Spring 2017 | The Lamplighter School | Dallas, Texas

Lamplighter steps up involvement with Commit2Dallas strategic partnership with DISD elementary schools

• LAMPLIGHTER: The only school in Texas to experience MoMath’s ‘Math Walk’ PAGE 22 • Our Mission Spring 2017 Dedicated to igniting the potential of each child, Lamplighter engages children in the joy of learning through intellectual Diversity Statement discovery in a creative, inclusive, and Diversity will strengthen the education of Lamplighter children and enrich the lives of all members of the Lamplighter collaborative environment. community. Lamplighter will, therefore, strive for the lamps that we light to reflect the ever-changing community in which we reside. We value individuality and encourage all children to reach their potential, while respecting their similarities and differences. We are united in purpose and committed to working together to accomplish the mission of The Lamplighter School. Non-Discrimination Statement In compliance with federal and state laws, The Lamplighter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid program, athletic and other school- administered programs, or the employment of staff.

Managing Editor Edward Ritenour, Director of Communications & Marketing Art/Design Ana Bohanan, Communications | Design Coordinator Contributors Sandy Diamond, Landy Fox, Sarah Satinsky Contributing Photographer Larry Sengbush Photography Contact Us Send story ideas to Ana Bohanan ([email protected]). Deadline for articles, photographs, and news for the next issue (Fall 2017) is August 1, 2017.

On the cover: As part of Lamplighter’s Commit! strategic partnership program, second-grade students from Walnut Hill Elementary have been paired as pen pals with Lamplighter second-graders. After an initial meeting at Lamplighter during the Dooley Author Series, a second meeting took place in early January at the local DISD school, Walnut Hill Elementary. 10 Head Lines 4 On Board 5 Senior Salute 6 Cover Story 10 Faculty Focus 14 Partner Profile 18 Staff Stories 20 Barnyard Buzz 22 Alumni Now 32 22

32 LAMPPOST 3 HeadLines

Our students continue to be the recipients of a world class education and the new learning spaces will enhance the experience.

Dear Members of the Lamplighter In the fall students and teachers will recipients of a world class education Community: work hand in hand in the new learning and the new learning spaces will enhance spaces. The Innovation Lab will be home the experience. Spring is in the air! Spring is the season to Early Childhood and Lower School of new beginnings and transformations. science classes including a generous space A special thank you to our Board Chair It is with enthusiasm and excitement for robotics. The environmental science Sarah Weinberg, Construction Chair and that I announce the Lamplighter campus classroom is light-filled and is positioned past Board Chair Catherine Rose, and transformation is coming to completion closest to the creek for easy access for pond Campaign Chair Jennifer Karol along with with the now 10,000 sq. ft. Innovation Lab studies. The Innovation Lab will include a the entire Lamplighter Board of Trustees. and barn. teaching kitchen that is right-sized for the We could not have achieved this vision for youngest learners through those who are our students without the participation of The new red barn in all of its glory will seniors. Everything from the gingerbread alums, alum parents and close friends of open this month. The Lamplighter Layers man and treats from the garden can be the school in addition to our Lamplighter Corporation has continued to thrive and enjoyed in the new kitchen. parents, faculty and staff. despite the noise of construction, the chickens continue to lay delicious eggs. This fall a new course in woodworking will Yes, spring is a time of new beginnings and Next month members of the senior class be offered. Students will learn to use basic will begin the orderly transfer of old we are so excited about the future. This hand tools to construct objects from wood. chickens to new homes while the rising fall there will be a series of events so that Lastly, but certainly not least there is also seniors begin the process of raising baby parents and friends of Lamplighter can chicks, a process that is now 58 years a project room that has been designed to come for a visit. We are eager for you to see old. New fencing has been erected in give the faculty flexibility as they plan units what we’ve been up to! preparation for the return of the farm of study. Additional space is available so animals in the fall. Yes, indeed, spring that students can leave materials out as they Sincerely, transformations are evident at every turn. construct new knowledge.

Final touches are being placed on the Improvements have also been made to the new Innovation Lab. Those closest to the playground area with a new sport court. Joan Buchanan Hill, Ed. D. project may agree that no matter how many The entire playground is now within the Head of School times we’ve seen the plans on paper or in a Ring Road. This will give our students PowerPoint presentation one could never more options for outdoor play. fully imagine the exquisite learning spaces that are coming to fruition. Architect Marlon We are excited about the new spaces for Blackwell is truly a visionary designer. learning. Our students continue to be the

4 LAMPPOST OnBoard

With our enhanced campus, we begin a new chapter in our journey of nurturing curious, confident, risk-taking, and distinguished Lamplighter learners.

Dear Lamplighter Community: tradition of caring for animals and Hawes, Hill and Wilkinson and Marlon learning responsibility in the marvelous Blackwell Architects brought the plans Driving the Ring Road is, well, different new Barn. With Lamplighter’s amazing to life. Without the generosity of capital lately. Our conversations in the car faculty and staff crafting our children’s contributed by our entire community about the upcoming day are infused educational journey in our wonderful to make our campaign a comprehensive with palpable excitement as we round learning spaces – new and existing - the success, this would all just be a dream. the corner and see the new construction possibilities are infinite. and landscaping shaping up for full What a wonderful time to be a part of completion in time for the 2018-19 Our beautiful campus completion the Lamplighter family! Thank you for school year. With our enhanced campus, affirms the many forms of generosity your part in making our dream a reality. we begin a new chapter in our journey in our Lamplighter community. The of nurturing curious, confident, risk- dedication, time commitment and taking, and distinguished Lamplighter collaboration from the staff, faculty With Lamplighter spirit, learners. They will blossom in the savvy and board to enhance our campus new woodworking space and teaching have been truly remarkable. The kitchen. They will build a lifetime patience and flexibility demonstrated love of learning working together in by students, parents and alumni have Sarah Weinberg the thoughtful, practically-designed been above and beyond. The hard work, Board Chair innovation spaces. And, yes, they will creativity and partnership of the design continue the delightful Lamplighter and construction team including Vel

LAMPPOST 5 Senior Salute

Celebrating SENIORS

NLamplighter celebrates fourth-graders’ achievements with annual luncheonM

The Lamplighter School’s annual “Senior” First to address the audience was Danny students “to live by” while students at luncheon was held last fall to celebrate Enrico. Dr. Hill introduced the baseball- Lamplighter: “Cherish time and memories; the School’s graduating fourth-grade class. playing, high honor roll student at Greenhill senior year flies by; and your senior year. The gathering is not only the School’s as someone “who enjoys Lego Robotics What are you going to do to make it your way to acknowledge the fourth-graders’ and TedEx Kids.” She also described him best year yet?” Johnson then illuminated achievements during their seven years as a debate team member and the eighth- to the students that “it’s what you make of at Lamplighter, but also provides an grade representative for the School’s it…so many fun things to look forward to.” opportunity for students and their parents student forum. In closing, she asked the students to “put and teachers to reminisce. Invited to my ideas to the test to make this your most address the group were two young alumni, Enrico said his memories of fourth fun year yet.” Danny Enrico and Inez Johnson. Enrico, grade at Lamplighter included Flash, the an eighth grader at Greenhill School, and School’s student-produced news broadcast, Later, fourth-grade teacher Jody Stout Johnson, an eighth-grader at The Hockaday math games, and selling eggs through reported that the alumni were able to give School, returned to their alma mater to the Lamplighter Layers Corporation, an the fourth-graders an insight about their offer thoughtful words of advice and share entrepreneurial chicken-raising and egg- Lamplighter experience that most teachers memories with the excited fourth-grade selling program now in its 47th year at the and families simply cannot. “Danny students who are now in their final year School. Enrico served as the corporation’s Enrico gave our current seniors a peek at Lamplighter. into their futures, painting a picture of “Through all new adventures born from foundational Head of School Dr. Joan Hill kicked off the experiences at Lamplighter,” she explained, luncheon by welcoming the 40 students and this fun, I then added, “Inez Johnson gave expert their parents and teachers. “This is a very advice for appreciating the significance important milestone at Lamplighter,” she was actually of their senior year while looking forward told the fourth-graders. “You are members to new possibilities.” Stout believes that of our senior class – many of you started learning words from these alumni “have a particular here together at three years of age, and credibility for our current seniors” now you’ve been here for seven years!” something because Enrico and Johnson “have lived She explained that they had distinguished !” the Lamplighter experience and have so themselves as seniors “by taking on treasurer. “Through all this was fun, I successfully navigated the transition that responsibility, including helping out those was actually learning something!” he follows graduation.” Dr. Hill remarked, in the lower grades.” laughed, and said his peers at Greenhill “I am convinced the students,” such as “don’t believe me, but they realize that Danny and Inez, “are successful because Dr. Hill described the event for fourth- Lamplighter prepared all of us to succeed.” of the strong foundation” they receive at grade families “as a time to pause, reflect Lamplighter. on the past, celebrate the present, and Then Dr. Hill introduced the next look toward the future,” and revealed that alumni speaker, Inez Johnson, as an After the guest speakers finished their each student received a gift box. “Inside athletic Hockaday student who plays field speeches, Dr. Hill returned to the podium is a special pin from Lamplighter!” After hockey and soccer and is also a member and thanked the two for their “inspiring the parents pinned their children, the 40 of her school’s track team. Next Dr. words.” Next she thanked the parents “for students stood to be recognized as Dr. Hill announced that Johnson, a former entrusting your children to Lamplighter. Hill announced the Senior Class of 2017, co-president of Lamplighter Layers, is We take this very seriously and plan to and the crowd saluted them with now Speaker of the House for Hockaday’s deliver on the promise we made to you a standing ovation. middle school student council. when your children were three and four.” Explaining that the School strives for After expressing appreciation to the Saying that she remembers her senior academic excellence, while it offers “a faculty and staff, “especially the teachers luncheon “like it was yesterday,” Johnson warm and supportive environment which, who help to make this year so special,” described the speakers back then as “so in turn, inspires a love of learning and Dr. Hill introduced the two alumni guests old…and now I’m the old one,” laughed self-confidence,” Dr. Hill summarized and invited them “to talk about life after the 13-year-old. Next she challenged the the Lamplighter experience as that which Lamplighter.” students to live by the “Rule of Three.” “delivers a serious education wrapped in Describing it as three things for the the wonder of childhood.”

6 LAMPPOST Our Journey Through Lamplighter by Karen Lobdell

It’s hard to believe that almost 20 years ago, we started a lifelong friendship with an amazing institution. Lamplighter has always exceeded our expectations and been the perfect home for our family. My parents were both from a very small town in Iowa. Daddy grew up in a town of 800 people and Mom lived in the country on a dairy farm. Needless to say, my sister and I were raised with unyielding midwestern values which were very simple, straightforward and down-to-earth. Be kind, be humble, work hard, use common sense, learn from people around you, and most importantly, life is about character. We both knew that if you followed these rules, the rest of life would fall into place the way it should. Lamplighter was a kindred friendship to us from the first day we toured. The school was more than we had hoped for, and the barn and animals felt like fate was telling us we were home. In a world full of privilege, Lamplighter was the modest, grounded guide for our children to learn the values we held so dearly.

Lamplighter has been the full package and always surpassed the traditional definition of a school, teaching the whole child: mind, body and soul. Our children experienced learning through a unique and wonderful adventure. Lamplighter instilled in our kids what it means to be contributing members of society. They learned to believe in themselves and respect not only adults but their peers as well. They learned to think outside the box and not be afraid to fail. They learned to embrace people for who they are and celebrate different opinions. Most importantly, through all of this, they were taught and experienced love. We are very thankful to have had an extraordinary place to help build the foundation of our children’s lives. As the last of our babies are hugged out of Lamplighter this year, our eyes will be filled with tears, but our hearts will be filled with warmth and love for a place we have called home for almost two decades. CLASS OF 2017 Seniors love Lamplighter because. . .

Julian Balestri Xander Bromberg Griffin Buss “...everybody is friends “...of the chickens and “...it has no doors from lunch to recess Lamplighter Layers.” which to me means and that is what I like is they’re always open about Lamplighter.” to new people and ideas.”

Will Clifford Caroline Cohen Sophia Cohen “...when we are in “...Lamplighter’s loving “...it is so interactive the well because we teachers know that and welcoming from are a united front.” all children learn my first day of Pre-K differently and they and my last day as learn at different a senior.” paces.”

Nicholas Dickason Brooke Ebner Jack Cronin “...of the flexible “...all the teachers are “...of my friends.” teachers and all the amazing activities.” super nice.”

Aubrey Fomin Cub Gerber Laure Ghorayeb “...of all the amazing “...the teachers are “...whenever you teachers who have always welcoming come in from Pre-K been so welcoming and kind and given me an throughout the day.” to fourth grade, they amazing start to life.” always welcome you with a big smile.”

