Scoop Hamlin Robinson School
SUMMER 2021 NEWSLETTER A publication for families and friends of Hamlin Robinson School
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IN THIS ISSUE 04
Rosie Maimon ‘10
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HRS Class of 2021
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Cultivate HRS
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Speaker Series Goes Virtual + National
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Meet Max Beron
MISSION To ignite the academic and creative potential of students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. VISION The world class educational program at HRS is a catalyst for students to discover the joy of learning within a rich, comprehensive school experience. CORE VALUES Respect, Responsibility, Purpose, Perseverance The Scoop is a publication of the HRS Advancement Office and is mailed quarterly.
Our community understands the power of our program.
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hhh, summer! Long days, warm nights, and cold lemonade. While other schools may slow down for summer, HRS continues to advance our mission. For four weeks in July, we offer a Slingerland summer school program, which allows us to reach families who do not have a student enrolled during the school year. In addition to this important outreach, summer learning improves academic success. Summer is also a time to begin planning for the school year ahead. During the coming 12 months, HRS is poised for a series of unique and transformative changes – allowing more students and families to access the educational program that equips students to achieve success in the classroom and beyond. In the spring of 2019, we rolled out our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan with three major goals and priorities which guide our work: · Enhance our core academic program · Strengthen our impact locally and nationally · Expand our long-term sustainability This year, we are making clear and direct steps toward accomplishing progress in each of these areas. I am pleased to announce Kay Nelson will be supporting our faculty in the role of Structured Literacy Specialist. Kay is a deeply qualified and admired Slingerland practitioner who will make an excellent teacher mentor. Her knowledge and expertise will be shared with all of our faculty to enhance their teaching and learning while strengthening our core academic program. Late last spring, Rebecca Nuffer joined the advancement team, focusing her work on our alumni and outreach programs. She will be exploring new avenues for community engagement and working to create unique ways for our alumni to continue to engage with HRS long after graduation. In this way, and many others, Rebecca will help us expand our long-term sustainability. Finally, if you haven’t seen it yet, construction has begun on our new middle school. This is a huge milestone. It holds the potential to cement HRS as the preeminent facility and program providing resources and advocacy for students, families, teachers, and our community. It will increase the impact of our mission exponentially and strengthen our impact locally and nationally. I cannot wait to watch this amazing facility, a result of so many dedicated community supporters, begin to take shape. But, our work isn’t done yet. We are launching the community phase of our Elevating our Impact capital campaign to raise a total of $250,000 toward this project. In this newsletter, you will learn more about how you can help us reach our goal and make a contribution to the campaign. Our community is not only generous, but understands the power of our program so I am confident we will meet or even exceed the target. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to HRS and your partnership during this pivotal time in the history of our school.
Stacy Turner Head of School 2
A Dream Come to Life
Alan Robinson and Terri Schreiber recently visited Hamlin Robinson School in the North Beacon Hill location. If the names seem familiar, they are. Both Alan and Terri have very personal links to HRS. Family dreams and deep-rooted connections were central themes of their visit.
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onths ago, Terri, a former Microsoft employee, was scrolling through the company’s alumni foundation recipient page one day when a logo caught her eye, one she hadn’t seen in many years, but one she instantly recognized: Hamlin Robinson School. The school, founded by her aunt Mary Helen and the Robinson family, was one she remembered only as a yet-to-berealized dream her aunt spoke about. Terri sent an internal inquiry to learn who was affiliated with HRS and was introduced to Will Sadler, a fellow Microsoft alum and the current parent of an HRS student. They arranged a
time for Terri to fly to Seattle from her home in Colorado to see her aunt’s vision in the reality of Hamlin Robinson School. Joined by her cousin Alan, Terri marveled at a dream come to life.
