The Crest P O R T L E D G E
S C H O O L
M A G A Z I N E
S U M M E R
2 0 1 8
Contents SUMMER 2018
MIDDLE SCHOOL
FEATURES
05
The Commons at 1: Sign and Symbol
40
State of the School
GRADUATION
02 04
Portledge School holds 43rd Graduation Ceremonies Portledge Graduates its First Cohort of IB Diploma Candidates
15
Wow, What a Finish
LOWER SCHOOL
02 UPPER SCHOOL
07
It’s All in the Routine
08
The 2018 Senior Launch
11
The 2018 Junior Leadership Academy
19 20
Portledge Welcomes Top Paleontologist It’s Been a Great Year
EARLY CHILDHOOD
23
Morning of Reflections
23
Playground Makeover
02 24 05
3D DESIGN
24
elding the Power of M Imagination & Creation
PREFORMING ARTS
26
he Reviews are in: T Portledge Theatre and the Black Box are a Hit!
28
Magical, Musical Year A at Portledge
ATHLETICS
30 Spring Wrap-Up 32
Championship Teams
34
Atheletic Honors
11 15
ALUMNI UPDATES
36
Catching Up with Miyuki Miyagi ’08
39
Portledge Alumni Reunion
BOARD NEWS
42
49 32
Welcome New Board Members
44 Meet the New PA President 45
Auction Thank You
46
This is Portledge Instagram
48
Founders Day Save the Date
49
Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad Recipe
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 1
G R A D U AT I O N
Portledge School Holds 43rd Commencement Ceremonies Portledge School hosted its 43rd Commencement Exercises on Friday, June 15, 2018, with a beautiful day enjoyed by all! The celebration began at 10:00 a.m., with the traditional bagpipe processional performed by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The bagpipes heralded the arrival of the President of the Board of Trustees, Samara Meshel, who led the Portledge School Board of Trustees and all
faculty in honoring members of the Class of 2018. Seniors of this year’s class will graduate into some of the top schools in the country, including
Brown University, Cornell University, Duke University, Fordham University, and New York University. Music was provided by the Upper School Concert Band, under the direction of Jeffrey Suzda, and the All-School Chorus led by Michael Schwartz. This annual celebration brought a large part of the Portledge community to our campus, and featured speeches by leaders of our community, including Head of School Simon Owen-Williams, President of the Board of Trustees, Samara Meshel, student speakers Logan Sanborn ’18, and Alisa Sholomon ’18 and Director of Upper School Harry Grzelewski. Diplomas were presented by the President of the Board of Trustees. The following awards were also presented to select members of the Portledge faculty and select graduating seniors:
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G R A D U AT I O N
Congratulations to the Class of 2018 By The Portledge Community Portledge School salutes the members of the Class of 2018, who will be forever regarded as valuable contributors to our school community. These outstanding graduates have demonstrated the academic skills, moral courage, and global citizenship of future leaders, and we encourage them to pursue their goals and dreams actively in college and beyond. Our 2018 graduates will attend the following colleges and universities:
Helen Oehrlein, Mathematics, and the award was presented by Mr. Owen-Williams.
The ’76 Award, named for the first senior class to graduate from Portledge, is given each year by the tenth reunion class to the teacher who is remembered as having the greatest impact on the members of the class. The award was presented by Maggie Gordon ’08 to this year’s recipient: Sonna Allen, Science Department Chair. The David W. Hoyler Faculty Award is presented to a member of the Portledge School faculty for outstanding dedication to students and exemplary commitment to teaching within and beyond the classroom. This year’s recipient was
The Slanetz Award goes to that member of the senior class whose academic record shows the highest level of achievement throughout their sophomore, junior, and senior years at Portledge. It is given in the hope that this scholar will apply their intellectual ability to the improvement of the human condition and for the well-being of others. This year’s recipient was Kayla Guo ’18. The Portledge Bowl is presented to that senior who best exemplifies the character and values Portledge holds in the highest esteem. This year’s recipient was Kayla Guo ’18.
Babson College Barnard College Bates College Bentley University Brown University Bucknell University Colby College College of Charleston Cornell University Denison University Duke University Elon University Emory University Fairfield University Fordham University George Washington University Gordon College High Point University James Madison University Lehigh University Miami University New York University Northwestern University Providence College Quinnipiac University Rochester Institute of Technology St. Lawrence University Syracuse University The New School Trinity College Tufts University Tulane University University of Maryland University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania Wake Forest University Wesleyan University
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 3
Portledge Graduates its First Cohort of
IB Diploma Candidates By Shane Cappuccio, IB Coordinator
This year marks a major milestone for Portledge School: our first cohort of IB Diploma candidates is graduating! We couldn’t be more proud. word academic research paper exploring a topic of their choice. By taking on such a difficult workload and handling it so impressively, our five graduating diploma candidates demonstrated the extent to which they are model scholars within our school.
It took a lot of work to get where we are today. It’s hard to believe that it has already been five years since a small group of teachers and administrators began researching the IB programme. It was almost three years ago when we were visited by representatives from the IB who verified that we were prepared to effectively offer the programme. Last year, we offered eleventh grade IB classes. And this May, for the first time, we offered a full schedule of IB exams. Our twelfth grade diploma cohort is made up of an inspiring group of dedicated students who model the core values of Portledge School. Amelia Baumann ’18, Will Benjamin ’18, Kyle Cruz ’18, Kayla Guo ’18, and Marco Pagliara ’18 are all passionate and purposeful learners. This group of five students worked together with its teachers to tackle the difficult requirements of the IB programme. Each student took a full course load of IB classes, including one in each of the traditional subject areas. Additionally, they completed the three “core” requirements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and Extended Essay (EE). For TOK class, students learned to think critically, questioning their assumptions about themselves and the world around them. For CAS, students kept a log of their extracurricular activities, setting and recording progress toward their personal goals throughout their two years in the programme. And for the EE, each student wrote a 4,000-
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In addition, completing the IB diploma programme taught students about the world and about themselves. “TOK taught me just how ambiguous knowledge can be,” said Amelia Baumann. “I used to think the world was black and white, but this class illuminated the gray.” Kyle Cruz reported that he “learned a lot about managing a difficult workload.” And Will Benjamin commented, “I loved how many different opportunities I had to explore ideas that I was personally passionate about.” It’s clear that these students leave Portledge well-prepared for their next stage of life. So, what’s next for the IB programme at Portledge? Lots! Next year, Trish Rigg will be taking over as IB Coordinator, overseeing a thriving senior cohort of eight diploma candidates. This summer, teachers are attending IB trainings in New York, Florida, Georgia, and Colorado, which will help to improve the classes we already offer and allow us to offer new courses like IB Mathematics HL or IB Film. Over the next few years, we’ll follow the model set by our inaugural diploma cohort: doing our best and learning as much as we can along the way.
The Commons at 1:
Sign and Symbol By Simon Owen-Williams, Head of School
It is hard to believe, isn’t it, that less than one year ago, the Commons building was nothing more than a skeleton with wires? In fact, this time last year, we had just encased the structure with a roof and walling! Now, it is difficult to even imagine the campus without it; so accustomed have we grown to its beautiful classroom spaces, its impressive patio, and edgy “Off-Broadway”-inspired Black Box Theatre. In some ways, the Commons has become a symbol of our permanence and growth—a sign that we can deliver on our promises. It is living proof that our community will rally to our support, that the educational programs on offer here are continuously and rapidly improving, and that we have firmly re-established ourselves as one of the premier educational institutions in the region. Yes, there can be no doubt that the Commons has taken on symbolic significance for Portledge, not only in the outside world but also within the hearts and minds of the students and faculty who make up this dynamic community. To our students, it is a source of pride. A “boastable” talking
point that children can have with their friends who may not yet even attend. To our parents, it is a powerful symbol of our strong future. It represents the optimism that many feel that “Portledge is a school on the rise.” For our teachers, it provides much-needed practical relief from the congested hallways of the Slanetz and Gilmour areas. The seven new instructional spaces not only provide state-of-the-art teaching environments but have indeed also indirectly and dramatically served to open up other locations all over the campus. For our school, this beautiful edifice embodies our hope that our school can and will continue its powerful trajectory toward fulfilling its mission, where students are prepared for college and prepared for life. More practically speaking, having additional rooms at our disposal has meant that fewer teachers now need to share areas or move between classrooms. Less time wasted moving from space to space, in turn, allows more hours to be spent in preparation and collaboration between faculty and this, in turn, positively impacts student learning (to say nothing of helping with faculty morale). With a reduced workload, time saved, and
better productivity, the school can now do a better job of delivering high-quality quality instruction in the classroom. And finally, we are now able to dedicate usage as buildings were originally intended. Bahnik Hall, for example, has now returned to being a space solely devoted to the performing arts, the Slanetz wing now houses science and mathematics spaces, and the library is back to functioning as a library. Office spaces created for middle leadership and teachers alike help workflow and boost collaborative opportunities. The enlarged dining areas double as impromptu meeting spaces and students seem to enjoy using the patio and main eating areas for assemblies and presentation spaces. All in all, the Commons building has easily exceeded the expectations we had for its use. By making the school a more attractive option for highschoolers to attend, and by designing a space that joins the performing arts with an innovation lab and state-of-the-art classrooms, it is safe to say that we are just beginning to feel its benefits. Many thanks again to all those who supported the project financially, with their time, or with their expertise; we are all reaping the benefits of a better education as a result. It truly has become a symbol of Portledge now and a hopeful sign of the times ahead.
