The Compass Summer 2017

THE

COMPASS

A MAGAZINE FOR THE WINDWARD SCHOOL COMMUNITY | SUMMER 2017

THE

COMPASS

A MAGAZINE FOR THE WINDWARD SCHOOL COMMUNITY | SUMMER 2017

The Compass Dr. John J. Russell Head of School Jonathan Rosenshine Associate Head of School Maureen Sweeney Assistant Head of School and Director of Admissions Stephen R. Littell Assistant Head of School and Director of Finance and Operations James Buggy Director of Development Editor/Director of Communications Heather Pray Contributing Writers Jim Buggy, Laura Dreyer, Miranda Eifler, Tom Flanagan, Lindsay Kennedy, Marilyn Hunt, Andrew Mollerus ’12, Heather Pray, Katy Ritz, Jon Rosenshine, Dr. John J. Russell, Sandra Schwarz, Danielle Scorrano, Dan Smith Contributing Photographers Michelle Spino Andruss, Emma Block, Abby DeLuca, Stephanie Dunn, Marcie Gandell, Marilyn Hunt, Lindsey Kennedy, Katherine Lemone, Jill LeVine, J. P. Maurin, Gina Mastrogiovanni, Colleen McGlynn, Donna Mueller, Sarah Nordgren, Robert Norman Photography, Dev Pillette, Heather Pray, Amanda Rathbun, Katy Ritz, Anthony Sylvester

FALL 2017 CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS Monday, September 11 First Day of School Friday, September 15 Windward Parents Association Opening Breakfast for Manhattan campus at Windward Manhattan Coleman Gymnasium

Thursday, November 2 Community Lecture “Healthy Connections in the Digital Age” Presented by Catherine Steiner-Adair EdD Monday, November 20 Manhattan Lower and Middle Schools’ Grandparents Breakfast

Design Thomas A. Hein

Tuesday, September 19 Windward Parents Association Opening Breakfast for Westchester campuses at Willow Ridge Country Club

The Compass is published twice a year by the School’s Communications Office.

It is a magazine for The Windward School community.

Sunday, October 1 Back-to-School Picnic at Westchester Middle School

Tuesday, November 28 #WindwardGIVES Giving Day

Saturday, October 21 Alumni Homecoming at Westchester Middle School

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, March 10 The Windward School Benefit at Cipriani NYC

Saturday, October 28 Windward Today

For more details and additional upcoming dates, visit thewindwardschool.org/calendar

Note: At The Windward School, a student’s class year is the same as his/her high school graduation year.

The Windward School 40 West Red Oak Lane White Plains, NY 10604 (914) 949-6968 www.thewindwardschool.org

Tuesday, November 21 Westchester Lower and Middle Schools’ Grandparents Breakfast

On the cover: Seventh-grade students showcase some of the 3D DNA models created for their science class on our Manhattan campus.

On this page: Students read some of their favorite books in the Manhattan campus’s library.

Feature Story: The Libraries of Windward: Creating a Culture of Literacy PAGE 6

CONTENTS 4

From the Head of School

20

2017 Moving Up Ceremonies

42

5

From the President of the Board of Trustees

22

6

The Libraries of Windward: Creating a Culture of Literacy

Manhattan & Westchester Lower and Middle School Photos

Windward Alumni Gather on the Upper East Side

43

Five New Members Join the Platinum Circle

26

Spring 2017 Sports Review

44

Faculty News & Milestones

12

2017 Commencement Address

28

The School

46

13

Windward Giving Day

30

14

Congratulations Graduates!

Students Dream Big with Jack Horner, Paleontologist

Windward Winter Ice Skating Party at Bryant Park

48

The Windward Classic Golf & Tennis Outing

16

2017 Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award Winner

31

The Windward School on Social Media

50

Faculty Profile: Jeremy Bletterman

32

Performing Arts at The Windward School

52

18

Independent and Public School Placements and Acceptances 2017

34

Visual Arts at The Windward School

Windward Parents Association Closes Out an Active School Year

36

Marchmester

54

Very Important People Visit with Students at the Lower Schools

38

Alumni News & Notes

40

Where Are They Now? The Class of 2017 Checks In

19

In Memoriam: Donald Stone

19

Ms. Ellen Bowman Elected Board of Trustees President

from the

Head of School

John J. Russell, Ed.D. Head of School Building a strong, caring community that unites faculty, students, parents, and alumni is an important goal for any school. Since opening its doors last September to 795 students on three different campuses, The Windward School has remained a tightly knit community with every campus implementing the same scientifically validated Windward program to the same exacting standards. It is very reaffirming when an internationally recognized expert in learning disabilities like Dr. Guinevere Eden, this year’s Schwartz Lecturer, visits Windward classes and has this to say about our school: “My visit to your school was memorable and pure enjoyment. You have created a wonderful environment and together with your excellent staff, you are changing lives in ways that are immeasurable.”

Nowhere is the transformational effect of a Windward education more evident than at the School’s MovingUp and Graduation Exercises. This year, an enthusiastic group of friends and family members gathered at the Westchester and Manhattan Lower Schools to celebrate our 4th graders

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“moving-up” to 5th grade, and over 1,000 gathered under the tent on Garry Field to recognize the accomplishments of students in grades 5 through 9 from Manhattan and Westchester who are leaving Windward. You will find a list of public and independent school placements and acceptances that these students will be attending next year in this edition of The Compass.

I think you will agree with me that it is an impressive array of schools.

I have no doubt that our graduates have the desire, knowledge, skills and determination to be academically successful no matter what public or independent schools they attend after Windward.

Our graduating students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements; for being accomplished athletes and wonderful representatives of Windward on the sports teams; for delighting us with their artistic talents so vividly displayed in our art galleries and throughout the schools; for thrilling us with wonderful choral and theatrical performances; and for demonstrating kindness and caring here at school while actively supporting numerous organizations that helped people in need locally and across the world.

This year’s Stone Master Teacher Award winner, Laura Dreyer, and Windward alumnus Andrew Mollerus ’12 joined student government copresidents, Ajahni Jackson and Sebastian Jimenez, in addressing the audience at graduation. All of the speakers emphasized the Windward formula for success: Anything is possible with

the right combination of a positive outlook, hard work, determination and support. I have served as an educator in many excellent schools in New York and Connecticut. I have never worked with more supportive teachers and administrators, and I have never met students who worked harder or were more determined than Windward students.

As you will read in the “Alumni Notes” section, these same positive characteristics stay with our alumni long after they have left Windward.

Their personal journeys often speak of their experiences as dyslexics and in how they managed to accomplish so much by dreaming about achieving what some said was impossible and then exerting great effort to accomplish the challenging goals that they set for themselves. In many ways their stories epitomize what Windward is all about— helping students with language-based learning disabilities achieve what few thought they could, by helping them to overcome seemingly impossible barriers and finding a new way forward. We are about restoring optimism, rebuilding confidence and unlocking potential. We are about academic progress achieved through hard work; about emotional growth that results from positive thinking; and about striking a balance in all these things.

Best wishes for a restful and restorative summer,

from the

President of the Board of Trustees Welcome to the Summer 2017 edition of The Compass, and congratulations to all of you on another momentous and successful year for Windward and your families.

Most importantly, I hope your students experienced a fulfilling and enriching year of academic achievements and progress.

Thomas E. Flanagan President, Board of Trustees

In typical Windward fashion, the School attained several milestones. The most obvious, tangible achievement was the opening of the new home of our Manhattan campus on East 93rd Street.

This was a project that was more than five years in the making and made possible only through broad community participation; thoughtful and rigorous planning from the Board supported by expert consultants; the steadfast work and dedication of the School’s administration and faculty; and the heartfelt generosity of so many of you.

In my mind, the most important milestone was that Windward educated a record 795 deserving students as a result of our continued investment in the School’s resources on all three of our campuses. The Board’s commitment to “Save More Lives” while also “Preserving the Sacred” continues onward!

In this edition of The Compass, you will see myriad examples of rewarding and fun activities the School produced during the prior months, several of which I had the pleasure to attend. I hope you will also enjoy the special piece on our impressive collection of libraries and the important contribution these facilities add to the Windward academic experience.

This will be my final letter to you as President of the Board of Trustees. After four years in this position and with the successful attainment of critical milestones for the School, I felt this was the right time to step down and pass the reins to the next generation of Board leadership.

Ellen Bowman has been elected to serve as President of the Board, and she is supported by a deep and talented group of trustees.

I will continue to serve for one more year as a Trustee, and I look forward to lending support and perspective in the coming year.

It has been my absolute privilege and honor to serve the School as board president. I appreciate the trust that you have placed in me and, most of all, the support from all of you. Thank you.

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THE

Libraries

OF

Windward Creating a Culture of Literacy

[

Where can you find a room that houses computers, teaching spaces, books, and interactive white boards, as well as students making mummies, learning secret codes, debating the Elgin Marbles controversy, and viewing video clips of exotic animals?

The Windward School libraries!

The libraries of today look and function very differently from those of even the recent past. The Internet and the availability of vast amounts of information at a click have forced school libraries to redefine how they function. The libraries of The Windward School have evolved into much more than a welcoming and quiet place to read, research, or borrow a book. Each library is charged with the mission to “provide appropriate and quality reading material and an excellent instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities.�

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]

Aside from being home to more than 30,000 books across all three campuses, The Windward School libraries are the largest multimedia classrooms on each campus. Each library is equipped with carefully chosen literature, modern technology, and valuable resources for research. The library collections, instructional curriculum, and library-related activities are integrated into all aspects of the School community. The resources, design, and programming of the library not only create a unique instructional program but also further the library’s mission beyond its walls.

The libraries are each campus’s largest multimedia classroom. In this image, a student receives assistance from Ms. D’Onofrio during a class at Westchester Middle School’s library classroom.