Alexander Gillikin Lauren Harrington Fina Heeringa “...the teachers are “...at the beginning of “...of the loving and extremely supportive each year we start out caring friends around and everyone is very with a seed but every me. They help me friendly.” teacher inspires it into when I need it.” a tree.”

Ashton Hillman Celia Holzsweig Maxwell Johnson “...it isn’t boring. It’s fun “...the atmosphere “...the teachers are and zany learning and makes me feel at always there for us never gets less fun. home.” when we have trouble And the CHICKENS with a worksheet or an essay.” toooo!”

Gavin Lambert Asher Levy “... the teachers and “...in fourth grade we friends you meet are get to collect eggs.” so kind.”

8 LAMPPOST SeniorSalute

Jacob Lobdell Holden Lyons “...of the loving Wyatt Loehr “...they welcome you atmosphere and the “...I’ve never felt every day with a warm wonderful events, but the friends and left out.” and loving welcome.” teachers really make Lamplighter number one!”

Brody Morrison Marlo Moskovic “...of the barn because Adair Moses “...all the friends I you get to have “...it lights a lamp for made over the years animals that are every student.” are still my best different every year.” friends now.”

Naviya Reddy Caroline Reid Ethan Pham “...everyone cares “...of the teachers. “...we are all together for each other and is They are all so kind during hootenannys.” there for you.” and caring.”

Isabella Roberts Michael Renzulli “...since my first day when I walked into Vikram Singh “...because of their the school everyone “...it’s my home away innovative teaching was nice to me, and I from home.” style.” hope Lamplighter will be like that for years to come.”

Jacob Staveteig Luke Steinhart “...the students and “...everyone is willing Noah Stern the teachers are to become friends always at an even “...it has welcomed me level in the well and with you and there are since I was three.” that makes me feel always good activities good about myself.” to look forward to.”

Aydin Sumer Campbell Trubey “...we get to collect “...of the kindness eggs in the coop.” around me.”

Luke Vennerberg Preston Ward John Weinberg “...caring for the “... it is different than “...grades come chickens is one of the other schools because together at most important parts we have the Jonsson TeamTime.” of our day.” Garden in the middle of the school.”

LAMPPOST 9 CoverStory

Commited to the Community Lamplighter partnership with the Commit2Dallas Organization enters fourth year. Lamplighter announced plans in 2013 to support the Commit2Dallas Partnership’s efforts to strengthen DISD reading skills. The partnership also involves local foundations, corporations, and non-profit organizations. The broad partnership uses data and community expertise “to help prepare every student in Dallas County for success in school and life,” according to Abigail Williams, co-founder of Commit! Lamplighter is the only private elementary school participating in the program that also involves several independent high schools. Lamplighter is directly involved with both nearby Walnut Hill and Sudie Williams elementary schools.

“The partnership is intricately connected to Lamplighter’s community service and literacy programs,” remarked Dr. Joan Hill, Lamplighter Head of School, who added, “This initiative reinforces our commitment to the program that benefits so many students and teachers.”

As part of Lamplighter’s Commit! strategic the presentation, Parrish explained what partnership program, second-grade DART stands for, how to stay safe in students from Walnut Hill Elementary and around buses, and what types of have been paired as pen pals with uniformed employees passengers might Lamplighter second-graders. After an initial see around a DART station and on the meeting at Lamplighter during the Dooley bus. At the finale of the presentation, Author Series, a second meeting took students safely boarded two DART buses place in early January at the local DISD to ride to Walnut Hill Elementary. school, Walnut Hill Elementary. Once on the bus, Parrish continued her lessons. The students listened attentively To begin the day at Lamplighter, students and were excited to find unique features Lamplighter Assistant Head for Academics Vicki Raney heard a safety presentation from Marcia on the bus. Once at the host school, four (second from left), pictured with (l-r) Walnut Hill Elementary Counselor Angie Baker, Principal Robert Parrish, a transit education presenter Walnut Hill Elementary students greeted McLaurin, and Instructional Coach Kristina Collings and representative of DART. During Lamplighter students with signs directing

10 LAMPPOST Pen Pal express Lamplighter second-graders arrive at Walnut Hill Elementary to visit their pen pals.

each class where to go. The second- teacher, explained, “This will help with Baker, and Instructional Coach Kristina graders linked up with their pen pals, and topics to talk about with your pen pals Collings, was a “dream come true” their morning was busy with activities. once you start writing letters.” The for Lamplighter Assistant Head for While there, Lamplighter students enjoyed students eagerly asked questions about Academics Vicki Raney. “We’ve been a tour around Walnut Hill’s campus and their pals’ siblings, favorite activities, and working on this partnership for years, but were able to see their peers’ second-grade favorite foods. After getting to know this is the first time we’ve coordinated it classrooms. Students were impressed to their pen pals, the second-graders spent to this extent,” she explained. “It’s been a learn Walnut Hill Elementary has been in time decorating bookmarks that they dream to get a relationship like this to be existence for 100 years! would give their pen pals before the end more personal, and it’s finally happening. of the visit. I’m so excited!” The students from both schools spent some time getting to know one another, The “special day,” which was coordinated filling out “Get to Know You” forms. with Walnut Hill Elementary Principal Ana Owens, Lamplighter second-grade Robert McLaurin, Counselor Angie

LAMPPOST 11 CoverStory Commit! On Campus Lamplighter Hosts Commit! P3 Network Meeting On February 9, The Lamplighter School the students. Her interactive presentation hosted the Commit! P3 Network for a included small-group discussions about quarterly networking meeting on campus ideas for managing stress and minimizing in the Klyde Warren Auditorium. The burn-out among educators. Commit! P3 Network is a partnership that helps drive student achievement in Next, Lamplighter’s Assistant Head Dallas County from cradle to career by for Academics, Vicki Raney, spoke to leveraging data, community expertise, and the group to spotlight Lamplighter’s collaboration. The network includes early partnership with Walnut Hill Elementary childhood programs, public K-12 districts, School. Ms. Raney shared the evolution public charter networks, independent of this partnership from a pen pal private schools, higher education, program to Skype sessions to the recent foundations, parent-teacher groups, and in-person visits at both schools. The non-profit organizations. partnership has now expanded beyond student-focused programs to teacher The meeting featured guest speaker Tina networking and collaboration. Lamplighter’s Assistant Head for Academics, Vicki Raney Robertson, Director of Clinical Training at Momentous Institute. Ms. Robertson The meeting culminated with the unveiling be rebranded as “United” with a stated spoke about the importance of social- of the new name and mission statement mission “to unite the community in emotional heath in teachers and the for the Commit! P3 Network. Going creating meaningful opportunities for all impact that it has on the well-being of forward, the Commit! P3 Network will students to learn and lead.”

Teachers Team Up Lamplighter faculty meet with peer teachers from Walnut Hill Elementary the years to come.” The teachers learned about how everyone’s classrooms worked, shared student work, and discussed their plans for future activities throughout the rest of the year. Pandya remarked, “It’s great to work together because we’re in the same community and our students just love their new friends at Lamplighter.” Marquez agreed, “We are so excited to collaborate and work with our neighbors.”

The partnership between the schools has been off to a successful start and the students already feel connected. “When we told the students we were going to Lamplighter to meet with second-grade teachers, the children were so jealous L-R: Diane James, Olivia Claiborn, Mellissa Martinez, Alma Pandya, Lakeshia Peters, Blanca Marquez, and wanted to come with us,” said Anne Yarbrough, and Ana Owens Marquez. Owens smiled adding, “Our In January, Lamplighter teachers met Mellissa Martinez, Alma Pandya, Blanca most important assignment from our with peer teachers from Walnut Hill Marquez, and Diane James for a meeting second-graders was to figure out the Elementary through the Commit! over lunch. next time they would see their pen pals!” partnership at their first “Faculty to Faculty” event. The meeting took place The peer teachers shared both academic After lunch, the Lamplighter faculty at Lamplighter and involved the second- and social-emotional curriculum. took their peers on a tour around the grade teachers from both schools. Lamplighter’s Owens said, “It was really school, and the teachers grinned as they Lamplighter second-grade teachers Ana important for us to get to know each discussed the many similarities between Owens, Olivia Claiborn, Anne Yarbrough, other on a personal level because we the schools, particularly in terms of the and Lakeshia Peters joined teachers of the know this will only benefit the relationship energy and joy the second-grade students same grade from Walnut Hill Elementary: the students will build with each other in express on a daily basis.

12 LAMPPOST CoverStory Parent Partners Lamplighter parents volunteer for ‘Reading Partners’ at neighborhood elementary

Through its strategic partnership with Commit!, parents from Lamplighter have been working with the Reading Partners Organization. This group works to mobilize communities to provide students in under-resourced schools with proven, individualized reading support they need to read at grade level by fourth grade. Dallas Independent School District trustee Dustin Marshall was pivotal in increasing awareness of the program in the Lamplighter community as a former Lamplighter parent and member of the LPA.

According to Reading Partners, reading provides is critical, and working with the is “ultimately immeasurable. We are a is the foundation for all future learning. same child each week “has been a very better school for participating in this The ability to read transforms lives and rewarding experience.” partnership, and fortunate to assist empowers children and communities in casting the light of literacy Reading to reach their full potential. Research Fellow Lamplighter parent Denise Partners shines!” shows that when students can read at Stewart shared a similar experience. grade level by fourth grade, they have a “Reading Partners provides me with Stewart has found the program and its greater opportunity to succeed in school the specific tools to make a significant impact “incredible.” She described how and in life. With fewer than one out of impact on a child’s reading success,” working with children who need extra five of our nation’s students from low- she explained. Commenting on her support to grasp foundational reading income families reading at grade level, memories from her time with the skills is extremely rewarding. “The kids Reading Partners is committed to leading organization, Stewart added, “My first I’ve seen at the Sudie Williams Reading the movement to ensure all children are reading partner was a second-grader Partners Center are so bright and curious equipped with the reading skills they need who loved reading but needed support about their world. Our city’s future is to reach their full potential. with new vocabulary words and reading dependent on children being served by comprehension. My current partner is a Reading Partners. They are well worth The group reports that their community- first-grader that is still learning to identify the investment!” driven model works: rigorous research letters and their sounds.” has proven that Reading Partners significantly increases reading proficiency The Reading Partners program is by partnering with schools and designed to meet each child at their communities to equip students with the individual reading level. The volunteer individualized support and foundational tutor is provided with a step-by-step skills they need to read at grade level by lesson plan for each one-hour session. fourth grade. No prior teaching or tutoring is required. “It’s fool-proof!” Stewart exclaimed. Lamplighter parent Pam Meyers has been volunteering with the organization since Sudie Williams is taking full advantage of last fall and said she was shocked to learn the Reading Partners program. Principal that only one in five students from low- Michael Jackson shared, “To say that income families is reading proficiently Reading Partners is an asset to our by fourth grade. She explained, “If a school is an understatement.” Jackson Lamplighter child isn’t reading at grade believes Reading Partners has become level, there would be a phone call to “an invaluable instrument” toward his a reading specialist. For the children students’ academic development and at Sudie Williams and the other DISD resource in fostering “real and meaningful elementary schools, Reading Partners relationships with literacy.” He also serves students struggling with reading.” explained that the care and consideration Meyers says she has found that the imbued in the work of the volunteers individual attention Reading Partners Pam Meyers and Denise Stewart with Reading Partners

LAMPPOST 13 Forever Learners

In this continuing section,

LampPost illustrates the ways our accomplished faculty members teach, engage, inspire, and mentor as they deliver serious education wrapped in the wonder of childhood.

10 LAMPPOST FacultyFocus

THE GREAT

Lamplighter T1 teacher Amy Brown with OUTDOORS a student identifying field samples. As part of science curriculum, students visit Mountain View College Conservation Area Amy Brown and Gretchen Pollom contributed to this article.

