The View & Annual Report, Fall 2021

Dear Open Window community,

Twelve months ago, the pandemic had a firm hold on our school, nation, and world. We were PCR testing, wearing masks, and we had a significant cohort of students attending school remotely. This year’s start of school was so different; we focused less on Covid logistics and more on three core themes. The first is community; we strive to ensure that every student, family, faculty, and staff member feels respected, engaged, and important. The second is excellence. How do we continue to build an outstanding academic and co-curricular program, one which balances high challenge with high support? The third is access. We are increasingly asking ourselves how we can make our own community more inclusive and how we can reach out to gifted communities beyond our physical campus to share what we know.

Open Window School is a dynamic organization with a future focus. Emerging from the pandemic, we did not strive to return to normal; we strove to go back to basics with a growth mindset. Among other things, we adopted new curricula in both divisions (including a new writing curriculum in lower school and a new social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum in middle school); we revised the middle school schedule to align with best practices about how adolescents learn; we hired a full time Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; we added a Student Support Services Coordinator; we launched Open Window Online (which you will read more about in this issue); we allocated over a million dollars in financial aid; we added an afternoon bus; we upgraded the sound and lights in the gym so the entire audience can hear what the students on stage say; and we increased funding for professional development for our amazing faculty and staff.

Why does it matter that our program continues to change and improve? Because I am sure that the students who graduate from this school will go out into the world and make a positive difference. They will emerge from Open Window, which nurtures and inspires students of high intellectual potential, with clear values, strong problemsolving skills, a growth mindset, a clear sense of self, and a bias for action.

What we offer to the amazing students at Open Window would not be possible without the generosity of our donors–past, present, and future. Thanks to every one of you for your commitment to this wonderful school. The students are the beneficiaries, and all of us are grateful.

All my best to all of you—

Elaine Christensen Head of School

“What we offer to the amazing students at Open Window would not be possible without the generosity of our donors–past, present, and future.”

ABOVE Each spring during Field Day, our community gathers for an all-school rainbow photo. This tradition started with alum parents Linda and Yukinori Inagawa many years ago. This year’s photo was taken by Heidi Leonard.

ABOUT THE COVER The cover of this issue was taken at recess by first grade Associate Teacher Sandy Huang. The dandelion symbolizes seeding a culture of philanthropy throughout our community, supporting both today’s students and future Bobcats.

Student Support Services

The mission of Open Window School is to nurture and inspire students of high intellectual potential. This mission reflects our philosophy of educating the whole child; the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of our gifted students are as important as focused attention on their academic needs.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

By formalizing our existing student support framework into a Student Support Services Department with the hiring our Student Support Services Coordinator, Niki Fischer Meyers, we better our abilities to meet the social, emotional, academic, and behavioral needs of every student through a continuum of integrated, evidencebased practices. Our core program, which serves all students, is enhanced with additional layers added to one or more of the spheres to create a constellation of support for either a short period or on a longer trajectory. Our skilled teachers, school counselors, and administrators work with and as members of the Student Support Services team versed in current best practices for gifted growth and development to empower each student to understand how their unique brain works, acknowledge and manage their emotions, face academic and social and emotional challenges, and become advocates for the support they need.

AN INNOVATIVE INITIATIVE

Open Window students love to learn and providing students with opportunities to engage their curiosity, cultivate their passions, and take intellectual risks is a core value of our program. As a part of our focus on this value, we are undertaking an innovative initiative — Open Window Online (OWO) — beginning in the fall of 2023.

OWO is a full-time, online program specifically for gifted fourth- and fifth-grade students from around Western Washington who may not have access to a program that fits their needs. Heading up this effort are two long-time Open Window faculty members, Cary Kirby and Randy Hollinger.

In order to test out our model, this past summer OWO ran a two-week summer program with a small but enthusiastic class who shared an adventure in marine

science. Under the guidance of Mr. Hollinger, the students had the opportunity to work with a real marine biologist, including getting his advice and feedback on their work. A highlight of the two weeks was a trip to the Seattle Aquarium to gather data for their projects and, more importantly, spend face-to-face time with their friends.

