The Langley School Experience Summer 2017

SUMMER

2017

experience

Passing Langley Spirit from One Generation to the Next Page 2

In this issue 1

Head of School’s Message

2

Feature Story: The Bridge Between Past & Present

8

Campus Happenings

experience

13

Class of 2017 Graduation

is published twice a year for alumni, families, and friends of The Langley School

14 16

Philanthropy at Langley

Head of School Dr. Elinor M. Scully Editor & Designer Sharon Vipperman, Director of Marketing & Communications

Where vital academics meet a deep respect for childhood Preschool through grade 8 in Northern Virginia

1411 Balls Hill Road, McLean, Virginia 22101 (703) 356-1920 www.langleyschool.org

Class Notes

19

Remembering Helene Layman

21

Getting to Know Dr. Sarah Sumwalt

ON THE COVER: Students enjoy using Langley’s new Gaga Ball Pit, a gift from the Class of 2016. Class gifts such as this allow our alumni to connect with the school and make a lasting impact on current students.

Photo by Krista Gatt, Langley Parent

Head of School’s Message

Dear Langley friends...

I hope you are enjoying the warm summer months and some time to relax with family and friends. As we approach Langley’s 75th anniversary this fall, it’s a good time to reflect upon the school’s historic roots. The more I connect and reminisce with our former students, parents, and faculty, the more in awe I am of the progress Langley has made while staying true to our values and traditions through the years. And, I am inspired and energized by the exciting future that lies ahead of us.

Speaking of Langley’s future, we continue to make great strides on our strategic plan. This past year, our faculty benefited from a new teacher feedback and coaching model, the Marshall Feedback Method, receiving frequent and collaborative feedback to incorporate into their lessons.

We also analyzed how our students and teachers spend their time to help us develop a new seven-day rotation schedule (with fewer transitions and more instructional time) that will be introduced this fall. Another highlight was the creation of the framework for a social-emotional learning program that I believe will establish us as a leader in this area. Be sure to read about Dr. Sarah Sumwalt, our new director of social-emotional learning who will be leading this effort, on page 21.

Along with our Board of Trustees, we have also started to explore the next phase in our philanthropic and campaign efforts. Like all premier independent schools, our job is to effectively and responsibly steward the resources of our school. Guided by our community’s shared value of a deep respect for childhood, we are exploring areas from endowment initiatives to a potential building campaign.

In this issue of the Experience magazine, we hope to give you a glimpse into the many profound relationships and bonds that have been formed through generations of Langley families. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to each eighth-grade graduating class, we look forward to

Dr. Scully with her Lower School advisors to the head.

hearing their news and success stories when they return as alumni. It is this passing of lessons and traditions that has made Langley’s community so strong for 75 years.

I hope you will join me in commemorating the past 75 years of Langley. Stay in touch with us. Share your memories with us. The year ahead is about remembering and building upon the lifelong foundations and life-changing relationships that Langley affords its community. It is about celebrating the many wondrous possibilities of childhood that are given to every child who learns and grows at Langley.

Warm regards,

Dr. Elinor Scully Head of School

Inside Our Strategic Plan Want to learn more? Read and watch videos detailing the three pillars of Langley’s strategic plan at

https://www.langleyschool.org/about/ strategic-plan.

1

FEATURE STORY:

The Bridge Between Past & Present Celebrating and Connecting Langley Alumni Whether attending Langley recently or 30 years ago, alumni of all ages hold a special place in their hearts for their childhood days at Langley. The friendships they made, the strong academic foundations they built, the memories they created, and the life lessons they learned all combined to help mold them into the people they are today.

While our facilities and programs have evolved and grown through the years, alumni from each generation share a common bond in their Langley experience. Memories of long-time traditions such as winning a cake during the Cake Walk at the fair or catching water balloons at Field Day blend with waking up at dawn to serve breakfast at So Others Might Eat, donning the all-white uniform for the fifth-grade cricket match, having playground fun with kindergarten buddies, or bonding with friends during a Middle School overnight trip. Poignant childhood experiences like these stay with alumni long after they leave our campus, and keep them connected to each other and the school across time and geographical distances.

For example, when former fifth-grade teacher Helene Layman passed away this spring, students from her classes in the 1970s flooded social media with memories and stories from more than four decades ago, prompting the Class of 1979 to begin organizing their 40th reunion. Graduating high school seniors and their parents enthusiastically return for a reunion each May to see their friends and teachers, while other local alumni look forward to connecting with each other at the Fall Fair or one of our Middle

Contact Our Alumni Office Peggy Reizes Evans ’85, Director of Alumni Relations Phone: (703) 356-1920, ext. 871 E-mail: pevans@langleyschool.org Web: www.langleyschool.org/community/alumni

2

SUMMER 2017

School plays. And many of our younger alumni enjoy sharing their love of Langley with a new generation as they work as camp counselors in our Summer Studio program.

This strong bond with the school can also serve as a bridge between multiple generations, with numerous alumni now sending their own children to Langley for the same wonderful experience they received. Our annual Grandparents & Special Friends Day event each November highlights this multi-generational connection as grandparents, parents, and children celebrate their own Langley experiences together.

“When former fifth-grade teacher Helene Layman passed away this spring, students from her classes in the 1970s flooded social media with memories and stories from more than four decades ago...”

