“By focusing on growth mindset, teachers reinforce the idea that effort has impact, allowing students to find meaning and benefit in the adversities of daily life,” writes Paige Baublitz-Watkins. See page 13 for more.
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
The school year is in full swing, with students and adults actively learning and growing together. We have launched implementation of our strategic plan, Epiphany School 2024: Leaders in Elementary Education, centered on expanding innovative teaching and learning practices and enhancing our authentic and welcoming community. Our faculty are already hard at work implementing the vision the strategic plan has laid out, while the Board of Trustees has approved a budget to meet these goals. It’s an exciting time to be at Epiphany School!
Every day within classrooms and across our school, our vision, mission, and values come alive. Inspiring every child to discover meaning and purpose in a life of learning clearly underlies the daily work among faculty and students. From Pre-K to Grade 5, our faculty know students deeply as learners and people; they support and challenge each student while also holding high expectations for academic achievement and social and emotional growth. Supported by the adults in our community as well as their peers, students demonstrate respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness as they meaningfully grow in courage, curiosity, and confidence year over year.
The incredible experience in each Epiphany School classroom depends on every faculty and staff member approaching growth and learning with the same vigor as our students: engaging with curiosity, showing courage to take risks and do the hard work, and building confidence on their own educational journey. Our faculty demonstrate the highest standards in learning new curriculum, reviewing and assessing best practices for all aspects of our program, collaborating in teams, modeling inclusion, and engaging in professional development. The joy of learning is truly palpable across campus every day.
Thanks to our remarkably robust and well-funded professional development system, faculty and staff are rapidly increasing their skills and expanding their perspectives in ways that continuously improve their work with students and benefit families. In the past six months alone, our staff has attended 10 different regional or national conferences on topics including math, handwriting, social-emotional learning, dyslexia, makerspace, learning differences, using theater in the classroom, mindfulness, and building a professional learning community. And they have since applied their learning directly to their work with students and each other.
Working together in new ways can be inspiring and challenging. As continuous learners ourselves, we adults strive to actively model a growth mindset for our students and collaborate to create and implement plans that incorporate our new learning. We are excited to share more with you as the year progresses, and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon so you can see for yourselves what an incredibly welcoming and positive learning environment Epiphany School continues to be!
Jenn Elkin Head of School
EDITOR’S NOTE: On the eve of sending this publication to press, the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Seattle. Our thoughts are with our greater Seattle community. Epiphany School friends, we hope you stay well and healthy through this challenging time.
VISION
U P D A T E
EDITOR
Jaime Gillin
CONTRIBUTORS
Paige Baublitz-Watkins
Jenn Elkin
Nick Peyton
Lauren Pitt
Celia Russo
Andrew Schafer
Betsy Webb
Jen Wilkinson
PHOTOGRAPHY
Libby Lewis Photography
DESIGN
Beans n’ Rice
PRINTING
Capitol City Press
Printed on 10% post-consumer waste paper with vegetable-based inks. Visit our website epiphanyschool.org
The Epiphany School Update is published biannually 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.
Dear Epiphany School Community,
Every day Epiphany School’s mission comes to life on campus! All we need to do is pause, listen, and look in classrooms or across the playground to see curious, courageous, and confident learners and teachers in action. This sounds easy, but we know the reality. Important adults in our community— parents, family, alumni, special friends—may not have that extra moment or simply aren’t near campus on a given day.
As stewards of the school, the Board of Trustees makes it a priority to keep the mission top of mind, along with our governance and business responsibilities. We attend school events and tours, and each month we share a ‘mission moment’ at the start of our Board meetings. These stories serve as valuable reminders that the students and faculty are at the core of our work as a Board.
Last fall, I had an evening full of mission moments when I attended the school’s annual Open House. It had been about 8 years since my family had attended the event as a prospective family, and I wanted to learn what’s top of mind for parents of young children. Of course, I also wanted to see our team of students, faculty, parent volunteers, and school leaders in action. Wow—what a night! Alan Barta, a longtime Pre-K faculty member, kicked off the event with personal, authentic stories of his experience as a parent and as a teacher for our youngest Epiphany School students. In that moment, families truly had a sense of the caring environment at Epiphany School. Also that evening, we heard about teaching and curriculum innovations to fuel first and second grade reading and writing. Some of the most memorable moments of the evening were spontaneous interactions between faculty and fifth grade student ambassadors, including conversations about poetry, long hikes at Nature Bridge, and a lot of curiosity about the ‘tooth unit’ in kindergarten. These conversations demonstrated the unique relationship students and faculty form and nurture over time at Epiphany School. These conversations demonstrated our mission—to challenge and support all students to become confident, curious, and courageous learners through innovative teaching in a caring and inclusive environment.
Next time you are on campus, I invite you to pause and experience an Epiphany School mission moment.
