earned more money this year. We graphed it, and it kept going up.”

Fourth graders work Santa’s Station at the Holiday Market at Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market.

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Beyond the Gates:

Alumni Spotlight

MaryMar Keenan ’88 1. When you were a student at Charleston Day, did you have any idea that you would grow up to own a ceramics business? What exposure to the arts did you experience at CDS?

2. Saveur magazine described you as “the woman behind some of the most beautiful tableware in San Francisco restaurants.” As a ceramics artist, which pleases you more— that the work you create is considered aesthetically beautiful, or that your tableware is functionally used in restaurants? While it’s important to make beautiful pottery with attention to form and design, my passion for functional ceramics is primarily driven by its usability. Handmade dishes add soul to any meal. I don’t want to make work that sits on a shelf collecting dust, I want it to be used—that is what brings it to life. The warmth of eating from handmade pottery (subconsciously) transports to a time when the tradition and importance of the vessel is upheld and honored. I like to think that my pottery isn’t actually finished until it is in use. However without a good design and an inviting form, the desire to use it is compromised thus making its beauty equally important. To me, thoughtful presentations of food deserve something better than a plain white plate.

Photo: Edgarraw

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Photo: Nicola Parisi

I loved my experience at Charleston Day and was always happiest in the art room. I wasn’t really introduced to clay until much later in my life, but when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always, “an artist!” I can remember proudly being awarded a few blue ribbons in the CDS art shows that hung throughout the walls, and I was encouraged by them. I studied art throughout high school and college and began working with clay in my sophomore year. I was completely drawn to it as a creative medium and fell in love with the idea of functional art. While I wasn’t exactly certain about how to pursue a career in ceramics, I knew that being in a clay studio was what I wanted to do. Currently I have three lines of tableware, and I supply work for over fifty restaurants and hundreds of private homes worldwide. Each line features an array of slab-built or wheel-thrown tableware including dinner plates, serving pieces, cups, vases, charcuterie boards, etc. I’ve developed several different glazes for each line and use three different high-fired clay bodies. This makes it possible for clients to customize their sets and be uniquely involved in the creative process. The possibilities are wonderfully endless. 3. How has your vision or mission for your company grown or evolved over the past decade? Do you have any future goals or plans? Surviving as a studio artist in an expensive city like San Francisco is not an easy task. This is actually my fifth ceramic-inspired business since moving here in 1996. I’ve owned a ceramic studio/gallery (Verdigris Clay Studio and Gallery), worked the grueling craft show circuit (MaryMar Keenan Ceramics), designed and ran an after school clay program (Clay Creations) and had an online business making customized baby plates (Purple Bird Designs). In 2014, I had the auspicious opportunity to make all of the tableware for a well-known chef in San Francisco and his new restaurant, The Progress. It was then that I rebranded and began to think about working in production. My pottery was (gently) catapulted into the public eye, and MMclay was born. With the help of my dynamic team of young makers, we produce over 800 pieces per month out of my tiny 500 sq. ft. studio. A little over a year ago I opened a small retail shop outfitted in a 1964 Airstream trailer situated parkside in one of the more popular destination neighborhoods in San Francisco. Because of the growing demand, I recently signed a new lease and began construction on a much larger studio space and showroom to open this May. It’s become clear that I need to either scale back or grow...and scaling back just isn’t as exciting. In this new space, I will continue production, while

To learn more about MMClay or to purchase tableware, visit www.mmclay.com. Photo: Suzanne Sizer

organizing and hosting events and workshops designed to build a deeper understanding of ceramics and its subtle importance in our fast-paced technology-driven world. While my overhead is considerable, it is my goal to keep my pottery affordable. Everything that comes out of my kiln is made to be special, but not precious.

bowl because it is their favorite, I’m humbled. More often than not, they will tell me that it makes everything taste better. What an honor to be a part of someone’s simple daily ritual. It is that quiet conversation between the maker, the object and the user that inspires me. It fills me up, and I am continually motivated by it.

I’m always looking for opportunities to show and sell my work. Last month I set up a booth at the Charleston Wine and Food Fest in Marion Square. This gave me a great reason to come back to my beloved hometown and broaden the exposure of my work within the culinary community.

