Special Edition RPS Today - December 2020

RPS Today

Watch as Rutgers Prep students and faculty share what they are grateful for and send you their best wishes for this holiday season!

December 2020

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Gearing Up for Back to School: How Some RPS Faculty Prepared for a New Type of School Year S

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By Danielle DiVincent, contributing writer

Over the past months, we have all experienced many changes due to COVID-19. Among those changes has been how students learn and teachers educate/teach. We went from in-person learning to virtual learning overnight in March, and now, since the start of the school year in September, our Middle and Upper School students have been engaged in a hybrid model, with a rotational schedule that alternates between in-person and remote instruction (click here to learn more about Rutgers Prep's reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year). It has been an enormous learning curve for us all, and the faculty at Rutgers Prep has risen to the occasion.

As the summer ended and we looked forward to a new school year our amazing teachers spent July and August learning and preparing for a new type of school year. Their priorities, as always, were to make sure each student is receiving a top-notch education, whether they are remote or in-person.

Heather Vaccarino, Rutgers Prep's Dean of Faculty and Middle School Science Teacher, shared with us in August how she and a few faculty members prepared for the fall.

“How am I getting ready for the fall? Either way, in person or remotely, education will be different. Teachers need to think about what is meaningful to them and what is most meaningful for our students. I am transitioning away from paper and going mostly digital. Thank goodness we have our iPads! This will be the safest for the kids and for me. I am going to continue to teach about the brain and metacognition and get kids thinking about how they think. My love for binder organization will be thrown out the window and will use Notability for the organization.”

Creating a Digital Classroom “A cool way to learn differently– it looks like your real classroom, and then you can add links, videos, activities, etc.,” said Vaccarino, who also teaches science in the Middle School. “I have started doing this for the upcoming year. I believe this can be used for remote learning or for in-person instruction. Here is a screenshot of what it looks like so far.”

Making a Master List of Labs in the Middle School Mrs. Vaccarino also had to tackle the challenge of creating lab work for her students in this new learning environment. “Carole Zboray (a fellow science teacher in the Middle School) and I have created a document that includes all of our labs we currently run from 6th-8th grade,” she said. “We are making a materials list and thinking about if the labs can run remotely and in person. In order to keep the students safe, students will not be able to work with partners in labs. I envision my class will have labs, but only half of the class works on the lab at a time and while the other half works on a digital component.

We have also come to the conclusion that we are teaching executive function skills and not merely content. Students will be able to take these EF skills and apply them to all aspects of their lives.”

This year will be different with a mixture of remote and in-person instruction. But one thing is for certain: we are prepared to give our students the best educational experience possible.

7th grade Science students working on their Flat Earth Project.

Objectives include: being able to distinguish good scientific theories from bad, being open minded about new theories while maintaining some skepticism, spotting unreliable science online, researching, utilizing interactive notebooks, following directions, and collaboration.

An Interview with Rob Apgar, Chief Operating Officer at Rutgers Prep What were the highest priorities for the School administration as you planned for the 2020-2021 academic year?

At the beginning of the summer, there was a general feeling of urgency to make decisions about our campus, classrooms, protocols, and schedule. We formed a number of task forces comprised of Faculty, Staff, and Administrators to evaluate all aspects of what it would entail to again “open the doors.� The effort to develop a comprehensive plan to bring everyone back to campus presented a new and unknown mountain to climb every single day Our vision and plan for reopening was a moving target given the constant changes in guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of New Jersey, and Local Departments of Health as more was learned about COVID-19. We knew that we wanted as many students as possible to have the opportunity to learn on campus while tightly adhering to or going beyond federal, state, and local guidance. We came to realize that the hallmark of our planning needed to be that we would be quick to adapt to changing insights, guidelines and COVID-19 incidence levels.

Some schools in New Jersey are remote only this year.

Why did Rutgers Prep choose to open its campus?

