the bulletin - Spring 2021

SPRING

2021

the bulletin

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

Speak Up

the bulletin

SPRING

2021

Connect with SBS

Editor

sbschool.org

Maeve Ryan, Marketing & Communications Manager Design Peter Chilton, peterchilton.com Editorial Board Stephanie Luebbers, Head of School Susan Mattei, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83, Assistant Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Mark Luebbers, Faculty Kristen Mariotti, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment & Strategy Sharon Weyers, Associate Director of Admissions & Director of Financial Aid Cole Whitaker, Assistant to Head of School & Special Projects Manager Contributors Olly Ajao ’21 Jason Brown, Director of Technology Perrine Crampton ’81 Kate Strousse ’13 Kimberly Walker-Gonçalves P’21

Facebook facebook.com/sbschool facebook.com/stoneleighburnhamalumnae facebook.com/sbsequestrian Instagram instagram.com/sbschool instagram.com/stoneleighburnhamalumnae instagram.com/sbsequestrian Twitter @sbschoolorg Vimeo vimeo.com/stoneleighburnham Youtube youtube.com/StoneleighBurnham Stoneleigh-Burnham Connect sbsconnect.org To download the free Stoneleigh-Burnham Connect app, visit the Google Play Store or download 'Graduway Community' from the App Store and select Stoneleigh-Burnham School.

Change of address?

Email alumnae@sbschool.org or sbschool.org/alumnae/update-contact-info/

ON THE COVER: On the cover: The students featured on this issue’s cover are just four of the many incredible young women who speak up for Stoneleigh-Burnham School on a daily basis. We celebrate them and all of the students at SBS who share their voices with the world.

Breanna ’22

McKenna ’22

Rachel ’21

Student Council Vice President and Co-President of the Debate Society

Award-winning equestrian and World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship qualifier

Student Activities OEK and Founder of “Sweats for Pets”

Avdeep ’21 Community Alliance OEK

Student Artwork featured on next page (top to bottom): Born Into The World by Una Wu ’21, Rooftop by Helen Xie ’21, A Grape and Me by Gabi Lee ’22, Squash Blossoms by Ava Hafner ’25, and Self Portrait by Dahyun Ryu ’22.

in this issue: 2

Campus News

3

The Music in Our Voices

by Stephanie Luebbers

4

New Trustees and Committee Member Will Work to Move SBS Forward

5

SBS Students Make a Difference in The Ways They Speak Up

by Mark Luebbers

8

Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign

9

Alumnae Spotlight: Jillian Seigel ’14 and Pam Layton ’75

10 10 Things You Don’t Know

About Jason Brown

12 Giving Real Meaning to “Owls for Life”

by Olly Ajao ’21 and Perrine Crampton ’81

13 Class Notes 15 In Memoriam 16 Three Bequests Boost New SBS Campaign 17 Coda

by Kate Strousse ’13

We’d like to know what you think!

Do you have story ideas?

Send comments on the bulletin and story ideas to communications@sbschool.org

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA 01301 413.774.2711 sbschool.org the bulletin is printed with vegetable based inks on 10% post-consumer recycled FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper.

the bulletin S P R I N G

2021

Campus News Admissions With a commitment to educational access and in bold response to the ever-rising costs of independent school education, SBS announced a boarding tuition reset in early January 2021. This announcement came one year after the Board of Trustees approved a 40% decrease in the day student tuition. As Head of School Stephanie Luebbers commented, “It was always our plan to reduce both day and boarding tuition and the boarding reset is just one more reason for young women to ‘Say Yes to SBS.’” The new boarding tuition is approximately 10% lower than the average boarding school tuition in the United States and will make an SBS education accessible to a much wider range of students, thus enriching the educational experience for all. “Our day tuition reset yielded remarkable results in just one year, and we are optimistic that the same will be true with the boarding reset in time,” said Assistant Head of School for Enrollment & Strategy Kristen Mariotti. If you know a student who would benefit from an SBS education, please contact Kristen at kmariotti@sbschool.org.

Development & Alumnae Relations “It’s been exciting to see how much we’ve expanded our reach by taking our alumnae programs online during the pandemic,” said Susan Mattei, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations. During the fall, the Alumnae Board hosted an online gathering for those interested in helping SBS as volunteers. The Leadership Council volunteer group also held its meeting online and joined SBS students and faculty at Housemeetings.

Webinars hosted by Stephanie Luebbers helped alumnae learn about the School’s remote learning program. One of the School’s most ambitious ventures during the pandemic was the launch of Stoneleigh-Burnham Connect (sbsconnect.org). “Our new platform has attracted hundreds of alumnae,” said Mattei, “and many who have visited the site have offered to help or mentor others.” Stoneleigh-Burnham Connect includes a full alumnae directory, a newsfeed with the School’s social media, digital issues of the bulletin and the bi-monthly e-newsletter, photo albums, group pages, and webinars for alumnae. Mattei recommends downloading the StoneleighBurnham Connect app on your phone as well to get information about upcoming online events including this year’s Reunion Gala and Auction.

Campus Facility Changes During its period of remote learning, SBS updated its facilities in order to comply with new protocols imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. SBS invested in supplies, technologies and new practices to support students both on campus and at home.

