NCCS Bulletin Fall 2019

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL

Fall 2019

The Power & Purpose of

PLAY

CLASSROOM Companions

New Canaan Country School Bulletin Fall 2019 Head of School: Aaron Cooper

CONTENTS

Editors: Brooke Arthur Kent Findlay ’80

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Breaking Ground

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Fortune Favors the Bold, But Also the Brave and Courageous: Closing Exercises 2019

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A Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

Design: Good Design, LLC

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Campus Companions

Printer: J.S. McCarthy Printers jsmccarthy.com

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The Power & Purpose of Play

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Teaming Up: Kyle A. Markes Day of Service & Markes Madness

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Family Fun Night & Deal Days

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Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day

Contributors: Brooke Arthur Renee Bornstein Diane Briggs Elizabeth Carroll Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 Aaron Cooper

Kent Findlay ’80 Nanette Gantz Jen Gifford Mark Macrides Whitney Mallozzi Moina Noor

Photography: Brooke Arthur Aron Back Diane Briggs Kent Findlay ’80 Joan Guzzetti Highpoint Photography Ha Lam Pamela Ha-Stevenson Barbara Latimer Meaghan Mallin Moina Noor Timber Pech Liz Pepe Chi Chi Ubiña Elaine Ubiña

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On the cover: Molly keeps a watchful eye on 3-Speck while Virginia Sullivan, Finn Kieske, Paul Vartanian and Clare O’Brien build bridges as part of their Lower School math curriculum.

Photo credit: Chi Chi Ubiña

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019–2020 President: Randall M. Salvatore Vice Presidents: Stephanie Bowling

Zeigler ’81 Sarah M. Irwin Treasurer: Tucker Golden ’90 Secretary: Tara J. Coniglio Members-at-Large: Christopher T. Baker Yolanda Seals-Coffield Michael J. DiBiasio ’90

44 Horizons 46

Alumni Weekend

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Class Notes

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Faculty & Staff News

66 Milestones

Frogtown Fair

40 Transitions

Address changes: communications@countryschool.net

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In Memoriam

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A Look Back

OUR MISSION STATEMENT The mission of New Canaan Country School is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and physical potential. We value the imagination and curiosity of children and respect childhood as an integral part of life. Our teachers set high academic standards and challenge students to question, to think, to collaborate and to act with integrity. The school works in partnership with families to teach personal, social, and environmental responsibility, and to create a community that honors diversity and our common humanity. New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world.

Aaron C. Cooper, Head of School Susan M. Barr Dr. Christopher M. Bogart Arlety Bowman Lynne F. Byrne Drew Casertano Gary D. Engle Arman C. Gokgol-Kline Mariko G. LeBaron Monique S. Mims John M. Ryan Douglas A. Ryder Brennen Strine Sharon Gibbons Teles ’88 Caitlin A. Walsh Wilson S. Warren Faculty Representatives: Hannah M. Liu Lauren A. Romeo

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2019–2020 President: Susan Barr President-Elect: Liz Keogh Treasurer: Jennifer Kearney Secretary: Beth Gosk VP Community, Diversity & Inclusion: Michelle Saldivar VP Community Service: Jennifer Kline VP Volunteers: Gwen Golden

ALUMNI COUNCIL 2019–2020 President: Tucker Golden ’90 Vice President: Sanny Burnham Warner ’88 Dan Bergfeld ’58 Matt Bloom ’98 Dick Colligan ’01 Michael DiBiasio ’90 Taylor Gould ’06 Marshall Johnson ’04 Caitlin Maguire ’04 Suzy Gibbons Owen ’94 Elena Kavanagh Phillips ’91

24 Emeritus: Carl Brodnax ’76 Hugh Halsell ’59 Paula Kennedy Harrigan ’81 Carl Rohde ’66 Kit O’Brien Rohn ’78 Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81 Ex Officio: Aaron Cooper, Head of School Ryan Smith, Director of Advancement Holly Donaldson Casella ’04, Director of Alumni Affairs Steve Bloom ’03, Former Alumni Council President

from the

HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Country School Community: A favorite author of mine, David James Duncan, wrote a series of short memoir pieces he collectively called River Teeth. In the introduction, he explains that river teeth are the pitchy parts of the tree where limbs shoot out from the trunk and, after a dead tree has fallen into a river and most of it has washed away, the river teeth are the final parts that remain. He uses river teeth as a metaphor for memories: those snapshots that remain after the river of time has washed away the others. While river teeth take far longer than one year to fully appear, several interactions I witnessed last year nonetheless stand out for me as emblematic of this community and what it represents.

I shared several of these vignettes with our faculty and current families last June. They included two players collaborating to score the winning goal in an undefeated soccer season, a Middle Schooler gaining the confidence to sing a solo in a concert, sharing “Beach Day” with our Beginners, watching Lower Schoolers sprint into school on a dreary morning, an Upper Schooler caring for younger students when a bus broke down and the dedication our students made to a member of our dining staff in the yearbook. Contained in these snapshots are virtuous traits that collectively speak to so much of what Country School infuses in its students: mastery, care, wonder, joy, poise and character.

A focus of this upcoming year, as we embark on strategic planning to envision the strongest NCCS over the next decade and beyond, will be articulating the core values that we share and hold here. These values are certain to be familiar to you all as they are the everlasting foundational traits upon which everything here is built. I look forward to sharing our core values, along with our strategic planning progress, throughout this year. I am confident that these values will be reflected in the memories I shared from my first year here just as they will resonate with the river teeth you hold from your years on the corner of Ponus and Frogtown.

Enjoy,

Aaron Cooper, Head of School

To read more of Aaron’s reflections, visit www.countryschool.net/lettersfromaaron

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BREAKING GROUND Athletics & Wellness Center

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Standing near the Watson Gymnasium, Head of School Aaron Cooper was joined by students, faculty and staff, and Board President Randy Salvatore and Vice President Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81, to officially break ground on a new Athletics & Wellness Center at the annual all-school Memorial Day assembly, May 24.

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“This center will be so much more than a building. We have envisioned a space where our students will truly achieve their full potential — a place where they will not only hone their athletic skills, but where they will also learn valuable lessons in character such as teamwork and resilience, and where they will form the roots of lifelong friendships,” said Mr. Cooper.

“For the past two years, a committed group of educators has painstakingly attended to each detail to ensure that this new center will provide a physical space to match the caliber of our outstanding program, with all of the features requisite for a premier Pre-K through Grade 9 athletics program to serve our students now and well into the future. Most importantly, it will create a space that invites our entire community — students, faculty, coaches, parents and alumni — to come together,” said Mr. Cooper.

The new Athletics & Wellness Center will feature basketball courts and a volleyball gymnasium with retractable spectator seating, four squash courts, improved locker rooms for all of the athletes, an expanded fitness center, multi-purpose classrooms and a new, improved Horizons pool nearby.

“In addition to being able to bring all of our athletic and wellness programs Assembly Speaker Connor Walsh looked on as Head of School Aaron Cooper shared the story of the ceremonial groundbreaking shovel, which has been used throughout the years on projects including the 1979 Stevens Building, Thacher Building, Stevens Building renovations and the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons.

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

together under one roof, reduce off-campus travel and increase practice time, we will also be able to expand our offerings to include yoga, dance and additional fitness and wellness choices,” said Mr. Cooper. The net result will be an enhanced physical education experience for all students.

Construction began in June, and the new center will open for the start of the 2020–2021 school year.

OUR FUTURE CAMPUS

In January 2016, the Board of Trustees adopted a long-range campus master plan. Significant progress has been made during the past three years.

Middle School renovation COMPLETED 2016

Lower School renovation COMPLETED 2017

Grace House renovation COMPLETED 2018

Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons (new construction) COMPLETED 2018

o Athletics & Wellness Center TO OPEN FALL 2020 o Playing Fields

For more information, visit www.countryschool.net/futurecampus

Students representing each of the school’s four divisions joined Head of School Aaron Cooper, Board Members and the Cougar mascot in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Athletics & Wellness Center. (From left): Matthew DiBiasio, Board Vice President Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81, Emily Rodgers, Ben Herdeg, Head of School Aaron Cooper, Makena Stephenson, the Cougar mascot, Tyler Jefferson, Hilary Miller, Dhru Ghadiyali, Cassie Warren and Board President Randy Salvatore

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Fortune Favors the Bold,

Brave + Courageous but also the

The following are remarks made

by Head of School Aaron Cooper

during the 2019 Closing Exercises

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

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oday, we celebrate and we also reflect. We celebrate

your growth and who you are and what you will do.

And we reflect on all you have experienced. You have overcome a lot in your time at Country School. You have overcome some serious matters that no children your age should have to confront, and you have overcome other more trivial obstacles, like broken-down buses and canceled trips and terrible weather, that were certainly important in the moment. Regardless of the nature of the challenge, however, you have always persevered.

Thinking of that resilience — one of our Mission Skills, of

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course — brings me to our school motto, Audentes Fortuna Juvat. Fortune Favors the Bold. It is no accident that we sang the song immediately after our moments of reflection earlier. It has been Country School’s motto since at least the early 1950s; in fact, its origin here remains a mystery even to as intrepid a historical sleuth as Mr. Macrides.

Luckily, we have a better sense of when that phrase was used in antiquity. It, or its close cousin, Fortis Fortuna Juvat — Fortune Favors the Brave — has three significant appearances in antiquity: The play Phormio by Terence, first performed in 161 B.C., famously in the Aeneid by Virgil between 29 and 19 B.C., and then by Pliny the Younger recounting the life of his uncle, Pliny the Elder, written towards the end of the 1st century A.D. It is this third use that we will explore a little more deeply.

4 5 1. Ninth grade geometry classmates Ellie Walker, Himani Narayan, Kyle Latimer, Paige Davis, Anna Sheridan, Ella Zea, Stanley Bright, Reed Parmelee and Noah Rizvi gather for a photo.

2. Head of School Aaron Cooper presented Caroline Blouin her certificate of graduation.

3. Nathalie Hade and Nikolas Cadoret 4. Carlo, Carl and Jocelyne Coridon 5. Dylan Seth presented the Class Reflection.

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Pliny the Elder was the son of an equestrian and was educated in Rome to be a lawyer. After school, he entered the army as a junior officer commanding infantry, cavalry and naval units. A scholar, Pliny published books on topics ranging from military tactics to biographies of important figures and treatises on natural history. He was named a procurator — essentially a governor — of several different parts of the empire ranging from France, Germany and Spain to North Africa. When he returned to Rome and published his most famous book, Naturalis Historia, an encyclopedia of natural history, he came into command of a fleet in the Roman Navy.

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Let me pause here. Ensured of a good education by parents who valued that — sound familiar? — he had all the tools to go on to live a life of great impact.

Author, lawyer, statesman, military commander. That is an impressive life. It is the sort of life, translated to the 21st century, that we all hope for all of you sitting here.

Today marks a major step in that life and in that hope.

Back to Pliny. The year was 79 A.D.; Naturalis Historia had been published two years beforehand, and he was commanding a Roman Navy armada off the coast of modernday Naples. Anyone know what happened in 79 A.D. near 7

the coast of modern-day Naples? Well, Ms. Liu would surely

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tell you that it was the year Mt. Vesuvius erupted, burying Herculaneum and Pompeii. Pliny was on a ship and received a message that his friend, the Roman senator Pomponianus, was stuck on shore near Herculaneum. Though he was advised to stay clear of the shore due to the danger, Pliny replied “fortis fortuna juvat — fortune favors the brave, and steer towards where Pomponianus is.” That is bravery indeed.

Imagine the courage and the valor to point your ship towards the volcano in order to rescue a friend. There are some mission skills in there, too. Well, Pliny found Pomponianus and many others on the shore, and even though Pliny and Pomponianus did not make it out, many were rescued from the shore that day because of Pliny’s actions.

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That’s a wrap!

The Seth family concludes 18 years at Country School. Also noteworthy is the Morgan family with 14 years and the Boeschenstein, Davis, Latimer, Magnusen, Pratt and Rizvi families each with 12 years.

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

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o now from here

and, in the words of our mission, make a positive contribution to the world.”

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Bridget Keogh and Noah Rizvi Audrey ’18 and Layla Magnusen Lindsay and Scott Ferretti Lord ’85, Gigi, Eloise ’17 and Mandi Morgan 10. Kevin, Ryan ’18, Dylan, Henry ’13 and Kendra Seth 11. Mason and Desmond Pratt ’17 12. The graduates pose for photos.

13. Nancy and Paige Davis 14. Sam ’17, Holly, Reed, Jim and Jay Parmelee ’17 15. Himani and Sushmita Narayan ’16 16. Constanze, Kevin and Anna Sheridan 17. Margaret Boeschenstein and Stanley Bright 18. Sloane ’17, Bill, Kyle and Barbara van der Kieft Latimer ’85 and Michelle van der Kieft 19. Jane, Peter and Greg Diorio

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Congratulations!

(Front row left to right): Himani Narayan, Sydney Osinloye, Kyle Latimer, Ellie Hanson, Gigi Morgan, Lindsay Ferretti, Bridget Keogh, Anna Sheridan, Ella Zea, Caroline Blouin, Ellie Walker. (Second row left to right): Cody Comyns, Logan Johnson, Paige Davis, Ella Schoonmaker, Gwen Thompson, Margaret Boeschenstein, Dylan Seth, Daniela Soto, Layla Magnusen, Andrew Almeida, Alex Almeida. (Third row left to right): Amitav Nott, Mason Zea, Connor Walsh, Stanley Bright, Evan Hayes, Noah Rizvi, Nikolas Cadoret, Seth Yoo. (Fourth row left to right): Anthony Crossman, Carl Coridon, Peter Diorio, Charlie Gosk, Jack DeGulis, Ravi Conway, Mason Pratt, Reed Parmelee.

Class of 2019 Secondary School Destinations Alex Almeida ������������������������������������������ Middlesex School

Layla Magnusen ���������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Andrew Almeida �������������������������������������� Middlesex School

Gigi Morgan...................................... Greens Farms Academy

Caroline Blouin ������������������������������������� Greenwich Academy

Himani Narayan. ......................... Brien McMahon High School

Margaret Boeschenstein ���������������������������� Millbrook School

Amitav Nott.................................... Rye Country Day School

Stanley Bright ������������������������������������������ Berkshire School

Sydney Osinloye. ........................ Brien McMahon High School

Nikolas Cadoret ��������������������������������������� Brunswick School

Reed Parmelee ����������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Cody Comyns. . . . . . . . . . . ..................... Phillips Academy Andover

Mason Pratt �������������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Ravi Conway.. . . . . . . . . . . ............................ Westhill High School

Noah Rizvi ����������������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Carl Coridon.. . . . . . . . . . . ......................... Greens Farms Academy

Ella Schoonmaker ��������������������������������� Greenwich Academy

Anthony Crossman ����������������������������� Choate Rosemary Hall

Dylan Seth ���������������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Paige Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... The Loomis Chaffee School

Anna Sheridan ������������������������������������������������� King School

Jack DeGulis ���������������������������������������� Westminster School

Daniela Soto. ................................... Rye Country Day School

Peter Diorio. . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. Westminster School

Carter Spain. .................................. New Canaan High School

Lindsay Ferretti.. . . . . . . .............. Marymount School of New York

Gwen Thompson ����������������������������������������� The Taft School

Charlie Gosk �������������������������������������������� Berkshire School

Ellie Walker ������������������������������������������������� Blair Academy

Ellie Hanson ��������������������������������������������� St. Paul’s School

Connor Walsh �������������������������������������������� The Taft School

Evan Hayes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... New Canaan High School

Seth Yoo................................................. Brunswick School

Logan Johnson ��������������������������������������� Holderness School

Ella Zea. .............................................. Greenwich Academy

Bridget Keogh �������������������������������������� Miss Porter’s School

Mason Zea ��������������������������������������������� Brunswick School

Nicholas Lancaster ��������������������������������� Darien High School Kyle Latimer ����������������������������������������� Darien High School

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

See page 58 for Class of 2016 college destinations.

So, why do I tell this story? As you head from here and into your next schools, you will face many similar, though far less dangerous (we hope!), moments of uncertainty or fear that might require some courage and bravery from you. I hope you will face those challenges head on, make the courageous choice, and stand up for your beliefs. In short, I hope you will steer towards where Pomponianus is.

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You will get to a school where you do not know most — if any — of the people, which can be daunting. Steer towards where Pomponianus is. You will have the choice

Alumni 3 of our 2019 graduates are children of alumni: Barbara van der Kieft Latimer ’85, Lord Morgan ’85, Sam Schoonmaker ’83

21 20. The graduates get ready.

21. Sam ’83, Janse ’18 and Ella Schoonmaker and Andrea Assarat 22. Mabika and Amitav Nott. Amitav received the 2019 Johansen Award.

23. Andrea, Daniela and Andres Soto ’10 24. Clifton, Merrill ’17, Stanley, Walker and Sheldon Bright 25. Sydney Osinloye receives congratulations.

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“In moments of uncertainty or fear that might require some courage and bravery from you, I hope you will face those challenges head on, make the courageous choice, and

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27 to take very challenging courses or easier classes. Steer

26. Jenn, Cody, Will ’16 and Matt Comyns. Cody presented the Class Salutation.

27. Betsy, Ethan and Seth Yoo 28. Robert and Ellie Walker.

Ellie received the 2019 Gamble Award.

29. Annette Buckley, Anthony Crossman and Anthony Crossman 30. Jane, Connor and Lauren Walsh ’18 31. Gwen and Brenda Thompson 32. Mason and Ella Zea

towards where Pomponianus is. Perhaps there will be a club that interests you but you are not sure how to get involved.

Steer towards where Pomponianus is. There will be a topic that sparks something in you but you may not be sure how to pursue it. Steer towards where Pomponianus is. You will see someone in pain who needs a lift. Steer towards where Pomponianus is. A classmate will need someone to stand up for them and to be their ally and friend. Steer towards where Pomponianus is. You will be in a close game and the coach will need someone to step up to make a play.

Be that person. Steer towards where Pomponianus is.

When in doubt. When you have a difficult choice to 28

make. When you have a moment of uncertainty. Steer towards where Pomponianus is. Steer towards where Pomponianus is. Steer towards where Pomponianus is. And who knows? Maybe someday a great school will make something you did their motto.

Fortune truly does favor the brave and the courageous and the bold. Especially with the background of support you have from this school and from your families, go now from here and, in the words of our mission, make a positive contribution to the world. It will not be easy and you will have moments of doubt, but, always, steer towards where Pomponianus is and that will help direct you. Your teachers and your families and I know your training will allow you to do so just like Pliny’s did. Congratulations on graduating from NCCS and thank you for all you have given our commu-

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nity through your passion, your talents, your desire, your leadership and your courage. Good luck and thank you.”

