Now & Then At Wheeler Magazine

Focus on Faculty

Now&Then @Wheeler winter 2010

Now&Then @ Wheeler Vol. 8 Issue 1 Winter 2010 Editor: Laurie Flynn Board of Trustees President: Alan Litwin Alumni Association President: Kim Chazan Zwetchkenbaum ‘83 Parents Association President: Jennifer Thiesen Head of Institutional Advancement: Michele Sczerbinski Diaz ‘86 Cover: Teachers at Wheeler & Hamilton by Gabriel A. Cooney Nondiscrimination Policy: The Wheeler School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or handicap in the administration of its educational, admissions, and financial aid policies, faculty and staff recruitment and hiring policies, athletics or other programs or activities administered by the school. www.wheelerschool.org Published by the Office of Institutional Advancement The Wheeler School 216 Hope Street Providence, Rhode Island 02906 401-421-8100

Did you notice the new size for the Now & Then? As part of our campus-wide Green Initiative, we are able to reduce paper waste in the printing process by reformatting this publication. We’ve gone from using about 4,000 pounds of paper to using 3,100 pounds and with a paper stock that is 30% post consumer recycled.

Editor’s Note

Wheeler partnered with two companies (EOS Ventures and Alteris Renewables) to finance and install the solar panels on the Van Norman Field House. photo by Donna Baer

Bright Ideas — Part I The ancients suspected and respected the power of the Sun. Early cultures both worshipped and feared it. Later, scholars and stargazers began to study it. As the centerpiece of our solar system, we learned early to use its power for heat. and its place in our daily life for guidance — both celestial and religious. Naming a day of the week after it became an honorific that we continue to use today.

So as the solar-wise saying goes, nothing’s new under the sun, right?

In the case of the Wheeler Farm, there is something new under the sun: 480 Suntech 210 watt solar panels and a SatCon inverter. Huge panels were placed this winter on the Van Norman Field House (see photo above) as part of Wheeler’s Green Initiative. The panels will generate enough power to support the entire energy needs of the Farm campus and, hopefully, generate a little income for the School in the near future. At the time of the installation in late December, the panels made up the largest solar array in Southeastern Massachusetts, and thanks to more and more institutions seeing solar as a way to meet current and future energy needs, the Wheeler Farm is now one of several such large-scale arrays in Massachusetts.

The work on the Field House roof happened at a time of year when the sun was least visible, yet most craved, by those of us on Planet Earth. Wanting to wait for warmer days, we hope to celebrate the installation — and show it off to the Wheeler community — at Field Day, Saturday, May 15. May 15 just happens to be School founder Mary Wheeler’s birthday. We hope she’d be delighted to see her school taking advantage of something old in such a new way. And with Wheeler being Wheeler, we also asked Alteris to install some ground-level equipment to show the power generation to students and visitors alike as part of new curriculum plans.

We invite you out to the Farm on Field Day to see the results for yourself.

Bright Ideas — Part II As an adjective, the word “bright” can mean shining or vivid but in another use also mean clever or intelligent. In showing you some of the Wheeler and Hamilton faculty members in our special focus section this issue, we take a risk: will these teachers be seen as the proverbial “best and brightest” by our readers?

We sincerely hope not.

Not because the people we spotlight aren’t deserving to hold that distinction, but because they would be the first to refuse such a description of themselves. Same for the teachers remembered by those alumni who responded to our call for memories. Our faculty’s “brightness” is equal parts person and place. Drawn to a bright spot in Providence, they are part of a faculty created over years of thoughtful hiring, professional support and collegial sharing that has built this school’s reputation as well as its values and mission.

Sunshine and teachers. We bask in their glow. Enjoy this issue of Now & Then At Wheeler.

Message from the Head faculty influence lasts a lifetime

i once read a survey that asked adults to name the five people "who had the most profound influence on the person they had become.” Predictably, parents topped the list, but who came next in almost every case? Not a public figure, a close friend, or even a sibling, though all figured in the rankings. No, after mom and dad, most respondents recognized the formative power of a teacher.

The true quality of the school – that which distinguishes the Wheeler experience for our students – is the character and talent of our teachers.

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Educators are gratified, even relieved, by these sorts of endorsements, but not surprised.

Many of us who found our way to careers in education had a teacher who struck a chord of deep admiration, who inspired us, whose belief in our talents still motivate our best efforts. I know I will never forget my Mother Teresa-like 4th-grade teacher, Mrs. Lenox, who somehow balanced class and silliness, open-mindedness and amused skepticism, or Mr. DeCecco, my junior-year history teacher who looked past my immaturity and saw something worth encouraging.

This edition of Now & Then At Wheeler focuses on Wheeler’s wonderful teaching faculty.

Collectively, they are creative, energetic, engaged in their disciplines, and, perhaps most of all, invested in the success of each individual student. This, I hear from graduates, has always been a signature asset of this school. Miss Wheeler was a famously inspirational teacher, and she set a culture of expectation carried through the generations by countless Wheeler luminaries: Edith Erlenmeyer, Army Armstrong, Peter Hufstader, Julie Baldwin, Priscilla Wolff , Michael Brown, Bob O’Hara – the list goes on and on, and continues to grow, as you will see in the pages that follow.

Wheeler, as you are probably aware, has recently enjoyed a period of dynamic campus improvements, both in Providence, and at The Farm. We have raised funds for endowments, and we have been at the forefront of the movement towards environmental sustainability.

But we must always remember that these initiatives are ancillary, facilitative, to our institutional core. The true quality of the school – that which distinguishes the Wheeler experience for our students – is the character and talent of our teachers. This issue is dedicated to them.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Focus on Faculty On this and the pages that follow meet a few of our talented faculty and see some results of their creative teaching in action.

Jean Carlson

Mark Harris

Kate Dabney

Physical Education Dept. Head

Aerie Dept. Head

Middle/Upper Math Teacher

Year Appointed: 1977

Year Appointed: 1972, as a dorm parent in the Boarding Department.

Year Appointed: 1996

Grade You Teach: Lower School/Middle School - Coach Field Hockey/Lacrosse in Upper School

Grades You Teach: Aerie classes in Grades T-5; a 5th Grade Math class, and an occasional class such as Economics.

Why you enjoy teaching: I love what I do!

There’s nothing better than seeing the smiles on my student’s faces, watching them move and having fun and learning why physical education is so important. The incredible part of my job is that I get the opportunity to work with so many different age groups, from 3 year olds to high school seniors.

Why you enjoy teaching: Teaching is the greatest job in the world, although I must admit I’ve never actually tried working at Yosemite or the Louvre or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I have a chance to work with kids for 12 or 13 years, investing in their growth over the long haul. And finally, I get to help improve this great school bit by bit, a little more each year.

A teacher who inspired you when you were a student: I loved being active and competitive when I was young and really had no role models in my life. I thought that teaching physical education and coaching was the perfect way to do what I loved and at the same time help students of all ages gain confidence and self esteem in a healthy way whether in the gym or on the athletic fields.

Teacher who inspired: My 2nd Grade teacher at Nimitz Elementary School in Honolulu was Mrs. Avery; she arranged for me to give a presentation on the planets to the 3rd Grade, acting as though we were colleagues planning a grand adventure. My debate coach at Lowell High School was Jack Anderson, a remarkable man who showed me the value of work outside the classroom. I remember vividly some late nights spent in the San Francisco State University library, constructing arguments I didn’t actually agree with.

Current teaching passion/interest: Coaching high school athletes at the upper school level is so rewarding. Winning is wonderful but watching my athletes grow emotionally, gain confidence, and develop into strong young women is what it’s all about!

Outside interests: I am a recreational jogger, an avid reader, and I absolutely love spending time with my dogs Cagney & Gracie (Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer is my hero).

Current teaching passion: Robotics, Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, Bio-Med Club, dance, fencing, and expansion of WELH ...

Outside interests: Providence Summerbridge, Academic Decathlon of RI, and Highlander Charter School/Dunn Institute.

My son is a Wheeler grad in college and my daughter is in the Wheeler Nursery class; my wife is involved with Wheeler kids and families. Life is busy and rewarding.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Grade You Teach: Grades 6-8 and 10th Why you enjoy teaching: I love opening students’ minds to the puzzles and patterns of math and help them demystify what they perceive as complex situations. Being with students when they discover their understanding is a true reward.

A teacher who inspired you: My tenth grade math teacher, Ms. Pretz, was the first person who made me feel that I could think mathematically. She encouraged me to join the math team and I actually participated in some regional math competitions. While I never did very well in the competitions, the fact that she believed in me and encouraged me to develop solid reasoning skills is a gift I have appreciated since that time.

Current teaching passion: Over the past several years as we have taken on the investigative approach in math classes I have been amazed at how much more effective this approach is to actually being a successful math thinker. Students study patterns and problems, looking for similarities and differences and thinking about how new situations and concepts relate to information they already understand. As they are building solid thinking skills, they often take their understanding to the next step without direct instruction, but through their own reasoning.

Outside interests: I am a founding trustee of a small all girls’ middle school in New Bedford, MA. The school, Our Sisters’ School, is in its second year and serves innercity girls in grades 5 -7, with 8th grade being added next year. Cycling, SCUBA diving, traveling and my family all all important interests.

