Bulletin Fall / Winter 2019

Spring 2020 • The Magazine for the Rye Country Day School Community

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RCDS BULLE TI N

Inside: Fall ’19/Winter ’20 Moments | Citizenship at RCDS | Alumni Profiles

RYE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 2019-2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Andrea Sullivan President Nina Cheigh Vice President Gregg Felton Treasurer Blanca Hirani Secretary Lisa Allen Brad Asness Susan Bao Jennifer Blake Ashok Chachra ’95 Hillary Comora ’91 Tyler Dickson Sarah Dodds-Brown ’91 Edward Dunn ’83 William Featherston Leigh Geller Michelle Kroin Michael Lazar ’87 Tina Mathias Laura Mattson Eric Medow Blair Metrailler ’96 Thomas Nichols Patty Perez Juan Pujadas Jonathan Resnick ’85 Fernando Rivas Cindy G. Roskind ’90 Jeffrey Talpins Andrew Wallach

ALUMNI EXECUTIVE BOARD Scott Weiss ’96 President Melanie Baevsky Besvinick ’07 Adam Friedlander ’79 Jonathan Goldstein ’99 Robert M. Levine ’95 René N. Lumley-Hall ’96 Brendan McGuire ’06 Andrew S. Nathanson ’09 Jonathan Ostrau ’80 Robin Quittell Ponticelli ’94 Max W. Schapiro ’04 Zachary Tax ’10 Daniel I. Wallance ’00 EX OFFICIO: HONORARY FACULTY Gil A. Castagna, Jr. EX OFFICIO: ALUMNI TRUSTEES Ashok Chachra ’95 Hillary Hoffenberg Comora ’91 Sarah Dodds-Brown ’91 Edward B. Dunn ’83 Michael B. Lazar ’87 Blair Endresen Metrailler ’96 Jonathan D. Resnick ’85 Cindy Ganis Roskind ’90 EX OFFICIO: MEMBERS Scott A. Nelson Headmaster Lynette Gioffre Director of Advancement

Scott Weiss ’96 Alumni Executive Board President Rosa Perkins Parents Association President TRUSTEES EMERITI Edward B. Dunn Frederick A. Klingenstein♦ Michael C. Murr Carmen Ribera-Thain ’75 Edgar Wachenheim III ♦ Deceased

CREDITS Editor: Dania Abu-Shaheen Alumni Content Editor: Melissa Mahoney Wirth ’97 Photography: RCDS staff photographers, except where noted Design: Rose Creative Group  ryecountryday @ryecountryday  @ryecountryday  @willythewildcat for athletic updates

CONTENTS SPECIAL REPORT

2 From the Headmaster 4 RCDS@home Online Learning and Continued Community in Unparalleled Times 10 Not for Self, but for Service Faculty, Students, and Families Do Their Part 12 Erin Alpert ’07 and Adam Alpert ’13 Exemplifying Citizenship in Action FALL ’19/WINTER ’20 COVERAGE ON CAMPUS

18 Back-to-School Block Party Opening Ceremonies & Spirit Day 19 Wildcat Weekend 20 Fall and Winter Highlights from Rye Country Day ATHLETICS

26 Fall and Winter Sports Go, Wildcats 29 Team Spotlight Field Hockey

32 Upper School Musical Side Show Festival Chorus 1,000 Beautiful Things 33 25 Years of Festival Chorus Community in Song FEATURES

34 Marching for the Future Student-Led Youth Climate March 36 Leadership Column and Q&A: On Being the Community Guy Ali Morgan, Director of Diversity and Inclusion 38 Passion, Determination, and Action Joanna Underwood ’58 40 Faculty Spotlight Q&A with Grade 4 Teacher Stacy Kaufman PARENTS ASSOCIATION

42 Greetings from the Parents Association ALUMNI

44 Reunion 2019 48 Class Notes

ARTS

30 Lower School Art Show Inspiration

49 Alumni Profiles Katie Hunt ’02 Andres Soto ’13

Middle School Fall Art Exhibition Sojourn

51 Thanksgiving Games

Upper School 3D Art Show Methods and Materials

IN MEMORIAM

31 Fall Play The Untold Yippie Project

52 Community Remembrances

Dance Student Choreography Showcase

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FROM THE

HEADMASTER May 2020 Dear RCDS Community, When we planned for the 2020 spring issue of the Bulletin, our intention was to share with you, as usual, a look back on the notable moments of the fall and winter.

We were especially excited to share with you highlights from the School’s yearlong theme of citizenship (more about that on page 16). However, as this Bulletin readied to go to press in March, our lives and our world changed dramatically: the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Westchester, the greater United States, and nations across the globe. Schools, including Rye Country Day, closed to facilitate social distancing (in fact, as I sit down to write this letter, schools across the nation and most of the world remain closed). As we realized the campus would need to close for an indefinite amount of time, we felt momentous responsibility to control that which remained in our control: during a time of unthinkable upheaval and crisis, Rye Country Day had to continue to deliver its mission for the sake of our students and families. First, we had to maintain the continuity of learning to ensure that our students could now experience the expansive benefits of a Rye Country Day education virtually. Second, we had to provide our students, families, faculty, and staff with the community and support that would be essential to getting through this exceptionally challenging moment in history together.

An integral part of going forward in uncertain times is remembering and celebrating the good times that came before, taking comfort in the prospect of being able to enjoy such positive moments again. Equally important is commiting to constantly learn from our experiences, stressful and difficult as they may be. In this issue of the Bulletin, you will get to read our story of moving forward, how Rye Country Day School transitioned to distance learning with the inspiring leadership and enthusiasm of faculty, staff, students, and families. And, as originally intended, you will get to look back on the fall and winter at RCDS, including moments that exhibited citizenship and memorable student, faculty, and alumni achievements.

This magazine can only feature a few of the many stories that deserve telling, but I hope it gives you a sense of why I am so proud of and inspired by Rye Country Day students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff and our shared commitment to community, citizenship, and perseverance in even the toughest of times.

On behalf of all of us at Rye Country Day, I send you and your loved ones best wishes for health and healing.

Sincerely, Scott A. Nelson Headmaster

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GRATITUDE AND REMEMBRANCES

In April, Rye Country Day students in Pre-K through Grade 12 sent art, poems, letters, photos, and more to show their gratitude to local healthcare professionals sacrificing their personal safety to care for others. We owe these heroes so much, and we are especially proud and appreciative of the RCDS parents, alumni, and friends who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can view a video compilation of these messages of gratitude on our website at www.ryecountryday.org/gratitudeproject.

As we honor those who work so hard to keep us safe, we also recognize those who are deeply and personally affected by this global tragedy. We honor the memory of those we have lost, and we send our love and support to all in the RCDS community who have endured loss and hardship during this time.

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RCDS@home

Online learning and continued community in unparalleled times

by Lori Ferguson

Rye Country Day School has long prided itself on providing students with “a challenging educational experience that combines intellectual mastery with real-world perspective.� That mission has been put to the test since March 11, when RCDS administrators learned that all New York schools would be closing in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus that has led to a global pandemic.

The mandate set in motion a series of steps that led to the creation of RCDS@home, a dynamic online learning environment that has allowed RCDS to continue the mission of educating students and cultivating a sense of community during these unparalleled times.

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THE SETTING CHANGES, BUT THE MISSION ENDURES

RCDS@home Grade 5 Student Schedule Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

April 27

April 28

April 29

April 30

May 1

G

I

Computer 5G + SEEK 5R + Chorus I + Band T

T

Computer 5R + SEEK 5I + Chorus T + Band G

8:15 - 8:45 9:30 - 10:20

Gr. 5 P.E. G

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10:20-10:30 10:30 - 11:20

Break and Stretch

R

T

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11:20-11:30 11:30 - 12:20

Break and Stretch

Study Skills with Mrs. Cartwright

Office Hours/Flex Time: Staff and teachers will report the times that they are available for small group sessions, one-to-one connection, counseling, etc.

Computer 5I + SEEK 5T + Chorus G + Band R

Lunch + Break

12:20 - 1:00 1:00 - 2:00

Spanish W (2) + French Z (4) + Art Y (1) + Art Z (3)

Spanish X (1) + Shop Z (2) + Shop X (3) + Art W (4)

All MS Advisory Period

Spanish Y (3) + Shop W (1) + Shop Y (4) + Art X (2)

Computer 5T + SEEK 5G + Chorus R + Band I

2:00-2:30

Grade 5 Dean Chat with Mr. O'Callaghan + Ms. Donahue

Grade 5 Book Club

Drama Z (1) + Drama W (3)

Drama Y (2) + Drama X (4)

Check SEEK Haiku page

OPTIONAL OFFERINGS 2:30-3:00

3:00 PM

2:30 p.m.

Music Production + DJ Skills Workshop with Mr. Fitz-Roy

2:30 p.m.

Bake custom cookies with Ms. Hallen

2:30 p.m.

Wellness Wednesday Mindful Eating: Savor the Flavor 3:00 p.m.

Read + Breathe The Invisible String

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

US student all-community read All School Zoom Dance Party aloud with Ms. Zanon!

4:00 p.m.

Wildcat Workout for entire RCDS community

 These schedules provide a glimpse into a week in the life of RCDS students during RCDS@home. What set RCDS@home apart from other distance learning programs was the abundance of synchronous academic and community opportunities for students in all three divisions. During their time learning at home, students experienced the studentfaculty connection that characterizes the Rye Country Day experience. This was crucial in developing the remote learning plan.

In addition to a thoughtful balance of synchronous classes and asynchronous activities each week, students were able to meet with deans, teachers, and counselors in small groups or one-on-one during daily office hours. The goal was to ensure that students received the same attention and support virtually that they do when they are on campus.

As Headmaster Scott Nelson watched news of the pandemic unfold in early March, he understood that circumstances could change quickly. “In my 27 years at RCDS, we’ve had six other virus scares, so I knew the situation would be fluid,” he says. Mr. Nelson was not the only one watching and worrying as the situation developed. Meeting to make plans for the faculty’s June Professional Development session, Eliza McLaren, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Marketing, and Katie O’Shaughnessey, Director of Academic Technology, found themselves unable to think about anything but the possibility of a school closure. “Both of us had seen reports from international schools and had started researching their continuity plans for moving to an online teaching environment,” recalls Ms. O’Shaughnessey. The two soon found themselves formulating a plan for RCDS. “About an hour and a half in, we emailed [Assistant Head of School and Middle School Principal] Meredith deChabert to tell her what we were doing and to confirm that we were not doubling work that others had done. She said we were not and encouraged us to keep going.” Fortunately, the School was already well-positioned to go virtual, McLaren notes.

A number of years ago, Rye Country Day had moved to a learning management system (LMS) called Haiku that would allow the institution the flexibility to continue off-site learning for a short period of time, such as a snow day, if necessary. This is the first time, however, that the LMS has been utilized for a longer term school closure.

In the two weeks remaining before the March 14th onset of March Break, every faculty member also received a refresher course on Haiku.

“Our faculty has been using this system for more than a decade to share handouts and lessons with students—RCDS has always been ahead of the curve on the use of LMS,” says Ms. O’Shaughnessey. “But we knew that if we were forced to shift to an online learning environment, teachers would be using the portal exclusively, so we wanted to ensure that everyone was up to speed.”

Mr. Nelson also assembled an RCDS@home leadership team that reflected the signature mix of technological, academic, and communitybased leadership that characterizes the RCDS

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T: R g PO rnin E experience. In addition to Ms. McLaren R ea L L and Ms. O’Shaughnessey, Mr. Nelson tapped IA ce DS C Dr. deChabert, Lower School Principal Barbara E an RC P Shea, Upper School Principal Jon Leef, Director of S ist at Health & Wellness Priya Singhvi, Director of Diversity D & Inclusion Ali Morgan, and Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago.

On March 11, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that all schools would be closed through April 1 (and the closures were subsequently extended through the end of the academic year). “Although we hoped for the best, we had a sense that the shutdown would be extended incrementally beyond that date,” says Mr. Nelson. “Since the campus was already scheduled for closure for our two-week March Break, we decided to use that period to get RCDS@home up and running.”

The team met for the first time on March 14 and identified three critical components for RCDS@home: safety, access to technology, and continuity of community. “A huge piece of our early work centered around equity—above all, we wanted to make sure our students and their families were safe,” says McLaren. “We also wanted to ensure that every student had access to a laptop, iPad, and Wi-Fi. And finally, we wanted to be certain that we honored the sense of community that’s such an integral part of Rye Country Day School.”

In formulating guidelines for RCDS@home, team members sought advice and guidance from respected peer institutions and colleagues across the country and around the world. “We heard from independent school colleagues on the West Coast and in international schools who had between a three-week and two-month lead on us in dealing with this crisis,” says Mr. Nelson.

“They shared their insights and experiences on what worked … and what did not.” Mr. Nelson also drew on information made available through listservs run by the National Association of Independent Schools and the New York State Association of Independent Schools. On March 30, RCDS@home went live.

ACROSS THE COMMUNITY, LEARNING CONTINUES

The weeks since were a time of learning and growth, not only for students, but also for the faculty, staff, and families that support them. “Faculty really had to think about what course content is most important and how to deliver it effectively,” notes Mr. Nelson. “They interacted with students in new ways and experienced a great deal of professional growth in a compressed time frame. And at the same time, everyone was also dealing with the personal challenges that this pandemic has created.” Still, Mr. Nelson observes, everyone pulled together to deliver on the School’s mission. “It was truly inspiring to see how committed teachers are to this school,” agrees Ms. McLaren. “Many teachers and administrators gave up their March Break to make sure that we were prepared to transition to online learning when school resumed at the end of March.”

Balancing the need to respect the faculty’s vacation and simultaneously give them the chance to master the tools they 6

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would need to teach online was tricky, Ms. O’Shaughnessey concedes. “Our team worked very hard to be sensitive to the experiences of faculty and students,” she explains. “Trying to serve people in such a difficult moment is complicated. Some families were not impacted overly much, while others experienced tremendous challenges. Some members of our community live with healthcare providers, others have young children at home, and others had family members who were ill. For these families, any expectations with respect to RCDS@home had the potential to be overwhelming, so we made a concerted effort to strike a tender balance when implementing this initiative.”

Ms. McLaren admits there were a few growing pains, but says that overall, the transition to online learning was a positive one.

“Change does not usually happen quickly in schools as long established as ours, so the rapid transition to an exclusively online learning environment did stretch our intellectual muscles,” she admits with a chuckle. “For example, Upper School faculty have been working on an intentional and thoughtful transition to a block schedule for quite some time now, but after transitioning to RCDS@home, we realized adjustments had to be made immediately; we changed the entire schedule in two days.”

Yet through it all, Ms. McLaren adds, education continued.

“The amount of connected learning time that students got with teachers and classmates is remarkable.”

RCDS students were amazing, as well, asserts Ms. O’Shaughnessey.

“Our kids have great tech backgrounds, and they used the technology with fervor to reach their academic goals, as well as do good within the School and the community at large.” Students showed an amazing ability to think outside the box in terms of maintaining connections, she continues. “For example, athletic teams met virtually and did team building exercises, and clubs gathered online to cull the best ideas on how to maintain community.”

Although she concedes the pace and scope of change were profound, Ms. O’Shaughnessey also found the collision of the online world and academic world exciting. “Adults were in social media spaces more than ever, and it was interesting to see how teachers leveraged technology to facilitate learning in their classrooms. Faculty are constantly striving to master new technology tools through online workshops and webinars—their dedication was and continues to be remarkable.”

It was inspiring to see the commitment of the faculty every step of the way, agrees Ms. McLaren. “Our teachers are the key,” she asserts. “They’re the reason that people choose this school, and they’re incredible.” Ms. McLaren adds, “RCDS parents and guardians were also essential and inspiring partners in this. We recognize that distance learning requires more parent support than before, especially for our younger students, and our parents’ patience, investment, and partnership were critically important.”

FROM A DISTANCE, CONNECTIONS GROW

Although skills and knowledge development are a vital part of the RCDS experience, they are not the only learning outcomes that the School strives to achieve. Character, citizenship, and community

 Upper School Science Research students in Ms. Doran’s class had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Chris Mason from Weill Cornell Medical College.

They talked about everything from navigating a career in science to his computational biology research in the NASA Twin Study and his recent work researching the presence of the novel coronavirus in the NYC subway and cities around the world.

 Third grade students concluded their discussion of The Boston Tea Party with their own Zoom “Tea Party” hosted by Ms. Aventuro and Ms. Hauben.

Students attended the party with tea or a beverage of their choice and homemade cookies, which were part of a fractional math activity that doubled as a lesson on baking colonial oatmeal cookies. They also shared Boston Tea Party poems and answered trivia questions like: What group, led by Samuel Adams, was responsible for the Boston Tea Party?

