The Woods Academy News vol 24 iss 1

2017

SUMMER VOLUME 24 / ISSUE 1 A Publication for The Woods Academy Community

Where curiosity and confidence thrive.

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SUMMER

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Dear Woods Community, What a year we just had! From our highest enrollment in school history at 321 students to all 8th graders once again being placed in their top choice high schools, The Woods Academy continues to thrive. The secret ingredient to the success of the school is simple, it’s the people. The people that make this place so special are the students, the faculty, and the parents. The triangulation of these three groups all working in the direction of our mission, to prepare students to lead lives of significance, is the work of a wonderful community. This issue of The Woods Academy News will certainly highlight significance.

As most of you are aware by now, Joanne Gerber is retiring after 31 years at The Woods.

A tremendous educator, student advocate, and admired leader, Mrs. Gerber leaves The Woods Academy a better place. As the Director of our Montessori program, Mrs. Gerber has been at the foundation of significant growth for countless students during her many years. This was evident at the retirement party hosted in her honor with generations of students and families returning to say “Thank You.” One of my favorite Maria Montessori quotes hangs on the desk in Mrs. Gerber’s classroom. It reads, “The child has other powers than ours, and the creation he achieves is no small one; it is everything.” Mrs. Gerber has been a tireless believer in children.

It has been an honor and a privilege for all of us to have been on Mrs. Gerber’s bus. What a great ride it has been and what a tremendous legacy she leaves for us and so many children (many of whom are now adults).

A recent example of significance was highlighted at an Upper School Chapel towards the end of the year when Catherine Heming, Student Body President from the class of 2015, came to present on the business she founded with a high school classmate. Katangense (katangense.com) is a socially conscious copper metal jewelry maker that donates a significant portion of their profit to support African miners and their families. Catherine is an entrepreneur who embodies the Profile of a Graduate of The Woods Academy and lives our mission of leading a life of significance. I am excited for you to read more about Catherine in this issue of The Woods Academy News and to get her back on campus to talk with our students who are learning to become entrepreneurs in our recently formed Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (ELI) Lab. Way to lead by example, Catherine!

In this issue:

1 Head of School’s Message 2 Alumni Spotlight:

8 Class of 2017 10 Class of 2013 11 Class Notes 14 Around The Woods

Catherine Heming (2015)

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Honoring a Living Legacy: Joanne Gerber Retires

The Woods Academy News is published by the Office of Marketing & Communications twice a year for families, alumni, and friends of The Woods Academy.

As you read through this edition of The Woods Academy News, I hope you will all reflect on your connection to The Woods, the great legacy that Joanne Gerber leaves here and the way our mission is “lived” through the work of a young entrepreneur like Catherine Heming. As you will see there is a great deal to celebrate as we move forward. Go Mighty Owls!!

Peace,

Joseph Powers

Special thanks to Freed Photography for many of the photos included in this issue.

Special thanks to Martine Bernard Design (Martine Amirkhalili (1982)) for designing this issue.

Cover art by Grant Wu (Class of 2021) - Great Horned Owl.

6801 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817 2

(301)365-3080

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The Woods Academy N E W S

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

SUMMER

2017

Alumni Spotlight: Catherine Heming (Class of 2015) The Fine Art of Giving Back

by Catherine Heming

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ast summer, my friend Annie and I took a summer engineering course at the TechShop in Arlington, VA. It was there that we were introduced to the art and science of metal clay jewelry. We fell in love with the creativity required to design the jewelry, the scientific process of firing the clay to fuse the metal, and the final steps of polishing and refining each unique piece. It was the perfect combination of years of fine art training with Mrs. Taverner, the chemistry from 7th grade science with Mr. A, and the practical life skills gained from my Montessori Preschool days.

After we finished the class, we gave away the designs as gifts to people who were as excited to receive these pieces as we were to create them. Witnessing the joy people experienced from the jewelry gave Annie and me the idea that we could turn this hobby into a viable business.

