SUMMER 2013 VOLUME 20 / ISSUE 1 A Publication for The Woods Academy Community
Where curiosity and confidence thrive.
NEWS Artful Learning in Montessori
sk a Luncher what his or her favorite afternoon special is and you are sure to hear a three A letter word — art! It’s colorful, hands on, social, creative, and messy! Just the sort of subject to delight the imagination in all of us! Art is a collaborative effort at The Woods. Mrs. Taverner and the Montessori teachers work together to integrate their curricula so that the elements of art — color, line, shape — are blended with geography, history, literature, science, and math to create meaningful experiences for children. Art provides opportunities to “see” and “do” in a myriad of ways. It’s a little math: parallel lines for Mondrian sculptures and geometric shapes, patterns, and primary colors for painting like Mondrian and Rothko. It’s a little fine motor development: creating wire and bead sculptures like Calder’s stabiles and “drawing with scissors” to make cutouts like Matisse. It’s a little observation: using mirrors and body measures to draw self-portraits. It’s a little science: learning about positive and negative space
to make snowmen and their shadows; using craypas to resist B watercolor washes on Japanese Bridge paintings. IN THIS ISSUE continued on page 3 Congratulations Class of 2013! page 4 page 6 ExchangeDonor Profile Program with Kenya School page 8 The Woods Academy N E W S SUMMER 2013 Montessori, from page 1 Year-end Athletics Wrap-Up Dear Woods Community, It’s a little movement: using Jackson 2012–2013 Basketball Tournament. This was a first for our Every school year brings with it a new excitement, new energy, and new Pollock’s ideas of Season Awards Varsity Girls Basketball Team. ideas. Our strategic plan continues to be a great road map for The Woods dripping paint to ex- The following students received as we grow. Growth is not just measured in numbers, although we had our plore color and line. Most Improved Player Awards: 2013 Spring Season Awards second highest student enrollment to date this past year. We grow as a It’s a little art ap- Lindsay Joseph (8) faculty when we stretch ourselves to learn new ways to approach our craft. The following students received preciation: learning Anthony Mahshigian (8) Most Improved Player Awards: We grow as a student when we add new tools, like iPads, to our “backpack.” about the Impres- Reilly Will (8) Reilly Will (8) – V Lacrosse We grow as a community when we commit ourselves to the values and sionists and their Alexandra Pitts (7) Zack Crilley (7) – V Baseball principles of The Woods Academy. ideas about color and light Erika Carmody (5) Sarah Criswell (7) – V Softball This past year, with the assistance of our faculty, board, and alums, The “plein air” on the new art Patrick Gaul (5) Christina Dropulic (7) – V Lacrosse Daniel Iannarone (5) Woods Academy created The Profile of a Graduate of The Woods Academy. room patio. Corina Capuano (6) – JV Softball Megan Lynch (5) This was a goal of our strategic plan. We wanted to create a document that It’s about color: learning Caleigh Gazdag (5) – JV Lacrosse was truly “us” and where we want our graduates to be. After all, we are how shades of blue and The following students Sebastian Musalem (5) – JV Lacrosse Antos Wellisz (5) – JV Baseball preparing our boys and girls to lead lives of significance. This does not end red show emotion to received Most Valuable Player Awards: when you graduate from The Woods. Whether you are a new graduate, or paint like Picasso’s blue The following students received Amara Clemens (8) one of our first, graduates of The Woods Academy are always O-W-L-S. and rose periods. Most Valuable Player Awards: Kathryn Maloney (8) Graduates of The Woods Academy are: It’s about classification: Charlie Lynch (8) – V Lacrosse Marshall DeCain (7) differentiating portraits, Kathryn Maloney (8) – V Lacrosse Open to Growth Molly Grant (7) landscapes, seascapes, Jack Thal-Larsen (8) – V Baseball Willing to live their faith Ugo Eze (6) The Class of 2014, then still life, abstract postcard McKenna Gazdag (7) – V Lacrosse Leaders in their community Briana Lantuh (6) 7th Grade, worked paintings and comparing Nicole Briscuso (6) – JV Softball Striving for a just and joyous life Alex Bender (5) collaboratively to paint artistic styles. Henry Campbell (6) – JV Baseball Elise Terman (5) this “pop art” portrait The profile is simple, powerful, and fully complements our mission. We fill Ify Eze (6) – JV Lacrosse It’s about the delight of vis- of Head of School Joe our kids with these values and opportunities while they are with us at The The following students Briana Lantuh (6) – JV Lacrosse iting The National Gallery