The Carey School Volume Three – Summer 2012

Carey ConnectionA News Magazine for The Carey School Community In This Issue This edition of the magazine is A very special thank you to dedicated to Bob Simpson and the the following individuals 1 Welcome first Board of Trustees of The Carey for their dedication and 2 Letter from President of the Board School. Under their leadership, support in this edition of of Trustees the Carey Connection. Carey grew from a small, for- profit 4 Hitting the Ground Running: A Leader private school to one recognized Editor with a Vision locally, statewide and nationally Marla Levy 6 A View of the Homeroom Bob Simpson for its excellence in education. Ad- ditionally, through a process of accreditation, Carey became Official School 10 World Languages an independent school. Bob and the board accomplished a Photographer 12 Professional Development very long list of great things for Carey, always guided by the Veronica Riedel school’s foundational culture, which recognized that Carey is History Comes Alive! Other Photographs not just a small school, but also a large family. Valuing Early Childhood Education Taken by Raymond Difley 14 Faculty at Work When the Carey sisters retired in 1989, the enrollment was at Lisa Fowler Diversity Committee 149 students. There were no business, advancement or admis- Dana Goldberg sions offices; no parent association and no budget. Accredita- Michael Hildreth Math Committee tion, independent school and professional development for Daisy Hsiao Green and Verdant Committee faculty were not found in the lexicon of Carey’s vocabulary. Contributors Technology Committee Laura Agarwal Carey’s transition to an independent school was made pos- Literature Week Committee Zita Agazzi sible only through the efforts and hard work of the board, Sherry Anoush 17 Aretha Franklin Meets The Carey School: which through its very tangible commitment, engendered Betsy Berman A Lesson in R-E-S-P-E-C-T the support of faculty, staff, parents, alumni and the local com- Roberta Chopra 18 Secret Sauce: The Making of a Carey munity. “In those days, the board lived at the school,” says Bob. Liz Considine School Tradition They inspired in word and action. Budgets were established, Raymond Difley water heaters installed, basements cleaned, classrooms paint- Linda Dugoni 20 So Happy Together: Fostering Meaning- Lisa Fowler ed, fundraising and advancement infrastructures established. ful Connections at Carey Maria Frantz No one was untouched by the commitment and generosity 22 Get Engaged! Devon Gold of the board. Its tireless efforts contributed immensely to the Dana Goldberg 24 Class Notes absolute support of all segments of the community. Everyone Annette Goodwine 34 The Graduates, Middle School Accep- working together was the key element in the school’s growth Tracy Gray-Hair tances, Colleges/Universities Attended and success. “Indeed,” Bob says, “together, every one of us back Daisy Hsiao in those days, accomplished marvels which could never have Marla Levy Helen Lew been achieved by individuals or groups. It took every member Duncan Lyon of our school family!” Karena Martin Mark Moore In hindsight, it cannot be overstated that Carey was saved Cameron Moredock by everyone working together with the board. This working Anne Mullin together is our heritage and inheritance as a school. It is our Sarah Murphy history. It is simply who we were, who we are and who we will Carol Pereira continue to be in the future. Upon reflection, we would never Amelia Rowland Katie Semien have it otherwise, because all of this is for our children. And, at Hilary Somorjai Carey, the children are always at the heart and center of who Virginia Taylor we are and all that we do. Cathleen Thomas Linda Underwood For your inspiration and hard work, for your commitment to our children, Designer Eddie Lee, Square Two Bob Simpson for the foundation that you have laid, and Faculty the entire Carey family now wishes to Design www.square2.com recognize and thank: Larry Atkinson, Production Manager/ Jim Coen, Joan Donar, Laurayne Gluck, Rich Larry Atkinson Director of Advancement Goldstein, Judy Leydig, Carol Roper, Bob Simpson, Lisa Fowler Laurayne, Luis Velasquez, Jim Walker and Kathy Weinstock. Emily and Libby Gluck Production Assistant/ Advancement Associate Daisy Hsiao The Carey School Welcome

State of the School 2011-2012 Like the school that produced it, this edition of the Carey Faculty, Staff and Connection moves in many directions. These articles Administration look back at our past, relate what we are currently Zita Agazzi Richard Anderson undertaking, and indicate some future headings. Taken Betty Angell together, these articles capture the multiple narratives Kathy Angell that comprise a school. Sherry Anoush Andre Benjamin Stories abound in these pages. Among them is a feature Mark Bevan on Virgina Taylor, whose name is associated with a great Sharon Bloom Audra Carli Carey tradition, the Virginia Taylor Spaghetti Dinner. The Elizabeth Considine story of our first Board of Trustees calls to mind that our Craig Coraggio current health stems from deep roots. On the topic of Carl Coyle roots, the efforts of our Green and Verdant Team have Sarah Das Jennifer de Sousa made the courtyard space a bit more flourishing and are Barney Desroches one example among several faculty committees working Raymond Difley to improve the school. Articles on the core curriculum Melissa Dubois and the meaning of respect as one of our core values Linda Dugoni Mario Flores spotlight the essence of our endeavor. Of course, Lisa Fowler catching up on the lives of our alumni reminds us of the Dana Goldberg wonderful paths leading from a Carey foundation. Tracy Gray-Hair Shelley Gullo Our hope is that this magazine will enable you to Madeleine Heller (re)connect with those qualities and people that make Daisy Hsiao Tasha Hudick Carey so distinctive. Happy reading. Jane Kolmodin Helen Lew Duncan Lyon Karena Martin Carol Miller Cameron Moredock Sincerely, Anne Mullin Neely Norris Rocio Perz Erin Powers Suzie Quiney Lindsay Ramsay Duncan Lyon Veronica Riedel Head of School Amelia Rowland Lauren Scott Katie Semien Erika Silk Jamie Trierweiler Stephanie Truong Linda Underwood Jennifer Wallen Michele Zirelli

1 The Carey School has a long tradition of educating children to become good citizens with an emphasis So what is a QR Code? on a deep sense of community, kindness, Have you seen the little square boxes that look respect and personal like this on publications? responsibility. Although the school has changed and adapted over the nearly 85 years it has It is a QR code – a two-dimensional “quick existed, the institution has never wavered from these attributes. response” code readable by barcode readers From the very beginning, this school has been a trendsetter in and most smartphones. QR codes are common- early education, but one event in particular, truly redefined the ly used by businesses large and small and when school as we know it today. In the mid-1980s, almost 60 years after they are scanned with a QR Reader (available the school’s founding, when the school was close to shutting its as a free app on your smartphone) they often doors, some very dedicated and committed parents stepped up and formed the non-profit corporation that Carey is today and lead to the businesses’ website. This year The established the first Board of Trustees to manage the school and Carey School has decided to implement them its finances. They also hired Carey’s first professional head of school in this magazine to give you an inside look into and applied for the school’s first CAIS accreditation. This was truly all things Carey. If you have a smartphone you a rebirth of the school. That board not only saved the school, but professionalized the institution and began a process of strategic have probably seen and used this feature. But and financial oversight that allowed it to grow to the premier for those of you who are new to this, just scan institution it is today. the code with your smartphone or QR reader Carey has grown from a small home-based preschool to a to see where it takes you on your phone. Point Pre-K—5 elementary school with an operating budget of around your phone camera at the few images in the $5 million. In the last 10 years the school has grown its financial magazine and you will be able to capture a reserves from a couple hundred thousand dollars to about $2.5 more in-depth look at some of the different million. Although this is still small for a school our size, these activities and events on campus. increases in the reserves are big steps in achieving long-term sustainability for the institution. Carey was only able to make these great strides with the help of some dedicated and committed members of the community.

2 Successful schools must adapt not only to new pedagogy and teaching Board of Trustees methods, but also to changes in their environments. Carey clearly has a long history of doing just that—adapting and improving with the times and taking Executive Committee on any obstacles it encounters. However, one of the greatest attributes of Carol Pereira, President Carey is that, despite the growth and continued professionalism of the school Sarah Murphy, Vice President Mark Moore, Treasurer over the years, the school continues to operate within the Carey family spirit. Betsy Berman, Secretary A tradition of academic excellence and good citizenship continue to be Maria Frantz, Transition Committee Chair emphasized and, even with the growth and professionalism that has ensued, Devon Gold, Advancement Chair Carey maintains, and is widely known for, its very strong sense of community. Arguably, this is Carey’s greatest accomplishment to date. Nicole Alston Roberta Chopra The current Board of Trustees is continuing to solidify the strong foundation Brian Dowd handed to us by prior boards. As trustees, we are constantly looking for ways Annette Goodwine to improve the stability of the school by growing the school’s endowment Diane Isola and providing appropriate physical plant to allow the administration and Cissy Lewis faculty to give our students the best possible elementary school education Peter Lim within the Carey traditional values. Three years ago we launched a Long-Term Sally Screven Sustainability Committee to look at what we need to do to ensure the strength Erich Sengelmann of Carey over the long-term. That committee is concluding its work this year Bill Silver and will provide a basis for a strategic plan that incorporates its findings. In Henry Sohn addition, our Finance Committee provides clear and consistent oversight John Somorjai to ensure the financial strength of the institution. We have several other Bill Thompson committees that provide valuable insight into other aspects of the strategic Susanne Vagadori direction of the school, including a Transition Committee this year to help the Ex-Officio new administration’s first year go smoothly. Duncan Lyon, Head of School Carey has achieved a lot in its 84-year history and is well positioned to continue Cathleen Thomas, CSPA President on its path of excellence in elementary school education. I encourage you to come by and reconnect with your school. It will all seem familiar to you! Despite the new buildings, some new teachers and a new head of school, the Carey spirit, which began back in 1928, is still alive and well on our campus. The children are still smiling, loving learning and developing into wonderful world citizens. We would love to see you come “back home!”

Sincerely,

Carol Pereira Board of Trustees, Chairperson

3 Hitting the Ground Running: A Leader with a Vision By Maria Frantz A Conversation with Duncan Lyon, Carey’s New Head of School

Mornings at The Carey of the students and the inspiring relationship between them and School have a new ener- their teachers. Just this morning I saw two students who were just dropped off hug each other and then, seeing their teacher walk- gy these days. Donning ing towards school, decide to wait for her and enter all together.” his Carey red sweater He continues, saying that over time, “I appreciate the nuances of and riding his bike to the many relationships that comprise our strong community, and school, new Head of that knowledge has deepened my respect and admiration of this special place.” School Duncan Lyon eagerly welcomes Duncan credits Carey’s outstanding faculty for their tireless efforts students as they to make Carey an exceptional learning environment. “They put in race in to start their day. Smiles and giggles a lot of hidden hours thinking about the individuals in their classes as well as making plans for the whole. My admiration for them is abound. Sometimes it is hard to tell who is rooted in their ability to convey caring for the individual student happier to be here. while leading the whole group in curricular explorations. Operetta is a good example of this. When I saw it last year, I was struck by Spend a few minutes with Duncan and you instantly get a sense the way in which each student could be seen and heard and yet of his approachable and thoughtful nature. He comes to Carey there was a powerful group presence as an ensemble.” with a wealth of educational experience, implementing peda- gogical theory and providing leadership in both elementary and Vision and Leadership middle school settings. He has his sights set on Carey’s future and From his many conversations with Carey students and alums, is already inspiring positive change in his first year. Duncan believes our graduates are a cut above. He describes them as “possessing a combination of grit, gratitude and Vitality and Appreciation optimism.” They are “confident, prepared and as self-aware as From the moment he stepped on campus, Duncan quickly fifth graders can be.” endeared himself to stu- dents, faculty and parents Duncan believes Carey does an excellent job in preparing our stu- alike. In fact, our commu- dents, but also recognizes that we need to be mindful of changes nity was one of the first in pedagogical practices and our community’s needs. He says, “As things that attracted him I tried to lay out in the State of the School conversation earlier this to Carey. “A lot of schools year, there is so much here that needs to be preserved. We are a talk about community,” reflective bunch, though. I think if we can integrate our curriculum Duncan says, “but Carey across all grade levels, enrich our math instruction, find appropri- really has a fellowship ate Pre-K—5 technology, and stay focused on having students that impressed me. It who are socially and emotionally literate, then we will keep Carey is a sense of common students learning in the most contemporary ways. If we can purpose about how provide proper facilities and ensure that the faculty is informed by children develop at this the best research and resources, then we will continue to thrive as wonderful foundational one of the great schools in the Bay Area.” stage. I continue to be drawn to the vitality

