Connect
A Magazine for the Eton School Community
Beyond The Classroom Door
Too often, one hears students (and sometimes teachers) talk about school and the “real world”. The implication is that what happens in school is preparation that is separate and distinct from what comes after education. Even in college, it is not uncommon to hear students say, “When I get to the real world….”
In good schools, however, education includes and incorporates experiences from all aspects of life. In addition to learning concepts and skills, students experience a variety of global cultures, encounters with nature, fine arts, performing arts, and those who create art. Students visit the halls of power where decisions affect our daily lives, and they learn about how past decisions impacted those who came before them. Students peer at worlds a billion miles away and dig into the formation and composition of their own world.
All of these experiences contribute to the vibrant and exciting education we strive to provide at Eton School. I hope you enjoy this exploration of some of the aspects of an Eton education that occur outside the classroom door.
Russell Smith, Head of School
Beyond the Classroom Door
2 Kindergarten: The Icing on the Cake by Susan Baccellieri and Holly Fleming
4 Grades 1-3: Enhancing Learning by Apsara Chowdhary, Lin Farmer, Angela Kim, Chris Music, and Ashley Tadeja
6 Beyond the Classroom Throughout the Seasons in Grades 4–5 by Vic Spurling, Jo Weise, and Grace Yu
9 Around the Sound and Beyond: Making Connections in Middle School by Pete Kashevarof, Blake Lindsay, and Kirsten Zender
10 Blooming Experiences in Enrichment by Amelia Beeton, Kerena Burns, Joey Crotty, Tash Levandowski, Enid Mendez Flores, Eleanor Withrow
12 Our Summer Reading
14 Juneteenth Community Celebration
16 Spring Fling: Book Fair & Ice Cream Social
18 Meet the 2025-2026 Parent and Guardians of Eton School (PAGES) Executive Committee
19 Get to Know the 2025-2026 PAGES Community Coordinators 20 PAGES: All-School Ice Skating
22 Class of 2025!
26 News and Notes
28 Goodbyes and Best Wishes
28 Hello and Welcome: Anthony Colello
Connect: A Magazine for the Eton School Community 2024-2025 Volume 9 | No. 2 © 2025 Eton School Writer/Editor/Designer: Alice McNeer, Director of Communications and Marketing 2701 Bel-Red Road Bellevue, WA 98008 425-881-4230 www.etonschool.org
Kindergarten: The Icing on the Cake
by Susan Baccellieri and Holly Fleming
The Kindergarten year in a Montessori mixed-grade classroom has been described as icing on a cake. The previous two years provided the ingredients and nurturing needed for the Kindergarten students to become functioning members of their classrooms and school society.
The Kindergarten Ambassador program proudly returned this year. Kindergarten students enjoyed opportunities to step out of their regular classrooms to join other Kindergarten students for lessons in community building, social-emotional learning, leadership, and seasonal activities. Whether they worked together scrubbing P.E. poly spots, scraped moss off the labyrinth, or discovered signs of spring on a nature walk, Eton’s Kindergarten students formed connections with each other that will last into Lower Elementary and beyond.
Holly Fleming Susan Baccellieri
Grades 1-3: Enhancing Learning
by Apsara
Chowdhary,
Lin Farmer, Angela Kim, Chris Music, and Ashley Tadeja
Grades 1–3
2024-2025
Every year, students study their place in the universe through creation stories, geography, culture, and history lessons. Lower Elementary students traveled to Meadowbrook Farm Preserve to learn about the indigenous people of the Snoqualmie Valley and to learn about the native flora and fauna, and how people interact with them. They loved hearing the Snoqualmie tribe’s creation story, “Moon the Transformer,” while standing in the valley where the story took place.
#WeAreLE #Meadowbrook #MyPlaceInTheUniverse
Grades 1–3
2024-2025
Tiny, curious, and full of personality—our pet jumping spider is ready to learn with us! Students are encouraged to observe the spider, fostering a sense of curiosity and respect for all living creatures. By learning about and exploring the role of creatures in our ecosystem, both large and small, students develop an appreciation for biodiversity and the interconnections of life. Our little jumping spider helps build a sense of wonder and understanding of the essential role spiders play in maintaining ecological balance and trying to take away the fear of our eight-legged friends.
