Footsteps final

footsteps Spring/Summer 2014

Our Mission At Marin Primary & Middle School we make education meaningful, while encouraging pride in self, respect for others, and enthusiasm for learning. we treasure childhood.

We honor and enjoy children’s natural curiosity, competence, and exuberance.

we teach to reach children.

Using teams of teachers and educational methods tailored to how children learn best, we connect with our students, build trusting relationships, and make learning relevant, memorable, and fun. we teach children to reach.

Asking not “how smart is the child” but “how is the child smart,” we guide our students to see their full potential, and we equip them to pursue it with passion and purpose.

we inspire children to make a difference.

We value academic excellence, personal integrity, and community action and encourage our students to become informed, engaged, and ethical global citizens.

c n letters 4

Julie’s Letter

around campus 6

School Happenings

10

Around Campus

11

Blast from the Past

features 12

A Grand Opening

16 African Extravaganza 18

MP&MS Rebrands

20

Auction Recap

22 Remembering

David R. Heath

24

Congratulations to

the Class of 2014

alumni 26

College Update

t

o

t n s

e

Reflection, Learning, and Growth Welcome to the latest edition of Footsteps, coming to you with a new look to match the launch of our new logo and website. As you will see in the following pages, this year has been filled with exciting growth and change for our school.

This has also been a time of re-

our long-standing projects lab as we

on the playground and remains the

membering our roots and the vision of

enhance students’ development in

heart of our school in so many ways.

our first head of school, David Heath.

the areas known as STEAM (science,

Families from the school’s early years

technology, engineering, art, math).

joined us to celebrate David’s life

Thanks to the generous support

The wise and dedicated members of our Board of Trustees have a keen eye focused on the future of our

on a beautiful May afternoon in the

from the Auction’s Fund-in-Need

school. Late this spring the Board

new amphitheater and the renovated

drive, the unique specialist classes

began work on a new strategic plan

David R. Heath Outdoor Education

that are such a vital part of our

to guide future growth. A survey of

Center. Somewhere in the archives

program received a significant boost.

all parents, along with consultant-

Over the summer the computer

led focus groups, provided helpful

we have David’s penciled plans for a garden, with an amphitheater and

lab will become a more responsive

feedback as well as ideas for future

specialist classes clustered around a

learning space for cutting edge

consideration, and a day long retreat

central outdoor space. We’re honoring

technology, a cork floor will be

for the larger strategic planning

his vision as the school evolves to

installed in the music room to better

committee enhanced the project’s

meet the needs of a new generation

support movement and sound, mirrors

strong foundation. Updates about

of students and families.

will enhance drama and indoor PE in

this important effort will be shared in

the multipurpose room, new tables

future Footsteps.

While the completion of such a major project may be the most

will provide greater flexibility in

obvious improvement over the past

Spanish, and projects lab will have a

chance to share these glimpses of

We’re so pleased to have this

year, our students have also benefited

range of new tools and materials for

life at school, especially with those of

from enhancements to the academic

students to learn through tinkering

you who aren’t able to visit regularly.

program. The thoughtful engagement

and inventing. Other new materials

You are all so important in the life

of our teachers and division directors

will support the teaching of coding

of our community. Thank you for

has supported deeper implementation

and engineering, including recently

your ongoing commitment to Marin

of the new primary school math

developed “bots” for younger

Primary & Middle School.

program, a schoolwide review of

students and a 3D printer in middle

the science program, and a focus

school. The garden, another specialist

on ways to more deeply integrate

area, benefited from this year’s work

school happenings on and around campus

Williams School Visit

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

MP&MS students develop an understanding of their

It may have been a while since they sat in a classroom, but

role in the larger global community through interactive

the many guests who came to MP&MS on April 25 for our

experiences designed to immerse them in other cultures.

annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day celebration

This year, second and fourth grade students were able to

quickly adjusted to the activities unfolding before them.

