THE INAUGURAL ISSUE Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. George’s School
NEW PUBLICATION
Alison Fornell ’08 returns to teach English
(continued from the front page)
Ali Fornell graduated from St. George’s
the dragon. (You may be familiar with
in 2008 to pursue English and his-
the story.) Scholars have noted that one
tory at Amherst College, where she
of the first references to the name of
received a degree in American Stud-
St. George’s sword appears in Richard
ies and English in 2012. She spent two
Johnson’s “The Most Famous History
years abroad, earning a master’s degree
of the Seauen Champions of Christen-
in philosophy from the University of
dome” in 1596. Our version of Ascalon,
Cambridge, King’s College in the areas
though less suitable for battle, is meant
of screen media and culture, and win-
to be just as moving in its own way. In
ning a fellowship to study visual culture
each issue, to be published twice a year,
at University College, Dublin. Ali has
we will provide you with up-to-date
served as a research assistant in the
information and insight on some aspect
Amherst English Department and has
of life on campus, all in an effort to keep
and stewards. St. George’s sits on firm
all about the future—about overcoming
been published in various scholarly
its name from the legend of St. George. Ascalon is the name of St. George’s
One of the first references to the name of St. George’s sword appears in Richard Johnson’s “The Most Famous History of the Seauen Champions of Christendome,” published in 1596.
adversity and using strength, wisdom
about the good work of the school, its
more than a century of learners whose
and courage to move ahead with dignity
teach English and direct the Writing
students, and the faculty.
personal experiences here have ushered
and tenacity into uncertain times. We are not here to maintain the status
In this issue, you will read about the various ways we are working to strengthen and evolve our curriculum
Hilltop!” she wrote. “And I look forward
and academic programs. Building on
to being part of the English faculty,
current research and best practic-
a group of people I admire so much. I
es, and incorporating the work of the
can’t wait to share my enthusiasm for
Merck-Horton Center for Teaching and
literature and media with my students
Learning, we have undertaken a multi-
and hopefully open their eyes—the ways
year process of refining our curriculum
my teachers did—to the exciting pos-
and course offerings. The most immedi-
sibilities that come with studying the
ate change, coming in the fall of 2015, is
humanities.”
a move to a trimester structure from the present semester model, but other steps
“Our institutions are built upon history and the accumulated wisdom of the past, yet we train students in the present for futures that, just as in the last 10 years, hold uncounted and sometimes unimaginable changes.”
quo, to place bright young students in a holding pattern as they await the next step, be it college or career. Rather, we are here to keep pace with a learning environment that is constantly in motion, forever organic and continually evolving. We do that by offering an academic program that responds to meticulous appraisal and improvement, to be sure that no stone is left unturned in the effort to educate, in the most innovative sense of the term, the boys and girls who come here to open their minds and discover the
are likely to follow. As these essential changes well up
them into adulthood and given them
gifts of knowledge and insight.
from within, we want you, our alum-
the ability to make a positive difference
ni, parents and friends, to hear about
in the world. Similarly the legend of St.
many ways our school is working to
them and become a part of the pro-
George and his mighty sword, Ascalon,
challenge and inspire current—and
cess we take so seriously as educators
is rooted in the past, but the message is
future—students.
Read on, and learn more about the
KEEP IN TOUCH Ascalon is published twice a year by the St. George’s Advancement Office. The Editorial Board welcomes your comments.
ROBERT WESTON, Associate Head of School
for External Affairs robert_weston@stgeorges.edu
Curie Institute impressed by talented Dragon interns Researchers at the prestigious Curie In-
Edson ’16 and Piers Guthrie ’15. Laura
stitute in Paris, France, know this about
worked in the Structural Motility Lab,
St. George’s School: The student interns
which analyzes, isolates and identi-
only in French, by the way. Laura’s findings and those of her fellow interns will become the topics of
that facilitates intercellular transport
when these budding researchers stand
of compounds between membranes in
up and discuss their field work with
future students to follow in their foot-
proteins work,” Laura wrote in her blog.
