Perspectives Spring 2023

Perspectives

Intentional Technology

MOVING FORWARD WITH DEIB THE ROAD AHEAD

Ready for School Country Day READY

Our Mission

Through excellence in education, Charlotte Country Day School develops the potential of each student by fostering intellectual curiosity, principled character, ethical leadership, and a responsibility to serve.

Affirmation of Community

Charlotte Country Day School is committed to living as an authentic, inclusive community. Our pursuit of this commitment to community recognizes and affirms the richness brought by difference and discovered through commonality.

For more information about our Mission, Key Values, and Affirmation of Community, please visit charlottecountryday.org/mission

Perspectives

EDITOR

Lee-Anne Black

CONTRIBUTORS

Katharine Atkins

Tianna Butler

Spencer Clair '09

Shannon Drosky

Alexis Hall

Joe Hernick

Bina Neumann

Kato Nims

Rebecca Patterson

Nathaline Pheteau

Natalie Pruett

Scott Waybright

Drew Witman '06

Brian Wise

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lee-Anne Black

Shannon Drosky

Nikki Dunn

Joe Gaylor

Alexis Hall

Joe Hernick

Bina Neumann

The Professional Photography Group

DESIGN

Windtree Studios/Robert Locklear

Perspectives is published twice a year by the Marketing and Communications Office for alumni, parents, staff, and friends of Charlotte Country Day School. Please send questions, comments, or story ideas to lee-anne.black@charlottecountryday.org.

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School Leadership

2022–23 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS:

William H. Zimmern ’95, Chair

Dr. Lauren I. Browne, Vice Chair

Stoney D. Sellars, Vice Chair

R. Glenn Sherrill Jr. ’89, Vice Chair

Stephenson P. Shuford, Vice Chair

Scott R. Stevens, Vice Chair

Andrew W. Tate, Secretary-Treasurer

MEMBERS:

Howard C. Bissell*

Samuel B. Bowles ’93

Luther J. Blythe Jr. ’96

Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer

George S. Dewey IV ’90

Ronald E. Eliasek, Jr.

Samuel E. Farnham, Sr.

Samuel B. Hood ’96

Shanon Jones

Dr. Tiffani M. Jones

Dr. Gary L. Little

Michael B. Maguire

J. Scott Mattei

Stanton D. McCullough

Sally Cannon Saussy ’67*

Dr. Lisa M. Toppin

Jennifer J. Ward

Ann E. Willey

*Life trustee

2022–23 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

Marcel Gauthier, Head of School

Katharine Atkins, Director of Advancement

Shannon Drosky, Director of Marketing and Communications

Nancy Ehringhaus, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Joe Hernick, Director of Educational Technology

Matthew Less, Head of Upper School

David Lynn, Director of International Studies

David Mancos, Chief Financial Officer

Bill Mulcahy, Head of Lower School

Warren Sepkowitz, Head of Middle School

Masanori Toguchi, Director of Athletics

Scott Waybright, Assistant Head of School

Brian Wise, Director of Diversity Planning

Message from the Head of School

AAT THE START of this year, we wondered if circumstances would allow the full scope of Country Day programming and events. Performances, sports, traditions, alumni gatherings, trips—would we be able to plan and do all that we wished? This spring issue of Perspectives reminds us that, yes, we are without a doubt experiencing a year of inspired normalcy. And what an exceptional year this has been!

In this issue we celebrate the reclaiming of traditions paused during COVID-19, such as the visit of Lower School students to the Head’s house to welcome the winter holiday season. We highlight unique learning opportunities, such as the Senior Externship program and the potential of our new property in Weddington. We celebrate the achievements of our amazing students—thespians, athletes, scholars, and leaders. And, of course, we celebrate our alumni, whose work for the school as well as achievements in the community make us proud every day.

The heart of this issue of Perspectives is three learning journeys of strategic importance for Country Day: maximizing the value of accreditation, integrating educational technology, and ensuring progress in our DEIB strategic goals. Assistant Head of School Scott Waybright makes sense of this SAIS Accreditation year and reminds us that the process is not simply a validation of program; it is most importantly a chance to reflect on our school and establish priorities that can inform the future. Director of Educational Technology Joe Hernick reminds us that technology is not an add-on in our students’ education. At Country Day we seek to develop lifelong skills that students will take with them into the future And finally, Director of Diversity Planning Brian Wise introduces articles by our Country Day educators that acknowledge the concrete choices we are making to strengthen connectedness and a sense of belonging in our student community.

The uniting theme in these three stories is institutional learning. Schools must be engaged in cycles of self-reflection in order to ensure we are continually refining how we execute our Mission. Whether we are developing Design Lab projects for our Lower School students or taking stock of the academic program as an extension of accreditation or “revamping Freshman Seminar…to encourage inquiry, collaboration, problemsolving, and critical and creative thinking,” we are always in a cycle of dynamic self-improvement. Great schools like Country Day must be; as a learning institution, we must model the very processes we ask our students to engage in every day.

I am proud of the breadth of institutional learning, as well as the depth of community, this issue of Perspectives represents. What a joy to see this year the full scope of Country Day come to life!

Marcel Gauthier Head of School

Learning Experiences Abroad Return

WWHILE THE PAST three years have kept us closer to home, global learning experiences on campus have been plentiful. This year, the office of International Studies is pleased to return to offering student learning experiences abroad while continuing to offer a wide range of local opportunities for global exposure. These include global-focused clubs and academic competitions, interactions with ambassadors and other diplomats both on campus and at World Affairs Council luncheons, and special events such as Lion Dancers in recognition of the Lunar New Year. Earlier this year, Lower School music students participated in a virtual music and cultural exchange between Country Day students and peers in Kenya. We have welcomed exchange students from Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, France, Peru, and the United Kingdom.

And this year, we are able to give students travel opportunities again. In early February, 14 sixthgrade students and their trip leaders David Sanders, Diane Farrug, and Bina Neumann, spent a week in Quebec on an exchange with our sister school Externat Saint-Coeur de Marie. In addition to

taking part in winter activities and sightseeing, students stayed in the homes of buddy families and were immersed in Québécois culture and French language. Their Quebec friends will visit Charlotte in early spring.

Additionally, travel experiences slated for this school year include:

• 8th Grade Italy Renaissance to explore the profound developments in art, science, and technology, and the forward progress of human thought during the Renaissance.

• 8th Grade Creative Arts and Cultural Exchange, Southampton, United Kingdom to give students a unique opportunity to pursue their passion in a different cultural setting.

• Upper School Ghana Cultural Experience to explore the history, culture, and natural environment of Ghana through a people-to-people partnership with peers and adults in Charlotte’s sister city, Kumasi.

And in summer 2023, Upper School students will take part in these exciting experiences to explore cultures and cultivate their passions.

• Iceland Environmental Science Experience

• Spain/Morocco Language Immersion Experience

• Sister Cities of Europe People-to-People Experience (Poland, Germany, and France)

• Italy Arts Experience

• Scotland Theatre Experience

Honoring

a 30-year Beloved Tradition

IIN 1992, IN HER FIRST YEAR as Head of School, Margaret Gragg Bissell invited Lower School students to visit the Head’s House just before the holiday break. This beloved tradition has taken place every year since (even during COVID-19 with modifications).

On December 7, 2022, Marcel Gauthier (Mr. G) hosted his first Head’s House visit with the same traditions intact—meaningful, handcrafted ornaments presented by each grade; Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs led by Coach Al Pearman (his 30th year lending his voice); and Mr. G handing out a gingerbread cookie to each student. As usual, there was much joy and laughter in the air—from our youngest, wide-eyed students delighted with their cookies to our fourth graders cherishing their last visit and remembering years past.

This is just one of many enduring traditions that bind us as a community. They create lasting memories for all our students and common experiences that alumni parents share with their children.

Bucs Wrap Up Successful Fall Season

AA VERY SPECIAL FALL SEASON wrapped up in early November with several North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association (NCISAA) matchups that showcased Country Day studentathletes performing at the highest level both individually and as a team. The Bucs secured a Girls’ Tennis 4A State Championship, and our Girls’ Cross Country team finished as the 4A State Championship runner-up.

“Over the course of the fall, our student-athletes and coaches curated an energy that carried through the season,” said Country Day Director of Athletics Masanori Toguchi. “We are proud of the hard work this group of athletes put into the season and the positive outcomes that have come from that work. These results are a testament to our athletics program’s overall strength and consistency.”

Girls’ Tennis dominated this season, defeating Charlotte Latin in the NCISAA 4A Girls’ Tennis State Championship. The Bucs controlled the match at UNCC against Latin, securing doubles and giving a large advantage as they moved into singles. The Bucs had just one loss in the regular season, winning out in conference play. This is Coach Calvin Davis’s 33rd State Championship of his career at Country Day.