Powers. The portrait was received Hustle Awards: Woods and watch the fruits carried forward by our amazing alumni. of Art to see the “real thing.” The following students presented to Mr. Powers Carlota Andres (8) The Lunchers became investi- received Hustle Awards: on his birthday in April. Another exciting component for the upcoming year is our work to market Luke Diess (8) gators to find out how artists Ned Flanagan (8) – V Baseball The Woods. We have a marketing plan and efforts being led by Jodie Sidra Swift (6) used color, line, and shape Grace Heming (8) – V Softball Shoemaker, our Director of Marketing, Communications and Alumni Ray Briscuso (5) to create their masterpieces. Isabel Jabara (8) – V Lacrosse Relations. Yes, it is a long title but Jodie has energetically taken on this They saw how Miró used the Marshall DeCain (7) – V Lacrosse role. We will be launching our new marketing material in this edition of 2012–2013 Basketball color red to say, “Look Ines Andres (6) – JV Softball The Woods Academy News, along with our website, and out in the media. here” in The Farm. They Season Highlights Alex Bender (5) – JV Baseball The Woods Academy, Where Curiosity and Confidence Thrive. Our kids are loved seeing the Calder The JV Girls Team, coached by AD Maeve Dolan (5) – JV Lacrosse John Mikita (5) – JV Lacrosse encouraged to be curious and learn from great teachers who encourage mobile from the balco- Christy McCauley, finished 3rd in the this inquiry. They develop the confidence to thrive as students and lead the ny and learned a new Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) 2013 Spring lives of significance that we pursue through our mission statement. “The word — “biomorphic” regular season. Season Highlights Woods Word of the Day” campaign will bring alive our well-rounded pro- to describe the kind The JV Boys Team, coached by of shapes he used. gram and highlight the ways our kids are able to define themselves at The Shantel Washington, was undefeat- The JV Softball team, coached by 1st They discovered all Woods. Have you ever heard of a Theatrogoalie? This is a student who can ed, winning 1st place in the regular Grade Teacher Lauren Foti, had an kinds of lines — par- undefeated season. They earned 1st bring an audience to its feet one minute and block a game winning shot the season and 1st place in the CAC allel, curved, diagonal — and Tournament. place in the regular season and 1st next. At The Woods our kids are actors, athletes, artists, musicians, linguists geometric shapes in Picasso’s place in the CAC Tournament. and more. This campaign is so exciting because it brilliantly articulates The Harlequin Musician. They The Varsity Boys Team, coached by Although the CAC does not organize Woods experience and creatively brings it alive. No one word can describe a were captivated searching Ken Tyrell and Alumni Parent Jerry conference lacrosse games, all student at The Woods, and we like it that way. for circles in Bicycle Race by O’Leary, finished 1st place in the four of our teams played a very Feininger. There was so much regular season and 3rd place in the Sincerely, competitive schedule. They earned to see! CAC tournament. wins against well-established The Varsity Girls, coached by 1st It’s about becoming artists programs like Landon, Norwood, Grade Teacher Erin Ricca, a 14 themselves — and falling in National Presbyterian School, and year coaching veteran at The Woods, Joseph E. Powers love with art! St. Patrick’s. finished 1st place in the regular Head of School season and 1st place in the CAC “ Beauty both promotes concentration of thought and offers refreshment to the tired spirit.” – Maria Montessori 2 3 GRADUATION GRADUATION
The Woods Academy N E W S SUMMER 2013 B Class of 2013 Awards
uring the commencement ceremony on May 31st, the following Graduation DAwards were given to the Class of 2013. The Woods Academy The Owl Athlete Award was given to Ned Flanagan, Kathryn Maloney, and Luke Diess for their outstanding contributions to The Woods Athletic Program. Class of 2013 has The Athletic Director’s Award which recognizes model Woods Academy athletes been accepted to for outstanding academic achievement, sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice for the program was given to the following high Carlota Andres and Charlie Lynch. schools: The Woods Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts, given to Academy of the Holy Cross eighth grade students who have ex- celled in the fine arts, was awarded to Ana Harmsen and Grace Heming. Connelly School of the Holy Child The Serviam Award, for the eighth DeMatha Catholic High School grade student who has given outstanding service to The Woods community, was received by Georgetown Preparatory School Carlota Andres. Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School The Celestine Award was given to Caitlin Grant and Ned Flanagan as Gonzaga College High School the eighth grade students who Ned Flanagan and Caitlin Grant, recipients of demonstrated the effort and hard The Celestine Award work that characterizes the ideal Holton-Arms School Woods Academy student. Landon School The Award for Academic Achievement, given to the eighth grade student who demonstrated excellence in academics, was awarded to Maria Nolan. The Madeira School Noah Montemarano and Madison Sotos were the recipients of The The Woods Academy Congratulates the Maret School General Excellence Award, given to the eighth grade students who have Members of the Class of 2013 demonstrated the ideals of The MCPS Magnet Schools: Woods Academy Mission Statement, Poolesville Global Ecology; Poolesville Carlota Andres Darren Danaie Isabel Jabara Noah Montemarano including academic, athletic, spiritual, Science, Mathematics, and Computer Sci- social excellence and emotional well ence; Richard Montgomery International Jonah Barron Luke Deiss Martin-Jan Jimenez-Guzel Brady Murphy being, a respect for others, a spirit Baccalaureate of equality and a commitment to Sarah Bash Ned Flanagan Lindsay Joseph Maria Nolan community service. Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Isabelle Cassidy Caitlin Grant Emma Kosters Madison Sotos The Twelve Season Award which recognizes students who have played The Potomac School Elizabeth Chiaramonte Winston Grenier Connor Lamble Chrissy Storero a major team sport each season from fifth until eighth grade was given to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Stephen Catrett Ana Harmsen Charlie Lynch Jack Thal-Larsen Carlota Andres, Isabelle Cassidy, Noah Montemarano and Madison Sotos, Nicholas Chow Grace Heming Anthony Mahshigian Jack Wenger Luke Diess, Ned Flanagan, Grace recipients of The General Excellence Award Saint Anselm’s Abbey School Heming, Mary Iannarone, Lindsay Amara Clemens Mary Iannarone Kathryn Maloney Reilly Will Joseph, Anthony Mahshigian, St. John’s College High School Kathryn Maloney, Maria Nolan, Madison Sotos, and Reilly Will. The Woods Award for Academic Honors was awarded to Jonah Barron, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart Nicholas Chow, Darren Danaie, Ned Flanagan, Winston Grenier, Ana Harmsen, Grace Heming, Mary Iannarone, Isabel Jabara, Lindsay Joseph, Anthony Stay Connected Mahshigian, Kathryn Maloney, Noah Montemarano, Maria Nolan, Madison Sotos, and Jack Wenger. This award is given to students who have earned either Honors or The Woods Academy @TheWoodsAcademy @theWoodsAcademy Follow The Woods Honors with Distinction for at least half the trimesters from 7th grade through second Academy Company Page as well as join the alumni-only group. To search for the alumni group type in The Woods Academy Alumni. trimester of 8th grade.
4 5 DONOR PROFILE DONOR PROFILE The Woods Academy N E W S SUMMER 2013 SOTOS: Support Our Teachers, Our School Woods Academy in 1999. Thank you for your amazing dedication and We are eternally grateful to the Sotos family for setting up this endow- countless hours of support. We are a better school because of you ment, the SOTOS Fund. We will all greatly miss the Sotos as current The SOTOS Faculty Development Endowment Fund and your presence will be greatly missed.” Peggy’s energy and spirit of parents, but look forward to having them as ongoing key members giving is immeasurable. She is also currently volunteering as a Court of The Woods community. The Sotos and their legacy will continue to Appointed Special Advocate working with youth in the Montgomery make a difference in the professional development of teachers with County Juvenile Court System. Support Our Teachers, Our School — ultimately benefiting your chil- In light of her tenure and long history of involvement at The Woods, dren and those yet to enroll. We invite all to give to the SOTOS Fund, Peggy’s reply to what advice she would give Woods parents was “to to follow the example set by Peggy and George, as did many Woods trust your child’s teacher, be open-minded, and get involved to get to families who made contributions totaling an additional $52,000 at The know The Woods students and parents.” In doing so, she and George Woods Annual Night Owl Auction in March. added, “Volunteering at Woods is a great community-builder and a way to promote positive change and growth.” The world would be much better if populated with families like the Sotos. Personally and professionally, they are givers. Dr. George Sotos The Sotos Family is a renowned physician who is Chief of Hematology and Oncology at with Katie (‘07) Suburban Hospital. Peggy, too, was in the helping medical profession and Madison (‘13) in her earlier career as a nurse at The University of Texas Southwest- ern Medical Center’s Parkland Memorial Hospital — where she and George met. Their endowed gift for The Woods came from the heart and from their recognition for the need to endow professional devel- opment for our teachers. They best express their motivation: “We consider Woods a gift left to us by visionary families and teachers who gave generously of their time, talent, and treasure. Now it is our turn to ‘pay it forward’, to sustain and strengthen what our family has received, for those who will follow. Woods’ hallmark is the outstanding teachers who provided guidance and inspiration, and challenged our daugh- ters, Katie (‘07) and Madison (‘13), daily. To honor 8 these dedicated, talented professionals by starting he SOTOS Faculty Development Endowment Fund, Support Our Teachers, Our School, was instituted five a teachers’ professional development endowment T years ago with a generous contribution from Peggy and George Sotos. It is a most meaningful and fund was simply an act of recognition, support and SAVE THE DATE! appreciated gift to The Woods Academy for it addresses the core of what makes a school great — its teachers! especially gratitude for the positive impact these edu- cators have had on our children. We hope others will The 9th Annual Golf Outing will be held on Friday, October 4 at Bretton Woods Golf The teachers are the quality control of any school. It is our outstanding joined Woods in 2002, as a Montessori three-year-old. contribute to the SOTOS Fund, ‘Support Our Teachers, Our School’, whether it be a one-time gift to honor a Club. Contact Chris Stewart, Director of Development, faculty that drive the entrepreneurial education program and who The Sotos family is the family every school would like to have in their past or present teacher or an annual gift. A gift to the [email protected], for more information. enlarge and create significant programs with improved and new community. They are the epitome of parents whose generosity and pedagogy — robotics in science, art and drama equal to museum and SOTOS Fund will ensure Woods’ teachers’ commit- service to the school and its students are remarkable. Peggy has been 29th Annual Grandparents & Special Broadway productions, writing and math programs that uncover and a participant in all aspects of the school. Her numerous volunteer ment to excellence continues in perpetuity, ultimately promote our future authors, and possible Einsteins, technology that activities include: WAPTO President, Auction Chair for two years, and benefitting every Woods student.” Friends Day will be Friday, October 11. Please incorporates and transcends blogs, tweets, Facebook, icloud, and apps she and George were co-chairs of the Ever Forward Capital Campaign. contact Grandparents Coordinator, Betty Brown, to find yet undiscovered ways of even better educating, communicat- For many years, Peggy also served as Book Fair Chair, Sally Foster Chair, [email protected], for more information. ing and sharing information. Indeed! Through faculty development we and Arts Celebration Chair. Over the years, we have seen her tirelessly can enable our teachers to be transformational in student learning. We serving hot lunches and overseeing the Faculty-Staff Appreciation can put our teachers at the forefront of education by helping them be Luncheon, as well as volunteering as Room Mother and Athletic prepared to teach the comprehensive curriculum designed to meet Booster Mom, and helping with Poinsettia Sales, Family Festivals, the educational requirements of an ever-changing 21st century. Gardening Committee, Sunshine Club, Montessori Play Dates and The Sotos came to The Woods 14 years ago in 1999 when they Grandparents Day. In summary, if there was a job to do, Peggy did enrolled their older daughter, Katie, in first grade. They came to The it — not once, but often times, twice — and always the job was done Be an Owlvocate! owlvocate Woods because the school offered, to quote them, “traditional values, well. In fact, one teacher described her as doing the extraordinary in top-notch cutting-edge academics, and low student-teacher ratio.” a most superlative way. The outstanding student production of Annie n: A person who gives their significant time, talent, They remained at the school, they said because of, “great teachers, in May was dedicated to Peggy, noting: “She has been a champion, and treasure to transform the lives of Woods academic success, and community.” Their younger daughter, Madison, cheerleader, and supporter of the Arts since her family arrived at The Academy students.
