Winter Patterns 2026

HOW PHYSICAL EDUCATION STRENGTHENS THE MIND A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO AI AT SMES EARLY LITERACY SKILLS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Summer Fun! JUMP into

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 1, 2026

CAMP BROCHURE POSTED ONLINE: STMARTINSCHOOL.ORG

Join us this summer! Summer camps at St. Martin’s Episcopal School provide a variety of child-centered activities focusing on skill building, learning and lots of fun for children in rising Pre-K through 8th Grade. We offer one-week sessions specializing in a variety of activities. Check online for a full list of sessions.

SESSION 1: June 1 - June 26

SESSION 2: July 6 - July 31

Mark McDaniel, Director | mmcdaniel@stmartinschool.org 404.228.0760 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, GA 30319

Enrollment at St. Martin’s Episcopal School is not required to attend.

EDITOR

Kristi Gaffney

CONTRIBUTORS

Kenneth Alexander

Abbey Bradner

LaToyia Hawkins

Bailey Henderson

Morgan Hubbard (8th Grade Writer)

Maria Croley Madden

Mark McDaniel

Anglea McKenzie

Nadine Najjar

Dean Pearch (8th Grade Writer)

Lauren Ramirez

Kate Rand

Chris Salter

Lauren Sims

DESIGN

Stalling Design

ADMINISTRATION

Maria Croley Madden

Head of School

LaToyia Hawkins

Principal, Early Childhood

Lynne Perry

Principal, Lower School

Kanette Fenstermacher

Principal, Middle School

Cheryl Doughty

Director of Finance & Operations

Kristi Gaffney

Director of Marketing & Communications

Gopi Shammas

Director of Enrollment Management & Tuition Assistance

Lauren Sims

Director of Advancement

Mark McDaniel

Director of Campus Safety & Director of Athletics

The Rev. Brandon Duke Chaplain

The Rev. Monica Mainwaring St. Martin’s Church Rector

Patterns is published biannually by St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Please direct any letters, comments or news items to:

St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 (404) 237-4260

Attn: Kristi Gaffney stmartinschool.org kgaffney@stmartinschool.org

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Martin’s Episcopal School is dedicated to providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.

A NOTE FROM THE

HEAD OF SCHOOL

As we step into 2026 with renewed energy and purpose, I am delighted to welcome you to the winter edition of our bi-annual Patterns magazine. The start of a new year invites reflection—on what we’ve accomplished, what we hope to strengthen, and the ways our mission continues to guide us forward. This issue is filled with stories that beautifully capture both the reflection of St. Martin’s vibrancy and the many ways our students, faculty, families, and alumni bring our core values to life each day.

Our Seen & Heard roundup offers a joyful look back at a season full of beloved traditions, including Halloween festivities, Feast Day, Grandparents’ Day, and our Veterans Day observance—moments that knit our community together. You will also find a rich collection of articles that highlight the depth and intentionality behind our programs and our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

“How PE Strengthens the Mind” explores the powerful connection between movement and cognitive development, underscoring the importance of physical education in nurturing the whole child. In Early Childhood, our commitment to foundational literacy shines through a Heggerty phonemic awareness success story that is helping our youngest learners grow into confident readers.

Service remains central to who we are, and “Kairos Gives Back” highlights student-led initiatives, from making sandwiches for local partners to participating in the Dyslexia Dash, that

reflect our enduring commitment to compassion in action. This issue also includes an honest, thoughtful look at the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, outlining how St. Martin’s is approaching these new tools with care, curiosity, and responsibility.

Throughout this issue, you will meet members of our community who inspire us daily. In our Portrait of a Graduate feature, we celebrate alumna Dr. Nadine Najjar, now a Pediatric Critical Care Physician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta—and aunt to a current third-grade student. Faculty voice is elevated through reflections from Middle School math teacher Kenneth Alexander, while our student writers section showcases 8th-grade creative writing. Our Volunteer Spotlight shines on Abbey Bradner, current parent and parent of a 2025 graduate.

From fall sports highlights and intramurals, to the GA OneAct performance and a heartwarming piece on the simple joy of walking to school, this issue captures the spirit of St. Martin’s as curious, connected, and joyfully engaged. You’ll also find updates on our new parent education series, Warrior Connect, as well as Alumni Notes, Faculty News, and an overview of our Gratitude Grows Greatness annual fund success. In 2026, the PTO hosts a gala, Palm Royale, and we look forward to celebrating the power of philanthropy on campus through The St. Martin’s Fund, empowering faculty excellence, and a capital campaign to renovate our beloved Warrior Hall.

Thank you for your support of SMES! We look forward to another wonderful year celebrating our students, school, and community.

Gratefully,

Maria Croley Madden

Seen + Heard

OPENING CHAPEL SERVICE:

A Joyful Start

Lower and Middle School students gathered for the opening chapel service, where Father Duke and the religion team welcomed everyone back with a joyful, community-filled celebration. The meaningful service set the tone for an exciting year ahead.

OPENING ASSEMBLY:

NEWS AND HAPPENINGSIN THE COMMUNITYSCHOOL

One Love, One Community

The opening assembly kicked off with 8th-graders and their Kindergarten buddies parading in together. The SMES community heard messages about kindness and the values of St. Martin’s - and to set the spirit for the school year, 8th-graders announced the song of the year, “One Love” by Bob Marley, and the corresponding quote of the year: ”Let’s get together and feel alright.”

Coffee, Conversation and Community

St. Martin’s celebrated the first week of school with a community coffee truck for parents after carpool. It was a morning filled with joy, friends, both old and new, and of course, coffee!

A COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY

Middle School students proudly signed the St. Martin’s Honor Code. With this pledge, students pledge to always be honest, trustworthy, fair and kind.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY :

Game On!

St. Martin’s kicked off the fall sports season in style as students, faculty and staff sported their favorite football team merch! Of course, St. Martin’s numberone team will always be the Warriors!

SMES TASTE TOUR:

A Sampling of SMES for New Families

St. Martin’s welcomed new families to a special Taste Tour event, popping around campus for short stops that revealed the depth of a St. Martin’s education. Parents learned about many facets of school life - from strong academics and engaging arts and athletics programs to the Episcopal foundation that fosters service learning and community life - while uncovering distinctive touches that make St. Martin’s special, such as the comprehensive woodworking program and the capstone trip to the Grand Canyon for 8th graders. Together, these elements create a full journey where students grow and thrive.

BREAKFAST AROUND THE WORLD:

Sips, Bites & Global Delights

St. Martin’s welcomed parents, faculty and staff for the 3rd annual Breakfast Around the World event. Guests came together to enjoy coffee and delicious food from around the world, celebrating a variety of cultures through the international language of food.

Blessing of All Creatures

In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, students gathered for a special chapel service to honor all creatures, great and small. A special blessing was given to the EC science lab animals along with the lovies, stuffies and pet photos students brought from home.

5th

6th

7th

8th

Team Building and Bonding

MS students had a blast on their fall retreats. Fifth graders stayed local, visiting Sojourn Adventures and enjoying an on-campus retreat day. Sixth graders traveled to Nature’s Classroom in Alabama, while 7th graders attended Butter & Egg Adventures in Alabama, and 8th graders visited the Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina. From team-building activities to obstacle courses and water rafting, students had a great time bonding and making memories with their classmates.

FACULTY IN-SERVICE DAY:

St. Martin’s Adopt-A-Street

To wrap up the SMES faculty and staff in-service day, a large group of faculty/staff volunteers gave back by picking up litter along the roads surrounding campus. St. Martin’s has officially adopted sections of Ashford Dunwoody and Windsor Parkway, reinforcing our commitment to keeping our neighborhood clean and beautiful! St. Martin’s is the second group to officially adopt-astreet in Brookhaven.

C-O-N-G-R-A-T-S

The annual SMES Spelling Bee brought together 24 Middle School students who advanced through homeroom competitions to compete in the final bee. 5th-grader Lizzy Battle (below rt) won the competition by correctly spelling “fiberglass,” while 6th-grader Dominic Jean-Pierre (below l) earned the runner-up spot. Both students qualify to represent SMES at the GISA Spelling Bee. Congratulations to all participants.

