Message
The
FACEBOOK:
Art of Education Strategies for Developing Wise Thinkers Creating 1,000 Cranes The Willows Origami Crane Project How Do You Develop Strong Moral Fiber?
The
@willowscommschool
WISDOM thewillowsblog.wordpress.com/
from Lisa Rosenstein Head of School Wisdom
TWITTER: @WillowsSchool
The
Wise and Growing An Ongoing Endeavor
Being
Willows Lower School 15 Things You Might Not Know Wise Thinkers = Wise Decisions Programs & Curriculum That Encourages Wise, Sound Decisions
Wisdom of Sharing Knowledge
OF THE WILLOWS BLOG:
INSTAGRAM:
The
THE WILLOWS summer 2022 2726242221201816141210986421
The
Wisdom of Our Teachers Creative Classroom Strategies Lead to Deep Learning
WEBSITE: www.thewillows.org
The Willows Community School
Willows Sharing Wisdom with Our Extended Communities Notes From the Camp Bunk A Guide For First Time Campers From A Camper Willows 7th Grade Student Eden Martin Shares Her Wisdom as a Camper Grandparents & Special Friends Festival Our Experiences Lead to Wisdom Sharing Our Wisdom as Mentors and Colleagues Alumni Spotlight Isis Ginyard, Class of 2019 Alumni News • Happenings • In Brief
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Ideas@The
The Willows is committed to a balanced yet demanding progressive curriculum rooted in experiential learning and social values. We teach and model a zest for learning and the courage to take risks. We challenge children to challenge themselves and set high standards for academic excellence, which they pursue with energy and joy. We nurture a sense of compassion and community that begins at home, reinforcing what it means to be a respectful, involved citizen-of-the-world. We believe that great minds grow in a near-infinite variety of ways. In the spirit of the willow tree itself, our “great minds” are flexible, resilient, and beautiful at every stage of development.
Willows Online
wisdom
MESSAGE FROM LISA ROSENSTEIN, HEAD OF SCHOOL
e acknowledge that each student brings a “great mind” to our school
“We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.”
ready to explore and eager to learn. Our mission is to grow, stretch, and illuminate that mind instilling a love of learning, self-knowledge, and understanding of others. Wisdom is not inherent; it is acquired and developed through experience. In addition to building a solid foundation of skills and academic prowess, we want Willows students to be discerning, to listen carefully to others, to synthesize information, to discover, to reflect, and ultimately to make wise decisions.
Questioning and listening are skills at the heart of our educational program and fundamentals for a growth mindset. Voltaire, a French writer in the 1600’s, wrote, “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” Listening to others is essential to gaining wisdom and understanding others. We encourage our students to listen closely and to question. Our teachers continually ask them, “how do you listen?” and “what questions are you asking?” Listening and questioning lead to developing empathy. Empathy follows knowing yourself. It is a key to acquiring wisdom. Our multicultural curriculum and extracurriculars, our emphasis on social emotional development using the RULER approach, and our community culture of interpersonal connections and collaboration enable our students to grow in their knowledge and understanding of others. They learn about other backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Through a culture of inclusion and empathy, our students acknowledge and appreciate other viewpoints and individual differences.
W
Marcel Proust French Novelist
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom,” stated the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle centuries ago. We consider that wisdom starts with you–with the individual. We strive to help our students find their unique voice and passions, to learn to express themselves confidently, and to become capable contributors to the world around them. A large part of preparing students for the road ahead is teaching children to know and challenge themselves. If they do fail, to keep going courageously with resilience and flexibility. Embracing the developmental concept that the self may change over time, also allows our children to not have a fixed mentality but to have a growth mindset that expands thought.
The development of wisdom is a lifetime journey of understanding both yourself and others, which starts at the youngest age. Keeping the goal of wisdom in mind expands our educational program and helps our students see themselves as strong, unlimited individuals, sound decision makers, integral members of a nurturing community, and productive contributors to the world around them.
Lisa Rosenstein Head of School The Willows Community School
The journey to gain wisdom is ongoing and essential to the true education of a student. Great minds, character, and wisdom grow here at The Willows.
WISDOM 1
ow do they accomplish this? Through reflection and listening. They collaborate to create an ideal environment and experience that ensures growth for each student as they move from grade to grade. They share knowledge and discoveries, reflect on curriculum, and listen to their students.
THE Wisdom OF OUR TEACHERS
OUR ADMINISTRATION ALSO LISTENS CAREFULLY TO OUR FACULTY RELYING ON THEIR FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCES IN THE CLASSROOM.
“We are encouraged to reflect and examine our lessons and classroom practices,” says Lower School teacher, Lily Solomon.. “However, most importantly we are given the autonomy to adjust our curriculum and teach in a way that offers the best results in our classroom and promotes the growth of each student.”
Listening, reflecting, mentoring, continued learning, and collaboration increases the wisdom of our teachers and bolsters our exceptional educational program. As Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese American writer and poet, writes, “The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”
“A wonderful example of the intuitive knowledge of our teachers occurred in our kindergarten classes this past fall,” relates Lisa Rosenstein, Head of School. “After a year and a half dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity to limit the involvement of our parents on our campus, our teachers empathized with both students and parents. The kindergarten teachers came to me advocating the need for parent in-person visits to bolster student self-expression. They instinctively knew that the need for students to present and share their accomplishments with their parents was instrumental in student well-being and progress. I listened to their heartfelt conviction, and we made safe, outdoor exhibitions and visits in small groups with parents happen on weekends to meet their needs.”
Willows teachers are talented individuals, who are committed to excellence both in and out of school. They are devoted to making a difference in the lives of their students. Our teachers wisely focus on the unique talents and guide students to discover their passion and potential. They strive to discern and understand student needs and how to assist students to learn in different ways.
Listening to the teachers and capitalizing on their insight into their students has long been a hallmark of a Willows education.
MENTORING AND SHARING WISDOM are also strongly fostered at The Willows. Our teachers are given time at weekly meetings to share their successes and challenges with each other to enhance classroom performance. Our 2 or 3 teachers per classroom ratio allows veteran teachers to mentor less experienced teachers and share their knowledge and skills. In addition, our robust professional development program provides all our faculty with ongoing educational opportunities to discover new teaching, technical, and creative techniques to enhance their teaching practices. Recent professional development includes the Cultural [Mis]Appropriation: Permissions and Honorable Practices for Cultural Ownership in Art Education presented by the National Art Education Association and presented by LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Educator Workshops at the Exploratorium, a public learning laboratory exploring the world through science, art, and human perception; the La Brea Tar Pits Educator Workshop: Evacuation and Discoveries; and EXPLOElevate, a global schools cooperative seminar on Integrated Curriculum.