Assistant to the Head of School and Special Projects Manager Cole Whitaker worked with Director of Maintenance Mark Pelis, Grounds Supervisor Matt Earl, Groundskeeper Scott Jillson, Dining Services Directors Carrie Holmes and Jeff VanIderstine, and Director of Health Services Jenny Potee to plan the necessary campus changes. These included: rearranging classrooms to allow the maximum social distancing possible, moving the Health Center, adding health and safety measures to the Dining Hall, inspecting ventilation systems, installing air purifiers in classrooms and other shared spaces, and implementing enhanced housekeeping practices including the use of electrostatic sprayers and safe, fast-acting cleaning and disinfecting products. In preparation for hybrid learning, the Technology Department also oversaw the purchase of owl cameras for classrooms. These devices utilize a microphone to identify who is speaking while projecting a live video image of the speaker as well as a 360º panoramic view of the room. These have been used with success in many schools using a hybrid model.

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SHOUT OUT TO: Kimberly Walker-Gonçalves P’21 SBS Parent Ambassador Coordinator

Kimberly, mom of Serafina ’21, a six-year senior at SBS, has been volunteering her time at SBS as a Parent Ambassador since 2017. During nonpandemic days, Kimberly helped facilitate groups of parents to meet with prospective families on Visit Days in the Blue Room. Kimberly now lives “off the grid” so, during the pandemic, she often helps recruit prospective families via Zoom from her truck!

(L to R): Kimberly, spouse Zan, son Stefan, and daughter Serafina ’21

“We sort of lucked out with SBS,” said Kimberly, when asked why she chose the School for her daughter. “Serafina has always been driven. As a sixth grader, she was speaking Chinese, in the highest math group at the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, and doing circus training. I researched schools that could accommodate our daughter’s unique interests and SBS was willing to work with us. They figured out how to meet Serafina where she was and they have been with her every step of the way. Her teachers and her advisor have shown up for her and support her wholeheartedly. The commitment of the SBS staff and faculty amazes me.”

Serafina, an IB candidate, has her sights set on a BFA in Circus Arts and has applied to circus colleges around the world. Kimberly says the former voice teacher at SBS worked with her daughter to develop her voice, and Cat Wagner has been Serafina’s advisor since the ninth grade.

“Cat is a perfect fit,” added Kimberly. “As a performer, Cat knows where Serafina is headed and she understands her completely.” Many thanks to Kimberly for her volunteerism and role as an SBS parent!

the bulletin S P R I N G

Letter from the Head of School

2021

The Music in Our Voices

I

dearly love the Stoneleigh-Burnham mission and our commitment to student voice. My belief in the power of voice is something that I’ve spoken about countless times since I arrived on campus in 2018. We help our students find and use their voices with power and purpose, and we need to sing from the rooftops that SBS is the place where students are nurtured and stretched in ways that allow them to develop their voices and work collaboratively to construct a better, more just world.

While some things might be easier in a school if everyone thought and expressed themselves in the same way, a school which values uniformity over unity loses the opportunity to build a true community through communication. Communities that value thoughtful discourse, and engage the different voices of unique individuals who feel safe to contribute, are much stronger and richer, and this is SBS. “The individual students you will read about in this issue represent just a few of the many students who are using their voices to serve communities, building their own speaking skills and voices, and helping others process the pandemic.”

In mid-January, I had a long talk with a mentor of mine, Caroline, a retired head of school and one of the first people to encourage me to start using my voice for education as an administrator. As Caroline and I talked, we noticed that leading a school (or any healthy community) is like being a choral conductor. You’re the one out front, but it’s not really about you. Leaders, like choral conductors, unify a large, diverse group of individual voices into a core sound, a unified voice. The conductor is the messenger of a composer, while the leader of a community is the messenger of the community’s mission. Moreover, the successful conductor or leader shows an appreciation for all of the parts - individuals and smaller groups - within the larger ensemble. Just watch and listen to the marvelous work of Morgan Rubin, our Choral Director here at SBS, and our wonderful singers whenever they perform: these principles are on full display.

The harmony of individual voices joining together in different ways can also be heard in every area of our school. Community Alliance

and Student Council use strong voices to speak and act as a group.

The individual students you will read about in this issue represent just a few of the many students who are using their voices to serve communities, building their own speaking skills and voices, and helping others process the pandemic. The entire SBS community demonstrates its voice of care, positivity, and support each week in the chat bar of our virtual Housemeeting, when students and faculty cheer each other on. It is this multifaceted yet unified music of voices that makes SBS so special.

Stephanie Luebbers Head of School

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New Trustees and Committee Member Will Work to Move SBS Forward The Stoneleigh-Burnham School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the addition of three new Board members and an ad hoc member to the Finance Committee, each of whom bring deep professional experience and expertise, a unique perspective, and love of SBS to their new roles.

June Coolidge Scott ’83 is the Co-founder and CEO of Visual Vitality Consulting Inc., a consulting firm which enables clients to meet accessibility and disability compliance requirements. She is also a guest lecturer at Simmons University in Boston, where she developed campus-wide programs encompassing disability and awareness issues, and co-authored disability and accessibility curricula. June also leads in the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programming for both the Massachusetts Nurses Association and Mass General Brigham hospital system. After a number of years as a member of the Alumnae Board at SBS, June says she is “passionate about the importance of girls’ education, especially now,” and wants to “catapult the School forward, working toward new revenue sources and coursework.” She credits SBS with helping her understand “the power of speaking up, not just as a woman who is a business owner and entrepreneur, but as a mentor for other educators too.”

