THE RED OAKS REVIEW
Red Oaks graduates move up and move on.
PAGE 18
Red Oaks hosts its first Model UN Conference. SEE PAGE 3
OUR FONDEST FAREWELL
After 25 Wonderful Years, Marilyn Stewart Says Goodbye SEE PAGE 10
THE RED OAKS SCHOOL
Cutler Campus
PreK-Grade 4
Middle School
Grade 5-8
(973) 539-7853
www.redoaksschool.org
MANAGING EDITOR
AND PUBLISHER
Marilyn Stewart
EDITORS
Mike Allegra, Jenna Buesser, Patty Giordano
WRITER
Mike Allegra
CONSULTING
ART DIRECTOR
Jesper Goransson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ira L. Black, Joy Glenn, Dan Bozza, Jenna Buesser
The Red Oaks School holistically develops each child’s gifts by inspiring personal and intellectual growth, graduating highachieving students who are happy, confident, resilient, and ready for the challenges ahead. Our diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment supports international mindedness in students and strengthens them as empathetic future global citizens and leaders.
FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
From the desk of Marilyn Stewart
When I was hired as Head of School of the Montessori Children’s House in 1999, I had no idea that it would be the beginning of a deeply fulfilling 25-year tenure. I also never could have imagined just how much we would achieve in that time. We’ve rebuilt our curriculum, expanded our offerings, increased our enrollment, changed our name, and founded a new Middle School. Most significantly, we have cultivated a well-earned reputation as the Gold Standard of Montessori and International Baccalaureate education. Our students graduate from Red Oaks academically, socially, and morally prepared to face future challenges.
None of this could have been possible without the unwavering support of our School Community. I cannot begin to express the depth and breadth of my appreciation to you all. Our teachers and staff have never failed to show their dedication, creativity, and eagerness to innovate. Our trustees have been invaluable in helping our school reach (and often surpass) our short- and longterm strategic goals. And our parents—our marvelous parents—gifted us their trust to educate, guide, and nurture their children. Thank you all so very much.
As you know, I am retiring at the end of June. Before I leave, I need to ask a small favor of you. Please be sure to give our next Head of School, Chris Weaver, the same support
that you have shown me. I have gotten to know Chris very well over this past school year and can assert without trepidation that his beliefs and administrative style are in alignment with what Red Oaks represents. He understands and respects our unique culture. He is a good person. He will be a wonderful leader.
Under Chris’s stewardship, we will build on our myriad achievements and continue to improve, innovate, and inspire.
As I move on to this next chapter of my life, not a day will go by when I won’t reflect fondly on my days at Red Oaks. I love this place. I love you all. And I am eager to bear witness to what the future will hold.
With warmest wishes,
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUSES THE RED OAKS SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Red Oaks Hosts Model UN Conference
Red Oaks, festooned with flags and packed with invited guests, adopted a uniquely international flair recently as the school hosted its first Model UN conference. Partnering with the Institute for Domestic and International Affairs (IDIA) and adjudicated by students from Rutgers University, the all-day event attracted nearly 70 delegates from area independent schools.
ROS has been an active participant in Model UN for years, traveling to and earning accolades from large events in Boston and New York, but Middle School Director Noga Beer was inspired to host her own conference after Red Oaks delegates unwittingly attended a Model UN that strayed a bit too far from the norm.
“Instead of discussing contemporary international issues, the conference was set up like a game,” she explains. “Attendees argued intergalactic issues as Star Wars characters. It was too much like a Comic-Con.”
So with the assistance of four ROS Model UN veterans, seventh graders Alex Doyle, Ellis Finkel, Parker Gabre, and Nora Townsend, Noga went straight to work to create a conference that Model UN
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUSES
purists would love.
Noga selected four substantive discussion topics: Human Rights Violations in the RussiaUkraine Conflict, Children Affected by Armed Conflict in Afghanistan, Alternatives to Imprisonment, and the Impact of Social Media on Developing Nations. Every student at the event would represent a different nation and, in the weeks leading up to the conference, each was charged with researching the politics and culture of their country to best articulate an appropriate point of view. In the committee sessions, students negotiated with other delegates to seek out compromises and common ground.
Catherine Townsend, the mother of Nora and the Senior Advisor for Disability Inclusion at the Ford Foundation, provided inspiration as the conference’s keynote speaker. She holds an MA in Human Rights and Law from Yale University, chairs the Board of Directors for Women Enabled International, and has served as the Executive Director at the Human Rights Funders Group, a global network of donors responsive to combating forms of injustice.
By all accounts the conference was a spectacular achievement in both organization and execution. The rigorously prepared Red Oaks delegates also earned several honors; seventh
graders Emilia Sonneman (representing Japan) and Ava Flores (representing the U.S.) were honored for Best Delegate and Best Position Paper, respectively. Honorable Mentions were presented to fifth grader Luca Rieppi (representing Morocco); sixth grader Una Pasha Maksimovic (Syrian Arab Republic); seventh grader Fiore Gabre (Syrian Arab Republic); seventh grader Raphael McGinnis (People’s Republic of China); and eighth grader Adrian Zassenhaus (Russian Federation).
