2023-2024
Volume 27, Issue 1
About U.S.
A Publishing Tradition of the Unquowa School
A Message From the Head of School
T
he hard work of hope. I first read this expression three years ago in an essay by Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation. It appeared in an article he wrote about the launch of his new book, From Generosity to Justice, a reimagining of the American philanthropic model originally crafted over a century ago. In his work, Walker reminds us that while “in ordinary times hope is rare… in these extraordinary times, hope is radical.” Walker, The Ford Foundation, and the multitude of foundations that support our globe’s noble nonprofit work realize all too well that they require not only money but radical hope to continue their efforts and to be successful in these challenging times. We here at Unquowa meet our children at the very beginning of their lives. Most of what we do together day in and day out in our classrooms, on our playing fields, in our woods and gardens, and during our field experiences does not seem like radical work. But if you look carefully, you will see that what our teachers do each day is very quietly, very steadily and very thoroughly designed to gradually instill in our young people a sense of confidence and purpose, deep responsibility and, yes, hope, that is essential for them to believe in their ability to become the adults who can see what needs to be done in the world they will face and to be the ones to do it. The arc of their academic learning is gradual as they move from just learning to read and write and developing number sense, but on their way from just learning numbers to understanding geometry, they will also participate in small kindnesses and planned service learning that will weave in the necessary messages telling them that hope is justified because, as Darren Walker reminds us, “the work of hope is hard.” Because the work that requires hope is challenging, the companion to that work that we as parents and teachers must expose our children to is joy. Joy is the ingredient that keeps hope alive when the reality of the world’s condition threatens to
practice in expressing hope through actions of generosity that have concrete results and then recognizing small companion moments of joy so that as they grow older and become aware of the reality of a world that paralyzes their ability to act against the impossible, they will remain armed with hope and prepared to recognize joy which, as poet Donna Ashworth reminds us, cannot be stored or summoned and does not arrive with a fanfare. “Joy slithers through the cracks of our imperfect lives” and if we can recognize and absorb it when it appears, it will sustain us through the “radical work of hope.” Our PreK students practice by making hearts and tucking them into cars as surprise acts of kindness, our Kindergarteners practice by rescuing caterpillars and protecting them through their chrysalis stage. Our second graders raise “Change for Change” to make donations to Save the Children. By eighth grade our students begin to see the reality of the challenges of service and the need for hope it requires as they move beyond the general community service of food and clothing drives to doing weekly service learning with partner students at Feroleto Children’s Development Center and environmental work with Park City Composting Initiative. Our school is at an exciting inflection point in its history and I am energized to be part of the next step in its journey as we complete the last phases of our recent five-year strategic initiatives. I continue to be committed to that work because I have had a longstanding core of dedicated and talented board members behind me and they continue to be joined by new board members with equal commitment and energy. They make it possible for our school to attract and retain the very talented and committed faculty who spend each and every day with our children, teaching them solid academic knowledge and habits of mind, providing them with opportunities to practice the hard work of hope, and helping them to savor joy when it “slithers
dowse it like a sputtering fire. We must give our younger children
Wishing you all a New Year filled with hope and joy…
through the cracks of their lives” to serve as fuel for the hard work ahead.