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

More photos available www.countryschool.net

Class of 2020 Destinations

While 37 students will be returning for ninth grade, 25 members of the 2018–2019 eighth grade class will be departing for the following secondary school destinations.

Dean Ambrose ����������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Parakram Karnik �������������������������������������� Brunswick School

Jaeon Anglin ��������������������������������������� Staples High School

Amelia Lancaster ���������������������������������������� The Taft School

Maeve Baker ����������������������������������������� Deerfield Academy

Andrew Mayock �������������������������������� Greens Farms Academy

Walker Blair ����������������������������������� New Canaan High School

Hunter McCarthy ����������������������������� Rye Country Day School

Charlotte Calderwood ����������������������� Greens Farms Academy

Cole Nightingale ������������������������������� Greens Farms Academy

Orchid Coffin ������������������������������������������� Millbrook School

Sophie Petricone ����������������������������� Rye Country Day School

Brian Collins ������������������������������������ Greenwich High School

Charlotte Price ���������������������������� The Loomis Chaffee School

Miles English �������������������������������������������� Milton Academy

Matt Riccardi ������������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Hugh Gardiner ������������������������������� New Canaan High School

Ashley Rodgers ������������������������������������ Greenwich Academy

Ava Gizzie ���������������������������������������� Choate Rosemary Hall

Paul Schilcher �������������������������������� New Canaan High School

Sasha Intile ����������������������������������������������������� King School

Caleb Seiden �������������������������������������������� St. Luke’s School

Beau Johnson �������������������������������� New Canaan High School

Alexander Sotirhos �������������������������� New Canaan High School

Will Johnson ����������������������������������������� Darien High School

Mark Taubner �������������������������������� New Canaan High School

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,I m Ready...

Congratulations, Class of 2019!

Find out how these ninth grade graduates are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

For more than 100 years, Country School has provided an intentional, journey that balances strong academic preparation with social-emotional development for children age 3 through Grade 9. The result is alumni who are confident leaders and bold thinkers who are prepared to contribute to their next school and beyond.

“Country School has given me the confidence to take risks and embrace challenges that push me out of my comfort zone.”

—Ellie Hanson will attend St. Paul’s School

“I’m ready to grow on the strong foundation that NCCS has given me.”

—Connor Walsh will attend The Taft School

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“I leave NCCS a confident learner, with a strong belief in myself and a willingness to be bold.”

“I have learned a plethora of skills that will help me in the future.”

—Mason Pratt will attend St. Luke’s School

—Daniela Soto will attend Rye Country Day School

“I’m ready to continue doing

“I’m ready for anything.”

the things I’m passionate about and embrace myself at my next school.”

—Mason Zea will attend Brunswick School

—Himani Narayan will attend Brien McMahon High School

Did you see us on social media? I’m Ready is an advertising campaign which runs each spring in local print and digital outlets. For more please visit: NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

www.countryschool.net/ready

Recent raduates Help Rebuild a House in Puerto Rico A day after graduation, 19 recent ninth grade graduates boarded a plane for an unforgettable weeklong trip to Puerto Rico. In addition to exploring the island and immersing themselves in the local culture and language, the students spent several days helping a family rebuild their house, which was destroyed by Hurricane Maria in Sept. 2017.

The group landed in San Juan and learned about the city’s vibrant past as one of the oldest European cities in North America. Their next stop was Villa del Rio, a mountain town one and a half hours away. As they left the main city and headed toward the countryside, students noticed that the effects of the hurricane, such as debris, downed signs and billboards, are still very much present. Upon arriving at their destination, a local leader and community organizer introduced the students to the hurricane relief work projects, which focus on rebuilding homes that were severely damaged by the high winds and flooding.

The students met Angel and Maria, the couple whose house they were going to rebuild. “With tears in their eyes, they told the story of the hurricane and how scary it was,” said Liz Pepe, Upper School Spanish teacher who co-chaperoned the trip with Barbara Latimer ’85, an Upper School math teacher.

For the next few days, the students worked diligently alongside the family to dig holes, mix cement and put up rebar.

“They were such incredibly hard workers. I was so proud of them,” said Ms. Pepe.

At their farewell dinner with Angel and Maria, ninth grader Niko Cadoret was so moved by his experience that he prepared a speech in Spanish for the family.

“I told them that they were the strongest people I had ever met,” said Niko. “They lost everything in an instant, yet they were optimistic and thankful for whatever they had. As we were leaving, they said, ‘My house is your house.’ I learned so much about resilience and generosity from them.”

In addition to their time at Villa del Rio, the students hiked in the El Yunque Rainforest and kayaked in the Bioluminescent Bay of Fajardo.

“I had an amazing time. It was a last hurrah with my classmates, a trip of a lifetime,” said Niko.

Students who participated in the trip included Andrew Almeida, Alex Almeida, Caroline Blouin, Margaret Boeschenstein, Nikolas Cadoret, Anthony Crossman, Jack DeGulis, Lindsay Ferretti, Ellie Hanson, Logan Johnson, Kyle Latimer, Daniela Soto, Gigi Morgan, Reed Parmelee, Noah Rizvi, Dylan Seth, Gwen Thompson, Ella Zea and Mason Zea. FLAG ©MIKROBIUZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM discover more countryschool.net

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o A commitment t

Environmental

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Responsibility

By Moina Noor, Digital Communications Manager

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S

ince the Board of Trustees adopted a long-range campus master plan in January 2016, major renovations have been made to the Lower School, Middle School and Grace House, and the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons was constructed. Students have benefited greatly from the addition of a large community space as well as refreshed divisional buildings and classrooms that are full of natural light and fresh air.

Just step onto campus and you can see and feel the difference. However, what may not be as immediately apparent is the depth to which the school demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability throughout this process. The campus construction projects presented an opportunity to implement efficient building equipment and systems, with the aim of reducing energy use, water consumption and waste generation. And the results have been impressive: While the building footprint has grown by 10% since 2016, electricity usage dropped by 20%, oil use has dropped by 48%, water has been conserved by 70% and overall energy use has decreased by 40%.

“The creation of a campus master plan enabled us to think about the future of the school’s physical resources,” said Vice President of the Board Stephanie Bowling Ziegler ’81, who is overseeing the implementation of the plan. “We have been able to use the latest technologies, designs and practices to create beautiful spaces while minimizing our environmental impact and yielding long-term cost savings.”

stainability u S l a t n e m n o ir v En m: in the Curriculu ent pres mental responsibility is on vir en to t en itm m m A co m. rough Grade 9 curriculu th K ePr ’s ol ho sc e th throughout

Kindergarten Art Uses

Recycled Materials

The Kindergarten art program is designed with a focus on the creative process of exploration and discovery using found objects.

Children engage with a variety of recycled materials along with more traditional art materials and tools. Children are encouraged to execute their own unique creative ideas in a studio setting that emphasizes problem solving, resourcefulness and sustainability.

“The children are energized when they are allowed to interpret the inspiration and use the materials in a manner that is relevant to them and their own experiences,” said Kindergarten Art Teacher Mark Macrides. “The nontraditional recycled materials even the playing field by removing preconceived ideas and expectations about what art should be and help to create an environment where anything is possible for anyone. This leads to more student investment in the work and more ownership over the process.”

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Waste Reduction/Recycling

» Single-stream recycling was introduced in 2015, and the recyclable portion of waste has increased from about 30% to 50%.

» Over two tons of used furniture, equipment and books were donated to global charities during the renovation of the Lower and Middle School.

» Dining Hall plates, cups and utensils are reusable, the napkins are made from 100% recycled material, and food waste is composted, further reducing waste.

Compost is used around campus.

Water Conservation

» New motion-activated faucets, toilets and urinals have reduced water usage dramatically.

» Thirteen filtered water hydration — bottle filling — stations were installed throughout campus.

Energy/Fossil Fuel Conservation

» Lighting retrofits have been completed in all divisions and Grace House, reducing electricity usage. Heating systems and controls have been fixed and optimized.

» NCCS buses use propane, which is cleaner and domestically sourced.

Lower School Garden Springs to Life Second and third graders put their knowledge of plants and machines to work in

the Lower School garden. In second grade, students study plants in depth — their structure, lifecycle and importance as an energy source for life. Third graders end the year learning about simple machines, such as wedges and levers. Pictured above Kayla Mouzon and Berkley Young work in the Lower School garden.

“Students love to be outside and get their hands dirty,” said Lower School Science Teacher Ms. Detlefs. “The garden is a powerful tool for learning about the environment as children become responsible caretakers and witness how plant life is sustained.”

Fourth Graders Repopulate Salmon

» Celebrating its 10th year in operation, the 25kW Stevens solar panels produce approximately 30,000 kWh annually.

Reducing Toxins

» Pesticides, herbicides and petroleumbased fertilizers have been eliminated for lawn care.

» Efforts have been made to purchase the latest green cleaning products on the market and minimize the use of hazardous chemicals for pest control, turf care, ice melt and paints.

The fourth grade science curriculum focuses on the study of the Earth and

ecology, and the interconnectedness of plants, animals and humans. Every year, students participate in a statewide environmental conservation effort to repopulate Atlantic salmon in the Connecticut River. After charting and monitoring the growth of 200 salmon eggs and watching them become fry over the period of five months in their classroom, students travel to upstate Connecticut to release the fry in the river’s tributary.

“The kids are surprised by how fascinating the life of a fish can be,” said Ms. Detlefs. “They learn how to observe closely, engage in real-time research and learn about environmental issues. A project like this connects the kids to nature through science. It also teaches them the importance of taking care of the world around them.”

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"I want students to leave NCCS feeling passionate about sustainability.”

Professional Growth in Sustainability Education Middle and Upper School Science Teacher Margaret Mackey is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Education for Sustainability at Manhattanville College School of Education this fall. As the program description states: “This program seeks to increase the knowledge and skills necessary for professionals to become agents of change within their schools, organizations, communities, and institutions.”

“I decided to participate in this program because I am interested in having sustainability be a more intentional part of our school’s learning experience for the students across all ages and content areas,” said Ms. Mackey. “There is so much more to sustainability than reducing energy usage, and it can apply to content areas other than just science. I want students to leave NCCS feeling passionate about sustainability.”

Earth Day Book Recycling: What’s Old is New

For the past several years, Country School families donated several thousands of used books to a popular recycling program in the Lower School library. Lower School and Kindergarten students are given coupons to go shopping and “buy” these books in the library. The Lower School partners with the Parents’ Association Community Service team to donate a portion of recycled books to an organization in need.

“The kids get a first-hand, tangible experience recycling something they enjoy — books,” said Lower School Librarian Jean Stevens, who has been organizing the Earth Day initiative for more than 20 years. “They understand that what’s old to

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someone else is new to them.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

At Country School, energy-saving measures were, of course, implemented in the new construction of the Dining Hall, as well as the renovation projects. However, they were not confined to those areas. The facilities team has been working on retrofitting lighting, upgrading fixtures and improving the heating and cooling systems throughout all of the buildings on campus.

“We worked to incorporate environmental sustainability into all our facilities, grounds, hiring and purchasing decisions,” said former Facilities Director Ed Kirk, who played a key role in improving the school’s sustainability practices. “It’s important that partners and contractors share the school’s values. In purchasing, we seek sustainably produced and locally sourced products over simply seeking the cheapest alternative.”

The new Dining Hall has more room for preparation and storage, which has allowed for offering additional healthy food choices. Flik, NCCS’ dining services provider, uses organic, local and fair trade fruits and vegetables, when they are available. Flik has also committed to serving cage-free eggs and poultry produced with restricted use of antibiotics. Plates, cups and utensils are reusable, the napkins are made from 100% recycled material, and food waste is composted, further reducing waste.

Marc Keneally, the school’s landscaper, has implemented a turf care and landscaping program that emphasizes “minimal input” practices, including no irrigation, minimal fertilizing, mulching leaves, planting hardy species and limited mowing at longer heights, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.

“Environmental sustainability is not only related to energy conservation, it should be linked with the longterm health of the land and the community,” said Mr. Keneally, who holds bachelor’s degrees in both turf and soil science as well as horticulture.

Slogan Contests Promote

Awareness and Creativity

The NCCS Sustainability Committee, composed of faculty, staff and students, created a slogan contest as a way to raise awareness about the school’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

In February, the committee hosted a contest for a slogan to be used on reusable coffee mugs, cups and spirit wear in the Logo Store and displayed proudly on the NCCS website. They were thrilled to receive more than 150 entries from Kindergarten–Grade 6 students, but a bit overwhelmed by the task of selecting the winners from all of the wonderful entries!

The winners are (pictured at right):

» Go Green, Go Clean, Go Boldly — Charlotte Cooper » NCCS Sustainability, It’s our Nature — Eva Mackenzie » You Recycle and the Earth Smiles Back — Eva Mackenzie » Every Day is Earth Day Here — Aubry Grant » Paw Prints in Recycling Symbol — Stephanie Boggess » Take a ride on the green side — Madelyn Kinsley, Maggie Newport, Daphne Upson

» No pollution is the solution — Keeley Strine » If you have a chance to make a difference, take it! — Michaela Springer

» Keep it Clean, Keep it Green — Jack Harrington » Go Bold, Go green — Eva Juarez-Lace » Go Big, Go Green, Go Boldly! — Colin Mackey » I love the earth so much! — Tommy Cali discover more countryschool.net

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A commitment to environmental sustainability is nothing new at Country School, and is part of the school’s mission, history and curriculum design. Under the leadership of former Head of School Tim Bazemore in 2007, “environmental responsibility” was added to the school’s mission. During the same period, students participated annually in the “Green Cup Challenge,” a monthlong competition to reduce electricity consumption by tracking energy usage in the divisions. In addition, in 2007, the newly renovated Upper School Stevens Building, topped with solar panels, was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recognition as one of the “greenest” school buildings in the state of Connecticut.

This commitment to environmental sustainability is shared across campus and manifests not only in the care of the school’s physical campus, but also throughout its curriculum, business practices and even in fun community competitions, including this year’s new slogan contest and trivia quiz conceived by the Sustainability Committee, composed of members of the faculty, staff and student body.

“As a community, we’ve always had a deep desire to preserve and protect the natural world,” said Head of School Aaron Cooper. “We must be stewards of both the world and our beautiful 75-acre campus for generations to come, and in doing so, model that practice for our students.”

Seventh Graders Explore Long Island Sound

The spring term of the year has the students up and out of their classroom, this time exploring the ecosystem of Long Island Sound. Taking a boat out onto the tidal estuary, the students examine water quality and observe firsthand the impact of environmental regulation, population growth and business development. This culminating experience brings together both life and earth science principles, as well as what they have studied, discussed, debated and seen for themselves about biodiversity, sustainability and the environment. The result is a deep and broad understanding of real-world environmental issues.

“The boat we take out on the sound is literally an outdoor classroom,” said Upper School Science Teacher Sanjiv Maliakal. “Working with naturalists, we practice water chemistry, witness the food chain and see and touch wildlife. Students also get a firsthand look at how humans are having an impact on this local resource through the discarding of nitrogen-based fertilizers, sewage and trash.”

Eighth Graders Tackle Complex

Global Issues at World Congress

Country School eighth graders tackle complex contemporary global issues during World Congress, an annual highlight of a yearlong study of world cultures. Over a period of two days in late May, students took to the podium to address their peers and teachers about the environment, climate change, renewable energy, global health and human rights.

“What they are learning is vital preparation for a generation of leaders who will have to bring knowledge, empathy and creative thinking to inescapable global challenges,” said Eighth Grade World Cultures Teacher Bart Fredo. “They develop several vital skills such as critical thinking and research skills, of course, but equally important

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are peer collaboration, public speaking and the ability to think on one’s feet.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Alumni and the Environment Many Country School alumni go on to pursue careers in service to the environment and sustainability — most

Ninth Graders Explore the Natural World T hrough Expanded Studies

Ninth grade students spend part of their spring semester preparing for a one-of-a-kind immersive education experience. It starts in the classroom with a study of a subject and in April expands more fully when they go “on location.” For two of the three trips, this means exploring national parks and reserves. The Coral Reef Ecology Expanded Studies travels to Everglades National Park and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to understand the balance of nature on the reef. The Pacific Northwest Expanded Studies heads to Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula to understand the complexity of life in and logging to plate tectonics and volcanoes.

The Iscol Family Enrichment Fund provides student learning beyond the classroom such as the 9th grade expanded studies, seventh and eighth grade trips, leadership conferences and Lower School supplemental programs.

publications or have returned to NCCS classrooms to speak with Eighth Grade World Congress students:

» Liz Barratt-Brown ’74: Senior Adviser, Natural Resources Defense Council

» Allie Beck ’98: Environmental Engineer at CH2M

» Greg Erdmann ’80: Vice President Global Sales, NRG Systems » Jill Greiner ’02: Water Efficiency Program Coordinator at City of Charlottesville

» John Isham ’75: Professor of Economics & Environmental Studies and Director of the Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Middlebury College

» Lauren Oakes ’96: Conservation Scientist & Adaptation Specialist, Wildlife Conservation Society (for more on Lauren and her recent book, “In Search of the Canary Tree”, see page 54)

» Lisa Pike Sheehey ’83: Vice President of Environmental Activism, Patagonia If you are also working in this space and interested in supporting Country School environmental efforts or educational experiences, please reach out to Director of Alumni Affairs, Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at hcasella@countryschool.net.

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that part of the country, everything from salmon biology

recently, the following alumni have been featured in

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By Kent Findlay ’80, Marketing & Communications Associate

The presence of animals at Country School has been a signature aspect of the school’s philosophy of educating children in natural settings since its earliest days.

Walk through any of the buildings, and you are likely to

responsibility, teamwork, time management and problem-

notice a dog dozing quietly underneath a desk or curled

solving. For children who sign up to take care of animals on the

up around a child in a window seat, or perhaps a lop-eared

weekends, it also includes figuring out how to incorporate them

rabbit nestled amongst the students gathered on the carpet

into family activities. “When Sean brought home Sabrina the

for morning meeting or quiet reading.

Russian box turtle for a holiday weekend, he decided to bring

Head of School Aaron Cooper and his family acquired

her with us to the Memorial Day parade, rather than leave her

Baxter, their first-ever dog, shortly after arriving last fall. He

home alone. He really loves animals. I’m glad that he has so

said, “Our campus culture is much like that of a large family,

many at school and that we can borrow them for short periods

with some of the actual comforts of home. It makes for a

of time in order to have a variety of animal experiences,” said

welcoming place to learn and work.”

Katie McCormick, mother of students

In addition to the practical, educational

Sean and Claire.

value of having direct access to real-life examples of the major vertebrate groups (reptiles, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals) and a sampling of invertebrates (mollusks) always at the ready for lesson plans, the school also deeply values the social-emotional benefits of having so many non-human friends within an arm’s length of a hug.

