Spring 2015 | The Lamplighter School | ,

Published Professionals Articles by Lamplighter faculty published in national science journal

• NEW FEATURE: STAFF STORIES STARTING ON PAGE 24 • EventCalendar Spring 2015 Fall 2015

August Managing Editor 20 New Family, Pre-K, and Parent Orientations Edward Ritenour, Director of Communications & Marketing 24-25 Parent Intake Conferences 26 First Day of School Art/Design Ana Bohanan, Communications | Design Coordinator September 7 Labor Day (Holiday) 11 Donuts with Dads/Popsicles with Pops (EC and LS) Contributors 18 Soles4Souls Kick-Off Landy Fox, Sandy Diamond, and Christian Freberg 15-17 Class Pictures 25 Carnival Mission Statement Dedicated to igniting the potential of each child, October Lamplighter engages children in the joy of learning 12 Columbus Day (Holiday) through intellectual discovery in a creative, inclusive, 22-23 Parent Conferences, No School and collaborative environment. 30 Halloween Hootenany, Parade, and Picnic 10:30 a.m. Diversity Statement November Diversity will strengthen the education of Lamplighter 5 Fourth Grade Luncheon children and enrich the lives of all members of the 9 Dolores Evans Speaker Series (#1) Lamplighter community. Lamplighter will, therefore, strive 23-27 Thanksgiving Break for the lamps that we light to reflect the ever-changing community in which we reside. We value individuality December and encourage all children to reach their potential, while 3 Media Center Open House respecting their similarities and differences. We are 18 All School Program united in purpose and committed to working together to 21 Winter Break Begins accomplish the mission of The Lamplighter School.

Non-Discrimination Statement Note: All dates are subject to change. Please log on In compliance with federal and state laws, The Lamplighter to www.thelamplighterschool.org to view the most School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, updated school calendar. creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid program, athletic and other school-administered programs, or the employment of staff.

Contact Us Send story ideas to Edward Ritenour ([email protected]). Deadline for articles, photographs, and news for the next issue (Fall 2015) is August 1, 2015.

On the cover: The cover features a photograph of a Lamplighter Pre-K student engaging in “STEM in the Gym” activities that was featured in a recent national publication. The article, written by Lamplighter teachers Bill Burton and April Seeds and Lamplighter Perot Museum Liaison Gretchen Pollom, was published in the February issue of Science & Children magazine, published by the National Science Teachers Association. The article is the fourth article published in that periodical by Lamplighter faculty over the past three years. Read more on page 8. 6 Head Lines 4 On Board 5 Senior Tribute 6 Cover Story 8 Barnyard Buzz 10 Faculty Focus 18 Staff Stories 24 Alumni Now 28 10

30 28 LAMPPOST 3 HeadLines

The Lamplighter School is a joyful place to learn.

The curriculum supports our belief that school year and as much as we live in the the work of the child is play and that learning present, Lamplighter has a bright future happens best when children are engaged. ahead, a future that is being seriously Whether students are preparing lunches for contemplated and planned for by our Board Austin Street Shelter, learning about the of Trustees. Lamplighter continues to plan journey that pioneers traveled hundreds of to improve the campus by building a new years ago, working on a math challenge, or innovation lab, updating the learning spaces, planting strawberries in the garden, learning and building a stronger endowment for happens in a way that engages the child future generations. Over the summer I will so completely that most days feel like the be writing to update you on the plans that opposite of what school connotes. will certainly be crystallized by that time. For now, take confidence in the many programs The faculty and staff are life-long that distinguish our school. We would not learners. As evidenced by attendance at enjoy this level of success without you! conferences, involvement in networking lunches with teachers from other schools, It is an honor to lead this fabulous school. or exchanging information about a recent Dear Parents, book, our faculty members are committed to learning. There is an openness when you Sincerely, “I have never seen so many happy children are willing to engage the world with curiosity per square foot in my life,” Dr. Harold rather than as an expert. Besides it is fun to Gores, President of Educational Facilities learn and try new things with students. Laboratories wrote about Lamplighter Joan Buchanan Hill, Ed. D. several years ago. In conversations with you Parents are involved and are an integral Head of School over the course of the school year…the part of the work. Attend just one Carnival or statement holds truer now than ever. There Auction and you quickly learn that it is all of are so many reasons why I believe that The us together in service to the children. Parents Lamplighter School is a joyful place to learn, are “all in”. but here are my top five: It’s Lamplighter! It doesn’t matter if this Everyone is mission focused. Each day we is your first or seventh year at the school or begin dedicated to igniting the potential of you are an alum, the Lamplighter community each child. Faculty engage children in learning is filled with optimistic people who wish the through intellectual discovery in a creative, very best for our students and for each other. inclusive, and collaborative environment. By all measures we are enjoying a wonderful

4 LAMPPOST OnBoard

Dear Lamplighter Community,

Lamplighter is a place where friendships are The Spirit Award Luncheon recognizing made for a lifetime. Now, as my sons Alex, award recipients Judy Gass and Charlie, and Jack have moved on to middle Kirsten Kerrigan was a celebration of and high school, I am especially aware of just the Lamplighter ethos—what really how special the Lamplighter experience really distinguishes our school. Years ago, Judy is. This spring LampPost issue, I celebrate a Gass described Lamplighter as “the gift cornerstone of what defines the Lamplighter of childhood.” In her luncheon remarks, experience: its community and families. Kirsten Kerrigan spoke eloquently about lifelong learning as she learned and Lamplighter creativity, individualism, embraced new skills and challenges as a and friendship was on full view at the Lamplighter mom and Trustee. Lamplighter Auction this February. This year’s auction chairs, Emily Clarke, Erin How right Judy and Kirsten both are. Hillman, Aarthi Ram, Megan Ratcliff, Naheed Shahid, Laura Trubey, and their With my sons off to older grades, my time incredible team, put together an “out of this at Lamplighter is bittersweet. I am filled with world” evening in celebration of our school. awe and envy at the boys’ new experiences Watching parents and friends in coordinated in middle and high school, how they are and imaginative costumes (from the Jetsons using the skills they used at Lamplighter to Back to the Future), was a joy. daily—curiosity and responsibility, what it means to work together, how to be a good Lamplighter is a place where friend. Our Lamplighter friends—theirs and mine may be at different schools, but we friendships are made for a lifetime. hold those friendships tight. While I would give anything for the boys to be in one last The support that our community has Hootenanny, I know Lamplighter Spirit does committed to the Annual Fund is enviable. not end in 4th grade. These resources are critical to making each year enriching for Lamplighter students. Thank you all for responding to the call (sometimes literally!) of the school’s Annual Fund team under the leadership of Annual Catherine Rose Fund Chair Catie Enrico. Board Chair

LAMPPOST 5 Senior Tribute Class of 2015

Azal Amer Caroline Anderson Alex Bautista Ben Bautista

Jackson Benners Hudson Bloom Henry Boykin Josh Brylowski

SuSu Campbell Alia Chand Jack Cohen Chris Dimas

Bella Ehring Max Garner Porter Gaunt Rivers Glover

Maya Harrington Arielle Henley Cruz Hoitsma Saira Khatri

Jake Kirk John Lee Mercer Lee Anna Lobdell

6 LAMPPOST Senior Tribute

Teagan Loehr Julian Maas Steele Martilik Caraday Martin

Audrey Mitts Jack Moses Katherine Mote Akash Munshi

Hanna Newberger McLain Niven Angeliki Paulos Liam Pham

Alexa Plumlee Akash Raghunathan Nadia Sethuraman Mekyle Siddiqi

Roman Solis Meg Steinhart Ayla Sumer Sanjay Vattamreddy

Samantha Ward Alexandra Warner Elizabeth Warren Jackson Whitaker

LAMPPOST 7 Published Professionals Articles by Lamplighter faculty published in national science journal CoverStory

