The Crest December 2017

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A PORTLEDGE SCHOOL MAGAZINE 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516) 750-3100 | communications@portledge.org

P O R T L E D G E

S C H O O L

M A G A Z I N E | DECEMBER 2017

Summer Adventures

A Countdown to June

By Melissa Worth, Director of Supplementary Programs

Each summer, the wonderful fields, playgrounds, Coffin Woods, and various buildings come alive with a second family. Summer Adventures at Portledge is a great way of getting to know our wonderful campus. Your child can take a class that is an interest, curiosity, or something to improve upon, make new friends, or spend time in the sunshine. The theatre at Bahnik Hall is bustling with lions, witches, Annie, Dorothy, Peter Pan, sets, costumes, and actors dancing, singing, and rehearsing. There are potters wheel spinning, lacrosse sticks and baseball bats swinging, children laughing, sprinklers spraying, beakers, potions, and rockets being built in the labs.

So what’s new this summer, you may ask? Well, in addition to the many programs we offer each summer, we are excited to welcome Rese McNatt from California to coach a week-long volleyball camp during the week of July 23rd.

Rese played professional volleyball throughout Europe and Asia receiving the MVP in the Slovenian Cup and high scorer in Spain in the Super Liga two years in a row. Six years ago, she began coaching All-American volleyball camps and clinics and we are fortunate to have

DECEMBER 2017

her come to Portledge this summer to coach. Volleyball has grown in popularity on Long Island over the last few years, so if your child, or any of his or her peers, have an interest in volleyball, then please encourage them to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from a pro.

In other Summer Adventure news, we will be welcoming back golf to the summer program and, although the Madd Potter is closing in Oyster Bay, we will still be offering four weeks of “Potter Maddness!!” We will offer archery and other new and exciting art, science, electronics, and technology programs with summer favorites, Luke Johnson, Eric Johnson and Jane Powel.

Summertime at Portledge is another opportunity to “Create, Explore & Excel”.

Join us for a week, a month, or the entire summer from June 18 through August 10.

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December December2017 2017

Welcome!

DECEMBER 2017

Welcome to the (NEW) Portledge Crest A bi-annual magazine for Portledge School

Every day, fabulous things occur at Portledge. From our Reggio Emilia Early Childhood program all the way through to our International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates, our students are inspired to explore, create, and excel both inside and outside of the classroom.

With The Crest—our new bi-annual print magazine —we have the opportunity to go a little more in depth, and include many more features, than our bi-monthly electronic newsletter. Our trustees, administrators, parent volunteers, alumni, faculty, staff, and students love to share what goes on at Portledge throughout the year with you, and The Crest gives us a wonderful platform to keep you abreast of all the happenings on and around campus.

As a member of the Portledge community, you already understand the value of the education that our students receive. Our administrators, faculty, and staff are just as committed to providing that strong education as our students are to experience it. Portledge would not be the fine educational establishment that it is without your unending support, and it is important to us that you are informed about the educational journey of our students. With that in mind, enjoy this edition of The Crest, and we look forward to publishing our next issue at the end of the school year.

Enjoy!

THE COMMONS p. 38

Contents DECEMBER 2017 On Campus!

07

The Importance of Being a Good Digital Citizen by Simon Owen-Williams, Head of School

11

Technology in the Portledge Classroom by Edie Dickman, History Teacher

13

Inside the Black Box Theatre

16

“I want to Grow Up Already! I am Tired of Waiting” by Susan Edwards-Bourdrez, Middle School Division Head

28

Making Good Choices by Harry Grzelewski, Upper School Division Head

Go Portledge Go! 17

The New Panther Den

29

Portledge Boys Hockey Win by Jonah Hirschwerk ’20

36

Founders Day 2017

40

Athletic Season Roundup by Jon Sandos ’03, Director of Athletics

People of Portledge 12

Giving Thanks by Mona Taner Sanveren

13

A Chat with Mr. Roboto Kevin Coleman

38

There is Nothing “Common” About the Portledge Commons

20

My First Year at Portledge by Jonathan Hastings, Dean of Students

42

Summer Adventures by Melissa Worth, Director of Supplementary Programs

22

Inside the Music at Portledge by Jeff Suzda, Chair of the Music Department

24

Inside the IB with Will Benjamin ‘18

30

Meet the New Assistant Head of School

SPORTS ROUNDUP p. 40

School news 10

Collaboration and Fifth Grader Leadership in Lower School written collaboratively by Saralyn Lawn, Lower School Division Head, and Leslie Lemma and Valerie Rogers, Fifth Grade Teachers

14

What our Parents Love About Portledge

29

Math Explorations by Helen Oehrlein, Math Teacher

31

Portledge Cares by Katharine Mulry ‘18

32

Alumni Spotlight

FOUNDERS DAY p. 36

I WANT TO GROW UP p. 16

The Importance of Being a Good Digital Citizen

BY SIMON OWEN-WILLIAMS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

DECEMBER 2017

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One of the most pressing needs in schools across our nation centers around teaching children proper behavior. This urgency is increasingly apparent in the realm of social media. At the national level, we have seen a dramatic uptick in the availability and use of mobile devices by children. While providing much better connectivity and access to a plethora of information, these devices have also come at a hefty social cost. We need to do much more in a deliberate, ongoing manner to teach students how to use these tools properly. Instruction needs to take place in a carefully devised, curricularly aligned, and continuous way within the classroom setting. We can no longer use an ad hoc approach.

The problem stems when student behavior online is not in keeping with the social norms we would expect students to follow in their ‘real world’ while at school and beyond. Author Simon Sinek claim some of these behaviors result from addiction-like symptoms that children (as well as many adults) are exhibiting when drawn to using cell phones. According to Sinek, each time students are ‘liked’ or even receive a new text message, they get a small charge of dopamine to their brains which makes them feel good. This naturally produced body chemical is the same excreted in the mind when we gamble, smoke, or drink alcohol. They are becoming hooked on their phones.

Another issue connects to the impersonal nature of screens. Because of these barriers, children can develop unhealthy filters. They do not see the reaction of the intended party to a text or post; therefore they are more likely to say and do things they would never contemplate saying or doing in their real life. They often also present a false picture of themselves to others, a fake persona. When our Parent Association brought Katie Duffy Schumacher to Portledge to present on behalf of her organization: “Don’t Press Send,” she emphasized the dehumanizing nature of digital communication. This dehumanization both falsely protects children and distorts communication between people in significant ways. Students also come to the screen and press send without having properly “checked in with their emotional state.” Add these factors to the commonly acknowledged view that once a post is ‘out there,’ it’s out there forever, and you have a compounded problem that can affect children now but also deep into their future. Meanwhile, depression, anxiety, and even self-harm are also on the rise among teens as a result of digital angst, leading to many more kids dropping out of college or worse.

More needs to be done.

I am convinced now more than ever that we are not going to “power kids down.” These devices are not going away, and because of this I want Portledge to lead the field in teaching children from an early age about digital citizenship—not merely as an elective but as a required course that begins at a young age. A class that, combined with extensive mindfulness practice and controlled use will help by • • • • • •

Only with ongoing, deliberate, intentional instruction will children’s social and emotional development improve in this area. Teaching digital citizenship is a curricular and resource issue for the school.