As we look ahead to Langley’s 75th birthday this fall, we acknowledge and honor the thousands of alumni who helped shape the fabric of our school since our founding as a modest co-op in 1942. In an effort to keep the school’s rich history alive and to foster stronger alumni connections and involvement, we are placing a renewed focus on Langley’s Alumni Association, re-energizing this important bridge to our past with more robust programs and opportunities.

“As Langley’s director of alumni relations, a current parent of two Langley students, and a proud alumna, I am humbled and inspired by the positive feedback and enthusiasm of my fellow alumni,” says Peggy Reizes Evans ’85. “The thoughts and suggestions of our alumni are always welcome, and I look forward to strengthening the bond we all share as members of the Langley community.”

Above Left: These seven Langley alumni returned to serve as counselors in our 2016 Summer Studio program, with several new alumni joining our staff this summer: Caroline Klinedinst ’11, Rhett Rezendes ’14, Philip Rozendaal ’13, Colin Klaff ’14, James McLeish ’12, Anna Phillips ’11, and Caroline Morin ’13. Above Right: Peyton Marshall ’87 returned to Langley to speak to Middle Schoolers about her first novel, Goodhouse, while she was in town for a national book tour.

Keeping Your Connection Alive Langley’s Alumni Association is here to serve alumni of all ages by fostering lifelong connections to your classmates and to the school. Membership is free and automatic for all former Langley students, whether you are a “lifer” or attended the school for just one year. Here’s how to get involved:

CONNECT: As we prepare to celebrate Langley’s 75th birthday during the 2017-2018 school year, we want to make it easier for you to stay connected to the school and each other. To help us do this, please take a moment to share or update your contact information on the alumni section of our website or fill out the card at the front of this magazine.

Have you graduated from college? Gotten married?

Landed a dream job? Submit a class note online so we can share your news with the alumni community through our magazine. And don’t forget to stay connected to Langley through Facebook, Twitter, and our blog.

ENGAGE: In your role as Langley alumni, you serve as the bridge between the past and present. Our community takes extraordinary pride in your many accomplishments and

milestones. Please plan to participate in upcoming class reunions, community service projects, networking, and other social events. And, if you wish to enhance the Langley experience for our current students, consider sharing your expertise by speaking to a class, mentoring students, or volunteering your time and talents in another way. We welcome your involvement.

SUPPORT: Financial and volunteer support are critical to Langley’s success. Just as earlier generations of alumni helped provide the resources and programs you enjoyed as a student, you can help today’s students build a strong foundation and many happy memories. Philanthropic contributions enhance the school’s operating budget to ensure our ability to offer academic excellence. Like all independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full Langley experience for every student. Our entire community – including alumni – is invited to contribute. Please take a moment to think about what Langley means to you, and make a gift to ensure that current students enjoy an experience similar to the one you remember.

3

Maggie Thompson ’08

After completing her undergraduate degree in astrophysics (with a minor in astrobiology) from Princeton University in May 2016, Maggie Thompson spent the past year gaining experience as an astronomy researcher at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC, where she focused her research on finding exoplanets, which are planets that orbit around a star other than our sun. In the fall, Maggie will head to the University of California-Santa Cruz to begin a Ph.D. program in astronomy and astrophysics.

What did you most enjoy about your job at the Carnegie Institution? Exoplanets are a really hot topic right now as scientists look for signs of life in the universe. It’s an area that I became interested in at Princeton, so doing exoplanet research with top scientists here in DC while using Carnegie’s telescope in Chile was a wonderful learning opportunity. I also got a lot of helpful grad school advice from the Ph.D.s who worked there!

What sparked your interest in astronomy? I always loved science classes throughout school, beginning with the awesome science teachers I had at Langley like Mr. McKinney. In high school, I spent several summers as a research assistant at Cal Tech helping astrophysicists search for brown dwarf stars and I really fell in love with astronomy.

But I think I’d also enjoy an educational teaching component because it’s important to get kids, especially young girls, interested in science.

What’s your favorite Langley memory? Meeting McKenzie Klein on the first day of kindergarten when we were paired up as buddies. She and I remain best friends to this day!

What did you learn at Langley that helped you succeed?

I remember being so nervous about giving a presentation in third grade. That experience, and the many other public-speaking opportunities we had at Langley, have been unbelievably valuable. In academia, I give talks in front of very smart people which can be quite intimidating. Langley prepared me early on and helped build my confidence.

What are your plans after graduate school? I’d love to continue my work on exoplanets. It would be amazing to work at a place like NASA or the Jet Propulsion Lab in California.

Alumni in Action We are so proud of the accomplishments of our alumni, including these six impressive graduates.

Andrew Rohrbach ’01

With an undergraduate degree from Yale University and a law degree from Harvard University, Andrew Rohrbach began his career as a law clerk for judges on federal courts in Boston, New York, and most recently, Washington, DC. After finishing his one-year appointment in Washington this August, Andrew will begin a new chapter at the Department of Justice in the fall, where he will work on the appellate staff of its Civil Division.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in law? I felt that the law was a powerful tool to make a difference in my community. I was also very attracted to the way lawyers think.

By making the right argument and debating effectively, lawyers can bring about real change.

What will you be doing in your new role at the Department of Justice? The appellate staff represents the United States, its agencies, and officers in civil cases in the federal courts of appeals. I was drawn to the job in large part by the phenomenal bosses and coworkers I’ll have, and by the remarkable level of hands-on experience they give young lawyers. I was looking for a place I’d work on hard cases and improve my legal skills quickly, and I know I’ll learn a lot from the people at Civil Appellate.