A Unique Library Program Windward libraries are unique; they are teaching libraries that support the Windward academic program. Library teachers, experts in Windward’s instructional strategies, present lessons that review concepts, strategies, and topics taught in all the content areas. The library program provides opportunities for students to find appropriate materials, practice the skills and strategies learned in the classroom, develop reading fluency, and pursue independent reading. The librarians collaborate with the director of language arts and curriculum, curriculum coordinators, and teachers to ensure that books, periodicals, reference sources, and databases cover all the content areas and support a culturally diverse curriculum.

Classroom and library teachers collaborate to take a topic beyond what is taught in class. Special projects linked to the curriculum are researched, and the students participate in related high-interest activities. For example, the second-grade students study communities in social studies. The culminating project is to study service animals and the contributions service

dogs and seeing-eye dogs provide to communities. Third graders study countries from each continent, and in the library they learn about various aspects of each country’s culture. The fourth grade delves into research about New York, and students present their findings to their peers and teachers. Fifth graders learn about how secret messages were transmitted during the Revolutionary War and are then given the opportunity to create their own secret messages using lemon juice. While studying China, students receive an introduction to Chinese logograms, learn some of the meanings behind the symbols, and practice writing the graphics. When learning about Ancient Egypt and the mummification process, sixth-grade students utilize the library database to locate articles on mummification and then use a modified process to mummify their own apples. Students in the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades discover how to assess the reliability of a website by critically evaluating various online sources and learn to write and cite research papers on a variety of thought-provoking topics.

The library program is carefully sequenced, so students are able to build upon skills learned in the previous grade. In the lower school libraries, led by Ms. Joan Girardi and Ms. Helen Prichett, students begin the library program in first and second www.thewindwardschool.org | 7

Ms. Girardi leads a discussion with students in Westchester Lower School’s library.

grade by learning basic library terminology (fiction, non-fiction, biography, etc.). In third and fourth grade, students study call numbers to help them navigate through the library. They also become familiar with the search databases and learn how to find books not only to read and enjoy but also to help them prepare for future research projects as they move up in grade.

The direct-instruction model continues in the middle schools with Ms. Prichett in Manhattan and with Ms. Stephanie Dunn, Supervisor of Library Services, in Westchester. Students learn how to build upon previously taught lessons in order to share research projects in PowerPoint and oral presentations.

During their middle school years, students are introduced to website research by finding appropriate sources online. They analyze digital literature to review content, identify authors, and determine their legitimacy. The amount of information found online is vast, and the skills required to obtain quality information need to be taught explicitly.

Book Fair, Author Visits, and More To further build upon the libraries’ culture of reading, researching, problem-solving, creating, and learning, the Windward Parents Association orchestrates a three-day book fair on all three campuses during the November parent/teacher conferences.

Aside from curating the available reading selections, the librarians also assist students in picking out books. Students are able to develop a wish list for their parents or guardians to pick up books they have selected, and there are even a few titles for adults to add to their own reading lists.

In the spring of each year, distinguished children’s authors or illustrators visit the students. Prior to an author’s visit, school librarians thoroughly prepare students for each presentation. Students read their visiting author’s books,

“There will be times when students need to use search engines, so there’s a lot of discussion during library class on what’s reliable and what’s trustworthy,” says Ms. Dunn. “We want to help students be critical thinkers and know when to trust the sources they are using.”

Windward library teachers are essential to helping students learn how to evaluate and synthesize information from the many sources available. Students who understand and are able to use research tools wisely will have an advantage as they go on in their academic career.

“Libraries are more relevant today than ever due to the quantity of information that students are bombarded with on a daily basis,” states Ms. Dunn. “Our libraries house reliable resources, and we provide direct instruction on how to access and evaluate various sources that students might find on their own.”

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Students at Windward use computers to research topics and prepare presentations.

discuss the research that has gone into writing them, and prepare questions to ask the author. As a result of this process, the students are immersed in reading as a community due to a positive and informed experience with the author or illustrator.

Meghan McCarthy, author and illustrator of nonfiction picture books including Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum and The Astronaut Handbook, spoke to Westchester Lower School students about how her career came to be. She shared that despite encountering obstacles both in school and in her early career, she persevered with hard work and ultimately achieved what she thought was unattainable: the publication of her own books for children. She gave an interactive presentation and engaged the students by showing her unique illustrations, playing a video from her art school graduation, explaining how a book is printed, and inviting students to participate in a live drawing. To cap off this special day, each student received an autographed copy of The Astronaut Handbook.

Manhattan Lower and Middle School students and Westchester Middle School students received visits from award-winning author Doreen Rappaport. She shared how she had become an author of 48 nonfiction and historical fiction books. Students in the lower school received an autographed copy of Martin’s Big Words. During her presentation, Ms. Rappaport had the students on the edges of their seats, telling them about her experiences teaching in a Freedom School in Mississippi and developing a passion for storytelling. She shared her writing process and reminded the students how lucky they are to have teachers as editors to work with on a daily basis.

Facts & Figures — THE WINDWARD LIBRARIES —

Stats across all campuses • 30,000+ books • 6,600+ authors represented • 5,500+ square feet of library space • 445+ bookshelves • 795 students visit the library each year • 66 computers • 66 library classes taught each week • 3 libraries – one on each campus

Most Popular Genres & Books Lower Schools • Genres: Nonfiction, historical fiction, animals/pets, cooking/baking • Books: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Betty G. Birney’s Humphrey series and Rebecca Elliott’s Owl Diaries series Middle Schools • Genres: Fantasy, historical fiction, and biographies of people overcoming struggles • Books: Wonder by R. J. Palacio and J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series

Author and illustrator Meghan McCarthy looks on as a student at Westchester Lower School contributes to one of her illustrations during her visit.

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Information Curators Windward librarians are curators of the library collections and resources. “I like to think of librarians as ‘information curators,’” says Ms. Prichett. “It is our job to gather and acquire reliable and trustworthy resources and then help students develop the critical thinking skills they need to make sense of that information.”

The library staff members at The Windward School not only maintain, expand, and curate the School’s print and digital collections but also embody the connection between resources and students. Through creating multisensory lesson plans, recommending and sourcing books based on students’ interests, and hosting engaging programs and activities, the librarians create a culture of literacy by helping students acquire new knowledge and a curiosity about the world around them.

Library Design The Windward libraries have been designed to foster collaboration, exploration, research, and exposure to new ideas and places. As the most visited place on each campus, the library staff members are regularly updating their spaces. In

2014, the Westchester Middle School library was remodeled to include an enhanced book collection, a media center, a recess and study area, and a new self-contained classroom complete with SMARTdesks and interactive white boards. The new Manhattan library center houses both the lower and middle school libraries with dedicated spaces for teaching, a resource center, and computers. The Westchester Lower School library also includes a dedicated space for direct-instruction teaching and features an interactive white board. It is the original library of The Windward School library system and includes a bank of computers utilized by fourth graders. Books on display throughout this bright space are inviting ways to showcase what’s new to the collection and encourage students to check out books to read.

New Items Debut for 2017-2018 School Year For the 2017-2018 school year, new library items will debut. On all three campuses, graphic novels and audiobooks will be added to the library collections. While these are not part of Windward students’ curriculum, they are types of books that students enjoy reading for pleasure, and they support the library’s goal to encourage a life-long love of reading. In addition, since many students commute long distances to school, they will have the ability to check out an audiobook for their daily commute.

The Westchester Middle School campus library will host a pilot program by adding iPads for students to search the library’s online card catalog, enabling students to locate books without having to write down or remember call numbers. In addition, students will be able to visually verify that the book they found in the stacks is the book they are looking up in the online catalog. If the pilot program is a success, research iPads will be installed in the Manhattan Middle School library at a later date.

Author Doreen Rappaport poses with Manhattan students and their favorite books written by her.

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The Windward School libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of students and faculty members. While an intellectual hum has replaced the shushed quietness of these centers of learning, the libraries remain places that cultivate student engagement, curiosity, and excitement about new knowledge.

Meet the Library Staff Members Joan Girardi Westchester Lower School Librarian

Stephanie Dunn Supervisor of Library Services Ms. Dunn has been at Windward for ten years. She started teaching in the library during the 2007-2008 school year and became the Supervisor of Library Services in 2016. As a child, she always loved reading. In fact, her favorite place was the library—and still is today.

“I love teaching in the library because I’m able to have interactions with so many different students in various grades.

Teaching them the research process is a very rewarding experience when they have that ‘aha’ moment.”

Her favorite book as a child: Sneetches by Dr. Seuss

Before Ms. Girardi became the Westchester Lower School Librarian six years ago, she worked in both the middle and lower schools and always enjoyed taking her students to library class and the various library programs.

She loves being able to help teachers and students find the information and books they need.

“Finding a book that’s going to answer a student’s questions or pique their interests and putting it in their hands is very rewarding.”

Her favorite book as a child: The Nancy Drew series as well as biographies

Helen Prichett Windward Manhattan Librarian Ms. Prichett has always loved reading. When she would volunteer at her childrens’ schools, the library was where she always ended up—and enjoyed the most.

“I love being able to combine my love for reading with a culture of creating a love for reading. I get to work with every student in the school and see them progress. It’s very rewarding to help build their confidence in reading and find books they are confident enough to read and actually enjoy.”

Her favorite book as a child: Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White and D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths

by Ingri d’Aulaire

Toni Ford retires after eleven years at The Windward School For the last 11 years, Ms. Ford has been a wealth of information and an integral part of keeping the Westchester Middle School library intellectually humming along. Ms. Ford recently retired at the end of the 2017 school year. You may have encountered her at the circulation desk – cataloging, checking books in and out, or doing a little research. She was also instrumental in designing and creating banners for bulletin boards and book displays in collaboration with the library teachers. Ms. Ford says about her time here, “Windward is a wonderful place to work. The word ‘community’ is a misnomer. It’s more like a family.” In her retirement, she looks forward to a possible move to a warmer climate and more time to pursue interests like publishing a children’s book.

