THE April/May 2009 ULLETIN BPublished jointly by the Horace Mann School and the Parents Association

And The Walls Came Tumbling Down By Flavia Ades

Now that this country has witnessed the fall of racial barriers and has seen, in the words of our President, that America is a place where all things are possible, the Lower Division decided to absorb lessons from living history and explore the possibilities of peace. These efforts resulted in the creation of a Peace and Human Rights Education program that kept the students en- gaged for a good part of the winter. s e

Lower Division Publishing Center Co- d A

a ordinator and Middle Division English i v a l

teacher, Louise Parms, was the main F

y b architect of this comprehensive pro- o t o gram. h Parms worked closely with faculty P members representing each grade lev- Doves and hand prints adorn the Lower Division on Human Rights Day el as well as special area teachers in planning for a Human Rights Day that the Universal Declaration of Human thoughts by using the bricks to draw a would be devoted to experiential Rights, was the kick off day for public picture or write: “Feeling excluded” learning or, as she called it, “an oppor- service announcements prepared and and “excluding others during play,” tunity to take true ownership of the conducted by the children. “This “bullying” and “using physical force Rules We Live By, to make the words seemed like a good place to start and to get what you want,” “insulting” or more concrete in our minds and in the explore concepts of peace, diversity, “not being a good listener” – children daily lives of our students, enabling us values and ethics, tolerance and con- shared their stories and poured their all to come closer to walking the talk, flict resolution,” said Parms. Lively hearts out. The bricks were displayed so to speak, and further understanding morning announcements explained on a “Wall of Intolerance” in the cafe- what it means to be a global citizen, the meaning of certain articles of the teria during the week leading up to both at school and in the world.” Fri- declaration such as the freedom of ex- Human Rights Day. Then, during day, January 30 was set aside as Hu- pression and the freedom from dis- lunch on the day, students were asked man Rights Day. crimination. The children also read to go to the Wall and take a brick to The weeks leading up to that day stories and poetry, sang songs and per- their tables and use it as discussion were busy with activities and rich in formed in short skits, and in general starters. Lower Division faculty and metaphors. From Halloween to reflected on how the rights and free- staff, along with Upper Division Peer Thanksgiving, Lower Division stu- doms contained in the declaration re- Leaders and the Service-Learning dents collected, sorted, packed and late to the Lower Divisions’s Rules We Team students under the supervision shipped 1,490 pairs of shoes to Live By. of Dr. Jeremy Leeds, facilitated the Soles4Souls, an organization that col- Also in anticipation of Human conversations and encouraged the lects gently used shoes and distributes Rights Day, “paper bricks” were dis- children to discuss ways to find solu- them internationally to people in need. tributed to each grade. Students were tions to the conflicts presented and The drive was an opportunity to encouraged to reflect on their experi- stand up to intolerance. By the end of “stand in somebody else’s shoes” and ences with intolerance, isolation and the lunch periods, the “Wall of Intoler- address the needs of 300 million chil- bullying, whether as a witness, a per- ance” had been completely torn down. dren world wide who walk barefoot, petrator or a victim, in the context of Children were able to see that just as thereby healing the world one pair of an interaction with a peer or an adult, we can put up walls that keep us apart, shoes at a time. and whether inside or outside of we are also empowered to bring them December 10, the anniversary of school. They were asked to share their (Continued on page 16) The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

A Letter from the HMPA President marks from Mr. Steven M. Friedman ’72, Chairman of the Board. Parents welcomed the opportunity to engage in an informative question and answer session following their re- As we head into marks. Spring Break, I’d like The “Coffee Hour” series has been off to a strong start. to share an These informative events, led by each Division Head, have overview of provided parents with a forum in which to learn about de- PA activi- velopments in each Division. To date, each Head has held at ties. Let me least two coffees with attendance ranging from 25 to over begin by thanking the 125. In addition, the Office of Diversity through the leader- many parent volunteers who ship of Rodney Burford and the Athletics Department led have made our work possible. by Director of Athletics Bob Annunziata also held several You are the PA — thanks for coffee hours. Look for our first “Coffee with Dorr” in the your paw-prints! We also want spring. to thank the administration, fac- Divisional PA meetings were held across the board. ulty and staff for their generous Hosted by the brand new ND Wellness Committee, the support of the PA. Everything Nursery Division welcomed Patricia Wood, Executive Di- Andrea Baumann Lustig we’ve been a part of could not rector of the Grassroots Environmental Education for a con- have been accomplished without their assistance. versation on “Household Chemicals and Our Children’s This year, HM welcomed a total of 234 new children Health”. The Lower Division PA joined with Mrs. Steinthal and their parents across Divisions. Working closely with the to present Diane E. Levin, Ph. D., who discussed her book School, the PA organized over 150 current HM families to So Sexy So Soon. Middle and Upper Divisions came together serve as parent mentors to new families. The work, ably led for an exciting PA Meeting on the “ABC’s of the Teen by the HM Parents for New Parents committees, culminat- Scene” where members of the HM Counseling and Guid- ed in the lively and exciting New Parent Reception held in ance office and the Science Department discussed pertinent October with over 300 in attendance. Highlights included issues related to teens. Dr. Kelly teaching parents the HM motto and the adminis- There have been lots of other community building tration leading the singing of the Horace Mann Alma Mater. events. We were delighted to see so many parents attend The New Parent Reception was followed by the first All Homecoming where the PA contributed by running eleven School PA meeting of the year. Dr. Kelly delivered the An- activities during the day. The PA sold out two “HM Goes to nual State of the School Address preceded by opening re- the Theatre” events, facilitated the Third International Food Festival in the Middle Division, and THE structured the Parents-in-Action meet- ings for each of the grades. Friends of the Theatre helped with two productions. The Lower Division held an unbelievably ULLETIN successful Hats Off to Reading Book Fair BPublished jointly by the Horace Mann School and the Parents Association and Caring in Action Day. Bingo Night was a great pre-conference day event. The Lower Division also held Shoe, Coin, EDITORS: Ellen Bender and Jennifer Christman Coat and New Toy Drives to benefit our neighbors. Nursery Division brought lots SCHOOL EDITOR: Bernice Hauser of interesting speakers to their Coffee Hour Series. Despite challenging econom- DESIGN EDITOR SCHOOL SECRETARY ic times, parents came together to support Paul Stern Mindy Lisman the Holiday Gift Fund Drive so that the PA was able to make generous holiday CONTRIBUTING WRITERS gifts to faculty, staff and administrators. Flavia Ades, Shari Adler, Roseanne Leto Broadwater, Renee Brodie, Bonnie Comley, There are lots of exciting PA events Claudia R. Covo, Lynn Goldner, Sandy Harris, Joyce Gerdis Karp, Nancy Kopans, between now and the end of the academic Heleen Brody Lang, Phil Lister, Cecilia Malm, Lauren Manning, Andrea Marcusa, year. Most importantly, the HMPA hopes Michele Maroti, Anita Meerschwam, Ann Marks Millman, Sapna Palla, Tijana Perl, all parents, faculty, staff and administra- Meryl Pearlstein, Elizabeth Pimentel, Bryna Pomp, Cathy Rubin, Bellanca Smigel Rutter, tors will celebrate at this year’s Annual Gail Schorsch, Rashmi Sen, Shadi Sheybani, Nina Habib Spencer Benefit to be held on May 5th on Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on West 23rd Street and CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: the Hudson River. This year’s theme “To- Lisa Golden, Alice Keimweiss, Carolyn Millstein gether Under The Stars” is meant as a salute to our community—to the many Please submit articles and ideas to: ways we come together to address the Ellen Bender | E-Mail: [email protected] challenges we face including those creat- Jennifer Christman | E-Mail: [email protected] ed by the current economic situation. Page 2 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

has been to build community at Horace Mann, we invited Editors’ Message PA President Andrea Baumann Lustig to use the Bulletin to outline how the HMPA works and to highlight the many This has been a particularly challenging school year for points of entry for parents who wish to become involved in many Horace Mann families. While the presidential elec- the Horace Mann community. From the Lower Division’s tion captivated the nation’s attention in the fall, the econo- Human Rights Day to one HM family’s Winter Break ser- my has loomed overhead like the grey winter. vice learning trip to Ethiopia and the Upper Division’s Sup- In this issue, we address both the election and the econ- port our Soldiers Club, we celebrate all the ways that Ho- omy. Early this year, we decided that we would cut back to race Mann and the members of our community embrace the three issues to keep costs down during the economic crisis. global community. That decision makes the timing of this issue somewhat In Around the School, we look at some of the interest- tricky as it combines articles about events from the fall, win- ing events you may have missed during the course of the ter and spring. While the economy is constantly in flux, in year — from a Sounds in Motion conference to a Nursery reviewing HM Board Chair Steven M. Friedman’s ’72 ad- Division lecture on wellness, from “Coffee with the Coach- dress to the school in October, we found that the themes of es” to a Middle Division “soccer mom’s” reflection on the that address are as timely today as they were then — the benefits of interscholastic sports for both students and their “balancing act of trying to provide the finest independent parents, from Alison Kolinski’s journey from 42nd Street to school education, while moderating tuition growth, paying 246th Street to the Middle Division’s metaphorical excur- faculty and administrators fairly, providing aid to academi- sion to Abbey Road. cally qualified kids and, at the same time, limiting class and We hope that this issue will coincide with sunny days school size.” for everyone in the Horace Mann community. We admit that we were transfixed by the election and —Ellen Bender and Jennifer Christman inauguration so we read with interest the articles about how these historic events were incorporated into the day- to-day lives of Horace Mann students in the Lower, Middle THSAVEE HORAC THEE MAN DATEN SCHOOL and Upper Divisions by our gifted faculty. Just as members of our generation remember where they watched Neil Arm- LEARNING DISABILITY SUPPORT strong take his first steps on the moon in July 1969 or Richard Nixon’s resignation in August 1974, our children ORGANIZATION FOR PARENTS will long remember coming together with the Horace Mann community to watch the inauguration of President Barack May 12, 2009 Obama in January 2009. Learning Disability from the Student Perspective In the midst of these world-changing events, we contin- Panel of Current Students from Horace Mann ue to focus on community building activities at Horace Tuesday: 3:15-4:30 PM Mann and beyond. Because one of the roles of the HMPA

PA President Letter Horace Mann School The benefit has always been an important community building event offering us a unique opportunity to come to- Proudly Congratulates gether across all divisions to renew old relationships and Jackson Goodman make new ones. All faculty, staff and administrators are in- and vited to attend as our guests. In the spirit of both cost and Hyunsik (David) Moon environmental consciousness, this year’s invitations are, for Class of 2009 the first time, being emailed to everyone. If you’d like more 2009 Intel Science Talent Search Contest information, or to rsvp, please go to the Parents Association Benefit page at www.horacemann.org. Semi-Finalists Don’t forget the HMPA’s Donate-a-Book Program. Honor an important achievement or milestone by donating What’s Inside The Bulletin a book to the Horace Mann Katz Library. Forms can be found in the PA section of the website. There are lots of PA volunteer opportunities and leader- ship positions opening up for next year. If you want to get Horace Mann Parents Association ...... 4 involved, there will definitely be a place for you to con- HM Community Supports Our Soldiers...... 7 tribute. What’s more, we welcome everyone as a volunteer and will try to accommodate your schedule in finding a Fall State of School Address...... 8 place for you in the PA that fits with your life. Feel free to check out the web site or email your PA Chair to express HM’s Election Coverage ...... 9 your interest. Looking forward to seeing you at the Benefit! Alison Kolinski from “42nd Street” to HM....14 News of the School ...... 18 Page 3 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