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UPPER SCHOOL
SNAPSHOTS
6 |6The | The Crest Crest 2018 2018 · Summer · Summer
It’s
All in the Routine
By Harry Grzelewski, Director of Upper School
The word “routine” often carries pejorative connotations and immediately conjures up images of rats running through a maze, or worse, we see a dull, gray man, head down, trudging toward what we can only assume is a meaningless and mind-numbing job. Routine has a bad rap. We all have routines that enable us to accomplish our goals, keep us focused, and give us structure to take on new challenges. To improve the image of “routine,” educationists have rebranded the word as “habits of mind.” I find this interesting because it takes another word that carries baggage, “habit,” and links it to a nebulous yet largely positive word, “mind,” and voila. But not all routines are habits of mind. In fact, I have many routines and occasionally I will glorify one of them as a habit of mind, but my routines largely reflect my interests and passions; I change up the routines as I gain new knowledge, find improved ways of behaving, and discover new patterns, but I rarely abandon the routine. It becomes a new and improved routine. I have a morning routine. It involves eating breakfast, grooming, and preparing for my day. It has failed me on occasion, which is why I have rethought it and retooled it. It has dragged on too long, so I have redesigned it for efficiency. It changes, but it is still a routine and one that I embrace every morning. For me, being aware of my routines, rethinking them, and restructuring them keeps them effective and me happy. I enjoy morning routines.
I don’t feel a need to dignify my writing process for the end of the year—speeches for graduation, senior brunch, awards—by calling it a creative habit of mind. It’s a routine that always begins at spring break, involves a handful of secret rituals and chants, interpretive dance, and culminates in hours of slaving over a word processor. There is a post-celebratory ritual of pacing and mumbling that precedes my presentation to my wife, but all of it is part of a routine that I treasure and embrace. I have a walking routine that combines my love of nature with my need for being alone. I have a crossword puzzle routine, and as I take on some new personal challenges, I am busy trying to construct routines that will lead to success. All of this to encourage routines as we head for summer. Much can be accomplished under the heading of routine. Routines can be evaluated, changed, adjusted, and rethought. There is lots of evidence that much of our best learning is the product of routines that reinforce and strengthen the pathways and storage systems in our brains. Routines do not prohibit or should not inhibit creativity, spontaneity, and change. But embracing routines for what they are can lead to achievement.
“
There is lots of evidence that much of our best learning is the product of routines that reinforce and strengthen the pathways and storage systems in our brains.” —HARRY
GRZELEWSKI Director of Upper School
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 7
UPPER SCHOOL
The
2018
Senior Launch By Francesca Woll, Director of Educational Innovation
On May 21, Portledge successfully conducted its first-ever Senior Launch. As a way to help prepare them for living life on their own, students participated in a series of six interactive workshops centered around developing confidence, independence, resilience, and awareness of their surroundings. Additionally, seniors took time to connect directly to their intended college by navigating its website in order to find appropriate resources and to bookmark pages for future reference. By the end, several seniors expressed deep appreciation for this time, stating that they felt more secure about the start of this next new chapter of their lives. Seniors were also showered with many pieces of helpful, encouraging bits of wisdom from future Portledge graduates. First and second graders began the day with these sweet exchanges by sharing a multitude of important facts, including “be kind,” “don’t exclude others,” “don’t say something that’s not true about someone else,” and when the nerves hit hard, “just be brave and you’ll be OK.” When asked what college will be like, they shared that “your parents won’t bug you to clean your room” and “it will be tough, but you have to
“
encourage yourself to do your best.” After the seniors rolled with laughter, enthusiastically cheering each response, they turned the tables and gave some helpful advice to their younger counterparts. They challenged these budding Panthers to “love your time at Portledge—it’s the best place to go to school!,” “do things that you love—don’t only focus on one thing,” “make many friends and memories while you’re here!”, and “don’t grow up too fast!” The first workshop, appropriately titled “The First Semester,” was spearheaded by our own Head of School, Simon
The challenge of preparing ourselves to look at our “babies” through their eager eyes, hungry to take on the world ahead of them, will always be coupled by a deep desire to fiercely protect.” —FRANCESCA
WOLL, Director of Educational Innovation
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Owen-Williams, to help students more than just survive that first bit away from home. Conversations flowed around ideas of balancing new demands and managing the role social media will play in one’s daily life. Working with the seniors at the Launch this year gave me a bird’s-eye view of the emotional rollercoaster that the transition from high school to college provides. I also learned with confidence that this capable group is ready for what lies ahead and I know will heed the sage advice given to them by the first and second graders: ‘to be kind, work hard, and get good grades’! Mathematics Department Head Skip Amadio conducted “Developing Your Financial Confidence” through a series of interactive real-life activities that included balancing a budget, analyzing work-study programs, understanding the real meaning of credit cards, and setting up a financially appropriate lifestyle. At one point, students were tasked with furnishing an apartment with a modest budget of $2,000. The challenge quickly shifted to a focused and determined approach when one senior laughed at the idea of spending
$1,500 of their $2,000 budget on a single piece of furniture. History teacher Edie Dickman led both “Speak Up: Becoming Your Own SelfAdvocate” and “Navigating the Real World.” In the former, Ms. Dickman shared advice from several current college students about what is essential to know during your first semester away, which campus resources are most helpful to keep in mind, and how to always ensure one protects and stands up for yourself and your needs. She touched on how to request extra help during office hours, sign up for an editing session at the Writing
Center, and knowing where to turn for medical care. In the second session, Ms. Dickman tackled more serious conversations about health, wellness, and the ever-changing impact of political, social, racial, and gender issues on campus life. It’s not every day that a student gets an opportunity to pop the hood of a car and talk about basic maintenance and preparedness, but that’s just what took place during “Siri, Where Am I? Traveling On Your Own.” Led by mathematics teacher Nick Woll, seniors got the unique experience of walking through the steps of how to change
a flat tire and jump a dead battery. Throughout the workshop, students gasped in awe of “getting their hands dirty” and expressed true appreciation for learning such important life skills. Additionally, Mr. Woll focused on methods of transportation and pinpointing major roadways in and around Long Island to help ease the burden of traveling to and from one’s future campus. The sixth workshop, “Living On Your Own: How to Be Capable and Confident,” was led by Spanish teacher Jessie Jang and touched on many aspects of daily life away from home.
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 9
UPPER SCHOOL
Students had an opportunity to discuss the roles of resident assistants, campus housing options, what’s essential to pack in the move, dealing with difficult roommates, and navigating laundry room etiquette. In addition to these instructional workshops, seniors were treated to an intimate and authentic conversation with John Hambrook ’10, who spoke about his time at Portledge and specifically how his senior year influenced his future career. As a very proud FDNY member, John spoke passionately to seniors about “finding that one thing in life you truly love so much” and doing all one can to achieve his or her dreams. Captivated both by his presence and message, it was clear to see the seniors focusing in on what direction their lives would begin to take. In a surprising twist, after hearing John conclude with thanks and appreciation for Portledge, it was our seniors who then stood up to bestow gratitude and recognition to ten faculty members who the Class of 2018 nominated as Inspiring Educators. Speaking from the heart, students shared personal, meaningful, and memorable moments
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with these astonished individuals for not only providing assistance over the years but in doing so with true care and compassion. From their brief statements, it was abundantly clear that they certainly will continue to be an inspiration long after these graduates walk. Congratulations to Anthony Bruno, Carolyn Chiu, Chris Corby, Edie Dickman, Jason Dula, Harry Grzelewski, Phil Hills, Eric Johnson, Dan Naftalis, and Susan Simon! You all should feel so honored! Later in the day, as the seniors wrapped up their program, they were showered once again with advice, this time compiled by Middle Schoolers and disseminated by Middle School Student Council President Ryan Levy ’22, Eighth Grade President Noah Kinlaw ’22, and Eighth Grade Honor Council Representative Katherine Bell ’22. “You might get peer pressured, but always do what makes you happy … it doesn’t matter what other people think!” “Never forget that Portledge will always be your second home!” As they spoke, attendees could see the reality of what lies before each senior start to truly settle in. Thanking them by again giving back matching words of wisdom such as “live
in the moment,” “don’t become stressed by a single class,” “but yes, everything counts starting freshman year,” there was a sweet symbiotic exchange of appreciation for one another. For the Middle Schoolers, it was part awe, part mystery of what the real world will truly reveal for these cooler, older role models they have been witness to. For our soon-to-be graduates, it was a mix of excitement and eagerness to set off on their new chapters, with just a hint of longing for what it was like to feel that sense of unadulterated youth once again. As this Senior Launch initiative continues to build, there will be many more informative, insightful, and endearing moments to come. The challenge of preparing ourselves to look at our “babies” through their eager eyes, hungry to take on the world ahead of them, will always be coupled by a deep desire to fiercely protect. But, as with all endings, it is just another beginning. And so, as we begin our (tearful) goodbyes to the Class of 2018, if we listen closely enough through the sniffles, we will also hear them saying hello!
The
2018
Junior Leadership Academy “I think that it was just great to have the opportunity to give some advice that perhaps I didn’t have from students who went through the Portledge system at a
By Francesca Woll, Director of Educational Innovation
critical time in a student’s academic career.
This past May, Portledge debuted its inaugural Junior
It probably came off differently coming
Leadership Academy for the Class of 2019. Over two days,
from someone close in age and a former student at the same school they’re at. I
juniors focused on what it will take to be a positive, influential
saw the light bulbs flick on in their eyes
leader and how to make the most of their final year on
as I genuinely think it might’ve been the first time many of the students overtly thought about their leadership role in their immediate social circle. I know that sometimes talking to ‘adults’ can be daunting, so I think that was a
campus. They began by reflecting on the type of leader they think they are and compared that with what others might assume based upon their actions. This led to interesting discussions about choices, and as they predicted what next
positive. Additionally, the faculty response
June might look like, they conversed with each other as
was just amazing. It felt like I hadn’t been
to how their class would like to be remembered and what
gone a day, with the faculty who were there when I graduated. The students
actions need to be taken for that to happen. Some common
seemed engaged, inquisitive, and raring
adjectives included “hard-working,” “passionate,” and
to go for the challenges ahead. It’s terrific to be more involved with the school in some capacity.”
“involved,” which are certainly traits we would love to see embodied by each of our graduates!
— E R A K L I S D I A M ATA R I S ’ 12 PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 11
UPPER SCHOOL from cautious steps to confident flight as they moved in every direction.