Leading the Way at SMES

Each fall, every 5th through 8th-grade homeroom elects two representatives to serve on the SMES Student Council. From that group, six students are elected to serve as leadership officers on the executive board. Congratulations to the 2025-26 executive board!

L-R: Will Beauchamp, VP of Administration; Caroline Brown, Recording Secretary; Ava Odemchuk, Corresponding Secretary; Emme Layne Rea, President; Hadley Tongel, Treasurer; and Ryan Hamilton, VP of School Services. Not pictured, David Lighthiser, VP of Communications.

PTO FALL FESTIVAL:

FALL FESTIVAL FUN

The PTO Fall Festival brought the SMES community together for a day full of fun. Festival-goers enjoyed rides, obstacle courses, inflatables, games, face painting, and more. The raffle offering an opportunity to pie a faculty/staff member was a huge hit!

A BELOVED TRADITION: Halloween Parade

Early Childhood, Kindergarten, and 8th-grade students filled the St. Martin’s campus with spooky fun and festive cheer during the annual Halloween Parade. From superheroes and inflatable costumes to princesses and pop stars, students proudly showed off their creative costumes. Kindergarteners were overjoyed as they walked hand in hand with their 8th-grade buddies!

GRAND GATHERINGS:

Early Childhood & Lower School Grandparents’ or Special Friends’ Day

SMES kicked off Thanksgiving break with a heartwarming Grandparents’ or Special Friends’ Day for Early Childhood and Lower School families. Early Childhood guests gathered in the Chapel for a program filled with songs and readings, while Lower School families filled the gym for grade-level and all-LS musical performances. Father Duke offered a blessing, and St. Martin’s Fund Grandparent Chairs Nick and Effie Moraitakis shared remarks of gratitude and welcome. Both were joyful events filled with smiles, songs and stories as students proudly shared what makes St. Martin’s such a special place. Following each program, guests joined students in their classrooms for meaningful time together.

Whoville Comes to SMES

Second-grade classrooms transformed into a whimsical Whoville from Dr. Seuss’s classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” With festive decorations and plenty of grinchy fun, students and teachers fully embraced the holiday spirit. It was a day so full of cheer that even the Grinch himself would have smiled.

Tidings, Treats, & Cheer

Santa Claus made a special early stop at SMES to spread holiday magic. Students had a wonderful time during their story time with Santa while enjoying delicious Christmas treats. A big thank you to the PTO parent elves for working their Christmas magic in the kitchen to bake delicious goodies for all to enjoy.

HONORING SERVICE AND SPIRIT:

Veterans Day & Feast Day at SMES

St. Martin’s celebrated two meaningful traditions in one powerful day as the community gathered to honor Veterans Day and the Feast Day of our patron saint, Martin of Tours. The morning began with our annual Veterans Day program, featuring student speakers, patriotic musical performances, and a live flag presentation by the fourth grade. Guests also heard a keynote address from Retired Navy Lt. Hayes Fountain, III and celebrated the winners of the school-wide essay and artwork contests.

THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE:

The celebration continued into Feast Day, where students embraced the spirit of service and connection that reflects St. Martin’s values. Classes worked together on service projects, assembled blessing bags for the Suthers Center, enjoyed buddy activities, and played at a lively game carnival. Students also participated in a panel discussion with veterans from our community.

VOLLEYBALL MATCH-UP:

The day wrapped up with the always-popular Students vs. Adults Volleyball Game, filling the gym with cheers and friendly competition. After three exciting sets, the students clinched the win 15–11—way to go, Warriors!

KINDERGARTEN AND 2ND GRADE: CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS:

Spreading Christmas Cheer

As Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” SMES students certainly took that to heart during our festive Christmas programs. Kindergarteners brought the Nativity story to life, dressing as angels, shepherds, kings, and animals and reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Second graders followed with “Christmas All Around the World,” sharing holiday traditions through song and celebration. The programs were filled with joy, music and the spirit of the season!

Sounds of the Season

Middle School band students gave it their all, performing favorite holiday hits for parents and classmates to enjoy. From classic carols to festive favorites, the band delivered a wonderful morning of music that brought everyone into the spirit of the season. Families joined in a cheerful singalong, and Addison Clark offered a beautiful solo performance of “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” adding a special touch to the concert.

Dashing into Holiday Cheer

The annual PTO Warrior Reindeer 5K & Fun Run brought the St. Martin’s community together for a festive morning of holiday fun. Runners and walkers of all ages laced up their sneakers to spread cheer throughout the course. After crossing the finish line, participants enjoyed a post-race celebration complete with festive music, an awards ceremony and family-friendly activities, adding to the joyful spirit of the season.

HOW PHYSICAL EDUCATION STRENGTHENS THE MIND:

The Mental Benefits of Movement

by LAUREN RAMIREZ, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

“Physical education is essential in helping Lower School students build foundational focus and coordination, while empowering Middle School students to manage stress and sharpen their concentration. These are skills that directly boost their confidence and engagement across all their classes.”

LAUREN KOHLHOFF

Early Childhood/Lower School Director of Teaching & Learning

If you were to ask any student, “What’s your favorite part of your day?” PE would often top the list. At St. Martin’s, movement is more than just playtime. It’s an essential part of learning for students across each division. PE classes with Coach Amanda Walker and Coach Susan Murphy offer interactive lessons where bodybuilding and mindbuilding go hand in hand. In PE, students build teamwork skills through group games, improve coordination through skill-based activities such as dribbling, throwing and catching and test agility through obstacle courses and relay races. The lessons in PE reinforce focus, self-control and confidence—qualities that help students return to the classroom ready to learn.

THE BRAIN BENEFITS OF BEING ACTIVE

Regular physical activity in PE enhances students’ focus and engagement. Coach Walker explains, “PE gives students a chance to use their brains differently. When younger students practice things like jumping patterns or teamwork games, they’re strengthening memory, attention and communication skills. Those same skills help them stay focused, solve problems and work well with others back in the classroom.” Current research supports the connection between movement and learning. A study published in the National Library of Medicine on “The Effects of Physical Activity on Children’s Executive Function” explains that executive function—the brain’s ability to direct goal-oriented behaviors—is still developing in late childhood. Aerobic exercise, such as running, can help enhance skills like memory, flexible thinking and self-control. In other words, PE does more than just get students moving—it helps train their brains to think, adapt and problem-solve, which sets them up for success in core classes.

COOLING DOWN TO RESET

At the end of each Lower School PE class, Coach Walker and Coach Murphy guide students through a calming cool-down session that includes stretching, breathing exercises or a short meditation. These quiet moments help students regulate their nervous systems, easing excess energy and stress from the day. “At the end of each PE class, we take time to slow down with breathing, relaxation, or mindfulness exercises,” notes Coach Murphy. “That wind-down

“AT THE END OF EACH PE CLASS, WE TAKE TIME TO SLOW DOWN WITH BREATHING, RELAXATION, OR MINDFULNESS EXERCISES .” NOTES COACH MURPHY.

is just as important as the activities in class. It helps calm students so they can recenter when they return to class.” By giving students a chance to slow down and turn their attention inward, this PE methodology supports emotional balance and helps them transition smoothly back into the next part of their day. Melanie Gracey, 1st-grade teacher, reflects on the difference she sees. “When the children return from PE, they are calm and centered. Using gross motor skills for a solid 40 minutes helps the children stay focused in their academic classes. By ending the PE period with their wind-down and breathing exercises, they return ready to re-engage with their academic class. Students absolutely thrive on PE days!”

At St. Martin’s, PE is more than just a break in the day. It’s a class where movement meets mindfulness. Every jump, stretch and breath helps students build strong bodies, clear minds and calm hearts. The skills they practice in the gym carry over into the classroom, allowing students to be calm, confident and ready to learn.

Celebrating Community, Music and Joy at Groovin’ on the Green

by THE ADVANCEMENT TEAM LAUREN SIMS, BAILEY HENDERSON, AND KATE RAND

The St. Martin’s community came together in true Warrior spirit for the 3rd annual Groovin’ on the Green event. More than 125 St. Martin’s Fund (SMF) donors gathered on the school’s green space to enjoy a relaxing night outdoors, celebrating the connection and support that we embody as a school. Guests arrived with arms full of picnic baskets, lawn chairs and an array of delicious food, transforming the green into a lively outdoor celebration of friendship, good food and great vibes!