Elaine Chow ’90 has joined the Finance Committee of the Board as an ad hoc member.

Elaine is a wealth manager focused on portfolio advising and asset management strategies for her clients in Hong Kong and across East Asia. “I’ve always wanted to give back to society, and more importantly, to the wellness of the next generation.” She credits StoneleighBurnham with reigniting her love for learning, and surrounding her with “kind, like-minded, multi-talented young women.” Elaine says that she is “looking forward to brainstorming, sharing, and finding good solutions with the other members of the Finance Committee.”

Stephanie Kroth ’94 is a career educator who has taken up fundraising as a mission since her retirement. A former art teacher, she joined the Parent Council of her daughters’ school in Buffalo, New York, and helped with planning and decorations for fundraising events. Her success with these events made her realize that she had a calling to help schools invigorate and grow their fundraising efforts. Stephanie hopes to help the Development Office in the creation and planning of initiatives and events to bring new donors and funding sources to the School. As a former art teacher in large public school systems, she became convinced that “girls’ education allows them to thrive in a completely different way,” and to “become their true selves.”

Cyd Scott P’21, a real estate agent for Cohn & Company in Greenfield, has recently served as a Facilities Supervisor for the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation, and has served as Chairperson of the Board of Health for the Town of Erving, Massachusetts. He hopes to be able to bring the perspective of a recent SBS parent to his role on the Board of Trustees, and to serve as a “get things done” agent with a variety of practical skills. Cyd believes SBS is “a place where success-oriented girls are encouraged to use their strengths and gives them the tools to assess a challenge and find a positive solution.”

He also notes that SBS is “much more a part of the fabric and history of Greenfield than people outside the School often realize,” and wants to strengthen and build on the long relationship between the School and the community.

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the bulletin S P R I N G

2021

SBS CURRENT STUDENTS

MAKE A

DIFFERENCE IN THE WAYS THEY SPEAK UP While Stoneleigh-Burnham students have spent the better part of the school year away from their home on campus, many of them have found the calling and confidence to put the SBS mission into practice and use their voices in their homes and communities around the world. Sometimes this has meant literally speaking up and speaking out to call for change or make a difference. At other times, it has been an expression of creative and helpful action. Here are just a few examples of how SBS students have been speaking and acting in wonderful ways during this challenging year: Rachel Kim ’21 has been raising funds for a special animal shelter in Iksan, South Korea. During the summer, she was brainstorming about ideas for her CAS project, but didn't want to do something that would be “quick and easy”. Rather, she says, she wanted a project “that could make a long-term impact on a community I really cared about.”

Rachel has raised all kinds of animals, from rabbits to iguanas, since she was little, and this gave her the drive to help a no-kill shelter and adoption service during the pandemic; a time when such programs might otherwise suffer.

The KongKong 2 Shelter is run by its elderly founder and a group of volunteers, who currently house and care for over one hundred dogs. Rachel found out about the shelter through her sister and she decided to raise money online by designing and selling tie-dye sweatpants under the banner “Sweats for Pets”.

“This way,” she says, “I could do something I thoroughly enjoyed, while also helping the dogs.”

Her love of art and craft projects gave her the idea to create the sweatpants.

She searched the web for the right manufacturer, tried out samples, and ordered stock with the goal of raising 500,000 won (the national currency of South Korea), which is approximately $460. So far, Kim has raised about 200,000 won, and the shelter has been using the funds to buy food and medicine for the dogs and to fuel the furnace during the winter months.

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SBS Current Students Make a Difference CONTINUED

Alexa Peterson-Ismail ’22 has been making masks for students and faculty at the residential home for children where her mother works, as well as for her own family in Northfield, Massachusetts. Alexa is planning to study costume design in college and wants to create costumes for theatre, so when she saw the need for masks as the pandemic took hold, she felt that she could use her love of sewing and clothing design to help others.

So far, Alexa has made 50 masks and is making more as her time allows.

Like any true craftsperson, she’s tried out a number of designs and fabrics and has gradually refined the pattern and construction with the help of her grandmother, who has also been making masks for her family and community.

Her current design uses a modified surgical mask in a “heavier fabric” with sewn-in pleats, a pocket to hold a replaceable filter, and elastic pieces to hold the mask in place.

Her efforts have garnered thanks from the director of the children’s home where her mother works, but Alexa says she is really just “trying to do my part for my family and community.”

Siqiong (Lucy) Wu ’22 has been teaching physics classes in English to elementary level students near her home in China.

Lucy has been meeting for an hour every Saturday with a group of seven to nine year-olds who live in her neighborhood in Baiyun, Guangzhou.

She covers topics like measurement, physical forces, energy, and light - what she considers middle-school level physics.

Lucy says they meet in a local park, because schools in the area have restricted access due to the pandemic, and that initially she went through the growing pains of many new teachers: “In the first few meetings, I had such a hard time explaining the physics concepts and getting them to focus. I had no idea if the information I was teaching

interested the students or if they understood the ideas. I would then get very frustrated with myself for being so unsure.”

However, she knew where to turn for help and reached out to her SBS science teacher Greg Williams, who sent her puzzles and brain teasers to keep the students engaged and even filmed some labs that clarify different physics theories. “I quickly got a lot more comfortable teaching physics in English and found myself having fun,” said Lucy.

