The Woods Academy News vol 25, iss 2

2019

SPRING VOLUME 25 / ISSUE 2 A Publication for The Woods Academy Community

Where curiosity and confidence thrive.

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© Darren S. Higgins

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AN INCLUSIVE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY PREPARING BOYS AND GIRLS TO LEAD LIVES OF SIGNIFICANCE.

In this issue: 1 2

Head of School’s Message

Alumni Spotlight: Noah Montemarano (2013)

7 AIMS Accreditation 8 Benefits of Technology 10 Hoot Hoot Hooray

12 16 17 21 22 23

Athletics CyberPatriot Team Community Matters Class Notes In Memorium Annual Report Notice

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

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

Special thanks to Martine Bernard Design (Martine Amirkhalili ‘82) for designing this issue.

6801 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817 2

(301) 365-3080

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Dear Woods Community, Spring is in the air and that means there is so much going on at The Woods. Is there ever a time when there isn’t a lot going on at school?

Probably not. This edition of The Woods Academy News is no different. It is full of wonderful news, exciting stories, and tributes to significant people.

From successful fall and winter sports seasons to a state ranked CyberPatriot team and a moving Alumni Reflection from Noah Montemarano (2013), there is much to celebrate and be proud of at The Woods. As a school, we just received our ten-year accreditation from three accrediting bodies (American Montessori Society, Middle States, and The Association of Independent Maryland Schools). This was no small task and a guiding force in the creation of our new strategic plan, Building to Lead. There is much to be proud of and just as much to be excited for in the work ahead.

In this issue, we also pay tribute to one our “greats,” Lorraine O’Keefe, who passed away this past fall. Lorraine started at The Woods on day one and worked almost 40 years with us. She did it all and with a loving smile on her face. Her presence is felt daily at The Woods as we whistle while we work. He spirit was contagious and we will continue to honor Lorraine with that same spirit in the halls of the school. Noah Montemarano also highlights his time at The Woods as a driving force behind his recent travels to India and his commitment to living the values of kindness and giving to others. Values his family and The Woods taught him.

We use the word significant intentionally in our mission statement. The students and staff hear me say it often. Lorraine and Noah are significant examples of what The Woods is all about. A loving and giving place that lives its mission. Our students continue to thrive in the classroom and in their extracurricular pursuits. That is significant as well. Significance gives us purpose and drive to provide the best for our school. Enjoy the stories and news of the day and know that you are an integral part of this significant community, today and in the years ahead.

Peace,

Joe Powers

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Alumni Spotlight: Noah Montemarano (Class of 2013)

The Value of Kindness and Giving Time to Others

By Noah Montemarano

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round this time last year, I was teaching in a crowded 6th grade classroom in Pune, India. Each period, I would rush through a history or geography lesson, scribbling notes

across a chalkboard and stumbling to review the students’ notebooks. The classes were frantic and chaotic; the students talked constantly and threw paper balls across the room. The electricity at times shut off, and with it the fans and any reprieve from the heat outside. On short-staffed days, classes were merged into larger groups of 60–80 students, amplifying the noise, the heat, and the chaos. On the most difficult days, with my shaggy hair and dirty blue kurta, I wondered exactly how I ended up in such a place.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Don’t get me wrong. Whatever difficulties I faced, I was always grateful for the opportunity to work abroad.

However, I was fully aware of the bizarreness of my situation. If I think only to several years ago, my shaggy hair was short, parted, and combed, my dirtied blue kurta was a tucked button-down Oxford, and the ringing Hindu temple adjacent to the school was instead, a silent Catholic chapel. From 2nd–8th grade, I was a student at The Woods Academy. While my elementary and middle school may seem a stark contrast from my work overseas, the truth is, the two are more related than they seem.

Put simply, I do not think I would have traveled to India without the moral lessons of The Woods Academy. Some of these lessons were ingrained in The Woods curriculum: visiting activists, authors, and former students during Monday morning chapel, informal conversations during upper school advisory sessions, or Mr. Maloney’s prayers during religion class. Others were more sporadic: Mrs. Taverner complementing our artwork, Mr. Oosterahut driving the robotics team to a restaurant or Mr. Alisbah playing basketball with us during recess.

