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Winter 2013 1 INSIDE BROWNE Winter 2013

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Page 1: Inside Browne

Winter 2013 1

INSIDE BROWNE

Winter 2013

Page 2: Inside Browne

2 Inside Browne

Mr. David Germroth Board Chair

Mrs. Deidre Boone Vice-Chair

Mrs. Margot Durkin Head of School, Ex-Officio

Mr. Peter Aliferis, Trustee Emeritus

Dr. Sharon Alston, Ph.D.Mrs. Jacquie BloomMr. Bryan BonnerMr. Jeffrey BrooksMs. Ann Colonomos, Honorary TrusteeMr. John DeMarchiMr. Richard DriscollMr. Frank FannonMrs. Colette GormanMr. Christopher HardimonMr. Larry Hentz

Mr. A. Everett Hoeg, III, Ex-OfficioMr. Robert MacKenzieMr. Guy NealMrs. Nora PartlowMr. Charles PlattMs. Cynthia RiceMr. Omar ShiblaqMrs. Susan SimpsonMs. Patricia St. GeorgeMr. Matthew StrottmanMrs. Debbie McCain Wesley

Browne Academy Board of Trustees2012 - 2013

Page 3: Inside Browne

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Winter 2013

8 Commencement

16 Lois Ferrer Award

20 The Edible Schoolyard

30 Alumni Anecdotes

Sections

4

10

12

26

34

Browne joins the Edible Schoolyard movement as students construct and harvest a sustainable garden.

Head of School’s Letter

Grade Snapshots

School News Class Notes

Message to Alumni

A look back at the Class of 2012’s achievements and parting words.

With a 25 year legacy at Browne, Janet Gomez receives the award for the 2011-12 school year.

Two alumni share their stories about appearing on Jeopardy! and meeting the President.

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4 Inside Browne

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S LETTER

Do you remember looking at college view books and seeing the mandatory picture of a class meeting outdoors on the university’s beautiful campus? I always wondered if that really happened! Here at Browne as part of teaching children respect for the environment, our entire campus is truly a classroom. We are excited to be a part of the Edible Schoolyard movement that was started in Berkley, California, by the famous chef, Alice Waters. Near our Middle School building, our student-tended garden boasts all kinds of seasonal produce. It is amazing to hear the comments from kids when they eat a green pepper, squash or a tomato, fresh from the garden—sometimes a food they don’t want to try. They exclaim that the taste is so much better than what comes from the store! Elsewhere on campus, near the creek that is part of the “Pike Branch,” we are growing native plants that are in harmony with the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This fall, a group of student and parent volunteers from the Middle School helped plant over 60 native trees and shrubs along the creek which is part of a larger effort to restore native habitat on campus to provide food and shelter for wildlife as well as outdoor learning spaces for students. The green tubes sticking out of the ground easily identify the project site. Each tube protects the tree or shrub within from grazing deer and other animals. Our creek restoration project began in the fall of 2011 with volunteers planting over 400 native plants along the western shore of Pike Branch. The project also included the installation of a nature trail through the restoration site. The site has since provided classes with a wonderful outdoor learning space for students to investigate and experience natural processes. Students also learn what plants belong to our area of the country. A nursery for native plants has been established behind the CAPA to allow us to “grow our own” as we continue to restore the native habitat on campus. And we do meet outdoors when the weather permits. We even take lunch outside when it’s the right day. This builds awareness of our surroundings and an appreciation of nature. You may have noticed some of the wonderful three-

Head of School Margot N. Durkin

Campus as ClassroomBrowne finds new ways to use the campus’s many outdoor spaces for experiential learning

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Winter 2013 5

Nurturing academic excellence and the confidence to thrive.

LeadershipMargot Durkin

Head of ScHool

Alex Clain-Stefanelli director of Middle ScHool

Nicole Girvandirector of lower ScHool

Bonita Leadirector of PreScHool

Mike Sassodirector of develoPMent

Jim Ringerdirector of finance

and oPerationS

Dawn Hopke, CFREdirector of adMiSSion

Inside Browne designed by Katie DaRin

Browne Academy5917 Telegraph RoadAlexandria, VA 22310

703-960-3000www.browneacademy.org

Browne Academy is a Pre-Kindergarten through

grade eight independent school preparing girls and boys in the metropolitan Washington, DC area for competitive secondary

schools. We are dedicated to the development of the individual child as an independent, lifelong learner who embraces the core values of excellence, diversity, character and

community.

dimensional art projects that have hung at various times from the tress in several places on the grounds.

I love that even our smallest students have the use of the entire campus and can develop a sense of place that encompasses more than one classroom. Last spring, a small vegetable garden was set out near the Preschool.

The Mountain Campus adventure for grades five through eight combines off-site scientific study with team-building and bonding in purposeful activities. It is an integral part of the curriculum in the Middle School. Many of our other field

trips for students of all ages are environmentally-centered.

Browne Summer Camp is another opportunity for our children to gain experience with the out-of-doors. During the camp session, the campus is alive with the sounds of children pursuing a full range of nature-oriented activities.

Children today spend more time indoors than previous generations. Safety concerns, personal interests in technology, and organized rather than spontaneous play all contribute to increased indoor time. Perhaps we should look for more ways to get out there in the great outdoors!

