The Balloon Summer/Fall 2020

St. Thomas’s Day School Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends

SUMMER/FALL 2020

St. Thomas’s Day School BOARD OF TRUSTEES Gina Criscuolo Chair John Forrest ’88 Vice Chair Eileen O’Donnell Secretary Heather Tookes Alexopoulos Treasurer Gina Panza Rev. Keri Aubert Alexander Babbidge Christopher Cavallaro ’90 Don Edwards William English Jeralyn Fantarella Linda Meyer Kenneth Paul Otoniel Reyes Denise Terry

Head of School Gina Panza

Editor Danielle Plante Director of Institutional Advancement

Design Meredith Jensen

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A Reason to Rise

4

Distance Learning

6

In & Around

10

The Year in Photos

16

Graduation

32

We Asked & You Answered

36

St. Thomas’s Day School Events/Alumni

38

Annual Report

43

Art Direction/Graphic Designer

the St. Thomas’ Community

Photography Danielle Plante Sandra Rizzo Andrew Myers

ST. THOMAS'S DAY SCHOOL 830 WHITNEY AVENUE NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511 PH 203.776.2123 | FAX 203.776.3467

Intro Letter

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W E L C O M E A Message from Gina Panza, Head of School I am pleased to share the latest edition of The Balloon with you. In it, you will learn about the leadership that was displayed during the 2019-2020 academic year at St. Thomas’s Day School amidst challenges and triumphs. When COVID-19 physically isolated us from each other, all the members of our community understood the importance of everyone coming together to keep the School, and each other, afloat. It was our collective job to keep our students well-nourished – with learning, connection and love. For this and so much more, I am grateful. A list of gratitudes could fill pages, but for the sake of brevity I would like to acknowledge just some segments of our community who not only rose to the occasion but showed true St. Thomas’s spirit: Our students. For your determination and courage – thank you. The way our students adapted with confidence and joy inspired us, and kept us in good humor. You pivoted quickly to the digital learning environment and you taught us many lessons, both in technology and life.

Our graduates: For your resiliency and impressive leadership skills - thank you. You were open with your feelings of disappointment when the year did not go as planned; yet your resourcefulness and positivity helped to forge a path forward. Your caring and impressive leadership skills were on display for all to see.

Our teachers. For your sacrifice and hard work, for giving all you had and putting the students first – thank you. It is important in times like these to acknowledge loss. You lost time with your students, a program you worked so hard to create and the special events that we all anticipated. You were courageous and took risks and the students took your lead. I am proud of and grateful for all you learned and accomplished in a short three months. You made it happen.

Our alumni. For supporting our students, for reaching out to them in numerous ways to share messages of hope and solidarity – thank you.

Our parents. For being our partners and for your commitment to the community – thank you. Throughout the year your supported us in so many ways. As parents, you balanced work and home life in the time of a pandemic, while also showing support to our community by organizing thank you messages and delivering meals to the faculty and staff.

Our administration. For your strength and dedication, for working 16-hour days to keep the ship steady – thank you. You led by example, ensuring this was a productive year despite the circumstances. While it was my goal to position St. Thomas’s as one of the best virtual learning programs in the country, you were the boots on the ground. You empowered our teachers with resources and even delivered laptops and art supplies so that all students could engage fully with our program at home.

Our Board of Trustees. For your guidance and commitment – thank you. Throughout the year , you met regularly, providing your expertise as you supported our School. This spring, you worked together to explore ways in which we could open our doors in September under the safest and most stringent guidelines.

Our Pandemic Task Force. For your endless patience, discernment and attention to minute detail – thank you. You spent endless hours conferring with each other and sharing your expertise to plan reopening. You met regularly within the subcommittees on the task force to make sure every concern was addressed, and with parents, faculty and staff to share your planning, to provide guidance and to answer questions.

Lastly, to our alumni, parents, grandparents and friends who showed leadership as essential workers and front line responders fighting the virus – thank you.

At St. Thomas's, we focus on producing students who want to make a difference in this world. Your examples have helped light the way and will continue to do so as we open safely this academic year.

Thank you.

Warm regards, Gina Panza | Head of School 3 SUMMER/FALL 2020

Student Leadership

a Reason

in the Year of the Pandemic

By Sarah Pfeffer

4

to

Rise

“CLASS BUDDIES” is one of the most special leadership development programs at St. Thomas’s Day School.

In it, students in lower grades are paired with “buddies” from upper grades, providing each young one a friend and example to look up to while fostering mentorship skills in the older students. In turn, lower students aspire to be leaders themselves just like their buddies, and the cycle continues as the children get older and eventually it is their turn to give back.

community connection. And the students were prepared, willing and ready. Buddies continued through online platforms, and the older students began to encourage the younger graders. Perhaps most notably, the sixth graders, the leaders of the school, viewed the third grade Native American projects and sent messages of congratulations and appreciation. Connections were kept and built. Instead of halting, in a most difficult circumstance, St. Thomas’s students thrived.

But what happens when a global COVID-19 pandemic swiftly and unexpectedly arrives, potentially impacting an opportunity like class buddies that is so integral to student growth at St. Thomas’s? This past March, as learning transitioned to digital, St. Thomas’s prioritized leadership development and

Class buddies is only one recent example of their continued leadership. Students pursued digital learning with positivity, choosing to view themselves as pioneers.

Accepting the disappointment from the Washington, D.C. trip cancellation, the sixth grade chose to take their prior excitement for

St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

the rite of passage and channel it full force into an interactive experience of the Capitol. They served as virtual chaplain, leading all-school chapels weekly while also meeting with peers online and continuing the tradition of celebrating birthdays. The graduating class closed out the year with an online celebration, empowered to share ideas and give feedback to the head of school, faculty and staff, who, as always, respected and considered the positions of the student-leaders.

Head of School Gina Panza wrote in a letter to the sixth grade that the legacy of the Class of 2020 would be their leadership in this tough time.

“You will be the class that helped our community navigate a really challenging spring with acceptance and grace,” she said. “You are already leading by example, and I remain proud of each and every one of you.”

DISTANCE LEARNING

The leadership shown by St. Thomas’s students this past year was a direct reflection of the deliberate leadership development programming instilled in students from kindergarten to sixth grade. Led by teachers, supported by the administration, bolstered by the board of trustees and nurtured by parents, St. Thomas’s students face the future with self-confidence, enthusiasm and an understanding of the global environment. Projectbased learning starts in the early grades and builds problem-solving skills, teamwork and positive selfesteem. These are the building blocks for success in career and life.

