Annual magazine

St. Thomas’s Day School Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends

SUMMER/FALL 2018

St. Thomas’s Day School BOARD OF TRUSTEES Gina Criscuolo Chair Franklyn Chang Vice Chair Jeralyn Fantarella Secretary Tracey Meares Treasurer Gina Panza Rev. Keri Aubert Alexander Babbidge Don Edwards John Forrest Jonathan Macey Eileen O’Donnell Kenneth Paul Kathryn Scherer Denise Terry Heather Tookes Alexopoulos

Head of School

Intro Letter

3

Gina Panza

Editor

Beyond the Classroom In & Around

the St. Thomas’ Community

4 10 16

Graduation

24

New Board, Faculty & Staff

29

St. Thomas’s Day School Events/Alumni

32

Annual Report

39

St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

Design Meredith Jensen

The Year in Photos

2

Danielle Plante Director of Institutional Advancement

Art Direction/Graphic Designer

Photography Danielle Plante Sandra Rizzo Sarah Walters Andrew Myers Harold Shapiro

ST. THOMAS'S DAY SCHOOL 830 WHITNEY AVENUE NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511 PH 203.776.2123 | FAX 203.776.3467

W E L C O M E A Message from Gina Panza, Head of School As I sit at my desk writing this very letter, I can hear trucks and hammers in the background. A group of skilled workers are putting the finishing touches on the playgrounds that our students and faculty helped to dream up, and that the members of our community helped to make a reality.

It seems like just yesterday it was Playground Design Day. On March 5, our entire community came together to dream up the perfect playgrounds for St. T’s. The task was simple- think big and aspire to build a playground that would be treasured by all. Led by landscape architect Chris Ozyck, our students, faculty and parents were active participants in the design process - envisioning, imagining and researching our “perfect playgrounds”. Water play, balancing elements, a variety of climbers, and adventurous bridging structures were included.

In the end, Playground Design Day turned out to be an eye-opening experience for children and adults alike. We not only learned more about what our “play experts”, the children, were hoping for with regards to their new playspaces, but we also learned what was sacred - hence, the tree house structure was refurbished and remains on site.

As you know our playgrounds are, and always have been, the life of our school. We believe that children learn through play and that their time outside on the playground is just as important as the time spent in the classroom or on field trips. Our playgrounds provide safe, relaxing, fun places for children to engage in structured and unstructured play. They are the places where children stretch their imaginations and dream big dreams.

The new playgrounds will allow us to continue advancing the mission and values of the School. They will greatly enhance the academic programs already in place. But most importantly, it will give the children a place to be children. Thank you to everyone who donated their time, talent and treasure to the 2018 Playground Project.

We are excited to share our new playgrounds with you!

Warm regards, Gina Panza Head of School

3 SUMMER/FALL 2018

the Classroom

MOST PEOPLE BELIEVE that play is important in the development of a child, but at St. Thomas’s Day School, that principle is put into action every day. Play-based learning has been at the center of the School’s philosophy since it opened over 60 years ago, and it’s not just because it’s fun (although it is!). What students discover on the playground is just as important as what they learn in the classroom. Skills in conflict resolution, relationship building, empathy and inclusivity are all built at playtime. With two new playgrounds currently under construction to be opened this fall, the meaningful play that already occurs at St. T’s will be enhanced even further..

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM THE “MAGIC” OF OUTDOOR PLAY Play is part of everyday life for students at St. Thomas’s. With a blend of the expected recess times alongside spontaneous and scheduled outdoor class activities, students exercise both their minds and bodies. The location of the playgrounds makes play-based learning easy with outdoor discovery just steps away from the classroom. “Children need breaks throughout the day to release energy; a change of pace helps them stay focused and respond better to classroom learning,” Assistant Head of School Sarah Walters says. “Outside play provides fun and relaxation while contributing to students’ good health and well being.”

Play-based education starts outside, in all seasons. St. T’s provides a safe space for students to explore, imagine and create with their peers and across grade levels.

Head of School Gina Panza remembers a particularly “magical” week a few years ago during an especially snowy winter.

“The lower school children went out and started to create a tiny igloo. This was not structured by teachers; there was no communication from them,” Panza notes. “Then, the upper school students built upon it. When the younger children came back out, they were so excited; it was like it was happening magically.”

Although the igloo only lasted for a couple of days, this type of ingenuity and interaction has been at the heart of St. Thomas’s since its founding.

Our students use the playgrounds as an outdoor classroom as they are seen here studying erosion and sharpening their math skills.

While playground time is clearly beneficial for students, it can also be just as helpful for the dedicated faculty members who are supervising. “Teachers get a lot of information observing children at play – watching them socialize and develop leadership skills as they navigate rules to games they create,” Panza explains. This, of course, aids teachers in their individual approach to helping each student grow. As teachers incorporate learning in the natural environment, the playground transforms into an outdoor classroom where students can study erosion, practice mapping skills, perform in a dramatic play, and observe bugs, trees and flowers, among a plethora of other educational possibilities.

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MAKING STUDENT VOICES HEARD

On March 5, students participated in Playground Design Day where they built models of their ideal playground.

Play not only encourages teamwork, but it also builds leadership and self-advocacy skills. “When I arrived six years ago, the fourth through sixth grades had different rules for four square,” Panza says. In a story that starts out all-too-familiar, Panza talks about how conflicts abounded regarding the game’s rules, which often resulted in student visits to her office.

Instead of seeing a problem, however, the Head of School saw an opportunity.

“I created a ‘Four Square Summit.’ I spoke with all the upper school classes and asked them to identify two student representatives from each class.” The representatives then all met together with Panza, and put rules in place for individual and cross-grade play. “I told them: ‘Once we agree, there is no going back.

These will be the rules going forward.’”

As one might imagine, the results were overwhelmingly positive. What started as a difficult problem transformed into a chance for students to feel their voices were being heard. Each grade as a whole elected representatives; it was up to them, not the teachers or administrators.

Then, each representative had an active role in making real change that would go on to positively impact school policy, which, in turn, helped make playtime a lot more fun. Because of this precedent, student-approved rules will also be set into place when the exciting addition of a Gau-Gau pit is installed in one of the new playgrounds this fall.

With a culture of openness and mutual respect, it is a common occurrence for St T’s students to petition Panza with ideas during Head of School Recess. “What I identified was that – when you sit on that bench, the students come along and talk to you. For example, the upper school boys were saying there was sometimes nothing for them to do. There were slides and climbing walls, but those were for a younger level,” she notes. “Many of them have been on that playground since first grade.” Always looking for ways to enhance the student experience, Panza knew this was the beginning of the playground redesign. The student feedback led to more research on the nearly two-decade old playgrounds.

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The playgrounds are often used as a gathering space for our families.

Pictured here parents and students come together for the Halloween festivities.

“I knew that we needed to address the playground to make it more appealing to all grades while also updating it to be a safer space,” she says.

Although there had previously been renovations made to the outdoor “passive space” (often used for quiet time and group writing activities) about seven years ago, this was to be an entirely different project. The School needed to take a comprehensive look at the two playgrounds, with input from all involved parties. “At a Board level, we decided that safety is our priority,” Panza says.

Moreover, the project aligns with the School’s strategic plan to stay competitive with other schools while remaining playbased. Chris Ozyck of Alfresco Landscape & Design, LLC was brought in to take a practical, thoughtful and creative approach to the project. Ozyck observed not just how the children used the playground but also how the adults used it. He watched where the shade was and where the sun fell. He listened to student and teacher ideas.

Students were called upon to provide their input on “Playground Design Day”

earlier this year. There, older students designed 3D models and younger students worked with buddies to create smaller prototypes of their “dream playgrounds.” Of course, Panza did not miss an opportunity for a forum. Based on student feedback, she decided to keep the treehouse (with some updates) and also make swings available to all grades rather than just for the kindergarten: “We are thinking differently about how we engage the space.” This partnership between school leadership and students is just one of the qualities that makes St. T’s so unique.

RESPONSE AND IMPACT The community response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. It is no surprise that the setting for such special traditions as the Halloween Parade, Family Day Pot Luck, Tipi Sleepover and Field Day Lunch is near and dear to the hearts of many. Director of Institutional Advancement Danielle Plante notes, “Our students take these memories with them through life. Our alumni remember the

joy that these playgrounds and traditions provided them.” Many current parents have been joined by past parents and alumni who are “paying it forward” by assisting in the fundraising efforts.