Together we enjoyed live music by The Potentials, who played crowd favorites that had guests singing and groovin’ along. The set created a perfect backdrop for an event that has quickly become one of St. Martin’s favorite annual gatherings–a time to unwind, reconnect and celebrate the spirit of the school in a warm, joy-

ful setting. Guests also enjoyed a 360 photo booth, which captured the fun of the evening in motion. Friends, old and new, gathered to take lighthearted photos and videos, adding a playful touch to the night. Meanwhile, the funnel cake truck proved to be a hit, offering warm, sweet treats that brought a smile to everyone’s face!

Just when the night seemed like it couldn’t get any better, Mother Nature joined the party. Every story needs a great twist - the skies opened up during the final 30 minutes of the event and, true to form, the St. Martin’s crowd didn’t let a little rain dampen their spirits. Guests huddled together under tents and kept right on laughing and enjoying the night! It was the perfect ending, a spontaneous reminder that when our community gathers, nothing can wash away the fun.

Events like Groovin’ on the Green are made possible through the generosity of our SMES community and their continued support of The St. Martin’s Fund. Each year, this event grows in size and spirit, reflecting the heart of what makes St. Martin’s so special– a community that shows up, celebrates together and supports one another. With music, laughter and shared memories filling the air, this year’s Groovin’ on the Green was truly one for the books. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.

“Groovin’ on the Green was such a wonderful evening. We had a great time meeting new parents and connecting with the amazing school staff. I love the sense of community our school creates!”

—Katie McGill

New parent (Sutton, age 2)

“Our first Groovin’ on the Green is in the books, and what a night! Met amazing people, chatted until we couldn’t chat anymore, and soaked up all the good vibes. Counting down until next year already!”

—Alexis Brereton

New parent (Axil & Berlin, age 4, Cairo age 2)

St. Martin’s Kairos Learning Center Gives Back

The Kairos Learning Center (KLC) is St. Martin’s schoolwithin-a-school program that empowers students in 1st-8th grade with dyslexia to unlock their full academic potential by building both skills and confidence. Beyond academics, KLC students, along with the broader SMES community, recently participated in several service projects that reinforce the SMES mission.

The Sandwich Project: From Classroom to the Community

The Middle School Literacy Lab is a class within the Kairos Learning Center that helps middle school students strengthen and reinforce grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing fluency. This fall, Mrs. Salter’s 6th-grade Literacy Lab class read “Free Lunch” by Rex Ogle, a memoir about growing up in poverty and relying on free school lunches for a young middle school student’s only meal. Inspired by the lessons in the book, students reflected on empathy, gratitude and the impact that small acts of kindness can have. Putting

the book’s lessons into action, 6th graders made 87 turkey-and-cheese sandwiches for the Atlanta-based nonprofit group The Sandwich Project. The group’s mission is to deliver fresh sandwiches to community members in metro Atlanta who are facing food insecurity. Through this hands-on service learning experience, students in Mrs. Salter’s class experienced firsthand how learning can extend beyond the classroom and benefit the greater community.

For students, both opportunities highlight how SMES students can link academic growth with service learning to give back.

IDA Dyslexia Dash

Similarly, the SMES community came together on Saturday, Oct. 18, to participate in the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Dyslexia Dash 5K and fun run at Perimeter Mall. Thirty-seven SMES community members ran or walked to raise awareness and funds for dyslexia support, demonstrating another way the St. Martin’s community turns knowledge and compassion into meaningful action. For students, both opportunities highlight how SMES students can link academic growth with service learning to give back, whether through sandwiches or steps, thereby strengthening both the community and themselves.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ST. MARTIN’S TAKES A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO AI

by ANGELA MCKENZIE, MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

As schools across the country explore how to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning, the question is no longer if this technology will shape education, but how we will use it in the best interest of students and teachers. At St. Martin’s Episcopal School, we approach AI not as the latest trend to follow, but as a tool to explore thoughtfully within the context of our mission and values.

KEEPING THE HUMAN CONNECTION

The most important thing to remember is that teaching and learning are rooted in the relationships built between teachers and students in the classroom. These relationships are central to everything, and no algorithm or technology advancement can replace human connection. The relationships between our St. Martin’s teachers and students are a hallmark of our community-centered school. Rest assured, that doesn’t go away as technology evolves.

At St. Martin’s, our teachers’ engagement with AI spans a wide spectrum. Some use it daily to

brainstorm lesson ideas, differentiate assignments, and generate rubrics. Others remain cautious, preferring to observe how the technology evolves before incorporating it into their classrooms. This range reflects a healthy culture of professional autonomy and intellectual curiosity.

MAGICSCHOOL - BUILT BY EDUCATORS

All St. Martin’s teachers currently hold Level 2 certification with MagicSchool AI. Built by educators, MagicSchool is the leading AI platform for educators worldwide with over 80 tools to assist in the creation of lesson plans, projects, and assessments. The AI assistant helps to simplify teacher tasks, differentiate content, and save time in planning. Keep in mind that AI is powered by humans, and the reason we chose

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

THE AI ASSISTANT HELPS TO SIMPLIFY TEACHER TASKS, DIFFERENTIATE CONTENT,

AND SAVE TIME IN PLANNING.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

AI can generate a song about the four seasons to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

LOWER SCHOOL

AI can modify assignments for differernt reading levels and create alternate activities for students who need additional support or a greater challenge.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

AI can develop rubrics for assessing projects and develop exit ticket questions to assess student understanding at the end of a lesson.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT TEACHING AND LEARNING ARE ROOTED IN THE RELATIONSHIPS BUILT BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM.

MagicSchool is because it was created by educators. In Early Childhood, a teacher may use AI to generate a song about the four seasons to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Lower School teachers are using AI to modify assignments for different reading levels and to create alternate activities for students who need additional support or a greater challenge. Middle School teachers are using AI to develop rubrics for assessing projects and to develop exit ticket questions to assess student understanding at the end of a lesson.

As our children grow up in an increasingly technological world, digital literacy skills help them navigate online tools, understand how to identify reliable sources, keep them safe in online settings, and become effective communicators. The ability to use AI is becoming just as important as knowing how to send an email and search topics on the Internet. Our teachers are always monitoring technology usage because we believe that St. Martin’s students must be equipped to navigate the AI world responsibly in a safe, structured environment. Canva is a popular tool that students in Lower School and Middle School are able to interact with at developmentally appropriate levels to create slides, posters, and brochures about what they are learning. Our Middle School students (6th-8th) take a year-long research and design course. They spend a semester focused on digital literacy and learn how AI is trained by humans, how AI algorithms work, how to use chatbots effectively, what AI hallucinations are, and how to use AI responsibly.

BALANCING INNOVATION WITH RESPONSIBILITY

AI holds transformative potential to enhance education through personalization, instant feedback, efficiency, and data-driven insights. However, its benefits must be balanced against the challenges of equity, privacy, and accuracy. Thoughtful, ethical implementation paired with continuous evaluation will be key to a successful partnership between teachers and AI. Our SMES teachers will continue to evaluate AI tools by asking: Does it deepen learning? Does it help us serve students more effectively?

AI and technology are ever-evolving fields, and it seems AI is moving faster than people can keep up. As with any transformative technology, the real measure of success will not be how much we use AI, but how well we use it. We must encourage a culture of continuous learning where teachers and administrators stay informed about the latest developments and understand both the advantages and the implications for education. With that in mind, SMES is committed to educating staff and students on AI capabilities, limitations, and ethical use.

Spotlight

When did your family become part of the SMES community?

We have three daughters—Madeline, Hailey and Charlotte—who have each attended or currently attend St. Martin’s. We became part of the St. Martin’s community in 2015, when Madeline, now a high school freshman, began Pre-K. We instantly felt a connection to the school and its community. The following year, in 2016, our middle daughter, Hailey—currently an 8th grader—began Pre-K and joined her big sister at SMES. Fast forward three years to 2019, when our youngest, Charlotte, started Pre-K; she is now in 5th grade. We are in our 11th year at St. Martin’s, and although the school continues to grow and evolve, much like our children, our family continues to feel the same sense of welcome, warmth, and nurturing that attracted us to SMES over a decade ago. In what capacities have you volunteered at SMES (in and out of the classroom)?