The Girls’ Cross Country team ended their season on the highest of notes, placing runner-up as a team. This is the second time they have finished runner-up in the past three years after winning the state championship for the first time last year.

Other

varsity

teams finished as follows:

• Boys’ Cross Country finished in seventh place, just three points out of sixth and 10 points out of fifth in an extremely competitive year at the NCISAA Championships.

• Field Hockey advanced to the state semifinals before falling to Providence Day. After securing the state title last season, the Bucs used that momentum to make an impact in the playoffs before the season came to an end with just seven losses.

• Football earned a return trip to the NCISAA state playoffs but had its season come to an end after the matchup with Providence Day in the first round.

• Though Girls’ Golf did not advance to the tournament, they had a year of development with the involvement of our Middle School athletes.

• Boys’ Soccer battled through a tough semifinal loss against Carmel Christian in the playoffs. With only seven losses this season, the Bucs emerged united and grew stronger as they advanced.

• Volleyball advanced to the state quarterfinals before succumbing to Cannon School. Overall, the Bucs found their rhythm later in the season, which advanced them in the playoffs.

Bucs Hero: Mary Beth Luxton

MMARY BETH LUXTON has served the Country Day community in various roles for over 35 years. From athletic trainer to sports information manager to information systems assistant for Upper School and Athletics, MB, as she is more commonly known, has seen it all. MB assists students and staff directly with their technology needs, along with setting up our live streaming systems on campus.

Aside from her full-time position in Information Technology (IT), she also coached field hockey for 18 years before retiring from coaching this fall. You can still hear MB announcing over the public address system for field hockey and any other sport in need. “Be safe, be kind, and go Bucs,” is her signature phrase as she signs off the mic, a saying that fits perfectly for someone who has always been such a positive influence on Country Day students.

This past fall, she was profiled on our web site as a Bucs Hero—a feature that highlights staff members across campus making an impact on our school.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

I like to help people. The positions I have held here have all been about helping others. I transitioned from helping people with injuries to helping people with computer issues. Both of those jobs are pretty much the same and require the same basic skill set. You listen to the problem, ask questions to gather the pertinent information, assess the issue with the tools you have, and come up with a plan of action. It was an easy transition for me.

Q: In what ways do you help build community?

You build community by showing others that you care. I think the little things matter. The example that you set is very important when you work with young people. When I was doing sports information and started public address announcing, I wanted to be sure that we paid attention to all sports.

Q: Name a way in which your job has changed over the years. The most obvious change is that when I started with IT in 2003, the Upper School had a single computer lab with 20–24 computers. Today, everything we do involves technology, and as the school has grown, so has the need for support of those

technologies. In Athletics, I started the BucSite, which was the first website the school had. It represented all the sports we offered and was hand coded. A student, Chris Moore ’99, helped me learn html. I also started the first Twitter page with the encouragement of Natalie Pruett and Lee-Anne Black in the Marketing/Communications Office. Look at where we are now! Tech changes so fast. You have to help folks feel comfortable with it.

Q: How many times have you moved offices?

When I started as an athletic trainer, my office was in the old Harris Gym (where the Hance Fine Arts Center sits today); our offices moved from a closet off the hallway leading back to the boys’ locker room to a storage area off the lobby. Funny story about that: One day I bumped into a little boy heading into PE class. For some reason he was all excited to see me. He said, “I know you!” I replied, “You do?” He said, “You’re the Security Lady who works in the gym.” That open storage area was converted to an office by putting in 2-½ inch walls with glass. It is not a wonder he thought it was a security booth. Then I moved to Bruton Smith Athletic Center. When I transitioned to IT, I was in the former Cannon Library storage room, then a classroom, and a computer lab, then temporarily in Barnhardt Hall while the recent campus construction was underway. And now, I’m in the Upper School IT Suite in Cannon Hall…it’s a great central location for helping students with their tech needs.

I like to help people. The positions I have held here have all been about helping others.

Growing as a Community with Julie Lythcott-Haims: Raising Happy, Healthy, Successful Adults

NNEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult and young adult expert Julie Lythcott-Haims made an impact when she visited Country Day on November 11, 2022. In her four presentations (Upper School Student Assembly, Diversity Awareness Forum Executive Luncheon, Upper School Faculty Professional Development Meeting, Parent Speaker Series Keynote), she shared invaluable tips and insights for raising and becoming a happy, healthy, successful adult through storytelling and personal reflection. Thank you to Assistant Dean of Students Steve Wall for his leadership in leading this program, and Susie Dekle, Parents’ Association Speaker Series chair, for all their support.

FOUR LESSONS ON RAISING COMPASSIONATE, INDEPENDENT ADULTS

By Alivia McAtee, December 19, 2022

Julie Lythcott-Haims is an educator, public speaker and bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult.

Charlotte Country Day School recently hosted Julie and invited Upper School students, families, and faculty to learn about her perspectives on parenting and adulthood.

The takeaways: We asked a Country Day parent (Courtney Eliasek), teacher (Dr. Yven Destin), and student (Michael Lugo ’23) about their perspectives on and takeaways from the talk.

What was your #1 takeaway from Julie’s talk?

Courtney: Allow your child to follow their passions and interests; don’t force yours upon them. Here’s why: They should be the drivers of their journey into adulthood.

Dr. Destin: Everyone should have the courage to study what they love because self-love is at the heart of that courage. I interpreted that as the act of becoming better in tune with one’s passions.

Why now: In a nation filled with messages to go to the “best” schools or become a part of the most “respected” professions, it can be hard for anyone to follow that inner voice of passion and pursue a non-traditional path of “success.” Okay, but: I was pleased to hear her acknowledge how difficult following one’s passion can be. She explained that her own decision to follow her heart ultimately cost her some relationships.

Michael: The main thing I took away from her talk was the importance of self-acceptance. She talked about being okay with yourself in the many areas of your life. An example: Whether it be with my academics, personal life, or identity, her words are helping me work through some of my insecurities.

What is one actionable change you’re planning to make after Julie’s visit?

Courtney: Julie suggested a one-week cleanse. What this means: For one week, don’t ask about schoolwork or grades. Instead, focus conversations on things outside of academics.

An example: My goal has been to discuss my kids’ personal interests, such as art, sports, or a new hobby. I have made an effort to talk less and listen more.

Dr. Destin: Her talk was geared towards encouraging our students to love themselves enough to do what’s in their hearts, despite the external pressures of parents and school culture.

The takeaway: As their teacher, it’s my responsibility to help create a school environment that fosters self-love; a place that helps students become better in tune with their passions.

Michael: I was motivated to be an agent of change when Julie spoke about ethnic identity and creating communities. Hearing how she has created communities for minorities and marginalized people made me realize that I want to do the same.

Here’s how: As a leader of two diversity clubs at my high school, I am striving to create safe spaces for diverse students.

Michael Lugo ’23 Student

Dr. Yven Destin Teacher

Courtney Eliasek Parent

Axios Charlotte ran a story about the visit in mid-December.

Scott Stevens and Brian Wise Inducted into the Honorary Alumni Association

OON FEBRUARY 8, Scott Stevens, former chair of the Board of Trustees, and Brian Wise, longtime director of Diversity Planning, were inducted into the Honorary Alumni Association. Founded in 1981, the Honorary Alumni Association celebrates faculty and staff, parents, trustees, and friends of Country Day whose distinguished service and generous support have made a lasting impact on the school. At this event, we also recognize the David L. Hood Jr. Award for Volunteer Service and the Alumnus of the Year: Mark Ethridge ’06. Read his story on page 34.

Honorary Alumnus for Philanthropy: Scott Stevens

Scott’s linear, thoughtful, and strategic leadership, compounded with his unwavering belief in Country Day’s mission, has served and strengthened our school for more than a decade. Since 2014, Scott has served as a Board of Trustees member and is one of only two Board chairs to serve an additional term. As chair, Scott led Country Day through the conclusion of the largest and most transformational capital campaign in our school’s history, record-breaking admissions inquiries and enrollment, a DEIB Strategic Plan, and the hiring and transition of a new Head of School, all while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic.

Chief Financial Officer David Mancos said of Scott’s leadership: “We had a COVID crisis, and Scott led us through that; we had a leadership transition, and Scott led us through that. When America

was crying out for social justice and we had the same issues here in Charlotte and at Country Day, Scott was there with a steady, unflinching hand. He is hands down one of the three best leaders I’ ve ever served with in my life.”

Former Board Chair Watts Hamrick ’77 said, “Scott’s commitment to this school is extraordinary. He is wicked smart with a balance that few people have. He brings grace and compassion to everything he does.”

Many alumni were in attendance at this year’s Honorary Alumni Association dinner.