Mr. Sasso shows Andres (8th Grade) and Alex (5th Grade) the inside of an okra seed pod in the Edible Schoolyard garden

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Three Year Old Preschool Students walk with their friends, teachers and eighth grade buddies in the annual Halloween Parade

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Winter 2013 7

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8 Inside Browne

Secondary Schools

Chosen by the Class of 2012Cameron Jared Abell

BiSHoP ireton HigH ScHool

Justin BooneSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

John BrownSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

Halle CannSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

Skye CarlsontHoMaS a. ediSon HigH ScHool

Francesca Coeflint Hill ScHool

Eric CostantinocoMMonwealtH acadeMy

Christopher DoulisSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

Kennedy GayleSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

Kirsten Germrothflint Hill ScHool William Gorman

gonzaga college HigH ScHool

Caitlin Hadjisflint Hill ScHool

Patrick HigginsBiSHoP ireton HigH ScHool

Connor JelksMaret ScHool

Savannah JelksMaret ScHool

Katherine KiklisSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

James Manship, Jr.edMund Burke ScHool

Dylan Mathercorona del Mar HigH ScHool

Tate-Louisa MikkelsenePiScoPal HigH ScHool

Taylor MoranSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

Benjamin NealtHe field ScHool

Bria PeacetHe PotoMac ScHool

Rashad SmithJoHn f. kennedy HigH ScHool

Daniel TothtHe Howard gardner ScHool

John VoorheesSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

Morgan Walton VSt. StePHen’S & St. agneS ScHool

James WoodtHe Howard gardner ScHool

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Winter 2013 9

Marion Browne Award: Skye Carlson

Peter V. Aliferis Award – Kennedy Gayle

Bruin Award – Savannah Jelks

B.E.A.R Award– Tate Mikkelsen

Academic Excellence– Halle Cann, Francesca Coe, Eric Costantino, Will Gorman, Caitlin Hadjis, Taylor Moran, Bria Peace

Superior Academic Excellence– Skye Carlson, Connor Jelks, Savannah Jelks, James Manship, Tate Mikkelsen

Effort Award – Savannah Jelks & Tate Mikkelsen

Subject Awards

Art – Francesca Coe

English – Tate Mikkelsen & James Manship

French – Taylor Moran

Global Issues, Seminar – Francesca Coe

History – Patrick Higgins & Jack Brown

Mathematics – Savannah Jelks, Tate Mikkelsen, Skye Carlson

Music – James Manship

Physical Education – Dylan Mather

Science – Jack Brown & Dylan Mather

Spanish – Skye Carlson

Awards

Honors

“To my parents, I just want to say sorry. Sorry, I’m such a dramatic person. Sorry, I don’t get up on time. Sorry, I always volunteer you to drive my friends and me to various events and places. Thank you. Thank you for sending me to such a great school.”

- Kennedy Gayle

“I feel like two different Wills entered and will exit Browne. I can’t remember the first one, and I don’t even know the current one

very well. I still remember walking into my third grade class and wondering if I would ever get to know my classmates. Life has been a roller coaster, but I feel as if the ride has ended on even

ground. What are all of these people, including me, going to do next?”

- Will Gorman

“These nine years have been unforgettable. I have made friends that I will have for the rest of my life and memories that will last me a lifetime. I am going to miss you all so much. I really think that we have become a big family. Thank you for these wonderful years.”

- Caitlin Hadjis

“I would like to thank my teachers who

helped me navigate this important time in my life. Without your help and encouragement, I would

not have made it this far.”

- Savannah Jelks

COMMENCEMENT 2012

Excerpts from Graduation Speeches

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SNAPSHOTSG

RA

DE PS3- Preschool students put together holiday books

for their parents featuring a wreath made with their hand prints.

PS4- Carmen, Michael, Saylor and Drew represent the four year old classes during The Brain Show. This PA sponsored event is an interactive game show that incorporates music, dancing and trivia. Preschool-3rd Grade students had to work together for their team to win.

JK- The Junior Kindergarten class and teacher, Mrs. Sellers, at the Walk for the Homeless. All of Browne’s students participate in this annual community service event.

K- Mrs. Becker’s K2 class takes a break between subjects to stretch and do some yoga. Students practice the triangle pose.

1- On Election Day, Nov. 6 2012, first grade students participated in a mock vote in their classroom complete with a voting booth, ballot box and “I Voted” stickers.

2- For an Art project, the second grade created a temporary outdoor installation called, “Character Trees.” The students chose five character traits to be represented: respect, kindness, honesty, courage and excellence. They painted pine cones and used colors to symbolize the character traits which were attached to several trees on Browne’s campus.

PS3

1

2

JK

K PS4

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3- Rene Bibaud, professional rope jumper and five time world champion, visited Browne and taught each grade level some of her amazing jump rope tricks. She also did a program for Family Fitness Night and taught parents too!

4- As part of their social studies unit on Virginia history and geography, the fourth grade constructed relief maps of the state out of salt dough. After the clay dried, the students painted and labeled the maps.

5- James goes for two points during a home game in the CAPA. The 5/6 boys basketball team had an undefeated season with a 6-0 record. Both the girls and boys teams had 6 fifth grade players this year, many of them playing basketball on a team for the first time.

