winter/ LINK spring ’17

Gary Smith on His Mom, the From Where I Sit: pg. 9 pg. 34 Inside the Issue / Coal Chute, and the Moment Angelo Carmina He Learned to Read

pg.12 A Collage of Memories and pg. 40 Alumni Feature: Anecdotes Ethan Kasnett ‘08

the lab school of washington 4759 reservoir road, nw washington, dc 20007-1921 | 202.965.6600 | www.labschool.org “Ah, the founding of The Lab School … the stars aligned as they so often do, when a great idea is birthed — right people, right time, an inspiring idea, and a brilliant and creative founder.”

— dane nichols, former parent 50th Anniversary winter/spring Table of Contents 2017

FEATURES The Lab School of Head of School Washington Katherine Schantz pg. 8 The School that Sally Built Board of Trustees 2016-2017

pg. 9 Gary Smith on His Mom, the Coal Chute, and the Director of Institutional Advancement Moment He Learned to Read Bill Tennis, Chair Marty Cathcart Kate Fulton, Vice Chair pg. 10 Little Red Corvette John Jonas, Vice Chair pg. 11 Katherine Schantz on the Next 50 Years Mike Tongour, Secretary Editor/Director of Communications Susan Hutton, Treasurer Victoria Tilney McDonough pg. 12 A Collage of Memories and Anecdotes Mimi Dawson, Immediate Past Chair pg. 18 The Power of Play: Fifty Years of Design Academic Clubs Mike Beach Oliver Munday Mac Bernstein pg. 20 The Lab School’s Awards Gala: Then and Now Patricia Brown pg. 22 Posters, Publications, and Logos: Nancy Bubes Photography A Glimpse into the Past Davis Camalier Bruce Weller Art Coleman pg. 24 A Level Playing Field Ashley Dabbiere Photoshop Work pg. 25 More than a Word Martha Bridge Denckla Sheila Feinberg Alex Frederick Kimberly Sgroi pg. 26 With No Further Ado … Linda Fisher

pg. 30 Highlights Leah Gambal Lilibet Hagel pg. 32 Waste Not, Want Not Allyn Kilsheimer Hal Malchow Lori Soto www.labschool.org IN EVERY ISSUE H. Brian Thompson Ryan Wade pg. 34 From Where I Sit

pg. 35 Why I Teach

pg. 36 Shorts

pg. 38 Student Profile

pg. 39 Alumni celebrating 5 0

1967 years of 2017 the lab school o f washington

6 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 7 Gary Smith on His Mom, the Coal Chute, and the Moment He Learned to Read

ary Smith remembers when as a 9-year-old student at bang and crash and make the The Lab School, which was still in its original Phelps noise that didn’t even G Place location, he ditched class with his friend Charles. make sense. Little did “We found the coal chute and there we were, down and up, we know that we were school that down and up, down and up until a teacher found us covered in learning and retaining black soot,” he says. “On the way home in the car with mom, you what we learned along the can bet I got one of her 105 standard lectures …. As a kid, I was way. My mom knew what sally built a hyperactive little rug rat who thought he could get away with she was doing.” anything and everything — and tried — but I couldn’t with my t has been more than nine years since Lab School mom.” Gary remembers the day Founder Sally L. Smith died. The world has shifted in he learned to read. At I many ways — socially, politically, and technologically. Gary does recall, however, that it didn’t take long at The Lab 13 years old, something But if Mrs. Smith were still here today, one thing would not have School — the school started for him and others with learning finally clicked for good; changed: her passion for the mission of The Lab School. differences who were told at other schools that they could not in six months, he had learn — to start wondering each morning what cool things he’d jumped three grade levels. No doubt she would be thrilled to see that her school has grown get to learn that day. “My reading teacher took and thrived under Head of School Katherine Schantz who me to my mom’s office continues to thoughtfully guide Lab into the fast changing world “I had LD and ADHD. The Lab School changed my life. For the with the testing paper of 21st century education. She would be pleased to know that Lab first time, it was a place where everyone was just like me. We were in hand. She was on the continues to transform the lives of more students each year. And all class clowns and we phone but gave us that Mrs. Smith would be proud that the school she started — to fill all had ‘bladder problems’ ‘What did he do now?’ a need for her son and other struggling students like him who [Gary’s kindergarten look. I handed her the simply learned differently — is forging a deeper path in its role as teacher at his previous papers. She quickly got a thought leader in the field of learning differences education. school had asked his off the phone, screamed mother if he had bladder “Sally’s legacy is not just the kids and what she brought to the and jumped up to hug me, all of us laughing and crying,” says problems since he was world about learning disabilities; it’s the staff that were with her Gary. Forty-three years after that day, he has made up for lost always excusing himself for years,” says Head of Visual Arts Mark Jarvis. “She taught us time as a reader. “I especially love murder mysteries. Sometimes to the bathroom during how to teach these kids. She was really something.” I can guess who ‘done it’ before the end, but I love the twists and class. “If I couldn’t fake it turns the plots can take.” In addition to reading, Gary spends a lot in class, I’d hide out in the of his time writing, in particular a personal memoir of his life, but bathroom so no one would also stories for children, which he hopes to someday publish. know I couldn’t add 2+2 or recite the alphabet,” he In his apartment, Gary has a wall of photos of his mother and explains.]. The Lab School. “My mother gave my brain a life. She taught me — and all the kids at Lab — how to believe in ourselves,” he says. Gary loved the Academic Then, pointing to his brain and his heart, he adds, “She is in here, Clubs especially, because and in here … and I can hear her talking to me sometimes, saying, of the creativity of the lessons. “In Cave Club, I was Slimbo Limbo; “Oh, Gary, don’t be so melodramatic,’ then laughing that crazy, I became him the minute we put on our animal skins and started wonderful laugh of hers.” to act out our caveman stories. I loved Music, too, where we could

8 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 9 Little Red CORVETTE

n 2009, when Katherine Schantz was offered the position of head of I school at Lab, she says she was drawn to the challenge. “Founder Sally Smith had a brilliant idea that she brought to the fore, and after her death, the school needed someone to keep it alive and thriving,” she says. “It was definitely a compelling challenge for me.”

Ms. Schantz has been working with students with learning differences for more than 35 years. She is especially committed to the power of an arts-infused education to enhance the mind and help young learners form their identities. ost people who know The Lab School have seen it — “Sally was so giggly during the photoshoot; we all were. She just had the “famous” photo of Founder Sally L. Smith driving this bubbly contagious way about her. I’ll never forget the fun we M “I wanted to keep Sally’s pioneer spirit alive, but also work to usher the a 1957 red Corvette as if through the clouds, a vibrant had that day.” Laughing, Mr. Cohen adds, “And she did not want to school into 21st century learning,” she says. “The world of education is rapidly dotted green scarf tied around her neck and flapping behind her get out of that car!” changing and careers are now driven by globalization, technology, and new in the wind, her exuberant grin, red lip-sticked and stretched wide priorities. How we teach is crucial to helping unlock our students’ potential in with pure unmitigated joy. The photograph was taken for a coffee ways that will set them up for new directions in the future frontiers.” table book of photos and stories called Extraordinary Women: Fanta- sies Revealed: 58 Women of Accomplishment Portray Hidden Dreams and Looking forward to the next 50 years, Ms. Schantz says, “I want to see the Real Hopes written by Ilene Leventhal and Francine Levinson, and community at Lab continue to reach beyond the status quo. I also see us working Katherine photographed by Clay Blackmore. toward being even more progressive in our structures and actualizing our beliefs “I’m wondering how many people know the story behind the about how students learn, what’s important to learn, and what kind of learning photograph,” says Richie Cohen, former parent and current sticks.” Schantz grandfather of Intermediate student Devin Cohen. Mr. Cohen may be one of the few who do know the story. He was there … and he is As a thought leader in the field of learning differences education, The Lab School the owner of the vintage Corvette. certainly fits in this time in history when technologies are changing daily and on the progressive education is more crucial than ever. “It’s exciting to see our ideas Mr. Cohen and Mrs. Smith knew each other through American being implemented in the mainstream, not just here at Lab,” says Ms. Schantz. University several years before his children attended Lab. “Sally did “That definitely gives you the courage to reach further.” Next 50 Years God’s work, inventing a school to help kids who learn differently find their way in life,” he says. “When Francine, one of the authors, Ms. Schantz wonders what schools will look like in 50 years. “Maybe there who is a great friend of my wife’s and mine, told me Sally would will be no walls at all. Maybe everything will be mobile and accessible from be one of the women featured in the book, we set up the shot at my anywhere. And who knows what more we will learn about the way the brain vintage car museum in Rockville, MD,” he explains. works,” she says. “What I do know is that at The Lab School, we will continue to find new avenues for helping our students reach their potential and express For the book, Mrs. Smith was quoted as saying, “I have always themselves in ways that work best for them, rather than by any pre-ordained admired innovation. Isadora Duncan dared develop her own style rules or standards.” of dance; originators, like Isadora, helped me dare to design a new style of teaching children with special needs. Besides, I love free- flowing, colorful scarves with the wind blowing on my cheek as I ride in a sleek car!” It turns out that along with dance and education, Mrs. Smith was also passionate about vintage cars.