We feel strongly that a fundamental part of a Rutgers Prep education is being a member of a community, especially the relationships that are formed between Faculty and students on campus. By at least beginning the year with in-person instruction in September, we hoped that these relationships in classes and advisories could be formed and could then be sustained if we were required to change to a fully virtual environment. Our planning was very deliberate, intentional, and guidance-driven so we felt confident in reopening, all things considered given the extraordinary circumstances.

What were some unforeseen challenges in opening school this year?

Honestly, every day presented new unforeseen challenges. I would say the mounting evidence of a potential airborne virus over the summer months injected a new level of uncertainty in decision-making. It was one of those variables that epitomized the difficulty in managing this entire externality. Space planning and daily health screenings all presented unique challenges that needed to be addressed in a very short period of time. The list goes on and on.

Any unanticipated positive surprises?

Actually, yes. We were very concerned about students, especially in the Lower School, being able to wear face masks all day. There was much discussion about mask breaks and if we should prepare for exceptions to the mandate. As it turns out, the majority of the kids don’t mind wearing their masks. As we anxiously wait for the vaccines to be widely distributed, masks, handwashing, and distancing continue to be our top lines of defense. We are very thankful that our entire community has consistently abided by our protocols, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to the RPS Health Office for its near unfathomable commitment to our health and safety response.

So honestly, what is the School going to do with all that plexiglass when we are finally able to take it down?

Rob Apgar Chief Operating Officer

What to do with the plexi is not very high on the priority list, but I welcome your suggestions! Seriously.

A “Typical” Day at Rutgers Prep While this year has been anything but normal, we have found a rhythm as a school community and have become accustomed to COVID-19 mandated changes in our day-to-day routines.

On any given day…

All students, faculty, staff and visitors wear masks indoors, except when eating lunch.

Everyone completes a daily health screening, and has their temperature taken upon arrival.

Pre-K through Grade 6 are all welcome on campus every day, and any family who chooses can learn remote. Grades 7 - 12 alternate weeks, in-person one week, remote the next.

Students sit 6 feet apart, or have plexiglass dividers, and more plexi separates every classroom into student and teacher sections.

Lower School students have their lunch delivered to their classrooms, Middle Schoolers use Baldwin hall or eat outside on nice days, and Upper School students eat in the Dining Commons or terrace. If it happens to be Friday, expect to see a lot of pizza!

Kids are outside, and not just for recess. Art, Music, Science, and many other classes utilize five tents constructed on campus to get some fresh air. Middle School Principal Mr. Marotto and Assistant Principal Ms. McMillen like to share their new favorite Norwegian saying, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes.”

High touch surfaces are disinfected all day long, including all desks between each class period. Hand sanitizer stations are in constant use in hallways and at entrances.

Who’s New at Rutgers Prep Get to know the new faces at Rutgers Prep

Angela Kuchar, Fifth Grade Teaching Associate RPS: What's your proudest moment as a teacher?

Angela Kuchar: Being able to work with my son, Mr. Kuchar, here at Rutgers Prep during his summer Entrepreneurship Camp.

RPS: What's your teaching philosophy?

AK: I feel I'm here to make every student feel confident in their abilities and realize that we are all different and embrace those differences lovingly.

RPS: What inspires you?

AK: Having a student demonstrate more and more confidence in themselves. Smiles inspire me.

RPS: What is your favorite song and why?

AK: Shower the People by James Taylor. I think it's because it's exactly how I feel.

Kyle Lewis, Assistant Lead Teacher, First Grade RPS: What's the silliest thing you are passionate about?

Kyle Lewis: Not really silly but I am very passionate about the sport of fencing. And I'm a huge Star Wars Fan but not just the movies, but the Expanded Universe as well.

RPS: What's your teaching philosophy?

KL: Teaching is not about getting your students to pass the test. It's the act of learning and sparking that curiosity that makes a child hunger for knowledge. It's about showing them the support and giving them the confidence to be their best selves.

RPS: Who is your hero (and why)?

KL: James Baldwin, he is an incredible writer who wrote about his experience as a Black American and never shied away from the ugly truths. But that didn't stop him for loving this country and representing the best of what this country has to offer.