4 To achieve that vision will require leadership. Duncan describes his great school is leadership model as one that is distributed. “I do not see myself at high enough as the top of a typical organizational chart. If I had to graph it, per- head of school haps a Venn Diagram would make the most sense, with me being alone.” at the center of a series of overlapping areas of expertise. Much of my job is to manage the information flow from one part of the As a native school to the next while never losing focus on the student experi- San Franciscan, ence as the reason for our effort. My hope is to foster a culture of Duncan is at ongoing open dialogue about the best way to nurture student home on and off growth during these important developmental years. I think the campus. When he is not on Carey time, he says: vibrancy of Carey’s community stems from a feeling of inclusion in “Nothing beats family time. We like hiking trails in Woodside the conversation about this common purpose.” and the main beach at Half Moon Bay. Of course, San Francisco always beckons. On a personal level, I enjoy exercise in the form “Duncan is a true visionary, a consensus builder and a thoughtful of a good basketball game or a long run and reading magazines leader,” says Carol Pereira, chair of the Board of Trustees. “He makes and books. I am also a big fan of sleep.” time for, and gives his full attention to, anyone who needs to speak with him, no matter how busy he is. He has hit the ground Connecting with Carey’s Legacy running in his first year as head of school and has already made an Walking into Duncan’s office you see a collection of memories impact. He has earned the respect of the entire Carey community from his educational journey. He has books from his days teach- (faculty, administration, parents, board and alumni) as a strong, ing high school history. There are also artifacts from Carey’s effective leader.” past. “My favorite is The Carey School Cookbook with recipes from ‘hearts and homes’ of the Carey community.” These objects All in the Family encourage him to connect with Carey alumni. Duncan says, “My As both a head of school and parent to a Carey first grader, goal is to hear their stories, to find out what has endured from Duncan holds a unique perspective on the Carey experience. He their years at Carey. Not long ago, we received a letter from an says that, “Alexandra is thriving at Carey. It seems that her favorite alumnus in his sixties who lives in Connecticut. He keeps up class changes by the day. She enjoys having a strong network of with us on our website! That reminded me that this educational friends (boys and girls), adores her fifth grade buddy and thinks experience has long legs and that there is much about our hot lunch is the best thing going in San Mateo County.” He thanks endeavor that is best seen in our graduates long after they leave the Carey parent community for welcoming him, his wife Veronica the nest—or should I say, aerie.” and younger daughter Linnea to the school and says, “They could not be happier.” Duncan acknowledges, “This is the best professional experience of my life, and I am grateful for the chance to serve the school As for balancing at this time. I hope those reading the Carey Connection whom both roles, Duncan I have yet to meet or yet to hear their Carey stories will be says, “Someone inspired to reach out.” once asked if I have extra motivation by Duncan is Carey’s fifth head of school. With his leadership, Carey being a parent and is entering an exciting new chapter in our school’s cherished a head of school. history. We are glad he is here. I told him that I have additional insight being in both roles, but that my motiva- tion to lead a

5 A View of the Homeroom at The Carey School By Tracy Gray-Hair, Director of Studies

In her comedy sketch, “Edith Ann,” Lily Tomlin said, “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides your homework.” Teachers at The Carey School fit this description as they inspire students to think deeply and develop a love learning that lasts a lifetime. They have their own styles in achieving their classroom ends, but the commonality of cultivating inquisitiveness is shared throughout the faculty.

6 “For the students, being with their home- room teacher is like being home.” Carol Miller – First Grade Teacher

In Pre-K and kindergarten, kindergarten is the last year of complete childhood where playing is appropriate developmen- key to learning through discovery. At Carey, in addition to develop- tal education anchors ing skills in writing, reading, math and social studies, imaginative our youngest students. play is stressed, which prepares students well to apply their skills Pre-K teachers, Karena more independently in the ensuing grades. Martin and Katie Semien begin their day on the The first grade teachers, Carol playground with their Miller and Michele Zirelli, are students. By starting their day talking with one another, engag- veteran teachers with over 40 ing in imaginary play, or negotiating tricycle use, Pre-K students years of teaching experience test their growing narrative and navigational skills. At circle time, between them. They know students sing about plans for the day, engage each other, and that first graders are proud describe the weather. Utilizing the Reggio Emilia approach, Mrs. of their growing abilities to Martin and Mrs. Semien plan activities involving nature and decode words, engage in the have enhanced their classroom by increasing the volume of word play of onomatopoeia, write in journals, and read a variety of new blocks and building materials. Collectively, these teaching genre types. While assistant teachers, Helen Lew and Andre Benja- approaches draw on the innate curiosity of students and allow min, teach addition, subtraction, and mathematical patterns, they them to connect to the world through child-centered play. also teach the students to use math skills in real life contexts. To the first grade teaching teams, learning has a magical effect because The word kindergarten when former students return to Carey, they reminisce about the translates literally from fun they had in projects such as making gingerbread houses and German as “children’s rookeries. Said Mrs. Zirelli, “Our students learn how to read, write, garden.” Friedrich Frobel and do math in first grade. However, when our former students re- created that term for the turn, that’s not what they remember. They remember how we made “play activity institute” he them feel.” Said another way, “For the students, being with their created as a transition homeroom teacher is like being home,” notes Mrs. Miller. from home to school. Like plants in a garden, his goal was for children to be cared for and Second grade teachers, nourished in a children’s garden. The kindergarten team (Sarah Audra Carli and Mark Bevan, Das, Kathy Angell, Jennifer Wallen and Veronica Riedel) nurtures are team teachers as they students as individuals who are moving outside of themselves plan and execute lessons and their home life as they make connections between their collaboratively. Ms. Carli and world at home and school. For this reason, Mrs. Das says, Mr. Bevan are so creative and “Communication with parents is key and a constant. We know resourceful that they have our students and their families because we greet our students at designed their own spelling the car line and we talk with them on the playground. Also, the program. The Bevan-Carli spelling program is closely connected to Heritage Hours and our Mystery Reader projects allow families to the reading program. The use of high frequency words, word sorts, share what’s most important to them.” Many educators believe spelling options, root words, digraphs, chunking words, dictionary

7 use and a variety of “think it out” strategies, propel the second Over the course of third grade, math concepts are extended and graders at Carey to understand the patterns and meaning of skills are applied in many different ways. For example, as students words. Second graders use the skills learned collaboratively to track the Iditarod race, math becomes integrated into the theme. read with meaning. Reading groups and book clubs are common Through calculations about distance, probability, and problem ways for students to come together and talk about books and solving students become engaged on many levels. their reading experience. The skills acquired in the book clubs equip second grade students to read and write about themselves Such global study helps third graders to be adventurous in other as well as conduct research. Some of that social studies research scholastic endeavors. Mrs. Gullo notes, “We strive to create an explores the lives and contributions of Laura Secord, Sally Wright, environment where students are willing to take risks in academic Terry Fox, Bessie Coleman, and Bayard Rustin as people who made endeavors. We want them to try something in which they get it a difference in their countries and communities, setting the stage right or wrong. When students make the effort, they experience a for broader cultural explorations in third grade. win-win situation.”

Third “I feel so lucky to teach grade fourth grade,” Anne Mullin teachers, muses. “It is a time when Neely wonder, imagination, and Norris, critical thinking come Lindsay together. Fourth grade stu- Ramsey dents are passionate about and Shel- debating issues in book ley Gullo, the interim teacher, help third grade students complete clubs as they ask probing the leap begun in second grade from learning to read to reading questions. They come alive when they experience history through to learn. Third graders use their beginning research abilities to field trips, research and hands-on activities.” Several learning-by- study different regions in the world. Through Skype conversa- doing examples stand out this year. In November, Ms. Rowland tions, interviews, and geographical studies, the third graders learn and Mrs. Mullin took their students to Coloma for the first-ever about the topography, resources, and population of Kenya. Their fourth grade overnight trip. The students celebrated the culture, research leads them to acquire information about the economic music, and folklore of the California Gold Rush as their growing conditions of students in various regions. For example, the stu- social emotional learning skills were put to the test on the first dents conducted a school and sports supplies drive in response to school trip away from home. They walked in the footsteps of the the needs of the Victory Primary School in Kipkelion, Kenya. Carey forty-niners and experienced the effort of surviving away from students sent three full boxes of supplies to assist the learning the comforts of home. In January, the students participated in the of students 9,585 miles away from San Mateo. Through selected California Walk Through. The Walk Through is an engaging and reading in book clubs, a trip to the Asian Art Museum, and inves- interactive presentation of history through literacy and the arts. In tigative homework assignments, the students delved into the his- May, the study of immigration culminated in a daylong reenact- tory and growth of . They then tracked the famous Iditarod ment of entering Angel Island Station. Through biographies, po- race, following “mushers” online as they traversed the blistering, etry, writing, mapping skills, fourth graders had many chances to blustering winds of Alaska. reflect on the process and restrictions of immigrants who came to

8 Calling All Alumni! We want to hear from you!

Angel Island. As these students found out, the expectations of time management, study skills, and organization increas- es in fourth grade as students write five-paragraph essays and are challenged by math concepts such as angles, statis- tics, fractions, decimals and percentages. Fourth graders become more active and independent as learners, which Join us on Facebook prepares them well for their final year at Carey.

Fifth grade is the year when students put the cumulative years of teaching into practice. The students are committed to developing a sense of self-advocacy, time management and organizational skills. Fifth grader Caroline Frantz said, “I feel Please email Advancement at like I am ready for real world scenarios because of my time [email protected] at Carey.” It is little wonder why she feels this way. A “self- debate” class teaches students how to argue a viewpoint Send us your news! from both sides. Fifth graders each write their own Fifth Grade Constitution, complete with a preamble. The students Stay in touch with your former classmates design their own board games based on literature from independent reading projects. Pre-algebra, sonnet writ- Keep up with the latest Carey news. ing, geography, and current events are some examples of Alumni parents: if your child is busy studying or favorite fifth grade topics. By yearend, the fifth grade eagles traveling, please feel free to email us for them! are ready for real world scenarios in a new nest.

The skills necessary for success in independent schools have been defined as, character, creativity, real-world prob- lem solving, public speaking, teaming and leadership. These traits are thriving in abundance in our classrooms— homerooms and specialists alike. Yet, it is the homeroom at Carey where the school day begins and teachers always give their students something to take home to think about besides homework.

9 World Languages By Liz Considine, Sherry Anoush, Linda Dugoni and Zita Agazzi

The Carey World Language program is unique in that the students “!e 21st century isn’t coming; it’s in grades one through five have language class five times a cycle for 40 minutes. Not only do students benefit from the frequency already here. And our students have of classes, but also the small class size—an average of 10 stu- the opportunity and challenge of living dents—encourages an intimate, interactive group experience. At and working in a diverse and rapidly Carey, learning a second language utilizes the five senses. We eat and taste the food from the country, play and sing the traditional changing world. Public schools must games and songs, act out short skits and plays, play assorted prepare our young people to under- games that practice phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, and stand and address global issues, and read colorful picture books. For example, in Mme. Sherry’s second grade, the students put on the play, “Goldilocks and the Three educators must re-examine their Bears” in French. At the primary level, acting out roles and kines- teaching strategies and curriculum thetic involvement is fundamental in assimilating a language. The so that all students can thrive in this plays also give students the opportunity to work as a group while global and interdependent society.” still allowing for individual expression. Sra. Linda and Mme. Con- sidine’s fifth grade classes spend the year as exchange students —NEA President Dennis Van Roekel in a simulated study year abroad. The students begin the simula- tion assuming the persona of a student from a Spanish or French speaking country. They then create a country report focused on the unique culture of each student’s country. The year continues with each student having the opportunity to experience simu- lated versions of both prac- tical and cultural situations. Grammar, vocabulary and syntax are assimilated as they navigate “real” life in their host country, such as booking airplane flights, packing suitcases and writing letters home about their travels.

There has been a growing focus lately on the At Carey, learning a second language is not dependent upon preparation of our students for a world that having a textbook, but rather the constant reinforcement of the is increasingly interactive and globally con- language through various activities. Students are taught the more traditional aspects of language acquisition such as vocabulary, nected. In response to this trend, the Nation- spelling and grammar; but the main focus is the acquisition of oral al Education Association recently outlined language proficiency. For example, students may be asked to an- the following strategies in curricula that will swer questions one-on-one with the teacher to discuss a familiar prepare our students for this ever-changing topic, engage in a peer interview or play an interactive game. Our desire is to inspire confidence in our students to express original world: proficiency in foreign languages, thoughts in the target language. One overarching goal of the international awareness and appreciation of program is to build the cognitive skills necessary to acquire any cultural diversity. At The Carey School, we are language. Thus, our fifth grade students graduate from Carey with ahead of the curve as these significant ele- a firm foundation in a second language and are able to success- ments are already essential components of fully apply these same skills to the continued study of French, Spanish, or a new language at the middle school level. There is no our World Language curriculum. doubt that the acquisition of a second language enables students

10 to build the cognitive aptitude necessary to facilitate learning a Each class period our world language teachers expose the stu- third and fourth language, but there are additional benefits too. dents to differences in culture. This can be as subtle as using the proper formal greetings, to playing an ancient Aztec game. For ex- From Pre-K through fifth grade, students learn about both ample, Señorita Zita’s first and second grade Spanish classes listen Spanish-speaking and Francophone countries around the globe. to storybooks loaded with cultural references. The classes analyze The pre-kindergartners learn how to say the colors of the flag in in depth the illustrations and stories of both books using “The the target language while the fifth graders discuss the motiva- Culture Tree,” a method developed by Renée Sawazaki, in which tions for colonization of Africa and South America. At each grade students look at the elements of visible and invisible culture. Mme. level the students learn geography coupled with the history and Considine’s third graders become familiar with the French vendors evolution of language and culture through- at the local farmer’s market as they try out their out our world. Ask a fourth grade French newly acquired expressions and vocabulary to student what the highest point in Québec purchase French pastries. Sra. Linda’s third grade is, or a third grade Spanish student to name students study how the climate of a region affects the location of prominent volcanoes in the housing, food, and clothing of its inhabitants. South America, and you will receive an accurate response in the target language! Our World Language Week brings all that is special Our language program is designed to help about Hispanic and Francophone culture together students understand the wide variety of as the entire Carey community spends three days distinct cultures within the French and celebrating music, dance, art and food. Thanks Spanish speaking world. Here in California to generous grants from the CSPA, the there is a wonderful influence children have been able to enjoy concerts from the Mexican-American com- from Charlotte Diamond, Chaskinakui munity. Occasionally, however, Andes Music, Colibrí, Aztec Dancers, Afri- students may over-generalize can Dance and Drum, and even a French and assume that certain cultural opera singer. They have painted in the customs, music or food native to style of Matisse and Miró, and learned to are representative of the make French crepes, Salvadoran papusas, culture of all Spanish-speaking and Cuban-style plantains under the countries. We work hard to provide tutelage of our wonderful Carey chef students the opportunity to study and alumni parent, Stephanie Lucas. many different Central and South The busy week ends with a culminat- American countries as well as . ing luncheon generously organized by Students in second grade, for ex- our parent community, celebrating the ample, understand that importance of culture and community Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in in a festive atmosphere. some parts of Mexico, and that it is not celebrated at all in Argentina At Carey, the world language teach- or in other countries. The geo- ers work diligently to closely align the graphical and cultural significance curriculum in both languages so that of Spanish and French are taught the students experience similar contexts, within a linguistic context, and goals and expectations. Dr. Ellen Bialystok, the students benefit by expanding their knowledge of the a professor of Psychology at York Univer- globe while building proficiency in a second language. sity in Toronto, has studied the effects of bilingualism in children and their effects on cognitive development. “Empirical evidence The linguistics are the mechanics through which we expand our suggests that bilingualism in children is associated with increased global view and acquire a deeper sensibility toward other cultures. meta-cognitive skills and superior divergent thinking ability (a The syntax itself guides us to think differently when we speak, and type of cognitive flexibility), as well as with better performance on forces us to communicate through the eyes and ears of another some perceptual tasks.” For the students at Carey, we are thrilled culture. As teachers of a world language, our greatest motiva- that they have the opportunity to flex their brain muscles acquir- tion is the desire for our students to gain an appreciation and an ing a second language, but are equally excited that they will be open mind for diverse cultures. This acceptance of diverse cultural prepared to go out into the world with a heightened appreciation norms is key towards establishing greater communication, under- and empathy for the multitude of cultural behaviors and patterns standing cultural values and promoting empathy among cultures. which weave together our global experience.

11 Professional Development 2011–2012 By Lisa Fowler The following is a partial list of The Carey School’s Mary T. Carey professional development from July 2011- May 2012: Grant Award

ACT SEL The Mary T. Carey Faculty ACTFL Conference Summer Research Grant BATDC – Leadership BATDC – Comprehension is awarded to teachers Through Conversation each summer for research BATDC – Deepening related to classroom prac- Our Practice tice. Faculty may use the BATDC – Design Thinking grant for course work, to BATTI Enrollment attend a workshop, or for California ACDA independent research Emilio Reggio Conference related to best practices Harvard: Learning & in elementary education. the Brain Last summer Amelia InResonance University Rowland, Anne Mullin, ISM 21st Century Schools Karena Martin and Katie ISM Business Officers Semien were awarded Conference this grant. Joffe Lawroom Mastering Facilitation Math & Science Workshop NAIS Conference NAIS/CASE Conference NAPSG NBOA Conference NSTA Conference POCC Conference POCIS Conference Santa Fe Leadership Conference – Leading from the Middle Sexual Harassment and Identifying Abuse

12 History Comes Alive! Valuing Early Childhood Education

Last August, Amelia Rowland and Anne Last June, Karena Martin and Katie for the adults as the directions were Mullin dedicated their time to research- Semien spent three days at Asilomar minimal and the materials limited. As ing and developing a cross-curricular Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, a result, it provided a look into how fourth grade social studies program with California attending the seventh North children learn, think, explore and a particular focus on the mission project. American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NA- interact with each other. Mrs. Semien Annually, fourth graders across the state REA) summer conference, where they and Mrs. Martin returned to Carey of California research and discover the participated in “Dialogues for Quality and looked for ways to bring their role the 21 California missions played in Education Valuing Early Childhood.” understanding of the Reggio experi- in history. As part of the grant, the two There were three components to the ence into the classroom. They began Carey teachers analyzed and reevalu- conference that collectively provided by making changes in the classroom ated the relevance of the project and insight and understanding into the to make it feel both warm and invit- made the decision to reduce its size and way the Reggio programs operate. ing. They painted the walls, added give students more choice in presenting Each morning began with lectures blinds to the windows and included their findings on their mission research. from two Italian educators and cen- natural colors on the bulletin boards This adjustment allowed for more time tered on the philosophy and values to make the classroom seem more to expand the units on Native American of the Reggio schools. The afternoons like an extension of the outdoors. studies and immigration in particular. consisted of tours of two early child- They reorganized and opened up the To this end, they gathered materials, hood schools that have been de- classroom space to include elements planned activities, sequenced units of signed to reflect the local community from nature that invite children to study, developed ideas for coordination by incorporating photos from the explore and discover new things. with specialist teachers, and explored area and items from the surrounding options for field trips. One result of their natural environment. One day was Mrs. Semien and Mrs. Martin look efforts was implementing an overnight dedicated to an exhibit at the John forward to bringing in new ideas each field trip to Coloma Outdoor School, in Steinbeck Museum, which document- year from the Reggio philosophy that which students engaged in hands-on, ed the projects that the children in the further stimulate the children’s natural living-history activities that brought alive Reggio Emilia Schools have created. curiosity. the Gold Rush era. The highlight of the week included Separately, Ms. Rowland investigated and participation in a project inspired by began the process of creating a wiki for an “Atelierista,” whose role in the Reg- her fourth grade students. Created as an gio Approach is to support children in interactive website where students and using art as a medium for the sym- teachers can add and modify content, bolic representation of their curiosities The North American Reggio Emilia Alliance and respond to one another, a wiki can and discoveries. The project entailed Summer Conference also be an efficient way to communicate working collaboratively with fellow with parents and students about current workshop attendees to consider the projects, assignments and homework. It architecture of nature as well as the is one more way to provide a safe envi- formal architectural structures of Asilo- ronment for twenty-first century learners mar. This experience was challenging in fourth grade to integrate technology into classroom activities and homework.

13 Faculty at Work By Tracy Gray-Hair

In fall 2011, The Carey School faculty decided how they would like to use faculty-meeting time. This year, the faculty identified several areas of focus: diversity, math, making the school more green and verdant, technology, and literature week. Below are summaries of the strong work completed this year by the committees, whose efforts represent the high quality of collaboration we have come to know from our faculty.

Diversity Committee In May 2012, the Diversity Committee facilitated a faculty meet- Raymond Difley, Jamie Trierweiler, Karena Martin, Andre Benjamin ing where we shared the National Association of Independent and Mark Bevan School’s “Timeline for a Multicultural School.” In our meeting, the faculty identified where we see ourselves on the timeline and the results of this faculty meeting will help us identify how we can move forward to become as inclusive a school as we can be.

Math Committee Neely Norris, Audra Carli, Katie Semien, Amelia Rowland and Tracy Gray-Hair

The Diversity Com- mittee is in the process of defining the meaning of diversity and inclu- sion for The Carey School and is identifying how this important topic aligns with our mission. In the fall, they met with board member Maria Frantz, Each year the whose work on the Diversity Subcommittee of the Long Term faculty explores a Sustainability Committee resulted in a compilation of diversity curricular area for plans from other independent schools. These plans provide useful in-depth explora- outlines for ongoing diversity work at Carey. tion. This year a fac- ulty committee was On January 9, 2012, faculty members who serve on the Diversity formed to evaluate the areas in which our math program currently Committee attended a talk at the Katherine Delmar Burke has strength and can be improved. A survey of core teachers and School entitled, “Ensuring Success in the 21st Century: Cultural subsequent grade level discussions led the committee to conduct Competency as a Key Factor,” which was led by Dr. Steven Jones. several full faculty meetings on the topics of math scope and Dr. Jones is a national speaker, trainer and consultant in the areas sequence, the merits of the Everyday Math spiral curriculum and of strategic change management, leadership, multicultural edu- differentiation. These meetings produced a recommendation that cation, conflict resolution, effective mentoring, and self-esteem. we hire a math specialist who would work in partnership with the He is one of America’s leading experts regarding diversity and has faculty to define the math curriculum, support classroom teach- plans to work with Carey during the 2012-2013 school year to ers, provide direct instruction and enrichment, conduct student help our children develop the cultural competency skills that will assessment and strategize with teachers about meeting the range allow them to be successful global citizens. of student needs. The committee aims to continue its work in the 2012-2013 school year to further articulate the goals of the math program at Carey and the steps necessary to make it even better.

14 Green & Verdant Committee As a result of the work of the Green and Verdant Committee, and Helen Lew, Kathy Angell, Veronica Riedel, Jennifer Wallen, Mel DuBois, our students, we are pleased that Carey received a Gold Award in Tasha Hudick and Chris Catanzaro recognition of our exemplary garden from the San Mateo Food Alliance Program. Congratulations to everyone!

Technology Committee Cameron Moredock, Liz Considine, Linda Dugoni, Shelley Gullo, Erin Powers, Sarah Das, Jennifer de Sousa, Lauren Scott, Craig Corragio and Barney Desroches

The Green and Verdant Committee brain- stormed ideas on how to keep, sustain and make Carey greener and visually pleasing. We are working toward reduc- ing landfill and educating students about composting and recycling by ordering two DeepStream Design Recycle bins for the patio. As a result of our purchase, 200 trees were planted in Haiti in the name of Carey. Through the generosity of the Zero Waste Program, we added compost bins to every classroom with a sink and to the art room. We’ve also added recycle bins for every office, the kitchen, the art room, the science room, the daycare room and both playgrounds. This year, the Technology Committee tasked The committee embarked on various projects for making a itself with three goals: greener campus. The new mini-greenhouse has been placed out- side the multi-purpose room where students planted seeds and 1) Address technology equity around the are maintaining the plants daily. As the plants grow, the students campus. Certain classrooms and teach- transfer the seedlings to our garden. Native California drought- ing spaces don’t have access to the same tolerant plants live in planter boxes by the science room and the forms of assistive technology. The Tech Committee, working in circle area. Planters and plants have been ordered for a sensorial conjunction with the director of technology and the technol- garden for the kindergarten classes. In the near future, we will ogy coordinator, helped devise a plan to address tech equity. order plants for planter boxes and the circle area, a work bench, In the short term, the inclusion of one additional powerful sitting benches and gorilla hair for the patio area. iMac workstation in each classroom will provide students an immediate resource for quick research, as well as the ability to We are coordinating a parent workday to engage parents to integrate such tasks as video editing and presentation prepara- remove old plants and plant new ones. We hope to work with gar- tion right into the classroom environment. In an effort to move deners to re-pipe sprinklers to drip irrigation on our campus. Our more technology into the classroom, Carey is exploring the last project for the 2011-2012 school year is to identify an appro- use of Google ChromeBooks in the upper elementary grades priate trellis for the sandbox area and have it installed by summer. and Apple iPads in a shared setting for the lower elementary

15 grades. Pilot units are in the process of being purchased for this Literature Week Committee purpose, and more substantial additions to this fleet will be Linda Underwood, Sharon Bloom, Lindsay Ramsay, Anne Mullin, acquired during the summer of 2012. Michele Zirelli and Carol Miller

2) Formation of a three-year technology budget with a cycle pur- chasing plan. The formation of a three-year budget will allow for the cycling of new technology into the classrooms, as well as maintaining current collections of equipment. In any given year, once the school has an operational level of equipment, the planned “refresh and renewal” of current resources will be maintained by this annual cycle purchase.

3) Align the technology teaching and use standards against the International Society for Technology in Education’s National Education Standards (ISTE NES) for administrators, teachers and students. Currently, most technology teaching occurs in the computer lab. As technology begins to make in-roads into other classroom environments, it is important that Carey ad- During Literature Week, we sponsored a book drive of new and dresses how and with what expectations this new technology gently used books that were donated to the San Francisco will be used. This spring, the director of technology and the Children’s Book Project. During the three days of Literature Week, technology coordinator will work together to ensure that Carey specialist teachers, members of the administrative team and all is well situated in this regard and will use the norms provided staff members read to each class. Wacky-Wednesday, inspired by the ISTE to help achieve this alignment. by the similarly titled Dr. Seuss book, was a day when everyone dressed in wacky ways: clothing was worn inside out, mis- matched, and backwards.

At the assembly, the fourth grade led the Dr. Seuss pledge and Carol Miller read Dr. Seuss’s first book, “To Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street.” Thursday was Grinchy Green Thursday and every- one wore green. Michele Zirelli and Andre Benjamin read the children’s classic, “Green Eggs and Ham.” Mr. Benjamin, for one, had a difficult time keeping a straight face as he read! Friday was D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) day and Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Everyone wore red and white clothing and Cat in the Hat hats. The assembly was a dialogue about Dr. Seuss’s birthday and everyone sang a song about him. Sharon Bloom and Craig Coraggio read “The Cat in the Hat.” The fifth grade students performed “The Sneetches,” with Andy Giles and Kate Folsom as narrators. Jaime Barrillas, our chef from Epicurean, prepared a Dr. Seuss luncheon. The menu included green eggs and ham, frankfurters and marsh- mallows ala “The Sneetches,” truffula fruit from “The Lorax,” and Dr. Seuss cupcakes. Though the menu and the week’s theme changes each year, Literature Week is a much-loved Carey tradition.

16 Aretha Franklin Meets The Carey School: A Lesson in R-E-S-P-E-C-T By Dana Goldberg, Director of Admission

Ms. Franklin would be proud. The summer camp experience unveiled the reality that Carey students care deeply about their surroundings, their belongings For the first time in The Carey School’s 84-year history, we wel- and each other. And, thus, it is this value of respect that one can- comed local children to our campus during the summer months. not teach, per se. Rather, it is engrained in the school’s culture and Kids of all ages were skipping and jumping to and fro—as they modeled by students as well as adults. usually do during the school year. It was wonderful to observe happy smiles, hear youthful sounds and see familiar faces at One At Carey, teaching and modeling respect for humanity and prop- Carey School Lane when, for so many years, the summer space erty begins during the pre-kindergarten years and continues be- has been void of its normal, lively activity. By yond graduation. One of my favorite stories partnering with a popular children’s camp and to tell prospective parents and guardians opening Carey’s campus last summer, we were on admission tours is about our buddy pro- fulfilling our public purpose goal by serving gram. Older and younger students not only local children and families. share the physical plant but also interact on a formal basis every day. Teachers design But something happened last summer that activities in which buddy classes engage personified the essence of one of Carey’s core with one another. Older students serve and values: respect. remove lunch for the younger children as well as sponge the lunch tables afterwards. The inauguration of summer camp at Carey Our students take pride in fulfilling these was significant because it marked the first responsibilities and look forward to their time Carey and non-Carey students co-habited next opportunity to see and help the other the campus. And so these students – in their children. It is these values and programs metaphorical laboratories – began the process of hypothesizing, that make Carey a special school. observing and concluding. When campus filled with summer noise and activity last sum- After only a few weeks, the Carey kids began to share their notes mer there was much anticipation. The Carey kids were fabulous and articulate their feelings: “It really bothers us that kids don’t pick ambassadors not only for their school but also for their school’s up their trash,” and “Things aren’t put back in their original places.” core values.

Ms. Franklin would be proud. Respect is alive and well at One Carey School Lane. RES T PEC 17 A Secret Sauce from the Heart By Virginia Taylor

During a Back in the early 1990s, I started a spaghetti feed at my children’s elementary school, I told my new friend, Curtis Chen, as I grew a few break at a inches taller. What a surprise when the school decided, several years quarterly later, to name the event in my honor.

confer- I learned of The Carey School from my dear friend, Sandi Nichols, whose ence for oldest son attended. Upon first meeting Bob Simpson, then head of school, I was struck by his kindness, wisdom and candor, and knew financial that Carey was the place for our children. It soon became the place for me, launching my long career as a school volunteer. Attending advisors, my very first Carey School Parents Association meeting, I sheepishly a fellow stepped forward to take on the undesirable Carnival Food job for the school’s annual Halloween Careyfest: a three-day carnival and haunted- conference house fundraiser held on school grounds. The job entailed develop- participant ing, organizing and running the food booth for hundreds of kids and parents, and I found myself spending many late nights in the school’s asked me, kitchen, popping popcorn for hundreds of popcorn balls and making batch after batch of cookie dough for oversized cookies. I learned how “Are you the Virginia Tay- to work a soda fountain, organized the help, shopped for food and lor from The Carey School’s Virginia manned the booth throughout the weekend. The job, as backbreaking as it was, suited me; I went on to do it for three years. That final year, it Taylor’s Spaghetti Dinner?” I’m sure he rained the entire carnival weekend, and three days of work netted us a thought it was a long shot. With a fairly mere $5,000. common name, at a business meet- Back in the early 1990s, this fundraising business was new for Carey. The Carey sisters, Mary T. Carey and Clare Carey Willard, had retired from the ing, certainly appearing old enough to day-to-day operations of the school, and a group of determined and have college-aged children, what were visionary parents formed a Board of Trustees and hired Bob Simpson as the school’s first headmaster. Together, Bob, the board and the broader the chances I was that Virginia Taylor? parent community set Carey on a course to become an accredited, professional, nonprofit independent school. Tuition needed to be increased, the discount for multiple children was discontinued, annual giving was instituted and the CSPA was established to raise funds to keep the doors open.

When Sandi and I became president and vice presi- dent of the CSPA, we knew there had to be an easier way to raise money. Draw- ing on the experience of other area schools, we devised a plan for a walk- athon fundraiser where the kids were directly involved in raising money, followed by a smaller

18 The day of our event, I got up early and boiled and oiled twenty pounds of pasta and placed it in extra large plastic bags. No need for a fa- cial after that. A group of volunteers at school would work on the bread, the antipasto plates and quart after quart of dressing. Getting the sauce on the stove early was important. It took close to two hours to bring the sauce to a simmer, then another few hours of cooking to meld the flavors. I always added fresh basil at the end for a fresh blast of zing. Betty Angell, the beloved face of Carey, came in at 5:00 to take her place of honor on a stool on the left- hand side of the serving window. carnival and lunch, all in a one-day format. Breaking with the much-loved three-day Halloween carnival tradition was not easy. Yet after our inaugu- ral walkathon netted $60,000 in a single day, the community embraced After Betty arrived, always with that twinkle in her eye and smile on her the format and a new tradition was born. Sandi continued to chair the face, I brought the water to a boil, dumped a pound or so of pasta in a walkathon portion of the event until her youngest child graduated from makeshift strainer basket and boiled the pasta for a minute or so to heat Carey. After leaving the school, Carey wanted to honor Sandi’s commit- the noodles. After straining the pasta, leaving a bit of the starchy water ment by naming the event the Sandi Nichols Walkathon, but she gratefully clinging to add body to the finished dish, I would add sauce, toss and declined. “It takes a community to create that event, not just me,” Sandi dump it into the “red sauce” chafing dish. I did the same with the butter explained. I was not so humble with Virginia Taylor’s Spaghetti Dinner. noodles. Periodically, Betty would yell out, “More red sauce!” and I would jump into action, dumping another pound or so of pasta in that starchy water. It was hot, hectic and a heck of a lot of fun. My passion, long before my days as carnival food booth coordinator, was always in cooking. I found numerous ways to put my passion to work rais- ing money for Carey, offering themed dinners and cooking classes when Today, I know the number of dinner guests has more than doubled, and Carey began its tradition of an annual auction fundraiser. Still thinking of I hear they still use my sauce recipe. I’m not sure how they pull it off, or ways to make money for the school, I recommended doing an annual whether they boil the pasta or make the bread, but something tells me spaghetti feed for the entire community. I figured we could add another Betty still serves the pasta. $6,000 to $7,000 to the coffers while building great community spirit. The CSPA liked the idea but wanted to offer it as a community-wide thank Last fall, Carey called to ask me if I would make four quarts of the Virginia you. The spaghetti feed was born, and it was my baby to run. Taylor Spaghetti Sauce to give as a parting gift to the team of auditors visiting the school to conduct its accreditation. I was honored. I im- Our menu consisted of an antipasto plate placed in the middle of the mediately agreed to make the sauce, thrilled to be connected to such serving line to keep the crowds happy as they waited for their spaghetti. a wonderful tradition, and one the school deemed worthy of sharing Along with the spaghetti, we served a mixed salad with kidney and with these important visitors. I remember once telling Bob Simpson that garbanzo beans, cucumbers and tomatoes with Hidden Valley Ranch I must have done something right in a past life to be blessed with such dressing that we made with the little packets of powder, mayonnaise and unbelievable children. To my observation, he said, “The apple does not buttermilk. To keep the kids happy, we also made plain spaghetti with fall far from the tree.” I now know that Carey has to be one of the main butter and cream and homemade garlic bread topped with grated Par- branches of that tree. mesan Reggiano. We prepped all of the food at my house the day before the event, with four-person morning and afternoon shifts of volunteers. This article is excerpted from Virginia’s food blog, “Taylor-Made Menus: They worked at prepping salad, frying Italian sausage, chopping basil and Living Well Through Feeding Others.” For the complete article, photos, and oregano, slicing mushrooms, pitting olives, dicing onions, mincing garlic, spaghetti sauce recipe, visit http://www.taylormademenus.com/menus/ chopping sundried tomatoes and opening cans. By 4:00 p.m. we had the-virginia-taylor-spaghetti-feed/ three five-gallon pots of sauce ready to simmer for hours on the Carey kitchen stove.

19 So Happy Together: Fostering Meaningful Connections at Carey By Cathleen Thomas, Carey School Parent Association President

Carey is certainly and Papas singing event, a pizza and bowling evening, a ski trip a happy place. to Lake Tahoe and a Memorial Day weekend adventure to Safari West. In each class, dedicated room parents also help promote We have all felt social connections, from holiday get-togethers and moms’ nights the energy and out to family picnics and dads’ events. They also provide an im- joy that radiate portant sounding board for questions and concerns. In the spring, throughout our families gather together at the annual Virginia Taylor Spaghetti Dinner (for more information, see page 18). This special Carey campus, and we tradition honors all of our families and provides an opportunity to pride ourselves relax with friends old and new. on our strong community. Healthy, strong relation- Beyond fostering connections between the parents at Carey, we also promote the bonds between our families and Carey’s ships are essential to our happiness and well outstanding faculty and staff. At Back to School Night in the fall, being, even helping us in times of stress and parents begin building the important relationship with their chil- adversity. So how does Carey foster and nur- dren’s teachers by hearing the curricular road map and classroom ture the relationships that shape our vibrant expectations for the year. Parent-teacher conferences also help community? facilitate the dialogue between parents and teachers to ensure a successful year for all. Throughout the year at CSPA meetings, our faculty and staff share their learnings with parents. Highlights Building the Carey community begins even before families of- from CSPA meetings ficially enroll. During the application process, prospective parents this year included an have the opportunity to meet current parents and ask questions innovative technology about the Carey experience. These potential families learn from presentation by Cameron veteran parents, getting a deeper sense for what our community Moredock, our Director of has to offer and how they can contribute. Upon enrollment, the Technology, and a recap CSPA Mentor Committee matches new families with current of how trends in “blended families, creating vital links for information and support. We then learning” are being ap- celebrate these new members of our community at a mentor- plied in our classrooms ing “welcome” event each spring and at a new family orientation by teachers Neely Norris session in the summer. Through these events, the newest mem- (third grade) and Amelia bers of our community are able to begin their Carey years with Rowland (fourth grade). In personal connections to ease their transition and integrate them these group settings, par- fully into the Carey family. ents have the opportunity to learn about the inspiring work and insights of our faculty and The family-to-family connections don’t end with mentoring staff, providing touch points for greater communication. relationships. The CSPA works hard to ensure families continue to make connections both within their grades and across grade To further deepen the home-school connection, Duncan Lyon de- levels, in forums large and small. On the opening days of school, livered the State of the School address to the parent community, the CSPA executive team sponsors “welcome back” coffees, casual sharing his reflections on his fist six months at Carey and his vision opportunities to reconnect after the long summer break and for the coming years. A dynamic question-and-answer session soothe any first day anxiety for our newest parents. Additionally, followed Duncan’s remarks, reflecting the passion and engage- the Community Events team of the CSPA regularly sponsors off- ment of our vibrant community. Also new this year, Carey initiated campus family events, ranging from evenings to weekends away. a series of grade-level discussions with parents. These evenings, This year, the Community Events team hosted a Carey Mamas 20 Carey School Parent Association (CSPA)

Executive Committee Supplies Coordinator: Lisa Pearlman President : Cathleen Thomas Escrip: Warrick Taylor Co-Vice-Presidents: Laura Agarwal and Susan Faris Faculty Appreciation: Kim Bottoms, Patty Macy and Treasurer : Maria Gorelik Claire Thompson led by Duncan and Tracy Secretary: Robbie Fang Library Liaison: Sally Mouzon Gray-Hair, focused on the and Beth Springer developmental milestones Committee Chairpersons Mentoring Program: of our students and how Leslie Kramer, Dorothy French parents and faculty can Auction: Julie Lev and Binna Kim work together to support Walkfest: Vanessa Lo and Parent Education: Heidi Cotton Leslie Gold our children. These conversations further facilitated dialogue be- Pumpkin Patch: Melissa Ansari, tween parents and also between parents and the administration Caring at Carey/Community Jennifer Nissenberg and Service: Helen Carris, Angela Rohde to promote a culture of understanding and respect. In the spring, Andrea Irvin and Katie Raab the annual Celebration of Learning enabled parents and faculty to Spaghetti Dinner: Meaghan Community Events: Bob Lahl, Schaefer, Lexi Slavet, reflect on the year’s accomplishments, providing an opportunity Lydia Alexander, Roberta Chopra Julie Gregory and Amy Obana and Laurie Kowalski for our entire community to share the successes and show appre- Volunteer Tracking: Fiona Taylor ciation for the hard work done throughout the year. Enrichment Days Liaisons: Ida Gruber and Sandy Moore Art Week: Charles Forrester and Jenny Risk Carey also builds relationships with our neighbors, connect- ing our families and students to the world beyond our campus. This year, the Caring at Carey committee sponsored events that Room Parents engaged families in meaningful service work in our community. Pre-Kindergarten Roz Benjamin, Sandy Moore, Sunita Parbhu In December, a group led by music teacher Linda Underwood Kindergarten D Leslie Kramer, Melissa Ansari, Tami Lahl sang at an assisted living center, brightening the holidays for all in- Kindergarten W Andrea Irvin, Binna Kim, Dorothy French volved, and in January, our families spent an afternoon at the San First Grade M Amy Gartner, Lexi Slavet, Maria Gorelik Francisco Food Bank. These volunteer events, along with many others, provide connections for families who share an interest in First Grade Z Jen Idema, Kristy Cowan, Amanda Minami an important cause. Finally, the CSPA completed its annual holiday Second Grade B Claudia Renert, Julie Gregory, Susie Hodges cookie drive thanks to the generosity of our families who baked Second Grade C Jenny Risk, Meaghan Schaefer, Patty Macy hundreds of treats. This simple gesture of delivering cookies to our Third Grade N Leslie Green, Robbie Fang, Stacey Fung neighbors on La Salle and Alameda shows our appreciation for Third Grade R Ida Gruber, Maxine Tse, Regina Lewis their patience during pick-up and drop-off and fosters ongoing Fourth Grade M Jean Barbagelata, Hilary Somorjai, Lorena Ferdows communication and mutual goodwill. Fourth Grade R Erin Crocker, Jasmine LeDuff, Taryn Sutton In addition to promoting bonds between parents and our com- Fifth Grade B Devon Gold, Maria Frantz, Wendy Liau, Janae Corley munity, Carey also fosters student-to-student connections. In the Fifth Grade C Fan Zhang, Lydia Alexander, Michelle Koskella summer before children even begin at Carey, veteran parents often schedule play dates to help new children get to know each other. Perhaps the most visible and loved tradition, the buddy Days featured a rapping Duncan and deafening C-A-R-E-Y cheers program at Carey connects children in the lower grades with by students, parents, faculty and staff. At Walkfest in October, we mentors in the upper grades. Additionally, fourth graders have the watched classmates walk hand-in-hand, parents and faculty run opportunity to model responsibility in their roles as lunch helpers. laps together, and grandparents relax in a “grand stand.” In March, Fifth graders also demonstrate their creativity, expertise and lead- our auction put the spotlight (literally!) on our community, mak- ership by teaching After School Adventure classes. Finally, Carey ing every attendee who walked the red carpet feel truly special fourth and fifth grade basketball teams provide yet more opportu- and appreciated. With a record turnout, exciting bidding and a nities for student interaction outside the classroom. crowded dance floor, the auction exemplified everything that makes our community strong. Of course, no conversation about Carey’s joyful community would be complete without a discussion of Walkfest and Auction. These Not surprisingly, Carey community bonds are tough to break. school-wide events serve the dual purposes of building con- Carey maintains our alumni connections through middle school nections and also raising funds that support the school. Quite nights, holiday service programs and reunions. Happily, we are simply, they put the “fun” in fundraising! This year’s Walkfest Spirit always part of the Carey family!

21 Get Engaged! By Lisa Fowler, Director of Advancement and Devon Gold, Advancement Chairperson

This past fall, we invited former chairpersons of the Board of Trustees back Former Board Chairs Luncheon 2011 to campus to meet our new Head of School Duncan Lyon. These special guests, whose tenures on the board date back to 1989, enjoyed a longstanding Carey tradition by visiting the Halloween pumpkin patch, had lunch with current members of the board, and shared their Carey histories by highlighting challenges, accomplishments and special memories. In January 2012, all former members of the Board of Trustees and other special friends were invited to a wine and cheese party at the home of current Board Chair Carol Pereira. Ask anyone connected to The Carey School At this special event, former Carey colleagues reconnected, met current members of the board and participated in an exercise to what makes it so special, and you’re bound to support the creation of a visual history wall for the school. hear the word “community” at or near the top of the list. Community isn’t built by accident. The highlight of the year for Carey alumni was Rather, it is cultivated and nurtured through the June 2011 All Alumni and Alumni Family Street Fair Reunion honoring retiring fourth relationship-building, shared commitment grade teacher, Joan Donar. More than 250 and vision to an institution’s purpose and ac- alumni and alumni family members returned Alumni and Alumni Family Reunion 2011, Street Fair to celebrate Joan’s 39 years of dedication to the tive engagement and support. at The Carey School school. Carrying that energy and momentum A hallmark of the Carey experience — for students, families, into this school year, many alumni turned out for faculty and staff alike — is enthusiastic engagement. Year after the beloved fall tradition Walkfest. Our alumni year, The Carey School provides countless opportunities for its celebrated a Very Carey Holiday by volunteering current community members to engage, including the Carey at the San Francisco Food Bank, followed by a School Parents Association’s extensive network of committees, bus and walking tour of San Francisco holiday Alumni Holiday Event 2011 classroom programs and special events, community social and hotspots. This spring, the school continued its Carey, Merry, and Bright service events, parent education nights and beyond. Recognizing, tradition of Middle School Alumni Night, where recent sixth grade however, that our rich community extends beyond the campus alumni return to share their middle school experiences with our gates to many who are removed from Carey by either time or current fifth grade, as well as our alumni Annual Fund phone-a- distance, we have embarked on a purposeful mission to en- thon. Rounding out a full year of sure opportunities for engagement with our alumni fun, the school ended the extended community. Through increased year with the communication, events to rebuild connec- Virginia Taylor tions and an extension of long-standing Spaghetti Dinner Carey traditions, we are excited to be engag- and Café du Carey ing such important community constituents All Alumni and Alumni Family Alumni and Alumni Family as grandparents, alumni and alumni families, Reunion 2012, Cafe du former faculty and former members of the Reunion. Carey/Tour de Carey Board of Trustees. This year, Carey continued to explore avenues to connect our students with their grandparents in meaningful ways in order to Grandparents and Special Friends Day 22 Our Beloved

Former Board Chairs with Feathers Clare

deepen our commitment to teaching children the core values of our school. On Saturday, April Kindness, respect and responsibility are 28, 2012, Clare Carey the bedrock of meaningful relationships, Willard passed away and by asking our students to live these after a long illness. values through the connections they forge with each other as well as Clare Carey Willard older generations, we reinforce and and her sister, Mary strengthen our very special community. Therese Carey, This past October, more than 35 Carey graduated from grandparents attended the school’s The Carey School, Walkfest 2011, it was GRAND! annual Walkfest. Grandparents walked which their par- hand in hand with their grandchildren, cheered the kids ents founded, and later returned to it as on from the track and relaxed in the Grandstand while teachers. Eventually, they assumed the role getting to know other Carey grandparents and community of co-heads of the school until 1989 when members. Grandparent participants received special “Proud they retired to private life. Since then, Clare Grandparent of a Carey Kid” t-shirts and were presented stayed in touch with Carey in numerous with a gold medal of participation by their grandchild. ways, returning for events like Founders Beyond the traditional school events including Genera- Day, Fifth Grade Graduation, and Clare tions Day (formerly Grandparents and Special Friends Day), Carey Willard Art Days. Holiday Sing, Operetta and the kindergarten and fifth grade graduations, additional invitations were extended to Faculty members and alumni recall Clare’s grandparents to visit and participate in campus life. Many spirit and style. “Clare was a trend setter,” skilled grandmothers participated in the first grade Teddy said Michele Zirelli. “She was a true vision- Bear Day, helping some of our youngest students make a ary and a fashionista. She wore toe rings stuffed teddy bear by hand. We were also fortunate to have before they were even in style!” Jaime Trier- Mildred Pitts Walter, a Carey great-grandparent and author, weiler noted that, “Clare loved the children share her children’s stories and experiences with the entire and was a huge promoter of the arts. She student body. loved to tell wild stories to the children.” One alumna described how Clare’s “gener- Carey is grateful to all who have contributed to the richness osity extended to families in need” and her of our community by engaging so meaningfully in campus insistence that the students sing loud and life. Whether you are separated from Carey by many miles or proud during Operetta. just a few, by decades or days, know that you are never far from our hearts. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Clare Carey Willard will be missed by the en- tire Carey community, which she helped foster during her long association with the school she dearly loved. In her final yearbook message in 1989, Clare wrote, “Be courageous and be brave and in my heart you’ll always stay forever young.”

Alumni back on campus

23 around the world in search of 1991 something bigger and bolder. Claire Coney is in her ninth year of Class Notes They definitely found it, and were teaching in the Belmont Redwood so bitten by the travel bug that Shores School District. Her favorite they’ve been saving like mad for memories of Carey are making another big adventure. They leave principal’s (Claire and Mary T.’s) of- stone soup with Mrs. Ainsworth, 1950s again this June for an estimated fice, as well as helping on the CSPA Garfield with Ms. Donar, and recy- Kristi Spence is proud of having 18-month backpacking journey board at its inception. cling with Mrs. Patterson. three generations of Carey alumni. through much of Asia. Her favorite memory of Carey is 1994 being in the Operetta 1982 Having explored 32 countries Molly McCahan is a freelance Zachary Coney has completed in 1945. on five continents thus far, Molly writer and global travel junkie his fourth year of working for turned her wanderlust into a with a serious passion for devel- Apple Inc. in operations finance. 1963 worthwhile endeavor back in the oping countries. In 2007 she and His favorite memories of Carey are Zach Coney won the Small Land- States, creating her own engaging her husband put their careers Operetta, Careyfest, and blue jean scape Award in 2009. His favorite travel seminars and slide shows on hold, ditched the American day. memories of Carey are riding the at various locations, including REI Dream, and set out for 14 months school bus, being sent to the stores around the San Francisco 1998 Bay Area and the San Francisco Randee Autrand graduated from Public Library. Her informative University of Puget Sound in 2009. events have been met with wide Wing-See Leung 1991 She just moved back to Tacoma, acclaim, and she enjoys empow- Washington to explore her career ering others to turn their wildest options. Her favorite memories of Wing-See Leung is passionate dreams into real-life journeys. Carey are Operetta, wearing crazy about doing things that create In her most recent full-time job, costumes and singing. real value in people’s lives, she worked for 3.5 years as the especially children, and inspir- Publicity Manager for Sierra Club ing others to do so. Wing-See Outings, the adventure travel 2000 Allegra Aron graduated Brown graduated from The Carey arm of the renowned non-profit University in 2011. Her favorite School in 1991 in an eighth conservation giant. memory of Carey is Careyfest. grade class of seven students. She firmly Allegra spent the last year working A communications professional believes in making a difference in people’s lives, whether as an intern at Trinity in Dublin, with 20 years of experience in it’s something as small as brightening someone’s day or Ireland and is looking forward a variety of creative industries, as impactful as solving complex social problems. to entering the PhD program in Molly’s also a 20-year San Fran- chemistry at UC Berkeley. Wing-See is the chief executive officer of a non-profit cisco resident, as well as a native of the Bay Area (born and raised organization called Prevent Blindness Northern California. in San Mateo). 2004 The organization provides vision screenings and connects Zoe Aron has successfully com- people to vision care. The organization serves pre-school- Tom Saberi is proud of having a pleted her freshman year at Brown ers, adults and seniors throughout Northern California. son who is a first grader at Carey. University and this past year joined He is currently working as a litiga- Brown’s women’s water polo team. Wing-See remembers Carey to be a foundational educa- tion attorney and coaching youth Zoe sends hellos to all her Carey tional experience. English was her favorite class, and while sports. His favorite memories of teachers. Her favorite memory of she found it very challenging, she enjoyed its structured Carey are his close friends, many Carey is Careyfest. environment. She credits Carey with providing her with an Operettas and the great education exceptional skill in diagramming sentences and grammar. he got. Bergren Antell is the captain of Wing-See claims that even today, she is known as “hawk Burlingame varsity water polo team. He is also in the Peninsula eye” when reviewing or editing text written by her staff. 1983 Youth Orchestra as the principle Roslyn Benjamin was appointed oboe. His favorite memory of Carey Following Carey, Wing-See attended St. Ignatius College Assistant Head at Live Oak School is Careyfest. Preparatory and went onto Stanford University where she in San Francisco. Her favorite mem- earned a BA in psychology. Her graduate work included ory of Carey is ice cream Friday. Christian Gehrke was the first a masters in business administration from Columbia recipient of Stuart Hall High School’s Tracy (DeLano) Powers is proud Business School and a masters in social work from the James Rowcliffe Kessler Award. His of her four-year-old daughter, Columbia School of Social Work. favorite memories of Carey are Car- Grace, who will be the next eyfest and the fourth grade mission generation at Carey, joining the fall By Annette Goodwine project with Ms. Donar. Pre-K class.

24 on the Green Team, emceed/host- ed a screening of Miss Representa- Blair Feehan 1998 tion, and co-chaired the Junior/ Senior Banquet. She also had the In the spring of 1996, on the Serra High School stage, Blair opportunity to travel with her class Feehan had her first “ah ha” moment in theatre. It was the to , exposing her to more Operetta, and Blair was on stage with the rest of the Carey third international travel and a won- grade wearing a non-descript green poncho, singing a somber derful country. Additionally, she rendition of “California Here We Come.” Halfway through the continues to work as a print model for numerous companies and host song, Blair and her classmates threw off the gear and started Eco-Company, beginning to film dancing in festive Hawaiian shirts. The crowd roared and the her and the show’s 4th season for kids took a bow. Blair had found her passion. FOX. Finally, last year she won the title of “Miss National American Blair took that love of the theatre through Crystal Springs Miss California Teen 2011” and has High School, Whitman College in Washington, and right into her dedicated her reign to numerous adult life. While she still occasionally goes on stage, her calling has been in stage manage- community service organizations ment, coordinating theatrical productions from behind the curtain. She likes to ensure the while encouraging others to get smooth execution of a production, and has done so for numerous performances at all levels. involved in giving back to their community. It is Blair’s goal to one day manage an arts non-profit and she is off to a good start. After graduating from Whitman as a theatre major a few years ago, Blair started working with Jew- Alexandra Loh played varsity ish Foundation of Seattle, an organization that works tennis, had her artwork was com- to ensure a vibrant Jewish community both locally missioned and performed in a and worldwide. A year ago, she took a job with the fine arts festival this last year. Her non-profit consulting firm Collins Group in Seattle. favorite memories of Carey are She helps teach non-profits how to raise money. But Careyfest, Operetta, and Spaghetti she still is involved in theatre, working on community Dinner. productions and in local theatres. It is a passion that Grace Stayner’s favorite memo- has informed her education and career choices… ries of Carey are the teachers, and was inspired 16 years ago on a stage in San Operetta, Spaghetti Dinner, and Mateo with her Carey School classmates. all the wonderful people, many of whom she’s still in touch with By Mark Moore today. Grace is enjoying junior year at Crystal where she runs cross- country and track, is co-president of the Outdoor Club and is an Adnan Hito is going to college. high school finalist out of 72,000 Kimmie Pavela was MVP in varsity Ambassador. His favorite memory of Carey is his entries. Most teams were college track and treasurer of the Diversity classmates. and post-graduates. The Microsoft Club. Next year, she is going to John Stayner’s favorite memories Imagine Cup is the world’s premier Gonzaga University to run track of Carey are of kickball, Mr. Simp- Gabe Hoffman has completed student technology competi- and cross-country. She is also son dressing up like a chicken, 10th grade. His favorite memory tion. He has entered in this year’s majoring in nursing. In her free Operetta and Careyfest. John is of Carey is the mission project, but competition again and so far his time she volunteered at Pal Care a junior at Crystal. He runs cross really everything, especially the team has advanced to the second and Sunrise. Her favorite memory country and track and still fences. teachers. round. He will be going to Renssel- of Carey is Careyfest. laer next year. Chloee Weiner was the junior 2005 Samantha Sims is the cofounder class president (co-president with Shannon Lacy was MVP Defense Dylan Mayer played back-to-back of Antihuman Trafficking Club alumna Alexandra Loh) this past Varsity Soccer, got a black belt in CCS baseball championships, at school and was mentioned in year and has been elected student karate, volunteered at the Humane started as middle linebacker of seventeen magazines. She was body VP of Activities for the 2012- Society, and was on the all league the Menlo Football team, and was also mentioned by Project Read for 2013 school year. Her favorite team for soccer. Her favorite male athlete of the year (Menlo ju- her tutoring the past three years. memory of Carey is mummifying memory of Carey is Careyfest. niors). He is also relieved he didn’t Her favorite memory of Carey is fish in Miss T’s science class. die of E. Coli the summer of 2010; Careyfest. Julius Lee won 4th place in the he was in the hospital for 15 days. 2007 His favorite memories of Carey are National Microsoft Imagine Cup 2006 Nadine Geller is happy to have Pauline Murray Day and Careyfest. competition hosted by Microsoft Jordan Fowler is a junior at Cas- survived freshman year and enjoys in June of 2011. He was the only tilleja School and this year served art. Her favorite memories of Carey

25 Toffie (Feakins) Kopczynski 1990 “Carey was a nice place to spend my day,” Toffie began. “I Some of Toffie’s favorite moments at Carey were creating remember having really good friends and really enjoying my the art projects and writing book reports in third grade. classes. The teachers were great.” As we all know, part of the Outside the classroom “the Operetta stands out! We felt so happy fabric of our Carey life is Betty Angell in the office. The special doing it. Getting all dressed up and having people same was true back in the 1980s when Toffie attended! She watch you is such a special experience for young children.” volunteered, “And of course I remember Mrs. Angell in the She appreciates that the tradition of Operetta is still being office. My mom always used to say that was the best name continued to this day. for her.” Some of Toffie’s not-so-favorite Carey memories include time spent on the “Red Bench” outside the head of school’s office where kids had to sit and await their fate if they had done something wrong. “It even had a sign on it that said, ‘You are benched courtesy of the Class of 1976’ or something like that,” laughed Toffie.

In addition to lots of fun memories, Carey gave Toffie an excellent foundation on which to continue her academic success. She shared, “I left feeling very prepared for Crystal Springs.” After Crystal Toffie attended Princeton and Harvard Law School. She now practices law and lives in Woodside with her husband and two children. Now that she is back in California Toffie hopes to attend some Carey Alumni events and get reacquainted with old friends.

By Laura Agarwal are Mrs. Bloom’s and Ms. Donar’s received a history award in ninth Katie Chu was the winner of of middle school. Her favorite classes as well as Mrs. Roper and grade. Her favorite memories are the French award. Her favorite memory of Carey is the California Mr. Cleary. Careyfest and Operetta. memory of Carey is the California Walk Through. Walk Through. Daniel Griggi just completed the Nickie Pereira was on the water Chris Louie made it to the playoffs ninth grade and was in a produc- polo and robotics team. She also Armand Dubois is attending Serra WOGL-S4. His favorite memory of tion of Footloose. His favorite peer tutors classmates when she High School and has finished an- Carey is lunch. memories of Carey are Operetta, can. Her favorite memory of Carey other hockey season. His favorite outdoor ed, playing the recorder is outdoor ed. memory of Carey is all the faculty Thomas John Mudge recently in music class and Pauline Murray and staff. graduated eighth grade. His Sports Day. Matti Thurston was the WISCR favorite memory of Carey is his first Award winner for ninth grade, Miles Fowler is a freshman at day there. Laura Hagenah enjoys playing math and science Pinewood Menlo School and spends his volleyball. She recently finished Award winner, and won a silver free time either on the basketball Maddie Vagadori is enjoying high working on a charity show. Her medal in the National Spanish court—playing on both the school school at Crystal Springs Uplands favorite memory of Carey is out- exam. He is also quite proud of and AAU teams—or on stage School. She plays varsity soccer door ed. getting a 4.0 GPA for four years performing in both Spring Awak- and is on the varsity swim team. straight. His favorite memories of ening and Taming of the Shrew. Her favorite memories of Carey Thad Lampson has been skiing, Carey are the computer classes, Additionally, Miles sings in the are the Spaghetti Dinner and snowboarding, and skateboarding. walking to Taco Bell, and the fourth choir and had the opportunity to Careyfest. His favorite memory of Carey is grade gold rush. go with Menlo’s Knight School to Careyfest. to sing in the cathedrals and Cameron Zarringhalam gradu- 2008 explore the country. He thoroughly ated the eighth grade with honors. Andrea Lim studies the piano, Rustin Baradar graduated eighth enjoyed the experience, especially He also received a certificate for applied for the Chopin National grade with high honors. His favor- the sites, culture and cuisine. highest effort in French and was Scholarship, and recently present- ite memories of Carey are Careyfest on the tennis team. His favorite ed to her school’s AP music theory and the Pumpkin Patch. Elizabeth Lacy had an undefeated memories of Carey are Operetta class about music history. She soccer season during her last year and the spaghetti dinner.

26 Alexandra Libby 2001, Samantha Libby 1998, Elizabeth Libby 1994

“The Libby Sisters” has quite a ring to it, and all three Carey Currently she is back in NYC and studying at the Columbia grads are incredible in their interests, pursuits, and current jobs. School of International and Public Affairs, getting her master’s The Carey School had an impact on each of them and they with a focus on human rights. Samantha is spending her sum- all noticed the commitment to fostering individuality and the mer in Liberia and Ethiopia. In Liberia she is participating via focus on relationships and community. a grant from the Human Rights Institute from Columbia and while in Ethiopia she will be working as part of USAID. Among Elizabeth Libby joined her favorite memories of Carey are her second grade teacher her two sisters at Carey who encouraged creative learning, as well as the walkathon. in the middle of her But her favorite memory was “running on the playground and fourth grade year and hanging on the jungle gym.” joined Ms. Donar’s class. She graduated Alexandra Libby followed her sisters to Castilleja where she from Carey and went was active in the tutoring club and the Robotics Team. Alex on to Castilleja for was the leader of the middle school and high school. She studied at Stanford where animation side of she majored in physics and graduated in 2005. After Stanford, the robotics team Elizabeth continued her love of physics(her parents are both and entered the physicists) and received her PhD in physics from the University team in two of the of Pennsylvania. Currently Elizabeth is pursuing a postdoc at animation com- Columbia Medical Center in NYC in bacterial cell biology. petitions. She also achieved a black belt Although Elizabeth was only at Carey for a short time, her fond- in Tae Kwon Do. est memories include Operetta and the Friday sales of It’s It ice cream for 50 cents. Alex just graduated from Harvard this June with a degree in neurobiology. She will be starting a job working in a lab “My individuality was nurtured at Carey. Those beginning years at Mass General Hospital as a research assistant doing brain are crucial; you learn the difference between right and wrong. imaging with MRI and possibly MEG . In this particular lab, she Carey provides a strong moral foundation.” will be studying the neural correlates of carpal tunnel syn- drome, nausea and chronic pain. While at Harvard, she most Samantha Libby enjoyed writing her thesis about atypical brain development started Carey in on 6-month old babies. During college she illustrated for The Pre-K and gradu- Crimson’s arts section. Her art can be viewed at www.alexan- ated in 1998. She dralibby.com continued her middle school and Alex has vivid memories from Carey: from the vast collection of high school educa- books in the library, to the then-new playground with several tion at Castilleja as different slides. Alex remembers trying all of them. She particu- well. Upon graduat- larly remembers Mrs. Bloom in fifth grade, the ‘math’ cards in ing she went on to the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU in the third grade and learning to read a bit later than her peers. Dramatic Writing program. When asked about how she chose that particular area of focus, she commented that ‘you don’t During the walkathon, Alex pushed herself to walk/run the choose it; it chooses you.” During high school, she was able to most laps and looked forward to the carnival after the walk- take creative writing classes at Stanford. athon, especially the Duck Pond game.

Samantha has always had a commitment to service and “The best thing about Carey was the people in my class. It moved to Hanoi Vietnam after graduating and worked at a was a great community with wonderful people. I will always contemporary art gallery supporting contemporary artists. She remember it as a very supportive community. It was here I also briefly taught kindergarten. learned the value of respect and empathy.”

By Hilary Somorjai

27 2009 Sam Levy is excited to be finishing studying. Her favorite memory of 2010 Isaac Heller is finishing eighth eighth grade at Keys School and Carey is her friends. Megan Beattie is enjoying grade at the Wornick Jewish Day is looking forward to high school. seventh grade at Live Oak School School in Foster City, where his fa- One of his favorite Carey memories Julia Shray went to a ski team in San Francisco. She continues to vorite subject is math. He also goes is buying new shoes on Sunday so school academy in Tahoe. Her sing and act and is looking forward to the High School Math Circle he could walk around the circle in favorite memories of Carey are to summer camp at San Francisco’s at Stanford. He took first place in kindergarten and sing the “New Careyfest and Operetta. New Conservatory Theater Center. eighth grade material science at Shoes” song. the San Mateo County Science Fair Bella Solorzano is excited about Julia Bounds won the 3000 meter last winter. Next year he will be go- William Loh was on the baseball finishing the seventh grade and national champion title at the ing to Carlmont High, and is look- team, received honors for playing winning the varsity basketball USA Track & Field Junior Olympics ing forward to reuniting with some the trumpet, performed in the championship. Her favorite memo- in Wichita, Kansas. She followed of his Carey classmates. His favorite winter music concert, and was ries of Carey are Operetta with the that with a second-place finish memory of Carey is Operetta. in eighth grade math last year. moving cars and Careyfest. at the Cross Country National His favorite memory of Carey is Championship in Orlando, Florida, Emma Kaufman recently had her Operetta. Joseph Waterbury’s favorite losing by ½ a second over a 3000 bat mitzvah. Her favorite memo- memory of Carey is Operetta. meter course. She was ranked #2 ries of Carey are the many friends Malcolm McClellan is on the in the United States for 12 and 13 she made. Earthquake Academy team. His Justin Wei played in the state ODP year-old cross-country runners by favorite memories of Carey are all soccer. His favorite memories of YouthOne.com and is currently Ian Lampson has been playing the Operettas. Carey are the turf field, the mission ranked in the top 10 for 13 and 14 soccer and going to the ski park. and balloon projects, and the year-old 3000 meter runners. Julia His favorite memory of Carey is Lauren Scampavia is doing ballet California Walkthrough. continues to excel at Woodside Careyfest. and playing tennis when she is not Priory where she has been on the student council for the past two years and participates in cross country, volleyball, basketball, soft- Man-Kit Leung 1990 ball, soccer and track and where she has won numerous MVP and Whether it was listening to the written work of other coaches’ awards while earning students or learning how to play baseball, basketball straight A’s. Her favorite memories and football on the playground, Man-Kit Leung has of Carey include the friendships many fond memories of time spent at The Carey she made and, of course, winning School. Attending through middle school and gradu- the Most Laps award in the walk-a- ating in 1990, Man-Kit went onto to attend St. Ignatius thon for three years straight. College Preparatory in San Francisco for high school. From there, he earned his bachelor of arts, summa Brandon Chu is most proud of getting good grades. His favorite cum laude, in biochemical sciences from Harvard memory of Carey is the turf. University and decided to pursue a medical career. Man-Kit attended UCSF School of Medicine and Phoebe Doell just finished the sixth completed his internship and residency at Stanford grade. Her favorite memory of Carey University Medical Center. is Operetta and bake sales.

Today, Man-Kit is an otolaryngologist, a head and neck surgeon in private practice in Patrick (PJ) Frantz toured Cuba San Francisco. Academically, he is an adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University with the Ragazzi Boys Chorus School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Man-Kit and performed in many middle also serves as a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and Fellow of the school “night clubs” with his band American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Aftermath. He also performed in Menlo’s productions of Hairspray, Committed to his community, Man-Kit is passionate about improving medical care to un- Alice in Wonderland and West Side derserved populations. As a multilingual surgeon fluent in Cantonese, Man-Kit focuses his Story. He enjoys playing water practice to assist the Asian immigrant population in San Francisco’s Chinatown. polo and guitar. He looks forward to returning to Carey this June for Man-Kit attended Carey with his sister, Wing See Leung, and keeps up with alumni friends his sister Caroline’s graduation. through Facebook. Benjamin Gardner joined the By Annette Goodwine track team this year.

28 Jack Gold has enjoyed playing traveling to Chile with his Spanish the mission projects, and bake sales. Ben Lague had a great time fin- football, basketball, soccer and teacher and several classmates ishing sixth grade. He will always baseball for Menlo and singing in to spend three weeks working in Michelle Griggi enjoys art and play- remember Carey for being fun, the Boys Chorus. He also plays AAU a rural school, living with a host ing softball. Her favorite memories of respectful and a happy place. basketball for Payes Place and club family and touring the country. Carey are PE, Careyfest, Operetta and soccer for the Peninsula Titans. His favorite memories of Carey are the mission projects. Christopher Louie is currently This summer, he is excited to be playing the Storyteller in Operetta, attending Summit Preparatory

Tom Saberi 1982 When Tom Saberi was a student at The Carey School, the en- of strong academics prepared Tom well for high school as tire school took a field trip to Fairyland in Oakland. Via plane. well as college at U.C. Berkeley and law school in San Fran- Yes, you read that correctly. The entire school took a field cisco. Now a civil litigator living in San Mateo, Tom recalls his trip on a plane. Specifically, the plane ride was from San Jose time at Carey fondly. “My memories of Carey are even better airport to Oakland airport and back, with a trip to Fairyland in than those from high school,” he says. In fact, a few of Tom’s between. Makes the current first grade field trip to Palo Alto Carey classmates recently reunited for their 30th reunion for Junior Museum seem a little pale by comparison. Alumni Day on Sunday, June 3, 2012.

