NYCU Winter 2017

NEWS

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P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E PA R E N T S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N F O R T H E B I S H O P ’ S C O M M U N I T Y

A MESSAGE FROM THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT T H E R E H A S B E E N A G R E A T D E A L O F D I S C U S S I O N L A T E LY

regarding the need for kindness in this country, which has given me a

valuable opportunity to think about the community in which I choose to live and raise my family. As a parent, I know that my children aren’t just

learning their values at home; they’re also learning them at school – from their teachers, administrators and peers. I appreciate the community in

which my children are learning – Bishop’s students, faculty, staff and the many parents I call friends.

I am also learning from the others around me. This fall, while the

country was engaged in 24/7 discussions about the presidential election,

the parents at Bishop’s were united on other fronts: mourning the loss of a beloved teacher and setting up a book drive in his honor, celebrating our hardworking staff through faculty appreciation events and

welcoming nearly 300 grandparents to school to connect to their

grandchildren's lives. Parents spent the fall cheering at games, calling

fellow parents to join them in supporting the Annual Giving Program, volunteering in the library and at the Admissions Open House, and by organizing a beautiful Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.

As we look ahead to the final half of the year, there is much to

celebrate and reflect upon. I’m looking forward to hearing from

author Kelly Corrigan, an amazing memoirist and truth teller who Dina Buckley, Parents' Association President

will be here on Feb. 6 for our evening PA meeting. Please join me for

FR IDAY

JANUARY 13, 2017 Head of School Breakfast, Remarks by Aimeclaire Roche MONDAY

FEBRUARY 6, 2017 Parenting, Kelly Corrigan FR IDAY

MARCH 10, 2017

Board President, Annual PA Meeting & Election of Officers FR IDAY

a night of laughter, learning and introspection about this stage of our lives.

APRIL 7, 2017

by the opportunity my children have to be challenged, motivated and

Guest Speaker TBA

As I begin the second half of my term as PA president, I am inspired

mentored by teachers and classmates. I am grateful that these life lessons happen on a platform supported by understanding, love and sound

advice. I am proud to know that a key component of our children's growth is a healthy outlook on interpersonal relationships and that Bishop’s

FR IDAY

MAY 12, 2017 The College Report

recognizes and appreciates what makes us unique. Simply, I am happy for this moment, this experience and our journey here at The Bishop’s School.

Warmly,

Dina Buckley (Matt ’18, Lulu ’19) W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 1

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MEET KELLY CORRIGAN

BY A L E X A S C O M A ( J A C K ’ 2 0 , E U G E N I E ’ 2 2 ) WITH THE NEW YEAR UPON US, IT IS

with great excitement that The Bishop’s School Parents’ Association announces that an exciting speaker, Kelly Corrigan, will appear on campus the evening of Feb. 6. Ms. Corrigan is the author of The New York Times bestsellers The Middle Place, Lift and Glitter and Glue. She is also a contributor to O: The Oprah Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Medium. Ms. Corrigan is known for her honest and humorous stories. She sincerely expresses her passionate love for her two daughters, recounts personal disasters and sheds light on the impending doom of parental responsibility while reminding us that we are not alone. Our work as parents is important and our time is limited. Her loyal readers have attributed their fondness for her work as making them feel as though they are reading the diary of their best friend.

In Ms. Corrigan’s second novel Lift, composed as a letter to

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her two children, she writes, “This tug-of-war often obscures

not some lark. It’s

first mile of your road. Me, and all of my obvious and hidden

serious work with

limitations. That means that in addition to possibly wrecking

“Raising people is

serious repercussions

IT'S AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL. You can’t step out for a minute; you can barely pause to scratch your ankle.”

— KELLY CORRIGAN, GLITTER AND GLUE

what’s also happening between us. I am your mother. The

you, I have the chance to give you what was given to me.

A decent childhood. More good memories than bad. Some values. A sense of tribe. A run of happiness. You can’t imagine how seriously I take that − even as I fail you. Mothering you is the first thing of consequence that I have ever done.”