As a regular part of library upkeep, teachers were invited to stock their classroom collections with books from the library’s collection.

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2017 Commencement Address — Andrew Mollerus ’12 —

Phi Beta Kappa and Harvard University Class of 2016 Graduates, faculty, and parents, thank you for letting me share this special day with you. It is awesome to be back at Windward after so many years. I can confidently say that none of my subsequent pursuits would have been possible without this amazing School.

graduation address you ever attend: Don’t be afraid of failure. Embrace failure.

This idea is usually used as an encouragement to be daring and take big risks. In our case, I want to think on a different scale. Over the next four

Like many of you, I came here for the third grade, frustrated and unable to read. Over the next three years, the adults at Windward turned me around.

I am still struck by the motivation of Windward’s teachers, by their commitment to their students, and by the infectiousness of their energy. Nowhere in my subsequent studies have I found a faculty and student body with the same sort of drive and professionalism.

As a number of you depart these grounds, I encourage you to carry Windward’s energy and spirit with you.

Each of you has been a participant in a community that demanded much of you; that set lofty goals for you; and that gave each of you the capabilities to achieve them. During my time speaking with some of you this spring, it was plain to see that in these rigors each of you had found maturity beyond your years. Hold onto this. Nurture it. Keep on outlining.

Don’t be afraid to be the one working the hardest next year.

Looking ahead, I would like to share two small pieces of advice that I think might come in handy next year and beyond; however, before I begin, please do be skeptical of anyone giving advice.

As one of my physics professors loved to tell his class, “There are as many ways to be a good physicist as there are good physicists.”

Proceeding nevertheless, I want to begin with an idea which you will probably hear repeated in every 12 | The Compass Summer 2017

or eight years, each of you will answer thousands of test questions. If you pursue sports, you will make thousands of passes; theater, thousands of lines; or music, thousands of notes. Some of these you will nail; some of them you will not. In your family and social lives, you will make thousands of decisions.

Sometimes you will do the right thing; sometimes you will not.

In these small arenas, please embrace failure. You will miss notes in recitals you still nail. You will miss passes in games

you still win. You will miss questions on tests you still ace. As I have seen it, the key to doing your best—and having fun while doing it—is letting these small mistakes be mundane, boring, and everyday.

Sailing is a sport in which this idea is particularly relevant. Due to the randomness of the wind, no one race could really serve as a good ranking of the teams competing. Instead, each championship consists of ten or so races over a few days, and the combined results of these races determine the winner. This format makes it essential not to dwell on mistakes or to give them more than passing notice. Otherwise, you will spend the next race thinking about the previous one.

I understand that it is much easier to prescribe this mentality than to reach it. And I have spent a lot of time trying to achieve what I am preaching. There are few things that have worked for me, though, that you might consider. First, if you are ever confused in a class, raise your hand and ask for more explanation. It is natural to feel embarrassed when doing this. If you make a habit of interjecting, however, the embarrassment then seems rather silly. Secondly, before taking a test, decide that it is okay to read the first question and have absolutely no idea how to answer it. You are going to scan down and read the second question with little more than passing notice. I think that you can find small habits such as these— ways to make small failures mundane—in just about anything you pursue.

That was the first piece of advice: Embrace failure.

For the second piece, I would like to borrow from speakers at two other graduations I have attended in the last

month: my own from graduate school and my brother’s from college. Both speakers, amongst other things, told the group of young-adults before them: “Remember that much of your success—indeed nearly everything you do—is dependent upon strangers, people you will never meet or be able to thank.”

“Remember that much of your success— indeed nearly everything you do—is dependent upon strangers, people you will never meet or be able to thank.”

To me, this was quite memorable.

Their idea wasn’t necessarily new, but I found their distillation very powerful.

In our case here, certainly, each of you have many people that you can thank.

From your incredible teachers here at Windward to the beautiful fans gathered for you today. Please do give them a big thanks. They are very proud of you. As

you head off to high schools and beyond, I would guess that more and more of you will depend upon people you won’t ever meet—from the ancient theorist who derived your algebra rules to the factory worker who stitched your soccer cleats.

This idea has both obvious and non-obvious implications, and I will leave each of you to draw your own conclusions from it. It is an idea that I am still reflecting on. Having heard it twice, I thought it quite fitting to pass onto all of you. I find it both humbling and inspiring.

With that, graduates, I would like to conclude by saying congratulations.

Please hold onto the energy of this place.

Please keep on outlining. And please don’t be afraid to be the one working the hardest next year. Thank you so much for inviting me to speak. Have awesome summers!

“

Please hold onto the energy of this place. Please keep on outlining.

And please don’t be afraid to be the one working the hardest next year.

”

SAVE THE DATE:

Windward Giving Day

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Save the date for The Windward School’s second Giving Day, #WindwardGives. The first-ever Giving Day, held on May 4, 2017, helped the School raise over $240,000 in a 24-hour period. The day started with a dollar-for-dollar match up to $75,000.

Once we reached our $150,000 goal, two very generous Board of Trustees members challenged our community to raise $15,000 more with an additional $15,000 match.

Together, the generous Windward community helped transform the lives of our students and made #WindwardGives a resounding success. We are grateful for your support and hope you can join us again on Tuesday, November 28, 2017.

To make a gift to the 2017-2018 Annual Fund, visit thewindwardschool.org/give

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CONGRATULATIONS

GRADUATES!

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2017 Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award Winner — Presented to Laura Dreyer —

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The following speech was delivered at the 2017 Graduation ceremony by Ms. Dreyer.

It is an immense honor to be the 2017 recipient of the Stone Award. I extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Russell and the administration for recognizing me, the Stone family, and the Windward students and faculty. Also, thank you to my family for coming north of the Mason Dixon line to be here tonight. On the eve of Father’s Day weekend, I would be remiss not to mention my father who is my ardent cheerleader and always reminds me that I am the toughest kid on the block. I never imagined that I would be singled out for accolades among the Windward faculty, an exceptional group of people, but I also never imagined that I would become a Windward teacher.

I was not even aware that there were six syllable types. Now, I am such a word enthusiast that I have been known to rhapsodize over syllabication rules very excitedly. Before I started working at Windward, I did not participate in any team sports. Last week, I was a proud teacher captain to the winning field day team for the fifth time. I had no idea that I had this capacity for delivering instruction according to a language-based curriculum or rallying adolescents. Certainly, I feel fortunate that I gave it a try.

Regardless of my inherent qualities that helped lead me to become a teacher at Windward, in order to truly succeed at the school I needed to work hard. However, Windward is an institution filled with such determined students and teachers that dogged effort is as commonplace Ten years ago, I graduated from in the building as number-two pencils. college. While I am sure that my parents The training process for new teachers is warned me that majoring in sociology with a supportive but rigorous. While I was not minor in Francophone culture studies would always successful at creating a unit worthy not create a direct career path for me to of the language arts department, I knew follow in my adult life, that did not resonate that if I was persistent I could improve. until June 2007. I needed to find a job Windward teachers watch their students after graduation. Fortunately, I was offered give their all every day in the very subjects a position as a middle school teaching that are most difficult for them. I feel that assistant at Windward. When I began at the if I do not at least match that energy, it is school, I was amazed and even intimidated hypocritical. I am in a position that plays by its meticulous curriculum, expert faculty, to my strengths as I continuously attack my and relentless pursuit of helping children students’ weaknesses. At the end of the learn how to learn. I did not know if I school year, my students sometimes write would make a good Windward teacher, but me thank-you notes. One of my most I decided to give it a try, do my best, and treasured cards came from a student who see where it would take me. Evidently, it is wrote, “Thank you, Ms. Dreyer. You made going well. me work really hard even when I did not want to, but in the end I was always happy I It did not take very long for me to feel did.” I could write the same message to my at home in Windward. Working with my students. mentor teacher and learning the Windward way began to feel second nature to me.

Parents and students at Windward talk Along with developing the skills necessary about how the program changes the way to become a Windward teacher, I started they approach school and assignments. to learn more about myself. Although When my students return to school to visit, I had imagined that I would work best they tell me about how they utilize the with younger students, I could feel myself strategies they learned. Massive banners becoming connected with the middle hanging in the Westchester campuses school. I have spent most of my career proclaim the school’s positioning statement: at Windward teaching seventh grade, an “Transforming Lives: The Proven age which I thought I could never teach Windward Way.” I can attest that Windward successfully. When I began at Windward, has the same effect on its teachers. After

only a few weeks at Windward, I noticed subtle shifts in myself. I started writing my to do lists in Teaching Basic Writing Skills key words and phrases. While I was in graduate school, I used the same study tools I teach my social studies students to great success. I realized my transformation was complete one summer as I sought out a systematic, multisensory research-based approach to training my puppy. Windward has had an impact on how I think and work.

Knowing that I can be part of this process for students is what gets me into the school building every morning.

Windward students, you are remarkable. You have worked so hard and should be proud of yourselves. Your potential is limitless, and your future is thrillingly unknown. Ten years ago I would not have pictured being here now. Luckily, I had an opportunity to try something out, and it has taken me further than I ever expected. Now when you approach your next opportunities, be ready to try them out, do your best, and see where they take you.

Eventually, it will go well.

About the Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award This speech was delivered at the recent graduation ceremony on June 15, 2017. The Isabel Greenbaum Stone Award is given at the end of each school year to an exemplary faculty member that has been at The Windward School for four years or more.