I wouldn’t say that I have a formulaic process of starting a piece, but I can say that I feel like my life experiences certainly influence everything I design. Because my work is made to be used, I try to imagine what would be served in it and who would be using it. If I am making something for a restaurant, it’s helpful for me to be familiar with the menu and the design of the space. I love to interact with my customers discussing what and how they like to eat while considering the look of their home. From my time at CDS, I am grateful for learning the importance of working hard. The success of my business is directly influenced by every path that I have traveled, which certainly includes my schooling. Running a business while keeping my hands in the clay takes a tremendous amount of focus, energy and creativity. 5. What is the most meaningful response from a patron you’ve experienced in your career of hand-making tableware? I’ve always thought that it would be amazing to be in a space surrounded by all of the pottery that I’ve made in my life so far. There are thousands and thousands at this point. But when one person tells me that they drink their coffee from my cup every morning or that they always reach for my

Photo provided by MMClay.

4. What is your typical process of working with a clay piece? Do you see any similarities to the process of learning you experienced at Charleston Day?

6. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? At what age do you think a person should begin exploring their career options? When I was young, my dad told me to find something that I love to do and then to figure out a way to make a living doing it. Once I got my hands into clay, it was hard for me to imagine doing anything else. I was hooked. Making a living working with clay has been a challenge, but perseverance goes a long way. Following one’s passion may not always be easy, but it is certainly rewarding. Figuring out how to be successful in it can never start too early... it’s not likely to happen overnight. Making it seem like it has is the result of 20+ years of loving what I do. 7. Last question...CDS red or blue -- which are you? Fiery, Passionate RED, of course!

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Welcome to Our Table

In January, Charleston Day School welcomed Chef Sam Dudley and Michael Brady, both of FLIK Independent School Dining to the kitchen. They are continuing the tradition of serving up healthy options to our students and staff.

Crab Bisque By Chef Sam Dudley

1 medium onion 4 stalks celery 2 carrots (optional) 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter Chef Sam Dudley 2 cups all-purpose flour 8 cups stock or broth (crab, lobster, shrimp or clam) 2 lbs. lump crab meat 4 cups (1 quart) heavy cream Seasoning to taste (paprika, granulated onion, salt & pepper) Puree the onion, celery and carrots plus 2 cups of stock in food processor.

Chef Michael Brady

Simmer pureed vegetables in a pot with remaining stock until soft. In a saucepan, make a roux with the butter and flour. Stir until golden. Remove the stock from heat and whisk in roux. Return to stove and let simmer. Add paprika for color and salt, pepper and granulated onion to taste. Stir in the heavy cream, then gently stir in the lump crab. Adjust seasoning and thickness with stock or milk. Makes roughly 1 gallon. Serves about 8 for a main course or 15-16 as a first course.

*Editor’s note: In our test kitchen we prepared a lighter and less-expensive version of this bisque by cutting the butter, flour, cream and crab in half. The result was delicious! Chef Sam’s crab bisque is served in a handmade bowl from MaryMar Keenan’s (’88) MMClay.

Cooking Live with

Chef Jet!

In October, our 6th-8th grade students were treated to

an entertaining and educational cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Jet Tila. Aside from telling a bit of the

history of Thai food in America, Chef Jet shared proper

knife techniques and cooking terms with a captivated and hungry crowd, ending with the “best fried rice ever!”

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In February the CDS Board held a strategic planning session in the library that included a presentation from Debra Wilson, general counsel for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and incoming president of Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

CDS Board of Trustees Update The character development that was nurtured and supported during students’ time at CDS continues through high school and is evidenced in graduates’ careers, volunteer work, families and communities.

pringtime is here, and it’s hard to believe the 2018-19 school year is winding down. As the days grow longer, students and faculty begin looking to the summer months with joy and a sense of accomplishment from the work of the past nine months. This year we welcomed our seventh Head of School as well as many new students and families, reached a record 97% parent participation for Gateway Giving and excelled in athletics, academics and the arts. The successes at Charleston Day are great! At Parents’ Night in early 2019, we provided CDS families with an overview of the Board of Trustees’ role and an update on strategic planning. The Board of Trustees is the guardian of the School’s mission, considering both the Charleston Day School of today and the Charleston Day School of the future. In partnership with the Head of School, the Board sets the vision and strategy for the School and ensures sound financial management and proper stewardship of resources. Trustees attend full Board meetings and smaller committee meetings throughout the year to help plan for development, property, strategic planning, enrollment, trustee succession and finances. The Board continues to focus on several key areas: marketing and enrollment, the master property plan, development, diversity and inclusion, and overall programming. Some of our School’s greatest strengths include our small size, supportive community, and sense of family. Students are known by everyone on campus, and all look after one another. Alumni often return to campus telling stories of how important this sense of community was, is, and will continue to be in their future. The character development that was nurtured and supported during students’ time at CDS continues through high school and is evidenced in graduates’ careers, volunteer work, families and communities. As you are out and about, please tell others about your experience at our very special K-8 school. Your stories and endorsement are the best marketing that Charleston Day School could have. Number of Thank you for your continued support — your countless volunteer hours, zip codes where generous gifts, tuition payments, attendance at athletic, academic and art events and your individual stories. Together, we will continue to foster scholarship, integrity, CDS families live: respect and responsibility in our students. Sincerely, Ellen A. Smith Chair, Board of Trustees

