INDIAN CREEK SCHOOL
CREEK STORY
The Creek Story magazine was created through contributions of the ICS Leadership Team, including Sarah Allen, Rachel Barr, John Bonhom, Kaycie Bowen, Ben Gehle, Jenny Keuleman, Booth Kyle, Tyler Larkin, Jen Malachowski, Matt McCormick, Tiffany McCormick, Christina Mueller, Freddie Newman, Isaiah Noreiga, Jen Rapacki, Sara White, and Jill Woodward Faculty members Bria Bates, Anne Engles, Josh Hubbell, Alyssa MacMeekin, Maggie Margiotta Melson, Carol Mercer, Tonya Montgomery, Lindsey Seynhaeve, Tom Sheppard, and Lisa Teelingalsocontributed
LayoutandeditingbyTiffanyMcCormick
Photography for this publication was done by ICS PhotographerJoshHubbellofSingle-HandedArtsStudio
Cover photo: Wells ’38, Olivia ’38, and Bo ’38 embrace winter at ICS through the Pre-K Outdoor Learning program Above: Eyan White ’29 presents the impacts that the invention of the camera has had on the Industrial Age at the Q2 Project Based LearningShowcase
CarmenEmery’26,AlanaMcKeithen'27,AndrewKokoski’26, NaimaBead’25,LukasHummer’26,andKendallArnold’27 conductapanelabouteducationin2025forlocalbusinessleaders andmembersofLeadershipAnneArundelduringavisittoICS.
Pursuing Excellence through a Culture of Kindness
Message from the
Head of School
This winter, the Indian Creek School Board of Trustees held their annual retreat and spent time reflecting on the School’s Core Values. As we looked ahead, it was also important to affirm some Key Tenets, or aspects of the ICS PK-12 experience that must remain as non-negotiables as the school continues to grow and evolve.
In addition to affirming these aspects of our mission, the Board reviewed progress on the five-year Strategic Plan. Campus footprint, outdoor education, and continued development of Creek’s special blend of well-being and excellence are central to this vision
As you will see in this “campus footprint” edition of the Creek Story magazine, creating more instructional space is an ongoing priority We have made progress this year as administrative offices have moved to the hillside, creating two new classrooms in the school building The Pavilion is up and has added an outdoor learning and gathering space
Booth Kyle Head of School
Over spring break, we will make two significant improvements to campus that will have an immediate impact for students: 1) the current fitness center will be transformed into “Creek Lab,” an immersive learning space for PK-12 and 2) the Dome will undergo a major upgrade, with a turf addition and dedicated fitness area
As we plan for the future, ICS is committed to using our 114-acre campus more intentionally and investing in the development of a comprehensive, PK-12 Outdoor Environmental Education program, emphasizing the Creek’s relentless pursuit of educational excellence with well-being as priority.
CLICK HERE OR
Bookyoursitterand join usfora raucous nightoffabulousfood, dancing, and bidding atoursecond annual Spring Fundraiser: CreekLife,AdventureAwaits!
We are currentlyseeking auction items and sponsorsto help underwritethe event Doyou own avacation home? Have professional servicesto offer? Doyou haveticketsto a sporting event, restaurantgiftcards, orotheritemsto donate?Willyoutake a group outtowatchthe BlueAngels onyourboat? Willyou hosta cooking class inyourhome?Areyou ableto donate signed sports memorabilia? Concerttickets? Canyou offersports lessons? We knowourcommunityis so creative and connectedwe’d loveto hearfromyouwithyourideas Clickhere oremail us at:Advancement@IndianCreekSchoolorg
At Indian Creek School, we believe in providing an exceptional education that nurtures curiosity, fosters creativity, and builds character. Our mission is to create a transformative learning environmentwhere every student can thrive. Attending CreekLife on April 5 is just one ofthe manyways you can give back All proceeds from the live and silent auctions supportthe student experience Thankyou for being a vital part of our community and foryour unwavering support of our mission and vision. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
“Thetrees don'thave leaves...only evergreen.”
Finn ’38
Winter on our Campus...
Lower School students observe changes ICS campus changes during the winter season.
“It's quiet.”
~ River ’38
“Sometimeswe hearbirds, butnot thatmuch.We know iftheyare birdtracks becausetheyhave 3toenails, large ones” Harloe ’37
“I saw something move inthe hole at the Potato Field behindthe bat houses” Maya ’36
“Everything is getting colder, and the trees have no leaves.”
~ Maggie ’39
“We see snow, andwe could make snowmen Some places snowcould be gone, and some places snowcould be stillthere” Ivan
’36
“Thetrees are getting broken afterthe storm”
Jack’39
“We go lookingfor animals... we haveto be quiet!”
Keyla ’37
INDIAN CREEK SCHOOL
Campus Masterplan
Site Development Strategy
Indian Creek has a unique opportunity among Annapolis/Baltimore/DC -area independent schools, as its 114-acre wooded campus offers many future possibilities The school is committed to using this resource to benefit students in unparalleled ways
In 2024, the ICS Board of Trustees developed a five-year strategic plan, emphasizing the need to add academic, community, and extracurricular spaces to accommodate Indian Creek’s premier program and growing enrollment To achieve this, there is a need to fully understand the 114 acres and determine the best ways to utilize the campus and live the mission and vision of the School
Indian Creek has initiated a project to bring a team of architects, planners, and engineers together to conduct an evaluation of the campus which will ultimately roll into an in-depth campus masterplan that will envision new and improved instructional, performance, and community spaces.
Imagine the Possibilities
Meaningful impact for generations of Indian Creek students
Earlier this fall, Indian Creek engaged architecture and engineering firm Morris, Ritchie, and Associates to conduct a land use study to help the School assess the campus Their research includes environmental assessments, zoning regulations, permit requirements, and exploration of other legal and physical boundaries to direct design possibilities.
