PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS
SPRING 2018
R E ” K O FO AD O LO DE ER SIN E SI QU A G IN AS & C RA E “M LA OV A C
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Mental health and wellness come into focus as Parish Episcopal School launches CenterED. For Social and Emotional Well Being. > Story on page 3
With a cast and crew of nearly 70, Parish Episcopal School presented the Upper School musical Hairspray February 1-4, 2018. The show sold out in minutes and featured Middle and Upper School performers and one faculty member.
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Learn more about the message and the magic behind the popular show. https://vimeo.com/256866776
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PARISH PANTHERBEAT
Parish Online
parishepiscopal.org Class of 2022 visits Washington, D.C. Parish teachers documented the trip that included visits to the National Cathedral, @smithsonian, White House and museums. The 8th graders also presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
@sskillern
https://twitter.com/sskillern/status/970699351436746756
Lower School Pen Pals
Parish Basketball Girls’ Varsity won the TAPPS 6A State Championship and Boys’ Varsity made it to the Final Four. @parishathletics was busy posting all the action and excitement.
Second graders wrote Valentine’s Day letters to our alumni and here’s what happened when an alumna wrote back.
Parish Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/parishalumni/videos/2083996958277921
Black History Month Black History Month brought parents, grandparents and special friends together at Parish to share their stories.
https://www.instagram. com/p/BfmmpL8FxOU
https://www.facebook.com/parishepiscopal/videos/10157346197296151
Higher Ed Heroes in Our Own Backyard In Mr. Monaco’s latest blog post, he talked to local college presidents Michael Sorrell, Ph.D (Paul Quinn College) and R. Gerald Turner, Ph.D (SMU) about the current and future landscape of higher education.
Mr. Monaco’s Blog
https://davemonaco.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/ higher-ed-heroes-in-our-own-backyard Parish Episcopal School Jumps Rope for Heart Students jumped for joy and raised awareness during Jump Rope for Heart, a ParishServes event benefiting the American Heart Association.
Collaboration Room Concerts This new series showcases our talented @parishepiscopalarts students in a new performance venue: the library.
Parish Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/BessfIYBwq3
Parish Swimmer Wins at State Senior Parker Benn won two individual TAPPS State titles in 200 IM and 100 Fly. He also broke three Parish Episcopal School records including the 200 free relay and was named MVP Swimmer of the Championships.
https://vimeo.com/ 258333423 The Chemistry Guy Wows Parish Students
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be_DSkfFlIP
James Pennington, the “Chem Guy” from the Texas A&M Chemistry Road Show, introduced Middle School students to another side of science in February.
Invention Convention Lower School students showcased their inventions at the Hillcrest Campus and learned some lessons about collaboration along the way. https://www.instagram.com/p/BgC3hGRn2zN
Parish Alumni takeover Instagram
https://vimeo.com/ 257135182
Parish alumni - Kelly Rathbun Kent ‘09, Ty Bennett ‘16 and Sydney Dunbar ‘13 showed us what life is like after Parish by taking over @parishalumni for the day. https://www.instagram.com/p/BgG7hUcHgaz
New Addition: Hydroshed How does our garden grow at Parish Episcopal School? With the help of hydroshed, a hydroponic greenhouse that uses nutrient solution for year-round production of pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. Scott Pershern, Parish parent and Parish Day School ‘88 alumnus, brought the pilot program to Parish for the 2017-18 school year. Pershern has been working with former PDS student, Ben Von Kennel, who is the co-founder of hydroshed and Amelia’s Backyard Farm. The program falls in line with the Beasley STEM Center’s Nauslar Family Garden and the Fleeger Family Kitchen, giving students another example of how to grow, nurture and create dishes with their own food. Students already love digging in the dirt in the garden and now they enjoy watching the tomatoes and lettuce flourish in the shed. They help maintain the produce and literally get the chance to pick food off the vine and eat it! Watch the full story https://vimeo.com/250675001
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Lower School students enjoy picking tomatoes and eating salad made with ingredients from the new hydroshed.
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PARISH PANTHERBEAT
SPRING 2018 | PAGE 3
Pantherbeat Feature:
CenterED - A balanced mind is a healthy mind Families often look to Parish Episcopal School to find a better balance for their children and now our School is giving the community even more tools on how to manage homework, activities and family time in a healthy way. This spring, Parish is launching a new mental wellness program called “CenterED. For Social and Emotional Well Being.”