he Lamplighter faculty and staff “With Bill’s guidance, we developed a remarked Peters. She explained that distinguish our school. On staff, cross-curricular science and P.E. lesson during the learning process, she and the there are several published authors. focused on developing gross motor students were able to further explore These teachers are researchers – skills while reinforcing the kindergarten plant science and ways to connect lifelong learners who continually students’ understanding of simple to mathematics. “The mathematical developT new and creative ways to light machines and force,” Pollom explained. connections that students made first the lamp within each student. As stated stemmed from their prior knowledge in the School’s motto, Dr. Hill reminds The first step in planning the lesson of plant life. This led to discussions of the Lamplighter community, “a student involved creating an overall vision for measurement with various measuring is not a vessel to be filled, but a lamp the students’ experience. The next tools and data interpretation and to be lighted.” step focused on implementing and analysis,” she described. documenting the lesson. The final step As author and co-author, science involved assessing the work, collecting Then Burton submitted the revised teacher Bill Burton has had four photos, and writing the paper. “This draft to Science & Children through articles published in Science & Children taught us the most valuable lessons of “manuscript central.” He said the article Magazine, a National Science Teachers the experience: what worked; what we then went through a “double blind” Association (NTSA) peer-reviewed would do differently; and what other peer-review process, and four reviewers journal for elementary school teachers. opportunities exist for a P.E. and science provided several comments. “We met as His articles include one featured in the ‘connection,’ Pollom continued. a team to address comments and make February 2015 Science & Children by some minor changes to the manuscript,” Lamplighter faculty. “Physical Education he reported. “Then, we resubmitted.” Meets Physical Science” was co-written A few weeks later, the manuscript was by Burton along with Physical Education accepted for publication. Once accepted, teacher April Seeds and Lamplighter’s it is usually published within two years. Perot Museum of Nature & Science “Most of our articles are published Liaison Gretchen Pollom. Prior to that, much sooner than that,” Burton articles written by Burton include “The explained. “This one took the longest. Tightrope Challenge” in September The students featured in the photos 2014 and “Experiencing Friction in First The January article, “The Future of were second grade students at the time. Grade,” published in October 2012. Farming,” focused on an integrated, Today, they’re in our fourth grade class. multidisciplinary unit that introduced The January 2015 issue also featured a second grade students to hydroponic “When teachers give up some story by Lamplighter faculty regarding gardening. To extend the program control of a project and hand it over the School’s hydroponics program. throughout cross-curriculum to students, some amazing things Burton wrote the article along with opportunities, Burton met with the can happen,” Burton cited. He said second grade teachers including Ana second grade teacher team, and after he believes that when students are Casanova, Annie Jonas, and Lakeshia considering the program, they agreed given open-ended challenges to solve, Peters. Former Lamplighter teacher to help by adding language, math, and “authentic learning takes place.” Jessa Adler was also involved. social studies skills for a plant science unit. The team decided to write the To research the February article early on in the process. This article, Pollom, Burton, and permitted the group to “be mindful of Seeds planned and taught capturing photos, saving student work, o read the Science & Children a kindergarten lesson and jotting down student reactions to articles, please visit the based on the Pitsco certain activities,” Burton explained. Lamplighter Web page (www. “S.T.E.M. in the Gym” After completing the first draft, Peters Tthelamplighterschool.org), and unit. This past fall, they and Adler wrote the math section while click on “Quick Links” found at used their experiences Casanova and Jonas collaborated on the the top right corner. Choose and results to write language-social studies content. “Media Coverage” from the a paper that Science & dropdown menu. On the Media Children subsequently “I found the hydroponics program to Coverage page, select the article published. be both innovative and challenging,” you wish to read.

LAMPPOST 9 BarnyardBuzz

Celebration Innovation 2015

Lamplighter Auction: An Out-of-This-World Celebration

To raise money for training and all things futuristic such as an LED it as “yet another example of how professional development for the dance floor, an electrifying DJ, and a Lamplighter embodies the definition of School’s faculty, the 2015 Lamplighter neon light show “that pulsed the party,” community.” Parents’ Association (LPA) Auction she said grinning. featured the theme, “Celebration Trubey believed the “afterglow of Innovation.” The Auction celebrated Trubey was joined by Auction co-chairs Celebration Innovation will continue to Lamplighter’s past, present, and future, Emily Clarke, Erin Hillman, Aarthi ignite our beloved school and teachers with an “electrifying and innovative Ram, Megan Ratcliff, and Naheed for years to come.” With the proceeds journey through time and space” on Shahid for the “out-of-this-world” from the event supporting faculty Saturday, February 7. According to experience. However, the Auction development, “Lamplighter teachers Chair Laura Trubey, the Auction is a is not just a fundraiser, but serves will be provided with the support “special time to share in the company as a “community-building event for necessary to continue to be innovative of fellow Lamplighter parents while Lamplighter families and friends,” in their methods and materials,” supporting our beloved School.” clarified Lamplighter Head of School, according to Hill. In addition to being an important Dr. Joan Hill. “Our wonderful Auction fundraising event, she described the team put together a really memorable After the bidding closed, the guests, Auction as a “true celebration” of the night for everyone that served both our most of whom were dressed in amusing school community. community-building and fundraising cyber, sci-fi, or cosmic costumes, goals equally well.” She also thanked with many in neon accessories and In keeping with the pioneering spirit parents for being “the spark that ignites colorful makeup, danced the night of Lamplighter, the Auction venue the innovative spirit of our children, away to Lamplighter alum, parent, and headed to a “new frontier,” 6500 Cedar faculty, and school community.” professional DJ Lucy Wrubel. The Springs, Trubey explained. Originally Hill added that she appreciated the group appeared to cherish the last constructed in 1952 as a General volunteers’ generosity with their time, minutes of their trip to space, knowing Electric warehouse, the group lit up the with the event that takes almost a year their support of the event would greatly 20,000-square-foot open floor plan with to plan and execute. She described benefit the faculty of the School. 2015 Auction Committee

Reddy to Write More about the Auction from Special Student Contributor Naviya Reddy

I thought the Auction was looking at items to buy, but it’s not. It’s the parent association’s largest fundraiser. All the money the parents raise goes to the school. The auction has a silent auction and a party room. The party room is for the parents to take a break from all the work they’ve done all year and have fun. It’s like the second grade marble party. The silent auction room is where the parents buy cool auction items for their kids, like my pioneer book or this interviewing job. Many parents raise money for the school. I interviewed kids for what they got and what they got to do. I interviewed two kids from Pre-K. They talked about the pretend sleepover that they had. I think they were nervous when I interviewed them, but I got lots of information. They both said the best part was watching Big Hero 6. The fourth graders did a Lock-In. When I first heard the name Lock-In, I thought they were locking up the school, but it was when they do the opposite of school, like running in the halls, screaming, and other opposite of school things. Joey in third grade won Head of School. He gets to be Dr. Hill for a day. I think it sounds really fun. I hope my parents win the Head of School for me someday! I learned a lot about the auction, and I hope you did too. Thank you, parents, for all you do for us! LAMPPOST 11 BarnyardBuzz

A Dooley Author Twist, Oh My! present to Lamplighter students based on rewrites, mock-ups, and still more rewrites. her publication of Texas Chili, Oh My! As Vermillion stated, “I am here every day. “What?! Are you sure?!” exclaimed They see me as the Dooley Author guest, Vermillion when invited to participate. then they see me at the media center desk The committee was very sure, as Vermillion in the morning.” The new perspective is a uniquely personal and particularly prompted one student to ask in awe, “How inspiring example for budding Lamplighter do you find time to write and do your job as readers, writers, and illustrators. Texas a librarian?” Chili, Oh My! is a Texas-styled retelling of the venerable Three Little Pigs, and was Choosing Vermillion as the speaker recently nominated by the had ripple effects. “I’m usually the one Conservation Society Publication Award preparing for the event,” she explained. The Committee to recognize authors of the best duties of arranging the day’s schedule and For over 10 years Patricia Vermillion, as the recently published books on Texas history. events fell this time to Assistant Head of Lamplighter Media Center Coordinator, Academics Vicki Raney. Commenting on has conceived and arranged visits to Presenting Vermillion as the Dooley visiting the number of details, from arranging the Lamplighter by some of the nation’s leading author helped students see the author’s luncheon (chili, of course) to coordinating children’s authors and illustrators. With the experience with new eyes. Vermillion, as complementary lessons with teachers support of the Dooley Author Series fund, Media Center Coordinator, has brought and arranging for students to introduce Vermillion has created opportunities for hundreds of books and works of art and the guest speaker, Raney described the Lamplighter students to interact with the research to the attention of students. switcheroo as “pretty eye-opening,” adding, likes of Mordicai Gerstein, Norton Juster, During her presentation on her own work, “I was determined that Patricia experience Chris Raschka, and most recently, 2014 she was able to help students assimilate the day as an author.” Caldecott Medal winner Brian Floca. their previous knowledge of her love of reading with a new understanding of her Ms. Raney may need to stand by for further This year in a wonderful twist, Mrs. disciplined approach to writing. Vermillion assists. Vermillion’s second publication, Vermillion was nominated by Dooley provided visual examples of brainstorming Hound Dawg, will be published in August of Author Series patron Marilyn Halpin to exercises, outlines, drafts, rewrites, more this year.

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Jim Fay of Love and Logic BarnyardBuzz

Speakers Discuss Change and Logic

The 2014-15 season of The Lamplighter In January, Lamplighter welcomed Jim Fay, School’s Dolores Evans Speaker Series co-author of the popular parenting book Love kicked off in November with “Change and Logic for the second event of the 2014-15 Makers: Changing the World with Food, Dolores Evans Speaker Series. Dr. Fay, whose Robots, and Pencils” with three speakers presentation focused on how parents should who are improving the lives of children “set and enforce limits” with their children, is through innovative thinking. one of America’s most sought-after presenters in the fields of parenting, positive discipline, The program included discussions about and classroom management. For more than 30 Jeff Whittington moderates the passion the speakers have for seeking years, Love and Logic, a philosophy founded Change Makers panel discussion innovative solutions to some of the world’s in 1977 by Jim Fay and co-author Foster W. most pressing problems. Speakers included Cline, M.D., has been the approach of choice Adam Braun, a New York Times bestselling among leading educators, parents, and other author and founder of Pencils of Promise, an professionals worldwide. organization that has built 200 schools around the world; Ellen Gustafson, a sustainable food Their book, updated in 2006, is a 2010 Parents’ system activist and author of We the Eaters: Choice Award Winner. It focuses on teaching If We Change Dinner, We Can Change the World; children responsibility. According to the Love and James McLurkin, a robotics engineer who and Logic Institute, parents can “raise children worked on projects with Disney Imagineering who are self-confident, motivated, and ready and iRobot and was recognized by Time as one for the real world with this win-win approach of America’s top engineers. to parenting.” They reason that children win because they will learn to solve their own The three guests were interviewed by Jeff problems “while gaining confidence” and that Whittington, executive producer for KERA’s parents win “because they will establish healthy Think Series and host of “Anything You Ever control without resorting to anger, threats, Wanted to Know.” Whittington was presented nagging, or exhausting power struggles.” by Lamplighter Head of School Dr. Joan Hill. “We were very excited about the opportunity Fay’s presentation was primarily a guide James McLurkin with fourth grade to have innovators speaking about topical to these “practical techniques to raise self- demonstrating his robot swarm issues,” Dr. Hill explained as she introduced disciplined kids,” with amusing stories about the series. parents and their young children sprinkled in. The audience had the opportunity to gain Though the Speaker Series traditionally new strategies that can be used for “avoiding features individual authors or other speakers, power struggles” at home and in the classroom Dr. Hill decided to try something different in as well as tips for guiding kids “to own and to 2013 when the first “Change Makers” program solve their own problems.” He also described was presented. “Schools should be at the how parents might discipline “without losing forefront of new thinking,” she explained, their love and respect,” and strategies for and added that risk-taking that can lead to “raising achievement.” innovation is “something we try every day to instill in our students.”

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Jim Fay, founder of Love & Logic Institute Jim Fay of Love and Logic BarnyardBuzz SENIOR SALUTE: Fourth Graders Celebrated At Annual Event

The Lamplighter School’s annual “Senior” our fourth grade families, as a time to pause, 2) “I am ready. Lamplighter has given me luncheon was held on November 6 to a time to reflect on the past, to celebrate the the gift of problem solving, academic celebrate the School’s graduating fourth present, and to look toward to the future.” confidence, creativity, and living the grade class. The gathering provides not Then, after asking parents to present Golden Rule.” only an opportunity for students and their a School-provided senior pin to their parents and teachers to reminisce, but it is children, Dr. Hill introduced the event’s 3) “And most importantly, thank you for also the School’s way to celebrate the fourth special guests, Castleman and Krakow, and sending me to Lamplighter, for supporting graders’ achievements during their seven expressed her appreciation to them for me, and for having confidence that I will years at Lamplighter. Invited to address “returning to inspire our fourth graders.” end up at the right school for me.” the group were two young alumni, Sloane DallasCastleman Black andDance Eli Krakow. Theater Castleman, Echoing Castleman, Eli Krakow told the a junior at The , and group of students, “You make so many Krakow, a freshman at Greenhill School, “Lamplighter created this great friendships at Lamplighter that returned to share a few memories and continue on for a long time.” Krakow offered heartfelt words of advice to the day for you, our fourth grade described his “many wonderful memories enthusiastic Seniors. of Lamplighter.” These included the families, as a time to pause, a School’s sing-along “Hootenanny” Head of School Dr. Joan Hill kicked off the assemblies, the spring fourth grade trip to luncheon by welcoming the 48 students and Austin, about which he recalled “a long but their parents and teachers. After the fourth time to reflect on the past, to fun bus ride,” and then he stressed that, graders performed “The Raddish Song,” “most of all, I remember my great teachers, and of course, “Lamplighter Spirit,” led by celebrate the present, and to several of whom are here today.” their drama teacher, Jeff Peck, Dr. Hill asked the Seniors to join her on stage. She invited look toward to the future.” Next he explained to the group that the students to tell the audience about “their Lamplighter provides great preparation for funniest Lamplighter experience” or “what middle school and that those teachers often do they think Lamplighter will look like in In her speech, Sloane Castleman gave “both say Lamplighter kids are well-prepared. 10 years?” to which one student answered, parents and fourth graders some remarks, He advised the students to “use what you “In 10 years kids will be tele-porting from tips, and tricks for surviving fourth grade.” learn here.” He then described the middle our beds to school!” For the fourth graders, she provided three bits of “confidential” advice. school experience as very exciting “because Several of the “funniest Lamplighter it provides opportunities to try new things experience” responses focused on the 1) “When you leave Lamplighter, you will and to discover new interests such as students’ “crew” shifts during Lamplighter carry the legacy of this school with you sports, music, art, sculpture, or film, which Layers, the School’s entrepreneurial and you can never detach yourselves from he disclosed as a subject he’s become very program where fourth graders run an it. In this way, you will never really leave passionate about. incorporated “chicken-raising and egg- Lamplighter.” selling” business. Every week they sell the He concluded by telling the children that eggs to parents in the carpool line. One 2) “Remember that your years at there is “no better place than Lamplighter” student said that during crew, “a chicken Lamplighter have prepared you to to prepare you for the future. “It certainly chased us and it freaked us out.” Another successfully continue with your journey to prepared me well.” responded that a chicken flew right over her your next school.” head. And finally, another admitted that she After an hour of celebrating their senior “left the chickens out all night!” 3) “Remember that friendships forged at year achievements with teachers and parents Lamplighter will last forever.” and listening to advice from the two high Otherwise, a few students mentioned school students, a fourth grader summed up the time when music was playing and the Next, Castleman offered the parents in the the event this way, with his answer to “what students decided to have a spontaneous audience pieces of advice “coming from will Lamplighter look like in ten years?” He dance party, and another described the your fourth grader.” replied, “In 10 years, it doesn’t really matter day when “the pig got out of the pen and what Lamplighter looks like, it’s what the teachers chased him around the school.” 1) “Let your children enjoy fourth grade kids feel about it that is important.” And the and enjoy it with me because this year is two visiting young alumni “couldn’t have Next Dr. Hill told the crowd that absolutely the best, and I want you to take provided better examples of this,” observed “Lamplighter created this day for you, lots of pictures.” Vicki Raney.

14 LAMPPOST Eli Krakow and Sloane Castleman with Dr. Joan Hill BarnyardBuzz

ToDancers kick off Black History Month, Dallas Black DanceDelight Theatre entertains students with “Peter and the Wolf.”

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre visited Lamplighter on February 2 and performed “Peter and the Wolf ” to kick off Black History Month activities at the School. Kindergarten through fourth grade students “were thrilled with the 45-minute presentation,” said Vicki Raney, Lamplighter Assistant Head for Academics.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the founders of Black History Month, had announced that the theme for 2015 was “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.” Over the past century, African American life, history, and culture have become major forces in the world. According to the Association, “In 1915, few could have imagined that African Americans in music, art, and literature would become appreciated by the global community.”

Founded in 1976 to inspire minority boys and girls to appreciate dance as an art form and to realize the possibility of dance as a means to express their creativity, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre now offers dance opportunities for the entire population, regardless of race, age, or circumstance, through professional dance concert performances, arts-in-education programs, community outreach activities, and dance training classes.

According to the dance company, education is a primary focus; therefore, they offer workshops, master classes, lectures and demonstrations, residencies, mini- performances, student matinees, and a variety of dance services to elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges and universities, social service agencies, and recreational facilities around Dallas/Fort Worth and across the nation. Raney said she appreciates the efforts of second grade teacher Lakeshia Peters and Lamplighter parent Candace Martin who “worked on booking them for more than a year!”

16 LAMPPOST Night at the Museum [ Family Science Night at the Perot ]

Wasn’t It Grand! Grandest Friends’ Day Forever Learners

18 LAMPPOST FacultyFocus

In this continuing section, LampPost illustrates the ways our accomplished faculty teach, engage, inspire, and mentor as they deliver serious education wrapped Forever in the wonder of childhood. Learn more about our published authors, world travelers, and our “lifelong learners” Learners who are earning advanced degrees and Patricia Vermillion in the Lamplighter Media Center professional development certificates. Photograh by Jennifer Shertzer LAMPPOST 19 FacultyFocus

Sue Ann Pemberton, president; Patricia Vermillion; and Carolyn Frost, event chair (Photo by Vicki Raney) Alamo Heights Life is full of smiles and surprises…by Patricia Vermillion

The story Texas Chili? Oh My! a Texas In December 2014, I received the Illustrators award winner Cheryl Pilgrim. retelling of the Three Little Pigs, was following letter from the San Antonio I have written and published articles in originally written to introduce Lamplighter Conservation Society. The purpose of the Library Sparks Magazine, School Library students to the native animals, plants, and Society is to preserve and encourage the Monthly, Teacher Librarian, and Mississippi settings of Texas, with a fairytale twist. The preservation of historic buildings, objects, Magazine. students appreciated this Texas version places and customs relating to the history and I thought other Texas students might of Texas, its natural beauty and all that is I continue to smile, be surprised, and look benefit as well. I submitted the story to admirably distinctive to our State, and to forward to the future. TCU Press. The Mission of TCU Press educate the public, especially the youth is to publish significant, relevant, and of today and tomorrow, with knowledge innovative titles in the area of history and of our inherited regional values, and – Whereas, outstanding contribution literature of Texas and the American West, toward the accomplishment of this aim with a distinct focus on the discovery has been made by Patricia Vermillion and preservation of local history. They with Chili Texano? Ay Dois! / Texas Chili? surprised me and liked it. Oh My! The 2015 Children’s Publication Award was awarded for the first time I was invited by TCU Press to autograph in several years. Guests at the luncheon books at the Texas Book Festival held were surprised and pleased that a Spanish in Austin in October 2014. One of the edition is also available. largest and most prestigious literary festivals in the country, the annual Texas My next picture book, Hound Dog, is a Book Festival features 250-plus nationally Southern retelling of The Little Red Hen, and critically recognized authors. It was at and will be published in the fall of 2015 by this festival I met our 2014 Dooley Author, TCU Press. The illustrations are by Society Brian Floca, and our poet, Naomi Nye. of Children’s Book Writers and Patricia Vermillion and Jezabel Guadalupe, Spanish Teacher and book translator

20 LAMPPOST FacultyFocus

Lamplighter teachers Jennifer Grauberger and Leslie Whitfield with Night Light class Three’s a Charm Lamplighter teachers launch Night Light 3-D printing class by Hannah Brown, Leslie Whitfield, and Jennifer Grauberger

and question how they were going to global issues and solve them through accomplish such a weighty feat. collaboration. The students learned Immediately, the uninhibited students firsthand that it is vital that we listen and started to think like engineers. They engage with the stakeholders so sustainable proposed a series of questions, came solutions to problems take hold. up with different hypotheses, and then Throughout the remainder of this course, questioned their original ideas again. This students learned to use cutting-edge cycle continued throughout the class. Like software used to print 3D objects. The engineers, the students thought about 3D printer has multiple ways of solving ways to help solve problems to improve both domestic and global problems. As the lives of others. Before Lamplighter the students learn to use this leading- students began to speak through a Spanish edge technology coupled with their ability translator to students at our partner to work together in teams, they will be school in Nicaragua, we brainstormed uniquely prepared to solve problems and ideas about a few of the main concerns improve the lives of others. Hannah Brown instructs students on how to use the in developing countries. This was an 3-D printer, as fellow teacher Kirby Young looks on interesting discussion that covered such Throughout the remainder of the topics as unclean water and electricity and class, Lamplighter students held Skype A spark lit and ignited a fire of excitement food shortages. conversations and made a solar circuit so and promise in the minds of Lamplighter that those without electricity in Nicaragua students taking the 3D Printing course The result of the real-time Skype have a ready means of electric power. It in the Night Light after-school program. engagement had a profound impact on was interesting for us as teachers because On the first day, our eight Lamplighter our students as well as the students in our initial thought was that we were students were told that they signed up to Nicaragua. A cross-cultural consciousness teaching our students to help others. The think of ways to change the educational, began to develop in our students during reality, however, was that our students social, and economic trajectory of children the exchange of ideas on creating were inspired to make daily changes in more than 2,300 miles away. Hands shot sustainable electricity. This conversation their own lives despite having easy access up in the air as they began to wonder empowered our students to think about to electricity.

LAMPPOST 21 FacultyFocus

Gesell in the Well Lamplighter teachers host training workshop By Cara Hicks and Debbie Herskovitz Debbie Herskovitz, Gesell Workshop leader; Sally Wells; and Cara Hicks

Last year, Lamplighter pre-K teachers Sally Wells taught teachers how to use At Lamplighter, Early Childhood teachers Debbie Herskovitz and Cara Hicks the GDO-R which is an assessment are differentiating their lessons to attended The Gesell Developmental tool used by teachers, counselors, and cover a wide range of developmental Observation-Revised (GDO-R) Workshop other professionals to determine the ages and stages starting in pre-K. The on early childhood development. developmental age of a child. pre-K teachers have implemented a fine Following the training, Mrs. Herskovitz motor program into their Integrated and Mrs. Hicks shared the information “Developmental age” refers to the Learning curriculum to foster the natural with the rest of their Lamplighter team as age at which a child is able to perform development of fine motor skills in their well as other teachers in the region. As a certain tasks that may or may not be youngest learners. result of their networking and enthusiasm, the same as his or her chronological age. Lamplighter had the privilege of hosting Understanding the developmental age of a child is helpful for teachers when the Gesell workshop at Lamplighter this differentiating lesson plans for their spring. Teachers from the Dallas/Ft. Worth classrooms. For example, some children area attended the three-day conference are developmentally ready for a mature in early March and left with new, exciting, pencil grasp, while others are not; this and developmentally appropriate practices is based on the child’s developmental for their students. age and not their chronological age. At the completion of the workshop, The workshop focused on the natural teachers were equipped with new tools development of children ranging from to recognize new developmentally 2 1/2 to 6 years old. Workshop presenter appropriate practices.

22 LAMPPOST FacultyFocus

Big Ideas from During the December holiday break, learned more about how to differentiate first grade teachers Olivia Claiborn reading instruction and help all of their the Big Apple and Maggie Fulton attended the first students achieve success in reading. Lamplighter teachers attend training annual Reading Toolkits and Progressions In addition to networking and developing Institute at Teacher’s College at Columbia academic tools, the program also workshop at Columbia University University. The five-day program included offered the opportunity to explore the keynote addresses, small group study, and ever-evolving neighborhood around interactive discussion groups as part of Teacher’s College: Morningside Heights. the Reading and Writing Project, founded The scholarly atmosphere combined by education professor Lucy Calkins. with multicultural influences give this neighborhood a unique environment filled Mrs. Claiborn and Miss Fulton had the with diverse perspectives. The lunchtime opportunity to collaborate with teachers discussions in small cafes with professors from across the country and learn what and students from the university were they are doing in their schools in regard a highlight of the trip, and proved to be to Reading Workshop. They learned just as educational and meaningful as the new information about strategies to seminar itself. Both Mrs. Claiborn and Miss teach narrative and informational texts, Fulton left Manhattan with a refreshed efficient anchor charts, and important purpose; to bring back the ideas discussed word-decoding skills. By attending this and implement them in their classrooms. workshop, Mrs. Claiborn and Miss Fulton Olivia Claiborn and Maggie Fulton

Fellow working at the U of M with Dr. this special project. It’s also continued to P.E. R+D Ulrich, and expressed my interest in keep focus on the Lamplighter Physical Lamplighter chosen as one of 100 participating. I was able to tell her that Education curriculum. As a result, I’ve national testing sites for research study not only am I familiar with the TGMD reinforced skills being evaluated in (I’ve used the second edition for years to the TGMD-3 that needed additional By Kathy Ritz help identify children with possible motor instructional time and practice by our delays) but our age range is exactly the students. “Practice makes progress” Lamplighter has the honor of being target group for the test, ages 3 to 10. frequently resounds in the Cook Gym, involved in a research study! The Test for and it’s a joy to see it every day in class. Gross Motor Development, 3rd Edition, In order for Lamplighter to be eligible as by Dr. Dale Ulrich is currently in the test site, I had to demonstrate reliability process of being updated, and researchers in scoring. So, for the first time in many were looking for test sites to help with years, I took a test! I was sent two videos, normative data collection. The University each showing a child performing all of Michigan School of Kinesiology, Center portions of the TGMD-3. I scored all six on Physical Activity and Health in Pediatric components on the locomotor subtest Disabilities, posted an ad on the Texas and all seven components on the ball Association for Health, Physical Education, skills subtest for each child, and then and Dance e-newsletter looking for submitted my total performance criteria schools willing and able to participate in scores. I was thrilled when I received the latest version of the TGMD. This is an email permitting me to begin the an individually administered instrument standardization process. Currently there designed to measure the gross motor are around 100 U.S. sites participating as abilities of pre-school and school-age well as sites in 12 other countries. children. It is one of the most widely used assessments in the U.S. and worldwide. This is such a wonderful chance for professional development and a once- That’s were I entered the picture. in-a career opportunity. The bonus has I responded to the ad by contacting Dr. been working with kids one-on-one and Kip Webster, a Post-Doctoral Research seeing their excitement in helping with Kathy Ritz with early childhood students

LAMPPOST 23 StaffStories

LampPost introduces “Staff Stories.” With this new section of our publication, the goal is to spotlight Lamplighter staff members who embody the concept of “forever learners.” While they may work behind the scenes at our school, their life experiences and diverse hobbies truly demonstrate the spirit of Lamplighter. Learn more about these valuable members of our community and their immersion in art, adventure, and volunteerism.

Self– Starters StaffStories

Friends in Low and High Places By Ed Goff | Network Administrator I grew up with a love of the outdoors, them, practically a global network of cave and insulated climbing boots and headed nurtured by family car-camping trips explorers. From them, I learned how south, a little nervous and not knowing out west every summer. I read books to make accurate maps of caves using quite what to expect. What I found was a about explorers and mountaineers, but surveying equipment. I learned how to rig hard slog up steep snow to an absolutely I assumed the world had already been ropes and descend and ascend them to breathtaking summit. It was enough to get explored. The wildernesses I knew all explore vertical caves. me hooked. had campgrounds. High mountains, on the other hand, seemed remote and Over the years, I’ve visited and explored In 2005, I went with the same group out of reach. It wasn’t until my mid-20s caves in 11 U.S. states, Mexico, and Peru. to Peru to try a couple of 6,000-meter that these influences clicked into a real It would be hard to pick a favorite of all Andean peaks, Tocllaraju and Chopicalqui. hobby. One day in 1994, a friend made an the caves I’ve seen, but one that comes to I came down with the flu on the plane and offhand remark about spelunking that got mind is a 1,650-foot-deep cave called El landed in Lima with a 104-degree fever. It’s me thinking: Hmm, I’ve been to tourist- Pozo de Montemayor in the mountains of a wonder I made it through the airport. attraction caves like Carlsbad Caverns northern Mexico. To get to the bottom of Over the next few days, I recovered just with lights, paved trails, gift shops... But this cave, you rappel down one huge pit enough to attempt the climbs. I didn’t those caves haven’t always been that after another lined with towering calcite summit on either one, but I got very close way... Someone must have discovered formations hundreds of feet high. For me, on Chopicalqui, just a couple hundred and explored them... I wonder if there the best thing about caving is that it’s still feet from the top. Turning around there are caves that haven’t been explored... I possible to discover strange, beautiful was a disappointing moment, but I took wonder if there are people who do that... places like this where no human has ever some solace in the fact that I was higher set foot. than the summit of Mount McKinley, the Once these wheels started turning, it highest point in North America. wasn’t long before I located some actual Getting deeper into caving eventually “cavers” (who, it turns out, disdain the led me higher, too. In 2002 some caver Since then I’ve climbed Orizaba, the term “spelunker”) and started going friends in Mexico who were also highest of the Mexican volcanoes caving, first at Colorado Bend State Park mountaineers invited me along on a at 18,500 feet and the third-highest here in Texas–which is still a great place climb of Izta (pronounced EES-tah, short mountain in North America; Mount to get started caving–then branching out for Iztaccíhuatl), a 17,159-foot-high Rainier in the Cascades; a couple of to other caves around the state, other dormant volcano not far from Mexico peaks in the Canadian Rockies; and states, and other countries. I learned that City. Izta is one of three high volcanoes some Colorado 14-ers. Lately, caving yes, there are caves left to explore: many in Mexico with permanent glaciers on and mountaineering have been taking a thousands of caves all over the world and their slopes. (These are the only glaciers backseat to another challenging pursuit: new ones being found every day, caves between Colombia and Colorado, and raising four little explorers. Different as deep as 7,000 feet and as long as 400 they’re steadily shrinking; their days are summits, different discoveries, but no less miles. And there are people who explore numbered.) I bought an ice axe, crampons, an adventure.

LAMPPOST 25 StaffStories Big Easy to Big D by Kathy St. Clair Lamplighter Controller

Born in New Orleans, I am the oldest and only girl of five. So I’m sure you’ll understand why I decided to go to school in Texas – I had to get away from those boys! After receiving my degree from the University of North Texas, I went on to work for Ernst & Young, LLP as a staff auditor. Most of my career has been in audit; my past roles include audit manager with A. H. Belo, senior financial analyst with Hunt Oil Company, and senior auditor with Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP. After working in corporate for 15 years, I never thought I would transition into education; however, Johanna Nystrom and family this has been one of the best decisions I have made. I am excited about my new role as Controller here at Lamplighter, and I’m overwhelmed by the hospitality I received since I started in December. Not only did I start a new job, I just got married! Nate and were married here in Dallas on Saturday, April 18. This is a busy yet exciting time for me, and I’m enjoying every minute!

Greg and I were part owners of his True Texan family’s printing business for five years. by Johanna Nystrom Most of my career has been spent in Finance/HR Coordinator not-for-profit organizations. I served as the Director of Operations for The Art Center of Waco for eight years before Texas has always been my home. I was moving to the Dallas area in 1998 and born in Beaumont but lived most of my starting my career at Lamplighter. life in Waco. I enjoyed running track, played in high school, and While in Waco, I enjoyed numerous took whatever racket sport I could in volunteer opportunities such as college. My husband, Greg, and I met Parents’ Association President for two in badminton class in college, of all years and General Chairman for the places! We just celebrated our 35th Brazos River Festival, which benefitted wedding anniversary. Our children, the Historic Waco Foundation. At the Ryan and Whitney, are graduates of time, it was the second-largest all- TCU. Greg is a Baylor graduate, and I volunteer festival in the state of Texas am a recent graduate of the University with over 2,000 volunteers. of North Texas. We welcomed our first grandchild, Lucy Grey Nystrom, on My hobbies include cooking, March 30, 2014. We are fortunate that needlework, and spending time she lives so close in Frisco. with family and friends. Kathy St. Clair and family

26 LAMPPOST StaffStories Designing Woman by Ana Bohanan | Lamplighter Communication and Design Coordinator

When I am asked about being an artist, prop stylist and builder, art director, tough the easiest thing to say is that I make stuff. negotiator, pizza baker–you get the idea. I’m an artist, designer, stylist, and maker I ran my own design business for several of things. years, specializing in hand-made cards and invitations, including one card line that I love to design and build everything from was sold nationally, and another that was props and costumes to jewelry and home sold during the holiday season at Crate furnishings and photo styling is one of my & Barrel stores. Another of my favorite passions. If I have an idea for something jobs was building craft props for Better I want, I look around at what I have on Homes & Gardens magazine. hand, and I make it! I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. Isabella, my 14 year-old daughter, is also a very talented artist. She introduced me Both my parents are creative, even to Anime and cosplay. We love working thought they would not call themselves together designing costumes and props artists. My mom always had a craft for anime conventions. At the first project in the works and was very convention I went to, I was surprised to talented at sewing. She taught me to see so many talented and creative people how use the sewing machine at a young all in one place in these amazing and age and I loved to make clothes and elaborate costumes. It’s really a lot of fun furnishings for my dolls. She also provided and inspiring! me with private art lessons and all the art supplies I wanted. My dad is also very Prior to coming to Lamplighter, I worked clever and can make anything. We would at Dallas advertising agency TracyLocke as go out in the garage and build dog houses, an art producer for eight years producing science projects, and costumes and props photo shoots for clients such as Pepsi, for school plays. Looking back, I suppose Harrah’s, 7-Eleven, and Pizza Hut, among I grew up in a kind of “maker space”with others. I didn’t really know what to freedom to experiment and create. expect when I left the crazy advertising world to work at a school. I was familiar My mom took me to see art all the time– with Lamplighter, but I had no idea it something we still enjoy doing together. would become by far my favorite job that When I was in elementary school, I saw I have ever had. It’s the best mix of all an Alexander Calder sculpture exhibit of the things I love to do – fine art and at the Dallas Museum of Art and I said, communication design. “That’s what I want to do!” In college I majored in fine art and received a Working in Communications with BFA in Sculpture from the University Communications and Marketing Director of North Texas. Several years later, I Ed Ritenour, I wear all of the hats I’ve returned to complete an additional BFA collected over the years in advertising in communication design. as art director, art producer, and print producer. I also get to work with one of I have worked in photo production, my favorite artists and friends, art teacher advertising, and design for more than 20 Pam O’Krent, collaborating and designing years in various creative and sometimes displays of the children’s wonderful art. I not-so-creative roles. I’ve been a photo have discovered that Lamplighter truly is producer, studio manager, food stylist, an environment of life-long learning!

LAMPPOST 27 AlumniNow Where are they now? THE LATEST ON WHAT YOUR CLASSMATES ARE DOING 2009 Lamplighter alums Rives Castleman and Holmes Davis, students at ESD, and Whit Payne, a student at St. Mark’s School of Texas, were reunited in Switzerland during the fall 2014 semester.

See page 32 for more.

1974 1976 1978 1980 Jeff Miller remembers the Mike Wallace lives in Lucy Reeves Wrubel is a Jennifer Bryan is a excitement of running in the Austin with his wife Kate and fifth generation Texan and DJ paraeducator at Manhattan High Lamplighter auditorium during son Morgan (6). By day he is for clubs and events all over School in Manhattan, Kansas. afterschool athletics. After a contract negotiator in the the world. Lucy graduated from graduating from St. Mark’s Legal Department at Dell, Highland Park High School and Courtney Nichols Gould School of Texas, he attended where he has just begun his film school at the University of is the founder of SmartyPants McNeese State University 10th year of service. Mike is an Southern California. Her career LLC, makers of gummi on a rodeo scholarship and active member of Austin Ridge in the arts has included voice vitamins for kids and adults. received a bachelor’s degree Bible Church and takes every overs, acting jobs, and work For every bottle the company in agriculture and business. opportunity he can get to with the famed Groundlings sells, a matching nutrient grant Before joining Halliburton in stalk bass on local waters with Improv Troupe. Lucy’s daughter, is made to a child or expectant 1997, Jeff worked for Arthur his fly rod and race 30-foot Stella, is a current third grade mother in need that covers Andersen LLP for eight years. sailboats on Lake Travis. (Sadly student at Lamplighter. one year’s worth of Vitamin In 2012, Jeff was honored there aren’t nearly enough A. This lifesaving supplement with an Outstanding Alumni such opportunities…) Mike program is recognized to Award from Mays Business was a 2006-2007 Lamplighter be the most efficient way to School at Texas A&M where Spirit Award recipient. eliminate 25 percent of global he earned his MBA. Jeff and his childhood mortality. Courtney wife Rhonda will celebrate 28 reports that her company terrific years of marriage in May has made nearly 750,000 2015 and have two outstanding matching one-for-one grants boys, ages 20 and 17. Jeff is since the program’s launch currently the President of in 2010. Courtney is married Halliburton Company. to Gordon Gould and is the Stella and Lucy Wrubel ’78 stepmother of two children, Kylan (12), and Oliver (10). The Goulds have lived in Mike Wallace ’76 28 LAMPPOST AlumniNow Venice Beach, California, since how things had changed at quirks (e.g. ukuleles!). Sarah Marc Wallenstein moved 2009. Prior to that, Courtney Lamplighter since her time as commented, “Having recently to Honolulu, Hawaii, and lived in New York City for 15 a student. Flauren remarked gone through the experience was sworn in as an Assistant years. The 1980 graduate says about her visit, “What a huge of lining up a new daycare/ Attorney. she “Loves Lamplighter so treat for me: sitting in the well preschool for my kids and He previously served as a much. It’s a place dear to our again as an alum and parent now starting to think about law clerk to a local federal whole family!” and reading to my son Jack’s kindergarten options, I have appellate judge. Marc has pre-K class with his brother really begun to appreciate the aspired to serve as a federal Leo on Leo’s third birthday!” influence that Lamplighter had prosecutor for most of on me. I find myself looking his adult life, and achieving for something similar for my this goal is, as he described, own kids. Specifically, I find “the most humbling and myself gravitating to programs satisfying experience of that encourage creativity my professional career.” and experiential learning, Marc says he is “immensely harnessing a child’s vivid grateful” to all the teachers, imagination to guide learning.” coaches, professors, friends, and supervisors “who have Courtney Nichols Gould ’80 After Lamplighter, Sarah attended Greenhill School been there for him” along the and The Hockaday School, way, including the “incredible Flauren Fagadau Bender ’90 before moving to Connecticut teachers at Lamplighter who 1985 so thoughtfully shaped the was where she graduated. Sarah Priya Swamy Zeikus lives early years.” recently named president of Sarah Cross O’Brien received her BSE at Princeton in Palo Alto, California with the Dallas Dermatological and an MBA at Harvard. Sarah her high school sweetheart Society. Two of Priya’s four manages the Global Advanced (and now husband) Brandon children are currently Analytics Practice for Bain & and their two sons, 4 and 2. attending Lamplighter. Company, a strategy consulting After living in Seattle for five firm. She says her primary years, Sarah and her family accomplishment these days is moved back to the Silicon juggling career and family. Sarah 1990 Valley in September. Sarah’s enjoys watching sports of Flauren Fagadau Bender favorite Lamplighter memory many kinds, reading, watching recently participated in Alumni is the Halloween Parade…a movies, and taking advantage Days at Lamplighter. She fun event that exemplified of living in places with beautiful read to pre-K students and the strong community feel of surroundings. answered questions about Lamplighter and its unique Marc Wallenstein ’90

Lilly of the VAlley Lilly Albritton just completed her Ph.D. in 1991 Humanities with a focus on Aesthetics Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. Since 2007, Lilly has photographed the festivities and rituals surrounding the Virgin of Guadalupe’s feast day in seven cities: Mexico City; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Los Angeles; San Antonio; El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Phoenix. In a recent photography show at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary, Lilly’s dissertation ¡Qué Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! bore witness to the beauty and pride inherent in these expressions of popular devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Lilly’s son James Briant is a current Lamplighter student. Lilly is the incoming president of Lamplighter’s Alumni Council.

LAMPPOST 29 AlumniNow captivating Follow Me video 1993 1994 of a 24-hour visual journey to Ashley Carter completed Sean Leatherbury inspiring destinations. Hotel her master’s degree in taught art history courses in guests will also be provided Educational Leadership and Brooklyn at Kingsborough an exclusive Gray Malin-shot Policy from the University Community College, finished image on their key cards. of Texas. She is working as a post-doctoral fellowship Gray is also collaborating a pre-AP biology instructor in Jerusalem, and then had a with Sperry Top-Siders for a at MacArthur High School respite in Kilarney, Ireland. He collection that matches his in Irving. Ashely’s daughter is now doing research and images with American iconic Jordan is a current Lamplighter writing at the Getty Villa in Los style and celebrates the spirit student. Ashley serves on the Finley Harbaugh ’93 Angeles. Sean has a contract of the sea. Lamplighter Alumni Council. Scott Palmer is Director for a book on late antique art, titled Inscribing Faith in Late is a of Advancement Operations Finley Harbaugh Antiquity: Between Reading and member of the Industrial and at St. Mark’s School of Texas. Technology Practice Groups Scott will finish his MBA at Seeing, which will be published at Stanton Chase International. SMU this summer. He and his by Ashgate Press in 2016. She identifies and places wife Joni have an 18-month- top talent across functions, old daughter, Renee. Scott with particular expertise serves on the Lamplighter 1996 in operations, engineering, Alumni Council. Gray Malin is best known sales, and marketing search for his aerial photos, often assignments. Her clients capturing the beaches of Gray Malin ’96 include both Fortune 500 Australia, Europe, and Africa corporations and venture from above — a habit he capital-backed enterprises in picked up after observing 1997 North America, APAC and beachgoers from a Las Vegas Colin Leatherbury is EMEA. In addition to serving balcony. Gray has recently working in Sales Finance on Lamplighter’s Alumni announced his first global at Twitter. He enjoys Council, Finley is an active partnership with Le Méridien experiencing the challenge and volunteer for Carry the Load, Hotels and Resorts for Follow beauty of nature – climbing Mt. CASA, and Equest Therapeutic Me, a multifacted global St. Helens, camping under the Horsemanship. Scott Palmer ’93 and family art collection. Le Méridien Northern Lights, and hiking hotel lobbies will feature the the Hornstrandir in Iceland.

GRACE’S GIFT Grace Cook still has her Lamplighter senior jacket, and it fits! She has worn it to recent Lamplighter Carnivals and loves 1998 the stares she gets from the kids. One of Grace’s favorite Lamplighter memories is the fourth grade Opera where she was a zombie princess. Grace earned numerous awards when she was selling knives for CUTCO: she broke her first national sales record by selling $37,000 in her first 10 days and was the fastest and youngest person to hit $250,000 in sales in company history. Grace’s sales background now helps her fundraise for HeartGift. The group works to make sure that children in developing countries with congenital heart defects can get surgeries to save their lives. Cook, who serves as a board member for the organization, was able to travel to Ulan Bator, Mongolia, with the family of one such child in November. Cook Grace Cook in Costa Rica and with heart patient Chintushig and his acted as a transporter, meaning that she accompanied the family parents at the airport. on their trip back home to make sure everything ran smoothly with passports and other necessary documentation. 30 LAMPPOST AlumniNow BANKS STATEMENT 1998 2000 Hunter Banks is a Ph.D. student Brian Banks is working as a in the physics department of the consultant at Bain & Company. He University of California, Santa Barbara graduated with highest honors from where he is studying semiconductors University of Texas at Austin with a and nonlinear optics. He is set to B.S. in Math and a B.A. in Plan II. Brian graduate next year. Hunter enjoys fondly remembers playing daily soccer programming in the backyard, playing games during recess at Lamplighter. , and cooking. His most vivid and He still regularly hangs out with two favorite Lamplighter memories come of his Lamplighter classmates, Mark from Carnival with all the stands and Butler ’00 and Aaron Milner ’00. rides. “Those were so much fun.” 2004 Katie Banks is currently a junior at George Washington University where Hunter ’98, Brian ’00, she has been accepted into an early selection program for the medical school. and Katie ’04 in Fall 2014 Katie is majoring in Women’s Studies and minoring in Biology and Sustainability (above) and a throwback and does undergraduate research in the biology department. Katie enjoys to Lamplighter Carnival theater and dance. She co-produced the student production of the Nutcracker, days (right). directed a One Act, and is also on an executive board for a student theater group as an associate producer. Katie had the opportunity to study modern art in Paris for a class, and she said “It was amazing!”

for water polo. Tim is one of the Headmistress’ List and 2006 2007 just two high school players received the Sudie Duncan Katie Payne is a freshman Katherine Dau is a senior invited to compete with Character Award. Sloane plays on the Dean’s List at Duke at The Hockaday School. She the New York Athletic Club junior varsity soccer, varsity University and is hoping received the Smith College team in the USA Water Polo , and . to study Political Science Book Award and the Sudie and Women’s Studies. Last National League in Orinda, Outside school, Sloane enjoys Duncan Award for Citizenship. semester, she took part in California. Tim is serving on volunteering for Habitat for an intensive program that Katherine is involved in Meals the 2015 Lamplighter Young Humanity, photography, and focused on American Studies. on Wheels and serves on the Alumni Car Wash committee. tutoring. She also loves dogs. Katie currently contributes to Nasher Sculpture Center His hobbies include screen Sloane is serving on the 2015 an online student publication Student Advisory Board. writing and film studies. Tim Lamplighter Young Alumni Car called The Standard and Katherine is a member of also plays varsity volleyball. Wash committee. writes a bi-monthly column the 2015 Lamplighter Young on modern feminism and Alumni Car Wash committee. female culture today. Katie hopes to continue writing on 2009 Tim Simenc is a senior at George Dau is currently women and politics and will be St. Mark’s School of Texas studying at the London School attending St. Mark’s School and signed a letter of intent of Economics this summer. of Texas where he is on the Check out her articles at to play water polo for the Honor Roll and Captain of getthestandard.com. University of California at The Rocketry Club. Building Berkeley. Tim will be the first and flying planes and drones native Texan ever to play at is one of his hobbies. George Cal. Tim was named the best grows an annual crop of high school water polo player Tim Simenc ’07 the hottest peppers in the in Texas last season and has world (Carolina Reaper) competed throughout the hydroponically. George is the world, including for Team USA 2008 2015 Lamplighter Young Alumni at the 2014 Pan American Sloane Castleman is Car Wash Committee Chair. Games. He is also a member a junior at The Hockaday of the Youth National Team School where she is on Katie Payne ’06 LAMPPOST 31 AlumniNow SOPHOMORES IN SWITZERLAND When sophomores Whit Payne, a student at St. 2009 Mark’s School of Texas, and Rives Castleman and Holmes Davis of ESD visited Italy on a Lamplighter summer trip five years ago, they never thought they would be reunited in Switzerland during the fall 2014 semester. “They were thrilled to see each other there! What a funny coincidence that the lifelong friends did not know that they would all be applying to the same Swiss Semester,” smiled Whit’s mom, Jennifer Karol. According to the program’s website, “Swiss Semester is a coeducational program of academic, personal, and physical challenge for high school sophomores located in Zermatt. This outdoor paradise epitomizes the security, stability, healthfulness, and natural beauty for which Switzerland is renowned.” I am always amazed at what these sophomores are capable of given the appropriate caption needed challenges and the encouragement to overcome them,” said Swiss Semester Director Kris Robbins. Among other activities, the group was able to climb mountains, including the Matterhorn.

Friends Forever: Holmes Davis, Rives Castleman, and Whit Payne

orphan in the sequel to Annie, Alumni Car Wash committee. 2009 2010 Annie Warbucks, and played a He has been snorkeling with Ali Simenc is a sophomore Sarah Hodgson is a 70’s, 90’s, and current girl in sharks and sea turtles in the at Greenhill School where she freshman at The Hockaday A Firehouse Christmas. Kirsten Galápagos. has received the Latin Student School where she is on the also serves on the 2015 Award, the Humanitarian Award, Headmistress’ List. Sarah also Lamplighter Young Alumni Danny Enrico is in the sixth the Student Council Award, volunteers as a member of Car Wash committee. grade at Greenhill School and the President Award. She National Charity League. where he is on the high honor has taken five different language roll. Danny has two dogs courses. Ali remembers her first 2013 and is involved in baseball, day of school at Lamplighter 2011 James Carr is currently lacrosse, and playing drums. when all of the lights went out Shea Castleman is in the attending St. Mark’s School He also serves on the 2015 and everyone had to meet each eigth grade at The Hockaday of Texas. He is a part of KD Lamplighter Young Alumni other with the use of flashlights. School where she is involved Studio Actors Conservatory Car Wash committee. Ali also serves on the 2015 in lacrosse, cross country, and and Theatre Three. James Lamplighter Young Alumni Car the school newspaper. In the also serves on the 2015 Jack Genender is currently Wash committee. summers, she goes to Camp Lamplighter Young Alumni attending St. Mark’s School of Longhorn. Shea also serves on Car Wash committee. Texas. Jack enjoys water polo. the 2015 Lamplighter Young Jared Steinhart is currently He also serves on the 2015 attending Highland Park High Alumni Car Wash committee. Jake Darlak is in the sixth Lamplighter Young Alumni Car School where he received grade at St. John’s Episcopal Wash committee. the Community Service and School where he is the grade Citizenship Awards. Jared 2012 representative for Student Everett Graves is in the participates also serves on the 2015 Kirsten Kirk Council and received the sixth grade at Greenhill School in choir and piano at The Lamplighter Young Alumni Citizenship Award. He is where he is on the high honor Hockaday School where she Car Wash committee. on the honor roll, in the roll. Everett is involved in soccer, is in the seventh grade. She Math Club, and involved in baseball, lacrosse, and robotics. enjoys singing, acting, playing , cross country, and Everett also serves on the 2015 guitar, volleyball, , . Jake enjoys skiing and Lamplighter Young Alumni Car and . Kirsten was in reading. He is a Star rank Boy Wash committee. He fondly two shows at The Firehouse Scout and received the Lion recalls the Lamplighter United Theatre in Farmer’s Branch, Heart Award. Jake also serves soccer team. where she played a new on the 2015 Lamplighter Young

32 LAMPPOST AlumniNow Inez Johnson is currently Zoë Purdy recently at The Hockaday School. volunteered in the Lamplighter Let it shine! Inez plays soccer and enjoys Media Center. She is in the doodling, skiing, rock climbing, sixth grade at Greenhill School backpacking, and dancing and is involved in gymnastics. spazzily to Taylor Swift. Inez has climbed 14,154 foot Mount Democrat. She also serves on the 2015 Lamplighter Young Alumni Car Wash committee. Winning the Lamplighter Layers presidency is Inez’s favorite Lamplighter memory.

Emma Light is on the 2015 Lamplighter Young Alumni Car Wash Committee. Emma Patricia Vermillion and Zoë Purdy ’13 recently visited Lamplighter Lamplighter’s Fifth Annual and was able to enjoy Avery Savage is currently Young Alumni Car Wash homemade ice cream that in the sixth grade at The students made with Mr. Burton Hockaday School and is and Ms. Pollom in science. involved in dance. Avery Saturday, May 9 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Emma is involved in lacrosse also serves on the 2015 and tennis and attends Lamplighter Young Alumni Volunteers Still Needed! Greenhill School. She has Car Wash committee. The car wash committee is made up of current middle and traveled to Africa. high school Alumni who plan the event, secure sponsors, create posters and banners, and sell cookies, lemonade, and 2014 t-shirts. Join us at Lamplighter for this fun event that supports Matthew Wiggans is Lamplighter. Contact Christian Freberg at 214-369-9201, ext. in the fifth grade at Parish 355, or email her at [email protected]. Episcopal School. He performed in the middle The 2015 Lamplighter School Young Alumni Car Wash Committee school’s production of You’re A Committee Chair Good Man, Charlie Brown with George Dau - Sophomore Jack Kraus – Sophomore six other Lamplighter alumni St. Mark’s School of Texas Greenhill School in the cast, and one directing Committee Members Emma Light – 6th Grade the show (Jessica Barnett ’97). Dulany Bloom – 6th Grade Greenhill School Sue McCullough and Emma Light ’13 Greenhill School Matthew also participated in Sarah Lochridge – 8th Grade Carolina Campbell – Sophomore Good Shepherd Episcopal School a Lego robotics competition. The Hockaday School Ben Meyer enjoys tennis He recently volunteered in the Ben Meyer – 6th Grade James Carr – 6th Grade St. Mark’s School of Texas and card manipulation. He is Lamplighter Media Center. St. Mark’s School of Texas in the sixth grade at St. Mark’s Margot Meyer – 5th Grade Sloane Castleman – Junior The Hockaday School School of Texas. Ben has won The Hockaday School 10 medals with the math team. Avery Mitts – 6th Grade Shea Castleman – 8th Grade The Hockaday School Ben fondly remembers the The Hockaday School Michael Mosle – Junior Lamplighter playground tunnel, Jake Darlak – 6th Grade St. Mark’s School of Texas the swings, and the zip line. St. John’s Episcopal School Alex Rose – Freshman Ben also serves on the 2015 Katherine Dau – Senior Greenhill School The Hockaday School Lamplighter Young Alumni Car Avery Savage – 6th Grade Wash committee. Danny Enrico – 6th Grade The Hockaday School Greenhill School Emma Siegel – Sophomore Avery Mitts is a member Jack Genender – 6th Grade The Hockaday School Matthew Wiggans ’14 and Kate Ogden St. Mark’s School of Texas of the 2015 Lamplighter Ali Simenc – Sophomore Young Alumni Car Wash Everett Graves – 6th Grade Greenhill School Greenhill School Committee. Avery attends Tim Simenc – Senior The Hockaday School and is Inez Johnson – 6th Grade St. Mark’s School of Texas The Hockaday School involved in soccer, volleyball, Jared Steinhart – Sophomore and basketball. Kirsten Kirk – 7th Grade Highland Park High School The Hockaday School

LAMPPOST 33 President’sCorner

Year in Review from the LPA President events organized by Cultural Awareness Several key LPA Board volunteers kept the Chairs Stephanie Byrd and Elayna Erick. LPA organization running smoothly all Children snacked on Cuban food during year. Treasurers Suzanne Pham and Amisha Hispanic Heritage month, learned about Patel meticulously tracked LPA finances. Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings for Secretary Mandy Dake carefully documented Gandhi Day, experienced the Lion Dance for meetings and maintained records. Carpool the Lunar New Year and, in May, will honor Chair Natalie Johnson spent summer hours their own heritage for Children’s Day. preparing carpool packages. Volunteer Chairs Jen Lochridge and Amy Mitts closely Keeping parents properly informed managed the volunteer database to ensure through effective communication is key. shifts were properly staffed. President-Elect New Families Coordinators Tiffany Shannon Morse and President Advisor Wilmer and Cindy Hanson did a fabulous Courtney Plumlee provided sound advice Dear Lamplighter Families: job welcoming new families last spring and and countless hours of work to the LPA Starting last spring, LPA committees summer and kept the dialogue flowing all organization. Their collaboration provided began fresh plans for the coming year. year. Communication Chair Denise Stewart me critical support to perform the role Their diligent work has continued since. worked with school staff to publish an of President. Under the leadership of impeccable weekly eNews and eReminder. Much as our children enjoy the room to the phenomenal incoming LPA President All of our Grade Level Coordinators – dream, imagine, design, and create, I have Shannon Morse, next year promises to McKinley Wier, Rachel Trowbridge, Nicole seen the same spirit in our LPA Board, to be fantastic. Householder, Mary Nix, Kris Keesy, Selena amazing ends. Lyons, Heather Balestri, Karen Lobdell, Pam Wills-Ward, Dana Garner, and Mi All of our LPA programs are run Most visible of all LPA activities are our Jung Warner – kept us organized with in cooperation with the school’s sensational events. We kicked off the Sunday emails and coordinated back-to- administration. Dr. Joan Hill and the entire year with the Under the Big Top Carnival school parties, all of which foster a sense leadership team have been incredibly chaired by Brenna Lambert and Stefanie of community. supportive. Director of Advancement, Nielson. It was over-the-top fun for the Sandy Diamond, and Parent Relations whole family with food, grand attractions, Several committees were dedicated to Coordinator, Cindy Connolly, have stilt walkers, the chicken toss, and the reaching out to key Lamplighter constituents. tirelessly worked and fostered an invaluable much-anticipated senior jacket ceremony! Faculty and Staff Appreciation Chairs partnership with the LPA Board. Catherine MacMahon, Janelle Pinnell, The winter holiday season brought us the and Katie Oudt beautifully coordinated I am so grateful for the 2014-15 LPA Media Center Open House chaired by food deliveries and special holiday and Board, all parent volunteers, and our Danielle Cate and Treasure Hickman. It year-end appreciation events for faculty school partners, and I’m excited for the was a festive day of donating books and and staff. Dads’ Program Coordinator year to come! iPads in honor of our cherished faculty and Eric Loehr planned Donuts with Dads, staff as we listened to student musicians. Popsicles with Pops, and a dads’ group in Sincerely, support of Carnival. Community Outreach Our Celebration of Innovation Auction was Chairs Kristen Phillips, Laura Godkin, and out of this world. Chair Laura Trubey, along Kate Hoedebeck continued to strengthen with Co-Chairs Emily Clarke, Erin Hillman, Lamplighters’ relationship with our Carmen Yung Aarthi Ram, Megan Ratcliff, and Naheed COMMIT! partner schools and facilitated Shahid, created an evening featuring fiercely meaningful service projects for our children futuristic ambiance, delicious bites, music with Austin Street Shelter. by DJ Lucy Wrubel, dancing on a light-up dance floor, and irresistible auction items, all We could not fund these LPA events and to support the Faculty/Staff Development programs without two critical fundraisers: Endowed Fund! Spirit Store Chairs Allegra Feito and Natalie Oudt selected fun Lamplighter International Night, chaired by Lori attire that was a smash hit with kids and Browne, engaged explorers to “travel” parents alike. Friday Lunch Chairs Sunny to more than 20 countries while enjoying Knocke and Robyn Neuhoff worked food, entertainment, and the senior flag their magic each Friday throughout the parade of nations. Throughout the year, year arranging for every child to receive a custom-ordered hot lunch. students were able to experience multiple Board Members of the 2014-2015 Lamplighter Parents’ Association 34 LAMPPOST AlumniSpirit Award Sharing the Spirit Spirit Award Recipients at ESD, introduced the second honoree, their The Lamplighter Spirit Award was established mother, Kirsten Kerrigan. Just as Kirsten in 2003 during the 50th Anniversary of the Kerrigan was about to approach the stage and school to recognize individuals who embody accept her award, a surprise visitor appeared. the spirit of Lamplighter. Unexpectedly daughter Katie Kerrigan stunned her family and the audience. She embraced her 2014 – 2015 family and then re-introduced her mother. Judy Gass Wiping joyful tears from her eyes, Kirsten Kirsten Kerrigan Kerrigan approached the podium and after expressing her appreciation, explained that 2013 – 2014 Sheila McCartor her story “is simply that I am a Lamplighter Juli McGinnis mom who was lucky enough to get involved.” Kerrigan explained that she attended all Kirsten Kerrigan and Judy Gass 2012 – 2013 the school programs: “Hootenannies and Nicole Small ’83 To kick off the School’s Alumni Days, more Halloween parades since 1996.” She smiled than 100 faculty, staff, parents, board members, and said that she was able “to do all of this 2011 – 2012 and alumni attended the annual Lamplighter because I was a Lamplighter mom!” Kerrigan Kate Mosle ’04 Spirit Award Luncheon on February 18. This said that even though her kids moved on, she Frank Welch year’s honors were awarded to Board of wanted to stay involved “and give back to the Trustees member Kirsten Kerrigan and former place that had given so much to our family.” 2010 – 2011 Lamplighter Parents’ Association Interim Head of School Judy Gass. The award Admitting little experience and confidence, Kerrigan announced that she “branched out, was established in 2003 during the School’s 2009 – 2010 50th anniversary. According to Greg Marquess, grew, and explored. I learned new things and David Corrigan ’68 President of the Lamplighter Alumni Council, loved learning.” she grinned. David Fields ’71 Kerrigan and Gass were chosen because they Jennifer Mosle “embody the Spirit of Lamplighter; lifelong “I gained confidence and made lifelong learners who are willing to take risks and friends…Sounds a little familiar doesn’t it?” 2008 – 2009 display creativity in their work.” she asked the participants. Kerrigan explained Teel Gray that Lamplighter did for her what it had done Dr. Carmen Michael Annual Alumni Award for her children. “This place touches you and Dr. Ludwig Michael your family and gives our children the very best luncheon celebrates “lifelong start they could possibly have.” She explained 2007 – 2008 Steven Davidoff ’85 that while her children are long gone from learners who embody the David Miller Lamplighter she is “lucky to still be involved.” Kevin Miller ’76 spirit of Lamplighter” Barbara Nichols Lamplighter also celebrated Alumni Days during Karen Pollock, former Lamplighter Board the same week, in conjunction with the annual 2006 – 2007 Chair, introduced the first recipient to be Spirit Award Luncheon. Lamplighter welcomed Marilyn Corrigan recognized, Judy Gass. Explaining how she several alums to campus for visits with Early Jeff Mankoff ’71 embodies this award, Pollock said Gass’ Childhood and Lower School students including Michael Wallace ’76 sense of humor and wisdom are a magical Finley Harbaugh ’93, Ashley Carter ’93, Flauren combination. Bender ’90, and Lucy Reeves Wrubel ’78. 2005 – 2006 Daniel W. Cook, III Gass began her speech by thanking the B.G. Porter ’75 Lamplighter community for allowing her the opportunity as interim Head “to risk and lead 2004 – 2005 and win and lose in a small and supportive Rolf R. Haberecht atmosphere with confidence and strength.” She H. Scurry Johnson ’73 Pat Mattingly explained how grateful she was “to have been a part of the history of this amazing and unique 2003 – 2004 school. I appreciate this award more than I Sara Albert could ever describe.” Jennifer A. Bryan ’80 Judge Robert Porter (posthumously) Wearing their now-too-small Lamplighter letter Eric M. Reeves ’74 jackets, David and Patrick Kerrigan, students Finley Harbaugh ’93 presented to students during Margaret Jonsson Rogers Alumni Week LAMPPOST 35 Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TEXAS Permit No. 1486

Parents: If this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent residence in your home, please send us the correct address to the school address above or email it to [email protected]

You are the spark . . . that inspires the joy of learning

Your gift is the spark that helps ignite the joy of learning in our students. Thank you for supporting the 2014-2015 Lamplighter Annual Fund!