More broadly, St. Thomas’s students grow in their global awareness, learning to navigate a complex society, human differences and the importance of taking responsibility and personal action. The service

learning program cultivates community involvement and selfawareness at a young age, with a goal of equipping students to be change agents in the world. Socially, students are encouraged to be activists (one can never start too young!) and “upstanders” in the fight against prejudice, exclusion and injustice. At the end of the school year, Panza led by example as she spoke in solidarity against the publicized instances of racial injustice that occurred.

“We have always been a school that empowers students to identify and speak out against discrimination. We work with our students to recognize unfairness on an individual level as well as on an institutional and systemic level,” she said. “We analyze privilege and power and think about how that power creates bias and negatively impacts the world. We acknowledge

that it is our collective responsibility to fight against prejudice, exclusion and injustice.”

It may seem like a big jump from teacher’s helper or admissions tour leader to policymaker or activist, but each small opportunity to lead gives children a voice. And with a voice comes confidence and action.

The pandemic of 2020 did not change the students’ ability to lead; it only changed the way they did it. In a year with such large-scale hardship, St. Thomas’s students took true ownership of their education.

Leadership development became leadership in action. It was aweinspiring. It was beautiful. But it was not surprising. Because St. Thomas’s students are leaders. And although the dedicated community vows to lead them, they end up leading us. n SUMMER/FALL 2020

DISTANCE LEARNING

This spring, amidst a global pandemic, St. Thomas's Day School journeyed forward into the unknown territory of remote learning. In true St. Thomas's spirit, the students, faculty and families of our community rose up and pursued teaching and learning with excitement and an altruistic understanding that it was what was best for the country.

Maintaining the traditions of St. Thomas's and continuing to build connections was of utmost importance to the School, as well as providing the students a fun and developmentally appropriate integrated learning experience. Our teachers and students turned challenges into opportunities and showed an unprecedented level of innovation and creativity.

The St. Thomas's remote learning journey was well documented!

To see videos, pictures, and stories please visit us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/stthomasday!

k e e w t i spir

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DISTANCE LEARNING

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DISTANCE LEARNING

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the St. Thomas’s Community ST. THOMAS’S STARTED THE YEAR STRONG, FORGING AHEAD INTO THE FUTURE As the doors of St. Thomas’s Day School opened for the first day of school this past year, Head of School Gina Panza remarked, “There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of this community.” With the largest enrollment class in recent years, renovated classrooms and learning spaces, new technology, and updated curriculum, the school year began with an incredibly positive charge. The excitement was palpable as students not only took part in the usual first day fun, but got right down to serious learning as well.

Last summer, Panza led a team of designers, contractors, administrators and teachers in re-envisioning and then renovating classrooms and spaces for learning and playing in the 21st century. In addition, Assistant Head of School Sarah Walters

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IN & AROUND THE ST. THOMAS’S COMMUNITY

and faculty co-developed curriculum that the spaces could now support.

Although the first floor renovations are breathtakingly new and fresh, the upgrades are not simply aesthetic.

Everything from the carpeting to the furniture to the lighting was carefully considered and chosen based on proven research regarding the most productive learning environments. In addition, safety, accessibility, and flexibility were just some of the additional factors considered in the upgrades.

Perhaps most exciting was the upgraded technology and the makerspace. Formerly referred to as the Instructional Space, last summer it was transformed into a space to accommodate the new integrated learning program. Starting this past school year, each grade was given a weekly one to two hour time block dedicated to integrated learning where students worked with their teachers and the Technology Integrator on open-ended projects that demonstrated learning in content or curricular areas.

Technology Integrator Chris Stapleton said, “To be able to stimulate problem solving and critical thinking skills through students and see their creations is one of the more exciting things I’m looking forward to.”

their summer projects using the Touch It board. It helped presentations come alive with clear visual and audio effects,” and in Erin Clark’s second grade class, she says “We used it for our interactive morning meeting today.

We also use apps such as Google Earth during Lower School Express to give the children a rich understanding of other countries, geography & culture.”

Though the school surely looked different for the start of its 63rd year, St. Thomas’s remains unchanged in its mission and commitment to its students. St. Thomas’s will forever be a school that empowers students to be independent thinkers who appreciate, understand and serve others by engaging active happy minds, open hearts and brave ideas.

Touch It boards were also added to each classroom and is where we saw the most impact in the classrooms starting on the first day. Fourth Grade Teacher Lesha Daley reported, “The students were able to begin showcasing 11 SUMMER/FALL 2020

HEADS UP: SERVICE LEARNING AND THE IMPACT ON STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Posts written

by Gina Panza, Head of School 12 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

Character-based education is woven through all aspects of our curriculum in authentic and meaningful ways.

Our daily lessons, classroom activities and service learning opportunities are intentional and aligned with our mission.

We know that students who engage in a range of service learning experiences during their formative years show increased empathy, cognitive complexity and greater acceptance and awareness of cultural differences. We also know that as children help others, they develop generosity and moral character.

One of the most powerful and impactful experiences that our students have here at St. Thomas’s is the Annual Fall Penny Harvest. The Penny Harvest is the cornerstone of our school-wide service learning initiative. It empowers our children to become engaged citizens by giving them the knowledge and tools

IN & AROUND THE ST. THOMAS’S COMMUNITY to make a difference in their community.

The idea is simple. Children convert natural compassion for others into action by collecting pennies and turning those pennies into donations for community organizations. Over the past seven years, our entire student body, led by the sixth grade students, have researched and identified local charities in need. They have collected hundreds of dollars in support of these charities, which have included The McGivney Center, IRIS, YSY and The Diaper Bank. Sixth Grade Teacher Chaundra Vasseur describes the Penny Harvest as “a project that provides students with the opportunity to give back to a local community while teaching them persuasive presentation skills as they seek to convey their mission to a variety of age groups.”

Year after year, we watch our students come together as they deepen their understanding of leadership, teamwork, inclusivity and compassion. It’s truly a mission moment in action at St. Thomas’s Day School!

HEADS UP: LEARNING COMES ALIVE THROUGH INTEGRATION Have you ever taken the time to sit back and watch children play? To truly observe them, paying close attention to what they do and how they interact with each other and the world around them?

The truth is children learn through play and their play includes using what they know in combination with what they learn through experimentation, exploration and design to create new understandings.

In essence, the act of play is integrated learning.

That said, it is only logical for schools and educators to use that same approach to teaching. As a school that celebrates and preserves childhood, we have been using an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning for the past six plus decades.

