Eb 40th Anniversary Magazine

At Home in the World

Celebrating our Bilingual Community

Inspiring Citizens of the World

Celebrating our Bilingual Community

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Inspiring Citizens of the World

Contents 4 6 10 20 24 26 27

WELCOME LEADERS MILESTONES DEDICATION GLOBAL JOURNEY CELEBRATION

EB’s Mission Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley educates a diverse population of boys and girls, inspiring them to strive for academic excellence and to develop a high sense of personal and social responsibility.

We offer a challenging and rigorous course of study in both French and English, set in a multicultural environment.

We support each student in the acquisition of skills and the development of character necessary for citizenship in an increasingly complex world.

We believe in the following values: bilingualism, educational excellence, global citizenship, community.

La Mission d’EB L’Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley éduque une population diverse d’enfants et suscite en eux un désir de réussite scolaire tout en les encourageant à acquérir un sens élevé de leurs responsabilités individuelles et sociales.

Nous proposons un cursus scolaire ambitieux et rigoureux, à la fois en français et en anglais, au sein d’un environnement multiculturel riche. Nous apportons à chacun de nos élèves le soutien nécessaire à l’acquisition des connaissances et au développement de la personnalité qui leur seront indispensables face aux exigences d’un monde toujours plus complexe.

Nos valeurs sont les suivantes : bilinguisme, excellence éducative, ouverture sur le monde et communauté.

Editorial Committee Mei-Lin Ha Byers Véronique Jordan Florence Kragen Roberte Rountree

Contributors Camille Clausen Ladan Gehring Cecile Gregoriades Mei-Lin Ha Byers Tina Meyer

Photography Cecile Gregoriades Véronique Jordan Nick Pavloff and many others Design Renee Harcourt

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Dear EB community, It’s incredible to think that it’s been forty years since Ecole Bilingue first opened its doors, with only 50 students and six teachers. A lot has changed since then, but in some ways, we’re still that same spirited school offering an excellent bilingual education with devoted staff and a vibrant and involved community.

I’m honored to be the new Head of School for EB, and to have arrived at such an exciting time!

As EB celebrates its 40 anniversary, it continues to be a visionary and a leader in the world of dual-immersion education. Our students follow both a full French and American curriculum simultaneously, while developing their sense of self with respect, dignity, and care for others. Amazing beyond-theclassroom learning opportunities and tremendous care for each student round out the EB experience, setting our students up for success. th

We’re proud to count over 1,500 alumni who have gone on to study, work, and live all over the country and the globe (and 18 of whom have returned as parents themselves!) Many of them are having positive impacts in their communities. To celebrate their work, we’re proud to announce the first Alumni Spotlight Award, which you’ll read about in the following pages.

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EB could not have become what it is today—a vibrant, engaged, multicultural bastion of bilingual education—without its heart: the teachers and staff. I continue to be impressed by the level of dedication and commitment I see each day among those who work with the students and in the offices. We will celebrate 31 of them among these pages, all of whom have been a part of the school for twenty years or more— half of its lifetime! And as vital as those who work at EB, so too are all the parents who make up our wonderful community. The support and love

they show towards our school is truly inspiring and we would not be where we are today without them.

You’ll read about some of the distinctive programs that make EB unique and how they got their start years ago: the beloved fifth grade trip to France; the one-to-one laptop program at the Middle School that set us at the forefront of educational technology; the gardening initiative which allows our students to interact with nature on a hands-on basis; and the Place du Marché—a celebration of our French heritage and love of good food, wine, and fun.

Today’s EB shares many of the same core values as those that emerged in the “Little House” all those years ago: a dedication to bilingualism, a rigorous academic program, and a multicultural and inviting atmosphere.

It has also grown tremendously: our social-emotional learning program is a cornerstone of our students’ development; classrooms have incorporated STEAM activities and philosophies at all grade levels; and an underlying harmonization of the French and English curricula offers the opportunity for effective interdisciplinary learning.

At EB, it is our vision that every student graduates prepared for high school, college, and beyond. In order to accomplish this goal, our community is coming together to develop a fiveyear strategic plan. There is much work yet to be done, but this effort will be worthwhile and our plan will guide the school’s programmatic growth and continuous improvement for the years to come.

