THE
GRACE-ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL • SPRING 2018
PS-8 SCHOOL MODEL
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
GSL CONNECTIONS LAST A LIFETIME 70 FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT GSL FACULTY ALUMNI PERSPECTIVES ON GSL THEN AND NOW
A L O O K AT THE BENEFITS
from the
HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Friends, You hold in your hands the latest issue of our flagship publication, The Anchor. As usual, it is filled with the many wonderful things happening at Grace-St.Luke’s. Some things are new, some represent programs that we have had in place for a number of years. You will find a common theme running through this issue, and that is Grace-St. Luke’s is a place where innovation and tradition combine to produce a truly remarkable, personal student experience. Ranging from the unique Author Study program in our Preschool, the community-based Citizenship Breakfast in Lower School, and the hands-on experiences that help our Middle School students connect classroom learning to potential careers, our students are nurtured in very personal, specific ways. Anchored in these experiences, our graduates are equipped for success in ways that go far beyond the traditional three R’s – although those are present and vibrant at GSL. Our students benefit from the best of both worlds: an engaging education that fully prepares them for the rigors of high school, college, and beyond, as well as unique and personal learning experiences, providing a deep self-knowledge and confidence that anchors them with timeless values in a changing world. You’ll see this reflected in the impressive list of high school placements for the class of 2018, as well as the alumni updates in this magazine. It is a joy and privilege to be part of this community and to lead this school. As we complete our strategic plan and prepare for the future for GSL, we are proudly anchored in our previous 70 years of success and innovation. People say there is something special about GSL, and I believe it has to do with our unique way of combining tradition and innovation and the impact that has on each student at GSL. I look forward to seeing you - both old friends and new - on campus soon! Sincerely,
Thor Kvande Head of School
CONTENTS
3
BOARD PRESIDENT LETTER
4
PK AUTHOR STUDY PROGRAM
6
FOURTH GRADE CITIZENSHIP BREAKFAST
8
EIGHTH GRADE INTERNSHIP PROJECT
10
LEGACY EIGHTH GRADERS
11
GSL’S CLASS OF 2018
12
GSL’S PRESCHOOL-EIGHTH GRADE SCHOOL MODEL
16
A LOOK AT GSL THEN AND NOW
18
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
21
ANCHORS AWAY ALUMNI UPDATES
22
KAPPI BEAZLEY RETIRES
23
70 FAVORITE THINGS AT GSL
ABOUT THE COVER: Each student on the cover represents a different grade at Grace-St. Luke’s as we celebrate the preschool to eighth grade school model in this issue. Beginning with the top row and working left to right, the students pictured are: Eleanor McQuirter, Little Lukers; Thomas Barksdale, Pre-Kindergarten; Isabella Francillon, Junior Kindergarten; Cameron Gibbs, Senior Kindergarten; Tehani Kuo, First Grade; Andrew Anand, Second Grade; Eliza Roberts, Third Grade; Leon Vuong, Fourth Grade; Alyssa Flowers, Fifth Grade; Cooper Deason, Sixth Grade; Isabelle Mansour, Seventh Grade; Thomas Kvande, Eighth Grade
Editor: Brenda Berry Editorial Intern: Katie Smith Contributors: Kelsey Beagle, Doug Duncan, Sherry Emerson, Megan Ford, Thor Kvande, Jeni Linkous, Shelly McGuire, Kate Shelton, Denise DuBois Taylor, Jeff White and Kimberly White Cover Photos: Holland Studio of Photography Mr. Kvande takes a moment to enjoy Middle School Field Day in 2017 with son Thomas.
2 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
The Anchor is a publication of Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School. Articles are published at the discretion of the school. Comments and questions should be directed to Brenda Berry, Director of Communications, at bberry@gslschool.org.
from the
BOARD PRESIDENT Dear Friends, How many of you have attended a school chapel at Grace-St. Luke’s? I have a few times when our son Henry was reading or performing, i.e. when there was a reason for me to be there. The times I have attended, I am reminded of the wonderful environment at Grace-St. Luke’s. Honestly, I should go more often. GSL’s PS-8 school model offers a unique opportunity for children to learn and interact with various grade levels without the social pressures of high school and all that comes with that. This is evident through chapel at GSL. Chapel embodies the ethos of Grace-St. Luke’s. Students in middle school and preschool attend a division-specific chapel on Tuesdays. Lower school students have chapel on Wednesdays. On Thursdays, students attend an all-school chapel. The younger grades quietly walk in a straight line to their assigned pews while the middle schoolers walk in groups of three and four toward the back of the church, identifiable by grade as they proudly wear their GSL hoodies. As all kids enter, you may catch students waving and smiling to previous teachers. You will see some of the older students acknowledge a younger schoolmate (and, occasionally, even a younger sibling). Then you will observe the younger students as they sit quietly and watch their middle school role models make their way to the back of the church. It’s these times of togetherness and community that have me thankful for GSL. Each day Henry walks out the door for school, I know he is in a safe place. A place that embodies the principles of the Episcopal Church. A place where being a kid still happens. A place where learning includes more than getting a math problem correct. Grace-St. Luke’s is a place where our children are given a foundation to go and do what makes them feel comfortable as they have watched examples before them grow, change, and develop. I encourage you all to take thirty minutes out of your morning one day and attend school chapel. There’s nothing quite like the sound of the entire community together reciting the school prayer. “O God, let your heavenly blessings be upon Grace-St. Luke’s School...”
GRACE-ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017-2018
All the best,
Doug Duncan President, Board of Trustees
Doug Duncan, President Liz Keough, Vice-President Scott Crosby, Secretary Melanie Schrank, Assistant Secretary Bubba Halliday, Treasurer Ryan Gibbs, Assistant Treasurer Hugh Fraser Margaret McLean Ruth Patton
Lauri Prather Sharon Shipley Victoria Van Cleef
Anneliese Watts Casey West Ken Woodmansee
Thor Kvande, Head of School Holley McGehee, Senior Warden Jeni Linkous, Parents’ Association President
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 3
PRESCHOOL
PK’S AUTHOR STUDY MAKES BOOKS COME ALIVE In 2005, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Meg Comes was researching new ways to structure the PK curriculum, taking into consideration the fact that PK students are at an age—three and four—when early language, literacy, and cognitive skills are introduced and developed. It soon became clear to her that delivering the PK curriculum through the power of children’s books would be a perfect fit. “When I spoke with the PK teaching teams, we all agreed that we wanted to add something to the curriculum that would complement our play-based program and get students involved in story time, while also providing an entertaining way to learn,” said Comes, a GSL teacher since 1987 and class of 1980 alum. “That led to the program we use today.” This program, known as the PK Author Study, was fully embraced by the teaching teams in all three PK classes and has been in place since the 2005-06 school year. PK teachers focus on a different children’s author and his/her books each month. As the school year changes, so do the authors. The PK curriculum has a focus on language and literacy outcomes. The books introduce students to speech sounds—from words that rhyme to silly, nonsense words—which is an important piece to building their phonemic awareness. The constant use of children’s books also teaches students basic skills such as how to properly hold a book, how to turn pages from right to left, and how the words in a book describe the pictures they are seeing.