use their Spanish through Skype and email communication

Depending on what classes their grandchildren or friends

with their penpals at the Colegio Williams de Cuernavaca

had, the guests witnessed students reading aloud, spelling,

in Mexico. MP&MS staff were involved in the exchange

solving math problems, practicing their Spanish, or heard

as well — teachers Peter Eldredge, Rebecca Wunderlich,

presentations prepared especially for them. Despite the

Arturo Cuevas, and head of school Julie Elam visited their

wintery, rainy conditions, fun was had by all as we all

colleagues in Cuernavaca for a week last fall as part of

reveled in sharing the daily life of MP&MS students.

this ongoing relationship. The return visit of a group of teachers from the Williams School to MP&MS was one of the year’s highlights. They spent the week with our students teaching Mexican geography, culture, Spanish songs, and dances that were then performed to the delight of the whole school.

May Day Celebration

International Day

MP&MS students took time off from books, classrooms,

An idea born twelve years ago by fifth grade teacher

and math problems to enjoy a beautiful spring day in the

Meike Wanberg, International Day is a festive school-

newly renovated garden to celebrate May Day. Students

wide celebration that promotes the value of learning

danced in the May Pole tradition, released butterflies

and understanding world cultures including many within

and worms, painted planter bed signs, had their faces

our own community. Each year, classrooms choose a

painted, made flower crowns, and enjoyed popcorn and

country of focus and delve into exploring their country’s

lemonade while listening to great music. After a long year

uniqueness learning about a range of topics such as

of work, many thanks go to Garden Committee parent

currency, language, geography, customs, and music. This

Co-Chairs Donny Stroh and Kelli Limm Fair, Jason Perko,

study culminates on International Day where costume

who designed the plans, and Kurt Schottstaedt, who built

-adorned classes present a unique song, dance, or theater

Jason’s plans into reality. Outdoor education teachers

piece to the school community. In keeping with tradition,

Angela and Kat worked overtime to get the garden ready

the day includes a delicious international buffet with

and have turned it into an oasis of outdoor learning to be

delicacies from around the world. From Scottish kilts to

enjoyed by all.

Indian saris, from geography bees to drumming circles, from samosas to sauerkraut, each year International Day proves to be a community favorite!

school happenings on and around campus

Fifth Graders Take on Yosemite

JamFest

Although overnight outdoor education trips begin in

The Sweetwater Music Hall was the perfect venue for

second grade, only one grade takes on Yosemite: our brave

this year’s JamFest, a favorite MP&MS event for current

and resourceful fifth graders. Each year they diligently

students and almuni. The school’s many talented musicians

prepare by learning how to plan and navigate trips in

— from singers and bassists to guitarists and drummers —

the wilderness, and practice minimum-impact wilderness

enlivened the spring evening with a range of music. Close

living. The trip provides students with an experience of

to 100 guests enjoyed both group and solo performances

nature while exploring the topics of ecology and science.

by over 35 musicians. New to the lineup this year were

Spending time in an area that is so rich in biodiversity

eighth graders Jeremy Kaplan, Ben Whitaker, Felix

and observing first hand the relationships between plants

Sorokine, Morgan Glasser, Jake Kristy, Brett Schneider,

and animals certainly enriches the conversations in the

Avery Robinson, and Elly Labay. The show also featured a

classroom. During the four-day trip to Yosemite, students

rousing Beatles medley honoring David Heath by stand-

walk the valley floor, observing its biological, ecological,

out alumni performers Kendra Pollock, Miles Schon, Natalie

and geological marvels. They hike to Mirror Lake, explore

Sears (who sang accompanied by her father Pete on

the Spider Caves at the base of Yosemite Falls,

piano), Erika Mott, and Cole Schneider.

and take time to journal and reflect about their experiences. The Yosemite trip is an anchor for the middle school’s dedication to outdoor education, which enriches our curriculum and ultimately our students’ lives.