Paris with French teacher and Global
steps. It’s all because our Dragons walk
“The way it was explained to me is that
Cultural Initiatives Program (GCIP)
Additional students who traveled to
istrative Technology Coordinator Ed
Saturday, Oct. 18
Lessons and Carols
at Greenvale Vineyards
Parents Weekend Tuesday, Dec. 16 Thursday, Nov. 6
at Dillon’s in Back Bay
and Banquet Friday, Nov. 7
through Sunday, May 10, 2015
Middlesex Games at SG
Reunion Weekend
Thursday, Oct. 30
bill_douglas@stgeorges.edu
at New York Yacht Club
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
Communications & Marketing suzanne_mcgrady@stgeorges.edu
creator Allison de Horsey to pursue
McGinnis oversaw the GCIP Program
and with a leg up on lab etiquette and
they do it is magic. Through structural
internships at other venues included
this summer in London where Hunter
Photo/illustration credits:
procedures.
analysis and the usage of crystallog-
Annabel Grunebaum ’16, Annika Hed-
Westerberg ’15, Blaise Foley ’15, Oliver
Kate Whitney Lucey, Studio AMD
raphy, the team I joined is looking for
lund ’15, Chloe Farrick ’15 and Emma
Green ’15, and Christina Malin ’15 also
the answers.” All while communicating
Thompson ’15. Accompanying Admin-
pursued internships.
SAVE THE DATE:
Friday, May 8
Friday, Feb. 13 and
SUZANNE MCGRADY, Director of
Christmas Festival
Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Reception in New York, N.Y.,
we know what proteins do, but how
welcomed Caroline Kam ’15, Laura
Reception in Portsmouth, R.I.,
BILL DOUGLAS, Director of Alumni Relations
in the door with curious, open minds—
In June and July the institute
Friday, Dec. 12
Fall Boston young alumni event, 6-8 p.m.
elizabeth_bickford@stgeorges.edu
to gain a greater understanding of how
Friday, Oct. 17 and
quentin_warren@stgeorges.edu
George’s in the coming academic year,
labs—and again they paved the way for
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Wednesday, Oct. 1
protein-based chemical mechanism
fellow students and faculty.
HOLIDAY EVENTS:
QUENTIN WARREN, Advancement Editor
talented and engaged young Dragons.
all living organisms. “Our lab is trying
ON CAMPUS:
owner of Greenvale Vineyards
ELIZABETH BICKFORD, Dean of Faculty
spent two weeks assisting in the Curie
OFF CAMPUS:
Advancement cindy_martin@stgeorges.edu
Brown Bag Lunch presentations at St.
Laura Edson ’16 works this summer in the Structural Motility Lab at the Curie Institute in Paris. The internship is part of our vibrant Global Cultural Initiatives Program.
For more happenings and detailed information visit stgeorges.edu/events.
Hosted by Nancy Parker Wilson ’77,
fies, using X-ray crystallography, the
a row, three science-minded students
Upcoming events
CINDY MARTIN, Associate Director of
we send them each summer are bright, This year, for the fourth summer in
on new trends for math, science and the Academic Center
The newsletter for St. George’s School • Fall 2014
foundations, tested and fortified by
“I am thrilled to be returning to the
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT HEAD LINDA EVANS
on academics through the eyes of a sixth-former
P.O. Box 1910 Newport, Rhode Island 02840 401-847-7565 • stgeorges.edu
you informed, connected, and excited
and serve as a dorm parent.
on Ascalon, the leading edge of change
JAEWOO KANG ’15
sword, with which he famously slew
journals. Here at St. George’s she will Lab, coach JV field hockey and JV tennis,
HEAD OF SCHOOL ERIC PETERSON
Fifth-Form Parents Weekend
Past and present become one in the creation of Ascalon Head of School Eric Peterson launches the inaugural issue of St. George’s newest publication, as traditions, facilities and programs on the Hilltop continue to evolve
When my family and I first arrived at
institution I know. We honor and em-
St. George’s more than 10 years ago,
brace our history, even as we adapt and
the world was a different place. The
evolve traditions, facilities and programs
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were still
to meet the needs of our current students.
in their early stages, the Great Reces-
So the Christmas Festival and Pie Race
sion lay some distance over the horizon,
continue even as we add Friday Night
Facebook had barely been invented, and
Lights games and revive the club system.
smartphones didn’t exist. A decade later,
As I write, workers are restoring the roof
so much has changed, but as Tennyson
and cupola of Memorial Schoolhouse,
noted, “…much abides.” In schools, we
while earthmovers chirp and grind as
have an unusual relationship with time.
work begins on the new Academic Cen-
Our institutions are built upon history
ter. New facilities and programs emerge,
and the accumulated wisdom of the past,
even as the school itself abides at the
yet we train students in the present for
edge of the changeless sea.
futures that, just as in the last 10 years,
Even this newly renamed, redesigned
hold uncounted and sometimes unimagi-
publication represents a blending of old
nable changes.
and new.