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Nursery students visit Head Dan Miller as they learn about their school ‘neighbors.’

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Spanish 3 Honors students mix art and language to craft ceramic “chanchitos” as holiday gifts.

Matt Baum Upper School History Teacher

Dr. Kim Stewart

Year Appointed: 2005

Hamilton Grade 7 Teacher

Classes: 20th Century History (10th grade), U.S. History (11th grade), Contemporary World Issues (12th grade) Why I enjoy teaching: I love being part of a supportive community like Wheeler. It is a place where everyone is known and makes a contribution. Being around young, smart, energetic, and idealistic people (the students) is inspiring. Being around old, smart, energetic, and idealistic people (the faculty) is equally inspiring. It is rewarding to work in an environment that cares so much about individuals. Besides, I love History, so it is fun for me to have a job where I get to talk about the American Revolution or the fall of the Berlin Wall.

A teacher who inspired: Mr. Christian, an English teacher and basketball coach, was particularly inspiring to me. From him, I learned that I could love literature and find meaning in books. I also learned the beauty of playing good defense and taking a charge on the basketball court.

Current teaching passion: In Contemporary World Issues, we are studying and debating the current conflict in Afghanistan. The timing is working out well, as our debates are coinciding with the debates within the Obama White House.

Year Appointed: 1996 Classes You Teach: Grade 7 Hamilton and Middle School community service Why you enjoy teaching: I love and enjoy middle schoolers and the challenge of working with kids who learn differently and think ‘outside the box’.

A teacher who inspired you when you were a student: Barbara Masters, my high school English teacher. We read Emerson and Thoreau and did a lot of journaling. We went to her home frequently in the evenings and chatted about books and plays. We often went to plays together (her husband was an actor and puppeteer).

New teaching projects: Mindfulness in the classroom Placed-based education in each student’s community Community service with Providence Animal Rescue League Other interests: Love of Vermont French travel and language and literature Yoga Reading

Outside interests: Spending time with my family - wife, daughter, and baby boy. Watching and playing sports. Reading and going through my DVR if I have time to watch 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Mad Men.

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Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Christine Smith Library Dept. Head/MS Librarian Year Appointed: 2000 Why you enjoy teaching: A rewarding part of this work is the moment a student connects with a book through a book talk or individual recommendation. When they enthusiastically return asking for more by that author OR a book “just like this one!” I enjoy knowing I was part of that.

A teacher who inspired: Mr. James Perfetto, Middle School History and English. As an English teacher he had us learn the verbs of being and helping verbs, all of which I and many of his former students can recite to this day. He taught us that the Middle East would be the future and continuing focus of the World’s attention back in 1966 and he had us memorize and present to the class the preamble to the Constitution of the United States. He had us explain in our own words why this was a vibrant, governing document that would never be obsolete.

Current passion/interest: This is the first year we have had “fixed” classes for LIBSKILLs in 6th grade. The students are learning about effective online searches, developing a search strategy for any information need, developing a common glossary of terms; search engines, online databases, websites, etc and have bit of fun learning all of this.

Outside interests: READING, daily walks, Northeastern Connecticut Civil War group.

New York Giants Football, my 14 year old Lab/Retriever mix, Lucy, Board of Education member at St Mary’s School, Putnam, and my family, Ethan, Meryl, Claudia and AimeeRose and granddaughter Hayden!

Fourth Graders learn about the Plains Indians’ culture from experts at the Haffenreffer Museum.

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Faculty Spotlight — Place-Based Education

by Seth Garfield, 8th Grade Science

Caroline Fields Kindergarten Teacher Year Appointed: 1981 Grades You Teach: I am in the Early Childhood Department, specifically the Kindergarten.

Why you enjoy teaching: I love teaching 5 and 6-year-olds because they remind me everyday to be in awe of our world. Plus, I laugh out loud and often in Kindergarten.

A teacher who inspired: I was inspired to teach by my third grade teacher Miss Elliot in Raleigh, N.C.. I loved her and wanted to be just like her.

Current teaching passion: Currently I am especially interested in helping children begin to navigate the increasingly more complex social world they find themselves a part of. I want them to know that they are learning how to be decent human beings and that I am here to help them become one.

Mr. Tinker and Miss Em . . .

Read Alumni Memories of Wheeler Faculty on page 8-9!

for more than 12 weeks Eighth graders in Middle School Science have been exploring the recipes for catastrophic events around the world. During class they have run hands-on experiments to demonstrate how storms form, why houses fall down because of earthquakes (motion of P and S waves), and the impact these disasters have on communities such as Haiti.

In early December, right after the end of hurricane season, there was a pending crisis right here in Providence. The combination of lunar high tides, a southerly storm with 40+kts of wind, and an expected rain fall of 2+ inches was the recipe that launched RI Emergency Management to prepare for flooding in downtown Providence. The hurricane barrier at Fox Point was lowered, the pumps were turned on and personnel staffing readied for this pending catastrophic event.

As the teacher, I shifted gears for the class, took pictures of the event from the hurricane barrier, brought them into the classroom that day, and had the class break into groups and brainstorm what the different parts of the response team for the city and state were doing to prepare for this event. Medical, logistics, communications, and business topics were discussed in groups, put on large posters and reported to the class, all in one period. This was also presented in a press conferencetype atmosphere with time limits to simulate real conditions as emergencies emerge in real life.

The students were engaged, focused and were able to see that by the end of the evolution, that there were common threads of concerns that needed to be addressed.

“This is a great way to learn when these events happen in your backyard,” said student Lucas Radoccia.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Student singers use a new software to learn and share sheet music with their teacher.

Middle Schoolers attend a diversity conference with sessions on combating bullying, gender equity for women in sports, and poetry, art and culture, both in the United States and Ghana.

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Chris Perkins Upper School Science Teacher

Joe Baer

Year Appointed: 1997

Grade 8 Teacher

Classes/Grade You Teach: 10th-12th Grades Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Biology, Community Service (Environmental Issues)

Classes You Teach: Classical Greek History and Community Service

Why you enjoy teaching: I get to spend every day in a vibrant community full of intelligent people, discussing and demonstrating the workings of the universe, watching eyes light up and passions catch fire. There is no better job than teaching chemistry.

A teacher who inspired you when you were a student: There are many; one who comes to mind at the moment is Vilem Sokol, longtime conductor of the Seattle Youth Symphony.

Current teaching interest: Currently I’m pedaling as fast as I can to get our AP Chemistry course off the ground.

Outside interests: I play cello with a number of ensembles at Rhode Island College.

Former Faculty Honors The RI Branch of the International Dyslexia Association presented retired Hamilton School teacher Linda Atamian with the 2009 Leadership in Literacy Award at its October 24th conference in Providence. It was presented to Linda in appreciation and recognition of her dynamic and creative leadership in education and outstanding efforts to promote and encourage literacy, reading, and student achievement.

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Year Appointed: 1994-95

Why you enjoy teaching: Eighth Grade students have a passionate sense of equity and fairness, an evolving sense of self and an emerging intellect.

A teacher who inspired you when you were a student: My secondary education was somewhat bleak in terms of resources and pedagogy. Thankfully, my parents were professional writers and editors with an intense commitment to civic participation.

Our nightly family dinners always revolved around lively discussions of current affairs and occasionally heated debates, laced with curiosity and semantic edginess.

Current teaching passion: I find rich and varied opportunities with “place-based education” which asks teachers to use the local community as inspiration for curricula and teaching space for their work. PBE allows me to weave diversity and environmental stewardship into our studies of ancient Greece.

“Place” becomes a powerful anchor in a student’s mind to develop their reading, writing, public speaking and technology skills.

Outside interests: Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, hiking, kayaking, museums, musicals and exploring urban and rural settings, especially when it involves food.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Joyce Ball Academic Support Dept. Head Year Appointed: 1989 Grades You Teach: Grades 1-5 (reading) Why you enjoy teaching: Because I teach reading at each grade level, I often have the luxury of working with children and their families for several years. This allows me to know the children well, to see the progress the children make over a span of years, as well as work closely with families. My job is very gratifying.

A teacher who inspired you when you were a student: My fourth grade teacher, Miss Hetherman, was one of the kindest teachers I had. She always helped me when I struggled and praised me when I did a good job.

Current teaching passion/interest: Spelling continues to be a passion of mine, and I continue to edit the spelling program we use here in the Lower School.

Outside interests: Cycling; reading; being outside in warm fresh air, travel.

Michael Brown, Mr. Grossman, Miss Zeitlin: teachers remembered by alumni on pages 8 & 9.

Language teachers develop a DVD Cara y Corazon for RI teachers of Spanish and Portuguese with community resources.

> Year Appointed: 1977 Grade You Teach: Kindergarten Why you enjoy teaching: I really enjoy being a part of the children’s learning experience. It is a wonderful feeling when the “light bulb” goes on for one of them and you hear: “I get it!”

Dr. Donna Lizotte Upper School Science Teacher Year Appointed: 2007

Tedd Merlan Kindergarten Teacher

Specific Classes You Teach: Gr.11 Biology, ECO advisor, BioMed Club co-advisor Why you enjoy teaching: I LOVE Biology and it never stops amazing and challenging me and I love sharing that with my students.

I like that I could be inspiring the next great physician or that I could also be connecting with a student that has never been particularly drawn to the sciences and help them see that Bio can be interesting, sometimes fun and not so bad after all.