Starting Katangense We researched our start-up costs, which included the purchase of a kiln. We also decided that moving forward, we would donate a portion of our proceeds to the charity PACT, and their Mines to Market program. The money we donated would help support mining communities in Africa and South America, which provided some of the raw materials for the metal clay that composed our jewelry.

We investigated many organizations, but Mines to Market’s program resonated the most with us. It has a broad reach and a boots-on-the ground mission to improve the lives of miners and their families. Their

charitable actions include building bridges, schools, and medical centers; enforcing safety; and ensuring metals that are mined are conflict-free.

Supporting this organization was the easiest decision of all for us.

With that, Katangense, our Mines to Designs Company, was born — The Fine Art of Giving Back to African Mining Communities through the Sale of Hand-Crafted Copper Jewelry.

In April, we had the opportunity to attend the Lead Like a Girl Conference hosted by Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. We won 3rd Place in the Entrepreneurship category for the Katangense Business Plan that we submitted and exhibited at the Business Fair.

Why We Give Back Before being invited to speak at Upper School Chapel at The Woods Academy this past spring, I never considered what we are doing with Katangense to be significant.

I am a Woods lifer and as a rising junior at Stone Ridge.

My experiences at both of these schools have taught me the importance of giving back, even if it is in a small way.

It was only after having several people tell me what I am doing is amazing that I have realized the significance of our business. The encouragement from our friends, families, and the community inspires and motivates us toward greater success. As I reflect back on this experience and how it is unfolding, I know that without the inspiration I received from The Woods community during my presentation at US Chapel, the story I am sharing with you today would remain untold.

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Share Your News

Please send in your Alumni Notes for the upcoming issues of The Woods Academy News to keep your classmates and other Woods friends up to date. Photos are always welcome!

Email your updates to Jodie Shoemaker, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Alumni Relations, at alumni@woodsacademy.org 2

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The Woods Academy N E W S

MONTESSORI

MONTESSORI

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Master teacher • Inspiring guide • A gift to her students, their families, and The Woods Academy

Additionally, a new award was established and given at 8th Grade Graduation on June 2. The Joanne Gerber Montessori Lifer Award recognizes a Woods graduate who has attended The Woods since preschool and embodies the ideals of a Montessori education. This first recipient of the award was Aidan Nickerson.

Lastly, The Joanne Gerber Montessori Fund was established in her honor. It is Mrs. Gerber’s wish for this fund to significantly impact our preschool students. Thank you to all those who have already contributed to the fund. You can still show Mrs. Gerber your tremendous appreciation by contributing to the fund. Visit woodsacademy.org/ support/make-a-gift to make your donation today.

Honoring a Living Legacy: Director of Montessori Joanne Gerber Retires after 31 Years of Service and Leadership

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hen Joanne Gerber, Director of Montessori, announced her retirement this past spring, plans were made to pay tribute to a great Woods institution.

First, Mrs. Gerber was honored at a lovely reception at The Woods on June 9. The entire community came together for this celebration.

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The author Judy Blume once remarked, “Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” When Mrs. Gerber walks out of her Montessori classroom one last time this summer, her fingerprints will be left on all parts of The Woods Academy — from the students, to the parents, and the faculty and staff.

Mrs. Gerber leaves a living legacy.

“Master teacher; inspiring guide; a gift to her students, their families, and The Woods Academy.” These are just a few of the titles that Mrs. Gerber has earned throughout her 31 years of teaching at The Woods. John F. Kennedy once said, “One person can make a difference, and

everyone should try.” Mrs. Gerber has truly made a difference not only at The Woods Academy, but in the world of education in general. Her expert ways have touched so many throughout the years.

If you take a peek at her professional biography you will learn that she holds an MEd from Xavier University as well as an American Montessori Society early childhood credential. As a Ford Fellow project, Mrs. Gerber developed The Woods Admission Mornings process. She initiated the Owl Program for four-year-old Montessori students and designed and led numerous parent education programs at the school. In addition to her service on the Board of Trustees as faculty representative, Mrs. Gerber served on two re-accreditation steering committees, participated on an Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) Academic Committee as mentor to new teachers, and was instrumental in The Woods 2007 American Montessori Society (AMS) accreditation. She has also supervised and mentored Don Bosco Christo Rey student workers at The Woods and served as Director of The Woods Montessori Preschool, a position she held for decades.

