The Ridge

ReportWhat does a Forest Ridge education look like in real life?

October 2013

Let me tell you a short story about one of our alums who attributes her work today to her education at Forest Ridge. Cora Edmonds ’83 is a talented artist who has a gallery in Pioneer Square that features the work of some of today’s best artists. Cora is a gifted photographer who, in 2000, visited a remote village in Nepal. Over the course of her visit to a region with a single landing strip and no form of local transportation, where

villagers scrambled to provide one meal a day for their families, Cora photographed a young boy in the hands-folded position that accompanies the ancient greeting Namaste. This translates, roughly, to “The Spirit within me honors the Spirit in you.” Namaste is what Cora’s now-famous photograph is named. That boy stayed in her mind to such an extent that a few years later she traveled back to Nepal to find him. Travelling from village to village, they were reunited and Cora then made

arrangements to pay for a boarding school education for him — the beginning of a better life for that boy and his family. The story doesn’t end there. Cora saw the girls in the village, many of whom she believed were potential victims of human trafficking, and realized she was called to do more. So, she set out to found a school for girls — providing an opportunity for its students to have a life that could change their world. Today her school enrolls about 50 students who are provided three hot meals a day and taught at a level that prepares them for a secondary- and college-level education and, most importantly, for a life and opportunities they never would have dreamed were possible. That’s what a Forest Ridge graduate does. It could have stopped with a beautiful picture and the education of one boy. It didn’t — she knew she had to do more. We will find ways to work with Cora. She presents us with an opportunity to rediscover our missionary roots, which were so instrumental in the ministry of Madeleine Sophie and Philippine Duchesne. Sisters were sent all over the world with a common goal — to educate girls and bring them to the Heart of Jesus, the core of a Sacred Heart education. Cora is not a Religious of the Sacred Heart; she is a Forest Ridge graduate, who embodies the goals the Women As Global Leaders program sets for our students today and is an inspiration for us all. Cora’s story can be your daughter’s story one day. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of her journey.

Mark Pierotti Head of School

You might ask yourself from time to time, “I wonder what my daughter will be doing 20 or 30 years from now?” I am sure some days you wonder what she will be doing next week, but in those necessary, quiet moments of parenthood, you surely wonder about her future and what it holds for her.

You may hear from your daughter, oftentimes with great excitement, and sometime over and over again, what she is doing every day in her classes and activities. If you are lucky, she paints a wonderful picture for you of her day-to-day life at Forest Ridge. You hear us say with almost equal enthusiasm how we are intentionally educating Women As Global Leaders — young women who will shape our world tomorrow.

But what does that look like in real life?

Cora Edmonds with her husband

Namaste boy now, and then.

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International DayOctober 11:

Kisha Palmer Director,Women As Global Leaders

In the Aug. 19, 2013, business blog of The Huffington Post, Susan Bloch wrote that “the Center for American Progress insists that women would need a doctoral degree to earn the same as men with a bachelor’s degree.” In Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In: Women,Work, and the Will to Lead, she asserts that we women have internalized this disparity in compensation and negotiate ourselves out of feeling outraged or entitled to equality in the form of equal pay. She notes, “We feel even more grateful when we compare our lives to those of other women around the world.”

When I reflect on the integration of Women as Global Leaders into all aspects of a Forest Ridge education, I feel compelled to challenge us as a community to consider and examine our own deep cultural perceptions and notions of the value of female leadership. Much of what exists in the national wage disparity is not a willfulness on the part of men or women to create a stratification but rather the result of centuries of cultural perceptions that a woman’s value is measured with other currencies. Fertility and domestic service, for example, are still the measure of a woman’s worth in many places around the world. But, it is hoped, not so here in the United States. But how else can we explain this economic gap? And when we educate our students to be globally literate and committed to social justice, are we still encouraging them to pay attention to the ways these disparities show up in our own culture?

