Villa Academy 2018-19 Annual Report

2018-19 annual report

This is

High te ch

dear friends, 2018-19 annual report On the Cover A close up of materials used by students in Villa’s MakerSpace to create technology.

The Villa Annual Report is published once yearly as a review of past school year highlights as well as an acknowledgment of our generous investors. It is sent to current and alumni families, grandparents, and friends, including colleagues at other schools and organizations.

Editor Joan Hudson, Director of Marketing & Communications jhudson@thevilla.org Design/Production Christa Fleming Design

Inclusion and Diversity Villa Academy stands for the respect of all human dignity, in the spirit of our founder, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. At the root of all community experiences is our Catholic tradition of faith-centered justice; teachers and students commit to affirm the importance of diversity and inclusion in order to expand our communal vision of a more just world.

Villa Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations and does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, national origin, marital status, or disability.

Villa’s learning environment is dynamic.

It’s fueled by educators who are lifelong learners themselves as evidenced by the number of advanced degrees attained (and in process) and by the 800 hours of yearly professional development completed. Along with professional development, I believe that our faculty consistently demonstrate additional qualities that make for such a rich learning atmosphere.

•A culture of continual improvement predominates here. Our faculty don’t rely on the same teaching methods or lesson plans year after year. In fact, I see teachers with 20+ years at Villa seek to learn as eagerly as those in the earlier stages of their careers.

•V illa teachers take risks and try alternatives. In the process, they model for their students both the persistence and resilience necessary for success.

Basing what they do upon rigorous standards, assessment, and best practice, our teachers embrace innovation and change.

• I ’m proud that our faculty support each other in their growth. A true spirit of collaboration prevails where they question, research, share, and plan—together. Teachers here don’t operate as soloists in their classrooms.

As a result, our students benefit from a richer learning environment where the “sum is bigger than its parts.”

•V illa teachers truly know their kids, as evidenced by the degree of individual team and cross-divisional work, grade-level meetings about students, participation in class placements, and active partnership with parents.

In sum, Villa students are at the center of all we do. Each and every day, I observe the deep investment our faculty make in their students, meeting them where they are and guiding, challenging, and supporting them to become their best: as scholars and young people of character.

Sincerely,

John K. Milroy Head of School

“The maker movement isn’t just about making for making’s sake, it’s about understanding and practicing innovation.

With that at its heart, it deserves the attention it’s gaining in education.”

—Andrew Kim, manager, Steelcase Workspace Futures group

a l l i V e Th e c a p s r e k Ma In a collaboration with Steelcase and Open Square, leaders in educationspace design, Villa’s MakerSpace was carefully created to be: inspiring Bright colors and comfortable furnishings stimulate creativity flexible Teachers and learners can configure the space to meet their needs conducive to “mess” Large work surfaces enable materials to be spread out, helping students to share ideas and possibilities. body aware Kids can sit, stand, bend, and roam — physical movement influences the creative process plugged in Electronic devices and tech tools are easily accessible

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Tinker , Design, Innovate:

CREATING TECHNOLOGY

By Teri Rutledge, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

MakerSpaces are at the heart of Villa’s STEM program with the goal of providing our students with an integrated, challenging program that will prepare them for careers in STEM fields. Growth in STEM fields are currently outpacing all other industries with median earnings, double that of other jobs in our state.

Collaborating in teams, learning comes alive as students build a solution to a math challenge.

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authentic learning means that students are: • Learning by doing in the MakerSpace instead of listening and watching!

• Involved in planning and executing their own projects • Collaborating with another—building trust and navigating conflicts as they solve problems • Designing real solutions to real problems • Generating their own hypotheses and test solutions through inquiry • Accessing higher levels of thinking: analyzing, evaluating and creating rather than simply remembering and understanding

challenging academics While it’s common to think of technology class taking place in labs in front of computers and screens, MakerSpaces are gaining prominence because they offer students a chance to work on important engineering and computer science skills through hands-on learning with a variety of materials. In Villa’s new MakerSpace, students actively engage in problem solving and design thinking. Collaborating with others, they create and revise prototypes, then demonstrate their knowledge by presenting their projects and creations to others. From building shadow boxes and puppet theaters, to programming robots or designing fashion with sewn-in LED light circuits, students are exploring new technologies and new solutions.

Our MakerSpace curriculum is aligned to multiple sets of challenging academic standards including: • Next Generation Science Standards — engineering standards for all grades • International Society for Technology in Education standards

creativity and fun • Student focus increases when they are allowed to move, play and engage with their peers • Student imagination fuels projects and creativity is an emphasis • The power of play is harnessed as an important learning tool

This student centered, hands on approach also helps them to develop emotional resilience when something they build doesn’t work properly and they have to start over. During the process, many of the 21st Century Skills that Villa emphasizes come into play in the collaborative process: building trust, resolving conflicts, supporting each other, implementing decisions, modifying an idea to achieve a common goal, and sharing credit. While these are sometimes called “soft skills,” they are crucial.

The Association of American Colleges & Universities conducted surveys of business leaders which indicated that employers say graduates’ abilities to be creative, work well in teams, and communicate clearly are more important than field-specific knowledge.

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r e w Po g n i t s a c Pod

The

of

Students review their script as they prepare a weekly podcast.

Kim Alessi joined Villa in 2015 as the Educational Technology Specialist. Her role is to thoughtfully integrate a wide variety of technology across the K-8 curriculum. We sat down with her to learn more about our 2nd graders’ experience as podcasters.

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“Podcasts allow students to practice reading fluency, review new concepts they have learned throughout the week, share those concepts with their parents, and work with a variety of peer partners. We listen to the finished podcasts as a class which builds a positive sense of community in the classroom.” —Heather Casper, 2nd grade teacher Why is podcasting so popular?

Podcasting is relatively affordable to produce, requiring only a decent microphone, a digital audio recording application on a laptop, computer, or mobile device, and a quiet recording space with some sound blocking/ dampening. There are 50 million podcast listeners every month on every conceivable subject!