“The goal of CenterED is to build a robust curriculum of support services,” said Michelle Murray, Upper School counselor. “It will help students to become more resilient, better selfadvocates and build on their own independence.” “The other piece that we think is really important is providing parent education and ongoing opportunities for parents to learn more about how they can help their children grow into self-sufficient young people.”
- EngagED We intend to engage the Parish community in a unified effort to ensure the mental wellness of students, by reinforcing a positive mindset across all constituents. As we carry forward the vision of Reimagine School for the modern learner, we will move toward a balanced, mentally healthy student body that will further thrive in a supportive educational environment, featuring skills focus, authentic learning experiences, student agency and optimized levels of challenge. - PreparED Aligned with the Parish tenets of Wisdom, Honor and Service, the successful implementation of the CenterED program will help our students feel better prepared for the future, understanding that their best chance for success is a product of social and emotional well-being as well as academic excellence. This reinforces our aspirations for our students to become confident, engaged learners who are self-aware, resilient, empathetic and other-centered.
To achieve balance, we need to foster an educational environment that allows for our students to be CenterED in the way they learn, think and view the world around them. We are more committed than ever to the mental well-being of our students, faculty and greater Parish community. CenterED. For Social and Emotional Well Being is intended to significantly elevate our commitment to mental wellness/ brain health curriculum and engagement in an educational environment. The educational portion of this program will be delivered in partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation, a local nonprofit organization with a successful track record for helping families and young people recognize and respond to the signs of mental health conditions through a variety of avenues including education, collaboration and encouragement. Every day, our students are bombarded with pressures and crises, and in some cases they are ill-equipped emotionally to handle them. The result can be stress, relationship problems, anger, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other serious mental health issues. As with any major public health issue, education is the critical first step toward stemming the rising tide of mental health conditions. “We know that education and mental health are intertwined,” said Vanita Halliburton, President of the Grant Halliburton Foundation. “And when you try to separate them, one or the other is going to suffer. This partnership is going to do something really important and that is to begin to treat and regard mental and emotional health the same as we do physical health.” - EnhancED We aim to enhance our educational approach with the emotional well-being of students in mind. We tend to spend a lot of time focusing on our physical health, from the neck down. It is time to put equal emphasis on our mental health, from the neck up. - BalancED Too many students are struggling with the pressures of a rapidly shifting societal landscape and an increasingly complex, digital environment. More than ever, we are seeing superficial, narrow definitions of success and self-worth, which can result in students becoming dispirited and emotionally detached. We are committed to helping students balance their social and emotional priorities, leading to a greater sense of selfworth and belonging.
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CenterED was announced during Wellness Week at Parish.
“There’s a pivot point around Middle School where school becomes a job and it’s part of the transaction of getting older and it loses the joy of coming to school,” remarked Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School. “We’re curious how to solve that problem. We want our 18 year olds to come to school as excited as our eight year olds.” “We are giving our students the opportunity to have skills, more balance and this renewed sense of enthusiasm about the educational process,” added Murray. Learn more about CenterED and Parish’s partnership with the Grant Halliburton Foundation. https://vimeo.com/254377945
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PARISH PANTHERBEAT
Congratulations to the 2018 Gala Committee for a fun evening with Jackopierce at the Omni Hotel in Dallas. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
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PARISH PANTHERBEAT
SPRING 2018 | PAGE 5
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Interview:
Meet Kathleen & Christopher Ray New Performance & Community Center Lobby to be named in family’s honor The Christopher & Kathleen Ray Family Lobby in the new Performance & Community Center
Ever since Kathleen & Christopher Ray’s son, Donovan (8th grade), came to Parish as a preschooler, they have been highly engaged as community members of the School. Christopher served on the Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2017, and he chaired the board for three of those years. Kathleen served on the Parents’ Association Board for four years as VP of Activities and VP of Volunteers. These and other dedicated investments of time and talent are matched by the Ray’s ongoing support as major donors to the School. Their recent gift of $550,000 to the Limitless campaign brings their giving to more than $1 million. In recognition of their longtime commitment to Parish, the lobby in the new Performance & Community Center will be named the Christopher & Kathleen Ray Family Lobby.