I will certainly hold this invitation to examine our own culture daily as I work with both the Middle School and the High School on exploring ways to deepen the Women as Global Leaders experience in the classroom and in the world. We are asking questions of each other that we don’t yet have the answers to; and we are excited to explore them together and across disciplines. Questions such as: How does the skill of measuring the impacts of climate change and environmental justice show up in 6th grade? In 10th grade? In a senior project? How do we foster risk taking across grade levels and as a collaborative effort throughout grade levels? How do we offer all our girls experiential learning imbued not only with the Sacred Heart Goals but with a 21st-century skill set that will prepare our young women to be paid equally, to participate in spheres of influence as change agents, and to be shapers of our world.

These questions call us to align ourselves with the value of Women as Global Leaders as fundamental to the development of skilled female leaders. We are reminded that we are working together as a community to create a world where women and men share equal space at the table and are equally able to share their gifts.

On International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11, I invite you to pay attention to the girls in your life and to consider a reality in which men and women are paid equally for the same job, the ender wage gap no longer exists, and board rooms across sectors of industry are filled with female leaders. I invite you to look for examples of girls being brave, taking risks, trying new things and dreaming big. I urge you to let a girl know there is a whole big world out there and that she is worth her own big piece of the pie.

of the Girl, Economic Justice and Integration

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Meeting together for the first time over lunch in Mr. Pierotti’s office, 10 students, five from the senior class and five from the junior class, learned why they were selected to be part of the newly formed Forest Ridge Student Alumnae Association (FRSAA) and why it is important to connect students and alumnae.

Recognizing that a strong alumnae community at Forest Ridge includes students, this pilot program involves them in alumnae events, such as the annual Alumnae Career Panel, Phon-a-Thon and Reunion, as well as teaches them about the history of Forest Ridge. (We recently visited the previous site of our school in Seattle, which now is the Seattle Hebrew Academy.) We will meet regularly as a group, include students in the Alumnae Board meetings throughout the year and offer them leadership roles such as moderating the Alumnae Career Panel in March. We expect

both students and alumnae to gain valuable insight into the benefits of a Forest Ridge education and ways they each can support one another, building an even stronger alumnae network.

The students will gain an in-depth understanding into the function of the Office of Institutional Advancement and provide valuable support in staging events, fundraising and increasing school spirit. The students will also gain skills and work experience for their resumes, helping them as they search for jobs once they leave Forest Ridge.

As Sister Mary B. Flaherty always says, “We stand on the shoulders of those who come before us.” Learning the role of an alumna, to pay it forward, can now begin when the future graduates are still students.

“Forest Ridge is a sisterhood, and there are so many amazing alumnae who have come from this school. I think it’s really important that current students not only are aware of these alumnae but can seek them out for advice and insight as we enter the workforce.” —Devyn Parry ’14

“I am excited to be a part of the FRSAA because I have greatly benefitted from the education that Forest Ridge has given me and I am glad to have the opportunity to give back to the school that has given me so much.”

—Miranda Drakes ‘15

“Paying It Forward”

AnnOuncInG A nEw studEnt lEAdErshIp prOGrAm On cAmpus:

Forest Ridge Student Alumnae Association

The students are, from left to right, Estelle Feider-Blazer ’15, Ryan Riley ’15, Taylor Odom ’15, Katie Williams ’14, Miranda Drakes ’15, Louisa Haslam ’15 and Quella Ding ’15. (Sesana Allen ’15, Ambeisa Boswell ’15 and Devyn Parry ’15 are not pictured.)

Julie Lundgren Alumnae Relations Director

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Looking long term, it is evident that students’ careers and dreams of the future will reflect these pillars in various forms. Whether a graduate of the High School at Forest Ridge seeks to be involved in outdoor education or in business management; whether she is contemplating medical school or politics; whether she explores her passions during a gap year or on a campus halfway around the world, she will inevitably have to navigate and come to terms with the realities and consequences of domestic and international reconciliation, resource management, and global and domestic health initiatives.

At first blush, the kind of global literacy the school and the world require of our students and their futures appears rooted in experiential learning alone. But, it is actually in the day-to-day classroom experience, the excellent teaching and learning that occurs here, where space for global leadership literacy is created and cultivated.

