BROOKS
THE PBS ALUM NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2024
2024 Young Alum Homecoming Picnic was a big success! 2024 Young Alum Homecoming Picnic was a big success!
FROM THE ADVANCEMENT TEAM
What a remarkable year it has been for our PBS alum community! We are delighted to share with you our third edition of Brooks to reflect on the countless milestones and achievements that have brought us together this year and look to the future at PBS Here are just a few of the highlights of the past year:
Alum Newsletter Launch: With the debut of our Alum Newsletter, we ' ve opened a window into the heart of our community. Through engaging stories, event highlights, and alumni spotlights, we ' ve cultivated a space where memories are cherished, connections thrive, and future goals are shared.
Alum Support to the Annual Fund: It is with deep gratitude that we recognize the generosity of our alums who have contributed to the Annual Fund Your belief in the power of education and community fuels our efforts to provide transformative experiences for PBS students.
We also were thrilled to see many of our Alums at the Young Alum Homecoming Picnic (cover photo), and at the Spring Benefit for Financial Aid! You’ll read more about these in the pages ahead. As we celebrate the achievements of this past year, we look ahead with optimism and excitement for the future growth of our alum program Together, we have built a foundation of the PBS Alum program that will propel us forward We invite you to join us in the planning and development of the alum program. Here's to a future filled with boundless opportunities, shared experiences, and meaningful connections.
Scott Hunt, Director of Institutional Advancement
Armando Cerrillo, Anna McKeon, Amanda Tachis and Scott Hunt, Advancement Team (with Parinaz Mohamadi and Eva Kumar, Spring Benefit Co-chairs)
Amanda Tachis with Alum Yaamini (and her Mom) at the 2024 Young Alum Homecoming event
Cover Photo: PBS Young Alums Liya, Tarik, and Ethan
A WARM WELCOME TO DIANE
Hi, Brooks here I’d like to extend a very welcome to Diane Rosenberg, our I Head of School for the ‘24 - ‘25 schoo Diane takes the reins from Dr. Scott Eri our Head of School for 13 years. I just Diane and I will become fast friends - she cats - I hope she loves BIG cats! Our comm wants to once again thank Scott for his 13 of leadership at Phillips Brooks School. H day at PBS will be June 30, 2024, and w him all of the best. Diane Rosenberg will assume the Interim Head of School role effective July 1, 2024 We are thrilled to welcome Diane to our community and grateful for her leadership and guidance in the coming year! If you’d like to know more about the search for our next permanent Head of School, you can visit our search webpage for the latest updates I can’t wait to see more of Diane out on MY favorite part of campus - the playground (she really seems to like it there!)
Brooks the Lion, PBS Mascot
ALUM FEATURE: JENNY DINSMORE CLEGG ‘92
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Our family lives in a 100+ year old Redwood City house with our tennis ball-smitten goldendoodle, Daisy. I’m a proud mama to two sons - a recent ‘23 PBS grad and a rising PBS 5thgrader. When I'm not getting ready to celebrate 17 years of working at Google, I'm cheering for kiddos at sporting events, perfecting how to remove stains from baseball pants, and gardening.
Tell us a little about growing up, and your years at PBS?
I grew up in a very close knit, supportive family.The seamless transition each morning from a loving family to a loving school community was something I appreciated as a child. Growing up, PBS was another family to me where traditions mattered I felt loved, respected, and confident taking risks at school. When the Loma Prieta earthquake rocked the Bay Area during my 4th Grade year, I remember how intentional the teachers were welcoming children back with open arms. It was surreal watching my sons experience the same compassionate return when campus re-opened during the pandemic.
Jenny Dinsmore Clegg and family with former Science Teacher Barby Little
How did PBS influence who you are today?
At PBS, I learned the power of mistakes. I distinctly remember being nervous in math class because of my fear of getting the answer wrong My teacher at the time, Miss Root, also the Head of School, helped me understand how powerful mistakes could be in the learning process. This pivotal moment truly defined me as a learner Decades later, I am still a champion of mistakes. At work, I recently wrote an article on the art of imperfection and regularly encourage both my boys and my team members to embrace mistakes, share them often and demonstrate resilience in growing from them.