4

SUMMER 2017

Which Langley teacher had the greatest impact on you?

It’s impossible to mention just one teacher because so many influenced me in different ways. Some were real role models for me, others sparked my sense of curiosity, and still others imparted their passion for a particular subject.

Langley teachers made learning vibrant and fun.

What’s your favorite Langley memory? Whenever I drive past Langley, I think about Field Day and the fun I had. For me, that event was emblematic of the warm, close-knit community I experienced throughout my time at Langley.

What did you learn at Langley that has helped you succeed?

I felt very well prepared heading into high school. Langley’s teachers encouraged me to think deeply about and debate issues, and those skills have been extremely useful to me.

Alex Debayo-Doherty ’14

Alex Debayo-Doherty’s accomplishments in the classroom and on the soccer field – he plays high-level academy soccer – earned him verbal offers to play soccer and study at Georgetown, Yale, and Harvard. A rising high school senior at The Potomac School, he has verbally committed to Harvard and will join its freshman class in fall 2018.

Alex was chosen to participate in Potomac’s Science and Engineering Research Concentration (SERC) which allows him to follow an accelerated science track and take part in independent research.

What have you enjoyed about Potomac’s SERC program? In addition to taking honors and AP science classes on an accelerated track, I am working on an independent research project to create a flexible, transparent building with an integrated organic solar cell that optimizes photocurrent efficiency. I will continue this research over the summer in the University of Toledo’s Physics and Astronomy Department and through the first semester of my senior year.

What type of career do you plan to pursue?

At Harvard, I hope to study engineering and economics. I know I want to be in the technology/ engineering sphere of industry eventually. I have always been fascinated with science and technology and, in the coming century, we are going to need a new generation of innovators and thinkers to usher in the new era of technology.

Which Langley teacher had the biggest impact on you? My favorite teacher at Langley was my fourth-grade teacher Ms. Lim. She wove her own stories into the classroom setting to give us insight into an upbringing that was vastly different from ours. She also allowed each student to discover and pursue his or her passion, which helped me realize I loved math and science.

What did you learn at Langley that has helped you succeed? The most crucial things I learned at Langley were time management and balance.

Langley provided a wide range of experiences through arts, academics, and athletics that helped me become well-rounded and prepared me to face any challenge or task that awaits me.

Claire McDonald ’08

With majors in art history and Italian, Claire McDonald graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Richmond in spring 2016. She was awarded the Phillip Frederick, Jr. Memorial Award in Art which is presented on the basis of character, ability, and academic excellence, and her thesis was awarded the best paper written in 2016 in the School of Arts and Sciences. The first University of Richmond student to be accepted into London’s prestigious Courtauld Institute of Art, Claire will complete the institute’s nine-month master’s degree program in the history of art this July.

When did you become interested in art history? My earliest experience was in fifth grade during our unit on Greek and Roman mythology when we visited the National Gallery of Art. That field trip opened my eyes to art in a way that was different from studio art classes because looking at art demanded careful analysis and the ability to make interdisciplinary connections with other fields of knowledge. A family trip to Italy after my senior year of high school inspired me to enroll in an Italian Renaissance class my first semester of college where my passion for the material and my admiration for my professor led me to pursue a major in art history.

What are your plans after obtaining your master’s degree? At the moment, I see myself working in an art museum, specifically in interpretation, education, or curation.

But eventually, I think I may be interested in arts advocacy.

Some of my strongest passions are making art accessible to all audiences and helping people to appreciate that art is relevant to their personal experience.

What’s your favorite Langley memory? Participating in the plays at Langley helped me find a confident voice on stage and channel my creative energy in a way that I still rely on when I’m making presentations or just trying to strike the right first impression. The memories that I have of my friends in the casts of those shows are still so meaningful to me today.

Which Langley teacher had the biggest impact on you? While I have fond memories of so many teachers, one that still leaves an impact on me is my fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Gustin. I actually wrote my first art historical research paper for her on Roman art, and her passion for the classical past first sparked my interest in the things I study now. I still think of the life lessons she shared that encouraged me to have compassion for others and confidence in myself.

5

Jennifer Dreiling ’94

As a pathologist at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, Jennifer Dreiling examines tissue, cell, and blood samples to diagnose cancer and other diseases. She trained to become a pathologist at the National Institutes of Health after completing seven years in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy. During a 13-month tour in Afghanistan, Jennifer provided medical care to U.S. service members and local nationals, earning the Meritorious Service Medal.

What are the challenges and rewards of pathology? Keeping up with the ever-changing technology and new cancer research is a challenge at times. Even though we have many diagnostic tools that we can use, it can be very difficult to determine the type of malignancy and best treatment option. But it’s extremely rewarding to know that a diagnosis I make may help someone get the treatment they need.

Why did you want a career in medicine? I’ve always been obsessed with science since my days at Langley doing experiments in science class. I volunteered at the National Institutes of Health during my senior year at Madeira School and that officially sparked my desire to study medicine.

What was it like serving in Afghanistan? I was the only physician on a base of 200 service members in a very remote location. In addition to treating our men and women, I also

treated the many local people who came to us for medical help. Although it was scary and challenging at times, I came out of the experience as a much stronger and more confident person.

What’s next for your career? I’m really enjoying my work as a pathologist right now. At some point, I could see myself on the faculty of a teaching hospital sharing my passion with young medical students.

Which Langley teacher had the biggest impact on you?