6- Ethan and Mr. Spiess trade places on “Dress Like a Teacher Day” for students and “Dress Like a Student Day” for teachers during Spirit Week. Mr. Spiess was a popular choice for the 6th grade boys - imitation is flattery!

7- The seventh grade on a field trip at the National Arboretum with their buddy class, the third grade, where they checked out the herb garden and bonsai exhibit.

8- The eighth grade embarks on their last trip to the Sheridan Mountain Campus in Luray, VA. Middle School students take part in Mountain Campus each year and it has become a hallmark of the fall semester.

4

8

67

3

5

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SCHOOL NEWS

With three children attending Browne Academy, Tyler (5th Grade), McKenzie (4th Grade) and Logan (Kindergarten), it’s no surprise when you see Lisa Brooks on campus. In fact, it’s no surprise to run into Jeff Brooks either, a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees since 2008. It was Lisa, however, who was honored last May by the Parents Association as the “Volunteer of the Year.”

This award and recognition were well deserved. Lisa served as the 2012 Auction Co-Chair with Kathleen Strottman and

spent countless hours assisting the Development Office with planning, preparation, recruitment and fundraising initiatives. From being a classroom representative time and time again to stepping up and volunteering for whatever event needed an extra set of hands, Lisa Brooks has been a undeniable contributor to Browne’s programs and parent outreach efforts through the years.

The title doesn’t come without perks either, the recipient receives the coveted reserved parking spot next to the CAPA for the following

year. Congratulations Lisa, and thank you for your dedication and commitment to Browne Academy!

Volunteer of the YearBrowne recognizes Lisa Brooks as the 2012 recipient

“I feel so lucky that I’m able to spend this time at Browne with my kids.”

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Focusing on Writing with Lucy Calkins Writer’s Workshop Eleven faculty members representing kindergarten through sixth grade attended the Lucy Calkins Teacher’s College Writing Project at Columbia University this summer.

Our teachers explored the central role of curriculum development and planning in the teaching of writing, units of study in writing workshop, helping students write well about reading, genre studies in reading and writing memoir, poetry and short fiction, the importance of assessment-based instruction, methods of holding our students accountable for doing their best work, using literature to help students craft their writing, and classroom structures that support inquiry and collaboration.

Attendees included: Audrey Baugh, Stacie Becker, Marcia Bevington, Kimberly Gayle, Nicole Girvan, Camille Hartshorn, Emily Jones, Alyssa Lee, Dara Manning, Casey Ridlon and Jessica Robinson.

Professional Development:

Key School in Annapolis for the iPad instituteAlyssa Lee, Hubert Lowder, Dara Manning

Learning Differences ConferenceEmily Jones, Marla Hughes, Dawn Hopke

iPad Teaching Institute in New Hampshire (week long)Hubert Lowder

Flint Hill’s iPad summitAlyssa Lee

Gesell Testing TrainingEmily Jones, Dawn Hopke, Erin Mackey and Bonita Lea

Virginia School Nurses ConferenceEllen McGuire

Social Studies Institute at Montpelier and HarvardWilliam Stribling

Independent Education- Emerging Lower School Leaders InstituteAlyssa Lee

NAIS Leadership InstituteBonita Lea

ISM Advancement Academy in Colorado SpringsNicole Girvan

Phonovisual workshop for all pre-k through second grade faculty members

Handwriting without Tears Readiness, Writing and Math for Preschool students

Responsive Classroom Workshop for faculty and administrators

Lifelong LearningBrowne is committed to a faculty culture of lifelong learning with teachers participating in professional development workshops, conferences and twelve individuals pursuing advanced degrees in 2011-2012.

Casey Ridlon (2nd Grade Teacher), Alyssa Lee (Librarian), Jessica Robinson (3rd Grade Teacher) and Stacie Becker (Kindergarten Teacher) in New York City for the Lucy Calkins Writing Institute, Summer 2012.

Helping the Sensory Child

Neuropsychological Assessment of Learning Disorders: A workshop for Non-Psychologists

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Adrian, a 7th Grade student at Browne, finds his balance on the ropes course at Mountain Campus. All Middle School students attend the Sheridan Mountain Campus in Luray, VA for three days in early fall and take part in hiking, canoeing and project adventure.

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The Lois Ferrer AwardEveryone at Browne Academy knows Janet Gomez. In her 25 years at Browne, Ms. Janet has touched the lives of countless students, parents and colleagues alike. Last May, through a vote by her peers, Janet was awarded the Lois Ferrer Award and the accolade of being considered the teacher of the year.

The Lois Ferrer Award was established by Dr. Ferrer’s husband, Angel, in her honor in 2005. The teacher who wins the award should be an example to others in devotion to the craft of teaching, seeking professional development and putting students first, exemplify Browne’s core values everyday, and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism

in working with students, parents, administration and colleagues. There is no question that Ms. Janet is all of these things and more.

Beginning her journey at Browne as a camp counselor in 1989, Browne Academy has been a second home to Ms. Janet and her daughters Mykaila (7th Grade) and Gabriela (Kindergarten) over the years.

What’s changed between when you started at Browne and now? What’s stayed the same?The differences of Browne back then and Browne now is the same as when a person grows and changes with the times. The diversity, curriculum and the professional growth of our

teachers have changed immensely. The playlots and the facilities are so different now too. I remember the front playlot had trees growing there with roots so big they would come out of the ground. Children would be running, fall, and keep going on without missing a beat. The sense of carefree and joy they had about their environment was priceless.