We will have to make tough choices about how to support this inititive. But we need to send a clear message to individual students and to those around them that behaviors on social media have lasting consequences. Too often, they currently seem somewhat clueless about this.

To be sure, the virtual world our children inhabit for much of their day is as complicated, if not more so, than the lives some of us led growing up 40 years ago. How simple life seemed as we look back.

As adults, we have to partner and collaborate to teach our children well.

We know the nature of the problems all too well.

How can we address them?

Portledge is currently doing a plethora of things to heighten awareness about these issues and to be proactive by teaching children to make the right choices. As I mentioned earlier, we have been collaborating with the PA to bring in guest speakers to address these issues with students and with parents. Screenagers and “Don’t Press Send” presentations are the most recent, but Carol Baumann was also here in the recent past to bring faculty up to speed on the realities of the online world. Advisory groups are consistently used as a forum for discussing appropriate online behavior in the Middle and Upper School. Head Librarian, Kim Maguire, too, has done a great job instructing children as part of their literacy studies in the Lower School. The school is also responsible for consequences when infractions occur. In the recent past, policies have been tightened and punishments have been used to reinforce school norms we expect to see manifest both inside and outside the classroom with regard to social media usage.

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deepening understanding of the true nature of the Internet and the implications for its use; developing a much stronger ethical sense of how to behave when online; enhancing awareness of the dangers of the Internet; sharing ways to help others who may be misusing the web; and highlighting the positive outcomes that can emerge from appropriate use.

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A Facebook Live Event On Monday, November 20, Portledge’s Head of School, Simon Owen-Williams, and Board President, Samara Meshel, hosted a Facebook LIVE Q&A about our new Strategic Plan. This first-ever live social media event at Portledge provided community members with the unique opportunity to engage in an online discussion with two key members of our school. Select questions included: • • •

Why are strategic plans important to schools? Moreover, why is it important to Portledge?

If the plan is successful, what impact would it have on the student experience division wide?

Is there one part of the plan that seems the most ambitious? If so, why was it included?

We invite you to join our 400+ viewers to see these answers by accessing the full video on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/portledge.

December 2017

SNAPSHOTS from the

LOWER SCHOOL

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Collaboration and Fifth Grade Leadership in Lower School Written Collaboratively by Saralyn Lawn, Lower School Division Head, and Leslie Lemma and Valerie Rogers, Fifth Grade Teachers

Collaboration is our school-wide theme this year among faculty and students. Throughout the fall, we have been focused on finding ways to collaborate among ourselves to bring great-

Over the next month, the fifth grade leadership will continue through literacy. The fifth graders have been working in new partnerships to design a lesson plan based on a picture book

er expertise and creativity to our classroom instruction and curriculum and to offer our students meaningful opportunities to collaborate in a variety of contexts. We are always looking for meaningful leadership opportunities for our fifth graders as well.

that supports learning in the classroom. The students are completing a formal lesson plan format, complete with learning targets, a specific procedure, critical thinking questions to promote conversations, and an activity that will allow students to show their thinking. We are excited for the feedback from our younger students and look forward to the continued growth of our fifth grade students as leaders and collaborators and as they prepare for Middle School.

Our fifth graders have truly embraced the theme of collaboration and the role of being leaders in the Lower School. The students in Mrs. Lemma and Ms. Rogers’ homerooms have dedicated time in their weekly schedules to create and design various collaborative leadership projects to share with our younger Lower School children.

The fifth graders surveyed the younger grade levels to learn about their curricula and topics of study this fall. They took this information and designed ideas in small groups based on their younger peers’ current classroom topics of study. During the first round of leadership projects, the fifth graders worked in collaborative groups to create a game that would support the topics the students were learning about in the lower grades.

The fifth graders were responsible for creating an original design, writing rules and expectations for their game, and organizing a day and time to teach and present their learning activity to the class/grade with which they were paired. Upon completion of their activity, the fifth grade students wrote a reflection about what went well, what areas they could have improved upon, and thoughts about the overall experience.

Collaboration is an integral part of our day in Lower School between faculty as we plan activities such as these and our students as they learn together. Working together, we all find joy in our learning!

The response and support for this cross-curricular leadership opportunity was overwhelmingly positive from teachers and students alike. The fifth grade students made connections with different grades academically, socially, and emotionally.

Students of all ages collaborated and learned together and everyone was given the opportunity to be a positive role model.

DECEMBER 2017

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TECHNOLOGY IN THE PORTLEDGE CLASSROOM

by Edie Dickman, History Teacher

The proper integration of technology and teaching is imperative in a 21st-century classroom. Our students will be graduating into a world where technology use is a non-negotiable in their higher education and future careers. Upper School is an ideal time for students to learn to use technology so that it best serves their purposes, yet not let it ‘rule’ them or take the place of traditional educational activities.

The SMART BOARD in my room (Commons 306) is an integral part of the daily rhythm of each and every class. From attendance, to a quick check in to the assignment center of myPortledge, to a Google slideshow rich with audio, video, and visuals to enhance activities and class discussions, the students and I use the SMART BOARD for all of it. Shortly after the school year started, a new sound system was installed with surround sound speakers and a wearable microphone. This has enabled me to amplify my normal speaking voice throughout the room, increasing attentiveness and engagement on the part of every student. When audio in the form of music or podcasts is used in class, the ability for every seat in the room to hear what is being played clearly is invaluable.

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Recently, U.S. History students participated in an oral history project called “The Great Thanksgiving Listen”, where they selected an older relative to interview about a historic event they had experienced or remembered. The interviews took place over the Thanksgiving break and we listened to some in class after we returned.

One of the interviews was with a student’s grandmother about her experience, memories, and emotions surrounding the Berlin Wall. We were able to use the surround sound system to perfectly hear this intergenerational exchange about a fascinating piece of history. This all led to a lot of questions, and we were able to go to our SMART BOARD, and immediately access images and video of the wall being built, the graffiti that it became covered in, full-color maps depicting the post-war division of Germany, and finally, a clip from the 1987 presidential visit to Berlin where President Reagan implored Mr. Gorbachev to ‘tear down this wall.’ Two additional students who had done prior research on the Berlin Wall and Ronald Reagan’s presidency both chimed in with their recollections of the events. In this instance, technology enabled us to move history from the very personal to the very global in an instant.

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December 2017

Portledge Parent Perspective

Giving Thanks

by MONA TANER SANVEREN I count my blessings every year at this time.

The warmth of the holidays gives me that

MONA & COL E

pause and time to reflect. I’m so grateful for many things that I feel compelled to give back and nourish my philanthropic spirit. Portledge has given my daughter an outstanding education and has equally enriched my life in countless ways.

Our Portledge community is unique. We are kind. We give and expect nothing in return.

I encourage you to get involved! I promise that we have the same goals in mind. Our kids need us. The rewards are far more than you can ever imagine. I have made lifelong connections and I applaud the Parents Association leadership for its meaningful impact and community-building efforts.

As we prepare for the year ahead, I hope that in 2018, you’ll consider giving some of your time and talent to Portledge and the various volunteer opportunities that await you. It is sometimes hard as parents to make connections as we juggle work, home, and our kids’ activities. Get involved and embrace the unity and fulfillment that accompany it.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. Let’s “collaborate” in 2018!