These memories — in which The Woods Academy staff taught me the value of kindness and giving time to others — are countless. Moreover, regardless of how I look, where I am, who I’m around, they’ve stayed with me.

If anything, I have only appreciated them more over time. After The Woods, I attended a competitive high school where ethics was not formally taught. Most of the students and teachers were kind and thoughtful people, but the curriculum itself focused mainly on academics.

Whatever charitable actions the school encouraged — completing service and what are called CAS hours —

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were little more than bureaucratic hurdles. By 12th grade, I had received a great education, but it felt detached from my own moral development. Adulthood increasingly seemed like a competition for mundane accomplishments, the best grades, the best college acceptances, the best internship opportunities. Part of my reason for working in India was to rediscover the overlap between work and moral purpose.

When teaching in India, my Woods Academy experience helped me in another way. In the students, I saw my own 6th grade class, the same rambunctious, humorous, energetic kids that I knew only several years earlier. At times when I thought the year a failure, when the lessons

were far behind schedule or the students recalcitrant, talking with each other, or refusing to listen, I sought to suppress my own frustrations and think back to what I personally valued as a student. I did not honestly remember any specific science lesson or textbook reading. What I do remember, and what I truly valued at The Woods were my relationships, with my friends, classmates, and teachers. Therefore, regardless of my lesson plans in India, I tried first to earn my students’ trust. I wanted, above all, to teach them kindness. This took time and patience.

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The Woods Academy N E W S

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

I struggled to build relationships for months. Slowly, I began to see glimpses of success that encouraged me to keep trying.

I can think of two moments in particular. The first occurred at the Community Center on a rainy afternoon.

With slow classes, a power outage, and a nearby grading deadline, I was exhausted. Then, one of my students stopped me at the Center’s entrance.

“Bhaiya (brother), can I speak to you in private?”, he asked.

“Yes, of course. What’s wrong?”

We moved to an adjacent room.

“Bhaiya, you know Anika?” the boy murmured, looking at his toes.

“Yes, of course.” I answered.

“She is very pretty, no?”

“Yes. She is.” I began to understand where this was going.

“I like her very much. I don’t know what to do”

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His answer made me smile and we began to think. We stopped work and wrote up a plan on how he would ask out Anika. Ironically, it was at this time that I felt most of use as a teacher — not during class or tutoring — but when trusted by a vulnerable student.

Adulthood increasingly seemed like a competition for mundane accomplishments, the best grades, the best college acceptances, the best internship opportunities. Part of my reason for working in India was to rediscover the overlap between work and moral purpose.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

The second moment was less uplifting. A close friend at the school asked me to spend an afternoon playing with one of our worst behaved kids. For the sake of his privacy, I will call him Rohan. We mostly just reviewed his work and drew pictures. After watching him, my friend told me that Rohan had been crying because his father came home the night before in an alcohol fueled rage. After a tense argument, his father threatened to kill him.

Rohan left and was afraid to return home. My friend talked with the family and the school and tried to resolve the crisis. It was in the midst of this tragedy that I realized how pointless our textbook lessons could seem. I could not blame the students for paying little attention in class. Moreover, I could not trivialize their own problems since they were only a few years younger than I was. What many of these kids

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needed was kindness and time. While we promoted more charitable and mental health related activities at the after school community center, there was always a need for more empathy.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Like most things, my experience in India did not exist in a vacuum. My time at The Woods Academy helped lead me to Pune. Teaching in Pune reminded me of The Woods Academy. In both places, I saw and tried to encourage learning, hard work, but above all kindness. When teaching, I tried to emulate my old classmates: Ned Flanagan,

The Woods Academy

Ana Harmsen, or Sarah Bash; students who are all deeply moral and driven to do good. That is why I am grateful for The Woods. Not only for preparing me to do well in the world, but giving others and me the moral compass to know which way to go.

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Academy Company Page as well as join the alumni-only group. To search for the alumni group type in The Woods Academy Alumni.

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ACCREDITATION

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The Woods Academy Receives another Ten-Year Accreditation

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n December, Head of School Joe Powers received notice that the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accredit The Woods Academy for another ten-year period. This was the final piece of a nearly twoyear long process. The accreditation process includes three parts: a comprehensive and inclusive written self-study by the school; a three-day in-depth visit by a team of outside peer educators who provide a written report to the school; and a school Action Plan that replies to the recommendations made by the visiting team.