THE WILLOWS summer 2022 2
REFLECTION ON TEACHING PRACTICES AS INDIVIDUALS AND COLLEAGUES IS ALSO ROUTINELY ENCOURAGED AND RESULTS IN EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND OPTIMUM LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. Our faculty routinely practice reflection to understand their students and how they best learn as individuals and as a group. Then, after reflection they are encouraged to present their case for change or affirmation of current teaching practices.
H
Dr. Yvette Jackson, Ed.D, CEO National Urban Alliance for Effective Education, adjunct professor at Teachers College Columbia University, and author of Pedagogy of Confidence spoke to our faculty, staff, parents, and extended Los Angeles community last October on teaching to a child’s strengths, which supports The Willows concept that all children have great minds, ready to grow and eager to learn. Her book, Pedagogy of Confidence, and her work focus on the concept that “all students have an innate desire for engagement, challenge, developing strengths, belonging and feeling valued.” She accentuates 7 high operational practices that culturally responsive pedagogy and equity: identifying and activating student strengths, building relationships, eliciting high intellectual performance, providing enrichment, integrating prerequisites for academic learning, situating learning in the lives of students, and amplifying student voice.
STRENGTHTOTEACHINGACHILD’S
“I first heard Dr. Jackson at a Yale Center for Emotion Intelligence RULER implementation conference,” relates Lisa Rosenstein, Head of School. “I immediately recognized that her concepts supported our educational program and the work that we are continually implementing with our students. I knew that our community needed to hear her message that everyone is innately gifted and has the potential for excellence.”
Our veteran teachers frequently share their experiences and wisdom outside our school in presentations at conferences. An excellent example of this is the collaboration and presentation of 8th grade teacher Brian Tousey and Library Services Director Emeritus Cathy Leverkus at the AISL (American Independent School Librarians) conference in March 2022. Brian and Cathy presented Creating a Sequential Media Literacy Program Understanding and Using Media Wisely to independent school librarians throughout the United States and Canada.
WISDOM
They shared the process, professional development, resources, and curriculum that they developed and adapted to create a schoolwide sequential Media Literacy curriculum for both the classroom and curriculum. Through their cooperation as a history teacher and a librarian, they produced a scope and sequence by grade level, professional development courses, and classroom lesson plans at different grade levels.
3
CREATIVE DEEPSTRATEGIESCLASSROOMLEADTOLEARNING andStudentsConnectExperiences,Synthesize,Analyze,DrawConclusionsResultinginOwnershipofDeepLearning
In conclusion, I think that The Willows Community School should have an after school option to code or 3D print.
“The beauty of the Hummingbird kit is that it inspires deep thinking and problem solving,” explains Doug Klier, Middle School Dean. “The kit builds on a low floor, high ceiling approach creating a K-8 sequence as assignments and expectations become more complicated as a student moves to a higher grade. A beginner can build and program immediately. Through trial and error, mechanical engineering, and software
The final reason is when these kids and young adults get older they will change the world in some kind of way while using coding knowledge to program . . . These kids and young adults might fix the pollution problem and save the coral reefs and sea creatures before they go extinct . . . they might build and program a machine to help humanity fix the global warming problem.
– Xun Kuang, Chinese Confucian Philosopher
In the 3rd Grade, teacher Cooper Ballantine led a maker project with the micro:bit challenging students to further their practice of coding the Micro:bit by adding a new accessory, a servo motor (electronic device and rotary or linear actuator). Students explored the movement of a servo motor and then attached a personally designed piece (the waving hand) to the servo motor’s“Criticalarm.thinking and problem solving were paramount in this project,” explains Cooper. “They needed to follow wiring diagrams to make an operable Micro:bit to servo connection. They used Microsoft MakeCode, a JavaScript code editor for Micro:bit, to work with the servo determining what values would cause the servo to make a waving hand motion. Students were familiar with coding the Micro:bit, but now were asked to think deeply and critically and take their problem solving skills to the next level.”
articulate their ideas. This year, 4th grade students were asked to write and then present a persuasive letter to Lisa Rosenstein, Head of School, on “how to improve the school.” Here is an excerpt written by 4th grade student Tyler K.:
MAKER PROJECTS USING THE HUMMINGBIRD ROBOTICS KIT
In all grades, a Willows education offers substantial autonomy and creative strategies to connect students to their everyday learning. We ask our students to be active participants in their education and provide numerous avenues for them to experience what they are learning. Whether it is a classroom visitor, an integrated creative art or poetry assignment, synthesizing data, or a class room experiment, we provide a variety of ways for students to make enlightening connections with their learning. This leads to a greater understanding. We ask our students to engage, connect, understand–to think deeply andExamplescritically.of this type of classroom engagement can be found throughout the school in subjects ranging from math assignments collecting and analyzing data, to social studies and language arts experiences, to maker projects. Our students are engaged in carefully constructed and scaffolded learning in a DK-8 experience.
adjustments, students are challenged to think critically to achieve their more sophisticated visions.”
The first reason is some kids are interested in coding or 3D printing . . .There’s going to be a lot of students that want to use many different programs.
WRITING PERSUASIVELY
Students in our Lower and Middle School have been creating with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit using the Micro:bit and controller to program and attach motors, lights, and sensors to interact with the environment.
Writing persuasive letters in the 4th grade encourages students to develop logical arguments, express their ideas, problem solve, support and
The Middle School Debate Team builds upon this same persuasive writing and presentation skills as students support a side of an issue in interscholastic competition.
Another reason why this is a good idea is there are a lot of students that want to use many different programs. Some kids might want to code or 3D print in JavaScript. A lot of kids will want to code on Scratch 3 or Scratch Program . . .
During Middle School Intersession, a one-week, multi-age, cross-disciplinary departure from curriculum to study one theme in-depth, students were asked to further their knowledge and skills with the Micro:bit by creating a game using a mechanical part. The result: a mini-golf game using hummingbird.
In each grade, we intentionally design curriculum that takes our students to the next level, building their intellectual, creative, and academic knowledge as they move through our DK-8th grade structure.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
WISDOM 5 Dear Lisa, Do you wish you could use the computer more at school? I would appreciate it if you added a coding opportunity after school.
