CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 1
GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
JANUARY 2013
IN THIS ISSUE
’11-’12 Annual ReportNew Faces
2 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
J ANUARY 2013
Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed and may be faxed
to: 703.938.1485 or emailed to [email protected].
Green Hedges School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex,
religion, or national origin in the administration of its education policies.
annual report
Head of School Report 1
GHS Donors 5 PTO Report17
from theBoard ReportFinancial Overview3
new faces
21
Clippings is a publication by the Development Office of Green Hedges School.
Ellen L. Giuntini Chair, Board of Trustees
Robert E. Gregg, III Head of School
Cathy Voeks Director of Institutional Advancement
Editor Ingrid Willenz-Isaacs
Photography Leslie Dixon
Dorothy CampbellAna KirklandCathy Voeks
Design Mari Foret
Grade One friends share a laugh during a Friday Closing Assembly.
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 1
“ASPIRING TO GIVE our best always,” the closing line of the Green Hedges School Creed, is recited in unison at Monday Opening and Friday Closing each week. This simple charge for all of us, individually and collectively, is a perfect platform from which we begin and conclude our work together each week. The GHS Creed manifests itself in our preparation, effort, achievement, group work and skill development. A compass of sorts, the Creed guides individuals to adhere to our core values.
This Annual Report issue of Clippings celebrates the widespread support of our Green Hedges School community. Through your generous gifts of time, talent and treasure, you have enabled us to live our Creed and the School’s Mission.
In any visit to campus, one will witness endless examples of student and faculty aspirations to give his or her best. From mastering bead chains in Montessori, Four Square writing exercises in Lower School, to athletic competition, utilizing Apps to reinforce newly acquired concepts, extending courtesies, and developing leadership skills—just to name very few—on any given day GHS students exemplify the Creed in thought, deed and speech.
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
from the
Robert E. Gregg, III head of school
The Creed also guides our work beyond day-to-day activity. As board Chair Ellen Giuntini shares on the next page, many ongoing governance-related initiatives will ensure that the GHS experience, and the aspiration to give our best, exists in perpetuity. Two are particularly exciting for me, as they relate to our future. First is our quest to accomplish a final action of our existing 2011 Strategic Plan…to continue to assess long-term facility improvements to enhance learning spaces for students and teachers. Well, the assessment is done, and in June we will begin the construction of the The Karen Wiechelt Stable, named in honor and loving memory of a longtime faculty member. The new Stable is the first phase of our campus facility master plan.
The second initiative is our preliminary work on a new Strategic Plan to be published in the spring. Since September, the Strategic Planning Committee, ably chaired by Peter Sparber, has been reviewing materials, conducting panel discussions with parents, faculty and those outside our community, analyzing trends both in and beyond the GHS community and challenging assumptions all in preparation to deliver a new Strategic Plan to guide our day-to-day and year-to-year work.
All of our work, be it “down in the weeds” (perhaps literally with a lesson on the floor of a Montessori class) or at 30,000 feet with a view to the future, is conducted with the GHS spirit to give our best. No matter what one may call it… our attitude, our mode of operation, our mantra or our spirit, the closing lines of our Creed challenge us to be our best. And, along the way, it is a great deal of fun.
Thank you for supporting Green Hedges School; your support and participation provide a distinct and comprehensive experience for our students and faculty. Your generosity and commitment to the School affirm the GHS community and have a profound effect in all we accomplish with our students. On behalf of all of us at GHS, thank you for personifying our Creed; aspiring to give your best always.
2 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
SUCCESS AND FUN often go hand-in-hand at Green Hedges School. Examples can be found everywhere you look: the triumph on the face of a first-grader who has conquered the bonus spelling word, the confidence and joy with which a group of third-graders perform their class play, the pride a middle schooler takes in creating a special art project to be exhibited in Kilmer Hall. The 2011-12 school year saw these successes and many more.
The Annual Fund was another example, getting off to a fast start and totaling more than $162,000 at year-end. In addition to providing direct enhancements to curriculum, these funds provide many of the additional aspects that make the school year memorable and fun: storytellers, visiting poets, and field trips. Our strong supportive community continued to come together to have fun at multiple events throughout the year—sampling delicious foods at our Potluck Dinner, journeying to “Wonderland” for our annual Gala-Auction, and attending concerts and plays throughout the year to celebrate the successes of our performing arts department.
Under the strong leadership of my predecessor, Jenny Letowt, and Bob Gregg, last year’s Board laid the groundwork for the successful next chapter of Green Hedges School by strengthening the overall financial position of the School and adding to its reserves. Additionally, last year’s Board took steps to ensure the success of GHS for years to come by re-starting the Campaign for Green Hedges’ Future with
the goal of razing and replacing the Stable Building. This plan was developed and refined by Boards over the past several years, and we are thrilled to see it coming to fruition. The new building will provide optimal learning spaces for our lower elementary grade students and middle school students with construction slated to begin in summer 2013.
Two long-time trustees completed their terms of service on June 30: Jenny Letowt, Chair, and Brig. Gen. Harry H. Bendorf (USAF Ret.), Vice-Chair. We thank them for their commitment and dedication to GHS, and we welcome Ambi Biggs ‘93, Carolyn Brandon, Geith Kallas, Adriana Luedke and René Wilkinson as new trustees.
In the current year, the Board is also updating our Strategic Plan for the School. To that end, we are meeting with members of our parent community, the Town and our neighbors. We are gathering data which will be used to map out a new vision that positions us to be successful to future students while remaining true to what is unique and special about Green Hedges.
The School is in a very strong position on both its academic and financial fronts. On behalf of the entire Board, I look forward to working with all of you as we create more successes—and have fun doing so.
from the
Ellen Giuntini, Chair board of trustees
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
“People rarely succeed unless they have
fun in what they are doing.”
~Dale Carnegie
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 3
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
THE Board of Trustees is pleased to share a strong financial report for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2012. Continued growth in enrollment, record setting fundraising efforts, and further growth in non-tuition revenue coupled with strong expense management, contributed to a four percent operating surplus. The Board took the opportunity to improve the School’s long term strength by replenishing reserves relied upon during two years following the economic downturn of 2008. Although we anticipate further challenges ahead of us, we are even more confident in the School’s long term strength. Two key metrics are enrollment and fundraising. Enrollment continued to reflect the positive trend begun last year. In addition to setting a new Annual Fund standard during the year ended June 30, 2012, the capital campaign to replace the Stable continues to march toward its goal. We are well positioned for the future.
Green Hedges School operates with fiscal discipline and prudent management. Our independent auditors, Thompson, Greenspon, and & Co., once again rendered an unqualified audit opinion and complimented our strong internal control processes. We continue to plan long-term while continually raising the bar. With your sustained support and stewardship, we will continue to provide our students with an unparalleled educational experience.
2011–2012financial overview
OPERATING FUND FY 2011–2012 FY 2010–2011 FY 2009–2010
REVENUE
Tuition & Fees1 $2,828,403 $2,808,605 $2,917,922
Fundraising 1,008,092 212,529 179,026
Other Revenue 358,857 329,512 212,026
Total Revenue $4,195,352 $3,350,646 $3,308,974
EXPENSES
Program & Services $2,023,783 $1,920,184 $2,054,834
Administrative & General 849,827 917,053 992,762
Buildings & Grounds2 378,064 383,580 400,984
Total Expenses $3,251,674 $3,220,817 $3,448,580
Changes in Net Assets from Operations $943,678 $129,829 $(139,606)
Roots, Vision, Wings 777,913
Reserves 165,765
1Tuition & Fees are net of Financial Aid 2Not including depreciation expense
4 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
ghs donor societies2011–2012
FOUNDERS SOCIETY$10,000 & ABOVE
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas I. Brandon
Mr. & Mrs. Jason G. Everett
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy B. Fleischer
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Giuntini
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Joseph
Mr. Glenn P. Lebowitz
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Luedke
Mr. & Mrs. Brian D. Nault
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher L. Smith
Ms. Susan Thompson
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Wilkinson
TRUSTEES SOCIETY$5,000–$9,999
Mr. & Mrs. Rahul Belani
Dr. & Mrs. Richard G. Hutcheson, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shaw
Mr. & Mrs. Dave R. Tomasso
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Dixon
Mr. & Mrs. William Doyle
Dr. Anuradha Dua & Mr. Rajan Dua
Mrs. Patricia McCabe Estrada &
Mr. Miguel Estrada
First Virginia Community Bank
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Gerry
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Gound
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, III
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Haag
Ms. Juanita Haydel
Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Philippe Hebral
Mr. & Mrs. Gharun G. Hester
HM & Co
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel W. Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas F. Karim
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene J. Martin
Ms. Antoinette Guidry & Mr. Duke Meekins
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Melton
Dr. Naghmeh Tebyanian &
Mr. Siamak Monjazeb
Mr. & Mrs. Trevor P. Nelson
Mr. & Mrs. Hugh P. O’Brien
Mr. Greg Pass
Ms. Lynn Abouhadid-Saba & Dr. Amer Saba
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shaw
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Sinclair
Verizon
Ms. Lee Scott & Mr. David S. Williamson
Mr. & Dr. David C. Young
HEADMASTERS SOCIETY$2,500–$4,999
Mr. & Mrs. Afshin Afsharnia
Altria Corporate Services
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Hallbach
Dr. & Dr. Daria Hamrah
Mr. John P. Hoel
Dr. & Mrs. Geith J. Kallas
Ms. Stephanie Katz
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Letowt
Mr. & Mrs. Don T. Mak
Perfect Sense Digital, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Quander
Mr. & Mrs. Bahram Shahriari
Mr. & Mrs. Peter G. Sparber
GREEN HEDGES SOCIETY$1,000–$2,499
Bank of America
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Blocher
Ms. Kim Buhrman
Ms. Lisa C. O’Hara & Mr. Wayne M. Burstein
Dr. Lori Caesar
Mrs. Chris Campbell
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
The following leadership donors laid the foundation for the
Annual Fund’s success. It is with tremendous gratitude
for their vision and charitable spirit that Green Hedges
acknowledges the generosity of the individuals and
organizations listed on this page.