When Mrs. Gerber first arrived at The Woods Academy in 1986, the relatively new preschool was Montessori in practice, not on paper. In the late 1980s, it was she who recommended that the school become a member of

You can still show Mrs. Gerber your tremendous appreciation by contributing to the fund.

Visit woodsacademy.org/support/make-a-gift to make your donation today.

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The Woods Academy N E W S

MONTESSORI

MONTESSORI

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AMS; in what little spare time she had, Mrs. Gerber completed the membership process for The Woods. Throughout the years, Mrs. Gerber ensured that The Woods Montessori Preschool remain a member in good standing and eventually seek accreditation through AMS. Now, thanks to the tireless efforts of Mrs. Gerber and her Montessori team, The Woods is one of only seven Montessori Schools in the state of Maryland accredited by AMS. She just led her Montessori team through re-accreditation. Mrs. Gerber understands that accreditation encourages reflection and growth and she knows how essential this is to the school, her teachers, and herself.

Over the years, Mrs. Gerber has participated in and presented at numerous AMS workshops, lectures, and conferences. In addition, Mrs. Gerber has mentored dozens of aspiring Montessori educators from the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies at Barrie School and The Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola University Maryland. Many of those educators have worked side by side with her in The Woods Montessori Preschool. This dedication to mentoring future Montessori educators ensures the continued excellence of Montessori education.

One of her colleagues notes, “Like Maria Montessori, Joanne’s background is in science, so she has a scientific mind and eye for preparing the classroom and lessons to meet the needs of multiple age learners. Her classroom and materials are immaculate!” Another colleague identified Mrs. Gerber’s love of learning as her most endearing character trait. “ She keeps up with the latest in child development and the challenged child by reading books and attending workshops. She is always willing to share this wealth of knowledge with her team and the parents.”

The parents at The Woods know what a blessing Mrs. Gerber has been to the children. One parent whose three children were all taught by her reflects, “I believe it was Mrs. Gerber’s positive attitude and guidance that helped my children find a love for learning that carried on throughout the years. She still recounts funny stories about their days in her Montessori classroom. When I think about how many children she has taught over all these years, I am amazed that she can recall such details about each child.”

It is statements like these that are a testament to Mrs. Gerber’s influence on education. Another of her colleagues shares how she has been shaped by Mrs. Gerber’s talent: A true mentor shares her knowledge and experience in such a way that you grow and learn and find ways to improve your skill set. In the few years I have been a teacher at The Woods Academy, I have learned so much from Joanne Gerber that helps me look at each child individually, find unique ways to meet their needs, and make sure they have an authentic Montessori experience.

Her knowledge, approach to learning, and patience are the hallmark of a true educator. She has touched so many

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lives and it is never more apparent than the day our 8th graders graduate from The Woods and seek her out for one last picture with a favorite teacher. For many of them she was their first teacher and one who cultivated a love of learning in each one of them.

Ultimately, Joanne Gerber has been an inspiring guide and nurturing mentor to students, teachers, and parents alike. A former student and current colleague of Mrs. Gerber remarks, “My vague but first memory of this inspiring teacher is when I was greeted with a smile at the door of my new Montessori classroom. She has taught and administered programs at The Woods Academy for more than 30 years and exhibits the kind of work ethic, knowledge, and professionalism that I wish to reach one day, as a teacher. Mrs. Gerber should be recognized for her lifetime commitment to her profession and the passion she has shown me and others, as a teacher and as a colleague.”

Farewell, Mrs. Gerber! Thank you for leaving your fingerprints on the life of The Woods Academy.

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The Woods Academy N E W S

CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2017

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2017

Class of 2017 Graduation Ceremony & Awards

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n Friday, June 2nd, we celebrated and recognized the Class of 2017 for their outstanding contributions to The Woods community.

Ellie Rubin, Student Council President, shared the Student Reflection with her classmates and all those in attendance. The Alumni Reflection was delivered by Adriana Dropulic, Class of 2011 and sister of Luke.

