n e w s - Mary McDowell Friends School

n e w s

A Monthly Newsletter for Parents

Debbie’s Note MMFS News is published the first Friday of each month by Mary McDowell Friends School, a Quaker school for students with learning disabilities.

February 2013 In This Issue Debbie’s Note

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Benefit Cocktails, Dinner & Auctions

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Purchase Benefit Tickets Online

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Announcements

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Tuition Deposit Reminder

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Birthday Book Club

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PA News

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Benefit Journal Ads

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Alumni Spotlight

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Benefit Ticket Promotion

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US Field Studies: Chuck Close

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News From the Divisions

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Theater at MMFS

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Benefit Auction Ideas

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Mary McDowell Friends Fund

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Lightning Team Schedules

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Benefit Forms

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Please note: March MMFS News will be published Friday, March 15th. Mary McDowell Friends School 20 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-625-3939 www.marymcdowell.org

As you read this, the 8th Grade students and I are in sunny Costa Rica on a week-long Spanish language immersion trip. The trip is the culmination of MMFS’s middle school Spanish program and one of the highlights of being a Mary McDowell middle school student. Also on the trip are middle school co-director Mark Doty, middle school administrator Fran Yellen, head teacher in Crandall House Jim Signorelli, upper school director Kirk Smothers, senior school nurse Linda Omansky, Bergen Street receptionist Leslyn Rigoni and director of outreach and facilities and part-time Spanish teacher Ginny Perrin. To give you a taste of our travels I’m publishing excerpts of my email updates to the 8th Grade families back home. Monday, January 28th Hi All – We had a great first day. Everyone was happy when we finally arrived at the hotel. We swam in the pool for awhile and then some of us went to the beach to watch the sun set. On the way there we saw a family of howler monkeys playing in a tree. We watched as a baby monkey climbed on to its mother’s back (or what we assumed was its mother’s back) and the two of them swung from branch to branch. At times they stopped and looked right at us. It was a real treat! We had another treat at the beach when a giant iguana crawled out of the waves. The kids were astonished and thrilled and one of them jumped about a mile in the air. While he was in the air the iguana, whom the kids dubbed Geoffrey the Surfing Iguana,

slipped into his shoe and started to stare at us. He seemed as interested in us as we were in him! Suddenly a dog came running down the beach and chased poor Geoffrey back into the water. The dog followed him in and the kids spent the next few minutes commiserating about poor Geoffrey’s fate. The kids were surprised and delighted when Geoffrey reemerged a few minutes later. They watched him until he disappeared into the waves. Then they raced down the beach and posed for pictures until the sun had set and it was time to get ready for dinner. Tuesday, January 29th Hi All – We had a great day yesterday with fabulous weather. The students are doing well in their Spanish classes. It’s a new and challenging experience for them to spend two hours in a foreign language class, take a twenty minute break, and then return for another hour and forty minutes. The teachers are thoughtful, creative and very attentive. The kids all work very hard. Some of the comments I heard Continued on page 2

34 DAYS until our BENEFIT!

Continued from page 1 (Debbie’s Note)

from students are, “I love my teacher. I can’t believe how much I understand,” “I’m learning so much,” “Spanish class is my favorite part of the trip,” and “Class was great.” When we got back to the hotel that afternoon, everyone changed into their bathing suits and headed out for a swim. Some of them went to the pool but most went to the beach. I went with the kids to the beach. The waves were quite high but, under the watchful eyes of the chaperones, the kids dove right in and had a blast. Several students swam right into the waves and Mark videotaped them. They had a fabulous afternoon. Wednesday, January 30th Hi All – We had another terrific day with sunny skies and high temperatures. Classes are going very well and the students continue to tell us how much they enjoy them. It’s fun for us adults, too, as we listen to them use the words and phrases they are learning. Following lunch, we went on a catamaran cruise. In order to get to the catamaran, we had to go in shifts in a motor boat. In order to get to the motor boat, we had to wade out in knee deep water and then climb into the boat. On the motor boat, both groups hit a big wave and got soaked. Once on the catamaran everyone had a great time sunbathing, relaxing, listening to music and drinking virgin piña coladas. When we were far out near a local island, the kids got off the boat to swim and snorkel (with their life jackets on, of course, though most were convinced they didn’t need one). Unfortunately the water was cloudy so most of the kids couldn’t see any fish. Mark took his group closer to the rocks near the coast so they saw some fish. The rest of the group came back to the boat and started jumping off the boat. They dove, flipped, somersaulted and belly flopped into the water. Once everyone was back on the boat, they were greeted with a buffet of barbecued chicken, chips with guacamole and dip, fruit and cookies. After the food, the music resumed and Ginny, as usual, got the group dancing. Some of the adults on the boat began dancing with the kids while others watched, took pictures and clapped. About this time, the kids started encouraging one student in particular, a very gifted dancer, to do a solo. He hesitantly agreed and, when he began to move, everyone on the boat was floored by his talent.  By this time, EVERYONE was clapping wildly and taking pictures. After a few minutes, an equally gifted adult started dancing and the clapping and shouting continued. All the kids started shouting “dance off” and the two took turns dancing to the delight of everyone. After quite a while, the captain came over and gave them both t-shirts. Ever the gentleman, at the end the student went over and shook the man’s hand. One student told the MMFS dancer, “That was boss,” and many high fives were exchanged. We were so involved that we nearly missed the beautiful sunset.