Amy Brown explained, “The gloves seed collection envelopes, plant collection showed the children how seeds were bags, forceps for collecting seeds, soil and transferred from one area to another water collection jars, and field journals for by animals having them stick to their fur drawing and recording observations. and then eventually fall off.” Students also spent time in the dry creek bed making Judith Mullens, Director of Early rubbings of fossils. They learned that Childhood, remarked, “The trip was a Texas had at one time been underwater, thrill for the students” as they enjoyed Brown continued, “then took water the high-quality hands-on experience. samples back to Lamplighter for analysis.” Mullens extended her thanks to Brown She said they also fed a variety of turtles and Pollom who organized this special in the college’s creek area. trip and created field study baskets for each T1 student. The children took soil samples from the Blackland Prairie area as well as plant In February, Pollom met with the Pre-K Last fall, as part of their science clippings. According to Brown, “Students team to review the science program curriculum, T1 students embarked on used the iNaturalist app to identify the for the remainder of the year, and led their first and only Lamplighter field clippings.” Gretchen Pollom, Lamplighter’s science lessons in T1 for one week on trip to the Mountain View College Perot Museum Liaison, helped prepare soil analysis. The students performed Conservation Area and Outdoor for and lead the trip. She ensured that chemistry experiments using homemade Classroom in southwest Dallas County. each child on the trip had his or her own cabbage dye to identify acidic and alkaline As part of the experience, the students tool kit that included materials a field soils, and they planted the seeds they had wore knitted gloves to walk through scientist would need: magnifying glass, collected at Mountain View College. the prairie to collect seeds. T1 teacher

LAMPPOST 15 FacultyFocus Leading the Way Teacher participates in launch of Center for Transitional Leadership at SMU by Becky Walker

This fall, I had the privilege of participating in “What Are My Strengths and How Do I Lead with Them,” the first course offered by the newly formed Center for Transformational Leadership (CTL). CTL is a partnership between the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at SMU, Parish Episcopal School, and other independent school collaborators, including Lamplighter.

“What Are My Strengths and How Do I Lead with Them” was the first course offered by the center, so the 12 students in the class acted as both participants and designers, offering targeted feedback about the coursework, instructors, course design, and format.

The course began with an investigation into each student’s core values. Identifying our Growth Opportunity values, such as integrity, family, achievement, Teacher presents session at Staff Development for Educators conference or balance, helped us frame the type of by Bryce Sizemore leader we want to be and the ways that we can integrate our values into our Earlier this year, I presented a session At the request of SDE, I presented a leadership journey. Another key part of the at the Beyond the Buzzwords Fostering session entitled “Project-Based Learning: course was taking Gallup’s StrengthsFinder Resilience & Growth Mindset from From ‘Not Yet’ to ‘Gold Standard,’” a Assessment. From this assessment, we each the Start for K–5th Grade Educators session focused on using existing learning learned our five most prominent strengths. conference hosted by Staff Development units to structure and plan project-based Our instructor for the course was an for Educators (SDE). SDE is well-known learning experiences that give students executive coach, and she led us through in the education community for providing choice and promote a growth mindset. a series of exercises to analyze how our professional development for educators During this presentation, I helped strengths help us be effective leaders and, across the globe. educators and administrators link content equally as important, how those strengths standards with 21st-century skills such as may get in the way of effective leadership. At this inaugural event held here in critical thinking, innovation, and growth Combining our values and our strengths, Dallas, presenters focused on strategies mindset through the use of project-based we each developed a personal leadership for promoting and fostering development learning. I have a passion for empowering credo, a statement that will help guide us in of the non-cognitive traits of resilience educators to create a classroom meaningful decision-making, while keeping and growth mindset. According to environment that inspires and helps all us tethered to our core values and guiding Dr. Carol Dweck, who appeared at a learners succeed. Following the success principles. Other coursework included recent Dolores Evans Speaker Series at of this session, I subsequently presented analyzing survey feedback from colleagues Lamplighter, a growth mindset is defined the session to educators at the Kosmos to help us see how we are perceived as as “...a self-perception or ‘self-theory’ Energy STEM Teacher Institute hosted by that people hold about themselves.” the Perot Museum. Dweck further explains in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, When not presenting, I enjoyed attending “In a growth mindset, people believe several sessions focused on promoting that their most basic abilities can be a growth mindset during literacy and developed through dedication and hard mathematics instruction. I was excited work—brains and talent are just the to learn about strategies to give students starting point. This view creates a love of choices, grow confidence to persevere, learning and a resilience that is essential and have a sense of pride! for great accomplishment.” Attending a conference where every session and every attendee was focused on promoting social-emotional learning was a refreshing departure from purely focusing on academics.

16 LAMPPOST From Paper to Portal Lamplighter staffers present at National ERB Conference by Jill Wiedman and Vicki Raney

administering the CTP online in recent years. According to Raney, “Teachers, heads of schools, directors, leaders in our schools and considering areas and academic leaders listened to our of strength and areas of growth. We also description of the online process and worked through case studies of situations asked clarifying questions. Everyone in each of our schools to find opportunities enjoyed the video clips we included of for using our leadership skills to make an two Lamplighter faculty members (Jody immediate impact. Stout and Leslie Bledsoe) sharing their personal opinions about going online, I began this course knowing that I want to Last October, Assistant Head for and when we finished, we heard grow in my career and eventually take on Academics Vicki Raney and School applause and attendees walked up a leadership role in an independent school. Counselor Jill Wiedman presented to speak with us privately.” Smiling, at the Educational Records Bureau This course required me to think critically Wiedman added, “Our student video (ERB) 89th Annual Conference, about who I am and what qualities I already clips, as always, stole the show!” “Unlocking Excellence,” in Chicago. possess that will make me an effective Raney believes “a robust program The presentation was entitled, “Read leader, rather than emphasizing mastery of professional development is a and Click: CTP Online,” and Wiedman of a one-size-fits-all set of core leadership cornerstone of a great school” and explained further, “Our goal was to skills. Every person can be a leader, and this thus is proud that Lamplighter offers share our experience with transitioning course helped all participants realize how a comprehensive and dynamic array from the CTP Paper Pencil to CTP they can harness their unique combination of professional development choices Online.” Raney provided background of skills, talents, personality traits, and for the School’s faculty, staff, and information about Lamplighter and administrators. Raney smiled, saying, discussed the School’s online journey. Every person can be a “Lamplighter is well-represented Wiedman then shared the “nuts at all of the major conferences and and bolts” of the complete process, leader, and this course workshops across the country!” explaining, “My focus was navigating the ERB portal, the technology piece, helped all participants The event opened with keynote and scheduling testing. I walked the speakers from The Second City, the group through our online rollout from realize how they can world’s premier comedy club, comedy start to finish.” Raney and Wiedman theatre, and school of improvisation. finished by presenting a “Top 10 List” harness their unique Wiedman remarked that the cast of reasons to go online. Since the “was entertaining, but also provided a conference, Wiedman said she has had combination of skills, wonderful message about positivity, the communication with several of the value of good listening, and confidence.” participants regarding different aspects talents, personality Describing the conference sessions, of testing online. Wiedman noted that she felt fortunate traits, and strengths. to experience sessions regarding testing Additionally, the two had a productive and assessment and social-emotional consultation session with Lamplighter’s learning. Raney also said she enjoyed ERB consultant, Rebecca Craft. Raney strengths. I gained insights into how to be a her sessions, commenting, “One of the reported that Lamplighter fourth- more effective member of the third-grade most valuable workshops I attended grade literature teacher Jody Stout was team at Lamplighter, how to guide other focused on the latest research about described as a “rock star” by the ERB teachers on the literacy committee, and even our brains. Just when we think we consultants. Last summer, Stout was how to make personal relationships richer know everything about the brain’s invited to participate in a standard-setting project, establishing proficiency levels for and more meaningful. The coursework function, we hear new facts about students on ERB’s writing assessment. how children learn and how to teach required me to put into specific, succinct According to Raney, “Every time Jill and words what I value, what I believe in, and young students.” Many sessions at the I were talking to the ERB consultants, what I hope to be as a school leader. Those conference focused on social-emotional they would exclaim, ‘Oh, we love Jody! ideals will help guide me throughout my learning and how to assess those skills. Her knowledge and experience were career and will help me be a teacher-leader Raney continued, “Discussions with invaluable to our project!’” in the Lamplighter community. colleagues about the various ways that Lamplighter teachers nurture respect According to Raney, Lamplighter literacy After this first course, the CTL will take and responsibility in our students, and teachers will be able to view the our feedback and use it to improve the the importance of offering feedback exemplars Jody’s team evaluated, along course for its next iteration this spring. to parents on children’s growth with with brand new learning progressions our Social-Emotional Developmental Eventually, the Center for Transformational detailing what students should be able Records confirmed that Lamplighter Leadership hopes to offer a variety of to do in the area of composition, as is a leading school in our nation.” well as updated assessment rubrics to courses for faculty, staff, and administrators in independent schools. I look forward to track their progress. Raney added how During their presentation, Raney proud she is of Stout’s work with ERB seeing what the Center has in store and, and Wiedman shared the success and how much she appreciates the new hopefully, to take more courses! Lamplighter has experienced teacher tools.

LAMPPOST 17 PartnerProfile

Lamplighter’s Partnership with the Dallas Arboretum Continues to Grow

Busy Bees Kindergarten students visit the Dallas Arboretum Teachers Hannah Brown, Bryce Sizemore, and Lindsey Curtis contributed to this article.

This fall, Early Childhood students in observed the different kinds of honeybees the end of the year, so it will be helpful to Kindergarten traveled to the Dallas with magnifying glasses.” already know some interesting facts about Arboretum, a strategic partner of honeybees!” Curtis continued. Lamplighter. The field trip, which took The program highlighted the inter- place in conjunction with the students’ dependence of plants and bees and Brown added that an important lesson unit on cycles, included a program included hands-on activities to illustrate from the trip was learning that there are entitled, “The Flight of the Honeybee.” pollination. Fellow Kindergarten teacher not many honeybees left. “Our plants rely Lindsey Curtis remarked, “The students on the honeybees. Our Kindergarteners According to Kindergarten teacher Bryce discovered the different ways flowers now know they need to share their Sizemore, “The students enjoyed the attract pollinators and the special ways knowledge of the honeybees with others chance to connect with the observable honeybees and insects find the plants that so the bees can stay healthy and continue cycles of the butterfly, bee, and plants.” are just right for them.” She added that pollinating.” Director of Early Childhood Sizemore explained that students students had an opportunity to act as a Judith Mullens agreed, remarking, “The explored plants and bees and how they honeybee or a flower in a visual concept trip allowed our students to learn about relate, and teacher Hannah Brown added, of how they relate with each other. the important role honeybees play.” “The students felt like scientists as they “Kindergarten does a unit on insects at

18 LAMPPOST PartnerProfile

Living Towers at Lamplighter and the Dallas Arboretum Garden Variety by Gretchen Pollom, Lamplighter Perot Museum Liaison

The Class of 2016 fourth-graders plants need water, food or nutrients, and assembled the towers at both light. One of the biggest misconceptions Lamplighter and at the Dallas Arboretum. for students is that soil is required for Lamplighter teacher Jody Stout worked plant growth. When we assemble the with the students to create a video tower and show where the seeds were describing what hydroponics are, how planted, the children understand that the the towers are assembled, and why seeds need something to “hold on to” like we use hydroponics. The video was the rock wool in the Living Towers, the shared with the Arboretum for use in clay pellets in the greenhouse hydroponic its education program to teach visitors system, or soil in a raised bed. The to the Arboretum about hydroponics. students also learned that plants need Fellow teacher Kathey Beddow worked space. We look at different types of seeds with her students on taking plant like acorns and look at the huge oak trees measurements and recording data. outside and try to imagine what would Lamplighter science teacher Bill Burton happen to a seed and plant that did not used the lower school towers in fourth have space to grow. grade for an indoor leafy green tower with grow lights and an outside tower The Kindergarten students planted, grew, with tomatoes, squash, and leafy greens. harvested, and ate leafy greens last fall. He used a third tower to grow seven The Pre-K students grew leafy greens last different types of peppers. year and will plant a sensory tower of herbs that will be harvested for the May The Lamplighter School and the Dallas Students’ responsibilities have included Farmers’ Market. Arboretum first collaborated on the assembling the towers, planting the seeds, Living Towers project in September of feeding and watering the plants, measuring The next time you visit the Dallas 2015. Each organization purchased three the growth, and harvesting the produce. Arboretum, or when you walk down aeroponic/hydroponic towers from Currently, one tower has a salsa verde the hallways at Lamplighter, look for the Living Towers, located in Eustis, Florida. theme: tomatillos, peppers, cilantro, and Towers and know that your children are Lamplighter uses two of the towers for onions. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo! experiencing another way to grow food. the lower school program and one for the early childhood program, and the The early childhood teachers and students Arboretum uses its three towers in the use the towers to discuss what a plant Incredible Edible Garden. needs to grow. Most students know that

Many-Legged Mini-Neighbors Spring Night Light class, “Bug Hotel” taught by Dallas Arboretum scientist