All members of the Windward community are invited to nominate a faculty member. Visit thewindwardschool.org/stoneaward for more information.

www.thewindwardschool.org | 17

Independent and Public School Placements and Acceptances 2017 Albertus Magnus High School

Greenwich Country Day School

Park Academy (OR)

All Saints School (OR)

Greenwich High School

Pelham Memorial High School

Anne M. Dorner Middle School, Ossining

Gunnery School

Poly Prep Country Day School

Archbishop Stepinac High School

Harrison High School

Pomfret School

Arlington High School

Harvey School

Proctor Academy

Avenues: The World School

Hastings High School

Rippowam Cisqua School

Avon Old Farms School

Hewitt School

Riverdale Country School

Beacon School, NYC

High School for Math, Science & Engineering, NYC

Robert E. Bell Middle School, Chappaqua

Hommocks Middle School, Mamaroneck

Rye High School

Berkshire School Birch Wathen Lenox School Blind Brook High School, Rye Neck Briarcliff High School Bronxville High School Bronxville Middle School Browning School Brunswick School Calhoun School Choate Rosemary Hall Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School Convent of the Sacred Heart (CT) Dwight School Dwight-Englewood School Eagle Hill School Eaglebrook School Eastchester High School Edgemont High School Ethical Culture Fieldston School Fairfield Country Day School Fairfield Prep Fordham Preparatory School Fox Lane Middle School, Bedford Fusion Academy Gow School Grace Church School

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Horace Greeley High School, Chappaqua International School of Amsterdam Iona Preparatory School Irvington High School Irvington Middle School John Jay High School, Katonah-Lewisboro Kennedy Catholic High School King School King’s Way Christian Schools (WA) Long Island Lutheran High School Loyola School LREI Mamaroneck High School Marymount School

Rye Country Day School Saddle River Day School Salisbury School SAR High School Scarsdale High School Scarsdale Middle School School of the Holy Child Solomon Schechter School of Westchester Soundview Preparatory School Spence School St. Luke’s School (CT) Storm King School Suffield Academy Talent Unlimited High School, NYC

Masters School

Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Fair Lawn, NJ

Mead School

Torah Academy for Girls

Middlesex Middle School, Darien

Trevor Day School

Millbrook School

Trinity Pawling School

Millennium High School, NYC

White Plains High School

Museum School, NYC

Winston Preparatory School (NYC)

New Rochelle High School

Wooster School

North Shore Hebrew Academy High School

York Preparatory School

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy Pace High School, NYC

— In Memoriam — DONALD STONE The Board of Trustees and the entire Windward community extend our deepest sympathy to the Stone family on the passing of Donald Stone, the last surviving immediate family member of The Windward School’s founder, Isabel Greenbaum Stone. Born in New York City in 1924, Mr. Stone, along with his brothers Robert and James, were among the School’s first pupils. He also attended Deerfield Academy and Williams College. Mr. Stone, age 93, passed away in his home in Scarsdale, New York, surrounded by family on May 20, 2017.

In honor of his mother, Mr. Stone and the Stone Foundation established the Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award which is presented annually at The Windward School commencement exercises.

This prestigious award is given to an outstanding Windward faculty member and serves as a reaffirmation of the importance Mrs. Stone placed on excellent instruction that meets the individual needs of students. A frequent attendee at Windward graduation ceremonies, Mr. Stone was a strong supporter of the School.

“Donald Stone regularly attended Windward’s graduation and was always delighted to congratulate the graduates and recipients of the award named for his mother,” shares Dr. John J. Russell, Head of School.

Mr. Stone was an active and generous supporter of philanthropic causes. He served on the Boards of Save the Children Federation, the

Hospital for Special Surgery, White Plains Hospital, Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, National Conference of Christians and Jews, and more. He was also a Presidential Appointee to the National Drug Advisory Committee.

As mentioned above, he was a strong supporter of educational institutions including The Windward School, Williams College, Deerfield Academy, and Hawthorne Cedar Knolls.

Donald Stone will be missed greatly by all who knew him. We have been privileged to have had Mr. Stone actively involved with the School for so many years and are grateful for the most generous support he and his family have provided Windward.

Ms. Ellen Bowman Elected Board of Trustees President Ms. Bowman took office as President of The Windward School Board of Trustees on July 1, 2017.

Ms. Bowman has a long and distinguished relationship with Windward.

She chaired the Committee on Trustees, served as President of the Windward Parents Association, and was a past co-chair of the Annual Fund.

Ms. Bowman and her husband, Steven, reside in Rye, New York and are the parents of two sons. Mitchell attended Windward for five years and is a graduate of George Washington University. Max, a musician, is a graduate of Evergreen State College and lives in Olympia, Washington. www.thewindwardschool.org | 19

2017 MOVING UP CEREMONIES

— WE STCHE ST E R LOWER AND MANHATTAN LOW ER S C HOOLS —

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2017 MOVING UP CEREMONIES

— WE STCHE ST E R LOWER AND MANHATTAN LOW ER S C HOOLS —

www.thewindwardschool.org | 21

— MANHATTAN LOWER SCHOOL —

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— MANHATTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL —

www.thewindwardschool.org | 23

— WESTCHESTER LOWER SCHOOL —

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— WESTCHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL —

www.thewindwardschool.org | 25

Sports Review SPRING 2017

— Westchester & Manhattan —

Manhattan Spring 2017 Sports Review

By Dan Smith Windward Manhattan Assistant Athletic Director

quarterbacked and progressively improved over the course of the nine weeks. Aside from increasing their knowledge of the sport, the athletes had a lot of fun playing against and with their competitive classmates.

Floor Hockey

Track The Windward Manhattan athletic program hosted its inaugural track season this spring. Middle school students in 5th through 7th grade practiced at various locations in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, including Thomas Jefferson Park, Central Park’s East Meadow, and indoors in the school’s gymnasium when cooler weather warranted it. The team consisted of 24 athletes and four coaches. They met three times a week after school. Over the course of the season, the runners increased their endurance, improved their running technique, and learned other fundamental skills. The 5th and 6th grade runners competed in four meets at Astoria Park Track. The 7th grade runners ran in five meets at Icahn Stadium including events such as the 200 meter, 400 meter, long jump, and the boys and girls 4 x 4 (200, 400, and 800 meter).

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Several students placed in the top ten in their respective events and continuously improved their performances. Athletes developed a strong bond amongst their teammates and coaches over the course of the season.

Flag Football For the second year in a row, Windward Manhattan athletics offered spring flag football. A total of 49 students participated in this intramural program.

Once a week, for nine weeks, students traveled to Asphalt Green’s turf field.

They worked on fundamental football skills such as throwing, catching, running pass routes, and improving their agility. After practicing the necessary skills, students were divided into four teams between two divisions (5th/6th & 6th/7th) and played in two 20-minute football games. The students

For the first time ever, Windward Manhattan offered intramural floor hockey. Once a week, over the course of nine weeks, 15 students participated in the floor hockey program. Skill levels varied but the enthusiasm and love for the game was present in all of the program’s participants. Fundamental stick handling and passing skills were developed during each session before the students faced off in competitive play. Game scores were close and usually decided by no more than one goal. The students laughed, cheered each other on, and loved their time together during floor hockey.

Instructional Tennis Once again, instructional tennis proved to be enormously popular among Windward Manhattan’s student athletes. Thirty-five lower and middle school students spent the spring season learning proper tennis technique from the professionals at John McEnroe’s Sportime Tennis Academy, a tennis club located at Randall’s Island.

Supervised by Windward teachers and under the direction of the professionals at Sportime, players were grouped according to their skill level. Coaches worked in groups with students to improve their technique and game play.

Sports Review SPRING 2017

— Westchester & Manhattan —

Westchester Spring 2017 Sports Review

By Marilyn Hunt Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health

Lacrosse The Westchester Middle School lacrosse team began their spring season the first week of March with indoor practices. Despite the March snowstorm, teams were soon outside and ready to play the very competitive Fairchester Athletic League. Lacrosse Division A, which consisted of thirty 7th—9th graders, opened with an exciting win against Stanwich School, and they continued to improve their game throughout the season. The returning 8th and 9th grade players, along with a new and enthusiastic group of 7th graders, bonded together for a fun and successful season. The team worked hard, improved their lacrosse skills, displayed great sportsmanship, and ended the season with a 7-4 record.

The 5th and 6th graders on Lacrosse Division B also worked hard at practices and had a fun and exciting season. Many of the games were close and the team, which consisted of seasoned players and beginners, learned to work together as they played hard in the Fairchester League. By the second game, everything began to fall in place, and they came back from New Canaan School with a victory. All 20 players came ready to play and contributed to the team effort.

Softball The 7th-9th grade girls’ softball team consisted of 19 enthusiastic, hard-working players. There were nine 8th and 9th grade players and ten 7th grade players who joined the upper division this year. The older students were great mentors to the new players.

Everyone worked together and became

great teammates. Each student made a positive contribution to the overall team, and the 7th-9th grade girls’ softball team ended the season with a 4-3 record.

Although the 5th and 6th girls’ softball team’s number of participants was less than the other team, their effort during games and practices was incredible!

These 14 athletes received plenty of playing time, and their improvement throughout the season was evident to the coaches and parents. The coaches remarked that these were committed athletes, and they all grew as teammates and skilled players.

Cross Country

Instructional Tennis Instructional tennis once again proved to be enormously popular among Windward school athletes. Fifteen middle school students and 22 lower school students spent the spring season learning proper tennis technique from the professionals at Lifetime Fitness, a tennis club located a few minutes from the West Red Oak Lane campus. Under the direction of these professionals, players were grouped by skill level, and the coaches worked in groups with students to improve technique and skills in this challenging sport.

The spring cross country team, which consisted of 25 5th through 8th graders, trained hard and competed at each race against many teams in the Fairchester division. At times, there were over 100 competitors at the race, and the Windward Viking runners worked hard to stay in top condition! Often you would see the Windward blue jerseys leading the pack of runners. All the runners improved their times during the races, and The Windward School received 13 ribbons and three first-place plaques at the championship race.