“A vital step in becoming a deep thinker is asking questions,” states Lisa Rosenstein. “We ask our students to be insightful, to use trial and error with resilience, to vigorously contemplate and reflect, so they take ownership of their learning. This type of inquiry leads to amazing solutions and personal growth preparing students for the road ahead as inquisitive, life-long learners.”
MATH–COLLECTING AND ANALYZING DATA Collection and analysis of data begins in our youngest grades illustrated by a 3rd grade math project. Students counted the different types of blue blocks in the Imagination Playground on the Yard and configured bar graphs to compare the data. In a more sophisticated data analysis, Middle School math students participated in a project to determine the pros and cons of this year’s Middle School late start on Fridays to determine if it should continue. Students asked a series of questions to collect data from fellow students and then in small groups, they examined the same data, analyzed it, and ultimately drew different conclusions according to their group’s interpretation of the data. Both show students engaging in creative projects to answer questions relative to their own daily experience that require critical inquiry and problem solving.
Strategies for Developing wise Thinkers 6
WISDOM
At The Willows, understanding students and how they learn, develop, and thrive best informs our pedagogy and methods of teaching. We approach education as the combination of progressive education balanced with traditional learning methods and new educational technologies and employ all 5 pedagogical approaches, and Design Thinking to achieve optimum learning. Skills must be mastered, creativity and imagination developed, problems solved, and passions found.
challenges and building innovative solutions. Education can benefit from adapting these practices to pedagogy, classroom and school design, and policy development.”
Design thinking, integrated into Willows curriculum, a problem-solving approach that relies on observation, empathy, and practical processes, has also emerged as a viable educational method especially in relation to maker and creativity. Harvard University Graduate School of Education Teaching and Learning Lab writes in relation to education: “In fields of design, there exists a vocabulary, shared mindset, and toolkit of strategies for understanding
create and design an experiment in an area of personal interest that demonstrates their understanding of the scientific method.
Pedagogy is defined in Britannica as the study of teaching methods, including the aims of education and the ways in which such goals may be achieved. Merriam Webster defines pedagogy as, the art, science, or profession of teaching. Educator John Dewey said, “Education is life itself.” Education is the application of pedagogy, an approach to teaching and the formulating of teaching strategies used to implement curriculum. Five pedagogical approaches, used at The Willows, include the constructivist, collaborative, integrative, reflective, and inquiry-based learning.
One of the finest examples of projects that allow autonomy and promote individual expression is the 7th Grade Independent Investigations. This independent study is designed to provide students with a rich, engaging, authentic real-world learning opportunity that encourages them to take ownership of their learning.
The art of education also must provide opportunities for students to question and discover, to think deeply, express themselves, and allow autonomy by creating space for students to learn and grow on their own. Self-knowledge and self-expression are integral to our educational program and the full development of our students. We believe, as philosopher Aristotle, stated, “knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” In our classes, we encourage learning by giving space to our students to work on projects that build their independence and confidence and help them discover who they are and expand that knowledge.
“This project is an excellent way for students to apply the vocabulary and concepts of scientific inquiry in an engaged and creative way,” explains Liz Stocksdale, 7th Grade Teacher, who loves supervising these investigations. “It allows them to dive into a topic they are interested in— sports, chemistry, gardening, physics, food–giving them ownership over the process. The project is so thorough and ultimately becomes a clear and valuable assessment tool for determining where a student is as a scientist after the first trimester. Some students make impressive scientific discoveries; some may need more guidance or clarification, but often this project ties everything together for the students who might have initially struggled with the vocabulary or concepts.”
In education, there are many respected frameworks that our educators use to develop learning goals and objectives, to plan and deliver instruction, and to design valid assessments. Our goal as a progressive school is to move students through the highest levels of critical thinking.
Each year, our 7th grade students start the year with a unit on the scientific method covering experimental design, hypothesis testing, variables, and scientific analysis. They collect, organize, and explore qualitative and quantitative data, and hone their skills as young scientists. Then, the culmination of their studies is a three-week independent investigation where they
Scientific investigations this year focused on experiments asking questions like: How does smell affect taste? What type of soup stays warm the longest? or What types of paper hold the most water? One 7th grade student, Simone Meltzer (shown here), focused on Thermo-Molecular Heat Expansion.
7
In 3rd through 8th grade art classes, students studied cranes and their cultural significance around the world. Then, they folded Origami cranes as a special project to be presented at our Annual Taste of The Willows multicultural celebration. Led by our WPA Co-Chairs Taryn Condo and Lori Hashimoto, families, faculty, staff, and students folded 1,000 cranes and created a senabazuru, 1,000 crane installation held together by string on our campus.
CREATING 1,000 CRANES
In Japan, cranes are symbols of hope and peace, and in Japanese culture, an old folktale promises that anyone who folds a thousand cranes will be granted a wish. Many communities band together to fold 1,000 cranes for a shared purpose. The Willows community flocked together in this exact way, to fold cranes for the purpose of hope, health, and healing during these challenging times.
“Community is an intentional part of our name,” says Lisa Rosenstein, Head of School. “This project is a beautiful representation of the power of determination and collective inspiration.”
“It was so rewarding to see the kids delight in these gorgeous crane installations and then watch them realize that they had a part in making it. I love everything that it represents – beauty, hope, dreams, determination, and the power of community.”
~Jean Magers // Middle School Art Teacher
The Willows Origami Crane Project
8
THE WILLOWS summer 2022
MADISON BESSER, M.A., LMFT, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Marriage and Family Psychotherapist, has joined The Willows as our School had a private practice in Los Angeles, has specialized in child and adolescent psychotherapy with training in children’s clinics and middle school as well as parenting skills and play and therapy techniques. She has previously worked at Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services and the Children’s Institute, Inc. She holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California (USC) and an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology. Madison is also a Willows alum and attended The Archer School for Girls.
THE WILLOWS summer 2022
Our educational program includes an emphasis on knowing yourself and developing the strength to be true to yourself. We also cultivate empathy and an understanding of others as a basis for making wise decisions. Through life skills classes, service-learning projects, work with our school counselor, classroom reading selections, and the day-to-day interactions with others, our students learn to value their individuality and advocate for themselves. Self-knowledge as well as compassion and empathy for others are the basis for a strong, moral viewpoint.
