beech tree connection fall 2012

Beech TreeCONNECTIONIDS Fall News

A Seasonal Magazine for The Independent Day School Community Fall 2012

CONNECTIONIDS Fall News

LETrsquoS GO

Fall 2012Contents ldquoAt my old school we had to be silent in the halls

At IDS we can whisperrdquo new 5th grade student Patrick to his mother after his first week at IDS


ReflectionsA Message from the Head of School3

Features2012 Graduates4

Alum Softball Game5

Nature Trail Opens6-7

Leading in Remarkable Times John Barrengos8-10

Fearless Learning11-12

Spruce Up Day13

Profiles A Community of CommitmentFred Wasch14

Angela Jacobson15

Faculty Notes16

Class Notes17

Bits and Pieces18

Gallery19

2011-2012 Donor Listing20-23

October 2012

Dear Parents Alumni and Friends of IDS

The story of IDS continues to be written ndash season after 50th season Last year we reflected on our dynamic past full of promise and discovery that led us to the community we are today Our foundersrsquo singular and abiding vision that excellence in education includes not only curiosity in the liberal arts and sciences but also empathy for one another is part of our DNA In our next fifty years IDS will continue to embrace change engage in inquiry and respect our differences to develop future leaders thinkers and doers What an incredible journey

This year also marks a new chapter in my own personal journey as it will be my last year of having the honor of serving as your Head of School The board has engaged the services of Educatorsrsquo Collaborative LLC one of the most respected search firms in the country to find the strongest head to serve our community well by bringing out the very best in our students and faculty Irsquom confident that IDS will be in the most capable hands to take us to the next level of excellence

This year IDS will launch its first marketing campaign Our public relations firm Cashman and Katz created a campaign that captures the vitality of IDS After visiting our school and speaking with parents faculty and students CampK developed the marketing platform centered upon ldquoFearless Learningrdquo In essence that is what IDS is all about ndash raising the confidence of our children to take on any challenge Whether itrsquos tackling a long division problem or wading through the angst of middle school IDS gives students the strength and resources to navigate through any difficulty The campaign will consist of print advertising and 30 second television spots

With the strength of the parent community the board alumni family and friends IDS is firmly grounded to take on the next 50 years As the headline states on this issue of the Beech Tree Connection ldquoLetrsquos Gordquo

Best wishes

John Barrengos Ed D


Reflections

2012GRADUATES

WhereTheyrsquore Headed

AVON OLD FARMS CANTERBURY SCHOOL CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL DEERFIELD ACADEMY HOPKINS SCHOOL KINGSWOOD OXFORD SCHOOL LOOMIS

CHAFFEE SCHOOL LYMAN HALL MERCY HIGH SCHOOL NORTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

WATKINSON SCHOOL WILLIAMS SCHOOL XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL


ALUMSOFTBALL GAME amp

TREE PLANTINGSince 2002 itrsquos become a yearly tradition in June

that our graduating class plants a tree -- this year a flowering pink dogwood -- to reaffirm their roots

that started at IDS Alums return to play in a not-so competitive softball game with the graduating

class Who won Wersquore not really sure


To paraphrase Robert Kennedy Janet Sisson dreamt things that never were and said why not when she began her quest to build the new IDS nature trail IDS sits on 30 magnificent but underutilized acres including wetlands and a man-made pond that Janetrsquos vision spearheaded into a natural outdoor classroom

Sisson began envisioning the development of a nature discovery trail approximately five years ago After several years of deliberations with the Wetlands Commission Claire Kane of Connecticut Park and Forestry approved plans for a sustainable trail that is both accessible to the students while also maximizing the propertyrsquos best natural and scenic qualities

Marty Smith of Waterhouse Developers and parent of alum Betty (rsquo12) created three phases of construction for the project Phase I includes a 350 foot boardwalk with observation deck and bridge Phase II is comprised of an expansion of a trail around the pond and Phase III consists of an extended trail off the pond through Middletown property that adjoins our playground Middletown granted IDS special permission to construct part of the trail on town

property Sisson said of Smithrsquos efforts ldquoI could never have done it without him Hersquos brilliant I canrsquot say enough of how intrinsic he is to the projectrdquo

