Spring 2016 | The Lamplighter School | Dallas, Texas

is there a Doctor IN THE HOUSE? Students in Jeff Peck’s Dr. Who Night Light Class Search for Clues

• ALUMNI NOW: Meet Lamplighter’s First Rhodes Scholar PAGE 32 • EventCalendar Spring 2016 Fall 2016

August Managing Editor 18 New Family, Pre-K, and Kindergarten Parent Orientations Edward Ritenour, Director of Communications & Marketing 22-23 Parent Intake Conferences 24 First Day of School Art/Design Ana Bohanan, Communications | Design Coordinator September 5 Labor Day (Holiday) 9 Soles4Souls Kick-Off Contributors Sandy Diamond, Landy Fox, Jennifer Heiss, 13-16 Class Pictures and Sarah Satinsky 30 Carnival

October Diversity Statement 10 Columbus Day (Holiday) Diversity will strengthen the education of Lamplighter 12 Yom Kippur (No School) children and enrich the lives of all members of the 21 Donuts with Dads/Popsicles with Pops (EC and LS) Lamplighter community. Lamplighter will, therefore, strive 27-28 Parent Conferences, No School for the lamps that we light to reflect the ever-changing 31 Halloween Hootenany, Parade, and Picnic 10:30 a.m. community in which we reside. We value individuality and encourage all children to reach their potential, while November respecting their similarities and differences. We are 3 Fourth Grade Luncheon united in purpose and committed to working together to 21-25 Thanksgiving Break accomplish the mission of The Lamplighter School.

December Non-Discrimination Statement 1 Media Center Open House In compliance with federal and state laws, The Lamplighter 16 All School Program School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 19 Winter Break Begins creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid Note: All dates are subject to change. Please log on program, athletic and other school-administered programs, to www.thelamplighterschool.org to view the most or the employment of staff. updated school calendar. Contact Us Send story ideas to Edward Ritenour ([email protected]). Deadline for articles, photographs, and news for the next issue (Fall 2016) is August 1, 2016.

Mission Statement Dedicated to igniting the On the cover: Students in drama teacher Jeff Peck’s Night Light after-school program, “Who Is Dr. Who?” are learning much potential of each child, more about the mysterious time traveler than they might have expected. It’s not just an adventure in time and space based on Lamplighter engages children the BBC-produced TV show. Students are helping to complete the Lamplighter episode guide. The group has even been invited in the joy of learning through to speak at the WhoFest convention in Dallas this month and will meet the most recent incarnation of The Doctor at a second intellectual discovery in convention in June. But that’s not all. This May, an article about the class will be published in the official Doctor Who fan club a creative, inclusive, and magazine, The Celestial Toyroom! Turn to page 8 to read more. collaborative environment. 8 Head Lines 4 On Board 5 Senior Tribute 6 Cover Story 8 Faculty Focus 10 Staff Stories18 Barnyard Buzz 20 Alumni Now 32 26

35 LAMPPOST 3 HeadLines

The Lamplighter culture is strong and healthy as evidenced by our enduring and meaningful traditions.

Dear Parents: culture is strong and healthy as evidenced As our Board Chair Catherine Rose by our enduring and meaningful traditions. completes her term and hands the reigns to This has been a remarkable school year We value the times for gathering together Vice Chair Sarah Weinberg, I want to take at Lamplighter; from the pipe project to because they teach our students the this occasion to thank Mrs. Rose for sharing extending the Ring Road, we have been importance of community. her many gifts with me, our Board, and the fully immersed in a campus transformation. Lamplighter community. Her knowledge, While the construction is happening The Hootenannies, square dancing, and the leadership, hard work, and commitment to outside, our students have achieved annual Carnival, along with the tradition of excellence were key to enabling the Board tremendous success in their classrooms. grandparent readers, are treasured moments. to make the decision to begin the process These traditions are deeply baked into the of building a new Barn and Innovation Lab. It takes a special culture and mindset within Lamplighter DNA and give the curriculum Our students today and in the future will a school to nurture each child. Over the and the classroom experiences meaning. continue to have every advantage as we live course of this school year, our students The interesting thing about the culture of a out our motto, “A student is not a vessel to have grappled with new and complex place is that often it is difficult to codify or be filled, but a lamp to be lighted.” concepts. They have invested time, thought, describe, but one knows when it is missing. and energy which have developed new When students and parents return from thinking and skills. It has been a great year While Lamplighter undoubtedly has a summer break, the farm animals will have of learning and a lot of fun! strong and positive school culture, the returned to their home, a new barn will be school has also been so fortunate to ready for the Lamplighter Layers students, Recently, I attended the National Association have a Board of Trustees who not only and the Innovation Lab will be under of Independent Schools annual conference, understand the culture of The Lamplighter construction. and in one of the sessions, the moderator School but are equally expert strategists. repeated an often-quoted statement, Their unwavering commitment to the It has been an extraordinary year! “Culture wins out over strategy every time.” school is unmatched. The work of setting After spending time unpacking the meaning a strategic plan into motion as well as Sincerely, of that statement, I have to agree. launching a comprehensive campaign could not have come about without thoughtful Culture is the glue that defines and holds contemplation and strategy by each member the school together. The Lamplighter of the Board of Trustees. Joan Buchanan Hill, Ed. D. Head of School

4 LAMPPOST OnBoard

Dear Members of the Lamplighter Trustee Leadership is in great hands. I am thrilled to Community: Sarah Weinberg, a current and alumni parent, will begin her term as Board Chair be part of this This spring marks the end of my term in May. Sarah is a community volunteer as Board Chair. While bittersweet, it has and education advocate. In addition to been an absolute pleasure to serve The her service at Lamplighter, Sarah serves amazing school Lamplighter School as a Trustee since 2006 a variety of roles on the boards of Holy and as Board Chair for the last two years. Angels Residential Facility and KIPP: and cannot DFW. She is also a member of the Perot As I leave this position, I’m excited by all Museum of Nature and Science Museum wait to see what of the milestones the school has achieved Council. Prior to becoming a community in the past few years—purchasing the volunteer, Sarah worked in the investment land from Hockaday, hiring a new Head management industry. She and her comes next! of School, completing a strategic plan, husband, Russell, are raising two daughters and embarking on a $12.5 million capital and a son. campaign. As many of you know, the campus improvements announced at the Lamplighter has left indelible impressions Halloween Hootenanny are well underway, on my life—and my family’s. I will forever and dirt is flying on campus! The Innovation be grateful for the great experiences my Lab, Barn, and expanded Ring Road are children had at Lamplighter and for the under construction and scheduled to be lifelong friendships I discovered through completed by the middle of the next the school. school year. Thank you, Lamplighter. I am thrilled to be The enthusiasm and energy at the school part of this amazing school and cannot wait is palpable, and due in large part to the to see what comes next! incredible faculty, staff, and leadership at the school who are deeply committed to Sincerely, the school’s mission. My deepest respect and appreciation go to Dr. Hill. Her strength as Lamplighter’s Head of School and her strategic partnership with the Catherine Rose Board of Trustees have advanced the Chair, Lamplighter Board of Trustees school in every way.

I would also like to thank the Board of Trustees, the LPA, and all volunteer parents who have done and continue to do amazing work for the school and its students every single day.

LAMPPOST 5 Class of 2016 Abeera Amer Erin Antes Quentin Balestri Abby Baughman

Payton Blalock Jack Bovard Claire Bradshaw Hudson Brown

Ryan Brown Ellie Browne Caroline Burkhardt James Corrigan

Ella Darlak Alexandra Dassopoulos Isabella Dickason Kate Eastin

Gigi Enrico Joey Enrico Trevor Godkin Quinn Graves

Tristan Hakert Alexa Hoedebeck Alex Holmes Gracie Hood

Ananya Jain Sivan Katzav Debbie Klein Maya Lunia Senior Tribute Laura Mangelsdorf Maria Belen Marroquin Mercer McDougal Julian Meyer

Wesley Moss Madelyn Neuhoff Eva Newberger Asha Patel

Eleanor Patel David Peña-Vega Cate Pfaff Sydney Phillips

Michelle Phu Sterling Ratan Alex Rees Thomas Rowley

Sofi Sethuraman Alexander Shadle Aditya Shivaswamy Julia Small

Barrow Solomon Shaina Starr Reed Sussman Tyler Tang

Tayce Thomas Bennett Trubey Stella Wrubel Luke Zicarelli

LAMPPOST 7 CoverStory CoverStory Who IS Doctor Who?

The Doctor is very much a lifelong The Doctor is a voracious reader: learner. Centuries ago, he ran away from everything from Knitting For Girls to The his home planet because he became sick Time Machine has been seen in his pockets and tired of just sitting and watching the or hands. He’s quoted Dylan Thomas, universe pass him by. There was so much Dickens, Shakespeare, and T. S. Eliot. Our out there to be discovered. students are like The Doctor: there isn’t Your Child Might a day that goes by that I don’t bump into When our students examine a subject, at least two dozen students laden with Be a Time Lord! they don’t just want to read about it. Like Media Center books ready to be returned by Jeff Peck The Doctor, they want to eat, sleep and with a smile and a thirst for more. breathe it! They love examining a subject by exploring all of its facets: literature, Our students, like The Doctor, are always People often ask me the same three mathematics, drama, music, visual art, and journeying to new places and pushing questions concerning my love of Doctor science. In a way, a topic becomes like The their limits. In writing an episode guide, Who: What’s it about? Is that show still on Doctor’s TARDIS: bigger on the inside they have attended science fiction the air? and, more specifically, What do the than the outside. conventions (an alien world in and of kids get out of watching it? The answers: itself), handing out copies of the guide. Have you got an hour;Yes; and actually “Dr. who is very much They have met with Doctor Who they are watching themselves because The celebrities, such as the sixth and seventh Doctor, the main character on this 50- actors to play The Doctor, as well as a (and counting) year-old show is very much a lifelong learner.” variety of companions. The after-school like your typical Lamplighter student. The Doctor has saved many a day through group has even been invited to speak in the use of STEM. He’s constantly fiddling front of an audience at WhoFest this April Skeptical? Well, if you’ll pardon my with and repairing his TARDIS to keep it and will meet the most recent incarnation indulgence for a moment, let’s take a running, in spite of its antiquity. When he’s of The Doctor at another convention in little trip back in time; 1979 will do nicely. in a jam, he finds a solution, no matter June. Additionally, this May, an article about Picture a 5-year-old child catching Doctor how slim the chances for success or how the after-school group will be published in Who for the first time and instantly meager the resources might be. He’s made the official Doctor Who fan club magazine, getting hooked. Soon, the show sends do with what he has around him (even the The Celestial Toyroom. that child down a thousand rabbit holes items in his pockets); he’s a regular time- covering just as many topics. If The traveling MacGyver. In watching and writing about Doctor Doctor goes back in time to save Mona Who with the after-school students, I’ve Lisa, the child becomes interested in the The Doctor is the most social-emotional been so delighted to see reactions similar painting, checking out books on da Vinci, character on TV today. He makes it to that 5-year-old. While one student thus leading to a fascination with the a point to talk with people and learn wants to learn the entire history of the Renaissance. If The Doctor was reading more about them. He uses his proverbial show, others get excited watching behind- a book, the child eagerly checks out the “words not hands” by talking with his the-scenes features showing how the same book from the library (regardless of enemies rather than running around with monsters and special effects are made, the reading level). Watching a behind-the- a gun, barrels blazing. He walks right up thinking up new episode ideas for future scenes special leads to studies of lighting, to an alien who’s been shooting at him seasons, or finding plot holes. Like The costume design, different kinds of cameras, and asks how the creature’s day was. Doctor’s many incarnations, our students scenic construction, and screenwriting. His most recent incarnation is lacking want to explore all facets of the world in some social skills, but fortunately his around them. Now, if you’ll pardon me, The child becomes The Doctor. Get it? latest companion is a teacher, and she’s rumor has it there is a story next season No? Let’s go deeper. right there with him as he improves his involving Robert Louis Stevenson. I should demeanor and interactions with people. really brush up on my Treasure Island.

