Osprey Outlook Winter 2024

OSPREY OUTLOOK

Board of Trustees 2023-2024

Officers and Executive Committee

President

Megan Owings ‘93, P ‘25, ‘27

Vice President

Kate Gray ‘90, P ‘22, ‘25

Treasurer

Karl Adler

Secretary

Christie Grabis, P ’09, ‘11

Member-at-Large

Christopher D. McClary, Trustee Emeritus, ‘91, P ‘17, ‘19

Head of School

Nancy Mugele

Trustees

Nancy Dick

Harry Duffey, Trustee Emeritus P ‘84, ‘84, ‘86, GP ‘14, ‘17, ‘19, ‘19, ‘21, ‘24

Pamela Duke P ‘03

Thomas Gale, Trustee Emeritus

Todd Gillespie, P ‘16, ‘18, ‘20

Kathleen Wootton Hurd ‘01, P ‘29, ‘32, ‘34

Michelle Johnson, P ‘12

Patricia Kirby

Jamie Kirkpatrick

Tim Lavery, P ‘22

Erin Bowman Zeirfuss, KSPA President, Ex Officio, ‘93, P ‘25

Judie Willock, Trustee Emeritus. P’83, ‘85 GP ‘13, ;15

Gigi Windley P ‘03, ‘07

Contents

Greeting from Head of School

Introducing Ozzie

Kudner Leyon Campesi

Kudner Leyon Fagel

Library Updates

Empty Bowls

Humanities Curriculum

Social Emotional Learning Innovation Center

World Kindess Day

Arts

Fall Events/Athletics

KSPA Events

Fall Field Learning

Upcoming Events

Alumni News Editor

Tricia Cammerzell, P ‘09, ‘15

Assistant Head of School for Advancement Designer

Brittany Hester

From The Head of School

Dear Members of the Kent School Community,

During the past few years we have explored as a learning community the importance of connection, belonging, empathy, and caring. We have worked hard to restore our community amid the complicated and changing times in which we live. Aristotle famously said: Educating the mind without educating the heart, is no education at all. I agree, and, because we live in a time when kindness is needed more than ever, I have selected KINDNESS as my word to keep before our community for this academic year. KINDNESS is a choice, a muscle we must flex and strengthen. And, frankly, it is a muscle that could use a little more of our attention.

So where do we start? We have no choice but to start with ourselves. If you are kind, forgiving, and gentle with yourself, it will radiate out in all of your actions. Being kind has so many benefits to you and to the person who receives your KINDNESS. If we practice KINDNESS and make it a part of who we are, we can live a happier and healthier life. Scientific research shows that being kind releases feel-good hormones, reduces anxiety, improves heart health, and reduces stress. KINDNESS also builds relationships, and positive relationships new and old, bring great joy and purpose to our lives.

Many people in our community spread KINDNESS at last year’s auction by helping us surpass our goal to raise funds for safety and security. The Kent School Board of Trustees generously gave $20,000 in gifts to lead this effort. We were seeking $40,000 and raised a total of $59,950. I was speechless, and very humbled by the generosity of our community.

The funded Item was a new phone system with intercom capabilities, which we have been told is essential for security to be able to immediately communicate with all employees if there is a threat. The new system will be able to isolate intercom access by building if necessary. We are also adding strategic cameras around the perimeter of the school, and installing lighting in the back of campus. The project will be completed over winter break. We have already completed the installation of the technology support needed to upgrade the gate with a new phone service with video capabilities.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of the Osprey Outlook, introducing our new mascot, Ozzie, sharing curricular highlights, and introducing you to new faces. Go Ospreys!

With Gratitude, Nancy Mugele Head of School

Introducing Ozzie the Osprey

Kent School has a MASCOT! Students welcomed the new Osprey mascot at an AllSchool meeting in November. After which students embarked on a naming contest. Suggestions were submitted and the votes were compiled resulting in the name Ozzie being selected by students. Ozzie the Osprey debuted at Grandparent and Grandfriends Day and will make appearances at home games and at other special occasions at School.