The results of this study, to be reported in Spring/Summer 2025, will allow ICS the opportunity to imagine the future and enhance the School’s focus on excellence and well-being A commitment to outdoor education will be a priority in this future focus Possible additions to the campus include new buildings, renovated instruction and community spaces in the main building, new trails and outdoor learning areas, improved spectator experiences at the athletics complex, and additional parking areas All of this is in the spirit of making Indian Creek the premier independent school in the Annapolis area - now and into the future
“When I came to interview at Indian Creek in 2018, I immediately noted that the school had an unusually warm and welcoming vibe. I know now that this is very real. I also appreciated that the school wasn’t bashful about iterating and improving. That combination of kindness, well-being, and the relentless pursuit of excellence is what we are all about. Taking that framework to the next level is at the core of this master planning process. We can all be proud of it, and we can make this an incredible school for kids for multiple generations”
~ Booth Kyle, Head of School
Indian Creek School is committed to developing robust outdoor and environmental education programs for all students The opening of a new 1,440 square-foot outdoor learning pavilion in early 2025 was a major step in reaching this goal The Pavilion serves as a hub for outdoor learning, allowing students to escape the traditional classroom setting and draw inspiration from the natural environment
Thanks to grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Anne Arundel County Forestry Board, the pavilion will soon be equipped with outdoor writing utensils, eco-friendly recycled outdoor furniture, educational signage, and surrounded by native plants and trees, creating an area that is both beautiful and beneficial for our environment
By incorporating these environmentally friendly features, the outdoor pavilion will serve as a model for sustainable practices and conservation education, inspiring students to be responsible stewards of the environment
In addition, the pavilion provides a dedicated location to connect learning with Creek’s community garden. Spanning over 2,500 square feet, and created in partnership with FarmUnity, the garden provides hands-on experiences for students in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. The garden has become a fantastic resource for learning, play, and outdoor engagement From Pre-K students planting spring crops, to fifth graders using the garden for a STEM project to create benches, to an Upper School ceramics and sculpture class using items from the garden to design woks inspired by Andy Goldsworthy, the garden fosters organic learning experiences
Thank you to our community partners who have supported and enhanced the Indian Creek School Outdoor Learning Pavilion:
Creek’s commitment to outdoor education continues with the eighth grade Evergreen Sustainability Program This year, students are assessing the school’s environmental impact using a sustainability report card to evaluate areas such as food, water, student habits, and vegetation. They have also worked with guest speakers, including an educator from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Using their findings and experiences as inspiration, they will develop action plans for sustainability improvements at ICS, which they will have the opportunity to present at the MAEOE Youth Summit in May.
"I
like spending time in the pavilion because it oversees the campus and it's a very calm space."
- Lukas Hummer’26
"Around 2:30 in the afternoon from the pavilion, you can see the sun above and it makes the school look really pretty."
- Chloe Cato ’27
Join us to celebrate Outdoor Learning at ICS!
On Sunday, May18,the entire CreekCommunityis invitedto celebratethe dedication ofourpavilionwith an outdoorfestivalfocused on connection and belonging.The daywillfeature demonstrationsfrom local nonprofits, planting atthe pavilion, guidedtrail walks,food, music, and localvendors We lookforwardto comingtogetherto celebratethis milestone and continue ourcommitmentto outdooreducation and sustainability
UpperSchoolHumanitiesteacher
GarthRobinsontakeshis literatureclassoutdoors.
Braxton,Amelle,Liam andCharlieexplorethe biologyofBackCreek.
SeventhgradersEmmaSchieltz, RyanMontgomery,GraceSheehan, andLeahSmithenjoytheviewfrom thePavilionduringMathclass.
FirstgradersWill,Ivan,Dylan,and Taylorexplorethenaturalplants thatgrowontheICScampus.
Debuting immediately after spring break, Indian Creek School is thrilled to open a state-of-the-art, 1000-squarefoot lab space that will enhance learning for students in PK12! Made possible by a generous gift and the relocation of the Fitness Center to Eagle Dome, the Machemer Family Creek Lab will be a reimagined space that represents the physical intersection of academic excellence and well-being, focused on immersive learning
The Creek Lab will be a space to explore the best of this pedagogy by housing the Innovation Lab, providing creation space for Lower School Independent Learning Days, Middle School Project-Based Learning showcase prep, and the Upper School STEM Program In addition to providing learning space for these signature curricular initiatives, the Creek Lab will be utilized regularly to support the curricular goals of each division.
The Creek Lab will feature learning spaces to collaborate, explore, design, build, connect, and get into the learning flow. Students and faculty will have access to cutting-edge tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, engineering equipment, large-scale printers, and more Collaborative and flexible furniture will allow the space to flex with each division's needs and programming These spaces and resources will create innovative opportunities for small and large-scale student-centered projects and experiences M a c h e m e r F a m i l y C r e e k L a b D e d i c
Immersive Learning at Indian Creek...
is defined as “a teaching approach that emphasizes hands-on, real-world, engaging, and high interest learning experiences, showcased through community learning exhibitions ”
Machemer Family
Lower School students will access the lab during their STEAM lessons and club sessions Middle Schoolers will use the lab as a project-based learning and STEM hub Upper School students will utilize the lab for computer science and engineering courses, STEM program experiments and studies, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities
Liam’25demonstrates principlesofFinancialAlgebra.
The learning will expand outside of the Creek Lab space into the hallway space creating the Creek Studio. Through intentionally designed collaboration zones, state-of-the-art digital interactive displays to showcase learning, a production studio, and curated collections of student work, the hallway and corner space of the building will be reimagined to be a hub for students and faculty
A stairwell connects the Creek Lab corner to the Vos Family Academic Resource Center, allowing students and faculty to move seamlessly between both spaces to promote curiosity, connection, and authentic learning experiences.
Randolph Family Fitness Center
State-of-the-Art Training Facility to Enhance Well-Being & Excellence
Indian Creek School is excited for the transformation of the Eagle Dome into a state-of-the-art Athletic Performance Center This ambitious project, which will begin over spring break, involves adding high-quality turf to the Eagle Dome and relocating the Randolph Family Fitness Center to the upgraded space, offering student-athletes expanded opportunities for training and development
The addition of turf in the Eagle Dome will create a versatile, all-weather training surface suitable for a variety of sports and physical activities This improvement not only increases the functionality of the space but also provides a dedicated area for year-round conditioning, skills development, and team practices
KyleHarvin’26, JaxsonMendy ’28,EthanJeffers ’26,andBryce Teagle’27utilize thecurrent fitnesscenter beforeschool.
By moving the Randolph Family Fitness Center to the Eagle Dome, Indian Creek is consolidating its athletic resources to offer a comprehensive training environment, while at the same time creating more instructional space in the school building The space where the Fitness Center is currently located will become the Machemer Family Creek Lab
The reimagined Eagle Dome will house cutting-edge fitness equipment, open turf space for agility and strength exercises, and designated areas for team training sessions The expanded facility will cater to athletes across all sports while providing a resource for physical education classes and community wellness initiatives.