I am so proud of the direction that EB is taking. We offer our students a world class education that prepares them to be global citizens and face the many challenges of tomorrow. Our bilingual educational model is more relevant than ever as the world continues to expand.

We will continue to stay true to our mission and be inspired by the core commitments that have defined the EB student experience for decades: educational excellence, particularly through a robust dual-immersion curriculum; a focus on students’ growth; and lastly, a vibrant and inclusive community of learners.

Together we are, and will continue to be, at home in the world.

Warm regards,

Dr. Mehdi Lazar Head of School

Chère communauté d’EB, N’est-il pas incroyable de penser que cela fait quarante ans que l’École Bilingue a ouvert ses portes ? Elle ne comptait alors que 50 élèves et six enseignants. Depuis, bien des choses ont changé, mais d’une certaine façon, nous sommes toujours cette même école qui, épaulée par un personnel dévoué et une communauté dynamique et impliquée, offre une éducation bilingue d’excellence. Je suis honoré d’en être le nouveau directeur et de l’avoir rejointe à ce moment charnière !

Alors qu’elle célèbre son 40ème anniversaire, l’Ecole Bilingue demeure un établissement pionnier et visionnaire dans le monde de l’enseignement d’immersion. Nos élèves suivent simultanément un cursus français et américain complet tout en développant leur compréhension d’eux-mêmes dans le respect, la dignité et le souci d’autrui.

Bien au-delà de la salle de classe, les possibilités d’apprentissage et la formidable attention apportée à chaque élève synthétisent l’expérience « EB » et préparent nos élèves à la réussite.

C’est avec fierté que nous comptons plus de 1 500 anciens élèves qui étudient, travaillent et vivent aux quatre coins du pays et du monde (et 18 d’entre eux sont même de retour en tant que parents !). Ils sont nombreux à avoir un impact positif dans leurs communautés. En reconnaissance de leur travail, c’est avec fierté que nous annonçons la toute première remise du prix « Alumni Spotlight Award » dont vous découvrirez les détails dans les pages suivantes.

EB n’aurait pu devenir ce qu’elle est aujourd’hui – une communauté multiculturelle, soudée et experte en éducation bilingue – sans ses enseignants et son personnel. Le dévouement et l’engagement que j’observe chaque jour chez ceux

qui travaillent avec les élèves et dans l’administration ne cessent de m’impressionner. Au cours des pages suivantes, nous rendons hommage à 31 d’entre eux : ils ont tous fait partie de l’école pendant vingt ans ou plus – la moitié de l’existence d’EB ! Et tout aussi essentiels sont les parents qui constituent notre belle communauté.

Le soutien et le dévouement qu’ils manifestent envers notre école est une vraie source d’inspiration et sans eux, nous n’en serions pas où nous en sommes aujourd’hui.

Vous découvrirez ou re-découvrirez dans ce magazine les programmes qui ont façonnés EB tout au long de son histoire : le voyage tant apprécié des CM2 en France ; le programme « oneto-one laptop » au collège qui a placé l’école à la pointe des technologies éducatives ; l’initiative jardinage qui permet à nos élèves d’être en contact direct avec la nature ; et la Place du Marché – une célébration de notre héritage français et l’occasion de savourer de bons mets, du vin et de s’amuser.

L’Ecole Bilingue d’aujourd’hui partage bon nombre de ces mêmes valeurs fondamentales qui avaient vu le jour dans la « Petite Maison » il y a bien des années : un dévouement au bilinguisme, un programme académique rigoureux, une atmosphère multiculturelle et accueillante. Elle a également énormément évoluée : notre programme d’apprentissage socioémotionnel est la pierre angulaire du développement de nos élèves ; les salles de classe ont intégré les activités et les philosophies de l’approche STEAM à tous les niveaux d’études ; et une harmonisation des programmes français et américain offre l’opportunité d’un apprentissage interdisciplinaire adapté. À EB, notre vision est que chaque élève progresse afin d’être prêt pour le lycée, l’université et au-delà.

Afin d’atteindre cet objectif, notre communauté se prépare à l’élaboration

d’un plan stratégique quinquennal qui nous permettra de créer des lignes directrices dans le développement des programmes futurs et l’amélioration continue de l’école pour les années à venir.