An exciting new class “for budding Kindergarten “growing sprouts” that naturalists,” called “Bug Hotel,” is among they would be growing and nurturing the spring offerings for Lamplighter’s after- their own plants and making bug school enrichment program, “Night Light.” hotels while learning about “our many Taught by Dallas Arboretum scientist Anna legged mini-neighbors.” SoRelle, students in the “Bug Hotel” class are exploring the outdoor world “from SoRelle warned the group that they the tips of roots to the tops of trees.” would get their hands dirty while discovering different kinds of gardens, “My name is Anna SoRelle, and I’m a including “some you might not scientist. You may not know it yet, but expect!” she laughed. SoRelle added you are a scientist too!” That is what that students would also be able to SoRelle told her students on day one of “express our findings through words, the session, just before they got down math, art, and science – so there’s to “the exciting business of learning.” something for every learner.” She also explained to her Pre-K, T1, and Dallas Arboretum scientist Anna SoRelle with residents of the “Bug Hotel”

LAMPPOST 19 StaffStories

HEADLINER Article by Head of School published by Vanderbilt University Lamplighter Head of School Dr. Joan Hill thoughts are visible to other students? This is now a published author. Building on article seeks to provide answers to these her dissertation as a doctoral student at important questions through a review of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Hill the literature that begins with a study of recently wrote and published the article, the history of questioning, and then turns “Questioning Techniques: A Study of to the following topics: developing higher Instructional Practice” for the Peabody level thinking through questioning strategies; Journal of Education, a publication of the role of wait time within the context of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. classroom climate and peer interactions; and higher order questioning strategies aligned The abstract from Dr. Hill’s article is with student achievement in reading and shown below: language arts. Although the author’s frame of reference for how these issues play out To what extent do teachers use questions to is within the context of a school where encourage deeper thinking and elicit fuller students’ ability to articulate understanding responses? How do teachers use the levels and their own point of view is purposefully of questions and wait time as a teaching promoted and highly valued, the insights technique? How do teachers make space will have broad applicability across a full for students to talk together so that their spectrum of schools. MATTINGLY AWARDED PAT ON THE BACK Former Head of School Recognized for Excellence

According to the Society, the Awards for Excellence in Community Service are presented to the designated recipients who are “deserving of recognition for their generosity of spirit, civic leadership, and ability to encourage community-wide participation in a particular phase of the growth of the city.”

Photo by Larry Sengbush Lamplighter staff and current and former Pictured from L-R: Former teacher and faculty members joined Pat Mattingly Lower School Head Becky Christensen, Last October, after the Fall 2016 LampPost last November for the Dallas Historical was published, former Head of School Pat Director of Operations Marynell Murphy, Mattingly wrote… Society’s celebration of her contributions Media Center Coordinator Patricia during its 35th annual Awards for Vermillion, Early Childhood teacher “To one and all, Excellence luncheon at the Fairmont Debbie Herskovitz, Pat Mattingly, former The [Fall 2016] edition [of LampPost] is a real Dallas. Mattingly was the recipient of the teacher Marty Melton, Early Childhood winner...aside from all the wonderful articles and 2016 Award for Excellence in Community teacher Liz Curlin, and Lower School features, the layout and photography is one of Service in the education category. Physical Education teacher Kathy Ritz. the best ever. The picture on page 33 brought tears to my eyes. That should be entered into a Throughout her 26-year career at photography contest! Not only is it so indicative of the subject (which all Lamplighters could relate Lamplighter, Mattingly was a champion of to), it is an amazing example of what a camera teachers and students alike, advocating (in the hands of an “artist”) can provide. and promoting lifelong learning. The cover and pages 8-9 are the perfect summary of the publication. Congratulations to all! Thanks again for all you do to keep the flame going!” 20 LAMPPOST StaffStories

MAKING THE CASE Lamplighter team presents at national advancement and communications conference L-R: Lamplighter Trustee Jennifer Karol, Director of Communications and Marketing Ed Ritenour, and Director of Advancement Sandy Diamond

In January, Lamplighter Trustee Jennifer Karol said it was “rewarding to be able peppered with questions from many Karol, Director of Advancement Sandy to share with others the very thoughtful of the participants, many of whom also Diamond, and Director of Communications process that went into the ‘Igniting thanked the three and congratulated and Marketing Ed Ritenour traveled to Young Minds for a Lifetime of Learning them on “a well-organized and thought- Austin for the 47th annual Council for Campaign to fund People, Place, and out presentation.” Advancement and Support of Education- Programs,’ from beginning to end.” National Association of Independent As the participants headed to their Schools (CASE-NAIS) Conference. In The presenters also offered tips for next sessions, Diamond remarked that addition to attending the three-day planning and executing campaigns, presenting at the conference “was a symposium, the three presented “Putting such as “assigning the right volunteers wonderful opportunity for Lamplighter.” the Pieces Together: Planning and Executing in the right jobs; hiring the right Karol nodded and said she was a Comprehensive Campaign,” to an consultant; screening and researching “extremely proud of how Lamplighter is overflow crowd of 120 advancement, databases, then targeting and sequencing revered by our peers.” communications, and marketing colleagues prospective donor pools.” Diamond representing independent schools from stressed the importance of planning. Afterward Diamond reflected on across North America. Karol concurred and suggested that, how the three presenters “explored for greater effectiveness, “big campaign key technical aspects of planning and Karol, Diamond, and Ritenour welcomed announcements should be planned executing a comprehensive campaign” the group to their session on Sunday around previously scheduled events.” for staff and volunteer leadership along afternoon, January 22, “to share our She also encouraged the attendees with “discussing the importance of how collective experiences putting the to convince their Heads of School to creative expression makes a campaign pieces together, planning and executing allocate sufficient time to the campaign, fun and unique to its organization.” Lamplighter’s comprehensive campaign.” “especially during the quiet phase.” Ritenour agreed and said how much he To set the stage, Diamond explained to enjoyed sharing with the audience, “the the audience that Lamplighter’s work on Finally, the speakers reviewed the specially designed campaign materials that the campaign began in the fall of 2012 importance of a well-integrated integrated with Lamplighter’s branding.” following the approval of the School’s communications plan and provided strategic plan. samples of the Campaign marketing Later Karol mentioned that the materials. Ritenour explained how a conference “was a wonderful surprise,” The session was designed so that detailed communications action plan “kept and was impressed to see how attendees would be able to organize everyone involved, on track.” He stressed independent schools “come together steps for their own comprehensive the importance of frequently updating to collaborate with a common goal of campaigns and assign roles to key staff the plan that included the strategies to supporting others in their work and for and volunteers. The three delivered promote the Campaign, “and regularly the betterment of all.” an overview of the four phases of a sharing it with the various committees.” comprehensive campaign and defined the key roles and responsibilities of staff and At the end of the 60-minute session, volunteer leadership. Karol, Diamond, and Ritenour were

LAMPPOST 21 BarnyardBuzz What’s Happening Around the School

Lamplighter is the first school in

Texas, and the only elementary

school in North America, to

experience a ‘Math Walk’

with Glen Whitney and Cindy

Lawrence of New York City’s

National Museum of Mathematics

(MoMath). Last October, Whitney

and Lawrence spent the day Glen Whitney of the National Museum of Math leads Lamplighter students in a math exercise with third- and fourth-graders in an effort to “share the love of Lamplighter Scores with MoMath

mathematics with the enthusiastic Lawrence, the Executive Director of announced, “We’re going to see where the organization, explained that she and we can find math!” Students were quick students of Lamplighter,” Whitney were delighted to bring the to participate, and they broke down Museum’s “unique brand of engaging multiplication tasks into relatable and math exploration” to the students and concrete problems by counting – using according to Whitney. The only teachers of Lamplighter. Head of School visual representations – and estimating. Dr. Joan Hill said the School was eager Whitney encouraged the children to math museum in North America, to welcome Whitney and Lawrence and share their ideas for problem solving, to take advantage of the opportunity demonstrating to them that there is for the pair to conduct “a rich and “more than one way to solve a problem.” MoMath strives to enhance public varied program” normally designed for older high school students. Dr. Hill After an exercise at the School’s well- understanding and perception said MoMath more than met the goal known life-sized chessboard, students of providing the students with a math learned it was made up of 43,246 total experience that the organization calls mini squares! Third-grader Greta Solomon of mathematics in daily life and “unique, surprising, and fun.” said she thought “it was really cool that he thought to see how many little squares” is committed to improving and Throughout the day, Whitney and were represented. In the next exercise, Lawrence led four customized “interactive students determined that the “circular” math experience” tours with the students. area in the middle of the playground advancing math education. At the beginning of each session, Whitney actually had 54 sides. “I always thought

22 LAMPPOST Glen Whitney of the National Museum of Math leads Lamplighter students in a math exercise

Museum leaders “share the love of mathematics Lamplighter Scores with MoMath with the enthusiastic students of Lamplighter.”

it was a circle, but it was actually a during the experience, but that she and strives to make sure that students pentacontakaipentagon!” described third- fellow teachers also “learned a lot.” develop a strong foundation in problem- grader Enzo Henry, obviously enjoying, Fellow teacher Lauren Hardage solving and critical thinking. “Our math and pronouncing perfectly, the newly described the math walk as “spectacular.” program balances ‘how-to’ skills with introduced math term. She said the students seemed to enjoy concepts children need to understand.” “the implications of it…there is so much Further, Dr. Hill said she believes having Fourth-grade math teacher Kathey math around them all the time!” She programs such as MoMath’s Math Walk Beddow said the children had a wonderful added that it prompted her and another at Lamplighter “helps to ensure that our time participating in the math walk teacher, Leslie Bledsoe, “to look around children experience unique and interesting “and loved being able to apply their for other Math Walk-type experiences ways to think about math problems in order to determine the best answers.” understanding of the various math that we can introduce to the children.” Describing Whitney’s presentation style concepts and skills in their ‘Lamplighter Bledsoe said she enjoyed the math walk because “It sparked my creativity to see as “thoughtful,” Dr. Hill smiled and asked, world’ around them.” Assistant Head if I will be able to come up with ideas for “Now wasn’t that fun?!” for Academics Vicki Raney agreed and integrating math into the great outdoors described the event as “inspiring to part of our campus.” students and teachers alike – and loads of fun!” She said Whitney “asked challenging Dr. Hill described the MoMath experience questions” of students, “and I’m pleased to that the students received at Lamplighter tell you how well they replied!” Teacher as “the best example of innovative Debbie Cox smiled and said that it was problem-solving for the youngest not just the students who were engaged learners.” She explained that Lamplighter

LAMPPOST 23 BarnyardBuzz phrases, explaining, “Every single thing you write in a book has to matter.”

The event also provided a chance for second-grade students from the two schools to get to know one another. The coordination was made possible through Lamplighter’s strategic partnership with Commit2Dallas, an organization that helps drive student achievement throughout Dallas County. Vicki Raney, Assistant Head for Academics, commented that she “loves” the partnership “because we get to share the same goal with local schools – the goal to get kids excited about reading.”

Each Lamplighter student presented their new Walnut Hill ‘buddy’ with a copy of Last Stop on Market Street, and the students smiled as they read the special story together. An anonymous donor purchased signed copies of the books for all of the DISD children to take home with them.

Angie Baker, the school counselor at Walnut Hill Elementary, said it was “awesome” to see her students communicate and collaborate with their “newfound friends” at Lamplighter. “We are looking forward to the relationship growing as they communicate through the impending pen pal program.”