What was your first summer like at Browne?I can remember that first summer like it was yesterday. I learned so much in nine weeks working closely with a seasoned teacher who captured my curiosity. I saw what made her special to those children, and I quickly knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Janet Gomez receives the honor for the 2011-12 School Year

SCHOOL NEWS

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Janet is my mentor, my partner and my best friend at Browne. Through her example I have found success as a camp

counselor, teacher and now Co- Director of Camp. Her

influence is seen in my personal and professional life. I was so

happy when she received the Lois Ferrer award because she has had

a hand in shaping almost every child here at Browne, in either

the classroom, in aftercare or in summer camp. Janet Gomez and Browne Academy will always go

hand in hand.- Steve Marshall

When the summer ended I continued on as an aftercare counselor which allowed me to continue to work closely with the teacher I so admired. Now as the Director of Operations for the Summer Camp, that same camp that made me come alive, I get to keep that magic alive for others.

What do you enjoy the most about teaching in the preschool?There are many amazing moments I have enjoyed while teaching in the preschool. We are a very family oriented community. With love and support from our peers, we deliver an outstanding program and the love we give and receive is genuine. I love what I do. I love the sense of wonder and innocence that comes from these little human beings. I love knowing that I have a hand in molding their growth socially, physically and educationally.

How was receiving the Lois Ferrer award meaningful to you?

I was so proud to receive the Lois Ferrer Award because I came to Browne under her leadership. I had the pleasure of being guided by her, remembering the times in her office receiving wise and meaningful council. She was one of the first educators that looked at me and said, ‘You are a natural; you posses something special.’ People looked up to Dr. Ferrer and she expected 100% from her teachers to give their best to the children at Browne Academy.

You could see the pride in her face when we, as a faculty, came together as one to make it the best school possible. She would use the example of our relationships being like a marriage- working together as a team for one particular goal to succeed in creating happy, respectful learners. When my name was called to receive the Lois Ferrer Award one of the things I thought of is how proud Dr. Ferrer was of me that day and I knew she was smiling, tipping her hat off to my success.

Ms. Janet in 1989, her first summer as a camp counselor at Browne.

The late Dr. Ferrer was the long time head of Browne for 25 years,

concluding her service in 2000. The award is a peer-chosen recognition

of excellence. Past recipients include:

2007- Mike Sasso2008- Judy Curran2009- Janis Rosen2010- Dave Post

2011- Johanna Cheney & Hubert Lowder

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SCHOOL NEWS

Browne Academy has had many military families pass through its halls over the years. Due to our unique location outside of the nation’s capital in Alexandria, VA, as well as the school’s proximity to the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir and Andrews Air Force Base, many members of the school community have served our country in several divisions of the military including parents and faculty alike.

Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Scopac of the U.S. Air Force donated two flags to Browne Academy this past fall. His son, Noah, is currently a first grade student at Browne and is very proud of his dad’s service stating that “It’s good having a dad who flies airplanes; it makes me happy.”

At Browne Academy we understand

the sacrifices and complexities of military family life and are extremely grateful to those that serve our country and protect our American freedoms every day. Thank you for all that you do.

When asked what the flag means to him, Noah stated, “I think the flag means peace and respect.” Lieutenant Colonel Scopac shares with us why he chose to donate the flags to Browne and their significance.

I recently had the opportunity to donate two American flags to Browne Academy. I had owned one of the flags since childhood. Before that it had been a garrison flag for a military unit (a garrison flag is a large flag that is flown over the base). The other flag had been

flown over Afghanistan by a family acquaintance. As an Air Force pilot, I have flown flags in combat zones for friends and family, and I know the significance of this act. The flag of our nation means many things to many people, but to our servicemen and women, it is the ultimate symbol of patriotism. Simply put it reminds each of us of the sacrifices made to preserve the rights and freedoms held by citizens of the United States.

Why did I donate the flags? Quite simply, because I believe that the best qualities of patriotism are born in the classrooms of America’s schools. My family and I have loved being a part of the Browne family. My son has thoroughly enjoyed his kindergarten and first grade years. We have been amazed at how much he has learned and experienced at Browne. We have also been convinced that Browne is an excellent place for children to learn the qualities to make them successful and productive members of society.

My only request of the parents of Browne is to teach your children to be thankful for the many freedoms that they are afforded because they live in the United States. Take a moment to be thankful that your children have the amazing opportunities available at Browne. I would also ask that as you enjoy time with family and friends, you remember those patriotic Americans who are away from their homes and their families, proudly serving in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and around the world.

Flags Donated to BrowneThe Scopac Family shares their American story

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On Saturday, February 11, 2012, the Browne Academy eighth grade placed first in the Middle School “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” state competition making them the Virgina state champions. Browne competed against eleven other teams representing each congressional district from across the state.

“We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” is a competition in which high school and middle school students take part in mock congressional hearings that include four minutes of prepared testimony and six minutes of question and answer. Subjects include historical, political, and Constitutional issues. The national “We the People” program began in 1987 and since then more than 30 million students have participated. The program works to promote civic competence and responsibility among students as current eighth grader Isabella King illustrates, “The ‘We the People’ competition is a fun and exciting way to encourage kids to engage in and recognize the ways in which the government affects their lives.”

