the bulletin - Spring 2009

the bulletin Stoneleigh-Burnham School Spring 2009

Charting the Course for the Next 140 Years

The Mission Stoneleigh-Burnham School is an academic community that inspires girls to pursue meaningful lives based on honor, respect, and intellectual curiosity.

Each student is challenged to discover her best self and graduate with the confidence to think independently and act ethically, secure in the knowledge that her voice will be heard.

The Board of Trustees Shayna Appel ’78, P’04, Chair Kathy Seyffer Opdycke ’70, Vice Chair Rich Hubbard P’00,’02,’05, Secretary Jacque Waxenberg ’77, Treasurer Dr. John Barrengos Annette A. Cazenave ’74 Anne Quantrell Dennen ’70 Kimberly Eldridge ’92 Charles Gledhill P’13 Allison Porter ’89 Tal Rappleyea P’08 Laura B. Richards ’60S Helene A. Robbins Elizabeth T. Stout ’61B Luis Viada P’06 Sally Leach Mixsell ’69, Ex-officio Elinor Johnstone Ferdon ’54B, Emeritus Benn W. Jesser P’63, GP’81,’94,’06, Emeritus John McNear P’79, Emeritus Miriam Peters, Emeritus

STONELEIGH-BURNHAM SCHOOL Bulletin • Spring 2009 Sally L. Mixsell ’69 Head of School

Editor Holly N. Mott Contributing Editors Sara Brown Gibbons ’98 Dr. Regina E. Mooney Carly Nartowicz Bethany O’Connell Eric Swartzentruber OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNAE RELATIONS

In This Issue

Dr. Regina E. Mooney

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Sights and Sounds

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Charting the Course

by Sally L. Mixsell, Head of School

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What’s On Your Mind?

The Alumnae Association Joins Facebook

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A Middle School Milestone: SBMS Turns Five!

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Living for the Future Mrs. Miriam Peters Turns 100

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The Initiative in Global Awareness

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News from Around the Oval News and Happenings Around Campus

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Alumnae Association News

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Since You Asked Alumnae Responses to Questions About Life and the World at Large

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Class Notes

Director of Development & Alumnae Relations

Sara Brown Gibbons ’98 Associate Director of Alumnae Relations

Bethany O’Connell Annual Giving Manager

Stephanie Smith Development & Alumnae Assistant

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Holly N. Mott Director of Communications

Carly N. Nartowicz Communications Office Assistant

UPPER RIGHT CORNER PHOTO: Mrs. Miriam Peters. Photo courtesy the Stoneleigh-Burnham Archives.

OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTOS: Students work on an electrical circuits unit in physics class.

Photos by Holly Mott.

BACK COVER PHOTO: Emily Crooks ’09 and Bryna Cofrin-Shaw ’10, with Zoe MancusoDunkelberg ’11 in the background, in William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, the 2009 winter theater production directed by Kim Mancuso.

Photo by Paul Franz.

The email address for letters to the editor is hmott@sbschool.org, and for class notes, alumnae@sbschool.org. Changes in address should be emailed to slsmith@sbschool.org or mailed to the address listed below.

STONELEIGH-BURNHAM SCHOOL 574 Bernardston Road Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301 (413) 774-2711 alumnae@sbschool.org www.sbschool.org

Looking for a Guaranteed Return on Your Investment?

by Regina E. Mooney, Ph.D., Director of Development

A Creative, Compassionate Thinker A Conversation with Bill Ivey, Middle School Dean The Middle School Founders

The Bulletin is printed with vegetable based inks on 50% recycled FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper, with 25% post consumer fiber. Stoneleigh-Burnham School supports sustainable forest management practices that meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.

Sights and Sounds E ach year, we come out of the cold and dark of winter feeling invigorated and renewed by

the sites and sounds of spring. This year was no different. The return from Spring Break was met with still remaining cold and even a few snow piles in the darkest recesses of the campus. But as we go to print with this spring issue of the Bulletin, we are finally beginning to feel the warmth of the sun, see the buds on the trees and hear the voices of excited students as they reach the home stretch of their academic year.

Science Teacher Judith Nuno and Lara Thomas ’09 in matching “tennis outfits” at the first-annual Fagan-Phillips Tennis Tournament. Photo by Elisheba Odei ’10.

Tennis Anyone?

Stoneleigh-Burnham had its first-ever Student and Faculty Tennis Tournament on a gorgeous spring Sunday in April. Resident faculty members Kara Fagan and Jess Phillips organized the event, recruiting students and faculty, designing a t-shirt and planning the brackets. “It started as a crazy idea I got one night when talking to some ninth and tenth graders on one of the dormitory hallways, and it grew from there. It was wonderful to see everyone get so into it. It was the perfect balance of fun and friendly competition,” shared Kara Fagan.

Faculty and students brought their families and pets and spent the afternoon watching the matches and enjoying the weather. Fagan added, “It was wonderful to see the faculty and students interacting and having fun outside of the academic day.

I’m glad we had faculty playing with students, because the students got to see a different side of the adults.”

Head of School Sally Mixsell thanked Fagan and Phillips in an email to the community later that evening, and noted, “A new SBS tradition has been born. The Fagan-Phillips Tennis Tournament. The only change for next year; bring on the barbeque!”

The Bulletin Spring 2009

Corrections: The following donors were mistakenly omitted from the 2007-2008 Annual Report.

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Consecutive Donor of 27 Years Marina Lillard’52B (The Clock Tower Society) Current Parents Mary Ann Cofrin P’07,’10 (The Head’s Circle) Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bordewieck P’07,’10 Current and Past Faculty and Staff Mr. Tom Iampietro and

Mrs. Candace Cahn Iampietro Ms. Cathy Warren

April was National Poetry Month and Stoneleigh-Burnham’s love of verse revealed itself in full form. Host to the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library’s annual Poet’s Seat Poetry Contest and our own Nancy Hodermarsky Poetry Festival, Stoneleigh-Burnham has greeted spring with rhyming couplets and freestyle verse like none other.

Read through this issue of the Bulletin with its many fun and celebratory features and feel a touch of what is in the air this spring at Stoneleigh-Burnham. Enjoy!

Once We Were Young Audrey Lewis ’09 You are older now, and all grown up, too old for young and childish fantasies. I am older, too now that this many years have passed; my mane of yarn, once the envy of all around, has faded from the richest gold to a fainter hue, more reminiscent of corn silk than of the wild and terrible beast I used to be. My left eye is gone now, torn away in some great charge and lost in the expansive jungle of your backyard. I have learned to live without it, but never learned to live without you. You charge around now, too old for me, but once you were young, and so was I, and we were kings of all that we surveyed.

Excerpted from the 2009 issue of “Minerva,” Stoneleigh-Burnham’s literary and art magazine, pictured at left.

Charting the Course

by Sally L. Mixsell, Head of School As you read in our last issue of the Bulletin, this is an auspicious year, filled with celebration and optimism – yes, even in the midst of a difficult economy. With the Middle School in its fifth year, we are preparing to graduate our first six-year seniors next year – a trio of “founding students” who are as interesting as they are diverse. This issue includes a retrospective view of the Middle School and profiles of these three students. Our milestones have been celebrated over the course of our 140th year but will culminate with Reunion Weekend (June 5-7) as my class, marking the 40th year of the merger, as well as others will honor Mrs. Miriam Emerson Peters for her 100th birthday.

I visited Mrs. Peters last October and told her that we were anxious to celebrate her upcoming birthday (officially on June 30th). When asked about the focus for a gift in her name, a movement initiated by a core group of Burnham alumnae, Mrs. Peters chose international understandings. This made perfect sense to me as I remember Mrs. Peters and her brother Edward (Mr. E) traveling overseas together during vacations in the 60s. Mrs. Peters also arranged the first Stoneleigh-Burnham trip to France during my senior year, the impetus for my ultimately becoming a French teacher and lifelong Francophile.

What I didn’t know then was that both the Mary A. Burnham and Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill Schools had long traditions of enrolling international students; our archives house wonderful stories of many of those young women. We currently have a vibrant group of international students from twelve different countries, and we are committed to ever deepening the potential for multicultural understandings made possible by our multinational population. In addition, Mrs. Peters’ preference fell in line with some other ideas that were percolating back at school.

“[...] we are committed to ever deepening the potential for multicultural understandings made possible by our multinational population.”

Subsequently, on January 15, 2009, the Board of Trustees charged me with this Initiative in Global Awareness: To honor the 100th birthday of Miriam Peters who dedicated her professional energies and mind to the education of girls at Mary A. Burnham School and later Stoneleigh-Burnham School, the Board of Trustees of Stoneleigh-Burnham School encourages the Head of School to pursue the development of a global initiative which will infuse the curriculum and campus life with an appreciation for different cultures, foster facility for each student in a second language, support opportunities for travel abroad, and develop opportunities for crosscultural understandings. As part of this pursuit appropriate faculty and administrators will assess the feasibility for creating an International Baccalaureate program as a distinct learning track for college bound students.

Sally Mixsell surrounded by members of the Class of 2009.

Photo by Holly Mott.

Introducing an International Baccalaureate (IB) program would afford an optional learning track in the junior and senior years which results in an IB diploma, one that is well-recognized both in this country and around the world. Having taken the idea to constituency focus groups over the past few months, we feel secure in the potential value of the program at SBS. As of its April meeting, the Board of Trustees has given us the green light to go forward with the application. This will be a two year process which includes two stages of application, committee visitation, and teacher training. The only caveat from the Board is that we raise the money needed for start-up costs and scholarship funds for qualifying students on financial aid. We believe we can do that.

In order to further this work, Andrea (Andy) Patt, our longtime Director of College Counseling and Director of International Programs, is passing her college hat on to Lauren Cunniffe, our School Librarian, who has spent this year transitioning to her new role. Andy will now move full time into building stronger international programming. She is also leading a committee to provide oversight of the Initiative in Global Awareness. You will read more about the efforts of this committee in future issues of the Bulletin.

As we recognize the many milestones that this year brings, we’ve also been working hard to focus on moving forward. It has been a very exciting year, one we will cap with a wonderful celebration in June at our Reunion Weekend. Please come!

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Looking for a Guaranteed Return on Your Investment?

by Regina E. Mooney, Ph.D. Director of Development What a year this has been so far. We wake up to concerns about the economy every day. What will the stock market do today? Will the bank bailout really stabilize lending and business growth? Who is being laid off now and is anyone creating jobs? Is the Obama stimulus program working and when will we see concrete signs of recovery? These questions confront us all as we take care to conserve resources, spend wisely, and try to be part of the solution.

The Bulletin Spring 2009

You may wonder how anyone dares to ask for money in this climate. The answer lies in the quality of program for which one asks. Here at Stoneleigh-Burnham School we are full of confidence in the education we offer to girls and in what that education is doing to equip them for purposeful futures. That is why we are bold in asking for support for the School and optimistic about what we hope to achieve. Think about it for a moment: At a time when your dollar cannot promise you monetary return and your financial investments are stagnant if not failing, why not invest in education? As a social investment it beats the market every day. Or, as economist Peter Orzag claims, “Education helps a society leverage every other investment it makes, be it in medicine, transportation, or alternative energy. It appears to be the best single bet that a society can make.” Orzag’s point is that when we invest in education we can know with certainty that the effects of it are experienced in all other aspects of the economy including health care, transportation, construction, business, and yes, even government.

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Here at Stoneleigh-Burnham, the quality of education speaks to this point in a unique way. By educating girls to think independently and act responsibly as they strive to become their best selves, we confidently proclaim the value of a Stoneleigh-Burnham education. As our students grow into women they will become the voices that will be asking the tough questions and proposing bold solutions as our nation’s economy finds it way back to sustained growth. In the meantime your gift becomes all the more important as the fuel for our educational engine, powering our program with purposeful teaching, appropriate facilities, and inspired learners. Yes, indeed, a gift to the School is an investment with a guaranteed social return. In a day and age when your money is challenged to work in your best interest, what better investment can you make?

Regina E. Mooney, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations. Photo by Holly Mott.

“By educating girls to think independently and act responsibly as they strive to become their best selves, we confidently proclaim the value of a StoneleighBurnham education.”

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What’s on your mind?

How did we go so long without answering the question of what’s on our minds multiple times throughout the day?

If you’re not answering, or at the very least pondering the answer to this question, you must not be on Facebook. Staying in touch is no longer merely about knowing where our old classmates are living or who they married, it has become about knowing how they feel while sitting in traffic waiting for a green light, their thoughts on the latest top news story or whether they prefer the new Facebook to the old.

As we celebrate 140 years of educating girls, StoneleighBurnham School has joined the 21st century in social networking; we’re on Facebook! The Office of Alumnae Relations has created a Facebook profile through which alumnae can instantly reconnect with classmates and learn what is happening on campus. We chose Facebook because of its mainstream popularity as a social networking website.

