among friends - winter 2012 (campaign special edition)

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AMONG FRIENDS Special Issue -Winter 2012 In This Issue: Math is Everywhere • All About Robotics NEW Classroom Building To Be Named Hartman Hall NEW Classroom Building To Be Named Hartman Hall

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Read about Hartman Hall and the Great Classrooms for Great Kids Capital Campaign.

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Page 1: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

AMONG FRIENDSS p e c i a l I s s u e - Wi n t e r 2 0 1 2

In This Issue:Math is Everywhere • All About Robotics

N E W C l a s s r o o m B u i l d i n g T oB e N a m e d H a r t m a n H a l lN E W C l a s s r o o m B u i l d i n g T oB e N a m e d H a r t m a n H a l l

Page 2: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

Dear Members of the MFS Community,

This special issue of Among Friends brings important news from MFS.We are excited to announce that the new classroom building on the Greenleafproperty will be named Hartman Hall for former faculty member NeilHartman. Neil taught at MFS from 1952 through 1985 and served on theSchool Committee from 1997 to 2005. The School Committee’s resolution toname the new classroom building for Neil is featured on page 3.

Great Classrooms for Great Kids - The Math and Science Campaign is aneffort to raise $6 million to fund Hartman Hall and new science labs in theMiddle and Upper School building. The campaign will have a powerfulimpact on the school’s math, science and robotics programs. This issue ofAmong Friends includes in-depth articles about the math and roboticsprograms at MFS, as well as a recap of the capital campaign’s key initiatives.

To date, more than $5 million has been secured for Great Classrooms forGreat Kids from trustees, parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty and staffduring the quiet phase of the campaign. The start of 2012 marks thebeginning of the public phase of the capital campaign. The SchoolCommittee, Development/Campaign Committee, and Development Officestaff will be inviting the entire MFS community to support the capitalcampaign and be part of the success of this endeavor. Supporters of the quietand public phases of the campaign will be listed in the 2011-12 AnnualReport of Donors.

We are excited that the capital campaign will strengthen the school’sacademic programs by providing new classrooms and labs. We are proud torecognize the importance of our faculty by honoring the teachingcommitment of Neil Hartman. We are eager to have you be part of this effortthat touches today’s students and establishes a legacy for future students.Thank you for considering a commitment to support Great Classrooms forGreat Kids.

Cordially,

Naoji Moriuchi ’94 Laurence R. Van Meter ’68 Stephanie Zarus

2011-12School Committee

Naoji Moriuchi ’94, Clerk

Philip Lippincott, Assistant Clerk

John Latimer, Treasurer

Ed Hovatter, Recording Clerk

Grace Blackburn

Sandy Hoeppner Brown

Toni Proffitt Brown

Peter Cronk

Meridee Duddleston

Mindy Holman

LouisaWright Khanlian ’63

Mark Mitchell ’86

Dan Seeger

Drew Smith

Nick Smith

Stephanie Zarus

Ken Zekavat ’80

Louis Matlack ’53, Emeritus

Laurence R.Van Meter ’68,Ex-Officio

2011-12Development/Campaign Committee

Stephanie Zarus, Clerk

Toni Proffitt Brown

Kristy Embrack

Albert Fox

Barbara Kreider

Kate Latimer

Judy Hurst Loane ’71

Sam Mathew

Naoji Moriuchi ’94

Matt Nierenberg

Annik Smith

Nick Smith

Janet Stevens ’77

Beth Stouffer

Laurence R.Van Meter

Steve Zakroff

Page 3: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

MMOOOORREESSTTOOWWNN FFRRIIEENNDDSS SSCCHHOOOOLL110 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057(856) 235-2900, www.mfriends.org

Head of SchoolLarry Van Meter ’68

Published ByThe Development Office

Director of DevelopmentStephen Zakroff

Assistant Director of DevelopmentBeth Stouffer

Director of Marketing and CommunicationsMike Schlotterbeck

Director of Parent and Alumni ProgramsMatt Nierenberg

Director of Annual GivingKristy Embrack

Development Office StaffSue Giacchetto, Elaine Parellada,Michelle Wartenberg

Freelance WriterMargaret O. Kirk

Photo Credits Curt Hudson, Mario Morgado, Mike Schlotterbeck

Graphic DesignAlison Judah ’86, Hypno Design

Moorestown Friends School admits studentswithout regard to race, color, creed, nationalorigin, ancestry, gender, or sexual orientation.

All photos are identified from left toright unless otherwise indicated.

Printed on recycled paper.

A M O N G F R I E N D SSpecial Issue - Winter 2012

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ContentsNew Classroom Building To Be Named Hartman Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

School Committee Resolution Naming Hartman Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Neil Hartman Photos and Memories . . . . . . . . .4

Math Is Everywhere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Critical Thinking, Ingenuity and Resilience Mark Robotics Program . . . . . . . . . .9

Great Classrooms for Great Kids –The Math & Science Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Frequently Asked Fundraising Questions . . . .17

Connect with us on Facebook!