It’s no coincidence that those chosen attributes were key themes in our discussions about strong leadership skills. Our juniors were treated to an exceptional interactive presentation by two alums who truly embody those three ideals. Eraklis Diamataris ’10 and Monique Kelly ’10, a current Portledge mathematics teacher, quite literally got the students out of their seats and mingling with each other in a creative, entertaining platform. They provided an authentic and informative connection to the real world, touching on everything from making the most of their time on campus to how poor social media decisions can effectively end careers before they have a chance to begin.
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The first day of our program concluded with a physically and mentally demanding trip to The Adventure Park at Long Island in Wheatley Heights. There, students challenged themselves to defy gravity as they climbed into the trees to navigate wind-blown obstacles floating mid-air. Despite any initial hesitations— and the perpetual rain that blanketed our surroundings—one could hear joyous laughter, proud cries of success, and words of encouragement echoing amongst the forest as they met these challenges head-on. Already displaying some impressive initial leadership skills, the students found a natural rhythm of providing and receiving support from their peers. Looking up into the sky, it was quite a sight to see students shift
The second day of this program circled around four interactive workshops designed to delve deeper into important traits of leadership. “To Be or Not To Be A Leader,” led by Dean of Students Jonathan Hastings and Director of Athletics Jon Sandos ’03, asked students to identify what it means to be a leader and the expectations that follow. Students first challenged themselves to depict essential traits all good leaders must have, then personalized the experience to focus on when and how they have been leaders in the past. This provided opportunities to discuss different types of leadership and the direct correlation and impact of one’s actions. Making his triumphant return to Portledge, former physical education teacher and coach Joe Ronde teamed up with Director of Admissions Michael Coope to orchestrate the second workshop, “Reaching My Potential.” Here, students tackled the question of how can we, as leaders, be openminded, listen to others effectively, be a supportive follower, and learn from our mistakes? As students concluded an activity where they were required to make tough choices and debate responses with group members, discussions turned toward the idea of “failing” at this task. As was pointed
“
Already displaying some impressive initial leadership skills, the students found a natural rhythm of providing and receiving support from their peers.”
out, the idea of embracing failure needs to be more readily acceptable. “Failure means you’re developing. See failure for what it truly is … learning, feedback, and a chance to adapt your plan of attack.” —David Priestley The third workshop, “Who Do I Want To Be?,” led by Theater Arts Department Chair Jason Dula, centered around a very personal and individualized experience for students to hone in on what they truly value in this world. As they were required to continually narrow their original list of twenty down to just three, it forced many to look inward to determine if these core values could be unearthed in their everyday actions or if perhaps there was a disconnect along the way. Many students commented on how
this activity really “made me think” and opened up the door to different perspectives from classmates. The final workshop, “Keys To Collaboration,” was led by English teacher and Assistant Director of College Counseling Dan Naftalis, history teacher Tommy Kolb, and former Portledge history teacher Zaidat Animashaun ’09. Students were challenged to determine how we, as leaders, can work cooperatively with others despite disagreements in personality or pedagogy. Through unique group challenges, they focused on the essential team-building strategies of communication, active listening, and the art of compromise. Giving students an authentic view into the real world, Zaidat used her current work as Manager of Special Projects in the President’s Office at the National Urban League to discuss balancing logic with emotion and knowing when to compromise. “Taking part in JLA was an honor. I loved being able to help students understand the importance of collaboration in the workforce.” After lunch, the program concluded with a school-wide scavenger hunt. The challenge was enthusiastically accepted and seven teams immediately dispersed to answer four intelligence-based puzzles that unlocked the location to a series of fifty questions that touched on anything and everything about
Portledge. Dressed in leadership-themed costumes, groups worked together against the clock to answer as many questions as possible for a chance to win prizes. First-place winners were awarded a bountiful “Food Lovers” prize pack that included items such as a Senior Year Fastpass lunch card and a chance to customize the school menu for a week. Congratulations to Jonathan Escobar ’19, Frank Feng ’19, Carrie Gu ’19, Charlotte Matthews ’19, Tamara Pilson ’19, and Michael Venuti ’19! Ralph Nader once said, “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” As the juniors discovered, one cannot stand and lead effectively alone. As described in his TED Talk viewed in this program, Drew Dudley goes on to say that “everyday leaders lead every day.” This is a challenge that we have all accepted as a way to make a continuous, positive impact on those around us. It is the hope of this new program that each year, we build upon its purpose and help grow capable, determined, compassionate, and hard-working leaders who will make a difference, not only on our 63 acres but in the vast world beyond. The direct success and accomplishments of this program would not have been possible without the assistance and support of many faculty and staff members on campus. A sincere thank you to all who were part of this process.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
SNAPSHOTS
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Wow, what a Finish By Susan Edwards-Bourdrez, Director of Middle School
People outside of education often remark that we at schools must be “winding down” as the year comes to a close. In fact, quite the opposite is true! I like to say we “hurtle to the end.” Indeed, that is sometimes what it feels like as we prepare for culminating assessments and events, and then move quickly from one to the other as the year finishes. In Middle School, we made a conscious decision to do away with many of the end-of-year cumulative exams (we still give some at the end of the second trimester) in favor of assessments that are sometimes interdisciplinary and encourage students to think more deeply, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, express their creativity, follow their individual curiosity to learn more, and perform in front of an audience. Rather than memorizing facts and regurgitating them, students demonstrate that their foundational knowledge has enabled them to pursue passions and develop the critical reading, thinking, and communication skills that will serve them now and throughout their lives.
A look at a sampling of end-of-year assessments reflects how this works. In English, students in every grade studied a Shakespeare play. In addition to writing essays that required close reading and textual support after outlining and organizing the lengthy piece of writing, students worked on projects that connected with an aspect of Shakespeare’s work and/ or time. The projects were presented at our Shakespeare Festival. Students choreographed and composed; played flute, recorder, and violin pieces from the period; performed scenes from the plays; created costumes; and one made an apothecary stand after researching period potions and medicines. Students recreated theatre sets, made movie
“
trailers, and illustrated dictionaries. Middle Schoolers even learned how to cook foods from the period! In French, Mandarin, and Spanish classes, students, put on plays, read books for the first time in their second (or third) language, and created their own videos, meaningfully applying the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation mastered throughout the year. The 2018 theme for National History Day was “Conflict and Compromise.” Sixth graders explored the theme as they selected a pivotal time in their country of choice’s history and learned how to write a research paper in the process. In seventh grade, students created documentaries; in eighth grade, students worked on an inquirybased project, choosing topics that connected with the theme. One student chose to study Italian unification and found it interesting to connect those motives with the ones for the American Revolution. Students demonstrated their learning by writing a historical paper; creating a website, a video
We encourage students to think more deeply, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, express their creativity, follow their individual curiosity to learn more, and perform in front of an audience.” —SUSAN
EDWARDS-BOURDREZ, Director of Middle School
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
documentary, or a museum-style exhibit; or giving a performance. All projects were presented to classmates, parents, and faculty. In the performing arts, we were treated to 5/6 and 7/8 art exhibits and concerts. The concerts, dedicated to Miss Renwick, a beloved science teacher fighting cancer, were a tribute to the music of Leonard Bernstein. While the performers entered and departed the stage, videos that IA (Interdisciplinary Arts) classes had created offered background information on Bernstein’s fascinating life and work. The art exhibits filled our atrium and hallways with vibrant works reflecting a variety of styles and media as well as impressive skill and creativity. (Some of the best works were also included in the concert program.) Eighth graders, given the opportunity to design their own projects, created mirror art modeled on that found in the Middle East, collaborated on a mural that now graces a previously empty wall leading to the art room, produced exquisitely delicate shaded pencil drawings (onlookers couldn’t believe the artists were middle schoolers), and even a bust constructed from hundreds of colored pencils, painstakingly cut and shaped together. Science 8A students completed a fossil project that revealed how geology, plate tectonics, weather, and climate all interacted and affected ancient life on our planet. Seventh graders researched scientists of their choice and not only shared their accomplishments but also examined the character traits that enabled them to be successful. Sixth graders worked on biome projects, choosing groups of ecosystems that share a similar climate, plant species, and animal species. In mathematics, where the subject matter is cumulative, students do have a final. Preparation not only embeds
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important concepts and skills but also teaches how to prepare for future highstakes tests by organizing information, practicing, and working to overcome previous challenges. Other culminating events? Our endof-year BBQ/dance, which this year the Student Council decided would be neither! Council members reasoned that since at previous dances, there was not much dancing (students were outside running around and playing games instead), they would spend the money earned from our annual bake sale on ice cream treats rather than a DJ, and have pizza be the main meal, so everyone could grab and go. As I write this, excitement is building and a high turnout is expected. Finally, our End-of-Year Assembly in Middle School reflects the inclusive nature of the school itself. Families are encouraged to attend, the eighth graders are highlighted (advisors give individual tributes to their eighth grade advisees), all students participate in two musical numbers, the Middle School Student Council President speaks, a faculty member elected by the eighth grade speaks, and a few awards, indicative of what we hold dearest, are given for Academic Excellence, Devotion to Music, Devotion to the Performing Arts, Citizenship, and Outstanding Progress. (The Athletic Department hosts awards assemblies at the end of each season which recognize sportsmanship, improvement, and talent.) One eighth grader earns the Middle School Award for embodying the qualities we seek to develop in all of our students. As we close out the year, it is gratifying to have a ceremony that inspires and connects us before we take leave for summer, looking forward to doing more of what we enjoy most with those we most enjoy, and preparing to make our next year even better!
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LOWER SCHOOL
SNAPSHOTS
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Portledge Welcomes
Top Paleontologist
This past May world-renowned paleontologist and author of Why Dinosaurs Matter Dr. Kenneth Lacovara met with Portledge Lower School students. During his visit, Dr. Lacovara spoke about how he and his team unearthed the Dreadnoughtus in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, in 2005. “The largest land animal for which a body mass can be accurately calculated,� the Dreadnoughtus weighs 65 tons (more than seven Tyrannosaurus rex). Dr. Lacovara also taught us about what is/is not a dinosaur, and where the first dinosaur fossils were discovered in southern New Jersey! Students in grades one through five participated in small workshops with Dr. Lacovara throughout the day. He also taught an Upper School biology class.