LAMPPOST 9 FacultyFocus

Forever Learners

In this continuing section, LampPost illustrates the ways our

accomplished faculty teach, engage, inspire, and mentor as they deliver serious education wrapped in the wonder of childhood. Learn more about our published authors, world travelers, and our “lifelong learners” who are earning advanced degrees and professional development certificates. 10 LAMPPOST FacultyFocus Lower School Meets Higher Ed

Lamplighter faculty members teach graduate level program at SMU

As a result of Lamplighter’s strategic partnership with SMU, professor Dr. Amy Rouse attends and serves as a consultant at the school’s monthly literacy curriculum meetings. According to Vicki Raney, Assistant Head for Academics, “Rouse was so impressed by the robust discussion about teaching writing to Lamplighter students during the October meeting that she asked if our teachers would be willing to visit her graduate class to share the same information.” Raney commented that she was “hugely excited about this opportunity for our teachers to do something outside their typical duties as Lamplighter faculty.” The teachers who participated were Hannah Brown, Olivia Claiborn, Becky Walker, and Ana Owens [as pictured above].

LAMPPOST 11 FacultyFocus

Becky Walker, third the students, which was a testament and I wanted to figure out what exactly grade literacy teacher, to how well they had been listening it was that they were interested in helped organize the to her comments.” learning about teaching.” November 17 event. The SMU students Owens agreed that the SMU students Raney was impressed with how were all enrolled in a master’s-level seemed highly engaged, asking great enthusiastically the Lamplighter teachers course, but most of them had never questions. Thinking back on her time in embraced this project and “stretched taught before. Thus, Walker said, “It was graduate school, Owens remembered, themselves” professionally. Agreeing it important to organize a group that “As a Master’s student, I always wanted was a beneficial “professional” stretch, could help provide the students with an concrete information and examples Brown commented, “I loved presenting understanding of what really happens in of what would really help prepare at SMU because the questions [the a classroom, along with some context me to be in the classroom. It was so students] asked helped me think about for the pedagogy and theory that the meaningful to be able to help teachers my teaching. I also loved presenting with graduate students are learning.” In new to the field.” fellow teachers because learning about addition to Walker, Lamplighter teachers some of their great practices helped me participating were Ana Owens (second Following Owens, Walker discussed think about how better to prepare the grade), Olivia Claiborn (first grade), and using various assessments to plan Kindergarten students for the writing Hannah Brown (Kindergarten). instruction, providing tips about they do in second and third grades. It is managing multiple writers at once so important to start the love of writing To begin the evening, Brown at a young age, and our teaching discussed writing instruction from truly ‘spirals up’ as the verbiage the perspective of a unit and as This type of unique used in Kindergarten matches what an individual lesson. She showed is used into third grade.” both teacher and student writing samples to provide clarifying opportunity goes Of the event, Raney noted that the examples, and she explained Lamplighter faculty were clearly developmental stages to give the the experts in the room, and SMU students a framework for way beyond what “it was evident that Dr. Rouse’s teaching early writers. “I talked students were highly engaged and about how young writers are still appreciative of the ideas [our ego-centric in their development,” most teachers teachers] shared.” Raney is excited Brown said. She added, “So much that Rouse has since offered that of their writing is about them typically get to do. Lamplighter teachers might do a and what they know how to do.” similar presentation some time In addition, Brown discussed writing and giving practical advice along with during spring semester. In addition, through explanatory illustrations, as well theoretical background. Raney noted Raney says she knows of another as community writing, a technique she that Walker’s discussion of rubrics was SMU professor who is interested in uses in her classroom that results in a “particularly memorable.” Lamplighter faculty serving in a similar class-produced text. role for one of her graduate classes. Finally, Claiborn discussed the Owens continued the presentation, importance of leaving reminders of “It was a highlight of the month,” sharing techniques on scaffolding teachers’ instruction as reference Raney added. “It was so satisfying both within a writing unit. Owens discussed points for students. According to Raney, personally and professionally for me to the importance of balancing the level “Claiborn was wonderfully clever in have an opportunity for our teachers to of teacher support based on each her ability to engage the SMU students present. One of my jobs is to nurture, student’s need. and help them understand the value of promote, and challenge teachers, and that the instructional tools she mentioned. is exactly what this event accomplished.” After the presentation, Raney Her use of humor mixed with Raney continued, “This type of unique commented, “Owens’ examples and explanation of theory and practical opportunity goes way beyond what stories about writing were entertaining application was much appreciated.” most teachers typically get to do. and educational. She provided powerful Opportunities like these make it clear evidence that backed up her opinions Claiborn said, “It was interesting being how well-regarded and impressive our and entertained many questions from with this new generation of teachers, Lamplighter faculty members truly are.”

12 LAMPPOST Blast Off to FacultyFocus Maker Space!

Kindergarten students embark on a journey through the solar system by Bryce Sizemore

Motivational speaker Les Brown once said, students explored the moon and what resonated throughout the lessons. To get “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, it is made of. Working in teams, children some answers straight from the experts you’ll land among the stars.” Kindergarten created their own model of the moon themselves, Kindergarten students wrote students at Lamplighter did just that using Model Magic clay and marbles to letters to astronauts at NASA. We even during our solar system unit. Through create craters. To demonstrate what taste-tested space food to get a first-hand December and January, Kindergarten causes changes in the moon’s appearance, experience of what it would be like to students embarked on an exciting the phases, students participated in a travel in space. journey to explore objects that can be demonstration that put them right into seen in the sky! Utilizing a project-based the rotation of the Earth and moon! Our Maker Space was host to exciting learning structure, our solar system unit creating as children worked to design engaged Kindergarten students in a deep Have you ever seen a 5- or 6-year-old and build their own spacecraft. Keeping exploration of the sun, other stars, and conduct his or her own research? If you in mind that their spacecraft needed to the moon. As a guiding question, students were around during our lessons on the include a power source, communication were asked to ponder, “How can we moon and sun, you would have seen just device, container, and scientific create a travel guide for people traveling that. Student interests were noted early instruments, the children’s curiosity to the moon from Earth?” in the unit, and age-appropriate research flourished as new types of spacecraft opportunities were provided to help were built. Boxes, plastic containers, answer their burning questions. Using QR paper, glitter, and paper towel rolls were codes linked to graphics, text, and short just some of the supplies repurposed by video clips, even our youngest learners children to create their spacecraft. were able to conduct their very own research to broaden their knowledge. Throughout the unit, we returned to our guiding question, “How can we create a As we traveled further into the solar travel guide for people traveling to the system, the children explored the sun and moon from Earth?” Brainstorming along its properties. This was a Kindergarten the way, students listed many celestial favorite! The children were very curious bodies and objects that might be seen on to learn about the surface (or lack a trip from Earth to the moon, including there of!) of the sun. What an amazing asteroids, stars, planets, moons, satellites, experience to hear the children wonder and even aliens! As a culmination, students about distant stars and what planets may created their very own travel guides. orbit them. While the jury is still out as to whether travelers would encounter aliens on their The kick-off of our unit included an Interest in astronauts was a highlight trip, one thing is certain – Kindergarten interactive re-creation of the Apollo 11 of the unit. Questions such as, “What students at Lamplighter had a blast on mission. With newly sparked curiosity do they eat?” “How do they use the their journey through the solar system. about our solar system, Kindergarten restroom?” and “Have they seen aliens?”

LAMPPOST 13 FacultyFocus Learning to Lead Liz Curlin attends Leadership Conference at Harvard

During the first week of December, I attended “Building Inner Strengths of Leaders” at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. For years, I have been interested in neuroplasticity and mindfulness practices. I studied with the Harvard BISL team of Metta McGarvey, Opportunities with Orff Rick Hansen, Christopher Germer, and Jerry Murphy. The focal point of Combining music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons similar to learning centered on “mindful moments,” child’s world of play by Natalie McCollough meditation practices, and delving into the core values and key character traits that great leaders espouse. When I first stepped into the music is right in line with what Lamplighter room at Lamplighter, I was surprised to learning is all about…discovery through The topics varied from understanding see the incredible inventory of shakers, creativity and collaboration. Carl Orff, a how to deal with difficulties, learning xylophones, afuches, djembes, rhythm German composer in the early- to mid- how to meditate, and finding times and sticks, and rainmakers, otherwise known 1900s, developed this approach in the places for mindful moments. In addition, as “Orff Instruments” based on the Orff 1920s to build musicianship by integrating the conference covered skills for self- Schulwerk Approach to music education. music, movement, speech, and drama into compassion, and lectures were included I’ll be honest, I was just a little intimidated. lessons that allow children to do what on what makes an effective leader, yoga as Over the last 15 years, I’d taught at the they instinctively do first…play! From a practice, neuroplasticity research, and secondary level and didn’t have a plethora using scarves to illustrate the sounds and knowing when to “dance in the rain.” of lessons based on these instruments. tempos of music by dance, to using our voices to explore vocal timbres, music Much time was spent talking about our vocabulary and technique, the possibilities values, how we should stay true to our are endless and so much fun. core beliefs, and how to be more mindful of our distractions by technology. I was exposed to so many possibilities for Lamplighter students at this convention. I learned that leadership is hard work. No As I attended the sessions offered, I one leader will be perfect all the time; he learned not only that the Orff approach or she will disappoint and make mistakes. is a proven method to engage their minds We should show more compassion, and bodies, but also fosters a safe learning gratitude, and understanding for the environment for each and every one of work leaders do to make Lamplighter our students. The core elements of the the premier school that it is. approach are based on opportunities of experimentation and expression, and each student finds his or her place in I began my search for conferences the process. Everyone is encouraged that would teach me the most current to improvise, develop technique and applications of Orff techniques that I participate fully in the process. No student could bring to the students. After all, is excluded. 90 percent of our music room consists of these instruments. I wanted to After this convention, I was so excited incorporate these instruments into our to create fun, innovative, and rich lessons lessons for Lamplighter students at every for our Lamplighter students. I appreciate level. Thanks to our incredibly supportive our administration for encouraging their leadership, I was granted the opportunity teachers to be lifelong learners. This to attend the National Orff Schulwerk conference not only fueled my passion for Conference in San Diego in November. teaching, but also taught me that we can still learn by having fun. Liz Curlin (r) with Metta McGarvey, Harvard Attending this conference proved to be Faculty Chair at Harvard University both enlightening and wonderfully familiar. Little did I know that the Orff Approach

