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Campus News
2021 Spring Musical: Willy Wonka Jr.
Watch the show:
vimeo.com/norwoodschool
Sweet Success for the Cast and Crew of WILLY WONKA JR.
After a successful outdoor production of the fall play, Help Desk, in November 2020, Middle School Drama Teacher Mia Fisher and Middle School Choir Teacher Max Nolin were determined to give seventh and eighth graders the same main-stage theatre experience for the spring musical—with a live audience—even with many pandemic restrictions in place. So, the outdoor stage was rebuilt in the Steuart Courtyard; lighting and sound systems were installed; and everyone prayed to the weather gods as the seventh and eighth grade casts prepared to perform Willy Wonka Jr. on Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8.
The weather did throw a curve ball with a rainstorm that moved the seventh grade cast and crew into the Marsh Gym on Friday night, but they didn’t miss a beat. Both nights, inside and outside (and at home via livestreaming), audiences enjoyed a delightful retelling of Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the eccentric world-famous candy-maker and his quest to find an heir. Kindhearted Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe, gluttonous Augustus Gloop, bratty Veruca Salt, rude Violet Beauregarde, obsessive Mike Teavee, the oddly enchanting Oompa-Loompas, and enigmatic Willy Wonka himself were all part of the amusing and fantastical chaos that unfolded on stage.
From the dazzling set and costumes to the stellar acting and singing, this year’s spring musical was a feast for the eyes and the imagination. Congratulations to both casts and crew, as well as to the talented adults who supported them every step along the way: Mia Fisher (director), Craig Hollander (stage manager), Max Nolin (music director), Kirby Mahoney (technical director), Marie Darling (props and set design), and Rachael Feola and Claudia Logan (costumes).
NEXT UP ON THE NORWOOD STAGE: 2021 FALL PLAY: DEARLY DEPARTED
2021 FALL PLAY DATES & TIMES: 7th Grade: Nov. 18 @ 7:00 p.m. & Nov. 20 @ 2:00 p.m. 8th Grade: Nov. 19 @ 7:00 p.m. & Nov. 20 @ 7:00 p.m.
Norwood Students Speak Up and Make a Difference
Last spring, Carole Freret’s fifth grade advisory noticed a discrepancy when they were listening to the audio version and reading along with the printed version of one of their social studies textbooks, Discovering Our Past: A History of the World, Early Ages. One version said that enslaved persons were brought to America, and the other version said they were forcibly transported.
“We stopped and talked about the discrepancy,” says Carole, “and it seemed like a teachable moment for a lesson on speaking up, taking action, and asking for answers.” The fifth graders worked together to craft and send an email to McGraw Hill, the publisher of the audio and print textbook. “They brainstormed about what a good email communication might look like,” Carole explains, “We talked about tone, salutation, and how to respectfully raise the questions they had.”
After working collaboratively, the fifth graders drafted an email pointing out to McGraw Hill that “…‘forcibly transported’ has a big change in tone compared to the word ‘brought’. We know that slavery was a harsh moment in our nation and that we should not change it to be a happier moment. We are curious about why the wording is different. Was the audio made before the textbook or did the textbook come first then it got updated and the audio did not? Why was the change made?”
Over the next few months, they received several acknowledgements of their email from customer support, but no results to speak of. “That’s when I decided to find someone higher up to take the problem to,” says Carole, who then located McGraw Hill’s senior vice president in charge of digital product. This fall, the now sixth graders received a written response explaining the error: “Prior to publication, our academic review process had identified the verb brought as too ambiguous in how it describes the nature of the slave trade. So, in the interest of clarity, we revised the description. Unfortunately, the updated audio file was not attached at the time of publication. Thank you for calling this to our attention.”
“I am proud of these students for taking action and using the power of their thoughtfully written words to make a difference, even at a young age” says Carole. “I am confident they will continue to use their communication skills to impact all kinds of positive change in our world!”
At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, Norwood School became a charter member of the Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad (SHA), a national service and academic society started by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese for elementary and middle school students. In less than one year, Norwood’s SHA chapter, “Halcones Azules,” was named Chapter of the Year!
