KIT
ROEPER COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Accessibility &
KIT
Through the latest school news, achievements, and stories, Keeping In Touch connects the Roeper community—current members and alumni—by celebrating the unique spirit that unites us all.
VOLUME 18, ISSUE 3
PUBLISHER
KARI KRESS
EDITOR
JENNY IRVINE
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
CAROLYN BORMAN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
JACK WILLIAMS
CONTRIBUTORS
KARRIE CHAGNON
LOWER SCHOOL LEARNING SPECIALIST
CHRISTOPHER FEDERICO
HEAD OF SCHOOL
MARIE HALPIN
MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL LEARNING & SUPPORT COORDINATOR
SOSHA HAYNES ’96
LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER
SUSANNAH NICHOLS
DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS
RICHARD QU
LOWER SCHOOL STAGE IV STUDENT
NICOLE WEIBEL
LOWER SCHOOL STAGE I SPECIALIST
SHANI YAPA-KIMPSON ’08
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS & ANNUAL FUND
CONTACT US
EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO paige.wilson@roeper.org
EMAIL ALUMNI NEWS TO shani.yapakimpson@roeper.org
Read KIT online at www.roeper.org/ community/roeper-community.
The Roeper School @theroeperschool
Front Cover: Middle & Upper School students take action on Earth Day.
Attendees of the MOSAIC Auction had the opportunity to visit The Treasury’s historic vault. Read more on page 30.
6 8 12 18 A LIVING MISSION ACCESSIBLE BY DESIGN MAKING LEARNING ACCESSIBLE WASTE NOT 24 26 RUFF RYDER ELEVATING ACCESS OUR CAMPUS GUARDIANS CAMPUS BUZZ 20 22
14 A CLASSROOM WITHOUT WALLS 34 TOUCH POINT 15 STAGE III SCIENCE DIGS
We empower gifted learners to be active and compassionate citizens of the world. THE ROEPER SCHOOL
A LIVING MISSION
We empower gifted learners to be active and compassionate citizens of the world.
Roeper’s mission
isn’t just a statement—it’s a living guide that shapes every aspect of our community. This year, Roeper unveiled a revised mission that honors our founding values while recognizing the evolving needs of today’s world. At its heart, the mission reaffirms our dedication to nurturing gifted learners and advancing justice through empathy, equity, and inquiry. These ideals are not abstract. They show up in the ways we design our learning environments, the questions we ask in class, and how we care for one another and the world around us. This issue of Keeping In Touch, themed around accessibility and sustainability, offers a chance to reflect on how our mission deepens our commitment to these principles and how we can take action to bring them to life.
At the forefront is our Accessible by Design capital campaign, a transformative initiative aimed at removing physical barriers
on the Lower School campus and ensuring that every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging. This campaign is not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about living our mission by creating inclusive spaces where all members of our community can thrive.
Accessibility is central to who we are. Our mission affirms the worth of every individual and calls us to design physical and intellectual spaces that invite full participation. Whether through the thoughtful maintenance of our buildings or the inclusive structure of our curriculum, accessibility reflects our belief that justice begins with inclusion.
Sustainability at Roeper isn’t just about being green—it’s about thinking long-term and choosing stewardship over consumption. As we reimagine our campus to
break down barriers, we’re also rethinking how we care for our shared environment. The mission challenges us to act with integrity, preserving resources, and nurturing a world in which future generations can flourish. In embracing our newly articulated mission, we renew our commitment to building a community where accessibility and sustainability go hand in hand— and where our actions today help shape a more just and inclusive tomorrow.
BY KARI KRESS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
“ We know the Roeper community is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. Let’s have a campus that matches.
ACCESSIBLE
BY DESIGN
Imagine a school where every child— regardless of physical ability—can move freely, learn fully, and feel at home. That vision is quickly becoming a reality at The Roeper School through a bold new initiative: Accessibility by Design
This $1.1 million campaign is not just a facilities upgrade. It is a promise. A promise that every member of the Roeper community—students, faculty, parents, and guests—will be able to engage without barriers in school life.
