Onwardan MCDS MAGAZINE

Winter/Spring 2017

Character EducationCelebrating at MCDS p. 8 20 Years p. 16 Head’s Letter 2 The Buzz 3 MCDS Moments 4 In Focus 6 Teamwork & Triumph 18 Character & Community 20 Sustain & Thrive 22 Alumni Pages 25 Features Character Education Is the Heart of MCDS 8 Celebrating 20 Years 16

Ben Hebebrand Head of School Onward Contributors Dana Asmuth Director of Advancement Holly Bobula Graphic Designer Courtney Comer Parent Volunteer Kimberly Hazen Admissions Specialist Emma Henke Parent Volunteer Beatrice Jones School Secretary Rebecca Shepley Parent Volunteer Kristi Thom Contributing Writer Jamie Wojcik Development Office Manager Onward Photographers Bonnie Manley Event Logistics Assistant Maheen Ott Kindergarten Teacher Board of Trustees Erick Hallick, BS Chair Jim Gallegos, JD Vice-Chair Guy Comer, BA Secretary Lynn Kaminski, CPA, BBA Treasurer Kathy Baus, MD Bruce Bosben, BBA Sandra Fernandez, EdD Mark Louden, PhD Robert Rusch, CFA, CPA John Schaffer, PhD Jerry VanKirk, MDiv, ThM Sheila Young, BA Ben Hebebrand, MA, ex-officio

Honorary Trustees Erica Christman, MHA Terry Haller, MA Eric McLeod, JD Bassam Shakahshiri, PhD Beverly Simone, EdD

Advising Trustee Julian Pozniak ’10, BA, MCDS Alumni President

Emily ’28 and Matthew ’28 enjoy the Lego Wall in the Tinkerspace inside the new Prairie Hawk Center. The mission of Madison Country Day School Front cover: Ninth graders enjoy taking Kindergarteners is to provide an intellectually stimulating, personally enriching, and academically challenging program in the liberal arts and sciences to an able and diverse student on a wonder walk in the MCDS prairie. body; measure the curriculum and student achievement against the finest programs in the world; and contribute to the larger community by developing effective educational programs to serve as models for other private and public schools. 5,590 23 letters books were written by tenth graders are in the new to “Letters to the Next President,” a Prairie Hawk Center’s National Writing Project opportunity. Lower School Library.

Mr. Hebebrand joins Grade 4 and Pre-K Big Buddy/ $6 million Little Buddy time in the new Prairie Hawk Center. raised to date in the Spreading Our Wings campaign The

only $700,000 more needed to Buzz Letter from the Head of School reach our goal Our cover story in this edition of Onward sheds light on our school’s efforts in helping students develop character. First, I believe the most important principle underlying character education is to value the individuality of each child. Understanding and respecting our mutual differences is qualified for WSMA State the foundation of character education. Mutual respect and understanding has long been a mantra Honors ensembles 29 of mine. students middle school At Madison Country Day School, we invest time and effort in illuminating ten different character performed in Wisconsin School Music Association traits, all of which underscore this notion of mutual respect and understanding. These ten character Honors ensembles. participated in traits—being inquisitive, knowledgeable, open-minded, principled, thoughtful, balanced, caring, 7 students communicative, reflective, and being a risk-taker—are universal traits, traits that have been talked The Art of Writing Conference about and written about throughout history and across the world. MS Honors HS Honors at the Milwaukee Art Museum. ETHAN ’20 SOPHIA ’18 The word character traces its roots back to the Greek kharaktēr, meaning a “stamping tool.” The ADAM ’20 SOPHIE ’18 word today has many meanings, but generally we define character as a person’s mental and ALEXANDRA ’21 moral qualities. I am particularly fascinated by this intersection of thinking (mental) and sensing PETRA ’21 (moral), because a child who both thinks and senses has a truly engaged mind. Emerging research ANNE SOPHIE ’21 indicates that it is often our character that defines success—both in the classroom and beyond the many years we spend in schools.

So, please enjoy the article on our character education efforts as well as the many other chickens wonderful stories and photographs in this issue of Onward. hatched with the 3 HS Ecology Elective. Benjamin Hebebrand Head of School participants420 hit the trail in this year’s Rocky’s Fun Run! 2 3 MCDS Moments

1 Annual Grandparents Day 2 Grade 5 science 3 Bollywood Dance Club performs at assembly 4 Class of 2017 leads superhero philanthropy campaign 5 Grade 3 art 6 Lower school sledding at recess 7 School spirit shines at homecoming pep rally 2 8 Grade 11 Extended Essay discussion 1 3 5

