APPLE TREE - CHANGE EMS STEPS UP TO THE PLATE DURING THE PANDEMIC - Elisabeth Morrow School
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SPECIAL 90TH-ANNIVERSARY SECTION INSIDE
APPLE TREE
The magazine for families, alumni, and friends of
WINTER 2021
LEADING THROUGH
CHANGEEMS STEPS UP TO THE PLATE
DURING THE PANDEMIC
APPLE TREE
WINTER 2021
APPLE TREE IS A PUBLICATION OF
THE ELISABETH MORROW SCHOOL.
435 Lydecker St.
Englewood, NJ 07631
www.elisabethmorrow.org
Articles, images, and other contributions from
the extended Elisabeth Morrow community are
welcome. Contact Laura Adams Stiansen in the
Communications Office at LAdamsStiansen@
elisabethmorrow.org or (201) 568-5566, ext. 7186.
All submissions are subject to review and
submission does not guarantee publication.
EDITOR
Laura Adams Stiansen
DESIGN
Joram Mushinske
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Laura Adams Stiansen
Gerard Allen
Vanessa Anderson-Zheng
Marissa Bholan
Ava Diamond
Tricia Eickelberg
Amalia Ferolie
Maureen Fonseca
Laura Heffron
Angelique Morelli
Zeke Rodgers
Phoebe Search
Angela Thomas
Joyce Venezia Suss
Jack Zirin-Hyman
And a special thanks to all our EMS families, faculty,
staff, and administrators for their involvement in
our winter 2021 articles and photography
SOCIAL MEDIA
ON THE COVER
Since the start of the new school year, EMS has
made it possible for students to learn in-person,
with full days, five days a week, in a safe educational
environment.
OUR MISSION
The Elisabeth Morrow School’s shared purpose is
to provide exemplary academics and character
development in a diverse and inclusive child-
centered community, inspiring students to become
curious scholars, ethical leaders, and global citizens.
A second-grader explores the brook on our campus
with his class during a recent fall excursion.
WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 3
[ WELCOME FROM DR. FONSECA ] [ NEWS ]
W CONTENTS
ords that come to mind when I think of
the EMS community are courageous,
caring, and resilient. I am so grateful to NEWS p.5
our teachers and division heads who have Newsworthy items from
worked hard to ensure that our curriculum is strong and June through November
robust – academically and socially-emotionally – for both WELLNESS p.12
our on-campus and remote students. We came together, Fighting Pandemic Fatigue: Tips to
researching and anticipating, and continually prioritizing focus on self-care and restorative
the health and safety needs of all members of the practices
community during this exceptional period in our history in
BACK TO SCHOOL p.14
order to design the most solid, exciting, and – above all –
Moving Forward: A look at our
safe program possible for students and faculty. It has been
progress during the pandemic
a challenging time but, as many have noted, our faculty have been incredible.
With all the changes and challenges this year at our school, we are still focusing AROUND CAMPUS p.20
on “the best of the old, and the best of the new.” This fall, we welcomed 2-year-old A Day in the Life: How our students
students to Chilton House, which is aligned with founder Elisabeth Morrow’s vision are handling the start of the 2020-21 MORROW
when she opened the first Little School 90 years ago. school year HOUSE SCIENCE
As we celebrate our 90th year, I want to thank all our community members – new EARLY CHILDHOOD p.24 TEACHER
and old – for their contributions to making EMS what it is today. Our rich history, Planting the Seed: Cultivating a love COMPLETES
dating back to 1930, shines a light on the educational visionaries who helped build the of learning starts with early childhood
solid foundation that allows our school to continue to thrive. By focusing on our core education
SCHOOL
values, we have continued our momentum even during a pandemic. LEADERSHIP
DEI p.26
This issue highlights our focus on academic excellence, character development, Empowering Global Citizens: MASTER’S
diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how we are instilling a passion for learning, even Diversity, equity, and inclusion work PROGRAM
in our youngest students. And we commemorate our 90th anniversary with a special expands the student experience
section devoted to our fascinating history and the legacy of EMS families, friends, and Stephanie Nebel, a sixth- and
former faculty who have made a lasting impact. SPECIAL 90TH- eighth-grade science teacher and
In a year filled with uncertainties as we navigate the reality of this pandemic, ANNIVERSARY SECTION sixth-grade advisor, completed
I remain incredibly grateful for the support and compassion of the entire EMS the School Leadership Program
A STRONG
community. We have weathered the ups and downs with grace, and we will only FOUNDATION p.29 MEET OUR EAGLE MASCOT at the University of Pennsylvania
grow stronger together. The Elisabeth Morrow School this year and earned her master’s
Warm builds its legacy by focusing Our school mascot has come to life! We now have an Eagle on campus. This degree.
regards, on the future feathery friend was featured in our instructional re-entry video for students, Nebel was awarded the gcLi
reminding them to wear masks and wash their hands, and greeted children during Fellowship in Pedagogy of Leader-
A WALK DOWN MEMORY
LANE p.36 the first week of school, as well as dropping in to say “hello” to students who ship to attend the School Leader-
Reeve Lindbergh and her family participated in our Fall Festival. ship Program in January of 2019.
Head of School
recall special times on our campus As part of the program, she com-
pleted a 430-hour internship at
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020-2021 A MULTI-GENERATIONAL
JOURNEY p.40
CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM COMPETES The Elisabeth Morrow School and
PRESIDENT TRUSTEES TRUSTEES EMERITI
Finding the right fit was VIRTUALLY WITH BOZEMAN TRACK conducted a practitioner research
Hanita Walia Victor Alvarez ‘93 Sandra Borg paramount for the Borg Family CLUB IN MONTANA project on student and faculty
perception of introversion and
Robin Dillard Joan Van Alstyne RENAISSANCE MAN p.42
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT With COVID-19 impacting our school’s ability to travel to races together, extraversion in Morrow House.
Elizabeth Gabbay ‘93 Johnson ‘34 (deceased) A George Penny education
Greg Amerkanian cross-country coaches Karen Bronstein and Jose Padilla got creative. They “The program brings together
Candace Gonzalez ‘94 Graham Jones is worth every cent
reached out to different middle schools – near and far – and were able to set aspiring leaders in independent,
SECOND VICE Neal Merker Emily Mann
PRESIDENTS up a virtual competition in October against the Bozeman Track Club from charter, and public schools,” says
Jamil Myrie Rosemary Mills Russell ADVANCEMENT p.45
Joseph Agresta, Jr. ‘78 Kaan Onur Jayanne Tedesco
Bozeman, Montana. Each team raced a 1.5-mile course and compared their Nebel. “During our 11 months
Paving the way for the next
Jennifer Ostfeld Dana Ranawat William Van Ness generation
times. The EMS top three boys bested the Bozeman group, averaging a 6:22 together, we learned about lead-
Frank Zhang Jeffrey Rowbottom pace. The EMS top three girls just missed it, but they showed incredible speed ership, curriculum, and the inner
ALUMNI p.46 with a 6:51 pace. Overall, EMS lost out to the Bozeman team, but “it was defi- workings of schools. Through in-
TREASURER Clare Sheridan
Catching up with former students nitely close,” says Bronstein. “We also shared information about our groups, quiry projects, I was able to grap-
Heide Ilgenfritz George Staphos
Wendi Hoeben ADMISSIONS p.50 from hobbies, interests, and weather. We even shared running tips for each ple with and apply the concepts
SECRETARY Thompson Setting your child up for other. It was a nice way to bring some excitement and fun to the competition!” and theory I was learning.”