What have you been up to in the intervening years between leaving PBS and today?
From PBS to Castilleja to Stanford, I never had to venture far from El Camino Real. My graduate studies in Education inspired me to pursue a nonprofit career, which then transitioned into a role building university programs for a tech company. I moved to Google 17 years ago to establish early DE&I programs and now focus my attention on teaching leadership to Googlers at every level My current volunteer interests include interviewing Stanford applicants, supporting the water polo community by serving on a local board, and, of course, helping PBS in any way I can. Our family loves to travel and I enjoy late night Tripadvisor sessions sourcing new hotels and guides for our adventures.
Why did you choose PBS for your own children? PBS teachers are magical. It's special that my sons have been able to learn from some of the same teachers I once had PBS teachers are invested in seeing every child truly thrive and igniting a love of learning that will inspire students throughout their academic and professional careers.
Jenny Dinsmore Clegg and family, boys growing up!
FACULTY FEATURE: MICHELLE DONAHOE,
DIRECTOR
OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Please tell us a little about yourself - your early family life, and what led you to teaching as a career?
As the oldest sibling and cousin in my family, I grew up surrounded by children and always enjoyed opportunities to nurture, mentor and teach These experiences fostered a love for sparking curiosity and a passion for learning in children, which would later translate professionally. Even as a teenager, my first jobs included hosting birthday parties at a waterpark and teaching ballet. In college, while pursuing a degree in business, I found ways to stay connected to the joy and curiosity of children through service work. I volunteered as an after school math enrichment teacher and tutored abroad through a cultural immersion program Despite all of these formative experiences, I had no idea that I wanted to be a teacher! I began my career working in brand analytics, which was intellectually stimulating, but lacked the spark of connection and impact that I craved. I decided to pursue a masters degree in education, and the rest is history!
Can you tell us what's most special about teaching in the PBS community?
When I joined PBS as the Math Enrichment Coordinator five years ago, I was initially attracted to the opportunities for professional growth and curriculum leadership, but the community and relationships that I have made at PBS are what keep me at the school. As a teacher, I appreciate all of the ways my colleagues welcome collaboration, feedback, and shared learning I also love the joy my students bring to their classrooms each day. Nothing beats the pride of witnessing an “Ah-ha!” learning moment! On a personal level, I also really love being a parent in the community. My family has met some of our closest friends at PBS, and my children love learning here.
Can you tell us about your background in Mathematics, and why you chose to teach it to young children as a profession?
I gravitated towards natural science and the humanities as a student. I wasn’t passionate about math because I didn’t experience it as a vehicle or tool for making sense of the world. There was an emphasis on individual achievement, speed, and memorization of algorithms; and problem solving happened on a chalkboard or in a notebook. It wasn’t until I started teaching that I began to appreciate the ways in which math can be collaborative, social, visual and creative Over time, it became my mission as an educator for all students to recognize their strengths, see themselves as capable problem solvers, and notice all of the ways math connects to the world beyond our classrooms.
Can you tell us about your new role as Director of Teaching and Learning, and what you're excited about?
As a young educator, I had the good fortune of learning from a number of incredible mentors. They provided a safe space for me to take risks, make mistakes, and inspired me to view my teaching practice as an ongoing opportunity to learn, deepen and refine my craft I have always sought ways to pay it forward by supporting the growth of my colleagues, both formally and informally In my new role, I am really excited to advance our ongoing work on faculty professional growth as well as other important curricular initiatives such as integrating Social Justice Standards, deepening differentiation practices, and increasing student engagement. I believe that fostering a culture of continuous learning among the faculty will translate into even more engaging and impactful learning experiences for our students.
We got rid of a lot of weeds and clippings before planting fresh beautiful things!
HAPPENINGS ON CAMPUS: EVENTS
In honor of Earth Day, our students and families came together for a PBSA Community Kindness Campus Beautification event, giving their time and energy back to the spaces that give so much to us. With new flowers planted, sustainable features like planter boxes created, and a shared commitment to nurturing our shared environment, it was a celebration of our community’s commitment to a greener, more vibrant planet!
