NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE SUMMER/FALL 2018 PAID PERMIT NO. 624 ROYAL OAK, MI Japhet School Character | Academics | Leadership

Reaching Out How we have expanded the Japhet School program to serve the community, teach more children, and advocate for good character “They may be small, but they’re mighty.” and first independent school students will help present the award in in the country to be named a National fall at the event organized by the Royal This is how former board member of School of Character by the Character Oak Chamber of Commerce. Japhet is Birmingham Public Schools and current Education Partnership (Character.org). a member of the ROCC as well as the co-chair of the Michigan Schools of Since then we’ve generously shared chambers of Troy and Clawson. Character program, Lori Soifer, recently our ideas and philosophy with schools introduced Japhet School to educators across the state. Japhet staff and Soifer STEAM Camp focused on teaching character. A Japhet read applications, visit schools, and have Carrie Huber, Preschool teacher, and administrator joined Soifer to bestow spoken at conferences. Cora Cachat, Intermediate and Upper a district award in May. Advocating for Class math and science teacher, character education, wherever it can grow, Royal Oak Citizen of the Year Award co-taught a summer camp (photos is just one of many ways Japhet School 2018 will be the first year that Japhet above) that attracted almost 30 children, goes beyond our school walls. School serves as the official and single a third of which were not current Japhet sponsor of the Royal Oak Citizen of the students. It was a great success, and Michigan Schools of Character Year Award, an honor bestowed on a Royal children enjoyed dozens of STEAM Japhet has been the official sponsor Oak resident or businessperson who leads (science, technology, engineering, arts, of the Michigan Schools of Character with exemplary character. It’s a natural fit and math) activities during the camp program since it began more than 10 for Japhet to serve in this capacity because week. Parents wanted more weeks! years ago. We were the first school in the award connects to our mission. Japhet CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Cathy and Joe Mohan UPCOMING EVENTS 4319 Kilgore Road, OCT 25 NOV 21 DEC 6 DEC 19 & 20 Avoca, MI 48006 18 Reasons for Hope Gratitude Service Spaghetti Supper & Family Holiday Giving Concerts Luncheon Service Night See our full calendar online at japhetschool.org Message from the Head of School “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” —Albert Einstein As your new year, let’s dedicate ourselves to learning, and disciplined effort. Head of School, helping children grow as individuals 8. Every student can experience success I’m filled with and as confident learners. Together in proportion to his/her receptivity to gratitude for let’s acknowledge the importance instruction and application. the founders and relevance of the Japhet School 9. The faculty and staff should not of Japhet philosophy: limit student progress or success with School, who 45 negative predictions, comments, years ago were 1. A school should educate the whole or labels. motivated and child, establishing a strong basis for 10. Children express innate purity, inspired to lay academic, physical, moral, social, and goodness, and health. the foundation spiritual development. for our mission, “to nurture and prepare 2. Character education is an essential As you read through the pages of this each child for life by integrating part of a child’s education. newsletter, you’ll find many examples character education with a strong 3. Students learn best when information of former and current Japhet students academic program.” is shared with creativity, enthusiasm, uniquely expressing joy and dedication and in a variety of ways that supports to their experiences as life-long learners Through the years, devoted trustees, different learning styles. and thoughtful leaders. Truly each student Heads of School, faculty, and staff have 4. Education of children is a shared has a special place, unique to them, in our continued to fulfill the vision that the responsibility between the school, hearts. When a child is taught the joy of founders knew would forever benefit family, and the community. learning, it becomes a life-long process Japhet’s students. We don’t have to look 5. The school should present its that never ends. What wonderful role too far to see marvelous examples of this instructional program in a way that models for us all! vision in action! Just this summer, Japhet supports and enriches the basic teachers Carrie Huber and Cora Cachet family unit. Join with me in celebrating the beginning led a STEAM Camp for children. The joys 6. With the gift of knowledge and the of a new school year that will bring a of exploration, laughter, enthusiasm, and understanding of moral and spiritual multitude of opportunities for growth and discovery emanated from their classroom values comes an obligation to help development for every Japhet student! through the whole building. mankind. 7. The best education includes Gratefully, As we join together as the Japhet family instruction in basic study habits, test Kerri G. Vizena at the beginning of the 2018/2019 school taking, active listening, cooperative Head of School Welcome, New Trustees Susie Golbiw, Lisa Niemkiewicz, and Stacey Sitarek have been Moving forward, Frank Edwards will continue as board elected to serve for three school years beginning with 2018/2019. president, Sheila Chaps as vice-president, Jay Schmitt as treasurer, and Bruce Kasl as secretary. Susie Auten, Dan Susie Golbiw is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Commer, Denise Deane, Esther Dusenberry, Cheryl Haithco, has worked for AT&T, owned a catering business, and after a and Martha Moyer complete the full Board of Trustees for successful career at Xerox Corporation, she is happy to be at 2018/2019. A brief biography of each trustee is on our website. home with her two children. Susie is an active volunteer for her church and currently serves as the librarian in the Birmingham The Japhet community joins the board in extending sincere Christian Science Reading Room. Susie is the parent of both a gratitude to Don Button, Erik Golbiw, Victoria Lehman, and Japhet alumnus and a current student. Dr. John White who have completed their terms.