According to the Association, “Accreditation by AIMS signifies a school’s compliance with association standards and its commitment to continuously strengthen educational programs and teaching — all for the benefit of students, who are not only at the heart of each school’s mission and community, but also central to AIMS accreditation.”

The Woods Academy Montessori Preschool is also a fully accredited member of American Montessori Society (AMS). AMS accreditation is a designation that a program meets a well-defined standard of excellence. The Woods is one of only eight schools in the state of Maryland with this designation.

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TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS

The Benefits of Technology Use in the Early Childhood Classroom

by Katya Pilong, Curriculum & Media Specialist

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TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS

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ore often than not, we consider technology and devices problems or distractions in our world; however, at The Woods, we believe when technology and device use is purposeful, engaging, and interactive, real learning will always occur. The benefits of this technology use in the in the early childhood classroom may not be as obvious as the benefits enjoyed by older children. Therefore, it is important to highlight how a thoughtfully designed and integrated technology curriculum in Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2 prepares our students for success. Our deliberate technology curriculum affords our youngest students opportunities to be creative, to develop problem-solving skills, and keeps them motivated to learn.

The first formal introduction of robotics and programming occurs in Kindergarten and begins with active comprehension and mental manipulation. Beebots, a colorful, exciting, research-based robot designed to help young children with counting, sequencing, estimation, problem solving, directionality, and collaborating with peers is one of the tools used to incorporate robots into our student’s active learning. This little robot allows us to extend math, phonics, and science lessons from the Montessori classrooms. We have found that this educational robotics program uses age-appropriate cognitive tools while emphasizing the students’ manipulation of the robot and programming component.

Such programmable tools spark the interest and motivation of our children through play while enhancing learning.

literacy instruction to our students. Lexia offers personalized learning in the six areas of reading instruction, targeting needed skill practice as the students develop, and supplying our teachers with data and specific resources that they need for individual or small-group instruction.

The game-like environment helps our students stay motivated and assesses them without the formality of a test.

These are just a few examples of how The Woods’ technology curriculum benefits our youngest students preparing them for success in later grades. In this way, technology with a learning goal can promote truly beneficial and educational experiences during our children’s formative years.

Purposeful technology use continues into first grade where the students create stories using Scratch Jr. Students use coding to display literacy and develop their own interactive stories. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.

In second grade, our teachers know that hands-on learning engages students at every level, sparks creativity, develops critical thinking skills, and even ignites career possibilities at a very young age.

Our LEGO® Education WeDo robotics program brings to life building elements that motivate students to collaborate, build, problem-solve, and explore, all while deepening STEAM learning.

Lexia, a research and technology-based literacy program used in grades K–2, provides adaptive and differentiated 9

HOOT HOOT HOORAY

The Woods Academy N E W S

Hoot, Hoot, Hooray!

Woods Student Artwork Featured on Cover of Potomac Almanac

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Congratulations to Luis Barrenechea Arana (6) whose artwork was featured on the cover of the Children’s and Teen’s 2018 issue of Potomac Almanac, December 26–January 1. Artwork from 13 other Woods students is also published on page 10 of this issue.

Assistant Head of School Raymond Briscoe Recognized by ACT Mr. Raymond Briscoe, Assistant head of School, was selected as the 2019 District of Columbia (DC) ACT College and Career Readiness K–12 Champion.

Mr. Briscoe’s oversight and efforts to enhance of The Woods Academy’s curriculum, which focuses on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, was the primary reason for his recognition. “ACT is recognizing individuals who are making a positive impact on their communities through their efforts to advance college and career readiness. The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are individuals across the country who support ACT’s mission of education and workplace success.”

Mr. Briscoe notes, “To be college and career ready, children need the skills and expertise to thrive — not just survive — in a world driven by technology. At The Woods, students learn to use complex technology to express themselves, solve problems, and create opportunities as innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Students participate in authentic projects and gain applicable skills that include collaboration, critical thinking, communication, character, and creativity, growing in the context of the world they will one day lead.”