Horace Mann Parents Association Editors’ Note: After consulting with HM- through the sale of HM logo merchan- means for any PA President Andrea Baumann Lustig, we dise. Finally, the HMPA conducts an parent to con- decided that it was time for a refresher annual Holiday Gift Fund drive which tact the HMPA by pro- course on the mission and structure of the raises significant funds for holiday viding an email link back to HMPA, “HMPA 101.” We hope that by gifts to faculty, administrators and the HMPA with an invitation to send understanding how the HMPA works, staff. comments, questions or concerns. Fac- parents will see the many entry points for Organization ulty, staff and administrators also re- involvement in HMPA and choose to vol- HMPA is led by six Executive Offi- ceive the eblast and are welcome to at- unteer for the 2009-2010 school year. cers: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd tend any event. Thank you to Andrea Baumann Lustig Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer In addition, the HMPA co-spon- and the HMPA for the content. and Assistant Treasurer. The organiza- sors the annual HM Directory, which tion also consists of five boards each contains the Student Directory, the Introduction led by a set of Officers: Nursery, Low- Faculty and Administration Directory, The Horace Mann Parents Associ- er, Middle, Upper Divisions and an a Parents Association Section (which ation (HMPA) is a volunteer group or- Executive Board. Each of the five lists all the HMPA committee mem- ganized under the auspices of the Ho- boards has multiple committees and bers and their contact information), an race Mann School. It is not an indepen- chairs (selected by the Division Offi- Athletics Section, and a Parent Email dent 501(c)(3). All parents and/or cers). The number and nature vary by section. guardians of current Horace Mann Division ranging from 22 to 29 com- The HMPA also co-produces The Ho- (HM) students are automatically mittees and 83 to 149 Committee race Mann Bulletin, which is published members of the HMPA. The organiza- Chairs. jointly by the School and the HMPA. tion is governed by its Constitution Volunteer Forms are distributed to The Bulletin is a 10-35 page collection which provides for the election of offi- all families each academic year urging of articles on topics of interest to the cers, outlines membership, and stipu- parents to get involved with the PA. HM community. It is mailed home to lates the number of meetings. The Committee Chairs are selected by the all families three times a year. The Bul- HMPA President is a member of the Division Officers, who are urged to letin is staffed by volunteer editors, HM Board of Trustees. The HMPA balance experience, succession plan- writers and photographers. benefits greatly from the avid support ning, talent, and diversity in making Diversity and close cooperation it receives from their selections. Executive Board Com- In addition to the active outreach the Head of School, Division Heads, mittee Chairs are selected by the Exec- for volunteers, the HMPA reaches out faculty, staff and administration. utive Officers in consultation with the to diverse members of the community Mission Committees themselves. There are 546 via several committees: The Black Par- The mission of the HMPA is to volunteers across all divisions this ents Union Committee, The Korean support the school through communi- 2008-2009 academic year representing Parents League Committee, The South ty building and fundraising. Commu- close to 50% of HM families. This fig- Asian Families Committee, the nity building is furthered by organiz- ure does not include many Riverdale Community Representative, ing and holding over 75 separate activ- parents/guardians who volunteer on and the Office of Diversity Liaison ities annually which bring together the day of events. Committee. various and multiple segments of our Finances Comparison to Other NYC community. The majority of these ac- The official books and records of Independent Schools tivities are arranged to break-even fi- the HMPA are maintained by the Busi- The PA Presidents of NYC Inde- nancially in an effort to emphasize ness Office of the School. The HMPA is pendent Schools meet three times a community-building over fundrais- financed through the assessment of a year to compare and contrast experi- ing. fee per child attending HM. ences, discuss issues, and share best Fundraising is conducted in five Communication practices. ways. The primary fundraiser for the The principal means of communi- Division Boards School is the Annual Benefit, which cation with our constituents is via The goal of the division boards is provides both unrestricted funds as email and the HM website. Each week to build community within each divi- well as funds restricted for Financial every family receives either an eblast sion and, working closely with the ad- Aid and Student Assistance. Secondly, from the HMPA or an “Across the Divi- ministration, help facilitate school restricted funds are raised for the li- sions” electronic newsletter from the events that foster communication be- braries through annual Book Fairs and School which includes updated infor- tween parents and the school. The di- Bake Sales. Thirdly, restricted funds mation normally found in the HMPA vision chairs are responsible for solicit- are also raised for Financial Aid and eblast. The eblast lists all upcoming ing and organizing committees and the Student Assistance Fund through events at the all-school level and by volunteers for division events. Theatre Benefits. Fourthly, each Divi- Division. It provides links to impor- The parents in the Nursery Divi- sion has an Outfitting Committee, tant information and further details on sion have shown overwhelming sup- which raises unrestricted funds events. Importantly, it also provides a port of the Parents Association. Out of

Page 4 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

Horace Mann Parents Association roughly 240 families at the Nursery events that cross divisions. This in- its group of highly motivated, skilled, Division, there are almost 175 families cludes groups and committees such as and loyal volunteers. The parents involved with the HMPA. There are 23 Athletics, The Black Parents Union, come from a diverse background, committees including library parent Community Service, Dorr Nature Lab, with a wide skill set, yet come togeth- volunteers, class parent volunteers, The Korean Parents League, Learning er with the common goal of helping and a new wellness committee. The Disability Support Organization, the the school. Volunteers are given a high NDPA is vital in building our school Riverdale Community Representa- degree of autonomy and are encour- community through service activities, tive, The South Asian Families, and aged to work on a committee that participation in the annual Lower Di- Teacher-Staff Appreciation. The afore- matches their skill set or provides an vision Carnival in the spring, facilitat- mentioned groups and committees opportunity for personal growth. The ing the taking of School Photos and provide various programming for committees successfully carry out a the creation of classroom placemats. parents ranging from coffee hours and huge array of events, activities, and The Lower Division has a very ac- discussion groups to relevant presen- initiatives across the Divisions. They tive parent body with over 145 differ- tations and projects. achieve the core goals of building ent parents on approximately 29 com- Other groups help support stu- community and fundraising for the mittees and more volunteers who con- dents, the school, and increase morale school. tribute at events. The Community Ser- through ensuring attendance at school Our goal for the future is to widen our vice Committee holds drives where events, organizing trips to the theatre, family of volunteers. We constantly items such as Halloween costumes, and fundraising. For example, the seek to find new and improved ways coats, and toys are collected for local themed 700+ attendee Annual Benefit to better include and involve working charities. An annual springtime Car- fundraiser is executed entirely by HM parents, parents that are new to the nival is held for Lower and Nursery parents and alumni volunteers and school, and any other parent or Division families to enjoy a fun day of raises substantial funds through auc- guardian who has been hesitant to games, crafts, rides, and food. The LD- tions, gift solicitations, and a publica- volunteer because of time commit- PA also hosts Bingo Night at the tion sold to families and friends of ments, lack of interest, or wariness of school in December and an ice-skating HM (Lion’s Pride). The Horace Mann the parent body. Once involved, most party at Wollman Rink in March for Parents Association works diligently parents find the friendship and sense parents and children. to support the school and maintain a of accomplishment worth the com- The Middle Division has 22 Com- commitment to the core values. mitment, and become steady, loyal mittees with over 80 chairs. The MD- Strengths and Development Needs volunteers. PA pursues its goals in many ways in- The HMPA’s greatest strength is

cluding seminars featuring members HORACE MANN Page 2 of 3 of the faculty to inform parents of top- PARENTS ASSOCIATION ical issues, bake sales to help support 546 Representatives our “Middle Mania” spring field day HMPA EXECUTIVE • Administrative Liaison • President • Development Liaisons • First Vice President OFFICERS • Business Office Liaisons and an International Food Festival in- • Second Vice President 6 • Treasurer • Assitant Treasurer corporating the diverse cultures of our • Secretary families. Although participation in the

HMPA somewhat decreases in the NURSERY LOWER MIDDLE UPPER EXECUTIVE DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION BOARD Upper Division, we are pleased to BOARD BOARD BOARD BOARD 3 4 3 4 have over 121 volunteers this year and • Chair • Chair (s) • Chair (s) • Chair (s) 25 committees such as Athletics, • Vice-Chair • Vice-Chair • Vice-Chair • Vice-Chair • Secretary • Secretary • Secretary • Secretary Learning Disability Parent Support

Committee, Notification Chain, Nutri- BOARD COMMITTEES/NUMBER OF PARENT MEMBERS 23/100 29/149 22/83 25/121 26/73 tion Committee, Parents Book Club, Art & Publicity Art Committee Athletics Committee Athletics Committee Alumni Council Liaisons Benefit Reps Arts Festival Reps Benefit Reps Benefit Athletics Committee Representatives Values and Ethics. Book Fair Athletics Comm Book Fair Ctee. Book Club Benefit Committee Bulletin Reps Benefit Reps Bulletin Reps Bake Sale Ctee. Black Parents Union Each division also supports vari- Carnival Comte. Bingo Night Community Svc. Book Fair Ctee. Bulletin Editors Coffee Hour Parent Book Fair Donate a Book Bulletin Reps CCVA Liaisons Seminars ous Executive Board committees, Community Svce. Bulletin Reps Friend of Perf Arts CityBus/Subway Pass Community Service Liais. Carnival Committee Carnival Committee Friends of Visual Donate a Book Constitution Committee Arts events and programs such as meet- Donate a Book Chess Reps Holiday Gift Fund Friends of the Band Dorr Nature Lab Liais. Holiday Gift Fund Connty Svc Comte Homecoming Coord. Friends of Glee Club Friends of the Arts Library Volunteers Donate a Book Intl. Food Festival Friends of Visual Arts HM Goes to the Theatre ings with administration, Parents for Outfitting 5th Grade Bake Sale Middle Mania Holiday Gift Fund Holiday Gift Fund Parents League Reps Holiday Gift Fund Emerg. Notif, Chain Homecoming Coord. Homecoming Co-Chairs New Parents (orientation and mentor- Parents for New Parents Homecoming Coord. Parents for New Internship Program Korean Parents League Parents Placemats Ice Skating Party Parents in Action LD Parent Support Emerg. Notification Chain ship program for new parents), School Photos Emerg. Notif, Chain Party Registry Emerg. Notif, Chain Office of Diversity Liais. Wellness Outfitting Ctee. Riverdale Cmty Reps Nutrition Ctee. Parents for New Parents Wellness Advisory Parents for New Values & Ethics Parents for New Parents in Action Chair Homecoming, and The Bulletin. Comte. Parents Parents Yearbook Parents in Action 6th Grade Reps Parents in Action Parents of Alumni 3’s Grade Reps School Photos 7th Grade Reps Values and Ethics Riverdale Commty Rep. Executive Board 4’s Grade Reps Values & Ethics 8th Grade Reps 9th Grade Reps S. Asian Families Group K’s Grade Reps Video Coordinators 10th Grade Reps Teacher-Staff Appreciation The Executive Board consists of 26 K Grade Reps 11th Grade Reps Values & Ethics 1st Grade Reps 12th Grade Reps Web-team committees with 73 chairs (selected by 2nd Grade Reps Members at Large 3rd Grade Reps Presidents Council 4th Grade Reps the Executive Officers and committee 5th Grade Reps members) and oversees groups and Page 5 BUILDING COMMUNITY AT HORACE MANN AND BEYOND A Family Trip to Ethiopia By Dr. Philip Lister

Thanks to our daughter, Molly [HM 2006], now in her second year at Northwestern University, we spent the winter break in Ethiopia. After graduating from Horace Mann, Molly deferred her college matriculation in order to take a “gap year” in which she traveled to Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Uganda. When she was developing her plans for the year, we met Gebre Beyene and Connie Bisrat. a couple who had

grown up in Ethiopia; after spending r e t s i

many years working in the US, they L

l i h

went back to Ethiopia to address some P

y b of the hardships so widespread there. o t o

Gabe and Connie came to our h home and we learned about the pro- P ject at the center of their work, the Solomon Lister ’16 and new friends in Mekele, Ethiopia Hope Orphanage. Molly stayed with Gabe and Connie at the Hope Or- Connie spends most of her time. a farmer. Our path went over a couple phange for a month during her trav- We met the fourteen children now of dry streambeds, as it was the arid els, and was with them when they at the orphanage, and they showed us season, and eventually up a hillside to took in the first four orphans in No- around their home, including the the very simple cinderblock school vember 2006. In addition to spending building with the seven cows and buildings. Across the fields children time with the kids at the orphanage, three calves, and scores of chickens. wearing their blue school uniform Molly went each day to a small school They have a lush flower garden and a shirts came from all directions, some where she taught English to a class of robust beginning to a large vegetable walking two hours to get to school. seventy eighth graders. It was a magi- garden. There are two buildings in an When they saw us, they were excited cal experience for Molly. early phase of construction. One is to and awed, calling “ferengi!” [foreign- Reminiscing about her gap year be a dining hall, indoor playground, er]. They would come near and offer during her freshman year at North- and multipurpose hall, with addition- to shake hands, using the English they western, Molly wondered aloud, al dormitory space above so that the had memorized, “How are you? What “When will I ever get back there?” It eventual capacity will expand to 150 is your name?” dawned on me that we could take her children; the other building underway By the time we reached the Addis back to Ethiopia, and we could make a is planned to be a six-floor school Alem School, grades 1- 8, a crowd of family trip of it. We did just that this building. kids from ages 6 to 18 surrounded us. past winter break; my wife, Elena, and As the Ethiopian calendar is dif- The director was new since Molly I took Solomon [HM 2016], now a fifth ferent from ours, and Christmas is cel- taught there two years ago, but some grader, and, as soon as Molly got ebrated at a later date, school was in of the teachers were the same, particu- home from college, the four of us em- session, and we had the opportunity larly Azmera, the English teacher for barked. Molly got to revisit an experi- to go to the same school where Molly grades seven and eight. She wel- ence she treasured, and we had the taught. Children from the orphanage comed us to teach her classes. Each chance to share it with her, while at took us by the hand and escorted us morning we rose at dawn, when it the same time having a new adven- the twenty-five minute walk to their was chilly, and got a taxi ride to the or- ture. school. It was a beautiful walk under a phanage. We said hello to Gabe and We flew from New York to Addis wide blue cloudless sky, through the Connie and then walked to school to Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, by way dusty terrain with scattered grass and teach from 8:00 to 11:30am. We were of Washington and Rome. From Addis shrubbery, mountains in the back- left to improvise, trying to help the Ababa, we hopped a plane ride an ground, flocks of goats, occasional students learn the difference between hour north to Mekele, the capital of cows, oxen, and donkeys ranging present, past, and future tenses with the Tigrai region. We met Gabe as we freely across this unfenced plain, verbs in English. The main challenge tended minimally by a few watching was to make them comfortable settled into the comfortable Axom Ho- youths. No tractors anywhere, but, enough to use the English they knew, tel. He showed us around the town rather, soil was being turned by an ox without simply repeating memorized and took us to see the Hope Orphan- pulling a primitive plow, whipped by phrases. It was difficult but fascinat- age a few miles outside of town where Page 6 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

HM Community Supports Our Soldiers The Upper Division Support Our Soldiers Club shares a letter received from Chap- lain Andrew J. Cohen, Ch., Capt., USAF.

