Windward Fall/Winter Magazine 2015

MAGAZINE

Fall/Winter 2015

CONTRIBUTORS DAWN BARRETT

Director of Advancement & Operations JAMES LUBIN

Director of Communications & Public Relations ALLISON KAUFMAN

Communications Coordinator/ Publications Teacher WHITNEY BURKE

Digital Media Specialist/ Webmaster LINDSAY KNAUB

Director of Development & Special Events STEPHANIE MIRKIN MCDEVITT ’03

Director of Windward Fund and Parent Relations JEFFREY GILDER ’08

Director of Alumni Relations SUSAN MARX

Director of Information Management and Research JENNA DICKMAN

Event Coordinator

MICHAEL MUNOZ ’08

PHOTOGRAPHY Kambria Fischer Photography Paul Antico/Creative Antics 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . From the Head of School 02. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Planning for Progress 04. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Innovations: CREATE Studio 05. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Innovations: Design Studio 06. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pavilion & Dining Services 07. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gym/Auditorium and PPC 08. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Balanced Approach: Kermit Cannon 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athletics News 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet the Athletic Department 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fallen Fruit

16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arts Highlights 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Work: The Visual Arts 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global Perspectives 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Homecoming 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windward Fund Update 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saluting the Class of 2015 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital Connections, Tangible Results 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alumni Events 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Learning 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stay Connected

Ultimate Exposures

Windward Communications Windward Yearbook

DESIGN Bacio Design & Marketing, Inc.

Tom’s Top 10 List of Programs and Achievements That Did Not Exist In 2010 10. Th e STEAM and STEAM Scholars Program, which has included university and industry partnerships. This work has also lead to the opening of the C.R.E.A.T.E. and Design Studios this Fall (pages 4-5), based upon the groundbreaking work of the Stanford D School and other innovative institutions.

9. The Global Studies and Global Scholars Program, including partnering with 37 prominent schools from across the globe to offer shared course offerings with the Global Online Academy.

8. Establishing a Peak Performance Program that supports exercise, nutrition, mindfulness and life balance.

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t is always rewarding to watch our students and faculty return for another new school year and enthusiastically embrace the latest programs and facilities that have been introduced into Windward’s ever-growing scope of offerings. Of course, every program and facility at Windward is typically the product of extensive research, collaboration, and synthesis of ideas and best practices collected from around the world. So, just as we celebrate our latest exciting facilities and programs in the following pages of this Windward Magazine, we also recognize that they could not have come into being without considerable planning and collaboration among many very committed parties.

As we consider the impact and future evolution of these newest innovations - and as we prepare to embark upon another Strategic Planning process that will eventually guide the next major phase of Windward’s growth – it’s worth reflecting for a moment on some of the other additions that have made such an indelible impact on our school in recent years. While those newer members of our community have never known a Windward without them, consider for a moment some of the significant innovations that have been introduced thus far since the adoption of the 2011-2017 Strategic Plan:

7. Growing our Entrepreneurship program, including partnerships with Hass and Anderson Business Schools, internships at Boeing, and other opportunities to learn business models of all types.

6. Initiatives in the visual and performing arts that have incorporated best practices from around the world, helping to raise the ambitions of our programs and the caliber of student work.

5. E stablishing the Middle School Minimester and Challenge Based Learning Programs to engage students in exciting and memorable hands-on learning experiences.

4. P artnering with the Hume Writing Center at Stanford to create Windward’s Studio for Writing and Rhetoric.

3. C reating the Windward Network to support our students and alums.

2. P artnering with the Stanford Challenge Success Program to explore ways of increasing student engagement in their studies while encouraging life balance and minimizing unnecessary stress.

1. R eceiving Your Support! Realizing big ideas requires teamwork, and each of these advancements and would simply not be possible without the continued generous support of our entire school community.

While this list is in no way comprehensive, it’s clear that our collective achievements over such a relatively short period of time have impacted countless lives in significant ways.

As you enjoy the updates and stories about ongoing progress in this issue of Windward Magazine, keep in mind that with the continued support from our community - and thoughtful planning led by our Board of Trustees - our important work together will continue to yield transformational results.

Tom Gilder Head of School

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 01

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n the more than four decades since it was founded, Windward School has experienced tremendous growth and evolution in every way, from programmatic offerings to the creation of new physical spaces that support numerous modes of teaching and learning. During that time, Windward’s core mission to provide a dynamic education within a nurturing community has remained

02 - PLANNING FOR PROGRESS

central to the character of the school.

The evolution of Windward has been simultaneously driven by a parallel dedication to constantly search for new and better ideas - best practices and seeds for further innovation that are carefully selected to be consistent with the school’s core identity and principles.

For that reason, planning is the key to successful outcomes in our progress.

The new programs, facilities, and ideas celebrated in the pages of this issue of Windward Magazine had their genesis in years worth of research, work with partners, and collaborations among faculty.

What’s more, the evolution of spaces like the C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio and ideas like the further integration of design thinking across the curriculum will continue long after they are initially unveiled. Once a new class or learning space is launched,

“Planning is the key to successful outcomes in our progress.”

the feedback gleaned from real-world experience naturally gives rise to adjustments, refinements, and even entirely new directions that may never have been originally envisioned. By providing an atmosphere conducive to embracing this process, Windward has been able to move constantly forward year after year, supporting our faculty to develop and maintain an ever-evolving environment that strives to best serve the academic and personal growth of our students.

Providing further guidance to this evolutionary track is Windward’s Strategic Plan, a crucial roadmap for identifying big-picture goals and themes that impacts nearly every facet of the school’s future development. With the Strategic Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees preparing to soon launch a new development process to create the next Plan, every constituency in the school will

be again involved with helping to identify comprehensive goals, themes, and priorities that will prove key to Windward’s growth in the future.

Windward is a school dedicated to preparing students by providing them with the real-world experiences and skills that will allow them to realize their potential - even if they will be pursuing careers in fields that do not even exist today. To best provide this preparation, Windward will itself also prepare for the future - guided in every innovation and step forward by the goals of our Strategic Plan and the concepts central to our founding mission.

Thanks to the contributions and support of the entire Windward community, we have accomplished so much. And with that same unyielding commitment, together we will do even more.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 03

INNOVATIONS:

C.R.E.A.T.E.

STUDIO Collaboration Resources for Engineers, Artists, Technologists and Entrepreneurs

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ncorporating concepts synthesized from research visits to schools, businesses, and organizations - ranging from the Stanford Design School to MIT to Google - the C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio is Windward’s newest idea incubator. Aptly named (for an acronym representing Collaboration Resources for Engineers, Artists, Technologists and Entrepreneurs), this remodeled incarnation of the Room 810 Exploration Classroom continues its long tradition of serving as a testing ground for innovative teaching methods and equipment.

