listening and moving forward winter 2013
DESCRIPTION
Listening and Moving Forward Winter 2013TRANSCRIPT
We’re Listening and Moving Forward
Dear valued member of our school community:The enthusiasm on campus since school’s start in September has been gratifying and exciting. Mick Gee’s arrival—coupled with the inception of innovative new educational programs and experiences— has provided dynamic new opportunities for everyone here. We are delighted about the year so far, and thrilled about what is to come!
WINTER 2013
2: 4: 5: 6: 7:A Message
from Mick Gee
Middle School
snapshot
Upper School
snapshot
In your own
words
Pre-Primary and
Lower School
snapshot
2
A Message from Mick Gee, Head of SchoolDear Parents,
It’s been an exciting first six months here at Allendale Columbia School. I’ve learned a lot about the AC community thanks to input from all of you, from your children, and from our alumni around the world. It is clear we have a phenomenal foundation, reputation, and tradition of excellence.
The most exciting thing to me is that everyone I’ve interacted with has been enthusiastic about the future ahead of us. You are expecting—as you should be—that the faculty, staff, and administrators will develop, share, refine, and implement new ideas and initiatives so that AC continues to lead the way as a dynamic learning community.
Looking back on my first six months here, I’m particularly proud that we have been able to bring these and other new initiatives to life. School should be meaningful; it should be full of experiences that are authentic and applicable outside our walls. Your children aren’t here just to learn the facts about a particular subject. They’re here because every day at AC children dig deeper, question more, discuss, debate, and question again. As you may have heard me say before, students shouldn’t just learn about science—they should become scientists. The same applies for all disciplines at AC.
Be on the lookout for more opportunities for your child to participate in authentic experiences—including more collaboration with external organizations—in the coming months and years. I’m having conversations now with some of our region’s major higher educational institutions and they are excited about working with your children. They see AC’s flexibility as a huge benefit—we can work with them to adapt aspects of our curriculum to expand offerings for our students. Our independence is key, as is the dedication and focus of our faculty and students.
In this issue of Listening and Moving Forward, you’ll read about some of the latest news in each division. I have encouraged faculty to innovate, and they have responded eagerly. Their enthusiasm has inspired our students. It’s a remarkable time to be at AC.
Examples in this edition include:
electives as well as our FIRST LEGO League team
Paleontological Research Institution’s Mastodon Matrix Project
TEDxAllendaleColumbiaSchool, an event by youth for youth
“There is a definite sense in the
local community that AC is
moving forward.”
“To hear alums speak about
their experiences at AC is
really affirming.”
AC is a dynamic educational community, where students are known and challenged to reach their potential and coursework is relevant and collaborative. We are committed to providing the best possible educational experience for your children. This communication is just a glimpse of what’s happened this year, and what is still to come. Shortly you’ll receive re-enrollment contracts; we hope you’ll make the same commitment to give your children the AC experience next year.
Sincerely,
Mick Gee Head of School
First here, then anywhere. 3
At Allendale Columbia:
and challenged. We focus
on depth and breadth.
independent thinking, leadership,
and integrity.
community.
We have a new committee in place to ensure that as our program evolves, it is reflective of our teachers’ voices as well as mine. In addition to helping our students develop into excellent human beings, it is critical to continue developing our faculty so they are inspired and inspiring. This is one of the many ways we will continue to create demand for enrollment.
In fact, “I want my child at that school” is a feeling, a sense of pride, I hope you carry with you. We want all of you to feel that AC is the best place for your children. Certainly our faculty, staff, and administrators keep your children and the next generation of students at the forefront of everything we do.
I’m also happy to share my continued enthusiasm that as part of our planning for next year, we will welcome Ryan Burke as our new Head of Middle School. Ryan comes to AC from the nationally recognized Overlake School where, as Dean of Students, he has been responsible for the education and well-being of 300 students. In addition to his experience as a department chair, teacher, learning specialist, and coach, Ryan co-founded a company that focuses on teacher learning, student learning, experiential education, and the design thinking process. He has also developed partnerships with Microsoft, DigiPen, and other well-known organizations.
“ ‘I want my child at that school’
is a feeling, a sense of pride,
I hope you carry with you.”
4
Pre-Primary and Lower School snapshot
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Launched in September 2012, our S.T.E.M. program has enabled us to significantly increase science time in younger grades, and even doubled class time in the upper elementary grades. Teachers differentiate according to ability and interest while providing instruction on every facet of the scientific method from as early as kindergarten.