 Inspired by the New York Times compilation “17 Artists Capture a Surreal New York From Their Windows,” Ms. Keown and Ms. Behar asked their Middle and Lower School students to look out their own windows and create art based on what they saw. The resulting pieces were thoughtful and evocative paintings and drawings.

“The students settled into their time at home and looked out their windows to witness the stillness and capture the emotion it stirs,” said Ms. Keown. “They have inspired me to pause as I look out my window and notice what I had overlooked before. I am thankful for being able to see into a part of their world.”

 Middle School students in Ms. Huang’s class logged on to Zoom in Earth Week green as part of a school-wide virtual celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. The week-long celebration included Zoom seminars at the Rye Nature Center, virtual hikes guided by Ms. Southard, and a sustainable cooking demonstration, among many others.

 Eleventh and twelfth grade students in Ms. Everett and Mr. Sliter’s Economics and Politics class had a special visit from City of Rye Mayor Josh Cohn who discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of local governments in crisis response.

Not for Self, but for Service

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T: R g PO rnin E R a wellbeing are also critical components of a AL e Le DS I C c Rye Country Day School education, and C E an R P Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago, Director t t S is a of Diversity and Inclusion Ali Morgan, and Director D

of Health & Wellness Priya Singhvi were determined to encourage their continued cultivation through RCDS@home. A faculty member at the Global Online Academy for six years prior to joining RCDS, Ms. Singhvi is well acquainted with the opportunities and challenges inherent to online learning. “As humans, we’re wired for connection and belonging,” she explains, “so as we were creating RCDS@home, we were mindful of finding ways to help community members strike a thoughtful balance between learning and maintaining their physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Ms. Singhvi instituted initiatives to keep members of each community constituency engaged mentally and physically during online learning. With respect to students, for example, she says a conscious decision was made not to begin online classes before 9 a.m. because research has shown that developing adolescent brains experience a delay in wakefulness. “Students were getting more rest, which is beneficial to their health,” she observes. Ms. Singhvi also encouraged the implementation of the 30/90/10 rule. “I suggested that every 30 minutes, we move at least 10 feet, for 90 seconds,” she says. Class schedules were adjusted to reflect feedback from students as well. “When students told us that they were becoming fatigued from so much screen time, we implemented breaks between every class for Grades 5 through 12.”

Ms. Singhvi also introduced a variety of non-academic health and wellness initiatives led by RCDS faculty and staff to encourage social interactions outside the virtual classroom: on Mondays, Fitness Bootcamp; on Tuesdays, a Total-Body workout; on Wednesdays, Yoga; on Thursdays, a ‘Check In and Chat’ and an affinity group for teachers with young children at home; and on Fridays, informal community hours for faculty. Ms. Singhvi also hosted virtual ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ for the entire community, leading weekly meditation and mindfulness experiences, as well as ‘Read and Breathe’ activities, bake-alongs, and workouts.

“In the past, I think many people felt that health and wellbeing were nice but not necessary. Before the pandemic, there were those who viewed self-care as selfish or indulgent. But now, I think everyone realizes self-care and human connection are essential if you wish to thrive. People can only show up as their best selves when they prioritize their health and wellbeing. These elements are not optional—they’re the foundation upon which everything rests.” And during RCDS@home, people rose to the challenge, says Ms. Singhvi.

“Faculty and staff rallied together and responded so positively to requests for assistance in creating community health and wellness initiatives for RCDS@home. The amount of gratitude for the RCDS community is overwhelming, and I think it will continue to grow.”

Keeping the School’s motto, Not for Self, but for Service, at the core of RCDS@home, Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago coordinated a series of community public purpose initiatives, engaging students in efforts to make masks for local hospitals and write gratitude notes to healthcare and essential workers. She and Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ali Morgan also teamed up to

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ensure numerous opportunities for students to connect and for the greater RCDS community to remain vibrant and active during RCDS@home. Ms. Singhvi was grateful for the health and wellness benefits of service learning and community engagement as well.

“Compassion is empathy in action, and it keeps us from feeling burned out in a time of heightened stress. Studies show that being ‘other oriented’ can increase positive wellbeing and give you a sense of purpose,” she says.

“I’m immensely proud that the School fulfilled its mission and provided students with an education and a continuing sense of community,” Ms. O’Shaughnessey observes. “We never sought to be an online school—that’s not our mission. Everything we did was a crisis response, but this challenge is one that our community met with unparalleled excellence.”

Ms. O’Shaughnessey readily admits that not all pedagogy lends itself to technology, but she insists that RCDS faculty demonstrated unbelievable passion and determination in learning everything they could to deliver a rewarding online experience for students. “It was incredible to see teachers who’ve never used technology in the classroom relearning their pedagogy under extreme circumstances and learning to teach entirely online in just two weeks,” she notes. “What an amazing model for students in how to adapt and overcome adversity.”

Assistant Head of School Dr. deChabert is grateful—and not at all surprised—that the community rose to the challenge. “It’s still RCDS, and our commitment to educating students through RCDS@home was as strong as our commitment to teaching them face-to-face on campus,” she says. “Everyone at the School is determined to maintain our standard of excellence—the RCDS stamp is on everything we do.”

But this work takes a village, Dr. deChabert is quick to add.

“Everyone sacrificed time and energy to make RCDS@home a success, not only faculty and staff, but also families and students.”

It took everyone a couple of weeks to adjust to the new paradigm, she concedes, but the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s clear that the School is seen as a source of community and a central point of connection for everyone, and everyone was committed to doing their best for the students.”

The commitment of the faculty was extremely inspiring, agrees Ms. McLaren. “The pace of change accelerated tremendously, but the entire faculty got on board with new styles of teaching while also maintaining their commitment to content coverage.” Despite facing a massive learning curve, teachers embraced the challenge with energy and enthusiasm, she continues. “I don’t see us ever completely going back to old ways of teaching. We’ve learned a lot about the efficacy of our schedules and modes of teaching that will inform our program moving forward. Before this happened, I wouldn’t have thought it possible that community could be replicated virtually, but it happened,” says Ms. McLaren.

Headmaster Scott Nelson concurs. “Ultimately, it’s the people at Rye Country Day who make the School,” he concludes. “Although we would have much preferred to be together in person, we still delivered on our mission. And out of challenge comes opportunity.”

“Ultimately, it’s the people at Rye Country Day who make the School. Although we would have much preferred to be together in person, we still delivered on our mission. And out of challenge comes opportunity.”

—Headmaster Scott Nelson

 Faculty gathered frequently to share best practices and develop new, innovative approaches to teaching and connecting during RCDS@home.

 RCDS@home Leadership Team (From top, left to right): Upper School Principal Jon Leef, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Marketing Eliza McLaren, Assistant Head of School and Middle School Principal Meredith deChabert, Lower School Principal Barbara Shea, Director of Academic Technology Katie O’Shaughnessey, Headmaster Scott Nelson, Director of Health and Wellness Priya Singhvi, Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago, and Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ali Morgan

To learn more about RCDS@home and to view highlights from distance learning at Rye Country Day, please visit www.ryecountryday.org/rcdsathome

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Rye Country Day faculty, students, and families do their part to support healthcare workers and community partners.

Not for Self, but for Service

n April, the Rye Country Day community used the School’s 3D printing technology to make and donate personal protective equipment for health professionals serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Six RCDS STEAM faculty members teamed up remotely to coordinate printing face shield rims that went to the Danbury Hackerspace, which printed the shields, assembling the complete pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) and delivering them to local hospitals. The effort was a collaboration of local educators, design freelancers, and hobby makers who are doing what they can to address the shortage of personal protective equipment.

During Unprecedented Times

The RCDS STEAM faculty members, Don Fitz-Roy, Chris Kaye, Brandon Saltz, Gail Sestito, Nicole Zazzarino, and Cathie Bischoff, worked together to transport the School’s 3D printers to their respective homes so they could print the rims while practicing social distancing. Ms. Bischoff, the Coordinator of Rye Country Day’s STEAM Initiative, shares, “It was really inspiring to see. Everyone and anyone can help. For us as STEAM educators, it was especially meaningful for us to participate in this 3D printing project.”

RCDS students and families joined in the effort, too. A donation box was placed on campus so families with 3D printers at home could donate shield rims. Individual members of the STEAM Team came to campus to pick up the rims and deliver them through a coordinated multistop relay to the Danbury Hackerspace. “It was a pretty effective relay and drop-off system,” says Ms. Bischoff.

“It allowed us to maintain a safe social distance. And, all the pieces were sanitized before drop-off.”

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This project is just one way Rye Country Day put its motto, Not for Self, but for Service, into action. In March, Science Department Chair Charaun Wills and Headmaster Scott Nelson each searched the campus, collecting all of the nitrile gloves, goggles, masks, and other personal protective equipment they could find to donate to nearby medical facilities, including The Open Door Clinic in Port Chester.

The School also pinpointed various ways that students, families, faculty, and staff could help the broader community, in addition to doing the paramount public service and civic duty of social distancing. Students across divisions created thank you cards and posters for medical personnel and essential workers, and Rye Country Day remained in close contact with its community partner organizations, from medical centers to food pantries, to marshal help and volunteerism where possible. Public Purpose Director Rebecca Drago also partnered with RCDS Makerspace Director Gail Sestito to host synchronous RCDS@home workshops on Zoom for students, families, faculty, and staff who wanted to learn how to make cloth masks at home. A donation box was placed on campus for those cloth masks to be delivered to community partners. “RCDS has a long history of doing public good, and the pandemic has presented a unique moment to respond in real-time to what the local members of our community need. I’m so proud of our students, families, faculty, and staff who have reached out with creative ideas and an enthusiastic desire to help,” says Ms. Drago.

Commenting on the School’s rim printing project, PPE donations, and community partnership efforts, Headmaster Scott Nelson says, “As a community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals whose tireless efforts and inspiring commitment on the front lines are protecting us all.”

“RCDS has a long history of doing public good, and the pandemic has presented a unique moment to respond in real-time to what the local members of our community need. I’m so proud of our students, families, faculty, and staff who have reached out with creative ideas and an enthusiastic desire to help.”

— Rebecca Drago, Director of Public Purpose

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Erin Alpert ’07 and Adam Alpert ’13

EXEMPLIFYING CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION

by Lori Feguson

W

hile Erin (RCDS Class of 2007) and Adam (RCDS Class of 2013) Alpert are in markedly different lines of work, the siblings share a ‘can-do’ spirit and a deep-seated belief in the maxim ‘Why not me?’ This attitude recently led Erin, a physician, and Adam, an entrepreneur, to launch a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to purchase critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers in New York and across the Northeast. The initiative proved fruitful and deeply rewarding.

As a second-year resident in pediatrics working in the emergency rooms of NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital, Erin found herself on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. For weeks, she watched with increasing distress as healthcare workers struggled to care for patients without the benefit of adequate tools.

“There was uncertainty across New York and around the Northeast, and it quickly became clear there was a need for personal protective equipment that was not being met,” she says.

Erin’s brother, Adam, watched with equal shock from his home in Providence, Rhode Island. “Erin was telling

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the family about the challenges she was facing and the anxiety she and others were having about PPE shortages,” he recalls. “She had been trying to get in touch with suppliers to see about procuring equipment, so I decided to help. I’m an entrepreneur and used to raising funds, and I don’t wait for much—if something needs to get done, I’m in the habit of doing it.”

On March 22, the siblings joined forces and launched a GoFundMe campaign: Protective Gear for NYC Healthcare Workers. “We thought maybe we could raise $50,000 to purchase PPE for healthcare workers in New York City,” says Adam. The pair watched in surprise as more than 1,000 people donated to the cause in less than a week and more than $100,000 was pledged in less than three weeks.

With funds flowing, Adam next took on the task of navigating the supply chain issue. “The hospitals were inundated by offers to help, and we felt like we could be of assistance and were in a position to do so. So, Erin and I got the name of a supplier in China who could deliver masks, and I educated myself on the minimum order requirements and the amount of capital needed to procure the supplies.”

Now, as the nation’s healthcare supply chain begins to recover, the Alperts are transitioning from suppliers to information brokers. Erin has launched a website, The Resident Optimist (theresidentoptimist.com), where she shares news and contact information on some of the many nonprofits created in response to the COVID-19 crisis. “There are so many focused initiatives in place now—supplying masks, face shields, food for healthcare workers, etc.—that I thought it made the most sense to start connecting the people who want to help with those who need the help. Adam and I both need to focus on our jobs, and as I learned in med school, when confronted with a problem, you need to seek out the people with experience who know what they’re doing. My goal now is to make it as easy as possible for people to help each other,” she says.

The siblings both confess that they are deeply humbled by the response to their campaign. “My brother and I are overcome by the sincere generosity of strangers,” says Erin. “So many people have reached out and said, ‘How can I help?’ It gives me a real sense of hope that humanity is good and that we will all do better if we work together.”

Photo: Dr. Vivian Chow-Sun, MD

Photo: Providence Business News Photo: Ben Kelmer

The siblings delivered the first order of masks to healthcare workers on March 26th and another 2,000 arrived in the U.S. on April 17th. Additional supplies have since been delivered to healthcare workers in New York City and beyond. A New York City Emergency Department received 200 N95 masks and a Baltimore, Maryland, ICU gratefully accepted 100 surgical masks.

“Everyone needs to be protected, so I’ve been putting out calls to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances around the Northeast, saying ‘This is what we have, what do you need?’” Erin explains.

Adam, too, is gratified by the power of efforts compounded for the greater good. “The RCDS motto, Not for Self, but for Service, resonates with me,” he observes. “As a student, I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities. The School’s emphasis on community reinforced my belief that every undertaking should have a social impact and affect other people positively. For example, when I founded my company, Pangea, my goal was to connect businesses with talented students who are seeking equal access to opportunities. There are many ways that people can have an impact, and I believe that if I’m in a position to help, I have an obligation to do so.”

Erin echoes that sentiment. “Our parents instilled a deep belief in the importance of giving back to others, and my time at Rye Country Day enforced that message,” she observes. “I clearly remember our senior/junior lounge was across from the community support office, and for me that proximity underscored the idea that public service was an important component of our education.”

“RCDS gave me the tools and training to enjoy learning and to feel safe taking risks,” Erin concludes. “As a student, I learned that we are not defined by a single interest and that one person can make a difference. As a doctor, that feeling has been reinforced. My days are hard, but I feel privileged to be allowed to take care of people and be in that place of trust for someone who is a stranger to me. Over these past several months, I’ve seen it firsthand: If we all work together to contribute, the impact of the effort grows exponentially.”

www.ryecountryday.org 13

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O RY E C O U N T RY DAY ’ S O U T S TA N D I N G

Class of 2020

We are proud of your many accomplishments and contributions to our community.

You have shown an incredibly positive spirit and real resilience during the most challenging of times. Throughout your years at the School, you have impressed, inspired, and invigorated us.

We are humbled to call you our newest RCDS alumni!

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S A L S O

to the Class of 2024 on your Middle School graduation. We wish you all the best and look forward to following and celebrating your achievements in the Upper School, and to our fourth graders on the occasion of your moving-up.

We can’t wait to watch and applaud your many Middle School adventures.

Well done!

This publication went to print prior to the virtual events celebrating these milestones. More detailed coverage of all of our graduations will follow in later publications.

14 Spring 2020

RCDS The following bulletin was prepared prior to developments brought about by the pandemic.

To come

FALL ’19/WINTER ’20 COVERAGE

Student-Led Youth Climate March P. 34

RYE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

CITIZENSHIP

During the 2019-20 school year, Rye Country Day embarked on a year-long, school-wide journey of exploring the theme of citizenship.

At RCDS, citizenship means a collective commitment to encouraging students of all ages to approach others with empathy, to examine local and global issues, to appreciate differences in opinion, to recognize stereotypes and bias, and to embrace and understand the importance of diversity. One of the four attributes outlined in the RCDS Portrait of a Graduate, citizenship was selected as the year’s theme in part because it incorporates the other outcomes and attributes articulated in the Portrait—citizenship represents character in action, and it requires skills and knowledge. Over the course of the school year, the theme has offered meaningful learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff in our shared effort to recognize the ways in which we can be aware, engaged, and purpose-driven citizens who embody Rye Country Day’s motto, Not for Self, but for Service.

During the fall and winter, students and faculty worked to connect ideas across disciplines and to identify and examine the concept of citizenship within their learning and teaching. Here are just a few highlights: Upper School computer science students developed purposedriven work through the Advanced Placement with WE service program.