Through traditions, performances, Chapels, field trips and classroom projects, St. Thomas’s Day School organically creates experiences that help students make connections across the curriculum while developing their attitudes, skills, and knowledge. Our whole class, small group, and cross-grade experiences provide opportunities for critical and creative thinking, and for students to experience learning that is relevant and

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meaningful.

Students at STTS are involved in a variety of integrated activities throughout each year and in each grade. They participate in a welldeveloped performing arts program, which allows them to express themselves through drama, singing, dancing, music and art.

Plays and other performances reinforce leadership and public speaking skills and provide students with opportunities to explore concepts in new and interesting ways. Field trips and educational excursions support the learning that takes place in the classroom, providing handson experiences and exposure to resources that would otherwise not be available.

The Makerspace is the hub of integrated learning at St. Thomas’s Day School. In fact, it represents a place for children to develop a wide range of 21stcentury skills, which include the “Four Cs”: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students create real-world applications from concepts studied in the classroom.

They use the space to collaboratively work on comprehensive projects that demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of the curriculum.

Technology is viewed as a tool for learning that is woven throughout all projects in the Makerspace. The technology curriculum is carefully developed and presented in age-appropriate ways throughout the grades. Students are eager to incorporate their newly learned technology skills into their projects. For example, in Kindergarten our students worked on a life-sized geoboard which was then recreated on the ipad. Our Grade 4 students are in the process of creating stop motion animation videos to demonstrate their knowledge of the Boston Tea Party. They are also currently using their knowledge of circuits to create light-up Valentine’s Day cards.

Our Grade 6 students are creating Civil War-themed video games based on the information they learned in class.

I’m sure you’ll agree that our classrooms are filled with purpose and passion. Our goal to provide dynamic, innovative experiences for our students remains at the forefront of everything we do and every decision we make.

Students will live in a world where the demands of their personal, public and professional lives will be very different from today, and it is our job to design programs and experiences that equip our 21st Century learners to excel as young leaders in this global society.

KEEPING THE EXPERIENCES ALIVE IN A WORLD OF REMOTE LEARNING It goes without saying that graduates from all over the country experienced great disappointment over the cancellation of year-end capstone events due to the current world pandemic. For our own sixth-graders, the disappointment ran deep 14 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

IN & AROUND THE ST. THOMAS’S COMMUNITY as they realized their highly anticipated Washington, DC trip would not happen.

For schools such as St. Thomas’s who are partially defined by an extensive field trip and experiential learning program, the closing of school came not only with the cancellation of classroom academics, but the cancellation of many events and field trips that are usually a large part of the overall educational experience.

Shortly after the announcement of school closing and the cancellation of the DC trip, Head of School Gina Panza wrote in a letter to sixth-graders, “There will, most likely, be more postponements and cancellations to come. And when they do, you get to be disappointed, you get to be upset, and you get to really be bummed-out about it. Then at some point, the wind and the waves will calm, and we will refocus as we look for ways to do what we can to make up for this together.”

And that is just what the School, students and teachers alike did.

Sixth Grade Teacher Chaundra Vasseur and specials teachers worked collaboratively with the class and successfully created an innovative, integrated, and fun Washington, DC experience all their own. While acknowledging their disappointment about not being able to walk the streets of the city physically together, the sixth-graders showed great leadership by controlling the controllables and creating opportunities which took remote learning to the next level.

From Tuesday, April 14 to Friday, April 16 (the original dates of the trip) the sixth grade class participated in a virtual exploration of Washington, DC that they will remember forever.

Mrs. Vasseur began the week by assigning “roommates,” pairing students together and providing them several opportunities and activities which allowed them to bond and grow closer together. At night, they participated in social events such as a pizza and pasta party, a live viewing of Guys and Dolls, and a late night Google Meet where they talked and played games.

The educational component of their DC “trip” included daily virtual tours of notable DC museums and exhibits.

Additionally, each student was tasked

with researching and building a model of a landmark or monument. They then presented about their monument/ landmark on a schedule that coincided with the day they would have originally been visiting in person. They got creative throughout the week as well, creating a map of DC with materials found in their houses, and putting together a scrapbook collecting memories and facts about exhibits and experiences that have stood out for them throughout the week.

Lastly, they created the Walk DC Challenge and invited the community to participate. In DC, they would have walked an average of 7-9 miles per day and therefore challenged themselves and community members to walk as many miles per day as they could. A total of almost 400 fitness miles were recorded! Mrs. Vasseur said of her class, “I’m was so proud of our sixth-graders for maintaining a positive attitude while embracing the challenge of traveling to

DC in such a unique way! It was such a special experience.”

The sixth-grade Washington, DC trip is just one of many ways through which we carried on. The fourth grade participated in several educational and virtual experiences to celebrate their Philadelphia trip, the third grade had a Google Meet Q&A with Grace Lin, author and illustrator of The Year of the Dog (a book they are currently reading), and the entire student body came together to participate in the Egg Drop Challenge to honor the Science Festival.

Furthermore, teachers and students worked together to figure out creative ways to present their class plays, Field Day and Arts Week commenced, and All School Chapel was a weekly occurrence.

This is just a smattering of examples of how, despite the challenges of learning amid a crisis, in an entirely new medium, St. Thomas’s was able provide students with a multi-faceted and immersive educational program.n 15 SUMMER/FALL 2020

the Year in

PHOTOS 16 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

FALL 2019 - SPRING 2020

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F U N & E DU CAT I O N A L E V E N TS

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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F U N & E DU CAT I O N A L E V E N TS

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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F U N & E DU CAT I O N A L E V E N TS

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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G R A N D PA R E N T S D AY

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

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H A L LOW E E N

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

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H O L I D AY T R A D I T I O N S

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

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PA R A D E & P R O M OT I O N S

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THE YEAR IN PHOTOS

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ST. THOMAS’S GRADUATES 2020

CLASS OF 2020 ROSALIND ARDEN AIKEN - Hopkins School QUINBY PETER BERRY - Hopkins School

On Wednesday, June 10, the Class of 2020 graduated

MICAH MICHAEL-ZAMIR BETTS - Hopkins School

from St. Thomas’s Day School.

JOHN RICHARD CHAMPION - Ridgefield Academy

Due to the global pandemic, we

ROCCO JOHN DEMAIO III - Hopkins School TOSCA KATHLEEN FRENCH - Hopkins School MAEVE ELENI DOHERTY KLATELL - Hopkins School MARLON XAVIER GOHARA MCFERREN - Hopkins School

celebrated the graduates with an online virtual celebration.

