Academic Year 2018/2019 • Volume One
OnCAMPUS CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
Inside
Visual Arts Leading the Way Meet the New Staffulty Advancement Meet the New Trustees Professional Development Alumni News 90th Anniversary Alumni News Crane Country Fair Service Learning Father-Daughter Dance Mother-Son Kickball Lower School Upper School Fall Happenings Upper School Trip Week Sports Theater Arts
Celebrating 90 Years: 1928 – 2018 Crane Country Day School’s archives
we had students from both divisions stand close together on
poignantly demonstrate that grit,
my classroom carpet to determine the number of students
flexibility, and the perseverance of
per square yard,” noted Downey. Once the dimensions were
past parents, board members, and
determined and the numbers outlined in chalk on the field,
Staffulty are the reasons that Crane is
many were skeptical the entire school would fit into such a
celebrating its 90th anniversary.
small space; yet, the calculations proved accurate.
Throughout the year, faculty members are weaving the 90th
For Lower School teacher Stephanie Bagish, her fourth
anniversary into their curriculum. For example, for Upper
graders made 90 origami cranes. Knowing that origami
School Math Teacher Richard Downey, the 90th curriculum
represents longevity, peace, and harmony, she thought it a
was a numbers project. His students were tasked with figuring
fitting way to commemorate Crane’s milestone. The best part
out the density of people per square foot to represent the
of the class project was that it was student-led.
number 90 in human figures on the field. “We first sketched
See page 13 for details of the 90th Celebration events occurring on May 3 & 4.
the numerals 9 and 0 in block letters on graph paper, and then
2 3 4-5 6 7 8-11 12 13 14-15 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 22-25 26 27
lower school
Third grade artists practiced their skills in their study of beautiful fall still life displays while noticing the true forms of each object. After learning how to shade, artists transformed sensitive contour drawings into well-developed masterpieces.
visual arts
This year we are focusing on mark making and on strengthening keen observation skills. upper school Seventh graders studied sunflowers through drawing and painting. Color theory and glazing methods helped to create rich and complex color.
Leading the Way 6. The All-School Picnic: The start of each school year is an exciting whirlwind of events, but that energy peaks at the all-school picnic. Students enjoy the freedom of the Crane fields while the adults schmooze at the picnic tables. This bonding of both returning and new families helps inaugurate a new year.
5. Lower School Spring Study Week: The last week before spring break, regular classes are suspended
Head of School Joel Weiss lists his Top Ten Crane School Traditions
and Lower School students participate in a series of cross-grade workshops that are organized around a central theme and exemplify experiential education at its core.
Having grown up in New York, Late Night with David Letterman was one of my steady TV favorites. He achieved a modicum of notoriety
4. QED Night:
for his top ten lists, which were clever, bold, and often hilarious. For
QED is an abbreviation of the Latin words "quod erat demonstrandum,"
me, it has remained a lens to interpret the world.
and, at Crane, also denotes Quests, Explorations, and Discoveries. Crane’s seventh-grade students pick an area of interest, and find a
As Crane School celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, I have been
mentor with whom to work in partnership. QED culminates with an
reflecting on my own time on San Leandro Lane. I soon realized that I
evening exhibition highlighting each student’s efforts.
have my own top ten list of favorite events and traditions.
3. Eighth Grade Graduation: 10. The Music Hour:
Our eldest students celebrate their final day on campus in a beautiful
Seldom limited to just an hour, this event features the wide-ranging
event in the Mulberry Tree Quad. All of the graduation traditions
talents of students of all grades. Both honed and emerging talents
dwarf in comparison to the vignettes — written and delivered by
are equally celebrated, but the real fun happens when a student
eighth grade teachers — that celebrate each student’s individuality.
performer reveals a new dimension of their personality.
2. Classroom Culminations: 9. Last Day of School Field Day:
Often a grade will celebrate curricular milestones with an event.
Students spend the half-day prior to summer break divided into two
These culminations are highly experiential and highlight the joy of
teams playing a wide array of outdoor games. Inevitably, it always
learning. The examples are numerous. No matter the topic, students
seems to be a tie as we approach the final event, a series of tug-of-war
stretch their comprehension through tangible involvement.
challenges with the young eighth graders against the aging Staffulty. In my tenure, the Staffulty has dominated nineteen consecutive years!
1. Thanksgiving Feast: We spend the last Hot Lunch before Thanksgiving together in the Mulberry Tree Quad. The sixty parent volunteers transform the space
8. Eighth Grade i@pp:
into something truly magical, setting the stage for a celebration of
Art and design are critical elements of our curriculum and students
community and friendship.
build these skills throughout their time at Crane. The i@pp (Independent Art Project & Presentation) celebrates the individual
Though I limited myself to ten special moments, it is clear that Crane
explorations and accomplishments of our soon-to-graduate eighth
has many more traditions that I could have listed. These events
graders.
are the ways we have passed on our values and our culture over the course of a ninety-year history. The specifics of a lesson can fade, but
7. Kindergarten Graduation: The final act of completing the kindergarten year at Crane is taking the stage for a poetry recitation. Whether a classic or a self-authored poem is shared, we get to see each student standing tall and achieving something that most adults would find overwhelming.
the intensity of a powerful learning event will linger and last. I am pleased to realize that generations of Crane School students have been influenced by these magnificent traditions, bringing a powerful sense of belonging and challenge into their lives.
3
Meet the New Staffulty
NEW STAFF AND FACULTY
Martin Gonzalez Maintenance Supervisor
all were interacting and learning together.
I am a native of Santa Barbara. After
part of this educational environment. The
I am a Santa Barbara native and am thrilled
graduating from Santa Barbara High,
experiential learning at Crane appeals
to be teaching at Crane. As an alumnus, I
I
to my nature. My teaching passion is to
have come back to Crane having spent more
apprenticeship
as
help students understand something new,
than ten years of my life training to be a
a Journeyman Carpenter, specializing in
find successes in all their efforts, and
professional historian. While at Cambridge,
metal stud framing. I have many years of
encourage them to persevere when times get
I studied the history of ideas. I am excited to
experience in all forms of commercial and
challenging.
be teaching United States history and math
residential construction, including such
in the Upper School.
projects as Cottage Hospital and UCSB.
Louis Caron ’97 History and Math Teacher, Upper School
attended
a
I immediately knew that I wanted to be a
four-year and
carpenters
graduated
I have been a teacher ever since I started
I love Santa Barbara and have found it to
to help kids learn martial arts back in the
be a close-knit community, which is why I
1990s. The basics of martial arts inform
decided to keep my family’s roots here.
my approach to learning, and I constantly
One of the many things I like about
return to them when I hit a wall in my
Crane School is that it is a community that
own education. Crane is an astonishingly
promotes creativity, which I enjoy because
supportive environment for me; I marvel at
I like to think outside the box. At Crane,
how awesome and committed the Staffulty is
it’s rewarding to work around the staff and
to supporting each other as we are supporting
students and see how they express their own
our students. I am so pleased to be back at
unique forms of creativity.
Crane, and very proud to be able to contribute to the education of future generations.