The transformation of the Eagle Dome into an Athletic Performance Center is made possible by the generous support of the Indian Creek community. Through donor contributions and strategic investment, the school is ensuring that students have access to first-rate athletic facilities that match the excellence of its academic programs
"This projectreflects our commitmentto enhancing the student-athlete experience. The newathletic performance centerwill fosterskills development, promotewellness, and allowourteams totrain atthe highestlevel."
~ Fredrica Newman, Director ofAthletics
Demonstrate your pride in Indian Creek as the premier Annapolis-area independent school, where kindness is currency, well-being is priority, and excellence in education is relentlessly pursued with a gift today!
CASE FOR SUPPORT
CASE FOR SUPPORT
INVESTING IN PEOPLE (ENDOWMENT)
The Indian Creek faculty is the heart of our school. By investing in their professional development and well-being, we ensure that current students and future generations receive the highest quality education, graduating well-prepared for college and ready to make a positive difference in the world Your support will enable ICS to provide ongoing training, competitive salaries, and wellness programs, attracting and retaining premier educators
UNPARALLELED CAMPUS (MASTER PLAN)
Your capital giving will allow us to confidently plan and accomplish major campus improvements and expansions. This includes new buildings, enhanced learning spaces, and upgraded facilities that adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape. Your contribution will help secure a stable and sustainable future for ICS, ensuring that every student thrives in an optimal learning environment
PREMIER PROGRAMS (CREEK FUND)
With a well-supported faculty and a financially strong foundation, Indian Creek can offer an array of premier academic and extracurricular programs From state-of-the-art technology in classrooms to expansive arts and sports programs, your generosity directly enriches the educational experience of ICS students Your gift will enhance these experiences, and fuel the School’s mission to inspire curiosity, connection, and authenticity, providing students with the tools and opportunities to reach their highest potential.
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS!
As the premier independent school in the Annapolis area, Indian Creek is dedicated to inspiring authenticity, connection, and curiosity so every student can thrive
To fulfill the School's mission and vision, we have established an endowment and engaged in campus master planning With ongoing support from our annual Creek Fund, these efforts will create a lasting legacy, enabling every student to fully realize their potential in scholarship and life
Your support is not just a gift; it is a commitment to the Creek community, the next generation of students, and the future Indian Creek’s strength has allowed for steady growth throughout the School’s history and our goals have never been more ambitious than they are today Now is the time for the Creek to soar to new heights!
This summer, while students and teachers enjoy a well-earned summer break, Indian Creek School will be bustling with activity as exciting campus improvements take shape. These projects focus on enhancing the student experience and expanding instructional space, ensuring a dynamic and comfortable learning environmentto match ourtop-notch educational program
Full HVAC replacement: One of the most significant upgrades will replace the School’s original units with new high efficiency units to help conserve energy and improve climate control throughout the school This project will ensure that classrooms and common areas remain comfortable year-round, creating an optimal setting for learning The units will be delivered to the school roof by helicopter, which will be exciting to share through video with the ICS community!
A remodel and addition for the hillside cottage offices: Four new offices and dedicated meeting spaces will be constructed to house administrative staff members This expansion will help maximize available space in the main building, improving efficiency and providing room for future growth.
Conversion of existing office and meeting spaces into new classrooms: These new learning spaces will help support the school’s expanding academic programs and add flexibility to the schedule, while allowing for smaller class sizes
Upgraded lobby bathrooms
Health Room remodel
Renovated admissions suite with separate entrance
Improved faculty lounge
Elevated Reading Room in Vos Family Academic Resource Center
These enhancements are keyto making sure the school facilities match the excellence that Indian Creek students are achieving in the classrooms and labs, and on the fields, courts, and stage
F a c i l i t i e s & S e c u r i t y T e a m
Josh Bereznay
Facilities Staff
With a background in architecture, Josh brings a keen eye for structure and design to Indian Creek In his free time, he enjoys coaching the Eagles Varsity Boys Lacrosse team, fishing, and spending time on the water What he values the most at the Creek are the relationships built within the community
Mike Brown Security Officer
Before joining the ICS Security Team, Mr Brown worked in security for the United States Airforce, and then served as a police officer and detective He appreciates the warm and friendly environment at the Creek, from the youngest students through the senior class and faculty In his free time, he enjoys going to the range
John Casey Director of Facilities
Before coming to Indian Creek, Mr Casey worked at another private school with a large campus for 12 years Outside of work, he enjoys hunting and fishing on his 300-acre farm He values the strong sense of family among the staff and the genuine care they show for students at ICS
Chris Crouch
Facilities Staff
Mr Crouch worked in construction as a roofing foreman before coming to Indian Creek many years ago In his free time, he enjoys yard work, cooking, fishing, and going to the range One of his favorite aspects of the Creek is watching students grow He is proud to have known some since their Pre-K days at the original Evergreen campus
Donna Crouch
Facilities Staff
Indian Creek holds a special place in Ms Haywood’s heart, as she has spent her career prioritizing the safety, health, and wellness of others at the School When not at ICS, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing card games, taking walks, cooking, practicing yoga, and hiking As a licensed massage therapist, she finds fulfillment in helping others find peace and balance K e e p i n g O u r C a m p u s S a f e & R u n n i n g
Ms Donna spent 35 years with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, serving in roles such as Agriculture Inspector Supervisor, Entomologist, and Nursery Inspector In her free time, she enjoys working in her garden and tending to her pond She appreciates the family atmosphere at ICS and loves caring for the campus while sharing her knowledge of insects and horticulture with students
Valeri Haywood Receptionist
Ana Hernandez Lopez
Facilities Staff
Outside of her time at Indian Creek School, Ms Ana enjoys cooking and spending time with her family She is grateful for the welcoming and friendly community at the Creek
Griselda Padilla Facilities Staff
Ms Griselda cherishes the people at Indian Creek, from staff to students, and values the supportive and welcoming community A parent in the Class of 2037, she cherishes time with her family In her spare time, she is deeply connected to her church
Julius Seay
Security Officer
Officer Seay worked in law enforcement before joining the ICS Security team Outside of school, he operates his own small business as a federal contractor He appreciates Creek’s close-knit, family-like atmosphere
Debbie Sechrest Receptionist
Before joining Indian Creek, Ms Sechrest worked as an EMT and later as a paralegal Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and painting with watercolors The joy she experiences at the Creek comes from both the students and her colleagues
Brian Taylor
Security Officer
A third-generation marine, Officer Taylor has an extensive security background Prior to coming to Indian Creek, he served as security guard for NBC's Meet the Press and at JP Morgan Outside of school, he enjoys fishing, crabbing, camping, hunting, and watching old movies He values the strong moral foundation at ICS and feels privileged to be part of the community
Stuart Tilman
Facilities Supervisor
Mr Tilman’s background before joining the Indian Creek community many years ago involved building pools and working as a vinyl mechanic In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping in his trailer
Safeguarding the school community is a top priority at Indian Creek.