In true IDS fashion the nature trail is a communal effort Funds for Phase I of the project were raised through the Call to the Heart (over $5800) and through a class gift of the graduates of 2012 and the Parent Association The total project is expected to cost approximately $25000 so our fundraising efforts will continue until we can complete the project Additionally a team of parent student faculty and alum volunteers provided the sweat equity in devoting hundreds of man hours hauling rocks eliminating poison ivy and hammering wood planks

The nature trail invites our children to have a real hands-on engagement with nature Instruction will extend beyond the class walls onto the banks of the pond where environmental concerns and the importance of biodiversity will be addressed Our young explorers will definitely get their hands dirty and that is precisely the point

Nature TrailSeptember 9 2012

OpensA Seasonal Magazine for The Independent Day School Community Fall 2012

Come forth to thelight of things let nature be your teacher

William Wordsworth

Special thanks for your labor of love C Boyce N Butler M Butler-Colon C Cain L Christensen L Cooley R amp J Deville A Doyle C Doyle B Dwyer F Esselstyn J Farrell J Gribko M Hall T Hennessey J Hinton G Laskowski S Levine P Mansfield C amp T McGrath K Meyering Y Moien R Murphy J Nicolas P amp D Piscatelli M Smith B Smith K Thibodeau and the entire seventh grade class


Does a leader shape his or her times or do times shape the leader While writers like Thomas Carlyle and Herbert Spencer wrestled with that question in the 19th Century at IDS we have an object lesson in leading through challenging times as we look at the tenure of IDSrsquos 8th Head of School John Barrengos who shared his decision in August that he will conclude his service next June at IDS at the end of his sixth year

Here we share some of the journey the school has travelled in those years Barrengos began serving as Head of School on July 1st 2007 He remembers coming to school on that warm Sunday to begin reading files and setting up his office

As I tried to move Bobrsquos Fricker desk from one side of the Headrsquos office to the other one of the legs collapsed and all the papers folders pens and stuff on the desk slid and fell right onto my head It was a funny moment that set an important tone for me - brush off the little stuff and help the school move forward

Barrengos is known for his energy and enthusiasm and his pace ndash whether walking talking or asking for your help to think through an idea Hersquos a busy leader always pursuing the next idea eager to be sure the school is striving to be its best version of itself

Dr B as the students call him feels that it is the high caliber of professionals that makes IDS succeed every day for its students and parents He points to Jim Collins

a renowned author on leadership who states that it is essential to ldquoget the right people on the busrdquo in order to build an effective strong organization ldquoWith the talents and dedication of our teachers administrators and trustees I feel very proud of our team The leadership team ndash Mr Doyle Mrs Nichols Mrs Dwyer and Mrs Ravid - is the best wersquove had at IDSrdquo Having capable committed people in the right roles is one of the gifts Barrengos has given the school It is an accomplishment that will take IDS to the next level of excellence and prepare the way for its future

ldquoStudents are at the center of our work in schoolsrdquo says Barrengos and he credits IDS students teachers and parents for fueling many of the ideas and initiatives of recent years He has listened to their passions and encouraged them to take up their own leadership

It was a parent who volunteered to begin our debate program Then with the energy and excitement of eager students and colleagues the IDS Debate Team is now flourishing The program is in its third year with dozens of members English teachers wanted an opportunity for students to investigate and write stories that mattered to them and the Coyote Chronicle was born a student newspaper that captures the voice and opinion of middle schoolers about movies books sports and current events Finally a rising eighth grader came to Dr Barrengos with the idea of building a student government ldquoThe young man was so filled with initiative that he came to our administrative team with the idea a draft of a constitution and an analysis of the best practices of


Dr John Barrengos (L) meets with board member and facilities chair Mike Garner (R)

Leading in Remarkable Times

After serving for six years as Head of School we reflect on our 8th Head of School John Barrengos


student governments at other independent schoolsrdquo Not surprisingly the boy was elected as the first president of the student government just last year (Christopher Moeckel rsquo12)