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LOWER SCHOOL
It’s Been a
Great Year by Saralyn Lawn, Director of Lower School
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As we celebrated with so many of you at the various end-of-year plays and events over the last several weeks, we are reminded of what a special community we have. Portledge children are confident performers and have made wonderful progress this year academically, socially and emotionally. Portledge teachers are dedicated to nurturing their students’ growth every day, and Portledge parents support their children, the teachers, and the school every day. As we watch our students perform in their plays and concerts, move up to Middle School and finish up their academic responsibilities, the faculty, staff and I want to say thank you for entrusting your children to us this year— it’s been a gift, and we’ve truly enjoyed it! As we approach the summer months, many of you have already mapped out plans for your children. Each year the faculty and I share our thoughts as you consider these plans and our recommendations usually boil down to a few basic ideas: • Leave plenty of time for unstructured play with no adult interference. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of unstructured, uninterrupted, play! Build forts, romp in the woods, create, explore, imagine without any
worries, cares or hindrances. This is critical to the social, emotional and brain development of our children. • Read every day for pleasure. Read as a family, read individually, listen to audible books on trips, enjoy good stories, read, read, read! • If you’re going to do something academic, practice those math facts if they are not completely automatic, (depending on your child’s grade level). Try to make it fun with games etc. We recommend an
online game that will track their progress in mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication and/ or division fact fluency (www. reflexmath.com.) • Bonus: Keep a journal of your great adventures! At our May 18 parent coffee event, we read an article related to children and how much of their free time should be scheduled and a lively discussion ensued. We decided to commit to a summer parent read of How to Raise An Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Child for Success, by Julie Lythcott-Haims then discuss it at the fall coffee group. Lythcott-Haims is a parent and was a Freshman Dean at Stanford University. The Chicago Tribune praises the book, stating, “The best parenting advice… Our children are engaged in the serious work of becoming an adult. With this book, Lythcott-Haims provides the missing user manual.” We hope you will consider picking up a copy of the book and joining the parent coffee group this fall—we’d love to have you! In the meantime, we wish you fun, rest, relaxation, family times and a beautiful summer. We look forward to seeing everyone back for a fantastic 2018–19 Portledge School Year! PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 21
E A R LY C H I L D H O O D
SNAPSHOTS
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Early Childhood
Morning of Reflections By The Early Childhood Team
Early Childhood teachers and students recently invited parents in to share documentation they have collected of different projects happening in Early Childhood classrooms. Documentation is a vital part of the work of teachers and children in order to make student thinking visible. Documentation values the young voices and perspectives we interact with on a daily basis. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms have a structure and order established which encourages children to exercise their creativity in a variety of ways. Teachers observe closely to understand what is happening developmentally with the children while setting up inviting environments to encourage the children to think
We invite you to take a sneak peek into what the youngest members of the Portledge community are thinking about. Feel free to wonder and ask questions about the work happening in our classrooms. We understand that the level of sophistication within their play, “their work,” is not always obvious. It is our intent as teachers to document their learning and to share parts of the magic we are privy to on a daily basis.
deeply, collaborate, and exhibit grit. Teachers look for patterns in the way their students play, negotiate, and work through challenges. These patterns, or “threads,” are constantly being analyzed by both the teachers and students to further understand and respect their different perspectives. Social-emotional learning and academics are deeply rooted in this process of learning and are constantly assessed.
Early Childhood Playground Makeover By Ally Damiano, Early Childhood Teacher, and Sam Losco, Early Childhood Teacher
This spring, the Early Childhood playground received a much-needed makeover! Sam Losco (nursery teacher), Josephine Earley (pre-nursery teacher), Leigh Farrell (Director of Early Childhood), and Ally Damiano (Lower School teacher) designed a layout for the new playground and worked with Tom Szajkowski (Director of Operations and Security) to transform the space for the youngest students at Portledge School. A playground where young students can explore and play in a safe and
enriching environment is crucial to young children’s development. What happens on a playground is nearly impossible to replicate in a classroom since it is a constantly changing environment. These natural provocations allow students to wonder and build their newly forming curiosity of the world around them. The renovations will tap into students’ motor, sensory, imaginatory, and visual learning. These additions include a new play structure, music
wall, stage, block area, and gardens full of beautiful flowers. The children were full of excitement and joy when running onto the new playground for the first time. Every inch of the new space was well-utilized and explored. Their tiny hands and big minds were able to play, discover, and create in new ways thanks to all of the new materials. We look forward to watching the children figure out new ways to use their playground learning space.
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3D DESIGN
Melding the Power of
&
Imagination Creation By Kimberly Maguire ’88, Head Librarian, and Danny Nelson, Educational Technology Department Chair
“...hands-on, playful exploration leads to real learning,” and the 3D printer allows for this connection.
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One by one, the students stopped and stared as they arrived in the Peter Franklin Dunn Library. What was that strange black cube? First graders were present when the MakerBot Replicator Mini printer was being set up. This gift, from generous donors for the Lower School students’ use, captured their attention immediately. They were excited at the arrival of a 3D printer. The first grade students had many questions. “What was it for?” “How does it work?” “Why is it hot?” And the final and most important question: “What can I make with it?” As the students gathered around and shared their imaginative ideas, the excitement was palpable. It was a phenomenal response to the addition of this new tool that supports 21st-century learning. 3D design and printing allows students to use their imaginations to visualize the world in a new way. It allows them to be problem solvers, as in the case of the fifth grade student who was building a large LEGO car and needed a piece that was longer than normal. He figured out the size and shape he needed and was challenged to adapt the design to fit his specifications. Creativity is also an element in the use of a 3D printer. When students wanted to design gifts for their moms for Mother’s Day, they used the design program Tinkercad to create plaques which showcased how much they loved their mothers. They worked out how shapes fit together in a three-dimensional space to build the objects. As students develop a greater understanding of how the program works, their imagination will have a place to grow.
solutions to everyday challenges.” Just imagine what problems our students could solve. Design in the third dimension has been a part of Portledge School for a few years, with the arrival of two MakerBot Replicator 2s donated in the spring of 2013. Under Mr. Krause’s instruction, the Middle School has used 3D printers as part of its art curriculum, making custom game pieces and other objects using Tinkercad. In the Upper School, Mr. Krause has also incorporated the technology over the years into aspects of the Art and Architecture course, using SketchUp to first create threedimensional models before printing them. Art isn’t the only subject area getting use out of the devices. Mr. Coleman and Mr. Nelson have used the MakerBot Replicators each year since they first arrived. After attending summer training at the MakerBot Store in New York City, Mr. Nelson developed a unit exploring computer-aided design
(CAD) to be incorporated into the robotics curriculum. Each year, students have leveraged their new skills and 3D printers in the Robotics course to create custom parts for the school’s FIRST Tech Challenge competition robots. Students have even printed out reverseengineered temporary replacement parts that were normally purchased but were back-ordered or wouldn’t arrive in time for when they were needed. Last year, Jordan DeCade ’17 used the 3D printers to complete her Senior Project, which was to 3D print a working “robot” hand. Once printed, Jordan attached servos to move the fingers, a MyoWare Muscle Sensor to read signals from a human user, and an Arduino Uno to control the servos and sensors. She wrote code to make her hand close when it received signal impulses as well as to perform some pre-programmed movements. In addition to the MakerBot Replicator Mini donation for the Lower School, the Upper School robotics program recently received an Ultimaker 3 donation to continue to push the boundaries of what can be done by our students. Thanks to these donations, use of 3D printers and CAD will be continued for years to come, inspiring students’ creativity and problem solving at all levels of Portledge School.
As August Deshais says in his blog post for Common Sense Media, “Ultimately, my goal isn’t just to make things with the 3D printer for my students to use, but to open their eyes to the possibility this technology offers for creative
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PREFORMING ARTS
The Reviews are in:
Portledge Theatre and the Black Box are a Hit! By Jason Dula, Theatre Arts Department Chair
It has been another phenomenal year for the Portledge theatre program. The Lower School was busy throughout the year with various assemblies and projects and with two main productions: the fourth grade holiday play, The Little Mermaid, and the fifth grade play, which was performed in our new Black Box Theatre. Thanks to Mrs. Cavrell and all the students for their hard work.
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The Middle School brought a bit of mystery to our lives in December with its production of Murder’s in the Heir. It was the first production ever in the new Black Box Theatre and it was a big success! Ms. Taubman did a fantastic job directing this talented cast of students and I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with this incoming ninth grade class. Ms. Taubman has a fun and exciting show planned for next year, so make sure to keep an eye out. The Upper School Theatre Peeps had another fantastic year. We had the audience rolling with our fall production of Neil Simon’s Rumors. We had a blast putting that show together and the cast and crew handled a difficult farce with ease. In the spring, students rocked it out in our soldout production of Godspell. We really were blessed to have so many talented students in the cast, crew, and band. Thank you, Mr. Suzda and Mr. Schwartz, for your passion, talent, and leadership. It was truly a magical production and the students brought it every night. I say it often, but it is truly an honor to be part of a school that so strongly supports theatre and sees the impact it has on our students and community. Theatre helps students find their individual voice and that is one of the things I love most about being part of Portledge. We have a small, family environment that allows us, as educators, the opportunity to really get to know our students—and help them find that voice. Thanks to all the administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students who continue to make Portledge theatre something special. Break a leg, Class of 2018!
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PREFORMING ARTS
A
Magical,
Musical Year at Portledge In and around Portledge, this year has been a wonderful journey in the world of music.