Sincerely,
Betsy Webb President, Board of Trustees
2019-2020
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Betsy Webb, President
Ann Felton, Vice President
Amy McCullough, Secretary
William Ketcham, Treasurer
John Alberg
Meredith Baty
Alana Bell
Dan Crouse
Lee Falck
Jessica Hughes
Ronald Koo
Ben Magnano
Ken Miller
Jamie Morris
Julie Okerstrom
Andrea Thoreson
Kara Westhusing Engskov
Felicia Wilks
Heidi Windels (EPC President)
ADVISORY BOARD
Chap Alvord
Karl Aschenbach
Jane Hawkanson
Mark Hutcheson, Sr.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Head of School: Jennifer Elkin
Interim Lower Elementary Division Head: Celia Russo
Lower Elementary Division Head: Anne Balicki
Upper Elementary Division Head: Paige Baublitz-Watkins
Director of Finance and Operations: Karen Benson
Director of Development: Nick Peyton
Director of Enrollment Management and Admission: Greg Jones
Director of Marketing & Communications: Jaime Gillin
2019-2020
EPIPHANY PARENT COUNCIL (EPC) OFFICERS
President: Heidi Windels
Vice President/Community Engagement: Grace Pak
Vice President/Welcome Committee: Kirsten Wiggers
Vice President/Communications: Alicia Alberg
Secretary: Nikki Putnam
2019-2020
EPC COMMITTEE CHAIRS
All School Celebrations: Meredith Baty, Erin Callaghan, & Kirsten Wiggers
Back to School Coffee: Nadine Chan/ Witt & Mimi Girma
Carnival: Danielle Green, Lauren Rolfe, Heidi Wadsworth, & Karen Z-W
Set-up: Eric Branner & Karen Z-W
Food Booth: Danielle Green & Karen Z-W
Bake Sale: Jodi Arnold & Alicia Alberg
Raffle: Kara Westhusing Engskov & Jennifer Christensen
Toys and Books: Shelly Hutcheson & Amanda Rosauer
Curriculum Night: Heather Shaw & Kim Allen
Fall Faculty Luncheon: Paige Pratter
First Friday Cocoa: Michelle Woerner & Jeff Woerner
Gather Committee:
Event Co-Chairs: Ann Felton, Shannon Johnson, & Kirsten Wiggers
All-School Art: Beth Colombo & Anne Janda
Design: Annya Uslontseva
Marketing: Emily George, Devon Gualtieri, & Robyn Hagle
Buy-Ins: Joanna Smith, Ian Peacock, Patchen Haggerty, & Alyson Scadron Branner
Student Presence: Heidi Wadsworth & Danielle Green
Inclusion Ambassadors: Heidi Windels (Chair), Amy Cohen, Rebecca Fausel, & Annika and Erik Wicklund
Grade Level Performance Receptions: Ann Felton, Mandy Gandt, & Jessica Hughes
Grade Level Representatives (GLRs):
Pre-K: Amy Cohen, Lily Hilen, Scott Lindsay, & Lisa Miller
K: Effie Gleason & Sally Johnston
1st: Ruby and Nathan Alexander, & Ian and Katie Peacock
2nd: Erin Callaghan & Amanda Rosauer
3rd: Vivian Cluett & Patchen Haggerty
4th: Kara Westhusing Engskov & Karen Z-W
5th: Alison Bazely, Jen Falck, Ann Felton, & Joanna Smith
Graduation Reception: Meredith Baty, Kylee Shintaffer, Kara Westhusing Engskov, & Lily Hilen
Grandparents/Special Friends Day: Ruby Alexander, Effie Gleason, & Sally Johnston
Ice Cream Social: Sally Johnston, Megan Bassetti, & Jessica Barrett
May Faculty Appreciation: Jessica Cantlin & Amanda Rosauer
Parent Lecture Series: Erin Lea & Ian Peacock
Service Learning/Halloween Drive: Erin Lea & Effie Gleason
Service Learning/Holiday Drive: Kainaz Byramjee & Eva Puri
Uniforms: Jen Falck & Anne Riederer
Yearbook: Lucy Wacksman
Follow Along
Engage with Epiphany School on social media for a window into our community and daily life on campus. From classroom projects to field trips to student performances, you won’t want to miss any of the fun!
Still re-living all the glory moments from last month’s 1st and 2nd grade performance, “You Can Count on Me.” What a show!
Love seeing this kind of authentic moment captured between student and teacher. We believe play is important at every age!
Students found a cozy spot to hang out during recess today! #friendship #thirdgrade
Another Maker Lab/STREAM project— a prototype for a top-secret spy shoe that shoots lasers, melts metal, and has rocket boosters so it can fly. Cool! #STREAM #STEM #makerlab
Officially the sweetest day of the school year so far... this morning students met their buddy (or buddies) from another grade. We saw some instant connections! Great match-making, teachers. #peermentors #leadership #responsibility
Pre-kindergartners celebrated Lunar New Year today, parading through a dragon, crafting paper lanterns, and receiving hongbao (red envelopes) symbolizing good fortune. Happy Lunar New Year!
Transportation and scheduling headaches aside, all this snow certainly makes for a pretty campus! Hope you’ve been able to enjoy the upside of this weather! Looks like we may have seen the last of it for a little while...
Kindergartners celebrate Dia de Muertos with tissue paper marigolds, skeleton face paint, handmade papel picado, hot chocolate, and a school-wide ofrenda.
Congratulations to our amazing Learning Skills Specialist Vicki Conrad on the publication of her children’s book “Just Like Beverly,” a picture book biography of Beverly Cleary. #talentedfaculty #publishedauthor #greatread
Congratulations to artist Juan Alonso-Rodriguez, recent recipient of a Governor’s Arts Award. We are fortunate to have his sculptures and other artwork in multiple locations around our campus.
We love how hard our former teachers work to stay connected with our community! Former upper division math specialist Steve Ward returned for his annual holiday read-aloud yesterday. Our fourth graders hung on to every word.
Inside the art studio... Our fourth grade artists are hard at work on their self portraits, using shading and shadow to build form. Looking good!
So great to catch up with Epiphany School alumni at UPrep yesterday! #outplacement #alumni #middleschool #readyformiddleschool
Faculty & Staff
Kelly Kursteiner, our Upper Division Math Specialist, has a deep and varied background in teaching and coaching. She was a math and science classroom teacher for 15 years and a consulting teacher and coach for new teachers for five years, both in the Lake Washington School District. She holds a B.S. from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Teaching from Seattle University.
The 2019-20 school year brought many new Extended Day assistants to our before- and after-school programs, single-day offerings, and school break camps!
Sofia Carregha is a Seattle University student finishing her studies as a joint Humanities and Psychology major. She is also professionally certified as a Behavioral Technician with a specialty working with children on the autism spectrum.
Darryl Henry has over eight years of combined experience as an after-school program instructor, camp counselor, and family-based mental health worker.
Aradia Webb is a social welfare major at the University of Washington and has experience teaching theater and dance to children, including at Neverland Theater Camp and Refugees NW.
Sam Wietlispach, a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, is in the process of making a career transition into education after working with nonprofit and grassroots organizations.
Hellos
Board of Trustees
Epiphany School’s Board of Trustees is comprised of current parents, parents of alumni, community members, and educational leaders whose charge is to ensure the school is executing on its mission, vision, and values. The board meets monthly as a group, and its members each serve on committees including finance, development, governance, and master use. We are happy to welcome the following new members to our board this year.
Lee Falck co-founded Falck Holt Ventures in 2012, which owns and operates Pacific Tool, Fulcrum Coffee, and Memo Furniture. Lee has served as Parent Agent, Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Annual Fund. Lee and his wife Jennifer are the parents of three current students: Samuel (Fifth Grade), Clara (Third Grade), and Hannah (Second Grade). Lee strongly believes in the Annual Fund’s role in supporting and advancing Epiphany’s educational programming, and that increasing participation in fundraising builds a stronger Epiphany School community. Lee serves as Chair of the Development Committee.
Ronald Y. Koo is a partner at the law firm Perkins Coie, where he advises companies on business transactions involving intellectual property rights and technology. His clients include companies involved in virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, video games, commercial software, and other industries. Ron and his wife Lisa are parents of two current students, first grader Tommy and Kindergartener Naomi. The board welcomes Ron’s expertise and enthusiasm. He serves on the Finance Committee.
Kara Westhusing Engskov worked at Microsoft Corporation for over 13 years in various roles, including the Server & Developer Tools and Partner divisions, and
a stint of over 6 years at their European subsidiaries. Previous to Microsoft, Kara worked at Deloitte Consulting, International Paper, and Calgon Corporation. Kara received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Vanderbilt University and received her MBA from the University of Chicago. Kara and her husband Kris are parents of fourth grader Ava and first grader Jack. The board is proud to harness Kara’s abundant positive energy. She serves on the Governance Committee.