The Club’s President is Arynne Wexler; F A S

its advisor is Dr. Eric Eilen. U

, . t p a C

,

“We received your very kind pack- . h C

ages and salutations recently, and , n e

have begun to distribute the items to h o C

the military members. It really is . J

w

tremendously beneficial to have such e r d

support being expressed by all of you. n A

n We never get tired of hearing your i a l p

words of support and thanks. It’s a h C

tough being away from our families f o

y

for so many months, but we hear the s e t r

words of thanks from a grateful na- u o c

o

tion, and it makes it a lot easier. t o h

As a chaplain, my job is to visit the P soldiers, sailors, and airmen at their duty stations—to distribute items Chaplain Andrew J. Cohen giving encouragement to Senior Airman Martin such as you donated, or to offer a chaplain. him some encouraging words of sup- prayer for them, or to talk to them Here at Balad, everyone I deal port for the hard work he does in fix- about whatever is on their mind. with is in the Air Force. But at An- ing the F-16s. While I am in Iraq, I work on the flight drews, I have Army soldiers and In the next photo, I was sharing a line where all the planes take off and Marines who work in the hospital, in prayer before a mission. land. I minister to the pilots, mechan- addition to the Airmen. Chaplains have absolute confi- ics, airfield crew, and the medivac In the first attached photo, with dentiality, so whatever a person says flight crews. However, where I am sta- Senior Airman Martin, I had just taken to the chaplain is held in confidence. tioned in the US, at Andrews Air him some cold drinks on a 115 degree People like it when we come out to see Force Base, MD, I am the hospital summer afternoon, and was giving (Continued on page 17) ty, they will leave the home and live in a dormitory. They Trip to Ethiopia will have room and board paid by the government, but no additional support, for books or computers. Meeting with ing. Solomon rotated as a teaching assistant with each of us the girls every day, we grew fond of them and miss them. – sister, mom, and dad. The school was very rudimentary. One afternoon, while Sol and Molly visited with the Most kids’ parents were farmers, just making ends meet, blind girls, Elena and I visited the Mekele Hospital. We and many did not have electricity. We were struck by the were moved and upset to see the conditions. For instance, value the kids placed on education, their hunger to learn, four infants took turns accessing one tank of oxygen; some and their appreciation that we were interested in them. were likely to perish. Nonetheless, the nurses and physi- Gabe gave us a suggestion for our afternoons. He took cians we met showed great commitment to their work, de- us to a home for blind teenage girls. These high school girls, votion to their patients and to making the best of a difficult most of whose blindness could have been prevented if they situation. had the benefits of Western medicine, very much wanted to In his journal Sol mused, “I think that most Americans, practice conversational English. For them it is a skill of great including me, sometimes take things for granted…and importance for their future educational ambitions. The don’t think how fortunate they are…. I can see the pover- three girls with whom we most connected (Zahra, Ekuba, ty… which helps me really understand the horrible world and Letebrehan) are all very bright, perform at a high level situation…. Ethiopia is so astoundingly breathtaking…. academically, and hope to go to university and pursue pro- [I’ve had] an awesome and life-changing experience in fessional degrees. We played card games with them, taught Africa.” Glad to have made the journey, we are all glad to be them English phrases, while they taught us Tigrinya words home. Elena and I share the sense of our lives being and how to write Braille. In Solomon’s journal, he wrote, “I changed. was amazed at how the girls played games and read. They Some additional information about Gabe and Connie were pretty good at the games, too. They’re not sad or look- can be found on the Internet: ing for pity.” We had a fascinating trip when we took their http://www.hope4ethiopia.org/about_overview.php arms and walked with them from their home to a huge http://orphansofethiopia.org open-air market, where all manner of clothing, house http://consciouswoman.org/2007/12/02/conscious- wares, and food were for sale. Upon acceptance to universi- woman-of-the-month-december-2007/ Page 7 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009 SPECIAL FEATURE: The Election and The Economy at HM Economic Issues at Fall State of School Address By Michele Maroti

At last fall’s annual State of the School address Board Chair, Steven M. Fried- man ‘72, P ‘08, ‘06, ‘02 focused on both the impact the financial environment might have on Horace Mann and the Board’s continued commitment to the quality of a HM education. In early Oc- tober, in a crowded Gross Theatre, Mr. Friedman welcomed new parents, old

friends and returning parents to the n e d l

evening and said he planned to give an o G

overview of the Board’s role, to discuss a s i L

the financial state of the school and to y b

o

reiterate the importance of all of us sup- t o h

porting HM during these challenging P times. Mr. Friedman started by explaining that the Board’s function is general HMPA President Andrea Baumann Lustig addresses the Horace Mann commu- oversight, long-term planning and capi- nity while Board Chair, Steven M. Friedman ’72, P ’08, ’06, ’02 and Head of tal expenditures. Education and acade- School Dr. Tom Kelly, P ’18 look on mics on the other hand, are directed, su- school had $67 million in assets and But he does know, that it will be dif- pervised and implemented by Head of $100 million in debt. However, HM was ficult to achieve our budget if our An- School, Dr. Kelly, division heads and able to grow endowment assets to $160 nual Fund campaign isn’t successful other key faculty members. This year, million with a combination of careful this year. Annual Fund is the collection the Board will be a part of a 10-year re- budgeting, a successful campaign and of unrestricted dollars that, combined accreditation review being conducted solid investing. Mr. Friedman explained with tuition revenues, helps to cover op- by NYSAIS, which will involve a self- to the parents that essentially the invest- study that encompasses a review of all erating costs and general capital expen- ment income was able to pay for the in- components of Horace Mann. After the ditures. The Board is very carefully de- terest expense. Tuition revenues and self-study, members of NYSAIS will vis- veloping contingency plans on spend- Annual Fund paid for operations and it Horace Mann for an evaluation and ing levels, staffing, revenue, and other ordinary capital expenditures through make recommendations to the adminis- expenses in the event Annual Fund is the July 2007 school year and December tration. Additionally, the Board will be not as successful as is hoped. 2007 calendar year. working to determine the feasibility of a However, all decisions are being capital plan to address facilities, finan- However, last spring the Board was made with an eye to maintaining HM’s cial aid, and programs. forced to discuss repaying the debt and exceptional programs and educational de-leveraging the balance sheet as inter- Mr. Friedman said that the chal- experience. Mr. Friedman assured the est expense was increasing due to the lenge the school faces, existed even pri- audience that the 122 year tradition of auction rate market deterioration and or to the financial crisis we are experi- HM excellence would not suffer or be at increasing risks in the security markets. encing today. “We have faced the con- risk. The quality of the educational ex- So, in July assets were sold and $60 mil- tinued balancing act of trying to provide perience at Horace Mann will not be lion of the $100 million in debt was re- the finest independent school education compromised. while moderating tuition growth, pay- tired. Mr. Friedman explained that this has left the Board continuing to think To best illustrate the quality of ing faculty and administrators fairly, HM’s students, Mr. Friedman invited providing aid to academically qualified about asset allocation and whether to parents to visit a graduation and see up kids and at the same time, limiting class retain or retire the remaining debt. The close a view of the excellence of the kids and school size.” In addition to general discussion is continuing but there is a operating costs and annual expenses, consensus that the July decision dra- who graduate from the school. “The Horace Mann also has been committed matically reduced HM’s financial risk. kids are simply terrific and thoroughly to two major capital initiatives. The underlying concern that faces prepared for purposeful lives and col- Mr. Friedman said HM has spent Horace Mann and other independent lege when they leave us.” Friedman much of the last decade being involved schools in New York, according to Mr. continued by reiterating that these are in two building campaigns. The pur- Friedman, is the extent to which fami- unusual times and it’s a time that we pose of the campaigns was to raise lies can afford an independent school need to stay united as a community. He funds to service the 100 million dollar education N-12. Mr. Friedman added ended by reminding everyone that this building debt. To put this in perspective, that he feels the fallout from Wall Street is the year we really need everyone who before the second campaign began, the hasn’t been fully felt yet. can, to support Annual Fund. Page 8 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009 MD & UD: Technology’s Role in Making of a President and the Teaching of an Election

By Shari Adler act replica of the one given to the When the history books are written, New York State technology will undoubtedly be seen voters. Students to have played a prominent role in the could use the in- election of President Barack Obama. formation on that However, while technology played a card to electroni- critical role in Obama’s campaign, it cally vote on the also permeated much of the Horace actual Election Mann Middle and Upper Division’s Day from 6 AM to study of the 2008 Election. This includ- 9 PM, just like ed polling, the media and a mock elec- those of legal vot- tion. ing age in New 2 1

Sam Schalman-Bergen, responsi- York State. 77%, or ’

r e l

ble for “Human Development” in the about 400, of regis- d A

Technology Department said, “The tered Middle Divi- x e l A

Obama campaign targeted young peo- sion students vot- y b

o

ple through technology. By having ed; the results were t o h

young people push the agenda, it be- similar to those in P came a grass roots campaign. The Oba- the actual New ma staff used social network websites York City election. Digital collage illustrating media’s influence on the elec- such as Facebook, YouTube, and My The students voted tion created for Nicholas Faba’s computer class Space to attract young people.” Schal- 77.8% for Obama/Biden, and 22.2% The Upper Division took a differ- man-Bergen’s objective is to integrate for McCain/Palin. That compared ent approach to studying the 2008 technology into the classroom and the with the New York City result of Oba- Election. While there was no mock curriculum. He works with HM teach- ma 86%, and McCain 14% (as reported election, there was still a rigorous in- ers of students as young as kinder- in the Daily News). teractive participatory educational garten age. Students also voted their opinions process. These students took on the Schalman-Bergen says that stu- regarding current critical topics such roles of reporters documenting the dents in the Middle and Upper Divi- as: the Economy, Iraq and Foreign Pol- news, as well as the roles of historians sions “felt empowered because the icy, Environment and Energy, Health studying the significance of the 2008 students themselves, ultimately, be- Care, Education, Social Security, and Election as an historical event. came their own media source.” The Immigration. Students’ views regard- In Nicholas Faba’s computer class, Middle Division students participated ing the candidates’ level of expertise in the study of the election resulted in a as citizens with their own voting privi- each area affected their opinions and student-made digital collage illustrat- leges. The Upper Divisions researched ultimate vote. ing the media’s influence on the shap- and posted their findings onto custom- Additionally, all the Middle Divi- ing of our opinions. One student titled designed classroom websites. sion history teachers held class discus- his project: “Who Really Controls the Isaac Brooks suggested to the Mid- sions regarding the election both be- Election,” and depicted in the palm of dle Division History Department that fore and after Election Day. In particu- a hand an I-Phone showing the logos he create an in-school election to in- lar, lessons and/or topics covered of CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and Satur- volve students in the election process, were: how Americans elect their presi- day Night Live, with the images of the candidates, and the issues. Natu- dents; party platforms and the issues Obama and McCain. rally, the election was just a simula- they address; and, Horace Mann elec- Dr. Daniel Link teaches a class on tion. But Brooks, knowing that the HM tion results against the context of the “Topics in History.” During the first students are a savvy group, pursued national election. trimester the section was called “The his objective through a creative Brooks said that the Middle Divi- Race for the Presidency.” The objective process that would be both sophisti- sion students took particular interest of the course was to compare various cated and electronic. Toward that end, in this election. They were animated in news sources. The daily developments Brooks engaged the assistance of class discussions, and most took the of the campaign were followed in class Schalman-Bergen to create an electron- opportunity to vote in their division and students were given weekly as- ic version of voting. Brooks then in- mock election. This election was more signments to cover different media volved Mitch Francis, the School’s than a mimicking of the parents; it was sources, encompassing cable and net- Registrar, and Robin Ingram, Head of about students participating them- work TV, radio, Internet, newspapers, the Middle Division, for final ap- selves. Although Brooks concedes that and magazines. Each student reported proval. Everyone was on board. this is the first mock election in his sev- on the coverage from the one media The first step was to give each of en years at HM, he promises for a re- source to which he or she was as- the 453 Middle Division students a peat play in the next four! signed. Voter Registration Card, almost an ex- (Continued on page 12) Page 9 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

Election 2008 Sparks Enthusiasm in Lower Division By Claudia Covo

Last year’s Presidential election at- tracted much interest among young people, including the students of the Lower Division who exhibited a high level of curiosity and enthusiasm. The election of our country’s 44th presi- dent provided a real-time history les- son for Ms. Eileen Resnik’s students. Ms. Resnik, a fifth grade teacher, taught her students the history of the election process in our country. She began by explaining the concept of democracy and how it originated in ancient Athens. Resnick then gave the o

children an overview of the history of Y

a n

voting rights in the United States; in u Y

y

1789 only white men who owned land b

o t

or a business were permitted to vote; o h in 1879 African-Americans were given P the right to vote; in 1920 women were granted the right to vote; and in 1971 Lower Division students watch the inauguration in the gymnasium the voting age was changed from 21 to and therefore help the economy….” 18. The class also discussed the system Regarding health care, one student of the Electoral College and the num- wrote, “Many Americans cannot af- ber of electoral votes allotted to each ford health care, and that affects all of state. Resnik used bar graphs to show us….” The students also exhibited the children that historically many concern about energy and the envi- people who had the right to vote did ronment. One student commented, not exercise this privilege and that, in “We need to begin to invest money in this latest election, more young people clean energy alternatives such as wind than ever before voted. power and address the problem of Leading up to Election Day, global warming. Too many beautiful Resnik discussed several pressing is- animals in the Arctic are losing their sues with the students. The children habitats….” researched the candidates’ views on Editors’ Postscript: We contacted the war in Iraq, the economy, health Eileen Resnik to ask her to reflect on the care, energy and the environment. In Lower Division’s experience of President general, the students were against the Obama’s inauguration on January 20, war in Iraq; they expressed concern 2009 and she reported: “On Inauguration over the amount of money that was Day, a large screen, broadcasting the day’s r

being spent on the war and wanted events from CNN’s coverage, was set up e d n

the troops to come home. In letters in the Lower Division gymnasium. Dis- e B

n

cussions appropriate to each grade level e that students wrote to the candidates, l l E

one student commented, “Many peo- were held for several days in the class- y b

o ple have been wounded or lost in Iraq. rooms, and on January 20th the excite- t o h