S.T.E.M. focuses on the Life Sciences as well as Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and provides a critical foundation for a lifelong love of inquiry-based science.
At AC you can expect child centered teaching and learning. By bridging the best of Day Six, S.T.E.M., and Topics of Exploration (TOE), with other elements of our dynamic curriculum, Pre-Primary and Lower School students will continue to be inspired to study topics in depth, master content, and determine how to best share their findings in authentic and relevant ways.
Looking to 2013 and beyond, Pre-Primary and Lower School students can expect even more opportunities for collaboration and exploration. We offer a highly successful and innovative approach to learning—and one that’s just not possible in a public school. “We’re looking to nurture intrinsic motivation,” explains John. “That doesn’t happen by taking standardized tests.”
A highly individualized approach to instruction has infused faculty and students alike with a new enthusiasm for discovery, collaboration, and leadership.
Day Six inspires the Lower School community
In Pre-Primary and Lower School, we’re using our freedom as an independent school to broaden learning experiences in innovative ways. For example, our Day Six program provides academic choices for students and additional opportunities for innovative teaching. With themes such as “Passion Projects,” “China,” and “Sustainability,” faculty members have designed classes around topics such as astronomy, sign language, Terra Cotta Warriors, ribbon dance, and community service.
This is one of the ways we’ve tapped into the creativity of our faculty, as well as our students. Teachers get to go beyond books and tests and really bring subjects to life for their students—many of whom are so excited to discover new areas of interest that they continue to explore on their own or through our Guide on the Side program.
Led by students, Guide on the Side provides opportunities to develop leadership skills by putting students in charge of their own projects. In one notable example, three 4th and 5th grade students developed their own Minecraft server to foster a safe, engaging gaming environment with other students.
“Day Six has been an amazing
adventure that has reaped so many
more benefits than we ever imagined.”
- John Sullivan, Head of Lower School
5First here, then anywhere.
Middle School snapshot
Paleontological partnership engages students
in problem-based learning
Sixth grade science students have been getting hands on with a paleontological “dig” without leaving the classroom. This interdisciplinary project is a result of a collaboration between Middle School faculty members Tina Duver and Jay Theuer and a new community partnership with the Paleontological Research Institution in Ithaca, NY. Several pounds of material dug up with the remains of a mastodon that died just as the last Ice Age was ending are being carefully combed through for clues to everything from climate change to human involvement.
The students have been reporting their findings to research organizers at the Paleontological Research Institution and have received direct feedback from Dr. Carlyn Buckler with the Museum of the Earth who said, “Wow! You are all doing a
fantastic job! These shells–and everything else you found–will become
part of our research and education collection. We hope to have the
whole collection online by next fall, and to put your school’s name
on the lovely things you found. That way, scientists researching the
Pleistocene can use your information to better understand what the
environment was like 14,000 years ago, and other Mastodon Matrix
Project participants can see what kinds of things you all found.
Thank you so much for helping scientists discover more about the
Pleistocene – we hope you did, too!”
“If the samples are ruined, they can’t be replaced. That makes this a very real experiment,” said Head of School, Mick Gee. “This project illustrates the difference between teaching children science and teaching children to be scientists. They’re not the same.”
New, relevant learning experiences and personalized resources help Middle School students explore their interests, lead, and excel.
Student Success Center and Dean of Students
New this year, the Student Success Center and Dean of Students position provide dedicated opportunities for students to advocate for themselves and seek out additional support as they need it. Students can also use the Center to extend their learning, collaborate with peers, build connections between topics they’re studying, and explore personal interests, such as entering an academic contest.
Tina Duver is excited about the changes. “As Dean of Students, I help make sure our kids have a consistent advocate and sounding board so they feel safe to take risks and have a great experience here,” she explains. Plans are in place to expand the Center’s offerings and the Dean of Students position to provide additional support for student life.
Academic competitions offer opportunities
beyond the classroom
Allendale Columbia is the only school in the area to
Bowl, where we consistently finish strong. Middle School students also compete in Math Counts and the National Geographic Society Geo Bee. New next year will be the opportunity for sixth graders to participate in a FIRST LEGO League team. This new team will build on the success of this year’s Lower School team. These opportunities provide arenas for our students to further explore their interests and apply their knowledge.
