NCCS FY17 Calderini Math Fund

Your endowed gifts continue to

inspire transformation. Jennifer Llamas Class of 2018; Horizons Scholar NCCS student since 2013

JENNIFER’S STORY “Since I don’t consider myself an outgoing person, the eighth grade storytelling unit frightened me at first. While reading the different stories, I was trying to imagine myself telling them. I realized that knowing my story wasn’t going to be an issue, but performing it without sounding monotonous and boring was going to be tough. At each practice, my nerves appeared again and again. I was scared to look ‘weird’, so I avoided much movement; however, practice after practice the fear of leaving my comfort zone slowly started diminishing. After the practices had finished, I became confident and comfortable with my story, and I actually enjoyed each performance. When the storytelling unit had ended, I was, surprisingly, sad. I learned that I can step out of my comfort zone and enjoy it.”

TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE “It has been an absolute pleasure having Jennifer as my student this year. I foresee great success for her as she transitions into upper level honors mathematics next year.” —Jordan Alper, Upper School Math Teacher “She was a fierce competitor in meets, finished first in her division. She was a joy to both her teammates and coaches to have on the team with her positive attitude and encouragement of others.” —Martha McAndrews, Cross Country Coach “Jennifer is responsible, enthusiastic and motivated. She seriously prepared for the National French Exam and received a silver medal!” —Maria Viale, Upper School French Teacher

Endowment Report

Lauren Romeo

Language Arts Department Co-chair; Upper School Learning Resources Teacher NCCS teacher since 2006

LAUREN’S STORY

Fiscal Year 2017

“Country School is truly committed to investing in its teachers. Two years ago, thanks to our robust professional development program, I was able to attend two separate week-long institutes led by the Columbia Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP). This think tank of more than 60 teacher-leaders has emerged as the preeminent leader in the field of literacy instruction. I was introduced to — and totally captivated by — the research, curriculum and methodologies for writing instruction during those two weeks.

JULY 1, 2016–JUNE 30, 2017

I couldn’t wait to bring what I had learned back to NCCS, and the administration was incredibly supportive. While piloting Writing Workshop in my sixth-grade homeroom over the 2016–17 school year, I witnessed the power of this innovative writing curriculum. Based on those results, we invited TCWRP facilitators to campus for comprehensive training of all Country School English teachers. This year we launched Writing Workshop in Grades K–7 classrooms. It has been inspiring to observe students sharing their stories and building their voices. I am so grateful to the school for allowing me the time and resources to pursue this professional development. Its impact has been transformative.”

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