Family Album | December 2023

In This Issue

3 Message from Bob Cooke & Stacey Kamps

4 Catching up with Alumni

5 Current Life Members

6 Update from the Parent Diversity Group

7 Staff Feature: Karen Birdsong

8 School News and Updates

9 Lowenhaupt Award Recipient

10 Spotlight on First Grade

14 Introducing Abby Samel

15 Message from Meredith Park

16 Alumni News and Notes

18 William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award

22 Annual Report

On the cover: First grade students reading in the Discovery Center. Below: Junior Kindergarten students playing after school.

Family Album

The alumni newsletter of Community School

900 Lay Road

St. Louis, MO 63124

(314) 991-0005

(314) 991-1512 Fax

www.communityschool.com

Head of School

Bob Cooke

Editor

Jennifer Thomas Contributors

Arpana Agrawal

Bob Cooke

Alice Craig ’21

Jen Gosnell ’79

2023/2024 Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Stacey Kamps, President

Brad Foss, Vice President

Jeff Burgess ’90, Treasurer

Kelly Harris ’89

Michael Laycob ’93

Sonie Orsay

Board of Trustees

Mayo Amos

Sophia Baig

Daniel Burke

Tiffany Charles

John Choe

Deanna Granger

James Jefferson

Jackson Gould ’22

Scott Harris ’64

Stacey Kamps

Meredith Park ’07

Abby Samel

Sarah Schott ’17

Donna Scott

Audrey Taves ’22

Jennifer Thomas Class of 2023 Writers

Katie Schankman

Matt Scherrer

Jason Schnuck ’93

Tony Sonn

Ex Officio Member

Leslie Foss, CPA President

A Message from Bob Cooke & Stacey Kamps

Tradition and improvement can go hand in hand; witness the beautiful new Broughton STEAM (science, technology, education, arts, and math) Center, which is taking shape here on campus, and on pace for us to move in early this coming spring.

Built to replace the outdated and undersized upper division science and woodshop facilities that lay north of the main building here on campus, the Broughton STEAM Center will house a new two-room woodshop (one room for hand tools, and another room behind a glass wall equipped with power tools), a new drama room, two science classrooms, a project space, an Idea Lab, collaboration areas, a Creative Commons, new offices, and a conference room.

It is designed to enhance the amazing teaching and learning that is already occurring on campus. There is an emphasis on shared collaborative spaces, not just because that is how science is often done in the “real world” but also because we know that this helps teach life skills such as leadership, working in teams, learning from others, and sharing ideas. We are creating flexible spaces that encourage creativity and imagination; for instance, the Idea Lab will be filled with materials and tools that students can use to create, such as cardboard and connectors, fabric, and robotics components.

Additionally, the Broughton STEAM Center is designed to enhance cross-grade collaboration. The upper and lower division science classrooms will now be side by side with a shared office and prep space between them. This will not only allow our science teachers to more effectively plan and share ideas but also enable our older students to work with younger

children, and younger students to easily see and learn from older students’ work.

There are also important improvements in cross-subject collaboration. For example, the woodshop has been an important partner in the creation of sets and props for the drama program. Students work with the shop teachers to build sets and make props, but that has been logistically challenging due to the distance between the old shop building and our Centennial Arts Center (CAC). The Broughton STEAM Center brings these programs into close proximity, with shared access to the new Creative Commons. The Creative Commons, which lies immediately outside both the new shop and drama rooms, is large enough to serve as a set-building space, and is conveniently close to the CAC.

One vitally important part of this project is the increase in physical accessibility it will provide for students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Because the Broughton STEAM Center will be attached to the main building, children and adults will no longer need to go outside and across the sometimes-icy asphalt to get to their science and woodshop classes. If we can exceed our fundraising goal, we would like to relocate and improve our elevator (which currently serves two of the four levels in the main building) so that it will go to every floor. This will be a wonderful upgrade for children or adults who have physical challenges that make it difficult to manage stairs.

These functional updates are complemented by the beautiful design that incorporates many characteristics of the existing buildings while updating them for the 21st century. Rooms are flooded with natural light, and window seats abound. The entry hall, with its beautiful window overlooking the woods, evokes the shape of a traditional American schoolhouse, while wood and the blues and greens of nature are found throughout the building.

We are happy to report that potential donors have seen the importance of the Building Community Campaign, and both fundraising and construction are moving along on schedule. We have raised approximately $6.9 million of our $7 million goal to date, and anticipate meeting (and hopefully exceeding!) our goal when fundraising closes on December 31, 2023. The new building is going up quickly, with exterior brick, windows, and walls in place, and interior finishes taking shape. We are on pace to open the new Broughton STEAM Center in the spring of 2024, and look forward to inviting the greater community of Community to come to school and take a tour of these beautiful new facilities.

The Building Community Campaign takes the best of Community School traditions – an emphasis on learning by doing, a belief in collaboration and partnership, and a devotion to the needs of each individual student – and enhances them with beautiful, best-in-class teaching and learning spaces. Visiting alumni always tell us the school looks a bit different than when they were students here, but still feels like Community School, and we know that we’ll be hearing even more of that when walking through the new Broughton STEAM Center.

Warmly,

Bob Cooke | Head of School

Stacey Kamps | President, Board of Trustees

Catching up with Alumni

Alumni Breakfast:

Scott Harris ’64

On October 8, 2022, a number of members of the Class of 1964 were in town for their John Burroughs School 50th (+2) reunion, so Community offered to host a Saturday morning breakfast and school tour for members of our class and other interested alumni. We were honored that retired and beloved teacher, Maxine Blaine (going strong at 101), joined us. Head of School Bob Cooke spoke with us and then gave us a tour of the school. We enjoyed seeing both familiar areas and new places. We also fondly saw and said goodbye to the old art and shop building, scheduled to be torn down later in the year.

Alumni Social:

Jen Gosnell ’79

On January 12, 2023, alumni, alumni families, and friends visited campus for an Alumni Social. The guests included graduates from multiple decades. We shared memories and caught up on what’s new at Community, including hearing about the new Broughton STEAM Center. The gathering took place in the Discovery Center, where we enjoyed wine and snacks, chatted, and looked through photographs from the school archives and our classmates.

Class of 2021:

Alice Craig

Community performances are such a great tradition that always brighten up a Thursday morning for both students and parents. I’m already looking forward to the next reunion so I can see my old school, teachers, and classmates again.

Class of 2022:

Jackson Gould and Audrey Taves

Having the chance to see the people you grew up with after a while feels amazing. At the reunion for the Class of 2022, we had the opportunity to explore the school and catch up with classmates. This reminded everyone of all the good times we had and the memories we made at Community, allowing us to connect with each other again. Reminiscent, fun, and well-done are three words that describe the event.

Class of 2017:

Sarah Schott

I really enjoyed seeing my old classmates at our spring reunion. It brought back so many great memories. It feels like a long time ago when I last attended Community, but when I saw my old friends the memories came back quickly. Community provided a foundational experience for me, and this short opportunity to reconnect was wonderful. In addition to seeing my friends, it was fun to be able to watch the 6th graders perform in their musical.

It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since we graduated from Community. As we gathered for our class reunion lunch, the excitement was visible from the students and parents. It was crazy to see that we are all headed off in different directions for college, ready to start the next chapter of our lives.

Watching the graduation video brought back so many memories. We looked so young! It was fun to relive those moments together and reminisce about our time at Community. After lunch, we explored campus, revisiting all our old memories. We climbed the rock wall in the gym and wandered the trails in the woods. Although so much has changed with all the new construction, it still felt like home.

Our class has accomplished so much in the years we spent together and it was great to catch up with everyone and share stories of where life has taken us so far. Here’s to staying in touch as we continue our journeys!

Current Community School Life Members

Community School has an esteemed group of Life Members who are elected by our Board of Trustees. Life Members are past parents, alumni, grandparents, teachers, and friends who have contributed their time and talents and have shown a continuing interest in the school.