Alex Lewis, an IDIA board member in attendance, was especially impressed by the “passion and knowledge” of the Red Oaks delegates. In written communication with
Noga following the event, Alex invited the Red Oaks Model UN students to attend one of IDIA’s upcoming fourday conferences.
“While these are traditionally attended by highschoolers,” he writes, “it was clear that many of the delegates at The Red Oaks School Model UN (ROSMUN) are more than ready to jump into those events.”
Noga plans to accept IDIA’s invitation. She also plans to make the ROSMUN Conference an annual tradition at Red Oaks. “Our students were so enthusiastic about this conference,” she says. “They worked hard, articulated their viewpoints beautifully, and were wonderful hosts. I couldn’t be more proud.”
ALL SCHOOL
Multicultural Survey Yields Impressive Results
In a recent survey created and administered by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Red Oaks was lauded with “High Performance” rankings in the areas of Multiculturalism, Inclusiveness, and School Morale.
The Assessment of Inclusivity, and Multiculturalism
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUSES
(AIM), compiled data from 148 participants that represented every demographic in the School Community. With more than 100 questions in all, the anonymous survey tackled a spectrum of topics that ranged from the details of the school’s multicultural curriculum to the frequency of (and reasons behind) student bullying. The survey also covered topics that determine the overall satisfaction of a school community, such as the frequency of parent communication and the fairness of teacher salaries. In all areas, Red Oaks posted favorable numbers well above NAIS school averages.
“I’m delighted by the results,” says Head of School Marilyn Stewart. “The benefits of a diverse and inclusive school community are well known and self-evident. Working and socializing alongside people of different races, religions, cultures, and gender identities introduces us to unique points of view. It fosters empathy and understanding. Most importantly, it allows us to educate future leaders who are caring, thoughtful, and principled.
“That said,” she adds, “we can never rest on our laurels. We will continue to scrutinize what we do and keep searching for ways to improve. This is our habit, and it’s the reason why Red Oaks is so well regarded by our diverse and welcoming community.”
LOWER SCHOOL
Lower El Students
Explore Peru
First and second grade students delighted parents and guests with a joyful musical journey south of the equator! Exploring the Wonders of Peru, an original play conceived by the School Community, was
jam-packed with songs, dance, humor, and a few fascinating facts about the country’s culture and landmarks.
The show was written and directed by elementary teachers Irene Avlonitis, Julie Congdon, Ashley Marrone, and Abigail Martin, with Art Teachers Laurie Lee-Georgescu, Srujana Ambadipudi, and Music
Teacher Melissa Santiago supervising the set design and
choreography. The musical covered many of the wonders of Peru—Machu Pichu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Nazca Desert, and the rainforest—and served as an exciting finale to the students’ semester-long academic study of the nation.
In addition to their months-long rehearsal schedule, the young performers contributed to other aspects of the production; they painted scenery, built props, and crafted the colorful drums used for Exploring the Wonders of Peru’s many musical numbers. Student suggestions (based on their in-classroom research projects) were frequent and often included in the final script. Their investment in the creative process was on full display during the May 31st performance, where they sang, danced, and delivered their lines with infectious enthusiasm.
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUSES
Middle Schoolers Stage Seuss
In a show that would’ve dazzled every last Who down in Whoville, Red Oaks students recently took to the Middle School stage to breathe new life into the Cat in the Hat,Yertle the Turtle, and the ever-grouchy Grinch. Seussical Jr., the hilarious and oddly touching musical created by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Aherns, features a spectrum of characters and plotlines from the Dr. Seuss literary cannon.
Set in the Jungle of Nool, the show revolves around the hapless Horton the Elephant
who, through a series of unusual circumstances, finds himself hatching a neglected egg while serving as the guardian of the microscopic city of Whoville. As a reward for his efforts, Horton is scorned by his community and put on trial for lunacy. With help from his loyal neighbor, Gertrude McFuzz, however, the pitiable pachyderm just may be able to win his trial, find true love, and become the proud parent of an elephant bird. Seussical Jr., like the picture books that inspired it, celebrates uniqueness, kindness, and the
power of friendship.
The show was directed and choreographed by Dawn M. WardLau, the founder of the Dawn Lau Dance Company, and starred Mason Langer as Horton, Chase Cotnoir as the Cat in the Hat, Maya Kidd as JoJo the Who (who thinks too many thinks), and Abigail Daniels as Gertrude.
“It is always a pleasure to work with the children of ROS and a real treat to see them grow as performers,” notes Dawn. “It has been a thrill to journey to Solla Sollew with all of them!”
Photos by Dan Bozza
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUSES
PARENT ASSOCIATION
PA Scores
Big with Bingo and Glassblowing
The Red Oaks Parent Association had a busy spring, running two wildly popular events for the School Community.
Bingo Night, an eagerly anticipated outing for the entire family, attracted more than 100 players to the Middle School Dining Hall in the hope of winning games, toys, and other prizes. The star of the night was parent Andrew Scuccato who served as emcee, shouting out numbers and delighting the crowd with comedic
patter. “He is a Bingo Caller Extraordinaire,” notes Meredyth Coleman, who along with Daniela Tubito co-chairs the Parent Association. “He’s fun, he rhymes, and he had everyone laughing.”