10 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 11 Dane Nichols A COLLAGE Former Parent and Trustee Ah, the founding of The Lab School … the of stars aligned as they so often do, when a great idea is birthed — right people, right time, an inspiring idea, and a brilliant and memories creative founder. Opportunities just kept and presenting themselves and a small group of us closed our eyes and, without hesitation, we jumped at the chance to help Sally start her own school by enrolling our children Editor’s Note: This issue would have been a tome had I used all and supporting the endeavor by getting the stories and memories, in full, that I received. I am incredibly stories the development and fundraising efforts grateful for the outpouring; clearly, The Lab School has left started. For the first Gala — “Reach for the Stars,” Eve Lilley and I sat on the floor enduring marks of satisfaction, inspiration, and mirth on all who with piles of index cards, each with a name, have been a part of this fantastic place. and laid out the seating for the event. Old technology! Above all, we had a great team that loved working together for Sally and her school. Shaun Miskell Jessica Rosenheim Head of Performing Arts Alumna, Class of 1992 35 Years at Lab I remember a lot of my wonderful Lab I don’t have one memory that exemplifies teachers. There was Mrs. Annie Owens my 35 years here … this place is who was always kind, honest, and direct throughout the transition from Sally Smith kaleidoscopic! I’m constantly reminded with me. There was Mr. Johnson, the dance to Katherine Schantz, could not have been what a privilege it is to get to know these teacher, who one time lifted me up in the air more steadfast, dedicated, and supportive amazing kids. Every day, I witness their with his feet. That was daring and kind of of the school and its mission. bravery and willingness to take risks and fun, too. He was stern but always wanted Diana Meltzer put themselves out there. Lab is a very me to do my best. I can never forget Mr. Sally Seawright Associate Head of School emotional place to work. Miskell. He was the king of comedy! He Retired Head of Junior High and Interim 35 Years at Lab sure knew how to show students how to act, Head of School I remember when we moved to the be creative, and have fun. Wow, 50 years! 15 Years at Lab Reservoir Campus in 1983 with our student What an extraordinary journey we’ve all My indelible memories of Lab are of Sally body of 123. Even though the Castle was Delores Bushong been on. Smith, a self-taught educational visionary, uninhabitable for the first six years, the Retired Teacher endowed with energy, zeal, and the ability school buildings, in comparison to the My students were so creative, and it was to communicate her vision, which almost exciting to see them gain in confidence. I Kingsbury Center where we had been, Trudy Fleisher made her a force of nature unto herself; always knew they would be successful — seemed palatial with their long corridors, College Advisor of teachers and staff who are amazingly and they are. Having such small classes and multi-floors, and big rooms. But it didn’t 25 Years at Lab talented, creative, dedicated, and passionate being in those wonderful old row houses take long to fill them up with learning and I remember …when there was no gym about their profession and care deeply on Phelps Place made for a truly intimate laughter. and swimming pool … when there were for each student; of students excited to learning environment. We felt like a family. 60 students in the High School and they learn and imbued with confidence from called teachers by their first names … when discovering how they learn differently; Mr. Roszics taught Algebra and had long of parents who often sacrificed much so hair … when graduation was held in St. that their children could benefit from Patrick’s Chapel and we all marched down the remarkable Lab School experience; the sidewalk with the graduates in their Mark Jarvis of Lab’s second, permanent Head of caps and gowns …when there was no Kelly Head of Visual Arts School, Katherine Schantz, who has Theatre … when actors performed the 22 Years at Lab built upon Sally’s vision to remain at the balcony scene in the student production A teacher squished a stink bug in her forefront in helping mold Lab students of Romeo and Juliet in the classroom classroom and handed it, wrapped in into excited and confident learners, who overlooking the playground. And I a Kleenex, to a very young Elementary has sharpened the focus and consistency remember the first day I walked into The student to go flush down the toilet. A few between Lab’s mission and programs, Lab School and met Pat Murray and Sally minutes later, the kid came back, swaddled and who has advocated successfully for Smith and knew that I wanted to be here. stink bug still in hand, and asked, “Is it a capital improvements that will enrich girl or a boy?” That’s one of my favorite Lab Lab’s learning environment decades into stories. It always makes me laugh. the future; and of a Board of Trustees who,

12 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 13 Marc Ferrara High School World Languages Teacher 21 Years at Lab When the Defense of Marriage Act was passed in 1996, and gays and lesbians were considered a threat to families, and many disrespectful comments about us were widely reported, I could not idly let the GLBTQ students whom I knew I had think that such words applied to them. Although it may have been known that I and some other teachers were gay, it was Eve Lilley an “open secret” that no one mentioned Retired Teacher and Former Board aloud. My students needed to know that Member their orientation was not a mark of shame During my first few years, The Lab School to be hidden, or that they had to expend was two townhouses stuck together and I the significant emotional energy to live a remember our wonderful, collegial team Bob Loftus double life as I had done for years. So I told running up and down the stairs and using Retired Social Studies Teacher Sally Smith that I needed to be “out” — not every space, coat closet, corner, and nook 20 Years at Lab flamboyant (any more than I already was) to bring out our best teaching. Sally made it all ages from elementary to high school and One morning, I was writing on the green or pushy, but not reluctant to answer such all work; it was all highly successful. I also knew all about the “hidden handicap”’ The board, my students behind me, when I questions as “What does that rainbow remember: Sally’s purple penned notes, best part was that 99 percent of our adult heard one student say, “Abraham was born bumper sticker mean?” or “Why aren’t you admonitions, praise, doodles on everything; students wanted to be there, they wanted to in Iraq.” Another kid asked, “Abraham married?” She agreed with me as long as it Monday morning staff meetings that would learn, they did their work, and they loved Lincoln?” And the first kid said, “No, the was discussed organically, naturally, not as Karen Duncan start at 9:00 and go forever; and Sally’s their teachers. For many of them, it was dude who invented God.” It was all I could a political statement. So it happened, and I Academic Director end-of-the-year parties at her house with the first time — or the last chance — to find do not to burst out laughing! Never a dull have ever since been thankful that The Lab 39 Years at Lab mountains of delicious eats, fortune-tellers, “that” teacher, the one who would change moment at The Lab School. I will never School was a welcoming community back My first day meeting Sally was in the live music, much chit-chat, and her huge everything for them. forget that exchange. then and has become immeasurably more summer of 1978. She was outside the and joyful belly laugh. so now. brownstones of the Kingsbury Center greeting the kids, which she did every morning; she knew every kid’s name. That Kelly Tanzi Angelo Carmina first day, she was out there in this bright Peg O’Donnell Former Lab School Teacher Athletic Director purple dress. She was quite a force. What a High School Reading Teacher and Former Sally had such a profound impact on my 30 Years at Lab formidable, caring and compassionate lady! Director of the Night School for Adults life. Through my experience at American I remember in the winters, we’d bundle with Learning Disabilities University, Sally became my mentor and everyone up in jackets, hats, and mittens 35 Years at Lab my friend. To this day, I still only grade my and sled down the back hill before the The Night School (1984-2012) drew adults students’ papers in purple. gym and the playground were built. The with learning differences from all walks of kids loved it. We’d all get fresh air, our life. Some were CEOs, some were struggling adrenaline going, and then the kids would to find any job. But they were such funny, be ready to get back to their classrooms to articulate, wonderful people — people, jump back into their academic stuff. imbued in grace, who once they came to us and were tested, invariably said that they had “always thought there was something” but never knew what it was that kept them back or challenged them more than necessary. It was easy for me to make connections with them since I was a special education teacher who had taught

14 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 15 Pat Murray Front Desk Receptionist, Reservoir 30 Years at Lab 5 For 30 years — in several different perches — I have had the prime spot to get to see our Lab kids grow and learn, mature, and do amazing stuff in and out of the classroom. O ! The constant buzz of the front door can be trying at times, Lord knows, but I wouldn’t trade my years and experiences here at Lab for anything.