6 7 SERVICE LEARNING SERVICE LEARNING The Woods Academy N E W S SUMMER 2013 Exchange Program Shows How Much Alike We Are
By Nancy Talbot, fourth grade teacher Overall, we had an exciting visit interact- he assistant director waved a worn green shirt at culture and geography, the program shows us the many ing with students and forming relation- Tthe crowd: “Is anybody missing a uniform top?” she similarities that educators and students have, which ships with our “co-workers” in Kenya. As called to the primary school students at their afternoon creates a level of comfort. Then we can go on to share part of our visit, we presented the staff assembly. Megan Mullally, fourth grade the differences so we better understand of Hotcourses Primary with gifts; The teacher, and I looked at each other each other. Woods Academy staff had generous- and laughed. Despite the fact we were ly contributed money to allow us to We were reminded of those similarities purchase two digital cameras that we thousands of miles away from the during our multi-day visit with the teachers school in Maryland where we work, gave to Paul Muthami, the Hotcourses and students at Hotcourses Primary School director and his staff. The cameras will we recognized that children are chil- at Nyumbani Village in June. Megan and I dren whether they live in Maryland or be a huge asset to our exchange pro- spent several days at Hotcourses Primary gram because it will allow teachers at Kenya. Losing shirts occurs in elemen- School meeting with the grade three, four, and five tary school on a regular basis! That kind of awareness is Hotcourses to complete projects that teachers to decide on the exchange projects that will be need documentation. In addition, The Woods commu- part of what makes the sister school program between completed for our Cross-Cultural Education Program. The Woods Academy and Hotcourses Primary School nity donated pencils, markers, paper and pens. The program is sponsored by Kenya Educational Service After meeting with the teachers at Hotcourses, we at Nyumbani so rewarding; despite the differences in Trips (KEST), led by Lloydie Zaiser. finalized the two projects that each grade will complete over the next school year. It was Below: Nacy Talbot at Hptcourses Primary School in Nyumbani Village challenging but fun to overcome language and in June. cultural barriers to coordinate appropriate and meaningful projects that teachers in both countries can lead and that everyone is excited to do. The teachers and students at Hotcourses showed how enthusiastic they are about the upcoming projects and their excitement over sharing details about their culture and country with American students was contagious. Megan and I left the Village with renewed energy to start up activities back at The Woods in Maryland. Our school’s program begins this September in the third, fourth, and fifth grades. It will All in all we came back to the include a video of music and poetry performances, United States with enthusiasm we know will catch on postcards written about the Northeastern United with students here. Stay tuned for updates on this States and interviews with grandparents. These amazing cultural exchange of ideas and activities. projects will be hand delivered to Hotcourses Primary School by Lloydie Zaiser in January 2014. And thus the exchange will begin! Lloydie will return to the United States in February with matching projects completed by the Hotcourses students.
“It was challenging but fun to overcome language and cultural barriers to coordinate appropriate and meaningful projects that teachers in both countries can lead and that everyone is excited to do.” – Nancy Talbot, fourth grade teacher
8 9 ALUMNI NOTES ALUMNI NOTES The Woods Academy N E W S SUMMER 2013 Class of 2009: Where are they now? Class Notes
our years ago we highlighted the Class of 2009 as they were heading to high school. Now we take a look at what they have Nathaniel Russ (2007) will be a junior at Mc- Nick Murray (2008) will play baseball at enabling students to achieve most fully those Faccomplished since that time and where they plan to attend college this fall. Daniel College and is a Summer Scholar with Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. Nick qualities articulated in the Mission Statement The International Cancer Alliance for Research graduated from Landon where he earned of The Academy of the Holy Cross: courage, Jamie Bash graduated from Gonzaga College High School and will Now a graduate of The Academy of the Holy Cross, Meghan Rixey is and Education (ICARE). ICARE is a non-profit much recognition on and off the field. This compassion, and scholarship.” Students must attend University of San Diego. headed to University of Pittsburgh. organization maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete at least After successfully completing high school at Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Kevin Rogers graduated from Gonzaga College High School and that supports one Honors-Level course each year, submit a Will Becker is off to Elon University. plans to attend Northeastern University. cutting-edge fully documented Research Paper, complete cancer 150 hours of service, assume leadership Gabriella Catrett graduated from Woodgrove High School in Silvia Samayoa graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel where research and positions in clubs, activities, and/ or athletics, Purcellville, VA where she was instrumental in planning, organizing, she was a member of the State Champion Speech Team and will provides and participate in enrichment activities to be and conducting an assembly for Students Against Drunk Driving. attend Georgia State University. high-quality, awarded the certificate. She will attend Marymount University and plans to major in Criminal Now that she has graduated from The Academy of the Holy Cross, focused, Tommy Shott (2009) was responsible for Justice. Brittany Scala is off to University of South Carolina this fall. user- driving in the winning run against Landon Sebastien Crepin successfully completed