Fall/Winter 2018
PARTNERSHIP: Building Potential, Power, and Pride
B OAR D O F TRUSTEE S 2 0 1 7–2 0 18 Jason Robart PRESIDENT
Kiki Shilling VICE PRESIDENT
Jacqueline Deysher Marchand ’01 SECRETARY
Paul O’Connell TREASURER René Russo GOVERNANCE CHAIR
Danielle Heard HEAD OF SCHOOL
Jeff Bruce Janet Correia Annie Drapeau Anne Elton Jay Fritz Kate Moriarty Graham ’98 Lindsey Gund Stephen Lanzendorf Vince Lorusso Tom Mazza Greg Pappas Karla Slade Josh Solomon Hilary Steinert Adam Sureau Irene Todd Charlotte Whitmore Alice Flint, TRUSTEE EMERITUS John Moriarty, TRUSTEE EMERITUS
C ORE VALUE S INTEGRIT Y
We act with honesty, sound judgment, and strong character to build a culture of trust.
COLLABORATION
We build partnerships, foster teamwork, and encourage camaraderie.
INCLUSIVIT Y
We celebrate and affirm all aspects of individual identity and global diversity.
EMPATHY
We seek to understand the feelings of others, value multiple perspectives, build meaningful connections, and inspire ethical action.
RESILIENCE
We value persistence and pursue excellence through continuous learning and growth.
I N ME MO R I AM The Nashoba Brooks community mourns the passing of Jean Travers on January 30, 2018. As we recognize and process this loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary and lasting contributions she made to what is now Nashoba Brooks School. A memorial service will be held in May. We will include a tribute to Jean in the Spring/Summer edition of the Bulletin. If you have any stories, photos, or a brief tribute you would like to share, please email communications@nashobabrooks.org.
200 Strawberry Hill Road Concord, Massachusetts 01742 978.369.4591 nashobabrooks.org
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4 Danielle Heard Head of School
FALL/WINTER BULLETIN 2018
C O N T EN T S
Colette Porter Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
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From the Head of School Celebrating Our Partnerships
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Nashoba Brooks and Chewonki Partnering for Inspiration and Impact
Nicole Chan & Jennifer Lenox Craig Annual Giving & Major Gifts Adam Van der Sluis & Elizabeth Wallace Alumni & Alumnae Relations Soe Lin Post Design Jacqueline Waters Editorial Consultant Myers McGarry Marketing & Communications Stuart Beeby Photography Porter Gifford Photography Carly Gillis Photography Chip Riegel Photography Nashoba Brooks School Archives Photography
MIS SION Nashoba Brooks School educates children for a life of continuous learning, accomplishment, and leadership in a diverse and changing world. The School nurtures students’ growth and character, while fostering the development of each child’s personal excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. © 2018 Nashoba Brooks School
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Spotlight on Our Fall Teams
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State of the School An Evening of Innovation and Inspiration
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The Gladys Brooks Society The Gift of a Lifetime
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Fall/Winter Community News
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Fall Snapshots
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Welcome Back, Alumni
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Our Community Partners
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Winter Weekend 2018 S’mores & More and more!
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Partner in Safety Safe and Sound Schools
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The Portal Project Expanding Our Partnerships Globally
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“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —HELEN KELLER
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CELEBRATING OUR PARTNERSHIPS WINTER IN NEW ENGLAND can feel relentless to some, but at Nashoba Brooks School, it serves as an invitation to track animal prints in the snow on the playground, enjoy hot chocolate and a s’more during Winter Weekend, partake in a cup of delicious homemade soup prepared by our chefs in the Wallace Dining Commons, or curl up with a book by the fire in the Denault Library. Despite the frigid temperatures, there is always warmth to be found at Nashoba Brooks. I hope that this issue of the Bulletin invites you, too, to enjoy some of the warmth and joy that radiates from our School this season. Throughout the year, we have taken time to explore the central theme of our summer reading, We the People. We have enjoyed multiple opportunities— both in and out of the classroom—to discuss the U.S. Constitution from various perspectives: historical, legal, and aspirational. Our conversations have been timely and relevant. They have invited us to pause and reflect upon the building blocks of the School and breadth of partnerships that make up the collective “We” in our Nashoba Brooks School community. Through this issue of the Bulletin, we invite you to join us in celebrating the many partnerships that extend the reach and impact of Nashoba Brooks School beyond our campus. In our feature story, we honor the history of our forty-two year partnership with Chewonki, which has been helping young people connect with themselves and the natural environment for more than 100 years, and have stood steadfast as one of our cherished partners since 1975. This issue also explores our behind-the-scenes collaboration with organizations who work with us to inspire critical thinking, engage students
in hands-on learning opportunities, and help us to create safe spaces for our students to learn and grow. From the local, farm-fresh food that nourishes us to the partnerships with the Concord Police and Fire Departments who help to ensure the safety of our students and community on a daily basis, and the many partners in between, we are deeply grateful. These partnerships add depth, breadth, strength, and meaning to the experiences we create in this learning community—for students, parents, and employees. Whether welcoming a team to facilitate a design thinking exercise to consider the future of education during the annual State of the School meeting in January, or engaging with Shared_Studios to host the Concord_Portal— helping our students build authentic connections with sites around the world—each partnership enhances the experiences we can provide. We know that we would not be the school we are today without the commitment of our partners. And, we are so proud to count you—the students, alumni, parents, trustees, employees, and friends of Nashoba Brooks—among the invested members of our team. Please share your stories of how you continue to build community, character, and confidence to have a positive impact in your schools, work, and communities. Inspired by our students, one of the many lessons I have learned during my time at Nashoba Brooks is to believe in the power of partnership and possibility. Together, we can do so much. With appreciation,