Sharon Lauer, Head of School
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Art in Residence
We were so excited to have local artist, Carlos Bautista Bierrnay, work with our seventh and eighth graders as an artist-in-residence. Carlos specializes in fiber arts such as quilting, crocheting, and felting, as well as painting on canvas and fabric. He has been featured in several shows at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport along with other galleries in Connecticut. Much of Carlo’s work has been inspired by his experience growing up under the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile, to which he adds an element of sarcastic humor that references the absurdity of Dadaism. Carlos joined us for a six week program to introduce students to his incredible textile work and to help them create their own painted and quilted projects. To call Carlos a quilter would be an understatement; he also crochets, embroiders, needle felts, and adds intricate beadwork to his pieces. In La Peste, one of the pieces Carlos brought to show the students, he provides commentary on COVID by depicting a plague doctor’s mask, incorporates a self-portrait that seemingly dissolves into pixels, and portrays a Dadaist universe where skeletons dance while crows lurk among flowers in a surreal galaxy. The students learned how to paint on fabric and embroider their own designs to capture detail and dimension. This was an extraordinary experience for the students, and such an incredible opportunity for them to interact with a working artist and see firsthand his artistic process and to be inspired to create their own textile works of art. In addition to Carlos’ work in the art room, we were thrilled to welcome him into the seventh grade Humanities classroom. Carlos shared stories about his childhood in Chile under Pinochet’s rule, the role art plays in processing his memories, and his dueling “9/11” experiences: the coup in Chile in 1973, and the terrorist attacks in the US in 2001. Carlos spoke with seventh graders about the influence that Dadaism has had on his art, explaining that employing absurdity in the face of trauma is a cathartic experience. He detailed his early memories of sewing and creating as a child, a form of escapism during Pinochet’s rule; Carlos also discussed his growing rebellious spirit once he recognized the inhumanity of his government, and how that led to his move to the United States. He left Humanities students with two key points - to always use and value their right to vote, and to appreciate the little details in life.
- Krissy Ponden, Upper School Visual Arts Teacher and Ariel Warshaw, Humanities Teacher
Inch by Inch! We are so proud of the Kindergarten class for wanting to be the first students to perform on stage at our weekly assemblies this school year. Every student at the Unquowa School gets a chance to perform on our stage during assemblies, shows, and special performances. Performing in front of others builds such a sense of pride and accomplishment in these students. With unafraid spirits, our Kindergarteners took to the stage and did a wonderful job singing the song “Inch by Inch” much to the delight of the audience! Bravo, Kindergarteners!
- Megan Kirk, Performing Arts Teacher
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Art in “Plein Air”
Kindergarten and PreK students took advantage of some beautiful weather early in the fall to create art in “plein-air”. Outdoor art is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, engage our senses, and sharpen our observational skills. Our beautiful Unquowa garden provided the perfect setting for the class to draw plants and caterpillars while enjoying the aroma of the herbs grown here.
- Alice DesGranges, Lower School Art Teacher
Wonderful World of Worms! Recently in class with Park City Compost Initiative, our eighth graders learned all about vermicomposting - a method of composting that utilizes worms! In this seminar, the students were able to have a hands-on experience in which some of them even overcame their fears of the friendly red-wigglers! Worms are an incredible decomposer (meaning they break down matter into a form that can be used again by other organisms) which helps to keep ecosystems in balance. As such, worms are very useful for sustainable gardening practices. Students learned that worms will eat the food scraps and help to break down the nutrients into an accessible form that will eventually be deposited as worm castings. Worm castings are a nutrient rich soil amendment used for gardens and planters. The eighth graders will continue to help maintain this vermicompost bin all year long, as part of our partnership with Park City Compost Initiative, and we’ll use the compost for the school garden.
- Joshua Bartosiewicz, Science Teacher
Sixth Graders on the Road What happens when you tell a geology joke? (You’ve hit rock bottom). The sixth grade took their geology studies to the field this fall to investigate rocks and rock materials in their natural environment at the CT Audubon here in Fairfield. Students hiked the property and observed real evidence of the topics like weathering, erosion and deposition currently being studied. From a stream that flows in a valley between two hills, to a possible erratic boulder left behind from the ice age, the students were able to see first hand some mysteries of how rocks break down from ice wedging to moss and lichens covering rocks and chemically weathering them down. The myriad of stone walls that were sprinkled throughout the 155 acre property told us a story of settlers’ impact on the land and the frost heaves that unearthed stones when forests were cut down for heat and shelter. The highlight of the trip came when each student used a rock hammer to tap gently on a large stone outcropping to see what possible minerals made up that particular rock. If you asked the sixth graders how their day was, I bet they would say it was Gneiss!