“It’s hard to explain how fun it was,” Daniela says. “The stereotype for bingo is that it’s a game for old people, but all ages were there. And you might think that kids wouldn’t want to play bingo because they’re used to things like video games, but they had a blast! The energy in that room was incredible!”
The Parent Association scored another hit at The Morris County School of Glass, which was the setting for Mom’s Night Out. More than 40 moms enjoyed food, cocktails, and a live glassblowing demonstration.
The attendees also had an opportunity to exercise their creativity with a handson glass etching project.
Mom’s Night Out is an annual event with unique activities offered from year to year. Past Mom’s Night Outs include crafting an arrangement of succulents, wine tastings, and a raucous night of axe throwing at Bury the Hatchet.
“No matter what the activity, Mom’s Night Out is always a lot of fun,” says Daniela. “And it’s also a great way to get to know parents you might not otherwise meet.”
Bingo Night and Mom’s Night Out are just two of the many events organized by the Parent Association and run by its active group of volunteers. Unlike parent associations found at most other schools, Red Oaks’s PA
never asks for membership dues or engages in fundraising; the organization exists solely to build and strengthen the school’s sense of community.
To learn more about the Parent Association and to see a calendar of events, please visit the Red Oaks website at www.redoaksschool.org.
MIDDLE SCHOOL Kiln and CAD
Combine in New Unit
This past spring, Red Oaks seventh and eighth graders delved into the tactile world of sculpture with the goal of enriching the experiences of the visually impaired. The unit, titled “Second Sight,” was an interdisciplinary course led by Science and Design Teacher Nimisha Jain and Art Teacher Emily Cannestro and served not only as an empathetic nod toward inclusiveness, but also a hands-on exploration of art and technology.
Nimisha and Emily, who previously teamed up in the fall to co-teach a rocketry course, were inspired to create “Second Sight” by the Middle School’s recent purchase of two new pieces of equipment. “This is the first year Red Oaks has had a 3D printer and a ceramics kiln,” says Emily. “Right away Nimisha and I wanted to create a class that could
utilize them.”
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUSES
“Some museums have recreated 2D art masterpieces in 3D so the visually impaired can appreciate the work through their sense of touch,” says Nimisha. “We thought we could replicate that idea at Red Oaks by using our kiln and printer.”
The “Second Sight” unit began in Emily’s art room and involved students getting their hands dirty. Asked to select a painting from a list of abstract artists such as Mark Rothko, Piet Mondrian, and Pablo Picasso, each student was charged with studying the two-dimensional piece and recontextualizing it as a threedimensional sculpture in clay.
The transition from a 2D to a 3D work is not an easy process and often requires students to provide a bit of artistic license. The middle schoolers also needed to consider the needs of the visually impaired audience.
Stuart Davis’s Owh! in Sao Pão, for example, is an abstract oil on canvas that includes text. For the studentredesigned work in clay, the words in Davis’s painting are reproduced in Braille.
“Some of the ceramics pieces were remarkable,” notes Emily with a smile. “The students did a wonderful job capturing the spirit of the original work.”
After the sculptures were fired and glazed, students worked in small groups; each
group selected one of their ceramic creations to be digitally built in Tinkercad, a browser-based 3D modeling program. The semester was short and the learning curve on CAD design is steep, but the students tackled the tech challenge eagerly and effectively, Nimisha says. The completed Tinkercad designs were later made into plastic models in the 3D printer.
“It was a creatively challenging course,” Nimisha says. “But the students rose to the challenge and impressed us with their results.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Student Art Astounds
For one special night, the ROS Middle School displayed a fleet of model cars that ran on the spring mechanisms of mousetraps. It was home to metalwork tapestries inspired by the work of Ghanaian artist El Anatsui. And a half dozen dinner tables offered up ceramic food (displayed on dinner plates and framed by flatware) that almost looked good enough to eat.
In short, it was the Red Oaks Student Art Show, where parents, faculty, staff, and other guests could enjoy the impressive and varied creative efforts of the student body. Hundreds of works, representing all ages, from
pre-K to eighth grade, lined the hallways and decorated the common areas of the school. Exhibits were curated by art teachers Srujana Ambadipudi, Emily Cannestro, Laurie Lee-Georgescu, and Design Teacher Nimisha Jain.
While viewing the
weavings, balloon prints, self-portraits, and 3D printer models, guests also enjoyed a feast for the ears. The Red Oaks band, conducted by Arts Coordinator Tim Waters played a selection of music for the appreciative crowd.
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUSES
Faculty Profile: Irene Avlonitis
Lower elementary teacher Irene Avlonitis has enlightened and inspired generations of young minds over her 30-year tenure at Red Oaks. She has also witnessed and weathered innumerable changes as the school grew and evolved.
But one aspect of the school, she stresses, has remained rock steady.
“Red Oaks has always been a special place. It’s a warm and caring community where families are fully invested in their children’s education,” Irene says. “Since the Cutler Campus is a converted house, it has a homey and inviting feeling. It’s a perfect setting for children to learn.”