2019 National Geographic GeoBee 5th Grader Areg Louis Devoyans Advances to State Geo Bee

Geo Bee Finalists (left to right) Francisco GonzalezBerrington (5), Will Lankenau (8), and Areg Louis Devoyans (5) with 5th Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher Kelly Tanzi

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Ten very knowledgeable Woods Academy students entered the competition to display their topographical talent with the support of the entire Upper School on January 28. The three finalists in The 2019 National Geographic School Geo Bee were Francisco Gonzalez-Berrington (5), Will Lankenau (8), and the 1st Place Finalist, Areg Louis Devoyans (5)! Areg Louis took an online qualifying test and was one of the top 100 students in the state of Maryland. He will represent The Woods Academy at the State Geo Bee on March 29 at Bullis School.

HOOT HOOT HOORAY

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Scripps National Spelling Bee 8th Grader Martin Gaszner Advances to State Competition Ten amazing Woods Academy spellers entered the competition on February 11. The three finalists were Ariana Plotas (7), Leo Schuck (6), and 1st Place Finalist Martin Gaszner (8). Martin will represent The Woods Academy at the State Level Competition on March 16 at Bullis School!

Madeline Dodge, 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher (left) and Kelly Tanzi, 5th Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher (right) with Spelling Bee Finalists (left to right) Martin Gaszner (8), Ariana Plotas (7), and Leo Schuck (6)

Check Mate!

The Woods Academy Wins 2nd Place at Spring Chess Tournament On March 2, several of Woods students showcased their talents at The Rock Creek Council Knights of Columbus Annual Youth Chess Tournament at Rock Creek Council Mansion in Bethesda. Each age group was comprised of over fifty players and each competitor played four 25-minute matches. The Woods Academy Team finished in 2nd Place overall just a few points shy of 1st Place.

Congratulations to Pierce Bennett (4) who won the Sportsmanship Award!

Congratulations to Nicholas Chong (5) who won 2nd Place in his age group!

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ATHLETICS

The Woods Academy N E W S

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FALL SPORTS

BY THE NUMBERS 10 TEAMS 7

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Soccer Teams

Girls Volleyball Team

Girls Tennis Team

Cross Country Team

8 FALL TEAMS WITH WINNING RECORDS 2 1st Place Finishes in End of Season Tournament — Varsity Boys & JV Boys A Soccer Teams

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2 2 Undefeated Teams — JV Boys A Soccer Team & Girls Tennis Team

2 1st Place Finishes at Cross Country Meets — Will Lankenau (8) at Barrie School Meet & at Barnesville School Meet

ATHLETICS

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Award Winners Varsity Boys A Soccer

JV Girls Soccer

Coaches Award — Will Lankenau (8)

Coaches Award — Izzy Fandl (6)

Hustle Award — Owen Basso (8) & James Cohen (8)

Hustle Award — Kennedy Moore (6) Most Improved Award — Izzy Martelli (5)

Varsity Boys 7th Grade Soccer Coaches Award — Nate Lankenau (7) & Christian Reese (7) Hustle Award — Sean Kenny (7) & Joey Kucik (7)

JV Boys Green Soccer Coaches Award — Christian Gaffney (6) & Manuel Villegas Vega (5) Hustle Award — Nathan Moyo (6)

Varsity Girls Soccer

Most Improved Award — Carter Hillyer (5)

Coaches Award — Grace Sarafidis (8) Hustle Award — Josie O’Rourke (7)

JV Boys White Soccer

Most Improved Award — Mia D’Augostine (8)

Coaches Award — James Cross (5) Hustle Award — Johnny Fields (5)

JV Boys A Soccer

Most Improved Award — Liam Sharkey (5)

Coaches Award — Dylan Fay (6) Hustle Award — Billy Sarafidis (6)

Girls Volleyball

Most Improved Award — Nicholas White (6)

Coaches Award — Brooke Beebe (8) & Alice Harper (8) Most Improved Award — Emma Shriver (8) & Sofie Stewart (8) 13

ATHLETICS

The Woods Academy N E W S

2018–2019

WINTER SPORTS

BY THE NUMBERS 9 TEAMS 8 Basketball Teams

1 Swim Club

6 BASKETBALL TEAMS WITH WINNING RECORDS

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3rd Place Finishes in End of Season Tournament — Varsity Boys & Girls A Teams

Undefeated Teams — JV Girls A Regular Season & JV Boys A Regular Season

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1st Place Finish in End of Season Tournament — JV Boys A Team

Shoutout from Michael Wilbon on PTI on ESPN on February 22 broadcast

ATHLETICS

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Award Winners Varsity Boys A Basketball

Girls B Basketball

JV Boys Green Basketball

Coaches Award — Andrew Powers (8)

Coaches Award — Trinity Borno (7)

Coaches Award — Luka Radovic (6)

Hustle Award — Noah Moody (8)

Hustle Award — Alexa Powers (7) & Alessandra Villegas (6)

Hustle Award — Javier Ascanio Aliño (5)

Most Improved Award — Trevor Lynch (8)

Most Improved Award — Eliza Virgin (5)

Most Improved Award — James Cross (5)

Varsity Boys B Basketball

JV Boys A Basketball

JV Boys Owls Basketball

Coaches Award — Daniel Gaul (7)

Coaches Award — Dylan Fay (6)

Hustle Award — Andrew Ott (7)

Coaches Award — Griffin Lydon (6) & Seth Absalon (6)

Most Improved Award — Charlie Wooters (7)

Most Improved Award — Michael Tedla (6)

Most Improved Award — Malcolm English (5)

Varsity Girls A Basketball

JV Girls A Basketball

Swim Club

Coaches Award — Natalie Yang (8)

Coaches Award — Izzy Fandl (6)

Hustle Award — Emma Shiver (8)

Hustle Award — Marissa D’Augostine (6)

Most Improved Award — Sofie Stewart (8)

Most Improved Award — Kennedy Moore (6)

Hustle Award — Billy Sarfidis (6)

Coaches Award — Mason Gaszner (5) Hustle Award — Bernard Harman (6) & Izzy Fandl (6) Most Improved Award — Josie O’Rouke (7) 15

The Woods Academy N E W S

CYBERPATRIOTS

The 8th Grade CyberPatriot Team — (from left to right) Owen Basso, Alice Harper, Sophia Alves, Martin Gaszner, and Will Lankenau — competed in the Semifinal Round of the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition on February 1.

The Woods 8th Grade CyberPatriot Team Competed in Semifinal Round

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he Woods Academy is one of only 15 schools in the state of Maryland that sponsors a CyberPatriot Team in the Middle School Division. “CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association (AFA) to inspire K–12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future.” (Learn more at www.uscyberpatriot.org.) These teams prepare for the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition during which the students are tasked with finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities and strengthening the systems while maintaining service in the given virtual networks.

Last year was the inaugural year for The Woods Academy CyberPatriot Team. The Woods is proud to sponsor two teams during the 2018–2019 school year. Both teams have competed at the regional and state level this school year. The 8th Grade Team advanced to Semifinal Round and was ranked in the top third in the Nation in the Middle School Division. They competed on February 1 for 16

7th Grader Daniel Gaul consults with his teammate during the CyberPatriot Regional Competition in December.

a chance to go to Baltimore, MD for the National Finals in April. The 7th Grade Team was just eight points shy of advancing to the Semifinal Round.

At The Woods Academy, technology is an important part of a student’s academic pursuits. The Woods sees opportunities like the National Youth Cyber Education Program as a way to enhance and extend learning.

COMMUNITY MATTERS

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Community Matters VIP Days

By definition, once you become part of The Woods Community, you are indeed a Very Important Person!

Grandparents & Special Friends Day On October 5, if you walked the halls of The Woods you would have heard students saying: “Grandma, Grandpa, come see…This is my teacher…. This is my friend….This is my robot…This is the lettuce we’re growing…Look how high I can count…” Thanks to the direction of Mrs. Pabon, the day began with musical performances by stu-

dents in Grades 1 through 4 and the Upper School Choir, followed by visits to classrooms. Thanks to Mrs. Taverner, spectacular student art graced our walls.

Grandparents & Special Friends Day — it is all about family, smiles, hugs, and love!