Honorary Alumnus for Faculty and Staff: Brian Wise

Brian joined Country Day in 1998, serving as our first director of Diversity Planning for the past 25 years. In this role, Brian assists all faculty and staff, students, and parent groups as they work to embed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into all aspects of school life. His steadfast work enriches the entire Country Day community by enlightening, educating, and striving to create equity and a sense of belonging for all. Brian’s ease in the most difficult conversations pushes the Country Day community to deepen our views, expand our knowledge, and center our “come as you are” belief. He was instrumental in the development of our school’s Affirmation of Community, as well as the Diversity Awareness Forum in Upper School, the Middle School ACT Conference, Country Day’s People of Color in Independent Schools (POCIS), and its POCIS ACT award. He has also authored two DEIB Strategic Plans, shepherding Country Day to live out our Affirmation of Community.

Tianna Butler, associate director of Diversity Planning, said, “It’s been an immense honor to work with Brian. He has the biggest heart and he really, really cares for the people in this institution. He has touched countless lives of students and faculty members.”

Bryce Vanfield ’25 has known Brian since he was in kindergarten. “He’s just a great influential person in the community and a great mentor. He is somebody you see always supporting students, he introduced me to the Black Student Union, and he presented me with a great opportunity to lead my own diversity group with some of the young minority males at the school. He’s just an all-around great person.”

L. Hood Jr. Award for Volunteer Service: Ron and Courtney Eliasek

This award recognizes volunteers who have given exemplary service to Country Day, demonstrating an active belief in the school and its mission, tireless energy, positive determination, and a heartfelt commitment to the betterment of our students’ experiences and opportunities. This certainly describes Ron and Courtney Eliasek.

Their dedication and service to our school is vast and has set a precedent for high standards. As community chairs of the ambitious Forefront Campaign, Ron and Courtney’s leadership and teamwork were instrumental to the Campaign’ s historic success. Together, Ron and Courtney also chaired the 2015-16 Country Day Fund and have each served on the Advancement Committee at various times. Courtney is also a volunteer leader and past president with the Parents’ Association, as well as a leader with the Upper School theater program. Equally steadfast in his volunteerism, Ron is on the Board of Trustees, where his insightful questions, willingness to dive right in, and partnership are tremendously valued.

Current Board Chair Bill Zimmern ’95 said, “The school thrives because of people like Courtney and Ron who invest their time, energy, and commitment across many years.”

In accepting the award the Eliaseks shared three “examples of how amazing our faculty and administrators are to our children, and how wonderful the school has been to the Eliasek family. We’re very grateful for what Country Day has meant to us and honored to have been able to give back.”

David

WITNESSING A CEREBRAL angiography procedure to find the specific location of a brain aneurysm first-hand from an operating room is not a typical day in the life of a high school senior. Nor is learning to develop and build Next Gen NASCARs, sitting in on a criminal preliminary hearing in district court, or meeting with the CEO of Ally Financial.

Senior Externship: Connecting with Real-World Experiences W

These are just some of the ways 124 seniors took part in their Senior Externship, a one-day job shadowing and mentoring experience that exposes students to potential career opportunities with Charlotte-area employers.

“The Senior Externship is a way for our students to engage in real-world experiences and connect them with our community members,” said Assistant Dean of Students and Externship Coordinator Steve Wall. “Our parents, alumni, and friends of the school go out of their way to create meaningful, creative, and fun ways for our seniors to explore a profession and learn curiously outside the classroom walls. I am thankful that our community jumps at the chance to share their time, talents, and passion.”

In Their Own Words

We asked several students to share their perspectives, what they learned, and how the Externship experience will help with their college and future plans:

Adam Eligator ’23

Host Employer: Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, PLLC

“Government and politics are big interests of mine and my Externship experience opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing law school after my undergraduate career concludes. The opportunity that Country Day seniors are presented with to shadow a friend of the school and experience a day with a profession in person is second to none. The Externship establishes connections for the future, offers insight towards future scholastic pursuits, and allows seniors to demonstrate life skills in a professional setting, not to mention the amount of fun we have!”

Student Entrepreneurs Go Before the Sharks: As students in Steve Wall’s Entrepreneurial Studies course pitched their “startups,” our panel of real business investors asked tough questions about acquisition costs, valuations, and competition. The “Shark Tank” presentation is the culmination of months of work that involves collaboration, research, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Thanks to our Country Day alumni and parent judges, Rebecca Weeks Watson ’97, Roy Morejon, and Natasha McMichael ’95.

Annabelle Hernick ’23 Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and Blumenthal Performing Arts

“I was excited to work with professionals in my area of interest. Whether I was shadowing the light and sound board operators, disassembling sets, moving platforms for an event, or checking over light designs, I feel like I came away understanding so much more about the industry of technical theater as a whole. I never expected that after my Externships I would have so many connections in the Charlotte theater community, and now I’m considering taking a summer internship with Blumenthal!”

River Derby ’23 Sun Counseling

“I’m even more excited about my own future, both for college and my career, and I’m even more sure just how much I want to do what they do.”

Michael Woodard ’23 Ally Financial

“Meeting with the CEO Jeff “JB” Brown was amazing and being able to ask him anything about his path and the company was an eye-opening experience. I learned that to become successful in a job, it takes curiosity and the ability to apply yourself and that in the corporate world, mistakes are necessary and required to grow. I am so thankful for the experience, and it helped a lot with my college decision process.”

“Their professionalism and excellent questions made Charlotte Country Day School look good, and as a parent with two daughters in Middle School at Country Day, it made me deeply proud to be part of it. I’m excited about the opportunity they’ll have one day to explore their interests through the program!”

Sophia Saxonhouse

’23

Host Employer: Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery at Novant Health

“This experience was truly one of the most amazing and influential days of my life. My dream job is to be a neurosurgeon, and this just further confirmed how much I want to pursue a field in medicine and how I need to continue working hard. I watched four cerebral angiography procedures done in the Cath Lab and I got to scrub in on an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). The highlight was watching the X-ray machine reconstruct the cerebrovascular structure of the brain from the angiography. The Externship gives us a chance to see if our dream or prospective career field is right for us.”

–Derek Thomas, senior director of analytics at NASCAR Research and Development Center

Failure: A Love Story Selected as Distinguished Play

Congratulations to the Upper School One Act performance, Failure: A Love Story, for being selected as the Distinguished Play at the North Carolina Theatre Conference State competition. The Upper School ensemble will represent the state of North Carolina at the Southeastern Theatre Conference High School Play Festival in March 2023.

Additional awards include:

Outstanding Achievement in Acting: Lance Toppin ’23

Outstanding Achievement in Design and Production:

Annabelle Hernick ’23

Daniel Seaman Outstanding Ensemble Award:

$1,500 grant for theater program

Excellence in Acting: Charles Dekle ’26 and Tiffany Utley ’25

Excellence in Directing: Jenny Goodfellow

Additionally, Jenny Goodfellow was honored during a special reception on February 24 for winning the 2022 NCTC K12 Theatre Arts Educator Award!

Congratulations to all.

Faculty and Staff Art Show

On October 11, we held a gallery reception for the 24 faculty and staff members who participated in the annual Faculty and Staff Art Show. From paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and even a restored VW bug, this is a talented group. Show participants included Paul Murphy, Karrie Matias, Meredith Green, Colby Trenkelbach, Stacy Utley, Mike Hennessey, Dwayne Wilson, Linda Love, Aleea Davey-Price, Holly Patton, Lisa Gardner, Joe Hernick, Lisa Hernick, Kandise Hayes, Rick Hackett Sean O’Neill, Dipti MansiVirag, Nehal Morejon, Vanessa Thorman, Emily Pearce, Jessica Walters, Danielle Riviere, Tianna Butler, and Tom Delaney.

17th Annual Soup Bowl Workshop

We had a great crowd at the 17th Annual Soup Bowl Workshop in October. Community members of all ages came together to make bowls in the ceramics studio to support Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte’s Soup on Sunday event in January. Thank you to retired teacher Meredith Green and parent of alumni Kay Ethridge for establishing this community service event, and to Karrie Matias, who joined Country Day this past August, for keeping the tradition going.

Translating Ideas into Action for Weddington Property

Two new positions created to facilitate educational programming

SSOON AFTER IT was announced this past summer that 330 acres in Weddington had been donated to Country Day by Smoky Bissell and Margaret Gragg Bissell, Country Day teachers wasted no time envisioning the possibilities.

For the past few months, Country Day teachers have been visiting the property in small groups to imagine lesson plans for their students. The property is currently home to an organic, sustainable farm, including vegetables, goats, and chickens. There are also wooded expanses of native trees and plants, as well as a stream. The property offers numerous opportunities for creative educational programming, such as hands-on ecology and biology lessons or an introduction to sustainable farming methods.