The C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio is an open, unscheduled space stocked with resources

04 - INNOVATIONS

including: 3D printers, a vinyl cutter, a laser cutter, magnets, arduino microcontrollers, and a wide variety of other craft tools.

Whether used for classwork, independent projects, or developing entrepreneurial prototypes, this space encourages students and faculty across the school to physically engage with new concepts and enjoy the thrill of discovery.

Designed with a variety of workstations and flexible seating arrangements suitable for any need, the environment is ideal for encouraging the development of collaboration skills, spatial reasoning, logical thinking and a deeper understanding of vitally important design thinking principles.

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nother welcome addition to the Windward campus this year is the Mancuso Family Design Studio, located just off the busy hub of Littlefield Plaza.

Passers-by can peruse display shelves of student work and observe classes through the large glass windows that now fill the room with natural light – just one of many dramatic improvements that helps create ideal conditions for the work the Studio is intended to facilitate.

As the realization of extensive plans generated through research, visits to leading spaces around the country, and discussions with expert thinkers, the Design Studio provides a robust and flexible facility for teachers from any discipline to develop and deliver new hands-on projects and problem solving challenges. The Studio’s broad footprint gives it a considerable sense of space, with the welcoming work area boasting high ceilings, an open floor plan,

configurable seating at communal work stations, digital technologies (including a mobile laptop/tablet cart), and custom shelving stocked with an extensive array of design supplies and tools.

The possibilities presented by this new space reflect Windward’s drive to incorporate opportunities for Design Thinking across the curriculum. This paradigm – which combines creative and analytical approaches from the worlds of engineering , arts, social sciences, and business – is a leading approach meant to equip students with a robust command of skills that will be critical to success in any future pursuit, whether in college or in the workplace of tomorrow.

In conjunction with the C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio, it supplies an excellent environment for students to learn from the failure and feedback involved with prototyping ideas, gain experience in problem solving as part of a group, and better understand the connections between disciplines.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 05

T 06 - CAMPUS

he Meshulam Riklis and Pia Zadora Pavilion has always been the go-to spot on campus to enjoy a nice meal with friends or to grab a quick bite on the run, and both are now easier and more enjoyable than ever thanks to a number of improvements that were made over the summer.

and parents track purchases. Students can now download their OneCards to their phones or iPads using the app.

On the first day of school, students were treated to a noticeably more spacious Pavilion, with the addition of 500 square feet of dining space and a new, open concept configuration for the hot food area, making it easier for students to move through the lines.

Recent upgrades also include the addition of three high-definition television screens, which highlight the weekly CulinArt menu and Windward’s student announcements.

Six Odin point-of-sale systems were also added to the Pavilion, which feature a new barcode scanning system, allowing for faster checkout and shorter lines. Odin also integrates with Windward’s new OneCard App, MyKidsSpending, and helps students

A favorite among the students is the new set of pizza ovens, which bake fresh gourmetstyle pizzas and calzones. In addition, the Pavilion offers a larger variety of snacks, soups and salad bar options this year.

A brand new set of furniture has been ordered for the Pavilion and will be making this social hub even more comfortable for all to enjoy.

Windward is continually committed to providing healthy, delicious food options and the most enjoyable dining experience possible for the entire community.

GYM/AUDITORIUM

AND PPC

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hase one of the Peak Performance initiative goal was completed near the close of last school year as a series of revamped spaces became available to students and faculty throughout the summer. The Strength and Conditioning Center, Cardio Facility, expanded Sports Medicine facilities, and remodeled offices for the Training Staff continue to be a hub for fitness activity on campus.

Building upon the success of these spaces, phase two introduced a fully-renovated gym space with a refurbished main court, central heating and air, better ventilation, strong acoustics, LED lighting, and a high-tech projection/sound system. Not simply a gym, this pleasant space can now host a variety of gatherings: robotics tournaments/competitions, showcase events (anything that requires a large group), guest speakers, special dinners, school assemblies, graduation, performances, movies, and presentations.

Thank you to the generous donors who made our Peak Performance Center a reality, including: Anonymous (9), Adam and Karen Berkowitz, Steve and Julie Dolcemaschio, Armand and Maria Marciano, Andie and Mark Miller, Jason Newman and Stephanie Simon, Tony and Linda Rubin, Evan Strauss, Sam Surloff and Joanne Van Emburgh, Gregory and Danae Webster

In addition to the space changes, phase two brought the new Peak Performance Center’s Strength and Conditioning Coordinator to campus, Kermit Cannon. These new facilities and a strong focus on student and community well-being combine with a curriculum designed by Kermit to motivate, sustain, and advise an already highly active and committed community to maintain their peak performance goals. Read more about the fitness craze now underway at Windward on the following pages.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 07

08 - A BALANCED APPROACH

“Anytime I workout I have more energy than ever before. I feel stronger and healthier...”

VARSITY BASKETBALL PLAYER LINNEA RACHLIN ’16

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he 2015 school year began well before September for many Windward athletes who were welcomed to campus over the summer by a new face in the athletic department, Kermit Cannon. At the inception of the Peak Performance program, Kermit stood as the Peak Performance Center Strength and Conditioning Coordinator responsible for leading the Windward charge into a more focused wellness program for both students and Faculty and Staff.

Peak Performance Center Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Kermit Cannon awaits all comers interested in their overall fitness education

“To me, ‘Peak Performance’ means a combination of ‘clean eating’, strength conditioning, cardiovascular training, proper hydration, proper sleep, physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, recovery and the education

of proper training,” said Kermit who has begun to implement personalized programming on campus with a focus on balance.

This total wellness approach to Peak Performance is one Kermit has honed during his over 30 years in the fitness industry, 22 of which were spent as the head of the strength and conditioning program at Santa Monica High School. His journey to Windward began, in a way, during his experiences as a track and field star at Culver City High School where he developed a passion for competition and ran his way onto the San Diego track and field team. Following his collegiate success, Kermit landed at Santa Monica High School in 1993 and began to research fitness as it related to high school students.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 09

With the support of the administration at Santa Monica High School, Kermit put his wellness regime to test under the moniker of “The Beast Factory.” In its pilot semester, The Beast Factory (now also the title of a book that Kermit published in 2011) hosted 10 students from all walks of fitness for daily workouts and ‘clean eating’ nutrition guidelines. These students, none of whom were athletes, left the program with lean, functional muscle mass and a solid understanding of how to partner nutrition and working out for a healthy lifestyle.