According to Lamplighter Head of School Dr. Joan Hill, “The partnership between our School and Walnut Hill Elementary, developed through Commit!, has opened up many new opportunities for students to learn from and with each other.” She shared that Matt de la Peña, as the Lamplighter Dooley author, “was the perfect person to kick off our season of learning.” Patricia Vermillion, Media Center Last Stop on the Ring Road Coordinator, added “Peña was impressed 2016 John Newbery Medal winner engages with our Commit! school students from Walnut Hill and their enthusiasm.” Lamplighter and Walnut Hill Elementary ‘pen pals’ Through Lamplighter’s partnership with his story on a DART bus, and signed the Commit2Dallas organization, last copies of his book Last Stop on Market October, students from DISD’s Walnut Street. The author also took time to visit Hill Elementary joined Lamplighter Lower with a group of Lamplighter faculty and Schoolers for the long-running Dooley staff over lunch. Author Series, with featured guest, children’s book author, Matt de la Peña. Mr. de la Peña explained during his presentation that he was from Brooklyn Lamplighter’s Dooley Author Series brings and always had a love for “spoken word” award-winning authors and illustrators to poetry, a form of which is the basis for campus twice a year for special visits with his most recent book, Last Stop on Market students, faculty, and staff. During his stay, Street. Reading his book, he paused de la Peña, the author of ten published to share special meanings, historical books, spoke with each grade level, shared references, and metaphors of various

24 LAMPPOST Lamplighter second-grader Sam Morse Artist-in-Residence Sherry Owens helped introduce de la Peña by playing The Best Nest a guitar solo, just like that of one of the characters in his book. De la Peña Lamplighter welcomed Dallas-based artist to lop off thicker limbs. Students pulled explained that in college, he discovered Sherry Owens as artist-in-residence for leaves off the branches and stacked them education and literature. “What stood two days in January. Owens is known for in piles by sizes. Once bundled, they were out most to me was the books.” De la her meticulous crepe myrtle sculptures, as set aside in preparation for the following Peña continued by explaining the writing well as large outdoor works in bronze and year’s work with Owens. process, his decision to make the young steel. Informed by observations in nature, character in the book an atypical “hero,” she constructs nest-like objects using Kathey Beddow, fourth-grade math and his message of “being a witness” twigs and branches to create both dense, teacher, worked with O’Krent and Owens that the book describes. This message, chaotic forms and open drawings in space. during the two days of the project. “The he explained, means “You can see the Her work has been shown throughout fourth-graders were enthralled by Owens’ world the way you want to see it.” Music Texas and the southwest, internationally, presentation, and then when they were teacher Natalie Bittner added that “be and is in many private and corporate challenged to work with a partner to a witness” is also “such a Lamplighter collections. Well-known sculptures in create their own designs with the sticks message that teachers help students find Dallas include a large public art project that they collected as third-graders, they the good in things.” at Love Field Airport titled “Back in a met that challenge with excitement and Moment” and the recently completed determination,” she observed. Owens The majority of Last Stop on Market Street “Buffalo Thunder” which took six years takes place on a public bus, so Lamplighter worked with each pair, helping them to to complete, located at Ben E. Keith see various possibilities and methods they arranged for a DART bus to be on campus Company headquarters. that day. The words and illustrations could use to pull the sticks together. describe the journey of a young boy named CJ and his Nana as they ride the city bus. Thus, each grade took a turn experiencing the DART bus and learning about bus safety. Later in the afternoon, Peña joined the first-graders on the DART bus and read his story to them as they rode around the campus.

Jessica Varela, a first-grade teacher, explained, “For many of our students who have never ridden a city bus, this opportunity gave them a small glimpse into a different way of life. The excitement of riding a bus while reading a book about a boy riding a bus was not lost on our students for a second.” Lamplighter student Fina Heeringa said his presentation “challenged me to work harder so I can become an author and Lamplighter art teacher Pam O’Krent Cooperative group work is fostered at illustrator. I love to write and draw and contacted Owens after being inspired Lamplighter from Pre-K to fourth-grade, know I can do both. He was an inspiration by the photinia bushes that surrounded and this was fully apparent as the students for all of us.” the animal barnyard. “The twisted, listened to each other, praised each curvy branches created amazing lines. other for ideas and contributions, and As in previous years, a group of teachers Knowing the bushes would be removed successfully problem-solved as pairs. Each had the honor of joining their guest once construction for the I-Lab started, group had fun in the process and was very for an intimate lunch. Marilyn Halpern, I thought it would be a wonderful idea proud of the final product. They especially who is part of the Dooley Committee to salvage some of these branches for had fun naming their creations. Beddow that funds the author series, and Pat an art project. It made me think about concluded, “Having Sherry Owens as the Mattingly, former Head of School, were the work of Sherry Owens. She is a very artist-in-residence was such an enriching both present for the day. Dr. Hill started active artist with a rigorous schedule, so experience which encouraged the fourth- the lunch describing it as a treat to have convincing her to come to Lamplighter graders to “branch out” and use all the de la Peña on campus. Teachers then had for a couple days to work with students skills they have learned at Lamplighter in the opportunity to ask him questions. In took a little work.” The project seemed order to create their wonderful works one answer, he explained the difference just right for fourth-grade students. So of art.” The students’ completed “nests” between an adult’s and child’s perception last spring, O’Krent brought the third- were installed in the courtyard outside of a picture book, saying, “It is just as graders outside to help collects sticks and the art room and Dr. Joan Hill’s office. important to get something viscerally as it branches, with assistance from Gretchen is to get it consciously.” Pollom, Lamplighter’s Perot Museum Kathey Beddow and Pam O’Krent Liaison, using her large pruning shears contributed to this article.

LAMPPOST 25 paper engineers.” Dr. Amy Rouse agreed. “We were incredibly impressed with the growth students showed and the pop-up books they created.”

Since 2015, the Rouses returned to their research to make these “more specific conclusions” about the pop-up book project including these “next steps:”

“Other important next steps in our work include directly testing the writing-to- learn component of the engineering unit intervention to see if integrated writing in the unit (compared to the same unit with no writing) impacts students’ learning. We hypothesize students’ use of journals to both facilitate and document their learning throughout the engineering unit is important, but were unable to directly test this in this iteration of the intervention. Furthermore, we have goals to redesign the unit, with the input of classroom teachers, to make it accessible for students with disabilities, who have not yet been a primary focus in STEM Engineered for Success education reform efforts.” SMU partnered with Lamplighter in 2015 to study third-graders’ During the 2015 sessions conducted use of writing to facilitate learning of engineering concepts at Lamplighter, teacher Becky Walker shared that she was impressed, citing the “remarkable progress” in her students In a collaborative and innovative research interested in teaching students and appreciated the interdisciplinary project conducted at Lamplighter in engineering concepts using a hands-on nature of the activity. “I think the 2015 with SMU’s Annette Caldwell activity. Students who wrote about their children used their engineering skills, Simmons School of Education and Human learning and who discussed their learning which they had been learning all year in Development, Lower School teachers in small groups both demonstrated science. Things like a prototype or the and administrators implemented a new significant pre- to post-test gains in pop- cycle of engineering where you create, activity featuring pop-up books, purposed up and engineering vocabulary knowledge test, revise, and create again,” said for the continued development of strong as well as total words written, number Walker, explaining how it “really pulled literacy and engineering skills. of different vocabulary words used, and on things that they had been doing in depth of understanding of engineering other classes.” Professors Amy and Rob Rouse, concepts in their written essay responses. researchers and education specialists We are currently analyzing students’ “We couldn’t have been happier to from the Simmons School, created a interview responses to see if the same partner with Lamplighter for this project. unit that focused on “elementary science patterns hold true for students’ pre- to It was refreshing to be in a school where and engineering practices” in order to post-test oral language responses.” see how they reinforced knowledge everyone has a zest for learning and an eagerness for trying out new ideas,” of other skills like design and literacy. Dr. Rob Rouse said of their initial described Dr. Amy Rouse. “We hope After months of planning, the project brainstorming, “We thought that this that we get the opportunity to work commenced in April 2015. would be a novel and interesting activity again at Lamplighter sometime soon.” where students could learn about the Over a five-week span of regularly structure and function of pop-ups through scheduled literacy classes, two of troubleshooting the problems they Lamplighter Head of School Dr. Joan Hill which Professors Amy and Rob experienced while reverse engineering.” is also ready to collaborate again soon. Rouse personally taught, the students Smiling, she remarked, “This partnership deconstructed published pop-up books, Though the pop-up project did not mark with SMU is improving our practices.” and then recreated their own, continually the first interaction between SMU and noting fold and structure. Lamplighter, according to Assistant Head To read the full abstract, look for for Academics Vicki Raney, it holds “great the link on the home page of the An abstract “discussion” of the Rouses’ importance” as the first classroom-based Lamplighter website. preliminary findings, as presented at activity that directly involved the students. two recent association conferences, is Katie Payne ’06 contributed to this article. as follows: “We saw tremendous growth in students’ Ms. Payne is a junior at Duke University understanding of engineering concepts studying Political Science and International “Our preliminary findings from this initial and pop-up design,” Dr. Rob Rouse said Comparative studies. design study indicate our intervention in 2015. “In interviews after the project, holds promise for elementary teachers students spoke about the books like true

26 LAMPPOST Through books, speakers, and food drives, students Hunger Heroes involved in community outreach On a chilly January morning, fourth- “The fourth-graders were enthusiastic people. They instructed the students to graders gathered at the School to pack and committed to ensuring all these “do the math.” The money they raised can lunches for Family Gateway, a local non- lunches and snack bags were assembled feed 270,000 people. profit that provides transitional housing before their school day began, to benefit to homeless families and children. Hunger the clients of Family Gateway,” smiled Fourth-grade teacher Jody Stout was in America was the focus that week at Lamplighter Parents’ Association’s impressed, “But not surprised.” She Lamplighter with not only the sandwich- Community Outreach co-chair Heather reminisced about the young alumni making effort, but also special guest Bonfield. Dr. Joan Hill, Lamplighter Head when they were students at Lamplighter. speakers representing a project benefitting of School, expressed her gratitude to the “Stella and Quinn involved their peers the North Texas Food Bank, as well as a parents and for “providing this important in this tremendous fundraising effort focus on a special book on the subject. lesson to our students.” that has made a real difference for our community.” Afterward, Stout said “the Third- and fourth-grade teachers had a Raney agreed and emphasized, “Being students were inspired; they identified conversation with students about the kind and taking care of others are values other needs and brainstormed ways in issue, and parents were encouraged to woven into the fabric of daily experiences which they could contribute.” discuss the issue of hunger in America at Lamplighter.” She explained that asking with their children at home. “Our hope students to imagine that a child their age In yet another effort to help reinforce is that the students understand the did not have breakfast or lunch today is a the unit on hunger, teacher Becky Walker significance of packing these lunches [for powerful way to increase empathy for the shared a book that she said, “manages to Family Gateway],” remarked Assistant sandwich-making project. convey a complex message that people all Head for Academics Vicki Raney, who around us may face food insecurity, and added, “Through such initiatives, the The day before the students made we may not be able to tell just by looking children are learning valuable lessons.” sandwiches, alums Quinn Graves ’16 and at them without becoming too preachy or Stella Wrubel ’16 visited with third- and didactic.” Walker described Maddi’s Fridge, Sandwich-making is a long-time third- and fourth-graders. They talked about hunger by Lois Brandt, as “a great introduction fourth-grade Lamplighter tradition and and specifically about a project they are to a very complicated issue.” She added the students, along with several parents, involved in so the students could better that the end of the book “offers many generously volunteer their time and understand why they pack lunches for suggestions” for children and families to energy every year. In addition to the 200 organizations such as Family Gateway address hunger in their local communities. lunches, the students also packed 200 and the North Texas Food Bank. The snack bags for children involved in Family two were invited to help the students Through these various efforts, Dr. Hill Gateway’s after-school program. Last fall, understand the importance of their said she believes that “We, at Lamplighter, the School’s third-graders also got into ‘Mistletoe’ initiative that they run as well have made an impression on our students the act by making lunches and snack bags as the School’s sandwich-making efforts. In that they can help to address issues such for the homeless there. their presentation, the pair stressed that as hunger in our community in small but $1 donated to the Food Bank feeds three important ways.”

LAMPPOST 27 Dashing Through the Snow Student ‘pioneers’ brave freezing temperatures for ‘Oregon Trail’ journey As part of the second-grade Pioneer Unit, students left for their journey, they For some students, their journey ended students partnered with members of their created “Go West” posters to persuade in “California” while others reached All School Program group as they became others to travel with them for land, gold, “Oregon.” Upon their arrival, the “pioneer families” on a cold and snowy money, and to seek a new life. pioneer families celebrated by feasting day in January. Throughout their studies, Students also studied the history and on homemade recipes made by the these families worked together to solve formation of important landmarks, students in class, including jarred pickles, problems, learned about historical fiction, milestone locations, and rest stops along dehydrated fruits, cornbread, butter, and and used math and literacy through the the way. Second-grade literacy teacher Ana pinto beans. Second-grader Mia Stern lens of American history. The pioneer Owens remarked, “To have a real idea of commented about how much fun the day families learned about compromise and what the journey is like from a first-person was. “I was so excited because I had never problem solving with each new hardship, perspective, students read a historical done anything like this before.” prepared for the journey across the fiction text Dear Levi. Fellow teacher Olivia Oregon Trail by packing their wagons Claiborn, added, “This chapter book is using math measurement and wrote based on accounts of traveling on the journal entries that they collected along Oregon Trail in the 1880s.” their route. Despite this past winter’s mild weather, According to second-grade faculty, the the much-anticipated Pioneer Journey unit gave students a chance to “explore Day took place on a very cold and wants and needs, uncover the meaning snowy morning, when the playground of new vocabulary in context, and was transformed into the Oregon Trail, understand life both long ago and today.” complete with landmarks and challenges. Students came dressed in “authentic” Math is also a big part of the experience. pioneer outfits, sporting bonnets, Teacher Lakeshia Peters explained, “Our prairie skirts, boots, and bandanas. pioneer families packed their wagons with Though the pioneers faced unexpected tools, food, household items, and personal cold conditions that day, they forged items.” Each item was measured in Bulk ahead with their journey, “just like the Weight Units (BWU) that represent a pioneers had to do,” smiled teacher Anne combination of the item’s size and weight. Yarbrough. Before heading out, student Peters continued, “The pioneers were Noah Kurji declared, “I’m looking forward only allowed to pack 1,000 BWU’s in each to seeing how hard life was for the of their wagons, so many of the families pioneers, especially with snow an inch had to make difficult decisions regarding thick!” Student Wesley Oudt agreed, “I what to bring!” really want to see what all the hardships were like.” As part of their “travel west,” the students filled a Pioneer Journal with diary entries, According to Yarbrough, “This tradition authentic pioneer songs, a map of the is always a wonderful opportunity for Oregon Trail, and a list of supplies that second-graders to experience life on the were packed in the wagon. Before the Oregon Trail, circa 1855.”