2012 was the third year that Browne Academy finished in the top five. Browne Academy earned second place in 2010 and fifth place in 2011. Middle School History and Civics teacher, William “Bee” Stribling led the “We the People” team to their state victory and was named the John Marshall Foundation Teacher of the Year.

We the PeopleEach year the Eighth Grade Class studies the Constitution and competes with other local and regional schools in the “We the People” competition

On Saturday, January 19, 2013, Browne Academy hosted the regional “We the People” competition. The students placed 1st in the district and 3rd in the region and advanced to the state finals.

The Eighth Grade Class faced some stiff competition at the State Finals in Williamsburg, VA on February 16, 2013, but performed well under pressure and received an Honorable Mention for the “We the People” state competition. The students were nervous at first, but during the second round really got comfortable and fielded some tough questions from professors of Law at William and Mary College. The students answered questions about the founding fathers, the electoral college, and the nature of due process of law. Congratulations!

Unit 1 (Elena, Jayla, Cam and Mustafa) won Browne’s Unit Award for their work on republican forms of government.

2012 Competition

2013 Competition

2012 Team members 2013 Team members at the Regional Competition 2013 Unit 1 winners

2012 Browne Team at the State Competition

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Alex, Jordan, Elena and Mykaila enjoy the fruits of their labor this fall in the campus’s sustainable community garden

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traditional classroom experience

THE EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD

“The process of growing their own food had a wonderful impact on the students involved with the project.”

The traditional classroom experience is changing. This is evident in schools everywhere, from technology initiatives to a greater emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills. Hands on learning is continually being emphasized in education as integral to the learning process. Here at Browne, students are planting trees, harvesting crops and engaging with nature in a real way. Meaningful learning is no longer confined to a desk and four walls as students move outdoors and directly connect to the educational experience.

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During the spring of 2012, a group of Middle School students planted Browne Academy’s first edible schoolyard. The garden, which included tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra, lettuce, beans, watermelon, and various herbs, was part of an elective class offered to Middle School students called Sustainable Gardening. The purpose of the course was to connect students with the food they eat and investigate sustainable agricultural practices while establishing a garden that could be utilized by all classes on campus.

However, Sustainable Gardening at Browne ended up stretching further than the fruit and vegetables physical roots. The Browne community came together to make this garden, as well as others throughout campus, possible. Mike Sasso led the Middle School elective course and was joined by Raquel Alverez, the grandmother of second grade student Gavin, who volunteered her time to help establish the garden now located in the center of the carline circle on campus.

The Preschool got on board with sustainable gardening too. Throughout the spring the three year old classes as part of their science program started growing seeds inside. When the weather warmed up they headed outdoors to plant and were easily able to tie

in the science curriculum which focuses on plants, growth and the seasons. As the snow peas, carrots and cucumbers started to come in, Browne’s youngest students assisted in harvesting the crops and best of all, they got to eat them too. On warm spring days the classes sit outside at the picnic tables facing Telegraph Road to eat their lunches, which now includes their own freshly picked vegetables.

So what is an edible schoolyard and where did the term come from? Alice Waters began the movement sixteen years ago in Berkeley, California at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. She had the vision to turn an

empty, unused lot into a garden and subsequently developed a teaching kitchen and school lunch initiative for the school. The Edible Schoolyard Project explains how their educational model is designed to “empower students with the knowledge and values to make food choices that are healthy for them, their communities, and the environment. This edible education supports students’ academic achievement by bringing to life subjects such as science, math, and social studies. Students also learn a sense of curiosity and dignity; the ability to work as a team to complete a job well; respect for oneself and others; an appreciation for diversity; and how the ritual of eating together at the table connects families and communities.”

At Browne it was important to educate our students about sustainable farming methods as

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well. By using natural fertilizers and pest management practices, as opposed to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, we are teaching students how to grow food in a natural and healthy way while working to decrease our global footprint. Organic compost is used to fertilize the garden and various native wildflowers and grasses are planted in the garden to attract beneficial insects and deter less desirable species.

And it must be working. The garden’s first season was very successful producing large quantities of fruits and vegetables.

Throughout the growing season, volunteers and members of the community were able to enjoy this fresh and delicious produce regularly. Mike Sasso saw the progression of the project from its inception and reflects on the experience so far, “The process of growing their own food had a wonderful impact on the students involved with the project. After raising their food from seed to table many students gained a new appreciation and taste for vegetables they would otherwise push to the side of their plates at the dinner table.”

Because many of the plants produced food over the summer months, our Summer Camp became involved in the project as well. This year the camp will have a Nature Counselor in charge of the project while school’s out. Additionally, a gardening extracurricular is being offered

this spring for any interested students to participate in after school. In this way the project spans the entire student body and school community at Browne. There is not just one group of students working on the garden. From spring to summer to fall many different groups of students will get to take advantage of this outdoor learning space.

Gardening offers endless educational and experiential opportunities for our students and their families. As the garden enters its second year, Browne hopes to involve more members of the community and expand the project further. Flowers? Apple trees? A strawberry or pumpkin patch? There are endless opportunities on Browne’s campus to integrate the edible schoolyard into our curriculum. Come and visit our community garden and see what is growing on campus.