A graduate of Long Island University with a degree in Music Therapy, Irene began her teaching career in the East Village at a day care facility with the name 10th Street Tots. But Irene was a true advocate for Montessori (certified to teach ages 3-6) and was eager to find a school that reflected her pedagogical philosophy. So, while she kept one eye on mewling little ones on 10th Street, she kept the other firmly on the New York Times classified section. It was there she found a promising listing for the Montessori Children’s House. No, this was not the iconic Montessori Children’s House that would later become Red Oaks, this was a Montessori Children’s House in Bluffton, South Carolina.
campus, and Irene was responsible for teaching the children who resided there.
Later, Irene took classes in Maryland at the Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies (IAMS) to become certified in Montessori for older students ages 6-9, and, soon thereafter, ages 9-12. At IAMS Irene learned that the Montessori Children’s House (this time the one in Morristown) was on the hunt for new teachers. She applied and was hired.
“I knew in my first year that this was the true start of my career,” she says. “I didn’t know that I’d stay for 30 years, but I never could fathom moving. Everything I ever wanted was right here in Cutler. The environment is wonderful. Marilyn has always been supportive, and my colleagues have been committed, talented, and a joy to work with.”
Red Oaks also played the role of matchmaker. Douglas Vorolieff only worked at Red Oaks for only two school years before moving on to take a post at the Morris County Park Commission, but it was long enough for he and Irene to make a connection. The couple have been married for 21 years.
But like all good things, there’s an end, and, in Irene’s case, she’ll retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year. She’s excited about what her future may hold, but the change is also bittersweet.
“There were many Montessori Children’s Houses at that time,” she notes.
Irene soon outgrew the small school and, after a year in Bluffton, moved on to a larger, private Montessori program in Hilton Head. From there she took a position at the Himalayan Institute, a yoga spiritual center in Pennsylvania. Families lived on the
“The beauty of the Montessori philosophy, the genius behind the educational materials just aligned so well with my beliefs,” she says. “Working with children to spark their curiosity and love of learning is where my heart is. To help them develop their emotional well-being, reach their potential, and foster their spirit, is what the work is all about. It’s what I’m going to miss the most.”
Her Lasting Legacy
Retiring Head of School Marilyn Stewart Reflects on Her Life and Career
BY MIKE ALLEGRA
Marilyn Stewart’s 25-year tenure at The Red Oaks School is marked by an expansive and nuanced management style. She is both assertive and collaborative. She combines a respect for tradition with an eagerness to innovate. She is a warm, gregarious people person, but, unlike most gladhanders, she delves into the minutiae behind the scenes, poring over budget line items and solving internal conflicts like a 21st century Solomon.
She also projects stability. In the years before Marilyn arrived at the school, the Montessori Children’s House’s reputation was on shaky ground, cursed with a lack of vision and a revolving door of school heads. In short order, Marilyn transformed this chaos into a contented Kumbaya.
The sizzle reel of her accomplishments is well known: she
revitalized the curriculum, expanded extracurriculars, increased enrollment, boosted test scores, strengthened morale, and created a Middle School.
Considering these achievements, it is somewhat remarkable to learn that Marilyn had no Head of School experience before her first day on the Cutler Campus. Her resume, on the other hand, indicates that her success at Red Oaks was practically inevitable.
Marilyn’s life in education began with a trial by fire.
“If you can teach first grade in the inner city,” she laughs, “You can do anything.”
A recent graduate of Goucher College, Marilyn’s introduction to her five-decade career in education began in a Baltimore public school classroom buzzing with 30 impulsive
HER LASTING LEGACY
six-year-olds.
“I was 21 and I had no idea how to teach. I knew a lot about child development and had a lot of good instincts, but I didn’t know what to do in a classroom,” she says. “I didn’t know how to deal with behavior problems. Oh, my gosh. The first week of school I had a kid named Raymond. I will never forget Raymond. He was so physically active he would climb upon his desk and leap from one table to another. I just stood there with my mouth open.”
Marilyn got through that rocky first year through trial and error, a reliance on teaching manuals, and a stubborn will to succeed. Her persistence paid off; the new teacher and her rowdy charges eventually developed a productive and affectionate rapport.
She had found her calling.
After several more years in Baltimore, Marilyn moved to New York. There she took a job at the Calhoun School.
“Calhoun was everything I dreamed a school should be. It was progressive. It was student centered. The kids were so intelligent and sophisticated, and they all came from interesting backgrounds. Teachers had the ability to create their own curriculum. It was the 1970s and 80s on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where I fit like a glove.”
Marilyn was hired as a seventh and eighth grade English/Language Arts teacher and was soon recognized for her creativity and work ethic. Five years after she was hired, Marilyn became Calhoun’s Middle School Director. It was at this time Marilyn started thinking about becoming a Head of School. “I wanted to steer the ship,” she explains. “I wanted to have an impact. As a teacher you can have a lot of impact, but as an administrator, you can have more.”
says. “I wasn’t on call at the same level as the Head of School, of course, but it was enough for me to reconsider what I was doing.”
So she made a lateral shift, becoming Calhoun’s Director of Development. This afforded her a better work/life balance, but it also required her to reinvent her skillset, shifting from a kidcentric career to one focused on adults. But she persisted and soon learned the subtle—and not-so-subtle—art of fundraising, friendraising, and event planning. “It was fascinating. It allowed me to contribute to the school in a different way.”