The Twelve Season Award is given to students who participated in The Woods Athletic Program every season during their four years in Upper School. The following students received special recognition for this accomplishment: Abigail Maloney Brian McCormick Dylan Danaie Ryan Joseph Aidan Nickerson The Woods Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts, given to the eighth grade students who have excelled in the fine and performing arts, was awarded to Natalie Pierce for Fine Arts, Amalia Villegas Vega for Drama, Ellie Rubin for the Arts, and Sara Manzano for Music.

The Woods Academy Congratulates the Members of the Class of 2017

Daniel Atingi

Wesley Grammer

Natalie Pierce

Douglas Crocker

Ryan Joseph

Ellie Rubin

Brandon Curry

Abigail Maloney

Kei Sasayama

Dylan Danaie

Sara Manzano

Shea Simmons

Shane Davis

Brian McCormick

Gabbi Stewart

Michael DeVol

Nora McMickle

Alex Thal-Larsen

Luke Dropulic

Aidan Mood

Patrick Todd

Eddie Farley

Christie Mori

Alejandro Tovar

Aaron Flynn

Aidan Nickerson

Amalia Villegas Vega

Luke Giannini

Paul Page

Kendall Wright

The Woods Academy Class of 2017 has been accepted to the following high schools: Academy of the Holy Cross

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Connelly School of the Holy Child

Gonzaga College High School

St. John’s College High School

DeMatha High School

Holton-Arms School

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

Georgetown Preparatory School

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

The Madeira School

The class was awarded $320,000 in merit scholarships.

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The Woods Award for Academic Honors is given to the eighth grade students who have earned either Honors or Honors with Distinction for at least half the trimesters from seventh grade through the second trimester of eighth grade. The following students were recognized for this accomplishment:

During the ceremony, the following Graduation Awards were given to the Class of 2017.

The Athletic Director’s Award which recognizes model Woods Academy athletes for outstanding academic achievement, sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice for the program was given to Abigail Maloney and Brian McCormick.

Dylan Danaie Luke Dropulic Edward Farley Aaron Flynn Luke Giannini Wesley Grammer Abigail Maloney Sara Manzano Brian McCormick Nora McMickle Christie Mori Aidan Nickerson Paul Page Natalie Pierce Ellie Rubin Alejandro Tovar Amalia Villegas Vega Kendall Wright

The Celestine Award was given to Luke Dropulic and Ellie Rubin as the eighth grade students who have demonstrated the effort and hard work that characterizes the ideal Woods Academy student.

The Award for Academic Achievement, given to the eighth grade student who has demonstrated excellence in academics, was awarded to Natalie Pierce and Luke Dropulic.

Wesley Grammer and Ellie Rubin were recipients of The General Excellence Award, given to the eighth grade students who have demonstrated the ideals of The Woods Academy Mission Statement, including academic, athletic, spiritual, social excellence and emotional well-being, a respect for others, a spirit of equality and commitment to community service.

The Joanne Gerber Lifer Award, is a new award to honor the Legacy that Joanne Gerber leaves at The Woods as she retires.

This award will be given annually to a Lifer, a student who has been at The Woods since Montessori, who embodies the ideals of a Montessori education. The recipient of our first ever Joanne Gerber Life Award was Aidan Nickerson.

The Serviam Award, for the eighth grade students who have given outstanding service to The Woods community, was received by Amalia Villegas Vega and Aidan Nickerson.

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CLASS OF 2013

The Woods Academy N E W S

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2013 College Matriculation* We are proud to share the list of colleges and universities chosen by the Class of 2013.

Carlota Andrés — NYU Jonah Barron — The College of William and Mary Sarah Bash — Colby College

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Class Notes Share Your News

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lease send in your Alumni Notes for the next issue of The Woods Academy News to keep your classmates and other Woods’ friends up to date. Photos are always welcome!