“The calming effect of animals for those less secure in certain subjects is transformative. It helps children take learning risks and step outside of their comfort zones,” said Science Department Chair and Lower School Science Teacher Chantal Detlefs.

Each year, Ms. Detlefs and her colleagues visit classrooms to provide instruction on the care and maintenance of the resident animals with whom students will be sharing a home each day.

“We introduce the animals as members of our community and explain that just as we have human friends, we also have non-human friends whom we care for and get to know and keep safe. In my experience, these children develop empathy and a sense of responsibility very quickly,” said Ms. Detlefs.

“In some cases, it is the first time they have ever had to be responsible for another living thing. It goes beyond just feeding and watering. They have to think about snow days and daily exercise or how loud something might be for an animal’s ears.”

Caring for animals helps children develop and practice character skills such as empathy, concern,

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Frances Lilley checked in with Rosie the guinea pig in the Early Childhood Division.

Rose Mallin got up close and personal with a gecko, one of the many “nonhuman” friends to live in or visit classrooms around campus.

Spring means the arrival of chicken eggs, which are incubated, hatched and cared for by the Kindergartners and Lower School students until permanently relocated at the end of the school year to the Millstone Farm in Wilton.

Billy Baruch (at left) greeted a baby chick.

for the Animals Heidi and Keith Mitchell, parents of Taylor ’17 and Megan ’20, have established an endowed fund that supports the maintenance and care of classroom animals and that enhances outdoor programs.

“We believe in Country School’s philosophy of incorporating animals, nature and the environment into the curriculum and into the children’s daily experiences,” said Heidi Mitchell. “It is our hope that our gift will provide resources to assist with things like veterinary care for classroom animals, egg hatching expenses, and gardening and farming equipment.”

Country School Controller and Human Resources Coordinator Paul Nye also wants to see the animal-friendly culture at Country School preserved.

“I’m a dog person, I admit. It’s part of my identity.

It’s not too far a stretch to say that my dog is my child.” Arriving at Country School in 2008, he was immediately smitten with the idea that he could bring his dog to work. His soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Hadley, is in the habit of receiving hugs and love from Beginners during her daily walks past the Thacher building.

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Dogs on Campus: Welcome to New Canaan Country School While it is widely believed that it was early Head of School

Students took turns selling these items at the

Henry Welles who championed the then-progressive idea of

Canine Craft table at events throughout the year,

educating children in close proximity to nature and animals, it

along the way learning how to manage inven-

was most certainly his successor, George Stevens, who ensured

tory, a cashbox and receipts, while also honing

that this specifically included dogs. His yellow Lab, Maile, was

public speaking skills and sales pitches. A small

never far from his side.

team even worked with Director of Academic

“Whatever is honored in a community will be cultivated

Technology Aron Back to produce a dog-themed

there, Plato reminds us. Was he thinking of Golden Retrievers, I

Public Service Announcement video, shown on

wonder? I’m sure he understood, to paraphrase my grandfather,

monitors around campus. At the close of the year,

that ‘there’s something about the outside of a dog that’s good

students proudly presented proceeds raised from

for the inside of a child,’” said then-Head of School Nicholas

their activities to several nonprofit organizations in

Thacher in remarks made at the 1992 Annual Meeting.

support of service animals.

Behind the scenes, it takes both planning and thoughtfulness

As a follow-up to these efforts, an after-school club

for everyone to co-exist. According to Director of School Safety

was created in Lower School called Emerging Leaders. This

and Security Josh Ziac ’86, today there could potentially be up

group created a Country School Animal Census which, much

to 32 dogs on campus on any given school day, based upon the

like its human counterpart, was used to document all of the

number who have met temperament, vaccination and other

non-humans who populate our campus daily. The children

criteria and are registered with his office. “Each and every animal

presented the results at an assembly, explaining that one way

we allow on campus has to go through an evaluation process to

for members of any

make sure that we can maintain a safe environment — for both

society to be known and

the humans and the animals. We put a lot of effort into it and are

valued was to recognize

sensitive to things like allergies or cynophobia (fear of dogs), but

them officially.

it’s worth it. I’m really glad that we have been able to continue the tradition,” said Mr. Ziac who, as an alumnus, fondly remembers dogs in his classrooms and now brings his own yellow Lab, Clayton, to work. “If a child has a significant allergy, we don’t have a dog in that classroom. But sometimes, like with cynophobia, something can be worked out.”

“Two years ago, we had a child enroll who had an extreme fear of dogs. Everyone took that one slowly,” said Mr. Ziac.

“With the support of her parents, after a few months, we introduced her to one of the gentlest dogs on campus and with guidance and patience, she overcame her fear. Just recently, her family got their own dog. I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Students have long embraced the tradition, creating canine-centric clubs and passion projects, while faculty have worked dog themes into the curriculum and assemblies.

Following one such assembly, featuring service dogs — a therapy dog, a guide dog and a K-9 police dog — Lower School students were moved to create a task force to raise money and awareness for various working dog organizations. A plan was quickly put in place to create and sell handmade, dog-themed items including organic treats, fleece beds, pull toys, ceramic bowls, note cards and personalized holiday ornaments.

26

Dexter “the art dog” Ferran NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

“There’s something about the outside of a dog that’s good for the inside of a child.”

— Nicholas Thacher, former Head of School (1979–2000)

Molly Speck (at left) is one of 32 dogs who could be on campus on any given day this year.

Dogs in the Curriculum 1

Over in the woodshop, Visual Arts

for this have typically spent at least

Teacher Chris Lawler offers a popular

a year or more with me already and

Upper School elective course that

are ready to apply their knowledge

he calls “Barkitecture.” Part wood-

of woodworking and construction to

working, part art, the class imagines,

form and function.”

designs and builds actual houses for

Before cutting any wood, however,

actual clients — dogs.

the students are first given an

“According to the brief I give the

overview of architecture, reviewing

students, our client is a medium-sized

popular styles such as Victorian,

dog who desires a single-story home

modern, arts & crafts and American

which is both functional and aestheti-

colonial. They also visit nearby Grace

cally pleasing,” said Mr. Lawler with a

Farms, where they take a tour of the

it (much like a planning and zoning

characteristic grin. “Architecture is a

award-winning River building and

meeting, with many clarifying ques-

living experience beyond just shelter.

learn about minimal-impact design,

tions), they begin the build process,

I want them to consider functionality,

energy-efficient construction and

emerging several weeks later with a

but also develop an understanding

geothermal systems.

variety pack of miniature houses in

for the various designs, materials,

“We are so fortunate to be located

various architectural styles.

styles and ornamental elements

in the backyard of the Harvard Five’s

At the end of the course, students

which adorn all buildings.”

modernist movement, with Philip

draw straws to determine which of

While the class does not require

Johnson’s famous glass house not even

their own dogs will get a new home.

prior woodworking experience, Mr.

a half-mile down the road from us.

Lawler said he recognizes many

Within their smaller groups, the

familiar faces. “I see a lot of repeat

students begin drafting a scaled

customers. The students who sign up

drawing. Once Mr. Lawler approves

2

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1. Jamie Staniar clad the frame 2. Finished dog houses loaded and ready to be delivered to their canine clients.

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The Power & Purpose of

Play

By Head of Early Childhood Beth O’Brien

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

While the research to support the importance of play is abundant, in today’s uncertain world, some wonder, Is there really time for an activity that seems to be so frivolous and unproductive?”

Shouldn’t we be focused on academics, goal-directed

initiative, analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving and

learning and organized sports? Study after study reveals

emotional intelligence.

however that this approach comes at a significant cost

This past January, LinkedIn, a professional networking site

to the children.

that employers across all sectors use to post job openings,

Researchers tell us that anxiety and depression in children

reported that creativity is the most important skill employers

and teenagers has been steadily rising, and college students

are looking for today. The importance of this skill directly

report feeling fearful and lacking confidence because of the

correlates to a 2010 survey of 1,500 CEOs who cited creativity

constant surveillance and overprotection they felt from their

as the key to success in an increasingly complex world.

parents throughout their childhood.

The landscape of the future will be different than what

When we focus solely on achievement-based, resume-

we know now. It is estimated that 65% of children entering

building activities, we lose sight of the essence of childhood;

elementary school today will ultimately end up working in jobs

specifically nurturing the child’s inherent curiosity, insatiable

that don’t exist yet, and while in the workforce they will need

spirit and can-do attitude.

to be re-skilled or up-skilled in order to be successful and to

In order to best understand the power and purpose of play,

stay relevant. It will be imperative that our children stay agile,

it is helpful to zoom out and consider first our children’s future

flexible and comfortable with change.

and what skills and dispositions they will need to ensure their

In 2013, Google embarked on a research project to deter-

greatest success and highest well-being in their adult years.

mine the most important qualities of their top employees.

The latest report from the World Economic Forum

The study identified interpersonal skills to be the most

identified that the following key skills will be needed in the

important. Top employees were coaches, collaborators

workplace of 2022: innovation, active learning, creativity,

and communicators.

Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain - unless it is done with play, in which case it takes between 10 and 20 repetitions.”

-Dr. Karyn Purvis

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7 Types of Play

A recent article in The New York Times featured Yale University’s most popular class in its 381-year history,

Let’s take a closer look at specific types of play and the

Psychology of the Good Life or the “Happiness” course as the students call it. The high demand for a class about happiness directly correlated with how anxious and stressed the students reported feeling. Students had spent their entire childhood and adolescence on the achievement track and while achieve

skills children develop when engaged in these pursuits:

1

develop executive function skills and nurture empathy

ties in the country — they were feeling unhappy and lost. They joy. For one class, Professor Laurie Santos handed out slips of paper that said “no class today.” It was in the middle of exams and the charge on the paper was to enjoy the hour — no cram-

and emotional resilience.

2

arranging large LEGOS® to create a serpentine path

to be successful in the future. They need time to be creative,

for water, children learn to communicate, negotiate

innovative and self-directed. They need time to be collabora-

tors. They need time to understand their emotions, opportunities to see the world from another’s perspective and plentiful

children unite to combine resources and creative ideas a pathway for wooden balls to travel over ramps or

This larger perspective helps crystallize what children need

thinkers, curious problem-solvers and effective communica-

Cooperative Play: Cooperative play unfolds when in order to achieve a common goal whether creating

ming, no studying — just playing.

tive, flexible and adaptable. They need time to be critical

and pebbles, acorns, shells and smooth rocks become currency for bartering, children cultivate creativity,

they did — they were at one of the most prestigious universineeded to reclaim their spark, their purpose and their sense of

Imaginative Play: When cardboard boxes become ships

and compromise.

3

Constructive Play: Imagine a group of children in the block area, on the beach or in the woods using objects in a goal-oriented way to create a hockey

moments to interact socially.

rink, a sandcastle or a stick fort together. During

How do children acquire these skills and dispositions needed

constructive play, children practice the skills of

to be ready for the workplace of the future? The answer is

brainstorming and planning, persistence and adapt-

simple. Let them be little. Let them have time to play.

ability, reasoning and problem solving, focus and follow-through, and finally resilience and grit.

4

Active Play: Energetic and free-form, active play invites running and chasing, jumping and tumbling, wrestling and spinning, bouncing and swinging. When children engage their full bodies in active play, they learn about body awareness, social awareness and cooperation as well as having the opportunity to practice judging risk more effectively as they navigate varying terrain, heights and others on the playground and in the woods.

5

Dramatic Play: “I’ll be the big sister. I’ll be the friend.

I’ll be the little brother.” Dressing up offers children the opportunity to hone their interpersonal skills and to regulate their wants an needs in order to ensure the storyline continues.

6

Solitary Play: Create space for unstructured time and listen for the hum of investment. Solitary play nurtures self-reliance, self-direction and decision-making skills.

7 Cal Susanin and Bella Sosler

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Rules-Based Play: When children gather around the game board with dice in hand and rules agreed upon, children practice their language and reasoning skills as well as learn about teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Annie Mallozzi

How can we support play?

Schedule time for it. How we schedule our time directly correlates to what we value. Write play above and below soccer practice on the calendar.

Spend time outdoors and connect with nature. Find a patch of land at a park, a nature trail, a corner of your backyard and get to know it intimately. Observe it through the seasons. Notice the changes, record the transformations.

Children need time to be bored. Celebrate the “I’m so bored” melody, for this is where the spark of curiosity and the wellspring of creativity lives. This is the birth of agency,

laughter and joy take root. Fewer one-dimensional toys, more open-ended, endless iteration toys. Read the books Not a Box and Not a Stick for inspiration Model it. How do you play? When are you in flow, deeply connected to the moment?

Seek out other children, preferably multiple ages.

Connect with your neighbors. If that is not possible, organize time to meet up at a park and let the children play without adult direction.

Finally, Peter Gray, a developmental psychologist and author

the moment when children look inward and ask themselves

of Free to Learn calls on us to be trustful parents. Trust

what do I want to do? What do I want to create? What mate-

your child to play and explore on their own, make their own

rials do I want to use? How am I going to begin? This is how

decisions, take risks and learn from their mistakes.

children learn to trust themselves and their ideas. To tinker and test, experiment and fail, to pick up and try again.

Embrace the mess. The flour can be vacuumed, the paint

Ultimately, we want to ensure that children feel a sense of agency, an internal motivation to create, connect and

cleaned up. Collect the paper towel rolls, the boxes and

communicate. We also hope our children carry a joyful and

the packing materials. Make the supplies readily available

playful spirit into adulthood, for it is this disposition that will

for the children. Let the couch cushions and your favorite

lay the foundation for future success.

throws become forts and hideaways. Let the sounds of

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Teaming Up Community Comes Together for Annual Kyle A. Markes Day of Service & Markes Madness Members of the ninth grade class led 580 New Canaan Country School and Horizons at NCCS students and their families to serve the wide-ranging needs of 13 local nonprofit organizations in April. They were participating in the fifth annual Kyle A. Markes Day of Service in honor of an NCCS classmate who passed away in 2013.

Volunteer groups performed an indoor-outdoor seasonal cleanup at The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Stamford); raked leaves and prepared food trays at Inspirica (Stamford); sorted and stocked deliveries for the food pantry at New Covenant Center (Stamford); prepared grocery bags at Person-to-Person (Norwalk); cleaned up a playground and planted spring flowers at the Open Door Shelter (Norwalk); spent time playing games and making crafts with residents at the New Canaan Inn; played Family Feud and sang karaoke with seniors at the Waveny Care Center Nursing Home (New Canaan); participated in a charity yoga class in support of Camp AmeriKids (Darien); compiled personal hygiene kits for Americares of Norwalk; created a BINGO game and played with a youth group at Building One Community (Stamford); packed personal hygiene kits for the homeless population served by Family & Children’s Agency (Norwalk); made fleece blankets for the babies in the NICU and cards for the mothers comforted by The Tiny Miracles Foundation (New Canaan); and prepared cards and gift bags for pediatric patients of Yale’s Smilow Cancer Center (New Haven).

Parents’ Association event co-chairs Melinda Stewart and Bonnie Rumilly worked in coordination with the school’s Service Learning Co-Directors Kathryn Kravec and Will McDonough, and Horizons at NCCS Family & Program Director Nehemie Moise.

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1 1. Ana Petricone and Alexandra Sellschop cleaned bicycles at Norwalk’s Open Door Shelter.

2. Eighth graders Mark Taubner, Jamie Staniar, Henry Scott, Hugh Gardiner, Rett Zeigler, Ryland Strine and Mac Ryan raked leaves at Inspirica in Stamford.

3. Brodie O’Connor and Rigs Conze made fleece blankets for New Canaan-based Tiny Miracles.

4. Dino Ghoussias and Arman Gokgol-Kline carried personal hygiene kits destined for Person-to-Person in Norwalk.

5. Melissa Flores and Cynthia Sainrilus together with Jessica, Tom and Carolina Blouin, and Leigh Kennedy prepared grocery bags and stapled labels at Person-to-Person in Norwalk.

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Markes Madness On April 5, over 130 students and returning alumni attended a charity basketball tournament named “Markes Madness” in Kyle’s honor. Twenty-six four-person teams composed of 5

Middle School (grades 5 and 6) and Upper School (grades 7–9) students competed in a spirited 3v3 tournament. Proceeds from the games benefit Horizons at NCCS.

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6. Annie Boggess, Annabell Adams, Jenny D’Alba, Duke D’Alba and Maya Frey made fleece blankets for Tiny Miracles.

7. Thomas Barnett, Matt Fry, Russell Lancaster, Mark McNamara and Jack Fichthorn were excited to be the Middle School champions.

8. Service Learning Co-Directors Kathryn Kravec and Will McDonough, Head of School Aaron Cooper, Jackqueline McLean-Markes, Dylan Koo ’17, Sophie Smith ’17, Sloane Latimer ’17, Walter Markes and Assistant Director of Athletics and Markes Madness Tournament Director Stefan Borowski enjoyed the day.

9. Upper School champions Jack DeGulis, Carl Coridon, Reed Parmelee and Anthony Crossman celebrated their victory.

10. During the tournament, Service Learning Co-Director Will McDonough thanked the crowd of over 130 students, parents and returning alumni.

11. Matt Fry and Ifeanyi Ndokwu faced off.

12. Sofie Petricone, Riya Punjabi, Annika Mannix, Payton Koch, Ashley Rodgers, Charlotte Calderwood and Maren Frey had fun competing.

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THANK YOU TO OUR PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION! Through an impressive variety of events and programs, our Parents’ Association supported the school’s mission, created a sense of community and raised funds to benefit school programs. We are grateful to the hundreds of parents who volunteered their time and energy, and to the faculty and staff for their partnership throughout the year.

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FAMILY FUN NIGHT & More than 400 students, parents, faculty and staff gathered for our biennial Family Fun Night on April 26. The community enjoyed circus-themed activities including a magician, a stilt walker, a live band, games of chance and prizes, a dance party, a photo booth, a raffle and tag sale preview shopping. The next morning, we welcomed the broader community, opening our doors to the traditional Deal Days Tag Sale. Families from all over the area shopped the sale, finding items ranging from appliances to clothing, lawn furniture to toys. The funds raised support the school’s financial aid program, while unsold items were donated to various local charities.

1. Sarah Irwin, Jen Kline, Nicole Intile, Lauren Ryder, Ashley Williams, Sarah Young Kilcullen ’98, Ariane Triay, Tara Coniglio, Sean Flanagan and Hilary Flanagan pitched in to make the event terrific.

2. Deal Days donations filled the Watson Gym. 3. Marcy Smith, Maya Coniglio and Tara Coniglio, Heidi Mitchell and Miguel Triay volunteered at the Deal Days outdoor tent.