Ms. Corrigan is the co-founder of Notes & Words, an annual benefit concert for Children’s Hospital Oakland and a featured speaker with The Nantucket Project. Videos on her YouTube channel, such as “Transcending” and interviews with

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EDITOR Claire Carlyle DESIGN & PRODUCTION Jean Fujisaki CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dina Buckley Sheila Ferguson Catherine Ivey Lee Alexa Scoma Patricia Wu EDITORIAL & PARENT LIAISON Suzanne Weiner EDITING Keri Peckham PHOTOGRAPHY Annette Bradbury Melissa Kenyon Clarissa Keyes Pixster PRINTING North Shores Printery NEWS YOU CAN USE is produced

by The Bishop's School Parents' Association to inform and support Bishop's families through the school year. Please submit suggestions and articles via email to the editor, Claire Carlyle at ccarlyle@san.rr.com.

The Bishop’s School M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T The Bishop’s School is an academic community pursuing intellectual, artistic and athletic excellence in the context of

writers from Michael Lewis to Anna Quindlen, have been

the Episcopal tradition. We are

viewed by millions.

dedicated to offering the highest

We are thrilled that Ms. Corrigan has agreed to speak to Bishop’s parents at the Parents’ Association meeting on Feb. 6 at 6:00 p.m. We highly encourage you

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quality education to a diverse student body and to fostering integrity, imagination, moral

to join us to hear someone of such extraordinary grace and candor address the

responsibility and commitment

complexities of raising children while balancing the intricacies of everyday life.

to serving the larger community.

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PARENTS' ASSOCIATION FALL HIGHLIGHTS

Parents’ Association September Meeting

Book Exchange and Volunteer Fair

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

The campus shined bright on Dec. 1 thanks to the vision of Christmas Tree Lighting co-chairs Kelly Dougherty and Lauren Olson.

OPEN HOUSE

Grace Shiao helps get the campus ready for the Admissions Open House.

FACULTY & STAFF APPRECIATION

Faculty and staff feel special thanks to the generosity of Bishop’s parents and the leadership of co-chairs Kathy Lobo, Alexa Scoma and Stephani Clough.

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WELCOME HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL BRIAN OGDEN

BY C AT H E R I N E I V E Y L E E ( I A N ’ 2 0 )

IF YOU SEE NEW HEAD OF THE UPPER SCHOOL BRIAN OGDEN ON

campus, take a minute to say hello. It’s not only a nice thing to do, you’ll also be helping Brian to do his job this year: getting to know the Bishop’s campus, culture and community.

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"Brian has been a terrific addition to our community!

I appreciate that

BRIAN HAS A DIRECT COMMUNICATION STYLE AND CARING APPROACH as he cultivates relationships with students, colleagues and parents."

—HEAD OF SCHOOL AIMECLAIRE ROCHE

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“I would appreciate that,” he said with a laugh during a recent interview in his office in Bentham 4. “I’m new to San Diego,” said Brian, who relocated this summer with his wife and two small children. “It’s been really nice when parents have approached me. I would like to get to know the larger community.”

In his new position, Brian oversees the day-to-day operations of the upper school, a sweeping role previously held by Bill Goss, who retired in May 2016. Brian arrived in August with a can-do attitude and a suitcase filled with experience, including nearly 20 years as a high school teacher and administrator. His most recent positions were at The Webb Schools in Claremont, California, where he worked for 14 years as a teacher, dean of students and dean of faculty.

A career in education wasn’t Brian’s initial plan. It came after he attended Georgetown University and took a job teaching Spanish at an inner city school in Washington, D.C. “It was so much fun, and I realized I was energized being around kids. I wanted to support them in their growth and help prepare them for their futures.”

At Bishop’s, while Brian is officially spending the year getting to know the school community, he has wasted little time getting down to business. He teaches ninth grade history and advises a group of eleventh-graders. He is also overseeing two important initiatives. One is a teacher-comment pilot program to provide students and parents with feedback while their semester is still in progress. The other is the committee charged with revamping the School’s daily schedule.

The roles have helped Brian to quickly

THE BISHOP ’S SCHOOL

appreciate the nuts and bolts of Bishop’s as well as to understand some of the School’s larger challenges and goals.

“Part of the scheduling process has involved thinking deeply about how we prioritize kids’ health and well-being, how we model finding balance in their lives, and how to offer a program that is both rigorous and seeking excellence. Those are sometimes at odds with one another,” he said. “I’m confident we can do it, but it’s going to require us to think a little differently about what we mean by excellence and what we understand about balance and student health and well-being.”