Rocco DeMaio was the recipient of The Founders’ Award.

OLIVIA GREER MOKOTOFF - Hopkins School BENJAMIN PARTRIDGE - Hopkins School ANVI PATHAK - Hopkins School THOMAS (JUNZHE) SANG - Hopkins School JUDE JAHAN SHIRKHANI-FORSBERG - Worthington Hooker TYLER VINCENZO TAGLIARINI - Hopkins School CORA GISELLE TURK-THOMAS - Hopkins School VERONICA ADRIANA VECE - Hopkins School JOSE CARPIO WALTERS - Hopkins School AUDREY MAE WILLIAMS - Hopkins School

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celebrating

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the graduates

ST. THOMAS’S GRADUATES 2020

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WE AS KE D

&

YO U D A NSW E R E

At the end of 2019, we surveyed our parents and asked for feedback on their experience at St. Thomas’s Day School. The results were strong and we are proud to say our respondents expressed an extraordinary level of satisfaction with the School and our programming.

100% OVERALL SATISFACTION 73% VERY SATISFIED 27% SATISFIED

WHY

YOU CHOSE ST. THOMAS’S

100% of parents said: } School climate, culture and values } Character education } Academic program

I wanted high academics and creativity to challenge my child, but a safe, comfortable caring environment where trust and compassion were balanced with discipline, tradition, and a focus on future achievement. And of course, a happy child-- who loved to learn. St. Thomas’s was the ONLY school that met all my needs and desires for my children’s schooling!

“We chose St. Thomas’s primarily because of the wonderful teachers.

Beginning with kindergarten and continuing each year, our child has loved every teacher and many of the specials teachers as well.”

DON’T FORGET OUR TEACHERS!

“The teachers! The environment is beautiful but the Kindergarten teachers, developmentally appropriate lower school as well as drama, music and specials program were the biggest reasons.”

“The teachers are wonderful and the school is welcoming! Our child loves to go to school every day and tells everyone that he meets about ST Thomas’s.”

“As an educator myself, I looked for a school where my child could receive a great education, explore, be part of a class family, have seasoned teachers, added guidance on being altruistic, and having a safe place where they could thrive. I have found all of these and more at STTS.” 36 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

LIVING OUR

MISSION

AREAS OF STRENGTH (1 being very dissatisfied to 5 being extremely satisfied, scores below show the weighted average)

CHARACTER EDUCATION SMALL CLASS SIZE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT SERVICES CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGING CURRICULUM IN CORE ACADEMIC SUBJECTS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT LIBRARY AND RESEARCH RESOURCES COMMUNITY SERVICE/ SERVICE LEARNING QUALITY OF TEACHERS TECHNOLOGY/ COMPUTER SKILLS

4.72 4.72 4.67 4.65 4.62 4.60 4.58 4.52 4.50 4.46

We recommend St. Thomas’s for its focus on diversity; its progressive approach to teaching; and the strong sense of community.

A STRONG COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION Diversity, equity and inclusion as represented in our...

PRESENTATION OF CURRICULUM - 92% REPRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES - 92% ASSIGNED READING/CLASSROOM BOOKS - 88.47% CHAPEL DISCUSSIONS - 100% GUEST SPEAKERS AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS - 96% HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS - 92.31% CLASS FIELD TRIPS - 88.46%

96%

of parents find St. Thomas’s a welcoming environment

HAPPY MINDS. OPEN HEARTS. BRAVE IDEAS. PARENT SATISFACTION WITH STUDENT PREPAREDNESS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS (1 being very dissatisfied to 5 being extremely satisfied, scores below show the weighted average. Percentage shown indicates total percent satisfied or very satisfied.)

BEING CREATIVE & INNOVATIVE EMPATHIZING WITH OTHERS ARTS APPRECIATION/ PARTICIPATION BEING OPEN-MINDED PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTRIBUTING TO CLASS DISCUSSIONS TAKING A LEADERSHIP ROLE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY AS A TEAM

4.81 — 100% 4.81 — 100% 4.81 — 95% 4.77 — 100% 4.76 — 96% 4.73 — 96% 4.73 — 96% 4.73 — 96%

I feel the education is outstanding, the sense of community and inclusion are present. The children are loved, seen as individuals, guided to be good citizens, altruistic, kind to one another, and this is all done by example.

"Our son loves learning at STTS. He has grown tremendously so far.

We like the small school environment and its desire to improve each year. However, at its core, St Thomas seems to celebrate ethical students with a passion for justice. This fit our family's desires."

“I felt accepted in to the school community from the day I went for a tour, it’s one of the reasons I/we chose STTS. Everyone is welcoming, from the front desk to the Head of school. Parents become friends, and I look forward to chatting when I pick my child up from school.

It is a loving, caring, respectful community.”

“I appreciate the supportive community at STTS; including the feeling that we as parents are working together on all these kids behalf.

This isn’t just about my child-- I’m an important part of creating a community where my child can thrive-- and I do that by being part of this community. It only happens together, and that is STTS.” 37 SUMMER/FALL 2020

EVENTS ST. THOMAS’S DAY SCHOOL

ALUMNI/PARENT RECEPTION

The St. Thomas’s Day School alumni, as well as former and current families and faculty, came together on Friday, October 18 for wine, cheese, and a good look at the School’s updated spaces. The night began with a tour of the first floor and music room. Past parents and alumni could be heard remarking over the great progress, and current parents showed excitement over their children getting to experience it for the years to come. After the tour, guests moved upstairs for a fun night of socializing. Head of School Gina Panza led it off with brief remarks speaking to the great strength and progress of the school, and that despite the changes the school’s mission and values remain intact.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR VIRTUAL EVENTS! It is with great sadness that all in-person events will be cancelled indefinitely.

However, we hope to be up and running with some great programming and online events this fall. We will be in touch and look forward to “seeing” you there!

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ALUMNI

ALUMNI profiles ANDREW ERDOS ’97 WHEN YOU ASK ANDREW ERDOS ’97, an accomplished artist and glassblower who has had his work shown all over the world, about success and goals, he answers in a way you might not expect. Success, he suggests, is most often measured by financial stability, however as an artist success is in having the ability to do what you love every day. And though he feels far from the pinnacle of his success, he finds joy in the climb up the mountain. As for goals, he says, “To just keep making art.”

Perhaps a coincidence, but more so maybe not, Andrew’s attitude toward success closely mirrors what the students of St. Thomas’s leave the school with – a lifelong joy of learning, a continual need to grow, and a goal to make this world a better place. Andrew also left with lifelong friendships. Despite having moved to Pennsylvania after third grade, he remains close with many of his classmates and believes that is a testament to the culture of the School.