Join the Moorestown FriendsSchool Alumni page for up-to-date information, events andnetworking with fellow alumni.

Follow us on @mfsfox

Page 4: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

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On December 12, the School Committee approved aresolution to name the school’s new classroom building on theGreenleaf property for former faculty member Neil Hartman.Mr. Hartman is best known as a math teacher, but contributedin countless other areas to the school community inside andoutside the classroom. Head of School Larry Van Meter ’68 andSchool Committee Clerk Naoji Moriuchi ’94 shared the newswith Mr. Hartman in mid-December at Medford Leas, whereNeil lives with his wife Marian. Mr. Hartman said, “I wasamazed. I never dreamed of such a thing.” In early January,Larry Van Meter toured Mr. Hartman through Hartman Hall asconstruction crews buzzed.

The announcement of Hartman Hall was first shared withalumni, former faculty and parents of alumni at Medford Leasat a special reception there on January 18 hosted by Bud ’41and Jean Barclay Robbins Stratton.

Hartman Hall will house eight math classrooms, a choralmusic suite, a faculty workroom, and a student lounge. TheMiddle and Upper School Math Department faculty will bemoving to the new facility in April. Hartman Hall will alsocontain a new technology lab, conference room, office spaceand student lockers. Students will make the estimated one-and-a-half minute walk between Hartman Hall and the mainMFS campus on a paved trail originating just outside thetennis courts near the Field House.

The official dedication of Hartman Hall will take place onthe afternoon of Friday, May 4, to kick off Alumni Weekend.

New Math ClassroomBuilding To Be NamedHartman HallNeil Hartman Taught at MFS for 33 years

Neil Hartman with Head of School Larry Van Meter ’68 in front of the Hartman Hall construction site.

“Neil Hartman was one of the larger-than-lifeteachers who made MFS a very special placein the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. He had a hugeinfluence on me and on an entire generationof Moorestown Friends students. Naming the new classroom building for Mr. Hartmanis a fitting way to honor his memorableachievements and contributions as a teacher, coach and person.”

– Larry Van Meter, Head of School

Page 5: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

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Resolution to Name Hartman HallThe School Committee of Moorestown Friends School hereby resolves that the premises known

as the “South Annex” on the former Greenleaf property, now part of the Moorestown Friends

School campus, be henceforth known as “Hartman Hall,” in honor of former faculty member

Neil Hartman, an iconic teacher, coach and exemplar of Quaker values for generations of MFS

students.

Neil HartmanNeil Hartman joined the MFS community in the fall of 1952. In addition to teaching math, Neil

taught scripture, science and coached tennis. His countless extra-curricular contributions to the school

include acting in faculty-student productions, leading square dances, co-chairing the school’s Bicentennial

Celebration, co-editing the school’s history published in 1986, being a mainstay at the Lobster Dinner and

Dinner Among Friends, and teaching the May Pole Dance to scores of MFS students. Neil retired from the

Math Department in 1985 after 33 years in the classroom. He served on the MFS School Committee from

1997 to 2005.

Neil is respected for his lifetime of witness as a convinced Quaker, from his experiences as a

conscientious objector during World War II, which have been chronicled in books and in Public

Broadcasting System and National Public Radio feature reporting, to his travel abroad in support of

international understanding. Through his work with United Nations relief agencies and the American

Friends Service Committee, he developed a special connection with Japan and with Tokyo Friends School.

A recipient of the Moorestown Friends Alumni Service Award in 2004, Neil’s influence as a teacher

has inspired many alumni who have supported the current Great Classrooms for Great Kids campaign for Math

and Science. On the occasion of Neil’s retirement from MFS, colleague John Caughey cited the

Shakespeare quote which may be used to describe Neil as one who is “want to speak plain and to the

purpose.” But as John, and many other colleagues and former students note, Neil also speaks with

trademark humor.

Head of School Larry Van Meter ’68 has characterized Neil as one of the larger-than-life teachers who

has helped make Moorestown Friends a remarkable school. Joining Larry in recognition of Neil,

distinguished economist and Boston University professor Laurence J. Kotlikoff ’69, has called Neil

Hartman “one of the pillars of the school, a fantastic role model, a master teacher, a witness for peace, an

active member of the Friends community, all to our great benefit.”

Therefore, the School Committee of Moorestown Friends School resolves to name the school’s newest

classroom building “Hartman Hall” in honor of the exceptional contributions to the community of Neil

Hartman, which span over half a century.