A teacher who inspired you: An amazing teacher named Micky Watkinson that I had for social studies in the 7th grade saw potential.

She actually took me to visit colleges, helped me fill out financial aid forms and I am to happy to say was there when I received my PhD from Brown 15 years later.

Current teaching passion: I am currently working with a senior on an independent project in molecular biology and bioinformatics. I am teaching and guiding her as she sequences a gene from two different plant species. She will have this gene sequenced and submit it for publication on the NCBI (National Center of Biotechnology Information) Genbank database.

Outside interests: I love sports, being outside, and crazy adventures! However, lately my time is mostly spent watching my children’s soccer games, field hockey games, gymnastics, and driving to play practice. Making it all work is sort of a crazy adventure!

A teacher who inspired you: Clyde Slicker. The first professor I had in an early childhood class.

He showed me the importance of swinging on a swing and eating with your fingers.

Current teaching interest: Always working with the children on Literacy skills.

Outside interests: Golf, Gardening, Reading and Storytelling.

Faculty Spotlight — Ocean Stewardship

by Bob Schmidt, Hamilton Middle School teacher this fall, hamilton school upper grades (3rd-8th) were invited to hear a very special guest speaker. Ayla Besemer shared a message of stewardship and conservation for our planet, most notably our oceans. As a representative of the program Save Our Seas, Ayla spent the last year making ocean voyages with her parents, David and Kathryn, observing and collecting information to share with other students. We were fortunate to have Ayla and her family dock in Portsmouth for a few days and offer us a chance to hear her message.

We are indebted to Ben Sprague who knows the family from a boating connection for working out the logistics. Hamilton science students are eagerly standing by to follow Ayla and her family via the internet on their upcoming around the world voyage.

Hamilton teacher Bob Schmidt and teen Save Our Seas representative Ayla Besemer.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Alumni Memories of Faculty Memorable Teachers

Peg Howe with Hugh Madden

Edith Erlenmeyer Constance Conary

George Tinker

Marion Armington* Michael Grossman

Post your memories of Wheeler teachers past and present on facebook at facebook.com/ wheelerschool or email us at alumnioffice@ wheelerschool.org

Michael Brown, Honorary Alum ‘01

Stephen Booth 8

*Ed Note: we had a hard time finding a photo of Marion Armington in the yearbooks. Let us know if we found her!

Marjorie Worth

The teachers who inspired me are long gone, but i hope there are some alums who will remember them. Peg Howe taught me fair play, Edie Erlenmeyer helped me to enjoy French, Louise Emerson made me love art, Jan Veen got me started in dance. We all laughed at his beret and tights, but at least for me he was an important mentor. I have gone on in music, so I guess Mr. Tinker was probably influential.

There they are, the ones I can remember, although there might be more, (I was there for a ‘lifetime.’)

Carolie Freeman Martin ‘47

Now & Then @ Wheeler

“Michael C. Brown (who was my AP American History teacher and Head of Upper School, Ken Clauser (my Spanish teacher for 3 years), and Mark Harris (Aerie god), are three teachers who really changed my life (and perhaps are part of the reason that I teach today!)” Sarah Poole ‘89

Judy Poirier’s math help sessions (or sometimes just “chat” sessions) were a favorite of mine in 8th grade (and beyond).

I’m sure no one from my class can forget Mr. Grossman for 6th and 7th grade math; on “Casino Day” he came through on his promise and wore a tuxedo to class! Of course there was Otter (Rob Brown) and his cats over Borneo, the Canadian (aka Tara Weinstein) and her cutting edge use of technology in the classroom, and Chris Perkins who I think enjoyed reading my homework responses aloud in class (“An ion product isn’t Petri or Siperstein, but it is Gleiberman.”) George Lewis made math class fun, though he had a mean “chalk fast ball,” (Mr. Lewis, how many times did we plant chalk in your eraser? Every class!?)

Needless to say there wasn’t a teacher at Wheeler I didn’t find inspiring, they were all so enthusiastic about their subjects and so interested in our individual success, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Returning to the Wheeler campus last year really drove home this point, everyone was so excited to hear about my life since graduating from Wheeler. Slipping up to the art department to visit Cali Almy, she opened her grade book and pulled out an assignment that I had written for her eight years ago, she had been carrying around all these years because she liked it! It was very touching, and goes to show just how much the faculty care!

I have many wonderful memories of Wheeler in those years. Maybe because of the burgeoning women’s movement, there was at times an Amazonian feel about the place, with boarders blasting the Supremes into the courtyard and 20 or 30 young women dancing on walls singing along to “Stop in the Name of Love,” or epic Purple and Gold athletic contests out at the Farm for Jamboree. I’ll never forget the pure joy I felt after a day playing out in those fields, when we gathered and sang class songs by the pond as we set candles on paper plates out over the water, in my first fall, 1969.

It was at Wheeler that I first started writing lyrics and churning out doggerel for the Christmas party, Wheeler that gave me the opportunity and confidence to start writing and singing. It took a long time, but these finally bore fruit in my CD last year, “Original Jazz, Blues & One Lonesome Cowboy.” I remember Wheeler as a hotbed of creativity, and rites such as Jamboree night inspired a sense of infinite possibility and magic. Tom Faxon ? was the theatrical director then, and the challenging plays he chose [eg, The House of Bernarda Alba] and his seriousness of purpose inspired any of us with an artistic bent to push ourselves deeper. Wherever you are, Tom, thank you.

Alex Boeglin ‘03

I have very fond memories of Stephen Booth who made us write a paragraph every day in his English classes. His clear prompts and his brief, matter-of-fact comments took the pressure off of writing, somehow, and reduced it to something so simple, so manageable.

I love to write, and for that I am always grateful to Mr. Booth.

My favorite has to be Mlle. Erlenmeyer.

Because of the quality of her teaching, I ended up majoring in French in college, and today I still take French lessons to keep current. I’ll never forget her saying to me, “I will see to it that you get rid of your Lake Michigan accent!” (I was raised in the Chicago area.) My current teacher is from Paris, she says I have a great accent, so evidently “Miss E” succeeded. A close second would be Miss Conary. We continued to correspond until she died.

I really enjoyed all the faculty and their disciplines even though I wasn’t in every class of each teacher. In all, Wheeler was very rich experience for me.

Andree “Nanook” Pagès ‘73

Susan Handy Littlefield ‘72

I attended Wheeler School for 12 years and during that time I had the privilege of being taught by many wonderful devoted teachers, however when I read my email this morning asking for alumni to share memories, I was immediately flooded with wonderful joyful detailed memories of my 4th grade year with Mrs. Barbara Simpson (then Miss Zeitlin). My 4th grade class had the honor of being Mrs. Simpson’s first class. Her excitement and love of teaching was evident from the start. She really made learning fun.

I remember so many of the creative and fun activities we participated in, from having a recipe invention contest where we got to sample our home-made creations, to having a class mock election where we put up our own candidates, (which included the likes of Droopy Dog and Howard the Duck), a time capsule, and regular journal writing, which was a personal favorite. Mrs. Simpson often gave us specific topics but she also gave us the freedom to write about whatever we wanted. On the weekends Mrs. Simpson would take our journals home where she would spend time (I am sure many, many hours of her time) writing the lengthy comments and feedback we all longed for. In those comments she often shared memories of her own childhood and how she missed her family in Massachusetts. I still have all those journals today and reading them always makes smile. Mrs. Simpson inspired me in realizing that learning could be fun… reading, writing and history could all be taught (and learned) in an enjoyable, fun, and often entertaining atmosphere. During that year, every day I looked forward to coming to school. I recall my mother telling me how excited I was about her class. In fact, I raved about Mrs. Simpson so much that I begged my mother to invite her to dinner, which Miss Simpson graciously accepted. Unfortunately I feel that I did not truly realize or appreciate all that Mrs. Simpson gave to her class until well into my

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Rose Lenhart Magee ‘53 Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Hamilton faculty don hard hats at the topping off ceremony for their new building.

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Hard Hat Tour Debuts New Hamilton School Spaces The final phase of the Campaign for Wheeler’s campus transformation is underway on the corner of Brook and Angell Streets with the expansion and renovation of the Hamilton School at Wheeler division. Earlier this fall, with the donors to this project on hand for a hard hat tour, the school announced the building will be known as the W. P. Whitaker Building named in memory of the late Hamilton Alumni Parent, Wharton Whitaker. Whit, as he was known, was a passionate and generous supporter of the Hamilton program. In addition, the school announced the naming of the Hale Family Assembly Hall and the Rory and Betsy Smith Conference & Resource Room, both located in the Whitaker building.

“For all that this program meant to Whit and my daughters, he would be very happy and proud today.”

Kathi Whitaker (above right) speaking at the event where the new building is named in memory of Whit Whitaker, Hamilton Alumni Parent of Kelsey ‘07 and Courtney ’09.

Photo Key — Above: donors Betsy Smith and Kathi Whitaker. Top right: Jessica Coyle, an architect from Ed Wojik Architects inspects the progress with Hamilton parents Rob and Karen Hale. Center: The Hales, Kathi Whitaker, Bengt & Kathryn Karlsson, Betsy & Rory Smith. Bottom right: Campaign chairs Kathy and Doug Mancosh, head for the hard hat tour with other Hamilton parents Scot Jones (center) and Beth Dwyer (back left). photos by Jenna LaFlamme 10

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Philanthropy @ Wheeler Do you ever wonder how your philanthropic support impacts students’ lives in our community?