Barrengos says the characteristics of the IDS student are evident in everything they do He describes them as curious joyful excited and fearless ldquoIDS students never fail to impress me not only with their intelligence but also in their displays of compassion They are not content with things just as they are and they take initiative They are doers

It may be that they are following Dr Brsquos good example He too is a doer He has ldquohis people on the busrdquo and they have enhanced and strengthened the program at IDS in real and measurable ways Teachers have worked hard to tighten and clarify their work with student assessment to be sure that they are measuring what they value mosthellip student growth and learning The multidisciplinary 8th grade seminar challenges students to take their skills in research technology and writing into the field and investigate Middletownrsquos history by exploring its streets monuments libraries cemeteries and by interviewing its people They are doing history

Design Thinking another interdisciplinary program invites teachers and students to define and solve real problems IDS is at the forefront of schools on the East Coast utilizing this 21st Century pedagogy And just when you might be wondering about how the students have time to be kids to play and build friendships IDS is offering them a chance to practice social skills too In a renewed effort with Responsive Classroom in the Lower School and an initiative call Second Step in the Middle School ndash the adults and students together are working on their Social Emotional learning

While finding the synergy between programs and people is his passion Barrengos has navigated the nuts and bolts of the schoolrsquos fiscal and physical health as well In just his second year of headship at IDS the US economy collapsed into recession Utilizing the financial skills he built as a commercial banker Barrengos was able to sustain the schoolrsquos top priorities of teachers in classrooms and investments in familiesrsquo financial aid even as enrollment and tuition revenues contracted

Over his tenure IDS has embraced a longer-term perspective in its planning and has generated surpluses increased its facilities reserves its operating reserves and its endowment Those increased reserves permit the school the flexibility to invest in strategic priorities most recently in the marketing campaign launched this fall which underscores the Fearless Learning that happens each day at IDS

All that learning and laughing playing and growing now happens in drier safer spaces During his tenure IDS was able to refinance its long-term debt and refurbish its oldest flat-roofed buildings by replacing roofs exterior walls and windows The campus renewal tightened the buildingsrsquo ldquoenveloperdquo thereby conserving energy and it enhanced the aesthetic appearance of the school too The renewal project also permitted IDS to create a Design Thinking Lab and to relocate and renew the Middle School Science classroom and the John F Reynolds III Library

The school had a lot to celebrate last year at its sparkling 50th birthday celebration No surprise that Dr B pulled current IDS students into the planning Teachers and students used the occasion to interview alumni in a ldquoStoryCorps-likerdquo research project that allowed current Middle School students to engage meaningfully in the living history of their school Current students shared stories of IDS with the schoolrsquos founders former and current faculty four former heads of school and alumni from all the decades of the schoolrsquos life

The day-to-day tasks of running a small school are wide and varied the larger challenges of leading IDS through changing economic landscapes has had its trials While some of these may have felt like so many folders and pens sliding off his desk the energy unbridled enthusiasm and love for school that Barrengos has brought to us has inspired us all to dream more learn more and do more as we all strive to become the best version of ourselves

Barrengosrsquo family have been fully enmeshed in the IDS community Above Kate Knopp who has taught English in the Middle School Acadia (7th grade) and Eli (3rd Grade)

IDS Board Presidents share their thoughts

When John became the Head of School in 2007 the board of trustees was underway with the task of developing a new strategic plan for IDS John provided much-needed leadership in gathering the school community together to generate ideas for the plan and shaping those ideas into a set of goals focused on making IDS stronger Throughout his headship John has ldquorallied the troopsrdquo -- teachers parents and trustees -- to engage in meaningful activities to advance the goals of the strategic plan and in doing so will leave IDS a more sustainable and more productive community

Marijke KehrhahnBoard President (2008 - 2011)

ldquo

ldquoA Seasonal Magazine for The Independent Day School Community Fall 2012

John has led IDS with a clear vision and a thirst for excellence We can readily see the results of his planning and leadership in our improved facilities Design Thinking Laboratory redesigned website and new marketing initiative We have been enriched by Johnʼs steadfast commitment to maintaining our excellent faculty and developing a highly-talented administrative team Since joining the IDS community John has dedicated himself to the school with an enthusiasm and selflessness that are rarely seen Giovanna Weller Current Board President