According to Spanish teacher Vicky Masson, SHA is an activities-based organization that promotes cross-cultural acceptance and understanding, while encouraging service to school and community. Vicky says Norwood’s SHA members, all seventh graders at the time, hit the ground running last year to complete projects that achieved three goals: ambassadorship of the language, service to school, and service to community.
"SHA is an excellent way for middle school students to enrich their study of Spanish, develop leadership skills, and benefit from being part of a national umbrella group,” explains Vicky. “It is also a great first step to becoming part of Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH), an honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish. I am so proud of these students and what they were able to accomplish this year.”
Norwood’s SHA chapter is just the fourth to be chartered in Maryland and one of 62 active charters in the United States. Congratulations to all the members of Halcones Azules on this great honor!
Class Gift Supports The Dr. Susan Love Foundation
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Class of 2021 did not have a full school year to hold fundraising events for their class charity. In just two weeks at the end of the school year, eighth graders planned and held events to raise money for the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. And they made it look easy as pie!
Certainly the highlight (or shall we say, “pie-light”) of their fundraising campaign was the “Pie Your Teacher in the Face” event. Five brave middle school faculty members—Michele Claeys, Carole Freret, Max Nolin, Kelly Dickinson, and Craig Hollander—each took a large cream pie in the face for an important cause, while the entire middle school community stood by to cheer them on.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021 ON RAISING MORE THAN $2,300 TO SUPPORT INNOVATIVE AND LIFE-SAVING BREAST CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
You clearly know that how you lead your life matters, and we are so proud of you!
1 The Class of 2021 raised more than $2,300 for the Dr. Susan Love Foundation. 2 Members of the “Halcones Azules,” SHA Chapter of the Year! 3-6 Middle school faculty members take a pie in the face to support the eighth graders’ class charity fundraising program: Max Nolin (3), Craig Hollander (4), Carole Freret (5), and Kelly Dickinson (6).
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Time to Leave The Nest
In his back-to-school video sent to families, faculty, and staff on September 7, 2021, Head of School Matthew Gould announced some important news. The original Norwood Blue Hawk, the one we have known and loved for decades, decided that he was ready to leave The Nest and receive his Norwood diploma. As Mr. Gould explained in the video, he and the Blue Hawk met during the summer to discuss his “readiness” to graduate. After talking to his teachers, Mr. Gould agreed that, yes, the Blue Hawk was indeed ready to move on.
The good news is that the Blue Hawk personally selected a special, blue-feathered friend from his flock to take over his Norwood duties. The new Blue Hawk, who was introduced to the community during Mr. Gould’s Opening Day Chapel, is ready to lead the way on Spirit Days and other special events at Norwood. “I’m indebted to my dear friend for giving me this incredible opportunity,” says the new Blue Hawk. “The Norwood community is extra special. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming.” So far, the new Blue Hawk says his favorite activity has been visiting the pre-kindergarten classroom. “What a fun and energetic group! So many hugs!”
“We will always remember our first Blue Hawk, the G.O.A.T. of all Blue Hawks,” says Mr. Gould. “But we can look forward to many happy occasions with our wonderful new friend.”
WATCH THE BACK-TOSCHOOL VIDEO
Includes teacher interviews about the Blue Hawk’s performance during his years at Norwood, at:
vimeo.com/norwoodschool Pre-kindergarten students and their teachers, Shoshana Eisenberg and Diana Hashem, enjoy some time with Norwood’s new Blue Hawk.
{ NORWOOD PREKINDERGARTNER }
Faculty and Staff Members Celebrate Milestone Years of Service
We are so appreciative of the talent and dedication of these outstanding educators and staff members who in 2021 reached milestones in their years of service to Norwood School. The following faculty and staff members were celebrated at a virtual all-school chapel on May 14 with enthusiastic applause and a special gift, delivered to their classrooms and offices by Mr. Gould.