All the best, Mona Taner Sanveren President, Parents Association Cole Sanveren ’26

DECEMBER 2017

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Inside THE CHATWITH WITH AACHAT MR.ROBOTO ROBOTO MR. KEVINCOLEMAN COLEMAN KEVIN What are the benefits having Robotics offered What are the benefits ofof having Robotics offered inin the Middle/Upper School? the Middle/Upper School?

technology becomes increasingly important in our future a class AsAs technology becomes increasingly important in our future, a class like robotics prepares a student for that future.

Not only will techlike Robotics prepares a student for that future. Not only will technology permeate our lives more, future jobs will require skills to use nology permeate our lives more but future jobs will require skills to the technology.

Robotics class and the subsequent competition use the technology. Robotics class and the subsequent competitionencouragesstudents studentstotodevelop developthese theseskills skills collaborating together encourage byby collaborating together to form creative solutions to a problem while also using other skills to form creative solutions to a problem while also using other skills that will be in demand in the future. that will be in demand in the future.

What the main thing students learn Robotics?

What is is the main thing students learn inin Robotics?

The FTC Robotics competition basically a problem solved The FTC Robotics Competition is is basically a problem to to be be solved, and Mr. Nelson and I really stick to the engineering design process and Mr. Nelson and I really stick to the engineering design process organize each team’s approach competition.

The teams to to organize each team’s approach to to thethe competition.

The teams de-devote a lot of time to defining the tasks, researching solutions, picking vote a lot of time to defining the tasks, researching solutions, picking our solutions and planning the design the robot complete out solutions, and planning the design of of the robot to to complete thethe tasks.

Then we build, code and test. tasks. Then we build, code, and test.

How can Robotics beneficial for students who will How can Robotics bebe beneficial for students who will not grow up to be engineers? not grow up to be engineers?

addition collaborating teams and using organized In In addition to to collaborating in in teams and using anan organized ap-approach to solving a problem, we want them to use other skills proach to solving a problem, we want students to use other skillslike the design and building process. likecommunicating communicatingand anddocumenting documenting the design and building proMath and science play a large role.

Mr. Nelson is really great atatdecess. Math and science play a large role. Mr. Nelson is really great veloping the students programming skills.

Time management plays developing students’ programming skills. Time management plays a large role in whether we finish the robot in time or not.

And you a large role in whether we finish the robot in time or not. And you really have to use other skills like persistence and patience.

I have really have to use other skills like persistence and patience. I have seen students spend hours working one small part a robot seen students spend hours working onon one small part of of a robot to to get it right. get it right.

How has your method teaching changed since movHow has your method ofof teaching changed since moving into your new space in the Commons building? ing into your new space in the Commons building?

I haven’t really changed methods.

I have some pretty strong feelI haven’t really changed mymy methods.

I have some pretty strong feelings about how to teach and I stick by them.

But, the new space ings about how to teach and I stick by them. But, the new space has made it so much easier what I want I pinch myself has made it so much easier to to dodo what I want to to do.do.

I pinch myself everyday I come to work because I am so lucky to have this kind every day I come to work because I am so lucky to have this kind of of space. just one room can robotics field, have space.

In In just one room, wewe can setset upup ourour Robotics field, have all all the machinery we need for Engineering Design and still have a large the machinery we need for Engineering Design, and still have a large enough space students kick pucks across room each enough space forfor students to to kick airair pucks across thethe room to to each other in physics class. other in Physics class.

BLACK BOX Theatre A goal of the 2014-2017 Strategic Plan was to A goal of the 2014-2017 Strategic Plan was to enhance the theatre offerings at Portledge, and enhance the theatre offerings at Portledge, and the start of the 2017-2018 school year certainly the start of the 2017-2018 school year certainly brought that goal into sharp focus. As school brought that goal into sharp focus. As school opened for the year, so did our new Portledge opened for the year, so did our new Portledge Commons. This heralded the opening of our Commons. This heralded the opening of our cuscustom-built Black Box Theatre - a simple, blacktom-built Black Box Theatre - a simple, black-walled walled performance area that offers flexibility in performance area that offers flexibility in the conthe configuration of the production space. figuration of the production space.

The intimate location, on the lower level of The intimate location, on the lower level of the the Commons, has already hosted the Middle Commons, has already hosted the Middle School School Play, Murder’s in the Heir by Billy St. play, Murder’s in the Heir by Billy St. John, and the John, and the Upper School Play, Rumors by Upper School play, Rumors by Neil Simon, with Neil Simon, with much success! The space is much success. The space is used by the Drama used by the Drama department for the variety Department for the variety of theatre classes of theatre classes on offer at Portledge, as well on offer at Portledge, as well as by Footlights, a as by Footlights, a masterclass program created masterclass program created by Jason Dula, Head

by Jason Dula, Head of Drama. of Drama.

The strong commitment that Portledge School The strong commitment that Portledge School has in supporting the arts has been manifested has in supporting the arts has been manifested in this fabulous location, and the drama program in this fabulous location, and the drama program looks forward to many successful productions that looks forward to many successful productions that showcase the talent of our Portledge students. showcase the talent of our Portledge students.

there one things students take away from your If If there is is one thing students take away from your class, what would be? class, what would it it be?

I guessin in any classes I want students to taketo away an away awareness I guess any ofofmy my classes, I want students take an that science andscience technology their lives, an their understanding awareness that and shapes technology shape lives, an of how it shapesoftheir hopefully skillsand to aid them inskills a future understanding howlives theyand shape their lives, hopefully, to shaped by technology. aidincreasingly them in a future increasingly shaped by technology.

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December 2017 December 2017

LOVE Portledge Ratings

n the Spring 2017 the Strategic Planning Committee ommittee partnered with In spring of 2017, Independent School Management to create and deploy an anonyManagement (ISM) to create and deploy an anonymous mous our parent community. out to 700 current parents, surveysurvey to ourtoparent community.

Sent Sent out to 700+ current parents, this this survey designed to provide insight into parent perspective survey waswas designed to provide insight into thethe parent perspective asas it it relates numberofofsubjects. subjects.Survey Surveyresults results were were analyzed analy ed and used relates totoa anumber as a key resource in identifying areas of focus for the new Strategic Plan. lements of the Portledge Experience perience that received e cellent ratings Elements excellent included included:

Overall Niche Grade

Clubs and Activities

Academics

College Prep

Teachers

DECEMBER 2017

• • • • • • • • • • • •

The admissions process The experience of first year families first-year families Faculty knowledge and teaching expertise The School’s school’s emphasis on character development/values The faculty’s care and concern for students The Head of School Campus setting/grounds The overall value of a Portledge education Likeliness to recommend the school Delivery of our mission Interactions with School school leadership for first-year families Quality of leadership

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December 2017

“I WANT TO GROW UP ALREADY!”

BY SUSAN EDWARDS-BOURDREZ, MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION HEAD

BY SUSAN EDWARDS-BOURDREZ

My office is around the corner from the sixth grade lockers, and that

ingness to take on new challenges. Students who develop the ability

is what I heard called out in frustration. I’m not sure what precipitat-

to advocate for themselves and make decisions independently are

ed it, but I could empathize with the feeling. Middle schoolers are

those who will likely become strong, purposeful adults.

in the throes of change, and it sometimes does not come quickly enough. (Ironically, it can also be overwhelming.) Bodies are morph-

As aa school school,wewe Portledge Pillars: kindness, purpose, livelive by by thethe Portledge Pillars: kindness, purpose, hon-

ing, hormones are racing, and emotions are fluctuating. Someone

honor, respect.