6 7 8

4 5 Group 4 Project: Exploration and Collaboration at an Advanced Level One unique aspect of the IB science program is the Group 4 Project, which partners students from biology and chemistry in small groups to study a common topic In Focus or problem. This year, students studied the health of the prairie and pond on campus. Members of each with High School Science group developed the concept they wanted to study, Ninth grade students in collected data, and analyzed their results. the new chemistry lab Teachers emphasized process over product in the Group 4 Project to help students learn that live, outdoor experiments often encounter unexpected variables. They also wanted to demonstrate that collaboration of laboratory equipment each day to make room for the to communicate and work with scientists from many fields takes active work by all participants. Expanding Opportunities, variety of courses that were sharing one lab,” remarks and areas around the world.” IB science teacher Michelle Kramer. “The new addition Expanding Minds Reflecting this shift, the MCDS science faculty redesigned allowed the creation of a second lab that was outfitted the freshman and sophomore science courses to give At the start of the 2015-2016 school year, seven bold specifically with chemistry in mind.” MCDS juniors immersed themselves in a new experiment: students a more rounded, integrated introduction. The they elected to complete two IB science courses Sophomore Bethany appreciates the new lab space new, two-year course combines biology, chemistry, simultaneously as the school offered both IB Biology and because, she notes, “We get to spend more time doing and physics. The course teaches the main concepts of IB Chemistry for the first time. The students chose this science.” Additionally, a pass-through fume hood, sinks each discipline using the areas in which they overlap to route not just because they enjoy science. They craved at every station, and moveable lab tables broaden the strengthen the students’ understanding of the nature of the challenge the double course load presents. number and types of labs that students can perform. science. Says Amanda Webb, who leads the new course, “Teaching the three sciences together allows us to present Those original seven students—now seniors in their For many, the decision to study both chemistry and real world concepts that feel more relevant and tangible second year of two IB science courses—appreciate biology tied into their goals for a future in a science to students.” related field. “Taking two science classes has really how the experience and knowledge they have gained allowed me to explore my interest in science,” explains applies to their other classes and their lives outside Instead of memorizing abstract chemical reactions in Tessa ’17. “Now I think about sciences in a more of school. Crystal ’17 has found great value in her chemistry and then learning about photosynthesis in interconnected way, furthering my knowledge even science study. “The combination of IB Chemistry and biology, for example, students study chemical reactions beyond the two classes.” IB Biology allowed me to approach science with an by looking in depth at photosynthesis. Similarly, students interdisciplinary mindset,” she says. Crystal also took investigating the physics of mechanical advantage, MCDS High School’s quick growth spurred this part in the Advanced Science Research internship force, and levers will learn how these concepts apply innovation in the science department. Recognizing program. Through her internship, she applied her biology to the human body through muscles and joints. In students’ varying interests and the school’s strong skills to the laboratory study and analysis of cancer cells, this way, students have the opportunity to make commitment to developing critical and creative problem and she used her knowledge of chemistry and advanced concrete connections. solvers, the department expanded its offerings to include analytical techniques to answer questions about mass In turn, high school students can approach their choice to IB Chemistry as well as IB Biology. In addition, the faculty spectrophotometry. instituted the Advanced Science Research internship take one or two IB science courses their junior year with program to give students an opportunity to collaborate a clear understanding of each science’s concepts and Integrated Science Makes the skills needed to succeed in any IB Science course. Students working on beyond the traditional classroom. their Group 4 project Concepts Connect Mr. Eaton best sums up the benefits of the developments: The school’s newly enlarged and enhanced lab space— “As a growing high school, we’re excited to be able to created as part of last summer’s construction—also gives In our scientific-minded world, it is not always useful to expand our offerings. The new integrated nature of the students more room to explore, inquire, and investigate. separate scientific subjects into what Ms. Kramer calls freshman/sophomore courses, changes in the Group 4 “Before the new Academic Center addition, our science “isolated boxes of biology, chemistry, and physics.” Project, Advanced Science Research, and more create an curriculum required countless set-ups and take-downs Instead, she explains, “Scientists today use technology exciting, engaging program of study for our students.” Exciting news: Plans are in place to launch IB Physics in the 2018-2019 school year. 6 Character Education Is the H e a r t of MCDS

At MCDS, equations cover blackboards, and colorful art projects hang on the walls. Piano music filters into a lobby or hallway, and a lively class discussion erupts. A child recites a poem in Spanish, and students gather around a microscope to take a peek. At the very heart of it all is character education, based on the IB Learner Profile traits. Every day, students are putting effort into learning and demonstrating these important concepts. Noah ’20 enjoys mentoring Toiny ’28 as they take a wonder walk through the MCDS prairie. 8 Lower School Assembly with guest speaker Judge Mitchell (P’23), sharing his thoughts about being principled. Getting Started in Open-minded Lower School Assembly We understand and appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, Each month, the LS team chooses one of the character and are open to the perspectives, traits to highlight at the lower school assembly. In values, and traditions of other November, the team presented “principled” as the individuals and communities. We character-building theme. But what exactly does an are accustomed to seeking and abstract trait like “principled” mean to a younger child? evaluating a range of points of According to Grade 4 Teacher Liz Stevens, “We believe view and are willing to grow from that being principled means putting our beliefs into action. the experience. We have chosen to define being principled as (1) knowing what you believe; (2) taking action toward your beliefs; and (3) acting for the goodness of all.” She continues, “We want to emphasize the impact that principled decisions and actions have for the good of the whole community.”