high school at the French Casey Sheehan graduated from Georgetown Prep and will attend friendly School to give Georgetown Prep the IAC International School and will attend “Classes preparatoires MathSup” Texas Christian University. cancer Baseball Championship in May. at College Lazaristes in Lyon, France. information At his graduation from Georgetown Prep, Tommy Shott received Nicholas Swift (2009), at the completion of Harry Criswell graduated from Winston Churchill High School to each patient both the Math and Physics Department Awards. He will attend his junior year at Our Lady of Good Counsel where he played football and lacrosse and will attend St. Joseph’s as well as their physician on an ongoing, past spring, Nick led his team to the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. High School last spring, was awarded the University. personalized basis. Nathaniel is charged with Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) Final Jonathan Slapnick graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School spreading the word about the organization against Georgetown Prep. He was also Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal. The Tyler Dunne graduated from Georgetown Prep and is off to Wake and will attend Xavier University. and increasing support for its research. named to the All-IAC Baseball Team by Forest University. The Washington Post. Nick Swift member of the Xavarian Chapter of the National Honor Drew Shott (2007) will be a junior at After successfully completing high school at Walt Whitman, Society at Our lady of Good Counsel High School will attend Notre Washington & Lee and is spending this fall Gabriela Catrett (2009) continues to volun- Ellie Dwyer is off to Towson University. Dame University this fall. semester studying in Rome. He is a Business/ teer at Circle of Hope, a therapeutic riding Accounting major and spent his summer as facility in Darnestown, where she is able to Sarah Hatoum who was president of the senior class at The Eric Tan graduated from Gonzaga College High School and will an intern with Lockheed Martin. combine her love of horses with her passion Academy of the Holy Cross will attend University of Miami. attend Penn State. to help children and adults with special needs. William Lawler graduated from Gonzaga College High School Katie Sotos (2007) played the role of Polly Morgan Taverner graduated from The Academy of the Holy Cross In addition, she has spent the past three sum- where he served as Editor-in-chief and Web Editor of The Aquilian, Peachum in Colgate University’s production and will attend University of Maryland. She was one of a select mers working at Valley Mill Camp where, as a the school’s newspaper. William will attend University of Michigan of The Threepenny Opera this past April. few first year students admitted to the Smith School of Business. certified trainer, she is teaching young girls to Honors Program this fall. Katie, Biology major and French minor, will After graduating from St. John’s College High School, Nico Tawa will be a junior at Colgate this fall. She is studying ride and enjoying every minute of it. Rensselaer Medal is Katie Needler graduated from the Global Ecology Magnet program attend Post College at Long Island University. Sebastien Crepin (2009) received an Inter- given to a student who is ranked within the at Poolesville High School and will attend University of Maryland. national Baccalaureate in Science from the top 10% of their class and demonstrates She was one of a select few first year students admitted to the Smith Sarah Wyckoff graduated from Georgetown Visitation with many French International School with mention Tres potential for success in a challenging School of Business. honors and distinctions and will attend University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar. “The fundamental mission of the Jefferson Bien (Excellence). academic setting, excels in advanced math Danny O’Leary graduated from Georgetown Prep and will attend Scholars Foundation is to identify, attract, and nurture individuals of Sarah Hatoum (2009) & Morgan Taverner and science courses, and exhibits significant University of Miami. extraordinary intellectual range and depth who possess the highest (2009) received the Madeleva Scholar Certifi- involvement in extracurricular activities. Ian Richards, a graduate of Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, qualities of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.” Sarah is one of cate from The Academy of the Holy Cross and Sarah Wyckoff (2009) received All Indepen- will attend Yale University. the only 33 members of the Class of 2017 to receive this scholarship proudly wore the Madeleva Stole at all Com- dent School League (ISL) recognition in Track to UVA. mencement Activities this past spring. Mad- and Field this past spring. In addition, she eleva Scholars Program “provides a structure was honored with Excellence in Science, Excellence in Mathematics, Medal of General Excellence, and Athletic Association Hall T of Fame Awards during commencement exercises at Georgetown Visitation. pre-veterinary medicine and is interning SHARE YOUR NEWS full-time at Second Chance Wildlife Rescue continued on page 14 and Rehabilitation in Gaithersburg this summer. She is also interning part-time Please send in your Alumni Notes for the next WoodsNews to keep your with a team of equine vets in Mt. Airy. classmates and other Woods’ friends up to date. Photos are always welcome! Email your updates to Jodie Shoemaker, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Alumni Relations, at [email protected] Clockwise from upper left: Nathaniel Russ (2007) visits with Mr. Powers this summer; Nick Murray (2008) pitching in the IAC Semi-Final Game against Bullis this past spring; Tommy Shott, Danny O’Leary, Tyler Dunne, and Casey Sheehan, Class of 2009, photographed at their Georgetown Prep graduation in May; Morgan Taverner (2009) and Sarah Hatoum (2009) recognized as Madelava Scholars at Holy Cross; Katie Sotos (2007) on stage at Colgate University.