And Tom Saberi should know. His son Josiah is currently a Thinking back on his days at Carey, Tom remembers par- first grader at Carey. “It’s a great fit for Josiah,” Tom says. “The ticipating in activities and experiencing traditions that still education was top notch when I was there and it’s even bet- exist today. “Mrs. (Carey) Willard was the drama teacher,” he ter now.” explains. “She was the one who started the Operetta tradi- tion.” Today, Tom enjoys the Operetta as an audience member, Tom Saberi enrolled at Carey as a kindergarten student in the seeing his son on the stage that Tom himself once occupied. fall of 1973. He spent his elementary and middle school years Tom also recalls Carey having one of the first computer labs in as a Carey eagle before matriculating down the street to the area. “I think it was 1981,” he says. “I was in seventh grade Serra High School. “I’ve spent a lot of time in that neighbor- and Carey invested in Apple computers for our classroom. hood,” Tom laughs. “And I’m still there now!” “ Though the school did not have an official “computer lab” back then, the students learned from their own classroom Beloved and well-known teachers such as Carol Roper and teacher and began to get comfortable on the machines. “I Joan Donar helped to influence the person Tom has become think it was well before some of the other schools had com- today. “It was a great school,” Tom recalls. “It was a good size. puters,” Tom recalls. We built relationships with our classmates and all of the teachers were strong. They expected a lot from us and taught Today, Tom spends much of his free time with his family, us important study skills.” These study skills and a foundation coaching his kids’ little league baseball and AYSO soccer teams. Being an involved parent is impor- tant to Tom, and he feels this quality is reflected strongly in Carey’s core values. “The biggest difference between Carey then and now is in the level of parent involvement. Carey is more of a community than it was back then and it makes the school a better place.”

Carey is lucky to have alumni like Tom Saberi involved in our school today. When alumni send their children to Carey, it continues an impor- tant educational tradition that began 84 years ago. That tradition is the foundation of the remarkable institution Carey is today, and we have people like Tom Saberi to thank for being an integral part of Carey’s rich history as well as its bright future.

By Betsy Berman

29 High School in Redwood City as Brendan Semien has won all of Annalise Wang’s favorite memo- Ethan Labouisse won a trophy for a freshman. His biggest passions his swimming events for two years ries of Carey are the bake sales and finishing first in a chess tourna- are online gaming and video in a row. His favorite memories of Operetta ment. He is proud of graduating editing. He completed sixth grade Carey are Operetta, the trip to Vans Carey and of Operetta. His favorite with straight A’s and participated and outdoor ed. Sophie White had a successful memory of Carey is math packets in many sports teams as well volleyball and basketball season. with Ms. Donar. as drama last year. His favorite Ben Somorjai won the Hank Har- Her favorite memory of Carey is memory of Carey is Operetta. ris Little Leaguer of the Year from Literature Week. Hannah Lampson’s favorite Hillsborough Little League. He was memory of Carey is Ms. Donar’s Ethan Miller spends his free time also the catcher for the All Star Ashley Zhang likes to paint and fourth grade class. playing baseball and just finished Team, which won the District 52 All won second place in the state his first year at Ralston Middle Star Tournament this past summer. for the National French contest Sophie Lawrence loved every School. His favorite memory of Car- In addition, Ben plays percussion in 2011. Her favorite memory of minute she spent at Carey. Some ey is the pumpkin patch, Careyfest in the Symphonic Band at Crocker Carey is outdoor ed. of her favorite memories are time and his buddies. Middle School. His favorite memo- spent with friends and her teach- ries of Carey are Operetta and 2011 ers. Sophie often brings up “ism’s” Pauline Murray Sports Day. Katie Apple is proud of graduat- a teacher used. She is still a Carey ing from The Carey School. Her student at heart. favorite memory of Carey is Mrs. Roper. Francesca Mejia’s favorite memo- Michelle Ficcaglia 1988 ries of Carey are outdoor ed in fifth Caroline Berube was very proud of grade, Friday fun days in first grade, Michelle Greenberg the performance given at the Oper- and missions in fourth grade. Ficcaglia graduated from etta. Her favorite memory of Carey The Carey School in 1988. is having a pet in the first grade. Ryan Murphy’s favorite memories After graduating, Michelle of Carey are the bake sales in fifth attended Menlo School. David Cook enjoyed being in the grade. She is an alumna of Operetta. He is also very proud of Claremont McKenna, a painting he recently finished. His Brynn Shaffer’s favorite memories graduating with a BS in of Carey are Operetta (every aspect psychology. Michelle favorite memory of Carey is going earned her PhD from to Vans. of it), graduation (which she was University of California excited and sad about) and just at Berkeley in Special Christopher Fellowes par- being a student at Carey. Education. She is currently the ticipated in the National Scrabble Clinical Director of the Autism Program at Easter Seals. Championship in Orlando, FL. Alexandra (Ally) Stein is a nation- Michelle credits Carey for a strong educational founda- ally ranked Scrabble player. She tion that fostered her self-confidence. Josh Goodwine is attending just got back from her second Crystal Springs Uplands School national tournament in Orlando, Michelle has a long history with Carey. She enrolled in and loving it. He has played on all Florida. She is currently ranked the school in third grade after her parents moved her 55th; you’d be surprised at how from a public school. Michelle’s parents wanted her at of the sixth grade athletic teams: a school committed to community and kindness. Now, flag football, basketball, soccer and many kids play competitive Michelle wants the same for her daughter, who is in baseball. Last summer, Josh had the Scrabble. Competitive Scrabble is kindergarten at Carey. When Michelle dropped off her honor of playing on the Hillsbor- different from other more casual daughter at the school, she found herself reliving warm ough Little League 11 year-old All games. In addition to the cogni- memories of her own eighth grade class! Star team. At Crystal, one of Josh’s tive challenges of Scrabble, players favorite subjects is, not surprisingly, engage their imagination and Michelle’s fondest memory is practicing for Operetta. science, since he was awarded a work on being able to coordi- Carey students would walk to Serra to practice, just special recognition award at the nate and communicate clearly as they do now. Michelle’s parents attended Carey’s San Mateo County Science Fair in with teammates. In competitive Generations Day. They walked through the same halls Scrabble they play in teams of with their grandchild as they once did with Michelle. his fifth grade year at Carey. They found a school still dedicated to the values they two. Alexandra’s partner is Chris cherished. James Kaplan’s favorite memory Fellowes, a classmate from Carey; of Carey is eating rainbow jello in they make a good team and try Michelle looks forward to attending future alumni kindergarten. their best to play well. Competitive events and reconnecting with long lost friends. youth Scrabble, which is for fourth Parsa Khosravi was awarded the through eighth graders, is very fun By Roberta Chopra Atkins Award exemplifying the and interesting and has helped her mission of Carey during his six expand her vocabulary. years there. His favorite memories of Carey are the Vans breakfast and Operetta. 30 Jessia Hoffman 2004 Jessia Hoffman, currently a freshman at Stanford University, After graduating from credits The Carey School with “giving me the foundation for Carey, Jessia attended my higher learning.” Jessia is extremely active at Stanford: she Brandeis Hillel Day School sings in Mixed Company, the oldest coed a cappella group in San Francisco for middle on campus, and is a member of the Stanford Improvers, the school and then went on school’s improv team. In addition she is involved with the to Aragon High School Jewish community through Hillel. Academically, she is think- in San Mateo. Jessia was ing about pursuing English, feminist studies or drama but fortunate to go to high has until the end of sophomore year to decide. school with another Carey alum, Melody Ma, Jessia has maintained a love of the arts since participating in who is currently at UCLA many of the performances and continues to be a at Carey including her close friend. favorite, Operetta. “Miss Linda first instilled in me Jessia was last at Carey celebrating Miss Donar’s my love of performing retirement and commented on the warm and nurturing and singing.” Many of her environment at Carey. She still holds Carey close to her heart: beloved Carey teachers “I truly love that school and everyone in it.” attended Jessia’s perfor- mances during middle In addition to her love of the arts, Jessia has a passion for school and high school. social action and will be spending her summer working at Jewish Family and Children’s Services. By Hilary Somorjai

Samantha (Feakins) Daly 1996

When asked to sum up her Carey experience in one sen- ally almost dying on the home stretch!” tence Sam shared, “I remember the teachers the most.” Now an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan in the Sam found a way to keep up her stam- departments of Mechanical Engineering and Materials ina because after Carey she attended Science and Engineering, Sam discovered her love of math both Crystal Springs (where Carey’s and science at Carey. This passion was encouraged and nur- previous head of school, Eric Temple, tured by Ms. Donar, Sam’s fourth grade teacher. “I remember taught her English) and Phillips Exeter her kindness and selflessness in getting extra worksheets Academy in New Hampshire. She for me because I wanted more. She would let me sit outside stayed in New Hampshire for college, the classroom and work on them. She found a way to attending Dartmouth and later returned to California for her truly exhibit differentiated learning.” Sam continued, “In my PhD in mechanical engineering from CalTech. When not opinion, the span between second and fifth grade is very working, Sam enjoys spending time with her one-year old important in shaping how kids do later in school. Ms. Donar daughter, running, reading and barrel-racing horses! made a difference in where my course charted off to.” Sam treasures her time spent at Carey. “The Carey School But it wasn’t just hard work all the time for Sam! Other shaped who I am as a person who sees the world in a posi- special Carey moments include making Christmas trees out tive and happy light.” Having spent her life taking ample of Reader’s Digest books in third grade and California Mis- advantage of opportunities to learn, Sam encourages sions out of plaster of in fourth grade. When not in the other girls to do the same. Her advice? “Raise your hand. Be classroom, Sam remembers bouncing balls off the 20-foot engaged in the classroom and don’t feel like you have to x 10-foot x 4-foot wooden flag smack dab in the middle of be absolutely sure that you have the right answer. Jump in. the upper playground! “I also remember Sports Day,” she re- Don’t be afraid to be wrong.” counted. “We would open the gate on the lower playground By Laura Agarwal and do laps around the red track at Serra. I remember liter-

31 Class of 2011 Graduates

Isabella Albert Matthew Johnson Pranay Mohan 2011 Middle School Acceptances Rachel Andrews James Kaplan Ryan Murphy Katie Apple Parsa Khosravi Jack Needham Castilleja School Jordan Bachechi-Clark Brandon Kyle Makena Reynolds Crystal Springs Uplands School Caroline Berube Ethan Labouisse Julia Ruch Burlingame Intermediate School Perry Chavez Katie Lague Brynn Shaffer Girls Middle School Felix Chen Sophie Lawrence Alexandra Stein Head Royce School Hillcrest David Cook Sehar Masud Sebastian Thomas Julia Morgan Christopher Fellowes Maya McClellan Anika Tse Keys School Joshua Goodwine Francesca Mejia Jack Vagadori Kings Academy Aidan Israelski Mele Meredith Jasmine Zang Live Oak School Menlo School Nueva Odyssey Ralston Middle School Many thanks to all of The Carey School faculty, students, families and Ronald Wornick special friends who make Carey such an incredible school! Every effort Sacred Heart has been made to present accurate information in this magazine. Please St Matthews Episcopal contact Carey’s Advancement Office if you know of any discrepancies or San Francisco School errors at [email protected] or (650)345-3410. Seacrest Terra Linda Woodside Priory

* Bold indicates multiple acceptances/attendees

32 Class of 2004 Colleges/Universities Attended Join us in the Annual Fund

Boston University and be counted. Brown University Evergreen State College Georgetown University George Washington University Hamilton University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ohio Wesley University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Santa Clara University Sonoma State University Stanford University University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Francisco University of Southern California (USC) A L F U U Williams College N N

D

Yale University N A *Bold Indicates multiple graduates attending 2 0 2 1 1- 2 0 1

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