IDSrsquo introduction to John was first through his involvement as a board trustee In that role John brought enthusiasm an inquisitive mind and a passion for making IDS a great place for its students In his role as Head of School John continues to bring that passion and enthusiasm along with a keen understanding of what the school needs to succeed From facility improvements to program innovation to sound business planning Johnrsquos leadership and quest for advancing the school community has positioned IDS to meet the needs of its students today and in the future

Dana Goldbergformer Board President

View of before and after exterior gym renovation

Letʼs Start a Conversation about


The Independent Day School has launched its first ever marketing campaign targeted to families in central Connecticut in an effort to augment its Admissions effort The campaign created by the advertising agency Cashman and Katz based in Glastonbury will consist of print ads running in Connecticut Parent magazine the Hartford Courant Middletown Press CT Magazine Glastonbury Citizen radio spots on WNPR (public radio) as well as 30 second television spots appearing on local cable The advertising is designed to catalyze conversations with a wider array of prospective families about the distinctive and powerful features of the IDS experience

The campaignrsquos taglineldquoFearless Learningrdquo captures our educational proposition Of all the things that can hinder a child from succeeding in school - and later in life - fear may be the biggest of all Fear of failing Fear of success Fear of trying something new Fear of standing out Fear of being yourself Fear of not meeting some arbitrary expectation

IDS is different because its unique approach seeks to remove these fears It is a small close-knit nurturing community filled with engaging diverse and ultimately like-minded people Failure is embraced

as a learning opportunity Exploring interest and curiosities is encouraged Being yourself is celebrated

And those often arbitrary markers of success do not rule the day The students and their individuality doThe result is students are fearless at school Better prepared every day to tackle challenges push their limits explore their capabilities and discover their true interests and potential

During a special All School Meeting parents and students were invited to the premiere of the campaign complete with red carpet popcorn dark sunglasses feather boas and paparazzi Dr B opened the meeting to introduce the campaign he was attired in an ascot and beret Then CampK Creative Director Eric Cavoli attired in a tuxedo t-shirt shared an amusing ldquobehind the scenesrdquo video of outtakes before sharing the new 30-second cable television advertisementThe audience applauded the beautifully produced spot as it captured the brave confident eager and curious IDS students As the audience exited the theater Sly and the Family Stonersquos song ldquoEverybody is a Starrdquo pumped through the loudspeakers At IDS we couldnrsquot agree more

FEARLESS LearningA Seasonal Magazine for The Independent Day School Community Fall 2012

Jordan Class of 2015

Fear is the enemy of achievement So at IDS we work to remove fear from the equation

OPEN HOUSE Oct 12 815-1000am amp Oct 14 100-300pm

115 Laurel Brook Rd Middlefield CT Please register at IndependentDaySchoolorg

FEARLESSIN THE FACE OF LONG DIVISION

FEARLESS LEARNING

Isabella Class of 2014

FEARLESSIN THE FACE OF BEING ME

Fear is the enemy of individualism Of realizing you have something special And offering it amazingly So we work to remove fear from the equation IDS is a dynamic educational environment where students and learning experiences are diverse Where arbitrary markers of achievement are not the focus Rather we keep our students at the center of their education empowering them to become courageous Confident Curious And better prepared to excel at the next level Because among other things they are not afraid to succeed

OPEN HOUSE Oct 12 815 - 10am | Oct 14 100 - 300pm For Parents and Students Age 3 to Grade 8 115 Laurel Brook Road Middlefield CT

860-347-7235 | IndependentDaySchoolorg

Julien Class of 2013

Fear is the enemy of confidence So at IDS we work to remove fear from the equation

FEARLESS LEARNING

OPEN HOUSE Nov 3 100-300pm amp Nov 6 900am-1200pm


FEARLESSIN THE FACE OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

A sample of some of the print ads that will be running in local publications


Spruce Up Day or (How a tradition was born of mops and mascots)

