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The Epiphany School Update is published annually by the Advancement team. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information presented. If you find an error, please notify us at communications@ epiphanyschool.org or 206-971-3061.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Epiphany School promotes and cultivates a diverse community as essential to academic success, social and emotional growth, and the development of good character. Engaging diverse perspectives stretches the mind and requires critical thinking, intellectual courage, and creativity. It takes careful listening and thoughtful expression, and manifests itself in cultural competency. Thinking beyond oneself and seeing the world through the eyes of others is the foundation of fairness and empathy, and thus prepares our students to live respectfully and lead responsibly in our pluralistic democratic society.
Inspiring every child to discover meaning and purpose in a life of learning
MISSION
Epiphany School challenges and supports all students to become confident, curious, and courageous learners through innovative teaching in a caring and inclusive environment.
VALUES
Epiphany School actively cultivates an awareness and respect for diversity in all forms. We strive to create a positive, joyful, and inclusive community by embracing the following values:
Respect: We encourage empathy through the strength of our differences, awareness of our global surroundings, and adherence to high standards of conduct.
Responsibility: We build integrity and trust by understanding our choices and owning our actions.
Resourcefulness: We foster resilience and expect all to search and find, to fail and learn, to risk and succeed in a changing world.
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
As I embark on my eighth year, I am ever struck by how much I enjoy what I do at Epiphany School! What an amazing place this is, built on 67 years of care, hard work, leadership foresight, and community-wide generosity. I am both proud and grateful to everyone who has helped our school continue to be so successful.
The 2023-24 school year was a remarkable period of growth, learning, and community-building. I am thrilled to share a few of our collective accomplishments and the exciting developments we anticipate in the coming year.
I am delighted to announce that Epiphany School was reaccredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), the culmination of two years of self-study work by our entire faculty and staff. This significant milestone highlighted the many strengths of our school, reaffirmed our commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement, and provided a clear and actionable path for ongoing advancement. It also offered strong confirmation that Epiphany School continues to deliver on its mission and values while adapting to the evolving needs of our students and community. The accreditation report includes specific commendations and recommendations, both of which will seamlessly integrate into the development of our next strategic plan over the coming months.
Continuing this look ahead, I am excited to provide an update on the school’s campus master planning progress. As you know, great schools consistently evolve their program to deliver the best possible experience for their students and families. Similarly, a school’s campus must change over time to keep pace with its strategic direction and ensure its future is secure. To that end, our Campus Master Plan, which the Board of Trustees formally approved in fall 2023, embraces a vision for a future campus that facilitates joyful learning and play, integrates learning subjects, and brings the quality of our physical spaces in better alignment with the high caliber of the educational experience we offer.
I feel confident that we will continue to preserve the traits and beloved traditions that have defined our school for nearly seven decades— while greatly improving our campus facilities. We are steadily progressing toward these goals as we head into the next phase of the project: design development. In this phase, we will work closely with our architects at Mithun and project managers at Pine Street Group to further refine the design of the interior and exterior of the new spaces, including entirely revamped outdoor play areas. (See our overall project development timeline, previous page.)
Essential to our master plan and timeline is a successful capital campaign. We continue to develop detailed plans for funding, financing, and neighborhood stewardship. We will continue to keep you informed as this journey progresses.
As we prepare for our 66th school year, we are excited to welcome 52 new students and 49 new families to the Epiphany School community. Their fresh perspectives and energy will undoubtedly enrich our vibrant school environment. I also look forward to sharing—with them and with you—the unique spirit of Epiphany School, where a connected community, deep relationships, and joyful learning are visible every day.
And, if you haven’t visited campus recently, I warmly invite you to do so. There is nothing quite like experiencing the Epiphany School “magic” firsthand.
Here’s to another wonderful school year!
Jenn Elkin Head of School
CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2024!
As always, a highlight of June was the Epiphany School graduation ceremony, celebrating our fifth graders’ individual and community achievements. The morning culminated with a joyous “car parade,” with our entire staff cheering on our graduates as they headed off on summer break. We know the Class of 2024 will make us proud, and we look forward to seeing them back on campus soon as volunteers and visitors!
A Note from the EPC President
My family and I moved to Seattle just before our daughter, Vincent, began her journey as a pre-k student at Epiphany School. Five years later, Epiphany parents make up most of our best friends in the world. Epiphany Parent Council (EPC) events created the opportunity for me and my wife to build these relationships. This year, I’m honored to work with the other members of the EPC to help every family experience the same warmth and camaraderie that we’ve been so fortunate to find here.
Epiphany School does a wonderful job of building friendships between our children. The Epiphany Parent Council creates opportunities to build the same level of friendship between parents/guardians.
Our Vision
This year, the EPC is committed to:
• Fostering Strong Bonds: We organize fun, engaging events for parents/guardians and students to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
• Celebrating and Honoring Diversity: Our school is a tapestry of cultures and experiences. We will create new opportunities for families to learn from one another, expanding the hearts and minds of our children.
• Amplifying Your Voice: The EPC is a platform to share ideas, offer feedback, and contribute to improving the incredible Epiphany School community.