6
Also in February, the largest AC student service group ever will travel to Costa Rica to help two schools make needed updates to their buildings and grounds. These ninth through twelfth graders will be immersed in the daily life and culture of the town and bring classroom supplies for the
size of the group reflects a great interest on the part of our students to participate,” also noting that many of this year’s travelers have been on the trip previously and helped inspire others to join the project this year.
International students enrich the AC community
Our expanded international student program continues to strengthen our school community within and beyond the classroom. Numerous AC families generously opened their homes to share the Thanksgiving weekend with our international students, providing a meaningful exchange of culture and tradition. International students have also collaborated with some of our youngest students by leading presentations and discussions relevant to the Lower School’s study of China. In addition, our FIRST LEGO League team now has some new coaching talent on its side. Fei Ma, a 12th grade student from China, has brought her experience as an international robotics competitor to AC where she is inspiring our Lower School team!
Independent thinking. Leadership. Integrity. Our students are generating innovative ideas and shaping our community and world.
In the spirit of sharing ideas that inspire progress and
a TEDx event for February 2. This independently organized event, licensed by TED, is built around the theme of connections. A series of speakers, including students and community members, will offer their insights about connecting with others and sharing experiences, often in unexpected ways.
“We decided to focus the event on connections, a topic of interest to everyone, especially as we try to understand new ways to connect and collaborate globally,” said event organizer and AC 11th grader Martijn Appelo. “While I am sure we will hear how technology is essential to help develop connections, there may be some surprising ideas that will help inspire new thinking.”
“The power of ideas formed by first-hand observation and real-world experience is what drives true authentic learning,” said Mick Gee, Head of School. “This TEDx event will provide students with a unique opportunity to add their voices to the dialogue. In this way, they produce their own knowledge instead of simply absorbing it. They become innovators and problem solvers, ready to work at the forefront of change. This is a testament to the AC experience.”
At Allendale Columbia School,
learning experiences within
their highest potential.
“ Our daughter interacted regularly with faculty, developed a comfort in expressing herself, and realized an active dialogue with faculty and fellow students enhances the learning experience.”
Parent ’11
“ My son has been well-prepared for the future with a rich and colorful academic experience including challenging course work, vigorous classroom discussions, caring and committed faculty, and a diverse group of fun, bright, and polite friends.”
Rachel Rose Colaprete,
Parent ’11 and ’13
“ I find myself well prepared for the challenging courses offered in college compared to other students in my classes.”
Yunmei Z. ’12, Cornell University ’16
“ At Allendale Columbia, all the teachers know you by name; they know your personality. You’re not just another kid in class.”
’19
“ This is my first year, and I’ve never had this much fun at school.”
Megan C. ’17
You should expect more than the standard.
“ Tonight, my daughter spent a good half hour excitedly telling us about an experience she had at school today. I was utterly impressed by the fact that the faculty allowed the students to ask their own questions and then instead of simply giving them the answer, challenged them to discover it on their own.”
Chris Herlong,
Parent ’23, ’26, and ’26
7First here, then anywhere.
First here, then anywhere.
Now well into its second century, Allendale Columbia is a leading independent co-ed college prep school for students in nursery through grade 12. Here, learning goes far beyond books and tests. We have the freedom to dig deeper so students can question more, discuss, debate, and question again. As a result, our students develop critical thinking skills and become effective problem solvers. Our faculty members use their independence and experience to connect knowledge to real life so our students can make more sense of the world–and their place in it. It all adds up to a different school of thought: high expectations and relevant experiences that prepare students to succeed in a global community.
519 Allens Creek Road | Rochester, NY 14618 | 585.381.4560 | AllendaleColumbia.org
or just to chat!
Contact us with questions and concerns…
Mick Gee
Head of School
585-381-4560 [email protected]
Head of Lower School
585-381-4560 [email protected]
Andrew Ragan
Interim Head of Middle School
585-381-4560 [email protected]
Diana J. Gleeson
Head of Upper School
585-381-4560 [email protected]
Katherine Lapa
Director of Marketing and Communications
585-381-4560 [email protected]
Nate Merritt
Athletic Director
585-381-4560 [email protected]
John Reese
585-381-4560 [email protected]
585-381-4560 [email protected]
Karyn B. Vella
Director of Admissions
585-381-4560 [email protected]
Mary Beth Conway
PACK President
Lisa Campbell
PACK Vice President
Colleen Dandrea
585-924-5638 [email protected]
Lynn Frenett
Wendy Howitt
Leadership Team: