Fall 2011 Bulletin

Rippowam Cisqua School

BulletinFall 2011

Voices of our Recent GradsAlso In This Issue: Graduation 2011, Class of ’71 Reunion

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Mission StatementThe mission of Rippowam Cisqua School is toeducate students to become independent thinkers,confident in their abilities and themselves. We arecommitted to a dynamic program of academics, thearts, and athletics, and support an engaged facultyto challenge students to discover and explore theirtalents to the fullest. Honesty, consideration, andrespect for others are fundamental to RippowamCisqua. In an atmosphere that promotes intellectualcuriosity and a lifelong love of learning, RippowamCisqua strives to instill in students a strong senseof connection to their community and to the largerworld. We, as a school, recognize the commonhumanity of all people and teach understandingand respect for the differences among us.


Table ofContents

2 Letter from the Head of SchoolMatthew Nespole

3 Letter from the Upper CampusDivision Head

4 Catching up with Carol GahaganLower Campus Division Head

24 2010-11 Student Awards

26 RCS in Pictures Spring 2010-11

28 New Board Members

29 Alumni Awards

32 Class of ’71 Reunion

34 Alumni Profile

37 Class Notes

43 Annual Report

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Rippowam Cisqua School Bulletin ispublished by the Advancement Office:

Edlira Curis, Assistant Director of AnnualFund and Alumni Relations Manager

Susie Danziger, Director of Annual Fundand Communications

Aggy Duveen, Website ManagerBarbara Jarvis, Advancement Executive

AssistantDebe Stellio, Advancement Operations

ManagerBob Whelan, Assistant Head of School for

Institutional Advancement

Send address changes to [email protected].

Credits:Design: Peapod Design, New Canaan, CTPhotography: Tim Coffey, Stamford, CTEditor: Susie Danziger

Board of TrusteesAmanda Riegel, ChairMaria G. Fields, Vice ChairWilliam D. McLanahan, TreasurerAlexandria S. Altman, SecretaryScott A. BarshaySteve BeanRalph J. BernsteinRobert S. Boyd ’75Kirtley CameronDr. Neil J. CapolongoJohn W. ChambersJames A. DiamondGregory J. FlemingJames D. KallmanElizabeth L. Kilgallon, DVM, dACVSDesta LakewPhilip S. Lawrence ’80Anna LeeJames B. Renwick ’63Erika Aronson-Stern

Ex OfficioMatthew Nespole, Head of SchoolPatricia Grunebaum,

Parent Association ChairDeborah A. Hurrell,

Chief Financial OfficerRobert F. Whelan, Assistant Head for

Institutional Advancement

Rippowam Cisqua School

BulletinFall 2011

8 Cover Story: Voices of our Recent Grads(Above: Amber Kinui ’10, Matt Rohrer ’10, Connor Berlin ’08, Nicole Bleuel ’07)

16 Graduation 2011

30 Gathering of Alums

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At Rippowam Cisqua we oftenrefer to the educationalexperience that our childrenengage in as a journey of learning.Our mission, to foster criticaland creative thinking skills,confidence, and a lifelong love oflearning, is embedded in the dayto day experience. Studentsexperience it in our classrooms, inour hallways, and on our playingfields. Our children begin thatjourney under the guidance of adedicated faculty that understandsthat children learn best whengiven the opportunity to question,experiment, and apply knowledgeto new situations. We believe thatif we have done our job well, thisjourney never really ends and weare, in fact, just the beginning.

The outcome of the Rippowam Cisquaexperience is more than simply a rosterof secondary schools that receive ourstudents; it is a grounding in thepassionate pursuit of knowledge and thedesire to be contributing citizens of theworld. When you take a moment toreflect, our outcomes are not necessarilyabout measuring what a child hasachieved, but rather what a child is

capable of achieving; they are not aboutmeasuring the past, but about measuringthe degree to which we have prepared ourchildren for the future – academically, aswell as socially and emotionally.

As we approach the middle of the seconddecade of the 21st Century, we are wellaware of the skills, competencies, andabilities that young people will need tomaster to become global citizens. Thereis a growing body of research in thefields of education and business thatstress the importance of problem solving,persistence, collaboration, and criticaland creative thinking in achievingsuccess. Many people in the world ofeducation acknowledge that these skillsare the tools children need, but only asmall sample of schools actually buildtheir educational program on them.

Rippowam Cisqua has prided itself onbeing a thought leader in the world ofeducation. This past year, our workprovided us with an opportunity to joina small consortium of schools in theUnited States, in partnership with theEducational Testing Service, to createan assessment tool that can measure thedegree to which the teaching of theseskills is present in education. Ourconsortium and ETS are using manyof the 21st Century Skills to forge thisnew diagnostic tool. Potentially this

new assessment could drive futureconversations about educational programson a national, if not global, level. As theonly school in New York State involved inthis work, Rippowam Cisqua is modelingfor the students how to acquire informationand create something new with it throughpersistence and collaboration. This is justone of countless examples of how we createa culture of curiosity and continued growthhere at Rippowam Cisqua.

Dr. Ned Hallowell noted that, “We live ina world where your ability to connect to theworld of information and ideas defines, inmany ways, how successful you'll be.” Inthe pages that follow, you will have theopportunity to read the stories of manyRippowam Cisqua graduates, and how theyare connecting to the world beyond ourSchool. The imprint that RCS teachers hadas guides for these fine young people isvisibly apparent. You’ll see evidence of aprogram that helps cultivate empatheticleaders with the capacity to tacklechallenges with persistence and intelligence;you’ll see that we have helped prepare themto be thought leaders; but, perhaps mostimportantly, you’ll see that we have helpedthem become confident in their abilities andin themselves, well positioned for a lifelongjourney of learning.

Letter from the

Head of School

2 Letters from Division Heads


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celebrated, their unique talents. Theyremembered fondly how well the faculty,and their peers, knew them and cared forthem. Although difficult at the time, theyreflected on how our ability to push themout of their comfort zone and take risksserves them well today. They rememberedbeing challenged academically, not alwaysquite sure where they were headed, buthappy to have learned how to beorganized, flexible, persistent, and tothink critically and creatively. Theyrecalled the nervousness that comes withpublic speaking, performing on stage, oron the athletic fields, and feelingempowered when they leaned in to theangst and emerged with confidence and abetter understanding of what they canaccomplish when they embrace theunknown and work as part of a team.

In addition to the wonderful memoriesthey shared, it was simply a pleasure tospend some time and reconnect. Whetherone works on the lower or upper campus,the elementary and middle school years

As educators, it’s important totake time to reflect on how ourprogram is aligned with ourmission and philosophy, and assesshow what we do works in supportof our students’ success. It is a taskin which all of our faculty, staff,and administration happily engagethroughout the year. In my role asHead of the Upper Campus, thesummertime provides a uniqueopportunity for this process.

In June and July I had the privilege ofreconnecting with alums who volunteeredto speak about what their experience atRippowam Cisqua School meant to them.These young men and women, now inhigh school and college, shared numerousinsights that made me proud and honoredto be a part of this institution.

They spoke of growing up in a culturethat not only respected, but also

are a wonderful process. We often don’tget to see the “finished product” withrespect to the students we serve.However, our conversations with theseyoung men and women this summer, andother conversations held during the year,were both humbling and validating.

Rippowam Cisqua students are indeedwell prepared to face the future. We arehonored to have the opportunity to workso closely with our students and families.The responsibility we have to prepare,nurture, and support our students as theymove forward in life is not lost on us. Infact, it is our pleasure and our passion.To our alums, I’d like to thank you forsharing your lives with us. Please keep theconnections strong! To our parents, I’dlike to thank you for entrusting us withyour children. I look forward to seeingmany of you in the coming year.

Letter from the

Upper CampusDivision Head


Catching up withCarol GahaganLower Campus Division Head

In June, 2011, Carol Gahagan was appointedthe Head of the Lower Campus. Carol hasspent over twenty-five years working ineducation and has been a member ofRippowam Cisqua’s Learning Resource Teamsince 2003. As Head of School MatthewNespole noted, “Carol is a leader with akeen understanding of the School’s culture,curriculum, and parent body. She is held inhigh regard by her peers for her wisdom, herexperience, and her depth of character. Ourfamilies know her best for the compassion andcommitment she demonstrates on behalf ofthe countless children she has worked withduring her time here. We are fortunate tohave such a talented, dedicated educator asthe new leader of our Lower Campus.”

