The Global Mindset 2023

International Trips Students travel for the first time since 2019 PG. 6

Forest Update Goals of the Forest Project Team PG. 18

25 Years of History The journey of our Middle School PG. 22

Alumni Profile Megan Hall, Ph.D.—first Middle School class PG. 24 and more!

CONTENTS In this Issue

03 04 06 10 14 16 18 22 24 28

Letter from Head of School Board of Trustees 2022-23 Report Return of International Trips Alumnus Returns for Film Project A Place with a Purpose Strategic Plan Update As the Forest Grows, We Grow 25 Years of Middle School History Alumni Profile: Megan Hall, Ph.D. Alumni News

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GLOBAL MINDS

SPARK CONNECTIONS

1,625+

VOLUNTEER HOURS CONTRIBUTED

BY FRENCH INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

5000+ SERVICE HOURS COMPLETED BY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

13 3

2

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS (VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, BOYS’ BASKETBALL)

French International School of Oregon

25 FIELD TRIPS TO GIVE STUDENTS LEARNING EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

CITIES VISITED DURING INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

“Our students are at the heart of everything we do.”

The 2022-23 school year was filled with change, excitement, hope, and optimism. With a new Strategic Plan to guide us, we have united our school under one name and visual identity, revised our mission statement, and launched an exciting campaign to transform our 15-acre campus to include new buildings for our Maternelle and Lower School students. We have a lot to celebrate!

This year, we also revived our flagship programs. Our fifth graders spent two weeks in France using the language and cultural skills they’ve built over the years and celebrating the end of Lower School. We had an exchange with a school in Toulouse, so some of our seventh graders stayed with host families in France this spring. Our eighth graders took their international trips to Chile, Germany, France, Spain, and Taiwan. For the first time, second, third, and fourth graders participated in our new science-integrated field study program by going to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, the coast, and the desert, respectively. In April, we hosted the largest Gala in school history to support financial aid. We wrapped up our final days of school with Fête de la Musique, a full-day celebration including music, dancing, and art!

As we look boldly toward the future, our Strategic Plan pillars of People, Place, Presence, and Programs will continue to guide us. We must also remember why we are here at French International—our students and their futures.

Our ultimate goal is to make the world a better place by cultivating leaders, creators, and visionaries with a global mindset. Let’s always keep in mind that our students are at the heart of everything we do.

It’s an exciting time to be a part of French International and you’ll see that excitement resonate in this issue of The Global Mindset. Thank you for continuing to grow and partner with us as we look toward a bright future.

Scott Hardister French International Head of School

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FRENCH INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022-23 Report The French International Board of Trustees has been highly focused on supporting the launch of the Strategic Plan, which will shape the school’s direction for the next decade and beyond. Board members are active ambassadors of the school at community events and fundraisers, and work closely with the Head of School to support him and his staff in implementing the tactics of the Strategic Plan.

Trustees were present at all school events and had strong participation in both the Annual Fund and Special Appeal to show our love and commitment to French International.

The Board of Trustees has also created several committees to address the four pillars of the Strategic Plan to ensure the school follows through with these pillars systematically and permanently.

They include: PLACE (SITE COMMITTEE) – Planning a complete overhaul of our Maternelle and Lower School campus grounded in the programming needs and experience requirements for kids to learn.

PRESENCE (FRENCH INTERNATIONAL IN THE COMMUNITY) – Strengthening existing relationships and creating new ones to make French International a more visible and recognizable institution locally and nationally.

PEOPLE (DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI)) – Working on defining metrics to be able to create schoolwide DEI policies.

PROGRAMS – The implementation of the tactics of this pillar is run by staff and faculty, with the trustees’ support when needed.

While working on the Strategic Plan, the Board of Trustees reviewed its internal policies and procedures to ensure it is ready to support the school and staff with the needs of the Strategic Plan execution. These reviews included committees’ structures and financial policies.

The upcoming year will bring great opportunities and challenges to the school while we continue to implement the Strategic Plan. One of the most exciting ones will be sharing the final version of the campus site plan with the community and breaking ground in 2024.

Moving forward, the Board of Trustee's goals will be centered around the Strategic Plan by actively working in the committees and supporting the Head of School and staff throughout the process, particularly the new site development which is pivotal to our long-term success. The Board of Trustees will lead the community by their example in engagement, support, and giving.

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French International School of Oregon

2022-23 Trustees DENISSE REYES, CHAIR

DAN KIRSCHNER

PATTI SHAFFNER JORDAN, VICE CHAIR

LARRY LEWIS

MATT BIRCHARD, SECRETARY

PHILIPPE MAZAUD

LAURA TAYLOR, TREASURER

JANNA MCDOUGALL

ERIN-KATE BARTON

STACEY REIBER

CYREENA BOSTON ASHBY

NATE SCHWALBACH

AMY DURYEA

JIM SEVER

JULIE FALK

MICHAEL SMYTHE

CHARLES JENKINS

GASTON SUAREZ GOMEZ

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Return of International Trips This year, French International revived its international trips program. For the first time since 2019, students traveled the world and used the language skills they built during their time at French International.