After St. Thomas’s, Andrew continued his education in the Council Rocks school system in Pennsylvania. It was during high school that he began taking glass blowing classes at the local community college and became hooked. Andrew attended college at Alfred University, selecting the college for its notable sculpture and glass engineering program. In 2007, he started his career as an artist in NYC, showing up at the beginning of the economic recession – an experience he calls “formative” while smiling dryly.

Since then Andrew has worked hard and has been relentless in his pursuit of success, but still humbly calls himself fortunate to be able to travel the world and show his artwork. He has shown his artwork on every continent (with the exception of Antarctica) and when looking at Andrew’s resume you will see a long list of impressive residencies, public collections, and exhibitions. However, what Andrew seems to be most enthusiastic about is the experiences that accompany specific exhibitions. Andrew spoke in detail about the creation of a sculpture permanently installed in Egypt near the Red Sea. The Monument, now in its second year of production is entitled the “Reviving Humanity Memorial” and currently features a sculpture from over 120 artists each representing a different country. Eventually all 195 countries will be included.

Andrew is smart and creative, but more importantly is relentlessly pursuing his passions and making the world a better place while doing so. Another exemplary alumnus of St. Thomas’s, Andrew leaves our current students with these words by Joseph Campbell, “If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”n

We encourage you to read more about Andrew at www.andrewerdos.com (or by simply googling his name).

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DAN TURNEREVANS ’98 DAN TURNER-EVANS has some advice for the students of St. Thomas’s Day School: “Don’t be afraid to explore and try new things. If you like learning, follow your heart wherever it goes.”

These are wise words from a former St. Thomas’s student who envisioned a life working in engineering and applied physics but has found himself instead in the field of neuroscience.

A graduate of St. Thomas’s, Hopkins, Yale (B.S.), and Caltech (Ph.D.), Daniel has carved his own path, with twists and turns reflecting his love of learning and myriad interests. While at Caltech, Dan’s area of study was solar cell technologies.

Solar cell research combined his intellectual interest in applied physics with his moral and ethical interest in climate change. However, as he learned more about solar cell technologies, he came to believe that the most important advances in the field weren’t happening in university labs. The biggest changes were taking place in industry and in policy. He therefore split his intellectual and ethical interests. He decided to study brain cells instead of solar cell and to engage in green energy policy outside of work.

40

Dan is currently a research scientist at Janelia Research Campus in Virginia, which is part of the nonprofit Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dan studies the brains of fruit flies in an effort to hopefully better understand the human brain someday. Dan writes, “One in six adults suffers from mental illness.

While treatments continue to improve, our understanding of the brain is still woefully inadequate. We have hundreds of billions of neurons and can’t just go around inserting electrodes into people’s skulls to measure what those cells are doing. As a physicist, when I St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

try to solve a problem, I start by tackling simpler problems first and then build up complexity. Thus, in trying to understand the brain, I’ve started with the humble, though surprisingly complicated, fruit fly.

I explore how flies’ brains are wired with the hope that we will reveal principles of cognition that can be applied to all animals.”

Outside of the lab, Dan is active in local politics. He has joined with other scientists and engineers to help inform local legislators about energy issues and to work with them draft legislation that tackles climate change. Additionally, he goes into local elementary schools in lowincome neighborhoods and introduces them to neuroscience, helping to develop lifelong learners just as his teachers did

for him at St. Thomas’s. “My relationship with the teachers at St. Thomas’s was really special. I remember their patience, kindness, and enthusiasm, and it helps me to try to become a better teacher,” says Dan. And when asked if he sees a parallel between his time at St. Thomas’s and his life now, he replies, “I was always taught to be good to the people and to the world around me first, and I try to live by those principles.”

At. St. Thomas’s we often declare that our alumni stand up and stand apart, and Dan is no exception as his work and his activism defines an alumnus who cares first and foremost about the world and community for which he lives. n Dan Turner-Evans volunteers by teaching neuroscience in inner-city schools.

ALUMNI

CLASS OF 2014

Where are they now?

CHRISTEENA AARON Eastern Connecticut State University

JAMES HAYDEN Undecided

NATHAN AHN Yale University

SAMUEL LOVEJOY Connecticut College

COURTNEY BANKS Bucknell University

MCKINLEY PALMIERI Barnard College

ALEXIS CHANG Gap year

CHRISTIAN PANAGROSSI Providence College

FATIMA CISNEROS University of Connecticut

BENJAMIN SCHEVE Yale University

PHILIP DELISE Lehigh University

CHARLIE SEYMOUR "University of California, Santa Barbara"

MOLLY DREW American University of Paris

ANNA SIMON Princeton University

CORINNE EVANS Gap year (Yale University)

JULIA TELLIDES Harvard University

JACK GILL American University

ANNA ZIMOLO Wellesley College 41 SUMMER/FALL 2020

notes 2000 Aleks Romano and her partner have recently moved from Greenville NC to Fresno CA! They are excited for a new chapter on the West Coast, and are busy planting citrus trees and hanging outdoor lights until further notice. Aleks is taking a rest during the COVIDinduced performing arts break and enjoying teaching and exploring other projects. Most recently, she was the Associate Producer for San Francisco Conservatory of Music's "Leaders Reframe False Dichotomies" series with the Center for Innovative Leadership.

2010 Emma Banks graduated cum laude from Colby College and is working for Citibank as a first year analyst on a sales and trading desk.

Spencer Lovejoy graduated in May from Yale University, with a B.A. in History. While at Yale, Spencer played #1 on the men's squash team and was captain his senior year. He was just named to the AllIvy League's first team in a unanimous vote. This is his third All-Ivy honor. His current PSA World ranking is #129. After graduating, Spencer plans to play squash professionally.

2012 Annie Banks is a junior at Wake Forest University. She was supposed to study abroad in the fall, but that has been postponed. Ellie Latham is a member of Yale’s a capella group, Redhot and Blue. Ellie and her group performed for the students at St. Thomas’s this past January. She spoke of how her passion for jazz began at St. Thomas's and how she fondly remembers her time as a member of the Bluestars. The students were in awe of the outstanding a cappella performance!

2013 After graduating from Hopkins School in 2019, Connor Hartigan took a gap year and lived in Toulouse, France, where he worked as a volunteer English teacher and sang in the choir of the Basilique St-Sernin. After spending the summer working at the Book Barn in Niantic, Connor will be starting his first year at Georgetown University. Henry Ruger, a senior tennis player at Columbia University, was featured in a national news story on tennisrecruiting.net which highlighted the importance of singing as well as his education.

2014 Courtney Banks received the Outstanding Female Athlete Award at Hopkins and is now a freshman at Bucknell University. Alexis Chang took a gap year before high school and is looking forward to being part of the Hopkins graduating class of 2021. She recently spearheaded a lovely video dedication to the graduating sixth grade class at St. Thomas’s which can be viewed on St. Thomas’s Facebook page. Philip DeLise received the Charles Dorrance Award— For Achievement, Leadership, & Character while at Hopkins. He was also awarded the Scholar/Athlete Award from the New Haven County National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. He is now a freshman at Lehigh University.

Corinne Evans was accepted to Yale early but decided to take a gap year. For her gap year, she is in Taiwan to connecting with her Taiwanese heritage. She will be attending the Asian Youth Forum, interning at an educational foundation, and auditing some classes at National Taiwan University. Molly Drew is a graduate of Hamden Hall and Wilbur Cross High School. She is currently attending the American University of Paris with in-person classes that will start in late September. Sam Lovejoy is attending Connecticut College where he will be a member of the Men’s Varsity Swim Team. Christian Panagrossi is a freshman at Providence College and hopes to compete in Track and Field for the Friars. Ben Scheve has moved back to CT and is attending Yale. Charlie Seymour is a biopsychology major at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the fall as a biopsychology major. Anna Simon graduated from Hopkins in June and is now attending Princeton University. Julia Tellides is a freshman at Harvard College.

2015 Andrew Crews interned for the winning campaign of Mayor Justin Elicker in the summer of 2019. Andrew is currently a junior at Choate Rosemary Hall.

2018 Sarvin Bhagwagar is a student at Hopkins and enjoys playing ping pong, chess, video games and reading.

42 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020

Annual

REPORT 2019 - 2020 Message From the Director of Institutional Advancement Dear Members of the St. Thomas’s Day School Community, I could not start this letter in any other way than to express my deepest gratitude to all of the members of the St. Thomas's Day School community for your unparalleled commitment to this school. In a year marred by a global crisis and great uncertainty, there was one thing that could be counted on - St. Thomas's would provide the safety and continuity our students, faculty, and families needed and that our community would come together in whatever way was needed to provide it.

It wasn't luck that allowed us a successful fiscal year, rather a large group of donors who know there is nothing more important than investing in the changemakers of the future and who are wholeheartedly committed to the students and faculty of St. Thomas's Day School. It is because of them, this was an unprecedented year in a positive way.

The Annual Fund reached a record high by raising approximately $142,000 from almost 200 donors. Most remarkably, the Annual Fund hit it’s goal by December, six months shy of its June 30th fiscal year end. Additionally, our leadership donors (those giving $1000+) increased by almost 30%. If there has ever been a time where our donors could feel the outcome of their generosity, this has got to be it. Your loyal support was never more needed and more appreciated.

In an effort to open the doors to the School this fall, St. Thomas’s made an incredible financial investment to ensure the safety of our staff and students. We are hopeful our community of donors and our dollars raised will grow again this year to help offset this vast increase in expenses. I have no doubt that our community will continue to come together to help shape our future.

With much appreciation,

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONAL REVENUES & EXPENSES REVENUES AND SUPPORT

FYE 2020

FYE 2019

TUITION AND FEES (ALL PROGRAMS)

$2,897,700

$2,625,844

STUDENT ACTIVITIES & OTHER

35,907

39,161

ANNUAL FUND

140,559

127,648

CONTRIBUTIONS (RESTRICTED)

2,169

4,983

INVESTMENT INCOME (ALL ASSETS)

226,051

319,526

PLAYGROUND PROJECT

5,000

31,430

TOTAL

$3,307,386

3,148,591

EXPENSES

FYE 2020

FYE 2019

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

1,604,902

1,595,276

ADMINISTRATIVE & DEVELOPMENT

915,117

905,097

FINANCIAL AID

606,224

483,898

TOTAL

$3,126,243

$2,984,270

Danielle Plante Director of Institutional Advancement

43 SUMMER/FALL 2020

HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE Gifts of $10,000 or above

Barry and Lisa Blake P ’22 Greg and Heather Mokotoff, P ’19, ’20, ’25

FELLOWS

Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999 Richard Carroll and Barbara Roach, P ’01, ’02 Emily and John Forrest ’88, P ’21, ’24 William and Jean Graustein Fund, P ’87, ’90 Ken and Holly Paul, GP ’19, ’20, ’26 Joseph and Gale Parrillo, GP ’26 Charles Pennington and Susan Zhang, P ’16, ’22, ’24 Huiyang Lu and Yongping Sang, P ’20

2019 - 2020 ST. THOMAS’S DAY SCHOOL is proud to recognize the many donors who made gifts or pledges in the 20182020 fiscal year. Thank you to all of the members of our community whose support will continue to provide another year of exceptional educational programming.

GIVING CLUBS Annual Fund gifts of $1,000 or more receive special recognition for their generosity to St. Thomas’s Day School.

These leadership level donors set a shining example for others; adding to the momentum that will carry St. Thomas’s Day School to even greater levels of achievement.

44 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

ASSOCIATES

Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999 Alex and Tracy Babbidge, P ’06, ’10, 12 Donald and Sally Edwards Tracy Furnari and William English Stuart and Beverly Halpert GP ’22 Philipp Hecker and Amy Halpert P ’22 Kathryn Miller-Jensen and Kyle Jensen P ’21, ’26 Michael Klingbeil and Anita Buckmaster P ’22, ’22 Tracey Meares P ’11, ’16, ’18 Aromy Xayasouk and Gerard Padro, P ’26 Gina and Prisco Panza Kigon Song and Justina Cho, P ’19, ’21, 24 Joan Steitz, P ’92 Hansel Tookes, GP ’24

FRIENDS OF ST. THOMAS’S Gifts of $1,000 - $2,499

Elizabeth Alexander P ’10, ’11 Christopher Alexopoulos & Heather Tookes Alexopoulos, P ’24 Renu and Dowin Boatright, P ’24, ’27 Randima and Christopher Cavallaro ’90, P ’24, ’27 Jared and Kathy Champion, P ’20, ’23, ’26 Philip and Lois DeLise, P ’14 Nancy and David Dove, P ’21 Jeralyn Fantarella, P ’11 Irma Passeri and John ffrench, P ’20 Amira Gohara, GP ’18, ’20 Koizim Family Fund Yize Zhao and Song Ma, P ’26 David Newton, P ’02 Eileen O’Donnell and Anthony Skrip, P ’22 Betty Panza, GP ’97, ’99 Jenny Chou and Nicholas Parrillo, P ’26 Fatima Naqvi-Peters and Christopher Peters, P ’26 Leslie and Otoniel Reyes, P ’21 James Salatto and Family Charitable Foundation Timothy Snyder and Marci Shore, P ’22, ’24