HOW DO YOU TEACH AND STRENGTHDEVELOPOF MIND AND CHARACTER?
10
Developmental Kindergarten RULER Mood Meter
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand,” said Albert Einstein. Understanding of others helps us make sound, moral choices. Understanding ourselves is an ongoing process. It is a dynamic developmental concept that over time, allows students to change and grow and not remain fixed or rigid. In partnership with our parents, we strive to continuously further a set of principles that sustain students now and in the future. Our carefully constructed curriculum in conjunction with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence RULER program is designed to prepare a child for the road ahead. We want our students to have a growth mindset, to be themselves, and to follow their dreams.
“How we feel affects our learning, the decisions we make, how we treat others, and our personal well-being.”
Madison,Counselor.whohas
– Yale Center for Emotional intelligence RULER.
HOWDOYOUDEVELOpSTRONGMORALFIBER?
Dr. Damour explained the science behind anxiety and stress and conducted sessions to help parents support their children during uncertain times. The themes of these discussions were developed in response to what our families were experiencing and included how to parent effectively, how to help students socialize without conflict, how to manage complaining, how to avoid helicopter parenting, and how to ask your child questions if you are worried.
Throughout the school year, our faculty and administration reflect on the best ways to meet the needs of our students and community–to be nimble and adjust when needs arise. In response to the stress of COVID-19, we recognized the need for greater, continual support for students and parents and brought Dr. Lisa Damour, clinical psychologist, New York Times bestselling author of Untangled and Under Pressure, monthly New York Times columnist, and contributor to CBS News, not just once but four times this past year to conduct sessions with our Middle School students, parent body, and extended Los Angeles community.
Developing a healthy lifestyle with exercise and athletics is also a part of growing. Our P.E. Department and our interscholastic athletic program offer an effective foundation for growth. Beginning in fourth grade, students are encouraged to participate in after-school sports and explore new opportunities for growth. Cooperation, team spirit, sportsmanship are all emphasized as well as the “everyone plays” philosophy. The prime goal is that each student improves their skill base and experiences the joy of teamwork, success, personal growth, and at times a championship win.
”
EndeavorAnGrowingandWiseBeingOngoing
The Willows encourages life-long learning and continual growth for all our community. As Henry David Thoreau, American author, writes, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.
11
THE WILLOWS summer 2022 1 *
WISDOM * *
THE WILLOWS summer 2022
Wise Thinkers =
Programs & Curriculum that Encourage Wise, Sound Decisions 14
WISDOM
Discoveries about themselves and others lead to greater empathy and give our students a pathway to become up standers. A Middle School Elective called Future Fighters is described as: A group of young people working together to fight for a livable future. Driven by a deep care for the planet, Future Fighters become educated about how human actions impact the environment, and in turn educate others by organizing and participating in awareness events, holding fundraisers for environmental non-profits, writing letters to businesses and politicians, and petitioning for environmentally friendly practices in their communities.
=
“Yesterday, I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Personal Eye Visions, a 7th Grade art project, urged students to think deeply about who they are and then communicate that to others. They learn about themselves and discover more about their classmates.
Personal Eye Visions: A
Wise Decisions
A group of Middle School students, led by 7th grade Simone Meltzer, had already established an organization called One World, and joined Future Fighters to further their objective to raising funds for the World Wildlife Fund. These inspired students are true upstanders who are thinking critically and working diligently to make a difference in the world around them. They took action and held a bake sale to raise funds to make a difference in the world around them and beyond. “When students are encouraged to think deeply about themselves and others,” says Lisa Rosenstein, “and they listen carefully and evaluate their options, wise decisions are often the outcome. The foundation of community, respect, and deep individual thinking lead to wise decisions.”
We ask our students to discover their passions, their voice, and to empathize with others–to seek to understand themselves, those around them, and then the world. This is the beginning of acquiring wisdom. If you create a foundation of self-understanding and of respect for others, then wise thinking and sound, thoughtful decisions follow naturally.
their
To begin to develop an understanding of the past and an empathy with our predecessors, our 2nd grade teachers added a land acknowledgement project for their classes. Students researched Culver City’s earliest people then collaborated and wrote, “Today we acknowledge that we are on the land of the Tongva Tribe who were here before us and still are. We will honor the land by taking care of plants and animals, picking up trash, recycling, protecting nature, not wasting, treating all living things with respect, planting more plants, helping our friends, and donating, which are values of the Tongva people. We give thanks
and acknowledge the past that was but isn’t now.”
15
7th Grade vision for themselves and future.
At each stage of development, our curriculum and programs are thoughtfully designed to not only help our students acquire skills but also for each student to gain self-knowledge along with knowledge of others. Rumi, 13th century poet, wrote
Our Book Buddies program pairs our youngest students with our oldest to encourage an understanding of other age groups. Younger students have a mentor; older students become leaders.
Earlier in the school year, Mr. Zlotkin shared his immigration story with the 4th grade students, who were inspired to take action to help the situation. They problem solved and acted as upstanders. They hosted a bake sale raising $1,700 and donated all proceeds to a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those people directly impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
brief overview of the history of the conflict, the role of the United States, and the ways communities and citizens may help.
Cultures, languages, traditions, and shared experiences help us to relate to each other and build understanding and empathy. The Willows has operated as a knowledge-sharing culture since the doors were first opened in 1994. Our community is comprised of families from diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds. Curriculum, events, and programming encourages student and community insight into the lives of others in our interconnected world. It also fosters a sense of belonging and a deep appreciation of those from other countries and cultures.
In a developmentally appropriate way, he covered the geographic location of the countries, related cultures, common history, a
16
(https://teachaapi.org/), a non-profit organization committed to diversifying the single stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in America for all children, hosted the Lunar New Year Lion Dance. Our students deepened their appreciation of AAPI traditions. Founding Board Member of TeachAAPI and Willows parent Serena Minikes states, “It was amazing to be together, back on campus after so long away and having the whole student body immersed in the sounds, sights and sensations of the traditional Lion Dance. Welcoming in the Year of the Tiger together as a community, on the new field, felt like a fresh start we all needed coming out of the pandemic.” When opportunity arises, we utilize our own community members to share their knowledge and experiences so we may learn more about our diverse Willows family. When the situation in Russia and the Ukraine arose, Willows parent Gregory Zlotkin shared his expertise and experience as a students.withandRussian-Ukrainian-Americanahighschoolhistoryteacherour4ththrough8hgrade
Our school culture is one of respect, inclusion, and equity where each member is valued as an individual and belongs to a supportive community. We ask our students to be strongly and actively dedicated to combating and healing the divisions in our world today and to embrace multiculturalism andWeindividuality.nurtureasense of compassion and community and ask them to be respectful, involved citizens-of-theworld. Together, we work diligently to ensure that each member of our community feels safe and is treated with dignity. Our goal is to inspire them to be a part of the solution for our children, our community, our nation, and the world.