Instructional Fencing Instructional fencing, run by Coach Achiko Lortkipanidze, a former Olympian, had an active season. Several of our fencers come to the middle school with skills intact after participating in the lower school program. All of the fencers learned various fencing skills throughout the season and competed against each other on Fridays. www.thewindwardschool.org | 27

The School

A brief recap of some of the many activities that happened during the spring term.

Contributors: Lindsay Kennedy, Heather Pray, Danielle Scorrano

Ms. Betty Knoop, Holocaust Survivor, Speaks to Middle School Students In collaboration with the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, Ms. Betty Knoop, a Holocaust survivor, visited Windward and shared her story with Westchester Middle School eighth-grade students.

Ms. Knoop shared stories about her childhood in Amsterdam, her experiences in the Westerbork and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps, and her life following the liberation. She began her presentation to the students by stressing that they were probably some of the last generation to hear a Holocaust survivor speak and that she was sharing her story with them so that no one would ever forget what happened. Since she had been a child when she was deported to Bergen-Belsen, Ms. Knoop also stressed how important she felt it was to share her experiences with others on behalf of all those, particularly the children, who were unable to tell their stories. After her presentation, she told the students that they must stand up against genocide, racism, and injustice. To prepare for her visit, students read her biography in their social studies classes. They prepared questions in advance to ask Ms. Knoop during the Q&A portion of the presentation. Ms. Knoop also took the time to personally speak with several students and faculty members after her presentation. To thank her for visiting the School, she was presented with a large bouquet of flowers.

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Beat That Challenge Spirit Day Ignites A Day of Cheering and Camaraderie at Westchester Lower School All students at Westchester Lower School participated in the eagerly-awaited, annual event, “Beat That Challenge Spirit Day.� Team Blue and Team Red cheered on their classmates as they participated in a variety of activities. After two hours, the final score ended up being a tie of 45-45! Congratulations to Team Red and Team Blue on a very fun day.

Windward’s Impact on Alumni Revealed at “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia” Film Screening and Alumni Panel in Manhattan Approximately 170 Windward parents, students, alumni, alumni parents, and grandparents gathered in the Coleman Gymnasium at The Windward School’s Manhattan campus for a screening of the film The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia which was followed by a panel discussion featuring Windward alumni.

Windward alum Skye Lucas ’17 and her mother, Geralyn Lucas, were the impetus behind the screening and panel. Both were featured in this documentary that also describes the experiences of dyslexic children, parents, experts, and iconic leaders at the top of their fields. The documentary makes clear that dyslexia, a persistent problem with learning to read, has nothing to do with one’s intelligence. Super-achieving dyslexics revered in their fields – from Sir Richard Branson and financier Charles Schwab to politician Gavin Newsom and attorney David Boies – are also featured in the film. The film confirms what experts and Windward families know: by receiving research-based instruction taught by expertly-trained teachers, dyslexic students can be successfully remediated and achieve their fullest potential. In the film, the renowned reading scientists Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, discuss how recent scientific advances have illuminated the diagnosis and treatment of reading and dyslexia.

Following the panel, five Windward alumni took to the stage to share their educational experiences pre-and-postWindward. They reflected on how Windward helped get them to where they are today: • Tom Higgins ’12 attended Windward from 2002-2006 for third through sixth grade. He graduated from Riverdale Country School and recently graduated from Columbia University with a degree in philosophy and economics. “I credit

(L to R) Tom Higgins ’12, Maureen Sweeney, Skye Lucas ’17, Jon Rosenshine, Reed Switzer ’18, Callie Toal ’18, Dr. John J. Russell, Emma Weinstein ‘16

much of my overall success to the dedicated teachers at Windward.”

• Skye Lucas ’17 attended Windward from 2006-2008 for second and third grade and is currently a senior at The Dwight School. She will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

“It was only after I left Windward that I became aware of my growth. Now I treasure my time at Windward; without it, I could not be the determined and engaged scholar I am today.”

• Reed Switzer ’18 attended Windward from 2007-2011 for second through fifth grade. He is currently a sophomore at The Dwight-Englewood School and recently registered his clothing brand, Ville, and is currently manufacturing the line in India. “If it weren’t for Windward, I wouldn’t have the organizational and leadership skills necessary to run a business.”

• Callie Toal ’18 attended Windward from 2009-2012 for fifth through eighth grade. She is currently a junior at Blair Academy. “From my experience at Windward, I became that person that I am today and gained the confidence needed to tackle any academic challenge.

The comfortable environment at Windward allowed me to be my complete self without having to worry about making mistakes and helped me realize that having difficulty in school was okay.”

• Emma Weinstein ’16 attended Windward from 2009-2012 for sixth through eighth grade. She graduated from The Berkshire School and is currently attending Bucknell University College of Management. “My success in academics and life can be greatly attributed to my time at Windward.”

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Dr. Guinevere Eden Shares Evidence Supporting Early Intervention for Struggling Readers at the Annual Robert J. Schwartz Lecture at The Windward School On April 26, nearly 500 people attended the annual Robert J. Schwartz Memorial Lecture presented by internationally recognized neuroscientist Dr. Guinevere Eden. In her presentation on “Decoding the Reading Brain: Lessons from Brain Imaging,” Dr. Eden described how she and her colleagues were the first to apply functional MRI (fMRI) to the study of dyslexia, and they have since used this brain-imaging technology to visually map the functions of the brain.

Advances in brain imaging technology have enabled researchers to use non-invasive tools to understand the cognitive processes for language and reading acquisition. While fMRI scans have broadened our understanding of dyslexia, they have also helped neuroscientists discover the positive results of effective intervention to remediate dyslexia.

Dr. Eden’s research has significantly contributed to mapping the reading brain as well as understanding the neural correlates of dyslexia. At the lecture, she shared studies that show the differences in language and reading acquisition across different writing systems and oral languages. She also shared other studies that demonstrate how brain activity changes based on the age of when a person learns to read. For example, as young children learn how to read, the studies show increased activity in the area of the brain related to phonological awareness. These brain images have shown distinct differences in brain mapping based on a person’s native language, writing system, and level of reading development.

In dyslexia research, brain imaging has been integral in supporting and expanding existing behavioral studies. Dr. Eden presented many fMRI studies that charted differences in the reading brains of people with and without dyslexia. According to brain imaging studies of people with dyslexia, certain areas of the brain are under-activated during reading tasks.

More recently, other brain imaging studies have shown that people with dyslexia also exhibit under-activated areas of the brain during mathematical procedures tasks.

Neuroscientists have also used brain imaging to demonstrate how effective 30 | The Compass Summer 2017

interventions and instructional practices have changed the brains of struggling and preliterate readers. In various studies of adults and children with dyslexia, fMRI imaging showed that new areas of the brain were activated after an intensive, structured, and multisensory intervention, demonstrating further evidence of neuroplasticity in the brain. Therefore, Dr. Eden emphasized the importance of seeking early intervention for struggling readers. Although brain imaging is not intended for individual diagnosis, aggregated findings from participants across a multitude of studies have provided new insights for neuroscience and education.

Future brain imaging research and collaboration between scientific institutions and educational communities will continue to deepen our understanding of dyslexia and the developing reading brain.

Students Dream Big with Jack Horner, Paleontologist

World-renowned paleontologist and discoverer of the Maiasaura, Jack Horner, visited middle school students as a part of the school’s Dream Big program sponsored by the Windward Parents Association. Students and faculty from Manhattan Middle School joined their peers on the Westchester Middle School campus. Each year, a speaker shares their journey toward success despite and sometimes as the result of their struggles with dyslexia. After each grade attended his presentation, Mr. Horner took a tour of the Westchester Middle School campus and visited with a few students. Past speakers include 2014 Olympic Gold Medalist Meryl Davis, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, and David Flink, author and Co-Founder/Chief Empowerment Officer of Eye to Eye, a mentoring movement for different thinkers.

Do you follow The Windward School on social media?

Below are our top posts during the 2016-2017 school year.

FOLLOW US: facebook.com/TheWindwardSchool instagram.com/TheWindwardSchool twitter.com/Windward_School

www.thewindwardschool.org | 31

Performing Arts at The Windward School The campuses were alive with the sound of music and delightful productions. On Westchester Middle School’s campus, students performed Cinderella and Wild About Harry. The students at Westchester Lower School premiered their firstever production of The Tales of Hans Christian Andersen. Another campus premiere happened in Manhattan with The Jungle Book. Students in the lower and middle schools performed together in this first-ever drama production on the campus.

Congratulations to all cast and crew members on wonderful performances.

— WESTCHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL —

Wild About Harry and Cinderella

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— WESTCHESTER LOWER SCHOOL —

The Tales of Hans Christian Andersen

— MANHATTAN CAMPUS —

The Jungle Book

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Visual Arts at The Windward School — By Dev Pillette, Visual Arts Department Chairperson — It’s been a busy year in the visual arts program at The Windward School.

The Visual Arts Department aims to complete several major projects each quarter or about eight drawing, painting, sculpture, clay, and mixed-media projects over the course of the year.

With 795 students between our three campuses, that’s nearly 6,400 works produced each year! Many of the projects this year were featured on Instagram. See them at instagram.com/TheWindwardSchool.

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Marchmester During the last week of Spring Break, 75 Windward students attended Marchmester at Windward’s Westchester Middle School. Students in grades 1-9 and from all three campuses participated in activities like cooking, clay studio, sports and games, mixed-media art, puppetry, Mad Science, knitting, sculpture, dance 101, rock band, theater workshop, computer science, and much, much more.

To learn more, visit thewindwardschool.org/marchmester

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Alumni News & Notes Note: At Windward, a student’s class year is the same as his/her high school graduation year.

To submit a note or share your Windward memories, please email development@thewindwardschool.org.

not practicing law, Robert enjoys acting and writing plays. He is a graduate of SUNY Binghamton and New York Law School.