Your Involvement Matters
Every current parent/guardian is a member of the EPC! Whether it’s chairing an event, volunteering as a grade-level representative, or supporting parent-led initiatives, your involvement strengthens our community.
I’m always here to answer questions, brainstorm ideas, or simply chat. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to spend more time with all of you in person this fall!
Warmly,
Nick Glassman
EPC President, 2024-25
2024-25 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lee Falck, President
Ronald Koo, Vice President
Jessica Hans, Treasurer
Jeff Shiu, Secretary
Somany An
REB Bangert
Robert Blackwell
Charlie Butler
Jenny Cummins
Jenn Elkin
Mandy Gandt
Emily George
Nick Glassman, EPC President
Jay Goyal
Brian Hansen
Bob Henry
Erin Lea
Kye Lee
Rob Phillips
Corrie Rosen
Joanna Smith
Peter True
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jennifer Elkin, Head of School
Geoff Abel, Director of Technology
Allisen Haworth, Upper Elementary Division Head
Greg Jones, Director of Enrollment Management and Admission
Laura Buursma, Greg Cargill, Vice Presidents, Communications
Sarah Haley, Catie Ten Broek, Vice Presidents, Community Engagement
Raquel Barrett, Secretary
Danielle Green, EPC Advisor
Follow Along
Engage with Epiphany School on social media for a window into our community and daily life on campus!
@epiphany_school
@epiphanyseattle
can look so many different ways at Epiphany School! These days in second grade it includes mystery math packets focused on subtraction. Student “detectives” work in teams using math manipulatives and rekenrek counting frames, ten blocks, and unifix cubes to solve word problems and place answers on a number line.
Second graders have been learning the basics of economics, including lessons on overhead, profit, consumers, supply and demand, and much more. As part of this unit, each second grader launched their own toy company, partnering with their pre-k buddy to design and hand-craft a custom toy. Then our young entrepreneurs hosted friends and family for the Second Grade Toy Expo, sharing more about their business, distributing brochures, and delivering persuasive speeches about why their company is worth investing in. Amazing job, students! ��
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Big thanks to the kindergarten parents who came in to share about their culture and what it means to their family. Students heard a story, ate a paleta payaso (marshmallow lollipop), listened to Latin music, and even had a dance party!
#FlashbackFriday to our epic GATHER event, with a peek at some of our favorite party pics. Thank you again to all the families, faculty, staff, and alumni who came out to celebrate Epiphany School’s 65th anniversary and the amazing community we have built together. Thanks to you, we were able to raise over $320,000 to support our school program and financial aid.
Congratulations to our Cross Country Club runners for a successful start to their fall season! And a big THANK YOU to the parent coach and volunteers who made it possible for us to re-launch this wildly popular after-school club this fall! ��Go, Epiphany, go! ��
Our kindergartners took a 3-mile walk around the neighborhood and through Madrona Woods, learning about animal habitats, creating math-inspired nature art, and taking a close look at some discoveries found along the way. Lots of STEM learning opportunities for our kindergarten students!
Our first graders took a field trip to the Center for Wooden Boats as a culmination of their unit on boats. They toured the museum, took to the waters of Lake Union on rowboats, and even used tools to build their own boats!
Many grades learned about Lunar New Year this week! Thank you to the families who came into our classrooms to share what the Lunar New Year means to your families. To those who celebrate, we hope that your festivities will be filled with delicious foods, dances, and activities to welcome the new year with joy and excitement!
It’s been wonderful hosting our friends from Thailand through the Prasarnmit Primary International Programme! They’ve experienced Epiphany School with our fourth and fifth graders, had home visits and after-school play dates, visited many of Seattle’s finest attractions, and they even joined the fourth-grade field trip to Olympia where they toured the capitol building alongside our students. It was an educational and fun-filled visit—new friendships and memories were formed by all!
Breaking news! For the first time in Epiphany School history, we have reached 100% participation from current families in our Annual Fund! We are tremendously grateful to our entire school community for coming together to make this milestone achievement possible ��❤️����
Another successful service learning drive is in the books! We are blown away by our community’s generosity (over 150 coats were donated!) and are so proud to be a part of a community that cares and rallies around making a difference for children and families in need of help.
The 2024-25 Annual Fund
Ensuring our school’s ongoing excellence
By Alanna Hamilton, Annual Giving and Alumni Manager
At Epiphany School we strive each day to find new ways to enrich and enhance our students’ educational journey, fostering a dynamic learning environment where young minds thrive.
Central to this mission is our Annual Fund, crucial for supporting daily school operations and providing the necessary resources to meet evolving educational needs. It is through the collective effort of our full community that we can achieve such great success and fuel initiatives that impact students every day, including school program enhancements, curriculum updates, and improvements to campus security. The Annual Fund also
supports our efforts to attract and retain phenomenal faculty and staff through enhanced professional development opportunities.
We are proud to share that last year we reached 100% participation from our board, current families, and full-time faculty and staff, a rare achievement that embodies the uniqueness and commitment of our entire community. We hope you will join us this year as we invest, once again, in our school and our students through a thriving Annual Fund.
Learn more at epiphanyschool.org/ annualfund or give now using the QR code.
We play outside, rain or shine ��
Inventors at work! In STEM class, these fourth graders designed and programmed a creative “therapy robot,” complete with comforting accessories like tissues and tea.