We had a chance to catch up with Carol during a quietmoment over the summer.

When, and in what capacity, did you jointhe RCS community and what experiencesalong the way have helped prepare you to bethe leader of the Lower Campus?

In the spring of 2003, after many years ofeducational experience, I accepted a position as aLearning Specialist at Rippowam Cisqua. As a SpecialEducation teacher, I had always known how to multi-task as the position necessitates balancing many pieces:teaching students, working with teachers, andconferring with parents and administrators as well asteaching courses and making presentations to facultyand parents on methods of learning and overcominglearning differences.

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Initially, my role consisted of teaching,supporting, and sharing strategies withteachers in Kindergarten through secondgrade in the areas of handwriting, reading,and written expression. In time, myresponsibilities grew as I partnered withthe third grade teachers, expanding theirreading phonetic program; the fourth gradeteachers, assisting students with theirwriting assignments; and meeting with thepre-school classroom teachers to discuss achild’s developmental goals. It was notlong before I was touching every aspect ofthe elementary school and getting to knowfaculty, students, and parents in everygrade - an incredibly fulfilling role, and anopportunity that I hadn’t anticipated whenI first joined the School. In the eight yearsthat I have been a Learning Specialist,being enriched by teacher, parent, andstudent interactions and experiences, Inever imagined that it would grow intothis opportunity to lead the RippowamCisqua Lower Campus, although, now, asI continue along this new path, it seemsso natural.

How did you originallybecome interested in teaching asa profession?

My incredible journey in educationbegan in the eighth grade when I joinedthe Teachers Club. Even back then, Iloved children and wanted to help themlearn. I attended the School of Educationat Boston University and became involvedwith a faculty that was truly dedicated toteaching students as individuals, andlearning to differentiate the instructionaccording to their needs. By the time Igraduated, teaching had truly become mypassion. I accepted a position as anelementary school teacher and went on toobtain my Masters Degree, and then aSpecial Education Certification. Myteaching career has consisted of workingin independent, public, and parochialschools as well as rehabilitation centersfor medically and mentally impairedchildren, cerebral palsy, and severelearning differences.

It has been an incredible, varied teachingjourney for me and I feel, as a result, thatI can offer a wealth of knowledge and

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experiences, which will contribute tomy new role. It is with excitement,determination, and compassion that I willlead this exceptional learning community.

How have you enjoyedyour first eight years at theLower Campus?

When I accepted my position atRippowam Cisqua, I was at a point in mycareer, based on my previous experience,when I knew what was needed in orderfor children to reach their potential andfeel successful. I found this opportunity,to teach at the Lower Campus, perfect forthat stage in my development and I haveenjoyed my role as a teacher every year!

I remember the first day of school whenI asked Marylea Franz, then Head of theLower Campus, what methods andprograms were to be followed. Sheencouraged me to use my best professionaljudgment, drawing on my past teachingexperiences and to establish my ownteaching style in order for students toprogress and to enjoy school within thecurriculum standards. Accordingly, I havebeen able to tailor my knowledge andexperiences to the needs of the students,differentiating the instruction in order forthem to achieve and advance in readingand written expression. I believe we allwant our children to be happy in anacademically challenging environmentwhere they are taught and encouraged toquestion, think, speak publicly, and writeskillfully about what they are learning inschool. That’s exactly what happens atRippowam Cisqua.

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Over the last eight years, my opinionsabout good teaching have been reinforcedby the commitment that I have seenamong the Lower Campus faculty, a groupof hard working professionals, many ofwhom came early and left late, and werealways willing to collaborate aroundstudents and their skills. The exchangeof teaching ideas and dedication to thestudents’ academic achievement isinherent in this school environment.Each year the new and ever-changingchallenges I see inspire me to continueto learn. Each student is always verydifferent, therefore you can never stoplearning, no matter how many years ofexperience you have!

Importantly, I have found over and overthat parents are very willing to supporttheir children’s needs and they arecomfortable collaborating with teachers,all of which contributes to their children’sprogress and their enjoyment in learning.Knowing that we are all part of a team ofteachers and families working togethermakes for a very positive atmosphere forstudents to excel in their desire to learn.

Do you have any particularmemories from your first yearsthat you would like to share withour readers?

I have many memories from myyears of teaching; however, the particularones I remember most at RippowamCisqua are the sincere, innocentcomments of young students in myclassroom. There were those studentswho found reading to be difficult at the

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“I believe we all want our children to be happy inan academically challenging environment wherethey are taught and encouraged to question,think, speak publicly, and write skillfully aboutwhat they are learning in school. That’s exactlywhat happens at Rippowam Cisqua.”


beginning of the year and were oftendiscouraged, but who, by the end of theyear, would proudly announce that theynow “love” reading. There were thosestudents who, although assigned to readonly five pages a night, decided to read awhole chapter. There were those studentswho were disappointed when homeworkwas not assigned! My fondest memoriesare when students suddenly realize thatthey can blend sounds together to formwords. They realize they are reading andthe look on their faces is priceless! I alsorelish the memories of a parentconference going well, and the childrensaying thank you as they leave my class.The feeling of exhilaration as the studentsare singing their hearts out in a sing-alongsession during an assembly; the feeling thatI am appreciated through simple notes thatparents, teachers, and students havewritten; these memories are unforgettableand make my job meaningful.

What were your firstthoughts when you were asked tolead the Lower Campus?

It will be a moment that I willnever forget. As I stood there speechlessfor a few seconds, I realized with all myyears of educational experiences that thiswas an opportunity that I knew wouldfulfill my final personal goal as aneducator. It came at a very good time inmy career. I began to hear my own wordsthat I repeated to my children growing

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up: “You will never know until you try.” Iwas excited and felt honored to be offeredsuch an important role as a leader. I knowthe culture of the School, its staff andfaculty, the students and parents and, inmy new role, I plan to listen and lead, butalso laugh along the way.

Will there be a particular areaof focus for you and the faculty inyour first year?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I havealready met with a number of groups ofteachers this summer to discuss thepriorities we formulated during the lastweek of school. One of the areas that weplan to focus upon this year is ourinvolvement in community service. Weplan to integrate it into our CharacterCounts program and School assemblies.This initiative will involve teachers,parents, and students participating inactivities in an effort to teach principlessuch as sharing, respect, caring for oneanother, and appreciating what we have,compared to those less fortunate.

Secondly, we intend to expand our“Reading on the Lower Campus” startingwith our preschool children and extendingthrough fourth grade.

Thirdly, we will continue to forge astronger relationship between our twocampuses, both academically and socially,communicating more with all the teachers

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and students by sharing lessons, classroomobservations, and School events. Otherareas of focus will be reinstating amentoring program for our new teachers,planning outside assemblies, and tappinginto the talents of our students andfaculty within our School. We are lookingforward to a very exciting and productiveyear of growing, enjoying, and learningmore about one another.

We are fortunate to have youat the helm. Are there any thoughtsyou’d like to share with our readersabout the upcoming months at RCS?

I actually feel fortunate to be atthe helm of the Lower Campus ofRippowam Cisqua. I want the entirecommunity to know that the faculty, staff,and I have worked hard this summer andhave been very productive in an effortto help the children reach their fullpotential in a challenging, creativethinking environment. We want thechildren to progress and learn, but wealso want them to be happy, make newfriends, and be kind to one another. Itis important to bring out those hiddentalents they do not know they evenhave. We will encourage them to thinkpositively about themselves and we willinstill self-confidence. We, as teachers,spend more time with the students duringthe week than their parents do. I take thisfact seriously. Rippowam Cisqua is theirsecond home and it is important for me asone of the School’s leaders to be sure thatevery child is feeling successful,challenged, and happy.

I want our families to know that I havean “open door policy” whereby everyoneis welcome to stop by my office informallyor make an appointment to talk to meabout a child, our school environment, orjust to share a thought. Communication isa very important priority for me. Makingthe time to meet encourages people toconnect, understand each other, anddevelop mutual respect. This is one of myprincipal goals in our professionallearning community. I am looking forwardto a very exciting and rewarding year forall of us.

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6 Catching Up With Carol Gahagan continued…


Rippowam Cisqua Homecomingwith Special Tribute to Richie Meyers

Rippowam Cisqua Varsity Football vs. St. Luke’s11:00 am kickoffFootball field on Clinton Road

Join classmates, alumni, and friends from across generationsfor a reception after the game with Head Coach Richie Meyers.