Our annual Taste of The Willows multicultural event, which we have maintained as a virtual event during the pandemic, and our curricular Cultural Programming both highlight our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and our recognition of and appreciation for cultural differences.
From the youngest age, our student’s gain a rich knowledge of the culture and traditions around the world. We strategically implement curriculum and bring cultural performances and speakers to our campus to engage our children in an appreciation of countries, customs, and experiences around the world. Through storytelling and performance, our students discover the varied peoples and practices around our globe and gain understanding of others andAtthemselves.thisyear’sTaste of The Willows, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee promoted inclusivity and multiculturalism by featuring New Zealand’s Maori Haka and bread recipes from around theInworld.anexploration of the Asian cultures across the world–including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Malaysian, we celebrated the Lunar New Year and The Year of the Tiger in February 2022. TeachAAPI
THE WILLOWS summer 2022
The Wisdom of Sharing Knowledge
Dating as far back as 205 BC during the Han Dynasty in China, the Lion Dance is now performed all throughout the world with many different regional variations. Our very own Los Angeles dance group, The Immortals, has roots going back to the 1960s.
17
WISDOM
WILLOWSTHEIDEAS@
Michael Thompson, Ph.D., internationally acclaimed psychologist, speaker, consultant, and New York Times bestselling author, returned to The Willows to work with our administrative team members as The Willows embarks on a new structure and the next Strategic Planning endeavor.
experience. Our speaker events, workshops, film screenings, panels, partnerships, mentoring, research, and inquiry are intentionally designed to continue the education and empower the growth of great minds.
Dr. Yvette Jackson, CEO, National Urban Alliance for Effective Education; Adjunct Professor at Teachers College Columbia University; and author of Pedagogy of Confidence, spoke virtually on the topic: Translating Equity Consciousness into a Pedagogy of Confidence to “Gift” All Students. Her work focuses on the concept that everyone is innately gifted and seeks to emancipate the innate potential of all students for excellence. The strategies that she shared for eliciting strengths and developing positive self-awareness of students resonated with our own and extended Los Angeles communities.
Ideas@The Willows is a collaborative community generating and exchanging ideas to enhance the knowledge of parents, expand the vision of educators, engage life-long learners, enlighten our community, and enrich the classroom
THE WILLOWS summer 2022
OUR ACCLAIMED SPEAKER SERIES, WORKSHOPS, FILMSCREENINGS, STUDENT AND PARENT EDUCATION EVENTS
inLearningAction
18
Dr. Lisa Damour, Psychologist, The New York Times bestselling author of Untangled and Under Pressure, monthly New York Times columnist, and contributor to CBS News, presented a series of four talks during our 2021-2022 school year to our Los Angeles community, as well as workshops with our Middle School students. Dr. Damour shared strategies for supporting kids in uncertain times, how to parent effectively, and how to have the most difficult conversations. She shared the psychological science key to understanding how stress and anxiety operate and reliable tips for managing ongoing stress. www.drlisadamour.com.
Sharing Wisdom with Our Extended Communitites
Frank Bruni, New York Times Columnist and Bestselling Author, returned to The Willows for his third visit to discuss his new book, TheBeauty of Dusk, a wise and moving memoir about aging, affliction, and optimism. Bruni headlined our Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Festival sharing his uplifting thoughts and examination of the limits that all of us inevitably encounter, the lenses through which we choose to evaluate them and the tools we have for perseverance. He shared his personal, unexpected hardship, and how he gathered wisdom from friends and acquaintances who navigated traumas and afflictions, and how ultimately, he felt more blessed than ever before. There was vision lost. There was also vision found.
In celebration of Black History Month, The Willows Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI) presented “A Conversation About Colin Kaepernick”, an American civil rights activist and former NFL quarterback, that featured special guest host, Rahim Muhammad, Willows Athletic Coach and former Oregon State University Quarterback, and hosted by Willows parents Garrett Tyau and Royce Hall
Kelly Yang is an Asian American writer and author of young adult and children’s literature. She won the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature and the 2018 Parents’ Choice Gold Medal for Fiction for her book Front Desk, a book based on her experiences as a 10-year-old working at her family’s motel business.
WISDOM
Ibi Zooboi is a Haitian American bestselling and award-winning author of young adult and children’s fiction. American Street and Punching the Air, written with Yusef Salaam, were both National Book Award Finalists. Her Middle Grade debut novel, My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich, was a New York Times bestseller.
Dr. Lahey shared her experience teaching in a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents and as a recovery and prevention coach at an evidence-based detox and rehab. She offered ways to help children avoid dependence and addiction from the earliest ages.
“In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.”
–Mark Twain // American Author 19
As part of our schoolwide diversity, equity, and inclusion evaluation and assessment and to best prepare us to support our students and community, we are working with Trajectory of Hope (www.trajectoryofhope.com). Trajectory of Hope is an educational consultancy based in Los Angeles that works from the inside out to demystify how the legacy of racism and injustice in America impacts Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Led by Britney Foster (MSW, MDIV) and Dr Troiya L. Ellis (EDD), Trajectory of Hope facilitates learning and transformational change through research, data, critical discourse, coaching, and collaboration.We are continuing our vital work through workshops and training for faculty, staff and parents.
Rafael Lopez is an internationally recognized illustrator and artist. His illustrations bring diverse characters to children’s books. He has illustrated Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson.
LeUyen Pham, a children’s book illustrator and author, has illustrated and written more than 80 books including illustrating the Princess in Black Series. She wrote and illustrated Big Sister, Little Sister and The Bear Who Wasn’t There. She is also the recipient of a Caldecott Honor for her illustrations in Bear Came Along
VISITING AUTHORS – 2021 BOOK FAIR
Dr. Jessica Lahey, Educator and Bestselling Author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation, talked with our extended community on the subject of her new book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence.