Having been part of the SMES com munity for so long, I have had the opportunity to volunteer in many different capacities. I start ed off as a room rep after being asked by a friend, which gave me the opportunity to get to know the other parents, kids and teachers. I continued in that role for many years. I also became part of the Parents’ Council, where I got to know more teachers and administrators. The

ABBEY BRADNER

CELEBRATING COMMITMENT TO THE SMES COMMUNITY

more I got involved, the more I realized how important volunteering is to building the great sense of community we all feel here at SMES. I made many friends, and together we volunteered for events like the Book Fair, Fall Festival, Cookies and Carols, and more. Eventually, I began chairing committees and, in 2020, joined the PTO Executive Board, where I served one year as co-VP and another as co-President. Volunteering at SMES has been so fulfilling and has allowed me to meet many of my dearest friends.

Why is fundraising for St. Martin’s important to you and your family?

Fundraising for St. Martin’s is important to me and my family because it helps provide so many additional opportunities and programs for our kids that they may otherwise miss out on. The supplemental experiences offered in and out of the classroom create impactful educational moments and lasting bonds for students.

I also love that 8th graders take part in thanking families for their donations. It gives them an active role in the fundraising process and allows them to show appreciation for the enhanced education they receive through the generosity of others.

What makes St. Martin’s special to you and your family?

St. Martin’s is special to our family because of the sense of community and the opportunities it has provided for our children. The teachers, faculty and staff have not only taught but also helped raise our three girls into the amazing people they are becoming. Our girls have spent most of their lives at St. Martin’s—a school where they are not only recognized but truly known, cared for and loved.

How does the preschool-8th-grade model foster a sense of community engagement at St. Martin’s

We chose to send our girls to St. Martin’s 11 years ago, not only because of the community but specifically because of the preschool through 8th-grade model. We loved the idea of our kids having the opportunity to grow and become leaders without the pressure or insecurities that come with trying to “keep up” with older kids. The 8th-grade model also allows for so many full-circle traditions: the buddy program and Halloween parade, where all three of my girls will have had an 8th-grade buddy and then get to be the 8th-grade buddy; the Daughters’ Dance, where for years my girls watched the special recognition of 8th graders, and will also be recognized themselves as 8th graders while the younger girls look on; and finally, graduation, where the 8th graders are recognized and celebrated before heading off to high school. These traditions foster a powerful sense of belonging, continuity, and pride - connecting every student to the heart of the St. Martin’s community.

Mary Ann McCormick, Beginners

“Our class has benefited the most from the rhyming portion of the Heggerty curriculum, and the students are starting to catch on to the blending!”

A STRONG START

How St. Martin’s phonemic awareness curriculum strengthens early literacy and confidence in our youngest learners.

Courtney Markowitz, Beginners

“Heggerty has been such a valuable tool in my classroom. The lessons are interactive, engaging, and make learning phonemic awareness fun for my students. It’s been incredible watching their confidence and understanding of sounds grow each week.”

Lynn Beshears, Pre-K

“I love how the Heggerty program delivers fast, fun, and effective 10-minute daily lessons that build phonemic awareness.”

Mallory Watkins, Pre-K

“I love the Heggerty curriculum because it makes phonemic awareness fun and engaging for my students. The lessons are short and consistent, making them easy to integrate into our daily routine. I see the value it brings every day in how my students grow in their ability to listen for sounds, recognize rhymes, and manipulate words and syllables. These skills build their confidence and prepare them for success as early readers.”

Growing Readers in Early Childhood

by LATOYIA HAWKINS , EARLY CHILDHOOD PRINCIPAL

Building foundations at the preschool level is an integral part of shaping future success and fostering an early love of learning. Across Early Childhood programs, there is growing recognition that these early experiences build confidence, curiosity, and the skills that support lifelong learning. At St. Martin’s, we are committed to providing a high-quality education for our learners from Toddlers through 8th grade. When I stepped into my role as Principal, I saw an opportunity to partner with our teaching and learning team to ensure that our youngest students are supported by a strong, research-based early literacy curriculum.

Early literacy skill development is at the forefront of our curriculum for Beginner and Pre-K students. With the important task of building these skills, last year we adopted Heggerty, a phonemic awareness curriculum, for our Beginner and Pre-K students. Phonemic awareness is one of the strongest predictors of reading success, and it was essential that our program assist students in developing these foundational literacy skills

while supporting teachers with a clear framework and engaging lessons that spark excitement for learning.

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds, allowing students to focus on sound awareness rather than letters as they build early reading skills. When deciding on a curriculum, what stood out about Heggerty was its movement component, including hand gestures and visual cues, as well as its fun, engaging nature for students. The consistent routines also make learning both fun and accessible, encouraging participation and confidence in every student. Another advantage is that lessons are short and practical, offering 10-12 minutes a day of interactive, joyful learning that can fit seamlessly into the rhythm of the classroom.

After the first year of implementation, we have seen measurable growth in student skill development. Students are enthusiastic and engaged, teachers are confident and consistent in their ability to deliver these lessons daily, and students are demonstrating emerging skills. Our learners are building a strong foundation for early reading while developing increased vocabulary, language awareness, and listening skills - all of which prepare

Brittany Higgins, Beginners

“Heggerty is a fun and captivating learning tool for Beginners. They love to participate through hand gestures, rhyming, and body movements. We have so much fun!”

Felicia Mitchell, Pre-K

Raven Asberry, Beginners

“Heggerty is such a fun and interesting way to teach early reading skills. The students really look forward to our lessons each day!”

“Teaching early literacy skills along with phonemic awareness with teacher modeling is important. Children need solid phonemic awareness training for phonics instruction to be effective.”

them for a smooth transition into Kindergarten as they enter Lower School.

As we continue our journey with the Heggerty curriculum, it’s inspiring to see our youngest learners grow in confidence, curiosity, and joy for learning. The daily lessons not only strengthen essential early literacy skills but also foster a genuine love of language and discovery. I am proud of the progress our students have made and look forward to seeing how these early foundations will continue to support their success as they move toward Kindergarten and beyond.

Pearson McShane, Pre-K

“Heggerty is a fun and engaging phonics program for our early learners. It builds a strong foundation for reading and spelling through daily phonemic and phonological awareness practice. In my classroom, we put our “Heggerty Helmets” on and get our “choppers” ready to do some hard work!”

Nadine Najjar PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

HOBBIES

Reading, yoga, traveling and walking my dog Teddy

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT JOB IN JUST A FEW SENTENCES?

It is the best job in the world! As a pediatric critical care physician, I care for children who are admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. I feel very lucky to take care of the children and families of Atlanta during times of illness and injury.

FAVORITE DESTINATION Japan

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SMES TRADITION OR MEMORY, AND WHY DOES IT STAND OUT TO YOU?

One of my favorite SMES memories is the 8th-grade trip to the Grand Canyon. My class went on the inaugural trip in 2006, and I have so many fond memories from this adventure! My niece Mila (3rd grade) is now a student at SMES, and it has been such a joy to see her make her own memories at SMES, too.

influenced my love of learning and curiosity. To name a few: Mrs. Kraft, Mrs. England, Mrs. O’Keefe, Mr. Taube, and, of course, Ms. Pitoscia and Ms. Johnson.

DO YOU STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FELLOW SMES ALUMNI?

I made some of my closest friends at SMES, and I still keep in touch with many of them to this day!

8TH GRADE STUDENT WRITERS

Eighth-grade students in Dr. Kolenda’s English class took on a creative writing challenge...