For more information, please go to the Alumni page at www.rcsny.org or contactEdlira Curis in the Advancement Office at [email protected]

Saturday, October 1, 2011


Voices of ourRecent Grads

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Join us in sitting down with ten recent graduatesfrom the last five years and learn more aboutwhere they are, where they’ve been, andwhere they are going!

Spending just one day at RippowamCisqua, immersed in the School’shands-on learning program, can convinceeven the most skeptical of observers ofthe high value of the RCS educationalexperience. At RCS, students are giventhe opportunity for self-exploration. Theyare encouraged to become independentthinkers, confident in their abilities, and


eager to explore their talents to the fullestextent possible. In addition to a dynamicprogram of academics, arts, and athletics,RCS students learn that honesty, consideration, and respect for others isfundamental. In an atmosphere thatpromotes intellectual curiosity and alifelong love of learning, they also build a strong sense of connection to theircommunity and the larger world.

At the completion of a Rippowam Cisqua education, RCS students haveidentified their personal learning stylesand strengths, and determined the mosteffective course for their academic future.It’s not enough, however, to simply hearfrom the School’s administrators orteachers about the efficacy of theirapproach. Sometimes it helps to get astudent perspective as well.

With that in mind, we met with tenrecent graduates of Rippowam Cisqua andasked them to talk about what they aredoing now, how they got there, and theways in which they can link their choicesand successes back to their years at RCS.These students hail from a variety ofbackgrounds, which featured differentparenting styles, values, and religiousbeliefs. However, they all exhibit thecharacteristics that we expect the leadersof tomorrow to possess. We hope theirexperiences will offer a little more insightrelated to the path to success thatstudents find at Rippowam Cisqua.

While these ten kids interviewedseparately with us, their comments aboutRippowam Cisqua were astoundinglysimilar. They described their love oflearning and their specific schools,

including RCS; the unique and personalrelationships they’ve built with theirteachers; and their appreciation of howwell prepared they were for high school.We’ve woven together their comments in order to give you an idea of what aconversation among them might be like.

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Watch these interviews online!visit www.rcsny.org and click on “alumni,” to find video clips from our interviews.

“I loved all my teachersat Ripp. If it weren’t forthem, I would not bewhere I am today.” Rebkha ’11


What is the magic of RCS?When asked what makes RippowamCisqua so special, the answer wasconsistent among all ten students: theclose relationships forged with teachersand friends. They mentioned a numberof teachers, ranging from JPK instructorsall the way through ninth grade, but thecommon thread seemed to be that theseteachers created a comfortable learningenvironment where students wereencouraged to take intellectual risks. “Ideveloped really strong connections withmy teachers, especially in ninth grade,”Addie noted. Amber built on that withher comments about RCS, and her ninthgrade experience in particular: “Duringninth grade, I bonded with my teacherson both a personal and academic level.I always felt like I could go to my teacherswith anything that I needed to talk about,but I really felt that way when I was inninth grade.”

Nicole added that the teacher-studentrelationship at RCS was built on theconcept of mutual respect. “The teachersalways tried to understand the kids’ side.I knew that I could ask them anything,even outside the classroom.” Connor, whohas a unique perspective because hiseducation has been split between publicand independent schools, could see veryclearly what was different about RCS.“The magic is definitely in the teachersand the way they teach through hands-onlearning. The teachers were trulyinspiring; you can tell they are in this

profession because they love teaching,and their passion rubs off on you.” LikeConnor, Rebkha offered the perspective ofjoining RCS “midstream” in fourth grade.“When I came to Ripp, I was not used tobeing called on in class, and Mrs. Donigerhelped me through that. The concept thatthe teachers are there for you was new tome. I loved all my teachers at Ripp. If itweren’t for them, I would not be where Iam today.” Katherine noted, “At Ripp,your teachers feel like a family. You havevery close relationships with them. Ripp isa small school, and it nurtures that feelingeasily.” Sarah pointed out how much sheloved interacting with her teachers atRippowam Cisqua, in the classroom andin the halls. Will also reflected upon howspecial the teachers at RCS were. “Weformed special bonds with our teachers. Iparticularly loved the time in the morningthat we had to be with them before schoolstarted. The teachers were also verysupportive in the classroom; they wouldstay focused on a concept until we notonly got it, but internalized it.”

Did you think you were wellprepared for high school?As aligned as these students were on theunique and meaningful relationships theyhad with their teachers, they were evenmore so when it came to talking abouttheir preparedness for high school. To aperson, each student felt that he or shewas ready in a way that went beyondacademics. For example, Amber said: “AtRippowam, we were encouraged to learnto think critically and to take academicrisks. I always felt comfortable speakingmy mind and asking questions in classbecause it was such an encouraging,comfortable setting where differentopinions and different ways of tackling

10 Alumni Profiles continued…

Addie Ballard ’08Addie grew up in Bedford, attending RippowamCisqua from JPK through grade nine. Aftercompleting ninth grade, she attended MastersSchool in Dobbs Ferry for one year as a day studentand for two years as a boarder. Addie will bematriculating at Macalester College in Minneapolisin the fall. She says she thoroughly enjoyed herthree years at Masters and felt challengedacademically. She credits ninth grade atRippowam Cisqua, in particular, with preparingher to succeed at Masters.

Connor Berlin ’08Connor attended Rippowam Cisqua for middleschool, joining the RCS community from theByram Hills public schools in sixth grade andstaying through ninth grade. After completingninth grade, Connor returned to Byram Hills,from which he recently graduated. He will beattending Cornell University in the fall and hasaspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon. This goalwas sparked by his participation in Chris Perry’sninth grade biology class at RCS.

“One of the things I loved most about Ripp was thatthere was no stigma about being smart or working hard.In fact, doing well was actually highly encouraged.”Jack ’09


a subject were embraced. These skills haveserved me well at Miss Porter’s where,just like at Ripp, the teachers encouragestudents to speak their minds and tocultivate critical thinking skills.” Jack had avery similar perspective when talking abouthow prepared he was for Deerfield. “Theteachers at Ripp encouraged us to speak ourminds and take a stand in a discussion, andbecause we all encouraged one another aslearners, it was an environment in whichwe felt comfortable speaking our minds andnot worrying about what others would say.”Addie also felt that Rippowam challengedher in a helpful way: “I felt very prepared forMasters. As a matter of fact, I thought thattenth grade at Masters was easier than ninthgrade at Rippowam. Don’t get me wrong,Masters is a challenging school. It’s just thatthe Rippowam ninth grade program wasreally rigorous and prepared me well.” Willechoed that sentiment, saying, “I knew mystrengths and weaknesses from Rippowam.I also learned how to interact with adults,which isn’t a skill that I think most kidsdevelop in middle school.”

Nicole credits Rippowam with empoweringher to put her best foot forward at her nextschool. “I felt confident enough in myselfto run for Governing Council (the HoraceMann student government) in ninth gradeafter I had only been in school for a month.Coming from another school, I don’t thinkI would have had that confidence, and Idon’t think I would have won.”

Rebkha spoke about the similaritiesbetween the academic experience atHackley and Rippowam Cisqua. She said

the majority of her classes have beendiscussion based, and she has developed areal love of writing that has helped heradjust to high school work, which is aresult of her time at Rippowam. Matt alsofelt that the teaching style at Milton wasquite similar to the style at Ripp. Connorobserved, “I was very prepared for highschool in every subject. Rippowam hasgreat English, math, and sciencedepartments. I actually felt overlyprepared in many areas.” Katherine feltthat Rippowam prepared her in another,somewhat unusual, way: “WhileRippowam Cisqua is much smaller thanAndover, it is similar to Andover in thesense that there are high expectations foreach of us; therefore, I went to Andoverknowing that learning is a challenge tolook forward to, and I brought a goodattitude and work ethic with me.”