Lisa Niemkiewicz, a current Japhet School parent, is a partner at T.V.N. Inc., a meetings and events consulting company. She Alumni Legacy Grant studied theatre arts at NYU, U of D Greece, and the University of London, culminating in a BA from MSU with strengths in Deaf A Japhet School trustee has said, “Japhet School Education. She has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild students are prepared to be world citizens through for 25 years, a board member for A Mission of Hope, an American understanding, honoring, and demonstrating character. Sign Language interpreter, and active with Mentor Michigan. They have been cultivated to wonder.” The Alumni Legacy Grant, which is $1,000 annually for full-time Stacey Sitarek is the parent of a Japhet alumna, former president students and $500 annually for part-time students, is a of our Parent Support Group, and a registered nurse. She holds a special scholarship from Japhet School to the children BSN from the University of Detroit Mercy and currently works at of Japhet alumni, and/or the grandchildren of Japhet Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak doing cancer research. She has School faculty and staff (current and former). The also worked as a consultant for start-up healthcare companies. ANNOUNCING! grant will be automatically applied toward tuition Stacey enjoys baking, traveling, gardening, and volunteering for every year that the grant continues to be available. charity and community events.

2 | SUMMER/FALL 2018 | japhetschool.org | 248-585-9150 L-R: Devan Edwards, Santino Giglio, Annabelle Sitarek, Katelyn Homes, Lily Honner, Keiffer Button, and Grace Wasiluk. Our Fantastic 45th Class “Every graduate earned a place on Japhet’s Special Honor Roll this year with at least a 93% average, and had high marks in attitude, effort, and character,” Cathy Mohan said as she introduced the class of 2018. “These students prioritize their academics but also know what it means to lead with character.”