DONORS The following is a list of individuals who made an Annual Fund or capital gift during the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

We are very grateful for their generous support to St. Thomas’s Day School:

Michael Klingbeil and nita Buckmaster

Lorena Ferretti

Christopher and Nora Lee

Deepak and Hina Goplani

Song Ma and Yize Zhao Shannon Maxon Marcus McFerren and Miriam Gohara Jennifer McTiernan Greg and Heather Mokotoff

PARENTS Julian Aiken and Kathryn James Christopher Alexopoulos and Heather Tookes Alexopoulos Jason Atkinson and Christina Ferando Paul and Hollister Berry Terese and Dwayne Betts Trey and Elisa Billings Barry and Lisa Blake Dowin and Renu Boatright Marlene Cannady Christopher and Randima Cavallaro Jared and Kathy Champion Youngsun Cho Tatianna Curtis Christopher D'Amato and Susan Burlingame David and Nancy Dove Asia Goodwyn Edusa Nathaniel Ellis and Britt Anderson Shawn and Mercedes Ellis Fernando and Mercedes Fernandes John ffrench and Irma Passeri John and Emily Forrest Matthew and Jennifer Gregory Jonathan Hall and Pamela Hu Keniel Hall and Janiline Shepherd-Hall Langdon Hammer and Uta Gosmann

Aromy Xayasouk and Gerard Padro

Amy and Andrew Gagne Nora and Christopher Lee Joanne and Michael Maselli Andrew and Amy Myers Deanna Novella Norine Page and Jim Dadio Gina and Prisco Panza Will Parker

Nicholas Parrillo and Jenny Chou

Katie and Masa Patterson

Ashutosh Pathak and Bindu Lal

Rachel and Bob Psaradellis

Danielle and Matt Plante Leslie and Otoniel Reyes

Alex and Tracy Babbidge Eric Baum and Danielle Antin-Ozerkis Sandra Klihr-Beall and John Beall Steven Berry and Lauren Pinzka Dana and Lucia Blanchard Kathleen Bower Melissa Callender Hugh Carey and Barbara Mason

Marc Potenza Kalias Purushothaman and Malini Harigopal Donald and Ailene Quinlan Rodion and Isabel Rathbone Nancy Ruddle Ken and Melissa Scheve David Simon and Heather Gerken Joan Steitz Roxanne Turekian Carolyn Westerfield

Sandra and Robert Rizzo

Margaret Chambers

Zoran Zimolo and Dolores Vojvoda

Chris Stapleton

Miguel Pizarro and Jocelyn Garrity

Chaundra and David Vasseur

Peter Chemery and Amy Hungerford

BOARD/VESTRY

Charline Reid

Josiah and Megan Venter

Leslie and Otoniel Reyes

Sarah Walters

Robin and Eric Reymond Josiah and Erin Rowe

ALUMNI/AE

Huiying Lu and Yongping Sang

Christopher Cavallaro '90 and Randima Cavallaro

Alex and Elaine Sangiovanni Anthony Skrip and Eileen O'Donnell Alexis Highsmith Smith and Ken Smith Ethan and Katie Smith Tim Snyder and Marci Shore Kigon Song and Justina Cho

Sarah Dawidoff '76

Jeralyn Fantarella

Alexis Gage '00

Jeremiah and Talia Sutherland

Ben Koizim '04 Ted Lovejoy '77 and Lisa Lovejoy Zachary Macey '17 Steven McDonald '98 Jackson Mokotoff '19 Sara Nadel '92 and Marshall Cox Derek Ohly '87

Martha Royston '98

Kyle Jensen and Kathryn Miller-Jensen

Taisu Zhang and Xiaoxue Zhao

Ally Scheve '12

Kristopher Kahle and Oyere Onuma

FACULTY/STAFF

Alexis Highsmith Smith '91 and Ken Smith

Richard and Christine Alcutt Craig Bottiger Erin Clark

Philip and Lois DeLise

John Forrest '88 and Emily Forrest

Kevin Garner '73

Chaundra and David Vasseur

Gina and Louis Criscuolo, III

Catherine Amann Ellbogen and Thomas Ellbogen

Gordon and Rebecca Streeter

Benjamin Turk and Lise Thomas

Kate McKenzie and Craig Crews

Conor Duffy '97 and Nicole Bikakis

Andrzej and Jessica Stanek

Thomas Thornhill and Anne Turner Gunnison

Ken Cooper and Kathleen Vespa

Andrew Ehrgood and Jane Lee

Benjamin Gage '96 and Ann-Dorit Boy

Prakash and Shari Thomas

Caswell and Mary Cooke

Philip DeLise, Jr. '14

Taryn Rathbone-Daub '98

Fiona Doherty and Christopher Klatell

Joseph Pignatello and Elizabeth Stewart

Christopher Peters and Fatima Naqvi-Peters

Travis Zadeh and Supriyah Gandhi

Kiran Keshav and Kate Baldwin

Elizabeth Alexander

Richard Carroll and Barbara Roach

Anthony Peretore '94

Titus and Julianne Kaphar

Ned and Susan Phipps

Robin and Eric Reymond

Charles Pennington and Susan Zhang

Sarah Walters

Philipp Hecker and Amy Halpert

PAST PARENTS

Ben Scheve '14

Ken and Susan Fellows Jonathan Gage and Janet Patys David Gibson and Liz Cox Robert and Jane Gillis William and Kel Ginsberg William Graustein Marie Greger Jane Griffith and Pat Sabosik Ezra and Brigitte Griffith Carlton and Leta Highsmith Ginger and Scott Junkin Christy Fisher and Harold Koh Ruth Koizim Richard and Allison Kravitz John Loge Ted and Lisa Lovejoy David and Allison Marro

Christopher and Heather Tookes Alexopoulos (B) Keri Aubert and Jakki Flanagan (B) (V) Alex and Tracy Babbidge (B) Christopher and Randi Cavallaro (B) Gina and Louis Criscuolo III (B) Donald and Sally Edwards (B) (V) William English and Tracey Furnari (B) (V) Jeralyn Fantarella (B) John and Emily Forrest (B) Tracey Meares (B) Eileen O'Donnell and Anthony Skrip (B) Gina and Prisco Panza (B) Ken and Holly Paul (B) Otoniel and Leslie Reyes (B) Kathryn and Alex Scherer (B) (V) Denise and Don Terry (B) (V)