A couple of excerpts from the speech given by Jen Chaquette ’10, this year’s Founders Society Student Speaker, gives you a glimpse into your gifts at work: “A day at Wheeler quite literally forces you to expect the unexpected and the exceptional. My very first class on my very first day of Wheeler was Handbells. And although at the time I was incapable of reading music, and although I dropped the class twice, begged to be let back in and persevered through what I considered to be a drastic mistake, I’m now a proud Concert Ringer. Wheeler forces you to seize the exceptional opportunities that surround you, especially when those opportunities come in the form of the great unknown…”

“Wheeler is by no means a normal school – only at Wheeler can one be a world-class pianist, a debate aficionado, a Spanish scholar and a tennis player all mixed together.

Only at Wheeler can one be a soccer star and a star vocalist. Only at Wheeler could I have decided to love chemistry, US History, Mock Trial, Community service, Handbells, and two sports equally, and still be encouraged to pursue everything else just in case I fell in love with the yet undiscovered.”

Read Jen’s full speech, which she gave without reading her notes, at the Founders Society link at www.wheelerschool.org.

Class of 2010 Senior Parents Lead Way in Class Giving

Help Wheeler Reach 1500 Donors By Year’s End With 567 donors at presstime, help us fill the W above by joining our team of volunteer callers. Contact us at giving@ wheelerschool.org for more information regarding phonathons and other volunteer opportunities.

Breaking all previous class parent records, the parents of the Class of 2010 have raised more than $200,000 to date in honor of their students’ time at Wheeler. Led by chairs Brock and Jamie Manville and Jyothi Subramaniam, volunteers are working hard to leave their mark at the School. From left are some of the volunteers: Curtis Mock, Brock Manville, Nancy Zigerelli, Suzanne Hall, Sangeeta Verma, Mindy & Rob Sherwin, and Barbara Burke. Not pictured are committee members: Jamie Manville, Jyothi and Shivan Subramaniam, Ray Chaquette, Cindy Feinstein, David Hasslinger, Martyn Hollands, Ed Katz, Jo-Ann Krivitsky, Tom Mirza, and Debbie Morrocco.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Athletics

The National Soccer Coaches Assn. held two courses at the Wheeler Farm this summer for 29 national and international coaches. Seven Wheeler coaches earned diplomas at the courses.

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UNDEFEATED!

Two teams in one season are champs Soccer

Field Hockey •

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Girls Varsity Field Hockey capped off an undefeated season by winning the RIIL Div II State Championship over Classical HS. Emily Holding-MVP, Tori Studley, Mia Gooding, and Nicole Hasslinger were named to the All Tournament Team.

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Now & Then @ Wheeler

Girls Varsity Soccer went undefeated in SENE action for the third consecutive year, earning both the Regular Season Conference Championship and Tournament Championship and advanced to the NEPSAC Semi-Finals.

Check out sports highlights and scores in all seasons at www.wheelerschool.org/athletics

More Fall Season Sports Highlights • • • •

Boys Varsity Soccer pushed perennial power PCD to the limit in a thrilling SENE Semi-Final match that included a 1-1 tie in regulation, 2 OT’s and a shoot-out before bowing out to the regular-season champions.

Boys Cross Country finished 2nd overall in their SENE Meet. Nick Codola earned All-New England honors in the Varsity NEPSAC Meet, and Wyatt Horan earned a Ribbon in the Junior Varsity Meet finishing in the Top 15.

Senior Laurel Zigerelli advanced to the second round of the RIIL State Singles Tennis Tournament.

The Boys and Girls Middle School Soccer Teams had a fantastic season of competition, and look to build on those experiences in the seasons to come.

Who were those masked men (and women)?

Wheeler Cross Country Boasts Unusual Practice Tradition

Each Halloween for the past four years coaches and members of Wheeler’s Cross Country teams don costumes for a run through Providence. Begun by Coach and First Grade teacher Kim Gustafson and abetted by Coach and Upper School Math teacher Tom Wharton, the team runs from the Wheeler campus to the RI State House collecting smiles and a few stares along the way!

Now & Then @ Wheeler

13

Wheeler students perform on the Royal Mile at Scotland’s Fringe Festival ‘09. Wheeler has been nominated for the 2010 competition as well.

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Around the Fringe and Back in 13 Days

By Lucy Ahlborn ’11 usually, the upper school fall play is cast the spring of the previous school year, and after the cast list goes up, the students have the summer to think about their roles and make character choices, or simply forget that the show even exists until they get their fall schedules three days before we start up again. By November, the cast has memorized pages of lines, practiced their monologues, and spent their Sundays in rehearsal, and after three or four shows, the set is taken down, the costumes are back up in the loft, and parents are lining up outside Wheeler Hall to watch the Lower School musical.

This year, however, our cast of Lanford Wilson’s Book of Days was given the opportunity to take our performance a step up, to attend the American High School Theatre Festival in Edinburgh 14

for two weeks of sightseeing, student and professional performances, and four shows of our own. We filled the roles of cast members who wouldn’t be able to attend and began fundraising with benefit performances and advertisement sales to local businesses. We started re-rehearsing in June, coming in evenings to run lines, and working on the blocking of our rehearsal space, which we would first see only after arriving in Edinburgh. After months of preparation, and more than a year after we first learned we would be performing abroad, we packed our props and costumes , tagged our bags, and headed off to London.

Speaking as one of the few cast members who had never left the country, save for crossing the Canadian border a few times by car, our experience was incredible. We Now & Then @ Wheeler

spent a total of two days in London; time enough for many of us to decide where we would be residing for the rest of our adult lives. We snapped photos of the incredible architecture, sobbed watching Billy Elliot, and were literally swept off our feet by the London Eye. Our busy schedule didn’t slow down until we reached Queen Margaret University, where we spent our ten days in Scotland.

We slowly began to get a feel for the city, riding into Edinburgh by train, walking to one of the dozen souvenir shops lining the Royal Mile, or stepping into Top Shop on Princes Street for the tenth time to take “just another look around.” Between rehearsals at the university we played football, ordered Chinese and Domino’s too many times to be good for us, and hung out in our coveted co-ed common place.

We saw several fabulous professional shows, like a hilarious production of Tartuffe performed on the top floor of an apparently-abandoned building as the audience sat on cushions on the floor, and a few performances that were maybe over our heads, like the show centered on ice skaters whose profession was suffering because of global warming. Some of the other student productions were fabulously done, like Shakespeare Shattered and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and others perhaps should probably not have flown across the Atlantic to be performed. our own production was definitely well received. I was an understudy and had student-directed the fall production with one of our wonderful chaperones, our director Lisa Brackett, but I was thrilled to be offered a role in the Edinburgh cast. The chance to perform internationally as a high school student is astounding enough, but with such a fabulous, fun cast and excellent directors, performing four shows for our peers who had traveled from all over the country for this theatre opportunity was truly a once in a life time experience.

Performing Arts 18 Wheelers Earn Spot As Only High School on New Compilation CD Congratulations to our very own 18 Wheelers whose track “Be Good to Me,” arranged by teacher Kristin Sprague with Katie Furtado ‘09 and John Goncalves ‘09 as featured solos, was the only high school a cappella group chosen nationwide for the CASA, Contemporary A Cappella Society, Sing Six-Sunny Side Up compilation CD. Other tracks are by schools such as Duke, Tufts, UPenn, Brandeis, Yale and Clemson.

Way to go 18 Wheelers! You can hear music by the group on the Wheeler Portal at www.wheelerschool.org.

Wheeler Concert Handbell Ringers Spring Tour 2010 March 11 – March 15 photos by Pam Murray

Bravo!

Eighty-five Lower School students performed in the December production of “Beauty & The Beast Jr.” while the Upper School staged “The Man Who Came To Dinner.”

Musicians Garner All-State Selections Wheeler student musicians and singers have earned a number of placements at this year’s RI Music Educator Association’s All State Music Competition. We congratulate the following: Junior All-State Chorus: Jackie Chan, first place, alto Junior Jazz Guitar: Alex Graff 2nd place Senior Jazz Guitar: Will Manville 2nd place Senior Jazz Trumpet: David Zheng 6th place Senior Jazz Drums: Nick Mirza 3rd place Senior Jazz Guitar: Sam Wheeler 6th place Junior All-State Orchestra: Walker Mayer, third place, violin

Thursday, March 11 Spring Glen Church UCC 1825 Whitney Avenue Hamden CT 06517 Friday March 12 Lutheran Church of the Reformation 992 Broadway West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Saturday March 13 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 132 East Valley Forge Rd King of Prussia PA 19406 Sunday, March 14 2:00 pm Philadelphia Protestant Home 6500 Tabor Avenue Philadelphia PA 19111 Monday, March 15 9:00 am Tour of the Malmark Handbell Factory

photos by Chip Riegel

Now & Then @ Wheeler

15

Campus Visitors Wheeler has always welcomed notables from around the world to its campus.