In Middle School, set realistic behavioral or, and and respect.

In Middle School we setwe realistic behavioral expec-

likened it to being given a Maserati without a driver’s license!

expectations for adolescents and hold students accountable for tations for adolescents and hold students accountable for meeting meeting them. Adolescents are impulsive (if you follow them. Adolescents are impulsive in generalin(ifgeneral you follow brain re-

In Middle School, our goal is to cultivate independence and respon-

brain research, youthere knoware there are neurological forand that!) search, you know neurological reasonsreasons for that!) so

sibility in our students. It is our guiding principle, and informs how

and soinappropriate when inappropriate “Why you in when behaviorbehavior happenshappens Me: Why(Me: are you inare my office?

we teach, advise, and discipline. Working toward this goal is a proadvise and

my office?”

Student: “I was whistling duringsection the listening of Student: I was whistling during the listening of the section exam. Me:

cess for students. It is not always a linear voyage, but that is an im-

the exam.”

Me: “Is else thereI should anything else I Student, should know?”

Student, face Is there anything know? face brightening: “I

portant aspect of the journey. As has been documented repeatedly,

brightening: justto learned howwe to whistle!”), we help students reflect just learned “Ihow whistle!”), help students reflect on why, and

students who persevere through adversity, who are resilient in the

on why, andbehow it canin bethe avoided thehelp future.

We help children to how it can avoided future.inWe children to understand

face of setbacks, and who know the meaning of hard work, are those

understand badbad kids, just bad decisions, and to realize there are nothere bad are kids,nojust decisions, and to realize that they

who are most successful in college and beyond. Lawrence Laurence Steinberg,

that have the to make good decisions moving forward. havethey the power to power make good decisions moving forward.

renowned adolescent psychologist and author, notes that “self-regulation is a stronger predictor of success in the classroom than intel-

Academically, we encourage students to be independent thinkers Academically we

ligence, talent, or standardized test scores.”

who explore, create, and eventually excel. We don’t want students who parrot back information; we want students who question and

We partner with parents to offer our children the best education

think for themselves. Middle School, where the transcript does not

possible, so communication with parents, starting with the transi-

“count,” is the ideal time to stumble, learn from mistakes, and ulti-

tion meeting for fifth grade parents, also focuses on developing an

mately, develop the habits of mind and skills that will facilitate sucmately develop

understanding of the importance of independence and responsibil-

cess in Upper School. Giving students “voice and choice,” one of the

ity. At parent parent gatherings gatherings and and in in individual individual conversations, conversations we parse

tenets of project-based learning, is good training for moving into a

out how we can work together to empower our youngsters. Parents

workforce where the abilities to collaborate and innovate are prized.

are biologically programmed to protect and defend their children. It

We want to be be sure sure that that when when our our children children are are “grown “grownup,” up” they have

can be hard to accept that it is in a child’s best interest to struggle! It

the confidence and experience to embrace the challenges and sub-

is overcoming adversity, though, that builds confidence and the will-

sequent growth that make for an adventurous and fulfilling life!

SSUUSSAANN EDWARDS-BO URDREEZZ

DECEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2017

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The New Panther Denfi

Space at Portledge is always at a premium. While the school

Space at Portledge is always at a premium. While the school maximizes

maximizes classroom use, other non-teaching needs often

classroom use, other non-teaching needs often play second fiddle. The

play second fiddle. The opening of the Portledge Commons

opening of the Portledge Commons certainly helped to ease some of

certainly helped to ease some of the ‘squeeze,’ and one facet

the ‘squeeze,’ and one facet that has benefited immensely from the

that has benefitted immensely from the magnificent new

magnificent new building is the Panther Den.

building is the Panther Den.

The Panther Den was previously housed in Wellington Gymnasium,

The Panther Den was previously housed in Wellington Gym-

and Penne Nieporte, Store Manager, had to work minor miracles to

nasium, and Penne Nieporte, store manager, had to work

make the best use of the space afforded to her. With the creation of

minor miracles to make the best use of the space afforded to

the Portledge Commons also came the creation of the new Panther

her. With the creation of the Portledge Commons, also came

Den and now the store truly has space to breathe.

the creation of the new Panther Den and now the store truly has space to breathe.

The new store is located on the first floor in the back corner of the dining hall. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls showcase the wonderful

The new store is located on the first floor in the back corner

array of items available to all in the Portledge community. The store is

of the dining hall. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls showcase

stocked with many great pieces of apparel, as well as a whole host of

the wonderful array of items available to all in the Portledge

non-wearable, branded items.

community. The store is stocked with many great pieces of apparel, as well as a whole host of non-wearable, branded

If you have not yet had a chance to check out the Panther Den, it is

items.

open on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The store features a 50-percent-off year-

If you have not had a chance to check out the Panther Den

round rack, which helps create space on the shelves for new items,

yet, it is open on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and

and most Portledge-branded merchandise changes with the seasons.

Tuesday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The store fea-

Make sure to stop in and browse the Panther Den, and pick up that

tures a 50 percent off year-round rack, which helps create

perfect Portledge gift for your friends, your family, or yourself!

space on the shelves for new items, and much of Por-

tledge-branded merchandise changes with the seasons. Make sure to stop in and browse the Panther Den, and pick up that perfect Portledge gift for your friends, your family, or yourself!

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December 2017

SNAPSHOTS from the

MIDDLE SCHOOL

DECEMBER 2017

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December 2017

MY FIRST YEAR at Portledge

DECEMBER 2017

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BY JONATHAN HASTINGS, Dean of Students

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M

oving from a familiar place to Long Island was quite a tricky proposition for my wife, two small children, and me. We had an unbelievable support system with our families close by in Connecticut,

which made the decision to move even more difficult. Now that the holiday season is in full swing, I have taken some time to reflect on our move and my experiences at Portledge School thus far. Like others, I genuinely believe that Portledge is an exceptional and unique place to work, but Portledge is more than a place of employment. This community is nurturing, supportive, understanding, compassionate, and most of all, uplifting.

Since July, many people have asked me why I chose to come to Portledge. The community you have collectively built is reason enough.

The parent support at Portledge is unmatched. From volunteers in the classroom, to those who lead or lend a helping hand at events, to those who help behind the scenes, you drive all of us to be better, to challenge ourselves to do greater things in support

“...every day, I feel grateful to work with our students.”

of your children. My door is always open to discuss your child or how to make Portledge even better. When we work together, we are strongest as we strive to build an even better Portledge community that develops and strengthens the core values we all hold dearest.

The Portledge student body has also given me a reason to reflect and be thankful. Each encounter is confident and genuine. Your children are dynamic and resilient. Their desire to push themselves and each other is inspirational. The lessons I have learned from them are countless. From the Opening Ceremony, where Katharine Mulry ’18 and Ryan Levy ’22 spoke so eloquently about their hopes and aspirations for the school year ahead, to all of the grateful students at the Thanksgiving Assembly, every day, I feel grateful to work with our students.

I look forward to the second half of the year. There is a lot left to accomplish, but I know that with this group of professionals, educators, parents, students, and support staff, anything is possible. My family and I are so pleased to have joined the Portledge family. We are truly blessed. Happy holidays to you all.