Je suis réellement fier de la direction suivie par EB. Nous offrons à nos élèves une éducation d’un calibre international les préparant à devenir des citoyens du monde et à relever les nombreux défis de demain. Notre modèle éducatif bilingue est plus pertinent que jamais dans un monde en croissance constante.

Nous continuerons à rester fidèles à notre mission et à nous inspirer des engagements fondamentaux qui ont défini l’expérience des élèves d’EB au fil des décennies : l’excellence de l’enseignement, en particulier grâce à un solide programme d’études en double immersion ; une emphase sur le développement des élèves ; et enfin, une communauté d’apprenants dynamique et inclusive.

Ensemble, nous sommes et continuerons de trouver pleinement notre place dans le monde.

Bien chaleureusement,

Dr. Mehdi Lazar Chef d’établissement

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It All Started with the “Little House” Before Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley was founded, there were no bilingual schools in the East Bay. Five families, along with EB’s first Head Jeannette Rouger, got together and decided to do something about it. They felt that young children should not have to commute long distances for a quality bilingual education, and since no other options were available, they decided to found their own neighborhood school here in Berkeley.

It was a very grassroots movement, with everyone pitching in to get things done. Somehow, it all came together through hours of phone calls, letter writing, hauling materials, building from scratch, and scrounging for furniture and books. EB opened its doors in the fall of 1977 with six teachers, 50 students… and ten different nationalities! The “little house” was home to administrative offices, and classes were held in some of the current Lower School classrooms. The playground was in a vacant lot owned by a neighbor, an 80-year-old woman named Dolores Meacham. She agreed to rent it to the school for $1 per year, but so loved the idea of kids playing there that she ended up donating it to EB for use in perpetuity.

From the start, EB was a school founded on ideals, on a vision by a few parents who wanted to give their kids the chance of a bilingual education in a rich, multicultural environment.

Through those early years, parents formed the glue that held the school together: organizing events, cooking for potlucks, building play structures, and bringing life to our community.

This spirit has held strong throughout all the growth and changes over these past 40 years. As long as this community spirit exists, EB will continue to thrive.

FOUNDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Annie-May de Bresson Gretchen Grant Bill Horwich Tanny Keeler-Hodgetts Christine Leigh-Taylor with Roberte Rountree

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Qui veut peut…

The iconic building at the corner of Heinz and Ninth was built as a store in 1915 by noted local architect John Hudson Thomas. It was later converted to office space for the Heinz Company before being chosen as the location for EB in 1977.

Thank you to our past Heads of School and Former Board Chairs In my third year as EB’s Board Chair, I continue to be inspired by what our school stands for. We are a beacon of hope in this increasingly complex world, providing our children with a unique, bilingual, and whole-child education that prepares them to be “at home in the world.”

A heartfelt thank you and deep appreciation goes out to all those listed here.

Jeannette Rouger 1977–1980 Anne-Marie Pierce 1980–1989 Marcel Barchechat 1989–1997 Susan Maino 1997–1998 (Interim Head) Andrée McGiffin 1998–2002 Frédéric Canadas 2002–2016 Dominique Velociter 2016–2017 (Acting Head)

ANDRÉE MCGIFFIN

SUSAN MAINO

MARCEL BARCHECHAT

JEANNETTE ROUGER

ANNE-MARIE PIERCE

Emma Gimon EB Board Chair, 2015–present

HEADS OF SCHOOL

Christine Leigh-Taylor, 1977–1979 Pierre Krakowsky, 1979–1980 Paul Escobosa, 1980–1983 Jack Longinotti,1983–1986 Gilbert Wallet, 1986–1988 Ed Blakely, 1988–1992 Fred Lonsdale, 1992–1995 Joseph Duggan, 1995–1997 Marie-Paule Laden, 1998–1999 Henry Gardner, 1999–2001 Douglas Greenholz, 2001–2004 Ayman Fawaz, 2004–2008 Lynn Van Housen, 2008–2013 Peter Secor, 2013–2014 John Palmer, 2014–2015

DOMINIQUE VELOCITER

In looking to the future, we must reflect on our past. My fellow current Board members and I have been inspired by and are very grateful for the dedication and hard work of the past Board Chairs and Heads of School. They have all contributed so much over the last 40 years to make EB what it is today: a vibrant, inclusive, challenging, multicultural, bilingual school and community. Their vision has established EB as the first and largest bilingual school in the East Bay, one of the pioneers of the dual-immersion movement in the Bay Area. Here’s to the next 40 years being even stronger!

