The Woods Academy News vol 26, iss 2 & 2018-2019 Annual Report

SPRING 2020  VOLUME 26 / ISSUE 2

A PUBLICATION FOR THE WOODS ACADEMY COMMUNITY

Where curiosity and confidence thrive.

THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

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An inclusive Catholic community preparing boys and girls to lead lives of significance.

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

6801 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817 (301)365-3080 woodsacademy.org Special thanks to Freed Photography for many of the photos included in this issue.

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In this issue:

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S MESSAGE

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 4 AFTER-SCHOOL STEAM

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ATHLETICS

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COMMUNITY MATTERS

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HOOT, HOOT, HOORAY

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CLASS NOTES

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IN MEMORIAM

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2018–2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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Dear Friends, The last few years we have used the hashtag “WeAreTheWoods,” a phrase that proudly declares we are a community, we belong. Given the current situation we all find ourselves in, this is more true than ever.

At the time of print, we are uncertain of how the completion of the 2019–2020 school year will unfold, yet we are determined to use that strength of community in creative ways to support our students, faculty, and families. I hope that you and your entire family are well and finding ways to stay connected to family and friends in this challenging time.

In this edition of The Woods Academy Magazine, our Alumni Spotlight is on Sarah Bash (2013) as she describes how she carried the compassion and kindness that was integral to her time at The Woods with her to high school to build a community and inclusivity and continues to do so in college. Eric Smith, our Director of Technology, explains how the After-School STEAM programs bring our students together and build community. This edition is filled with photos from our games and events this fall and winter.

local charities like A Wider Circle and Comfort Cases.

These are just a few of the steps we have undertaken.

As we find our community, our country, and our world struggling to make sense of such a difficult situation, our teachers have risen to the occasion. They have embraced distance learning as we practice social distancing to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). They continue to foster a strong and joyful environment where every child is valued.

Your contributions to The Woods Fund, the Tuition Assistance Fund, the Kathy Pikwo Merit Scholarship Fund, the Arts Fund, and numerous other donations have an enormous impact on our students today and for generations to come.

For that, we thank you.

And, as always, we thank you for being part of The Woods community.

Please let us know if there is anything we can help you with as we find our way through these unprecedented times.

In addition to these stories, we have included our Annual Report for the 2018–19 school year. As always, you were generous with your time, ideas, and resources. It is with deep gratitude that I thank you for your contributions!

During the 2018–19 school year, we began implementing our Building To Lead Strategic Plan. We expanded our learning support program by hiring a Learning Support Coordinator who works with students in small groups and one-on-one. Our ongoing curriculum reviews continued with a focus on Language Arts to ensure a clear scope and sequence in all grades while providing the highest quality of learning and differentiation. For the first time in many years, students participated in the Scripp’s National Spelling Bee and the National Geographic Geography Bee. Faculty were trained in Responsive Classroom techniques, 6+1 Traits of Writing, and Orton-Gilliam (a multisensory approach to teaching literacy). Our students took a deeper dive into community service by expanding their involvement in

Joseph Powers Head of School

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

CARING & COMMUNITYBUILDING

SARAH BASH CLASS OF 2013

“I think about my time at Woods often because I learned so much about kindness and compassion during my time there.”

I am a little over halfway through my third year at Colby College, and I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed. I absolutely love living in Maine, and I have grown so much during my time at Colby. I am double majoring in Physics and Philosophy, and I have no idea what kinds of adventures my life has in store for me after graduation next spring.

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I think about my time at Woods often because I learned so much about kindness and compassion during my time there. I will always remember teachers like Mrs. Piwko, Mrs. Taverner, Mr. Clubbs, and Ms. Kasten as a few of the most caring individuals that I have ever met, and I feel incredibly lucky to have taken their classes. They inspired me to push myself academically and offered

me all of the support I could ask for. Classmates like Noah Montemarano, Grace Heming, Ana Harmsen, and Madison Sotos taught me how to listen compassionately and showed me what friendship truly looks like. I feel immense gratitude whenever I look back on these friendships, because they each pushed me to grow in distinct ways. All of these people brought so much light into my life and showed me what community truly looks like.

My three older brothers – Nic (2001), Chris (2003), and Jamie (2009) – all attended The Woods, so I knew many of my teachers well before I walked into their classrooms for the first time. In fact, Mrs. Piwko met me only a few months after I was born. I always felt so at home during

THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

my time at woods, but I did not realize how rare that can be until well after graduation. There was such a powerful emphasis placed on each student’s sense of belonging, and I am so grateful for all of the care that went into my education. Woods showed me what it really means to build a community by fostering friendships and modeling kindness. Community is extremely important to me and has been a huge part of my life. As one of the CAs, or Community Advisors on campus, I work to build community among my residents and ensure that the first-years on my floor have a smooth transition to college. I use the listening skills I learned at Woods almost every day, and I constantly push myself to become a more compassionate person. Another huge part of my job is working to make the campus a more inclusive place. As a CA, I have been able to continue meaningful conversations which my friends and I started during recess at Woods.

to be a kind person. We chose the motto “one team one love” to emphasize the importance of maintaining an inclusive and accepting community on the team. I feel extremely lucky to be part of such a warm community, and I am so glad that I came into college knowing just how supportive communities can be.