Danielle Heard Head of School
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NASHOBA BROOKS AND
CHEWONKI Partnering for Inspiration and Impact
Chewonki inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives. by Jacqueline Waters
A GROUP OF EAGER, ENERGETIC Nashoba Brooks eighth graders tumble out of a school bus in Wiscasset, Maine. It is early September, and the boot-clad students disembark with backpacks slung over their shoulders and sleeping bags tucked under their arms. They are warmly greeted by Chewonki staff, who introduce the girls to their home for the next few days: the great outdoors. Quickly, they split into groups of no more than ten and play games to assist their camp leaders in learning names. Then, they take a short walk to pick up the camping supplies before heading off through the woods to the campsite to pitch tents and discuss chores. “The girls gather wood for the fire, another group organizes the meal, and the third group decides on a reading to be delivered once the meal is prepared and later is in charge of clean up. Camp rules are discussed, and if there is time, a group challenge is given,” explains Martha Svatek, retired Nashoba Brooks science teacher. She has made many trips to Maine with the School during its longstanding partnership with the dynamic environmental education program. In fact, Nashoba Brooks students and teachers have been heading north to Chewonki for more than four decades to experience “life-changing learning in nature.” FALL/ WI N T E R 2 01 8 | 5
“Chewonki is different enough from home, to push them and expand their mind, body, and spirit.” NANCY KENNEDY,
Chewonki Foundation
Established in 1915, “Chewonki inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives.” It is easy to see why Nashoba Brooks School would want to partner with this unique program based on such an ambitious mission. As Chewonki’s Director of Girls’ Programs, Nancy Kennedy, articulates, “Chewonki is a significant academic program of incredible depth. It’s about educating in every way: attuning to nature, finding your voice, learning about your footprint.” The core goals of the program include: compassion for one another, building self-confidence, and stewardship for the natural world. “Sustainable communities are not just about eating organic food,” explains Kennedy. They are about so much more than that. Students at Chewonki are “learning about nature in real ways,” she says. “They are learning about self: What do you bring and what do you take? How 6 | NA SH OB A BROOK S S CHOOL BU LLE T I N
do you integrate what you learn into your life back home?” For Fiona Haslett, a 2006 graduate of Nashoba Brooks, the eighth grade trip to Chewonki was the first time she’d had “an enjoyable experience in the outdoors.” Haslett, who went on to major in environmental science and co-chair the Outdoor Recreation Club at Colorado College, has led numerous backpacking trips throughout New Mexico, Utah, and Switzerland. After graduation, she was hired by Chewonki to teach sustainability in the Maine Coast Semester, an eleventhgrade semester boarding school that Fiona attended when a student at St. Mark’s School. Looking back on her trajectory of experiences over the past 12 years, Haslett realizes the power of that first trip to Wiscasset with Nashoba Brooks. “Chewonki was a huge pivot point, opening my awareness and understanding of what I could do and what my role in the community could be. Personal growth is at the core of the Chewonki experience.” When students are taken
out of their comfort zones, growth happens. “Chewonki is different enough from home, to push them and expand their mind, body, and spirit,” notes Kennedy. Svatek could not agree more, “Chewonki is an extraordinary place where our students have the opportunity to interact with nature and a caring, vital staff dedicated to listening and encouraging students to see themselves as leaders, learn new skills, and reach out beyond their comfort zone. The young, talented, dynamic staff encourage students to push themselves and reach beyond what they think they might be able to do.” According to Svatek, “Students are encouraged to see themselves as leaders and understand there are many kinds of leaders. Unknown strengths of students come out in this setting, and this sets up the students for success throughout the school year.”
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At Chewonki’s outdoor classroom, there are a variety of activity choices available to students. Most groups select to do barn climbs and group challenges. There are salt marsh studies, nature studies, history of the area studies, and beach studies. Students use maps and compasses. They debate. They also paddle canoes, swim, cross the Gulch, rock climb, and participate in community service. All of this group work encourages team building and prompts self-reflection.“The girls live on the land in tents on campsites and cook out there over open fires, regardless of weather,” explains Kennedy. “There are no hair dryers. There’s no primping, no showering. All that’s left is character—on full display.” Kennedy is clearly impressed by the character of Nashoba Brooks students. “The girls are insightful, energetic, positive, and articulate.” As she observes them in the outdoors, interacting
“This [is] truly an experience of partnership between two caring and forward thinking institutions.” MARTHA SVATEK,
retired Nashoba Brooks teacher
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and engaging with the hands-on science lessons, she praises their willingness to “engage each other in communication and not take the easy way out.” Her enthusiasm for the students is palpable, “These are the kind of women I want working here. They’re going to save this planet!” After a few days at Chewonki, what do students take away from their experience in the outdoors? What valuable lessons do they learn and bring back to school, to home? According to Svatek, “The Maine coastal setting, a few hours from the comfort of Nashoba Brooks, is a perfect place for students to learn more about themselves and others. When a small band of randomly selected
Clearly, the cultivation of such a committed partnership over the years has been invaluable to both Nashoba Brooks School and Chewonki. “The years at Chewonki were special because of the wonderful, caring people I met and worked with,” gushes Svatek. “They gave me a strong, positive feeling about the future. This [is] truly an experience of partnership between two caring and forward thinking institutions.” Kennedy is equally appreciative and effusive, ”I gain inspiration, direction, vision, and focus from the work Nashoba Brooks is doing.” Cheers to 40 more years!