Ozzie was the generous gift from a friend of the School. Mrs. Mugele said, “We are so grateful to have this mascot costume. I feel like a new tradition at Kent School has just been created. Students are excited about Ozzie and several Middle School students are vying for the opportunity to be Ozzie the Osprey!”

Kudner Leyon Memorial Brings

Author, Educator Melissa Campesi Visits Campus

Author, educator and English Language Specialist, Melissa Campesi joined the Kent School community on Friday, October 6 as part of the School’s Kudner Leyon Visiting Writers Program. Campesi led an interactive writing workshop for students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Her workshop included story sharing based on her book Imagine Song. Imagine Song is “a heartfelt and inspiring story about a young girl named Melody who has been awakened by the gift of songwriting. She is formally being taught how to play piano, but never knew her instinctive and natural ability to write her own music until it accidentally happened one day!”

According to her website, “Melissa grew up in a bilingual household filled with music, writing, cooking, playing, and laughter. She is a children’s author and certified as an ESL educator in New Jersey. Her hope is to inspire our youth to explore their natural creative channels to enhance their everyday life. Her favorite things to do are write poetry and music, host gatherings, and be in nature.” Ms. Campesi’s visit to Kent School is made possible by the Kudner Leyon Memorial Endowment.

Head of School Nancy Mugele said, “We are deeply grateful to the Kudner and Leyon families and their friends for establishing this endowment to share the literary arts with our students. I was delighted to host Melissa Campesi, whom I got to know this summer while working on my own children’s book. The afternoon was the perfect opportunity for our students and employees to celebrate their shared enthusiasm for ‘exploring their natural creative channels to enhance our everyday lives.’”

Each year, Kent School hosts an acclaimed visiting author as part of the school’s endowed Kudner Leyon Visiting Writers Program. Campesi joins a long list of acclaimed visiting writers including Naomi Nye, Margie Pallatini, Nick Bruell, Priscilla Cummings, Wendy Mass, Jack Gantos and Mary Downing Hahn. Kent School’s program began in 2000 as a memorial to two alumni, Ariana Kudner ‘91 and Amanda Leyon ‘91 who lost their lives in a car accident. Program founder and Trustee Emeritus, Chris McClary ‘91, a classmate of Ariana and Amanda said, “The endowed Kudner Leyon Visiting Writers program is a fitting tribute to both

girls who shared a love of books, writing and literature. I know that they would be pleased that we are offering such a high quality program to our students.” The program is funded through the generosity of individuals and through a grant from the Arthur Kudner Fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

Phyllis Fagell to Return

Kent School is pleased to welcome Phyllis Fagell back to Kent School. She will join us on February 29 for student workshops followed by an employee and parent session at 4:00p.m. Ms. Fagell first visited Kent School in 2019 as a Kudner Leyon Visiting Writer to discuss Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond and How Parents Can Help. She followed that in-person visit with a virtual Town Hall for parents and employees which was designed to help parents navigate the social isolation of their children during COVID.

On this, her third visit to Kent School, Ms. Fagell will discuss her latest book Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times. Through this book parents and educators can “discover how to bolster any middle schooler’s resilience by leveraging the 12 Middle School Superpowers they need to manage disappointment, self-regulate emotions, take healthy risks, and recover from any setback.”

Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC is a nationally board certified school counselor, a therapist who works with kids and families in private practice at The Chrysalis Group in Bethesda, Maryland, an educational consultant, and an author and journalist. She’s the author of the two forementioned bestselling books and is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post. She also freelances for publications including Psychology Today, CNN, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen, and her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times,The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Edutopia, Mindshift and NPR. Phyllis speaks at schools and organizations nationally and internationally on a broad range of topics related to counseling, education and parenting.

Head of School Nancy Mugele said, “It is a privilege to have Phyllis join us again at Kent School. Over the past four years we have developed a strong professional relationship and we have learned so much from her wisdom and experience. I look forward to welcoming her again.” Mugele continued, I am grateful Our Endowed Kudner Leyon Memorial Fund can support this important program.”