Susan Mebane Carter Intermediate and Junior High Music Teacher Evelyn Novins 25 Years at Lab Teacher and Reading Specialist/ At my interview back in the summer of Former Librarian 1992, I remember walking into Sally’s office 32Years at Lab and being totally enthralled with the decor, It was my first or second year here, Gala the colors, and the wall-to-wall photos of time. Cher came into my classroom. She her standing with presidents. The interview had that crazy, amazing hair. I remember was short and so “Sally-like.” After about one of my students who always said what five minutes, she said, “I like your energy; was on his mind was just enamored with it. Former Night School Student you’re hired.” At first, she said, “Don’t let I’ll never forget his face staring at that hair When I lived in Chicago, I was formally the students sing,” which was strange since … and the fact that I was relieved that he tested for learning disabilities at I was a singer from New York. I came to didn’t say anything outlandish to her! Northwestern University. I knew in understand she was truly afraid of having grade school that I was dyslexic, but I our students fail as there had been some wanted formal confirmation. The testing singing disasters prior to my employment. indicated that I needed some remediation. Slowly but surely, I convinced her to trust So I did some research and found Sally in my ability to bring out the best, vocally, Smith’s book Succeeding Against the Odds. in our young performers, and it paid off. Reading that book was so transformative, One of my best moments was when about I decided to transfer with my company to 40 students and staff performed a song for Washington, DC to attend the Night School the dedication for the new Arts and Athletic for Adults at The Lab School. It was a Center in 2000, and there was Sally, very rewarding experience, an affirmation beaming from ear to ear. Another favorite that I was in the right place. The teachers memory was when we surprised Sally at were excellent and I was able to meet Sally one of the Galas with a dedication song to Smith, a lovely and remarkable person. her, “Because You Loved Me.” She was speechless, for once!

16 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 17 Fifty Years of Academic THE POWER Clubs of PLAY

collaborative approach is remarkable and measurable. Rich language, big ideas, and authentic materials come together to make our Academic Clubs uniquely suited to unlocking the intellectual capacity of young students who learn differently.

“Fifty years later, children continue to seek that feeling of belonging … they naturally want to be included and experience successful learning,” says Head of Academic Clubs Noel Bicknell. “Academic Clubs — through adopting personas, creating dramatic frameworks, and simulating a compelling time and place — strive to create this very esearch on the importance of play has ebbed and said. “I realized something that great philosophers thousands of sense of student membership, ownership, and belonging.” R flowed over the decades, but the same message seems years ago knew, that children’s play is, in fact, serious learning. to invariably rise to the top: Play is essential for brain Children’s play demands total involvement — body, mind, and In celebration of our 50th year, it seemed fitting that the year’s first exhibit in the Gallery development. Play brings joy and is vital for problem solving, soul. Involvement is the key. So, at the root of Lab’s Academic Club space in the Castle on the Reservoir Campus would feature — in photographs, artifacts, creativity, and relationships. Play allows children — and adults — Method is total involvement.” props, and quotations — the history of the Academic Clubs, a crucial piece of Lab’s to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, foundation. and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play offers people a The Academic Clubs played — and continue to play — a large role way to engage and interact in the world around them. in Lab’s ability to effectively teach young students with learning differences. The innovative Academic Club methodology is the Lab School Founder Sally L. Smith understood the power of play. backbone of the school’s Elementary and Intermediate curriculum. In 1967, she could not find a school that could help her youngest In themed spaces designed to foster student engagement, students child. He had learning differences but teacher after teacher labeled occupy the roles of historic cultural leaders as they create hands- him as lazy and below average; they thought he would never learn. on projects that bring a compelling past world to life. Through But she was his mother and she knew better. Borrowing ideas from these daily sessions, students engage in project-based exploration the 19th century philosopher, psychologist, and education reformer of history, literature, geography, science, archaeology, sociology, John Dewey who championed progressive education, Ms. Smith and visual and performing arts. The success of this small-group also figured out through themed birthday parties — long before they were an industry — that kids, even those like her son who had significant learning differences, could successfully learn through the arts. So she started her own school to help children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.

“At the birthday parties, the kids were using drama, puppetry, drawing, crafts, rhythm, and movement to make sense of the things that fascinated them. They were organizing their world with all the art forms serving as effective learning tools,” she

18 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 19 This year, The Lab School’s Awards Gala — its 32nd year running making that magic happen every day and helping these beautiful — hosted more than 900 people, and for the first time, 100 percent of and amazing kids run the future of our world.” the net proceeds were raised for financial aid. Miles Ray ‘10 Below are voices from our 2016 honorees and guests. Woodworker, Fabricator, and Designer the lab “The first time I was at The Lab School I got to go to the Woodshop. David Arquette I remember walking through the two big double plywood doors and Actor, Producer, Director, and Screenwriter seeing on my right a giant stack of wood and on my left a wall of school’s “I want to let you all know from one champion to all of you hand tools. And for the first time, I was truly excited to be at school champions that anything is possible … own your greatness … and and could not wait to go back again.… I could not be more proud awards remember that fear is something that we as champions overcome.” of myself for doing what I do, and what 8-year-old me would have thought was impossible.” Jacqueline Woodson gala: Then National Book Award Winner Honorable Chris Murphy “It was unimaginable to come from a place of being a really slow United States Senator for Connecticut reader to being in a place where I was wearing the National Book “Our job is to hold up this school as a shining light of educational and Now Award medal around my neck for the fourth time. So, to the young success and demand that every child with learning differences in people out there especially, I want you to imagine a different world, this country — no matter where they go to school, no matter what a world where there is kindness, and I want you to imagine a world neighborhood they live in — has the same shot at greatness as the where your difference, your learning difference, is amazing.… kids who walk through the doors of The Lab School each and Brilliance is passion recognized, and affirmed.” every day.”

Domingo Zapata David Letterman Contemporary Artist Retired Television Talk Show Host ince its first year in 1985, The Lab School Gala has always task!” The first Gala was held at the “I believe that sometimes you need to have room for mistakes to let From the “Dave Talks to Lab School Kids” video for the Gala: been known as a great party. Founder Sally L. Smith Hecht department store, an old DC beautiful and magical things happen. So thank you Lab School for “What is that? A bearded dragon? I’m kind of a bearded dragon!” S would flip through her famous Rolodex to invite and honor landmark — “though I have no idea people with learning differences who had found great why,” says Ms. Meltzer. Since 2009, success in their lives. Awardees at the annual fundraising event the Gala has been held at the National ranged from Actor Tom Cruise and Polar Explorer Ann Bancroft Building Museum, a majestic venue for to Political Commentator James Carville, Artist Richard Avedon, an annual event honoring outstanding and Football Great Dexter Manley. people with learning differences.

“The whole community looked forward to the event — always a IEP Specialist Ilene Weinbrenner festive and swanky evening — but even more significant was ‘Gala remembers one of the 1997 honorees, Day’ when the awardees would tour the school and talk with the Nurse and Congresswoman Carolyn kids,” says Associate Head of School Diana Meltzer. “I remember McCarthy. “She talked about what a Actor and Singer Cher telling the students that because of her terrible time she had had in math during dyslexia she had trouble dialing long-distance telephone numbers, school. She took summer courses and was endlessly tutored, and switching the digits and having to start over and over again. This finally her High School math teacher happily passed her, praising was before cell phones, but the kids ‘got’ her, and she got them. her tenacity. Years later, when she was an ER nurse, Ms. McCarthy The awardees would invariably show the students that anything helped save the life of a person who turned out to be that very same was possible, and that greatness was theirs for the taking, with or teacher.” without a learning difference.”