4. Thomas Winn learned how to spin a dish like a circus magician.

5. Conor, Will and Abigail Overlock joined in.

6. Blake and Josh Overbay enjoyed the night.

7. Maddie Ortiz and Olivia Back went incognito.

8. Ben Cotter, Topher Kern and Hudson Sonesson took turns at the prize wheel.

9. Highlights of the dance party included a limbo and a conga line.

10. Sean Robb and Julie Porter made good use of the faculty and staff early bird shopping hour.

11. Maria Halynski helped the Cougar mascot pass out sweet treats before the live band kicked off the dance party.

12. Family Fun Night Co-Chairs Kate Baliotti, Sarah Cotter and Beth Gosk got ready for a great evening.

13. Olivia Parker, Emma and Caroline Bernard and Madsie MacLear captured the moment with the Country School Cougar in the photo booth.

14. Deal Days Co-Chairs Ashley Williams and Ariane Triay posed with Head of School Aaron Cooper.

15. Jack Kieske, Michael Suozzi, Danny Salgado, Charlie Bases, Natalie Betz and Cali Locke Youngman enjoyed the weekend’s festivities.

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We were delighted to welcome nearly 600 grandparents and special friends to campus May 15 to experience a day-in-the-life of a Country School student.

1. Janene Alford, Annie Mallozzi, Don Alford, Dana Mallozzi 2. Maj-Britt and Nisha Mital 3. Daley Keogh and Sue Fox 4. Sam Jones IV and Sam Jones 5. Paul and Christabel Vartanian 6. Mac Ryan and Ann Flinn 7. Beth Andrews and Eleanor duPont 8. Bard and Maryann Jones, Amaya Laeben 9. Goldie and Daisy Winn 10. Sam Stout, Stanley and Walker Bright, Donna Stout 11. Ridley Phillips and Cornelia Kavanagh 12. Robert and Cullen Smith

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13. Anne Young and Charlie Kilcullen 14. William Teles and Bob Gibbons 15. Billy and Ann Baruch 16. Sean, Karin and Claire McCormick, Sheila Neff 17. Ella and Petronila Agulay 18. Bettina Drummond-Hay, Max Tangen and Peter Drummond-Hay 19. Fariha and Romy Friedrich 20. Isla, Wendy and Richard Hokin 21. Michael Murray, Caroline and Henry Irwin, Christine Murray 22. Trisha Barton and Rowan Stewart

23. India Sonesson and Robert Susinno 24. Head of School Aaron Cooper welcomes grandparents and special friends to Lower School assembly.

25. Kathy Warner, Bill Burnham, Benjamin Herdeg, Henry Warner, Alice Burnham 26. Elizabeth Georgantas, Camilla Calderwood, Aristides Georgantas 27. Suzanne Lake and Thomas Blouin 28. James and Josephine DiBiasio

More photos available www.nccs.smugmug.com NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall Spring 2019 2019

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FROGTOWN FAIR

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The 72nd annual Frogtown Fair brought students, alumni, faculty, families and friends to campus. As is tradition, members of the ninth grade class created and hosted games of skill and chance on the midway. There were pony rides and fire engine rides, a picnic lunch with delicious foods provided

by Horizons families, and live music. Proceeds support the Country School financial aid program.

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SAVE THE DATE TO JOIN US NEXT YEAR!

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020

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11 1. Head of School Aaron Cooper with Frogtown Fair co-chairs Kate Benett and Sue Mackey 2. Twinning! Caroline and Emma Bernard and Olivia and Charlotte Parker enjoyed the fair together.

3. Families, alumni, faculty, staff and other members of the Country School community enjoyed the fair.

4. Anthony Coniglio, John Beauclair, John Harrington and Adam Wolfman enjoyed the day.

5. The Frogtown Agonizers marching band opened the fair with a rousing tune.

6. Four generations of Hastings attended the fair: Margo Hastings, Lindsay Shapoff, Conrad Shapoff, Grade 4 Teacher John Hastings, Nancy Hastings, Nina Hastings and Tyler Lane.

7. Bridget Keogh painted the face of a young tiger on the midway.

8. Fair-goers took a ride on Old Faithful.

9. Upper School Teacher Matt McDonald took his turn in the infamous dunking booth with a little help from Kyle Latimer.

10. Pony rides were once again a hit!

11. Carmen Lanche, Judith Montes, Maria Rincon, Ysela DePaz and Horizons Family and Program Coordinator Andrea Cantos volunteered at the dessert table.

12. Lily Burnes felt the love from her Upper School buddy, Gigi Morgan, in the wedding booth.

13. Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 caught up with Cameron Leach, Becky Thornton Leach ’92, Alex Leach and Caroline Leach.

14. Physical Education Coordinator and Teacher Chantal Angelis enjoyed the day together with her husband Kevin and children Miles and Ainsley.

15. Betsy Yoo, Kyle Keogh, Cameron Mackey and Sharon Gibbons Teles ’88 flipped burgers.

16. Aaron and Joshua Palacios sharpened their cornhole skills.

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TRANSITIONS

FAREWELL

to our dear colleagues Kathy Diomede, School Nurse

By Visual Arts Department Chair, Teacher and School Archivist Mark Macrides

I first met Kathy Diomede about

bandaged — 10 to be exact! In those many interactions with

10 years ago when she took on

her world, I became more and more aware of the impact she

the role of school nurse. Being

was making on the school community. She helped plan and

somewhat accident-prone and

execute two significant renovations of the medical office,

a little bit of a hypochondriac,

modernized systems, and raised awareness about health

the medical office was on my list

issues, even collaborating to bring Country School its first-ever

of frequent destinations. Upon

Wellness Day for faculty and staff. All of this she did with a

meeting Kathy, it quickly moved up

keen sense of how to make people feel happy and comfort-

to my list of favorite destinations.

able in situations that usually were quite the opposite.

Kathy’s warmth, friendliness and

Her primary focus was always pointing out what was best

interest in people, coupled with her medical expertise, were all

for children. As a parent of three Country School alumni,

very appealing to someone in my position. Clearly, I had hit the

Kaela ’07, Lillie ’10 and Holly ’16, she was well-versed in the expe-

jackpot and so had everyone else at Country School.

rience here and leaves behind her own special mark upon NCCS.

As Kathy’s time here successfully marched on, I kept track

Kathy, I will miss your Advil, your Band-Aids, your flu shots, your

of her tenure by the number of my fingers she expertly

advice, but most of all, you! We wish you all the best!

Nanette Gantz, Campaign Coordinator, Advancement

By Director of Advancement Terry Gumz, Lower School Librarian Jean Stevens and Middle and Upper School Librarian Mary Ann Lansdale

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Nanette Gantz began her Country School career in 2008 as

and made herself available

the most overqualified assistant librarian ever. Previously,

day or night to design online

she had been a Senior International Policy Analyst for the

registrations or to pull last-

Rand Corporation, an American nonprofit institution that

minute mailing lists. Nanette

helps improve policy and decision-making through research

also volunteered to oversee a

and analysis. Needless to say, Nanette had all the skills

first grade lunch table, a task

necessary to catalog and check out children’s books.

she cherished for years.

Between 2008 and 2011, in addition to basic assistant

Nanette moved into the role

librarian tasks, Nanette also developed lesson plans and

of Campaign Coordinator, Director of Research and Data

taught Kindergarten library classes.

Analytics, and for the past two years has been responsible for

Following a brief hiatus, Nanette rejoined the commu-

all the back office management, communications, research

nity in a full-time capacity in 2013, taking on the role of

and analysis to ensure a successful capital campaign.

Advancement Office Database Manager. She organized and

Nanette, please know how much you have meant to Country

systematized everything she touched, designed protocols to

School. You will always be a part of this community. We wish

ensure accuracy and consistency, helped out with evening

you well on your next adventure and have our fingers crossed

and weekend events both for Country School and Horizons

that you will reinvent yourself yet again, and return.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Terry Gumz, Director of Advancement

By Associate Director of Advancement Diane Briggs

During the past seven years,

including annual meetings and dinners, biennial

Terry Gumz has had a deep

auctions and most notably, the school’s centennial

and meaningful impact on the

celebration in 2016. She guided a large, eager

Country School community in a

contingent of more than 100 volunteers and

variety of ways. Arguably, her

orchestrated an extraordinarily successful and

most visible accomplishment has

memorable event, bringing generations of alumni

been her work with John and

and families together again.

Susan Haigh Carver ’51 in the

Highly energetic and always up for a new adven-

creation of a new dining hall and

ture, Terry was the first to volunteer for the ropes

on-campus community gathering

course challenge in orientation and had no hesita-

space for current students and future generations.

tion raising her hand to chaperone the ninth grade

The Carvers’ generous support, the largest single

quarry trip, even joining them on the zip line. Terry’s

donation in the school’s history, was the lead gift

life beyond Country School will no doubt be action-

for our newly opened Dining Hall & Commons

packed and full of many exciting activities.

and helped launch the Boldly Forward capital

Terry has touched the lives of so many people within

campaign. Under Terry’s leadership as Director

our Country School community; we will all miss her

of Advancement, over $15.5 million was raised

dearly, but trust that she will stay in touch. She has

toward our $25 million campaign goal.

promised to visit and we look forward to welcoming

A consummate people person, Terry has a strong

her (and possibly a new dog) back to visit. We wish her

affinity for and interest in all people and their

all the joy and happiness in the world as she spends

stories, which is why she was the natural choice

more time with her grandson, Billy, daughter, Lily,

to oversee most of Country School’s significant

son-in-law, Nick, and her son, Charlie and, we have no

community gatherings over the past seven years

doubt, embarks upon new adventures.

Alex Wellman, Head of Upper School

By Upper School English and History Teacher Elizabeth Carroll

We’ve all heard of trial by fire. Alex Wellman’s introduction to Country School was more akin to trial by trail.

Shortly after taking the reins of the Upper School in 2017, he slung a 60-pound supply pack over his shoulders and set off to hike the Appalachian Trail alongside the ninth grade on the Outdoor Action Trip. From this nontraditional but highly energetic beginning, Alex’s infectious can-do attitude became a signature part of his presence in the life of the Upper School. Gregarious and outgoing, he greets students and colleagues with a firm handshake and a broad smile, bringing positive energy to all of his interactions.

He has a natural ease with young people, and challenges students to bring their authentic curiosity to every learning opportunity. More than this, Alex believes deeply in children’s ability to reflect, grow and rebound from their mistakes. He leads by example and speaks from experience. Alex coaches students to trust their own voices as they develop a sense of themselves.

When not on campus, odds are you can find him cooking something meaty, reading something witty, writing something poetic or running. In September 2018, he and his wife, Renée, welcomed their first child, a son named Conner.

In addition to enjoying fatherhood, Alex plans to enter the field of educational consultancy. We wish him the best of luck as he embarks upon this new adventure and many more happy trails! discover more countryschool.net

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Emily Anglund-Nellen, Grade 2 Teacher

By Director of Plus Program and Service Learning Co-Director Kathryn Kravec

When students, parents and colleagues think of

Action Trip at the beginning of the year. She has also chaperoned dances, participated in the Frogtown Fair, Kyle A. Markes Day of Service and the annual Light the Night walks that raise awareness and funds for leukemia and lymphoma research.

A committed voice for the underrepresented, Jordan was

Second Grade Teacher Emily Anglund-Nellen, one specific word

part of a Country School cohort to attend the Persons of Color

repeatedly comes to mind: empathetic. As the definition implies,

Conference and was actively involved in supporting students

Emily possesses the unique ability to step into the shoes of

of all backgrounds. We wish Jordan the best of luck next year

others, while aiming to understand feelings and perspectives,

as she pursues an opportunity to teach and coach high school

and to use that understanding to guide her actions. Emily’s

students at a nearby independent school. Although she will no

deeply ingrained passion for children’s literature, paired with

longer be on our campus, she will be in our hearts forever. We

her love of art and nature, helped to cultivate a learning environ-

thank her for all that she has given to Country School.

ment where originality and a growth mindset could develop. from Harvard School of Education, she wholeheartedly sought

Rupert Chinatamani, Facilities and Operations Manager

opportunities for personal and professional growth. Energized by

Rupert Chinatamani leaves Country School

her attendance at the 2018 Persons of Color Conference, Emily

to pursue a similar opportunity closer to

shared her ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion in her

his home (and his new grandchild!) in East

daily work: nourishing and empowering the students in her care.

Haven. Rupert came to NCCS in 2015 to help

We thank Emily for the warmth and professionalism she

oversee the day-to-day operations of the facilities department

embodied during her time at Country School and wish her well.

while we shifted from outsourcing our maintenance work to

In addition to holding a B.A. from Smith College and an Ed.M.

managing it in-house.

Tom Furbee, Grade 5 Teacher

By Grade 4 Teacher Maria Sette ’92

Ed Kirk, Facilities Director

Throughout his tenure at Country School, Tom

Ed Kirk has overseen the implementation

Furbee has worn many hats: as an apprentice,

of the campus master plan, including major

coach and lead teacher. As a person with great

renovations to the Lower School and Middle

initiative and dedication, Tom accepted every chal-

School as well as construction of the Susan

lenge handed to him from the moment he stepped onto campus

Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons during

in 2014: implementing the Bridges Math program, to adopting

his four years as Facilities Director. Ed has worked to improve

the Responsive Classroom style, and supporting the Readers/

Country School’s sustainability practices and led the school’s

Writers workshop curriculum. A natural in the classroom, Tom

Sustainability Committee. Ed leaves us to join the staff at

quickly established himself as a budding educator through his

Cushing Academy.

thoughtful and purposeful teaching over the past five years. hardworking and a supportive team player. Tom embodies

Glenn Rodriguez, Upper School World Language Teacher

what we strive to achieve at Country School through his thirst

Glenn Rodriguez has taught Spanish to

for knowledge and bright curiosity that has allowed him to

students in Grades 5, 7, 8 and 9 for the last

become the wonderfully talented teacher that we know and

3 years. He also coached soccer, basketball

love. We’ll miss you, Tom!

and baseball, and shared his love of tai chi and

As a friend and peer, Tom is known by all as trustworthy,

wrestling with his students and fellow faculty and staff through

Jordan Alper, Upper School Math Teacher

lessons and instruction. He leaves us to join the faculty at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

By World Language Department Chair and Middle School World Language Teacher Abby Cali

Since arriving at NCCS in 2015, Jordan Alper has been a caring math teacher, life skills teacher, advisor and softball coach. She has played an active role in all aspects of Upper School teaching. In addition to leading math classes of all levels, she has also led eighth grade students during their trip to Camp Dudley, chaperoned ninth grade Expanded Studies trips in the Pacific Northwest and helped ninth graders bond during the beloved, yet notoriously tough, Outdoor

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

We also offer our thanks to Tim Nolan who worked in our after-school Plus Program, Pam Ha-Stevenson who provided database support in our Advancement Office and Claire Harding who served Horizons as the Academic Director, Emily Schoonmaker and Margot LaPointe who have provided additional Learning Resources support to our Lower School, and Amy Finnegan, who taught Grade 2 for the second half of this school year.

TRANSITIONS

Welcome TO OUR NEW COLLEAGUES Ryan Smith, Senior Director of Advancement Ryan comes to Country School with a proven track record of

fund and auction than at

cultivating strong relationships, as well as achieving — and

any previous time in the

often exceeding — ambitious fundraising goals in a Pre-K

school’s history. He is adept

through Grade 9 independent school environment.

at structuring and scaling a

Ryan has spent the last 13 years working as an indepen-

fundraising team and program

dent school advancement professional, most recently as

to create a strong culture of

Director of Advancement at Rippowam Cisqua School in

philanthropy that supports

Bedford, NY. Ryan first joined RCS in 2012 as Director of

growth and innovation.

Development and Communications and in the last seven

Ryan previously served as Alumni Director at

years has led the school’s engagement and fundraising

Collegiate School in New York City. He spent four years

efforts, including annual and capital giving, with all constitu-

working at Morgan Stanley Investment Management

ents including parents, alumni, parents of alumni and

earlier in his career. He holds a B.A. in English from

grandparents. During his tenure, he and his team raised

University of Mary Washington.

more money through the school’s capital campaign, annual

Caitlin Bellagamba, Grade 2 Teacher Caitlin was previously a Grade 3 teacher at the Wooster

Lacey Ramsey, Upper School Learning Resources Teacher

School, where she also worked as a Grade 2 teacher and a

Lacey has been an educational consultant since 2017 creating

lead science teacher. She has an M.S. in language and literacy

instructional material for educational technology companies.

from Wheelock College and a bachelor’s of science in human

Prior to that, she was a special education teacher at Eagle Hill

development with a concentration in elementary education

School in Greenwich. Lacey has an M.S. in teaching from Mercy

from Wheelock College.

College and is pursuing an M.S. in transformative literacy from

Jadine Louie, Upper School Math Teacher

The City College of New York. She has a B.A. in communications and American culture from the University of Michigan.

Jadine was previously a Grade 7 & 8 math teacher at The San Francisco School in California. Prior to that, she was a Grade 7 and 8 math teacher for the San Francisco Unified School District. Jadine has an M.A. in education from Adams State University and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

John Neill, Facilities Supervisor

Also joining us or taking on new responsibilities are the following: • Jean Beecher, Apprentice 5-Porter • Christy Bottomley, Apprentice 3-Schirmer • Debbie Colon, Telephone Office • Kait Harden, Apprentice, 4-Hastings

John relocated from California where he was Principal and

• Remi Klein, Apprentice 4-Sette

Founder of JLN Builders in San Francisco. He has a B.A. in

• Beth Lenhard, School Nurse

economics from Dickinson College.

• Emma Pippert, Apprentice 2-Newport • Lavone Roberson, Horizons Academic Director • Karen Rolfini-Beckerstein, Middle School Language Arts Teacher • Ryan Seymour, Apprentice 5-Elkind • Will Shaw, Apprentice, 4-Quisgard

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Building Brighter Futures Since 1964 Hosted at New Canaan Country School

Horizons High School Graduates 1

HORIZONS CLASS OF 2019 College Destinations Brandeis University Fashion Institute of Technology Iona College Lafayette University Norwalk Community College (3) Providence College Rhode Island School of Design Sacred Heart University Southern Connecticut State University University of Pennsylvania University of Rhode Island University of Connecticut Stamford (4) University of Connecticut Storrs (3)

CELEBRATE 100% COLLEGE PLACEMENT The Horizons at New Canaan Country School community gathered May 28 to honor its program participants, induct them into the Horizons Alumni Association, offer reflections, present awards and congratulate them on their high school success. The celebratory evening, sponsored by Bankwell, was attended by Horizons students, families, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters.

