Areté Summer 2018: From Learning to Leading

l e v e L y r e v E t a e n i h S s Student g, Head of Schoo Mat t Glendinnin

l

“Getting to watch two separate casts grow into their characters and figure out what the process is...” says Ally, assistant director for Annie Kids, “was such an inspiring moment.”

Taking Chances IN AND OUT of the spotlight, MB students lead

WHAT DO YOU remember learning in elementary and secondary school? When you graduated, how prepared did you feel for the world that awaited you?

huge growth in performing arts.

The 2017-18 school year featured nine shows: two plays in repertory, two student-directed

This was a frequent topic of conversation at MB’s recent

productions, a lower school play, and three musicals,

Reunion weekend, when several hundred alumni reconnected

from Annie Kids to Les Misérables. This growth in the

with classmates and their alma mater on a rainy Saturday in May. Many

arts program is only possible because students have

spoke passionately about learning to read closely and write persuasively

assumed—and flourished—in important positions

at MB (apparently, in the 1960s a second grammatical error in the same

of leadership.

essay would result in a failing mark!), and to think critically, approach problems logically, and conduct rigorous research.

In 2016, Caroline Farber produced and directed Cat on a Hot Tin Roof—inspiring other students to do

In addition to foundational academic skills and general knowledge,

likewise; Jack Tripp ’19 was the first-ever student set

alumni also remember the ways they were called upon to grow, to shine,

designer; and at least two students have performed

and to lead. For some, that was as a peer tutor or having one’s work held

one-man shows.

up as an example. For others, it came from outside the classroom, in clubs, athletics, and other opportunities for student leadership and engagement.

Serving as editor of the school newspaper, for example, or captaining a state championship team taught life lessons like organization, teamwork, meeting a deadline, or being responsible to others. (While I didn’t attend MB, I fully remember being put in charge of my third grade newspaper drive—I never felt so grown up and motivated to succeed!)

These kinds of activities help MB develop the special gifts and talents of each child. Many programs bring together students from different divisions, with teenagers mentoring children, and teaching them that they can be leaders, too. Take MB’s robotics team. Started by middle schoolers in 2005, the current team—which includes some of those founding members—just competed at the World Robotics Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, and have a new home in a dedicated robotics lab in the brand-new Y-Lab. These developments wouldn’t have happened without the vision, drive, and commitment of students.

CONTINUED INSIDE

As a freshman, Jenna Filippelli ’16 volunteered her time to work with the middle school musical while she was in upper school, choreographing Mulan, Oklahoma, Hairspray, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Graduating senior Ally Gower, inspired by Jenna, stage managed middle school productions, served as assistant director for lower school’s musical Annie Kids, and co-directed Les Misérables.

“We might not always notice our influence on others, but the older kids inspired me,” says Ally.

“Theatre offers team-building and communication skills and I encourage other students to try it. You grow so much from working with different sets of people. As much as I love theatre and have for many years, I also love seeing people try it and realize it’s completely different than they expected.”

COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE

FROM MATT

Athletics,

of

course,

have

been

a

signature strength at Moses Brown for many generations. I am continuously amazed that a high school with just 200 boys and 200 girls can consistently field such high-caliber teams, including multiple state championships in football, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, sailing, softball, and golf in just the past few years.

And while winning is nice, the real impact of sports transcends wins and losses. This year the girls’ basketball team won 14 games on their way to the (open) state championship for

HEAD, HEART, & HOOPS Oluchi Ezemma ’18

the first time in school history. Down 17 points at half-time of the finals, legendary coach Laurie Center asked the team, “Are you girls done? No one would fault you—you’ve had a tremendous season.” Apparently they weren’t.

Led by two-time Gatorade Player of the Year Oluchi Ezemma ’18, the team dug deep and rallied to win 55-51 in overtime. The moment was inspirational and unforgettable. You can’t find these lasting lessons about grit, teamwork, and hustle in a textbook.

JUMPING INTO A conversation about

all Rhode Islanders reviewed by Gatorade, but

amazing Moses Brown students, it’s easy to think

for her learning isn’t about the numbers. “I find

of Oluchi Ezemma ’18. What’s not so easy is

science fascinating,” says Oluchi, “particularly

figuring out where to start. With her aptitude

neurology, because I can relate that to what’s

for science? Her commitment to serving others?

happening inside of me as well as what drives

Or with her best-in-the-state performances on

and influences emotional and mental outcomes.”

the parquet?