Crista Huggard Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Ryan Long Service Learning Coordinator & Director of After-School Programs I first discovered Santa Barbara when I passed through on a five-week, crosscountry road trip in January 2015. Of all of the places I had visited since leaving my New England home, this slice of Eden nestled between the mountains and the ocean called to me most. I was lucky to land a job as a Teaching Fellow at Crane and spend two years living on campus. I left in June 2017 to finish my master’s degree in science education and ended up
Patty Denver Accounting Manager
I have lived the majority of my life in
spending a year working in a Montessori
Las Vegas. After a few years of college in
classroom, where I dove deeper into student-
I grew up in a small desert town just minutes
the Seattle and Las Vegas areas studying
centered education and picked up many
from Mexico, but moved to San Diego to
multiple subjects, I had an epiphany on a
new metaphorical tools. I am thrilled to
attend college. I have a bachelor’s degree in
family vacation that I wanted to move to a
return to Crane to lead the Service Learning
business administration with an emphasis in
smaller community and become a teacher. I
Program and build on the relationships
accounting from Cal State San Marcos. I met
earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary
that have been established with many
my future husband there and moved to Santa
Education from the University of Nevada
local nonprofits. It is a great joy to connect
Barbara after our wedding in 2003.
in 2014. I am currently earning a Master of
passionate kids with organizations that
Science in Curriculum and Instruction from
could use their knowledge and enthusiasm
Western Governors University.
to benefit Santa Barbara and beyond.
My first recollection of Crane is a visit to the amazing soccer fields with my sons. I am very grateful to have joined Crane this past
Arriving at Crane, I was amazed by
summer and love that I have a view of that
the sense of community the teachers and
same field from my office window.
students had and how comfortable they
Meet the New Staffulty Maddie Davidian Teaching Fellow, Second Grade
Elizabeth Mangus Registrar/School Secretary
Though I have always called Princeton,
I am a Santa Barbara native, and it has been
New Jersey my home, I am so grateful to
a blessing to raise all three of my kids here.
have the opportunity to experience the
As I walked onto the beautiful Crane campus
West Coast. After receiving my B.S. in
for the first time, the welcoming feeling
Early Childhood Education at Bucknell
of the students and staff was endearing.
University in Pennsylvania, I was looking
Having worked for a local school with a
for a community of life-long learners and
very similar philosophy of educating the
a unique educational setting. I have always wanted to pursue teaching because it is my
whole child and providing social-emotional
opportunity to constantly question, revise,
support, I felt very much at home.
and add to my educational philosophy and
It’s amazing how many of my family and
view of the world. The fellow’s program at
friends from the larger Santa Barbara
Crane was the perfect find – a beautiful place
community are a part of the Crane
that highlights students’ natural curiosity
community. It was through one of these relationships that led me to Crane and to becoming registrar and school secretary. I look forward to coming to school every day. I am enjoying getting to know all the students who come to the office for support or to just say a quick hello. And, I love the opportunity to be able to work with a group of very talented colleagues.
Fabiana Pecanha Business Office Associate I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil where I received my B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in international business. I moved to Santa Barbara in 2001 and fell in love with this beautiful little town that I now call home. I received a certificate in Hotel Management
for learning and emphasizes community.
TEACHING FELLOWS
I have been given this amazing chance to learn alongside expert mentor teachers and
Julia Collins Teaching Fellow, Lower School Science & First Grade
gain critical classroom experience. So far,
Upon high school graduation, I felt called
yet! I have enjoyed forming relationships
to teach. Since that time, I have earned
with students and Staffulty, and I look
a bachelor’s degree in education and a
forward to a year full of rigor, joy, and growth.
teaching credential from the University of South Florida. Wanting to better understand
education,
diversity,
and
social justice, I earned a master’s degree in education from Ohio University. My thesis focused on democratic education in public schools, which sent me around southeastern Ohio interviewing a variety of highly skilled teachers about their classroom practices. Upon receiving my M.Ed., I felt that
in 2008, my American citizenship in 2011,
I had an abundance of conceptual and
and an Accounting Certificate in 2015.
theoretical knowledge about teaching but
While going to school, I babysat for
lacked practical skills needed to excel as a
a number of Montecito families, and I
classroom teacher. The fellowship program
remember coming to Cate Hall to see one
at Crane is the perfect fit for my needs
of their children perform. I’m so happy to
and goals. I am able to work with trained,
now be a member of the Crane Staffulty.
skilled teachers while also practicing and
Everyone is so welcoming and happy, and
learning classroom skills and pedagogical
it’s great to be a member of such an amazing
approaches. I am thrilled to be a part of
community.
the infectiously energetic environment at Crane, as well as the broader Santa Barbara community.
being a fellow has been the best experience
Lora McManus Teaching Fellow, Fourth Grade I always knew my passion lay in teaching because, as a young child, my favorite pastime was playing “school” with my stuffed animals— recreating lessons and emulating the compassion and joy my teachers had always shown me. I grew up in Pasadena, California and attended an independent school for kindergarten through twelfth grade. I earned a B.A. in sociology with an emphasis on education at Pitzer College, and am currently working on an M.A. at Cal State Channel Islands. I am thrilled to join the Crane community as a teaching fellow. I am passionately committed to diversity, and inclusion has always been a central focus of my work as an educator. I am grateful that, at Crane, we believe a diversity of voices enriches the education experience and prepares students to flourish in an increasingly interconnected world. As I embark on this new teaching adventure, I cannot imagine anything more exciting than teaching and learning from Crane's incredible and insightful students.
Advancement
2018-2019
If the article below looks familiar, we decided to reprise it because of its clarity and import. During the past two State-of-the-School
Schools are not alone in this practice. It is also done in religious institutions and sports organizations.
addresses, Nancy Sheldon, Development Chair, shared some
For all these institutions to continue to provide top-notch
different, yet poignant and timely ways of thinking about Crane’s fundraising, specifically the Annual Fund. Read on for some new insights and encouragement to give.
services, they depend on the goodwill of those engaged with the organization – in the case of Crane, that is all of us. So, how does this actually work, especially when we are all already
–Debbie Williams
writing large checks to Crane each year for tuition? I invite you to shift your way of thinking about the Annual Fund,
Crane generates a portion of its budget
as my husband, Mike, and I have done:
each year through fundraising, as tuition alone does not cover everything we do. These efforts
Our tuition check pays for our kids’ education — a very high
are streamlined into three major fundraisers
quality product for the tuition. This is a fee for service. We put this
each year: the Crane Country Fair, the Spring
cost into our expense bucket – the same bucket in which we put our
Benefit, and the Annual Fund.
expenses for housing, food, gas, travel, clothes, and other necessities. Then we have another bucket − our charitable giving bucket.
All are important to our success, but the Annual Fund stands out as being the most critical.
The size of this bucket is definitely impacted by our expenses and our income. We figure which nonprofit institutions are the most important to us, and from there we determine how much we want to
Why this model?
donate to each. We make this decision separate from what we pay in
Private institutions most often price tuition below the actual cost
expenses.
of educating each student and to rely on donations / fundraising to
We’ve decided Crane is a significant institution in our lives, and
make up the gap. It is done for many reasons:
we are deeply committed to its success. Our donation to the Annual
1. Helps maintain our competitive position as compared to
Fund will reflect its importance as compared to the other non-profits
other local private schools. 2. Ensures that tuition isn’t so high that public school becomes the choice for most. 3. Gives families a tax break by having a portion of what could be tuition given in the form of a donation.
we support. Please consider your gift with the same lens as you do all your charitable giving and give at a level that indicates Crane’s importance in your life. Thank you!
Nancy Sheldon
4. Provides opportunities for Crane to attract an array of
Development Chair
children from diverse backgrounds.
crane planned giving – the lejeune legacy society The Lejeune Legacy Society was
Like Mr. Lejeune, members of The Lejeune
established in 2005 to recognize and
Legacy Society share a passion for education and
honor individuals who have expressed
Crane’s future. Regardless of size, these gifts are a
their intention to leave a legacy gift
critically important component in providing for
to Crane Country Day School. The
future generations of Crane students.
namesake commemorates F. Arnold
Weʼre thrilled to welcome three new members to
Lejeune, Crane’s first headmaster,
The Lejeune Legacy Society. Might you be interested
whose passion for teaching kept him in
in joining? If so, please contact Debbie Williams at
the classroom until he was 75 years old.
dwilliams@craneschool.org or (805) 969-7732 x105.