“I remember the Art department working so hard! They were in charge of all the decorations — at the school and at the Hilton Hotel where many of the Galas in the early years were held,” says Intermediate Administrative Assistant Bunny Lilly. “It was an enormous

20 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 21 posters, publications, and logos: A Glimpse into the Past

22 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 23 Over the years at Lab, the Athletics program has grown by leaps and bounds. Pun intended. In the Lab School Sports Over the Years early years, Physical Education — PE — was held in the park across from the “old campus” at the Kingsbury Center in Dupont Circle. And before Lab’s gym was built in 2000, PE teachers would drive down the road to Georgetown University to use the Yates Field House. Now, in addition to a variety of activities for PE classes like badminton More and fl oor hockey, The Lab School has 24 sports teams, covering eight sports. Than a Finding available fi eld, court, and gym spaces can be a challenge in our tight urban setting; booking fi elds and facilities for practices and games Word with the many other schools in the area can be a juggling act to say the least. But the Athletics Department, headed up by Angelo Carmina, who has been at Lab for 30 years, is known for its creative use of space. On any given day, you may see students doing “stadiums” up and down the outdoor Alphabet Staircase or performing crossfi t reps in the courtyard outside the Carriage House. disabled,” “intellectually handicapped,” “affl icted,” or “impaired.” Above all else, sports at The Lab School are about Ridiculous, right? As many students and their families have fun, tenacity, ownership, and sportsmanship. experienced before coming to The Lab School, their learning Lab’s athletes — whether shooting hoops, How Language And issues were treated like a problem, a defi cit, an abnormality. At running with Girls on the Run, or playing Lab, we know that students with learning differences can be of defensive wing in the last rivalry game of a Attitude Around Learning average or above average intelligence, and in fact, their differences lacrosse season — defi nitely give it their all until often open doors locked to those without learning differences. the moment the whistle blows. Differences Has Changed It seems the root of any change in language is an acceptance that “different” is not bad, nor a negative. At The Lab School, we celebrate differences. Without them, we would not have the Language is always changing; it responds to the needs of the invention of Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, a world record people who use it. In the fi eld of learning and attention issues of 28 Olympic medals, 23 of them gold, held by US Swimmer for children and adults, words have grown and transformed Michael Phelps, or the magic and power of movies like “ET,” dramatically, and continue to do so. In 1877, German Neurologist “Jaws,” and “Schindler’s List” from fi lm director, writer, and Adolf Kussmaul coined the term “word blindness” for “a complete producer Steven Spielberg. And those are just three of the many, text blindness … although the power of sight, the intellect, and the many creative and successful people who were once negatively LEVEL powers of speech are intact.” Ten years later, German Physician labeled as “learning disabled or handicapped.” Rudolf Berlin used the term “dyslexia” to ameliorate the defi nition of reading problems, though the term was not commonly used in Who knows what words and phrases attributed to learning the United States until the 1930s. “Hyperkinetic impulse disorder” differences will be in use in another 50 years, but we do know that — now known as Attention Defi cit Hyperactivity Disorder although words do matter, the attitude behind them is of most PLAYING (ADHD) — fi rst appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual signifi cance. What a boring world it would be if language didn’t (DSM) in 1968, and fi ve years prior, at an education conference in change and grow, and if all minds thought alike. Chicago, Psychologist Dr. Samuel Kirk became the fi rst to use the term “learning disability.” FIELD However, the most interesting part of the morphology around learning and attention issues is the attitude attributed to these words and labels. Not long ago — certainly within the last 50 years — a student with learning differences might be labeled “learning

24 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 25 WITH NO The Lab School’s More than FURTHER 30-Year-Old Lecture Series ADO …

tarted by School Founder Sally L. Smith in the mid- S 1980s, the Lecture Series at The Lab School has been drawing parents, researchers and professionals in the field of learning differences, faculty from other schools, and the these experts want to present in our series — to participate in all community to its monthly expert talks. The Lecture Series is that Lab is doing — and that those who attend the lectures find an example of Lab’s position as a thought leader in the field of great value.” education, in particular learning differences education. This year, in celebration of Lab’s 50th, the series includes Speaker, Author, Lectures can include topics on current research on reading with Education Activist, and Learning Disabilities Advocate Jonathan dyslexia, anxiety and depression in adolescents, medication Mooney and Educator, Author, Theorist and Innovator, Founder and ADHD, brain research and executive function, siblings of and Chief Education Officer/CAST, and Professor, Harvard a child with learning differences, and connecting language and Graduate School of Education David Rose, EdD among others. behavior at home and at school, among others. “Learning from these experts helps parents develop similar strategies at home so For the past few decades, Academic Director Karen Duncan has that their child is getting consistency at school and at home,” says networked with researchers and professionals in the field to find a Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Cathcart who is slate of speakers for each year. “The Lecture Series has definitely also a former Lab School parent. grown over the years,” she says. “It’s validating to know that “I always enjoy the opportunity to share clinical or scientific information with parents and professionals, which makes them think about their children in a new way, or perhaps gives them a bit of a different perspective,” says Director of Psychological Services Douglas Fagen, PhD who has presented at the Lecture Series on many occasions. “Often, it is the ability to bridge our clinical perspective with the parents’ deep knowledge of their own kids that provides the most rewarding exchanges during these lectures.”

“Having the opportunity to share an insight, or a technique, or even a phrase that parents are able to take home with them, and make the incredibly challenging task of parenting a bit easier, can be extremely rewarding,” says Director of Speech and Language Services Melissa Wood, also a frequent presenter. “If we can do that, it’s certainly worth the effort.”

To learn more about The Lab School’s Lecture Series, and to view them online, go to www.labschool.org/Page/outreach/Lecture-Series.

26 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 27 The Lab School of Washington opened in 1967 with five students. By Below are highlights from the first 40 years created for that year’s end, there were 25. Now, 50 years later, the school has more anniversary, with additions from the last decade on the following than 380 students, and scores of alumni who are spread across the page. Busy, fruitful, forward-thinking times — all of them. city, the country, and the globe bringing their successes, talents, and extraordinary ways of looking at the world with them. Looking Back

28 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 29 2010 • New website, mobile app, and social • Public Kickoff of Capital Campaign and media advance Lab School profile Groundbreaking for new High School • Completion of Lab School’s first-ever Strategic Plan LSW • High School Boys Soccer named ISSAC League and Tournament Champion • Creation of “The Commons,” the lunch and gathering area on the Reservoir Campus

Highlights • Annual national and international travel program initiated 2007-2016 • School-wide focus on Global Citizenship • Increase in opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge on neurological research and technology with several local universities

• Technology plays bigger role in 2015 curriculum after intensive technology audit/assessment 2013 • Lab School chosen to be first Washington,

2007 2009 DC area high school chapter of Eye to Eye • Katherine Schantz on Capitol Hill to Mentoring Program • The Dorothy Proctor Adams Library was moderate panel discussion “Dsylexia: A completed and dedicated Lifelong Journey” • Bruern Abbey School in Oxforshire, England (an LD School) came to Lab to • Soft launch of Capital Campaign visit and play a soccer match against the Junior High Boys Soccer Team • For third consecutive year, High School Girls Basketball were ISSAC League and Tournament Champions

2011 • Death of Lab School Founder Sally L. Smith • First Summer Project for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders • Sally Seawright becomes Interim Director

• Rob Mathias becomes Chair of The Board of Trustees

• Launch of Lab School Alumni Association 2016

• The Lab School joins the National Associa- • First High School classes move into the tion of Independent Schools (NAIS) new High School building

2008 2014 • Plans for Phase II of building project underway • Baltimore Lab School becomes independent from The Lab School of Washington • Successful close of Capital Campaign • Katherine Schantz becomes second • Gateway Lab School in Wilmington, raises $12.3 million Head of School Delaware signs licensing agreement • Creation of The Lab School of with Lab Washington Scientific Review Board • Official launch of school-wide • The Edith and Herbert Lehman Founda- Sustainability Initiative tion donates grant program for annual • Official launch of school-wide Diversity learning and travel fellowships for faculty and Inclusivity Initiative • High School dedication and kickoff 2012 of Lab School’s 50th Anniversary • The Honorable Joseph Biden, Jr., former • The Lab School and the Robert Vice President was Keynote Speaker at Rauschenberg Foundation celebrate • New High School wins awards for Annual Awards Gala 20 years of collaborative Power of Art architectural design, construction, and conference commitment to sustainability. • Elementary Division moves to Foxhall 2017 and • Seven years after its inception, Lab School Baltimore graduates its first class beyond … • Business Office moves into its new home on Whitehaven Parkway

• Paul Rabil Foundation helps launch Lab’s

Lacrosse program

30 the link | winter/spring 2017 • Mimi Dawson becomes Chair of The Board the lab school of washington 31 of Trustees These are just a few examples, but all of them are designed to embed the ethics of sustainability into each member of The Lab School community.