Your family has been at Parish since Donovan was in PreK2. What are some of your favorite memories? Kathleen: When Donovan was little, I loved all the little plays and productions. I ran across a picture of him dressed in angel wings for the Christmas Pageant recently. It’s amazing to see how he and his friends, who were just little baby boys back then, are growing up to be these men – and to see just what good people they are becoming.
What kind of activities is Donovan involved in now that he’s in Middle School? Kathleen: He is involved in sports – cross-country, soccer and lacrosse – and he also was just in the spelling bee. The biggest surprise was when he came home one day and told us he was doing Drumline. We had no idea he was trying out for it, but thought it was great he was willing to put himself out there and try something new.
9.8.17 The Limitless campaign has momentum! Here is a recap of where we are and where we’re headed. Get more details at ParishEpiscopal.org/Limitless. Community Givin g Taking Flight Soon
Christopher: The teachers and staff really pour themselves into having a relationship with the kids, and the kids feel that. When you get a sense that people care about you, it makes you dig in more, to get more involved and committed. Kathleen: Donovan did robotics for a number of years, and that is a great example. It’s a big commitment – full days, starting early in the morning and going into the evening. The teachers are all there cheering, focused and committed. You see that in pockets at other schools, but I think it’s more universal at Parish.
Christopher, you were part of the board conversations that led to launching the Limitless campaign. As someone who has been behind the scenes, how do you feel about what’s ahead for the School? Christopher: It’s very heartening to me how thoughtful, careful and deliberate the School is in stewarding this investment. They are making sure it is something that is really additive to the future of Parish and its students, and not just building a monument to build a monument, or making changes for the sake of changes. I’ve seen a commitment, from senior leadership down, to moving forward with the times, while also staying true to the core tenets of what makes this place special. The end result is going to make a lifelong difference for our kids.
What made you two decide to make a leadership investment in the campaign? Christopher: It was a natural extension of having been a part of those early conversations about priorities for the School. But we also love Parish. I think when Donovan is an adult, he’ll look back and see what a unique opportunity he had. Kathleen: I agree. Parish is not just your four years, eight years or 12 years there. It is a place that will be a lasting part of your child’s and your family’s lives long after you’ve left. That’s worth giving back to.
The new Gene E. Phillips Activity Center opened its doors, giving Parish 24,000 additional square feet of possibilities and 50+ more weekly program hours.
$3M
Challenge grant issued by Nancy Ann & Ray L. Hunt to encourage leadership gifts of $25K+ during the 2017-18 school year.
80%
Just how close we are to achieving our leadership giving goal for this year! Pledges of $25K+ (or $5K+ over 5 years) are matched dollar for dollar.
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What do you think is the “special sauce” in the Parish community that makes it possible for kids to branch out like that?
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Parish students who will have new, life-expanding experiences in culture, arts and community when we open the new Performance & Community Center.
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PARISH PANTHERBEAT
SPRING 2018 | PAGE 7
Ask Pete What is a Buddy Family? Starting a new school and meeting new people can be exciting, but it can also be daunting for some incoming students and their families. Parish Episcopal School tries to make the transition a smooth one with our warm Episcopalian hospitality and through the Buddy Family program. A Buddy Family serves as the welcoming, first-line of communication with incoming Parish families. Volunteers call families to not only welcome them to our community, but to also learn more about the student’s interests. “Once interests are determined, our fabulous grade leader volunteers match our new families with an existing Parish Buddy Family,” said Janice Rolfi, Parents’ Association Vice President of New Families. “The new student and parents have a ‘go to’ resource for all questions while helping them become more familiar and comfortable with their new school.” For example, Parish has welcoming events across all divisions in the spring; there are also new family coffees, Middle School Movie Night, summer grade level events and a new family dinner before school starts in August. Buddy Families serve as a consistent point of contact to ensure that new families are aware of these annual events. Additionally, they provide ongoing support and friendship throughout the entire school year. “It’s imperative we remain inclusive and continually be available to answer all questions or concerns during a ‘first year’ new family experience at Parish,” noted Rolfi. “THIS is what makes our Parish community so special!” Each new family is paired up with an existing Parish family relative to their division(s) - Lower, Middle and Upper School. Families often meet up for playdates, lunches, ice cream, crafting, swimming, bowling or any type of event to foster new friendships in the community. Send questions or inquiries to janice.rolfi@gmail.com
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PARISH PANTHERBEAT
Alumni Spotlight:
Volunteer Spotlight:
The Crombie Family
Amshi Stephenson ’11
The Crombie family loves to travel. Kerry Crombie, who grew up in the Northeast skiing, never expected to call Dallas home, but now she and her husband, Brent, have become Texans by choice.