Meet the New Trustees Crane Country Day School, Transition House,
core of Will’s professional aspirations. No major
Ensemble Theatre, and the Goleta Valley
project can be done well without a smile, and no
Community Hospital Foundation, and has
fun project will be finished on time without hard
served as finance chair and as board member to
work.
numerous local organizations.
Nancy Shobe
Andrea DeRosso
(l-r) Nancy Shobe, Andrea DeRosso, Will Freeland ’00, Anupama Vaid, Tamar Adegbile Not pictured: Rick Banks ’62
Nancy was born and raised in Michigan. She
Andrea was born and raised in the greater Los
earned her B.A. at Michigan State University
Angeles area, where her passion for children,
in Communications Arts and Sciences. She
understanding of emotions and resiliency, and
worked in Chicago as a copyeditor. When the
Tamar Adegbile
the love for teaching led her to her career in
Windy City blew her west, Nancy began working
Despite the fact that Tamar has lived on the West
educational therapy. She holds a B.A. in Child
in fundraising where she was employed by the
Coast for almost fifteen years, she is a proud
and Adolescent Development, a master’s in
Los Angeles Music Center, The Webb Schools,
native of New York City. After graduating from
counseling, and is certified as an educational
Crane School, and consulted for a myriad of other
Vassar College with a degree in film studies, she
therapist. Armed with an extensive education
nonprofits.
accepted a position in the admission office at
and a single-minded commitment to students
Nancy built her career as a journalist and
Vassar, and thus discovered a passion for working
flourishing, she conceived of a finely tuned
earned her M.A. in psychology. She has written
with young people and helping them navigate the
educational intervention model for her students
hundreds of articles for local and national print
path toward higher education.
in LA that would later develop into a thriving
and online news sources, authored an insider’s
business practice in Santa Barbara.
guide to Santa Barbara, and co-wrote the
Following
Vassar,
Tamar
worked
in
admissions at Columbia University, and then
After moving to Santa Barbara in 2012, Andrea
screenplay for the documentary film Above Santa
transitioned to Senior Associate Director of
established her private practice, ShiftEd. She
Barbara. Nancy is a certified yoga therapist, a
College Counseling at the Riverdale Country
believes that an essential component to a student’s
Reiki II practitioner, and a transformational life
School in New York. In 2003, she became a dean
development is establishing a safe and nurturing
coach.
and college counselor at Harvard-Westlake
environment where students can feel success and
Her daughter, Allison Stelyn ’00 Fox, is a
School. Tamar is now the Director of College
also be vulnerable to their weaknesses, and this
Crane alum and her granddaughter, Olivia Fox
Counseling at Cate School in Carpinteria.
lays the foundation of her work.
’26, is a current Crane student.
Tamar is an active member of numerous
Moving to Santa Barbara has led Andrea to
professional organizations, serves on several
appreciate the simple offerings of nature, and she
university advisory boards, and regularly presents
quickly discovered how much she enjoys testing
at national college admission conferences. Tamar
her green thumb capabilities.
and her husband, Isaac, are proud parents of
Will Freeland ’00
Noah ’25 and Aaron ’26.
Anupamu Vaid Anupama Vaid (Anu) has been living in Santa Barbara for seventeen years. She is originally from India where she still visits almost every year. Anu studied computer engineering at one
Will is a Crane lifer. After Crane, he went to
of India’s premier engineering schools where
Rick Banks ’62
Dos Pueblos High School and then to UCSB to
she also met her husband, Sohit. After college,
Rick Banks attended Claremont Men’s College
study math sciences. In 2007, Will settled in at
Anu and Sohit both entered the corporate world.
and California State University, San Luis
Montecito Bank & Trust, where he is currently
A project brought them to Santa Barbara, which
Obispo where he earned a degree in business
a Senior Data Management Specialist for the
they both loved and decided to call home.
administration. Rick is also a Certified Public
development branch of IT.
Anu has served on the board of Peabody
Accountant who began his career as a tax
Working for a community bank like MB&T
Charter School, which both her children
accountant and auditor, but has held positions as
has afforded Will many opportunities to
attended. She and her husband are founders
controller, chief financial officer for a number of
volunteer in the community, including
the
of ParentSquare, the parent communication
companies, and a family wealth planner.
American
Bear
platform Crane uses along with over 1,000 other
Heart
Association,
Teddy
Rick has been a mentor and investor to a
Cancer Foundation, United Way of SB, Partners
significant number of privately held businesses.
in Education, the Boys and Girls Club, among
Anu has two children. Riti, her daughter, is
In addition, he is or has been a board member on
others. His favorite outreach activity is teaching
a freshman at Dos Pueblos. Her son, Arnav ’19,
a number of privately held companies including a
classes like financial literacy and job readiness.
attends Crane.
large family business enterprise.
Will frequently goes to classrooms across town
Rick is extremely active in the community, holding board positions on numerous nonprofit organizations. He is past board president at
schools across the country.
teaching kids and teenagers about budgeting, credit, resumes, and professional conduct. Crane’s motto of rigor and joy speaks to the
7
Professional Development S.E.E.D.
Diversity Grant Traci Cope – Librarian
One thing I love about being in education is that I am continually learning and stretching myself to increase my knowledge and try new things. At Crane, there are monies set aside to fund Staffulty professional development so we can be on top of our game! This July I spent a week at the University of Washington doing the most intensive professional development I have ever done, with the intention to bring a new program back to the Staffulty at Crane. I participated in new leader’s training for SEED — a 32 year-old diversity and inclusion training program out of Wellesley College. The SEED acronym stands for Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity. In one week, I participated in 12+ hour days designed to give me the tools and techniques to come back to Crane and lead monthly seminars for the Staffulty in different areas of equity and inclusion. I am using the knowledge and techniques I acquired in July to create learning opportunities for the 26 Staffulty members who chose to participate. My colleagues signed up for monthly, threehour meetings after school. We intend to further our knowledge in diversity and inclusion issues. The board supports our efforts by providing dinner for us after each session! I feel so thrilled to be with my colleagues as we learn and grow together. “Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together.”- Jacqueline Woodson
Constructing Modern Knowledge Dorothy Waugh Grant Joe Donahue – Director of Engineering
In early July of this year, thanks to the Dorothy Waugh Grant, I had the opportunity to attend a week-long Constructing Modern Knowledge (CMK) “conference” in Manchester, NH. I place conference in quotes because CMK is not your conventional professional development conference with a multitude of speakers sharing their expertise. Instead, it was an opportunity to explore with fellow maker teachers a variety of tools, equipment, electronics, software, and the like that can be used in promoting a STEM education. After a brief introduction, the entire week was spent working with a like-minded team of teachers on one particular project that we all wished to explore. My team was made up of two women from Australia and another woman from Great Britain. Our project was to build a model of the children’s game Operation. For those not familiar with the game, the goal is to remove body parts from a “patient” without touching other parts of the body. The project explored many of the skills we include in our engineering curriculum. We needed to engineer the box for the game. There were multiple circuits that had to be designed and connected. We had two different types of circuit boards for controlling the game, and we had to code the various sounds and lights needed to play. This experience gave me the opportunity to see my curriculum at Crane through the eyes of my students. Instead of being the teacher, I was the one who had to work with other “students” to complete a project. Our team had to collaborate, divide and assign various tasks, and continually check in with each other to make sure we were on track and progressing. These are the same skills we teach in engineering. Our curriculum tries to mimic real-world situations and helps students have a true STEM experience.