10 11 AROUND THE WOODS AROUND THE WOODS The Woods Academy N E W S SUMMER 2013 B The National Spanish Exam n March 14th and 15th, our 8th grade Spanish students took the National Spanish OExamination (NSE). The NSE’s are sponsored by the American Association of Teach- ers of Spanish and Portuguese and are taken by more than 156,000 students throughout the United States. The exam measures proficiency and achievement of students who are Sandy Blasey studying Spanish as a second language. The performance of our students who took this Extended Care Assistant exam was outstanding and each should feel very proud of his or her accomplishments. New Faculty Profiles A native of Kens- “Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Exam- ington, Maryland inations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, where she still “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States.” lives. Previously 1st Place, Gold Medal — Noah Montemarano – 4th Place, Award of worked as a at or above 95th 90% Excellence — from 50th freelance writer, percentile Isabelle Cassidy – 89% through 74th percentiles admissions Maria Nolan – 98% Ned Flanagan – 89% Nicholas Chow essays editor, Kathryn Maloney – 97% Jack Wenger – 88% Luke Diess and copywriter. Grace Hemming – 96% Caitlin Grant – 86% Winston Grenier Ran a 50-mile Mary Iannarone – 96 % Connor Lamble race to celebrate her 50th birthday. Still 3rd Place, Bronze Medal Charlie Lynch recovering! 2nd Place, Silver — 75th through 84th Brady Murphy Medal — 85th through percentiles Liz Feeley 94th percentiles Jonah Baron – 76% Montessori Assistant Lindsay Joseph – 91% Originally from northern New Jersey and first came to The Owlathon the DC area to National French Test Results attend college at Georgetown he Owlathon ended the school year with a bang…or an even better description is a splash! Mr. University. Most Powers and several faculty splashed around in the dunk tank while the students enjoyed cooling he fourth and eighth grade French students recently participated in the National T recently she off with shaved ice and diving through the giant slip and slide. There was something for everyone — French Test sponsored yearly by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). T worked as a Mon- from a challenging fitness course, carnival style class booths, pie eating contests to the “Pie in Your Thousands of students took the test in Maryland and throughout the United States. The Woods is proud to congratulate the following students for their performance on the 2013 tessori teacher’s Face” game. School spirit was at its best! Most importantly, half of the funds earned from this “fun” assistant at the Montessori School of National French Test. fundraiser went to help The Greentree Shelter and Operation Smile. What a great way to end the Chevy Chase. Many years ago she worked school year! The following 4th grade Alejandro Tovar – 6th in Stephen Catrett – 6th in the graveyard shift as an on-air announcer students placed in the Maryland and nationally Maryland and nationally at a local radio station located at the tip of top 10 in Maryland and Ava Humler – 7th in Matin-Jan Jimenez-Guzel Long Island; there, she excelled at deliver- nationally, receiving a Maryland and nationally – 7th in Maryland and ing the weather, fishing reports and high score of 90% or higher, The following 8th grade nationally tides bulletins. and will receive a silver students placed in the or bronze medal and top 10 in Maryland and The following 8th grade Paul Paoletti Night Owl Auction certificate of honor. nationally, receiving a students scored 85% or 6th Grade Math & Science Dylan Danaie – 1st in score of 90% or higher, higher and earned the Originally from hank you for your support of our school! Co-Chairs Huda Montemarano and Nikki Diess led an Maryland and nationally and will receive a silver or following ranks. They will Overland Park, 23rd Annual Night Owl Auction amazing team with an impeccable grace and a positive spirit that T Natalie Pierce – 1st in bronze medal and certifi- receive a certificate of Kansas. Previ- held on Saturday, March 2nd here at ensured significant success. Maryland and nationally cate of honor. They are: honor. ously worked as The Woods! Your significant philan- We raised nearly $125,000 (net) to support our Woods Academy family Sara Manzano – 2nd in Sarah Bash – 3rd in Mary- Emma Kosters – 11th in a math teacher, thropy serves to inspire our Woods including an astounding $52,000 for the Sotos Endowment Fund for Maryland and nationally land and nationally Maryland and nationally Athletic Director, Academy community to consider Faculty Professional Development. This was the largest amount ever Eleanor Powell – 2nd in Ana Harmsen – 3rd in Reilly Will – 11th in and coach in a how private gifts can transform raised at our Auction for an appeal of this nature. And we accom- Maryland and nationally Maryland and nationally Maryland and nationally Catholic high the lives of our students. plished all of this while bringing the entire community together for Daniel Atingi – 3rd in Darren Danaie – 4th in Anthony Mahshigian school in NYC. Maryland and nationally Maryland and nationally – 13th in Maryland and The theme was “Celebrate The an unforgettable evening that has already been touted as “the best Has an adven- Shane Davis – 4th in Madison Sotos – 4th in nationally Woods, 80s Style” and we certain- Woods Auction ever.” Mark your calendars for next year on March 1st, turous spirit including two solo skydiving Maryland and nationally Maryland and nationally ly did as we honored everyone 2014 when we will do it again! missions and multiple, amateur stand-up Brandon Curry – 5th in Isabel Jabara – 5th in Congratulations to all of and everything wonderful at our Thank you so much for your support of our Woods Academy family! comedy performances on NYC stages. Maryland and nationally Maryland and nationally our French scholars! Keep Ava Amirkhalili – 6th in Carlota Andres – 6th in up the good work! Maryland and nationally Maryland and nationally
12 13 AROUND THE WOODS AROUND THE WOODS The Woods Academy N E W S SPRING 2013 The Woods Academy Arts Celebration
n May 16th and 17th, The Woods Academy presented O its Ninth Annual Arts Celebration. This annual event is a culmination of the year’s work by all students throughout the entire school. In addition to having our multi-purpose room transformed into an art gallery — showcasing hundreds of paintings, watercolors, pastels, ink drawings, prints, sculptures, and weavings — the exhibition spilled into the hallways of the school. This year’s drama production was Annie, a musical based on the popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”. The audience was entertained by our 7th and 8th grade actors on stage. When you celebrate children’s art, you celebrate them.