#WeAreLE #JumpingSpider #Biodiversity
Grades 1–3
2024-2025
STEAM exploration and experiments! The students studied the Coming of the Universe as the first cosmic great lesson, and they loved watching a documentary about the Big Bang and the Hubble telescope. They also explored physics, astronomy, and space travel through the interactive exhibits.
#WeAreLE #PacificScienceCenter #STEAM
Classrooms visited the beautiful garden space provided by Seattle Tilth to engage in hands-on learning about food culture from farm to table. Following Montessori principles, students were encouraged to explore the garden independently, observe the growth cycles of various plants, and participate in the harvesting process. This experiential learning opportunity allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of where their food comes from. They also practiced practical life skills by preparing and making a lovely kale salad, fostering a sense of independence and accomplishment.
#WeAreLE #SeattleTilth #HandsOnLearning
Grades 1–3 2024-2025
Lower Elementary
Grades 1–3
Busy as bees—and they’re helping the planet, too! Lower Elementary is buzzing with excitement as students engage in hands-on learning about amazing mason bees. Students are inspired as they observe these busy pollinators in action right on campus. By learning how mason bees help flowers and food grow, students develop an appreciation for the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem. This experiential approach to life science makes the curriculum more engaging and meaningful, allowing students to connect with the natural world and understand the importance of biodiversity through direct observation and interaction.
#WeAreLE #MasonBee #ExperientialLearning
Grades 1–3 2024-2025
Parent/Guardian volunteers transformed classrooms into a vibrant exploration of cultures celebrating the Lunar New Year. Surrounded by colorful lanterns, students decorated steamed buns, practiced traditional calligraphy, and made crafts for the Year of the Snake. This hands-on, sensory-rich environment allowed students to engage deeply with cultural traditions and to show respect for diversity. By participating in activities such as calligraphy and tasting traditional foods, students developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of the customs and practices associated with the Lunar New Year.
#WeAreLE #LunarNewYear #CulturalStudies
Grades 1–3 2024-2025
Volunteers engaged young minds with stories, traditions, and vibrant customs of Diwali, bringing the festival of lights to life. Through storytelling, students learned about the significance of Diwali, its history, and the ways it is celebrated across different cultures. Hands-on activities such as creating rangoli designs, lighting diyas, and tasting traditional sweets allowed students to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
#WeAreLE #Diwali #History #Culture #Diversity
We had a bee-rilliant visitor! An apiologist came to our school and captivated us with fascinating insights into the world of bees. The apiologist brought bee hives, honeycomb, and a bee suit for students to try on. Through engaging presentations and interactive demonstrations, students learned about the structure of hives, the life cycle of bees, and their essential role in pollination. This visit sparked curiosity and excitement, allowing students to see firsthand how bees contribute to the environment and our food supply. The apiologist’s expertise and passion for bees inspired students to appreciate these incredible insects and understand their importance in maintaining ecological balance. This enriching experience brought our life science curriculum to life, making learning about bees both fun and impactful.
#WeAreLE #Apiologist #LifeScience
Grades 1–3 2024-2025
Lin Farmer Apsara Chowdhary
Ashley Tadeja
Chris Music Angela Kim
Beyond the Classroom Throughout the Seasons in Grades 4–5
by Vic Spurling, Jo Weise, and Grace Yu
To promote literacy throughout the school year, we have enjoyed live author talks with Story Voice. During these sessions, authors read excerpts from their books and answer our questions in real-time (which is very exciting!)
The School of Taiko visited to share Taiko drumming, a Japanese art form involving powerful ensemble drumming performed with a range of traditional drums.
We celebrated Diwali, Hannukah, and Lunar New Year to foster and enhance our cultural awareness studies curriculum. Activities included listening to stories linked to each cultural event, sharing family traditions, and doing a variety of crafts. We created beautiful rangolis and paper hanging diyas, played dreidel, made and enjoyed delicious dumplings, learned some Chinese calligraphy, and played Yut Nori (Korean New Year game).
See Literacy Images
View Cultural Pictures
Browse More Taiko Photos
We joined with students in grades 1–3 for an assembly presented by King County Waste Management. We learned concrete ways to conserve natural resources by keeping waste out of landfills and making choices at school and home that positively impact the planet.
We visited the Wing Luke Museum in the International District, learning about the history of Asian Americans in Seattle. Being so close to a deep and long-standing community was fantastic for the students to discover.