Spruce13 Up13 Day13 is13 an13 epic13 tale13 of13 paint13 and13 passion13 sweat13 and13 sponges13 Twice13 a13 year13 the13 undaunted13 gather13 carrying13 mops13 brooms13 rakes13 and13 trowels13 and13 devote13 half13 a13 Saturday13 to13 polishing13 up13 the13 campus13 Originally13 sponsored13 by13 the13 Parent13 Association13 Chris13 Doyle13 Director13 of13 Facilities13 and13 parent13 of13 second13 grader13 Ardelia13 took13 over13 the13 event13 in13 200913 and13 put13 his13 own13 unique13 spin13 on13 it

Not13 merely13 content13 with13 a13 mundane13 Hix13 it13 day13 Doyle13 masterminded13 Spruce13 Up13 Day13 to13 be13 a13 day13 of13 community13 and13 dare13 we13 say13 creativity13 After13 a13 lackluster13 showing13 of13 participants13 due13 to13 bad13 weather13 in13 200913 Doyle13 was13 determined13 to13 attract13 a13 large13 group13 of13 parents13 and13 students13 for13 the13 subsequent13 event13 He13 ingeniously13 created13 the13 Spruce13 Jenner13 character13 a13 simple13 leaf13 with13 googley13 eyes13 as13 a13 mascot13 to13 generate13 excitement13 Spruce13 Jenner13 would13 remain13 as13 a13 trophy13 in13 the13 class13 that13 had13 the13 highest13 percentage13 of13 families13 represented13 for13 the13 balance13 of13 the13 school13 year13 The13 result13 A13 record13 number13 of13 people13 were13 involved13 and13 a13 tradition13 was13 born13 with13 new13 characters13 like13 The13 Spruce13 Hulk13 aka13 The13 Sprulk13 and13 Spruce13 Springsteen

This13 year13 to13 capitalize13 on13 the13 presidential13 race13 13 students13 submitted13 their13 own13 creative13 names13 so13 that13 the13 entire13 school13 could13 vote13 and13 elect13 the13 Spring13 theme13 The13 slate13 of13 names13 included13 13 13 political13 Higures13 Sprurack13 Obama13 and13 Clint13 Eastspruce13 as13 well13 as13 cultural13 touchstones13 like13 ldquoCall13 Me13 Spruceyrdquo13 ldquoLord13 of13 the13 Spruce13 Fellowship13 of13 the13 Sprucerdquo13 and13 Sprucey13 Potterrdquo13

The13 candidate13 ldquoIrsquom13 Sprucey13 and13 I13 Know13 Itrdquo13 carried13 the13 win

Spruce13 Up13 Day13 announcements13 and13 recaps13 are13 as13 eagerly13 anticipated13 as13 the13 event13 itself13 Jeff13 Hoyt13 parent13 of13 third13 grader13 Jake13 produced13 fantastic13

short13 Hilms13 documenting13 Mr13 Doyle13 interviewing13 Spruce13 Banner13 about13 the13 spirit13 of13 volunteerism13 at13 IDS13 ldquoBorn13 to13 Sprucerdquo13 music13 video13 and13 Dr13 Spruess13 classic13 ldquoHow13 the13 Grinch13 Stole13 Spruce13 Up13 Dayrdquo13 Reachers13 and13 students13 have13 helped13 with13 announcements13 from13 reading13 Dr13 Spruess13 classics13 to13 delivering13 a13 ldquofaxrdquo13 from13 Justin13 Bieber13 and13 backing13 Mr13 Doyle13 and13 Mr13 Watt13 as13 they13 slow13 jammed13 the13 Spruce13 Up13 Day13 announcement

Most13 importantly13 these13 events13 bring13 the13 community13 together13 in13 a13 way13 that13 beneHits13 the13 campus13

This13 fall13 parents13 and13 students13 painted13 some13 classrooms13 and13 worked13 on13 expanding13 the13 schoolrsquos13 nature13 trail13 For13 this13 Springrsquos13 Spruce13 Up13 Day13 these13 hardy13 workers13 will13 expand13 the13 boardwalk13 to13 help13 allow13 the13 community13 to13 further13 enjoy13 the13 pond13