How did Villa podcasts come about?

My job is to help students transform their learning experience as well as equipping teachers with powerful tools to help enhance their instruction.

When I proposed the idea of student podcasting, second grade teachers Heather Casper and Robert Downey jumped on the idea. It’s been a hallmark of second grade ever since.

Kim Alessi with 2nd grade team, Robert Downey and Heather Casper

About Kim Alessi

What learning emerges from students’ podcasting experience?

Kim has been creating a variety of audio projects including podcasts, audio diaries, contemporary radio dramas, oral histories, radio journalism, soundscapes, and music, with students and teachers for over 25 years. She has a Master in Music degree (M. Mus.) in Music Technology from New York University, is a long-time performing musician, a consultant with Apple Computer on GarageBand, and an artist-in-residence and teacher-trainer for numerous Puget Sound-area organizations including MoPop, The Creative Advantage, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, Seattle International Children’s Festival, and Smithsonian Global Sounds.

Students learn a variety of technology skills including basic acoustics and audiology, how electricity and microphones work, effective microphone techniques, digital multitrack recording, and sound design. Also, as budding audio engineers, podcasting and digital multitrack recording allows students to see sound: a unique experience that presents the layering, placement, and timing of sounds in a visual way. They also learn a host of English Language Arts skills and the opportunity to present information through a unique media and format.

What also emerges from our podcasters is a strong sense of accomplishment and pride — each student writes, speaks, engineers, and shares their professional-quality audio recording. It gives every student a voice in high-fidelity that can be shared and preserved through time.

Teachers Amy Calomeni and Sean Lee are incorporating podcasting into their 6th grade humanities program.

Students share personal narratives, non-fiction and creative works, and social justice issues through podcasts.

The class will travel to the studios of KUOW 94.9 FM, hear from pros, and learn about KUOW’s signature youth broadcasting program, RadioActive.

Why second graders?

Second graders are the perfect age to combine their burgeoning academic talents —writing and organizational skills, literary fluency, speaking and listening skills — with their characteristic flair, voice, and energy; all to produce engaging and entertaining podcasts. Podcasting takes place in our emerging Media Arts Studio, currently outfitted with a dual-channel microphone pre-amplifier, two portable sound baffles, two Shure SM-58 microphones, and our Green Screen.

What do students like about podcasting?

Everything! Writing their scripts and rehearsing with peers, learning microphone and digital multitrack recording techniques, co-engineering their recording sessions, and of course picking out sound effects to sweeten their tracks along with the classic Joke-of-the-Week!

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Thinking Like Scientists Patrick Marti and Martin Lindenmeyer agree: they want students to think like scientists.

“ [It’s important for students to] apply science in a hands on way, solve real life problems, and demonstrate teamwork and leadership [in the process.]”

—Dr. Patrick Marti, Middle School Science Teacher

Villa students engage with the marine environment through Salish Sea Expeditions, producing creative and quality scientific investigations.

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In their first year as Villa’s new middle school science teachers, Patrick and Martin began collaborating on a redesign of Villa’s middle school science program.

With backgrounds that complement each other and also dovetail with the school’s needs, they are well equipped to make a difference.

Patrick studied chemical and biomolecular engineering at Johns Hopkins, then earned a fellowship to Cambridge University where he completed his PhD in natural sciences. Martin’s BS in Education from the University of Oregon, with its emphasis on outdoor education, was tailor-made for Villa’s 31 acre campus.

After teaching science to middle school youth in inner city London as a volunteer, and through working with students in Jamaica and Zambia during his time in the Peace Corps, Patrick decided against becoming a college professor. “I wanted to inspire and empower youth to use science to make a difference in our world,” he says.

Martin began teaching environmental science to 6th graders as a high school volunteer through Oregon’s Outdoor School Program, leading to a staff position after college. He subsequently joined Nature Bridge in Olympic National Park as an Environmental Science Educator, and before joining Villa, served as a 5th grade lead science teacher in New York.

Key to a curriculum redesign has been the incorporation of Next Generation Science Standards.

“The NGSS is internationally benchmarked,” says Martin, “it’s like a global set of skills that are valued in scientists. Students are learning cognitive skills rather than memorizing facts.” From life science in 6th grade, to earth science in 7th grade, to physics and chemistry in 8th grade, Patrick adds that it’s important for students to “apply science in a hands on way, solve real life problems, and demonstrate teamwork and leadership” in the process.

Villa’s “unique setting provides opportunities to do science outdoors. Last year we did 20 lessons on our amazing campus,” notes Patrick. Among them, students have studied campus ecosystems, gathered data on organisms from the garden, and taken water samples from our Lake Washington waterfront to study under microscopes. Learning also went beyond the campus last year with Salish Sea Expeditions, allowing students to connect with the marine environment through boat-based scientific inquiry.

In making science come alive for students, “applying what we do in class to real life, and making it personal, is a powerful tool for investment,” says Martin, “it’s also more fun to teach. It’s a win-win for us and for the kids.”

“ [A]pplying what we do in class to real life, and making it personal, is a powerful tool for investment.”

—Martin Lindenmeyer, Middle School Science Teacher

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Celebrating A smile and wave from Jody on the first day of her last school year at Villa Academy.

On May 1st, 2019, we celebrated the 38 years of Lower School Director Jody Elsner’s faithful service to Villa Academy with a special celebration in her honor.

She touched the lives of thousands of students and parents, hundreds of colleagues, and several school heads— including me. I consider myself most fortunate to have had Jody Elsner on staff when I arrived at Villa in 2011. Like so many others (perhaps more than most) I have benefited greatly from Jody’s presence at Villa.

Jody epitomized all that is good and special about Villa Academy. More accurately, in large part, Villa is good and special today because of Jody Elsner. She was a passionate and thoughtful 3rd and 5th grade classroom teacher from 1981 through 2003; a gifted administrator serving as Lower School Director from 2003 to the present, including one year as Interim Head of School in 2010; and a mentor and dedicated friend to her colleagues.