As we got off the catamaran, many of the adults told us how well-behaved our kids were and how fun they were to be with. I was so proud of our kids. Wherever we go, people are impressed by them. It was another amazing adventure. Thursday, January 31st Spanish classes continue to go well.  The kids are learning so much and are quite proud of themselves.  They are active participants throughout the class and use their Spanish more and more each day. The teachers play lots of games, speak slowly, switch activities often and speak almost entirely in Spanish. There are eight different classes for the thirty-six students. They are all focusing on AR, ER and IR verbs. Some groups are learning to conjugate the verbs and use them correctly in both reading and writing.  Others are learning to recognize and read the verbs.  All groups are working on increasing their vocabulary by learning and/or reviewing fruits and vegetables, animals, seasons and school words.  They are also getting the opportunity to have basic conversations. This afternoon we took a boat ride on the Tempisque River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. This outing is Mark and Leslyn’s favorite and they have been getting everyone excited for it all week. Since we had to divide the group into two boats, we decided to have a contest to see which group would spot more animals. This generated much spirited discussion as to whom should be in which boat. Mark made a fabulous BINGO game with birds, reptiles and other animals we might see. The kids were really into it and diligently checked off each animal they spotted. Among the animals we saw were lizards, fish, butterflies, crocodiles and monkeys. Mark and Leslyn, who are both avid birders, came prepared with birding books and were constantly watching for specific birds. Among the different birds the kids identified were snowy egrets, black-necked stilts and the great blue heron. They loved looking for animals and remained totally engrossed throughout the boat ride. In the end we called the contest a draw since one boat saw more species of animals and the other boat saw more individual animals. Both groups were really proud of themselves for recognizing so many different kinds of wildlife. Our trip ends on Saturday, when we’ll fly into Newark Airport and head to our respective homes. As always, this trip is one of my favorite MMFS events, an opportunity for me to spend a little time with our 8th graders. My sincere gratitude to Fran, Ginny, Linda, Kirk, Mark, Jim and Leslyn for all their support and work on this trip and for being such wonderful, good-natured and fun chaperones. Look for photos of the Costa Rica Trip next week in the flickr galleries on the MMFS website, www.marymcdowell.org.

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Mary McDowell Friends School Benefit Celebration Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 Mary McDowell Friends School’s Benefit Celebration is  scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th from 6:00 to  10:00PM at Tribeca Rooftop in Manhattan.  Besides being  a festive evening, this celebration is our major fundraiser  of the year.  Last year, we raised over $120,000 for the  school, and this year we hope to set a new fundraising  record!

Please join us as we honor Jerry Pinkney with Adam’s Prize. Jerry is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and narrative artist. We are also pleased to0welcome Brian Cox award-winning film, theatre and television actor as our Benefit Host. • Ticket prices are $400 for two tickets or $200 for a single ticket until February 20th! After 2/20, pricing becomes $450 for two tickets and $225 for a single ticket. NEW!! Tickets may be purchased ONLINE at http://marymcdowell.maestroweb.com. • The format of the evening is a cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres and buffet  dinner leading up to our live auction and program.  No reserved seating.  OUR AUCTION CATALOG IS ON LINE!!!!!! OUR AUCTION CATALOG IS ONLINE! Our auction catalog is growing by the day.  It can be found online at  http://marymcdowell.maestroweb.com. If you have trouble with the hyperlink,  please copy and paste it into your web brower.

We are still in need of AUCTION DONATIONS including  restaurant gift certificates, theatre tickets,  sporting event tickets and concert tickets, beauty items, children’s items,  and we are still in need of underwriters for teacher tickets, the evening’s DJ  and flowers and other items. Thank you. The Journal Ad deadline is Wednesday, February 13th! Submit your journal ads to Orla Dunstan at [email protected]. The Benefit 2013 Committee thanks you for your support of  Mary McDowell Friends School! Questions?  Call L.J. Mitchell, Director of Development, at 718‐625‐3939,  ext. 2223 or email him at [email protected]. 3

NEW! Purchase Benefit Tickets ONLINE! For your convenience, you can now purchase your benefit tickets online at http://marymcdowell.maestroweb.com It’s safe and secure!

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Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss! Feb. 1 ....................

Upper School Movie Night Sponsored by PA at Sidney Place, 3:45pm-6pm

Feb. 2 ..................

8th Grade Trip to Costa Rica Returns

Feb. 6 ....................

Benefit Committee Meeting at Bergen Street, 6pm

Feb. 6 ..................

8th Grade Parent Preview of Upper School – Focus on Curriculum and College Counseling – at Sidney Place, 7pm

Feb. 13 ..................

PA Council Meeting for All Parents at Bergen Street, 8:30am

Feb. 15 ..................

Seventh Grade Museum Day at Summit Place

Feb. 25 ..................

Museums: Anderson, Krisberg, Mott and Longobardi Rooms at Bergen Street

Mar. 1 ..................

100th Day of School

Mar. 1 ...................

Elementary School Movie Night Sponsored by PA at Sidney Place, early evening (time TBA). Note: parents stay in the building

Mar. 4 ...................

Museums: Obadiah, Fox and Whittier Rooms at Bergen Street

Mar. 6 ...................

MMFS Benefit Cocktail Party, Dinner and Live and Silent Auctions at Tribeca Rooftop, 6-10pm

Mar. 11 .................

Museums: Levi, Penn, Fry, Cuffe and Fell Rooms at Bergen Street

Reminder for Tuition Deposit Your signed enrollment contract and deposit for the 2013-2014 school year are due to our Business Office by no later than February 15th. Please get your materials in as soon as possible so that your child is assured a space in our 2013-2014 program. Late fees will be assessed for submissions past the February 15th due date.