BOARD CHAIRS

FRÉDÉRIC CANADAS

I’m proud to lead the current Board as we tackle numerous important projects, chief among them for this year is supporting the transition of our new Head of School and developing the next Strategic Plan for EB. The Strategic Planning Task Force is currently deep at work, ensuring a collaborative process that includes input from our various stakeholders and key members of the school community to build a shared vision for EB. We look forward to unveiling the strategic vision for the future of EB at this year’s Place du Marché.

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THEN AND NOW THEN AND NOW THE

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EN AND NOW THEN AND NOW THEN

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1977 175 EB parents, students, and friends recreate the “first Thanksgiving� of 1621 in Tilden Park with authentic food, costumes, and games.

1978 The first EB Parents’ Association is born and over the next four years undertakes numerous projects, including: purchasing and cataloging library books, organizing the clothing exchange thrift shop, building and installing equipment for the yard, and more!

1977

1977 Founded by 5 families with a vision of an innovative bilingual education, EB first opens its doors with four classrooms, six teachers, and 50 students. The Little House is home to administrative offices (with just one administrator!) and a small library.

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1978

1979

1979 Dolores Meacham donates land for the Lower School playground, and parents come together to help build the first play structure.

FALL 1977–SPRING 1987

1987 “First

1979 EB launches the first Kitchen Tour, featuring 7 homes designed by John Hudson Thomas. The event raises $5,000 for EB and becomes an annual favorite, adding a lunch prepared by the parents, cooking demos, raffles and more!

1980

decade families” raise funds for the building of the Multi-Purpose Room and four additional classrooms.

1983 EB receives its first CAIS/WASC accreditation.

1983

1985

1987

1985 The playground gets a facelift, with the “tunnelstructure,” jungle gym, and monkey bars replacing the original parent-built structure.

1980 EB’s first graduating class has 7 kids!

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FALL 1987–SPRING 1997

1991 The Middle School

1988 EB’s Middle School opens and welcomes its

moves to its current location on Grayson Street.

first sixth grade class.

1987

1988

1990

1991

1992

1990 The third language program begins with the addition of Spanish instruction at the Middle School.

1992 The Maternelle expands to its own building.

1987 The exchange program with France begins, one of today’s signature programs. Fifth graders spend two weeks living with

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a host family in a French city, exploring the museums, parks, monuments and culture of our sister country.

1994 The beloved garden program launches, inspired by alumni parent and food pioneer Alice Waters.

1993

1994

1995 Enrollment reaches 500.

1995

1997

1997 The Children’s 1993 First pioneer sleepover camp, where students dress up in pioneer garb, participate in historical activities, and learn about the history of the area (now the Coloma trip!)

Kitchen Garden, a book educating kids about taste, gardening, and cooking is published by parents.

1997 EB holds its first Place du MarchĂŠ event, a French fair for children and adults right here in Berkeley!

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FALL 1997–SPRING 2007 1998 First EB graduate to

2004 A second trip to France, in 8th grade, is added to the

enroll their own child at EB in Kindergarten.

curriculum. During this trip, students deepen their linguistic and cultural experiences and form tight bonds.

2003 EB changes its name from East Bay French American School to Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley.

1998

2003

2004

2003 First World Celebrations event, featuring food, music, and dress from our diverse community, with influences from all over the world!

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2005

2005 EB implements its Character Development Program, which has since become our SocialEmotional Learning Program.

Starting in preschool, children learn how to name and recognize their emotions and feelings, as well as those of their peers.

2006 The Green Council is created, with a focus on environmental sustainability and ecological awareness.

2006

2006 EB launches the first East Bay’s one-to-one student laptop program at the Middle School.

2007

2006 EB expands its third language options with the addition of Mandarin Chinese. Students not only discover the language, but also explore Chinese culture with participation in events like Chinese New Year, Moon Cake festival and more.