Our field Trip to the Audubon Center at Seward Park was wet! We journeyed through the old-growth forest, dissected owl pellets, and investigated the nesting habits of birds.
Joining with students from kindergarten through third grade, we enjoyed The Fifth Avenue Theatre’s dynamic performance of “Songs of the Moon: Fantastical Folktales from Asia.”
Vic Spurling
Grace Yu Jo Weise
See Museum Images
View KCWM Photos
See Audubon Images
View Theater Photos
Capitol in Olympia
View Goldendale & Rice Museum Photos
Browse Capitol Photos
Library
Around the Sound and Beyond: Making Connections in Middle School
by Pete Kashevarof, Blake Lindsay, and Kirsten Zender
Bellevue Public
Library
We went to the Bellevue Public Library as part of our Dystopian Fiction (6th grade) and Science Fiction (7th-8th grade) book club units. The purpose of this field trip was to familiarize students with the programs and resources available at public libraries and to understand their critical role in democratizing access to information. Students contrasted their experience at the library with the fictional dystopian societies they have encountered in The Giver and The Last Cuentista, in which knowledge is a weapon of the privileged few. King County librarians gave students a presentation on finding books using the Dewey Decimal Classification System and a library tour, including the maker space! Teachers and librarians then helped students search for awesome books. Many students used this opportunity to secure a copy of their preferred book club book or to delve deeper into the dystopian and science fiction genres.
Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island
Learning about Washington State History is mandatory in Middle School, and one of the more impactful field trips is to the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island. The forced removal of Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 comes to life with stories told by Bainbridge Island families who were deported to incarceration camps in California. Exhibits transport students into the 1940s to understand how different life was during that time.
Capitol in Olympia
On our field trip to the Capitol in Olympia, which is part of our US government unit in Grades 7/8, students had the opportunity to tour the historic building with visits to both the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. They explored the Capitol grounds, taking time to visit some memorials that honor important moments and figures in state history. Inside, students were especially intrigued by the state room and the old photographs documenting the Capitol’s construction, offering a glimpse into the past and deepening their appreciation for the building’s architectural and historical significance.
Goldendale Observatory, Goldendale, WA and Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, Portland, Oregon
The highlight after studying the Big Bang Theory, creation of the universe, and our solar system, is our two-day field trip to the Goldendale Observatory in Eastern Washington and the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals in Portland.
On day 1, we bundled up in winter gear and took in the light from Saturn, Jupiter, and even the Orion Nebula along with the cold night air. Together we witnessed a precious moment life cycle of countless stars, some dark by the time their light reached us. A photograph is just not the same, and the Aah! and Ooh! will stay with the students for the rest of their lives.
The geology of our Earth was part of Day 2 at the Rice Museum, where we admired an expansive collection of minerals and rocks from the Rice Family. Having studied the creation of elements and how Earth formed, students examined minerals, rocks, meteorites, and even rock phenomena from the Northwest.
Pete Kashevarof Blake Lindsay Kirsten Zender
Blooming Experiences in Enrichment
by Amelia Beeton, Kerena Burns, Joey Crotty, Tash Levandowski, Enid Mendez Flores, Eleanor Withrow
Earth Education
Down the way from Eton School, there is a forest called Ardmore Park. Walk there, and unexpected wonders await you. Sit spots and stillness. Bird language and a story. A creek that sings in the heart of the woods. Young minds delight in the unfolding mysteries of nature here. Focus comes easily. Embodiment, instinctively. And keen eyes begin to see beyond what is human. Ardmore is where young people fall in love with the Living World, become part of its incredible story, and the Earth begins to feel like home.
There’s no business like show business, and there’s nothing like performing under the lights, in front of an audience, on a real stage. Throughout the spring, Eton students in grades one to eight work hard learning lines, perfecting blocking, and practicing songs to perform in a play or musical. All this hard work culminates in a performance on the big stage at Kirkland Performance Center. They can connect all the work in the classroom with real-world experience on the big stage.
Performing Arts
In Spanish class, we brought language learning to life by ordering churros, mango sorbet, and toppings — all in Spanish! This tasty experience helped us practice real-life conversation skills while learning about the cultural importance of churros in many Hispanic countries. It was a fun and delicious way to explore language through culture.