Bi r t hday Book Club Thank you to the following families who recently participated in the Birthday Book Club. This is a great opportunity to bring new and wonderful books to our library. Alexandra Chasin for Zoa Chasin Alexis Papageorge and Michael Cloherty for Lily Cloherty

PLEASE NOT E: Publication date of March MMFS News is changed to Friday, March 15th. 5

PA News Hello Mary McDowell Friends School families! Here’s what’s happening from the MMFS PA Council:  The MMFS Benefit Celebration is March 6th! Class Parents have been coordinating donations of special items from every MMFS family for the themed Class Baskets, an MMFS tradition.  (Each family is asked to donate an item; ask your Class Parent for more details.)  Look for these festive Baskets at the benefit and bid on them in the Silent Auction! Mark your Calendars. • Division Movie/Fun Events:   Upper School Movie Night* is Friday, Feb. 1st, immediately after dismissal.  Watch the ‘80‘s classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at school with your friends! Elementary Movie Night* is Friday, March 1st, early evening (time TBA).  Kids will have pizza with their buddies and see “The Red Balloon,” to be followed by animated shorts!  (Note: Elementary event is not drop-off – parents stay in the building.) A Middle School Movie/“Fun” event is still being planned for winter – stay tuned!   * All Movie Nights will be held at Sidney Place. • Spring Carnival It’s cold outside but the PA has begun organizing the terrific Spring Carnival!  All MMFS parents have received an email invite to join the Carnival Committee, having its first meeting Friday, Feb. 1st at 8:30 a.m. at Bergen Street.  The Carnival will be May 11th or May 18th (TBA) – a day of old-fashioned Carnival games, bouncing, food and all-school spirit held in the sunny Summit Street courtyard.  Every elementary and middle school class will be assigned a game booth and upper school students play a big part too. 

Class Parents will help coordinate game booth volunteers from their classes. Any amount of help is appreciated – little time is required!  Please contact Carnival Chair Gigi Sharp to join the Carnival Committee:  [email protected]. • PA Evening Speaker: May The PA Council has exciting plans to have Andrew Solomon, distinguished author of Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity, as a guest speaker at MMFS.  His work explores the profound, unexpected challenges and joys of parenthood.  Please mark your calendars for a fascinating evening May 1st.  Great thanks to Mott Class Parent Frank Ligtvoet for the idea and for spearheading the arrangements, which are still underway. The best-Kept Secret at MMFS: PA Parent Library! Did you know that you can borrow an extensive selection of books on learning disabilities, child development, parenting and related issues for elementary through high school from the MMFS Parents’ Assoc. Parent Library? Located in the second floor conference room at Bergen Street, you can arrange library access with the front desk.  Call or email Leslyn: [email protected]  (The conference room is often busy but you can browse and borrow when it’s free.)  Contact Molly at mmaghoag@hotmail. com with any Library questions. The next PA Council meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 13th, 8:30 a.m. at 20 Bergen Street – Open to ALL MMFS parents!  Agenda: Benefit Gala and Class Baskets, Teacher Appreciation Event planning, Division “Fun” events, Spring Carnival, PA Evening Speaker, Open Agenda items. Warm regards,  Molly M. Hoagland PA Council Class Parent Coordinator [email protected] Tanja Bruestle-Kumra PA Council Secretary [email protected] 

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Support Mary McDowell by Placing an Ad in the Benefit Journal Journal ads celebrate your child • your child’s teacher • the school Deadline for main journal is February 13th!

Examples of Previous Ads

We can design the ad for you! It’s that easy!

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KONSTANTINOS ITKOWITZ LEOUSSIS Konstantinos Itkowitz Leoussis (Known as “Gus” while at MMFS) moved on from Mary McDowell Friends School in 2001 and attended the Robert Louis Stevenson School before moving on once again for boarding school. He is currently “somewhere around his junior year” at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. “I changed majors and I now have a double major in something else, so I have no idea exactly how far along I am,” Konstantinos said, adding that the plan is to “keep doing it until I graduate!” Konstantinos (who also goes by Konstantine for short) started out with a major in fisheries science with an emphasis in Conservation and Fluvial Geomorphology, a logical choice at the time given a lifelong interest in aquatic life. The practical aspects of the major – like standing in a river and taking water measurements – not so much. So fisheries science became Konstantine’s minor. “I now have a dual major in Behavioral Psychology and Music Education in Vocal and Cello with a minor in Fisheries Science.” Although there is some – not much – overlap in the course requirements, each major totals 120 credits, with 70 to 80 credits devoted to music education and another 60 credits of behavioral psych courses. It’s an interesting mix of coursework. This semester, Konstantine is taking a behavioral psych class, two vocal courses and an instrumental course as part of a quartet – Konstantine plays the cello. “We will be doing a lot of performances soon,” he comments. Konstantine is also currently working on a music album under the abbreviation “Kostas.” After several years of playing the piano, Konstantine decided to change things up musically speaking. “I experimented with a lot of instruments and discovered the cello. I love it.” He doesn’t, however, love hauling his cello up and down hills from his apartment to campus. “I finally decided to rent a locker at the college for my cello, and that’s made my life a lot easier!” Konstantine is busy. In addition to all the academic demands of his dual major, he lives in his own two-bedroom apartment off campus and does all his own shopping and excels at vegan cooking. The second bedroom is his art studio where in his “spare time,” Konstantine creates art and records music. “I paint, record music and make eco-friendly jewelry. So I draw out the designs for jewelry and then carve them into jewelers wax.” He is currently working with resin, bones and recycled metal. “I plan to start my own collection. Right now, I’m doing pieces based on the 12 tasks of Hercules,” he said, noting