Ultimately, she’d like to combine this gift for

As a basketball star, Oluchi stands out as one of Rhode Island’s best players in many years.

science with her love of working with children as a pediatric neurologist.

Of course, with a dramatically expanded performing arts program, students are finding leadership opportunities there as well. Lower schoolers were responsible for costume design in the first-ever lower school musical, Annie Kids.

Middle school staged a stereotype-challenging performance of Legally Blonde, Jr. And last month upper school students (with help from a few middle schoolers) put on a sophisticated rendition of Les Misérables that, in addition to

Numbers tell a small part of the tale: 1,000 points,

Oluchi has five siblings—three younger—

showcasing a tremendous breadth and depth of

1,500 rebounds, division II and open state titles

and has volunteered for several years at food

talent, featured student crew chiefs, lighting

in 2016 and 2018, and two consecutive years

banks, homeless shelters, the Student Diversity

designers, and a student director. Two hours

as the Gatorade Player of the Year (2017, 2018).

Leadership Council, and a camp for children

before the curtain went up on opening night,

Of course, those are only outward markers of

affected by domestic violence. “The biggest

I watched drama teacher Steve Kidd lead the

what really makes her shine.

thing for me is seeing a child smile,” she says.

cast through a deeply moving and emotionally

This is, at least in part, what motivated her to

cathartic exercise in which students shared

donate her Gatorade prize money to the Special

their friendship and connectedness. There

Olympics’ Young Athletes program at Pleasant

wasn’t a dry eye in the house (mine included

View Elementary School, where she based her

and I was only observing), and I doubt those

senior project.

students will ever forget those exultant feelings

“She holds herself to high standards,” says her coach and advisor Laurie Center, “but she doesn’t hold herself above anybody else.” As part of this humble approach to excellence, Oluchi has pushed herself to take on different

of accomplishment and interdependence.

roles to account for the strengths of different

And while Oluchi is accomplished in many

opponents. In interviews with The Providence

different ways, she sees them as related. As she

This issue of Areté explores how students

Journal, Oluchi has emphasized the mental

told The Providence Journal this spring, “Sports

at MB learn to develop confidence within the

aspect of the game, saying, “You always have to

teaches you perseverance and communication

plans laid out by their teachers, and eventually

think what your opponent’s next move is going

skills. When you do go into the real world and

grow into making the plans themselves. It’s our

to be so you can counteract that.”

you are in a challenging field like science, you use

hope that when the students of today return for

those skills you developed on the court, just in a

their own reunions, they’ll be just as spirited

different setting.” One thing is clear—whether

and celebratory as those alumni who joined us

Oluchi is in the lab, the examination room, or

last month, and as thankful that they too were

on the court, she’ll give it her all.

prepared to lead when called.

Naturally, this analytical approach serves her well in one of her other favorite arenas—the science lab. Her 3.85 GPA was the highest of

2 | Areté, Spring 2018

happenstance, and you need to stay

work together. It was messy, but

open to that. One of the best things

the students soon took command of

is seeing the joy of kids meeting new

the experience, weeding, digging,

people and forming new connections.”

planting, and decorating. “We had

This

year,

as

faculty

leaders

considered how to breathe fresh life

Middle schoolers from MB and DelSesto work together in the new DelSesto garden.

Exploring the World Around the Corner

into

wondered with

the if

DelSesto

program,

MB’s

they

collaboration

Middle

School—

through SquashBusters—might prove

beds with their handprints. It made it very personal, and gave them a real sense of connection.”

from MB have tutored sixth graders

lessons emerged that day. “True

from DelSesto, and built friendships

leadership starts with community-

across school lines. The teachers

building,” she says. “And that begins

floated the idea, and the students

with knowing who you are, what gifts

jumped on it.