Students were given real examples of principled action from the teachers’ lives and were encouraged to share Middle School Advisory— their own experiences. Focus then turned to finding concrete ways they could put principled beliefs into action A Time for Reflection by helping others directly. “The Share Your Holidays Food Drive gives students a wonderful opportunity to When MCDS students move into middle school, they become participate in a community event that calls responsible, part of an advisory group of 10 to 12 children. An advisor generous, principled citizens to work together to meet helps each student set goals. According to Devon Davis, a need,” Ms. Stevens relates. In all, more than 1,900 head of middle school and 7/8 advisor, “Advisory is a pounds of food were collected by students and donated student’s ‘home’ within middle school and provides a unique to the drive. Adds Ms. Stevens, “Character education is opportunity to develop deeper relationships with peers Principled a unique feature at MCDS. It shows our commitment to and teachers.” Continues Ms. Davis, “Themed units on “MCDS has been ahead of the curve on We act with integrity and honesty, teaching the whole child and our dedication to raising up communication, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, with a strong sense of fairness, responsible citizens in a global community.” building trust, cooperation, and self-reflection help students defining, teaching, and assessing character justice, and respect for the along the path to becoming independent learners and traits,” says Grade 3 Teacher Jackie Rose. dignity of the individual, groups, Another LS assembly focused on being communicators. thinkers.” Clearly, these units also support continuing and communities. We take Students had been learning about emotions and how their character education. “Instructional time in the classrooms enables students to practice, responsibility for our own actions feelings affect how they communicate. Reports Student discuss, and become,” she says, adding, “Character education is not just and the consequences that Services Coordinator Kim VanBrocklin, “We began the Recently, all sixth graders completed an advisory project a set of ideas that one can receive; students must live them, sometimes accompany them. unit by talking about the various forms of communication: designed to improve conduct in the classroom. As Grade 6 failing, too. As educators, we believe in our students’ potential, support verbal, written, digital, and non-verbal or body language. Humanities Teacher and Advisor Katherine Dalland explains, them as they try, and celebrate their becoming.” It was particularly important to learn about ‘digital- “We first presented a lesson that underscored that although citizenship’ communication because etiquette with our we choose what we will do throughout our day, we can “We talk a lot about independence and how students need to ‘own’ their devices and making safe, smart decisions with electronics also learn to choose how we will be in any given situation. decisions,” declares Steve Soden, head of high school. “They hear about is a huge part of how all kids should communicate in and For example, if we choose to sit with a different group how grades matter, but grades should not become the focus. We try to out of school.” at lunch, we can also choose to be open or smiling or change the discussion so that grades attentive.” Ms. Dalland continues, “We wanted students are an outcome of all that students put Ms. VanBrocklin’s favorite moment of the assembly to realize that choosing how they will be can help them into their studies. The reality is this: effort was when various mystery sounds were played for the handle challenges.” should be measured by things other than children. Some examples included whales, a chainsaw, how much time one puts into something. and an owl hooting. While the teachers led a discussion All of the IB Learner Profile traits really about the difference between listening for detail and do amount to effort,” says Mr. Soden. merely hearing something, the children were supposed to guess what the various sounds were. The teachers Community is a big part of what we are at MCDS. MCDS students of all ages are steeped explained to students that “listening is more complex “ We don’t have locks on our lockers. On birthdays, Communicators in informal daily opportunities to learn than just receiving auditory information—it involves the entire middle school will spontaneously We understand and express ideas about, develop, and demonstrate receptive language and being ready to be attentive to the speaker,” says Ms. VanBrocklin. Reflecting and information confidently and character. But there is also a series of sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to other kids, without any age-appropriate formal structures and on character education, she adds, “Our students creatively in more than one language adult encouragement. tools in place at MCDS to help foster are ambassadors of MCDS, whether they are on and in a variety of modes of character education along the way. campus, or off . . . and it is the combination of their ” —Jake Eaton communication. We work effectively integrity and intellect that will remain hallmarks of their and willingly in collaboration experience here.” with others. 10 Sixth graders showcase the “Be” choices they made together as a class. sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to other kids, without any adult Knowledgable encouragement. These signs of community are ongoing and have been happening for as long as I have been here.” We explore concepts, ideas, and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, we acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

receive in academic classes, engaging in honest, productive discussions related to character can occur spontaneously not only in advisory, but at any point during the day. And the IB Learner Profile traits help Alex ’18 mentors fourth graders bring a common vocabulary to those discussions,” about being principled. she remarks.