14 LAMPPOST Accent on Mindset FacultyFocus Establishing a growth mindset in the World Language classroom

and creative ability are static givens, organization that has influenced literacy which we can’t change in any meaningful instruction around the globe for more way, and success is the affirmation of than 30 years, led the morning meetings that inherent intelligence. A “growth of the five-day institute. mindset,” on the other hand, thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence Lucy and her team are a source of of lack of intelligence but as a heartening endless practical advice and also a source springboard for growth and for stretching of tremendous inspiration. The Project our existing abilities. Out of these two reminds us that when we call our children mindsets, which we manifest from a to write, we are calling them to important very early age, springs a great deal of work—work that should be valued for our behavior and our relationship with the personal risk each young writer takes success and failure in both professional when she strives to share her ideas, or and personal contexts. when he hopes to communicate the Jezabel Guadalupe importance of his experience. Understanding how learning is perceived Among other highlights, the summer I had the privilege of attending the annual can help with teaching different growth institute specifically addressed goals that convention of the American Council mindset strategies for thinking when encourage independence, volume, and on the Teaching of Foreign Languages learning Spanish. It may help students to the qualities of good writing as well as (ACTFL) in San Diego last November. The become more persistent and less anxious methods of holding students accountable convention and expo brought together when learning another language. for doing their best work. more than 6,000 educators from around the world, representing all levels of I continue to feel the positive impact “ When we call teaching. My interest in attending this on my teaching following the ACTFL our children to professional development opportunity Convention. It rejuvenated my was fostered by my desire to continue commitment to teaching, helped to keep write, we are learning and to network with others who me current, and connected me with share similar curriculum. others in my profession. I feel fortunate calling them to for an environment where a growth important work.” An essential ACTFL goal is to broaden and mindset is fostered and valued! improve the teaching and learning of all The institute’s afternoon workshops world languages. Hundreds of workshops focused on providing a model for how were offered. Project-Based Learning, The Write Stuff to create routines and techniques for Building 21st Century Skills, Stations by Jody Stout a successful Writer’s Workshop. Staff in the World Language Classroom, developers at the Project led breakout Authentic Resources and Assessments, sessions that placed teachers in the role Digital Portfolios, Critical Thinking, and of student. Living the Writer’s Workshop Technology in the Foreign Language as a student was an invaluable experience, Classroom were some of the sessions helping me discover first-hand what my I attended. The session that made the students most want and need from me as greatest impact for my classes pertained their literacy teacher. to establishing a growth mindset in the world language classroom. Guest speakers at the TCRWP Summer 2015 Institute included children’s author I first heard that term almost four Sara Weeks and poet and author Naomi years ago at Lamplighter when guest Nye, both of whom have recently visited Carol Dweck, author of Mindset, spoke Lamplighter as part of the Dooley Author at the Dolores Evans Speaker Series. Jody Stout Series. It’s always a pleasure to hear One of the most basic beliefs we carry these accomplished writers speak. I was about ourselves, Dr. Dweck found in Last July I attended the Teachers’ College also deeply proud to realize anew that her research, has to do with how we Reading & Writing Project’s (TCRWP) Lamplighter offers our children access to view and inhabit what we consider to Summer Writing Institute at Columbia writers and artists valued by the standard- be our personality. A “fixed mindset” University. Lucy Calkins, founding director bearers for excellence in teaching reading assumes that our character, intelligence, of the TCRWP, a New York City-based and writing.

LAMPPOST 15 FacultyFocus Great Outdoors By Linda Cauley

During my 28 years of teaching in our early childhood and environmental education programs, professional development has always been a top priority of The Lamplighter School.

The Texas Association of Environmental Educators (TAEE) is a professional organization of environment educators who teach the public in formal and informal settings. These educators with his design. Visit keyholefarm.com include teachers in public and private Key Finding to read more about Smith’s efforts and schools, universities, Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel, city and county by Rachel Schumann and Cheryl Shulman awards. Two Lamplighter teachers were fortunate to see Smith’s keyhole garden environmentalists, and nature and park facilitators in our state. Each year, our youngest children here at design in use last summer and quickly Lamplighter take on a very big job. In spite knew this could be the solution we were of their small size, our Pre-K students looking for to offer a rabbit-proof, high- have taken on the task of one of our most producing garden close to our classrooms. beloved and relatively new traditions, the Within weeks, we were on our way to Pre-K Farmers’ Market. This is no small garden success. task when you think of all the complexities and hard work that go into successfully A keyhole garden provides a self- running our market. From planting, contained and composting garden that is watering, weeding, and waiting, the children the perfect height for young gardeners (or have never wavered in their efforts, and adults who don’t want the back strain). they delight in seeing all of their hard work produce such a yummy product. [Self-contained

Over the last few years, our gardens keyhole gardens were located quite a distance from our are the perfect classrooms, and Lamplighter’s large Linda Cauley population of rabbits was relentless in height for young their appetites for fresh produce! In our Last October, I attended the annual TAEE efforts to tame those “Pesky Wabbits,” gardeners.] conference held at the University of we stumbled upon keyhole gardens. The Houston-Clear Lake campus. concept of a keyhole garden is nothing To start, the keyhole is layered with new; however, a gentleman in Clifton, different compostable materials. We chose That Friday, I explored the Armand Bayou Texas, W. Leon Smith, is “making waves” cardboard, newspaper, sticks, and leaves, Nature Center’s extensive wetlands with a final layer of garden soil on top. area. A huge greenhouse filled with plant The kids had a great time spreading each seedlings was bustling with activity as layer. Once finished, we were able to plant many adult volunteers were planting the the seedlings we had been nurturing in seedlings outside to replace dying or the classrooms. So far, we are heading in damaged plants in the wetlands. the right direction. A few carrots have popped up, and our snap peas have a few That afternoon was spent at the promising blooms! Environmental Institute of Houston on the Clear Lake campus where Ms. This spring, we are planting lettuce, Sheila Brown taught the School Habitats spinach, more carrots, and snap peas with Workshop. She led us through the many the hopes of a bumper crop! If you ever gardens where she teaches public school find yourself passing by the playground, gifted and talented classes. I marveled at stop by and take a look. There are always her hummingbird, songbird, pollinator and young Pre-K students ready to share their butterfly gardens – so many new ideas knowledge of gardening and our keyhole. to consider. She also shared many “hands

16 LAMPPOST FacultyFocus on” techniques she used to engage her students in her indoor classroom. Nothing like learning from a fellow environmental educator!

These workshops and meetings help me keep abreast of the new trends in environmental education and also reinforce the basics of outdoor environmental training. By broadening my awareness of environmental teaching techniques, I’m learning to integrate new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Tech for Tots Math) and literature activities into our Teachers share exceptional learning taking curriculum. My three favorite Saturday place at Lamplighter at two conferences classes were Keep Texas Beautiful, STEM and Environmental Education, By Rachel Gutierrez, Maggie Fulton and Nature Journaling. and Kate Ogden [By broadening Rachel Gutierrez, Maggie Fulton and Kate Ogden with Lamplighter students Last summer, we had the honor and classes, where students are composing my awareness pleasure of presenting at the Texas sentences and stories, individual student of environmental Computer Education Association (TCEA) blogs provide children with opportunities Tots and Technology conference in to share their learning and reflect on teaching Galveston. This particular conference their work. Their blogs, in turn, provide brings together Pre-K through second teachers with formative assessment techniques, grade educators from across the country opportunities. Weebly has also allowed I’m learning to who are eager to incorporate technology for collaboration within and across grade into their classrooms to improve levels. In one instance, fourth grade integrate new student learning. In our presentation, mentors worked with our youngest we shared information about the use of Lamplighter learners to teach them how STEM and literature teacher and student blogs to effectively to create illustrations on iPads and then activities into communicate learning with authentic easily posted the work to the class blog. audiences, personalize student learning, These and other experiences have proven our curriculum.] provide opportunities for student self- Weebly’s benefits to educators, students, reflection, and increase collaboration and and families alike. STEM and Environmental Education feedback between classes. We specifically stressed the interconnection of shared details about our latest ventures We are extremely thankful for all of the technology and engineering to real life into Weebly, student-friendly blogging hard work that many of the Lamplighter experiences. Workshop leaders defined software used to share ideas. Weebly teachers and students devote to their technology as any device that has been is an app that can be used alone or blogs. It was a delight to share this developed to enhance what man uses, “smashed” (combined) with a variety hard work with other eager educators and engineering as solving a problem or of apps to quickly and easily provide and such an honor to represent the making a process or design. educators with a wide array of formative Lamplighter community at TCEA’s Tots assessment opportunities. and Technology Conference. Nature Journaling stressed conducting writing classes outside to enhance the At Lamplighter, teachers at all grade levels In February, Lamplighter teachers experience and stimulate the children’s are using Weebly to create class-based Kate Ogden and Maggie Fulton had senses. The leader’s advice was to suggest and individual student-based blogs. At the additional honor of sharing the a topic, then have the children write and the early childhood level, teachers can presentation at the TCEA Convention and draw in an unstructured way to let the construct class blogs which allow parents Exposition in Austin. TCEA is the largest children’s ideas and observations freely and family members all across the world state organization in the nation, and its flow. She used the term OK, meaning, are to have a frequent and consistent glimpse conference typically attracts more than you an Outdoor Kid? into what our Lamplighter children are 9,000 educators teaching Pre-K through doing and learning. These blogs improve high school. Once again, the exceptional Each TAEE conference I’ve attended has family communication and involvement learning taking place at Lamplighter is always been interesting and given me in classroom activities. At the Lower shared with an even larger audience. many new ideas to consider. School level and in a few Kindergarten

LAMPPOST 17 Staff Stories In this continuing section of LampPost, we spotlight Lamplighter staff members who embody the concept of “forever learners.” While they may work behind the scenes, their life experiences and diverse hobbies truly demonstrate the spirit of Lamplighter. Learn more about these valuable members of our community and their immersion in art, adventure, and volunteerism.

Judith Mullens Director of Early Childhood When did you join Lamplighter, three children all attended The American Which tradition was most and what attracted you to the School of Tampico in Mexico through surprising or interesting to School? My family moved to Dallas in eighth grade, and then, as is customary you when you first started? 2011 after living in Mexico for 18 years. I for ex-pat families, they continued on to I’d have to say that the “Hug ’em in” had heard about The Lamplighter School American boarding schools. My daughter tradition was the best surprise of all. You from a close friend who had grown up in attended Hockaday, and my sons went to can teach a child anything if they believe the area. It took me less than a minute to the McCallie School. After high school, that you care deeply for them! know that this school was a perfect fit. my children continued their education in The openness of the school resonated the U.S., with my daughter attending the Do you have a funny Lamplighter with me. Its welcoming people, hallways College of William & Mary and my sons story to share? Some days, it feels as filled with children’s art, the barn and at the University of Virginia/University if we are living inside a children’s book playground, and classrooms with wells of Georgia Law School and Davidson at Lamplighter. No more so than the allowed for the best collaboration and College/Wake Forest Business School. day the pig got out of the pen the week before school started. I still laugh when I innovation – culminating in a very rich and think about it and how it all began with meaningful program for young learners. What do you enjoy most about the unbelievable announcement over the your current role as Director intercom, “The pig is out of the pen!” I What types of experiences led of Early Childhood? Watching our remember Lamplighter faculty and staff you to pursue working at a youngest learners take their very first running back and forth on the playground school? My husband’s family had been academic steps, seeing them being hugged chasing the pig around. We all had our involved in supporting The American in, scurrying down the halls to their own “methods” for tempting the pig back School of Tampico, Mexico since the classrooms to learn experientially, making into its pen. I was sure that a plate of 1960s. When I arrived in Mexico in 1993, I, their very first friends, and playing! It’s all leftover Caesar salad would do the trick, too, became involved at the school. Over part of the powerful learning experience while someone else held out a tray of those 18 years, I enjoyed teaching in the at Lamplighter. stuffed deviled eggs. We were absolutely international environment and working hilarious that day. (Ultimately, it was in administration with families from all What’s your favorite Lamplighter Dwayne Spencer who got the pig back in over the world. It was a rich and beautiful tradition? I’ll never forget the very the pen.) Note to self: “Be calm and carry experience that has given me a deep first Hootenanny I attended. The children on,” no matter what the day brings. appreciation for other cultures, beliefs, were in the well of the Klyde Warren and customs. Auditorium, singing, “The stars at night What’s a fun fact that most are big and bright….deep in the heart people at Lamplighter don’t Did you always want to be in of Texas!” and I was sitting there in the know about you? I can quote Lewis education? Learning and the school middle of it all, crying! It was such a Carroll’s poem, “Jabberwocky.” Also, my environment have always been important sweet moment. favorite sweet treat is vanilla ice cream to me, and my passion for education has with birthday cake and sprinkles—it’s a extended to my own family as well. My party in a cone!