Spanish
Joey Crotty
Enid Mendez Flores
Eleanor Withrow
The world is the true classroom. The most rewarding and important type of learning is through experience, seeing something with our own eyes. ~Jack Hanna
Field trips to places like the bowling alley, ice skating rink, and bounce house for PE class offer students an exciting way to stay active while exploring different forms of physical movement. Trying new activities also boosts confidence and resilience, teaching students to embrace challenges. These outings enrich students’ lives by making fitness enjoyable and fostering lifelong healthy habits.
Visual Arts
Physical Education
Visiting the Seattle Art Museum offers middle-school students an enriching experience that brings classroom learning to life. In this setting, students gain a deeper understanding of artistic techniques, cultural perspectives, and historical contexts. The museum setting also provides opportunities for meaningful discussion and personal reflection. This handson exposure enhances their appreciation for visual storytelling and broadens their view of the world through the art around them.
Every year, the library hosts a Book Fair in conjunction with the ice cream social as part of the Spring Fling. The Book Fair reaches out of the library and into the Eton School community. The Book Fair invites students, parents, guardians, and siblings to mix, get excited about books, and add to their home libraries
Tash Levandowski
Amelia Beeton
Kerena Burns
Our Summer Reading
Our commitment to lifelong learning is central to our core values. This commitment is reflected in our robust professional development program, which benefits all employees, as they engage in a variety of learning opportunities, including on-campus workshops and webinars, and attendance at local and national conferences. A notable addition to our professional development initiatives is our summer reading.
For the past three years, each employee has selected a book from a curated list to read over the summer. The selected books focus on our key areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). At the end of the summer, we set aside time during our inservice to come together in small groups to discuss our readings and then gather as a whole group to share the key insights and notes about the reading and discussion. As lifelong learners, we believe in the value of sharing knowledge. Therefore, we are excited to present this year’s summer reading list, complete with brief descriptions. Whether you are looking for a meaningful read now or later, these books offer valuable perspectives and insights. ❧
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson (Nonfiction)
In Caste, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Isabel Wilkerson explores the hidden caste system that has shaped American society, beyond race or class. Through powerful stories and deep research, she reveals how this rigid hierarchy continues to influence our lives, drawing connections to caste systems in India and Nazi Germany. Wilkerson outlines eight pillars that sustain caste and examines its impact on health, culture, and politics—ultimately urging a path toward equality and shared humanity
Dear Martin by Nic Stone (Young Adult (YA) Fiction)
Justyce McAllister, a top student bound for the Ivy League, is unfairly arrested and struggles with racism from both his old and new worlds. Seeking clarity, he begins writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But when a violent encounter with an off-duty cop ends in tragedy, Justyce finds himself at the center of a media storm, questioning everything he believed about justice and identity.
Disability Visibility: First Person Stories From the 21st Century edited by Alice Wong (Nonfiction)
Disability Visibility is a powerful collection of essays by disabled people that highlights the diversity, complexity, and richness of disability experiences. Marking the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the anthology features voices from across genres—personal stories, testimonies, and manifestos—that challenge perceptions, celebrate disability culture, and call for greater representation and understanding.
Speak Up, Santiago! by Julio Anta (Young Adult (YA) Graphic Novel)
Santi spends the summer in Hillside Valley with his Abuela, eager to explore and make new friends. But he worries his limited Spanish makes him less Colombian. As he bonds with local kids through adventures and soccer, Santi must find the confidence to embrace his identity and voice—before his doubts jeopardize his friendships and a chance to join the summer soccer tournament.
Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning by Gholdy Muhammad (Nonfiction)
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad introduces joy as a fifth pursuit in her educational model—embracing wellness, healing, and justice. She demonstrates how teaching rooted in cultural and historical contexts can foster identity, intellect, skills, criticality, and joy, empowering all students. The book includes practical guidance, model lessons, and assessment tools for diverse classrooms.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (Fiction,)
Struggling writer June Hayward steals a manuscript from her deceased friend, celebrated author Athena Liu, and publishes it as her own under a new, ethnically ambiguous identity. As the book becomes a bestseller, June is haunted by Athena’s legacy and the truth that threatens to unravel her success-forcing her to confront how far she’ll go to hold onto a stolen spotlight.
Juneteenth Community Celebration
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on 19 June in the United States. The day commemorates the day in 1865 when Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people in Texas were free, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration of Juneteenth has roots in African American communities. It has been observed since the late 1800s as a day to remember and honor the struggles and sacrifices of African Americans in their continued fight for freedom and equality. In 2021, President Joe Biden declared it a federal holiday in the United States.