From the days when Margaret Mead or Carl Sandburg spoke to today, students and adults alike benefit from the ideas, passions and opinions of campus visitors. This spring we welcome three accomplished individuals (at right) to campus, adding to an already impressive list of visitors for School year 20092010, some of whom are pictured on this page.

Chef, philanthropist Jody Adams ‘75 is the 2010 Fox Family Speaker.

Oakland Athletics centerfielder Rajai Davis (above) was a ‘hit’ with Lower School students. Author and political activist Bay Buchanan spoke to Upper School students (right) as did leading sleep researcher Dr. Judith Owens (below right). Wheeler family member Rick Wheeler (below) gives an interview about his connection to Mary Wheeler for a student video project during a campus visit with school archivists.

Coach & Educator G. Gail Davis is the 2010 Community Spirit honoree.

Inventor of the Intel Reader, Ben Foss is the 2010 Hamilton Life Achievement Award honoree.

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Now & Then @ Wheeler

The Big Event II

Top 5 Things To Know About Wheeler’s Big Event 1. It’s really two events (thus, Big!): the 62nd Clothing Sale and the 2nd Celebration.

2. Most of the goods and services for both the Sale and the Celebration are donated by Wheeler & Hamilton parents, alumni and school vendors.

3. The Sale is a great way to meet other Wheeler folks and do your part to serve the community beyond Wheeler.

4. The Celebration party is a blast and we want you there.

5. it’s all about the students!

Celebration April 24 Combined with the 62nd Clothing Sale, this is Wheeler's one and only fundraising event and plans for "Act II" of the Celebration this April 24 are underway. Parent Patrice Wood of WJAR-TV returns as emcee, Sotheby VP Hugh Hildesley is back for the live auction and Steve Anthony & Persuasion will return to entertain as well. A new floor plan and decor await, plus new auction items and menu.

Dress is festive (not fussy) and we hope to exceed the 440 guest count this year with as many as the Van Norman Field House at the Farm can hold! More than $230,000 was raised last year from the Sale & Celebration to support students at Wheeler and Hamilton. Donations of goods and services, as well as sponsorships allowed much of the event's costs to be underwritten. For information, contact Michele Diaz, Director of Institutional Advancement.

New this year: Young Alumni Shopping Discount

Sale Dates 2010 April 15 - 17

Find the coupon on the Big Event webpage at www.wheelerschool.org/BigEvent Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Public Art Initiative

“Arch at Wheeler Farm,” the latest piece in Wheeler’s Public Art Initiative was installed at the Farm in November under the watchful eyes of (center right) artist James Reynolds, PAI donor Dr. Joseph Chazan (left) and students in the Gr. 6 Farm Program. A new round of art proposals is under committee review.

Farm photos by Donna Baer 18

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Providence Summerbridge @ Wheeler

Above left – Former Wheeler Head Bill Prescott speaks with 8th grade student Africa Smith; Bottom left – Barbara Lee, Karen Emma and Board Chair Kathryn Robinson. Right – 7th grade students Nicole Cruz, Genevieve Medina, Jhane Colon-Agostini with Program Director Natalie Solomon and guest Anne Page.

Last fall, Providence Summerbridge hosted two Summerbridge Salons at the home of Executive Director Dulari Tahbildar to promote conversation about its dual mission. The first evening focused on middle school student engagement and the second evening focused on teacher education. More than 50 guests attended and contributed to engaging dialogue about why our “students teaching students” model is so effective.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

19

Class Notes

After this photo of members of the Class of 1929 appeared on the cover of our summer

After this issue, we photo heard from

from of members of the Class of 1929 mother Margaret appeared on the Carter Sawtell is seatSummer issue, we heard from the son of ed in the upper left.

Margaret Carter SawMargaret was one tellour (upper left corner) of Founder Mary identifying his mother Wheeler’s nieces. She and her close friend visited Wheeler ??? in the photo.in 1999 (inset) where We were thrilled to learnposed the unidentified she in front photo recogof the was portrait Miss nized.

Margaret Wheeler paintedvisof ited Wheeler again in family patriarch Abiel 1999 (inset) and was Wheeler.

Her good one of Founder Mary friend, Sally Tisdale, Wheeler’s neice’s.

Don Sawtell, whose

is also pictured.

1939

Mary-Francis Lyon Vaughn writes, “Still working part-time (February, March, April) although as trustee it is year round - today I have someone running an estate sale for my 98 year old deceased client - I’m her trustee.”

1944

Nancy Pardee Abercrombie writes, “ I am sorry to miss this reunion - but my grandson marries that weekend. Otherwise, I still split my life - 4 months summering in Bristol, RI, and eight months in Seattle, WA where 2 of my 3 sons live. The oldest lives 20

and works near Syracuse, NY. Seattle is a good place for seniors - lots to do and good bus service. Half my life hangs on family doings; a quarter seems on maintaining me (daily medical, etc.) and one quarter having a good time! Too many friends die (in the East and in Seattle) - discouraging - I still write (good!) poetry, push my novel (The Way of the Phoenix) (also good reading!).

I’m still playing (good!) tennis. Seattle has a fun senior group of 4 courts, 3 days a week.

So, I haven’t set the world on fire in my life, but it’s definitely been a bit more fun where I’ve been!”

Adelaide Powel Bitting writes, “Am at a very nice retirement home “The Now & Then @ Wheeler

Gatesworth” with a lot of my old friends and bridge partners”

Nancy Haley Lyle writes, “We have moved to North Farm, a retirement condo! We are lucky to have two daughters nearby. I look forward to seeing old friends at the reunion.”

Caroline van Santvoord Shipman writes, “My husband and I are enjoying our retirement. Don’t travel any more, but still enjoy our home where we’ve lived come 48 years. Our daughter lives and teaches in Michigan; our

Stay connected with Wheeler...visit the Alumni Café of the Wheeler website at www.wheelerschool.org/alumni, fan our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wheelerschool , join the LinkedIn network http://www.linkedin.com/ or follow us on Twitter @ twitter.com/wheelerschool.

son lives and works in Houston, TX. No grandchildren, but they’re both enjoying life. Enjoyed the conversation on the phone with a very informative person. Telling about all the changes at Wheeler. Only sorry I can’t attend my 65th reunion. Have a wonderful time!! Would be curious if any of the faculty would still be around.”

1951

Jane Ericson Crawford writes, “I am still enjoying my quilting, my passion. I am now working part time at a quilt shop, even at this advanced age!”

1956

On August 30, 2008, Phyllis Williamson

Aldrich ‘56, Eliza Collins ‘56 and Gladys Porter ‘56 attended a 50th wedding anniversary event for Margaret Goddard Leeson ‘56. Photo taken by

Margaret Hazard Leeson ‘80

1959 Charlie Bailie Smith, delightful son of Benjamin and Emily, grandson of Sharon Williamson Smith and Bob Smith.

Maine. Eliza works teaching English in local schools.

1971

Patience Arnold Ziebarth ’59 and family.

Oops! The Alumni Office left this photo out of the Class of ’59 Reunion Memory Book. Our apologies to Patience and her classmates.

1960

Faith McClellan LeBaron writes, “In 2004 we left Massachusetts after 30 years to move south to Cullowhee, NC where my husband took a Distinguished Professor position at Western Carolina University. We live in the Appalachian Mountains! This is a far cry from Providence, RI and The Mary C. Wheeler School for girls of the 1950’s!

My husband retires at the end of the coming year and we intend to return north to our roots. We have a home in North Hatley, Quebec where my husband’s family lives, and we have children and grandchildren in the NYC area. When we moved south, I retired from my career in various kinds of work in early childhood education. I took up hiking with the “Golden Agers,” and doing some volunteer work, campaigning for Obama, practicing yoga and I went back to choral singing, remembering so well the tutelage of Mr. Tinker! So how about getting together at our 50th reunion in October 2010, so we can remember our youth and yesteryear? Vandy ( May Scott Van der Veer) and I have kept in touch all these years, and I wonder about other classmates and your lives.”

1964

Eliza Cocroft Bailey was remarried in

Gail Brown writes, “To my classmates: My apologies for not keeping in touch with most of you! My life, so far, has been wonderful, harrowing and blessed. I was married for nine years and we owned a horse training facility in eastern Connecticut. I also worked as an Archaeological Planner for the R.I. Historical Preservation Comm. for twenty years and rehabbed an historic home. By 1998 I was fortunate enough to receive a liver transplant and now live where I grew up, in Preston, CT. I am on the BOD and volunteer for a large alcohol/drug rehab complex and lecture for the American Liver Foundation. Anyone wishing to contact me please email gabrown05@snet.net”

1974

Holly Fulton is moving again and she hopes it is the last big move. She would love to receive Wheeler visitors at her San Francisco Bay Area home.”

1979

Neville Nash Motta writes, “I’m working, flourishing, and enjoying teaching young kindergarten at the Gordon School. I’ve been immersed in multicultural teaching practices and excited about sharing the world with my students. I’m also very involved in curriculum assessments for all grade levels, which is a wonderful challenge.

My twin girls graduate next year from PCD and we are in the depths of college exploration/hunting, a reminder to us of our own search for just the right match to our new chapter in life. We are enjoying each moment with Heather and Taylor in this new endeavor.”

June 2009 to Sidney S. Quarrier, Jr., a retired geologist. They now live in Appleton, Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Class Notes 1983

Julie Snyder writes, “ Hey friends!