18 LAMPPOST StaffStories

Vicki Raney Assistant Head for Academics When did you first learn about with faculty who love working with What has been the most exciting Lamplighter? I was having lunch with children. This job feels like a perfect fit for event this year? See the story on page a friend who happened to be on the me. When I got the job, I told my mom I 10 about our work with SMU! That event Lamplighter Board. At the time, I had felt like I had won the lottery! was one of my highlights of the year, and it never heard of the School. As we were all happened because of our outstanding talking about teaching philosophies, she What’s your favorite Lamplighter relationship with that university. mentioned Lamplighter. She told me I tradition? There are so many! My should look into the School because she number one is the Austin trip with the Do you have a funny story thought my philosophy really matched fourth graders. Travelling is a passion of that occurred at Lamplighter? I that of Lamplighter. Once I learned more mine, but traveling with kids is like icing remember being in Mexico on a trip with about and visited the school, I fell in love. on a great cake. The trip allows me to get my family when I was stunned to run into to know kids in such a different way than Lamplighter students. My family and I were Did you always want to work what is possible in the classroom. I love in Punta Mita, a little village near Puerta in education? Though I never could being with students as they experience Vallarta and nearly 1,000 miles from have guessed this was where I’d end up, things for the first time with their friends. Dallas – definitely not a place I expected I believe that everything I’ve ever done The Austin visit was a tradition I brought to see anyone I knew. We were enjoying helped lead me to Lamplighter, and I to Lamplighter, and each year I look dinner when some of my Lamplighter am really enjoying my dream job here. forward to planning and arranging for students arrived at the same restaurant I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and such a fun trip. and came over to say hi! I couldn’t got my degree in elementary education believe that we had run into each other from Eastern Kentucky University. When I also love the chickens because it is so in Mexico! I hugged them, and soon I was I graduated, I moved to Columbus, unique for a school. Very few schools with the Wrubel, Eastin, Ratan, Rees, and Ohio. There, I got my first teaching job in the world have something like and began working on my Master’s in Gaunt families all together in Mexico at Lamplighter Layers for students, and once. I think the moral of the story is that Counseling. I became the counselor at an it has allowed our fourth graders to elementary school and absolutely loved it. Lamplighter really is everywhere around graduate with a huge depth of knowledge The school’s principal suggested I consider the world! about how businesses operate. becoming a principal. I realized I loved working directly with teachers and helping Another hilarious memory is the same as them with their responsibilities, so I went Which tradition was most Mrs. Mullens’ — when the pig got loose!!! back for a second Master’s degree in interesting to you when you first Overall, though, the students here just My favorite Educational Administration. arrived at Lamplighter? make me laugh every day. They say the tradition is one that began in recent years. funniest things, and it’s so joyful to be Our partnerships and connections with around them. What do you enjoy most about museums and organizations in town are your current role as Assistant so unique and something other schools Head for Academics? I arrived at What’s a fun fact that people at just don’t have. Some of the organizations Lamplighter in June of 2004, and despite Lamplighter don’t know about we’ve gotten to work with include SMU, different titles, I have had essentially the you? I love photography, travel, and film. same job the entire time. Getting to the Dallas Arboretum, and the Perot I have two sons, Matt and Jon, who live work directly with the faculty to help Museum of Nature and Science. I love that in Texas and a granddaughter (Matt’s them develop professionally is one of my our kids get unique and hands-on learning daughter) named Charlotte who is 21 favorite components of my job. I also love experiences. This is exactly what I hoped months. Also, my mom is 81, lives with me, that I get to experience joy each day as I for with this school. and is a great role model for me. spend time with the students and engage

LAMPPOST 19 BarnyardBuzz

Remember the Barn! Post your favorite memories and photos of the Lamplighter Barn

As announced at the October 30 Groundbreaking Ceremony, the Lamplighter Barn will be replaced this spring as part of the Campaign to Fund People, Place, and Programs. The original barn will be dismantled, rebuilt, and improved with a unique and dynamic design compatible with the new Innovation Lab.

To memorialize the current barn, Dr. Hill is asking all members of the community to post favorite stories and memories of the barn, along with photographs, to the “Friends of the Barn” Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/friendsofthebarn/). Eventually, your memories will be placed in a book and shared for all to see.

The new barn will include ample environmental science classroom space for students, as well as meeting and gathering space for parents, faculty, and administrators. A new fenced-in area for the animals and the recently rebuilt chicken coop will provide an enhanced home for the 46-year-old Lamplighter Layers program. Sue McCullough Fondly Linda Cauley, Environmental Remembers a story about the Science Teacher, Remembers Lamplighter pigs. Every year, Lamplighter Amanda Oneacre Rockow, would typically acquire a pink pig for the Class of 1983 barn. One year, however, the Lamplighter barn became home to a black and white pig. McCullough’s class visited the animals, but the black and white pig was a bit too rowdy for the students. Lamplighter decided to replace the pig, but the replacement pig was a pink one instead of a black and white one. “Well,” McCullough recalled, “we went outside to visit the animals the next day after a particularly heavy rain, and upon seeing the new pig, one concerned boy “Teaching in the barn was always an shouted, ‘Mrs. McCullough, the rain washed adventure, and I never knew what was going away all the spots off the pig!’” McCullough to happen with the animals in the barnyard, said she never corrected the student, just just a small patio away.” Cauley shared some keeping it as a fun memory of the time the In my mind, the Lamplighter barn was the favorite memories: When the cow, goats, students thought the spots of the black and epicenter of creativity and freedom during pig, roosters, and hens all made their unique white pig had been washed away by rain, noises at the same, most inappropriate my time at Lamplighter in the early 1980s. I rendering it a purely pink pig. time!...the day our cow tried to open our vividly remember playing among the bales classroom door...spreading peppermint of hay and swinging with abandon on the oil around the barn to mask the chicken rope swing. I remember the kiln that was in coop smell...when our school cat meowed the barn that would turn our art creations to come into the barn and then selected a into glazed masterpieces to take home to table to relax upon, regardless of who or family and friends. I remember feeding the what was on that table...the fun the students chickens, collecting the eggs, and bursting had swinging on the rope and falling into with excitement with the impending hay...students climbing the rope to ring arrival of baby chicks. The barn to me is the cowbell...being trapped in the barn by a visual representation of the uniqueness a sudden downpour and wading through of Lamplighter. Everything that happens water on the playground to get back to within the walls of Lamplighter is special, class...happily being in a classroom where but that barn…that barn was magic! a lesson could be noisy and messy and not disturb others!

Pre-K PM students remember the barn

Students, faculty, and staff gather recently to remember the barn LAMPPOST 21 BarnyardBuzz

Digging Lamplighter Lamplighter Kicks Off Campaign to Fund People, Place, and Programs with Halloween Ground-Breaking Ceremony

With aerialists performing overhead on the campaign,” she said, “A successful will feature a teaching kitchen, an Lyra hoops, Lamplighter launched a campaign will allow us to build the new environmental science classroom, a robotics $12.5M capital campaign on October 30 in spaces necessary to extend and improve lab, and a woodworking classroom. The a 10,000 square foot tent on the campus upon the work that is currently taking place.” 1,625 square foot barn will provide new of the School. In a joint ceremony that classrooms and a new chicken coop. It was also featured a Halloween Hootenanny and Next, Rose discussed how priority needs designed to support the School’s signature picnic, a long-time tradition, Lamplighter of Lamplighter were identified through “Lamplighter Layers” chicken-raising kicked off “Igniting Young Minds for a the School’s strategic planning process. She and egg-selling entrepreneurial business Lifetime of Learning: Campaign to Fund was followed by Karol who announced the managed by the fourth grade students. People, Place, and Programs.” campaign goal and level of progress. She mentioned that she was “proud to reveal” Before leaving, many attendees visited More than 1,100 people attended and were lead gifts by the Eastin and Rose families. a “Preview Center” constructed by the greeted by Head of School Dr. Joan Hill, Finally, to complete the ground-breaking School to showcase not only the strategic Board Chair Catherine Rose, and Campaign ceremony, the three invited several students plan and campaign goals, but also interior Chair Jennifer Karol, all in costume to the stage who donned hard hats, grabbed and exterior renderings of the I-Lab and themselves, fittingly dressed in reflective gold-plated shovels, and started digging. the new barn. Hosting the exhibit were vests and hard hats. Dr. Hill welcomed the representatives from Marlon Blackwell crowd before the School’s 450 students, In celebration, the ceremony ended after a Architects, the Fayetteville, Arkansas, dressed in their favorite Halloween “snowstorm” of confetti. The children then firm awarded with the project, which has costumes, paraded into the tent to the recessed outside with their teachers, family, designed “award-winning, environmentally applause of their family members, Board and friends to gather for a picnic lunch responsive projects since 1990.” members, administrators, and teachers. and concert by Byron Haynie, an award- winning, country music vocalist, songwriter, “In short, this fundraising campaign will Afterward Dr. Hill, along with Rose and and guitarist. allow us not only to expand and enrich our Karol, discussed the School’s Strategic beautiful campus with the addition of a Plan and presented the comprehensive The School has not expanded its campus new barn and an Innovation Lab, but also fundraising initiative. Using the Strategic in more than 20 years, so there is “much to increase our endowment and to improve Plan as a guidepost, Dr. Hill explained excitement within the Lamplighter our programs,” remarked Rose. that the School’s Trustees considered the community,” according to Dr. Hill. Phase students and their needs now and into the One plans include building an Innovation future. “Our students are the centerpiece Lab (science building) and a new barn. of all plans and provide the inspiration and Construction is scheduled to begin this motivation to move forward as we launch winter. The 10,000 square foot “I-Lab”

22 LAMPPOST 15 distinct individuals have been identified, but there are “lots and lots more years” of research and excavating to do. Asking the question many critics of the project have pointed out, one student wondered, “Where does this population fall in line with current humans?” Berger explained that this has been a difficult discovery to date, but that scientists are currently working hard to resolve the question of age.

At the end of the presentation, Berger surprised the group by announcing that he was presenting to Lamplighter the very first skull cast of the South African Homo naledi find. The students cheered the news, and the fourth grade students were given the opportunity for close-up inspections of the cast. As the students looked with wonder, it was clear their lifelong-learner minds were racing at full speed. Questions came up such as, “Which of the early human species looks most like us?” “How do you distinguish between species?” “What’s the difference between male and female bones?” and “Do Lamplighter parent Nicole Small wows you think there are other caves nearby with students with cast of the Homo naledi other species or even the same species?” Berger and the scientists gladly answered their questions, filling the students with awe.

Before concluding, Berger thanked Lyda Hill, also in attendance, for the support from her foundation that funded the research which also supports the Perot Museum. Well Done, Berger “The skull of naledi presented as a gift to The Lamplighter School by Lyda Hill will be displayed so that future generations of Lamplighter Students First in World students have the inspiration to seek answers Last fall, Head to complex problems,” said Dr. Hill. of School Dr. to Hear Presentation on Naledi Discovery Joan Hill and “Dr. Berger reminded our students an auditorium full of excited elementary- cave chambers. The research professor that there is still more work to do,” Hill level students were the first in the world at the University of the Witwatersrand in continued, and added, “Everything has to welcome Lee Berger and his team of Johannesburg and a National Geographic not been found nor fully understood. The scientists after announcing their discovery Explorer-in-Residence described the future belongs to bold people who are of early human ancestors. expedition as “the most dangerous work courageous, willing to take risks, curious ever done in the history of looking for enough to explore uncharted territory, and Dr. Berger, one of the world’s most fossil human relatives.” In explaining want to share what they have learned with prominent scientific explorers, spoke at the both the complexity of the mission and others. What an amazing opportunity this is Perot Museum of Nature and Science the the scientists dubbed the “underground for the students of this school.” evening of the Lamplighter presentation, astronauts,” Berger commented, “fewer making his first public remarks since people have gone into that [cave] chamber announcing the Homo naledi, a new human than there have been astronauts in space!” ancestor found in a cave 30 miles from Johannesburg, South Africa. The students were delighted not only with the presentation, but also with the chance National Geographic devoted its October they were given to ask their pressing 2015 cover story to the discovery, and the questions. One student asked, “How did find was featured in a PBSNova series. the human-like bones get in there?” giving Berger a chance to explain the current The expedition involved an extensive hypothesis that this population intentionally system of cables, videos screens, cameras, put their dead into the chamber. Other and phones, all to help keep the scientists students asked about the extent of the safe and alive while they worked deep in the project, and Berger responded that so far, Dr. Lee Berger poses with a Lamplighter student