An alumna from the class of 1992 says: “The strong academics, the focus on issues of social justice, and my religious knowledge definitely helped me to get where I am today. But what I really love about St. T’s is that we were allowed to be kids.” In a community that is committed to cultivating “happy minds, open hearts and brave ideas,” it is no wonder that those special qualities of childhood like exuberance, imagination, creativity and innovation follow into the bright futures of St. Thomas’s alumni.

One day, Panza hopes to restructure the passive space into a blooming outdoor classroom with gardens and a laboratory for science experiments. But for now, she is happy that the place for play is being redesigned into a safer, more dynamic and engaging space.

And it all started with an open mind on the playground. n (See photo spread on following pages) SUMMER/FALL 2018

7

Outdoor play and learning has always been an important part of the St. T's experience.

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

For generations, St. T's students have enjoyed daily recess - no matter what the weather.

Parents work together to put the last pieces of the playground together during its last reconstruction in the 90's.

Reconstruction of the new playgrounds began in July 2018 and will be complete for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

9 SUMMER/FALL 2018

the St. Thomas’s Community

GLOBAL EXPLORERS Each school year, the faculty choose a theme to focus on and incorporate into their curriculum. Global Students and faculty mapped out their global heritage to get the year started.

Explorers was the theme for this past year and both the teachers and students were enthusiastic as they researched, learned and participated in traditions, customs and religions that exist in this country and all over the world. Here are just a few events that highlight their journey as global explorers.

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IN & AROUND THE ST. THOMAS’S COMMUNITY ST. THOMAS’S CELEBRATES ROSH HASHANAH

A fifth grade family welcomed the class to their home to learn about Sukkot and to eat lunch in the Sukkah (hut).

During the week leading up to Rosh Hashanah, students learned about the meaning and traditions of the holiday.

Included were a brief description of the “family tree” of Abrahamic Religions; practicing the basic Hebrew words associated with the High Holidays (including shanah tovah!); and learning about traditions associated with synagogue services and prayer, the shofar, round challah and apples dipped in honey.

The week’s teachings culminated with a viewing of a Rosh Hashanah service at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, during which the students and faculty discussed the similarities shared between St. Thomas’s and Congregation Mishkan Israel. There was also time for the singing of Shalom chaverim and the floor was opened up for students to ask questions or share their personal experiences.

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN DIWALI CELEBRATION The St. Thomas’s community celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, just as they have done in years past. This year, however, the celebration was even more special with lights adorning the whole Chapel space and decorations loaned by Bindu Lal P ’20,’22 for the occasion. The students absolutely loved how different the space felt with low lights and candles!

Additionally, Bindu treated the community to a lesson on modern Diwali

Students participate in the luge during the PE Olympics.

celebrations and a poem by Rabindranath Tagore. Art teacher Ms. Nichols wowed with a Kuchipudi dance. Chaplain Eric read and discussed a story about the religious mythology of good over evil and light over darkness that is central to Diwali celebrations.

The students were reminded of the wonderful examples of kindness, goodness and courage that come through this story!

ST. T’S STUDENTS HAVE OLYMPIC FEVER During the month of February, all grades learned about the Winter Olympics and studied and competed in many of the Olympic games during Physical Education class. Students participated in events such as the Skeleton, Luge, Bobsled, Figure Skating , Speed Skating, Skiing, Hockey and Curling.

The PE Olympics promoted physical activity, healthy competition, sportsmanship and pride, and allowed our students to learn about winter sports and stay tuned into current global events.

The St. Thomas’s school-wide theme of “Global Explorers” isn’t just for the typical classroom and teachers Molly DeLeone and Ryan Anderson did a tremendous job incorporating the theme into the PE curriculum. n Students from the Tian Zhen Yuan Center for the Study of Tai Chi and Traditional Chinese wisdom and practice performed for our community.

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ALL ABOARD THE LOWER SCHOOL EXPRESS! Beginning on Monday, November 27 the first, second and third graders boarded the Lower School Express, a magical train that traveled around the world helping them learn more about geography and holiday traditions in other countries. While the “magical train” was figurative, the journey our students went on to learn about different cultures was very real.

Lower School students are seen here celebrating Scandanavia’s St. Lucy’s Day and Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos.

This year, the children focused on the countries of Australia, Sweden, Philippines, and Mexico. Next year and the year after, other countries will be selected so that by the time the children move to the Upper School, they will have been exposed to at least 12 different countries. For each country, the children learn where it is located in the world, what language/languages are spoken there, what the flag looks like, and what holiday traditions are celebrated. The children utilize a variety of resources, including books, websites, and technology that allows them to Skype with people from other countries. In addition, families are invited to give presentations on countries and celebrations representing their family heritage.

The Lower School Express is a three-year experience that changes developmentally with the child and reflects a hierarchy of learning. The first graders actively engage in learning about people that are different from themselves, the second graders work on reading and recording information, and the third graders use what they have learned to teach the younger students. As a culmination of the “train ride” and as a reflection of all that was learned, the three grades work together to create a holiday village that is displayed in the lobby of the school. n

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IN & AROUND THE ST. THOMAS’S COMMUNITY

MAKE THIS A BETTER WORLD…AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME CHAPEL FOCUSES ON BUILDING CHARACTER St. Thomas’s introduced a new format to daily Chapel this year that invited students to listen closely to a story and reflect in a large group on themes relating to character, ethics and values.

The School Chaplain used storytelling as a creative and engaging way to get the children invested in learning about themselves and the world they share. The stories the Chaplain choose reflected larger themes throughout the year including Hispanic Heritage, Character Counts, Native American Heritage, Black History Month and many, many other occasions of celebration and learning. He read to the students on Mondays and spent time reflecting with them throughout the rest of the week to help them unpack the story to illuminate the character trait or value that was highlighted.

Students listen intently as “guest Chaplain” Mrs. Panza reads The Sparkle Box and discusses the ways you can give back during the holidays.

Courage, bravery and celebrating differences are some of the topics that were covered this past year. Good character, especially the values of integrity, kindness, and compassion, is central to the ethos of St. T’s. Not only is this apparent in the students’ daily life together, but it shines forth well after graduation. From Chapel to the classroom, a St. T’s education helps students learn community norms, reflect on their roles in upholding traditions while branching out with new ideas, and making the world a better place – starting with each one of them! n

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Parent speakers have exposed the students to a variety of thought-provoking issues.

SIXTH GRADE HOSTS PARENT SPEAKER SERIES Raising awareness of other cultures, perspectives, experiences and viewpoints has, and continues to be, an important part of the educational program at St. Thomas’s Day School. Keeping in line with the School’s mission and commitment to social justice, the sixth grade hosted a Parent Speaker Series in which parents in the school community are invited to come in and share their passions and expertise with the students.

Augmenting the sixth grade study of US history, specifically the Antebellum period up to the Civil Rights, parent speakers have exposed the students to a variety of thought-provoking issues and have helped to broaden their understanding of current and historical perspectives. Topics included:

Have you watched our new school video? You may be surprised to see that “the more things change, the more they stay the same!” View the video on our homepage!

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»» Discussion on the influence of slave songs and popular music. »» Discussion on the role of enslaved people and abolitionists in shifting the meaning/cause of the Civil War for the Union to a war for freedom/emancipation – thus highlighting the role of fugitives of slavery and the black military participation (Native Guards). »» Discussion on poetry, highlighting several works by Robert Hayden. »» Discussion on social justice and stereotyping, creating dialogue around current events and ways our kids can help make positive changes. »» Discussion on genocide to coincide with a unit on Africa. »» Discussion on social justice issues in Australia and Japan to coincide with a unit on Asia and the Pacific. n

IN & AROUND THE ST. THOMAS’S COMMUNITY

Student visit Loaves and Fishes, a food and clothing pantry in New Haven.

COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING AND EXPLORATION OF SOCIAL ISSUES In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., St. Thomas’s held a food and clothing drive to help support the efforts of Loaves and Fishes, a food and clothing pantry in New Haven. The fifth-grade took the charge on this effort, organizing everything from the advertising of the clothing drive to the collecting of the clothing and the delivery of the donated items.