Kathie Kamiel
academic success
4 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 5
[ NEWS ]
EXPLORING PROJECT-BASED
LEARNING IN LITTLE SCHOOL
Project-based learning (PBL) is an experience for students to become
stewards of their own learning in trying to solve a real-world problem,
challenge, or complex question. Students are given time to explore,
understand, and apply their knowledge
for a given topic and showcase their
learning to an appropriate audience. The
essence of PBL is for students to learn by
doing, where teachers are the guides and
the students become the teachers.
EXPLORATIONS “PBL provides students an authentic
2020: SUMMER learning environment where they are able
CAMP SUCCESS to take a question and truly understand
Summer 2020 brought many it when given the time to truly explore
changes to our summer programs. a topic or question,” says Lower School
Explorations Online, our virtual STEAM Chair and Science Teacher
camp program, allowed students the Kara Makohon-Moore. “It gives them
CELEBRATING
opportunity to stay connected and an opportunity to investigate topics STUDENTS ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR OUR AMAZING
engaged through different course while looking at it through various
STEAM subject lenses and the ability to
HALLOWEEN TEACHERS
offerings, including Radio Drama, Art
On Friday, Oct. 30, students
School for the Masters, Sticky Science, apply 21st-century skills (collaboration, Even though we
from each school celebrated
as well as digital photography, and communication, critical thinking, creativity). These skills will help students celebrate our wonderful
this frighteningly fun holiday
web development. With daily fitness succeed in the future, both in school following them up to Morrow House, teachers each and every day,
each in their own way. In Chilton
options and afternoon choices in art, and in today’s workforce. Our goal is to provide a project that motivates World Teachers’ Day was
House, our youngest students
science, trivia, and even Dungeons and students to take ownership of their own learning.” the perfect time to shine a
enjoyed a Halloween-themed
Dragons, students stayed active, both During PBL units, students gain key knowledge and understanding of a light more brightly on these
singalong with music teacher
physically and mentally. At the same challenging problem or question. At EMS, PBL units are incorporated into caring individuals who are
Emily Spaeth. Then, they
time, we had more than 70 campers the first-grade through the fourth-grade curriculum. the heart of our community.
began their Hall-Hall (Hallway
over two, two-week sessions during Our first-graders have studied the monarch butterfly and asked the This year’s theme was
Halloween) and got a chance to
Explorations On-Site on our beautiful question: Why should we save the monarch butterfly? They presented “Teachers: Leading in Crisis,
parade down the hallway in their
14-acre campus. Campers engaged in their findings to our gardening teachers and maintenance staff. Second- Reimagining the Future.” Our
costumes as other classrooms
different choices from filmmaking, art, graders asked themselves: What would you need to do to survive in teachers have shown that
clapped and cheered. Little
nature explorations, fitness, and STEAM, the wilderness?, and presented to Morrow House teachers who had even though our learning
School students celebrated
led by experienced faculty. Following backpacking experience. Third-graders studied geology and asked: What landscape has changed
by showing off their costumes
our safety protocols, students were would the world be like without rock and minerals? A Morrow House during this pandemic, they
at morning meetings, and for
able to interact with one another, get science teacher with a doctorate in geology acted as their audience have kept their focus on
those students on campus, they
outside, and delight in new activities during their presentation. Fourth-graders asked themselves: How can the needs of the children
gathered by cohort in the Cohen
and adventures. Campers spent time you visit Morristown National Park safely?, and virtually presented poster and understanding how to
Center to admire one another’s
exploring the brook, hiking the campus, presentations to the staff at the Morristown National Park. instill a love of learning in
creativity and dance skills. “It
and playing on our playgrounds. “Interdisciplinary teaching is a powerful tool to spark creative thinking, each child. When teachers
appeared that everyone had
Teachers reviewed safety protocols improve critical thinking, and prepare students to deal with future arrived on campus on Oct.
fun, and all truly felt the spirit
daily, and campers practiced social problems using skills and knowledge from various learning experiences 6 and 7, they were greeted
of childhood and silliness that
distancing within their group cohorts. and disciplines,” says Lower School Head Beth Brennan, noting that the with signs honoring them. It
Halloween inspires,” says Beth
“It was reassuring to see the children on PBL team, consisting of Kara Makohon-Moore, Lower School Math Chair was a way to thank them for
Brennan, Lower School Head.
campus working and playing together and Math Teacher Mary Ann Rota, Little School Librarian Cindy Cohrs- their dedication, hard work,
Morrow House students dressed
each day. It was a learning curve for Brandt, and Lower School Art Teacher Samantha Smithline, met during a and unwavering support
up and fifth- and sixth-graders
all of us – as teachers and students – recent Professional Development day to begin planning their overview of for the academic growth
participated in a small art competition organized by art teacher Sarah Smith. Students
but we learned to navigate within this upcoming PBL units. “They spent time coming up with a driving question of every student and their
voted on student work that included six first-place winners: Aarav Patel, Kaiden Woo,
new normal,” says Liza Hards, Director for each grade level and outlining our learning plan on how to have social and emotional health
Mia Golemis, Krithi Mitta, John De Los Santos, and Larsen Winterheimer. Faculty chose
of Auxiliary Programs. “Our success students achieve and be successful when answering this question, using and well-being, whether it be
the best Halloween-inspired art piece out of the six finalists with sixth-grader Krithi
is in the laughter and smiles, even the Understanding by Design (UbD) mindset when thinking with the end on campus or with remote
Mitta winning the competition.
underneath the masks!” in mind.” learning.
6 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 7
[ NEWS ]
BUILDING A LEGACY
Students who attend EMS have fond memories of their
EMS WELCOMES NEW FACULTY AND STAFF time at the school. So it’s no surprise that they return – COMMUNITY MEMBERS
FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR as parents – with their children. These legacy students SHARE THEIR LOVE OF
We have been very lucky to attract and hire strong team members who are enthusiastic to join our school and
whose experience, educational philosophies, and goals align beautifully with those of our school’s mission
experience the same traditions and sense of community
READING
that create a lifelong love of learning.
When Grandparents and
and strategic plan. Their individual expertise, experience, and collaborative strengths will advance our work in
Special Friends Day was postponed
critical strategic areas while seamlessly connecting with and strengthening community initiatives. Mr. Joseph Agresta, Jr. ‘78 - Joseph ‘18, Abigale ‘24
until spring 2021, we decided to
Below are the new faces that we welcomed to EMS this new school year.