Epiphany School’s Buddy Program is a schoolwide initiative that pairs younger and older students together for cross-grade projects, fun, mentoring, and bonding. One measure of the program’s success?
“The countless hugs, high-fives, and fist bumps EVERY time they see each other!” says kinder teacher Megan Canape.
From a fifth-grade “dunk tank” and a legit petting zoo (wallabies! goats!) to fun carnival games, tons of raffle prizes, and THREE giant inflatables, Epiphany School’s Carnival was truly epic this year. BIG thanks to our Carnival co-chairs and all the many volunteers who chipped in to make this event the smashing success it was! ��
What a day! From pre-k checking out the playground they’ll get to play on as kindergarteners to the entire school cheering on our fifth graders and staff during our annual kickball game, it was an exceptionally fun and colorful Friday!
Hellos & Goodbyes
Hellos
Kim Johnson began working at Epiphany School in October 2023 as a part-time third grade instructional assistant. In the 2024-25 school year, she will be a full-time lead teacher in third grade. She brings over 18 years of experience to this role, having previously taught fourth through six grades in Texas public schools and served as an ESL, English language arts, and intervention teacher. She obtained her BA in History at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and has certifications in special education, English as a second language, and elementary English and history.
most recently was responsible for leading a team merging technology, processes, and people during the Tableau acquisition by Salesforce. His depth of knowledge, strategic vision, and customer-oriented approach is an asset to Epiphany School as we look ahead to ensure our teachers, staff, and students have the technology tools they need to be successful.
We are happy to welcome Melissa Watkins to Epiphany as our new kindergarten teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education, brings eight years of experience in lower elementary teaching, and most recently taught kindergarten through the IB framework at Bellevue Children’s Academy. Before that, she served as a building coordinator providing 1:1 behavioral support to over 240 students and classroom support for a team of 25. We’re thrilled she is bringing her leadership and her passion for fostering curiosity and wonder through a global lens in the classroom!
will continue in the role for the 2024-25 school year.
Alexis Ortega, who has served as our Middle School Placement Coordinator for the past year, is now Associate Director of Enrollment Management and Admission.
Sophia Sneep transitioned from kindergarten teacher to first-grade teacher.
Aquonna Thornhill, former third-grade teacher, is now teaching second grade.
Nikki Van Nimwegen transitioned from first-grade teacher to learning skills specialist teacher.
Denver Bingham, executive assistant to the head of school, began her administrative career at Bainbridge Dance Center, operating in the role of executive assistant for five years. She moved on to support the CEO of the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass, the CEO of Hitchcock Restaurant Group, and the Managing Director of the 5th Avenue Theatre. Most recently, she served as project manager at Pilot Lab, a design and technology studio. Denver holds a BA in Art History from the University of Washington and obtained a project planning and management certification.
Lilly Miller and Roxie Kohlmyer joined the Extended Day team as assistant teachers supporting the kinder and first grade cohorts. Lilly is a touring musician, writing and performing folk songs in Seattle and around the country in her spare time. Roxie is currently a psychology major at Seattle University and is interested in exploring school counseling as a career.
Geoff Abel took on the role of Director of Technology in June 2024. He holds a BA in Business Administration and Spanish Literature and brings over 14 years of experience in technology, operations, and streamlining systems and processes. He
We are excited to welcome a new teaching team to fourth grade!
Carrie Pencek brings 21 years of teaching experience in both public and independent settings, most recently in fourth grade at Open Window School in Bellevue. Carrie’s career has spanned across Florida, Washington D.C., New York City, and Seattle, as well as abroad in Madrid, Spain. She holds a BS in Psychology and a MS in Education with a Social Studies Specialization from the University of Mary Washington. Kaili Sandico-Wong holds a BA in Early Childhood Family Studies from the University of Washington and an MA in Urban Education from Union University. She began her teaching journey in Memphis as a resident teacher and taught in Memphis public schools for three years before moving back to Seattle. Kaili most recently taught reading, writing, and math at Morningside Academy, where she deepened her knowledge of differentiated instruction to support a wide range of learners and their needs.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT EPIPHANY SCHOOL
We recently asked some of our teachers and administrators to share what they love about working at Epiphany School. Hear what they had to say in our new video!
Sara Burtis recently joined Epiphany School’s development team as our new Development Services Manager. She relocated from South Dakota, where she served as Database and Prospect Research Manager at Children’s Home Society of South Dakota. She holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, has over five years of development experience, and formerly served as a kindergarten classroom assistant. We’re excited for her to leverage her strong database management, data analysis, and predictive modeling expertise in this new role!
Goodbyes
In the time since our last Update magazine was published, we’ve said goodbye to these talented faculty and staff as they’ve moved on to new roles, retirement, and other adventures. With gratitude for their many contributions to Epiphany School, we wish the best to the following individuals:
David Bush, fourth-grade teacher, 18 years
Jess Carley, second-grade teacher, 11 years (with plans to return after teaching in Kenya!)