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December 2017

Inside the Music at Portledge

by Jeff Suzda, Chair of the Music Department A passion for music has taken him around the world, and he brings these unique experiences to the department and the classroom.

“What makes Portledge My name is Jeff Suzda and I am the Chair of the Music Department and the Band/Jazz/ IB Music teacher at Portledge. I have a wide background in music performance, composition, arranging, and computer music and have taught in schools, conservatories, and universities in both France and the United States. My passion for music has taken me around the world, and I bring these unique experiences to the department and the classroom in order to give our students fresh approaches to incorporating music

stand out from other music programs is that through technology, collaboration among teachers and students, and overall curriculum planning, we allow students to share their unique talents in special ways.�

into their lives.

Portledge stand out from other music programs is that through technology, collaboration among teachers and students, and overall curriculum planning, we allow students to share their unique talents in special ways.

From student orchestras performing in musicals, to individual parts being written for musicians that challenge them to stretch their technical limits, to teachers sitting down and helping students write solos and arrangements for their classmates, to Grammy-nominated guest performers

I have been at Portledge for two years and

giving performances and workshops on

what attracted me the most to joining the

campus, Portledge is a school where music

Portledge community was the opportunity

allows every student to share their talents,

to allow students to be at the center of

make connections to other subjects and the

their own musical experiences. What makes

outside world, and most importantly, have a lifelong appreciation and love of music.

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Music enhances the student experience at Portledge because it allows our students to not only perform and be directly exposed to many types of music but also to make connections with other classroom subjects and to the outside world. Students experience music in its

PORTLEDGE FACULTY

technical form through not only their own performances but also from attending worldclass guest performances on and off campus. All of our students also learn to appreciate music and make links to other material that they are learning through our new music curriculum that focuses on creation, collaboration, and connections.

Many parents ask me, “when do music classes start at Portledge?” and I am proud to say that we start formal music classes in our Early Childhood program, where students are not only having fun with music, but are also creating it based on their classroom experiences. From writing a song about butterflies to improvising a melody about volcanoes, our students are encouraged to create and express themselves musically. We are trying to

“WHY I TEACH” Portledge faculty are at the heart of the Portledge Experience, and among the best of the best in the industry. We asked them why they love teaching.

connect music to their classroom learning experience.

Here are some of their responses…

The Portledge music program is thriving today because we have teachers who are passionate

“I love being able to be a positive influence every day. I also love learning from my students!”

about the music that they teach. When students see that we love what we do and that we come to every rehearsal excited, they come to class ready to make music and learn how to connect it with the world around them. Our goal is for our students to take the skills that they learn in music and apply them to the real world to help them be the future leaders of tomorrow.

“I teach to mold the minds of the future.”

“I teach to inspire acceptance.”

JEFF SUZDA

“Every day brings new smiles, new adventures and new beginnings.”

“I love sharing new ideas and worlds with students.”

“I teach because I get to shape the future leaders, and I want to help our country grow and progress.”

“I teach to show students that they have an advocate!”

“To have a good influence on a young person’s life.”

“To help students find their true potential, and succeed!”

“I teach so that I can help children understand how the world works.”

“I teach because students always show me new ways to see my subject.”

“I teach to share my experience and life skills with our students.”

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December 2017

Inside the IB with WILL BENJAMIN ’18

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Considering the programme requires you to collaborate with others, can you share a memory of collaborative learning that was meaningful to you?

This isn’t exactly a single memory, but rather a series of times in one class that stood out to me. Many of the best collaborative

What factors contributed to your decision to apply to be an IB Diploma candidate?

I had heard about IB for a while leading up to my decision, and, from the brief snippets of info I heard, it sounded like a really interesting way of approaching academics. Though I was fully okay with pursuing standard AP classes in eleventh and twelfth grade, I felt like maybe my schoolwork was getting a little stagnant and I wasn’t as interested in standard schoolwork as I used to be. IB presented itself as a different option, a unique option, an option that is meant for students interested in the process, rather than the outcome. I knew I was ready to change things up a bit, and IB was a perfect option that came at a perfect time.

How has your approach to thinking changed since entering the IB Diploma programme?

IB thinking has certainly changed the way I approach academics, especially with the topics we cover in Theory of Knowledge, a class literally meant to discuss how we know things. I feel like I’m more inclined to ask questions about why we learn things and The Crest

how we learn them thanks to IB, rather than just accepting what I’m told. It’s really emphasized for me the importance of knowledge as a whole and the ways in which we engage with forms of knowledge, and I think it’s a valuable concept that too few students not in IB are able to experience.

Given the rigor of the IB Diploma programme, how have you better learned to manage your time?

Among the huge assignments like the Extended Essay and the various internal and external assessments, I’d say the biggest thing I’ve had to learn is the idea that not everything will be as good as you want it to be. There just aren’t enough hours in the week for you to do everything to the perfection that you want, and that’s been a hard concept for me to overcome. However, realizing this has helped with time management within IB, as I try not to sink all my time into one thing when I have several other assignments due at the same time as that one.

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learning experiences I’ve had in IB has been in my Theory of Knowledge class. When we are doing more collaborative activities or discussions about specific fields, there have been some fascinating and insightful conversations that arise from just small observations or comments. By the end of it, our whiteboard is a mishmash of arrows and circled words that somehow represents the ideas we covered, yet we all know exactly what we accomplished (or at least tried to accomplish). It’s really indicative of the kind of amazing collaborative thought that takes place within IB. What advice would you give to a student considering the IB Diploma?

Above all else, realize what you’re getting into. IB isn’t just singular classes; it’s an entire curriculum that a diploma student must devote nearly all of their academic time to. It really does become part of your life. Also, know that, while there aren’t radical differences in classes themselves, the philosophy of IB is something very different from AP or any other normal class. If you’re able to accept the workload and are ready for a change of pace, IB is a great choice, but it’s admittedly not for everyone. If you do end up doing it, find the enjoyment you can in trying something a bit different from the norm and revel in the process a bit more, rather than the outcome.

December 2017

SNAPSHOTS from the

UPPER SCHOOL

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December 2017

Making Good Choices

BY HARRY GRZELEWSKI, UPPER SCHOOL DIVISION HEAD Recently, I gave a presentation to the faculty about cheating and plagiarism. I’m not an expert on the topics by any means, but I have been an educator for many years and have seen my fair share of examples. Attitudes have certainly changed over the years, both from my point of view and from the point of view of students.

I think it is fair to say that when I was growing up, cheating was a big deal. I remember that it wasn’t the punishment, fear of getting caught, or threats from my parents that was the strongest deterrent.

All three were powerful enough deterrents in my mind, but the stain on my reputation was the biggest fear. I worried excessively about my reputation as a scholar, even as early as third grade. There was a lot of competition in my school and lots of pitting teams against each other in spelling contests, geography bees, and math challenges.

Boy versus girl was the usual competition, and I was often chosen by the boys to go to the board or stand in front of the room to beat the girls. Then it happened. I lost a math race to Kathleen who was not only my equal but, in my eyes, way smarter than I was. She was shy and the girls, mercifully, never picked her to represent them until that fateful day. We became bitter rivals from that day forward. Or rather, I became bitter and Kathleen, became more and more confident and poised, even when I beat her.