Lucy credits her “SBS voice” with giving her the courage to pursue this idea. “The teachers at Stoneleigh-Burnham helped me to find my interest and helped me to overcome all the obstacles and challenges along the way. My goal is to inspire a love for physics, just like Greg did for me in class last year!”

Read more about how our students speak up for SBS in the award-winning Debate and Public Speaking Society at sbschool.org/alumnae/bulletin.

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the bulletin S P R I N G

2021

Maya Baudrand’s

“Quaran-teened” Video Blog

Maya Baudrand ’24 has turned her sense of isolation during the early stages of the pandemic into a platform that is helping teenagers share the many changes the pandemic has brought to their lives. Her online video blog, “Quaran-Teened” has quickly become a popular and critically celebrated online forum which showcases Maya’s video interviews with students around the world and in different parts of the U.S. She says that when she was in lockdown this past spring and was separated from her school and friends, she felt both cooped up and isolated. Her sense that teenagers everywhere were feeling the same way led her to create a series of video interviews where they could express how they were feeling, what makes them unique, and what they have in common.

Maya began by interviewing classmates and friends from SBS, but as the series progressed and word of her efforts has spread, she’s been contacted by students and parents around the country and the globe. Over the course of the project so far, Maya has connected with students in many states including Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, as well as different parts of New England, and from eleven countries, including Russia, Croatia, England, Italy, Spain, and France.

A number of the interviews focus on the subject’s personal feelings and thoughts about the pandemic in the light of the changes in their lives. Maya has talked with a student in Illinois about how the pandemic has affected his senior year and his plans for college. She’s discussed the future after COVID with a student in Barcelona. A girl in China told the story of her fourteen-day mandatory quarantine, and another student from Maine described getting and holding her part-time job. Frustration, anxiousness, and bewilderment are common themes, but even more apparent are the positivity, creativity, and perseverance of these young people. Maya says she’s struck by the similarity of everyone’s perceptions and responses, despite their different cultures, traditions, and nationalities.

Maya was encouraged by the success of her blog, and decided to submit a film version to The All-American High School Film Festival, the largest student film festival in the world. In October, “Quaran-Teened” was officially selected and premiered at the festival, held virtually from New York City. The film was also selected and screened at the International Science Film Festival of India in December. She now knows that when the pandemic fades, she will move on to other projects, but she plans to keep the website up as an archival record. “Through ‘Quaran-Teened’, I have found that I enjoy learning about others and finding ways to intertwine the experiences of different people.

This project started with the hope of helping my peers. Documenting is a world that has been opened up for me and I owe it to this project.”

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Announcing the...

Speak Up

for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign FACING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AND BEYOND $3.5 MILLION GOAL

When something you care about needs help, you have to speak up. With strong hearts, open minds, and a great sense of urgency, we ask you to be a part of the Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham fundraising campaign. Your gift can sustain the mission of quality girls’ education at SBS.

The Need: Meet the financial crisis at hand and transform our programs for a new era of independent school education.

The Solution: $2 million for COVID-19 relief Support a revenue shortfall and cover health and safety expenses $1 million to support innovative programs Invest in ways to serve students in our unique, academic community $500,000 to build financial sustainability Fund alumnae engagement and increase fundraising Support the Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign today! You can be a positive force and a voice for change. Please visit sbschool.org/ SpeakUpCampaign to learn more and make a gift.

In the Works Looking ahead to the future of Stoneleigh-Burnham beyond the pandemic, the School envisions an exciting, renewed approach to serving students. The Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign will support several new initiatives.

A Speak Up Year - Girls Voice Program

British Horse Society Post-Graduate Certification

Specialty Summer Camps

The world is a better place with SBS-educated leaders who explore their opinions, know how to develop arguments, and can practice self-advocacy. Plans are underway to add fresh, new opportunities that offer girls a chance to develop their unique voices and gain a deep respect for the voices of others.

As the only secondary school in the United States qualified to offer British Horse Society (BHS) examinations and certification, Stoneleigh-Burnham is uniquely positioned to expand its program and offer gap-year and post graduate study for individuals.

Enhanced experiences to develop confidence, acquire skills, discover new talents, and introduce more girls to SBS’ campus and programs.

Creation of a new, single-year 10th grade curriculum focused on rhetoric, debate, and public speaking is one possible way SBS might create more opportunities for girls.

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The School plans to add a 46-week, full-time option for students interested in a gap year or postgraduate study. BHS certification is an international accreditation in teaching and stable management, and graduates are employable worldwide.

• Speak Up I & Speak Up II: introduction to debate & public speaking for girls ages 10-13 and an advanced program for girls ages 13-18 with experience • Performing Arts Camp: a coed program for students ages 10-18 with an interest in dancing, singing, and acting • British Horse Society (BHS) Challenge Awards: a new incentive for girls age 8-16 enrolled in the School’s premier Bonnie Castle Riding Camp

the bulletin S P R I N G

2021

SBS Alumnae:

Succeeding & Giving Back Jillian Seigel ’14 is Vice President of the Stoneleigh-Burnham Alumnae Board and works in digital fundraising for Democratic campaigns at ActBlue. In her role, she strategizes with candidates and organizations to help them create digital fundraising programs that empower smalldollar donors. She has found fulfilling work in helping mission-driven organizations, like her alma mater, and political candidates achieve their goals.