that he has always been fascinated with the Greek culture. “My mother is Greek and I have always been captivated by my family’s Greek lineage. Greek Mythology has always been an interest of mine.” Right now, Konstantine comments that he is doing “lots of brainstorming and research, lots of carving wax, lots of failing and lots of starting over and trying it again.” When the semester ends in April, Konstantine is thinking that he’d like to travel to Asia for a week or two for inspiration for his jewelry. “There are lots of historic places – and architecture – I’d like to see. Or maybe spend some time in San Francisco.” But, for now, Konstantine has four upcoming mid-terms. Konstantine may not be sure exactly when he will be graduating, but he does know what he will be doing when he gets his joint degree. “I’m looking at graduate programs to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner,” he explained. “I have two good friends who are nurses, and that’s how I started thinking about it. Plus there are many job opportunities, good salaries and you get to help people, which is also a passion of mine. It’s going to be a big challenge, but I’m up for anything. Bring on the sleepless nights, espresso, and biochemistry!” I want to thank all of my teachers who guided me through my elementary education. Especially Lauren and Jennifer (if you are reading this) who helped foster my appreciation and love for the ocean’s creatures by letting me make tons of photocopies from books. Suzanne for helping me realize my love for dance (even though I shied away from performing with my class that year). And Mark and Courtney for helping me through my last rough year at MMFS. What you all have done for me I could not even begin to explain. Thank you all. Kris Hallam Mother of Andrew Corby, Alumnus 1999

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Benefit Ticket Promotion SELL $450 worth of Benefit Journal ads EARN 1 ticket to attend the Benefit Celebration on Wednesday, March 6th at Tribeca Rooftop! *

Journal ad deadline is February 13th for inclusion in the main journal book! * Journal ad form can be found online at http://www.marymcdowell.org/giving/spring.shtml or email Orla Dunstan at [email protected]

Upper School Field Studies: Chuck Close Upper School Students recently participated in a day-long study of the artist, Chuck Close. The project culminated in students producing their own artwork inspired by Close’s paintings. Here are some of the fantastic results. For more photos, go to the Flickr galleries on the MMFS website, www.marymcdowell.org.

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News From the Divisions Elementary School This month we had the privilege of celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an entire school. On Wednesday January 23rd, buddy classes from all three building met with each other to celebrate the life of Dr. King. Celebrating his birthday has become a school-wide tradition for our community with creative group projects and thoughtful queries. This year buddy classes from all three buildings were divided amongst

the buildings to explore his life and his dreams for each of us, our community and the greater world. The day began with buddy classes taking part in a planned activity which was developmentally appropriate for the students. Teachers from each paired class collaborated to develop an activity and gather materials. For example, the Levi Room and an advisory group from the upper school worked together to create mobiles of words and dreams inspired by Dr. King. The Anderson Room and

an upper school advisory group designed a quilt filled with personal dreams. Dreams included, I have a dream the world will be peaceful and I have a dream we will all be equal. The Fell Room paired with Rustin House from the middle school took part in a quiz about Dr. King in which the older students worked to support students from the Fell Room to find the answer. The classes then created a shared drawing of Dr. King. The Fox Room, Crandall House from the middle school and an advisory group from the upper school worked together to make posters for dreams they have to change the world. One group imagined the world without pollution. The activities varied amongst all three buildings. The groups concluded their time together with a shared snack and time to socialize across the divisions. It was clear students of all ages enjoyed spending time with each other – a true testament to our strong sense of community within the greater school. Finally, all three buildings took part in Silence. The query posed at each Meeting was, How can we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life each and every day? The students shared thoughtful responses, for example: students spoke about being kind and accepting of different people; the importance of having friends from different ethnic backgrounds; and that simply by remembering Dr. King’s words we can honor him in our everyday actions. The morning was full of laughter, friendship and hope amongst our students and faculty. See photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the flickr galleries on the MMFS website. By Hannah Wiltshire, Elementary School Director and Franziska Laskaris, Elementary School Assistant Director

Middle School 2013 is off to a great start in the middle school. We have been very busy gearing up for all the things to come. With the start of the New Year we have a new emphasis in Silence. Rather than answering the query like one might answer a teacher’s question in class with a short succinct response, students have been encouraged to take their time when responding and share longer stories that highlight the theme of the query. This was met with enthusiasm by students and faculty alike. The first week back we heard stories about learning experiences that happened over break and in the following weeks we have heard stories of fears that were overcome. This change has enriched our meeting time and we hope to continue using this method moving forward. We had a great time celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. We met up with our buddy classes from the

Continued on page 11

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Continued from page 10 (News From the Divisions)

elementary division and the upper school. Students shared a snack before taking part in activities based on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Many watched the “I Have a Dream” speech while others created art projects and talked about what we have learned from Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. The celebration ended with a meeting where student reflected on ways we can celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. every day. See photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the flickr galleries on the MMFS website. We had an exciting week in January when a film crew visited the school. A video is being made to highlight all the exciting learning that happens at our school. In the middle school the videographers were busy filming dry ice bubbling from science projects, contentious debates in current events, a mock trial in history, puppets coming to life in the woodworking studio and museum preparations. The filmmakers also filmed a basketball game, chorus practice and play rehearsal. Parents,

faculty and students were interviewed to get a sense of what our community is all about. The filmmakers were very impressed and several spoke about wishing they could have attended a school like ours. In the final week of January the 8th Grade took its annual pilgrimage to Costa Rica. This is a trip the students have been looking forward to all year. The Costa Rican adventure included mornings filled with intensive Spanish classes. In the afternoon, students went zip lining in the forest, surfing in the Pacific Ocean, snorkeling and dancing on a catamaran and a river boat cruise with crocodiles and iguanas. While the 8th grade was away, the 6th and 7th grades continued their schedules and enjoyed some special classes and grade activities. See photos of the Costa Rica Trip next week in the flickr galleries on the MMFS website. By Courtney Nuzum Jiménez and Mark Doty Middle School Co-Directors