- Colleen Noyes, Science Teacher
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Nature’s Classroom In October the seventh grade traveled to Charlton, Massachusetts to spend three days in the woods at Nature’s Classroom. Mornings were spent on long exploratory hikes learning about the natural world. Afternoons were filled with classes led by the staff ranging from topics like pig dissection to DNA extraction. Students enjoyed free time in the GaGa Pit and playing beach volleyball. Meals were shared family style and ended in learning about the varying levels of food waste and composting. Evenings ended in song led by acoustic guitar, campfire style. A highlight of the trip was a mindful night hike under the stars. The students were challenged to not just connect with nature, but one another as well by going technology free for the trip. We felt beyond proud of our seventh grade gators and their unafraid spirit!
- Annie Henry, Director of Social/Emotional Wellness
Recycling Matters! This fall, second grade students have been learning about matter. They learned that objects can be built up from smaller pieces, different objects can be built from the same set of pieces, and pieces can be taken apart from other objects. We started by studying artwork and projects that showed how individual items can be put together to create a brand new piece. For example, we took a look at an elephant made out of plastic water bottles and jugs, a house made from steel panels and rope, and a swing set made from recycled rubber. This inspired students to create their own piece using everyday objects, materials, and recycled cans to create a unique robot!
- Stephanie Satonick, Second Grade Teacher
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Cuban Missile Crisis Simulation To cap off their understanding of our study of Cuba, seventh grade Humanities students participated in a virtual simulation with the International Spy Museum! Prior to their mission, students received a memorandum from Base Ops and a description of their roles as CIA All Source Analysts. On the day of our mission, the students were transported back to 1962 during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. They received their dossier containing classified information on the movement of missiles on the island nation of Cuba. As analysts, together they evaluated, analyzed, and interpreted multiple sources of intelligence to counsel President Kennedy on how he should respond to the growing crisis. By looking at declassified telegrams, memorandums, and reconnaissance plane imagery, they were able to de-escalate the tension and save the world from disaster! This simulation was an engaging way to learn about those 13 days in October of 1962, when the entire world waited with bated breath on the brink of nuclear war. The students asked excellent questions and got into character as we brought the crisis to a peaceful resolution! To celebrate their intelligence successes, students relaxed and dined on a Cuban-inspired lunch menu prepared by our Unquowa chefs: Cuban sandwich wraps, black beans and rice, and guava bread pudding!
- Ariel Warshaw, Humanities Teacher
Eighth Grade Broadway Experience
Every year, we get the privilege of taking our 8th Grade class to see a show on Broadway. For some, this is their first time seeing professional live theater, but for all students, this is an incredible opportunity to connect the arts to their academic work in the Humanities classrooms. This year, we were thrilled to take this year’s graduating class to see Hadestown. This show received fourteen Tony Award nominations in 2019 when it opened, and won eight of them, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The show ties into the Humanities curriculum through the themes of story, shared myth, and culture, and asks us to consider why it is we as human beings tell the same stories (especially sad ones) again and again. Prior to the show, we enjoyed a pizza lunch at John’s of Times Square and took the brisk walk to the Walter Kerr Theater a few blocks over. We were especially impressed with every student this year, none of whom had seen the show (even if several had learned the music ahead of time). There was such an overwhelming appreciation for the performers, musicians, and backstage crew, and not a single word of disappointment. The experience was incredibly positive and enjoyable, and took us full circle back to the world of Greek mythology that these students first explored in sixth grade Humanities.
- Eric Snow, Humanities Teacher
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Founders’ Day This year’s Founders’ Day was a huge success! While the rain did move us indoors for the first time in many years, that did not stop Unquowa families, staff and alumni of all ages from gathering for the festivities. Our amazing chefs treated us to a farm-to-fork barbecue with delicious fare ranging from butternut squash soup, hamburgers and hotdogs, an autumn crunch salad to sea salt caramel brownies. A true feast! Fun activities, games, and a bake sale run by our eighth grade students and their parents helped to raise funds for their upcoming spring class trip. Our new Gator Goods apparel made its debut and was a huge hit! Everyone loved the new gear and stocked up on warm fleeces and sweatshirts. Families were also able to purchase gently used dress code items from our Community Closet with profits benefiting a local charity. A big thank you to everyone who made the day so wonderful; it truly was a perfect day, even with the rain!