Under consideration by the committee: ensuring that students get more sleep by making the current late start time the regular start time for each day of the week next year. The group is also considering replacing the 6-day block schedule with a 7-or 8-day schedule that includes fewer transitions and longer class periods to give students and teachers more time to go deeper into class material and to engage in student-led debates and simulations.

Brian says he’s also reflecting this year on how classroom experiences can best give students life skills. Those include resilience, effective communication tools, critical thinking skills, a spirit of altruism and the ability to adapt to a constantly changing, unpredictable world.

“The Bishop’s diploma is not the end,” Brian said. “It’s the beginning for them. I want them to leave here feeling great about their Bishop’s experience, to leave with lifelong friendships and relationships, and with a foundation for future success and a love of learning and life.

That’s my hope.”

They’re also pretty good reasons to stop and say hello the next time you see Brian.

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WORKSHOP HELPS STUDENTS COPE WITH STRESS

BY PAT R I C I A W U ( C AT R I O N A ’ 1 3 A N D E M M A ’ 1 7 L E W I S )

S T U D E N T S A N D PA R E N T S G AT H E R E D I N G E I E R P R E S E N TAT I O N H A L L O N T H E

evening of Oct. 26, looking for answers. How can families combat stress? How can they better manage the daily anxieties in their busy lives? Those questions and more were answered in a workshop with Dr. Cassidy Freitas, a marriage and family therapist and adjunct faculty member at the University of San Diego.

Many students struggle with balancing school,

activities, family and friends while attempting to

maintain their own well-being. Perfectionism and

the desire to be a high achiever often interfere with learning, relationships and health. Unrealistic expectations can produce stress

and anxiety. In the short term, this pressure to succeed may sharpen

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focus and improve performance.

Chronic stress, however,

and physiological function which ultimately reduces productivity. highly variable and dependent

on factors including genetics, life experiences and brain chemistry.

Although stress affects people

with other age groups. This

help cultivate mindfulness, thereby allowing

thoughtful reassessment of one’s values before any further action is taken.

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is for breathing slowly and deeply, anchoring one’s thoughts in the process.

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is for deciding on an appropriate action.

Special emphasis is placed on understanding the value of the action rather than reaching the goal, deriving satisfaction from the experience, and taking the time to connect with others and build relationships along the way.

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vulnerability results from the

The students are encouraged to consider values

that controls executive function, in contrast to the

lives, and to treat themselves with compassion

relative immaturity of the brain’s frontal lobe

more mature amygdala that controls fear. This

imbalance in higher brain function promotes the

that bring purpose and deepen meaning to their as they journey toward their goals.

At the conclusion of the workshop, students

setting of unrealistic goals without regard to one’s

had gained insights into the causes of stress and

range from ineffective to damaging. In addition,

with the understanding that perfectionism

ability in attaining them, resulting in actions that

many high achieving students strive for perfection, a potentially debilitating belief that can lead to

destructive actions, causing emotional distress and physical ailments. Under stress, life feels rushed

and valuable moments are missed, culminating in the loss of purpose and meaning.

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is for listening intently to one’s inner voice, clarifying one's values and purposes.

Human sensitivity to stress is

particularly vulnerable compared

that uses a slow deep breathing exercise to

is for observing those thoughts closely.

negatively impacts mood, sleep

of all ages, adolescents are

step stress management technique (BOLD)

Dr. Freitas (pictured above), described a multi-

acquired practical knowledge to reduce stress should give way to healthy striving. They

learned to set specific and realistic goals, be

mindful of important life values, seek positive

relationships with people who are supportive of them and savor the experiences of this process.

These valuable tools will help our families

achieve the healthy balance that they deserve.

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BEYOND THE BIOS: GETTING TO KNOW BISHOP’S NEWEST FACULTY

BY C L A I R E C A R LY L E ( J O H N ’ 1 1 , K AT Y ’ 1 1 , A M Y ’ 2 0 )

From travel to pets to hidden talents, our newest teachers share a bit about themselves in the format of a favorite party icebreaker: Three Truths and a Lie. See if you can spot the fib.

BOB PHAM COMPUTER SCIENCE 1. I have traveled to all seven continents.

2. I am always outnumbered by girls.

3. I speak eight languages.

4. I have sparred with a Hollywood actor.

JAY ZHAO MATHEMATICS 1. I love the Carpenters.

2. I work out in the weight room every day.

3. I prefer black tea.

4. I have traveled to over 20 different countries.

BEN HELDT SCIENCE 1. I am a Civil War buff.

2. I can recite 100 digits of pi from memory.

3. I am afraid of horses.

4. I love the Golden State Warriors.

ABBY SAUNDERS LIBRARIAN 1. I can raise one eyebrow on command.

2. I love reading Steampunk fiction.

3. I have a pet lizard.

4. I used to live in Germany.

ASHLEY HURLOCK

SCIENCE

1. I can skateboard.

2. I love Halloween.

3. I have clubbed thumbs (brachydactyly type D).

4. I am fondly referred to as “Ash.” 6

THE BISHOP ’S SCHOOL

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WORLD LANGUAGES

1. I love horror movies.

2. I have visited 30 countries.

3. I have a twin sister.

4. I love pastries.

JOHN NAGLER HISTORY 1. I am one of five boys.

2. I enjoy raw eggs for breakfast.

3. I am building a log cabin in Maine.

4. I prefer to swim in ice-cold ocean water.

NICK LEVINE

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1. My dad played basketball against 2. I have been skydiving in Hawaii.

3. I dislocated my right elbow twice.

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Wilt Chamberlin in high school.

4. I grew up on a farm that became one of the biggest Christmas displays in the world.

MARSHA SETZER COLLEGE COUNSELOR 1. I was born at Grossmont Hospital.

2. I’ve been to over 30 different countries.

3. I am partial to pet rats.

4. I received an award from the Women’s Society of Engineers.

LAURA CUMMINGS SCIENCE 1. I once lived on a sailboat and used the stars to steer.

2. I have a pet snake.

3. I am fond of turtles and tortoises.

4. I liked chemistry class best in school.

DID YOU SPOT THE FIB? Bob Pham #1; Jay Zhao #3, make that green tea; Ben Heldt #2; Abby Saunders #1; Ashley Hurlock #4, it’s actually my biggest pet peeve; Martine Garoute #1; John Nagler #2; Nick Levine #4, my mom did; Marsha Setzer #1; Laura Cummings #4, biology and art history were my favorites.

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MONEY TALKS

BY C AT H E R I N E I V E Y L E E ( I A N ’ 2 0 ) HOW DO YOU RAISE KIDS WHO ARE GENEROUS, GROUNDED

and smart about money? By talking to them about money, says author Ron Lieber.

The New York Times “Your Money” columnist visited The Bishop’s School on Nov. 14 as a speaker invited by WeCare, a consortium of San Diego’s independent schools that organizes educational speakers.

Drawing on his book, The Opposite of Spoiled, Mr. Lieber shared advice and

thoughts with parents about discussing finances with children, including:

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Parents sometimes avoid talking to kids about money out of concern

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Children’s questions about money often have less to do with how

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Allowance gives children a chance to practice handling money before

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Discussing philanthropy helps children understand the causes and

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that focusing on it will make them “money grubbers.” In reality, Mr. Lieber says, frank talk about finances allows families to openly discuss values such as perseverance, patience and generosity.

much a family earns and more to do with trying to understand whether a family is financially “okay” and understanding why certain spending decisions are made. Talking about finances is a great way to explain your family’s priorities.

they set out on their own. Mr. Lieber advocates a “three jar” system for allocating allowance: one jar for saving, one for spending and one for giving.

organizations you value. Sharing instances when family members received a helping hand − such as financial aid or care at a hospital supported by donor dollars – helps children understand the concept of giving back.

Avoid “spoiling” children by differentiating between wanting an item and needing it. Focusing on gratitude can help children gain perspective on what they already have, and families who do are richer for it, Mr. Lieber advises.

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GRANDPARENTS’ DAY 2016 A M O N G T H E FAV O R I T E T R A D I T I O N S AT T H E B I S H O P ’ S

School is Grandparents’ Day, now in its 30th year. Orchestrated by Parents’ Association volunteers, the event is held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and offers grandparents an opportunity to spend time on campus, attend classes with their grandchildren and to experience firsthand the relationship that Bishop’s teachers have with their students.