12
Professional Development Ardèche, France
Teacher Grant Gretel Huglin Ridge – Upper School Art Teacher & Tray London – Lower School Art Teacher The
Ardèche,
in
prepared by our hands or
the south of France,
that of the local bakers.
is filled with craggy
Eating was never on the
mountains,
terraced
run, but an event to be
along the faces to
savored. Our choices for
create
of
the day could include a
groves
walnut
and
pear
printmaking workshop,
grazing
and a lesson in plein air
livestock.
painting, mixed media
Also strewn into the
collage, or photography.
bedrock of these hills
Afternoons
are
stone
filled with a visit to the
hamlets which were
city of Aix de Provence
built by the Huguenots
to see Cezanne’s studio,
who
a trip to a neighboring
trees
and
areas
for
beautiful
fled
to
these
might
be
mountains to escape persecution. These sporadic 15th century
town for a chocolate tasting, or an opportunity to help in the
hamlets, clusters of thick walled structures, housed both the hearty
garden in preparation for the evening meal. Our art and cooking
souls who migrated here and their animals during cold winters and
teachers were gifted educators, and we furiously took notes on
vibrant springs. This is where Tray and I found ourselves making
methodology as well as art techniques. However, like Crane, it
art this last summer. The spectacular views and glorious climate
was really about the doing. Every day was a lesson of seeing the
set the stage for an incredible creative journey.
world through the artist’s eye. Nights were punctuated with lively
It began by replying to a call for artists in need of balance
conversation, art history presentations, and a wee bit of boxed
that arrived in my inbox mid-January. As we all know, we were
rosé wine − a local favorite! Eight days never went by so quickly.
displaced all over Santa Barbara due to the fires and debris flows.
We produced more work then we ever imagined possible and
If there was ever a time to feel out of balance, it was then. I shared
transformed from “art teachers” to “teaching artists,” which is
the online brochure with my colleague, Tray, and then set out to try
a subtle but fundamental shift for how the Crane art department
to articulate what our community, and specifically we as educators,
views art education. As our building so boldly states, “Every child
were experiencing. It was immediately evident to the founders
is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow
of AWE (Art and Wellness Experience) that we were in need of
up.” − Pablo Picasso
healing and time to reflect on the importance of art in our lives. We were quickly accepted into the program! Crane generously provided professional development funds for us to attend. Mornings were christened with yoga, meditation, and the sun rising over the mountains. Goats ambled down the mountain with jingling bells and their minder, a young collie. Every meal was
9
Professional Development Switzerland
Eldon Boyd Fellowship Karen Ohrn – Second Grade Teacher
It started with a simple “hello.” On the first day of high school, our daughter said “hello” to a student in her theater class who happened to be from Switzerland. The girls became fast friends and soon we started to hear stories of pristine lakes, cows in the meadows, hikes in the Alps, and the best chocolate in the world. As we got to know this friend and her family, we developed a longing to travel to Switzerland and Northern Italy. Last summer, thanks to the Eldon Boyd Grant, my family was able to spend three lovely weeks traveling throughout the Alps. We spent time in our friends’ village outside of Geneva and then traveled through some of the most beautiful countryside we have ever seen. We spent a week high up in the Alps in their 100-yearold family cabin with no running water or electricity. Our days were spent hiking along the peaks and sharing cheese, chocolate, wine, and good conversation. We also visited small towns in Northern Italy’s lake district. Some highlights include the evenings spent watching the moon come up over Lake Como and taking the train to Milan to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painted in the 15th century. But the most memorable experience of our trip was the day we drove to the village airfield. After our host brought their airplane out of its hanger, we climbed in and soon were speeding down the grass runway. With headphones on and cameras in hand, we sat in silence taking in the majestic views as our plane circled the Matterhorn and headed towards Mont Blanc. What began with two students building sets together in Santa Barbara amazingly led to a family friendship and an adventure of a lifetime. The gift of the Eldon Boyd Grant allows teachers to travel to places that seem out of reach − where we can experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of other cultures. Thank you, Crane!
10
Alabama
Dorothy Waugh Grant Elizabeth Teare –Upper School English Teacher
The best professional development is also personal, when the work that makes you a better teacher makes you a better person (which makes you a better teacher, and so on…). This was my experience when I turned my research for the eighth-grade tour of civil-rights sites into a family trip. My husband covers the civil-rights years in his UCSB history courses; my daughter Dorothy (Crane ’18) is a budding social activist. We watched Eyes on the Prize together before the trip, and we researched great local diners. On our first night in Birmingham we stocked up on familiar breakfast food and car snacks at the only Trader Joe’s in Alabama; the next day we took the advice of a museum docent and grabbed an adventurous lunch at a tiny soul-food restaurant run by a former San Quentin prison guard. We let ourselves be locked in a reproduction jail cell in Selma, and we cried together at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice (the lynching memorial) in Montgomery. At every stop Dorothy gave me advice about which images and ideas to highlight for Crane students (a strong “yes” to sharing the story of Emmett Till; an even stronger “No!” to the totally uncool folk-art exhibit at a museum). Like many families, we tend to vacation in our comfort zone. This trip was often uncomfortable: the drenching heat and humidity, the 24-7 togetherness, the overwhelming number of tragic stories. But the stories of heroism and change were inspiring. The chance to think deeply together as a family was powerful. The food was amazing. And if you’re looking for the best Airbnbs in Alabama, give us a call. We thank Crane and the Dorothy Waugh committee for this opportunity.
Professional Development Columbia Teachers College Teacher Grant Donna Brown –Third Grade Teacher
A few years ago, I began to wonder why so many of my students read only as a perfunctory duty. Fewer and fewer of them expressed their love of curling up with a great book. I wasn’t sure why or what I might do to turn the tide. Then I read a book called The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller, and it changed me forever. In her book, Donalyn gets right to the root of the literary weed. Students aren’t spending enough time reading books they enjoy. I was hungry to learn more about effective reading instruction and was delighted to attend Columbia Teachers College Writing & Reading Project. The work I did there reinforced my understanding of effective reading instruction and provided fabulous scaffolding for me as I ventured to make big changes in the way I teach literacy. It was the best professional development I have experienced, and I have attended over 50 professional development workshops and presented at 11. I walked away with the understanding that students need plenty of time to practice independent reading; teachers are most effective when they give short, specific lessons on reading strategies; and, the heart of teaching happens through coaching students as they put new strategies into place. If that weren’t enough, I had the privilege of meeting Lucy Calkins, author of the Units of Study for the Reading and Writing Project, Katherine Patterson, children’s author of Bridge to Terabithia, James Howe, children’s author of Bunnicula, Carmen Agra Deedy, children’s author of Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, and Cornelius Minor, an educator who works with teachers, school leaders, and leaders of community-based organizations to support equitable literacy reform in cities (and sometimes villages) across the globe.
11
alumni news
We are excited that this year’s student body consists of twenty students who have a parent who is one of fourteen Crane alumni listed in alphabetical order below (some pictured might be future Crane Coyotes)!