Parent Visiting Days Our preschool parents joined their children for the Montessori Parent-Child Breakfast on October 18 and dads only returned for breakfast on January 17 and moms had their turn on February 26. Each visit was filled with laughter and happy chatter as the students proudly showed off their work and all that they are learning.

Lower School and Upper School parents joined their children on January 18 (mothers) and February 15 (fathers) to attend classes, share stories, solve math problems, and work on projects together. It was a window into their world and a chance to meet their friends, and connect with teachers and other parents — what a great way to start the day!

Founders Day Mass & Legacy Council Reception In 1975, when Ursuline Academy closed, George Reese, Jr., John Scozzafava, Robert Walsh and their families opened Our Lady of The Woods. On January 25, we gathered as a community to celebrate the 43rd year of The Woods Academy, honoring our history while recognizing that the people of The Woods, past and present, are all woven into the tapestry that is The Woods Academy.

Following the Founders Day Mass, the Legacy Council gathered for breakfast in the Library. This Council serves as an informal advisory group to the Head of School, providing wisdom and insight on key projects and initiatives.

We could not be more grateful for the support of The Woods community past and present.

Former Faculty & Staff Tea “It takes a long time to grown an old friend.” – John Leonard On a lovely spring morning in March, we welcomed nearly 20 former faculty and staff members back to campus.

We were excited to see old friends and they were excited to see all that was new at The Woods.

Former Montessori Preschool Teachers Joanne Gerber and Anu Iyer along with former 2nd Grade Teacher Birgitta

Shay were delighted to see their former students — Curriculum & Media Specialist Katya (Cunnane) Pilong (1998), Associate Teacher Stephanie Clark (2005), and 6th Grade Math & Science Teacher Samantha Firstenberg — now on The Woods fcaulty.

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The Woods Academy N E W S

COMMUNITY MATTERS

14th Annual Woods Academy Golf Classic

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n October 22, a group of Woods parents, grandparents, and friends of The Woods arrived at Kenwood Country Club for lunch and the start of the 14th Annual Woods Academy Golf Classic, raising money for Sharing In Growth Tuition Assistance Program. The sun shone, the shots were long and straight, and the putts (for the most part) landed in the holes. With good-natured competition among the teams the afternoon flew by, ending with drinks and prizes for the teams. Special thanks to Randy and Abby Lackey for all their work planning and hosting this event.

Halloween Parade

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veryone loves a parade, especially when you can dress as your favorite superhero or cartoon character. The costumes at this year’s Halloween Parade were as varied and unique as the children and adults who donned them. Luckily, the weather was “bootiful” too.

Family Fun Day

Book Fair

e are not sure which was the bigger hit — the pumpkin decorating station, the moon bounces and other inflatables, or the delicious BBQ. The weather was windy, the turnout grand, and our volunteers, led by Kya Abellard and WAPTO President Erin Green, created a relaxed and fun Saturday for our families.

hanks to the ever-exuberant Abby Lackey and Monique Fields and their team of volunteers, The Annual Woods Scholastic Book Fair was once again a huge hit with students and parents alike. So many books, so many choices — so much fun! Thank you!

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4th Annual STEAM Showcase

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he STEAM Showcase is interactive hands-on event highlighting The Woods Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics curriculum. Families arrived to find the gym filled with robots, building activities, art projects, racing cars, toothbrush bots, inventions, and so much more. Every day at The Woods our students embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, creativity, and innovation – 21st century ideas at work. The possibilities are endless. Thank you to Director of Technology Eric Smith for his leadership in executing this special event.

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COMMUNITY MATTERS

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Annual Christmas Concert

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week before Christmas, we gathered to celebrate the season in music and song ­— “Bells are ringing.

Children are singing!”

We sang about Silver Bells, Bells of Peace, and Jingle Bells and even did the Jingle Bell Rock. The carols and traditional songs from places like old England, France,

and even Germany, selected to bring peace and joy to all, were the perfect way to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Special thanks to Music Teacher Sharon Pabon and the entire Arts Team who planned and organized this joyous community gathering.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

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s has become a tradition in our country and now at The Woods Academy, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service. This year, The Woods made a commitment to serve the “UNS” in our local community. Several opportunities were organized for our students and families to support those who are unclothed, unfed, unhoused, and all who are underserved.