kids comes together and bonds, it opens them up to new possibilities and opens their minds to new ideas and perspectives. For most of the students, this is an amazing time.” Kennedy hopes the girls leave Chewonki with “grit to step into circumstances and navigate in positive ways” and the knowledge that “sometimes the things that challenge us most are the most rewarding.” Haslett is living proof of the program’s profound impact on students. In her various roles as a trip leader and outdoor educator, she has carried forth what she refers to as “a theme of honoring students’ transformative growth”—a growth she experienced firsthand as a Nashoba Brooks student at Chewonki.
IN ADDITION to the Outdoor Classroom,
Chewonki offers Maine Coast Semester, a residential school program for eleventh-grade students, and Camp Chewonki with extensive summer camp and wilderness adventure trip options for children ages 8-18. For more information on Chewonki, visit chewonki.org.
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Spotlight on Our Fall Teams
VARSITY SOCCER
JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER For the first time in a decade, the Nashoba Brooks junior varsity soccer team closed out a perfect season. Team captains H. Carey (’20) and E. McCormack (’18) helped steer the Middle School team to victory against six local teams. The junior varsity team— led by coach Lucy Douglass and assistant coach Maire Casey— shutout their opponents in six of their eight games this season. Leadership and hard work were key ingredients to this team’s winning season.
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This fall, the Nashoba Brooks varsity soccer team enjoyed its most successful season in recent memory. D. Veillard (’18), A. Correia (’18), and E. Gardiner (’19) captained the squad against teams from nine area schools. A large number of returning players, in addition to a few new faces, allowed the team to build on last season’s progress. This was evident every time the team took the field, which often saw the results go in the girls’ favor. The level of sportsmanship shown by each player this season was often unmatched and the team worked hard to develop and improve during each practice and game. Each girl contributed toward achieving a winning record.
CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING The Nashoba Brooks cross-country running team had a phenomenal season. Led by captains M. Vittimberga (’18) and A. Weiland (’19), the team of seven runners worked hard to improve a little bit every week. That hard work paid off, with every runner improving by at least 1 minute, 48 seconds from the first home meet of the season to the last. The team’s average improvement was an incredible 2 minutes, 41 seconds. The Jim Munn Invitational, the largest middle school cross-country meet in the nation, was the highlight of the season. Everyone loved the beautiful course in Gloucester with a full view of the ocean, and A. Sharma (’19) broke the course record. While the leadership of eighth graders M. Vittimberga, I. Karran (’18), and E. Morton (’18) will be missed, the team is looking forward to building on this season in fall 2018.
VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY The Nashoba Brooks varsity field hockey team played an outstanding season. The team went up against nine different schools from the surrounding area and played each game with high levels of intensity and sportsmanship. Led by captains A. Williams (’18), M. Kennedy (’18), and L. Piper (’19), the team was one of the largest in the School’s history. With such a span of experience, these players did an unbelievable job of working together and drawing from each other’s strengths to set a firm foundation for future teams to follow.
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STATE SCHOOL AN EVENING OF INNOVATION AND INSPIRATION
ON JANUARY 18, the Nashoba Brooks School community–parents, employees, and members of the Board of Trustees–gathered in Wallace Dining Commons for the annual State of the School meeting. Head of School Danielle Heard and President of the Board of Trustees Jason Robart P’09 facilitated the meeting. In true Nashoba Brooks form, participants engaged in considering the state of the School in the context of the School’s strategic directions and commitment to creating inspired education through innovation, inclusivity, and impact. Participants were invited to experience the Concord_Portal as an example of innovating technology that has helped students build authentic connections with other sites around the world. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with students and educators in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The Portal serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community, character, and confidence in helping students understand the relevance, direct connection, and impact of their learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Review of the School’s dashboard data revealed more good news related to the School’s commitment to the strategic directions. Highlighting innovation,
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Nashoba Brooks School Operating Budget
Income and Expenses 2017–2018
AUXILIARY & OTHER—4% ENDOWMENT INCOME—6% NASHOBA BROOKS FUND—10%
INCOME
EMPLOYEE SALARIES
TUITION—80%
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE—12%
AND BENEFITS—67.7% PROGRAM AND GENERAL OPERATIONS—11.8%
EXPENSES
FACILITIES—6.5% DEBT SERVICES—2%
$16,000
Nashoba Brooks School Growth of Annual Giving 2007/08–2016/17 Thousands
Thousands
Nashoba Brooks School Growth of Annual Endowment 2007/08–2016/17
$14,000
$1,200
$1,000 $12,000 $800 $10,000
$8,000
$600
$6,000 $400 $4,000 $200 $2,000
$– 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17
Director of Educational Technology and Innovation Hank Bryant shared an update on the successful launch of the School’s one device per student program for students in Grades 2-8. Director of Finance and Operations Maggie Barbuto highlighted growth in key metrics, including: an endowment increase of 113 percent over 10 years, the increase in annual giving of 47 percent over 10 years, and Director of Admission Regina Nixon noted the increase in applications for admission year-to-date of more than 100 percent over the last three years. With these clear indicators that the current state of the School is strong and healthy, the group shifted its focus toward the future. Citing the Department of Labor estimate that 65 percent of the careers current students will hold in the future do not yet exist, the group was invited to consider the concept of transliteracy and the importance of preparing students to have facility and flexibility in multiple types of literacy to ensure that
$– 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17
they are ready to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Participants embarked on a facilitated design thinking experience focused on transliteracy at Nashoba Brooks. Through this hands-on exercise, community members were encouraged to share new perspectives and consider opportunities for education and innovation at Nashoba Brooks School, exploring topics such as technology, affordability, and sustainability, among others. Affirming the School’s commitment to continuous learning and partnership, the evening illustrated the strength of the School today, the positive momentum of the community, and the unlimited potential for the future of Nashoba Brooks.