- Kelly Sullivan, Advancement Assistant and Events
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You Don’t Scare Me! In October with the spooky season upon us, it was a good time to talk to our fifth grade buddies about things that scare us! After reading a little bit of a story about imaginary fears, we sat in a circle and voiced our biggest fears. There was some discrepancy between what scares a PreK student and a fifth grader but some we could all agree on. Witches and giant spiders were a “Nope!” from all! After our group discussion, partners returned to their seats and worked on facing our fears by writing them down. Each fifth grader wrote their PreK buddy’s fears and the younger students illustrated them. Together, we talked about whether these are things to really be afraid of, or figments of our imagination. We took the power back by yelling “You don’t scare me!” at our papers. Then we crumpled them up, tore them to bits, and threw them in the trash. Take that, scary monsters!
- Faith Barbuto, Early Childhood Teacher
Learning Chinese Characters! Second graders have started learning Chinese characters. In the beginning, students learned about the Oracle bone script (Chinese: 甲骨文; pinyin: jiǎgǔwén) and how the Oracle bone script became the Chinese characters that we use right now. We watched short videos of Chinese characters and then students tried to draw the characters themselves. After drawing, we had fun using Play-Doh to actually make the shape of Chinese characters. Great job, second grade!
- Kelly Yeh, Mandarin Teacher
Let it Shine! First grade scientists have been hard at work exploring light! We talked about how some objects emit their own light without using electricity. The example we studied was a glow stick. Our hypothesis was that the glow stick would emit enough light to allow us to see in the dark. First graders tested this theory with glow stick parties in different parts of the school and by observing objects in boxes with varying amounts of light. The first grade scientists also gathered evidence to support the ideas about how light interacts with different materials and noticed that those materials can change the direction of a beam of light. They tested this theory by making shadows on the stage with flashlights and by shining light at materials that were opaque, translucent, and transparent.
- Maureen Diallo, First Grade Teacher
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Halloween Fun! On Halloween, third graders had fun trying their hand at some Haunted Handwriting! Instead of using their workbooks to practice, they practiced forming their cursive letters in shaving cream and in science, students used the chemical reaction created by vinegar and baking soda to inflate their ghoulish ghost balloons! What a fright!
- Wendy Kerr, Third Grade Teacher
A Spooktacular Parade! Witches, unicorns, fairies, skeletons, super heroes, aliens and one tall ballerina giraffe joined us at this year’s Halloween parade. The spooky and the not-so-spooky alike, proudly paraded their costumes around the gym for our eager families and friends to see. The parade ended with our Upper School musicians performing a few spooky tunes for everyone to sing and dance to. Back in the classroom after a costume change into black & orange casual day attire the celebrations continued with sweet treats and Halloween-themed academic activities. Halloween at Unquowa School is always a celebrated and smashing success!
- Jacqui Mudre, Director of Communications
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Showing Kindness! We cut, we colored, we counted - by fives and by tens - a whopping total of sixty-three hearts to put on the cars in our parking lot! In PreK, we are always working on ways to make the members of our community smile. For World Kindness Day, we went beyond our classroom to spread joy! The students were so excited about this project and worked diligently to create enough hearts to put on every car in our Unquowa parking lot and even made a few extra to spread some kindness to our fifth grade buddies as well. Our eighth grade friends helped us to deliver our cards safely and efficiently. We were so happy to brighten everyone’s day!
- Faith Barbuto, PreK Teacher
Measurements and Microscopes In science class, fifth graders have been using tools to enhance their learning. Students learned how to use a triple beam balance to measure a variety of items. As they mastered the apparatus, students were given challenges during our unit on Matte, from finding volume and weight to seeing if something like a gas can be measured. (It can!) In addition, while studying photosynthesis, students used brand new fantastic microscopes to look at the stomata on leaves. It is incredible to be able to look closely and see the intricate patterns and systems of tiny entities.
Fourth Grade Engineers! Fourth Grade students have been learning about engineering and technology in science. After examining the engineering design process, students were tasked with exploring a design problem. They learned how to ask questions and define problems to design a hearing-enhancing device. By examining the engineering process, students came to understand the influence of engineering, technology, and science on society. After they were given constraints and criteria for a hearing-enhancing device, they utilized various materials to create a prototype. Once their prototypes were complete, they presented them to the rest of the class and to our Makerspace teacher, Mr. Casey. In their presentation students spoke about any problems or further enhancements they would make to their models.