WASTE Solutionaries

As a school known for its creative teaching methods and thought leadership, Lab’s current and ongoing projects around NOT, sustainability serve a crucial need to prepare young people — and adults — for the shift toward a sustainable future. By offering myriad opportunities for students to explore and grapple with controversial topics, focus on whole systems thinking, make WANT connections, and visualize a healthy world for all people, Lab is creating a community of what Zoe Weil (author of Lab’s Intermediate is spearheading a sophisticated school-wide professional development reading choice The World Becomes What composting plan, which includes students doing activities around We Teach) calls “solutionaries”— creative, analytic, empathetic, and NOT the fact that more than 50 percent of municipal solid waste is big picture thinkers. compostable but ends up in our landfills, why waste is a global problem, and how making more sustainable choices helps not only one’s community, but the whole planet. “The kids learn the science behind composting like the need for an equal balance of nitrogen and carbon to break food down, but what they get the most excited How The Lab School is creating a about — outraged really — is the waste,” says Intermediate Science Teacher Steve Wolfe. “They’ll go home and tell their parents that community of “solutionary” thinkers they need to get composting bins and worms … and not tomorrow but today, the planet is waiting and we’re all connected!” through its Sustainability Initiative In Junior High, Global Citizen Teacher Rachel Clement has her students role play, stepping into the shoes of others — say, a factory worker in Nicaragua sewing shirts — then ponder and present to the class on what they would do to make conditions better. “We “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens As we know, thinking drives behavior; behavior causes results. talk a great deal about social justice as sustainability, and the fact can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” And sometimes a significant shift in behavior can occur with the that everything we touch, every decision we make, affects every Most of us have read or heard these words from American Cultural introduction of a thought, story, or experience. As children, we single person in the world,” she says. “Connecting with people, Anthropologist Margaret Mead, and believe them, deeply. But then are taught to throw away our trash. But where is that mysterious even hypothetically, makes us care more about finding solutions.” what? How many of us actually turn those words into actionable “away”? Where do those millions of plastic plates and forks from change? decades of birthday parties end up? Where do the vats of toxic waste In Craig Omerod’s High School Environmental Science class, from manufacturers go, or all the smoke from factory stacks we see students are given ample opportunity to delve into Socratic At The Lab School, we understand that intelligence is not static; gushing skyward? There is, in fact, no such place as “away,” and discussions around science and ethics such as the global cost of it can change with hard work and experience. And because our once we realize that, we shift what we throw away and why. In the deforestation or the nearly 4,000 oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. In students learn differently, holistically — seeing, for example, how sustainability presentation during Lab’s fall staff orientation, Ms. Ms. Frattali’s Tide Turners class, her students choose a “magic a project cleaning rubbish from a river may then become a large Frattali said, “When we adopt a mindset that trash, people, food, or wand” project to solve a problem — hosting a daily vlog (video scale art project of sea creatures made from that trash, which in turn culture are expendable in any way, ‘away’ comes back to haunt us in blog): “One Good Thing for the Environment”; proposing a Lab becomes a means to educate others about the dire effects of pollution our own body, families, and lives.” School Scuba Diving Club so students can learn to help reforest — we are already thinking about whole systems models, about the coral reefs; and curate an environmental art show for Earth Week, crucial importance of sustainability on all levels. The antithesis of “away” among others.

No such place as “away” Already, each division is educating students about the fallacy of Students in Art Teacher Rebecca Alberts’ class learn to notice and “away,” and creating classes and projects around sustainability. incorporate in their art projects the interconnectivity of everything. As part of The Lab School’s 50th anniversary year, we are focusing In Elementary, activities in and around the Foxhall Farm cross They collect the plastics from lunches for a month then display on a three-pronged initiative that includes diligent focus on the entire curriculum. Students in classes with Science Teachers this trash artfully as a way to reinforce the idea of sustainability. In and plans around global citizenship, inclusivity/diversity, and Rebecca Murrett and Lynn Gudhus brainstorm ways to reduce Silversmithing class, they incorporate a found object in their piece sustainability. Although many of our sustainability projects waste as a school, write a grant proposal, and receive funds to as a way to give something discarded new meaning. have been going on for some time, a committee, spearheaded by provide each student with a reusable water bottle to eliminate paper HIGH MARKS Director of Sustainability Beth Frattali, is working to formalize cup waste. Language Arts students give visual presentations on And in other corners on both campuses, Lab is using and expand these projects to include the entire Lab community. In what it means when someone is evicted from his country, home … or environmentally friendly paper for all its publications, and Lab’s new High School officially achieved Leadership in Energy & fact, between the beginning of school this year and Earth Day in even the classroom. choosing for its major events the first green-certified caterer in the Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification. The building, April, each teacher is asked to create at least one lesson plan around United States. designed by Stantec Architecture, joined a select group of innovative sustainability. buildings that demonstrated a commitment to sustainability.

32 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 33 Deborah Wise From Where I Sit Why I Teach Junior High Angelo Carmina, Athletic Director English Teacher

Back when Athletic Director Angelo Carmina was in school, I don’t know if it’s because they have had to work hard to overcome One of her favorite writing assignments students like him who had learning differences were known as the the challenges associated with their learning differences, but wow, involves a walk. “I tell my students to class clowns or the troublemakers and were often sent to the rec they are tough, they have grit.” go home, put all their technology away, room to expend their energy. School was sometimes frustrating, take a walk, and notice what they notice,” but sports — football, basketball, and track and field — gave him Mr. Carmina says that accountability is the foundation of sports at she says. “The kids always come back confidence and motivation, the joy of being part of a team … and a The Lab School, especially for the athletes playing on the school’s and write something extraordinary.” reason to get up for school. 24 teams. “All our teams are no-cut leagues. Everyone who wants to One student wrote that during his walk play can play. That said, we believe in our athletes. We push them, it started to rain, hard. He walked on, Mr. Carmina was fresh out of the State University of New York at and we expect them to show up and give 100 percent during practice leaves sticking to the ground, a thick, Buffalo, engaged to his high school sweetheart, when he landed and games. They respect that.” wet loneliness descending. He thought, at The Lab School. He’d applied for two jobs in the area and after “Oh, this is what it must be like to be Clearly, whatever Mr. Carmina, his colleagues in the Athletics he interviewed with School Founder Sally Smith, he was hired homeless.” Ms. Wise says it is moments Department, and the teacher coaches are doing is working. Every on the spot as a Physical Education teacher and head of the After like that, when her students mature in year, there is more demand for sports. In the last year or two, for School Program. Obviously, it was a good fit for Lab and for Mr. one tilt of the head, stopping to notice example, basketball expanded to nine teams to accommodate all the Carmina … for the last 30 years, he has shared his love of sports with something, or making a meaningful students who wanted to play. “Sports help kids grow and develop generations of Lab School students. connection in the world around them, in important ways that often can’t be accomplished in an academic that truly move her. “What impresses me most about the kids here at Lab is their classroom,” he says. “We are proud of the positive feedback we Even after 30 years as an English teacher in the Junior High division resilience. It’s incredible to see,” he says. “There was an eighth get from current parents about their kids’ experiences in sports at The Lab School, Debby Wise is exactly where she wants to be. What keeps Ms. Wise coming back year after year is the fact that grader last year playing Varsity Lacrosse who was t-boned — hard and the visits and emails from former students who tell us what “I love teaching eighth grade. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. she can create her own curriculum. “We are given the freedom here — by a more than six-foot-tall opponent. He brushed himself off an important role sports have played in their successes.” Two of It suits my temperament, my sense of humor, and the way I teach,” at Lab to adapt our curriculum to each group of students we have, and bolted after the tall guy, determined to win back the ball. These Mr. Carmina’s former students —Alicia McNeill and Joe Scorah she says. “The kids come in young and by the time they leave eighth which is incredibly important in being able to successfully teach our kids don’t surrender; they play their hardest till the whistle blows. — returned to Lab and have been an integral part of the Athletics grade, I can see the germ of the adult that they will become. It’s a kids with learning differences. We are encouraged to create new Department for several years. In fact, great age.” projects, draw from current events, and teach in a flexible and fluid this year, Mr. Carmina — after 27 years way without giving up the central ideas and goals for the year. It’s Before starting at Lab and graduating from American University’s and more than 600 games coaching empowering as a teacher,” she says. And having colleagues who Master of Arts in Special Education: Learning Disabilities program, basketball — handed over the head are collaborative and passionate about their work also goes a long Ms. Wise worked in Hospice on the bereavement team. “It was very coach whistle to Mr. Scorah. way. “Everyone cares so much about the kids here, and about each interesting work, important work, getting people to share their other,” she says. “There is a real streak of kindness and an effort to “I think what makes our department stories and find some semblance of peace in the wake of loss, but be thoughtful, which I think is unusual, and wonderful.” work is the fact that we are a tight- it got to be too much,” she says. “I thought I would go the opposite knit group. We’re like a family that way and get into teaching, which had always interested me, in order Sometimes, her best days are when she gets to step back, giving her can speak frankly to each other, then to bring joy and knowledge to young learners.” students the opportunity to take more ownership and leadership in move on, business as usual,” says Mr. what they are learning; to let their voices be primary. And Ms. Wise In her classes, Ms. Wise teaches writing, often through the use Carmina, who has been working with finds great pleasure in hearing from her old students. “Most of us of primary sources — like a journal written in 1527 by a Spanish the remaining three of his colleagues for remember our sweet kindergarten teacher or that pivotal teacher in explorer and another by a Puritan traveling to the New World on more than 20 years. “The bottom line is high school, but who remembers their junior high English teacher?” the Mayflower — where her students can make connections from that we all care a lot about the kids here she laughs. “It’s such a joy to see my former students happy and full old texts to contemporary situations and compare points of view. and aim to bring out the best in them on of life, grown into these wonderful human beings. I take a lot She also uses classic novels like Washington Irving’s The Legend of and off the field.” of shared pride in that.” Sleepy Hollow as examples of how to use rich, sensory language.