As the Creek continues to enhance both physical and technological security resources, one of the most valuable improvements has been the expansion of the School’s dedicated facilities and security teams.
These committed individuals are the first on campus and the last to leave each day, making it a point to know and welcome every individual who comes to school
This year, ICS was pleased to add two additional security officers, more than doubling the hours of campus coverage With the expansion of extra-curricular activities outside the regular school day, Indian Creek plans to increase security coverage by an additional 25% next year.
Taking care of Indian Creek’s 600 students, 125 teachers, and 114 acres is a lofty undertaking, and these individuals work hard to create a safe and vibrant campus.
From Waste to Resource
Last year, the Indian Creek Middle and Upper School Green Clubs identified a major issue within the school community: On average, ICS students were sending about 63 pounds of food waste to the landfill each day Over the course of a 175-day academic year, that amounted to more than 11,000 pounds of food waste an alarming statistic, especially considering that Anne Arundel County’s Millersville landfill is expected to fill by late 2048, according to the county’s public works website.
INDIAN CREEK’S QUEST FOR A GREENER CAMPUS
The Green Club had long been interested in reducing food waste, but they knew that to make a real impact, they needed to arm themselves with data The group conducted three food audits during the 2023-24 academic year during all four lunch periods, setting up stations in the Franey Cafeteria and Winer Cafe, complete with gloves, clipboards, a hand scale, and 10-gallon buckets
With the help of Green Club members, K-12 students sorted their leftover food into buckets Once full, the buckets were weighed and the data recorded The results astounded everyone seeing the sheer volume of food going to waste motivated the club to act
After the first food waste audit, Green Club Executive Team members Naima Bead ’25 and Sophia O’Connell ’25 realized that more than just data collection was necessary. The Green Club decided to educate students on mindful eating, encouraging them to take only as much food as they could eat and reminding them that they could always go back for seconds
To raise awareness, Naima and Sophia presented their findings at both Middle and Upper School class meetings, comparing the amount of food waste to the weight of large mammals This tactic gave students a striking visual representation of the issue The Green Club also created an engaging video about food waste and where uneaten food ends up to help educate Lower School students
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that composting reduces methane gas released by anaerobic decomposition in a landfill Composting reduces this process as food waste composted on a farm produces Co2, in a landfill it produces CH4, a more potent greenhouse gas
Armed with data from the three food audits, the Green Club was ready to take the next step: implementing a composting program at ICS.
In the past, Indian Creek had tried composting on a small scale, primarily with vegetable scraps, but the club knew more needed to be done. The students and their advisor Ms. Lindsey Seynhaeve researched what in-house composting might look like and investigated ho local restaurants combat food waste This research led them to Annapolis Compost and a plan was developed in partnership with other educators to implement a full-scale composting initiative that would be easy for students and manageable for staff
“BEING A PART OF THIS PROJECT HAS MADE ME THINK ABOUT WAYS THAT I CAN IMPLEMENT COMPOSTING INTO OTHER COMMUNITIES IN MY LIFE, WHETHER THAT BE AT HOME OR HELPING MY GRANDPARENTS FIND RESOURCES TO HELP THEM FURTHER, IT'S BEEN NICE TO BE A WITNESS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES HERE ON CAMPUS ”
-Naima Bead ’25, Green Club Executive Member
The ICS Green Club is proud to report that since between September 2024 and January 2025, ICS has diverted 3240 lbs. of food waste, creating 1000 lbs. of compost, 850 lbs. of produce and the equivalent of 8420 lbs. of CO2 emissions avoided!
Simone’32supportstheGreenClub’s compostmovementdaily.
DrewBerry’31 modelsenvironmental stewardshipduring MiddleSchoollunch.
Immersive Learning
Squishy Circuits
First Grade Electricity Lab Brings Art & Science to Life
First grade electricians tested their knowledge of circuits, currents, and batteries by crafting dough creations and then wiring them to light up, spin and beep!
Students created “squishy circuits,” using conductive and insulating doughs, battery packs, LED diodes, motors, and fans to build and test closed and broken circuits The Class of 2036 marveled at seeing their knowledge come to life as their imagined creations worked as intended In addition to bolstering their knowledge of electricity, this fun, immersive learning activity also gave students valuable experience with problem solving and engineering concepts, while inspiring creativity and independent thinking.
Mrs.KokoskiandElliott’36 worktogethertomakehis circuitmobile.
Fifth Grade Explores the Intricacies of Water Access A Right or A Privilege?
High quality Immersive learning takes students beyond the classroom, helping them connect theoretical concepts to practical, real-world situations One of the most powerful ways immersive learning can be utilized is in addressing complex global issues, like water access A recent immersive learning project for fifth-grade students centered on the critical question: “Is access to water a privilege or a right?” This multifaceted project helped students not only understand the scientific principles behind water access but also reflect on its social, political, and ethical dimensions
The interdisciplinary study began in science, with students focusing on the hydrosphere Students explored how water is distributed across the planet and examined the role water plays in sustaining life. Incorporating literature, the fifth-grade teachers chose the read-aloud
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, a true story that vividly illustrates the hardships faced by communities in Sudan as they struggle to obtain clean water
In addition to the book, students watched thought-provoking TED Talks and educational videos that showcased various perspectives on water access These resources provided real-world examples, including the stark realities of communities around the world that lack clean water. The STEM students participated in a lab where they were tasked with creating their own water filtration systems This hands-on activity allowed them to understand the importance of clean water and the science behind water treatment.
By experimenting with various materials and techniques to filter dirty water, students gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges involved in providing safe, potable water to communities in need
To reinforce their learning, students took on a research project focused on water quality and access in the state of Maryland. They were tasked with investigating local water sources, identifying areas where water quality could be improved, and researching organizations working to provide better access to water
Students then synthesized their research and developed persuasive pitches to direct funding to support water initiatives in Maryland This aspect of the project emphasized the importance of advocacy, critical thinking, and the real-world impact of their efforts to improve water access By making connections between local needs and global issues, students realized that water access is not only an issue in far-off countries but also a matter of concern in their own communities
To cap off their immersive learning experience, students took part in a symbolic "long walk to water," designed to mirror the struggles faced by those in the book They carried jugs of water around campus, experiencing firsthand the physical and emotional toll of the daily journey to gather water This experience deepened their connection to the book and offered an opportunity for students to reflect on the immense hardships faced by those who must walk long distances to access clean water
“I can understand how people would feel tired after walking to getwater. I know I felttired after ourwalk. My arms were sore. We only did this for about15 minutes, and the people in the bookwalk all dayto find water.”