Robert attended The Windward School from 1997-2000.

2012 1997

Sandon Chevlin ’12 is working on a master’s degree in music composition at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. Last year, he graduated Cum Laude from Rollins College with a BA in music with a focus on composition. Sandon attended The Windward School from 2000-2003.

2019 Sheryl Baron ‘97 graduated from The Windward School in 1997 to attend Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She currently lives in Naples, FL, with her two daughters and husband of 13 years.

Sheryl is the vice president of a non-profit organization that supports the Collier County Medical Society Alliance. She helps organize fundraisers and scholarships for children who are interested in working in the medical field.

2004

Robert Carroll ’04 is a lawyer, recently elected to the New York State Assembly from the 44th District in Brooklyn. When 38 | The Compass Summer 2017

Zachary Raden ’19 graduated from Adelphi University in May 2016 with a BS in Computer Management Information Systems. Zach graduated from The Marvelwood School in 2013 with honors and has been traveling the world visiting such places as Athens and the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece, Japan, Guatemala, Thailand, Portugal, and Italy. Zach left Windward in 2009.

2013 Jon Goldberg ’13 attended Windward from 4th to 7th grade and credits his time at Windward as the foundation to all his future successes. He just graduated from Marist College in May after spending spring of his junior year abroad studying in Florence, Italy, at Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici. He graduated with Cum Laude honors and a BA in sports communications and public relations.

Zoe Stein ’13 graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University in May 2016 with a BA in Sustainability. She was accepted into a dual Master’s Degree Program for Global Sustainability Science.

She is currently living in Germany, studying at Leuphana University of Luneberg. She will return to Arizona at the end of the summer

to complete the second portion of her degree.

2014 Samantha Aloi ‘14 will graduate from The University of Rhode Island in the spring of 2018. This past semester she studied abroad in Sydney, Australia, at The University of Sydney and had the most amazing experience. She is so thankful for Windward because “it taught me that there were students just like me who needed a little extra help. Windward taught me that it is never bad to ask for extra help. Without Windward, I would have never learned to advocate for myself.” Samantha attended The Windward School from 2007-2010 and graduated from The Harvey School in 2014.

Sabrina Bordash ’14 attended The Windward School from 2007-2009. She graduated from Byram Hills School in 2014 and will start her senior year at Lehigh University in the fall. Sabrina just received the Scholar Athlete Award for the Lehigh Girls Varsity Rowing Team and will be working this summer at JP Morgan Private Bank in Philadelphia as an intern.

Axel Getz ’14 left Windward in 2010 to attend high school at Proctor Academy, where he thrived academically. He is currently attending Brown University and just finished his junior year as a Visiting Scholar at Oxford University. This summer, Axel will be in Dorchester, England, to work on the excavation of a Roman villa.

Afterward, he will start an internship at Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA) to document and protect archeological and cultural heritage sites in high-risk areas. He will return to Brown in the fall to finish out his senior year.

Gardner Tregellas ’14 left Windward after 7th grade to attend St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, CT. Gardner graduated from St. Luke’s in 2014 to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. He will graduate in May 2018 with a double major in Economics and Media Studies.

2015 Teresa (Tess) Tregellas ’15 left Windward after 6th grade and went to St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, CT. Tess graduated in 2015 and attends Elon University in Elon, NC, where she is studying “Acting and Communications.” She will graduate Elon University in May 2019 with a BFA.

He and Windward alum, Zach Anson ’20, were Varsity Lacrosse teammates this past season. They both played in their league’s all-star game.

2018

2016

Sophie Jardine ‘16 attended Windward from 2005-2008 and just finished her freshman year at Tulane University.

Jack Lyons ’18 graduated from Windward in 2014 and just finished his junior year at Fordham Prep. He is on the Varsity Swim Team and is also the Coxswain for Fordham’s Crew Team. Jack has made honor roll every single semester, even in his honor classes. In his spare time, he volunteers at The Osborn Home for the elderly and The Fordham Prep Library.

Sam Peluso ’16 graduated Croton High School in 2016 and is currently attending Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. He is interested in criminal justice. In his final semester of high school, he participated in a Westchester County Police Academy training program through Pace earning his first 3 college credits. Sam attended Windward from 2005-2012.

2020 Zach Anson ’20 attended The Windward School from 2010-2015 and will enter his sophomore year at The Harvey School in the fall. Zach had an incredible freshman year, playing goalie for the Varsity Lacrosse team, and making honor roll.

2017

Teddy Little ’17 left Windward in 2013. He recently graduated from The Harvey School.

Sasha Anne Worenklein ’18 just finished her junior year at Westchester Hebrew High School. She attended The Windward School from 2009-2014. Sasha is a very busy high school student. She is a member of the student government, captain of her competitive dance team, and the head of the Jewish Action Committee. Her project “Cinderella! – Make Your Dreams Come True” was selected as a finalist in the 9th Annual Shorty Awards in the Beauty category. She has also started her own cosmetics company, SashaAnne (www. sashaanne.com).

Follow us!

Matt Robins ’18 attended The Windward School from 2009-2014 and just finished his junior year at Greenwich High School. At his current school, he is an honor roll student.

Recently, Matt was named Captain of the Varsity Basketball team for his senior year.

facebook.com/TheWindwardSchool instagram.com/TheWindwardSchool twitter.com/Windward_School

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Where Are They Now? The Class of 2017 Checks In

By Katy Ritz, Associate Director of Development

Andrew Childs Attended Windward 2005-2013 After Windward: Suffield Academy from 2013-2017 Will attend St. Lawrence University in the fall

techniques that helped with my writing and studying habits. Windward also gave me a strong group of friends that have been a great support system for the last four years.”

Windward provided, and I am now more confident in my abilities in school and other areas academically.”

“Windward was a great help to my development of where I am now.

Windward helped me become a confident student and helped me get organized.”

Elizabeth Kreppel Attended Windward 2008-2012 After Windward: Briarcliff Middle and High School from 2012-2017 Will attend Pitzer College in the fall, part of the Claremont consortium in California.

Max Kreppel Attended Windward 2007-2012 After Windward: Briarcliff Middle and High School from 2012-2017 Will attend University of Redlands in the fall. Awarded The Richard and Virginia Hunsaker Scholarship Prize.

This highly competitive award meets each recipient’s full demonstrated financial need for all four years at Redlands. It also offers the opportunity to participate in an expenses-paid networking trip to a major metropolitan city where scholars meet with alumni leaders in a variety of fields.

“Windward helped me get to where I am by teaching me many different 40 | The Compass Summer 2017

“I can't thank Windward enough for the self-confidence I gained from my four years there. Also, the friends I made will always be my life-long friends.”

Dani Bergman Attended Windward: 2009-2013 After Windward: Harrison High School from 2013-2017 Will attend Syracuse University in the fall “I attended Windward from 5th-8th grade and experienced many academic successes and gained many skills by the time I left. I am thankful and appreciative that I was able to receive the extraordinary help and support that

Whittier Ambrose Attended Windward 2010-2013 After Windward: Millbrook School from 2013-2017 Will attend Denison University in the fall “Windward helped me get to Denison University because I learned how to be a better student and how to be more independent. Thank you, Windward.”

A key component of The Windward School’s mission is “helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment.”

Our Outplacement staff works with every Windward family to find the appropriate educational match to ensure their child’s continued academic success once he or she departs the School. Upon graduation from high school, Windward alumni enroll in a broad range of colleges and universities. We reached out to a few students in the Class of 2017 to ask what schools they plan to attend in the fall and how Windward helped them achieve their academic goals.

Daniel Patrizio Attended Windward 2007-2010 After Windward: Scarsdale Middle and High School from 2010-2017 Will attend Bucknell University in the fall

me for my character and not my scores.

It taught me to be confident!”

“My time at Windward helped me in many ways. One of the most important skills I learned was time management.

By being organized, I was able to succeed in my classes, on my exams, and have success in the two sports (football and lacrosse) that I played throughout high school.”

Emma Tregellas Attended Windward: 2006-2010 After Windward: St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, CT 2010-2017 Will attend Duke University in the fall “I will always have Windward to thank for giving me the determination to do my best and always challenge myself. By giving me more confidence in and out of the classroom combined with a great work ethic, Windward truly changed my life.

Jack Kane Attended Windward: 2006-2013 After Windward: King Low Heyward Thomas School from 2013-2017 Will attend Kenyon College in the fall “Windward helped me become an organized and engaging student. The focus on self-advocating (i.e. meeting with teachers regularly for extra help) and having an organized approach to my studies are strategies that I picked up while at Windward. Without these, I would not be where I am today.”

Skye Lucas Attended Windward: 2006-2008 After Windward: Hewitt School from 2008-2014; Dwight School from 20142017 Will attend University of Pennsylvania in the fall “Windward allowed me to find an environment where I could really thrive.

For me, that's where my intelligence is valued. It was where my teachers saw

Michael “Buddy” Bordash Attended Windward: 2009-2012 After Windward: Byram Hills School 2012-2017 Will attend Ithaca College School of Business in the fall.

“Congratulations to the entire Class of 2017! You make Windward proud.”

www.thewindwardschool.org | 41

Windward Alumni Gather on the Upper East Side On June 20, 2017, over 55 alumni from a variety of class years joined Dr. John J. Russell, Head of School; Jon Rosenshine, Associate Head of School; Maureen Sweeney, Director of Admissions and Assistant Head of School;

and Marilyn Hunt, Director of Health, P.E., and Athletics, for a mini reunion at Eli’s Night Shift on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The spectacular evening was hosted by alumnus Oliver Zabar ’09 and his family. Old friends had the

opportunity to catch up through the years and share their stories. Please save the date to join us for our next alumni gathering at The Windward School’s Westchester Middle School for Homecoming on Saturday, October 21, 2017.

Do we have your latest information?

Send updated email and address information to development@thewindwardschool.org.