Middle School students participated in the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center’s Human Rights Institute for Middle School Student Leaders, which promoted awareness of human rights and encouraged and empowered students to become upstanders. Lower School students participated energetically in the Can Do Drive. The Wildcats played for pink, showing solidarity and spreading breast cancer awareness. Three RCDS faculty members traveled to Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham

16 Spring 2020

to plan a future eighth grade trip that will expose students to important historical civil rights events and provide them with a firsthand sense of the people and places they study in their U.S. History class. Six students and nine faculty and staff members attended the National Association of Independent Schools Student Diversity Leadership Conference and People of Color Conference in Seattle, demonstrating the School’s commitment to equity and justice in teaching and learning. And, who can forget the Environmental Club’s impressive leadership as exhibited in their participation in the Global Climate Strike, an event which engaged all three divisions in mindful discussion around how young citizens can make a difference in climate change.

THRUWAY PROPERTY PURCHASE: A MAJOR STEP FORWARD THEN PAUSE For decades, RCDS has hoped to acquire the nine-acre piece of New York State Thruway Authority land across Boston Post Road. This purchase is now closer to reality than ever before. In November 2019, Governor Cuomo signed into law an amendment to the 2017 legislation, enabling the Thruway Authority to sell the Boston Post Road property to Rye Country Day. As a result of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in New York, the Thruway purchase is temporarily on pause.

RCDS in 1958

 In 1958, New York State took RCDS land to the south of campus by eminent domain for the construction of I-95, paying the School $67,500. In addition to the painful loss of two playing fields, alumni recall the loss of a beloved giant oak tree—Rye Country Day’s wellknown symbol—and of “the Hollow,” a favorite play space in front of the School. In 1994, Headmaster Scott Nelson wrote a letter to the New York State Thruway Authority inquiring into the possibility of purchasing “back” the nine-acre parcel of land across Boston Post Road. Even though it has taken decades to get here, we are excited that in November 2019, Governor Cuomo signed legislation sponsored

by State Assemblyman Steve Otis and Senator Shelley Mayer that authorizes the School to purchase the land. The Thruway property would be developed for recreational purposes and would have to be available for public rental for at least 29% of the usable hours.

Current aerial view of campus

 In recent years, RCDS facilities have undergone significant renovation and expansion, including the Pinkham Building addition in 2010 and the construction of the Cohen Center for the Creative Arts and the PAC renovations in 2018. Currently, the School has only 10,000 square feet of floor-area ratio remaining, meaning there is little remaining opportunity for new development on the existing campus. Acquiring the Thruway property presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the School to expand its campus footprint.

Conceptual site plan

 The School envisions building a track, field, parking, and perhaps a field house on the Thruway property. One option includes relocating the ice rink, already many years past its expected lifespan, to the Thruway property across Boston Post Road. Moving the rink would allow further expansion of facilities on the existing campus by freeing up an additional 25,000 square feet of floor-area ratio. The School intends to offer the facilities that are built on the Thruway property for rent to local youth sports organizations when the School does not need them, which has long been the practice regarding School athletic facilities. We are excited by the long-term benefits of this acquisition for the School, as well as the Rye community.

www.ryecountryday.org 17

ON CAMPUS

g n i n Ope onies & m e r e C y a D t i r i p S RCDS ALL-COMMUNITY

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

BLOCK PARTY On a gorgeous September Sunday, hundreds of members of the RCDS community attended the 2019 Back-to-School Block Party, a nowannual event welcoming new and returning students and their families, faculty, and staff to the new year. After the rousing success of last year’s community-wide Block Party celebrating the sesquicentennial and the opening of the Cohen Center for the Creative Arts, the Parents Association and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion teamed up to make the joyous gathering a new RCDS tradition—and their collaboration paid off. The second Block Party was happy and energetic as members of the community participated in fun family activities, enjoyed delicious food from FLIK and several local vendors, took selfies with Willy the Wildcat, and danced, danced, danced!

18 Spring 2020

Students, faculty, and staff gathered on September 18, 2019, to kick off Rye Country Day’s 151st year with energy and enthusiasm at Opening Ceremonies & Spirit Day. Clad in RCDS blue and gold, hundreds congregated in the Khoury Courtyard as the Upper School Wind Ensemble and Mr. Hager supplied a rousing soundtrack.

Headmaster Scott Nelson greeted the crowd, clarifying that Opening Ceremonies is the only occasion where the entire school community gathers—over 900 students, 200 faculty and staff, and, of course, Willy the Wildcat. He also gave a special shout out to the youngest members of our community, the Pre-Kindergartners, set to graduate in 2033! Mr. Nelson spoke about the year’s school-wide theme of citizenship, citing the responses posted on the Middle School bulletin board in answer to the question: What does good citizenship mean to you? A few of the answers he mentioned were: cooperate and get along with each other; include everyone; participate; be kind; and treat others the way you want to be treated—thoughtful reflections from our Middle Schoolers. He ended his remarks urging students, faculty, and staff to live the RCDS motto, Not for Self, but For Service, to ensure that all members of the School community demonstrate character and citizenship on campus and beyond. “Your good citizenship helps to allow everyone to feel welcome, included, and respected, and it allows us to make the most of the RCDS 2019-20 school year,” Mr. Nelson shared.

Student body president Sabrina Reznik ’20 concluded the gathering with inspiring words about the joy and diversity of the RCDS community. She said, “Seeing every teacher and student stand together, I am reminded of the incredible camaraderie in our community.”

WILDCAT PRIDE was all around as the entire RCDS community came together for Wildcat Weekend and Reunion.

Students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff showed their blue and gold spirit throughout the festive event, which included the morning Fun Run, the annual Fall Fair, and afternoon Varsity games. Thank you to all who visited campus to celebrate community at Wildcat Weekend.

To read about Reunion, go to page 44.

Not for Self, but for Service 19

HIGHLIGHTS

FALL 2019 • WINTER 2020

Highlights from Rye Country Day SLEEVES ROLLED UP FOR SERVICE

As part of the 2019 Middle School Day of Service, Middle School students and their families spent a sunny September Saturday in White Plains volunteering for Our New Way Garden, a nonprofit organization that strives to educate the public about locally and naturally grown food and increase community access to healthy organic produce. #NotforSelfbutforService

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Metacognition. Task Initiation. Time Management. These are a few of the topics covered during a sixth grade combined SEEK and Study Skills session focused on Executive Functioning Skills for academic and social/emotional success. Grades 7 & 8 Dean and Director of the Middle School Study Skills Program Ellen Cartwright and Middle School Counselor Carrie Donahue co-led the sessions, where students identified their greatest strengths and then shared their best strategies with one another. The activity empowered students with the knowledge and skills to manage their time and projects, as well as the self-awareness of how they work best and what aspects of their schedules and work styles they can adjust to create optimal conditions in school and beyond.

The full list of Executive Functioning Skills covered during the session included: Flexibility, Goal Directed Persistence, Metacognition, Planning and Prioritizing, Response Inhibition, Sustained Attention, Task Initiation, Time Management, Working Control, and Working Memory.

GLOBAL GUESTS

RCDS parents Kenji and Hanayo Nakano visited the third grade to give a presentation about the history of the United Nations. Kenji Nakano is Chief of the U.N.'s General Assembly Affairs branch, and Hanayo Nakano is the Team Leader for Development Results and Performance Analysis at U.N.D.P. They discussed the U.N.'s different components and its humanitarian work from peacekeeping to providing education, administering immunizations, and feeding the hungry.

The lesson informed students’ development as they grow into aware, active, and responsible global citizens.

For RCDS news and updates, visit www.ryecountryday.org/news  ryecountryday  @ryecountryday  @ryecountryday  @willythewildcat for athletic updates 20 Spring 2020

CAN DO CINEMA

Wildcat Weekend kicked off Rye Country Day's annual Can Do Drive, a community food collection program benefitting the Carver Center Food Pantry in Port Chester. To help support the cause, the third grade worked together to create a video describing the importance of this annual public purpose program. The video was screened at divisional meetings.

Watch it online at www.ryecountryday.org/cando

STEAM GIRLS

Each semester, the Upper School WISC (Women in Science Club) organizes an after-school enrichment program called the Women in Science Enrichment program (WISE), which exposes seventh and eighth grade girls to the fascinating world of science and engineering through weekly experiments. Topics explored in the fall included kitchen chemistry, laser physics, and animal behavior. These experiments help girls uncover and ignite an interest in STEAM.

AUTHOR VISIT

SATURDAY SUMMIT ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

In November, 37 RCDS students in Grades 8–12 gathered with over 200 students and faculty members from local independent schools to participate in the third annual Saturday Summit on Social Justice, a student-led event coordinated by RCDS Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ali Morgan and Masters School Director of Equity and Inclusion Karen Brown. The all-day event included studentfacilitated workshops and affinity groups about racism, classism, gender oppression, activism, and more.

Some of the topics discussed were: Race vs. Ethnicity vs.

Nationality; Code Switching: Convenience or Survival; Activism: The Importance of Student-Led Movements; #MeToo: Identifying and Confronting Sexism; Understanding Privilege; and Microaggressions and Implicit Bias.

After Middle School students concluded their division-wide read of Stella by Starlight, they were treated to a special visit from the book's award-winning and best-selling author, Sharon Draper. In an energetic presentation, Ms. Draper discussed her personal history as a teacher and writer and elaborated on the writing process, character development, how books are edited and published, the importance of details in good writing, and the genre of fiction. Ms. Draper noted that anyone can be a writer, and she encouraged everyone in the room to try their hand at the craft. Students left the presentation engaged, inspired, and ready to read— and perhaps even write—more!

LEARNING FROM A VETERAN’S SERVICE

In honor of Veterans Day, Marine Corps veteran and RCDS parent Christopher Perkins gave a presentation to fourth grade students about his service in the Iraq War. He also spoke about his involvement with Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization that serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises. Mr. Perkins shared stories from his nine years as a Marine, spoke about the meaning of serving our country, and encouraged students to find their own ways to give back and serve their communities.

INSPIRING ILLUSTRATOR

After reading Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, Lower School students had the opportunity to meet and learn from the book's illustrator, Gordon C. James, who received the 2018 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor. Mr. James spoke to students about his childhood interest in drawing, and he described what a career in illustration looks like, from greeting cards to books to teaching college students. He highlighted how technology has changed the artistic process—he doesn't need paper to draw thanks to computers. He also explained that teams of people, including editors, art directors, illustrators, authors, and publishers, collaborate to create a finished product.

COALITION OF DIFFERENCES

RCDS student leaders launched the Coalition of Differences, a monthly afterschool gathering to promote diversity of thought within the School community.

At the first meeting in October, student leader Eesha Narain '21 addressed a full house of students and shared some community norms that the Coalition upholds, including being fully present, speaking from an "I" perspective, leaning into discomfort, treating the candidness of others as a gift, taking risks, and being self-responsible and self-challenging, among others.

www.ryecountryday.org 21

HIGHLIGHTS

FALL 2019 • WINTER 2020

Highlights from Rye Country Day NAIS STUDENT DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AND PEOPLE OF COLOR CONFERENCE

Six RCDS Upper School student leaders participated in the 25th annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Seattle in December.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) conference helped 1,600 participating student delegates from across the U.S. and abroad build new, diverse networks as they developed cross-cultural communication skills and examined a broad range of social justice issues guided by adult and peer facilitators.

Concurrently, nine RCDS faculty and staff delegates attended the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC), which equips educators at every level— from teachers to trustees—with knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve and enhance the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in their schools, as well as the attending academic, social-emotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike.

At PoCC, current faculty member Charaun Wills, along with former faculty members Aundrea Tabbs-Smith, Renyelle Jimenez ’10, and Terri-Ann Gordon, presented "UPLIFT: How Affinity Spaces Help Girls of Color Thrive in Independent Schools." The workshop was based on the work they did through their 2017-18 Institute for Innovative Teaching and Learning project to develop the School's UPLIFT mentoring program, which connects Lower and Middle School girls and boys of color with Upper School mentors to support students in navigating their gender as it intersects with their race and/or ethnicity.

MIDDLE SCHOOL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTE

In the fall, eight seventh graders, along with students from 10 other Westchester schools, participated in the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center's Human Rights Institute for Middle School Student Leaders, an annual event that promotes student awareness of human rights and empowers students to become upstanders. The day-long institute focused on leadership development centered around modeling and celebrating upstander behaviors and facilitating discussion about what it means to have respect for all.

TOP 200 STEM RANKING

Rye Country Day was ranked in the top 200 of 5,000 high schools across the nation that "offer skilled teachers who keep up with developments in [STEM] fields and who create dynamic learning environments to engage their students."

Newsweek partnered with the STEM education research and credentialing organization STEM.org to rank the schools, and the Top 5,000 STEM High Schools were shared on newsweek.com on National STEM Day, November 8.

22 Spring 2020

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

The Dunn Performing Arts Center was one of 14 recipients of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Westchester + Hudson Valley Chapter High Honor Awards.

The awards recognize "design excellence and impact to the profession of architecture." The AIA jury "thought the project was cohesive with a clear design direction [and] they appreciated the simplicity of the design which elevates the importance of the theater function." Many thanks to Peter Gisolfi Associates for this beautiful renovation.

HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

In January, RCDS students across all three divisions remembered and honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Guided by nine Upper School students who helped them explore themes of youth activism and citizenship, Lower School students read and discussed the book My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris, Dr. King's sister.

Middle School and Upper School students attended presentations

by New Yorkers United for Justice Chief Strategist Khalil A. Cumberbatch. The presentations provided an in-depth look at Dr. King’s personal history in addition to his groundbreaking work as a civil rights leader.

In a powerful closing, Mr. Cumberbatch reminded students of the impact that they can have as the next generation of leaders, clarifying that their engagement is integral to celebrating and carrying on the legacy of Dr. King’s work.

At the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, RCDS students, families, faculty, and staff joined with families at Building One Community (B1C), an immigrant resource center in Stamford, to create winter care packages for B1C clients and a local homeless shelter and to collaborate on a community art project.

A MOVING ASSEMBLY

Judith Altmann

Holocaust survivor Judith Altmann shared her story at two assemblies, the first for Upper School students, faculty, and staff and the second for seventh and eighth grade students and RCDS parents.

In 1944, Mrs. Altmann was transported to Auschwitz concentration camp and selected for work along with her niece. She was then sent to Essen and Gelsenkirchen labor camps and survived the death march that ended in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Mrs. Altmann was liberated by the British Army in 1945 and then lived in Sweden for three years before emigrating to the United States in 1948.

Before telling her story, Mrs. Altmann showed a montage of scenes from the Holocaust, noting that while the images are not easy to see, it is imperative for them to be seen and for the Holocaust to be remembered, both to honor those that perished and to learn from history. She stressed the power of knowledge and education. She said, "Learn all that you can because nobody can take that away from you." When her arm was injured and she couldn't continue working in a factory, her knowledge of languages earned her a job translating orders, saving her life. She also urged students to use their education to think critically, to ask questions, and to stand up against prejudice and hate.

“This was a powerful and moving personal account from someone who survived the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust. Mrs. Altmann also emphasized the importance of always remembering these past atrocities so they would never — Headmaster Scott Nelson be repeated again.”

Mrs. Altmann reminded students of the importance of their active engagement in human rights issues and cautioned against dismissing struggles that feel distant.

She recalled all the people who put their lives on the line to protect and save Jewish people during the Holocaust and said, "Do good things. Help somebody, and you're helping yourself. Save one person, and you save the world."

During the Q&A session, one Upper School student asked, "How can we make sure something like this never happens again?" Mrs. Altmann answered that her mission is to share her story with young people so that they become upstanders who are inspired to do the right thing and to encourage others to do so as well. She said with hope and wisdom, "You are the ones who will make a better world."

Mrs. Altmann has extensive experience speaking in schools, and she is a member of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Speakers Bureau and Vice President of the Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut.

From left, Director of Academic Technology Katie O’Shaughnessey, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ali Morgan, Judith Altmann, and Headmaster Scott Nelson.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM CONTINUES

The RCDS Community Engagement Fellowship Program has been extended for an additional year thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors.

2019 E. E. Ford Fellows The program builds on the momentum of the Edward E. Ford Foundation grants, which funded fellowships for the duration of four years, concluding in the summer of 2019. Future Fellows will pursue projects alongside community partners, bringing together innovation, hard work, interdisciplinary thought, and decision-making skills to propose, design, and implement impressive purpose-driven projects.

Not for Self, but for Service 23

HIGHLIGHTS

CONGRATULATIONS! impact of the gut microbiome and its relationship to neurological diseases.

War and Peace by Jeffrey Tian ’22

Jeffrey Tian ’22 won the 2019 Congressional Art Competition for District NY-16. This nationwide high school visual art competition is sponsored by the Congressional Institute and recognizes artistic talent across the nation. Winning artwork from each congressional district is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Titled War and Peace, Jeffrey's watercolor depicts Syria before and after the civil war, and it features Arabic, which is written from right to left. Echoing the direction of the written language, the painting should be viewed from right (representing the past) to left (representing the present) as a chronological documentation of the state of Syria.