~ Simone ’32
Impact through Entrepreneurship
Seventh Grade Project Based Learning for a Cause
"How can we, as entrepreneurs, raise money to support local refugees and asylees?"
After reading the novel Refugee in English class, seventh grade students sought to answer this driving question by organizing a youth business fair to raise money for a local refugee fund. Individually or in small groups, students wrote business plans, designed marketing materials, and prepared deliverables for a small business. Businesses the students created included selling decorated oyster shells, sports-themed water bottles and bracelets, “Life Lessons with L’jarius” life coaching sessions, homemade scented candles, salt scrubs, hand-sewn hair scrunches and travel kits, and a skeeball game complete with prizes Each student also set a sales goal to meet by selling their products at the PBL Showcase and at a school Business Fair The students decided to donate the funds raised from these businesses to a fund to support refugees
EmilyRay’30sellsAiden Giomundo’29fidgetstoraise moneytosupportrefugees.
AdenKweder’29enjoysalife coachinglessonfromJonahGetachew ’30aspartoftheQ2PBLbusinessfair.
Upper School Mock Trial Team Excels in the Courtroom Discourse and Decorum
Javi’25arguesamotion whilehisco-councilsupports thecase.
The Upper School faculty is in constant pursuit of finding engaging and meaningful ways to expand students’ academic skills. Indian Creek’s Mock Trial team is an example of this quest to enhance student’s understanding of the American judicial system and to give students opportunities to speak confidently in front of a variety of audiences
Mock Trial is a state-wide legal competition run by the organization Maryland Youth and the Law that focuses on developing youth leadership, life skills, and understanding of the law This is accomplished by creating “mock” cases where students act as both secute and defend y acting as a judge team with the most
Indian Creek first embraced Mock Trial in 2021 by using the format as a culminating semester project for AP US Government This sparked an interest to make a deeper commitment by fielding an official ICS team in county competition in 2022 At the time, ICS had nine members, so students needed to roleplay as both prosecution and defense witnesses - but the students were hooked!
The 2024-25 season marks Creek’s third year of county competition and it has been, by far, the team’s best performance ICS currently has a 3-2 record and is in competition to finish in the top four in the county Regardless of the results for this year, Mock Trial has proven itself as a student favorite that is here to stay
TheUpperSchoolMockTrialteampreparesforcourt. L-R:JaviMina-Vega’25,ConorMastromarco’25,SophiaO’Connell’25, SophieGeismar’25,IzzyPardo’26andCaseyRoth’28;
"Mock trial is so much fun!
We had our most successful season yet with a winning record and appearance in County Championships. Getting to learn the foundations of how to put together and defend a case was awesome and made even more fun by how great my teammates and coaches are."
-Sophia O’Connell ’25
Middle School Musical: Seussical
Indian Creek Middle School illustrated the incredible power of friendship, loyalty, family and community through their winter musical, Seussical! Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, Creek sixth through eighth graders shared an unforgettable and highly entertaining story As the Cat in the Hat (Cooper Geismar ’30) narrated the story of Horton the Elephant (Eyan White ’29), who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos Horton determined to protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, while guarding an abandoned egg left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird (Elle Crowder ’29) Although Horton faced ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz (Rooney McCormick ’29) never lost faith in him This show emphasized the important of authenticity, connection, and curiosity for audiences of all ages Bravo, Middle School!
Seussical has been performed morethan anyothershow atICS From BroadwayBound Camp in 2001to Middle School performances in 2011 and 2017, generations of Creekperformers have made greatmemorieswhile bringingthis musicalto life
CreekJoJosfrom2011(EricaArgilan’22and2017(CateMalachowski’23)cometocheer on2025JoJo(SageKirby’31)attheSaturdayshow.
Clockwisefromtop:JoJo(SageKirby ’31)andtheCatintheHat(Cooper Geismar’30)introducetheshow.Ellie Singleton’31andLCGavelnek’30hit thehighnotesastheSourandYoung Kangaroos.TheWhos(CarolynPena Arriaga’31,SageKirby’31,Sophie Lloyd’31,JoshWashington’31,Katie Richardson’31,PearlAlexander’30, JohnBecker’31,SullyHamill-King’30, LukeWatts’31,andIzzyHolden’29) danceinWhovilleastheydemandto beheard.Gertrude(Rooney McCormick’29)andtheBirdGirls (EllieMcEwen’30andMaliaTetteh ’30celebrateamany-featheredtail.
Stephanie Chambers ’00 (Current ICS Pre-Kteacher) Broadway Bound Gertrude 2001
“I remember laughing a lot, especiallywhile practicing the Sour Kangaroo's vocal growl with Sarah Dziennik (also a current faculty member). I also remember how much we kids lovedthe songs!”
Winter Athletics
On the courts and in the pool...
Eagles athletes showed heart, determination, and amazing spirit.
As winter sports comes to a close, the season has been filled with thrilling moments, exceptional performances, and inspiring teamwork across multiple sports programs
Swimming
The Varsity Boys Swim team continues to grow and find success in the pool They capped off a great season with a sixth place finish at MIAA B-Conference championships Brecken Nicholes ’28 earned Creek's first podium finishes with a second-place swim in the 200 free followed by a third place in the 500 free Preston Shapiro ’25 was the next top scorer for the team with a fifth place finish in 100 free and 10th place in the 50 free. The relay team of Owen Crum ’25, Shapiro, Liam Foley ’26 and Nicholes finished fourth to close out the meet
The Varsity Girls Swim team continues to make great strides for a new program! They left it all in the pool during the IAAM Championships The team finished fourth overall and saw some stellar individual performances! Lily Swope '26 paced the Eagles with two first place finishes in the 100 yd Back and 100 yd Butterfly. Lily is now a three-time champion in both events. Her freestyle relay split of 52.34 set a new school record in the event The 400 yard freestyle relay team finished on the podium in third place The team was made up of Swope' 26, Grace Achatz '28, Maia Riley '26 and Violet Vannoy '26.