Kate McElvaney is our new instructional coach! Kate recently relocated from San Francisco after serving as Head of Preschool and Elementary School at The San Francisco School for the past four years. Prior to that, Kate spent 15 years at High Meadows School in Roswell, Georgia. She wore many hats during her time there, including teaching fourth and fifth grade and serving as elementary division director, director of educational advancement, and founding director of High Meadows Center for Progressive Learning. She also taught English in middle and high school in Hawaii and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
Role Transitions
Amber Buehlmaier transitioned from Registrar and Student Information Systems Manager to Registrar and Admission Assistant.
Becky Ginn, former pre-kindergarten instructional assistant, has been serving as STEM specialist teacher since March 2024 when Anna Johnson went on family leave. She
Michelle Beebe, learning skills specialist teacher, 9 years
Charlie Burkland, fourth-grade teacher, 7 years
Jaime Gillin, director of marketing and communications, 6 years
Alexa Sparks, development and communications coordinator, 6 years
Andrew Schafer, executive assistant to the head of school, 6 years
Safir Boudad, lower French/Latin specialist teacher, 3.5 years
Jude Miqueli, director of technology, 3 years
Kristin Daniel, instructional coach, 2 years
Anna Johnson, STEM specialist teacher, 2 years (with plans to return after an extended family leave)
Khadijah Cooper, IT specialist, 1.5 years
Bridget Comeau Extended Day assistant teacher, 6 months
What is in the Epiphany “Secret Sauce”?
By Lee Falck, Board of Trustees President
As a parent of three Epiphany School alumni, being part of the wonderful Epiphany community for over 10 years, and now serving on the Board of Trustees, I always cherish the start of a new school year. Especially the first few days back on campus, there is this unmistakable feeling of excitement. We get to see heartfelt embraces of friends coming back together from summer break and the wonder of new students entering Epiphany for the first time. Events like the ice cream social, all-school BBQ, all-school assemblies, and of course recess all contribute to this buzz. But there is something more than friends and fun underlying the unique energy of this school.
As the year gets underway, parents see their children learning how to read, beginning multiplication or division, learning a language, exploring history and its meaning, and so on. But Epiphany teachers see more than the curriculum. They are initiating the journey of students’ self-discovery. Importantly, Epiphany teachers understand how your child learns, what
motivates them, and all the ways they are unique. Knowing children starts with listening and valuing their thoughts and ideas and encouraging failure as a good thing—a learning opportunity. When students have that “ah-a” moment, step forward to share in the morning circle, or beam with pride during their performance or special project, they are discovering new facets of themselves. This is special, and underpins the unique excitement we experience at the start of each school year. This is the Epiphany “secret sauce.”
To make the Epiphany secret sauce requires a whole lot, including your contributions and volunteering. I encourage you to get involved and enjoy your own self-discovery alongside your student as you help the school and build new friendships in the community.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, a special thanks to Jenn, her leadership team, faculty, and staff for everything they do throughout the school year!
Welcome to our Newest Trustees
By Somany An, Board of Trustees Governance Committee Chair
Responsible for upholding Epiphany School’s mission and values, the Epiphany School Board of Trustees provides oversight of the Head of School’s operation of the school as well as strategic guidance. It comprises 15-25 elected trustees including current parents, parents of alumni, and educational leaders. The Board meets monthly throughout each academic year. In addition to trustees, several volunteers from our community also serve on Board committees addressing areas such as development (fundraising), finance, and master use (campus and facilities).
The Board of Trustees extends its gratitude to Ben Magnano, Jamie Morris, Kara Westhusing Engskov, and Danielle Green for their dedication and service to the school over the past several years, as they rotate off the Board. And we welcome Charlie Butler, Nick Glassman, Jessica Hans, Brian Hansen, and Peter True to new terms of service. Get to know our newest trustees below!
Charlie Butler is an active volunteer at Epiphany School and in local nonprofit and arts organizations. He chairs our school’s Annual Fund and served as a non-trustee member of the development committee for the past two years. Charlie is currently a partner at Hacker & Willig and previously worked at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the law firm that became K&L Gates. He and his husband, Kevin, have two Epiphany students, Henry (first grade) and Theo (third grade).
Jessica Hans, managing director at Silver Creek Capital Management, served for two years as a non-trustee member of the Finance Committee before joining the Board. She holds a BA in Economics from Pomona College and an MBA from Yale School of Management. Jessica and her husband, Phil, are parents of Juniper (third grade) and her younger sibling, Paul.
Brian Hansen grew up in Seattle, graduating from Franklin High School and then the University of Washington. His career has spanned the East and West coasts, and he is currently focused on investments in real estate and advising startups in the Seattle area. This past school year, Brian served as a non-trustee member of the Finance Committee, which he’ll continue serving on for 2024-25. He and his wife, Emilie, are parents of an Epiphany alum (Jojo), current fourth grader (Cece), and a preschool-aged daughter (Margaret).
Peter True ’96 an Epiphany School alum, joins the Board after serving for one year as a non-trustee member of the Master Use Committee. Currently, Peter works as a vice president at Gull Industries and sits on the Henry Art Gallery board. He holds a BA from Boston University and an MBA from the University of Washington. Peter and his wife, Jacqueline, are proud parents of Teddy (third grade).