“Our faculty has presented a myriad of ambitions tied to student learning,” said Head of School Marcel Gauthier. “In the months ahead, our current work is to provide the human resources and facilities infrastructure to allow those opportunities to happen safely and with comprehensive oversight.”

We are very fortunate that the Bissells have given the school a generous and thoughtful five-year monetary commitment to support the costs of owning and operating the property. To that end, Mr. Gauthier announced the creation of two new positions to facilitate educational programming. A Working Farm Site Manager will be responsible for coordinating and managing all farm facilities, infrastructure, grounds, and equipment maintenance and operations. The Educational Program Manager will be responsible for coordinating and managing all farm-based student and employee learning experiences. At press time, the selection process for these positions was in the final stage.

Additionally, the school is in the initial phase of designing several shelters with restrooms, assembling areas, and parking to accommodate class field trips. By the start of the 2023–24 school year, we hope to have the people and infrastructure in place for students to begin taking part in learning opportunities on the property.

We will continue to keep the community updated as progress unfolds in ways that align with Country Day’s Mission and Key Values.

The Middle School Garden Club, led by eighth-grade science teacher Simon Keilty, worked a late-season harvest on the new property. They learned about the marketing of gardening by harvesting, washing, drying, and packaging various vegetables.

Country Day for the win on college move-in day!

The

little tool kit is great!

–Message from Anne Sluder in response to an Instagram post wishing the Class of 2022 a great start to college. The Alumni Office gifted new grads a portable tool kit, perfect for dorm decorating. August 11, 2022.

THE WORLD NEEDS HONORABLE PEOPLE. LET IT START WITH YOU.

Overheard

2022.

“These are such special women, then and now. I am honored to have been part of something very special with them.”

– Comment by retired PE teacher and coach Madeline Frosch, on a post about members of the 1982 and 1983 varsity girls’ basketball team returning to campus to cheer on the 2022–23 team. January 5, 2023.

–Retired faculty member Patti Daniel inspired Upper School students as the guest speaker at the opening Honor Assembly. August 31, 2022.

“To me, making the most of your time in Upper School is really about embracing all the traditions and experiences that Country Day has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom. If you take every opportunity you get, you’ll have a lot of fun! ”

I AM IMPRESSED BY THE COMMITMENT COUNTRY DAY HAS MADE TO SUSTAIN THIS PROJECT.

–Comment by Kay Ethridge, parent of alumni and founder (along with retired teacher Meredith Green) of the Annual Soup Bowl Workshop in support of Hospice & Palliative Care. The event, now in year 17, brings students, parents, and faculty together for creative claymaking. October 28, 2022.

Such a special day!

Thank you to those who have served and for the MS staff for honoring our community.

–Comment by Courtney O’Neil on an Instagram post about the Middle School Veteran’s Day Assembly. Each division hosts assemblies to honor those in our community who have served. November 11, 2022.

“I still talk about the things I learned from Dr. Destin’s history class and am so grateful to have had him as a teacher!”

–Comment by Emma Taylor ’22 on an Instagram video featuring Upper School teacher Dr. Yven Destin. November 8, 2022.

“That experience was life changing for me—it opened my eyes to what I want to do, and that is travel to new places as much as possible.”

–Quote from Hunter Family Sabbatical Grant recipient and longtime staff member Shannon Starnes, who was profiled in a web feature called "Bucs Heroes." January 24, 2023.

“Everything about this makes my heart full! I love these sweet, talented, beautiful children.”

–Comment by Middle School art teacher Nehal Morejon on an Instagram post about the Middle School’s Southeast Asian Affinity group’s Morning Meeting presentation about Diwali, which included a traditional dance. October 26, 2022.

Let’s be strong. Let’s stand up for ourselves and others. Let’s not be bystanders, but leaders. Let’s face every challenge that comes our way. Let’s grow as individuals and as a community. Let’s always demonstrate moral courage. And let’s be better tomorrow than we are today.

–Advice to peers from Morgan Williams ’27, 7th/8th Grade Student Council president, speaking at the All-School Convocation, October 7, 2022.

SAIS ACCREDITATION PROCESS HELPS POINT THE WAY ON THE ROAD AHEAD

By Scott Waybright, Assistant Head of School

ONCE A YEAR, the state of North Carolina requires me to have my 20-year-old convertible inspected. The goal is to ensure that when I take my vehicle out on the road there is a reasonable expectation that it can carry out the basic task of getting me to where I am going safely. They have a long list of items to inspect, which, when confirmed, should provide all of us with a little confidence. If anything on that list can’t be confirmed, the entire process grinds until the appropriate adjustments are made. Once completed, I am free to enjoy the roads again for a year.

All independent schools go through a similar process; however, it happens every five years. We get “accredited” through The Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), which has oversight in establishing the standards that an educational institution should meet. Country Day has been participating in our “inspection” this past year. For a school, there are six standards and over 60 total indicators to be inspected. We completed this inspection in October during a visit from John Thorsen (Athens Academy, Head of School).

SELF-REFLECTION CONFIRMS EXCELLENCE

Unlike the car inspection, however, the accreditation process asks deeper questions than a simple list. SAIS asks us to reflect on our work while fulfilling our mission and what we have learned in that process. It’s not enough to know that our windshield wipers are working; they want to help us evaluate our process and goals for the future. It’s as if the mechanic came to my house and spent time with me exploring my thinking around replacing the leaky canvas roof while I am googling sound system upgrades. Five educational leaders will spend three days with us at the end of March looking under the hood and asking us questions.

As we await the final report from the visiting team, we are eager to hear their insights into our work that lies ahead. Their report will also serve to frontload the conversations as we enter strategic planning next year.

As good as we think we may be, it’s critical to open ourselves up to feedback. SAIS provides us with a critical and constructive community to lean upon. These educational leaders help us stay on the road to improvement. While the process for schools is lengthy and time consuming, the benefits are immense. The culture at Country Day makes the work much simpler. We have a strong Board of Trustees that is actively involved in collaborating with our Head of School. Our parents and the Parents’ Association are engaged with all facets of our program. And the faculty and staff are eager to create new ways to educate our primary clients, our students.

In the meantime, you can find me in the garage, checking on that canvas top.

SAIS ACCREDITATION STANDARDS

STANDARD 1: Mission—Country Day commits to a mission that leads to continuous improvement for teaching and learning. Our mission guides decision-making, allocation of resources, and the building of community.

STANDARD 2: Governance & Leadership

Country Day provides a governance, leadership, and organizational structure that promotes its mission. Our trustees and administrators clearly understand their roles and are advocates for the school’s mission, vision, and continuous improvement. Leaders encourage collaboration and shared responsibility for school improvement among stakeholders.

SAIS STANDARD 3: Teaching & Learning—Country Day provides a curriculum and instructional methods that facilitate achievement of all students in support of its mission. Our school provides a curriculum that reflects best practices, strategies, and activities; and includes clearly defined expectations for student development that are subject to review and revision at regular intervals.

SAIS STANDARD 4: Stakeholder Communication & Relationships— Country Day develops and maintains effective communication and relationships to further its mission. We communicate clearly and accurately with our stakeholders and encourage collaboration to further our mission.

SAIS STANDARD 5: Resources & Support Systems—Country Day has the resources, services, and policies necessary to support its mission. Our school has sufficient human and material resources, employs qualified and competent staff, and provides ongoing professional development. We have well-defined and communicated policies and procedures to promote a safe, healthy, and orderly environment.

SAIS STANDARD 6: Virtual Learning—Country Day’s virtual learning, whether required by circumstance or offered outside of its regular in-person programming, aligns with its mission. Any virtual learning offered is provided with the same attention to mission and quality as the rest of the school’s program; we aim to offer courses and opportunities that reflect the school’s culture, care, vision, values, and mission in all programs we provide, using whichever delivery mechanisms serve the students participating in these opportunities.

Improving Teaching and Learning with an Intentional Approach to Technology

iT GETTINGRIGHT

By Joe Hernick, Director of Educational Technology

GETTINGRIGHT

TThird-grader Emily Badenhop loves to spend time with her little brother Bryce, kindergarten, in their backyard treehouse. What makes this play area extra special is the fact that Emily designed it in Country Day’s Lower School Design Lab. In the fall, third graders studied the engineering design process, and their first challenge was to collaboratively design and build a model treehouse, according to Courtney Chambers, Lower School educational technologist.

After reading Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins, students flexed their imagination muscles and got to work planning their own creations. Emily, along with her classmates, iteratively worked through the design process, beginning with needs assessment and determining requirements, and ending up with a 3D cardboard model. “Right off the bat, Emily mentioned that she had been hoping for her own treehouse at home and that this would be the perfect opportunity to build a model and show her parents her ideas,” remembers Ms. Chambers. “When I learned that her parents were going to help Emily bring this project to life, my teacher’s heart burst with excitement! Knowing that I have encouragement from families to stretch my students to try challenging and inspiring lessons in the classroom means I’m becoming a better teacher every day, which directly impacts the education their children receive.”