This tug between past and future may
Created years ago as Development
be an ever-present dynamic in schools,
News, our new newsletter, Ascalon, takes
but St. George’s manages to balance the
(Please see “New publication” on the
competing pull of time better than any
back)
P.O. Box 1910 • Newport, Rhode Island 02840 • 401-847-7565 • stgeorges.edu
5149.indd 1-3
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w
The Point Notes from the Advancement Office
New courses, new classrooms and curricular change in store for mathematics
Christopher Shaw takes helm as Dean of Academics
Janette and Rob Macaulay, P’12, ’14, ’16 to chair the Parents Committee
Trustee Anne McCormack, P’09, ’11, ’13 is the new St. George’s Fund Chair
On June 28 at the St. George’s Annual Fund Celebration in the
The Board of Trustees at St. George’s takes on far more than
Eberhart Garden, the school made a special presentation to
a governance role in its stewardship of the school. Members
Tim and Lorrie Burns, P’13, ’16, ’18 in thanks for their three
meet four times a year and the committee structure speaks to
teacher of history and social science. Of note, he created, managed and evaluated
years of loyal service as Parents Committee chairs. They truly
all manner of the Hilltop experience—student life, educa-
PA’s program for professional development and curricular innovation.
epitomize the spirit of volunteerism on the Hilltop.
tion, operations, advancement, and of course finance. The
An interview with department head Linda Evans reveals that changes to the curriculum and completion of the new Academic Center will transform the teaching of mathematics
A welcome face on the St. George’s campus this year is our new Dean of Academics Christopher Shaw. He comes to us from Phillips Academy, Andover, where he wore many hats ranging from advancement officer, to headmaster’s assistant, to
His role as Academic Dean will involve, as he puts it, someone who can coordinate a lot of change. “My sense is that with the new Academic Center, with a shift to trimesters, with the recalculation of graduation requirements, there is a great opportunity here to deepen and broaden the curriculum— not to replace tradition, but to deepen what we do already,” he said. “There are many things that are Welcome to the first edition of Ascalon,
uniquely St. George’s, and I’m excited about doing what I can to strengthen that.”
our redesign of what for the last seven
Christopher will be living on campus in Curtin House and teaching Western
years has been known as “Development
Civilization.
With a background that also includes director of the search-and-rescue outdoor education program at Phillips Academy and extensive experience in the economics of global engagement, new Dean of Academics Christopher Shaw will help to broaden learning horizons at St. George’s.
News.” Over the past several months, you have shared your feedback, impressions, and recollections of your experience, your child’s experience, or both at St. George’s. With your help we undertook a comprehensive review of our publications to help us communicate with you
The academic view— a student’s perspective Sixth-former Jaewoo Kang from Seoul,
help students learn the environmental
interesting than the English classes I
read the results, and I very much want to
South Korea, is chairman of the Honor Board,
implications of their lives at SG.
took previously in Korea, which were
thank the over 750 alumni, parents, and
a member of both the choir and the Hilltop-
friends who took the time to respond.
focused on grammar and vocabulary.
pers, and an honor student. He talked to us
Q: Academically, what has surprised you
I have been struck by the clear pat-
about academics, the curriculum and life at
most in your time at St. George’s? Or, to put
Q: Do you feel that a measurable percentage
tern that emerged in your responses: a
St. George’s.
it another way, what have you learned or
of what you learn at St. George’s, even in terms
become interested in that may never have
of routine coursework, comes from interaction
resounding affirmation that the most
Head of the Math Department Linda Evans works on an algebra problem with Katie Ripa ’17.
significant aspect of the St. George’s
Q: If you were to come back to St. George’s in
occurred to you before coming here?
with peers—this in addition to collaboration
Q: From a math teacher’s perspective, how do
tech stations—it’s all going to make the
experience is the relationship between
four years as a teacher, what would you teach?
A: I always thought I was more of a math
with teachers?
you visualize the changes we are embarking on
teaching much more efficient for the
teacher and student and the inspiring
A: If I were to come back to SG with
guy, but at SG, I discovered my fasci-
A: Yes. English classes in particular
– new courses, a move to the trimester system,
teachers and the learning more effective
and supportive mentoring that informs
the professional knowledge to become
nation with English. I love the readings,
would not be as informative nor as
the new Academic Center?
for the students. I envision very flexible
that experience. So I want you to know
a teacher, I would like to teach envi-
discussions, and even the essays. The
profound without the perspectives that
A: This will be my 28th year. Sometimes
spaces that will create opportunities not
that we’ve been listening! And what you
ronmental science. It would be fun to
literature-driven courses are more
different students bring to the table.