Upper School Mary McDowell families are no strangers to the process of finding the most appropriate educational setting for their children. Many have spent a great deal of time exploring schools, and many have done so without a great deal of support. The Mary McDowell College Guidance Office has been created to ensure that students and parents have a tremendous amount of support as they search for and explore post-secondary options. My role here at Mary McDowell is a multi-faceted one. As the Director of College Guidance, I am here to teach students and parents how to research schools, how to get the most out of school visits and make educated decisions about which programs are appropriate fits. I also support students during their application process, from standardized testing to essay writing to resume building. Another part of my job is to connect to college admissions representatives. This year, my focus has been to introduce the Mary McDowell Upper School to colleges and universities; next year, it will be to host admissions representatives on campus and to advocate for students during the application process. To this end, I have devoted some time this year to attending conferences and visiting a variety of college campuses. Most recently, I attended Lynn University’s Transitions 2013 conference. Not only did this conference give me the opportunity to visit Lynn University, which offers a comprehensive learning support program; but it also allowed me to continue professional development work in the area of transitioning students with learning disabilities from high school to college. While we certainly believe that the most important thing 9th and 10th graders can do is focus on their academic/artistic/athletic work here at Mary McDowell,

in order to give students and parents an overview of the college process, we will be holding a 9th and 10th grade College Night on April 9th. During this presentation, I will lay out the college guidance process in addition to discussing the importance of coursework, extracurriculars and summer programs. An integral part of the college guidance program is the two-year “College Seminar” course, which is taken by all 11th and 12th graders. This once-a-week course introduces the college process to all MMFS students. We began the year by discussing learning differences, IEPs and accommodations. We then looked at college applications and what they typically entail. The students then researched a variety of schools: small liberal arts colleges to large universities, rural schools and those with urban campuses, art programs and conservatories. The students were excited by the fact that, by picking a major in college, they would be able to devote a tremendous amount of time studying what they are passionate about. Continued on page 12

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Continued from page 11 (News From the Divisions)

Our featured event, Junior College Night, was held on January 24th. During this event, students and parents learned about the college process, including researching and visiting schools, standardized testing, applications and financial aid. Over the next few months, students will have individual meetings with me followed by family meetings, in which individualized lists and recommendations will be made. Students and families are invited to reach out to me for advice at any time during this process. Self-advocacy is a critical skill that we strive to teach at

theater at MMFS

Mary McDowell over the years; however, nowhere is it more crucial than as we prepare our students for life after graduation. Therefore, self-advocacy is an integral part of our college guidance program; students are being taught to take ownership of the college process and develop the independence necessary to succeed on their own. We have so many bright, talented and unique students at Mary McDowell. My colleagues and I are looking forward to seeing what their futures hold. By Amy Salomon-Kohn Director of College Guidance

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creating an ensemble. We start with an exploration of image theater, creating frozen pictures based on text, emotions and photographs. We study pantomime and improvisation. Students learn stage directions and blocking, and then demonstrate those skills in a unit in which each student memorizes and performs a monologue. In addition, we explore radio theater and silent film theater. Students act in radio plays and write and perform their own original commercial jingles. In our study on silent film, we watch several silent films and study how one can take the idea of a silent film and translate it to the stage. Students both stage their own silent film plays and make their own original silent films. And that’s just the first semester! Students in the Styles of Acting and Directing class work to deepen their understanding and practice of acting, scene work and directing. We began our semester with an introduction to interview theater

by working on The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman. We studied the material as well as the historical events on which the play is based. Each student memorized and performed a monologue from the play. From there, we began creating our own interview theater piece. We worked as an ensemble to create the concept for the piece, which is titled Relationships: It’s Complicated. Students were then tasked with their first of several directing projects. The group chose to direct ensemble-based scenes from popular musicals. Those projects were performed and filmed. Recently, we launched into a study of Theater of the Oppressed, or Forum Theater. This is a type of theater that promotes awareness of one’s social situations, individual attitudes and conflict resolution. I hope to see many of you at our upcoming production of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown on May 16th and 17th at 7 pm. Sharon Counts Upper School Theater Teacher

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M MFS

Middle School “Bye Bye Birdie!” Comes to MMFS! In 2008 the MMFS Middle School Theater Department set a goal; to bring the full theatrical experience to those 6th, 7th and 8th graders who wished to participate in the annual spring production. Since then we’ve been able to stage Aladdin, Romeo and Winifred and last spring, The Secret Garden. This year we bring you Bye Bye Birdie! With a cast and crew of 47, we have embarked on a journey where many before us have gone ... the middle school musical! This project is a labor of love and a tapestry of talents lent by all involved: Leah Wasserman – Assistant Director, Julie Ackerman-Hovis – Musical Coordinator, Melody Olsen – Set Design Coordinator, and Johnny Young – Technical Coordinator. In addition, Genna Allen-Chan, mother of Olivia Chan, has graciously given her time and seamstress talents to create authentic period costumes. Of course, this show could not take shape without the actors and crew. One could say this is a motivated group, but that would be an understatement. While most actors find something within a plot to which they can relate, this particular story is one that draws young teen actors to it because it involves elements that pervade their social worlds; a celebrity crush, the first real couple among a group of friends, gossip, parental hovering, rebellion and teen angst. Bye Bye Birdie! is a satire and tells the story of a rock and roll singer, Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type who is about to be inducted into the army during the early 60’s. Albert Peterson, his agent, is a very pleasant mild