I had read Caleb Maddix’s book, Keys to Success for Kids. He’s a kid entrepreneur. In his book, he talked about setting goals and following through with them. I noticed that there weren’t any books for kids about going to camp and definitely not one written by a kid, so I thought I would make that my goal, to write a book about going to camp for the 1st time.
The hardest part was the middle part of the book. I felt really motivated at the beginning. It was hard to get myself to keep on going. The pandemic made it difficult as well because I was on the computer all day anyway. Screens nonstop.
Notes from the Camp Bunk A Guide for First TimeCampers from a Camper
Working on her book at The Willows Writing Club and at home, Eden embarked on a long process requiring research on the history of camps in the United States, following a format, creating a book cover, and finding an editor. She wanted her book to be a child friendly version of Dr. Michael Thompson’s book geared towards parents, Homesick and Happy, which played a pivotal role in her father’s decision to allow her to attend sleepaway camp. On her own, Eden contacted Dr. Thompson, a frequent speaker at The Willows, to see if he would be willing to discuss her book. Meeting via FaceTime, Dr. Thompson provided Eden with specific feedback and suggestions and mutually sharing the wonders of summer camp.
Be committed and choose something you are passionate to write about. Remember what effect you want to have on the reader.
About t h e Au t h o r
Great Life Press www greatlifepress.com 51 2 9 5 9 78 1 93 8 39 4 67 6 > ISBN 9781938394676 $12.95 US UNOONTESFRMTHECAMPBKEDENMARTIN
Dr. Lizabeth Fogel, incoming American Camp Association board chair
THE WILLOWS summer 2022
“Children don’t always feel reassured by adults, especially when they are taking a big risk in life, like going to camp, A camper herself, Eden Martin has written a terrific little book for first-time campers. Eden addresses all of the problems that firsttime campers think about and worry about, and she does it in cear, direct language that goes straight to the heart of the issue. I love when she writes: “One of the truly best things about camp is that you get to be yourself, no matter what.” So true.”
Do you feel The Willows education helped you in this process of writing a book?
“In Eden Martin’s debut book, her enthusiasm and knowledge shines through in many wonderful ways. Writing for her peers, she found a variety of ways to keep the content fun, easy to understand and informative. The book will instantly transport one into the world of sleepaway camp and answers so many important questions: what to pack, activities to explore, how to tackle homesickness and many more. It is fantastic that Eden has used her personal experiences to write this book to help other kids who are going to camp.”
What was the process like from writing a rough draft to getting it published? Any difficulties?
What words of advice can you give other kids your age that want to write a book?
The rough draft was actually many drafts. It was helpful to have many people read the draft and give suggestions. It was hard to get myself to keep on going. The pandemic made it difficult as well because I was on the computer all day anyway. Screens nonstop.
We ask our students to find their passions, express themselves, and dream big! Eden Martin, 7th Grade Willows student did exactly that. She transformed her experience and knowledge as a camper and her love for the camp experience into a book, Notes from the Camp Bunk: A Guide for First Time Campers from a Camper. Eden has thrived attending sleepaway camp 3,000 miles from her home for years. Recognizing that many kids miss out on the camp experience due to fear, she wrote the book to help children feel more confident about attending camp for the first time.
20 Note s f r o m the Cam p B u nk Note s f r o m the Cam p B u nk A Guide for F i r s t T i m e Campers fro m a C a m p er by E d e n M a r t in — s f r Cam u s r B nk Guide F r t T m a p by E d e a r in
What was the hardest part for you?
Eden’s book is available for sale at Village Well Books and Coffee, camp stores, and Amazon.
Eden Martin is a middle school student in Los Angeles, California. She loves spending her summers at camp on the East Coast. During the school year, she enjoys rowing, soccer, cooking, basketball, preparing cheese plates, and playing with her dachshund, Nathan.
I attended Liz’s writing club which really helped keep me going. It was really inspiring that we have a writing club and were allowed to work on anything we wanted.
Eden shares her process and journey to self-publish her book. What inspired you to write this book?
Willows 7th Grade Student Eden Martin Shares Her Wisdom as a Camper
Michael Thompson, PhD, author of Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow
Doing Online and How You Can Support Them, and offered an insightful overview of Common Sense’s free resources.
inhisencepersonaltalkedBestsellingandauthor,abouthisexperipartiallylosinginsight,relatedhismemoir, The
What a expertise.”dedicationteachers,work,sharingThankandwithinseeItallmorningwonderfulyougaveusgrandparents.wassogoodtoyourprojectssuchawarmcaringsetting.youallforyourhardandtoyouforyourand Two very grateful grandparents, David & Elizabeth Himelson (Grandparents of Evan L. (2nd grade) 21
Frank Bruni, New York Times Columnist Beauty of Dusk, and answered questions inspiring everyone with his optimism and positivity.
WISDOM
Common Sense Media Senior Manager, Connected Schools Program, Lisa Solomon offered insight on What GrandchildrenYour are
Other events of the festival showcase the Willows’ love of learning for life and illuminate how as a community we continue to learn, grow, and thrive, together.
“
This year’s Grandparents & Special Friends Festival offered our grandparents and special friends a series of virtual events taking place over a two-week period starting on March 14. Invited to grab a cup of coffee or tea, they joined us to explore the school life and cultural spirit of The Willows. Of course, as always, the highlight of this festival is the virtual event hosted by each class so grandparents and special friends see their student in action learning and sharing.
THE WILLOWS summer 2022 22
Grade Loop Teacher. “To watch 4th graders listen so intently, ask such poignant questions, and express incredible empathy was truly inspiring. These stories brought the experience to life for the students more than any article could.”
leadexperiencesourto
All our students learn to share their personal stories through writing personal narrative works and poetry as part of our language arts programs. Field Trips with real-world experiences also offer opportunities for students to hear from other people in many different walks of life–whether a firefighter, doctor, or marine biologist. Learning comes alive as they see connections between what is happening at school and in the real world and hear engaging, personal narratives.
Our parents also share their experiences with our students and community. The Shin family visited the 2nd grade to talk about the 100th Children’s Day in Korea. The students listened to a story, asked questions, enjoyed Korean snacks, and participated in Korean activities. Hearing firsthand experiences deepened the student knowledge of Korea.
1ST GRADE KENTE CLOTH CREATIONS
23
By communicating our personal stories and history, we deepen our connections and share our wisdom.
WISDOM
As part of the 4th grade study of immigration, staff members Deysi Leiva and Lumpee Le shared their personal family stories of coming to this country and answered questions from the students.