Epiphany School is excited to welcome Nick Glassman as our new EPC President. Previously, Nick served as the EPC Welcome Committee Co-Chair, EPC Third Grade Grade-Level Rep (GLR), and EPC Fall Faculty Luncheon Co-Chair. He is an entertainment and technology executive and currently works at Google. He previously worked at Microsoft Azure. Nick and his wife, Mariam, have two children at Epiphany, Vincent (fourth grade) and Gabriel (second grade).
Introducing... the Candi Coe Memorial Endowment Fund
By Lauren Smith, Director of Development
On June 1, 2024, at Epiphany School’s first Former Faculty and Staff Luncheon, we shared news that touched the hearts of many in attendance. On behalf of the school, former staff members Jenny Cummins and Anne Sarewitz announced the establishment of the Candi Coe Memorial Endowment Fund, a lasting tribute to a beloved faculty member of the Epiphany School community.
The Legacy of Candi Coe
In 2022, the Epiphany School community mourned the loss of Candi Coe, who passed away from acute myeloid leukemia. Ms. Coe was an esteemed educator who dedicated 35 years to teaching at Epiphany School, with 28 of those years spent nurturing kindergarten students. Her unwavering dedication to student growth, her commitment to the school’s mission, and her support for her colleagues made her an integral part of the community. As a teacher, mentor, and friend, Candi Coe left an indelible mark on the school, and her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her.
The Candi Coe Memorial Endowment Fund aims to perpetuate Ms. Coe’s profound impact on the Epiphany School community by fostering growth, education, and opportunity for all.
About the Fund
The primary purpose of the Candi Coe Memorial Endowment Fund is to provide financial assistance to the
children of Epiphany School’s faculty and staff. This support aims to ensure that these students have access to the world-class education offered by Epiphany School and can fully participate in the vibrant life of the school community.
The Epiphany School community, alumni, parents, and friends are invited to join in honoring Candi Coe’s legacy by contributing to this endowment. Generous contributions will directly impact the lives of the students who benefit from this fund, enabling them to achieve academic excellence and personal growth.
Join Us in Continuing Candi Coe’s Legacy
Together, we can keep the spirit of Candi Coe alive at Epiphany School. Your support will ensure that Epiphany School remains a place of inspiration, inclusion, and growth for generations to come. For more information on how to contribute or to learn more about the Candi Coe Memorial Endowment Fund, please scan the QR code or visit our website at epiphanyschool.org/give.
Natural Curiosity Cultivating a community of explorers,
scientists,
and environmental stewards
By Kacy Lebby, Outdoor Education Specialist Teacher
The Outdoors is for Everyone
One goal of our program is for students to understand that the outdoors is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background or ability. To that end, we equip students with the skills to confidently plan outdoor adventures and to embrace diverse outdoor activities. Students practice orienteering, trip planning, leave no trace principles, how to set up a tent, and how to be comfortable in the elements. By fostering this inclusive mindset and providing them with the necessary tools, we empower children to explore and enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits throughout their lives.
Launched last school year, Epiphany School’s Outdoor Education Program immerses our students in a classroom without walls—where every tree, rock, and breeze invite exploration and inquiry. From pre-k through fifth grade, our young adventurers are encouraged to tune into their senses, ask questions, and unlock the mysteries of the natural world. Whether they’re studying the patterns of rainfall, the diversity of local flora and fauna, or the secrets of the soil, they are guided to observe, question, and analyze with the keen eye of a scientist.
It’s all about cultivating a profound sense of wonder and stewardship for the natural world. From crafting stormwater solutions to learning about pollinators, our students engage their hands and minds through experiential learning. On neighborhood explorations—like trekking through Madrona Woods or spending time on the shores of Lake Washington—our students practice treading lightly and observing their environment closely. They tend our school garden, restore habitats, and embrace sustainable practices that honor and protect our planet. Through shared experiences, they learn the value of teamwork, communication, and collective problem-solving, laying the foundation for a lifetime of adventurous inquiry.
Everything is Connected
Each activity in the Outdoor Education Program has been thoughtfully designed to highlight the interconnectedness of nature. Once children understand that everything in nature is connected, they can develop a sense of environmental stewardship and empathy towards all living things.
Our Outdoor Education Program offers students ample opportunities for curiosity, one of Epiphany School’s “three Cs.” Below: Second graders collaborate as they learn how to pitch a tent.
Whether planting seeds in our school garden, harvesting vegetables, making compost, or recording their observations about plants, our students learn that they can contribute to the well-being of our community and the earth.
Every year students challenge themselves and experience hands-on science learning at NatureBridge, a highlight of the fifth-grade year and a memory that alumni cherish for years to come.
Diving Deep at NatureBridge
While most of our outdoor ed programming takes place within the school day, each fall our fifth graders head to Olympic National Park for an immersive three-day field trip at NatureBridge. At this residential environmental education center, they canoe Lake Crescent to test water, meet Native elders, explore local geography and history, and hike Mount Storm King. Equally important, they bond over fun games and team-building activities, setting the group up for an even more meaningful and connected final year at Epiphany.