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THE GLADYS BROOKS SOCIETY THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME
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WHO WAS
GLADYS
BROOKS? GLADYS BROOKS was the founder, first
teacher, first fundraiser, and guiding spirit of the Brooks School of Concord which, after merging with Nashoba Country Day School, became the Nashoba Brooks School of Concord. She had the intelligence, drive, and temerity to get her master’s degree in education from Harvard at a time when such boldness violated the norms of society’s expectations for women. Gladys embodied the courage, competence, character, and confidence we see in our Nashoba Brooks graduates today. The vision she had for a new kind of early childhood education and the forward-looking action that she and six others took in 1929 to establish the School’s initial charter set a sterling example for those who have followed.
Photos: Nashoba Brooks School Archives
In recognition of her pioneering spirit, Nashoba Brooks School has established the Gladys Brooks Society to enable members of today’s School community to contribute to the School’s legacy through planned giving.
“Close to four decades ago, the Brooks School of Concord made an impact on me and it has been extraordinary to watch it transform and grow into today’s Nashoba Brooks School. My wife and I are so thankful for the rich and nurturing learning environment our girls have experienced at Nashoba Brooks. To express our gratitude and to invest in the School’s future, we have included Nashoba Brooks in our estate plan and are honored to join the Gladys Brooks Society.” —JAY FRITZ, Board of Trustees, P’17 and P’19
WHY MAKE A PLANNED GIFT? EDUCATION IS AN INVESTMENT in a better world. Tomorrow’s leaders and citizens need a solid foundation to become the critical thinkers, problem-solvers, inventors, and responsible, caring adults our society will need to thrive. Establishing a legacy of financial strength through a planned gift will help ensure that Nashoba Brooks School will continue to provide this vital contribution far into the future. In some cases, donors may also secure significant personal tax benefits while making a long-standing impact on the School’s mission.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? TO START A CONVERSATION about planned giving and
the Gladys Brooks Society, please contact Jennifer Craig, Director of Campaign Strategy and Major Gifts. Email: jcraig@nashobabrooks.org. Phone: 978.369.4591. We appreciate your letting us know if you have already included Nashoba Brooks School in your estate planning, and we thank you for your generosity.
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Speech Team
Morning of Service
FALL/WINTER COMMUNITY
NEWS
Four Speech Team Members Place First at TurkeyFest
Nashoba Brooks Celebrates Morning of Service
NOVEMBER 20, 2017
NOVEMBER 21, 2017
FOUR MEMBERS of the Nashoba Brooks School Middle School speech team placed first in their rounds at the TurkeyFest Speech Celebration for the Massachusetts Middle School Speech League.
NASHOBA BROOKS STUDENTS and employees dedicated the morning to activities to demonstrate their appreciation of the School and to give back in a meaningful way to the community. During Morning of Service, they completed projects focused on gratitude, helpfulness, empathy, and service to others.
The tournament in Milton included more than 200 students from 10 schools around the state. The Nashoba Brooks speech team, led by coaches Hannah Flint and Rachelle Vachon, sent 8 out of their 12 members to TurkeyFest. E. Pohlig (’18) placed first in Children’s Literature, C. Skelly (’20) placed first in Prose Reading, and T. Renyi (’20) and E. Sohn (’20) placed first in their groups for Demonstration. Since TurkeyFest, the speech team competed in three more tournaments. This included our hosting of 10 schools and 86 students during our Happy New Year Speech Tournament.
The students worked on a variety of projects that morning: Preschoolers created bird protectors for School windows; fifth graders worked with kindergarteners to package hats and mittens for Cradles to Crayons; first graders helped to prepare emergency drill bags; second graders wrote letters of gratitude to School employees, and third graders wrote letters of thanks to parents. In the Middle School, Grades 4 and 8 students worked on a holiday spoons project to support Project Bread. Grade 6 made dog toys for Buddy Dog; and Grade 7 presented cat and dog toys to support the work of the ASPCA/MSPCA. Many thanks to the Service Learning Leadership Team!
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Governor Gina Raimondo and Middle School students
The Correia Family honored by Heading Home.
Governor of Rhode Island visits Grades 7 and 8
on December 5. Janet, Steve, Adrienne (’18), and James Correia shared the prestigious “Luberta Shea Volunteer of the Year” award, given for their generous service. Adrienne worked hard to bring birthday celebrations, complete with cake and gifts, to homeless kids living in shelters, while the family also assisted in the purchase of condominiums in Everett that could be offered to families at very low rent. Nashoba Brooks School is fortunate to have the Correia family in our community, and we congratulate them on their award.