M“Gone Wrong”

(ALTERNATE ENDING TO “ALONE”)

BY MORGAN HUBBARD, 8TH GRADE

y friends and I were planning a super-secret sleepover tonight. We are going to sneak out to go to the abandoned house across the street. “Tonight is going to be so fun, I can’t wait!” I say. “I can’t wait either, you know I love doing scary things!” Emma says. We made our way to the house. As soon as we stepped into the house, a cooling chill went down our spines, Ashanti leaves saying, “Sorry guys, as much as I thought this would be fun, something seems off.” It was only Emma and I left, so we decided to set up the sleeping bags and fall asleep, hoping this would make the challenge go faster. A few hours later, at 3 am, I woke up with an uneasy feeling. I didn’t see Emma, but I went back to bed thinking she probably went to the bathroom. When morning came, I woke up to find Emma still gone, but all her belongings were there. Panic clawed at my insides as I searched the house, calling her name, my voice echoing in the empty rooms. Desperation rising, I stumbled outside, hoping maybe she’d just gotten scared and left. “Where is everyone, and where are those vans going?” I wondered aloud, heartbeat racing. I grabbed my phone with shaking hands to text my mom, but an amber alert flashed on the screen: “IMMEDIATE EVACUATION! Leave your house immediately and get in the vans. They will lead you to somewhere safe.” The vans were already gone, leaving me behind. I tried to call my mom, then my dad, fingers trembling, but was met with empty, ringing silence. Fear flooded me as I stood frozen, certain that I was utterly alone. I soon heard a loud cry near my house. I ran as fast as I could. It was George, my dog, tail tucked, shaking just as hard as I was. Relief mingled with dread as I scooped him up and ran to the store. It was eerily silent and full of food, yet the loneliness and fear felt suffocating.

All the food is now spoiled because there is no electricity anymore, so I tried to find another place. When I walked out, my heart dropped. There was something there—not human and not an animal, but a tall, skinny creature. It seemed to be eating something, so I took off running while it was distracted. I ran until I felt safe enough. George and I ended up at the beach, eating coconuts and fish. I thought we were safe for the next few weeks, but I was very much wrong.

“It’s morning!” I said, looking at the sea in the distance. “You know, George, the sea looks different today.” Suddenly, I realized the ocean was receding, which meant a tsunami was coming. I grabbed George and ran as far as we could to find the tallest building we could find. Eventually, we ended up on a hotel rooftop. The first wave was coming. I watched it destroy everything, so I looked away in terror, thinking I might be next. I collapsed from horror and woke up to find myself back in the haunted house with Emma sleeping nearby. “Was it all a dream?” I wondered. It felt too real, so I woke up Emma and told her everything. Emma laughed, but I felt like it was more than just a silly little dream, as if something was coming, something big.

...crafting fan fiction pieces inspired by their summer reading selections. Students reimagined and wrote alternate endings to books such as “Alone” by Megan E. Freeman, “Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan, “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill and “The Shape of Thunder” by Jasmine Warga.

I“Buck and the Ring”

(ALTERNATE ENDING TO “THE CALL OF THE WILD”)

BY DEAN PEARCH, 8TH GRADE

t’s a bright sunny summer day when Buck walks outside. Buck strolls through the yard while looking at the flowers and scenery. Suddenly, he hears rustling and turns around to see the gardener. The gardener slowly pulls out a brown sack, and tries to throw the sack over his head. But Buck dodges it and bites the gardener’s forearm. He screams, “AH AH HELP!”, and runs while Buck keeps his jaw locked. The gardener trips over a rock and Buck unlocks his jaw, and is about to bite him in the neck when he gets clubbed. A mysterious man screams at the gardener as he clubs Buck again and throws a sack over his head. Buck wakes up in a dark locked trunk of a moving car. He barks and claws at the trunk like a bear. The gardener hears it and tells the other man to stop. The gardener gets out of the car, opens the trunk, and takes off Buck’s sack. Buck sees that the gardener is wearing a velvet cotton sweater and has a gray stubbled beard. Just as Buck looked at him, he heard POW POW POW and the gardener dropped to the ground. The mysterious man walks over with a loaded pistol and looks at Buck with a frozen stare. The man puts away his gun and closes the trunk on Buck. Then he starts the car back up and keeps on driving.

A couple of hours later the man pulls over into a parking lot and gets out of the car, and he heads over to the trunk. He opens the trunk and puts a leash and muzzle on Buck, and then carries him into the building. Inside, there are men cheering and hollering like barbarians. Buck looks past them and sees a dog fighting ring. The mysterious man continues to walk Buck, and they end up stopping on steps going into the ring.

Two Pitbulls were fighting ahead of them. RUFF! RUFF! GRRR! The dogs pounced on each other. The white Pitbull scratched the other one in the face, and the brown Pitbull fell. Buck got yanked up into the ring. The white Pitbull was as big as a polar bear, but Buck was determined to win.

The match started and the Pitbull struck first. It missed and Buck scurried past it and bit its leg. The Pitbull hollered in pain and swung its tail into Bucks head. He got sent flying across the ring. Buck got up and was about to pounce when he heard, “PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!” He turned around to see the police. All of the men in the building turned around slowly with their hands up. Cops walked over and handcuffed them all. Animal catchers walked through the door as the men were dragged out of the building by cops. They had metal nets and slick white uniforms. They approached Buck and the Pitbull and threw their nets. The Pitbull got caught and wrestled with his net, unlike Buck who dodged the net. Buck ran out of the ring and scurried through the door. He kept on running when he tripped and fell over. The animal catchers threw a net over him and Buck got thrown into a dark blue truck.

SportsWrap-Up

by MARK MCDANIEL , ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, AND COACHES

A GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

The A Girls’ Volleyball team had an amazing season this fall. We had only three returning players from last season, so we knew we had some work to do, but the players were up to the challenge. The girls finished the regular season 9-1, securing the #2 seed in the MAAC and a first-round bye in the playoffs. They faced off against AIS in the semi-finals and defeated them in straight sets. The team played Globe Academy in the finals, but we just couldn’t get the bounces to go our way. Coach Tara and Coach Nama are extremely proud of the team and all they accomplished this season!

B GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

The B Girls’ Volleyball team improved significantly this season, week in and week out. This was a young team, mostly 6th graders, with many girls who had never played. They all worked hard in practice and were determined to get better. Every game was a nail-biter. We got closer and closer to pulling out a win. In the last match of the season, we did just that and won. Both coaches loved being with this group and enjoyed watching their growth.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Cross Country team had a great season. The boys’ team was small but mighty. They worked hard to get faster all season long. Of the five boys, only two were returning runners. Nonetheless, they came together as a team and learned to love running. They learned what proper effort looks like and how to push themselves. The girls’ team only had three returning runners. They had a strong season, finishing third out of nine teams at the MAAC final race. The team’s growth is inspiring!

Awards

A TEAM VOLLEYBALL

Most Improved Award Bryna Mowrer Warrior Award Anna Gray Sapp Warrior Award Carlyn Breedlove

All MAAC Award Ella Macauley

B TEAM VOLLEYBALL

Most Improved Award Riley Bates Hustle Award Baylen Begley Warrior Award Addison Laube

CROSS COUNTRY - BOYS

All MAAC Award Broden Spink Warrior Award ...........................................Shaan Desai

CROSS COUNTRY - GIRLS

All MAAC Award Emma Bass Warrior Award Emmie Heuett

Most Improved Emme Layne Rae

BOYS’ SOCCER

All MAAC Award ........................... Will Beauchamp Warrior Award Davis Palmer Warrior Award .Brannen Kunkle

Most Improved Nate Loving

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Most Improved Award Charlie Wilder Warrior Award Jack Moriarty Warrior Award Gray Hunt

All MAAC Award Stephen Currie

BOYS’ SOCCER

The Boys’ Soccer team had a fantastic season! The stats might not tell the full story, but these boys proved they’re true Warriors. Despite the ups and downs, they stayed united, and the final game showed just how far they’ve come. As a young team with mainly 6th graders, we faced tough, experienced teams, but they’ll remember the battles we gave them. This season set a strong foundation, leaving the coaches excited for what’s ahead.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

The Ultimate Frisbee team had a fantastic season. Coach Mills and Coach Collins are incredibly proud of how the team transformed from a 2–6 record last year to a 6–3 record this year, falling only to the eventual championship contenders while challenging them fiercely. Every player contributed— scoring at least once, playing whenever available, and stepping into leadership roles—while consistently showing the true “spirit of the game” by choosing teamwork. We are unreservedly proud of their work and excited about the team’s future.