Email your updates to Jodie Shoemaker, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Alumni Relations, at alumni@woodsacademy.org

Isabelle Cassidy — Catholic University Elizabeth Chiaramonte — Belmont University Stephen Catrett — James Madison University Nicholas Chow — University of Maryland Amara Clemens — Frostburg State University

2000s

Darren Danaie — Georgetown University Luke Deiss — University of South Carolina Ned Flanagan — University of Virginia Caitlin Grant — College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA Winston Grenier — Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science Ana Harmsen — University of Leiden in the Netherlands Grace Heming — Northeastern University

Brittany Scala (2009) graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina on Saturday, May 6, 2016 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education.

Mary Iannarone — Northeastern University Isabel Jabara — UCLA Martin-Jan Jimenez-Guzel — University of South Carolina Lindsay Joseph — Let us know.

Amara Clemens with his parents celebrating his graduation from Watkins Mill High School on June 12, 2017.

Hugh Roberts (2006) played professional soccer for the Richmond Kickers of the United Soccer League (USL) from 2014–2016. He was named to the USL All-League First Team. “Playing every minute of every game for the Kickers in 2016, Roberts anchored the back line to the third best defensive record in the USL Eastern Conference, conceding just 26 goals and posting 13 shutouts en route to a USL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals finish.” He now plays for Bethlehem Steel FC.

2010s

Emma Kosters — University of Southern California Connor Lamble — California Polytechnic State University

Ally Cordom (2012) was inducted into the National French Honor Society, Phi Delta Phi, at Villanova University.

Charlie Lynch — Colby College Anthony Mahshigian — University of Maryland Kathryn Maloney — Elon University Noah Montemarano — Global Citizen Year in India before attending Brown University Brady Murphy — Butler University Maria Nolan — Tufts University Madison Sotos — University of St Andrews in Scotland Chrissy Storero — Fairfield University Members of the Class of 2013, from left to right - Darren Danaie, Jack Wenger, and Ned Flanagan, after their graduation ceremony from Georgetown Prep on May 21, 2017.

Jack Thal-Larsen — Virginia Tech

Catherine Heming (2015) recently won 3rd Place in the Entrepreneurship category for the Business Plan that she submitted and exhibited at the Business Fair at the Lead Like a Girl Conference hosted by Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. Catherine’s business plan focuses on giving back to African mining communities through the crafting of copper jewelry. See more about Catherine’s accomplishments in the Alumni Spotlight on page 2.

Jack Wenger — University of Notre Dame Reilly Will — University of South Carolina

*Reported to The Woods Academy as of August 1, 2017.

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Noah Montemarano (2013) was recognized as one of DCMetro Theater Arts Best of 2016 Honorees for his performance as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Richard Montgomery High School. At The Woods, Noah played Oliver Warbucks in Annie in 2013. In 2012, he was an Unbirthday Party Goer and a member of the Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Ensemble in Alice in Wonderland.

Travis Scala (2016) was the starting center for the St. John’s College High School JV Football team which just completed an 8-1 season. In addition, Travis received an Academic Achievement Award for the 1st Quarter.

Several members from the Class of 2014, attended Holy Child’s prom together this past spring. Left to right: McKenna Gazdag, Brian Goodson, Zoe Ungerman, Zack Crilley, and Sarah Criswell.

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AROUND THE WOODS

The Woods Academy N E W S

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Faculty & Staff Anniversaries

At the completion of the 2016–2017 school year, the following faculty and staff members celebrated milestone anniversaries at The Woods.

5 Years

15 Years

Molly McNamara Hugo, Director of Admissions

Lois Haywood, Lower School Math Support

Jodie Shoemaker, Director of Marketing, Communications, & Alumni Relations

Danielle (Shegerian) Papazian, Director of Extended Care

10 Years Rina Bados, Spanish Teacher

Monica Fernandez, Montessori Assistant Teacher

Katya Cunnane Pilong, Curriculum & Media Specialist

20 Years Don “Coach” Clubbs, Director of Facilities

AROUND THE WOODS

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Spring Sports Review

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he Mighty Owls ended the year with a bang! We had a lot of success and each team improved and learned new skills. Many 5th graders came out and played lacrosse, softball, and baseball even though they were new to the sport. We love to see so many students participate. Almost all of our teams finished with a winning record.