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Jod y Elsner

By John Milroy, Head of School

In announcing Jody’s anticipated retirement earlier in the year, I shared a quote with the Villa community from “The Road to Character”, by New York Times columnist and author, David Brooks, that is so applicable to my friend, Jody: “About once a month I run across a person who radiates an inner light. These people can be in any walk of life. They seem deeply good. They listen well. They make you feel funny and valued.

You often catch them looking after other people and as they do so their laugh is musical and their manner is infused with gratitude.

They are not thinking about what wonderful work they are doing.

They are not thinking about themselves at all.”

Being a Catholic School educator hasn’t been Jody’s job for over 40 years, it’s been her vocation. In 2016, her uncommon service to the Villa Academy community was recognized when she was presented with the first Villa Academy New Founders Award, established to recognize exceptional leadership and fidelity to the Mission of Villa Academy. There is no higher compliment than to say that Jody Elsner is someone who truly made a difference. It was evidenced that evening by the extraordinary number of cards and flowers brought by guests to honor her. After an evening of reminiscing with friends, family, colleagues, and current and alumni parents, we raised our glasses in a champagne toast to thank and congratulate Jody for a job well done!

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What They Did Last Summer: Jessie Argraves (MS Spanish) Through the Northwest Council for Computer Education 2019, Jessie took a week long MakerSpace training intensive to help Villa develop its Middle School MakerSpace program.

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Teri Rutledge (Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment) progressed toward her Ed.M. in Independent School Leadership through Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, with completion anticipated in May, 2021.

Amy Calomeni (6) attended Columbia University’s Teacher’s College Summer Writing Institute, a challenging week of training to support implementation of a new 6th grade writing program.

Ben Draper (Director of Bands) completed his Master’s Degree in Music Education from the American Band College at Central Washington College, and was named last May as the Vice President of the Elliott Bay region of the Washington Music Educators Association.

Erin Flotte (MS math) After months of study last year and passing all sections of the challenging assessment on her first attempt, Erin was awarded National Board Certification, the education field’s “gold standard” of excellence.

Heather Casper (2), Robert Downey (2) , and Kate Ford (1) took a specialized training course in “Wired for Reading,” a linguistics based curriculum Villa implemented to further elevate our primary reading program.

Betsy O’Neil (LS math specialist) and Amy Calomeni, joined a professional learning community focused around all things math. A partnership between Math for Love and the UW Experimental Math Lab, it was a 5-week intensive dive into deepening content knowledge and innovation in the classroom in a variety of ways.

Shea Salyer (LS technology specialist), Chris Thriftwood (3) and Betsy O’Neil attended a three day intensive, “Level Up: Grow Your Makerspace Skills.”

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g ifts TERRI O’DONNELL’S

After a 40 year career at Villa Academy, 6th grade humanities teacher Terri O’Donnell formally retired from teaching in June, 2019. Over the years, she meant so much to so many. There’s no better demonstration of that meaning than to hear the grateful voices of Villa students and parents who have enumerated the gifts of this amazing educator.

Ms. O’Donnell was an inspiring teacher who shaped who I am today. She opened my eyes to the world of photography, sparked my love of writing, and made learning fun.

Ms. O’D has the gifts of warmth and creativity.

She encouraged creativity in students by inspiring them to think deeply about the world.

—Nan Brotherton ’93

—Maddie Hall ’06

generosity. Thank you Ms. O’Donnell for generously sharing your gifts of compassion, patience, faith and experience not only with my son, but also with me. I am so grateful for our conversations, and that you were a positive and influential part of both our lives.

—The Sorensens (Grant ’14) Thank you for giving us the gift of curiosity in the classroom and beyond. You foster an environment that encourages students to explore and find a love for learning.

—Claire Capeloto ’11

Ms. O’Donnell’s pure love and dedication are entirely for the well-being and learning of her students. I have many fond memories and always appreciated the extra mile she went for me as a student.

—Stuart Tenney ’98

Ms. O’Donnell, you yourself are a gift! The Villa community has had the great fortune to have you as a teacher. You are teaching my daughter with the same love and enthusiasm that I felt when I was one of your students.

Ms. O’Donnell’s Gifts to her students are empathy, tolerance, inspiration and attentiveness.

She had such great insight into my daughter and really focused on how to keep her inspired and included in classroom discussions.

—Tammy Taylor-Raden (Jenna ’17) I remember Terri as a fun, interesting, caring, and effective educator. I credit Mrs. O’Donnell as the source of my interest and ability in writing, a disappearing skill in the world that has served me well professionally and personally.

—Matt McGinnis ’83

—Tara (Yogi) Raymond ’91 (Tessa ’21)

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Our Campus a Villa’s three, fours, and fives participate each week in Forest School, an amazing in-depth nature experience for our youngest students.

Part of our 31 acre campus, the Villa Forest is intentionally underdeveloped, and rich with old growth trees, native plants, and the habitat niches of mammals, insects and birds. Forest School mixes the open-ended play of nature schools with educating children about Pacific Northwest plants and animals throughout the changing seasons.

with their teachers as guides, excited students: •O bserve the late-fall disappearance of ground animals and discover a multitude of winter burrows, followed by the emergence of spring.

• L earn about the services of important trees like Douglas firs and Cedars.

•C onstruct and preserve habitat, leaving creatures undisturbed.

•G row in motor strength, coordination, and balance with long hikes, and climbing irregular terrain.

• B ond socially as fellow playmates and adventurers, being safe and taking care of each other “in the wild.”

•D evelop resilience and self-reliance when there is a literal or figurative “bump in the road.”

A few years ago, teacher Christine D’Ambrosio began sharing her passion for, and knowledge of, the abundant natural life of the Villa campus with her three yearold preschool students by taking them outdoors to explore and learn.

“Forest School,” as it is now known, has grown through Christine’s efforts to become a weekly part of the Villa curriculum for all levels of preschool.