LAMPPOST 23 BarnyardBuzz

Senior Celebration

NYoung Alumni Speakers Inspire Lamplighter Fourth GradersM

Lamplighter’s annual Senior luncheon After asking parents to present the senior Thomas explained that he is one of five was held last September to celebrate the pins to their children, Dr. Hill introduced siblings to graduate from Lamplighter. School’s graduating fourth grade class. The the event’s special guests, Thomas and Kirk, “Lamplighter prepared all five of us to gathering not only provided an opportunity and expressed her appreciation to them for face the challenges and excitement that for students and their parents and teachers “returning to inspire our fourth graders.” were presented to us after we left here. to reminisce, but it was also the School’s Lamplighter taught me the classroom skills way to celebrate the fourth graders’ In introducing Kirk, Dr. Hill announced to be very successful.” He added that the achievements during their seven years at that the Hockaday student sings in the choir, skills learned at Lamplighter allowed him to Lamplighter. Invited to address the group serves as co-editor-in-chief of the school’s make friends easily and that at Lamplighter, were two young alumni, Frank Thomas and literary magazine, and plays volleyball and “we are doing things no other fourth Kirsten Kirk. softball. “Kirsten loves to sing, act, and graders in Dallas are doing.” read, and also plays the guitar and piano,” Head of School Dr. Joan Hill kicked off she explained, then added that Kirk also He closed by citing how Lamplighter ignites the luncheon by welcoming the 58 students “enjoys participating on Lamplighter’s the passion, excitement, and joy “that and their parents and teachers. “We created Young Alumni Car Wash Committee.” learning causes within us students.” Then, this day for our fourth grade families,” she also turning sentimental, Thomas asked the explained, “as a time to pause, a time to students to “remember Lamplighter…the reflect on the past, celebrate the present, “ We created this day for our Carnival, the chickens, the playground, your and look toward the future.” She explained teachers, and your friends. Lamplighter will that each student received a gift box, “and fourth grade families as a time always be your home. Your heart will always it’s a special pin from Lamplighter.” The to pause, a time to reflect on the students performed a few songs, including belong here.” “Lamplighter Spirit,” led by their music past, celebrate the present, and teacher, Natalie McCollough. Then Dr. Hill After the guest speakers finished their asked them to join her on stage to tell the look toward the future.” speeches, Dr. Hill returned to the podium audience about “their funniest Lamplighter and thanked them for their “inspiring memory or experience” to which one student Kirk took to the stage and told the group words.” Next, she reported that the answered, “Everyone is so caring and nice, that Lamplighter “made me the person that School strives for academic excellence, and you learn so much every day.” I am today. It was the School that taught while it offers “a warm and supportive me, and many of my classmates, to love to environment which, in turn, inspires a love While most of the memories involved learn.” She continued, “Lamplighter teaches of learning and self-confidence. We often making new friends on “Dallas’ best” us to be that kid who gets up in front of say Lamplighter delivers a serious education school playground and being friends everyone and speaks, or presents, and with wrapped in the wonder of childhood.” ever since, traditions mentioned included complete confidence. You should feel the iconic Hootenannies (assemblies), confident that your Lamplighter teachers Later, Dr. Hill explained that she is traditional square dancing in Kindergarten, have prepared you to do it.” “convinced the students are successful the 46 year-old Lamplighter Layers because of the strong foundation” they (the School’s chicken-raising and egg- She ended her remarks by encouraging the receive at Lamplighter. selling entrepreneurial business), special fourth graders to “Enjoy your senior year playground time, the annual Carnival, Flash because, believe me, you do NOT want to According to Vicki Raney, Assistant Head updates (morning student-produced news miss it!” And then, turning sentimental, for Academics at Lamplighter, “The broadcast), and the favorite Donuts with she added, “I love Lamplighter. I loved it luncheon was a truly special occasion that Dads and Muffins with Moms events. In as a student, and I love it coming back as allows us an opportunity to celebrate the addition, many comments were shared an alum.” Seniors’ journey through their seven years at acknowledging gratefulness to their Lamplighter.” She added that fourth grade “wonderful teachers.” One student said, Then Dr. Hill presented Thomas, who “is an inspiring time to look back and to “My favorite thing is the teachers, because graduated from Lamplighter in 2009. look forward to the many rich experiences they’re so nice, and you always learn so The St. Mark’s junior is the photo editor yet to come.” much from them.” Dr. Hill concurred. of the school newspaper and is an active “Those memories could not have come yearbook staff member. Enrolled in three together as fully without a strong faculty AP classes, Thomas also is a starter on the and staff.” varsity tennis team.

24 LAMPPOST

“A blockbuster hit!” Film Festival “A pulse-pounding success!” “Oscar worthy!” “So much fun!”

It was a star-studded night for The support of their favorite school.” The a “star-studded” trip to Los Angeles, Lamplighter School. On Saturday, venue was chosen due to its high-profile and New York City for the April 13- February 6, the “Our Favorite Films” downtown Arts District location. 24 Tribeca Film Festival. In addition, Auction that benefitted the School’s a luxury suite on the 50-yard line for Faculty and Staff Professional Ratcliff said she is “continually amazed” the June 4 Kenny Chesney concert Development Fund was held in at the generosity of the Lamplighter at AT&T Stadium and a KDFW-TV downtown Dallas. The event saw the community. “Our parents, most decked Fox 4 “Anchorman” promotional spot Lamplighter community members out in creative costumes based on hit were auctioned. Not to be outdone, the “transform into characters from movies, arrived to the Auction ready to School offered an enter-to-win raffle Amelie to Zoolander,” described have fun,” she described. “But they never featuring $5,000 off next year’s tuition. Shannon Morse, Lamplighter Parents’ lost sight of the purpose of the evening, As in the past, some of the highest Association President. “Red carpet, which was to fundraise for our teachers bidding was not for diamond earrings paparazzi, famous film props, and an and our school.” or around-the-world vacations, but for Oscar-worthy soundtrack were only an in-school “lock-in” party and the upstaged by the prized Auction items Dr. Hill agreed, but added that Lamplighter “Head of School for the available,” she added. the School’s Auction “is not just a Day,” allowing the winning family’s fundraiser, but serves as a “community- son or daughter to fill the shoes of the Dr. Joan Hill agreed. The Lamplighter building event for Lamplighter families Head of School, from running meetings Head of School to greeting students at carpool to described the Auction as making special announcements. “a blockbuster hit! We gathered as a community Other priceless items included for an evening of fun class projects made by the students and friendship in support including original artwork. While of Lamplighter.” Dr. many guests left the party with Hill thanked Auction new treasures, the real winner was Chair Megan Ratcliff and the School, according to Dr. Hill. committee members Christina White, She explained that the success of the Emily Clarke, Jen Lochridge, Morgan Auction ensures that the professional Kennedy, Stephanie Byrd, Natalie and friends.” She thanked parents development and teacher training will Johnson, and Tiffany Wilmer for for being “the spark that ignites the continue to be funded “at the highest creating “an extra-special evening innovative spirit of our children, faculty, levels. As professional educators, we that was so enjoyable. Our volunteers, and school community.” Dr. Hill also are always seeking to learn new ways to underwriters, and sponsors gave us a said she appreciates the volunteers’ understand and implement the very best night to remember,” she continued. generosity with their time “with the practices in our work with students as event that takes almost a year to plan they will be the ultimate beneficiaries of Since its inception in 1969, the Auction and execute.” She described it as “yet a successful Auction.” has been the primary fundraising effort of another example of how Lamplighter the Lamplighter Parents’ Association. This embodies the definition of community.” Later, Dr. Hill explained that year’s event raised money for training and Lamplighter is known not only for professional development for the School’s With the proceeds from the event “delivering serious education wrapped in more than 80 faculty and staff members. supporting professional development, the wonder of childhood,” but also for Lamplighter teachers and staff will be inspiring students to become “lifelong The gala, held at f.i.g. (Fashion provided with the support necessary learners.” She described the School as Industry Gallery), “was filled with a to continue to be innovative in their one with “dedicated teachers and staff cast of characters from across the methods and materials, according to Hill. and an exceptional parent community, film pantheon,” described Morse. all of whom work together to enrich the “Whether in character or playing an Live-auction items were headlined with lives of all of our students.” extra, everyone ate, danced, and bid in vacation trips, appropriately including

26 LAMPPOST Our Favorite Films AUCTION 2016 A LAMPLIGHTER PRODUCTION BarnyardBuzz Connect and Disconnect The 2015-16 Dolores Evans Speaker Series hosts two successful events

Dr. Joan Hill, Head of School, that is “potentially transformative”: introduced the well-known moderator, spice-infused FreshPaper, which keeps Krys Boyd of KERA’s talk show food fresh by inhibiting bacterial and “Think,” who kicked off the event fungal growth. The inventor of the by asking the speakers to provide paper that keeps food fresh two to four presentations about their achievements. times longer said she didn’t realize how The theme of the evening, “Improving starting with just $300 and earning a the Lives of Children Through patent at age 17 would someday lead to Innovative Thinking,” was designed to appearances on Oprah, The Today Show, help parents empower their children and CNN and in Forbes Magazine. “who are our next generation of leaders,” noted Dr. Hill, who added Last to address the audience was that she was “very excited about the Andraka. The inventor, scientist, and opportunity to have innovators speaking cancer researcher is known for his work about topical issues here at Lamplighter.” in developing a new, rapid, and patent- pending method to detect the increase First to speak was Kamkwamba. of a protein that indicates the presence The Malawian innovator, engineer, of pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers Lamplighter’s Dolores Evans Speaker and author built a windmill to power during their early stages. When he Series is a unique program the school electrical appliances in his family’s house first sent his 30 pages of research offers to its parents, faculty, and staff, as using blue gum trees, bicycle parts, and to professors at Johns Hopkins, he well as the broader Dallas community. materials collected in a local scrapyard. received 199 rejections. “Then I finally Each school year, Lamplighter hosts Since then, he has built a solar-powered found one professor who said yes!” So two events to bring thought leaders to water pump that supplied the first far the test is 90 percent accurate and campus as part of the long-running drinking water in his village, and two can detect ovarian and lung cancers, as program. The 2015-16 season brought other windmills, and is planning two well as pancreatic cancer. “Change Makers” and “The Big more there. Disconnect” to Lamplighter. After the program ended, Dr. Hill He was followed by Shukla, whose remarked that the speakers underscored story began at age 12 when she visited the importance of having unstructured Change Makers India. Shortly after arriving there, time to dream and experiment. drinking a cup of her grandmother’s “Interestingly, they began to develop To kick off the Series, Lamplighter homebrewed spice tea seemed to help their passions early in life between the hosted “Change Makers” in November, stave off the ill effects of her drinking ages of 9 and 15. During these ‘wonder featuring three speakers who are tap water. Eventually, she came up years’ the speakers began to understand improving the lives of families through with the idea of infusing the spices the power of one,” Dr. Hill remarked, innovative thinking. Speakers included into sheets of paper, and now her and added, “Each speaker believed that Stanford University freshman Jack company, Fenugreen, makes a product they could make a difference.” Andraka, who was featured on 60 Minutes and in a Wall Street Journal article. The author of Breakthrough is known for developing a method to detect an increase of a protein that indicates the presence of some cancers. Kavita Shukla, seen on The Today Show, invented spice-infused FreshPaper which keeps food fresh by inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth. The Daily Show guest William Kamkwamba, author of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, built a solar- powered water pump to supply the first drinking water to his African village.

28 LAMPPOST Committed! The Big Disconnect most,” it also strains the relationships Lamplighter Volunteers with “people we love the most.”

Describing “lost boundaries between kids and schools and children and the adult world,” this is the first generation of children growing up who both have the option to text and who tend Now in its third year, Lamplighter’s to prefer it (in lieu of face-to-face partnership with Commit! and Dallas conversation or speaking by phone). ISD schools Sudie Williams Elementary This “psychological dependency,” is and Walnut Hill Elementary continues almost a “separation anxiety” that to strengthen. “Our primary goal is to none of us had eight years ago before help our two partner schools increase smartphones, she cautioned. third grade reading scores, which we are able to do thanks to our dedicated For the second Dolores Evans Speaker To wrap her presentation, before LPA Board leadership and the parent Series event, Dr. Catherine Steiner- answering a few questions from the community,” said Sandy Diamond, Adair, author of The Big Disconnect: audience, Steiner-Adair reviewed her tips Director of Advancement. “Over the Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships for parents, including eliminating tablets course of a year, Lamplighter donates in the Digital Age, presented. Dr. Steiner- and smartphones from the dinner table, over 3,000 new and lightly used books Adair is an internationally recognized car, and bath/bedtime routines. to each of these schools.” clinical psychologist and school consultant. In her book and through “[This was] one of the most meaningful her presentation, she examined ways topics of our time to Lamplighter: in which “technology and media are smart and sensible use of smartphones putting children at risk at every stage of so that family time is protected,” development, while challenging what it remarked Dr. Hill. She added, “Her means to be a family.” stories were compelling as she offered suggestions to help us to monitor use of this ubiquitous communications Technology and media tool,” such as describing the effects on a In addition to the school’s work with child when her parents spent too much Sudie Williams and Walnut Hill, this “are putting children at time on the phone. “It is important year Lamplighter parents, alums, to understand the feelings of being alumni parents, and staff members risk at every stage of unimportant that were commonly volunteered in December to wrap described by children.” classroom literacy resources that were gifted to 17 Dallas ISD schools by an development. anonymous donor. Members of the In her work, Steiner-Adair identifies Lamplighter community volunteered challenges for parents and” educators again in January for the Extra Yard and ways to strengthen children’s social for Teachers Summit that was held and emotional development to help for North Texas teachers at Booker them grow to be responsible, resilient, T. Washington High School for the confident, and capable young adults. Performing and Visual Arts. Current Steiner-Adair shared real-life stories Lamplighter parent Lara Johnson from her clinical practice, her work with shared her own inspirational story educators and parents, and extensive at the Summit. She spoke of being a interviews with students as young student in DISD and what a difference it made in her life having her high as preschool. She began her speech school English teacher believe in her. by explaining how family time and childhood are “so challenged” by this “It’s great fun to volunteer at these huge transition in technology. Calling events and run into other members of it a “huge paradox,” Steiner-Adair said Lamplighter’s community who make while new technology makes it so easy community service a priority in their to connect with “people we love the lives,” remarked Board member and parent Sarah Weinberg.

LAMPPOST 29 BarnyardBuzz

Lamplighter’s Dooley Author Series brings award winning authors and illustrators to campus twice a year for a special visit with students, faculty, and staff.

DOOLEY DUOthe main reasons she loves his books is and ink, to full images colored with that they teach history and perspective. water colors. She considers Macaulay “a master of illustration that tells a story.” Raney Sharing one of his stories, Two Mice, suggested the students were “truly Ruzzier read through it quickly once engaged” as he described the process and then went through it again to point of researching, traveling, experimenting, out details in the illustrations. Students drawing, painting, writing, and editing were excited to name the various that result in a published children’s book. elements they saw within the pictures.

Patricia Vermillion and fourth graders with Macaulay has written and illustrated more Ruzzier read another one of his books, author/illustrator David Macaulay than 20 books. The most famous works A Letter from Leo, to the afternoon of the British-born American illustrator Pre-K students, and they were equally The Dooley Fund was established in and writer include Cathedral, The Way delighted. Judith Mullens, Director of 1996 by Marilyn Halpin in memory of Things Work, and The New Way Things Early Childhood said, “Students sat her late husband to support the author Work. He was recipient of the Caldecott spellbound as they listened to Sergio series. This school year, Lamplighter Ruzzier read aloud his sweet, simple welcomed two children’s book author/ stories about the daily concerns and illustrators: David Macaulay and emotions of two little mice, a weasel, Sergio Ruzzier. and a bird named Chirp. Children empathized with these little characters David Macaulay visited Lamplighter in who were learning to read their first October and spent the day with Lower book without pictures or feeling sad as School students. The author presented they waited and watched the mailbox slides of his architectural process and told for their first letter!” them that he enjoyed illustrating because “you get to choose what you want to Born in Milan, Italy, Sergio now lives do… you can design a good problem in New York and works with past and come up with a good solution.” Dooley illustrators Sophie Blackall and Brian Floca. Ruzzier was a recipient of Macauley provided examples of how the prestigious Sendak Fellowship in he conducts research for his books, 2011. His work has been awarded by ranging from a trip to Egypt to study American Illustration, The Society of the pyramids to an adventure in Mexico Illustrators, Communication Arts, and where he learned to scuba dive. He The Society of Publication Designers. summarized his accomplishments, Medal in 1991 for Black and White, and In addition, he won the Parents’ Choice saying, “It’s all about practice. And his illustrations have been featured in Gold Medal for The Room of Wonders and I’ve been practicing for 40 years!” popular nonfiction books combining text for his illustrations for Why Mole Shouted. and illustrations explaining architecture, After his presentations, he worked with design, and engineering. fourth graders, teaching the process of perspective, vanishing points, and In March, picture book author and hatching to show shadows. “The illustrator Sergio Ruzzier visited students were mesmerized when they Lamplighter and spent the day with saw that altering the vanishing point Early Childhood students. Ruzzier totally changed the perspective,” showed the students a sample remarked teacher Kathey Beddow. storyboard with “thumbnail sketches,” so they could get a sense of the process Vicki Raney, Lamplighter’s Assistant it takes to create a full story from Head for Academics, said Macaulay’s just an idea. He explained how he intricate pen-and-ink drawings are slowly refines his drawings from quick Judith Mullens and Patricia Vermillion with “amazingly detailed.” She said one of sketches, to detailed drawing using pen author/illustrator Sergio Ruzzier

30 LAMPPOST LAMPLIGHTER’S culture club

Dancingwith the Stars In early February, The Dallas Black Dance Theatre visited Lamplighter and performed three vignettes that encouraged students to use their imaginations to understand the stories the dancers told. The stories performed were titled “Sleepy Time,” “The Art of Waiting,” and “American in Paris,” each one Day at the complete with new costumes, choreography, The Dallas OperaOpera treated Lamplighter it would be a great way to show the a full explanation of the piece’s background, students to a full opera performance students a live performance.” and an invitation to engage in the story from of Bastien und Bastienne in the School’s Artistic Director Nycole Ray. Klyde Warren Auditorium last October. Explaining the significance of the visit Lamplighter’s music teacher Natalie from the Dallas Opera, Vicki Raney, the Vicki Raney, Lamplighter Assistant Head for McCollough and former Head of School School’s Assistant Head for Academics Academics, noted, “The performance had so Pat Mattingly collaborated with the said, “I was thrilled that Lamplighter many elements that wowed the students, and Dallas Opera to bring the performers was able to book a full performance Ray really encouraged everyone to become to campus to promote their education of the opera Bastien und Bastienne, and involved in the performance through both program. The company visits schools the students were equally excited.” She imagination and a bit of choreography.” to give students an introduction to said the production gave second grade opera, and the performers in the shows students their first glimpse of opera at According to the dance company, education are also represented on the program Lamplighter, and that it was perfect for is a primary focus. Their mission to educate education team. the third grade students’ opera study. came through in their performance as Ray “In addition,” she continued, “the fourth taught Kindergarten through fourth grade McCollough said that she used the grade students benefitted from the show students some choreography, the meanings education program about 10 years ago for their opera education and upcoming of “emote” and “choreographer,” and some when she taught middle school. Now at May performance. We are so lucky at Lamplighter, McCollough remarked, “After Lamplighter to have opportunities like rhythmic claps that mirrored the choreography learning about Lamplighter’s fourth grade this one that truly enrich the learning of the performance. opera program [where students write experience for our students.” and perform original operas], I thought Night at the Museum Lamplighter, in partnership with Lamplighter and the Museum the Perot Museum of Nature and formed their partnership in 2012 Science, held its annual Family and have since been collaborating Science Night on February 16. on lesson plans, integrating More than 100 Lamplighter curriculum, and implementing families of Pre-K through fourth professional development programs grade students participated in for Lamplighter teachers, in hands-on exhibits and activities. addition to planning events such as “Our many exhibits allowed this annual Family Science Night. intimate parent-child exploration As a result of the partnership, the all over the building,” said event was held after-hours, and the Gretchen Pollom, Lamplighter’s School had special access to the liaison with the Museum. popular destination. AlumniNow Graduates on the go The Rhodes Starts Here 2004 Laura Roberts ’04 First Lamplighter student ever to receive Rhodes scholarship

Roberts explained her Lamplighter takes in its appreciation for the honor: “If students is like nothing I have I had a way of breaking up the ever seen.” scholarship and passing it out to all of my teachers, I would Laura continued on through want to share it with them.” middle school and high school Laura affectionately recalled with Lamplighter friends. She her experiences at Lamplighter, remains best friends with stating that so many of her Brooke Shelton ’04, and teachers were still here. “The says they “have a super-tight teachers were my favorite part bond because of the time we Laura Roberts ‘04 and Liz Curlin at Lamplighter of the school. They make it had at Lamplighter.” At Duke what it is. They treat kids with University, Robert’s freshman Laura Roberts ’04 was interview process for the childlike wonder. Ms. Curlin, roommate was Lauren introduced by Head of School Rhodes scholarship. On her Ms. McCullough, Ms. Yarbrough, Haley ’04, and she also lived Dr. Joan Hill as Lamplighter’s application, Roberts’ personal Mrs. Beddow, Ms. Mackey, with Shelton during their first-ever Rhodes Scholar at statement was about “What Mrs. O’Krent, Ms. Stout – it’s time at Duke. Roberts added a December 2015 faculty/ Educations Means to Me.” amazing that so many teachers “My godmother Elizabeth staff community meeting. The She explained that “education are still here changing lives.” Fraley’s children, Alex Fraley Duke University senior, who should be used to spread love, ’03 and Zach Fraley ’03, visited her alma mater during kindness, and creativity… Roberts recalls that when she attended Lamplighter. This is a her winter break, will begin her and that’s what Lamplighter received a care package from community that continues to studies at Oxford in October meant to me,” explaining the Advancement Office just assert itself into my life long 2016 to pursue a Master’s that her life “would not have before her first college final after I got my letter jacket in of Philosophy in British and been the same were it not exams, that was the epitome the fourth grade. And I know European History. for Lamplighter. The Rhodes of Lamplighter Spirit – still the Lamplighter community Scholar honor, and every other caring about her as a person will continue to weave itself After a warm reception by the award I have won, belongs even years later. “I don’t know throughout the remainder of faculty and staff members in to Lamplighter. I wouldn’t be of any other school that my life, too.” the Klyde Warren Auditorium, who I am without the start I does that,” remarks Roberts. Roberts reflected on the received at Lamplighter.” “The personal interest that

Then and now 2008 Lamplighter ’08 alums pictured in August 2008 before their first day at St. Mark’s School of Texas, and then again in August 2015 before their first day of senior year. What a difference seven years makes!

Front Row: Graham Kirstein, Philip Smart, Michael Mosle, Taylor Rohrich Back Row: Ward Rushton, Lucas Porter [not shown in the 2016 Senior picture]

32 LAMPPOST AlumniNow 1971 1978 1991 1996 Laura Charlton Cole ’71 Tammy Tycher ’78 is in Capera Clement-Norinsky Gray Malin ’96 lives in Los is coordinator for the SPARQ her 18th year of teaching ’91 and her husband Igor Angeles where he began his Innovation Space at Good preschool at the Jewish Norinsky reside in Houston, own fine-art photography Shepherd Episcopal School. Community Center, as the Art/ where they recently welcomed brand, GrayMalin, about five She is entering the Master of Science specialist. Tammy is their second child, Capera years ago. Gray shared that he Arts in Design and Innovation engaged to Steve Hoogland. Nellya Norinsky, on September adored his time at Lamplighter program at SMU. Laura, whose 23. Proud big brother, Ibgy, is 3 and often reminisces. two daughters, Kelly Cole ’03 years old. and Anna Cole ’07, attended Joe Unis ’96 became the Lamplighter, says, “Lamplighter proud father of twins, Mary is a part of our family shared Frances and Joseph Anthony experience and a warm, Unis III, on June 30, 2015. heartfelt one at that!”

Mark McCullough ’71 joined American Airlines as 1997 Taryn Beverly ’97 graduated a pilot in 1991. He currently Tammy Tycher ’78 Capera Nellya Norinsky from Northeastern University is a Check Airman Service Law School in May 2015. Instructor and flies American’s newest airplane, the Boeing 1980 1993 787. Recently, while flying to Jennifer Bryan ’80 is works as a para-educator Finley Harbaugh ’93 Chicago, Mark was joined by a director for executive 1998 at Manhattan High School Rachel King ’98 attended a young man who was headed search firm Stanton Chase in Manhattan, Kansas. She is Stanford University, and to Chicago for medical care. International, where she is continuing her lifelong love graduated with high honors in The photograph below was focused on industrial and of learning at Kansas State Archaeology. After Stanford, technology sectors. Finley snapped while McCullough University where she is King received the Clarendon married Eric Konrade on was visiting with the young studying to become a Scholarship, funding her August 22, and they reside passenger, and it appears as an Speech Therapist, SLP. in Dallas. Finley currently continuing education at the advertisement in American Way University of Oxford. She magazine. Mark’s mother, Sue serves as Secretary for the Lamplighter Alumni Council. pursued her Master’s and McCullough, has been a vibrant 1983 Ph.D. in archaeology, and her part of Lamplighter since 1988. Chris Gannett ’83 relocated parents recently visited her his family to Dallas from New Sue is beloved for her Hug ’em at Cambridge University’s York. The former CMO of in, Hug ’em outs. Center for African Studies “American Idol” and owner and producer of Endemol Shine for her graduation. Her next Group, Chris is currently chief steps involve a three-year revenue officer of marketing post doctorate teaching and technology start-up CataBoom. research position through the Chris is co-chair of Lamplighter’s Smuts Fellowship. Annual Fund. Chris and his wife, Lisa, have twin sons, Paul and Finley Harbaugh Konrade ’93 William, who attend Lamplighter 1999 Pre-K All Day. Fontaine Foxworth ’99 is currently living in San Francisco Mark McCullough ’71 and working at Google, where 1990 she enjoys building cutting- Flauren Fagadau Bender edge technology for this 1975 ’90 and her husband, Jason, innovative company. Emily Jourdan moved back are happy to announce the arrival of Sally Frances Bender, to Dallas in June of 2015. She born on December 15. Flauren Gabriella Termon ’99 is working for Morgan Stanley is working as a Marketing as a Financial Advisor at the says Sally can’t wait to join her brothers, Jack and Leo, at Manager at Breather in Crescent Court offices. San Francisco, California. Lamplighter in a few years! Sally, Jack, and Leo Bender

LAMPPOST 33 AlumniNow

marketing intern for Matthew Blakely Castleman ’07 2000 2005 Trent Jewelry Design Studios graduated from Woodberry Shannon Blakey ’00 Ryan Eichenwald ’05 is a in Preston Center, and she Forest School in Orange, obtained her Master of Science junior at Duke University. He is planning to move back to Virginia, where he graduated in Psychology at the University plans to pursue a career in Dallas after she graduates in magna cum laude and served of Wyoming after receiving publishing and writing fantasy May 2017. Chandler says she on the Prefect Board, which her Bachelor of Arts from the novels. Ryan enjoys playing adores Lamplighter dearly, is the school’s 100-year-old University of North Carolina music, and when he is in and she credits Lamplighter Honor Council. Blakely is at Chapel Hill in 2012. She Dallas, he can often be seen for instilling unforgettable a freshman at Wake Forest returned to the University of performing his own songs at values and memories in her! University. North Carolina and is pursuing open mic sessions at Sam Ash. a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. After she receives her Ph.D., Kira Latham ’05 is a junior 2008 Shannon plans to work at a at University of California Los Michael Mosle ’08 will Veterans of America hospital Angeles. This past fall semester, graduate in May 2016 from anxiety disorder research and she studied abroad in Sweden, St. Mark’s School of Texas. treatment center. and while Kira was there, He is headed to Stanford she took a weekend trip to University in the fall. Norway to hike 22 kilometers 2003 to Trolltunga over the fjords. Kelly Austen Cole ’03 Chandler Tucker ’05 graduated from Loyola 2010 Amelia Brown ’10 is a Marymount with a Bachelor sophomore at The Hockaday of Arts degree in English 2006 School where she participates Literature. She interned as Brian Griffin ’05 is currently in varsity cross country, a script editor and script a sophomore at Texas State manager in the film industry. University with a double major JV soccer, varsity track, Kelly recently worked at Good in Biology and Chemistry. He is Community Service Board, Shepherd Episcopal School as having a great time in college! and National Charity League. an Administrative Assistant in Amelia participated in an the Technology department exchange program this past summer in Australia at St. and for their after-school Kira Latham ’05 - Norway 2007 programs. She currently works Robin Vuitch ’07 attended Hilda’s School. as the project administrator Booker T. Washington High is a for the Dallas International Chandler Tucker ’05 School for the Performing and junior at Ole Miss pursuing a Film Festival. Visual Arts, where she was degree in Business Marketing 2011 co-president of the Tibet Club. with a minor in Management. Penelope Piccagli ’11 She met the Dalai Lama on July participated in a Rustic Her GPA has earned her 1, 2015, at Southern Methodist 2004 the Headmaster’s Honor Pathways program in Costa will University. Robin attends Kate Mosle ’04 Roll. Chandler serves as an Rica where she worked with graduate from Stanford Maryland Institute College officer in her Delta Gamma local children. She particularly University in June, after which of Art where she received a sorority, she is a member enjoyed practicing Spanish she will be returning to Dallas merit scholarship. of the executive board for with the locals. (which makes her parents Student Activities Association, very happy) to work at and she was elected to Boston Consulting Group. serve the student body as a 2012 senator for the Associated Sophia Ehring ’12 is an Student Body Government. eighth grader at Episcopal This past summer, Chandler School of Dallas. She appeared studied abroad in Rome, Robin Vuitch ’07 and the Dalai Lama in The Lion, the Witch and the Florence, Innsbruch, Munich, Wardrobe at Theater Arlington Paris, and London through an Anna Cole ’07 is a freshman last summer. Sophia played a international business seminar. at Stanford University where member of the White Witch’s she writes for the Stanford She enjoyed analyzing the Brigade. Daily. Anna is a research different business practices of the European culture. She assistant in the Psychology Kate Mosle ’04 and Taryn Danurand is currently working as a Department and loves college. ’04 lived together and worked in San Francisco last summer. 34 LAMPPOST AlumniNow

who live in an extremely interior of the school, chiapas for change impoverished community. built fences, built and hung Tommy Hessel ’09 comments, blackboards, renovated the “There was no plumbing. playground, and painted murals Just walking from the bus to on the exterior of the building. the volunteer site, we saw a vast land of refugees.” The The alums plan to go back and volunteers quickly learned continue their renovations. about the hardships from lack After they returned, this ESD of available materials to types group fundraised throughout of labor; everything was hard. the year and raised an additional $30,000 for the Through manual labor and school. Through this intensive donations, the volunteers volunteer work, they agree assisted in renovation of Mis the most rewarding aspect Primeras Palabras School. was seeing the school through The school is actually the the eyes of the child. They bottom floor of the home of could see the direct impact a generous woman, Magda that their boots-on-the- 2009 De Las Ros, who donated ground operation had on the her home’s living space for community. Hessel remarked, When Lamplighter alums Republic along with thirty disabled children to receive an “To see these children living , ESD students to participate Holmes Davis ’09 Natalie education, as the government in extremely impoverished in the Chiapas for Change Groves ’09, Tommy Hessel does not support education conditions with no running and program through Esperanza ’09, Alden Vose ’09 for the disabled. water or electricity and dirt volunteered for a trek to the International, a non-profit floors, yet the amount of hope Dominican Republic, they had group that works to help The volunteer team rebuilt for the future the kids have, no idea that they would return children and their families and renovated her home this was huge.” with eyes wide open and overcome poverty. to function as a school. This hearts opened even further. project included four days Esperanza means HOPE in Currently, the Dominican during which the volunteers the Spanish language – how Last May, these young alums Republic has over 1 million painted the exterior and very fitting. traveled to the Dominican hurricane-displaced Haitians jack of all trades Paul Sullivan ’12 studies 2013 Jack Herz ’12 recently worked from early morning at St. Mark’s School of Texas, Evan Brown ’13 was elected chose Lamplighter as the until late afternoon on a where he is involved in to serve as the seventh grade recipient of his Eagle Scout recent Sunday. Herz is the photography, debate, and Mini Student Council representative project. For his project, third alum who has selected Marque, the school magazine. at Good Shepherd Episcopal Jack created raised garden Lamplighter as the recipient Paul is captain of the swim School for the 2015-16 beds near Early Childhood of an Eagle Scout project. “It team and spends his summers school year. classrooms that will be used is a true testament to the camping in Northern Maine by Lamplighter’s youngest strong foundation Lamplighter and kayaking around Martha’s students. Jack and his crew builds for students and the Vineyard. connections the school 2015 fosters when students want Bella Ehring ’15 attends to give back to their beloved Episcopal School of Dallas. community,” said Vicki Raney, This past February, she was Assistant Head for Academics. part of the Youth Ensemble She added, “Jack did an in Skippyjon Jones, a Dallas amazing job in such a short Children’s Theater musical time! That was a big project based on the children’s book series. and it looks great. I know that Pre-K will love having gardens closer to their classrooms.” Jack Herz ’12 Paul Sullivan ‘12

LAMPPOST 35 AlumniNow 2013 Lamplighter alums Henry Kaiser, Jack Yarborough, Jack Rose, Andrew Pfaff, Everett Graves, and Evan Sussman from the Class of ’13 reflect that it feels just like yesterday that they were buddies running around the playground. Today, they remain friends off the field after running around the soccer field during a recent ESD vs. Greenhill game.

Middle school mathletes mother of current student “thrilled” to hear the news Eleanor and Gabriel ’14, and noted that the three boys commented to fourth grade were excellent examples of math teacher Kathey Beddow, Lamplighter lifelong learners. “Gabriel has always been a Regarding Beddow, a favorite great fan of yours and still faculty member, Raney noted, is. He is learning lots of new “Mrs. Beddow is a talented things, but even now in sixth and inspiring math teacher grade, he talks about things and the perfect example of being taught in class he already our faculty who all shine in so 2014 knows because you covered many ways. It’s great to hear Greg Ross, a middle school placed four students in the it in fourth grade.” Patel said how she influenced alums math teacher at Greenhill, “high-scoring” category. she is thankful for the solid who are competing now at currently leads some , Varsha Gande ’14 foundation Beddow has helped Greenhill. Indeed, it is the Lamplighter alums in Math and Gabriel Patel ’14, build not only for her son, strong foundation provided in Club. Recently, Ross noted are Timmy Nadolsky ’14 but also for all Lamplighter these early years that paves that scores from the first five three of four of the highest- students. Vicki Raney, Assistant the way for success as children SIGMA math competitions scoring students. Nova Patel, Head for Academics, was get older!” lion kings This year, Parish Episcopal Middle School put on Disney’s The Lion King Jr. The performance showcased several Lamplighter alumni. Jessica Barnett ’97 directed the production. McLain Niven ’15, Hannah Newberger ’15, Finn Collins ’14, Matthew Wiggins ’14, and Lauren Staveteig (sister of current third grade student Jacob Staveteig) were all performers in the show. Collins and Wiggins were also seen in last fall’s Parish production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Wiggins was also in last spring’s production of School House Rock Live at the School. Wiggins was featured as Young Simba in the production, while the others manipulated puppets and costume pieces to portray different animals.

36 LAMPPOST AlumniSpirit Award

Lamplighter Spirit Lamplighter Honors Former Board of Trustees Chair Karen Pollock

To cap the School’s Alumni Days, more Albritton next introduced three speakers, me were the traditions – both old and new.” than 100 faculty, staff, parents, board former Board Chair David Miller, alum Pollock acknowledged Lamplighter members, and alumni attended the annual parent Patricia Arvanitis, and former interim founders Natalie Murray and Sandy Swain, Lamplighter Spirit Award Luncheon in head of school Judy Gass, who shared “whose vision for our school still holds true February. This year’s honoree was former stories about Pollock. Miller described today – hands-on learning and a true love Board of Trustees Chair Karen Pollock. Pollock as “articulate, knowledgeable, for the learning experience.” When she left The award was established in 2003 during and confident. She is the embodiment of Lamplighter as a student, Pollock explained the School’s 50th anniversary. According to Lamplighter spirit.” Arvanitis spoke next and that she was prepared because of the “great Lilly Albritton, President of the School’s said Pollock “invites collaboration and cares support” from her teachers, who gave her Alumni Association, Pollock was chosen about students, no matter which school they the confidence to believe in herself. because she “embodies the Spirit of attend. She truly sees all children as lamps Lamplighter, a lifelong learner who is waiting to be lit.” Gass credited Pollock with Pollock then shared how she and her willing to take risks and display creativity husband, Richard, both knew “without in her work.” Annual Alumni Award hesitation” that their children would thrive at Lamplighter. “Their teachers gave Pollock’s relationship with Lamplighter luncheon celebrates “lifelong them exactly what they needed to start began when she was a student, and their educational experience. Watching continued when her children, Katherine ’10 learners who embody the our children square dance, perform in and Matthew ’11, attended Lamplighter. Her spirit of Lamplighter” the Opera, and sell eggs [through the involvement grew over the years, and she Lamplighter Layers program] are some ultimately became the Chair of the Board of forming Lamplighter’s partnership with the of my fondest memories,” she continued. Trustees in 2010, during the launch of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Campaign for the Future. That Campaign explained, “Karen understands the mission During her remarks, Pollock informed funded the purchase of the school’s land. and vision and the impact Lamplighter can the audience that her current focus is the Also during her tenure, Pollock championed make with our students.” public school system. “I have become the search for the new head of school which involved through SMU and LeadershipISD was led by Alex Sharma. To rousing applause, Pollock stepped up in finding ways to help improve educational to the podium and started her speech by opportunities for all kids in Dallas.” She After the “Lamplighter Singers” performed claiming to be one of the luckiest people said that just like children at Lamplighter, a few songs, appropriately including in the room because she experienced “I believe every child deserves the same “Lamplighter Spirit,” Dr. Joan Hill, Head Lamplighter as a student, an alum, a opportunity to a quality education.” In of School, welcomed the group and parent, and a Board Chair. Pollock said she closing, Pollock thanked everyone and described Pollock as a “very special person” consistently came back to the reality “of explained that she has been able to give who greeted her when she arrived from how fortunate I am that my parents took a little back “to the place I love so dearly. Ohio to begin her new job as the School’s Head in 2011. Before introducing the the leap to send me to Lamplighter.” She Education of young people is one of the other speakers and the recipient, Dr. Hill added that all of the perspectives afforded greatest gifts we can give each other.” presented Albritton, who explained the her the chance to know Lamplighter from significance of the award. all angles. “But what kept resonating with

LAMPPOST 37 President’sCorner Year in Review Tiffany Wilmer produced an evening that or grade at parties they organized; and they saw Lamplighter community members were always available to provide answers to transform themselves into characters from questions or find the person who could. Amelie to Zoolander. Red carpet, paparazzi, famous film props, and an Oscar-worthy Engaging important constituent groups is soundtrack were only upstaged by the prized also part of the LPA’s community-building auction items available. All proceeds from efforts. Faculty and Staff Appreciation this sparkling spectacle were donated to the Chairs Janelle Pinnell, Katie Oudt, and Faculty/Staff Development Endowed Fund! Flauren Bender organized families to provide snacks that sustain busy teachers and Spring arrived, and the LPA sent the staff throughout the day, meals for monthly Lamplighter community on a world tour meetings, and celebrations of gratitude for during International Night. Chairs Lindsey our incredible faculty at the winter holidays, Dear Lamplighter Families: Beran and Danielle Cate gave all students Valentine’s Day, and end of the year. Kevin passports that provided “entry” to over Bowden, Dad’s Program Coordinator, This year’s LPA activities reflected the spirit 20 countries, each represented with food, organized Donuts for Dads/Popsicles of innovation grounded in rich tradition dress, history, and information provided by with Pops and recruited dads to join the that has permeated the broader school Lamplighter families. Travelers could take Event Staffing team supporting Carnival community this year. Innovation began a break from their journey to eat delicious operations. The Community Outreach in Spring 2015 as the LPA engaged in its food and watch performers share their committee carried Lamplighter’s mission first official Retreat. We started our year traditions in song, dance, and drum. beyond the Ring Road. Chairs Elayna by connecting our plans to the school’s Erick, Karen Lobdell, and Selwyn Rayzor Mission Statement. In the process, the Board Throughout the year, Cultural Awareness furthered our efforts to bring meaningful crystallized an understanding of the LPA as Chairs Lisa Kirby and Neelima Kurji service opportunities to our students by living the school’s mission in what we do and partnered with staff and faculty to organize strengthening our connection with our how we accomplish it. Amazing successes multiple events for the students. In the Commit! partner schools and piloting a new have grown from this seed. fall, students celebrated Hispanic Heritage relationship with Family Gateway through month with a tasting menu of Spanish service projects for our students that would Lamplighter’s mission calls us to engage favorites. Lunar New Year brought a directly impact the children of homeless in learning in a “creative, inclusive, and visit from the Lion Dancers, and in May, families in Gateway programs. collaborative environment.” The LPA’s a storyteller will present folk tales from embodiment of this principle is most visible around the world in honor of International These community-building efforts are in its sensational events. Carnival chairs Cindy Children’s Day. dependent on the LPA’s fundraising Hanson and Sunny Knocke and their capable endeavors: Spirit Store and Friday Lunch. committee filled us with Olympic-style spirit Communication is the key to unlocking the Allegra Feito and Natalie Oudt, Spirit Store at the Lamplighter Games. Kicking off the potential of an inclusive and collaborative Chairs, spread Lamplighter spirit around games with a torch-lighting ceremony and community. Working with school staff to campus in every season with their creatively Parade of Grades featuring each grade in publish weekly eNews and eReminders, designed spirit gear. Friday Lunch Chairs a different color t-shirt, the Carnival team Communications Chair Denise Stewart Nicole Householder and Stefanie Nielson scored high marks from all families with fun mastered the art of presenting timely and kept students and teachers fed and happy attractions, delicious food, spirited souvenirs, pertinent information in an engaging way. every Friday with hot pizza and organic and a spectacular senior jacket ceremony on New Families Chairs Mary Nix, Ali Robins, apples delivered directly to the classroom the famed Lamplighter hill. and Elisha Scott welcomed the new families by teams of parent volunteers. last spring with Milk & Cookies on the Every well-oiled machine has its hidden Lamplighter’s Media Center Open House, playground, guided them through the intake deftly chaired by Traci Lee and Tracy process, and kept the information coming Roybal, ushered in the giving season. Parents at important touchpoints throughout the donated books and contributed to the Media year. The final turn of the key to an inclusive Center Fund to honor our beloved faculty community comes from our Grade Level and staff as student musicians created a Coordinators – Treasure Hickman, Courtney festive atmosphere. Case, Stephanie Kirkham, Kim Sabel, Erin Hillman, Abbey Ahearn, Jerry Holzsweig, It was a star-studded night at Our Favorite Sharon Pfaff, Catie Enrico, Heather Balestri, Films 2016 Auction! Chair Megan Ratcliff and Monica Eastin. Our weeks started with and Co-chairs Stephanie Byrd, Emily Clarke, their Sunday emails in our inboxes, keeping Board Members of the 2015-2016 Morgan Kennedy, Jennifer Lochridge and us organized; we came together as a class Lamplighter Parents’ Association

38 LAMPPOST YoungAlumni gears that keep things moving, and the LPA Calling All Young Alumni! Board is no different. Treasurers Amisha Patel and Eric Loehr painstakingly tracked LPA finances. Volunteer Chairs Amy Mitts and Kristen Phillips managed the Volunteer database and insured that chairs had the help they needed. Mandy Dake served as Secretary, carefully documenting Board business. President-elect Brenna Lambert and President Advisor Carmen Yung supported all LPA activities with countless hours of work. Under the creative and capable leadership of Brenna Lambert, next year is certain to be incredible. It’s time for the The partnership between the school’s 6th Annual Lamplighter administration and the LPA is central to creating a “collaborative environment” for Young Alumni Car Wash community interactions. Dr. Joan Hill and the school leadership have been supportive Saturday, May 14 beyond measure. Sandy Diamond, Director of Advancement, and Parent Relations 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Coordinator Cindy Connolly were inexhaustible partners in the realization Volunteers Still Needed! of all LPA endeavors. Young Alums from across the city will come back to Lamplighter to wash cars, raise some money, and have a blast! We want you to be one of them! Without parent participation, few of the LPA’s plans could reach fruition. You have cheerfully worked required Carnival shifts Hey Parents! and volunteered on Carnival and Auction Do you have a company or local business that would be willing to sponsor committees. You have served lunch for 32 the Car Wash? Let me know! Fridays; sponsored tables for International Night; helped ensure Media Center Open House donated books to the library; Contact provided food, supplies, and support Jared Steinhart, Car Wash Chairman for students making 400 sandwiches for [email protected] or 214-454-0835 homeless children; filled teacher snack jars every week; and donated thousands The 2016 Lamplighter School Young Alumni Car Wash Committee of books for the libraries at our Commit! partner schools. Your dedication to your Committee Chair Committee Members Katherine Pollock – Sophomore children, the school, and our community Jared Steinhart – Junior Dulany Bloom – 7th Grade The Hockaday School Highland Park High School Greenhill School is inspirational. I am honored to have Kavita Sharma – 7th Grade had the opportunity to work with you Executive Committee Members Amelia Brown – Sophomore Parish Episcopal School all and know that next year’s LPA, under Emma Siegel – Junior The Hockaday School The Hockaday School Frank Thomas – Junior Brenna’s leadership, will further the spirit of George Dau – Junior St. Mark’s School of Texas creativity, inclusiveness, and collaboration in Sloane Castleman – Senior St. Mark’s School of Texas The Hockaday School Jake Darlak – 7th Grade Hyer Thomas – Junior new and wonderful ways. St. Mark’s School of Texas Ali Simenc – Junior St. John’s Episcopal School Greenhill School Best regards, Everett Graves – 7th Grade Michael Mosle – Senior Greenhill School St. Mark’s School of Texas Meredith Hessel – Senior Sarah Hodgson – Sophomore Episcopal School of Dallas The Hockaday School Shannon Morse Inez Johnson – 7th Grade Whit Payne – Junior The Hockaday School St. Mark’s School of Texas Kirsten Kirk – 8th Grade Shea Castleman – Freshman The Hockaday School The Hockaday School

LAMPPOST 39 Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TEXAS Permit No. 1851

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