Intramurals at SMES After-School

BUILDING SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE

Intramurals at St. Martin’s offer students in 1st-5th grade an engaging way to stay active after school while trying a variety of movement-based activities or sports with friends. This extracurricular program offers a fun after-school option where students can participate, practice, build skills and have fun.

Throughout the school year, students can try a wide range of activities and sports, including gym or field games, pickleball, morning run club, spirit club, golf, soccer, kickball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, lacrosse and flag football. To support high-quality programming, St. Martin’s staff members and outside sports organizations lead instruction to ensure a quality experience for students. Each session begins with simple instruction in basic rules, techniques and movement fundamentals, followed by play that allows students to apply what they have learned.

During intramural sessions, students spend time learning and practicing foundational skills and then using those skills as they participate in various activities, games or sports. As they grow more comfortable, students naturally develop coordination, teamwork and confidence. These foundations often help students feel prepared and encouraged to explore Middle School athletics beginning in 6th grade.

Most importantly, intramurals create opportunities for students to spend time with friends, try new activities and build confidence in a supportive setting.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Each fall and spring, families receive a registration email with seasonal intramural offerings, cost information and schedules. Students can choose activities based on interest and availability. n

INTRAMURAL OFFERINGS AT SMES

Gym or Field Games

Pickleball

Morning Run Club

Spirit Club

Golf

Soccer

Kickball

Ultimate Frisbee

Basketball

Lacrosse Flag Football

“The students who participate have a great time playing with their friends and learning about new sports while working on transferable skills.”

MARK MCDANIEL SMES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Voices

“F

ather, make me a blessing to someone today,” wrote Jan Karon in “At Home in Mitford.” In the year 2000, after holding jobs as an actuarial staff assistant and a database manager for a cotton seed company, I decided I was ready to do what would really make me happy. It was time to ask myself what I could do to be a blessing to someone every day. The answer was obvious for me – teaching math. Since then, I’ve spent 15 years at Polk County Middle School in North Carolina, three years at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School in Tennessee, one year at Horace O’Bryant School in Key West, and now, after a short hiatus, I’m in my sixth year here at St. Martin’s.

I was born and raised in Greenville, Mississippi and attended Washington School. I majored in math at Sewanee: The University of the South where I played tennis and was a member of the Student Volunteer Fire Department. My wife Rebecca and I have a blended family. We have her two sets of twins, Sarah and Jack (26), Ty and Nick (18), and my two boys, Matthew (33) and Madison (31).

I grew up in the Episcopal Church, so I was naturally drawn to St. Martin’s because of its Episcopal identity and the words you see all around campus and on our website: inclusivity, belonging, love, kindness, acceptance,

KENNETH ALEXANDER

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER IN MY OWN WORDS

It is a blessing to have an impact on a young person’s life!

and honoring the dignity of every human being. I really like the framed, “Love your Neighbor who doesn’t…” poster that is in the middle school lobby! During my time at St. Martin’s, I have been the 6thgrade math teacher the entire time, and at different times I have been the assistant coach for golf, cross country, and tennis. I was also the substitute bus driver for an extended time during the 2022-23 school year.

Before coming to SMES, I taught math two different ways: the direct presentation way (lecture) and the problem-based learning way (presenting a real-world problem along with a little introduction and then having groups of students come up with their own solution). When I arrived at St. Martin’s in 2019, I was introduced to a different way of teaching called a flipped classroom (the “lecture” is viewed at home and homework is completed at school during math class with the help of the teacher). I implemented this method at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year and have used it ever since. I am very happy with this new style, and the students and parents

It has always been of the utmost importance for me to make an impact on the lives of all people with whom I come in contact. In the past 24 years,

I have learned that middle school teachers have the unique opportunity to positively influence the minds of adolescent humans every day in the classroom, in sports, as well as in the community. Sometimes, it is hard to know if you are making an impact in the lives of others, but if you stay in one place long enough, you begin to see a glimpse here and there that warms your heart. Passing a former student in the hall and receiving a happy “hey Mr. A,” or being asked to do another dance move in math class, or hearing chants in the stands at the teacher-student volleyball game. It is a blessing to have an impact on a young person’s life!

I truly LOVE my job, and St. Martin’s is a very special place! I love my fellow teachers! They are knowledgeable, insightful, helpful, and can see things in certain situations that are harder for me to see. I love our students! They are nice and respectful; they are kind and funny; they are still children but can’t wait to be another year older. I love our administrators! They are wise and wonderful; they are encouraging and supportive; they are on a mission to lead, organize, promote, and recruit. I love our parents! They are understanding, appreciative, and generous! I love our maintenance department! Terry and his crew are flexible, eager to help, and work to make us comfortable! I love the cafeteria staff! Sanders and his team keep us all well-fed and happy. I love our PTO! They are Paramount, Tremendous, and O ut of this world! I have never seen a more involved, generous, fun-loving group of parents. I am so blessed to be among you at St. Martin’s Episcopal School! Thanks be to God!

Bravo, SMES Thespians

Agroup of 23 Middle School Warriors in grades 5-8 shined at the Georgia One-Act Play Competition in Macon, Ga., last October! Their performance of a shortened version of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was the result of months of dedication, creativity and teamwork.

From memorizing over 45 minutes of Shakespeare’s classic text to designing and building sets, the drama troupe, along with Mrs. Mckerley, Mr. McKerley and Mr. Hecke, worked tirelessly to bring the classic tale to life. Rehearsals were filled with stage blocking, character exploration, set construction and perfecting their lines.

St. Martin’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” was more than just a performance. It evolved into a real-life lesson in teamwork, perseverance and creativity. Before heading to Macon, students shared their work with the Middle School during community time, giving classmates a first look at the show they would soon take to competition.

A special thank you goes out to the Drama Mammas, dads and volunteers for their support behind the scenes. With talent, hard work and a true ensemble spirit, the Warriors truly made their mark on stage!

Congratulations!

• Best Supporting Actress: Addison Clark

• All-Star Cast: Eli Worrill-Meyers, Blake Debold and Ava Odemchuk

• Excellence in Stage Combat: Team Award

Way to go, SMES Thespians!

WARRIOR CONNECT SERIES

Partnering With Parents Through Purposeful Learning

At St. Martin’s, we believe learning thrives when schools and families grow together. This fall, St. Martin’s launched the Warrior Connect Series, a new parent education series created to support, inform and meaningfully engage families across all divisions. Designed as an ongoing partnership between educators, administrators, and parents, the series offers expert speakers, community panels, and hands-on learning sessions. Each event offers families a window into the student experience and the values that guide our work.

With three well-attended events this fall and two more planned for spring, the Warrior Connect Series is quickly becoming a valuable touchpoint for families seeking insight into child development, curriculum and the journey from St. Martin’s to high school and beyond. Each session is intentionally structured to blend practical tools with school-specific context, giving parents a deeper understanding of how SMES nurtures the whole child academically, socially and emotionally.

experience helps students thrive. The conversation offered clarity, reassurance and a firsthand look at the many paths Warriors pursue after graduation.

Curriculum Highlights Across Divisions

Warrior Connect SERIES

On November 5, SMES Teaching & Learning Directors Lauren Kohlhoff and Angela McKenzie led an engaging overview of curriculum updates and teaching practices from Early Childhood through Middle School. Parents explored cross-curricular projects, student-centered learning and the intentional progression that supports academic and social-emotional growth. Hands-on activities gave families a feel for the active learning that takes place each day in SMES classrooms.

LOOKING AHEAD: SPRING SESSIONS

The Warrior Connect Series will resume in the spring with two key community-wide engagements:

State of the School

March 25, 2026

FALL SESSIONS AT A GLANCE

Guest Speaker: Ned Johnson

Author, “The Self-Driven Child”

On September 17, St. Martin’s welcomed back best-selling author Ned Johnson for a virtual and in-person conversation. Johnson explored the brain science behind motivation and resilience and shared practical strategies for parents to support independence, problem-solving and emotional well-being.

SMES

and Beyond: Insights Into the Path Ahead

On October 8, families gathered for a lively panel hosted by Director of Enrollment Gopi Shammas and Director of High School Placement Jim Byrne. The conversation featured a parent of SMES alumni, a current teacher, alumni attending Pace Academy and Marist School and the Director of Admission from Pace Academy. Together they discussed the transition to high school and how the SMES

Head of School Maria Croley Madden will share strategic priorities and school updates during this annual address. More information will be shared in the spring via email.