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as Classroom it’s for the birds

Our 3rd graders partnered with the Audubon Society last spring on an in depth study of Villa’s avian wildlife to include species identification, life cycle, and habitat threats. Their study culminated with Birds’ Day: an outdoor festival attended by schoolmates, family and friends. Students created and led all elements of the event as a demonstration of their knowledge: bird-focused games and activities, bird walks on Villa’s campus, and displays of innovative projects addressing problems facing birds in our community. They also shared an informative field guide for identification of the local avian population, with each student contributing an entry about their particular bird of focus.

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Viking victories 2018-19

What a Kick: Viking Girls are 2018 Soccer Champs Villa’s middle school girls’ soccer continues to be a powerhouse. Under the guidance of parent coaches Grant Kauno and Aaron Nettles, it was Villa’s 6th grade team that claimed victory last fall, winning the CYO Championship after defeating ASB 3-2 in the finals.

Viking Boys Baseball: Undefeated!

Villa’s 7th-8th grade boys’ baseball team had a stellar season, emerging undefeated with their CYO championship win last spring 7-3 over ASB. Along with players from St. Catherine and Lady of the Lake who completed the roster, the team was coached by Villa parents Bill Colleran and Mike Fridgen.

Triple Awards for Villa Musicians At last spring’s Music in the Parks Festival held at Wild Waves, Villa’s Concert Band and Wind Ensemble took home trophies in their respective categories; the former placing 1st in the Elementary School Division and the latter placing 2nd in the Middle School Division. The Villa bands also won the “Esprit de Corps” award, which honors the school with the best overall spirit, manners, and good citizenship.

Girls Volleyball: They’re Number One Viking 8th grade girls volleyball team, coached

by Villa Parent Amy Watson, took first place at the CYO AA Volleyball Championship after an undefeated season, besting St. Anne in 2 games after a very tough semifinal against St. Pius X.

Speech Team Medals Maggie O’Shea, Maggie Erickson, and Mark Mumford took home medals at the annual Middle School Speech Tournament held at St. Vincent de Paul School.

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Smooth Moves in Chess Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, chess champions Kevin Lu (8) and Gabriel Alexander (7) helped Villa place first at the Chess4Life Bothell Tournament.

School Snapshots

Building Enhancements Generous donors to 2018’s Auction Fund-a-Need enabled much needed improvements to our cafeteria: Lively color, brighter lighting, new lunch tables, custom cabinetry, sound mitigation, and more.

Villa Tradition With December comes “Illuminata,” a Christmas celebration attended by hundreds.

Villa families enjoy a music concert, cookies and cocoa, crafts sold by 7th grade entrepreneurs, and of course, visits with our very own Santa-inResidence, Head of School, John Milroy.

Looking Ahead Villa 5th Graders model their Class of 2022 T-shirts after participating in “Jump Up to Middle School,” a special event that previews what’s ahead for them as 6th graders and beyond.

Performing Art Middle School actors Cleia Yunidardi as Mary Poppins and Mark Mumford as Bert the chimney sweep, led a huge cast of lower and middle school students in last May’s production of Mary Poppins, Jr. I think we can all agree: it was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Community Service It’s a 6th grade tradition: planning, organizing and promoting a yearly school-wide Thanksgiving Food Drive benefiting St. Vincent de Paul. The St. Vinney’s truck was stocked full of non-perishable items for families in need donated by the generous Villa community.

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Honors 2019

for the class of

Joe Colleran, Cole Hayes, Caden Lawlor, and Nico Olivar were accepted with honors to Seattle Prep, through their academics, leadership, spirituality, and/or service learning.

8th Grade School Awards Kevin Lu Villa Academy Mission Award: Given to a student whose academic excellence exemplifies their joy for learning and willingness to challenge themselves.

Kiera Heim Viking of the Year Award: Given to a student whose enthusiasm, school spirit, and leadership enliven our school.

Nikhela Motha de Silva was accepted with Academic Honors to Holy Names Academy, and was also awarded the Kevin, Linda, and Keely Wold ’12 Academic Scholarship.

Maggie Erickson and Nikhela Motha de Silva Christian Spirit Award: Given to a student who models the Cabrinian values of service, compassion and respect for the Villa community.

Nolan Touw, Matthew Tveter, and Spencer Leaf were accepted with honors to Bishop Blanchet High School.

In addition, Nolan was awarded the St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarship, and Matthew the Kevin, Linda, and Henry Wold ’12 Academic Scholarship

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Colin Johnston Lissy Moore Award: Members of the graduating class select the student who best exemplifies late 1997 Villa graduate Lissy Moore’s characteristics of perseverance, tenacity, cheerfulness, courage, gentle spirit, and genuine independence.

Examining Global Challenges the 8th grade culminating project

“Equality and living standards have been appearing frequently in the news, and I’m curious about how groups of people live, think, and act. I find looking into international policies very interesting.” —Madelyn Emery

The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a blueprint for “peace and prosperity for people and the planet which are an urgent call for action,” provide the basis for the 8th grade Culminating Project. As the capstone of middle school, students explore one of the SGDs throughout the year while demonstrating the research, writing, organization, and presentation skills they have refined over their time at Villa.

The Culminating Project is grounded in the humanities—the social, religious, and historical contexts of the SDGs—while also incorporating scientific research and specific social justice issues. Students practice all forms of writing during the process to include expository essays, compare/contrast essays, nonfiction literature analyses, annotated bibliographies, and persuasive formal letters. All of their written work flows into final oral presentations in May, accompanied by detailed slideshows, and in front of evaluative panels of faculty, staff, and parents, with classmates rounding out the audience.

An additional component of the learning process is student expression of the social justice aspects of the SDGs through the arts. Visiting artists Noelle Price (modern dance), Nikki Keenan and Sam V.W. (painting), and Meredith Arena (poetry), guided students as they completed works in their chosen medium.