As co-sponsors, Eton School, The Little School, and the City of Bellevue put on the 2025 Juneteenth Community Celebration at Crossroads Park in Bellevue, Washington. The event was designed to center, celebrate, and support Black voices and businesses. ❧
Spring Fling: Book Fair & Ice Cream Social
Meet the 2025-2026 Parent and Guardians of Eton School (PAGES) Executive Committee
President: Tina Wu
Tina has one son going into Grade 1, and she is thrilled to continue to be a part of the PAGES team, serving as the President this year. She and her family have been loving the warm and friendly vibes of the Eton community for the past three years, adding to the uplifting spirit all around. Professionally, she serves as a brand partnership manager at a renowned brand while also managing her own small business in the event planning industry. Outside of work, Tina cherishes weekends as an opportunity for quality family time. Together with her loved ones, she indulges in various activities such as traveling, hiking, reading, watching movies, and savoring a variety of delicious cuisines.
Vice President: Chao Duan
Chao loves to be an active participant in his children’s lives and education. He and his wife, Xiang, work in IT. His daughter Alina is in Grade 6 this year, and his son Allan is in Grade 2 this year in Room 6. His whole family loves outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. He has a nickname, “Coach Chao”, when he’s on the mountain snowboarding with his family. Apparently, Alina and Allan like “Coach Chao” more than their dad!
Secretary: Ding Zhao
Ding has a child in Grade 2 at Eton who started the journey at age three. She has volunteered in many school activities and previously served as the Room Rep for her child’s class and the Lower Elementary Community Coordinator. She and her family love the learning and life at Eton, and they always enjoy participating in various school events. She is excited to be a PAGES executive team member and happy to connect with more families and give back to the Eton community. Ding and her family like rock climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding. They love to go out to nature.
Treasurer: Janice Zhang
Janice is a proud mom of two wonderful children. Her family has been a part of the Eton community for eight years. She has a daughter who started in Preelementary and went through Grade 4 and a son who started at age three and is now in Grade 4. Janice enjoys cooking and traveling. Her family started to play board games during the pandemic and continue to love that, as well as reading together and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Volunteer Coordinator: Tammy Eisenbeis
Tammy, whose daughter is currently a third grader, has been part of the Eton community since 2020, when her daughter started the Pre-elementary program. She has been an active volunteer at many school events and within the classroom community as a Room Rep. She especially enjoys chaperoning field trips. Outside of Eton, Tammy has worked in the world of tax/accounting and is involved with her church community. She enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and their 18-year-old cat.
Get to Know the 2025-2026 PAGES
Community Coordinators
Pre-elementary Community Coordinator: Paty Carlos
Paty has been part of the Eton community since the pandemic year of 2020. She has three children at the school: Gus, 9 years old, going into Grade 4; Juliana, 6 years old, going into Grade 1; and Samantha, 4 years old, going into Grade P4. As a family, we love Friday pizza nights and Sunday urban hikes.
Lower Elementary Community Coordinator: Flora Ellis
Flora Ellis joined the Eton community in 2022 and has a daughter who will enter Grade 1 this year. A former Montessori student, she’s excited to help foster connection and belonging as a Community Coordinator. Over the years, she has worked across various tech companies, from start-ups to large-scale platforms. Originally from New Jersey, Flora now calls Washington home. She enjoys playing pickleball, doing crafts with her daughter, and camping with her family as they try to visit every national park in the U.S. She’s looking forward to supporting the vibrant community that makes Eton such a special place.
Upper Elementary/Middle School Community Coordinator: Uttara Korad
Uttara and her husband, Sushant, are longtime residents of the Seattle area, having called it home for nearly two decades. True “Mossbacks,” they’ve embraced the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. For the past 11 years, Eton School has been an integral part of their family’s journey, with both of their children starting their educational adventure in Eton’s preschool program. Their sons Aariv, now 13 and in Grade 7, and Ayan, 10 and in Grade 4, have grown up within the nurturing Eton community. As software engineers, Uttara and Sushant share a passion for technology, but their interests extend far beyond the digital realm. They love to dive into good books, explore new destinations through travel, and spend quality time with Aariv and Ayan, discovering the natural wonders that surround them.
PAGES: All-School Ice Skating
Class of 2025!