- Karen Engelke, Fourth Grade Teacher
- Colleen Noyes, Science Teacher
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Fall Sports Update
SOCCER - The Unquowa field came alive this fall with our cheerful, developmental team of third and fourth grade soccer players who were all excited to work on their skills! This junior program is aimed at sharpening skills such as dribbling, passing, throw-ins, and strategic positioning to find open space on the field. These young Gators are on the path to becoming our champions of tomorrow. Our 5/6 & 7/8 grade soccer teams both had successful seasons this fall! Student athletes came ready to give it their all every practice and game. Watching both teams’ growth and maturity throughout the season was a joy for us as coaches and fans to witness. The sportsmanship and teamwork that our 5/6 and 7/8 grade teams showed was amazing and we were all proud of their Unquowa Gator spirit on and off the field! This was a terrific fall and we can not wait to see everyone back for the spring soccer season!
- Ryan Taylor, Soccer Coach
CROSS COUNTRY - The Unquowa cross country team had a wonderful fall season, and took home many Fairchester Athletics League awards to reflect all of their hard work and many miles of practice. We took home multiple cumulative season and championship recognitions! Runners worked harder than ever this fall, completing more complex practice courses and competing in various terrains at each meet. Many runners improved their speed, technique, and endurance greatly over the season, taking a minute or more off of mile times.
- Joey Casey, Cross Country Coach
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Ms President US is a non-partisan community organization committed to teaching girls about how government works and how it impacts the people where they live. Throughout the year, we learn about different parts of the government by meeting local leaders, state leaders, and national leaders. From there, we talk about which issues are most important to us and then determine what we would do if we were president of our town to improve on those issues. I have participated in Ms President for three years and have run for President or Vice President each year. Last year, I ran a campaign to bring more attention and resources to mental health awareness but I didn’t win. This year, I ran on the same campaign but created the Get Moving Festival as what I could do to bring this awareness. My team included other Unquowa students Ellie Holtz, Avery Holtz, and Harper Smith, and Middlebrook student Alexa Marr. We put the festival together in partnership with Trackside Teen Center and other area businesses with the idea of bringing a fun festival to the town that people would want to go to, but that would also introduce them to various activities and clubs they could join. The idea was that if kids engage in physical activity, they create endorphins that make them feel better. Also, being part of the community helps them feel connected and gives them a group to go to when they are not feeling great. We had over seventeen businesses join in addition to Trackside and had over 100 kids participate in each of the activities. It was a huge success and I am so glad
- Emily Smith, Seventh Grade Student
that we were able to make it happen.
After-school Activities Our students are never ready for the day to end and have lots of choices for after-school activities. With options like Magazine Club, Deep Play, Karate, Yoga, Chess, Curtain Up and Gators in Training Athletics programs there is something for everyone in Lower School! Upper Schoolers keep busy with activities like our Interscholastic Soccer and Cross-Country Teams, Dungeons and Dragons, Environmental Club, as well as with Pen & Paper, our award-winning literary magazine.
- Karen Williamson, Director of Admissions
SUMMER CAMP AT UNQUOWA Join us for an interactive summer of fun and play! With a wide variety of activities planned throughout the day and a themed Fun Friday (cookout included!) every week – summer at Unquowa will be a blast! Summer Camp at Unquowa runs from June 17th to July 26th and is open to children entering Kindergarten through sixth grade in the fall. Campers will be grouped based on the grade they are entering in the fall of 2024.
Alums: Interested in working at summer camp? Reach out to summer@unquowa.org to inquire!