Unlike traditional forms of communication, Facebook provides users with updates and information the instant that news is made available. This method of staying in touch enables us to remain current with our “friends,” and in turn, our “friends” with us, regardless of geographical location or time zone.

So what’s on our mind these days? Our status updates draw attention to the latest news items posted on the SBS website, share information about alumnae publications and events, and reflect on annual milestones like Mountain Day. You can also find old photos of 100 Nights, reunions, graduations and the breathtaking SBS campus on the alumnae Facebook profile.

SBS currently has over 1,000 friends on Facebook, comprised of alumnae, current and past faculty. When the StoneleighBurnham Alumnae profile becomes “friends” with an alumna, we are able to cross-reference our records with the information posted on the alumna’s page. Since joining Facebook, SBS has received over 100 mailing address updates and even more email address updates from alumnae. We have also learned of graduations and school transfers, career changes and successes, marriages, births of children and grandchildren.

However, while Facebook facilitates contact between SBS and our friends, it is not a substitute for the sound of a friend’s voice on the phone or a face to face conversation over coffee.

An alumna may be a friend of SBS online, but we may not have her contact information in our database. An alumna might be very active on Facebook, but might not visit the SBS website (www.sbschool.org) or know that she can submit a class note online to be included in a school publication.

With new technology comes new responsibilities. SBS will not reprint or publish photos and information from an alumna’s personal Facebook profile without consent. Alumnae therefore are asked to submit class notes to their Class Agent, through the Alumnae Community at www.sbschool.org, or to the Alumnae Office.

Regardless of your technological abilities, the Office of Alumnae Relations remains a constant resource for all alumnae, whether from Mary A. Burnham, StoneleighProspect Hill or Stoneleigh-Burnham School. If you are on Facebook, friend Stoneleigh Burnham Alumnae! Search for Stoneleigh Burnham Alumnae (no hyphen) on Facebook, and encourage your classmates to do the same!

Do you tweet?

Follow Stoneleigh-Burnham on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sbschoolorg and find out what we’re doing!

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A Middle School Milestone

The Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School Turns Five As Stoneleigh-Burnham celebrates its 140th anniversary this year, the Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School (SBMS) celebrates a milestone of its own. It has been five years since the doors opened for the first group of 7th and 8th grade girls. Since then, the Middle School has more than doubled in size and boarding and international programs have been added. Middle School Dean Bill Ivey has been documenting the progress of the program from the start through his blog, published articles in local newspapers, his work with a host of middle school associations, the SBMS electronic newsletter and anywhere else he could spread the word about the great things happening in the Middle School.

The Middle School program is a point of pride for Stoneleigh-Burnham. The work being done by SBMS students and faculty has not gone unnoticed by national educational associations and educators. Their work has been included in publications and the programs that make up the Middle School curriculum have been commended by the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Middle School Association.

The Bulletin Spring 2009

Through excerpts from newsletters, an interview with Bill Ivey and profiles of three Middle School founders, these next few pages provide a glimpse into SBMS as it marks its fifth year.

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It’s Better Than a Dream

by Bill Ivey, Middle School Dean The bright history of the Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School is recorded not just in the memories of students, teachers and families, but also in the electronic newsletters we send out to families, consultants and friends. The following excerpts from newsletters dating back to our founding year convey thoughts and reflections on the day-to-day life of the Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School.

“First day jitters?” asked one of the mothers as she shut the car door and prepared to follow her daughter who was already pulling her backpack on wheels toward the twin front doors of the school. I smiled and told her about the time I phoned my mother, then an established and experienced physics teacher at Smith College, and asked if I would ever outgrow first-day jitters. “No,” she told me, “I still feel that way, and I think most teachers do.” Of course, there was a special quality to this particular set of first day jitters; this was no ordinary first day. [...] But on this day [10 middle school students] gathered by the Reception desk and waited for one of the teachers to bring them up to the classroom where they would officially join together and become the Founders’ Program of the Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School.

Up until this day, SBMS was a dream. At 8:00 a.m. on September 8, 2004, just like that, SBMS became reality.

Each September, SBMS students join in an overnight trip at Camp Beckett in the Berkshires. This trip includes leadership challenges and both low and high ropes course elements, and helps students learn about themselves and each other, bringing them together as a class.

“I want to do them all!” remarked one of the eighth graders in a quietly firm voice as she surveyed the various elements of the high ropes course that afternoon. Earlier, over lunch, another eighth grader had remarked, “I’m not going to do it. I couldn’t get above six feet.”

Yet, when asked to put on the harnesses and helmets necessary for the activity (whether climbing or helping to belay), both girls, along with all the rest, stepped readily and unhesitatingly into the harnesses and adjusted the helmets to their heads. In no time, one girl was working her way up a physically and mentally demanding vertical obstacle course, another was climbing up netting that reached maybe 40 feet in the air, and a third, also 40 feet up in the air, was edging out onto a series of swinging wooden platforms as onlookers cheered her on. (...)

“And the girl who couldn’t make it six feet? Eighteen!”

At SBMS, we believe that learning is a holistic process – whether you are climbing a high ropes course, working a word problem, perfecting your foul shot, singing the second alto part or writing a poem. We also work to try to create a true community of learners, so teachers and parents are learning alongside the students. One newsletter, examining different definitions of learning, concluded: In our meeting back on Fall Family Weekend, “Continued love of learning” was listed by parents as the second-highest priority to “Happiness” for your daughters. Among the best ways to promote a continued love of learning are to ensure the learning is truly relevant to each student, and to incorporate simultaneously the sum total of our past and a wealth of possibilities for the future into a vivid present.

When we can accomplish that, so much is possible!

Above: Middle School students participating in a leadership challenge during the annual overnight trip at Camp Becket. Submitted photo.

Opposite page: Students building submarines for a unit on density and buoyancy in the 8th grade science class. Photo by Carly Nartowicz.

Our community service program epitomizes the idea of a community of learners, as students and teachers work side by side, each contributing their own unique strengths. Service was designed into the program from the start, as research tells us that when students feel connected to and valued by their community, their overall self-esteem and confidence rises, and by extension their academic achievement as well.

Recently, I thought back to that first day, remembering all too vividly the sudden panic I felt as we first opened the door to the front office [of the animal shelter]. It is easy, I thought then, to talk about community service as a theory, an ideal, something well worth doing. It is quite another thing to be physically there, facing the unexpected, wanting to help but having no exact idea what that entails. Facing my own nervousness, I was stunned by the enormity of what we were asking these kids to do.

And then it came to me, what felt different about today. Everything was now routine, from the moment I announced I was leaving the classroom to the moment we pulled back into the driveway. We knew what to expect, and we felt confident that we were good at what we needed to do. And this was after only four weeks, with many months yet to come. How powerful an effect will this service work have over the course of a year? I am so excited to find out!

At the end of the year, excitement mixes with sadness as the summer beckons and our time together nears an end. We simultaneously look to the past and look forward, and nowhere is this nexus of time more immediate than at the 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony.

It has been a long time since our own first day of school when, thanks to the ten Founders, Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Middle School program came into being. For the past nine months, we have come together as a community, learned, grown, and planted the seeds for future learning and growth. It is only with time - if ever - that we will fully understand all that happened here this year, but one thing is a given: we have all been unalterably changed by our year together. We are all, forever, a part of what each of us will become. Perhaps the exact implications of this will begin to come clear on the next First Day of School, perhaps it will take more time. But it is true nonetheless.

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A Creative, Compassionate Thinker

by Bethany O’Connell Middle School Dean Bill Ivey shares some key characteristics with the typical Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School student, whom he characterizes as flexible, curious and open-minded. He has demonstrated all of these traits in his evolving role at StoneleighBurnham School. Ivey came to Stoneleigh-Burnham at age twentyfive with his wife Martha Griswold. They were houseparents on a 10th and 11th grade hallway, where they raised their son Kian in the first years of his life. Over his twenty-four years at SBS, Ivey has taught in every department but math and visual arts. In 1988, he assisted Nancy Hodermarsky with the Literary Magazine during her last year, taking on the magazine himself the following year. In the early 90s, Ivey became the Peer Tutor Coordinator, and he has worked with the international program throughout his years at the school.

Ivey has been instrumental in bringing technology into the classrooms at Stoneleigh-Burnham, and was the architect of the first school website in 1996. He embraces the electronic classroom with a deep respect for the organic learning processes of adolescents. Seldom seen without his laptop, Ivey is on the Technology Committee of the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS), is a member of the Advisory Board for the National Middle School Association’s (NMSA) listserve Middle Talk, as well as being a moderator of LiteracyWorkshop.org and a contributor to the Independent School Educators Network (ISE. NET).

Recently, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) recognized the Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School Humanities 7 course as a model of programmatic sustainability. NAIS defines programmatic sustainablility as “being receptive to new models of educating children, continuing to incorporate research about learning styles, and designing educational opportunities reflective of the global environment in which we live.” In the following interview, Bill Ivey explains why this recognition of the StoneleighBurnham Middle School is both promising and well-deserved in this, its fifth year: Can you explain how the idea for the Middle School took shape and what challenges had to be overcome?

In the fall of 2003 we had the first meeting to talk about the possibility. My son went to a small, private elementary school in the area and frequently I heard from parents who lamented the fact that there were few options for their daughters about to start middle school. We knew anecdotally from parents that there was this need, who we would often hear say, “Ninth grade is all well and good, but what’s my daughter going to do between elementary school and then?”

The challenges were surprisingly few because we had the synergy of a number of people who knew the age group, who liked the age group and we were at a point in the School’s history when we could actually put together a middle school with people who wanted to be there. In recognizing that good middle school teaching is good all-girls teaching, especially if you overlay the main precepts of middle school teaching with what the author JoAnn Deak says

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Bill Ivey reads to students in the gazebo this spring. Photo by Holly Mott.

about fostering self-esteem through connectedness, confidence and competence, the Middle School all came together at a felicitous sort of moment.

How do the International Students add to the Middle School program?

Well, obviously anyone who has the spirit to fly halfway around the world and live away from her parents at the age of twelve or thirteen is a pretty spunky kid. And all of our students are nice.

They have come to SBS because they are interested in experiencing different cultures, and since they represent about half of the Middle School, it creates the dominant feeling. Everyone has her own perspective, ideas and culture to bring to the table. This way, rather than making a global focus an add-on or an aside, it becomes a natural and integral part of who we are.

How do you use technology in the Middle School and what is your ideal vision for using technology in the Middle School?

Oh, that’s a great question. Humanities 7 and ESL Humanities are almost fully paperless. For their independent work, they send me their homework by email and I react to it by email. Their independent writing is done in an Owlnet folder and I react through the folder.

Readers’ Response Journals are submitted to an online blog. Their classroom exchange with The Children’s Storefront has expanded to include three other schools and that happens on a wiki. Most of their research involves electronic research, though I certainly at various stages will make them look at old-fashioned paper books, just for the record. Even handouts at this point are projected onto the screen or emailed to students so that we are using the minimum amount of paper.

I think the only way to integrate technology is to recognize that it is something you need to do for the kids. I mean, it’s something they live with everyday as an integral part of their lives and it opens up possibilities that you can’t have otherwise. Yes, you may have catastrophic system crashes or your videoconference line drops in the middle of a call, but if you don’t use it you are not opening them up to the kind of learning that this technology can provide.

Does this correspond with your ideal vision?

Not exactly. I still feel we are meant to be a one to one laptop school, and we have retreated to using desktops. I really feel there is a lot of flexibility, in particular with how you can run a writing workshop with one-to-one laptops. We would like to be able to replace the desktops with machines that have built-in video cameras to give us the opportunity to practice videoconferencing with each other and really transform our ability to videoconference with other schools.

Some of the little tablets that are out now would open up a whole new world of teaching electronic note taking, for instance.

Now that SBS has three of its founders gearing up to enter their senior year, how do you see the middle school integrating with the upper school?

The middle and upper schools at SBS are united by the Mission Statement, and this is the key to coordinating the programs in both parts of our school. Much of the focus of SBMS is on student voice; soliciting it, respecting it, honoring it, putting it into action.

Eighth graders testing the viability of paper airplane designs in science class.

Photo by Holly Mott.

Seventh graders work together in Exploring Languages, the introductory Middle School language course. Photo by Bethany O’Connell.

We view the school as a true community of learners - just as the teachers have important expertise and knowledge to share, so too do the students have their own skills and contributions that greatly enrich all our experience. As SBMS girls develop connections, strengthen their competence and build their confidence, they enter the upper school ready to move up and take their place as valued and valuable members of that community - look at what Kat, Bryna and Julia were already doing as sophomores! Our challenge is to build on these strengths and use them as models as we integrate SBMS graduates with students coming in from a wide variety of middle schools.

