GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 12/16/13 4:53 PM Page c1 A Magazine from the Advancement Office FALL 2013 2012-2013 Annual Report The Arts at Green Acres GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 12/16/13 4:53 PM Page c2 Green Acres School Mission Green Acres is a coeducational, progressive school for grades pre- kindergarten through eight, dedicated to fostering the natural curiosity of students, engaging them actively in the joy of learning and facilitating problem solving. Based on an understanding of child development, Green Acres’ program is cognitively, physically and creatively challenging. Valuing acceptance of a variety of viewpoints, this community promotes socio-economic and cultural diversity. An environment of trust, cooperation and mutual respect encourages students to become increasingly independent thinkers and responsible contributors to an ever- changing, multicultural world. Green Acres Connectionsis devoted to keeping the Green Acres community fully “connected” to the news about the School’s exciting programs and plans. Green Acres Connectionsis published by the Advancement Office. Green Acres is on Facebook. Become our fan by visiting Contributors and Editors www.facebook.com/GreenAcresSchool Neal M. Brown Annie Groat Luke Merkel Follow Green Acres on Twitter. Jamie Paulsen www.twitter.com/greenacrespkto8 Jocelyn Schaffer Aimee Wadeson ’92 Alumni LinkedIn: Graphic Design http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4986899 Kylee Magrab Breedlove ’83 Check out the new “Head’s Blog”at http://greenacreshead.wordpress.com Photography Karen Gowen Green Acres wants to know what you’re doing! Send alumni Annie Groat news, photos, and accomplishments to [email protected]. Jonah Koch Luke Merkel Jamie Paulsen There are many ways for alumni to get involved at Green Acres Aimee Wadeson ’92 as Annual Fund Chairs, Reunion volunteers, Phone-A-Thon callers, Alumni Board members, and more! Please contact us at [email protected] for more information! COVERPHOTO: A kimono designed by 2nd Grade student Eden Porter as part of the unit on Japan. GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 12/16/13 4:53 PM Page 1 A REPORT FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Neal M. Brown At a time in our country’s taught thematically and interwoven resources, your expertise, and educational policymaking with other subjects, the arts become a your dedication to this school when the arts are being particularly powerful tool for teaching and community. deemphasized to make way for more thinking and instilling in students an As we currently work toward a “academic” learning, we continue to ability to consider multiple perspectives new strategic plan, I also am thankful ensure both that our students benefit on any given subject matter. In short, for the more than 400 parents, past- from an array of rich artistic, dramatic, the arts bring untold joy to our parents, alumni, staff, students, and and musical experiences and that they students while at the same time, as community stakeholders who develop a lifelong appreciation for all brain researchers will attest, develop participated in our surveys, interviews, that the arts have to offer. Perhaps most cognitive skills that have benefits and focus groups. We are examining notable about Green Acres’ emphasis across all subjects and beyond school. this data to see how we can best use on the arts, however, is that it does not One could simply and accurately say this important feedback to help shape come at the expense of academics. that the arts make kids smarter! Green Acres’ future. Strategic planning As you will see in this issue of Of course our teachers’ work with offers us a vital opportunity both to Connections, the arts are both a students in art, drama, and music reflect and to plan. I am especially worthy end and an essential means to would not be possible without the grateful to Anita Lynn and Greg developing the kind of problem- generous support of our countless Kaufmann, Co-Chairs of the Strategic solving, risk-taking, and collaboration donors and volunteers. On behalf of Planning Steering Committee, as well skills that we all need for successful all of our students, thank you so much as to all the other parents, trustees, and fulfilling lives. When they are for sharing your limited time, your staff members, and alumni serving on this committee. I look forward to sharing with you our school’s next strategic plan at the Corporation Meeting in May! The fall typically is a time when we are immersed in the current school year, but do take a few moments as you read this issue of Connectionsto reflect on the many ways that this school and community impacted all of our lives this past year. I am reminded daily of the power of a progressive school that each day— whether designing a new opportunity for students to express themselves artistically or bridging the connections between the arts and other subjects under a common curricular theme—is dedicated to asking the question, “What is best for children?” GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013 1 GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 1/14/14 11:38 AM Page 2 COMINGS & GOINGS New Teachers children also have joined us as students: Norwood, among many other roles and Charlie in Pre-K, Ella in 2nd Grade, and positions. Gabi also has a rich Jennifer Lamb Austin in 4th Grade! background as a professional actress and Boudrye’80 returns singer and we hope that she will lend to Green Acres as the Larissa Powersis these talents to Green Acres as well! Head Librarian. our new 3/4 Science Staff, parents and students are enjoying Jennifer brings seven and Technology teacher. Gabi’s warm presence in the front office. years of experience as a “Reesh” earned a School Library Media bachelor of science in Crystal Harrisis Specialist in the Montgomery County geology from Union our School and Camp Public Schools. She most recently served College. Most recently, Nurse. Crystal comes as the interim Executive Director of she taught middle school science at Mary to us most recently Young Artists of America in Bethesda, Institute and St. Louis Country Day from Georgetown and as the Education Partnership School in St. Louis, and before that, at University’s Children’s Manager at Discovery Education in Silver the North Country School in Lake Medical Center and Spring. Jennifer earned a master of Placid. Reesh has a passion for the Children’s National Medical Center, library science and a bachelor of general progressive education and brings a where she worked in the pediatric and studies in English, Sociology, and Media strong, inquiry-based approach to the cardiac intensive care units as a traveling from the University of Maryland. She teaching of science. She is particularly nurse. Prior to coming to the DC area, also received a master’s certification in invested in STEM education (Science, Crystal worked in the pediatric intensive Educational Leadership and Administrative Technology, Engineering, and Math), as care and pediatric cardiac units at the Supervision from Hood College. well as environmental education and Shands Hospital at the University of Reflecting on her last library position curriculum design. Reesh also is an Florida. A devoted fan of the Florida Jennifer wrote, “One of my greatest athlete, and we may see her on the “Gators,” Crystal is a native Floridian joys…was transforming the library from sidelines coaching our Grizzlies. In with a bachelor’s degree in health a quiet place rarely accessed to a lively reflecting on her teaching philosophy, education from the University of learning and social environment before she wrote, “My class is a place where Florida, a bachelor’s degree in nursing school, at lunch, and after school, in enthusiasm fills the room, pushes up from the University of Central Florida, addition to a consistent stream of classes against the walls, and leaks out into the and an associate’s degree in nursing from during the school day.” rest of the school—a place where Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. students find enjoyment in discovery Crystal’s references raved about her Day Halsey, Lower and strive to exceed the expectations set strong clinical skills, her talent with School Spanish teacher, for them.” Reesh will be particularly children, her strong communication joins Green Acres as we influential as we move toward becoming skills, and her unquestionable integrity. expand the teaching of a certified Green School. One reference summed Crystal simply: Spanish to include Pre- “She is an amazing person and nurse!” K and Kindergarten. New Office Staff Day earned her Gabi Goyettejoins Susan bachelor’s degree from Tufts University Townsend-Gray our Front Office team in Spanish and Child Development, and has become our new as our new Afternoon she holds a master’s degree in Human Receptionist. Gabi Front Office Development and Family Studies from comes to Green Acres Receptionist and Auburn University. Day has extensive with terrific experience Director of teaching experience and most recently as Admission Assistant Transportation. Susan trained aspiring teachers as a faculty at Stone Ridge, as Receptionist at has taught for the past few years in our member in the Department of Human Georgetown Prep’s tennis facility, and as Extended Day Program, and, this past Development and Family Studies at Assistant to the Business Manager at year, she also served as a part-time Front Colorado State University. Day’s three Office Receptionist. Susan earned a 2 GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013 GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 12/16/13 4:53 PM Page 3 bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, Throughout her time here, Rachel has Sam Hankins Speech, and Film from Keene State been responsible for teaching a few joined the Extended College. She worked as the Assistant lessons that were carefully planned and Day Program staff this Director for Creative Summer at observed. Rachel is an excellent addition year after spending a Holton-Arms School from 2000 to to the 4th grade and we are very pleased year teaching English 2012. She taught 3rd and 4th grades at to have her join our team! to elementary and high Christ Episcopal School and at New school students in Hope Academy, and she has been a Alex Capestany, Thailand. He also has taught piano and regular long-term substitute and tutor of a graduate student percussion, as well as pool safety. Sam students at other schools in grades 3 from American graduated from Rockville High School through 8. Many of you have already University, is greatly with many awards as a percussionist and come to know Susan through her work enjoying student then earned a bachelor’s degree in in EDP and the Front Office. She is a teaching in Katie anthropology and music at Guilford wonderfully warm and organized Pluebell’s 4th Grade College in North Carolina. He enjoys presence, and she is very excited about class. Pursuing her masters in running, biking, mixing music on his this new challenge. Elementary Education, Alex has a BA in computer, playing the drums, and International Relations and Arabic. She working with students at Green Acres! New Teaching Interns adores the enthusiasm and creativity of Elizabeth Tomal, a our students and says that she learns FAREWELL TO: senior majoring in something new from them every day. Lourdes Alfonso, having Elementary Education Alex is observing, assisting, and teaching completed her bachelor’s degree, left our at American classes in Katie’s classroom two days a Extended Day Program staff to pursue University, has hit the week. An avid traveler and athlete, Alex her dream of being a classroom teacher. ground running as a hopes to enrich the classroom with her Always willing to go the extra mile, student teacher in Nic traveling experiences and high energy. Lourdes was particularly skilled in Ryba’s 5th and 6th Grade science classes. Having experienced various learning cooking with students and in filling in Students will enjoy their “Liz Days” environments, she says, “I already for Mauricio in the Lower School twice a week until December. With an KNOW Green Acres is a very special Spanish classroom. She also had outgoing personality and willingness to place to learn and grow for both completed an internship in Marcelle’s take risks, Liz is learning and enjoying students and teachers. I am thrilled to art classroom at Green Acres. her experience here as much as her learn, serve, and grow within this students do, and she looks forward to a dynamic school community!” Lisa Davis, Pre-K teacher, left at the career in progressive education. end of the year to take advantage of an New Extended Day opportunity to simplify her life by Program Staff Rachel teaching at the Jewish Primary Day Annunziata, an Priya Gillalso joins School of the Nation’s Capital, where undergraduate the EDP staff this year. one of her children is a student. We are teaching candidate Priya grew up in grateful that Lisa was able to share her from American Montgomery County expertise in early childhood education University, is working and is a student at with us for the past year. in Karen Buglass’ class UMBC, majoring in for her teaching practicum. She is with psychology. She enjoys Maggie Langer, 3-4 Science and the class two days a week through hiking, being outdoors, and arts and Technology teacher, left in June and is December. Rachel’s main role in the crafts, and is a member of UMBC’s now pursuing a graduate degree in social classroom is to observe the daily running club. Priya is a welcome work. Maggie’s innovative teaching activities, learn from Karen’s methods, addition to our EDP staff. inspired students to see science as a and assist whenever possible. Continued on Page 18 GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013 3 GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 1/14/14 11:15 AM Page 4 SNAPSHOTS 2012-2013 Raising Monarch butterflies has been a fall event in the Primary Unit for at least 40 years—maybe longer. Eggs and very tiny caterpillars are collected from the milkweed plants that grow in the School’s butterfly gardens. Children watch the caterpillars grow and metamorphose into chrysalises and then into adult butterflies. Then these are released to begin their fall migration to Mexico. This The 2012 -2013 school year opened with our annual all school assembly in the project provides a living example Gully where new students are welcomed, new staff introduced, and students to complement the Migration and share some summer memories. Insect units of study. Green Acres hosted a record The 100th Day Celebration in Kindergarten is an exciting tradition, rich in number of Grand and Special learning. In anticipation of the 100th day, students explore the concept and Friends in October. Guests enjoyed value of 100: How much is 100? How many 5s, 10s, 20s are in 100? What musical performances and would 100 marbles, crayons, grains of rice, chairs look like? In honor of the spending time with their special 100th day of school, each child brings in an exhibit of 100of an item to friends in the classrooms. display in the 100’s Museum. 