The Lower School Design Lab and its emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning activities is just one of many examples of intentional technology at Country Day. In a nutshell, intentional technology means the school takes a thoughtful approach to discovering and implementing tools and tech practices to improve teaching and learning outcomes for our community. We purposely shy away from the bleeding edge of new tools. We are cautious of EdTech fads that emphasize technology for technology’s sake without practical applications in the classroom that create sustainable and meaningful aspects to the educational experience for our students—these not only improve the educational experience today, but develop lifelong skills that students will take with them into the future.

IMPROVING THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE TODAY

Country Day teachers regularly look for ways to improve the classroom experience by using technology in ways that deepen and broaden the learning experience. For instance, Upper School modern and classical language teachers use tools like Flip, a Microsoft video discussion app. Spanish

teacher Paty Prieto leaned into this technology while teaching students remotely during the pandemic. It was so effective that she continued its use for in-person teaching as well. Within a secure online space, Ms. Prieto can make a video with instructions and a prompt. Students, in turn, respond with their own videos. The process allows students to build confidence and present their best selves via video before doing live presentations for oral mid-terms and major presentations. Additionally, both students and teachers can easily access past recordings to assess progress in fluency.

Understanding process is critically important in all disciplines. We all look back at draft versions of documents or presentations to edit and improve our work; Microsoft Office365 and Google Suite allow users to “roll back” the clock to review earlier versions of students’ work to see edits and changes. In a similar fashion the iPad has become an indispensable tool for our Middle School visual arts students to record and review their off-device process as well.

Using the time-lapse function of the iPad’s camera, students capture the off-device work of sketching, painting, and sculpting. By recording the entirety of the creation process, students can review hours of work in a few minutes, and art teachers can gain a focused, “over

Upper School Spanish teacher Paty Prieto leans into technology as a means to help students improve fluency.

iT GETTINGRIGHT

the shoulder” view to witness the effort and steps taken by each student to get to the final piece of art. iPads also allow art students room to experiment with techniques before committing to a change in a project.

As Middle School art teacher

Dwayne Wilson shares, “Using digital art apps frequently provides students the opportunity to quickly explore ideas with more confidence because it lessens the fear of ruining their original drawing or painting. These digital apps provide instant access to a plethora of creative ideas that can then be transferred to traditional means.”

Country Day’s 3D Printing Lab, located in the engineering classroom in the Purdy Center for Science and Mathematics and supervised by Upper School science teacher Stewart Peery ’98 and the 3D Printing Club, allows for rapid prototypes, iterative designs, and final models to be created for classes in all three divisions. Rather than having printers across campus, Country Day has centralized the finicky devices and implemented a print-job workflow, where teachers submit student projects to the queue, and Upper School students assign prints to individual machines using a centralized server and web-based tools. Club members maintain the printers, load filament, and keep the shop running.

The print jobs (which can take multiple hours for complicated designs) can be remotely monitored via webcam, and a timelapse of the print can be shared with students. Projects have ranged from Lower School students designing pen holders to Upper School students creating game board characters in Design Class to insulin models for advanced science-minded seniors participating in our ongoing computational biochemistry research. The expertise and commitment of club members allows students and teachers to focus on the creative design process, without having to learn the specialized skillset and nuance of running a 3D printer.

Educational Technologists Help Deepen Learning Opportunities

Educational technologists at each division are deeply involved members of the Country Day team who support teaching and deepen learning opportunities. They work with directors of study, department heads, and teachers to implement and support educational technology tools and resources to ensure that our students are provided with the latest technology for their learning experiences. They are also key in providing training and support for educators and students to make sure that the technology tools and resources are used effectively. All members of the EdTech team are experienced classroom teachers, and each team member teaches at least one class per term. Educational technologists can also be found co-teaching tech-focused lessons across the curriculum, providing professional development for faculty, and meeting individually with students and teachers to provide tailored support.

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP

We can’t predict the future, but we do know that technology will only continue to advance. Looking ahead and making educational technology decisions, not only for today but for tomorrow, is always on the forefront of our minds. One of the key goals of the 1:1 initiative rolled out in 2013 was to ensure that students and faculty members could work collaboratively with the same set of tools. Moreover, we put a staffing model and resources in place to support user training, security, and device deployment and support, all with the explicit goal that there would be no additional financial burden to families, and that all students in a grade level would have the same device, regardless of means. And although teaching and learning during the pandemic had its challenges, our existing 1:1 technology greatly aided students in their remote learning endeavors. Because we were already well-equipped with hardware, well-versed in software, and had the support team in place, Country Day was able to help students succeed academically under difficult circumstances.

In the same way that we want to ensure that our school is prepared for future unknowns and the unpredictability that comes with technology, we want to equip our students with the skillset to use the tools of tomorrow. For example, as students navigate a “tech transition” from iPads in Lower and Middle School to Microsoft Surfaces in Upper School, freshmen work through the challenges of moving to a new device, building confidence and resilience along the way. When students enter lab results in a shared Excel sheet in ninth-grade biology, they learn that cloud computing resources in Microsoft

Digital Citizenship Certified

As parents and teachers, it’s important to support our children in navigating the online world. We view digital behavior as an extension of face-to-face citizenship expectations and strive to offer guidance and support as our students navigate the challenges of social media and online interactions.

That's why Country Day sought out a JK–12 digital citizenship program in 2015, becoming the first area school to be certified by Common Sense Media, a leading non-partisan, non-profit resource. Our faculty and staff are trained in the program, and lessons are created and aligned across all grade levels.

Our students begin learning about digital citizenship in junior kindergarten through fourthgrade classrooms and continue this instruction in advisory sessions in Middle and Upper School. The curriculum is research-based and covers a range of digital issues that today’s youth face, including internet safety, the role of copyright, online relationships, privacy, security, cyberbullying, personal reputation management, information literacy, and social justice. We continue to review curriculum and tools, adjusting lessons in response to new technologies, platforms, and social trends. Our goal is to give students the skills and habits of mind they need to be ethical and safe digital citizens, no matter what technology the future may bring.

GETTINGRIGHT

Office365 are analogous with Google tools like Docs, Drive, and Sheets. Lessons across subject areas show students that word processing and presentations skills are transferable no matter what platform they use—the rubric for a solid presentation focuses on skills and outcomes, not the platform used. This purposeful transition and technology platform shift will be one of many that our students experience as they move through college and the workforce.

As we look to the future of AI, including ChatGPT, we are collaborating to answer the deeper questions regarding the skills that students need as they head into their futures. Just like the math teachers of the past worried about access to the graphing calculator, teachers today have to look at their teaching to ensure that they are truly preparing students to not just regurgitate something that a robot gave them, but truly understanding, critically thinking, collaborating with others, and creating something even better that can make an impact on the world.

Fostering a culture of experimentation and exploration with technology, students develop problem-solving skills and become lifelong learners, equipping them with the skills to be “Country Day Ready” and well prepared for the challenges of the future. And this approach empowers students to leverage technology as a tool to make the most of what’s yet to be invented, which is critical in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Tech-Intensive Upper School Courses

Country Day was the first independent school in the area to offer technology-intensive classes (including Lower School computer classes from the 1980s through today) and we’ve supported robotics clubs starting in the early 2000s. AP Computer Science has been offered consistently since 2008, and courses such as AP

Human Geography, AP Statistics, Computational Biochemistry, and visual arts offerings engage students with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Java, C and R Programming, 3D Design and Fabrication—all incorporating advanced tools and methodologies normally found at the college level. For students who really want to expand their technology skills, numerous course offerings are available:

Advanced Topics in Computer Science

AP Art: 3D Design

AP Computer Science A

AP Human Geography

AP Statistics with R

Bioethics

Computational Biochemistry

Digital Animation & Film Production

All 2D design courses

Exploring Computer Science

Honors Engineering

IB Information Technology in a Global Society

Astrophotography

New Journalism–Podcasting

Podcasting II

Short Films

Structural Engineering

Additionally, Independent Study offers students the ability to create their own path. Recently, students have completed IS in 3D Printing & Design, C Sharp Game Design, Computer Security Systems, and Advanced Computer Science.

Moving Forward with DEI

By Brian Wise, Director of Diversity Planning

Our commitment to developing and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment focused on belonging continues to remain a priority for our school community. In 2021, Country Day formalized this commitment through the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Strategic Plan. As we reevaluate our systems, policies, and processes, the student experience is at the heart of everything we do.

We are working toward achieving the goals presented in the DEIB Strategic Plan through developing, strengthening, and revising foundational programs, metrics and accountability, and infrastructure as ways to institutionalize this work. The following pages demonstrate some examples of the progress we have made.