Felicia Wilks is the Assistant Head of School and Upper School Director at Lakeside School. Before joining Lakeside in 2017, she served as the head of an independent school in Maryland, the Garrison Forest School. Felicia received a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from Columbia University and a master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. Felicia has spoken nationally on topics related to diversity in education, and her insight into the local school landscape will be valuable to the board’s work. She serves on the Master Use Committee.
Heidi Windels is the 2019-2020 Epiphany Parent Council President, leading a team of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Heidi spearheaded the creation of Epiphany’s first lunch program and continues to manage its progress as it successfully moves into its second year. Heidi holds a B.A. in English with an emphasis on secondary education from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She taught eighth grade language arts in Minnesota before moving to Seattle. Heidi and her husband Gary live in Madrona with their daughter Beatrice (Second Grade). She serves on the Development Committee.
“Windows and Mirrors” in the Library
By Jen Wilkinson, Epiphany School Librarian
“Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.”
– Dr. Rudine Sims Bishops1
A school’s book collection is constantly evolving. Curricular changes, student interests, and new scientific discoveries demand the weeding of books and the acquisition of new materials for the campus library and classrooms. At Epiphany School, we constantly analyze our collections to ensure our books meet the mission and vision of our school as well as the principles set out by the American Library Association and the American Association of School Librarians. Additionally, website and professional journals such as School Library Journal provide criteria and lenses through which we select new books.
We want to make sure our books offer both “mirrors” and “windows” for our diverse student body. “Books have the potential to entertain, foster a love of reading, and inform while also affirming the multiple aspects of students’ identities and exposing them to the values, viewpoints, and historical legacies of others,” writes Jonda McNair, a professor of literacy education at Clemson University.2 Reading material that honors the diversity of our students and our families upholds our school mission to be caring and inclusive.
To source new books to round out our library and classroom collections, I consult multiple online resources, including the websites for Teaching Tolerance, Social Justice Books, and Lee & Low Books, and blogs such as American Indians in Children’s Literature and Reading While White. I also make it a priority in my professional development to attend conferences and workshops that help me reflect on and learn from my biases and learn strategies to be more comprehensive in my anti-bias work.
Lastly, the depth to which we know our students and families, and the relationships we build with them, make for the most successful book purchases. I’ll never forget a kindergartener who asked for books that reflected her Hawaiian heritage. At the time there was one picture book in the collection that resonated for her, Baby Honu’s Incredible Journey. Since then I’ve been on the lookout for additional books about Hawaiian culture, and recently acquired Ho’onani: Hula Warrior. When the student saw it on our library’s “new books” shelf, her smile of self-affirmation said it all.
1 Sims Bishop, R. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 1(3), ix–xi.
2 McNair, Jonda. “Diverse Classroom Libraries for K–6 Students.” Reading Rockets, WETA Public Broadcasting, 2020, www.readingrockets.org/article/diverse-classroom-libraries-k-6-students.
Further Reading
Some favorite new acquisitions on the shelves of Epiphany School’s Pigott Library:
1. The Little Red Fort, written by Brenda Maier and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez, is a 2018 interpretation of The Little Red Hen. Ruby desires to build a fort and her three brothers refuse to help. When the fabulous fort is complete and the brothers are not welcomed inside, Ruby’s brothers team up and make the fort a cooperative effort.
2. The Crossover, written by Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile, is a 2019 graphic novel version of the chapter book that won the 2015 Newbery award. Fourteen-year-old brothers Jordan and Josh take center stage in a powerful story about family, love, and basketball.
3. Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist, written by Julie Leung and illustrated by Chris Sasaki, was a 2019 acquisition to support Epiphany School’s third and fifth grade curriculum. Did you know that Mr. Wong was a key contributor to the 1942 film Bambi?
4. Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts, is book one in the Questioners series. This 2018 transitional chapter book deeply extends the narrative of the 2013 picture book Rosie Revere, Engineer, with Iggy Peck and Ada Twist in the mix.
The Power of World Language Learning
By Celia Russo, Interim Lower Elementary Division Head
World Languages have always been an essential element of an Epiphany School education, and for good reason. Learning a second or third language has many documented benefits for young students, from improving executive functioning skills in the brain to building empathy to enhancing literacy skills in English. French has been taught at Epiphany since the school first opened in 1958 and our Latin program was established in 1997. These two programs build a strong foundation for all students in language acquisition, multicultural understanding, and communication—key skills for 21st century learners and future leaders.
Together, French and Latin account for over 60% of English vocabulary; in studying these two languages students are learning the roots of much of the English language. French is spoken in 29 countries and is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world; over fifty percent of the population of Africa speaks French. Pre-K through fifth grade students in Laura Zoeller’s French classes study Francophone countries all over the world, from Senegal to Haiti to Belgium, to grasp the scope of influence this language has had on cultures all over the world, and through that study begin to grow their
“Magister” Greg Kakas teaches Latin language and Roman history and mythology to upper division students.
understanding of how colonialism shaped world history and geography. In Greg Kakas’s Latin lessons, third through fifth grade students learn roots and derivatives that add to their blossoming vocabulary, but they also study the Roman history and mythology that has influenced generations of writers, poets, and artists, providing a foundation towards interpreting literature, art, and media that our students will encounter their entire lives.
In a 2015 study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that children who are exposed to a multilingual environment develop perspective-taking tools critical to becoming effective communicators. This was proven to be true even if the children are not bilingual themselves. Simply being in a multilingual environment, no matter what the language, creates opportunities for children to put themselves into someone else’s shoes and ask, “What does this person want to communicate? What are they trying to say?” Our French and Latin programs expose students to a vibrant, multilingual environment where they can expand their understanding of words and grammar, develop appreciation for other cultures, and build social-emotional skills in resilience, courage, and empathy.
NEWSFLASH Congratulations, Laura Zoeller! Our French specialist’s article, “Empowering Learners in the Primary Language Classroom,” was published in the January 2020 edition of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Bulletin.
French Specialist Laura Zoeller incorporates storytelling and acting into her lesson plans for her students in Pre-K through 5th grade.
A Growth Mindset in Action
By Paige Baublitz-Watkins, Upper Elementary Division Head
At Epiphany School, we understand that the secret to success isn’t really a secret at all. Here we acknowledge that deep and meaningful learning grows from seeds of struggle as well as from accolades of achievement. A recent study from Columbia University noted, “An unwarranted reluctance to engage with errors may have held back American education.” In Epiphany School classrooms, we don’t hold back; we enthusiastically engage and explore with a courageous spirit. This type of learning requires an environment that deeply nurtures and supports intellectual curiosity and risk-taking. Our faculty and staff cultivate this atmosphere in an intentional way.