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Respect

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Responsibility

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From a Curbside Conversation to a Career Teaching Art:

Ms. Janet Hopkins at Charleston Day By Elizabeth Cook

second grade boy stares intently at himself in the mirror, studying his features. His eyes dart back and forth between his reflection and the paper in front of him. His art teacher tells the class to draw what they see in the mirror, not just what they have always done before. He probably doesn’t know that his teacher, Ms. Janet Hopkins, once taught the parents of several of his peers. Her gentle style and expertise are the product of decades spent as both a teacher and a learner. Her unassuming manner doesn’t reveal that she has studied with highly regarded experts at Columbia and Harvard Universities, the Art Students League of New York, the New York Academy of Art, in painting workshops abroad, and in sculpture workshops at Brookgreen Gardens. Former art teacher Ms. Hopkins returned to Charleston Day School full time this year, nearly 25 years after her original tenure at the school. When news spread of her return, excitement arose from longtime faculty members and current parents who remembered her gentle, encouraging teaching style.

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FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CLASSROOM Some of those current parents were among the first five students who visited her garden classroom in the backyard of the kitchen house where she lived on Queen Street in the 1980s. Their mothers had admired the artist who was painting along the curb on Legare Street. She was creating an illustration for a children’s book that was eventually set aside. Hopkins likes to say she was “in the gutter quite literally” when these young mothers would walk by and admire her work. They struck up a conversation and eventually asked her if she would teach their sons. The boys would ride their bikes to her house, where she had easels set up in the small backyard garden. After about a year, one of the mothers encouraged her to apply for a part-time art teacher position at Charleston Day School, which was located on State Street at the time. Thus began her 10-year stint at Charleston Day, where she formed strong ties with her colleagues. Three of her teaching peers — Dottie Rhett, Mary Ann Stephens Swank, and current CDS Librarian Frankie Westbrook — were in her wedding.

CHARLESTON DAY SCHOOL: THE 1980s Number of K-5 students Ms. Hopkins teaches each week:

At the time, Mrs. Westbrook was in charge of admissions, public relations and development. It was not uncommon for faculty members to wear many hats for the small school — one section in each grade. Headmaster Ned Jaycocks “did everything,” Hopkins said. Most students walked or rode their bikes from nearby neighborhoods. Hopkins stopped teaching year-round at Charleston Day when her older daughter was born, and throughout the next 20 years taught an art history-based after school program, “Painting the Masters “ mostly for CDS, but also for the Gibbes Museum and the City of Charleston. Today, the school sits on Archdale Street and has expanded from its original building to include three historic single houses along with a 12,500-square-foot, state-of-the art building which opened in 2011. It includes the Commons, where lunch is served, two science labs, classrooms, and a rooftop terrace. With two sections per grade, the school serves students who travel from 17 different zip codes in the greater Charleston area to join us each day. Our Head of School, Judith Foley Arnstein, was recruited in a national search, and faculty members have specialized skills. Hopkins said she loves the way the school has grown. “I think it’s healthy. It broadens the children’s world to have more children to befriend,” she said.

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LIFELONG LEARNER Broadening horizons through lifelong learning is a core value for Hopkins. “Learning is an exciting thing to do,” she said. “I just think you need to pack it in.” She compared learning from an expert to having information handed to you on a silver platter. She weaves her art history knowledge into almost any conversation about art. More than the history or even the art techniques, she shares a growth mindset with her students.

First graders make monoprints inspired by Japanese woodblocks.