Stronger Together
Participating in team work within our outdoor education program teaches children invaluable skills in collaboration and communication. Activities focused on stewardship and sustainability not only educate children about environmental responsibility but also foster a sense of shared purpose and unity among team members. By working together to conserve and protect natural spaces— weeding and harvesting in our school garden, for example—children learn firsthand the importance of collective effort in preserving our planet for future generations.
Even though our school is in an urban neighborhood, there’s plenty of nature to explore nearby. Below: Each fall, upper division students host a pop-up farmers’ market, selling student-grown produce and donating all proceeds to a local charity.
Learn More
Explore our grade-level outdoor education curriculum across the grades.
Epiphany School has a rich history of music and performance. Last year, with the hiring of our new Music, Drama, and Movement Specialist Teacher, Sofia Piel, we had the opportunity to expand upon our already fantastic program, which is foundational to an Epiphany School education. We sat down with Sofia to discuss how she evolved the program after the departure of longtime Music and Performance Specialist Leslie Larkin; how she plans to continue to grow it; and the program’s positive impact on students across the grades.
What drew you to this role in the first place— what were you were excited about and why did you know you’d be a good fit?
Creative Space
Epiphany School’s new and improved Music, Drama, and Movement Program helps students discover their joys, passions, and fresh modes of self-expression
By Alexa Sparks
Fifth-grade bards narrate the story of Theseus and share their knowledge of Greek mythology in Anthony McGrann’s original production, “Theseus and the Minotaur.” Opposite, clockwise from top left: Third graders sing and dance in “It’s a Squirrel’s Life;” first-grade “helpful hedgehogs” recite an expressive poem for the production of “All Aboard the Friend Ship;” and fourth graders sing “You Are My Sunshine” and sign the chorus in ASL.
This is my dream job! I taught theater to children in New Hampshire for many years and I absolutely love the skills and joys we can experience through the performing arts. Working with children brings me so much happiness—they crack me up and have so much curiosity and life, as their natural state is playing, moving, and singing. I love that this position allows me to create a space for our students to express themselves in creative ways, gain confidence, and develop their communication skills.
Before I took this job, I was the first grade instructional assistant and I loved using scripts and doing reader’s theater with small reading groups. Every day, students would ask me “Are we doing the play today?!” Elementary
“We all have our own special combination of interests, talents, and passions, and everyone learns differently. This program allows students to look inside themselves and understand who they are, what inspires them, and how they can express themselves. It gives them so many opportunities to take risks and develop courage and creativity.”
–Sofia Piel, Music, Drama, and Movement Specialist Teacher
“Students need this space to discover and connect with their personal and creative interests, and making it a regular part of their learning and explorations at school is essential.”
–Sofia Piel, Music, Drama, and Movement Specialist Teacher
students LOVE acting and playing characters and being able to express themselves through that form of play, so I was excited to bring even more of this to students’ Epiphany School experience through the new Music, Drama, and Movement Program.
Tell us more about the program.
I work with all grades and every year I build upon their skills in each of three creative disciplines, which are so naturally connected: music, drama, and movement. In pre-k, students start learning simple rhythms, singing their hearts out, and moving in all kinds of creative ways, such as pretending they are up in the clouds, or octopuses, or bunnies. Pre-k lessons incorporate a lot of imagination, play, and movement! In kindergarten and first grade, I start teaching the basics of theater and students do a lot of improvisational games, read and act out scripts, and express themselves using their bodies, voices, and faces. And then as students progress through the grades, they
continue to build upon their knowledge of music—learning how to read music notes, exploring timbre, tempo, and pitch, and exploring all the wonderful instruments we have in the classroom, such as xylophones, ukuleles, and all kinds of percussive instruments.
When you took on this role, what changes did you make to the preexisting music program, and why?
I was really excited to add more theater, improvisation, and movement to what was already such a strong and essential music program at Epiphany School. The goal in evolving this program was to provide even more creative learning opportunities for our students, so they could gain confidence in performing, speaking in front of groups, and expressing themselves in whatever unique ways they connect with. We have so many different ways of expressing ourselves, and my students show me new ones every single day!
Below left: Fourth graders wrote their own hilarious scripts and created improvisational soundscapes using instruments in their original production of “Cassette Tape Time Machine.” Below top right: Third graders displayed wonderfully expressive acting as “misunderstood squirrels.” Bottom right: Sofia Piel celebrates her students’ success. Opposite: Kindergarteners shared where their family is from and sang passionately about colors and shapes in “Around the World.”
How have students responded to the new program?
Students really loved the addition of more theater and movement. They are constantly collaborating creatively in small groups—making “tableaus” with their bodies, or silent pictures depicting a scene. It’s so fun to see them figuring out how to work together, using their bodies and their faces to tell a story. Another favorite activity is called “mirrors,” where students face each other and move together to meditative music. These kinds of games give them practice in finding their own voice and expression and collaborating with their peers’ differing ideas and expressions.
Last year we also did a unit on the Brazilian martial arts dance capoeira, and the younger students were begging me to do capoeira in every class! Students have so much fun exploring the music, dances, and movement styles from diverse cultures, and I am excited to add more of this to the program!
Reflecting on the past year, what would you say you are proudest of?
I am proud of how we integrated so much into the Music, Drama, and Movement Program. I worked hard to tailor a dynamic program that allows flexibility to meet student needs, respond to their passions, and reflect their interests, and I feel like I am starting from a solid foundation now moving into my second year.