After 18 years at Calhoun, Marilyn decided it was time for a change. She put out her shingle and soon found success as an educational consultant. She ran her company, The Stewart Group, for seven years and relished the challenges each client presented to her.
“WHEN YOU’RE A HEAD OF SCHOOL YOU NEED TO WORK MORNING NOON, AND NIGHT. IT’S WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES”
But her dream to become a Head of School had never faded. When her older child was in college and her younger in high school, she decided the time was right to make a move.
Marilyn admits that she knew little about the Montessori Children’s House when she found the job listing. “I didn’t even have a good understanding of Montessori. I knew it was a form of progressive constructivist education, I understood the rationale and the theory behind it, but I knew I would need training.”
The timing wasn’t yet right to pursue this goal, however; Marilyn considered herself too young. She was also a new mother, a situation not dissimilar to Calhoun’s then-Head of School. “I was acutely aware of the conflicts she had juggling her work and parenting responsibilities,” Marilyn remembers. “When you’re a Head of School, you need to work morning, noon, and night. It’s what the job requires. I knew I couldn’t be the parent I wanted to be by being away from home so much.”
When Marilyn’s second child was born, she began to rethink her role as Middle School Director. “Being a middle school director required being almost always on call,” she
During the interview process, this lack of Montessori knowledge was not seen as a liability. “They knew I’d put in the time to learn what I needed to learn. My entire career demonstrated that I was always willing to develop new skills. What mattered to them was that I was an administrator. The consensus was that the school needed a stronger, more steady administrative direction. They wanted their school to run more like a school.”
After getting the job, Marilyn dutifully spent her summer in training to learn the ins and outs of the Montessori method. (In the years that followed, Marilyn would continue to be active in the American Montessori Society, eventually serving a fouryear term as AMS’s president.)
She was respectful of the Montessori method and understood its advantages, but also had enough distance from the philosophy to recognize its occasional shortcomings.
“The elementary program’s ethos was fantastic, but the curriculum wasn’t very strong,” Marilyn notes. “I saw an
opportunity to build a kind of hybrid program within the parameters of Montessori’s inquiry-based, hands-on, childcentered education. I wanted to develop a program that was content rich and more structured.”
Over the next several years, Marilyn worked closely with the faculty to write new curriculum with a more focused academic component.
“I went slowly, because I knew the teachers needed to be onboard with this,” she says. “When we were modifying a program, we would often launch it in a single classroom with a teacher who was fully into it. That way we could try it out, pilot test it, and allow the other teachers to see the benefits.”
The new academic initiatives bore fruit. On the Iowa standardized tests, Montessori Children’s House’s long history of middling scores soon skyrocketed.
As the years went on, Marilyn’s welcoming, collaborative spirit earned her the trust and political capital to tackle other problems at MCH.
“When I started in 1999, the Montessori Children’s House was PreK through sixth grade. Enrollment was like a pyramid. The higher you went up, the fewer students we had. Our Lower Elementary classes were full. Our sixth grade had only one student.”
Her goal was to transform that pyramid into a rectangle. That translated into expanding the school’s offerings, adding two grades, and creating a middle school.
It was a nice location but one that forced ROS to accept some serious concessions. There was no gym, no cafeteria, and no space for art and music rooms. But it was a start, one that didn’t require a huge financial investment.
“When we were in the Columbia Club, new families didn’t take our middle school very seriously,” Marilyn says, “The space was so small. There was too much we didn’t have. But we did have great teachers, a great curriculum, and a social and emotional program that supported kids during what is known to be especially turbulent years.”
“THERE IS AN EAGERNESS
IN
THIS COMMUNITY
TO
GROW AND SEEK OUT
New families might not have been persuaded, but the middle school gamble paid off with existing parents—all of whom now had a strong motivation to keep their kids enrolled at the school they knew and loved. Red Oaks remained at the Columbia Club for the next decade, until the pyramid became enough of a rectangle to justify a move to larger quarters. After a rigorous search led by Trustee Anne Carolan, Marilyn and the Board found the perfect location at an unoccupied Catholic school building on the grounds of St Virgil’s Church. With assistance from all segments of the Red Oaks Community, the space was meticulously renovated and redesigned. It opened its doors in fall 2022.
POSITIVE CHANGE.”
But first things first; Montessori Children’s House needed to consider a name change. The Red Oaks School name was christened in 2007 and was the result of another collaborative process. “We were all motivated to start a middle school and the Montessori Children’s House didn’t strike us—or the kids—as a good name for a school with a wider age range. We also wanted to avoid being confused with the dozens of other Montessori Children’s Houses on the East Coast.”
The road to creating a middle school was slow and not without some false starts. Marilyn and the Red Oaks Board of Trustees first considered a wooded location in Denville where a school could be built from the ground up. After much back and forth, however, the plan was scrapped for being too impractical and expensive.
“We licked our wounds for a few years after that,” Marilyn remembers, “but we got reenergized and eventually rented space at the Columbia Club.”
Marilyn considers the Middle School ribbon cutting to be her proudest moment at Red Oaks and a fitting coda to her professional career. “It was so many years in the making and it was the result of the efforts of so many talented people. I cut that ribbon and thought, ‘Yes! We did it!’”