Karrie Crane ’99 with Olive ’25, Frances, and Raine-Henry
Hannah Gimbel ’01 Dal Pozzo
with Peyton ’22 and Denver
Whitney Abbott ’86
with Gweneth ’22, Aggie ’24, and Forrest
Robert Abbott ’91
with Edie ’23, Bea ’26, and Zinnia
Clay Murdy ’93
with Loma ’23, Levi ’25, and Luke
Allison Stelyn ’00 Fox with Olivia ’26
Jason Siemens ’84
with Sunny ’27
Erin Gray ’88 Guerra with Fiona ’25
Carie Baker ’83 Corey with Summer ’20
Shana Lynch ’84 Arthurs (not pictured);
Jim Copus ’92 with Mason ’22 and Lillie ’24
Dinah Moore ’86 Calderon with Alexandra ’21;
Juliette ’18 (not pictured)
Sarah W. O’Brien ’82
with Pierce ’21 and Ronan ’23
Jen Baron ’95 (neither pictured) Rowan ’19
Cosi ’19, Beckett ’22
sightings on campus Nafisah Fathima, Daisy Finefrock, Annie Gabler, Jack Hughes, Bea Lujan, Victoria Reynoso, Robert Williams, and Zane Zemeckis 2018: Evan Aitcheson, Xander Haddock, Ian Harvey, Ella Jones, Zoë Lozano Stephens, Mikey Reyes, Boo Ridge, Sofia Schuster, Jaeda Spence, Ami Wallmark, Charlotte Weis, Dorothy Yaqub, and Rhys Zemeckis A huge number of alumni turned out to volunteer for this year’s Country Fair. Many,
2018 graduates
William Dunaway and Boz
many thanks to these graduates:
Stephens volunteered during the boys’ fall
2016:
soccer season as assistant coaches to Pat
2017:
C-Mo Ridge Matthew Cunningham, Arwyn Drew,
Bixler.
(above) Crane friends Xander Haddock, Mikey Reyes, Evan Aitcheson, Quinton Cohen, and Jack Hirsch enjoy their first Santa Barbara High School Homecoming.
90th Anniversary Celebration
Friday & Saturday May 3 & 4, 2019 1928-2018
Alumni, friends, past parents, and current Crane families will join together at Crane’s historic Montecito campus to celebrate the school’s 90th Anniversary.
Friday, May 3
Friday, May 3
Decades Alumni Family Celebration
After Party at Joe’s Cafe
Crane Campus
7:30 – 11:00 p.m.
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Continue the fun with an adults-only, no-host gathering at State Street’s Joe’s Café, which is also celebrating its 90th anniversary and is owned by alumni and current Crane parents, the Montesanos.
The event kick-off will feature campus tours, an exhibition of Crane memorabilia, gathering spots for alumni and past parents, varied dining options, and activities for young children.
Saturday, May 4
Coming Home Gala Crane Campus 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
This seated dinner gala will feature an opening cocktail reception, live entertainment, and dancing under the stars. Adults only.
Special Crane Lodging It’s never too early to plan lodging, as this weekend will be a busy one in Santa Barbara. Limited blocks of rooms at a special discounted rate have been made available on a first come, first serve basis. Crane is grateful to the Copus family, both alumni and current Crane parents, for their generosity.
Montecito Inn,
also celebrating its 90th anniversary, is offering a “Crane 90th Anniversary Celebration” rate of $284. Reservations: (805) 969-7854
Coast Village Inn
is offering a “Crane 90th Anniversary Celebration” rate of $167. Reservations: (805) 969-3266
Invitations and additional details to follow in early 2019. Questions? Contact Debbie Williams, Director of Development, at: dwilliams@craneschool.org or (805) 969-7732
13
alumni news Olivia Sanders ’96,
her husband, Marc, and
Katie Kinnear ’01,
Cate ʼ05, Princeton
ʼ09, wed Gavin McElroy of New
daughter, Orli, welcomed Willa Anne Steyer
York City in her parents’ garden
on July 1, 2018. They live in Oakland where
on
Olivia is a literacy coach in a Berkeley public
the celebration were four Crane
elementary school.
friends:
Julian Davis ’97, Cate ʼ01, UCSB ʼ05 & mastersʼs ʼ08, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland for medical school finishing ʼ12, followed by internal medicine residency in Philadelphia and hematology / oncology fellowship at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento. His wife, Jenna Savage Davis, also a Gaucho, received her MFA in Museum Exhibition Planning & Design at University of the Arts in Philadelphia. They were married in Santa Barbara in July 2016, and recently moved back to Santa Barbara where Jenna is an exhibit and graphic designer for the SB Museum of Natural History and Julian is a hematologist and oncologist at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, seeing patients and helping to develop the centerʼs clinical trial program. They are incredibly appreciative to be back home enjoying the trails, surf, food, and friends.
Bobbie Mecay ’99 Byers
and her husband,
Greg, were married in Santa Barbara at Mt. Carmel Church in September of 2016. They took a beautiful three-week honeymoon through Vietnam, Bali, and Singapore. Afterwards, to celebrate their marriage with friends and family, they threw a costume party under the stars at her parents’ home in Summerland. They welcomed their baby boy, Higgy, in August of 2017. Bobbie graduated from USC in 2007 and went on to get her J.D. from Santa Barbara College of Law in 2011. She is currently working in real estate development and living with her husband and son in Montecito.
Brook Mecay ’01 Gunner
and her husband,
Joe, were married in Uluwatu, Bali in 2015. They have a three-year-old daughter, Coco, who attends All Saints by-the-Sea Preschool. They welcomed their second daughter, Penelope Susan Gunner, on October 8, 2018. Brook and Joe live in Montecito where Brook owns her own digital marketing and web design company and Joe is in real estate.
November
3,
2018.
Joining
Kai Solin ’99, and fellow ’01 Katrina Sprague, Yasemin Gunday, and Lauren Enright, who was classmates
Katie’s Maid of Honor. Katie and Gavin met in London in 2013 and have enjoyed spending their years together exploring the UK and Europe between visits home. When they aren’t working – Katie in communications and Gavin in finance – they enjoy seeking out cozy pubs or whiskey havens, pretty riding and hiking spots, museums and gardens, live music and soccer matches, and the odd castle. The perfect weekend at home includes a coffee with friends, jiu-jitsu for Gavin, some art exhibits for Katie, finished off with a long walk on Clapham Common. Katie and Gavin will move stateside to New York City in the spring of 2019.
Whitney Werts ’01 Perry,
and her
husband, Tyler, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, Wesley Ray Perry, on October 5, 2018. Whitney and Tyler met their senior year at Santa Clara University in 2009. After graduating from SCU, Whitney started her own event planning & design company, Whitney Werts & Company. Tyler is a financial consultant under his own firm, Incline Consulting LLC. Whitney and Tyler currently live in Portland, Oregon and enjoy spending their free time on the Oregon Coast crabbing, hiking in the Columbia Gorge, and enjoying the amazing local eats.
Will Geiger ’02 married Alyssa Nelsen on September 1, 2018 at T-Lazy-7 Ranch in Aspen, CO. Will and Alyssa met in Santa Barbara after graduating from college (Will from USC in 2010, Alyssa from UCSB in 2011), and have been living in Los Angeles since 2014. Will works on the investment team at Touchdown Ventures and Alyssa is a creative copywriter at Goop. They visit Santa Barbara regularly to see family and friends (and escape LA), and also enjoy going on ski trips in Montana and Colorado.
alumni news Eva Van Wingerden ’02 Eskandari married
Andes. Reuben then followed his passion and career
Amir at the Santa Barbara Biltmore on
ambition to be involved in renewable energy. He was
July 28, 2018 in front of a large gathering
hired by Tesla as an Energy Advisor, where he consults
of family and friends. Due to Amir's busy
and designs Tesla’s solar and battery energy products for
work schedule with the family business
homeowners and business owners. In his leisure time,
and Eva’s graduate school schedule
Reuben enjoys the outdoors, whether it is surfing at dawn
where she is working towards her
before work, rock climbing in Joshua Tree, or skiing in his
doctorate in physical therapy, they will
beloved Wasatch and Grand Teton Mountains.
be honeymooning next summer in New Zealand. They live in Carpinteria with their dog, Hank, and enjoy playing board games, hiking,
Jana Alexa McIntyre ’06,
SBHS ’10, UCLA
(music and psychology), master’s from
walking along the bluffs, watching movies, and spending
Manhattan School of Music, is a professional
time with family.
opera singer.