Art Show

Stepping Up and Graduation

MP&MS’s annual art show reflects the wide variety of

Through preschool graduation, Stepping Up, and

artistic expression and resources available to MP&MS

eighth grade graduation, we observed and celebrated

students through the art program. Students create

the accomplishments of our students over the year. At

paintings, drawings, clay sculptures, and more under the

Stepping Up, each grade shared a meaningful performance

tutelage of teachers Paul Maes and Margot Koch. Many

before moving to the seats for their next grade. Later

projects emphasize the integration of the arts in academic

that evening, the 31 MP&MS graduates impressed us all

life at MP&MS. Seventh graders learned about the pop

with presentations and performances at their graduation

art movement by making large scale paintings in the

ceremony. Celebrated by their families, teachers, and

Lichtenstein style, while second graders created a huge

members of the MP&MS community, the graduates revelled

mural to complement their study of the rain forest. In the

in all they had accomplished during their years at 20

end, we all marvelled at our students’ ability to mine their

Magnolia Avenue. Julie Elam addressed the graduating

academic studies as a source of self-expression. When

eighth graders with a mixture of personal anecdotes

asked what he liked best, Paul Maes answered “Those

and humor. She urged the graduates to trust their own

paintings and sculptures that don’t quite succeed, where

instincts, and to listen to their inner voices, as they moved

the artist’s ambitions are just out of reach of their abilities.

through their lives — skills that were learned here at

I love it when the kids aim high and end up making a mess.

MP&MS and ones that are sure to aid them in the journey

It’s the process that I enjoy most of all in the studio, that

through high school.

helps us grow as artists, even when the end result is a mess. Hurrah for beautiful messes!”

around campus What’s your favorite thing about MP&MS?

Donna: My favorite thing

Michael: Recess is my

Dan: That’s a hard question!

Yolanda: I really like

about MP&MS is the staff

favorite thing. I like to run

One of my favorite things

International Day. It’s fun

and teachers. I feel so lucky

around with my friends.

is the ability to work in an

to see all the different

to be able to work with them

environment where I help

performances and the food is

every day.

foster the minds of the future

really tasty, too.

and where those minds make me a better person.

Arturo: One thing that

Brady: My favorite part of

Lisa I really like how

Mischka: I love the Projects

really stands out for me as

school is my friends. I look

comfortable the kids are

Lab. Working with wood and

a teacher is the support

forward to seeing them every

all over campus – in the

tools is so cool. It makes our

I receive to take part in

day. I love coming to school!

classroom, outside on the

school special.

professional development. It

playground, and in the front

helps me be a better teacher.

office!

blast from the past Do you recognize these staff members?

1

2 Our staff and faculty love working at MP&MS. Take a closer look to see if you can identify these long-time MP&MS faculty and staff members. Answers below.

3

5

4

1. Susan Humphrey, 2. Matt Penwell, 3. Jennifer Lucas, 4. Jon Hull, and 5. Dave DeMartini

a Grand

Opening The beautiful new outdoor spaces

as well as the perfect spot for a

committee, chaired by Eliot Holtzman,

that make up Phase II of our campus

group of preschoolers to practice the

and school architect Peter Pfau of

master plan opened in stages through

important skill of rolling down a hill.

Pfau-Long Architecture. Both began

the winter and spring — first the sport

Square platforms scattered around

this project when their children, now

court, then the play structures and

the area have become performing

in high school and college, were in

entry paths, and finally the shaded

stages, “safety zones” in games of

our youngest grades. The project also

amphitheater. While the excitement

tag, and gathering spaces for small

benefited from the work of landscape

generated by the opening of each new

groups, as middle schoolers survey the

architect Jeff Miller and his team from

area seemed huge, the overall impact

entire space from atop one of the play

Miller Company Landscape Architects,

left many of us astounded by the

structures. The jacaranda trees have

project manager Hassan Afrookteh, and

transformation of our campus. With the

started blooming, as have the vines

the Alten Construction team.

inclusion of last year’s Magnolia Entry

on the back fence and the wisteria

project, we now have a fully accessible

climbing the arbor next to the trike

Campaign Committee Molly Gamble,

campus filled with new spaces to

shed, giving us an idea of more to

LeAnn Wanninger, and Sue Whitaker,

support students’ physical, social-

come. The amphitheater was as perfect

together with the six donors who

emotional, and academic growth.