GROWTH MINDSET The young boy in her room is now visibly upset. He was so focused on drawing what he saw in the mirror, he hadn’t yet looked at the entire rendering. When he does, he doesn’t like what he sees. “Do you want to start again?” Ms. Hopkins asks him. “Let’s look at it.” She pulls up a stool alongside him while saying that it takes her at least 20 attempts when drawing a self portrait. Through soft-spoken whispers, she gently guides him with phrases such as “I wonder if,” “bit by bit,” and “what if you tried.” Within moments he is back on track, fiercely focused on tweaking his original drawing. He’s the last one to get up when the class is dismissed. When he finally puts his materials away, he does not put his drawing on the rack with the others. Instead, he places it in her hands. Guiding students to enjoy creating their own works of art is one of her greatest joys. She describes young artists as “interested, confident and spontaneous.” “I want the children to embrace autonomy and confidence in their development as young artists,” she said. Each month her students consider numerous images of iconic works of art from the world’s major museums. These works become springboards for hands-on lessons. “I love the idea that when they go to museums they are going to see these paintings,” she said. “It’s exciting.”

RETURNING TO CHARLESTON DAY

Ms. Hopkins provides instruction to a first grade art class.

When she received the call from interim head of school Tom Reid last year about a substitute teaching position, it felt right. “What I love about Charleston Day is there’s this continuity,” she said, adding that the sense of community is one of the strongest, most important things about the school. “Even when the people change, there’s something consistent about the people -- even though different people are doing the hiring.” So when the next call came, asking her to join the faculty full time, it was an easy answer. “It feels good to be here. I just think it’s a match for me,” she said. “Children, teaching, art, and art history: Those are my interests in life.” Current parents Harriott and Andy Parker are CDS alumni who were taught art by Hopkins. She’s now teaching their son. “It is heartwarming...to hear Julien talk about his love of art and the amazing work he is doing in Ms. Hopkins’ class. He too, gets to experience this wonderful teacher who exudes kindness to all of her students, bringing out the joy in learning.”

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Excellence in Teaching Award In September, sixth grade teacher and alumna Ms. Marianne Clare (’82) was named the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award. The Fund was established in 2016 by a Charleston Day School alumni family who wanted to recognize and show appreciation for faculty members. Marianne has served Charleston Day families for the past 15 years by teaching sixth grade language arts and history, and at one point acting as Intermediate Division Head. “This teacher is so wise and always knows the right thing to say to parents and, more importantly, to the sixth grade students,” said a parent in a letter of recommendation. Last year’s recipient for the Excellence in Teaching Award was music teacher Mrs. Chrystal Hawkins.

▲

Ms. Clare’s mother surprised her in attendance when she received her award.

Head of School Judith Foley Arnstein awards Marianne Clare with the Excellence in Teaching Award.

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Providing Guidance This year Allison Nesser of Creative Counseling Services LLC, who serves as the school counselor, hosted a series of parenting forums at Charleston Day. More than 20 parents attended the first forum of the series, “Life with your Tweenager.” “I was surprised with the amazing turnout from our first session and parents’ willingness to share personal stories that made it relatable for everyone,” said Nesser. “I had several parents approach me after the session, thanking and welcoming me to the Charleston Day family, who shared that the information was very helpful, particularly around friendships.” Additional forums included “Tips for Parents in the Digital Age,” “Setting Limits with Love” and “Bringing Out the Best In your Child.” Throughout her series, Allison provided information, strategies, and tools to best support CDS students in becoming successful young adults. “My goal of the series is to be able to connect parents with resources and information to ease the challenges of raising a child in today’s modern world,” she said. Charleston Day School recently purchased a set of books recommended by Nesser, specifically for parents. The parenting resource books are located in our library. Parents may also access notes and helpful information from the Counselor’s Corner on LMS.

Suggested Parent Summer Reading: The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman

The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey

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Beyond the Gates:

Alumni Spotlight

John Williams ’03 1. What about your experiences at Charleston Day School prepared you for your position as Associate Producer for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?” When you were a student at CDS, did you exhibit the same qualities that make you successful in your field today? In my years at Charleston Day School I was encouraged to explore my passions and put in the time and work to develop them. Taking advantage of CDS’s art program and performance opportunities such as the Speech Contest or annual Christmas play helped me realize my love of Film and show business from a young age. On top of that, the strong interpersonal skills I developed at CDS through high-quality teachers and students alike serve me well on a daily basis at “The Late Show.”