But what about the other kids? What about the ones I saw craning their necks whenever the teacher turned her back? I had no respect for those kids and labeled them losers. What did I know about assessments as a third grader and beyond? What I did know was that I was good at school and cheating was not in my playbook.

I grew up with the idea—drilled in my head—that cheating was wrong and would lead to far greater crimes later in life. It was the standard argument for all vices: think about the gateway drug argument.

But as an educator, I have learned a lot about cheating and why kids cheat. I worry that we often set kids up to fail, or put them in situations where they feel helpless and unprepared. This doesn’t mean that I approve of cheating, but I recognize the problem is more complicated than it was according to my own adolescent mind.

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The research is clear on one thing: most kids cheat not because they are lazy but because they are overworked, stressed out, confused, and/or afraid. They have somehow learned that cheating is an acceptable alternative; they convince themselves or compile evidence that others do it, so it must be okay. When they are caught, they are without explanation; “the cheater” does not reconcile with the image of who they are, and they become even more confused.

Cheating is evident in so many places and is so prevalent in our lives. Kids see it on the playing field in order to gain an advantage, while driving as long as the police are not around. More egregious examples of tax evasion, bribery, infidelity, vandalism, and so on bombard us on the news. It appears that the culture accepts and acknowledges that everyone cheats.

In schools, the key is in changing the culture. We are working to change the culture at Portledge, but it will take time. Whether it is the culture of the school in general or the individual culture created in each classroom, it starts with changes in attitudes, changes in assignments and assessments, and in conversations about learning. I am a big fan of conversation and encourage you to talk to your child about making good choices. Encourage conversations with adults when the temptation to cheat emerges from the stress of doing well. Let your child know that you are never disappointed in her best efforts, and that you are there to help him decide the best strategies for success.

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PORTLEDGE BOYS HOCKEY WIN

BY JONAH HIRSCHWERK ’20

The Portledge Varsity Boys Hockey team took to the ice for the first time this 2017-18 season on Monday, November 20 in front of about 300 fans and flexed its muscles against rival Chaminade High School, cruising to a 7-1 victory. When asked about the emotions before the contest in the locker room, forward Hunter Rossi ’20 said, “We were all excited. It was a big game and everyone was ready.” Well, the Panthers were ready alright, especially forward and Northeastern University commit Brandon Chabrier ’20, who notched his first of likely many goals of the season. With the 1-0 lead, the boys were just getting started as Rossi would score twice in his debut with the Panthers. When asked about his two-goal night, he said, “It was really cool but it was mostly a team effort as my linemate, Vitaly Levyy ’21, made a couple of great passes. It really was just a great team effort.” Things got a bit heated at the end of the second frame as players came together. When new Head Coach Pasko Skarica was asked about not letting emotions distract you from the overall goal, he responded, “Hockey is a passionate game and this stuff happens, but I just told the guys to stay focused, stay out of the box, and move on with the game.” When this year started, the lack of upperclassmen was an issue, but it was not a barrier for this team last night as Jeremy Wilmer ’21 scored his first two goals as a Panther. When asked about the demand for the younger guys needing to step up and seeing that in the game, Skarica added, “It’s great to see some of the younger guys have success tonight and it’s

going to be crucial for that to continue in order to have a successful season.” Charlie Ritter ’18 scored his first goal of the season as did Levyy, giving Portledge a huge advantage on the scoreboard. Most of the team’s success can be linked to outstanding goaltending

by Vincent Salgado ’19 as he held the Flyers to only one goal in the game. When asked about the victory, he said, “It’s great to get that first W, but we have a big test tomorrow against Delbarton.”

When asked about what having a comfortable lead feels like, the Portledge netminder added, “I try not to think of it like that, I just worry about stopping the puck because that’s what I’m here to do.”

Being one of the more seasoned players with the team and seeing the younger guys have success meant a lot to Salgado. “It’s always great to see that and to see them contribute like that is awesome.

Let’s just hope it continues.” Coach Skarica added, “This win was big as we got our feet wet but tomorrow is a big game.” A tough game it was as the boys headed to New Jersey to face Delbarton School in a non-league contest. When asked about the next challenge, Skarica said, “They are a very good team. They are competitive with four full lines, so we just have to play smart, compete, execute, and capitalize in the offensive zone and we should be ready.” With a convincing 7-1 rivalry game win at Beaver Dam, the Portledge Panthers look to carry that momentum to Delbarton as they tried to get a win on the road before the Thanksgiving break.

MATH EXPLORATIONS

by HELEN OEHRLEIN The students in Ms. Oehrlein’s Algebra 2 class researched a topic of their interest this fall to see how it related to mathematics. On Halloween, we enjoyed a day of presentations and learned about the many interests explored by our class. We did not realize figure skating had a connection with math until seeing a video of Charlotte Bolling executing two 720-degree jumps in quick succession. She explained how geometry, trigonometry, and physics apply to skating. We also learned how math is used in photography, sports, interior design, medicine, graphics, music, and many other fields.

The passion that our students have for their interests shone through in the quality of their research and presentations. Terrific job, everyone!

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December 2017

The People of Portledge Counseling Office take precedence over anything else.

One of my favorite things about working in a school has always been that every day is different and brings new challenges and ideas. That has only been augmented by taking on this new role, which I really like.

You come to this position with expertise and preparation, but what, if anything, surprised you the most?

I wasn’t necessarily “surprised” by this, but working more closely with a broader group of faculty and administrators has reinforced my impression that I am thrilled to be working with such a talented, passionate, and dedicated group of colleagues here at Portledge School.

KAREN CROWLEY

Meet the New Assistant Head of School What does your new position of Assistant Head of School entail?

It is exciting to be more involved in all divisions at Portledge, particularly from a strategic perspective. Previously, in my professional experience, I prided myself on being a problem solver and a team player who can implement new ideas and initiatives in a systematic way, and I am glad to put these skills back to work as we make progress on the execution of the Strategic Plan. I have been particularly inspired in working with Shane Cappuccio and Saralyn Lawn on the Strategic Plan goals related to the Student Experience and Faculty Excellence in developing a new faculty evaluation process, as well as with Olga Florentino on issues related to Equity and Social Justice.

I have also enjoyed working with Katie Henry ’99 on identifying training on how to best incorporate mindfulness into our practices at Portledge and determining how to measure the impact of this important initiative, as well as with Francesca Woll on the development of new leadership and college readiness programs for eleventh and twelfth graders. an you even begin to describe what a ty ical day is li e for you juggling both your new role and your old position as Director of College Counseling?

Unpredictable and busy! Obviously, during busy periods, like the weeks leading into the November deadlines the responsibilities of the College

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our role as ssistant Head of chool is to oversee goals 1-4 of the new Strategic Plan, 20/20: A Clear Vision. How do you see that playing out and what are your key strategies for tackling the Student Experience, School Culture, and Faculty Excellence?

It has been great to see how much we have already been able to accomplish in a short period of time. The goal captains and team members working on the Strategic Plan are dedicated, hard-working, open-minded, and truly looking to push Portledge School forward. For the School Culture goal specifically, we have already made progress in the evaluation and revision of the Portledge Pillars, now including kindness among them. These ideals are now visually represented throughout the campus and have been an active part of our daily lives at Portledge. In addition, we added an all school ceremony on the first day of school that linked the first and twelfth graders together; we revised the all-school Thanksgiving Assembly to be more reflective, inclusive, and cohesive, and we are looking to make the Blue/White teams more active throughout the school year. As a parent as well as an administrator here at Portledge, improving our already strong and distinct school culture is important to me in many ways as I believe it really matters in the daily life of our community.

