Pantherbeat Spring 2017 Issue

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

SPRING 2017

R S” K O FO CK GE LO DE RO RA SI H VE IN RIS CO A A “P AL G

Decade Club: Honoring long-time parents, families for their committment to Parish. > Story on page 3

“Wellness Week” raises awareness about health & happiness and finding the balance between mind, body & spirit for all students.

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Hear all about Wellness Week at https://vimeo.com/204084924

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PAGE 2 | SPRING 2017

PARISH PANTHERBEAT

Parish Online

parishepiscopal.org MS Students “Get Into” Books Digital media students have fun putting their classmates in photos taken at the library.

@Ga6

https://twitter.com/Ga6/status/829737817890750465

People of Parish Global Blast Parish families celebrate our community’s diversity with food, music and dance during Global Blast.

Parish’s new Diversity and Inclusion blog “Voices & Views” highlights LS librarian’s “People of Parish” project, sharing the stories of Parish students.

Parish Diversity Blog

https://parishdiversityblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/people-of-parish/

Green Eggs and Ham Kindergarten students celebrate Dr. Suess’s birthday in the Fleeger Family Kitchen.

https://vimeo.com/202045106

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRJ7-GAhLQD/

Juniors Get Their Class Rings The Class of 2018 start their march toward senior year with a ring ceremony in Godwin Chapel.

Parish Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ3pl7KBUeH/

Parish Valentines Alumni share stories of how Parish brought them together as couples.

Parish Girls Basketball

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQgqMozgEhd

The Parish girls basketball team made it to the TAPPS state championship game. https://twitter.com/ ParishSports/status/ 833060297984327680

National Signing Day for Athletes Student athletes in football, soccer and lacrosse sign letters of intent to continue their playing careers after Parish.

Parish Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/202136051

Food and Science Mrs. Baber’s 6th grade science class uses graham crackers and other edible materials to model tectonic plates and to learn about the Earth! https://www.facebook.com/parishepiscopal/posts/10155167866026151:0

100 Days of School

Parish Facebook

Kindergarten teachers get into the act to help their students celebrate. https://www.facebook.com/parishepiscopal/posts/10155132967111151:0

New Addition:

All jazzed up and ready to play, Parish Jazz Band hits the scene Musicians at Parish Episcopal have a new jam: jazz. The Parish Jazz Band launched in August 2016 and has been playing at home and on the road. In February 2017 the jazz band performed at the Texas Capitol in Austin for our state government (performance sponsored by State Representative Jason Villalba). Parish’s top performing instrumental group gave a live concert in the historic Capitol Rotunda. They played a few new songs – “Sideways Walking Dog,” “Moondance” and “Reunion Blues” – along with some of their favorites such as “Satin Doll” and “St. Thomas.” The concert inspired a Tweet from @farishmozley and an impromptu dance session from one of the legislators.

While in Austin, the group also attended a private concert and special Q&A with famed musician Boney James. James has been nominated for four different Grammy Awards.

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Congratulations to the Jazz Band! Adam Bergman, JC Lyon, Nathan Liddell, Trey Maney, Will Buckleair, Keller Welton, Matt Taten, Matthew White, Lawrence Lim, Robert Monaco, Alex Kidd, Grace Ritter, Gabrielle Ellison, Ali Craig, Madalyn White, Kenzi McPherson

“Meeting a famous musician and having a private concert gives the students a taste of life on the road as a professional musician and performer,” said Alyssa Grey, instrumental music faculty member and Parish Jazz Band director.

It’s been a busy first year for Parish Jazz Band; the group has performed in 11 concerts and traveled to three cities including Orlando, Florida where they received a social media shout out from Walt Disney World.

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PARISH PANTHERBEAT

SPRING 2017 | PAGE 3

Inaguaral Decade Club recognition event at the Monaco home, November 2010

Pantherbeat Feature:

Decade Club

On The Cover:

Leslie Billings, Bruce Wartell, Heather Payne, Marc Pechersky, Brent McCarty, Sheri Burnecke

A strong sense of community is what draws so many people to Parish Episcopal School and it’s that same loving community that keeps families here year after year. Parish has been fortunate to educate and guide children for nearly 45 years; from the little Dee Velvin, Rachelle Prater, Martha Johnston, Kim Dean, Kelly Bryan, Barb Larkin church school on the corner to taking the leap to expand to 12th grade in 2000 and add the Midway Campus, so many families joined Parish on the journey. Parish would not be what it is today without the loyalty of parents who have supported the School’s growth, championed the tenets of Wisdom, Honor and Service, and volunteered for countless school and community events.