Clockwise from top: Lily Swope ’26 sets new records for ICS Coach Devin Garrett ’16 gives the Varsity team a pep talk Varsity Boys swimmers celebrate a successful season at the MIAA Championship meet
Liam Mixter ’27, Michael Vannoy ’27, Liam Foley
Liam Corson ’25, Andrew Kokoski ’26, Owen Crum ’26, Preston Shapiro ’25, Jake Berry ’25, Brecken Nicholes ’28) Nick Parris ’26 scouts a pass
Basketball
The Varsity Boys Basketball team improved on their conference record They finished with five conference wins in the extremely competitive MIAA B-Conference
The team challenged themselves with a schedule that pitted them against five A-Conference opponents The team had some amazing wins, highlighted by at thrilling three-point buzzer beater victory over Curley Kyle Harvin ’26 earned MIAA All-Conference honors.
The Varsity Girls Basketball team competed for the first time in the IAAM B-Conference and ended their season as the fifth seed with a playoff spot The team led the conference in points-per-game with a fun and electric style of play Moving to a higher conference can be difficult, but the Eagles competed all season and had some great victories over tough teams This season ended in the quarter-finals, but the team is young and Creek is favored to have a great season again next year. Stephanie Bunker ’27 earned IAAM All-Conference honors
The JV Boys Basketball team had a season marked by immense success The team went undefeated in Bconference play and earned the #1 seed in the playoffs After a thrilling semi-final win over Chapelgate, the Eagles hosted St Mary’s for the championship While the team came up just a bit short, the Richardson gymnasium was rocking! The team showed that the basketball future is bright at ICS.
This year for the first time ever, Indian Creek fielded a Freshman/Sophomore Basketball team In their inaugural season, the team played six games They finished 3-3 and saw some great competition, including 30 point wins over Beth T’filoh and Jemicy The expansion of the boys basketball program will provide the Eagles with long-term stability.
Overall, it was another great season of athletics at the Creek We are proud of the growth and dedication to success of our Eagles We look forward to finishing the year strong in the spring!
Lifting as We Climb
NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference
SeanManuelCogburn-Enchautegui'26, IreneGoldstein’25,andAlana McKeithen'27arriveinDenver,CO,for theNAISStudentDiversityLeadership Conference.
The Indian Creek School Center for Community and Well-Being was pleased to send three students and two faculty members to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado, this winter.
Sean Manuel Cogburn-Enchautegui '26, Irene Goldstein ’25, and Alana McKeithen '27, along with Dean of Community and Well-Being Isaiah Noreiga and Assistant Dean of Community and Well-Being Alyssa MacMeekin, spent three days working with students and faculty from across the country to learn and connect around topics in DEI
The student ambassadors worked on developing crosscultural communication skills, designing effective strategies for social justice practice, and learning the foundations of allyship and networking principles The ICS Well-Being team had a great time with the students, getting to know them outside of school, hearing about their conference experiences, and talking about ideas they want to bring back to the Creek community
“ Justfeeling the joy offinally being a majority in a space was incredible. Being able to facilitate and have conversations with some ofthe top student leaders in the country and create lasting memories in affinity groups was some ofthe most fun I’ve had in a long time. I am grateful Indian Creek is deciding to dive deeper into DEI”.
AdenKweder’29enjoysalife coachinglessonfromJonahGetachew ’30aspartoftheQ2PBLbusinessfair.
-Irene Goldstein ’25
Innovation Inspiration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
A group of Indian Creek faculty, parents, and alumni recently came together for a tour of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (APL) APL Deputy Mission Area Executive for Cyber Operations (and ICS parent) Angela DeLuca Thompson arranged the visit The group also included ICS Director of Educational Technology Sara White, STEM Program Coordinator Doug McNally, ICS parents Lee and Kristi Machemer, and alumnus and APL Cyber Engineering Associate Michael Mercer ’20
The visit aimed to inspire the design of the Creek Lab -a new STEM learning space being designed at Indian Creek over spring break
Ms Thompson shared ideas on how Indian Creek might replicate some APL projects in all three divisions of the school.
The tour began in the Lab's makerspace, "Central Spark," a vibrant social and creation space where employees can build, design, and construct just about anything The makerspace is equipped with an impressive array of tools, including 3D printers, laser engravers and cutters, resin printers, and large format printers Additionally, there is a VR area dedicated to testing, providing a unique opportunity for immersive experiences and research in virtual reality
The next stop on the tour was "Cyber Blue," where the guests were shown different simulations of how the lab can research and prevent cybercrimes and attacks This area highlighted the lab's capabilities in cybersecurity and the importance of protecting digital infrastructure Following this, the group visited the LIVELab and Fake News division This area is geared toward researching the origins and
dissemination of fake news The visitors also had the opportunity to speak with engineers in the water works, electricity, and town planning modeling center (CYPRESS), where simulations can show the effects of attacks and natural disasters on our infrastructure.
The final stop was the robotics lab Here, the visitors were able to interact with a robotic dog and learn about new developments in the robotics and surveillance field
The visit to APL was inspiring, showcasing resources for innovation and learning. It emphasized hands-on STEM education and community involvement Ms Thompson and colleagues from APL will visit the Creek in March for a a STEM meeting and to tour the new exploratory learning space APL has supported internships for Indian Creek students, and both organizations look forward to continued partnership.
AngelaDeLucaThompson,KristiMachemer, SaraWhite,LeeMachemer,MichaelMercer’20, andDougMcNallygaininspirationforthenew CreekLabthroughavisittoAPL.
St. John’s College and Indian Creek School Partner to Provide Teaching Fellowship for Graduate Students
Indian Creek School and the St John’s College Graduate Institute have partnered to create a Teaching Fellows program, which will provide the opportunity for teachers to work part-time at Indian Creek while enrolled in the Graduate Institute’s Master of Arts in the Liberal Arts The partnership will give aspiring educators experience in the classroom while also immersing them in the rigors of St. John’s renowned master’s program which focuses on a close reading and deep discussions about texts foundational to modern government and economics, science and mathematics
“This partnership reflects the importance of independent institutions of education to attract and retain talent to the state of Maryland in teaching and other professions,” says St John’s College President Nora Demleitner “This new partnership with Indian Creek builds on others St John’s College has undertaken to help address Maryland’s teacher shortage, including two ventures with Notre Dame of Maryland University to allow undergraduate students to gain teaching certification and a Joint Master’sLevel Teaching Certification”
“This
is a great day for Indian Creek, a great day for St. John’s, and a great day for education in the state of Maryland ”
-TylerLarkin,ICSDirectorofDevelopment
The Teaching Fellowship was officially established at a signing ceremony between St John’s President Demleitner and Booth Kyle, Head of Indian Creek School in December Recruitment of the fellows began in January with the goal that fellows will begin in Fall 2025 Kyle said he expects to attract excellent candidates from across the nation “The St John’s Graduate Institute is one of a kind, and I think that young people who are interested in teaching will jump at the chance to be part of these two outstanding institutions At Indian Creek, they will encounter excellent students and supportive colleagues At St John’s, they will be part of a vibrant community anchored in the study of learning”
“Both institutions have long been committed to teachers,” said Brendan Boyle, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs at St John’s College “The Graduate Institute was specifically created to bring the wonders of the St. John’s program of study to teachers. And Indian Creek is clearly deeply committed to the moral and intellectual growth of its faculty We're honored to work with them to enrich both our communities.”