Create a Healthy, Inclusive, and Equitable Campus Climate and Culture

Words Matter

A recent Middle School program co-led by Bina Neumann, strongly articulates the current work happening to create an environment in which all community members are welcomed and supported and seek and value differing perspectives and contributions. Here, she shares a little about the program and its impact.

By Bina Neumann, Sixth-Grade Language Arts/Social Studies teacher, and Middle School DEIB Co-Coordinator

With the DEIB goals and strategies as the foundation, the stage was set to engage in a thoughtful discussion on Words Matter in Middle School. It started with our usual advisory instruction and discussion but ended with a powerful and inspirational moment that has already made an impact in our community.

In preparation for our Town Meeting on October 4, students reflected on the school’s Affirmation of Community and reviewed key vocabulary including affirm, inclusive, commonality, and hate speech, involving all the different ways that it exists.

Faculty also led students through lessons on “intent” versus “impact.” Intent is what you aim to achieve through an action, and impact is how a person or community receives that action. The effect does not always match the intent. Good intentions do not always result in a positive impact. Students were encouraged to engage in candid discussions and did!

Armed with that knowledge, students and faculty headed into the most impactful part of this DEIB Words Matter program—the Town Meeting. Upper School Junior Class President Alex Connors shared a personal experience in Middle School involving a racially charged joke. The entire gymnasium was silent as Alex bravely and eloquently described the impact this event had on her, not just at that moment but still today. She was filled with hurt, confusion, and doubt. She impressed upon our Middle School community that “small words have big consequences, intention or not. So, this is why words matter.” She reminded us that “we need to think about what we say; we even need to think about what we’re thinking.”

As Alex’s former sixth-grade advisor, I found it difficult to hold back my emotions. Her fellow Buccaneers felt the same way. Alex’s speech motivated others to share their stories. One student, in particular, did so through tears. It was a powerful moment to see Alex wrap her arms around this student and acknowledge her sadness and bravery.

Our school’s Affirmation of Community states, “Awareness that living and embracing diversity are an active process, a continual journey which engages us in personal and institutional self-assessment, reflections, and openness to growth and change.” I am proud of the work we are doing in the Middle School toward living up to our Affirmation of Community and achieving our DEIB Strategic Planning goals, not only for today’s students but for the Alexes of the future.

Recruit, Retain, and Develop a Diverse Community

Freshman Seminar--Identity, Opportunity, Connectivity, and Contribution

Building on our past efforts, we will promote an even more diverse student, faculty, and staff community and equip individuals with the support and opportunities necessary for their success. Nathaline Pheteau’s leadership and restructuring of Freshman Seminar provide the opportunity to improve the transition into the Upper School with a focus on the social and emotional needs of students.

By Nathaline Pheteau, Upper School Freshman Seminar Instructor

Having the opportunity to revamp Freshman Seminar at Country Day has been a privilege, to say the least. As a mental health professional counselor, as well as a teacher for many years now, I’ve been honored to be surrounded by incredible individuals who have helped contribute to this curriculum and continue to sustain its practices. Two main areas of focus in the course curriculum are (1) student-centered pedagogies that increase connectivity and engagement and help me understand my students academically, socially, and personally; and (2) processes that encourage inquiry, collaboration, problemsolving, and critical and creative thinking.

At its core, Freshman Seminar is a yearlong course designed to aid freshmen in making a smooth and successful transition to Upper School. Students work on academic and personal goals as well as communication. Through the work, they increase their awareness of their personal contributions to their learning as well as their contributions to their school and greater communities. This collaborative work allows for the opportunity to learn how to participate in collegial discussions and use sources to support their ideas and opinions.

The true power of the course lies in its focus on the social and emotional needs of adolescents. Arranged into four units—Identity, Opportunity, Connectivity, and Contribution specific lessons intensify the intellectual experience of first-year students by allowing them to work closely with different topics.

Some topics include EQ vs. IQ, defining success, professional communication, and executive functioning. This is also a safe place that can hold various conversations that carry a lot of weight in many of our students’ lives. We are able to carefully curate conversations that aren’t being held in other classes. I have also been able to align and involve our student communities, which helps them realize the impact of their support teams. Ultimately, it’s been a rewarding journey to witness our students immerse themselves in this curriculum.

Support

Innovative and Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Incorporating DEIB and SEL Strands Throughout the Lower School Curriculum

Lower School teachers and administrators continually assess and revise curriculum through a DEIB lens to ensure what and how we teach is equipping students to think critically, act respectfully, and to show sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others. They have developed a structure that is based in research and works to support the growth of the whole child.

By Kato Nims, Lower School Director of Studies and Rebecca Patterson, Early Childhood Director

In the Lower School, the Country Day Mission, Affirmation of Community, and Lower School Core Values are the driving forces behind all our work. However, when sitting in a classroom full of spirited five-year-olds, it can be challenging to take those lofty documents and make them resonant without getting a head nod in return. So, to ensure that they are truly lived out every day and integrated into all of our curriculum, we needed to find a way to translate them for our youngest learners on campus.

First, we started with what we had that was working. Our social-emotional concepts and skills have been intentionally taught, practiced, and reinforced throughout every school day. Likewise, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is a lens through which we view all of our practice in the Lower School. These existing SEL and DEIB learning strands and tools existed separately from each other. We knew there was a connective tissue and wanted to identify the threads, so that SEL and DEIB became woven together and into all learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

So, we got to work! We teamed up with Lower School Counselor J.G. Bailey to identify these connection points between our existing SEL and DEIB skills. As the discussion progressed, we quickly realized that deep understanding and skill development in one area was often dependent upon deep understanding in another area. For example, to display empathy for others and create a community of belonging for everyone (DEIB), students needed to have self-awareness and social awareness that all people have feelings and everyone wants to belong (SEL).

This new framework was developed with the SEL and DEIB strands along with the translated and inter-connected language that our youngest learners can truly understand and use. The SEL strands include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and personal decision making. The DEIB strands include empathy and belonging, healthy and complex identities, respect across differences, naming bias, prejudice, and stereotypes, and taking action. As teachers design lessons, they do so with these strands and skills in mind.

Recently, a second-grade class incorporated a DEIB strand while working to develop their relationship skills (SEL). They practiced speaking from the “I perspective” and actively listening as they role played resolving a conflict they might encounter in their everyday life. Empathy and belonging work was woven throughout this activity. Students named potential feelings that their classmates might experience and brainstormed examples of ways to support that classmate to ensure that they felt heard and included. Being in a community, even a small classroom community, allows our students to safely learn and practice skills needed to thrive in their world today.

After two years, we are proud to share that our work is helping teachers deliver a program that is mission-aligned while also building the community we aspire to be. By breaking these strands down with clear definitions and intentions, teachers have been able to integrate these concepts and skills even more intentionally and systematically than ever before.

Developing Student Leaders

Beyond the lead stories and images of this article and any of our big progress updates are hundreds of examples of the DEIB Strategic Plan manifesting throughout the divisions and campuses. Our DEIB Strategic Plan leads with a vision centered on developing student leaders for our community and world.

Create a Healthy, Inclusive, and Equitable Campus Climate and Culture

• Community Launch of Cultural Awareness Calendar

• Parent Support Groups (PSGs) DEIB Presentations, including:

International Parents: Affirmation of Community, DEIB Strategic Plan, Cultural Awareness Calendar

Upper School Parents’ Association: Courageous Conversations

• POCIS Back-to-School Cookout, Lower School Family Social, and Holiday Potluck

• Board of Trustees Community and Culture Committee researching opportunities to develop a Total Equity Model

• The community, led by the International Studies Office, welcomed visits and representatives from Ghana, Germany, and England

Recruit, Retain, and Develop a Diverse Community

• 2022–23 New Faculty and Staff Cohort is the most diverse in recent history with more than 30 percent of new hires people of color

• Established recruiting relationships with four HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), including offering teaching fellowship opportunities

• Continuing to build a stronger relationship with Country Day BIPOC Alumni Committee

• Introduced Hiring Protocol for DEIB with the senior administrative team, including scheduling Interview Bias Reduction Training for all hiring teams

Support Innovative and Inclusive Teaching and Learning

• DEIB Professional Development, including administrators and faculty attending the MESH Diversity Training, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Diversity Leadership Institute, and the NAIS People of Color Conference

• Aligning Lower School lessons and planning with the Cultural Awareness Calendar

• Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Anti-Semitism Training for all Middle School faculty

• Culturally responsive curriculum development in the Middle School

• Upper School faculty engaged in increased DEIB professional development including a book read, Light But Not Fire, and a Belonging workshop led by Julie Lythcott-Haims

One of the key pillars of our plan is accountability. As such, progress updates such as this one will continue to be shared in print and online. It is important to note that this progress would not be possible without the incredible leadership of our Board of Trustees, commitment from our faculty and staff, support from our parents, and readiness from our students. It is with huge gratitude and humility that we share this update with you, looking even more hopeful to our continued work toward our shared vision.