How did you find theexperience of looking fora high school?The students that we interviewedappreciated the opportunity to choosetheir own high school, and said that theywere grateful for the guidance theyreceived throughout the process at RCS.Matt discovered Milton Academy atRippowam’s annual fall boarding schoolfair. “It seemed like a more liberal schoolwhere the students don’t wear uniformsand the teachers have a lot of freedomacademically. I liked that, and thought itwould fit me.” For Katherine, the choiceof where to go for high school becameeasy once she had made a list, through

the Rippowam process, and visited thecampuses. “For all the schools, I keptasking myself these questions: Would Iwant to walk here every morning? Be hereevery day? And the answer at Andoverwas continually yes.” Choosing Andoverwas easy. “It was my best choice! I feelvery happy and lucky to be at Andovernow.” Amber really took advantage ofthe placement process to find the schoolthat fit her best: “I really trusted theplacement process at Ripp, whichprepared me well and encouraged me tolook at a broad spectrum of schools.When I visited Miss Porters, it felt like itwas the right place for me– I just liked it.”Rebkha really appreciated choosing herown high school. This year, she realizedthat changing schools was exciting and itre-ignited her interest in learning. Severalof the students said that going through thehigh school selection process at Rippowamhad also helped them enormously withthe college admission process. Jack, forexample, said: “The placement process atRippowam was great – Ms. Vincent

Nicole Bleuel ’07

Nicole grew up in Stamford,Connecticut and attendedRippowam Cisqua from secondgrade through eighth grade.After graduating from RCS,Nicole attended Horace Mann,graduating in 2010, and she justcompleted her first year atColumbia University. She isalready looking to the futureand is hoping to combine acareer in finance and film so shecan collaborate on mediaprojects from beginning to end.

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Amber Kinui ’10Amber grew up in Yorktown Heights and was a“lifer,” attending Rippowam Cisqua from JPKthrough ninth grade. Amber just completedher first year at Miss Porter’s in Farmington,Connecticut, an all girls boarding school that shechose because it really “fit” her style and goals.She is currently preparing to take the helm aspresident of her class this fall, which sheattributes to the high level of self-confidenceshe developed at RCS.


facilitated it really well. It was also greatpractice for the college search process,particularly in preparing for collegeinterviews.”

Ninth grade –to stay or not to stay?For most of the students, whether or notto stay for ninth grade was a clear-cutdecision. For those who stayed, likeAmber, it was often a decision that theyhad made early in their Rippowamexperience. “I always knew that I wantedto stay for ninth grade. I loved watchingthe ninth graders when I was younger. Iknew I would like the feeling of being a‘big fish in a small pond’.” For somestudents, their desire to stay for ninthgrade became clear at the end of seventhgrade, when high school became a morereal topic of conversation among parentsand students. Some realized they weren’tready to change schools yet. Others lovedwhat they saw in the ninth gradeexperience at Rippowam, and theywanted to be a part of it.

Regardless of their reasoning, those whochose to stay found ninth grade to be a

transformative year. “Ninth grade was aspecial little world within Rippowam,” saidAddie. “We were a small group, and wedeveloped close connections with eachother and our teachers. I am so glad thatI stayed for ninth grade. It was a greatexperience.” Some of Jack’s fondestmemories at Rippowam Cisqua occurredduring the ninth grade. “My strongestmemories from Ripp would be from ninthgrade. It was really special. I will alwaysremember the independence we had,which is similar to that in high school, andfor the close relationships I had with myteachers.” Amber echoed these sentiments,saying, “I really enjoyed ninth grade andthe special bonds I developed with myclassmates and teachers. In ninth grade,the classes got smaller, and we enjoyed alot of attention from our teachers.”

Connor also found the ninth grade year tobe an incredible capstone to his Rippowam

Cisqua experience. “Ninth grade atRippowam was the best year of school I havehad so far. The entire experience was great.The combination of academics and outsideexperiences — particularly the trip to Europe— was fantastic. I have many memories fromthat year that will stay with me forever, andhigh school would have been an entirelydifferent experience had I not stayed. Manyof my personal interests and passions werefostered that year.” Matt agreed. “Ninthgrade was beyond amazing. It helped me getready for boarding school. I would notchange that experience for the world.”Those who left after eighth grade felt, forthe most part, that they were ready tolaunch their high school careers. As Rebkhaput it: “When I got to eighth grade, I felt Iwas ready to take off.” Katherine echoedRebkha’s perspective.

“I had been at Ripp for eleven years byeighth grade, so it felt like it was the right

12 Alumni Profiles continued…

Rebkha Michael ’11

Rebkha, from Ossining, is agraduate of our most recent class.She joined RCS in fourth gradeand left after eighth grade.Rebkha just finished her first yearat Hackley, which she started thisyear as one of eight incomingninth graders from RippowamCisqua. Hackley seems to fitRebkha like a glove.

Will Reeve ’07Will grew up in Bedford and began his RippowamCisqua career in Kindergarten (at which time hesaid he was initially so frightened to get out ofthe car that his mother literally had to peel hisfingers off the door handle!). Will left after eighthgrade to attend Brunswick. After graduatingfrom Brunswick in June ’10, he moved on toMiddlebury College, where he just completed hisfreshman year. He feels truly lucky to have hadthe opportunity to go to three terrific schools,each of which has been just right for him.

“Ninth grade at Rippowam was the best year ofschool I have had so far. The combination ofacademics and outside experiences was fantastic.I have many memories from that year that will staywith me forever, and high school would have beenan entirely different experience had I not stayed.”Connor ’08


time to leave. Many of my friends alsodecided to leave after eighth grade.” ForSarah, it seemed obvious to leave aftereighth grade. “I was ready for a changeand to meet new people. I am happy withthat decision.” A consistent theme amongall of the recent grads was the importanceof finding a “good fit.”

What is one of your strongestmemories of RCS?Rippowam Cisqua alums have incrediblyclear, strong memories of their time at theSchool. While the stories are varied, thememories are all poignant and meaningful.For Amber, it is about being on the stage.“I remember all the performances I was inat Ripp. I loved being in the musicals, andmy family and I still watch the DVD ofSeussical—the play in my sixth grade year.Being in those musicals and performances,going all the way back to JPK, helpedprepare me to audition in high school.”Will remembers special moments with histeachers: “My advisor used to take us tothe Bedford Diner for breakfast. Wethought we were pretty special.” Addierecalls the broader development that tookplace for her at Rippowam. “I grew up atRippowam,” she said. “People saw mechange, grow, and mature. I attended Rippfor twelve years and, over those twelveyears, I developed very close friendshipswith my classmates and teachers.” Jackremembers how much daily life at RCSmeant to him, saying, “One of the things I

loved most about Ripp was that there wasno stigma about being smart or workinghard. In fact, doing well was actuallyhighly encouraged. I also liked the factthat there was no backlash if you stood upand spoke your mind in a discussion.”

“In ninth grade,” Connor said, “I tookbiology with Mr. Perry and loved it. Inhigh school, I confirmed that I was reallyinterested in neurology, but I decided thatI prefer the hands-on experience versusthe research part of it. I owe that all toRipp.” Sarah talked about how much sheliked the community and how engagingher classes were, and Nicole fondlyremembers having her writing publishedin seventh and eighth grade at Mrs.Greenwood’s urging. “By the end ofeighth grade,” said Nicole, “Mrs.Greenwood called me the ‘Poet Laureateof Rippowam Cisqua,’ which reallyboosted my confidence in my writing

and public speaking. With that as myencouragement, I read a poem I wrote asmy candidate speech when I ran for, andultimately won, my Governing Councilposition three months later during myfirst month at Horace Mann!”

What about yourcurrent school?It’s interesting to see how the RippowamCisqua experience has influenced eachstudent’s high school experience. Addiesaid, “My favorite class in high school wasAmerican Studies – a combination ofliterature and history focused on earlyAmerica. I really liked the teacher, and Iloved the discussions that we had as aclass. They were similar to those at Ripp.”Amber told us how much she enjoyed herfirst year at Miss Porter’s: “This year I wasa tenth-grade class representative andnext year I will be class president. I lookforward to that experience, and I know I

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Matt Rohrer ’10Matt was raised in Katonah. Like his classmateAmber, he also is a Rippowam Cisqua “lifer” –joining in JPK and staying through ninth grade,when he was Blue Team captain. Matt justfinished his sophomore year at Milton Academy,a boarding school outside Boston, which he feelsis the perfect place for someone with his learningstyle and aspirations.

Sarah Strong ’09Sarah, from Armonk, started her RippowamCisqua career in Kindergarten and stayed througheighth grade. Sarah is starting her senior yearat Rye Country Day and looking forward tobeginning the college admission process this year.She has her eye on quite an impressive list ofcolleges and universities.