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This fall Browne initiated an iPad Pilot Program. Each student in the third grade received an iPad as well as division directors and all Lower School teachers. The school hopes to provide a 1:1 program for all students in the future. Here Sophia and Nicole explore their iPads for the first time.

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Class Noteslife after Browne

Sixteen former Browne Summer Campers and Browne Academy Alumni worked at Summer Camp in 2012.From left: Karina Bayless, Ariane Jaffe, Meagan Chapman, Lily Pickett, Dora Cottrol, Malina Bayless, Lauren Horton, Lauren Lewis, Danielle Davis.Top Row: Alexa Lucas, Evan Donohue, Will Roche, Tess MadridNot pictured: Rachel Lessard, Sarah Roche and Phillip Spiess, Jr.

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life after Browne

Class Notes

Robyn Reynolds attended Edison High School and graduated in 1995. She now works in a government job. Her summer travel plans include a recent trip to Brasstown, NC to take a watercolor class. She also took a trip to Cape Cod, MA where her parents now live.

Betsy Watts Metcalf is currently living in Atlanta, working at the Lovett School in their Academic Resource Center and coaching lacrosse. She and her husband welcomed their first child (a baby girl) in early July.

2001

Natalie Dupecher is completing the last year of her M.A. at Williams College in Art History.

Russ Leggett graduated May 20, 2012 from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and in Spanish. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in International Relations and Global Studies and job hunting!

Erika Delman graduated from Virginia Tech in 2012 with a degree in Finance and a minor in International

Business. Erika is moving to New York City for a job in real estate finance. She remembers Browne as a wonderful place and would love to say hello to all her old teachers.

Ethan Stone graduated from The University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Psychology with a minor in Russian Studies.

Eamonn Pickett is a junior this year at Skidmore College. He is majoring in business administration. Eamonn is active in intramural soccer and volleyball.

Jeffrey Klawiter completed his gap year between high school and college where he took composition and piano lessons to prepare for his future career in music. He now attends the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and is

planning to major in Film Composition. Yong-Uk Kim finished his first exciting and challenging year in the United States Air Force Academy. He is looking forward to his second year. Yong-Uk applied to the Air Force, West Point (USMA) and the Coast Guard and was accepted by all three. Congressman Jim Moran nominated him for both the Air Force and West Point.

Danielle Mayall is attending Duke University and is now in her sophomore year. Last summer she interned on Capitol Hill for a North Carolina congressman. Danielle will be attending the Youth Rio+20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is being organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. She has have been chosen to be one of the facilitators of the Youth conference, and will be leading a group of 100 students through different workshops.

Ryan Seldon studied abroad in China for eight weeks during the summer of 2012. He took courses in Electrical Engineering, Chinese language, history and culture at the Chinese Studies Institute at Peking University in Beijing. He toured the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Lama Temple and the Shanxi Provence. Ryan is a sophomore at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. He was selected to serve as the Writing Center Consultant at his school, assisting students with technical writing, theses, and essays.

1991

1996

2004

2006

2007

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Class Notes

Chris Adleson certainly had a busy 2011-12 school year at Bishop Ireton. Chris celebrated his achievement of Eagle Scout rank in November. Guests at the ceremony included family from California, Oregon, and Washington, friends from Bishop Ireton, fellow Browne Academy alumni, and Browne Academy’s own Mr. Phillip Speiss, Chris’ first Cubmaster. Chris acted in four Bishop Ireton theater productions. In the fall, Chris played Gremio in “The Taming of the Shrew.” In the spring, Chris was Schroeder in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and part of an ensemble cast in two one-act plays presented during “An Evening of the Arts and One-Acts.” Chris also rowed for varsity crew in the fall and spring. Chris has chosen to attend Christopher Newport University in fall 2012 and he accepted a position in the President’s Leadership Program. Chris went on several trips this summer, including a weekend in New York City, a beach vacation to Kiawah Island, SC, and two weeks canoeing in Canada with fellow scouts.

William Davidson will attend Endicott College in Beverly, MA and plans to pursue film studies.

Madison Hardimon graduated from Gonzaga College Preparatory HS and is attending Loyola University of

Maryland where he will be swimming for the Greyhounds in the MAAC. He earned both an Athletic and Academic Scholarships to Loyola University signing his NCAA commitment letter in November 2011. During the summer, he interned for Adams & Reese LLP, a multi-disciplinary law firm.

Antonia Hill will be attending Spelman College in Atlanta, GA in the fall.

Emily Morgan will be attending the University of South Carolina in the fall. She will be studying hospitality management with a focus in wedding planning and club management.

Valerie Parker graduated from Edmund Burke High School. She received several academic awards including a Math award, Science award, and Socrates Award. She received an Honorable mention from the Washington Statistical Society Poster Competition. She had a successful track season and was voted to the 1st Team All PVAC, and won the silver medal in both Triple jump and long jump during the conference championships. She also won a bronze medal in the 100. Valerie spent her spring break volunteering at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and she also volunteers at HSC (Hospital for Sick Children) in Washington, D.C. Valerie is now

attending Duke University.Abigail Singerling was accepted early decision to High Point University and was awarded a Presidential Scholarship which awards grants to recipients if they have certain grade point average all four years. This past summer she worked at the Flint Hill Summer Camp and completed her Senior Seminar at St. Paul’s Nursery and Day school in Old Town.