Mr. Victor Alvarez ‘93 and Mrs. Gia Alvarez strengthen the connection between
- Gemma ‘25, Greyson ‘25 these groups and our students with a
special online book reading program
Mr. Gregory J. Amerkanian and
that supported social distancing.
Dr. Natalie Capan Amerkanian ‘84 -
To kick off the program, Fran Pildes,
Shant ‘15, Garo ‘17, Saro ‘27
grandmother to Ben ‘30 and Matthew
Mr. Cyrus Amirsaleh ‘96 and ‘27 Gabbay, read the New York Times
Mrs. Deena Amirsaleh - Casper ‘32 bestselling picture book How to
PATRICIA JAMES CLARA JOHN SETH CHRISTOPHER MOLLY Mr. Nicholas Argerakis ‘93 and Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan.
BARRY BLUMER BOUDROT CONTRERAS ODEI DANSO DUFF FINCH
ASSOCIATE ARTS ASSOCIATE MAINTENANCE LITTLE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE HEAD TEACHER, Mrs. Joy Argerakis - George ‘29 Throughout the spring and summer, various members of
DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT TEACHER, LITTLE STAFF RECEPTIONIST TEACHER, LITTLE CHILTON HOUSE
ADMISSIONS CHAIR SCHOOL (FIRST AND ADMISSIONS SCHOOL (THIRD (2S) our community volunteered to read short stories to our
Mr. Stephen Borg ‘80 and Mrs. Monica Borg - William ‘21
ADMINISTRATOR GRADE) LIAISON AND FOURTH younger students. Other books read included How to
GRADES)
Mr. Michael Camarinos and Mrs. Lauren Camarinos ‘96 Babysit a Grandpa, read by John Mavroudis, grandfather
- Nicholas ‘27, Anastasia ‘29 to Nicholas ‘27 and Ana ‘29 Camarinos; Strega Nona,
Dr. Joseph Chikvashvili and Dr. Fara White ‘94 read by Peter Rustin, grandfather to Conor ‘27 and Isaac
- Samuel ‘21, Arthur ‘27 ‘25 Rustin, and John Jensen Feels Different, read by
Charles and Mimi Elin, grandparents to Maya Tarplin ‘28.
Mr. Alexander Choi ‘94 and Mrs. Erica Choi - Tyler ‘31
Mr. Brian M. Cohen and Mrs. Beth Thomas Cohen ‘88
DEVON PAUL JOANNA ANDREA YEEUN PUJA CHRISTINA - Aiden ‘21, Lila ‘24 TOP RECOGNITION ON
FLOOD
ASSOCIATE
FOELDING
FACILITIES STAFF
HAYES
ASSOCIATE
HUGHES
REGISTRAR/
KIM
SECOND-GRADE
KOTHARI
FOURTH-GRADE
LEVY
ASSOCIATE Mr. Daniel Gabbay and Mrs. Elizabeth Gabbay ‘93 NATIONAL LANGUAGE
TEACHER, LITTLE
SCHOOL (FIRST
TEACHER,
CHILTON HOUSE
DATABASE
MANAGER
TEACHER, LITTLE
SCHOOL
TEACHER, LITTLE
SCHOOL
TEACHER, LITTLE
SCHOOL (THIRD - Matthew ‘27, Benjamin ‘30 EXAMS ACHIEVED
GRADE) (3S) AND FOURTH
GRADES) Mr. David Gettenberg ‘81 and Dr. Erica Gettenberg Once again, our foreign language students have
- Drew ‘31 received awards and recognition for their participation in
the National Latin Exam and the National Spanish Exam.
Mr. Adriel Gonzalez ‘94 and Mrs. Candace Gonzalez ‘94
The exams, which are designed to measure proficiency
- Camelia ‘27, Theo ‘30
and achievement in a particular language, are highly
Mr. Eli Hackel ‘97 and Mrs. Alyssa Hackel - Caleb ‘28 competitive and national or international in scope. More
than 113,000 Latin students from all 50 states and
Ms. Eugenia Kim ‘99 - Noah ‘28
20 foreign countries participated in the National Latin
Mr. Gerard Mekjian and Ms. Nadine Yavru-Sakuk ‘89 Exam. Our Latin scholars earned many distinctions,
ALEXANDRA JAIME ANGELIQUE XENIA KATE ALEXANDRA
MANNAN MEYERS MEZON MORELLI MURILLO NAGLE PORTILLO - Nairee ‘23, Armen ‘26 including two Purple Ribbon Certificates of Outstanding
MEHTA ASSOCIATE FIRST-GRADE DIRECTOR LEARNING ASSOCIATE CLASSROOM
TECHNICAL TEACHER, TEACHER, LITTLE OF ALUMNI SPECIALIST TEACHER, LITTLE CO-TEACHER, Dr. Anil S. Ranawat ‘86 and Dr. Dana Ranawat Achievement and nine Certificate of Achievement in
SUPPORT CHILTON HOUSE SCHOOL RELATIONS SCHOOL (SECOND CHILTON HOUSE
SPECIALIST (2S) GRADE) (4S) - Cooper ‘22, Viviana ‘24, Selia ‘29 seventh grade, along with one summa cum laude, four
maxima cum laude, six magna cum laude, and five cum
Mr. Conrad Roncati and Ms. Alexandra Thayer Don ‘97
laude in eighth grade. Similarly, EMS students attained
- Portia ‘26, Bond ‘28
national recognition in this year’s National Spanish
Mr. Daniel Rosenberg and Mrs. Tiffany Chong ‘00 Exam, which had a subscription of more than 140,000
- Jacob ‘32 participants nationwide. Seventh- and eighth-grade
Mr. Jon Rustin ‘93 and Mrs. Ivana Rustin students earned a total of three gold, six silver, and
- Isaac ‘25, Conor ‘27 nine bronze medals along with 12 honorable mentions.
“Proficiency exams are a great way to highlight student
JULIE SARAH BRIANA LIZA CRISTINA DEYANA Mr. Yoshimasa Tada and Mrs. Nancy Fujita ‘86
SILVERMAN SMITH THEN TONETTI VARRIALE WALKER achievement,” says Phil Cox, Middle School Head. “I
- Olivia ‘22
CHILTON HOUSE MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSOCIATE MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL FOURTH-GRADE love providing students with opportunities to test their
2S TEACHER TEACHER, ART TEACHER, LITTLE HISTORY TEACHER COUNSELOR TEACHER, LITTLE
SPECIALIST SCHOOL (SECOND SCHOOL Mr. Matthew Wadell ‘96 and Mrs. Alisa Wadell mettle. Steel tempers in the fire! What these results also
& AUXILIARY GRADE) - Isla ‘24, Sienna ‘26
PROGRAM do is underscore the quality of teaching our students are
ASSOCIATE receiving here at EMS.”