RPS: What is your favorite song and why?

KL: Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie because it is amazing, end of story full stop.

RPS: What words of wisdom would you pass to your childhood self?

You will grow into those ears.

RPS: What is your favorite piece of art or architecture and why?

KL: Musee d'Orsay because I went once when I was 14 and its beauty was the first time something that was man made that took my breath away.

Jennifer Perone, Second Grade Teacher RPS: What’s your proudest moment as a teacher?

Jennifer Perone: My proudest moment as a teacher is tough, and I have to go with two moments!

Receiving notes, pictures, or letters from students thanking me for all I have done and all they have learned (these are treasured forever!). Also, when parents tell me what a difference I have made for their child with not only school, but even at home and outside of school. That is what it is all about!

RPS: What’s the silliest thing you are passionate about?

JP: The silliest thing I am passionate about may be obvious to some! I LOVE Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles and the Phillies! I love them so much I even named my dog Philly!

RPS: What words of wisdom would you pass to your childhood self?

JP: Don’t sweat the small stuff! Everything happens for a reason, life is a journey, not a destination.

Do everything with love and a smile!

RPS: How would your best friend describe you?

JP: My best friend would describe me as caring, loyal, funny, reliable, hard-working, and familyoriented.

RPS: What is your favorite song and why?

JP: Sorry this is a toss-up! One of my favorite songs is, “I Get To Love You,” by Ruelle. This is the song I walked down the aisle to with my dad when I got married. The day I got married to my husband was the greatest day of my life. With tears in my dad’s eyes, my husband’s, and mine; this song always makes me emotional in a very good way. My other favorite song is, “Wherever You Will Go,” by Charlene Soraia. My sister and I have an unbreakable bond even though eight years separate us, we will always be there for each other. So as the song states, “I will go wherever you will go.”

Jacquelyne Pizzuto ’11, School Counselor Jacquelyne Pizzuto, RPS Class of 2011, joins our counseling program this year at Rutgers Prep. Jacquie received her undergraduate degree from Haverford in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience and has a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. She has recently served as a primary therapist at the Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health.

RPS: Who is your hero?

Jacquelyne Pizzuto: My hero is my mother. She is the strongest person I know and has provided me with unconditional love, support, compassion, and encouragement.

RPS: What words of wisdom would you pass to your childhood self?

JP: To not worry so much and stay in the present moment. The mind has a way of whisking us off to the past or the future, but true living takes place in the present.

RPS: What’s your favorite song and why?

JP: Pachelbel’s Canon in D. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful pieces of classical music ever written.

It touches my soul, and I have listened to it thousands of times. I hope one day to learn how to play it on the piano!

RPS: What’s your teaching philosophy?

JP: I believe that the classroom is a space where students can grow and learn both personally and academically.

I hope to inspire students through my kindness and compassion to be the best person they can be.

Rhiannon Schade, Associate Director of College Counseling Rhiannon Schade joins Rutgers Prep this year as a full-time College Counselor. With an undergraduate degree from University of California, Santa Cruz and a Masters Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Rhiannon has worked with admission offices UCSC, UPenn, and Sweet Briar, and since 2013 has been Senior Director of Collegewise.

RPS: What’s your proudest moment as a college counselor?

Rhiannon Schade: My proudest moments in college counseling are when students can look back on the college search and say that they have grown as human beings (not just as applicants to college).

RPS: What inspires you?

RS: Good design, thoughtfulness, positive energy, new ideas, long jogs, contemporary literature, history books.

RPS: What’s your “go to” joke?

RS: I follow “Dad Jokes” on Twitter (check it out to cackle along) and have a lot of bad ones floating around in my brain like: ‘When our grandad turned 65, we told him to run a mile every day, but now we have no idea where he is” and “Did you see Mt. Rushmore before it was carved?

It was unprecedented.”

RPS: What do you want to be when you grow up?