for the crowd on International Day as

pledged a combined $1.2 million as a

Each component of the design was

The leadership of our Capital

it was for the more intimate gathering

challenge to the community, ultimately

created to meet a specific need. The

that weekend to honor David Heath.

made this project possible by bringing

tables nestled beneath the seventh and

It has been a pleasure for all of us to

the community together to raise the

eighth grade windows provide perfect

watch students discover — and claim as

match. With a vote of support from

meeting spaces for smaller breakout

their own — the spaces best matched

the Board of Trustees, the decision to

groups as well as social conversation.

with their developmental stages.

begin construction was made in May

The rolling hills near the amphitheater

This incredible project is the result of

have already proven to be a great

the work of so many people, beginning

seating space during performances,

with our long-standing master plan

2013 — and less than one year later, our campus has been transformed.

Organic Learning Garden The David R. Heath Outdoor Education Center, our school’s organic learning garden and native wildlife habitat, includes a solar-powered outdoor classroom, raised beds for food and flower gardening, compost center, and weather station.

Gathering Spaces The spaces near the amphitheater and the grassy areas provide places for students to gather during recess, or for small classroom groups.

Amphiteather

Climbing Structures

From performance space to a setting for classroom

Free play on a climbing structure in a well-designed play

activities and social gatherings, the amphitheater

area naturally inspires children to be active and creative.

provides the perfect central gathering spot for the

Climbing provides opportunities to develop a variety of

MP&MS community.

skills and to exercise their bodies.

Sand and Water Play Experiences with sand and water are completely hands-on and open-ended.

There is no right way to use sand. It invites participation, permits children to make and test hypotheses, stretches the imagination, provides a potentially soothing sensory experience, and becomes an excellent avenue for children to gain physical, cognitive, and social skills. Sand play promotes physical development as children dig, pour, sift, and scoop. It promotes the development of social skills, as the children face problems in the sandbox that require sharing, compromise, and negotiation as they work and play together. The water element creates endless possibilities for measuring, building, and exploring the senses.

Photos by Kari Orvik for Miller Company Landscape Architects

African Extravaganza Animals studied include:

The African Extravaganza is a cele-

Zebra

bration of the integration of music, art,

Junia, and Ellen help the third graders

Using the library and media lab, Yolanda,

Nile crocodile

social studies, technology, language

develop new research skills. Meanwhile, the

Bat-eared fox

arts, and science in our third grade that

students work with Paul to create an art

Hyena

demonstrates months of learning about

piece that represents their African animal.

the continent of Africa. While technically

In music class, the students work with

falling under the social studies curriculum

Jason to learn African music on the Orff

in third grade, the event highlights how

instruments. This year, alum Kaiya Holtzman

Warthog

the curriculum matter is taught across all

returned to teach the third graders a West

Dik dik

subjects over the course of three months.

African dance.

Elephant shrew Giraffe Meerkat

African wild dog

First, students work with Kristi

In the end, families of the third graders

and Sarah to select and research an

were invited to come to see the beautiful

African animal. Working with a partner,

results of their hard work in a spectacular

the students take notes and create an

and informative presentation, including their

informative Keynote presentation.

animal reports, music, dance — and food!

A New Look for Marin Primary & Middle School We are delighted to announce the

includes curriculum descriptions

program enrollment forms, Summer

enhanced Marin Primary & Middle

by grade, blogs from Julie, Erin and

Camp registration, and school store

School website, featuring our new

Dave, our school’s sustainability and

order forms are also accessible. Going

brand identity and a more user-

stewardship activities, as well as more

forward, we will reduce the volume

friendly navigation that highlights vital

robust information regarding our After

of paper documents distributed, and,

information about our school. Based

School program, Parents Association,

when possible, will migrate to online

on research conducted throughout

development efforts, admission,

forms.

our community, the new website is

and other programs. Updated eye-

designed to serve our expanding

catching photos of students, parents,

teachers were trained on the new

needs. The online experience

and faculty in action on and off

website and have begun to upload

provides easy access to information,

campus are another dazzling feature

newsletters, curriculum, and photos of

communication, collaboration, and

of the new website.