8 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 9
[ NEWS ] [ PARENTS ASSOCIATION ]
VIRTUAL FALL FESTIVAL PARENTS
WAS A SUCCESS ASSOCIATION
The Parents Association, through the efforts of event co-chairs COMMITTEES ARE
Candace Gonzalez and Tara Erol, held our annual Fall Festival online STILL ACTIVE
on Oct. 17. Everyone met on Zoom for a kick-off celebration, and then Although they can’t meet in person, the
SUMMER ARTS ACADEMY students attended various online workshops. Popular choices included a four PA standing committees have been
LATIN TEACHER JOINS DRAWS STUDENTS FROM
magic show, a scary make-up tutorial, a puppet show, and a Tae Kwon Do meeting regularly this fall. The Community
COMMITTEE FOR ALL OVER THE WORLD
workshop taught by EMS parent James Kim.
The week before the event, all students received a pumpkin to take
Service and Green committees have held
two successful collection drives: the first
EXCELLENCE THROUGH In August 2020, our school introduced the Summer home to decorate. Following the individual workshops, everyone met up collecting non-perishable food items for
CLASSICS Arts Academy, a virtual full-scale arts program for again for the announcement of the winners of the pumpkin decorating the Center for Food Action, as well as
Latin teacher and students ages 4-14. The curriculum provided online contest. More than 115 students participated in the festival, demonstrating upcycling paper towel rolls, Legos, and
Associate Director instrumental lessons on all string, brass, wind, and a great show of community spirit! We’re happy to share the winners of the reusable bags. The second collection
of Secondary School percussion instruments. In addition, students participated pumpkin decorating-contest below: continued the tradition of gathering gently
Placement Megan DeGraff- in dynamic arts electives ranging from dance, visual arts used Halloween costumes for distribution
McMenamy was recently and photography, creative writing, athletics and fitness, 2020 FALL FESTIVAL PUMPKIN-DECORATING next October by Jersey Cares, as well as
asked to be on the PRIMA film, theater and design, and maker projects. Full-day CONTEST WINNERS collecting art supplies, puzzles, and puzzle
Committee for Excellence students even had the opportunity to interface with books to benefit Spectrum for Living, a
Through Classics of the some of the nation’s most outstanding artists through New Jersey not-for-profit organization
American Classical League. guest presentations in all areas of the performing arts that helps adults with developmental
In this role, DeGraff- world. Guest artists and presenters included Freestyle disabilities attain their maximum
McMenamy will develop Love Supreme; Mike Block, a member of the Silk Road potential by providing quality housing and
a writing schedule and Ensemble and founding director of Silkroad’s Global clinical services. Our Health & Wellness
create test-related resources and/or articles for PRIMA, Musician Workshop; and Broadway legend Ashley Park. Committee will be offering a free class
Excellence Through Classics publication. The themes ““[The academy] was a tremendous, wonderful, light in the for parents and caregivers on “Managing
for 2020-2021 will include National Mythology Exam: summer. Our focus was on the kids having exciting things the Unknown: Learning Skills to Stay
Transformation, Exploratory Latin Exam: Daily Life, and to look forward to and being with their friends,” says Amelia Resilient.” Taught by Stefanie Dunnigan, a
Chilton House - Chilton House - Little School -
Scribo Latin Writing Contest: Famous Romans. Gold, artistic director and founder. “It culminated in a play- Most Creative Spookiest Spookiest motivational speaker who teaches classes
In addition, DeGraff-McMenamy will attend virtual along concert with the entire faculty. We did a masked, Zelda Kim - 4s Sebastian Olivia Zhu - about mindfulness and meditation as part
meetings to learn more about Excellence Through socially-distanced concert with the kids from home. It was Graciolet - 4s first grade
of the Rodgers Family Meditation Program
Classics Resources and PRIMA publications, brainstorm the first time anyone did this.” Gold credits the hard work at the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine
Chilton House - EMS Themed Morrow House - Most Creative
resource/article topics, and share their progress of her team for allowing this program to come to fruition in Englewood Hospital, participants will
The Spaeth Family Lulu Kim - fifth grade
throughout the writing process. two weeks after she came up with the idea. “Next summer, have the opportunity to evaluate the
“This role is a unique opportunity,” says DeGraff- we will officially celebrate our 25th anniversary of the Little School - Most Creative Morrow House - Spookiest effectiveness of their current coping skills,
McMenamy, “and it will provide exposure to the Summer String Festival at EMS,” she says. “I am so excited Adela Chung - second grade Eli Granger - sixth grade
identify the methods that work for them,
wonderful Latin program at EMS.” to bring the Arts Academy into the Summer String Festival and add new strategies that resonate with
Little School - EMS Themed Morrow House - EMS Themed
family to really make this summer program flourish.” Marcus Cho - second grade Rebecca Benson - fifth grade them.
10 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 11
[ WELLNESS ]
FIGHTING times? Be thankful that you are this
person and know this about yourself. FUN IN THE FRESH AIR
PANDEMIC FATIGUE
Another strategy for helping
ourselves and our children with EMS students enjoying our beautiful
managing pandemic fatigue is to 14-acre campus this fall
continue creating a routine at home that
feels reliable, with both expectations of
family involvement and self-care.
Tips to focus on self-care and restorative practices Restorative practices are those that
reduce our stress levels and increase
Written by AVA DIAMOND, LCSW, Director of Wellness and Counseling
our healthy energy. They include things
like meditation, napping, and flow state
W
activities. In CORE classes, children at
e’ve been dealing with rejuvenate the kind of personal energy self-reflection to help stay attuned EMS learn about the benefits of flow
COVID for a while, and that comes from full social contact. Of to their stress-level and feelings. state, which is created by engaging in
the end doesn’t seem course, every time we put on a mask Students are developing critical an activity that you love so much that
so near. The issues of and want to hug a friend but can’t, it’s language skills to communicate you lose track of time and sometimes
a pandemic life remain a concern a reminder to our brain of the strain of both who they are and what they even space. Listening to or playing
at both a high level and a deeply pandemic life. need. EMS students of all ages are music (for fun, not practice), reading,
personal one for all of us. The impact Children and adults understanding the importance of running, creating art, or anything that
of this stress over time is the same as have had to sharpen their mindset and managing it for fully engages the mind can create a flow
when people are at war: mental fatigue ability to shift gears and pivoting successfully. state. Video games that include conflict
caused by needing to be on alert pivot several times. do not help with restorative practices
consistently. No one is immune. In classes at EMS, REDUCING PANDEMIC because the impact on our brain is that
We must consider how to manage children are learning FATIGUE we are in a competitive situation and
pandemic fatigue, an old condition in a about adaptability and One of the first strategies to need to fight or flight.