We also put tremendous effort into the grade-level performances—myself, the students, and classroom teachers—and I felt like it really showed in the performances we put on for the school and families. I loved
that each performance felt very age-appropriate, tuned in to students’ specific developmental needs and skills, and that we were able to incorporate units from their classroom and lessons from their social-emotional learning.
What can we look forward to in the 2024-25 school year?
I’m super excited about this school year! I hope to incorporate more dance in all grades, and more study of musical genres and artists. Last year’s third graders were totally wowed by the fourth grade’s scripts, and they want to write their own now that they’re fourth graders—so I will be working with them on the elements of scriptwriting.
One very exciting development in the works: I’m planning to introduce a regular “Superpower Hour,” or talent show, where students and staff can have the opportunity to share a song, dance, poem, hula hoop skill, or any performance or skill they are proud of. I would also love to do a schoolwide performance of Epiphany School’s annual Tournament of Books winner, or a collaboration with buddies. Stay *tuned*!
Becky’s Books
A lasting legacy in the Epiphany School library
By Jen Wilkinson, librarian, and Lise Wolken, former fifth-grade teacher
Becky Melonson was a part of Epiphany School’s community for 32 years before she retired in 2022. As a teacher and a colleague, she always supported and led both the adults and children she worked with—whether teaching kindergarteners how to read or challenging the fifth graders to take their annual service-learning coin drive to the next level.
Becky shared a wide view of the world with the children she taught. She made sure that every child could see themselves through literature at Epiphany School— by seeing people that looked like them in books, or understanding more about their own culture, or reading in their family’s home language. By bringing personally meaningful books into the classrooms and library, Becky added an important layer to students’ education and made them truly understand and feel that Epiphany was their school. Becky’s work embodied Rudine Sims Bishop’s famous quote: “When there are enough books available that can act as both windows and mirrors for all our children, they will see that we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities, because together they are what make us all human.”
In an effort to carry this legacy forward, we have established a new collection in the Epiphany School library: Becky’s Books. Through this collection, we will continue to show children the whole world, hoping they will see themselves in literature and experience others’ lives. In the 2022-23 school year, 58 books were purchased to launch this collection, and last year we added an additional 50 titles. These books—and those to come in future years— will give our community endless opportunities to reflect, to champion, to celebrate, to understand, to grow, and to learn. Thank you, Becky.
READ ON... Jen and Lise highlight a few books from this special collection.
“Gigi and Ojiji is one of many beginning readers in the Becky’s Books collection. Becky loved sharing these books with our newest readers. Additionally, she avidly discussed with students what names we use for family members, for example, to illuminate our connections and distinctions.”
“Staff and students who worked with Becky will likely recall learning about a holiday. Whether it was Day of the Dead in kindergarten or Kwanzaa in other grades, festivals and celebrations were another point of connection and extension. The book A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals is a celebration of Becky.”
“Books like How We Can Live: Principles of Black Lives Matter, Spanish is the Language of My Family, and Who Will Win? exemplify Becky’s commitment to representation in stories.”
“Families were frequently prominent in the stories Becky shared and read. The book Home for a While honors a family structure that Becky was intimately connected with, for she was a foster parent for over twenty years. Becky ensured all families felt seen and helped children understand the beautiful configurations of families.”
Above: In the meditative dramatic exercise “Mirrors,” kindergarteners take turns following each other’s moves—and in the process, they build focus, patience, communication, and trust. Right: In “Off the Beaten Path,” second graders share their knowledge of national parks, an example of integrating grade-level curricula into student performances.
Behind the Scenes: How We Welcome New Families
Epiphany School has a reputation for thoughtfully welcoming new families, bringing them into the school’s close-knit community with warmth and intention. Greg Jones, director of enrollment management and admission, shares the ways we onboard our newest community members each year.
A few years ago, I had an unusual experience: within weeks of each other, multiple independent schools in the region reached out me with the same question. They’d heard that Epiphany School does a great job welcoming new families; might we be willing to share more details about how we do it?
Here at Epiphany, we talk a lot about our warm community, parent involvement, and how we strive to be inclusive. But it hadn’t previously
occurred to me that our approach might be different—more intentional, more effective— than that of our peer schools. I gladly shared with these schools a list of what we do. What I could not send is how we do it. For every step of our welcome process is suffused with genuine passion, heart, and care—not only by the admission team and faculty and staff, but by our entire community of students and families.
You won’t see those characteristics on the timeline below, but it is this commitment and passion for building relationships with an open heart and caring about others that is the secret to making our “welcome plan” actually work. We believe that an intentional approach to bringing new families on board ensures that the community we build together is authentic, sustainable, and self-perpetuating.
Building Community and Belonging
Our commitment to doing all we can to help families feel welcome and included starts well before families enroll at Epiphany School. In fact, our goal is to be sure that everyone who visits our school—on a tour, at Open House, during the student playdates/assessments— feels like they belong at our school.