RS: College counseling is my calling, a role that I adore and feel fortunate to have discovered many years ago, but I’ve imagined what it might be like to be an astronaut or a novelist, two very different jobs I know! I think I will stick to college counseling.

RPS: What hidden talent do you have that others do not know about?

RS: I am skilled at recommending books that people actually enjoy reading. I individualize my recommendations based on people’s preferences and often get feedback that my picks were a hit! I also enjoy running quite a bit, but wouldn’t consider myself a talented athlete per se.

RPS: What was your favorite meal as a child? What is your favorite meal now?

French fries, and, well, french fries. Some things never change, particularly the undeniable deliciousness of fried potatoes generously coated in salt.

Teaching Assistant Program Taps Young Alumni to Build Connections Across Time Zones Since the beginning of the academic year, students in grades 7-12 at Rutgers Prep have been attending school in a hybrid model of in-person and remote instruction, meaning students are on a weekly rotating schedule in which they attend classes on campus for a full week, and then switch to synchronous remote instruction for the week following. Some families have opted to go fully remote–a decision that is easily accommodated by the current structure, as students can join their classes in real time without missing out on key instruction. Teachers run their classes for both groups–those in person and those participating at home via Zoom–at the same time. This model has proven successful for our domestic students, but what about the international student population, most of whom have not been able to return to the US since the spring?

When it became clear over the summer that they would face this logistical challenge, the School had to act quickly to ensure that students and teachers had the support they needed in order to be successful in this new environment. “We knew that students who are studying remotely from outside the United States were going to be challenged with the time difference in terms of attending class live,” said Mythili Lahiri, Dean of International Students at RPS. “The vast majority of them are contending with a 12 to 13 hour time difference–they start school at 8:20 or 9:20 at night, and then go through the night into the early morning hours.”

The first decision the School made to help

accommodate these students was to eliminate the requirement that they attend classes after midnight in their local time zone (for most, this is the class either directly before or after lunch at RPS, depending on daylight saving time), to make sure they would not have to stay up beyond a reasonable hour to attend school. Teachers record their Zoom classes and upload them to Argonet (Rutgers Prep’s online Learning Management System) so that students who are affected by the time difference can watch the lectures and presentations at a more reasonable time–but there was still the concern that they would be missing out on the important interactions and discussions that normally take place during class. To address this, Lahiri and others at Rutgers Prep tapped into their personal and professional networks in order to find 40 teaching assistants to help run seminars for 57 classes in the Middle and Upper Schools. The teaching assistants run weekly sessions via Zoom with international students in courses across the curriculum, from Honors Physics and Multivariable Calculus to French Conversation & Culture and U.S. History. Most of these sessions take place during odd hours to account for the time difference, which hasn’t been a problem for the teaching assistants, said Lahiri–most of them are still in college or are recent grads, and are used to late-night study sessions.

Additionally, almost 50% of the teaching assistants are Rutgers Prep alumni, which has offered a unique opportunity for these alums to stay connected with the community, building on past relationships and forging new ones. Hannah Davelman ’12, for example, is the teaching assistant for Foundations of Civilization and was paired with her former classmate Matt Rennie ’12, who has been a full-time RPS faculty member since 2019. “I thought the job seemed like an interesting way to revisit some of my favorite subjects,” said Davelman. “I was also happily surprised to be assigned to Matt Rennie’s Civ classes… I’ve really enjoyed this unexpected opportunity to work with him–though it took some time for me to get used to referring to him as ‘Mr. Rennie’! Matt is a great teacher, and he and Tim Cohen have clearly worked very hard to make Civ engaging and relevant in these strange times.” Hannah graduated from Wellesley College in 2016 with a B.A. in Economics & Environmental Studies, and has spent the last several years doing science policy work in D.C., Atlanta, and San Francisco. She said she is impressed with the way that students have adjusted to this new learning environment. “I’ve enjoyed seeing these topics through their eyes–no matter how much I try to prepare, they frequently ask questions that I hadn’t considered before,” she said.