Jillian says that when she thinks back to her time at SBS, “It’s the little things that are my most cherished memories.” She remembers that “Ms. L-T let me sit in her classroom every free period and study hall and helped me with my math homework.

Karen Pleasant helped me write my college essay.” She especially values her time spent Pamela Layton ’75 is an entrepreneur who has founded, and works to build and grow, emerging biotechnology companies.

She is a founder, current CEO, and board member of 4Immune Therapeutics, which develops CAL T-cell treatments for autoimmune disorders. Her past roles include serving as CEO and member of the Board at XenoTherapeutics Foundation, which focuses on xenograft transplants for burn victims, and President and member of the Board of Directors at Bioarray Genetics, which develops predictive diagnostic tests for breast cancer.

Pamela was also the Founder and CEO of Parcell Laboratories, which developed and brought the first pure stem cell treatment to the clinic for spinal fusion surgeries.

She holds multiple patents for stem cell

with friends, attending riding camp, and hanging out in the barn. “The friends I made while at SBS are still my closest friends and role models.” She asserts that SBS made her “an independent, strong, and kind woman because of the culture and community,” which allowed her “to become who I am today.”

Jillian is pleased to be on the Alumnae Board, she says, because it is “a great way to connect with classmates and alumnae from different years, and learn about their experiences...Since the SBS community is so small, I think it’s important for young alumnae to build upon their relationships after graduation; I want to make sure SBS is around for many generations to come.” therapies, as well as the TriGuard security information management network. Pamela was a winner of a New England Innovation Award in 2012, the Spine Technology Award, and has become known for her mentorship of young therapeutic biotech companies in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, she is a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist, and a member of the Boards of the Pioneer Institute in Massachusetts, The Massachusetts Innovation Network, and The Mass General Hospital Corporation.

Pamela, a past SBS Trustee, believes that Stoneleigh-Burnham provided her with the freedom and guidance to grow in a supportive environment through close relationships with friends, faculty, and

administrators. She feels that SBS gave her the foundation to follow her passion and pursue almost anything in the biotech world, a field that is highly dominated by men. “The true benefit...was feeling empowered to enter any world, no matter the demographics, and make a difference.”

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Faculty Profile

10

Things You Don’t Know About Jason Brown

Jason at home with his wife Aya. To learn more about their work, visit www.opertura.org.

Get to know SBS Director of Technology Jason Brown! In the summer of 2020, Jason moved onto campus with his wife, Aya Yamasaki, to become a houseparent. In November 2020, a selection of Jason and Aya’s animated shorts from their independent animation collaborative unit Opertura was featured at Amherst Cinema. Jason can often be recognized on campus by his signature green wardrobe. It’s not surprising that the color green represents balance and harmony because Jason does just that; he brings a sense of calm to his work and to all those around him. We are so grateful for what he does for our community.

1 How long have you worked at SBS? Around 10 years

2 What's your favorite song? “Blow” by Tatsuro Yamashita

3 What's your favorite movie? The Holy Mountain

by Alejandro Jodorowsky

4 Who is your favorite writer? Ursula K. Le Guin

5 What’s your go-to in your spare time? Read or play video games

6 What's your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Saturday Meeting, a debrief of the week with my art/film collaborator and partner, Aya Yamasaki

7 Who or what inspires you? Natural phenomena inspire me! Fermentation, reproduction, black holes, etc.

8 Where did you go to college? Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan

9 What was your major in college? Comparative Culture 10 If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Beppu, Japan, or pretty much anywhere with proper hot springs

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the bulletin S P R I N G

2021

SPRING

Annual Fund Drive DEADLINE: JUNE 30TH

“This school deeply matters to me. I believe that my donations will make it possible for future girls to have the gift of a Stoneleigh-Burnham education. Please join me.”

Laura Richards ’60 SPH, Trustee Emerson Medal Recipient Former Chair, Board of Trustees

Laura’s Challenge When you join a Giving Society, Laura will match your gift dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

Your gift today will support the mission of girls’ education. sbschool.org/donate

SBS

Reunion 2021 Reunion AD

VIRTUAL REUNION GALA AND SILENT AUCTION SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 7-8 PM Registration is open — visit sbsconnect.org

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Giving Real Meaning to “Owls for Life”: Olly Ajao ’21 and Perrine Crampton ’81 In August 2020, Olly Ajao ’21 reached out to Perrine Crampton ’81 to expand the circle of people she knew at SBS and to give real meaning to the phrase “Owls for Life”.

In addition to her role as Student Council President, Olly is a fellow with the Kapor Center, where she works to develop equitable Computer Science curricula. She hopes to major in Computer Science in college, with a double minor in Chinese and Economics.

Perrine has worked at Citrix Systems Inc. for eight years as the Manager of the Citrix Technology Professional (CTP) Program. CTPs are a group of 63 people from all over the world, focused on sharing their technology expertise and giving back to the technology community through their passion for helping others. On September 2, 2020, Perrine invited Olly ’21 to join the CTP group via a video Q&A about technology, computer programming, and careers.

Olly sent a detailed email to Perrine before the call with a list of questions for the CTPs, such as: “When you’re writing code or figuring out how to hack something, how do you know where to begin? and “If you had one piece of advice for a beginner, what would it be?”