new context. At EMS, we are teaching resilience strategies. reduce or ward-off pandemic For example, if your children are
and caring for our children in ways They practice fatigue comes from how going to school on campus, use a
to support their understanding, regularly the you choose to look at this weekend routine of self-care with
communication skills, and skill of situation. Mindset is in our movement and restorative practices for
self-care practices because control. We can choose the whole family. Stretching, walking,
pandemic fatigue could to look at a problem hiking, yoga, exercise, and dancing are
otherwise have long-term effects from a position fun examples of movement activities
on their psyche. of impossibility or that can be done as an entire family
opportunity, for example. It for at least 15 minutes on Saturday and
PIVOTING PLUS is our responsibility as educators Sunday. For families whose children are
PANDEMIC and parents to model for our learning remotely, creating this routine
PROTOCOLS EQUALS children a way to use the daily is essential to ward off pandemic
CHRONIC STRESS attitude of gratitude and the fatigue simply because of the screen
We may be able to power of possibility to focus factor. If you aren’t commuting to school
adapt to new demands on how we can grow through or work right now, dedicate that time to
reasonably well, but we are difficult times. We don’t need your daily self-care routine.
still human. From the time to pretend to be grateful for More than ever, our children need
we are born, our brains having restrictions in our lives. us to model self-care beyond the masks
crave consistency and But we can show gratitude for we wear and sanitizer we use for health
connection to keep us those things about ourselves and safety. Develop a self-care routine
feeling safe. Pandemic the people around us that allow with your children that will outlast this
protocols of social us to handle hard things and find pandemic.
PAPER: LIFEFORSTOCK
distancing are a direct comfort in new ways. This kind
YOGA: PCH.VECTOR
affront to our human of conscious appreciation builds
Please reach out to me at
needs. Pandemic fatigue is the result both confidence and resilience.
adiamond@elisabethmorrow.org
of the need to adjust repeatedly Ask yourself: What is it about me
with any questions.
while being limited in how we can that helps me get through difficult
12 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 13
[ BACK TO SCHOOL ]
MOVING FORWARD A look at our progress during the pandemic
Written by LAURA ADAMS STIANSEN
I
t’s been an exceptional year.
We have grown stronger as a
community while dealing with
the unforeseen challenges of a
pandemic. We knew that coming back
(Left) Hanita Walia, Board President at The Elisabeth Morrow School, and (right) Head of School Dr. Maureen Fonseca, with (center) parent
to campus wouldn’t be easy, but we and donor Mr. Frank Zhang, as he cuts the ribbon on the renovations made at the historic Morrow House.
were able to forge ahead and create a
re-entry plan that was built around our
commitment to deliver a full academic Beth Brennan, Lower School Head.
schedule to our students, as well as “We are still moving forward because BEFORE AFTER
to provide the EMS experiences and we have the capacity to do so.”
traditions that create a full social The EMS Associate Teacher
experience – all while providing a Program’s primary objectives are to
healthy and safe environment for cultivate a rich learning environment
students, parents, faculty, and staff. where talented new teachers collab-
We are continuing our momen- orate with experienced professionals
tum – including the completion of Our new 2s
and to provide beginning teachers
the renovations of the Morrow House classroom with broad support for growth, reflec-
fifth- and sixth-grade wing and Chilton tions, and career development as they
House, launching our new associate and I thank the Zhang family for being preparations to keep students safe enter the next phase in their careers. AFTER
BEFORE
teacher program, developing our beacons of hope and inspiration in included touchless bathroom fixtures, Associate teachers, who are overseen
remote learning programs, and highlighting our school’s strong phil- HEPA filters in every classroom, aw- by the lead classroom teacher(s),
reimagining our music program, all anthropic commitment to shaping the nings and portable desks for outdoor the associate teacher coordinator,
while striving to live our mission. leaders of tomorrow,” says Dr. Fonseca. learning, Plexiglas classroom barriers, and Brennan, begin the program by
Renovations started this past additional laptops, the hiring of new observing the lead teachers, and then
RENOVATIONS IN CHILTON spring in Morrow House for fifth- and faculty for in-class and remote learn- progress into leading small groups,
HOUSE AND MORROW sixth-grade middle school students ing, and an endless supply of sanitizer. leading and planning whole group
HOUSE who now enjoy better-equipped learn- lessons, and collaborating on the de-
In early November, we celebrated ing spaces with improved lighting and NEW ASSOCIATE velopment of curriculum. In addition,
the new Morrow House improvements technology, new student desks, chairs, TEACHER PROGRAM they participate in the management Fourth-grade associate teacher to express my expectations for this
made in the fifth- and sixth-grade wing and storage units, as well as improved In its inaugural year, the EMS Asso- of classroom materials and setup, sup- Christina Levy is already seeing the class?’ ‘How can I use this break time
with a socially-distanced ribbon- music practice rooms, new lockers, ciate Teacher Program in Little School port small group instruction, parent/ benefits. “Upon arriving on campus to prepare for my next reading group?’
cutting ceremony with Board and updated bathrooms. recruited six exceptional new aspiring teacher conferences, and lunch and in late August, I knew that I would be or ‘How can I modify this lesson plan
President Hanita Walia and Head In addition, EMS now has a class for educators. Working in partnership with early morning supervision. challenged and pushed beyond my to both reach my students as well as
of School Dr. Maureen Fonseca. 2-year-old students in Chilton House, the school, these educators support “[The program is an] immersive comfort zone. However, I thought challenge them at the same time?’
Renovations in Morrow House were our school’s early childhood learning our mission and the overall health and experience that is hands-on,” says Dr. a majority of the push would come When the evaluation is complete, then
made possible by a generous $2 center. The 2s class addition is aligned wellness of our community while de- Rurik Nackerud, Lower School Associ- from my lead teachers and program comes application because it does
million donation to the school – the with founder Elisabeth Morrow’s vision veloping their pedagogical approach ate Teacher Coordinator and Technol- coordinator, not the students. From not matter how the day begins, what
largest in our 90-year history – from when she opened the first Little School to teaching and supporting the educa- ogy Integrator. “You learn a lot more the moment students arrive promptly counts is how it ends. Therefore, I am
EMS parents Frank and Jean Zhang. 90 years ago. Other improvements tional, social, and emotional growth of practical pieces that you may not be at 7:30 a.m., all the way up until they learning to listen closely, assess quick-
“In 90 years, Mr. and Mrs. Zhang in Chilton House include enhanced our students. able to tie to the theory you learned so are dismissed at 3:30 p.m., I am having ly, and implement purposefully.”
will be recognized for their vision and security and private outdoor learning “This program has allowed us to far, but it makes a huge difference in to do the arduous work of person- At the culmination of the one-year
generosity, paving the way for all of terraces for each classroom. try and do more things even during your result as a professional in any field al assessment and self-evaluation. I program, successful associate teach-
our students. The students, faculty, Campus-wide COVID-19-related these very limited times,” says you go into.” ask myself, ‘Did I use the right words ers will have the opportunity to apply
14 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 15
[ BACK TO SCHOOL ]
A SNAPSHOT AT OUR 2020-21 RE-ENTRY PLAN
EMS MEDICAL AND
O
ur committed community, DENTAL ADVISORY
deep experience as educators, COMMITTEE
and the sheer size and expan- The EMS Medical and
siveness of our campus have helped Dental Advisory Committee
us develop a pandemic response that was created to help the school
is unparalleled by any school in the outline the many ways we can
vicinity. The keys to our success are meet and exceed CDC and state
trust, agility, and preparedness – from guidelines. They also give us
faculty, staff, and families. more detailed perspectives and
“Our focus at EMS continues to share their insights that help us
be on the quality of the academic make decisions and inform the
program together with care and pas- community of best practices
sion for the holistic development and and protocols. This group is for any openings that may occur
success of each child,” says Head of chaired by Dr. Brian Benson, at the school and receive support
School Dr. Maureen Fonseca. who works closely with our CFO and recommendations for any work
Lauren Bedell and Director of they wish to pursue outside of EMS.