Eighth graders had the opportunity to visit Chile, France, Germany, Spain, or Taiwan in May. For each destination, they explored two different cities, staying with welcoming host families, attending local schools, and immersing themselves in the culture. They also got to try delicious traditional foods and make new friends from all around the world.

Seventh graders did a full exchange with a school in Toulouse. Thirteen students from Toulouse came to Portland and stayed with some of our seventh-grade families for three weeks. Then it was our students’ turn to visit Toulouse. The thirteen French International students spent three weeks exploring the area, staying with host families, and using their language skills in real-life situations.

Fifth graders took a trip to Strasbourg to celebrate the end of Lower School.

Students stayed in a hostel during the week, and with a host family for the weekend. They made lifelong memories tasting French foods, visiting museums, learning about the history of the region, and of course, practicing French!

At French International, we believe in educating students from a global perspective. We’re thrilled to see our students discovering new cultures, learning more about themselves, and making connections across the world.

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French International School of Oregon

“I learned a lot more Spanish. Going on an exchange trip is the best way to learn a language. It was my favorite trip I’ve ever taken.”

–SIDDHARTH MODHA, EIGHTH-GRADE SPAIN TRIP

“I learned that France is very beautiful. Just getting to be in France with my class was special.”

–IKAIKA PALMER, FIFTH-GRADE FRANCE TRIP

“I think this experience is special because you learn a lot of things about France and you have cool experiences that you’ll hopefully remember for a long time.”

–DEACON KLINE, FIFTH-GRADE FRANCE TRIP

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French International School of Oregon

“It was my first time out of the country.

It was amazing seeing the scenery and architecture. My favorite part was living with my host family, and going to school there, and seeing the similarities and differences.”

–MAX HOSMER, EIGHTH-GRADE FRANCE TRIP

“Staying with a host family was exciting and a different experience than you would normally get. It was fun learning about all the differences.”

–ELLA DRÜCKS, FIFTH-GRADE FRANCE TRIP

“I didn’t know how many differences there would be in everyday life. The trip gave me more memories that I could leave the school with and I’m glad I’m ending with this experience and these connections.”

–COSETTE LITCH, EIGHTH-GRADE CHILE TRIP

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CLASS OF 2015

LACH DAVIDSON French International Alumnus Returns for Film Project

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French International School of Oregon

When Lach Davidson started planning his final project for film school, the inspiration came from a letter written by one of his middle school teachers, Minda McCandless. So naturally, as the film came together, he reached out to Minda and French International.

Lach’s film, “In the Beginning,” follows the journey of a fictional character with dyslexia as he navigates the US education system. The story includes pieces from Lach’s experience as someone with a learning difference.

“I think a lot of times kids feel isolated when they come across challenges in class. The story was meant to create a universal character that a kid like that could relate to,” Lach said.

“Maybe they would realize, ‘Oh shoot, that happens to me. I’m not on my own in this.’”

While Lach took pieces of his experience to create this film, the initial inspiration came from French International Middle School teacher, Minda McCandless.

When Lach was a junior at Central Catholic High School, he was on a school retreat.

During the retreat, students received letters from people in their lives. Lach's was from Minda. The contents of the letter are

personal to Lach and Minda, but the central idea aligns with Lach’s film.

“Essentially [the letter] matches the themes of my story where sometimes you feel isolated,” Lach explained. “That was the theme of the letter to keep going and keep being yourself.”

Minda has been a teacher at the Middle School since it opened in 1998. She’s had hundreds of students over the years and has learned from all of them, but Lach is one who had a significant influence on Minda as a teacher.

“I learned more from him about kids, connection, resilience, and differentiation than I ever learned in ‘teacher school,’” Minda explained. “Lach’s influence keeps going—with his film and bringing light to managing dyslexia in an educational setting, he continues to impact students, parents, and teachers, me included.”

“Lach’s influence keeps going—with his film and bringing light to managing dyslexia in an educational setting, he continues to impact students, parents, and teachers, me included.” —MINDA MCCANDLESS, TEACHER

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“At [French International], I learned how to think, how to break down a problem or situation, and when something doesn’t work to systematically go back to figure out why.” —LACH DAVIDSON, ALUMNUS “In the Beginning” follows the protagonist as he grows up and goes through the school system. Lach planned on shooting the scenes where the character was younger at a grade school in Los Angeles, but the location fell through. His plan B was French International.

Lach worked with Alice Beauvallet’s kindergarten class and Minda’s sixth-grade Individuals and Societies class.

“I had very limited experience working on films with kids, but they were super willing and they killed it,” Lach said.

For Minda, working on this project with her former student was an emotional experience.

“Seeing grown-up Lach and witnessing his true expertise at film-making, and knowing that I had a role in his idea, juxtaposed with me becoming the learner and him the teacher paired with my current class of kids at the same age I had Lach and knowing I

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French International School of Oregon

have kids in classes with similar struggles, I kept tearing up,” added Minda. “It was both other-worldly and full-circle at the same time.”