KEIFFER BUTTON techy, and as a big-picture thinker and as confident, brave, hard-working, Keiffer joined Japhet in Preschool. Keiffer problem solver. Devan’s parents feel he courageous, intelligent, outgoing, and as loves to be outside in all types of weather displays good judgment and initiative in a talented actress. The character quality and enjoys boating, skiing, and playing everything he decides to do. Devan will of justice is important to Katelyn; she ice hockey. Teachers describe Keiffer as be attending Roeper for high school. talks about what is right and notices creative, funny, outgoing, thoughtful, when someone is treated unfairly. Katelyn energetic, light-hearted, and accepting. SANTINO GIGLIO brings issues to the forefront. She believes Keiffer plays the piano, and says he hopes Santino came to Japhet in 3rd grade. we cannot ignore them; rather, we must to be a scientist or a cook (or both!). Santino is honest, sincere, and address them. Her family shared they are Keiffer’s parents would like to thank all considerate. He has a knack for talking grateful for what Japhet has done for the individuals who nurtured, influenced, with people of all ages as a friend to Katelyn, and feel Katelyn has become a inspired and taught him over the years everyone and a loving big brother. better person. Katelyn plans to attend at Japhet. Keiffer plans to attend Shrine Santino is athletic and scores well as in the fall. High School in the fall. a gymnastics competitor. His teachers know him to be a talented artist and LILY HONNER DEVAN EDWARDS writer. Santino’s parents describe him Lily started attending Japhet as a 5th- Devan started attending Japhet as a as humble. Santino is known for saying, grader. Lily is gracious, polite, industrious, Preschool student. Devan has a great “Nobody is going to cradle you and carry humble, and self-motivated. She enjoys appreciation of art, and he enjoys you up [a flight of] stairs. You need to writing poetry, reading, and taking painting and drawing. He’s involved with express initiative and earn a position photography classes. Her teachers find Gilda’s Club, the Detroit School of Rock each step along the way.” Santino will her to be a quiet leader­—one who leads and Pop, and participated in Japhet’s be attending Berkley High School as by example. She does what needs to Kids for Peace chapter. Devan is also part of the Berkley Scholars Program. be done with reliability and calmness. a skilled conversationalist and able Lily’s parents feel she is well positioned to defend either side of an issue with KATELYN HOMES to enter high school both academically poise and confidence. Faculty and staff This was Katelyn’s first year at Japhet. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 describe Devan as curious, imaginative, Katelyn’s teachers describe her SUMMER/FALL 2018 | japhetschool.org | 3 Giving Stories: What Inspires you to Give? Donor spotlight on Sheila Chaps — volunteer, Hands of Hope member, and lifelong friend Sheila has provided academic leadership for more than four decades. She holds advanced education degrees, served Japhet for 18 years as a teacher and principal, served as Head of School at Daycroft Montessori, and most recently held the Lower School Head position at University Liggett. After retiring from Liggett she returned to Japhet as a board trustee, and she now serves as vice president. Sheila and Pat Chaps, Hands of Hope donors Why did you return to the Japhet School board after retiring? and dear Japhet friends It had always been my hope to return to what I see as ‘the gold standard’ of excellence in education, and as a retiree I have more time to share in Japhet’s growth and purpose. What do you envision as growth for Japhet School? More students should benefit from a Japhet education, and we You have witnessed some important transitions for Japhet can accomplish this with a wider broadcast of Japhet’s story by School. What are your observations of change here? the whole community. Japhet can take a larger leadership role Japhet’s ownership of its own building is a major move forward. among other schools in character education. I’d also like to see I see the strong integration of technology; this progress is better compensation for Japhet’s capable, expert, dedicated, and significant. Instruction takes place well beyond the standing walls, deserving teachers. with online exchanges with resources and experts all over the world. I also see added support services that enable us to provide What character quality speaks to you the most, and why? diverse learning strategies to a wide range of students. Circumstances dictate which character quality speaks most loudly at various times. All are most important. I feel today that ‘courage’ You and your husband, Pat, are Hands of Hope ($1,000 stands out: to try something new in learning, to take risks in annually or more) donors. Why do you and Pat choose to effort, to trust ability in self and others, and to stand for what one give at this level? knows is right. From experience I know the gifts of time, talent, and treasure are essential in support of school communities. All education is What most impresses you about Japhet’s program subsidized, and for independent schools, this support comes from and students? individual donors. My husband and I care deeply to promote the The ethos of the school. It is elevating to observe children apply sustainability and progress of the ‘Japhet ideal’ in education. their talents and education to their endeavors, to see them acquire skills and confidence in their intellect, and to be a part You help lead Play & Learn. Why do you think this is an of such a nurturing atmosphere of care and respect. I see the important program for Japhet? solid integration of character, demonstrated in all aspects of The toddler program gives families a window to the way Japhet’s curriculum and school life, and I witness the relationship of trust expert teachers set a stage for a young child’s discovery. Families and joy between teachers and students. When I’m at Japhet I can feel the quality of care and instruction and might choose to enroll feel the earnestness of the students’ desires to make a difference in preschool. With a lifetime of teaching little ones, it was my wherever they are. The future holds promise with Japhet hope I could provide help to Play & Learn. graduates at work in the world.

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The JAPHET SCHOOL Annual Giving Fund Please accept my gift of $ to the Annual Giving Fund Donations to the Annual Please accept my gift of $ to the capital campaign Fund are most needed. TOTAL: $ amount enclosed, OR Our mortgage has been paid in full, and donations to r divide into monthly payments of $ the capital campaign —still I’ll give by: r Check r Visa r AmEx r Mastercard very much appreciated card # — will go toward our expiration security code remaining bridge loan. signature Name

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Zip Donations of all sizes are helpful. Japhet School is a Phone E-mail 501(c)(3) organization, and r My employer will match my gift. (Please obtain a form from your HR office and include it with your contribution.) your gift is tax-deductible. r Please do not publish my name as a donor. Thank you!