The Culminating Project year concludes with an evening event for Villa families: students present their projects in an “up close and personal” open house format, followed by a showcase of their artistic creations. According to Middle School Director, James Joseph, “The Culminating Project challenges students to do things they often don’t think they could do. From delving deep into a topic, becoming an ‘expert’ and presenting to an audience, so many students speak about how accomplished they feel. After graduation, they even return and share how the experience prepared them for high school.”

“I really enjoy being outdoors, hiking, biking, and being on the water.

I’ve been wondering what the outdoors will look like in 20, 50, or 100 years from now. A lot will be influenced by how we consume and produce and so I wanted to learn more about that.

—Nikhela Motha de Silva

“In preschool, I had an obsession with static electricity.

I’m still interested in electromagnetism.

This goal is linked to all of the others, so it is extremely important. —Spencer Leaf “I was inspired to learn more about the contaminants in water, water scarcity and how many people are affected and will be affected.”

—Tripp Hunt

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Inspiring them to

Row their

Boats

It all began when Bill Tytus, decided to run away from home when he was twelve.

From front row L to R: Kate Stewart, Kate Brooks, Clare Widzgowski, Kari Rogers, Hannah Diaz, Naomi Ferrero, Sophie Longawa, Noah Pingul, Chaz Royer, Michael Vail

Anticipating trouble for causing a fire hydrant in his neighborhood to flood, he hopped on his bike and made a fast getaway to the Burke Gilman trail where he came upon the legendary George Pocock’s Canoe House. Immediately fascinated, he wanted to be a part of it. George said, “You can stay, but you have to learn to row.” Those words began Tytus’ rowing career and a life journey that found him becoming the owner of Pocock Racing Shells many years later.

Bill’s daughter—and Villa Middle School Humanities teacher—Kate Tytus-Brooks, followed in her dad’s footsteps, rowing in high school, then at Boston College, and coaching teams for both Lakeside and Gonzaga University. Over the years she’s continued to compete through the Lake Washington Rowing Club. While a busy Villa teacher, she’s also involved at Pocock, managing all charitable outreach for the business.

When asked why so many Villa alums from the class of 2015 took up rowing, she replied that it could be that, “rowing appeals to people who haven’t found ‘their’ sport yet. It’s also the only sport you can start as late as high school but be able to progress to the Olympic Games.” She adds, “I was always so interested in rowing and simply talked about it a lot.” On the practical side, Kate credits a faithful group of moms who formed a carpool to take their kids to practice.

During high school, Hannah Diaz, Naomi Ferrero, Sophie Longawa, Kari Rogers, and Clare Widzgowski, rowed for Holy Names Academy. Noah Pingul, Chaz Royer, Kate Stewart, and Michael Vail were on the Pocock Rowing Center crew. Says Pocock coach, Alex Mann, “Michael was team captain and they all were the best leaders I’ve worked with in my ten years of coaching, and all were in top boats at the U.S. Rowing Youth National championships.”

Kate and her fellow teachers should be proud to know that, according to Alex, his team “spoke very fondly of their time together at school. Villa set an amazing foundation for service, thoughtfulness, and academics.”

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Continuing Their Rowing Careers

Hannah Diaz

princeton university

Naomi Ferrero

boston university

Sophie Longawa mit

Noah Pingul

st. joseph’s university

Michael Vail

st. andrews, scotland

Clare Widgowski usc

Alumni

Each year, we invite our alumni who are graduating from high school back to campus for a reunion. We are proud of the Villa Academy class of 2015 and the role Villa has played in their educational development.

Among the colleges they are attending include:

HIGH ACHIEVERS 2019 valedictorians from Holy Names Academy included four Villa alumni from the Class of 2015: Olivia Acarregui, Hannah Diaz, Allison McGinnis and Kari Rogers. Salutatorians from the same Villa class included Sophie Longawa and Clare Widzgowski. Both Hannah and Sophie were also National Merit Finalists.

Alum Spotlight: Pursuing His Art

Boston College Boston University California Polytechnic State University Carnegie Mellon University Gonzaga University Loyola Chicago Massachusetts Institute of Technology Northwestern University Occidental College Princeton University Santa Clara University Swarthmore College University of Edinburgh University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Southern California University of St. Andrews U.S.Naval Academy Washington State University

Stephen Moreau ’13 recently graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in Los Angeles. He first found his way to the stage at Villa Academy where he performed in many productions over the years. The encouragement and support from everyone at Villa empowered him to continue with musical theater and drama productions in Seattle and then on to LA and the AADA. Faculty member Joe J. Garcia said about Stephen during his AADA years, “His zest for life, compassion and positive outlook translates into everything he does...on stage and off. Truly an inspiration to everyone’s life that he touches.”

When asked what he loved about Villa, Stephen said, “It was the best! I think Villa was like a family. We spent all those years together, growing up and going through similar experiences with teachers who truly cared about our success.”

Stephen has signed with an agency and is continuing his education in LA. Perhaps his first “director’s notes” were the words of Mother Cabrini, “Pay attention and work hard, and don’t complain too much.” He brings the values of Villa to every audition, interview and performance.

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You Help Us Shine 2018-19 board of trustees

2018-19 financials

President: Tim Dunley Vice-President: Angela Finney Treasurer: Martsi Stuart Secretary: Sachia Powell Chris Allen Catherine Bursiek Stacey Cooper Tony DeSapio Truwyn Diaz Mike Emery Jenifer Falcon Don Heisler

Total Budget: $9,970,172

Dani Holland Todd Jablonski Brad Merlino Suhanthie Motha Yvette Moy Sanjay Parikh Kelli Smith-Bailey Liz Swift Jim Thorpe Brian Vath John Milroy, ex-officio

2018-19 parent association officers President: Kate Allen Vice President: Jenny Siebert Treasurer: Tonya Shum Secretary: Kelsey Singleton Pres ex-officio: Hillary McLaughlin

Revenue Operating Support: 90.24% Contributions: 6.88% Other Income: 2.89% Expenses Instructional: 67.84% General & Admin: 25.65% Student Activities: 6.49%

7+3+90 26+6+68

Along with those parents in leadership roles, we acknowledge and thank all those who support the Villa Community with their time and talent in so many ways, serving as: members of six board and eleven VPA committees, athletic coaches, lunch servers, field trip drivers, room representatives, new family hosts, admission tour conductors, theater production assistants, open house volunteers, and more. We couldn’t do it without you!