Current members include:

Stephen S. Adams, III ’69

Sharon Barnholtz

Bill Bauer

Julie and Lee Bearman ’70

Donna L. Benson ’66

Maxine Blaine

William Bolster

Kimmie T. Brauer

Marjorie Broesel

Cindy and Jay Brown

Jutta Buder

L. B. Buffkins

Christine Bugnitz

Lynn Christopher

Judi F. Coleman ’70

James Cooper

Steve C. Culver

Tina and David Danforth ’70

Elizabeth Danforth ’74

Dan DeHovitz ’66

Marni and Jeremy Deutsch

Nancy A. Diemer ’77

Henry Dubinsky

Peter A. Edison ’67

Steven Finerty

Darlene P. Finkes*

Judith Gall*

Susan Goldberg

Emily Gordon

Matthew Gould

Dudley H. Grove

Cathy Haines

Sonya Helmkampf ’48 and Harold F.

Helmkampf

Thomas Helmkampf ’76

Michelle Henson

Signa and Robert R. Hermann, Jr.

Howard H. Hess

Kerry and William F. Holekamp

Susan Hollander ’69

Becky Hubert

Susan Hunkins

Holly McDonnell James ’81

Suzanne and Jim Johnson ’76

Bette and William Jones

Karen Kalinowski

Kerrigan Kaplan

Lee Kaplan

Jennifer and Jim Koman

Carole Lemen

John Lemkemeier ’79

Nikki and David Lemkemeier ’82

Sally Lemkemeier

Roz and Charles Lowenhaupt ’59

Jane S. Mackey

Michele and James Maritz, III ’63

Phyllis Maritz*

Steve Maritz ’70

Anne McDonnell ’51 and John McDonnell

Cynthia McDonnell

Patricia McNett ’53 and Glenn McNett

Stephany Mendelsohn*

LaVerna Meyer

Eileen Morrison

Andrew E. Newman ’56

Bette A. Nuzum

Kiku Obata ’63

Ann Polster

Ken Potter ’78

Evelyn C. Pronko

Pam Qualy

Julie and Eric Ralph

Ben F. Rassieur, III

Mary Rassieur

Terry Rassieur

Sheillah Rogers

John T. Sant ’44

Ann Knight Schapper ’54

Marilyn Schnuck*

Scott C. Schnuck

Stephanie A. Schnuck ’79

Stephanie and Mark Schnuck

Ben H. Senturia ’55

Susan and David Sherman, III ’71

Linda Smith

Barbara Stamper

Molly Strassner

Leah and John Stroup

Barbara and Andy Taylor

Cindy Jones Todorovich ’58

Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo

Steven Turner

Jan Wisland

Marie Witscher

Stephen Wolff ’69

James H. Woods, Jr. ’48*

Nina Wuestling

Caroline Zarinelli

*We remember fondly our Life Members who have passed since our last publication.

Update from the Parent Diversity Group

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Written by Arpana Agrawal, Parent Diversity Group Committee Co-Chair

The Parent Diversity Group (PDG) celebrates all Community School families. The goal of the PDG is to help parents build relationships, make connections, and promote an inclusive environment. Each year, the group hosts informal meetings that provide an opportunity to socialize, exchange ideas, and discuss topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The group also selects an annual theme and hosts several afterschool events and activities.

In the 2022-2023 school year, our theme was Coming Together. Motivated by the distances imposed on us during the pandemic, which may have particularly impacted newer families, the PDG organized events that prioritized getting to know each other. A “cooling” station at Goldy Day, our annual back-to-school picnic, invited parents to sit, enjoy some popcorn, and take a break from the bustle of the day to meet other families. In October, the PDG invited Humans of St. Louis to host our fall gathering. A nonprofit in St. Louis, HOSTL uses the incredibly intimate and powerful medium of portraiture to tell stories about the people of St. Louis. Supported by an impressive collection of photographs

from their new book, co-founder, lead storyteller, and book co-author Lindy Drew led a discussion about how people use pictures to describe themselves and retrieve a memory, and the transformative power of telling one’s own story with a photograph. Community families and staff then gathered in small groups to share stories about a family portrait that they brought in.

In January 2023, the PDG hosted MLK Day, the flagship event for the group and a day of service for all Community families to honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The morning began with a presentation by Chastity Perry Smith and Traci Carter from Raising St. Louis, and ended with a reflection activity in response to the book “Just Help!” by Sonia Sotomayor. More than 130 parents, students, and staff participated, either working at school to assemble hygiene bags and other donations or volunteering offsite at partner organizations. This year’s partners included Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis, the International Institute of St. Louis, LifeWise StL, Operation Food Search, Our Little Haven, Raising Saint Louis, and St. Patrick Center. In

addition to learning about the individual organizations and working together on projects, children contributed to an art project displayed at Community. In May, the PDG Bowling Night brought together 221 attendees at Olivette Bowling for an evening of pizza, karaoke, disco bowling, and a really great time. Additionally, PDG committee members hosted a book club for interested parents. Selections included “All You Can Ever Know” by Nicole Chung and “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henriquez.

Across these events, the PDG strives to showcase the diverse backgrounds and lives of Community families, to create safe spaces in which enriching conversations can be had, and to recognize the many similar and varied objectives that bring us together at the school. If you are interested in being a part of our 2024 MLK Day of Service event, whether in person or through donations, please reach out to Nina Nichols, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, at nnichols@ communityschool.com. We would love to have your help!

Staff Feature: Karen Birdsong

Written by Jennifer Thomas

Karen Birdsong is a beloved member of Community School’s kitchen staff and is known for her kindness and humor in addition to her delicious cooking. As Community’s chef, Rose Roberts, shared, “Karen’s laugh is infectious. When students, colleagues, and alumni think of the kitchen, they think of her laugh. She’s the person who brightens your day.” October 17, 2023, marked Karen’s 45th year at Community, and students and staff honored her by making cards and posters, singing songs, and sharing memories at lunch. We also enjoyed seeing photos of Karen and some of her family members who’ve worked at Community.

Prior to Community School, Karen worked in a variety of jobs, including as a chef. She started at Community in 1978. Her mother, Hattie, and sister, Linda, worked in the kitchen at the time, and one day her mother asked if she could fill in for her. The rest is history! Over the years, her sister, Cassandra; sisters-inlaw, Peggy and Josephine; brother, Bruce; and daughter, Quiana; also worked at Community. Her mother stayed for 30 years, and the school planted a tree in her honor on campus. When asked what set Community apart over the decades, Karen said, “All of the people – the kids, the parents, and the headmasters. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of important people.”

Karen also has fond memories of events at Community. “I loved it when we hosted Cornucopia at school,” she recalled. “We would fix up the gym and Community Center with the auction, and we catered the food. It was fun to attend.” Her favorite meals to make include Jo Mazotti, macaroni and cheese (when it was topped with real bacon!), and all the meals the kitchen staff used to make from scratch for Thanksgiving.

As she approaches retirement in spring 2024, Karen is excited to spend more time with her daughters, Quiana and Ebony, and her granddaughter, Amari. She regularly volunteers in her spare time and will continue to work with children in that capacity, as well. Thank you, Karen, for nurturing our school community over the past 45 years. You will be missed!

Honoring Karen & Her Impact at Community School

“Karen brings joy to everything she does – if there’s singing and dancing going on, she’s at the center of it, and we taste her love of life every time we sit down to one of her amazing meals.”

-Bob Cooke, Head of School

“Karen represents the best of Community School. She greets students with the same kindness and warmth today as she has for decades and makes every student feel nurtured and at home. Alums who are now parents at Community relish in memories of Karen’s greatest dishes, including sloppy joes and turkey tetrazzini. Her positive energy and big smile are infectious and light up the Community Center each day at lunch.”

-Michael Laycob ’93

“Her dedication to the children and families at Community School is unsurpassed. She is hard-working, caring, and funloving. When graduates return for a visit, they seek Karen out. She always remembers their names, and they will often reminisce with her about their favorite meals. Through the years, Karen has become a dear friend, and I will always cherish our friendship.”