By Jeffrey Suzda, Music Department Chair
The first performance of the year was from a Chicago-based group called Sidewalk Chalk. They performed in Bahnik Hall for the Middle School and in the Commons for the Upper School, where they shared their message of inclusion, diversity, acceptance, and understanding through music. The
Christylez Bacon
performances tied directly to our goal of diversity in our Strategic Plan and students are still talking about the performances today! Academically, a new IB Music course started in September in the Upper School. The two-year class focuses on theory, analysis, and creation of music. The creation aspect was on display at the Thanksgiving Assembly, with the debut of the three-movement “Wish Crest Suite,” which was composed
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entirely using student dots—that represented a wish for the year—placed on a large Portledge crest. The IB students translated these dots into music and then performed the “movements” for the entire school community. The music was later recorded and given to the Visual Art Department, where the
movements turned into physical works of art by John Greene’s art class, and those pieces of art were then turned into pieces of theatre by Jason Dula’s theatre class. I am proud of all of the collaboration among the arts departments. The winter concerts in December were themed around the music of the Beatles, where students navigated challenging
arrangements of pieces ranging from the classic “Hey Jude” to “Yesterday” and left audiences standing on their feet. In January, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, Grammynominated artist Christylez Bacon came from Washington, D.C., and delighted students in the Middle and Upper Schools. He dazzled students during three workshops and performances, where he showed off his beatboxing skills, shared stories of how he achieved his dreams as an artist, and made us all laugh with his unique storytelling abilities. He even took time after performances to speak to individual students about following their passions. March showcased the vocal talents of Upper School students in a fantastic and imaginative production of Godspell. The musical featured an all-student pit orchestra, which left audiences smiling after each performance.
The months of April and May showed the true progress of students as they all took the stage and demonstrated their learning across the year, with instrumental performances from fourth through twelfth grade. Master educator, performer, conductor, and composer Leonard Bernstein was the theme of the spring concerts, and students delighted from the fourth grade, where students performed with instruments on stage for the first time, to the Middle and Upper Schools, where students shined in their final performance of the year. Throughout the spring, we had record participation in NYSSMA with over 80 auditions, with the vast majority of students earning a top rating in their division level. A total of twelve students
were accepted into the Nassau AllCounty performance groups, one student was accepted into the American Choral Directors Association Eastern regional conference in Pittsburgh, several students were accepted into the Long Island String Festival Association, and students received countless acceptances into various ensembles in and around Long Island and New York City. From students performing at Carnegie Hall, to students starting an instrument, to children in Early Childhood getting up on stage to perform for the very first time, the Portledge Music Department is proud of all of the accomplishments both on and off campus from our students.
In early April, the Portledge Showcase had to begin ten minutes late, as there were so many in attendance that we had to add chairs into Bahnik Hall to accommodate all of the audience members who wanted to listen in delight as students skillfully performed works ranging from Chopin to Broadway, and even original compositions.
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AT H L E T I C S
Spring
Wrap-Up By Cecilia Mulry ’13, Assistant Director of Athletics
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Varsity Softball The Varsity Softball team had a successful 2018 season, only losing one regular season game and capturing its second consecutive PSAA Championship. The team was led by seniors Grace Dima ’18, Carly Kleinwaks ’18, Lauren Kramer ’18, Karina Smith ’18, Kamilah Roberts ’18, and Marissa Stanco ’18. This is a bittersweet ending for the team, as all seniors must move on, especially for this team as its seniors have been its central unit and the majority of impact players for the past two championship runs. When asked about plans for next year, Coach Anthony Bruno said, “We are going to be super young. Losing both starting pitchers is never a good thing. We are also losing a rock behind the plate. I don’t think our hitting will be a problem, but we will certainly have to mix and match a little bit.” We are all excited to see the younger players step up to the plate and swing for a third PSAA Championship.
Varsity Baseball The Varsity Baseball team had a strong 2018 season, finishing as the regular season runners-up and making a playoff appearance. It was a year where many players worked tirelessly, stayed committed, and developed and enhanced their skills. We look forward to next season, with the return of many key contributors and leaders. We would also like to wish our graduating seniors best of luck in their future endeavors, and thank them for their contributions to the baseball program at Portledge School.
Varsity Girls Lacrosse This season, the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team was successful overall. The team started off with some effective training and team bonding, spending its first five days of spring break at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL. With a new coaching staff, consisting
of Monique Kelly ’10, Sam Losco, and Cecilia Mulry ’13, the training trip was a key component of seeing how the girls played and worked together. The team’s most competitive games came against Staten Island Academy and Long Island Lutheran. Throughout the season, the girls rose to the challenge and put their practice of ground balls, redefending and communication, and free position shots to good use. One of the highlights of the season was beating Staten Island Academy, 7–6, and running out the clock with possession. The team had great leadership from the seniors (Kristina Callan ’18, Lauren Espinal ’18, Kayla Guo ’18, Talya Kalman ’18, Shay Mahon ’18, Alessandra Marciano ’18, Arianna Marciano ’18, Katharine Mulry ’18, and Olivia Williams ’18) as well as many of the younger players who stepped up in key moments. The team next year will be young, but the girls are excited to add to the work they put in this year and chase a PSAA Championship.
Varsity Boys Lacrosse The Varsity Boys Lacrosse team enjoyed a positive season under new Head Coach Nick Woll, marked by consistent individual and team growth. The team played a difficult schedule against both public and private high schools designed to promote Portledge lacrosse across Long Island. Season highlights included big wins over John L. Miller Great Neck North high School and Hempstead High School. While the team came up short of its ultimate goal of competing for a league championship, the future is bright. According to Coach Woll, “We have a lot of work to do moving forward, but we planted the seeds for establishing a culture of competitive excellence.”
Varsity Boys Tennis This year, the Varsity Boys Tennis team had a thrilling undefeated regular season that was capped off with a nail-biting 3–2 victory in the league
final to capture its third consecutive PSAA Championship. Throughout the season, singles players Alex Vinsky ’21, Alex Wernink ’18, and Oliver Worth ’20 were lights-out dominant. The team looks forward to another great season next year, with high hopes of winning a fourth consecutive PSAA title, and wish its seniors all the best as they move on from Portledge.
Varsity Golf The golf program this spring boomed! There was a definite upswing at Portledge, which was really exciting for Coach Penne Nieporte. This season, there was a record number of participants, 22 males and 11 females, which resulted in the expansion of the golf coaching staff. Bryan Beiersdorfer, First Assistant Golf Professional at Piping Rock Club, helped coach the golfers at the golf facility on campus while Coach Nieporte traveled to the matches. After this year, the team will be losing its top two players, Andrew Herzig ’18 and Liam Pharr ’20. These two young men have contributed greatly to the development and success of the Varsity Golf team at Portledge. Regardless, the team has strong, young, determined players who are excited about returning to the team and playing a contributing role. The goal for the team next season is to be the team to beat in the PSAA. Coach Nieporte noted, “Our young players show a lot of promise, not to mention a few top junior players on Long Island are currently students in the Lower School at Portledge. There is a tremendous amount to look forward to with these young players, and I really am a lucky coach to get to work with all of these talented golfers.” We would like to add a special shoutout to Andrew Herzig ’18, who won the 2018 Individual PSAA Golf Championship with a score of 66, a great accomplishment with which to end his Portledge golf career.
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AT H L E T I C S
Championship Teams
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This year, we had four teams win PSAA Championships. The Varsity Girls Soccer team captured its fourth consecutive PSAA title after defeating Long Island Lutheran, 1–0, in the championship on October 27, 2017 at Cantiague Park. This was the team’s fifth overall PSAA Championship. Coach Phil Hills was named Coach of the Year by the league and Nicole Guarino ’19, Alessandra Marciano ’18, Arianna Marciano ’18, and Marissa Stanco ’18 were named All-League Players. Stanco was also named PSAA Championship Most Valuable Player for the third time in four years. The Varsity Girls Basketball team captured its first PSAA Championship title on February 15, 2018, defeating Lawrence Woodmere Academy, 53–46, in Wellington Gym. The team had great leadership from Lauren Espinal ’18, Katharine Mulry ’18, and Marissa Stanco ’18. Remi Sisselman ’21 proved to be a strong force that many teams could not contain as she captured both regular season and postseason MVP honors. Coach Corinne Turner was named
Coach of the Year by the league, Mulry was named an All-League Player, and Nicole Guarino ’19 and Stanco were named All-Division Players. The Varsity Softball team captured its second consecutive PSAA Championship with a 14–2 win over Soloman Schechter on May 14, 2018. The team was led by Carly Kleinwaks ’18 on the mound, who struck out six players and went 2-for-3, including a two-run home run. The Portledge Panthers exploded in the third inning, going 10–13 at the plate, including Kleinwaks’ home run. The team scored a total of nine runs in the third inning and continued the momentum until Kleinwaks threw the final pitch in the fifth inning. The team totaled 20 hits in the title game, with the top six Portledge hitters going a combined 17-for-22, which included Grace Dima ’18 (4-for-4, two RBIs), Alyssa Genzel ’20 (3-for-4), Brooke Hubert ’20 (3-for-3), Kleinwaks (2-for-3, HR), Kamilah Roberts ’18 (3-for-4, two RBIs), and Marissa Stanco ’18 (2-for-4,
three RBIs). Dima, Kleinwaks, and Lauren Kramer ’18 were named AllDivision Players, and Kleinwaks was named PSAA Playoff Championship MVP for the second consecutive year. The Varsity Boys Tennis team earned its third consecutive PSAA Championship title after defeating Avenues: The World School in a nailbiting 3–2 win on May 17, 2018. The teams were tied, 2–2, with the championship title coming down to the first doubles team consisting of Luka Markovic ’21 and Aaron Vinsky ’19. After dropping the first set, Vinsky and Markovic rallied back to capture the final two sets, with the whole team cheering them on from the sidelines. Markovic earned Playoff MVP with his stellar play in the championship match. This is the third consecutive PSAA Championship for the Portledge Varsity Boys Tennis team, which has been led by the great coaching of PSAA Coach of the Year Chris Corby and his assistant, Alex Alcantara.