Whether debating critical issues, working through a scientific dilemma, or learning to read, Epiphany School students know that individuals learn more from the act of striving to understand than through the final acquisition of knowledge. By focusing on growth mindset, teachers reinforce the idea that effort has impact, allowing students to find meaning and benefit in the adversities of daily life. In this way, Epiphany teachers propel young learners into a new and brighter future as they pass through each developmental stage.
Nowhere is this process of deep and flexible thinking more evident than in Epiphany School’s mathematics program. Here, students across every grade collaborate
to create meaning for the abstract language of numbers through exploration, visual models, and critical thinking. As they are exposed to an ever-growing number of problem solving methods, students debate merits and determine personal best fits for analyzing mathematical questions. No longer is just one algorithm taught or expected. Each learner is encouraged to explore possibilities and define what makes sense for their brain. This focus on personalized learning allows students to stretch in new ways. As educators, we know that this deep learning within the classroom can translate into more traditional, quantifiable measures. This was evidenced by the fall CTP5 standardized assessments, in which the Epiphany School class of 2020 outperformed independent school norms by increasing margins over the past three years.
This foundational approach to learning can also be witnessed in every content area taught at Epiphany School— as well as beyond the boundaries of traditional instruction. For example, Fit for Life students challenge their bodies in mastering unfamiliar tasks in the Alaska Native-inspired Games of the North unit. We see deep and critical thinking when a student engages their social-emotional learning to challenge “rock brain” (inflexible thinking) or to embrace a more open “mindful” perspective. And in science, trial and error leads to coding of robot movement through mazes. Whatever the subject area, we see students across campus authentically engaging with one another in this process of learning. These are the moments where children teach their teachers and we grow together as a community.
History Lesson: The Origins of Growth Mindset
Independent schools have a rich history in creating robust learning opportunities for students, a history steeped in research and reflection. This process began in the early 20th century when a forward-thinking educator named John Dewey articulated the concept of a progressive education, founded upon the essential components of respect for diversity and development of critical, socially engaged intelligence. This seed of thought was the framework for the famous Chicago Laboratory Schools, the first independent school in the United States. From this idea grew both independent and public schools throughout the country, where student interests heightened “intellectual curiosity and alertness,” shaping the daily classroom experience. Teachers built lessons upon individual student needs, creating citizens who would advance our society in positive and meaningful ways. Of course, with the growing body of scientific knowledge about brain development, education has changed over the past hundred years. Teachers are now able to advance the process of learning in increasingly targeted ways. But at the end of the day, Dewey had the essentials correct: know your students deeply, personalize their learning experience, learn from mistakes, and understand the individual connections to human kind.
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
We extend our deepest appreciation to our Epiphany School community. Your generous support strengthens and sustains our dynamic academic program and plays a vital role in shaping the experiences shared by all Epiphany School students, faculty, staff, and families. Among those listed below are trustees, current families, faculty and staff, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, former trustees, former faculty and staff, and friends. To each and every one of you: Thank you!!
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
The Epiphany School endowment was created in 1983 to ensure the long-term financial stability of the school. At the close of the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the total of all endowment funds exceeded $12 million. The corpus is kept in place, while up to 5% of the accumulated endowment earnings provide funds for special projects, including: financial aid, faculty and staff development, arts enrichment, technology, Learning Skills, and campus improvements. 2018-2019 2017-2018
General Endowment
Board Designated Endowment
General Learning Skills
Robert Spock Learning Skills
General Learning Skills Scholarship
Dorothy Griffin Learning Skills Scholarship
Faculty Enrichment
Financial Aid Endowment
Willard Smith Buildings & Grounds
General Buildings & Grounds
Technology Fund
Arts Fund
Augustine Hall Maintenance
$1,331,600 $1,308,707
$9,147,554 $ 9,226,607
$61,778 $60,940
$70,536 $69,579
$40,410 $39,861
$383,922 $378,720
$29,773 $29,370
$164,884 $162,650
$51,560 $50,861
$3,474 $3,426
$167,921 $163,671
$275,894 $272,155
$140,373 $138,471
George O. Edwards Faculty Enrichment $196,961 $194,291
Total Endowment Funds
$12,066,640 $12,099,309
2018-2019 Annual Fund
The Annual Report acknowledges gifts received between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. We make every effort to ensure our lists and records are accurate and up to date. If you believe there is an error or omission, please contact the Development Office at development@epiphanyschool.org or 206-323-9011.
2018-2019 ANNUAL FUND LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
Epiphany School deeply appreciates our community’s generous support. To each and every one of you, thank you!
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
VISIONARY SOCIETY
($7,500 OR MORE)
Anonymous Meredith & Brandon Baty*
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel R. Baty
The Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation
Mrs. Polly Dodd
Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund
James & Judy Hirsch*
Will & Beth Ketcham*
Chris Larson**
Ben Magnano & Effie Toshav*
Mary Kay McCaw****
Jamie Morris & Simon Moore
Julie & Mark Okerstrom*
Alex & Lauren Rolfe
ANNUAL FUND GIVING COMMITTEE
Thank you to our volunteer leadership team!
Lee Falck*, Chair
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Mandy Gandt*
Tim Johnston*
Christy Jones*
Brian & Diane Langstraat
Jon McCullough*
Scott Sanford*
Joanna Smith
PARENT CLASS AGENTS
Fifth Grade: Nathan Alexander and Kainaz Byramjee*
Fourth Grade: Drew Hilen and Nicole Lipton*
Third Grade: Matt Barrett* and Richard Wood
Second Grade: Jonathan Kil and Erika Dalya Massaquoi*
First Grade: Nadine Chan/Witt and Erin Lea*
Kindergarten: George Haddad* and Ronald Koo
Pre-K: Sara Coe ’90* and Erin Lea*
GRANDPARENTS CHAIRS
Dan & Pam Baty
ALUMNI CHAIRS
Brent Beecher ’87
FACULTY & STAFF CHAIRS
Leslie Larkin and Nikki Van Nimwegen
PARENTS OF ALUMNI CHAIRS
Belinda & Geoff Buscher
* returning Giving Committee volunteer
Anna White & Cliff Burrows**
Charles & Barbara Wright
FOUNDERS' CIRCLE
($5,000 TO $7,499)
John & Alicia Alberg*
Elias ’87 & Karyl Alvord*
Andy & Kim Baker**
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
Yahn Bernier & Beth McCaw*
Dan & Kristy Crouse*
Peter Dull & Judith Tsui*
Lee & Jennifer Falck*
Doug & Lisa Grandstaff
Ben & Katherine Hallen
Sally & Tim Johnston*
Jonathan & Pamela Kil
Alexander Kutner & Gail Manuguid
Amy & Jon McCullough
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program**
Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc.