“An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.
~Maria Montessori, Education and Peace
Ada
Eighth Grade Project
Aphantasia: Can You Picture It?
Favorite Memory
My favorite memory is when we went on the Salish Sea trip and I got to do a sailing station with Ella when we were learning how to sail.
Anika
Eighth Grade Project
Breaking It Down: The History of Street Dance
Favorite Memory
Some of my favorite memories of Eton are going up to Snoqualmie Pass on the ski bus, being with friends, and doing art with Ms. Amelia.
Arjun
Eighth Grade Project
Let’s Have Some Tea: The History and Growth of Tea
Favorite Memory
My favorite memory was standing on the tip of the jib sail on the bowsprit of the sailboat during our Salish Seas trip.
Claire
Eighth Grade Project
Science of Sleepwalking
Favorite Memory
My favorite Eton memories are hanging out with friends; going skiing at Snoqualmie on the ski bus with other friends; and playing field hockey in PE.
Derek
Eighth Grade Project
Racing to the Finish: Velodrome Bikes
Favorite Memory
My favorite memories from Eton are going up on the ski bus to Snoqualmie Pass and going on the Salish Seas trip where I learned how to steer the ship and how to tack the sails.
Ella
Eighth Grade Project
The Expository Presentation on Exposition
Favorite Memory
My favorite memory is when I got to steer the Zodiac which is the really big sailboat that we were on for the Salish Seas trip.
Jacob
Eighth Grade Project
Down to the Millisecond: Reaction Times
Favorite Memory
My favorite memories at Eton are of going on the Salish Sea trip with my classmates and winning a game with the ultimate team in my 6th grade year.
Landon
Eighth Grade Project
From Bits to Qubits: Quantum Computing
Favorite Memory
My favorite school memory was going on the Salish Sea trip and working on the mainsheet with Max and Sam. I also liked having unlimited hot cocoa and playing poker and black jack with the my classmates and the Salish crew below deck in between tacks.
Max
Eighth Grade Project
Plain Engines: Plane Engines?
Favorite Memory
My favorite memories of Eton are all the school trips we went on; I especially enjoyed the Salish Sea trip, as I got to experience the thrill of sailing.
Sam
Eighth Grade Project
Mastering Your Mental Game: Performance Psychology
Favorite Memory
My favorite memory at Eton was on the Salish Seas trip when we had to downhaul the sails. Landon and I pulled a rope down to bring the mainsail and foresail down.
Teresa
Eighth Grade Project
Benefits and Biology of Music
Favorite Memory
My favorite memories of Eton are of art and social studies classes. My other most memorable days at Eton were when I went on the Salish Sea trip with my classmates where I learned to sail, played card games, and hung out with friends.
Bellevue
Interlake High School
The Overlake School
Redmond High School
Sammamish High School
Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS)
Woodinville Montessori School
Students Raise Money for the Lambert House With
a Karaoke Party
The students’ EQUALITY+ Club hosted a karaoke party fundraiser benefitting the Lambert House, an organization that offers resources and support to youth members of the LGBTQ+ community. The club planned a Karaoke Party for students in Grades 4-8 and all faculty/staff with a $1 admission charge, and they could pay to “force” teachers/ staff to sing! The event went from 4:00–6:00 p.m. in the back Mezzo parking lot. Everyone sang, danced, and purchased food and other items to raise over $700! Enjoy the photos below from the event.
Group of Students Attend Pride on the Plaza
The City of Bellevue and Pride Across the Bridge hosted a Pride on the Plaza celebration on 4 June 2025. A group of students rode the light rail downtown and participated in the event. This free event featured music, food, performances, a pride flag-raising ceremony with remarks from city leaders, and a keynote by Edgar Longoria of Entre Hermanos. Everyone had a wonderful time!
Eton Administrator Accepts Juneteenth Proclamation
We are delighted to share that our Director of Equity and Belonging, Ms. Laurren Chase, proudly accepted the City of Bellevue, Washington’s Government Juneteenth Proclamation. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom, reflect on history, and recommit to building a more just and equitable future. Laurren Chase founded the Juneteenth Community Celebration, which has been held in Bellevue, Washington, for the past three years. Next year’s Juneteenth Community Celebration is scheduled for 13 June 2026. Thank you to the City of Bellevue for the proclamation, and to Laurren Chase for accepting it on behalf of the community!