I look at my first year and consider
only for traditional teaching, but also for
what the Math Department offered and
increased collaboration and conversation
how many students were taking math,
among students, more independent proj-
hold in your hands is our interpretation Q: Does your learning style favor a structured
St. George’s. While we certainly will
syllabus with well-ordered classes, or a free-
and compare it to now, three decades
ects, and most important, applying math
continue to share with you the campus
form, spontaneous, discussion-based model?
later, to project trends into the future. In
to real life situations.
projects, alumni profiles and events, and
A: My learning style favors a structured
1987 we had a three-year mathematics
the news from the Advancement Office,
syllabus, because I am not that much of
requirement, with two years of algebra
Q: What about bringing math and science into
Ascalon will encompass more than that;
an organizer. With a structured syllabus,
and one-year of geometry. In total 270
a single building?
you will hear from students and faculty
I can look ahead to see what’s coming
students took math and school enroll-
A: In terms of the Academic Center, I
and learn more about the exiting aca-
next, and I can plan ahead. However, a
ment was 313. In 2014-15 enrollment
demic work resulting from the powerful
freer structure does bring me out of my
collaboration between our teachers and
teachers and students and increases the
but also between other departments—
Taking on the role this year are Janette and Rob Macaulay,
quality of the teaching and learning.
for example, math and music, or math
P’12, ’14, ’16, familiar to all of us here and welcome additions
overseeing the conduct of the fund, involving the board in
and art, and that innovative work will be
to the advancement team. “Last year when Lorrie Burns
the annual-giving process, and serving as a functional liaison
Q: Do you see math and science joining forces
an important component of our program,
revealed that she and Tim were nearing the end of their role
with the Advancement Office.
in a way?
certainly as it relates to the Academic
as Parents Committee chairs, we asked ourselves, ‘How on
A: The synergy between math and sci-
Center, but also as it relates to the flex-
earth will St George’s ever fill those shoes?’ What a phenom-
ton Virkler ’92 is Anne McCormack, P’09, ’11, ’13, who along
year ahead become the school’s strongest ever for annual
ence will come from more collaboration
ibility that trimesters bring and how
enal job they did!” Janette said. “Certainly the Burnses set the
with husband Todd and children Christopher ’09, Catherine
support from trustees, alumni and parents. Our three children
between those teachers and working
our curriculum will change. You’ve seen
bar high, and now it is our turn to honor their good work as
’11, and Hannah ’13, is a familiar and well-established mem-
benefitted from the loyalty and generosity of generations of
together with students who want to de-
how it changed in 30 years; now we can use that perspective to create a vision
we accept the position and undertake this great responsibility.
ber of the St. George’s community.
Dragons before them, creating a legacy for all of us to carry
sign hands-on, interdisciplinary projects to pursue outside the classroom—again,
for the future and to brainstorm ideas to enhance our teaching and learning.
more effectively. It’s been fascinating to
of the news that you’d like to hear from
ADVANCEMENT NEWS
comfort zone, and keep me on my toes.
students. Please know that though the
“We’ve really seen the development of the Math Department over these 28 years, from being very traditional to being much more progressive in helping students achieve at an advanced level in mathematics.”
Q: And in the end, the students win, right?
Chairing the Parents Committee is all about supporting the health and longevity of the school by engaging fellow parents
Taking the reins this year from outgoing Fund Chair Dray-
On the verge of her upcoming role she said, “It is an honor to serve St. George’s, and I look forward to helping the
talking about the project, and then the
The first occasion ever for a St. George’s event on Boston’s
renovation of Memorial Schoolhouse and
North Shore happened during a beautiful evening on Tues-
the creation of new classrooms there, and the students were very excited. I think to
day, July 22, at the Manchester Yacht Club in Manchester-by-
have a new learning space in the library,
the-Sea, Mass. Hosted by Kate Thomson Ward ’93, the lively
to create a learning space in the center
midsummer get-together welcomed 56 attendees from as
of campus within the Schoolhouse, and
far away as Newport, R.I. More than a few arrived by boat—
now to build a learning space on the east
appropriately, given the venue—and the school flag flew
because we’ll have the space and labo-
ties. I think that it is going to enable stu-
ratories conducive to that work. I also
dents to explore their interests in more
envision group teaching, obviously
depth, and that’s certainly our goal in the
between math, science, and technology,
Math Department.