-Dana Scott Saulsberry, Admission Director

“Karen adds sparkle to the kitchen! She is always smiling and laughing. I remember when her sister and sister-inlaw worked in the kitchen with her here. Every day as you walked by the kitchen you would hear singing and laughing. She has carried that tradition as new employees come and go. She is still singing and laughing!”

-Lori Branch, First Grade Teacher

“Mrs. Birdsong always has a smile on her face and something nice to say on every day of the school year.”

-Ethan Laycob ’23

School News and Updates

2023 Trivia Night

Community School danced the night away at a very successful Trivia Night on March 3, 2023. The budgeted goal set by Community School’s Finance Committee was $80,000, and we raised $114,000! Thank you to Lindsey Reed and Kristen Armstrong for co-chairing the planning committee for this fun event. Also, a BIG thanks to the entire community of Community. Everyone plays an important role in the success of an event: sponsors, donors, bidders, attendees, and volunteers. It was great to connect, celebrate our love for our school, and of course, raise important funds for our programs.

2023 Grandparents & Special Friends Day

We hosted Grandparents & Special Friends Day on May 12, 2023. Several hundred attendees joined us for performances and classroom visits. Our lower division music teacher, Meriam Dwidar, and upper division music teacher, Natalie Westerholt, created two wonderful programs themed around the music of Stevie Wonder. If children didn’t have someone attending, a Community School staff member served as a friend for the day.

Circle of Learning Speaker Series

Every year as part of our Circle of Learning series, Community School hosts an expert on parenting and teaching and invites parents and educators from across St. Louis to attend. Our 2022 speaker was Lynn Lyons, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults and children. Lynn gave a lecture titled, Helping Your Children and Tweens: The Emotional Skills Your Family Needs, on November 1, 2022. She also provided a professional development session for Community faculty.

6th Grade Play

In March 2023, our 6th Graders produced and performed in BOTS!,* a musical that invites humans and robots to discover the power of technology and teamwork. Each student auditioned and had a speaking role, and many took on additional roles, including stage management, publicity, set design, scenic painting, and hair and makeup design. Students practiced flexible thinking, collaboration, multitasking, self-control, and give and take. Their leadership and engagement drove every step of the process.

Special thanks to Alissa Rowan (director), Natalie Westerholt (musical director), and all the Community School staff and parents who helped make this year’s production a success. Also, thank you to Dr. Dan DeHovitz ’66 for establishing the DeHovitz Drama Fund to ensure that Community students will continue to have opportunities to be on stage.

*BOTS! was presented through a special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press. Music by Denver Casado, lyrics by Christyn Budyzna, and book by Jessica Penzias.

Lowenhaupt Award Recipient Ellen Watts

Excerpt from Mr. Cooke’s speech from the Annual Meeting in May 2023:

Every year one Community School faculty member is recognized for their work furthering the education of young children through excellence in program development in their classroom, presenting educational information at conferences or workshops, or publishing works for other educational professionals. The award is named in honor of Henry C. Lowenhaupt, an important member of Community School in the 1970s. In addition to recognition tonight and in a permanent display in the main office, there is a cash award that accompanies it.

In one of the nominations that led to this year’s award winner, this teacher was described as “a role model for patience, kindness, and care for children and adults. Love is contagious, and she makes everyone feel loved.”

I imagine that, when she was hired here in 1995, the administrators saw in her what we see now: Someone fiercely devoted to helping children learn and grow, and equally committed to ensuring that every child feels cared for and loved. Those are just some of the characteristics that led Ellen Watts to being chosen for this year’s Lowenhaupt Award.

Her work as a Senior Kindergarten teacher here at Community is exemplary. Ellen brings a kindness and humor to the classroom every day, and her patience with children is legendary – a particularly important skill when your students are 5 and 6 year olds! She has a commitment to children learning through exploration and hands-on projects, perhaps best exemplified in the silkworm project that they just wrapped up.

That focus on nature extends to the outdoors, which Ellen ensures is a regular part of her students’ experience. She has also built social studies into the curriculum, with the amazing China unit being a perfect example. She has a deep belief in searching for better ways to do things, and is one of the first to be open to new ways of doing things – witness the improvements in the school’s math program as Ellen has embraced the Math in Focus approach. She is thoughtful as she approaches every aspect of the classroom, whether it is reading stories to kids, thinking about the social and emotional growth of her students, teaching the little ‘life lessons,’ or serving as a partner and team member to her teaching partner. Oh, and if a student in another classroom needs a place to go to refocus, Ellen’s classroom is the first place her peers think of.

However, it is important to note that Ellen’s positive impact at Community School goes far beyond the classroom. Ellen is attuned to keeping a focus on ensuring that the school is a safe place for us all; for instance, she was an invaluable member of the Community School Health and Safety Committee during

the pandemic. That was no small task, requiring significant investments of time, and carrying the burden of ensuring the safety of all.

Ellen has also worked to improve education across the entire school. In 2015 Ellen took on the leadership role of helping teachers become stronger as they applied Responsive Classroom with their students. This program is essential to the overall health of the institution, because a consistent approach to helping students become kind, caring members of the school, and having the same expectations for behavior across all grades, is key to making this a school where all children can thrive. Ellen presents frequently at division meetings on Responsive Classroom, and takes on the responsibility to deliver updates and reminders to teachers on the core principles of the program. Ellen coaches new teachers as they begin at Community School, and serves as an active resource to all, sharing her knowledge base from continual training. And she uses her wonderful teaching skills as she brings Responsive Classroom to life for teachers – for instance, she created a book for everyone that talks about the power of language, and a basket of terms that prompt critical thinking that serves as a grab-bag of teaching prompts for everyone.

Perhaps most importantly, Ellen is kind, sincere, and genuine. Her love of Community School, the children in her care, and her peers here at work is unparalleled. Ellen has a great sense of dry humor, and can be relied upon to bring levity at any time. She is committed to her craft, and has had an impact far beyond her own classroom, but she remains modest and self-effacing. I guarantee you that Ellen is currently in shock at being named this year’s honoree. She can – and will – tell us all the great things that others are doing, that others should have received this award, and that she’s just doing what she can to make the school a better place for children. And that’s the point: She IS doing what she can to make the school a better place for children, and in so doing, she makes this a better school for everyone.

A Closer Look: First Grade’s Study of Community and St. Louis Neighborhoods

Written by Jennifer Thomas

First grade is a benchmark year at Community School as students transition to the “Big Building” and engage in smaller teaching groups that allow for increased differentiation and academic skill building. Students also develop lasting friendships with older peers through Community’s Family Groups program, which begins in first grade and consists of a child from each grade paired with a teacher.

When sharing highlights from the year, many students mention social studies, and more specifically, the field trips. In the fall, students research the history of Community School through artifacts and oral history, and in the spring, they explore The Hill and Delmar Loop neighborhoods. Learn more about these units and how they fit within Community’s broader curriculum below.

History of Community School

Each fall, students spend approximately three months studying the history of Community School. They tour different parts of campus, talk with school administrators and staff, and learn about key figures and events that have shaped the school since its founding in 1914. This year, the students performed “We Are Community,” a play written and directed by our drama teacher, Alissa Rowan, and featuring an original song by our lower division music teacher, Meriam Dwidar. Characters include the Founding Mothers, Ruth Ferris, John Hartford, class pets, and the Liberty Tree. First graders transformed into their characters, bringing our school’s history to life on stage. Students do not perform this play every year, but each of their plays incorporates a historic perspective that relates to what they learn in social studies.

Study of Neighborhoods

In the spring, students transition to a focus on neighborhoods, investigating the neighborhood surrounding Community School with the neighborhoods they live in and The Hill and Delmar Loop areas. Lori Branch is a co-lead teacher in First North, and she has planned the unit and field trips for roughly 20 years. “I created a neighborhood booklet,” she shared, “and we start off by discussing the meaning of ‘neighborhood’ –what it is, what it contains, and how a neighborhood can be in the city, the country, or the suburbs. We also talk about manmade structures and physical features of neighborhoods, like a swimming pool versus a pond.”