George Sanders ’02,
Jana has been praised for
her “dancer’s grace, mercurial wit, and SBHS ’06, Bard
vibrant soprano tone” (Opera News). She
College ’10, UCSB ’16, recently
has performed in over 25 opera productions
opened a new shop in the Upper
and top young artist programs including
Village of Montecito called Eider
San Francisco’s Merola Program and the Santa Fe Opera.
Studio. Focusing on bedding, fine linens, and specialty goods
She will make five American company debuts this season.
sourced locally and abroad, George and his partner have
Currently performing the role of Queen of the Night in
carefully curated their space to reflect their appreciation of
Mozart’s Magic Flute, Jana is the recipient of competition
design, craftsmanship, and the perfect balance of form and
awards from organizations including the Metropolitan
function. Eider Studio is located at 1485
Opera National Council, Jensen Foundation, and the
East Valley Road #8.
George London Foundation. She looks back to Crane stage
Olivia Mohler ’03 Masclet
productions with great fondness. and her
husband, Sebastien, welcomed their daughter,
Manon
Colette
Pascale
Melanie Thomas ’07 Monaco
married Sam
Monaco at Heartstone Ranch in Carpinteria
Sierra Doehr ’07
Masclet, into the world on November
on September 15.
21, 2018. Olivia and family are living in
of Melanie’s bridesmaids. Melanie and
Santa Barbara.
Sam currently live in Brooklyn, NY where
Samantha Crane '05, SBHS ʼ09, University
was one
they both work in the performing and fine art worlds. Melanie is also a professional
of Rhode Island ʼ13, married Nicholas
yoga teacher and nutrition coach. In their
Santangelo on September 1, 2018 in
free time, Melanie and Sam love to escape
McCall, Idaho. They currently live in
the city and spend long weekends immersed in nature.
Rhode Island where Samantha works
They are always looking forward to visits with family and
as a real estate agent and Nick works
friends in California.
as an electrical engineer for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. In their free time, they enjoy traveling and hiking with their two dogs.
Clay
Rodgers ’14
released
his
first
album, “Tiburon Bay,” named after the street where his house that was hit by the January
Reuben Atkatz ’06, SBHS ’10, graduated
9th mudslide is located. Rodgers wrote the songs, played the keyboards, electric
from Bucknell University where he
bass, and drums, and self-produced the
majored
album. “Tiburon Bay” is available on most
and
in
business
environmental
management
science.
Upon
music platforms, including iTunes, Apple
graduation, Reuben traveled around
Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Google Play.
the world to pursue his dream of skiing
Rodgers is a freshman at Wesleyan University, majoring
for a year by living and working in Park
in music and political science. He is working on his next
City, Utah, and then relocating in the
album, “San Leandro,” which he expects to release in mid-
summer to do the same in the Chilean
December.
15
Crane Country Fair
16
Service Learning Fall 2018
upper school Eighth Grade Service Learning students began the semester
them for resale. They were also inspired to conduct trash clean-ups
by
to keep our campus and community beautiful.
learning
about
the
UN
Global
Goals
for
Sustainable
Development. These are goals that individuals, organizations, and countries around the world are working to achieve, including an end to poverty and protection of Earth’s natural resources. Students then discussed community needs related to the global goals, researched organizations that were tackling these needs right here in Santa Barbara, and presented proposals for getting involved. Since September, eighth graders have worked at four sites on an ongoing basis in addition to other short-term projects.
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Crane students helped the Foodbank prepare for the semi-annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Foodbank staff presented a problem: they had thousands of paper collection bags left over from a previous drive that were printed with old dates and sponsors. They had updated stickers to place on the bags, but not enough time or personnel to complete the job of relabeling. Eighth graders quickly stepped up to the plate and developed a solution. Dividing into teams, the class
Transition House
took on different tasks and formed assembly lines to get the job done
At Transition House, an
by the deadline.
organization that provides temporary
shelter
transitional
housing
homeless
families
and for with
children, Crane students had the opportunity to take on a range of tasks. They cleaned up the outdoor space, including the garden and bike storage area, to make it more inviting. They also worked to sort clothing donations and prepare them for distribution.
for Transition House residents. Working in teams, students gathered population information from the shelter, calculated how much food would be needed, visited the store to determine the budget, shopped for the food, and then made two meals for 70 people.
A perennial favorite for upper
schoolers,
Unity Shoppe operates a free store that provides food and clothing to those in need in our community. Students primarily help with receiving, coding, and shelving donated food.
Over multiple
semesters in seventh and eighth grades, they develop relationships with staff and become familiar with the operation of the store. At work
Explore to
Ecology, support
eighth
graders
environmental
protection initiatives both directly and indirectly. Students have the opportunity to divert waste from landfills at the Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store by receiving industrial
byproducts
and
donations,
sorting them into categories, and arranging
row, the Crane Country Fair featured a Direct Relief students
booth
where
and
parents
worked together to pack dental hygiene kits to organizations. These kits provide toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss for families of up to five people. In honor of Crane’s 90th anniversary, we set a goal of packing 900 kits and easily reached that number thanks to an especially strong showing of sixthgrade students.
Operation Gratitude Crane
students
from
all levels donated their
Unity Shoppe
Explore Ecology
For the second year in a
be distributed to local
Our eighth graders were excited for the opportunity to make lunches
Crane
Direct Relief
extra Halloween candy to Operation Gratitude, an organization that creates care packages for U.S. military personnel stationed abroad. After sorting and bagging (and using all of their willpower not to eat it all), eighth graders delivered nearly 150 pounds of candy to the local collection center.
Ryan Long
Service Learning Coordinator
Father-Daughter Dance | Mother-Son Kickball
lower school
Father-Daughter Dance - June 1, 2018
Mother-Son Kickball - October 5, 2018
fifth grade
Lower School
Fifth Grade Explores Links Between People and Place Crane School’s Fifth Grade
Before too long, due dates
class began this year’s social
approached, and displays
studies
started coming together.
curriculum
exploration
of
with
six
an
distinct
With
the
cooperation
geographical areas of our country.
and assistance of Tray
We wanted to view these six zones
London, our Lower School
through the lifestyles of the six
art teacher, these displays
groups
started
of
Native
Americans
looking
good!
who have lived and adapted
Each student contributed
to conditions in these zones
to the group portion of
for hundreds of years. From
the display. In addition, they also created from scratch an “artifact”
the eastern woodlands of the
of their tribe’s culture, much like what you would find in a museum
Mohawks to the arid southwest of the Navajo. From the northwestern
exhibit.
coastal Haida to the southeastern Cherokee people. From the upper Dakota plains of the Sioux to the basin and range badlands
Students learned about the
of the Shoshone. We wanted students to connect geography to
features of their assigned
the adaptations humans have made to take best advantage of the
geographic region and tribe.
climatic and physical features of their region.