4 GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013 GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 12/20/13 11:27 AM Page 5 Sixth Grade students at Green Acres School read Maniac Mageeby Jerry Spinelli The Green Acres Extended Day in Language Arts class. Inspired by the book’s focus on the homelessness of its Program (EDP) annual gingerbread main character, the students wanted to research and teach other students about house making party in December. homelessness and to undertake a project that would make a difference in the lives of homeless people. The students created a school-wide Walking Museum to educate others about homelessness, and held a shoe drive. The shoe drive resulted in the collection of 453 pairs of shoes for underprivileged families. And they’re off! Green Acres graduate and collegiate cross country runner, Ben Stern ‘98, started Green Acres’ first cross country race in November. Larry Jodrie, Treena Selak, Matt Marchildon, and student volunteers mapped out the course that winds through the School’s 15 acres. After studying a science unit on buoyancy and graphing, 5th Grade students constructed boats with a limited set of materials, over 50 percent of which had been recycled. In November, Alumni, The project spanned several Staff, and Trustees courses of study as the students gathered at the first Annual kept budgets for the projects and Alumni Networking Happy created advertisement videos and Hour. Pictured above are promotional signs in Spanish. former staff Adriana NOAA Commissioned Officer Murphy, Gina Lentine ’01, Corps Lt. Wendy Lewis visited to Basir van de Fliert ’96, watch the races and to talk with the Trustee Anita Lynn, and students about their projects. Peter Wadeson ’96. GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013 5 GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 1/9/14 1:31 PM Page 6 SNAPSHOTS Rising 8th Grade students journeyed to Lima, Peru with ceramics teacher Gayle Friedman to live with families for three weeks during the summer. Because they get to live with Peruvian families, they learn a lot about the family system and how households are run. In spending so much time at the Leonardo da Vinci School, they have the same educational experience that the Peruvian students have. As part of the unit on Colonial When on fieldtrips around Lima and Peru, Green Acres students are exposed to America in 3rd Grade, students new architecture, landscapes, and economic and social realities. Ourstudents spent the day in St. Mary’s City return with a greater understanding of what is shared and what is different reenacting colonial life. between the two cultures, in addition to having absorbed a lot more Spanish! Seventh Grade students learn about wetlands, freshwater and saltwater marshes, dunes, habitats, and wildlife through a four-day long outdoor Thanks to the Diversity and explorations at Assateague Barrier Island, VA as part of the ecology study unit. Inclusivity Fund, Green Acres hosted an evening with Sonia Nieto, renowned speaker and writer on multicultural education, Thanks to a four-year challenge teacher preparation, and the grant, nearly every classroom education of Latinos and other in the School has a SmartBoard. culturally and linguistically diverse As one teacher said, the student populations. Her book, “SmartBoard is an invaluable tool. Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical I am able to reach a whole group Context of Multicultural Education, with everyone actively engaged. is widely used in teacher preparation It has endless possibilities for and in-service courses. Sonia is learning and for teaching.” pictured above with Diversity Coordinator Jocelyn Johnson. 6 GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013 GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 12/20/13 11:28 AM Page 7 As part of the language arts curriculum, 1st and 2nd Grade authors shared their self-published books with classmates, family Each year 3rd Grade students participate in a knitting project for Bright members, and teachers at the Beginnings in D.C. The students knit scarves and hats for homeless children. Author Celebrations. GREEN ACRES STUDENTS HIT THE ROAD! Five Green Acres teams from the Lower School presented The Green Acres team prepares for MATHCOUNTS, a their solutions to two problems in the Odyssey of the Mind national math enrichment and competition program for competition held at Norwood School. Two of the teams middle school students, designed to challenge and motivate qualified for the world championships held in East Lansing, MI. students to develop strong math skills. The 7th Grade science class took their Future City entries to the Mid Atlantic Green Acres Geography Bee champion Future City competition at the Baltimore Museum of Industry where the Sungai Evan Brown, earned a place in the Team won a special award for “Best Virtual City” and the Neo Mundi Team Maryland State Geography Bee held in earned Third Place in the overall competition. April, 2013. GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013 7 GAS_CONN_FL2013_cc121613_Layout 1 1/14/14 11:17 AM Page 8 SNAPSHOTS Moving up to Middle School! The 4th Grade promotion ceremony celebrated the students’ many Following Thanksgiving lunch, 8th Grade students took on the staff in the annual achievements in Lower School. student/staff soccer slam. For the first time in recorded history, the students won! Showcasing their individual service learning work to the entire Green Acres community, the 8th Grade In honor of Earth Day, students and staff came together to participate in held a Service Learning Expo to environmental projects around campus that will have an impact on our inspire others to get involved in their communities. community for many years to come! As seen on TV! Green Acres won the ABC News 7 School Spirit Award for having the largest school team at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The School hosted ABC News 7 and some of our students gave the weather report on air! 8 GREEN ACRES CONNECTIONS (cid:129) FALL 2013