Abhinav Kumar ’20 received the 2019 Rising Scientist Award from the Child Mind Institute. The award is a recognition of Abhinav's academic performance in science classes and his desire and ability to address advanced scientific questions and concepts.

Abhinav, who has an outstanding academic record at RCDS, participates regularly in extracurricular activities pertaining to science research, including a summer internship at the Engelman Lab at Stanford University that explored Abhinav Kumar ’20 the systemic

24 Spring 2020

Upper School Science Teacher Joe Rue won a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.

Every year, newly admitted University of Chicago students nominate teachers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in Joe Rue their role as an educator. The awards recognize teachers who think carefully about their instruction, share an infectious love for learning, and care for their students both inside and outside of the classroom.

From left, Christopher Connor ’20, Sadie Silverman Guffey ’20, Peggy Helman ’20, and Chidera Olewuenyi ’20.

Christopher Connor ’20, Peggy Helman ’20, Chidera Olewuenyi ’20 (who also received an Honorable Mention), and Sadie Silverman Guffey ’20 were nominated for the Rye Human Rights Commission's John Carey Award for Human Rights, which recognizes those who work to create an inclusive community spirit through endeavors that reflect the principles of human rights and the value of diversity in the local community. These outstanding students have demonstrated a deep commitment to public purpose, diversity and inclusion, and human rights. Peggy, Christopher, and Chidera

were 2019 E. E. Ford Fellows whose community partnership projects included researching the levels of lead in the pipes of Westchester County and New York for the New York League of Conservation Voters; supporting and expanding programming at The Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains through Backyard Sports; and leading a dance camp for youth at the Port Chester Carver Center, respectively. In addition to being a Peer Leader and Co-President of the Jewish Culture Club on campus, Sadie, alongside Peggy, co-founded Students Having Open Conversations (SHOC) to encourage students to discuss current events and important issues at RCDS. Chidera and Christopher are also RCDS Peer Leaders, and Peggy is President of the Environmental Club.

Eighth grade student Isabel T. served on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which was launched in 2018

by Senator Shelley Mayer to offer young people an Isabel T. ’24 outlet for their ideas and policy questions. The council, which includes high school and collegeage students, meets with Senator Mayer in Albany quarterly. Some of the issues the YAC discusses include climate advocacy, gun violence prevention, and criminal justice reform. YAC also hosts meetings with the Senator's staff on the third Saturday of each month at local public libraries.

Eighth grader Jack d. won Scholastic magazine's monthly Scope essay contest on the history Jack d. ’24

of shopping in America. The contest asked students to read articles and then compare how the Sears catalog and Amazon impacted the way Americans purchase goods. Essayists were required to demonstrate their critical reading and writing skills.

Eliza Fogel ’21 was named a Distinguished Finalist in The Prudential Spirit Of Community Awards for her project to improve childhood literacy, “Our Books Eliza Fogel ’21 Your Books,” which included coordinating 10 free book fairs at community centers.

Collaborating with community partners, Eliza collected 4,000 books and redistributed them to young readers. Eliza’s efforts earned her the President's Volunteer Service Award, saluting those who strengthen the nation and communities through volunteer service.

Charumathi Badrinath ’20

Jacob Oddi ’20

Aaron Serianni ’20

Charumathi Badrinath ’20, Jacob Oddi ’20, and Aaron Serianni ’20 were named candidates in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars program, which recognizes the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Community Engagement Fellows at NNSP

From left, Aldo Stefanoni ’20, Ellen Mollerus ’20, and Jaume Pujadas ’20.

Ellen Mollerus ’20, Jaume Pujadas ’20, and Aldo Stefanoni ’20 were named National Merit Finalists. Across the nation, only one percent of students who take the PSAT qualify for this honor. The National Merit Scholarship Program, which celebrates academic achievement in high school students, selects 16,000 high school seniors from across the country as semifinalists based on their PSAT scores (the PSAT is taken by roughly 1.6 million students each year).

2019 Community Engagement Fellows Eliza Fogel ’21, Anna Owens ’21, Christopher Connor ’20, Wendy Corona ’20, Peggy Helman ’20, Chidera Olewuenyi ’20, and Isabel Stronski ’20 presented at the National Network of Schools in Partnership (NNSP) Annual Conference, a professional development event where public, charter, and private school principals, executive directors, heads of school, and service learning directors share best practices in community engagement and partnership. While NNSP usually features workshops by practitioners and leading education experts, the RCDS fellows provided a rare student-

driven experience for participants. They designed and delivered two subsequent sessions, sharing the impact of effective public purpose programs like Rye Country Day’s Community Engagement Fellowship program.

The presenting fellows described their experience partnering collaboratively with local organizations to propose, develop, and launch formal programs and initiatives, effecting positive and lasting change with benefits for both the partner organization and the students.

www.ryecountryday.org 25

ATHLETICS

FALL & WINTER SPORTS SHOW YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE!

FALL 2019 TEAM RECORDS TEAM

W L T

Shop for RCDS apparel and more at ryecountryday.org/shop

Boys’ Varsity Cross Country

8 11 0

Girls’ Varsity Cross Country

11 12 0

Varsity Field Hockey

15 4 0

Varsity Football

2 6 0

Boys’ Varsity Soccer

1 11 2

Girls’ Varsity Soccer

6 5 2

159

WINS 26 Spring 2020

WINTER 202O TEAM RECORDS TEAM

W L T

Boys’ Varsity Fencing-Sabre

7 3 0

Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey

16 5 0

Girls’ Varsity Fencing-Foil

7 6 0

Girls’ Varsity Ice Hockey

11 4 1

Girls’ Varsity Fencing-Epee

9 3 0

Boys’ Varsity Squash

9 6 0

Girls’ Varsity Fencing-Sabre

8 2 0

Girls’ Varsity Squash

8 8 0

Wrestling

6 9 0

Boys’ Varsity Fencing-Foil

6 5 0

Boys’ Varsity Basketball

15 11 0

Boys’ Varsity Fencing-Epee

7 4 0

Girls’ Varsity Basketball

7 12 0

CONGRATULATIONS T0 the 12 members of the RCDS Class of 2020 who have committed to continue their

careers as student-athletes at some of the finest colleges and universities. The RCDS community looks forward to cheering you on as you take the next step in your athletic careers.

Front row, from left: Shane Regan (Skidmore College, Basketball), Laura Baine (Wesleyan University, Lacrosse), Elizabeth Friedberg (Cornell University, Field Hockey), Olivia Friedberg (Cornell University, Field Hockey), and Sena Selby (Claremont McKenna College, Tennis).

Back row, from left: Cullen Coleman (Northwestern University, Football), Robert Fox (Columbia University, Track), Jonathan Suero (Muhlenberg College, Baseball), Alana Jones (Wesleyan University, Basketball), Charlotte Price (Middlebury College, Lacrosse), Juliette Grasso (Fairfield University, Soccer), and Isabel Stronski (Brown University, Track).

Not for Self, but for Service 27

ATHLETICS

FALL HONORS

Boys’ Cross Country FAA All-League: Aaron Serianni ’20 FAA Honorable Mention: Amitav Nott ’22 Girls’ Cross Country FAA All-League: Isabel Slippen ’23 FAA Honorable Mention: Olivia Nash ’20 Maya Kini ’22 Field Hockey FAA All-League First Team: Elizabeth Friedberg ’20 Olivia Friedberg ’20 FAA All-League Second Team: Kaela Smith ’21 FAA All-League Honorable Mention: Caroline Keating ’22 ALL-NEPSAC: Olivia Friedberg ’20 New England All-Star: Elizabeth Friedberg ’20 Olivia Friedberg ’20 Football Metropolitan Independent Football League Selections.

First Team MIFL: Cullen Coleman ’20 Charles Allen ’21 Oliver Kies ’21 Second Team MIFL: R.J. Thalheimer-Santamaria ’21 Gideon Prempeh ’21 Boys’ Soccer FAA All-League First Team: James Leake ’20 FAA All-League Second Team: Lior Gurion ’22 FAA Honorable Mention: William Delves ’20 WNEPSSA: James Leake ’20 Troy Rigby ’21 Girls’ Soccer FAA All-League First Team: Juliette Grasso ’20 FAA All-League Second Team: Isabel Stronski ’20 WNEPSSA: Juliette Grasso ’20 Isabel Stronski ’20

FALL INDIVIDUAL RCDS ATHLETIC AWARDS Girls’ Soccer Coaches Award: Amanda Bortner-Hirszman ’20 Wildcat Award: Isabel Stronski ’20 Boys’ Soccer Coaches Award: Justin Cheigh ’20 Wildcat Award: Aaron Serianni ’20 Girls’ Cross Country Coaches Award: Olivia Nash ’20 Wildcat Award: Isabel Slippen ’23 Field Hockey Coaches Award: The Seniors: Ella Birchenough ’20 Wendy Corona ’20 Elizabeth Friedberg ’20 Olivia Friedberg ’20 Sadie Silverman Guffey ’20 Alana Jones ’20, Amelia Lower ’20 Evalise Melgar ’20 Sabrina Reznik ’20 Wildcat Award: Olivia Friedberg ’20 Football Coaches Award: R.J. Thalheimer-Santamaria ’21 Wildcat Award: Cullen Coleman ’20 Boys’ Soccer Coaches Award: William Delves ’20 Wildcat Award: James Leake ’20

WINTER HONORS

Boys’ Ice Hockey FAA All-League First Team: Charlie Keating ’21 FAA All-League Second Team: Jacob Oddi ’20 George Megdanis ’21 Ian Tumm ’22 FAA Honorable Mention: Jackson Stein ’22 Girls’ Ice Hockey WIHLMA All-League: Charlotte Price ’20 Emma Budke ’22 Harley Caggiano ’21 WIHLMA Honorable Mention: Caroline Keating ’22 WIHLMA All-Academic:

28 Spring 2020

Ryan Hammel ’20 Sofia Medina ’22 WIHLMA All-Academic Honorable Mention: Ellie Stevens ’22 Harry Rulon-Miller Award of Excellence in Sportsmanship: Payton Caggiano ’23 Boys’ Squash FAA All-League: James O’Connor ’24 William Murphy ’21 FAA Honorable Mention: Ty Green ’23 Girls’ Squash FAA All-League: Amelia Lower ’20 Gabriella Jolly ’22 FAA Honorable Mention: Maya Hirani ’22 Boys’ Fencing ISFL All-League Second Team: Jaume Pujadas ’20

NY State Sportswriters Association All-State Class B: Fourth Team: Shane Regan ’20 Sixth Team: Ben Pearce ’21 NEPSAC All-League Class B: Honorable Mention: Shane Regan ’20 Ben Pearce ’21

WINTER INDIVIDUAL RCDS ATHLETIC AWARDS

Boys’ Basketball Coaches Award: Tyler Gilman ’20 John Sabia Wildcat Award: Shane Regan ’20 Girls’ Basketball Coaches Award: Kat Brydson ’21 Wildcat Award: Alana Jones ’20

Girls’ Fencing ISFL All-League Second Team: Aisling Kernan ’21 Theresa Quinto ’20

Boys’ Ice Hockey Maria Effinger Award: Shane Holmes ’20 Stahlin Wildcat Award: Jacob Oddi ’20

Wrestling PSAA All-League: Robbie Fox ’20 R.J. Thalheimer-Santamaria ’21 Ahmed Suliman ’20 Sean Smith ’22

Girls’ Ice Hockey Coaches Award: Caroline Keating ’22 Wildcat Award: Olivia Friedberg ’20

Varsity Girls’ Basketball FAA All-League Second Team: Alana Jones ’20 FAA Honorable Mention: Kat Brydson ’21 NEPSAC All-Star: Alana Jones ’20 NEPSAC Class B Honorable Mention: Alana Jones ’20 NY State Sportswriters Association All-State Class B: Twelfth Team: Alana Jones ‘20 Varsity Boys’ Basketball FAA All-League First Team: Shane Regan ’20 FAA All-League Second Team: Ben Pearce ’21 FAA Honorable Mention: William Kosann ’22 Lohud Putnam/Westchester Honorable All-Stars: Shane Regan ’20 Ben Pearce ’21

Boys’ Squash Coaches Award: Andrew Felton ’21 Wildcat Award: James O’Connor ’24 Girls’ Squash Coaches Award: Julia Kavanagh ’22 Wildcat Award: Amanda Bortner-Hirszman ’20 Boys’ Fencing Coaches Award: Sebastian Lee ’20 Wildcat Award: Jaume Pujadas ’20 Girls’ Fencing Coaches Award: Theresa Quinto ’20 Maureen Hartman Wildcat Award: Valeria Morales Ciriaco ’20 Wrestling Coaches Award: Ahmed Suliman ’20 Frank Antonelli Wildcat Award: Robbie Fox ’20

ATHLETICS

TEAM SPOTLIGHT

WINNING WILDCATS

BY VICTORIA SIMMONDS RCDS Coach and Athletics Communications Manager

Sunday, November 3, 2019, may have been just another day for most, but for the RCDS Varsity Field Hockey team, it was the day they claimed a fourth consecutive (and eleventh overall) NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools) Championship. All season, the girls had been working towards reaching the championship final—and the nine seniors on the team had spent their entire high school career striving for this moment. After a riveting 60 minutes of play against longtime rival Hackley, the final seconds counted down with a 3-1 victory score for the Wildcats. Moments like that stay with a team forever.

Coach Georgette Summers

“Leaders, goal setters, playmakers, role models. These are words that describe this phenomenal group of young women,” Coach Georgette Summers proudly said at the 2019 Fall Athletic Awards night. The 2019 Field Hockey team has an abundance of talented players, all impressive individual athletes, but the secret ingredient is its cohesiveness. Win or lose, the team boasts an almost-magical unbreakable spirit and acts as an unwavering support system that keeps the players close on and off the field. Pair these qualities with the exceptional leadership of veteran Coach Summers, and you get true champions.

In her 20-year tenure at RCDS, Coach Summers has built a Field Hockey program founded on inclusion of all talent levels, love of sport, and pursuit of personal excellence. Looking to the future, she continues to focus on building a cohesive and joyful fifth grade through Varsity field hockey program, and she hopes the pride and satisfaction that student-athletes derive from their participation continue to shine. “Sport can change lives through instilling a love of collaboration and hard work. As a coach, the players inspire me daily. The 2019 Field Hockey team got it right. It was a privilege working with them, and I know they will remain bonded for life as RCDS Wildcats.”

Field Hockey seniors, from left: Wendy Corona ’20, Alana Jones ’20, Sadie Silverman Guffey ’20, Olivia Friedberg ’20, Sabrina Reznik ’20, Elizabeth Friedberg ’20, Ella Birchenough ’20, Evalise Melgar ’20, and Amelia Lower ’20.

www.ryecountryday.org 29

ARTS

Inspiration LOWER SCHOOL ART SHOW In the annual Lower School Art Show, each student from Pre-K through Grade 4 displayed work. Most pieces were based on the students’ own ideas, while a few were inspired by each grade’s curricular theme. With work ranging from individual to group creations, the art show was a memorable experience, complete with a scavenger hunt (with cookies!) and art activities. Congratulations to our talented young artists!

“ There are two dances that occur in the Middle School art studio. One is when I realize a hush has come over the room as the students find themselves in focused silence, fully engaged in their work. The other is when sound builds to an epiphany. Movement is everywhere as students share ideas, ask questions, and help each other solve problems. It always amazes me to watch the students grow and find their way in their work, make discoveries, overcome fears, and step into their own creative world.”

—Sue Keown, Middle School Art Teacher

Sojourn

MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL ART EXHIBITION

This year’s Middle School Fall Art Exhibition, Sojourn, was a journey into the hearts and minds of students through printmaking, ceramics, painting, drawing, and digital media. In the first trimester of the year, Middle School students manipulated photography, explored identity, and utilized textures, colors, and design concepts to create their inspiring art.

Methods and Materials UPPER SCHOOL 3D ART SHOW

The Upper School 3D Art Show, Methods and Materials, represented a variety of three-dimensional studio art classes that utilize within their artmaking practice the materiality of clay, cardboard, plexiglass, and wood, as well as the technology in the RCDS Makerspace. The spectrum of methods and materials in the show told a story of the past, present, and future of the three-dimensional realm.

The exhibiting artists, students in Ceramics/Sculpture 2, Honors Ceramics/Sculpture, and AP 3D Studio Art, learned new methods for idea formation from a design thinking approach that relies on 3D printing and the laser cutter to create prototypes before moving into final designs for their impressive projects.