Welcome, Mary Dulin

We are delighted that Mary Dulin has joined the Kent School employee group as the Director of Library Services. Mary has nine years of experience in public libraries as a children’s librarian, and most recently was a librarian in the Harford County public school system, serving at two elementary schools. Mary is passionate about makerspaces and has run the “creation studio” at her former school. She has a masters in Library Science from Clarion University in Pennsylvania, and a bachelors of science in community environmental development from Pennsylvania State University. We are thrilled to have Mary in the Library.

In her first months at Kent School, Mary is making a positive impact. She is co-teaching a very popular Coding Class as part of our Middle School Explorations elective offerings. In addition, she has recently completed the coordination of a very successful Scholastic Book Fair. We look forward to working with Mary for many years to come.

Kent School Hosts Seventh Annual Empty Bowls Benefit

Kent School hosted its Seventh Annual Empty Bowls event to benefit The Kent County Food Pantry. Empty Bowls is an international project to fight hunger, personalized by artists and art organizations on a community level. Guests enjoyed a variety of homemade soups and breads with the purchase of a student-made ceramic bowl. Each bowl was $10. All proceeds from the sale of the bowls went to The Kent County Food Pantry. Each year, this event is a collaboration between the Kent School’s Art Department and the Student Government Association. Kent School’s Empty Bowls event was open to the public and we were delighted to welcome friends from the greater Chestertown community, including Chief of Police Ronald Dixon.

crafted bowls. This event is a way for us to give back and it was especially gratifying to present a check for $1,200 to Deeann Jones, Program Director at The Kent County Food Pantry”

Led by Art Teacher Amy Bower, students spent two AllSchool Meetings forming their bowls. Students glazed their bowls during art class. Bower said, “It was great to see the unique, creative styles of each student represented in their bowl. The process was rewarding for them and me to see their creations evolve from concepts in a gray piece of clay to these colorfully glazed pieces. We had over 150 bowls for sale.”

Nancy Mugele, Head of School said, “The 2023 Empty Bowls event marks the seventh anniversary of this festive, community-building event. It is always fulfilling to see our M. V. “Mike” Williams Gymnasium filled with the spirit of kindness and generosity, as we share soup and bread from hand

Each year the Student Government Association (SGA) at Kent School leads charitable activities in support of The Kent County Food Pantry. The students coordinate food drives throughout the year. Bower continued, “The partnership between SGA and the Art Department seemed like a natural fit for this project which also benefits the Food Pantry. This is a wonderful opportunity to incorporate a concentrated art unit with a student-led community service program.”

Middle School Renews Humanities Curriculum

By Jenny Cernak, Assistant Head of School for Academics

Kent School prioritizes nurturing active citizenship in our students by building empathy through education. Christina Jarvi, Fifth and Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher and Amanda Mickle, Seventh and Eighth Grade Humanities Teacher, through their commendable collaboration, have been instrumental in implementing a renewed Humanities program at Kent School. This transition from separate Language Arts and History classes to a more unified approach reflects a commitment to understanding and meeting the diverse needs of students. Mrs. Jarvi and Mrs. Mickle have been instrumental in successfully integrating literature, grammar, and history, providing students with a more comprehensive educational experience.

Humanities was part of the Middle School curriculum decades ago. More recently though, students often studied literature in isolation from historical context, limiting their exploration of the dynamic relationship between literature and societies of different time periods. The renewed Humanities program addresses this by allowing students to delve into historical periods alongside relevant literary masterpieces, enhancing their grammatical skills in the process. This integrated approach not only improves writing and reading comprehension but also encourages critical thinking and analytical skills as students analyze texts within historical frameworks.

Furthermore, the Humanities program promotes empathy by encouraging students to explore multiple perspectives within diverse cultural and historical contexts. By analyzing primary sources alongside literary works, students learn to synthesize information, fostering a nuanced understanding of different cultures and time periods. In essence, the transition to a Humanities program not only enhances academic proficiency but also nurtures well-rounded individuals capable of navigating the complexities of our interconnected world.