After learning about the characteristics of neighborhoods, students describe their own homes and make a map of their neighborhood. After each field trip, they reflect on what they learned about the neighborhoods, share their thoughts and ideas, and complete written and hands-on activities. Lori chose The Hill and Delmar Loop for field trips due to their diversity. “We are so fortunate here in St. Louis to have such distinctive neighborhoods, and we like to show the students how neighborhoods can be so different yet alike.”

A Taste of the Delmar Loop and The Hill

Lori starts planning each field trip in September. The process involves a lot of phone calls, coordination, and flexibility as Lori determines the locations they’ll go to. “I had to readjust our itinerary for the Loop this year,” she explained, “because the library flooded and is now closed to visitors, and City Hall is no longer able to offer tours. On the other hand, we didn’t know that the Loop trolley would be opening the very day First North went on the trip, and that was a fun addition. Everything always comes together.”

In addition to going on the trolley, students enjoyed a tour of the University City fire station (and practice using a water hose!), a birds-eye view of the neighborhood from the top of City Hall, lunch at Fitz’s, and a visit to the post office where they mailed postcards to themselves. At the end of their visit, one of the parent volunteers told Lori it was the most wonderful field trip they’ve been on, and that experiences like these are what make Community School so special.

While First North explored the Loop, First South took a trip to The Hill. A couple of weeks later, they went to opposite locations. The Hill field trip featured a variety of stops including St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milo’s Bocce Garden, Herbaria Soap Shop, Missouri Baking Company, Volpi Foods, DiGregorio’s Italian Market, Gelato Di Riso, Favazza’s on the Hill, and the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company. Students loved learning about the history of each neighborhood from their teachers, the fire fighters, the bakers, the tour guides, and restaurant staff. They also enjoyed a mix of sweet and savory food samples while on The Hill and an Italian-style picnic when back at school the following week.

A School-Wide Curriculum

The study of history flows through Community School, with each grade responsible for an area of focus that continues to broaden in scope as they get older. In Nursery, for instance, students discuss the meaning of ‘family’ and share about their family members. In second grade, students talk about St. Louis more generally, and in third grade they focus on the history of Missouri. This approach helps build students’ understanding of various perspectives, traditions, and cultures. First grade’s study of Community and St. Louis neighborhoods provides an excellent example of how our program connects learning to real-world experiences and events, which in turn helps our students develop as critical thinkers and civically aware citizens.

Celebrating the 2022

School Year

Introducing Abby Samel

Interviewed by Jennifer Thomas

Abby Samel is the Director of Development at Community School. Abby grew up in central Missouri, in Sedalia – home of the Missouri State Fair (and, she’s quick to add, not much else!). She attended the University of Notre Dame where she earned her B.A. in American Studies, then ventured off to the exotic metropolis of Minot, North Dakota to begin a career in broadcast journalism. She spent the next several years as a reporter and anchor in three different markets before moving to St. Louis for a job in public relations at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. After welcoming the first of her children, she channeled her communications skills toward fundraising, and worked as the Director of Advancement at Cor Jesu Academy starting in 2019.

Abby and her husband, Joe, have three children, Elle, James and John, to whom they are trying to impart their love of Cardinals baseball and the Muny. When not working or shuttling kids to swimming lessons, she loves to cook, read and, most recently, needlepoint. Learn more about Abby’s background and work at Community in the interview below.

Tell me about your role as Director of Development. What all do you do? I am still learning! Ultimately, my job is to share what sets Community apart, and help people discover the role their gifts and talents can play in preserving and growing this incredibly special place – whether that’s in coordinating events like Cornucopia, overseeing Pledge Week, or meeting with individuals one-on-one to ensure they feel like they are contributing to the school in a way that is meaningful to them.

You have a background in communications and broadcast media. What inspired your shift to fundraising? When I had my first child, I felt like I wanted a unicorn of a job. I had worked in fields I loved but was always working or oncall over holidays. I wanted to participate in as much of my children’s lives as I could, or – at the very least – impact their lives and the lives of their peers through my work. After a little research, education was the clear answer. I knew I didn’t belong in the classroom – teachers are amazing people with extraordinary gifts. Let’s just say my gifts lie elsewhere! But as I looked into the different opportunities, I found fundraising was a natural fit. It’s really a communications field by a different name.

Share a highlight of your first few months at Community. If you’re asking for just ONE highlight, I have to go the parent route: Seeing our daughter in the Senior Kindergarten play. The kids here are so happy. They’re loved and they’re

also challenged and encouraged and their lives are enriched by this place and the people who surround them. Seeing all 45 of those 5- and 6-year-olds on stage, delivering their lines with confidence and joy, really crystalized how fortunate we all are to be part of Community.

Share a goal for the academic year (specific to your role)? One of the really beautiful things about being in a smaller environment like Community is the opportunity to get to know everyone. My biggest goal this first year is to learn names, attach those names to faces, and connect with the families who make up the school.

Why work at Community? I was raised by parents who constantly stressed the importance of education, in word and investment. Through my own life experience I’ve had the opportunity to see first-hand the importance of early education. You can’t build a house without a solid foundation; I’m not an educator, but this job allows me to use the skills, education, and experience I do have to help build that foundation at a place that does it better than anywhere I’ve ever encountered.

Share a favorite memory from your time as an elementary student. I so vividly remember the moment reading “clicked” for me, and getting to sit in front of my Kindergarten class and read “Bears on Bikes.” It was the start of a lifetime love of reading that was nurtured both at home and in the classroom. I also remember some pretty great Halloween parades. Seeing the kids in costume here brought back all kinds of great memories!

What are your hobbies? I have three children under the age of 6 – they’re pretty much my hobbies right now! I love to cook (they keep my ego in check by refusing to eat most of it); I’m about halfway through the first of three needlepoint Christmas stockings … maybe I’ll finish them all before the youngest graduates from Community? Maybe? And my husband, Joe, and I love going to Cardinals games and finding live music wherever we can.

Alumni Association A Message from Meredith Park

Dear Community School Alumni and Friends,

It has been an amazing year of growth for the school! I first want to thank Kristin Keller for starting from scratch with this committee and serving as the Alumni Association President for the last few years. She had the perspective of an alumna, as well as a parent of kids at Community. I am grateful for all that she did before passing the torch to me.

I graduated from Community in 2007, and currently live in St. Louis with my husband. While we do not have kids yet, Community holds a special place in my heart, as I am sure it does for all of you. Community has evolved since 2007, especially over the last few years. I am excited to add on to what Kristin has accomplished and create a board with alumni of all ages.

If you have visited Community School in the last several months, you might have noticed the parking lot is a little tighter and the famous shop and science building is no longer, but it is all for a good reason. Construction is well underway on the 10,000 square foot expansion to the school, the new Broughton STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Center. Once the center is complete, we are hoping to host an alumni social and tour, so be on the lookout for details!

As I reflect on my experience at Community, I recall vividly the experiential learning we were offered. This new building will add, among other things, two new science classrooms, a drama room, and a creation space. It will also include a new woodshop, complete with a room dedicated to power tools. The new space will allow the school to safely bring the lathe back into the classroom. With its return will come a beloved tradition at Community – students will once again be able to turn baseball bats in the woodshop.

Construction has challenged everyone to think and work creatively over the past several months, and many events have been deferred to the spring when the space is complete and accessible for use. I invite all of you to mark your calendars for several upcoming events, listed on the back cover of this publication. The Broughton STEAM Center is scheduled to open when students return from spring break in March 2024.

We were able to squeeze in one event this fall, an alumni breakfast on October 7. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year (it was a week before my own wedding), but I hope this event evolves into a tradition, a perfect excuse to visit our alma mater year after year, where we can feel like kids again.