4 | SUMMER/FALL 2018 | japhetschool.org | 248-585-9150 Alumni News High School Graduations to Celebrate Lily Danaher XJ’14 Berkley High School— (Summa Cum Laude, NHS, Diversity Council, Generation of Promise—social justice organization for which Lily is helping build an alumni program). Grand Valley State University. A beautiful fall sunrise captured by Japhet alumna Corey Robinson J’04 while she worked as a student Katya Kornievskaia J’14 photographer for the NMU marketing department. Marian High School, (National Merit Scholar and men from underrepresented communities in the NICU growing and getting stronger. Commended student, to make a mark and make a difference. He is now at home with big brother Brody Math Medal of Honor, who adores his new playmate-to-be. Primary Certificate of Honor— Corey Robinson J’04 Class teacher and grandma Janet Andersen Science, Archdiocese Northern Michigan and the Japhet family are all grateful for his of Detroit All Catholic University, BS Earth progress and health. Academic Team, High Science minor in Honors Achievement Award, President’s Environmental Studies Klint Vizena XJ’02 and Award of Educational Excellence). University (Summa Cum Laude). Sarah Murphy welcome of Michigan Honors College, Pre-Med. Katya Corey worked for the their first child, son has been selected to participate in the marketing department Kole born in August. Undergraduate Research Program. She and of the university and her Kole arrived and shortly her family spent most of the summer visiting spectacular photographs were featured in greeted his many family and friends in Russia. much of their advertising. Corey is headed to visitors with eyes wide Chatham University in Pittsburgh to earn her open! Kole is the sixth Tessa Kaminski XJ’14 Troy High School, Master’s Degree in Sustainability. grandchild of Head of (Magna Cum Laude, Squad Leader—4 year School Kerri Vizena. Marching Band, founded ASL club). Kent Alexa Fisher XJ’10 State University, ASL Interpretation with a Brown University, Psychology minor. Tessa chose this field of Weddings to Celebrate BA in Business, study after being inspired by learning some Entrepreneurship Will Butler XJ’02 and sign language with Janet Andersen in and Organizations. Anna Peters were Primary Class. Alexa earned a Dean’s married in a beautiful Award for exceptional ceremony in downtown Alec Minchington XJ’14 contributions to the Detroit in August 2017. Athens High School, program as well as Will and Anna, who (Summa Cum an internship in Madrid and a semester became a couple in 8th Laude, Japanese of study in Barcelona. Alexa was selected grade, have purchased Language Award, lead to participate in a summer program at a home in Huntington programmer for Athens Harvard Business School. While at Brown, Woods, but love the Robotics Team—Troy she served as Chapter President of Delta downtown vibe as Anna works with Quicken Hammerheads, black Sigma Theta Sorority, an historically black Loans and Will with the Detroit Regional belt in Tang Soo sorority focused on sisterhood, scholarship Chamber of Commerce. Do). University of Michigan, College of and service. Alexa is currently living in NYC Engineering with a Regents Scholarship for and working for Jet.com/Walmart as an Hannah J’07 (Hilzinger) Computer Science with a focus on robotics. e-commerce specialist handling marketing, and Shea Vice married pricing, distribution, and sales. on July 15 at picturesque College Graduations Indian Springs to Celebrate Olivia Wood XJ’10 University of Michigan, Metropark. They met dual major BA (with distinction) in in college and after Reilly Ankers J’10 University of Michigan, International Studies—Global Health and the wedding enjoyed a BS Psychology (Boxing team—4 years, USA Spanish with a concentration in Pre-Med. She beautiful honeymoon in boxing federation accredited coach, 2017 received a Spanish Excellence Award from Bermuda. Hannah and Nat’l Champion—165 lb. weight class). Reilly the University. Olivia will be moving to New Shea have just moved is currently enrolled in an EMT course and is York City this summer as she has enrolled to the Denver, Colo., area and are planning scribing for Oakstreet Health in Detroit where at Columbia University to obtain a Master’s to work for the parks department in that he also coaches boxing for Downtown Youth Degree in Public Health. area. They look forward to exploring the Boxing Program. He plans to work as an EMT mountains and spending time outdoors. in Detroit while he applies to medical schools. Preschoolers in Training Caris Bing J’10 Loyola University, Chicago, Steven Andersen dual major (Summa Cum Laude) BA in XJ’98 and Amanda International Studies, minor in International Sagert welcome their Do you have alumni news to share? Business and BA in Spanish, minor in second son Ryder Please send news and photos to Sociology. She is working for Altria and born in May. Five Robin Pospisil, Admissions Director currently lives in the Minneapolis area. Caris weeks premature, at [email protected]. continues to be involved in Management he weighed in at 4 Leadership for Tomorrow, a non-profit which lbs. 10 oz. and spent equips and emboldens high-achieving women his first two weeks SUMMER/FALL 2018 | japhetschool.org | 5 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID JAPHET SCHOOL PERMIT NO. 624 839 S. CROOKS RD., CLAWSON, MI 48017 ROYAL OAK, MI