Equity and Social Justice seem to be a hot-button in society today and Portledge has taken that on as part of the Strategic Plan as well. Why do you believe that s so im ortant for the school and the community?

The Portledge School mission says that we are a “warm, inclusive community” and that doesn’t happen by accident. In order to stay connected and to truly be inclusive, we need to understand the differences among us and truly “see” each other as whole people with varying life experiences. In the past, schools have focused on the concept of diversity, which is simplistic and superficial. Helping faculty and students to more deeply examine their own culture, life experiences, inherent biases, and interactions can promote a more open, accepting, and significant dialogue among all community members and inspire all of us to act in ways that promote equity, a critical American value and one that I strongly support.

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by KATHARINE MULRY ’18

Throughout the beginning of the new school year, the Student Council has worked tirelessly to raise money and efforts for individuals in need.

After Hurricane Harvey, the devastating hurricane that affected the greater Houston area, the Student Council wanted to help give back to those who lost everything. We paired with the charter school KIPP Northeast College Preparatory, located in Houston, Texas, with the objective of collecting supplies students could use in the classroom and also at home.

From diapers and clothing to basic toiletries such as toilet paper, the Student Council moved quickly to collect as many items as possible and dispatch them to the children in need. The efforts were greatly successful and the support of the student body did not go unnoticed. The Student Council’s next effort came after a teacher, who has been a part of the Portledge community for years and who has had a large impact

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on the lives of many Portledge students, was recently diagnosed with cancer. The Student Council sponsored a ‘Strike Out Cancer’ event at Syosset AMF Lanes that brought together members of the Portledge community and raised awareness and funds for the beloved teacher’s treatment.

Every year, as Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, the Student Council promotes a Can Drive that helps to benefit members in the surrounding area. This year, the student body collectively raised a record-breaking 2,700 pounds of canned food. Thank you to everyone who contributed and donated! The Student Council’s final effort for 2017 is the Toy and Coat Drive we put on every year during the two weeks leading up to December break. Our hope is to raise enough to help families who cannot afford to buy gifts, and to help those less fortunate stay warm during the wintertime.

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December 2017

Alumni Spotlight Spotlight Alumni Congratulations to Steven Dourmashkin ’11 for winning the 2017 Red Bull Launchpad!

Congratulations to Alum Steven Dourmashkin ’11 for winning the 2017 Red Bull Launchpad!

Red Bull Launchpad is a program designed to give wings to collegiate innovators and entrepreneurs. It provides a platform to elevate Red ull Launchpad is a program designed to give wings to collegiate innovators and entrepreneurs. t provides a platform to elevate ideas and concepts with the world’s leading authority in debuting revolutionary startups: TechCrunch Disrupt SF. ideas concepts with the world’s leading authority in debuting revolutionary start ups Tech runch Disrupt S .

Steven’s product, Specdrums, has changed the way people play music. Specdrums are app-connected rings that turn the world’s Steven’s product, Specdrums, has changed the way people play music. Specdrums are app-connected rings that turn the world’s colors into your own personal sound machine. They let you create beats and melodies by tapping on anything with color, such as your colors into your own personal sound machine. They let you create beats and melodies by tapping on anything with color, such as your clothes, our 12-color keyboard, or any objects you find around you. You can even draw and print out your own Specdrums instruments. clothes, our 12-color keyboard, or any objects you find around you. You can even draw and print out your own Specdrums instruments.

Alums Working at Portledge Alums Working at Portledge Carolyn (Slanetz) Chiu ’85, Upper School Faculty

aroline (Slanet ) hiu ’ 5, pper School aculty Kim H. Maguire ’88, Head Librarian im . c uire ’ Katie Henry ’99, Lower School Faculty atie enry ’ , Lower School aculty Margot Lippe ’99, Lower School Faculty argot Lippe ’ , Lower School aculty Jon Sandos ’03, Director of Athletics on Sandos ’03, Director of thletics Monique Kelly ’10, Middle School Faculty oni ue elly ’11, iddle School aculty Cecilia Mulry ’13, Assistant Director of Athletics ecilia ulry ’13, ssociate Director of thletics

Interested in joining the Portledge Interested in joining the Portledge Alumni Council?

Alumni Council?

Contact Walles at kwalles@portledge.org Contact Kelly Kelly Walles at kwalles@portledge.org or 516-750-3244 forinformation. more information.

(516) or 750-3244 for more

Alumni Holiday Party Recap

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THE 2018 PORTLEDGE SCHOOL A N N UA L AU C T I O N G A L A M A R C H 10 , 2018

Join the Portledge community for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing, all while bidding on amazing items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Get your masks ready for a memorable evening!

Top Selling Items From the Past Three Years

Hamptons Golf Getaway, including lunch and golf at one of the top courses in the world, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

Sold for $27,500!

Private flight, dinner, and tickets to see Adele in Boston.

Sold for $13,000!

Opportunity for an aspiring soon-to-be graduate to build their resume via a one-year board “mentorship.”

Sold for $21,000!

For more information about attending, sponsoring, donating an auction item, or volunteer opportunities, contact Kelly Walles at (516) 750-3244 or kwalles@portledge.org.

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December 2017

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December 2017

Founders Day 2017

The Founders Day 2017 celebration was incredibly successful thanks to all the hard work and dedication of our parent volunteers and the Portledge community. We had a monumental year, with a record number of 720+ bracelets sold. The day was full of Portledge pride as attendees came out to celebrate the heritage and spirit that has become quintessential to the Portledge community!

A very special thank you goes out to the Founders Day Chair, Lisa Vella. Lisa’s parent events leading up to Founders Day incited much enthusiasm, and her generous contributions, creativity, and tireless planning, which began over the summer, led to a wonderful day for everyone. We also want to thank the many parent volunteers and the generosity of all of our sponsors. The giving of your time and talent is priceless and, without you, the day would not have been possible. Your dedication truly reflects the spirit of the Portledge community. We cannot say enough how much we appreciate your commitment and for making the day special for everyone.

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December 2017 December 2017

There is nothing “common” about the Portledge Commons On Saturday, September 16, 2017, Portledge School celebrated the opening of the new Portledge Commons—a 28,000+ square-foot facility located on the school’s picturesque 63-acre campus. The ceremony included remarks from Student Council President Katharine Mulry ’18, Board President Samara Meshel, and Head of School Simon Owen-Williams. Current students, alumni, trustees, parents, and more came together to support this exciting milestone in Portledge’s history.

The construction of the Commons is a testament to the substantial growth the school has experienced in recent years and is a direct result of the generosity of many members of the Portledge community.

Highlights of this new building include an expansive dining and social area, seven new classrooms, the Black Box theatre, and a technology hub.

A cocktail party was also held on Friday evening for donors, Board members, and administrators.