Community School is such a unique place, just like St. Louis is such a unique, sometimes small, town. Community seemed like such a big place when we were children, and it is. It is a big community of alumni stretched all throughout the world. I am excited to see what the future holds for the Alumni Association. We hope you will join us for events coming up this year. If you are interested in joining the committee, even if you just graduated from Community, or have suggestions for any upcoming events, please email Abby Samel at asamel@communityschool.com.

Sincerely,

Meredith Park (Dorr) ’07 Alumni Association President

Alumni News and Notes

Academics

• Mason Bedell ’17 and Kyle Sha ’17 were two of MICDS’s 11 National Merit Semifinalists. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

• Chloe Davis ’18, Diane Li ’18, Ellie Lochhead ’18, Sophie Reed ’18, and Emma Rupinski ’18 earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy. The seal is awarded to students who have demonstrated achievement in English, a Language Other Than English (LOTE), and sociocultural competence. Chloe and Emma earned the seal for Spanish, Diane earned it for Mandarin, and Ellie and Sophie earned it for French.

Athletics

• Wolfie Tuteur ’20 was a Metro League Conference Champion and state qualifier in wrestling at John Burroughs School.

• In February 2023, Lila Merlin ’22 and Samantha O’Neil ’22 finished in first place in their pool at the USA Field Hockey’s National Indoor Tournament in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

• Lily Schnuck ’18 played on the John Burroughs School volleyball team, which finished the season as Class 3, District 5 champions.

• Mason Bedell ’17 was selected by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as a scholar athlete. At MICDS, Mason participated in swimming, water polo, and track and field. He also earned the top ACT score possible, received the Yale Book Award, and was inducted into the MICDS Chapter of the Cum Laude Society. Philip Ralph ’17 and Kyle Sha ’17 became members of the Cum Laude Society, as well.

Arts

• In November, Daniel Kuhlman ’21 participated in the 2022 Metro District 8 Honor Ensemble Concerts. He auditioned and was selected to play clarinet in the 2022 Metro District 8 Middle School Honor Concert Band.

• Upper school students at John Burroughs School presented The Feast in April 2023 in special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. The three-person cast featured Lily Yanagimoto ’17, with a surprise appearance in the final scene by Jacob Tuteur ’17. Cole Albrecht ’20 was a crew member.

• Avani Reddy ’19 submitted photography that was admitted to the Webster University High School Photography Show. There were over 300 submissions for consideration in the show.

• Nolan Ma ’22 performed in the first-ever MICDS Chamber Music Evening. Songs were student-selected. Nolan performed cello in a trio that played Howl’s Moving Castle theme by Joe Hisaishi.

• Abby Albrecht ’21, Alice Craig ’21, Eva Lemley ’21, and Riley Edelson ’22 performed in Thumbelina: A Little Musical in May at John Burroughs School.

Service & Leadership

• Lila Merlin ’22 and her older brother participated in Pedal the Cause, an annual cycling event that raises money for cancer research in St. Louis at Siteman Cancer Center and for Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Together, they raised $35,000 for the charity, and they helped run the Spin Zone at the event.

• James Karslake ’19, Grant LaMartina ’19, Avani Reddy ’19, Daniel Kuhlman ’21, and Kyle Sha ’17 were among 71 middle and upper school students who received the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award at MICDS. This award recognizes and celebrates students’ commitment to community service.

• Alexander Doty ’19 was one of two winners of the 9th and 10th grade division of the all school debate at John Burroughs School.

• Fifth through eighth graders at MICDS attended the annual Middle School Recognition Day in May 2023. Katherine Schott ’21 received the Enid Oonk Altvater Award for Lacrosse, Victoria Noble ’22 received the Eliot Award for excellence in “community and school citizenship” and “all around positive contribution to their class,” and Ford Werner ’22 was the recipient of the Jan deGreef Jacobi Award, given to a student who shows compassion, looks for the good in others, and adheres to the Middle School Honor Code. Victoria was also elected by her peers to serve on the MICDS Middle School Community Leadership Council (CLC).

• Grant LaMartina ’19 was elected the Class President for the Class of 2025, and Riley Edelson ’22 was elected as 8th Grade Justice for the 2023-2024 school year at MICDS.

• Kyle Sha ’17 received the Salutatorian Medal for the Class of 2023 at MICDS and delivered a speech to his classmates during Senior Night in May. Kyle also performed a piano duet with a fellow senior.

Where are our 2017 graduates going to college?*

Belmont University

Berklee College of Music

Brigham Young University

Brown University

Butler University

Chapman University

Coastal Carolina University

DePaul University

Elon University

Indiana University

Kansas University

Lewis & Clark College

Lindenwood University

Miami University

Princeton University

Southern Methodist University

Stanford University

University of Alabama

University of Chicago

University of Wisconsin

Washington University in St. Louis

William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award

For over 100 years, Community School has nurtured innovators and leaders across a variety of fields and disciplines. Community School established the William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018 to recognize those who have carried forward the mission of Community School as leaders in their community and profession, and who have shown appreciation and respect of the world.

Community School believes that the true measure of a school’s greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni. This honor illustrates the profound connection between one’s formative years at Community School and one’s pursuit of excellence over the course of a lifetime.

Criteria

• The award is presented to a Community School alumnus or alumna who carries forward the mission of Community School as a leader in their community and profession, and who has shown appreciation and respect of the world.

• Nominees must have graduated from Community School.

• Current trustees and faculty/staff may not be considered for the award.

Nominations

• Nominations may be made by anyone except the nominee.

• Submit nominations by email by contacting the Director of Development, Abby Samel, at asamel@communityschool.com or on the Community School website under the Alumni tab at communityschool.com.

Selection Process

Nominations are solicited and collected throughout the year. The Distinguished Alumni Award Selection Committee is an anonymous committee appointed by the Advancement Office. The award recipient and nominators will be notified by the Head of School or Director of Development upon selection, and the recipient will be recognized at an assembly during the school year.

Previous Winners

Dr. William H. Danforth ’38

John Dubinsky ’55

Carol McCarthy Duhme ’29

Founding Mothers

Charlie Felker ’96

John Hartford ’50

Patricia Gamble Hecker ’34

Robert Hermann ’34

Carol Fleming Marks ’73

Darcy Prather ’81

Judy Lorenz Tisdale ’52

Distinguished Alumni Award

On January 12, 2023, we honored Judith (Judy) Lorenz Tisdale ’52 (posthumous), Darcy Prather ’81, Charlie Felker ’96, and Carol Fleming Marks ’73 as our 2023 William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. Sixth grade students participated in the event as emcees (Teddy Keller and Sloane Silberman), bio readers (Emery Burgess, Ainsley Long, Chloe Lee, and Hadley Burgess), and presenters (Caroline Foss, Preston Townsend, Annie Amos, and Azam Bhutto). Congratulations to this year’s awardees, and thank you to our student leaders for helping make this year’s event one to remember!

CHARLIE FELKER, ’96

Interviewer: Hunter

Wohlford

Writer: Grant Taylor

Editor: Jade Edelstein

Charlie Hancock

Felker was a student at Community School from 1987-1996. He started going to Community School in Nursery, the youngest grade. He trusted himself and showed up every day to school to do his best work. He was patient and believed that he should always be consistent. He was also friendly, and he always had friends that he could trust. He knew that if he was friendly, then it would be easier to live a happy life. As he stated, “I definitely wasn’t the smartest person in my class, but my consistency helped me a lot.” Because of consistency, he is now very successful in life.

The second that I heard him start to talk, I knew that he really did value his time here at Community School. One of the reasons that he has been successful in life is because he stuck with his interests at Community School and kept going beyond what he thought

that he was capable of doing. For example, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and has started multiple companies that help other service-based businesses. Still to this day, he values his family and his friends “at the top.” As he shared, “My greatest inspiration in my life so far has been either my dad or my brother. I have always looked up to them.” The way they live their lives has always been inspiring to him. Charlie has a large family with one daughter of his own and many nieces and nephews who mean the world to him.