The full-time OWO program includes full-day classes, in-person field trips during the year, intentional socialemotional learning embedded into the program, and support and community for parents and guardians. We are currently promoting OWO throughout Western Washington, including Seattle, southwest Washington, the Kitsap Peninsula, and South Puget Sound for fall 2023 admissions. We are excited to start this initiative and extend our reach as leaders in gifted education.

For more information, visit www.openwindowonline.org.

MEET THE TEAM

ADMINISTRATION

Piya Narayen (she/her)

Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

“The sheer curiosity that students demonstrate, which one then can run with to explore infinite philosophical and real-world contemporary global scenarios plus solutions. That curiosity cannot, in my opinion, be taught.”

I grew up and still love watching Bollywood movies. A perennial favorite remains Diwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.

SUPPORTING ROLES

Trista Bamer (she/her) Special Programs Coordinator

“Kids have endless energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. There is nowhere better to be than surrounded by this type of human!”

As an adult, I read a lot of memoirs.

Betsy Briardy (she/her) Assistant Director of Middle School

“Schools are fantastic places to work, so full of life and energy and every day is different.”

I am a huge fan of cooking and decorating shows.

Niki Fischer Meyers (she/her) Student Support Services Coordinator

“I have worked in education for decades, particularly in the areas of learning and twice exceptionality. I love being around children and passionate educators. I’m drawn to work in schools because of my belief in the right to a quality education. I believe that investing in students is investing in our future.”

I love memoirs and instructional text TV.

Jon Acheé (he/him) Director of Finance and Operations

“The strong sense of mission and heart at the center of a school community. The opportunity to support faculty and staff in their vocational passion to educate and inspire students.”

I just love great stories across genres that you can’t predict how they will end, or touch on some deeper human truth or emotion.

Amanda Roccuzzo (she/her) Human Resources Manager

“I love being a part of an educational institution that nurtures gifted learners. These students are our future and getting to be even a small part of their educational journey is exciting.”

My favorite show is The Great British Baking Show.

Kristin Uselman (she/her) School Nurse

“OWS kids are funny, curious, and enthusiastic. Being around kids inspires me to try new things, to work hard, and to soak up all the great experiences around me. As a nurse, seeing healthy kids thrive in warm and vibrant classrooms, is a dream job come true!”

My favorite book genre is historical fiction.

They were asked what draws them to education and to share a favorite book, show, movie, or genre.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Cinthia Chacón (she/her/ella)

Middle School Spanish Teacher

“I believe that working with our youth is the best way to make our world a better one. My goal is to provide a safe space for our students to learn, have fun, and thrive.”

My favorite genre of books are novels of the Spanish American Boom.

Sandy Huang (she/her)

First Grade Associate Teacher

“It has always been my passion to work in the school environment with students where we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is the most rewarding feeling to be a part of the students’ learning journey and to celebrate their milestones.”

I love reading different genre of books! One of my favorite TV series is Castle.

Ben Morgan (he/him)

Middle School Language Arts Teacher

“I’m drawn to education because I get to inspire and support students with presence and kindness.”

I like comedy, drama, sports documentaries, period pieces.

Clarissa Toupin (she/her)

Middle School Science Teacher

“I was a scientist for close to 10 years, with half the year in the field and the other half at a university or museum where I would do research and teach. After a few years, it was the teaching that drove my love and passion for science, so I decided to pursue a career in education. I have been in Gifted education for 8 years and am so happy to be at OWS!”

I love historical fiction, documentaries, and short comedies (fiction).

Gina Vickrey (she/her)

Middle School Science Lab Assistant

“The biggest draw to me is the sense of community that you feel in a school environment. I can’t think of another occupation where ‘feeling like you belong’ plays such a central role in what you do.”

My favorite movie is Field of Dreams.

Scott Ziglinski (he/him) Lower School Science Teacher

“The people who had the greatest impact on me worked with kids.”

My favorite books are Masters of Atlantis, and most Philip Roth books.

Summer PROGRAM 2022

This summer our campus came alive with the buzz of camp. Over the course of the summer, we welcomed 391 campers and 40 Teacher Assistants (TAs). Within our TA program, we had 15 rising eighth grade students and 14 OWS alums participate.