-Approved by the MFS School Committee, 12 December 2011

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“I remember Neil Hartman, a math teacher who also

taught religion classes. One day in math class, he

presented students with a particularly thorny problem

that had all of us struggling to find the answer. One

wise-guy student in the class decided to call upon his

Bible knowledge to get the solution. He called out to

Mr. Hartman, saying, ‘Ask and it shall be given to

you,’ to which Mr. Hartman, without missing a beat,

replied, ‘Seek and ye shall find.’”

– Janet Sawyer Thomas ’67

“I’m sure that the most important personal traits and

life skills that I gained while at MFS are a deep love

for mathematics and science. Neil Hartman and

Wilbur Carr taught us math in a way that challenged

students to go well beyond the assigned work and

enjoy doing it. Those school years introduced me to

the beauty and utility implicit in the basic laws of

mathematics and nature. I’ve never lost that feeling

of wonder...”

– Joe Taylor, Jr., ’59, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1993

… Head Coach of the boys tennis teams that captured back-to-back state championships in 1977 (pictured below) and 1978.

…coordinatingCommencement logistics

Neil Hartman has left an indelible mark on the MFS community…

…teaching in the math department from 1952-85, serving as chair for a number of years. Healso taught in the Religion/Quaker Education department.

Page 7: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

Math Is EverywhereThe MFS Math Curriculum Today

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When is the arc of cool water flowing from a waterfountain the basis of a quadratic equation? When do studentsrun across the Oval as part of a math lesson designed to plotvelocities by the slope of a line? When does a teacher write amath equation on a specially designed board and then, withthe swipe of a pen, prompt an animated illustration thatinstantly puts into motion what the math equation represents?And when does the renovation of a new classroom buildingturn into a multi-faceted math lesson that involvescomputations related to design, architecture, finance andphysical space?

The answer to these questions is “every day” atMoorestown Friends School, where an exciting and innovativemath curriculum keeps students engaged and curious aboutmath from the moment they enter the school until the day theygraduate.

And that message – that math can be every bit as engagingas history, English or science – is embraced by teachers andstudents alike throughout the school, starting with someonewhose name is virtually synonymous with the MFS mathexperience since 1991: Michael Omilian.

“Math is exciting because it’s the language that’s used todescribe what happens in the world,” said Omilian, MathDepartment Chair and a “Math is Everywhere” champion.“Math is used everywhere, all the time – to describe theeconomy, to understand banking and finance, to create anykind of object that is built, to design a new building, to create aschool fundraising campaign and to understand physics. In

terms of describing things in physics, that’s why Newtoninvented calculus.”

To underscore these principles, Omilian and seven otherUpper and Middle School teachers in the Math Departmentpresent a curriculum rich in classic mathematical principlescombined with innovative applied math concepts andtechnology.

For a moment, consider once more that arc of cool waterflowing from the water fountain. At MFS, Omilian uses thewater fountain to help teach the difference between linear(linear equations form a line) and quadratic (quadraticequations form a curve) formulas. Omilian’s math students takepictures of the water stream (also known as a parabolic arc),print out the pictures on graph paper, plot the points of waterand put those points into a calculator. Ta-da! “The curve is thesame curve that Newton and Galileo described and the kidscan find out the same equation,” said Omilian.

And what about kids running across the Oval, thatbeautiful grass lawn outside the entrance to Middle/Upper

Math Department Chair Michael Omilian is eagerlyanticipating the opening of Hartman Hall, the new mathclassroom building.

“Math is exciting because it’s thelanguage that’s used to describe whathappens in the world.”

– Michael Omilian,Chair, Math Department

Page 9: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

School? That’s actually an Upper School Calculus class wherestudents make a video of their running classmates, trackinghow many seconds it takes for them to run 5, 10, 15 and 20feet at a time. The students then take that data and plug it intoa spreadsheet to produce graphs that help explain the mathconcepts behind distance vs. time, velocity vs. time and evenacceleration vs. time using cameras, calculators andspreadsheets. It may look like a 100-yard dash, but the studentsare actually studying velocities by the slope of a line.

“Through the process of discovery,” said Omilian, “thestudents really appreciate where the math comes from. And byusing math to model real-life situations – plotting the controlof home thermostats or figuring out our double-period systems– students have the tools to learn instead of just memorizingequations or theorems that are in the book.”

At MFS, teachers and students alike are constantlyexploring complicated subjects like math through the “processof discovery,” using what teachers like Omilian call “teachablemoments” to help subjects come alive and make sense intoday’s world. For instance, ever wonder how long it will taketo walk to Hartman Hall, the new math classroom building onthe Greenleaf property? That’s a math problem. In short, MFSstudents study math equations, memorize their mathematicaltables, and do homework that includes math calculations. Butthey don’t stop there. At every level of the math curriculum,they take those black and white numbers and plug them intosituations that require a broader understanding and knowledgeof math concepts, both quantitative and qualitative.