28 LAMPPOST Early Voting BarnyardBuzz This year, in the absence of our iconic animals, the Pre-K and Kindergarten students named the two Lamplighter roosters on Election Day last November. Names were nominated by each of the Pre-K classes and added to ballots. As in the past, there were some wonderful names on the ballots this year. Name choices for Rooster Number One were Chicky, Chicken with the Little Feet, Zion, and Biscuit. For Rooster Number Two, students were deciding between Silly, Long Tail, Basco, and Max Football. Voting on the names of our Lamplighter They Blew Us Away animals has been a long-standing Voting “booths” (tables) were set up tradition in Pre-K, and students got into in the Pre-K and Kindergarten shared They huffed, and they puffed, and they the Election Day spirit again this year! spaces where students dropped a blew Lamplighter away! Last fall, for This election event is a yearly part of popsicle stick in a cup corresponding Kindergarten and Lower School students, the Pre-K Social Studies curriculum and to their favorite “candidate” (rooster allows our students an opportunity to the Dallas Opera performed The Three name) so that their voices could be experience aspects of the democratic Little Pigs, a one-act opera adapted by process first hand – from nominations heard on November 8! Ballots were John Davies from the traditional fairy tale to casting a ballot. The Pre-K children then tallied, and the election results were featuring music by Wolfgang A. Mozart. announced to the school the following are actively involved in the whole The show’s performers are part of an experience, with Kindergarteners day. The children had a blast participating and proudly showed off their “I Voted” education team that visits schools to helping vote on the winners. It is always give students an introduction to opera. fun to see the names that our youngest stickers as they got in their cars at students come up with. In the past we’ve carpool that afternoon. So, without Lamplighter music teacher Natalie had some very creative names from further ado, Pre-K would like to present Bittner said that she used the education Monster Truck and Rockstar to Rainbow our 2016-2017 Lamplighter roosters – program several years ago when she Sparkle and Coconut on the ballots. Max, Football and Biscuit! taught middle school.

Pat Mattingly, former Lamplighter Head of School, and current board member for the So We Think They Can Dance Dallas Opera, attended the performance In January, for the third year, Lamplighter held in Cook Gym. A longtime supporter welcomed the Dallas Black Dance through the Friends of the Dallas Opera Theatre for a special assembly for and the Orpheus Society, Mattingly Kindergarten through fourth-grade believes in the importance of the Dallas students. The assembly was led by Opera “as an essential institution for Nycole Ray, the Artistic Director of DBDT Encore!, a semi-professional future generations.” dance company consisting of eight aspiring artists from around the nation. Explaining the significance of the visit from the Opera company, Vicki Ray introduced the students to several Raney, Lamplighter’s Assistant Head different styles of dance including ballet, for Academics, shared that she was modern, and jazz, while the performers “thrilled” that Lamplighter could book a demonstrated movements from each category. Throughout the assembly, become involved in the performance full performance of the Opera, and the students learned movements from each through both imagination and a bit of students were “equally excited.” Raney dance style and pieced it together into choreography.” said the production gave Kindergarten, a choreographed routine. The students first-, and second-grade students “their enthusiastically executed rhythmic claps, According to the dance company, first glimpse of Opera at Lamplighter.” head rolls, jazz hands, and shoulder rolls education is a primary focus; therefore, they offer workshops, master classes, to music. The event culminated in a final “The fourth-grade students benefited performance titled, “The Dollhouse,” lecture/demonstrations, residencies, mini- where four “dolls” come to life. performances, student matinees, and a from the show for their Opera education variety of dance services to elementary, and upcoming May performance,” “The performance had so many middle, and high schools; colleges and Raney continued. “We are so lucky at elements that wowed the students,” universities; social service agencies, and Lamplighter to have opportunities like said Vicki Raney, Lamplighter Assistant recreational facilities within Dallas/Fort this one that truly enrich the learning Head for Academics, who added, Worth and across the nation. experience for our students.” “Ray really encouraged everyone to

LAMPPOST 29 One Night in

30 LAMPPOST BarnyardBuzz Proceeds from Auction support campus expansion, endowment, and new programs “Auction is such a special event for Live auction items were headlined with Lamplighter. Everyone on the Auction vacations, including a trip to Miami’s South Team was so proud to have been able Beach with a yacht excursion, a luxury to bring Havana Nights to life this year!” escape to Southern California at the remarked Lamplighter’s Auction Chair Peninsula Beverly Hills, a suite for 20 at Lori Bennett, who added, “It was an the Justin Bieber concert at AT&T Stadium amazing night full of dancing, great food, in July, and meeting WFAA-TV weather and wonderful friends coming together Anchorman Pete Delkus and participating to support our beloved School.” in a live newscast experience. Especially popular was an afternoon of tossing a Dr. Joan Hill agreed. “Under the leadership football with NFL Hall of Famer Darren of LPA Chair Brenna Lambert and Auction Woodson of the Dallas Cowboys! Chair Lori Bennett, this year’s Auction was so much fun!” said the Head of School who As in the past, some of the highest bidding also thanked Bennett’s “extraordinary” was not for diamond earrings or exotic committee, including Emily Clarke, vacations. Instead, an in-school “lock-in” Stephanie Fine, Ksenia Gonchar, Natalie party was bid up along with the “Head Johnson, Melissa Lackey, Elizabeth McNeil, Jorie Wages, and Meredith Wrighton. Dr. of School for the Day,” which allows the Hill also expressed appreciation to the winning family’s son or daughter to fill School’s parents “for their generosity, the shoes of the Head of School, running ingenuity, and support. Havana Nights meetings, greeting students at carpool, was an evening to remember!” Bennett and making special announcements. Other concurred and said the generosity of the “priceless items” included class projects Lamplighter community “is phenomenal. made by the students including their And, our parents arrived to the Auction original artwork. ready to have fun.” While guests left the party with new Melissa Dorrill, parent of a first-grader treasures, “The big winners in all of this at the School, said the auction committee are our students,” reflected Dr. Hill. “did a great job transporting us to “Together we showed our collective Havana…festive music, vibrant colors, Lamplighter Spirit.” Dr. Hill who clarified jubilant crowds, and tropical flavors.” that the funds raised from the event Laughing, she added, “And we didn’t benefit the School’s ‘Igniting Young Minds even have to go through customs!” for a Lifetime of Learning Campaign to Fund People, Place, and Programs.’ Since its inception in 1969, the Auction is the primary fundraising event of the “The success of the Auction ensures Lamplighter Parents’ Association. Dr. that the School’s campaign will allow Hill explained that the School’s Auction Lamplighter not only to expand and enrich “is not just a fundraiser, but serves as a its campus, but also to increase endowment “community-building event for Lamplighter and improve programs,” she continued. families and friends.” She thanked parents for being “the spark that ignites the After the bidding closed, the guests innovative spirit of our children, faculty, continued mingling before dancing the and school community.” Dr. Hill added night away. “The parents had so much fun,” that she appreciated the volunteers’ remarked Sandy Diamond, Lamplighter’s generosity with their time, describing it as Director of Advancement, who described “yet another example of how Lamplighter the dance floor as “packed until the very embodies the definition of community.” end of the evening.”

The gala, held at The Hall of State in Fair The group of several hundred appeared Park, was a sea of guayabera shirts, linen pants, Panama hats, and Bata Cubana and to cherish the last minutes of their ‘trip’ Cuban Rumba dresses. Parents channeled to Cuba, knowing their support of the Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Rafael Palmeiro, event would greatly benefit the faculty and Gloria Estefan, and “there were three Fidel staff of the School. “A school that delivers Castros,” Bennett smiled. “Whether in serious education wrapped in the wonder character or playing it straight, everyone of childhood,” described Dr. Hill,” who ate, danced, and bid in support of their added, “Lamplighter inspires students to favorite school,” Bennett continued. The become life-long learners who are taught venue was chosen due to its historic by dedicated teachers and supported by location and because it commemorates an exceptional parent community…all of the history of Texas and is considered whom work together to enrich the lives one of the best examples of Art Deco of all of our students.” architecture in the state. LAMPPOST 31 AlumniNow Graduates on the go Focus on 2012 Emma Hunt ’12 attends Ursuline Academy and plays competitive basketball. Through her work with Model UN, Emma is a defender of women’s and children’s rights and has worked with refugees through Catholic Charities.

Emma Hunt ’12 Sophia Hurst ’12 attends Greenhill School where she attends Jesuit soccer team. His interests include attends Max Arroyo ’12 Sophia Ehring ’12 made High Honor Roll in College Preparatory School of music, computers, and coding. Greenhill School. She continues seventh and eighth grades. She Dallas where he plays hockey, to pursue acting, including is involved with Debate and soccer and is on the debate Abby Brand ’12 attends performing with Dallas Children’s plays field hockey. Last summer, team. Max has won several Episcopal School of Dallas. She Theater, Theater Arlington, and Sophia completed a three-week debate tournaments and will is on the Ronald McDonald Teen The Firehouse Theater. debate camp at the University be going with the Jesuit Debate Board and Community Service of Michigan, and she attended Team to the National Finals in Council, and she has received Varun Gande ’12 attends an exploration trip of Northern Atlanta. He is on the Honor Roll art award, honors math, and Greenhill School and is still California with Rustic Pathways. and is taking pre-AP classes. Max history award. Abby is also on passionate about math. Varun keeps in touch with some of his the headmaster’s list. plays piano and tennis in his attends Lamplighter friends. free time. Lindsay Kaplan ’12 Shelton School and continues Liberty Buckholt ’12 Claire Groves ’12 attends to ice skate. Lily Baughman ’12 attends graduated from St. Thomas Episcopal School of Dallas Episcopal School of Dallas Aquinas in 2015 and currently where she participates in Kirsten Kirk ’12 attends where she plays volleyball and attends Bishop Lynch, where she cheer, lacrosse, and soccer. She softball. Lily enjoys backpacking plays volleyball. The Hockaday School and participates in Microfinance enjoys singing in the Upper and kayaking, which she Club and Writers Forum for has done in Colorado and Preston Bulban ’12 attends School and show choir. Last Poetry, and she received the ESD year, Kirsten participated in Washington State the past few Greenhill School. He has been Sculpture Awards in 2015 and summers. Her special memories involved in football, basketball, Hockaday’s spring production 2016. Claire volunteers with the of Beauty and the Beast. of Lamplighter include Carnival, and baseball. National Charity League and is the Senior jacket ceremony and a paragliding student pilot. She is attends St. the All School Program. Campbell Crates ’12 attends also a counselor for Camp Spark. Billy Lockhart ’12 UT High School where she Mark’s School of Texas, where Griffin Benners ’12 attends is home-schooled so she can Jack Herz ’12 attends Parish he is busy with soccer, football, Greenhill School, where he has focus on her music career and Episcopal School. In April 2016, and the guitar. He has taken law played volleyball and tennis. He commitments. Jack earned the rank of Eagle classes the past few summers at was the primary goalie on the Scout in Troop 730. Duke University.

32 LAMPPOST AlumniNow Evan McNeal ’12 attends Charlie Rose ’12 attends St. and is currently attending also enjoys travel and yoga in Greenhill School where he Mark’s School of Texas where Cardigan Mountain School her spare time. plays baseball and volleyball and he was a 2016 DFW Youth in New Hampshire. volunteers with the North Texas Lacrosse AllStar. He is an Honor Keller Welton ’12 attends Food Bank. Roll student and on the Teen Claire Trochu ’12 attends The Parish Episcopal School, where Leadership Board at the Dallas Hockaday School. Claire is on he has participated in lacrosse Christian Myers ’12 attends Children’s Advocacy Center. Honor Roll and is a member of and baseball, and he is currently J. Serra Catholic High School in enriched math class and choir. playing golf. San Juan Capistrano, California. Gus Solis ’12 and his select hockey team, The Dallas Elizabeth Walsh ’12 attends Eli Yancey ’12 attends St. Kaiti Ness ’12 attends Penguins, went undefeated in the Parish Episcopal school where Mark’s School of Texas where Greenhill School where she state finals and won the state she is on the Honor Roll and he continues to play hockey. He is on the varsity cross country championship in their division. enjoys art, musical theater, and loves listening to music and is team and varsity basketball They advanced to the 2017 community service. Elizabeth an avid skier. team. Katie was on the High Toyota USA Hockey National Honor Roll for grades five Championship Tournament to through eight and is a Scottish represent Texas and the Dallas Junior Hockey Association. THE CLASS OF 2012 Rite Hospital Junior Volunteer. Young Alumni returned to Lamplighter for their first reunion!