Here's what each has to say about their career networking experience: Olly Ajao’21

“I began talking with my pen pal, Perrine Crampton ’81, in early August. I reached out to her, and we began to email back and forth for a while before setting up a time for a Zoom call later that month. During the call, we talked about her experience at SBS and her job, as well as my struggles related to family, college, and life in general. As soon as I told her about my interest in the field of technology, the first thing she did was invite me to join her and some of her colleagues on a Zoom call so I could gain insight into what it is like to be a computer scientist. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to do so! I felt extremely grateful that Perrine had faith in me, was tapping her resources to help

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me out, and was willing to take time out of her schedule to let me ask my questions. About three weeks later, I met virtually with computer scientists from both the U.S. and around the world (in England, France, and the Netherlands). It was an amazing experience and something I never would have had the opportunity to do had it not been for Perrine. I never expected to get as much out of it as I have! Having such a great relationship with Perrine, and hearing from other people about how much they love their pen pals, brings me so much joy!”

Perrine Crampton ’81

“I was so impressed with Olly and how poised and professional she was during the call with the CTP members. All I could think was, "Was I half as put together as Olly is? I sure hope so!" Olly really made me feel proud of my SBS education. SBS creates an environment where women have the confidence to succeed in any environment, even in the male-dominated technology industry. Throughout the call, I just couldn't stop the huge grin on my face. Olly just blew away the CTP members with her poise and thoughtful questions.”

Class Notes

the bulletin S P R I N G

2021

Mary A. Burnham Mountain Day, 1953

Submit class notes and photos at sbschool.org/alumnae/classnote. If you would like to request contact information for another alumna, please call the Alumnae Relations Office at 413-774-2711 x317, or email alumnae@sbschool.org.

1954 MAB

Sandra Swanson Fries I am sharing a couple of photos of members of the Class of 1954 from Burnham Mountain Day, October 9, 1953. I only know the names of one of the students in the pyramid photo besides myself.

I am bottom right, second from the right and my roommate, Sue Hawley Powell, is top, left. The other photo is of Amy Shuttleworth Jensen and Judy Takats McPherson. (above and right)

1963 SPH

Susan Smith Retirement is wonderful in the state of Maine! It’s a dream come true to be living here! My husband and I are very happy exploring this beautiful state.

1965 SPH

Andi Kleinman McCully I am sad to share that our classmate — my roommate and forever friend — Laurie McKinley Brown passed away on October 22, 2020.

1968 MAB

Joyce Cornish Suter We were having a quiet time during the pandemic, doing a lot of hiking with our dog and Larry flying his single seat glider. That all changed on November 7. Larry called me from a field near Mt. Diablo, CA. His glider and another single seat glider had collided in midair. Both pilots parachuted out and survived!

The other pilot became hung up on a low branch, let himself down and walked up to where Larry was lying. Larry had landed on his backside and had broken two vertebra. Two helicopters, two hospitals,

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Class Notes and 10 days in the hospital later — Larry came home with a back brace on for the next 3 months. As I write this we have less than 4 weeks left now and life will hopefully return to the new normal, while we wait for our vaccinations.

family cookbook, researching family genealogy, and most recently suffering from delusions of writing a short story/novella. Mrs. Lee would have her doubts.

For the past month I have been dealing with the aftermath of extensive smoke damage resulting from closing the flue when I thought it was already closed.

Thank goodness for insurance, but it is a heck of a way to get your spring cleaning ahead of everyone else, and I do not recommend it. Other than that I am fine, as is my family, and I hope everyone else is as well. Have enjoyed Zoom calls with some of the JCC folk: Ridings, Mary Liz, Rachel, Karen and Joanne. Hopefully Phreddie will be able to steal time for the next one.

1969 SBS

Sally Leach Mixsell Hi Everyone, I imagine you are all working hard to get through the year, and I hope you've all had your vaccine(s) by the time you read this. It will be nice when folks can all get together in person. My life has been fairly busy even through the pandemic as I have been doing some consulting work with schools. After retiring from SBS, we moved back to our house in CT and I joined Educators' Collaborative to do coaching and search work with independent schools. It's given me significant insight into what's been happening at schools around the country and, really, the world.

I've been working with the new heads who started their jobs last July; they have yet to see most of the kids and teachers in person and without a mask, making a new job really challenging. My family is mostly nearby, but I have a baby granddaughter born last January (2020) whom I have only touched once.

I am anxious to be fully vaccinated and able to give her great big grandmother hugs. And I hope to be able to hug lots of you when we can see each other again. I hope you all are finding small hints of hope as we emerge from COVID times!

Charlotte Lewis-Hankus Spring is just around the corner here in New Hampshire. I can finally see the light at the end of the very long tunnel. I have been keeping busy with home projects and staying in touch with many friends and family on social media. My pups are almost 4 years old and finally settling down with their wonderful personalities — one very curious about everything and the other wanting to be in your lap, at 85 pounds! Yikes! My joy has been watching my grandson, Gabriel, grow and learn how to ski! He is a “natural” like his Dad. Craig has a very hard time getting him to leave the mountain,

1971 SBS

Charlotte Newton I was so very fortunate to have enjoyed a longplanned journey through Yellowstone National Park in early February 2019. The majesty of the park during the winter season is awe inspiring; bison cloaked in snow, elk grazing in the lower elevations, fox hunting, wolves spotted with high power scopes, snowshoeing on pristine snow through forest land, and watching Old Faithful shoot off into the crystal clear blue sky...and so much more. No sooner had I returned home and we went into lockdown. I have managed only one additional sojourn out of Sedona, south to Surprise, AZ to see my eldest grand-nephew in a baseball tournament. (above right)

1972 SBS

Kimberly Butcher Three years ago I decided to take early retirement and went into a wonderful private practice specializing in adults with ADHD and substance abuse. This past winter, right before COVID arrived to change all of our lives, I made the timely decision to fully retire after 42 years as a psychotherapist. Despite COVID,

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which has put a crimp in my work with Dexter as a therapy dog (above), I am enjoying retirement - a lot.