Ken Miller & Chris Pepin
Kylee & Kurt Shintaffer* Wenying Zhu
HEAD'S COUNCIL
($2,500 TO $4,999)
Ted & Dani Ackerley**
Sanjay Balakrishnan & Vanessa Rodrigues
Jessica & Matthew Barrett*
Megan Bassetti & Chris Sudore*
Tom & Marilene Bysshe
Emmett & Amanda Doerr
Imad & Oksana Elkhamri
Jenn and Ross Elkin
Kris Engskov & Kara Westhusing Engskov
Expedia Gives Matching Gifts Program*
Ann & John Felton**
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund*
Fine Mark National Bank & Trust
John Fuhrman & Gerrarda O’Beirne
Brad & Mandy Gandt*
Ginger & Barry Ackerley Foundation
Brian & Emilie Hansen
Andrew Hilen*
Andrew & Delney Hilen*
Jessica & Tom Hughes
Shayan Irani & Kainaz Byramjee*
Sheila ’97 & Richard Jensen
Mr. Ronald Koo & Dr. Lisa Olmos de Koo
David & Melanie Kosloff**
Erin & Clive Lea
Rob Lilleness & Christy Jones*
Sean & Danielle Lobo
Craig & Marie Mundie
Matthew & Amanda Rosauer*
Ned ’84 & Allison Sander***
Scott Sanford & Tina Skidmore*
Peder & Jaime ’87 Schmitz**
Schwab Charitable Fund**
Andy & Dana Skotdal**
Scott & Joanna Smith*
Sarah ’88 & Andrew Watts**
Betsy & Allen Webb*
Mat & Kirsten Wiggers
HONOR CIRCLE
EPIPHANY ADVOCATES
($1,500 TO $2,499)
Anonymous
Rich & Sarah Barton
The Boeing Company Gift Matching Program****
Michael Brown
Mark & Erin Callaghan
Jessica & Alan Cantlin*
Chris Cluett*
Jayne Coe
Ted & Pat Collins***
Peter & Yeon Cramer
Kathy Enright*
Dana & Megan Ferestien
Elissa & Stan Fink
Frink Family Fund
Lloyd ’77 & Janet Frink
The Grace Jones Richardson
Trust
George Haddad & Mary DePaolo Haddad*
Tony & Janet Landers**
Nicole & Shawn Lipton*
Lafe Myers & Hanni Crissey**
Clay & Anne Nielsen*
Nordstrom Matching Gifts
Christopher & Katharina Poad
Nicolas & Elizabeth Richardson
Larry & Cathy Rodden
Gaurav Tiwari & Anjana Pandey
T-Mobile
Troy & Heidi Wadsworth
Ashleigh Walls
Julia Whatley ’06*
Lauren Whatley ’01*
Tony & Linda Whatley****
Peter & Cha Williams**
Jeremy Woland & Corrie Rosen
EPIPHANY SOCIETY
($500 TO $1,499)
Aetna Foundation
Nathan & Ruby Alexander
Justin & Kimberly Allen
Martin & Somany An
Mike & Lisa Anderson*
Stephanie Anderson
John & Alex Arnold*
Jodi & Justin Arnold*
Blake Backus
Christopher Backus ’83
Kirsten Morbeck Backus, ’84
Anne & Mike Balicki
Dick & Dawn Bangert
Years of consecutive participation in the Annual Fund or other philanthropy: * 5 – 9
** 10 – 14
*** 15 – 19 **** 20+ years
Michel Bastien & Jennifer Christensen
Brent Beecher ’87 & Ara Greer
Alan & Sally Black
Nikki Block*
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Block*
Ragnar & Karen Bloom
Amy & Duff Bryant**
Belinda & Geoffrey Buscher**
Jennie ’79 & Phil Carter
Roger Chalfont
Stacy Chalfont
Alex Chen & Kate Kerkering**
Laurie Lootens Chyz & Grant Chyz****
Nate & Vivian Cluett*
Gillian ’85 & Sean Conley
John Cramer & Suzanne Poppema
The Cramer Poppema Family Fund
Jenny & Richard Cummins****
Delta Dental
Adam & Alison Dreiblatt
Gregor & Nicole Dunham
Jack Egan & Sara Coe ’90
Expedia Inc.*
Gates Ventures, LLC*
Tonia & Jay Goyal
Patchen Haggerty & Jim Smith
Thomas Hamrock & Sarah McMillan
Bridgitt Arnold Harmon & Tad Harmon**
Mark Harrast & Robb Ginter
Jim & Jane Hawkanson****
Lily & Drew Hilen*
Jamie & Jason Hunt
Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Hutcheson*
Joel & Anne Janda
Shannon & Lars Johnson**
Mr. Joshua Green
Brent Kehl & Trudi Slater
Carole & James ’70 Kitchell
David Kolner & Dave Erickson**
William & Linda Kutner
Joe & Jamie Lampitt
Matt & Chris Lewis
Lucky Seven Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Magnano
Scott & Louisa Malatos
Mike & Heather McAdam**
Brendan & Juanita
McLaughlin
Bryce & Sean Meeker
Mr. Ricardo A. Mestres*
Tony & Laurie Mestres* Microsoft Giving Campaign**
Michael & Lisa Miller
Moccasin Lake Foundation***
Anne ’89 & Justin Moon*
Furman & Susan Moseley
Joey Mukherjee & Preetha Chatterjee
John & Karen Myhre*
Elizabeth & Timothy O’Shea
Ian & Katie Peacock
Aaron Perrine & Paige Pratter
David Potts**
Kathryn Potts
Paige Prill*
Zachary & Nikki Putnam*
Rick & Jenny Redman
Kermit Rosen, Jr. & Judy Rosen
Brendyn & Renée Ryan**
Atousa Salehi & Donald Davidge
Mr. Stephen P. Sander****
The Seattle Foundation**
Chirag Shah*
Rick Spoonemore & Laura Periman**
Annie St. John*
Starbucks Partner Giving Programs
Brenda & Tom Stonecipher**
Mr. & Mrs. Jon D. Struss*
Jian Sun & Tracy Zheng
Jakub Szymanski & Chloe Anderson
Ted & Patricia Collins Family Fund
Andrea Thoreson*
Dustin & Stephanie True
Alex Uslontsev & Annya Uslontseva
Nikki & Mike Van Nimwegen*
Valerie Voss & John Houlihan**
Preston Walls
Kirsten & Adam Wardell
Heidi & Gary Windels
Marc & Jane Wise*
Heidi & Troy Wadsworth
What inspired you to give to Epiphany School this year? Our child loves going to school! Every day there is something she is very excited to tell us about, whether a favorite gym activity or the toothpaste she made in Science class. Her eagerness to share the details of her day shows us that her education is making a huge, memorable impact. We give because we want these invaluable experiences to continue.