Kayla Tucker is graduate of Bishop McNamara’s class of 2012. Last summer she interned at the Office of the Chief Security Officer, a division of FEMA. Kayla is attending the University of Maryland, College Park, with an intended major of Psychology and minor of neuroscience. She also intends to continue dancing in college.

Lily Pickett is a rising senior at the Maret School in Washington, D.C. She was a counselor at Browne Summer Camp this past summer. Lily acts in school plays, sings in the school choir, plays varsity basketball and lacrosse, and was the manager of the varsity volleyball team.

Tenaja Jennings attends The Nora School where she is an honor roll student. Some of the activities she was involved in include the Freshman class representative on the student counsel, basketball team, dance team, and she traveled to Greece and Turkey with art teacher during spring break. Tenaja worked as a ballet instructor and camp counselor for a dance camp in Temple Hills, Maryland this summer. Upcoming travel plans include Atlanta, GA and Italy.

2009

2011

2008

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Class Notes

Elijah Moore has had a very successful year after graduating Browne Academy. Since his graduation he has won 1st place for the Pauli Murray Award for writing an essay on Social Justice. Elijah just completed a successful season of track and field competing in long jump, triple jump, shot put and discus events. Elijah currently is holding a 4.0 at Chapel Hill High School where he has made many friends. Recently, he has earned his drivers permit and signed up for an online course for computer programming over the summer. Elijah personally thanks Browne Academy and his former teachers for giving him such a wonderful educational and social experience for his middle school years.

Bria Peace has transitioned well to The Potomac School. At the start of the school year, Bria had decided that joining a fall sport would be the best way to get to know her new community. She chose Field Hockey, something she had never tried before. Bria started the season as a midfielder, contributing to her team’s win against Wilson High. A few weeks later, she stepped up to become the JV team goalie after the original goalie could no longer play. Then, the Varsity team loss both of their goalies; one sustained a concussion and the other bronchitis. The team would have to forfeit their season without a goalie. Bria was asked if she would fill in for the Varsity team until the others were well enough to return. Her debut as the Varsity team goalie was against SSSAS Varsity team, the best team in the league. Although Potomac did not win Bria gave it her best performance, holding SSSAS to 4 goals and stopping countless others. The Varsity team, coaches, and parents were so proud of the freshman’s performance. Her hard work and team spirit earned her an invitation

to become an official member of the Varsity Field Hockey team next season.

Bria is also a member of the Community Service Club, Minority Student Council, and the winter Track and Field team. Her ability to produce English papers using the MLA format, and her research construction has proven to be well above par, thanks to Ms. Grinnan!

Will Gorman has settled into life at Gonzaga College High School and is enjoying being part of the crew team.

Francesca Coe is loving her experience at Flint Hill so far. She was on the Junior Varsity Tennis Team this fall and was well prepared academically for the workload.

2012

In Me M o r I a M

Nitin Gohri, Class of 2007, passed away on April 20, 2012. Our young alumnus was lively and full of fun in class and enjoyed greatly the company of the other students. The loss of one who had so much of life ahead of him always seems out of the natural order.

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The invitation to appear on Jeopardy! came by phone in early January, and less than five weeks later I was in Los Angeles to tape the show.

The show tapes on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the first bout of nerves came when I sized up my fellow contestants. They all looked smart. Fortunately, there was a sincere feeling of camaraderie among the contestants, which made the whole experience much more enjoyable. Some of us became good friends over the next couple of days, and I still keep in touch with several of them. One of the best parts of the whole experience was watching my Jeopardy! friends on television when the episodes aired, and getting to cheer them on all over again. The contestants are led onto the set to play a few practice rounds, and a chance to learn how to use the buzzer, before the real games start. Mastering the buzzer is a difficult task, and it requires a combination of technique and luck. When Alex Trebek finishes reading a clue, a row of lights show up that signal the activation of the buzzers. If you ring in before the lights

turn on, your buzzer is locked out for a fraction of a second, which is usually long enough for someone else to beat you to it. But if you wait until the lights turn on before you try to ring in, there’s a good chance you’re going to be late anyway. It’s not easy to get the timing down. I struggled with the buzzer initially, but gradually got a handle on when to ring in, which really helped me when I finally got to play.

Once we started I was surprised how easy it was to just treat it like a game. It sounds almost silly, but it was just so much fun just being on the set, listening to Alex Trebek, and feeding off the audience. The game moved fast, and so much of what happened was a blur. It wasn’t until the show aired in June that I remembered most of the questions. But a few things stood out from that first game: getting to answer “What is Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini?”; incorrectly guessing “Who is Bela Lugosi?” twice in the same category; and my voice cracked, which is one of the moments people bring up most frequently when they ask me about being on the show.

I ended up getting Final Jeopardy wrong, but I did squeak by with a win.The turnaround from one game to the next is very short, maybe 15 minutes, just enough time to change outfits. This time things didn’t go in my favor. The woman who ended up winning dominated on the buzzer and rarely missed on the clues. When the episode aired, we had a small viewing party with family and friends at our house in Charlottesville, and it really was great to have a group cheering me on from our living room.