I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of The Woods community. During my time there, I gained a confidence in myself and my ability to grow that I would not trade for the world. The people I met there had such a huge impact on my life and pushed me grow more kind and compassionate every day.

As a proud member of the Colby Woodsmen Team, I also travel all over New England and Eastern Canada to compete in a mixed bag of events based on old-time lumberjack skills. Through the team, I’ve made an incredibly strong and supportive group of friends.

Like the friends I made at Woods, each and every one of them has taught me something new about what it means

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

AFTER SCHOOL

STEAM THE IMPACT OF AFTER-SCHOOL

The bell rings, it is the end of the day, and classes are over. “Did you check the user rights and delete Nmap from the machine?” says one eighth-grade student to another. These students are not planning to hack into someone’s computer, but trying to learn to defend them.

They are practicing with the school’s CyberPatriot team.

CyberPatriot is a national cybersecurity competition for middle and high school students. The regular school day is over, yet, for many students, the learning continues.

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At The Woods Academy, students can participate in several STEAM-related after-school activities. You can see third and fourth graders in the lab learning about coding through game design and Minecraft. Fifth through seventh graders are engineering robots to battle. These activities have become common events after the bell rings at school.

The goal of after-school programs is to positively influence students’ personal development and support their social and emotional growth. Specifically, in the STEAM subjects, after-school programs can help students develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, or math.

It is amazing to see students pursue subjects about which they are passionate. On any given day this winter, you could find Green Machine Robotics Team member Mason Gaszner 3D printing a prototype for his team’s research project. A high mark in a class is not the driving factor, just the desire to learn and compete.

The Woods Academy is always looking for new ways to appeal to the interest of the students. This year the school has embarked on starting an Esports league for seventh and eighth-graders. Never heard of Esports? Did not know your child could get a scholarship to college for playing Fortnite? Esports is the competitive play of video games.

Students work together in teams of three to compete against other students. Through the video game Rocket League, a car soccer game, students are collaborating and strategizing together. The social and emotional benefits can affect all of our players. For some students, it increases the sense of belonging to a community.

This can lead to better learning outcomes for the student during the regular school day.

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

ERIC SMITH DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

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This can lead to better learning outcomes for the student during the regular school day.

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

ATHLETICS

2019 FALL SPORTS

BY THE NUMBERS 1 Community

playing & supporting each other

9 Teams competing together

5 Teams with Winning Records

4 Sports Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Cross Country

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1 First Place Finish in End of Season Tournament

3 Second Place Finishes in End of Season Tournaments

Varsity Boys A Soccer (Norwood Tournament)

Varsity Boys A Soccer (St. Andrew’s Tournament), JV Boys A Soccer, JV Girls

2 First Place Finishes in Cross Country Christian Reese (8) and Ana Paula Campanario (6) at Barnesville Meet

1 Second Place Finish in Cross Country Joey Kucik (8) at Barnesville Meet

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Fall Sports Award Winners Congratulations!

Varsity Boys A Soccer

JV Boys B Soccer

Coaches Award Alek Bakelar (8) Hustle Award Walker Cave (8) Most Improved Michael Rock (7)

JV Girls Soccer

Coaches Award Seth Absalon (7) Hustle Award Christian Reese (8) & Andrew Ott (8)

Varsity Boys B Soccer Varsity Girls Soccer

Coaches Award Josie O’Rourke (8) Hustle Award Ananeah Nevil (7) Most Improved Award Mia Priest (8)

JV Boys A Soccer

Coaches Award Jason Odibo (6) Hustle Award John Thorsen (6) Most Improved Award Thomas Palley (5) Coaches Award Raina Andrews (6) Hustle Award Abby Sullivan (6) & Brooke Bender (6)

Girls Volleyball

Coaches Award Hannah Gromley (7) & Erin Carmody (7) Most Improved Award Marissa D’Augostine (7) & Carly Hangliter (7)

Coaches Award Raphael Alves (6) & Felipe Uña (6) Hustle Award Johnny Fields (5)

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY MATTERS

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 11, 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 students 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 Montessori parents joined their children for the Parent-Child Breakfast on October 17 and dads only returned for breakfast on January 16 and moms had their turn on February 20. Each visit was filled with laughter and happy chatter as the students proudly showed off their work and all that they are learning.

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Lower School and Upper School parents joined their children on January 17 (mothers) and February 7 (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!

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Founders Day Mass & Legacy Council Reception In 1975, when Ursuline Academy closed, George Reese, Jr., John Scozzafava, J. Robert Walsh and their families opened Our Lady of The Woods. On January 24, we gathered as a community to celebrate the 44th 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 as well as current Board members 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.

Halloween Parade

Everyone 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 held out and we enjoyed a new parade route out in front of the school building and along Greentree Road.

Book Fair 1st Annual Woods Academy Adult Scavenger Hunt & Cocktails On October 19, dozens of members of The Woods community gathered to try something new. The 1st Annual Scavenger Hunt by cityHUNT had teams running through downtown Bethesda laughing, dancing, joking, and, most importantly, solving clues. The community-building event was fun for all and raised money for Sharing In Growth Tuition Assistance Program. Special thanks to Bridgepoint Healthcare and Fair Oaks Motors for sponsoring this event.