Following the success of The Beast Factory, Kermit was one of only 50 honored with the 2011 President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition’s Community Leadership

Making fitness fun is one of the ways Kermit has won quick converts of all backgrounds; students and faculty alike visit the PPC frequently.

10 - A BALANCED APPROACH

Award and was granted many other mayoral, state, and district awards for his successful fitness “experiment.” He continued to work with the 3200 students at Santa Monica High school without any additional training staff until Windward entered the picture in the summer of 2015 eager to find the right expert to serve as a catalyst for the success of the ambitious new fitness program. “[ Joining Windward] was the best career move I’ve made in my life so far...to go from a large school into a smaller school where everyone knows each other by first name and I get to work with all of the teams as opposed to just some of them has been super so far,” said Kermit of the transition. Having the ability to be hands

“He has us doing exercises I wouldn’t have done working with a regular trainer or by myself” - VARSITY BASKETBALL PLAYER PAYTON MOORE ’18

on with more students at Windward will allow Kermit to provide the type of personal attention and accountability that instills the healthy lifestyle he aims to impress upon all of his athletes.

So where does “The Beast Factory” innovator get his inspiration? Kermit has spent years traveling for both personal and professional reasons around the country and has always dedicated part of his trips to visiting with, and getting advice from, local collegiate strength and conditioning coaches. The workouts Windward students are being exposed to come part in partially from a series of routines shared by some of the foremost athletic programs in the country. Kermit has in recent years consulted with: University of Oregon, University of Hawaii, University of Southern California, Texas A&M, Loyola Marymount University, UCLA, and the NBA’s strength and conditioning coaches for the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. By seeking out programs that our scholar-athletes aspire to join, Kermit gives his enthusiastic pupils a step up above the competition. “[Kermit’s arrival] was a really big change to the program, but his coaching style is beneficial because he pushes me, but does not force it. He knows my limits. And his personality makes it fun, as it’s not like working out because he takes the chore out of it. In general, it’s not something that I dread, but rather look forward to the opportunity,” said senior varsity basketball player Linnea Rachlin ’16. “Anytime I workout I have more energy than ever before.

I feel stronger and healthier.”

It was not just Windward scholar-athletes who were impacted by Kermit’s arrival to campus. A focus on the broader ideas of Peak Performance within the community brought CulinArt to campus in 2013 and encouraged many faculty and staff members to begin to focus on a healthier lifestyle. With Kermit’s new programming, faculty and staff have even more incentive to better their lives while setting an example for students. There have even been a number of wellness challenges

Working in tandem with scholar-athletes on Windward’s sports teams, Kermit partners with coaches and staff to develop personalized training routines.

that allow for friendly competition while using Fitbits to track steps.

In partnership with varying workout routines in the weight room, strong support from the athletic medicine department to speed up recovery, and nutrition support from CulinArt, Kermit is building a robust program to aid community members in reaching their wellness goals and shifting the mindset of Windwardians. The program is one that Kermit aims to continue to innovate as the fitness industry evolves and generates new routines and opportunities for wellness. In each of the over 20 different workout routines currently in rotation there is a focus on sport-specific training as well as real-world applicable movements.

wouldn’t have done working with a regular trainer or by myself,” said sophomore and varsity basketball player Payton Moore ’18.

“Being able to go in there at almost any time of the day and Kerm always having a different, very challenging, program ready everyday is my favorite part of the Peak Performance Program.”

To many in the community, Kermit is the piece that pulls all of the Peak Performance efforts of the community together. His knowledge and approachability have already given students and faculty and staff the motivation to commit to healthy lifestyles alongside one another.

Learn more about ongoing innovations at www.windwardschool.org/athletics

“My body is more balanced and more well rounded. He has us doing exercises I WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 11

ATHLETICS NEWS

WINDWARD TAKES A SWING AT GIRLS GOLF

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all 2015 was full of many firsts for Windward, including the creation of a Girls Upper School Golf Team. Windward’s Golf team had been co-ed in previous years, but the opportunity to expand athletic opportunities for Windward’s young women golfers arose over the summer, making the team a reality.

Captain Sophie Altman ’17 was pleasantly surprised when she received an email from the Athletics Department letting her know of Windward’s plans to start a team.

“Last year, I joined the boys for a few practices to test things out on their team,” said Sophie, who has been playing golf since the age of 6.

“I may have been a little hesitant to join all these years because of the lack of girls so I suppose I have been kind of waiting for something like this for a while (though not really thinking that it would actually happen)!”

Despite the team’s newly created status, and the fact that half of the team had never played 9 holes before, the girls won their first two matches against Marlborough. Sophie had the low score for both matches. These wins came as a huge surprise to the team.

“We have a lot of team spirit, especially because we have been doing way better than anyone anticipated. We have a lot of fun while on the course and during practice,” said Chase Kirshbaum ’17.

Chase credits her grandparents for getting her 12 - ATHLETICS

into golf at a young age. Over the years, Chase and Sophie’s relationship as teammates on the golf course has come full circle.

“Sophie and I actually played together on the Curtis team in 6th grade, which is funny because we are playing on the same team now five years later,” said Chase.

As the season progressed, the team of seven quickly grew close. While golf may be known as an individual sport to most, the Windward Girls Golf team is a tight-knit group, who have really come to understand the meaning of “togetherness.”

“The more experienced players can always help our less experienced players, and our coach Brenton has time to help everyone. You typically golf in pairs or trios in matches, so there is always someone there to encourage you and keep you out of your head, which is great,” said Sophie.

Head Coach Brenton Chan hopes to see the numbers grow and to perhaps compete at the Varsity level next year.

“I was lucky to have such a great group of girls. They listened, worked hard, and improved throughout the season,” said Brenton.

“Being able to witness the first shot in Windward Girls Golf history has been very exciting. Being able to build a culture of learning and enjoying the game has been very rewarding.”

(From L-R: Vanessa Nygaard, Steve Smith, Tyrone Powell, Frances Jones, and Richard Brisacher)

College-Bound Players Honored at Fall ScholarAthlete Celebration In mid-November, the Windward community gathered to celebrate its talented senior scholarathletes who are going on to play athletics at the college level in a lunchtime ceremony in the gym.

Congratulations to each of these representatives of the Windward Wildcat tradition.

Basketball Jayde Woods, University of Oregon Golf Chuck Isgar, Emory University Baseball Joaquin Murrieta, Kenyon Baseball William Line, Swarthmore

FOLLOW WINDWARD ATHLETICS ONLINE! From scores to schedules, the history of Windward excellence to real-time updates, you can enjoy Wildcats action wherever you are with the newest set of digital tools easily found on the Windward website at www.windwardschool.org/athletics.