Exciting news - we were selected and will be world premiering at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival for the film Tanner Hall.

1988

to decorate their walls with their favorite photos. My studio is located in Hope Valley RI at 6 Maple Street. Facebook has been a fun way to catch up with old friends and Wheeler alums.”

Meredith Feldman writes, “Sarah Madeline Feldman arrived 9/21/09 at 12:12

Alexis Waldman Brochu writes, “Hello everyone. We’ve made the move to North

1995

Etienne Granito Mechrefe and Tony Mechrefe ‘92 sent us this photo of their three children: Lillian 4, Yasmine 8 and new brother Anthony, born March 4, 2009. am 6.4 pounds and 18 inches. Jason and I are thrilled she arrived safe and sound. “

1996

1990

Conway, New Hampshire! At least while the little ones are so little. We’re only 3 hours from our friends and family in RI, and we’ll be back in a few years. In the meantime, the kids will be enjoying the skiing; the trails; the snow; the rivers; and the mountains.

It was wonderful seeing everyone at the reunion and I’m sure we’ll have even more to talk about at the next one. Take care. pictured: (David, Alexis, Julian, Cosette, Gabriel, and Sebastian Brochu)

1989

Jeb Milam and wife Leslie Milam of Charlotte, NC welcome the birth of their

Matt Toothaker married Amy on June 27, 2009 in Bear Mountain, N.Y. daughter Isabella Brooke on July 23. Big sister Julia Anne (pictured) just adores her baby sister!

David Drown writes, “I am a graphic designer with a business called Lunar Graphic Design...the new website is www. lunargraphicdesign.com. I design websites, and do large format printing, and any type of graphic jobs. One of the things I specialize in is printing people’s photos on canvas any size up to 44” x 100” in high res archival inks. I also provide the service of gallery wrapping the canvas over wooden stretcher bars. It’s a great way for people

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Congrats to Paul Corrigan ‘90 & Brad Walsh ‘90 on the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, GLAAD Media and the Writer’s Guild Award nominations for ABCTV’s Modern Family!

1994

Wendy Cahn Jett writes, “We just welcomed our second child, a son, Dakota Cranston Jett, on April 22.”

Now & Then @ Wheeler

1997

Jenny Aisenberg just got her first postgrad-school job, finally putting to rest the popular question, “what are you going to do with a Masters’ Degree in Media Studies?” As of August 2009, Jenny is the new Knowledge Development Manager for JESNA, the Jewish Education Service of North America-- proving that yes, you CAN be taken seriously by the business world with tattoos and pink streaks in your hair. At least, in New York you can...

Mark your calendar for Alumni Day & Reunion Weekend 2010: October 15-17.

All Alumni are invited with special celebrations for classes ending in 0’s and 5’s.

On July 5, 2009 David Dudek married Emily. Mark Harris attended the wedding.

1998 James Charnley

writes, “Caitlyn Marie Charnley was born on June 30, 2009 at 11:04 pm.

She weighed 7lbs 12oz and was 18.5” in length”

2006

Bharat Maraj will be serving on the faculty of this year’s Student Diversity Leadership Conference, in Denver, Colorado. This conference is the student conference which runs concurrently with National Assn. of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference.

Brett Musco and Alex Noel are on the braking system team in a computer-assisted design class at Cornell which is building a dune buggy. Brett is at the far right in the group photo below, but Alex is not pictured.

2008

Jack Horkings and Zoe Chao ‘04

2001

Tara Lynn Mechrefe married Robert James Cavanagh, Jr. on June 20 at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, RI.

continue with their music and are performing and creating as Co.Z. (formerly ZOJA). You can “getcoz” on myspace, facebook, Youtube and wherever else music is happening. They describe their work as “a mash-up of neo-rap, satiric R&B, and a little collegiate/gradschool hip to the hop.

Zoë and Jack are distracted students, former equestrians, thespians, mogulsintraining, rhymers and rhythmers splitting their time in Rhode Island and California.” Watch their music video for their song “Handyman” created by Maia Chao ‘09 on youtube: <http://www.youtube.com/getcoz>

Find Wheeler faces on Facebook. we want your comments!

www.facebook.com/ wheelerschool

2009

2004

Sabine Schaefers writes, “Congratulations to Jon Santoro for being accepted to Medical School!”

2005

Matt Simpson has been working as a postproduction assistant at Universal Studios in LA as part of the editing unit for an upcoming movie called The Wolf Man, due to be released on February 12, 2010.

Caity Sprague and Connecticut College women’s rowing team (above) took the bronze in the Quinsigamond Novice Challenge by placing third in the 13 team field of competitors. The Camels posted a time of 17:32.87 en route to their third place finish.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

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In Memoriam

Yafei Hu, Chinese teacher at Wheeler from 1995-2000, died November 6 at age 54. She twice led student groups to China during her Wheeler years.

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Mary Eliot Owen Kent Winsor ‘27

At Wheeler, Mary was a member of the Founders Society and Heritage Society as well as a frequent campus visitor. She was most likely our oldest living alumna.

The Alumni Office has been notified of the following deaths:

MARY ELIOT OWEN KENT WINSOR, age 100, survivor of husbands, Ray Owen, Lloyd Kent, and Edward Winsor, died December 4, 2009. She was born July 29, 1909 in Newport, Rhode Island, the daughter of Alice Ballou Eliot and George W. Eliot.

She lived at Laurelmead in Providence for the past 15 years.

A 1927 graduate of Wheeler School and Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA, Mary was the first woman from R.I. to attempt a transcontinental airplane ride.

She belonged to the National Society of Colonial Dames, the Pottery and Porcelain Club, the Dunes Club, the Hope Club and the Rhode Island County Club. She was a member of the First Unitarian Church of Providence. She was an avid Bridge player and a member of the Bridge Club of Rhode Island. She loved to travel and visited Panama, London, Canada, Baja California, Bermuda, and Aruba in her 90’s.

She is survived by a son, Ray Owen of Orono, ME, and his wife, Sue; a daughter, Barbara Clarke of Toledo, OH, and her partner Liddy Hoster; six grandchildren: Reginald Clarke and his wife Terri of Laconia, NH; Sally Kane and her husband David of Pomfret Center, CT; Robin Hogg and her husband Bruce of St Catharines, Ontario; Rodney Clarke and his wife Audrey of Cedar Rapids, IA; Jeffrey Owen and his wife Susannah of Orono, ME; and Alicia McGowan and her husband Brian of Wrentham, MA. She is also survived by two stepchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Mary Winsor ‘27 December 4, 2009

Trustee Martha Buonanno

Janice Hough Field ‘39

MARTHA (DODD) Buonanno, 68, of Providence and Narragansett, RI, died July 6 after a short struggle with cancer. The wife of Bernard V. Buonanno, Jr., the mother of five children and grandmother of 17, she dedicated her life to her family and was so proud of each of them and the love they have for each other. In her free time, she was an active leader in many local organizations and causes, especially those involved in education. She was a current member of the Wheeler School Board of Trustees and her seat on the Board has been filled by her daughter, Helena B. Foulkes. Head of School Dan Miller said of her, “Martha was one of the most dynamic people I have ever met.

Her energy and optimism brightened every meeting, every exchange. What a privilege it was to have her as part of the Wheeler community.”

An active mentor in VIPS, Volunteers in Providence Schools, Martha was on the board of the Providence Preservation Society and the RI Association of the Blind. She was also the chair of the National Advisory Board Annie Yang Wu, Class of 1944 of the Thomas J. Dodd “It is with sadness, that I report the passing of my Research Center at the mother, Annie Yang, Class of 1944. Mom was taken University of Connectiinto the school as an immigrant from China during cut, a teaching, research World War II. She always remembered Wheeler with and service center named great fondness as a safe haven where friendship, in honor of her father, education, and tolerance were of paramount the late Senator Thomas importance. I have visited your web page. It is clear Joseph Dodd. you maintain the same values today.”

January 21, 2010

Edith Rowe ‘40 July 11, 2009

Anne Carter Grosvenor ‘41 April 30, 2009

Mary Tufts Stanford ‘41 March 13, 2006

Dorinda Rathbone Dew ‘42 October 18, 2009

Annie Yang Wu ‘44 Anne Haskell Casady ‘45 June 21, 2009

Claire de Lorme Holt ‘53 May 12, 2009

Elizabeth Forbes ‘59 August 17, 2009

Frances Goldmark ‘60 October 1, 2009

Lisa Aronson Wyland ‘76 July 31, 2009

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Sincerely, Jim Wu, Son to Annie Yang Wu Now & Then @ Wheeler

Alumni In The Classroom

Jan Lyle Malcolm ‘71 visited campus this fall to speak to the Upper School at M-Slot Assembly and in classes about how community service has impacted her life. She is a founding member of Beyond Our Walls which sponsors the Great Day of Service that takes place annually in RI. In October 2009 the group had 57 work sites with 700+ volunteers.

Dr. Tony Mechrefe ‘92 CP ‘20 and one of the first AP Bio students at Wheeler, spoke to students in the BioMed Club this fall. Mechrefe spoke about life in Med School and what being an intern and resident is really like. Since graduating from Brown University and the George Washington University School of Medicine, he has completed his residency at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital. You can find out more about him and his current practice at: www.westbayortho.com.