Mrs. Tisdale was the queen of the birds at Community School, and she was the one who encouraged Charlie’s love of birding. As you can guess, his favorite teacher was also Mrs. Tisdale. “She was always going with the seasons, and that is why she was my favorite teacher.” He will always have a love of birds because of Mrs. Tisdale. Also because of her, all of his brothers have birds as pets. One of his other favorite memories of Community School took place in P.E. when his teacher, Mr. Hoots, would let them have “Free Day Friday.” They got to do whatever they wanted during class.

Before pursuing business, Charlie was in the U.S. military for five years and served in Afghanistan for most of the time. He remembers a lot of friends that he made when he was there. His military honors include three Bronze Stars. Charlie now lives in south St. Louis. He has a wife, a young daughter, and a cat named Leroy. I asked what advice he would give to a sixth grader getting ready to go to secondary school, and he said, “You are going to grow physically and mentally, so try to be as consistent as you can. Sometimes you are going to look silly, and other times you are going to look good, but long term, it is better to be consistent. The most important thing is that you are going to learn a lot more than you think.”

Birds of a feather stick together.

JUDITH LORENZ TISDALE, ’52

Interviewer: Sam Burkhardt

Writer: Zahara SharifJackson

Editor: Rani Orsay

Judith Lorenz Tisdale, Community School’s outdoorsy, generous, “universal grandma,” was known for her patient, understanding, and helpful nature.

2023 William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award, cont.

Mrs. Tisdale believed, even until the day she passed away in April 2021, that raising children to be their best selves was the most fulfilling thing to do for humanity. Her two girls, Jennifer Gosnell ’79 and Miriam Murphy ’77, explained how Mrs. Tisdale taught not only her descendants, including her granddaughter, Maggie Gosnell ’18, but also her students, to always look at a problem with an open heart and an open mind.

When Mrs. Tisdale was just a little girl named Judy, she was surrounded by nature and the outdoors. Since her father had always had the dream of living as a self-sustaining farmer, she and her brothers grew up on the family farm. It had the food, it had the animals, and it had everything a nature-loving family would desire. As she grew older, she never let go of that outdoorsinclusive part of her, and eventually, she became a life-science expert.

Mrs. Tisdale was first introduced to Community School in 1949, when she was in third grade. She fell in love with the school and as an adult returned as a fourth grade teacher from 1963 to 1964, and again from 1970 to 1972. After that, she switched to teaching art, as her mother had done. Judy loved teaching children how to work with clay and watercolors, often bringing nature in as a part of their projects.

When the science teacher left in the mid-1980s, Mrs. Tisdale stepped up because she had found a way to marry her two callings together. She continued as the second through sixth grade science teacher until her retirement in 2005. Her past students fondly remember her for her problem-solving skills and nature walks. Three favorite projects were the bird project, the trash project, and the tree project, where students adopted a tree on campus and studied it all year. She also served as a camping trip director and an art fair leader. After retiring, she volunteered at the Wellston schools in the City of St. Louis. Mrs. Tisdale was a teacher for 40 years of her life and had an impact on thousands of students.

The wonderful Mrs. Tisdale was known to her family and friends as the “universal grandma.” She was always willing to help somebody else learn something, for it was her true calling in life. She infused her ideas of learning into her two kids and granddaughter before she passed away, leaving the many generations that she taught with her memory.

If you’re ever doubting yourself or your ability to find yourself in the world, I’d say it’s fair to assume that, in the words of Mrs. Judy Tisdale, the universal grandma; “You’re ready.”

DARCY PRATHER ’81

Interviewer: Rylan Harden

Writer: Jemma Edelstein

Editor: Oliver Rhee

Darcy Prather was born in 1969. Darcy was a very happy child, and began his journey at Community School when he was 8 years old. His older brother was also a student at Community; a graduate of the class of 1977. As a child, Darcy enjoyed playing four square, the game students still enjoy today out on the upper parking lot of school. Kimberly Dent was one of his best friends. Fast forward to present day – they still keep in touch and are even godparents to each other’s kids! Looking back, Darcy tells us that one of his favorite memories at Community School is sledding down the big hill by what used to be the old science and woodshop shed. When he was a student, Darcy says you had to use plastic baseball bases to sit on if you didn’t have a sled, and everyone would always compete to get to home base. I’m guessing that made the kids go the fastest because of its diamond shape! Darcy says, “Sledding is just a blast. It’s my favorite memory.”

Out of Darcy’s four-year period attending Community School, his favorite field trip was going back to his old school in the city. When he was younger, Darcy loved to read the “Guinness Book of World Records,” which has always been a very popular book in the annual Community School Book Show. He also enjoyed “The Hobbit,” a prequel to “Lord of the Rings,” and loved sci-fi and fantasy books.

As a child, Darcy always looked forward to Community School holiday programs. The most amazing fact of his time at Community is that one year, the entire school had the chance to record a record (comparable to today’s mp3 or audio file)! That was a really challenging task in the 1970s. Reflecting back on his years at Community, Darcy’s favorite grades were third and sixth grades.

Darcy says his favorite teacher, Mrs. Leschen, “Had a grace about her and a way to bring out your best while demanding things of you.” Darcy’s favorite class was science with Mrs. Pronko. In woodshop, Darcy enjoyed building a stool, and he distinctly remembers that his mom loved it and still has it in her basement.

Darcy graduated in 1981, four years after his brother. His educational journey continued at John Burroughs School and at MIT where he received two degrees: one in Electrical Engineering, and one in Science Technology and Society. He also received his M.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics while studying at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship!

2023 William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award, cont.

When we think about Darcy’s many academic accomplishments, we wonder what motivated him to succeed. Darcy says he did it by being around loving people who always wanted to see him do well, and he was constantly encouraged to work hard. When asked what advice he has for sixth graders, Darcy says, “Be prepared to work hard and figure out what you are passionate about.”

Darcy is well-established in his career in bioengineering and is very successful in business and in life. He used to work at McKinsey & Co., and several other different places. While at McKinsey, one of his assignments was to think of a strategy for a key bioengineered product for a Fortune 500 company. The strategy was very successful for the company, and for over a decade, has driven billions in profits. He previously served as a member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s board of trustees and Great Lakes Industrial Technology Council (GLITeC) Advisory Board.

He has two daughters and loves to chat with them about what they are passionate about. One is a creative writer and loves to write fantasy fiction, and the other wants to be a fashion designer. His final piece of advice for the rest of us: “Enjoy what you’re doing, and be willing to listen to lots of other people.”

CAROL FLEMING MARKS ’73

Interviewer: Lana Loftis

Writer: Piper Davis

Editor: Reagan Anderson

Community School is well known for its foundational education in the arts. A person who was inspired by this artistic education is Carol Fleming Marks, Class of 1973. Carol started her journey at Community School, where she had many fond memories. One thing she loved was seeing the school pony, Pooka. She said that she used to pretend to be a pony with her cousin and have fun outdoors. She also liked her sixth grade teacher, Miss Mary Reinhard. After attending Community, she went to John Burroughs School and then to Earlham College and Ohio University where she received a Master of Fine Arts.

pulchritudinous world around her. On the International Sculpture Center site, Carol states that if she could describe herself in six words, she would say,“ Deaf Christian artist creates textural beauty.” Just these six words describe the values she holds.

If you were to ask Carol (which I did) what her main inspirations are, she would say, among other things, “Nature.” Looking at her art, you can see the expression of the natural world shine through, as well as the fact that she wants to make giant sculptures and giant impacts. Some things you might see through her art are large horses, acorns, and even some abstract spheres that almost look extraterrestrial.

Carol now creates impressive art pieces in her studios in St. Louis and Scottsdale, Arizona. Her artwork is in many businesses and private homes. She has sold over 1,450 sculptures, each expressing herself, her interests, and her values. She even invites students to her studios to show them her art and process.

Carol Fleming Marks is a prime example of a strong and perseverant person who holds their passions close and stands by their dreams. If I needed to say one quote that sums her up for me, it would be, “It doesn’t matter what life throws at you, just how you react.”