Join hundreds of other fans for scores, commentary, and links to media coverage on Twitter at @WWAthletics Plus, watch streaming home games throughout the year, with play-by-play from the Broadcast Journalism’s talented commentators in training.

Click on the link marked “Athletics UStream”

MEET THE

ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

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hese familiar, friendly, and popular faces comprise Windward’s Athletics Leadership team, newly structured this year to provide every part of the program with designated support and helping to unify the many teams and coaches under the Windward Athletics umbrella.

Each with impressive credentials, expert athletic leadership, and an uncanny ability to forge rapport with students across campus, these members directors lead and collaborate with the ultimate goal of the department’s mission in mind: “Windward Athletics creates opportunities for scholar-athletes to compete at the highest level while focusing on personal growth through character development, commitment to teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.”

The new areas overseen by the Athletics team are listed below; more informaton, including bios, can be found at www.windwardschool.org/ athletics.

TYRONE POWELL Athletic Director for Sports Administration Baseball Program Lead Compliance Website Budget Oversight Human Resources for Athletics Athletic Medicine Peak Performance Center Football Girls Volleyball Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Baseball Spirit and Dance Vendor Contracts

VANESSA NYGAARD Senior Associate Athletic Director Girls Basketball Program Lead Scholar Athlete Academic Support Scholar Athlete College Support Peak Performance Center Athletic Speaker Series Boys Cross Country Girls Cross Country Softball Boys Volleyball Golf Boys Track and Field Girls Track and Field Sailing

FRANCES JONES Associate Athletic Director

Girls Cross Country Program Lead Boys Track and Field Program Lead Girls Track and Field Program Lead Middle School Athletics Permits and Facilities Upper & Middle School Contest Management Playoff Contest Management Contest Confirmations

RICHARD BRISACHER Associate Athletic Director Transporation Website Program Handbooks Human Resources for Athletics Officials Liaison Middle School Flag Football Coach Middle School Basketball Coach Varsity Baseball Coach Equestrian Swimming Boys Tennis Girls Tennis

STEVE SMITH Athletic Director for External Affairs Boys Basketball Program Lead External and Community Relations Promotion

Boys Cross Country Program Lead WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 13

FALLEN FRUIT

A 14 - FALLEN FRUIT

s part of an effort to strengthen Windward’s ties with the greater art community, the Visual & Media Arts Department launched its Curator in Residence program this fall. Kicking off the inaugural effort was the exhibition Fruit Punch, curated by Los Angeles artists David Burns and Austin Young in conjunction with their much-lauded Fallen Fruit series.

Fallen Fruit is a collaborative art project that began in Los Angeles in 2004 with mapping “public fruit” – fruit that grows on or over public property. Their projects have included diverse site-specific artworks that embrace public participation and joy in shared spaces.

As the school year began, passers-by could not miss the transformation of the Held and Bordy Family Gallery, which was covered with colorful fruit-laden wall-paper done in a style that was instantly familiar to many.

This was intentional, according to Austin.

“We called it Fruit Punch, because it had associations that reminded us of youth. And so in the wallpaper, we included graphics of fruit that had a look mimicking the iconography and signifiers of youth culture - games like Ms. PacMan or Fruit Ninja which are recognizable by any generation.

Fruit is one of the only things on the planet that crosses boundaries and is universal - it is instantly understandable in any culture.”

Fruit Punch also incorporated student work from a wide range of Visual and Media Arts classes. The artists from Fallen Fruit worked with students throughout the month to incorporate their art pieces into the exhibition. A baby orange tree acted as the focal point of the space, in addition to the student art pieces, which were attached to the walls and prominently displayed.

At the show’s conclusion, participants joined in planting the orange tree on campus, a permanent reminder of this flavorful beginning to the Curator-in-Residence tradition.

“We called it Fruit Punch, because it had associations that reminded us of youth.”

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rom the range of talents on display at this Fall’s CoffeeHouse to the fastthinking application of improvisational techniques by the ComedySportz troupe to the weekly online broadcasts from the news crew at Windward TV, student performers showed off their ability to dazzle with stagecraft in a variety of disciplines. Performance opportunities abound throughout the year, and Windward’s thespians, musicians, and dancers mount productions both on campus and at some of the most notable

16 - THE ARTS

venues in Los Angeles. Their formal training supplemented by perspective provided by guest artists - including alumni currently working as professionals - students look to continue a long Performing Arts tradition of excellence in the 2015-16 school year.

The fall play, Coney Island Christmas, kicks off a series of productions around the holdiay season; be sure to visit Windward’s website for the latest performance updates and ticket information.

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STUDENT

WORK

THE VISUAL ARTS

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n array of styles, techniques, and inspirations are evident in this selection of works by students inducted into the National Art Honors Society, a program designed to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art. The NAHS strives to aid members in attaining the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community.

To find out more about the NAHS, its newest inductees, and to view high-resolultion presentations of the works in this and other shows from Windward visual artists, visit www.windwardschool.org.

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GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

FRENCH LANGUAGE IMMERSION IN PARIS

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his June, a group of seventeen French students accompanied by Carrie Creighton, Brittany Berriz and Jeff Gilder set off for a nearly two week exploration of France. For the first 10 days, students lived with host families from Lycée Duruy, who welcomed Windward students into their Parisian homes with open arms. By day, the students toured many of the iconic sites in Paris including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Marais, Notre Dame, and many more. In the evenings, Windward students would reunite with their French hosts to enjoy time together discovering French culture and language firsthand.

After a wonderful stay in Paris, Windward said goodbye to their gracious hosts and hopped on the TGV to Avignon in the south of France. The group stayed in the heart of the city and made several day trips to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Papal Palace, Vincent Van Gough’s former home, and Roman ruins dating back centuries, as well as spending time discovering the beautiful, historic city of Avignon in the evenings.

They had delicious group dinners where they were able to discuss the day’s discoveries in greater detail and bond over shared experiences.

It was clear that students left France with a greater appreciation of the many beautiful and historic sites within France as well as French language and culture through their time with their host families. Students were able to establish relationships that will hopefully last a lifetime and to make memories that will influence their understanding of the world for years to come.

CAMBODIA: RECONCILIATION, EDUCATION, AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

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his summer, 18 students and three faculty members traveled for the first time on a Windward Global trip to Cambodia for a service learning and educational trip to take a deep look at three challenges that the Khmer people currently face: equitable education, sustainable tourism, and reconciliation. The group began the trip in Siem Reap where they marveled at the Ankgor temples and experienced Buddhism through the amazing art, people, and places. Windward partnered with two local NGO’s: first, the Life and Hope Foundation focused on access to education for underprivileged youth and second, Beyond Responsible Tourism, an organization that paired the students with Khmer families to learn about their daily lives and assist them with a roof building project.

20 - GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION IN PERU Reported by Daniel Walker

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t is not an exaggeration to say that exchange programs are some of the richest intercultural experiences that at a school can offer to its students; it is also not an exaggeration to say that developing relationships with schools from around the world in order to start these kinds of programs is a very difficult task.

Windward had the good fortune to begin a relationship with the Colegio San José - La Salle Cusco in Peru back in 2012, and our community was thrilled when their students visited us for the first time in the fall of 2013. Their week at Windward was an incredible experience for all involved, and we were happy to host them again the fall of 2014. But it was not until this past summer that Windward finally had the opportunity to travel to Peru. The wait was well worth it, and the thirteen days that Global Studies Program Coordinator and World Language Department Chair Dan Walker, former Science teacher Julie Gunther, former World Language teacher Leah Hamilton, and nineteen Windward students spent in Lima, Cusco, and the

The second part of the trip took the group to Phnom Phen where they explored the beauty and opulence of the sites of the capital – the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Gallery. In dark contrast, they also came face to face with the tragic past of Cambodia, which led to the genocide of approximately one million people at the hands of the repressive Khmer Rouge. The students heard firsthand accounts from survivors, visited the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields and were both saddened by what they saw and learned and amazed by the resilience, optimism, forgiveness, and kindness demonstrated by the Cambodian people.

“It was an intense, magical, and unforgettable experience that has shaped us and that will continue to shape who we are and how we engage with others in the diverse world in which we live,” said trip leader and Upper School Director, Peggy Procter.

Sacred Valley were culturally immersive, linguistically challenging, and emotionally fulfilling.

Because this was not what those in the educational travel world refer to pejoratively as a “teen tour,” our students’ exposure to a range of cultural experiences went much deeper than a cursory view of a wide number of churches and ruins; instead, students were able to truly live in community with their Peruvian host “siblings” at La Salle in Cusco, even accompanying them during a day of intense community service in the Andean community of Pampallacta.

Time spent with our Peruvian hosts allowed students to practice their Spanish in a way that truly mattered. It is one thing to speak Spanish in class; it is entirely another to use Spanish in order to go about one’s daily routine.

The emotional bonds that Windward students formed with the students at La Salle, however, were much important than even the most spectacular views that they had of Machu Picchu. The only thing that made our goodbyes tolerable was the fact that we knew we would be hosting them in October 2015.

Service and Language in Nicaragua Exploring Sustainability in Reykjavik Charting the Galapagos Empowering Children in the Dominican Republic History and Democracy in Prague and Berlin WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 21

22 - HOMECOMING

W

indward was “Wild for Wildcats” at Homecoming 2015 with a day full of fun, food, games, and spirit for guess of all ages. Beginning with visits from beloved guests at the morning’s Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Brunch, campus soon became a hub of activity as the grills fired up, musical performances rang out from all corners of campus, and a minimidway offered carnival-like fun.

Students, parents, faculty, alumni, and family members of all ages took full advantage of the offerings at this campus-wide party. Concluding with sports action - including a spiritfilled football game on Foley Field, Homecoming 2015 was a day to remember for the Windward community.

Special thanks to all of the volunteers and supporters who helped put together such a fun undertaking.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 23

FINANCIAL AID:

Over $2.5 million is dedicated to Financial Aid for the 2015/16 academic year.

• 1 5% of the student body receives $2.5 million in financial aid awards this year.

•S ince 2008, the average GPA of financial aid recipients is 3.7. All have gone on to college.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: The Windward Fund supports our community by providing substantial funding for Research and Development, Program Enhancements, and Financial Aid. Here are just a few ways Windward Fund dollars have impacted our community this year:

Facilites such as the C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio have been realized and supplied with the equipment and space needed to make programmatic goals and innovations a reality.

Professional workshops, conferences, and partnerships with prominent universities.

•S upported the Design Colloquium hosting 100 faculty from around the country to share ideas in design thinking curriculum.

Energy efficient LED Lighting Overhead grid electrical plug access system

Vinyl cutter

3D printers

Laser cutter with ventilation system

Custom shelving

Nearly 2 dozen movable Laptops and charging stations equipped with design software

HP Sprout computer with 3D scanner system

Adjustable chairs and desks for flexible collaboration.

24 - WINDWARD FUND

• Made possible visits to partners like Stanford University, Harvard University’s Innovation Lab, MIT Engineering, and Menlo School, all of which provided inspiration for the eventual creation of programs and design of spaces like the C.R.E.A.T.E. Studio.

PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS:

From technology needs to training equipment, set pieces for plays and musicals to bscholarly archive access.

• New iMacs in the Graphics Lab have provided students with powerful new workstations to explore a range of ambitious projects.

• Geometry and Middle School Science have incorporated coding into the curriculum, providing students with early experiences exploring programming.

Interactive projector

Whiteboard paint wall

Soldering irons and holders

LittleBits system and Arduinos for circuit prototyping

Custom sewing station

2015-16

WINDWARD FUND VOLUNTEERS Support of the Windward Fund plays a vital role in ensuring that Windward is able to fulfill its ambitious and important educational mission.

Special recognition is due to all of those Windward Fund Volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to helping the community realize our important goals. Thanks to your help and leadership, we are making possible programs and innovations that will have an immediate impact on the lives of many - and secure the rapidly evolving legacy of Windward itself.