I was wondering if you could find a ment was palpable. Fourth and fifth grade P way to help the families of the soldiers students began watching the proceedings with health care and taxes….” Anoth- at 11:00, followed by grades K-3 at 11:45. Digital Photo Collage of President er student wrote, “I highly support Watching this historic event as a commu- Barack Obama on display in Fisher your plan to take troops out of Iraq nity was most meaningful to the students, Hall and to spend more money on pre- their teachers and to every member of ad- kindergarten….” In expressing aware- ministration and staff who joined us for ness about the economy, one student this truly memorable occasion.” SAVE THE DATE wrote, “I think that you should cut May 15, 2009 capital gains taxes for all Americans in Upper Division Glee Club & order to encourage people to invest Orchestra Concert Page 10 AROUND THE SCHOOL Horace Mann Hosts Sounds In Motion Conference On Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, the HM Recital Hall was filled with 123 regu- lar and special education teachers, speech-language pathologists and au- diologists from public and indepen- dent schools in NY, NJ, and CT. The participants had gathered together for the third annual SOUNDS IN MO- TION conference. Co-sponsored with the Children’s Hearing Institute of the NY Eye and Ear Infirmary, this year’s e conference addressed the use of SIM r o t n

with children seen in both regular and a S

special education settings. Presenters n a r F

included Fran Santore, M.A., CCC- f o

y

SLP who described the background of s e t r the program and presented data she u o c

received from clinicians and teachers o t o in six different states over the past h P year; Lois Heymann, M.A. CCC-SLP, a clinical instructor at SUNY, New Paltz Participants doing Sounds In Motion exercises led by Fran Santore who discussed the use of the program with hearing impaired children; Ann is now being implemented in various and tapes of that conference plus a 15 Mantel, M.A., MFA; Holly Thomas, school districts in at least ten states. It week lesson book have been distrib- M.S.,CCC-SLP; and Priscilla Brito, is also now being used at other inde- uted to speech-language pathologists M.A., CCC-SLP/TSSLD who talked pendent schools such as Fieldston and and teachers in 14 states. This year about the use of the program with ear- Dalton, and special education schools Mrs. Santore was able to present test ly childhood special education stu- in NYC such as the Aaron School and data from clinicians in six states dents in independent and public the Gillen Brewer School. demonstrating the effectiveness of the schools; and Samantha Green, M.A. Sounds in Motion was created by program. Documentation has shown and Kristi Ruhland, M.A., who dis- Mrs. Santore with the assistance of that since the introduction of SIM pro- cussed their adaptation of SIM to chil- HM’s teachers, to develop active lis- grams, a greater number of children dren seen in Title I Schools (low socio- tening, phonemic awareness, and ar- are successfully achieving reading economic status) in the foothills of ticulation stimulation for kinder- benchmarks tested at the end of South Carolina. garten and 1st grade students. The Kindergarten and first grade. In addition to its use at HM, SIM first workshop was held in Oct. 2006

The Nursery Division Talks Wellness By Elizabeth Sloan and Monica Berckley Pyrex glass. Replace your personal care products and cosmetics that A new parent driven Wellness Committee has been formed contain Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or Phthalates. in the Nursery Division. The committee is focusing on Replace your conventional household cleaners with health and safety, nutrition, and recycling. The committee is those primarily bio-based. “taking the temperature” on where the Nursery Division is A list of products recommended by GEEO as well as an in terms of wellness and will be facilitating the process of explanation as to why certain products are toxic can be making healthier choices. Several faculty members have al- found on their web site www.grassrootsinfo.org. ready been surveyed and the group has also met with a The committee introduced a “wellness room” at the FLIK liaison who asked for feedback concerning the lunch Nursery Division Book Fair on Saturday, March 7th where program. nutritional consultant Katherine Pennington demonstrated On Tuesday November 11th the committee sponsored a cooking healthy snacks and gave nutrition advice. A book lecture by Patti Woods, Director of the Grassroots Environ- of her recipes were sold as well as baked goods made by the mental Education Organization (GEEO), who spoke about parents from her recipes! Information about recycling, the chemicals found in the home and their effects on chil- green cleaning products and personal care products was al- dren’s health. She identified three easy ways to get started so on hand as well as a selection of our recommended on a healthier path in the home. They are: “wellness” books. Throw away your Teflon coated pans. Do not mi- crowave in plastic. Instead, store and reheat your food in Page 11 ATHLETICS AND THE ARTS AT HORACE MANN In Case You Missed It: “Coffee with the Coaches” By Nancy Kopans big thing to be on a team, manage ucation if they participate in a team one’s life, and make choices.” Singer sport. Notably, as individual and “Coffee with the Coaches,” held in added, “kids form bonds with coaches more unique sports become increas- November, provided an opportunity and look up to them in a way more ingly attractive, some of the more tra- for parents with kids enrolled in team powerful than with teachers, and ditional sports are attracting fewer sports and those whose kids are con- coaches are often a lynchpin in a kid’s participants. The school has sought to sidering participating to learn more life.” Indeed, for college recommenda- adjust to these trends, for example, by about athletics at Horace Mann. Dr. tions, he often contacts the coaches adding Ultimate Frisbee, crew, David Schiller described how impor- even for students not being recruited squash, and ski teams. tant sports can be for a child’s growth by a college team. “It’s a matter of Annunziata also described team and development. “Athletic teams are character. Did the kid play through an training trips, noting that most travel part of a Horace Mann education, part injury or stick up for or motivate occurs during the second week of of a holistic idea of growth and devel- teammates?” “Sports,” he added, “are spring and winter breaks, with more opment for kids.” a metaphor for life,” and although travel occurring in the spring as fami- Stephen Singer, Director of Col- athletics are not necessarily more im- lies typically want to be together over lege Counseling, who was Columbia portant than other activities available winter break. Still, teams need the University’s Assistant Athletic Direc- at the school, they are important. practice, and the school’s experience tor for ten years, noted that while it Bob Annunziata, Director of Ath- has been that if it holds practices at shouldn’t be viewed as a college re- letics and Physical Education, provid- home kids will travel with their fami- cruitment tactic, colleges regard ath- ed an overview of the teams available lies rather than attend practice. letic participation as valuable, through the seasons in the Middle and Participating in athletics means whether the student is a great player Upper Divisions. Approximately 60% making choices. Said Singer, it may or not. Participation demonstrates the of seventh and eighth graders partici- mean not being on The Record or par- person has made a choice to give ener- pate in sports, and the Horace Mann ticipating in Model U.N. “We all must gy to an activity. “It requires responsi- community strongly supports girls’ make choices,” added Schiller. “This is bility to the self, coaches, and team- athletics. Beginning in ninth grade, the tragedy of life.” mates, and it requires discipline. It’s a kids can be excused from physical ed- They educated themselves about the issues and the candi- MD/UD Election dates. The students felt they, personally, had a stake in the election. In Milkes’s class, the following topics were dis- (Continued from page 9) cussed: a review of the electoral college system and For example, a student would follow a blog for a week whether it should be retained or eliminated; the polling and post a report electronically on the classroom website, process, and the question of whether it serves to reflect or developed by Link and Schalman-Bergen with information shape public opinion; a look at the constitution regarding from only that source. The media assignment changed the intentions of the founding fathers, and whether those weekly so that the students could personally experience the intentions match the elections of today; the significance of bias of various media sources. This process challenged their this election to the historical past; the origins of the political preconceived notions of which media sources were biased, opinions of the students, whether they are from peers, me- and identified for them the bias of each source. dia, or family; and, what it means to be a citizen. Dr. Milkes Link invited New York Times reporter, Adam Nagour- noted that in some of the history classes, then President- ney, to come in and speak to the students about his personal Elect Obama’s Grant Park speech was shown. She added experience covering the election. The students responded that most History teachers chose to supplement the stan- enthusiastically and positively about the reporter’s talk. dard curriculum with a focus on the election. The class focused on media coverage and analysis of that Dr. Stephen Berman teaches,“Statistical Analysis and coverage as well as the race itself. Link found that the stu- Social Science.” In Berman’s class, which is an elective for dents were moved by the historical context of this election. Eleventh and Twelfth Grade students, there is an applica- They were fascinated by the evolution of presidential cam- tion to topics in sociology, psychology, social psychology, paigns and how technology has had a transformational ef- and contemporary U.S. History. The class frames hypothe- fect. ses about historical events for each time period studied. In Dr. Barbara Tischler’s class, she and Schalman- Berman comments about his students, when relating histor- Bergen developed a website called WIKI, which served as a ical accounts to those of today, that, “They love this stuff.” one-month project for students to post information about He adds, “Students become fascinated with the contempo- the election. The students were given the assignment to fol- rary issues we discuss, and class discussions are amazing.” low the senatorial races by state. They gathered their infor- Berman enthusiastically points to the historical signifi- mation, by state, and posted it on the WIKI website. They cance of such maverick leaders as Thurgood Marshall, included data from polls, graphs, and other information to Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther make their sites complete. Their focus was on the individ- King, Jr. Their bravery to take a stand against the advice of ual states rather than the national election. others, to hold steadfast against popular opinion, to make a Dr. Elisa Milkes, the Chair of the UD History Depart- difference through inspirational speeches without violence, ment, said that students followed the campaign closely. all laid the foundation for our leaders of today. Thurgood Page 12 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

Horace Mann Interscholastic Sports—Worth the Wait By Ann Marks Millman

While Horace Mann Middle Divi- sion has a plethora of new adventures to offer, for many students, nothing compares with the opportunity to play on their first school team when they enter seventh grade. Despite par- ticipating in team sports outside of school since they were in the 3’s — from programs like Uptown, to those in sleep away camp, to travel

soccer and baseball, seventh graders o i d u

have been waiting for the chance to t S

t n

wear maroon and white to represent i o p

their school for the first time in their h g i H lives. y b

For families who haven’t yet o t o reached this milestone, seventh h P graders try out for interscholastic teams beginning early in the fall and Horace Mann Middle Division Soccer Team Fall 2008 practice five days a week during physical education periods. Some of game against Dalton, expected to be to gel and he says, ”I learned from the the benefits, aside from the obvious the toughest, where the Lions dealt a 8th graders to be encouraging and and important athletic ones, include crushing 5-0 blow. helpful when I am the more senior school pride, teamwork, a chance to Here is how some of the seventh classmate next year.” Finally, Andrew hone specific skills and the opportu- grade players felt about their inaugur- Puopolo entered Horace Mann in nity to play with older kids, often for al experience. sixth grade and had already played the first time. Jack Dolgin said, “It was really school sports. He said Horace Mann’s This fall I witnessed the program great to be able to represent our approach is superior because “there is in action when the Middle Division school, especially because Horace a practice everyday and you can really soccer team recruited seventh Mann is known for academics. Since improve your skills a lot. Plus the graders to join an experienced eighth we were undefeated, now we can be coaches are great.” grade squad under the direction of proud of our sports team too.” Danny And for me, I feel like a real soccer coaches Matthew Russo and Gregg Baudoin felt nervous at first because mom for the very first time. It was all Quilty. The result — an undefeated 7- he was joining such a strong eighth about cupcakes, school spirit and an 0 season. It started ominously with a grade team. He plays travel baseball, important rite of passage. Plus no- cancelled first game in Tibbetts Brook but always with kids his own age. Af- body got hurt. What more could a Park and ended with a blow-out ter a few practices the grades started mom want? poration of classroom technology, the students are encour- MD/UD Election aged to learn through the medium in which they are most comfortable: the computer. Students’ interaction with the Marshall argued that “separate but equal is inherently un- computer as a learning tool, allows them the opportunity equal.” Dwight Eisenhower sent U. S. soldiers to uphold for active learning. desegregation. John Kennedy resisted striking Cuba, there- One teacher commented to Schalman-Bergen that, by preventing the possibility of a nuclear strike. Dr. Martin sometimes, students labor over assignments and, occasion- Luther King, Jr. had a dream that still resonates today. ally, are challenged meeting deadlines. However, when With as much ease as Berman takes students (and this they have assignments on the computer, not only are the as- parent/reporter who watched a documentary about Thur- signments done in a timely manner, they are voluntarily good Marshall in preparation for this article) back to 1953, completed with much greater detail than the assignments Schalman-Bergen brings us straight to the present. Schal- require. The teachers agree that technology can be an effec- man-Bergen worked with teachers such as Dr. Link and Dr. tive learning tool for the students. Tischler who used technology to enhance their classes, and An exercise of pen to paper? That’s something for the Mr. Brooks who ran an entire election for 453 students, cus- parents, and for history; not for our students, and not for tomizing a computer program compatible with the course, the present. or division-wide, objectives. Author’s Postscript: The mock elections in Middle Di- Rather than having students use the traditional method vision, as well as the studies and technology postings in of putting pen to paper, through Schalman-Bergen’s incor- (Continued on page 15)

Page 13 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

Alison Kolinski: A Journey from “42nd Street” to 246th Street By Nina Habib Spencer