As an example of our Humanities curriculum in action, Sixth graders visited the Starr Center in November and learned about Chestertown during the Revolutionary War period. From the Starr Center for the American Experience, “Students explored the complicated idea of the ‘paradox of freedom’, and discussed how history takes all forms at the Custom House from historical archives and records to portraits, objects, and architecture. Vicki BarnettWoods explained how tea and tyranny played a crucial role in early colonial times. Darius Johnson shared historical documents about Black revolutionary war veterans. Adam Goodheart elucidated on the complexities of historical interpretation. The students asked excellent questions, and some shared their own stories of history.”

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

By Cheryl Plummer, Dean of Students and Tiffany Newport, School Counselor

As we move forward from the global pandemic, it is crucial to ensure the holistic development of students— academically, socially, and emotionally. These three aspects are intertwined in such a way that they all contribute significantly to students realizing their full potential. Kent School’s collaboration with the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning ( CTTL), coupled with our commitment to researchinformed teaching, has led to the establishment of the Student Behavior Team. This team, comprising Tiffany Newport, School Counselor, Cheryl Plummer, Dean of Students, and Jenny Cernak, Assistant Head of School for Academics, works collaboratively to offer support, guidance, and instruction for students of all ages.

This academic year, an increased need to focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has been identified in our K-8 Program. From Lower School Daily Huddles to weekly SEL classes in Middle School, students are benefiting from age-appropriate lessons that explore the connection between emotion and cognition.

A crucial program has evolved this year, with Tiffany and Cheryl collaborating to work with the Seventh Grade class. Partnering with local organizations such as Echo Hill Outdoor School and Kent County’s 4-H Educator, Cheryl and Tiffany use the weekly SEL class period to instill compassion, empathy, leadership skills, and address personal biases.

This collaboration kicked off in mid-October with three visits from Echo Hill educators. Through active games and scenarios that pushed students out of their comfort zones, the sessions focused on improving communication and teamwork. These challenges not only enhanced their ability to work cooperatively but also underscored the value of clear, open, and honest communication.

In November, Elizabeth Hill, the UME 4-H Educator for Kent County, initiated a six-week workshop series designed to build character, enhance leadership skills, and foster a deeper self-awareness. Workshop topics included decision-making, friendship, gratitude, and generosity. Each session incorporated icebreaker activities, facilitating students’ understanding of one another and fostering stronger connections and empathy among classmates.

Counselor

Cheryl and Tiffany will continue this program with our Seventh Grade class in January, addressing issues related to implicit and explicit bias, stereotypes, compassion, kindness, and empathy.

Tiffany continuously works with all grade levels, including our Preschool program, to ensure that Kent School students are getting the socialemotional skills necessary to thrive. Thus far, our morning meetings in Lower School and SEL classes in Middle School have been focusing on kindness, appropriate friendship and relationship goals, gratitude, and digital citizenship.Tiffany visits Little School once a week to read social-emotional books and work on identifying emotions through fun hands-on activities.

Nancy Mugele, Head of School said, “I am proud of the work that Jenny, Cheryl and Tiffany are doing on behalf of our students at every grade level. Social emotional issues emerged from COVID as a significant concern. The School must, in addition to academic progress, foster social and emotional competencies. I am grateful that we are partnering with students and their families to improve student outcomes.”

Innovation Center Plans Unveiled

As part of the Together We Soar campaign, Kent School is seeking to raise $1 million dollars for the construction of an Innovation Center and Middle School renovation. The new Innovation Center will provide an environment where students learn to take thoughtful risks, solve complex problems, think critically, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process. The Innovation Center will include the Middle School Science Lab, Middle School Math classrooms, and visual arts classrooms for all students - including both a 2D art studio and a 3D art studio/maker space. The new Middle School Science Lab will include state-of-the-art equipment for the program designed to teach students the scientific method while teaching core understanding of key principles in Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science integrated with environmental science and Chesapeake Bay Studies.

Taylor Goodall, Kent School Class of 1995 and President of Dixon Group, delivered keynote remarks at the unveiling of plans and the effort to fund construction of a new Middle School Innovation Center.