As Terri’s first time at the school, there was much to explore. Alan worked hand in hand with his mom for many years, accomplishing all of the behind-the-scenes details to get the school up and running, and the growth has exceeded his expectations. A stellar student, Alan always felt incredibly lucky that academics came easy to him,
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ith the family’s history of philanthropy in mind, Steve and Kim Oberto recognized the vision Hamlin Robinson School had for the space where the Oberto Factory on Rainier stood when it came up for sale. Like they had many years earlier when they sold the land where the current HRS building stands, their business decision encompassed their deep belief in the value of the school’s mission and in their desire to ensure all students have the tools they need 3
and knows how important a school is that helps students fight their challenges and meet their goals. When thinking to the future, Alan and Terri both see a place with boundless potential, one that provides valuable services in the face of ever-growing need. Their shared wish for the school is for the provided resources, like tutoring and teacher training, to continue to grow, expanding its potential reach and serving more individuals, no matter where they reside. •
to be successful. With the expansion of the school, the positive impact Hamlin Robinson School can provide continues to grow, from the number of students served on campus, to the capacity of the learning center, to teacher training for educators from across the country. Learn more about the Oberto family history and connections to our new school building by visiting our webpage: www.hamlinrobinson.org/EOI
ALUMNI PROFILE
Rosie Maimon ‘10
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s a student at Hamlin Robinson School, Rosie Maimon ‘10 learned all she could. She made friends, practiced yoga, and played ultimate frisbee. She also gained confidence in herself and her abilities. Just over ten years later, she returned as a resident teacher, soaking up all the knowledge her mentors - who were once her own teachers - could provide. Now, as she readies herself for a move to New York and a new teaching job, Rosie shares about her love of teaching, her personal passions, and her most influential experiences. ON HER TEACHING STYLE: Returning to HRS as a resident teacher just made sense to Rosie. She wanted to better understand the Slingerland method and learn how to create the consistent structure for her students she enjoyed as an HRS student herself. But structure is just one part of the classroom. Rosie has a soft spot for teaching third grade and loves to see the students’ individual personalities coming out. In her experience, they’re also excited to have conversations with her. As someone who once considered a career in science, she’s particularly invested in her science lesson plans. Rosie strives to make them as hands-on as possible, with a focus on learning through experimentation. ON THE IMPACT OF HRS: A longtime teacher of HRS, Mrs. Massoth stands out as Rosie’s most influential teacher. She was the one who helped Rosie feel like she wasn’t alone, and gave her confidence in herself for the very first time. That support was essential as Rosie continued with her education,
transitioning smoothly to high school and then facing some challenges as she entered college. Rosie’s confidence helped her deal with the roadblocks she faced when some college professors didn’t understand the accommodations she needed to be successful with her dyslexia. It helped her to be an advocate for herself, to educate her professors, and to ensure she would successfully finish her college degree.
Rosie Maimon HRS yearbook photo
Having experienced the support of HRS and seen the benefits for herself, giving back to the school is something Rosie believes is important, not just personally, but for the wider school community. Financial support allows HRS to grow, and in turn, provides room for even more students to learn how to navigate their own learning style and accomplish 4
their own goals. “As a former student and staff member, I have seen the tremendous impact HRS has had on the lives of students and their families, it is a cause I truly believe in,” Rosie noted. ON HER HIDDEN TALENTS + FAVORITE PASTIMES: When she’s not in a classroom, Rosie turns her creativity to her photography, a subject she grew to love and devote more of her time to starting in high school. While she focuses mainly on landscapes (a few of which were published in a calendar to fundraise for cancer research), she’s challenging herself to take on new subjects with portraits. She’s also trying new things with her reading. While there are always favorites, Rosie has recently been getting absorbed into historical fiction and mysteries, thanks to an online subscription, Book of the Month. Just like in life, a new book offers a new opportunity, with a new adventure just waiting to be explored. •
Congratulations HRS Class of 2021! T he evening of June 15, 2021 marked the 36th graduating class of Hamlin Robinson School - the Class of 2021. These 45 students joined together with families, faculty, friends, and supporters for a virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate. Stacy Turner, Head of School, opened with hearty congratulations for the class of 2021, “Graduates, you should be incredibly proud of what you accomplished.” He praised students for their hard work and determination and thanked families for their support and partnership. He offered students a few parting words of wisdom, telling them, “Continue to work hard, continue to persevere, and continue to chase your dreams.” Level 8 students Ahni R., Odessa S., and Kate D. served as hosts and Masters of Ceremonies. In HRS graduation tradition, Level 8 students shared a personal reflection on their time at HRS using these important themes to guide them: Entering New Communities Friendships + Relationships Words of Wisdom The Importance of Play Overcoming Adversity The Power of Family Pivotal Moments Owning Your Personality Big Leaps
Music was a highlight of the event and included the songs Good Riddance, Walking on a Dream, and It’s Time. A live musical performance of We Are Young was performed by Pacifico, the Level 8 student band of Jensen S., Sara C., Mireya D., and Jackson V. Students took time to thank HRS music teacher, Owen Fox, for his help and guidance preparing for the night.