PK teachers introduce students to a number of authors throughout the school year. This timeline provides a small sampling of how children’s books help deliver the PK curriculum.
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
LEARNING ABOUT DINOSAURS, MUDPUPPIES AND LIONS
TODD PARR
ED EMBERLY
LOIS EHLERT
Parr writes about a variety of topics including family and feelings. His books, including The Family Book, help students introduce themselves and their families to classmates at the beginning of the school year.
Students celebrate Halloween and not-soscary monsters through Emberly’s books including Glad Monster, Sad Monster. His intricate illustrations captivate children in a manner simple enough to teach them to draw.
Ehlert’s books show how unique shapes and colors come together to promote new and positive perspectives. Students enjoy nature walks to collect leaves and make their own leaf men, similar to the one in Ehlert’s book Leaf Man.
As the school year begins, each PK classroom uses a different author to introduce students to the animal featured in their class name. The Daring Dinosaurs, for example, learn how dinosaurs might act in school in How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. As students giggle at the silly story, they are also learning what behaviors are appropriate in class.
4 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
The Author Study program also reinforces the Formative Five, GSL’s new character education program that was implemented this school year. “We’ve been pleased this year at how seamlessly the chosen books support the success skills discussed in The Formative Five, including things like kindness, empathy, self-control, and embracing diversity,” said Head of Preschool Cynthia Burnett. The PK teachers have learned over the years how beneficial it is to remain flexible and attentive to how students react to different books throughout the school year. “If students really love a book, it may be read for more than a week,” Comes said. “It’s wonderful how this program gives students the opportunity to shape the decisions of which books to use, cultivating their interests in—and passions for— books at a young age.” The Author Study program helps students associate learning with fun. Memories are made when teachers help recreate scenes from the books, such as performing the ice cube experiment from The Snowy Day. Activities such as this incorporate counting, opposites, shapes, colors, and sequencing, all important skills that support the PK curriculum cognitive outcomes. “Parents and kids love this program at GSL,” Burnett said. “It encourages families to add to their libraries at home and is a great way to unite all students in the class. The PK teachers continue to do a remarkable job providing a nurturing learning environment where their students establish a long-term love for reading.”
DECEMBER & JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JAN BRETT
DR. SEUSS
MO WILLEMS
ERIC CARLE
LEO LIONNI
Brett brings imaginary places to life, focusing heavily on every simple detail in the words used and pictures illustrated. After reading The Mitten, a Ukranian folktale, students learn how to put things in sequence, predict what might happen next, and retell a story in their own creative ways.
Recognized as one of the best storytellers of our time, Dr. Seuss is known for books filled with dynamic art and nonsensical language. Imagination and creativity are piqued as students experience some of the silliest things from his books, including making blue slime like the blue goo in Fox in Socks. Each year, the entire school celebrates his birthday.
Willems writes lighthearted books mainly based on animals that make children giggle and grin. In his books, such as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! from his pigeon series, Willems includes few details, engaging a child’s imagination to fill in the blanks of the story.
Best known for his book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Carle often focuses on nature as he beautifully illustrates and writes picture books for young children. His books help students learn more about the world around them, such as gardening through The Tiny Seed.
Lionni’s love for art and nature inspired his words and illustrations, as is evident in one of his most popular books, Swimmy. Through this story, children learn that even when they feel afraid, things will work out in the end, especially if they focus on being creative and working together as a team.
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 5
LOWER SCHOOL
FOURTH GRADE CITIZENSHIP BREAKFAST A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE FOR THE LOWER SCHOOL LEADERS GSL is known for incorporating the new, while keeping the old alive. From facilities to programs, GSL strives to provide students with the best from both worlds. The annual Fourth Grade Citizenship Breakfast—a cornerstone experience at GSL—is a great example of this. Combining technology with interpersonal communication, students leave this experience prepared for the next level of independence and responsibility in their academic journey. Students also become more aware of the broader community as they learn how to actively engage with community leaders. The Citizenship Breakfast is a much-anticipated event each year at GSL. While the event itself is always impressive, there is so much more to it. In fact, for nearly three months students work on different projects associated with the Citizenship Breakfast, developing skills that will aid in their long-term success. A student’s first step in this process is to identify someone in the community that s/he considers to be a leader and good citizen. After inviting this person over the phone or face-to-face, the student begins work on an invitation in the form of a hand-written letter. Ensuring a professional, neat look, each student writes a rough draft of the letter, known as a sloppy copy. “We practice writing the letter before doing the final draft,” said fourth grade student Dariush Zafer. “It’s important for us to send a letter that is easy to read and neatly written.”
Dariush Zafer invited his first grade teacher from Bodine School, Melissa Benson. As to why he chose Benson, Zafer wrote in his essay that “Mrs. Benson has taught me so much; not just trying to overcome dyslexia but being a good citizen.”
The fourth grade teaching team—comprised of Christy Alberson, Juan Roncal and Jane Williams—believes the practice of writing a hand-written letter is an important one for fourth graders to learn.
“We value the thought and gesture behind a hand-written letter while also helping our students become familiar with the conveniences of technology,” said Williams. “We have each student mail a hand-written letter inviting the guest as a way of helping students understand the importance of authenticity.” In the weeks between mailing the invitation and the actual breakfast, students write an essay using the school’s ChromeBooks about what it means to be a good citizen and how their guests represent those characteristics. “As students create meaningful essays about their citizens, they learn to articulate what it truly means to have good character and how empathy is demonstrated,” said Roncal. “That’s the beauty of the Citizenship Breakfast. Students learn higher order thinking skills through this unique experience.” Students led guests in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
6 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
On the day of the event—which typically takes place in early April each year—everyone gathers in Trezevant Hall where students introduce their guests to their teachers and entertain them with casual conversation. The program formally begins with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students. After Head of Lower School Tom Sauter welcomes everyone, students introduce the special guest speaker, a role filled by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland this year. Following the guest speaker’s keynote address, guests enjoy being served breakfast by their host students. The event concludes with closing comments by students. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland delivered this year’s keynote message.