Fifth-grade teacher Chaundra Vasseur gave meaning to this clothing drive by discussing poverty, why people may need clothes and how the clothes get distributed with her class. Additionally, they took a trip to Loaves and Fishes where they were able to tour the facility, help sort and hang the clothing for distribution, and ask questions about the work that they do.

At St. Thomas’s, it is important that our students not only participate in community service, but also spend time unpacking the social issues behind the effort. This clothing drive is just one example of how our students participate in community service and diversity learning. n

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the Year in

PHOTOS 16 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

G R A N D PA R E N T S D AY

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PERFORMANCES

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

F I E L D D AY

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H O L I D AY T R A D I T I O N S

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

H A L LOW E E N

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F U N & E D U C AT I O N A L E V E N TS

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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ST. THOMAS’S GRADUATES 2018

CLASS OF 2018 DAYA ELSIE BAUM - Hopkins SARVIN ZUBIN BHAGWAGAR - Hopkins CHARLES PETER BOTSMAN - Hamden Hall NICHOLAS ANTHONY CRISCUOLO - Hamden Hall GAVIN AKIO DOHERTY - St. Lawrence MAYA JEANETTE DRAUGHN - St. Rita’s

On Wednesday, June 13, the Class of 2018 graduated from St. Thomas’s Day School.

Benjamin Simon was the recipient of The Founders’ Award. Sara Nadel ’92 gave the graduation address.

GABRIEL WILLIAM BRANTLEY FULTON - Hopkins SOPHIA ROSE DOHERTY KLATELL - Hopkins SARAH PATRICIA MARRO - Hamden Hall AMIR MALCOLM GOHARA MCFERREN - Hopkins JONAS GABRIEL MEARES-GARCIA - Foote ISABEL GARRITY PIZARRO - Hopkins AISLING MARKHAM PUTNAM - Foote KEMAYA ALLYSAH RICHARDSON-FRANCIS - Unknown BENJAMIN DAVID SIMON - Hopkins MATIAS AMADEO VECE - Hopkins SIERRA NICOLE WALTERS - Hopkins ELLA K. ZIMOLO - Foote

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SARAH NADEL `92 ADDRESSES THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2018

E

steemed teachers, proud parents and family members, and students of St. Thomas Day School: I greet you.

And to the sixth grade, it is my honor to address you on this very important day in your lives.

As you prepare to walk out of this chapel for the first time as a graduate, rather than a student, of St. Thomas’ Day School, it’s worth taking a moment to recognize your accomplishments during your time here. If I’m estimating properly – and I learned how to estimate at St. T’s – those of you who started St. Thomas’s in Kindergarten have sat here in this chapel about 1,190 times. You’ve taken about 216 spelling tests. You’ve participated in 7 Field Days.

You have worked hard to learn your multiplication tables, write book reports, memorize maps. And for that, you are very

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Sarah Nadel ’92 and Head of School Gina Panza at the Graduation Reception.

well prepared to excel academically at the school you have chosen to attend next year.

But if your time here is anything like my time here, I would guess that St. T’s prepared you for today in many other respects as well.

I cannot believe, standing here, that it has been 26 years since I sat where you do now. When I graduated, Bill Clinton was about to be elected President for the first time. It would be another three years before the very first internet browser company was ever launched.

And the playground that you are replacing now was under construction.

It has been 26 years since I graduated, and the world is a very different place than it was when I sat in your seats. But I carry with me my time at St. Thomas’s every single day. And I now understand that one of most magical things about my time at here was the way St. Thomas’s taught me to be an engaged, contributing member of the communities around me.

From what I understand, Class of 2018, you’ve had a similar experience, although you may not have realized it yet.

IN & AROUND THE ST. THOMAS’S COMMUNITY When you shared bunks at Nature’s Classroom or turned four square into nine square, you participated in the community of your class.

When you watched the class plays of the other grades or were a Christmas elf helping the other kids pick out gifts for their loved ones, you were a member of the school community.

And as a student at St. Thomas’s you also got to learn about the vibrant and diverse fabric of the New Haven community. In second grade, you visited and spoke with people who have made New Haven what it is today for your Coming to America play.

And this year, you’ve talked about what it means to be a Global Citizen.

You’ve come to Chapel every day and you’ve prayed to make this world a better world, and let it begin with me.

Of all the things you’ve learned in your time at St. T’s, I’d like to suggest that experiencing all of those communities and learning how to be a contributing member of many communities might be one of the most important things that you’ve done as you’ve prepared for this day and all days after today.

At St. Thomas’s, I learned that being in a community meant continuing to love and respect everyone, even if I didn’t agree with them. It meant helping the younger students in my community do things that were harder for them than they were for me. It meant forgiving my classmates when they hurt my feelings or the feelings of friends I loved. And it meant having the comfort of the people around me to try new things or admit I didn’t know something and needed help, even if it was scary.

For me, this lesson about what it means to participate in the communities around me has been a really stabilizing experience.

When I was 24 I moved to Peru. I’m quite shy, so I found my new office, filled with Peruvians of my age who were all friends with each other but not with me to be very intimidating. But I drew on what I’d learned at St. Ts: I thought about ways I could be helpful for my coworkers, and started helping them write English application essays to study in the US. I tried to do things

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“Everyone I meet... knows the same bible stories that I grew up with at St. Thomas’s...

We share that.

”

—Sarah Nadel

with them that scared me, and I joined the office volleyball team – where I mostly sat on the bench, but at least I cheered on my fellow coworkers and new friends.

This example may sound obvious to you – of course when we are in new places we should join communities by being helpful and participating in activities. But I will tell you that it’s only obvious to you because you also studied at St. T’s, and that lesson will help you through your whole life.

I would like to share with you a secret I learned for feeling like I was part of some of the communities that are the most different from my own: what I learned in Religious Ed at St. Thomas’s.

I once had the opportunity to go to a Baptist Church in a small village called Kerugoya, in Kenya. And imagine my surprise when we sang some of the songs that I had sung here in this chapel. Imagine that – I was 7,500 miles away from St. Thomas’s Day School, and making friends in a totally new community by sharing a song that we all knew.

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I’ve sat in churches in college, in France, the Philippines, Kenya, Peru, Ecuador, Greece – all over the world.

And one of the things that I truly love is that everyone I meet in these places knows the same bible stories that I grew up with at St. Thomas’s.

The stained glass windows portray the same characters. I always feel just a little cozier knowing that the people around me and I grew up with the same stories. We share that.

Until today, you’ve spent most of your days here at St. T’s. But your world is about to get much bigger.

You are about to have more freedom to choose your communities, and more responsibility for shaping them as you’d like. And I couldn’t be more excited on your behalf.

To each and every one of you: Well done. St. Thomas’s is not going to be the same without you in its every day community, but you will always be welcome here. Know that you are leaving well prepared for everything that will come next. Felicidades y suerte. n Sara is a graduate of Stanford University and the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and is currently the co-CEO and co-owner of StellarEmploy.

ANNUAL EVENTS & HOLIDAYS AT ST. THOMAS’S

Welcome

New Board, Faculty & Staff

We are proud

to welcome a new

member to the Board of Trustees, as well as four new members of the faculty and staff. They all bring a unique set of experience and qualifications, and will be instrumental in helping us to continue to grow the level of excellence at St. T’s. v

H E AT H E R A L E XO P O U LO S Board Member

D E E PA K G O P L A N I Business Manager

K AT I E PAT T E R S O N Director of Enrollment Management

LESHA DALEY Fourth Grade Teacher

RACHEL PSARDELLIS Fifth Grade Teacher 29 SUMMER/FALL SPRING 2018

HEATHER TOOKES ALEXOPOULOS P’24 HEATHER TOOKES ALEXOPOULOS is a Professor of Finance at the Yale School of Management, where she has been a faculty member since 2004. Her research lies at the intersection of capital markets and corporate finance. She has a particular interest in financial markets that are linked to corporate credit, such as credit default swaps and convertible bonds. Heather teaches the Corporate Finance elective in both the full-time MBA and the MBA for Executives programs. She has received teaching awards in both of these programs.