“It’s a real gift that the teachers in our Math Departmenthave – to make these complicated concepts come alive,” saidHead of School Larry Van Meter. “We know that every studentwill not become a mathematician or scientist, and our teachersare able to deliver lessons that make math fun and interestingto all students—those with high interest in math and science aswell as those who may have more interest in the humanitiesand the arts.”

In Upper School, the mathematics program consists of twosequences – one is college preparatory and the other is anhonors sequence. Both sequences include Geometry, Algebra I,Algebra II, Precalculus and Calculus classes. In addition,students may study statistics and finance and MFS isconsidering adding a course on economics. Students arerequired to take three math courses in Upper School, but manytake four or more. Students from MFS have taken their mathskills to college and majored in math, physics and engineering– and nearly every other subject as well. The school’sexceptional math culture and academic experience carries overinto virtually any subject.

Omilian is especially proud of the “very strong MiddleSchool program in math,” he said. Fifth and sixth gradersstudy the basics of mathematical operations, includingfractions and decimals, while seventh and eighth graders “diveso deeply into algebra that this helps them succeed later on inmore advanced science and math classes.”

“It’s a real gift that the teachers in ourMath Department have – to make thesecomplicated concepts come alive.”

– Larry Van Meter,Head of School

Math in the LowerSchool is interactiveand fun.

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Page 10: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

And MFS doesn’t wait until Upper and Middle School tomake algebra, calculus and geometry exciting. Kelly Goula,Lower School Director, has recently worked to revamp themath curriculum for Lower School students. Today, students inkindergarten to fourth grade study math every day usingmanipulatives and applied math principles while also learningthrough memorization and the traditional study of algorithms.

“The program starts by being hands on, to developconceptual understanding and the students are always excitedby it,” said Goula. “At the point where they understand itconceptually by the third grade, they spend time doingmultiplication and subtraction and addition – and thisexpands that into the fourth grade. By then, students are readyto problem-solve and talk through the problem on the page. Wework out of what we call ‘discussion books’ and our teacherscan project problems onto an interactive electronic whiteboard.The students go up to the whiteboard and show different waysto solve the problems.”

A recent story in The New York Times highlighted thebenefits of children playing with wooden blocks, and notedhow active play with these time-honored manipulatives helpschildren become better math students as they grow up. Goulanoted that MFS, which has a long-standing tradition of blockplay in the preschool, prekindergarten and kindergartenclasses, continues to use blocks in the lower grades.

Barbara Caldwell, Academic Dean and Associate Head ofSchool, notes that one of the strongest aspects of the MFS mathprogram is its complete integration into other areas of study atthe school – particularly physics and science. “Kids are moremath-driven now, and there is a wonderful cross-fertilizationbetween math and physics and science,” she said. “Therobotics program, for instance, is technically a science programbut so many of the same kids are interested in physics andmath. With the collaborations and cross-departmental teachingthat we have today, it’s really a neat thing to see.”

This spring, Omilian is looking forward to solving a mathproblem that he’s been working on for the past seven years: IfMoorestown Friends School has eight math teachers in theMath Department, and the school only has three mathclassrooms, how many teachers don’t have a room to call theirown? Over the years, only one answer stared back at Omilian:Five. But when the new two-story brick classroom building tobe known as Hartman Hall opens this spring, Omilian willrevise the answer to that equation as every MFS math teacherwill have a classroom. Inside the 15,000 square-foot building,eight new math classrooms are now taking shape. “We are allvery excited about the new building and what it means for thewhole school,” he said.

When Omilian looks out of his current classroom towardsHartman Hall today, he sees the next phase of the school’sinnovative math program – classrooms for every math teacherdesigned specifically so that individual and small group workcan take place effortlessly, a place where students participatein state-of-the-art math lessons that incorporate sophisticatedgraphing blackboards and computer programs. “I just can’twait,” Omilian concluded, “to get over there.”

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Middle/Upper School Math Teacher Ron Obermeier working with students.

“Kids are more math-driven now, andthere is a wonderful cross-fertilizationbetween math and physics andscience.”

– Barbara Caldwell,Academic Dean andAssociate Head of School

Page 11: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

Critical Thinking, Ingenuity andResilience Mark Robotics Program

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The initial round is pretty ugly. The first MFS robot motors too fast down the ramp and

instantly topples over, creating a rather pitiful sight as itswheels spin helplessly in mid-air for the rest of the 2.5 minutecompetition. On an adjacent 12-foot by 12-foot playing field,the second MFS robot drops a wheel, and its mechanical armwon’t grab the crate it is designed to maneuver. As the thirdrobot goes into action, the robot’s entire motor drive comesunhooked, just as the Plexiglas sheet designed to help scoopup racquetballs and score valuable team points quits working,too.

Three disasters? Three teams crushed by the agony ofdefeat? Not at all, according to members of these three award-winning robotics teams who represent MFS each year in theNew Jersey FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Scienceand Technology) Tech Challenge (FTC).