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 33
AT H L E T I C S
Athletic Honors Retired Jersey This spring, the Portledge Athletic Department retired the soccer jersey of Marissa Stanco ’18. Stanco wore #21 during her four years at Portledge School and not only contributed to the soccer program but athletics at Portledge as a whole, which earned her the Senior Athletic Award. Her soccer career was unprecedented at Portledge. She helped the Varsity Girls Soccer team achieve four-consecutive PSAA Championships. Stanco was awarded PSAA Regular Season Most Valuable Player four years in a row and voted PSAA Playoff Most Valuable Player three out of her four years on the team. Stanco scored 89 goals and tallied 32 assists during her four years at Portledge, the most career goals in Portledge Girls Soccer history. In August, Stanco will continue her soccer career at Fordham University. We thank you, Marissa, for all you have done for athletics at Portledge, especially the Girls Soccer team, and we wish you all the best as you continue your soccer career in the fall.
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Hall of Fame Inductees At the 2018 Varsity Athletic Awards Ceremony, the Portledge Athletic Department announced the new Athletic Hall of Fame. The inaugural class consists of those whose jerseys have been retired and graduated from Portledge at least five years ago. The list includes the following student-athletes: Paul Sclafani ’86 (#9, Boys Lacrosse), Emily Edwards-Bourdrez ’07 (#41, Girls Basketball), Siena Falino ’09 (#7, Girls Ice Hockey), Aaron Lee ’09 (#20, Boys Lacrosse), and Addie Reilly ’10 (#24, Girls Lacrosse).
Induction Ceremony at Founders Day 2018 Saturday, September 22, 2018
Alumni Events for the Day 11:00 AM Varsity Athletic Games 1:30 PM Hall of Fame Induction 2:00 PM Alumni Kickball Game 5:00 PM Alumni Party at Oyster Bay Brewing Company
The creation of the Hall of Fame has two purposes. First, the Athletic Department would like to honor the careers and accomplishments of select extraordinary student-athletes in a public and special way, to both recognize their exceptional accomplishments and to
inspire our current student-athletes to strive for greatness. Second, Portledge School is actively and thoughtfully working to strengthen ties between alumni and the school. The Hall of Fame aims to accomplish both of these priorities in a celebratory way.
Beginning in January 2019, all Portledge School alumni will be able to nominate others who they believe are worthy of this honor. Eligible alumni are those whose class year is a multiple of five from that year’s graduating class. Therefore, the first alumni eligible for nomination are extraordinary studentathletes who graduated from Portledge in 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014. The Hall of Fame Committee will select one to three nominees to be inducted into the Hall of Fame each year.
The Portledge Athletic Department will hold the official Induction Ceremony each September on Founders Day in
Hall of Fame
SAVE the DATE Founders Day
conjunction with the Alumni Kickball Game and Alumni Party. This year, the Induction Ceremony will be on Saturday, September 22, 2018. We are hopeful that friends, family, and fellow alumni will return to campus for the day’s festivities each and every year. Please join us in celebrating the inaugural class at this years’s Founders Day!
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A L U M N I U P D AT E S
Catching up with
Miyuki Miyagi ’08
“
I remember falling in love with theatre at Portledge in acting class with Mrs. Cavrell (then Miss Harrington). I am so grateful to all of my Portledge music and theatre teachers for teaching
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
me their craft—and to Mr. Hoyler
I went to Princeton University. I majored in politics and minored in theatre and environmental studies. I spent most of my time on campus performing, but Princeton actually does not offer a practical theatre major, only a minor.
for making my schedule work each year.”
What brought you to California? —MIYUKI
MIYAGI ’08
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I moved out to L.A. because I was in need of a change. I had been living and working in New York City for three years, and I was stuck in a rut. I had moved to the city to pursue musical theatre, but I was spending all of my time bogged down in my day jobs. I knew I needed a fresh start in a new city. My boyfriend had recently moved back to L.A. to open a branch of our tutoring company, so the timing was right in that respect, too. I like getting to talk about why I decided to leave New York; I think it’s important to share the negative
Alumni Updates Madison Lee (Mangino) Sheehy ’05 and her shop, Madison Lee’s Cakes, were recently featured on Food Network’s Ridiculous Cakes. Haley Tynes ’09 is currently an Associate with the firm Vedder Price. She is the firm’s Associate Representative for the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, which is a nonprofit association that promotes dialogue among, and a support network for, female attorneys to further their career advancement and professional development. Each year, she participates in the “Sleep Out” event, which is organized by Covenant House International that raises money to support homeless and trafficked youth. Mark Dourmashkin ’10 graduated in May 2018 from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.
Christopher Gerry ’10, a fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University, recently served as a blood stem cell donor through Be The Match Registry, the largest and most diverse donor registry in the world, which helps patients get the transplants they need. Alexander Meshel ’14 graduated summa cum laude in May 2018 from Columbia College. He was also elected into Phi Beta Kappa. He will start medical school in the fall at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he was accepted in 2016 under an early assurance program. Tamara Simpson ’14 finished off her basketball career at Yale University with 1,275 career points, ninth alltime at Yale. As prolific as she was offensively, Simpson also made her mark defensively. She was named Ivy
along with the positive. Setbacks are a part of life, and they don’t mean that you’re a failure, just that you need to change your approach or try again. New York wasn’t working for me, so I decided to start fresh in a new city. I am excited to return to the East Coast, though, when the time is right!
What is your day job? When I’m not performing, I tutor. I tutor many subjects, but about eighty to ninety percent is college test preparation (ACT and SAT). When I was living in New York, I was working on staff at the same tutoring company in curriculum development and training. That was a full-time job. Now, I balance it with my performing. Tutoring uses a totally different part of my brain than acting and singing, and I find it very fulfilling. I am still a math/grammar nerd, and I love teaching!
What was your background in theatre? I’ve been performing since I can remember. Music has always had a place in my life. I remember singing Disney songs for
League Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season as well as second-team All-Ivy League. Wyatt Todd ’14 graduated in May 2018 from Tulane University and will continue her studies this fall at New York Law School. Steven Dourmashkin ’15 was the grand prize winner at the 10th annual New Venture Challenge Championships held in Colorado in April. His company, Specdrums, translates color to sound with plastic rings. The grand prize was $75,000, which Dourmashkin says will be used for additional hires and inventory. Joseph “Joey” Duszak ’15 was named Top Defenseman for the 2017–2018 season by Mercyhurst University’s Men’s Ice Hockey team.
my parents’ friends in our living room as a toddler! I started studying violin at three and continued through college. I remember falling in love with theatre at Portledge in acting class with Mrs. Cavrell (then Miss Harrington). I loved the improv games we would play. That’s funny to me now, because I’m honestly a little terrified of improv! I loved our school plays. My first role as a leading lady was Dorothy in our fourth grade holiday play, The Wizard of Oz! I started voice lessons when I was 10, and I’ve been dancing since I was about five. I trained in music, dance, and theatre with various studios and teachers around the North Shore and continued through college. I performed in the Portledge Upper School play every year, and took every music class I possibly could. I am so grateful to all of my Portledge music and theatre teachers for teaching me their craft—and to Mr. Hoyler for making my schedule work each year. By junior year of high school, I was taking dance four or five times per week outside of school. I also did the pre-college conservatory summer program at New York University’s Tisch School. At Princeton, I was performing basically all the time.
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A L U M N I U P D AT E S
“
Each phase of life at Portledge comes with a few favorite memories. The campus is just so beautiful. I most vividly remember and miss all of the time that I spent outside—playing soccer and lacrosse after school, watching my friends’ athletic games, walking through the cherry blossoms, etc. Our Girls Soccer team in 2004 was pretty magical.”
I performed with Princeton University Players (musicals), the Princeton Triangle Club (student-written musical comedy and sketch comedy), and our theatre department. I also music directed my co-ed a cappella group, the Princeton Roaring 20. That all ended up being a pretty good base for a professional career!
What shows have you done in L.A.? The highest-profile show was a new musical called Allegiance. Allegiance, which is loosely based on George Takei’s experience in the World War II Japanese incarceration camps, debuted on Broadway in 2015. I performed in the L.A. premiere of the show this year. Our L.A. production was the first since Broadway. While the creative team and the vision were new (new director, choreographer, designers, etc.), many of the members of the cast were reprising their Broadway roles. George had been one of the headliners of the Broadway show, and he performed in our production, too. I played Peggy Maruyama. Since the cast was very small, even those of us in the ensemble had featured parts. There was a lot of dancing (and lifting!) on my track. It was a great honor to work with George and the other Broadway veterans. I learned a ton. We also performed the show in L.A.’s Little Tokyo, which meant a lot. We did educational matinees for local high-school arts programs. We also had incarceration camp survivors and their descendants drive and fly in from around the country to see our show. Little Tokyo and Southern California more broadly were areas of the country very affected by the forced removal of Japanese citizens and immigrants during World War II. Getting to perform this story for the people who experienced it firsthand—and at a time when this story is so eerily relevant—will probably be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Since I’m still quite an American politics/history geek, this type of show is my absolute ideal. I can only hope to keep
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performing in productions that are as politically significant. We all could have kept performing the show for months. Still, in a little over six weeks, we performed the story for over 20,000 audience members. It was pretty great! Before Allegiance, I performed in L.A. productions of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Tell us about your latest show. Right now, I’m performing in a production of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame with a company called 5-Star Theatricals in Thousand Oaks, CA. I’m playing a gargoyle—Joan of Arc, actually! After this, I’m doing a staged reading of Jason Robert Brown’s Honeymoon in Vegas.
What was your favorite Portledge memory? I was at Portledge for 13 years! How can I possibly pick just one? Seriously, there are too many to name. Each phase of life at Portledge comes with a few favorite memories. The campus is just so beautiful. I most vividly remember and miss all of the time that I spent outside—playing soccer and lacrosse after school, watching my friends’ athletic games, walking through the cherry blossoms, etc. Our Girls Soccer team in 2004 was pretty magical. I loved it despite the many tears I shed during our pre-season conditioning practices. (I never was the best long-distance runner!) I was a freshman, and the upperclassmen on the team made me feel incredibly welcome. Our captains made us these blue and white cotton bracelets with a little soccer ball charm attached. I think we all wore them for months. I still have mine somewhere. We had such a sense of cohesion and family on that team thanks to the upperclassmen and our coaches, Tara Mills and Michael Coope. It was an amazing season!