After families receive their enrollment offer, however, our “official” welcome process kicks in. Through deliberate efforts, frequent events, and a school culture that prioritizes relationships and family involvement, we ensure that parents, guardians, and caregivers quickly feel folded into our warm, inclusive community. Being an authentic, welcoming community is so important to us that we made it a pillar of our school’s strategic plan, as well as a guiding principle of our new campus master plan (see page 3 for more).
On the next two pages are some of the major milestones in our process to welcome new families.
Timeline
The First Seven Months
March
After decision day, admitted families are invited to attend a re-visit day on campus—to begin relationships with other new families and see the school again before they make their decision to enroll.
May
At New Family Night, all new families and their buddy families come together for the first time. Key school administrators and parent volunteers also attend.
August
Current and incoming pre-k and kindergarten parents/guardians attend grade-level potlucks to continue connecting with others in their grade and to learn about ways to get involved in the community. Later in the month, all students have the chance to visit their classroom and meet their teacher before the official start of the school year.
October (and beyond)
We hold new family coffees in fall and grade-level coffees in winter to hear how the start of the year has gone and to take feedback and answer questions.
April
The Epiphany Parent Council and the school’s admission department create 1:1 buddy family matches, connecting new families with those who’ve been at the school for at least a year. Buddy families typically get together several times over the summer.
June
Our parent council hosts grade-level play dates on campus, one in June and one in August.
September
We welcome the entire community to our annual all-school BBQ, where all families come together at one large event for the first time.
This open communication and intentional connection-building continues throughout the year—a defining characteristic of our school. Welcome!
It’s not unusual to form lifelong friendships with peers at Epiphany School. Fewer students develop those friendships with their pre-k teachers. Yet for Breahna Wilson ’02 and Gregory Wilson ’03, that was precisely the outcome of their elementary school years.
Breahna and Gregory met Jenny Cummins, a longtime Epiphany School pre-k teacher (and current board member) when they were four and two years old, respectively. The Wilsons lived down the street from the school, as did Jenny, and they quickly bonded after Breahna became Jenny’s pre-k student. “When I think back to those years, I don’t even want to use the word ‘community.’ We were a family,” says Jenny. If she ran out of eggs during a pre-k cooking project, she’d run up the street to borrow some from the Wilsons, and Breahna and Gregory occasionally slept over at her house. “We would get dropped off at Miss C’s house,” recalls Gregory. “We’d have dinner, we’d have bedtime, we’d wake up and go to school. At the time I thought that was what everyone did.” Through the years, their close relationship has only grown.
The Wilsons’ Epiphany Story
Decades after graduating, the Wilson siblings and their cherished pre-k teacher reflect on how Epiphany School creates a lifelong foundation for its students.
By Gemma Alexander
“Now even 30 years later, I’ll be out with friends and say, ‘Oh I’ve got to go, I’m getting coffee with my preschool teacher,” Gregory laughs.
“Epiphany is far more than a school,” reflects Breahna. “It was our foundation, not just for educational purposes or for college, but for our lives.” But it’s a foundation they easily could have missed out on.
“You know, financially it would have been impossible without a lot of support. Finding that support for both of us to attend was huge,” says Gregory. “Epiphany being representative and including students from all walks of life and all across the community makes it better.” Jenny agrees with that statement so strongly, she founded the Jenny Cummins Children’s Opportunity Fund in 2019 to provide tuition assistance to under-represented students.
Then, as now, Epiphany School took good care of every child and every family. The Wilsons remember their teachers helping them over a variety of academic and emotional hurdles, such as directing Gregory’s high energy
and connecting him with a speech therapist. “You couldn’t really hide at Epiphany or slip through the cracks,” recalls Gregory.
Some of the challenges the Wilsons faced were simple. In kindergarten, Breahna had a hard time finishing lunch. “Candi Coe, my kindergarten teacher, would always give me a little extra time because she knew I was such a slow eater, and she even came up with a song for me.” Gregory joins in as Breahna sings, “In your mouth, chew, swallow…”
Later, when she faced some social drama in fifth grade, Breahna’s parents wanted to step in, but her teacher, Deirdre McCrary, encouraged them to let Breahna handle it—it would be ok. “And it was! She was the foundation that propelled me into University Prep,” says Breahna. “She instilled that confidence that I could do this without my parents.”
“I used to call it the hidden curriculum,” says Jenny. “We were expected to teach children how to behave, and I think that’s still something parents really value. We teach children how to stand up, shake hands, say, ‘how do you do?’ and to hold a door for somebody. Those things are really important in life. They count for a lot.”
She continues: “Every family wants the same things for their child. They want them to be successful, they want them to be polite, and they want them to have friends.” Breahna knows Epiphany School’s secret to helping children achieve those things: “With each class, with each step, with each teacher, there was love and there was caring. There was a genuine sense of wanting to get you somewhere—and a belief that you could get there. And I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and from the entire Wilson family, for loving us. For truly, genuinely loving us and caring for our family. I hope that my kids will have that in the future.”
For a video interview with Jenny Cummins and the Wilson siblings, see epiphanyschool.org/ wilson
Opposite: the Wilson siblings at Epiphany School with Jenny Cummins in 1998. This page, top left: Jenny and and Richard Cummins with Breahna and Gregory Wilson at the Museum of Flight to celebrate Greg Wilson Sr. Above:
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