After the event, each student mails a hand-written thank you note to the guest and includes a picture of the student and leader together from the breakfast.
“This event provides students with the opportunity to gain improved communication skills with adults, learn the importance of proper eye contact, and practice communication through writing,” said Alberson. “Because they are the ones to reach out and take charge of this event, students are often filled with self-confidence and a healthy feeling of accomplishment and pride.” Fourth grade seems to be just the right time for this event. Beyond providing great experience for their eighth grade internships that come a few years down the road at GSL, students also learn valuable skills needed in life. “I loved learning how to write a letter,” said Zafer. “It is an important skill to have because when I’m older and have a job, I will have to write a lot of letters and emails. This whole event was awesome!”
Student essays from the Citizenship Breakfast are proudly displayed in Lower School.
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR •7
MIDDLE SCHOOL
GSL’S EIGHTH GRADE INTERNSHIP PROJECT TAKING HANDS-ON LEARNING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Most educators today understand the benefits of handson learning. From helping students connect classroom concepts to the real world, to fostering the growth of critical thinking and problem solving skills, hands-on learning is a teaching style with proven success. In Middle School, Grace-St. Luke’s takes hands-on learning to a whole new level with its Eighth Grade Internship Project. First implemented in 2008 by Thor Kvande—then Head of Middle School and now Head of School—this signature program was created to give eighth graders a chance to use the skills they are learning in real-world settings. It is also a great way to help students begin to think about possible career paths as they continue their educational journey. “Students gain a great deal of confidence and independence from this experience,” said Head of Middle School Ellen Hendry. “Our hope is that these internships will spark career revelations in our eighth graders. We want them to develop their leadership skills and independence while applying their classroom learning to the world of work. We are proud to offer this exceptional and innovative opportunity to our students.” While the actual internship experience only lasts three work days, students work on assignments related to this project from September to March. To begin the process, students participate in interest surveys to help them determine industries to consider. From there, they begin to identify potential companies they’d like to contact for their internship experience. Once students complete this phase, they reach out to companies to secure internships.
Vanessa Fan with mentor Jennifer Karnes.
After internships are confirmed, students are required to write business letters to their mentors to ask basic questions such as what to wear, when to arrive, and what to expect during the work day. To ensure students are prepared for their on-the-job assignments, they spend time researching the companies, related industries, and their mentors. Finally, they are ready for their internships, which typically take place in February. In early March, students share their experiences through written reports and visuals at the Eighth Grade Internship Fair. During this event, faculty and families are encouraged to visit each student and his/her display to learn more about each individual experience. “The Internship Fair helps students reflect on their overall experiences,” said Middle School Dean of Students Kimberly White, who has served as this project’s faculty sponsor for all 11 years. “Students are graded on the steps leading up to the internship, and their final grade is determined at this event by Middle School faculty who evaluate the students’ overall presentations.” After 11 years, White has seen how this unique project plays a critical role in preparing students for high school, college, and beyond. “I can say with confidence that the Eighth Grade Internship is an invaluable experience for all students,” she said.
8 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
A MENTOR FOR 11 YEARS:
CENTRAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL GSL is grateful for the support of this program from so many businesses over the years. One such company is Central Animal Hospital, which marked its 11th straight year of support for the program this year. “When we first learned about this program, it sparked our interest because we knew it would provide great opportunities for the students,” said Jennifer Karnes, GSL alum ‘86 and coowner of Central Animal Hospital along with husband Steve. “We did not have an eighth grader at the time, so it really helped us get to know students at GSL.” This year, Karnes hosted eighth grade student Vanessa Fan, who selected this veterinary hospital due to her strong interest in medicine and her love for animals. Despite being friends with the Karnes’ daughter, Fan had not met her mentors prior to the internship. This, she said, made the first impression so important. “When I called to ask them to serve as my mentors, I was really nervous,” Fan said. “The night before my first day, I was reviewing my notes over and over because I really wanted to make a good first impression and do a great job, especially since they were my friend’s parents.” But after that initial trepidation, Fan said it was a terrific experience that taught her more than she expected. Fan enjoyed the hands-on work at her internship.
“When I finished the internship, I realized how much work went into running a veterinary hospital,” she said. “It is so much more than providing medical care to animals. It also includes running a business and dealing with a wide-range of customers. It really was an eyeopening experience.” While it’s too soon to tell how this experience will impact her future career, Fan admits that she feels more prepared for internships down the road.
“I would take an eighth grade GSL student intern any day over a college student intern.” - Jennifer Karnes
“Now that I’ve experienced this internship, I feel like I could do it again,” she said. “It helped prepare me for things to come for many years. It also helped me realize the importance of experiencing different things before truly deciding what you want to do in life.” Hearing students share such remarkable insight is a true measure of the program’s success. But equally important is the feedback from the mentors themselves. “Each year, I have found GSL students to be respectful, prepared to ask good questions, and genuinely interested in their experience,” said Karnes. “I would take an eighth grade GSL student intern any day over a college student intern.” Fan helped the staff prepare for a procedure.
That statement alone makes this program worthy of an A+.
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 9
LEGACY 8TH GRADERS GSL’s Class of 2018 has three eighth grade legacies. As they prepare for high school, we asked them to share their favorite things about GSL. The same was asked of their alumni family members. Many thanks to these families for continuing this Saints tradition!