It was a full-circle experience for Lach as well. He got to highlight and recognize a teacher who helped set him on his path to becoming a filmmaker. He was also able to work with students and share his knowledge of the film industry.

Lach also reflected on how his experience at French International still impacts him.

“At [French International], I learned how to think, how to break down a problem or situation, and when something doesn’t work to systematically go back to figure out why,” Lach explained. “I’m wrong about stuff often so this tool has played a big role in getting me where I am today.”

Lach is finishing this project and plans to debut the final film in October.

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

A PLACE WITH A PURPOSE At French International School of Oregon, we have spent the last fourty-five years developing an exceptional educational experience. We attract the best teachers from around the world who combine language immersion with the IB World School framework to nurture a global mindset, provide foundational skills for lifelong success, and enable children to navigate the world with empathy and curiosity.

Pillar three of the Strategic Plan commits to creating a unified, expanded, sustainable campus that serves and embodies the school’s mission. We have engaged Guna Collaborative as the architectural firm that will carry out the vision of this project with input from faculty, staff, leadership, parents, and trustees. With the recent acquisition of three properties on the corner of NW Cornell Road, we have updated our site plan to incorporate the additional lots, re-envision the remodeling of current buildings, and maintain authentic connections to nature. The new site plan includes: 29 classroom spaces 90 additional parking spots and updated traffic patterns 12 flexible spaces for STEAM, music, art, Maternelle library, student support, French as a Second Language (FSL), and meetings It will take our entire community to bring this transformational vision to life. We will be launching a Capital Campaign to help fund the design and construction of our new site plan.

Stay tuned for information on how you can get involved.

Ready to have a conversation about the Capital Campaign today? Contact Shawna Foster, Director of Development, sfoster@frenchintl.org.

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French International School of Oregon

PROPOSED PLAN PHASE ONE: Middle School (Completed) PHASE TWO: Lower School, Revise Traffic Flow, Parking, Administration Building Renovations (current phase) PHASE THREE: Maternelle, Gathering Space, Middle School Design Classes, Green Spaces (current phase) FUTURE CONSIDERATION: Library Upgrades, Sports Field, Performing Arts Center, Cafeteria

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STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-23 The 2022-23 school year was the first year with our new fiveyear Strategic Plan which will guide us through the 2026-27 school year. Here is what we have done in year one to tackle the goals of our Strategic Plan.

AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE • Committed to supporting financial aid with Special Appeal.

• Formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and are tackling what DEI means at French International and how we look at policies and programs through a DEI lens.

• Ensured we are on track to increase faculty and staff salaries to the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) 50th percentile by the 2024-25 school year.

• Developed equitable and aligned faculty and staff assessment processes throughout all departments.

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French International School of Oregon

PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE • Hired a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) coordinator to align Lower School STEAM. • Created a Curriculum Review Coordinator position to ensure that each year there will be a dedicated vertical alignment of subject-specific areas to strengthen cohesion and coherence. We will start with English in 2023-24.

• Offered numerous professional development opportunities for faculty and staff including: • Teaching in a plurilingual learning environment (MLF) • Teaching differently - flexible classrooms (AEFE) • Dyslexiacon: reading, literacy and learning conference • Podcast training (Slam Tribu) • DU Formateur - teacher training certification (MLF) • French as a second language - research group (AEFE) • Bilingual and multilingual teaching and learning (IB) • Developed a French International professional learning community, giving teachers the chance to observe other classrooms and share best practices.

A PRESENCE IN PORTLAND AND THE WORLD • Welcomed French speakers, including French authors and poets.

• Sponsored Portland’s Bastille Day in partnership with the Alliance Française.

• Formalizing current community partnerships through board committee work.

• Continued our partnerships with International Baccalaureate (IB), Mission Laïque Française (MLF), and Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

• Presented on governance at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

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As the Forest Grows,

We Grow

STEWARDING OUR FOREST As part of the school’s beautiful 15-acre campus, the French International forest provides countless opportunities for learning and growth. In 2022, the Annual Gala Special Appeal supported infrastructure, curriculum, professional development, and sustainability in the French International forest.

One of the first tasks was putting together a team to plan for how the funds would be spent. The Forest Project Team set four goals for the forest projects: • Connect existing curriculum and lessons available through school resources to the forest and its spaces.

• Create a systemic approach to training and educating all staff on the forest, its uses, and its functions.

• Develop infrastructure that supports the curriculum of French International, safety, and usability of the forest space.

• Invest in supplies that are relevant to the supported curriculum which must be abundant and robust enough to be used throughout the year by multiple age groups.

This fall, the Forest Project Team will finish surveying all grade levels for how the forest and campus nature spaces are integrated into curriculum goals and student experiences. These findings will help set the tactics to accomplish the project’s long-term goals. The Forest Project Team is also researching professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to give them

tools, resources, and guidance on how to better integrate the forest into teaching practices.