Marilyn’s legacy at Red Oaks is assured, her positive influence over the past quarter century immeasurable. As she readies herself for her retirement, however, she is certain that the school’s good fortune will only continue to improve in the years to come.
“The importance of this place is so much larger than any one person,” she says. “The community is what matters. We’re all here for the children. We all want their academic experience to be excellent. There is a willingness, an eagerness in this community to grow and seek out positive change.
“As for me, I am focused on finishing strong, ending well, and not leaving a mess for my successor. I want to hand this place over in the best shape I can, knowing full well that Red Oaks will continue to grow and change. It’s the least I can do for a school that has given me so much love and support. I am just so grateful to everyone here. I’ve had the time of my life.”
Gala Celebrates Marilyn Stewart
The Red Oaks School’s Gala, an annual spring fundraiser, was a roaring success. Coordinated by Trustee Christine St. Peter and held at Fairleigh Dickenson University, the event attracted more than 250 attendees, many of whom purchased sponsorships, bid on 123 auction items, and entered the grand raffle. It was the largest turnout for a Gala in the school’s history and the generosity of the Red Oaks Community allowed the school to exceed its 2024 fundraising goals.
This year’s Gala was also the setting for a considerably more significant event, a celebration and send off for Head of School Marilyn Stewart.
“Marilyn built not just the structure and academics of a new school, but also nurtured a community.A loyal community. A Red Oaks Community,” said Trustee Jayne Geiger in her Gala speech.“She cultivated that all-important sense of belonging and sense of pride. She ensured successful teamwork within the school and safely managed the pandemic. She confronted challenges and created opportunities.And she carefully envisioned a campus move to a new school building. Not once, but twice!”
Middle School Director Noga Beer, Lower School Director Sera Capriotti, Lower Elementary School Teacher Irene Avlonitis, and early childhood teachers Maggy Taylor and Eva Wengler also expressed their appreciation for Marilyn’s leadership.
“Marilyn has cultivated a culture of excellence, creativity, and compassion that has permeated every corner of our
school. And for that we are grateful,” Maggy said.
Eighth grader Elinor Goransson also spoke at the Gala, describing herself as a “proud lifer,” who started her education at Red Oaks as a three-year-old.“Thank you, Ms. Marilyn, for always supporting me throughout my years at Red Oaks! I wouldn’t be here today without your guidance.The Red Oaks Community will miss you!”
There were more surprises in store. Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Township of Morris Deputy Mayor Jeff Grayzel both read proclamations, lauding Marilyn’s many achievements and declaring April 20, 2024 to be Marilyn E. Stewart Day.
As the celebration reached its conclusion, the attendees sang “The Red Oaks Song.” Written by Arts Coordinator Tim Waters and often performed at ROS events, this version of the song included a new verse written especially for the occasion.
For 25 years you led the way
With vision and purpose every day
You built a place of hope unfurled
Where children’s dreams can shape the world
A kind and caring community
The Red Oaks School, your legacy
Where minds expand and spirits soar
Where you’ll always find an open door
And someone to greet you and guide you through The Red Oaks School, we sing our song for you Marilyn, we sing our song for you.
“Marilyn’s impact extends far beyond the walls of Red Oaks. She has advocated for education in our community, forging partnerships, and elevating the profile of our school.”
by Ira Black
Photos
– Lower School Director Sera Capriotti
“Marilyn
has always put the needs of our students first. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child who walks through our doors has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.”
- Early Childhood Teacher Eva Wengler
“Marilyn’s faith in our abilities has been empowering. She has never hesitated to allow us to experiment, take risks, and find new ways to engage our students.”
– Lower Elementary School Teacher Irene Avlonitis
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATION 2024
The Middle School Auditorium was buzzing with anticipation as the eighth grade Class of 2024 took to the stage for their Commencement Ceremony.
“You have achieved remarkable success,” Head of School Marilyn Stewart announced with evident pride. “You have delved into the depths of mathematics, science, literature, history, and more, mastering concepts that once seemed daunting. You are ready to meet and exceed the academic challenges that lie ahead in high school.
“But beyond your academic achievements, it is your personal growth that truly stands out,” Marilyn added. “You have learned the importance of perseverance. You have developed a sense of responsibility. And you have shown great courage, facing new experiences and challenges with confidence and grace.”
Middle School Director Noga Beer was similarly enthusiastic. During her remarks, she marveled at how this class ably navigated unprecedented challenges, such as COVID-19. “Your faces were masked, but your inquisitive eyes shined
through, yearning for knowledge and understanding of the confusing, uncertain reality around you,” she said.
The members of the class also hold a special place in her heart as they are the first graduates Noga had the privilege to lead during her inaugural year as Middle School Director. “You will always be my students—the bright, passionate learners I have had the honor of witnessing flourish from preschool’s circle time to the poised, self-assured graduates before me today.”
During the ceremony the graduating class read excerpts from a poem they collectively created under the guidance of celebrated poet B.J. Ward, titled “Gratitude
for Red Oaks.” On a more playful note, the class sang “Eighth Grade Mashup,” a medley of four songs that were on the students’ go-to playlist for each of their four years in the middle school: “Riptide” by Vince Joy, “Summer” by Calvin Harris, “Yellow,” by Coldplay, and “Glorious,” by Macklemore.