Special thanks to Monique Fields and Heather Farrell 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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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Family Fun Day We are not sure which was the bigger hit – the rock painting station, the moon bounces and other inflatables, or the ever-popular snow cones.

The weather was perfect, the turnout grand, and our volunteers, led by WAPTO President Erin Green, created a relaxed and fun Saturday for our families.

5th Annual STEAM Showcase

The STEAM Showcase is an 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.

We were delighted to host employees from CRB a local architectural and engineering design company that focuses on the bio, pharma and tech industry, and does a lot of

work for notable companies such as AstraZeneca, Merck, Emergent BioSolutions, and many others.

Woods Alum Justin Cassidy (2010) and his coworkers led a variety of different experiments covering topics such as air pressure, motors, static electricity, material strength, and structures.

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.

Annual Christmas Concert A week before Christmas, we gathered to celebrate the season in music and song. A beautiful nativity was brought to life on stage as the afternoon progressed.

We sang about the animals in the manger, the shepherds, the three kings, and even the baby Jesus. The carols and traditional songs, 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.

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

As 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.

This year nearly 160 students and parents filled the MPR for 2 hours of activities supporting the “UNS” in our area. 128 chicken pot pies made for Bethesda Cares and other organizations. 93 snack bags for Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. 1,089 packs of diapers bundled and 102 packages of baby wipes and lots of feminine products collected for DC Diaper Bank.

Pep Rally & Alumni Homecoming On Wednesday, February 12, The Woods Gym was rocking 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 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Nearly 60 alumni returned to campus to greet teachers, friends, and former prayer partners. Everyone enjoyed a pizza dinner and Mighty Owl Pride was at an all-time high that day.

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

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

HOOT, HOOT, HOORAY

Celebrating Significant Achievements

FIRST Lego League Qualifier Victory for the Green Machine Robotics Team

On Saturday, December 14, The Woods Academy Robotics teams, the OwlBots and the Green Machine, participated at the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Qualifier held at Hammond High School in Columbia, Maryland. Twenty-eight teams competed. The Green Machine was one of only six teams to survive that Qualifier. The Green Machine won the Core Values Award, which is given to a team that best demonstrates the FLL Core Values of Inspiration, Teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism throughout the Qualifier.

The Green Machine advanced to the FLL Maryland State Championship, which was held on Saturday, February 23 at UMBC in Catonsville and ended their season in the top 20% of robotics teams in the state of Maryland. Special thanks to 5th & 6th Grade Science Teacher Megan Mullally who prepared both teams for the competition.

Robotics Photo Caption: (left to right) – Coach Megan Mullally, Malcolm English (6), Mason Gaszner (6), AJ Harper (7), Quentin Toner (6)

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

2020 National Geographic GeoBee 7th Grader Michael Rock Advances to State Geo Bee

Ten very knowledgeable Woods Academy students entered the competition to display their topographical talent with the support of the entire Upper School on February 4.

The three finalists in the 2020 National Geographic School Geo Bee were Henry Farrell (6), Areg Lousi Devoyans (6), and the 1st Place Finalist, Michael Rock (7)! School champions, including Michael Rock, will take an online qualifying test; up to 100 of the top test scorers in each state then become eligible to compete in their State GeoBee. Right:School Geo Bee Winner Michael Rock (7) with event organizer and 5th & 6th Grade Language Arts Teacher Kelly Tanzi

Scripps National Spelling Bee 8th Grader Sean Kenny Advances to State Competition Twelve amazing Woods Academy spellers entered the competition on February 24.

The four finalists were Josie O’Connor (5), Luka Radovic (7), Gabriela Pabon (7) and 1st Place Finalist Sean Kenny (8). Sean will represent The Woods Academy at the State Level Competition on March 7 at Bullis School!

Below: Madeline Dodge, 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher (far right) and Kelly Tanzi, 5th Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher (right) with Spelling Bee Finalists (left to right) Luka Radovic (7), Sean Kenny (8), Gabriela Pabon (7), and Josie O’Connor (5).

Check Mate!

The Woods Academy Wins 1st Place at Fall Chess Tournament In October, several of our students displayed their talents at The Rock Creek Council Knights of Columbus Charity Youth Chess Tournament at Rock Creek Council Mansion in Bethesda.

The Woods Academy Team finished in 1st Place overall. Special thanks to 7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher and Chess Aficionado Jamie Alisbah for organizing all of our chess-loving students.

Some notable finishes at the tournament include: Nora Cummings (2): 1st Place in her age group.

Thomas Palley (5): 2nd Place in his age group.

Bernard Harman (7): 2nd Place in his age group.

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THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES 1970s Send us your news.

1980s Send us your news.

1990s

second baby girl to their family. Mary Grace Gerber Goodykoontz was born on February 3 and weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. Maeve is the proud big sister.

2000s

Kaely Kernan (2006) married Joseph Wolf on February 8, 2020 at Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah.

Kaely Kernan (2006)

Adriana Murphy (1992)

at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and currently works at CRB Consulting Engineers in Maryland.

Anesu Nyawata (2010) joined by friend Afanna Offor returned to campus this past fall to lead a series of preseason basketball training sessions for studentathletes in Grades 5–8. Anesu played basketball at Rhodes College and continues to stay involved with the sport through various avenues including serving on the board of Hoops 4 Hope, a nonprofit charity organization based in Southern Africa with a mission of improving the lives of children in poverty.