Holly Riccio ’17, a senior at Ithaca College studying Public & Community Health with minors in English and Women & Gender Studies, has also connected in a unique way with her former teachers and coursework at Rutgers Prep. She is the teaching assistant for Tony Mento’s Dystopian Literature and Tim Cohen’s AP European History courses. “I wanted to be a TA because I’ve really enjoyed being a TA at my college...it’s so rewarding to help other students,” said Riccio. “I also thought it would be a great way to utilize my English minor and love for history to give back to Prep during this crazy time. I was also really lucky to be paired with two of my favorite teachers at Prep so it's been great working with them…[it] has also been fun seeing how much I remember from my time at Prep, particularly in the AP European history course, which is really a testament to Mr. Cohen’s excellent teaching.”

The teaching assistant program hasn’t just connected these alums with their former teachers and classmates, it has also helped to create bonds with the current students in their sessions as well. “Tutoring has been a lot of fun, so much that it does not feel like work,” said Bekah Park ’17, who is a senior at Princeton University studying Economics and minoring in Korean Language & Culture. “The students I work with are brilliant and extremely thoughtful. Oftentimes, I feel that I am actually the one who is learning from them,” she said. Park has been applying for fellowships to teach English in South Korea next year, and is hopeful that this program will enhance her teaching abilities in preparation for that endeavor. This experience has offered her the opportunity to engage with these students, who might otherwise have been missing out on the personal connections that occur while attending class in real-time. “One of my students is extremely talented in art, so he has shared with me his work over the past few years,” said Park. “We have also talked a lot about the cultural differences and the impact of COVID-19 on our respective lives.”

The hope, of course, is to have these international students return back to the United States as soon as is practicable but, in the meantime, it is a great blessing to Rutgers Prep, its students, and its teachers, to know that there is a robust network of alumni who have shown an eagerness to stay connected and engaged. “They’re staying involved, and they’re actually providing a service during a time when people are looking for ways to support their community,” said Lahiri. “And, you know, if you’re not a healthcare worker, this is a legitimate way that you’re helping our school community–it’s great.”

Transcending the Pandemic Through Art

By Danielle DiVincent, contributing writer

"Creativity is contagious; pass it on”

-Albert Einstein

This simple but profound quote embodies the approach of Rutgers Preparatory School’s Lower and Middle School Art Teacher, Mrs. Erin Varga. It is not only her creativity that is contagious, it is also her positive energy, genuine nature and adventurous mindset that deeply inspires her students. It is due to Mrs. Varga’s inspirational teachings that Rutgers Preparatory School’s Lower and Middle School students were able to transcend the pandemic and refocus their energy on creation, imagination, and self-actualization through Art. Like every other educator in society, Mrs. Varga was faced with the challenge of altering her instructional approach when COVID-19 moved Rutgers Prep to remote learning. “This was a bit of a struggle in the beginning as it was for all teachers. I tried to continue

as much as I could from the lessons we began in school, but that was difficult for some classes and ages as we didn't have an art room of supplies at home,” said Varga. Considerate and careful in her planning, she did not give up. “I began researching other ideas and how to change the art curriculum using less...

We incorporated more outdoor activities, such as fairy house building and shadow drawing for the Lower School students and outdoor photography for the Middle School students. I also felt it was a good idea to get the students moving outdoors if possible.

More drawing technique was introduced and letting the students know that whatever supplies they had at home would be acceptable…” As a veteran teacher and a professional, Mrs. Varga understood the need to be flexible, and did not allow the shift from “normalcy” to deter her from her ultimate goal of reaching her students.

Mrs. Varga’s first priority is always the students, fostering a rapport and classroom environment that allows them to discover their talents, feel comfortable taking risks, and explore new avenues/mediums that help them to develop as artists and as individuals.

“The kids were fabulous! Many of them were just

happy to see other faces on Zoom. Many of them emailed me art they would work on in their free time off of Zoom, and I told them that this was great! I loved seeing art emails over the weekend, knowing that the students were staying positive and happy! I explained that there was no need to stress as we would get through this and they loved getting feedback and sharing all of their work.” The pride that she has for her students and their work is evident.