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Notes From The UPA The goal? Fun, friendship, and community spirit - and the UPA’s Fall Social, World Cup - Kicking It Together, scored! Over 100 guests from our Unquowa community gathered to celebrate over food, wine, and great conversation in true friendraiser form. Kindred Wine and Spirits offered a pre-holiday wine tasting and sale, and A Pinch of Salt’s Chef Raquel Rivera provided empanadas, jerk chicken bites, churros and other delicious delights. Cheers to the Social Committee co-chairs and members, and all who pitched in to make the night a big win! The UPA also sponsored the Upper School Fall Social - fifth and sixth graders enjoyed an after-school DJ/dance and tie dye party; and seventh and eighth graders took to the high ropes courses at the Discovery Museum’s Adventure Park. The UPA’s Community Service Committee held its Annual Coat Drive and a nonperishable Food Drive both benefiting the Mercy Learning Center. During Founders’ Day the busy Community Closet Sale helped raise funds for Alpha Community Services, a Bridgeport-based organization that provides support to the homeless. Thank you to all who contributed to all these special community events! In the spirit of giving, we are also looking forward to the annual holiday Gift Card Drive to support Fairfield Social Services. Lastly, the UPA celebrated our AMAZING faculty, staff and administrators with student-made cards and a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast. We truly appreciate our UPA members, chairs, and volunteers, and all they do for the Unquowa community what a team!
- The Unquowa Parents Association
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THE FUND FOR UNQUOWA We want to thank every parent, grandparent, alumni and friend that contributed to the 2022-2023 Fund for Unquowa last year. Your support made possible the exceptional programs and curriculums, unparalleled community and unique experiential learning you see reflected on these pages. Your Fund for Unquowa Co-Chairs, Melody Waterhouse and Robin Pompa
Parents
John and Anna Acunto Athena and Daniel Adamson Natasha Auguste-Williams Ashesh and Yamini (Menon) Bakshi Melissa and Reed Balmer Ernesto and Faith Barbuto Emily and Noam (Paransky) Bernstein Christian and Sara Brebbia Eric and Lisa Broder Ebru and Ari (Halper) Buluc-Halper Susanna and Andrew (Foote) Carrillo David and Charis (San Antonio Cooper) Cooper Whitney and Tobias Crawford Maureen and Djibril Diallo Peter and Bridgett diBonaventura Trisha and Mark Doyle Michael and Lauren Ehrlich Adam and Jennifer Epstein Carlos and Corti (Cooper) Esteves Elizabeth and Harris Falk Charles and Margaret Farinella Ariana and Luke Ferrandino Michael and Kusumarn Fleming Tarell and April Floyd Jennifer Frascatore Jessica and David Gray Diana Haskell George and Amy Helmer Adrian and James Hendershot Shane and Patricia (Caira) Herlet Kelly and Ofer Holtz Christopher and Melissa Howe Maria and Peter Karayiannis Tré and Hannah (Onchak) Kayumba Matthew and Rachel Kelley Samantha and Brendan Kelley Deirdre and Eric Kurzenberger Philipp and Melody (Waterhouse) Kusche Peter and Rachel Kushel Andrew and Angela (DeRose) Lerner Violet and Emirson Lumani Ryan and J. Bing (Tien) Mathis-Tien Saral and Heidi Mehra Michael and Marissa Mesiya Lloyd and Kathy Mitchell Paul and Megan Mountcastle James and Maria Mulvehill Ashley Nechaev
Celiane and Marcos (Borges) Oliveria Elisha and Oliver Page Lysandra Pamias Sara and Frank (Lin) Parks Danielle and David Pitts Robin and William Pompa Tim and Krissy Ponden Byrne and Dan (Spinner) Pozzi Lillian and Matthew Raben Will and Alison Roberts Lauren and Mark (Lotty) Rocheleau Natalia and Alexander (Rojas) Rojas-Restrepo David and Susan (Breen) Ryan Joe and Elizabeth (Hayes) Saint Katharine and Michael (DiOrio) Schafer Mike and Vicki (Hornbostel) Scotto Gianina Serrano Charles and Syesha (Tyson) Sheffield Jasmine and Shawnta Smith-Cruz Alison and Mark Smith David and Alicia (Levy) Spiecher Sandra and Michael Srihari Gregory and Hilary Tanner Andrea and Brian Theodore Alexander and Katie (Shields) Thomson Peter and Jo Toolan Anthony and Jenna Venditto Michelle and Peter (Sullivan) Vendley Moira and Timothy Warren Bojana and Michael Weatherly Joel and Eden Werring Karen and Dan Williamson Sandra and Bryan Wilson David and Heather Winkelmann Jenah and Jack Yeung