UPPER SCHOOL Theater in the upper school is made up of two different courses and a rich after-school program which presents two shows every year. The courses that are offered this year are Foundations of Theater and Styles of Acting and Directing. Our after-school theater program is a rigorous and fun place where students can become involved in theater making on a variety of levels. Students have the chance to perform or to be a part of our stage crew. In the fall, we did a production called Missed Connections, A One Act Play Festival. This show was a series of one-act plays written by seven professional playwrights who were commissioned to write original plays specifically for our students. This spring, we will be doing a production of the critically acclaimed musical You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. The Foundations of Theater course provides a wide range

mannered young man. Albert’s faithful secretary Rose Alvarez keeps him and Birdie moving forward in the world, though Albert is controlled mostly by his overbearing “Mama.” Rosie concocts one final national publicity plan before Conrad’s induction. Conrad will bid a typical American teen-age girl goodbye with an allAmerican kiss. Kim MacAfee in Sweet Apple, Ohio wins the honor. Kim has just been pinned to Hugo Peabody, a local boy. The arrival of Birdie in Sweet Apple causes people of all ages to swoon and the adults cannot understand this generation of kids. The MacAfee household is completely upset by the visiting celebrity. Many things go terribly awry during Birdie’s visit, yet in the true spirit of happy endings, the ship is righted and everyone lands where they should. This project gives the students an opportunity to embellish, exaggerate and step entirely outside of the reserved side of themselves. They can explore their vocal ranges and learn to multi-task within a new framework; singing, dancing and acting simultaneously. The design crew is engaged in a full hands-on experience creating the backdrop for the show. As the cast and crew meet these challenges in stages each week there is an almost tangible increase in confidence. Bye Bye Birdie! will be presented on April 11th and 12th at the MMFS middle school. We welcome all lovers of Musical Theater and invite you all to come laugh and enjoy the splendor that is MMFS Theater. Suzanne Leake Middle School Drama/Spanish Director

of exposure to theatrical styles, techniques and genres. Students began by building a common vocabulary and Continued on page 12

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c WE NEED AUCTION ITEMS!!!

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The Mary McDowell Friends Fund 2012-13 We would like to thank the following individuals who have so generously contributed to this year’s Mary McDowell Friends Fund, the school's annual fund. Each year, we depend on the annual fund to provide direct funding for educational initiatives that tuition alone does not cover. We need everyone’s participation to reach this year’s goals of $400,000 and 100% parent Trustees and Former Trustees (and spouses) Alan Alpert and Linda Trotta Heather and Peter Campbell Nancy Feinberg Lynn Gernert and Susan Weiler Rebecca K. Givan Joseph Gosler and Sheila Wolper Avis Hinkson Felice Shapiro Friedman Alan and Lisa Sinsheimer Benjamin Warnke Sue and Joel Wolfe Sherri Weiser-Horwitz and Michael Horwitz Sharon and Barton Inkeles Wade N. Black and Wendy Wong Nell Clark Susan L. Weiner Milt Sleeter and Joel Herman Arline Krisberg Talmadge and Edith Neece Current Parents John Illig and Merry Alpern-Illig Eileen Ayling Freddi and Edward Baranoff Albert and Drusilla Belman Fran and Michael Berini Stephen and Kimberly Biehle Vicki and Larry Botel Peter and Cathy Brown Tanja Bruestle-Kumra and Vijay Kumra Eva Kolodner and Eliza Byard Alan Carver Deborah Carver Darwin Chan and Genna Allen-Chan Alexandra Chasin Ernest and Donna Chornyei Marya Cohn and Tjebbo Penning Ann Weathersby Cooney and Michael Cooney Nicole and Brian Cox Frank Ligtvoet and Nanne Dekking Lisa Aguilera del Puerto and Fernando del Puerto

participation. No gift is too small, and every gift counts. Please think carefully about what you can give, and please stretch your giving to the fullest extent possible. We are very grateful to all of you who have given. As of January 31st, 2013*, contributions total $216,707.

Loretta and Curt Dill Bridget Elias and Townsend Davis Howard Epstein and Sandra Hartog Susan Dooha and Robert Fasano Josephine and Riccardo Fischioni Jacqueline and Nicholas Gravante Sheila Harley and Mark Simonian Caren Golden and Peter Herzberg Delicia Shaw-Hitchcock and William Hitchcock Betty and Michael Huber Sandra and Jeffrey Justin Stephan and Stacie Kiratsous Lori and Larry Leibovich David and Mary Jane Lifson Elizabeth Mair Hope Manville Cornelia Buckley Marakovits and Bob Marakovits Christine and Andrew Merola George Michael and Miriam Mayerson Claiborne and Benjamin Milde Melissa Miller Catherine and Cathal Moore Rebecca Mueller and John Hojnacki Bonnie Eissner and Joseph O’Connor Tracy Plauski Caroline and Laurent Rimmen Beth Ann Day and Ben Rinzler Joshua and Alexandra Rosenstein Carolyn and Ernie Roth Cordy and Raquel Ryman Gigi Sharp and George Gilpin Robert and Vera Silver Michele Smalley Caitlin Thomas and David Clark Maria Pyrros Vergos and Dorian A. Vergos Jennifer and Robert Wheelock Molly and Stewart Winter Claire Schultz Yaffe and Rick Yaffe Grandparents George Abrams Hale and Mildred Alpern Linda Attoe