Feel free to drop us a note on what you’re up to, too.

David Eliazari ’07, Marilyn Hunt

Denis O’Leary III ’06, Conor Coyne ’08, Dr. John J. Russell

Upcoming Alumni Event: Alumni Homecoming Saturday, October 21, 2017

Westchester Middle School campus 40 West Red Oak Lane White Plains, NY 10604

Maureen Sweeney, Patrick Powers ’07, David Eliazari ’07, Thomas Hayes ’07

Oliver Zabar ’09

Lily Roberts ’12, Carly Bernstein ’12, Marilyn Hunt, Laura Kehoe ’12

Justin Edelstein ’08, Marilyn Hunt, Charlie Salzer ‘08 42 | The Compass Summer 2017

All alumni are invited to come back and connect with friends and teachers.

More details to be announced.

Denis O’Leary III ’06, Kendal O’Leary ’07, Connor O’Leary ’09

Alex Mauboussin ’13, Larke Nimocks ’13

Five New Members Join the Platinum Circle at Shenorock Shore Club This past May, former and current Windward faculty and staff members inducted five new members to the distinguished group, the Platinum Circle. This prestigious group is comprised of faculty and staff members who have served our School for 20 years or more. At this past dinner, family members of Ms. Marilyn Tralongo were in attendance to honor Ms. Tralongo’s retirement after 32 years of service at Windward.

Dr. John J. Russell, Head of School, welcomed the new members of the Platinum Circle and thanked all members for their dedication to the School. The School is grateful to

Platinum Circle members for their stellar commitment to helping students with language-based learning disabilities. This esteemed group of faculty and staff has made a difference in the lives of thousands of students who have graced the halls of Windward through the decades.

This year’s inductees are Chris Eberhard, Westchester Middle School (WMS) Division Head; Jayne Graziosa, Assistant to WMS Division Head; Julie Liebman, WMS Dean of Student Support; Colleen Iodice, WLS Nurse; and Meryl Laub, WMS Teacher.

Kathleen Abrahamson, Carol Siegel

Julie Liebman, Chris Eberhard, Daphne Daddino

Marilyn Tralongo, Marian Siracusa, Jennifer Tralongo

Barbara Landau, Sylvia Epstein

Marilyn Tralongo, Jayne Graziosa

Colleen Iodice, Ruthanne Mahoney

Jason Steiker, Meryl Laub

Daphne Daddino, Maureen Sweeney

Diane Kissner, Adele Barracca

Carol Siegel, Colleen Iodice, Marilyn Hunt, Alice Cohen, Beth Foltman, Kaarina Bauerle, Lisa Michell

Larry Crosby, John Vermette, Marilyn Hunt, Chris Eberhard

www.thewindwardschool.org | 43

Faculty News & Milestones Henry Spinella retired from The Windward School after 12 years of service. Mr. Spinella was the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of the After-School Program at the Westchester Lower School. He plans to travel with his wife around the country to national parks and to visit his son in Los Angeles.

Josephine Zuzolo retired after nine years as an administrative assistant for the Westchester Lower School. Upon retiring, she looks forward to visiting her daughter in Brussels with no return ticket and spending more time with her beautiful grandchildren.

After 34 years in the Harrison School District and 12.5 years at The Windward School, Evelyn Pizzarello, Science Coordinator for Grades 1-9, recently retired. She came to Windward as a 5th and 7th grade science teacher. She plans to travel, play golf, and enjoy her home on the shore in Cape May, NJ, with her children and seven grandchildren.

Susan Bisceglia was one of the first faces you saw upon entering the Westchester Middle School. After three years of service to Windward as an administrative assistant, Ms. Bisceglia

recently retired. She is excited to enjoy time with her family, travel, and play golf.

This summer, she plans to do volunteer work and enjoy everything life has to offer. She will also make a trip down to her home away from home in Sarasota, Florida!

Please see page 11 for Toni Ford’s retirement announcement.

Lisa Rainey, Westchester Lower School Teacher, and Rachel Schiff, Manhattan Lower School Teacher, both received certification from the International Dyslexia Association as Dyslexia Practitioners. They join Diane Schonberger as certified Dyslexia Practitioners at The Windward School. A dyslexia practitioner holds a bachelor’s degree or higher and is qualified to teach reading to students with dyslexia. The individual has completed a minimum of 45 hours of coursework aligned with the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards and has demonstrated student progress in a supervised practicum of a minimum of 25 consecutive weeks.

Teacher Seminar. Seminar participants are required to attend the full schedule of events and to engage fully in projects.

Participants are provided with a list of readings and are required to complete them prior to the seminar. When Ms. Stevenson is not teaching or learning, she is an accomplished equestrian. Earlier this year, she won ribbons in Adult Jumpers at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Palm Beach, Florida, with Arabel McFarland’s horse, Fawanda.

Anderson Cole Amin was born on June 6, 2016, to Ariana Amin, Westchester Middle School Teacher.

Alexandra Stevenson, Westchester Middle School Teacher, was selected to participate in the 2017 Gilder Lehman

The Windward School and Windward Teacher Training Institute present the annual Fall Community Lecture presented by Catherine Steiner-Adair, EdD

“Healthy Connections in the Digital Age” Thursday, November 2, 2017 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

The Windward School Westchester Middle School 40 West Red Oak Lane White Plains, NY 10604

To learn more about the lecture and to reserve your seat visit thewindwardschool.org/lecture Windward community lectures are open to the public and free to attend. Reservations required.

Easy access to the internet and social media has erased the boundaries that protect children and has affected our children’s development and capacities for healthy connections. In this lecture, Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair will identify digital age challenges for families and educators and ways to strengthen children’s social and emotional development to help them grow to be responsible, resilient, confident, and capable young adults. She will share real-life stories from her clinical practice and her work with educators, experts, and families, including extensive interviews with students from preschool through high school and beyond. Dr. Steiner-Adair will offer insight and advice that help families and educators achieve greater understanding and confidence as they engage with the tech revolution unfolding in children’s lives.

Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair is a Clinical and Consulting Psychologist and Research Associate at Harvard Medical School and author of the award-winning book, The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age (Harper Collins). An internationally recognized expert in child development, education, and family relationships, she has consulted worldwide to over 600 independent and public schools and speaks at conferences on a wide range of topics including social and emotional intelligence, girl’s development, and best practices for technology at home, schools, and work. Read more about Dr. Steiner-Adair at catherinesteineradair.com

Marilyn Tralongo Retires After 32 Years of Service

By Katy Ritz Associate Director of Development

Windward person.” Marilyn organizes the life of the school! I don’t think there’s anyone who truly knows the depth and breadth of what she accomplishes. More than any other person at Windward, she impacts EVERYTHING and EVERYONE!” —Susan Sidel, Associate Director of Windward Teacher Training Institute

Ask any faculty and staff member about Marilyn Tralongo, and you will hear a variation of these three statements: “She has the best laugh!” “It’s all about the food.” “She wears so many hats.”

One thing is certain—Ms. Tralongo will be sorely missed now that she is retiring after 32 years of service at The Windward School. Many describe Marilyn as a dear friend, a family member, and a wonderful colleague. She is respected and cherished among her peers and has a wealth of knowledge about Windward that is irreplaceable.

Ms. Tralongo started at The Windward School in 1985 when Windward had one campus of just over 100 students in grades 1-12 and has been Executive Assistant to the Head of School since 1991. Ms. Tralongo interacted with hundreds of faculty members and thousands of parents. Read a few tributes to her from an array of faculty members provided here.

“During my time at Windward, Marilyn has been an exceptional partner…She has served Windward flawlessly for 32 years – five heads of school, hundreds of teachers, and thousands of students and parents. All of them sing Marilyn’s praises.

Over our 11 years together, there have been insanely funny incidents, joyous occasions, and horribly sad ones, and throughout it all, I always knew that I could count on Marilyn to see them through with me. —Dr. Jay Russell, Head of School “When in doubt, ask Marilyn. Be it anything about general operations, who’s in the building, or how something should be handled, Marilyn will probably have the answer or know where to find the answer.” —Tristes Dunn, Coordinator of Admissions

“As Director of Athletics, games often end late, but I always knew there would be one other person in the building to chat with at the end of a long day – you guessed it, Marilyn Tralongo. For me and many others, Marilyn has been more than a colleague; she has been someone to rely on, a role model. Marilyn has made a difference during her time here, and my friend will be sorely missed by all of us!”

—Marilyn Hunt, Director of Health, P.E. & Athletics

“Marilyn is part of Windward’s DNA; there is a piece of Marilyn in every department. She will be missed for her laugh, her professionalism, and her historical knowledge.” —AnneMarie Rowley, Associate Director of Information Technology “We are all going to miss hearing her laugh and talking about food. We always talk about food including recipes and what she ate over the weekend. Marilyn goes into full detail about which restaurant she went to on Saturday, what she had for an appetizer, main course, and dessert, and always, what she brought in for leftovers.

She loves to talk about food.” —Diane Kissner, Director of Outplacement “She is my go-to person, school related or not! She is my bakery person, my restaurant person and, of course, my

“Not only is Marilyn a pillar of The Windward School, a resource for teachers, an advocate for students and a patient guide for parents, she is a treasured friend. Marilyn will always be an integral part of the school’s growth and success. I have no doubt she is embarrassed by all the fanfare surrounding her retirement, but few people are more deserving of the spotlight.” —Judith C. Hochman, former Windward Head of School “Marilyn is an intelligent, organized, wonderful person who settles for nothing but perfection, especially in the area of nagging. During the 32 years together, we have shared our passion for Windward.