Sam Garfield ‘04

returned to visit Kim Stewart’s Hamilton 7th Grade class while on shore from his job in charge of the USNS Sisler merchant marine cargo carrier. Garfield shared slides and told the class how the tools and confidence he learned at Hamilton have helped him in his job today-- organizing his crew (many of whom are 20-30 years older) and protecting their ship’s military cargo from pirates among other stresses!

Anne Grote ‘65

returned to visit Wheeler’s Middle School as a professional development opportunity from her job as a 6th & 8th grade teacher and Humanities Dept. Chair at the International School of Boston. Anne sat in on humanities and history classes, observing Wheeler teachers, and took time to answer today’s students questions about Wheeler when she was a student. A boarder, Anne described living in the Hope Building rooms where today’s students take classes, and shared that friends she made at Wheeler remain friends today.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Alumni Events Soccer & Field Hockey Alums come out strong against Varsity players in winter matchups

by Jean Carlson Field Hockey

Kneeling: l-r Neville Nash Motta, Molly Bodell, Jenny McCann, Coach Carlson, Lily Gillett, Jessie Epstein, Chelsea Tate Standing: l-r Cara Lane, Val Cioci Sorensen, Paula Colella Kalian, Suzie Prescott, Robin Berk Cornelison, Olivia Linder, Sloane DeAngelis Pilgrim, Cathy Bateman Killian, Andy Vibert, Leslie Vibert.

The Thanksgiving Weekend tradition continues! Seventeen field hockey alums returned to the Farm to challenge the 2009 team. Ranging from the classes of '79 to '08, this experienced bunch showed the crowd they still were a group to be reckoned with, dealing the ‘09 team a loss under the roof of the Van Norman Field House. It was a morning filled with lots of laughs, memories, and fun competition for all.

After the 'Main Event', the two teams then combined alums with students to play one more period. (No one wanted to stop playing!)

Soccer The boys and girls soccer teams also took to the fields and once again the alums prevailed. Something must be said for experience! Afterwards the players, friends, and families were treated to a wonderful luncheon in Columbine Hill House. Great job ladies and gents, hope to see you all again next year!

Are you in Maine during the summer months? We’re making plans for a 2010 summer event and we’d love to see you there. Call or email the Alumni Office at 401.528.2259 or alumnioffice@wheelerschool.org with your seasonal address!

Upcoming Regional Alumni Events 2010 Watch your mailbox and inbox for invitations to these areas. Check out the Alumni link on the Wheeler homepage to see more about plans and special guests at Wheeler On The Road.

Boston California - North

Girls Soccer Alums & 2009 Team. Front Row: Alex Strong, Hannah Broderick, Priscilla Tyler, Nina Frank, Tori Frank '09,Becky Rosen '09, Larkin Brown '06, Hogan Vivier, Nicole Evangelista Back Row: Lisa Winter '04, Alex Thanas '05, Lindsay Leddy'08, Courtney Stefancyk '07, Talia L'Europa'05, Ashley L'Europa '03.

California - LA/San Diego New York City North Carolina Washington, DC Maine

Far right: Charlie Laurent ‘88 and Don Clarke ‘88, still playing for Farroba cream pies!

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We’re Coming to Maine This Summer!

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Alumni Authors Alex Rose ‘94 Alex Rose has been honored with a selection of a short story in the 2009 anthology, The Best American Short Stories. Ostracon is filled with the interesting characters, unusual detail and an ear for dialogue that make Rose’s works refreshing to read.

His nimble writing style is somewhat ‘quirky’ to follow; but for a Wheeler alum, we expect nothing less!

Rose even earns a ‘shout-out’ in the book’s Foreword by Series Editor Heidi Pitlor who notes his “perfect rhythm” in juxtaposing a moment in an elderly woman’s life with “snippets about the history of medicine, the Han Dynasty and World War I.” Rose’s short story concerns a grandmother’s preparations — or not — for her family’s Seder.

Stories selected by editor Alice Sebold for the anthology were published between January 08-January 09. Criteria included 1) original publication in nationally-distributed American or Canadian periodicals; 2) publication in English by writers who are American or Canadian, or who have made the United States their home; 3) original publication as short stories. Rose’s story was originally published in Ploughshares.

You can learn more at www.bestamericanshortstories.com

Michelle Gagnon ‘89 Can you say cliffhanger?

Michelle Gagnon’s third thriller, The Gatekeeper, featuring FBI agent Kelly Jones is disturbing in its ‘ripped from the headlines’ plotlines about nuclear waste, immigration and hate groups. Just the sort of read to take your mind off your day-to-day frustrations. And the ending? Well, we leave that to each reader to discover.

Let’s just say, Gagnon has her genre tightly in hand and to this reader’s mind, Hollywood should be calling soon to take this latest effort to film.

Having read all three of the Kelly Jones novels by Gagnon, The Gatekeeper, advances the lead character to the brink and the issues faced by law enforcement, our citizenry and our government to the front of your consciousness. With thorough research and an amazing pace, this novel presents Gagnon with the question: What next?

You can learn more at www.michellegagnon.com

Now & Then @ Wheeler

27

Reunion 2009

Enjoying the Half Century Club dinner were Nancy Haley Lyle ‘44, Betty Ann Hacking Taylor ‘43 and Miriam Graves Kenney ‘53.

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65% of the class!

Seated: Carol Graves Cimilluca, Eleanor Lincoln Buchanan, Keila Fulton DePoorter, Patience Deisroth McPherson, Pamela Glidden Zapata, Gwendolyn Sweet Fletcher Middle Row- standing: Elizabeth (Chi Chi) Cottrell McKown, Alex Ratcliff Richardson, Anne Morgan Fawcett, Elaine Butler Cameron, Ann Hirst Sande, Diane Loercher Pazicky Back Row: Edie Green Walker, Vivian Wagner Gast, Susan Fischer Spencer, Kate Green Vibert, Ellen Hamlin Reynolds, Susan Davis Moora BELOW: Vivian Wagner Gast (center) brought the daughter and mother of classmate Rosie Blake together for a class memorial at the Farm.

ABOVE: Susan Davis Moora (seated left) gave presentations at both student and alumni gatherings about her experiences in the world of finance.

ABOVE: Classmates gather for Sunday brunch in the new Nulman Lewis Student Center.

From left: Keila Fulton DePoorter, Ellen Hamlin Reynolds, Kate Green Vibert, Ellie Lincoln Buchanan, Susan Fischer Spencer and Carol Graves Cimilluca.

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Now & Then @ Wheeler

Thanks to the work of many Class volunteers, Reunion 2009 had a 57% increase in attendance over the weekend. Plans are being made for Reunion 2010 (October 15-17) with the Classes ending in 0â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now.

Email us at alumnioffice@wheelerschool.org or call 401.528.2259.

Top row-l to r: Patricia Perry Merritt, Lucy Gardner Shepard, Jo Moody Biddle, Anne (Nancy) Underwood Callahan Front row-l to r: Jeffrey Powell, Alix Bernstingle Smullin, Cheryl Albiston Powell, Eliza Cocroft Bailey, Lindsay Green

Front row - Jane Andrade Matrone, Catherine Bateman Killian, Neville Nash Motta, Susan Ellis van Staveren, Hope Trowbridge Back row - Kristen Benson Edwards, Judith Alperin King, Ann Gillespie, Carla Armbrust Gomez, Betsy Capaldi Kunz, John Dillon

Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Reunion 2009

Sara Buxton Gilbane ‘74, Ann Kirby ‘71, Mary Ann ‘Mama’ Farroba, Jan Lyle Malcolm ‘71 and Kimberly Readhyhough Gilbert ‘74 catch up at Alumni Night @ Wheeler.

>

Front Row- Andrea Cohen Reiser, Alice Hufstader Moore, Susan Kilduff Katsoulis, Emma Rymer Roberts Middle Row- Ellen Washburn Martin, Glenna Hicks Hagopian, Lisa Kenney Griffis, Suzanne Cross Foxley, Martha Pearson Handley Back Row- Lauri Medwin Fine, Deanna Libutti Goulazian, Jennifer Orr, Tracey Leach Lev, Frances Bivens, David DesMaisons

40% of the class!

Front Row- Karen Abbatomarco Pinson, Jeffrey Brown, Sybil MilesCastellone, Alexandra Laurelli, Carrie Tuttle, Michelle Ducoff Miller 2nd Row - Dylan Gamache, Amy Baumgartel Singer, Elizabeth Glicksman, Kristina Hanson Lowell, Sheri Kahn 3rd Row- Allison Cohen O’Brien, Leah Manzo, Elissa Pensa-Cerros, Klee Helander Miller, Courtney Dell Chase

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Now & Then @ Wheeler

Nicole Brissette Jennings and Amy Tibbetts from the Class of ‘99 on Saturday night.

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‘99ers Nicole Brissette Jennings, Kenndra LearyPoole, Lynn Ducoff Belkin and Louisa Kimball Baker on Friday night.

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Front Row- Jennifer Nelson Audia, Stacey Roth Schneiderman, Kristen Wold Skodras, Monica Francisco Hon. ‘07, Jeremy Isenberg, Christopher Judge, Lisa Costantino Palmer Back Row- Paul Filippi, William Tutt, Frederick (Gus )Sandstrom

‘We had such great success with our (5th) that the buzz

44% of the class!

will be strong for our 10 year reunion.