Middle school advisory is also an opportunity for students to set goals that are in line with different aspects of character education. “Our aim is to High School— provide academic and emotional support, foster communication skills, build community and trust, and Character Education in Action foster character development and service,” states At MCDS, high school is the time for students to take Karla Rempe, MS history/English teacher and 7/8 what they have learned in character education and advisor. She continues, “We use goal setting at the Risk-takers regularly put it to use. The Community Jobs program, beginning of the year not only to get to know the We approach uncertainty with a component of 9th Grade Academy, gives students students, but to establish the framework for achieving While focusing on character education, Ms. Dalland courage and forethought and a structured way to improve the lives of others. these outcomes.” states, “We helped both sixth grade sections run a class have the independence of spirit “The 9th Grade Academy focuses primarily on three meeting where they suggested and voted on adjectives to explore new roles, ideas, and values: community, confidence, and leadership,” Ms. Rempe points out that at the start of each year, they wanted to characterize their class conduct.” Many strategies. We are brave and states Brittany Judkins, mathematics teacher and students choose academic, personal, community, of these adjectives were IB learner traits or components articulate in defending our beliefs. grade 9 advisor. “The community jobs aspect of the and advisory goals. “I appreciate that the academic of the traits. Adds Ms. Dalland, “One class voted to academy encompasses all three themes in many goals students set are not focused on performance, be open-minded, creative, focused, and thoughtful, ways: developing relationships across grade levels; but rather growth in a skill,” she explains, adding while the other class elected to be attentive, mature, positively influencing students, parents, and teachers; that, “One of my students wants to be a better respectful, and diligent.” understanding the importance of a mere fifteen minutes communicator by increasing her level of participation, a day dedicated to meeting the needs of those around as well as expanding upon the ideas of her peers. Patricia Jaume, MS Spanish teacher and grade 6 you; and knowing the importance of timeliness and a The fact that we focus on more than academic goals advisor, relates, “The following week, students worked positive attitude,” adds Ms. Judkins. also supports the MCDS mission that we educate the in each advisory group reviewing the be choices and whole child. We want them to identify growth areas how students would be applying those words during the beyond the classroom.” day.” In order to share their work, she continues, “Some of them created skits to demonstrate their ideas. After “By having goal-setting at the core of what we do that, the students made posters with their be choices to in advisory, we have intentionally emphasized the present to other teachers in school.” importance of self-reflection and empathy,” attests Jake Eaton, science department chair and 7/8 advisor. Reflective Each grade six classroom now displays the student “This is significant because both of these qualities are We give thoughtful posters that list the be traits, and teachers refer to important parts of social and emotional development,” consideration to our own them “to help students monitor the impact of choosing he adds. The culture of continuous character Balanced learning and experience. We are to be, for instance, open-minded during a particular education at MCDS also helps students create a We understand the importance able to assess and understand classroom activity like a small group discussion,” says caring community at the school itself. Mr. Eaton of intellectual, physical, and our strengths and limitations in Ms. Dalland. “We have a special school climate where points out, “Community is a big part of what we are emotional balance to achieve order to support our learning our students learn to be skilled in the art of discourse. at MCDS. We don’t have locks on our lockers. On personal well-being for and personal development. Due to the training in discussion skills that students birthdays, the entire middle school will spontaneously ourselves and others. 13 “When we introduce the community jobs at the beginning of the year, we stress the importance of the role within Thinkers MCDS,” Ms. Judkins explains, because “members of the We exercise initiative The Character Education journey community rely on the students, and the responsibility in applying thinking is not to be taken lightly. Just like with any job, we strive skills critically and to find the best match. Students who enjoy and learn at MCDS from their roles are going to maximize the potential creatively to recognize The Outcome benefits from the positions, which help both students and and approach complex problems A high school graduate— the community.” intrinsically motivated, and make reasoned, thoughtful, and responsible— “We have so many different jobs this year,” continues ethical decisions. actively leading and serving in Ms. Judkins, “each one a unique learning opportunity for the local and global community. the student.” She explains that being a morning assistant in the lower school classrooms fosters caring. The college counselor assistant position reinforces the qualities of an Risk-takers Reflective inquirer and being knowledgeable. And students in a new tech assistant position have the chance to work on their As a risk-taking skills. world High school students are encouraged to make their own The End Is Just the Beginning citizen opportunities to demonstrate character, too. By junior and The goal is for MCDS students to enter the world not Communicators senior year, students are initiating service projects such only with a solid understanding of core subject matter— as the Ecuador earthquake relief fund and Red Cross important as that is—but also as people of character, Caring In my blood drive, and leading new student clubs such as the ready to take on challenges, be leaders, and shape the community Gay-Straight Alliance Club and Amnesty International. future. And character education is the path to achieving “We want students to lead balanced, meaningful lives, that goal. which means that they must spend time doing things other than schoolwork,” remarks Mr. Soden. “We want “My hope is that we grow students who can look inside, In my Thinkers students to find pursuits that they enjoy even though there wrestle with their genius, cultivate their empathy, tame Balanced are no grades or compensation associated with them.” their dragons, tap in, dig deep—all that good stuff—and classroom be in this world,” expresses Ms. Rose. She adds, “For some, it might just happen, but for others, like myself, we need to hear these positive messages again and again, day in and day out. I think we’re doing that at MCDS To my Principled across the board, no matter the discipline, no matter the friends Open-minded age. Character education is a web that whispers, this is Inquirers the way.” We develop our natural curiosity. The best We acquire the skills necessary to Emma ’17 and Lily ’17 initiated Amnesty International at I can be conduct inquiry and research and MCDS to help end abuses of human rights globally. Knowledgable show independence in learning. Inquirers We actively enjoy learning, and this love of learning will be sustained throughout our lives.