Where do you see SBMS in five years?

With the sheer volume of knowledge available to us expanding at an ever-increasing rate, the abilities to choose appropriate tools to access, evaluate, analyze and synthesize knowledge are among the most important skills we can be teaching. The need for creative, compassionate thinkers who can work well with others, face to face and through electronic media, is also likely to increase with time.

Our current program meets these needs well, with phenomenally talented and caring teachers, so in this sense the school in five years will be much as it is now. More likely to change are the tools we use to access and process information, and our ability to work collaboratively with students around the country and around the world. Already, our exchange with the Children’s Storefront School in Harlem, NY has expanded to include schools in the South and West, and the annual Online Poetry Slam has included schools in Canada, the Dominican Republic and the U.K. Through it all, down through time, the energy, intelligence, warmth and enthusiasm of the kids themselves will be a constant. This is the heart and soul of the school. ________________________________________________ Bethany O’Connell teaches the Exploring Languages course in the Middle School. She is also a resident and the Annual Giving Manager at Stoneleigh-Burnham School.

” Bordewieck

Kathleen “Kat

Julia Short

Bryna Peeble

s Cofrin-Shaw

The Founders Kat, Julia and Bryna will make history next June, when they become the first six-year seniors to graduate from Stoneleigh-Burnham.

The three original members of the Founders’ Program of the Stoneleigh-Burnham Middle School all have their unique strengths and accomplishments. They all have older sisters who graduated from Stoneleigh-Burnham as four-year seniors, all have participated in the Debate and Public Speaking Society, and all have explored everything that StoneleighBurnham has to offer. Combined, they ride, debate, write poetry, act, sing, make the honor roll, and the list goes on. Stoneleigh-Burnham is proud of these three three young women and looks forward to following their stories for many years to come.

Kathleen “Kat” Bordewieck The Activist

When asked about her experience with the Debate and Public Speaking Society, Kat recalled some sage advice given to her by a fellow debater, Ariel Adelstein ’08, who herself had been given the advice by Paul Bassett, “Don’t be a shrinking violet.” You would be hard pressed to find someone who embodied that ethos more wholeheartedly than Kat. Whether in her work with the Gay Straight Alliance, Debate and Public Speaking Society or in the classroom, Kat has boldly built an impressive resume of accomplishments. She is passionate about her work with Debate, and credits that experience for helping her grow into the young woman she is today. According to Kat, “Stoneleigh-Burnham really teaches you to be the exact person you want to be and it gives you every opportunity. Debate, for me, was the way I could do that.”

What sets Kat apart is that her interests don’t stop with her own experience, she is committed to helping both people and animals, and has an activist’s spirit that she wears on

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her sleeve. Her signature scarf and aviator sunglasses are representative of her unabashed take on life and the world at large. Last year, Kat got the SBS community involved in training a therapy horse to be used as part of a therapeutic riding program, helping people with a range of disabilities. Next year, Kat will be doing a senior project on wildlife rehabilitation, with the goal of becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In preparation, she will attend the Cornell Summer College Program for Veterinary Medicine this summer, working with raptors and accumulating video footage of the experience to produce a documentary on the subject as part of her project. Like her sister, Mary ’07, before her, Kat is ready to take the world by storm and put her talents to work improving it.

Julia Short The Equestrian

Julia Short first came to Stoneleigh-Burnham at age seven, as a rider in the Community Riding program. Her sister, Katherine ’01, also a rider, was a student in the upper school at that time and Julia looked up to her and dreamed of the day that she too would be a student at SBS. Julia’s mother, Esther Short, was one of the earliest voices urging the administration to consider a middle school option for local girls.

Julia and Esther got their wish, and Julia has grown and challenged herself as a student and a rider in her time here.

Julia is the first to admit that she has had to work harder than some of her peers to succeed academically, and she credits her equestrian practice as an integral part of that success. According to Julia, “For me, it’s kind of subtle, I think that if I didn’t have riding it would be harder for my learning. It’s this whole thing where you’re working on something, and if you hit something that’s a little tricky you don’t just give up on it, you keep

pushing until you get it.” Julia is as dedicated to her academic progress as she is to her equestrian practice. Both consume several hours of hard work every day and Julia takes it all in stride.

When asked about her future, Julia commented, “I can’t really picture a life without horses,” and yet went on to explain that she would like to aim for a college that offered her a different experience, one where horses and riding were not as central. But that has yet to be decided. For now, Julia is excited to see what that long-elusive senior year will be like and to enjoy her last year at Stoneleigh-Burnham School to its absolute fullest.

Bryna Peebles Cofrin-Shaw The Writer

Bryna’s interests range far beyond any one subject or activity, but here at StoneleighBurnham she is known best for her writing prowess. The recipient of countless writing awards and accolades, Bryna most recently had her poem “Things Change Size” chosen by poet Paul Muldoon as on of three finalists in this year’s Smith College Poetry Prize for High School Girls Contest. Earlier in the year, Bryna was awarded an honorable mention by Francis Ford Coppola’s magazine Zoetrope for her short story “Out of the Fields,” in a contest for adult writers that received over 2,000 entries.

When asked about her writing, Bryna recalled an assignment in the eighth grade for a reader’s response journal entry, “It was worth very little as a grade, but I spent a lot of time with it. I was really proud of it and it was the first time I saw the opportunity, no matter what the assignment, to bring a creative approach to it. I’m glad that this school welcomes that. It’s really good for me and I’m glad I realized it early on.” Bryna explained that she has always loved reading and writing and that she believes that SBS has helped foster that passion. Specifically, she credits the English department, Jenn Chylack, Shawn Durrett and Kara Fagan, for challenging and inspiring her to take risks and explore different avenues with her writing.

Like Kat and Julia, Bryna followed an older sister, Keeley ’06, to StoneleighBurnham. Seemingly quiet and unassuming (to anyone who hasn’t had her in class or on the soccer field), Bryna has been anything but a follower in her five years at SBS. As a newly elected Co-President of the Student Council (StuCo), Bryna will no doubt continue to make her mark on the community, in the most humble of ways.

New Program Offers Volunteer Opportunity The Admissions Ambassadors program was launched this year to invite members of the greater SBS community to support the school by hosting an admissions open house in their homes and communities. Director of Admissions Eric Swartzentruber created the program in response to numerous inquiries from alumnae and parents asking what they could do to help get the word out about Stoneleigh-Burnham School.

Since the Admissions Ambassadors program was introduced to alumnae at home and abroad, a number of gratifying responses have been received. “One day I received a remarkable set of calls,” recalls Swartzentruber. “It was true synchronicity. The first call came from a parent of a graduate who was driving down a highway with the top down. He offered to host an event in one of two locations, and suggested that he might be able to coordinate with his daughter. The second call came in from his daughter not ten minutes later from another city - and she and her father had not yet spoken! When I laughed she said that this sort of thing had happened her whole life.” Numerous replies have been received from all over the East Coast from Maine to Florida, and from as far west as Washington state. Ambassadors abroad include representatives from Bermuda, Hong Kong and Switzerland. Many thanks to all who have stepped forward and joined the Admissions Ambassadors program. Alumnae, alumnae parents and current parents are always welcome to join, and can do so by contacting the Stoneleigh-Burnham Admissions Office at (413) 325-2711 ext. 257.

Veritas Supra Omnia Truth Above All The Truth Unfolds With You Your Gift to the Annual Fund Sustains True Dialogue True Discovery True Celebration Stoneleigh-Burnham School True Blue Since 1869 Celebrate the 140th Anniversary of Stoneleigh-Burnham School with your gift before June 30th.

Visit www.sbschool.org and click “Support SBS” today, or contact the Development Office at (413) 774-2711.

Living for the Future

The Bulletin Spring 2009

Heeding her own words, Mrs. Miriam Peters turns 100, remembering “[...] that the fullness of life is made up of both memories and hopes.�

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Miriam Peters with Ann St. Clair in the Green Room at the Mary A. Burnham School, 1966.

Photo courtesy of the Stoneleigh-Burnham School Archives.

by Bethany O’Connell

Among the alumnae of both the Mary A. Burnham and the Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill Schools, to mention Mrs. Peters is to inspire a tender devotion. To others, her name invokes the nervous schoolgirl all over again. Yet all alumnae who were educated under the guidance of Mrs. Peters feel both respect and admiration for the high standard she set for their education at an all-girls’ school. Her work was a way of life.

When Miriam Peters’ mother, Mabel Hood Emerson, returned to Northampton and took charge of the Mary A. Burnham School in 1938, she faced the monumental task of reviving her alma mater in the midst of numerous challenges, not the least of which included the instability of an entire nation in the throes of the Great Depression.

Against the doubts of friends and neighbors, Mrs. Emerson reinvigorated the buildings, the academic rigor and eventually the full student body of the Mary A. Burnham School she fondly remembered from her graduation in 1897. Her daughter and son, Mrs. Miriam Emerson Peters and Mr. John Endicott Emerson, were pivotal contributors to that success.

Mrs. Peters arrived at the Mary A. Burnham School shortly after its reopening in 1940, to assist her mother in all manner of the administrative affairs of the school.

As a cum laude graduate of Smith College (class of 1932) who had also graduated with honors from the University of Paris - Sorbonne, Mrs. Peters helped her mother set the academic tone for the school and worked tirelessly to promote its growth and reputation. She had previously been teaching at an all-girls’ school in Connecticut, and readily helped her mother recruit and enroll excellent students and faculty.

Miriam Peters at Stoneleigh-Burnham School, 1968. Photo courtesy of the Stoneleigh-Burnham School Archives.

In 1943, Mabel Hood Emerson was asked by Frank L. Boyden, Head of Deerfield Academy and President of the Board of Trustees of Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill School, to assume control of this other girls’ school out in Greenfield, also needing her attention. She was eager to take on this new challenge, but it was only possible with the help of Mrs. Peters, who could attend to the administrative and academic operations of Burnham.

The Mary A. Burnham School was by this time well established in its reputation and traditions and poised to reach out across the globe. Particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, Mrs. Peters made efforts to enroll students and faculty from around the world, and to celebrate their cultures. She made summer trips to visit alumnae in Europe and chaperoned students on annual trips to France. When she was interviewed by the Daily Hampshire Gazette in 2004, she talked about her passion for travel, “I’ve been everywhere I wanted to go - except Timbuktu,” she said, “And I got invited there once!”

Over the course of 30 years, Mrs. Peters held the formal title of Assistant Principal. In many respects however, she fulfilled myriad roles as needed, equivalent to French teacher, Academic Dean, Trustee, Alumnae Officer, Archivist, College Counselor and Communications Director. She served her last year before retirement as Associate Head of StoneleighBurnham School in 1970, though she continues to remember and communicate with alumnae to this day.

In keeping with her focus on education and the enrichment of student life, Mrs. Peters taught the importance of good manners during after dinner coffees and annual teas. Each term, students lined up to receive grades from Mrs. Peters,

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“Change is inevitable.

The best way to accept it, it seems to me, is to treasure the best of what is no more and to look forward expectantly to the good that is to come.”

Miriam Peters at her home in Northampton, MA, 2004.

Reprinted with permission of the Daily Hampshire Gazette. All rights reserved.

Visit the Photo Gallery

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For more great photos of Mrs. Peters visit

The Bulletin Spring 2009

www.sbschool.org/gallery.

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who urged them always to do better. She shared this sort of wisdom each year in her letter to seniors in the yearbook, “By your choices,” she wrote, “both great and small, your life will become petty, or worthwhile; boresome, or stimulating. May you choose the good things in life. For the most part, they are there waiting for you, the opportunities for learning, the chance for service, the love of those worth loving, the bond with the spiritual.”

This is a year to celebrate the tradition and values of an all-girls’ education at StoneleighBurnham School, which for 140 years has prepared young women for promising futures.

This is a year to celebrate Mrs. Peters, who forty years ago, in her tribute to the last graduating class of Mary A. Burnham before its merger with Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill School, testified to her life philosophy when she wrote, “Change is inevitable. The best way to accept it, it seems to me, is to treasure the best of what is no more and to look forward expectantly to the good that is to come. Put regrets aside and live for the future. Remember that the fullness of life is made up of both memories and hopes.”