Heather currently serves as the Chair of the Investments Committee at Trinity on the Green, where she was also Treasurer from 2009 to 2011. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of New Haven Youth Tennis and Education (New HYTES). In addition to New Haven area not-for-profit work, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ariel Investments LLC and is a member of the Economic Advisory Committee of the Financial Industry Regulatory Association (FINRA). She received her PhD from Cornell and her BA from Brown. She is married to Chris Alexopoulos and they have two children; their oldest is in the 30 Class of 2024 at St. T’s. n St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

DEEPAK GOPLANI, BUSINESS MANAGER WE WELCOME DEEPAK GOPLANI to St. Thomas’s Day School as the Business Manager. Deepak possesses a wide range of expertise in school finance, budgeting and operations. His proven ability to analyze key business drivers, to use data to provide financial insights and sustainability, and to implement verified strategies to manage costs make him uniquely suited for this position.

Deepak spent the last 11 years working at METSCHOOLS, LLC New York, NY. He began his tenure there as Finance Associate, then became the Financial Planning Manager and has been the Director of Financial Planning since 2014. Deepak holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration.n

LESHA DALEY, GRADE 4 TEACHER LESHA DALEY will join the St. Thomas’s Day School faculty as the fourth grade head teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. Ms. Daley is well-suited for this position having spent the past five years teaching fourth grade in New Haven Public Schools. She is an experienced teacher, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and Master of Science in elementary education.

Ms. Daley impressed the hiring committee with her expertise, experience and connection with students. She is deeply committed to working with young adolescents “to encourage lifelong learning by promoting inquiry based instruction, encouraging real world connections as well as engaging students with rigorous lessons.” She was described as a committed educator who maintains the highest level of professionalism and respect for students, parents and colleagues. n

RETIRing

Faculty

KATIE PATTERSON, DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT WE WELCOME KATIE PATTERSON to St. Thomas’s Day School as the Director of Enrollment Management. Katie brings a wealth of knowledge, having worked over the past 11 years as Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid at The Buckley School in Los Angeles, California.

Katie is a dynamic, highly skilled professional who is well suited to manage all facets of the admissions process in the school’s effort to attract, enroll, and retain a diverse and dynamic student population.

As a native of Western Massachusetts, Katie is looking forward to relocating back east to be closer to family and friends. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies and a Master of Science in educational leadership.n

RACHEL PSARADELLIS, GRADE 5 TEACHER RACHEL PSARADELLIS will join the St. Thomas’s Day School faculty as the fifth grade head teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. Mrs. Psaradellis is uniquely qualified for this position having spent the past 13 years teaching first through fourth grades and serving as an academic dean in New Haven Public and Charter Schools.

Mrs. Psaradellis is an experienced educator.

She served as grade level chairperson, math content coach, social studies curriculum builder, and was named Distinguished Teacher within the Achievement First Network. Mrs. Psaradellis holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and Master of Arts in Education.

The hiring committee was quite impressed with Rachel’s ability to create an environment that encourages children to make discoveries, solve problems and think independently. She was described as “a committed educator who listens carefully and notices the details that make each person unique; she effortlessly weaves connections to these details into her lessons and daily interactions.” n

JANIE LANGE SCIENCE TEACHER

AFTER MANY Y E A R S of dedication and service, Janie Lange, science teacher, retired this year. For nearly 30 years, Janie was an esteemed member of the faculty and will be missed by her students and colleagues alike. Janie delivered a dynamic, hands-on science experience to her students and was a key player in spearheading the Robotics Program. We are grateful for Janie’s dedication and commitment to her students, her program and to St. Thomas’s Day School. Janie is excited to embark on this new chapter of her life. We wish her all the very best! n

31 SUMMER/FALL 2018

EVENTS ST. THOMAS’S DAY SCHOOL

SPRING GALA 2018

On April 28, 2018, St. Thomas’s Day School hosted the annual Spring Gala and Auction on the school Playground where members of our community celebrated the old and raised money for the new! The community enjoyed good food and company and joined together in raising approximately $107,000 for the reconstruction of the playgrounds. Thank you to all of those in attendance who helped make the night a tremendous success!

ALUMNI/PARENT RECEPTION The 5th Annual Alumni/Parent Reception was a great success with over 55 alumni, alumni parents, past faculty, and current faculty in attendance. It was a gorgeous October night and Roia Restaurant in New Haven was the ideal setting to celebrate the history and future of St. Thomas’s Day School.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We hope to see you again in the fall!

32 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

ALUMNI

YOUNG ALUMNI NIGHT You can take the kid out of St. T’s, but you can never take St. T’s out of the kid. Thank you to our young alumni from the classes of 2012-2017 for joining us for a night of pizza, games and serious fun!

save the date!

ALUMNI/PARENT RECEPTION Tuesday, October 16, 2018 6pm – 8pm Stony Creek Brewery Branford, CT 33 SUMMER/FALL 2018

CLASS OF 2012

Where are they now?

34

JULIA ACQUAVITA Providence College ALEXANDRA SCHEVE Swarthmore College COURTNEY BABBIDGE Holy Cross College ANNA BANKS Wake Forest University MAXWELL BRIGHAM Trinity College MATTHEW CARROLL Georgia Tech ISABELLA CHILD Bates College AVA HATHAWAY HACKER Yale University HENRY HAYDEN University of St. Andrews, Scotland JOSHUA IP Yale University ELEANOR LATHAM Yale University

St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

ELYZA LEBEL Northeastern University JOSHUA MARSHAK Unknown MOLLY MYERS Au Pair in Spain NICOLAS NEUMEISTER Middlebury College EMMA PHAM University of British Columbia, Vancouver MADISON SAKHEIM Hamilton College ELLIOT SAWYER-KAPLAN Yale University OLIVIA SCHAFFER Bryn Mawr College LILLIAN TIPTON Vassar College OWEN WHEELER Yale University ZACHARIAH PINE MAHER Union College

ALUMNI

ALUMNI NOTES PLEASE NOTE: Students who transferred from St. Thomas’s Day School before

completing the sixth grade are listed according to the year in which they would have graduated. We gather news of our former students from various sources. If our information is incorrect, please accept our apologies. Please inform us of any errors, and we will be happy to publish correct information in the next issue of The Balloon. Thank you.

1980 Josh Murray skyped with our first grade class as part of their study on Sweden and the celebration of holidays in that country.

Josh Murray 8 ̀ 0 and his daughter skype from Switzerland with the first grade.

is working for The Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem Family Defense. Matthew Carroll is living in Boston where he is working as a Site Merchandising Specialist at Wayfair.

2002 Daniel Peckham is studying for his master’s degree at the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government. Congratulations to Emily Carroll on her marriage to Bridget Johnston on June 16, 2018. They reside in New York City.

2005

1982

Joel Heidelbaugh is a Professor of Family Medicine and Urology and Director of Medication Student Education at the University of Michigan Medical School.

1985 Vivian Blanchard Curtis is happily married with an energetic nine-year-old and works as a Relationship Manager at First Atlantic Commerce in Bermuda where they live.

1992 Ben Sears is a yoga master and the owner of Lux Yoga. Lux Yoga offers luxury yoga retreats and teacher training in the South of France.

1996 Congratulations to Benjamin Gage who was married to Ann-Dorit during the summer of 2017 and welcomed a daughter in April 2018.

They currently reside in Switzerland.

1997 Congratulations to Conor Duffy who married Nicole Bikakis on Crete on August 27, 2017. In attendance were St. T’s alumni: Sam Anderson, Ginna Anderson ’94, Devin Osborne, Alexis Gage ’00, Andrew Erdos, Eamon Duffy ’99 and Liam Duffy ’02.

Conor Duffy 9 ̀ 7 is joined by his wife, parents, and brothers Eamon Duffy 9 ̀ 9 and Liam Duffy 0 ̀ 2 at his recent nuptials.

1999

Francesca Schenker was recently appointed the Assistant Director of the Study Abroad Office at Princeton University. She will be working with both incoming international students and outgoing American students.

2000 Alexis Gage is a jewelry designer and in December had a showing of her creations at her studio in New Haven. It was well attended by many in the St. T’s community.

2001 Nate Gibson graduated from NYU Law School in May 2017 and

Sam Greco ’05 at work as a clerk for the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Govermental Affairs.

Sam Greco is attending Georgetown Law School and spent a recent semester clerking for the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Elizabeth Baumgartner graduated from Wesleyan University in 2015 and she started medical school at the University of Vermont this summer.