JACK WARDLAW GSL ‘18
Favorite Class: Math Favorite Extracurricular: Basketball Favorite GSL Memory: 8th grade basketball tournament What You Will Miss Most: Coach Kohlhof’s PE class
father
LEW WARDLAW GSL ‘85
Favorite Class: Latin Favorite Teacher: Richard Ellis tied with Coach Lass Favorite Extracurricular: Football Favorite GSL Memory: Class trip to 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair What You Miss Most: My friends
mother
MAEVE KARNES GSL ‘18
Favorite Class: Latin Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Ranson Favorite Extracurricular: Volleyball Favorite GSL Memory: Chicago class trip What You Will Miss Most: The amazing teachers and friends
JENNIFER HARVIEL KARNES GSL ‘86
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Gafford and Coach Callahan Favorite Extracurricular: Riding the Bullet to various events Favorite GSL Memory: We would run the “big block” to McLean and return down Union. More often than not, we would stop at the KFC and buy biscuits! If we had forgotten money, we would stop at Seessel’s and charge junk food to the house accounts of kids who were with us! What You Miss Most: The community
father
NASH KAYE GSL ‘18
Favorite Class: Spanish Favorite Extracurricular: Cross Country with Mr. White Favorite GSL Memory: Playing wall ball at lunch and making snow angels outside What You Will Miss Most: The GSL community
10 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
MATT KAYE GSL ‘79
Favorite Class: Math Favorite Teacher: I’ll create my favorite teacher: Mr. Gamble’s discipline, Coach Scully’s enthusiasm, Mrs. Dausch’s smile, Mrs. Bethel’s expectations, Mrs. Griffin’s passion, Coach Lass’ sense of humor, Mr. Clause’s mustache Favorite Extracurricular: Any sport played, but an ongoing specific activity was going stargazing in literally the middle of nowhere … corner of Walnut Grove and Houston Levee. Favorite GSL Memory: Though many good memories were had, two great memories crossed through two sports with one person – Jessie Kizer. When our team witnessed grave injustice against Jessie during a game, the outrage of our football coach Wayne Dowdle, and the ability of our team to respond on Jessie’s behalf was sheer joy. A few months later, something similar occurred in a basketball game and Jessie was able to respond for the team’s benefit. Bookends of courage and satisfaction. What You Miss Most: Being invincible
GSL’S CLASS OF 2018
Andrew Berntson Holden Guibao Thomas Kvande Rowan Renken Chloe Tong Sam Wallace
Ethan Cupples Warner Davidson Cris Loa Jake Ryan Carter Strickland Lawson Vaughan Eli Walker Jack Wardlaw
Abby Gaskill Laura Johnston Rachel McAfee Claire Wallace Chris Bird Felix Campbell Evans Culpepper Will Fraser William Halliday Andrew Harris Nash Kaye Andrew Kerr Baron Scifres
Camas High School Max Grove
Sara Kate Burnett Vanessa Fan Miller Hastings Lucy Hettinger
Thomas Johnson
Lillian Deason Analise Murphy
2018
Congratulations to the Class of 2018! We wish you the best of luck as you begin your high school journey in August. You will be greatly missed!
Mary Claire Carney Merrill Ford Maeve Karnes Lilly Linkous Mallory Miller Chloe Schwartz Ellie Smith Addison Wilson
Ava Vining
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 11
FEATURE
PS-8
THE INTENTIONS BEHIND – AND BENEFITS OF – GSL’S PRESCHOOL-EIGHTH GRADE SCHOOL MODEL
by Brenda Berry
Would Grace-St. Luke’s consider extending its program through high school? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents at GSL. With so much interest, why doesn’t GSL return to this model, one that the school operated in its early years? The answer is quite simple. GSL firmly believes that its preschool-eighth grade model (also known as the PS-8 school model) is the best overall environment for children in those grades. It allows GSL to deliver on its mission, including the bittersweet—but necessary—step of watching eighth grade students leave as they set sail for high school each year. When the Board and administration at Grace-St. Luke’s decided to adopt the PS-8 school model in 1979, little did they know how much research would be done in the decades to come in support of this academic model. The research outlines various advantages to having children remain in one school as they go through such significant changes from toddlers to teens. Pulling from this research—and from more than 70 years as a leading independent school in the Mid-South—here is a look at why GSL fully advocates for the PS-8 school model.
Students are well known in a safe, trusting community The culture of a PS-8 school is rooted in a strong community, a characteristic families have used to describe GSL for many years. At the heart of GSL’s community is the faculty. The teachers recognize the advantages of the PS-8 model, best demonstrated by the collaboration that occurs across grade levels. Teachers work together—and with families—year-after-year to make sure each student receives an academic experience that is vigorous, personalized, and relevant in today’s world. With three divisions—Preschool, Lower School and Middle School—GSL is structured to provide expertise to the needs of all students, from two years old to teens. Teachers in each division have degrees relevant to the age group they serve, creating an environment where children are well known and appropriately supported. “Our Episcopal faith is at the core of what we do, and part of this is helping each child be the best he or she can be,” said Head of School Thor Kvande. “With our PS-8 model, the learning environment is one where each child is known very well, so teachers can truly help each student thrive.”
Students have stability during a time of change During the years between toddlers and teens, children experience changes more rapidly than at most other time periods in life. Research shows how toddlers and teens experience such changes both gradually and suddenly in their physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth.1 The structure at GSL is intentionally set up to provide students with the stability they need in a safe and secure environment as they grow and develop. This, in turn, provides students with a strong sense of security. Elise Cappella, associate professor of applied psychology at New York University, supports this in her study on PS-8 schools, outlining that they “...create more stability for students at a time when they are going through the changes associated with young adolescence.”2 1
2
Brimberg, Stan. The Fall and Rise of the 8th Grade School. Bankstreet School for Children Progressive Education in Context: Volume I. 16 February 2018. Retrieved from https://www.bankstreet.edu/school-children/admissions/progressive-education/volume-i/the-fall-and-rise-of-the-8th-grade-school/ Jacobson, Linda. NYU study: Students in K-8 model more academically confident than middle school peers. Education DIVE. 18 October 2017. Retrieved from https://www.educationdive.com/news/nyu-study-students-in-k-8-model-more-academically-confident-than-middle-sc/507471/
12 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
Students perform better academically and have more academic self-confidence Cappella’s research also shows that a PS-8 school offers a more specialized understanding of students’ academic and developmental needs. This results in students who are nurtured and mature with an academic confidence that prepares them for success in high school and beyond. She also notes that schools with a PS-8 model are associated with students having more positive views of their academic abilities.2 Other research confirms that students who attend PS-8 schools show higher academic achievement as gauged by grade point averages and standardized test scores compared to students who attend schools with different models, such as K-12 and K-6. Students also demonstrate greater leadership skills, a quality researchers attribute to the intimacy of a PS-8 school model.3 The expertise of GSL’s faculty in each of the three divisions is a critical piece of a student’s academic experience. GSL teachers have a deep commitment to helping each student be the best s/he can be academically, socially, and emotionally and play a crucial role in helping students know who they are and what they’re capable of doing. “GSL has a strong reputation for developing the whole child,” said Head of Preschool Cynthia Burnett. “Our students are able to articulate things they like, how they feel, and what interests them. It feels great knowing we help develop confident students who are comfortable advocating for themselves in life.”