When a certain HM parent/cub re- porter visited Alison Kolinski in the dance studio at the Upper Division, she found the instructor surrounded by several beaming students — their foreheads beaded with sweat, their feet heavy with tap shoes and their lanky, adolescent arms gesturing with glee and hugging their teacher as they made plans for practices and audi- tions. Kolinski pulled herself away for a minute to reflect on her career at Ho- race Mann and to talk about her newest honor —she holds the presti- r

gious Schweitzer Chair for the next e c n

three years — but every few minutes, e p S

there was an approving nod to a b i b

young dancer or a smile at a col- a H

a n

league. More evidence of the enor- i N

mous popularity of this teacher, who y b

o t

every day opens our kids’ eyes to the o h

diverse world of dance. P Kolinski arrived in New York City Alison Kolinski leads dance class in the Upper Division from Dearborn, MI in 1980. Her third week in the Big Apple, she landed a Annie, and many other roles around dents to put on 42nd Street. At that prized role in 42nd Street on Broadway the country. But, like super-models, time, HM did not have a formal dance — a confluence of unbelievable luck super-dancers’ careers cannot last for- program. Without a choreographer and outstanding talent. For three ever. While many professional and dance instructor, it would be diffi- years “those dancing feet” were dancers transition to other lines of cult to put on a show that relied so Kolinski’s (see photo), as she dazzled work, Kolinski stayed in dance, teach- heavily on dance to tell the story. crowds with high kicks, lightening- ing and choreographing in New York Howard heard through the grapevine quick taps and sequins galore. 42nd and living and raising a family in that an original cast member from Street led to other big dance roles - a Riverdale. In 1996, HM Theater Arts 42nd Street lived in Riverdale, and the part in Bob Fosse’s Dancin’, a part as a Department Chair Woody Howard rest, as they say, is history. Horace scullery maid in the film version of decided that it was time for UD stu- Mann’s 42nd Street was a smash suc- cess. When asked how it felt to be the choreographer instead of on stage, Kolinski said “When you’re a dancer and you’re up on stage you get the ap- plause. But the first time you see all those kids up there, and the applause

i is for them, you feel like a proud par- k s n

i ent. I cried.” l o K Howard’s hiring of Kolinski led to n o s i

l the creation of a formal dance pro- A

f

o gram at HM in 2000. At that time, 12

n o i

t students — all girls — participated. c e l l This year, 65 — 9th through 12th o c

e graders — boys and girls — have t a v i

r elected to learn tap, ballet, modern p

e

h dance, social dancing, hip-hop and t

m musical theatre with Kolinski and her o r f

o

t fellow dance instructor Denise DiRen- o h

P zo. When she was called to Head of Alison Kolinski, then Alison Sherve, in the original Broadway production of Bob School Tom Kelly’s office some Fosse's "Dancin" in 1978 (Continued on page 17) Page 14 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

A Conversation with Emma Laurence By Jonathan Nye

Continuing a tradition of innovative theatre in the Middle Division, the Sanders Recital Hall hosted a review of some of your favorite Beatles tunes in BeatleMannia! focusing on songs from the early years of the Fab Four (1962-1969) by the students of our Middle Division. Directed by Emma Laurence with Music Direction by Jonathan Faiman, students additionally performed monologues between songs and reen- r e

acted interviews taken from actual l l u F historical transcripts (using text from e c u

Beatles, An Oral History, by David r B

y

Pritchard & Alan Lysaght). b

o t

Jonathan Nye spoke to Emma o h Laurence about what went into the P making of this production. Middle Division students channel Sgt. Pepper in “BeatleMannia!” JN What goes into choosing a production for the Middle Division bring the uplifting spirit of Beatle- students? Mannia! to Horace Mann… the music EL: It’s important to find a piece truly bridges the generations. MD/UD Election that gives each student a shining mo- The Set, designed by Horace (Continued from page 13) ment. In this case, we also tailored the Mann Theatre / Dance Department Upper Division, could be trumped show to be performed during two as- Technical Director, Joel Sherry, was a only by the actual inaugural events semblies for the entire Middle Divi- deconstruction of two seminal images themselves. As the culmination of all sion to see. in the Beatles history: the Fab Four’s that preparation, Middle and Upper JN: Tell me about the material. appearances on the Ed Sullivan show Division students watched the inau- EL: The songs were brought in by and the crosswalk on the cover of their guration happen live at school on the students for their individual audi- 1969 release Abbey Road. As the screens specially set up for that pur- tions. Most of the songs remained, Sanders Recital Hall stage serves as a pose. It was a significant historic some were moved around to better fit multi-purpose room (Classes, assem- event that they shared as a communi- the voices. The performers also had blies, music rehearsals also use this ty and will remember for the rest of the opportunity to play multiple roles space) the design had to fit these para- their lives. Mrs. Ingram said, “We from the Beatles history (one plays meters. watched together as a division in George Martin in one scene; Louise BeatleMannia! Directed by Emma Gross Theatre, and the kids sang, Harrison in another, etc.) This materi- Laurence, Performed by Asher Baum- stood and participated throughout al was found online…some written by rin, Tyler Bleuel, Rachel Buissereth, Is- the ceremony as if they were physi- fans who met them…some by those abella Creatura, Julia Fife, John cally present... It was inspiring to be who went to the early performances. Maguire, Noah Margulis, Noa Meer- together with the students for this JN: Tell me about the rehearsal schwam, Thomas Meerschwam, Kira moment in history.” Dr. Schiller com- process. Newmark, Lena Reilly, Danielle Stein- mented, “In the Upper Division, we EL: For most of the rehearsals, man, Ana Siracusano, Ikaasa Suri, watched the Inauguration in three Jonathan (Faiman) warms up the stu- Alexandra Vogelsang, David Zask, large groups. They shared a moment dents vocally, then works with the en- Miranda Zeitlin ,Lindsay Zelson they will long remember, a moment semble on the group numbers. We Guest Artists: Jonathan Faiman of living history. The kids were visi- usually split the cast for the remainder (Music Direction); Stewart Lee (Cos- bly excited and moved to participate of the rehearsal, Jonathan will work tumes); Set Design: Joel Sherry; Stage in this remarkable “occasion”. Presi- with individuals on the solo numbers, Management: Maia Salholz-Hillel. dent Obama himself could not have and I will work with individuals on Editors’ Note: In case you missed it, run a better study of his own making the monologues or scenes. It’s been you can watch the Middle Division’s pro- of history, than the one which took very heartwarming to watch the 6th, duction of “BeatleMannia!” on YouTube at place in every division at Horace 7th and 8th Graders working together. www.youtube.com/watch?v=spjj-nw96mu. Mann. JN: Any final thoughts? EM: We are all very pleased to SAVE THE DATE • Annual PA Benefit • Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Page 15 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

And The Walls Came Tumbling Down (Continued from page 1) down, brick by brick, because as the Hu- man Rights Day motto pointed out “Everything WE begins with ME”. As a way of introducing some of the day’s themes through literature, each homeroom also received a copy of the picture books What Does Peace Feel Like? and We Are All Born Free, and spent time reading and discussing ideas about peace and human rights. The children were given dove die-cuts and asked to write on them what peace meant to them or a prayer or wish for peace. l a h

Drawing from their own daily experi- t n i e ences, from “Peace is kids playing to- t S

y

gether” to a preoccupation about world d n e

conflict “Peace is a world without vio- W

y b lence or wars,” and even concerns about o t o

the current recession (“Peace is a better h economy”), the children reflected on the P meaning and significance of Peace. Lower Division students listen to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Beautiful white cranes hanging from the in different languages ceiling of the cafeteria with the word Peace written in different languages were also an inspira- by the artist for Human Rights Day. tion and reminded everyone that this is a universal goal. This creative piece of sound and voices further accom- Examples of the beautiful “bricks” and the “doves” cre- plished the goals for the day. During Library classes with ated by the children, as well as of the public service an- Mrs. VanderWerff and Mrs. Cosson, the children not only nouncements, can be found in the Moodle page (created by enjoyed learning about the articles of the Declaration, but Parms), which also contains a number of invaluable re- also had an opportunity to learn that no matter what lan- sources on human rights and peace education. For more in- guage we speak we all have the same human rights. As formation go to: http://courses.horacemann.org/ artist Brenda Ray pointed out “when I listen to a voice and course/view.php?id=174 don’t necessarily understand what is being said, then I’m On January 24th, the World Voices Project, an installation really listening to the voice, I’m hearing that person behind by artist Brenda it, I hear that person’s humanity.” Ray, made its way By the time the actual Human Rights Day arrived, the into the Lower Di- children had already done a lot of thinking and were well vision library. An prepared for the day’s activities. Kindergarten to third interactive audio grade students enjoyed a production of Peacemaker by the art installation, the New Jersey George Street Playhouse, whose educational World Voices Project, programs are funded in part by the New Jersey State Bar allowed children to Association. The play tells the story of the Reds and the hear the articles of Blues who live on opposite sides of a wall and who do not the Universal Dec- get along. Long ago, however, the two cultures were friend- laration of Human ly. A bridge connected them and people traveled freely be- Rights in 30 lan- tween the two lands. But one day an argument led to war, guages through a the bridge was torn down, and a wall was erected. The pro- maze of head- duction examined the walls, seen and unseen, that separate phones coming out people from each other. of a map of The Fourth and fifth grade students had read the historical fiction novel The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher s World. The original e d Paul Curtis. They shared their reflections on the many A installation, shown a i v at the South Street themes of the novel (friendship, family ties, bullying, preju- a l F dice and discrimination). They also shared some of the y Seaport, portrayed b

o speeches they had written in response to Martin Luther t over 70 languages o h

P and was brought to King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” and President Obama’s “Yes Horace Mann and We Can” speeches. The students also participated in class- The “Rules We Live By” form the especially adapted room activities focusing on topics such as bullying, the right roots of a tree to clean and accessible water, the right to education and the Page 16 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

Support Our Soldiers (Continued from page 7) faith group as well. It’s a unique envi- someone might ask me about the them, because they know we will usu- ronment, where all the clergymen Catholic mass, so I’ll refer him to the ally have a little snack for them, some work to support each other, and to Priest. By the same token, the Priest encouraging words, and we are there help each other take care of their re- might be out at his units doing his for them if they want to talk to us spective flocks. So, for instance, I lead ministry, and discover that there is a about a personal matter. a daily morning Jewish prayer service. new Jewish service member who Though I am a rabbi, I minister to And when I am done, there is a Christ- wants to know about Jewish services. people of all faiths. Of course I only ian Bible study. Later on the in the af- So he’ll refer him to me. lead Jewish worship services, and not ternoon, there is a Catholic Mass in I hope everyone does well on Christian ones. By the same token, the the same room, after which I conduct mid-terms, and has very happy holi- Christian chaplains (and Muslim for a Hebrew class. days, and wish you all much blessing that matter) only lead services of their When I am out on the Flight Line, and success.” Sincerely, Andrew J. Cohen

F ANDREW J. COHEN, A S U

Ch., Capt., USAF , . t p a C

, . h C

, n e h o C

. Alison Kolinski J w

e (Continued from page 14) r d n months ago, Kolinski admits she was A n i

a a little nervous. “I’d never been called l p a

h to his office before and I had no idea C f

o what to expect.” When she arrived y s

e and Kelly called her in, she was re- t r u

o lieved when he welcomed her with a c o t wide smile and the words “this is a o h

P good thing!” Whew! The Schweitzer Chair, created by A shared prayer before a mission Susan and Peter Schweitzer, is a three-year honorary post given to an thing good begins right here.” outstanding Horace Mann teacher. Walls Came Down Then guided by the children, color- When she heard she was receiving the educational experiences of children ful strings of peace doves took flight. post, Kolinski’s first response was around the world, as well as the Peace and magic were in the air as the “But I’m just a dance teacher!” Woody achievements of individuals and orga- children spoke with one voice and sang Howard’s apt response: “You’re so nizations that have or are standing up together the song With My Own Two much more.” for human rights. Hands. And just like in Jericho, their As Mahatma Gandhi said to Maria voices made the walls that divide us Montessori when visiting her in Lon- come down. And those hands became Author’s Note: don in 1931: “If we are to reach real ready to build bridges that will bring peace in this world and if we are to car- people together and roads that will The metaphor of “walls” and its ry on a real war against war, we shall lead us to see past our differences and relevance both to this moment in histo- have to begin with children.” So after a celebrate our common humanity. ry and to what the program accom- busy day of activities on Human “Watching the involvement, seeing plished – from the biblical narrative of Rights Day, the whole Lower Division the children’s faces, listening to their Joshua in Jericho, to the famous gathered in the gym to reflect on the thoughts and ideas, Human Rights African-American spiritual that sus- day’s many lessons. Students and Day was just as we hoped it would be. tained so many people during years of members of the faculty read peace It was a time to take stock of ourselves bigotry and intolerance, to the count- prayers in different languages. An and of the world around us. A time to less speeches by civil rights activists adaptation of the poem The Happiness gain further perspective, as we contin- Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Aber- Tree was read aloud by children in the ue to learn the importance of the Rules nathy and President Obama – was just fourth grade. The Rules We Live By be- We Live By, both as they apply here at one of many metaphors used by Louise came the “roots” that nurture the tree school and to the global experience,” Parms. In addition to her infinite dedi- of hope, love, courage, gratitude, said Wendy Steinthal, Head of Lower cation to this project she brought her peace, compassion, tolerance, generos- Division. gift as an inspired writer and poet. This ity, honesty, and happiness: “Every- article is dedicated to her. Page 17 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