At the beginning of each academic year, when high school faculty members submit their syllabi, they introduce their objectives for the year. And while these documents outline expectations and goals, they also pose what educational jargon refers to as the essential question, questions or statements that are future oriented, broad and designed to help the student reflect upon, evaluate and synthesize what she has learned. Ideally, the essential question is the ultimate takeaway, the discussion or reflection a student recalls and reflects on years after the classroom experience. In reading this fall’s syllabi I was struck by the consistent and eloquent manner in which the various essential questions mirrored global leadership literacy, specifically the pillars of Peace and Reconciliation, Resources and Sustainability, and Global Health.

From English classes that challenge students to understand how an author uses literary style to critique unjust social structures and question America’s relationship with its natural resources, to math classes where students are encouraged to develop an approach for solving problems unlike those [they] have seen before and to effectively communicate [their] thought process — the focus on global leadership and its skill sets was present throughout the syllabi.

In the fine arts a bold invitation to embrace leadership emphasizes international mindedness and encourages participants to recognize the place of art in conflict resolution throughout the world. This essential statement reminded me of our Chamber Choir’s most recent trip, attending Festival 500 in Canada this past summer. For nine days and about 10 to 12 hours each day, the Chamber Choir performed, listened, learned, networked and gained an even greater appreciation of the language of music and its ability to transcend cultural and individual differences.

Indeed the embracing of global leadership as evident in essential statements and reflected in classroom practices includes every department and extracurricular activity, from the soccer field, to the science lab and outdoor education arena. Together with their teachers, high school students at Forest Ridge are creating space for global leadership and are cultivating the skills, the information and the support they need to continue and to deepen their engagement as women leaders, resilient in the face of ambiguity.

Dr. Carola Wittmann Director of the High School

Creating SpaceFrom Initiative to Integration:

for Global Leadership Literacy

At its inception, women as Global leaders began as an initiative, part of a strategic plan,

a road map to guide Forest ridge school of the sacred heart into the 21st century. Over

the past four years, three major areas of focus for the program have evolved: peace and

reconciliation, resources and sustainability, and Global health.

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Last October, the world was riveted by the story of Malala Yousafzai, the schoolgirl and outspoken advocate for girls education, who was shot by the Taliban on her way home from school in northwest Pakistan. Malala has been embraced by the world community for her courage and has received several international awards, including the Harvard Foundation’s 2013 Humanitarian Award, the International Children’s Peace Prize and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Her actions quickly became a shining example of what we call grace-filled leadership. Malala’s courage in the face of adversity and unwavering belief in herself and the power of education for girls is a compelling example for all of us.

Last spring, our seventh- and eighth-grade students watched the film Girl Rising. Through the stories and facts shared in the movie, we heard a message of hope when girls around the world have the opportunity for something as basic as an education. According to the United Nations, educating girls leads to reduced poverty and economic growth. The Half the Sky Foundation writes, “One of the most effective ways to fight poverty and bolster poor communities is through investing in education, particularly that of girls.” As we talked with the students about the film, we discussed the point that despite the differing challenges that exist around the world, the character traits people draw upon to overcome challenges are the same: persistence, determination and a belief in oneself, all of which reinforce the very basic idea that “I matter.” The movie conveys the clear and forceful message that outside forces shouldn’t be allowed to define a person or what she can become. No matter where she lives, a girl should not be limited by her culture.

This is a message we can build on with our own students as we guide them in discovering their authentic selves and confidently offering their gifts to the world. As an all-girls school our program provides ongoing opportunities for that discovery and practice. The relationships we nurture with our students provide them with the security to take risks, own their strengths, and regroup after failure. Although our girls may hear a cultural message about striving for perfection, we focus on letting go of perfect and going for growth. We know that in the long run, a growth mindset will give the girls the greatest chance to discern their personal strengths and to use them in service to others, as leaders do.

On Oct. 11, the world will celebrate the second annual, U.N.-declared International Day of the Girl Child. Forest Ridge will again celebrate this opportunity to heighten awareness of the unique challenges girls around the world face and to promote girls’ empowerment. The International Day of the Girl gives us an opportunity to recognize the value of girls education around the world and right here at Forest Ridge. As we celebrate International Day of the Girl with joy, enthusiasm and gratitude for our own educations, we will share the stories of Malala and other people around the world committed to girls education.