Students can be kids and are free of pressure from high school-aged students GSL’s school environment allows students to experience age-appropriate activities and events without the influence of older students. Because our students aren’t living in the shadow of high school-aged students, they are more likely to embrace pieces of childhood that they might otherwise hide in front of older students. Kay Hymowitz, an author and journalist who writes about topics relevant to children, feels that PS-8 schools “…are in a better position to remind us all, not just kids, but parents and the entire community too, that these are still children and should be treated as such.”4 Head of Lower School Tom Sauter agrees and said GSL does this remarkably well. “Of the many benefits with our PS-8 model, I love that the students are able to enjoy childhood just a bit longer,” said Sauter. “Our students grow up fast enough as it is. Giving them an environment where they can comfortably learn and play is important. We develop strong leaders and confident learners in an environment where students are challenged but also free to be children.”
3 4
Yecke, Cheri Pierson. Mayhem in the Middle: Why We Should Shift to K-8. Educational Leadership: Volume 63, Number 7. April 2006. p. 20-25. Pardini, Priscilla. Revival of the K-8 School. The School Administrator. March 2002. Retrieved from http://www.aasa.org/SchoolAdministratorArticle.aspx?id=10396
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 13
FEATURE continued
Students get numerous leadership experiences Beverly Amico, a writer for Essentials in Education, published an article focused on the strengths of the PS-8 school model. After analyzing various studies, she found that the PS-8 school environment allows young adolescents to “be leaders and challenge themselves with a sense of security [because] they know their place well and can remain confident in some areas while exploring new areas where they must gain confidence.”5 At GSL, students in each division are put in roles that develop leadership skills, especially the eighth grade students. “Our eighth grade students are called on to serve as the leaders of the school, and they always rise to the occasion,” said Head of Middle School Ellen Hendry. “This reinforces the importance of being a leader. They know they have a job to be good role models to the younger students. Waiting until high school to be school leaders delays the chance for students to grow and think as leaders. GSL provides students the opportunities to learn how to lead, better preparing them for leadership roles in high school.”
Sara Kate Burnett has experienced leadership opportunities throughout her journey at GSL. Left: In 2011, she performed a solo during a first grade musical. Right: In her role as co-president of the student council along with classmate Andrew Kerr, Burnett helped lead Celebration Chapel each Friday.
Students and parents are prepared to choose a high school that is the best fit During the years from preschool to eighth grade, a student’s interests, learning styles, and academic strengths and weaknesses are clearly defined. This knowledge equips the student and parents to find the best high school match, a decision that is difficult to make when a child is just starting preschool and lower school. “When speaking with prospective families, I explain the importance of picking the right school for their children,” said Director of Enrollment Shelly McGuire. “From preschool to middle school, parents and guardians are responsible for making this important decision. When it comes time to find the right high school, it is best for families to include the eighth grade student in the search based on his or her strengths, academic needs, and extracurricular interests. Attending a PS-8 school allows a family the opportunity to select the best-fitting high school.” When students begin high school, they leave their comfort zone and learn to adapt to new environments, building resiliency. This makes their next transition four years later that much easier. By involving an eighth grader in the high school decisionmaking process, s/he can pull from the experience when the time comes to choose the right college.
5
Amico, Beverly. K-8 Comeback: Clear Merits over Middle School Model. Waldorf Education Essentials in Education. 1 January 2017. Retrieved from http://blog.waldorfeducation.org/2017/01/k-8-comeback-over-middle-school/
14 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
A change in ninth grade is good for students While saying goodbye to graduates each year is one of the hardest things to do, GSL firmly believes that it is healthy for students to experience this change in ninth grade. Students are eager to embark on new challenges and explore their own individual interests. “In a K-12 school, ninth grade is just another year for students,” said Kvande. “By attending a PS-8 school, families go through the process of choosing a high school. This gives them the opportunity to have great conversations with their children about who they are and what type of school they want to attend. It’s a process that they will be better prepared for when it’s time for college.” Members of the same graduating class prepare to leave together. They lean on each other for support during this time of change. Some will continue their academic journey together at the same high school, and others will go their own way. But the one thing they all have in common is that while they’ll make new friends and face new challenges, they’ll always have GSL as their anchor for life, and they’ll all have the bond of being Lukers for life.
After GSL, our alumni attend a range of the finest private and public high schools. For years, high school faculty and administrators have commented on how our alumni distinguish themselves in high school, and that the high school is always pleased to have GSL graduates in its program. We’re proud of our alumni—not only for their academic strengths—but also for their social/emotional maturity. This is undoubtedly credited in part to our PS-8 model. Child psychologist and school consultant Michael Thompson, Ph.D. writes in his book Best Friends, Worst Enemies “…schools have to think about producing good citizens with leadership skills, empathy, and responsibility, not just people who can get a certain score on a standardized test.”6 Grace-St. Luke’s mission is to prepare boys and girls to become creative problem solvers, confident lifelong learners, and responsible citizens in their communities and the world. With the PS-8 model, GSL offers the right support and academic vigor in a nurturing environment to help students grow and develop into all this and more.
6
Thompson, Michael, Ph.D. Best Friends, Worst Enemies. Ballantine Books. 2001. p. 213.
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 15
A LOOK AT GSL THEN AND NOW FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ALUMNI FACULTY GSL alumni have a passion for the school that is so innate it can be, at times, hard to define. Thanks to these alumni—all who currently work at GSL—we get a sense of the incredible impact GSL has on students year after year.