Windward Fund Co-Chairs Bob and Rachel Clifford Basil and Natalie Iwanyk

7th Grade – Class of 2021 Jamie Angus Darren Dworkin Gaby Cosgrove Jenny Gordon Caroline Kunitz Nancy Lurie Brett and Carol Mayer Monica Rice Jocelyn Solomon Brent and Maxine Stratton Liz Tyler Karyn Weber

8th Grade – Class of 2020 Don Arnold and Emily Liman Kerry Benderson Beata and Jeff Daniels Stacey Farish Craig Farkas Brad Pomerance Scott Silver

9th Grade – Class of 2019 Nadine Bell Tony Bernardo Hillary Hartman Neal Koch Wendy Leshgold Todd Sherman Cynthia Sikes Alan Weil

10th Grade – Class of 2018 Jenny Blum Lisa Colacurcio-Cahierre

Dave Hodess Monte Lemann Vaughan Meyer Joy Rothenberg

11th Grade – Class of 2017 Sandy Becker and Ann Blanchard Dan Brussell Josh Elbaum Steve Miller Howard Perlow

12th Grade – Class of 2016 Berit Kerner Tidi Lambert Ed Lin Mary-Dorothy Line Sharyn Nichols Levey Sharon Novey Linda Rachlin Viviana Suaya

Leadership Committee Chairs Perrie and Candice Weiner

Leadership Committee Jon and Nancy Glaser Richard Stone and Rita Tuzon Stephen Grynberg and Susan Winfield Marvin and Clare Suomi Alex and Jenny Kwit Adam and Trina Venit Michael and Laura Richter Neil and La Donna Wertlieb Joseph Sliskovich and Jennifer Harris Richard Stone and Rita Tuzon Marvin and Clare Suomi Adam and Trina Venit Neil and La Donna Wertlieb

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 25

SALUTING THE CLASS OF 2015

Windward’s most recent graduates embarked on the next phase of their academic journeys this fall at colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Remember, Class of 2015 - wherever your future explorations may take you, your ties to Windward will always be a part of your path.

26 - GRADUATION

Jolie Sara Abrams Bradley S. Baba Tristan Alexander Baer Dean Evan Berkowitz Christopher Taylor Berman Sophie Bernard Sam Elliot Bernstein Carly Sarah Blauner Christopher Logan Branche Emily Rose Brooks Jessie Eleanor Bruce Tae Leon Butler Imani Louise Cheadle Jorge AndrĂŠs Contreras-Aguirre Christina Marie Cornelius Walter Theodore Dado Jennifer Rose Davis Roman Edwin Davis David Benjamin Deutschman Olivia Leigh Edwards Brooke Alexandria Edwards Brooke Jayden Feldman Libby Margaret Frankel Mark Alan Freeman Andrew Jake Friedman Dylan Rachel Gee Amelia Goldstein Mason Gooding Daniel James Green Amelia Cattell Green Matthew Charles Greenebaum Louis Benjamin Greenwald Arielle Elisabeth Haagen Victoria Tamsin Haglund Jackson Harris Roy Ashton-Tate Hemsley Zoe McKenzie Henry Elizabeth Grace Herzog Madelyn Ariel Holtzman Daniel Dongjoon Hyun Katherine Helen Ingersoll Tyler JuRee Inn Samson Earl Jeter Max Henry Kaller Mia Danielle Katz Maddox Daniel Kay Gabriella Claire Kessler Ally Lauren Kleinberg Jackson Kobe Kogan Michael Sam Krepack Abigail Elaine Kuhns Katia Tamara Kupelian Ariella Rose Leiter Marie June Line Emma Madison Lipstone Charles Harry Lyttle Dominique Helene Marciano Luke Randall Martin-Resnick Tyler Joseph McMorrow Connor Stanford Moldo Nicholas Adam Moreno Timothy Joseph Morris Gillian Heneghan Oberg Ondaatje Tessa Belle Palter-Poston Alejandro Antonio Paredes John Hayward Parks Jackson Davis Prindle Sibi Ramesh Brooke Gabrielle Rosenthal Rebecca Eden Rosenzweig Gena Mikaela Rubin Alexandra Lauren Saghian Julian Nicolas Sarrola Joshua Henry Schnitman Samantha Patrice Schriger Mason Shepherd Benjamin Seebohm Shirken Eli Reed Silverman-Lloyd Andrew Daniel Simmons Shaolin Wonder Smith Samantha Sofia Sneider Devan Premnath Sood Sasha Jacob Soofer Ashton Caulfield Stephens Emily Clare Surloff Brandon Fesq Tai Arielle Cooper Tooch Thomas Alexander Turner Georgia Chasin Velkes Jamie Michele Wayne Carly Heather Weiner Ian Anderson White Blaine Theophilus Williams Mila Simone Wolpert

ALUMNI GUEST SPEAKERS

Continuing a tradition of Windward alumni returning to share stories and wisdom with their younger counterparts, several visits to classes this fall have helped bring a new perspective for current students interested in the path to certain professions or the experiences of being an entrepreneur. A sampling of recent visits include:

Courtney Hoffman ’03, a costume designer who has worked on productions ranging from Django Unchained to Magic Mike, provided Kiloh Fairchild’s film classes with a range of insights about her design work, the behind-the-scenes aspects of film production, and life in the entertainment industry.

Middle Left: Hayden Slater ‘02, co-founder of Pressed Juicery with fellow alum Carly Brien ‘02, hosted a Case Study Competition for Windward students interested in entrepreneurship and marketing.

Students analyze data, research innovative marketing strategies, and ultimately give recommendations on best ways to expand and engage new consumers.

Middle Right: Windward graduate Rachel Hirshee ’07, a professional actress, came to visit theatre students in advance of the Fall production of Coney Island Christmas. While Rachel’s experience in a variety of performance settings was informative, in this case, her perspective was particularly relevant: Coney Island Christmas was the very same play that she performed in at the Geffen Playhouse.

Bottom: Dancer and choreographer Michelle Nagler ‘11 joined the ranks of other guest instructors in arts classes this fall by paying a visit to her fellow Windwardians, sharing techniques and expertise with enthusiastic younger performers.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 27

Fallon Bucklew ’06 with fellow Windwardian Morgan Shapiro ’11

W

hile college is supposed to prepare its students for the professional world, nobody really likes to talk about just how rough the job market can be for young graduates with little-to-no formal workplace experience. Fortunately, Windward alumni are part of a group that can provide guidance and help in many ways; a network made up of thousands of fellow Windwardians, parents, and other longtime members of the school community who are eager to connect and share knowledge.

Reported by MICHAEL MUNOZ ’08

28 - ALUMNI

Recent college graduate Morgan Maya Shapiro (Windward ’11) experienced this first-hand when her undergraduate

days came to an end this past spring and her job search began in earnest. After earning her degree in Communications and Psychology at the University of Michigan, she began searching for her first post-college job by sending out her resume to as many companies as possible.

But with this bulk approach yielding few leads, Morgan quickly discovered that getting a foot in the door was a difficult task in itself.

In her quest to approach the job market from another angle, she turned to Windward’s Alumni Office to see if there were opportunities to connect and network with fellow Windwardians throughout the professional world. Indeed, there were – and those potential connections were easy to find via a powerful new software application created to address this very need. The Windward Network app, launched this year through the industry-leading Evertrue social platform, provides registered users with a gateway to access potential connections that already exist within the Windward community. Profiles of parents and alumni who have volunteered to share their expertise and experience as “Network Advisors” can also be reviewed, providing leads for potential connections that may be particularly well-suited to a particular area of interest for recent grads or job-seekers. Even in an age where social media is growing in prevalence, the value of developing interpersonal connections remains indisputable.

Digital platforms like Evertrue augment these bonds, facilitating real-life introductions between individuals across the wide span of the far-flung Windward community.

For Morgan, this new tool proved to be a life-changing catalyst. Once equipped with the ability to seek out connections with Windward alumni and parents in her geographic area and field of interest, Morgan used the app’s filters to yield leads for public relations firms located in New York City. Serendipitously, this led Morgan to Network Advisor Fallon Buckelew ’06, who was working at the major public relations firm FleishmanHillard. Once they connected, Fallon counseled Morgan and helped provide her with the critical jumpstart she was seeking. Not long after, Morgan applied to FleishmanHillard’s Graduate Development Program and was accepted into a four-month course of training.

Thanks to the Network App and Windward’s growing alumni network, Morgan immediately started seeing positive results with her job search.

Morgan’s experience with the Windward Network app opened doors and provided opportunities to jumpstart her career.

Not only was she easily able to connect with her fellow Windward graduates, but she also gained invaluable professional advice and even earned her ideal job. When Morgan’s Graduate Development Program experience concludes in January 2016, she hopes to convert the experience into a full-time position with the company.

In the meanwhile, Morgan and Fallon now work in the same building, brought together thanks to a little help from the Windward Network. Wherever their career paths might take them in the future, they will remain linked with each other – and with the countless others that comprise the entirety of the Windward community.

CONNECT. INSPIRE. SHARE. Advisors are contacts for Windward students and alumni seeking professional growth, networking, and mentorship opportunities.

You can support a Windwardian by: sharing your career story, providing industry advice, introducing them to potential contacts, and supporting them in finding professioal opportunities.

To find out more and submit an interest form, visit bit.ly/networkadvisor

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 29

CLASS REUNIONS

ALUMNI PICNIC

As the Class of 2015 prepared to don their graduation robes, generations of fellow Windwardians made the return trip to campus for Alumni Weekend in late May. The classes of ’75, ’85, ’90 ’95, ’00, and ’05 were celebrated at Class Reunions with receptions and dinners, where they were caught up with longtime friends as well as some familiar faculty faces.

At the next day’s lively Alumni Picnic, grads from all years brought their families for an afternoon of fun, food, and conversation. While the bouncy house may have been an attention-getter for the youngest guests, many returning alums taking campus tours marveled at the ways in which campus facilities had matured – even if just a few years had gone by. Alumni of all ages enjoyed catching up with Windward teachers and staff, reminiscing with old friends, and connecting with new faces.

30 - ALUMNI

POST-HOMECOMING MIXER

With visitors from across the community turning out in droves for October’s Homecoming festivities, it was a perfect chance for alums of all ages to cap off an exciting day with a post-event mixer at The Wood, trading stories with fellow friends and former teachers.

Upcoming Events Looking forward to catching up with your former classmates in person? Mark your calendars for the annual Young Alumni Luncheon just before the holiday break, along with other fun and informative opportunities already planned for this Winter: Any questions? Contact Jeff Gilder at jgilder@windwardschool.org or 424.289.1047 or visit www.windwardschool.org/Page/Alumni

Dec. 18, 2015 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Young Alumni Luncheon

March 15, 2016 Alumni Networking Night 6:30 p.m.

June 5, 2016 12 p.m. - 2p.m.

Alumni Picnic

Jan. 2, 2016 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Annual Alumni Soccer Match

April 8-15, 2016 Regional Events in NYC & Boston

Feb. 2, 2016 3 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Alumni Night: WW Soccer & Basketball vs. Crossroads

June 4, 2016 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Class Reunions for: ‘11, ‘06, ‘01, ‘96, ‘91, ‘86

Recurring Every Other Sunday 8 a.m.

Alumni BBall @WW

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 31

L

aurel Butler joined the Windward community in 2014 as the Service Projects Coordinator.

In the fall of 2015 she transitioned into teaching elective classes for both the Middle School and Upper School, in addition to coordinating and facilitating the after-school Service Learning Program, connecting Windward students to the broader community through direct engagement and scholarship.

Before moving to Los Angeles, Laurel lived and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area as the Youth Arts Manager and Education & Engagement Specialist at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Performing Arts and Social Justice Department at the University of San Francisco, Executive Director of Theaterin-the-Making, and an educator for Stanford University, the Unusual Suspects Theater Company, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and numerous jails and detention centers throughout the country.

In addition to being an educator, facilitator, and activist, Laurel is also a multidisciplinary performance artist. She is a member of the Royal Frog Ballet performance collective, the lead singer of the feminist art-rock group Cassandra, and the Dance Teacher at St. James Episcopal School. She received her M.A. in Theater Education and Community Outreach from the University of New Mexico in 2010 and has been working with students in every grade from Pre-k to graduate school in the years since.

Laurel brought to Windward a reinvigorated focus on an assets based model for engagements with our community. She spent much time in her studies and teaching writing and thinking about the decolonization of service learning and how students might gain a better understanding of circumstance through reflection instead of merely providing solutions. “Really engaging [students] in what it means to do service learning with an

32 - SERVICE LEARNING

“I wanted to make a class that showed kids these great works, got them to interact with them in a different way, bringing them down from the intellectual into something they could actually take something from.”

- MATTHEW REINER ’16

ethic of reciprocity and a fundamentally anti-oppressive position [meaning] if we aren’t critically reflective about privilege and power and inequality then some service learning projects can actually replicate the dynamics of inequity that are already in place and perpetuate this ‘status quo’ that might have contributed to the disenfranchisement of one group in the first place.”

Learning class will focus on women’s service organizations and take a look at the complexity of race and gender in contemporary America in policing and current social tension across the nation.

It is with the help of Laurel that the

service learning model at Windward will continue to seek new community partners and continue to impact Los Angeles while providing experiential education and leadership opportunities to Windward students.

Throughout the fall, Laurel worked with both Middle School and Upper School 8th period classes (Service Survey Community Changemakers and Social Justice and Service Learning respectively) in providing assets-based support to our community partners. Middle school students explored elements of history, sociology, active listening, and compassion while visiting with seniors at Epoch Eldercare, while Upper School students focused on taking highly academic social justice theory and translating it for Grandview Boulevard Elementary school students in grades 5, 6, and 7.

These classes will vary their community involvement based upon student passions in the courses. For example, this winter, the Social Justice and Service WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 33

B

uilding opportunities for students who wish to lead has always been a motivation for the service learning program at Windward. The fall of 2015 allowed for a handful of students to take ownership of programming with our community outreach partners and stretch their skills to begin seeking new opportunities. The Student Service Coordinators oversee interactions with many partners, two of whom are Grandview Boulevard Elementary school (GVB) and the Westside Children’s Center (WCC).

As in past years, Windward’s relationship with GVB has grown through an assets

34 - SERVICE LEARNING

based structure for service learning. Our students are invested in the program as a means to impact the lives of the children they interact with regularly. Part of this programming includes “Discovery Academy,” an after school enrichment program that takes place on the Windward campus and offers classes to GVB students in multiple disciplines. This fall, those courses include Media Bytes (supervised by Student Technology Integrationist Jennifer Altounian) in which Windward students share and teach technology skills to GVB students; Bilingual Books and Games in which Windward students mentor and read to a GVB student; and Art Explorers in which Windward student Matthew Reiner ’16 teaches art history to GVB students.

Matthew Reiner’s history with service began with the co-founding of Windward’s “Art in a Box” initiative in the fall of 2009. The program educated and engaged kids living at

the Salvation Army Transitional Village on art appreciation and comprehension. When faced with the challenge of re-inventing the program during the fall of 2015, Matthew reflected on how he came to appreciate art through exposure to classic paintings and sculptures.

“I wanted to make a class that showed kids these great works, got them to interact with them in a different way, bringing them down from the intellectual into something they could actually take something from,” Matthew said.

The ‘Art Explorers’ class exposes GVB students to art history and introduces the 3rd through 5th graders to many western artists while challenging them to be creative problem solvers.

“This work is so important to me because of how much I know art-making can develop a

person’s intellectual and social character. As an artist, I can say first-hand that not only does art benefit my visual/creative problemsolving skills, but also my ability to express myself, see my own emotions and be able to regulate them,” Matthew expressed.

In addition to Matthew’s work, Jennifer Altounian headed up the Media Bytes class with Windward student mentors Kevin Altieri ’16, Thomas Ling ’18, Matthew Rotchel ’18, and Ethan Block ’17 and spent afternoons in the fall teaching technology skills to engaged GVB students.

“The excitement in 101 on Wednesday afternoons is infectious; just wait until we bring out the iPads,” said Jennifer of the class, in which students will grow into iPad education this winter.

While service work on campus was bustling this fall, work at the Westside Children’s Center (WCC) also continued to grow in scope. Sophomore Julia Cotsen spent her fall working on an improved reincarnation of the former Book in a Bag program at WCC now dubbed Book Buddies. Instead of solely providing access to books, the program allows Windward students to interact with and get to know the children impacted by the books provided.

“The students remember us and the teachers thank us and explain how excited they are. It feels really meaningful that I actually make a difference. That I am leading a difference on others,” said Julia, who felt the program has caused her to feel more strongly about service learning in the community.

Windward Service Learning Coordinators have worked hard throughout the fall to bring new strength to the opportunities given to students for outreach. In addition to the programs in place with GVB and WCC, students spent the fall volunteering with seniors at Epoch elder care, teaching performing arts to children living at the Salvation Army Transitional Village, and seeking out new outreach opportunities in Los Angeles and hope to continue to offer new services throughout the coming months.

INCLUSIVITY SPOTLIGHT:

EMPOWERMENT AND

ENGAGEMENT

COME TO WINDWARD Windward School has always been dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is both recognized and honored; just in the past year these endeavors have seen exponential growth on campus thanks to the efforts of Windward’s newly expanded Diversity and Inclusivity team.

One such example began as the result of a trip that Windward students Josh Chambers ’16 and Howard Hobson ’16 took to a conference in the Bay Area along with Upper School Counselor Roger Bridges. Inspired by a desire to take local action by helping to harness the energy, vitality, and spirit of this generation of African American males, Roger partnered with other educators in the LA area to co-found the Empowerment and Engagement Coalition.

A year later, the ECC’s second conference was hosted at Windward, welcoming more than 100 African American young men from 26 Los Angeles independent schools for the purpose of uniting, connecting, and empowering African American males at schools throughout Greater L.A. Windward parent Dwight Caines - the President of Theatrical Marketing at Sony Pictures - provided a keynote presentation and advice about finding and embracing one’s unique voice and abilities. The students then attended five retreat-style workshops where they discussed issues surrounding identity, connection, and leadership.The conference facilitators, a group of African American male teachers from the LA area, stayed with the same cohort throughout the day, and then plan to act as mentors to the students throughout the year.

“One thing we are really focusing on this year is how to inspire these young men to stay connected and continue this work after the conference is over,” said Roger. “We’ve created the facilitator role to meet kids where they are in terms of what they need and what they want to engage in and match their reality with mentors’ experience.”

A similiar conference for 7-12 African American young women is being planned to take place in the spring.

WINDWARD MAGAZINE - 35

Mark your calendars for next May’s Spring Event 2016 as we return to the Conga Room for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and fun.

STAY CONNECTED

R

egardless of whether you visit Windward regularly or reside a continent away, it’s easy to keep connected with our school community through a wide selection of customized digital tools. If you’re carrying a smartphone or browsing the web on your desktop, you have a powerful gateway to access live streaming athletic and speaker events, reconnect with classmates on social media, or download a dynamic school calendar so you can get the latest on upcoming activities.

Interested in the latest on emerging programs or classroom innovations? Start with a visit to our newly relaunched website at www.windwardschool.org - a hub for news stories, photo galleries, school information, ticket purchasing, and additional content contributed by students, faculty, and parents. Created with the latest responsive design technology, there’s no need to download any apps – the site will change itself to look its best on whatever device you’re using.

While you’re there, be sure to visit Windward’s social media hub – just a click away on the “SOCIAL” button atop any of the site’s pages. Here you can quicly browse a steady

36 - STAY CONNECTED

stream of incoming videos, images and comments. If you’re a user of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, Google+, LinkedIn, or YouTube, you can also dive into a handy digital directory with links to Windward’s accounts.

Wherever you are, be sure to come visit us online today! www.windwardschool.org

MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of Windward students

through donating to the Windward Fund, which supports Program Enhancements, Financial Aid, and Research & Development. We hope current Windward parents will contribute

by Winter Break to help us reach 100% participation in 100 days. Please make your gift or pledge to the 2015-16 Windward Fund by visiting us online today at www.windwardschool.org/give.

11350 Palms Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90066 www.windwardschool.org