A Community of CommitmentProfile Fred Wasch


Fred Wasch attended some of the elite schools in this country Choate Rosemary Hall Wesleyan University Princeton University Columbia University

But when he thinks about the place he learned the most -- the place where he was accepted for who he is -- he remembers the years he spent at The Independent Day School I learned more at IDS than I learned at Choate and as much or more than I learned at Princeton Wasch says It was such a comfortable and inviting environment for kids of all shapes and sizes

Wasch took his IDS education and found great success in the working world After finishing college and doing a stint teaching English at a high school in Bangalore India Wasch headed to San Francisco As technology companies began to take off Wasch was right in the middle ndash working in early-stage venture capital supporting companies as they were just starting out

Then after business school back at Columbia in New York he partnered with classmates to start CallStreet LLC a financial research company which they sold in 2004 He then spent almost six years working as a consultant analyzing products and markets and helping to position businesses for venture capital funding

For the last year and a half Wasch has been the chief financial officer at Raging Capital Management a financial advisory firm in New Jersey

Wasch has also followed a sideline passion for woodworking He took a year off from work in 2009-2010 and attended furniture making school in Maine During moments of free time he still finds his way to his studio drawn to the chance

to take a piece of wood and make it into something beautiful and useful

In September on the eve of the birth of his first child Wasch mused about how he wished his son could have that same experience That no judgment type of

environment was just amazing Wasch says ldquoIts a really special place I wish I lived closer

Fred Wasch graduated from IDS in 1984 His brother Thomas also attended IDS and his parents donated endless time and energy at the school Wasch has been among a small group of alumni in the New York City area who remain active connected with and supportive of IDS

A Community of Commitment

Profile Anla Jacobson


When you think Parent Association at the Independent Day School you probably picture Angela Jacobson

Jacobson who has two children Ryan in third grade and Ava in kindergarten and is expecting a baby boy at the end of October has filled nearly every role in the PA during her familyrsquos six years at IDS

When Ryan was in Beginners she began as a class liaison and helped prepare the classesrsquo auction offering The next year she stepped into a role on the executive board serving as the grouprsquos vice president She oversaw fundraising activities including IDS logowear and Square One Art and then ran the lunch program the next year Jacobson has continued as a leader in the organization serving as co-president last year and as treasurer this year ldquoI like being involved I like meeting new people and getting involved in new projectsrdquo Jacobson says

The stereotype of the PTA leader is often someone who is a stay-at-home parent with lots of time to commit to volunteer activities Not Jacobson She does all this while juggling a full-time job that includes some travel

ldquoI try to be very organized I prioritize and multitask It is possible to do itrdquo she says ldquoI am not always present on campus I donrsquot think I always need to be present on campus I have focused meetings with people -- just 10 minutes in the courtyard ndash and I can get done what I need to do It is definitely doablerdquo

Jacobson says she didnrsquot enter IDS intending to be an uber-volunteer but she came to really enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look at how things work and why IDS is run the way it is She also appreciates seeing other parts of the school through the eyes of the parents of older kids She also likes having contact with newer parents who remind her of why she initially chose IDS

She encourages others to try volunteering as a way to get connected to the school ldquoI think for people struggling to get acclimated and meet new people it helps to take a little bit of initiative and get involvedrdquo Jacobson says ldquoIt helps to meet people and see how the school runs I like to see what goes on in the school ndash to get a sense of timelines and budgets and decision-making and to understand things that from the outside look like they just happen I have a better understanding of what is going on and whyrdquo

And Jacobson emphasizes that not everyone has to get as involved as she has to add and get value from the experience ldquoThere are lots of activities You can pick and choose You donrsquot have to go to everything I encourage people to try to get involved by volunteering at a book fair or helping at Foundersrsquo Day You will definitely meet someone you wouldnrsquot normally interact with in your classrdquo

Facu

lty

First grade teacher Kathy Meyering (R) guitarist and singer for the six member band Rockslide performed this summer at the Peckham Park picnic concert the Elks Club in Middletown and the Durham Fair

Liz Warner Middle School History teacher and local Connecticut historian had an article published in Connecticut Explored magazine about African Americans in Connecticut Warner has been instrumental in establishing a National Register district in Middletown that was once an active early African American settlement called the Beman Triangle The area is the the first known residential area in Connecticut designed by a free black man for black homeowners