NOVEMBER 30, 2017
GINA RAIMONDO, the 75th Governor of Rhode Island, visited Nashoba Brooks School and spoke to Grades 7 and 8 students. Elected in 2015, Governor Raimondo is the first woman to hold that state’s office. Prior to that, she served as the treasurer of Rhode Island. The governor’s visit was linked to the students’ study of government and leadership styles, and complemented the Grade 8 trip to the State House on November 17. Governor Raimondo spoke to students about her role as governor, her journey as a leader, and her hope that each Nashoba Brooks student will pursue their passions and dreams. Grade 8 students look forward to continuing their study of government and leadership with their scheduled trip to Washington, D.C. in April.
Team Cycle for Colby raises more than $250,000 for the Pan-Mass Challenge DECEMBER 20, 2017
Correia Family Named “Volunteers of the Year” by Heading Home, Inc. DECEMBER 5, 2017
FOR JANET CORREIA (P’18), working as a Nashoba Brooks trustee is just the beginning. She and her whole family are also very involved in an organization called Heading Home Inc., which seeks to provide emergency, temporary and permanent housing, and other services to homeless families and individuals in Greater Boston. Their leadership and support were recognized at the organization’s 2017 Annual Awards and Celebration, held
Two members of Team Cycle for Colby
COLBY SCHOFIELD, a 2010 Nashoba Brooks School graduate, is making strides in the fight to cure cancer. In November 2012, Colby was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. When diagnosed, Colby and her friends from Nashoba Brooks—Amanda Brown, Tess Pellegrini, FALL/ WI N T E R 2018 | 17
“The ocean is a beautiful thing in the winter. Always alive, always moving, and always changing.” — CARA FRITZ, alumna (’17)
Isabelle Washkurak, and Isabelle Hoch—formed Team Cycle for Colby to ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). The PMC is the nation’s oldest bike-a-thon, which donates every dollar raised to fund cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund Clinic, where Colby was successfully treated. Since Colby’s diagnosis, Team Cycle for Colby has raised $250,661 (over 1,850 donations) for the PMC. Each year, depending on their college schedules, her friends from Nashoba Brooks return to ride in the PMC to support Colby. Now that’s teamwork! Photo (previous page): Picture taken at the PMC, August 2017. Pictured (from left) Colby Schofield (’10) and Tess Pellegrini (’10); Not pictured due to conflicting schedules, but typically on the team: Amanda Brown (’10), Isabelle Washkurak (’10), Isabelle Hoch (’10).
Alumna Cara Fritz (’17) brought home the Gold in the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest JANUARY 16, 2018
CARA FRITZ won the Gold Award in the 2017 Ocean Awareness Student Contest, sponsored by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs. Cara was selected from almost 900 middle school entries from around the world in the Prose category for her piece entitled What If? Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs works to inspire the next generation of ocean caretakers through education and engagement with the arts, science, and advocacy. The contest challenged students to create visual art, poetry, prose, or film around the theme of Ocean Pollution: Challenges & Solutions to communicate the impact of human activity on the ocean’s health and to challenge the development of innovative solutions.
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Michelle Poler
Michelle Poler Speaks to Students and Parents about Facing Fear
Poler is currently touring the world. As part of her tour, Michelle has spoken at TEDx, Google, Facebook, and The World Domination Summit.
FEBRUARY 5, 2018
MICHELLE POLER, a speaker, researcher, and influencer known for her blog 100 Days Without Fear and for the social movement Hello Fears, spoke at Nashoba Brooks School on Monday, February 5. Poler, 29 years old, said she was raised in fear by her parents. She came from a family of World War II survivors with half of her family killed by Nazis in concentration camps. Michelle also lived in Venezuela, a country of political unrest. In her afternoon talk to Nashoba Brooks Middle School students, Michelle pointed out that most kids who are limited by fear ask the question, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Michelle urged the girls to switch the question. “Start asking yourself, ‘What’s the best that can happen?’” In an evening presentation, Poler directed her message to parents. She encouraged parents to acknowledge that all children and adults have fears. By modeling the idea of taking action, parents can show children that facing one’s fears can be both exciting and liberating.
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1. Illstyle & Peace Productions brought dance rooted in West African, contemporary, and oldschool hip-hop styles to assembly. 2. Brooks the Bear made an appearance at drop-off for Spirit Day: Funky Friday. 3. Grade 7 students participated in a map-making exercise, tracking their journeys from home to School. 4. At Concord Bookshop Day, Assistant Head of Lower School Jane O’Connor read to children while Music Teacher Paul Benzaquin joined on guitar. 5. Drama teacher Rachelle Vachon led our Grade 5 students in mime performance during an allschool assembly. 6. Grades 4 and 8 buddies made awesome spoons to raise money and awareness for Project Bread. 7. At Harvest Festival, students enjoyed many activities including a train ride, relay races, face painting, and more. 8. Grades 3 and 7 performed The Little Mermaid, Jr. 9. Grade 5 students performed Aesop’s Fables puppet plays at an all-school assembly. 10. Grade 8 takes the win at the Employee vs. Grade 8 flag football game.
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WELCOME BACK
ALUMNI
ON NOVEMBER 21, a record-breaking number of young alumni from the classes of 2014 to 2017 came back to campus to reconnect with each other and their former teachers. The reunion included a photo booth, hot chocolate station, taco bar, and tours of the School. Head of School Danielle Heard welcomed the group and gave
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a snapshot of what this year has looked like for our community. Director of Alumnae and Parent Engagement Elizabeth Wallace, and Director of Annual Giving Nikki Chan talked about the power of connection and the impact of supporting the Nashoba Brooks Fund.