Two of my science teachers, Mr. Cole and Ms. Hendrickson, made science fun and shared their infectious passion for it with me. I can still remember every single teacher I had at Langley, and I truly loved all of them. I can’t say that for high school, college, or medical school!

Robert McDowell ’77

Robert McDowell served as a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2006 to 2013, appointed to two terms by Presidents Bush and Obama. He is currently a partner at the international law firm, Cooley LLP, where he advises telecommunications, media, and technology clients. A highly regarded industry leader, Robert has been at the forefront of groundbreaking telecommunications issues, including the 2009 digital television transition and the complex Sirius/XM and Comcast/NBC-Universal mergers. He holds degrees from Duke University and the College of William & Mary School of Law. What inspired you to pursue a career in telecommunications?

Telecommunications touches the daily lives of every American. The field has evolved beyond my wildest dreams – when I started there was no Internet – but I always knew it would be an area with a lot of excitement and innovation.

6

exciting projects I’ve worked on recently was helping the Arctic Economic Council, which is made up of representatives from the eight Arctic nations, deploy more broadband technologies in the Arctic.

What accomplishment are you most proud of as FCC commissioner? I’m proud that I was able to foster a regulatory environment that encouraged entrepreneurs to take risks and offer innovative products and services to benefit consumers without feeling inhibited.

Which Langley teacher had the biggest impact on you?

John Trott, who taught eighth-grade English, social studies, ornithology, and botany, was the best teacher I had during my entire academic career. He tailored his teaching to meet the needs and learning styles of each student and had a unique way of captivating us through his own enthusiasm.

What are you working on in your current job at Cooley?

I get to do everything from helping start-up tech companies get venture funding to working on a wireless policy that promotes mobile entrepreneurships. One of the more

What’s your favorite Langley memory? I remember doing a survey of bird and plant life in Mr. Trott’s class which sparked a lifelong interest in ornithology. Today I teach my own kids how to identify bird calls and flight patterns.

SUMMER 2017

Your Link to Langley: Class Representatives The following alumni volunteered to serve as class representatives for their graduating year, acting as an important link between their classmates and the school. Look for messages from your class rep about upcoming events or Langley happenings, or feel free to reach out to your rep with questions or ideas. Contact Peggy Evans at pevans@langleyschool.org if you’re interested in becoming a representative for the classes of 1981, 1986, 1989, or 1991 or prior to 1979.

1979 1980 1982 1983 1984 1985 1987 1988 1990 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Helen Methvin Payne Mary Schmidt Amons & Tom Klein Ann Chen Jennifer Brown Sheehan Brooke Lecky Supple Gayle Shafer Trotter Wendy Weinberger Allison Lefrak Ashleigh Rabbitt Sekoski Rachelle Hill & Lauren Rabbitt Molly Boehm Jennifer Dreiling Chris Just Anne Harris Laughlin Ali Hassan & Charles Latham JoAnn Schneider Perry Carl Silvano Kathleen Jennings

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Ashley Petitt Caroline Groom Alexandra Nasif & Mary Elizabeth Taylor Alicia DiGiammarino, Daniel Kanter, & Sara Wallace Mandy Coston Sarah Berman & Cary Garfinkel Torey Barth & Lillian Singer Allison Pool & Vicky Schwehr Tatiana Kersten & Maddie Stearn Griffin Black & Sarah Ing Will Clarke & Kelsey Friberg Kristin Joostema & Scott Murphy Marina Carlucci Matthew Garcia & Dina Phipps Isaac Feldman & Katherine Leahy Ginger Myers & Tyler Swain Jack Joy & Andrew Kolebuck

Spanning Generations The following alumni chose to enroll their own children at Langley during the 2016-2017 school year, continuing their family’s Langley legacy across generations.

Erik Briceno ’89 Michael Coakley ’82 Elizabeth Crocker ’89 Peggy Reizes Evans ’85 Kenny Hutman ’81 Andrew Kaplan ’87 Paul Martorana ’86

Preston Miller ’92 Luis Neto ’87 Phillip Norton ’83 Michelle Malek du Pont Olson ’82 Sandra Neto Panizo ’90 Ashleigh Rabbitt Sekoski ’90 Laura Magruder Trent ’88

We love to see multiple generations of Langley families back on campus! Former Langley parent and current grandparent of two Langley students Linda Rabbitt returned for a morning of fun during Grandparents & Special Friends Day.

7

1

2

Campus Happenings

8

Exploring Inquiry-Based Learning Clockwise from top left: 1. Fourth-graders learned the fundamentals of computer programming during an intensive, week-long STEAM workshop. Using a unique mini-course designed by i2 Learning, students created their own interactive monster with blinking eyes and sound.

2. Preschoolers explored the world of science when they immersed themselves in STEAM activities during a field trip to the Children’s Science Center.

8

SUMMER 2017

3. Preschool students got a firsthand look at what it’s like to run a zoo when they visited Langley’s very own “zoo” behind the Middle School where they worked as zookeepers to feed and clean up after the animals.

4. Representing different organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute or Friends of the Earth, seventh-graders testified on the pros and cons of amendments to a mock energy bill during their energy debate, the culminating activity in their unit on energy production in the U.S.

7

3

4

6

5. Hundreds of students and parents came out to Langley’s STEAM Fair for an exciting morning of STEAM-based challenges and demonstrations, including a planetarium show.