2006 Owen Evans is attending Southern Connecticut State University and sings in the GM chorale.

2007 Michael Berry is working in a neuroscience lab in Boston and plans to get his PhD. in Clinical Psychology.

2008 Meg Baumgartner graduated from Wesleyan University with a BS in Sociology in May 2018.

2009 Sam Berry is a senior at Yale and is studying Biochemistry.

2010 Gwendolyn Wheeler is a junior at Yale. This past summer she had an internship in Brazil at a place called Sinal do Vale, a learning center that educates people and companies for the transition to a sustainable future.

2011 Jeffrey Gu graduated from Hopkins and received The Susan E. Feinberg Prize for Excellence in Critical Thinking Through the Written Word. William Raccio graduated from Choate and was the recipient of the Honegger Prize for special achievement in dramatics and the Choate Rosemary Hall Award for excellence in Chinese. He is attending UCONN. Simon Ghebreyesus attends Yale University where he plans to double major in African American Studies and Art History. He has a music writing website, music-university.net, and his story about Kendrick Lamar winning the Pulitzer Prize for music was recently published on the Musiquology website.

35 SUMMER/FALL 2018

2012

2013

Annie Banks graduated from Hopkins this past spring and was a recipient of the 2018 Hopkins Award and the Outstanding Female Athlete Award.

She is currently a freshman at Wake Forest. Ava Hathaway Hacker graduated cum laude from Choate and was the recipient of the Prize for best prose contributed to a Choate Rosemary Hall literary publication; winner of the Memorial Prize for enthusiasm and love of learning in the study of English; and the Prize for excellence in the study of history. Over the summer, Ava went on a five week self-guided European trip with Ellie Latham. They travelled to Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Paris, London, Scotland, and Amsterdam. Both Ava and Ellie are freshman at Yale. Henry Hayden had a great year at Deerfield Academy. For the second consecutive year, he was the Class A wrestling champion.

He was coxswain for the varsity first boat (4+) and had an undefeated season, winning New England Championships and the National Youth Rowing Former Head of School Fred Acquavita, Champions. He was Madison Sakheim, Elliot Sawyer-Kaplan, Ava Section Leader in Choir Hathaway Hacker and Ellie Latham pictured and President of the all at the Choate graduation. male a cappella group, the Mellow-Ds. Henry graduated with Distinction in Classics. He attends the University of St. Andrews in Scotland where he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Honors Classics. Eleanor Latham graduated from Choate in the spring and was the recipient of the Christopher L. Rives ‘76 Prize for excellence in technical theater. She is now attending Yale.

Molly Myers' plans for the fall include travel and being an Au Pair in Gijón, Spain. Madison Sakheim graduated cum laude from Choate this past spring and was the recipient of Honorable mention for the Department Herbert Arnold Prize for excellence in Classics; winner of the Department Caroline Ruutz-Rees and Seymour St. John Award for the greatest contribution to athletics in the sixth form; and winner of The Sally Green Hart and Larry Hart Citations to those students who have given the school an unusual flavor, performed services in unique undertakings, and have won the affection as well as the respect of their peers. She is currently a freshman at Hamilton College. Elliot SawyerKaplan attends Yale University where he is a member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team. Last year, he was captain of the Choate Basketball Team and won the Choate Excellence in Basketball Award. He also received honorable mentions for the following prizes: the Donald T. Layman Prize, Choate award for the study of Arabic, and the Coaches Award for Lacrosse. He sang a cappella and served as a class representative on the judiciary committee. Lilly Tipton graduated from Hopkins and was the recipient of both the Hopkins Award and the Donald Ferguson Award. She spent the summer working on a trail crew and she is currently attending Vassar College. Ally Scheve attends Swarthmore College in Philadelphia where she is on the women’s soccer team. This past summer, she worked for a UCSF professor studying the HIV Care Continuum as a research assistant and went on a few backpacking trips with friends in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park.

Zachary Pine Maher spent the summer working at the Eli Whitney Museum. He is now a freshman at Union College. Elyza Lebel attends Northeastern University. Over the summer she backpacked through Europe with Molly Myers and Nuki Neumeister.

Clare Chemery attends Hopkins and in the spring received the Hopkins Gr. 11 Award and the Harvard Book Prize. Connor Hartigan attends Hopkins where he is the captain of the cross country team, a member of the track team, the editor of the op/ed page of the school newspaper, a member of the jazz band and tour choir, and a tutor at the writing studio. Last school year he received a gold medal in the 2018 National French Contest and a Fairchester Athletic Association All-League recognition for cross country (for placing in the top 10 of the October 2017 championship race).

Additionally, Connor is a member of the Trinity Choir of Men and Girls. Theodore Tellides attends Hopkins and this past spring was the recipient of the Hopkins Gr. 11 Award and the Princeton Alumni Association of Eastern Connecticut Book Award.

36 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

2015 Ariel Mayer was one of only 50 kids from around the world admitted to a Stanford University online program for ninth-graders.

Additionally, she is a US National Youth Pro-Amateur rhythm and smooth champion in ballroom dancing. She placed third in the world for rhythm. Andrew Crews enjoyed participating in technical crew on several Foote theatre productions last school year. He writes short stories in his spare time. He is attending Choate as of Fall 2018.

Rory Latham attends Foote School and was a recipient of the 2018 Foote Award: recognized by the adult moderators of the congress for exceptionally strong leadership of his committee. Liliena Storer attends Cheshire Academy and is involved in Elite Hockey and Varsity Softball. Additionally, she is a rally organizer and equestrian.

This past year, she was an Honors student and won the True Grit Award for softball.

2016 Orly Baum attends Hopkins where she received the 2018 Hopkins Award and the DPH Sportsmanship Award. Maisie Bilston also attends Hopkins and was a recipient of the 2018 Hopkins Award and the John B. Smith Prize for Excellence in English in Grade 8. Jude Meares-Garcia is a student at Foote and won a “golden gavel” award, voted best legislator in her respective committee on Model Congress.

2017 Malcolm Edusa is a member of the Foote School newspaper and takes instrument lessons. Tanner Lee attends Hopkins where he is involved with The Hilltopper (newspaper), Italian Cooking/Culture Club, soccer, wrestling, baseball, Student Diversity Leadership Conference, and Taekwondo. His additional interests include travel, drawing and listening to music. Kamini Purshothaman attends Hamden Hall where she is involved in the Newspaper Club, the Book Club, the literature magazine, softball, the play and the musical.

She won awards last year for Latin and dance. Alexandra Spasov attends Hopkins and is involved in The Hilltopper (newspaper), choir and piano. Grayson Storer attends Hopkins and is involved in the science bowl/robotics and baseball. This past year he won the Outstanding achievement/merit award for the national Latin exam.

His interests include web design/game design and music production.

Cornelia Streeter attends Hopkins where she plays softball and was involved in the musicals. n

ALUMNI

ALUMNI profiles ALEXIS GAGE ’00 ALEXIS GAGE is one of New Haven’s most talented jewelry designers and here at St. T’s we are proud to call her one of our own. Starting her own jewelry design and fabrication business in 2016, Alexis has quickly made a name for herself and her business sales are steadily increasing. She is a true artist who creates custom jewelry out of precious metals and gem stones, inspired by her clients’ stories.

Her own story began in the hallways and classrooms of St. T’s where since JK, she says she was encouraged and inspired by her teachers to be herself. Alexis believes that the St. T’s art program is phenomenal as she remembers clearly the interdisciplinary approach between her core subjects and art that inspired her learning. She still has some of the art projects from her time at St. T’s, including a picture made in Kindergarten of her “bedroom,” filled with snow and tulips. Her love for nature and art was apparent early on in school and she credits Mrs. Ginnetti for molding her curiosity.

Alexis’ path from St. T’s to business owner isn’t what she calls “traditional,” but rather unique to her own self. A graduate of Hamden Hall and Phillips Exeter Academy, she went on to study at the Savannah College of Art and Design focusing on metalsmithing and textile design. After graduation, Alexis honed her craft with metalsmithing apprenticeships and jobs and also studied at the GIA in NYC where she earned a Graduate Gemologist (GG) Degree.