ALUMNI
REUNION
Portledge Alumni Reunion By Kelly Walles, Events and Stewardship Manager On Saturday, June 16, over 40 Portledge alums gathered at Wall’s Wharf in Bayville to kick off the start of summer. Alumni from the Class of 1978 to as recent as the Class of 2014 shared stories about their favorite teachers and coaches, caught up with old friends, and reminisced about their days at Portledge. It was a great evening full of Portledge pride! Thanks to all who attended and we look forward to welcoming you back to campus for Founders Day on September 22.
PORTLEDGE PORTLEDGE SCHOOL SCHOOL | 39 | 39
State School of the
2017–2018
By Simon Owen-Williams, Head of School, and Samara Meshel, President of the Board of Trustees
Each year, we aim to provide our community with inside information and perspectives from our school’s leaders as it relates to the current state of our school. Earlier this year, a call for questions was sent via email, inviting members of our community to submit questions for this annual feature. Included below, you will find an excerpt of these questions with responses from our current Board President, Samara Meshel, and Head of School, Simon Owen-Williams. To view the entire Q&A, please visit www.portledge.org/stateoftheschool. Has there been significant progress in the first few months since the Strategic Plan’s approval? Simon Owen-Williams: The new plan, called 20/20: A Clear Vision, combines some ambitious objectives with more evolutionary elements (that are linked to the previous document.) The result of this has meant rapid, early progress in some areas (such as the Athletic Plan and faculty hiring procedures) but
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moderate gains in other areas (such as master planning and the student experience). To date, we are on track with where we hoped and expected to be when the plan was devised. What implications will the guardhouse have on entering and leaving the school? SW: The guardhouse has been a long time coming but is a vital step in creating a safer campus (also a Strategic
Plan initiative). The guardhouse will be equipped with the latest technology and cameras, enabling us to do license plate checks and screenings before vehicles enter our campus. It will also serve as a deterrent to would-be intruders and give our current security team a base. It is placed near the cut out of the Lower School so that if someone is stopped for a check (let’s say they don’t yet have their Portledge car sticker displayed!), it will not cause congestion or traffic backup. What resources are we using to measure the effectiveness and relevance of our emergency protocols and procedures? SW: We use a wide variety of resources to see if what we are doing is effective and working as we want. Certainly, feedback from our community is one such avenue, but as importantly, the Security and Safety Committee (SSC) is used to gauge our progress in this manner. The SSC meets regularly and has increasingly incorporated cutting-
edge technology (NaviGate Prepared app) to coordinate response efforts. This technology informs us of what systems we have in place and how well they are working (for everything from a fire drill to an intruder emergency) and thereby provides invaluable feedback. In turn, this feedback is discussed and improvements are made. What processes have been put in place to ensure that we are recruiting (and retaining) the best faculty possible? SW: The Hiring Committee, led by our Lower School Director, has totally revamped our hiring procedures this year. The process is now structured and every candidate follows the same interview experience—from thorough background checking, to multiple interviews, to teaching a lesson. We are also continually gathering a bank of résumés in case we have a surprise opening during the school year. Ongoing recruitment has also been a significant recent initiative Now that the IB is well underway, with our first diploma graduates, have we seen any evidence of how well this credential serves our students in the college application process and beyond? SW: The IB is an incredible program but is not for everyone. Students who pursue the full diploma need to be organized and manage their time well. Colleges certainly see it as a ‘gold standard’ of sorts. But it is only one way to pass through one’s later high school years. Many students will choose a combination of IB/AP and/or honors and regular classes. The key is to match programs with skills, commitment, intellect, and ability to achieve. That said, we are very pleased with the college placement for this year’s IB diploma cohort. They will be attending some of the nations most selective colleges. Outside of financial aid, are there any other scholarships or awards that students can apply for? SW: There is a small amount of money awarded each year to students for merit
purposes. These awards are typically given to incoming families, but anyone interested in finding out more about whether or not their child may qualify should contact the Admissions Office. Given that the recent increase in school tuition was both significant and the first increase in a number of years, what is the plan for future increases? SW: We do not plan to have further tuition increases of the scale we introduced this year. That said, we have already begun contingency budgeting in the event of a business cycle downturn or unanticipated economic problems. This will ensure that programs can be maintained without compromising quality or further dramatic tuition increases. Going forward, we anticipate our increases to be more in line with the market, inflation, and maintaining existing programs. In spite of the recent tuition increase, it is worth noting that our pricing is still in the middle of our local peer independent school set and a long way away from New York City prices of schools with whom we compete on the athletic fields and for college spots.
What is the sourcing and recruitment process of the Board of Trustees? Samara Meshel: The Board follows the Strategic Plan and focuses on recruiting new Board members who will help us fulfill the needs and goals of the Strategic Plan. We look at what we are missing on the Board and who has the strengths and skill sets that are needed to execute the Strategic Plan. How do you ensure there is a diverse makeup and representation of the Portledge community on the Board? SM: We are always looking for diversity, but at the same time, we have to look for the people with the best qualifications for the needs that we have. We try to have a healthy balance in terms of gender, race, and areas of expertise.
In an effort to provide more objective voices, are there any active initiatives to recruit members of the Board of Trustees who are not Portledge parents? SM: The Board is always looking to recruit members who are not current Portledge parents. We are lucky to have such strong support from both current and former Portledge parents but realize voices from outside the community would be valuable as well. Names have circulated, but we have not found the right combination from outside our community as of this time. Once recruited, is there any formal vetting process that candidates must go through? SM: Once an individual is to be considered for the Board, the Governance Committee presents the name and any pertinent information to the full Board. The full Board discusses and lets the Governance Committee know whether or not it believes the Governance Committee should continue with the process. If the Board decides to proceed, the President of the Board calls the individual to let them know that his/ her name is being considered and asks whether he/she would be interested in going through the process. The process involves an interview by one or more Board members and then a full vote by the Board. Is there a term limit to the Board and are we expecting new members for the upcoming school year? SM: There are term limits for how long a Board member may serve. In accordance with our bylaws, the term of office to which a trustee shall be so elected shall be three years beginning the first of July following such election (usually at the annual May meeting). Furthermore, a trustee is eligible to serve two consecutive terms of three years each. We are very pleased to announce that we have elected four new Board members to begin their initial term on July 1, 2018. In this edition of The Crest, you will find their biographical information. PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 41
BOARD NEWS
Welcome New Board Members 2017–2018 Final Board Meeting By Simon Owen-Williams, Head of School The final meeting of the Board of Trustees for the 2017–2018 school year took place on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. As is customary at this meeting, the Annual Officer Elections were held. I am happy to announce that for the 2018–2019 academic year, Samara Meshel will be President, Lindsey Barnett will be Vice President, Mel Mooney will be Secretary, and Don Wilson will be Treasurer. This meeting also served to formally elect four new members to Portledge School’s Board of Trustees. The new members are Donna Burke (Summer Burke ’29), Kimberly Dey (Charles Dey ’24, Kingsley Dey ’25, and Kendall Dey ’29), Jamal Haughton (Brianna Haughton ’27 and Dylan Haughton ’30), and David Schamis (Caroline Schamis ’23).
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About our new trustees: DONNA BURKE Summer Burke ’29 Donna Burke is an entrepreneur best known for co-founding Sparkpr, a marketing, digital and public relations firm serving the technology and finance industries. The firm supports a diverse range of Fortune 500 clients, venture capital firms and global innovators via offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Johannesburg. Donna co-founded Sparkpr in 1998 at the height of the Internet explosion in Silicon Valley. Fresh off a career at Netscape, where she helped launch the first browsers that gave us access to the Internet, she has since elevated scores of technologies into beloved household brands. Donna’s passion for helping market leaders accelerate their business objectives led Sparkpr to create innovative strategies that propel innovators via the ever-changing technology and media landscapes. Over the past 20 years, Sparkpr has been recognized as one of the most respected agencies globally, securing the American Business Awards’ PR Agency of the Year, consistent rankings as a Best Places to Work by the San Francisco Business Journal and recognition on the Inc. 5000 for five consecutive years as one of America’s fastest growing private companies. Donna has deeply rooted connections within the technology influencer communities and is a trusted peer
and counselor to some of the most powerful executives, venture capitalists and journalists in the country. Her enthusiasm and spirit has been recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as a Top 100 WomenOwned Business in the Bay Area, in PR News’ Top Women in PR and PRWeek’s 40 Under 40. She is a speaker at events such as Stanford’s Innovation in Journalism conference, Fortune Brainstorm Tech, Web 2.0 and Haas Business School’s Women in Leadership conference. Before co-founding Sparkpr, Donna held marketing and public relations positions at Netscape, News Corporation and at a boutique agency supporting clients such as IBM. She holds an M.A. from New York University and resides with her family in Oyster Bay Cove, N.Y.
KIMBERLY DEY Charles Dey ’24, Kingsley Dey ’25, and Kendall Dey ’29 After 26 years of living in Hawaii, Kimberly Dey and her family relocated to Oyster Bay, N.Y., in summer 2016. She was appointed President of Renaissance Property Associates (RPA) in September 2016. She quickly made her impact on one of RPA’s core assets, Oyster Bay Marine Center (OBMC), which was selected as the winner of the 2017 Boaters’ Choice Award, placing OBMC in the top two percent of all marinas in the United States and in the top tier of marinas in New York. Dey’s leadership, strategic thinking, and judgment has earned her the respect of some of Long Island’s community leaders as well. Following her victory in the 2017 Nassau County Executive election, Laura Curran asked Dey to join her transition team. Her contributions to the business community in both Hawaii and Long Island are only rivaled by her involvement in charitable
2018–2019 PORTLEDGE BOARD
affairs. Dey plays an active role in the community, serving as Vice President of her father’s private charitable organization, the Charles B. Wang International Foundation. The Charles B. Wang International Foundation focuses internationally on children and crosscultural affairs. Under her guidance, the foundation has supported Hawaii-based organizations, such as Assets School, Central Union Preschool, Punahou School, Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Le Jardin Academy, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, and Special Olympics Hawaii, with more than $5 million since 2001. In 2007, she was elected and served as chairperson of the Le Jardin board of trustees and led a $20 million school expansion. In 2009, she joined the board of Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children. She was elected Vice Chair in 2014, helping steer the organization through a $35 million capital campaign. Away from the office, she is an accomplished equestrian and a home chef who shares her passion for the two with her husband and children.