Tables in the MPR creaked under the weight of piecrusts and pots full of the ingredients for chicken potpie. True to

our mission of preparing students to lead lives of significance, more than 60 students and parents rolled up their sleeves and prepared the pot pies for the Bethesda Cares meal program which serves hot, nutritious meals to those in need.

Our Upper School students also spent two days per grade this winter assisting another one of our charity partners, A Wider Circle at their Silver Spring headquarters.

Pep Rally & Alumni Homecoming

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n Wednesday, February 6, the Woods Gym was a sea of green and white as we celebrated all of our Mighty Owl athletes. The entire community gathered to show their school spirit and sing the school song, “Hail to The Woods Academy,” to welcome our high school-aged alumni back to campus.

After the Varsity Basketball games, several members of the faculty and staff took to the court in a spirited basketball game against members of the Classes of 2015,

2016, 2017, and 2018. Everyone enjoyed a pizza dinner after the game. Mighty Owl Pride was at an all-time high that day.

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COMMUNITY MATTERS

Mother-Son Night Out

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ozens of Woods moms and their sons converged on The Woods Gym for an evening of fun on February 22. Food, games, and dancing kept everyone entertained for hours. It was the perfect opportunity for quality time

and mother son bonding. Thank you to Erin Ricca and Jodie Shoemaker and all of the volunteers that planned and hosted this special evening.

Instrumental Music Showcase

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ore than 20 students in Grades 1-8 signed-up to share some music with The Woods community on Friday, March 8. Our ever-talented student body played a

wide variety of music on an array of instruments to make sure that The Woods was not silent. Thank you to Music Teacher Sharon Pabon for directing this event.

“Use the talents you possess . . . for THE WOODS would be silent if no birds sang except the best.”

Bingo Night

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arch 15 was Bingo Night and dozens of Woods families came to mark their numbers, spend time with family and friends, and win some prizes. Thank you to Cathy Bell and her team of volunteers, who made sure

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there was plenty to eat and plenty of prizes to win.

So many reasons to be here, so many opportunities to volunteer, so many ways to connect with one another — join us!

CLASS NOTES

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.

2000s Samantha Mayo (2005) married Kevin Buttery at the Hilton at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia on September 21, 2018. Three of her Woods classmates Ryan Hatoum, Claire Ravenscroft (MOH), and Marta Marino were in her bridal party.

In January, Katie Sotos (2007) passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. After her May graduation from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, she begin her internship in Wheat Ridge, CO near Denver.

2010s Emeka Egwuagu (2010) was selected as one of the Women of William and Mary as part of their yearlong celebration of 100 years of women at the College. She graduated from William and Mary this spring is in her first year of law school at Columbia University.

Patrick Dolan (2015), Patrick Gaul (2016), and Aidan Nickerson (2017) were honored as Southwell Scholars for the 2017–2018 academic year at Georgetown Prep. To be named a Southwell Scholar, one must earn an A in every subject for all four marking periods of the academic year. Patrick Dolan was also honored last year, the inaugural year of Southwell Scholars, and was named a Semifinalist in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.

María Ascanio Aliño (2015) received the George Washington University Medal as well as the Math Department Award at St. John’s College High School’s annual Academic Convocation on September 16.

Luke Dropulic (2017), Amalia Villegas Vega (2017), Dani Peláez (2016), and María Ascanio Aliño (2015) received the San Miguel Award (Straight As for Final Grades of Year) at St. John’s College High School’s annual Academic Convocation on September 16.

Seven members of the Class of 2016 — Victor Aldridge, Bella Bristol, Erika Carmody, Dani Peláez, Ryon Sarkarzadeh, Travis Scala, and Jasmine Yelder — were inducted into the St. John’s Archbishop Hannan Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) this past fall. Inductees to the NHS must earn at least a 3.7 GPA.

SPRING

2019

Members of the Class of 1986 get together regularly for lunch.

Seen here are Joe Braceland, Bill Olmsted, Shannon Carlisi McKenna and Jenny Chung.

Interested in joining us? Contact Shannon Carlisi McKenna (Wrigley317@comcast. net) In February, Alexandre Crepin (2015) and Woods classmate Benjamin Hentchel spent a week adventuring in Patagonia.