Taylor spoke about the importance of the STEM fields and that critical thinking, fostered in these subject areas, is what employers are looking for in candidates today.

“We are very excited about the ways this innovative project will enrich the rigorous educational opportunities that are the hallmark of a Kent School education,” Head of School, Nancy Mugele, said.

“We are proud to have raised more than $1.3 million toward the $2.3 million goal established by the Board of Trustees for the Together We Soar campaign. An additional $1 million for the Middle School project, including a $150,000 deferred maintenance fund, PPRRSP (Plant Replacement, Renewal and Special Maintenance), will complete this bold campaign,” she concluded.

For more information about the Together We Soar campaign and the new Middle School project, contact Nancy Mugele, Head of School at 410-778-4100 or nmugele@kentschool.org.

World Kindness Day Community Service Project

As part of our yearlong focus on KINDNESS, and in conjunction with World Kindness Day which was celebrated on November 13, Kent School students worked with the Kent County Department of Social Services to create Kindness Bags to be distributed to homeless individuals in our area.

Students collected the following items by grade:

At an All-School Meeting in November, students gathered in the M. V. “Mike” Williams Gymnasium to assemble the bags. Expecting to fill ten to fifteen bags, students were able to fill over thirty bags with items to help people feel more comfortable. Students also decorated the bags and included messages of kindness.

The following Monday, SGA Officers accompanied Dean of Students Cheryl Plummer to the Department of Social Services to deliver the bags.

Sixth and Seventh Grade Creates Peace Posters

In Art Class, led by Art Teacher Amy Bower, Seventh Grade students participated in the Annual Lions Club International Peace Poster contest. From the Lions Club website, “The Chestertown Lions Club awarded the winners of its annual Peace Poster Contest during an award ceremony at The Kent School. This year’s theme was “Dare to Dream .” The contest is open to all Kent County schools that wish to participate. Emery Snead-6th grade, was chosen as first prize winner for her painting, receiving $100. Ava Goodall-7th grade, garnered second place and $75., and Charlie Fry-6th grade, received $50 for third place.

“For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups. Creating peace posters gives children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity.”

When completed, the students’ posters were submitted for local then district judging. The district includes 48 clubs from Rising Sun, MD to Ocean City, MD. At the time of this printing, Emery’s poster has won the School competition as well the district/ regional competitions. Next, her poster will go to the national competition in Washington, DC.

Student Art Featued in Public Installation

Through a partnership with Kent Cultural Alliance, Rural Health Transformation and the art departments of local schools a collection of over 40 pieces of student art is on display at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The art hangs in the first and second floor hallways of the new Aging and Wellness Center. We are very proud of our students and their pieces that were selected for the exhibit.

Fall Field Learning Experiences

Kent School continues its commitment to field and hands-on learning by providing multiple opportunities to put their classroom knowledge into practice. Jenny Cernak, Assistant Head of School for Academics said, “It is a rare privilege to be located in a setting like ours and then have the flexibility to incorporate that setting into our curriculum. Coupled with strong partnerships with Sultana Education Foundation, Echo Hill Outdoor School, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and more, Kent School students benefit from this unique confluence of resources.

Alumni News

From Around the Nest

Robert Blake Whitehill ‘76 has published his sixth 6th Ben Blackshaw thriller, BLAST. Blackshaw is a Smith Islander, and Chesapeake Bay waterman whose skills as a former SEAL come into play throughout his six (so far) missions.

In BLAST, Ben Blackshaw discovers a murdered woman’s corpse frozen in the Chesapeake Bay. All the signs point to her being crew on a massive Liquid Natural Gas transport ship that’s also trapped in the channel ice. Blackshaw must solve the mystery before a thaw frees the ship to sail off with all the evidence, or destroy Washington, D.C. and the Chesapeake fishery, in a single fiery blast.