In addition, school staff are working with the West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District to update French International’s 2011 Forest Conservation Plan. This plan addresses supporting forest biodiversity and health with invasive species removal and habitat restoration. The goal is to elevate experiential learning, nature stewardship, and long-term sustainability THE GOAL IS TO ELEVATE at French EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, International.

NATURE STEWARDSHIP, AND LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY This year, some of AT FRENCH INTERNATIONAL. the Special Appeal funds were spent on installing low elements like parkour and challenge courses from a company called Synergo. Students and classes will use these for team-building activities, honing their gross motor skills, and interacting with the forest.

The funds covered the cost of widening the walking path, which is in progress, and purchasing a utility vehicle. This makes it easier for the facilities crew to clear fallen branches and helps keep the forest safe for students and staff to enjoy year-round.

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The Forest Project Team is still engaging with school staff and experts before finalizing the plan for the Special Appeal dollars. Some of the upcoming projects the funds will support include: • Installing a low-impact fence along the south side of the forest, which follows the creek • Updating the welcome bulletin board and interpretive signs • Redesigning the current parkour space • Updating the fort-building area • Creating a natural fence between the amphitheater and parkour feature The French International forest provides endless learning opportunities for students. Each year, there is another chance within the IB curriculum for kids to make new connections and investigate their inquiries about the natural world. They get to discover how they can be actively engaged global citizens in their backyard.

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French International School of Oregon

Spending time and having ongoing experiences in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being. The bonus is that the environment also benefits when people feel connected and committed to caring for the Earth.

Additionally, the forest has been a tool for students to learn through meaningful service. In addition to the hundreds of volunteer hours EACH YEAR, THERE IS families put in ANOTHER CHANCE WITHIN to help maintain THE IB CURRICULUM the forest’s FOR KIDS TO MAKE NEW health each CONNECTIONS AND month, French INVESTIGATE THEIR INQUIRIES International students of all ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD. ages are doing project-based learning and service actions in the forest. Service teaches students how to work collaboratively with others, feel empathy, persevere, and that meaningful action can make a difference.

“Getting outside connects us to the world around us and is good for kids. Incorporating nature improves academic achievement and increases student engagement, critical thinking, and social skills.”

–BETH CLIFTON, FRENCH INTERNATIONAL FOREST MANAGER

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25 YEARS

OF MIDDLE SCHOOL HISTORY It was 1996 when the Board of Trustees made a decision that would change the course of school history. They boldly set out to open a new middle school with the target date of fall 1998.

Emmanuelle Burk was hired as the first Middle School Division Head. She, along with other school officials, dedicated two years to meticulous planning, researching curricula, finding the right faculty, and recruiting students. In 1998, Gilkey International Middle School was ready to open its doors. Here’s a look back over 25 years of Middle School history.

2000

2005

2010

FALL 1998

JUNE 2001

2006

The Middle School opens with 18 students and three language tracks French, Spanish, and International.

First eighthgrade international trip. Students go to France and Spain.

Addition of the after-school advanced French Program.

The school becomes a DELF/DALF exam center.

First Middle School graduation.

FALL 2001 2001 8TH GRADE FRANCE TRIP

2002-2003 First year of athletics at French International.

FALL 2009 Addition of the Mandarin Program.

Addition of the German Program.

2010 GRADUATION

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French International School of Oregon

2023

2012 The school is authorized as an IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) school.

The school changes its name to French International School of Oregon. All three divisions— Maternelle, Lower School, and Middle School—are united under one name.

2015 The Board of Trustees approves the new Middle School building.

2015

2020

FALL 2019 New Middle School building opens.

What's Next?

Continue to cultivate local and international partnerships to expand the Middle School’s network and increase global opportunities for students.

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Megan Hall, Ph.D. YEARS ATTENDED FRENCH INTERNATIONAL: 1992-2001 (KINDERGARTEN-8TH GRADE)

Megan Hall was part of the first Middle School graduating class. Now, she’s back at French International as a parent and working with the Oregon viticulture and vineyard community.

Where did life take you after you graduated from Middle School?

It’s been a journey. I went to Lincoln [High School] and I did the full IB Program.

I went to the University of Toronto. I started working in community organizing in my neighborhood in Toronto. I did my Masters at York University in Toronto in Sociology and Law. I was interested in that intersection between people and law and organizing.

After that, I moved to New York City and I worked in community politics. After a year, I did some soul-searching and thought about what matters to me. I wanted to be around community. I wanted to do something where I could travel and work with people from different parts of the world and use my different languages. I also wanted to be outside.

I kind of took a left turn and I decided to go into wine. I enrolled in Chemeketa Community College’s Vineyard Management program. I was taking vineyard management classes and I was outside. After taking some science courses at Portland State, I moved out to Cornell and started my Ph.D. I spent five years in the Finger Lakes and I did my Ph.D. in Grapevine Pathology.