Fourth grade teacher Rob Schoen completed 10 courses (30 credits) at St Josephrsquos College in West Hartford for a second Masterrsquos in Curriculum Development and Instruction It took a little more than two years to finish all the requirements Rob said he was thrilled to be a student again

Maureen Dorsey and Shelley Sprague served as facilitators at the Seedlings Teacher Collaborative professional development workshop for teachers at the Hopkins School in New Haven this JuneJoAnn Rider IDS Coordinator of Publicity and Public Relations attended workshops on social media marketing this summer

Adriana Castillo IDS Spanish teacher can add Ironman Triathlete to her list of accomplishments Castillo completed the Timberman in New Hampshire in 6 hours and 10 minutes placing 13th out of 36 in her age groupWhen not prepping for her races Adriana worked on a Habitat for Humanity project in New Haven She said that although it was a lot of hard work it was very gratifying In February she will visit Siem Reap Cambodia to work side by side with people who need decent affordable housing You can visit Adrianarsquos Habitat Web page where you can learn more about her trip and make an online donation at httpwwwhabitatorgcdgvparticipantparticipantaspxpid=93696512

John Barrengos served as one of three key speakers for the National Small Schools Conference held in June at Falmouth Academy His session focused upon exploration of technical weaknesses to strengthen adaptive leadership skills for Heads at small schools Additionally he served as one of three panelists discussing first years of school leadership for the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads at the 2012 NAIS Annual ConferenceThis past year he was appointed to the board of trustees for two professional organizations including the the CT Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Association of Independent Schools Admission Professionals (AISAP) Lastly Barrengos has been selected to lead a workshop entitled ldquoBetween Lofty Leadership and Endurable Economicsrdquo for the 2013 NAIS Conference

The Beman Triangle


Focus

ClassBecky Groberg (rsquo99) has continued to work for Head Start in Burlington She is engaged to be married on September 22 2012

Dan Groberg (rsquo03) graduated from Kenyon College in May 2012 He is now in the University of Pittsburgh Master of Public Administration program which he anticipates completing in the Spring of 2013

Former IDS student Raghav Ranga currently residing in Arizona was the state winner of the National Geographic Bee and competed at the national championship in Washington DC in May

Caitlin De Wilde (rsquo00) graduated from Westover in 2004 Bates College in 2008 and completed a graduate degree at Yale University in 2010 She married Marco Montes de Oca in August (at left)

Tasia Butler (rsquo06) graduated from Mercy High School in 2010 and entered the Air Force for eight weeks of basic training in San Antonio TX

Sasha Abely University of Rhode IslandTashi Bhumba not availableSarah Bower College of the Holy CrossBobbie Esposito Muhlenberg CollegeFlinn Esselstyn Worcester CollegeLuke Gayeski Gap YearCeline Haeberly American UniversityMelissa Hall Stonehill CollegeDanielle Harris Mount Holyoke CollegeJackie Harris Bard College at Simonrsquos RockRachel Kantrowitz U of Massachusetts AmherstStephen Krom Quinnipiac UniversityKelsey Laursen Providence CollegeDinah Lensing-Sharp Smith CollegeSara Levine Brown UniversityMichelle Liva Chapman University (CA)Maggie Masselli Wesleyan UniversityRyan Murphy So Connecticut StateSydney Pugliares College of the Holy CrossZach Raup So Connecticut State Andrea Szegedy-Maszak Bard College

The Class of 2008 Goes to College

This summer JoAnn Rider and Christie Sundberg (rsquo02) caught up with each other over lunch at Le Pain Quotidien in Paris After graduating from Choate Christie attended the University of Miami and worked for a year in France Currently shersquos working in Boston for Education First

Following graduation from Kingswood Oxford and Colby College Mike Whalen (rsquo04) spent the summer working for the Audubon Society and is currently living in Washington DC where he is interning with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro


Notes

Bits and Pieces

Jeffrey MacDonald (R) from Glastonbury enjoyed a golf outing at Fishers Island Club on Fishers Island NY this past August Garvin McKee (L) from Essex purchased the outing at the IDS auction last Spring

From June 18 to June 27 2012 21 IDS Middle School students and parents with IDS teachers and chaperones Adriana Castillo and Stephanie Dwyer traveled to Spain with Casterbridge Tours The group enjoyed the amazing geographic and cultural diversity of Madrid and the Andaluciacutea region Speaking Spanish partaking of delicious

foods and learning local customs added a wonderful learning dimension to the trip for the participants

The group was fortunate

to visit Madrid Toledo Granada Sevilla Ronda and Coacuterdoba among other stops on the way Highlights included the Palacio Real in Madrid El Prado Museum Retiro Park the Alhambra Palace the Cathedral of Sevilla the Mezquita in Coacuterdoba and the architecture of the cities of Toledo and Ronda and other lovely towns Local flamenco in the caves of Granada a midnight tour of Arabic Quarter of Granada and a more traditional Flamenco show in Sevilla were cited as highlights the trip

IDS plans to return to Spain in the summer of 2013 with a trip to the North and East including stops in San Sebastian Pamplona and Barcelona13


Agam Grover Head for the Day

Auction winner and second grader Agam Grover spent the day in the shoes of Head of School Agam had the opportunity to speak to the students at the All School Meeting on September 19 He read Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear to his brotherrsquos kindergarten class and helped Mrs McLaughlin distribute lunches After all that hard work Agam shared a pepperoni pizza lunch with Dr B and advised him to extend the length of recess and shorten math and spelling class Agam even got to ring the dismissal bell Most importantly Agam knows where the secret stash of Dr Brsquos chocolates are hidden Priceless

Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D

Third grade artists used paper folding and cutting techniques to create crazy and colorful expressive masks

First graders shared their thoughts on why masks are made in every country in the world Then they designed masks of

their own

Andrew Lilah

Middle schoolers learn basic digital photography from a class taught by trustee and former parent

Michael Garner

FromThe Independent Day School115 Laurel Brook RoadMiddlefield CT 06455wwwindependentdayschoolorg


Fall 2012Contents ldquoAt my old school we had to be silent in the halls

At IDS we can whisperrdquo new 5th grade student Patrick to his mother after his first week at IDS


ReflectionsA Message from the Head of School3

Features2012 Graduates4

Alum Softball Game5

Nature Trail Opens6-7

Leading in Remarkable Times John Barrengos8-10

Fearless Learning11-12

Spruce Up Day13

Profiles A Community of CommitmentFred Wasch14

Angela Jacobson15

Faculty Notes16

Class Notes17

Bits and Pieces18

Gallery19

2011-2012 Donor Listing20-23

October 2012






Best wishes

John Barrengos Ed D


Reflections

2012GRADUATES





















William Wordsworth





























ldquo




















FEARLESS LEARNING








FEARLESS LEARNING






































Facu

lty







The Beman Triangle


Focus











Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner



October 2012






Best wishes

John Barrengos Ed D


Reflections

2012GRADUATES





















William Wordsworth





























ldquo




















FEARLESS LEARNING








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Facu

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The Beman Triangle


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Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner



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William Wordsworth





























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FEARLESS LEARNING








FEARLESS LEARNING






































Facu

lty







The Beman Triangle


Focus











Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner


















William Wordsworth





























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FEARLESS LEARNING








FEARLESS LEARNING






































Facu

lty







The Beman Triangle


Focus











Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner





























ldquo




















FEARLESS LEARNING








FEARLESS LEARNING






































Facu

lty







The Beman Triangle


Focus











Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner

















FEARLESS LEARNING








FEARLESS LEARNING






































Facu

lty







The Beman Triangle


Focus











Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner




































Facu

lty







The Beman Triangle


Focus











Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner













Notes

Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner



Bits and Pieces










Sketches of Spain

alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner



alleryG

Ellie Cooper


Katie Foster

Daniel Abay

Sofia Ava H

Ava D



their own

Andrew Lilah


Michael Garner



beech tree connection fall 2012

Documents

year ids

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friends of ids

story of ids

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