News of the School Dr. Tom Kelly and the Office of Diversity, ceeds benefited the art center’s mission. Middle Division students chose among headed by Rodney Burford, held its fifth the diverse club offerings and signed up Congratulations to Ray Barile, who was Office Of Diversity gathering in early Oc- for their first three choices. Each club has honored at Lehman College on December tober. Families enjoyed the festive after- been assigned an adult advisor. A sam- 6th by both Lehman College and the noon, toured the school and shared as- pling follows: Word Games; Current American Cancer Society for running the pects of school/family life with each other. Events; Reflections; Sports Debate; Anime; Coaches vs Cancer High School Basket- Student Government; Scrap-Booking; Dr. Barbara L. Tischler was elected to the ball Classic, sponsored by Horace Mann Cooking; 6th Grade Tennis; Paper Engi- National Council of the American Histor- for the past ten years. Lehman College is neering; Teen Flux; Foreign Films; Board ical Association. She will serve a three- initiating a college version of what Mr. Games; Fencing; Soccer; Girls’ Soccer; year term on the Council, which is the Barile had started at Horace Mann. Study Hall; Intra-Murals and lots more. governing body of the largest organization Thanks to the effort and work by John of historians in the United States. She will “Head in the Clouds,” an essay on art and Yeager and the HM Maintenance Staff, Dr. represent academic historians who work dreams, written by Kim Do, UD Visual John McIvor and his Executive and Sup- in elementary and secondary schools as Arts Dept. was included in the current is- port Staff are now situated at 4662 Tibbett well as colleges and universities. Dr. Tis- sue of HaShiur, Central Synagogue’s tri- Ave., the first house adjacent to the HM chler is currently serving in a similar posi- annual Journal of Ideas. tennis courts. The house will be the site of tion in the American Studies Association. Summer On The Hill, UD Community Ser- The Saturday Morning Tutoring Project, HM Nursery Division is pleased to wel- vice programs and After School Programs. an UD program coordinated by Dr. Susan come Mrs. Irene Pinzon, school nurse, to Delanty ’79, meets weekly at HM. Upper Sheila Ferri, HM Ceramics Faculty, is a re- the HM School Community. Division students tutor public school stu- cipient of a teacher initiated Project dents from grades 5-8 who meet with the (Excerpted from HM Release) Award. She is teaching HM’s fourth annu- student tutors in assigned classrooms. The Saul and Stanley Zabar, owners of the al faculty and staff Ceramics Workshops HM students receive Community Service world-famous Zabar’s specialty food store held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the credit for this work. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, were fet- Lower Division art room. Ferri’s work was ed by the Horace Mann School community recently exhibited at The Barrett Clay The Upper Division Clubs Fair highlight- with the School’s Alumni Council Award Works, Art Studios & Galleries at the ed activities and events for each of the for Distinguished Achievement at a din- 2008 National Cup in Lenox, MA. In addi- prospective clubs and publications at ta- ner in their honor on November 3, 2008 at tion her sculpture was chosen for the Na- bles set up in the Cohen Dining Commons The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. tional Sculpture Exhibition at the Craven in early fall. Over sixty Upper Division The award, in its 51st year, is given annu- Arts Council and Gallery in New Bern, Clubs, along with their presiding officers, ally to an alumnus who has distinguished N.C. Nov. 7 – Dec. 24, 2008 and was exhib- participated in this event. Adding to the himself or herself professionally The ited in Craft USA 08 at Silvermine Guild well known roster of clubs such as Docu- award was presented by Alumni Council Arts Center in New Canaan, CT, Nov. 16 – mentary Film Club, Model UN, East President Justin Lerer ’95, HM Board of Dec. 23, 2008. Wind/West Wind, Women’s Issues, Habi- Trustees Chair Steven M. Friedman ’72, tat for Humanity, Gay-Straight Alliance, Dr. Barbara Tischler traveled to the Uni- Head of School Dr. Tom Kelly and Alum- Shakespeare Club, Junior State of Ameri- versity of Birmingham, U.K. to present a ni Council Distinguished Achievement ca, Model Congress, the Union, were a paper at an international conference in cel- Award Co-Chairs William Nightingale host of other clubs such as Donors Choose ebration of the 50th anniversary of the ’49 and Mickey Littman’ 52. Saul Zabar, a Club and Adopt a Classroom which raises publication of Jack Kerouac’s (HM1940) graduate of the HM Class of 1946 and money for specific materials for NYC Pub- On the Road in England. It was an inter- Stanley Zabar, an alumnus of the HM lic Schools; the Mock Trial Club where cas- national gathering, with presenters from Class of 1949, were recognized for their es are practiced and presented by students all over Europe, Teheran, Istanbul, and years of service to the community and for acting as prosecution and defense attor- Australia. their contributions to New York City life in neys in state and regional competitions; business, public service, and in philan- Her paper was titled: “Spontaneous the HM Business League whose objective thropic efforts. Prose” and the Journey Home: Jack Ker- is to have meetings at which they discuss ouac’s Struggle with the Road.” Dr. Tis- current economic and business trends and Horace Mann Visual Arts Department chler looked forward to participating in also gain knowledge by investing in a fan- hosted the opening reception of Prints the conference and learning from the other tasy stock challenge and the Midnight Run from Hawaii. This exhibition featured the scholars. Club a community outreach club associat- prints by artists from the residency pro- ed with Manhattan’s Central Synagogue, gram of the Donkey Mill Art Center in Middle Division 6th Graders participated which provides food and clothing to the Hawaii. The Donkey Mill Art Center is a in the 6th Grade friendship games – foot- homeless. Club members organize cloth- non-profit organization that provides free ball and soccer – with 6th graders from ing drives, make and deliver food and summer art experiences to children and an Riverdale Country School. raise money for relief services. Several enriched weekend art program to adults. Horace Mann South Asian Committee new clubs on the scene are the Polar Bears The art center has also implemented an initiated and created a festive display in Rescue Team, Break-Dancing Club, To- “artist in residency” program that facili- Rose Hall highlighting the holidays of Di- morrow’s Tickets, Art History Club, Ar- tates the use of the state of the art print- wali and Eid, two of the fall/winter sea- chitecture Club, Save A Life Club, Fusion, making shop and ceramic studio for sonal celebrations. Samulnoli (Korean Drum Club) Video emerging artists. Prawat Laucharoen, who Games for Charity and Support Our Sol- served as a guest instructor this past sum- The Middle Division Clubs Program is diers Club. These are just a sampling of all mer, brought this work to Horace Mann. up and running at full blast on Tuesday af- the offerings in the Upper Division. UD All the prints were for sale and the pro- ternoons during clubs/activities periods. Page 18 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

News of the School publications editors and staff also partici- mon. Upper Division/CCVA students and vision every Tuesday D and E periods in pated —Cinemann, FOLIO 51, GC Publi- faculty volunteer at Kingsbridge Heights the MD Atrium. It’s both a way of giving cation, HM Voyager, The Impression, Im- Community Center every Tuesday after- students a chance to borrow books from ages, Index, INSIDE/OUT, Insight, La noon in a joint program designed by CC- the Katz Library without having to leave Plume, Legal Fiction, Lola’s Kitchen, Man- VA and Kingsbridge Heights Community the comforts of the Middle Division and it uscript, Mental Boom, Now on Paper, Center. For additional information, please allows students to peruse books that they Overheard Voices, Prime, Spectrum, The e-mail [email protected]. may not have noticed on the shelves of the Drum, The HM Business Report, The HM library. This Traveling Library offers MD LIOnTech, HM’s Learning Initiative on Review, The Record, The Roar, The Thes- students an opportunity to relax in the Technology, is now in its second year. It pian, Hungry Mann, The Score, W.E. all Atrium and read or check out books for was created to improve the basic technical had tables at this annual event. three weeks. She plans to weekly house skills of the faculty and staff at HM to inte- new books in the glass-fronted cabinet at Dr. Stephen Berman, Director of Clubs, grate technology into the classrooms and the bottom of the stairs in the Atrium. In Dr. Susan Delanty, Director of Student to serve as a resource as a means of cur- addition, the popular MD Readers’ Forum Life and Linda Mandel, Student Activities riculum-enhancement through a collection meets in the Katz Library every Friday Director, facilitated this tradition. of web sites tailored to the HM curricu- during D and E periods. The Katz Library lum. Classes are held weekly for faculty A new UD publication, Amplified, hosted welcomes the opportunity to have MD and staff. LIOnTech offers “Techshops” a fall concert, AMPLEFEST, in Cohen Din- students who enjoy reading come to the daily on a specific topic each week. Sam ing Commons. The focus of this concert Library for these special events. They or- Schalman-Bergen is coordinating these was to both provide an opportunity for der pizza and soda, eat lunch and talk important initiatives. HM students, faculty and staff to perform about books. The librarians encourage and to raise money for a specific cause. The Middle Division Read-In Book is reading of any kind—fiction, non-fiction, The proceeds from this concert benefited Middleworld, Book One of the Jaguar and graphic novels are all included. The Musician’s Village, a Habitat for Humani- Stones series by J & P Voelkel. It is de- students also play games such as book bin- ty project founded by Harry Connick, Jr. scribed as “ Harry Potter meets Indiana go, title charades or just talk. At the end of and Bradford Marsalis. Musicians Village Jones meets Clash of the Titans.” This ad- the year, the students take a trip to Barnes builds homes for displaced musicians in venture tale pits a pampered Boston and Noble where the Readers’ Forum stu- New Orleans. “This village will eventually teenager against the Ancient Maya Lords dents get to choose books that they then consist of 70 single family Habitat con- of Death. The author’s website is . The Read-In Book Day was Orchestrated by Jennifer Little and Harry older ‘music masters’ of New Orleans. Its scheduled on Thursday, April 16, 2009. Bauld, UD English Dept Faculty, and stu- centerpiece will be the Ellis Marsalis Cen- View profiles of winning schools (from dent Shakespeare Club Co-Presidents, ter for Music dedicated to the music edu- 2006 and 2007) and teachers (from 2007 Eliza Harkins & Elizabeth Power, Horace cation and development of homeowners and 2008) at http://www.Blackboard- Mann’s annual Shakespeare Sonnet and others who live nearby.” The student Awards.com or . Other online features in- faculty, administrators and staff shared Kimerman, Greg Somerville, Peter Ja- clude articles, charts, photos from past their favorite sonnets with the audience. In cobs, Sam Sonenshine. Faculty advisors events, and nomination forms for out- addition to the Sonnet Marathon, The are Rebecca Bahr and Kim Do. standing teachers and principals. Parents Shakespeare Club hosted the annual A combined Nursery/Lower Division and students can also weigh in on the Shakespeare Monologue Competition in Kindergarten group and the LD fifth annual Blackboard Awards survey. Ho- January and the Shakespeare Revels in the graders enriched the Apple Fest event that race Mann Middle Division was a Black- spring. It has been held annually at HM recently took place on the LD campus. Un- board Awardee in 2003; the Upper Divi- for over 20 years. der the aegis of David Morris, Barbara sion was its Awardee in 2007. Horace Mann has been host to many dif- Marin, and Glenn Sherratt, the students Bernice Hauser’s article, Simulating an ferent schools and organizations. Pelham churned apples using an authentic apple Archaeological Dig, was featured in the High School Swim Team has used Horace press to make delicious and healthful ap- Teachers Clearinghouse for Science and Mann’s pool; Manhattan College’s bas- ple juice. Society Education Newsletter—Fall 2008. ketball team has held practice sessions in The eleventh Peg Duggan Memorial HM’s gyms, and this year on October 11th, Nursery Division students collected over Tournament, a three-day varsity basket- Horace Mann hosted the Mayor’s Cup $780 for hats, gloves and scarves for the ball match, was held at HM in December Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Acade- , now in honor of a former beloved administra- my. in its eighth year, which has become the tive assistant. Ray Barile, Associate Direc- largest wheelchair basketball event of its tor of Athletics, coordinated this event. Ballet Hispanico performed for the Lower kind in the Northeast. It is among the pre- Division at a special assembly in late Fall. mier event on the National Wheelchair The CCVA, Community Center for Action The students loved the excitement of be- Basketball Association’s National Calen- & Values, headed by Dr. Jeremy Leeds ’72, ing in Gross Theatre and watching this in- dar. Wheelchair basketball is played on a has been hosting a series of lunchtime credibly talented dance company. Ballet regulation basketball court, but players ethics discussion re the elections and the Hispanico performed eight dances rang- may only push their wheelchair twice be- economy under the aegis of Ethics and ing from Tango to Hip Hop. A wonderful fore dribbling or passing. The height of the Values. They also are hosting a CCVA Fac- time was had by all! basket is the standard 10 feet used in both ulty Book Club series. This group is cur- college and professional basketball. This is rently reading and discussing The Path to Under the guidance of Pam Starobin, Katz the third year Horace Mann has hosted the Purpose: Helping Our Children Find Their Library Librarian, the Middle Division event. Horace Mann also hosted several Calling In Life written by William Da- Traveling Library comes to the Middle Di- Page 19 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

News of the School meetings for Riverdale Community December 6, the Lower Division’s annual cilitated this event. Events. Other institutions such as The Caring in Action Day provided opportu- The Upper Division Documentary Club, Mountain School, Tips for Trips and nities for Lower Division students and hosted by Joe Timko and David Gelber, Where There Be Dragons also visited Ho- their families to participate in community showed the renowned documentary, Hoop race Mann. Tips for Trips is an annual service projects benefiting the Riverdale Dreams, which many people regard as one event held at HM. Its purpose is to show- and Bronx communities. Students and of the best documentaries every made. It’s case creative and performing arts camps, their families decorated tote bags, and the story of two teenage African-American wilderness adventures, sport camps, trav- filled them with donated items, decorated kids from inner-city Chicago with dreams el opportunities, language immersion pro- wrapping paper for donated toys, de- of NBA glory. The filmmakers spent four grams, academic enrichment and commu- signed T-shirts on teddy bears for hospi- and a half years tracking William Gates nity service programs that are available talized children, sorted coins, assembled a and Arthur Agee, whose hopes of escap- and suitable for MD and UD students. baby blanket, beaded bracelets and paint- ing the ghetto rested on their performance ed furniture. Horace Mann also hosted its annual holi- on the court. One reviewer wrote, “Hoop day party for the Sanctuary for Families HM Homecoming 2008 took place on a Dreams has all the suspense of a soap on December 10, 2008. The UD Communi- beautiful, sunny day in the Fall. Several opera, but without the manipulation.” ty Service Program coordinated this hundred alumni, parents, students, and They also viewed Dogtown and Z-Boys, a event. Laura Fels, Jenna Wolf, Ben Noble, friends gathered to enjoy the athletic con- critically acclaimed film made in 2002. It is Laura Halis and Sarah Fels, student lead- tests and fall festivities. Alumni from the about Los Angeles teenagers who invent- ers, along with Dr. John McIvor, Commu- classes of 1948, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, ed skateboarding. It won “Best Documen- nity Service Director, plus parent volun- 1978, 1983, and 1988 all returned to cam- tary” at the Independent Spirit Awards teers and other HM students, coordinated pus to celebrate their class reunions. A and both the directing and the audience this annual event for 250 mothers and over myriad of planned activities ensured that awards at Sundance 2001. Narrated by 500 children. Sanctuary for Families is a there was something for all the visitors: a Sean Penn, it has myriad archival shots by NYC based organization that provides family tent for fun games and activities, an Glen E. Friedman and Craig Stecyk. support services and housing to battered alumni photography exhibit, Pep Rally Thanks to the Administration and Board women and their children. Each year more Club events, campus tours, varsity soccer, of Trustees, HM faculty and staff received than 150 students, parents and faculty par- tennis, volleyball water polo, field hockey, flu shots administered by former parent, ticipate to make this evening a memorable and the Boys’ Varsity Football vs. Rye Dr. Stuart Orsher. MD/UD Nurse, Patti one for the invited guests. Turkey, stuffing Country Day School took place in addition D’Avanzo, facilitated and assisted with and “make your own sundaes” plus a visit to The Dan Alexander ’49 Alumni Soccer the administration of the flu shots for this from Santa Claus are all part of the fun. Game. worthy procedure. The Middle Division marked Breast Can- Dr. Dominque Padurano, UD History The UD Jazz Ensemble and Contempo- cer Awareness Day with a poster cam- Dept., delivered a talk at Hofstra Univer- rary Directions Ensemble at their Winter paign to increase student awareness, a sity on Monday, October 13, in honor of Concert in Gross Theatre performed pink bake sale, and various carnival-like Columbus Day. The title of the talk was everything from Funk and Samba to Pi- activities that were planned and executed “Charles Atlas’ Italian Nose: Ethnic rates of the Caribbean. by 8th graders. Some of these activities in- Strongmen on Trial at the Federal Trade cluded ping-pong, pizza, free homework Commission, 1936” which was being The Read for the Record Event and Coins raffles, etc. MD teachers wore special pink sponsored by the Department of Speech for Corduroy for Jumpstart was a project shirts commemorating the day. Not only Communication, Rhetoric, and Perfor- that was initiated this year by the Nursery were the 8th Graders successful in raising mance Studies; Department of History; Division. Abbey Lombardo, assistant to awareness, but the event itself raised $680 and LGBT Studies at Hofstra. Patricia Zuroski, organized and facilitated for Play for Pink. The advisors to this suc- the event. Dr. Barbara Tischler extended Dr. Enrique Bruce, UD Foreign Lan- cessful campaign were Eva Abbomonte the event to the Upper Division by setting guages Dept., had been invited to read a and Donnett Bryan. up readings in Olshan Lobby. The organiz- paper at Brown University on Friday, Sep- ers collected over $300 for Jumpstart (in- Rachael Myers, Katz Librarian, was fea- tember 26. He was one of the attending cluding money collected at UD) and tured in the Riverdale Press as a bicycle participants who had been invited to par- added about 340 names to the Jumpstart commuter who often bikes 17 miles from take in a special program—Homage to Su- total of 425,000 people who read Corduroy her home in Brooklyn to Horace Mann. sana Reisz— the author of Teoria Literaria, on October 2nd. It was a record breaker for Una Propuesta (1986) and other works on The Third MD Parents Association Inter- the Guinness Book of World Records. women poets and Latin American writers. national Food Festival filled the Rose Hall Robert Annunziata, Director of Athletics Atrium with a plethora of delicious food An All-Community event for Horace & Physical Education, has hosted several assortments such as Chinese dumplings Mann was held on February 21, 2009 in Independent School Athletic Directors and Indian Samosa. The food selections re- Draddy Gym at Manhattan College and Coaches Meetings here at HM. flected the different heritages and diversi- The Robert Buzzell Memorial Games ty of the students in the Middle Division. The US automotive industry is on the were established 47 years ago as a memor- verge of collapse; the UD Documentary The Lower Division collected gently used ial to Robert Buzzell, a student at Horace Club’s advisors, David Gelber and Joe shoes for the organization, Soles 4 Souls, Mann until 1950 when he was stricken Timko, thus hosted a viewing of “Who and also participated in their annual new with polio. The Buzzell Games are a great Killed the Electric Car?” a film that came toys, coat and coin drive. The coats are do- evening of school spirit and top-notch bas- out two years ago to critical acclaim. Here nated to New York Cares Coat Drive. The ketball. Proceeds go to the New York are excerpts from the review that was fea- coins and new toys benefit local children’s Chapter of the March of Dimes. Ray Bar- tured in ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY. service agencies located in Riverdale. On ile, Associate Director of the Athletics, fa- Page 20 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

News of the School “When I first heard there was a documentary advisors—students were assigned differ- and Counseling Dept., and Lindsay called Who Killed the Electric Car? it didn’t ent roles: servers, decorators, clean-up Willis, UD Guidance and Counseling So- take rocket science to divine the movie’s theme squad, greeters, reflectors, etc. In the Up- cial Worker, facilitated an interactive spe- (environmental innovation squelched by oil per Division, students ate with their advi- cial advisory meeting for UD parents profits), but I assumed that the electric car in sory groups and their advisors at festively where specific issues relating to limits and question would be some weird, bubbly, futuris- decorated tables in the Cohen Dining boundaries were discussed. The meeting tic prototype sitting in a lab somewhere. The Commons. UD students were also as- was aptly called “Who’s in Charge?” movie’s first revelation is that these babies tru- signed various roles and duties. Staff, Horace Mann School and the Class of 1938 ly existed, and that they were right there on the maintenance and security members, all sit- saluted Dante “Bick” Caputo, HM 1938, open road — hundreds of them, zipping down ting with the students and faculty, ate a for his service and leadership throughout the highways of California beginning in 1996, traditional Thanksgiving meal. Many the Riverdale Community. Mr. Caputo the result of a state mandate that said by 2003, comments and many words expressing was honored by Riverdale Neighborhood 10 percent of all new vehicles had to be emis- thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation House at its 136th Annual Anniversary sion-free. were shared with everyone. Benefit on Sunday, October 26, 2008 for his By all accounts, not just that of Tom Hanks Keith Renner, MD/UD Ceramics Teacher long-term support and loyalty to this spe- (who we see proselytizing for the cause on Let- had exhibits at the following museums: cific institution. He has been associated terman), the electric car, produced by General “New Work: Solo Exhibition” - Ward with Riverdale Neighborhood House Motors, was fast, attractive, and fun to drive. Pound Ridge Reservation (outdoor space) since the 1930s. Its singular disadvantage was that the battery October 2008 to September 2009: Recep- needed to be recharged every 60 to 80 miles. Guest Speakers tion “Transformations: 6x6” - Group Exhi- But imagine that you were judging the home bition. Clay Art Center, Portchester, NY. Dr. Diana Berger ’86, MD/MSc, is Dia- computer based on, say, a 1984 Macintosh. October 4 - November 23, 2008: “Ceramic betes Medical Specialist at the NYC De- There’s a word for what was needed to upgrade Expressions”- Group Exhibition. Blue partment of Health. Dr. Berger spoke to the electric car — that word is ‘’progress’’ — Door Art Association @ Yonkers Public Li- the students in Dr. Kathleen Howard’s and the second revelation of Who Killed the brary. Yonkers NY. October 2 - November Science classes in late fall. She discussed Electric Car? is that GM, in deciding (at the 2, 2008: “This For That” - Exhibition with aspects of Reproductive Medicine that probable behest of other forces) not just to stop Brenda Quinn. Mount Vernon Public Li- was followed by a Q and A with the stu- developing this revolutionary vehicle but to brary. Mount Vernon, NY. October 30 - No- dents. take every last one of them off the road and de- vember 27. For additional information stroy them, did something profoundly un- Robin Fisher ’99, a member of the Council http://www.keithrenner.com/news.html American: It turned progress back on itself. of Woman Realtors, spoke to the student Who Killed the Electric Car? makes you an- Mr. Renner, along with Brenda Quinn, members of the Women’s Issue Club in gry, and also sad, to live in a country where in- were the curators for a special ceramics ex- late December. She discussed aspects of novation could be contrived into an enemy.” hibit, This for That, which was held at the her career and events in her life while a Mt. Vernon Public Library in November. student at Horace Mann. Ms. Woods, Dr. Lionel Garrison, an AP Calculus/Mathe- Steiner, Ms. McFeely, and Dr. Casdin are matics teacher in the Upper Division Habitat for Humanity- Westchester has the advisors. Mathematics Department, led a College involved Horace Mann students in Satur- Board workshop this August for teachers day morning builds for over four years. Diane E. Levin, Ph.D., was guest speaker of Advanced Placement Calculus BC, in Danielle Schlanger and Vicky Sung, two at a Lower Division PA meeting on Janu- Leesburg, VA, and was scheduled to con- of Mrs. Kraus’ advisees started the club in ary 14, 2009. She discussed her book: So duct two more such workshops this school their junior year. Currently Walter Koshel Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Child- year: one at Stuyvesant High School in and Angelica Body-Lawson are the 2008- hood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Manhattan on Election Day, and another 2009 student leaders. Janet Kraus is the Their Kids. A lively discussion about the in Pikesville, MD during our Spring Break moderator/advisor. impact of popular culture and technology in March. on our children and age-appropriate A bus takes the group to sites near and far strategies for how parents deal with these Several members of the HM community (only as far as Eastchester) to sand walls, issues followed the presentation. ventured forth at the onset of this academ- move stones, dig ditches, paint walls and ic year and offered a proposal that “we porches, attach wallboards and sweep Patricia Wood, Executive Director of the break bread together” — the thoughtful- floors for sanding and finally to eat home- Grassroots Environmental Education, was ness and sentiment behind this proposal baked brownies and cookies. All of these guest speaker at the Nursery Division PA was palpable — the administration, stu- activities earn students community service meeting on November 11 at which she dis- dents and faculty overwhelmingly wel- credit. Students work to provide decent cussed the conflicting information about comed the opportunity to celebrate both housing for families who can’t afford it. the chemicals in manufactured products the diversity and commonalities of every- The group reaches out to others in need. used daily in our households. The nascent one at Horace Mann. After having many Some of the families have survived diffi- ND Wellness Committee hosted this vital in-depth logistical planning sessions and culties that would challenge any one. The presentation. by utilizing the expertise of many individ- people who benefit are grateful and get to Dr. Mary Putnam and Jessica Werk, at a uals, this proposal became a reality. Ho- meet and talk with the student workers MD 6th Grade Science Assembly, spoke race Mann’s first Communal Thanksgiv- from Horace Mann. This group of students about the life of an astronomer and the ing Luncheon was held on November 25 traveled to New Orleans to build with training that he/she undertakes in order in both the Middle and Upper Divisions. It Habitat for Humanity during the first to be qualified as an astronomer. Werk pre- was a memorable occasion—in the Middle week of HM’s spring break. sented slides documenting her studying of Division students ate with their home- Jenny McFeely, Head of UD Guidance star clusters at Las Campanas Observatory room peers in MD classrooms with their Page 21 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