Libby Shannon ‘65 Senior Kindergarten Teacher Appointment: 1985
Meg (Patterson) Comes ‘80 Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Appointment: 1987
Paige (Crabtree) Henson ‘82 Third Grade Teacher Appointment: 2003
Jeremie Upshaw ‘87 Senior Kindergarten Teacher Appointment: 2004
Jay Sansing ‘91 Database & Systems Administrator Appointment: 2013
Ariel Laws ‘03 Little Lukers Assistant Teacher Appointment: 2016
Kendall (Jones) Franklin ‘04 Little Lukers Teacher Appointment: 2014
Meg (Stephenson) Burress ‘05 Little Lukers Teacher Appointment: 2016
FAVORITE MEMORIES Libby Shannon: I remember kindergarten the most. Mrs. Walker was my teacher. There was a class band, and I played the tambourine. I also remember making a chair out of an orange crate. I painted it white with a pink flower on the back. In first grade, I remember reading the Dick, Jane & Spot series. I also remember watching the SK/second grade building being built. Meg Comes: Taking “The Bullet” on a basketball tournament to Disney World. Paige Henson: Football homecoming, riding “The Bullet” to football games, basketball and class trips, dances, coaches and teachers, friends Jeremie Upshaw: Basketball trips! Jay Sansing: Ninth grade basketball with Coach Lass Ariel Laws: I absolutely love the game of basketball and, while at GSL, I had the honor of playing basketball. To continue my passion, I currently coach the first and second grade girls basketball team for GSL Church. Kendall Franklin: Middle School class trips! We always came back even closer after those trips! Meg Burress: Anytime riding on “The Bullet”
16 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
WHAT’S THE SAME AT/ABOUT GSL TODAY COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT? LS: Everyone knowing each other MC: Marilyn Kidd and Debbie Callahan are still here! PH: It’s the same tight, Midtown community. We take care of each other, we are loyal, and we are friends for life. We are all quirky and fun! JU: Coach Callahan and Marilyn Kidd look exactly the same – they’ve never aged! JS: Still has that Midtown vibe, a little grittier and more authentic than the suburbs or East Memphis. AL: Walking around GSL and seeing teachers that I had when I was a student at GSL brings so much joy to my heart. It is really amazing to reminisce on the old times. KF: The close-knit community hasn’t changed at all. The school and the people at GSL are a part of you long after you leave and go to high school. MB: Meg Comes is still the Daring Dinos teacher! She was my PK teacher when I attended Miss Lee’s. Also, I’m still a little fearful Mrs. White may make me conjugate Latin verbs whenever I see her.
“I only attended GSL for one year, but that year truly changed my life. I love all the friends I made here, and am still friends with them today – we really are Lukers for Life!” - Paige Henson
WHAT’S DIFFERENT AT GSL TODAY COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT? LS: We didn’t have a cafeteria or a gym and we didn’t go to any special subjects. MC: GSL had a high school. There was no Anchor Center or football field. The library was in the basement, and the playground used to be across Peabody where the teachers now park. PH: I think GSL has changed most in its physical appearance. Most everything else has stayed the same! JU: We had to try out for sports teams, not everyone made the A team, and that was okay. JS: The technology and instant access to information; many of these kids never see the inside of a public library whereas we pretty much lived there. AL: I absolutely love the new Anchor Center. We did not have this facility when I was a student at GSL. KF: The school is so much bigger! I love how much it has grown since I was a student here! MB: The library was underground, with no windows.
WHAT DROVE YOU TO RETURN TO GSL TO WORK? LS: I grew up at GSL Church and in Central Gardens. When I married, we bought a house in Central Gardens and lived there for more than 30 years. Both of our boys went to GSL. I started teaching when Stewart was in third grade and Martin was in kindergarten. Now two of my grandchildren go to GSL. How lucky am I?! MC: I wanted to give GSL students what GSL gave me. I had so many teachers, coaches, and administrators who were so passionate about their job and wanted the very best for each of us. PH: I had taught at other schools, but none felt like home like GSL. I couldn’t wait to be a part of this amazing place, and I was excited to be working at the same school that my children were attending. JU: GSL raised me. It has a special place in my heart for sure! JS: I got involved coaching basketball and was looking for a job that would allow me to continue coaching. It worked out perfectly. KF: After graduation, I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. GSL is such a huge part of who I am today, and I wanted to be a part of that for other kids and families. MB: I always envisioned myself returning to GSL. The memories I had from GSL were some of my favorites, and I knew I had to return and teach in this amazing atmosphere.
“GSL is a special place. I am a graduate of GSL, MUS, and Rhodes College, all fine Memphis Institutions, but my true alma mater will always be GSL.” - Jay Sansing
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 17
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON by Denise Taylor
Webb Emerson ‘08, Jeff Emerson, Pat Magruder, Austin Magruder ‘06
Lukers for Life. GSL families are more than familiar with this expression. It’s like the unofficial school slogan. What’s more, it’s not just about the students. It’s cross-generational: parent-to-parent, student-to-parent, student-to-student. Families befriend families and often stay connected well past eighth grade graduations. Case in point: the Emerson-Magruder Connection. Jeff Emerson and Pat Magruder began a friendship in 2003 when both served on GSL’s Board of Trustees. (Jeff served as president from 2005-2007.) At the time, Jeff’s son Webb ‘08 was nine years old and daughter Tess ‘14 was in PK. Pat had sons Grayson ‘05 and Austin ‘06 at GSL. They also found common ground in their complementary careers rooted in architecture and construction engineering. “Pat and I connected almost immediately,” said Jeff. “Naturally, we related first as parents, but our business interests were directly related, too.” (Jeff, representing Montgomery Martin Contractors, oversaw the building of the Anchor Center, while Pat’s wife, Antzee, was a volunteer committee member during the early fundraising phase and is responsible for coining the Anchor Center’s name.) Fast-forward to 2018, and it’s no surprise to both men that their sons Webb and Austin share a similar connection both personally and professionally that also began at GSL. “(After college) we were both living downtown, right next door to each other in the same building, and we didn’t know it,” explained Webb. “Then we ran into each other, went out to lunch, and discovered that we basically had the same work interests.” Webb and Austin both followed in their fathers’ footsteps. Austin attended the University of Arkansas where he earned a degree from the celebrated Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. After graduation, he accepted a job as an associate architect with PKM Architects, a firm founded by his grandfather and where Pat serves as president.