One hundred candles of light shine in the hearts and minds of the women who honor this remarkable woman today. Her spark brings the fullness of life and learning to us as a blazing standard. =

The Initiative in Global Awareness

by Regina E. Mooney, Ph.D. At its regular meeting in January, the Board of Trustees passed unanimously a resolution instructing Head of School Sally Mixsell to pursue a multi-pronged initiative in global awareness. The Initiative broadly articulates a direction for Stoneleigh-Burnham School that will increase its visibility internationally, foster sensitivity to cross-cultural differences, increase dialogue about commonalities and collaborations, and strengthen the academic program with the introduction of a globally recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

“We have been so enriched by having girls attend StoneleighBurnham from all over the world, and navigating the high seas of cultural differences has taught us all how to open up conversations, resolve misunderstandings, and think with the value added sensibility of a multicultural vision,” claimed Sally Mixsell. She went on to indicate how, in a girls’ boarding school, we can shape conversations, challenge each other about our assumptions, and pursue common goals as girls and women. “In a world where women are still expected to act in certain ways, are often limited in their opportunities and where the responsibility for care giving still falls predominantly on female shoulders, it makes sense continually to study, reflect, and experience the perspectives of women and girls from different countries.”

The global economy is showing us how connected we truly are.

To communicate effectively and advocate for solutions doggedly, leaders will need to be trained to listen and analyze carefully the multiple perspectives inherent in a global village. Creating solutions to global problems requires sympathetic understanding and the forging of strong alliances as individuals and countries work

together. Sally concluded with a declaration that, in her judgment, “There is no more important time to launch an initiative of this nature and there is no better school to do it.”

Broadly defined, The Initiative will be constructed with three basic components: w A teaching and learning program in global competencies w An optional International Baccalaureate Diploma Program w Student opportunities for international travel and study Together the components will be organized to promote leadership capability in all students. Upon graduation students will be equipped to speak in a non-native language, become knowledgeable in the social sciences and will have deepened their levels of self-understanding through the interpretation of multiple cultures.

Fundraising efforts already have begun with a segment of The Initiative that will honor Mrs. Miriam Peters, former head of Mary Burnham School who this year will turn 100 years old. A world traveler herself, Mrs. Peters has advocated for cross-cultural understanding through travel, dialogue and language mastery. When asked how she would like to be honored, Mrs. Peters chose a focus on international understandings. As Stoneleigh-Burnham honors her 100th birthday and launches this initiative, the natural pairing of both actions raises the enthusiasm for each. To participate in the effort to make The Initiative in Global Awareness a reality or to honor Mrs. Peters with a contribution to a fund in her name, contact the development office by emailing Regina Mooney at rmooney@ sbschool.org or by calling her at (413) 774-2711 ext. 317.

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Tuning in to History Students in US History were busy this spring studying the American 1920s, 30s and 40s. Chair of the history department Chris Kuipers asked his students to research these decades in groups, investigating the important events and cultural trends that defined the time periods. Using their research, students then wrote and produced a “radio show” that was broadcast live to their classmates. Each show, complete with student-created advertisements, reported on the significant political, business, entertainment, sports and cultural news of each decade, including actual music and audio clips from the time. Visit www.sbschool.org to hear samples of the broadcasts.

History teacher Chris Kuipers prepares students before a broadcast.

Photo by Holly Mott.

What’s on your iPod? Podcasts, audio books, movies and, of course, music. Faculty, students and staff revealed their listening habits while answering the question “What’s on your iPod?” Check it out!

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Listen to audio clips, view photo slidewhows and find other exciting news at www.sbschool.org.

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I am working through, with great delight, all of Patrick O’Brian’s books in the Aubrey/Maturin Master and Commander series. They are all about naval warfare in the Napoleonic Wars, and they are truly delightful. I’ve been listening to them all year during my commute! No music on my Ipod, alas!

All books. - Jenn Chylack, English Department Chair Usually I listen to the Beatles when I’m on a long car ride. - May Dong ’14 I listen to my iPod all the time - mostly when I’m riding or if we’re at a horse show and I think the kids need a pick-me-up. I have to listen to the right music or song to get in a good mood to pep up the kids.

- Samantha Pleasant ’02, Riding Instructor Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Motley Crue, Queen, Kiss, Guns ‘N’ Roses and Judas Priest! - Chloe Reid ’09 Music! It is my savior when I am working out.

- Jess Phillips, Spanish Teacher Music and Podcasts. Bill Simmons’ “It’s Only a Game”.

- Jeremy Deason, Athletic Director I listen to an assortment of Paul Simon, Nancy Griffith, Bobby McFarren, King Sunny Ade and his African drummers, […] Joni Mitchell, [and] Carly Simon while I’m working out.

- Claudia Jacobs, Business Office Associate I’ll usually listen through headphones, and I love using my iPod when I work out (it helps keep your mind off running). When I’m at home or in the car I play it through a deck/speakers. - Jessica Gale ’11

Off to College For anyone who follows trends in college admissions, it is impossible to ignore how increasingly competitive many colleges are becoming. More and more students across the country, and indeed throughout the world, are applying to U.S. colleges and looking to gain acceptance to the most selective colleges possible. Many believe that by attending a selective college a student will be challenged at her optimum levels and will have high achieving classmates as friends and conversation partners.

Others seek admission at competitive colleges because they believe the financial aid will be more generous. That these selective colleges and universities have top notch career offices, launching graduates into realizable futures, is no small part of the equation either.

As the competition ratchets up, Stoneleigh-Burnham students, once again, have responded to the pressure by applying to strong colleges and, we are proud to say, have each been accepted to colleges they clearly sought to attend. While not everyone gets into her first choice college, most have had numerous options out of which each has chosen the one she plans to attend. The key always is to resist the hype of the “most selective colleges” and “prestigious universities” in order to develop a list of colleges and universities that will be “a good fit” for each applicant, meaning that the academic programs as well as residential and social environments match student interests. That being said, the list of colleges where our students have been accepted represents a strong level of selectivity.

Under the guidance of Andy Patt and Lauren Cunniffe, the Class of 2009 once again has laid claim to the distinction of one hundred percent acceptance to college, meaning that each student has at least one, and in most cases more than one, college to which she has been admitted for the Fall of 2009.

Thus, all girls have been successful in their quests for college and are off to exciting futures. Some will defer for a year in order to pursue meaningful programs of service and cultural learning in different parts of the world. Most will land on campuses across the U.S. to begin their focused studies in earnest this fall. A partial list of the colleges where girls have been accepted this year gives a flavor for their interests and capabilities. While all are breathing sighs of relief that the process is over, they now anticipate a new chapter in their lives that will push them to a next level, test their preparation for new challenges, and send them into new experiences that will remain with them all their lives.

Accepted!

Northwestern University School of the Art Institute

of Chicago Boston University University of Oregon Wheaton College University of Richmond St. Lawrence University Hobart & William Smith

Colleges Mt. Holyoke College Ripon College University of Hartford Guilford College Michigan State University North Carolina State Alfred University Wagner College Syracuse University

Congratulations Class of 2009!

Genocide Survivor Brings Message of Peace On Thursday, April 16th, former head of the Rwandan Parliament and survivor of the Rwandan genocide, Joseph Sebarenzi made a visit to Stoneleigh-Burnham School to share his story of peace and forgiveness. His forthcoming book God Sleeps in Rwanda: A Story of Survival and Reconciliation is due to be released this fall with Simon & Schuster.

Sebarenzi lost both his parents, seven siblings and numerous other relatives in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Yet, years later, as a senior government official in a position to exact revenge, he instead pushed for peace and reconciliation.

“Revenge is like adding guilt to victimhood,” says Sebarenzi. “It solves nothing to act as our offenders. Nothing should derail us from doing what is right.”

April 7, 2009 marked the 15th anniversary of the start of the 100-day genocide of 1994, in which over a million Tutsis and Hutu were killed. Stoneleigh-Burnham is host to several students from Rwanda, all of whom had the opportunity to meet Sebarenzi and share their stories with him over lunch. He spent the morning visiting classes and meeting with students, including those in the Journalism and Research Seminar courses. Sebarenzi shared his personal life goal with the community, “I want peace for future generations. The past cannot be changed. I need to focus on the living.”

Joseph Sebarenzi with Violet Uwera ’10.

Photo by Holly Mott.

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IEA Team Defeats the Odds After a long, wet and exhausting weekend of competition at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Zone One Regional Finals in April, the Stoneleigh-Burnham School IEA team returned to campus victorious. The team needed to place within the top four teams to qualify for the national competition to be held in May at Lake Erie College in Painesville, OH. They placed third overall and were the only college-preparatory school in Zone One to qualify, beating out both Ethel Walker and Dana Hall Schools in one of the most competitive zones in the country.

This year’s IEA team has had to work harder than most. The team is small and young. According to IEA team co-coach Samantha Pleasant ’02, “This year’s IEA team has far fewer members than any previous team I’ve trained, and for the majority, this is their first year competing.” The team defeated the odds by qualifying before older more experienced teams, and placed 9th overall at the National Finals that took place April 30th through May 3rd.

Co-coaches Mina Payne Cooper ’78, Director of Riding, and Samantha Pleasant ’02 are excited to take the young team into next year with their recent successes under their belt.

IEA was formed and organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. The mission of IEA is to introduce students in private and public middle and secondary schools to equestrian sports, to provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian programs, to develop understanding and appreciation of equestrian sports through organized student competitions, to provide students with organized

IEA Team qualifiers, from left: Sophie Dorsch ’10, Callan Franchi ’11, Tess Reed ’12, Sara Alexander ’12, Kristina Athey ’11 and Marissa Dowrey ’11.

Photo by Samantha Pleasant ’02.

competitive events and to provide additional equine educational opportunities. Currently, there are few opportunities for these students to earn scholarship money. Through the IEA, students may have the opportunity to earn scholarships towards their college education. For more about the Interscholastic Equestrian Association visit www.rideiea.com.

Extra!

Extra!

The Stoneleigh-Burnham Standard Hits the Stands The first issue of the Stoneleigh-Burnham Standard was released during Spring Family Weekend in April. Members of the Standard staff unveiled the debut issue at housemeeting in front of families, students, faculty and trustees, and afterword handed out copies to everyone.

The newly revamped school newspaper has been met with much enthusiasm and in its first few issues has featured interviews with the Head of School and the Dean of Students.

The Standard staff is made up of juniors and seniors in the spring elective journalism class, taught by Jennifer Chylack, Chair of the English department and Managing Editor of the Standard. Chylack saw an opportunity to use the class to educate students in the management of a publication, as well as to give them a template for something more long-term. According to Chylack, “The goal for my course was to set the standard for the paper and to get it underway so that students could pick it up and run with it.” Chylack structured the course to focus less on the finished product and more on the process of working as a team, learning to work on a deadline and experiencing how that impacts the team dynamic. The staffing of the Standard is rotated throughout the class roster so that each week students experience different roles within the production of the publication, from reporter to senior editor.

The class spent the first few weeks of the trimester researching different media outlets, including blogs, online magazines and print publications. They decided that they wanted something handheld, something that they could take away from the experience, and they settled on a printed version of the Standard. Chylack commented that the students, feeling already inundated with email and electronic communications, were not interested in a “click this link” approach, and therefore stayed away from an electronic publication.

The newspaper’s format offers a headline “local” community news story, a world news story and many “gifts” of faculty trivia, photo identification and a teen slang vocabulary lesson in each issue. There is also a weekly advice column titled “Ask Ethel” as well as a weekly op-ed piece that shares opinions on topics like the lack of romance in rap music and the debasing influence of reality television. The Standard staff designed the content to reflect the things that students enjoy reading in other publications. Faculty, students and staff alike are excited by the fresh approach and dynamic content of the new Stoneleigh-Burnham Standard.

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Spring Family Weekend

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Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Spring Family Weekend was a huge success. The weather was made-toorder and turn out was the highest seen in years. Here are just a few of the highlights: 1.

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Sophomore Theresa Oh goes after the ball in a lacrosse match; Anne Quantrell Dennen’70 and Elizabeth Stout’61B with new trustee Charles Gledhill P’13; Taffy Bassett-Fox’88 throws out the first pitch at the Basset Classic softball game; Head of School Sally Mixsell delivers the Head’s Address to parents in the Blue Room; English teacher Shawn Durrett (on right) presents the 2009 issue of Minerva to English teacher Kara Fagan, to whom the literary magazine was dedicated; The junior varsity softball team, coached by math teacher Linda Beaudoin, opens their game with a chant of “SBS, you know!” on Quantrell Field; Seniors Lara Thomas and Audrey Lewis (from left) admire the first issue of the StoneleighBurnham Standard, the new Stoneleigh-Burnham newspaper; Dining Services Director Michael Phelps, who recently rejoined the Stoneleigh-Burnham community, with the help of his staff provided families with a lunch buffet complete with his signature bread creations, this year’s theme - horses and jumps; Eighth grader Erin Moore (holding her brother) with her mother, SBS volleyball coach Lisa Moore and younger sister.

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Getting Together Concord, New Hampshire

On November 2nd, alumnae gathered for brunch at the Common Man in Concord, New Hampshire.

From left, back row: Director of Development and Alumnae Relations Regina Mooney, Charlotte Lewis-Hankus’72, Glo Eldridge P’92, Jennifer Pickering ’72, Kimberly Eldridge ’92, Mrs. Richard B. Lewis P’68S and P’72, Head of School Sally Leach Mixsell ’69 and Ginger Nielsen Robitaille ’69.