34 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 35 SHORTS

“CONSTABLE, TAKE HER TO THE GALLOWS!”

“The Salem Witch Trials were a nasty part of history because people were STONE MEDITATION accused of stuff they didn’t BENDING MINDS do,” says an Elementary Who knew that there is something called “gravity glue”? In “BUT WHAT ABOUT ?” Two questions. Two answers. Q: Why does any student playing an accused a fall Gallery exhibit that extended around the corner, people saw gravity glue in action as they noticed stone cairns along the material have the properties that it does? A: Because witch in American Over the last several years, in cities and on college campuses, there has baseboards, on windowsills and shelves. It turns out that every of the kinds of atoms it has and how they are arranged. Revolution Club Teacher been much discussion about changing the names of roads or buildings rock is covered in a variety of tiny to large indentations that can Q: Why does anything do what it does? A: To become Mandy Newport’s class. named after Confederate generals or Heads of State who supported act as a natural tripod for the rock to stand upright or sideways, more stable. slavery. Names are being changed, others remaining. Some people Before delving into the a sort of sweet spot where the stone can “stick” to another stone. believe that retaining the names is an affront. Others assert that “erasing There are two main themes that High School Science study of Colonial living, American history” serves only as a refusal to confront our history, teach Teacher Mark Moverman drills into his Chemistry students in American Students in Intermediate Art Teachers Ashley Allegra it, and learn from it. students’ heads. “With these two ideas, you can Revolution Club Sullivan and Silvia Salgado’s classes learned about the power of perseverance and grit through the meditative art of building explain just about anything,” he says. investigated the Salem Students in Junior High Social Studies Teacher Caitlin Krieck’s class stone totems. Witch Trials — a series of are delving into similar conversations through role playing and mock To prove his point, students have been studying hearings and prosecutions that began after a group of young “The aim of this nature-oriented project was to experience trials. In November, when much of the country celebrated Columbus crystals and metals. In one class, students compared girls in the small village of Salem, Massachusetts claimed to how we interact and cooperate with nature to understand its Day, students investigated the history around the explorer’s 1492 landing quartz, a crystalline material, to glass, an amorphous- be possessed by the devil and accused several local women amazing qualities and potentials. Creating a totem, or cairn, in the New World, and the points of view of those involved — including type material. Both are made of the same material of witchcraft. Mass hysteria spread; the trials resulted in the encompasses focusing, building, falling, starting over, and the Taíno Indians, the Spanish Monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen — silicon dioxide (SiO2) — but the atoms are execution of 19 people — 14 of them women — and two dogs having faith in persevering,” says Ms. Allegra, “The temporary Isabella, and Columbus, himself, and his men. arranged differently. To experience how these atomic that were thought to be possessed. nature of rock totems allows students to see the duality of the arrangements produce different properties, students “We are all told stories. They are how we understand ourselves and our learned that when heated, quartz will remain hard Two weeks of research and projects, the unit on the Salem medium (rocks) by making something delicate out of something world, but it is also crucial to ask hard question about the stories we are but then melt at a specific temperature. Glass gets soft Witch Trials culminated in dramatizations of the trials in typically seen as hard and sturdy.” told, and to look at them from various perspectives,” says Ms. Krieck. before it melts and can be bent, shaped, or blown. the Foxhall Garden. Students played one or several historic When asked about the process, one student said, “I like building “When studying history, like America’s history — its pride and its shame roles including accused witch Sara Good, Reverend Samuel the cairn, then redoing it when the stones fall. It makes the fun — I want my students to invariably ask, ‘But, what about …?’ After all, On another day, students tested the properties of iron Parris, and the Constable John Willard. Once the trails come back again. Maybe you get to build it another, cooler way.” there is always more than one side to a story.” and steel when they visited a real blacksmith shop at concluded, the audiences peppered the actors with questions. Another student added, “The rocks fall all the time. That’s the Gulf Branch Park, hosted by Intermediate Teacher “What exactly are the gallows?”; “Why were more women For their research on the history around Columbus, students used way it is, so it isn’t really that frustrating.” Still another student and Blacksmith Noel Bicknell. Of particular focus accused than men?”; and “Did this happen anywhere else?” primary and secondary sources, created evidence logs for each character said, “I liked having to be patient and gentle with the stones. was the way steel is heat treated in various ways In answer to one perceptive question — “Could rumors cause or group of people, and wrote statements of guilt or innocence around You look at what you built and it’s like anything is possible.” to alter the crystalline structure of the metal and to trouble today like they did back then?” one student answered the mistreatment and genocide of the Taínos. The unit culminated in the control the amount of carbon imbedded within it. earnestly, “Yes. They can be dangerous like the rumors A fall exhibit in the Gallery showed the project in all its mock trials where each character or group defended themselves, offered about those creepy clowns that got people in schools scared.” facets. There was a time-lapse photography slideshow of the testimonies and evidence, and responded to the prosecution “in court,” “What’s striking to the kids is the feeling the moment students collecting rocks from the school’s water shed area and which Ms. Krieck reported, became excitingly heated at times. when a hard material like glass or metal becomes soft “In addition to having fun play acting, the students seemed constructing memorial totems outdoors and indoors. Near and and malleable,” says Mr. Moverman. “It’s an to develop a deeper sense of empathy and the importance “My students were incredibly invested in the process; they seemed to around the totems themselves rested poems written about the ah-ha moment.” of having an open mind and not making assumptions about genuinely care about the guilt or innocence of their character. It was process. And on the walls hung charcoal and graphite drawings other people,” says Ms. Newport. great to see. By using role playing and perspective taking, every kid the students drew of the totems as well as some paintings and got something out of the process, and in so doing, explored different papier-mâché renditions. parts of themselves,” she says. “Conducting mock trails — and all the “Life is about falling and rising again and again, and making research and work to prepare for them — around Columbus or the totems attests to the grace of that moment in life when it’s Boston Massacre, for example, is a way to start conversations and ponder all temporarily stable,” says Ms. Salgado. “Art is a chiming important questions, essential for our democracy.” 36 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 37 moment in time ...” Student ALUMNI Update Profile