ENCOMPASSING THE 4 CS Operations and Planning Michael “This program will distinguish us
Our EMS friends and families The Hajjar and help us achieve our strategic
Family Virzi. The committee holds Zoom
stepped up to the plate to help us sessions for parents, faculty, goals,” says Brennan. “Over time,
bring students back on campus. and staff to answer questions we will see the benefits of our own
As part of our comprehensive and concerns. In addition, some professional growth as teachers
plan to ensure the maximum safety of the doctors have supplied teaching other teachers.”
of our EMS community, we require OTHER NOTABLE PPE for our faculty and staff. “We always say, ‘You learn best
all employees and students to get a DONATIONS SUPPLIED BY: Their generosity and caring are when you can teach someone else
COVID-19 test weekly. The Hajjar • The EMS Board of Trustees expressive of the 4 Cs in action, what you know,’ and this is an op-
Family – Dr. John Hajjar, Sharon Hajjar, • The Grossman Family and we are very grateful. portunity for our teachers to devel-
Brian Hajjar ‘07, Michael Hajjar ‘07, • The Margolin Family op and express themselves as who
and Marc ‘01 – from Sovereign Labo- • The Maxfield-Ostfeld Family The following community they are, what they are passionate
ratories helped us test students prior • Michael Kim and Susan Park members are on the committee: about, and what learning means to
to the school opening in September • Toni Park and Katherine Wang • Dr. Brian Benson, M.D., them,” she adds. “It helps us move
and, now, they currently send a team Committee Chair our professionalism and under-
We THANK YOU for your kindness • Dr. Natalie Amerkanian, D.M.D. standing of what learning looks like
and support of our school! • Dr. Katalin Frisch, M.D. at The Elisabeth Morrow School.”
THE 6 GOALS OF “I think what we’ve done is
• Dr. Maureen Kim, M.D.
REOPENING EMS monumentally amazing,” adds Dr.
• Dr. Simona Korik-Barrett, O.D.
3C ommit to meeting or Rurik, “but it’s a series of accidents
MORNING ROUTINE • Dr. Vanita Kumar, M.D.
exceeding CDC/state and purposeful planning on Beth’s
Accurate wellness checks each • Dr. Sean Lucan, M.D.
guidelines part that have landed us in a strate-
morning on the SchoolPass app • Dr. Mike Margolin, D.M.D.
3P rovide a healthy and safe of lab technicians to campus weekly to sorely needed. It’s not that often in life gically enviable position for a first-
are a critical tool in our protocols • Dr. Orit Markowitz, M.D.
environment for our community test all employees, as well as process- we get the chance to see things come through fourth-grade educational
for preventing • Dr. Alfred Ogden, M.D.
(students, parents, faculty, and ing the take-home student tests. They around full circle.” space.”
COVID-19 • Dr. Neeta Ogden, M.D.
staff) provide us with a guaranteed 48-hour The thermal imaging cameras Turn to page 8 for a list of our
on campus. • Dr. David Park, M.D.
3 Commit to five-days per week turnaround time on the results. “I truly (shown above) in each main school new associate teachers.
Faculty and • Dr. Tae Keun Park, M.D.
3C ommit to full school day from look forward to coming on campus entrance, were donated by The Kamiel staff also run • Dr. Anil Ranawat, M.D.
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every week where I am very happy Family. These cameras accurately REMOTE LEARNING
an app on their • Dr. Diana Rodriguez, D.M.D.
3C ommit to our original to meet new faculty and reconnect detect body temperature and allow When we switched to remote
phones called • Dr. Michale Shohet, M.D., FACS
academic calendar, including with those who helped to educate my us to know if someone has a tempera- learning on March 30, 2020, we
TRACE that • Dr. Tim Vogel, M.D.
planned breaks three sons during their time here,” says ture of more than 100.4 degrees and had no idea that classes would not
tracks their • Dr. George Vratsanos, M.D.
3P rovide additional and Sharon Hajjar, RPh. “It is so rewarding needs to be sent home. The donation resume on campus until the start
location while • Dr. Alfonso Waller, M.D.
continual professional to be able to provide this service to the also included three laptops and three of the new school year. Our EMS
on campus. • Dr. Ali Weiselberg, D.D.S.
development for faculty EMS community at a time when it is tripods for the complete setup. administration staff, faculty, and
16 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 17
[ BACK TO SCHOOL ]
riences of their classmates but they Amy Man says that the trickiest
have also been able to extend their aspects of this new teaching model
learning to the extent that directed have been reimagining class activities
learning experiences of their own and redesigning assessments.
choosing can allow them. For example, “Creating opportunities for the remote
during remote PBL with remote learn- learners and the on-campus learners
ing third- and fourth-grade teacher to interact with one another has been
Phoebe Search, third graders learned critical to building stronger connec-
about the various ways the internet tions,” says Man. “At the beginning of
pathways can be mapped and they class, we might take some time to do
created their own sketches of how an ice-breaker or community-build- CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC!
their computers might be connected ing activities. It could be as silly as On Nov. 13 and 20, Amelia Gold, Director of the Arts, and the Music
to those in their homes and neighbor- challenging the on-campus learners to Department faculty organized the first-ever socially-distanced Winter Arts
hoods. “Each map was as unique and create a visual ‘wave’ for the remote Festival with all three divisions contributing to the event. Chilton House
creative as the children who created learners to see.” students recorded the Ukrainian Bell Carol with interpretive movement,
them,” says Search. DeGraff-McMenamy adds, followed by Little School performing the Ukrainian Bell Carol, as well
First- and second-grade remote “Despite the remote students not as the Hanukkah Dance and South African Lullaby. Our Morrow House
teacher Melissa Ebeling adds that being present in the classroom, we are Superchamber performed Hallelujah and Ruslan and Ludmilla, followed by
the parents of her students have all a community of learners and em- the rest of the middle-school students performing the Ukrainian Bell Carol
acknowledged the efforts the school brace these unique circumstances.” and Sleigh Ride with the band closing out the program with a performance of
has made to create an inclusive online Dr. Fonseca praises our technology a traditional New Orleans song, Second Line.
community and they appreciate the team, educational leaders, administra- “The goal of the Winter Arts Festival was to unite the entire EMS
sense of belonging that their children tive department heads, teachers, and community artistically,” says Gold, who chose the Ukrainian Bell Carol as a
feel in school. “Zoom breakout rooms staff. “They have all demonstrated so piece to be interpreted in different ways throughout the divisions.