Greenfield, Massachusetts

Alumnae came out to play at the Bassett Classic Alumnae and Student Softball Game on Saturday, April 25th. Above, from left: Taffy BassettFox’88, Anne O’Connor Prouty’88 and Ashley Guertin Whitney’92.

Alumnae Board Members Fairfield, Connecticut

The Bulletin Spring 2009

Melissa Leach Dickson ’72 and husband Rick Dickson hosted an alumnae brunch at their home in Fairfield, Connecticut on March 1st. In attendance were Linda Nims Weaver ’58B, Head of School Sally Leach Mixsell ’69 and husband Hank Mixsell, Mindy Merriam O’Brien ’78, Associate Dir. of Alumnae Relations Sara Brown Gibbons ’98 and husband Frank Gibbons, Associate Dir. of Admissions Laura Lavallee ’04, Karen Richmond Benin ’96 and former faculty member Tom Iampietro. Karen Richmond Benin ’96 and Tom Iampietro pictured at left.

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Delray Beach, Florida

Alumnae attended a brunch in Delray Beach, Florida on January 25th at the Sundy House.

From left: Laura Richards ’60S, Head of School Sally Leach Mixsell ’69, Gigi Abbo ’71, Joan Armstrong Posey ’51B and Jamie Bathgate Pierce ’54B.

Kim Eldridge ’92, President Lisa Zewinski Adams ’87 Carolyn Austin ’68B Taffy Bassett-Fox ’88 Pam Brewster Bensen ’64S Kiki Black ’66B Heatherle Clingerman ’93 Mary Dooley ’03 Sharon Lewis Gaffey ’68S Rose Hannigan ’08 E. Kimberly Leegstra ’88 Abbe Janov Litvack ’74 Jean Hill Macht ’47S Kirsten Porter ’07 Laura Richards ’60S Indira Scott ’90 Heather McDonald Whiteman ’86 Ashley Guertin Whitney ’92 Joy Utubor ’09, Student Liaison

s ke A u o Y Si n c e

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o onse s t p s e r e a l um n a a b o u t l i fe ns q ue s t i o o r ld a t l a rg e ew and t h

What are the responsibilities of a girls’ school today, as we prepare young women for taking a purposeful role in the world?

Lilah Lee Mejia ’96 Girls’ schools today need to provide a diverse curriculum for their students, in order to properly prepare them for living in the world.

As a Latina who grew up in the slums of Manhattan, SBS was quite a culture shock. Young women of color often feel as if they have to overachieve in order to be recognized as equal. There is no room for failure, as you often feel that you represent not just yourself or your family but your entire culture.

Educating the entire student body about a broad range of cultures, through the books that are taught in English class and the topics that are covered in history, benefits the entire student body, better preparing them for the world outside of SBS.

Home: New York City (Lower East Side) Job: Social worker for the NYC Administration for Children’s Services Family: Daughters Jade, Amber and Sage and son River.

When I left Stoneleigh-Burnham, it was hard for me to fit into society in life and in work. That was in 1996, we didn’t have clubs for girls of different ethnic backgrounds and our classes didn’t have a lot of diversity of curriculum. It was hard for me to relate to anything reflected in my studies.

I loved my experience at Stoneleigh-Burnham, I was interested in everything, was in every crowd, spent time with everyone. I’m a strong believer in all-girls’ education. Stoneleigh-Burnham has taught me to have my own voice, I saw every day as an opportunity.

SBS Clubs and Activities: Captain of the soccer, volleyball and lacrosse teams, StuCo President, President of Student Activities.

Interests: Volunteering with young people of color in her community.

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Lyndsay Pond White’55B and Patt Reinking McBane’55B during a visit with one another in 2008; Suzanne Green’71 and Lynda Decker Gallagher’71 at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration; 1960 Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill classmates, from left: Nancy Frisbie Clark, Alixe ‘Pete’ Carpenter Hugret, Susan Lawson Farmer and Jan Mottershead O’Donnell; 4. 1962 Burnham classmates, from left: Becky Ellis, Pat Wood Cochran and Libby Montague Mundy; 5. 1971 Stoneleigh-Burnham classmates, from top left: Kathryn Breech, Valerie Ritter Murphy, Sutzie Anger Canzonetti, Marion Browning Piro, Holly Off Arnold, Lynda Decker Gallagher, Gigi Abbo, Robin Abbott Burwick and Joanne Riihiluoma Hunt; 6. Hali Feldman’96, Nina Muther’96 and Alyssa Venincasa Lewis’97 at the Woodstock monument; 7. Susie Hine’67S and Penny Homan Neale’67S in Dennis, MA in September 2008; 8. Amy Owens Sullivan’72 and Stephanie Cooke Gibbs’72 at an alumnae event last year; 9. Laura Richards’60S and Sara Brown Gibbons’98 with Roberta Lee Gerber’57B in Florida in January; 10. Burr Toohey’68B , Maro Hall Henderson’68B and Tina Moir Wood’68B in Colorado in 2008.

ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

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Log in to the Alumnae Community online at www.sbschool.org and update your profile, submit a classnote or register for an alumnae event.

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Class Agents are needed for the following years: 1941S, 1943S, 1944B, 1944S, 1946S, 1947B, 1947S, 1948S, 1951B, 1964S, 1968S, 1979 Contact the Alumnae Office if you are interested in being a Class Agent!

Do try to be with us in June.”

1941S Betty Hess Jelstrup is living in a retirement community in Durham, NC, not far from her daughter and family.

Betty worked for the United Nations Association in the offices of the Security Council for 38 years.

1950S Class Agent: Addie Warner Minott – 2518 Stage Rd, Guilford, VT 05301, pulpitfm@verizon.net

1943B Class Agent: Jane Swift Wood - 4231 Grattan Price Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 1945B Class Agent: Patricia Birt Morse – 735 Riomar Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963, tmorse997@aol. com 1945S Class Agent: Connie Johnson Corsiglia 101 Country Side Rd, Greenfield, MA 01301

1946B Class Agent: Barbara Cox Sileo -8963 Oldham Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33412, jimbarb63@ bellsouth.net Barbara writes: “My apologies to three classmates who sent E-mails to me. Norton tossed them into spam and I believed what I saw. Please communicate again and I will not believe Norton! I look forward to hearing from classmates.

Ingrid Lepsoe O’Connell ’45 did send me a wonderful update. Graduating from Burnham she traveled with her cousin to Norway. Had great times then returned to go to UW for her degree in geography and joined Chi Omega.

Like many of us at the time she had to go to secretarial school to find work at Boeing! She and her husband traveled with their three grandchildren to Europe and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.”

1948B Class Agent: Joan Fenton Clark – 313 Tally Ho Dr, Indian Trail, NC 28079, acorninn@rochester. rr.com

1949B - 60th Reunion!

Class Agent: Jacqueline Oothouse Mitchell –131 Cumberland Rd, Burlington, VT 05408, jacqmitch@ comcast.net

1949S – 60th Reunion!

Class Agent: Sue Heubisch Milkey - 27076 Kindlewood Ln, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 MaryEm Bodman Kenner writes: “A Cluster Reunion for SPH 1945 - 1952. When was the last time you saw ol’ what’s her name? You know, the one who was your right inner on the hockey team or sat in front of you in English Class – ol’ what’s her name! I have convened a “cluster class reunion” for the above classes several times since my graduation in 1949. We had a wonderful reconnection with graduates and a few faculty who were able to attend. I will contact each graduate, or a member of your class will do so before spring 2009. The more ladies who return, the more we’ll enjoy our visit. Seeing how the school has grown and prospered will delight you all. Re-visit memories of Mountain Day; Vespers; Liber Anni; Mrs. Proctors “Inspection” notes; Mrs. Masshall’s Chanticeleer and Corazon hockey and soccer teams; June pageants; Stran Mikkelsen’s ski classes on the hill; Miss Ottensen’s Mensendieck posture classes; Misses Thatcher, Johnson and Noseworthy; Deerfield operetta practice with Mr. Prahl; Mrs. Flynn ringing the cow bell to wake us in the morning; Underseas; High times; faculty patrolling the halls at night to be sure lights (and flashlights) were out; Mrs. Lane and mail call beside the white statue at the main staircase; the dance with the ruler to measure the distance between you and your partner; and Willie Hamilton, our chef, who called out “Hi Bodmin” after not seeing me for 36 years in 1986!

1953B Class Agents: Gaye Alexander Cavanaugh – cjcava1@aol.com; Jane McGrath Packer – jpacker796@comline.com

1956B Class Agent: Judith Howard Whitney-Terry – judith.whitney@gmail.com Judie writes: “Hola from Mexico! The good news is we have avoided the terrible weather of the northeast (except for 3 weeks at Xmas time), the bad news is, I have left your Christmas letters in Orleans, so I’m a little sketchy with class news this time. However, I’ve just received the following email from Carole Hart Barbour “Well it is full summer here in Western, Australia. I just got out of the Indian Ocean (it’s salty)....absolutely gorgeous water, beach, soft sand. Two other ladies and I decided that even though 2 of us had no bathing suits that we were not about to miss the opportunity to simply bathe in this wonder. One lady was from England and the other was the Bride Instructor on board...great fun and conversation while in water.

Except for one of the singers from the ship, we were the only people on the beach...Heaven!!! So, not a surprise to anyone, I shed my top clothes and luxuriated in this splendor. As I dripped back to the “tender” boat that takes us out to the ship that is anchored, the ship might blackball this dripping lady. Every day of the trip gets better. I somehow forget how fabulous these cruises really are!” From Ursula Kendrtarvich Hogan “After spending time at the Outer Banks in October watching the waves and relaxing, I took a job back at the school I originally taught at in Springfield, MA. I have enjoyed being there playing Grandma Teacher! I finish up March 9th and will go back into retirement again...until I forget that I am retired. It’s hard to give up a career that one has enjoyed. My granddaughter, Casey Mary Hogan, is graduating from high school in June and has been accepted to Oklahoma University.

We are all excited for her. Where have the years gone?

I talk to Andy, Clarita, and Phyllis often. We are still Burnham girls at heart.” A quick bite from Sandy Durkee Switaj says “We are still in Baltimore. Getting older is ok. (You notice I didn’t say old). Go Obama is our daily cheer.” Bob and I had a lovely visit with Alan and Jean MacLean Jankowski on our way to Mexico (via PA, OH, MO, KS and Houston, TX). As usual she’s a busy bee. She’s in the process of getting the programs organized for her Low Vision Support Group. She’s still helping her daughter, Martha with decorating. I guess the long term project was because Martha was in the throws of her “Skate for Hope” show. Proceeds go toward breast cancer research. In between times Jean’s been redecorating her own home and I can personally report that she’s got a real flare! It’s lovely.

I appreciate news from all of you and I’m sure most of you like to hear what’s going on in your former classmates world, so keep those emails coming to judith. whitney@gmail.com. Until next time, Hasta luego!”

1953S Class Agents: Pat Birge Johnson - 4130 SW 25th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33914

1956S Class Agent: Linda Maiuzzo Budd – linnieb13@hotmail.com

1954B – 55th Reunion!

1957B Class Agent: Roberta Lee Gerber – 47 9th St, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Laura Richards ’60S and Sara Brown Gibbons ’98 had lunch with Roberta Lee Gerber while traveling in Florida in January.

1950B Class Agent: Emily Cooper Stephenson – PO Box 957, Carmel, CA 93921, emilystephenson@ sbcglobal.net

1951S Class Agent: Joan Walthers Parks – 37 Church St, Westminster, MA 01473, bowtie-1@ mindspring.com Joan writes: “A letter from Mary Em Bodman Kenner ’49S prompted me to e-mail/write to you all.

In it she proposed the idea of re-instating the “cluster class” reunion concept for classes 1945-1952 inclusive.

What a great idea and I hope you all agree!! I have had a positive reply from Neysa Rosenthal Wilkinson.

Nelda Montana Morris where are you? My letter to you was returned to me! We are also still looking for Ellen Kunitz.

Gib and I are spending our 11th winter here in Clearwater, FL. We have 10 grandchildren. One of our oldest, a football captain at Bentley College, graduates in May. We have watched him play football in Chelmsford and at NMH. One of our youngest is a skater (following in her Mother’s footsteps) at the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg, another is a dancer in Scarborough, ME and so on. Each of the others pursuing their own interests.

See you in June!”

Barbara Burnett Cooper is still working as a national distributor for Specialty Advertising. Recently she produced a t-shirt for the Smithsonian Indian Museum, which the museum staff wore at the Presidential Inauguration. Barbara hopes to attend Reunion in June.