30 Spring 2020

The Untold Yippie Project FALL PLAY

By Jay Gerlach, Drama and Dance Department Chair This year’s Upper School fall play, The Untold Yippie Project by Becca Schlossberg, explored the theme of activism through the lens of Terry Altman (Grace Casale ’22), leader of the Youth International Party or “Yippies” for short. The Yippies were a radical offspring of the hippie movement formed in 1967. In this docu-style drama, journalist and historian Shirly Bowlby (Peggy Helman ’20) documents the rise and fall of this movement, which exposed the struggles of young people being sent to serve in Vietnam and their frustration by the nation’s focus on money over human rights. To the Yippies, Disneyland was the antithesis of their ideals: an opportunistic institution catering to a mainstream America, which casually ignored the problems facing the country. In the summer of 1970, the Yippies confronted visitors and staff of Disneyland in a big way, a day now remembered as “the Yippie invasion of Disneyland.”

This ensemble-driven production was the second Upper School fall play to be performed in the Black Box Theater of the Cohen Center for Creative Arts. Thirteen student actors, who each played upwards of five different characters and never left the stage throughout the production, delivered two moving performances to enthusiastic full houses.

As a special treat, Playwright Becca Schlossberg attended the closing night performance and greeted the cast and crew afterwards with words of affirmation. She said, “You more than did this play justice. You gave it a heart I didn’t even know existed.”

Choreography STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE

By Ashley Zanon, Middle and Upper School Dance Teacher The Upper School held its very first Student Choreography Showcase in the fall. The evening featured original work choreographed by Upper School dancers Sydney Coffield ’21, Peggy Helman ’20, Haley Herman ’21, Sasha Leonard ’21, Eesha Narain ’21, and Chidera Olewuenyi ’20.

The styles in the showcase ranged from modern to contemporary to musical theatre jazz. Each student worked hard to create their own unique piece of work and to convey their thoughts, stories, and emotions through dance. Dance With A Purpose hosted the event and collected donations for the organization Dancing Dreams in Bayside, NY, which provides dance opportunities and mentors to children with physical or medical challenges.

Not for Self, but for Service 31

ARTS

Side Show UPPER SCHOOL MUSICAL

By Jay Gerlach, Drama and Dance Department Chair Sixty-two gifted Upper School students worked collaboratively over a four-month rehearsal period to perform the Drama and Dance Department’s 2020 Upper School musical, Side Show, for over 1,000 audience members over the course of three performances in the Dunn Performing Arts Center.

Side Show the Musical is based on the poignant true story of conjoined twins, Daisy and Violet Hilton, who were famous for their performances in a traveling side show (often referred to as a freak show) throughout the 1920s. The narrative of the musical focuses on the twins’ search for personal happiness as they star on the Orpheum Circuit during a time in history when little regard was given to the rights and feelings of people forced by circumstance to expose their disabilities in these dehumanizing shows.

Commenting on the musical’s present-day relevance, Director Jay Gerlach shared, “A sense of isolation is common for those feeling lost, alone, or different today, and Side Show is a powerful reminder of the importance of accepting and celebrating what makes us unique.”

In addition to Director Jay Gerlach, the team of faculty at the helm of the production included Mary Marcell (Musical Director), Jac-que Robinson (Technical Director; Scenic & Lighting Designer), Amanda Sackey (Choreographer), and Casey Hallen (Graphic & Costume Designer).

1,000 Beautiful Things FESTIVAL CHORUS

32 Spring 2020

On Sunday, January 26, members of the RCDS community gathered at the auditorium at Purchase College for the 25th anniversary of the Festival Chorus Concert. Titled 1,000 Beautiful Things: A Concert of Celebration, this milestone performance featured compositions by Dan Forrest, Paul Halley, Craig Hella Johnson, Annie Lennox, John Rutter, and Gwyneth Walker, among others. The concert also included a special new commission by Rob Mathes in honor of the 25th anniversary and a guest appearance by R&B, gospel, blues, and jazz singer Vaneese Thomas, who, in the fall, led a masterclass in the history and performance of gospel music for the Upper School Concert Choir. Student soloists Lauren Mian ’20 and Nancy Linehan ’20 sang a moving and emotional rendition of Annie Lennox’s 1,000 Beautiful Things, the concert’s namesake. Music Department Chair Mary Marcell conducted with her signature passion and energy in what was an unforgettable afternoon of music and community. To mark the milestone, RCDS parents, alumni, and friends generously donated over $25,000 in honor of Ms. Marcell and to ensure that Festival Chorus can continue through the years.

COMMUNITY IN SONG

“What if we tried Mozart’s Requiem?” That’s the question Music Department Chair Mary Marcell pondered in 1995, three years into her 28-year tenure at Rye Country Day School.

Try it she did, and the rest is history. The Festival Chorus Concert, an annual RCDS community event, has been bringing together a 150-person choir comprising students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends of the School ever since. This year, Festival Chorus marked an exciting milestone of 25 years of song and community.

“I don’t think there are very many projects that we get to start and see through for 25 years,” says Ms. Marcell. The power of the 25th anniversary is not lost on her, but it’s about more than time. It’s about what keeps something going with such vigor. For Ms. Marcell, it’s about community. The Chorus has a core group of participants that have sung in all 25 concerts. The make-up of the Chorus is also important; there is something deeply meaningful about an all-community undertaking. Pair that with music, whose selection has evolved to represent a theme each year, and what results is a bit of magic and a whole lot of beautiful singing. “Parents often start because they want to sing with their child and then stay on after their child graduates. It is especially moving when alumni come back, because it rekindles the connection that we had as a student and teacher. Festival Chorus is a wonderful example of how things can remain important to us throughout the different seasons of our lives,” says Ms. Marcell.

Over the years, Festival Chorus has alternated between full-length work concerts and thematically-based collections of pieces.

The orchestra size changes yearly based on the repertoire; some years it has been as small as a five-person band and others it has been a full thirty-person orchestra. And, when a theme guides each concert, there is a new layer of poignancy to the experience.

For example, for 2011’s This I Believe concert, which was based on the former NPR show about listeners’ everyday-life-guiding core beliefs, students in the choir along with some parents and faculty wrote short essays

on something they believed. Ms. Marcell collected the essays, searched for common themes, and then paired them with music. English teachers Ginny Black and Jenny Heath even worked this project into their eighth grade and AP English curriculums. At the concert, 35 participants read their essays, and the choir sang a musical response. It was a personal and powerful performance for both the singers and the audience.

In selecting the music, Ms. Marcell enjoys the challenge of showcasing diversity of composition and genres and the range of musical aptitude within the RCDS community.

“I like pairing genres that are disparate. When we did Faure’s Requiem in 2012, we paired it with I’ll Fly Away, a song traditionally used in the second line funeral in New Orleans.

The concert went from a full orchestra to a bluegrass band.” Of course, the banjo player in the bluegrass band was an RCDS parent who was also singing in the Chorus.

Each concert has a story that becomes etched in the memory of the participants.

For Ms. Marcell, Let My Love Be Heard in 2018 was a concert that was especially personal.

Her mother passed away during rehearsals.

The music was cathartic, and the comfort of the community support that Ms. Marcell received from the choir has remained with her. “It is hands down one of the greatest gifts in my life to have a group of people that is willing to go on this journey with me every year,” she says.

Singing is indeed a gift. On the first day of choir at RCDS, Ms. Marcell shows students a powerpoint entitled “Why Sing” that explains the health benefits of singing, including lowering blood pressure, unifying breathing, and alleviating stress. There are also the benefits of empathy and collaboration.

“Choral music is one of the few things you can’t do by yourself; it is a representation of how much we need each other,” remarks Ms. Marcell.

And, of course, she stresses to students, “It is also just really fun.”

Ma rce ll, M usi cD ept.

Chair

25 Years of Festival Chorus ry Ma

When Festival Chorus rehearsal season kicks off every October, there is an undeniable positive energy around the Dunn Performing Arts Center.

Old friends look forward to seeing each other again and new participants experience the joy of connecting with the greater RCDS community. For 25 years, participants have shared how much they treasure the Chorus.

For some, it’s the joy of being able to see their children perform, for others it’s the excitement of performing with their children and then staying on until their children return to join them once again. What remains constant is the music and the sense of connection to something bigger. “This group is a community. We are bonded,” shares Ms. Marcell.

Milestones conjure nostalgia and retrospection, but they also urge us to look forward. When asked about the future of Festival Chorus, Ms. Marcell says, “I hope it will live on, and I hope people will have wonderful memories about each one.” For her, the concert’s core of community is the secret to its longevity and its future. “It makes everyone feel included, welcomed, and challenged, and it can encourage people to think in a more compassionate way,” she continues. So, to those core regulars and to anyone interested in joining the chorus for the first time, Ms. Marcell says, with a glint in her eye, “Same time next year.” www.ryecountryday.org 33

FEATURE

Educated, Energized, Earth Citizens

Marching for the Future

Rye Country Day students showed citizenship in action by engaging in a global effort to raise awareness about climate change.

Peggy Helman ’20

34 Spring 2020

On September 20, 2019, RCDS Upper School students participated in a climate strike in solidarity with young people around the globe.

The strike was part of the Global Climate Strike movement, an effort spanning 150 countries stepping up to support young climate strikers and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels. The strike was a culminating follow-up to the Fridays for Future movement, where young people have been leaving classrooms on Fridays in an effort to raise awareness about climate change. The strike was timed to precede the U.N. Climate Action Summit, and young people and the millions of others who support them aimed to send a clear message to policymakers that climate change must be addressed.

Encouraging fellow students to engage in active, purpose-driven citizenship, RCDS Environmental Club President Peggy Helman ’20 called Upper School students to action to participate in “protesting governments and large corporations for their neglect of environmental protection and demanding climate action across the world.” Students, teachers, and administrators gathered at the Cohen Center to prepare for the walk to town, but they weren’t alone. In a moving tribute, Lower Schoolers had assembled in the Khoury Courtyard, chanting in support of their older schoolmates and holding signs and posters they had been working on all week. The Upper School students then marched to the Village Green outside Rye City Hall and the Rye Public Library, where they converged with Rye High students and members of the local community to add their collective voice to the global chorus of climate action strikers. The day was about engagement, peaceful protest, and activism, and RCDS students exhibited their character and leadership throughout.

In leading this effort, the RCDS Environmental Club was supported

by Director of Sustainability Kerry Linderoth and Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago. Said Ms.

Linderoth, “It is our hope that this experience has left the students feeling empowered to use their voices to stand up for meaningful causes.”

Both administrators were heartened by the hard work and dedication of the students involved. In addition to making change through organizing and participating in the strike, the students practiced skills that they will continue to use throughout their lives.

Ms. Drago clarified, “Planning a rally requires intensive organizing skills, both big picture visioning and detailed logistics. Peggy and her peers did an incredible job.”

Commenting on the day’s events, Peggy said, “Every strike, every event,

and every person who participated in the strike for climate action in Rye and around the world counts towards creating the change we are demanding. I am hopeful that our community will continue to use our voices to enact and demand change.”

As she and her peers continue to be engaged in this meaningful movement, they will no doubt remember their experience marching for climate change along with millions of others around the world. Peggy’s words from her speech at the Rye Village Green aptly capture the power of these young leaders’ dedication and passion, “We are young, but we are educated, we are energized, and we are fighting to take back our future.”

From left, Director of Sustainability Kerry Linderoth, Headmaster Scott Nelson, Environmental Club President Peggy Helman ’20, and Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago.

“I was very impressed with and proud of our Upper School students’ participation in the Youth Climate March as they organized the entire event and displayed passion and commitment regarding this important global issue. While gathering for the march to Rye City Hall, the Upper School students were encouraged by the posters and enthusiastic cheers of Lower Schoolers who had gathered in the Khoury Courtyard. This active, positive citizenship on the part of our students gives one a sense of optimism that climate issues will be effectively addressed moving forward!”

— Headmaster Scott Nelson

NotNot Not for Self, but for Service 35

CITIZENSHIP

RCDS Leadership Column On Being the Community Guy: Active, Engaged Citizens Make Strong Communities

By Ali Morgan Director of Diversity and Inclusion During my first year at RCDS, something powerful happened that was a turning point in what my work would look like at the School. Students took over my office!

They loved the newly renovated space for sure, but this had to do with something much deeper. Many students realized they needed the space. And, I realized I needed to be in as many spaces as I could.

“Mr. Morgan’s Office,” as it affectionately known among students, has become much more than an office. It doubles as a safe space and a place where kids can feel comfortable as they navigate the everyday joys and challenges of attending an independent school. Although the office is open to all students, “regulars” include those who don’t always feel comfortable because of an aspect of their identity. In that room, students from all backgrounds come together and build networks and support systems that engender a sense of belonging and awareness that in turn strengthens our larger school community.

The office’s role as an agent of community and inclusion has continued to evolve through the years, and so has mine. If you stop by now, you are much more likely to find students than you are me. I have taken the show on the road, if you will. Essentially, I have become the Community Guy. At any given moment, you might find me co-teaching a Library lesson in the Lower School, coaching Middle School tennis, teaching in the Drama and Dance Department, advising students, facilitating a workshop on microaggressions, coordinating many of our student-led mentoring programs, co-teaching Shakespeare in an English class, and, of course, attending quite a few meetings ranging from student and parent support to staff professional development.

I also collaborate with our various initiative leaders. I believe strongly in the intersection between Diversity and Inclusion and Sustainability—our planet is home to wonderfully diverse communities of people, and it is important that all of our voices are a part of the conversation on good earth citizenship. I see Public Purpose work as Diversity and Inclusion in action—through partnership, we create a more inclusive awareness of our local communities and build new networks characterized by mutual understanding and appreciation. Our Global Studies program is also connected to the Diversity and Inclusion program—to see and experience the world is to learn what connects us all.

36 Spring 2020

To best support diversity and inclusion within our community, I consider the School in its entirety—students, faculty, staff, initiatives, spaces, curriculums—while also appreciating what makes each division, student, teacher, lesson, or room unique. Some of my favorite moments are when we bring the community together, including the Block Party, Wildcat Weekend, art shows, The Arts Festival and International Fair, and Earth Day, to name a few.

When the RCDS community gathers, it is joyful and powerful. Gathering gives us an opportunity to learn from one another and to share in the mutual admiration that is sure to arise when we connect and expand our awareness of the diverse and inspiring identities, experiences, interests, and achievements that make up the RCDS community.

The work that I do strives for a community where we support and recognize one another, one connection at a time. In order to truly live our mission of being actively committed to diversity, we must in fact be active. If you have ever tried to find me on campus, your experience might rival a Where’s Waldo? adventure. Every day at RCDS, there are so many opportunities to participate and be in community. I am there being a part of it all, and I encourage you to join me.

By being engaged and active, you enrich and strengthen our community. By being engaged and active, you remind others that they are not alone, you form new relationships and learn from them, and you lead others to follow your good example. All of this makes us more connected and collaborative. It reminds us that embracing our diversity teaches us to be better citizens who are curious about, respectful of, and appreciative of each other. The Rye Country Day community has so much to offer, and I want to make sure everyone feels welcome and eager to participate.

What we all have in common is our RCDS community. What makes us a community is our quality time together. I look forward to connecting with you soon.

This column was published in November 2019 as part of the The Rye Country Day School Leadership Column series, which shares reflections from members of the RCDS leadership team on a topic of relevance to the community. Read more RCDS Leadership Columns at www.ryecountryday.org/leadershipcolumn

Q&A

with Ali Morgan, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Why are diversity, equity, and inclusion important at Rye Country Day? I always start with our mission because it is the guiding statement for what is important at Rye Country Day. Our active commitment to diversity is part of our mission, it’s part of what we strive for, it’s what we do. Diversity, equity, and inclusion encourage us to ask ourselves, “Who do we want to be as a community and learning environment?” We know that engaging with different voices and perspectives contributes to deeper learning, stronger critical thinking, and broader understanding. That knowledge is the foundation of our belief that a community of people with diverse backgrounds and identities is a fundamental component of success; it’s what excellence looks like. For students, a strong sense of belonging is critical for thriving. Part of that is seeing their experience reflected, seen, and heard in their community and their class content. I am proud that today we are more diverse than we have ever been, and all of our students have benefited and grown from this.

How does RCDS teach students to be good citizens?

Good citizenship is embedded in the personal and academic experience at RCDS. We consistently remind students about the power of human connection, service, and empathy, and we model what good citizenship looks like in daily life. We encourage them to coexist with respect and mutual understanding, and to speak up and encourage others to do the same. The teachers and the curriculum lay a strong foundation by addressing why we need to be good citizens. RCDS students have a willingness and ability to engage and consider ideas and perspectives that may not have been familiar to them. That kind of awareness is good citizenship.

Our founding commitment to service also means that our students have numerous opportunities to be engaged citizens.

Whether they’re mentoring peers at school or other students in the community, organizing a food drive, partnering with a local community organization, or participating in a day of service, our students are out there demonstrating our motto, Not for Self, but

Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

For Service, and showcasing what good, active good citizenship looks like.