The Level 8 legacy art project is titled “Better Together” and was created with water color and acrylic paint. The multimedia collaborative project celebrates community and encourages unity. The culmination of each students’ distinct design represents the importance of working together, uniqueness, and combining strengths to capture the spirit of HRS. The project will be proudly displayed at HRS for the next generation of students to enjoy. 5
To conclude the ceremony, Josh Phillips, Head of Middle School, conferred the class saying, “It is my honor to present to you the Hamlin Robinson School Class of 2021.” Congratulations Class of 2021, we wish you all the very best as you embark on your high school career. Go Eagles! •
WILL YOU HELP HRS GROW? The support of our entire community is essential to unlocking new possibilities for Hamlin Robinson School. Through the generosity of others, more students can access and take full advantage of our educational program and learning opportunities. Gifts to the Annual Fund allow HRS to say “yes” to innovative curriculum, help tuition remain affordable for all families, and keep salaries competitive. Last year, over 700 alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends helped provide over $200,000 in flexible support. Every gift adds up to create an HRS experience unlike any other. And it’s all made possible by you!
Fundraising is essential and helps: Keep tuition affordable for everyone: when our fundraising is successful, it offsets other expenses allowing the school to keep tuition increases to a minimum.
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Keep our educational program innovative and modern: additional funds allow us to invest in curriculum and program enhancements to elevate beyond the basic essentials. Keep salaries competitive so we can continue to attract pioneering and outstanding faculty.
My daughter was not only learning to read, write, and do math, but she was feeling confident and successful.”
Keep us nimble so we can invest in necessary goods or services when needed.
What makes this year different? We are asking HRS supporters to make two gifts this year; a gift to the capital campaign for our new middle school, in addition to their usual annual gift.
CHRISTINA BRINKER, HRS PARENT
What is the goal? Our goal is $150,000 for the Annual Fund and $250,000 for the capital campaign.
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN + ANNUAL GIVING
Why is the capital campaign so important? Proceeds from the campaign will help fund the new HRS middle school. This expansion will build on HRS programmatic strengths and allow for innovative growth across all three core programs: the middle school, the Learning Center, and the lower school. · School enrollment capacity will expand from 315 to 500. · The waitlist pool of students will be reduced. · Increased services for students, parents, educators, and community members will be available through the Learning Center. The HRS Middle School is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.
How do I make a gift? It’s easy to make a gift using our secure online giving form. Give online: www.hamlinrobinson.org/give
How can I increase the impact of my support through a matching gift?
Why should I consider a multiyear pledge to the campaign? A multiyear pledge makes a larger gift possible. Paying over 3-years makes stretching a little farther to help HRS reach our $250,000 fundraising goal for our middle school project possible.
Many companies and foundations will match charitable gifts made by employees, their spouses, and retirees. Check our matching gift database to see if you are eligible.
Is it really important to support the HRS Annual Fund every year? Yes! Consistent giving provides the foundation for HRS to make bold plans and undertake new challenges.
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Seeing her confidence, her spark, and her passion coming back, it was magical.” WILL SADLER, HRS PARENT
THANK YOU FOR HELPING CULTIVATE HRS SO WE CAN GROW AND BLOOM Give online: www.hamlinrobinson.org/give Call us: 206.763.1167
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Mail a check to: Hamlin Robinson School 1701 20th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98146
HRS LEARNING CENTER
HRS Speaker Series Goes Virtual + National
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he HRS Speaker Series was launched in 2015, the same year Hamlin Robinson School moved to its new campus. The original purpose of these events was to share relevant and educational information with HRS families, local educators, and community members. For over five years, all HRS Speaker Series events were hosted on-site by the HRS Learning Center, helping further establish our presence as a leading resource in the local community. Then the pandemic made on-site, in-person public events for the 2020-21 school year no longer possible. So, the Learning Center did what HRS asks students to do each day; we found another way to learn and share. The HRS Speaker Series went virtual. After successfully beta testing our webinar process in October 2020 (special thanks to presenter John Lorton!), the HRS Learning Center quickly realized the benefits of shifting to online events: • A wide range of speakers can be more easily recruited from across the U.S. • Information is freely accessible to anyone – not limited to on-site attendees. • The audience expanded to local, regional, national, and international participants. • Overall online attendance more than tripled versus past in-person events, with unlimited potential for future growth. 8
Another key benefit to the virtual HRS Speaker Series is the ability to record and share event presentations on the HRS website.