in Chile. Dr. Putnam presented slides fea- pants. Dr. Tom Kelly had invited Mr. Hen- in the Summer on Hill Program (SOH) turing her research with a radio telescope ry to participate at this meeting. who do not have computers. They are ask- at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. ing the HM community to join in this wor- The HM Learning Disability Support Or- The presentation of galaxy collusions in- thy endeavor. Please e-mail Nick at ganization welcomed Stephen Singer as troduced some new information to the stu- [email protected] or its first speaker of the year. Mr. Singer ad- dents and supported and reinforced the Josh at Joshua_Miller-Lewis@horace- dressed issues concerning Learning Dis- astronomy curriculum that the students mann.org. The students will arrange for a ability students and the college process. had covered in their science classroom ses- pick-up schedule that is convenient for the On November 18, 2009 Colleen M. Berge, sions. The students enjoyed the power donors. M.A. Specialist in Academic Remediation point presentation and the informal dis- addressed Academic Remediation: Help- Jason Torres, Chair, MD/UD Computer & cussions. A lively Q and A followed the ing Your Child Acquire Strategies for Communications Dept., has reported that presentation. Ashley Miller, MD Science Success. Dr. Ilene Rothschild facilitates our 2007-08 Girls Varsity Volleyball Team faculty, facilitated this event. these meetings. was recognized by the American Volley- Marines Arroyo, ND Kindergarten ball Coaches Association with a Team Vanessa Gould, a former computer pro- teacher, led a nuts and bolts discussion on Academic Award. Below is the link with grammer and an investment banker, was Integrating Literacy into the Curriculum, the press release: www.avca.org/ particularly interested in the art of Origa- for a ND Parent Coffee Hour. awards/team%2Dacademic%2Daward/0 mi. David Gelber suggested she might 7%2D08%2Daward%2Drelease/. “This is Deborah Copaken Kogan is the author of want to make a film on Origami. And the first time they had ever won an award Shutterbabe, the bestselling memoir of her that’s exactly what she did. Her film, “Be- like this, so we were very proud! I includ- years as a war photographer; the novel Be- tween The Folds,” has already been se- ed in this e-mail a list of the team members tween Here and April, an Elle Reader’s Prize lected for seven film festivals and recently and coaches.” Moses, Rebecca; Riemer, finalist; and Hell is Other Parents, a forth- won the “Audience Choice” award at the Naomi; Taibleson, Remi; Wachtel, Made- coming book of humorous essays. Her New Hampshire Festival. She was guest line; Feuerstein, Karen; Kremnitzer, work has appeared in the New Yorker, the presenter at the Documentary Club where Kathryn; Nathan, Rebecca; Salzman, An- New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, she showed her completed film. It’s full of na; Simms, Charlotte; Wang, Allison; Paris Match, Newsweek, Time, Elle, Geo, fascinating characters and unexpected de- Weissman, Nina; Crosdale, Leslie. (Some L’Express, and PHOTO, and on ABC velopments in the world of Origami. The of these team members graduated in June News, Dateline NBC, and CNN. She lives advisors to this club are Joe Timko and 2008). Coaches: Jason Torres, Justin Luk in New York with her husband and three David Gelber. ’07. children. She was the guest speaker at a Two Klingenstein Fellows, as part of their Women’s Issues Club meeting where she The Horace Mann 12th Grade Semi-Final- graduate studies at Columbia University, addressed the particular trials and tri- ists in the 2009 National Achievement Schol- are shadowing Robin Ingram, Head of the umphs that she had encountered in her arship Competition are: Malik Evans, Jelisa Middle School. professional life. Gerri Woods facilitated Grant, Gbambele Kone, Michael Kurtz, this event. Mike Wilper is working on teacher evalu- Jacqueline McDougall, Danielle Moore ation and Brooke Laudon is working on and Kenneth Thompson. Alex Berenson ’90 and David Leonhardt developing student leadership. To learn ’90, renowned New York Times reporters, The Horace Mann 12th Grade Semi-Final- more about this program, go to www.klin- addressed issues relating to the economy, ists in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship genstein.org. the fall of Lehman Bothers and the past Competition are: George Castillo, Anna presidential election at an UD Assembly Celebrated author, Phil Bildner, author of Chithelen, Zoe Egelman, Jackson Good- for grades 9-12 students. Leonhardt writes Turkey Bowl, Shot Heard ‘Round the man, Catherine Hu, Thomas Hwang, a weekly economic column for the Times World, Twenty-One Elephants and The Matthew Jacobs, Peter Jacobs, Venkat and has also written several featured arti- Greatest Game Ever Played was the guest Kausik, Caroline Kiang, William King, cles in the NY Times Sunday Magazine speaker at the Lower Division Book Fair Alice Kissilenko, Daniel Marcusa, Ben- section. Berenson covers the health care in- Assembly held in December. Turkey Bowl jamin Mishkin, Hyunsik Moon, Eliza- dustries and has been on the front page of is about football, family and Thanksgiv- beth Power, Michael Sabin, Dipka Sen, the Times with his recent articles exposing ing. Samuel Shelley, Sophie Spiegel and the dangers of using untested pharmaceu- Alexa Zahl. Dr. Ivor Elrifi, Intellectual Property tical drugs. Berenson, the author of several lawyer at Mintz Levin, addressed the The national pool of semifinalists includes books, also reviews books for the NY biotechnology classes of Dr. Kathleen the highest scoring entrants on the 2007 Times Sunday Book Review Section. Howard on December 10, 2008. He dis- Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Deryck Henry is Managing Consultant, cussed the science, patents, biotechnologi- Qualifying Test from each state and in- Institutional Client Services for cal uses and ethical implications of nucleic cludes 16,000 students. Approximately 15, TIAA/CREF. The management of these acid information. 000 semifinalists are expected to make it to client relationships includes counseling Student News the next level and winners will be an- both administrators and participants on nounced between April and July 2009. their retirement/tax deferred annuity Nick Harnik and Josh Miller-Lewis have From Darin Lewis, Chair of the MD/UD plans as well as other financial products initiated a community service initiative to Music Dept. “The Music Educators Na- available through TIAA-CREF. Mr. Henry help underprivileged students in NYC tional Conference (MENC) holds regional addressed the school community at a spe- gain access to computers. The have begun conventions every two years. Two years cial meeting devoted to the current finan- to collect old computers and computer ap- ago the Sinfonietta of HM was selected to cial crisis that has affected pensions and pliances (mouse, keyboard, printer) and perform - it was the first time we had ap- retirement funds of the school’s partici- are distributing them to students enrolled Page 22 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

News of the School plied and we had a great time going to themselves in international relations. four rounds. The winning schools of each Hartford. This year, the convention is in Mitchell Francis is the advisor. region receive $2,500 and have a chance to Providence and I am happy to say that we partake at the championship session where The Model UN Secretaries-General are had applied and were accepted again! It is they might win $100,000. Due to legal Thomas Hwang, Alice Kissilenko and a real honor — the Eastern division encom- agreements plus privacy and confidentiali- Sam Shelley. The Under Secretaries-Gen- passes 11 states from Delaware to Maine. ty agreements, the results of the show can- eral are William Dubbs, Logan Langberg, Four orchestras were selected to perform - not be disclosed at this time. The first Dan Temel and Belle Yoeli. The Officers HM being the only orchestra from NY round of the competition was aired on are Ben Levander, Zoe Maltby and Anto- State! Channel 12 at 6:30 and 9:30 pm on Satur- nia Woodford. The Board members are First we had to be nominated by NY and day, February 14, Sunday, February 15, Ben Jacobson, William Kimm (Chair), then the division board made final selec- Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, Febru- Ben Mishkin and Kimya Zahedi. The club tions from those recommendations. We ary 22. The club’s Co-Presidents are Alice placed second at the annual Princeton will head to Providence in March to per- Kissilenko and Thomas Hwang. The advi- Model United Nations Conference held in form at the convention and will also be sor is Mitchell Francis. late November. The 36 delegates earned 17 performing another concert while in Provi- awards. Nancy DaSilva, Alexander The fall Orchestra and Glee Club Concert, dence. I am very proud of this wonderful Daniel, Alice Kissilenko and Matthew under the direction of Darin Lewis and group and I am glad that they have been Fox won Best Overall Delegation on their Timothy Ho, took place at Grace Church recognized for their work. I list their names respective committees. on Friday, November 21st. Works by Bern- below. David Moon, Maya Chung, Chris- stein, Mozart, Bach and Martini were tine Moon, Alex Ma, Tyler Strand, Dylan MD students — 10 students from the 8th played. Featured soloists: David Moon, Keegan, Junhyeok Yoon, Ayaka Nonaka, grade, 10 students from the 7th grade, and Yon Jin Koh, Elyssa Ramirez, Jake Perl- Jacob Bass, Victor Bass, Sarah Swong, 4 students from the 6th grade were chosen man, Finn Vigeland, Grace Merriman, Alec Kacew.” to represent HM in the first hilltop Confer- Woody Howard and Ellen Lewis. ence on Diversity held at Riverdale Coun- Last year, the UD club, Support Our Sol- try School. Next year, HM will host the Horace Mann Junior State of America diers, organized a one-week drive in the event. Listed are the 24 students who were Club (JSA) won 14 Best Speaker Awards at Upper Division. They collected bags of toi- chosen to attend. Rodney Burford facilitat- the Annual Fall State Conference held in letries, hand-warmers, handheld fans, ed this event. Danvers, MA. The conference drew 800 magazines, snacks, baby wipes, long un- delegates from the tri-state area. The theme derwear, hand sanitizer, towels, etc. (any- 8th grade: Vickram Gidwani, Nailah of the conference: “Promises to Policy: thing to make them more comfortable). Hines, Anthony Gagliardi, Chloe Tsang, Making the Next Move” focused on topics This year, they sponsored a drive in the Daniel Elkind, Taulant Ismailgeci, Xime- and issues discussed during the recent Middle Division, Monday, November 3rd na Leon, Conasia Watts, Connor McGann, election. Debate topics ranged from foreign through Friday, November 7th. Labeled Deepti Raghavan. policy to education. The Governor of the donation boxes were placed outside of the 7th grade: Richard Yip, Sophia Levy, Northeastern State JSA is Alex Speiser. MD office for students to drop off their Jacqueline Goodman, Amar Dayal, Toni- Bobak Moazami, Malik Evans, Benjamin items. MD students and faculty also wrote Anne Richards, Kylie Logan, Shyenne Jacobson, Nicholas Harnik, Dylan Kee- letters that were included in the packages. Puello, Kareem Mosaed, Caroline Ku- gan, Oliver Marvin and James Alderson The collection effort was most successful – ritzkes, Luciana Siracusano, Yasmine Smith were awarded Best Speaker 207 rolls of toilet paper, 99 Chapsticks, 67 Nahim, Stephen Watts Awards. Pasquale DeVito is JSA’s advisor. pairs of socks, 42 hand/toe warmers, 43 toothbrushes, 154 baby wipes, 40 hot 6th grade: Isra Ameen, Michael Miller, Walter Koshel and Angelica Body-Law- chocolate packets plus other additional ne- Nicole Velez, Dustin Yoon son were featured in an article in the New cessities were donated. 160 letters were York Times on Nov. 27, 2008 regarding Woody Howard’s Seminar in Acting held a written and 16 cartons of supplies were their community service commitments to public showing of 51 selected monologues filled. Arynne Wexler is President of SOS. Habitat for Humanity, an Upper Division from the Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Club at Horace Mann whose advisor is Ms. Horace Mann’s Model United Nations Lee Masters in the Black Box Theatre. Fea- Janet Kraus. The article’s focus was com- club hosted over 500 students, including 27 tured were the life stories of many citizens munity service projects and requirements Horace Mann students, at its 23rd annual of the town of Spoon River, Illinois, at the of various independent schools in New day-long conference, HOMMUNC, held turn of the 20th century. The soloists: Ethan York City. on Saturday, October 25 at Horace Mann. Levine-Weinberg, Elyssa Ramirez, Jake The keynote speakers were Dr. Daniel Ess- Perlman, Eliza Harkins, Morgan Levin- Sam Torres (9) performed at Merkin Hall er from the United Nations Development son, Sam Sonenshine, Grace Merriman on January 11 in a concert marking the 15th Program and Dr. Tom Kelly, HM Head- and Carmen Surana. anniversary of the Jazz Program at the master. Students from 27 schools in the tri- Lucy Moses School. The only high school The UD Knowledge Master Team Club state area, with the farthest being nearly 50 consisting of Zach Rivkin, Alexandra student in the Adult Division of the school, miles away, were engaged in exciting de- Falk, Thomas Hwang and Samuel Bau- Sam performed on alto sax with the mem- bates on a variety of pressing world issues bers of the Advanced Jazz Improvision and man were selected to compete in The Chal- such as the independence of Kosovo, the Harmony Class, who played pieces by lenge, a program created by Cablevision Georgian conflict, violence against chil- Charlie Parker and other composers. News 12 Networks and Power to Learn, a dren, neglected tropical diseases and nu- televised academic quiz aimed at high clear proliferation. Through the course of school students. The challenge tests stu- SAVE THE DATE the conference, students were able to not dents’ knowledge of history, arts, litera- only familiarize themselves with public HM Theatre Alumni Show ture, science and math. It is made up of speaking and debate but also immerse June 5-7, 2009 Page 23 The HM Bulletin April/May 2009

May 1 ...... Nursery/Lower Divisions CarnivalMay Set-up CalendarMay 19 ...... Upper Division Senior Athletics May 2 ...... Nursery/Lower Divisions Carnival Awards Dinner May 2 ...... SAT I and II at HM May 20 ...... Nursery Division 4’s Field Day May 4-15 . . . . . Upper Division AP Exams May 20 ...... Upper Division Instrumental Music Recital May 4-23 . . . . . Upper Division Visual Arts Exhibition May 20 ...... Upper Division “Letting Go” Evening Event May 5 ...... HM Parents Association Annual Benefit May 21 ...... Upper Division Vocal Recital May 7 ...... Nursery/Lower Divisions Kindergarten May 22 ...... Nursery/Lower Divisions Kindergarten End- Parents 1st Grade Orientation of-the-Year Program May 7 ...... Upper Division Conversation with May 22 ...... Upper Division 3rd Trimester Ends Dr. David Schiller May 25 ...... Memorial Day – School Closed May 8 ...... Middle Division Conversation with May 26 ...... Upper Division Class Day Robin Ingram May 26 ...... Upper Division Cum Laude Ceremony May 9 ...... DAIS May 26 ...... Lower Division 4th & 5th Grades Field Day May 12 ...... Upper Division Parent Learning Disability May 26 ...... Middle Division 3rd Trimester Ends Organization Meeting May 26 ...... Upper Division Spring Athletic May 13 ...... Final Meeting of all PA Boards Awards Banquet May 15 ...... Lower Division Parent Coffee Hour May 27 ...... Lower Division 2nd & 3rd Grades Field Day May 15 ...... Upper Division Glee Club & May 27-June 3 . Middle/Upper Divisions Final Exams Orchestra Concert May 28 ...... Lower Division 1st Grade Class Play May 15,16 . . . . Upper Division Marathon Softball May 29 ...... Lower Division 5th Grade Graduation Party

May 19 ...... Middle Division Spring Concert

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