Ronnie Berish Lydia Brown Marilyn Buckley Joe and Jean Butera Ms. Rosalie Byard James and Eileen Cassidy Marie and James Connolly Jerry and Harriet Dorf Daniel Fisch and Babette Coffey Fisch Marilyn and Lawrence Friedland Elizabeth Gilmore Isobel Konecky Lee and Rusty Meshier Warren and Flo Sinsheimer James and Jean Smida Bob and Mary Jane Woodward Alumni and Parents and Grandparents of Alumni Greg Brooks and Rachel Adams Richard Bearak and Adrianne Wallace Irmgard and Kai Borner Maureen and Richard Carruthers Joel Cohen and Diane Milder Thomas Lee and Joan Giambusso Camille and David Gillespie Fred Myers and Faye Ginsburg Michael Green and Andrea Hirshman Tracy Gross Zeph Grunschlag Paula Katz and Rick Mandler Andreas Killen and Marie Sacco Laurin and Norman Kleiman Fay Leoussis Joseph Magnavito Robert McLoughlin and Jeanne Arfanis Edward and Mary Miller Julie and Jesse Miller Rayna Rapp Rajpal Sandhu and Mary Henry Don and Lori Sellitti Phil Silvestri and Rita Senders Silvestri

Continued on page 16

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Continued from page 15 (The Mary McDowell Friends Fund)

Ellynne Skove and Roger Gilchrist Michael Slater and Leslye Noyes Marjorie Slobetz and Donald Pickering Trevor and Barbara Sohan Klay and Jane Stack Basil Williams and Heather Shamsai Bill and Louly Williams Friends Lauren Baum John Bava Kristine Baxter and Jim Rein Daniel Beder Steven and Joan Beder Mr. David Berman Judith Bickart Loren Blackford Charlotte Blankfield Marvin and Ellen Ciporen Harvey P. Dale Deborah Friedman Micki and Robert Friedman

LIGHTNING

Muriel L. Frischer Curtis Givan and Alice Longobardi Givan Eric and Carolyn Gould Sherri Miller Beverly and Charles Morris Mary Nerney Janine Pollack Neal H. Rosenberg Lois Schiffer Frederick and Jane Sillman Regina Silvers Regina Skyer Robert and Paula Usadi Bernard and Shirley Zlotowitz Robin Zlotowitz Staff and Former Staff Bevin Daly Orla Dunstan and Robert Salmieri Deborah Edel and Teddy Minucci Bernie McCormick Ginny Perrin

Leslyn and Don Rigoni Jodi Scheurenbrand Beth Schneider and Steve McFarland Kirk Smothers and Sarah Clarke Katherine Sorel Debbie Zlotowitz and Rick Greenberg *** *Due to printing deadlines, all gifts received after January 31st, 2013 will be acknowledged in the March MMFS News. This report gratefully acknowledges gifts received between July 1, 2012 and January 31st, 2013. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this report. If there are any errors, please accept our apologies and notify the Development Office at 718-625-3939, ext. 2223.

Basketball 2012-2013 Remaining Games

Middle School G irls and Boys Teams Schedules Team

Date

Opponent

Time

Home / Away

BOYS

Monday, Feb. 4th

Rudolf Steiner

4-5 pm

away

GIRLS

Monday, Feb. 4th

Churchill

4-5 pm

home

GIRLS & BOYS

Thursday, Feb. 7th

Hannah Senesh

4-6 pm

away

GIRLS

Monday, Feb. 11th

BHMS

4-6pm

away

BOYS

Wednesday, Feb. 13th

Churchill

4-5 pm

home

GIRLS

Thursday, Feb. 21st

St. Luke’s

4-6 pm

away

GIRLS

Monday, Feb. 25th

BHMS

home

BOYS

Wednesday, Feb. 27h

Solomon Schechter

BOYS

Thursday, Feb. 28th

BHMS

4-5pm 4:306:30 pm 4-5 pm

Home / Away

away

Upper School G irls

and

away home

Boys Teams Schedules

Team

Date

Opponent

GIRLS

Monday, Feb. 4th

French-American School of NY

GIRLS

Wednesday, Feb. 6th

Brooklyn Friends

Time 4:30-6:30 pm 4-6 pm

BOYS

Friday, Feb. 8th

Avenues

4-6pm

away away

Please refer to the MMFS website calendar for changes to these schedules.

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Mary McDowell Friends School 20 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Solicited by

Journal Ads 2013 Benefit

Date

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 Tribeca Rooftop, New York, NY Please Indicate Which Ad You Wish to Purchase Ad Size Quarter page Half page Full page Silver page Gold page Inside back cover Inside front cover Back cover

hxw 3.25" x 2 " 3.25" x 4.5 " 7" x 4.5 " 7" x 4.5 " 7" x 4.5 " 7" x 4.5 " 7" x 4.5 " 7" x 4.5 "

Cost Check One $150 $300 $500 $800 $1,000 $1,500 SOLD $1,500 SOLD $2,000

4.5”

/

/2013

Half Page

4.5”

3.25”

7”

Congratulations Fido on a Great School Year! Love, Mom and Dad

Babbs, You’re the best!

3.25”

G’ma & G’pa

We love going to school at MMFS!

Full Page

2”

Qtr. Page

The journal measures 8.5”h x 5.5”w. All ads should be black & white copy to fit dimensions listed above, 300 dpi in jpg or tif formats. Please complete one form for each advertisement. Email ad as an attachment to [email protected] or mail this form with ad to Benefit Journal Mary McDowell Friends School 20 Bergen Street Brooklyn, New York 11201

Final Advertisement Deadline is Wednesday, February 13th, 2013.