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December 2017

Athletic Season Roundup

BY Jon Sandos ‘03, Director of athletics DECEMBER 2017

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Throughout the fall season, the Athletic Department has made changes, with regard to personnel as well as building updates. We are excited to announce that Ceci Mulry ’13 has joined us as an Assistant Director of Athletics. There have been improvements made to the Middle School locker rooms as they have been repainted, the floors have been redone, and new light fixtures have been added. All coaches and players had an exciting and enjoyable fall season and are excited to see what else Portledge athletics can accomplish during the rest of the school year.

Middle School athletics continued to focus on building the student-athlete’s team skills as well as introducing them to competition. Our 5/6 Boys and Girls Soccer teams showed immense improvement throughout the season. Both teams accomplished their goal of having players feel comfortable with the sport by the end of the season. The 7/8 Boys Soccer team started off the season with as many individual players finding a way to play with one another, but by the LIAAIS Play Day and end of the season, the team had come together and was a strong, impenetrable team. The 7/8 Girls Soccer team was close to unbeatable throughout the season, having only one loss in the last game of the season. The girls showed an increase in competitiveness and developed a strong team bond. Our Middle School Tennis team finished its season undefeated. Our Middle School Cross Country team focused on increasing the student-athlete’s stamina and love for running.

The fall season brought exciting competition to the varsity athletic teams as well. The Varsity Girls Soccer team won its fourth consecutive PSAA League Championship, an unprecedented accomplishment in Portledge School history. Led by eight seniors, the Girls Soccer team defeated crosstown rival Long Island Lutheran 1-0 in the finals. The Varsity Girls Tennis team continued its league success, achieving the title of PSAA East Division Champions, but lost a tough playoff final to Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School. The Varsity Cross Country team took a new approach to training this year with more of a focus on core work and strength training. The team performed above expectation in all PSAA meets this season.

The Varsity Boys Soccer team showed improvement throughout the season and was able to clinch a PSAA Playoff spot, unfortunately falling to Western Division number onw ranked Avenues: The World School.

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December 2017

Summer Adventures

By Melissa Worth, Director of Supplementary Programs

Each summer, the wonderful fields, Each summer, theWoods, wonderful fields, playgrounds, Coffin and various playgrounds, Coffin Woods, and buildings come alive with a second varifamious buildings come aliveatwith a second ly.

Summer Adventures Portledge is a family.

Porgreat waySummer of gettingAdventures to know our at wondertledge is a great of getting to aknow ful campus.

Yourway child can take class our wonderful campus.

Your child can that is an interest, curiosity, or something take a class that is an interest, curito improve upon, make new friends, or osity, or something to improve upon; spend time in the sunshine.

The themake new friends; or spend time the atre at Bahnik Hall is bustling withinlions, sunshine.

The Dorothy, theatre at Bahnik witches, Annie, Peter Pan, Hall sets, is bustling with lions, witches, Annie, costumes, and actors dancing, singing, Dorothy, Peter There Pan, are sets,potters costumes, and rehearsing. wheel and actors dancing, singing, respinning, lacrosse sticks and and baseball hearsing.

There are potter’s wheel bats swinging, children laughing, sprinspinning, lacrosse sticks potions, and baseklers spraying, beakers, and ball bats swinging, children rockets being built in the labs. laughing, sprinklers spraying, beakers, potions, andwhat’s rocketsnew being built in the labs.

So this summer, you may

ask? Well, in addition to the many proSo, what’s new this you grams we offer eachsummer, summer, wemay are ask?

Well, in addition to the many excited to welcome Rese McNatt profrom grams we to offer each summer, we are California coach a week-long volleyexcited to welcome Rese McNatt from ball camp during the week of July 23rd.

California to coach a week-long volleyRese played professional volleyball ball camp during the week of July 23. throughout Europe and Asia receiving Rese played professional volleyball the MVP in the Slovenian Cup and high throughout Europe and Asia,Liga receivscorer in Spain in the Super two ing the MVP in the Slovenian Cup and years in a row. Six years ago, she began high scorer in Spain involleyball the Superliga coaching All-American camps two years in a row.

Six years ago, she and clinics and we are fortunate to have began coaching All-American volleyball camps and clinics and we are for-

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her come to Portledge this summer to tunate have her has come to Portledge coach.toVolleyball grown in popu-this summer to coach.

Volleyball has grown larity on Long Island over the last few in popularity on the island over the last years, so if your child, or any of his orfew years, so if have your an child or anyin of his or her her peers, interest volleyball, peers have an interest in volleyball, then please encourage them to take please adencourage to take opportunity advantage oftothis vantage ofthem this unique unique opportunity learn from a pro. to learn from a pro.

InInother otherSummer SummerAdventures Adventure news, news,we wewill be welcoming back golf to the summer prowill be welcoming back golf to the sumgram and, although The Madd Potter is closmer program and, although the Madd ing in Oyster Bay, we still be offering four Potter is closing in will Oyster Bay, we will weeks of “Potter Maddness!”

We will offer still be offering four weeks of “Potter archery and other newoffer and exciting Maddness!!”

We will archery art, andscience, electronics, and technology programs other new and exciting art, science, with summer and favorites Luke Johnson, electronics, technology programsEric Johnson, and Jane Powel. with summer favorites, Luke Johnson, Eric Johnson and Jane Powel.

Summertime at Portledge is another opportunity to explore, and isexcel.

Join us Summertime at create, Portledge another for a week, a month, or the entire summer opportunity to “Create, Explore & Excel”. from June through Augustor 10.

Join us for18 a week, a month, the entire summer from June 18 through August 10.

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Summer Adventures

A Countdown to June

By Melissa Worth, Director of Supplementary Programs

Each summer, the wonderful fields, playgrounds, Coffin Woods, and various buildings come alive with a second family. Summer Adventures at Portledge is a great way of getting to know our wonderful campus. Your child can take a class that is an interest, curiosity, or something to improve upon, make new friends, or spend time in the sunshine. The theatre at Bahnik Hall is bustling with lions, witches, Annie, Dorothy, Peter Pan, sets, costumes, and actors dancing, singing, and rehearsing. There are potters wheel spinning, lacrosse sticks and baseball bats swinging, children laughing, sprinklers spraying, beakers, potions, and rockets being built in the labs.

So what’s new this summer, you may ask? Well, in addition to the many programs we offer each summer, we are excited to welcome Rese McNatt from California to coach a week-long volleyball camp during the week of July 23rd.

Rese played professional volleyball throughout Europe and Asia receiving the MVP in the Slovenian Cup and high scorer in Spain in the Super Liga two years in a row. Six years ago, she began coaching All-American volleyball camps and clinics and we are fortunate to have

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her come to Portledge this summer to coach. Volleyball has grown in popularity on Long Island over the last few years, so if your child, or any of his or her peers, have an interest in volleyball, then please encourage them to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from a pro.

In other Summer Adventure news, we will be welcoming back golf to the summer program and, although the Madd Potter is closing in Oyster Bay, we will still be offering four weeks of “Potter Maddness!!” We will offer archery and other new and exciting art, science, electronics, and technology programs with summer favorites, Luke Johnson, Eric Johnson and Jane Powel.

Summertime at Portledge is another opportunity to “Create, Explore & Excel”.

Join us for a week, a month, or the entire summer from June 18 through August 10.

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A PORTLEDGE SCHOOL MAGAZINE 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516) 750-3100 | communications@portledge.org

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M A G A Z I N E | DECEMBER 2017