View THE
NEWSLETTER FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, ALUMNI FAMILIES, GRANDPARENTS AND FRIENDS
SPRING 2020
#OWS Bobcat Strong
Dear Friends OF Open Window School, This has been a school year unlike any other.
When we left campus on March 11, we entered a new reality, one absent the in-person interaction that so defines our community. While I am saddened by the many special events that could not occur this spring, I am filled with incredible appreciation for how we, as a community, responded to the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19. In less than a week, faculty transitioned from being classroom teachers to developing online curriculum and guiding distance learning. With developmentally appropriate support from their parents, students assumed much greater responsibility for managing their learning. Our Parent Association and staff created a multitude of online opportunities to preserve our sense of community. Bobcats are resilient, and we have demonstrated this quality in so many ways. In unprecedented and difficult times, we remained #OWSBobcatStrong!
This is my last opportunity to write to you as your Head of School. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to lead Open Window for the past eight years. During that time, our school has grown and provided students amazing learning opportunities, becoming recognized as one of the most outstanding independent schools in the Pacific Northwest. Being a Head of School is like being the conductor of an orchestra. No matter how vigorously you wave the baton, there isn’t any beautiful music without the musicians. Our success has been so dependent on the talent and dedication of our community. I greatly appreciate the efforts and support of our Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, students, and parents. Special thanks this year goes to our Parent Association Presidents, Tiffany Bernal and Negar Partovi. From the inability to hold gatherings on campus as we completed our parking lot expansion in the fall, to the challenges of maintaining a community from a distance this spring, they and their team of volunteers have risen to every challenge with grace and ingenuity.
Jeff and student at the fall Kindergarten Parade
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Follow us on social media:
3-6 Views of a Pandemic 7-12 A Tribute to Jeff Stroebel @OWSBobcat
“Bobcats are resilient, and we have demonstrated this quality in so many ways.” Thank you for the best going away present possible. Support for Fund-A-Wish was amazing. We raised over $220,000 in support of teacher-driven innovation! Over my time at the school, what I am most proud of is how Open Window students get to do so many amazing things. Many of the most innovative aspects of our program have grown out of Summer Teacher Innovation Grants, and I thank our community for your generosity in ensuring that this program will continue to encourage teachers to collaborate and create new and innovative experiences for our students. I want to extend my best wishes to our graduating Class of 2020. Many of you were first graders when I came to the school, and we get to “graduate” together. Beyond COVID-19, I hope what will most strongly remain in your memories will be the opportunities you have had to be leaders during this year and how the school community came together to provide you with those special events that conclude the eighth grade year, such as the overnight and graduation. We all missed saying goodbye in person, and we hope that you will return and visit with us as soon as it is safe to do so. As we move forward, our daily lives are still filled with many uncertainties. One thing that is not uncertain is that Open Window School will continue to be “Bobcat Strong,” steady in its mission to nurture and inspire students of high intellectual potential. We have had the advantage of a thoughtful and well-planned Head of School transition. It has been a pleasure for me to work with Elaine Christensen over the course of this year, and I know that the school will continue to thrive under her leadership. I will now be cheering from a sideline, but I’ll always be proud and grateful to be a Bobcat!
Best wishes always,
13-16 Class of 2020 17-18 Middle School Service Club
facebook.com/OpenWindowSchool
@OWSBobcat
EIGHTH GRADE CLASS OF 2020
in words
Contributed by Eighth Grade Teachers
PEACEFUL LEADERS THOUGHTFUL FUNNY ENGAGED INQUISITIVE GENUINE QUIRKY UNIQUE ADVENTUROUS CARING KIND WICKED SENSE OF HUMOR A LITTLE SPICY TALENTED DIVERSE IN INTERESTS DEDICATED RESPECTFUL
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Baking helps this fifth grader fill his extra time.
First grader goes for a spring walk for her PE homework. Her mom, Deema Almunajem said, “I’m so glad the school PE/movement teacher included a 20 minute neighborhood walk. When it became “homework” someone was suddenly ok with going outside”
Second grade teacher Ms. Spadoni prompts smiles from this second grader.
Study buddies with the family dog shows the perks of distance learning for this fifth grader.
Views OF A PANDEMIC
As Open Window School teachers adjusted their instruction to distance learning during the spring 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, families shared glimpses into what this looked like from the home-front.
Fourth grader watches as Ms. Bamer, fourth grade teacher, teaches math. A benefit to distance learning? Snacks at your desk during class.
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Yoga homework from Mr. McCullough for the kinders.
Doing science outside to enjoy the sunshine
First grader gets to work in her new distance learning office.
Fourth grade distance learning is better if you don’t have to wear socks. This eighth grader cooks for a humanities project on Depression-era cooking.
Getting outside during this pandemic is important for everyone, especially this kindergartener.
Great art homework from Ms. Palladina!
This seventh grader misses her swim club. As dad says: “We miss swimming. Our neighbor opened their pool and (she) can swim in place with a swim tether, and we’ve gone in the lake once too (brrr!).” Mom posts about this first grader: “A thinking cap is very important for homework time.”
Chilling during the kindergarten Zoom call.
This first grader’s office is cozy with pillows and a guarding leopard.
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A tent outside in the sunshine makes distance learning that much easier.
A fifth grader’s cozy DL office.
Staying home means some fun walks for both fifthand second-grade siblings.
Second grader getting some sillies out!
Distance learning with our favorite lower school science teacher, Mr. Hollinger.
Hopping like the Easter bunny is a great way to get out your wiggles!
Some families choose to dance and have some fun, as with this Open Window family with a sixth grader and alum.
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A furry homework “helper”.
A Zoom call with Kindergarten teacher Ms. Tauscheck.
Seventh graders can do yoga to keep healthy.
Second grader gets help with homework from her mom, Emily Kirby.
Thank you to the following community members for sharing their thoughts and photos:
A Zoom call with our second-grade friends!
Eighth graders need their own space, and lots of technology.
YAY MOMENTS
Seventh grader doing a PE run.
Anita Akerkar Thao Blanchard Deema Almunajem Tiffany Bernal Lada Chanbai Jeff Derstadt Nicole Henson Devrim Iyigun Cary Kirby Pam Joneja Jessica Lawrence Karin Mital
After night one of distance learning, this kindergartener was upset because he just wanted to be back at school with his friends. His mom, and second grade teacher Jenna Spadoni, tells the rest of the story “The next day, we started this family project to find a ‘yay’ moment for each day, a way for us to focus on the bright side. Knowing now that the closure will take us through the rest of the year has me feeling sad for me, my students, and my son. But look at all that space left to fill. Tomorrow is a new day, and I’ll be ready to look for a ‘yay’ moment then.” OPEN WINDOW SCHOOL | THE VIEW | SPRING 2020 | 6
Coveted Cookie THE
A TRIBUTE TO
JEFF STROEBEL by Carolyn Lucas
Sixth graders launch high altitude balloon
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My first memory of Jeff was in 2011 during the Open Window search for a new Head of School. The director of development and I were meeting and greeting him in the hallway of the Farmhouse when Jeff offered us his cookie. This was no average cookie, but one you would covet for yourself, beautiful and covered in pink icing. It was during the mid-afternoon slump after a long day of interviews, and it was a winning gesture. That cookie, in that moment, became a metaphor for Jeff’s generosity throughout his eight-year tenure at Open Window School. I will never forget it and am deeply thankful for his leadership.
In his eight years of service to Open Window, Jeff has given our community all his best cookies. He has given us the gift of his presence at every event, from debate and chess tournaments to somehow replicating himself to be in more than one place at a time, volunteering at multiple Positive Impact Project events simultaneously. Jeff gave us Rufus (or in the spirit of a grown-up, gifted kid: Lynx rufus). Yes, we had a bobcat mascot before, but we did not have RUFUS. In fact, Jeff is also responsible for Rufus’ wardrobe, so much so, that it is, well, sort of awkward now if Rufus comes out to greet us in his birthday suit. Recognizing potential in his staff members is one of Jeff’s great strengths. Without Jeff’s innovative approach to staffing, we would not have our Director of Innovation and Technology Adrienne Gifford, Lower School Science Teacher Randy Hollinger, and more. These are only a couple of the many examples of his discerning eye. He grew and strengthened our technology and innovation department, and the arts and movement team. In this same vein of innovation, Jeff jumped at opportunities that some may have thought risky, but in hindsight, built a program that fills us with pride.
These include both physical places like the Bue Commons, the Art Studio, two fully equipped innovation and tech labs, a renewed library, and most recently an increased capacity parking lot, and other projects like the Summer Innovation Grants, Student Spaceflight Experiment Project (SSEP), a move to MAP testing, and one-to-one devices from K-8. Jeff also reimagined community building opportunities, supporting the combining of our beloved Grandparent and Special Friend Days and STEM Days to create a two-day celebration called Bobcat Days. Jeff led the way to modernizing and trail blazing with a communication strategy that created a more authentic
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A TRIBUTE TO
JEFF STROEBEL
experience for our families and wider community. He gave us insight into some of his personal favorites: Twitter (1079 followers strong), handing over his HOS position each year to the appointed Head of School for the Day, Spirit Fridays, and improving our neighborhood relations through diligent traffic management. He redefined the role of our Associate Teacher, and worked towards increasing our ability to offer a financial package to families who could not otherwise afford an independent school education for their gifted kids. Within the framework of financial aid, he helped roll the cost of Hallmark Trips into tuition, spreading the cost over the length of an Open Window School education. Jeff’s generosity to the Open Window community goes deeper than its mission. He worked tirelessly with the Board to secure from the City of Bellevue an increase in our school’s student capacity so that our middle school had room to grow into its potential. He led a campus master planning project, asking our youngest stakeholders for their opinions about the future. He saw a need for deeper reflection and definition of our core values as a school. Jeff led us through our most recent Self-Study and NWAIS re-accreditation process which was inclusive of every member of our community and enlightening for our future.
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Jeff’s leadership has provided clear guidance and thoughtful consideration to families and staff members as we have navigated many storms. Jeff walked us through several ice ages, frozen pipes and flooding in Robinson Hall, Snowmageddon, Mini Snowmageddon, too many deep and sorrowful losses in our community and, if that were not enough, Distance Learning during the Great Pandemic of 2020. As a final tribute to Jeff, we will all put on our favorite Spirit Friday attire and, with Rufus, wish Jeff the very best on his next adventure. As he has been so gracious to us, let us all give him our most coveted cookies in thanks for his generosity as a leader. We all know his time here leaves an indelible mark on our school’s history. And we will be ever grateful for his wisdom and courage.
In his eight years of service to Open Window, Jeff has given our community all his best cookies. OPEN WINDOW SCHOOL | THE VIEW | SPRING 2020 | 10
JEFF’S TOP 10 LIST
1
2
Raising the image of Open Window School
Growing enrollment and building a stronger middle school
If you are an Eastsider and have a gifted child, OWS is the independent school of choice.
Securing an increase in enrollment cap from 315 in 2016
3
Middle School enrollment has increased 44 students (42%)
Forming a strong partnership with the Board of Trustees ...leading to financial strength, strong governance practices, a visionary strategic plan, and successful Head of School search.
5
Encouraging and supporting teachers to develop innovative and authentic curriculum
6
Enhancing the role of the Arts and Social & Emotional Learning
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Overall enrollment has increased by 39 students (13%)
4
Teaching Excellence Authenticity Love of Learning
Supporting the development of our five Core Values
Social & Emotional Learning Community
7
Building the infrastructure of the school through adding new, key positions: Communications Director Data Services Manager Director of Diversity and Inclusion Director of Innovation and Technology Director of Parent Relations Director of Teaching and Learning Lower School Science Teacher Middle School Special Programs Coordinator
8
Recognizing and promoting talent 10% of our lead teachers are former assistants 33% of our administrative team have been promoted from within our school
9
Supporting access and equity through expanding financial aid and including most school costs (overnight trips, technology, school supplies) in tuition
10
Elevating the role of Associate Teachers (from Instructional Assistants) and increasing their compensation
FUND-A-WISH 2020 As a tribute to Head of School Jeff’s Stroebel’s leadership and his belief that teacherdriven innovation has been the single most transformative factor in the growth and development of our school, a fund has been established to support future summer teacher grants and innovation. Through the hard work of our development team and the generosity of our families, we not only met our Fund-A-Wish goal, but exceeded it, raising over $220,000.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Jeff has done for Open Window over his eight years. His legacy of generosity will continue to inspire us.” CHAD FLETCHER, BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT
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Congratulations
TO THE EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2020
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T E A C H E R S ’ FAVO R I T E M E M O R I E S Zoe Wilson, Drama Teacher: “I was so impressed with eighth grade Project Week where the students wrote, rehearsed, and performed short plays in one week. The plays were informative and funny! This was the week after losing a member of our community and we were all grieving; it was healing to make art with them in such a dark time.”
Corey Paulson, Humanities Teacher: “My favorite memory was in Washington, D.C., watching the kids engage with the memorials, asking thoughtful and insightful questions, questioning what was presented to them in order to analyze it more deeply.”
Joyce Marquardt, Spanish Teacher: “Just thinking about them with their kindergarten buddies, especially when we were helping set them up for their All About Me parade and assembly, and how they interacted, helping to place their posters in the right place and just asking them questions. Those little kindergarteners were just looking up and you could see they were thinking, ‘You are the best I can’t believe you are talking to me.’”
Sean Patch, Math Teacher: “I had an incredible time with this class in Washington, D.C. That trip really stands out to me as a time when this class came together. They are so inclusive in terms of allowing people to come into their new friend groups, whether that’s new kids coming into the school in sixth or seventh grade, or just allowing every kid to express who they are as an individual and creating an environment where people can be themselves. That’s something I appreciate about this class.”
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Given the unique circumstances of this 2019-2020 school year, what words of advice would you give to the eighth grade class of 2020 grads as they transition into the next phase of their educational journey? Ms. Wilson: “Each of you have such beautiful and unique characteristics. I hope you can remember how special those aspects are and use them to better our world in this unprecedented time.” Ms. Paulson: “My advice would be to make the most of these unusual times, to write down what you are learning and feeling and experiencing so you can go back to this when you are adults. You are creating a primary source! I would also advise you to enjoy this special and unusual time with your families, and to follow your passions — find something you are interested in and learn all you can about it. Walk your dog.” Ms. Marquardt: “I’d say that this experience that we’ve had has been really unique this year, we’ve had a lot of challenges that no one was expecting to ever have. I think this has really done something to build resilience in our class, and I hope that as you go forward and meet new adventures that you take that resilience and the things you learned to remind yourself that you can face any challenge, that you’ve got it, and you can do anything that you need to do. Going forward I also hope this experience has increased your gratitude for the things you have, and use it to embrace your new adventures as you go on to new schools and new adventures. Best of luck to all of you. Go Class of 2020! Mr. Patch: “This has just been an incredible, unique, bizarre year that no one could have anticipated with Covid-19. Right now, you may be feeling disappointment and loss for a lot of experiences and partnerships that happen in the spring of eighth grade year. What I really hope you take away from this whole experience is this idea that you have everything you need, the tools and skills to thrive in any environment. When you approach a situation with flexibility and an attitude of determination, you will thrive. And I hope throughout your lifetime you find your passion and pursue that passion with tenacity and grit, allowing you to innovate and create and share with the rest of the world some really incredible ideas that you have. This world needs more people like you than ever before. So, get out there and get ‘em!”
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OPEN WINDOW SERVICE CLUB:
The Show Must Go On by Jenny Northrup and Corey Paulson
Community service has long been an important and valued part of life at Open Window School. Several years ago, middle school students were inspired by the WE Schools movement to make a positive global impact. Through the Free the Children program, they formed a group to support building a school in Kenya. The club reached its goal in 2017, giving students the chance to reevaluate the focus of the club. Today’s Service Club was officially formed in 2018 and arose from students’ desire to make a positive impact on their local community. The Service Club is student-led and is comprised of passionate students who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those around them.
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When the Governor announced that schools would be closing for the remainder of the year, the Service Club leaders unanimously decided that the Talent Show must go on.
To achieve their goal of making lasting change in their community, the Service Club selects one local organization to partner with each year. The selection process for this organization is led entirely by the Service Club. First, the leaders choose an issue to focus on for the year. Then, they brainstorm two to three potential partner organizations. After presenting each organization to the business office for approval, the club votes, and the organization is chosen. This year, the club leaders, Samantha Cichos and Bess Hurlock, decided to focus on hunger, and the Club ultimately decided to partner with Operation Sack Lunch. OSL is a nonprofit organization that has been creating and delivering safe and nutritious meals to those who struggle with hunger in the Seattle area for thirty years. The Service Club plans and executes many different activities each year. This fall, the Service Club held a donation drive to gather goods for families in need. The Club also hosts the annual Talent Show, which, in addition to showcasing all the talent at Open Window, is also the major fundraiser for the Service Club’s partner organization. Last year, the Talent Show raised over a thousand dollars, all of which was donated. When the Governor announced that schools would be closing for the remainder of the year, the Service Club leaders unanimously decided that the Talent Show must go on. The work that OSL does for the
greater Seattle community was too important to abandon, even in these challenging and unpredictable times. However, there were some hurdles to clear to make it happen. Ms. Paulson and Ms. Northrup met virtually with the Service Club leaders, Bess and Samantha, to decide what steps needed to be taken. Emails were sent, videos were recorded and uploaded, and then the hard work of editing began. Through their expert leadership, Service Club members recorded introductions and transitions for the show, and then Bess and Samantha compiled all the videos into one fabulous and entertaining show. The Service Club was able to take what could have been a complete setback and turned it into a rousing success, entertaining the community, while also raising money to help those experiencing homelessness in the Seattle area during the times of Covid-19. Since the Talent Show is the main fundraiser of the year, the Service Club hopes that many people will enjoy watching the many talents of the Open Window School community while also learning about the integral work that Operation Sack Lunch is engaging in during these days of staying home, especially since many of those who are experiencing homelessness and food shortages do not have that option. If you had the chance to watch the Talent Show, thank you and remember to donate if you can! To make a donation, please visit: https://www.oslserves.org/donate
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View THE
SPRING 2020
EDITOR
Carolyn Lucas
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
CONTRIBUTORS
Jeff Stroebel HEAD OF SCHOOL
Angie Hurlock DIRECTOR OF PARENT RELATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Jenny Northrup HUMANITIES TEACHER
Joyce Marquardt SPANISH TEACHER
Sean Patch MATH TEACHER
Corey Paulson HUMANITIES TEACHER
Zoe Wilson DRAMA TEACHER
PARENT CONTRIBUTORS
See pages 3-6 PHOTO CREDITS
Vidigami Photo Community of Parents, Teachers and Staff DESIGN
Christa Fleming
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