What feels good about giving to the Annual Fund? We love this small school where people genuinely care about each other. For our child, being comfortable and happy in her environment makes a huge difference on her willingness to learn and her attitude. It feels so good giving to Epiphany knowing our daughter is in such a supportive environment.
Your Annual Fund gift supports a myriad of important initiatives at the school, including implementing the new strategic plan. What aspects of the strategic plan do you feel especially passionate about? In a constantly changing world, with so many new technologies and distractions, it is so easy to fall behind. Hearing about the school’s strong focus on ongoing teacher training and updated technologies make us confident our child will always be current and able to exceed the pace of changes.
Nadine Chan/Witt &
Joseph Witt
Jeff & Michelle Woerner
Bryan & Hannah Wygal*
Karen Zehnder-Wood & Richard Wood
FRIENDS OF EPIPHANY (UP TO $499)
Sarah Abbott* AmazonSmile Foundation*
American Endowment Foundation
Sally & Bart Amey
Josh & Brigid Arsenault* Avanade
Bonnie Bangert ’02***
REB ’95 & Kaitlyn Bangert****
Carl Barnes ’05
Ginny Barnes ’12
Matt Barnes & Lesa Sroufe
Stanley Barnes ’03
Steve & Jan Barrett
Alan & Staci Barta**
Jeannette Bastin
Odin & Alison Bazeley
Michelle Beebe
Alana Bell ’97
Davis & Stacy Bell**
Karen Benson & Dana Pillai
John & Paula Bitner
Eric Branner & Alyson Scadron Branner*
David & Joyce Brewster****
Bob & Marcia Bride
Barbara Buchman****
Gloria Buren
Greg & June Buren*
Charlie Burkland
David Bush**
Jessen Carley*
Casey Family Programs
Debjani & Shyamal
Chatterjee
Vijay Chermburker & Jenny Wang
Julia & David Clarke**
Nick Clements*
Anne & Robert Van Cleve*
Thomas & Beth Colombo
Boston Scientific Community
Vicki Conrad
Dawn Crownover & Heather Shaw*
James & Barbee Crutcher
Timothy Danskin
Anne Riederer & Tom Darlow*
J.D. & Cecile Delafield***
Spoon & Renée Dickey
Bridget Dolan
Bruce & Mary Erickson
Ed & Sue Falck
Elizabeth Kolb Farr & Christopher Farr**
Charlie & Rose Ann Finkel
Justina Fitzgerald
Sarah Fornia ’90*
Mr. & Mrs. Phillip F. Frink, Jr.****
Michael George & Emily Hoober
Jaime & Calder Gillin
ANNUAL FUND PARTICIPATION YEAR 2
Ben Godfrey & Abbey Kennedy
Tyler Goss & Susan Bowman
Mrs. Laura B. Gowen
Danielle Green
Devyn Grendell
Devon Gualtieri
Lawrence & Hylton Hard**
Russ & Rachel Harmon
Marilyn & Bob Henry****
Lonnie Herring
Judy Hewitt
Ben & Pamela Hillard
Alison & Mark Holmes
Jacqueline Hubenet
Max Hunter & Risako Tanaka
Hylton & Lawrence Hard Fund
Amber & Jacques Le Jeune
Jessie & Noah Kaarbo
Gregory & Rachel Kakas
David & Caitlin Kearney
Ned ‘84 & Allison Sander
Your family has contributed to the Annual Fund for 25 years running. Why? Epiphany School has been an important foundational school for so many kids, including our own. It feels good to do our part to make sure Epiphany School continues to have strong and consistent support.
Mandy & Brad Gandt
What inspires you to keep giving to Epiphany School? We are so appreciative of the community that Epiphany School represents and the benefits it has afforded our children and our family. Contributing to the Annual Fund is one way for our family to say thank you to Epiphany School. How do you know your gift makes an impact? We can see that our support of the Annual Fund makes a difference every day. Whether it’s classroom supplies, field trips, or teacher continuing education—these are all reasons why Epiphany School is able to provide such a dynamic, robust, and caring experience for our children. Your Annual Fund gift supports a myriad of important initiatives at the school, including implementing the new strategic plan. What aspects of the strategic plan do you feel especially passionate about? We are truly passionate about all aspects of the new strategic plan. Epiphany School has been and continues to be an invaluable experience for our children and our family because of every cornerstone highlighted by the new strategic plan—from being an authentic and welcoming community, to knowing every child, to being an innovative institution with high academic standards. We share Epiphany’s vision of continuing to strive to produce well-rounded, confident students that are supported by family, faculty, community, and a well-thought-out academic curriculum that is held to high expectations.
Emily ’68 & Michael Kelly
Wiley & Marianne Kitchell
Greg Jones & Keith Klein*
Tina Larabee
Leslie & Jay Larkin***
Jeff & Carrie Lawshe
Tobias Levey & Liza Darnton
Matthew Levinson
Emily Lewis
Claudette & Philip Lobo
Larry & Laurene Lundberg
Christoph Mack & Lisa Friede*
Calder & Susan Mackay
Jeremy Malasky & Vanessa Benavidez
Dennis & Lydia Mascarinas*
Vander & Justine McClain
Julie McCullough
Anthony McGrann & Paul Williams***
Meg McGrath
Nate & Stephanie McLemore**
Becky Melonson****
Craig Miller & Rebecca Norton
Mrs. Ilene Moe*
Jack & Sally Morbeck**
Mr. & Mrs. Gartha J. Morgan
Dianne Nicholson*
Northern Trust Charitable Program at the Chicago Community Foundation
YEAR 25
What excites you about the new strategic plan? Responsive and innovative teaching was important when I [Ned] was at Epiphany School, and is equally important for our own children. Continuing the tradition of excellent teachers empowered to be thoughtful educators is a key reason to be consistent in annual fund support.
What would you tell a donor who is considering renewing their commitment to Epiphany School? Epiphany School is always evolving, and right now is a crucial time for the current leadership of the school to feel supported in the long-term improvements they are hoping to drive. The Board and administration have put in many hours to develop this thoughtful strategic plan; the community should support that effort to the best of their abilities. ANNUAL FUND
Camille O’Donnell ’92
Oracle
Candice Houghton & Akhil Patel*
Dianne & Alex Polson
Eva Puri
Fred & J’May Rivara
Eliot Roberts ’09
Winston Roberts ’11
Rocco Romero & Ann Kawasaki Romero
Tedi Romero
Mr. & Mrs. Robin Rosauer
Celia & David Russo***
David & Deborah Rutherford
Angelique & Michael Sabin
Kristen Sadler
Ms. Anne Q. Sander
Lindsay & Michael Sanders**
Andrew Schafer
Betsy Sensenbrenner ’09
Bo Sensenbrenner ’11
Frances Sensenbrenner ’06
Mark Shone
Holly Hagens ’83 & Todd Sisitsky
CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS
Epiphany School acknowledges the organizations that promote and offer their philanthropic support to educational institutions.