“Hearing immigration stories of people in our community made the experience more real for the students,” states Marissa Weiss, 3rd and 4th
Each person has unique experiences that may lead them to grow often gaining wisdom. When we share our experiences with each other and our community, our students learn to appreciate and acknowledge other viewpoints and differences. The result is a culture of inclusion and empathy that highlights our similarities and differences.
As part of their unit on spiders and their various web structures, 1st grade students listened to a Kente cloth legend, The Spider Weaver by Margaret Musgrove. After using Proscopes to examine the colorful patterns and designs woven into real Kente weavings, students created their own designs with oil pastels and watercolors.
Our faculty and staff often share their experiences with our students and community. For example, this year, as part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Program, Rahim Muhammad, Willows Athletic Coach and former Oregon State University Quarterback, shared his personal story in a virtual event titled, “A Conversation About Colin Kaepernick, an American Civil Rights Activist and Former NFL Quarterback.” The event was open to our parents, faculty, and staff as well as 7th and 8th grade students.
Sharing Our Wisdom as Mentors and Colleagues
The first time getting taped
“So much of teaching is aboiut the relationship with students. If students feel connected to and understood by their teachers, they can learn, feel inspired, and grow into confident individuals,” states Marissa. “One of the most rewarding parts of teaching dance is inspiring students to pursue it outside The Willows. A goal of the dance program is to build confidence and help students develop a passion for dancing.”
MARC WEISS Director of Athletics& JACKSON NELSON 2022 8th Grade Graduate
The last catch
The first time hearing the crowd scream
The First and Last
The last play
MARISSA WEISS Dance Teacher & ELLE MCCASTER 8th Grade Student
The last step
24
The first play
The last time getting taped
The last time seeing some of these people
The first snap playing wide receiver
As a Coach, Marc recognized Jackson’s strengths and dreams as a student athlete and encouraged him to develop his talents. Jackson’s poem sums up his experience at The Willows as a member of the football team.
THE WILLOWS summer 2022
The first catch
The first step
The first time ever getting hit
As her dance teacher, Marissa discerned the passion and ability of Elle when she first began dancing at The Willows and mentored her to develop as an accomplished dancer and exciting performer.
The last time putting this helmet on The last time playing youth football
The last time wearing these cleats
Successful teacher/student mentoring, teacher mentoring, and colleague co-mentoring happen often!
“Coaching robotics with Erin is always something I look forward to in the fall. Our collaborative efforts year after year are also a model for the students as they navigate how to work together as a robotics team. They see how we collaboratively brainstorm ideas, problem-solve with an eye towards progress, and divide tasks while staying in frequent communication so we can be a united teaching team.”
“Phil, like many of our veteran faculty members, is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience with our newer faculty members. Our two teachers in a classroom structure is ideal for mentoring and learning from each other.”
PHIL LEE Founding Kindergarten Teacher & ROBYN NELSON Kindergarten Teacher
Mentoring and collaborating as teachers and students are encouraged at The Willows as ways to share our wisdom and achieve personal and professional growth. Mutual respect, trust, communication, and a growth mindset are required in these endeavors. Teachers mentoring students and experienced teachers mentoring new teachers are structures in place to advance the learning experience. Our faculty also shares their knowledge as colleagues to bolster each other, gain consistency, and excel as leaders.
~Wendy Amster
WENDY AMSTER Dean of Educational Technology& ERIN CARTER Middle School Teacher
Phil has taught Kindergarten for 28 years at The Willows and joyfully shared his years of experience and wisdom with Robyn, among others, to create the optimum classroom but also constructively build their relationship as teachers and ensure professional growth.
25
Wendy and Erin cooperate as colleagues co-mentoring as they work, learn, and grow together. As leaders of our robotics teams and tech, science, and math curriculum, they listen, and connect with each other to discern the needs of students and to offer the best possible tech program for student achievement.
~Lisa Rosenstein
WISDOM
Her answer: the Stella App that helps
people working in isolated spaces cope with mental health issues.
Inspired by her Willows Maker classes and The Willows Middle School Robotics Team, Isis started this app when she was an 8th grade student at The Willows. For the past three years, she has continued to work on it evolving the app to the latest version, Stella 5.0. The app, originally intended for astronauts, is now reaching numerous professionals living in isolated environments–underwater research teams, researchers in Antarctica, and people living through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Isis Ginyard, Class of 2019 and current student at Windward School, Created Social Emotional Intelligence App–Stella 5.0
THE WILLOWS summer 2022 30
Isis Ginyard Alumni Spotlight
26
In addition, Isis is a member of 10 different clubs, has founded a “Women in Stem” club at Windward School, and teaches middle school students to code. She has recently started a magazine that focuses on diversity and inclusion based on her experience as a member of the Visibility Group at The Willows.
Isis has not stopped with Stella and continues to seek partner ships to take the app to the next level. She has an internship with Boeing for the summer and is working with psychologists at Mount Saint Mary’s University on research for the app. She is discussing her app with Robin Stern, Associate Director of the Yale School for Emotional Intelligence.
This story begins with a problem. The problem? A lack of research on the mental health of people who are working in isolated places. Always encouraged by Willows teachers that when there is a problem, find a solution, that is exactly what Isis decided to do.
The Stella App is composed of multiple components, like exercise, sleep, diet, journaling, and therapy, that focus on factors that contribute to mental health. Stella allows users to track these components as well as their moods and thoughts through a digital journal and access to a weekly/daily psychiatrist. This all-encompassing app unites all the factors that boost mental health and offers customizable, personal suggestions based on the dynamic data logged by the user, which is monitored by a psychiatrist.
Isis is a shining example of The Willows inclusive and entrepreneurial culture, flexible approach to innovation and problem solving, experiential learning, and finding and expressing your personal voice and passions.
1 Willows Teacher + 4 Alumni + 100 Students = GARY THE DUCK!
WISDOM Alumni News 27
Gary the Duck’s creative journey was an inspiring story of The Willows community’s collaborative spirit and how relationships developed in early years continue to thrive after students graduate and pursue their dreams just like Gary the Duck and his dream of being an astronaut.