have been a successful way to be able much resilience, creativity, and good While we were not able to film the whole school together due to COVID-19
to provide a space for small groups, humor in planning to keep all your restrictions, the final product included a combination of six videos of both
partner work, and community build- children moving ahead and growing in-person and remote musicians to create the first all-school performance
ing,” says Ebeling. “Parents love the through remote learning while thinking in the history of the school.
breakout rooms, as well as the num- of how to hold onto the special
ber of live sessions we offer with our community spirit and value proposi-
teachers.” tion of our school,” she says. flow across the courtyard. Then, when “When we went remote for the first
“COVID has provided teachers I walked the fence line behind Morrow time [in March], I got on a faculty call
with a unique challenge in the class- OUR MUSIC PROGRAM House moments later, I was peppered and said I only have one goal for the
room,” says Middle School Latin Over the summer, a new curricu- by the blare of a trumpet, tickled by children; it’s that they maintain their
technology team worked hard over the from the comfort of their own homes. teacher Megan DeGraff-McMenamy. lum was developed for the music notes from flutes and clarinets, and the love of music and their connection
spring break and prepared to roll out “The most important factors to “Teachers are needed to educate program that encompassed move- staccato of a snare drum,” recalls Mid- to each other. I don’t care if they get
our remote learning plans. success for our school are community students in two different modalities ment, body percussion, music history, dle School Head Phil Cox. “The work better. And, wow, did they get better,”
Flash forward to fall 2020: Some of and collaboration. Being a Responsive and create engaging lessons for both music theory, and ear training because the music department does here is the says Gold. “Because the goal was on
our youngest learners in Chilton House Classroom-trained school, we have remote and in-person students.” Given of the constraints of COVID-19. “We soundtrack of EMS. I’m so grateful for the love of music.”
participate in reaCH (remote learning deep relationships and connections the nature of DeGraff-McMenamy’s completely reimagined the curricu- what they do and what they bring to Gold praises the faculty and staff
for Chilton House) where they have a to our students and families,” says course, the transition was relatively lum,” says Amelia Gold, Director of our 14-acre patch of grass on this big community support around the stu-
place for connection and community, Chilton House remote learning teacher seamless for both herself and her the Arts program. old planet of ours.” dents, especially the arts and music
familiarity and consistency, discovery Vanessa Anderson-Zheng. “That col- students. “Technology has always been Students are able to use our While most schools have not been team, who are made up of “extraor-
and expression, and ways to encour- laboration and connectedness make us an integral part of my classroom, and beautiful outdoor spaces for rehears- able to reimagine what the arts look dinary artists in their own right,” and
age and embrace their love of learning. feel as if we are face-to-face with our this year is no different than having als while properly socially distancing. like during a pandemic, students everyone’s commitment to re-doing
Students participating in a reaCH students in our classrooms.” some students on Zoom. For the re- “This is where our 14 acres are super at EMS have been given “dynamic and rethinking everything to make
program are assigned an iPad for In Little School, students who have mote students, I share my screen with magical,” adds Gold. “During music education opportunities in music,” progress. “It’s beautiful how invested
remote learning (or they can use their chosen the remote track have experi- them and they see everything that I classes, the hills are legitimately says Gold, noting that students are the school is in keeping the magic alive
own device). They have participated in enced a new sense of independence am doing with the in-person students. alive with the sound of music.” becoming enriched in other areas of for the kids,” she says.
specials classes, service-learning book and command of the material. The The student experience is the same, “When I went to pick up the balls musicianship that they don’t always “What we thought was impossible
readings with seventh-and eighth- remote third- and fourth-graders have whether they are in the classroom or by the basketball courts the other day, get to focus on because of the process is now normal,” Gold says. “This will
grade students, and on-campus events not only been able to keep pace with at home.” I was surrounded by the melodic sound and performance-focused nature of make a significant impact on the rest
like the Winter Arts Festival, albeit the rich and varied curricular expe- Seventh- and eighth-grade teacher of violins – a sound that seemed to the music program. of education.”
18 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 19[ AROUND CAMPUS ]
“I have learned a few strategies that have improved my organization, time management,
work management, and focus, like the technique of working 20 minutes on and 5 minutes off.
Remote learning has been challenging, but there are also positives. I attend ‘school’
A DAY IN
at my aunt’s house so that my work and rest times do not merge. I am also able to bike
to ‘school,’ which starts my day with exercise and helps me wake up. Even though
I miss my teachers and friends a lot, I am excited for this year to continue.”
– CALEB STAMPUL
THE LIFE
an eighth-grader who participates in our remote track
and was unable to understand it until I
did more work on it. When remote, this
is essentially eliminated because we
have more asynchronous assignments,
How our students are handling giving me more time to get comfort-
able with concepts.
the start of the 2020-21 school year Remote learning is not perfect. It
isn’t what anyone preferred; however,
it is necessary for safety during the
pandemic. I am extremely thankful
that I go to EMS, as they have one of
the best remote learning programs.
Going to EMS has given me an op-
portunity that many students going
to different schools don’t have: an
opportunity to have a great learning
REMOTE TRACK drive to learn, so I keep up my grades I don’t know the cause, I would bet that experience despite a global pandemic.
Written by JACK ZIRIN-HYMAN, and almost always get my assignments the majority of students in my grade one take my temperature instead of
an eighth-grade student turned in on time. have had issues with motivation during just walking out. Then, when I walked WHAT OUR
I
I am in the minority. Remote learn- remote learning. The severity varies, ON-CAMPUS TRACK down to school and into my classroom, YOUNGEST
t’s 7:30 a.m. The blaring of my ing is not nearly as difficult for me as it and I’m extremely lucky that my issues Written by AMALIA FEROLIE, I found my hand feeling funny from STUDENTS IN
an eighth-grade student
alarm clock beats against my might be for other students. I made the with motivation are minor. If I had missing the morning handshake. The CHILTON HOUSE
S
head until I eventually get out of choice to stay larger motiva- morning handshake used to mark the ARE SAYING
bed and turn it off. Classes start remote purely tion problems, ince returning to school start of the day, and it was always nice
“Despite the challenges of “I help you!”
at 8 a.m. Usually, I would be waking up by balancing I would have during COVID, many things in to start off with a friendly greeting. “Are you sad?”
between 6:30-7 a.m. since I live 20 learning and
learning while remote, I still chosen to go in everyday life at The Elisabeth However, as the weeks have gone by, I “Can I play with you?”
minutes away from campus, but one of safety. I decided have my drive to learn.” person. I don’t Morrow School have changed. am finding that the temperature taken “Can you play with me?”
the luxuries of online school is an extra that since I was – JACK ZIRIN-HYMAN think there’s any The first day of school, and every at carline is almost the same as the “Here you go.”
half hour of sleep. Downstairs, my able to learn way to improve day since, carline has been very orga- handshake. “Want some?”