Above:ICSHeadofSchoolBoothKyleandSt.Johns CollegePresidentNoraDemleitnerofficiallyconfirm theFellowshippartnership.Right:Facultyandstaff fromSt.John'sandIndianCreekattendanMOU signingceremony(LefttoRight:JuliusSmith,Kaycie Bowen,BenBaum,BrendanBoyle,NoraDemleitner, BoothKyle,SarahAllen,TylerLarkin,Tiffany McCormick,JennyKeuleman,StuartWilliams)
ICS Dean of Studies Sarah Allen, who will lead mentorship of the teachers throughout their two-year teaching fellowships at Indian Creek, agrees “Indian Creek has benefited from having three Graduate Institute students on our faculty over the past few years, and through them we have seen firsthand the high caliber of educator that the St John’s program attracts Formalizing this partnership will benefit aspiring teachers and students at both schools for years to come”
The St John’s College Graduate Institute offers Master of Arts degrees in the liberal arts and in Eastern Classics Courses may be completed over the summer or during convenient evening hours in the fall and spring, in person at the college’s Annapolis or Santa Fe campuses or online through the low-residency program Applications are currently being accepted for the spring, summer, and fall terms of 2025
For more details and to apply, visit www sjc edu/academicprograms/graduate.
Creek Cup 2025
Creek Cup is a cherished Upper School tradition This week-long event fosters a celebration of school spirit and camaraderie among students through a series of class competitions Creek Cup 2025 featured a variety of activities that challenged and entertained the Upper School community: Sword Fighting, Minute to Win It, Blindfolded Musical Chairs, Mattress Surfing, and the crowd-favorite Lip Sync Battle
The energy and spirit during Creek Cup was contagious and the perfect way to decompress after midterm assessments. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on their Creek Cup victory and for making school history by being the first four-time champion.
Clockwisefromtop:SeniorscompetewithaBeyoncestyleactinthelipsyncbattle.ChloeCato’27represents thesophomoresinblindfoldedmusicalchairs.Members oftheseniorclasscelebrateanother2025win.
SophomoresMitchellMontgomery,CarolineShenck,DannyCasteel,Nola McKenna,AndrewGrizzell,AbbyHerman,andBrodySmithcompetefortheClass of2027inthemattressrollchallenge.Below:Thisyear’sLipSyncbattle performanceswerehighlycompetitive.
Middle School Advisory Olympics
Advisory Olympics is one of Middle School's most anticipated annual traditions Overthe course oftwo weeks in the winter, students and their advisors engage in a series of challenges designed to testtheir creativity, athleticism, and academic skills
More than just a competition, the Olympics build teamwork and school spirit - and provide students and teachers with a much-needed lift after cold weather, indoor recesses, and the successful completion ofthe first semester.
The Olympics begin with an official Opening Ceremony, where the Olympic theme song is performed bythe Middle School string and band ensembles and the ICS flag is proudly carried through the halls ofthe school Throughoutthe two-week competition, advisories face a wide array of challenges Student creativity comes out in the "Build It” challenge, Quiz Bowl” tests the advisories in a battle ofthe brains, and athletic challenges bring high-energy moments through events such as the Octopus Race, Run Server Run, and the Marshmallow Catch The event culminates with a tournament of Middle-School favorite - Silent Speed Ball!
The Olympics end with a closing ceremonywhere a variety of awards are presented, ranging from “best flag” and “most spirited” to “best comeback” and “best motivation from an advisor.” The treasured Eagle Trophy is awarded to the winning advisory in each grade, where itwill proudly be displayed forthe year.
Advisory Olympics are more than just a competition. They are a cherished tradition that brings outthe best in Middle School students and faculty The entire school supports each other, competes with all they have, and has a ton of laughs!
Left:JTChino’29proudlycarriestheICSflagintotheOpeningCeremonies.Farleft,toptobottom: MaliyaTetteh’30directsherteamintheOctopusRacechallenge. EllieSingleton’31tosses marshmallowsatheradvisorMs.McConvilleduringaheatedcompetition.TheMiddleSchoolBand andStringsgroupsperformtheOlympicThemeduringtheOpeningCeremonies.ColeAnderson’29 andMs.McClainproudlyposewiththeiradvisory’sBestSportsmanshipaward.
Alumni Notes
Class of 2014
Nicole Stark
This past summer, Nicole started as a research assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab after graduating with her PhD in biomedical engineering in May Before Virginia Tech, she graduated from Widener University with a dual bachelors in mechanical and biomedical engineering and a masters in engineering.
“I also got married to my lovely husband John two years ago and we have two dogs”
Class of 2015
Hannah Elliott
Hannah was accepted into and started the MBA (Master of Business Administration) program at Vanderbilt University. “I still do theatre whenever I can, and performed at 54 Below in NYC before moving to Nashville”
Alexander Schlesinger
Currently working as a software engineer for ClearForce in Washington, DC
Class of 2016
Lindsey Register
Recently completed four years at Under Armor and started at the NY Times as a Communications Manager “I’ll be driving PR strategy across both the Cooking & Games products, highlighting launches, elevating internal spokespeople, and celebrating all the fun that is output by these two portfolios on a daily basis.”
Class of 2018
Niya Harden
Niya graduated from Spelman College with honors and started law school in Fall of 2022. She is in her last semester of law school at University of Maryland School of Law, scheduled to graduate in May She has accepted a clerkship in the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County after graduation In law school, she served as the programming chair for BLSA, was a peer leader, and currently serves on the USGA “I just traveled to Phoenix, AZ, to represent my school for the ABA Judicial Diversity Clerkship Conference”
Calling All Creek Alums...