The wine industry checked every box for me, in terms of people, and working with growers, and getting to travel. There are so many aspects of it that were what I really wanted and it turns out I really love science.

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I did my Ph.D. and I met my husband [Alex] at Cornell. We had Maggie [our daughter] right before I defended my dissertation. I had her in August and I defended in December.

in that very firmly and I love the grape and wine industry.

When [Maggie] was four months, we moved to Columbia, Missouri. I was an assistant professor in plant sciences at the University of Missouri. Alex got his Ph.D., and there were jobs that came up working for Gallo, the world’s largest winery, so we moved to Sonoma County.

It’s hard to overstate what a beautiful environment the school provided. We grew up being exposed to so much culture and that is such a deep part of your learning experience at French International. I would say the idea that art, music, and literature are fundamental components of learning is deeply embedded in me. [French International] instilled in me a complete love of traveling and language and that’s something I’ve never stopped pursuing.

Then we had Huon, our younger son. We liked Sonoma County, but it wasn’t home.

Portland was where we wanted to be for family and things we loved.

We made the decision and our first call was to Kate [Director of Admissions] and our second thing was trying to find a house.

I run my own business now. I’m an academic science writer and editor. And then, Alex and I run a consulting company based in grape and wine research. I do viticulture research consulting and help growers grow better grapes more sustainably. I still have one foot

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French International School of Oregon

How did French International influence who you are today?

I see it emerging in my child. She’s already excited to go to France in fifth grade. She hears people speaking different languages and she’s curious about that language. It’s a way of breaking down all the barriers in the world and I think it really does change your perspective.

The school has gotten a lot bigger since I was there, but I feel like the community

feeling is still there. It was just something I immediately knew I wanted for my kids.

What made you choose this school for your children?

Any favorite or distinct memories about your time at French International?

For me, it was a no-brainer. I had a beautiful experience growing up. It was a wonderful community, I made lifelong friends.

I have so many memories. I hate to say recess, but we used to play obsessive four square and kickball, especially at the old campus. I loved all my teachers. Some of the most vivid memories are of the fifthgrade and eighth-grade trips. That fifthgrade trip to France was very important to me and I have tons of memories of that experience of being away from my parents for the first time.

People would move to Portland from different places in the world. Sometimes they would come to the school for two years or four years or one year and they would go elsewhere in the world afterwards. When I kept in touch with those people, I felt like the world was a little bit smaller. One of my best friends from elementary school was from the south of France. When her family left Portland and moved back to France, I went to see her. I still keep in touch with my fifthgrade French correspondent in Brittany. She has a kid my daughter’s age. It just makes you feel like the world is something you don’t have to be afraid of.

I want [my kids] to be exposed to as many things as possible within a safe environment.

I want them to feel like they can be their complete selves and explore all the different aspects of who they are as people. I feel like they can be the best version of themselves at French International within the supportive community. I think speaking another language from the beginning really makes a huge difference in your perspective and in your life. I want that for my kids.

What does your husband think about the school?

He never voiced any doubts, but I am very outspoken about how much I love the school.

He has fallen for it. We knew this was going to be a big transition moving from another place and [Maggie] starting at a new school in the middle of the year. Of all the things in parenthood that are hard, this has been the least-hard thing. It’s been amazing. It took two days for her to be excited to go to school.

Alex said, whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it right.

"I think speaking another language from the beginning really makes a huge difference in your perspective and in your life."

–MEGAN HALL, Ph.D.

ALUMNI UPDATES

2006 in

Emergency

Lauren K. Rosenfeld, MD, recently

was a student at French International and has been

completed her first year of residency

coaching at the club since 2019. Louis believes strongly

Medicine

in the positive impact sports have on kids and their

at

George

Washington

University in Washington, D. C.

personal development and he’s excited to be building

2008

an environment at FC Portland for them to do so.

Alex Liem completed his Master's in

aeronautical

engineering

at

the University of Colorado Boulder. He is now an astronautical engineer at Relativity Space, a rocket startup company in Long Beach, CA. Alex was responsible for the successful stage separation of the company's first launch this past spring. In his free time, Alex is loving life, living a block from the beach!

2009

J.D.

from

Leo

received

his

Columbia

Law

School, NYC, in May 2023.

Lauren Phillips graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles with a degree in Chemistry in May 2023. She will be attending

Aaron Danowski graduated from

medical school at Creighton University in Phoenix, AZ

Gonzaga in 2017 and moved to

beginning July 2023.

Sweden to earn his Master's in human ecology. Aaron began working as an environmental activist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Action Fund in Washington, DC. After three years there, Aaron and his wife moved back to Spokane where he took a position as an admission counselor at Gonzaga working with students from Oregon and southwest Washington.

“I love my work, and I counsel several French International graduates considering attending here!

I am also currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Leadership Studies through GU.”