My time is spent working on a second edition of a

he loves it so much! I have been lucky to have him visit quite a bit during all of the uncertainty of the past year as he is tested often for daycare and his parents are considered “essential” workers. My husband and I have received our first vaccine and await the second so that maybe we can start seeing other family members soon! Zoom calls have kept us up to date, but there’s nothing like in-person hugs and talks around a backyard campfire with a

the bulletin S P R I N G glass of wine. We also hope to travel again, when it is safe, so we can enjoy other cultures and warmer weather. I have been in touch with many classmates from the SBS Class of ’72 through Facebook and enjoyed reconnecting with them! I hope that many will consider coming back to campus in 2022 for our 50th. I know I will be there and look forward to celebrating with all that can attend. I have connected with Melissa Leach Dickson, Cinda Savage Yaremo, Wendy Cadley Presley, Patty Cuddihy Zimmerman, Karin Whittemore, Sarah Porter, Gigi Altmiller McIntosh and Jan Eisner, just to name a few. Instagram has also been a fun link to keeping connected. Let’s all try to plan making a great showing of support for our School.

‘Still can’t believe it’s been almost 50 years... WOW! Stay well, and cheers to warmer weather so that we can be outside breathing clean, fresh, and healthy air.

Ellen Epstein Easton I wanted to share that my Ellen Easton’s TEA TRAVELS™ columns are now archived on The Three Tomatoes and What’s Cooking America websites for easy access. To read them, visit tinyurl. com/EllenEaston and tinyurl.com/EllenEaston2.

1983 SBS

Allison Small Annand One of the highlights of this new world we are living in was the virtual reunion that happened last June.

It was great to catch up with classmates and others from SBS. It has allowed me to stay in contact with classmates I have been in contact with for many years.

I was fortunate to spend some time this summer and at Christmas with my children. I wish everyone the best and look forward to being back on campus in person when it is safe again.

1987 SBS

Cynthia Deane Mahr It is with great sadness that I write to the Bulletin with news that Karin Timmermeister Brown passed away on November 11, 2020 after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Our friendship began like many others at SBS, two hesitant girls waving goodbye to our families unsure of what was to come. I recall how homesick she was to leave her family in Lima, OH and venture to New England.

New England weather was never a favorite of Karin's! Overtime, SBS became her home away from

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home. We quickly became friends – I lived relatively close to campus so she would spend weekends with my family, and I spent vacations with her family.

Our families treated us both as daughters and we treated one another as sisters – SBS sisters! The four years together at Stoneleigh-Burnham were filled with laughter, tears, and great memories. Years after graduation from SBS, we could be found laughing at our collective memories of ‘No, it’s ketchup,’ Scope bottles, green-colored orange juice, frozen grapes, face clothes, cabs to Friendly’s, ça va?, pop versus soda, and ear piercings. Although we were separated geographically after SBS, we never lost touch and shared our major life events – weddings, children, extended family happenings, etc. Karin was a dear friend; I will treasure my pictures and memories of our time together forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Chris; daughters Berkley and Ramsey; father Bill; and brother Brian and the many other members of the extended Timmermeister/ Brown families. Love you always Karin. Rest in Peace.

More Class Notes and photos are online at sbschool.org/alumnae.

In Memoriam Listed Left to Right, Top to Bottom: NAME

CLASS DECEASED

Allon Holloway Pierce

1941 MAB

10/30/2020

Deborah “Debby” Wiggin Cameron

1946 SPH

5/26/2020

Rita Moose Thomas

1953 MAB

11/3/2020

Judith “Judy” Hole Blake

1953 SPH

12/4/2020

Jamesina “Jamie” Bathgate Peirce

1954 MAB

11/24/2020

Catherine Dowling Sanderson

1957 MAB

8/18/2020

Christine “Chris” Hoecke

1961 MAB

12/26/2020

Susan Brett Goodwin

1962 SPH

10/24/2020

Victoria Robertson

1962 SPH

10/8/2020

Laurie McKinley Brown

1965 SPH

10/22/2020

Toni Manning

1965 SPH

10/8/2020

Karin Timmermeister Brown

1987 SBS

11/11/2020

FORMER STAFF NAME DECEASED

Former Head of School, The Rev. Raymond A. Nelson

11/4/2020

Mary M. Merriam P ’78, P ’83 (wife of the late Robert L. Merriam, former SBS Head of School)

2/15/2021

Contact Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83 in the Alumnae Relations Office with any questions at alumnae@sbschool.org, or 413.475.1662.

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Three Bequests Boost New SBS Campaign Three generous bequests given by Hope Johnson ’49 SPH, Christine Hoecke ’61 MAB, and former Trustee William Trebilcock P’85 will make a significant impact on the Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign. These kind individuals have left a legacy of philanthropy that will benefit Stoneleigh-Burnham and its students for years to come.