There are also the little things, which mean so much. If you pass someone in the hall who looks a little down, do something. I like to think of our school culture as one where you are encouraged to look around and be prepared to help or at least learn more about what others might be going through.

I’m so proud of our students. They really are model citizens, and I know they carry forward a commitment to service and active citizenship in their lives after RCDS.

What are your goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion at RCDS? It’s really exciting. In 2018-19, we created the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, which comprised over 70 faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, parents/guardians, and students who gathered to develop a strategic plan for the Diversity and Inclusion initiative at RCDS. The coming years are about building strategies and creating opportunities for leadership around our goals, which include: • Improving teacher confidence and skills in engaging in cross-identity relationship building.

• Developing inclusive curriculums and creating anti-bias classrooms characterized by equity, ensuring that our pedagogy reaches all learners, is culturally responsive, utilizes differentiation, and teaches skills and concepts connected to equity.

• Eliminating micro- and macro-aggressions in our community.

• Facilitating student participation in healthy

civil discourse through providing brave spaces and support for open dialogue and discussion around charged topics such as politics, religion, and ability, among others.

• Clarifying to all students how they are included in and integral to diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice conversations.

These are big goals, but we’re committed and ready to find the best ways to achieve them together as a community. The voices and leadership of our students are paramount in reaching these objectives. The goals were developed from student feedback, and our strategies include a number of studentled initiatives like the Saturday Summit on Social Justice, Student Diversity Leadership Conference, SHOC (Students Having Open Conversations), the Coalition of Differences (for promoting healthy dialogue and appreciating diversity of thought), and the Social Justice Committee (a faculty, staff, and student space for discussing identity, equity, and affinity issues). It’s a joy to be working alongside such dedicated colleagues and such passionate and talented students. This work will make our community stronger.

Why did you get into diversity, equity, and inclusion work?

I’ve always been closely connected to the work of building inclusive communities.

I went to SMU in Dallas, Texas, which is a predominantly white institution, and a big part of my experience was about finding my voice and becoming a leader to help bring everyone together. I was president of the Association of Black Students and learned that I am a connector. I was comfortable navigating spaces that weren’t necessarily diverse and encouraging them to change. I love bringing people together; it’s just who I am. I was also a very extroverted theatre student, which probably helped! Through SMU’s Office of Intercultural Education and Minority Students Affairs, I learned that all voices were important and that people and organizations need help with the work of ensuring that a diversity of voices, backgrounds, and identities is present, seen, and heard. I also like to think that my interest in this work began even earlier. My mother is a nurse and social worker, which gave me the privilege of seeing firsthand the power and value of being a true helper who can see and solve problems, small and large.

www.ryecountryday.org 37

FEATURE

One of the most influential voices in the sustainable development movement, Joanna Underwood ’58 sees Rye Country Day’s motto, Not for self, but for Service, as a perfect guidepost for action.

To her, it says, ‘We’re here on this earth and we want to live lives that address the problems we see.’

Passion, Determination, and Action

BY LORI FERGUSON

hen Joanna Underwood graduated from RCDS in 1958 and matriculated at Bryn Mawr to pursue a degree in European history, she had little idea that some 50 years later she would be widely recognized as a leading figure in the country’s environmental movement. “It really wasn’t until I was out of college that I got interested in these issues,” she says. “At the time I graduated, there weren’t even any significant federal environmental laws on the books—none.”

But the values that underpin Underwood’s RCDS education—a desire to make a difference in the world and a determination to live her life accordingly—have carried this passionate activist far, earning her Rye Country Day’s W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award (1995), and recognition from The Earth Times as one of the 100 most influential voices in the sustainable development movement.

For the past five decades, Underwood has labored tirelessly to establish policies that protect our world. From 1970 to 1973, she served as co-director of the Council on Economic Priorities, studying the egregious environmental practices of paper and pulp plant mills. “They were spewing out a lot of pollution,

1958, Joanna’s RCDS Yearbook photo.

38 Spring 2020

so my colleagues and I conducted an on-the-ground study of 129 mills to determine what changes they could implement to make a difference in their environmental impact,” she says.

1969, Joanna reading front page headlines in coverage of Paper Profits, the first report in the U.S. that compared companies by name and ranked them for their environmental records.

The ranking system was used by the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency in weighing how to evaluate business practices.

The results of their research were revealed in Paper Profits, a 700-page book published by MIT Press that detailed ways in which technology could be employed in corporate pollution control programs. “Our study rated the plants using a standard of ‘state-of-the-art’ for pollution control in paper mills as well as other industries. That standard ended up being used by the Environmental Protection Agency,” says Underwood.

Energized by the country’s burgeoning interest in air and water pollution, Underwood left the Council in 1974 to found INFORM, a research organization dedicated to identifying ways to prevent waste and the destruction of natural resources at the source. She spent the next three decades conducting research to underpin policy and program recommendations for everything from strip mining to the chemical industry, always with a focus on prevention.

“You change your idea of the solutions depending on what you know,” Underwood explains. “In the seventies, the EPA believed that we could end pollution—all of it—by the mid-eighties. We started out just worrying about litter on the roads and the black smoke coming from smokestacks. But there wasn’t enough room to put all

1972, Joanna at the release of The Price of Power, evaluating utilities environmental records.

1986, Joanna releasing Reclaiming the West, a study of the practices of strip mining companies.

1993, EPA Administrator William K. Reilly presenting Joanna with the Administrator’s Award for leadership in advancing the strategy of pollution prevention.

that waste, which led us to an interest in recycling. Another decade along, we realized that what we really needed to do was prevent waste in the first place.”

That was an ‘ah ha’ moment, says Underwood. “Through our research in the chemical industry, we discovered that fifty to eighty percent of all toxic waste could be eliminated at the source if plant managers didn’t automatically assume their plants were clean. So, we suggested practical changes they could make, including things as simple as not leaving hoses lying on the ground oozing chemicals.” INFORM’s recommendations were a key factor in inspiring the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, the first national law seeking to reduce or eliminate pollution at the source. “It was the first time in our country’s history that pollution prevention was considered a top priority,” Underwood recalls. “The law’s passage changed the paradigm in this country and others. It was utterly thrilling.”

In 2007, Underwood pivoted once again, leaving INFORM to launch Energy Vision, an organization focused solely on sustainable transportation. The task sounds enormous, Underwood concedes, but like other big challenges she has faced, she argues the answer lies in simply starting somewhere. “If you focus on anything specific, identify the roots of the problem and the practical solutions, you can make a difference,” she insists.

People can relate to the quest for sustainable transportation because it’s something that affects them personally, she says.

“Every day, we use cars and buses to get around, and we use trucks to move products from place to place. Most of the oil we consume is used to power these vehicles, and using gasoline and diesel causes health-threatening pollutants as well as greenhouse gases. So, identifying alternative fuels, and policies promoting them, is critical to our future.”

While electric vehicles work well for light duty vehicles, Underwood believes the best alternative fuel for heavy duty buses and trucks is natural gas made from organic waste. “We don’t have to drill for anything. We can take mountains of waste— everything organic from food wastes, to agricultural manures, etc. We can collect them and put them into an anaerobic digester tank where the methane gases these decomposing wastes emit can be turned into natural gas that can be used as fuel.”

The potential impact of this technology is astonishing, she says. “The amount of greenhouse gases trapped to make this renewable fuel can be much greater than the amount released by burning it.” This is important, Underwood observes, because

1997, Joanna taking a break while hiking in the hills of Scotland with her husband, artist Saul Lambert.

2014, Joanna and her grandnieces at the U.N. Climate March in New York City before the U.N. Conference on Climate Change.

as the world’s population continues to grow, so, too, does the amount of organic waste produced, which in turn means more greenhouse gases being created. “If we don’t get ahold of organic waste products and do something with them, we will never adequately solve our climate change problem,” she says.

“There are only a few things that we will leave behind, among them a sustainable environment that’s conducive to the health of our children.”

“It is our privilege on this planet to have livable conditions.

It’s imperative that we don’t destroy them,” Underwood says passionately.

Nevertheless, Underwood remains optimistic. She strongly believes that it’s within the next generation’s power to effect change, a conviction that springs from her own five decades of experience and her resulting commitment to support the next generation.

2015, Joanna receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Director of the Natural Gas Vehicle Association for her contributions to advancing the transition to alternative fuels.

“It’s important for young people not to be discouraged, but to understand the amount of dramatic change that’s taken place in the last 50 years even though much more needs to be done. One step at a time; that’s how progress is made,” Underwood continues. “Today’s students can make a tremendous difference; they just have to have the guts to get out, do research, ask questions, and offer practical solutions.”

Underwood is delighted by Rye Country Day’s commitment to sustainability and students’ determination to act as responsible, life-long stewards of the planet. “You won’t find more capable students anywhere, and I believe that today’s youth are truly concerned about the state of affairs in which we find ourselves.”

Rye Country Day’s motto, Not for Self, but for Service, is a perfect guidepost for action, she argues. “It says, ‘We’re here on this earth and we want to live lives that address the problems we see.’” Service can take many different forms, Underwood continues, but action is essential. “Sometimes people ask me, ‘How much will making these changes cost?’ But I think there’s another question of equal or more importance,” she concludes. “What is the price of not changing?”

Not for Self, but for Service 39

FEATURE

Q&A

GRADE 4 TEACHER

Stacy Kaufman

Stacy Kaufman has seen the Rye Country Day Lower School continually evolve during her 14 years at the School. We recently sat down with the Teacher Leader to discuss her work and how it advances the RCDS commitment to character, citizenship, and community.

You’re a Teacher Leader in the Lower School. Can you talk about the lesson studies you lead?

A few years ago, I joined the Community of Innovative Teachers as the Lower School representative.

Formed as part of the Institute for Innovative Teaching and Learning, this was a small committee whose purpose was to promote in-house collaboration and professional development within our school community. After the Institute project concluded, I wanted to continue to help foster the culture of observation and collaboration within the Lower School. I decided that the best way to do this was to begin a lesson study program where teachers could volunteer to develop a lesson with the help of three to five colleagues.

The lesson study program is guided by the belief that allowing teachers to observe each other in a constructive, collaborative way that focuses on the learners within the classroom enables us to see students, pedagogy, and content through a different lens. This in turn helps us discover new possibilities within the lesson that may not have initially occurred to us. During the lesson study, we ask ourselves: Is there another format that would better reach a particular group of students? Is there differentiation that could be built into the lesson so that each student’s needs are fully met? Is there

40 Spring 2020

a modification that could be made so that the material is more accessible to a certain learning profile?

Bringing together teachers from across the Lower School, lesson study conversations are always rich and purposeful. We are able to tap into each other’s expertise to hone our collective and individual teaching skills. We have an exceptionally talented faculty, and using each other as a support system in strengthening our craft is truly the most effective professional development there is! Being able to work with my colleagues in this way has been deeply inspiring, and I always leave the experience with new and exciting perspectives, ideas, and strategies that I can incorporate into my own teaching.

You’re part of a wonderfully collaborative partnership of Grade 4 teachers. Can you share a little bit about that?

Not a day goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars for being part of such an incredible fourth grade team!

Caryn Olson and Nicole Leath are not only teachers that I look up to and admire professionally, they are two of the most wonderful human beings that I know. Each of us has a singular approach to teaching, and we respect and value each other’s individual strengths. Rarely does a

day go by that I don’t seek feedback or advice from both Ms. Olson and Ms. Leath on an activity, a lesson, or a unit of study. One of us will bounce a glimmer of an idea off of the other two, and before long, the three of us will have grown it into a fully developed plan that we are excited about navigating together.

Being able to collaborate with my colleagues is extremely important to me, and no one benefits more from this type of model than the students.

Our work together sets the tone for how we expect our students to learn as collaborative and enthusiastic members of the fourth grade community.

How are you highlighting the theme of citizenship for your students this year?

While I pride myself on the efforts that I put into making my students better readers, writers, mathematicians, and thinkers, there is nothing that matters more to me than enriching the way my students view themselves as people who are members of a community.

Students need to understand that each opinion, idea, and voice within our classroom is valued; each mistake, success, setback, and accomplishment is necessary; and we are all responsible for helping each other become the strongest members of our community that we can be. Simply put, strong citizens

bring out the best in those around them, and they help promote strong citizenship in others. It is my hope that emphasizing strong citizenship within the classroom will translate to strong citizenship within the school community, and, ultimately, the world.

At the beginning of the year, I created a citizenship poster that hangs in the front of my classroom. The poster depicts characters representing certain attributes and roles within the following scenarios and contexts:

• The Supporter • The Supported • The Risk-Taker • The Uphill Battler • The Unsure • The Proud • The Stubborn Mind • The Observer

Towards the end of the day (or whenever they are moved to speak), students have the opportunity to say, “Today I felt like the …” and fill in the blanks, selecting one of the characters from the poster. This is our way of exploring citizenship

because it helps students to see themselves both as individuals and as members of a community who play important and changing roles when interacting with classmates.

This is our microcosm of community, and it’s a fun way to encourage students to be aware of themselves, as well as the impact of their behavior and feelings. They take ownership of their citizenship and share in the collective responsibility for making our time together positive and our learning community thoughtful and joyful.

You’ve seen a number of students grow from Lower School to Upper School. What’s that like?

This might be my favorite part of my job! Watching “my kids” grow into adults over the years is a pretty cool thing, and I feel so lucky that I can keep my eye on them as they move up the grade levels. There are some students that return to my classroom to see me each year on the first day of school, the last day of school, or my birthday. Last year, the students that I taught as kindergartners my first year at RCDS graduated, and a group of them came to see me just before graduation. They shared some of the memories from our class, and they thanked me. It can be pretty easy to get lost in the daily pace of a school environment, but when students come back to see you, or when they smile at you in the hall 10 years later, it reminds you of the great impact that teachers and students have on each other.

How has Lower School evolved in your time as a teacher at RCDS? Over my 14 years at the Lower School, our curriculum has become stronger in terms of keeping a more cohesive scope and sequence across the grade levels. Atlas Rubicon, the School’s curriculum-mapping database, along with the work that the teachers have done in various committees and small groups, has really helped us to streamline our curriculum so that our skills and content are layered more effectively. Over the years, our faculty has continuously developed and stretched our definition of the word “teach.”

Between Public Purpose, Responsive Classroom, and the Portrait of a Graduate, we have grown our idea of teaching beyond imparting a set of skills and content to our students.

These institutional initiatives have encouraged and supported us in thinking about the ways that our teaching, at the base level, helps to shape our graduates in the most fundamental ways. The Lower School has always worked to educate the whole child, and as teachers, we are excited to continually reflect on and advance the Rye Country Day commitment to character education, teaching independence, out-ofthe-box thinking, social/emotional development, and the importance of citizenship within a community.

www.ryecountryday.org 41

PARENTS ASSOCIATION

GREETINGS FROM THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION The RCDS Parents Association’s primary mission is parent and guardian engagement— with each other and with the School—and we fulfill it through volunteerism and service.

Whether rallying around our Athletic Boosters, participating in the Book Fair, or coordinating events as Liaisons, our various committees, events, and activities are designed to strengthen our community. Together with the School, our goal is to create a warm environment that gives everyone a sense of belonging. You’re not just welcome here, you belong here.

Through the Parents Association, we celebrate what makes us unique and different and what we have in common. One significant shared experience among us is our decision to send our children to Rye Country Day School, knowing that this education is one of the greatest investments we could make for them and their future. This decision unites us all, current parents and parents of alumni alike, and fuels our work to create community and connection.

Membership within the RCDS parent and guardian community is lifelong, and the bonds we share keep the School robust, supporting both current and future generations of students, as well as alumni. Our deepest gratitude goes to our current and past families for their engagement, dedication, and service.

Our collective work makes us a joyful and strong community, and it is the embodiment of Not for Self, but for Service.

Rosa Perkins Rosa Perkins Parents Association President

For more information about the Parents Association, and parent volunteer opportunities, please visit www.ryecountryday.org/parentsassociation Scenes from the Book Fair, the Arts Festival & International Fair, and the RCDS Community Connections Dinner.

42 Spring 2020

2020

Annual Fund Now more than ever, it takes all of us.

Support #RCDStogether

An emergency Annual Giving effort for the Rye Country Day community in unprecedented times.

Make Your Gift Today RYECOUNTRYDAY.ORG/GIVE 914.925.4523, VENMO@RYECOUNTRYDAY, OR USE THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

ALUMNI

REUNION

An unforgettable weekend at RCDS!