2007 EB celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

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FALL 2007–SPRING 2017

2009 Lower School purchase finalized.

2010 Middle School building acquired.

2013 The garden is expanded and moved to its current location in the courtyard, providing a sheltered and enticing haven for learning about all things “green.”

2008

2009

2009 The Board votes a 2008 The tradition of the class gift to the Endowment is created, inspiring students to leave their own legacy as they graduate from EB.

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resolution to launch the Campus Campaign, the second capital campaign in EB’s history. Its goal is to help finance the purchase and expansion of EB’s facilities.

2010

2011

2011 The Middle School Citizenship Award is created, to honor a student or group for their efforts towards and impact on building community and civic engagement.

2015 With the help of

2015 EB holds its first ever Maker Faire, with 54 student maker leaders!

2013

2014

2015

parent volunteers, EB launches the TEDxYouth@ EB program. Middle School students give live talks in the style of TED Talks and participate in activities based on themes like “the Future You” and “Dream.”

2017

2017 The EB Jaguars celebrate their 53rd sports championship, with combined wins for the Middle School basketball, volleyball, and football teams!

2015 EB is recognized as

2014 Thanks to the generous donors of the Campus Campaign, who collectively donated close to 3 million dollars, the Outdoor Learning Environment is completed.

The yard is expanded and transformed with a soccer field, basketball court, amphitheater, and seasonal creek, to the delight of students and parents alike.

a California Green Ribbon School at the Silver Level for its commitment to reducing its environmental impact and providing environmental education.

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THEN AND NOW THEN AND NOW THE

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AND NOW… EN AND NOW THEN THEN AND NOW THEN

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EB FACULTY AND STAFF

We honor our longstanding faculty and staff members, who have been a part of EB’s fabric for over twenty years. Each of them has made innumerable contributions to the growth and success of this school and we are grateful for their dedication and commitment. We are pleased to share some of what made EB special for them in these pages.

Marie-Anne Allain 1993 to Present G1/G2 French Teacher “I cherish the diversity and openness of the community, a representation of the Berkeley spirit.”

Bernadette Dervaux Brooks 1983 to 2003 G2 French Teacher

Emmanuel Coup 1991 to 2012 Middle School French Math Teacher

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Thierry Durandard 1988 to Present Lower School Head “I’ll never forget the creativity and the dedication of the EB teachers.”

Bénédicte Cambon-Ritter 1997 to Present (2002–2003 sabbatical) G4 French Teacher and Learning Specialist

Jean-Philippe Filhol 1991 to Present G1/G2 French Teacher

Corinne Fiscal* 1994 to 2014 G1/G2 French Teacher

Faye Fruchtman 1982 to Present Preschool English Teacher “It’s been amazing to see my former students come back as parents themselves at EB, and their parents who I’ve known for years as grandparents. It’s really come full circle.”

Carole Griffin 1985 to 2005 Librarian “I was fortunate to be involved in the school from the first years, first as a parent, then as a teacher, finally as the librarian.

The esprit de corps was inspiring.”

Mary Havemann 1982 to 2003 G3 English Teacher “What a marvelous adventure EB was for me!

Being immersed into an international setting and working with faculty, staff, parents, and students was quite an experience for me, especially coming from the Midwest. Watching my students develop their reading skills and enthusiasm for books was a joy each year.”

Véronique Jordan 1998 to Present Development Assistant “I have been so impressed with the long-lasting friendships that have been woven over the years with students and parents, and the incredible dedication and sense of community from the families.”

Colette Lapeyre 1982 to Present Lower and Middle School Librarian

Sylvie Le Meur 1996 to Present Lower School French Curriculum Coordinator and Librarian “I will always remember the years I worked with Thierry when we had puppets who got married, went on a honeymoon, and appeared in a magical end-of-the-year show!

Carine Lapicque 1994 to Present G4/G5 French Teacher

2017–2018

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EB FACULTY AND STAFF

Brigitte Little 1998 to Present French Kindergarten Teaching Assistant “Seeing the house next door on wheels as it was moved to its new location was impressive!

It was the beginning of EB’s expansion.”