In 2010, Parish started the Decade Club to recognize parents whose children have been at Parish for 10 years or more. The idea to start the club began in conversations between Parish parent Martha Johnston and the Advancement office. They were looking for a way to honor parents and thank them for their steadfast support through the years.

“We decided to have a party to honor those folks,” noted Johnston.

“Some of these people might not have been able to contribute large amounts monetarily to the School, but they had been loyal year after year.”

Brenda Dorward, Keely Cawley, Kathleen Fisk

Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School, and his wife Mollie hosted the first event in their home when the Decade Club had only 100 people; it has since swelled to include nearly 170 families. Each year, members of the Decade Club get together for food and fellowship as they swap stories about their years at Parish.

“It is the School’s attempt to say ‘thank you’ to those who have been in the community a long time as investors, as stewards, and who have trusted us with their children for a decade or more,” said Monaco. “It’s a lot of people that share a lot of history together.”

This March, Parish honored the Decade Club members with a special breakfast event at the Midway campus. They talked about their kids, their future plans and what’s ahead for the School.

“We consider Parish our family,” remarked Johnston. “Throughout the years of this club, so many other members of the Decade Club have commented on how much they appreciate Parish recognizing them.

That was the intention. It is a chance for folks to get together and remember why they chose Parish in the first place.”

Parish Episcopal would like to recognize Decade Club members for their loyalty and dedication to our school. Thank you!

Ron Denheyer, Jay Riven, Warren White

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Pam Gerow, Erin Marshall, Carrie Hoffman, Amanda Radle

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Raising the Curtain:

Interview:

The Performance & Community Center

Meet Architect Andrew Bennett

We are excited to share renderings of the future Performance & Community Center (PACC) – part of Reimagine School and the Capital Campaign.

For a glimpse into the vision behind the Performance & Community Center (PACC), we sat down with Andrew Bennett, a principal of BOKA Powell, the award-winning architectural design firm behind the Gene E. Phillips Activity Center now under construction.

BOKA Powell has created architectural and interior designs in North Texas for four decades.

Their work includes the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel, the One Victory Park office building and the striking Perot Family Offices on Turtle Creek as well as projects for educational institutions like Southern Methodist University, St. Rita Catholic Community, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

The PACC will transform the front of the Midway campus. It will be the focal point for events and a place where all students will participate, from the time they play an angel in the PreK Christmas pageant to when they present their Academy of Global Studies Capstone Project as a senior.

Why do you think Parish students and families should be excited about these new buildings?

It’s that quote from that movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.”

If you have flexible facilities that give you opportunities for, in this case, kids to experiment and try different experiences, it’s going to create some really magical things. When you give a kid a canvas to play on, it provides a place to create and express themselves. That’s important, because everyone, no matter what your ultimate career path, needs to have creative outlets.

It makes your life richer.

Parish families and guests will enter the PACC through a gallery hall where student artwork can be showcased. They can then gather in the lobby before events or during intermission.

How did you collaborate with Parish on the designs of the PACC and Gene E. Phillips Activity Center?

There was a lot of energy in our collaboration with Parish. Dave Monaco [Allen Meyer Family Head of School] has a strong vision for the School and the role its buildings can play in fostering education and the flow of ideas.

We listened closely to Dr. Karl Reiss [Director of PARISHarts] too, who knew what practical and technical elements are needed to grow the School’s fine arts programs and stage some spectacular events.

Retractable seating, including a balcony, will make the PACC a flexible space that can host events of varying sizes and types, from a largescale community event or a smaller academic presentation to a seated dinner.

The 600-seat Performance Hall will be the site of arts performances, speakers and other Parish community events. Professional-grade technical features and optimized acoustics will create a greater stage for student expression and highlighting guest performers and speakers.

Parish also has a sophisticated building committee with some very intelligent people who helped shape the master plan. As we worked through budgets, locations and construction methodologies, they were good stewards of ensuring the School’s long-term vision is met.

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What inspiration did you take from internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei’s design of the existing Midway campus building?

I.M. Pei is a modernist architect who uses a lot of large-scale geometric designs that interplay with light. You see that in the original building at Parish, which he designed for Exxon back in the 80s, as well as in other buildings he has done – the Meyerson Symphony Center or the Louvre’s glass pyramid, for example. We wanted to reflect the geometry of the existing tower and Great Hall, but also the very simple, minimalist materiality. Of course it was the 80s then, and now in the 21st century we have the luxury of some higher-tech construction practices, as well as some textured concrete that is more expressive.