Brooke Starr graduated from Jesuit in 2015, then moved to

Washington,

D.C.

and

attended George Washington University. While in school, Brooke

interned

at

the

National Conference of State Legislatures, the office of Congressman Greg Walden, the office of Senator Ben Sasse, the Cato Institute, and Americans for Tax

Louis Tanguy

in

Reform. She graduated from GWU in 2019 with a B.A.

the marketing industry in

in International Affairs and a minor in French. Upon

and around Nike for six

graduating, Brooke was hired to be the scheduler

years as an agency partner

for Rep. Greg Walden (OR-02). She worked for him

and internally. He recently

until his retirement in December 2020 and then

decided to make a career

began scheduling for then-Rep. Markwayne Mullin

switch and dedicate his time

(OK-2). Brooke began a graduate program at GW in

to youth sports as the General

September of 2021 and was promoted to Mullin’s

Manager

Operations Director. Mullin announced his candidacy

of

worked

FC

Portland

Soccer Academy. Louis played for the club while he

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2011

William

French International School of Oregon

Continued on page 33

CLASS OF 2022 HIGH SCHOOL LIST

Finnley Barnett - Lincoln High School

Rachel Langan - Lincoln High School

Finn Batz - Oregon Episcopal School

Julia Langan - Lincoln High School

Sem Birchall - Sunset High School

Naomi Luther - Mountainside High School

Spencer Black - Wilsonville High School

Ben Luzier - Grant High School

Matteo Boucherot - Lincoln High School

Naomi Margolis - Lincoln High School

Lucie Boucherot - Lincoln High School

Ethan Marsal - Lincoln High School

Kaz Bowers Young - Beaverton High School

Justus Miller - Jesuit High School

Macleay Brundage - Lincoln High School

Mikayla Nguyen - Sunset High School

Quinn Byars - Lincoln High School

Meret Pajkic - Catlin Gabel

Leona Caine - Lincoln High School

Kaelan Parshall - Lincoln High School

Maya Ceran - Lincoln High School

Alex Patterson - St. Mary's Academy

Nicoletta Ching - Sunset High School

Reese Pereira - Lincoln High School

Bitsy Cole - Lincoln High School

Anya Phillips - Lake Oswego High School

Sebastian DeLong - Intl School of Beaverton

Aurora Platas - LaSalle High School

Scarlett Dempsey - Lincoln High School

Mia Rhodes - Lincoln High School

Taj Dhruva - Central Catholic

Eyad Salhi - Jesuit High School

Olivia Diaz - Jesuit High School

Lark Sayers - St. Mary's Academy

Connor Donegan - Central Catholic

Hayley Schaaf - Catlin Gabel

Owen Donegan - Central Catholic

Adrian Schulman - Lincoln High School

Lukas Erickson - Lincoln High School

Aman Shankar - Lincoln High School

Mona Finkeldei - Lincoln High School

Ellis Sheranian - St Mary’s Academy

Nicky Fornari - Sunset High School

Evan Solodky - Lincoln High School

Mahya Ghofrani - Sunset High School

Gabriel Steele - Lincoln High School

Lainey Gluckman - Lincoln High School

Stela Sufuentes - Jesuit High School

Lucy Goldring - Lincoln High School

Elissa Treger - Lincoln High School

Isa Halle - Central Catholic

Elie Um - Lincoln High School

Devin Harris - Sunset High School

Manu Valio - Lincoln High School

Lucy Hasle - Jesuit High School

Katherine Warner-Frey - Lincoln High School

Nick Hausheer - Lincoln High School

Tarika Waters - Lincoln High School

Maya Hodges - Lincoln High School

Brooke Wieser - Oregon Episcopal School

Thomas Huff - Lincoln High School

Lukas Williams - Sunset High School

Scarlett Keys - Catlin Gabel

Wyatt Wilson - Lincoln or Summit HS

Rémi Kinzie - Lincoln High School

Kaden Wong - Lincoln High School

Stefan Krsmanovic - Lincoln High School

Elliot Yoo - Oregon Episcopal School

Eliot Lackey - Lincoln High School

Koko Zemsky - Lincoln High School

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29

CLASS OF 2023 HIGH SCHOOL LIST

Oliver Ader - Lincoln High School

Sela Koppelman - Grant High School

Wyatt Audié - Lincoln High School

Marlow Kramer - Lincoln High School

Dash Bloomfield - Cleveland High School

Sarika Kumar - Lincoln High School

Anders Bluhm - La Salle College Preparatory

Valerie Lawrence - NW Academy

Marshall Brayton - Lincoln High School

Brayden Lee - Lakeridge High School

Callum Broadfoot - Grant High School

Cosette Litch - Lincoln High School

Landen Brundage - Lincoln High School

Vivi Lowenkopf - St. Mary’s Academy

Alexa Clarke - Beaverton High School

Layana Mabiala - Sunset High School

Ian Conine Reyes - Lincoln High School

Siddharth Modha - Lincoln High School

Joe Denney - Central Catholic

Anaïs Molerus - St. Mary's Academy

Morjane Djekidel - Sunset High School Keegan Duffield - Central Catholic Siena Esaki - Lincoln High School Sophia Esbeck - Lincoln High School Mira Fein - Lincoln High School Sam Ferencik - Lake Oswego High School Benjamin Finkeldei - Hoelderlin Gymnasium Perrin Flanagan - Jesuit High School Cameron Forbes-Levey - Lincoln High School Lauren Forsyth - St. Mary's Academy Lea Garcia Rozier - Catlin Gabel Carlo Geniblazo - Oregon Episcopal School Dane Hanson - Lincoln High School Quinn Hanson - Lincoln High School Kai Harris - Lincoln High School Nick Helbling - Sunset High School Ariella Henig - Caxton College Max Hosmer - Lincoln High School Lucy Hull - St. Mary's Academy Rowan Hunter - Sunset High School Evgueny Jalby - Jesuit High School Campbell Jones - Central Catholic

30