As graduation certificates were presented to the high school graduates, the students each shared a reflection on his or her Horizons experience. “Horizons shapes the best versions of ourselves,” said Christopher Zegarra, who attends New Canaan High School. “I am me because of you,” said Tamia Fulton, a Horizons George E. Stevens Scholar who attends St. Luke’s School.

The evening concluded with an Alumni Association induction ceremony. “The Alumni Association is a way to preserve those things you valued most in your Horizons experience: connection to a caring community of friends and supporters who believe in you,” said Horizons Executive Director Nancy von Euler.

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JACQUELINE ROBERSON WINS 2019

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Lyn McNaught Teacher Award Horizons faculty member Jacqueline Roberson

Graduating seniors and returning alumni recited the Alumni

received one of three 2019 Lyn McNaught Teacher

Association oath and each graduate received a plant to present

Awards presented at the Horizons National Annual

to their family in recognition of the love and support that

Dinner. The March event, held in conjunction with

helped get them to this important milestone.

the Horizons Annual Conference, was attended

by Horizons program leaders, teachers and

2019 AWARD WINNERS

board members from the more than 60 Horizons

Nehemie Moise, Horizons Family & Program Director, presented

programs in 20 states.

the Leah Kimmet College Aid Award to Keven Gomez, who attends

Named for the former Executive Director of

Darien High School. Horizons Senior Program Dean of Students

Horizons at New Canaan Country School and the

and Culture Jackie Roberson awarded the Jackie Roberson

first Executive Director of Horizons National,

Valedictorian Award to Danielle Crevecoeur, who will graduate

Lyn McNaught, the honor is awarded to educa-

with a 4.02 GPA from Westhill High School of Stamford.

tors who have excelled in Horizons’ classrooms by providing exemplary opportunities for young

1. Members of the Horizons at New Canaan Country School Graduating Class of 2019 included (front row): Juliette Ochoa, Steven Navarro, Manuela Monsalve, Tamia Fulton, Kayla Alvarado, Victoria Walters (second row): Jeffrey Ramirez-Rueda, Lorenzo Duque, Mario Gutierrez, Norberto Santiago, Kristel Battle (third row): Alyssa Dancy, Anastacia Negron, Stephanie Rodriguez, Christopher Zegarra, Angel Espana (fourth row): Keven Gomez, Deanna Crevecoeur, Fabrice Souffrant and I’yanna Lops.

2. Attending on behalf of Bankwell New Canaan, the evening’s sponsor, were Systems Support Specialist Brian McGregor (Horizons Class of 2008) and Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager Flo Carbone, Horizons Executive Director Nancy von Euler, and Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Branch Manager Toure Surgeon (Horizons Class of 2006).

3. 2019 high school graduate Kristel Battle together with Horizons at NCCS Board Chair Carolyn Woodberry, who announced that 100% of the 32 members of the Class of 2019 have been accepted to college.

4. Horizons alumni in attendance included (front row): Shannon McGregor, Jasmine Portugal, Monae Cherry, Clemencia Naranjo (second row): Brian McGregor, Adiah Price-Tucker, Xenia Llamas, Chiara Askew-Oliver, LaShawnda Prezzie (third row): Izaac Ballard, Jineida Harkness, Manuela Higuita, Owen Sandoval (fourth row): Isaiah BienAime, Steven Gomez, Toure Surgeon, Tanya Rhodes-Small and Horizons Family & Program Director Nehemie Moise.

5. Isaiah BienAime, Horizons Class of 2010, was the alumni guest speaker for the night. Isaiah, who works at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, urged the graduates “to tap into the everlasting sense of support and community that is Horizons and reach out to the Horizons community in college and beyond for internships, friendships, advice and more.”

6. Horizons Family & Program Director Nehemie Moise presents Keven Gomez with the 2019 Leah Kimmet Aid Award.

Read more: www.horizonskids.org For more about Horizons and ways to get involved

people across the country.

“Jackie is an inspiration to both students and colleagues,” said Horizons at NCCS Executive Director Nancy von Euler. “Her dedication to student success in school and in life is unparalleled and our students know that she believes in them and will support them, but will also hold them accountable. Students remember and value that.”

Mrs. Roberson serves as Senior Program Dean of Students and Culture in the Summer Program and during the school year, she is a dedicated academic coach, providing college and career counseling for six Horizons high school students. She is also a social worker for the Norwalk Public School System, where she has worked for 31 years.

Horizons Teacher Jacqueline Roberson and former Executive Director of Horizons at Country School Lyn McNaught

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More photos available www.nccs.smugmug.com

10th

Reunion Alumni returned to campus May 18 to reminisce with former classmates, take a campus tour and enjoy Frogtown Fair festivities.

Members of the Classes of ’94, ’59 and ’69

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20th

25th

30th

celebrated milestone reunions.

1. Members of the Class of 1994: Diana White Smeal, Jacqueline Blair Telgheder, Suzy Gibbons Owen and Davina Brislin Lilley.

2. Members of the Class of 1969: (Front row) Audrey Noyes Ludemann, Dianne Crary, Betsy Jesup and Zan Burnham (Back row) Bill Putnam, Dick Guest and Alice Morton Hutchinson.

3. Members of the Class of 1959: Kristin Bergfeld and Karen Strasser Holzman.

4. Karen Strasser Holzman ’59 shared her memories with Michael Kohn and Head of School Aaron Cooper.

5. Bill Putnam ’69 and Alice Morton Hutchinson ’69 compare notes while looking through photo albums and archival memorabilia.

6. Suzy Gibbons Owen ’94, Davina Brislin Lilley ’94 and Holly Donaldson Casella ’04.

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Nephew, 2016

Lux(e), 2014

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Alumni Art Show

Victoria Manganiello ’04

Alex Golden ’94

designer and adjunct

Alex is a New York-based interdisciplinary

professor based in

artist who majored in psychology and visual

Brooklyn, NY. Named

art at Williams College and received a

as one of Forbes maga-

master’s of fine art from Hunter College in

zine’s 30 under 30 for

2009. His work has been shown in Toronto,

2019, Victoria has received multiple inter-

Miami, New York, Berlin and Chongqing and

nationally recognized grants and residency

was included in the 20-year Anniversary Show

appointments including the S&R Foundation

at Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery in Chelsea. He was

Washington Award, Wave Farm Media Artist

presented twice as a promising, emerging

Grant and the Romanian National Cultural

artist to Christie’s Education New York, and

Fund Grant. Victoria has exhibited her work

was included in the pages of Io Donna’s

globally, including at the Queens Museum,

photo essay on New York artists. Recently,

Museum of Art and Design, Isabella Stewart

Alex contributed a segment to the collabora-

Gardner Museum, Indianapolis Contemporary

tive film The Filmballad of Mamadada that

Art Museum and the Tang Museum. She

has been screened at festivals around the

is also a professor of textiles at NYU and

world. He was also in the group exhibition,

Parson’s the New School. Exploring the inter-

“Emergency Contacts,” curated by Jamieson

sections between materiality, technology,

Webster and Javier Hernandez at Placeholder

geography and storytelling, Victoria’s instal-

Gallery in conjunction with Fordistas in Miami.

lation work, abstract paintings and kinetic

Alex has lectured at Hunter College and

sculptures are made meticulously with

Baruch College, and his work is in private

hand-woven textiles using hand-spun yarn

collections around the United States.

and hand-mixed natural and synthetic color

Victoria is an artist,

dyes alongside mechanical alternatives and modern technologies. For more, please visit www.victoriamanganiello.com.

Félix González-Torres, 2017

CALLING ALUMNI ARTISTS: To be included in an upcoming Alumni Art Show, please contact Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04. discover more countryschool.net

47

And the Alumni Award Goes To ...

Doctor, professor, wife, mother, athlete and role model

Allison Kessler Vear ’00 The New Canaan Country School Alumni Award is presented each year to honor an alumna or alumnus who best embodies the statement from the school’s mission, “New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world.”

This year, the honor went to Allison Kessler Vear ’00.

While on campus May 17 to receive her award, Allison spoke to Middle and Upper School students (grades 5–9) about her childhood memories, many of which remain deeply intertwined with her Country School experience. She also reflected upon the foundational skills she acquired during her nine-year tenure, and how they sustained her through both adversity and triumph in the years that followed.

Paralyzed from the waist down since the age of 15, the result of a skiing accident, Allison is an attending physician at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a leading rehabilitation hospital in Chicago. She specializes in spinal cord injury medicine and is also an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

“Allison is a remarkable woman, doctor, professor, wife, mother, athlete and role model for others,” said Head of School Aaron Cooper. “Through sheer resilience and strength of character, she has lived life on her own terms, refusing to allow her spinal cord injury to sideline or define her. Her dedication to medicine and passion for helping others with similar injuries is exemplary.”

Following Country School, Allison attended Choate Rosemary Hall. Although in a wheelchair following her accident, she resolved to stay mentally and physically active, re-engage in her classroom studies, find her groove in the school community and reassess her passion for team sports.

“Sports and being a part of a team was so central to my iden(above) Alumni Council President Tucker Golden ’90, Alumni Award winner Allison Kessler Vear ’00 and Head of School Aaron Cooper following Allison’s presentation to Middle and Upper School students.

tity that I was determined to find a new athletic community to which I could belong,” she explained. “Ultimately, I became the coxswain for the women’s varsity crew team.”

Allison later attended Harvard — where she continued as a

(right) Librarian Mary Ann Lansdale, Lower School Teacher Lilani Balasuriya, Alumni Award winner Allison Kessler Vear ’00, former staff member John Ziac, Middle School Teacher Raphe Elkind and former faculty member Nancy Ziac reminisced.

48

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

cox on the crew team — and earned a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, studying biomedicine and society.

She went on to medical school at Northwestern University to become a physiatrist, a physician who practices physical

Send Us Your medicine and rehabilitation. While in Chicago, she met her husband, Ben Vear, on a club rowing team, and they are now the proud parents of 2-year-old daughter Brooke.

She uses her life experience on a daily basis as a way to connect and listen to her patients. “I want them to know I hear them. I know it isn’t easy, and it will be an ongoing struggle.

Being a confident, good doctor is a way to lead them.”

Allison concluded her remarks with advice. “There isn’t one answer to how you can overcome tragedy or hardship in your life. Resilience is a culmination of attributes and learning. Most of all it requires the very same personal attributes that are at the core of the NCCS mission statement — the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world no matter what may stand in your way. Courage is only meaningful when we are faced with adversity.”

Nominations!

We welcome your suggestions for future Alumni Award candidates.

Please send nominations to Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at hcasella@ countryschool.net. Please include name, class year and a short explanation of the candidate’s accomplishments. To find out about previous New Canaan Country School Alumni Award recipients, visit www.countryschool.net/alumni.

“I know that an elementary school can provide more than just an excellent education. As Country School was for me, it can build the foundation to be strong, courageous, creative, curious, kind and generous, and to brave any storm that may come. I will always be grateful for the lessons that NCCS taught to me.”

“It is at times of great stress that the core values we learn in childhood help us face seemingly overwhelming problems, and I always will be grateful to NCCS for inspiring me with the courage and confidence to deal with my new situation.”

- Allison Kessler Vear ’00 discover more countryschool.net

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Class Notes 1937

Linda Hardon Tuck of Tucson, AZ, passed away on April 17, 2017.

Please see In Memoriam.

1948

Samuel Cushing of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, passed away on May 13, 2019. Please see In Memoriam.

1940

1950

1942

1951

Linda Bailey Searle of Delray Beach, FL, passed away on January 16, 2019.

Please see In Memoriam.

Arthur “Dart” Winship of Sacramento, CA, passed away on July 15, 2019. Please see In Memoriam.

NO NEWS FROM YOUR CLASS? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please submit your news and updates to Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at

We were thrilled to welcome back to campus the following alumni who volunteered at Horizons this past summer: Back row: Kevin Barnard ’17, CJ Woodberry ’15, Christopher Ziac ’15, Aren Craft ’15, Cam Raker ’16, Brian Villalta ’18. Front row: Lily von Stade ’14, Virginia Mahoney ’13, Erin Murphy ’13, Emily Riccardi ’17, Janse Schoonmaker ’18.

Joan Breckinridge Armstrong of Freeport, ME, passed away on February 22, 2018.

Please see In Memoriam.

A photo of the Class of 1951 now hangs in the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons with the inscription “With Gratitude for their Friendship and Support of Classmate, Susan Haigh Carver” Ned Barnard writes, “My wife Pauline and I live in the Chestnut Hill area of Philadelphia and frequently see my fellow ’51 classmate Peter Lapham and his wife, Emilie. I’m still writing books on natural history (the latest: Philadelphia Trees, Columbia University Press, 2017). Seven children and 10 grandchildren keep us pretty busy sending out birthday cards with checks.”

William Crane of New Canaan, CT, passed away on July 20, 2019. Please see In Memoriam.

1954

1 Leslie Powell Siggs became a greatgrandmother in March! Leslie writes, “Don’t mind being a great-grandmother, but having a daughter who is a grandmother freaks me out! Four generations and cutest great-grandson ever! Still spend half the year in Tucson (come visit, we have a big house!) and half in Mill Creek just north of Seattle. Continue to golf, but it takes a longer club each year to go the same distance! Funny how that happens!”

Peter Uhry writes, “Turned 80 years this year and found others, like myself, feeling ‘my age’ in mostly a negative way. Sore this and that and more visits to the physical therapy office than I care to admit. A friend suggested that ‘keep on trucking’ should be my mantra. It is and we are off this fall to Porto, Portugal, and then Morocco for three weeks of touring. In the meantime,

hcasella@countryschool.net or on our website. You can also submit notes via mail using the enclosed return envelope. Share your own news, or tip us off to milestones, news and achievements of classmates, children or others in our community!

50

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

1953

Robert Adams of Ormond Beach, FL, passed away on August 21, 2018.

Please see In Memoriam.

1 Leslie Powell Siggs ’54 with her daughter, granddaughter, and great-grandson

2 Members of the Class of 1958 L to R: Ward Cleary, Randy Motland, Lee Gilbert, Lawrence Cavanagh, Port Draper Front Row L to R: Elise Truebner Henning, Sandy Carr Motland and Marianne Bell Reifenheiser

3 Members of the Class of 1965 L to R: Jim Harman, Susie Allport Howell, Lucinda Winslow, Ginny Richards Perrakis, Jane Crary, Christie Nichols, Judy Milliken Holden, Carol Newman, Holly Ford Ridgway, Annis Gilbert Kukulan, Whitney Ann Neville Harvey, Alie Warner Pyne and Greg Melville

there is golf, pickleball, sailing and those committee meetings for the local retired men’s association (greenwichrma.org) and a conservation organization to keep me busy. Kids are well and so is my wife. Have nothing to complain about other than my knees and they give me fits. (Couldn’t resist mentioning those knees.)”

with the passing of Judy McLane, wife of 62 years of my brother Tom McLane ’46, mother of four, beloved sister-in-law to Jamie McLane ’54 and me, and friend to all who knew her. We are so grateful to those of you who shared in her celebration of life in early December.”

1955

The Class of 1955 will gather for its 65th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information, please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

Susan Carr Pickett writes, “Dear Country School: Friday May 17th — a plug becomes undone; telephone not working ‘no calls are good calls’ Tnt pls — The television works. My love Stephen and our Algerian housekeeper and even the elevator man from Montenegro work on cords — Eureka — lights on and telephone works — The next second the phone rings — Cathy Cody calls classmate of 1955 — along with Caroline DuBois Hutton audience of sharks production ‘Museum’ — exciting news — miracles happen.”

1956

Greer McLane Hopkins writes, “While I do not consider myself retired, the eternally demanding deadlines of corporate events has given way to two engaging interests: the pursuit of Spanish (yup, back at college), and active engagement in interfaith Justice Ministries, standing for, and ‘accompanying,’ those who have no voice, so they and their families may ultimately arrive at a safe place …

A great sadness befell the McLanes in 2018,

PLANNED GIVING Did you know there are creative ways to support Country School?

Giving techniques called planned gifts allow you to create win-win

1958

Members of the Class of 1958 gathered at the Roger Sherman Inn in New Canaan, CT, on May 18, 2019.

2

1959

The Class of 1959 gathered at NCCS for their 60th Reunion this past May. See photo on page 46.

Mary Haven Logan of Ukiah, CA, passed away on January 11, 2019.

Please see In Memoriam.

1960

The Class of 1960 will gather for its 60th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information, please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

Lyn Bremer Chivvis writes, “we got together with Peg Hubby Heck and Rick Ackerly earlier this summer. We met in Norfolk, which is our ‘old playing ground’ from eighth, ninth and tenth grades. Peg and Dave Heck still have ‘Uncle Artie’s camp’ and we try to meet there once a summer. Rick is doing really well after his successful treatment for melanoma.

His daughter Katie and her husband and their

solutions for you and Country School. To join The Welles Society or to ask a question about estate planning, please contact Associate Director of Advancement Diane Briggs at dbriggs@countryschool.net or (203) 801-5619.

daughter joined us for lunch. Of course Katie is darling and so are her family members.

Peggy is still teaching at a nearby nature center — they should give her an award!

She goes to different schools all over CT and teaches various age groups. She really is a serious environmentalist, and so is Dave. I’m still practicing massage therapy and Beecher is teaching MBA students at Baruch in NYC.”

1965

3 Members of the Class of 1965 Jim Harman, Susie Allport Howell, Lucinda Winslow, Ginny Richards Perrakis, Jane Crary, Judy Milliken Holden, Carol Newman, Holly Ford Ridgway, Annis Gilbert Kukulan, Whitney Ann Neville Harvey, Alie Warner Pyne and Greg Melville got together at the home of Christie Nichols in June 2019.

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1969

The Class of 1969 gathered at NCCS for their 50th Reunion this past May. See photo on page 46.

1970

The Class of 1970 will gather for its 50th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information, please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

1972

Will Speers writes, “I retired this June after teaching English for 40 years at St. Andrew’s School (DE). So much of what I learned at NCCS informed and inspired my teaching at St. Andrew’s — brilliant and engaging teachers like Hoover Sutton, Ray and Betty Burnes, George Stevens, Peg Brown, Sara Westcott, Jared Synnestvedt, Ben Bensen, Pat Stoddard, Mrs. Preston, Mrs. Whitney, Miss Hill, and of course Mrs. McCarthy in Beginners! And then teachers who first taught me the craft and majesty of teaching during my years at Horizons: Peg Brown and Sara Westcott. That my

ARE YOU GETTING OUR EMAILS? If not, please send your preferred email address to Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at hcasella@countryschool.net.

4 Carl Brodnax ’76 logged his 19th summer at Horizons

one place of employment was a school run

by NCCS alums, Jon O’Brien ’53 and Joan Dominick O’Brien ’53, and that Hoover would arrive in my second year and then create the humanity of the School for the next 12 years, continues to speak of the power of NCCS years after graduation.”