“At Ripp, your teachersfeel like a family.You have very closerelationships with them.Ripp is a small school,and it nurtures thatfeeling easily.”Katherine ’11


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What’s coming up in the fall?With the beginning of the school year,excitement abounds for the coming year.For Addie and Connor, who are bothembarking on their first year of college,there will be much change: Addie said, “Iam excited about all the options that lieahead for me and the choices that I willhave to make, which will have an impacton the rest of my life.” Connor is equallyenthused: “I am looking forward toattending Cornell this fall, studyingneurobiology and behavior. I hope tobecome a neurosurgeon, so I have a longroad ahead of me. I would also like tominor in history, which is another passionof mine.”

Amber told us she is planning to learnmore about herself academically this year.“I have to admit,” she said, “I’m alsolooking forward to looking at colleges.”Jack said, “I am really looking forward tobeing a high school senior and to thefreedom and responsibilities that will comewith it. I am also looking forward to thecollege search process. Swimming will playa large role in my search, so I am spendingthis summer as a lifeguard and working onmy times.”

For Rebkha and Katherine, it will be a yearof getting more deeply involved in highschool. Rebkha said, “I plan to join more

never could have taken that risk withoutthe experience of being elected classsecretary in ninth grade at Ripp.” Aftertwo years, Jack is completely engaged atDeerfield. “This year,” he said, “I was onthe varsity cross-country team, and Iswam on the varsity swim team. I alsoserved on the student council and on thedisciplinary committee, which was reallyinteresting. I think it was my experiencein ninth grade at Ripp, as Blue Teamcaptain, that gave me the confidence torun for student council.”

Connor continues to feel the roots of hiseducation at Rippowam Cisqua. “I justgraduated from Byram Hills High School.The learning environment there wasmore lecture-based, unlike Rippowam,and there were many state guidelines thatmade the experience different from thehands-on learning at Ripp. I brought mylove of learning with me from Ripp,

though, and continued to enjoy learning,despite the different teaching style. I feltlucky that I spent four years at Rippowam.”Rebkha’s first year at Hackley has been agreat experience. “I was one of eight Rippstudents to go to Hackley this year (andthe only girl). I stayed friends with theother RCS students, but I also made manynew friends. The kids there were verywelcoming. There were 45 new students, sothe transition was easy.” Will chose bothBrunswick and Middlebury because he waslooking for the same community aspectthat he felt at Rippowam Cisqua. “I lovedBrunswick because of the similarities withRippowam – it was small and I developedclose relationships with my teachers andpeers.” Matt has experienced great growthsince he joined Milton. He said,“Attending Milton has changed me. I feellike I have become much smarter becauseof where I have been. I have really highstandards for myself now.”

Katherine Tobeason ’11Another recent grad, Katherine grew up inBedford. She also left after eighth grade and justcompleted her freshman year at Phillips AcademyAndover. During her first year, Katherine madethe honor roll in spite of what she describes as avery intense workload, for which RCS preparedher well.

Jack Vallar ’09Also from Bedford and another “lifer,” Jack beganat RCS in JPK and stayed through ninth grade.He just finished his junior year at DeerfieldAcademy, where he has been a standout memberof the swim team. Jack is looking forward to hissenior year and the college admission process.

“I knew my strengthsand weaknesses fromRippowam. I alsolearned how to interactwith adults, which isn’ta skill that I think mostkids develop in middleschool.”Will ’07


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clubs and extracurricular activities duringmy second year at Hackley.” Matt viewshis junior year as an opportunity to takenew classes and have more independencein deciding what to study. Will andNicole are both looking to deepen theirconnections at college this year. Willtold us, “I’m anticipating broadening myhorizons, deepening my friendships, andfiguring out what I want to do in life. Ialso want to get out and ski. I’m living inVermont, and I didn’t get much skiing in

last year!” Nicole, on the other hand, isthrilled to be in New York City. “Being atColumbia enables me to be very close toall the large media companies so that Ican potentially get an internship in thefall or spring to learn more about mypassion, which is film.”

After spending an hour with each of theseyoung men and women, it was clear thatthe students who hail from RippowamCisqua are well prepared for success.

They are all different people with differentexperiences, but there is great commonalityamong them. They all have the ability tospeak comfortably and directly to adults,the ability to think outside the box, a truepassion for what’s important to them, anda sense of self-confidence that makes themwise beyond their years. Please visit theRCS website and click on “alumni,” tofind video clips from our interviews.

Our veterans offered the following wordsof wisdom to the current students atRippowam Cisqua:

“First of all, do not worry about high school – it will be fun. Holdonto what you learn at Ripp, it will help you with high school.Everything you will learn from your teachers, here, right now,will have an impact on what you do later.”

“Stay for ninth grade, youwon’t regret it. After Ripp, Iwent to a school where I knewvery few people, but high schoolprovides many opportunities foreveryone to find his/her ownniche. You’ll find your own nomatter where you go. “

“Enjoy it – the time here reallymakes you. After Ripp, you will neverspend as much time together with others asyou did here with your Ripp friends.”

“Enjoy Ripp and holdonto it. You are luckyto be a part of thiscommunity. And,work hard, it willhelp you achievesuccess later on.”

“Do what you love; don’t hold backbecause someone may judge you.It is important to be true toyourself. Don’t worry about peerpressure. You will find friends in anyschool you choose to go to andfreshmen and sophomores arewelcome at a new school – they addinterest and excitement.”

“You should try to be as active as you can.”


Graduation 2011There are graduations, and there are graduations. 2011was one to remember! What started out as a beautiful,albeit oppressively hot, day began to look a little ominousweather-wise as the afternoon wore on. By the 5pmstart, with the entire fifth through eighth grade studentbody, faculty from both campuses, families, and friendsassembled, the tent was filled to honor and celebrate thegraduating ninth grade class of 2011 and the departingeighth grade students.

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Midway through the ceremony therewas news of a tornado warning and thebeginnings of a storm erupted into fullintention just as the graduation ceremonywas nearing its peak. Out from underthe massive, billowing tent, the entireassemblage was safely and swiftlyevacuated into the main buildings,every corridor of the rabbit-warren likestructure chockablock with humanity.

The tenets of a Rippowam Cisquaeducation – resilience, creative thinking,and an ability to respond to adversity withaplomb – were the order of the evening.Playful kids and upbeat conversationspersisted, anxious family members weresoothed, elders tended to with honor,and alternative plans were improvisedalmost seamlessly.

Fluidly, ninth graders were seated upon thestage of the Playhouse and their familiesushered into the auditorium, while allother students and their kin streamed theirway gradually to each other. Within whatseemed merely moments, the podium hadbeen moved indoors, the Playhouse seatsfilled, and the ceremony commenced,undaunted. Diplomas were distributed,photos snapped, speeches given, songssung, and the ritual adjourned for receptionand dinner in the gym – which hadmagically transformed into a party venuein the meantime.

In record time, technology and cateringcrews had transported sound equipment andtables (and everything on them right downto the floral arrangements) out of the raindrenched courtyard into the Trustees’ gym.From the polished cutlery to the multimediapresentations that greeted the newgraduates and their families, it looked likethis had been the original plan all along.

Conversation shared over the graduationdinner seemed exceptionally warm andpersonal. Kids took to the dance floor aglowin neon tubing, cake was consumed, andtearful farewells exchanged with touchingmutual gratitude. An extraordinary eveningto honor an extraordinary class, and anextraordinary school community.

Key Note Speaker:Bob WhelanMr. Nespole, Mr. Barrett, membersof the Board, esteemed faculty andstaff colleagues, students, families,and friends – it is an honor toshare with all of you in celebratingthis remarkable group of youngmen and women – who clean upso well – the inimitable,Rippowam Cisqua Class of 2011.

I have had the privilege of being a part ofthe journey with these young people overthe last five years; I have taught many ofthem in my Ethics class, we learned fromeach other in a history of rock and rollclass; I have coached many of them inbasketball; and we all have watched themflourish in countless ways. As so manyteachers reminded me when we wouldtalk about this special group of kids, toknow this class is to love this class – pureand simple.

As I prepared to speak with you, my firstthought was to reflect on the graduationsI had been a part of – graduate school,college, high school, my own middleschool graduation. Not only could I notremember who spoke at those, but Icouldn't remember a single thing that wassaid. So, knowing that in 25 years, youtoo will most likely forget every single

thing I say to you today, is a huge relief.I know you will remember that yourfamilies were here, your friends, yourteachers, your coaches, and those willremain with you as the visuals that you’llcarry with you always – pictures you don’tneed a camera for, just images that willbe part of the photo album you’ll keepin your head of all of the importantexperiences and memories throughoutyour journey.