The project is the product of a collaboration of many artists including three Willows alums and 100 Willows students. Greg first composed the song Gary the Duck in 2016 but felt strongly that it needed to be animated. He enlisted Ben Knight ‘18, a current student at Geffen Academy at UCLA who was a Willows 8th grade student at that time. Ben along with his parents were enlisted to help create the video animation. As the music video evolved, Greg reached out to two other talented Willows alums and creative artists: Isaac Wilson ‘07 on piano; Evie Knight ‘21, character design; and Mahra Peterkin background painting.
Gary the Duck, a musical and visual storytelling experience conceived by Willows Music teacher and alum Greg Blum ‘99, is an animated music video that has received multiple accolades. The storyline features a young, aspiring duck astronaut who, with support of his friends and family, overcomes adversity and eventually achieves his dreams. The finished music video consists of digital 2d animation, 2d hand drawn sketching, and 3d animation.
“This experience was so enjoyable and memorable–and fun,” says Greg. “About a year ago, we started meeting on Zoom twice a month to discuss what needed to happen, the direction of the project, and who was doing what. Ben would animate the scenes and then assign the others to clean up each frame. It was a gratifying experience with an incredible team.”
Barnard College Boston CaliforniaBrownBowdoinCollegeCollegeUniversityInstitute of the Arts
Sunny Mercuriadis ’09 welcomed baby Olive Elizabeth Yale Marsh ‘00 now has a second child Gemma Emily Cooling ’02 welcomed a second child, Russell Andrea (Andie) Dixler ’01 has a second child, Daisy Beverly
YaleWesleyanMadisonUniversitySeattleUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityTuftsSyracuseSwarthmoreSantaPrincetonPitzerOregonNortheasternTechnologyMassachusettsLoyolaKenyonHarveyGeorgetownFordhamUniversityUniversityUniversityMuddCollegeCollegeMarymountUniversityInstituteofUniversityStateUniversityCollegeUniversityClaraUniveristyUniversityUniversityUniversityofArizonaofCaliforniaBerkeleyofCaliforniaDavisofCaliforniaSantaCruzofChicagoofMichiganofVirginiaofWashingtonofWisconsinUniversityUniversity
Alumni Happenings
TAYLOR TABB ’10 is one of the engineers appearing in the new Netflix cooking show Impossible Baking that pairs bakers with engineers and challenges them to create cakes that incorporate engineering concepts. Taylor’s team wins the first challenge to bake a cake that can float and withstand a wind test. Read an article about the show from NBC News and scroll to see Taylor in the show trailer: show: adds-great-british-baking-show-s-ncna1280966.https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/netflix-s-baking-impossible-
THE WILLOWS summer 2022 40
SKYE BELKER ‘17 was recruited as a high school junior to attend Princeton University to play volleyball.
The CollegeClassWillowsof2018Acceptances
California Polytechnic University Chapman University Colgate
ALYSSA MERRITT ’15 attends Brown University where she recently wrote an article, In Defense of the Filibuster: An Interview with Richard Arenberg for the Brown Political Review. Her article was also referenced in The Atlantic. To read her article visit: wAR0c02EsYeCzj64zsWKgAUWKnLCvp3S8fom1jvHXv2DrP-UNVmGgQry9RZYhttps://brownpoliticalreview.org/2021/11/in-defense-of-the-filibuster-an-interview-with-richard-arenberg/?fbclid=I
Allison Pearl ’08 is engaged to David Reid Brian Bernstein ’02 is engaged to Tracey Marc Hurwitz ‘07 married Allie Friedman and have merged their last name to Witzman
JUSTYN PATTERSON ’17, a Freshman at UCLA who attended the Brentwood School, was head coach of the Middle School Basketball team at Brentwood this past year.
American University
ENGAGEMENTS/MARRIAGES/BIRTHS
ANDREI BORGES ’11 is working in his chosen profession of lighting design. He lives in Chicago and has worked for Lyric Opera, Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens Theatre, and the Goodman Theater Group. His credits also include productions at the San Francisco Opera and Dallas Opera. He has been named the new Lighting Director at the Dallas Winspear Opera House for the 2022-2023 opera season. Andrei attended DePaul University where he receive a BFA in lighting design and the Wildwood School.
Congratulations to the alumni from the Class of 2018 on their acceptances to the following colleges and universities:
MARAMAWIT ABERA ’10 has completed a master’s degree in Public Health and is currently studying law at USC with a focus on health care.
JONAH MANNHEIM ’19 is helping coach the middle school girls volleyball team at Crossroads School where he is a junior.
Notre Dame High School
Sequoyah School
Palisades High School
TREE
MAX SPITZ ‘13 who graduated from the University of California, Davis, is a production assistant at Fox Sports.
Kim Feldman and Quinn Feldman ‘03
Michael Curtis and Lil Mingail
Crossroads School
Midland School
Immaculate Heart
Milken Community High School
Loyola High School
Oakwood School
The Willows Class of 2022 Archer School for Girls Brentwood School
WindwardWildwoodVistamarAcademySchoolSchoolSchool
Alumni Happenings
Marymount High School
FANUEL ALEMAYU ‘18 , who will be attending Harvey Mudd College in the fall, received the 2022 Azaliy Hekymara Scholarship from the Independent School Alliance.
Ellie and Igor Kleyman ‘01
The Willows Class of 2022 SchoolSecondaryAcceptances
Kristen Cloke Morgan and Glen Morgan
Stevenson School
WISDOM
Geffen Academy at UCLA Harvard-Westlake School
Sierra Canyon School
We are proud to share the success of our eighth graders during the secondary school admissions process. Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for their acceptances to the finest, most competitive schools in Los Angeles area and beyond.
MAYA KAMBE ’07 is Director of Development at Illumination.
Buckley CrespiCampbellSchoolHallCarmelite High School
New Roads School
Alumni & Alumni Parents at Rock The Willows
GRAYSON LEE ‘19 who is a senior at Vistamar School, is now rowing competitively and is the Canadian Indoor Rowing 500 M champion and record holder, 2000 M Bronze medalist. Photo taken at the Head of the Charles 2021 Regatta in Boston.
KHJANI WRIGHT ‘17 was recruited to play basketball for the USC Trojans.
Photos LtoR: Lisa Rosenstein, Bobbie Eisenstock, Alan Eisenstock, Sara Fisher and Guest
Ann Levit and Martha Swiller
Dunn EpiscopalSchoolSchool of Los Angeles
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSAGE PAID LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 3389. FPO28 “Wonder is the ofbeginningwisdom.”Socrates//Greek Philosopher Celebrating 28 Years of Innovation & Excellence