1975

David Prescott has recently published his 20th book. His publications have focused on the assessment and treatment of sexual abuse, as well as general psychotherapy.

He has just finished trainings in these areas in Norway and Latvia, and will be lecturing in Bucharest, Romania, Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Warsaw and Wroclaw in Poland this autumn. He lives outside of Portland, ME. www.davidprescott.net

1976

Carl Brodnax returned to Horizons this year for his 19th summer directing the athletics program.

4

5 Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80 and Andra Bowman Ehrenkranz ’80 in NYC in April 2019

1979

Angela “Angie” Webb Kensinger of Houston, TX, passed away on April 22, 2019.

Please see In Memoriam.

1980

The Class of 1980 will gather for its 40th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information, please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

Margaret Carter has relocated her interior design firm to Annapolis where she will also pursue an additional professional passion, as an accredited Life Coach.

Having emerged victorious from her cancer struggles of a few years ago, Margaret is eager to help others navigate life’s journey.

Margaret may be reached at margaret@ margaretcarterinteriors.com.

5 Sarah O’Herron Casey and Andra Bowman Ehrenkranz picked up where they left off (after a 40-year interval) at a benefit in April 2019.

Matching gifts:

LET’S ALL PULL TOGETHER! Did you know that Corporate Gifts are a great way to increase your personal gift to Country School? Please check with your employer’s human resources department to see if it participates in a matching gift program. Obtain a form from your company, send it to us with your gift, and we will take care of the rest. For more information, contact Diane Briggs in the Advancement Office at (203) 801-5619 or dbriggs@countryschool.net.

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Class Notes

Alumni Spotlight Paula Kennedy Harrigan ’81: A Lifelong Commitment to Animals Paula Kennedy Harrigan’s earliest Country School memory is of the golden retriever in Mr. Gifford’s third grade classroom.

“I had just transferred in, it was mid-year and I was feeling even more uncomfortable than I usually did in a school environment,” recalls Paula. Within a week of arrival, she discovered three things that changed her life: 1) she was severely dyslexic, 2) being around Mr. Gifford’s dog and in fact, all of the animals she found on campus, had a tremendously soothing effect on her and 3) she had found a place where she could feel safe, relax and learn.

“I am living proof of that old Country School saying, ‘There is something about the outside of a dog that is good for the inside of a child,’” said Paula.

By sixth grade, she acquired “Posey,” the first of many horses for whom she would devote all of her time and

Today, Paula divides her time between their New Canaan

energy. Competitive riding quickly became so all-consuming

home and stables in Bedford, NY, when they are not traveling

that by ninth grade, she was traveling on the “A” Circuit to

for one of their numerous professional or passion projects.

places like Wellington, FL on Friday afternoons and training

The family’s brood currently includes two 12-pound bunnies,

under Leslie Burr Howard, an Olympic Equestrian. Following

Calloway and Harvey; Abigail, a bloodhound lab mix; and

Country School, Paula stayed close to Posey, attending

Blondie, a yellow lab (both rescues); and horses Chrome,

nearby King Low Heywood Thomas (now King School) and

Franklin, Ollie and Andy. She won’t confess — on the record

briefly, Trinity College in Washington, DC, before finding

— to a favorite, but she did introduce Franklin as “My Heart.”

her true place and flourishing wholeheartedly at Bel Rea, a

In honor of her just-concluded 12-year term on the

veterinary technician school located in Denver, CO.

Advisory Council of Cornell University’s Veterinary School,

Since then, her professional career and her personal

the new emergency room has been named “Lana and Foxy,”

passions have been closely intertwined, with animals as the

after two of the Harrigans’ former dogs. She is also an

common denominator. She spent two years with the Fairfield

emeritus member of Country School’s Alumni Council,

Equine Associates, 12 years specializing in small animal

having served actively for many years.

anesthesia at the Pound Ridge Veterinary Clinic, and another

Projects on the horizon for Paula include practicing

eight years at the Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital in Ridgefield

Magna Wave PEMF therapy (it alleviates muscular and

specializing in small animal internal medicine and performing

other injuries) on humans and small animals, and together

chemotherapy and ultrasounds. Along the way, she met

with Bo, running Pass the Pick Productions, an entertain-

and married Bo Harrigan and together they had a daughter,

ment company that develops and manufactures filmed

Annie, who is now a seventh grader.

entertainment, television programming, recorded music

“There was no question in my mind as to where I wanted

and digital content. They own High Cotton Films 1 and have

my daughter to go to school,” said Paula. “I knew that

multiple film and music projects in development. She also

Country School provided an excellent education — that

remains a steadfast supporter of a variety of causes and

was a given — but we enrolled Annie because of the school’s

organizations. We are grateful that this includes helping

focus on the whole child. It absolutely worked for me and

Country School preserve the animal-friendly culture she

I wanted it for her as well.”

continues to love and cherish.

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53

Send Us Your

Nominations!

We welcome your suggestions for future Alumni Award candidates.

Please send nominations to Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at hcasella@ countryschool.net. Please include name, class year and a short

1989

Devon Chivvis just returned from an expedition in the South Pacific on the E/V Nautilus — looking for a Pan Am clipper plane that went down in 1938 off the coast of American Samoa.

explanation of the candidate’s accomplishments. To find out about previous New Canaan Country School Alumni Award recipients, visit www.countryschool.net.

1990

The Class of 1990 will gather for its 30th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

1991 Sam Schoonmaker celebrated his daughter’s (Ella Schoonmaker ’19) graduation from NCCS this past June. See photo on page 11.

6 Jamie Vanderbilt visited Country School in May 2019 and found “The House with a Clock in its Walls” — his favorite book from his days at NCCS, which also inspired his involvement producing the 2018 feature film by the same name starring a-list actors like Jack Black and Cate Blanchet.

1985

1993

1983

Laura Weintraub Beck was featured in Greenwich Magazine relating to her estate planning work at Cummings and Lockwood in Greenwich. The article gives planning advice and speaks about her philanthropic endeavors — including at Child Guidance Center, which honored her in May 2019.

She also serves on the Professional Advisors Council at the Fairfield County Community Foundation. The full article is available online.

7 Members of the Class of 1993, Doug Schachtel, Devie Deland Perry, Ryan Oakes, Alexa duPont Bell, Daphne van der Kieft Bourne, Than Bryan and Geordie duPont ’90 got together to see “What the Constitution Means To Me,” a Broadway show directed by classmate Oliver Butler.

6

Jamie Vanderbilt ’91 on campus in May 2019

1994

The Class of 1994 gathered at NCCS for their 25th Reunion this past May. See photo on page 46.

The artwork of Alex Golden was featured in the 2019 Alumni Art Show. See page 47.

1995

The Class of 1995 will gather for its 25th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

Audrey Phipps Charlson married Timothy Stuart Tippin on April 27, 2019, in Hobe Sound, FL. Barbara van der Kieft Latimer and Lord Morgan celebrated their daughters’ (Kyle Latimer ’19 and Gigi Morgan ’19) graduations from NCCS this past June.

See photos on pages 8 and 9.

1986

Chris Chivvis and wife Sumona and family are working hard and enjoying life in their new home with their three children. They just celebrated their 20th anniversary this August.

54

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

7

Members of the Class of 1993 on Broadway in spring 2019.

Class Notes

8

NCCS alumni at the wedding of Peyton Cochran ’97 and Sean Nolan in May 2019

1996

Dana Chivvis continues to work for Ira Glass at This American Life.

Lauren Oakes’ book, In Search of the Canary Tree, was the Second Place Winner for the Rachel Carson Environmental Book Award, presented by the Society of Environmental Journalist Awards for Reporting on the Environment.

1997

8 Peyton Cochran married Sean Nolan on May 4, 2019, right down the street from NCCS at her childhood home on Ponus Ridge.

Peyton writes, “the backyard was transformed into an eclectic assortment of British Colonial styled tents that captured family vacations and the history of my childhood house! It was so fun having so many friends from NCCS to help celebrate and relive the glory days on Ponus Ridge Road.” Country School alumni in attendance included Kathryn Brackenridge, Pajton Dauer, Chandler Bewkes Stroud, James Dunning, Ashley Vereschagin Simon, Lucy Doswell, and Peyton’s sister, Lee Cochran ’02.

1998

Allie Beck, Environmental Engineer with Jacobs in Salt Lake City, lent her expertise to the eighth grade World Congress by speaking with the Environmental Task Force in May 2019. See page 22.

Matt Heineman will write and direct a new film, Paradise, that tells the story of last year’s deadly California wildfires, specifically the Camp Fire blaze and the story of Heather Roebuck and her family. Stay tuned!

9 Albie Bloom, son of Steve Bloom ’03 and wife Hayley Bloom, former NCCS Lower School teacher

2000

The Class of 2000 will gather for its 20th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

Katja Krumpelbeck of Stamford, CT, passed away on July 22, 2019. Please see In Memoriam.

2003

9 Steve Bloom and his wife Hayley welcomed a son, Albie Bloom, on July 17, 2019.

After nearly a decade working in New York at Merrill Lynch and then Morgan Stanley, Liza Carey officially joined Jeff Erdmann ’78 at his award-winning Greenwich Merrill Lynch office in October of 2018. You never know where your Country School network might take you next!

Carolyn Silverman Crisafulli finished her MBA at NYU Stern School of Business this spring. Carolyn and her husband, Peter (and dog, Fawkes!) moved to New Canaan this summer, and Carolyn just recently started a new role at Notch Partners, LLC. Caitlin Dudley married Daniel Marcel on June 29, 2019, in Nantucket, MA. Caitlin’s 10

10 Caitlin Dudley ’03 and her husband Daniel Marcel at their wedding in June 2019

CALLING ALUMNI AUTHORS We are restocking our bookshelves.

If you have published a book, please send a copy to Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04.

discover more countryschool.net

55

NCCS GETTING MARRIED? Let the Alumni Office know so we can send you an NCCS banner for photography! Holly Donaldson Casella: hcasella@countryschool.net (203) 801-5687.

12 Olivia Victoria Acosta, daughter of Brittni Taylor Acosta ’04

2004

12 Brittni Taylor Acosta and her husband Oscar welcomed Olivia Victoria Acosta on April 20, 2019.

11 Allison Williams ’03 stars in Netflix film The Perfection.

sister, Micaela Dudley Imperato ’06, served as Matron of Honor and Caitlin’s brother, Rob Dudley ’01, and his wife, Tricia, were also in the wedding party.

Rob’s son, Reed, served as the ring bearer!

11 Allison Williams stars in a new Netflix film, The Perfection, which premiered this summer and received rave reviews.

13

56

Laura Bostwick, a Director at Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, lent her expertise for the eighth grade World Congress by speaking with the Health Task Force in May 2019. See more on page 22.

Caroline Downer married Drew Parkes on April 13, 2019, in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Many Country School alumni were in attendance including her mom, Amy Chan Downer ’72, brothers Nick Downer ’03 and Chris Downer ’03, Caitlin Maguire, Jane Stoddard Williams ’72, Charlie Brewer ’05 and Chandler Brewer ’03.

13

NCCS Alumni at the wedding of Caroline Downer ’04 in April 2019

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

The artwork of Victoria Manganiello was featured in our 2019 Alumni Art Show.

See page 47.

2005

The Class of 2005 will gather for its 15th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

2006

Ashley Jeffress was elected a McCurdy-Sprague Trustee at St. Lawrence University in May 2019.

Class Notes

2007

CALLING ALUMNI ARTISTS

Betsy Luke graduated from New York School of Interior Design in May 2019 and started a new role as an interior designer for Jeffrey Beers International in New York City.

Katie Rohn is housing her art under a project she calls Resilient Hues. All of the content is related to the ocean (waves, sea creatures, etc.) and she is donating the proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation, an incredible organization working to protect our oceans/coastlines for future

To be included in an upcoming Alumni Art show, please contact Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at

14

14

Oahu Coast One by Katie Rohn ’07

hcasella@countryschool.net.

generations. Katie is selling one of her pieces on Society6 and you can check out the rest on her Instagram: @resilienthues.

Alumni Spotlight Megan Slaughter ’11: Third Generation Country Schooler Pursues Career in Marine Mammal Response We were excited to welcome Megan Slaughter ’11 back to campus in December

summer of 2018, she volunteered at the Mystic Aquarium, helping to hand-raise 25 abandoned or orphaned seal pups

to speak to ninth grade marine ecology students, part of the

for eventual reintroduction in to the wild.

Expanded Studies program.

Having graduated from UVA, Megan shares that she

Megan, who has pursued opportunities in ocean research

hopes to further her studies and continue to pursue a career

and marine mammal response since graduating from the

in aquatic veterinary medicine. She has spent the past

University of Virginia with a degree in biology, shared the

summer gaining experience at Cornell University Veterinary

twists, turns and exciting adventures of her personal journey.

Specialists in Stamford in their Internal Medicine department

Immediately following Darien High School (where she was

with plans to apply to veterinary school.

a competitive swimmer), Megan had the chance to intern at

A third generation Country School alumna, Megan is a

the Cape Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas as a member of

granddaughter of Susan Tracy Moritz ’53, a daughter of

the Flats Research Team, studying lionfish, coral and barracuda

Anne Mortiz Slaughter ’81 and Tim Slaughter ’81 and

fish. During college, she tracked the nocturnal movements of

sister of Phoebe Slaughter ’14. Also a member of an

black spiny sea urchins at the Gerace Research Center in San

NCCS family dynasty, Upper School Teacher and Advisor

Salvador, Bahamas as part of a marine research class.

Barbara van der Kieft Latimer ’85 was delighted to have

In the spring of her junior year, she studied aboard the MV

her former student return.

World Odyssey, a floating academic vessel voyaging to places like Hawaii, Mexico, Japan, India, Ghana and South Africa as

Pictured above: Upper School Teacher Barbara van der Kieft

part of Semester At Sea. Next, in the summer of 2017, she

Latimer ’85 welcomed her former student, Megan Slaughter ’11

relocated to Mossel Bay, South Africa where she helped

back to campus. Megan shared her experience of studying

the marine research and conservation organization, Oceans

and working in the field of marine biology with ninth grade

Research, monitor the region’s great white shark population.

marine ecology students.

It was while there that the stranding of a 40-foot-long humpback whale on the beach inspired her to seek training as a marine mammal medic (much like an aquatic vet). During the

Read: www.countryschool.net/expanded-studies for more about the ninth grade experiential study program discover more countryschool.net

57

2008

15 Colin Grant Woolford married Samantha Spaulding Conway on June 8, 2019, at the Ausable Club in Keene Valley, NY. In addition to Colin’s siblings, Eliza Woolford ’05, Alex Woolford ’06, and Alden Woolford ’11, Country School alum Matt Wappler ’08 was also in attendance and a part of Colin’s wedding party, a friendship that formed at NCCS.

15

The Woolford family at the wedding of Colin Woolford ’08 in June 2019

College Destinations

Class of 2016

Allie Agnew ���������������������������Tufts University Justus Armstead ����������������������������� Unknown Greta Baker.................. University of Virginia Mac Ballentine...........Santa Clara University Emily Barnard ������������������� Boston University Kayla Beck....................... Syracuse University Cayden Brodnax........ Wilbraham & Monson Academy ’20 (PG Year) Andrew Butcher �������������������Tufts University William Byrne................Berkshire School ’20 Liam Carroll ��������������������������� Eckerd College Lucy Carroll �����������������������������Vassar College Cammy Carter.............SCAD (The University for Creative Careers) Max Chermayeff..... Georgetown University Seanie Clark....................... Cornell University William Comyns ����������������� Williams College Joia Criss......................Quinnipiac University Portia Cummings ��������� Columbia University William Dale................. University of Virginia Olivia DeGulis........Northwestern University Harry DeLana ����������������������������Millbrook ’20 Ellie DeSouza................. Columbia University Holly Diomede..........Portsmouth Abbey ’20 Anna Edwards..........Wake Forest University Juliette Finley...............New York University Grace Fitzgibbon ������������������Boston College Quinn Galante ����������������Loomis Chaffee ’20 Alex Galik........................University of Illinois Nikhil Goswami ������������������������������� Unknown Liam Griffiths ������������������������������New Canaan High School ’20 Griffin Grise...................Berkshire School ’20 Alexander Hackett ��������������Tufts University Christina Halloran ���������������������Deerfield ’20

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Nicole Humphrey ���������������������� University of North Carolina Alex Ivanov.....................Middlebury College Turner Ives......................Middlebury College Jonathan Jean-Louis �������Temple University Walker Ker......................... Boston University Caitlin Lefferts....... Greenwich Academy ’20 Campbell Lewis ��������������������� Elon University Tyler Liffmann......... University of Wisconsin Avery MacLear ��������������������������Millbrook ’20 Jenna Macrae................Princeton University Katherine Marcus ������������� Brown University Jackson McManus �������St. Luke’s School ’20 Daltanette Mitchell ����������� Williams College Anya Mohindra-Green ������������������ Georgetown University Sophie Mohindra-Green ���������� University of Michigan Susanna Montgomery ������������� University of Vermont Tommy Murillo ����������������� Boston University Andrea Murphy.......Sacred Heart University Meghan Musto ����������������� Cornell University Sushmita Narayan ��������������������������� Gap Year Jack Neafsey �������������������� Cornell University Ava Nichols �������������������������������������� Unknown Grady Norton.............Santa Clara University Ashley Orser.... College of William and Mary Wyatt Pastor...........Westminster School ’20 Mimi Pastor.............. University of Richmond Katherine Pellegrino ������������� Trinity College Jav Peters.......................St. John’s University Lilly Purkiss........................Indiana University Cam Raker........................Dartmouth College Jeff Ramirez.......University of Pennsylvania

George Raymond ���������� Gettysburg College Whitney Rintoul........University of Michigan Ben Saunders...... University of St. Andrews Roan Scanlon-Black ����������� Ithaca University Jack Schulz.......................... Colorado College Elizabeth Shanahan ������������������������ Unknown John Sisk ������������������������������������������ Unknown Virginia Smith ������������������� Dickinson College Jack Spain........................ Denison University T.J. Stoker............. Fox Lane High School ’20 Tucker Stoops..................Bucknell University Tyler Swirbul.......University of Pennsylvania George Thompson ������������ Tulane University Audrey Trussell �������������Villanova University Jack Truwit.....................St. Luke’s School ’20 Laura Velez..............Westminster School ’20 Christopher Zegarra �����������Loyola Maryland University Henry Zinn ���������������������������� Kent School ’20

Class of 2015

Kricket Drewes........ Georgetown University Nick English ������������������������������Colby College Michael Grise ��������������������� Lehigh University Lucy Hudson..................... Colgate University Zach Liston ��������������������������������Colby College Ben Sosnow................... American University Walker Stevens �������������Middlebury College James Tait ������������������������������ Elon University Finn Walker ����������������������������Juniors Hockey CJ Woodberry ����������������Dartmouth College Brian Zaffino..................New York University

Class Notes

2010

The Class of 2010 will gather for its 10th Reunion at NCCS this May. For more information, please visit countryschool.net/reunion.