Cameron Blake Peters ’12 was elected as Freshman Class Vice President for the 2016- 17 school year at John Paul II High School in Plano, where he also participates in Speech and Debate team, and plays varsity football. Cameron continues his love for chess, swimming, basketball, and playing musical instruments. Cameron Peters ’12 Alex Piccagli ’12 attends St. Mark’s School of Texas where he plays soccer and tennis. Will Steinhart ’12 attends Highland Park High School and Alex Rabin ’12 attends The plays AAA baseball for the Dallas Hockaday School. Tigers. Will received Offensive Player of the Year for football Maro Reppas ’12 is a full-time last year, and he was awarded ST. MARK’S 8TH GRADE GRADUATION equestrian rider and competes Honors at Highland Park Middle all year long. She attends Spring School for academics. Creek Academy, which provides flexibility for her to train and Emery Stobaugh ’12 studies compete full time. In 2015, she at School for the Talented placed fourth nationally and and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell was Zone Reserve Champion Townview Center, and she in her division. participates in orchestra.

Paul Sullivan ’12 attends St. Mark’s School of Texas. He is on the water polo team and the swim team. Paul finished the academic year with honors and is in Photography Club. During his summers, he paddles 120 miles on Allagash Waterway in Northern Maine, and goes crabbing in Martha’s Vineyard. Lamplighter alums left to right: Eli Yancey, Paul Sullivan, Luke

Jackson Swango ’12 Adams, Billy Lockhart, Alex Piccagli, Charlie Rose and attended St. Mark’s School Jackson Swango ’12 reunited at St. Marks 8th Grade Graduation. Maro Reppas ’12 of Texas for the past four years, (need to confirm the names)

LAMPPOST 33 AlumniNow FRANKLY SPEAKING T.J. Frank ’93 sat down with LampPost to reminisce on 1993 his time at Lamplighter and share what he’s been up to. We have a one-year-old boy, up with him and opened our Kingston, and baby girl Kennedy second location in Uptown. is due July 2017. We are also in both Equinox Fitness Clubs, with a downtown What inspired your passion location coming end of 2017. for clean, healthy eating and Our motto is “It’s a lifestyle!!” owning a restaurant? I lost because this is not just a job for my mother when I was 15. It me, it saved my life. was a struggle getting through high school and college even Do you have any wisdom with the support from family to share with current and friends. I reached over Lamplighter students? 315 pounds and was unhealthy, Future entrepreneurs? Being physically and emotionally. I successful is great, but being Tell us about your fondest I continued my education at got in touch with an old friend, happy is more important. In my Lamplighter memories: Episcopal School of Dallas. Reza Anvarian, who was former eyes, the happiest of people Hootenanny, Halloween parade, I graduated from Southern left-handed (Southpaw) Golden are the most successful. Life is senior opera, carpool line Methodist University with a Glove Champion in 2005-2006. such a precious thing. Love your with fresh eggs, farm animals, sociology major and art minor. He had just opened up his first family, and love what you do. You playing in the bamboo forest, healthy, fast-casual restaurant have one life to look back on. art class and the loom, playing Why did you join the Alumni in 2007 called Southpaws Grill Make it a story you are proud the ukulele, archeology down Council? A fellow classmate in Preston Center. I told him to tell. No one will do it for you. by the creek, seriously the most reached out to me asking if I I desperately needed to lose Lamplighter takes in its students amazing teachers. would be interested in joining. I weight, get a job, and get my life is like nothing I have ever seen. thought, “What a great way to on track. He gave me a workout What do you love about reconnect with my early past and dietary schedule, but he the school? This school is truly and help continue to make an couldn’t afford to hire me. I was one of a kind. It had, by far, the impact for generations to come.” at Southpaws Grill one day and biggest impact on my life in my Personally and professionally it got crazy busy. I walked to the early years. From the community I believe we all have a duty to back and started washing dishes. to the growth in academics give back in some way to our Reza looked up and said, “I told and teaching methods, I am community. I am grateful for the you, I can’t afford you right honored and privileged to be a opportunity. now.” I replied, “Tell my dad I Lamplighter alum. have a job, and pay me when you Tell us a little about your can.” I was the dishwasher, cook, Where did you finish your family. My wife and I have delivery guy; you name it, I did education? After Lamplighter, been married for three years. it. After a few years, I partnered

welcomed baby Adelaide on 1979 1980 February 22. Everyone is happy 1993 Margaret Flanagan Solomon Shannon Morse ’80 and and healthy, and brother James Sarah Luxen Junkin ’93 and ’79 was named a lifetime her family recently moved ’21 and sister Eleanor ’23 are her husband, Jeff, welcomed member of the Stanford back to Dallas where she has thrilled to have a baby sister baby girl Ruby Elizabeth Junkin Associates, an honorary enjoyed reconnecting with and future fellow Lamplighter. in April 2016. They live in organization of Stanford alumni fellow alumni Jill Mathis ’80, Dallas and recently bought who have demonstrated Lauren Hudspeth ’80, Kelly a new house. significant and long-standing McCracken ’80, and Megan service to Stanford University. McCracken ’83. Shannon and Kelly took their children, Margaret has three children: including Will ’17 and Josie ’20 Barrow ’16, Greta ’18, and Morse, to spend the day at the Griffin ’22. She currently Dallas Museum of Art. serves on the Lamplighter Alumni Council, the Executive Committee of the Hockaday 1991 Alumni Board, and is a Stanford Lilly Albritton ’91 and University Admissions Volunteer. husband Chuck Briant James, Eleanor, and Adelaide Briant Ruby Elizabeth Junkin

34 LAMPPOST AlumniNow Finley Harbaugh Konrade Madeleine Beckham ’04 in Nashville, Tenn. where ’93 purchased a horse 1998 graduated from UCLA and homeless community members from EQUEST, a non-profit Katherine Rochelle Wyker was presented as an Idlewild create and sell art, receiving a organization in Dallas that ’98 married Austin Wyker on Debutante in Dallas during portion of the profits. When uses horses to bring hope and March 19, 2016, at Highland Fall 2016. reflecting on Lamplighter, healing to children and adults Park Presbyterian Church with Waddell remarked, “I always with diverse needs. Harbaugh a reception at the George W. loved art class. I remember has been volunteering with Bush Institute. They reside in using the loom. I loved learning EQUEST since 2009. Dallas, and Katherine currently that new skill. I also enjoyed serves as President of the creating my self-portrait.” Lamplighter Alumni Council.

Madeleine Beckham ’04

Karina Rambeau ’04 graduated with honors from Finley Harbaugh Konrade Texas A&M and has started Emily Waddell ’06 law school at SMU Dedman 1996 Katherine ’98 and Austin Wyker School of Law. 2009 Gray Malin ’96 published a Jared Steinhart ’09 and new book Beaches, a collection Reid Weisberg ’04 graduated the Young Alumni Car Wash of aerial photographs of beaches 2001 from the University of Virginia Committee led the 6th Annual around the world. Art teacher Laura Rose Brylowski ’01 in May 2016 and has started Young Alumni Car Wash for Pam O’Krent remembers his was accepted into the Ethics medical school at Baylor Lamplighter, raising record- “fun sense of humor.” A review and Racial Relations Masters College of Medicine. breaking funds for the Faculty of his book was published in the Program at the Federal Center Salary Endowment Fund. The May 28, 2016 issue of the Wall for Technological Education of 2016 Car Wash was also a Street Journal. Rio de Janeiro. In this two-year 2006 record year for number of program, she will research the Alexandra Villareal ’06 volunteers and cars washed. construction of whiteness in celebrated her 21st birthday 1997 the United States and Brazil. in New York City on New Aaron Ambrite ’97 graduated Brylowski has been living in Year’s Day. She celebrated 2011 from the College of Charleston Rio de Janeiro and is excited with fellow Lamplighter alum Sam Bovard ’11 was one of in South Carolina with a degree to continue teaching English and longtime friend Caroline 17 student playwrights out of in International Business, and developing her project, Broughton ’06 whom she 500 to be selected for “Festival Spanish, and Logistics and went “Theater of the Oppressed.” met in Pre-K, and the two of the Kid,” a three-day event to work for a small shipping are still great friends. Villareal hosted by a professional company in Spain. Aaron was the first baby of the year theater company in Fort worked for Japan’s largest in 1996. Worth. Student-written plays ocean carrier in Chicago while were directed by professional attending law school at night. 2003 Andrew Kadesky ’03 Emily Waddell ’06 is a directors and performed at In June 2015, he graduated graduated from Rhodes student at Belmont University the Fort Worth theater by a from John Marshall School of College in May 2016 with a in Tennessee. She founded student cast. Bovard’s former Law where he specialized in degree in Biochemistry and The Honest Consumer in Lamplighter classmate, Hallet Maritime Admiralty Law. Aaron Molecular Biology. February 2016. The Honest Thalheimer ’11, and his married Katie McCord on May Consumer is a website that younger brother Jack Bovard 21, 2016, in South Carolina. shares the stories of social ’16, attended Sam’s play, enterprise, spreads the word entitled Ride. 2004 about ethically made goods, Taryn Dandurand ’04 graduated from the University and empowers consumers. In Fall 2016, Belmont University of Texas at Austin in May 2016 chose The Honest Company and moved to San Francisco as part of its Accelerator for a job in experiential Program, which gave Waddell marketing. the opportunity to network and work with a mentor. Waddell currently volunteers with Poverty and the Arts, Aaron Ambrite ’97 and Katie McCord a non-profit art studio L-R: Sam Bovard ’11, Hallet Thalheimer ’11 and Jack Bovard ’16

LAMPPOST 35 AlumniNow Shea Castleman ’11 and Sophia Yung ’14 competed Penelope Piccagli ’11 with the Hockaday Middle 2016 Barrow Solomon ’16 and enjoyed Swiss Semester School Robotics team in the Quinn Graves ’16 and Stella sister Greta Solomon ’18 this fall. Swiss Semester is a North Texas Championship Wrubel ’16 continued their were honored to be chosen unique study-abroad program where her team received the annual tradition of selling to participate in 2017 Mardi in Zermatt, Switzerland, Inspiration Award for Core mistletoe during the holidays Gras celebrations as a Page for “bright, adventuresome Values. Yung’s team was praised to raise funds for North Texas and Lady in Waiting to the students seeking an for its teamwork, creativity, Food Bank. After five years, Queen of the Mystic Krewe extraordinary experience.” knowledge, and “playful banter.” these young alumni have raised of Hermes, a time honored a total of $90,000. tradition in New Orleans.