Service Learning

April 1, 2026

A deep dive into SMES’s approach to Service Learning, including partnerships and the meaningful ways students learn to care for their community.

A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP, A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Warrior Connect reflects our belief that students thrive when families and educators learn together. The series gives parents practical tools, school-specific insight and a deeper sense of partnership, which is a hallmark of the St. Martin’s experience. As we look ahead to spring, we are excited to continue these conversations and build on the connections that make SMES such a vibrant community.

When schools and families learn together, students flourish.

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY GENEROSITY Gratitude GROWS Greatness

SMALL NOTES, BIG IMPACT

THANKFUL CARDS DELIVERED 355

TEACHERS, STAFF MEMBERS AND TEAMS HONORED 109

At St. Martin’s Episcopal School, gratitude has a way of multiplying, and this fall, the community demonstrated just how powerful a simple “thank you” can be.

In November, the school launched the Thankful Card Campaign, inviting families to make a gift to The St. Martin’s Fund in honor of a teacher, staff member or team who had made a meaningful difference in their child’s life. What followed exceeded every expectation. Notes of appreciation arrived across campus, creating surprise and joy for those who received them.

Moments of genuine connection emerged throughout the week as teachers and staff received notes that reminded them why their work matters. Many shared that the messages arrived at just the right time and offered en couragement during a busy stretch of the school year.

Voices OF GRATITUDE

“During the ‘Gratitude Grows Greatness’ campaign, every day brought a new smile to my face. Seeing these notes and cards, with their personal messages of love and care, reminded me of why I do what I do, and reinforced my belief that I am truly lucky to do what I love, where I love to do it, every day.”

Ali Mills Middle School English Teacher

“Each Thankful Card truly blew my mind; so thoughtful and personal. As I read and reread my cards, I pictured each student and their family, and the special relationship we share and wondered, ‘Do they realize that I am the lucky one?’ Just another reminder why I love St. Martin’s as much as I do!”

Christina Johnson Director of Counseling & Guidance (EC - 3rd)

BRITTANY HIGGINS,

SALLYROY, KAIR O S

What began as a modest goal to deliver 50 Thankful Cards grew into a remarkable show of community spirit. Families spread the love to every corner of campus, from classroom teachers and coaches to security officers, counselors and facilities and kitchen staff.

Beyond the joy the cards brought, the campaign had a meaningful effect on the annual fund. Achieving 80 percent parent participation is an important milestone for the school and reflects a high level of community engagement. Strong participation also signals to philanthropic partners that families are united in their support of St. Martin’s mission, laying a positive foundation as the school prepares to launch a capital campaign this spring.

Most of all, the effort highlighted the heart of St. Martin’s: a community that shows up for one another, celebrates one another and invests in the growth of every child. Thank you to every family who honored a teacher or staff member through this initiative. The community’s generosity and gratitude truly grow greatness.

SMALL NOTES, BIG IMPACT

PARENT PARTICIPATION IN THE ST. MARTIN’S FUND INCREASED FROM 51% TO 80%

AMOUNT RAISED FOR PROGRAMS THAT DIRECTLY SUPPORT STUDENTS MORE THAN $40,000

“The thankful cards came right at the perfect time. So many families sent such wonderful messages that will stay with me forever! ‘They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’—Carl Buechner”

Felicia Mitchell Early Childhood Teacher

“I absolutely loved receiving notes from families. It meant so much to hear how I’ve impacted the students and families in my class. These messages truly reaffirm why I teach and why I love what I do. Thank you to all the families who took the time to write such thoughtful notes; you made my day and filled me with so much gratitude!”

Courtney Markowitz Early Childhood Teacher

“I was deeply moved by the kind notes and messages shared by families. This is my first year as a teacher at St. Martin’s, and your words were such a meaningful reminder of God’s faithfulness in placing us exactly where we are meant to be. Your kindness lifted my spirit and reminded me what a blessing it is to serve your children each day. I am truly grateful for this community and the way God shines through each of you.”

Ansley Poole Lower School Teacher

The Walk to School

A Simple Morning Ritual Rooted in Community

by CHRIS SALTER , MS TEACHER & CARPOOL CROSSWALK PATROL

Back and forth. Back and forth. Much of our lives is made up of routine runs here and there. Often, we feel rushed and don’t necessarily enjoy everyday commutes to the grocery store, work, or school.

As part of my morning crosswalk duty, I stand at the Lanier Drive entrance to St. Martin’s and see something you don’t often see in metro Atlanta: parents walking their children to school. Electric bikes pull up with children in tow. Families walk hand-in-hand, often with multiple children and strollers. These SMES parents usually have the same routine, walking on the same side of the street, stopping at the same place for a good-bye hug or a word of encouragement.

SMES neighbors also meet one another along the way, forming larger groups walking together as they inch closer

to the school. You can hear conversations about football games, community events, and upcoming plans. All of this activity shapes the tightly-knit community both here at SMES and in the neighboring area.

It’s a small daily routine that reflects so much of who we are as a school - connected, caring, and deeply rooted in community.

We are fortunate to be in this neighborhood school, where so many families take advantage of the close proximity. It’s more than just a walk, after all. In a bustling city like Atlanta, where the roads are packed with cars at all hours of the day, it feels like a throwback to a simpler time. The intentional time spent getting to and from school is both a comfort and a luxury in 2025, and we’re happy that St. Martin’s can be a part of that simple joy.

ALUMNI NOTES

UPDATES FROM OUR ALUMNI

2004

Jill Florence married Sarah Newman on April 19, 2025.

2007

Patrick H. Grayson IV married Megan Shannon in Gainesville, Ga., on Lake Lanier at The Oakley on May 10, 2025.

2008

Lauren Buss married Blake Jarvis in April of 2025 in Athens, Ga. The wedding was officiated by former SMES Chaplain, Edith Woodling. Sarah Raymer and Claire Hamner, both also Class of 2008, served as co-maids of honor.

Meghan Matthews Holt after spending nine years working in education, Meghan is currently an assistant principal at Discovery High School in Gwinnett County

and is pursuing a specialist degree in educational leadership at the University of West Georgia. She recently married Wade Holt and is expecting a son in 2026. The couple’s dog, Elvis, is getting ready for his new role as big brother.

2009

Susan Bloom is a middle school special education and social studies teacher for Atlanta Public Schools. She lives along the Chattahoochee River with her boys and loves to go hiking and adventuring with them!

2010

Florrie McCard began a new role at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, N.C., as the Director of Annual Giving in July 2025. She is looking forward to connecting with several of Saint Mary’s alumnae who are also SMES graduates!

2013

Kyle Blasingame lives in Austin, Texas and works as a commercial real estate broker at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, specializing in retail investment sales in San Antonio, TX.

2014

Sarah Van Duser graduated from High Point University with an MBA in Healthcare Management and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She moved to Lexington, Ky, where she is now working as a physical therapist, treating patients in an outpatient orthopedic clinic.

Eleanor Hopkins is 1st first-grade assistant teacher at SMES. She is getting married in February to John Watkins at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta.

2015

Grayton Hudson married Garland Grace Welsh on May 17, 2025, at the bride’s family farm in Alabama. Grayton is currently a CPA at Deloitte in Atlanta.

Lauren Young got engaged in August to Antonio Resendiz on the University of Notre Dame’s campus, where she is working toward a doctorate in cancer metabolism.

Chandler Sharp married to his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Geeslin, on June 7, 2025, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, Ga. They met at Marist School, and both attended Auburn University.

Duke graduate Francesca Herrera performed as a studio artist at Wolf Trap Opera, where she made

her professional debut singing the role of Luisa in Arizona Opera’s production of “Zorro.” Selected for Arizona Opera’s Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio, she will also appear as Clorinda in the upcoming production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella) in April 2026.

Ike Rolader graduated from Clemson University in May 20205 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a minor in Cyber Security and Political Science. He moved back to Atlanta.