2013

Virginia Mahoney and Erin Murphy both interned with Horizons this past summer, Virginia assisting with Social Work for grades K–5 and Erin assisting Lilani Balasuriya in Kindergarten. See photo on page 50.

2014

Join NCCS Network, a career networking platform just for the Country School community. Post jobs, mentor young professionals, connect with industry leaders, find internships and keep track of your classmates’ professional achievements.

To sign up, visit

QUESTIONS?

Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 Director of Alumni Affairs hcasella@countryschool.net

www.nccsnetwork.com

Lily von Stade interned with Horizons this past summer with NCCS Teacher Tom Furbee in second grade. See photo on page 50.

2015

Aren Craft, CJ Woodberry and Christopher Ziac all interned with Horizons this past summer. Aren assisted the Administrative Team, CJ assisted with the camping and sports programs, and Christopher assisted with swimming for the Junior Program. See photo on page 50.

16 Kate Tapscott, a Bowdoin College freshman, took part in a 330-mile relay running race, starting in Portland, ME, and ending in New York City this past June.

The run was sponsored by Eastern Trek for Cancer, a program made possible through the Christine B. Foundation, for the benefit of those affected by cancer. Kate and a team worked their way down the rocky Maine and New Hampshire coasts, through the central and western Massachusetts hills and into the Hudson River region to finish in New York City. Along the way, Tapscott and the team visited cancer centers, hospitality homes, and served community dinners to support cancer patients and their families.

To participate in the race, each runner pledged to raise $2,500 for the Christine B. Foundation. Tapscott raised more than $5,000, twice the goal, through support from family and friends.

For more on Walker Stevens, please see Young Alumni Achievements on page 62.

16 Kate Tapscott ’15 en route to NYC with the Eastern Trek for Cancer

17 Liam Griffiths ’16 and Jeffery Ricciardelli ’18 on the sidelines with the CONNY Lacrosse Highlight Team

For college destination information for members of the Class of 2015 who repeated a year in secondary school, please see page 58.

2016

17 Liam Griffiths and Jeffery Ricciardelli ’18 were selected to be on the CONNY Lacrosse Highlight Team, which competed at the Under Armour All-America Weekend in Baltimore, MD, in June 2019.

18 Walker Ker and Olivia DeGulis attended graduation for their classmates Cayden Brodnax and James Tait at the Salisbury School in May 2019.

Cam Raker and Jeffrey Ramirez interned with Horizons this past summer. Cam assisted with sixth grade math and Jeffrey assisted throughout the program. See photo on page 50.

18

Walker Ker ’16 and Olivia DeGulis ’16

For more on Andrew Butcher, William Byrne, William Comyns, Olivia DeGulis, Ellie DeSouza, Alex Galik, Liam Griffiths, Christina Halloran, Turner Ives, Katherine Marcus, Sophie Mohindra-Green, Ashley Orser, Roan Scanlon-Black, Jack Schulz and Tucker Stoops, please see Young Alumni Achievements on page 62.

For college destination information for members of the Class of 2016, please see page 58.

discover more countryschool.net

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Alumni Spotlight JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK & TWITTER! @nccountryschool

Charlotte Gehring ’17 Interviews Madeleine Albright Charlotte Gehring ’17 scored an exclusive interview with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and her daughter, Alice Albright, for an article that ran in the Greenwich Academy Press in March. Charlotte has written for the school paper throughout her time at GA, becoming Junior Editor in 2018 and Editor-in-Chief for the 2019–2020 school year.

In the article, Charlotte asked Secretary Albright questions about her personal

19 Thomas Ricciardelli ’19, Jeffery Ricciardelli ’18 and Teddy Schoenholtz ’17 on the sidelines at Taft

experience as a refugee and the impact it might have had on her views toward immigrants, how she prepared for difficult negotiations, the significance of her famous lapel pins, if she felt unique pressures as the first female Secretary of State and what it was like to be a working mother in a high-powered career, among others.

Secretary Albright, who is also a former UN Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and currently works as a professor of International Relations at Georgetown University, provided responses that were at times measured; possibly tinged with the benefit of hindsight, but mostly, they were characteristically frank.

“We are living in a very different kind of era, where the kinds of rules and structures that I grew up with don’t exist anymore as a result of changes in technology and globalization,” she said while discussing being a woman and mother in a historically male position and workplace. “You have to work hard.

I really do think that you have to work harder than men. I’ve said that there’s plenty of room in the world for mediocre men, but there’s no room for mediocre women … you can’t expect favors of any kind.”

Charlotte also posed several questions to Alice Albright, the CEO of the Global Partnership for Education’s Secretariat, an organization composed of 65 developing countries, striving to create equitable, quality education. Citing her mother as a superlative role model for compartmentalizing issues but also for multitasking, the younger Ms. Albright recounted an experience in Kabul, Afghanistan, in which she and a team of visiting dignitaries were detained for five hours in a bunker while the Royal Palace was being bombed. She used the unscheduled free time to go online and locate her son Daniel’s summer reading list and get some books ordered. “It is what working mothers do,” she explained.

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

2017

Kevin Barnard and Emily Riccardi interned with the Horizons program this past summer. Kevin assisted in fifth grade and Emily assisted in first grade.

See photo on page 50.

Charlotte Gehring interviewed Madeleine Albright for the Greenwich Academy Press.

Read more at left.

Emma Hunter, Hayden Critchell and Charlie Tait caught up with each other at The Lake Club in Wilton this summer. All three of them worked there together — Emma was an assistant diving coach and Hayden and Charlie were lifeguards.

19 Teddy Schoenholtz, Jeffery Ricciardelli ’18, and Thomas Ricciardelli ’19 were all members of the Taft Varsity Lacrosse Team in spring 2019.

20 Catherine Ziac interned at NCCS this summer at reception and continues to serve as an EMT with the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service.

Class Notes

20 Catherine Ziac ’17 and colleagues from the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service at an event in Greenwich, CT

21 Some of the Country Schoolers attending Westminster School, including Walker Stevens ’15, Greta Baker ’16, Nate Stevens, Celia Sotirhos, Phoebe Naylor ’18, Charlie von Stade ’18, Bennett Griskey ’19, Lucy Jones ’18, Will Warner ’19 and Peter Miller ’19, got together for a photo at their spring dance.

BLUE vs. WHITE CHALLENGE Support the 2019–2020 Annual Fund and help your team to victory!

All gifts through June 5 will be counted toward your team’s tally —

For more on Shane Baldwin, Charlotte Gehring, Emma Hunter, Alexandra LeBaron, Margaret Meyerson, Drew Pyne, Nate Stevens and Bo Zeigler, please see Young Alumni Achievements on page 62.

the team with the most gifts from alumni ahead of Blue/White Day 2020 scores an extra point for their squad.

Show your spirit and help your side — give by June 5 when the teams collide!

2018

James Kontulis won his bracket at the New England Interscholastic Squash Association Tournament in March 2019 representing St. Luke’s School.

Janse Schoonmaker and Brian Villalta interned with Horizons this summer. Janse assisted in second grade and Brian assisted Lilani Balasuriya in Kindergarten. See photo on page 50.

For more on Alex Byrne, Jack Johnson, Jeffery Ricciardelli and Amrit Samra please see Young Alumni Achievements on page 62.

2019

JB Barr, Ella Zea and Mason Zea traveled to the British Virgin Islands with SeaTrek this past June.

For more on Thomas Ricciardelli and Will Warner, please see Young Alumni Achievements on page 62.

21

NCCS alumni at Westminster School in spring 2019

Save the Dates!

November 7: NYC Alumni Reception November 25: Thanksgiving Reunion for the Classes of 2017, 2018 & 2019

discover more countryschool.net

61

Young Alumni

Achievements

Congratulations to our young alumni on their 2018–2019 secondary school academic, athletic and character achievements and recognitions!

• Shane Baldwin ’17 (Choate Rosemary Hall): Threw touchdown pass to win the 2018 NEPSAC Class A championship (Football) • Andrew Butcher ’16 (Greens Farms Academy): Merit Scholar commendation • William Byrne ’16 (Berkshire School): Kellam Lacrosse Cup (dedication); 2020 captain (Lacrosse) • Alex Byrne ’18 (Berkshire School): Scholar Award; Academic Performance Distinctions • William Comyns ’16 (New Canaan High School): Principal’s Service Award (academic achievement and service to the school and community) • Olivia DeGulis ’16 (Greenwich Academy): Captain (Soccer); Yale Alumni Association of Greenwich Community Service Award • Ellie DeSouza ’16 (The Hotchkiss School): Girls Senior Athletics Award (minimum of 6 varsity seasons, dedication at the highest levels of play); Captain (Soccer); varsity lacrosse; academic honors • Alex Galik ’16 (Greens Farms Academy): Merit Scholar commendation • Charlotte Gehring ’17 (Greenwich Academy): Wall Award (excellence in American history); Junior Italian Award (quality of work and enthusiasm for the Italian language); 2019–2020 Editor-inChief student newspaper, the Greenwich Academy Press • Liam Griffiths ’16 (New Canaan High School): CHSCA Class L All-State and All-FCIAC first team selection (Lacrosse); scored nine goals in four games including one hat-trick for CONNY Highlight team at the Under Armour All-America weekend • Christina Halloran ’16 (Deerfield Academy): Western England Prep School Field Hockey All-Star; Captain (Field Hockey), committed to Williams College (Ice Hockey) • Emma Hunter ’17 (Darien High School): Two Season Captain & “Most Improved” Award (Diving)

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• Turner Ives ’16 (New Canaan High School): Captain (Hockey); World Language Award (excellence in Spanish); Parents and Faculty Association Award (outstanding service and loyalty)

• Thomas Ricciardelli ’19 (The Taft School): Starting goalie as a freshman; All-Star team at Maverick Showtime showcase; Under Armour All-America CONNY Command team (Lacrosse)

• Jack Johnson ’18 (The Hotchkiss School): Coaches Award (Cross-Country); Leader (student orientation); Board Member Hotchkiss Medical Society; Co-President Outing Club

• Amrit Samra ’18 (Westhill High School): Academic High Honors

• James Kontulis ’18 (St. Luke’s School): Won bracket at the New England Interscholastic Squash Association Tournament in March 2019 • Alexandra LeBaron ’17 (Phillips Academy Andover): Executive Editor student newspaper, “The Phillipian” • Katherine Marcus ’16 (Greens Farms Academy): Player of the Year; third player in school’s history to score over 1,000 career points; Captain (Basketball) • Margaret Meyerson ’17 (Greenwich Academy): Kostbar Award (junior who best embodies the school’s values); Spanish Language Award; Math Faculty Award; Cum Laude Society; first place New England Association of Teachers of English fiction writing contest; 2018–2019 Senior Editor school’s newspaper, The Greenwich Academy Press; 2019–2020 Editor-inChief school’s creative writing magazine, “Daedalus;” Member — Honor Board

• Roan Scanlon-Black ’16 (Millbrook School): Fall Community Service Award (Trevor Zoo) • Jack Schulz ’16 (Choate Rosemary Hall): Committed to Colorado College (Lacrosse) • Nate Stevens ’17 (Westminster School): Scored in the championship game at the Naptown National Challenge (Lacrosse) • Walker Stevens ’15 (Westminster School): Daly Award (tri-varsity athlete Soccer, Hockey and Lacrosse, leadership, enthusiasm, strength of character) • Tucker Stoops ’16 (Berkshire School): Most Valuable Player (JV Lacrosse) • Will Warner ’19 (Westminster School): Academic High Honors • Bo Zeigler ’17 (The Hotchkiss School): 2019–2020 Captain (Football and Lacrosse); academic honors

• Sophie Mohindra-Green ’16 (Miss Porter’s School): Dartmouth College Book Award; Cum Laude Society • Ashley Orser ’16 (The Lawrenceville School): NJISSA Champion (400 Meter Hurdles); committed to Washington & Lee University (Track & Field) • Drew Pyne ’17 (New Canaan High School): Committed to Notre Dame (Football) • Jeffery Ricciardelli ’18 (The Taft School): Broke single-season scoring record as a sophomore; scored six goals and one assist for CONNY Highlight team at the Under Armour All-America weekend; MVP — Naptown National Challenge Championship game (Lacrosse)

DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? Information was obtained from secondary schools, media outlets and responses to the alumni surveys.

Please contact Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 at hcasella@countryschool.net to report additional news.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Faculty Spotlight Lower School Science Teacher Chantal Detlefs

By Kent Findlay ’80, Marketing & Communications Associate “I’m fascinated by the connectivity of

the Nature Center itself. During

grade to the next) and a mentor for

everything. Every single thing on this

off-hours, she also acted as the City

those aspiring to become science educa-

planet is connected to something else.

Naturalist doing environmental

tors. Less formally, she is known as the

There is a natural balance, an order — if

enforcement in and around Rye. Her

“recess gardener,” frequently working in

you will — of everything on Earth. There

administrative success was bittersweet

one of her gardens (conveniently located

are also actions, reactions and ripple

in that it resulted in more time spent

next to playgrounds) pruning, weeding

effects. When you start to truly under-

with adults inside offices and less time

and watering. Regardless of weather, she

stand these ideas, how every living and

with children outside. She loved the

invariably finds herself surrounded by the

nonliving thing connects to something

center, but she knew in her heart, she

helpful or the simply curious.

else, it is just mind-blowing,” said Chantal

had to invert the equation.

Off campus, she enjoys hiking with

Detlefs, raising her hands to her head

Familiar with the hands-on, experien-

Rocky, her pug beagle mix, at the Ward

for emphasis. “I’m convinced that if I can

tial style of project-based education at

Pound Ridge Reservation or a similar

get the children interested in this, it will

Country School, Chantal responded to an

outdoor venue, and has been working on a

change their lives forever.”

open position and soon began her tenure

master’s degree in environmental science,

Mrs. Detlefs, the soft-spoken Lower

as Lower School science teacher. That

which she expects to have completed by

School science teacher who describes

was 13 years ago.

December. She is also very interested in

herself as being far more comfortable

Today, in addition to teaching first

species conservation initiatives, a passion

in the presence of children and animals

through fourth grade science, Chantal

she shares with her students.

than of adults, grows animated while

is also the school’s Science Department

"When they have that aha moment,

explaining. Her knowledge of and passion

Chair (ensuring a seamless, cumulative

and that spark occurs, their whole

for the topic are both quickly apparent.

acquisition of science skills and knowl-

expression changes, it is so great. That

“I want to open their eyes to all of the

edge, as students advance from one

moment; that’s my goal.”

disciplines of science, not just classroom science. There is also everyday life science, and once you can see it and understand it — boom, there it is, all around us.”

Originally, she wanted to be a veterinarian. With a love for big animals and a degree in biology in-hand, she first volunteered at the nonprofit Save the Sound, and then worked for a period at the Audubon Society Sanctuary Department doing wildlife management.

When it came time for vet school, she kept thinking back to how much fun it had been to introduce the children to what was underneath the water. She realized then that what she really wanted to be was an educator.

This led to a 15-year stint at the Rye Nature Center, where she held positions of increasing responsibility: Environmental Educator, Director of Education and ultimately, Director of

Faculty & Staff News ▸ Head of School Aaron Cooper was inducted into Groton School’s Athletic Hall

of Fame in May. During a ceremony held on their campus, Groton Headmaster Temba Maqubela remarked: “Aaron earned nine varsity letters during his Groton days, including four in cross country, three in baseball, and two in cross country skiing. As a runner, he was a member of the New England champion team in 1990 and was recognized on the All-ISL and All-New England teams in 1992 and 1993. He capped off his Groton running career by winning the New England Championship in 1993 as a Sixth Former. He was voted co-captain by his teammates in both 1992 and 1993. After Groton, Aaron went on to run at Haverford College, where as a senior he captained the cross country, indoor, and outdoor track teams, which were undefeated in conference championship Sixth Grade Homeroom Teacher meets during his entire college career. He was also Brayden Henry completed his master’s a three-time All-American in cross country and degree in teaching and foundations at track and received Haverford’s Alumni-Varsity Club Fairfield University in July.

Award for his contributions to athletics.”

Former Lower School Teacher Hayley and Steve Bloom ’03 welcomed a son, Albie, July 17.

See also Class Notes page 55.

Physical Education Teacher and Coach Meegan Rourke completed her master’s in physical education and sports pedagogy at Manhattanville College in May. Congratulations to former Apprentice ▲ Fifth Grade Teacher Andrew and Cassie Bevan welcomed a daughter, Rosie Elizabeth, July 1.

She joins older sister Arden.

Faculty professional development opportunities, including graduate coursework, are made possible by financial resources from the Special Professional Development Fund and the Ninth Grade Endowment Fund.

Nick Manfreda and former Lower ▲ Former Physical Education Teacher and Coach Betsy Hulme competed in the 2019 U.S. Open Pickleball Tournament women’s doubles and mixed doubles brackets in May, in Naples, FL, winning both gold and silver medals. In June, she travelled to Albuquerque, NM where she competed in the National Senior Games. “I was just happy to watch the top pros in the country play and see how they would outsmart their opponents.”

School Science Assistant Sierra Adler on their engagement!

Former Sixth Grade Homeroom Teacher Suzy Sensbach has moved to Bozeman, MT, to teach at Cottonwood Day School, a school for students with learning disabilities, and will be teaching adaptive ski lessons on weekends at Big Sky Resort.

Former Head of School Nick Thacher and Sally send their greetings from Norfolk,

Congratulations to former Apprentice

Connecticut, where they spend the summer and early fall on the aptly named

Sarah Shannon on her engagement

Doolittle Pond. Nick, who many will remember retired (again) in 2016 after serving

to Coleman Lapointe. A fall wedding in

as Head of Dedham Country Day School for 12 years, continues to be actively

Kennebunkport, ME, is planned.

engaged in the Horizons National Summer Program and has joined the Boards of

64

several independent schools in Southern California. He reports, “I continue to do

Former Administrator Lynn Sullivan

consulting work in the school world, and Sally does occasional preaching in the

has been named Director of

Congregational churches of Norfolk, Connecticut, and Santa Barbara, California,

Community Equity at Yale University,

where we reside from October to May (when we aren’t traveling). We would

Yale Divinity School, and has joined

welcome visits from former NCCS colleagues in the Berkshires or Santa Barbara!”

the Board of A Better Chance, Darien.