For more than 80 years, Roeper has been a sanctuary for gifted learners—a place rooted in equity, justice, and individual potential. But even the most visionary schools must evolve.
“Our Lower School campus presents barriers for those with mobility challenges,” says campaign co-chair and Roeper parent Jenny O’Laughlin. “When a campus is inaccessible, it communicates exclusion—whether intended or not.”
The campaign responds to a clear and urgent need: to ensure all members of the community can access learning environments safely, independently, and with dignity.
[continued on page 10]
Philanthropy for the Future
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in bringing this vision to life—not just for today’s students but also for future generations. By giving, donors invest in:
• Lasting Infrastructure that serves as a foundation for inclusive education.
• A Culture of Equity demonstrating that accessibility is non-negotiable.
• Innovation for Our Future ensuring Roeper remains a leader in gifted education.
Building in Two Phases
To ensure lasting impact and minimal disruption to school life, the Accessibility by Design initiative will be completed in two phases.
Phase I includes the construction of accessible ramps to the Quad, Duplex, and Middle Buildings, along with improvements to the surrounding walkways, roadway, and landscaping.
Phase II includes completion of the remaining roadway, construction of the barrier-free walking loop, installation of landscaping and drainage systems, and other related improvements.
A Future Where Everyone Belongs
As we redesign our Bloomfield Hills campus, we are building more than physical structures—we are removing barriers and expanding access. Accessible by Design will create lasting change, empowering every Roeper student, teacher, and visitor. Each improvement moves us closer to a future where accessibility is the standard. Every gift directly impacts those who learn, teach, and grow here. Together, we are creating a campus that truly reflects Roeper’s core values. This ambitious project is made possible thanks to the early commitments and lead gifts from Roeper parents, alumni, and friends. Your generosity affirms a shared belief in a community where every individual is supported and empowered to thrive. And this space was built with you in mind.
Designed by landscape architects Michael J. Dul and Associates, this plan reimagines our Bloomfield Hills campus with:
Paved walking loops for smooth, obstacle-free travel
Accessible park features and gathering areas to promote belonging
Barrier-free ramp access to classroom buildings
Solar-powered lighting for safety after hours
Retaining walls and terraces that convert steep areas into usable space
Driveway and parking upgrades to improve mobility
Sustainable Landscaping for experiential, eco-conscious learning
BY KARRIE CHAGNON LOWER SCHOOL LEARNING SPECIALIST
& MARIE HALPIN MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL LEARNING SUPPORT COORDINATOR
accessible MAKING LEARNING
We believe every student deserves to thrive academically and socially. Recognizing diverse learning styles and needs, we empower students to actively engage with and demonstrate knowledge in ways that honor their individual strengths. Students engage with learning through multiple modalities, supported by physical accommodations, academic accommodations, and digital tools. Depending on the class, project, or assignment, students may showcase their understanding through alternative options. Our learning spaces feature flexible seating options, while assistive technologies like immersive readers and speechto-text software accommodate diverse cognitive needs. We provide dedicated quiet spaces, small-group learning areas, and technologyenhanced zones where every student can find their optimal learning environment.
For students with documented learning needs that impact academics, we offer a clear process for developing individualized accommodation plans. These plans ensure targeted accommodations to support both classroom instruction and assessment, always aligned with our school’s available resources and expertise.
Beyond academics, we have built robust support systems including dedicated student support teams and affinity groups for twice-exceptional (2E) students—those both intellectually gifted and facing learning challenges. Our 2E affinity and ally groups provide students a space to share experiences and learn from one another. Often, the supports that allow the students to thrive are social-emotional, along with academic.
Our three-year partnership with the Hartmann-Eton Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has provided faculty with professional development in executive functioning strategies, including organizational systems, time management tools, and self-monitoring techniques across all grade levels.
Through these coordinated efforts, we create a learning community where differences aren’t merely accommodated but celebrated. True accessibility at Roeper goes beyond physical adaptations to embrace a mindset where every student’s unique learning profile is valued, empowering each to discover their strengths and reach their full potential.