Our golf club enjoyed playing a few rounds against Landon and Mater Dei. We placed first overall at the German School Cross Country Meet as well as the German School Track Meet.

Congratulations to the following Mighty Owls who were recognized for their achievements during the Spring 2017 season. These awards were presented at the Spring Sports Assembly on Monday,

JV Girls Lacrosse

JV Softball

JV Boys Lacrosse

JV Baseball

Coach’s Award — Emma Shriver (6)

Coach’s Award — Sophie Stewart (6)

Coach’s Award — Sean Kenny (5)

Coach’s Award — Owen Basso (6)

Most Improved Award — Josie O’Rourke (5)

Most Improved Award — Catherine Chong (5)

Most Improved Award — Ben Cruz (6)

Most Improved Award — Tyler Faye (5)

Hustle Award — Lila Amirkhalili (6)

Hustle Award — Ava Atherton (6)

Hustle Award — James Cohen (6)

Hustle Award — Quinn Farland (6)

Varsity Girls Lacrosse

Varsity Softball

Varsity Boys Lacrosse

Varsity Baseball

Coach’s Award — Megan Myers (7)

Coach’s Award — Natalie Pierce (8)

Coach’s Award— Aaron Flynn (8)

Coach’s Award — Brian McCormick (8)

Most Improved Award — Lucía Andrés (7)

Most Improved Award — Mia Hugo (7)

Most Improved Award — Everrett Hutter (7)

Most Improved Award — Eddie Farley (8)

Hustle Award — Abigail Maloney (8)

Hustle Award — Christie Mori (8)

Hustle Award — Shea Simmons (8)

Hustle Award — Alex Thal-Larsen (8)

Michele Roome, Montessori Assistant Teacher

Good Samaritans

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

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n Tuesday, May 30th, six students from fifth through seventh grades were honored for putting others before themselves. Leah Mancabelli and Eli Bowman in 5th grade, Leila Sarkarzadeh and Gonzalo Marina Alonso in 6th grade, and Martina Uña and Ignacio Ascanio Aliño in 7th grade were selected by their peers to receive The Woods Academy Good Samaritan Award.

This award honors students whose behavior is rooted in the actions of the Good Samaritan from Jesus’ parable in Luke. Students who are recognized with this honor are authentic, kind, encouraging, willing to go out his or her way for others, and positive.

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The Woods Academy N E W S

AROUND THE WOODS

The Woods Academy Arts Celebration

AROUND THE WOODS

SUMMER

2017

Montessori Graduation

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eady to move on to full days of classes and uniforms in the Lower School, the Montessori Lunchers graduated on June 2nd in a ceremony full of songs and poetry in English, French, and Spanish. There is no doubt the Lunchers will miss their Montessori teachers and friends, but we are sure they are going to enjoy First Grade!

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n May 18th and 19th, The Woods Academy presented its Thirteenth Annual Arts Celebration. This annual event is a culmination of the year’s work by all students throughout the entire school.

In addition to having our multi-purpose room transformed into an art gallery — showcasing hundreds of paintings, watercolors, pastels, ink drawings, prints, sculptures, and weavings — the exhibition spilled into the hallways of the school.

Student musicians from every grade performed in the Art Gallery on both days.

This year’s drama production was Madagascar, A Musical Adventure Jr., a story that follows ALEX the lion, MARTY the zebra, GLORIA the hippo, and MELMAN the giraffe, animals at the Central Park Zoo who end up on the island of Madagascar with KING JULIEN and the LEMURS and are rescued by the PENGUINS. The audience was entertained by our 7th and 8th grade actors on stage.

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First Communion

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n May 24th, The Woods celebrated the second graders who made their First Holy Communion earlier in the spring. The whole school attended Mass prepared by the First Communicants, their classmates, and teachers.

The students also performed a special Communion hymn, “Jesus, You are Bread for Us.” The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Percival D’Silva from Blessed Sacrament Parish. Congratulations to our First Communicants!