Anesu Nyawata (2010)

Adriana Murphy (1992) accepted the position of Head of School at St. Elizabeth’s School in Denver, CO. Her term will begin July 1, 2020. For the last 8 years, Adriana has been the head of middle school at Friends Community School in College Park, MD, a Quaker K-8 independent school.

Kate Gerber (1993) and husband Brian Goodykoontz welcomed a Kate Gerber (1993)

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2010s

Justin Cassidy (2010) graduated from The Catholic University of America Summa Cum Laude in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and was the recipient of the Dr. George McDuffie Award for Excellence in Electrical Engineering. He completed an Accelerated Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering in 2019.

From, 2015 to 2019, Justin worked

Share your news

Please send in your 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!

THE WOODS ACADEMY NEWS SPRING 2020

Myles Smith (2010)

Myles Smith (2010) is the cofounder of a knctrr (https://app. knctrr.com/sign-in), a web platform and mobile app designed to connect people with side hustles and those seeking services. The company publically launched in August 2019.

On July 17, Katie Jeffress (2012) graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science from Royal Holloway, University of London. She is staying on for another year to earn her Masters and is planning to be a veterinarian.

Isabelle Cassidy (2013) is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at The Catholic University of America. As a sophomore, she was awarded the highest honor for her work on Architectural Studio Design.

Victor Aldridge (2016) received the La Salle University Book Award at St. John’s College High School (SJC) 2019 Academic Convocation in September. Victor is a senior at SJC.

SJC Senior student-athlete Travis Scala (2016) signed his letter of intent this past November to play lacrosse at Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. He was awarded two academic scholarships and one athletic scholarship and reports to D&E in August of 2020 where he will play lacrosse and study Accounting.

Dylan Danaie (2017) was named to the 2018–19 USA Swimming Scholastic All America Team.

To earn the title of Scholastic All American, athletes must be in the 9th–12th grade and maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average during the application year, while meeting the 2018 Winter Junior time standards in the pool. Dylan is a junior at Georgetown Prep and swims on swims on the Nation’s Capital Swim Team.

In October, juniors Dylan Danaie, Brian McCormick, and Aidan Nickerson (2017) were inducted into The Saint Edmund Campion Chapter of the National Honor Society at Georgetown Prep.

Brian McCormick, Aidan Nickerson, and Dylan Danaie (2017)

Katie Jeffress (2012) 17

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 2009

Friends from the Class of 2009 Sebi Crepin (left) and Will Becker (right) enjoyed a visit together in Provence, France this past summer.

Class of 2015

Friends from the Class of 2015 (left to right) Benjamin Hentschel, Jean Tostain, Zubin Eimen, and Alexandre Crepin gathered in Provence, France this past summer.

Class of 2016

Members of the Class of 2016, Elisa Terman (Holy Cross Senior) and Maeve Dolan (Stone Ridge Senior), were thrilled to meet each other at center field as team captains before their high school soccer teams squared off this past fall.

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Share your news

Please send in your 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

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FORMER FACULTY & STAFF The heart of The Woods is community. This large group of former faculty and staff members (plus a few more not present at this September 24 get together) gather regularly for lunch or dinner or tea. Their common bond is their time spent at the school.

In Memoriam

Sister Celestine Costello, OSU, the founding principal of The Woods Academy passed away on October 19, 2019. Sister Celestine led The Woods from 1975—1982 and was known as “the glue that kept the school together” during these very early years. Since Sister Celestine

Seated (left to right): Emily Schwab, Claire Wyrsch, Suzie Tomlinson, Mary Worch, Molly O’Leary.

Standing (left to right): Joanne Gerber, Joan Miranowski, Pam Klobukowski, Kathy Piwko, Carol Kressen, Kathy Pateros, Kate Burke, Barbara Snyder.

was so devoted to religious life, her family requested donations to the Ursuline Provincialate in lieu of flowers. If you would like to honor Sister Celestine in this way, gifts may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Retirement Fund at the Ursuline Provincialate, 1338 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804.

“I remember many things about Sister from the time I worked at Woods with her. It must have been difficult for her to be the founding principal of a newly formed school. As you know, when Ursuline Academy closed, parents got together and decided to start the new school as Our Lady of the Woods Academy. Since it was ‘parent owned,’ there were many challenges for Sister Celestine to navigate, but I was most impressed

by her always putting the student’s first, no matter what! She will be missed by all those who knew her.”

Yvonne Pelaia, French Teacher (1977–2012)

Sister Celestine in 1982 with Andrew Fedders and Amanda Burns Woods Montessori Preschool students at the time.

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Super-Easy Ways You Can Promote The Woods

Like us on Facebook… facebook.com/thewoodsacademy.

It doesn’t get any easier than that.

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!

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!

Spread the word…

about our Open Houses.

And volunteer if you can — there is always coffee!

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.

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.

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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.

Follow us on Instagram… and comment on our posts.

Only on Instagram will you see our trendy #MasterpieceMonday posts.

Don’t forget…

about Summer at The Woods — for your own kids, or for someone else’s. It’s a great option for visiting relatives or neighborhood pals.