As September 2020 approached, Mrs. Varga maintained her optimism and uncanny ability to think creatively and pivot to whatever the circumstances may be. Hybrid Schooling paired with physically distanced classrooms can prove to be an immense challenge for an Art classroom that relies heavily on shared materials to execute a multitudinous and predominantly hands-on curriculum. “I'm trying to once again keep it a little less stressful as we move along, but also trying to stick with my curriculum.

Getting as many supplies as I can for the students, especially for Lower School students. They each have art bins that I filled with supplies so they can work either in person or at home. The bins take a bit of stress off of the kids and parents.” Mrs. Varga also discussed some new additions to her curriculum that have been added since March 2020. “The photography piece that I added for Middle School in the Spring was fabulous! The step by step drawing skills that the Lower School is doing more of now has also been a big hit! I also think the kids are enjoying the fact that they each have their own bin of supplies they can use.”

When asked about how she addresses her students and their concerns about the changes or the future, Mrs. Varga replied, “I just remind the kids to slow down, take more time, and not to worry. I've added mindfulness pieces such as mandalas and more color theory to the curriculum. We know that in Art class that we take one day at a time....”

The autonomy and support that Rutgers Preparatory School offers its teachers enable them the freedom to pivot in extenuating circumstances such as those seen over the last year. This provides them with the ability to truly reach their students through authentic and individualized experiences in the classroom, allowing students to feel safe and realize that they are an integral part of their own learning processes. Teachers like Mrs. Varga and others at Rutgers Preparatory School continue to commit themselves to adapting their instructional approaches without compromising the integrity of their curriculum, and, in turn, continually engaging and inspiring their students to grow and succeed.

Instagram Takeover Upper School students have been taking over Rutgers Prep's Instagram account this fall! Click play on any of the videos to watch highlights as they take you through their day, answer some of our followers' questions, and share what it’s like to be an Upper School student at Rutgers Prep in 2020!

2020 Year in Review #communitycontinues

"See You Later, Alligator" Diane Glace Retires After 37 Years at RPS

By Danielle DiVincent, contributing writer

Knowing Mrs. Diane Glace is a true gift, and throughout her many years at Rutgers Preparatory School her friendship has deeply touched the lives of her students, their families, and her colleagues. In each of her many roles at Prep, Diane brought so much pride, care, and positive energy. Her smile, laugh, and rapid walk makes for a wonderful first impression. With very little time, Diane enters the hearts of those she meets because of her genuine desire to learn about who each individual is, what makes them happy, and what drives them to succeed. She literally embodies the definition of the word personable and all of the positive connotations that come with it. Her work ethic is unparalleled, and many of her colleagues regard her with such admiration for her tireless efforts to improve our school community. Long time colleague and friend, Christine Kazal had this to say about her co-teacher: “Diane is a master teacher. I was fortunate to have taught fourth grade with her in the Elm Farm, back in the 90’s. She was always enthusiastic and supportive of all that I did. I learned so much from my friend and I will always be grateful to her.” So many people share the same sentiment when it comes to Diane; a friend to all, her support and dedication truly makes such a difference in the lives of others.

Rutgers Preparatory School has grown and is a better place from the continual and collective effort of its community. Diane Glace, however, made it her personal mission and goal to help the school and all of its members, past, present,and future feel like RPS is their home. Early on, Diane designed and executed professional development workshops for nursery school teachers in the surrounding area. In spearheading this initiative, Diane established close relationships with schools that became loyal to sending students to RPS. Diane was also instrumental in the creation of the Time Capsule project for students, instilling an appreciation for the past, and creating a unique experience for students to see their growth at RPS. This has become a tradition that Rutgers Prep students look forward to as an invaluable part of their journey through each of the school’s divisions. Diane also began the unique and honorable tradition of dedicating books in the library to members of the community that have passed away as a tribute to their lives and remembrance of their value to the RPS Community.