Front Row Left to Right: Erica Izzo, Alexander Connor, Alicia Lyons, Thomas Madonna, Drew Appleton, Carrie Alexander, Samuel Miner, Andrew Slutsky

I hope we

Second Row Left to Right, Nicholas Parrillo, Melanie Hawkins, Kimberly Arditte, Shahrzad Ghoreishi, Alexander Baker, Laura Robertson, Samantha Feingold, Katherine Powers, Ariele Affigne, Sarah Bertness, Nicholas Raho, Benjamin Choiniere

crush our

Third Row Left to Right: Jonathan Cooper, Dacia Read, Michael Kapos, Zachary Mandell, Ashley Carlino, Christina Ricci, Ashley Tramonti, Kathleen Koster, Alexander Burnett, Erica Kreuter

44% and get 100%!’

Fourth Row Left to Right: Lisa Winter, Andrew Jacober, Nicholas Cicchitelli, James Goldman, Elizabeth Woodhull, James Higgins, Andrew Shedd Now & Then @ Wheeler

31

Alumni Day ‘09

Peter Brown ‘03 and Taylor Reilly Joyce ‘96 returned on Alumni Day, visiting their old Hamilton classrooms and touring the new addition with Jon Green.

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Affinity for Music Brings Ringers & Singers Back Alumni Day 2009 added two new activities for alums whose Wheeler lives included performing in the Chorale — however it was named during their days — or in the Concert Handbell Ringers. For the singers, rehearsal time with faculty member Kristin Sprague was done online via a special music sheet reader called Finale as well as at an afternoon warmup with today’s 18 Wheelers that culminated in an evening peformance for guests at Alumni Night @ Wheeler in the new Student Center. Handbell ringers took a master class on Alumni Day with Dan Moore where several admitted that their old habits as ringers — both good and bad — quickly returned! Both opportunities to dust off your own musical inclinations will be part of future Alumni Days. You can find videos of the fun on the Alumni Cafe at www.wheelerschool.org.

The musical — as well as animal — sounds of “Tarzan Boy” filled the room, making the alums hard to distinquish from today’s singers.

See the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qYHqMkB0dtQ or search Alum+18Wheelers

32

Now & Then @ Wheeler

> Now & Then >

See the video at the Alumni CafĂŠ once you login at www.wheelerschool. org/alumni Photos these two pages

by Pam Murray

Now & Then @ Wheeler

33

Do you remember your favorite teacher or teachers at The Wheeler School? Could you choose just one? Can you think back to those few who challenged you in Lower School art and eventually in Upper School to create research papers? I know that it is difficult for me to choose one favorite, especially after going to Wheeler from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

I loved Mrs. Fran Dineen (above). She taught me to read in first grade. I can picture exactly her classroom in Cushing house and remember she was very tall. I believe she was tall even by adult standards

34

not just from a six-year-oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective.

I especially remember Mrs. Dineen when I see a copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which she read to us. I really loved Mrs. Dineen!!!

Also, Mr. Sprague was my seventh and eighth grade math teacher. He was a clear and thoughtful teacher. He always told corny jokes, had the most unusual collection of calculators, returned tests the day after they were taken, and would call your parents to tell them how well you did on a test.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

In addition to those two, there were many other teachers I loved at Wheeler. I have wonderful memories and images of those days. Today, as a parent, I know the faculty at Wheeler is still amazing. They are kind, intelligent, compassionate, committed and involved. As my children gain distance from their Wheeler experience, I wonder who among their teachers will be their favorite and what will become their favorite memories.

Kim Chazan Zwetchkenbaum â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;83 President, Alumni Association

More Alumni Memories of Faculty continued from page 9 adulthood. When I actually started sharing my school experiences with other people, I realized how special Wheeler was. I feel very fortunate to have attended such a great wonderful school with great wonderful teachers like Mrs. Simpson.

Leah Manzo ‘89

we were the very fortunate beneficiaries

of a transition time in Middle School, such that we had Mrs. Armington for two years in a row… if memory serves, both 6th and 7th grades. She was the most lovely person, an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, and we all loved her. So much so, that for her birthday (fall sometime? Or early winter?) in the second year, we conspired with her husband to get into their home and prepare a lobster dinner for them when they came home. I remember I was the chef (maybe the last time I ever cooked lobsters) and EACH and every one of us (~16??) had an assignment. There were butlers and maitre d’s, passers of hors d’ouevres, waitresses, kitchen help, etc. (I am sure we did not know how to spell these words!!) I think we even had entertainment planned? Anyone else remember? Well. She was surprised, and told us she loved it… But she probably really did… And we did too. I remember being so PROUD of ourselves! No telling how much our mothers/parents were actually involved and could take credit, but it really was our brainchild and our execution, for a teacher of whom we were very, very fond. She would stand with an amused smile, leaning on her desk with that amazing, double jointed thumb of hers. Mrs. Armington stands out as a totally

extraordinary teacher and a happy and wise and assuring influence in my life.

We had nothing but great teachers: K: Miss Gilbane and now Mrs. Viall (sp?) (cannot remember her maiden name but I saw her this summer!)

1st: Mrs. Margulies (sp?) a petite lady with that fun little car…

2nd: Mrs. Dewart, a strong and reassuring personality 3rd: Miss Haynes (who announced to us that of course we knew by then that there was no Santa Claus, and enraged our parents) 4th: the lovely gentlewoman, Miss Minet 5th: Mrs. Siener (sp?) a warm bundle of a woman 6th and 7th: the inimitable Mrs. Armington!

8th: Miss Tobey in the new building; she seemed so incredibly young!

9th: Did we have a home room? Mrs. Worth??? But she was math, right?

Miss Singer for music.. Remember her playing the piano in the foyer, and us singing (probably Christmas carols) around the staircase in Cushing House?

And Mrs. Howe of course…

Robin Bodell Fisher ‘71

Edith Erlenmeyer was cited often as a memorable Wheeler teacher.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

35

Wheeler’s new School Store is open on the courtyard level of Clark Alumni House.

Come see the new space next time you visit campus or . . . shop online at www.wheelerschool.org. Click the Alumni link on the homepage.

We are now open in our new location on the courtyard level of Clark Alumni House, where we are able to stock a large variety of Wheeler & Hamilton items. Browse our website and give us a call should you have any questions or if you get the opportunity, stop in. It’s worth a trip!

We’ve moved from being a campus bookstore to offering a selection of quality products designed for alumni, students, family and friends of Wheeler. We hope you find everything you need to show your Wheeler spirit!

The School Store is open whenever classes are in session during the hours of 7:30 - 3:30 Monday - Friday. We are closed for lunch from 12:30 - 1:30. email: shop@wheelerschool.org | facsimile: 401-751-7674

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Now & Then @ Wheeler

Do you ever ask yourself…What about my wealth? What about me and my family’s future? What about my legacy?

This fall, dozens of alumnae participated in a panel discussion – “A woman’s wealth, a woman’s future” to hear from two classmates and two Wheeler Trustees — all with extensive financial and estate planning experience about ways to address and answer those important questions. What they shared can benefit all of us. Here are some highlights from the discussion:

1. You are ne ver to o youn 2. If yo g to p lan fo u have r your a plan or oth future , share it er fam or you il to rev w r lega eal the y members. W ith those w cy. h o it im numbe unders rs or hen you sha pacts m tand y re you amoun our de o st, you ts, jus r plan cisions r ch 3. If yo t the “ s . u don’ why” s , you don’t ildren hav t o ha your f regard amily w e less of ve a plan, s tar ill your n et wor t the proces 4. Con th. s to cr sult yo eate o ur p friend ne. Sta s or f rofessional rt now amily w adviso their a , r. If y hom th dvisor ou don ey hav will be e work ’t the rig 5. Educ ed with have one, ht fit ate you ask t f o crea o r you rself, assets, te their your too. ask qu estate plans, estio pl asset a maybe llocatio ans, wills an ns. Join wit h othe d inve n is? r stment s 6. Talk strateg who are le to you a y. Do r spouse you kn rning about legacy , partner ow wh to be. at you or chil r 7. Don dren a bout y ’t wait! ou wh at you 8. Mak want y our e it a

s easy tion to as possible transit the ne ioning xt.

9. With your f proper amily’s plannin assets benefit from o g you s. can sa ne ve taxe 10. Con s and sider y m ake th our e most organ ization philanthrop of you s, scho ic lega r you? cy. Wil ols, or l you places re of wo rship t member thos hat ha e ve mea nt so m uch to genera

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For bios on each panelist or for more information on how you can plan your legacy, click on the Support Our Mission tab at the Wheeler website at www.wheelerschool.org. Panelists included: Wheeler Trustees Deborah Allinson ’68 and Renee Evangelista, and Class of ’59 Alumnae Carol Graves Cimilluca and Susan Davis Morra.

Parents of Alumni: If this publication is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address with you, please notify the Alumni Office of the new mailing address.

Office of Institutional Advancement The Wheeler School 216 Hope Street Providence, Rhode Island 02906-2246

Ninth graders use teamwork and fingertips to keep a pole level at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class retreat. Photo by Fara Wolfson

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