you bring, and how to appreciate the

the intense learning that happens

the question with them. “We wanted

outside the classroom. But that learning

to involve the kids in planning,” says

doesn’t necessarily have to happen in

middle school English teacher Mo

Cuba or Yosemite—it can take place

Nagle, “so they’d be invested in the

DelSesto Princiapl Arzinia Gill

in the undiscovered street that lurks on

result.” Ultimately, the group settled

mentioned that her school had recently

a different route to work. Three years

on a plan to use public transportation

installed raised beds for a school

ago, the middle school faculty reflected

to send teams to every neighborhood

garden. Would we care to do a little

that many MB students don’t have a

in Providence.

gardening? Apparently, yes.

commute from outside Providence.

their hands in it and decorating the

Mo observes that some deeper

They invited students to consider

they learn every day, especially if they

students hit upon the idea of dipping

inspiring. All year long, eighth graders

MB’S TRIPs INITIATIVE is about

strong knowledge of the city in which

some paint,” says Mo, “and the

gifts that other people bring. We really saw that play out as the kids worked together.” The learning goals were certainly achieved, but what did the kids think about it? “I’ve had several kids come up to me,” says Mo, “just to

“It takes some balance,” says

Soon, a group of twelve eighth

Mo. “You have to have a plan, but

graders from MB and 24 sixth graders

some of the best learning comes by

from DelSesto literally dug into their

tell me that it was their favorite day of eighth grade.”

Inch By Inch, Row By Row MOSES

BROWN

SCHOOL’S

newest

gathering space celebrates cross-divisional collaboration and sustainability. The new Friends Garden was designed by students in the first grade working with upper schoolers from AP Environmental Science and the Environmental Council, all overseen by the school’s Sustainability Committee.

Two years ago, site planning for the Gorgi Family Squash and Education Center required relocation of the Friends Garden. Graham

Megan Gardner P’20 presented her proposed design for Friends Garden. This design was informed by the work of the first grade (above) as well as the Environmental Science and Art of Science students.

Holland, faculty member and boys’ squash coach, says, “Not only was I keenly interested in the squash facility, I was also part of the team that brought the original Friends Garden to life.” Everyone agreed we neeed to find a new location.

The extension of the Odell Track was an ideal site, offering proximity to both lower school and US science students. Graham invited first grade faculty Samantha Bradshaw and Jeremy Saksik to create a planning role for their students, as their curriculum includes both farm-to-table and community units. “We were excited at the prospect of an outdoor classroom and gardening space,” says Sam. “Our students interviewed people with an

interest in the garden and recorded their findings.”

In the Y-Lab, they created maps with a garden shed and beds, walkways, greenhouse, composter, class space, butterfly bushes, lemonade stand, fountain or sculpture, irrigation system, birdhouses and feeders made in woodshop, and plant labels made in art class.

rendering enabled work to begin this summer.

Abigail explains, “The new garden encourages kids and teachers to get outside and get their hands dirty. Younger students can have activities or harvest vegetables. Upper school can conduct demonstrations involving

soil,

wildlife,

and

the

surrounding

The student Environmental Council, co-clerked

ecosystems. It encourages discussion and reflection

by Abigail Lambert ’18, also drafted design ideas.

among friends—its shape and seating around a focused

She recalls, “The first graders really pushed us. Their

center fosters peace and a natural flow, providing a

whimsical and playful designs, combined with our

respite from the hustle and bustle of the school day.”

knowledge, produced plans that were interactive and functional.” Landscape architect Megan Gardner P ’20 pulled the elements together in a plan approved by the Sustainability Committee in April, and her professional

“The best thing about this process is that it has been open and inclusive the whole time,” says Graham.

“Our goal was to make this space useful to—and used by—as many members of our community as possible.”

Spring 2018, Areté |

3

A PUBLICATION FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL MATT GLENDINNING

From

Learning TO Leading Summer 2018

What’s Inside: Students Shine at Every Level Matt reflects on the year and how students come into their own.

Taking Chances See how students are the heartbeat of the performing arts department.

Head, Heart, and Hoops Oluchi Ezemma ‘18, a star on the courts with a huge heart.

Exploring the World Around the Corner Eighth graders use their Providence PBL to continue their relationship with DelSesto Middle School.

Inch By Inch, Row By Row See how first graders, upper schoolers, faculty, and a parent helped to update our new garden!

250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence RI 02906

Moses Brown School