CURRENT AND PAST GRANDPARENTS Clement and Donna Burlingame Anthony and Cynthia Cavallaro

Tracey Meares

Oh-Kon Cho and Jasoon Koo

Daniel Turner-Evans '98

Andrew and Amy Myers

Lin Elmo

Josiah and Megan Venter

David Newton

Rosanna Ferando

Jose Walters '20

Craig and Ann O'Connell

Catherine and John Forrest

Sierra Walters '18

Norine Page and Jim Dadio

Amira Gohara

45 SUMMER/FALL 2020

Herbert and Beatrice Goodwyn Stuart and Beverly Halpert Margaret and Doug Hartmann Alma Healy Carlton and Leta Highsmith Reggie and Lois Maxon Betty Panza Joseph and Gale Parrillo Ken and Holly Paul Alan and Martha Petrush Paul and Kathryn Philip Walter Spencer and Dianne Hagan Wanda Stovall Hansel Tookes

FORMER FACULTY & STAFF, FRIENDS Barbara Bennett Dana and Lucie Blanchard Elizabeth Ferando Ida and Joseph Ginnetti Marie Greger John Loge Craig and Ann O'Connell Linda and John Pawelek Ned and Susan Phipps Samuel Richards Gary Robison James Salatto and Family Foundation David Tate Charles Thompson Roxanne Turekian

CORPORATIONS/ FOUNDATIONS Amazon Smile Babbidge Construction Freddie Mac Ladd Capital Management New Alliance Foundation

MEMORIAL AND HONORARY GIFTS In honor of Fred Acquavita Andrew Ehrgood and Jane Lee In honor of Rosie Aiken Julian Aiken and Kathryn James

In memory of Dorothy Asch David Tate

In memory of Dorothy Asch Andrew and Amy Myers In honor of Quinby and Benjamin Berry Paul and Hollister Berry In honor of Micah and Miles Betts Charles Thompson

In honor of Micah Betts Dwayne and Terese Betts In honor of Miles Betts Dwayne and Terese Betts

FOUNDATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT Ruth Drews Earl Lin Ted and Lisa Lovejoy Paul and Cynthia McCraven Timothy Snyder and Marci Shore Hansel Tookes

In honor of the Class of 2019 Chaundra and David Vasseur

PLAYGROUND PROJECT

In memory of Joan and Samuel Greer Ken and Holly Paul

These represent gifts made to the playground project in the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

In honor of Deepak Goplani Samuel Richards

In honor of Davyd Griffith Field Jane Griffith and Pay Sabosik In memory of Deborah A. Highsmith Carlton and Leta Highsmith

In honor of Greta Lee Walter Spencer and Dianne Hagan

In memory of Bruce Lloyd Craig Chaundra and David Vasseur In honor of Jon and Amy Macey Zachary Macey

In honor of Marlon McFerren Marcus McFerren and Miriam Gohara

In memory of Fay Miller Steven McDonald

In memory of Russell Mobley Shawn and Mercedes Ellis In memory of Joan Morgan Andrzej and Jessica Stanek

In memory of David Moser Marie Greger In memory of Charles Anthony O'Donnell III Anthony Skrip and Eileen O'Donnell In honor of Gina Panza Samuel Richards

In memory of Dorothy and Kenneth Paul Ken and Holly Paul

In memory of Robie and Alan Pooley Caswell and Mary Cooke In memory of Rudy Saracco Irma Passeri and John ffrench In memory of Toni Wright Alexis Highsmith-Smith and Ken Smith

46 St. Thomas’s Day School | BALLOON

Sara Bryson Nadel Sophia Bryson Nadel Skaar William Gabriel Bryson Nadel Benjamin Sears Francine Sears

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020

VOLUNTEERS 2019-2020 Thank you to our volunteers for being a vital part of our community and for helping to teach our children the importance of giving back!

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CO-PRESIDENTS: Heather Mokotoff Emily Forrest VICE PRESIDENT: Kathy Champion SECRETARY: Kanicka Ingram-Mann TREASURER: Lois Pan

ROOM REPRESENTATIVES KINDERGARTEN: Christina Ferando Jason Atkinson Kathryin Miller-Jensen GRADE 1: Holly Berry Laurie Ann Fisher Anne Turner Gunnison Thomas Thornhill GRADE 2: Mercedes Fernandes Jennifer Gregory Randi Cavallaro

COMMITTEE CHAIRS LIBRARY COMMITTEE: Andrew Myers Anita Buckmaster Uta Gosmann Langdon Hammer ELVES' WORKSHOP: Anita Buckmaster Elisa Billings Mercedes Ellis Bela Dharia PTO LUNCHES: Randi Cavallaro Kanicka Ingram-Mann Kathryn Miller-Jensen UNIFORM CLOSET: Laurie Ann Fisher FACULTY APPRECIATIONN: Elisa Billings Mercedes Ellis Sarah Aldrich Karla DeMaio

GRADE 3: Dwayne Betts Andrzej Stanek Donna Vinci GRADE 4: Jennifer McTiernan Allison Near Ash Pathak Eric Reymond GRADE 5: Elaine Sangiovanni Gordon Streeter GRADE 6: Karla DeMaio Soren Forsberg Carmen Partridge Sarah Walters

47 SUMMER/FALL 2020

Non Profit Org US Postage PAID Waterbury, CT Permit #118

The St. Thomas’s Day School Annual Fund 2020-2021

LET IT BEGIN WITH ME Each day at St. Thomas’s Day School the students end Chapel by reciting “Make this a better world, and let it begin with me.” A St. Thomas’s education is more than just a rigorous academic program. The students participate in daily events and programs that allow them to develop into confident, compassionate, kind, and active citizens who go out into the world and make a difference.

The Annual Fund provides the financial assistance needed to sustain and grow the programs that help us nurture strong leaders and good community members. We ask you to join us in paving the way for our students, the future, by making a gift to the Annual Fund in the 2019-2020 school year.

Gifts can be made using the return envelope attached to The Balloon or by visiting

www.stthomasday/onlinegiving.org

Questions? Please contact Director of Institutional Advancement Danielle Plante at d p l a n t e @ s t t h o m a s d a y.o r g or ( 2 0 3 ) 7 76 - 2 1 2 3 x 1 2 2