John with “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert.

“I love being past the ‘Nice to meet you’ phase with guests and getting to know them on a more personal level. Being able to shine a spotlight on people and projects I am excited about is very rewarding.”

2. What path has your career taken since graduating from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater and Performance?

John and fellow Charlestonian, Ashley Holt, attending the 2018 Emmy Awards in support of “The Late Show’s” nominations for Outstanding Variety Show and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Show.

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I started my career in entertainment in Los Angeles working for Dickhouse Production and Johnny Knoxville. It was an incredible experience working with that team and Paramount Pictures to create “Bad Grandpa.” I enjoyed LA immensely but had always wanted to try living in NYC. When I moved, I worked as a temp at a real estate company while going after any production job I could find. An opportunity arose at “The Colbert Report” returning props used on the show to a warehouse in Brooklyn. It was an “as needed” position, but I jumped at the chance to get involved with a show I loved and a host I respected. I rose in the ranks, and when Letterman retired I was tapped to move with Stephen to “The Late Show.” I began working as the Script Assistant, eventually following my interests and moving into the Talent Department. I am currently responsible for Booking and Producing guests on the show and helping to navigate their interviews, working to ensure everyone from the guests themselves, to Stephen, to our audience members, have a great experience.

3. When booking and producing talent for the show, do you ever get starstruck? Is there a most memorable celebrity guest or moment? If so, which guest and why?

5. What is the biggest challenge you have overcome? Do you have any advice for a student interested in working in the entertainment industry one day?

It is very seldom I get starstruck simply because of the magnitude of celebrities, athletes, politicians, and musicians I meet every week, but I am mindful of how fortunate I am that my job allows me to connect with such inspiring people. I will say that now that the show has been on three years, most of the people we bring on are not coming for the first time. They are coming for their second, third, or ninth time (if you’re John Oliver). I love being past the “Nice to meet you” phase with guests and getting to know them on a more personal level. Being able to shine a spotlight on people and projects I am excited about is very rewarding, and making these genuine connections every night along the way is the icing on the cake. That being said, producing Elton John was truly a highlight of my life. I was amazed by his generosity with his time and genuine interest in who I was, how I helped to make this show work and his kind, unassuming demeanor.

My biggest challenge, and I suspect it’s the same for many others, is doubt—doubting whether what I’m doing is correct, whether things will turn out the way I want, whether others will be happy with the results I produce, etc. My advice would be to stop worrying and just go for it! What’s the worst that can happen? If you always play it safe and don’t get into some trouble, you will never get where you want to go. Even a failure is a learning experience for the future, so don’t sweat the small stuff. And as Richard Carlson said, it’s all small stuff.

4. What is the best piece of advice you received from a Charleston Day faculty member? “Be excellent to each other” from my mother, Charlotte Williams, who taught Ethics at CDS for a number of years.

6. What do you do for fun, relaxation or recharging? I love to travel and explore a new place, make new friends and gain a different perspective. This is so important to me as I am often hyperfocused in the moment, and this allows me to unwind and go with the flow. I also love coming home to Charleston. There are few things I look forward to more than going home and seeing my family and friends, many of whom I met at Charleston Day School in first grade! 7. Last question…CDS red or blue — which are you? Team RED !!!!! Photos provided by John Williams.

John shares a laugh with Drew Barrymore as they run through topics backstage before her interview.

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Beyond the Gates:

Alumni News Class of 1957

Class of 2011

Leslie Townsend Dotterer Rutledge (“Sister”) just moved to Wadmalaw Island from Charleston. Her husband, Don, has just retired from Kiawah after 40 years. They have a granddaughter, Rhetta, in second grade at CDS, and grandson, Henry, will join her at CDS next year in first grade. This is the third generation at Charleston Day, as son, Middleton, and daughter, Doesy, also went to CDS. Sister says she loves Charleston Day School and loved working for former Head of School Ned Jaycocks in the front office for nine wonderful years.

Arielle Berlinsky, a senior at Elon University, just received a prestigious internship with the Delta Airlines Corporate Communications department. She will be working with Corporate Communications leaders in meeting and carrying out the necessary communications strategies and tactics for the company.