Grandparents’ Day was successful through the efforts of a legion of parent volunteers and the leadership of event co-chairs Dawn Birchmeier (Ryland ’22), Kelly Kent (Jackson ’21, Tatum ’23) and Daphne Lin (Noah ’20, Abby ’23) who oversaw every detail on Nov. 22.

Photographs by Clarissa Keyes, Annette Bradbury, Melissa Kenyon and Pixster

To view more photos click on www.bishops.com.

Nicola Xanthopoulos ’23 and her grandmother Trish McCabe having some fun.

Elspeth Myer, Elspeth Keyes ’20 and Jim Myer

Jeffery Johnson, Nihko Johnson-Newman ’22 and Lessié Johnson

Grandparents’ Day co-chairs Dawn Birchmeier, Daphne Lin and Kelly Kent

C. Lowell Parsons, Nathaniel Parsons ’21, Leah Parsons ’19 and JoEllen Parsons

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Grandparents enjoyed breakfast before chapel and classes with their grandchildren.

Cami Farrell ’22 and Peter Farrell

Pam Bridges-Lewis and Nakial Cross ’20

Noor Ghouri, Zaina Ghouri ’22 and Rumana Ghouri

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Amaan Banks ’20 and Violet Anderson

Luke Bradbury ’19 and Mary Bradbury

Peggy Sefkow enjoys a pumpkin experiment with granddaughter Sarah Kaplan ’23 (right) in sixth grade science.

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The Coleman family had a great crew - Tanner Coleman ’17, Gary Coleman, Mary Lee Ronnow Coleman ’55, a family friend, Hallee Coleman ’18, Cooper Coleman ’22 and Misti Coleman.

Mozes Mooney ’18 and Lupe Stawarz

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Joe Romo, Elena LeTourneau ’22 and Ruth Romo

Elizabeth Weiss, Keaton Smith ’17 and Ed Goldstone

Jack Minan has fun in granddaughter Tatum Kent’s ’23 (center) science class.

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Peter Ellsworth and his granddaughter Erin Ellsworth ’23

Cam Ezeir ’19 and his grandmother Racheline Ezeir in chemistry class.

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The Bishop’s School CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

7607 La Jolla Boulevard La Jolla, CA 92037-4799 www.bishops.com

WINTE R 201 7

OUR KNIGHT IN HAVANA

BY S H E I L A F E R G U S O N ( S A S K I A ’ 1 4 A N D N ATA S H A ’ 1 7 W E B B ) IN KEEPING WITH A 30-YEAR TRADITION, THE BISHOP’S CAMPUS WILL BE

magnificently transformed for one night to host Auction 2017, Knight in Havana. Imagine an evening celebrating the rich and vibrant Cuban culture complete with exotic entertainment, delicious food and tropical cocktails. The spring auction brings the community together for fun festivities with a serious purpose: to raise funds for the School’s Financial Aid and Faculty Professional Growth Programs.

The 2017 Bishop's Auction chairs and committee 12

THE BISHOP ’S SCHOOL

Over the last 10 years, the auction has cumulatively raised more than $10 million in proceeds to support these two critical programs. This represents nearly one-third of the annual $3 million financial aid budget and nearly 100 percent of the faculty professional growth budget.

The 2017 auction chairs, Jennifer Greenfield (Rachel ’19), Sherry Manoogian (Ricky ’19) and Haeyoung Tang (Justin ’20, Julian ’22) are friends whose love for Bishop’s is the perfect platform for their collective talents and expertise. Their goal this year is to organize an event that is memorable, enjoyable and cost efficient, maximizing funds raised. They hope to inspire other Bishop’s parents to participate in the planning process and attend the auction on April 8.

As a prelude to Knight in Havana, Claire Reiss, mother of Natasha Reiss ‘87 and grandmother of Sancia Milton ‘22, is hosting the signature auction kickoff wine reception at her beautiful home on Feb. 4. The wine donated at this event will be bid on by attendees of the Knight in Havana silent wine auction.

Watch your mailbox for an invitation and your inbox for Knights News updates.

Follow the auction at auction.bishops.com, and on Facebook and Instagram.