Here they are at glacier Perito Moreno.

Members of the Class of 2017 pose together on their first day of classes as sophomores at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

Patrick Dolan (2015), Aidan Nickerson (2017), and Patrick Gaul (2016) with members of the Georgetown Prep Faculty at the Southwell Scholars Ceremony this past fall.

Erika Carmody (2016), Victor Aldridge (2016), Bella Bristol (2016), Dani Peláez (2016) at St. John’s College High School’s annual Academic Convocation on September 16. They were among 13 Woods graduates recognized for their achievements at the event.

21

The Woods Academy N E W S

M

IN MEMORIAM

rs. Lorraine O’Keefe, a longtime Woods Staff member, passed away on September 16, 2018. Mrs. O’Keefe was a very special

part of The Woods Academy community from our very first day in

1975 until 2011. In her various roles (front office secretary, registrar, development assistant, and even archivist), Mrs. O’Keefe shared her warm smile and generosity of spirit with everyone she encountered.

“She was such a wonderful person and friend. She worked with me when I was a member of the board at the school. She was always pleasant and helpful.

She was also very nice to the kids which included my own Liza and Francis.”

— Celso Mataac, Alumni Parent & Former Trustee

“Mrs. O’Keefe was a big fixture during my time as a student at Woods. I clearly remember her kind, gentle demeanor. She always made going to the office fun!

She will be missed!”

— Martine Bernard Amirkhalili (Class of 1982) & Current Parent

Photos: Top — Mrs. O’Keefe (right center) with former French teacher Mrs. Yvonne Pelaia (left), former Social Studies & Religion teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Ravenscroft (left center), and former 1st Grade teacher Mrs. Alis Aimone (right). Circa 1990. Inset — Mrs. O’Keefe at a grandchild’s wedding in August 2018.

22

ANNUAL REPORT

SPRING

2019

Last Year’s Annual Report, 2017–2018 Now Available Online!

Our community of teachers, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, alumni, and friends were, as always, generous with time, ideas, and resources.

Your contributions have an enormous impact on our students today and for generations to come.

Visit The Woods Academy Digital Annual Report today! www.woodsacademy.org/support/annual-report

23

24

10 Super-Easy Ways You Can Promote The Woods Academy

1

Like us on Facebook:

facebook.com/thewoodsacademy.

It doesn’t get any easier than that.

3

Invite family, friends, and neighbors to the Arts Celebration. Not only is it quality, family-friendly entertainment, it shows off all the great talents and features of our school!

2

Wear your Woods gear proudly. We have yoga pants, Adidas pullovers, Under Armour hoodies, Vineyard Vines ties and totes, and even golf umbrellas. Shop Owlcove today!

4

Spread the word about our Open Houses. And volunteer if you can — there is always coffee!

5

Read Window on The Woods, the Official Blog of The Woods Academy and share the stories with your friends, family, and neighbors. You just might learn something new and interesting.

7

Take a minute to express what The Woods means to you, whether you are an

alum, a current parent, or a former parent. We use testimonials in different ways in our marketing efforts, and they bring a smile to our faces.

E-mail us anytime at alumni@woodsacademy.org.

9

Summer at The Woods

— for your own kids, or for someone else’s.

It’s a great option for visiting relatives or neighborhood pals.

6

Follow us on Twitter — and retweet us. We may not be quite

as entertaining as some celebrity tweet-ists, but you’ll be up-to-date with all things Woods AND help promote the school.

8

Follow us on Instagram — and comment on our posts. Only on Instagram will you see our trendy #MasterpieceMonday posts.

10

Embrace the idea of legacy: make a referral and bring one new student or family to be your “successor.” They’ll do the same, and so on. Think of all the lives you’ll change!

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

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Bethesda, MD Permit No. 5578

Save the Date: Thursday, May 16 & Friday, May 17, 2019

15th Annual Arts Celebration featuring The Wizard of Oz

Friday, May 31, 2019 at 9:00 am Montessori Program and Graduation Friday, May 31, 2019 at 5:00 pm

8th Grade Graduation

Please visit woodsacademy.org/artscelebration to purchase tickets to The Wizard of Oz and support the Arts at The Woods.