Three Kent School teachers who are alumni Matthew Wirtz ‘99, Suzie Wright-Taylor ‘84 and Heidi Usilton ‘83 shared memories and traditions of their time as students with current Kent School students on Founders Day in October

Jill Bramble ‘85 was named President and CEO of the National 4-H Council. Located in Washington, DC, 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

Devin Wootten ‘98 connected with Nancy Mugele while she was chairing the Harford Day School AIMS re-accreditation process. Devin is the Middle School Head and Assistant Head of School at Harford Day School.

Gussie O’Neill Burns ‘02 was thrilled to announce the birth of her baby boy Gerard Joseph Burns III. The Kent School community was happy to welcome Gerard with a Kent School onesie.

Alexander Fredette ‘07 is happily married (2021) and now is the proud father of little Albano Marco Fredette. Albano was born 3/26/23.This year he has also become a 4th grade teacher at The Jacksonville Classical Academy in Jacksonville, Florida and absolutely loves it!

Logan Leverage ‘09 married Drew Burnette in the Fall of 2022. Logan and her new husband live in Irmo, SC where Logan is a children’s mental health counselor specializing in play.

Gussie O’Neill Burns ‘02

Alexander Fredette ‘07

Robert Blake Whitehill ‘76

Logan Leverage ‘09

Jill Bramble ‘85

Wirtz ‘99, Wright-Taylor ‘84, Usilton ‘83

Devin Wootten ‘98

Andy Grabis ‘09 was married in June 2023 to Joanie Oates. The wedding took place in Portland, Maine. Andy’s Kent School classmate and longtime friend of the bride and groom, Helen Cammerzell served as the officiant. Andy and Joanie live in Boston.

Abigail Smack ‘11 greeted two of her former teachers at Lands Point Winery and Vineyards.

Ben Jones ‘13 recently got engaged to Emily Frieman of Baltimore. We wish them all the best. I

Jamie Caron ‘13 joined the Wye River Upper School faculty as a graduate University of Virginia with a Master of Education with a focus in Literacy (Chair’s Fellow) and a B.A. in English from Skidmore College.

Benjamin “Benji” Cantera ‘14 was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in June of 2022. Benji is currently an Infantry Officer.

Taylor Hill ‘21 and Nancy Mugele had the chance to catch up while Nancy was attending a conference in Princeton, NJ. Taylor is in her third year at Lawrenceville and was named Captain of the varsity Field hockey team for her senior season. Taylor was also named to the First Team of the MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) for Field Hockey.

Abigail Smack ‘11

Jamie Caron ‘13

Benjamin Cantera ‘14

Ben Jones ‘13

Andy Grabis ‘09

Taylor HIll ‘21

6788 Wilkins Lane

Chestertown, MD 21620

410-778-4100

www.KentSchool.org

Mission Statement

Kent School is an inclusive school community designed for effective learning, immersed in the natural environment. We are research-driven and committed to nurturing our students’ potential for active citizenship in a connected world through academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence.

School Philosophy

Kent School is committed to balancing academic growth with social and emotional well-being. We focus on applying research-based strategies to inform teaching and learning, embracing our environment, and building community.

Educators use best practices in mind, brain and education (MBE) science. Their continuing education paired with invaluable classroom experience affords our educators the agility to guide students through an experiential academic journey. We encourage our students’ growth and achievement while meeting their unique needs, thus providing each individual with academic and social confidence that promotes success and fosters the development of honorable, responsible citizens.

Kent School’s riverside campus and outdoor learning environment are unparalleled. Our location on the Chester River makes possible our signature Chesapeake Bay Studies program, which fosters hands-on environmental science and stewardship of the natural world.

We strive for trust-based relationships among teachers, students, and families that build character, contribute to a student-centered culture, create active, independent learners, and nurture a sense of belonging so that even the youngest students can feel at home and focused on learning.

This clear understanding of who we are – an inclusive school community designed for effective teaching and learning, driven by research and immersed in the natural environment - means we can remain committed to what is most important for students.

Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains an address at your home, please send correct address to: Victoria Corcoran, Director of Deveolopment and Alumni Relations vcorcoran@KentSchool.org

Photos by: Derrika Baughman