18 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
Webb also considered architecture at one time, but his GSL eighth grade internship at a local architectural firm, though genuinely enriching and informative, convinced him that he did not want to be an architect after all. Instead, he earned a B.S. in Building Construction Science from Mississippi State. Two years ago, Webb took a position as an assistant project manager at Montgomery Martin Contractors where Jeff is vice president/director of operations and part owner. Like their fathers, Webb and Austin have much in common. “Webb and I are constantly in communication, using each other as sounding boards for projects that we have going on in our offices,” Austin said. “Our goal is to work together in the near future.” While both young men went on to different high schools (Webb CBHS ‘12 and Austin MUS ‘10), they agree that their connections were not made during four years of high school but during their important and long-lasting experiences at GSL. These influences continue to have an impact on them today. In fact, like most Lukers, once they got talking about their time at GSL, there was no stopping them. “GSL prepares you for the real world,” Austin said. “Being a coed school was great. Even though I went to an all-male high school, I was comfortable in mixed company and in social settings. I think the coed experience helps build maturity.” “The size of the school makes a big difference, too,” explained Webb. “Whether they are three to four years older or younger, you know everybody or at least, you know about them. GSL’s unique size offers an immediate kinship.” “And you share the way you were educated,” added Austin. “You run into a fellow alum, whether they were in your class or not, and you have an immediate connection.” Webb said, “I’m grateful for learning how to write and communicate with all kinds of people. The eighth grade chapel talks were great, having to speak to the entire school – peers and parents. Public speaking is easier thanks to that experience. Mr. Kvande started that, and it’s a great life skill. No matter what your career, communication is key, and GSL’s environment fostered that.”
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 19
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON continued Another unique advantage to GSL is how invested the faculty and staff are in the students’ interests. Take, for example, Dennis Cain who was the director of facilities at GSL until his untimely death in 2014. “I worked for him every summer from sixth grade through my freshman year of college,” Webb said. “He taught me to paint and do dry wall. We built a stage. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do. I decided I wanted to work with my hands.” “I felt – and still feel – that GSL is more like a family than an institution,” Austin said. Meanwhile, Pat and Jeff have stayed in touch over the years. In fact, they’ve collaborated on some consulting work and are currently looking to work on other projects together.
The GSL experience often extends beyond the classroom. Students Webb (left) and Will Taylor ‘06 (right) worked with Dennis Cain (middle) every summer from sixth grade through their freshman year of college.
“It’s such a perfect fit, especially with that added GSL bond,” Pat said. Pat has the ability to hear clients describe what they want, imagine or visualize the product, and turn ideas into design. Jeff complements this with his ability to look at dirt and envision the finished product, from spread sheet to renderings to a completed building. “We’re a great team,” Jeff said with a smile. These days, each father-and-son duo is busy working on projects together. Webb and Jeff are fully involved in the renovation and construction of downtown Memphis’ much-anticipated Tennessee Brewery and Hotel Chisca as well as Midtown’s Tower Ventures office space, and more. Pat and Austin are engaged in the design of the Crosstown Dental Group, Tiger Flats Apartments, the Marshall Avenue development in the Edge District, West Memphis Civic Auditorium, and others. Like father, like son. From generation to generation. All four agree that the sense of community at GSL fostered the relationships they have with each other today. It’s a connectedness not found at other schools. “Parent involvement is actually discouraged on the high school level,” exclaimed Jeff. “So what we have at GSL is, indeed, special.” “All of us reconnecting was almost inevitable,” Pat said. “We feel a loyalty to the school and to one another’s friendships.” Connections like that of the Magruders and Emersons are found throughout GSL. For decades, families have come and gone, but their shared bond never goes away. They are links in the anchor’s chain, forever connected. Most importantly, the GSL experience, that GSL connectedness, not only prepares its students for the real world, it connects them with each other and the community at large. GSL graduates are making their mark on metropolitan Memphis and far beyond. They are not only anchored for life, they’ve made friends for life. And their parents have, too.
20 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
ANCHORS AWAY alumni updates ‘04
Holly McGehee, alumni parent and Grace-St. Luke’s Church senior warden, enjoyed being with son William McGehee during the Christmas holidays. William has lived overseas for the past six years and works as a data scientist for an IT firm in Berlin. He recently announced his engagement.
‘05
Grayson Magruder married Samantha Hoover on December 31 in Bells, Texas. They live in Merriam, Kan., where Grayson is a Mechanical Engineer for Henderson Engineering. The couple is pictured here with Austin Magruder ‘06 and GSL alumni parents Antzee and Pat Magruder.
‘06
‘08
Laura Mathews graduated from Rice University last May with a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Laura earned her professional license as a triathlete in 2017 and has competed in 35 triathlons over four years. She is currently ranked in the top 100 professional triathletes in the world by the Ironman organization. To learn more about her professional career, visit https://lauramathewstriathlete.wordpress.com.
‘10
Abby Huber was crowned Ms. University of Memphis at the 2017 Homecoming festivities in September.
May Todd, one of the first to graduate from the film program at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., works for Indie Memphis. She was recently featured on the cover of the Memphis Flyer. Her first film, Paradise, Florida is available on Amazon.
Cole Ettingoff graduated Cum Laude from George Washington University and now lives in San Francisco.
‘12
Julia Mathews is a sophomore at the University of Memphis where she is a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors sorority. Julia was recently inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success.
‘14 & ‘15
Performing Arts Teacher Leslie Reddick stands proudly alongside her former students Jay Lattimore ‘14, David Rhea ‘14 and Charles Heiter ‘15 after their performance in The Drowsy Chaperone at Lausanne.
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU! Please share your latest news - accomplishments, marriages, new jobs, births of children, and more! Email your information and photos to Associate Development Director Sherry Emerson at semerson@gslschool.org.
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 21
KAPPI BEAZLEY RETIRES GSL TO RETIRE THE PERKY PENGUINS CLASS NAME After 18 years as a lead JK teacher, Kappi Beazley has decided to retire from GSL. With her will go the Perky Penguins classroom name, one that Beazley created herself many years ago. Jamie Bell, assistant JK teacher who has worked in the Penguins classroom with Beazley for 10 years, said this announcement is bittersweet. “It has been an honor to work alongside Kappi over the last 10 years,” said Bell. “We have developed a very special friendship and bond outside of the classroom, and I am thankful that I will still have that.” As an introvert, Kappi isn’t a fan of the spotlight. But inside the classroom, Bell said, she shines. “Kappi puts her heart into everything she does,” said Bell. “Most people don’t realize how much she does behind the scenes to make the experience incredible for students every single day. She is an out-of-the-box thinker with a great sense of humor and a willingness to be silly, all while remaining consistently focused on the curriculum.”
Kappi Beazley with Jamie Bell.
Head of School Thor Kvande said that Kappi, the wife of former GSL Headmaster Tom Beazley, has left her mark at Grace-St. Luke’s. “Perky Penguin students from previous years always return to visit her,” said Kvande. “Kappi’s hard work and love for the children year-after-year has created lasting memories for many of our current families as well as alumni. She will be greatly missed by families and faculty alike. The Beazley name will always be well-regarded at Grace-St. Luke’s thanks to everything the Beazley family has shared with our great school.” Kappi, who is known for the saying “Once a penguin, always a penguin,” will be greatly missed and will always be celebrated as the leader of the Perky Penguins.