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Hitting All the

Right Notes

A long-standing Country School tradition, the Faculty Chorus, currently led by Performing Arts Teacher Lindy Toczko, performed at assemblies and gatherings throughout the year including the 2019 Closing Exercises where they sang “Fortune Favors the Bold” (written by Performing Arts Teacher Andy Tyson) and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

Members of the 2018–2019 Faculty Chorus included (front row from left to right): Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04, Assistant to the Director of Secondary School Counseling Office and Assistant to the Head of the Middle School Brenda Friedman, Advancement Support Manager Renee Bornstein, Middle School Apprentice Kate

Scott Lilley, Performing Arts Teacher Andy Tyson, Performing

MacNutt, Upper School World Language Teacher Hannah Liu,

Arts Teacher Jake Alrich (top row): Head of School Aaron

Upper School English and History Teacher Elizabeth Carroll,

Cooper, Middle School Apprentice Will Shaw, Grade 5 Teacher

Performing Arts Teacher Ellen Baer, Grade 6 Teacher Brooke

Raphe Elkind, Grade 4 Teacher John Hastings, Maintenance

Kelly (middle row): Grade 5 Teacher Andrew Bevan, World

Assistant Charles Bogus and Upper School English and History

Language Teacher Sean Robb, Upper School Science Teacher

Teacher Tom Giggi.

▲ Congratulations to Assistant to the Director of Secondary School Counseling Office and Assistant to the Head of the Middle School Brenda Friedman and Gary Siegel on their engagement!

▲ School Psychologist Rebecca Comizio has been named the 2018–2019 “Connecticut School Psychologist of the Year” by the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists. “Rebecca is recognized for her outstanding work with students, staff and families and her tireless commitment to supporting excellence and best practices in the field of school psychology,” said CASP President H. Thomas Brant who presented her the honor on June 5.

▲ Former Plus Program Assistant and Administrative Support Sarah Lauture reports that she relocated to Nashville in July. “I will officially start work as Founding School Counselor at KIPP Antioch College Prep Middle School in Antioch, TN. The school will begin with fifth grade and add on a grade each year (up to eighth).”

▸ Pictured here at the Alhambra in ▲ Performing Arts Teacher Andy Tyson and his wife, Jess, welcomed a son, Avery Anderson Tyson, May 7. “Avery is starting his work on the piano with the major and minor blues scales, some Scott Joplin and a little Rachmaninoff,” joked the birth announcement.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? Please contact communications@countryschool.net to provide faculty & staff news and updates.

Granada, Spain, former Spanish teacher Louise Leeds reports: “I’ve enjoyed retirement this year, traveling to southern Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Portugal, and Japan. My NCCS vest always goes along for the ride!”

▸ Congratulations to Physical

Education Teacher and Coach Meegan Rourke and Stoddard Horn on their wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington on August 3. discover more countryschool.net

65

Milestones

Join us in celebrating and honoring members of the Country School community, past and present.

Our Congratulations MARRIAGES Audrey Phipps Charlson ’85 to

Caroline Downer ’04 to Drew Parkes

Timothy Stuart Tippin

April 13, 2019

April 27, 2019 Sarah Cottone ’08 to Ben Davies Peyton Cochran ’97 to Sean Nolan

December 29, 2017

SUBMIT A NOTICE on the website or contact Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 directly at

May 4, 2019 Colin Grant Woolford ’08 to

hcasella@countryschool.net or

Caitlin Dudley ’03 to Daniel Marcel

Samantha Spaulding Conway

(203) 801-5687 with your news item.

June 29, 2019

June 8, 2019

All milestones received after we go to print will be included in the next edition of the Bulletin, scheduled for spring 2020 and also posted

BIRTHS

on the website.

Albie Bloom

Olivia Victoria Acosta

Steve Bloom ’03 and Hayley Bloom

Brittni Taylor Acosta ’04 and

July 17, 2019

Oscar Acosta April 20, 2019

66

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

Read more: www.countryschool.net/milestones

IN MEMORIAM We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the following members of our extended school community. To read more, please visit www.countryschool.net/milestones. You may also submit a notice on the website or contact Director of Alumni Affairs Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 directly at hcasella@countryschool.net or (203) 801-5687.

Alumni

Linda Hardon Tuck ’37, widow of Herman Tuck, passed away April 17, 2017, in Tucson where she lived for over seventy years. Following Country School, she graduated from Garrison Forest School and volunteered for the Frontier Nursing Service.

Linda brought her love of dogs, cats and horses to Tucson in the 40s where she and Herman operated the Roping Club, a boarding stable, and a “chuck wagon” catering service. She was secretary of multiple local horse shows, and served as a Tucson Rodeo Ambassador at local elementary schools. She was active with her beloved Saddlebags group and was an active member of the Arizona State Horseman’s Association, the Equestrian Association, the Saguaro Horseman’s Association, the Arizona Arabian Association, the Horse and Fiddle Club (horseback square dancing) and TROT. For 27 years she volunteered with Saguaro National Park.

Friends and family remember her as notorious for pulling out her ever-present daily diaries (which she had kept since 1954) and reminding people of where they’d been or what happened in the distant past.

In addition to leaving many dear friends and extended family she leaves sons Larry Tuck of Tuscon and Jim Tuck and his wife, Diana, formerly of Tucson and currently residing in Boise, ID. She is predeceased by siblings F. Burr Hardon ’39 and Phyllis Hardon Gander ’42.

Linda Bailey Searle ’40 died at her home in Delray Beach, FL, on January 16, 2019, at age 93. Born in East Orange, NJ, to Country School Trustee Clifford Sherwood Bailey and Ellen Laird Bailey, Linda grew up in Darien and New Canaan.

Following Country School, Linda attended The Ethel Walker School and Finch College.

In June 1945, she married John “Jack” Endicott Searle Jr., who was in the Army Air Corps. Upon his discharge, Jack enrolled in MIT and the couple moved to Cambridge, MA. In late 1947, they moved again to Marblehead, MA, where they raised their two daughters. They bought a home at Saint Andrews Club in Delray Beach, FL, in 1973, where they became very involved in the club, and participated in many club activities. Jack and Linda were also members of

nearby Gulfstream Bath and Tennis, and the Little Club. They maintained a presence in New England, owning a condominium in Beverly Farms, MA. They were members of Essex County Club in Manchester, MA. Linda was predeceased by her husband in 2012. She is survived by her daughters, Ellen Kip Searle Abbott and her husband John H. Abbott of Manchester, MA, and by Carol Putnam Searle, and her husband Andrew J. Ley of Dedham, MA. She leaves a granddaughter, Kelsey Searle Abbott, and her husband Peter T. McDougall of Osprey, FL. Also surviving her is her sister, Mary Bailey Lumet ’43 of New York City.

Arthur “Dart” Winship Jr. ’42 passed away July 15, 2019, in Sacramento, CA. Dart grew up in New Canaan where he served at a young age as a volunteer in the New Canaan Fire Department. Dart was a WWII Veteran having served in the Navy in 1945 and 1946. As a salesman for several companies, he traveled quite a bit, ultimately settling in California (Walnut Creek, Rocklin, Elk Grove and Antelope).

Dart was a Deputy Sheriff for Contra Costa County. He also was a past-President of the Sons of the American Revolution, Sacramento Chapter, past-President of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Walnut Creek area, and a member of the Harding San Juan Masonic Lodge #579. He was also a Shriner and a member of the Mayflower Society.

Dart had a great sense of humor, enjoyed people and lived a full life.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Otis of Antelope; daughter, Katherine Davies of Colorado; three stepchildren, Kelly Hagarty of Rocklin, CA, Lynda Kulp of Carmichael, CA, and James O’Reilly of Edmonds, WA. He is predeceased by brother Johns Winship ’44.

Samuel Cushing ’48 passed away May 13 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, following a long battle with leukemia.

Following Country School, Sam graduated from King School and the University of Pennsylvania.

He had worked as a full-time derivatives trader and professional jazz piano player in the New York City area working in club dates and doing commercial studio work.

Prior to moving to Florida in 1991, he was a partner at Cushing & Roberts Insurance in Stamford for 20 years.

An avid sailor, Sam was a member of the Storm Trysail Club and sailed in 10 NewportBermuda races, a Cape Town to Rio race, two transatlantic and one transpacific race, and cruised and raced the East Coast from Halifax N.S. to Florida. He was honored with the Cutty Sark Trophy for his contribution to the Storm Trysail Club.

Sam is survived by his children Kathryn Maple, Virginia and Peter Cushing and by his loving friend Robin Sheffler with whom he shared many adventures over 18 years. He is predeceased by his first wife Barbara Cushing who died in 2008 and his brother, John Jr., who died in 2013. His 1981 marriage to Marguerite (Mims) Keeshan ended in divorce in 2001.

Robert M. Adams, Jr. ’53 of Ormond Beach, FL, passed away August 21, 2018.

He was 79. Following Country School, Rob attended Eaglebrook School, Westminster School and Hamilton College. He married Lee Baietti and they raised their family in Connecticut. Upon retirement, he bought a house in Florida to be near his daughter Katherine. Rob is survived by his brothers Richard Adams ’55 of Landgrove, VT, Stephen Adams ’57 of Mont Vernon, NH, his sister Mercedes Adams Huff of Jackson Hole, WY, and his daughter Katherine Adams Hunter of Orlando, FL. William “Bill” Burdette Crane III ’53 passed away at his New Canaan home July 20. He was 81. Following Country School, Bill attended The Berkshire School, Trinity College and received a master’s degree in business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

During his military career, he served as an intelligence officer in the Navy aboard the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier in the Pacific Fleet. Bill was a financial executive at Ford Motor Company, Heublein, United Vintners and Lone Star Industries. He was a long-standing member of the New Canaan (Senior) Men’s Club, the Exchange Club, St. Mark’s Church and the New Canaan Country Club. In the summers, he enjoyed sailing, clamming, woodworking and entertaining friends at his residence in Chatham, MA. Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, discover more countryschool.net

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Joanne Goward Crane, daughter Amy Nickerson Crane and grandson, William Brewster Crane-Morris, all of New Canaan, and a sister, Catherine Cramer Crane ’54, of New York City.

Mary Haven Logan ’59 passed away January 11 after a nearly 10-year courageous battle with Stage 4 breast cancer.

Following Country School, Mary graduated with a B.A. in sociology from Barnard College at Columbia University. In 1972, she bought land on Greenfield Ranch in Ukiah, CA, and after two years, moved to Los Angeles to pursue a long-time dream of being a therapist, earning an MSW at the University of Southern California. It became her life’s work in a variety of settings. She also earned a doctorate in health psychology from the International College.

She was the founding director of the Serenity Eating Disorders Program and Assistant Vice-president of John Muir Hospital. Upon returning to Ukiah in the mid-1990s, she worked as a child therapist at Trinity School, Consolidated Tribal Health and had a private practice. Mary published three books: Choosing to Be Well, The California Wine Country Diet and Remembering Poppy Mountain.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Robert Faulk, former director of the Lake Mendocino Medical Foundation and Society; his two children, Elizabeth Liming and Juliette Haggh; her son, Stephen Faulk and his wife, Piper; and their two children, Asher and Violet who reside in Ukiah.

Angela “Angie” Webb Kensinger ’79, age 54, and her husband Stuart Kensinger, age 55, of Houston, died tragically in a plane crash outside Kerrville, TX, April 22. They were on their way to their hill country home along with dear friends and colleagues who were also killed in the accident.

Following Country School, Angie attended The Hotchkiss School and Yale University, where she met Stuart while rowing on the crew team. After college, she worked in New York for Harper’s BAZAAR magazine, before moving to Austin, San Francisco and finally Houston with Stuart.

Having played lacrosse at all three of her schools, Angie volunteered to coach the girls’ varsity team at nearby St. John’s School. During her 22 years as “Coach K,” she took the fledgling team and created a winning program that included 12 state

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NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL BULLETIN • Fall 2019

championships and 11 SPC championships.

She is remembered by the St. John’s School community as having been a “fairy sports godmother” to countless girls who came through her program and her home.

Angie and Stuart are survived by their son Philip; sister Electra Webb Tortorella ’77, her husband Al and children Will and Katherine; and sister Eliza Webb Eppli ’75, her husband Mark and children Maddy and Zoe. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Carol Webb most recently of Vero Beach, FL. For further details, please visit www.geohlewis.com.

Katja M. Krumpelbeck ’00 passed away July 22 with family members by her side.

Following Country School, Katja attended The St. Paul’s School, The Johns Hopkins University and received a master’s of science degree from New York University.

Katja worked as a speech and cognitive disorders therapist for the New York City school system. She loved helping people and especially enjoyed working with children. She also loved New York City, Broadway shows, all kinds of music, Cape Cod, fine art and nature, travel and experiencing new places and cultures. She was known to go on any adventure anywhere. She loved her cat and all animals. Katja is survived by her father, John, her brother, Steven ’99 and his wife Kari and her nieces Olivia and Kirsten, as well as many other family members in both the U.S. and Austria, where she had studied briefly, at the University of Vienna.

Former Faculty/Staff

Carmine Santorelli Sr., 87, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 27.

Following his 34 years as Director of Country School Maintenance and 2004 retirement, he could be found watching the Yankees, planning trips to the casino, reading a good book or cherishing every moment he was able to spend with his family.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, former Country School staff member Wanda Santorelli (1976–2003), Carmine is survived by his four sons, John Santorelli of New Milford, Enrico Santorelli of Trumbull, Alec Voccola of Stratford, and Carmine Jr. Santorelli of Stratford, as well as his brother Joseph Santorelli of Norwalk. Carmine leaves behind 10 cherished grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a special niece and two nephews.

Former Trustee

Conway “Connie” Day, a lover of the arts and travel, passed away December 20, 2018, in Santa Barbara, CA.

She and husband, Peter Day Jr., with whom she raised two sons, Lee Day ’73 and Mason Day ’76, lived first in Darien and then in New Canaan, where she was active in community affairs. She served as Country School’s first female member of the Board of Trustees from 1972–1976.

She was also a leader of the New Canaan Land Trust. An avid art collector, she built a personal collection of South American and Modern art and served on the board of the RISD Museum supporting the Nancy Sayles Day Collection of South American Art, which was established by Peter in honor of his mother.

After Peter passed away in 1967, Connie married Arnoldo LaCagnina. She later moved to Italy, living outside Florence for many years where she and Arnoldo established Castello di Gabbiano as a thriving Tuscan winery and renovated the namesake medieval Castle. Connie moved to Montecito, CA, in the late ’90s. Her final years were spent at Casa Dorinda.

In addition to her sons, Lee and Mason, Connie is survived by siblings Angus MacLean, Katherine Bovey, and John MacLean as well as her grandchildren, Samson, Sayles, Campbell, Nye and Hodges.

We offer condolences to the family and friends of the following members of our extended school community: Barbara M. Burns Mother of Christine Burns Bent ’81, Greg ’84, Tim ’85, Jennifer ’90 Mahesh “Mack” Ghadiyali Father of Plus Program Assistant Rinku Ghadiyali Joseph Morris Mother of John ’79 Erin Noonan Mother of Ryan Ruggiero ’88 Patricia Randolph Mother of Grade 6 Teacher Frazier Randolph Charles Simonds Father of Chris ’75, Melissa ’76, Sprague ’79 Jane Wappler Wife of former faculty member Reinhold, Mother of Sarah ’86, Amy ’89 and Grandmother of Sam ’07, Ivy ’11, Will ’14 Jack Webb Father of Kendall Webb ’79

A LOOK BACK

A Full Boat

By Visual Arts Department Chair, Teacher and School Archivist Mark Macrides

One of the lesser-known highlights of the late spring at Country

to fill with water through the seams that have not yet had the

School is the launch of the rowboat on Hardon Pond. Each year,

luxury of time to expand and create a watertight seal. This, of

eighth and ninth graders in Mr. Lawler’s Boat Building wood-

course, only adds to the fun as the dedicated rowers take to

shop elective design and build a wooden rowboat, which, on

bailing out the boat in a chaotic fashion where everyone ends

a particularly beautiful spring day, they cart across Frogtown

up wet. Eventually, as the end of the class period approaches,

Road for a celebratory christening and launch on the placid

they haul the boat out of the pond, collect their gear and put

pond. The group manages the event with the appropriate level

shoes back on for the journey back to school and dry land.

of ceremony: they send invitations, procure music and adorn

The entire magical experience takes about 30 minutes, but

the bow of the boat with a bouquet of peonies and blue false

it is the culmination of so much more. It is the opportunity

indigo, freshly clipped from the Lower School Reading Garden.

for students to come together with a common goal and work

The boat launch is a mandatory event on my calendar, complete

through the challenges of creating something from nothing. An

with sunshine, cool spring temperatures and the high spirits of

idea, plans, supplies, hard work, problem solving, collaboration,

students reveling in their accomplishment.

partnership and determination are all afloat on that beautiful

On approach to the pond, the scene is simple yet filled

spring morning. As teachers, we can take pride in the fact that

with wonder and amazement. The hands-on learning experi-

we have shepherded students through a valuable educational

ence begins with pencil and paper on the drafting table and

experience completely reflective of our program and mission.

ends with adventure on the high seas. Students take turns in

For students, it is all about the joys of life, laughter, friendship

groups of two or three, rowing the boat around the pond, while

and horseplay. A full boat indeed!

on shore an energetic group awaits their turn, hooting and hollering cheers of success. As time progresses, the boat begins

discover more countryschool.net

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635 Frogtown Road New Canaan, CT 06840 Address Service Requested

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Know a family for whom Country School might be a good fit?

Please invite them to attend one, or several, of our fall events.

changes to communications@countryschool.net.

Fall Discovery Fair Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30–11 a.m.

A fun, hands-on morning of guided exploration for prospective children (ages 2–7) and their parents.

Open House Sunday, Oct. 20, 1–3 p.m.

Prospective families are invited to meet and hear from our Head of School Aaron Cooper, faculty, staff, students and parents. Take a campus tour, talk with teachers and learn about our program.

PHOTO CREDIT: HA LAM

Join us!

Monday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Young People’s Poet Laureate

Naomi Shihab Nye will deliver a community poetry reading.

Open to all members of our school community and the public.

For more information, please visit www.countryschool.net/visit

Divisional Close-Ups Early Childhood: Thursday, Oct. 24 & Dec. 5, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Lower School: Thursday, Nov. 7 & Dec. 12, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Prospective parents are invited to get a closer look at our academic curriculum, athletic and music programs deliberately designed to meet the needs of students in a specific division.

Coffee in the Commons Thursdays, 9–10 a.m.

Prospective parents are invited to join us Thursdays this fall for an informational session — ask questions and get a tour of campus.

Check our website for a full list of upcoming events, event descriptions and registration details:

www.countryschool.net/visit