There was much laughter, tragedy, tears, and adventure. She is not only a fellow employee of this great school, but she is a friend whom I will treasure for many years to come.” —Maureen Sweeney, Director of Admissions and Assistant Head of School

www.thewindwardschool.org | 45

Windward Winter Ice Skating Party at Bryant Park It was a wonderful night with students, families, and friends from all three campuses at the annual Windward Winter Ice Skating Party at Bryant Park in NYC. Enjoy some pictures from this cherished annual evening each winter.

View more online at thewindwardschool.org/photos1617

46 | The Compass Summer 2017

www.thewindwardschool.org | 47

Thanks to the generosity of our Windward community, we raised over $94,000 to support teacher training through Windward Teacher Training Institute.

Everyone enjoyed a cloudy but beautiful day of golf and tennis at the 7th Annual Windward Classic Golf and Tennis Outing held at Quaker Ridge Golf Club this past June 5.

The day consisted of friendly competition, great golf, and tennis matches. Special thanks to our Golf Committee Co-Chairs, Mitch Katz and Nick Finn; to our Tennis Chair, Jenny Cook Price; and to all our sponsors.

The outing included lunch, cocktails, and dinner and was capped off with silent and live auctions featuring unique trips, golf foursomes, sporting experiences, and special merchandise.

We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Congratulations to the following golf and tennis award winners Low Net Teams (tie): Tim Tyler, Dave Maffei, Rob Diagahou, and Dave Wallace & Ben Todd, Greg Todd, Ken Ford, and Frank Huckabone Tennis Winners: Jami Goldman and Mark Rossano For a complete listing of sponsors and photos, visit thewindwardschool.org/windwardclassic

Jami Goldman, Dr. John J. Russell

Susan Salice, Bronwen Bastone 48 | The Compass Summer 2017

Nick Finn, Nick Brophy

A golfer takes a swing on one of the top 100 golf courses in America.

Golfers practice at the driving range before tee time.

Thomas Blair, Robert Mendelson

Golfers watch as scores start to roll in.

Russ Carpentieri, Tom Coleman, Nick Famulare, Ken Squire

Alex Gendzier, Roddy Tilt ’02, Jon Rosenshine

Jami Goldman, Mark Rossano

Brian Rind, Richard Henry www.thewindwardschool.org | 49

— Faculty Profile — Jeremy Bletterman A huge smile, an adventurous spirit, and an incredible passion for the Windward community describes Jeremy Bletterman, the newly appointed Assistant Division Head of Windward’s Manhattan Middle School. Mr. Bletterman’s path to teaching took several interesting turns before he was able to realize his lifelong desire to become an educator.

Born in Los Angeles to a family that frequently moved around the country, Mr. Bletterman learned at an early age that resiliency and the ability to create a sense of community were qualities that would serve him well in life. When his family permanently settled in New Jersey, Mr. Bletterman completed his high school education and attended Rutgers University, where he graduated with a degree in psychology and communications.

Although he thought about a career in education, Mr. Bletterman decided to enter the world of advertising. Successful as a media planner and a sales executive at large advertising firms, he did not find the rewarding aspect he had been seeking.

Willing to challenge himself after ten years, Mr. Bletterman decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.

“I had always wanted to be a teacher, and I finally found the courage to completely change my career,” he recalls. “Looking back, it was the best decision of my professional life.”

In order to enter the education field, Mr. Bletterman pursued an advanced degree in childhood education from the City University of New York Brooklyn College. As part of his studies, he taught a fourth-grade gifted and talented class at a Brooklyn public school. “This experience helped me recognize the profound impact I could have on students by encouraging them to believe in themselves and inspiring them to become lifelong learners,” explains Mr. Bletterman. “I had always known the responsibility of being a teacher went well beyond planning 50 | The Compass Summer 2017

lessons and grading assignments, and this formative experience gave me a much deeper appreciation of the critical role an educator can play in the lives of children and families.”

Due to his innate ability to connect with children and his understanding of curriculum and instruction methodology, Mr. Bletterman was asked to assume a leave replacement position in a New

Continually seeking to improve his teaching skills, Mr. Bletterman sought out a school where he could learn the skills and strategies to become a master teacher and have a greater impact on students who struggled academically.

Jersey independent school. He proved to be an outstanding teacher and was given the honor of attending the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools’ Leadership Institute, a biennial opportunity for educators to develop their understanding of leadership in independent education and to build management skills.

Continually seeking to improve his teaching skills, Mr. Bletterman sought out a school where he could learn the skills and strategies to become a master teacher and have a greater impact on students who struggled academically.

When he learned of an opening at The Windward School, he quickly applied.

Incredibly impressed with the School’s

research-based, direct instruction teaching model and the outstanding teacher training opportunities, Mr. Bletterman knew Windward was where he wanted to continue his teaching career. Even a two-hour commute could not dampen his enthusiasm for joining the faculty. “It was love at first sight, and I began my career assisting master teachers in daily classes,” he shares.

While assisting in classrooms, he was immersed in The Windward School’s intensive teacher training program.

Attending professional development classes through Windward Teacher Training Institute, weekly seminars, mentoring sessions, and the Summer Intensive Training Program, Mr. Bletterman honed his knowledge of research-based strategies. “Like many Windward faculty members, when I reflect on my teaching before having attended the Windward training program, I cringe,” he confesses.

“It wasn’t until I internalized Windward’s direct-instruction methodology that my teaching practice began to take shape. I can now only envision approaching teaching and learning only through ‘the proven Windward way.’”

After completing The Windward School training program and assuming teaching responsibilities, Mr. Bletterman was selected by Ms. Leslie Zuckerwise, Division Head of Windward Manhattan, to be the first activities coordinator at the new campus slated to open the next fall.

“The chance to play a role in shaping the next phase of the School’s evolution and in a leadership position was exactly the kind of opportunity I had been searching for professionally,” he expresses. “I gladly accepted.” Once again, Mr. Bletterman’s leadership qualities and his enthusiasm for new and challenging roles were recognized by school administration.

This new role was well suited to Mr. Bletterman’s lifelong interest in exploring new and exciting opportunities for cultural

Mr. Bletterman and his wife ride camels on a recent trip to Egpyt.

and sport activities. In his personal life, he enjoys playing sports and music (he is charter member of The Windward School faculty band), cooking, and playing with his dog, Henry. His greatest passion, though, is traveling the world with his wife to learn about different cultures.

Mr. Bletterman has visited over thirty countries on six continents with his favorite destination, thus far, being Kenya.

As activities coordinator, Mr. Bletterman was mentored by veteran faculty member and Westchester Middle School Activities Coordinator, Jason Steiker, and Daniel Smith, Windward Manhattan Assistant Athletic Director, to create a robust after-school sports and cultural program and to build a tightknit Windward community spanning both middle school campuses. Under the

direction of Mr. Bletterman, Windward Manhattan Middle School students not only engaged with their Westchester peers during Friday night outings but also had opportunities to attend many sporting and cultural events.

A sampling of the exciting and unique activities that Mr. Bletterman arranged for students included taking a dance class at the world famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and attending a company performance at New York City Center later that evening; hearing current and former members of The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra perform classic Count Basie and Duke Ellington tunes at the Rose Theater in Columbus Circle; and cheering on the New York Islanders ice hockey team at Barclays Center in Brooklyn where

students were invited to high-five all of the players as they retook the ice for the second period.

Mr. Bletterman’s favorite part of being at The Windward School is the opportunity to engage and interact with the students and families. “I absolutely love teaching, but being the activities coordinator for the past two years has afforded me the opportunity to get to know every single Windward Manhattan student and many of their families,” he admits. “As Assistant Division Head at Windward’s Manhattan Middle School, I look forward to working with Ms. Zuckerwise in our efforts to guide the evolution of the ever-expanding Manhattan community and to becoming a better and broader resource for the incredibly talented and dedicated faculty.” www.thewindwardschool.org | 51

Windward Parents Association Closing Luncheon —June 8, 2017— The Windward Parents Association celebrated a successful and active 2016-2017 school year at their annual closing luncheon held at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, New York, on June 8, 2017. Part of this annual event’s program is a Windward alumni panel reflecting on their post-Windward years and how Windward helped get them there. Alumni on the panel included: Yaania Bell ’20, Oscar Ceria ’20, Grace Desiderio ’20, Justin Sodokoff ’17, Elena Poyiadjis ’20, and Zach Lev ’16.

Kara Gally, Christine Chase, Cris Carofano

Latonya Borsay, Maria Desiderio, John Desiderio

Alexandra and Craig Jung

Dr. John J. Russell, Dina Colombo Alessi, Marci Lyons, Erica King-Toler, Jennifer Charrington, Gina Switzer, Terry Ann Weil 52 | The Compass Summer 2017

Windward alumni panel speakers Yaania Bell ’20, Oscar Ceria ’20, Grace Desiderio ’20, Justin Sodokoff ’17, Elena Poyiadjis ’20, Zach Lev ‘16

Courtney Gordon, Michelle Taub, Irene Anschlowar, Vanessa Waye

Barbara O’Connor, Jennifer Charrington, Erica King-Toler

Dina Colombo Alessi, Staci Marlowe, Gina Switzer, Marci Lyons, Terry Ann Weil

Don’t miss the 2017-2018 WPA Opening Breakfasts in Manhattan and Westchester.

Current parents and guardians are invited to attend the breakfast that is most convenient for them. R.S.V.P. to wpa@thewindwardschool.org and visit thewindwardschool.org/calendar for more details.

Friday, September 15, 2017 WPA Manhattan Opening Breakfast Coleman Gymnasium, Windward Manhattan campus

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 WPA Westchester Opening Breakfast Willow Ridge Country Club www.thewindwardschool.org | 53

Very Important People Visit with Students at the Lower Schools Each May, Grandparents and Special Persons Days at Westchester Lower School and Manhattan Lower School are a wonderful time spent with very important people. After enjoying mornings of presentations and refreshments, our special guests spent time with the students and their teachers in language arts and homeroom classrooms.

54 | The Compass Summer 2017

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