OUTRIGHT GIFTS
Aetna Foundation
AHT Insurance
AmazonSmile Foundation
American Endowment Foundation
Avanade
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Boeing Company Gift Matching Program
Boston Scientific Community
Casey Family Programs
Delta Dental
Expedia Gives Matching Gifts Program
Expedia Inc.
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Fine Mark National Bank & Trust
Frink Family Charitable Fund
Garde Capital, Inc.
Gates Ventures, LLC
Ginger & Barry Ackerley Foundation
Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund
Grace Jones Richardson Trust
J.A.S. Design Build
Joshua Green Foundation, Inc
Lucky Seven Foundation
Microsoft Giving Campaign
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Moccasin Lake Foundation
Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc.
Nordstrom Matching Gifts
Northern Trust Charitable Program at the Chicago Community Foundation
Oracle
PSR Mechanical
Schwab Charitable Fund
The Seattle Foundation
Starbucks Partner Giving Programs
SMART Technologies
T-Mobile
T-Mobile Matching Gifts
Epiphany School Privacy Policy: Epiphany School values its donors and takes their privacy seriously. Information concerning donors or prospective donors is made available to staff, board members, and volunteers on a “need-to-know” basis only. All such information shall be kept strictly confidential unless permission is obtained from donors to release such information or disclosure is required by law. Please direct comments or questions to development@epiphanyschool.org or call
206-323-9011.
Alicia Smith
Kay Sneed
Grey & Jan Snyder
Alexa Sparks
Gavriel Staloch ’11
Scott Starkoski
Chuck & Jane
Stonecipher****
Stephen & Carol Szender**
David & Daphne Tang
Sara Tebeau
Carlye Teel*
Leah Thorpe*
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Torgerson
Angela Typolt**
Jas Walia & Diane Lee
Kelley Washington ’84 & Bill Hooe*
Random Water
Paige Baublitz-Watkins & Daniel Watkins
Pierce & Elizabeth Webb*
Tom ’81 & Kelly White***
Erik & Annika Wicklund
Jennifer Wilkinson
Lise & Tom Wolken****
Karen Ancheta Ybarra* Benjamin & Marion Zaniello*
Laura Zoeller & Maxime Prat*
Years of consecutive participation in the Annual Fund or other philanthropy: * 5 – 9 ** 10 – 14 *** 15 – 19 **** 20+ years
SPECIAL AND RESTRICTED GIFTS
Thank you to those who strengthen specific programs, endowments, our campus, and funds at Epiphany School. Donors supported technology, financial aid, our library program, and events.
GIFTS TO ENDOWMENT FUNDS
We are deeply grateful to those who ensure the financial stability of Epiphany School, both now and for future generations.
Chap & Eve Alvord, General Endowment
Microsoft, Technology Endowment
Vikram Nagaraj & Vandana Nandan, Technology Endowment
GIFTS TO THE JENNY CUMMINS CHILDREN’S OPPORTUNITY FUND
We are so thankful to those who wish to honor Jenny Cummins’ career at Epiphany School.
Ms. Rosalie Alhadeff
Mike & Lisa Anderson
David Bennett & Kim Lavacot
Yahn Bernier & Beth McCaw
Tom Bingham & Patricia Char
Ken & Jan Block
Alex Chen & Kate Kerkering
Candi Coe
Jayne Coe
Rich Coyle & Sherilyn Peterson
Dawn Crownover & Heather Shaw
Timothy Danskin
Rich & Martha Draves
Jennifer B. Elkin & Ross Elkin
Lee & Jennifer Falck
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Paul & Penny Fredlund
Susan & Albert Fuchs
Hugh & Bethany Furubayashi
Michael George & Emily Hoober
Mrs. Laura B. Gowen
Jim & Kristi Greenfield
Russ & Rachel Harmon
Marilyn & Bob Henry
Mary Henry
Lonnie Herring
Judy Hewitt
Valerie Voss & John Houlihan
Mary Anne Howard
Shayan Irani & Kainaz Byramjee
Sheila ‘97 & Richard Jensen
Tom & Mary Kelly
Will & Beth Ketcham
David Kolner & Dave Erickson
David & Melanie Kosloff
Christoph Mack & Lisa Friede
Scott & Louisa Malatos
Mary Kay McCaw
Jim McHugh & Mary Lane
Mark & Christina Merkelbach
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Louis & Sandra Milard
Moccasin Lake Foundation
Mrs. Ilene Moe
Ahmed Mokhtar & Julie Williamson
Jack & Sally Morbeck
Clay & Anne Nielsen
Terry & Kathy Proctor
Robyn Ramsey
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen M. Ratzlaff
Mr. Al Robertson & Ms. Sally Clarke
Martha Sampson
Mr. Stephen P. Sander
Steve & Anne Sarewitz
Peder & Jaime ‘87 Schmitz
Schwab Charitable Fund
Chirag Shah
Andy & Dana Skotdal
Linda Spear
Annie St. John
Sally Stafford
Brenda & Tom Stonecipher
Chuck & Jane Stonecipher
Ben ‘83 & Kari Straley
Brad & Lynanne Struss
Allisa Sweet & Brian Bruininks
Doug & Janet True
Michael & Carol Washington
William & Meggan Weir
Hunter Wessells & Bokgi Choi
Mr. & Mrs. F. Tomlinson
White, Jr.
Marc & Jane Wise
Bryan & Hannah Wygal
CLASS OF 2019 GIFTS
We thank the students & families who contributed to the 2019 Class Gift, which supported the Jenny Cummins Children’s Opportunity Fund.