mother prepares a quick breakfast for well online, it would be prudent not to motivation with online learning. You nized and neat, unlike previous years In the morning, instead of adviso- “I made room for you.”
me, and then it’s time for class. take the risk of going in person. Most either can stay motivated, or you will with all the honking ry, we all go straight “Look at all of the leaves we
The day goes by quickly. Short- students who had trouble learning be better off learning in-person. and cutting. My mom “The 4 Cs are still being to our first class. collected!”
ened periods, combined with the fact online returned to campus when given Despite this, online learning has is extremely happy Walking in and sitting
reinforced, and they
LAPTOP: ALEKSANDR SAMOCHERNYI
“One for you and one for me.”
that my environment doesn’t change the opportunity, and while I think most its positives. It has given me a lot about this and never behind plexiglass, “We can both be the mommy.”
between classes, makes it so that days, students learning remote right now more freedom with learning. Since we fails to mention, every
are still one of the most instead of right next “That’s mine. Yours is over there.”
weeks, and even months pass by fast. are able to learn better online than complete a lot more of our work asyn- morning, how nicely important things.” to my classmates, is “I like your shoes.”
At snack and lunch, I still talk with my most students, it still is problematic chronously, I am able to learn at a pace carline is running. – AMALIA FEROLIE strange, and some- “We have to wait.”
friends and “virtually” hang out with and requires a lot of effort to maintain more suited to myself. When in-per- When I got to the times it gets lonely,
BOOKS: FREEPIK
“That’s OK.”
them, although I’m not able to do this motivation in school. son, there were more times when I fell front of the carline on the first day and but it also is nice because you do not “He misses his daddy.”
every day. Despite the challenges of One of the toughest issues with behind in the class some days because rolled down my window, with my mask feel obligated to make awkward small “He wants a hug from his sister.”
learning while remote, I still have my online learning is motivation. Although I simply didn’t understand the concept on, it was very strange to have some- talk. Instead of switching and moving
20 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 21[ AROUND CAMPUS ]
SUCCESS STORIES FROM TEACHERS
“For my Travel Expo project, I chose to write lyrics and sing a short song about why East Asia is the
best region to visit in Asia, using the accompaniment of the song “Where Is The Love.” In doing this,
I not only developed numerous marketing strategies in trying to bring out the most positive aspects
of my region, but I also learned to stay on top of both my classmates and my progress throughout the
project, giving each other necessary feedback, and making sure that our ideas and information were
aligned. I think this project was informative and fascinating. It required much time, quality, and effort
to ensure that our greatest potential was exhibited through this single, riveting work.”
– LAUREN PARK “The students in my class,
a seventh-grader who participates in our on-campus track
remote and physically present,
engage each other in a way
I wasn’t sure was possible
to different classes with different peo-
when we were talking about
ple, I am in almost the same classroom,
with the same people, for every class. HYBRID TRACK returning to school in the fall.
I enjoy staying in one classroom and “I usually don’t like to read These kids are upbeat and
having mostly the same kids in class non-fiction because the excited to see each other, even
because it allows me to get close to
plot isn’t as interesting if it is through a screen. Some
those kids instead of knowing a little
about everybody. I feel everyone has as some fiction books. of my students planned a group
grown closer and is more comfortable However, when reading “Remote PE students in first grade have played Twist Tag on costume [for Halloween] to
around each other because of all the the Narrative of the Life Zoom and the second-grade remote students participate in wear with their remote friends
time we spend together.
of Frederick Douglass, Rock-Paper-Scissors and they also jog to emulate the game the because they all were excited
This year, when the weather allows
it, we eat outside. I love eating outside there were many parts students played in school. The students in school are enjoying about the holiday and would
because my friends and I can all take of the story that seemed the personal equipment that was given out during the first not let a screen or physical
off our masks and spread out and eat unreal, and Douglass is week of school. They are even using it at recess.” presence come between them.”
and talk together. However, as it is get-
a great storyteller. His – GINNY SMITH – SARAH SMITH
ting colder, we are eating inside more doors into school at 7:50 a.m. to the PE teacher and coach Morrow House art teacher
often. When we eat inside it is very moment we leave at 3:30 p.m., the 4 book has certain elements
different from the years past because Cs are still being reinforced, and they that are usually used in
we eat in our core classroom with only are still one of the most important fictional storytelling; it
the people in our core classroom. Eat- things. The teachers are also just as “The first thing I noticed was that all the children were SO happy to be back “The compassion, empathy, and
had elements that I’d in school! It was just wonderful to see them in person, interacting with their understanding of students given the
ing inside is not as fun because I do not helpful and try to make the classes as
get to see everyone, and we have to sit fun and interactive as possible, even never seen in non-fiction. classmates and teachers. I’ve enjoyed taking advantage of our beautiful entire situation is palpable through-
the whole time. though it is probably very hard to Because times are so campus and using it as my outdoor PBL (Project-Based Learning) classroom. out Little School. Through these
One last thing that has changed is teach with some kids online and some I felt extremely safe returning to the EMS campus. The school has gone tough times, students have found
different now, seeing our
sports. This year a lot of sports have in school. There is also the same feel- above and beyond in providing a safe environment for faculty, staff, and ways to become resilient with their
almost dystopian past is students.” school work and their classmates as
been taken out, like volleyball and ing when everyone is in school – you
tennis. In the beginning, when I saw the are excited, nervous, and happy at the surreal. In each chapter of – MARY ANN ROTA well. Students are more engaged and
choices were limited, I was very sad, same time. I think my classmates and his book, he could always Lower School math chair and math teacher motivated to better understand their
but now I am almost happy because I I are responding to this new COVID world around them in these times.
get his point across and
got to try Pilates. I have been enjoying normal very well. However, sometimes Teachers have been able to provide
do so in an intriguing way real-life experiences from the last
Pilates a lot and never would have we have to be reminded to stay 6 feet
thought to do it without the absence away or pull our masks up. that makes the reader “EMS 2020. We read facial expressions through our student’s eyes; new several months – and looking to the
of the other sports. On the first day of school, my never want to put his book masks and mask chains excite us; watching friendships being formed in future – that students can use to
Although COVID has changed friends and I were very surprised at person warms our souls. From our hearts to our cracked and dry hands, not only continue and further their
down.”
many aspects of life and how people how much everything and everyone we are so glad to be back at school.” growth, but to help them become the
– SAMUEL CHIKVASHVILI global citizens that we need.”
do things, it has not taken away the had changed. The biggest talk around – BECKY MARGEL
an eighth-grader who
purpose and goals of The Elisabeth my friends and I when we got home Kindergarten teacher – KARA MAKOHON-MOORE
participates both in-person
Morrow School. From the moment my from the first day was how deep the and remotely Director of Faculty Development
Institute and Lower School STEAM
fellow students and I walk through the boys’ voices got.
chair and science teacher
22 APPLE TREE • WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 • APPLE TREE 23You can also read