Loïc Mollet - Southridge High School Jack Newman - Jesuit High School Madeline Obadiah - Lincoln High School Sammy Parsons - Arts & Communication Magnet Academy Oliver Pleau - Sunset High School Mealla Price-Grady - Lincoln High School Caroline Rauch - Jesuit High School Maddie Reagan - Central Catholic Connor Rosenstein - Oregon Episcopal School Katrin Rotter - St. Mary's Academy Eloise Rush - Lincoln High School William Sadakah - Oregon Episcopal School Luca Scharff - Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium in Ludwigsburg Chloe Slotemaker - Westside Christian High School Tristan Steen - Lincoln High School Juliana Stoll - St. Mary's Academy Parker Thomas - Central Catholic Paxton Tomczyk - Lincoln High School Finley Ulm - Lincoln High School

Annika Kalia - Jesuit High School

Adelaide Watson-Hjertberg - Lincoln High School

Edie Keenan - Tualatin High School

Grady Wilmot - Lincoln High School

Amelia Kim - Jesuit High School

Tess Wiseman - Lincoln High School

French International School of Oregon

for the Senate in February of 2021, and Brooke ran

working with middle school students to being a teaching

his campaign scheduling operation in her free time,

assistant at the local community college, to teaching

while still working and attending grad school. She was

English as a second language for refugees.

a transition aide as Mullin moved between chambers, and now Brooke is the Operations Director for the Senator. Brooke will officially finish her grad program

Bella Esbeck is going into her third year at the University of Oregon studying public policy, planning

in September of 2023.

and management, and French and minoring in

2012

environmental studies. In the fall, Bella will be interning Anna Liem left for college in Montana

abroad in Bangkok, Thailand in the sustainability

and never wanted to leave! She is

sector. At the university, she is a peer mentor for first-

now an administrative elections officer in Montana.

year Pathway Oregon recipients and is on the steering

She helps with voter access and ensures free and fair

committee of the Climate Justice League, the primary

elections, whether local, state, or national. Anna is

environmental justice group on campus. During past

interested in a career in local politics and spends her

breaks, Bella has worked as a student monitor at French

free time exploring the Montana great outdoors.

International and loves seeing the new generations

2015

of learners!

Angela Tipton was inspired by the fashion and entrepreneurship classes

Maya Khalife-Hamdan received a scholarship to

during French International’s

attend Rhodes College, where she is double majoring

art week and summer camp

in International Studies and Spanish. Maya spent the

to pursue a career in fashion

summer of 2022 interning at the Center for Democracy

design! Since leaving French

and Law in Thessaloniki, Greece. In 2023, she was

International, Angela graduated

awarded the Mertie Buckman International Internship

summa cum laude from Kent

fellowship at Rhodes College, which fully funded her

State University, one of the

endeavors to pursue an internship abroad. Maya is

top fashion schools, with a

spending the summer in Santiago, Chile, where she

Bachelor of Arts in fashion design and a minor in

works at the Human Rights Research Center at the

arts entrepreneurship. She had the incredible honor

University of Chile Law School. After graduation,

of featuring her work at Kent State’s annual fashion

Maya plans to pursue a career in international human

show, on TV at a Cleveland-based news channel, and

rights law.

an industry showcase event in New York City. Angela is excited to join the team of female-owned lingerie brand,

Jonas Larson competes in Cross Country and Track

Monique Morin Design, to establish herself in the industry

and Field for Johns Hopkins. He is studying Molecular

before starting her own brand soon! “Thank you French

and Cellular Biology. Last summer, Jonas interned

International for helping to develop the skills, confidence,

in a biology lab at the University of Geneva, and this

and community I needed to follow my passion!”

summer he is interning at the National Renewable

2017

Energy Laboratory in Colorado, researching hydrogen

Mia Crutchfield is entering her junior

production in bacteria.

year at Gonzaga University in Spokane,

Washington where she is studying education with a

Josef Liem is a junior at Middlebury College, studying

minor in critical race. This summer, Mia is an orientation

computer science, biology, and French. He is loving

leader for incoming Gonzaga freshmen. She has done

Vermont and taking full advantage of the great skiing.

volunteer work at Gonzaga over the last two years, from

This summer, Josef was awarded a National Science

The Global Mindset | 2023

31

Foundation internship at the University of Utah, where

the Alliance Française. All of this allowed Colette to

he has been working on machine learning algorithms

apply to French universities. She was accepted to the

to help detect cancer. He plans to return this fall to

Institute of Political Sciences of Grenoble (Sciences

Middlebury, before spending a semester in Stockholm

Po), France. Colette’s university program includes two

studying machine learning and biology (and Swedish)!

years abroad (one year in Europe and one year in Asia).