Each graduate was also singled out for praise by student advisors Stacy Apostolico, Nimisha Jain, and Tim Waters who together highlighted each graduate’s achievements and attributes.
But perhaps it was the speech by eighth grader Andrew Ikhelson that best demonstrated the character of the 14 graduates on stage that morning. He spoke with great fondness and gratitude for his eight years at Red Oaks, singling out students and faculty members who helped and supported him on his academic journey. “The Red Oaks School has developed each of our gifts by inspiring personal and intellectual growth,” Andrew said. “This school has been a milestone for all of us, and will continue to develop expanding minds and soaring spirits like ours for generations to come.”
Middle Schoolers Matriculate
The rigorous and enriching academic experience at The Red Oaks School often makes our graduates highly sought-after prospects at competitive area high schools. Our matriculating eighth graders will soon be continuing their educations at the following schools:
• Chatham High School
• Gill St. Bernard’s School
• Madison High School
• Morristown-Beard School
• Morris Catholic High School
• Newark Academy
• Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science (PRISMS)
• STEM Academy, Morristown High School
• Morris County Vocational School District
“I am so proud of our graduates,” Head of School Marilyn Stewart says with a wide smile. “They have distinguished themselves in so many remarkable ways. Their work ethic and curiosity will serve them well in the years to come.”
FOURTH GRADERS MOVE ON TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Cutler Enrichment Room was packed with parents and well-wishers as the rising fourth graders were both celebrated for their past achievements and encouraged as they continue their educational journey.
“As I look at these young faces before me,” said Head of School Marilyn Stewart in her opening remarks, “I am filled with a profound sense of pride and admiration. These students were already brimming with potential and curiosity when they entered fourth grade. Over the past year, we have seen them blossom into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals, ready to take on future challenges in middle school.”
Lower School Director Sera Capriotti directed the entirety of her remarks to the
fourth graders, offering 10 practical tips, inspired by advice to graduates by Gretchen Rubin, to help to help them in their adventures ahead. “If you can’t find something, clean up,” Sera said, prompting a wave of laughter from the assembled parents. Other tidbits included, “If you don’t know what to do with yourself, go outside or go to sleep,” “Don’t fret the unexpected,” and “By doing a little each day, you can get a lot accomplished.”
The students played an active role in their special day as well, singing “Watch as We Walk on Our Way” by John Riggio and Teresa Jennings as well as reciting the poem “It Couldn’t Be Done” by Edgar Guest.
Fourth grade teachers Leanne Raymond, Tara Baggio, Fendy Ling, and Eva
Vaidya each said a few words—reminiscing about the 2023-24 school year and praising the graduates’ academic, social, and emotional growth. “We’re so proud to watch you become more mature students, responsible leaders, confident public speakers, creative writers, thoughtful readers, impactful artists, and compassionate and caring friends,” Fendy said.
After the fourth graders accepted their certificates, all in attendance were invited to sing “The Red Oaks Song,” written by Arts Coordinator Tim Waters, who accompanied the crowd on the piano. Though the ceremony was occasionally emotional, the students’ departure from Red Oaks will be short lived; every one of the 19 matriculating fourth graders have enrolled in Red Oak’s Middle School.
KINDERGARTENERS MOVE UP
The beautiful morning of June 11th perfectly mirrored the sunny mood in Cutler’s Enrichment Room as Head of School Marilyn Stewart stood before an audience of beaming parents to kick off the Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremony.
“Today is a day of celebration,” she declared, “a day filled with joy, pride, and a touch of nostalgia. As we gather here, we are reminded of the incredible journey these young scholars have embarked upon. This journey has been one of immense growth, both in stature and spirit.”
Indeed, the 17 kindergarten graduates that morning had enjoyed a school year marked with academic achievements, emotional and social development, and a greater understanding of the wider world.
Lower School Director School Sera Capriotti, who followed Marilyn at the lectern, was similarly enthusiastic by the children’s eagerness in the classroom.
“Through their deep sense of connection, along with their accumulated learning experiences, our kindergarteners are beginning their educational journeys empowered with self-assurance, grit, and growth-mindedness that will carry them through years of challenging learning to come.”
The ceremony was a joyful—and mostly musical—celebration. The kindergarteners enthusiastically sang “Ready to Go,” conducted by Music Teacher Melissa Santiago. This was soon followed by “Kindergarten,” a song performed by the early education teachers and written by Mary Anne Fairey.
After the soon-to-be first graders were called up one by one to collect certificates, flowers, and loving hugs from their emotional teachers, the ceremony wrapped up with most everyone in attendance singing a rousing rendition of “The Red Oaks Song.”
It was a conclusion that showed off Red Oaks’ strong sense of community, which was reflected in Marilyn’s closing remarks. “Today,” she told the students, “as you move on to new challenges and new adventures, remember that you carry with you the love and support of your family, your teachers, and your friends.”
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Colleen and Julia McBride
In January 1999, when Colleen and Julia McBride were eight and three years old, respectively, they moved from Maryland to New Jersey. Getting a new home in a new state in the middle of a school year can be a tough adjustment for most young children, but the sisters assert that their transition was a smooth one. The welcoming environment of the Red Oaks School (then the Montessori Children’s House) was a big reason why.