Some of my first memories of you are asfifth graders – you were a little smallerthen, and you had these backpacks that,quite honestly, sometimes seemed to getthe better of you. They seemed giganticon you then, and I would see youwrestling with the front door.

You’ve been bringing stuff in and out ofschool nearly every day for the last fouror five years. After today, in one respect,you’ll be taking that backpack with you,from this place, for the very last time.I liked the idea of the metaphoricalbackpack for some of the things I hopeyou’ll bring with you, so I grabbed oneas a visual aid, and right about now I’mwishing I’d gotten a different one, becausethis one happens to belong to my secondgrade daughter and it’s hot pink and haseither leopard or cheetah spots on it,which is kind of distracting, butremember, it’s a metaphor for what you’llcarry with you that you’ll keep up here,

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Even if you never get on a stage like thatagain, we all watched you learning to workas a team, supporting each other, cheeringeach other on. I won’t forget that.

I have a vivid image of your comfort levelwith self advocacy – an essential life skill.For me, this example was one of manymoments that reflected how we adults learnso much from you. In this instance, oddly,it involved Kanye West, and the song“Gold Digger,” which, due to the fact thatI had gotten either too old, or too deaf toaccurately pick up, I thought he wassaying “Grave Digger,” which I admit Ifound somewhat confusing.

The conversation went something like this:

“Uh, Mr. Whelan, I’m not totally sure youhave that Kanye West song down.”

“Really? You mean the one where he says 'Iam not saying she is a grave digger.'"

“Yeah, you see, Mr. Whelan, the line is“I ain’t sayin’ she a gold digga.”

Ah yes, that does makes much more sense,doesn’t it?

I thank you for the confidence you had tospeak up, to share of yourselves, to never beafraid to ask questions. Now, I’ll leave it upto you to fill your grandparents in on therest of that song later, about which we hada very worthwhile discussion in Ethicsclass. I’ve got another snapshot – for me itwas your ability to tap into your passion,

and you’re free to pick a far moreattractive backpack image, without the“kooky” pens.

One of the things that I find so amazing isthat, as your parents sit a few feet away, Ican promise you that they’re flashing backto a time about fifteen years ago, whenyou were actually smaller than this goofybackpack. Though, in the interests ofaccuracy, I brought along this larger duffelbag, because I’m sure Mac’s parents werelooking at the leopard backpack andthinking “no way would baby Mac havefit into that thing.”

So, with the latitude afforded me as yourgraduation speaker, I wanted to share acouple of snapshots from your journeythat I’ll always carry with me. The firstrelates to your courage – your collectivecomfort mastering the fear that all of uswrestle with when we’re faced with adaunting challenge. Time and again, I sawyou, as a group, unafraid to put yourselvesout there to take a risk, to make a mistake.

I saw this when you were fifth graders,singing your hearts out in the springconcert in this very room – I’d never seenanything quite like it. As sixth graders,whether you like it or not, I willremember many of you in the OompaLoompas costumes in the classicperformance of Willy Wonka, so dignifiedin your rainbow suspenders and your littlered shoes and gloves – and what was soimpressive about that, was that you wereall in – you weren’t too cool for it.

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and that passion took on many forms –through your portfolio projects, throughthe arts, through lively classroomdiscussion. It also took place in athleticarenas, and what some people here maynot know, is that the Rippowam Cisquagirls' varsity basketball team, under yourleadership, ran roughshod over theFairchester league while you were here.You went 41-4 as a team.

You played with passion and tenacity, youwon with dignity and class – yourteamwork embodied the concept that thestrength of the wolf is indeed the pack,and I have to believe there are some girls'basketball coaches in the Fairchesterleague who may also be celebrating thefact that you’re graduating today, but for aslightly different reason.

In a similar vein, I had the privilege ofcoaching many of you boys on thebasketball court – and one tournamentthis winter stood out for me as amicrocosm of what you stand for aspeople. In a five game tournament, therewas a blow out win, where everyonecontributed, and the way you cheeredeach other on still makes me smile. Therewas a down to the wire win againstGreenwich Country Day where, at a keymoment, we had the conversation that noninth grade boys team had brought atrophy back from this tournament inrecent memory, and that we would needninth grade leadership to do just that;and, as you know, somewhere under a pileof sweatshirts and whatever all that stuffis in Mr. Morrissey’s office, if you searchhard enough – and by search, I mean ifyou hire an actual archeological dig team– you will find a well deserved trophy foryour having finished in the top three.

What I won’t soon forget from that day,however, was when we played the teamthat walked onto the court with a coupleguys literally my size, guys who weredunking in warm up. I didn’t tell you thisthen, but I’m quite certain those guyswere clearly in their mid twenties – ifwe’d had more time, I would havedemanded to see some birth certificates,but such is life.

Graduation 2011 continued…


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The Graduatesof the Class of 2011Nick AsaroAndrew BiancoDana BiddleEmma BoydSusannah DaviesPatrick DonohoeArianna GelwicksChloe GirouxSarah GordonAbe KipnisFreddy LevensonDomi MoiseMac NicholasTorell NugentClayton RiceRichard RiegelBrandon RosenbluthLuke SalvatoreClara SeabornDoug VallarGordon Ziegler

Class of 2012 DepartingEighth GradersZurab AkirtavaLily BreckTyler BuckleySkylar BurdickCatherine CapolongoDanny CarolloJulia ConwayJessica CordianoErik de StefanisIsabelle EckelLucy FeidelsonNick GaultOwen GerberGabriella GiammalvaOlivia GibsonSerena HernandezJames JacksonWill MaerovEmma MorrisonJordan NichollsRobert PrestonScott RowanJosephine RubinElizabeth Tobeason

Make no mistake about it, you came outand didn’t know what hit you (I knewexactly what hit you, it was that 6’5” 25year old ninth grader with “manmuscles”). We called a time out anddiscussed the fact that there are indeeddays when life will ungracefully smackyou right in the mouth, and it will be upto you to figure out how you’ll respond. Ihave never been more proud, whenseveral of you, through your actions,made the statement that “life may beindeed hitting me in the side of the headwith a brick right now, but I am notbacking down.” You did not back down.We lost, but if you took away from thatwhat I think you did, there will be manymore wins in everything you do fordecades to come.

It has been a profound privilege for all ofus to travel with you during this part ofyour journey and, as with any greatadventure, it’s essential to stop periodicallyto reflect on where you’ve been, where youare now, and where you’re going. Youshould feel terrific – you have accomplishedso much and we’re gathered for theimportant exercise of honoring what you’veachieved here today.

So, being okay with the fact that youlikely won’t remember anything I said

today, there’s a final picture I want you totake with you – one to carry in that leopardprint backpack squarely embedded inyour mind.

I want to ask all of the Cisqua faculty tostand and remain standing – for so muchof what your class has accomplished, isa direct reflection of the powerfulfoundation that these remarkably talentededucators built with you. I loved watchingtheir faces light up yesterday when wetalked about you. Now the Ripp faculty,please stand and remain standing – take agood look at them. Need I say more?Every single staff member – our colleagueswho fed you, processed your book faircharges, admitted you, took pictures ofyou, put Band-aids on you, drove buses foryou, worked the Front Office for you –please stand. Now I’d like your families tostand up. I know how much they love youand how proud they are of what you’vebecome, and that same sentiment is sharedby all of us. The people assembled beforeyou is the image I hope you remember 25years from now.

Here’s to you, the unforgettable young menand women of the Class of 2011 – you areleaving Rippowam Cisqua today, but it ismy heartfelt hope that you will never let itleave you.


they could only dream about when youwere infants. Each day, you’ve expandedyour repertoire of skills, built upon yourtalents, and grown both physically andemotionally. Know that you’ve earned theright to move on, but you haven’t reachedyour full measure yet as men and women.So don’t forget the people who have beenthere for you all along, who’ve bandagedyour bumps and bruises, who’ve been yourallies and your rule–setters, and who loveyou more than you will ever understand—until, of course, one day when many ofyou will sit out in seats like those in theaudience, on an afternoon much like thisone, at your own child’s graduation.Keep in mind that your parents reallywere not stripped of every modicum oftheir intelligence on the day you reachedyour adolescence. As advice columnistEllen Goodman once remarked, “Thedifference between my son and me is thatI have been his age, and he has neverbeen mine.”