What are your favorite features of the two buildings?

In the PACC, we created a gallery, or walkway, along the eastern face to connect the lobby of the main building back to the performance area. There’s verticality and daylight in that walkway that creates some drama reminiscent of the Great Hall in the main building. If I was a student at Parish, the Great Hall space would amaze me. It is a very evocative space.

The Activity Center is a different kind of building altogether. It is practical and very simple, specifically so it can accommodate a variety of activities without a lot of clutter or distraction. I like that we were able to add some natural light on the south side of the building that will enhance the experience there.

BOKA Powell designed numerous education buildings. What do you enjoy most about designing for schools and universities?

Working with schools is pretty rewarding, because you’re affecting an environment where minds are being shaped. We’ve designed buildings where kids have studied and lived before, and some of them have even come to work for us as architects.

It’s exciting to see that come full circle, and we look forward to seeing how that manifests with Parish students.

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Pantherbeat Story:

Melody & Rick Rogers Give $500,000 to Campaign Melody and Rick Rogers’ daughter Marissa will graduate from Parish this spring, and their focus will soon turn to a new school family and college. But, as they look to the future, they are also leaving a legacy at Parish. Their generous contribution to the campaign will make it possible for Parish students to explore their passions and strengths, much like their own daughter has.

Marissa began dancing in 8th grade. Soon she found her way beyond the classroom to the Rosettes drill team. For the last two years, she has performed as a member of Parish Dance Company. Her passion has led her to experiences including performances at the Alamo Bowl, Dallas Children’s Health Holiday Parade and Independent Schools Association of the Southwest’s Arts Festival.

“Marissa’s growth from 8th grade until her senior year has been a journey and I am grateful to have been a part of it,” said Jessica Robinson, Middle & Upper School dance faculty and ParishEXTEND dance director. “I am blown away each time I witness the effort, passion and sheer strength of her movement.”

“At the core of the Parish experience is achieving a balance of interests that include vigorous academics, but also pursuits that reveal creative, athletic and other individual gifts,” said Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School. “Melody and Rick recognize this from their family’s experience, and we are indebted to them for paying it forward, so to speak, so other students can have a even greater stage for experiencing the richness of learning.”

Giving to Parish is a family affair for the Rogers. Rick’s father, Richard Rogers (Mary Kay Ash’s son and co-founder of Mary Kay), is also a Parish alumni parent. In 1989, he created a celebratory gift in honor of 6th grade Parish Day School graduates by initiating a $10,000 challenge to create one of the first endowments for the School. Now, almost three decades later, we extend our gratitude to Melody and Rick for continuing that tradition of giving.

A Word from the Campaign Chairs:

Rachel & Randy Polka

To stage a major production, you need to line up the right cast and crew. Mounting a major capital campaign for Parish is, in many ways, no different.

We are grateful to the many generous Parish families and Dallas-area foundations who have already taken on major roles in the campaign.

Leadership gifts play a critical role and are in the spotlight today. But, like every great production, we will need every member of our cast and crew to play its part to be successful. We and the rest of the Campaign Steering Committee are excited for a day in the near future when ALL members of the Parish community will be invited to play a role in making the Activity Center and Performance & Community Center a reality.

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We hope you have begun thinking about what role is right for you. What kind of gift would be meaningful? Would you be interested in volunteering to make the campaign a success?

As the Gene E. Phillips Activity Center opens next year, we look forward to sharing more with you about the next phase of the campaign and helping you find your perfect role.

If you are interested in learning more about our destination and what role you can play in getting us there, please contact Amanda Meter, Associate Director of Development & Campaign Coordinator: ameter@parishepiscopal.org or 972.852.8757.

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MAC Update:

Gene E. Phillips Activity Center Construction Update Construction on the Gene E. Phillips Activity Center, which we also affectionately call the MAC (Multipurpose Activity Center), is on schedule. When its doors open in the fall, it will also immediately open new possibilities in academic, athletic and arts programming for our students.

The 20,000-square-foot center will provide urgently needed flexibility in scheduling, not just for athletic practices and games, but also for robotics, band, debate and, on an interim basis, rehearsals and performances for dance and drama.

The Phillips family tours the future Activity Center.

L to R: Dave Monaco [Allen Meyer Family Head of School], Terri and Brad Phillips [Parish parents to Grant ’20 and Riley ‘23], and Gene Phillips [Parish grandparent and alumni parent].