ON DECEMBER 14, Nashoba Brooks School graduates from the third grade classes of 2014 to 2017 met up for the Young Alumni Reunion for pizza, conversation, and a rousing game of dodgeball. Previously an event for male alumni, both the boys and the girls from those classes were invited this year. It was a great night to reconnect with old friends and former teachers, too! The evening closed with the Grades 3 and 7 musical performance of The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Share your news! Hey, alumni! Please share your news for the class notes section of the Spring 2018 issue of the Bulletin. Have you graduated or started a new job? Recently gotten engaged or married? Have you added to your family? Traveled to exotic places? Made an impact in your local community? Have you gotten together with Nashoba Brooks friends? We want to know. Drop us a line and be sure to share a photo, too! Send your news or update your contact information by emailing alum@nashobabrooks.org.
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Our Community Partners
Our partnerships extend well beyond the walls of our campus. The Nashoba Brooks experience is both deepened and broadened through our relationships with organizations in the Concord community and beyond. Take a closer look at the partners and organizations who help make our community safer, more enjoyable, and even more inspired.
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Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE)
Concord Fire Department
DSK Architects
The Greater Boston Food Bank
Open Table
Rustic Pathways
Boston College Innocence Program
Concord Museum
Chewonki
Concord Council on Aging
Concord Police Department
Cradles to Crayons
Emerson Hospital
The Fenn School
Gaining Ground
Interstate Electrical Services Corp.
Mass Audubon
Prochaedo Partners
Project Oceanography
Safe and Sound Schools
Shared_Studios (Concord_Portal)
National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS)
The Robbins House
Sodexo
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Concord Police Department, Scott Camilleri As a detective with the Concord Police, Scott has two primary responsibilities: Student Resource Officer (SRO) and Elder Affairs Officer. He serves as the SRO for Concord Public Schools (K-8) and ConcordCarlisle High School and acts as the SRO/ Police Liaison for most of the private schools in Concord, including Concord Academy, Middlesex School, The Fenn School, and Nashoba Brooks School. Scott works with all of the schools regarding safety planning, and he assists the school administrators, staff, and students in creating a safe learning environment. In Scott’s role as the Elder Affairs Officer, he works closely with the Concord Council on Aging (COA), and various elder groups and agencies in town, keeping them informed about scams and town-related issues, and assisting them as needed. “I am impressed with how staff and students work hard on creating and keeping a safe learning environment.” —Scott Camilleri, Detective, Concord Police Department
What makes this partnership so special Scott’s partnership with Nashoba Brooks is invaluable. As a member of the Concord Police Department, Scott joins a representative from the Concord Fire Department at the fall all-school assembly at Nashoba Brooks. At the assembly, members of both departments review general school safety procedures, explain their roles in the community, and answer any questions. In the past, Scott has also been invited to meet
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with the Grade 8 health class to discuss their research and reports on various drugs. As always, Scott alerts Head of School Danielle Heard of any concerns in the community and keeps her updated on school-related safety issues.
Owen Elton, Alumnus and Designer Owen Elton is a Nashoba Brooks alumnus, Concord Academy student, and freelance designer for the marketing and communications team at Nashoba Brooks School. “I just loved my time at Nashoba Brooks so much and want to help in any way I can.” Owen Elton (’10) What makes this partnership so special Owen graduated third grade in 2010 and brings a wealth of School knowledge to his current position at Nashoba Brooks. Currently a junior at Concord Academy, Owen puts his graphic design skills to work in his spare time, designing brochures and printed material to promote the School’s various events.
Gaining Ground, Amy Capofreddi, P’14 and P’16 Gaining Ground is a hunger-relief organization that grows food for people in need using organic, no-till farming methods. They have two direct distribution sites, Lowell Head Start and Concord Food For
Families, where they set up free farmer’s markets for families on Saturday mornings. Currently, 2,500 volunteers work on the farm, growing 80,000 lbs. of produce last year (compared with 34,000 lbs. in 2013). “We could not do what we do without the help of our volunteers and community partners like Nashoba Brooks School.” — Amy Capofreddi, first Executive Director of Gaining Ground and a former member of the Nashoba Brooks School development team. What makes this partnership so special Nashoba Brooks School classes have been visiting Gaining Ground for years. Polly Vanasse, former Nashoba Brooks School science teacher and service-learning coordinator, often brought her students to Gaining Ground and now serves on the farm’s board. Through the Read for Seeds program, Nashoba Brooks Grades 2-5 students learn about the farm from the lead farmer. Students then solicit pledges from family and friends based on how much they read to help buy seeds for the farm. This past fall, Nashoba Brooks parents organized a table where festival participants and student volunteers assembled bean soup mixes, popcorn, and cornbread mixes, which were later distributed at Concord Food For Families during Thanksgiving. Expanding the partnership further, Gaining Ground recently connected Nashoba Brooks School Grade 3 students to another organization, Open Table, so they could see where some of the food goes after it leaves Gaining Ground.
Mass Audubon Society, Kim Russell-Flanzer
Open Table, Jeanine Calabria
Kim started as a volunteer and an environmental education coordinator in the Wellesley Public Schools. Now she works at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Sanctuary and runs her own business, Pebble Pocket Adventures, which offers enrichment for schools and recreation departments. In addition, Kim leads Mass Wildlife workshops to train teachers.