Eton School Represented at Inaugural Black Montessori Conference
The inaugural Black Montessori Conference occurred at Howard University in Washington, D.C. from 20-22 June 2025. The conference’s theme was “Black in Montessori: Cultivating Our Environment,” focusing on the unique contributions of Black educators and learners in Montessori education. The event featured workshops, networking time, a Black-tie fundraising Gala, and various opportunities to be seen and heard within the Montessori community. Attending and representing Eton School at this fantastic event were Ms. Apsara Chowdhary (Lower Elementary Teacher), Ms. Laurren Chase (Director of Equity and Inclusion), and Ms. Alice Msheda (Pre-elementary Teacher). They had a powerful weekend making connections, learning, and celebrating the voices and contributions of Black educators!
Dedicated Faculty and Staff Go Beyond the Classroom
You never know where our faculty and staff will show up. This last spring, a group attended an alum’s play at a local high school and a group also showed up to support a current student at a dance recital. It is always a joy to support and celebrate the talents of students (both past and present) beyond the classroom.
Goodbyes and Best Wishes
As with all growing schools, staff changes are inevitable. At the end of this school year, we say goodbye to some Eton School faculty and staff that we have come to know and treasure. Although they are leaving, a part of them will always remain in the many lives they have touched and the memories made here at Eton School. We wish them all the best on their personal and professional journeys. ❧
Hello and Welcome: Anthony Colello
Please join us in welcoming Anthony Colello as the Head of Upper Elementary and Middle School. He brings over a decade of experience in education as a teacher, college counselor, and administrator. After earning his Master’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on education, Anthony lived and worked in Washington, DC, before returning to Seattle to begin working in schools. Following many years of working at a local independent school, Anthony spent the last three years serving as the Middle School Head of Sun Valley Community School in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Anthony’s approach to education is grounded in strong relationships, curiosity, and a belief in the potential of every student. Over the years, he has worked closely with faculty and families to build student-centered learning environments where young people feel known, supported, and challenged. He is thrilled to be joining the amazing group of educators at Eton School.
Outside of school, Anthony enjoys spending time with his family—wife, Alex, and their two young sons, Max (4) and Theo (18 months). Life is filled with chasing his boys around the backyard, sneaking in a quick round of golf, and watching his beloved Seattle sports teams. Anthony continues to believe that his lifelong commitment to the Mariners will pay off someday.
Elias Demian
Isa Ryan
Mikyla Johnson
Sudha Vaghul
Kalsom Wali
Pete Kashevarof
Together
One of the things that sets Eton School apart is the strength and commitment of our community.
Together we teach and honor the whole child.
Together we join the students in the passion and the process of lifelong learning.
Together we share our strengths, enrich their education and support all students.
Share Time and Talent
We are fortunate to have a rich resource of talent and dedication within our community. Tapping into this resource is essential to a wide range of school activities such as driving on field trips and helping during events such as the World of Eton, Family Game Time, All‑School Ice Skating, Book Fair, Spring Fling and more.
Enrich and Enhance Learning
The diversity of our community provides opportunities for enriching learning. Sharing cultural and family traditions enhances the understanding and appreciation of each other. Offering a special expertise or providing access to specialized resources with a classroom, grade level or entire school enhances learning and understanding for all.
Support Students, Program, and Community
One important way of supporting students, program and community is through yearly participation in the Annual Fund. We are fortunate to have 100% participation from our faculty and staff, and Board of Trustees each year, which shows their belief, dedication, and
Donate Online
Using our online form you can donate:
• One Time
• Set Up Recurring
support. Reaching 100% family participation is the goal each and every year. Every donation, no matter the size, counts. The lasting effects of everyone's generosity and support continue for many years, and are demonstrated in the faces of the students.
• Pledge Download and Submit
Download our form (bottom of page) then
• Complete It
• Mail It
• Drop off at School
Matching Gifts
Many employers offer a matching gift program. Check with your employer to see if they participate. Please reach out to our Development Office if you need guidance.
Beyond the Classroom Door represents the wide range of experiences and opportunities that unfold once students move beyond their regular learning environment. While classrooms lay the groundwork for academic knowledge and essential skills, it’s outside those walls where learning comes to life‑through hands on experiences, personal development, and real world application of what’s been taught. Stepping beyond the classroom doors empowers students to grow into well rounded individuals, ready to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