The Beginning A Kindergarten student just learning to share and engage in the classroom. Effort brings these character traits to life. Effort is the key ingredient to living these IB Learner Profile traits on a daily basis. As one of MCDS’ founding philosophies, effort is valued and encouraged at every grade level.

14 15 The first 22 students at MCDS in 1997.

Students celebrate MCDS’ endorsement as an IB World School Celebrating Years 2017 20 Eleventh graduating 2016 class brings alumni total New Academic to more than 100. Center opens, Enrollment: 441 2015 with renovations Twelve HS varsity including new Lower sports now offered, School library. with soccer starting 2013 Enrollment: 438 Onward magazine launches. in Kindergarten. 2009 Enrollment: 345 Ben Hebebrand First HS varsity sports becomes Head team: cross country. of School. 2008 Enrollment: 248 Enrollment: 403 MCDS becomes the 2007 area’s first and only First HS class graduates, IB World School 2005 First exchange students to MCDS earns prestigious offering the IB Diploma 2004 Japan. Enrollment: 225 First exchange ISACS accreditation. Programme. First 2003 Jazz Showcase. First ninth grade students to Ecuador. Luke Felker becomes Enrollment: 292 class (beginning Enrollment: 251 Head of School. 2000 of HS). Enrollment: 242 1998 First theater Enrollment: 225 MCDS moves production. 1997 to River Road. Enrollment: 111 MCDS opens Enrollment: 53 with 22 students. 17 How do you build the sense of team with players coming How do you motivate your players? from two different schools? I build relationships. My leadership style is that of an Teamwork & Triumph I like to say that the kids are pretty much the same while the “encourager”. In the Army I also practiced this motivational schools are distinctive. One is highly academic; the other style and found it works very well with today’s younger MCDS Athletics has a Christ-centered focus. However, the kids all attend people. In addition, I set goals and make sure that everyone small schools that are tremendously successful and provide memorizes the goals before the season begins. the world with amazing citizens. The kids from both schools, but especially MCDS, are taught to be Independent thinkers. Can you share with us some of the When a golfer is alone on a golf course, the process of team’s accomplishments? thinking and analyzing is very important. MCDS kids thrive at this, and our record proves it. Since the co-op began in 2011, we have won four of six Trailways South Conference Championships. In addition, we qualified for Sectionals twice, won a Regional Championship, and had an individual State Competitor. This coming season in 2017, we have our best team ever. I have multiple golfers who could succeed. We are young but seasoned. We have two sophomores who teed it up at Sectionals last year as freshman. In total, five golfers have qualified and played in Sectional competitions. This coming season our goals will be very high, and we’re ready to emerge as a top notch golf program.

What do you enjoy most about coaching? No doubt, interacting with the kids. I love watching a student athlete walk off the 18th green smiling. Golf is hard. It’s Jack ’19 tees off during golf practice. hard to play well for the entire round, so when you witness success, it’s very satisfying.

What would you say to a student considering joining the high school golf team? Golf is a social sport, and golfing can lead to enduring Coach’s Corner friendships. But beyond that, I also warn kids about the time commitment. Golf isn’t a sport to play for an eight Recently Onward caught up with Rick Zierath, coach of the MCDS Golf Team. week season and expect to succeed. You have to commit 20 years, I didn’t have time to play. One day, one of my to play, practice, and even watch golf all year around Onward: What is your background bosses, a colonel, mentioned he wanted to build a team to weather permitting. in golf? play in a tournament. He asked if anyone played golf, so Coach Zierath: I played many sports I raised my hand. We won that tournament, and I started Would you like to share any other fun memories as a kid, but my dad played golf, and playing again. golf stuck. At twelve, I played my first or anecdotes? golf tournament and had a lot of fun. I In 2014, during the end-of-season Conference Tournament, loved the independence of the game. Tell us how you got involved in coaching the MCDS/ALCS I saw Team Captain Maya Muldowney walking off the I also won that first tournament. Golf Team. eighth green looking very dejected. On this day we were Originally I coached both basketball and golf at Abundant not playing well and our main competitor was. I’d always In high school I played golf and worked at Janesville Life Christian School (ALCS). I approached the Athletic told her never to give up; to fight and make things happen, Riverside Golf Course for the pro, Ralph Parker. He was Director just after the previous golf coach had moved on. but today I approached her, and said, “Don’t worry about an amazing man who shared with me all the important Even though I was still in the US Army, I knew that I would it. We’re not gonna win; just have fun.” I saw a look of fundamentals of the game. I’m not talking about the ball retire soon, and I wanted to find a new way to serve. I love confusion on her face that quickly turned to anger. She striking or putting, but fundamentals like honesty and working with kids. walked away silently. When she caught up to the rest of the integrity. Mr. Parker also got me jobs as a professional team, Maya told them, “Don’t listen to Coach Zierath. We caddie, and I caddied often, including for some very ARE going to win.” Without exception every player began high profile professional golfers like Hall of Fame golfer What are the unique dynamics of coaching a co-ed team? playing better, and we did win. What I saw from Maya that Carol Mann. Surprisingly, not many. Kids who decide to play golf are day was the single most impressive display of leadership normally respectful, considerate toward each other, and the I’ve ever seen. Whether it was me using a little reverse It would have been great to turn pro after high school, but game is the game. Occasionally we’ll have a relationship psychology or an example of a team carrying their coach, instead I joined the Army and served for 32 years. For about brew, but we don’t allow that to distract us. I’m still not sure!