Odile Marie 1991 to 2011 Middle School Head

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Arleen Matthews 1979 to 2006 G2 English Teacher

Françoâse Moréliéras 1981 to 2015 G4/G5 French Teacher

Béatrice Morand 1990 to Present French Kindergarten Teaching Assistant “One of my fondest memories is from one of the preschool shows years ago when we created a circus performance with acrobats, clowns, trained animals, jugglers, tightrope walkers… it was incredible!”

Nadine Morrisette 1991 to 2017 G3 French Teacher and French Soutien “I have so much enjoyed sharing with my students the French language and culture over the years. I had such fun—we shared so many laughs!"

1988–1989

Corinne Pluche 1997 to Present Middle School Math Teacher “I’ll always remember the family that we created, the sense of community that was shared with other teachers and parents.”

Antoine Portales 1992 to Present Director of Business and Finance “What stands out for me is the time when parent volunteers rallied and spent the day putting together the playground equipment and safety mats at the Lower school in 2002.”

Javier Quintero 1990 to Present Facilities Team Member

Laurent Rigobert 1995 to Present G1 French Teacher

Jeff “Coach” Rodriguez 1992 to Present PE Middle School Teacher and Afterschool Sports Coach “I’ll never forget helping each kid get their moment in the spotlight, showing that each one of them is important.”

Roberte Rountree 1978 to 2016 Executive Assistant “I have worked as the Executive Assistant with every single Head of School.

I have, of course, many memories, but one of my favorites would be when I brought a complete Brazilian troupe to EB to celebrate Carnaval.”

Virginie Téjéro-Gostlin 1989 to Present G1/G2 French Teacher “I’ll always remember how close I became with the parents, as well as the change to an Anglophone country, so different from France!”

Patrice Zauret 1997 to Present Lower School French PE Teacher “All who have the privilege of living the EB experience, like myself who was born in the Ivory Coast, have been transformed by the positive scholastic atmosphere.”

Positions listed refer to most recent positions held, and do not encompass all positions an employee may have held.

Judith Tidrick 1984 to 2009 G5 English Teacher

Georges Vitry* 1978 to 2006 Middle School Librarian

*deceased

Michael Rossman* 1984 to 2004 (03–04 sabbatical) Lower School Science Teacher

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EB is proud of its over 1,500 alumni who have gone on to lead interesting and enriching lives. Our students leave EB as truly global citizens, able to be at home in the world. Whether they have stayed close to the Bay or have made new homes overseas, our students are caring, respectful, and interested in a myriad of subjects.

Through education, medicine, finance, management, social justice work, the arts, and more, our former students are making a difference in their communities.

Cheers to them! Bravo !

Check out all the countries in which alumni are currently living!* Australia

China

Germany

Scotland

Belgium

Colombia

Italy

Spain

Canada

England

Japan

Sweden

Chile

France

Netherland

Switzerland

*indicates only those known to us at the time of printing

Want to see your picture in one of our publications?

Send us updates about what you’re up to and where you’re living at alumni@eb.org.

We’d love to hear from you!

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United States

Emma Booth Class of 2011 Glasgow, Scotland Studying Pharmacology at University of Glasgow

Isabelle Cohen (Walrand) Class of 1998 Baltimore, MD, United States OB-GYN at Mt. Sinai Hospital

Andrew Hasse Class of 1995 Berkeley, CA, United States Film editor and writer

Alex Le Bon Class of 1999 Waialua, HI, United States Marine engineer

Céline Cohen Stumbles Class of 1983 Killara, NSW, Australia Stay-at-home mom Madeleine Lettieri Class of 2002 Milan, Italy Wholesale Fashion

Aaron Firestein Class of 1999 Bogota, Colombia Founder of Bucketfeet, an art-focused shoe company

Amélie Segrestan Class of 1997 New York, NY, United States Operations Manager at SY Partners (Management Consulting firm)

Edgar Smit Class of 2011 Lausanne, Switzerland Studying Material Science and Engineering at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Joshua Spence Class of 2004 Seattle, WA, United States Social worker with autistic children

Chinzalée Sonami Class of 1999 London, England Senior Grocery Buyer for Planet Organic

Benjamin Tarquin Class of 2000 Fukuoka, Japan Co-partner of YAK Films

Zia Tyebjee Class of 1996 Shanghai, China Architect at Gensler Architecture Design Co

Natalie Uomini Class of 1987 Jena, Germany Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History

Sarah Von Billerbeck (Kanafani) Class of 1992 Oxford, England Assistant Professor at the University of Redding

Laurie Walter Class of 1997 Montpellier, France Tour Guide for Backroads

Laura Spiekerman Class of 2000 Oakland, CA, United States Co-founder of Alloy, tech start-up

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Reflections from a First Family Initially, EB was more of an idea than a reality. Prospective students and their parents were interviewed during the late spring of 1977 in the living room of a founding family. There was no school to visit because the school site was not finalized until the late summer.

