All School Art Show

A celebration of community, creativity, philanthropy, and artistic expression describes this spring’s Art Show marking the return of yet another pre-pandemic annual event. Art teachers Tray London and Gretel Huglin-Ridge had a vision to elevate the Art Show by adding additional elements. The impressive artwork by K-8 artists was accompanied by student musical performances, a bake sale supporting The Elliott Fund for children in New Orleans in memory of Elliott Perkins ’89, and a special invitation to local and visiting Crane grandparents.

Tribute to Dorothy C. Waugh (1935 – 2021)

Dorothy Waugh was well-known in both the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara communities as a supporter of non-profits. Known as Dody to her companions, she served on the boards of Marlborough School, the Music Center, and was a member of the Leadership Council at the Mayo Clinic, just to name a few.

At Crane Country Day School, she was known to the Staffulty as the supportive mother to Honorary Lifetime Trustee, Scott Brittingham, and proud grandmother of Poppy ’13 and Tommy ’16 Brittingham. In addition, she is the creator and donor of the annual Dorothy C. Waugh Summer Education Award, a travel grant for teachers to develop curriculum. These grants take advantage of summertime so teachers can have first-hand experiences which in turn make learning come alive for their students. Up until her death in 2021, she helped to choose the recipients since its inaugural year in 2004. Staffulty members continue to have amazing experiences thanks to her foresight and legacy.

Given that she attended independent schools and had been an elementary school teacher, this summer award continues to have very specific guidelines – it is not intended to explore new curricular areas, but rather to deepen a teacher’s expertise in their primary field and to support superior teaching through a direct link between the chosen endeavor and Crane’s evolving curriculum. What a legacy! The experiences and values of her life have direct impact on Crane’s teachers and like the passing of a baton in track & field, imparts excitement and energy to the next in line, Crane students. We thank Dorothy Waugh for her devotion to education and to our Staffulty grantees who take their newly acquired knowledge and pass it along.

Coyotes Outside

Coyotes Outside is a popular after-school enrichment class offered to students in grades 2-5. Led by three Staffulty members who love the outdoors - Chandler Hartnett, Tray London, and Wendy Robins - students get to explore the natural open spaces in Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria. Hiking and exploration are paired with play, sketching, and leadership skills. The spring class observed seal pups, found frogs, waded in flowing creeks, hiked among the wildflowers, and enjoyed mountain and ocean views.