2016

Taylor Rand worked throughout 2025 in the NBCUniversal West Coast Page Program in Los Angeles, rotating across various departments to begin her career in the entertainment/

media industry. One highlightreuniting with Niall Horan on “The Voice,” eight years after Taylor’s “Make-A-Wish” to attend the American Music Awards, where the two first met. She plans to continue her career in Atlanta sometime in 2026.

Emily Wood will marry Crawford Stitt on July 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga. They will move from Nashville, Tenn., to Fairhope, Ala., and will continue to work in commercial real estate.

2017

Arden Adams is a recent graduate of Point Park University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts with a minor in musical theatre, summa cum laude, and an honors certificate. She divides her time as a fine arts teaching assistant

at Pace Academy, works with Early Childhood Explorers at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, serves as a brand ambassador for Urban Enterprises, and is a member of the 2025–26 Apprenticeship Company at Actor’s Express Theatre in Midtown, where she is developing her craft as an actor.

Deaja Dunbar graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago with a B.S. in Criminal Justice/ Criminology and a B.A. in Political Science.

Audrey Holton graduated from the University of Texas in May and recently started working full-time at Goldman Sachs as an Asset & Wealth Management Analyst in the Chicago office. She is living with her long-time St. Martin’s pal, Grace Demba, also Class of 2017. Audrey

Back Row

- Mrs. Libby Tyler, Stella House, Madeline Bradner, Lillian Westmoreland

Front Row (l-r) - Ellis Jackson, Izzy Moore, Nurse Jenny Pasley, Addison Cooper, Katie Rohs, Sienna Oldland

and Grace stayed close after their time at St. Martin’s and are enjoying their new chapter together in Chicago.

Elisa Herrera completed internships with Tesla in Fremont, Ca. and American Express in Phoenix, Az. In May 2026, she will graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.

Hadley Nelson graduated from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business in May 2025. She is now working in Business Consulting at Ernst & Young in Dallas, Texas.

2018

Abby Hughes graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia in December 2025 with a

bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in general business and law, jurisprudence and the state. She will attend UGA’s School of Law in August 2026.

Ryan Pennington graduated early with first-honors distinction from the University of Georgia in December 2025. She will attend medical school in the fall of 2026.

Lura Underwood is a two-sport Berry College athlete, playing beach and indoor volleyball, and serving as captain. Last summer, she was excited to be selected to play for Team USA in the D-3 Women’s Brazil Tour! She is an honor student majoring in communications and a three-time Dean’s list member. She also enjoys crocheting and playing the ukulele.

Annie Quinn joined the office of Congressman Jake Auchincloss as a Staff Assistant in his Newton, Mass. office. She previously interned with Mr. Auchincloss during the Spring 2025 semester, where she supported events, engaged with constituents, and assisted with district office operations. She is on track to graduate from Boston College in May 2026 with dual degrees in political science and transformative educational studies, as well as a minor in Spanish. Following graduation, she will transition to a full-time role on the Congressman’s staff.

Walker Berryman graduated in 2024 from Texas A&M University and is currently attending the University of North Texas Dallas College of Law.

Grant Gaffney graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with highest honors in computer

science in May 2025. He interned with Apple in the summer of 2025, and he and a fellow Georgia Tech student currently run a software business while enjoying some free time before starting a full-time job with Anduril as a software engineer this summer.

2020

Katherine Davis is a sophomore at Georgia Institute of Technology studying industrial engineering. She is in Phi Mu sorority and looks forward to living in the house during her upcoming junior year. Last fall, she participated in the Georgia Tech VIP Consulting Program, a cross-disciplinary program with undergrads, graduate students, Ph.D. candidates and faculty. Their project was studying pedestrian traffic throughout downtown Atlanta to advise the City of Atlanta for this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Go Ramblin’ Wreck!

Ian Gaffney is a second-year mechanical engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a dean’s list student and enjoys fraternity life on campus.

Brayden Ebert is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, involved in the Honors College and Army ROTC, and the philanthropy chair at Sigma Nu fraternity.

2021

Drew Park graduated from Pace Academy in May, where he served on the Council of the Isdell Center for Global Leadership and was a member of the cum laude and Orkin Societies. Drew was also a member of the cross country and track and field teams, where he served as captain in his senior season and his team set a new state record in the 4x800 relay. He began his freshman year at Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall.

Lillian Thomas is a freshman at Villanova University. She is enjoying life as a college student, majoring in political science and participating in the swim club. She is having a great time at the Big Ten tailgates, cheering on the Villanova Wildcats! 2022

Devin May is in his senior year at Ben Franklin Academy, where he received the Dr. C. Michael York Service Award for exemplifying a deep commitment to leadership and integrity. Devin serves as an

open house tour guide, member of the drama group, student ambassador, and plays on the ultimate disc team.

Ryan Akin is a senior and was elected as the student council president for the 2025/2026 school year at Marist School.

Addi Davis is a senior at Pace Academy. She has participated in drama, ice skating, Knight Gallery, and has led tours as a student ambassador. Addi is a varsity cheerleader and is in advanced

debate. She is applying to colleges and wants to study cognitive psychology on a pre-med track. Addi earned her Eagle Scout, Scouts America ranking in early 2025, which included leading a volunteer project to repaint the St. James Methodist Church gymnasium. n

FACULTY NEWS

UPDATES FROM OUR FACULTY

Abby Daly, HR and Payroll Coordinator, became engaged to Eric Schwartz on May 29, 2025, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The couple will marry next October at Rocky’s Lake Estate in Woodstock.

Brittany Higgins, Beginners teacher, and her husband, Colton, welcomed their son Hudson Higgins on July 30, 2025. He weighed 6 lbs., and was 21 in. long.

LaToyia Hawkins, Early Childhood Principal, and her husband, Travis, welcomed their son, Trace Michael

Hawkins, on June 20, 2025. He weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz., and was 21 in. long.

Taylor Hall, Middle School Woodworking teacher, and his wife, Natalie, welcomed their son, Homer Henry Hall, on September 26, 2025. He weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz., and was 21 in. long.

Ed White, Religion Teacher, ran a 24-hour ultra race at Alafia River State Park in Florida on Dec. 4, 2026, aiming to complete 50 miles in under 12 hours. Way to go, Ed! n

IN MEMORIAM

Former SMES Chaplain Edith Woodling passed away in September after a brief battle with cancer. She was a devoted member of the St. Martin’s staff and touched countless lives through education, pastoral care, outreach, and leadership. Her legacy at St. Martin’s is one of quiet strength, faithful leadership, and deep care for the dignity of every person.

Ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta in 1995 and later as a priest in 2025, Edith served parishes and Episcopal schools across the diocese. Her vocational journey included leadership roles at Pace Academy, where she helped shape a nationally recognized service-learning program; Christ Church Episcopal School, where she served as Head of School; and chaplaincy roles at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, and St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church. She was also a lifelong member and clergy leader at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church.

Edith is survived by her adult children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. Among them is her son, Michael Albanese, who served the St. Martin’s community for many years as a beloved teacher and coach and two grandchildren who are current SMES students.

Teachers Teaching Teachers

WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY

St. Martin’s kicked off its inaugural Workshop Wednesday (WW), a peer-topeer professional development initiative designed by teachers for teachers, held during a designated late-start Wednesday morning this fall. The morning offered more than 20 interactive sessions across Early Childhood, Lower School and Middle School, giving faculty opportunities to learn, collaborate and share ideas.

Sessions ranged from practical tech tools (such as Canva and AI in the classroom) and creative teaching strategies (such as storytelling festivals) to using Minecraft for student engagement and integrating woodworking into cross-curricular projects.

Teachers also explored innovative approaches to classroom management and student development across all divisions, including responsive classroom techniques, understanding young children’s behavior, and creating brave vs. safe spaces for authentic dialogue.

“Workshop Wednesday was so beneficial for everyone because faculty and staff were able to either share their expertise or learn from each other,” said WW organizer Angela McKenzie, Middle School Director of Teaching and Learning.

“Engaging, inspiring, and informative were some of the words that our faculty used to describe the sessions they attended, and the overall consensus is that everyone is eager for the spring session!”

With sessions covering everything from vocal health to station-based learning and library resources, SMES faculty walked away with hands-on strategies and fresh ideas to incorporate in their classrooms and lives. n