Since February, I’ve been telling everyone who will listen just how much fun it was to be a contestant on Jeopardy!. If it’s something that you’ve always been curious about, I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try. The show holds online tests for prospective candidates several times a year, so visit their website to find out when the next one will be. It took me a couple of tries to end up on the show, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t make it the first time. And if you are lucky enough to be a contestant, say hi to Alex and the gang for me.

Class Notes

Alumnus Appearance on Jeopardy!Jon Shoup, Alumnus from the Class of 1996, was a contestant on Jeopardy! in June 2012 and shares his experience with Browne

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Last year, as a rising junior at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., I applied to attend the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

SAMS is a 6-week summer experience for students who have a strong interest in math and science. Students stay on campus, take college level academic courses, as well as courses designed to improve their study skills and college admission resumes. The purpose of SAMS is to increase the number of qualified college-bound high school graduates with diverse backgrounds for selective colleges and universities. Students who are entering their junior or senior year and are considering careers in engineering, science or other math-based disciplines are eligible to apply.

I was determined to attend SAMS because CMU is my top choice for college. It’s an ideal place for someone who wants to study video game design, such as myself, because it’s the top school in this country for computer science. Out of 629 applicants the program only accepted 70 students nation-wide.

I had a great time last year; I learned a lot, not only academically, but socially and personally as well. Ms. Ty Walton, the director of the SAMS Program, said that because of my academic prowess in and familiarity with the program, I was selected to represent the SAMS program in the Meet and Greet Committee for President Obama. Of course I was glad to accept the invitation.

President Obama was on a bus tour campaigning in Ohio and Pennsylvania,

Class Notes

and on Friday, July 6, 2012, he stopped at CMU to give a speech. I happened to be the only student that was on his Meet and Greet Committee. Other individuals who met the President were CMU’s President, Jared L. Cohon, the Academic Dean of Engineering, and the Student Council President. There were two layers of security, one to enter the perimeter of the building of where we would be meeting the President, and the other to actually enter the building. The process was a long one, and even after we got in the building, we ended up waiting almost two hours for the President to arrive.

When he arrived, we talked about Carnegie Mellon University, government funding for math and sciences, and my background and aspirations. We took a few pictures, shook hands, and he rushed off to deliver his speech, to which we received VIP seats.

In retrospect, the experience as a whole was sort of surreal. It was such a once-in-a-lifetime experience that it almost seemed like it didn’t really happen. Not that it changed me as a person or anything; it was just cool, a really rare thing to have happened. I had never met anyone of public fame before, save for Bill Nye the science guy at a science convention once, which only added to the surrealism of the experience.

It was an interesting, unexpected thing that happened to me in a place I least expected, and I’ll probably remember it for years to come.

For more information and to read the full story visit CMU’s website, http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/society/2012/summer/presidential-face-time.shtml and/or to view the flickr gallery, http://www.flickr.com/photos/carnegiemellonu/sets/72157630455302956/show.

Meeting the PresidentDevin C. Hentz, Alumnus from the Class of 2009, reflects on his summer program at Carnegie Mellon University and the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama

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Winter 2013 33

The Eighth Grade begins on the second layer of their class mural. An annual project completed by the Eighth Grade Class, the students design, plan and paint a floor to ceiling mural that remains up in the Middle School commons for a year.

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The Browne Academy Advancement team, comprised of the Admission, Alumni and Development Offices, is offering the opportunity for a Browne alum to gain experience working on special projects such as social media, alumni events, and admission open houses this summer. We are looking for high school juniors, seniors or college students to complete the 80 hour internship.

The internship includes a stipend of $600. Interested alumni should send a letter of interest to Dawn Hopke, Director of Admission at [email protected] or Mike Sasso, Director of Development at [email protected] by May 1, 2013.

Announcing a Summer Internship in Advancement for Browne Alumni

ALUMNI

Stay in Touch! We Want to Hear from You.

Send Class Notes to [email protected]

ConnectLike

Browne Academy’s Facebook page

Friend “Browne Alum” to stay up to date on Alumni happenings

@Browne_Academy

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Winter 2013 35

ThriveThe support of our families to the Annual Fund is instrumental in providing each of our students with the Browne educational experience we as a community value so greatly.

AT BROWNE ACADEMY:

We believe that the education of each child is a partnership among the child, the teacher, and the parent. We stress the personal growth of each girl and boy academically and through the development of core values, which will enable her or him to become responsible community members. We design our programs to provide each child opportunities for success. We see the development of a child as a nurturing process that flows from grade-to-grade, and division-to- division, fostering critical thinking and independent learning. We define the Browne Academy family as all members of our community, including the students, teachers, parents, alumni, grandparents and special friends. We appreciate the uniqueness of all members of the Browne family and their contributions to the building of community at Browne. We are committed to advancing faculty expertise to promote an integrated curriculum and differentiated instruction.

To give to the Annual Fund please visit www.browneacademy.org/support_browne

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Browne Academy 5917 Telegraph Road Alexandria, VA 22310

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit NO. 90 Alexandria, VA

• Coed day camp, ages 3 -13

• June 17 - August 9

• Daily swim instruction with certified lifeguards

• Extended day

We Make Summer Cool!www.browneacademy.org/summer_camp

• CIT program

• Innovative specialty camps

• Beautiful 10 acre campus

• Athletics, arts, technology, and more!

Browne Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, athletics, or other school-sponsored programs.