Alumni
Steve Aikenhead ‘54 Christopher Anderheggen ‘70 T. Brooks Barrett ‘47 Jonathan C. Brew ‘72 Elizabeth W. Brew Boyd ‘70 Eric W. G. Dawson ‘76 Henry duPont ‘81 Mrs. Henry duPont(Joan) ‘50 Helene Rousseau Epifano ‘67 Richard T. Harriss III ‘52 Sarah Frassinelli Keenan ‘68 William Harriss ‘79
Grandparents......................................................In Honor Of
Barbara Brookes...............................................................................................................Wil Falk ‘23 Norma Castro........................................................................................Ethan Perez ‘25 (Grade 7) Dion and Rachelle Ehrlich..........................Beckett Ehrlich, Cassidy Ehrlich ‘29 (Grade 3) John Freeman.....................................Addie Mulvehill ‘24 (Grade 8), Eleanor ‘26 (Grade 6) Charlotte ‘28 (Grade 4), Maeve ‘31 (Grade 1) Diane Galasso....................................................................................Ava Sylvestro ‘24 (Grade 8) Gilbert and Penny Herlet....................................................................Cole Herlet ‘25 (Grade 7) Sharon Lauer and Jerry Joseph....................................................Vivian Kelley ‘25 (Grade 7) Shelley Levi and Kevin Sorhaindo.................................Anthony Venditto III ‘26 (Grade 6) Archer Venditto ‘30 (Grade 2) Susan Lotty..........................................................................................Harlow Lotty ‘30 (Grade 2)
Charles Haviland ‘10 Aidan Kavanaugh ‘21 Evan Lawrence ‘68 David MacAllaster ‘73 Sasha Mack ‘05 Susan Maklari ‘90 Max Martone ‘09 Rachel McDermott ‘09 Madison Mitchell ‘22 Brian O’Connor ‘50 Lily Panagos ‘19 Lola Panagos ‘17 Lucy Panagos ‘16 Krissy Ponden ‘95 Alexander Renzulli ‘21 Samantha Renzulli ‘18 Carolyn Gaines Ruckle ‘53 George Wheeler Seeley ‘53 Olivia Seymour ‘14 Madeline Shantz ‘19 William Shelton ‘55 Lindsay Stavnes ‘98 Rev. Cecily Stoddard Stranahan ‘47 Lee Streett ‘51 John Richard Turner ‘48
Parents of Alum
Robert and Deborah Colantuoni Paul and Ellen Greenburg Sandy and Kate Haviland Stephen and Gina Jones Robert and Sharon Kelly Barry and Leslie (Miller) Kresch Tim and Alisyn (Camerota) Lewis David and Sharon Mack Karl and Lynn Martone Michael and Alison (Bevan) McCormick Bruce and Sally McDermott David and Elizabeth McKinnis Brian and Sharon Miles Erin and Ryan Morris Michael and Monica Murray Steven and Joan Panagos Vivian Perez John and Patricia Randolph Scott and Laurie Renzulli Will and Alison Roberts Mark and Loren Rubino Andrew and Andrea Shantz Michael and Karen Speller
Harald and Stephanie Stavnes Alan and Debbie Steckler Stanley and June Topar Jessica Wolf
Faculty & Friends
American Online Giving Foundation Phillip Bettencourt Bridgewater Associates Pamela Brown Janice and Dick Cerone Donald and Janet Christie Craig Drake M.F and Mary Dutro Ryan and Marianna Erenhouse Eleanor and Peter Frechette Steven and Sandra Frost Goldman Sachs Chriss and George Gombos Google Inc. Carlene and Paul Gordon Frank and Jennie Gulden Michael Higgins Intercontinental Exchange Jane T. Muhlethaler Foundation Hay Jones Gerard and Shannon Kavanaugh Lara Kusche Maximilian Kusche Sharon Lauer and Jerry Joseph Maggie and Kerry (Reilly) Lehnerd-Reilly Debbie and Brian Leidlein Lou and Anna Leszczynski MacAllaster Family Foundation Paula Moloney Ralph and Laura (Babala) Money Jacqui and John Mudre Nor’ Easter Foundation David and Amber O’Connell Ann Palm Ned Pearce Laura and Bob Petit Ruth Powell Principal Financial Group Foundation Matt and Gail Smith Mary Ann and Shawn Thomas Harry Tompkins