the integrated academic program in

the necessary forms and documents

The My MP&MS section is our

All Marin Primary & Middle School

practice. Look for even more material

to support Marin Primary & Middle

parents’ entry into an expanded world

to be added during the summer

School students and families, as well

of communication from their child’s

months. Please visit www.mpms.org

as external visitors.

classroom — replete with calendar

today to find simple instructions on

On the external site, existing

highlights, field trip schedules, the

how to log in and navigate to your

and prospective parents will easily

family directory, and overall school

child’s class page. We hope you will

spot familiar content such as our

information. In alignment with our

enjoy browsing our new site, spotting

school mission, philosophy, vision

commitment to green business

familiar faces, and locating relevant

and values as well as noteworthy

practices, downloadable documents

and useful information with each

new material. Additional content

such as health forms, After School

returning visit.

logo

website homepage

calendar feature

On the external site, existing and prospective parents will easily spot familiar content including The new MP&MS logo

our school mission, philosophy,

combines a word mark and

and vision and values as well as

icon symbolizing MP&MS’s

noteworthy new material.

cultural essence. The three leaves inside the M represent the preschool, primary school,

The calendar feature of the new

and middle school, as well as

website can be customized

our community of students,

according to subcategories

teachers, and parents. The white

including the preschool, primary

space between the leaves can

school, middle school, and

be seen as the pages of a book,

athletics. Site users may sync the

representing a student’s journey

MP&MS calendar with a variety

throughout his/her years at

of external calendar programs

MP&MS.

such as iCal.

my mp&ms and fam

group pages

downloadble documents

Group pages have been preselected for parents based on the classes of their students. Once on a class group page, information can be accessed through a variety of tabs. These vary from page to page, but may include: posts, Class and specialist group

galleries, pages, links, files, and

All families have access to the

pages are housed under the “My

forms.

Downloadable Documents

MP&MS” button, located on the

page located under My MP&MS.

upper right of the page. This is the

This page serves as a resource

private, password protected part

and houses numerous forms

of the site. FAM (Family Access

including medical forms, field

Module) and the directory can

trip forms, donations forms,

also be accessed here by clicking

After School brochures, as well

the red login button on the left.

as general information such as

Family information can be easily

the bus schedule, preschool

updated here.

handbook, and more.

mardi gras

The scenes and sounds of New Orleans were all around at this year’s Mardi Gras-themed auction. Led by auction co-chairs Sam Cross and Hilary King, with special thanks to Mistress of Ceremonies, Sharon Stone, the evening was an unprecedented success as the MP&MS community came together for a night of spirited fun and fundraising. Upon walking into the Four Seasons Hotel, guests were greeted by a Dixieland jazz band of familiar faces, and dÊcor evoking Bourbon Street. With smart phones in hand, guests bid their hearts out at the silent auction using the new mobile bidding system. The fantastic selection of donated jewelery, trips, unique experiences, and an amazing array of class treasures was hard to resist. The lively crowd was primed for the live auction and the bidding was exciting! The room came back together for another very successful Fund-in-Need segment with paddles shooting up all around the room to support new equipment and space improvements for our beloved specialist programs. The dance floor was hopping with those working off some of the excitement. All in all, it was another incredibly successful fundraiser thanks to our ever-generous donors and bidders and the volunteers who made it happen. Our community really knows how to come together to support MP&MS!

David Rodman Heath David R. Heath, Marin Primary & Middle School’s

put those ideas into action for the well being of children

founding Head of School, passed away this past March at

and families, which he did with all his heart. David would

the age of 62. David was Head of School at MP&MS for

often share that he was honored to have that opportunity.

twenty-seven years, from 1975 to 2002 and, along with

The children who attended MP&MS during David’s tenure

founders Jim and Roberta Heath, was one of the original

remember him as a leader who cared about each of them

visionaries who developed our school’s mission and

equally. That he knew their names and backgrounds, who

educational philosophy.

their friends were and what they were passionate about.