Diane Glace is woven through all the fibers of the fabric that make up Rutgers Preparatory School. Her students remember her as a master Math Teacher. Innovative and creative in her practices, making the POW (problem of the week) famous for decades of students.

“A friend is a gift you give yourself”

Robert Louis Stevenson

Former student-turned-colleague, Larry Santowasso ’91, had this to say about Mrs. Glace: “Diane was my fourth grade teacher.

I remember when Mrs. Glace came in halfway through the school year to become our teacher and we, like all 4th graders do, pushed to see what we could get away with.

I remember practicing for a play that we worked on for what felt like forever and the pride she had in us when we finished the performance. She was always loving and cared about what we were interested in as well as teaching us the material. It was an honor to call her my colleague but also one of my favorite teachers.”

Her colleagues see her as the energetic, passionate person that gives more than 100% in any position. Former Middle School principal, John Miller ’86 spoke to Diane’s expertise and character as an educator. "Diane is one of those rare individuals that instinctively knows how to make others feel special. Her generous spirit is always present regardless of what else was going on.

Diane is a true educator who prioritizes the needs of the students and families she works with. She cares deeply for her colleagues and as a result, she has successfully cultivated countless friendships over the years." Diane not only impressed others with her determination in the classroom. She is one of

the brave and one of the most dedicated members of Philomena Loy’s morning and night work out classes. Philomena recognizes Diane as one of her best students: “15 years ago, Diane was the first person to sign up for the Morning Faculty workouts and in all that time she rarely missed a class. Diane remained dedicated, focused, inspiring, powerful, and fierce.

Over all these years together Diane continued to be a force to be reckoned with.” Her infamous love for walking has inspired many throughout the years to join her on the Towpath for multiple miles of scenic views, and of course, friendly conversation.

In recent years, the Admission Office became Diane’s home.

The admission team speaks passionately about their friend. She is clearly a source of inspiration, joy, and companionship for the admission team, and as a collective group, they are Diane’s biggest fans. As an Admission Counselor, Diane exceeded the parameters of her role. She made immense effort to get to know prospective families and students, partnering them with people on campus who shared the same passions. She got to know each teacher, their program, their

unique style and the projects that they took pride in, providing future families with anecdotes and indepth descriptions of each class as they embarked on a campus tour. Diane was committed to inspiring others and helping them to grow. Teachers often found magazines, books, or newspaper clippings in their mailboxes that would supplement their courses and lessons. Maya Angelou says it best with her quote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Diane Glace is a feeling: a warm, welcoming, and supportive feeling. Her thoughtful and genuine nature has impacted thousands of people, really anyone who walked through the doors of Rutgers Prep during her many years there!

As Diane moves onto the next chapter of her life, we at Rutgers Prep know that this truly is a new adventure for her. With a goal to walk in every state and her love of the outdoors, we would not be surprised to see photos and receive postcards and letters from many of her future travels throughout the country. We are sure that Diane will spend a lot of her time back in Western Massachusetts, where her roots are, and in Florida where her mom and two sisters still reside. Many nights around the campfire and outdoor fun with family and friends is definitely what the future entails for our Diane.

She chose to retire in the middle of a semester with the hope of leaving quietly, without the hoopla of retirement recognition. Although we respect her wishes and understand her humble nature, we want her to know that we will always remember the times we have shared. We remember her pins and her buttons, her exorbitant amount of sneakers, her coined phrases and key sayings, and her genuine compassion, love, and friendship that she offered to all members of our community. Diane concluded each meeting with a prospective student with, “See you later, alligator,” and although she did not always get the response of, “In a while, crocodile,” the student and family sensed that they had gained a friend and advocate, and immediately felt at home. Diane, this is not goodbye, but merely a “see you later,” and even if it is “in a while,” just as you made all of those students feel at home, please remember that you will always have a home at Rutgers Prep - the bonds of friendship that you have here will follow you on all of your future journeys. Dr. Seuss writes, “You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” We are grateful for your friendship, we love you, and we cannot wait to see the many wonders that retirement brings to you!