Our campus buzzed in mid-May with Celebration of Learning and the Arts! On this special morning annually, PBS parents, grandparents, special friends, students, faculty and staff come together to showcase the year ’ s academic learning, art creativity, and musical passion. The event was a testament to our community's commitment to celebration of our collective Love of Learning!
Students performing during the Celebration of Learning and the Arts concert
Proud family and faculty at Celebration of Learning and the Arts
PBSA Community Kindness Beautification Event
HAPPENINGS ON CAMPUS: EVENTS
In mid-May, we came together to celebrate Head of School Scott Erickson's incredible 13-year tenure. As we gathered, emotions were aplenty with heartfelt hugs and student-made cards and gifts, marking our official farewell to the beloved Scott Erickson. We bid a fond farewell to a leader whose impact will resonate on our campus and in our hearts for years to come
All families were invited to join our students on the La Entrada field to cheer for Stan Drake and our 5th-graders, who were invited to play a joyous game of kickball with their teachers. Stan has pitched every year from the beginning of this great PBS tradition! It was a thrilling showdownbut in the end, everyone emerged victorious in the Stan Drake Invitational!
In early June, our community came together to celebrate the most joyful of occasions - 5th Grade Graduation! Surrounded by our campus ' iconic eucalyptus trees and under clear blue skies, our 5th-graders and their families reflected on this momentous milestone, marking the culmination of their PBS education and the beginning of bright futures and lifelong friendships.
Scott Erickson receives a pair of custom sparkly sneakers!
2024 PBS Graduates
Graduates and their proud teacher, Jackie Haas
Students support the 5th-graders at the Stan Drake Invitational Kickball Game
Our Casino Royale Spring Benefit hit the jackpot of fun and fundraising! Our glamorous guests, including some Alums and their families, dazzled the night away in their finest attire, making Casino Royale truly unforgettable. It was a particularly touching moment when we honored 4 very special guests: Stan Drake, Margie Tully, Dana Doolin and Scott Erickson - together representing more than 100 years of combined service to PBS!
Our generous community of supporters raised an extraordinary
Cheers to $342,000 raised for the PBS Financial Aid program!
We couldn’t have done it without our Co-chairs Parinaz Mohamadi and Eva Kumar!
ALUM SPOTLIGHTS
Let’s take a look at what some of your classmates have been up to! We also asked our Alums about their favorite PBS memories. If YOU would like to be the focus of a Spotlight for the next edition, we’d LOVE to hear from you! Please contact: alum@phillipsbrooks org
Robin (Johnson) Hall ‘89, co-founder and CEO of Town Hall Outdoor Co , is leading the charge to help kids Love Outside longer by creating purpose-built, high-quality kids' apparel with fresh designs. Leveraging extensive experience in the outdoor industry, Robin and her team develop their products by spending countless hours outside listening to kids and testing products in her Rocky Mountain backyard of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Town Hall Outdoor Co. is dedicated to sustainability, using recycled materials and reducing its manufacturing footprint. Their durable, comfortable gear has all the features and functions needed to catch the last chair at Northstar, build a snowman in Steamboat, and everything in between. Loving and learning outside under the eucalyptus trees as a kid going to PBS, Robin was inspired to start Town Hall to ensure that kids could stay outside as long as they want to which also allows the parents to stay out longer too! Emphasizing community and environmental impact, Robin’s vision ensures Town Hall remains a place where everyone is welcome and can make a positive difference.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at PBS?
Hands down the best memory from my time at PBS was when our incredible French teacher Madame 'Bebes' Miller ost one of her wonderful puppets that she used to teach us rench with Her entire lesson plan changed on a whim that week and we made 'Perdu et Trouve' (Lost and Found) igns, posted them all over campus, and took to the utdoors to look for 'Monsieur Violet'. We spoke French, sed our curiosity, and learned so many new words, all while having some good laughs along the way I fell in love with French, thanks to Madame Miller, and traveled with er and a middle school group to France shortly after graduating from PBS. That trip and Madame Miller truly changed my life and made me fall in love with travel, culture, and community
Robin’s Town Hall gear in action!