Those who knew and worked with David remember him as deeply passionate about his life’s work. His dedication to creating a safe and respectful place for children to

David lived his work, and the MP&MS thrived because of his personal commitment to the school’s mission.

Marin Primary & Middle School continues to grow

develop as whole people, academically as well as socially

based on the original vision and mission developed and

and emotionally, was inspirational. David was masterful at

implemented by David Heath and the founders. According

attracting knowledgeable, creative, and dedicated teachers

to David, understanding a child’s priorities (Am I Safe?,

who understood the type of experience children needed

Who is My Friend?, and Does the Teacher Know Who I

in the important formative years of their lives. He was

am?) is fundamental to being able to reach a student and

determined to lead a school that embraced the arts as

to inspire a student to reach. He recognized that a child’s

fundamental to the overall experience of children, and was

attitude toward school will determine that child’s success

committed to the idea that each Marin Primary & Middle

as a student. This awareness, embraced by an effective and

School student would have the opportunity to express him

enthusiastic faculty, is at the core of our day-to-day work

or herself in creative as well as academic ways. MP&MS

at MP&MS. David’s personal life mission continues through

families and students embraced the school’s mission, and

our work in every one of our classrooms every day. David

David and his staff made it grow.

often said that his greatest accomplishment was beginning

David recognized that his ideas were not unique,

MP&MS and how satisfied it made him feel to see it continue

and that he was implementing best practices from

to grow in amazing ways. We are all deeply thankful for

the knowledgeable educators who preceded him. He

David’s dedicated time at MP&MS and for his commitment

understood that he was being given the opportunity to

to children. His legacy is unparalleled.

congratulations

On Friday, June 13, 2014 31 accomplished MP&MS eighth graders sat center stage at the Deer Park Villa in Fairfax for graduation.

After being greeted and congratulated by board chair Susan Kan Whitaker, students listened as Julie Elam, head of school, welcomed and then recognized special guests. Throughout the ceremony families, teachers, and friends who surrounded the Class of 2014 were wowed by musical performances by Jeremy Kaplan, Felix Sorokine, Brett Schneider, Katie Israel, Elly Labay, Avery Robinson, Mikailah Leifer-Ives, Isabella Poutiatine, and Kimi Wu. Our graduating eighth graders are a talented group, with varied academic interests and goals for their next educational experience as can be seen in the impressive list of high schools they will be attending in the fall: • The Branson School • Convent of the Sacred Heart • Drew College Preparatory School • Marin Academy • Marin Catholic High School • The Marin School • Redwood High School • Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep • Sir Francis Drake High School • Stuart Hall High School • Tamalpais High School

mp&ms 2014 grads

MP&MS Grads Go To

COLLEGE

Our graduates’ college choices reflect the strength of their academic preparation. MP&MS students apply to and are accepted by leading institutions around the country and abroad. Over the past three years, MP&MS graduates are attending a variety of institutions, including: American University

Skidmore College

Babson College

Smith College

Brown University

Southern Methodist University

Cal Poly, Pomona

Southern Oregon University

Cal State Chico

Trinity College

California College of the Arts

Tulane University

California State University at Chico

University of Arizona

Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design

University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Chapman College

University of California, Berkeley

Clemson University

University of California, Davis

Colby College

University of California, Irvine

College of Marin

University of California, Los Angeles

Colorado College

University of San Diego

Columbia College Chicago

University of California, Santa Cruz

Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo

University of Colorado, Boulder

Dartmouth

University of Michigan

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)

University of New Hampshire

Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Vancouver, Canada

University of Oregon

Emory University

University of Puget Sound

Exeter University, England

University of Southern California

George Washington University

University of Victoria, British Columbia

Harvard University

Washington and Lee University

Humboldt State University

Whittier College

Lewis and Clark

Willamette University

Oregon State University Pomona College Queens University, Canada San Diego State University Santa Barbara Community College Santa Clara University Santa Rosa Community College School of Engineering at UC San Diego Scripps College

Stay in touch!

Please send us your news and notes for upcoming issues of Footsteps.

See you in September