JAMAL HAUGHTON Brianna Haughton ’27 and Dylan Haughton ’30 Jamal H. Haughton, Esq., is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Haughton oversees Samsung’s North American legal department and serves as the company’s Chief Legal Officer for the United States. As a member of Samsung’s executive management team, Haughton is responsible for providing counsel to the CEO and senior leadership on all legal matters affecting Samsung and its subsidiaries. He leads a team of attorneys who are responsible for handling commercial transactions, regulatory matters, litigation, risk management, and employment issues.
Prior to joining Samsung, he was Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary for Cablevision Systems Corporation, a Fortune 500 publicly traded media and telecommunications company (NYSE: CVC). At Cablevision, he was responsible for advising the board of directors and senior management on all corporate governance, public company reporting, securities law, mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance-related matters. Prior to joining Cablevision, Haughton worked as a corporate attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, where he was actively involved in the practice of domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate and securities law matters. Haughton received his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 1999 and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1996. He is married to Dr. Adrienne Haughton, Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology at Stony Brook Medicine in Commack, and the proud father of Brianna Haughton ’27 and Dylan Haughton ’30.
DAVID SCHAMIS Caroline Schamis ’23 Mr. Schamis is Founding Partner and Chairman of the Investment Committee at Atlas Merchant Capital LLC, an investment firm focused on financial services. Previously, Mr. Schamis worked at J.C. Flowers from 2000 to January 2014, most recently as a Managing Director and member of the Management Committee. Mr. Schamis joined J.C. Flowers at its inception and has had significant experience investing in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. His day-to-day responsibilities included transaction and sourcing execution, portfolio company monitoring, and firm operations. Prior to
Samara Meshel, President Lindsey Barnett, Vice President Donald D. Wilson, Treasurer Mary Ellen Mooney, Secretary Claude A. Bahnik ’90 Donna Burke Kimberly Dey Peter Guo Jamal Haughton Joshua Kugler Dana Pagliara Jack Piuggi David Schamis Truett Tate Lisa Warren Valerie Yardeni
J.C. Flowers, Mr. Schamis worked in the financial institutions investment banking group at Salomon Smith Barney LLC from 1995 to 2000. Mr. Schamis is currently a member of the board of directors of South Street Securities Holdings, Inc., Praxia Bank (formerly Credicom Consumer Finance Bank S.A.), and Panmure Gordon & Co. PLC. He was previously chairman of the board of directors of Fox-Pitt Kelton and Ascensus Retirement Services (formerly Crump Group, Inc.). He also served on the board of directors for Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc., Symetra Financial Corporation, and MF Global Ltd. In 2007 and 2008, Investment Dealers’ Digest named Mr. Schamis to its “40 Under 40” list. A native of Plainview, N.Y., Mr. Schamis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Yale University. He served as co-chairman of the Class of 1995’s Reunion Gift Committees in 2005, 2010, and 2015. Mr. Schamis is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the board of Yale College Alumni Fund. Mr. Schamis remains active in his community and has coached football and lacrosse at various levels.
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Meet the New
PA President Rey Mostafavi has been an active member of the Portledge community since her son, Mahan ’22, entered the first grade eight years ago. Her love of the school goes back to when she toured the school as a potential community member. She was immediately attracted to the happy and nurturing environment she observed and is now a part of. Rey participated as part of the Parents Association as a Class Parent for five years and is proud of how it has allowed her to experience the caring community first-hand. She also co-chaired the Lower School Plant Sale for several years and volunteered at Portledge events such as the annual Auction Gala, Book Fairs, and Founders Day. She looks forward to taking on a leadership role in the Parents Association for the 2018–2019 school year. We hope to see you at the first meeting on September 13 at 8:30 a.m.
Have questions about the Parents Association or want to get involved in a specific event? Contact the Development Office at 516-750-3244.
2018–2019 Parents Association President Rey Mostafavi Executive Vice President Melissa Halpern VP of Communications Shari Staiano VP of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Ayesha Brantley
CLASS PARENTS
Pre-Nursery Deena Mehta Nursery Danielle Upward Pre-K Adriana Varisano Kindergarten Javier & Vanessa Cruz
VP Lower School Jami Friedman
First Grade Adrienne Haughton
VP Middle School Becky Schamis
Second Grade Sharon Cleary
VP Upper School Orkideh Hallaian
Third Grade Tiffany Palagonia Fourth Grade Tiffany Terranova
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Fifth Grade Lindsay Dubofsky
SPECIAL EVENTS/ PROGRAMS CHAIR(S)
Sixth Grade Pattianne Schnabel
Auction Chair Lindsey Barnett
Seventh Grade Janine Passelis
Founders Day Maria Gray Lisa Vella
Eighth Grade Halley Bodian Ninth Grade Gwen Kugler Tenth Grade Frances Calleo Eleventh Grade Michelle Ort Twelfth Grade Angela Paradysz
Champions for Charity® Mona Sanveren Portledge Dad’s Den Carl Huber Inter-School Exchange Becky Schamis
Auction Thank You The 2018 Auction Gala was a tremendous success and a fabulous evening for the Portledge community. It was great to see so many of you attend in the spirit of friendship, celebration, and philanthropy. Special thanks to the Auction Committee, especially Auction Chair Dorthe Tate assisted by Silent Auction Chair, Dana Pagliara; Journal Chairs Janine Passelis and Heather Ritter; Decor Chair Alissa Striano; Raffle Chair Angela Paradysz; and Live Auction Chairs Luciene Salomone and Sharon Minott. The creative and printed materials were designed and underwritten by the Feldstein family. The evening was filled with celebration, fun, and lots of Portledge pride. The raffle trip to The Resort at Pelican Hill was won by our beloved Madame Mathieu. The auction wrap-up went to a Compact Multimedia Studio. And, the evening reverberated with the fantastic music of Portledge parent Chris Paradysz’s band, One Louder. Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who helped support this annual initiative!
SAV E T H E DAT E 2019 Portledge Cocktail Party and Auction Fundraiser
New Day, New Concept, New Venue! Friday, March 29 | 7:30–11:30 p.m. | The Space at Westbury Hors d’oeuvres, Sushi, Savory Tasting Tables, Auction, Drinks, & Dancing We are thrilled to announce Lindsey Barnett as the 2019 Auction Chair. Please contact the Development Office at 516-750-3244 for ways to get involved, sponsorship opportunities, donations, and more.
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#ThisIsPortledge
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Follow us on Instagram @portledge_school PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 47
Founders Day Save the Date
Join us on Saturday, September 22 as we celebrate the history and tradition of Portledge and officially kick off the 2018–2019 school year! This annual event brings together Portledge students, parents, alumni, and faculty to share in rides, athletic events, games, food, and more. This year, we are bringing in a variety of delicious food trucks, including: Valducci’s Pizza Grill Boys Frankie’s Famous Greek & Fried Desserts Kona Ice Also, please plan on joining in the fun by playing in the first-ever community kickball game held on the baseball field.
Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on the Showmobile Stage. All are welcome to attend!
Alumni Party All alumni 21+ are invited to meet-up after Founders Day at the Oyster Bay Brewing Company for a Portledge Alumni Party at 5 p.m. Come mix and mingle with your fellow alums!
Save the Date
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Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad Recipe By Chef Kevin Heenan, Culinart Group
Since the first time I was introduced to it in 2005 watermelon and feta salad with mint has become a staple summertime dish at my place (and, no doubt, at many of your places as well), and I’ve learned a few things when adapting that recipe for home use. One: You can get rid of pretty much all of the extraneous ingredients. Two: The quality of the watermelon and, more critically, the feta is of utmost importance. And three: A little zest goes a long way.
Why It Works
Ingredients 3 pounds seedless watermelon (about 1 small or 1/4 large), rind removed, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 2 pounds/1kg chunks after rind is discarded) 1 tablespoon (15ml) juice from 1 lemon, plus 4 (2-inch) strips zest, removed with a sharp vegetable peeler 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1/4 cup (10g) roughly chopped fresh mint leaves Up to 4 ounces (1 quart) arugula leaves (optional)
Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and mint are a classic pairing. Adding a good dose of chopped lemon zest enhances the aromatic flavors in the watermelon. Crumbling the feta over the top, instead of tossing it together with the rest of the salad, provides a more interesting finished texture and flavor.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 ounces (110g) feta cheese (see note)
YIELD: Serves 4 to 6
Directions
ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes
1. Place watermelon chunks in a large bowl. Finely chop lemon zest. Add lemon juice and half of zest to bowl with watermelon. Add oil, mint, and arugula (if using) and toss until watermelon is evenly dressed. Season lightly to taste with salt and pepper. (The cheese will add saltiness, so go light on the salt at this stage.)
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes RATED: 5 stars
2. Transfer salad to a wide, shallow bowl or a large plate and spread out evenly. Crumble feta over the top. Sprinkle with remaining lemon zest. Drizzle with more olive oil and a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately. PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | F
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL | 49
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
355 Duck Pond Road Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516) 750-3100 www.portledge.org
PAID MILFORD, CT PERMIT NO. 80
THANK YOU for supporting the 2017-2018 Annual Fund.
All Parents
Donors 81%
Each Annual Fund gift truly makes an impact on the Portledge student experience.
Parent Participation By Class Annual Fund 2017-2018
88%
80% 80%
79%
73%
83%
85%
87%
3rd
2nd
100% 80% 80%
78%
77%
Percentage
73%
100%
91%
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Non-Donors 19%