Dear Fellow Alumni,

The 2022–23 school year has been what our new Head of School, Marcel Gauthier, refers to as inspired normalcy. Alumni have been back on campus for events, including Homecoming, the Diversity Awareness Forum Alumni Brunch, the College Forum, and even visiting classrooms and making an impact on students. Check out the Scrapbook on page 40, and thank you to all of the alumni who have participated so far this year! Activities this fall and winter have been phenomenal with so much excitement and momentum as we head into the spring and reunion season for us Buccaneers.

We are excited to host our Alumni Reunion Weekend events on April 28 and 29. There is an event for everyone, so check out the details, on the next page.

As an alumnus, you know first-hand the education and valuable life lessons that can come out of a Country Day experience, and using that knowledge to shape current and future students is important to pass on—for your success, the students, and the school. There are so many ways to do that! Whether you come back to visit a class, participate in a panel, host a Senior Externship, attend an event, or support the school financially—it all matters. Thank you from all of us here, your family, for all of the ways you connect with Country Day. We are all Bucs for Life!

Drew Witman ’06 Director of Alumni Relations

Connect To The Country Day Alumni Group on LinkedIn

More than 800 people are networking in our alumni LinkedIn group. Help us grow that number and connect with fellow alums. Simply search for Charlotte Country Day School and request to join this great community of alumni. The group provides an alumni directory and creates an online forum for sharing information about alumni news, events, and career-related advice and networking.

Where are Class Notes!? Take the survey

Typically, each spring issue of Perspectives includes the Class Notes section with updates from alumni on the latest news in their lives. Over the past several years, however, we have seen a significant drop in the submission of Class Notes. Is that because you have already shared it on social? Is it too cumbersome to send to the Alumni Office? We want to streamline the process of sharing and receiving alumni updates. Whether you have achieved an academic or professional milestone, are making an impact in your community, connecting with your longtime Country Day friends, or your family is growing, we want to know. And, your classmates and former teachers want to know, too!

We are taking the time to listen to our community and collect feedback that will help guide us to what the next phase of Class Notes looks like. Please use this QR code to fill out a quick survey. Your input will allow us to customize our Class Notes section in a way that suits our Country Day community best.

You can complete the survey at charlottecountryday.org/class-notes-survey or scan the QR code.

•

Mark Ethridge ’06: ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

As a young leader working in the field of real estate finance, Mark garnered local and national attention for his innovative approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis in Charlotte. A partner at Ascent Real Estate Capital, Mark tapped into his genuine curiosity and deep desire to help people with a realistic and practical solution: Buy properties, fix them up, but keep the rents affordable through a 20-year deed restriction that places

Corbin Gurkin ’01: PHOTOGRAPHS

A WHITE HOUSE WEDDING

As a nationally recognized wedding photographer, Corbin has captured many high-end destination weddings. As one of her industry’s top photographers, her images have been published in Harper’s Bazaar, The Knot, and Martha Stewart Weddings. But for her, a career highlight was the weekend in November 2022 when she captured the White House wedding of Peter Neal and Naomi Biden, granddaughter to President Joe Biden. Corbin was right there, on the White House’s South Lawn in 40-degree temperatures, flawlessly capturing one of only 19 weddings held at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since 1800. It is no accident that Corbin photographed President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden taking their seats before their granddaughter’s “I dos.” Corbin’s discerning eye, unique ability to capture moments in time, and her thoughtful consideration of composition, light, and color prepared her for this defining moment. She said of the opportunity to photograph such an exceptional wedding: “A day I’ll tell my grandchildren about.”

u Follow Corbin @corbingurkin or corbingurkin.com.

Mark with his wife, Jennifer, and parents Kay and Mark Ethridge III.

legal rules on how property can be used and priced. Mark pioneered partnerships with local organizations and former Country Day Trustees Erskine Bowles and Nelson Schwab to establish the Housing Impact Fund, dedicated to buying properties with affordable rents and preserving them as affordable housing. Since 2019, he has helped create 1,244 affordable, quality housing units for over 2,000 residents.

Mark also continues to make an impact in this critical work by serving on the boards of Roof Above, Housing Collaborative, Renaissance West Community Initiative, and Housing Impact Fund. Mark co-chaired the City of Charlotte’s Source of Income ad hoc Advisory Committee in 2021–22 and has served on a variety of multi-sector initiatives addressing housing affordability and homelessness.

“Mark brings extreme accountability to the team,” according to Jon Dixon ’98, managing partner at Ascent Real Estate Capital. “If he says he is going to do it, he does, and he does it well.”

Erskine Bowles added, “I can tell you as an old family member of Country Day, you could not have made a better selection for the Alumnus of the Year. Mark is extraordinary.”

Sadie Charles Calame ’19: A CAMPUS LEADER

DEEP DIVE INTO RESEARCH

Sally, who is working on her Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill, was featured in the university’s publication Impact on Our State showcasing the influence of her research on our Carolina coasts. The article takes a deeper dive into Sally’s work, which is to better understand how ocean warming affects fish populations and the broader impact of these changes. The tides have pulled Sally from family trips to Wilmington where she fell in love with ocean life, to the University of California, Berkeley, where she researched sharks and coral reefs, to a summer fellowship at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts where her research path was reinforced, and finally back to the Carolina coast to conduct research that furthers environmental and human well-being in a changing climate.

Sally states her realized connections between economics and ecology sparked interests in research that can inform policy. Before heading to graduate school, Sally took a position as a temporary research technician at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) where her work evolved to monitor heatwave trends and what spikes in temperatures could mean for people and communities that rely on fish. This fall, Sally returned to school to lead her own research and pursue her Ph.D. before returning to IMS. In the same featured article, Sally stated,

It’s no surprise Sadie’s leadership, energy, easygoing attitude, and influence landed her a student profile in Washington and Lee’s (W&L) publication, The Columns. The student profile showcases Sadie as a community builder and a dynamic, engaged, and advantageous learner and leader. On campus and in the community, the neuroscience major continues to have a vast and diverse impact since arriving at W&L in 2019. From tutoring elementary school students, to volunteering with an EMT certification at the Lexington Fire Station, to attending Habitat for Humanity meetings, to leading W&L’s women’s club lacrosse team, Sadie is constantly on the move.

Sadie is also co-founder and president of General Repairs, an organization that teaches students the practical and creative application of building and relies on innovative community partnerships to advance their impact and learning. General Repair’s future projects include replacing the Outing Club gazebo, the deck at the top of the alpine climbing tower, and picnic tables in hopes to leave a lasting legacy for its members.

u Read the full article at: https://bit.ly/sccalame.

u You can read the full story here: https://unc.live/3XgVizy

Sally Dowd ’16:

“I have always wanted to do applied research. I want to be doing research that can impact the environment and humans in a positive way.”

Country Day Community Integral Part of Launching WARD’S Foundation

In April 2020, Caroline McGuire Winslett ’04 and her husband, Trey, received the news that any parent dreads. Their precious infant, Ward, had a rare and serious disease called Gaucher’s Disease. The type of Gaucher’s Disease Ward had affects one in two million individuals.

Ward ultimately lost his battle at just 13 months old. Caroline and Trey have since poured that same amount of love and determination into easing the burden for other families whose children are battling a rare disease. In January 2021, the Winsletts established WARD’S Foundation (Working to Advance Rare Diseases Support) as a way to honor their son and also ease the burden of other families going through a similar experience.

WARD’S Foundation is rooted in the mission of educating, supporting, and improving the overall patient experience for families facing a rare disease diagnosis. While not all rare diseases are life limiting, they are the leading cause of serious medical issues for children, exceeding cancer or heart conditions.

We talk about being “Bucs for Life,” and I’ve seen that come to fruition through Ward’s precious life and legacy in so many powerful ways. From dozens of Country Day Fund donations in Ward’s honor just weeks after his diagnosis, to the incredible coming together of members of the community to launch WARD’S Foundation, I don’t think there’s a stronger community of parents, alums, and students on earth.

--Lee Norelli Pedersen ’04

Within months of creating the Foundation, Caroline and Trey assembled a Board of Directors of committed professionals and friends to help advocate, fundraise, and guide this important work. Caroline has always remained deeply connected and involved with the Country Day community as a student and as an alumna, and it is no surprise that her Country Day family has been an integral part of launching WARD’S Foundation. In fact, 10 of the 13 Board members have a direct tie to Country Day.

Caroline says, “One of the most important things we learned is that when a rare disease strikes, it takes a village. The Charlotte Country Day School village has been instrumental in not only helping us get through our darkest days, but also key in helping us launch WARD’S Foundation. It is safe to say that the Country Day community has been critical in helping us refine our mission and vision for the Foundation as well as helping to gather the broader community support we need to bring our vision to life.”