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villa academy 2018-19 annual report

99% Participation $95,628 VillaNOW Day

leadership Chairs: Andy & Rosie Snodgrass

grade level council Catherine Bursiek Molly Brown Susan Burwick Kathleen Colleran Delaney Dechant Martinique Grigg

Donations

$394,253 Total Raised leadership Chairs: Elaine Glant, Christina Fitzpatrick, Robin Waterman

400 Guests $379,599 Raised

“We had a wonderful time as VillaNOW chairs and particularly enjoyed meeting so many new friends. You showed so much enthusiasm, good will, and generosity.

We hope everyone realizes how their support directly impacts the quality of a Villa education.”

Jenny Hurst Jamie Kreshock KK McGuire Mildred Medina Jennifer Peyree Christine Schell

“Villa is such a special place and we’ve been reminded of that repeatedly throughout the auction process.

This was truly about team, and we are so grateful for the dedication, support and encouragement we encountered along the way.”

Sponsorship: Mandy Washburn Procurement: Dani Holland Dessert Dash: Joanne Lee Class Projects: Alison Ehrlichman & Melissa Oseran Decorations: Jenny Porter Communications: Erin McGee Photography: Nan Jackson & Joanne Lee Hospitality: Jenny Seibert Support: Shannon Hermsen & Lisa Schroeder

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2018-19 donors

Making

an

Impact

faculty & instructional excellence financial aid campus stewardship athletics extracurriculars area of greatest need

VillaNOW

Annual Giving cabrini circle $10,000+ Tim Dunley and Lexi Picard Dunley Gavin and Tari Jancke Rob and Jennifer Peyree James and Kim Thorpe

guardian $5000+ Chris and Kate Allen Matt and Marci Christian Justin and Delaney Dechant Brian Dewey and Molly Brown Nick and Elaine Glant Michel Goraczko and Magda Balazinska Don and Lorelei Heisler Neal and Danielle Holland Melvin and Bethany Johnson Paul and Erin Riley Brad and Amy Scelfo Aaron ’85 and Kelsey Singleton ’87 Mike and Megan Goodrick Slade

benefactor $3,000+ Anonymous David and Trudy Broadus Michael and Catherine Bursiek Patricia and Joseph Cascio Stephen Cheng and Sarah Merriman William and Kathleen Colleran Ryan and Stacey Cooper Darren Dickens and Tina Aniversario David and Holly Dunlap Dan and Staci Foster Jeremy Griffin and Marie Farrelly Collin and Erin Hathaway Ada Healey and Regina Hall Matthew and Shannon Hermsen John and Jennifer Higgins Spencer Hurst and Jennifer Rogers Todd and Julie Jablonski

AJ and Jamie Kreshock Colin and Natalie Lazier Nicholas and Joanne Lee Jeffrey Martin and Rachel Gonzalez Robert Mumford and Angela Finney Paul and Christina Odom Tim and Jennifer Porter Ethan and Christine Schell Gilliat and Lisa Schroeder Sheridan and Sandra Seale Kai-Hon and Tonya Shum Scott and Maureen Smith Andrew and Rosemary Snodgrass Trevor and Martsi Stuart Alan and Michelle Urdan Brian and Julie Vath Steve and Mandy Washburn Charles and Robin Waterman Nino Yuniardi and Titania Limanardja

Rafael and JoAnna Jose Brendan and Maria Kennedy Jonathan Kozolchyk and Sarah Rowe Kean and Claudine Lawlor Yulin Ma and Helen Dong Nicole ’92 and Ray McKinley Robert and Anju Meehan Brad and Erika Merlino Norberg Family Foundation Guru Raj and Sophia Kuziel Stephen Rulyak and Renuka Bhattacharya Geoffrey Smith and Elizabeth Brock Tim Smith and Julie Kestle-Smith Doug & Cathy Tveter Dan and Amy Watson Tom and Lisa Youel

viking $500+

Mark Alcazar and Andrea Burai Alcazar Steve and Alison Aleinikoff ’74 champion $1500+ Kim Alessi Nathan and Ruby Alexander Anonymous Aaron and Aimee Amaral Sam and Katie Barloon Peter Berglund and Jelena Petrovic Berglund Rick Badura and Jeanette Lund Michael and Erin Baranick Jinlong Cheng and Jing Wu Pearl Bautista and Ralph Tafalla Petros and Tristan Christophilis Peter and Claudia Biernacki Sean and Jill Cunningham James and Hilary Bosa Nishan de Silva and Suhanthie Motha Scott and Amanda Brothers Mike Doherty and Eric Akines Kristine Calhoun Jody and Mike Elsner Brian and Maria Card Chris Famy and Alyssa Stephenson-Famy Darren and Katie Cartwright Mark and Christina Fitzpatrick Christopher and Udii Carsley Eric and Pamela French Randall and Sandra Cornwall Hobart and Reiko Fugate Colin and Sasha ’95 Correnti Susan Gaylard and Andrew Donovan Tekla Cunningham and David Sawyer Katharyn Gerlich Jerod and Paige Curley Mark ’84 and Krissy Grey Cassandra Delaune Stephen and Rebecca Grey Patricia Donahoe Jeffrey Hallier and Erin McGee Conor and Megan Donohue Matt and Arlene Hoehnen Michael and Courtney Emery Peter and Trina Hollomon Melissa Fadden Sunny and Chandana Jain Jesse and Jenifer ’83 Falcon Chisholm and Rebecca Jones