Perhaps more importantly, students practiced working
Students worked together in six
together academically as a
cooperative groups of five students
team with a common goal.
each. They read a short book on
Communicating well among
their region and tribe. The task set
themselves,
for them was to create a museum
ways to compromise when
quality display of their tribe’s
differences of opinion arose, were major takeaways from this project.
culture, similar to a fifth grade
Look at these photographs and check out the beautiful results!
then
finding
version of what one sees in the Chumash Hall at our local Museum of Natural History in Mission Canyon. After an eye-opening field
Carrie Althoff and Chris Caretto Fifth Grade Teachers
trip to the MNH, students set out to create a working plan for their exhibit that would incorporate tasks for every student to contribute equally to the group’s display of the relationship and the interaction between people and place.
19
Upper School
seventh grade
Adventures in Alexandria
On November 13, the seventh graders took part in Adventures in
with colored blocks and played with ancient Egyptian mathematical
Alexandria, our Egyptian unit culmination day. We started out with
concepts. And in P.E. we all played tug-of-war and field hockey, just
a dance we learned in music class. The dance pushed everyone a
like they used to in ancient times.
little bit out of their comfort zone, but in the end, we were all happy we did it! Next we all went to our first-period class. In English class
We all liked different parts of the day best:
we gave kindergarten through fourth grade tours of the tomb we created. All the seventh graders contributed in different ways to
“I liked helping little kids.” − Jack
make the tours a success. There was a mummy in each class, and
“I liked taking all the pictures in the photo booth.” − Paloma
we all taught our Lower School tourists about Ancient Egypt. All of
“I liked telling the story of the pharaoh.” – Phoenix
our other teachers had planned special Egyptian-themed classes that day, too! In Spanish class, for example, we talked about the
And, I loved how all the teachers and the kids got really involved and
mummification process and canopic jars, and then we used art
interested in the subject. It was the perfect way to end a study.
supplies to draw representations of what we learned in class. In history class we learned how papyrus was made and even got to write on real sheets of papyrus! In math class we made pyramids
20
Elizabeth Purdy Seventh Grader
Fall Happenings
halloween fun
thanksgiving feast
(right) Parents Elissa Campbell and Christina Stoney enjoyed preparing the Staffulty Conference Day Lunch in the newly renovated kitchen. Thanks to Crane grandmother and board member Cyndee Howard and son and Crane parent Todd Eliassen, the Crane kitchen was completely remodeled during the summer and is now being thoroughly enjoyed by all.
21
upper school trip week
Sixth Grade upper school trip week Crane Country Day School places a premium on experiential education.
writings of John Muir. The eighth graders broke new ground,
Each fall in the Upper School, students and teachers participate in Trip
embarking on a civil rights tour. Visiting sites in Birmingham,
Week, which allows for five straight days of hands-on learning. These
Selma, Montgomery, Tuskegee, and Atlanta, they were able
excursions have powerful curricular connections.
to understand historical events as well as examine the ethical
This year the trips took place from September 24−28. The sixth
footprints we are making today.
graders traveled once again to Catalina Island, where they focused on
Upon returning to campus in October, students reflected
environmental stewardship and explored the wonders of the ocean.
on their travels in writing. A few of these pieces are shared on
The seventh graders returned to Yosemite National Park, an ideal place
the following pages.
to hike, rock climb, absorb the splendor of nature, and appreciate the
Peggy Smith
Head of Upper School
catalina island EXCERPTS by Juliette DuPrau I found out quickly that you get very comfortable with your cabinmates. You play games, tell secrets, borrow clothes, and become very close... As I first walked into the cabin with all of my friends, we immediately started claiming the top bunks. The cabin smelled like fresh sea air coming through the windows, and I could hear the soft waves from my bunk bed. We happily rolled up the blue flaps that were used as windows and a door in order to let the light in.
by Sam Narva I saw so many lobsters and baby horn sharks. At the end of the snorkel, we turned off our flashlights and shook our legs and arms – there were colorful sparkles everywhere! I had the best time of my life seeing all of that sea life. When I’m older, I can say my first time snorkeling was when I was eleven on a school field trip. This was the most interesting trip that I have ever been on!
by Zsa Zsa Zemeckis I could hear my friends cheering me on and saying, “You can do it, Zsa Zsa!” I say the words that tell them I am ready to start climbing. I felt the wood and metal on the pole, but at the top I get a splinter. That sharp, small sting distracted me, and I started to slip. I thought I would fall to the floor, but I grabbed on to one of the nubs and pulled myself up. I could taste the fresh air and the pine trees in my panicked mouth. Once I climbed back up, I heard Fafi yelling, “Go, Zsa Zsa!” I tried to stand on the tippy top, but the perch would start shaking. I told everyone that I couldn’t do it. They told me I could, so I tried and about five minutes later I was standing at the top! This activity taught me to keep trying even when I don’t think I can.
by Hugh Ryan With the counselor’s permission, we all ran into the ocean. After a while, it seemed like we had seen everything. Then the counselor told us to turn off our lights. When the last one turned off, thousands of little blue lights lit up the surrounding water. Any movement would cause more of the blue lights to turn on. Our group’s counselor told us that the blue lights were the effect of bioluminescence. I dove under the water, and I was instantly surrounded by the bright blue brilliance.
upper school trip week
Seventh Grade the yosemite valley
Each seventh grader wrote his/her own personal piece, and then chose a "golden line" from it. These golden lines were then submitted and arranged by students to form a whole-class poem.
In Our Hands
Growing nervous, I swung a trembling leg into the opening,
In the glacial valley of Yosemite,
maneuvering around the looming, black-
the immense Ponderosa Pines stand tall.
as-night boulder.
There is so much to see:
I anticipate and climb further and deeper,
trees shivering in the wind,
mountains towering above all else,
entryway.
animals so pure, no sin in their bodies.
I look back and see a small sliver of light,
the last of the light advancing through the
Our bus passes
thick pines looming over us,
caves.
boulders nestled in the mountainside.
I inch my way slowly and calmly,
but I keep going, deeper and deeper into the
We appreciate it all –
this vast display of nature’s
My mind is focused on only one thing in this pure
finest work,
darkness;
the alpenglow creeping upon
the peaks.
world.
The transcendence of this moment
sweeps us away in a whirlwind
of beauty.
The cold air kisses us on our cheeks,
silencing us out of nowhere.
Animals pass us by,
butterflies glide deep into the air,
waterfalls show off their rainbows,
like drops of hope.
Smiling, we fell in love a little more each day;
we had the whole park in our hands.
guiding my friend behind me.
I crawl toward the light and back into the real
I was nervous and scared, but I want to go again.
Bears in the Valley It was morning, and the bouldered skyscrapers above were surrounded by a leisurely moving fog. There were a million trees in the valley,
and they watched us as we crossed their
ground. We slipped on the mossy rocks under the water,
The Consuming Cave
dipping our boots accidentally.
Ahead, a spectacular field full of flowers, The entrance to the spider cave was a
dark, narrow crack
earth.
in an enormous pile of boulders.
covered in giant grasses growing from the
Our chatter was cut short
I start, see nothing;
as we eye the most majestic creatures through
our dust clouds.
the consuming darkness envelops me,
nothing more than darkness just five feet into
The bears march through the boulders and weeds
in the creek,
the tunneling chamber.
I could smell the cave wall, the rock;
The cool breeze was let in by the little cracks in
We stop and gaze at the powerful bears,
the wall;
studying them.
The mama was standing right in front,
it soothed my fear.
very determined of their path.
I slowly placed my foot down into the open air,
We make eye contact, but the bears quietly and
desperately feeling around,
staring right back at us.
My arms propping me up to keep me
gracefully stride away,
from falling through miles and miles of
empty space.
disappearing behind a large rock.