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 5
Green Hedges’ Donor Societies are based on cumulative
giving throughout the 2011–2012 fiscal year and includes gifts
to the annual fund, endowment, library, Raise the Paddle,
and other special gifts to the School. We are grateful to all
donors at every giving level.
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
DRAGONS CLUBUP TO $249
Ms. Sepi Aghili
Mr. & Mrs. Seth Ahlborn
Mr. & Mrs. David B. Allardyce
Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Anderson
Mr. Paul Askew
Ms. Brej E. Gruskin & Dr. Glen R. Asner
Mrs. Robyn Ann Baker
Mrs. Rena Balestrieri
Ms. Patricia D. Douglass &
Mr. Richard L. Beizer
Mr. & Mrs. Amol Bhobe
Judith Buchino, Ph.D.
Mr. James T. Cannon ’56
Mrs. Peggy Chapman
Mrs. Syamala Chenulu
Ms. Jennifer Clegg
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Collis
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Conklin
Mrs. Sherry Dart
Mr. Archie Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Mondegar Dehghanian
Mrs. Priscilla Rogers Denegre ’67
Mr. & Mrs. David Dickerson
Miss Virginia E. Dixon ’08
Ms. Patricia Ulrich & Mr. Joseph Dogonniuck
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Dorosheff
Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Easley
Mr. Perry Edsall
Ms. Veda L. Robinson & Mr. Jesse Ernest
Mr. & Mrs. Ali Farchtchi
Ms. Bahareh Nikfarjam &
Mr. Ruhollah Farchtchi
Mr. & Mrs. Cleveland O. Glenn, Jr.
Ms. Lan Nguyen & Mr. Gregg Glogowski
Ms. Julie M. Gravallese
Mrs. Maria Zita Gray & Mr. Christopher Gray
Ms. Wanda Green
Ms. Mary Gregg
Mr. & Mrs. David A. Grossman
Mrs. Padmini Gunasinghe
Mr. Richard Guttmacher
Mrs. Diana H. Halsted
Mr. & Mrs. Neil L. Hannay
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy B. Hansen
Ms. Elise Hicks
GREEN & WHITE CLUB$500–$999
Ms. Jodi Bradford & Mr. David Andrew
Anonymous
Brig. Gen. & Mrs. H. H. Bendorf (USAF Ret.)
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Cannistraro
Dr. & Mrs. Michael T. Cliff
Ms. Nicola A. Crutchley & Mr. Robert R. Conway
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Dickerson
Mrs. Susan Donohue & Mr. Daniel J. Donohue
Mr. & Mrs. Scott S. Eblin
ExxonMobil Foundation
Freddie Mac Foundation
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Gerry
Mr. Robert E. Gregg, Jr.
Hanover Insurance Company
Dr. Sherry Anoushfar & Dr. Mohsen Izadi
Mrs. Ruth Katz
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mast
Ms. Genet Essayas & Mr. Dereje Mekonen
Mr. & Mrs. Edward H. Rice
Mr. & Mrs. John Shin
Mr. David Thies
Mr. & Mrs. Wynn Voeks
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Young
WINDOVER SOCIETY$250–$499
A.G. Prada Company, Inc.
Ms. Nazlin Kaba & Mr. Al-Karim Alidina
Mrs. Marion Beckett
Mr. & Ms. Douglas W. Briggs, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Gaetano Buttaro
Ms. Cynthia Camarena & Mr. Vinicio Calventi
Mr. & Mrs. Jon Conlon
Mr. & Dr. Hamid Ebrahimi
Ms. Marina Cracco & Mr. Stephen Edwards
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Everett
Mr. & Mrs. George Ferguson
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher J. Fuhs
Mr. & Ms. Walter G. Gomez
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Grossman
Ms. Carolyn J. Kahn-Hall & Mr. Jeffrey M. Hall
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Huse
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Knapp
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Kotz
Dr. & Mrs. Timothy R. Lapham
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Lathrop
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Lucas
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Luedke
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Malmud
Ms. Rita M. Dal Santo & Mr. David Nardino
Mr. & Mrs. Clifford V. Nelson
Mr. & Mrs. Prem J. Pillai
Ms. Deirdre Shaughnessy & Mr. TJ Radtke
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Royster
Dr. Samia R. Piracha & Mr. Adnan A. Sheikh
Mr. Robert M. Siegel
Mr. & Mrs. Houshang Tebyanian
Mr. & Mrs. William Turner
6 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
Mrs. Margaret P. Hoel
Mr. John E. Hopkins III
Mr. & Mrs. John Alvaro C. Howard
Mr. & Mrs. Marc Hutchinson
Mrs. Ingrid Willenz-Isaacs & Mr. Barry L. Isaacs
Mrs. Anneke Janssen-Lammers &
Mr. Danny Janssen
Ms. Aparna Krishnan &
Mr. Prabhu Kapaleeswaran
Mr. & Mrs. Ehab Kashef
Mr. & Mrs. Warren H. Keenan
Ms. Elizabeth Bassett Keiser ’51
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Kerivan
Mr. & Mrs. Aftab A. Khan
Mr. Nicholas J. Kilmer ’55
Ms. Angelika Kirkland
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Komnik
Mr. & Mrs. Karl Komnik
Mr. & Mrs. Philip W. Li
Ms. Sylvia Lindholm
Ms. Begona de Prado & Mr. Vicente J. Lledo
Mr. & Mrs. Laurance Longtin
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Lowery
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony G. Lucas
Mr. & Ms. Leslie Lulka
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene J. Malveaux, Jr.
Mr. Nicholas Marzolino
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin K. McAleenan
Ms. Romina T. Nicaretta & Mr. Sean McShane
Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Moll
Mr. & Ms. Janos Nagy
Dr. Kathrin E. Swoboda & Dr. Pradeep Nayak
Mrs. Mary Ober
Ms. Alexandra Bovbel & Mr. Kenneth Peoples
Mr. & Mrs. M. Gill Petri
Capt. & Mrs. James E. Pinnell
Ms. Annette M. Porter
Mr. & Mrs. William Prentice
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Provenzano
PTO - Green Hedges School
Mrs. Arthuree Quander
Ms. Ruth Bandler & Mr. Mark Raiffa
Ms. Camila Rivera-Morales
Mr. & Mrs. Steven K. Saiget
Ms. Fatma Maghraby & Mr. Ahmed Saliman
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Santoro
Dr. & Mrs. Babak Sarani
Ms. Elizabeth G. Scott
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Serafino
Dr. Malti Sethi & Dr. Rajesh Sethi
Mr. & Mrs. Irving Siegel
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Smith
Solutex
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Spolar
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin M. Strug
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Tonielli
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tuck
Ms. Elizabeth A. Updike
Mrs. Stacey Vagoun
Ms. Kelly H. Baxter & Mr. Edward M. Wheeler
Ms. Barbara White
Ms. Kathy Wilson
Mr. & Mrs. Frank S. Wilton
Ms. Wenley Ferguson & Mr. John G. Wolf
Mr.and Mrs. Scott Wood
Mrs. Micheline B. Woolard
Ms. Fang Cai & Mr. Sen Zhang
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 7
110% CLUBGreen Hedges School 110%
Club recognizes donors
to the Annual Fund who
have increased their gift
by at least 10% over their
previous year Annual Fund
gift. We are pleased to
report 66 donors in our
third year of the program.
Their total increased
support = $20,260!
110% ClubMr. & Mrs. Afshin Afsharnia
Ms. Nazlin Kaba & Mr. Al-Karim Alidina
Ms. Colleen Dalton & Mr. Douglas W. Briggs
Mrs. Rena Balestrieri
Brig. Gen. & Mrs. H. H. Bendorf (USAF Ret)
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas I. Brandon
Ms. Cynthia Camarena & Mr. Vinicio Calventi
Mrs. Syamala Chenulu
Ms. Jennifer Clegg
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Conklin
Ms. Nicola A. Crutchley & Mr. Robert R. Conway
Mr. & Mrs. Jon Conlon
Mrs. Sherry Dart
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Dixon
Dr. Anuradha Dua & Mr. Rajan Dua
Ms. Marina Cracco & Mr. Stephen Edwards
Mr. Perry Edsall
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Everett
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Gound
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Giuntini
Mr. & Mrs. Cleveland O. Glenn, Jr.
Mr. & Ms. Walter G. Gomez
Ms. Julie M. Gravallese
Mrs. Maria Zita Gray & Mr. Christopher Gray
Mr. & Mrs. David A. Grossman
Ms. Mary Gregg
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, III
Mr. Richard Guttmacher
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Haag
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Hallbach
Ms. Elise Hicks
Mrs. Anneke Janssen-Lammers &
Mr. Danny Janssen
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Joseph
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas F. Karim
Ms. Stephanie Katz
Mrs. Ruth Katz
Ms. Angelika Kirkland
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Luedke
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Letowt
Ms. Sylvia Lindholm
Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mast
Mr. Nicholas Marzolino
Ms. Romina T. Nicaretta & Mr. Sean McShane
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Melton
Ms. Camila Rivera-Morales
Dr. Naghmeh Tebyanian &
Mr. Siamak Monjazeb
Dr. Kathrin E. Swoboda & Dr. Pradeep Nayak
Ms. Alexandra Bovbel & Mr. Kenneth Peoples
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Provenzano
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Quander
Mrs. Arthuree Quander
Ms. Lynn Abouhadid-Saba & Dr. Amer Saba
Ms. Elizabeth G. Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shaw
Mr. & Mrs. Bahram Shahriari
Mr. & Mrs. Irving Siegel
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Sinclair
Mr. & Mrs. Houshang Tebyanian
Ms. Susan Thompson
Mr. & Mrs. William Turner
Mr. & Mrs. Wynn Voeks
Ms. Barbara White
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Wilkinson
Mrs. Micheline B. Woolard
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Young
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
8 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
2011–2012 ghs annual fund
Your Support of Green Hedges
Made a Difference! Really!
You guided our students. You assisted
our teachers. You cheered our teams. You
applauded our performers. You encouraged
our dreams. You may have come to campus
every day, or not even one time this entire
year. But with your gifts to the Annual Fund,
you joined a strong community of supporters
who stepped up on behalf of Green Hedges
School.
THANK YOU!
Each and every gift supports Green Hedges
and its mission of inspiring young people of
talent and promise to develop clear values,
a desire for wisdom, and an appreciation for
all endeavors which broaden the mind and
enlighten the spirit.
The Annual Fund serves as the foundation of
all fundraising for Green Hedges School and
provides the vital difference between what
is ordinary and what is distinctive about
the GHS experience. All gifts to the Annual
Fund are voluntary, tax-deductible and a
strong indicator of community support and
enthusiasm for Green Hedges. Donations to
the Annual Fund directly support the School’s
current year operating budget and are used in
the year in which they are received.
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 9
Board of Trustees
100% PARTICIPATIONJennifer F. Letowt, Chair
Brig. Gen. Harry Bendorf (USAF Ret.)
Mr. Rajan Dua
Mrs. Ellen Giuntini
Mrs. Margaret Hallbach
Mr. J. Eric Joseph
Ms. Stephanie Katz
Mr. John G. Lathrop
Mrs. Jennifer F. Letowt
Mrs. Bethel Quander
Mr. Peter G. Sparber
Ms. Susan Thompson
Mrs. Tiffany Tomasso
[ ANNUAL REPORT ][ ANNUAL REPORT ]
Faculty & Staff
97% PARTICIPATIONMrs. Rena Balestrieri, Chair
Ms. Sepi AghiliMrs. Rena BalestrieriMrs. Samruddhi BhobeMrs. Syamala ChenuluMs. Jennifer CleggMrs. Kimera ConklinMrs. Sherry DartMr. Archie DavisMrs. Leslie DixonMr. Perry EdsallMrs. Zita Gray Ms. Wanda GreenMr. Robert E. Gregg, IIIMrs. Padmini GunasingheMr. & Mrs. Fred HaagMr. & Mrs. Todd HuseMs. Angelika KirklandMrs. Gretchen KomnikMrs. Jennifer LoweryMrs. Pamela LucasMr. Nicholas MarzolinoMr. Thomas MastMrs. Annie MeltonMs. Allison NicholsMrs. Diane PrenticeMrs. Nancy ProvenzanoMs. Camila Rivera-MoralesMs. Elizabeth G. ScottMrs. Stacey VagounMrs. Catherine VoeksMs. Kathy WilsonMrs. Carolyn WoodMrs. Micheline B. Woolard
GRADE 8—100% PARTICIPATION
Ms. Juanita Haydel & Mr. Daniel BreedingMr. & Mrs. Robert C. EasleyMr. & Mrs. Cleveland O. Glenn, Jr.Ms. Elvearo JacksonMr. & Mrs. Thomas G. ProvenzanoMr. & Mrs. Bahram ShahriariMs. Lee Scott & Mr. David S. WilliamsonMr. & Mrs. David J. Young
GRADE 7—92% PARTICIPATION
Ms. Mary Colleen Dalton & Mr. Douglas W. Briggs
Mr. Wayne M. Burstein & Ms. Lisa C. O’HaraMr. & Ms. Vinicio CalventiDr. Sherry Anoushfar & Dr. Mohsen Izadi Mr. & Mrs. J. E. JosephMr. & Mrs. Todd MarumotoMr. & Mrs. Brian D. NaultMr. & Mrs. Prem J. PillaiMs. Fatma Maghraby & Mr. Ahmed Saliman Mr. & Mrs. Bahram ShahriariMr. & Mrs. Dave R. TomassoMr. & Mrs. David J. Young
GRADE 6—100% PARTICIPATION
Ms. Jodi Bradford & Mr. David AndrewMr. & Mrs. Rahul BelaniMr. & Mrs. Jon ConlonMr. & Mrs. Robert C. EasleyMr. & Mrs. Philip GiuntiniMr. & Mrs. Cleveland O. Glenn, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, IIIMr. John P. HoelDr. & Mrs. Geith J. KallasMs. Angelika KirklandMr. & Mrs. Philip LetowtMr. & Mrs. John F. LuedkeMs. Genet Essayas & Mr. Dereje Mekonen Dr. Naghmeh Tebyanian &
Mr. Siamak Monjazeb Ms. Susan Thompson
GRADE 5—100% PARTICIPATION
Ms. Kim BuhrmanMr. & Mrs. Andrew Gerry †Mr. & Mrs. J. E. JosephMs. Stephanie KatzMr. & Mrs. Prem J. PillaiMr. & Mrs. Bahram ShahriariMr. Robert M. SiegelMr. & Mrs. William Turner
FACULTY & STAFF live out the
GHS mission each day
in the classroom and
beyond. They also support
the mission with their
financial generosity,
demonstrated by their
commitment to the
School by reaching 97%
participation in the Annual
Fund.
DESIGNATED GIFTS:* Academics & Faculty† The Arts†† Athletics‡ Financial Aid§ Library** Technology
10 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
GRADE 4—100% PARTICIPATION
Mr. John P. Hoel
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Joseph
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas F. Karim
Mr. Glenn Lebowitz
Ms. Alexandra Bovbel & Mr. Kenneth Peoples
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Quander
Ms. Deirdre Shaughnessy & Mr. TJ Radtke
Ms. Susan Thompson
GRADE 3—93% PARTICIPATION
Mr. & Mrs. Afshin Afsharnia
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Blocher
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. David Dickerson †Mr. & Mrs. William Doyle ** Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Gerry †Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, III
Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Philippe Hebral ‡Mr. John E. Hopkins III
Mr. & Mrs. Ehab Kashef
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Komnik
Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene J. Malveaux, Jr.
GRADE 2—84% PARTICIPATION
Mr. & Mrs. Rahul Belani
Ms. Kim Buhrman
Dr. Lori Caesar
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Dorosheff
Dr. Anuradha Dua & Mr. Rajan Dua
Mr. & Mrs. David A. Grossman
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Hallbach
Mr. John P. Hoel
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel W. Jackson
Dr. & Mrs. Geith J. Kallas
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas F. Karim
Ms. Angelika Kirkland
Dr. Naghmeh Tebyanian &
Mr. Siamak Monjazeb
Mr. Greg Pass
Ms. Deirdre Shaughnessy & Mr. TJ Radtke
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Sinclair
Ms. Susan Thompson
GRADE 1—100% PARTICIPATION
Ms. Nazlin Kaba & Mr. Al-Karim Alidina
Mr. & Mrs. Neil L. Hannay * Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Philippe Hebral ‡Mr. & Mrs. Daniel W. Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Joseph
Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
Ms. Rita M. Dal Santo & Mr. David Nardino
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Quander
Ms. Lynn Abouhadid-Saba & Dr. Amer Saba
Mr. & Mrs. John Shin **
MONTESSORI—MRS. AGHILI’S CLASS—70%
PARTICIPATION
Ms. Brej E. Gruskin & Dr. Glen R. Asner
Dr. & Mrs. Michael T. Cliff *Ms. Nicola A. Crutchley & Mr. Robert R. Conway
Ms. Claudia Torres & Mr. Walter G. Gomez
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, III
Dr. & Dr. Daria Hamrah ††Mr. & Mrs. Neil L. Hannay *Mr. & Mrs. John Alvaro C. Howard
Ms. Romina T. Nicaretta &
Mr. Sean McShane **Mr. & Mrs. Adam Royster
Dr. Samia R. Piracha & Mr. Adnan A. Sheikh
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher L. Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin M. Strug
Ms. Fang Cai & Mr. Sen Zhang
MONTESSORI/MRS. BALESTRIERI’S
CLASS—85% PARTICIPATION
Ms. Jodi Bradford & Mr. David Andrew
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Blocher
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas I. Brandon
Dr. Lori Caesar
Ms. Marina Cracco & Mr. Stephen Edwards
Mr. & Mrs. David A. Grossman
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Huse
Ms. Aparna Krishnan &
Mr. Prabhu Kapaleeswaran ** Mr. & Mrs. Mark Komnik
Mr. & Mrs. Philip W. Li * Mr. & Ms. Leslie Lulka
Ms. Antoinette Guidry & Mr. Duke Meekins
Dr. Naghmeh Tebyanian &
Mr. Siamak Monjazeb
Mr. Greg Pass
Dr. & Mrs. Babak Sarani
Mr. David Thies
Ms. Kathleen Thies * Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Wilkinson
MONTESSORI/MS. NICHOLS’ CLASS—
91% PARTICIPATION
Ms. Nicola A. Crutchley & Mr. Robert R. Conway
Mr. & Mrs. William Doyle **
Mr. & Mrs. Jason G. Everett
Ms. Bahareh Nikfarjam & Mr. Ruhollah
Farchtchi
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher J. Fuhs
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Giuntini
Ms. Lan Nguyen & Mr. Gregg Glogowski
Mr. & Mrs. Neil L. Hannay *
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy B. Hansen
Mr. & Mrs. Gharun G. Hester ‡
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Huse
Mr. & Mrs. Danny Janssen
In preparation of this report we have tried to avoid errors and omissions. If any are found, please accept our apologies, and report them to the Development Office. If your name is not listed as you would prefer it to be, please let us know so that our records may be corrected. If your gift was received after June 30, 2012, your name will appear in the Green Hedges School Annual Report 2012–2013.
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 11
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas F. Karim
Dr. & Mrs. Timothy R. Lapham
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin K. McAleenan
Mr. & Ms. Janos Nagy
Mr. & Mrs. Trevor P. Nelson
Ms. Lynn Abouhadid-Saba & Dr. Amer Saba
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shaw
Ms. Elizabeth A. Updike
Grandparents
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Malmud, Chairs
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Cannistraro
Katie Hallbach ’18
Mrs. Peggy Chapman
Aurele Nault ’13
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Collis
Harlan Jackson ’18
Isabelle Jackson ’19
Mr. & Mrs. Mondegar Dehghanian
Dara Shahriari ’12
Neda Shahriari ’13
Dawna Shahriari ’15
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Dickerson
Sarah Dickerson ’17
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Everett
Alan R. Everett ’21
Mr. & Mrs. Ali Farchtchi
Sina Farchtchi ’22
Mr. & Mrs. George Ferguson
Benjamin Letowt ’11
Peter Letowt ’14
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Gerry
Emma D. Gerry ’15
Alexander Gerry ’17
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Gound
Alexandra Gound ’18
Walker L. Gound ’21
Mr. Robert E. Gregg, Jr.
Ellie Gregg ’14
Ruby Gregg ’17
Anna R. Gregg ’21
Mrs. Diana H. Halsted
Gates H. Young ’10
Brooks B. Young ’12
Macy M. Young ’13
Mrs. Margaret P. Hoel
Jackson N. Hoel ’14
Tyler Hoel ’16
Porter Hoel ’18
Dr. & Mrs. Richard G. Hutcheson, Jr.
Jackson N. Hoel ’14
Tyler Hoel ’16
Porter Hoel ’18
Mrs. Ruth Katz
Eli S. Katz-Siegel ’15
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Knapp
Keira A. Smith ’20
Mr. & Mrs. Karl Komnik
Kiley J. Komnik ’17
Molly E. Komnik ’22
Ms. Sylvia Lindholm
Maya C. Glenn ’12
Kyra M. Glenn ’14
Celina S. Glenn ’17
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony G. Lucas
Abigail M. Shaw ’21
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Luedke
Adriana M. Luedke ’14
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Malmud
Abby Malmud ’17
Adam Malmud ’19
Mr. & Mrs. M. Gill Petri
Ryan J. Joseph ’13
Cameron N. Joseph ’15
Casey Joseph ’16
Sydney Joseph ’19
Mrs. Arthuree Quander
Jack Quander ’16
Katie Quander ’19
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Serafino
Emma D. Gerry ’15
Alexander Gerry ’17
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shaw
Abigail M. Shaw ’21
Mr. & Mrs. Irving Siegel
Eli S. Katz-Siegel ’15
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Smith
Keira A. Smith ’20
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Spolar
Alexandra Nelson ’20
Mr. & Mrs. Houshang Tebyanian
Tara V. Monjazeb ’14
Sama M. Monjazeb ’18
Amelia Monjazeb ’21
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Tonielli
Taylor A. Tomasso ’09
Morgan Tomasso ’13
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tuck
Lianne T. Provenzano ’09
Michael Provenzano ’12
Ms. Barbara White
Caden W. Wilkinson ’21
Alumni, Alumni Parents & Past ParentsMr. & Mrs. David B. AllardyceMr. & Mrs. Charles L. AndersonMr. Paul AskewMs. Patricia D. Douglass &
Mr. Richard L. Beizer Judith Buchino, Ph.D.Mr. & Mrs. Gaetano ButtaroMr. James T. Cannon ’56Mrs. Priscilla Rogers Denegre ’67Mr. & Mrs. James K. DixonMiss Virginia E. Dixon ’08Mr. Daniel J. DonohueMr. & Mrs. Scott S. EblinMs. Veda L. Robinson & Mr. Jesse ErnestMr. & Mrs. Timothy B. FleischerMr. Richard GuttmacherMs. Elise HicksMr. & Mrs. Marc HutchinsonMs. Ingrid R. Willenz-Isaacs &
Mr. Barry L. IsaacsMs. Elizabeth Bassett Keiser ’51Mr. & Mrs. William R. KerivanMr. & Mrs. Aftab A. KhanMr. Nicholas J. Kilmer ’55
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
The Annual Fund and funds
raised at special events
such as the Gala~Auction
make up most of the
difference between tuition
and the actual cost of a
GHS education.
12 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. KotzMr. & Mrs. Laurance LongtinMr. & Mrs. Robert H. MollDr. Kathrin E. Swoboda & Dr. Pradeep Nayak Mr. Jesse Nayak ’09Mr. & Mrs. Clifford V. NelsonCapt. & Mrs. James E. PinnellMs. Annette M. PorterMs. Ruth Bandler & Mr. Mark Raiffa Mr. & Mrs. Edward H. RiceMr. & Mrs. Steven K. SaigetMr. & Mrs. Gregory SantoroDr. Malti Sethi & Dr. Rajesh Sethi Mrs. Jocelyn P. Shuler ’01Ms. Nancy Weyl BradleyMr. & Mrs. Frank S. Wilton
Former Trustees & Former Faculty
Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Anderson
Mrs. Noelie K. Angevine ’53 &
Mr. Edward F. Angevine †Mr. Paul Askew
Mrs. Robyn Ann Baker
Mrs. Marion Beckett
Ms. Patricia D. Douglass &
Mr. Richard L. Beizer
Ms. Lisa C. O’Hara & Mr. Wayne M. Burstein
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Dixon
Mr. Jesse Ernest & Ms. Veda L. Robinson
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy B. Fleischer
Ms. Julie M. Gravallese
Mr. Barry L. Isaacs &
Ms. Ingrid R. Willenz-Isaacs
Mr. & Mrs. Warren H. Keenan
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Kerivan
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Kotz
Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
Mrs. Mary Ober
Mr. & Mrs. Hugh P. O’Brien
Mr. & Mrs. Prem J. Pillai
Mr. & Mrs. Edward H. Rice
Mr. Edward M. Wheeler & Ms. Kelly H. Baxter
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Young
Mr. & Dr. David C. Young
Corporations & Foundations
Altria Corporate Services
Bank of America
ExxonMobil Foundation
Freddie Mac Foundation
Hanover Insurance Company
Verizon
Gifts in KindMrs. Samruddhi Bhobe
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Dixon
Mr. & Mrs. David Grossman
Mr. & Mrs. J. Eric Joseph
Mr. Robert Earl Schultz
DID YOU KNOW?The Board carefully considers the money raised each year through the Annual Fund when determining the budget for the following school year. Annual gifts allow the School to enhance the comprehensive program and enriching activities that our children enjoy with the least impact on tuition.
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 13
2011–2012 ghs auction
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
Mr. & Mrs. Afshin Afsharnia
Mrs. Marion Beckett
Ms. Colleen Dalton & Mr. Douglas W. Briggs
Ms. Kim Buhrman
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Cannistraro
Dr. & Mrs. Michael T. Cliff
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Dixon
Mr. & Mrs. William Doyle
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Gerry
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Giuntini
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, III
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Grossman
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Haag
Ms. Carolyn J. Kahn-Hall & Mr. Jeffrey M. Hall
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Hallbach
Mr. & Mrs. Gharun G. Hester
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Joseph
Dr. & Mrs. Timothy R. Lapham
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Letowt
Mr. & Mrs. Philip W. Li
Ms. Begona de Prado & Mr. Vicente J. Lledo
Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Marumoto
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Melton
Dr. Naghmeh Tebyanian &
Mr. Siamak Monjazeb
Ms. Rita M. Dal Santo & Mr. David Nardino
Mr. & Mrs. Trevor P. Nelson
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Provenzano
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Quander
Mr. & Mrs. Edward H. Rice
Ms. Lynn Abouhadid-Saba & Dr. Amer Saba
Ms. Elizabeth G. Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Bahram Shahriari
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shaw
Mr. & Mrs. Peter G. Sparber
Mr. & Mrs. Wynn Voeks
Mrs. Micheline B. Woolard
Mr. & Mrs. David C. Young
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Young
RAISE THE PADDLE DONORS
Many thanks to all donors
who supported the Auction
with underwriting and cash
contributions.
The entire Green Hedges community wishes to express
its sincere gratitude to the 2012 Sponsors
AUCTION PATRONS
A.G. Prada Company, Inc.
The Afsharnia Family
Altria Corporate Services
Anonymous
Green Hedges School PTO
John Hoel
The Joseph Family
The Letowt Family
The Saba Family
Susan Thompson
green hedges schoolgala auction
Whitworth Analytics
PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS
14 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
AUCTION UNDERWRITERS
Mr. & Mrs. Seth Ahlborn
Brig. Gen. & Mrs. H. H. Bendorf (USAF Ret.)
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Dixon
Ms. Patricia Ulrich & Mr. Joseph Dogonniuck
Dr. Anuradha Dua & Mr. Rajan Dua
Ms. Marina Cracco & Mr. Stephen Edwards
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Giuntini
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, III
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Grossman
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Haag
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Hallbach
Ms. Carolyn J. Kahn-Hall & Mr. Jeffrey M. Hall
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Joseph
Dr. & Mrs. Geith J. Kallas
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas F. Karim
Ms. Stephanie Katz
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Lathrop
Mr. Glenn P. Lebowitz
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Letowt
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Luedke
Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mast
Mr. & Mrs. Prem J. Pillai
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Quander
Ms. Deirdre Shaughnessy & Mr. TJ Radtke
Ms. Lynn Abouhadid-Saba & Dr. Amer Saba
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Sinclair
Solutex
Mr. & Mrs. Peter G. Sparber
Ms. Susan Thompson
Mr. & Mrs. Dave R. Tomasso
Mr. & Mrs. Wynn Voeks
Mr. & Mrs. Frank S. Wilton
Mr. & Dr. David C. Young
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
Mojy Afsharnia
Michelle Atkin
Sonia Belani
Sam Bhobe
Carolyn Blocher
Carolyn Brandon
Kim Buhrman
Dorothy Campbell
Lorrie Cliff
Kimera Conklin
Nikki Crutchley
Rita Dal Santo
Laura Gerry
Ellen Giuntini
Catherine Grossman
Maria Grossman
Carolyn Kahn-Hall
Emma Hannay
Carrie Harris
Reginia Hester
Carl Hutzler
Cassie Jackson
Amy Joseph
Stephanie Katz
Ana Kirkland
AUCTION VOLUNTEERSCathy Voeks, Director of DevelopmentCarolyn Kahn-Hall & Emma Hannay, Auction Co-Chairs
Mark Komnik
Anneke Lammers-Janssen
Jenny Letowt
Lisa Malmud
Patrick McKernan
Jennifer Nelson
Lan Nguyen
Kathy Pijor
Ligia Rodriguez
Lynn Abouhadid-Saba
Lee Scott
Cathy Voeks
René Wilkinson
Michelle Wysocki
Dave Young
ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS
Zaman Alidina ’11
Ben Letowt ’11
Alex Jung-Moss ’11
Zach Marumoto ’11
Vance Nelson ’11
Gregorio Sapia ’11
Misha Wooden ’11
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 15
[ ANNUAL REPORT ][ ANNUAL REPORT ]
ghs libraryVolunteers, 2011–2012 Jennifer Nelson
Library Volunteer Coordinator
Mojy Afsharnia
Michelle Atkin
Carolyn Blocher
Jodi Bradford
Carolyn Brandon
Veronica Corpuz
Rita Dal Santo
Begona De Prado
Ellen Giuntini
Walter Gomez
Maria Grossman
Antoinette Guidry
Tim Hansen
Mariana Howard
Anneke Janssen
Asma Kashef
Aparna Krishnan
Kori Lapham
LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
Noemi Li
Catherine McCabe
Lynn Saba
Anna Shaw
Deirdre Shaughnessy
Karen Strug
Kathleen Thies
René Wilkinson
Marina Cracco
Dana Dickerson
Stephen Edwards
Natasha Fuhs
Laura Gerry
Sanaz Hamrah
Reginia Hester
Nazlin Kaba
BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS
Paul Malmud
Lisa O’Hara
Ligia Rodriguez
Adam Royster
Angie Turner
Michelle Wysocki
16 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
from the
Cassie Jackson 11-12 pto president
“Parent involvement in education is like the
frosting on a cupcake, it makes it complete
and oh so sweet.”
~Anonymous
THIS FALL I HAVE had the pleasure of circling back to the roots of Green Hedges School by rejoining the families of the Montessori hallway with my youngest son, Jacob. The little ones buzzing about the hallway, jackets dragging, noses running and hugs all around has given me great pleasure and reminded me why I volunteer. Through being involved in the PTO, I not only got to know the children in my children’s classrooms, but also the vibrant and talented students of the upper elementary and middle school who my own look up to as they lead them by the hand during carpool. The PTO looks to support this family-like community and enrich the already strong bond between students, faculty, staff and families.In 2011–12, the PTO fundraisers were not only planned and designed to raise funds in support of the library and cultural assemblies, but to raise “fun and friendship.” “Let’s Eat” outings at Neilson’s Custard, Chuck E. Cheese and California Pizza Kitchen all gathered classmates and families outside of the classroom to share a meal and conversation while garnering funds that supported assemblies of scientists, storytellers, and musicians. PTO initiatives also funded special GHS evenings out designed solely for fun and frolic like the family potluck, Vienna Halloween Parade and Disco Skate Night. DragonFest, one of the PTO’s largest endeavors, was another overwhelming success last year. It was full of
fanciful fun and ran smoothly due to great family and student volunteers. The PTO also brought a new large green, fuzzy friend to the GHS family, Percival! He danced with the students at assemblies and the parade and will continue to serve as the GHS mascot for years to come.
In addition, the PTO continued to work hard on revising and streamlining its lunch program. A way to provide a helpful, healthy service to our families, the lunch program also generated funds that offered significant support to the faculty professional development program for faculty courses and attendance at conferences to directly enhance classroom instruction. The PTO also put your Box Tops to work! Those clippings from the pantry added up to iPad apps the children and teachers are using in the classroom daily.
Last and most importantly, the “Love Tree” that graced the front of Kilmer House since before the school’s inception may have come down this fall, but its roots run deep like the hearts of GHS families. Once again the 2011-2012 school year saw over 90% volunteer participation from our families. Thank you! Investing yourself in GHS is an investment that grows strong roots and blossoming children.
Tina Doyle, current PTO President ’12-’13, poses with past PTO President, Cassie Jackson.
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 17
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
THE VOLUNTEER
The volunteer is one with a heart so sincere –
No task too large, no task too small,
Who will help with anything at all.
Who will be there in the morning light?
Or help in the dark of night?
The volunteer, our extra hand,
On whose future our children stand.
Never anyone so dear
As a Green Hedges Volunteer!
volunteers
PTO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2011–2012
Cassie Jackson, President
René Wilkinson, Vice President
Tim Hansen, Treasurer
Deirdre Shaughnessy, Secretary
Lorrie Cliff, Room Parent Coordinator
2012–2013
Tina Doyle, President
Anna Shaw, Vice President and
Room Parent Coordinator
Tim Hansen, Treasurer
Nikki Crutchley, Secretary
2011–2012 PTO PROGRAM COORDINATORS
Bingo Night: Carolyn Blocher,
Deirdre Shaughnessy
Board of Trustees Liaison: Ellen Giuntini
DragonFest: Tina Doyle, René Wilkinson
GRACE Arts: Maria Grossman,
Begona De Prado
Halloween Parade: Lorrie Cliff, Cassie Jackson
“Let’s Eat” Dine Around Town: Cassie Jackson
Library Coordinator: Jennifer Nelson
Lunch Programs: Lynn Saba
PTO Potluck Dinner: PTO Executive Committee
Skate Night: Cassie Jackson
Spirit Wear: Cassie Jackson
Supplies-in-a-Bag: Lorrie Cliff
Teacher Appreciation Week: Lorrie Cliff,
René Wilkinson
2011-12 ROOM PARENTS
Room Parent Coordinator:
Lorrie Cliff
Montessori—Aghili: Shirin Abadian
Montessori—Balestrieri:
Carolyn Blocher
Montessori—Nichols:
Anna Shaw
Grade 1: Nazlin Kaba
Grade 2: Catherine & David Grossman
Grade 3: Tina Doyle
Grade 4: Michelle Atkin
Grade 5: Kim Buhrman
Grade 6: Ellen Giuntini
Grade 7: Rohini Pillai
Grade 8: Dave Young
G8 & MS RP coordinator: Mandana Shahriari
FOUNDERS’ AND GRANDPARENTS’ DAY HOSPITALITY
Shirin Abadian
Michelle Atkin
Rahul Belani
Dorothy Campbell
Rita Dal Santo
Laura Gerry
Ellen Giuntini
Amy Joseph
Jenny Letowt
Mandana Shahriari
René Wilkinson
18 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
Math Curriculum StandardsSyamala Chenulu, Diane Prentice, and Kimera Conklin met over the summer to support and strengthen the current math curriculum at Green Hedges School. Time was first spent vertically aligning standards Montessori—G8, with the intent to purposefully ensure that GHS meets the needs of its student population—which means we not only meet but exceed Virginia state standards. The expectation is that teachers can use this document as a resource for planning the curriculum, and a point-of-departure for discussions between grade levels as to what is covered, what is covered in depth, and what is not covered. We looked at VA standards but also those formulated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMMS), and other independent schools. Our group also compiled a list of suggested vocabulary terms to match the progression of instruction.
Members spent time apart planning for that deeper level of mathematical thinking that our class sizes and resources allow for—the importance of writing for math, making real-world math connections, integrating math with other areas of curriculum, extending students who are ready for more and supporting students who need more time or practice.
Plans for the future include:
• revising Atlas Mapping to include standards and indicators for each grade, and creating a new vocabulary section
• discussing math terminology and best practices, particularly pertaining to problem solving strategies and assignment of homework
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
Montessori CollaborationThe Montessori teachers extend their appreciation to the PTO for the opportunity to meet, share ideas, set future goals and actively push ourselves to keep our curriculum fresh and current. Our goal of evaluating and enhancing Parent/Teacher communications was discussed at length in relation to our current bi-monthly Haiku Newsletter. We identified ways to better develop the newsletter content and include topics such as major events, children’s pictures, reminders, and general curriculum topics. The purpose is to provide parents with a general overview of what we work on in each of our classrooms. Each classroom will continue to have its own newsletter. The first issue of each month will cover general topics to be covered throughout the month ahead, followed by a more concise issue published mid-month.
We also shared core curriculum material in the language and math areas. We were able to evaluate lessons and exchange ideas. In the language area, some of the lessons we discusssed were phonetic awareness, specifically, long vowels and the parts of the speech lessons. In Math, we shared ideas on how to create new materials that would be inviting to a young child wanting to explore and learn mathematical concepts.
Throughout the summer, we worked on creating new materials in various areas of our classrooms such as science, geography, art and music. We appreciate the PTO’s support of our efforts.
~Sepi Aghili Montessori Directress
Social Studies Department New Textbooks & MaterialsThe Social Studies department had the opportunity to order new curriculum textbooks and supplemental materials for Grades 1-8. The text selected encompasses all areas of the social studies curriculum, including historical content, geography, civics/government structure and economics. Additional materials purchased include a variety of teaching CD’s, poster packs, workbooks, and iPad applications.
The grant allowed for the teachers to meet several times over the course of the summer to review the new curriculum materials and to investigate how to incorporate these new resources into our existing program. The teachers will be using a new and updated version of the Teacher’s Curriculum Institute (TCI) text, including online resources. TCI online resources include sites for both teachers and students to view simultaneously for discussion and for student completion. The selected series has proven very successful in the classroom, particularly as a visual classroom tool. It presents a very hands-on experience for both the students and teachers alike. The interactive sources allow for all types of learners to benefit from the way the material is introduced. The textbooks are also helpful for learning overall comprehension skills to help with reading, vocabulary, the overall writing process and study skills strategies. Throughout the coming year, the faculty will continue to work individually and in small groups according to grade levels, to identify and discuss which tools best support the curriculum, along with sharing successful teaching experiences.
~Jen Clegg Social Studies Department Chair
PTO Summer Grants
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 19
• matching resources to aligned standards
• sharing ways to incorporate technology effectively and appropriately in math instruction
• writing lessons to promote having fun in the teaching and learning of mathematics
~Diane Prentice Math Department Co-Chair
Orton-Gillingham Training ConferenceThis summer I had the privilege of attending the Orton-Gillingham training program in Philadelphia, PA. Orton-Gillingham is a phonics based, multi-sensory program that provides a systematic, structured, sequential, and cumulative approach to reading, writing and spelling. Orton-Gillingham is a methodology that was developed by neurologist Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham at the New York Neurological Institute and has been utilized for over 50 years. It is a multi-sensory program that will enable students, by direct instruction, to review,
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
to learn new concepts, practice and to apply what they are learning.
There are five components essential to an effective reading program: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension strategies. Instruction begins with simple sound/symbol relationships and progresses logically to more complex concepts. Each five-part lesson plan is presented to students using their visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning pathways. The techniques include direct instruction in phonetic rules and word attack strategies. These methods help cultivate an understanding of language that beginning readers need to develop important language skills.
The Orton-Gillingham method is one that can be adapted to any existing language program and helps all children develop strong strategies for learning language. These skills will help produce confident, independent and knowledgeable readers with strategies to fall back on in school and in life.
~Allison Nichols Montessori Directress
PTO FUNDRAISING $22,845
Lunch Programs 51%
FUNdraisers* 39%
PTO Dues 8%
Grocery Programs 2%
PTO-FUNDED PROGRAMS $22,855
Grants for Professional Development
33%
Cultural Programs/ Assemblies
17%
Social Events** 12%
Buses for Athletics 9%
Library Programs 9%
Teacher Appreciation 7%
Grade 8 Class Gift & Auction Contribution
4%
GRACE Arts 3%
Parent Education 2%
Operating Expenses 3%
Printing 1%
Misc. Expenses 1%
*Let’s Eat Out restaurant nights, Spirit Wear, Bingo, and Dragon Fest
**Potluck, Halloween Parade, Disco Skate Night, PTO Coffees
NET RECEIPTS ($10)
Green Hedges has always possessed and relied upon a strong sense of community. This defining trait is demonstrated through the essential role that volunteers play at School and is conveyed in the way we care for and interact with others.
20 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
IN SEPTEMBER 2012, the Green Hedges School Board of Trustees unanimously voted to raze and rebuild the Stable Building starting June 2013.
While the progress we see taking shape is thrilling, the completion of the new facility and its transformative impact on program is truly the force driving the project forward with such positive momentum.
Built in 1883 as a pole barn, the Stable has served the School since the Kilmer family moved Green Hedges to Vienna in 1955. Modest renovations over the years allowed the building to fulfill multiple purposes as library, classrooms and office spaces for 57 years. We are thrilled to now be in the position to build a new “stable” with four classrooms and two flexible learning spaces.
The new building will be named The Karen Wiechelt Stable after a beloved Lower School faculty member who taught at GHS from 1991 until her untimely death in 2008. The new Stable will offer significant benefits toward optimal learning. The new building is designed to fit our programs and teaching philosophies with climate controlled rooms filled with natural
light. Additionally, the larger and enhanced classrooms will accommodate flexible student groupings, cooperative learning, individualized instruction and full group activities —both at the Lower and Middle School levels. Further, with Grades 1–3 under the same roof, opportunities for organic, cross-grade level collaboration among these Lower School grades will increase. The Middle School classroom will continue the tradition of our oldest students’ use of all the academic buildings, fostering growing independence while closely mirroring a secondary school experience. Likewise, this new facility will strengthen our competitive position to attract mission-appropriate students and faculty.
We have many donors to thank for this incredible effort to date. Now is the time for full community participation to finish the campaign strong. Over the coming months, campaign ambassadors will be reaching out to our broader community to share the various ways one can support the effort. In the meantime, feel free to contact any one of the campaign committee members at any time.
Join us in celebration of this major milestone!
Unanimous Board Vote!
campaign
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 21
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
CAMPAIGN DONORS
AS OF DECEMBER 21, 2012
Mr. Stephen AlabiAltria Corporate ServicesMr. & Mrs. Charles L. AndersonAnonymousMr. & Mrs. Ali AssayeshMr. & Mrs. John W. Baker IIIBank of AmericaMr. & Mrs. Rahul BelaniBrig. Gen. & Mrs. Harry H. Bendorf (USAF Ret.)Mr. Brendan Murray & Ms. Ambika J. Biggs ’93Mr. & Mrs. Carl L. BiggsMr. & Mrs. Andrew BlocherMr. & Mrs. James G. BlumenthalMr. & Mrs. Douglas I. BrandonMs. Colleen Dalton & Mr. Douglas W. BriggsMr. Bill R. BrykczynskiMs. Julianne BrykczynskiMr. & Mrs. Lloyd BursteinMr. & Mrs. Gaetano ButtaroMs. Cynthia Camarena & Mr. Vinicio CalventiMrs. Dorothy CampbellMs. Heather J. Evans & Mr. Eric J. CandeloriMr. & Mrs. Nicholas CannistraroMr. & Mrs. Edward L. Curtis, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. DeedsMr. & Mrs. James K. DixonMr. & Mrs. William DoyleMr. & Mrs. Gerhard DreoMrs. Patricia H. DresserDr. Anuradha Dua & Mr. Rajan Dua
Mr. & Mrs. Mark R. DycioMr. & Dr. Hamid EbrahimiMr. & Mrs. Mark E. EulerMr. & Mrs. Jason G. EverettMr. & Mrs. Douglas FarrowMr. & Mrs. Timothy B. FleischerFreddie Mac FoundationMr. & Mrs. Philip GiuntiniMr. & Mrs. Robert E. Gregg, IIIMr. & Mrs. Gary GroshMrs. Padmini GunasingheMr. & Mrs. Robert J. HallbachMr. & Mrs. Donald L. HavermannMr. John P. HoelMr. & Mrs. Mike HolmesDr. & Mrs. Richard G. Hutcheson, Jr.IBMDr. Sherry Anoushfar & Dr. Mohsen IzadiMr. & Mrs. Keith JacobsonMr. & Mrs. Edward J. JopeckMr. & Mrs. J. E. JosephDr. & Mrs. Geith J. KallasMr. & Mrs. Nicholas F. KarimMrs. Ruth KatzMs. Stephanie KatzMr. & Mrs. Paul A. KavitzMs. Angelika KirklandMs. Andrea C. LantzMr. Robert H. LantzMr. & Mrs. John G. LathropMr. Christopher R. Leggett ’87Mr. & Mrs. Philip LetowtMr. & Mrs. John F. LuedkeMr. & Mrs. Don T. MakMr. & Mrs. Paul E. Malmud
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
CO-CHAIRS
Carolyn & Doug Brandon
René & Wayne Wilkinson
MEMBERS
Ellen Giuntini
Bob Gregg
Jenny Letowt
Susan Thompson
Cathy Voeks
22 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
Help Us Open the Doors Wider—Transform our Future“Across its history, Green Hedges has benefitted from the strong support demonstrated by parents and their extended families, alumni, and friends to create our existing facilities and to preserve the unique experience Green Hedges provides. A project of this size goes beyond the normal revenue stream of the School; thus, we must look to the community to fund this essential initiative.”
Robert E. Gregg, III Head of School
“We believe in the vision and direction Green Hedges School has for its students and in the rich tradition of academic excellence and community support. We are excited about the future at Green Hedges and the enhanced educational experience this transformational project will provide not only to our son but also to the generations of students who will pass through the new Stable doors.”
René & Wayne Wilkinson Campaign Co-Chairs
Current Parents
“We believe the Green Hedges community of teachers, leaders, classrooms and tree-lined outdoor areas combine to create an ideal setting for teaching young minds how to think, and young people how to be kind, respectful, contributing members of society. We support this campaign because we believe improving the physical space in which children learn how to spread their intellectual wings at GHS will solidify a lifelong, positive attitude towards learning. We also believe transforming the current Stable into 21st century classrooms will enable the teachers and staff to continue challenging our children’s minds, hearts and hands. We support this campaign because we believe it is the best possible investment we can make right now in our daughter’s future, and the future of the friends she’s making here at GHS and which we hope she’ll have for a lifetime.”
Carolyn & Doug Brandon Campaign Co-Chairs
Current Parents
Ms. Muriel B. MarquetMr. & Mrs. Juan Jose MartinezMr. & Mrs. John E. McIntosh, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Michael MeltonMs. Lisa A. Jung & Mr. Stephen J. MossDr. & Mrs. Radman MostaghimMs. Lynn MurphyMs. Rita M. Dal Santo & Mr. David NardinoMr. & Mrs. Brian D. NaultMr. & Mrs. Clifford V. NelsonMr. & Mrs. Trevor P. NelsonMr. & Mrs. David NostrandMr. & Mrs. Maher OjjehMr. & Mrs. Paul A. Pagnato, Jr.Mrs. Julia PayneMr. & Mrs. Scott PelleyMr. & Mrs. Prem J. PillaiMr. & Mrs. Thomas G. ProvenzanoMr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. QuanderMr. & Mrs. Edward H. RiceMr. & Mrs. Steven K. SaigetMr. & Mrs. David SchullerMr. & Mrs. Bahram ShahriariMr. & Mrs. Michael ShawMr. Robert M. SiegelMr. & Mrs. Christopher L. SmithMs. Susan ThompsonMr. & Mrs. Dave R. TomassoVerizonMs. Teri Harbour Vito & Mr. Steven M. VitoMs. Terri Lannigan WahidMr. & Mrs. Eugene WarshawMr. & Mrs. Wayne WilkinsonMr. & Mrs. Frederick W. WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Frank S. WiltonMelanie & Doug WolfeMs. Barbara Anne Pitkin & Mr. Mark A. WolffMrs. Micheline B. WoolardMr. Stuart R. WorkMr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Yager
[ ANNUAL REPORT ]
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 23
Carolyn W. BrandonMs. Brandon is the principal and founder of Whitworth Analytics LLC, a strategic advice and decision support firm working with companies in the high tech, wireless and investment banking industries. She is a fellow with the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy and previously served as Vice President, Policy for CTIA-The Wireless Association. Before she joined CTIA, Ms. Brandon was a partner in the Washington, D.C. telecommunications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP where for 12 years she represented wireless telecommunications providers in various proceedings and transactions.
Voted one of the “Top Ten Women in Wireless in 2008” by the publishers of Wireless Week, Ms. Brandon has authored articles regarding wireless telecommunications law and policy, has been a recurring contributor to the Practicing Law Institute, is a frequent speaker on telecom policy panels, and has served on many boards and Federal advisory committees for the wireless industry. Ms. Brandon also served two terms each on the
[ NEW FACES ]
Ambika Biggs ’93Ambika (“Ambi”) Biggs ’93 is a lifelong Virginia resident, raised in Vienna. Ms. Biggs attended Green Hedges School from Grade One through Grade Eight, graduating in 1993. Her three brothers are also Green Hedges graduates—Ty ’91, Jeremy ’98 and Justin ’02.
After graduating from Green Hedges, Ms. Biggs attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary, where she was an English major. She then worked as a reporter at the Free Lance-Star newspaper in Fredericksburg, Virginia before attending the University of Virginia School of Law, where she earned her JD.
Ms. Biggs is an attorney at Baker Hostetler LLP’s office in Washington, D.C. She is a litigator and focuses her practice on international litigation and government contracting issues.
Ms. Biggs lives in Arlington with her husband, Brendan Murray. In her free time, Ms. Biggs enjoys exercising.
Welcome to GHS!Five new trustees joined the Board of Trustees.
Executive Committee of the Federal Communications Bar Association and the Steering Committee of the District of Columbia Bar Association’s Computer and Telecommunications Committee.
Ms. Brandon graduated cum laude from the University of Scranton, Scranton Pennsylvania, and received a JD from the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America. She and her husband, Doug, are currently serving as co-chairs of The Campaign for Green Hedges’ Future and have one daughter, Tessa, who is a full day Montessori student at Green Hedges School.
Dr. Geith James KallasDr. Kallas is a native of Syria and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1989 from Damascus University. In 1993, he graduated from the Howard University College of Dentistry post-doctoral program. While there, he completed his internship at the District of Columbia General Hospital. Since then, he’s pursued interrelated continuing education courses, focusing
24 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
After practicing law for 10 years, Ms. Luedke joined Lockheed Martin where she is Intellectual Property Counsel overseeing corporate actions on proprietary software, trademarks, patents, property clearance and data rights and other related issues.
She and her husband, John, have one daughter, Adriana, who is in Grade Seven at Green Hedges School. She enjoys spending time away from work traveling with her family, watching Adriana in equestrian events, or motorcycling with her husband.
René WilkinsonMs. Wilkinson is an experienced community leader and currently serves on boards for numerous philanthropic entities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Science Center and is also a Sustaining Member and past Board Member of the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV). Prior to her role as a Junior League Board Member, she served in numerous leadership positions, including Nominating, Finance Council, Provisional Chair, and Community Advisory Board Chair.
René is a Steering Committee member of “In the Bag-Purses for Preparedness,” an annual American Red Cross
on becoming a premier provider of advanced and comprehensive aesthetic dentistry.
Dr. Kallas has been in private practice in the Washington D.C./Northern Virginia area since 1993, and has previously been named the Virginia Dentist of the Year. He is the owner and director of a multi-specialty dental center near Tyson’s Corner that includes nine specialist dentists, three hygienists and 16 assistants. Dedicated to being a lifelong learner in his chosen profession, Dr. Kallas is a member of multiple dental and orthodontic societies and associations.
Outside dentistry, Dr. Kallas spends much of the time with his wife, Mirna, and sons, John and Richard who are in Grade Seven and Grade Three at Green Hedges School. He enjoys travelling and working out at the gym and is an avid fan of the Manchester United Soccer Club. He also donates time to the WIN Foundation, which raises money and awareness for battered women.
Adriana LuedkeMs. Luedke earned her undergraduate degree in engineering science from Dartmouth College. She was awarded her JD with honors from George Washington University.
fundraiser. She is also the co-founder and co-manager of W3 Group, providing investment and consulting services for federal contractors in the mid-size markets. René’s past professional experience is in the telecommunications industry, leading strategic marketing, sales, and business operations. René holds a BS in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech, as well as an MBA from Campbell University.
She is also a committed volunteer at Green Hedges School having served as PTO Vice-President, PTO Library Chair, Book Fair Chair, and as a member of the Auction Committee. She and her husband, Wayne, are currently serving as co-chairs of The Campaign for Green Hedges’ Future and have one son, Caden, who is a full-day Montessori student.
Thank You! A heartfelt
thank you is extended to
those departing Board
members: Jenny Letowt,
who served on the Board
for six years, and as Chair
for the past three; and
Harry Bendorf (USAF
Ret.), who served on the
Board for seven years,
and as Vice-Chair for the
past four. We thank them
for their passion, wisdom,
energy and unwavering
support.
[ NEW FACES ]
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 25
Michiko Cooper Montessori AssistantMichiko Cooper, new Montessori Assistant with Allison Nichols, brings a wealth of experiences to her new position. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, a Master’s degree in social work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, and an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society. Her work experience includes a number of years running a child care facility from her home, followed by several years in the role of Head Montessori teacher.
After she took some time off from full time employment in order to attend to family matters, Mrs. Cooper’s return to the classroom and her arrival at Green Hedges stem, in part, from her connection with her former Montessori training program classmate, GHS teacher Rena Balestrieri. An invitation by Mrs. Balestrieri to visit Green Hedges left Mrs. Cooper with the sense that the school is, in her words, “a warm and inviting place where one feels comfortable.” And, while she feels
[ NEW FACES]
And we welcome six new GHS faculty & staff members.
that she carries gifts from each of her previous work situations, “a little piece of each school,” inside her, spending time on this campus brought with it a sense of homecoming.
Reflecting on what is so valuable about the Montessori method, Mrs. Cooper says, “its aim is to help bring out what is unique in each child, while the teacher’s presence is almost invisible. Interventions are done skillfully, and only as necessary.” Her goal this year is “to find joy in everything I do,” and to learn how to support children’s learning in a way that best reflects the characteristics of her new school, a process she envisions taking place as gently as stirring honey into a cup of tea.
Mrs. Cooper’s husband, as well as her son and daughter who are students at the College of William and Mary, have a strong interest in the sciences. Mrs. Cooper and her family enjoy spending time together playing carrom, badminton, and table tennis.
Rita Dal Santo Development AssociateWith a background in Systems and Process Engineering, a life long love of learning, and a daughter who joined Green Hedges School in Fall 2011 in Grade 1, Development Associate Rita Dal Santo found it natural to jump into community life during her first months here by working on the GHS Auction, where she used her skills to help with the myriad details and data points related to the annual event. Ms. Dal Santo was born near Kennedy Space Center (KSC), where her father worked. In high school she joined a
program at KSC which led to a summer job with NASA, and eventually to full time employment. Ms. Dal Santo has worked for NASA in multiple locations, including Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland and Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Along the way she earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, a Master of Science from the Florida Institute of Technology, and Master of Engineering and Management from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
After volunteering in the Development Office, Mrs. Dal Santo accepted the Development Associate position that opened in January 2012. With so much background in the sciences, she says that her current responsibilities, which include maintaining data bases, working as background support for the auction, helping set up events, and maintaining correspondence and contacts, fits well with her interest in process engineering. “I am fascinated by how things come together,” she says.
Before coming to Green Hedges, Ms. Dal Santo volunteered at the Boyd School in Reston, Virginia, where she worked as
26 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
a room parent and GRACE Arts docent. She herself has an interest in the arts, including oil painting and sculpting clay. She and her husband were drawn to Green Hedges because of the well-rounded education it provides in a caring atmosphere.
Nit Fetterer Extended Day ProgramA native of Bangkok, Thailand, Mrs. Kanuangnit Fetterer, known as Nit, joined the Extended Day Program in January 2012, and finds herself at home in the caring atmosphere of the school. “You can feel the warmth when you walk in,” she says. And, she adds, “It is the same caring that we give to the children.”
Mrs. Fetterer grew up in Bangkok. She taught Thai history at an elementary school before coming to the United States 28 years ago. Although Mrs. Fetterer originally came to the United States only to visit her sister in Alabama, she met Al, her husband-to-be at that time, and eventually moved stateside. She taught at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Huntsville, Alabama, working as a Kindergarten Aide there for 11 years; she also taught Sunday school and vacation bible school there. The family has lived in Montgomery,
Alabama; Houston, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; and most recently, Springfield, Virginia.
Mrs. Fetterer volunteers at her church and enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, and decorating her home. She has traveled in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Burma, Viet Nam and Laos. She has also traveled extensively throughout the US. She and her husband have a daughter who attends graduate school at George Mason University.
Joy Oberlin Montessori Assistant and Extended Day AssistantAs Joy Oberlin reflects on what drew her to the Montessori method of education, she remembers her first impressions of a Montessori classroom. Watching young students, calm and composed, engaged in Practical Life lessons such as sewing, she saw them exhibiting skills generally unexpected of children their age. Taking a longer view of children’s unfolding, she comments on the method’s special way of helping children pursue the skills most appropriate to their individual development, bringing out their strengths and helping them capitalize on their talents.
Ms. Oberlin’s own experiences in higher education reflect a similar interest in following an individual path. Her Bachelor’s degree from George Mason with a concentration in Elementary Education represents the culmination of a program that included an unusually broad spectrum of classes, and in-depth studies of both child development and of children in the context of families and culture. While at George Mason, Ms. Oberlin played varsity lacrosse for four years and participated in a program called “Best Buddies,” mentoring students who required extra support and socialization. Her sense of organization and focus served her well when she had to write academic papers while traveling on the bus to distant games with her lacrosse team. She remembers playing teacher in her younger years and enjoying being a nanny for three years as well as working at a small Montessori preschool. At Green Hedges she values the intimate feel of the campus, the opportunity to teach with Ms. Aghili, and the sense of community that welcomes new faculty and staff members, as well as students and their families.
Andrew Tran Middle School Math and Science, Technology Integration SpecialistTalking with Andrew Tran is like taking a tour through bright corridors full of ideas: each topic opens new ones, and the twists and turns are as delightful as they are unexpected. Mr. Tran, who this year will be teaching several sections of Middle School math and serving as Technology Integration Specialist, is clearly passionate about education, his own and that of his students. “Literacy” is a word that comes up often in his conversation: he wants students to possess literacy of the classics, of
[ NEW FACES ]
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 27
science and philosophy, of technology, and of many other topics. His approach to teaching math includes relating it to each of these other fields of study, and he gauges his success by how engaged his students become.
Mr. Tran credits his parents, who came from Viet Nam, with inculcating in him the spirit of intellectual curiosity he possesses. He has played violin for 14 years, was trained in the Kodaly and Orff methods of music instruction, and has played with the Manassas Symphony Orchestra. While attending William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Mr. Tran spent a summer in Guatemala in an experimental program teaching students music and English. At Congressional Schools of Virginia he taught math and science in a variety of settings, including classrooms, after school, and in camp.
This semester Mr. Tran is taking two graduate level classes in E-learning through the University of Virginia’s Falls Church campus. Summing up his enthusiasm for education, he remarks on the name of the Guatemalan school where he taught. Its translation means, roughly, Snail School, and it is named for the spiral that makes up a snail shell, a symbol of the ongoing, expansive nature of the learning process.
Mrs. Leslie Walbert Grade 1 TeacherWhen Leslie Walbert, new co-teacher with Sherry Dart in Grade 1, saw the announcement for her current position, she did something of a double take. The job description, it seemed, had been tailored to her experiences and passions. Having graduated from the University of West Georgia with a BS in Education and having taught Pre-Kindergarten in Georgia before becoming a lead Pre-K teacher at DC Prep Charter School, Mrs. Walbert had been hoping to have the chance to experience the next step in children’s social and academic development by teaching first grade. She also has a lifelong interest in the arts, having begun singing and acting at an early age in her native state of Georgia. Her brother and sister are actors, her mother manages a cultural performing arts center, and her husband Harold plays piano and organ, so Mrs. Walbert’s own acting, singing, and dancing in community theater and jazz singing are in line with family tradition. As for the graphic arts, Mrs. Walbert finds painting (mostly acrylics) therapeutic. “There is a plan,” thought Mrs. Walbert as she pondered Green Hedges School, and that was before she found out that Sherry Dart had attended Georgia Southern University, the school where Mrs. Walbert is working on a
Master’s in Education with an emphasis on Technology online.
Mrs. Walbert has always enjoyed working with children. She was a soccer referee when she was 11 years old, baby sat throughout her teen years, organized gymnastics parties, and worked at a day camp. The story of how she came to imagine herself as a teacher is unususal. Most people think back on a favorite teacher as having provided inspiration, and Mrs. Walbert remembers being fortunate to have had many such instructors in her life. But one particular teacher who had difficulty being fair and helpful provided the impetus for Mrs. Walbert’s career aspiration. “That whole school year I thought about how I would do this job if it were up to me to teach the students. I thought, ‘I hope to be a positive influence on students’ lives someday, to treat them equally and help them learn.’” As she continues making her dream come true at Green Hedges, Mrs. Walbert looks forward to team teaching with Sherry Dart, to keeping in close contact with parents, to working on Haiku, the online newsletter, and most of all, to helping her students grow.
[ NEW FACES ]
28 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
Cathy Voeks Director of Institutional [email protected] 703.938.8323 ext. 232
young minds thrive here
In response to philanthropic trends, GHS has implemented a “family of funds” for donors interested in designating their gift to a specific area of need.
Academics & Faculty Arts Athletics Financial Aid Technology Unrestricted
Leadership gifts account for over 78% of the total revenue raised toward the 2011–12 Annual Fund and are the cornerstone of growth within the Annual Fund. We invite every donor to consider a leadership gift of $1,000 or more.
ACADEMICS & FACULTYMaterials for classroom instruction including upgraded and
enhanced History Alive! and Geography Alive! series and accompanying support materials, math resource books,
Montessori materials, science consumables, current literature, magazine subscriptions, and more
CELP—Character Education Leadership Program for Grades 3–8
Award-winning author visits Experiential learning & field tripsFaculty professional development
ARTSCultural assemblies
Consumables for the Fine Arts Studio (sketch pads, acrylic paints, pottery supplies, watercolors and more)
Sheet music and instructional texts for concert band Instrument maintenance
“Music in the Parks” band tripNew music curriculum, Interactive Music, and
associated resourcesBells staging equipment
Theater set materials, fabric for costumes, play props and show kits for the Performing Arts Program
ATHLETICSNew equipment including scooters, bouncers, baseball bats &
gloves, pull-up bar, assorted balls, and morePinnies
Team Uniforms
FINANCIAL AIDPartial scholarship award
Half scholarship awardFull scholarship award
TECHNOLOGY—EQUIPMENTiPads, associated Apps, cases and charging station
Online Educational Support Resources—Type to Learn, First in Math, National G, and more
Elmo Document CameraApple TV projector kits
Laptop upgrades
Revenue from recent GHS Annual Funds has supported:
annual fund
CLIPPINGS | JANUARY 2013 29
2011–2012
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jennifer F. Letowt, ChairBrig. Gen. Harry H. Bendorf (USAF Ret.),
Vice ChairSusan Thompson, Treasurer
Ellen Giuntini, Secretary
Raj DuaRobert E. Gregg III, Ex-Officio,
Head of SchoolMargaret Hallbach
J. Eric JosephStephanie KatzJohn G. LathropBethel QuanderPeter Sparber
Tiffany Tomasso
2012–2013
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ellen L. Giuntini, ChairJ. Eric Joseph, Vice Chair
Susan Thompson, TreasurerRené Wilkinson, Secretary
Ambika J. Biggs ’93Carolyn Brandon
Raj DuaRobert E. Gregg III, Ex-Officio,
Head of SchoolMargaret C. Hallbach
Geith J. KallasStephanie R. KatzJohn G. Lathrop
Adriana Suringa LuedkeBethel M. Quander
Peter SparberTiffany Tomasso
Giving Options at GHSYour contributions are very important to Green Hedges. Every gift, large and small, makes a significant difference to the School, and there are a number of ways to give. You can do so using the type of assets best suited to your circumstances, existing tax laws, and your plans for your own financial future. We recommend that you consult with your financial advisor to determine what form of contribution will best accommodate your individual situation.
CASH/CHECKA cash contribution may entitle you to an income tax deduction in the year of the gift, depending upon your specific tax situation.
CREDIT CARDPaying by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover allows you to take advantage of rewards programs. You can make a credit card gift through our secure server by logging onto our website. If you would like to make your payments over time, we can set up a monthly or quarterly recurring gift.
APPRECIATED SECURITIESAppreciated securities are often preferred vehicles because they may entitle you to an income tax charitable deduction for the fair market value of the securities and, in certain situations, the avoidance of capital gains tax. Consult your tax advisor for details.
MATCHING GIFTSCorporate matching gifts are an easy way for you to increase the impact of your personal contribution. By taking advantage of a company’s matching gift program, you can generate an additional gift that may automatically double or triple your own contribution. You will receive full credit for both the original donation and the matching gift. A matching gift form should accompany your initial contribution.
PLANNED GIFTSGifts made through bequests and estate planning help ensure Green Hedges’ future and may offer significant tax advantages and income rights for the life of the donor and/or the donor’s beneficiary. Bequests are designated for the School’s Endowment Fund, where they will provide for the long-term future of the School.
Unlike tuition payments, your gift to the Annual Fund is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Please make your gift online at www.greenhedges.org
Click on “Support GHS” and then “The Annual Fund”
30 GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL
MissionWe inspire young people of talent and promise to develop clear
values, a desire for wisdom, and an appreciation for all endeavors
which broaden the mind and enlighten the spirit.
415 Windover Avenue NWVienna, VA 22180703.938.8323 | t 703.938.1485 | fwww.greenhedges.org
Nonprofit Org.US Postage
PAIDHagerstown MDPermit No. 93
Fsc Logo And Copy Here. Hori-zontal In Black, Reverse Out Of The Green Screen.
Top Related