footsteps SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Our Mission At Marin Primary & Middle School we make education meaningful, while encouraging pride in self, respect for others, and enthusiasm for learning. we treasure childhood.
We honor and enjoy children’s natural curiosity, competence, and exuberance.
we teach to reach children.
Using teams of teachers and educational methods tailored to how children learn best, we connect with our students, build trusting relationships, and make learning relevant, memorable, and fun. we teach children to reach.
Asking not “how smart is the child” but “how is the child smart,” we guide our students to see their full potential, and we equip them to pursue it with passion and purpose.
we inspire children to make a difference.
We value academic excellence, personal integrity, and community action and encourage our students to become informed, engaged, and ethical global citizens.
c letters 4
n
Julie’s Letter
around campus 6
School Happenings
features 10
A Global
Approach 12 Community Connections 14
International Day
16
A Roadmap for a
Digital Age
18 Congratulations! 20
A Fond Farewell
21
Heartfelt Tributes
23
Have You Met
Our Newest
Trustees? 24
College List
25
Alumni Reunion
26
PA Update
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Each year in the life of a school moves so quickly, especially over the final weeks leading up to our traditional year end celebrations, Stepping Up and Graduation. This year, as our community came together to appreciate the accomplishments of our students and recognize the importance of this transition in their lives, I was especially aware of my deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this very special school.
Looking through the pages of this edition of Footsteps
The effective learning environment created by these new
brings back memories of the year we’ve just ended, as
programs and spaces serves to challenge and support
well as reflections on the many ways in which our school
students, particularly as they become innovative 21st
has evolved over the years. From the activities of the
century thinkers and leaders who have the confidence to
youngest preschoolers to those of our graduates and
take risks and meet challenges.
alumni, the pages that follow highlight the many aspects
Just a few short weeks ago at Stepping Up, I was
of school life that contribute to the strong, healthy and
honored to join two soon-to-be graduates in ringing the
vibrant educational community in which our students
gong to close the school year. After a final week with
thrive.
teachers and the leadership team, this letter is one of
In just a few more days, incoming Head of School
my last opportunities to share my deep gratitude for the
Andrew Slater will be happily settled in his office and a
many ways in which all of you have helped create this
new chapter in the life of the school will begin. Andrew
wonderful school community. We’ve had some great
and I have enjoyed the many chances we’ve had to spend
adventures together over these years as our school has
time together following his appointment in the fall. He
grown and changed, and I have thoroughly enjoyed
will be supported by the talented faculty and staff and
spending my days surrounded by the students, teachers,
will benefit from the initiatives and projects completed
and families of Marin Primary & Middle School. Enjoy this
over the past year, including the program and structure
look back on the year, and know that I leave with a heart
changes of Middle School 2.0 and the construction of the
filled with amazing memories from these past years and
expansive and innovative new science spaces – as well
great excitement about the school’s future.
as the creative use of the renovated cage enclosure as a space for STEAM and project-based learning activities.
school happenings on and around campus
Project Night Night
The Imaginary Invalid
Fourth graders participated in a wonderful community
In keeping with tradition, this year’s eighth grade
service project for the children’s charity Project Night
performance of Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid” was the
Night. Project Night Night provides 25,000 homeless
result of a full trimester of study and practice. The MP&MS
children each year with an age-appropriate book, a stuffed
JK-eighth grade drama program instructs students in
animal, and a cozy blanket, all tucked in a new canvas tote
the skills of storytelling, project based collaboration, and
bag. This national charity works with tens of thousands
elocution. Every graduate is well prepared to leave with
of volunteers each year who offer their time and talents
the ability to appear before others with confidence and
to make our world a better place, and our fourth graders
poise, and the eighth grade play is a natural conclusion of
were among those making an impact. They spent time
this training. It is a study in theatre practicum: students
working in small groups to create handmade fleece
read and discuss the play, its history, and its relevance to
blankets, which came in all sorts of decorative and fun
its age and to ours; they rehearse and perform the play;
patterns and were included in these care packages for
they are responsible for their costumes, the sound, lights
children in need. As global citizens engaged in important
and programs. This play is chosen for a variety of reasons,
community action, our fourth graders helped make a
including its comedic and satirical value, as well as the way it
difference in the lives of other children with this inspiring
dovetails with the eighth grade study of United States Civics.
project that was both fun and rewarding.
While many students may never participate in another play again, this experience helps them gain the understanding and confidence that they can do it, because they have done it at a formative time in their lives within the safe, supportive environment of their peers and teachers at MP&MS.
Ancient Civilizations
Science Lab Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Sixth graders deepened their analysis of the seven
On April 25, the long-awaited ribbon cutting for the new
characteristics of a civilization through an inquiry-based
Science Lab took place among trustees, faculty, parents, and
ancient civilization project. In small groups, students
special guests. This informal event featured brief speeches,
selected an ancient civilization they wanted to research,
a tour of the new labs, coffee, and breakfast treats. Both
then worked together to generate both essential and
Julie Elam and incoming Head of School Andrew Slater
characteristic questions about the culture, society, and
were present for this important milestone, which marks
peoples they were exploring. They spent weeks immersed
the opening of a state-of-the-art facility that will bolster
in this research phase and designed innovative, interactive
an enhanced and advanced curriculum across grades.
and original ways to share what they had learned with
Designed to support an innovative and nimble program that
others. The projects demonstrated 21st century learning
can respond to changes in our rapidly evolving world, the
skills such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and
labs have both indoor and outdoor spaces adjacent to the
communication. The exhibition of student work was a
Outdoor Education Center, art studio, and music room, and
vibrant and unique display of projects, including live action
will provide opportunities for integrated projects, research,
gladiator training, mosaic making, a Viking training video, a
and experiments.
cooking demonstration, and a Viking myth reenactment.
school happenings on and around campus
Dream Flag Project
Stepping Up & Graduation
The Dream Flag project is an international movement that
The community marked the milestones of preschool
brings people of all ages together to send positive dreams
graduation, Stepping Up, and eighth grade graduation
and hopes out into the world. In March, JK-eighth grade
by recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of
students participated in this meaningful project, which was
our students. At the Barn and Zoo graduation, preschool
originally based on the poetry of Langston Hughes and
families watched proudly as their little ones were called
displayed on fabric similar to that of Tibetan Dream
by name and performed a song (and even danced!). At
Flags. This widely popular movement aims to reach people
Stepping Up, JK-eighth graders each shared a meaningful
and communities across the globe to spread goodwill
class performance before moving to the seats for their
and generate positivity. This powerful group activity
next grade. To conclude Julie Elam’s final Stepping Up
was a way for our students to express their wishes and
ceremony, the community presented her with a book of
desires both for their communities and for the world at
heartfelt tributes and photos marking her many years as
large. Technology Integration and Innovation Specialist
an inspirational and beloved educator and leader. Finally,
Jesse Swagerty created a short video of the students
eighth graders celebrated with engaging presentations
participating in this project, which you can find on our
and performances at their graduation ceremony. Together
website at www.mpms.org.
with their families, teachers, and members of the MP&MS community, the graduates looked back on all they had accomplished during their years at 20 Magnolia Avenue and looked forward to the next exciting step in their personal and educational journey.
Athletics
STEAM – Project-Based Learning
The athletics program at MP&MS had a winning year of
Can you code your robot to solve this maze? Sequencing,
accomplishments and sportsmanship! The middle school
measurement, and geometry are all important parts of
boys fall flag football team had an undefeated season,
third grade math. In this project, students were challenged
with a perfect 5-0 record. In the winter, the Varsity
by Technology Integration and Innovation Specialist Jesse
boys and Junior Varsity boys basketball teams won the
Swagerty to put these concepts and skill sets together
championships in their divisions, while the Varsity girls
in order to find the steps necessary to code their robots
took sixth place and the Junior Varsity girls came in third
to travel through a maze. They learned about constants,
place in their divisions. In the spring, the track team did a
variables, duration, heading, and distance in this integrated
terrific job competing in events with great pride and effort.
STEAM project-based learning opportunity. By seeking
Jon Hull remarks, “As a teacher and coach, I couldn’t be
out new ideas and meaningful projects to integrate into
more proud of each and every student’s effort at the track
existing programs, Jesse helps students and teachers
and field meet.” Twelve MP&MS students were assigned to
consolidate the school’s technology and utilize it in
various events as helpers, and they all received high praise
curriculum-driven ways. As they learned how and why
from the coaches they assisted. At the track and field
technology works and how to manipulate it, these third
championship meet, MP&MS had nine first place finishes
graders enjoyed a perfect example of the fun and
and one fourth place finish. Congratulations MP&MS
effective integration of science, technology, engineering,
athletes, and many thanks to coaches Jon Hull
art, and math.
and Whitney Sutak for an outstanding year in sports!
S
AL CITIZEN B O GL
gio w illia m
s
c
ole
a global approach Our partnership with Colegio Williams in Cuernavaca,
At the end of the week the completed projects
Mexico continues to blossom and flourish. In the fall, MP&MS
were displayed for the parents of second and fourth
sent a team of teachers to carry on the teacher educational
graders. The presentation ended with both grades
exchange that began in 2008. Included on this trip were
singing “You Can Count on Me” by Bruno Mars. We
Ellen Abrams, Nora Bailetti, Silvia Vasquez, Peter Eldredge,
chose this song because it focuses on friendship and
and Meike Wanberg. Our school team worked in Colegio
kindness and it is a favorite sing-along at our own
Williams’ second and fourth grades, and many of the fourth
MP&MS assemblies. With smiles of joy we concluded
graders were students we had worked with two years ago
another great exchange with our friends at Colegio
as second graders. It was greatly rewarding to see first-hand
Williams.
the wonderful progress these students had made. This year’s second grade project brought children’s
In the spring, MP&MS welcomed four teachers from Colegio Williams to our campus as part of this
literature and performance together. We adapted Kathryn
exchange. We were thrilled to host Montserrat Flores
Otoshi’s picture book, entitled "One," into a play. The book
Biosca (Montse), the Primary School English Director
was chosen because it explores the universal themes of
who oversees the English section of their bilingual
bullying, being an ally, and the idea that one person can
program, in addition to teaching art. Also joining us
make a difference in the world. Using a reader’s theater
was Vero López, a third grade Spanish teacher, who
format, each child was given a few lines and simple
came back to MP&MS for a second year. In addition,
choreography to memorize. We rehearsed the play all week,
Barbie Quintero, a second grade English teacher who
first in small groups and then as a whole. The entire play
has been a part of this exchange program since its
was performed for the second and fourth grade parents.
inception, was happy to return to MP&MS. Finally,
Meanwhile, the fourth graders embarked on a journey
Benjamin Guerrero Lara, a preschool art teacher and
of art and poetry to deepen their English skills. Oil pastels
art therapist, joined the group. These educators spent
were used to create self-portraits. We discussed shapes of
a week with our second and fourth graders, leading
faces, eyes, noses, mouths, and all the components that
and participating in various projects that helped our
make each of us unique. Then each table group received
students learn about Mexican culture. Among the
a set of oil pastels and black construction paper and the
highlights was a project focused on learning traditional
masterpieces quickly evolved. In addition to the self-
Mexican games and the vocabulary around them.
portraits, a writing component was introduced in the form
MP&MS students had the opportunity to share what
of a poem that described each artist, such as the following
they learned in a wonderful presentation to their
example;
primary and middle school peers.
Vanessa Creative, crazy, funny, cool and beautiful Sister of Valeria Who loves her family, friends, dogs and a mirror Who feels good about having close friends at school Who needs to be less grouchy with her brother Who gives attention to her teachers Who fears spirits and death Who would like to meet Polinecios Who dreams that unicorns exist A student of words and the Roji News
From this exchange program, both MP&MS and Colegio Williams students gain language enrichment and long lasting friendships with their pen pals in second, third, fourth and fifth grades. They practice their skills with conversation (making videos), reading, and writing letters. The students’ Spanish/English skills improve tremendously through the years, which helps each group develop an appreciation for learning a second language. This cultural immersion helps our students understand global citizenship firsthand, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership.
community
connections
Empathy is a critical skill that children need in order to successfully address the challenges of their world in and beyond school. The seeds of empathy are planted in our youngest students when they first begin to notice and put language to their own feelings, which leads to a deeper awareness of and sensitivity to the feelings of others. Through emerging language skills and an ensuing ability to problem solve, children begin to develop an understanding of self and other. At MP&MS, teachers model and reinforce these important concepts with intention, and this helps to create a safe environment for children to flourish in their ability to connect and empathize. In all of our preschool classrooms, helping the children understand how to connect and care for each other, and for our communities, is a common goal. Through field trips, neighborhood walks, special guests, and the Buddy Program, our youngest students experience the joys of connecting with and positively impacting the world around them. Preschoolers connect with the
Preschoolers connect with the
Preschoolers connect with the
student and parent community:
local community:
global community:
Preschoolers enjoy lunches through
There is so much for preschoolers to
As global citizens, preschoolers
the Buddy Program, making
see and absorb in our local community.
take part in a variety of celebrations
valentines, and counting seeds for
They take bus trips, go on buggy rides
and activities that open the door
Harvest Festival as they learn to
to local parks, and play on the bike
to a world beyond MP&MS. From
become integrated into the larger
path. They enjoy walking field trips
participating in the Lunar New Year
school community. Special events
to Dolliver Park for outdoor nature
Parade and celebration to making
are always a great opportunity for
exploration and learn about Larkspur
flags for International Day, these
students to connect with each other.
through visits to the library, the bank,
young students enjoy a range of
For example, on Cesar Chavez Day,
the post office, the barbershop, and
opportunities to learn about other
Panther Pals groups enjoy reading
Mag’s! Whether preschool students
peoples, cultures, and causes.
and playing together. But it’s not just
are creating their own model town
Through Marine Mammal Center’s Sea
special events that keep our littlest
out of recycled materials, working on
to School Bus, they learn about caring
students connected; as they travel
a FLAGship bus book drive, or visiting
for our oceans; through Wildcare,
through the halls to library, music,
the Petaluma pumpkin patch, they
they learn care and compassion for
and the playground, they interact
are engaged learners and community
ill or injured animals, and they even
with older children daily. From Winter
members. One of the highlights of
have a chance to bring in “stuffies”
Holiday Celebration to Student of
their community outreach this year
from home to practice caregiving
the Week, reading in class or joining
was “random acts of kindness.”
through dramatic play. Embracing a
on field trips, parents and students
Preschoolers baked and handed out
sense of empathy and responsibility
can find countless opportunities to
over 80 heart-shaped cookies to
for the earth and nature, preschoolers
connect with each other on campus.
construction workers, mechanics,
can be seen turning classrooms into
firefighters, sanitation workers, shop
“rainforests,” hatching chicks, and
owners, and neighbors on Valentine’s
studying the butterfly life-cycle before
Day. They also made 35 bookmarks to
releasing them into the garden.
bring to the Larkspur library to share with local patrons and handed out flowers to neighbors as they walked towards town.
international day On May 19, the community celebrated MP&MS’s 15th annual International Day. This special multicultural festivity began with a parade leading into the amphitheater, followed by performances by preschool, primary, and middle school students. Parents and guests enjoyed a wonderful morning of celebration highlighting rich cultural traditions. Later in the day, students and teachers participated in a range of activities representing cultures around the globe and enjoyed a scrumptious international lunch. Specialty dishes included quesadillas, churros, guacamole, samosas, curry, jollof rice, rigatoni, fresh garlic bread, tea sandwiches, scones, fried chicken, fruit punch, plantains, pupusas, sausages, and more. This favorite MP&MS tradition is an important opportunity for our students to learn more about the cultures and countries represented within our own community as well as others around the world. MP&MS faculty and staff have roots from around the globe… here are just some examples of our heritage • Caitlin Nassar was born in Canada • Cinthia Chacon was born in Bolivia • Darinee Hoonsuwan’s parents immigrated from Thailand • David Gottlieb’s mother was born in Canada • Dylan Turner was born in Canada • Ferenc Dobronyi’s father was born in Hungary • Helen Pogrel was born in Wales, and her parents were born in England • Johanna Hall’s mother is from Holland, her father is from Canada • Madeline Mendelsohn’s mother is from Germany and her father is from Romania • Margot Koch’s father was born in Germany • Mario Moran’s parents were both born in Mexico • Marisa Aversa’s parents are from Italy • Mary Russell was born in Ireland • Meike Wanberg was born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Germany • Mia Munson was born in Sweden • Michael LoRusso’s father was born in Italy • Nora Bailetti was born in Argentina • Paige Missamore’s mother is from the Phillipines, and her paternal ancestor came to America on the Mayflower • Sam Eskandaripour was born in Iran • Sarah Westmoreland’s parents were born in England • Silvia Vasquez is from El Salvador
ROADMAP FOR A DIGITAL AGE
parenting, technology, and middle school students Middle school is a time when children are experimenting
interaction, yet also presents obstacles to the normal
with new ideas, skills, relationships, and responsibilities.
development of 10-15 year-olds. That challenge is the
During this period, students also experience their most
attraction of the apps embedded in the technological tools
dramatic growth physically and cognitively. This time is
that have become an important part of our lives. Social
often referred to as the most challenging and demanding
media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat,
in one’s life. Marin Primary & Middle School’s mission, which
and more have become the avenues that many of us now
begins with the premise of Treasuring Childhood, embraces
use to connect to family and friends. While having many
the idea that middle school students thrive when allowed
benefits, left unchecked, these tools can also be detrimental
to learn in a safe environment with ample opportunities for
to the healthy development of young adolescents.
creativity and critical thinking, while also becoming resilient, independent learners and caring community members. Today’s middle school students are faced with a new challenge, one that embraces creativity and social
Recently, MP&MS fifth grade students and parents decided to address this challenge by developing shared values that allow for each child’s experience with technology to be a healthy one. The students met with
their teachers and MP&MS Media Literacy instructor Junia Ziblay to create a set of technology guidelines to which each student could agree. Later that same week, fifth grade parents gathered to learn more about the challenges and changes associated with adolescent development, and to use the students’ suggested guidelines to help the entire class apply best practices for themselves when managing technology outside of school. One of the suggested guidelines was that “the fifth grade students will refrain from sending text messages between 8:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m.” This allows our students to spend the evening interacting with their families, reading, and in general taking time to reflect on the day without the constant demand of social interaction with peers. Because all fifth grade students agreed to this guideline, they no longer need to worry about the infamous Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) that impacts so many young adolescents during this time of development, when one’s sense of identity can be dependent on one’s interactions with peers. Another suggested guideline was that “all devices will be charged outside of each child’s bedroom.” This helps
SUMMER READING
each child to get the highly recommended nine to ten
Do you know what summertime means?…
hours of sleep each night. Sleep is a time when a young
plenty of time to read! Here are a few helpful
adolescent’s brain and body reorganize and regenerate
tips for a summer of great reading:
in order to support a rapidly changing body. Not getting enough quality sleep can have a dramatic impact on a
• Read on your own
child’s ability to attend in class, and to develop healthy
• Read to your child
relationships with one’s peers as well as with one’s self. A
• Read as a family
fatigued child begins the day at a disadvantage. Charging
• Listen to a book on tape while taking a
devices outside of bedrooms removes a distraction that can sabotage restful sleep. These two suggested guidelines, and others developed
long car trip • Encourage your child to read something new or try a different game
by the students and parents, have had a positive impact
• Find a favorite new place to read
on the daily experience of the students and families. As
• Create a reading ritual
the class continues to move through the middle school
• Share your favorite book with your family
years, the guidelines will be adapted to match the growth of the students. Our goal is to ensure a developmentally appropriate approach that allows students to experience
and friends • Start a book group, and remember to visit your public library
the benefits of technology, while also taking time to read, have face-to-face interactions with friends and family, and
If you would like a curated reading list
to experience the all-important downtime. Our success
prepared just for your child (or even
will be defined by the skills and self-awareness these
yourself!) please email MP&MS librarian
students will apply as they transition to high school upon
Junia Ziblay anytime during the summer
graduation in 2020. The participation of our students, in
at jziblay@mpms.org. You can also visit
collaboration with parents and school personnel, reinforces
Common Sense Media at
our school’s mission and supports the development of a
www.commonsensemedia.org for
safe and creative environment for our students to continue
trustworthy and inspiring ideas on digital
to develop, grow, and thrive.
literacy, summer reading, and more.
CONGRATULATIONS SPEECH CONTEST PARTICIPANTS This year, MP&MS students were given the opportunity to
ation and articulation). They chose from different forms of
participate in the largest speech tournament for middle
expression, including dramatic interpretation, impromptu
schoolers in Marin County, the Margie Burke Speech Con-
speeches, original prose and poetry, and persuasive
test, which was held at Ross School in April. Spearheaded
speaking. After a trimester of diligent practice in public
by Margot Koch, MP&MS’s involvement in this contest has
speaking, four of our nine contestants took home medals
flourished, and this year’s participating students represent-
in the areas of dramatic interpretation and impromptu
ed an impressive increase from 2016, when we entered just
presentation. Remarked Margot, “All of our participants
one brave sixth grader. With over 180 participants in all,
gave so much of themselves in preparing for the event,
nine students volunteered to represent MP&MS. In collabo-
and the real prize was the discovery that they can each
ration with teacher Charlie Queary’s seventh grade drama
stand up and speak for themselves.” Thank you to Margot,
program, students were coached on elocution (the skill of
Charlie, and Junia Ziblay for preparing our students so
clear and expressive speech, focusing on distinct pronunci-
well, and congratulations to this year’s team!
CONGRATULATIONS MP&MS CLASS OF 2017 On June 15, this talented group graduated from MP&MS and set out to pursue high school careers at a range of impressive schools. In the 2017-2018 school year, MP&MS graduates will be engaged in academic, athletic, and extracurricular pursuits at the following high schools: • Archbishop Riordan High School
• Marin School of the Arts
• Stuart Hall High School
• Convent of the Sacred Heart
• Novato High School
• Tamalpais High School
• Drew School
• Redwood High School
• The Bay School of San Francisco
• Lick-Wilmerding High School
• Sir Francis Drake High School
• The Branson School
• Marin Academy
• Sonoma Academy
• The Marin School
• Marin Catholic High School
• St. Ignatius College Preparatory
• University High School
A FOND FAREWELL On June 4, the MP&MS community gathered together to celebrate and honor retiring Head of School Julie Elam. Current families, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff and friends enjoyed a light brunch while children played on the playground and friends old and new had a chance to connect. After a warm welcome by Board Chair Sam Cross, the program included heartfelt remarks by Dave DeMartini (Middle School Director), Cameron Taylor (eighth grade student and Student Body President), Molly Gamble (fifth and eighth grade parent), and Lucinda Lee Katz (Head of School, MCDS). The celebration also featured beautiful musical presentations by Lucille Rieke (seventh grade student), and Sadie Briggs and Mariette Forney (third grade students). Julie’s eloquent and thoughtful farewell was a reminder of how much her leadership and presence will be missed at MP&MS. We wish Julie the very best as she moves on to her next gratifying adventure – retirement!
heartfelt tributes Our family came to Marin Primary at the same time that Julie Elam did, and now we say goodbye at the same time. I know very little about people, almost nothing about education, and not much about leadership either, but Julie’s example inspired me to help out as much as I could. I served on MP&MS’s Board of Trustees for nine of our family’s eleven years at the school, stumbling through a variety of roles and witnessing Julie’s leadership firsthand. Julie treats everyone with respect. She solves problems instead of assigning blame, and she listens better than anyone I’ve ever met. Julie is the best leader I know. When I launch a spaceship to colonize Mars I’ll put Julie in charge. – Mark Slavonia, Former MP&MS Board Chair
As I reflect on Julie’s eleven years as the Head of MP&MS, I am grateful for her incredible dedication to our students, faculty, staff, parents, and extended community. She has dedicated her life to eduI stand in the middle school courtyard and watch as Julie suggests that two
cation and for decades has
students stop hanging from the basketball hoop. She turns and talks to a teacher
impacted the lives of count-
who comes to her side with a question. I blink and Julie is greeting a parent. A
less students as a teacher
group of fifth graders walks by and Julie acknowledges each one. All this hap-
and as an administrator. She
pens in a moment, and I know it is only one of many moments that make up
has led the transformation
Julie’s day. She is always present, always available, and always involved. Julie
of MP&MS from a wonderful
knows each student by name and their associated grown-ups, invites former
local gem into one of the
students to stay in touch, frequents our plays and events, gives speeches, and
leading primary and middle
tends to our community tirelessly. You can find her in her office, in a costume, on
schools in the Bay Area. I am
the playground, in the library, in a budget meeting, out in the hall, observing a
sincerely appreciative of her
class, or in the middle school courtyard. You can always find her because she is
leadership and the foundation
always willing to be found. Julie gives her attention to each aspect of the school,
she has laid for the MP&MS of
nurturing all; administration, curriculum, the facility, and most importantly, its
tomorrow.
inhabitants. And that’s really the main bit — she gives her attention. She gives, all
– Sam Cross
day, every day. Julie has been an extraordinary head of school and a role model for us all. I am proud to be stepping up with her this year. Thank you Julie. We are forever grateful. – Julia Pearl-Styles, Eighth Grade Student
MP&MS Board Chair
In many ways, I feel I was adopted by the MP&MS family, and by Julie in particular. While working for a family to integrate their child into middle school, I shortly became part of the Learning Resource Center. In my years here, I have worn a variety of “hats” in addition to being part of the LRC, including co-teaching, helping to develop the middle school advisory program, and being a co-advisor. Julie has offered me opportunities and has supported me in every role. We share a special education background and, because of that, I have felt heard and understood. Among the millions of tasks on her plate, she was always accessible and made me feel valued. Thank you, Julie. Your hard work and dedication are beyond compare. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of rest, relaxation, and a wonderful retirement! – Kelly Checo, Learning Resource Center Specialist
In my nearly twenty years at Marin Primary & Middle School, I’ve had three heads of school, and one temporary one. Through Julie’s practical and visionary leadership, the school
I have never been a fan of goodbyes; I tend to offer my own interpretation. Of-
has been taken to new
ten, I say “until next time,” or “see you sooner than soon.” When I am faced with
heights of professionalism
the task of saying goodbye to someone, I reflect on moments I shared with that
and development, all while
person. I think about how this person has both impacted me in the past and
keeping the warmth and
present, but also how this person may impact my life in the future. When Julie
nurturing spirit on which it
informed us that she would be retiring, I wept. Not only did I weep sad tears,
was founded. We will sorely
but tears of joy and happiness for Julie. I wept thinking about the sacrifices that
miss Julie’s wisdom, kind-
she has made for not just myself but for her family, and the countless families,
ness, and positive presence,
students, and teachers’ lives whom she has dedicated her life to. I wept with a
and wish her all the best!
smile. I wept with admiration. I wept for her past, her present and her future.
– Kristi Durst,
I also wept for the growth that Julie has helped flourish both here at MP&MS
Third Grade Teacher
and within myself. I am inspired and honored to have learned from such an incredible human being and to have spent some of my most trying personal and professional moments with. Someone like Julie who could help guide my listless fears, and flourish my ambitions. That is why saying goodbye to Julie just doesn’t work for me. There is no goodbye, there is only thank you, thank you and until then see you soon! – Dan Harrison, Preschool Teacher
have you met our newest trustees?
Anna Davis is a senior
Danny Dias and his wife, Liz,
Jeanne Heath is a senior
Hilary King holds a BS in
urban planner at AECOM.
have two children at MP&MS,
product manager with IBM
Accounting from Lehigh
She has a BA from Colgate
Ollie in kindergarten and
Digital. She has a BA from
University and has worked
University and a Masters
Daphne in preschool. Danny
Vassar College and an MBA
in public accounting and
in Regional Planning from
is a graduate of Harvard Uni-
from Yale University, and is
the hedge fund industry. At
the University of North
versity and is the co-founder
an alumna of MP&MS. Jeanne
MP&MS Hilary has served in a
Carolina, Chapel Hill. Anna
and CEO of Lightkeeper, LLC,
and her husband, Peter
range of volunteer roles, most
and her husband, Lewis
a provider of portfolio ana-
Conklin, have two children at
recently as President of the
Kaufman, have a daughter,
lytics tools for the alternative
MP&MS, Alice in sixth grade
Parents Association. Hilary’s
Rae, in first grade.
investment community.
and Edmund in third.
son Cooper is in sixth grade.
Don Pillsbury is a graduate
Brian Taylor received a BA
Kirsten Goff has a BA
of Yale University. He also
in Philosophy from the Uni-
from Connecticut College
holds an MBA from Kellogg
versity of Michigan and an
in English, an MSW from the
Graduate School of Man-
MBA from the University of
University of Michigan, and a
agement. Don is Head of
Chicago. He founded Kernel
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Customer Loyalty and Re-
Season’s Popcorn Seasoning
from George Washington
tention at American Giant,
and is currently focusing on
University. Kirsten is an
an ecommerce company.
the launch of Thinkspan, a
active volunteer at MP&MS
Don and his wife, Skye, have
digital archiving platform.
and will serve as Parents
two children at MP&MS,
He and his wife, Katie, have
Association President next
Clark in fourth grade and
two children at MP&MS,
year. Kirsten and her hus-
Annika in second grade.
Olivia in second grade and
band, Jon, have two children
Avery in kindergarten.
at MP&MS, Graham in fourth grade and Rory in JK.
Confidence. Competence. Empathy. Resilience. Success. MP&MS graduates are actively engaged and academically prepared for their college careers at leading institutions around the country and abroad. MP&MS graduates are attending a variety of colleges and universities, including:
American University
Savannah College of Art & Design
Babson College
Scripps College
Berklee School of Music
Skidmore College
Brown University
Smith College
California College of the Arts
Southern Methodist University
Cal Poly, Pomona
Southern Oregon University
California Polytechnic State University
Stanford University
California State University, Chico
Texas A&M University
Chapman University
Texas Christian University
Claremont McKenna College
Trinity College
Clemson University
Tufts University
Colby College
Tulane University
Columbia College, Chicago
University of Arizona
Colorado College
University of British Columbia
Cornish College of the Arts
University of California, Berkeley
Dartmouth College
University of California, Davis
Dickinson College
University of California, Irvine
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of California, Los Angeles
Emily Carr University of Art & Design
University of California, San Diego
Emory University
University of California, Santa Cruz
Exeter University, England
University of Colorado
Fordham University
University of Denver
George Washington University
University of Illinois, Urbana
Hamilton College
University of New Hampshire
Harvard University
University of Massachusetts
Lewis and Clark College
University of Michigan
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Oregon
Northeastern University
University of the Pacific
Oberlin College Conservatory
University of Puget Sound
Oregon State University
University of Southern California
Parsons School of Design
University of Victoria, Canada
Pitzer College
Washington and Lee University
Pomona College
Washington University
Queens University, Canada
Willamette University
Rhode Island School of Design
Whittier College
San Diego State University
Worcester Polytechnic University
Santa Clara University
alumni reunion On May 31, nearly 70 MP&MS alumni gathered in the middle school courtyard for the long-awaited reunion. Old friends relished the chance to catch up with each other and visit with former classmates, staff, and faculty. The record-setting attendance at this reunion was an inspiration for everyone who came, including the countless teachers who stayed long after the school day had ended just for the chance to see their former students. Many stories and adventures were shared, and our alumni are busily engaged in everything from veterinary medicine to taekwondo, environmental research to language studies, physics to performing arts, mountain biking to gap year travel. The excitement about recent high school successes and college plans was thoroughly contagious. While our campus continues to evolve and our alumni keep spreading their wings, everyone agreed‌ there’s nothing like coming back home to MP&MS!
parents association update
The 80’s Bash On Saturday, April 1, the MP&MS community came together at the Peacock Gap Clubhouse in San Rafael. It was a night for connecting with friends, meeting new people, and supporting the school at the Parents Association’s biggest fundraiser of the year… the annual auction! Both parents and school staff embraced the ‘80s Bash theme and came as prom queens, Robert Palmer girls, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Ferris Bueller, the decade’s biggest MTV rock bands, and even the Where’s the Beef? lady. It was an incredible night of bidding and dancing as well as some spontaneous karaoke! The Silent and Live Auctions offered some fabulous and highly coveted packages. One favorite auction item was The First Grade Luau, which was filled with food, games, music, crafts, Hawaiian wear, and tons of fun! And who could forget The Stuffy Tea Party luncheon in the library, which was a very special treat for some lucky students and their favorite stuffies. As Head of School For The Day, Anna, JB, and Riggins each enjoyed calling the shots alongside Julie Elam. These fun crowd pleasers were offered in addition to some incredible VIP packages that included concert tickets, luxury vacations, sporting events, and more! The net proceeds of the auction fund Parents Association activities and contribute to the MP&MS operating budget. The most exciting part was that we set a record by raising our paddles to fund an Art Deck in honor of Julie Elam. This year’s Raise the Paddle included donations from alumni parents and former Trustees, in addition to our current parent and grandparent community. Thank you to the team of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community businesses who made our event possible!
Marin Primary & Middle School 20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 94939
SAVE THE DATE FOR: GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY! Friday, November 17, 2017 • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.