LOWER SCHOOL

RECOGNIZING THE MANY SMALL ACTS

HELPING HANDS GO A LONG WAY IN THE LOWER SCHOOL.

By Hilary McCarthy

INTERIM HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

The work to support so many children is a team effort. So many people in education often work without being noticed. How faculty and staff show up daily is amazing. They make miracles happen. Usually, this work never seems part of the job description, yet the work gets done. It is the perfect moment to recognize the grit, determination, and joy of the people who make Glenelg Country School (GCS) the place we love.

The seemingly most insignificant jobs are the ones that make each day a safe, happy, and special one for students. It may include answering a parent’s call, tying shoelaces, staying late to prep for the next day, or drying tears. Faculty and staff come together to support and educate.

Two women who have stepped up are Diane Collins and Lucy Ventura. They began serving lunch this year and are here each day with a smile and a welcoming presence. They work hard for the Operations staff but have established warm relationships with students. Both women know which sandwich students prefers, how many cucumbers a student will request, and which students need encouragement. This is the best of what independent schools can offer. Relationships are indeed the backbone of the GCS community. Collins and Ventura’s service to students deserve gratitude.

It would be an error to not acknowledge and celebrate the work of one of the most integral people in the Lower School. No person is untouched by the kindness, support, and care of Paulette Ward. She began her tenure at GCS in 2001 as the administrative assistant to Linda Rotter, former head of Primary School. She worked in tandem with Rotter’s successor, Anne Wooleyhand, until her retirement last year. Ward transitioned to the Manor House to support the merging of the Primary and Lower Schools. Today, she helps oversee nine grades and over 300 students who come to school each day. Ward knows the ins and outs of the division.

“I had the amazing opportunity to work with Paulette and cannot even begin to thank her for all she did to support the school, students, faculty, families, and me,” says Wooleyhand. “She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met.”

Ward keeps all the moving parts of the Lower School in working order. Wooleyhand agrees. “She was always kind and ready to step in when needed. It is an honor to have worked with Mrs. Ward but even more so to call her my friend.”

With more than 20 years of service to GCS, Ward is one of the hardest-working people. She works well past office hours, answers the call of sick teachers at all hours, handles much of the budget, is a triage nurse, fixes uniforms without buttons, serves lunch, and is a “mom” to students who need a little extra TLC during the day. Ward is a real mom to alumna Emma ’18 and current student, Jimmie ’22. Her family is woven into the fabric of this community. Both of her children have worked at the school’s summer camp and interned with the school nurses.

Ward was the first person Hilary McCarthy, interim head of Lower School, met at GCS in 2010 before her first interview. “Every day since she has supported not only me but my family as a faculty member and as a friend. As a mom, I can’t think of someone I would be more grateful to have in my child’s life,” says McCarthy. “We should celebrate all she does each day to make the Lower School run and flourish.”

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Sterling Gray

A love of music at a young age fosters a career to teach young artists.

PLEASE GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF AND YOUR EXPERIENCE.

My education career started in Baltimore City Public Schools in 2006, teaching general music at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School and Edgewood Elementary School. Throughout my time in Baltimore City Public Schools, I also taught music at Baltimore International Academy and City Neighbors Charter School. I continue to work at Baltimore School for the Arts in the musical theater department as a part-time staff pianist.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A TEACHER?

My most rewarding moments as a teacher happened when I taught at Edgewood Elementary in Baltimore City. The school hadn’t had a music program for six years. So, I decided to put on a fifth-grade holiday musical called “Moosical.” The musical was about a moose that wanted to fly for the holidays. The students were very excited about acting and singing on the stage, and I was thrilled we pulled it off!

WHY TEACHING?

I became involved in music at a young age, and my music teachers were instrumental in fostering my talents and my commitment to the craft. I started teaching because I wanted to share my love of music with others. I’ve had several mentors throughout my career that have helped me become the teacher I am today.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO GCS?

In addition to teaching, I’m also involved in community theater as a pianist and musical director. During a performance of “Peter Pan,” I was introduced to the show’s choreographer, Deb Devoe, who at the time also worked at GCS. She mentioned the school was looking for a part-time pianist to play their shows. I was part-time at City Neighbors Charter School during that time and was looking for a second parttime music position to fill my time, so I decided to apply. Once I applied, I met Carole Lehan, then the theater department chair, and the rest is history!

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED YOUR APPROACH TO TEACHING? ANY ADVANTAGES?

The pandemic has made teaching challenging, especially for the performing arts. I’ve had to adjust the activities so that students are spaced apart and eliminate touching, especially with the singing games and other musical activities that happen at this age level. One of the advantages is the available technology and the many musical programs geared towards kids at this age level. I’ve utilized technology during the pandemic and continue to do so today.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS LEARNING IN A PANDEMIC?

My advice for students attending school during a pandemic is to continue to be open to learning and growing, whether virtual or in person. I would also urge students to be patient with themselves and not allow this pandemic to dampen their goals and ambitions.