A few years ago, she finally took the plunge, opening up her own business. Her pieces are commissioned works, all unique to the customer and she takes time explaining to her clients how and why she made the piece. Alexis says that she takes great joy in designing jewelry that brings happiness into someone’s life.

Many of Alexis’ clients are members of the St. T’s community and “It’s an Alexis Gage,” can often be heard in the pews of the Chapel or in the seats at the Gala. Alexis will tell you how proud she is of St. T’s, but the pride goes far deeper the opposite way. Her talent, grace, and confidence is remarkable and she is a role model for every student at St. T’s wanting to be true to themselves and go their own way.

If you would like to learn more, please contact her at ag@alexisgage.com. n

37 SUMMER/FALL 2018

as volunteering, field trips to homeless shelters, the “giving tree,” and the lively conversations in the 5th and 6th grade classrooms about why there is injustice and evil in the world and what as students they could do about it.

In addition to technology and social justice, JP has one other passion in life -- his family. He is happily married to his sweetheart from graduate school, Tamara, and they have a son, Theodore, 14 months. While they call DC home, we hope that if JP ever wanted to find his way back to New Haven, he knows there is a special little school where his son could someday attend. And like he has done himself, his son just might help change the world. n

JOHN PAUL SCHNAPPERCASTERAS’95 JOHN PAUL SCHNAPPER-CASTERAS clearly remembers the reasons why his parents sent him to St. Thomas’s as a kindergartner back in 1989. Of course, St. Thomas’s is known as an excellent educational institution with superb teachers, but what stood out most for his parents was the reputation the school had for social consciousness. That being said, JP’s life path may not come as much of a surprise.

After graduating from St. Thomas’s, JP’s family moved to Seattle where his interest for social justice grew deeper and where he developed a love for technology. As a undergrad at Stanford University, JP turned his interests into accomplishments. He was the Editorin-Chief of the Stanford Scientific Review, the Founder and Director of the Stanford-Iraq Student Exchange, and the recipient of the Sterling Book Award for volunteer service.

38

Ultimately, JP chose a career in public interest law, obtaining a joint degree from Stanford Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School. He spent two years clerking for federal judges in St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

Washington, DC and Virginia and then went on to practice law at Sidley Austin where he focused on the Supreme Court and constitutional law. In 2014, JP became the Special Counsel for Appellate and Supreme Court Advocacy for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, a national civil rights organization that brought the historic Brown v. Board of Education case.

Most recently, JP started his own law firm, Schnapper-Casteras, PLLC, a firm specializing in public interest law and technology - finally putting his two passions back together. He will focus on issues of civil rights and social justice, which are especially important in the current climate. His technology focus will deal with emerging technology issues and he plans to take on clients that are using innovation to help make the world a better place.

It goes without saying that JP himself has spent every day since his graduation from St. Thomas’s trying to help make the world a better place. He recognizes that in many ways he owes his trajectory to our small little school and the opportunities he has been afforded since.

After all, he lists his favorite memories

Keep Connected to St. T’s!

Visit our alumni website at:

stthomasday.org/alumni »» Submit an alumni note for The Balloon »» Update your information and email address to receive our monthly alumni e-newsletter »» See a list of upcoming events Become a fan, follower or friend of St. Thomas’s on social media and keep up to date with what is going on around school. facebook.com/stthomasday instagram.com/st.thomasday

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018

Annual

REPORT Message From the Director of Institutional Advancement

2017 - 2018

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONAL REVENUES & EXPENSES

Dear Members of the St. Thomas’s Day School Community, What you are about to see in the coming pages is not just a list of names. Rather, it is a remarkable representation of a dedicated community who came together this past year to ensure the

REVENUES AND SUPPORT

FYE 2018

FYE 2017

TUITION AND FEES (ALL PROGRAMS)

$2,458,904

$2,632,622

STUDENT ACTIVITIES & OTHER

31,426

33,197

ANNUAL FUND

115,464

99,215

INVESTMENT INCOME (ALL ASSETS)

401,966

359,818

PLAYGROUND PROJECT

81,200

-

TOTAL

$3,088,960

3,124,852

EXPENSES

FYE 2018

FYE 2017

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

1.566,118

1,614,568

ADMINISTRATIVE & DEVELOPMENT

792,986

707,862

FINANCIAL AID

496,330

537,583

TOTAL

$2,855,434

$2,860,013

traditions of St. Thomas’s Day School endure and that the programs, facilities, students and faculty continue to thrive. In my first year as the Director of Institutional Advancement, I was genuinely moved by the loyalty and generosity of so many of you. Every gift made, whether of time or money was meaningful - it was an endorsement of the School’s mission, a statement of gratitude for the St. T’s experience, or a belief in the future of our extraordinary students.

So without further ado, I extend my most heartfelt THANK YOU on behalf of the students, faculty and staff of St. Thomas’s Day School for your record-breaking support in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. On June 30, we closed the Annual Fund at $115,464, its highest number ever, with unprecedented levels of participation from our Board, faculty, staff and parents. Additionally, shortly before you read this letter, St. Thomas’s will have completed the reconstruction of its playgrounds, made possible by the many members of our community who helped us to raise approximately $145,000 in gifts and pledges for the project.

This is an exciting time for everyone who learns, plays and works at St. T’s and we hope you will visit us soon to experience the new spaces and programs for yourself. Thank you for the shared sense of responsibility in keeping the spirit and life of the School alive.

With much appreciation, Danielle Plante Director of Institutional Advancement

39 SUMMER/FALL 2018

2017 - 2018

ST. THOMAS’S DAY SCHOOL is proud to recognize the many donors who made gifts or pledges in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Thank you to all of the members of our community whose support will continue to provide another year of exceptional educational programming.

HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE Gifts of $10,000 or above Tracey Meares, P ’11, ’16, ’18 Greg and Heather Mokotoff, P ’19, ’20

FELLOWS

Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999 Frank Chang, P ’14, ’16 Pat and Todd Baumgartner, P ’05, ’08 Richard Carroll and Barbara Roach, P ’01, ’02

Annual Fund gifts of $1,000 or more receive special recognition for their generosity to St. Thomas’s Day School. These leadership level donors set a shining example for others; adding to the momentum that will carry St. Thomas’s Day School to even greater levels of achievement.

William and Jean Graustein, P ’87, ’90 Ken and Holly Paul, GP ’19, ’20 Charles Pennington and Susan Zhang, P ’16, ’22, ’24 Kigon Song and Justina Cho, P ’19, ’21, ’24 Timothy Snyder and Marci Shore, P ’22, ’24

ASSOCIATES

Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999 Alex and Tracy Babbidge, P ’06, ’10, 12 Donald and Sally Edwards John and Emily Forrest, P ’21, ’24 Robert and Kristen Jacks, P ’19 Joseph Tagliarini and Lois Pan, P ’20, ’22

FRIENDS OF ST. THOMAS’S Gifts of $1,000 - $2,499

Christopher Alexopoulos and Heather Tookes Alexopoulos, P ’24 Jared and Kathy Champion, P ’20, ’23 Philip and Lois DeLise, P ’14 Ruth Drews, P ’02 Jeralyn Fantarella, P ’11 Jonathan Gage and Janet Patys, P ’96, ’00 Amira Gohara, GP ’18, ’20 Jonathan and Amy Macey, P ’17 David Newton, P ’02 Eileen O’Donnell and Anthony Skrip, P ’22 Betty Panza, GP ’97, ’99 Gina and Prisco Panza Thomas and Joan Steitz, P ’92

40 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 The following is a list of individuals who made an Annual Fund or capital gift during the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

We are very grateful for their generous support to St. Thomas’s Day School:

Charles Pennington and Susan Zhang

Robin and Eric Reymond

Ginger and Scott Junkin

Miguel Pizarro and Jocelyn Garrity

Sandra and Robert Rizzo Eric Snow

Edward Kamens and Mary Miller

PARENTS Julian Aiken and Kathryn James Christopher Alexopoulos and Heather Tookes Alexopoulos Eric Baum and Danielle Antin-Ozerkis Paul and Holly Berry Zubin and Anju Bhagwagar Trey and Elisa Billings Daniel Bostman and Crystal Feimster Daniel and Nicole Casbarro Jared and Kathy Champion Zuriel Correa Amador and Maria Rojas Duran Gina and Louis Criscuolo III Christopher D’Amato and Susan Burlingame