His three children who are now students at EB were all born in Paris.

Our younger son was in an art history Ph.D program, his area of interest being 18th century French art. French culture has become part of the glue that is central to our family.

the most fully developed curriculum, bilingual schools in many languages have proliferated in the Bay Area. As Ecole Bilingue has grown, the idea has become a reality beyond the imagination of the first families. We were lucky to be part of EB’s beginning.

Bilingual education itself was not highly regarded in those days. Mastering a second language was commonly seen as an impediment to learning unless that second language was English.

Many people saw EB as an oddity. Why French? What’s the point?

Moreover, California has caught up with the idea of bilingualism that EB began locally. The validity of bilingual schools has become widely recognized. Although French bilingual education provides

Parent from 1977–1994 Grandparent from 2012 to the present

Looking back now, I can only shake my head and say, “What were we thinking?”

One answer to that question lies with the parents and teachers. EB’s greatest asset was and continues to be the enthusiasm and commitment of parents and teachers. Choosing to be an EB parent was a real leap of faith, especially in the early days of the school, but what a fascinating group to join! The adult EB community is international, adventurous, opinionated, unconventional, contentious, and energetic. They built the EB we see today. During the early years, parent-driven fundraising included a second-hand store upstairs in the “little house,” a John Hudson Thomas House Tour, the Kitchen Tour and Breakfast, and a klezmer concert. Parents funded and developed the first play area (including grading, laying sod and building a climbing structure) on an empty lot (part of the current play area) when the owner agreed to rent the land for $1 a year (no liability insurance required).

Another answer to that question, “What were we thinking?” is that bilingualism seemed like a good idea. We were right.

Although we are not French-speaking parents, our bilingual oldest son has worked for a French company for 14 years.

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THE MEYER FAMILY: Michael, Chloé, Theodore, Joshua, Océane, Tina

Introducing the EB Alumni Spotlight Award!

To honor and celebrate our alumni doing incredible things all over the country and the globe, we are pleased to introduce EB’s first Alumni Spotlight Award.

EB seeks to recognize and honor alumni who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions in their work and life, and who have positively impacted their communities through professional, public service and/or civic activities.

40th Alumni Families’ Reception

40th Anniversary Place du Marché

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 5:30–8:30PM ON THE EB CAMPUS

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 11AM–4PM ON THE EB CAMPUS

Join us for a fabulous evening of fun, connections, and memories as we celebrate EB’s 40th Anniversary! The event is open to all our alumni parents and students ages 18 and up and will feature:

Everyone’s favorite event: this year, it will be bigger and better than ever!

Our playground will be transformed into a French marketplace and festival with children’s games, products from our community of artisans and makers, live music and performances, and plenty of delicious food and wine.

n Flavorful hors d’œuvres from

our talented and renowned community members n Great wine—an EB tradition! n Celebration of teachers and staff

If you know anyone who exemplifies EB’s values and you feel is deserving of this award, please nominate them!

Check out our website eb.org/40 for full details, including additional criteria and the nomination form.

who’ve been at EB for 20 years+

Our awardee will be announced at our May 18 gathering… see details at right!

n Alumni Spotlight Award recipient

n GIF photo booth fun from The

Bosco n Photos from the last four decades

of EB’s history! revealed n And more!

Visit eb.org/40 for more information Thank you to our Sponsors Acme Bread Co. Bette’s Oceanview Diner The Bosco Broadside Wines Farmer & The Fig Kokkari Estiatorio La Noisette Sweets

La Note Lamia Cuisine Baking Melissa Rossi Cuisinière Souvenir Coffee Stella Nonna Saint Michel Vigneron Imports

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