A CLASSROOMwithout
WALLS
BY NICOLE WEIBEL
discovery to hands-on science, it has served as a classroom without walls, nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Building on this legacy, construction of the Creek Walk and Outdoor Learning Classroom (imagine an amphitheater) will begin this summer, creating intentional spaces where students can engage more deeply with their environment, spark inquiry and collaboration, and grow as thoughtful stewards of the Earth.
When George Roeper named the creek Hindstrum, meaning hidden stream, he understood the impact natural elements have on a child’s development. Children learn best when their whole body and all their senses are engaged. Listening to the babbling of the creek, feeling the squish of mud under their boots, and seeing the world from a bird’s eye view while perched in a tree; these experiences can only be felt outdoors.
To ensure everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of our spacious campus we need to redevelop the creek access and trail throughout the woods. Currently the path is overgrown with buckthorn and fallen trees making some parts of the trail and creek inaccessible. Also, several
Children learn best when their whole body and all their senses are engaged.
tree root systems make tripping hazards and, while mud is fun, several boots have met their demise. Once cleared and a fresh batch of mulch made from our own trees is laid, all our learners will be able to bathe in nature’s wonders and fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
‘‘
SOSHA HAYNES ’96 LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER
STAGE III SCIENCE INTO SUSTAINABILITY DIGS
This semester, Stage III students have been immersed in hands-on exploration of sustainability through the lens of plant science. Their studies took root with an investigation into growing seasons across different climates and how global climate change is shifting traditional planting timelines. From there, students began to connect the dots between environmental systems, agriculture, and human impact.
As part of their unit, students examined what plants require to thrive— sunlight, water, nutrients, and the right soil conditions. They tested soil samples from the science room garden, analyzing pH levels and nutrient content to determine what adjustments, if any, were needed. With this foundational knowledge, they collaboratively planned the garden layout and selected vegetables to grow indoors from seed. Students tracked germination rates and measured the growth of their individual
plants. They turned this data into graphs, learning how to interpret trends and understand plant development over time. These activities helped students see the connections between scientific observation and real-world ecological systems.
As the campus starts coming alive with plant growth, students will spend time in the woods identifying invasive species and trying to formulate a plan to eliminate them from campus (or at least reduce their impact). These efforts underscore a key lesson: sustainability isn’t just about learning—it’s about taking action.
By engaging with soil, seeds, and plants, Stage III students deepened their understanding of nature’s interconnectedness and how to be better stewards of our planet.
PANELISTS: Jordan, Jay, and Lilianna-Angel.
PRIDE AT ROEPER
On May 19, the Middle and Upper Schools gathered for a campus-wide Pride Panel followed by a picnic, honoring LGBTQ+ voices and experiences. Guest speakers Jay Kaplan (Staff Attorney for the LGBTQ+ Project at the ACLU of Michigan), Lilianna-Angel Reyes (Health Equity and Outreach Director at Ruth Ellis Center), and Jordan Norgard (Roeper senior) shared powerful stories, sparked dialogue on allyship, and encouraged deeper understanding.
Thoughtful, student-prepared questions helped shape the conversation, fostering a strong, inclusive community grounded in empathy and action. Thank you to teacher Barb Lasecki-Webb and the SAGE student group, advised by teacher Roz Larson, for organizing this meaningful event and to Bex Conway ’25 and Vivi Westenberg ’26 for emceeing.
BY SUSANNAH NICHOLS DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS
WASTE NOT
Middle School students gardening in Roeper’s recently renovated greenhouse
“
Composting offers profound and lasting benefits, and is one of many ways we
cultivate citizenship
Throughout the 2024 Interdisciplinary Week study of The Story of Stuff, students strategized how to reduce waste at the Birmingham campus. Following these discussions, I met with Amanda Paruszkiewicz and Allison Mitchell from Chartwells, our food service provider, to see how we could improve our carbon footprint regarding food service.
The result of that conversation was our composting initiative. In collaboration with Unlimited Recycling and Spurt Industries, we officially launched the program at both the Bloomfield and Birmingham campuses this fall. Students across all grade levels participated in training sessions to understand the process from start to finish, as well as address FAQ such as “Can I really compost all my food?” (Yes, even meat and dairy!), “Will
there be bugs?” (No, bins are emptied several times a day and waste is kept in latched containers outside until pickup.), and “Does this actually help?” (Yes! Our landfill waste is significantly reduced when we compost.) Composting stations are located in the Lower School lunchroom, as well as in the Naas Café and common areas at the Middle & Upper Schools. Designated bins are available for composting all food waste. Additionally, all disposable items in both dining areas are now compostable.
Composting, whether on campus or in our own backyards, offers profound and lasting benefits, and is one of many ways we cultivate active and compassionate citizenship in our student body.
RUFF RYDER
BY KARI KRESS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
The Birmingham campus is excited to welcome Ryder, a 17-month-old Black Labrador Retriever, to our Student Support Team. Certified and trained as a therapy dog, Ryder is winning hearts with her calm, gentle presence and wagging tail. Ryder lives with Middle & Upper School Student Support Counselor Angie Mann-Williams and family and their two dogs. Angie and teachers Eulalia Ferrer and Barb Lasecki-Webb, who also help care for Ryder outside of school, completed home visits and training with Paradise Dog Training to ensure Ryder’s well-being across settings. Therapy dogs like Ryder bring a host of benefits to school communities. Research shows that therapy dogs in schools help reduce stress and anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and promote a sense of safety and connection. For gifted students, who often feel things intensely, Ryder offers nonjudgmental companionship and a welcome paws in the day.
Every day, Ryder attends up to three classes, takes needed breaks, and occasionally joins meetings. One of her favorite places is the Naas Commons at the Birmingham campus, where she happily greets students. She also enjoys stopping by the Bloomfield Hills campus and Roeper athletic events. Whether she’s sitting in on a problem-solving session, greeting students in the hallway, or offering a calming nuzzle, Ryder is here to support the well-being of our community in her own special way. Her role enhances the care we provide at Roeper, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the whole child.
Welcome to Roeper, Ryder—you’re already part of the pack.
ELEVATING ACCESS
BY SHANI YAPA-KIMPSON DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS AND ANNUAL FUND
PHOTO BY JAYDEN HERTZBERG ’26
they’re living values that shape our daily work with gifted learners. And thanks to the Annual Fund, we’re able to turn those values into real, life-changing opportunities.
So, what does that look like? It means more doors opened for more students.
Through the Annual Fund, many of our students received tuition assistance this year, allowing them to access a transformative education that might otherwise be out of reach. It also ensures all students can fully participate in experiences like the Stage IV Camp Tamarack Trip or the 11th Grade class trip to Washington DC without financial barriers. It allows students to meet their potential through Roeper performing arts.
Classrooms grow more inclusive, too. Annual Fund gifts support diverse books, adaptive tech, and resources that help every student feel seen and valued. Even our teachers benefit, gaining access to workshops on equity-centered practices that deepen their impact.
When you give to the Annual Fund, you’re not just donating, you’re championing access. You’re helping Roeper become a place where inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential.
With your support, we’re building a stronger, more equitable Roeper—one student, one classroom, one gift at a time.
To make your gift, visit roeper.org/giving/your-gift-matters.
OUR CAMPUS
GUARDIANS
Vern Arnold
From Bottom Left to Right: Ryan Zinser, Dave Webb, Mike Waddington, and Ryan Boyl.
Richard Qu and Ryan Boyl
Voices of Roeper
Ever wonder who makes sure our sidewalks are not slippery, our classrooms stay dry, and our campus stays beautiful?
Stage IV student Richard Qu interviewed Maintenance Supervisor Ryan Boyl to get the inside scoop on the crew that keeps our campuses safe, accessible, and running strong—no matter the season. Here’s what he learned.
Ryan Boyl, Ryan Zinser, Mike Waddington, Dave Webb, and Vern Arnold, the Roeper School maintenance crew, strike back at the end of the school year, making our days at school easy! Winter was a breeze with them helping us, with them coming to Roeper at 2:00 am to plow the snow and salt the sidewalks. Same goes for summer, keeping us cool inside. No matter what time of the year, they have our backs.
Dangerous situations? No big deal! Hand the limelight to them! Slippery sidewalks, a bee’s nest, whatever scenario, our heroes keep us safe. For instance, one time in June, water started to flow so much to the parking lot, the pavement shifted! Luckily, we had their skills and strength, so they shut down all the water sources on Roeper. When a Stage III classroom pipe burst three times, they didn’t dare to back down. They fixed it with their wits.
With the help of their amazing tools, such as a riding mower, a plow truck, and loppers for making our scenery picture perfect, they maintain our school, such as the gardens, the hedges, and the creek project. They contact companies to refill our woodchips for our playground; they are just superb!
Whenever you see them on the campus, shout out to them, and again, thank you, maintenance crew!
Hey, students. Interested in interviewing someone who impacts campus life? Send an email with the name of who you’d like to interview and why to Kari.Kress@roeper.org.
BY KARI KRESS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
CAMPUS BUZZ
Bee Sweet. Bee Local. Bee Roeper.
Sustainability is more than a concept—it’s a commitment. Last year, Roeper partnered with Bees in the D to bring two thriving beehives, home to about 20,000 bees, to the Bloomfield Hills campus. This initiative supports the local ecosystem and teaches students about the importance of pollination, continuing a legacy of student-led environmental action sparked by alum Zelia “Zizi” Newhard ’23, who founded Roeper’s original beekeeping club. Despite our best efforts and the shelter of their nook on the roof of the Steward Building, Roeper’s original hives did not survive the winter. Sadly, we’re not alone—beekeepers across the US have reported unprecedented hive losses this year, with some areas experiencing die-offs as high as 80–90%. This mystery underscores the fragile state of pollinator populations and
the urgent need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
But there’s also sweet news: before winter struck, our bees produced five gallons of golden honey, and we’re thrilled to share it with our community.
Introducing Bee Sweet. Bee Local. Bee Roeper.
Support Roeper and taste the buzz— our honey is now available for purchase in the Shops@Roeper and at select Roeper events. Supplies are limited, so grab yours soon.
Your purchase supports Roeper’s sustainability efforts and the annual fund.
Let’s keep the buzz alive and continue learning from these little pollinators who make a big difference.
Brian with Bees in the D tends to the bee hives on top of Roeper’s Steward Building.
X SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Roeper Athletics was proud to host a Special Olympics basketball game featuring athletes from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. The energy, sportsmanship, and passion these players brought to the court was truly inspiring. Events like this embody Roeper’s belief that sports—and community—are for everyone.
In support of this event, our community came together to raise nearly $3,000 for Special Olympics
XROEPER
On April 26, The Treasury in downtown Pontiac was transformed into a scene straight out of the Golden Era as The Roeper School hosted its Mosaic Auction. With an Old Hollywood theme, guests arrived in glamorous attire, walking the red carpet and stepping into an evening of elegance, celebration, and community.
The event featured an exciting array of silent and live auction items—from exclusive getaways to one-of-a-kind treasures. Enthusiastic bidding and generous hearts helped raise over $105,000 to support the Mariann Hoag Financial Aid Fund and faculty and staff professional development.
Amid the historic charm of The Treasury, attendees enjoyed delicious food, lively conversation, and a shared sense of purpose. While the glamour set the tone, the true spotlight shone
on the generosity and connection that define the Roeper community.
Sincere thanks go to our incredible sponsors and donors, the dedicated and tireless efforts of the planning committee, and the Development and Marketing and Communications teams. To everyone who attended—your presence, enthusiasm, generosity, and support made the night truly unforgettable.
More than just a fundraiser, the 2025 Mosaic Auction was a heartfelt celebration of what makes Roeper extraordinary. A standing ovationworthy evening that will be remembered for years to come.
BY JENNY IRVINE EVENTS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR
CLASSNOTES
ANDREW ROMANO
’11
welcomed a beautiful new addition to his family. Frances Aurelia Romano was born on March 29 at 7:00 pm, weighing 8 lbs 5 oz.
DAN AMBOYER ’02*
recently starred in Maybe Tomorrow, an acclaimed Off-Broadway play. Best known for his roles in Younger and The Blacklist, Dan delivered a moving performance in this intimate drama exploring reconnection, resilience, and the complexities of longstanding friendships.
STEPHANIE FRIED ’95
was named EVP & CMO of McAfee, where she leads global marketing as the company expands into privacy and identity protection. A Roeper lifer, Stephanie brings experience from Fandom, Condé Nast, and more.
SAMANTHA HEIMAN ’13
earned her PhD in social psychology from Indiana University this May. She will begin a new role as Assistant Professor of Psychology at Cornell College in Iowa this fall.
TONY
ASDOURIAN ’84
During a recent trip to Michigan, Tony Asdourian ’84 stopped by Bloomfield Hills for a nostalgic campus tour and a look at the school’s newest community spaces. Keeping with tradition, Tony took a photo on George’s Bench, just outside the Hill House—a beloved Roeper landmark.
shani.yapakimpson@roeper.org
ABOVE: As part of our Parent Education Series, we recently hosted an engaging Alumni Panel featuring (left to right) Director of Alumni Shani Yapa-Kimpson ’08, Madison Gladney ’19, David Veillette ’13, Ian Solomon ’15, Chloe Rybicki-Kler ’13, alumni caregiver Dr. Betty Davis, Clara Bird ’14 (on screen), and Kessonga Allen ’23 (not pictured). Panelists shared their journeys from Roeper to college and beyond, offering thoughtful reflections on how their Roeper education shaped their academic, professional, and personal lives. Their insights provided valuable perspective on the lifelong impact of a Roeper experience.
IN MEMORIAM
DAVID K. BEST ’90
The Roeper community mourns the passing of Dr. David Kenneth Best ’90, who died peacefully at home in Williamsburg, Michigan, on February 12, 2025, at the age of 53.
A gifted student and varsity athlete, David’s curiosity and drive led him from Roeper to Kalamazoo College, where he earned a degree in chemistry. He later completed his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine
at Des Moines University, funding his studies through the National Health Service Corps and serving underserved communities.
David’s career as a physician reflected his deep compassion and commitment to service. He was a devoted husband to Lindsay Mergos and a loving father to David Jr., Caroline, and Maggie.
David will be remembered for his kind heart, patient spirit, and dedication to others—a life lived with purpose and love, grounded in the values fostered at Roeper.
Touch Point
Christopher Federico
We speak often about the School’s pioneering commitment to social justice. Roeper was the first independent school in Michigan to welcome a racially integrated student body. Roeper has long had an almost unlimited willingness to offer financial aid to ensure that gifted students from all socioeconomic backgrounds can come together to learn from our outstanding cadre of teachers. Over the past several years, we have worked in partnership with experts from HartmannEton Center for Teaching and Learning to better serve a neurodiverse student population. We welcome faculty and staff and students and families to bring their full selves and their true identities to Roeper every day of the school year.
“The gates must be open to all students who need this school and should be a part of it.
—George A. Roeper, December 5th, 1963
Yet, for all that, physical access to parts of our campus remains a challenge for many, although in many ways physical barriers are often the easiest to remove. Here and now, we are committing to opening those gates as well. Not by constructing workarounds or opening up back doors, but by rethinking and reworking the design of our buildings and our campuses to ensure that they are indeed physically accessible to all students—and their families—who need this school and should be a part of it.
In this issue of Keeping In Touch, you have seen the plans and artists’ renderings. Very soon, we look forward to welcoming you on campus to experience the transformation for yourself.
—Mariann Hoag