my accommodations if I had not learned the great strategies and Alumni Feature: tools that I did at Lab.” Now, in his law practice, before finalizing any piece of work, he goes through his strategic checklist. “I even read backwards what I write to make sure that my argument is Colin Andrews ‘06 structured and flows properly,” he says. Colin works at the firm of Garvey, Schubert, and Barer in Wash- ington, DC. One of his favorite projects involved working with the It was second grade, the year before Colin Andrews ‘06 came to FCC, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agricul- The Lab School. Along with one teacher and all the kids in grades ture, and with many Native American tribal clients on issues rang- Travon Gray first through sixth who had learning differences, Colin — who was ing from general FCC compliance to more specialized topics such as diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia — went to a triangular-shaped obtaining federal funds for broadband and wireless communication ‘17 room for his classes. One of the walls was floor-to-ceiling glass on tribal land or acquiring and licensing low-powered FM radio that overlooked the Physical Education classes. It was noisy, and stations to better serve their communities. “This kind of work is pure ‘feel good,’” he says. “Empowering the tribal councils and Until Travon Gray ’17 travelled to Cambodia incredibly distracting. “Looking back, this situation for the kids and Vietnam during his junior year at Lab, it with LD was almost laughable,” he says. helping to bring broadband, for instance — something most of us never occurred to him that any kid would go think at this point as a right — to people who don’t have it definitely At Lab, not only did Colin find his learning environment quieter to school without shoes. “The trip changed me; it clicks that all human beings are looking for the same thing — to be accepted and makes going to work every day incredibly satisfying.” it made me incredibly grateful for everything I understood,” he says. and less distracting, he discovered that learning was easier have,” says Travon. “We went to a village school with more tailored instruction, small student/teacher ratios, in Cambodia, and there were kids who didn’t Travon is a hard worker. Reading and writing have always been difficult for him, and through creative, hands-on learning like that in the have shoes. It was startling.” but because of his tenacity and his work ethic, his highest scores on his SATs and the Academic Clubs. ACT were in reading. “It’s because of Ms. O’Donnell [High School Reading Teacher Travon understands that part of traveling in a Peg O’Donnell] who taught me in ninth and tenth grades that I have done so well,” “A boy just my age with similar learning challenges started the school group to different countries and cultures he says. “She is absolutely amazing, and we have a similar sense of humor that same day I did. We were taught together a lot of the time, which is about being independent and open-minded. always made being in her class fun. She definitely prepared me for the next level.” made both of us happy and more interested in keeping our noses to “Sometimes it’s best to be quiet and observe. He also mentioned his junior year Government class with Social Studies Teacher the grindstone so we could stay together,” says Colin. “We were fast Maybe you see five people riding on one bike, Cristine Colombo where the class had “these great, structured conversations about friends, and still are today. He came to my wedding.” or trash everywhere. You have to seep it in, not current events, conversations like you’d have in college.” judge. Seeing different places definitely makes Colin loved acting at Lab, and in fact almost graduated from West you reflect on your own life in a new way,” he A talented artist, Travon hopes to go to college in New York City and study Virginia University with a degree in Theater, but he realized he says. Communications or Business … and draw on the side for fun. “My parents really enjoyed arguing and writing persuasive papers in his Political push me, but they’re also nurturing. I understand the big picture and the steps In addition to having the opportunity to travel involved in getting where you want to go. No one needs to remind me to get up in Science classes more than speaking preordained monologues or internationally, Travon says that experiences the morning or to focus on my homework,” says Travon. He also says that his older dialogue on stage. However, his background in acting has helped and classes he’s had at The Lab School have brother, who works in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and his sister, a him both as a law student role playing in mock trials at George helped him open up and see the world from “better artist than I am” and a high jumper at the University of North Carolina who is Washington University Law School and as a lawyer focusing other people’s perspectives, not just his own. training for the Olympics, are an inspiration to him. “Seeing them succeed and follow on representing both commercial and noncommercial radio At a Student Diversity Leadership Conference, what they love, makes me want to succeed, too,” he adds. “I’m excited.” and television companies before the Federal Communications Travon found himself having deep and probing Commission (FCC). “Sometimes you need a different face, or to see conversations with people he might not have things from the angle of another person,” he says. “Acting skills can otherwise met in his daily life. “The conferences definitely come in handy.” are intense,” he explained. It’s as if you get to know people from the inside out instead of Halfway through college, Colin decided to cut his LD the other way around, the way people usually accommodations. “I knew that as a lawyer I wouldn’t get special do. “You come to understand how people can treatment,” he says. “I wouldn’t have been able to do without be offended by certain words or actions, and

38 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 39 Alumni Feature: Lee Olson ‘10

Lee Olson ‘10 thinks about happy endings. As a guardian ad litem (GAL) who works for the state of North Carolina representing the And succeed, he has. This fall, Ethan was in the ensemble of the best interests of abused and neglected children, Lee sees many sad Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical Carousel at Arena Stage in stories unfold, but at the end of each case, she likes to think that DC. “I was thrilled! Arena is one of the best regional theaters in the children involved all have happy endings. “These are neglected the country. I’d pinch myself every day having the chance to work and abused kids — from one-day-old babies to young adults of 18. with all those amazing people,” he says. In addition to being a part Ending up back with their parents is not always the best outcome; of Carousel and many other shows, Ethan is particularly proud sometimes they get a happier ending with a grandmother or an of his performance of Chantel — one of the Cagelles — in La Cage adopted family,” says Lee. “Right now, I’m wrapping up a case aux Folles at Signature Theater, and in PBS’ “The White House working with a 16-year-old girl who is getting adopted. You don’t Celebrates the Music of Broadway.” see older kids get adopted too often; it’s a wonderful story.”

His senior year at Lab — after leaving for a year then returning Lee attended The Lab School for only two years — her junior to Lab — Ethan was in the spring show written by Head of and senior years. She’d had an IEP for her dyslexia since grade Performing Arts . “It was about a group of kids and Shaun Miskell school, but it wasn’t until high school that she found herself truly a machine that turned them into the celebrity of their dreams. My struggling and not receiving the help and accommodations she character transformed into Gene Kelley and I performed a huge needed. “It was tough to leave my friends in the middle of high song and dance number at the end. It was fantastic, and I really school like that, but Lab was definitely the change I needed,” she bonded with Mr. Miskell.” Surprisingly, that was Ethan’s only says. “Everyone was incredibly welcoming and it didn’t take me show at Lab. He spent five hours after school every day, and eight long to adjust.” hours on weekends immersed in his passion for musical theater at a Alumni Feature: pre-professional company in Rockville, Maryland. For family court, Lee manages 50 court volunteers and, at any given time, she juggles some 100 cases. “Without the skills and From there, Ethan earned a BFA in Musical Theater from the strategies I learned at Lab, I don’t think I could manage all of what Ethan Kasnett ‘08 University of Miami. “Thank God for Ms. Fleisher [College Advisor I do in as organized a fashion,” she says. Among other teachers ]!” says Ethan. “I applied to 14 schools and spent a Trudy Fleisher and mentors at Lab, Lee says she remembers Head of High School good two months my senior year flying every weekend to audition. Lisa McMahon most fondly. “I loved her. She was a great support She helped me more than I can say.” In many of the programs like As a 2-year old, Ethan Kasnett ’08 would sing and dance to to me. She helped me transition from public school to Lab and then that at Miami, only eight-to-twelve students are accepted from Michael Jackson videos. The moon walk was his favorite. At 5, his from Lab to college — Eastern Carolina University (ECU), also Ms. thousands of applicants. For much of the academic and personal family bought a karaoke machine that hooked up to the television McMahon’s alma mater!” support he received at Lab, Ethan also credits Social Studies and every night, there he was practicing his moves and singing his Teacher Christine Molishas and Spanish Teacher Kelly McAvoy At ECU, Lee earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and heart out in front of the screen. And when he could, he’d get one Hassan. “They were my guiding light during high school,” he says. Community Services, with a concentration in Early Intervention. of his two older sisters to role play with him. “We’d sing ‘Summer She had planned on being a teacher, but after student training in Nights’ from Grease,” he laughs. “She’d be Sandy, I’d be Danny.” When asked what role he has on his wish list, Ethan does not a kindergarten classroom, she changed to the GAL program. “The hesitate. “Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon. I’ve had eight By middle school, Ethan was fully immersed in training in dance, GAL program was a better fit where I could still work helping callbacks for the Broadway show … I’m getting closer.” As any voice, and acting. He reveled in it, but school was a different children and families, just in a different arena,” she says. person who has attended Lab knows, you keep trying till you get it story. Ethan transferred during the middle of his seventh grade right — whether auditioning for a show on the Great White Way or Lee says she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Social Work year from another independent school to The Lab School. “My mastering the moon walk. in the future, but currently, she is enjoying her life — living in school experience before Lab was horrible. If you didn’t fit into the Wilmington, enjoying her friends, and drawing great satisfaction mold, you were written off. There was a total lack of acceptance from her work. Right now, she is experiencing her own for anyone or anything outside the lines,” he says. “Lab was the happy ending. complete opposite. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn’t have to fit into any pre-ordained mold. I never felt lost in the crowd, and like me, every kid at Lab was set up to thrive. I knew I would succeed in the world because of what Lab gave me.”

40 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 41 class notes

class notes geared for fourth-through- Sydni Williams is working In some instances, alumni graduated from a high school other than The Lab sixth-grade readers and is avail- at Radio One. Biggest Alum Party to Date! School. They are listed here by their high school graduation year. able on Amazon. He is currently In early January, more than 125 alumni, working on a second book as Class of 2016 part of a series. faculty, and staff came together to job opportunity. In her spare Leslie Seabright is co-founder promoted to assistant director. Last summer, Spencer celebrate at Lab’s 50th Anniversary time, she loves to travel, cook, of a small video production He has a 2-year-old son. John Mulberger graduated Blumberg and Scott Burns read, and go to museums. “I company in Los Angeles, Alumni Party. Held in the new High from Fairleigh Dickinson Uni- enjoyed time in Liverpool, really enjoy giving my support California. versity in 2015. England. Currently, Spencer School, alums attended from classes to The Lab School. I could not is enjoying his freshman year be any happier with the school’s Daniel Stearman lives in James Norden graduated from ranging from 1976 to 2016. Class of 1979 at Dean College while Scott progress!” she writes. California with his wife and Mary Washington University in is taking a gap year before child. He works as a product 2015, and now works as a cyber- David Mapes earned an matriculating at Dalhousie Class of 1995 designer for Nike, responsible security specialist in Northern Associate’s Degree in Computer University in fall 2017. for all cold weather training and Virginia. Science (Business Option) Peyton Sherwood is co-owner baseball accessories. in 1986 from Montgomery Cory Rappaport graduated of KBC, a barbecue place in Class of 2007 College; a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University Columbia Heights, northwest Class of 2002 in Information Systems in 2015. Sasha Cutler is the retail sales Management in 1988 and a Washington, DC, and with oth- manager at an Equinox Gym in Master of Science in Computer er partners, he recently opened Class of 2012 Boston, Massachusetts. Systems Management a beer garden at 3333 on Georgia (concentrating in Software Ave NW. He is an integral part Alexandra Hollar attended Bryan Wood recently got Development) in 1999 from of the redeveloping city. Roanoke College for two years, married and is a manager at the University of Maryland, then took two years off to work Pepsi. as a preschool teacher. She is now Baltimore County. David works Class of 2000 as a federal IT contractor for at Northern Virginia Community Sarah Green said of her first Class of 2009 College studying art. various agencies though GSC IT André Dickerson works for Nick Cole has been happily months at college, “Radford is Solutions, Science Applications an amazing place! I would rec- Kaiser Permanente as a senior living in New York City since Alex Isicson enjoys his International Corporation, and Class of 2013 ommend it to everyone at Lab.” network engineer. 2007, and works at JP Morgan work doing security and Leidos. Chase. In addition to her classes, Sarah locksmithing. Travis Martin has been Class of 2001 is training on campus to be an acting and making short films Class of 1989 David Marimon works EMT and has joined the col- Class of 2010 at Hofstra University. He has at the DC Criminal Justice lege’s chapter of the Eye to Eye been an extra for television Steven DeVol works at Coordinating Council program. “Lab was my home for Elena Franco is currently shows Billions, Mr. Robot, and Georgetown University (CJCC). As a research and the longest time,” she writes. a second-year law student TNT series Civil, and is also a Hospital. In his leisure time, policy analyst with the CJCC’s “ But, Radford is most definitely at American University news director for WRHU’s The Steven participates in a bowling Statistical Analysis Center, my new home!” Washington College of Law. She Screening Room, where he writes league at Kenwood Golf and he works on a variety of is focusing on environmental law. articles and acts as a substitute is enjoying his Country Club. research and implementation Quentin Turner host for the radio show. His year in London, and loving his projects. In addition to his work Class of 2011 friend was classes. On his first day in one Idris Said is a management as a researcher, he manages a Mandela Wells ’12 the previous news director for particular class, all the students Send your Class Notes information and photos to: and program analyst at the number of planning groups, Jack Casasco is currently the Screening Room. had to write an impromptu United States Secret Service. A Jackie Mason Randall, focusing on grants combating · www.labschool.org/alumniupdate, or hiking the Appalachian Trail. essay and present it to class on black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Idris David Marimon, Emily violent crime and improving Class of 2014 any topic. Quentin presented on · caitlyn.walters @labschool.org, or competes in tournaments and DeGaglia, Grant Thomas, warrant-related processes Alex Cleasby graduated from how wrong it is not to have ice assists the master instructor in and Tia Medina reveled in a impacting justice system American University. · Caitlyn Walters, Director of Alumni Relations classes. Caroline Hubley recently for cold drinks in Europe. He “mini reunion” in mid-October. partners. The Lab School of Washington Peter Gandal graduated from received her Associate’s degree said it was very well received. They were all in 5th grade 4759 Reservoir Road, NW Savannah College of Art and at Landmark College. She is Washington, DC 20007 Class of 1992 together. Quinn Bradlee and Class of 2006 Design in 2015. He is currently working at the college doing 3-D Nicolai Werner started at 202.944.2203 Eva Martin were also in their Thames Academy at Mitchell Jessica Rosenheim is happily Tim Danos will complete his working as a graphic designer at graphic design. Follow The Lab School of Washington! class, but couldn’t make the get- College in New London, living in Bethesda, Maryland. master’s degree in Public Policy Moment Magazine in Tenley Cir- together. CT where he has taken the For the last four years, she from University of Delaware cle, a Jewish culture magazine Class of 2015 initiative to form an “Outdoor worked at a design center in in spring 2017. He works in co-founded by Elie Weisel. Club” where there was none downtown Washington, DC, the university’s Admissions Luke Robinson is in his second Alex Greenhill self-published before. He been working hard but is now looking for a new department and was recently year at Mary Washington. This an e-book called Frankenshop, past summer, he worked at on his studies in hopes of Martha’s Table. moving beyond Thames by 2017. 42 the link | winter/spring 2017 the lab school of washington 43 the lab school of washington 4759 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007-1921 202.965.6600 www.labschool.org

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Rings of Time

If The Lab School were a tree, its trunk would have 50 rings, one for each year.

Spearheaded by Junior High Visual Arts Teacher Laurie Herrmann, a recent Gallery Exhibit celebrated the glory of trees in all seasons, forms, and influences — from leaf rubbings made with soft colored pencils and trees created from recycled materials to a tree depicting the five branches of the Native American regions and porcelain leaves made using oxides like cobalt, copper, and manganese to make impressions of the delicate venation patterns of leaves from different species.

“Trees are a great topic for integrated learning. Students can make art, but they can also learn about the Golden Ratio or sustainable forests in Science or perspective taking or the use of symbolism in Writing,” says Ms. Herrmann. “And my students were almost unstoppable, extending themselves, trying methods and ideas that were new to them — or that they came up with themselves. I mean, who says no to someone who wants to make art?”