Founded in 1989, Open Table provides healthy food, friendship, and support to those in need while respecting their privacy and dignity. The organization offers weekly community supper programs and food pantries in Concord and Maynard/ Sudbury to more than 300 guests—offering a welcoming community of support and assistance to families and individuals, including many seniors and children.
“You don’t often find schools with as much passion for getting kids outside as Nashoba Brooks!” —Kim Russell-Flanzer, TeacherNaturalist, Mass Audubon Society What makes this partnership so special As the School’s “Naturalist in Residence,” Kim spends time outdoors with Nashoba Brooks Preschool students and teachers on a monthly basis to explore a focused area of study (e.g., birds or the pond). This teacher-naturalist also invites students and teachers to participate in programs at Drumlin Farm to enhance student learning. Last year, students learned about birds of prey, song birds, waterfowl, and domestic birds (including chickens) through a program at the farm. The beauty of this partnership is that Kim is really getting to know the students, the teachers, and the School, so she can bring valuable supplementary programming and suggest off-campus adventures that enhance the curriculum.
“Nashoba Brooks School has been a wonderful community partner. The School has been an active community leader, demonstrating flexibility in meeting the needs of Open Table and generating an enthusiastic response to their involvement.” —Jeanine Calabria, Executive Director, Open Table What makes this partnership so special Over the years, Nashoba Brooks students have volunteered for a variety of projects at Open Table: preparing soup, corn muffin mixes, and hot chocolate mixes for the annual Thanksgiving dinner, managing, cleaning, and setting up the food pantry, participating in food drives, and wrapping gifts for the holiday gift drive. These activities are all done in the spirit of service and giving back. Cultivating this kind of community engagement at a young age is critical for the growth of our students’ empathy and character. As future leaders and citizens, they will create a better world as a result of this experience.
Sodexo, Sean-Michael Tantinarawat As a Sodexo employee, Sean-Michael has been pleasing palates for students and employees alike for more than three years. He plans and prepares daily meals for approximately 274 students and 87 employees. “I’m committed to sourcing food from local vendors whenever possible, providing meals with fresh ingredients. The students really enjoy kiwi berries and pomegranates, which are more exciting and exotic.” —Sean-Michael Tantinarawat, Executive Chef, General Manager, Director of Food Services, Sodexo What makes this partnership so special Sean-Michael makes eating in Wallace Dining Commons an enjoyable experience with a focus on health. By partnering with Red Best in Boston, he connects to local, independent fisherman to receive sustainably caught haddock, cod, and dogfish. Local bakeries provide allergyfree bread made in a facility without nuts. Little Leaf Farm in Devons, Massachusetts, supplies local, organic lettuce direct from their hydroponic farm, and in the spring, Sean-Michael looks to a variety of local farms for organic produce. In the winter, he tries to bring in “peak season” produce, like citrus fruits high in vitamin C to combat colds. Through a new partnership with nearby Black Earth Company, Nashoba Brooks School began composting this year.
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WINTER FUN FOR E VERYONE Winter Weekend 2018, Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28
Disco Party The disco party for current families on Friday night started with a pizza dinner and continued with a DJ who played hits from all decades. Our students (and parents) dressed in retro attire and danced the night away.
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S’mores & More A record crowd participated in S’mores & More. In addition to the S’more-making station and a photo booth with Brooks the Bear, activities included community service projects for Cradles to Crayons and Open Table, coding, winter art, story time, as well as a drumming session and mime workshop.
Skating at Middlesex School The weekend ended on Sunday with a skating party at Middlesex School’s rink where parents and students enjoyed an afternoon gliding on the ice.
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that.” —Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
GRADE 1 STUDENTS REFLECTED upon and honored the life and impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with art teacher Kara Angeloni Williams. The class spent time in the art studio looking closely at an image of Dr. King. Through the process of looking and drawing, students made thoughtful observations and engaged with his story in a way they might not have experienced before.
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THE CHILDREN ASKED: Who is he looking at? Why is he smiling? Why is he wearing a tie? Why does he have a mustache? Does he have children? Why do we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Partner in Safety: Michele Gay Safe and Sound Schools ON OCTOBER 10, the School’s safety committee welcomed current parents to a meeting on school safety, which included a presentation by Michele Gay, Co-founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools: A Sandy Hook Initiative. Following the tragic loss of her daughter, Josephine, in the Sandy Hook School tragedy, Michele joined Sandy Hook mother Alissa Parker to establish Safe and Sound Schools as a national resource for school safety. Michele’s nationwide work shares her message of inspiration, recovery, and school safety education and advocacy. She conducts school safety workshops and seminars, presents Safe and Sound’s model and resources, and facilitates school safety development in communities across the country.
In her presentation to the Nashoba Brooks School community—School Safety: A Parent’s Perspective— Michele told her personal story and recounted the lessons she learned on December 14, 2012, in the aftermath of the tragedy. The presentation followed with an overview of our safety procedures and a Q&A session with Concord School Resource Officer Scott Camilleri. Nashoba Brooks School values the work and insights of Michele Gay and her foundation. We look forward to our continued partnership and work together to keep our students safe and sound.