18 19 Jade says her involvement with both costuming and acting,“improved my work ethic and expanded my ideas creatively.” She credits Mr. Wagoner with contributing to her growth. “Initially, I signed on to design costumes and Character & Community the set. Then, he cast me as boisterous character. Oddly, that choice influenced me in an extremely positive way. In the Spotlight Who knew that a white suit, shoulder pads, and an eyeliner mustache could strengthen self confidence? It was an experience I keep close to my heart.”

The two girls expand on how theater supports student Middle and high school students thrill more than development. Jade watched as “the kids became more 700 theatergoers at two performances. and more interested each week in their abilities as artists. Theater serves as a creative outlet and something that we can remember and be proud of.”

Izzie reflects that “each individual is shaped by the experience. Theater inspires students to be bold, embrace their voice, and think critically about their actions. It challenges, supports, and engages students in surprising ways.”

Director Wagoner points out, “We had students in production roles usually held by adults. Their responsibilities helped them realize how to apply their talents and skills while teaching others. Guided peer modeling helped develop an artistic and intellectual community based on trust and experimentation.”

Izzie speaks thoughtfully about personal growth, “My most challenging role was creating a fair balance between leadership and collaboration. I wanted to hear the perspectives of the others; but I was a student and directing other students presented challenges to find that balance.” As for rewards, Izzie can't choose just Jade ’18 designed the artwork for the poster.

Mr. Wagoner talks about working as an ensemble. Student Leadership Takes Center Stage with MCDS Theater “From our first show together last year, the students Theater inspires students to be bold, were immersed in the creation process. Working The MCDS Theater Department took on new challenges with Les Misérables, a musical based on “ together to produce a public production created a bond embrace their voice, and think critically of trust, responsibility, and satisfaction. They became a Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. about their actions.” family.” Finally, Mr. Wagoner, Jade, and Izzie all agreed —Izzie ’17 that anyone who is curious should just “take a risk and James Wagoner, head of the drama department, explains Several students abandoned their comfort zones to take a get involved!” his choice of this musical. “Choosing plays should be risk. Drew signed on as assistant music director, but rose about selecting something that allows the cast to grow and to Mr. Wagoner’s audition challenge, earned a part, and develop as people, artists, and scholars. Les Misérables “did an amazing job. Now he has growing confidence as has everything . . . rich history, great literature, a complex, a musical performer.” Patrick had a similar experience. Drew ’18 and wonderful score. It challenges acting and musicianship, and Though a veteran of the theater program, he never expected one. “Seeing the live production was amazing. However, Elizabeth ’18 delight with their humorous roles. our cast matched every challenge.” to do musical theater. “Watching people like Drew and directing and blocking my scenes really stretched me. It Patrick discover their potential and cultivate confidence is was beautiful because I actually applied Mr. Wagoner’s Rizvan ’17 (Jean Valjean) is a dedicated, talented actor my favorite thing,” comments Mr. Wagoner. teaching and made my own decisions.” who plans to study theater at university and has acted professionally in Madison. What does the MCDS drama Assistant director Izzie and costume and set designer Jade found great satisfaction when she saw the finished set ’ program offer him? “Our program is designed to help build Jade 18 share what they gained from their experience. she designed. “I was amazed that a rough sketch became ’ the skills he needs to be successful,” Mr. Wagoner says. Izzie 17 tells us, “I learned about creative decisions inherent reality in the hands of talented people.” “Playing Jean Valjean, Rizvan merged his musicianship with in drama, how extracurriculars contribute to individual acting and rose to a new level.” growth, and how our stage actions translate into an audience’s understanding.” 20 21 Mr. Schipper wants the MCDS community to rally around chants. “Now that we have a fight Lyricssong bythat Jon Schipperwe all know the new fight song. “It’s simple on purpose,” he notes, Onwardthe lyrics to,” MCDS says Nikki ’18, “we’re more united.” “because I want everybody to be able to sing it, and I Music by Jon Schipper and MargaretF Stansfield want everybody to remember the lyrics.” Mr. Schipper is thrilled with Bhow students have adopted his song. “When I heard them play it the first time, there Sustain & Thrive F   Mr. Schipper collaborated with Choir Director was this amazing ‘Go, Hawks!’ that came out. Kids just     Giving Back within Our Community Maggie Stansfield on the chord structure for the song, knew it!” a process he enjoyed. “Sometimes it’s like painting a     picture, using the chords, melody lines, and even the Here come the migh- ty Hawks! C (Go Hawks!) Blue and White!  lyrics in your palette to create a feeling or image that   you’re trying to convey,” explains Mr. Schipper. Together,     The Spirit Squad practices their “Onward MCDS”cheer. they crafted the song so that it can be played byC all   F the school’s band and orchestra   C students and sung by the choirs, 6  B On- ward fight ( U- Rah!) M- C- D- S! Here come the the student body, and the G m     faculty and staff. Mr. Schipper F     relished making music with  Lyrics by Jon Schipper his colleagues as he shared     Onward MCDS    Music by Jon Schipper and MargaretF Stansfield the song with them the week 10 migh- ty Hawks! (Go Hawks) Reach the sky! On- ward M- C- D- S! B before school last August. “It  was really a pleasure to be able F     to teach everybody this tune!”   he says.      So far, the fight song gets rave  Here come the migh- ty Hawks! C (Go Hawks!) Blue and White!  reviews from students and    staff alike. Older students in    C  particular are thrilled to have a  F way to show support for MCDS at   C 6  B sporting events and beyond. Some On- ward fight ( U- Rah!) M- C- D- S! Here come the G m   expressed feeling left out when     opponents’ teams revved up their F    crowds with songs and cheers and         10 migh- ty Hawks! (Go Hawks) Reach the sky! On- ward M- C- D- S!

Copyright 2016

Onward MCDS

“Here come the mighty Hawks! Go Hawks!”

At the end of a rousing homecoming week pep rally, MCDS students streamed out of the gym, proudly singing along to the school’s new fight song. They filled the halls with spirit. Copyright 2016

“Onward MCDS” is a special anniversary gift from Music around,” he says. “I felt it was time. It just kind of Department Chair and Director of Bands Jon Schipper, flowed out of me. It’s really nice to sit down in the who penned the melody and lyrics last summer. “It’s a summer and be creative.” commemoration of the 20 years that the school has been

Jon Schipper leads the Groovehawks in performing “Onward MCDS.” 22 THE ALUMNI PAGES

Utopian/Dystopian The Alumni Pages Perspective Drawings ALUMNI For this project, seventh grade students were asked to invent a COMING utopian or dystopian cityscape This January I enjoyed the opportunity to guest lecture at MCDS, EVENTS using two-point perspective and teaching about music composition in middle school and high school the ink wash technique. The music classes. It was wonderful to give back to the school and stay students looked at a variety of connected with the teachers and students. Mark your calendar! visionary architectural drawings and the photo-collages of the As we think about how to take on the new year and its challenges, French artist Filip Dujardin. we can reflect back on our visits back to MCDS—from Alumni Day Jazz Showcase Students focused on using a to Commencement to casual drop-in’s to opportunities to share January 27 full range of light to dark values our expertise—and remember that MCDS is one of the places filled to create a sense of depth with people who provide us support and give us confidence in our and dimension. pursuits. MCDS always has its doors open to our alumni, and alums Extended Essay event continue to cherish the moments when we can return and visit with March 14 the people who had a hand in making us who we are today.

IB Art Reception April 14

Hands On! May 13 Julian Pozniak ’10, MCDS Alumni President Commencement May 26

Julian ’10 guest teaches an Prairie Hawk Open MCDS high school music class. August 7 24 25 Noah’s postdoctoral fellowship (postdoc) is a temporary position—a combination of teaching and research—that follows grad school. He told us, “In math it is customary to do at least one postdoc between grad school and hopefully getting a job as a professor. My research continues work I did in grad school; I study how ideas in set theory can be used to understand issues in computability theory.” “On the face of it, these two theories don’t have much to say to each other. However, I’m trying to apply the first theory to the second, and I’m finding interesting things along the way.” Noah’s enthusiasm for his research was apparent as he explained his work in some detail, but we asked him to turn back the clock for a moment and tell us about his time at MCDS. His fond memories included “orchestra and studying Latin” as well as being buoyed by the support of “the entire MCDS community after I had back surgery. Although that was a long time ago, it still means a lot to me.” He also reminded us that he sometimes put “my legs behind my head and walked on my hands across the gym a few times!” Who says a mathematician can’t be double jointed and have a sense Recognizing the value of effort—something of humor? “ emphasized in MCDS character education— When asked how MCDS prepared him for life after high school, Noah’s answer was thoughtful: “MCDS helped was very important to me during college develop and strengthen my interest in the humanities. When I and grad school, and will continue to be was in eighth grade, MCDS students were required to attend important to me in the future. one concert each trimester. To fulfill this requirement, my dad

introduced me to opera, which has been a major interest The Alumni Pages —Noah” Schweber of mine since then. Similarly, the strong English curriculum helped me develop an early interest in a wide range of literature; I found in college that many of the assigned texts I had already read at MCDS. Although I focused on mathematics, my interest in the humanities remains as strong as ever; MCDS helped me avoid overspecialization.”

The Alumni Pages Noah went on to describe some of the classes and teachers who meant a lot to him. “Of course I enjoyed Our first PhD: Ray Tenebruso’s math classes immensely and talking with him in general. Besides teaching, he helped shape my ideas of what mathematics is all about. I especially enjoyed our conversations about Wittgenstein and in my last year of grad Noah Schweber school, I took a seminar on Wittgenstein’s Tractatus with Mr. Tenebruso in mind. Noah ’07 stands in front of his new office: “My favorite non-mathematics class was music theory, the University of Wisconsin’s Mathematics building. first with Helga Swatzak and later with Roger Solie, both of whom were among my favorite teachers. Music theory, like mathematical logic, combines aspects of mathematics with another field; and while I never clicked with music theory Noah Schweber told Onward that he has been interested in in the same way—Mr. Solie, in particular, had some strong As Madison Country Day School celebrates our 20th anniversary year, we celebrate the math for as long as he remembers. He says, “I owe my interest words to say about my SATB harmonizations!—I enjoyed it nonetheless.” first PhD in our growing group of alumni. Noah Schweber, ’07, was one of the pioneering in mathematical logic to my father, who gave me essays to read on the philosophy of language, which led to topics like Noah mentioned something else that served him well. students in the first graduating class from MCDS High School. Noah recently returned incompleteness and inconsistency. The blend of mathematical “Recognizing the value of effort—something emphasized to Madison, earning a National Science Foundation (NSF) postdoctoral fellowship in the rigor and philosophical interest in mathematical logic grabbed in MCDS character education—was very important to me me, and I haven’t looked back since.” during college and grad school, and will continue to be UW Mathematics Department, devoting one year to Computability Theory research, then Noah’s academic journey took him from MCDS to the University important to me in the future. Being confident in my work on adding teaching a course per term in years two and three. Recently, Noah expanded on his of Chicago for his BA in mathematics and then directly into the the grounds of the effort put into it helped make grad school, PhD program in mathematics at the University of California- especially, much less stressful. I’m also mindful of this as work and post-MCDS journey for Onward. Berkeley. Noah told us that a favorite professor from Chicago a teacher.” came to Berkeley a year later and became his advisor. He To MCDS students, Noah had one final word, “Try to find finished his dissertation in May 2016 with a defense entitled something you enjoy in every class, even if it’s not what you “Interactions between Computability Theory and Set Theory.” want to do as a career. Being interested in more things will In the fall, he was ready for the next step. contribute to your growth as a person.” 26 27 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

Kelsey Priebe ’10 graduated from Lawrence Aisha Moe ’16 introduces senatorial University and is currently working in mental health care candidate Russ Feingold at a fall 2016 Monona Terrace campaign event. in the greater Madison area while preparing to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

Sophie Streeter ’12 is enjoying her time at Rice University. During a recent tropical biology course, she traveled with a small group of students and two professors to Belize for one week in the rainforest and one week on the coral reef—exploring and studying two of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. She is also captain of the Rice equestrian team. The team competes regularly against other teams in the region (such as LSU, Tulane, Trinity, and Texas State) and will be hosting a competition for the region in February. Sophie shares about her recent visit back to MCDS, “It was really fun to stop by and see everyone. College has made me appreciate the teachers and community at MCDS even more, I wish it was Pre-K-PhD!”

Aidan Campbell ’16 and Naomi Gallagher ’16 traveled to Prague during their gap year abroad in Europe. The Alumni Pages The Alumni Pages

Pre-K and Kindergarten buddies met this fall to create diagrams about the similarities and differences between Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Don’t miss Celebrate MCDS the biggest night of the year!

Some of our MCDS 2016 grads got together over the holiday weekend for “Friendsgiving.”

Maya Muldowney ’14, RJ Seaver ’14, and Saturday, March 4, 5 p.m. Tori Seaver ’15 serve hot cocoa and catch up with current high school students. Enjoy a casual, festive evening out while supporting our school. rSvP online today at madisoncountryday.org/celebrate-mcds 28 Register online today for Madison’s new summer program:

Summer3D Design & Printing • Programming • Animation • Game Discovery Design • Engineering & Robotics • Video Production M C D S June 19–August 4 • www.madisoncountryday.org/summer-discovery

Onwardan MCDS MAGAZINE Mark Your Calendar Fine Arts Week January 23-27, 2017 Jazz Showcase January 27, 2017 Celebrate MCDS (Annual Auction) March 4, 2017 Middle School Theater Production April 21-22, 2017 Lower School Play April 28, 2017 Hands On! Service Day May 13, 2017 High School Commencement May 26, 2017 Prairie Hawk Golf Open August 7, 2017

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