Just over one year after the foundation was established, WARD’S Foundation made a $1M commitment to Atrium Health Foundation to help further advance the care of rare disease patients.

When it opens in 2024, the Ward Winslett Center for Complex and Rare Diseases at Levine Children’s Hospital will enable the team to build upon its core staff, emphasizing communication, quality, operational metrics, and clinical and family support for families grappling with rare diseases.

In the meantime, Caroline and Trey press on in their commitment, hosting fundraising events, sharing their story, and nurturing other families dealing with hard journeys ahead of them.

We know that Ward’s legacy will always live on through the impact his parents are making for so many. Learn more at wardsfoundation.org.

Your time at Country Day includes not just a great education, but a network of lifelong friends and relationships. Whether gathering with classmates for an impromptu reunion, being there for each other’s life milestones and challenges, or visiting with a former faculty member, you are Bucs for Life. We love to hear these stories of lasting connections across the years and miles. If you have a Bucs for Life moment to share, shoot us an e-mail (drew.witman@charlottecountryday.org) or tag your social posts #bucsforlife.

1997 Varsity Football State Championship

team recognized: Members of the 1997 Varsity Football State Championship team were recognized on the field during the game against Charlotte Latin.

Girls’ Basketball Honors

1982 and 1983 Championship teams: In December, our new Girls’ Basketball program head Kory Bridges invited the 1982 and 1983 basketball teams back to be honored on the court after the game.

Thanksgiving Day Football Game:

On Thanksgiving Day, a few alumni got together for an impromptu turkey day pick-up football game in Belk Stadium. Dan Vaughan ’04, Bill D’Alessandro ’04, Tommy D’Alessandro ’06, Alex DuVal ’09, Jonathan Stutts ’09, Drew Witman ’06, Dave D’Alessandro ’10, Neal Watterson ’04, Michael Watterson ’09.

Girls’ Lacrosse Alumni Gather with Coaches and Teammates:

Over the holidays, Coaches Kristy Boyles and Ed Burnam were thrilled to bring back the Girls’ Lacrosse alumni holiday get-together. Former players and their parents representing graduation years 2010–22 reconnected to celebrate all the wonderful memories they share and the strong friendships they carry on today.

Alumni Podcast: THE POWER OF COUNTRY DAY

STORY

Campus connections inspire so many. We are making that connection even stronger with the introduction of a new podcast: The Power of Country Day Story. Our mission is to increase community and alumni engagement through the Power of Story and the Value of Connection. Stay up on everything Country Day—hear stories from the past and connect with the current life of the school. While this podcast is designed to reach alumni and former faculty/ staff, we welcome everyone to listen in!

The podcasts are recorded in the Recording Studio in the Belk Upper School Learning Center. And we are working in conjunction with students enrolled in New Journalism: Podcasting II, who serve as producers for the show.

Here’s a look at current podcasts with more on tap.

• The Power of Country Day Story with Meera Clark ’11 A discussion with our Senior Convocation speaker

• Country Day Halloween Tradition—Reflections with Jonathan Woog ’98 and his daughter, a Country Day student

• Our New Head of School—with Marcel Gauthier

• Military Wall—A discussion with Art Hoffman and Mike Hennessey (photo above)

• Jeff Gaddy ’98—Captain U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

• Alumni Council & School Traditions—Hear from Alumni Council Chair Matt McCaulay ’01, International Relations member Sebastian Ekberg ’06, and student representative Lance Toppin ’23

• Mark Ethridge ’06—A discussion with our Alumnus of the Year

• Brian Wise—Director of Diversity Planning

You can listen in at buzzsprout.com/2069171. Or scan the QR code.

What podcast topics would you like to hear? Send your ideas to drew.witman@charlottecountryday.org

Honoring our Alumni Veterans

The Country Day community is proud to honor and recognize the men and women who have sacrificed to serve and protect our country in the United States military, including our alumni.

Every day, Middle School students pass the Military Wall, which pays tribute to more than 30 Country Day men and women who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces. Located in the Dowd Science Building on Bissell Campus, the Military Wall was created in 2016, thanks to Head of Middle School Warren Sepkowitz, longtime Country Day teachers and coaches Art Hoffman and Mike Hennessey, and parent of graduates Mary Engel.

Special Thanks to our Alumni

Special thanks to the following alumni who we are aware have either served or continue to protect our country and keep us safe:

Reid Ashe ’66

Charles Randolph Willard Jr. ’66*

Charles Conner ’64

Bill Brabson ’66

Gene Lucas ’66

Martin Lucas ’68

Phillip Jones ’71

Frank Whitney ’78

Elizabeth (Lisa) Tarner Howard ’83

Phil Dee ’83

Randy Pharr ’86

Mark Hosmer ’87

Scott Jacobs ’87

Eric Strumpf ’89

Steven Cole ’91

Richard Worrell ’91

Marc Deshaies ’94

Marc Lovelace ’95

Aaron Cantley ’96

Brandon Gorman ’96

Art Pue ’96

Elizabeth (Liz) Ladley Greene ’96

Andy Jonas ’97

Jeff Gaddy ’98

M. Taylor Jones ’98

Ralls Finch ’99

Bart Allen ’00

Diana Roach Hess ’00

Reynolds Clark ’02

Josh Neal ’02

Heath Alexander ’04

John Pitts ’04

Flynt Rudolph ’04

George Hodgin ’05

Henry Gass ’06

Ben Keating ’06

John Petrone ’06

Ashley Rhinehardt Sarratt ’06

Roddey Dowd ’06

Hugh Palmer ’08

Kip Haddock ’09

Hill Hamrick ’09

Nic DeLuca ’10

Paul "Buddy" Evans ’11

Patrick Brady ’13

Jay Hanckel ’13

Cody Mendelow ’14

Shepp Wilson ’15

Patrick Dellinger ’18

Daniel Andreou ’18

Taylor LaFar ’21

*Deceased

Captain United States Marine Corps (Ret.) Jeff Gaddy ’98 visited campus to talk with student-athletes and sit down with Director of Alumni Relations Drew Witman ’06 for a podcast. Jeff is pictured with Art Hoffman and Bob Witman.

Alumni Scrapbook

Alumni gather in Chapel Hill: The Alumni Office and Upper School Science Department partnered for a casual get-together with some students in the Chapel Hill area in November. We enjoyed seeing friends from UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC State. Be on the lookout for more alumni events on the road.

Young Alum shares passion for profession with students:

Tony Nguyen ’18, project engineer at CIMTEC, visited campus to talk to Mr. Tuttle’s engineering class about his work in robotics.

Alumni DAF Event: Alumni Diversity Awareness Forum (DAF) leaders were joined by current student leadership and staff to engage in conversation about the work being done on campus.

Home for the Holidays: Alumni from classes 2015–20, plus faculty and staff, gathered over the holidays for the inaugural Mingle and Jingle young alumni event, at Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill owned by Paul ’72 and Meredith Hamrick Bell ’74.

Homecoming 2022: In addition to our annual Alumni Tailgate, we honored three legendary teams from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. The 1982, 1998, and 2002 football teams enjoyed reliving those championship seasons together at a pre-game reception and then were honored on the field during the game.

Alumni Return to Campus for College

Forum: Country Day welcomed nine young alumni who are currently in college to participate in the Alumni College Forum and share their advice and experiences with our juniors and seniors.

A special thank you to this year’s alumni panelists for sharing their time and insight:

•Billy Bossong ’21: Clemson

•Max Dawson ’22: Tennessee

•Ellie Dixon ’21: UCLA

•Cameron Grainger ’20: Washington & Lee

•Will Kercher ’21: Davidson

•Peter Lawing ’22: NC State

•Elly Less ’21: UNC-Charlotte

•Daven Murphy ’22: Georgia

•Kennedy Wallace ’22: Duke

In early February, our award-winning Upper School theater program presented Something Rotten to sold out audiences and much praise for our talented and hard-working students.

A ROUND-UP OF FUN FACTS

2,470 995 48

The number of gingerbread cookies distributed to Lower School students at the 30th annual visit to the Head of School’s house.

Pounds of

Number of Charlotte-area employers who hosted students for their Senior Externships.

1,696

The number of 30-minute swim lessons taught to children ages 2–12 in the Janis Dowd Pool during the first six months of the Klein Aquatic Center opening.

Slingshot cars designed, built, and tested by third graders in the Lower School Design Lab.

electronic waste collected by the Middle School Green team and donated to Goodwill’s biannual e-waste drive.

1440 Carmel Road

Charlotte, NC 28226-5096

charlottecountryday.org

Our 74th Annual Halloween Parade was a blast! Did you know that this is Country Day’s longest held tradition?