“That’s the whole goal of these first scrimmages – to breakthe robot,” said MFS senior Sam Stratter of the Hawks, whojoined about 30 Upper School classmates one recent Saturdaymorning to compete at a suburban Philadelphia high school.“If we do that, we know what needs to be fixed so it won’thappen again.”

“When something doesn’t work, it helps you developcritical thinking skills and learn how to react on your feet to asituation,” said Emily Whitley, a senior and co-captain of the

all-girl Falcons team. Fellow Falcons’ co-captain AnehitaOribabor agreed. “The main point is to learn something eachtime and to be able to make changes,” said Oribabor, also asenior. “We never go to a competition and say, ‘our robot isperfect.’ We always learn something.”

“This is exactly what scrimmages and practice rounds arefor,” said Gabe Hege, a senior and member of the Foxes. “It’sreally about, ‘OK, let’s figure this out.’”

In the five years since it began, the MFS robotics programhas created hundreds of these hands-on, experiential learningopportunities for students – opportunities that ultimatelyincorporate science, technology, engineering and mathprinciples into an experience that encourages students tocollaborate, problem solve, strategize and compete. And onemore thing: they get to have fun, building a robot.

Two days later, back in Moorestown and inside the MFSphysics classroom, the three teams work steadily to addressthe myriad of mechanical problems each team encountered atthe competition. I think we tightened it so much we created adent in it. . . It’s a conduction issue! If I make this out ofcopper . . .We have to fix the trap mechanism to flip thebaskets, TODAY. . . Let’s not do what we did last year andbreak the axle . . .We are going to amaze our enemies!. . . Toeven an untrained eye and ear, it’s “Monday MorningQuarterbacking” and Quaker school collaboration at its finest,

As music pulsatesthrough the competitionroom, members of thethree Moorestown FriendsSchool robotics teams –the Foxes, the Falconsand the Hawks – step upto their first scrimmageof the season.

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and Upper School Physics Teacher and robotics team founderTim Clarke wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s what they learn between and after the competitionsthat is so important,” said Clarke, who announced at thebeginning of the class that two teams actually ended up doingquite well on Saturday, but that “all three teams have a lot todo” before the next competition in less than a week. Aftereach FTC event, Clarke explained, “the students come back,regroup and figure out, ‘Hey, here is what we did wrong. Let’sfix this.’”

As he looked out over the jam-packed classroom –divided equally into one-half physics lab and one-half roboticslab, with students grabbing whatever available space theycould find to pick through tool boxes stacked on and undertables – Clarke just shakes his head, but in a good way.“Controlled mayhem,” he pronounces, smiling, knowing thatthe tight quarters will soon be a thing of the past. When theMath Department moves in the spring to Hartman Hall on theGreenleaf property, the second phase of the Great Classroomsfor Great Kids campaign will create a spacious and brand newphysics/robotics lab in the current Middle/Upper School – aplace where team projects don’t have to be put away at the endof class and Middle and Lower School students can visit to geta true taste of what robotics is all about. This phase ofconstruction is expected to be completed in September 2012.

The MFS robotics program traces its start to the spring of2006, when Clarke first put robots and seven 10th graderstogether during an Intensive Learning experience. By the endof the week, Clarke was hooked on robotics, and so were thestudents. By the fall of 2007, two MFS robotics teams withfour students on each team competed for the first time in theFTC program, a challenging, national robotics competitiondesigned for high school students. The program providescompetition rules, utilizes affordable robot building kits, andrewards students for what it calls “gracious professionalism – away of doing things that encourages high-quality work,emphasizes the value of others and respects individuals and

the community.” In separate, competitive evaluation meetingswith FTC judges, students learn the importance of goodcommunication and presentation skills and the value ofmaking eye contact, shaking someone’s hand and appearingconfident – skills that ultimately impact a team’s scores.

In an unexpected result that still motivates Clarke androbotics team members, one of the school’s very first teamsqualified to compete in the World Championship Competitionin Atlanta in the spring of 2008. When they returned, therobotics teams started an outreach program that has sincegrown to include presentations and programs for Lower andMiddle School students, as well as helping other schools inCamden and Philadelphia start their own robotics programs.Team members regularly give robotics presentations tocommunity groups, and Clarke is particularly proud that the“emphasis that FTC puts on outreach is consistent with thephilosophy of MFS about service. Over the last three and a halfyears, the MFS robotics program has completed over 3,000hours of outreach work.”

Every year, the MFS robotics teams continue to winregional, state and national awards, and two teams wereinvited to the FTC World Championship in Atlanta in April2009. Clarke thinks that this year’s teams have a good shot atgoing, too.