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!

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Annual Report

2018–2019

The Woods Academy’s Mission

The Woods Academy is an inclusive Catholic Community preparing boys and girls to lead lives of significance.

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The Woods Community

The wonderful Woods community-building events held each year would not be possible without our dedicated WAPTO leaders, Event Chairs, and scores of volunteers that create spectacular events. While we don’t have room to list everyone who gave of their time last year, we offer the biggest thank you for all you do for The Woods.

2018–2019 Events

Grandparents & Special Friends Visiting Day

Advancement Office

SAM GALLAGHER DATABASE MANAGER

TRACI GRIGG DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Montessori Parent Breakfasts

MOLLY MCNAMARA-HUGO DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Parent Visiting Days

JODIE SHOEMAKER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, & ALUMNI RELATIONS

Founders Day Mass & Legacy Council Reception 13th Annual Woods Golf Classic Family Fun Day Scholastic Book Fair 4th Annual STEAM Showcase Around the World Christmas Concert

2018–2019 Board of Trustees IÑIGO ASCANIO CAPELLI

WARREN BLANCHARD CHAIR

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

KELLI CAMPBELL

Raise the Roof – the 29th Annual Night Owl Auction

JENNIFER CLARK (1997)

Instrumental Showcase

TED FARRELL

First Communion

MELANIE FUNKHOUSER (1988)

15th Annual Arts Celebration

BOB GREGG

Wine, Cheese & Art

BRAD HEMING

Upper School Chapels

JULIA JORDAN PETER KENNY

2018–2019 Woods Academy Parent Teacher Organization (WAPTO) Officers ERIN GREEN PRESIDENT

NULA O’CONNOR VICE PRESIDENT AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR HEATHER FARRELL TREASURER KENDALL THOMPSON VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

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MEKONNEN TEDLA JACK O’ROURKE JOSEPH POWERS HEAD OF SCHOOL GEORGE REESE ERIN RICCA FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE ANNA STEWART CATHERINE VALENTE-GROSH SHERYL WILBON DARIEN WRIGHT

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Financial Operations

2018–2019

REVENUE Tuition and Fees

6,484,203

Auxiliary Services

846,412

Annual Fund

163,638

Auction Income

108,652

Contributions, other

40,148

WAPTO and Fundraising

73,503

Dividends and Interest Income Total Revenue

EXPENSES

107,381 7,823,937

$

Program and Supporting Services

5,127,483

General and Administrative

1,909,669

Plant Operations

486,606

Funds from Reserves

-16,529

Fundraising and Events

316,708

Total Expenses

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$

7,823,937

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Revenue

Expenses

■ 83% TUITION AND FEES ■ 11% AUXILIARY SERVICES ■ 2% ANNUAL FUND ■ 1% AUCTION INCOME ■ 1% DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST INCOME ■ 1% CONTRIBUTIONS AND GRANTS ■ 1% WAPTO

■ 66% PROGRAM AND SUPPORTING SERVICES ■ 24% GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ■ 6% PLANT OPERATIONS ■ 4% FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS

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Annual Giving

2018–2019

Annual Fund, Raise Your Paddle, Kathy Piwko Merit Scholarship, Sharing and Growth Fund, Arts Celebration Patrons, Sotos Fund, Special Gifts

“I am honored to be a member of The Woods Academy family. Thank you for instilling integrity, creativity, and compassion in your students.”

A Woods Grandparent

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THANK YOU! Every child makes a difference at The Woods. And so does every gift. Parents, faculty & staff, trustees, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends – your generosity helps give every Woods student the best possible experience every day.

Your gifts enhance everything we value at The Woods: a program of excellence, integrated curriculum, personalized attention, and a faith that guides students to serve others along the way.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing.

If you find an error or omission, please contact Traci Grigg, Director of Development, at tgrigg@woodsacademy.org.

All gifts listed in this report are those received between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.

Giving Circles

DON CLUBBS MARC FERRELL AND VINKA PASOS-FERRELL CORY AND MELANIE (1988) FUNKHOUSER THE MATAAC FAMILY (FRANCIS AND LARA MATAAC, CELSO AND VILMA MATAAC) SHEPHERD FOUNDATION JOHN AND ANNA STEWART ALEJANDRO VILLEGAS AND INES VEGA MICHAEL AND SHERYL WILBON CLINTON AND JEAN WRIGHT

JOHN AND CAROLYN O’ROURKE

THE EDWIN (1984) VILLEGAS FAMILY

1975 Leaders $1975–$3,999 ANONYMOUS (1)

REZA AND MARTINE (1982) AMIRKHALILI

ATKISS FAMILY TIM AND MELISSA BENDER MATTHEW AND DONNA BYRNE CAMPANARIO FAMILY DAVID AND JEANEEN CAVANAUGH CLASS OF 2019 DOUG AND MISSY COOPER JOHN CURRY AND LILIANA CUERVO JAMES CUMMINGS AND JULIA JORDAN NIKEL DAVIS AND STEFANIE MORGAN-DAVIS RICH AND SIMONE DEVANEY KEVIN FANDL AND MONICA LUGO SEAN AND CATHLEEN FROMM BRAD AND CAROLINE HEMING JOHN AND MARYBETH GAUL JOHN AND MEGAN LANEKENAU TIM AND SUSAN LYDON HUSEYIN OZAN AND LINA CARMONA-OZAN LARRY AND KATHY PATEROS RUSS AND LEILA PHILLIPS ALEXANDROS POWERS AND PERI DEORIO

Benefactors $4,000–$9,999

JOE AND BRIT POWERS

DAN AND KELLI CAMPBELL

CHARLES AND CECILE TONER

JASON BAKELAR AND LEILA MAMEDOVA

TOM AND GERRY BORGER

THE DR. FRANCIS P. CHIARAMONTE PRIVATE FOUNDATION

ANONYMOUS (2)

IÑIGO ASCANIO CAPELLI AND NURIA ALIÑO PÉREZ

WARREN AND ORLENA BLANCHARD DAVID BOHLEY AND KARINA LYNCH CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK PAT AND ANNAH CAVE KEVIN CLARK AND NANCY RIPP CLARK

GEOF, BETH, AND DAVID (2015) HOBART

Head Philanthropists $10,000 +

Patrons $1,000–$1,974

JOHN RIDENOUR AND ROBIN CLARK MARK AND JEANNE SHRIVER GEORGE AND PEGGY SOTOS GREG AND PATTI STEIS

A.B. AND JILL CRUZ MARK SCOTT DECAIN AND SANDY WHITE PATRICIA H. DRESSER TED AND HEATHER FARRELL JASON AND MONIQUE FIELDS MICHAEL AND JANET GAFFNEY DARIAN GARY AND TRACY OLIVER-GARY STEVEN AND INGRID GOBIEN MICHAEL AND LISA GUITERMAN PAUL HUGO AND MOLLY MCNAMARA HUGO ROGER AND LYNN JASEK KAMINE FAMILY PETER AND BROOKS KENNY RANDY AND ABBY LACKEY TOM AND ANDREA (1985) LYNCH J. PAUL AND JILL MCNAMARA WHIT AND ASHLEY MATHIS ANDREW AND HUDA MONTEMARANO KEITH OTT AND FLORENCE NOVELLINO PETE AND ALISON PLOTAS CHRISTOPHER AND MARY BETH PRIEST DERRICK AND EILEEN RAYMOND TONY AND KATE SCAFIDE PETER SCHUCK AND TERESA MAGONE TOM AND CAROL SEITZ MARIE SHANNON KEITH AND JODIE SHOEMAKER ERIC AND KATIE SMITH JUN SUN AND DONNA SWISTOWSKI MEKONNEN TEDLA AND RUTH BETRU CARL THORSEN THOMAS WEIR AND PETRA KANN FRED AND LAURIE YANG

DARIEN AND LAURA WRIGHT

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“The Woods was the place where our daughter could BE who she is. It is the environment where she and every child can feel safe to take risks and explore their full potential. It is a community of adults and peers that will support each child’s adventure of self-discovery; where they will be encouraged and will feel comfortable if they don’t reach a goal, because they are still safe, loved and the next opportunity is just around the corner.”

Current Parent and Parent of an Alumna Friends up to $999

JON BARRENECHEA AND VALERIA ARANA

ALLEN AND MONA ABSALON

COLIN AND JENNIFER BEEBE

ANONYMOUS (14)

EVELYNE ABELLARD PETER AND LIDIA ALDRIDGE LEONARDO ALVES AND VAL DA SILVA

JASON AND MEENA ANDREW MARGARET APAU

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RINA BADOS MARK BAIER AND ANA MAYANS DE LA LASTRA JAMES AND ANNE BARTER JOHN BASSO AND MEREDITH KLEYKAMP BRIAN BHEMARDI AND ROYA RATESHTARI THOMAS BLAIR AND RENATE WELCH JEAN AND KAREN BORNO LINDY AND RACHELLE BOWMAN THE MARC (1994) BORGER FAMILY

ANNE BRADBURY RAY BRISCOE AND LISA MONROE ANDY BRISTOL AND CAROLINE QUIJADA TRISH BRITTON ROBERT AND MARY BRYANT LORI CAMALIER MARILYN CAMPBELL LYNDSEY CANTER CHRISTOPHER AND LISA CAPUANO RON CARBIS BRENDAN AND VIVAN CARMODY KEVIN CAWLEY AND DANA LANGGUTH MICHAEL CHIARAMONTE AND SONYA MALEKZADEH ROY AND KRISTEN CHROBOCINSKI CLARK FAMILY JENNIFER CLARK (1997) STEPHANIE CLARK (2005) THOMAS AND ROSALIND CLARK JEFF AND TERRI CLAUSEN JP CLUBBS ROBIN AND DONNA COHEN COLANGELO FAMILY ALEX AND MEGHAN CROSS RICHARD AND SALLIE CROSS ROBERT AND LILIANA CROSS SEAN AND EUNICE (1990) D’AUGOSTINE JEFFREY AND JENNETTE DANIEL JOHN AND ANN DAVIS MAXIMILIANO DE CIANCIO AND MARIA GARCIA RIPA GEVORK DEVOYANS AND LUSINE LUSINYAN CARLOS DIAZ MADELINE DODGE DEBBIE DOSH THOMAS DOLSAK AND LESLIE YERANSIAN SERBAN DRAGOI AND MARIANA VLASCEANU DANIEL AND CARRIE DRESSER DRISCOLL FAMILY MARY ELIZABETH DRISCOLL PAUL AND LILY DWYER BILL AND MICHELE EGAN BRYANT AND JENNIFER FARLAND MONICA FERNANDEZ JAMES AND LYNN FILPI SAMANTHA FIRSTENBERG KATE FOGARTY

DAVID AND LORI FRANCESCANI BRAIN AND SAM GALLAGHER MIKLOS GASZNER AND MICHELE SHANNON JOE AND JOANNE GERBER DEMETRI AND MARIA GIAKOUMATOS FRANCISCO GONZALEZ AND AMY BERRINGTON GRAMMER FAMILY RICHARD AND MAUREEN GRANT ROBERT GREGG DREW AND TRACI GRIGG MARK GROSH AND CATHERINE VALENTE-GROSH

PAOLO MARTELLI AND MARIANGELES CAMARGO RAY AND LOUISE MATHIS BRIAN MCCORMICK (2017) CHRISTOPHER MCCORMICK (2014) RYAN AND MARIANA MCCORMICK J.D. MCLEAN (2014) ROBERT MENEFEE AND JUNAN GARCIA-MENEFEE ROBERT METZLER AND MARY LU CARNEVALE MICHELLE MICHLIK STANSILAW AND WANDA MIKULSKI DONNA MILLER

SUSAN SABATANO ISHRAQ SALMAN BRUNO SANTOS (2004) AMIR SARKARZADEH AND KATE NEMATOLLAHI DANIEL SAUCEDO GERARDO SAUCEDO MARIA SAUCEDO STEVE AND MICHELLE SCALA TOM AND FAITH SCANION ANDREW SCHULICK AND DEVIKA SINGH CHRISTOPHER SHARKEY LIS SHEEHAN DANIELLE SHEGERIAN

JOHN AND GEORGETTE GROSSMAN

MONARCH PRIME

KAYANA GUERRA

SERGIO MONARO AND NADIA SCHAREN-GUIVEL

BARBARA SHOEMAKER

BRANDON AND JENNIFER MOYO

BILL AND JUDI SIKES

MARLISA MORI

MARY ALICE SILVERMAN

LINDA HANDY JASON HARMAN AND KATHRYN BEERS SCOTT AND JILL HARPER HARLAN AND LOIS HAYWOOD RAMONA HEMING BARRY HENRY AND LENORE SULLIVAN BRANDON AND JESSE HENRY CRISTINA MARINUCCI HILLYER PATTY HORN PAUL AND CAROL HOWARD RAJA AND ANU IYER HRANT JAMGOCHIAN AND LENNA ISRABIAN-JAMGOCHIAN ROGER JANITO AND NADIA BIASSOU KIMBERLY JIBLADZE JOE’S WINGMAN CHARLES AND JANE JOHNSON JOHNSON FAMILY ALIDA KALAS BOB AND KATIE KALAS CHRISTINA KORNEGAY GEORGE AND TAMARA KUCIK BARBARA LANG BILL AND MOLLY LEBLANC MATT LERNER AND CHERRY JOY BEYSSELANCE SUSY LEVIN DAVID AND HASMIG MAHSHIGIAN JEFF AND TRACIE MANCABELLI WILLIAM MANION AND SARA O’NEIL-MANION OSMEL MANZANO AND MARELLY DAVILA FRED AND EDITH MARINUCCI

HEGGIE SHEGERIAN

MATT AND MEGAN MULLALLY

NEVIL SINGH AND SUMANA CHAKRAVARTY

JOHN RATINO AND TRICIA MURPHY

RJ AND MARYBETH SMITH

ROSS NASSIRI

MARTIN AND WENDY STANISLAV

MEREDITH B. NOLAN (2012)

SARA STEWERT

DAVID AND ANNMARIE O’CONNOR

JEAN STEIS

ANNIE (2012) AND MOLLY (2015) O’CONNOR

BRIAN AND JEN SULLIVAN

NUALA O’CONNOR

JOAN SULLIVAN

KERRY CLARK O’NEIL (2000)

BROOKE SUMMERVILLE

TIM AND SHARON PABON

JOHN AND MAUREEN SWEENEY

PAUL PAOLETTI

PATRICIA SWEENEY

WILL PAPPERT (2015)

NANCY TALBOT

TOM PARKER

CHARMAINE TAVERNER

VIVEK AND SONYA PATIL

BRIAN AND LAURNA-MAE THOMAS

CHRISTINE PHELPS

KENDALL THOMPSON

RICK AND JULIE PHILLIPS

DAT TRAN AND MARY PHAM

RON AND KATHY PIWKO

GERARDO UNA AND LUPICA CARINA

KATYA PILONG (1998)

EMILE VAN DER DOES DE WILLEBOIS AND FRANCESCA GOODALL

JIRI PODPIERA AND MARIA ANCA JANE PONTIUS JOHN AND ASHLEY PROFAIZER BART AND NATALIE RADOLINSKI RAJEN AND SEEMA RANCHHOOJEE SHEILA RASO-NOVIKOV GEORGE AND MARY JANE REESE HELIBERTO RESTREPO ED AND JUDY REZAC

ERICA VASSOS WAPTO EMILY WEBER WILBUR AND SHERRY WRIGHT BENJAMIN WU AND TERESA LEE ANDREW AND LEE WURST NANCY ZACHOR BILL AND LLOYDIE ZAISER

KEVIN AND ERIN RICA PAUL AND KRISTA RITACCO HENRY AND HOLLI RIVERA MICHELE ROOME (1987)

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Corporations, Foundations, Schools, Matching Gifts AFS RETIREMENT

THOMAS AND GERRY BORGER

BANK OF AMERICA MATCHING GIFTS PROGRAM

GEOF, BETH, AND DAVID (2015) HOBART

BRIDGEPOINT HEALTHCARE

will continue to nourish future generations of Woods students through her merit scholarship.

ANONYMOUS (1) DEBBIE DOSH

CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK

MATT LERNER AND CHERRY JOY BEYSSELANCE

COHNREZNICK

TOM AND FAITH SCANION

COLD STREAM FOUNDATION

HEGGIE SHEGERIAN

CONNELLY SCHOOL OF THE HOLY CHILD

EMILE VAN DER DOES DE WILLEBOIS AND FRANCESCA GOODALL

DAYTON FOUNDATION DIGITAL EVIDENCE STRATEGIES DIXON GOLF FAIR OAKS CHANTILLY GEORGETOWN VISITATION PREPARATORY SCHOOL GONZAGA COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL HALLMARK IRON WORKS MACPEAK LANDSCAPING MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES MATCHING GIFTS PROGRAM POTOMAC STRATEGY SANDY SPRING BANK ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SHELL OIL COMPANY FOUNDATION SHEPHERD FOUNDATION STONE RIDGE SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART TUGLEY WOOD FOUNDATION WAPTO

Kathy Piwko Merit Scholarship Fund

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The following donors generously gave to the Kathy Piwko Merit Scholarship Fund established to honor of Kathy’s extraordinary 34 years of teaching at The Woods.

We have been blessed with Kathy’s brilliance, enthusiasm, sharp wit, and her tireless advocacy on the part of our students. Her legacy

Lisa Mataac Dodson Memorial Scholarship

The Liza C. Mataac Dodson Memorial Scholarship Fund established at The Woods Academy to honor the memory of Liza, a proud Woods alumna, former teacher, and parent.

We have awarded this scholarship annually to the rising 8th grader who in his/her Woods career has best exemplified the qualities of mentorship of younger students and involvement in school and community life that Liza so consistently displayed as a member of the Woods community.

AWARDED TO QUINN FARLAND FOR THE 2018–2019 SCHOOL YEAR.

Legacy Council

The Legacy Council is an honorary advisory group to the Head of School.

Members are recognized as trusted friends, advocates and ambassadors of the school. The main role of the Council is to advise, support, and collaborate with the Head of School and Board of Trustees as they work to fulfill the school’s mission.

2018–2019 Legacy Council Members TOM AND GERRY BORGER

FRANCIS AND JENNIFER CHIARAMONTE KEVIN CLARK AND NANCY RIPP KEVIN AND PAM COSIMANO HARRY AND LAURA CRISWELL LOU AND NIKKI DIESS PHILIP AND MAUREEN DOLAN PETER AND STEPHANIE FARRELL CHARLIE AND ELIZABETH GARNER RICK AND MAUREEN GRANT MIKE AND LISA HOTCHKISS DAVID AND SALLY IANNARONE DAN AND LISA JOBE THOMAS AND KAREN MORGAN DAVID AND TONYA MURRAY DAVID PAPPERT LARRY AND KATHY PATEROS JOHN AND ROXANNA PIERCE GEORGE AND PAT REESE DION AND MICHELLE RUDNICKI

SOTOS Faculty Development Fund (Support Our Teachers, Our School) GEORGE AND PEGGY SOTOS

ROSE SCOZZAFAVA HELEN O’NEIL SHERE BOB AND NATALIE SMITH DOUG AND GABRIELA SMITH GEORGE AND PEGGY SOTOS MARTY AND WENDY STANISLAV MARK AND MARIROSE UNGERMAN JEAN WALSH JOHN AND KATE WYCKOFF

Parent: How was your day?

Student: Amazing!

Parent: Oh! Did something special happen?

Student: No, it was just, you know, another day at The Woods Academy!

Exchange between a Current Parent and Student

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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!

Save the Date:

CLASS OF 2016 PRAYERS & PIZZA

Thursday, May 16 & 15th Annual Arts Celebration SUNDAY, MAY 3 AT 4:30 PM Friday, May 17, 2019 featuring The Wizard of Oz

16TH ANNUAL ARTS CELEBRATION Montessori Program and FEATURING FROZEN JR. Graduation THURSDAY, MAY 14 & FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020

Friday, May 31, 2019 at 9:00 am

Friday, May 31, 2019 at 5:00 pm

8th Grade Graduation

MONTESSORI PROGRAM AND GRADUATION FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020 AT 9:00 AM 8TH GRADE GRADUATION

Please visit woodsacademy.org/artscelebration to purchase tickets to FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020 AT 4:00 PM The Wizard of Oz and support the Arts at The Woods.

woodsacademy.org