Carol was born deaf, and even though she faced many challenges throughout her life, she became a successful entrepreneur and artist, creating many beautiful sculptures inspired by the

Giving by the Numbers

What is the Community Fund?

Each year Community School relies on gifts to the Annual Fund from alumni, parents, and friends to meet the immediate needs of our school and programs. These gifts play a tremendous role in our ability to nurture the gifts of mind, body, and spirit. The Annual Fund lies at the heart of the Community School experience. Tuition alone does not cover the operating expenses of Community School. The Annual Fund supports the operating budget. The fiscal year operating budget runs from July 1 through June 30.

Why support Community School?

Community School is the premier preschool and elementary school, leading the way in early education in St. Louis. Recently, Niche.com ranked Community School with an A+ ranking, a wonderful honor and something we should all be proud of.

Your participation makes a meaningful and measurable impact.

Participation shows the broader community that our school is strong and that our school community believes in our mission. The funds raised from the annual giving program help ensure Community School is the regional leader in preschool and elementary education. The Annual Fund makes sure we are able to hire and retain the greatest faculty and staff while providing them with ongoing professional development, to maintain our beautiful 18-acre campus, and to provide a premier educational opportunity for our 350 students, allowing them to become the leaders of the next generation.

How can I maximize the impact of my gift?

Many companies offer philanthropic programs that will match charitable contributions made by employees. Matching gifts are an excellent way to help Community School obtain additional funds.

Employees wishing to secure a matching gift from their company must initiate the process directly with their employer on our behalf (inquire with your human resources, charitable contributions, or payroll department). Request a matching gift form from your employer and send a completed and signed copy along with your donation to Community School.

Give or pledge today!

To make your gift or pledge, visit communityschool.com/donate or scan the QR code below. 100%

FOUNDING MOTHERS’ SOCIETY

Gifts of $10,000 or more

Jackie and Barry Albrecht

Jennifer Ehlen and Craig Albrecht

Anne and Doug Albrecht

Preston Amos

Mayo Amos

Carol and Clark Amos

Mandy and Brian Anderson

Sydney and Cory Bailey

Chrissy Taylor Broughton and Lee Broughton

Aaron Cregger

Elizabeth Danforth

Kate and Tom Danforth

Marni and Jeremy Deutsch

Danielle and Jeffrey Evitts

Leslie and Brad Foss

Erin and Craig Gooch

Sara and Will Gregerson

Lisa and Matthew Hall

Mandi and Eric Holekamp

Rick Holton

Stacey Kamps

Vija Turina and Lal Karsanbhai

Kristin and Jesse Keller

Lauren and Kyle Kerner

Elizabeth and David King

Sally and Nick Kriegel

Pat Lane

Chrissy and Michael Laycob

Liz and Jimmy Maritz

Michele and Jim Maritz

Cindy Maritz

Jeanne and Steve Maritz

Anne and John McDonnell

Mayo and Daniel Morgan

Tara and Rob Neumayr

Lindsey and Evan Reed

Katie and Steve Schankman

Audrey and Matt Scherrer

Stephanie A. Schnuck

Lauren and Coleman Sheehan

Sophia Baig and Umer Siddiqui

Katie and Spence Spencer

Annie and Terry Stewart

Barbara and Andy Taylor

Claire Danis Todorovich and Michael Todorovich

Irene Marusic and Russ Waters

Chrissie and Brad Werner

Gina Jin and Keith Winkler

Kim and Todd Wolff

Jara and Michael Wong

OAK LEAF SOCIETY

Gifts of $5,000-$9,999

Anonymous

Kristen and Rob Armstrong

Barbara and Barry Beracha

Brad Beracha

Michelle and Joe Buck

Carrie and Jeff Burgess

Bomie and John Choe

Anne and T.J. Corrigan

Nancy and D.J. Diemer

Madeline and Matthew Dunaway

Diana and Jason Flower

Virginia and Bobby Foster

Hiram Gay

Jen and Timothy Hertel

Kerry and Bill Holekamp

Jay Kamps

Michele and John Lochhead

Bridget and Zach Long

Sarah and Calvin Matthews

Linda and John O’Hara

Sonie Orsay

Michelle and John Peritore

Jessica Shepard Pratt and Wande Pratt

Meredith and Jason Rabenold

Julie and Jason Rhee

Carrie and Jason Schnuck

Connie Schnuck

Carol and Phil Schwab

Sara Sindelar

Amy and Zac Varble

Leslie and Andy Vitt

Nicole and Steve Wohlford

1914 SOCIETY

Gifts of $3,500-$4,999

Kimberly and Patrick Bader

Shafia and Saqib Bhutto

Sherin and Ryan Bruning

Kathryn Galie and Brian Burkhardt

Sophia and Shawn Chen

Brenda and Bob Cooke

Carrie and Sean Edelstein

Sarah and Luke Fouke

Rhonda Hodges

Mary and Anthony Hoffman

Kelly and Matt LaMartina

Susan and Erich Lee

Chao Gu and Yi Li

Maggie and Sam Moore

Ellie and John Short

Alicia and Vijay Shroff

Mary and Stefan Sigurdson

Eleanor and Joseph Simpson

Leleya and Matthew Singer

Terri and Bobby Slavin

Tammy and Tony Sonn

Erin and Adam Taves

Layla Hajjafar and Jason Taylor

GOLDEN EAGLE SOCIETY

Gifts of $1,000-$3,499

Lama Aleid and Saad Alkaade

Melissa and Chris Anstey

Ali and Jesse Appleton

Susan and Robert Appleton

Anika Arvind

Janice and Asa Baker

Anthony Bardol, Jr.

Donna Benson

Eleanor and Leif Bergquist

Patty and Landon Boehm

Arpana Agrawal and Ryan Bogdan

Virginie Brightman

Brandi and Dan Burke

Hayley and Eric Butler

Sonia and Calvin Cajigal

Kara and Ben Cardinal

Caitlin Kelleher and Dennis Cosgrove

Christina Min and Dennis Chang

Margit and Brent Craig

Jeanne and Paul Dalba

Vijaya and Rao Devineni

Nicole and Joe DiMartini

Hope Edison

Becca and Eric Eisenreich

Annual Report, cont.

Kathy and Drew Fitzgerald

Becky and Lucien Fouke

Alexa and Chris Gibson

Melissa Hector-Greene and Shanti Greene

Sarah Kovenock and Brad Gross

Katherine and Nelson Grumney

Laura Gunderson

Rowena Delos Santos and Pavan Gupta

Kelly and Stuart Harris

Sarah and Brent Haynam

Sonya and Harold Helmkampf

Jennie Kwon and Augustine Hong

Hana Sharif and Marcus Jackson

Sally Johnston

Farrah Fan and Jon Jones

Benton and Rodney Jones

Christina and John Karageorgiou

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Jessica and Bob Kuhlman

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Carole and Jim Lemen

Jackie and Jim Levey

Lauren and Sam Lindner

Kathy and Matt Linsenbardt

Esther and Frank Lu

Diane Mantovani

Shepard Simpson and Michael MartinichSauter

Meghan and Thor Mathison

Julie and Bill Milius, Jr.