1952B Class Agent: Sandra Williams White - PO Box 790, Franconia, NH 03580 Trudy Bennett Coldwell writes: “I did hear from a Burnham/Round Hill friend, Judy Pitock Higgins! She was across the hall from me at Round Hill.

I often think of the school and Mrs. Peters especially when there has been a dog show in Greenfield! I’m an ardent dachshund breeder, exhibitor, judge; my longtime avocation.”

1952S Class Agent: Barbara Schaff Blumenthal 36 Sullivan Dr, West Redding, CT 06896, Barbglea@ aol.com

Class Agent: Jill Crawford Stoll – spunkygram57@aol. com

1954S – 55th Reunion!

Class Agent: Linda Jennings Kraus – hankk58@aol. com 1955B Class Agent: Pat Reinking McBane dpmcbane@aol.com Pat sent along a note from Elena Scott Whiteside, who writes: “Here is a recent snapshot of me and my 2 youngest – I think my last – as the kids are getting older. I sure am enjoying my grandma season. This year is 50 year reunion of college! I am planning to attend and next year will be Burnham 55 years. I plan to go to that too – see you there!”

1955S Class Agent: shep24@comcast.net

Anne Shepard Stevens –

1957S Class Agent: Winnie Steel Walker - 14 Honey Corners Rd, West Topsham, VT 05086 1958B Class Agent: Karen Preefer Hanauer – khanauer@optonline.net 1958S Class Agent: Anita Smiley Bailey – PO Box 83, Boyce, VA 22620

1959B – 50th Reunion!

Class Agent: Susan Cummings Campbell – beachrosedesigns@comcast.net Susan writes: “Yes, the big ‘50’ has finally arrived.

Please make an effort to attend this important reunion.

We can celebrate our lives, our memories and our love

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for Mrs. Peters on her big ‘100’. Don’t be shy, even though we may have a few more wrinkles, some gray hair, and more pounds in the middle. I will know you and you will know me, because we are still sisters.”

1959S – 50th Reunion!

Class Agents: Betsy Barry Beaudin – betsy@beaudins. com; Joannah Hall Glass – jhallglass@aol.com 1960B Class Agents: Rachael Chamberlain Schlegel – rcs4335@aol.com; Cynthia Poltrack Skinner – cynth6@earthlink.net 1960S Class Agents: Margery Lawton Cooper – mtlcooper@yahoo.com; Laura Richards – lrichards102@gmail.com March 4th - 7th Nancy Frisbie Clark hosted a 49th reunion of suite-mates from the SPH class of 1960.

Jan Mottershead O’Donnell, Alixe ‘Pete’ Carpenter Hugret, and Susan Lawson Farmer flew into Palm Beach to visit Frisbie. We caught up with each others’ lives, reminisced, shared pictures of our grandchildren, talked of our journeys for the past forty-nine years, stayed up WAY too late, and laughed until our sides ached! Forty-nine years felt as if it had been a month, as we picked up where we had left off so many years ago.

We all agreed, everyone looks the same! What treasured time that was!

1961B Class Agents: Judy Vandeveer McDermott – judithmc33@aol.com; Toni Schust Zegras – tzegras@optonline.net

1961S Class Agent: Barbara Tamburri Grossbaum - btbigtree@ aol.com; Julie Stephens Wyman – julie4cats@gmail. com 1962B Class Agent: Kathy Conathan Reardon – kathyr1230@aol.com Kathy reports: “Just heard from a few classmates this time, and I would love to hear from more. We all enjoy all the news, so please email me, call me, write me or send me information on Facebook.

Sarah Caldwell Anderson is staging homes for realtors. She also takes care of wonderful twin granddaughters two days a week. They are very girly girls and she loves taking them to ballet. Her son is a talented artist and musician. Sarah is lucky her family lives very close, when I talked to her they were celebrating her mother’s 90th birthday! I know Mary Ellis Bowers has twin grandchildren, are there any other grandmothers of twins in our class out there?

Pat Wood Cochran is just back from visiting daughter Wendy in Paris. Pat tries to visit at least twice a year.

Wendy and family live close to the Eiffel Tower, and Pat loves seeing her two grandsons. Her daughter Tracey lives close to Pat with her husband and three children.

Pat teaches for the Audubon Society at Drumlin Farms in Massachusetts. Environmental education is her specialty. She, Libby Montague Mundy and Becky Ellis had a mini-reunion in Nashville in October. They had a great time; I keep hearing something about a wig.

Althea Prescott Cranton is working for the HamiltonWenham School district. When she has any free time, she teaches seasonal skiing at Wild Cat Mountain. Just before Christmas, Althea completed her Masters in Special Education from Gordon College. Her daughter, Hannah, is completing her BFA in Performing Arts from Salem State College this May. Both Althea and Hannah’s graduations are on the same day 4 hours and 15 miles apart. When Althea went to our 25th reunion, Hannah was only a few months old! Althea enjoys being in touch through Facebook, and she hopes more of our class will join.

As for me, still in SE Pennsylvania, Jack still with FedEx. We had a very mild winter, and as you all are, eagerly anticipating spring. Our news is

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we are now the grandparents of Trevor Conathan Reardon, born February 10th. I plan on making quite a few trips to Boston to visit our little treasure.

Pat, Becky, Libby and I plan on getting together at the end of April in Boston. We will try and call as many in the area for a reunion lunch.

If you don’t hear from us, please email me.

I am sure everyone wishes Mrs. Peters a very happy 100th Birthday. I can still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about being called to the Blue Room for a chat.

That would be after her fifteen minute power nap in the afternoon. I can remember walking through there, and she would be asleep on the couch for exactly fifteen minutes. Then refreshed, she would go on with her day, without a wrinkle in her suit or a hair out of place. My sister, Janet Conathan Wrightnour ’63, and I still wonder about that trip she took to France, we think it was 1961/62. When she came back, her outfits were very fashionable and her skirts were shorter. She was such an influence on all our lives, I just wish my children had someone like that when they were in school.”

1962S Class Agents: Roby Akin Phillips – rphillips@worldtrav.com; Charlot Martin Taylor – chartaylor@tinafredericks.com 1963B Class Agent: Judith Whalen Dunbar – Judidunbar@aol.com Margot Dunbar Beier writes: “There were 3 daughters of Roger and Jessie Dunbar who graduated from The Mary A. Burnham School; Diane Dunbar Wimer in 1954, Christine Dunbar Kuhn in 1961 and me, in 1963. My father’s top priority was educating his girls and he chose MAB for the school’s reputation, and also because he and my mother were so impressed with Mrs. Peters. My first year at Burnham I was in a triple and my two roommates were fierce enemies. I was stuck in the middle. Mrs. Peters took charge when she became aware of the situation and I will always remember her calming way and her sense of fairness as she resolved the situation to everyone’s satisfaction. I also remember Mrs. Peter’s elegance and grace. I found her just the same when my classmates and I visited her in her home during our 35th reunion. I will be forever grateful for the education and social skills I acquired at MAB with Mrs. Peters at the helm.”

1963S Class Agent: Sally Miller Fuller – ImFuller@ sopris.net

1964B – 45th Reunion!

Class Agents: Gail Martin Clock – GCLOCK@aol.com; Ellen Chello McFarland – ejmcfarland@snet.net

1964S – 45th Reunion!

Pam Brewster Bensen writes: “Years ago, the classes of 1963 and 1964 joined together for Reunion and I think that 2009 would be a great time to rally around the troops again. Pam Porter Barefoot, Pam Wildes and I had dinner late 2008 and began talking about this. I spoke with Anne Dyer and she too was in favor of the idea. Let’s start talking this up!

In June the school will be celebrating the (almost) one year anniversary of Sally Leach Mixsell ’69 as Head of School and launching the 140th anniversary of the school. All good reasons to gather in Greenfield and celebrate together. Please, mark your calendars!

P.S. We helped Sally move into Coleman House (formerly the home of Mr. and Mrs. ‘E’). What a change there. It is lovely. I had to go down memory lane and check out the basement where we did laundry and drank cokes on Saturday night - I could feel the spirit of the senior class down there even today.”

Patricia Yuengling writes: “I’m in southern California.

I’m probably one of the few people in the world who seems to have made a career of her own psychotherapy!

I discovered late in life (at age 46) that I was terribly abused as a child and have spent the years since then

in therapy to get healing. In conjunction with that, I am on a deep and extensive spiritual journey seeking a closer relationship with God (which comes with a closer relationship with self). All very intense and not at all fun, but I have faith that it’ll be worth it in the end. In addition, I am divorced with a 34 year old son. He is married, and they have a beautiful 2 year old daughter who is teaching me to love and nurture my self through her. Ah! God is good! In “real” life, I’m involved in my church, and I volunteer at the San Diego Zoo.” 1965B Class Agent: –amdebrauw@aol.com

Ann Mickelson de Brauw

1965S Class Agent: Patricia Roberts – proberts6@ nyc.rr.com 1966B Class Agents: Kiki Black – henshaw66@ yahoo.com; Mandy Burr – RevMandy@aol.com; Judy Arnold Conner – jmac333@comcast.net Roxy Bowker writes: “I am still teaching elementary school music in Littleton NH, am secretary of the Littleton Lions Club and president of the Littleton Community Center board of directors, a non-profit corporation. My son Robert, age 36, is a Merchant Marine captain of a boat for the oil industry in Angola, Africa and he lives with me when off duty. This summer he is taking me and his girlfriend on a 26 day trip to Europe!”

1966S Class Agent: Beth Born Mellina - 710 Dartmoor, Westfield, NJ 07090 1967B Class Agents: Judith Lilleston – lillestonj@ hotmail.com 1967S Class Agent: Susie Hine – PO Box 96, East Dennis, MA 02641 Susie shares: “In September I had a visit from Penny Homan Neale, her husband Phil and dog Chief. We enjoyed sunny days of dog walks, a trip to Provincetown, and great conversation. We talked to Julie Flagg ’68S, who still has as much energy as ever.

On Saturday, October 25th, I was thrilled to attend the installation of Sally Leach Mixsell ’69, as the new Head of School. There is still something very special when I turn off Route 2 – I see the school and my heart skips a beat – I am home. The day was filled with great enthusiasm as students, faculty, alumnae and family welcomed Sally to the perfect position – custom made for her. She could not resist the sisterly comments to Melissa, recalling her early interest in “teaching.” With a few tears in all of our eyes, we Stoneleigh girls knew that Mrs. E was watching, and she was indeed very proud. I especially enjoyed chatting with Benn Jesser – everyone’s adopted Dad. The icing on the cake was the glorious singing by Sally’s husband Hank, and the Salt and Pepper Gospel Singers.”

1968B Class Agent: Joyce Cornish Suter – ljsuter@ comcast.net Burr Toohey writes: “Maro Hall Henderson and I stay in regular touch. She visited me in Colorado about a year ago. We did a hike along the Mesa Trail with Tina Moir Wood who also lives in Boulder.

Maro and I spent 10 days in Scotland. It was such fun to pal around again. We spent a day in Edinburgh visiting sites and walking the entire city. Then we headed north and a bit west to the southern portion of the Cairn Gorms, the first national park of Scotland formed in 2007. We did 2 days of hiking there. By far one of our best days due to perfect weather was to the summit of Lochnagar. Then we headed for Isle of Skye where we continued to explore by hiking there every day. It is a wonderfully beautiful country and we were well prepared with our rain gear! Recently, while working in Rhode Island on a consulting project, I had dinner in Providence with Ellie Gauntlett Wickes ’68S. To make

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Patty Cuddihy Zimmerman ’72 and family; Children of Stephanie Cooke Gibbs ’72: Sheena, Jeremy and Sidrah; Ellen Easton’72 and Keli Claffey Levine’64S, February 2009; Susan Dowdney Safipour’80 and family in Italy last summer; Alexia and Abbie, daughters of Megan Hillier Stone‘04; Left to right: Colin, son of Lynda Decker Gallagher’71, with Amy and Charlotte, daughters of Sutzie Anger Canzonetti’71; 7. Burr Toohey’68B and Maro Hall Henderson’68B in Scotland; 8. Jan Eisner’72 with her horse Nacette; 9. Elena Scott Whiteside’55B with her two youngest grandchildren; 10. Alexandra Slack Hindle’99 and husband Rick, October 11, 2008; 11. Sara Brown Gibbons’98 and husband Frank, October 4, 2008.

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a long story short she is great friends with a fellow with whom I went to the University of Colorado. I clearly remember our field hockey games against Stoneleigh and she was one of ‘them’. There her roommate had been Kathy Frick Wold ’68S with whom I had gone to middle school in Greenwich. We had a great time reminiscing. When I returned to my hotel room I called Fricko and later learned that she and Ellie caught up with one another. Also through the same friend in Westport, MA I met the daughter of Sarah Bryan Jansen ’66B, but was not able to catch up with Sarah which made me sad because my friend’s wife and Sarah have been close for years. I would have also liked to have had time to catch up with Mary Lee Prescott Griffin who lives nearby, but there was not time enough. I love it when the circle goes around. Many of us (SPH and MAB gals) want to see and hear from Ellie Gilman. We’ve lost touch. Ellie – where are you? We miss you!”