Campers took part in 52 unique classes including West African Drumming and Dance, Frozen: The Musical, martial arts, and documentary making.

We can’t wait for Summer 2023 to see our campers explore, create, and discover on the mountain again!

“Thank you for making his summer so memorable. He made lots of friends, got messy with shaving cream and dirt (it's wonderful when they can just be kids), and enjoyed learning new games, interesting facts, and hiking in the secret trails.”

AUCTION 2022

The energy was electric. After two years of social distance, the Open Window community gathered — in person! — in a fun and philanthropic event for our school.

The parents, guardians, staff, and faculty donated more money than ever before, netting more than $232,450 in the Auction and $271,000 in the Fund-A-Wish. Everyone was hungry to connect. Over tasty desserts and spy-themed décor, acquaintances turned into friends and coworkers into buddies. Despite the FBI (or their lookalikes) rushing her off stage, Auction co-chair Nicole Henson thanked her co-chair Laura Kotsis and inspired the audience to a record-breaking night.

Bidding was ferocious — with a highlight of the fierce contest to replace Head of School Elaine Christensen for the day. Trips to Mexico, Montana, Lake Tapps, and Whidbey Island also accompanied bidding for a special parking spot, behind-the-scenes tours, and much more.

Drama teacher Zoe Wilson championed the year’s Fund-A-Wish: Setting the Stage, which includes sound and lighting upgrades to our school stage. These improvements allow everyone — students, parents, guardians, visitors, teachers, and presenters — to be seen, heard, and celebrated with updated lighting and state-of-the-art sound systems. And Ms. Wilson was heard: The community raised so much money, the work is now going, and this year’s performances will showcase our best.

Many thanks to the team of parent/guardian volunteers who spent countless hours imagining and planning this event. Deep gratitude to the Development team of Molly Rubin, Angie Hurlock, and Dara Vodder who support the parents’ and guardians’ efforts. And thank you to families and staff members who have given gifts of time and money to support our Open Window community of gifted learners.

Congratulations

TO THE CLASS OF 2022

Class of 2022 Graduation

by Erin Wallace

It was a beautiful sunny day in June, perfect for an outdoor graduation on campus. Colorful flowers brightened the covered playground as it was transformed to a ceremonial space. As the music began, the Class of 2022 made their way across the campus, through a tunnel lined with supportive K-8 teachers cheering them on. Celebrating our students, their work, their contributions, and most importantly, the young adults they are becoming, is an important part of the Open Window School journey.

Graduates shared stories with speeches about their Open Window experiences and memories of treasured classmates with whom they have developed long-lasting friendships. Some were witty, others sentimental, but all rang true to a common theme–Open Window is a special place where you can be who you are, speak your own voice, and develop the skills to be empathetic, innovative problem solvers and passionate, purposeful global citizens. A special new tradition involves graduates requesting a specific teacher from their Open Window tenure to share a few words to honor their special contribution to the community and send them off with a hope.

Under the direction of our choir director Erik Koski, graduates performed a song for the audience of family, teachers, and staff members. Once all graduates received their certificates, they joined the audience for hugs and photos.

Congratulations Class of 2022!

ALUMNI REUNION 2022

Alumni gathered for the first time in two years on the Robinson Porch in June. We welcomed everyone from our newest alumni inductees to the sole representative for the Class of 2017, thank you William! It was a truly meaningful get together, and we look forward our next one.

Please keep in touch, share your great news with us, and know that your Open Window family is here for you on Cougar Mountain.

Follow us on Instagram @OWSBobcat and join our Facebook Open Window School Alumni group. Stay tuned for a Save the Date for next June’s Alumni Reunion.

An Open Window education is unique. We provide best-in-class gifted education from teachers who are leading-edge educators. We also focus on the whole child, guiding our students to learn and exemplify kindness, inclusion, responsibility, and respect. This marriage of mind, spirit, and action sparks intellectual curiosity and a commitment to community. This is Open Window School, made possible through your generous donation of resources and time to our school — and to our students.