Andrew Putnam and Maria Markham

Chaundra and David Vasseur Josiah and Megan Venter

Robin and Eric Reymond

Sarah and John Walters

Sharone Richardson-Hendrix

ALUMNI/AE

Brent Salter and Elizabeth Guinle-Salter

Dana Blanchard ’83 and Nancy Blanchard

Alex and Elaine Sangiovanni

Clyde Carey ’01

Courtney Sargent

Lucas Carey ’06

Christian and Alexa Schlieker

Sarah Dawidoff ’76

Michael Schoen

John Forrest ’88 and Emily Forrest

David Simon and Heather Gerken Anthony Skrip and Eileen O’Donnell Craig Smith and Erica Ahlert-Smith Tim Snyder and Marci Shore Kigon Song and Justina Cho Andrzej and Jessica Stanek Gordon and Rebecca Streeter Joseph Tagliarini and Lois Pan

Philip DeLise, Jr. ’14

Benjamin Gage ’96 and Ann Dorit Gage Joel Heidelbaugh ’82 and Jacqulyn Heidelbaugh Derek Ohly ’87 Katie Panza ’97 Scott Panza ’99 Josiah and Megan Venter

PAST PARENTS Fred and Marie Acquavita

Prakash and Shari Thomas

Alex and Tracy Babbidge Todd and Pat Baumgartner

Kyle and Lydia Dugdale

Benjamin Turk and Lise Thomas

John Beall and Sandra Klihr

Asia Goodwyn Edusa

Marcela and Dante Vece

Fernando and Mercedes Fernandes

Matthew and Donna Vinci

Steven Berry and Lauren Pinzka

John ffrench and Irma Passeri

Scott and Sarah Williams

Robert Davis and Karen Seto Rocco and Karla DeMaio

John and Emily Forrest Thomas Fulton and Jessica Brantley Robert and Kristen Jacks Kyle Jensen and Kathryn Miller-Jensen John and Erika Jessen Cathy Jones Chris Klatell and Fiona Doherty

Sarah and John Walters

Samuel Moyn and Alisa Berger Jan Nichols David and Susan Parke Ashutosh Pathak and Bindu Lal

Maureen O’Donnell

Kevin and Carolyn Leary Kingsley and Sara Leighton Ted and Lisa Lovejoy

Eddie Stephens

David Newton

Philip and Penelope Stickney

Craig and Ann O’Connell

Sabin and Beverly Streeter

Norine Page and Jim Dadio Naomi Panza and Kenneth Coleman

Craig Bottiger Molly DeLeone Julia Doherty Lorena Ferretti Cathy Jones Nora and Christopher Lee Polina Mann Joanne and Michael Maselli

Frank Chang Ken Cooper and Kathleen Vespa Philip and Lois DeLise Ruth Drews Thomas and Susan Duffy Karyl Evans Jeralyn Fantarella Maria Freda Jonathan Gage and Janet Patys

Andrew and Amy Myers

David Gibson and Liz Cox

Jan Nichols

Robert and Jane Gillis

Deanna Novella

William and Jean Graustein

Norine Page and Jim Dadio

Jane Griffith and Pat Sabosik

Gina and Prisco Panza

Joseph and Kathleen Grimaldi

Danielle and Matt Plante

FORMER FACULTY & STAFF, FRIENDS

Joseph Pignatello and Elizabeth Stewart

Fred and Marie Acquavita

William and Katherine Porter

Susan and Bob Blanchard

Marc Potenza Kailas Purushothaman and Malini Harigopal Nancy Ruddle Ken and Melissa Scheve Thomas and Joan Steitz

BOARD/VESTRY Keri Aubert and Jakki Flanagan (B) (V) Alex and Tracy Babbidge (B) Frank Chang (B) Gina and Louis Criscuolo III (B) Donald and Sally Edwards (B) (V)

Jonathan and Amy Macey (B)

Margaret Chambers

Ken and Holly Paul

Andrew and Amy Myers

Richard Carroll and Barbara Roach

Ryan Anderson

Betty Panza Walter Spencer and Dianne Hagan

FACULTY/STAFF Richard and Christine Alcutt

Gerald and Emily Jones

Jonathan and Amy Macey

Jeralyn Fantarella (B)

Janie and Jeff Lange

Greg and Heather Mokotoff

Ruth Koizim

Hugh Carey and Barbara Mason

Christopher and Nora Lee

Tracey Meares

Carol Isaacs

James and Kathleen Bower

Maria Freda

Jennifer McTiernan

Susan and Bob Blanchard

Alma Healy

Michael Kaplan and Susan Sawyer

Zoran Zimolo and Dolores Vojvoda

Michael Klingbeil and Anita Buckmaster David and Allison Marro

Frank and Peggy Bia

Herbert and Beatrice Goodwyn

John and Emily Forrest (B) Jennifer McTiernan (B) Tracey Meares (B) Eileen O’Donnell and Anthony Skrip (B) Gina and Prisco Panza (B) Ken and Holly Paul (B) Kathryn and Alex Scherer (B) (V) Denise and Don Terry (B) (V)

CURRENT AND PAST GRANDPARENTS Paul and Elvera Berry Donald and Franca Bertoli Beatrice and Donald Davis Beverly Forrest Amira Gohara

Dorothy Asch Rhoda Boardman Winik James and Kathleen Bower Joe and Ida Ginnetti Robert and Carol Lyons Craig and Ann O’Connell Linda and John Pawelek John Persse Gary Robison Joann Sweasy Karla Turekian

CORPORATIONS/ FOUNDATIONS Alliance Energy Amazon Smile William and Jean Graustein Fund

MEMORIAL AND HONORARY GIFTS In honor of Fred Acquavita Roxanne Turekian In honor of Rosie Aiken Julian Aiken and Kathryn James In memory of Armida Maria Barker Joe and Ida Ginnetti

In honor of Dowin Boatright Anonymous In honor of Dexter Cheney Robert and Carol Lyons In memory of Chong-Suk Kim Gina and Prisco Panza In memory of Robert Ann Greene Lois Greene

In honor of Janie Lange Andrew and Amy Myers

41 SUMMER/FALL 2018

In honor of Abram Mann and in memory of Meri Mann Polina Mann In honor of Amir and Marlon McFerren Amira Gohara

In memory of Joan Morgan Andrzej and Jessica Stanek In memory of Charles Anthony O’Donnell III Maureen O’Donnell

In honor of Daniel Peckham Ruth Drews In honor of Aisling Putnam Andrew Putnam and Maria Markham In honor of Rudy Saracco John ffrench and Irma Passeri In honor of Ally and Ben Scheve Ken and Melissa Scheve

In memory of Marie Schoen Michael Schoen In honor of Theodore SchnapperCasteras Eric Schnapper and Susan Casteras

In honor of Zach Sowinski Anonymous

In honor of Roxanne Turekian Robert Malison and Jean Vining

SCHOLARSHIP Craig Crews and Katherine McKenzie Lois Greene Harold Koh and Christy Fisher Earl Yohance Lin Marcus McFerren and Miriam Gohara Michael Schoen Roxanne Turekian

CAMPAIGN FOR SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT Marlene Baldizon John and Catherine Forrest Ted and Lisa Lovejoy Robert Malison and Jean Vining Eric Schnapper and Susan Casteras Timothy Snyder and Marci Shore

GALA FACULTY SPONSORS

Elm Shakespeare Company

Dina and Paul Berger

Fairhaven Furniture

Trey and Elisa Billings Barry and Lisa Blake Dowin and Renu Boatright Frank Chang John and Catherine Forrest Sam Moyn and Alisa Berger

Francine Sears, Fabrique Lois DeLise, Fleur DeLise Foxwoods Resort & Casino Trey Billings, Freudigman & Billings, LLC Alexis Gage Joy Gryson Kristen and Robert Jacks

Betty Panza

Cathy Jones

Waring and Carmen Partridge

Bindu Lal and Ash Pathak Janet Lewis, Largay Travel

Ken and Holly Paul

Long Wharf Theatre

Charles Pennington and Susan Zhang

Maler Photography

David Simon and Heather Gerken

Michael McManus

Gordon and Rebecca Streeter

Allison and David Marro Andrew Myers Neighborhood Music School

Denise Terry

Patrice M. Nelson

Robert Windom

Jan Nichols

SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION DONORS Class of 2024 Class of 2023 Class of 2022