But more important, according to Clarke, is the fact thatthe robotics spirit has spread into the Middle and Lowergrades at MFS. First Grade Teacher Emily Traver, along withAcademic Technology Coordinator Diana Day, teaches anafterschool robotics program for third and fourth graders, withassistance from robotics coaches Clarke and Barbara Q.Kreider, Ph.D., Chair of the Science Department. And thisyear, Traver convinced robotics team members to share theirrobotics experience with her first graders when they studiedrobots and how they are used in the space program.

Seniors Emily Whitley and Angel Mathew,members of the all-female MFS Falconsteam, work on their robot at a recentcompetition.

“Over the last three and a halfyears, the MFS robotics programhas completed over 3,000 hours of outreach work.”

– Tim Clarke,

Upper School Physics Teacher/

Robotics Advisor

Page 14: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

Jay Hiremath, a professional engineer and parent of MFSrobotics team member Karan Hiremath, thinks the roboticsprogram offers an invaluable educational and careercomponent. “In the world of engineering, there are threedisciplines – mechanical, electrical and computer science,”explained Hiremath, who volunteers as a referee and a judge atFTC competitions. “Each of these normally do not cometogether in one problem domain, but in robotics, believe it ornot, they all come together. You have a problem you are tryingto solve and you want to build a robot using a set ofmechanical components – that’s mechanical. If you want tomake the robot move, that’s electrical engineering. If you wantto make it move to commands, that’s computer science andprogramming. It’s just wonderful, at such a young age, to beexposed to the elements of a career such as engineering and tobe able to see and understand the components behind it.”

Robotics program founder and advisor tim clarke.

Seniors Trevor Heins and Sam Stratter and Junior Ben Herman.

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More Classrooms to Strengthen the Academic Program…MFS has an exceptional academic program that continues

to grow. With the introduction of Mandarin Chinese, robotics,and new Honors and Advanced Placement courses, plus scoresof electives in every department, the program is varied,engaging and challenging. As enrollment and the academicprogram have grown over the last two decades, the schoolconverted unused spaces and conference rooms intoclassrooms. But more classrooms and labs are needed.

While the school is very efficient with classrooms – eachroom is booked almost every period – the result is that Middleand Upper School faculty members are often unable to preparein their own classrooms. There are numerous full-time facultymembers who do not have their own classrooms and “float”from room to room. The School Committee has identified theclassroom shortage as a serious concern that affects theacademic program and the valuable interaction betweenstudents and faculty members.

“During this campaign, I have often taken inspiration from former Headmaster Chester Reagan. He laid the

cornerstone for our Middle and Upper School building at the beginning of the Great Depression. It was a triumph of

his determination and the faith the MFS community had in the future to complete the project and retire the debt

during his years at MFS. We have been blessed with similar wonderful support during a difficult economic period,

and with early donors to the campaign who understand the critical importance of this campus expansion.”

- Larry Van Meter ’68, Head of School

Great Classrooms for Great Kids, the largest capitalcampaign to be launched in over a decade, willdramatically increase the number of classrooms andlabs and ease the current overcrowding in the Middleand Upper School.

The results of this effort will include:

1) The first new classroom building since the 1960swith the renovation of the former South Annexbuilding on the Greenleaf property. Scheduled opening: April 2012

2) A new chemistry lab, a new chemistry/environmental science lab, and a new robotics/physics lab in the Middle/Upper School building.Scheduled opening: September 2012

Among the benefits of these projects to the academicprogram are:

• All full-time teachers will have their ownclassrooms, providing valuable continuity andincreased prep time for the faculty.

• Gathering the math faculty together in the samebuilding will enable the department to experiencethe synergies of readily sharing ideas, pedagogy andcurriculum.

• New labs will allow the Science Department tosupport long-term student investigations andprovide critical space for expanded work inrobotics.

• A large, specifically designed suite in the newbuilding will provide a rehearsal space for thechoral music program.

Reprinted from Fall 2011 Among Friends

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To better understand some of the problems created by theclassroom shortage, imagine you are…

…. an 11th grade student in Advanced PlacementEnvironmental Science. Since teaching and storage space islimited in the lab, you do activities designed to be finished inone lab period and work with minimal scientific equipment.While this reliance on short activities has not affected yourachievement on standardized tests or success in extracurricularscience contests, you have little experience withenvironmental science activities that take longer than 90minutes. Last year’s Environmental Science Team won firstplace in the National Science League Competition and youwant to help this year’s team repeat. Ideally your lab would bespacious enough to allow you to carry out longerinvestigations, particularly those of your own design.

…. an Upper School math teacher. You have manyprofessional development opportunities, attend the NationalCouncil of Teachers Math Conference and train on electronicwhiteboards. But, you have not had your own classroom forseven years. You move from room to room all day. You teachin history or English classrooms, and rearrange the desks froma circle format to rows facing the whiteboard. Since you can’tstore manipulatives or lab materials, you carry boxes ofstraight edges and compasses along with your books and

papers. You arrive to class at the same time as your students.It’s a challenge to implement new teaching ideas when youcan’t prepare the classroom ahead of time.