1969 – 40th Reunion!

Class Agent: Deborah Chamberlain – dorchamb@aol. com 1970 Class Agent: wlpmom@comcast.net

Kathy Seyffer Opdycke –

1971 Class Agent: Lynda Decker Gallagher – LDGCYK@aol.com Lynda writes: “Last October, nine dear friends gathered at Holly Off Arnold’s home in Hyannis Port on the Cape for a weekend of constant laughter and memories. We spent the weekend walking the beach, eating delicious meals, and catching up on each other’s lives into the early morning. Although it had been many, many years since we had all gotten together, the bonds of friendship remain strong.”

On a cold and snowy December night, Sutzie Anger Canzonetti and her children Charlotte and Amy joined Lynda Decker Gallagher and her son, Colin, for dinner and a look at the big tree at Rockefeller Center. Colin, a musician, lives in Brooklyn. Charlotte, a grad student and Amy, a teacher, live in Manhattan.

Suzanne Green traveled from Arizona to attend the Inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington, DC. Suzanne writes: “What a monumental and memorable week on the East Coast in January! Several fun days reunited with Anne Sears ’70 in Norfolk, VA catching up and sharing our current lives while fondly looking back on our days at SBS. Sandwiched in between were four days in D.C. where Lynda Decker Gallagher and I witnessed HISTORY -- the Inauguration of Barack Obama. We were honored and thrilled (standing for hours in the freezing cold) to experience it all with the millions on the Mall. It was a glorious day!”

1972 Class Agent: Melissa Leach Dickson – MelissaLDickson@gmail.com Melissa reports: “Thank you to everyone who e-mailed me news and pictures. You can do that anytime— deadline or not. I have been living in Fairfield CT for 21 years. We had an alumnae brunch at my home in March where women were able to meet Sally Leach Mixsell ’69, the new head, listen to plans and hopes for SBS, where the school is now, and talk about their experiences when they were away at school. It was a lot of fun. I am still doing my fitness classes at a nearby gym and am about to launch personal training in my home.

I will continue to teach at the gym Spin, conditioning and Pilates mat class. All my kids are in NYC. Two are teaching school, Elliot at the Spence School and Lizzy at the Convent of the Sacred Heart both on E.91St. and one is in acting school at Circle in the Square Theater School on Broadway. Alexandra will finish up in May having covered everything that acting classes have to offer from singing to combat! My husband Rick is with Dunbar Educational Consultants in New Canaan working with admissions officers and advising kids looking at boarding school and college. He is also well-

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versed in the therapeutic schools/wilderness programs for more troubled adolescents.”

Amy Owens Sullivan writes: “Here is a photo of Stephanie Cooke Gibbs and me at an alumnae event last year in the wine country. We attempt to stay in touch even though we are on opposite sides of the Golden Gate Bridge. We also hear from Susan Tuttle, over the Bay Bridge in the East Bay, occasionally. Think of the old days often.”

Martha Wood Collins writes: “I live in Bozeman, MT and work as a wildlife biologist and serve on the school board. I am finally doing biology work monitoring 9 Golden eagles and 1 Bald eagle. We have radio transmitters sewn to their tail feathers and I am tracking them for a Wind Turbine proposal west of Bozeman. It is the beginning of their courtship time now and we are seeing them getting sexy. 33 years after receiving my Wildlife degree I am doing research. My husband of 25 years is a Celtic musician and woodworker. We have two sons. Our oldest son (22) will be graduating from the Univ. of MT, Missoula, MT this May. Our younger son (19) is taking a gap year and doing a semester course with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership SchoolLander, WY). Do not hear much from SBS grads way out here. Sue Crowley used to live in Helena, MT ages ago. Hey Sue, are you still in NH? Miss you and your family. Anyone close by or coming through give us a knock. The skiing is excellent at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. Would love to be in touch.”

Ellen Easton was the guest speaker on Feb 10, 2009 at an afternoon tea held at the Mayor’s House-Gracie Mansion. Keli Claffey Levine ’64S attended as well.

Keli and Ellen met at an alumnae function 20 years ago and have been friends ever since. Ellen also keeps in contact with Mercedes Serralles Eggerickx and Polly Hill Butler. Ellen is also happy to report that Mercedes, having lost her husband five years ago, was married this past December to a wonderful man, Eddo Bult.

Sally Hafer shares: “I’ve been living in Vermont since 1973. My husband Tom and I have a house and a barn with two horses. I’ve been working for a community action agency for nearly 23 years, primarily in Head Start. One of our other classmates, Lisa Bailey White, works there too. My oldest son Patrick is an actor in Hollywood but also works in production or story editing for reality shows like The Biggest Loser or Hell’s Kitchen. My youngest son Will is graduating from University of Vermont in May 2009. He is also in the National Guard and will be commissioned into medic services when he graduates. I see Liz DeVito often in NYC and we’ve had a few travel adventures.”

Jan Eisner writes: “I have just purchased my new dressage partner “Nacette”, while in Wellington, Florida. I feel so very lucky to be able to continue my dreams of dressage, and surrounding myself with that which I am so passionate about! Life is great here in NJ, I have photographed and published several “For The Love Of Horses” calendars, which raise money for my non-profit, Huber Woods Horseman’s Association, dedicated to preserving open spaces for equine use, and to aid in the care of retiring horses. I am still designing my line of one-of-a-kind jewelry.”

Melody Wynn writes: “Santa Barbara has been good to me. My preschool continues to keep me busy and I just bought a horse. I keep her up at a ranch less than a mile from our home. She is full Arabian and a wild 8 year old mare. My son is forever in college here in Santa Barbara and my husband is fine. Let’s start thinking about another “class reunion.” Do we dare ask if we can stay in the dorms again?”

Stephanie Fox-Cramer is still living in Burbank, CA. She was nominated for an Emmy for Costume Supervisor for Outstanding Costumes for a Series for the “Pushing Daisies” Pie-lette (the pilot show) in 2008.

Stephanie enjoyed going to the Emmys and the Ball after. Stephanie’s daughter, Sophie, is 13 and going to high school next year. She has a babysitting business and loves working with children. She was a Burbank

Tara Greenwood Kohnke’01 and husband Kyle, November 15, 2008, Milwaukee, WI. Vikings Cheerleader last summer. Stephanie’s husband does private security for the entertainment business.

Joanne Porter Richardson writes: “I am still in Whitefield, NH and now my husband and I own the local dairy bar/snack shack which is open from May to October. Thom works for Sysco Foods of Northern New England as a salesman and I am part-time at Garnet Hill in Franconia. Our daughter Elspeth lives in Franconia, NH and is a special education teacher. She will be thirty this summer (remember when we didn’t trust anyone over 30?). Our son Chris lives in Tampa and is professional golf caddy at Old Memorial Golf Club right in Tampa. He is 25.”

Charlotte Lewis-Hankus shares: “I am still an Audiology Coordinator, Audiology tech. and Ear, Nose and Throat pre-certification personnel. It is very interesting and I am constantly learning new stuff. The most frustrating thing is when the insurance companies question the specialist’s direction for care of one of our patients.

My older son Craig (23) is in his final months of electrical apprentice training and will take his “Journeyman’s” license in the summer. Scott (21) is in the Providence area and managing a high-end residential condo building in the downtown area. My husband, Julian, is keeping busy with the endless “honey do” list that I have no problem adding to, and finding jobs on the side to help with his master carpentry skills. My mother is great and volunteers at the New London Hospital. She will never give up the nursing bit. They keep her quite busy with her knowledge of nursing and love for caring for people.

She still travels to see all of us, too.”

Liz DeVito writes “I see Sally Hafer a few times a year and am heading up to Vermont for her son’s college graduation in May with her sister, Carol Hafer ’69. I have no milestones of my own to report, so am going to shamelessly promote a volunteer organization I’ve been involved with for a little over two years, Infinite Family. We use the Internet to mentor children in South Africa who have been orphaned by AIDS. My mentee lives at Nkosi’s Haven in Johannesburg and we talk in a half-hour videoconference each week. You’d be amazed at the impact this brief connection has on these kids. I could write pages about it, but why not check it out for yourself: www.infinitefamily.net, or search Infinite Family on YouTube for live action from Joburg.

We’re looking for more volunteers, so I naturally thought of my fellow SBS alums. Don’t you want to put ‘cybervolunteer’ on your resume? More importantly, don’t you want to do one little thing to help the next generation along? Sure you do.”

Lisa Bailey White reports: “I have been living back in Vermont for the past 16 years and now work for Head Start as a home visitor. I see Sally Hafer fairly often as she works for Head Start in central Vermont as well.

I have 4 great children, 2 son-in-laws, and my first grandchild is due in September. I am happily together with Bill who has 3 children. Holidays at our house are hectic but fun!”

Karen Harris Hathaway met Head of School Sally Leach Mixsell ’69 at a jumper show that Karen was judging this past winter. Karen (re)introduced herself as one of Melissa Leach’s old pals from their SBS days.

Karen and Sally had a good chat and Sally mentioned she had recently heard from Gigi Altmiller McIntosh.

Stephanie Cooke Gibbs writes: “We are empty nesters.

Sidrah and Jeremy have graduated from college and both live in the Bay Area. Sheena is in Illinois where she attends college and volunteers at a horse stable. Living in Healdsburg in Sonoma Co. Wine country for ten years has been a joy and we wake up often and say, “Another beautiful day in paradise.” I celebrate 5 years of survival from emergency brain surgery on April 15, 2004.

Patty Cuddihy Zimmerman reports that things are great in NH: “Just spent a week in Florida at the get away home of Georgica Martin Kearney ‘71. Had a great time! We get older but we somehow manage NOT to mature. Zim and I and daughter Jacquie traveled to Thailand in December where son Zach is for a year in Chaingmai working at a YMCA and Jacquie (majoring in sign language) is heading back to volunteer at a deaf boarding school for several months.”

1973 Class Agents: Susan McVie - 1731 Rose Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018

1974 – 35th Reunion!

Class Agent: Victoria Claman Hewitt – vchewitt@aol. com 1975 Class Agent: Susan Murphy Mulcahy – emeraldsm@sbcglobal.net 1976 Class Agents: Nancy Maurer Preston – npreston@twcny.rr.com; Susan Tyrrel – styrrel@cox. net 1977 Class Agent: Kathryn Whitney Mansfield kat.mansfield@verizon.net 1978 Class Agent: Lynne Schulthess – SabrinaS@ optonline.net 1980 Class Agents: Kim Day - 403 Pacific Cir, Newbury Park, CA 91320; Dawn Slaney Hill - 303 Tutwiler Dr, Trussville, AL 35173; Cindi Grader Viola – jckviola@comcast.net Susan Dowdney Safipour is the editor of Diablo magazine, an award-winning lifestyle publication of the San Francisco East Bay. Check it out online at: diablomag.com. Susan and her husband, Fred, love skiing and watching their 10 year-old son, John, race J4/5s at resorts around Lake Tahoe. In 2008 they were lucky to take a family trip through Italy and loved every minute of Venice, Rome, Capri and Ravello. Susan also loves catching up with her SBS classmates on Facebook.

1981 Class Agent: Becky Rawson Aronson – baronson75206@yahoo.com Susan Zonino McNamara writes: “I am married to Dennis and have two kids Meg (8) and Jack (6) and am in Real Estate in the Phildelphia area. If you are ever in town give me a call! Or better yet, get on Facebook.

I have had a ball reconnecting with some of my old friends. It is really fun.”

1982 Class Agent: Bridget O’Brien – bobrien@ comcast.net

1983 Class Agent: Lois Kuiper Fuller - 116 Arbor Ln, Colchester, VT 05446

1984 – 25th Reunion!

Class Agents: Susan Mahoney Casey – suem65@flash. net 1985 Class Agents: Sophie Aikman – sophieaikman@hotmail.com; Sharon Barbour Petrecca – spetrecca@cox.net; Suze Stutzman – suzedesigns@ hotmail.com; Evelyn Trebilcock – Evelyn.Trebilcock@ oprhp.state.ny.us 1986 Class Agents: Elizabeth Engel – eengel1241@aol.com; Liz Tichenor Percheson – elizabeth.percheson@pharna.com Amy Mundy Lloyd writes: “Can you guys believe we are in our 40’s! I am loving my 40’s. I have been married to a great guy for 16 years. I have a very wonderful 10 year old who wishes to attend SBS in 9th grade! She also hopes to attend Brown for college: a very aspiring little girl. I still live near Seattle,WA . I do make it back to the east coast every summer. My folks are in RI. I am like my yearbook says: I love being a mom, wife and a daughter. I also help out my community and my local school as well as the elderly.”