Montessori Graduation eady to move on to full days of classes and uniforms in the Lower School, R the Montessori Lunchers graduated on May 31st in a ceremony full of songs and poetry in English, French, and Spanish. There is no doubt the Lunchers will miss their Montessori teachers and friends, but we are sure 6 they are going to enjoy First Grade! Attention Alumni!
Class Notes, from page 10 Have you moved or changed your First Communion mailing/ email address? Tess Iannarone (2010) travelled with some of her classmates from Holton- Arms School Global Education Program to Rwanda in June. While there Tess n May 22nd, The Woods celebrated the 23 second Please contact Jodie Shoemaker and the other girls were able to meet and work with embassy officials as O graders who made their First Holy Communion earlier ([email protected]) to update well as members of the Rwandan government. In addition, they helped to in the month. The whole school attended mass prepared all contact information to ensure you complete the building of an all-girls elementary school. by the First Communicants, their classmates, and teachers. receive invitations for your class Pauline Ting (2011) won a National Spanish Exam Global Citizenship Award The students also performed a special Communion hymn, which enabled her to attend a two-week Spanish immersion program in Min- “Jesus, You are Bread for Us”. The mass was celebrated by gatherings and other pertinent nesota this summer. She was one of just 16 students in the country selected Fr. Ray Kemp from Georgetown University. alumni information. Please include for the award. Pauline will be a junior at Georgetown Visitation this fall. the following: Ally Cordom (2012) in her first year at Madeira participated in the riding • First and Last Name program and will be the Team Manager next school year. In addition, Ally was the winner of the Ann Swift Cronin Most Dedicated Rider award. This trophy is • Maiden Name (if applicable) awarded to a rider based on contribution to the program both in the tack and • Class Year around the barn. • Address, City, State, Zip Annie O’Connor (2012) finished her first year at Stone Ridge School • Home and Mobile # of the Sacred Heart with Highest Honors and was the MVP of the JV • Email Address basketball team.
14 15 The Woods Academy 6801 Greentree Road Non-Profit Org. Bethesda, MD 20817 U.S. Postage 301 365 3080 PAID www.woodsacademy.org Bethesda, MD Permit No. 5578
The Woods Academy News is published by the Marketing & Communications Office of The Woods Academy, 6801 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817-2210 Phone: 301-365-3080 Fax: 301-469-6439 www.woodsacademy.org
The Woods Academy seeks qualified applicants of every race, religion, nationality, and ethnic origin.
Upcoming Events at The Woods
Wednesday, September 4 Opening Mass Friday, October 4 9th Annual Golf Outing Friday, October 11 29th Annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Saturday, March 1 Annual Night Owl Auction
T Woods Word of the Day From Montessori through grade 8, our students get involved in so many activities, entrebounder we had to create a unique vocabulary just to n: describe them. Take a look at how some of our who has focused his career alumni have defined themselves. A first round NBA draft pick Hey, Alumni and Students! What unique word & Changing Lives” as the on “Building Communities describes you? How did you define yourself at founder of the JYD Project. The Woods? Send your word and definition along with a current photo to teachoar jshoemaker@woodsacademy. n: A high school and college rower org. You could be added to our with passion for educating Woods Wall of Fame. Catholic school students.