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EXPANDING OUR PARTNERSHIPS Teacher Andrés MéndezPeñate (left, top) and Director of Educational Technology and Innovation Hank Bryant (right, top) join Grade 7 students during a Portal session with university students in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
GLOBALLY
IT’S A BIRD... IT’S A PLANE… No, the giant inflatable container that landed on campus on January 3 is, in fact, a Portal—a space where students and teachers can enter to engage in authentic connections with other Portal locations around the globe. These immersive environments foster person-to-person conversations through the use of live video and large screens. When inside the Portal, people feel very much like they are in the same room. It is even possible to make eye contact. With that kind of intimacy at distances up to 5,000 miles apart, conversations and connections are meaningful and impactful. The first Portal opened in December 2014 as a public art project connecting New York and Tehran. Since that launch, Portals have connected more than 45,000 people worldwide. FALL/ WI N T E R 2018 | 33
Nashoba Brooks is the first Preschool through Grade 8 independent school in the state to host a Portal and has already connected Mexico City, Kabul, and Honduras with both Lower and Middle School students. The connections with students are timely and relevant. Spanish teacher Andrés Méndez-Peñate connected Grade 7 students with university students Mauricio and Marcela in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, during a time of political unrest and nationwide strikes for that country. The students took a moment to pause and rejoice in their connection. “We were thrilled to feel like we were in the same room with them, and students asked lots of questions in Spanish,” said Andrés. “Mauricio and Marcela taught us some Honduran slang and even played some ‘Punta’ for us, which is a traditional dance.” “The Portal will be important to our curriculum in terms of expanding our conversations and partnerships, both domestically and globally, by fostering an exchange of ideas that might not be able to happen without this type of technology,” said Head of School Danielle Heard. “And, it’s creating a huge buzz among our students who are excited about the possibilities to reach out to others across the globe.” The Concord_Portal is situated in the Achtmeyer Gallery and will be in use until March 8.
What people are saying about their Portal ventures. GRADE 2 MUSIC WITH PAUL BENZAQUIN “Each class met with curators from Herat, Afghanistan. We had a great time singing for them and asking questions. Students showed their gymnastic moves and dance steps. A highlight was performing a patting song, which they took part in as well.”
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As part of the Portal project, Nashoba Brooks plans to connect with others from Brooklyn, New York to Yangon, Myanmar, and many places in between. Highlights include: Kindergarteners reaching out to scientists and students in Adelaide, Australia to learn about rainforest animals, habitat and climate. Middle School sixth graders connecting with Gaza, Palestine to conduct a unit on robotics using LEGO Mindstorms. Middle School students connecting with a refugee camp in Erbil, Iraq to learn firsthand about the experience of refugees as they study immigration as both a geographic and humanitarian initiative. Middle School students reaching out to Astana, Kazakhstan to learn more about the future of energy consumption.
MORE ON PORTALS: Since launching in 2014, Portals have connected more than 45,000 people around the world in intimate, one-on-one dialogues. Prior Portal participants include Barack Obama, Ban Ki-moon, Haider al-Abadi, John Kerry, Samantha Power, Sergey Brin, Fareed Zakaria, Ewan McGregor, and more. Sites include Herat, Kigali, Berlin, San Francisco, an IDP camp in Iraq, a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, and more.
SHAREDSTUDIOS.COM | Facebook /SHAREDSTUDIOS | Instagram/Twitter @SHAREDSTUDIOS #CONCORDPORTAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Stuart
Beeby
GRADE 5 STUDENTS IN HERAT, AFGHANISTAN, WITH KRISTEN SHEEHAN “Our students were interested in learning about childhood experiences from Afghanistan—from playing soccer to favorite foods to education in “post-Taliban” Afghanistan. Students learned that life in Afghanistan is quite modern.”
GRADE 2 SPANISH WITH AMY RIDDLE “Each class met with Maria, an English teacher from Mexico City. She taught us a fun Spanish vocabulary game, and we showed her some hand-clapping games (White Horse, Double This Double That) We had a great time and learned a lot!”
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Nashoba Brooks is‌
inclusivity, innovation, impact, and
you!
with you we value inclusivity More than just an education, Nashoba Brooks School builds character and confidence, celebrates curiosity, and ignites passion. Nashoba Brooks is its students, employees, parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends—a vibrant community of people who love the School and are invested in seeing it thrive.
with you we embrace innovation “I give to Nashoba Brooks because I know that my gift will have a major impact. In such a small, intimate setting it’s easy to witness my gift at work.” —Nashoba Brooks School Parent
together we make an impact! By contributing to the Nashoba Brooks Fund, you not only make an impact on children’s day-to-day experiences, but also invest in the innovative, compassionate, and confident men and women our students will become. With you we create inspired education.
WAYS TO GIVE TO THE NASHOBA BROOKS FUND nchan@nashobabrooks.org
978.369.4591 x141
nashobabrooks.org/giving
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UPCOMING EVENTS Board of Visitors’ Day
Thursday, April 5
The 2018 Spring Soirée: Champagne and Silhouettes
Saturday, April 28 • 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Grades 4-5 Spring Concert
Wednesday, May 2 • during assembly Grades 6-8 Choral Concert
Thursday, May 10 • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day
Monday, May 14 • 8:00 to 11:30 a.m Nashoba Palooza
Saturday, May 19, 2018 • 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Nashoba Brooks School Grade 3 Graduation
Monday, June 11 • 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Closing Day for Grades 4-8
Monday, June 11 • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grade 8 Graduation
Tuesday, June 12 • 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. 3 8 | N A SHOB A BROOK S S CHOOL BU LLE T I N