Gatey Graves Kagan shares: “I moved back to New England in 2003, love it. I married my husband David in 2004 and moved to Hamilton, MA. My daughter Kipley was born on June 1, 2006, and my son Tennyson Ozzie (Tenny) was born May 31, 2008. So I am sure all you moms out there know pretty much what my life is now with 2 babies...diapers, naps and negotiations. I love it and treasure even the bad days as I know this time will go by quickly and before we know it we will be discussing prep school!”

1987 Class Agents: Damiane Adamczyk – dadamczyk@snet.com; Jenny West Pender – penderjenw@yahoo.com Leah Garland recently moved to San Diego from New York. Leah was teaching theatre at SUNY Geneseo and left her position to join her fiancé in southern California and do more acting. She would love to connect with any entertainment industry alumnae.

Ajda Sabunca owns a pilates studio in Istanbul, Turkey where she has lived for the past five years. She is still in touch with Michelle Milstein Jewett, Chris Hunt and friends.

1988 Class Agents: Linwood Bardusch – lwoody@att.net; Taffy Bassett-Fox – taffy929@yahoo. com; Jennifer Daly Metzler – digitaldirt@aol.com; Travis Stewart – travandboo@sbcglobal.net; Kelsa Fuller Zereski – kelsa96@aol.com

1989 – 20th Reunion!

Brooke Harris shares: “If you haven’t already, consider making a Facebook page. It’s great to see everyone on there and makes keeping in touch a lot easier. Here are the notes I’ve gathered from some people. I hope everyone is well and braving the economy and winter with ease. Megan Soukup is living in Southbridge, MA and working for the Bridge of Central Mass., Inc as a Residential Counselor.

Stacy Richards Vuylsteke has three little boys (ages 5, 3 1/2 and 10 months) who are very high energy and a lot of fun. The Vuylsteke’s currently live in Georgetown, MA, but husband Justin just got a promotion, so they will be moving again soon. Stacy is having a great time on Facebook catching up with all her old SBS buds!

Lee Wells Bender has three kids and lives in NJ. Amina Abdi lives in Portland, OR, with her family. She has three boys and her “little princess”. Amina lived in south-east Asia for quite a long time, and while she is currently settled, they may move again.

Amy Christiansen-Burton is expecting her second set of twins, this time a boy and a girl. The doctors hope Amy will make it to 32 weeks, so the twins may arrive in April. Amy is still in Baltimore, and loves seeing what everyone is up to on Facebook.”

Jenn Howley: “I am living in Northampton, MA. I am married and have two boys: Quinn (2) and Riley (4).

Kevin, my husband, and I had the opportunity to visit Mr. and Mrs. Wray last summer with Patty and Barry Kostanski. We were honored to have had the opportunity to visit and learn more about their wonderful family and friends. We will be reflecting on those hours for many years to come. I visit with the Kostanskis regularly and my boys love playing with the daughters (age 1 and 3) of Jen Kostanski ’93. We recently spent a weekend in NYC visiting Stacy Trimble ’90. As always, I love visiting Stac - we always share so many laughs!

I caught up with Kristan Mallet ’90 for dinner. She is great! Ironically, I was on the same flight back to Hartford, CT as Jess Grader. She was with her husband and two kids. She was returning from the Caribbean -looking tan and happy! I am employed as Marketing Manager for Cisco Systems and continue to attempt to balance work and home.”

1992 Class Agents: Tracy Allison Evans - 1611 Prather Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63139; Leelee Harrison – leelee_harrison@yahoo.com 1993 Class Agents: Jennifer Anderson Hayes – jhayes36@yahoo.com; Sarah Johnson – sarahflies2004@yahoo.com James Morford, father of Amy Morford Nebeker passed away on November 22, 2008

1994 – 15th Reunion!

Class Agent: Amie Tessler Butman – amieb@cox.net

Class Agents: Julie Gunther - julesgunther@yahoo. com; Sam Loud Migon – migons@bellsouth.net

1995 Class Agent: ewhitney@bement.org

1990 Class Agents: Dionne Cason - 5904 Terry Parker Dr N, Jacksonville, FL 32211; Melanie McCusker Fenstersmaker – dmfence@aol.com; Tamar Cooke Luck – twnsrul@yahoo.com; Teresa WilliamsYetming – paris100@aol.com Robin Marcato writes: “I am in Virginia and working for an international NGO, International Relief and Development. I am currently the Program Development Officer for Iraq and Iraq related programs. (Basically that means I coordinate Iraqi programs and look for more.) I really love my job and while that and a lot of business travel keeps me from having a life so to speak, I am enjoying myself tremendously.”

1996 Class Agents: Marguerite Barrett margueriteb@yahoo.com; Mary Ellen Hennessey Blake – mary_ellen_hennessey@hotmail.com Carissa Tudryn shares: “So, I want to update you on my dream of becoming an astronaut. I was finally eligible and applied for the first time this year. The last application process was in 03/04 and I was still at MIT working on my degrees. I received really good news last week. I am one of the highly qualified applicants. My references are being contacted and the JSC Astronaut Corps. Office asked me to complete a FAA Class Flight II physical. If I get denied after this, then that is okay because I’ll keep applying and applying.”

1991 Class Agents: Amy Christiansen Burton – ajchristiansen@aol.com; Rebecca Whiting Harr – rwharr2@aol.com; Brooke Harris – ebrooke326@yahoo.com

1997 Class Agents: Erin McDonald – emcdonald82@hotmail.com; Becky Plough – rtp9979@ aol.com; Kilian Tracy – kiliantracy@yahoo.com

Emily Clarke Whitney -

1998 Class Agents: Sara Brown Gibbons – sarambrown@hotmail.com; Melissa Hemming McWeeny – melissa5074@yahoo.com; Meg O’Brien – megoatc@hotmail.com On October 4, 2008 Sara Brown married Frank Gibbons at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.

In Memoriam

1999 – 10th Reunion!

Class Agent: Alexandra Slack Hindle – alexandra. slack@gmail.com On October 11, 2008, Alexandra Slack married Rick Hindle in New Jersey. Becca Engle was a bridesmaid and Elish Benthall ’01 attended. It was a beautiful day on the Jersey Shore!

Mary McMahon writes: “I have recently moved to the west coast and living outside of Los Angeles. I am working at an elementary school and settling into my new surroundings. I do miss New England mentality but I love the weather! To meet some new people and fulfill one of my dreams I am running in the San Diego Marathon this May. In the process I am training with a great volunteer group called Team In Training. This is a very positive community of people who raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My goal is to raise $2,500 by race day. I am really excited to be running this race and training every week with awesome people.”

2000 Class Agent: Caisey Jefferson Kakascik– cjeff2@yahoo.com 2001 Class Agents: Joyhdae Albert - simply. joyhdae@gmail.com; Katelyn Morgan - kmorgan@ hartford.edu On November 15th, 2008 Tara Greenwood married Kyle Kohnke at Sacred Heart Parish in Milwaukee, WI. Former faculty member Tracy Stuart was the Maid of Honor. The Kohnkes currently live in Phoenix, Arizona but are looking to re-locate to the Milwaukee area.

Kyle is a member of the United States Air Force Reserves and is looking to pursue a career working with Harley-Davidson. Tara continues to work for the American Cancer Society.

2002 Class Agent: sampleasant@gmail.com 2003 Class Agent: fydenkevez@gmail.com

Samantha

Pleasant

–

Jessica Fydenkevez – jess.

2004 – 5th Reunion!

Class Agent: Jessica Pleasant – jpleasan@student. umass.edu Amanda McLane has been working at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center since graduating from Middlebury in May 2008.

Megan Hillier Stone writes: “All is going well in Maine. We just welcomed Alexia Hadley on 11/11/08, just one day shy of her big sister, Abbie’s, birthday on 11/12/08! We couldn’t be happier and feel more blessed with our two happy and healthy daughters.”

2005 Class Agent: Erica Marback - Wedges9@ aol.com Jessye Siciak is currently a senior at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, majoring in public relations and minoring in writing. She recently finished an internship with Disney’s FamilyFun magazine where she was the editorial intern for the summer.

Emily Rosenfeld is taking a year off before attending medical school. Emily might pursue a Masters in Public Health or continue research in adolescent medicine at UC San Francisco.

Brittany Healy Sadler and husband, Kevin, welcomed a baby boy, Patrick James Sadler on July 26th. Brittany is busy attending school and working, and is waiting for Kevin to return from Afghanistan, hopefully by the end of September. Brittany and Patrick recently visited

28

1947 SPH Lista Lincoln Foster September 2008

“Dandy” Dandy, a beloved school horse, passed away in the fall of 2008. Known for his patient, easy going attitude, Dandy was the perfect horse for many beginning level riders. Dandy was donated to the SBS equestrian program in 1997 by Vicki Claman Hewitt ’74. We miss this wonderful teacher!

Emily Nadel.

Jenny Warner is busy working at a hospital and riding horses. She has three horses she will probably be taking to California to sell and three more to break this spring.

Erica Marback is finishing her studies in Psychology and Sociology, and plans to graduate in May. Erica will be working at Bonnie Castle Riding Camp for the fourth summer in a row, and loves it!

Lauren Kasnet attends school in Lexington, Kentucky.

She is learning how to ride race horses on the track.

2006 Class Agent: Natalie Rosenstock – rosenstock_n@mitchell.edu; Marcy Segel – mwindy15@ aol.com Liz Smith is a junior at the College of Santa Fe. She loves the southwest and has immersed herself in the culture.

2007 Class Agents: Ashlee Houle – ahoule@ sbschool.org; Kirsten Porter – kirst.porter@gmail.com Emilee Henderson took a year off and spent time in Aiken, SC and Florida riding and working with horses.

Last summer she ran the riding program at Windridge summer camp in Vermont and this fall began at MECA (Maine College of Art ) in Portland.

2008 Class Agents: Martha Kingman – foremek@ sover.net; Caroline Marsden – cmarsden@student. umass.edu Dana Larsen had a good first semester at St. Lawrence.

She found her biology class difficult at first, and is currently taking classes in Environmental Studies and Spanish.

1950 MAB Nancy Passloff Thalimer December 4, 2008

1961 MAB Daphne Hurlbutt Barna March 28, 2009

1965 MAB Anne Vogt Fisler March 27, 2009

1972 Lindy King October 9, 2008

Faculty Claire Sigda English teacher Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill November 15, 2008

Reunion Weekend 2009

Celebrating 140 Years of Educating Young Women Reunion 2009 will take place June 5-7, 2009 at Stoneleigh-Burnham School. This is a year of celebration! It is the school’s 140th year, the 40th anniversary since the merger of the Mary A. Burnham and Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill Schools and Mrs. Peters’ 100th birthday! All alumnae are encouraged to attend this Reunion, with special recognition for alumnae with class years ending in 4 or 9.

Friday, June 5th 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Registration Wine and Cheese Reception hosted by the Alumnae Board at Coleman House *Classes are responsible for their dinner this evening.

Saturday, June 6th 7:00 am – 9:30 am Continental Breakfast 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration 9:30 am – 12:00 pm Fresh Start Start the morning off right with a mini-manicure, a massage, tennis, pilates or horseback riding (you must be able to tack a horse).

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Award Ceremony and Presentation This is a year of celebration! Join us as we celebrate Mrs. Peters’ 100th birthday, honor alumnae with milestone reunions, and present awards to alumnae for their dedication to their communities and Stoneleigh-Burnham School.

2:30 pm – 6:00 pm Take a Break Spend the afternoon looking through items from the Archives, participating in Oral history recordings, scrap booking (bring your favorite high school photos!), relaxing by the pool, or just catching up with classmates!

3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Burnham gathering in Northampton and Tour of Mary A. Burnham School Join Burnham alumnae for a special tour of the Mary A. Burnham campus, followed by a gathering at the Smith College Museum of Art. Transportation will be provided.

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Class Photos and Reunion Reception Gather with fellow alumnae and current and past faculty members for social time before dinner.

7:00 pm Reunion 2009 Dinner Under the Tent Sunday, June 7th 9:00 am – 11:00 am 9:30 am – 10:30 am 11:00 am

Breakfast Buffet and Good-Byes Archives and Oral Histories Alumnae Board Meeting

Register online at www.sbschool.org or contact Sara Brown Gibbons in the Office of Alumnae Relations for registration information at (413) 774-2711 ext. 247 or email alumnae@sbschool.org.

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STONELEIGH-BURNHAM SCHOOL

574 Bernardston Road Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301-1100 www.sbschool.org

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 or (413) 774-2711 ext 247.

Thank you.

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