Alex Chen & Kate Kerkering
Dawn Crownover & Heather Shaw
Timothy Danskin
Russ & Rachel Harmon
Shayan Irani & Kainaz Byramjee
Will & Beth Ketcham
David Kolner & Dave Erickson
Christoph Mack & Lisa Friede
Ahmed Mokhtar & Julie Williamson
Matthew & Amanda Rosauer
Peder & Jaime ‘87 Schmitz
Chirag Shah
Andy & Dana Skotdal
Annie St. John
Ben ‘83 & Kari Straley
Brad & Lynanne Struss
Marc & Jane Wise
Bryan & Hannah Wygal
C A R N I V A L 2
0 1 9
Some of our fondest memories over the last year come from Carnival— witnessing our fifth graders’ faces right before they drop into the dunk tank, appreciating the harmonies (and courage) demonstrated by our students at the karaoke booth, cherishing the look of anticipation as Epiphany School’s youngest drop the hammer to test their strength, and being inspired by our alums who return to campus to help out the many parent volunteers who make Carnival possible. This unique Epiphany School tradition is an event that takes months of preparation, hundreds of volunteer hours, and significant creativity and hard work to pull off. It is with a heart full of gratitude that we say a special thank you to Karen Zehnder-Wood, Danielle Green, Heidi Wadsworth, and Lauren Rolfe for making this year’s Carnival one that will not be forgotten!
Note from the editors: The Class of 2012 reunion story in the Fall edition of UPDATE erroneously omitted Kathryn Potts, currently at Brandeis University. We regret the error. Previously at Colorado’s Fountain Valley School, Kathryn was captain of the mountain biking team and an avid actor and singer. She also recently summited Mount Baker.
Many of our most recent alumni return to campus the last Friday of September to reunite with their friends and help out at Carnival. Here’s who we spotted at the celebration!
Clockwise from top left: Kirsten Scott-Vandenberge ’79 with daughter Peyton Goodwin ’12; Eli Wacksman ’18; Paige Okerstrom and Nora Sawyer ’18; Edie Branner ’18; Dost Akgun ’19.
Where are they now?
Three alumni on the move.
Off to... High School
Who: Bella LaBoy ’ 16
Destination: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Passions: Marine biological sciences, Shudokan Karate, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and drawing dragons
Recent achievement: I recently achieved my long-term goal of testing for and receiving my black belt in karate.
Most surprising thing so far about high school: I get a lot more freedom and the ability to control my own learning and academic studies.
How did Epiphany School prepare you for what came next? Epiphany School taught me to be eager about new beginnings and new communities.
What is the number-one thing you learned in elementary school that has served you well in your life so far? I discovered my passion for science, which helped shape me into the person I am today. Now I am really interested in studying Marine Veterinary Sciences.
What would you say is Epiphany School’s greatest strength? One of the more unique things about Epiphany’s environment is how it teaches students to strive for independence and learning environments that are beneficial to them.
Off to... College
Who: Callista Wessells ’12
Destination: Cornell University
Passions: Reading, my family, baking, art, music, movies, social justice, civil rights, and criminal justice
Recent achievement: My article about the Pacific Northwest was just published in Guac, Cornell’s travel magazine. Most surprising thing so far about college: It turns out I love the cold and snow in Ithaca!
What is the number-one thing you learned at Epiphany School that has served you well in your life so far? I still remember the three Rs and three Cs well. Respect in particular: respect for my classmates, for my teachers, for the work we did. That fundamental respect allowed me to really engage with the community and learning. Even today that respect gives life more meaning, I think, and keeps me invested in the things I spend my time doing.
How did Epiphany School prepare you for what came next? Epiphany helped me to be more poised and comfortable expressing myself to others. We had a lot of practice as young kids doing things I’ve had to do over and over again as I’ve gotten older like presenting our work, participating in performances, interacting closely with adults, and coming up with our own original ideas.
Off to... Work
Who: Lily Howlett ’08
Destination: Brand management at the Richards Group, a branding and advertising agency based in Dallas, Texas
Passion/s: Branding and customer experience
Recent achievement: Graduating from the University of Richmond Cum Laude, with a job secured before graduation
Most surprising thing so far about post-college life: All that’s involved in moving to a new city and starting a new job!
What is the number-one thing you learned at Epiphany School that has served you well in your life so far? Epiphany helped me to believe in my ability and capacity to learn. I also developed strong public speaking skills that were invaluable as I transitioned into high school and college.
What would you say is Epiphany School’s greatest strength? The dedicated and engaged faculty and staff.
Fondest Epiphany School memory: Memorizing different speeches and poems in 5th grade—I can still recite the Gettysburg Address by heart!
Epiphany School in one word, and why: Empowering. Epiphany gave me confidence in myself and motivated me to succeed.
Home for a school break? In Seattle for a visit?
Come to Epiphany School!
We love when alumni stop by campus to say hello! You can also earn community service hours by volunteering in classrooms, at school events, or in the Extended Day program. Reach out to development@epiphanyschool.org to learn more.
Photos, top: Will Kitchell ’03 worked as an Extended Day Assistant during Summer Camp 2019 and for part of the 2018-19 school year. Middle left: Dani Butler ’15 volunteered for 3 weeks of Summer Camp 2019. Right: Lila Hutcheson ’19 volunteered with Pre-K students during a day off school in February 2020. Bottom left: Vivian Gossard ’18 (left), Sophia Magnano (right) ’18, and Taz Nunn ’18 (not pictured) ran their own gymnastics after-school club in Spring 2019.
Epiphany School
3611 East Denny Way Seattle, WA 98122
206-323-9011 office@epiphanyschool.org epiphanyschool.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
2020 Important Dates
APRIL 9 Fourth Grade Performance and Reception (family and friends)
APRIL 10 Fourth Grade Performance (school audience)
APRIL 13-17 NO SCHOOL: Spring Break (Extended Day Camps open)
MAY 1 Day of Caring
MAY 8 Grandparents and Special Friends Day (noon dismissal, Extended Day open)
MAY 25 SCHOOL CLOSED: Memorial Day
MAY 26 NO SCHOOL: Faculty/Staff In-Service Day (Extended Day open 8:00 am-6:00 pm)
JUNE 11 Last Day of School for Pre-K-Second Grade; 11:00am dismissal Pre-K, full day K-2
JUNE 12 Fifth Grade Graduation; last day of school for Third to Fifth Grade; 11:00am dismissal
JULY 6-10 Epiphany School Summer Camp Week 1
JULY 13-17 Epiphany School Summer Camp Week 2
JULY 20-24 Epiphany School Summer Camp Week 3
JULY 27-31 Epiphany School Summer Camp Week 4
AUGUST 3-7 Epiphany School Summer Camp Week 5
AUGUST 10-14 Epiphany School Summer Camp Week 6
EDITOR’S NOTE: On the eve of sending this publication to press, the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Seattle. Our thoughts are with our greater Seattle community. Epiphany School friends, we hope you stay well and healthy through this challenging time. In light of the quickly evolving situation, we will revisit all planned events and communicate rescheduled dates as soon as possible.
Grandparents & Special
Friends Day, May 8, 2020
Grandparents and Special Friends, don’t miss this special event on campus! From 8:30 to 12, you’ll enjoy breakfast, attend class with your student, and watch a rousing all-school performance. Invitations coming soon. For questions reach out to events@epiphanyschool.org.