Now what I’d like you to reflect uponfrom time to time…If you follow basketball at all you mayhave heard of a recent debate that hasbeen sparked by comments made byScottie Pippen. For those of you whodon’t follow basketball, Scottie Pippen

Matthew Nespole’sGraduation SpeechI think I can say that, for many ofus, we are here today with mixedemotions in our hearts. For thefaculty, parents, and guests in theaudience there is the great joythat we feel as we celebrate theaccomplishments of all of you hereon the stage.

For the faculty, that joy is coupled withsorrow because we know that in a littlea while we’ll be saying goodbye. Whilewe may see you at Revels, or futuregraduation exercises for younger siblings,we know we have to let you go, but wewill miss you.

Your parents are looking at you now withjoy and pride, but there may be a twinge ofsadness in their hearts because they knowyou are growing up, and that you willcontinue on your paths to independence.

For you, our ninth grade graduates anddeparting eighth graders, joy may mix withsadness because today truly marks the endof your Rippowam Cisqua Journey, and thebeginning of the exciting new adventure on

which you are about to embark. In myexperience, because of these competingemotions, I’ve found, as time goes by, thatgraduation remarks often get lost in thefiles of our memories.

Perhaps what you will remember mostabout this evening is the sweltering heatand perspiration that was running downyour back during the ceremony. Giventhe weather troubles we had this year,it seems only fitting that the forces ofnature have decided to broil all of us. Aformer graduate school professor of mineonce remarked that what was great aboutbeing in schools was the fact that everymoment of every day was an opportunityfor a lesson to be taught. It seemstonight’s lesson will be resiliency.

So, in our final moments together, as westiffen our backs and fight through theheat and humidity, I want to take theopportunity to offer you one piece ofadvice, and one thought I hope you willthink carefully about from time to timeas you continue on at your next schoolsand beyond.

First the advice: Exert your independence,but cut your parents some slack. You’vegrown up so much and become the people

Graduation 2011 continued…20


was an incredibly talented player who hadthe opportunity to play with MichaelJordan during the Renaissance of theChicago Bulls Basketball Team in the1990’s. Many have argued that MichaelJordan is the greatest player of all time.Ms. Perry’s Spanish classroom has apicture of Michael Jordan at the top ofone of her walls with his arms fullyextended as if he’s embracing the room,oozing his greatness onto students seatedbeneath him.

For those of us who had the chance towatch him play – even if we were diehardKnicks fans – we knew we werewitnessing something special. ScottiePippen made the comment that hebelieves that Lebron James, perhaps thegreatest male basketball player of yourgeneration, is the greatest basketballplayer of all time, better than histeammate Michael Jordan. Both menobviously have a gift that makes themspecial and unique. The gift they havehas led to a debate about greatness.

As basketball officiandos debate in thewee hours of the morning on Wikipagesand Twitter, they will compare stats,championships, scoring records, totalgames won, total games played, andpersonal MVP awards; but I wonder ifthey will ask, “Which of these men madeeveryone around him better?”

Each of you on this stage may not be awareof it, but you have a connection to theseincredibly talented individuals. Like them,you have a gift that makes you special,unique, and great—it’s the educationyou’ve received here at Rippowam Cisqua.While you may not see it just yet, in time,I am confident you will come to realizewhat took place in the classrooms andhallways here is one of the greatest giftsyou will ever receive.

Approximately 1% of the sixty millionschool age children in our country have theopportunity to attend a school like ours; aschool with a faculty completely dedicatedto both your emotional and intellectualdevelopment, a school that focuses on

RCS AA President Chris Wirth ’94Graduation SpeechCongratulations to the Rippowam Cisqua Class of 2011.Likewise, congratulations to the departing 8th graders – the classof 2012. As Chairman of the Rippowam Cisqua School AlumniAssociation, I am proud and honored to officially welcome bothaccomplished grades into the RCS Alumni Community.

For me this is a flashback. I sat where you are sitting today in 1994, althoughwe didn’t have a tornado, tsunami, or hurricane! That day, like today, is atransition ... a passage. What I understand today is that, although we were atRippowam Cisqua for years, we will all be from Rippowam Cisqua FOREVER.Remember what you have learned. Embrace what you have experienced.Cherish those who taught you and those with whom you grew.

Your academic career at Rippowam Cisqua ends with the receipt of today’sdiploma and certificate. The next phase is that of an alum, and it begins now.We welcome you and encourage you to stay as involved as you can. The manymediums in the world today create forums for both dialogue and contact.

The next part of your journey will be experienced at increased speed. The artof life is to balance the ability to look ahead while always reflecting back.What you became here will serve you well in your future. Give back to thisschool. Let others learn from where you will go. Share with fellow graduates asyou make your mark in the world.

Dare to be true to yourself and dare to make all that you are a part of GREAT!Again, congratulations to the graduates and their proud families. Good luckwith the future, and I look forward to speaking to each and every one of you.

nurturing your heart and building yourmind; a school where every single parentwants his or her child to receive the bestpossible educational experience; a schoolwhere you’ve been given the tools to be athinker and a leader.

Already, all of you have achieved greatthings. You have created thoughtfulanalytical essays, beautiful pieces ofartwork, solved complex math equations,and mastered foreign languages. Youhave excelled on our playing fields andstages. You’ve devoted time and energy tohelping those in need; but the real test ofgreatness—of your greatness—will comewhen you’re given the opportunity to usethe gift you’ve received here to makeothers better, and you choose to do so.

Those at Rippowam Cisqua who haveworked with you, and gotten to knowyou, appreciate the contributions youhave made to our School’s long andoutstanding tradition. As you go off intothe world to enjoy what I trust are livesof great joy, and continued success,please take with you our thanks forleaving Rippowam Cisqua a better placethan when you entered it.

Go out and be good people, and make theworld a great place to be.

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Graduation 2011 continued…22

Congratulations to the Class of 2011

Secondary Schools RCS students will attend in September 2011:

Beacon SchoolBerkshire SchoolBrooks SchoolBrunswick SchoolCalhoun SchoolCate School (CA)Choate Rosemary HallConvent of the Sacred HeartDeerfield AcademyEthel Walker SchoolFox Lane High SchoolGreenwich AcademyGrotonHackley SchoolHotchkiss SchoolIona PrepKent School

Lawrenceville SchoolMasters SchoolMiddlesex SchoolMiss Porter’s SchoolNorthfield Mt. HermonPawling High SchoolRye Country Day SchoolSage Hill School (CA)School of the Holy ChildSt. Andrew’s SchoolSt. George’s SchoolSt. Luke’s SchoolStanwich SchoolStockholm InternationalSchoolTaft SchoolWestminster

Bates CollegeBoston UniversityCollege of CharlestonCollege of William and MaryColorado CollegeConnecticut College (2)Cornell University (3)Dartmouth CollegeEmory UniversityGettysburg CollegeHarvard UniversityLehigh UniversityMacalester College

Middlebury College (2)Oberlin CollegeSUNY GeneseoTrinity College (4)Tulane University (2)Union College (2)University of Chicago (3)University of Colorado at

BoulderUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of St. AndrewsWake Forest College

Congratulations also tothe Rippowam Cisqua Class of 2008

Select colleges RCS Class of 2008 will attend in September 2011:


Joseph Edward PotterJuly 18, 1962–August 26, 2011Joe is fondly remembered by his many students and fellow teachersat Rippowam Cisqua as an incredibly caring and passionate teacherwho used clear, calm and heartfelt instruction to instill the love ofeducation in everyone he met. He will be deeply missed.

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French AwardsLast spring, seven French students inseventh, eighth, and ninth gradesplaced in the top ten rankings of theWestchester New York Chapter of the2011 National French Contest or GrandConcours. Four of these students alsoscored in the top ten National rankingsand will be receiving bronze medals.The bronze medalists are Emily Barshay,Sophie Boyd, Annabel Grunebaum, andEmma Boyd. The contest was sponsoredby The American Association of Teachersof French. Nearly 100,000 students inall fifty states competed in the GrandConcours. Here in Westchester, 1,243students sat for the contest. Thestudents who placed among the top tenWestchester and/or National rankings are:

Seventh grade studentsEmily Barshay – third in Westchester;eighth in the NationAaron Casella – sixth in WestchesterNatalie Harrington – sixth in WestchesterAnnabelle Nemeth – seventh inWestchester

Eighth grade studentsSophie Boyd – fifth in Westchester;seventh in the NationAnnabel Grunebaum – eighth inWestchester; tenth in the Nation

Ninth grade studentsEmma Boyd – tenth in Westchester;tenth in the Nation

Poetry LiveRippwriters were invited to participate inthe tenth annual Poetry Live! event,which took place at the Emelin Theaterin Mamaroneck, New York on Sunday,April 3. This event exists so that parents,grandparents, teachers, and lovers ofpoetry can gather to celebrate the U.S.National Poet Laureate program withyoung poets. Over 200 attendees enjoyedhearing original poetry read by studentpoets from Fox Lane High School, RyeNeck High School, Westlake HighSchool, Albert Leonard Middle School,Ardsley Middle School, and RippowamCisqua School.