Individuals unable to attend or unaware of a scheduled event can access these recordings and be equipped with the knowledge shared. How will the HRS Speaker Series evolve as in-person events again become viable? The HRS Learning Center is currently exploring options for live streaming so both on-site and virtual attendees can access presentations. This option would involve investment in equipment and training - and would ultimately benefit countless families and educators from across the nation and globe. We also need your help! The most formidable obstacle we face is generating awareness of the HRS Speaker Series and the archived recordings. We fight to get this information to the people who most need it, and your assistance is critical. New 2021-22 series events will be posted in early September. Please visit our website, register for events, view archived recordings, and share this information with personal networks. You never know just how much someone else may benefit from the HRS Speaker Series. • www.hamlinrobinson.org/speakerseries
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FACULT Y PROFILE
Approaching education with a student-focused vision in decision making is very rewarding for me.”
Q&A with Max Beron HRS Director of Technology Q: What can you share with us about your background? A: I started my career in educational technology in the summer of 2002 in New York City. I worked at the Churchill School until 2015 where I spent my final four years as the Technology Director. In 2015, I relocated and accepted a job in Southern California where I spent the last six years as the Director of Technology and Operations at two different schools. Q: What attracted you to HRS? A: The Churchill School in NYC was a school focused on children with learning differences, similar to HRS. Approaching education with a studentfocused vision in decision making is very rewarding for me. I am excited to be joining a community with a mission to help students find ways of learning that work for them. Q: What most inspires and excites you about working in technology and in a school? A: I enjoy seeing how students can accomplish their goals by using the right technology for the task.
Q: What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? A: I am excited for the challenge of preparing and implementing the technology for the new middle school building. Increasing access to our program is going to benefit so many more families and students. Q: What is your favorite technology tool or activity? A: My favorite tool is my iPhone because I can do almost everything on it! And, I love it when I get the opportunity to play the video game MLB The Show. Q: What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? A: I hope to strengthen the support and learning of technology for our students, faculty, and staff. This will be a discovery year for me; asking lots of questions, doing research, having conversations, and learning how technology can overlay with the overall future vision for the school. Technology can be used to streamline processes and make the operation run more smoothly.
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Q: What is something you are proud of? A: I am proud of my career and all I have been able to accomplish in supporting independent schools around the country. FUN FACTS: Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite color: Red Favorite animal: My dog, Ralph! Favorite movie: No favorite movie, but I’m always down for a light hearted comedy. I enjoy musical Theater. My favorite show is RENT, with Hamilton as a close second. Favorite book: Harry Potter Favorite place to travel: Since moving out west, Hawaii Coffee or tea: COFFEE!
HRS Alums Claim Their High School + College Diplomas HRS alums celebrated graduation this past spring. It was one big goal down as they take the next steps forward. John Cooke, a recent college graduate shared his thoughts.
“If you told me 5 years ago I would go to the University of New Mexico, join a fraternity, be a student court justice, find love and interest in the law and Constitution, I would have laughed. I know how vital HRS was for me to be able to get to this stage.” The faculty and staff at HRS strive to help each student develop the skills needed to accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams. Seeing students growing, meeting and exceeding challenges, and excelling is wonderfully rewarding. Congratulations, graduates! Wherever your next step takes you, you’ll always be Eagles. •
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#SoaringTogether
ICYMI: HRS posts on Facebook and Instagram reached over 21,500 people this year! Connect with us on social media to stay up to date on all things HRS.
Students celebrated spirit wear day, they sure do look ‘fly!’
Spring has sprung! Level 3 students practice their cursive.
HRS Eagles receive their yearbooks this week!
HRS alumnus Josh Sassoon stopped by teacher training.
Happy Earth Day!
Happy teacher appreciation week! HRS teachers rock!
SAVE THE DATE!
HAMLIN ROBINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
SEPT
Ground breaking
9:00AM
Hamlin Robinson School 1701 20th Avenue S. Seattle, WA 98144
After months of planning, hours of volunteer efforts, and the dedicated efforts of many, HRS is breaking ground for our new middle school. Sign the beam! Come make your mark and help us celebrate this milestone. 11
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT #573
1701 20th Avenue S. Seattle, WA 98144 206.763.1167 www.hamlinrobinson.org
UPCOMING EVENTS: September 2, 2021 Back to School Bash September 8, 2021 First Day of School September 23, 2021 Curriculum Night September 30, 2021 Groundbreaking
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