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The Woods Academy N E W S

AROUND THE WOODS

AROUND THE WOODS

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From the Archives

New Faculty & Staff Profiles

Margaret Apau, Extended Care Teacher

Margaret grew up in Silver Spring, MD, and has lived in Frederick, MD for the past 13 years.

Her last position was with an Internal Medicine practice where she served as the Nurse and Office Manager.

Margaret likes to draw and sing.

Martin Bednar, Associate Teacher Martin was born and raised in Hastings, New York.

He was most recently a third grade homeroom teacher and a sixth grade math teacher at Landon School as well as assistant varsity baseball coach.

In addition to teaching and mentoring, Martin has a passion for coaching baseball. He recently coached and helped the varsity baseball team at Landon win a championship where he was able to coach his little brother too. His brother will be going to University of Maryland next year to play baseball. So, coaching his brother and helping the team win was very exciting for Martin.

Kristen Chrobocinski, 5th Grade Math & Science Teacher

Kayana Guerra, Extended Care Teacher Kayana grew up in the beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. She came to the United States at the age of 16 with her family.

Kayana is a very animated person that enjoys making other’s laugh. She enjoys traveling and singing.

She was an assistant Montessori teacher at Apple Montessori for 15 years where she also taught Spanish.

Susy and her family enjoy hiking whenever the weather is nice.

She loves being outdoors.

Throughout her life, Claire has always involved herself in community service. She has even traveled to Haiti, France, and New Orleans for service opportunities.

She is coming to The Woods from National Child Research Center (NCRC Preschool) where she was the Director of Advancement.

If Traci asks you to go out for coffee, she really means let’s of have

NOW

In our nurturing and loving environment, our students’ curiosity and confidence thrive.

Technology has always been an important part of a student’s academic pursuits.

Susy grew up in Washington, DC, but considers her hometown to be Potomac, MD.

Most recently, Kristen was the sixth and seventh grade math teacher at Maret School in Washington, DC. She also ran the after school math clubs and took a team to Mathcounts Competition.

Traci grew up in Bethesda and considers herself a lifetime Washingtonian.

THEN

Susy Levin, Montessori I Assistant Teacher

Claire O’Keeffe, Associate Teacher

Traci Grigg, Director of Development

A lot has changed since the turn of century (2000) at The Woods and some things remain the same.

At her previous job at The Goddard School, during her time there she held a Lead Teacher position both in preschool and in the toddler classroom.

Kristen spent the first 14 years of her life in North Stonington, CT and then moved to Hackettstown, NJ when starting high school and her parents still live there. She usually says she’s from New Jersey even though she only spent four years living there full time. She has a lot of pride for New Jersey!

Kristen has two young daughters and took a year off when each one was born. She says it was the best decision she could have made, but she is excited to get back into the classroom. She enjoys being outside, running races, and eating good food!

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a cup of tea. In addition, Traci loves children’s literature and is a member of a local writing group.

SUMMER

Our students continue to enjoy every moment of their Woods experience.

Claire grew up in Milford, CT. During her time at Ohio Wesleyan University, Claire was a teacher’s aide at the Early Childhood Center, a preschool located on the campus.

Our students still have the benefit of weekly library visits which help develop literature appreciation.

Brooke Summerville, Nurse Brooke was born in Washington, DC and considers herself a life-long Washingtonian.

She has held numerous positions in the medical field including a recent assignment at Children’s Hospital.

Great teachers like Mr. Maloney still inspire students to lead lives of significance.

Brooke is a sports fan who enjoys rooting for the Dallas Cowboys.

What are your most cherished Woods experiences? Chances are they still happen today.

Share your photos and memories with us by emailing them to alumni@woodsacademy.org or share them on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tag us — @thewoodsacademy.

2017

The Woods Academy 6801 Greentree Road Bethesda, MD 20817 301 365 3080 www.woodsacademy.org

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Save the Date!

33rd Annual Grandparents & Special Friends Day AND 13th Annual Woods Academy Golf Classic

Friday, Oct. 6, 2017

Please visit woodsacademy.org/support/special-events for more information.