Class of 2019
Daniel Garland
Since graduation, Daniel has pursued his ambitions to commission as an officer in the Marine Corps. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2023 with a BA in National Security & Foreign Affairs, and a BA in Russian Between his Junior and Senior years, he completed Marine Officer Candidate School sent by NROTC. He graduated from VT and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant the same day Currently, he serves as an Artillery Officer with a scout team in Camp Lejeune with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment “I am still very close with much of my class and lacrosse team from Indian Creek. Wishing the best for the School!”
Sarah Mathes
Graduated from University of Maryland in 2022 a year early with her Bachelor of Science in Hearing & Speech Sciences, with a minor in Disability Studies. She went on to earn a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology at Towson University in fall 2022, and completed the two year program with coursework and over 400 clinical hours with fellow ICS alums Kat Piera and Hayley O’Connor. Graduated in May 2024 and began her professional career in September 2024 at a pediatric private practice in Annapolis, Maryland, as a speech-language pathologist
Share your latest education, career, and family news with the ICS Alumni Office by emailing alumni@indiancreekschoolorg or through the QR code to the right
ICSClassof2019alumsHayleyO’Connor,KatPiera,andSarahMathesgraduatedtogether fromtheTowsonUniversitySpeech-LanguagePathologymastersprogramlastMay.
Class of 2020
Shaun Gerety
Graduated from Towson University with a Finance degree December 2024. He recently started a new job as an Account Executive at River Mortgage
Class of 2024
Lucia Sheldon
Currently at AACC, Lucia plans to earn an associates at the end of this semester and move to Oslo, Norway, by summer!
“ICS gave me the tools and confidence to succeed, and I am forever grateful.”
Catching Up with Creek Alum Nicole Tasker
During her years at Indian Creek School, alumna Nicole Tasker learned a vital lesson: “The art of hard work and determination truly pays off in the end.” This ethic of perseverance, combined with a deep sense of community, led her to a fulfilling career providing compassionate, high-quality care to women battling gynecologic cancers
Nicole’s connection to the Creek runs deep. In 1982, her father, Floyd Tasker, began working at the school as a bus driver, mechanic, and janitor. Nicole started in Kindergarten and attended through Middle School, graduating with the Evergreen Class of 2001
"My childhood is full of ICS memories," Nicole recalls "I was fortunate to have such incredible teachers and mentors, and I met lifelong friends. ICS laid the foundation for both my education and career aspirations."
The values of kindness and well-being were central to Nicole’s time at ICS Her Middle School years were filled with both artistic and athletic pursuits Nicole immersed herself in chorus, band, theater, and student government, and was also a fixture on the basketball, field hockey lacrosse, and dance teams.
Her voice was a standout talent, often featured in ICS productions. Today, Nicole continues to channel her love of singing as an active member of the Chicago Community Chorus
Another memory that still brings a smile to her face is the eighth-grade camping trip “Even though it rained the entire time, I had so much fun,” she remembers It’s perhaps these early adventures that sparked her love for travel, which has since taken her to awe-inspiring destinations like Singapore, Australia, Bali, and Costa Rica This June, she will embark on a new adventure as she gets married in Chicago!
Today, Nicole is an Advanced Practice Nurse specializing in Gynecologic Oncology at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. Based in the Maggie Daley Center for Women’s Cancer Care within Prentice Women’s Hospital, she is part of a dynamic team dedicated to providing compassionate, top-tier care to women facing gynecologic cancers “I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a remarkable team,” she says, proud of the care she offers
’01
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from High Point University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Chester University. She began her oncology nursing career at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, working with adult hematological malignancies, and after years of bedside nursing, she advanced her education with a Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Simmons College in Boston
In addition to her clinical work, Nicole speaks for pharmaceutical companies, educating on gynecologic oncology drugs She has had the honor of presenting at oncology conferences across the United States, and she’s involved in several committees at Northwestern Medicine
NYT Best-Selling Author Lenore Skenazy Advises Creek Parents to
“Let Grow”
ICS parents, from PK-12, enjoyed an entertaining and enlightening Parent Education Comedy Show with author of the New York Times best-selling book Free Range Kids, Lenore Skenazy on January 8
This conversation with "America's worst mother" had the audience of over 50 Creek parents laughing, talking, and reflecting about today's parenting culture and it's impact on children. Throughout her remarks, Ms. Skenazy shared her experience letting her 9-year-old son ride the New York City subway on his own (in a guided, secure environment) and the public reaction to her story. She shared how this feedback - both negative and positive - inspired her to closely examine the well-intentioned protections that parents provide children and young adults today
Ms Skenazy shared her thoughts on some possible factors that have led to America's hyper-protective parenting state: the emergence of the 24-hour news cycle, a push for ratings, likes, and views, and the lure of capitalism In an especially poignant part of the event, she asked the ICS parents to share and discuss some things that they loved doing when they were children that their kids aren't allowed to do today The answers, including riding bikes alone around the neighborhood, cooking, and sleeping over at friends' houses prompted reflection and even some tears.
Ms Skenazy asked the parents if they have any scars and then asked if they were proud of their scars to prove the point that even a mishap can lead to a lesson and a good story The Indian Creek group came to the conclusion that parents today need to be kinder to each other and less judgmental about the choices of others The group shared a common appreciation for having a school community rooted in kindness and well-being
Ms Skenazy reinforced this message, telling the group that they are lucky to have children at Indian Creek While she did poke some fun at the School’s carline system, she lauded the opportunities for movement and play, outdoor time, project based learning curriculum, and aftercare program, saying, "There are not many schools like this I speak at a lot of schools and this is unique and special"
To conclude her presentation, Ms Skenazy challenged the school participate in The Let Grow Project. “Go home and do something new, on your own Climb a tree, run an errand, make a meal ” She shared with the audience that the choices for this project are endless and the impact is immediate. School Counselor Michele Longo has since implemented this project and the reception from families has been very positive Students’ “Let Grow” leaves can be viewed in the front lobby of the School
LenoreSkenazyshares
600+ 16% of the Class of 2025 Admitted to Top Choice College through Early Decision
14% 519 100% College Acceptance Rate
Eagles
Purpose 2025-26 Enrollment Community-based partnerships with local non-profit organizations
$19,220
AspartofMs.Berkowitz'sPortugueseBLincclass,SolomonYounger’26 readsastorytoMs.Vazquez'sfirstgradeSpanishclassthreetimes, onceinPortuguese,Spanish,andEnglish.Thisexercisenotonlyhelped theUpperSchoolstudentsconnecttheirlanguageskillswithothersbut alsoinspiredcuriosityintheyoungerstudentsastheyhearsomeofthe similaritiesanddifferencesbetweeneachlanguage.