David Peña-Vega ’16, Tyler Tang ’16 raised funds for a student at Cistercian Preparatory School, placed third in a jazz piano contest organized by the Dallas Music Teachers Association. Peña- Shea Castleman ’11 (second from Vega also participated in the right) and Penelope Piccagli ’11 Junior Pianists Guild where he (second from left) received the maximum score. Sophia Yung ’12 (right) His parents are grateful to all 2013 of the Lamplighter faculty and MJ Ward ’13 is a student 2015 staff for supporting each child’s at Greenhill School and was Jackson Benners ’15 recently interest and self-confidence. Greta and Barrow Solomon ’16 featured on KXAS Channel 5 helped start a new water polo News after the Rio Olympics academy in Dallas. The Pegasus March for Babies, benefitting coverage on NBC. After two Water Polo Academy (PWPA) March of Dimes. The “Tang- major surgeries, told he would is a new athletic opportunity in O-Tinez” Team included never participate in sports, Dallas-Fort Worth for children Tang’s family, the Martinez Ward has become a top ages 8-18. Pegasus’ focus is to and Bechtold families, and competitive swimmer in Texas. prepare student athletes to Lamplighter teachers Ana His congenital condition, compete successfully at all levels. Owens and Anne Yarbrough. known as situs inversus, means Benners is currently a seventh- Together, the team raised over Ward’s heart and organs are grader at Greenhill School. $35,000, ranking them as the flipped on the opposite side of David Peña-Vega ’16 number one fundraising team his body. “Despite being born Liam Pham ’15 placed second in Dallas. Tang was born at 34 with multiple birth defects, the in Episcopal School of Dallas’ Eva Newberger ’16 recently weeks with life-threatening Dallas teenager has overcome Middle School spelling bee. visited the Louvre Museum in birth concerns, and spent it all and now has dreams of Pham is a sixth-grader at ESD. Paris. During her fourth-grade much of his first year of life competing in the Olympics.” year at Lamplighter, Newberger in and out of hospitals and played a criminal mastermind doctors’ appointments. Tang in Lamplighter’s opera La benefitted from the work of 2014 Trickster, where her character March of Dimes and wanted to Matthew Wiggans ’14 defaced many works of art in give back to the organization. and Jazmine Lunia ’14 the Louvre. Newberger viewed participated in a 75-minute the real artwork during her trip one-act play at Parish Episcopal to Paris. School. The production entitled Stuck in the Middle deals with relevant middle school problems. Finn Collins Liam Pham ’15 ’14 also was at the event, supporting his friends and former Lamplighter classmates. Roman Solis ’15 is an Lamplighter drama teacher Jeff accomplished drummer. He Peck attended the performance has participated in the School and said, “It is always wonderful of Rock band for the last five seeing how our alumni continue years. He is also becoming a to be lifelong learners.” talented baker, perfecting the art of cake baking. “Tang-O-Tinez” March of Dimes Team

36 LAMPPOST YoungAlumni LORD OF THE FLIES CALLING ALL YOUNG ALUMNI!

Ali Simenc ’09, Sam Bovard ’11, Raven Breitfeller ’08, Evan O’Brien ’09, and Alex Gilmour ’09 (pictured L-R) are all in the theater program at Greenhill and showcased their It’s time for the talents in an adaptation of William Golding’s first published 7th Annual Lamplighter novel Lord of the Flies. Catherine Hopkins, the Director of the Greenhill Upper School Theater program, was impressed Young Alumni Car Wash with their work. “It has been an incredible journey with a remarkable group of young, brave, talented actors who have Saturday, May 13 taken on every challenge I have given them.” 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Volunteers Still Needed! Young Alums (5th grade through high school seniors) from across the city will head back to our first alma mater on May 13 to wash cars, raise some money, and reconnect with friends. We want you to join us! Sponsor Opportunities! Do you have a company or local business that would be willing to sponsor the Car Wash? Let us know! Contact Emma Siegel, Car Wash Chair [email protected] or 214-649-0696

Lamplighter alums Everett Graves, Jack Rose, Danny Enrico, Sarthak The 2017 Lamplighter School Young Alumni Car Wash Committee Reddy, Brent Ladin, Andrew Pfaff, Chair Whit Payne - Senior Everett Graves - 8th Grade Jack Yarbrough, and Javi Bautista (pictured L-R) Emma Siegel– Senior St. Mark’s School of Texas Greenhill School reunited on the pitch for a friendly game of soccer when The Hockaday School Frank Thomas - Senior Inez Johnson - 8th Grade ESD went head-to-head with Greenhill. Committee Vice-Chair St. Mark’s School of Texas The Hockaday School Katherine Pollock- Junior The Hockaday School Hyer Thomas - Senior Kirsten Kirk - Freshman St. Mark’s School of Texas The Hockaday School Executive Committee Members Alums! Carolina Campbell - Senior Committee Members Ali Simenc - Senior The Hockaday School Dulany Bloom – 8th Grade Greenhill School We want to hear from you! Email Advancement at Greenhill School Shea Castleman - Sophomore Kavita Sharma - 8th Grade [email protected] The Hockaday School Amelia Brown - Junior Parish Episcopal School by August 1, 2017 to submit entries for the “Alumni The Hockaday School Sarah Hodgson- Junior Now” section of the upcoming Fall 2017 LampPost. The Hockaday School George Dau - Senior Contacts us any time to schedule a visit. St. Mark’s School of Texas Leah Meyers - Senior Greenhill School Jake Darlak - 8th Grade And be sure to FOLLOW us: St. John’s Episcopal School

LAMPPOST 37 AlumniSpirit Award Twice the Spirit Lamplighter honors alumnus Eric Lombardi ’73 and former Board Chair Bennett Cullum

Now in its 14th year, the annual Lamplighter Council President. Wyker introduced the years and nine schools, the best school with Spirit Award Luncheon, representing the event’s first speaker, George Lombardi which I have ever been associated was my culminating event of Alumni Days on the ’68 who traveled from Chicago to deliver elementary school, Lamplighter.” School’s campus, took place in February. remarks about his brother, Eric. George Honorees included Lamplighter alumnus Lombardi opened by confirming, “There’s Next to step up to the podium was current Eric Lombardi ’73 and former Board Chair, no doubt that my brother is a lifelong parent and alum Liz Helfrich ’90 who alumni parent, and current grandparent learner.” He chronicled Eric’s career path in shared remarks about her father, Bennett Bennett Cullum. The Award, established in the field of education and shared with the Cullum. Helfrich began by stating that her 2003 during the School’s 50th anniversary, audience that he also attended Lamplighter dad has “always put learning and service is presented by the Alumni Council to an with his brother Eric and sister Carolyn ’70. to others, including his family, first.” individual or group who embodies the spirit He remarked that his parents’ best decision She shared how her father continues to of Lamplighter and exhibits the qualities was “being early adopters of the Ms. Swain demonstrate the concept of a “forever of a lifelong learner, is willing to take risks, and Ms. Murray program.” learner.” At the conclusion of her remarks, and displays creativity in his or her work. Helfrich invited her daughter Anne Marie ’26 to the stage to read a poem entitled The event kicked off with welcoming Annual Alumni Award “On Lighting a Lamp.” remarks from Head of School Dr. Joan Hill “ who introduced the families of Lombardi luncheon celebrates lifelong Mr. Cullum thanked his daughter and and Cullum. After Dr. Hill recognized learners who embody the granddaughter, and began his remarks past recipients in attendance including by fondly recalling that “serving as Karen Pollock, Pat Mattingly, Barbara spirit of Lamplighter.” Board Chair at Lamplighter was one of Nichols, Teel Gray, and Scurry Johnson the greatest honors of my life.” Cullum ’73, the Lamplighter Fourth-Grade Singers Then Eric Lombardi spoke to the crowd discussed opportunities for personal growth performed for the audience, concluding about his own Lamplighter experiences and and shared examples of his three passions appropriately with “Lamplighter Spirit.” how they shaped his journey into the field – meteorology, classical music, and U.S. of education. He began by explaining that history and government – and how they Following the “Seniors,” a group of high the best teachers come in two categories: “deepened his forever learning.” school students from Ft. Worth Country 1) those who had horrible teachers growing Day School entered the Cook Gym as a up and want to write the wrongs of their Cullum concluded his remarks with advice surprise for Mr. Lombardi. The current negative schooling experiences, and 2) for the audience and special recognition Head of School at Country Day was those who want to recreate to wonders of of the Lamplighter teachers. He asked serenaded by his Upper School Girls’ their own positive education experiences all Lamplighter teachers to stand to be Choral Group. The group of nine singers – those who had teachers who loved what recognized and thanked them for their hard hid in a nearby stairwell as the luncheon they were doing and loved their students. work and dedication to the young learners guests arrived to ensure that their visit Lombardi affirmed that any Lamplighter in our School today. would be a surprise. alum who becomes a teacher clearly comes from the second category. In addition, The event then concluded with closing Next, Dr. Hill introduced Katherine despite a robust career in independent remarks by Dr. Hill and recognition of Rochelle Wyker ’98, the 2016-2017 Alumni schools, Lombardi explained, “after 45 current and former Trustees in attendance.

38 LAMPPOST LPA President’sCorner

In the spring, International Night took Road, packing sack lunches and snack bags families on a journey around the world. for Family Gateway’s homeless families. Our passport provided “entry” to more They also raised funds during Media Center than 25 countries, with food, dress, history, Open House to purchase books for two and culture provided by our families. DISD elementary schools supporting our Commit! Partnership. Through the year, our Cultural Awareness These events and programs are dependent team organized multiple events. In the fall, on the LPA’s fundraising endeavors: Spirit students celebrated Hispanic Heritage month Store and Friday Lunch. The Spirit Store with a focus on Cuba, and Lunar New Year Chairs spread Lamplighter spirit around brought a visit from the Lion Dancer. campus with new, creatively designed spirit wear and unique spirit gear offerings. Creating an inclusive and collaborative The Friday Lunch chairs kept students and community is paramount to upholding teachers fed every week with hot pizza the spirit of the Community and Dear Lamplighter Families: and organic apples delivered by teams of communication is the key. Working with parent volunteers. What an amazing year it has been! ­This past the school staff to publish weekly eNews year, we have been privileged to witness and eReminders, Communications Chair Behind the LPA stand several key incredible transformations on campus as we Lisa Kirby has outdone herself when awaited the much-anticipated Innovation volunteers who keep things running it comes to engaging us and presenting smoothly and provided me countless hours Lab and new barn. With these exciting pertinent, timely information. additions came new opportunities for our of support necessary to perform in the role most visible LPA events. The talents of our of President: The Treasurers painstakingly Our New Families committee welcomed tracked finances. The Volunteer Chairs parent volunteers, along with the support of new parents this spring at Milk & Cookies, faculty and staff, allowed for a remarkable managed the database and insured that as well as at various events through the committee chairs had support. The year filled with not-to-miss events and summer. As parents, having a consistent endless memories. Secretary carefully documented Board touch point and a reliable source of business. The President Elect and the

information for all things related to each President Advisor supported all LPA Last fall, we had a “blast” at the Barnyard child’s grade is essential, and our Grade activities and provided sound advice and Blastoff! The new Ring Road and sport Level Coordinators (GLCs) have done countless hours of work. Under the capable court provided ideal locations for the an outstanding job providing just that. leadership of Sunny Knocke, next year is midway games and inflatables, and the hill, They kicked off every week with Sunday certain to be fantastic. “a.k.a. the moon,” proved to be a fantastic emails, keeping everyone organized and location for the Senior Jacket ceremony. bringing us together for parties. For Early We are fortunate to have a strong From the parade of grades, the planting Childhood classes, our Room Parents partnership with the School, which truly of the flags on the moon, countless rides provided an extra layer of support, working creates a collaborative environment for and attractions, to the out-of-this-world with the GLCs to organize playdates and our community interactions. Our LPA Jacket Ceremony, the Carnival Committee parent events to further enrich community- programs, run in cooperation with Dr. Joan transformed our campus and took us all building. Rounding it out, the Fourth- Hill and the Leadership Team, have been on an unforgettable journey to the moon Grade Yearbook Chairs embraced the incredibly supportive. Sandy Diamond, and back! task of organizing and memorializing the Director of Advancement, and Cindy Lamplighter journey from Pre-K through Connolly, Parent Relations Coordinator, are We kicked off the winter with the Media fourth-grade as we celebrate our Senior invaluable partners in all LPA endeavors. Center Open House. Along with donating Class in the 2017 yearbook. books and digital books in honor of faculty and staff, this time-honored event As part of our community-building efforts, I am so grateful for the Board and honored showcased students’ musical talents. several committees were dedicated to to have had the opportunity to work engaging important constituent groups. The with all of you. Your dedication to your The spectacular Auction socials that took Faculty and Staff Appreciation provided children, the School, and our community us spinning, painting, playing cards, tasting snacks to sustain busy teachers and staff is inspirational. You have gone above our way around the world, and sledding on through the day, meals for meetings, and and beyond showcasing your talents and the playground, lead up to classic cars and celebrations of gratitude for our incredible acting as ambassadors for the LPA. I look hand-rolled Cuban cigars at the iconic Hall faculty at the winter holidays, Valentine’s forward to seeing the continued spirit of of State for our Havana Nights auction. Day, and end of year. The Dads’ Program positivity, inclusiveness, and collaboration The night transported us into a little Coordinator organized Donuts for Dads/ next year in new and exciting ways under piece of Havana in an evening filled with Popsicles with Pops and recruited dads Sunny’s leadership. salsa dancing, vintage attire, Fidel Castro to join the event staffing team supporting impersonators, Cuban-inspired flare, and Carnival operations. Our Community Sincerely, irresistible auction items, all to benefit the Outreach team provided opportunities for Igniting Young Minds for a Lifetime of third- and fourth-grade students to carry Learning Campaign. the Lamplighter mission beyond the Ring Brenna Lambert Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TEXAS Permit No. 1851

Parents: If this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent residence in your home, please send us the correct address to the school address above or email it to [email protected]

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for supporting The Lamplighter School’s 2016–2017 Annual Fund