Class of 1995

Leize Gaillard and her son, Benjamin Gaillard Buckley-Green

Leize Gaillard and her husband, Ben BuckleyGreen, welcomed a son, Benjamin Gaillard Buckley-Green in early 2018. Leize is a Realtor with William Means Real Estate. She was recently honored as a Charleston area Realtor of Distinction, putting her in the top 5% of Charleston residential real estate agents.

Class of 1996 Van Taylor, his wife, Kelly, and their son, Oscar, are moving from Shanghai, where they’ve been working as international educators for the past four years. The Taylors are headed to Lahore American School in Lahore, Pakistan, where Van will be teaching AP history, business studies, and AP economics in the high school, and Kelly will teach AP English.

Do you have news you’d like to share in the next Gateway?

Contact Mary Baarcke at mary.baarcke@charlestonday.org or submit your alumni news online at www.charlestondayschool.org/submit-class-note/

Class of 2015

Arielle Berlinsky

Chloe Elebash has committed to run cross country and track and field next year for Washington & Lee.

Chloe Elebash

Class of 2016 Augusta Dixon, a junior at James Island High School and Girls’ Varsity Basketball player, is currently ranked #1 in SC in 5A for Double Doubles, #2 in rebounds and #4 in scoring points per game for the Class of 2020. She’s just received her first D1 full-ride scholarship offer from Cal State Bakersfield and is in talks with three Ivy League schools and a number of other colleges. She has also been drafted to the Under Armour Elite AAU team, SC76ers out of Columbia. The Team is made up of 10 Juniors from SC, NC and GA. Augusta Augusta Dixon learned “her tricks” from her Scorpion days, and thanks to her great academic foundation at CDS, she’s been inducted into the National, French and Spanish Honor Societies. Augusta continually strives for excellence as both a scholar and an athlete!

Congratulations to CDS graduates and current Porter Gaud Cyclones, Kennedy Burnett (’18), Chloe Elebash (’15), Callie Harper (’17), Leslie Holt (’18), and Myers Hostetter (’18), on winning the girls’ Cross Country State Championship this fall. Leslie, Kennedy and Chloe all placed in the top 10 during the race in Columbia. These girls began their running careers with Coach Wallace’s “Girls on the Run” club in CDS lower school. Margaret O’Kelley (’16) and Caroline Mathisen (’15) competed in the state championship race for Ashley Hall. Ashley Hall placed fifth in the meet, with each member of their team achieving PRs. Caroline was 25th with a time of 21:59, and Margaret was 45th with a time of 23:33.

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Front Row (L-R): Cam Metts, Katie Richardson; Middle Row (L-R): Susan Liipfert, Gaby Brown, Hopie Parker, Sabina Gilbert, Sarah Stahlhuth Dubay, Lucia Jaycocks, Marcia West, Sallie Barnes, Justine Finch, Paula Kuyk, Lucie Maguire; Back Row (L-R): Kitty Hotchkiss, Natalie Taylor Bily, Ned Jaycocks, Anne Blessing, Sylvia Rivers, Barbara Dotterer.

Former CDS Faculty News A wonderful group of former CDS faculty gathered in the third floor conference room on Wednesday, February 13 to celebrate old times with friends for Valentine’s Day. Here’s where some of them are now: Natalie Taylor Bily, former second grade teacher, was recently married and now lives in Mt. Pleasant with her husband and sweet rescue dog. She owns VieuxTemps at 180 King Street and loves working with many CDS families who come into the shop. Former fifth grade teacher Anne Hanahan Blessing (’86) and her husband, Bo, have three children at CDS in the 8th, 7th and 2nd grades. Anne substitute teaches in the high school at Ashley Hall and is involved with the Historic Charleston Foundation and the Charleston Library Society. Former French teacher Gaby Brown (’58) loves being a grandparent to Charlie, age 5, son of Gabriella (’93) and David Andrews, and Eliza, age 5, daughter of Alton (’87) and Elizabeth Brown. She also firmly believes that time with son Captain Peter Brown (’89) and his Saltwater Charters is THE most amazing way to spend a day! Barbara Stafford Dotterer, former administrator, is happy living in Wadmalaw with her husband, Gilly, and two dogs. Her son, Stafford (’03), is in his fourth year with Gulfstream Jet outside of Savannah. Former second grade teacher Sarah Stahlhuth Dubay has been married for seven years and has a 3 1/2-year-old daughter named Molly. Sarah and her husband own the three Charleston area Wine & Design and Paint & Sip studios for adults and kids in West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant and Summerville.