In October, RCDS welcomed over 250 alumni back to campus to celebrate Wildcat Weekend and Reunion. This year, alumni with class years ending in “4” and “9” celebrated a milestone Reunion, and alumni from other classes were also invited to join in the fun. During Reunion, alumni reconnected, relived old memories, toured

campus, participated in

classroom activities, and cheered

on our Wildcat athletes during an

unforgettable weekend at Rye

Country Day. < Class of 1969, 50th Reunion

From left: Tony Meeker ’67, Peter Klein ’69, David Rasmussen ’67, Suzanne Jacobs Davidson ’69, William Perta ’70, Barbara MoreyMatison ’69, Robert Silton ’69, Jane Shuman ’69, Seth Cummins ’69, Susan Reed Sazer ’69, David Doniger ’69, Joan Albert Dreux ’69, Andrew Tompkins ’69, Ann Haralambie ’69, Edward Kleinbard ’69, Maria Rabar ’69, Steve Harris ’69, Nancy Reade Everett ’69, Andy Stevens ’69, Richard Perlman ’69.

en d l o G mni Alu

< Class of 1974, 45th Reunion

Front row, from left: Dick Pike H’11, Corey Shanus, Lisa Hotte Young, Carol Stark Fahey, Lynne Reichart Graves, Liane Dorsey, Howard Baron. Center row, from left: Alfred Tartaglia, Mark Altman, Adair Brown Rowland, Betsie Bremer Piussan, Brian Kabcenell, Mark Pretzat. Back row, from left: Joe Guarnaccia, David Moore, Ted Prince, Lee Fleischman, Harry Graves.

<

Class of 1979, 40th Reunion

Front row, from left: Lorre Erlick, Ashley Plunkett Trivett, Wendi Dritz Carver, Cheryl Peress, Lucy Klingenstein, Lauren Sedler Lott, Micheline Roth DiNardo.

Center row, from left: Cary Chapin Yarema, Mary Liebman Blum, Lisa Friede, Laurie Blau Paul, Simon Benattar, Adam Friedlander. Back row, from left: Sue Elkind Orchant, Susan Burger, Ken Malloy, Jonathan Paul, Richard Mendel, Mark Goldstein, Alan Dorsey, Daniel Zako.

< Class of 1984, 35th Reunion 44 Spring 2020

Front row, from left: Jessica Feinberg Twedt, Robin Beringer Massondi, Peggy Mann Berenblum, Jill Garfunkel Dessau, Carolyn Lese Goldberg, Louise Murray Wolfson.

Center row, from left: David Rukeyser, Kim Wachenheim Wagman, Brent Forester, David Frydman. Back row, from left: Rob Barrett, Alex Gardner, Angelo Fazio, Tom Coleman.

< Class of 1989, 30th Reunion

Front row, from left: Karina Kindler, Deborah Miller Sindell, Hans Dorsainvil, Emily Lazar, Stacey Demar, Deborah Coffina, Dick Pike H’11. Center row, from left: Tim Horvath, David Fisher, Doug Ganley, Garrick Gelinas, Derek Martin, Tim Silverman.

Back row, from left: Jeremy Kroll, Jonathan Haas, Kier DeLeo, Chris Connelly, Ben Levy, Nicholas Dunn.

<

Class of 1994, 25th Reunion Front row, from left: Anne-Marie Peterson, Robin Quittell Ponticelli, Gail Kornstein Ridder, Harper Fertig Robinson, Emily Finkelstein Cooper, Dick Pike H’11. Center row, from left: Julia Cathcart Shabat, Jesse Bass, Matt Delehanty, Stacy Klingenstein Gonzalez, David Javitch, Vanessa Kroll Bennett, Christian DeGennaro. Back row, from left: Bill Kelsey, Nicole Maisel Feldman, Sophie Jacobi-Parisi, Jesse Redniss, Richard Dell’Aquila, Jordan Berns, Jamie Schwartz.

< Class of 2004,

Class of 1999, 20th Reunion

<

15th Reunion

Front row, from left: Lisa Bottomley Finkenstaedt, Jillian Rosengard, Jessica Peck. Back row, from left: David Thomas, Keisha Browne, Doug Behrman.

Front row, from left: Rachel Rones, Matt Weissman, Brian Edelman, Joe Flutie, Mike Greenhaus. Center row, from left: Will Robertson, Jon Goldstein, Matt Toth, Ben Turshen, Joe Nuculovic. Back row, from left: Brendon Nelson, Hans Reichstetter, Dave Lamont, Devin Landin, Kevin McGovern.

< Class of 2009, 10th Reunion Front row, from left: Jake Stavis, Angilique Coleman, Becca Diefenbach, Kelly Gordon, Lauren Thomas, Alyssa Wohl. Second row, from left: Zoe Parker, Cody Levine, Jessica DiChiacchio, Ryan Blatt, Robert Halperin, Erica Adler. Third row, from left: Sandy Sternberg, Michael Stewart, Sean Bryant, Laura Pantaleo, Sarah Black, Lucas Prouve, Mike Schumaker, Amanda Platek, Marni Aronson. Back row, from left: Marco Blasetti, Andrew Nathanson, Matt Peterson, CJ Gray, Amanda Cole, Joey Connor, Jordan Kemp, Connor McDade.

Class of 2014, 5th Reunion

<

Front row, from left: Francesca Colombo, Natalie Sternberg, Kevin Collado, Constance Blatt, Daniel Tricarico, Ruby Aresty, Stephanie Sabatini, William Sobel, Alexandra Friedlander, Tyler Harkness. Second row, from left: Cynthia Luo, Maddie Gallagher, Summer Kitahara, Chase Jaeger, Alex Boccanfuso, Kat DiCaprio, Lauren Levine, Dylan Bass, Gabi Salomon, Max Wright, Henry Townley. Third row, from left: Tyler Miller, Henry Alderson Smith, George Matelich, Phoebe DeVito, Gabe Regan, Tyler Fernandez, Andrew Starker, Annabelle Brody, Michael Farber, Kyle Hanlon. Back row, from left: William Chai, James McPhail, Alex Kassin, Serafim Rocco, Lizzie Coleman, Hannah Needle, Amanda Weinstein, Paul Leake, Amanda Dubin, Avery Wagman.

www.ryecountryday.org 45

ALUMNI

At the Golden Alumni Luncheon, members of the class of 1969 were honored on the occasion of their 50th Reunion along with alumni who graduated earlier. Classmates gathered and shared fond memories of the School and reveled in their long-lasting RCDS bonds of community and friendship. During the luncheon, the group also heard from Headmaster Scott Nelson who reflected on the many changes around campus since they last visited. It was a memorable event full of good cheer and RCDS spirit.

Alumni also visited the Makerspace in the Cohen Center for Creative Arts, where they participated in projects led by student apprentices and RCDS faculty.

They were impressed by the space and inspired by the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fascinating work.

46 Spring 2020

The weekend culminated with the annual All

Alumni and Reunion Cocktail Reception, where

old friends came together and new connections were made in the festively decorated Dunn Performing Arts Center. It was truly wonderful to see alumni from across the decades celebrating their shared membership in the RCDS community.

Thank you to all who attended

Reunion weekend, and special thanks to our dedicated Reunion Class Committee Members who worked tirelessly to encourage attendance and ensure that Reunion was enjoyable for all.

Not for Self, but for Service 47

ALUMNI

Class Notes FALL ’19/WINTER ’20

1946

Anne Howe, daughter of Helen “Brucie” Douglas Talcott ’46, writes, “I want to let you know how grateful my 91-year-old mother is for the education and friendships she received from her school. She enjoys looking at school publications and was astounded by the growth of the campus when we drove through several years ago. She often credits her math teacher for letting her be treasurer of an organization and helping to develop her organizational and problem solving skills. Keep up the good work!”

1958

Susan Burke Austin ’58 writes, “Sending best wishes to all former classmates and friends of so many years ago. I am still in England; lost my husband Douglas three years ago, but happily have all three sons and five grandchildren nearby. Still busy with church activities and guiding at a National Trust house near where I live. Grateful for a lot.”

1967

Unable to attend Wildcat Weekend and Reunion on campus at RCDS, classmates Kathie Albert Westpheling ’67, Susan Grace ’67, and Ellen Glaser ’67 celebrated with their own mini reunion over dinner in Venice Beach, CA.

1987

Ellen Kaplan Lovelace ’87 writes, “I'm happy to share that I am Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®.

To earn this designation, I had to document and demonstrate an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding of holistic nutrition, as well as how to apply it in a

48 Spring 2020

credible and responsible manner to help others. The process involved documenting over 500 hours of client contact time and sitting for a rigorous exam, among other things.

Very few BCHN® certifications have been awarded to date, so I’m thrilled to be among the vanguard.”

1989

1994

Emily Lazar '89 was the mastering engineer on Vampire Weekend's Father of the Bride, which received a Grammy nomination for album of the year. Emily made history in 2019 when she became the first woman mastering engineer to take home the Grammy for Best Engineered Album for Beck's Colors.

Vanessa Kroll Bennett ’94 writes, “A screening of our Godspell performance 25 years later over Reunion weekend—I was worried it wouldn’t be as good as I remembered, but it was still so moving and beautiful. Thank you to our amazing director Dick Pike H’11 and our fabulous musical director Mary Marcell.”

1990

Ryan Salm ’94 shares that his 2015 film Kharma Bums is now streaming on Amazon. The film, is a feature-length travel adventure documentary, that follows a 130-mile stand-up paddle board journey, beginning at the Kumbh Mela, the largest gathering of humans ever recorded.

30TH REUNION

Before the holidays, Priscilla Funck, former parent and RCDS nurse, wrote, “Just a note wishing you a restful and joyous holiday. Ken and I are doing well up here in Old Saybrook.

It was a great move for us. We've met wonderful friends, and I'm very involved in the community. We're looking forward to spending time with our children and grandchildren this Christmas. We're heading up to see Brett Funck ’90 and his family.

Brett and family now live at Ft. Drum, NY. He moved up there in June and is the Deputy Commander of the 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum.”

As part of a campaign to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis, Carolyn Cannistraro ’90 finished an 8K portion of the Richmond Marathon.

Carolyn, who has been battling MS for most of her adult life shared, “It's important to be an example by doing what I'm supposed to be doing and getting out there and stretching my boundaries.” What an inspiration!

1997

Michelle Freis Dancyger ’97 writes, “I'm pleased to share I have joined Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International!

Please message me if you are interested in buying or selling, or if you want to tour Westchester!”

Lisa Weinberg Isaacson ’97 and her husband, Adam, welcomed daughter Stella Kash into the world on January 9, 2020. Stella’s “bodyguards,” Max (RCDS Class of 2031) and Spencer, were so excited to meet their new baby cousin!

Lindsay Marcus ’97 writes, “I am excited to share the debut single and video from WyWy, a very talented 10-year-old artist. I had the pleasure of producing and co-writing the song.”

1999

Congratulations to Ben Turshen ’99 who just opened Ben Turshen Meditation. This new studio is the first of its kind in Cleveland, Ohio.

2000 20TH REUNION

Kate Carcatera Wood ’00 and her husband, Clem, shared that Oliver Lorenzo Wood was born at 2:45 p.m. on December 4, weighing 7 lbs. and 13 oz.

Wallis Finger ’00 and her husband, Ed, welcomed their second child, Isaac Joel Gorman, born on January 18, 2020. “Ike” joins big sister Annie, who is three years old.

Burt Weiss ’00 and his wife, Michelle, welcomed their third child, Nathan Ion Weiss, on November 8, 2019, weighing in at 8 lbs. and 8 oz. and measuring 22 inches long. Nathan joins big brothers George and Dean.

2002

Katie Hunt ’02, co-founder of SHOWFIELDS, “the most interesting store in the world,” was selected as a speaker at The Retail Summit 2020 at Atlantis, Dubai.

2005 15TH REUNION

Lisa Rosenfeld Beaudreault ’05 and her husband welcomed their daughter, Eliana Rose, this past summer. Maternal grandmother Dorothy Rosenfeld writes, “The name Eliana is in memory of great-grandpa Eli Levine, and her middle name, Rose, is meant to continue the legacy of the Rosenfelds.”

Alumni Profiles KATIE HUNT ’02

When it comes to building creative enterprises, Katie Hunt ’02 is a force of nature. From her first job as the third employee of the designer eyewear company Warby Parker—a company co-founded by her brother and former RCDS student Andrew—to her current gigs as co-founder of the revolutionary retailer Showfields and The Fund, an innovative earlystage venture fund supporting New York City entrepreneurs, Hunt has repeatedly demonstrated the transformative power of bringing outside-the-box thinking to business.

She confesses to being as surprised as anyone at her journey. “When I

ANDRES SOTO ’13

By Lori Ferguson

I reflect on what I learned at Rye Country Day on a daily basis—I had incredible teachers and was part of a generous community that helped me grow. imagined my career, I never thought I was going to sit at a desk, and yet here I am,” says the literary and theater arts major with a wry chuckle. Beginning her career in customer service at Warby Parker proved providential, she continues.

“I discovered that I was madly in love with the creative world of start-ups.

When you’re working within a new paradigm, there are no answers, only people who can come up with great solutions. When I started, I thought I would be given a to-do list that I would complete and then be told ’great job.’ But I quickly realized that in a fast-growing company that’s breaking new ground, I had to be a person who asks questions and solves problems.” Hunt says her three years at the company were like business school. “I learned that everything was worth trying as long as you could justify why you were

“My parents are immigrants—my mother is from Guatemala and my father is from Columbia—and it was important to them that my siblings and I have the opportunity to obtain the best education possible,” he explains. It wasn’t always easy, he concedes. “For me, the challenge of attending independent schools was due more to the socioeconomic

Today Hunt is helping others discover what’s possible through her work with Showfields, an innovative retail store that’s uniting e-commerce and technology to revolutionize the physical retail experience. Currently operating in New York City, Hunt says the business will be opening in multiple new locations this year.

The Fund is growing, too, expanding to Los Angeles and London. “For start-ups, the two big challenges are access to knowledge and access to funding, and The Fund allows us to provide entrepreneurs with both,” she explains. “I love helping start-ups. For me, it feels like solving a wonderful problem—based on the resources you have, how do you get to the next level?”

Queried as to a personal motto, Hunt says hers is a little twist on Rye Country Day’s Not for Self, but for Service. “It’s ’Not for self, but for community.’ I feel like I can best serve my community by building systems in which people can be successful. My goal is to create a stage on which my communities can thrive, and it’s a privilege.”

Hunt credits RCDS with preparing her to contribute in this way. “I reflect on what I learned there on a daily basis—I had incredible teachers and was part of a generous community that helped me grow,” she enthuses. Among them was stagecraft instructor Dulcie Arnold, one of Hunt’s first teachers at Rye Country Day and a recent visitor to Showfields. “To give a tour to someone I wanted to make proud was so meaningful,” says Hunt. “I continue to feel the support of the RCDS community and I’m so grateful.”

Rye Country Day taught me a strong work ethic, and I learned the importance of giving back as well as looking ahead. divide than the racial divide, but the experience helped me to develop a greater sense of identity. At the end of the day, it’s not where your family is from, but what you can deliver,” he asserts.

Andres Soto ’13 believes fiercely in the transformative power of education. A first-generation college student, Soto, who speaks three languages, earned a degree in applied mathematics from Columbia University and now works as a software engineer at Google. And he says he achieved it all because of the numerous opportunities he has been given to learn and grow.

trying it,” she says. “The group at Warby Parker showed me you can make anything possible.”

Soto also believes in leveraging his self-betterment to better others.

“I’ve been incredibly privileged, so I want to learn as much as I can and then give back, both to my family and to others. I feel a duty to pave the way for other first-generation and Hispanic students.”

To that end, Soto champions the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC), where he began his education and now serves on the board. “CLC helps children at the very beginning of their lives by providing access to high-quality education.

They invested in me and gave me the resources to grow.”

He also serves as an alumni council chair at the Waterside School, where

he was a member of the first class.

“Waterside’s founder, Chip Kruger, had a vision for bridging the education gap by providing children from economically challenged communities with the skills they need to gain admission to more competitive independent schools. That mission resonates with me. Waterside set me up for success. They got me into New Canaan Country School by the fourth grade, and from there I moved on to Rye Country Day and Columbia University. I’ve seen how education opens doors.”

Soto was very happy at RCDS, and he sees the connection between his experience at the School and his subsequent achievements.

“The school pushed me a lot. It was frustrating at times, but the experience also set me up for success in college.” He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia, where he also received a Presidential Global Fellowship and an Applied

Mathematics Faculty Award.

Faculty members’ commitment to students made a profound impression on Soto. “My math teacher, Ms. Judy Conant, and my physics teacher, Dr. Mary Krasovec, were terrific.

Mr. Cavanaugh taught my AP Spanish course and helped me build confidence in my ability to write. And, Ms. Ileana Carafas, my advisor for three years, was a pillar of support— she was always there for me.”