Northford Ice Pavilion Deanna Novella Norine Page Lois Pan Gina and Prisco Panza

Class of 2021

Carmen and Waring Partridge

Class of 2020

Peabody Museum

Class of 2019

Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club

Class of 2018 AAA Mary Americo Dwayne Betts Elisa Billing Interiors, LLC Elisa and Trey Billings Craig Bottiger Brennan-Lucey Irish Dance Academy

Sorrento’s Brick Oven Restaurant Splash Car Wash Sports Center of Connecticut

Erin Clark

Marcela Vece

Connecticut Parent Magazine

Walt Disney World

Connecticut Science Center

Westport Country Playhouse

Daniel Casbarro, Edgewise Kitchen Consultation Eli Whitney Museum

The Hyde Family Greg and Heather Mokotoff Betty Panza Francine Sears

PRINCIPAL DONORS Gifts or pledges of $5,000-$9,999 Barry and Lisa Blake Robert and Kristen Jacks Waring and Carmen Partridge

Alex and Tracy Babbidge

Eric Snow

Chaundra and David Vasseur

Aaron Pine, East Rock Inspections

Christopher Alexopoulos and Heather Tookes Alexopoulos

The Simsbury Inn

Sandy Chang

Karla and Rocco DeMaio

LEADERSHIP DONORS Gifts or pledges of $10,000 or more

Shubert Theatre

Stop & Shop

Core Training Academy

The following list reflects donors who have made a gift or pledge in the 2017-2018 fiscal year toward the reconstruction of the St. Thomas’s Day School playgrounds. The generosity of these donors will enhance the School’s mission and strong belief in the importance of play and will provide students a safe place to learn and grow.

We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community.

MAJOR DONORS Gifts or pledges of $1,000-$4,999

Sam Ash Music

Chameleon Hair Care Café and Spa

Connecticut River Museum at Steamboat Dock

PLAYGROUND PROJECT

Trader Joe’s

Sarah Walters White’s Plumbing World Champion Taekwondo Yale Repertory Theatre

GIFTS IN KIND

Jared and Kathy Champion Sandy Chang Philip and Lois DeLise Emily and John Forrest John and Catherine Forrest Jonathan Gage and Janet Patys Anita Buckmaster and Michael Klingbeil Marcus McFerren and Miriam Gohara Tracey Meares Kyle Jensen and Kathyrn Miller-Jensen Sara Bryson Nadel Sophia Bryson Nadel Skaar William Gabriel Bryson Nadel Henry and Teresa Panza Ken and Holly Paul Deborah Paul Charles Pennington and Susan Zhang

Gay and Gary Grossman

David Simon and Heather Gerken

Waring and Carmen Partridge

Craig Smith and Erica Ahlert-Smith Kigon Song and Justina Cho Joseph Tagliarini and Lois Pan

42 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 SUPPORTERS Victor Agran and Cassandra Albinson Richard and Christine Alcutt Dorothy Asch Keri Aubert and Jakki Flanagan Sandra and John Beall James and Jolanta Bednarcyk Dina and Paul Berger Paul and Hollister Berry Dwayne and Térése Betts Elisa and Trey Billings Susan and Robert Blanchard Edoardo Bugnone Richard and Dorene Champion Zuriel Correa Amador and Maria Rojas Duran Craig Crews and Katherine McKenzie Gina and Louis Criscuolo III Pamela DeLise Rocco and Karla DeMaio Conor Duffy Eamon Duffy Liam Duffy Kyle and Lydia Dugdale Asia Edusa Donald and Sally Edwards Maria Falcone and Victor Rodriguez Jeralyn Fantarella Bruce and Mary Fichandler

Hamid Mojibian and Manijeh Zehtabchi Gary and Ruth Mokotoff Samuel Moyn and Alisa Berger Scott and Audrey Panza Gina and Prisco Panza David and Susan Parke Linda and John Pawelek Diane Piechota Miguel Pizzaro and Jocelyn Garrity Danielle and Matt Plante Seth Podolsky Isabelle Rathbone Sandra and Robert Rizzo Elaine and Alex Sangiovanni Kathryn and Alex Scherer Ken and Melissa Scheve Michael Schoen Gene and Christine Snyder Walter Spencer and Diane Hagan Andrzej and Jessica Stanek Eddie Stephens Gordon and Rebecca Streeter Sabin and Beverly Streeter Joann Sweasy Roxanne Turekian Benjamin Turk and Lise Thomas Martha Venter Christopher and Jacqueline Vigilante Sarah and John Walters

Maria Freda

Paul and Kathleen Wilkes

Robert and Jane Gillis

MEMORIAL OR HONORARY

Ida and Joe Ginnetti Amira Gohara Herbert and Beatrice Goodwyn Jane Griffith and Pat Sabosik Evelyne Haendel Daniel and Allis Hanley Margaret Hartmann Letitia and David Hill Erika and John Jessen Gerald and Emily Jones Virginia and Scott Junkin Titus and Julianne Kaphar Michael Kaplan and Susan Sawyer Ellen Kelly Harold Koh and Christy Fisher Koizim Family Fund Janie Lange Forrester Lee and Melissa Callender Molly LeVan Ted and Lisa Lovejoy Jonathan and Amy Macey Allison and David Marro

VOLUNTEERS 2017-2018

In honor of Xavier Agran Victor Agran and Cassandra Albinson In memory of Carol Alcutt Richard and Christine Alcutt In honor of Quinby Berry Paul and Hollister Berry

In honor of Philip DeLise, Jr. Pamela DeLise In honor of Justin, Sasha and Adam Ginnetti Ida and Joe Ginnetti

Thank you to our volunteers for being a vital part of our community and for helping to teach our children the importance of giving back!

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Elisa Billings, President Heather Mokotoff, Vice President Kristen Jacks, Secretary Lois Pan, Treasurer

ROOM REPRESENTATIVES Justina Cho, Susan Zhang, Kathy Champion, Térése Betts, Jennifer McTiernan, Daniel Casbarro, Nicole Casbarro, Leslie Reyes, Holly Berry, Bindu Lal, Lise Thomas, Anna Skula, Allison Marro, Marcela Vece, Lou Criscuolo, Danielle Antin-Ozerkis, Julia Doherty, Dolores Vojvoda

ROOM REPRESENTATIVE CO-CHAIRS

Emily Forrest, Elaine Sangiovanni, Kathy Champion

FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE

Craig Bottiger

GAL A COMMITTEE

Kathy Champion, Elisa Billings, Karla DeMaio, Julia Doherty, Elaine Sangiovanni

GREEN COMMITTEE

Aaron Pine

PTO OUTRE ACH

Trey Billings

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Erika Jessen

BOOK FAIR

Justina Cho, John Jessen, Kate Cooney

ELVES’ WORKSHOP

In honor of Janie Lange Ida and Joe Ginnetti Daniel and Allis Hanley Letitia and David Hill Linda and John Pawelek Roxanne Turekian

Anita Buckmaster Monica DiAdamo

In honor of Anuhea Ray Anonymous

Kanicka Ingram-Mann Kathryn Miller-Jensen

In honor of Josiah Venter Martha Venter

Elisa Billings

In honor of Betty Panza James and Jolanta Bednarcyk

In memory of Herbert Schoen Michael Schoen

GIFT WRAP/FALL FUNDRAISER

Alisha Livingston Susan Zhang

PTO LUNCHES

SCHOOL STORE UNIFORM CLOSET

Emily Forrest

43 SUMMER/FALL 2018

Non Profit

The St. Thomas’s Day School Annual Fund 2018-2019

R O OT S & W I N G S The strong foundation students receive at St. Thomas’s Day School provides each child with the means to face the future as confident, enthusiastic, kind and compassionate global citizens of the world.

Join us in celebrating the roots and wings that a St. T’s education provides and make a gift today to help us maintain traditions and grow our programs.

Gifts can be made using the return envelope attached to The Balloon or by visiting www.stthomasday/onlinegiving.org

Questions?

Please contact Director of Institutional Advancement Danielle Plante at d p l a n t e @ s t t h o m a s d a y.o r g or ( 2 0 3 ) 7 76 - 2 1 2 3 x 1 2 2