Jennifer and Matt Morris

Kathleen and Jimmy Nowicke

Angie and Bradford O’Neil

John Oliver, III

Hannah Ji-Otto and Jackson Otto

Jessica and David Pollnow

Scott Pozzo

Majella Doyle and Bob Roth

Christine and David Sachs

Terry Sale

Amy Hilmer and Mauricio Sanchez

Jill and Charles Sanders

Laura and Bob Sandheinrich

Tracy and Tom Shepard

Heidi and Ian Silberman

Randy Sterkel

Fiscal year July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023

Elsie Luo and Derek Sun

Yana and Vladimir Tarasenko

Christine and Randy Thompson

Jennifer and Terrence Tierney

Jennifer and Nick Tompras

Kate and Adam Turner

Katherine and Matt Vance

Becky and Michael Vasta

Sarita Elizabeth and Philip Verghese

Geneen and Troy Von Kloha

Carolynn and Steve Wolff

Linda Woods

Emily and Ali Ziaee

FRIEND SOCIETY

Gifts of $1-$999

William Alcorn

Lou Aliperti

Arthur Altvater

Christina Altvater

Hadley Altvater

Jeffrey Altvater

Sara Jay and Simon Anderson

Christos Antoniou

Allison Armstrong

Carol Armstrong

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Mitzy and Adam Barnstead

Marieann Barratt

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Lee and Julie Bearman

Claire Beck

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Melissa and Greg Bohlmann

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Marileana Garcia and Shawn Burkard

Darci Cadieux

Brecken Calcari

Reagan Calcari

Molly Caldwell-McMillan

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Wilmettta Toliver-Diallo and Samba Diallo

Elise and Elliot Dole

Alexander Doty

Pam Owens and Grant Doty

Ian Doty

Nathaniel Doty

Rosemary Watts-Dreyer and Joe Dreyer

Elizabeth Moss and Bill Dubinsky

Ellen and Henry Dubinsky

Meriam Dwidar

Julie Schwarz and Brian Edelson

Peter Edison

Nina and Tom Ellinwood

Andranique Ellis

Darla Ellsworth

Ginger Estep

Jessica Farris

Michael Fein

Sue and Christopher Felling

Kora and Paul Felsch

Linda and Steven Finerty

Nickole and Tom Forget

Megan Futhey

Therese Futhey

Veronique Gardet

Penny Williams and Philip George

Susan Goldberg

Elizabeth Wiltshire and Jacques Gordon

Jen Gosnell

Deanna and Chauncey Granger

Mollie Gray

Randy Gress

Peyton Griffin

Jered Gruszka

Dorothy Haase

Jonelle Harris

Michelle and Scott Harris

Tonia Harris

Amanda Hazelwood

Patricia Hecker

Julie Heitmann

Katie and Shawn Hellmann

Erin and Nick Hendon

Jessica Hendricks

Shep Hermann

Andy Hertel

Judy Higgins

Jeanne and Gary Hilmer

Tina and Solomon Hines

Marty Hoessle

Ericka Brownlee and Charles Hogue

Jason Hollander

Kris and Jim Holmes

Kara Horton

Kristin Hubert

Chrissy and Chris Hustedt

Lyah and Eno Ituen

Kelli and Brian Ivy

Candace and James Jefferson

Alexandra and Jack Jennings

Luo Qingwei and Bo Jin

John Burroughs School

Ashley Johnson

Liz Johnson

Caroline Johnston

Tamara Cooperwood and Korey Jones

Samantha and Daniel Katzman

Kathleen Kelly

Ricke and Art Kerckhoff

Sabika Hassan and Saquib Khawar

Orisia and Brian Kirkpatrick

Noah Kleinlehrer

Julie Bugnitz and Rob Knight

Cathy Kohn

Angie and Randy Koning

Joe Korfmacher

Madeleine Kraus

Debbie Krieg

Amy Breier Kwentus

Amanda and Bart Lally

Maureen Ross-Lang and Dave Lang

Anna Lemen-June

Mary and John Lemkemeier

Kathy and Jason Lepsky

Angie and Mike Lesser

John Liebson

Tuyet Linsenbardt

Carol Loeb

Stephen Lott

Judy and Jeffrey Lovelace

Betsy Lowenhaupt

Rachelle Luster

Kathleen and John MacDonough

Katie and Brian Mailey

Kris Major

Lisa Steinhoff and Keith Mangles

Teddy Maritz

Lori Marusic

Taylor Mata

Vanessa and John Mattingly

Jennifer McCarthy

Sarah McCarthy

Amanda McFarland

Alyssa and Wayne McGee

Emily and Michael McGehee

Vanessa McKenzie

Tyler McLain

Mindy and Kristoffer McManemy

George Mendelsohn

Phoebe Mendelson

Julie Stevenson and Tom Meyer

MICDS

Antonia and Alex Miceli

Nicole Shen and Dan Mills

Josh Milton

Diana and Vernon Mitchell

Joe Mohr

Kat Mowczko

Chris Muñoz

Joey Murphy

Kristyn and Kevin Newbern

Max Nieva

Ellen and Tom Noel

Katie and David Norris

Bette Nuzum

Alvitta Ottley and Chizoba Okeke

Nathaniel Osbourne

David Oster

Stephanie Oteng

Martha Overcash

Linda Piper

Ann and Carl Polster

Joyce and Arvenell Prather

Kristala and Darcy Prather

Amy Miller and Rodney Prather

Elizabeth Pribor

Kesha and Antwon Proctor

Pam Qualy

Anita Bhandiwad and Karthik Ramaswamy

Callie and Andrew Rapp

Trish Reeb

Abby Reed

Barbie and Bill Reisner

Michelle and Billy Reisner

John Rogers, Jr.

Clare and Tytus Rogoyska

Helen Ross

Peggy Ross

Alissa Rowan

Eve Rudolph

Premal Thaker and Sanjaya Saheta

Sally Saltzstein

Dana and Charles Saulsberry

Nancy and Frank Schmer

Ted Schnuck

Sally and Terry Schnuck

Emily and Phil Schwab

Lucy and Henry Schwetye

Donna and Langston Scott

Margherita Scott

Sally and Sanford Scott

Sangeeta Pande and Sandeep Sen

Anne and John Shapleigh

Adam Shulenburger

Alixandra Simon

Jane and Harold Sitrin

Gwendolyn Smith

Radhika Smith

Zachary Smith

Trisha Stanley

Henry Stotler

J.J. Stupp

Eliot and Richard Tao

Karen Temporiti

Patricia Kao-Theodos and Gus Theodos

Jennifer and Christopher Thomas

Lauri and Jim Torrie

Kara Townsend

Raina Traore-Gress

Jessica Trotter

Liz Ullman

Carrie Vibert

Patricia Vibert

Lindsey and Jarod Waite

Jian Cai and Dawei Wang

Ellen and Rick Watts

Liza and David Weiss

Natalie and Andy Westerholt

Whitfield School

Madeline Wilder

Anne Williams

Ben Williams

Lezlie and David Wilson

Jana Loftis and Lawrence Wilson

Jan and Dave Wisland

Marie Witscher

Kelly and Patrick Wittenbrink

Colleen Wyss

Justin Young

Mark Yu

Kelly and Jeffrey Zaleski

Fundraising 32.72%

Investment 0.67%

After School 7.52%

Misc. 0.25%

100.00%

Looking Forward

Community School has been a magical place where discovery, friendship, challenge, and care have combined to create a love of learning in children for more than 100 years. Gifts of all sizes from alumni and families have an immediate and lasting impact on today’s students. Your support of Community’s Annual Fund directly benefits everyone at the school. Be a part of the magic that continues to nurture the childhood soul and engage eager young minds. Included with the Family Album and Annual Report you find our 2024 Annual Appeal. Become a member of one of the following Giving Circles or Giving Societies:

Giving Societies

Every supporter is a member of a giving society.

Founding Mothers’ Society: Gifts of $10,000 or more Oak Leaf Society: Gifts of $5,000-$9,999 1914 Society: Gifts of $3,500-$4,999 Golden Eagle Society: Gifts of $1,000-$3,499 Friend Society: Gifts of $1-$999

Changemakers

This giving society recognizes sixth-grade families who are transitioning to secondary schools and make a continued commitment of support to Community School. The membership is stewarded by the alumni family and can shift to the alumnus/a when they think the time is right.

The Oak Tree Society

Join the Oak Tree Society by making a planned gift to Community School and create a legacy of learning. There is no better way to touch the mind of tomorrow’s future. Contact the Advancement Office for more information.

Alumni Pizza Reunion for Class of 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

February 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award

April 25, 7:30 a.m. breakfast, followed by award ceremony

Class of 2018 Luncheon Reunion

May 19, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.