THE P.A. CONNECTION GSL’s Parents’ Association hosted many exciting events this school year, including the following that took place in 2018! Father-Daughter Luau Dads and daughters danced the night away during the luau-themed father-daughter dance. Congratulations to Patrick Burnett and daughters Rebecca and Sara Kate for winning the dance-off contest. Many thanks to co-chairs Sara Burnett and Gina Roberts for putting on a boogie-good time!
Trivia Night The second annual P.A. Trivia Night was a successful event thanks to co-chairs Michelle Couch and Brooke Shannon. The teams of parents got really creative with themed-tables, costumes and refreshments. Pictured here are Melanie and Doug Schrank, members of the winning team “The Nerds.” Mother-Son Roller Disco Party Suzanne New is pictured here with sons Garner and Gregory at this year’s mother-son event, a Roller Disco! Thanks to co-chairs Suzanne New and Kim Norris for such a great event!
22 • THE ANCHOR • SPRING 2018
Italian Dinner Eighth graders and their parents had a great time serving up spaghetti and pizza at the Italian Dinner! “Grazie” to co-chairs Wendy Smith and Kristen Vining for their countless hours of preparation for the event.
70 FAVORITE THINGS AT GSL In honor of GSL’s 70th anniversary, we asked alumni, families, faculty and friends to share their favorite things, or memories, about GSL. We received 100 in all. Enjoy this trip down memory lane! 1. When Will Ansbro played King Tut 2. Class trips 3. The tricycles in PK and JK 4. Bill Haltom riding into one of the auctions on a donkey 5. Teachers’ impact on kids’ lives 6. Pep rallies 7. 8th grade moms as basketball cheerleaders 8. Father John Merchant dressed up as a Christmas tree; also as Winnie the Pooh handing out Bit-O-Honey candies 9. Ms. Eason’s purple cow projects in art class 10. Ethics with Juan Roncal 11. Susan Austin, 3rd grade teacher 12. The giant anchors brought in from China 13. 8th grade stairs and picnic area 14. Donkey basketball 15. The Bullet 16. 8th grade internships 17. Basketball trips 18. The addition of the Anchor Center 19. The tunnel at the end of sporting events 20. Ringing the bell on birthdays at Miss Lee’s 21. Mr. Phil and his magic tricks 22. The Canterbury Festivals 23. Latin and Spanish with Mr. Ellis 24. Parents and students making lasting friendships with each other 25. The fact that teachers know students they don’t even teach...so much love 26. Air and Space Day at Overton Park 27. Annual Social Studies Fair 28. Athletic banquets 29. The Book Swap 30. Mrs. Sarah Black – amazing homeroom/English teacher 31. The dinosaur tracks at Miss Lee’s 32. Mrs. Slatery’s advisory 33. Making snow men and snow angels on the playground in 3rd grade 34. Reading Lord of the Flies with Mrs. White 35. Spending recess in Mrs. Ranson’s room 36. In the 70s...Houston the neighborhood dog (golden retriever) who walked to school everyday with Billy Harris. He roamed the halls and grounds all day, then walked home at 3 p.m. when school was out. 37. Football games at Tim McCarver Stadium 38. Sewing! 39. Presenting at NAEYC 40. Watching the house get moved down the street to make way for the Anchor Center 41. GSL is just like a second home! Right here in Memphis! 42. Singing the school hymn and saying the school prayer together in Chapel 43. Remembering the first day that I was hired at GSL; Marilyn Kidd gave me my first GSL hug 44. Chapel Talks 45. Citizenship Breakfast in fourth grade 46. The addition of the Little Lukers class 47. The P.A. 48. Walking to school
49. SummerFest 50. 8th grade graduation 51. The Memory Walk the 8th graders do before graduation. I love seeing the young men and women my former students have become. 52. Middle School River Project, 1997 53. Lisa 5K 54. Chaperoning the 7th & 8th grade trips to Europe 55. Christmas Around the World 56. Watching families walk, cycle, and skateboard to and from the school 57. Midtown – especially Belvedere in bloom 58. 8th grade talent show at celebration 59. Auggie dancing like Napoleon Dynamite 60. The Unicycle Club 61. 4th grade safety patrol 62. Chapel and reading buddies 63. 1st grade hip-hop performance 64. Celebration Chapel 65. Swings at Miss Lee’s 66. GSL school pride and spirit 67. Warm cookies in early care 68. Super Fan! 69. Field Day (rigged?) 70. The Pianist Chapel 71. 6th grade hoodie and not taking it off for six months 72. Being in college but still going to GSL sporting events 73. Stations of the Cross 74. Green eggs and ham on Dr. Seuss Day 75. Student Council election week 76. The GSL attic 77. Jolly Ranchers from Ms. Whitelow 78. Mr. Beazley, Mr. Kvande, and Mr. Surber as “We Three Kings Of Orient Are” 79. Knitting with Ms. Glueck 80. Coach Kohlhof saying “cowboy” 81. The day the school went from chapel into the Anchor Center for the first time 82. The Thespian group hugs at the end of each fabulous middle school play 83. Lower school musicals 84. Spirit Week 85. Hunt for the gingerbread man in JK 86. Rube Goldberg Machines in 4th grade 87. Mr. Dennis 88. Student-faculty basketball game 89. 8th grade girls vs. boys volleyball game 90. Italian dinner 91. SK lofts 92. Boys’ “synchronized swimming” 93. π day 94. The squads in the old art room 95. Mr. Willis personally selecting books for students 96. Mr. Kvande’s locker checks 97. JA Biztown 98. Mrs. White’s Latin feasts 99. Father-daughter/mother-son events 100. Father Joseph’s “Good Morning children of God”
SPRING 2018 • THE ANCHOR • 23
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 927 Memphis, TN
Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School 246 S. Belvedere Memphis, TN 38104 www.gslschool.org
GSL
SummerFest 2018 Register today...programs fill up quickly!
Full Day Programs 8 am-5pm
901.278.0200
Boys & Girls Ages 4 - 13 Rising Jr. K8th Grade
June 4 - August 3 Half Day Programs 8 am-12pm, 1-5pm
Located in the heart of Midtown
gslschool.org