Hope Johnson ’49 SPH grew up on the East Coast and was living in Sedona, Arizona at the time of her passing in 2019. She made provisions in her will for an unrestricted gift to Stoneleigh-Burnham. Her nephew Jim Baker said, “Some of my Aunt Hope’s most valued lifelong friendships began at your school; a testimonial to the enduring community your school has built.”

Christine Hoecke ’61 MAB lived in Falls Church, Virginia, when she passed away just after Christmas in December 2020. Her friend Susan Lydick said, “Chris considered her education and experience at Stoneleigh-Burnham a transformational force—guiding her throughout life.” To give back, she bequeathed the proceeds from the sale of her home to SBS. Chris had a long and distinguished government career at the U.S. Maritime Administration, working with the Export-Import Bank, federal agencies, and diplomats from many foreign embassies.

Her maritime-related work led to extensive worldwide travel, including six months aboard a ship traveling up and down the coast of Africa. After her retirement, Chris met Trustee Denise Bruner ’70 at an alumnae dinner in Arlington, Virginia. The two remained in touch. Denise said, “Chris faithfully read “I think he [my father] chose the bulletin and was always interested to Stoneleigh-Burnham because he knew hear what was happening at school.” how transformative it was for me as William Trebilcock P’85 supported SBS a student, and because he enjoyed every year, right up until he passed away serving as a Trustee.” in January of 2019. Bill was a Trustee at – Evelyn Trebilcock ’85 Stoneleigh-Burnham from 1982 to 1994, during and after his daughter Evelyn ’85 attended SBS. Said Evelyn, “My dad, Bill Trebilcock, believed in giving. Around Thanksgiving he always made his year-end gifts, supporting the organizations he cared about. In his Last Will and Testament, he made a few bequests – including one to Stoneleigh-Burnham School. I think he chose Stoneleigh-Burnham because he knew how transformative it was for me as a student, and because he enjoyed serving as a Trustee. For the right student, he believed Stoneleigh-Burnham could provide a supportive learning and living environment – small classes, great teachers, opportunities on the student paper, tutoring, athletics, and friends.”

The Sayles Society The Sayles Planned Giving Society is open to all individuals who have named SBS as a beneficiary of their will, retirement plan (401(k), 403(b), IRA, etc.) or life insurance policy. To learn more or become a Sayles Society member, visit plannedgiving.sbschool.org or contact the Development Office at development@sbschool.org.

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the bulletin S P R I N G

2021

Coda

By Kate Strousse ’13

Sitting in my office years after graduation, my desk reminds me of the piano that stood in the Red Room that was used for everyone to leave gifts for their secret snowflakes. As my colleagues drop off their gifts for me to deliver around our building, they take note of the candy grams, inspired by the ones I received as a student, that have piled up in boxes around my desk - hundreds that will be delivered in just a few days. Community is what it all is, and it’s what I learned at SBS.

"I will always be grateful to the Stoneleigh-Burnham community for giving me my voice."

I remember my first secret snowflake at SBS: the then-Dean of Students. I knew right away because I found a dog hair wrapped with the first gift, some peanut M&Ms - an unexpected hint that gave him away. On the final day, he gave me nail polish which was swiftly added to my collection that I shared with the girls on my floor. From one perspective, it seemed like he just gave me nail polish but what he gave me was more. He also helped give me a community.

I bring the SBS community wherever I go. I wear my class ring every day because it reminds me of where I came from and who I want to be. As President of the Alumnae Board, I often think about my place in the community and how it has changed over the years. In some ways, I am still my 17 year-old self who was nervous with excitement

to announce a soccer victory at Housemeeting. That nervousness has faded as I have become more confident in my voice and myself. My continued involvement with Stoneleigh-Burnham has given me the opportunity to be a life-long learner not only in the book sense, but as a person and young

woman. I will always be grateful to the Stoneleigh-Burnham community for giving me my voice. I see my service to the School through the Alumnae Board not only as an opportunity to remain a part of the SBS community, but as a small token of gratitude for all the School has given me over the years.

Kate Strousse ‘13 is the President of the Alumnae Board and is the daughter of Victoria Zialcita Strousse ‘74. Kate was one of the first International Baccalaureate Diploma recipients at SBS and attended the University of Vermont where she earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Political Science. Kate is currently pursuing an M.B.A. in Human Resources Management at Champlain College and serves as the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Taxes at the Vermont Department of Taxes.

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Stoneleigh-Burnham School 574 Bernardston Road | Greenfield, MA 01301

sbschool.org

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Parents: If this issue is addressed to your daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office at alumnae@sbschool.org, 413.774.2711 x317 or online at sbschool.org.

Upcoming Online Events May 4, 2021............................SBS Day of Giving May 20, 2021..........................Alumnae Webinar: Sip & Paint May 28, 2021..........................152nd Commencement May 30 - June 5, 2021..............Reunion Week

Online Silent Auction to benefit SBS

June 5, 2021............................Virtual Reunion Gala

May is Alumnae Month!

Watch your email for the details of our month-long celebration of SBS alumnae.

Stop by our virtual Happy Hours, student presentations, "Lunch and Learn” alumnae demonstrations, Reunion Week gatherings for Milestone Classes, the Head of School's Reunion Address, and our Alumnae Awards Program, including the Distinguished Alumna Award.

For more information on alumnae events visit:

Stoneleigh-Burnham Connect sbsconnect.org

Self-portrait by Hazel Secker ’26