John and Katie Feltz Shari Fisher Eric and Jennie Fox Mike and Jenn Fridgen Gary and Faye Gallagher Clint and Mandi George Grant Gilkinson Linda Goodrick Eliot and Martinique Grigg Paul Griggs and Teena Kaalakea Griggs Rick and Susan Hathaway Tia ’91 and Chris Heim Joan Hudson and Bud Baraga Ken and Karen Hunt Joe and Judy Hyatt Stosh and Nan ’93 Jackson Aaron and Beth Joffe Craig Johnston and Tanya Hathaway Kristin ’83 Kenefick Gregory and Justine Kennelly John Lally and Rebecca Randall-Lally Christopher and Julia Landman Brett Larkins and Laura Gladston-Larkins Fred and Tracey Leaf James Leaf and Ying Huang Penelope Lora Ramirez and Gil-Antonio Lora Lie Lu and Jing Wang Zhijun Ma and Yan Huo Kevin and Madeline McCarthy Michael and Andrea Merlino Marco and Tanya Micheletti John and Susan Milroy Darren and Elaine Montgomery Ryan and Marell ’92 Morel Alicia and Tim Morin Yvette Moy Daniel Mueller and Melissa Leone Chris and Kathy Nielsen Mike Nordtvedt and Mildred Medina Sanjay and Neha Parikh Lee and Alison Parsons Larry and Lucille Pasco

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villa academy 2018-19 annual report

Jerrod and Angela Patterson Ted and Kathleen Perkins David and Kristy Petersen Kurt and Lynn Polsley Tom and Janice Powell Kerry Price-Duffy and Mike Duffy Christopher Rafoth and Mondie Peterson Jave and Varonica Ragan James and Sallie Ragsdale Vikram and Ashley Rajagopal Mike and Marion Richards Kurt Roalkvam and Stephanie Baxter Christopher and Jennifer Roberts David and Michelle Rudd Nicholas and Jennifer Seibert Jun Shu and Kai Lan James Shutt and Karen Wong Reed and Elise Simons Kelli Smith-Bailey and Christie Smith David and Betsy Smith Bryce and Erin Snyder Erik and Sarah Soloff David and Jennifer Sorensen Pam Sprute David and Sarah Staiger Kristine Stamper Kevin Steensma and Meghan Szczebak Liz Swift Tim and Teri Traynor

Jeffrey and Zarah Wellhausen Jonathan and Tiffany Werner Michelle Witt and Hans Hoffmeister Gregory Wood and Melissa Robinson Norbert Yee and Gisele Ishak Tod and Gretchen Zickuhr Tracy and Sandy Zickuhr

supporter – up to $499 Jessica Abbott and Eric Mullins Chris and Jill Acker Chris Adams-O’Coyne Maggie ’92 and Greg Adams George and Molly Allen Maryann Aniversario Adam Arabian and Eva Nicholas Jessica Argraves Stacy Aymond Allison and Jack Baber Anthony and Sharon Barr-Jeffrey Genell Bartel Harald and Elizabeth Becker Fred and Amber Beckman Guy and Sabrina Bennett Connor Bentivoglio Becky and Chuck Bocian Tasha Boldon Kealy and Michael Boychuk Kelly Brackett

Gordon and Jackie Bradley Nicolas and Maria Bransier Bart and Margaret Brashers Kate and John Brooks Rev. Frank Brougher Dr. Janet Brougher Justin and Kelvie ’93 Buckley Nick and Susan Burwick Ben and Wakako Byer Ethan and Lisa Caldwell Anthony and Amy Calomeni Melanie Caoile Isabel Carter Heather Casper Molly Caulfield Ionel Ciovnicu and Elizabeth Le Steve and Krista Clark Brad and Kate Clarke Whitney Compton Kelsey Connors Adriano Corsini and Birgit Obrietan Kristy and Cory Cozzetti Ryan Cravy and Amy Fielder-Cravy Christine D’Ambrosio Kirk ’80 and Genevieve Davis Chris Delaune Tony DeSapio Mike and Karrie Diaz Roy and Truwyn Diaz

Robert Downey Ben Draper Tricia Enfield ’87 Ryan Erickson and Dolores Reyes Erin Flotte Marta and Thomas Franzen Regan and Nate Furman Guarav Gautam Selam Gebremanyam Doug and Kristen Glant Michael and Carrie Goetz Nathan and Kessia Goldbloom Heidi Goldsmith and Joe Dries Earl and April Golla Mrs. Janet Goucher Hassan Guyo and Ganame Halake Benjamin and Lia Halasz Josie Haley Mike and Molly Hanlon Lisa Hatfield Rita Hayes Todd and Kristi Hayes Rudolf Heijden and Lee Kuo Elizabeth Heisler Paul and Alison Herber Allison Hill Dave and Alice Hoehnen Bill Holder Karen and Brian Jones

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James and Ralina Joseph Christine Joulain Neil Kaneshiro and Lila Sueda Lindsay and Chris Kapek Grant Kauno and Shannon Bailie Tom and Leslie Keeney Adam and Jane Kelchlin Leonard and Katherine Kessler Sungcheol Kim and Sarah Jeong Kristofer Larson and Shawna Lydon-Larson Chris Lau and Maisie Wang James Lee and Joice Denend-Lee Kevin and Andrea Lee Nelson Lee and Bethany Mito Josh Lehman ’94 and Melissa Fox Martin Lindenmeyer Joseph Lu and Vivian Liang Solomon Lubinga and Ovia Kemigisha Jacob Lucero Craig and Heidi MacKenzie Patricia Makatura David and Christine Mandley Patrick Marti Christine May Shannon and Shannon McCormack Jonathan and K.K. McGuire Renee McKay Lane and Hillary McLaughlin Tony and Jennifer McNair Todd and Amy Meckling Mitchell Mellors