Former fifth grade teacher Sabina Gilbert enjoys tutoring at CDS and visiting her children, Jane (’09) at UGA, and Murphy (’13) at Clemson. She loves staying in touch with CDS family! Kitty Hotchkiss, former fifth grade teacher, enjoys babysitting her two grandsons, Cal, age 3, and Phin, 10 months. They live locally, and it is such fun to watch them grow. She also enjoys being a consultant for Carlisle Collection four times per year. She misses the CDS community and loves when she runs into CDS families! Former Head of School Ned Jaycocks and his wife, Lucia, live full time in McClellanville now. Their daughter, Sarah (’91), and her family live in Tampa. Daughter Linwood (’93), and her family live in Chicago. Ned and Lucia love to visit both of their daughters and have fun gathering in the mountains in the summer. Paula Kuyk, former third grade teacher assistant, loves watching her CDS graduate, Gracie (’18), enjoy her freshman year in high school at Porter Gaud. Thanks to the amazing eight years she had at CDS, she and the rest of her class have made an easy transition and are thriving. Lucie Maguire, former math teacher, is loving her retirement! Her daughter, Lucie, has two cute boys, and they live in Augusta. Son Robert (’96), lives in DC with his wife. Lucie enjoys traveling all the time with her husband, who is also retired. Continues on next page

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Former Faculty News continued Cam Metts, former first grade teacher, loves every day of her retirement! She and her husband travel, garden, work puzzles and spend time with their family. Their last trip was to Canada, and she thinks it’s wonderful to see other countries. Former receptionist Hopie Parker remains very involved with CDS as she has four grandchildren here! One is in 4th grade, and three are in 2nd grade.

equest 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. To learn more about giving strategies that allow you to make a meaningful charitable gift, please contact the Advancement Office at 843.266.9797 or caroline.moore@charlestonday.org.

cool school

Former second grade teacher Katie Richardson says, “Greetings to Around the World travelers from Captain Kimbo and Mrs. R from the Sphinx and Pyramids of Egypt!” Katie’s son, Will Cathcart (’97) is creating the “Willage” in Republic of Georgia. Her other son, Townes (’06), is getting married in June. Katie and Kim Richardson

Sylvia Lee Rivers, former administrator, is currently the outreach coordinator for MUSC’s Center for Drug and Alcohol programs. She works with our youth to educate them about the science of addiction and to raise money to support Charleston’s Alcohol Research Center – one of her favorite projects. She loves teaching the Charleston Day School 6th8th graders about the harmful effects of alcohol/drugs on the teen brain during Charleston Day’s Red Ribbon Week!

Number of CDS students in grades K-8:

258

In December, Channel 2 News anchor Octavia Mitchell and her crew visited Charleston Day School to present the Cool School Award. CDS was the first school of 2019 to be featured as Channel 2’s “Cool School of the Week!”

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Letâ€™s Go ALL In!

100%

Thereâ€™s still time to give!

A thank you for the past, funding for the present and a gift for the future. A huge THANK YOU to Charleston Day School parents for achieving a record-breaking 97% Parent Participation rate for the Gateway Giving Fund! Your support is greatly appreciated and a reason to celebrate. With 100% board participation and 100% faculty and staff participation, we want to continue this amazing momentum. Our fiscal year ends June 30, 2019, so CDS Community, there is still time to give! Visit www.charlestondayschool.org/gatewaygiving to donate online, use the enclosed envelope, or contact the Advancement Office at 843.266.9797 or caroline.moore@charlestonday.org.

#Powerofparticipation

100% Board of Trustees

100% Faculty & Staff

97%

Current Parents

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15 Archdale Street | Charleston, SC 29401

Dates to Remember: April 13: 10th Annual Run for Adela Grand Finale April 16: CDS Golf Tournament at Bulls Bay Golf Club (Online Silent Auction to include: Front Row Seating at 2019 CDS Commencement and 2019 Miami Marlins dugout seats with concierge service) May 15: Spring Luncheon with special guest speaker James Farmer (Plus Silent Auction) May 30: Commencement June 30: Last day to give to 2018-19 Gateway Giving Fund Questions? Please call the Advancement Office for more information at 843.266.9797 or visit our website to register for events at www.charlestondayschool.org.

Non-Profit Organization Charleston, SC Permit No. 180