…. an eighth grade student who loves robotics. Inspiredby your older brother’s FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition ofScience & Technology) Tech Challenge Robotics team whichcompeted at the World Championships in Atlanta, you’vejoined the Middle School robotics team that meets after school.Unfortunately, there is precious little space for you and yourclassmates to work. While you have built a new robot, yourgroup spends most of its time setting up and breaking downthe test area. There is no place to keep your project up andrunning day to day.

…. a seventh grade student. You are new to MFS, butcan see that the teachers are interested in getting to know you.Last night’s homework was challenging, and you want to askyour teacher a few questions. Unfortunately, your teacher isnot in the room where you have class. Another class is inthere. Luckily, you finally track down your teacher, who ishappy to answer your questions as you both juggle your bookson your laps sitting on a hallway bench.

400

500

600

700

800

1992 1997 2001 2006 2011

711 717

656

574

531

MFS enrollment has grown steadily over two decades.

“We anticipate that there will be many intangible

benefits from the expansion of our footprint. In

addition to giving MFS more of a ‘campus feeling,’ the

creation of physically linked math and science centers

will ignite possibilities for greater collaboration.

Perhaps most importantly, giving all our full-time

teachers their own classrooms for teaching, planning

and conferencing with students will enhance what is

already the strongest feature of our program – high-

quality student-teacher interaction.”

– Barbara Caldwell, Academic Dean

and Associate Head of School

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How will the Capital Campaign and the Greenleaf Propertyhelp to solve these challenges?

In October 2008, MFS purchased the former GreenleafFriends Home, a four-acre property that is contiguous tocampus, for $4.0 million utilizing a line of credit. Establishedin 1896, the Greenleaf discontinued operations in June 2008due to a decline in the number of residents.

MFS and Voith & Mactavish Architects developed plans totransform the 15,000 square-foot former South Annex facilityinto a new classroom building, providing eight classrooms forthe Math Department, and a Choral Music Suite. The newbuilding will be air-conditioned, utilizing a geothermal heatingand cooling system, and will earn LEED (Leadership in Energyand Environmental Design) Silver certification through theGreen Building Council. A 200-yard path from the tenniscourts to the new building will be installed.

With the Math Department moving to the new building,the school will be able to expand science labs. MFS partneredwith TAO, a Moorestown architecture firm, to plan for a newlyrenovated chemistry lab (installed in the summer of 2009), anew chemistry/environmental science lab, and a newrobotics/physics lab. The new world languages classroom,completed in the summer of 2010, was also designed by TAO.

The MFS student body traveled down Main Street on Friday, May 6 to celebrate the kickoff of construction on the new classroom building on the former Greenleaf property,scheduled to open before the end of the 2011-12 school year.

The former South Annex will contain eight math classrooms, achoral music suite, a technology lab and office space. It will belinked to the current campus by a landscaped path originatingnear the tennis courts.

Construction Kickoff Celebration

What’s the status of the former Acme?

The former Acme at 123 Chester Ave. was acquired late in2006. In 2007 and 2008, the school developed plans for thatbuilding to help address the space crunch. The plans changedwhen the opportunity to secure the contiguous four acreGreenleaf property emerged. The Greenleaf provides a bettersolution for three reasons: 1) it is on the same side of the streetand is contiguous to campus; 2) there are fewer regulatoryissues in the municipal planning process; and 3) it is lessexpensive to renovate. The School Committee continues toclosely evaluate numerous options with the former Acmelocation. Accordingly, the board’s Property Committee isworking with real estate professionals to pursue a tenant forthe former Acme.

How has the space shortage

impacted the Science Department?

“A shortage of lab space has shrunk

an important aspect of science

education. Specifically, we have

gradually lost our ability to give

students the opportunities to carry

out long-term investigations. Long-

term investigations are a vital part

of the scientific method as such investigations demonstrate

change over time."

- Dr. Barbara Quinn Kreider, Chair, Science Dept.,

MFS faculty member since 1998

How has the space shortage

impacted the Math Department?

“Five of the eight math teachers

have not had their own

classrooms for the last seven

years. The number of lessons

that can be taught using

manipulative and other lab

materials is reduced as there is

no place to store them or time

before class to set up the necessary equipment. Some topics

require the use of special instructional aides like computer

programs, graphing calculator programs or even a graphing

blackboard. The other classrooms do not have these items

installed, which reduces the effectiveness of the lesson.”