REACHING OUT OUR FANTASTIC 45TH CLASS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Growing our summer offerings is a strong possibility for 2019 and and socially. She uses her strong character to build lasting beyond. It also provided an opportunity for families to experience friendships. Lily will be attending Berkley High School as part our program before considering enrollment. of the Berkley Scholars Program.

Play & Learn Toddler Program ANNABELLE SITAREK We launched a toddler program in January 2017 to welcome Annabelle came to Japhet as a Preschool student. Annabelle is parents with little ones to Japhet! Called Play & Learn, the inquisitive, optimistic, and caring. She enjoys biking, drawing, program engages toddlers (18 months to 3 years) in an hour of crafting, reading, playing the harp and ukulele, and listening to enriching play with mom, dad, or other special adult. The program music. Annabelle volunteers at Gilda’s Club and is well known is once weekly, and each session is four weeks long. We’ve hosted for her volunteerism at school, always working weekend events. Play & Learn for three sessions already. Fall 2018 and Winter 2019 Annabelle’s teachers describe her as dependable, patient, are on the calendar, and themes include Music, Movement, Tactile resourceful, and quick-witted. Annabelle’s family feels she sees & Sensory, Jungle, Stories & Puppets, Forest, Ocean, and Farm. the best in people and makes those around her comfortable Our Preschool and Kindergarten teachers help run the program and happy. Annabelle will be attending Berkley High School. along with Japhet staff and volunteers. It’s been a wonderful way to introduce Japhet to families early and help toddlers discover GRACE WASILUK that learning is fun! Grace joined Japhet as a Kindergartener. She radiates kindness through her smile and gentle manner as an empathetic, creative, Character Quality Icons appreciative, and independent person. She enjoys playing Japhet’s Enrollment Team—a group of parents, teachers, staff, soccer and trying her hand at interior design. She also loves and trustee volunteers—is very excited to reveal the outcome of animals and has many pets. Teachers feel Grace always gives a creative endeavor reflecting months of brainstorming, design, her best effort. She is a role model who expresses all of Japhet’s and student involvement: character quality icons. Each of our character qualities. Grace’s parents appreciate all the speaking 18 character qualities will soon be expressed visually! The icons opportunities she has had; she can speak without getting are simple and will be used in myriad applications to promote nervous. Grace plans to attend in character education and the Japhet brand. Plus, they’re just plain Rochester Hills. FUN. Buttons top the list of ways the icons will be shared. Stay tuned to learn about how you can get your own button or “We have quite a bit in common. Just as you are embarking a full set! on a new journey and experience, so am I as Japhet’s next Head of School,” said Kerri Vizena in her Graduation remarks. “I’ll be All of this work helps Japhet School grow, and much of it was taking those new steps of adventure right along with you. Let’s driven by our current strategic plan. Japhet School has evolved, be inspired, passionate, and dedicated to our journey ahead.” and newcomers who visit Japhet begin by saying they’ve already heard great news of the school, and are here to learn more. We receive most students via personal referral from parents, Japhet community members, and even teachers from other schools. Our reputation as a school of character, and as a school that sees the unique and unlimited learner in every child, is propelling our growth forward.

CONTACTING THE MOHANS Cathy: 248-961-2296 Cathy and Joe Mohan Cathy and Joe Mohan, enjoying retired life on their farm, [email protected] 4319 Kilgore Road, wish to stay connected and welcome your letters, emails, Joe: 248-961-2295 Avoca, MI 48006 and phone calls. Here’s their information: [email protected]

6 | SUMMER/FALL 2018 | www.japhetschool.org | 248-585-9150