Any ad received and/or paid for after the submission deadline will be placed in an addendum to the journal.

Please check appropriate boxes [ ] The advertisement copy is attached [ ] Please use my previous year's submission [ ] I/My business cannot purchase an ad, but would like to make a contibution of $ Name of Purchaser Firm/Organization Address City Telephone Email

(

)

-

State Fax (

)

Zip

-

Please make payment in full to Mary McDowell Friends School. I would like to make my payment by credit card Card number Name as it appears on credit card Signature of cardholder

□ Visa □ Mastercard □ American Express Sec. Code Exp. Date

For more information, please contact Orla Dunstan. Tel (718) 625-3939 ▪ Fax (718) 625-1456 ▪ Email [email protected]

All proceeds from the 2013 Benefit will support the educational programs at Mary McDowell Friends School, a K-12 school for students with learning disabilities.

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Mary McDowell Friends School 20 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Live and Silent Auction Donation 2013 Benefit Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 Tribeca Rooftop, New York, NY

Yes

I/My business would like to participate in the Silent Auction by donating the following

items or services. Description of items/services

(Where applicable, please include color, size, material, number of pieces, time restrictions, legal limitations, location of seats and exchangeability.)

Estimated fair market value of donation $ Delivery Arrangements

Please check one [ ] Enclosed [ ] Donor will deliver to [ ] 20 Bergen Street [ ] 135 Summit Street [ ] 23 Sidney Place [ ] Pick-up required. Please call to arrange. (

)

-

No

I/My business cannot participate in the Silent Auction, but would like to make a contribution of $ to Mary McDowell Friends School. Donor Information Donor’s Name Firm/Organization Address City Telephone

(

State )

-

Fax (

Zip )

-

Email Signature

Date

/

/2013

Company Website

Please return this form by Friday, February 22nd, 2013 to the Development Office. Solicited by For more information, please contact L.J. Mitchell. Tel (718) 625-3939 ext. 2223 ▪ Fax (718) 625-1456 ▪ Email [email protected]

All proceeds from the 2013 Benefit will support educational programs at Mary McDowell Friends School, a K-12 school for students with learning disabilities.

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Mary  McDowell  Friends  School,  a  Quaker  school,  is  Brooklyn’s  only  nonprofit,  independent 

school  and  resource  center  for  students  with  learning  disabilities.    Founded  in  1984  and  celebrating  its  28th  year,  MMFS  offers  a  nurturing  environment  where  students  have  challenging  academic  work  and  expert professional support to help them succeed. 

Students  with  learning  disabilities,  although  intellectually  capable,  have  specific  problems  learning  to  read,  write,  do  math,  pay  attention,  sit  still,  organize  their  work  or  remember.    Without  education  tailored  to  meet  their  special  needs,  students  with  learning  disabilities  often  become  increasingly discouraged, knowing they are smart and capable of learning, but constantly frustrated  in  their  attempts  to  learn.    MMFS  is  dedicated  to  making  these  students  into  literate,  confident  learners,  when  reading,  language,  attention  and  memory  problems  prevent  their  successful  education  in  mainstream  schools  and  classes.    Mary  McDowell  Friends  School’s  curriculum  gives  students  with  learning  disabilities  a  solid  foundation,  making  it  possible  for  them  to  achieve  sustained  academic  success and an independent and productive future. 

Mary  McDowell  Friends  School  is  comprised  of  three  campuses,  an  elementary  school  at  20  Bergen  Street  in  Cobble  Hill,  a  middle  school  at  135  Summit  Street  in  Carroll  Gardens  and  an  upper  school  at  23  Sidney  Place  in  Brooklyn  Heights.    MMFS  has  an  expert  professional  staff  serving  316  students  in  twenty‐four  classes,  grades  K‐11  this  year.    A  twelfth  grade  will  be  added  for  the  2013‐14  school  year,  at  which  time  Mary  McDowell  Friends  School  will  be  the  only  K‐12  school  exclusively  dedicated to addressing the educational needs of students with learning disabilities in Brooklyn.  A high  staff‐to‐student ratio enables students to receive a great deal of individualized instruction to meet their  unique  learning  needs.    The  program  is  guided  by  the  philosophy  and  long  tradition  of  academically  outstanding  Quaker  educational  institutions,  which  value  the  worth  of  each  individual,  high  academic  standards,  social  concern  and  responsibility,  and  educational  innovation.    Our  overall  curriculum  is  designed  to  produce  not  just  academic  achievers,  but  well‐rounded,  socially  balanced  students.    In  addition  to  a  demanding  academic  program,  students  benefit  from  an  enrichment  program,  which  includes  classes  in  visual  arts,  movement,  physical  education,  theatre  arts,  library  science‐study  skills  and  computer.    The  enrichment  program  helps  students  with  learning  disabilities  thrive  by  engaging  them in activities that stimulate them socially, creatively and intellectually without the stress of having to  meet specified levels of achievement. 

Mary McDowell Friends School maintains an ongoing commitment to community service and to  public  and  parent  education  about  learning.    Community  service  and  social  responsibility  are  an  essential  part  of  students’  curriculum  and  can  include  such  projects  as  visits  with  seniors  at  a  local  nursing  home,  recycling  and  environmental  projects  as  well  as  school‐wide  drives.    Mary  McDowell  Friends  School’s  innovative  education  for  students  with  learning  disabilities,  its  special  collaborative  activities, and its community service and outreach projects position the school as a unique resource for  children and families in the New York City area.   20 Bergen Street  ●  Brooklyn NY 11201 ●  T 718‐625‐3939  ●  F 718‐625‐1456  ●  www.marymcdowell.org 

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