6. As part of their study of the 50 states, Langley thirdgraders reached out to small towns across America by writing letters to the editor. Thousands of packages arrived at Langley filled with letters, postcards, maps, flags, pictures, and souvenirs to help our students gain a unique perspective about each state.

5

7. During an inquiry project focused on the belief systems and culture of ancient Egypt, fifth-graders researched and created a range of projects from a seven-layer edible pyramid cake to a detailed Minecraft model.

8. As part of their immigration unit, second-graders took on immigrant identities and passed through various stations at “Ellis Island” where they had their passport stamped, exchanged money, and saw the medical examiner.

9

1

2

8

7

Expressing Creativity & Confidence Clockwise from top left: 1. Fifth-graders entertained audience members with a high-energy production of the musical, “Harmony High,” which was filled with singing and dancing.

2. At the end of each trimester, fourth-grade students presented an “arts share,” allowing them to celebrate the arts in different cultures and share what they learned through music, drama, and art.

10

SUMMER 2017

3. Langley’s popular Middle School musical production of “Willy Wonka” played to sold-out crowds during its threenight run in March.

4. Our Middle School band, chorus, and strings groups took part in a music competition in Philadelphia this spring, each earning a rating of “Excellent” and first-place honors in their category.

3

Campus Happenings

4

6

5

5. Eighth-grader Chris Stewart won Langley’s 2017 National Geographic Bee for the third straight year, competing against nine other Langley students in grades 4-8.

7. Kindergarten students became honey bees, caterpillars, butterflies, grasshoppers, ladybugs, and cockroaches during their musical production of “The Big Bug Bash.�

6. Langley first-graders shared their impressive knowledge of Australia during their Down Under Extravaganza performance. During this integrated unit, students learned about the geography of the continent, studied Aboriginal cultures and art, and learned about the animals unique to Australia.

8. Students in grades 3-5 showcased their musical abilities during the Lower School Spring Concert which featured both vocal and instrumental performances.

11

1

2

Campus Happenings

5

4

Celebrating Langley Spirit Clockwise from top left: 1. Our JV and varsity basketball teams made Langley proud, earning two second-place finishes and one third-place finish in their conference during the winter season.

3. The Pat Bush Library hosted Bookfest, a day to celebrate reading, on April 12. Students and teachers demonstrated their love of reading by coming to school dressed as a beloved character from a favorite book.

2. Langley’s spring sports season included tennis, lacrosse, softball, and track and field, giving students the opportunity to sharpen their athletic skills and develop their sportsmanship and teamwork skills.

4. Students in grades 1-8 joined together in teams for a morning of outdoor fun and collaboration during a favorite Langley event – Field Day! 5. Students of all ages showed their creativity and school spirit during our “I Live Langley” snow day photo contest.

12

SUMMER 2017

3

GRADUATION:

Congratulations Class of 2017!

Members of Langley’s Class of 2017 were accepted to the following high schools, with asterisks indicating the schools our graduates will attend in the fall. We encourage students to select the school that best meets their needs, and we do all we can to help our students and families easily navigate the high school application and selection process by offering placement counseling, standardized test prep classes, and mock interviews. We are proud of our eighth-graders’ high school choices and of the contributions they have made here at Langley.

Bishop Kearney High School Bishop O’Connell High School* The Bullis School* Connolly School of the Holy Child Flint Hill School* George C. Marshall High School* Georgetown Day School* Georgetown Preparatory School* Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School* Gonzaga College High School*

Holton-Arms School* Landon School* Langley High School* Lawrenceville School Madeira School* Maret School Mercersburg Academy National Cathedral School Paul VI Catholic High School The Potomac School* St. Albans School*

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School St. John’s College High School St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School* Shattuck-St. Mary’s School* Sidwell Friends School Stone Ridge School* Yorktown High School* *Schools our graduates will attend

Class of 2017 Gift Upholds Tradition of Service It’s a long-standing tradition for the graduating eighth-grade class to bequeath a parting gift to the school. Preceding graduating classes have given benches, picnic tables, couches, tricycles, swing sets, and the Gaga Ball Pit. Grounded in Langley’s tradition of service, the Class of 2017 decided to do something different this year. Students split their gift between The Lama Foundation, an organization they visited during their capstone trip to New Mexico, and Langley’s endowment. Class representatives Jack Joy and Andrew Kolebuck organized and staffed a Field Day bake sale to raise funds for the endowment. Much like a savings account, this endowment gift will grow in perpetuity, supporting Langley students for years to come.

13

PHILANTHROPY AT LANGLEY:

Spring Auction Transports Guests to Wonderland On Saturday, April 22, the Langley community came together for the “Langley in Wonderland” spring auction at the Hyatt Regency Tysons, raising over $230,000 in support of Langley’s exceptional faculty and amazing students. The annual auction is a much-anticipated tradition that serves as one of the school’s primary fundraising initiatives and an important community celebration. Funds raised support Langley’s academic, arts, and athletic programs, as well as faculty professional development and student financial aid.

The highlight of the evening was the Raise the Paddle portion of the live auction. At that time, guests were asked to raise their paddles to signify their support of the school’s faculty professional development program. In an extraordinary display of our community’s generosity of spirit, over $130,000 was raised to support the school’s commitment to excellence in teaching.

The Langley School thanks the entire team of auction volunteers for making the event such a success, including Auction Co-Chair Meredith Tiano, Decorations Co-Chair Amy Bell, Decorations Co-Chair Sylvia Leimone, and Auction Co-Chair Willow Marr (pictured left to right).

“Langley in Wonderland” would not have been possible without the capable leadership of Co-Chairs Willow Marr and Meredith Tiano, for whom this event was a year-long labor of love. Sincere thanks to these two women and their committee of parent volunteers for sharing their time, talent, energy, and enthusiasm to plan an event that will have a lasting impact on our school.

Save the date of

We are grateful to the many parents, faculty/staff, volunteers, donors, bidders, and sponsors who invested in the 2017 auction. Your support enables Langley to sustain and enhance the quality of education for which it has been known since its founding.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

for Langley’s 75th anniversary auction & gala!

Thank You to Our 2017 Sponsors THE MAD HATTER SPONSOR Porzio, Bromberg & Newman P.C. THE QUEEN OF HEARTS SPONSOR C.J. Coakley Co., Inc. THE FLAMINGOS SPONSORS Brown Advisory M2 Strategy McHale Landscape Design, Inc. Whitener & Jackson, Inc.

14 16

SUMMER 2017 2016

IT’S NOT ALWAYS TIME FOR TEA SPONSORS edHelper

By Light Professional IT Services

DON’T FALL DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE SPONSORS Christopher and AJ Andreas Blair and Heather Jacobs

WHITE RABBIT SPONSORS Comprehensive Dental Care Drs. Fizzah and Tim Gocke, D.D.S. C.G. Gramenopoulos Finnegan K & S Management and Supply, Inc. Michael and Debra Lindsay/ Lindsay Automotive Group

WE’RE ALL MAD HERE SPONSORS cox graae + spack architects Orangetheory Fitness – Arlington

The Langley Fund lets us say‌

Yes ...to Inspiration graphic organizers

...to take-home robots at the STEAM Fair The Langley Fund provides immediate and tangible support to the annual operating budget, allowing us flexibility to offer the resources and programs our students need.

Please contribute to The Langley Fund where your passion for the school meets your ability to give.

...to noise-cancelling headphones

...to the eighth-grade capstone trip at no additional cost to families

Give online today at www.langleyschool.org!

75 Years of Generosity For almost 75 years, philanthropy has been at the heart of the Langley community. This tradition of generosity runs deep and enhances the experience of every student and teacher. Please consider the impact Langley has had on your life and make your gift today.

If you have questions or would like more information about giving opportunities at Langley, please contact Head of Development Jinene Christian at (703) 848-2785 or jchristian@langleyschool.org.

15

Class Notes Submit your notes and photos at langleyschool.org/community/alumni or e-mail Peggy Evans at pevans@langleyschool.org.

1984 Brooke Lecky Supple is the chief of staff for the vice president for student affairs at the University of Maryland. She and her husband, Matt, have two daughters, Stirling (14) and Campbell (8). She loves telling her girls stories about the great experiences she had at Langley and keeping in touch with Langley friends on Facebook!

1988 Allison Lefrak is living in Bethesda, MD, with her husband and three kids. She works at the Federal Trade Commission in the Bureau of Consumer Protection, focusing on issues of privacy and data security and enforcing statutes like the Children’s

16

SUMMER 2017

Online Privacy Protection Act. Allison enjoyed seeing Tanya Gogolak Cote, a fellow Class of ’88 Langley alumna, at a recent Madeira School reunion. She also stays in touch with Jennifer Gifford Bainbridge who is now a current Langley parent. Allison is pictured at lower left with her parents, husband, and children during a spring break trip to Mexico.

1992 Lauren Rabbitt Aiello, who lives in McLean with her husband and two young sons (ages 1 and 3), works for a commercial real estate developer in Washington, DC.

1997 Charles Latham released a full-length LP of original music, “Little Me Time,” in January which has been met with strong critical reception in his local North Carolina press.

The album includes a song called “The Living Wage” which had previously been available as a pay-what-you-will single with all proceeds benefiting the Durham (NC) Living Wage Project, a nonprofit dedicated to wage equality. Charles lives and works in Durham, NC.

2000 Shannon Montville, a clinical social worker for children and adolescents with emotional disturbances, works for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and for a Montgomery County, MD, public school. She lives in North Potomac, MD, with her husband, 1½-year-old daughter, and rescue pets.

Rajiv Shenoy currently lives in Texas with his wife, Natasha, and their newborn son, Neeraj. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, he started a company called OrcaTV which was a software company for higher education. In 2016, OrcaTV was acquired by Apogee, an Internet and video service provider.

Lindsay Terry is a flight attendant with Delta Airlines, and she enjoys traveling the world and meeting interesting people. She is currently based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Lindsay is grateful that Delta’s parental leave policy allows her to have a career and be a mom at the same time.

2004 Alyson Frazier is a professional flute player and co-founder of Play for Progress (www.playforprogress.com), a London-based organization that delivers therapeutic and educational music programs for children who are victims of

conflict and war. She is on the “extras” list for some of the UK’s top orchestras, and was recently called up to perform with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall. She thanks Langley Band Director Chuck Schmidt for “starting me on my way and showing me at such a young age the joys of music.”

2005 Mandy Coston is currently working on data analytics at a journalism start-up in Nairobi where she is busy covering the upcoming elections and the drought plaguing farmers and nomadic herders. In the fall, Mandy will start a joint Ph.D. program in machine learning and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University.

C.J. David is based in the Washington, DC, area, and is pursuing a career in musical theatre and opera. He has a Master of Music degree in opera performance from the Longy School of Music at Bard College and a Bachelor of Music and Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This spring, C.J. performed with the Washington National Opera in their production of “Dead Man Walking” at The Kennedy Center.

2006 Patrick Belaga is a classically trained cellist who has performed at museums, galleries, and theaters internationally, and also works as a model. Patrick recently appeared in a TAG Heuer watch commercial.

2007 Torey Barth recently became director of marketing at The Artist Agency, a Washington, DC-based talent management group representing models and stylists in fashion hubs across the globe.

2009 Nicole Johnson graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in foreign affairs in May. She is excited to be back in the DC area where she is working at IBM as a consultant.

17

2010 Sarah Ing is studying economics, political science, and corporate strategy at Vanderbilt University. She absolutely loves Nashville and never wants to leave! An active member in her sorority, she is very excited to have a leadership role and live in the house next year. After studying abroad in Florence and London last summer, Sarah will be home in McLean working for Northrop Grumman as a business development intern this summer.

Allison Towbes completed her junior year at Northwestern University. She is a theater major with a minor in dance and a concentration in creative writing. Since earning an NEA award for her monologue recitation in Langley’s sixthgrade Bardfest, Allison has been passionate about Shakespeare and classical text, and studied abroad at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

Zachary will be attending Berklee College of Music next fall. He hopes to pursue a major in production and sound engineering, while continuing to have numerous performance opportunities.

2014 Dina Phipps finished her junior year at Bishop O’Connell High School where she participates in the select women’s chamber choir and two a cappella groups. Along with her musical activities, Dina can also be spotted in the dugout or in the announcer’s booth while she records statistics for the varsity baseball team as the team manager. She is looking forward to her summer position as the music counselor at The Potomac School and her senior year of high school.

Katie Warner was part of a select group of students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts who had small group discussions with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma about diversity and advancement of the arts.

2011 Marta Sniezek completed her sophomore year at Stanford University. A point guard on the women’s basketball team, she helped Stanford reach the 2017 Final Four and was featured in a March 29 article in The Washington Post.

2013

2016

Zachary Towbes finished his senior year at Cate School in California where he was a member of the elite jazz band, orchestra, and advanced choir. He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist in the band, Walking Is Like Running, which released its first EP in 2016. A National Merit finalist,

Elizabeth Buchwald and Nikki Debayo-Doherty, who both played on The Potomac School girls’ varsity basketball team as freshmen during the 2016-2017 school year, helped Potomac win the ISL tournament for the first time since 1998.

Langley welcomed internationally acclaimed author and our former librarian Pamela Duncan Edwards to campus in March for a series of assemblies with our Primary and Lower School students. Mrs. Edwards read from some of her books, solicited ideas for her next project, and discussed the author’s process for developing stories.

18

SUMMER 2017

In Memoriam Former junior kindergarten teacher Barbara Stanley, who taught at Langley in the early 1970s, passed away in January. Her colleague and friend, former kindergarten teacher Jean Jaycox, gave a gift to Langley in Mrs. Stanley’s honor.

After retiring from Langley in 1981, Helene Layman stayed in touch with many of her students and the school. She returned for several reunions, spoke to a current fifth-grade class, and enjoyed visiting with Langley friends in her retirement home up until her death at age 100.

IN MEMORIAM:

Remembering Helene Layman Langley said farewell to a beloved member of our community this spring when former fifth-grade teacher Helene Layman passed away in May, less than two months after celebrating her 100th birthday. A Langley faculty member from 1966 to 1981, Mrs. Layman made a profound and lasting impact on her students, many of whom credit her as their most influential teacher throughout their schooling.

“When I first came to Langley, our classrooms shared a common door,” recalls Ann Potter, who taught with Mrs. Layman and attended her 100th birthday party on March 4.

“From the beginning, Helene willingly shared her wisdom and guidance. She was a remarkable teacher and a favorite with her students, many of whom continued to stay in contact with her over the years.”

Her fifth-graders fondly remember the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas she staged using her experience as a former opera singer, along with the annual overnight trip she organized to Pennsylvania Dutch country to give her students a firsthand history lesson on religious freedom. This popular trip became a fifth-grade tradition, and helped blaze a trail for future Langley teachers to take their students on similar overnight excursions.

“I remember feeling scared to have Mrs. Layman as my teacher,” adds Kerry Banks ’78. “Her reputation was that she was hard and expected a lot. She was those qualities and more. Sure, she was tough, but I learned that she was also compassionate, and through her guidance and belief in me, I grew as a student and as a person.”

“Mrs. Layman gave me so many gifts: a deep appreciation for history, a love of the arts, and the confidence that made me believe my voice matters,” says Lauren Ostrow Simon ’74. “She valued me as a scholar, a writer, and an important part of the world around me. The confidence that she gave me in the value of my thoughts, feelings, and words is a lesson I’ve held close to my heart ever since.”

“My class loved Mrs. Layman,” recalls Helen Methvin Payne ’79. “When she passed away, my Facebook messenger filled up with memories. We have ‘virtually’ laughed about the prank she played on the front office on April Fools’ Day, sending all the kids in with different ailments and complaints. There were memories of Greek gods and the ‘Pirates of Penzance,’ the money jar, and country reports. Such good times!”

“Mrs. Layman gave me many gifts, but the best was the gift of unwrapped potential,” says Nevah Thompson Stevenson ’79. “She believed in me. I still remember the way she would look me in the eye and encourage me with genuine, deliberate words – words that lifted and inspired me so much that they zinged around my brain for years to come. She was magic.”

During an interview about 10 years ago, Mrs. Layman – a lifelong teacher who continued to lead continuing education classes long after retiring from Langley – offered this advice to students of all ages: “Enjoy life while you’re young. You grow old so fast! Take advantage of every opportunity whatever it may be. You never know when you might be able to put that knowledge and experience to use.”

Mrs. Layman’s legacy lives on through her students and colleagues, and through the strong foundation of teaching excellence she laid for future generations of Langley faculty.

19

ALUMNI NEWS:

Class of 2013 Reconnects Before College On May 31, members of Langley’s Class of 2013 (pictured above) and their parents gathered on campus for their four-year reunion. They will attend a variety of colleges and universities in the fall, including (but not limited to) the following: Adams State University American University Boston College Bucknell University Carleton College Cornell University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fairleigh Dickinson University Kenyon College Georgetown University

Lafayette College Shenandoah University Texas Christian University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Chicago University of Mississippi University of Virginia Virginia Tech

Langley moms from the Class of 2013 enjoyed catching up at the reunion on May 31.

Get Social...Follow Langley Online Stay connected to Langley through social media and our blog! It’s the easiest way to find out what’s happening on campus. And it’s a great way for our alumni and past parents to share photos of your Langley get-togethers. #WeLiveLangley

20

SUMMER 2017

Facebook: @TheLangleySchool Twitter: @LangleyLeopards Blog: langleyschoolblog.org

Getting to Know Dr. Sarah Sumwalt As we work to further Langley’s social-emotional expertise and advance the second pillar of our strategic plan, the school has hired a new director of social-emotional learning to lead this exciting effort. Dr. Sarah Sumwalt joins the administrative team this summer in this newly created role.

With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Sarah has worked with children and adolescents in a variety of settings. She brings a wealth of knowledge about child development, with much of her research and clinical work focusing on supporting children’s social and emotional development. Most recently, she served as director of learning services at the Lowell School. Sarah has also worked as a consultant at the Sidwell Friends School and St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School. She continues to provide therapeutic and testing services at the Wake Kendall Group, PLLC, in Washington, DC.

Why is social-emotional learning important?

What do you most enjoy about working with children?

Our social and emotional acuity – being able to connect positively with others, navigate complex emotional landscapes in ourselves and others, effectively solve conflicts, and regulate our behavior – is one of the most important skill sets we need to succeed as adults. In the school setting, we have a unique opportunity to build social and emotional competency, in collaboration with parents, across Langley’s Arc of Development.

I’ve always enjoyed working with elementary and middle school children because of the amazing amount of cognitive, social, academic, and emotional growth that occurs during the school-age years. It can be an overwhelming time for them which offers a rich opportunity for adults to provide support and weave in lifelong skills. I also love children’s honesty in expressing their viewpoints, their humor, and the energy and enthusiasm they bring to learning.

What will your role be at Langley?

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

I’ll be working with the administration and faculty to develop and integrate a social-emotional learning program into the day-to-day curriculum with the goal of teaching children across all grade levels to be socially and emotionally competent. In addition, I will serve as the Middle School counselor, supporting our students in grades 5-8 in both individual and group settings. And I’ll work closely with our school counselor, Lauren Hook, to provide education and support to the Langley community.

What are your goals for your first year at Langley?

It’s important for me to spend time in the classrooms, get to know our students and teachers, listen to their needs, and become involved in the day-to-day life of the school.

By collaborating with teachers, talking with parents, and having lunch with small groups of students, I hope to gain a clear understanding of where Langley is now and how we can best give our students a strong social-emotional foundation.

I always knew I wanted to work with kids. In college, I became fascinated with psychology because it was both scientific and people-oriented. Child psychology was a natural fit for my interests and skill set. As a child clinical psychologist in private practice, I only saw children oneon-one in my office. Although this provided an opportunity for individualized intervention, it was harder to get a sense of the whole child. What I love about working in schools is that I get to see children as they interact with friends, teachers, and parents, which provides me with a more complete picture of their development and gives me the opportunity to offer support in the moment.

What don’t we know about you?

I got married in early June, and my husband and I are the proud owners of two dogs. I enjoy hiking, gardening, and paddle-boarding. One fun fact my Langley students will soon discover is that I have a rather large collection of Pop Vinyl characters in my office. It’s a fun way to connect with the children and brings out the kid in me, too!

21

Where vital academics meet a deep respect for childhood Preschool through grade 8 in Northern Virginia 1411 Balls Hill Road, McLean, Virginia 22101-3415 www.langleyschool.org (703) 356-1920

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

McLean, VA 22101 Permit No. 48

Langley Is Turning 75!

This fall, The Langley School will celebrate our 75th birthday! We’ll be marking this important milestone in our school’s history throughout the year. Visit our online calendar at www.langleyschool.org for more details.

September 5, 2017

Classroom Visit Day

September 6, 2017

First Day of School

September 22, 2017

Langley’s 75th Birthday!

October 21, 2017

Fall Fair

November 21, 2017

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

December 6-7, 2017

Book Fair

March 17, 2018

Langley Day of Giving

February 3, 2018

STEAM Fair

April 28, 2018

Spring Auction & Gala

ALUMNI & PAST PARENTS: Don’t miss out on the celebration!

Make sure we have your most up-to-date contact info by filling out the communication card inside.