Colleen, who is visually impaired, was especially grateful for what ROS had to offer. “Our parents chose a Montessori school because they knew I would need a more supportive environment than what I might find in a more traditional classroom. They were right. The teachers at Red Oaks devoted a lot of time to each student because the class sizes were small.”
That small class size was especially true when Colleen was one of only three sixth graders. “Since most middle schools around here start in sixth grade, a lot of families leave Montessori before then,” she says, “But I was grateful for that extra year. Red Oaks was a place that helped me discover a love of learning.”
Julia had a longer tenure at Red Oaks—preschool through fifth grade— and reflects on those years with a similar degree of affection. “All of my teachers were amazing,” she notes. “Elementary Teacher Jean Coyle may have been my favorite. She was calm and kind and patient, especially when it came to my spelling tests. I was a terrible speller, but she took the time to
work with me, to help me improve and to feel good about myself.”
Colleen and Julia both moved on to Morristown-Beard. It was a different environment, one that placed a greater emphasis on testing, but the McBrides were more than ready for the culture shift.
“At Red Oaks we were taught to learn for the sake of learning, it was fun for me and didn’t usually feel like work. This really helped when I moved onto middle school, where I felt I was well prepared to learn in a new environment. Red Oaks also taught me self-management, so I had no trouble
getting projects done.”
Colleen graduated from MoBeard in 2009. She went on to Bryn Mawr, graduating with a BA in Sociology in 2013; this was followed by an MA in Sociology from George Washington University in 2018. After stints as a research assistant for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the Florida Institute for Child Welfare, Colleen now works as a Research Analyst for Child Trends, a non-profit that does research and evaluation on issues related to the wellbeing of children.
After Julia’s graduation from MoBeard in 2013, she went to Loyola University Maryland, graduating in 2018 with a degree in Global Studies with a focus on Sustainable Development. She was soon hired as a program associate at New Jersey Future, a think tank that works with Garden State towns, helping them advocate for smarter, more sustainable land use. Wanting to take a more active role in such environmental matters, she went to The New School, Milano School for Public and Urban Policy, recently earning her MS. She is now looking for work as a Policy Analyst.
Colleen and Julia agree that their careers advocating for children and the environment were influenced by their early years at Red Oaks.
“The school really tried to instill in us the importance of being a responsible citizen,” says Colleen. “It was a great foundation that set up both of us quite well for our future endeavors.”
Julia
Colleen
Class Notes
2004: Lili (Sonneborn) Puorro and her husband, Christopher, welcomed their first baby, Christopher James (6 lbs. 12 oz.) on Saturday, May 11. Lili graduated from the University of Scranton with a BA in Psychology, and from Montclair University with a MA in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Lili works as an HR manager at Reckitt.
2006: Silas Taylor graduated from college in 2016. He is a physicist/ environmental engineer, working on programs that implement building practices with an emphasis on a low carbon footprint. He married Jesse, his college sweetheart and fellow swim team member. They moved to Minnesota with their puppy, Duke, this past January where his company is headquartered.
2016: Meghan Feldman graduated Summa Cum Laude and Tau Beta Pi with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and with an Aerospace minor from Lehigh University.
2017: Nate Campbell is now a sophomore at Swarthmore College.
2018: Noah Chirnomas just finished his sophomore year at Muhlenberg College. He wrote and published Dome Island: Forever Wild on Lake George, which reveals the story of how this landmark island was saved from destruction by conservationist John Apperson and left to remain forever wild. Apperson donated
the untouched island to the Nature Conservancy in 1956. Seeing Dome Island for the first time at eight years old, Noah was immediately intrigued by its rounded shape and beauty. Years later, in an effort to discover everything he could about it, he spent three years researching and learning about John Apperson’s dedication to preserving Dome Island and much of Lake George. (For more information, please visit the Lake George Land Conservancy website at www.lglc. org.) Noah now serves on the Dome Island Committee, a group of 10 members, which advises the Nature Conservancy on how to best protect the island and promote scientific research. He gives presentations at museums and libraries in the Lake George region. He also just finished creating an exhibit about John Apperson and his impact on Lake George, which has recently been installed at the Lake George Historical Association.
Noah visits Lake George every year and enjoys boating, exploring the lake, and learning about its history. He’s an
accounting and finance major, and plays saxophone and guitar in his free time.
2019: Warren Yermack works as an Account Executive in season ticket sales for the New York Yankees.
2020: Julia Dippold will be attending The University of Arizona’s Medical College this fall. She is a Nationally Certified EMT; Ethan Kothavale will be attending Duke University’s Computer Science Program; Kaitlyn McNutt will be attending Tufts University; Aarav Vaidya will be attending Washington University; Chris Yermack will be attending Trinity College.
2021: Katherine Chandler has made high honor roll at MorristownBeard School for four semesters in a row. She was the Stage Manager for the school’s winter musical, Legally Blonde, as well as House Manager for the fall play, Dead Man Walking Additionally, she has been asked to be a tutor for the MBS Center for Quantitative Reasoning.
Send your notes to Ilana Radcliffe at iradcliffe@redoaksschool.org.
The
HARVEST FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
2–5 PM AT 21 CUTLER STREET