As a girls school engaged in developing

global leaders, we will seize this

opportunity to celebrate the dignity of every

person and the right to an education and

the chance at a meaningful life.

Jenny McGovern Director of Middle School Curriculum and Instruction

Betsy BriardyMiddle School Dean of Students

Celebrating Girls!

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Goal III: Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to a social awareness which impels to action.

Criterion 2: The school offers all its members opportunities for direct service and advocacy

and instills a life-long commitment to service.

Goals in Action

Tanya Lange Campus Minister

The High School took part in the United Way’s Day of Caring on Sept. 20. This was our second year participating in the countywide event. In King County alone, more than 12,000 volunteers worked at more than 400 sites. Students were divided by grade level and sent to a variety of service sites from Seattle to the Eastside. They were instructed to wear long pants and sturdy shoes and to be prepared to give 100 percent! Since all of our sites were outdoors, we were thankful for the perfect weather. Serving outside gave students an opportunity to work hard in ways different from what they are used to. They dug out dead bushes, pulled ivy, cut blackberries and carried away tarps full of invasive plants and weeds. Serving alongside students provided teachers with a chance to get to know students on a different level. It was a wonderful day of hard work and community building.

Each grade had its own project:

• 9th grade: Habitat restoration near Portage Bay in Seattle

• 10th grade: Restoration project at Log Cabin Reach Natural Area along Issaquah Creek

• 11th grade: Cutting and pulling out blackberries and ivy at Heritage Park in Kirkland

• 12th grade: Removing ivy at Clarke Beach on Mercer Island

The annual high school service day reminds us of our commitment to engage in the community around us. We are fortunate to be a part of a school community that values giving back.

High School Service Day =

“Try to render all possible service to others, not talking of the thing, but doing

it. If you are known to be a person who loves to serve, many opportunities will

come in your way, to your great inconvenience perhaps, but to your far greater

profit and instruction.” —Janet Erskine Stuart

September is behind us, and parents have already participated inthe Back-to-School Family Picnic, attended curriculum nights and sat in on the first Parent Association meeting of the year. Class parent reps have organized picnics for the girls and coffee socials for the parents. All this, and school is just getting started.

If you were there, if you attended any one of these events, you will know that we mean it when we say: You won’t meet a nicer, more interesting group of people. Really.

Fortunately, we have many more events lined up this fall and more opportunities to socialize with the fabulous parent community that makes Forest Ridge a special place.

We were disappointed that a major power outage forced us to cancel our Middle School Father/Daughter event. Kathy Peter-Contesse and the eighth-grade parent volunteers had planned a fun casino night event with dodge ball, snacks and caricature artists ready to draw the girls with their dads. We toyed with the idea of embracing the darkness and remarketing the event as a haunted house, but we soon realized that cancelling was our only real solution. We will do our very best to reschedule this event.

The October Parent Advisory Meeting was held Oct. 3, in the Sacred Heart Center. All PA meetings are open to the parent community; we’re grateful for those who attended.

We received updates from department heads and parent reps, and everyone left the meeting a little more informed. Please refer to the weekly Post IT for more details and times of all upcoming meetings.

The PA will sponsor the following events in October and November.

• October 7 Apple Brunch for faculty and staff hosted by the seventh grade.

• October 26 HS Mother/Daughter Event (postponed until spring).

• November 7 State of the School address from Head of School and General Membership Meeting, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

It’s not too late to join a Forest Ridge social club! All details regarding social clubs are available on the weekly Post IT and on the FR website.

Enrich our community by attending or volunteering or both. Find out about volunteer opportunities this year on the Forest Ridge website. Many thanks to our generous parent volunteers who lend their time and energy to organize these events for our community, all of which reinforce Goal IV for Sacred Heart schools, the building of community.

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We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.

Get to Know the Forest Ridge Parent Community

Molly McConkey and Roopa Satagopan Parent Association Co-Presidents

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