Amshi graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2015 with a BA in mass communications and a minor in Spanish. What are you currently doing professionally? I am a typical millennial with quite a few jobs. I’m currently working in the social media industry. I’m also a freelance reporter for Irving Community Television Network, club volleyball coach and blogger.
“Brent and I moved to Texas from Boston in 2003,” said Kerry. “We thought it would only be for a few years; 15 years later, we are still here and love it.”
You can’t live without your….? Insulin, lol… no, but really I can’t live without it. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes freshman year in college. I also can’t live without my phone or food! #foodie Biggest accomplishment so far in your career or in college? Starting my blog. One year from launching my blog, I have impacted the lives of many living with diabetes and it is very rewarding. Favorite Memory at Parish? That’s a hard one! I have a lot of great memories at Parish, but the one that stands out vividly is beating Dallas Christian to become Parish Volleyball State Champs in 2008. Other stand out memories of Parish? Walking through the “new” Midway campus with our Bigs (Big Friend, Little Friend), 7th grade trip to Catalina Island, D.C. class trip; dressing up as Sandra Day O’Connor for Tex-pert Trail in the 5th grade; Invention Convention; Mrs. Roberts pulling my two front teeth and of course, being the first class to have graduation at the [Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center] Symphony. Any advice to Parish Seniors or students? My advice would be to soak up this special time in your life because you’ll never get it back. Parish holds an important place in my heart and I credit most of my life skills to the habits I formed at Parish. Also, cherish your friendships because when you look back five to 10+ years after graduation, you’ll realize some of your best friends were made at Parish. I’m a Lifer and three of my best friends are in my upcoming wedding in October 2018. (Stephenson is engaged to Parish alumnus Eric Humphrey ‘10)
PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS
Their two children, Kale ’28 and Caroline ’29, both joined Parish in PreK1 and the family has been volunteering since then. Kerry got her start by reading in the classroom, serving on the fellowship committee and helping with Spooky Saturday. For the past two years, Brent and Kerry have chaired the Athletic Booster Cub Club and most recently served as the 2nd grade chairs for Parish Fund. Kerry is also a room parent for her daughter’s 1st grade class and served on the Gala committee this year. She does all of this while working part-time for Bain & Company in their Product, Practice and Knowledge group. “Volunteering to me means being a part of the School community and being involved in my kids’ education,” added Kerry. “It is sharing in the enthusiasm my kids have for Parish.” Kerry also enjoys being a Parent Ambassador, a role that allows her to share her excitement and passion about Parish with prospective parents. The Crombies also managed all aspects of the Cub Club including: communication about upcoming events, organizing clinics, delivering Cub Club t-shirts and offering refreshments and give-aways for the kids at home football games. “The Crombies have grown the Cub Club membership over the last two years by being enthusiastic about the program and caring about the experience the members have,” said Michele Soule, Parish Athletic Booster Club co-president. The Crombies, through volunteering, have had the chance to interact with families that they may not have otherwise gotten to know and they encourage others to find a way to pitch-in too. “The Parish community is so open and inclusive,” said Kerry. “I promise it will be a great experience and you will meet some great people along the way.”
SPRING 2018
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Mills Editor/Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Behrens
Contributor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Meter Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Joyner
Alumni & Archives . . . . . . . . . Lauren Ware Henderson
Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiley Williams Intern, Paul Quinn College . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Abrams
What’s inside: Pantherbeat Feature: CenterED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Parish Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 New Addition: Hydroshed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 “Masquerade Gala & Casino” Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Limitless Campaign Interview: Meet Kathleen & Christopher Ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ask Pete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Alumni Spotlight: Amshi Stephenson ’11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Volunteer Spotlight: The Crombie Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pantherbeat is the magazine of Parish Episcopal School | 4101 Sigma Road | Dallas, Texas 75244 | parishepiscopal.org
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