2018

She will attend the Université Libre de Bruxelles in

studying

Claire Barbosa is a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago. She is

Neuroscience

and

French/Francophone

studies with a minor in Romance Languages for French and Italian. Claire is also part of a research team with

Belgium next year.

2019

Andrew

Boschert

Valedictorian

at Jesuit High School and

to create a project to further understand and expand

was

their understanding of TXA (tranexamic acid).

Jesuit stage productions as

Lincoln High School for 9th and 12th grade and ICS Paris, an International school in Paris, for 10th and 11th grade.

At Lincoln, William played for the school soccer team, volunteered for Mission Citizen, a student-run nonprofit raising money to fund the education and naturalization of immigrants, as well as taking IB classes and achieving a bilingual diploma in French and English. In Paris,

Edison

High

School Class of 2023. He took a third of his classes

the UChicago Trauma Department. The team is trying

William Fieni-Thies attended

from

graduated

involved

director,

in

multiple

playwright,

stage

manager, sound tech, and actor. In addition to French and Spanish, Andrew studied American Sign Language for two years. He is still involved in the sport of Fencing and will attend Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon in the Fall of 2023. Andrew was awarded the University of Oregon’s Presidential and Summit merit scholarships and will major in cinema studies.

William ran and was elected as Activities Manager where

Julius Rockczar graduated from Sunset High School

he helped fund and promote the soccer and dance club

as a full Honors/Bilingual/IB diploma student and will

and contributed to the school's prom by coordinating,

attend Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in the fall.

negotiating, and researching catering for the event.

He will study business and hopes to get a minor in film

William participated in Model United Nations, where

as well.

he participated in the world's largest United Nations conference in New York before being awarded Best Delegate. William is attending the University of Edinburgh, where he studies politics and anthropology, and is doing research at the Buchanan Institute.

32

Atticus Tong attended Grant High School and graduated as one of his class’s valedictorians.

In

high

school,

Atticus

continued learning Spanish

Colette Berset-Price attended

and did a three-week study

the International School of

abroad program in Spain during

Beaverton for seven years

the Summer of 2022. Atticus

and

also

obtained

a

bilingual

continued

practicing

English/French IB Diploma.

Chinese after graduating from

She also got her DELF from

middle school and earned a

French International School of Oregon

5 on the AP Chinese test. During

COLLEGE LIST

the pandemic, Atticus participated in a vaccination campaign run by the Oregon Health Authority and Sate + Strong which was targeted at increasing vaccination rates among BIPOC populations in Oregon. It ended up being one of the most successful

online

vaccination

campaigns in the nation. Atticus has continued

competitive

climbing

and has participated in dozens of

French International graduates end up all over the world.

Here is a list of where some of our recent alumni are attending college.

2017 Colyn Chamberlin - Technical School to become an Electrician Mia Crutchfield - Gonzaga University

competitions across the PNW. This

Bella Esbeck - University of Oregon

fall, he will attend the University

Maya Khalife-Hamdan - Rhodes College

of Oregon Honors College and he

Jonas Larson - Johns Hopkins University

will study data science and join the

Josef Liem - Middlebury College

climbing team.

2021

Matteo

Will

is

entering his Junior

year at Sunset High School. Matteo has been furthering his language skills in high school, by continuing his French and will also start to take Spanish classes.

2018 Claire Barbosa - University of Chicago Colette Berset-Price - Sciences Po Grenoble Avery Eastman - Colorado State University Fort Collins Miles Eastman - Occidental College Los Angeles Stella Eastman - American University Efe Ertem - Oregon State University William Fieni-Thies - University of Edinburgh Scotland Kenji Gullo - Haverford College

ALUMNI UPDATES Alumni news was shared with French International over the course of the past year.

We apologize if some details are no longer current. Want to update your information? Don't see yourself in the updates or lists of schools?

Share your story with the French International community: www.frenchintl.org/alumni

Kevin Gurney - University of California, Irvine Sebastian Kinzie - Pomona College

2019 Anthony Albelo - University of Portland Andrew Boschert - University of Oregon Honors College William Chamberlin - Concordia University Audrey Friedman - Whitman College Rachel Huffstetler - Syracuse University Tabitha Lee - San Diego State University Julius Rockczar - Loyola Marymount University Atticus Tong - University of Oregon Honors College

2020 Nina Mitin - Cornell University

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33

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CONTACT US: Phone: 503-292-7776 Email: info@frenchintl.org frenchintl.org