23
upper school trip week
Eighth Grade CIVIL RIGHTS − alabama and georgia Shoes, Birmingham
One thing I didn’t think of when I thought of the Civil Rights Movement was shoes. Shoes were brought up so many times throughout our journey through museums, parks, monuments, and historical sites. For example, we saw the shoes that 11-yearold Denise McNair was wearing in the girls’ bathroom at church on September 15, 1963. Her shiny new black shoes with the brand-new sticker still in them were found in the rubble. These shoes represent sorrow and pain but also courage and strength. Never stop. Have persistence. − Lauren Schweitzer
Vulcan Statue, Birmingham While learning about the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama, I got depressed by all of the horrible things that happened. We learned about police brutality and lynchings. But at the end
16th-Street Baptist Church, Birmingham I pause before the stairs of the church to itch all of the mosquito bites I got in Kelly Ingram Park. I am heartbroken for the four girls who were murdered because of the color of their skin in their church, a place of safety and protection. I learned that we cannot change our country’s past, but we can use it to help shape our future and not relapse back to the terrible times that have happened before. − Hannah Markham
of the day we went to the Vulcan Statue. Soon my classmates were sliding down little grassy hills hollering, and a crowd was cheering them on. People were sliding down in crazy poses. Even a teacher joined us. Even when you are learning about the saddest things, you can still have fun. − Arnav Wadhwa
Eighth Grade
upper school trip week
National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Montgomery
Skyview Ferris Wheel, Atlanta
Two sisters murdered, rusted columns overhead, silencing
We all walk inside the dark gondola and sit down. The man
the few noises around me. Rain pouring down upon my head
shuts the door behind us. We start to move higher and higher.
as though God himself is crying. Thunder roars, drowning out
Then we stop at the very top. I have never seen what I’m seeing
my thoughts and bringing me harshly back into reality. I find
before. The city of Atlanta is beautiful at night. You can see
myself staring up at countless names. I will remember some,
all the lights glowing. So I take my camera out for a picture. It
but it is impossible to remember all. All should be remembered
won’t turn on. I realize my camera is dead. Some magical things
because of what they lost. − Owen Block
I guess are just for memory. − Malia Alzina
Lunch Counter Simulation Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta I slowly set my hands on the cold counter and braced myself. Through the headphones I started to hear whispers, and goosebumps crawled from my neck down to my back and into my arms. Then I heard loud yelling, to the point where it was almost unbearable to my ears. The n-word was being screamed from every side of the room. The chair felt as if it was being kicked from all angles. My heart rate began to climb as my arms started to shake. Knowing this was once someone’s reality shook me. − Babacar Pouye
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL • BOYS’ SOCCER
Sports Girls’ Varsity Volleyball (Gigi Geyer – Eighth Grade)
strengthen relationships with people I would not have really known had
This fall the eighth and seventh grade girls put together an outstanding
it not been for volleyball. They are now some of my closest friends, and
varsity volleyball team. We had an amazing season full of crazy blocks
I could not imagine my Crane life without them. Our coach helped us
by our middle blocker, Chloe Adams, and aces from Isabelle Kim. Our
improve our skills, which boosted our confidence as players. I could not
teamwork brought us many victories and only one loss to Marymount
imagine a more supportive team, and I am so grateful for an amazing
early on in the season. The reason that it was such a successful season is
season.
mostly due to the skyrocketing energy on the court as soon as we touched the ball. We played teams from across the league. When it came to the
Girls’ JV White Volleyball (Kylee Greene – Sixth Grade)
playoffs, we were all ready and excited to compete in an indoor gym
Teamwork paid off this season for our junior varsity squad, especially
for the first time this season. We played our first match against SBMS
during the tournament. The first day of the tournament we were going
and won both games. The energy was a little low when we entered the
to play three teams: Providence, SBMS, and Marymount. The first
semi-finals against Providence. However, it was one of our best playing
game was against Providence; we won that contest. The second was
games, thanks to Ollie Gaggero’s clean sets, hitters could hit as well as
against SBMS, where we were also victorious. Our final opponent was
they could. The team was working together and everyone was making a
Marymount, a powerful team that had won every game that day as well.
difference. Sadly, we lost during the third game. We were disappointed
The first part of the game we were losing. Then the next thing we knew
we had to say goodbye to the team, but we knew that we played a really
is that we were tied. From there it just kept going back and forth until it
great season. It was such an honor to play with these girls this fall, and
was twenty-four to nineteen. Marymount was serving and it was game
we give a big thanks to Ms. Willis, our coach, who would always give us
point. When they served, we got it and returned it. Caroline Kenny was
pointers to get better.
serving; she made the first serve, and the second and so on until the score was twenty-four to twenty-four. She served again and made it in. We had
Girls’ JV Green Volleyball (Molly Morouse – Eighth Grade)
done it; we had prevailed against Marymount! This was a highlight for
This season our team learned how to work together and have fun at the
me because it showed how close we were as a team. We could not have
same time. The season was filled with laughter, support, and exceptional
done it without teamwork.
volleyball skills – three things that helped our success. Not only did our playing improve, but we bonded as teammates more than I could
Boys’ Varsity Soccer (Bach Ryan – Eighth Grade)
have imagined, and I think of these girls as family now. At first, I was
This year the boys’ varsity soccer team had an extraordinary regular
nervous to be on a team with mixed grade levels, but I am now grateful
season that was unfortunately followed by a somewhat respectable
for the experience that it provided me. I have learned how to build and
postseason result. We started off the year with comfortable wins against SBMS, Marymount, and OVS. The team then played Providence, coming out on top 5-3 after making a comeback to tie the game, which was followed by another two goals in the final few minutes of the second half. The final game of the regular season was against Laguna Blanca. Crane narrowly won this one as well with a final score of 3-2, and an undefeated regular-season record of 5-0. We received a bye in the first round of the tournament because we were seeded #1 during the regular season. Unfortunately, in the next round we lost to Providence 4-3 after a tight game that ended the tournament for us. The Coyotes finished in 3rd/4th place (there was no consolation game) with a final record of 5-1. The team would like to thank Mr. Bixler for being a fantastic coach.
Boys’ JV Soccer (Kiy Barry – Sixth Grade) The junior varsity soccer team had a super fun and productive soccer season. All of the players on our team improved so much. A lot of that improvement was because of our coach, Ms. Fierberg. Also, we got better because we played varsity teams throughout the season. Playing these teams gave us a very good challenge, forcing us to work harder and improve our skills. One game that I will remember is when we played Ojai Valley School. In the first half of the game, we were losing 3-1, but in the second half we pulled it together and scored four goals to win the game 5-3. In all the other games we played as hard as we could and tried our best to win them. To wrap it up, I think our team had a great season. I cannot wait until next year!
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CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 1795 San Leandro Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93108 www.craneschool.org
Academic Year 2018/2019 • Volume One
OnCAMPUS CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jill Levinson President Winifred Lloyds Lender Vice President Robin Kopeikin Treasurer Nancy Sheldon Secretary Jen Abed Tamar Adegbile Rick Banks ʼ62 Beth Collins Jim Copus ’92 Andrea DeRosso Will Freeland ’00 Cyndee Howard Hector Lujan Bino Marsetti Mike McCarthy Hikaru Phillips Allan Rogers Missy Ryan Nancy Shobe Erin Eberhardt Spence Christina Stoney Anupama Vaid Melissa White Honorary Lifetime Trustee Scott C. Brittingham EDITOR Debbie Williams DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lorie Bacon SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER Teresa Pietsch COPY EDITOR Elizabeth Keadle