Soto is also grateful to RCDS for the life skills the School instilled. “Rye Country Day taught me a strong work ethic, and I learned the importance of giving back as well as looking ahead.”

“I have great intellectual curiosity and huge dreams,” he says. “For me, it’s always been about pushing myself.”

Echoing the School’s motto of Not for Self, but for Service, Soto concludes, “I want to leave my mark on the world.” www.ryecountryday.org 49

ALUMNI

L E AV I N G A L E G A C Y

Class Notes FALL ’19/WINTER ’20

2006

Sam Rosenfeld ’08 and Chloe Gardner recently celebrated their engagement.

Check out the song Flowers, which is a wonderful RCDS collaboration: music by saxophone teacher Alexander McCabe (he also plays the piano on the recording), lyrics by Grace Casale ’22, and vocals courtesy of RCDS alumnus Robi Hager ’06.

Kenny Rosenzweig ’06 co-founded Rowgatta, New York’s newest boutique rowing fitness studio in Union Square and was interviewed about it on Fox 5 New York.

2008

2009

Kate Feiner ’09 and Raymond Paul Lorenzoni, III, were married on Saturday, October 19, 2019, in New York City. Kate’s sister, Meredith Feiner ’03, was the maid of honor and RCDS classmate Sarah Kanarek ’08 was a bridesmaid.

The Susan J. Life Society recognizes and honors the generosity of those who have made provisions for the School in their wills or estate plans.

For more information on ways to combine planning for the future and support of Rye Country Day School, please contact Julie McCrory ’03, Manager of Stewardship and Engagement, at (914) 925-4526 or julie_mccrory@ryecountryday.org

Maddy Moelis ’08 was featured in Fortune Magazine, one year after cofounding the cookware startup Great Jones. For those of you who enjoy cooking or know someone who does, check out www.greatjonesgoods.com.

YOU’VE

GOT

Julia Lindon ’09 returned to campus to teach an improv class to peer leaders. Julia guided the group

MAIL!

In October, parents of alumni and current parents gathered on campus to assemble over 100 goodyfilled, Halloween-themed care packages for RCDS alumni in college. It was a festive gathering that highlighted the RCDS community and the meaningful, lifelong bonds that alumni and parents have with each other and the School. We send best wishes to all of our alumni in college—and beyond. Special thanks to the parents who volunteered their time and energy for this event, which was coordinated by the Office of Advancement.

Stay connected with the RCDS alumni community!

50 Spring 2020

Visit www.ryecountryday.org/alumni or contact Melissa Mahoney Wirth ’97, Manager of Alumni Relations, at melissa_wirth@ryecountryday.org or (914) 925-4525 to submit class notes and learn about alumni events and volunteer opportunities.

through a number of challenging and entertaining exercises that had them laughing and learning. Julia visited campus again with Karen Eilbacher ’06 and Director Taylor Nagel for a student Q&A and screening of their film Lady Liberty, which was featured at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. Wonderful to see this RCDS creative collaboration in action—as writer and creator Julia stars in the show alongside fellow alum Karen.

2010 10TH REUNION

Gilbert Hernandez ’11 writes, “My project that I am currently working on is GXH Capital, a minority-owned venture capital firm with the goal of altering the diversity landscape in tech by investing in startups with missions that will help the world. Our goal is to invest in diverse, underrepresented founders and founders who are committed to helping the less fortunate and to change the world.

Here is the website https://gxhcapital. com. If this is something you would like to hear more about, or if you know someone who would be interested, please let me know.”

Taylor Washington ’11 became one of only four players from Nashville’s 25-man 2019 USL club to be retained

by Nashville FC. Taylor signed a new contract just as Nashville FC joined the MLS, North America’s top professional soccer league.

High school sweethearts Hannah Loewentheil ’10 and Zachary Tax ’10 were married at Allen Farm on Martha’s Vineyard on September 21, 2019. Hannah shared that seven out of her 10 bridesmaids were RCDS friends: Sarah Kaidanow ’10, Ginny McDermott ’10, Rachel DeRosa ’10, Laura Canning ’10, Nealy Nimocks ’10, Lindsay Haut ’10, and sister Sarah Loewentheil ’16.

Janelle McDermoth ’10 performed in a “non-musical/non-play/nonconcert” called We’re Gonna Die at the 2nd Stage Theater.

2011

Caroline Breinin ’11 visited RCDS to discuss global service opportunities that support students at the Wema Children’s Center in Kenya, where she is a board member.

Michael Rosenfeld ’11 was recently promoted to Senior Engineer at Google.

Zoe Verni ’15 was awarded the Joukowsky Scholar-Athlete Award and was named Phi Beta Kappa by Brown University, where she was a four year starter on the Women’s Lacrosse team.

2016

Former WildScat David Townley ’16 recently performed with the Yale Whiffenpoofs in a special event at American Yacht Club in Rye.

2019

Kioni Shropshire-Maina ’19 was among the 2020 National Young Arts winners. This year, 686 of the nation’s most promising young artists in the visual, literary, and performing arts were selected from thousands of applications and representing artists residing in 40 states and six international countries. Kioni was recognized for her writing.

Words With Wildcats Front row, from left: Shams Elbardissy ’17, Jared Jones ’17, Brett Robinson ’19, Billy O’Meara ’19, Andrew Farber ’12, Billy Cooper ’83. Back row, from left: Michael Farber ’14, Joseph Connor ’09, Michael Pfeffer ’84, Alex Gardner ’84, Matthew Farber ’16, Jason Schnall ’19.

Marni Aronson ’09, Dana A. Cates ’03, Billy Cooper ’83, Nicole Fanjul ’02, Ramesh Grandhi ’97, Vanessa Jackson ’05, Pamella Jenkins ’98, René Lumley-Hall ’96, Tim Silverman ’89, and Zachary Tax ’10 were featured in our new online alumni Q&A series, Words with Wildcats. Read their answers at www.ryecountryday.org/ wordswithwildcats

2019

Thanksgiving Games

Former WildScat Raveena Aurora ’11 recorded a live video for Tiny Desk Concert on NPR.

2013

Carolyn Binder ’13 shared that she left her job at Google to play professional basketball in Ireland. While in Ireland, she will also be getting her masters in marketing at Trinity College Dublin Business School.

Adam Alpert ’13 co-founded the startup Pangea.app, which recently won a Rhode Island Inno “On Fire” Award. Pangea.app started as a peerto-peer marketplace for students looking to find contract work and now also connects companies with students in need of work.

2015

5TH REUNION Jourdan Layne ’15 performed in a dance production called The Nativity: Birth of a King this past December.

Front row, from left: Erek Nimphius ’06, Jacob Marcus ’04, Michael Zody ’86, George Kappus ’90, Andrew Wiener ’93, Charlotte Fleischman ’16, Robert Grossberg ’86, Chris Clark ’86. Back row, from left: Henry Beshar ’12, Coach Ted Heintz, Coach Anthony Felice, Tim Schliftman ’01, Geoff Exum ’03, Robert Striar ’90, Jack Carroll ’13, Jack Kissell ’19, Scott Weiss ’96, Rick Lipsey ’85, Coach Frank Effinger, Coach Gil “C” Castagna.

Many thanks

to the young alumni who returned to campus to meet with current and prospective families to share how the School prepared them for life after RCDS. Jared Jones ’17 (Football, Amherst College) and Connor Marrs ’19 (Cross Country, Bowdoin College) met with Upper School families and students to share their experiences in the college athletic recruitment process. CeCe Payne ’17, Daniel de Leon ’18, Jarvy O’Neill ’17, Taylor Regan ’17, Kyle Castagna ’18, and Hanna Kopits ’17 participated in a panel for prospective families, where they reflected on the impact RCDS has had on their lives and how it prepared them for their experiences in college.

Old friends gathered and new connections were made at the annual RCDS Alumni Thanksgiving Games and Reception on November 29. Over 40 alumni from across the decades came together for friendly competition in basketball and hockey. With Coaches Castagna and Effinger on the ice and Coaches Haft and Barile on the court, the games were energetic and the players were eager to compete as Wildcats once again.

The games concluded with a festive gathering where hockey players Erek Nimphius ’06 and Scott Weiss ’96 and basketball players Jared Jones ’17 and Andrew Farber ’12 were recognized as Most Valuable Players for their teams.

The event was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with RCDS spirit and community!

Not for Self, but for Service 51

In Memoriam Alumni

MARGARET HAMILTON STEERS ’45, 92, of Rye and Tannersville, New York, died peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2020. Peggy was born on February 25, 1927, in New York City and grew up in Rye. She was a daughter of the late Angelina Chamberlin and Macaulay Hamilton. She was educated at Rye Country Day School and the Westover School, and she was a long time member of the Apawamis Club, the American Yacht Club, the Onteora Club, and the National Society of Colonial Dames. Peggy had an extensive history in various horticultural and charitable organizations. She was a member of the Garden Club of America, an honorary member of the Rye Garden Club, one of the founders and vice-chairwoman of the former Westchester Classic golf tournament, and a past president of the Twig Organization of the United Hospital in Port Chester. She also served on the board of managers and board of trustees of the United Hospital, as president of the Board of Managers of the Osborn Retirement Community, and as a board member of the Onteora Club. Peggy was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Charles R.C. Steers, Jr., and she is survived by her three sons, Charles R.C. Steers III ’69, Robert Hamilton Steers ’71 (Lauren Smith), and William Macy Steers ’75 (Nancy Wilkinson), all of whom live in Rye. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Former Faculty

WHITNEY BLAIR, Former long-time faculty member and past parent Whitney “Whit” Blair of Brunswick, Maine, died on October 6, 2019.

He was 95 years old. Born in 1924, Whit spent his childhood in Wayland, Massachusetts, and then attended Phillips Exeter Academy. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and attended Harvard College, graduating in 1945. An active and proud alumnus of both Exeter and Harvard, Whit was a regular organizer and attendee of many alumni events. From 1948-1951, he taught Latin at Hebron Academy, where he met his wife, Susan Bridge Blair (deceased June 2018). Whit was a beloved teacher of Latin and Greek at RCDS for over 33 years, and he served as Chair of the Classics Department. While teaching at the School, he extended his passion for travel and the ancient world by planning and leading annual trips for students and families to Italy, Greece, Egypt, and other locations in the Mediterranean. These trips left a lasting impact on the impressionable minds of many students and helped to expand their sense of the world.

Whit was also an active participant in RCDS plays and musicals, and he sang in the Christ Church Choir and the Greenwich Choral Society and played classical piano through his nineties. Music was an integral part of his life for his personal enjoyment. He instilled that same passion in his children who ultimately followed suit with musical pursuits of their own.

52 Spring 2020

Parents of Alumni Whit and Susan retired to Brunswick, Maine, in 1996, where he took classes at Bowdoin College, continued his study of piano, sang with the Choral Arts Society in Portland, and regularly played roles in productions at The Theater Project.

Whit is survived by his daughter, Susan Blair Brew ’73, and her two sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren; his daughter, Kathy Blair Beringer ’76, and her husband, Fred Beringer, and their two children; his son, Tim Blair ’87, and his wife, Kate Dempsey and their two daughters; his daughter-in-law, Lark Newick Blair, and her six children, and his beloved cousin, Mary Lenore Blair, of Cold Spring Harbor, NY. He was predeceased by his son, Whitney Pierpoint Blair ’72, “Pete”, who died in 2009, and by his sister, Emily Blair Keith, who died in 2014.

GEORGE MAYER, JR., 90, passed away peacefully in New York City on January 24, 2020. George, or Mr. Mayer as he was known to the generations of students he taught, was an indefatigable supporter of the arts, in particular theater. He was born on May 22, 1929, in Pittsburgh, where he grew up and did his early teaching. He went on to teach in Rye and New York City.

As a teacher of English at Rye Country Day from 1954 to 1963, George ignited an enthusiasm for literature, an appreciation of the theater and the classics, and a rigorous respect for language; he did the same at the Trinity School in New York City from 1963 to 1975. With his colleagues at RCDS, George transformed the pedagogy and the curriculum, and earned the life-long respect and affection of his students. “I have very vivid and very memories of him as a mentor and an inspiration to my appreciation of literature and a drama,” wrote Holly Bishop ’63. He similarly inspired his students at Trinity School in New York who included such notables as director Doug Hughes, who reflected, “It seems criminally inaccurate to refer to George Mayer as my high school English teacher.”

Each of George’s teaching posts brought him closer to his greatest love, the theater. Retiring from Trinity, George continued to inspire other students from New York schools through his tutoring. In his second act, George devoted himself to supporting many not-for-profit theaters in New York City, in particular the Mint, Red Bull Theater, and Theater for a New Audience, joining his love for the arts, actors, and directors, with his devotion to education, especially sharing Shakespeare with young people. Generously giving of his many talents to nurture these young companies, he helped to build audiences, find funders, and write program notes. He also served as a cheerleader, singing their praises to every available ear.

JUDITH C. HAMMEL, mother of current parent Jeff Hammel ’87 and grandmother to Ryan Hammel ’20 and Jack Hammel ’22, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2020. Judy lived in White Plains for 20 years before moving to Rye in 1981. She graduated from Becker Junior College and worked at General Electric in Manhattan before starting her family.

Her family wrote, “Judy was game to try any sporting activity, especially with her children, from sailing to skating, skiing, and fishing. Throughout her life she was very creative and artistic, and a talented painter.” Judy also enjoyed volunteering in school libraries and working at Rye City Hall.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, George Hammel; three children, Karen Ruge, Jeff Hammel, and Jean Hammel Hiraman; and six grandchildren.

Donations in Judy’s name may be made to the Carver Center in Rye. COSTAS LOS, former RCDS trustee, father of Maria Los Notias ’88 and Stella Los Paiz ’93, and husband to wife of 50 years Christina, passed away unexpectedly at home in Westchester County on October 24, 2019. He was 79 years old. He was a true patriarch and gentleman in every sense, and he will be profoundly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations in Costas’s memory may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of New Rochelle or to FUNSEPA. JUDITH MARTIN, mother of Hannah Blumer ’12 and Rachel Blumer ’10, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2019. She earned her B.S. from Boston University and her M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. She founded Green Home Consulting and worked with home owners to encourage the building and renovation of healthy, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly homes.

She was a member of the Board of the New York League of Conservation Voters and a trustee of Wainwright House in Rye. Donations may be given in her memory to The Nature Conservancy or Wainwright House.

JEAN WEATHERS-LOWIN, mother of Ariel Weathers-Lowin ’92, died on September 18, 2019, at the age of 78 in South Burlington, Vermont.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota in architecture, Jean specialized in renovation and restoration, spending most of her career in New York and Connecticut. Music was her lifelong joy, with the earlier years spent in choral work in churches and the Minneapolis Symphony Chorus, as well as conducting children secular and religious choirs. She is survived by daughter Alexandra Keats (Martha Dickinson) of Norwich, VT; daughter Ariel Weathers-Lowin (Dan Bissonette) of Shelburne, VT; son Benjamin Weathers-Lowin (Stephanie Cournoyer) of Burlington, VT; four grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews; sister Molly (Bill Miller) of Casper, WY; and brother David Weathers (Karen Edelman) of Long Lake, MN; and former husband Leeam Lowin of Greenwich, CT.

Citizenship

BY THE NUMBERS 150+ members

of the RCDS community laced up for Wildcat Weekend’s Fun Run, which supports the CAN DO FOOD DRIVE benefiting the Carver Center Food Pantry

720 HOURS

of coding for AP with We Service projects by 36 AP Computer Science A students

26 Peer Leaders 39

Student Mentors in Boys’ and Girls’ Mentoring

30

Upper School tutors in the SET enrichment program, improving literacy skills for first through fourth grade local students

4

Rye City Council Human Rights Award Nominees

330

Students in Pre-K through Grade 6 supported the American Heart Association through the Kids Heart Challenge

198

SECONDS!

the length of video third graders created for the CAN DO DRIVE to celebrate community participation

8 DAYS of the LS Hat and Mitten Drive 5 DAYS of the MS Coat Drive

FACEBOOK.COM/RYECOUNTRYDAY @RYECOUNTRYDAY  @RYECOUNTRYDAY

120+

Students, faculty, and staff marched in the Global Climate Strike

70+

Participants in UPLIFT and SoC, mentorship and affinity programs for students of color in Grades K - 12

40

Students, families, faculty, and staff participated in the MS Day of Service

81%

Average compliance with single stream recycling guidelines in Upper and Lower School trash and recycling bins during the month-long, school-wide Recycling Challenge

Non-profit U.S. postage PAID White Plains, NY Permit #1782

Not for Self, but for Service in Action Rye Country Day faculty and students used 3D printing technology to make and donate personal protective equipment for healthcare workers serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Read about this and other ways that RCDS put its motto, Not for Self, but for Service, into action in recent months on page 10.