5 Years
Stephen Czarkowski Peace Ferreby Charlie Harman Kirby Mahoney Jose Melendez Sally Morsy Juan Ramirez Stephen Rowley Thenthia Taterway Chris Ward Travis Wooden
10 Years
Laura Cotter Marianne Guillaume Jennifer Hemann David Kirk Naomi Manzella Virginia Murphy Callie Otness Devon Oviedo
15 Years
Leanne Gill Stacey Malmgren Craig Wangness
20 Years
Moyna Daley
30 Years
Mimi Mulligan
Norwood Welcomes Five New Trustees
Norwood is fortunate to have an outstanding board of trustees that works tirelessly to support the School’s educational program and mission. This year, the board is pleased to welcome five new trustees, each of whom brings valuable expertise, knowledge, and a love for Norwood School: Alicia Davis, Lee Anne Jillings ’78, Alex Nephew, Debbie Tang, and Melissa Zettler.
Alicia Davis
is the director of human resources for Glenstone Museum in Potomac, MD, where she has worked for the last seven years. Since joining the Norwood community in 2018, Alicia has been an active volunteer beginning with the Library Guild (2018-2019) and recently completed a twoyear term as co-chair of Parents of Students of Color (PSC), a group dedicated to providing a space for families of color to build community while also allowing for healthy open dialogue regarding the experiences of students and families of color at Norwood. Originally from Detroit, MI, Alicia received her B.A. in business administration from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. She and her son, Elijah ’26, live in Bowie with their two beloved quarantine kittens.
Lee Anne Jillings ’78
works for the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) where she is director of the Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management. Previously, she was the executive director of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association for eight years. She also served as a director of The Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern, as well as a term on the vestry of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Potomac. Lee Anne earned a B.A. in public policy studies from Duke University. A Norwood alumna and active parent volunteer, she is a member of the Norwood Fund Leadership Committee and has previously served on Norwood’s COVID-19 Safety and Health Workgroup, and as a grade-level representative (GLR). Lee Anne and her husband, Matt, are the parents of two Blue Hawks, Carter ’22 and Emma ‘27.
Alex Nephew
is an entrepreneur currently serving as founder and CEO of FirstParty, a consulting and technology firm with expertise in data monetization. He has a demonstrated history of building valuable businesses in data, technology, and information industries. Prior to FirstParty, Alex co-founded 7Park Data and served as president through two exits. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives designed to maximize commercial opportunities in growth-stage markets. Alex has a B.A. in economics from Denison University. His recent Norwood volunteer activities include the Norwood Fund Leadership Committee. Alex and his wife, Kathryn Doyle, are the parents of Clara ’29 and John, age 3.
Debbie Tang
is a partner at Bridge Partners, a Black-owned executive search firm specializing in diversifying C-suites and boards. Before joining Bridge Partners, she was managing director at Major, Lindsey & Africa, a legal executive search firm. Prior to her career in executive search, Debbie gained corporate experience as in-house counsel for Marriott International, and also served as general counsel of an international restaurant chain. She began her career as an attorney at Troutman Sanders and Reed. Debbie received a B.A. from McGill University and a J.D. from Washington & Lee School of Law, where she served on the Editorial Board of The Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice. At Norwood, she has served as co-chair of Parents of Students of Color (PSC). Debbie and her husband, Art Silpasuvan, are the parents of Ben ’27 and C.C. ’29.
Melissa Zettler
is the current president of the Norwood Parents Association. She is a former faculty member at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, in Baltimore. Melissa has a Ph.D. in child clinical psychology from West Virginia University and a B.A. in art and psychology from University of Missouri. Her residency and fellowship were completed at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She has been actively involved in volunteer activities at Norwood, including as the vice president for volunteers, the chair of the parent socials committee, a grade-level representative, and member of the Library Guild and carpool crew committees. Melissa and her husband, Andrew, are the parents of Julia ’24 and Grace ’26.
IN APPRECIATION
We are deeply grateful to the following departing trustees for their exceptional service, countless contributions, and unwavering dedication to Norwood.
Debra Barrett
Jen Holzman
(PA President, 2020-21)