Robin (Johnson) Hall
ALUM SPOTLIGHTS
Let’s take a look at what some of your classmates have been up to! We also asked our Alums about their favorite PBS memories. If YOU would like to be the focus of a Spotlight for the next edition, we’d LOVE to hear from you! Please contact: alum@phillipsbrooks org
Teddy and family!
Teddy, ‘23 reflects on the first year of his middle school experience with enthusiasm and gratitude for the preparation provided by PBS! He found his first year to be stress-free, crediting his supportive teachers and friends. Teddy particularly enjoyed humanities, as it combined his interests in language, history, and social studies This year Teddy became involved with the Debate Team as well as Book Club, extending his passion for reading that he attributes to none other than Mrs. Knoth. Teddy maintains strong connections with old friends from PBS while making new ones at his new school He shares that PBS’s SEL programs taught him how to build and sustain friendships He actively participates in PBS alum events, such as the Young Alum Homecoming Picnic where he served as a Class Agent. For current elementary students transitioning to middle school, Teddy advises not to fear the change, emphasizing the teachers at PBS prepare students well, that the middle school experience is rewarding, and shares the bonds made at Phillips Brooks last forever. Looking ahead, Teddy is excited to explore new extracurriculars like robotics, gardening, and blacksmithing!
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at PBS?
I have so many memories it is impossible to choose! Probably the start of 5th grade or meeting my Buddy The reason why the beginning of 5th grade was so fun was because I got to see all of my friends and I had that nice warm feeling of being home again. I also loved seeing my Buddy around campus and remembering what it felt like to be young again It was really fun to hang around with little kids because they really made you happy and I love being happy!
Teddy
ALUM EVENT ‘24: YOUNG ALUM HOMECOMING PICNIC
Young Alum Homecoming Picnic
In April, our Young Alums reunited and reminisced! Our young alums from Classes of ‘16 to ‘23 came back to campus for “Young Alum Homecoming Picnic”, sharing laughter, memories, and the simple joy of being together again The event was a resounding success, drawing together a vibrant tapestry of voices and experiences. It was a joy to witness the bonds of friendship rekindled and new connections forged, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and adventures Here's to the bond of “Community” that never fades and the moments that make us feel truly at home!
Alums Armaan, Zaid, Tommy, Sage, Christopher Evan and Max climbing the spiderweb for old times’ sake!
Alum parents catch up with Scott Erickson
Alums Maeve and Saarika rekindled their friendship!
PBSA Festival
If you ’ re looking for ways to get involved and get yourself back onto campus this year, the PBSA Festival 2024 is a great way to volunteer! On Thursday, October 24, join PBS's annual celebration of fall featuring food and activities that showcase our school's thriving culture.
Our event relies on the gifts of time across our community to help make it a memorable one for students. We are seeking former PBS students to help set up, staff, and clean up the event. Volunteers will provide 3 to 4 hours of service covering areas that can include: managing carnival booth games, assisting with pumpkin patch activities, welcoming guests, serving as an ambassador for the festival and supporting the annual bake-off If you ’ re interested in volunteering, we’d LOVE it! Reach out to event coordinator Celeste Malia.
The PBSA Festival is a great way to get involved!
Deviled Eggs Society
This new 21+ Alum social group is taking form with volunteers stepping forward to help develop a program of events and activities for PBS alum. If you are interested in helping, contact us! Planning is underway for the fall events
Please participate in our survey!
We kindly ask you to take a few moments to complete our survey. Your valuable input will help us tailor “Brooks” to best meet your interests and ensure we continue providing content that resonates with you! We promise it's a brief survey, and your feedback is crucial in helping us evolve “Brooks” to you, our cherished Alum community. Thank you for your time and participation! The success of the program is built on our partnership. Together, we can continue the enduring legacy of PBS.
Find us at: www.phillipsbrooks.org/about-us/alum Or Email: alum@phillipsbrooks.org
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