- Michael Omilian, Chair, Math Dept.,

MFS faculty member since 1991,

handles scheduling for the Middle and Upper School

15

Page 18: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

16

The Capital Campaign - The campaign goal is $6 million.During the campaign’s “quiet phase,” $5 million has beenraised thanks to lead gifts from the School Committee, Head’sCouncil members, as well as individual alumni, parents andalumni parents. The campaign will fund the renovation of theformer South Annex as well as classroom and labimprovements on the main campus. The Capital CampaignCommittee hopes to secure the remaining $1 million by June30, 2012. Beginning in 2012, the Capital Campaign Committeewill be reaching out to the entire MFS community requestingcampaign commitments, payments for which can be spreadover several years.

A rendering of the new chemistry/environmental science lab.

A rendering of the robotics/physics lab.

A sketch of the new classroom building.

“It is exciting to see the tangible results

that this capital campaign will have for

our students and faculty. As a parent,

trustee and campaign contributor, I am

inspired to be part of this historic

endeavor that will literally change the

landscape of the school and provide

opportunities for the growth of the

academic program for decades to come.”

– Stephanie Zarus, MFS Trustee since 2008.

Page 19: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

Why does Moorestown Friends need toraise money?Almost all independent schools rely onphilanthropic support to enhance theireducational, extracurricular andfinancial aid programs. Tuition alonedoes not cover the full cost of an MFSeducation. This year 85% of the school’soperating budget will be funded withtuition dollars. The rest is covered byendowment income, facility rentals, andthe Annual Fund. MFS is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit organization andcontributions to the school are taxdeductible.

What do gifts to the Annual Fund dofor MFS?The Annual Fund plays a key role insupporting faculty, financial aid,athletics, the arts, the Camden Scholarsprogram, service learning and so muchmore. The Annual Fund is the school’stop philanthropic priority as it providesthe resources to enable MFS to excel.The school’s fund-raising fiscal yearstarts on July 1 and ends on June 30.

Who is asked for an Annual Fund gift?All members of the MFS community areasked to contribute – parents, parents ofalumni, alumni, grandparents, facultyand staff, trustees and friends of theschool. All contributions are recognizedin the school’s Annual Report, which ismailed to the community every fall inthe Among Friends magazine.

What is the difference between gifts tothe Annual Fund and gifts to a capitalcampaign like “Great Classrooms forGreat Kids - The Math and ScienceCampaign”?Annual Fund gifts are solicited andgiven every year to help fund currentoperations. Capital gifts are generallylarger – often made over a 3 to 5 yearperiod – and support construction,renovation or endowment projects.

What have prior capital campaignssupported at MFS and when have theytaken place?In the 1950s, a Building Fund Campaignprovided for new classrooms in theMiddle and Upper School building and

new gymnasium (which is now the RedGym). In the late 1970s, a capitalcampaign was held to endow the ChesterReagan Chair in Faith and Practice. Inthe mid-1980s, the Toward Our ThirdCentury Campaign funded theconstruction of Stokes Hall and theDiller Library on the top floor of StokesHall. Starting in 1996, Campaign 2000funded the construction of the DiningHall Commons, two new science labs,and the Endowment for Faculty Support.The Campaign for Arts, Athletics andEndowment, which began in the late1990s, funded the new Field House, therenovation of the Arts Center, andestablished 19 new individualendowment funds.

Will I be asked to give to both theAnnual Fund and the capitalcampaign?The Development/Campaign Committeeinvites all members of the MFScommunity to support both the AnnualFund and the capital campaign.However, because the Annual Fundsupports immediate operating expenses,the school asks that the Annual Fund beyour first priority. The generosity ofthose who participate in both the AnnualFund and capital campaign is deeplyappreciated by the school as these effortssupport today’s students and teachers.

Is there an anticipated gift amount?The Development/Campaign Committeehopes that each family, each alumnus,each member of the community canfind a way to participate, according totheir means. Every gift makes adifference to MFS.

When will I have the opportunity tocontribute to “Great Classrooms forGreat Kids”?A special mailing will be sent to theschool community in late Februarysharing news on the capital campaignand inviting members of the communityto give. Donors to the capital campaignwho make their commitments by June30, 2012 will be listed in the 2011-12Annual Report.

How can I learn more about giving to MFS?Visit www.mfriends.org and clicking onthe “Support MFS” tab or contact Directof Development Steve Zakroff at 856-914-4411 or [email protected] forquestions about the capital campaign.Contact Director of Annual Giving KristyEmbrack at 856-914-4410 [email protected] for questionsabout the Annual Fund for MFS.

17

Frequently Asked Fundraising Questions

Page 20: Among Friends - Winter 2012 (Campaign Special Edition)

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDCinnaminson, NJPermit No. 81

110 East Main Street

Moorestown, NJ 08057-2949

Construction in Progress

Progress continues each day on Hartman Hall. In recent weeks, a new roof and windows have beeninstalled and considerable progress has been made on the building’s new main entrance.