Catherine Mathis...................................................................................Blythe Tien ‘30 (Grade 2) Constance and James McClellan..................................Jojo Williamson ‘32 (Kindergarten) Brian O’Connor..................................Connor Rosow, Keilan Rosow ‘18, Maggie Rosow ‘22 Patricia O’Hara.............................................................................Olivia Weatherly ‘26 (Grade 6) Anna Panagos-Chandler...............Lily Panagos ‘19, Lola Panagos ‘17, Lucy Panagos ‘16 Philip and Ruth Reed..............................................Ashlee Kirk ‘26 (Grade 6), Ethan Kirk ‘23 Mary Jo Scott.............................................................Alex Renzulli ‘21, Samantha Renzulli ‘18 Alice Stokes.................................................................................Channing Malkin, Steele Malkin Yei Lung and Ying Lan Tien..............................................................Blythe Tien ‘30 (Grade 2) Lucinda White and Thomas Kelley...........................................Graham Kelley ‘28 (Grade 4) Chester Williamson.............................................................Jojo Williamson ‘32(Kindergarten)
To read our school’s 2022-23 Annual Report with details of the progress of our 5-year Strategic Initiatives at https://unquowa.org/annual-report-2023/
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ALUMNI NEWS OUR CONDOLENCES Alexander Gregory Burdo,’11, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 surrounded by family and close friends. He was the beloved son of Gabrielle (Orrico) and Gerry Burdo, and brother to Isabelle and Olivia, all of Southport, CT. Alex was a true friend to many and left an indelible impression on everyone he met. Alex had a deep love and respect for all birds, which he often credited with saving his life and his six years in remission. From the age of ten he wanted to be an ornithologist and could often be seen with binoculars draped around his neck and a bird guide in hand. At thirteen, Alex became the youngest recipient of the 2010 L.L. Bean Outdoor Heroes award for his dedication to the Connecticut Audubon Society. He was a founding member and the first President of the Connecticut Young Birders Association and took part in banding at the Birdcraft Sanctuary in Fairfield. After graduating from Unquowa, Alex went on to Hopkins School and Brown University, graduating in 2020 with an A.B. in Biology with honors and focus in Evolutionary Biology. In May 2020, he broke the record for the most species seen in a town in Connecticut in one day. Those of us who knew Alex during his years here at Unquowa can attest to the fact that he shared his infectious love of birds with his fellow classmates and teachers and was responsible for bringing Project Feederwatch to our school. Attorney Valerie Ann Pochron, ‘92 passed away suddenly on September 9, 2023 in her residence in Marina Del Rey, CA. Valerie was born on December 14, 1977 and was raised in Stratford. After graduating from Unquowa in 1992, Valerie went on to Lauralton Hall and the University of Michigan, where she competed as a Big 10 Diver. After graduating from Quinnipiac School of Law, Valerie began her law practice, serving Doctors’ Associates, Subway, Energizer and Henkel Corporation. Valerie enjoyed skiing, cycling, all outdoor activities, and traveling the world, but mostly cherished her various groups of friends.
We always love to see our Alums at Founders’ Day!
This past August, Betty Corso, mother of Christina Corso ‘89 and Christopher Corso ‘92, stopped by Sunrise Senior Living in Fairfield to visit with her friend Ruth Powell to catch up on their lives. Ruth and Betty have been friends since Ruth taught Betty’s children here at Unquowa. Following Ruth’s retirement from Unquowa, she also served as a member of the Unquowa Board of Governors. Betty reports that she and Ruth had a great visit reminiscing about their days at Unquowa and catching up on their lives since then. Many thanks to them both for the sweet photo.
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