Demolition made way for construction in early fall 2016, signaling change is on its way to campus.

Completed • Structural and interior framing • Roofing • Plumbing and electrical roughed in • Sheetrock in gym and restrooms

In January 2017, the massive walls of the MAC were raised and the building’s profile began to take shape.

Scheduled for Spring/Summer • Heat/air systems • Painting • Gym floor • Bleachers

In February 2017, a tree was placed on the roof in a traditional “topping out,” marking the last beam positioned at the top of the structure.

Ask Pete When’s your birthday? August 15 What size shoe do you wear? Uh, I don’t wear shoes.

Where do you sleep? In a den (my favorites are the DesignDen, LittleDen and NanoDen) What’s your favorite snack? Most anything in the PAWS store, but I really like crunching into Cheetos – that Chester thinks he’s so cool; it just really gets on my last whisker!

If your mom came to school, would she have to wear a name badge? Of course – all parents have to sign the Student Safety & Protection Policy with enrollment to get their badge. My mom is no different!

What’s your favorite song? The Pantherbeat What’s on your iPAWd right now?

“Eye of the Tiger Panther” – Survivor “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – The Tokens “Black Cat” – Janet Jackson “Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses State “We Are the Champions” – Queen “PACC-Man Fever” – Buckner & Garcia

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SPRING 2017 | PAGE 7

Congratulations to the Parish ROCKS committee for a successful 2017 Gala at The Bomb Factory featuring “Infinite Journey!”

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Alumni Spotlight:

for the Athletic Booster Club and Marla just wrapped her second year as a Parish Gala co-chair. They volunteer because they know the importance of service and giving back, and they believe that working with different people for the betterment of a community or cause makes everyone a valuable part of it.

Krissi Osborn ‘07

At home football games you can typically find Marla taking/selling tickets while Rowan is driving the golf cart, transporting people and items around the athletic complex, and doing a variety of jobs throughout the evening.

“We enjoy Friday night football games at Parish,” said Marla. “There is a tremendous energy and excitement in the air and our kids love coming to socialize with their friends.”

“The Buskins are a family that truly understands what it means to volunteer, even if you only have an hour to give,” commented Diana Hamilton, Gala Chair 2016 & 2017 and Athletic Booster Club copresident, a role she shares with husband Steve.

Krissi Osborn was a part of Parish’s inaugural senior class. She’s a 2011 graduate of Northwestern University, where she received her B.A. in psychology and history. Check out her alumni profile video https://vimeo.com/207802544 and see what she’s been doing for the past 10 years, including her newest career adventure as an HR specialist with WerfenLife in Barcelona, Spain!

“Sometimes it takes more effort just thinking about volunteering than it does to actually volunteer,” encourages Marla. “You always feel so good about it after you have volunteered; even if it’s only working in the lunch room.”

Marla does, however, like a challenge and her behind-the-scenes work at Gala is anything but effortless. She has been responsible for the “touch, feel and fun” [as described by Hamilton] of the event - from creating the beautiful and energetic atmosphere and decorations to the fine details of the catering contracts and photo booth, and everything in between that you experience at Gala.

Volunteer Spotlight:

Marla & Rowan Buskin Marla and Rowan Buskin know firsthand what it takes to pull off a memorable event at Parish, but it doesn’t stop them from diving in head first!

“Anyone can tell how much Marla and Rowen truly love their school,” added Hamilton. “They go above and beyond every time, and we can’t thank them enough for all they do to help make Parish a great place to be.

The Buskins have been at Parish for three years with their children Hannah ’20 and Toni ’21, and have a 3rd grader, Cale, at Preston Hollow Presbyterian. Marla and Rowan both volunteer

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

SPRING 2017

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Mills 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: Decade Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Parish Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 New Addition: All jazzed up and ready to play, Parish Jazz Band hits the scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 GOB Interview: Meet Architect Andrew Bennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GOB Raising the Curtain: The Performance & Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GOB Pantherbeat Story: Melody & Rick Rogers Give $500,000 to Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 GOB A Word from the Campaign Chairs: Rachel & Randy Polka . 5 MAC Update: The Gene E. Phillips Activity Center Construction Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ask Pete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 “Parish ROCKS” Gala Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Alumni Spotlight: Krissi Osborn ‘07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Volunteer Spotlight: Marla & Rowan Buskin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Pantherbeat is the magazine of Parish Episcopal School | 4101 Sigma Road | Dallas, Texas 75244 | parishepiscopal.org

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