The Academic Center
of thoughtfully educating young people today.”
SG reception on the water in Manchester, Mass.
this. In fact, at the end of the year, I was
makes us excited about all the possibili-
on. I am excited to help St. George’s fulfill its critical mission
George’s Fund. We are looking forward to the challenge!”
A: The students are definitely ready for
side of campus, brings us all together and
Anne and Todd McCormack flanked by son Christopher ’09, and daughters Catherine ’11 and Hannah ’13.
and promoting the Annual Fund—or, as we now call it, the St.
New chairs Janette and Rob Macaulay with son Charles ’12, and daughters Caroline ’16 and Hannah ’14.
proudly from the yacht club yardarm.
Bathed in the setting sun at the Manchester Yacht Club are (left to right) Tobin Dominick ‘92, Heidi Von Rosenberg Klapinsky ‘92, Whit Hammett ‘90, Kate Thomson Ward ‘93, Tyson Goodridge ‘90, and Sven Holch ‘91
HELP SUPPORT STUDENTS AND FACULTY. DONATE TO THE ST. GEORGE’S FUND.
STGEORGES.EDU/SUPPORT
think that one of the most important
Reunion Weekend 2014— SG alums went home happy!
By the numbers: The 2013-14 Annual Fund
will be 369, we have a four-year require-
enhancements will be to have this space
“My class had the most amazing 40th reunion—showing
ment, and 379 students will take math
for the math and science teachers to col-
that after all those years, we still care deeply about the school.”
because 10 students will take two math
laborate on a daily basis. We are all going
—Keith Cornell ’74
2,000 Total participating alumni, parents and friends
style and name of this publication has
Q: Aside from the obvious—college admis-
classes! We’ve really seen the develop-
to be in the same space—this interactive
changed, what remains constant is our
sion—what are thoughts on your upcoming
ment of the Math Department over these
space—and we’ll have the opportunity to
“Each reunion gets better than the last. What a place, what
commitment to share the power of those
sixth-form year, as in, how will you approach
28 years, from being very traditional to
collaborate and to provide great support
an experience. Keep up the great work. Many thanks.”
relationships that continue to be the es-
it compared to previous years?
being much more progressive in helping
and tutoring. I envision spaces where
—Harry Strachan III ’59
sence of our school. Enjoy Ascalon, and
A: Academically, I’ll work just as hard as
students achieve at an advanced level in
students will have better access to their
“Everyone I have talked to had such a special time and it really
please let us know what you think!
I have in my previous years here. Aside
mathematics.
teachers and where they can come to get
made all of us miss SG and our wonderful home so much.”
extra help. And more important, I foresee
—Izzy Evans ’09
from that, I plan on trying everything I have put off until now. I plan on
Q: Certainly new classrooms go hand-in-hand
students using the space to learn from
auditioning for the winter musical and
with new courses?
each other in study rooms and common
“We are all so proud of SG and we had a blast recounting
going to Compline, Tuck, and Saturday
A: When I think about the math class-
areas where they can work together on
our good days (and bad) from 40 years ago!”
Robert Weston
night entertainment events. I also look
rooms we’re going to see, about the
problems. Again, it’s about having every-
Associate Head of School for
forward to another great year with the
technology going into them, and the
one together in an interactive space that
External Affairs
Hilltoppers … it’s going to be great!
opportunities there—the Eno boards, the
promotes better communication among
5149.indd 4-6
St. George’s Fund Chair represents a particularly active role,
The Academic Center combines a new laboratory science wing with a complete renovation of the duPont building. Structured in two phases, construction will be complete in December 2015.
1,200 Total participating alumni 33 percentage of the Fund contributed by current parents 83 highest participation percentage of all reunion classes (1949)
— Bev Muessel ’74 “Yes indeed, the fun never stops at St. George’s!” —Doug Dechert ’74
Fran Fox ’59 shows off his Dragon pride as he gets his picture taken with Marion and Harry Strachan ’59 at Reunion Weekend.
86 highest participation percentage of all non-reunion classes (1945)
112,910 dollars raised in the largest reunion gift (1964, for their 50th reunion) 64,343 dollars raised in the largest non-reunion gift (1973) 2,439,967 total 2013-14 Annual Fund dollars raised 46,000,000 endowment dollars SG would need to generate income equal to the Fund 1 name change. Introducing the new St. George’s Fund!
9/8/14 1:47 PM