Cope Miller Bill Miner Stephen A. Moreau ’13 Stephanie ’87 and Chuck Mortimer Krysten L. Mulligan John and Joanna Murray Abigail L. Nelson Aaron and Diane Nettles Anh Nguyen Terri O’Donnell Betsy and Terrance O’Neil Daniel O’Shea and Kathleen Lehman Adrianna Obregon Hernando Olivar and Nathalia Jiménez Melissa and David Oseran Don Padelford and Sue Livingstone Cynthia Padilla Samantha Paulsen Brit Pauser Richard Piecora Lawrence Plummer Shannon Portwood David Powell and Sachia Stonefeld Powell Ernie and Jennifer Powers Tuckie and M. Lee Price Kris and Danica Pytte Tara ’91 and Todd Raymond Steven Reinemund and Cristina Gonzalez de Mendoza Ed and Michelle Reis Jennifer Reisinger

Rick Richards Kevin and Sabrina Rinderle Francesca Rogers Gustavo and Alesia Romero Jenny Romischer Anders Rosenquist and Angela Dugan Adam and Autumn Roth Haley Rudolph Teri Rutledge Shea Salyer Cathleen and Dennis Schilling Phyllis Schlosser Julie and Brian Schultz Supriya Sharma Robert and Margaret Siegfried Jennifer Skahen Steven Smith Christopher and Tina Sorensen Jason ’91 and Vanessa Stoner Karen Strand Meredith Sullivan Mike and Robbin Sullivan Daniel Susanto and Venina Tandela Bob and Karen Swartley James and Robin Tarte Anne and Tom Terry Courtney and Lisa Touw Filip and Andrea Turcer Haley Ure John and Sandy Valko Michelle Valko

Susie Van Den Ameele Michael and Donna Van Zuylen James Vasquez and Anne Schlosser Laura Walker Scott Warden and Heather Brandling-Bennett Michael and Nancy Watt David Wellnitz Kirby and Alison Winfield Cynthia and Kevin Wright Jyoti and Akhilesh Yadav Selam Zecharias Madison Zimmerman

matching gift organizations Adobe Systems, Inc. Charities Aid Foundation of America Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Nordstrom Matching Gifts Boeing Gift Matching Program U.S. Bank Matching Gifts Betcher Family Foundation Cigna Foundation Dell Giving Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. Riley & Nancy Pleas Family Foundation The Seattle Foundation United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Wells Fargo – Seattle Metropolitan

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villa academy 2018-19 annual report

Auction

Fund-a-Need

2019 Donors 10,000+ Gary and Karla Waterman

$5,000+ Nick and Elaine Glant Jack and Alex McMillan Paul and Christina Odom Rob and Jennifer Peyree

$2,000+ Darren Dickens and Tina Aniversario Tim Dunley and Lexi Picard Dunley Eliot and Martinique Grigg Spencer Hurst and Jennifer Rogers Mike and Megan Goodrick Slade Charlie and Robin Waterman

$1,000+ Chris and Jill Acker Michael and Erin Baranick Patricia and Joseph Cascio Stephen Cheng and Sarah Merriman Matt and Marci Christian Brian Dewey and Molly Brown Mike Doherty and Eric Akines

Matthew and Alison Ehrlichman Mark and Christina Fitzpatrick Susan Gaylard and Andrew Donovan Mark ’84 and Krissy Grey Jeffrey Hallier and Erin McGee Collin and Erin Hathaway Don and Lorelei Heisler Matthew and Shannon Hermsen Christopher and Julia Landman Kevin and Madeline McCarthy Ted and Kathleen Perkins Tim and Jennifer Porter Brad and Amy Scelfo Gilliat and Lisa Schroeder Aaron ’85 and Kelsey Singleton ’87 Trevor and Martsi Stuart

$500+ Chris and Kate Allen Guy and Sabrina Bennett James and Hilary Bosa Michael and Catherine Bursiek Anthony and Amy Calomeni Darren and Katie Cartwright Jinlong Cheng and Jing Wu Jody and Mike Elsner Eric and Pamela French Earl and April Golla Neal and Danielle Holland Peter and Trina Hollomon

Gregory and Justine Kennelly Jonathan Kozolchyk and Sarah Rowe John Lally and Rebecca Randall-Lally Chris Lau and Maisie Wang Brad and Erika Merlino John and Susan Milroy Ryan and Marell ’92 Morel Robert Mumford and Angela Finney Melissa and David Oseran Sanjay and Neha Parikh Jave and Varonica Ragan Vikram and Ashley Rajagopal Tara ’91 and Todd Raymond Gustavo and Alesia Romero James Shutt and Karen Wong Reed and Elise Simons Dan and Amy Watson Jeffrey and Zarah Wellhausen Jonathan and Tiffany Werner

Heidi Goldsmith and Joe Dries Rita Hayes Rudolf Heijden and Lee Kuo Tia ’91 and Chris Heim Joan Hudson and Bud Baraga Stosh and Nan ’93 Jackson Karen and Brian Jones Matthew and Samantha Konsmo Josh Lehman ’94 and Melissa Fox Shannon and Shannon McCormack Aaron and Diane Nettles Hernando Olivar and Nathalia Jiménez David Powell and Sachia Stonefeld Powell Mike and Marion Richards Nicholas and Jennifer Seibert Robert and Margaret Siegfried Andrew and Rosemary Snodgrass David and Sarah Staiger James Vasquez and Anne Schlosser

up to $499 Maggie ’92 and Greg Adams Adam Arabian and Eva Nicholas Ben and Wakako Byer Christopher and Udii Carsley Tekla Cunningham and David Sawyer Jerod and Paige Curley Cassandra Delaune David and Holly Dunlap Ben Gaffney and Stacey Fitzpatrick

This Annual Report acknowledges gifts received between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. If you notice an error or omission in these lists, please contact the Development Office at development@thevilla.org.

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5001 NE 50th St. Seattle, WA 98105 206-524-8885

thevilla.org

2018-19 annual report

2019: a great summer for villa ventures

62

741

camps to choose from

registrations

13

10

Villa teacherproduced offerings

camper-represented schools

800

105

Villa Ventures staff hours

middle school service hours

1,000 photos taken

100s of smiles produced