Nine students from Ripp were chosen toparticipate and present their originalpoems, which were also included in ananthology of the student writingdistributed at the event. The event was

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2010-11Student Awards

televised on local cable access television.The nine RCS poets were Skylar Burdick,Emily Barshay, Isabel Donohoe, GeorgiaMorley, Lulu Agajanian, Alex Needham,Isabel Seaborn, James Jackson, andTyler Buckley.

Scholastic Writing AwardsThe Scholastic Art & Writing Awardsprogram is the most prestigious andlongest running student art and writingcontest in the world. Over 165,000 entriesin art and writing are received each yearfrom regional programs across the country.Of these, approximately 2,500 writers earnRegional Gold Key pins and certificates.This year, seventh and eighth gradeRippwriters won an impressive eightRegional Gold Key awards.

In the words of the organizers for theAlliance for Young Artists and Writers,“This is a wonderful achievement for theyoung writers … the works that receivedrecognition were reviewed by a panel ofliterary artists and creative industryleaders …the gifted students recognizedby The Scholastic Awards have uniquetalents, passions, and skills.” In hisspeech at the last Carnegie Hall AwardsCeremony, Scholastic CEO DickRobinson said, “You are the best of thebest.” The Rippwriters who were awardedRegional Gold keys this year were: EmilyBarshay, Julia Conway, Georgia Morley,Emma Morrison, Josephine Rubin, andLindsay West.

Rippowam Cisqua students are annually recognized at the state andnational levels for performance in many areas including foreign language,writing, etc. This past year was no different, and these success storiesare a testament to the talents, hard work, and commitment of both thestudents and their teachers.


Spanish AwardsEach spring, the American Associationof Teachers of Spanish and Portuguesesponsors the national SpanishExamination. The test has two fortyminute sections that incorporatelistening, reading, and grammar concepts.Attaining a medal or honorable mentionis prestigious because the exams are thelargest of their kind in the United States,with well over 140,000 studentsparticipating this year. This year’s awardrecipients from Rippowam Cisqua were:

Level 1:Honorable Mention: James Mattei,Clayton Rice, and Brandon RosenbluthMedalla de Bronce: Skylar Burdick,Catherine Capolongo, and Jordan NichollsMedalla de Plata: Madison Blair,Olivia Davis, Erik de Stefanis,Isabel Donohoe, Chloe Giroux,Owen Gerber, Serena Hernandez,Georgia Morley, and Emma MorrisonMedalla de Oro: Lucy Feidelson,James Jackson, Josephine Rubin, andJason Toporoff

Level 2:Honorable Mention: Clara Seabornand Patrick DonohoeMedalla de Bronce: Nicholas Asaro,Dana Biddle, and McCarter NicholasMedalla de Oro: Frederick Levenson

Latin AwardsIn the second week of March, for the past36 years, Latin students have settled intotheir desks with number 2 pencils in handand tested their knowledge against fortyquestions on the national Latin Exam, anexam set under the sponsorship of TheAmerican Classical League and TheJunior Classical League. The exam isgiven at seven levels with RippowamCisqua students sitting for three of thoselevels. This year, more than 150,000students from around the country, and atschools around the world from Australiato Zimbabwe, sat for the exam. AtRippowam Cisqua, seventh gradersparticipate in the Introductory Levelexam, eighth graders participate in theLatin IB exam, and the ninth graders takethe Level II exam.

The following seventh gradestudents received awards:Special Honors and Perfect scores wereearned by: Beatrice de Vaulx and TibbonSteinmanCertificates of OutstandingAchievement were received by:Youssef Asaad, Jack Kilgallon, FessehaMichael, Sophie Potter, Jeffrey Garza,Emma Holinko-Brossman, andLindsay WestCertificates of Achievement were givento: Harrison Rice, Ryan Rothfuss,Teddy Vallar, Marcus McCallum, andJane Widder

The following eighth grade studentsreceived silver medals and maximacum laude certificates:Jessica Cordiano, Scott Rowan, andElizabeth Tobeason

Two ninth graders alsoreceived awards:Abe Kipnis earned a maxima cum laudecertificate and Andrew Bianco earned amagna cum laude certificate

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Rippowam Campus Athleticsand Academic AwardsAthletic Awards:John Odden Award –

Annabel Grunebaum, Zurab AkirtavaGillian Roth Softball Award –

Jessica CordianoStephen D. Miller Baseball Award –

Doug VallarHarry Barber Award – Dana Biddle,

Clayton Rice

Academic Awards:Hyperbole – Harrison RiceNational Geographic Geography Bee –

Freddy LevensonBryna Watkins Writing Awards –

Jackson Corrigan, Carrie Kinui,Cecilia Thieberger

Frankel Scholarship Prize –Christopher Glynn

American History Prize – Olivia Davis,Josephine Rubin, Jason Toporoff

Richard L. Wade Scholarship Prize –Jason Toporoff

Jane Brooks Robbins Science Prize –Andrew Bianco, Abe Kipnis

Laura D. Paddock English Prize –Emma Boyd

Prudence B. Read History Prize –Doug Vallar

Stanley M. Feret Mathematics Prize –Freddy Levenson

Melanie J. Kraft French Prize –Emma Boyd

Spanish Prize – Arianna Gelwicks,Freddy Levenson

Wadleigh W. Woods Latin Prize –Abe Kipnis

Sarah F. Fowler Drama Prize –Emma Boyd, Freddy Levenson,Nick Asaro, Clayton Rice

Paul and Audrey Fisher Art Prize –Chloe Giroux, Emma Morrison

Susan Fiala Music Prize – Nick AsaroAnn Thacher Faculty Award of

Distinction – Dana Biddle,Emma Boyd, Dominique Moise

Trustees’ Prize – Tyler Buckley, JuliaConway, Susannah Davies, Mac Nicholas,Robbie PrestonGertrude Pell Bishop Memorial

Award – Arianna Gelwicks,Doug Vallar

Walter F. Wyeth Prize –Nick Asaro, Luke Salvatore

Waldo B. Jones Prize – Chloe Giroux,Freddy Levenson

The Rippowam Cisqua Prize –Doug Vallar


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RCS inPictures2010-11

4th Grade Farewell

Seussical Lower Campus Field Day


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Walk to Cisqua Day

Upper Campus Field Day


Kirtley CameronKirtley Cameron founded Kirtley Cameron Architectureand Design in 2005, a residential design firm with a focuson historic restoration. Kirtley currently serves as thePresident of the Bedford Historical Society Board ofDirectors, is a member of the Middlebury College ArtsCouncil, and serves as a Trustee of Saint Michael’s Schoolin Newport, Rhode Island. She has been involved withRippowam Cisqua School as an active member of theAthletic Advisory Council and as a member of the

Campus Master Plan committee. Kirtley and her husband Seth Cameron ’88 live inBedford and are the parents of Mary Kirtley ’20 and Hazel ’22. Kirtley received herundergraduate degree from Middlebury College and a Master’s Degree in Architecturefrom Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

Greg FlemingGreg Fleming is the President of Morgan Stanley SmithBarney and President of Morgan Stanley InvestmentManagement. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Greg was aSenior Research Scholar and Lecturer in Law at the YaleLaw School. Previously, Greg was the President and ChiefOperating Officer of Merrill Lynch. Greg and his wifeMelissa live in Bedford and are the parents of Rory ’15,Charlotte ’14, and Andrea ’11. Greg has served on theBoard of Directors of the New York City Ballet, the Asia

Society, BlackRock, Inc., and he served on the Rippowam Cisqua Board of Trustees from2004-2008. Greg is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a director of ColgateUniversity, and a member of the Board of Advisors for the Yale Law School Center forthe Study of Corporate Law. Greg received his undergraduate degree in economics fromColgate University and his J.D. from Yale Law School.

Focusing onThe Board

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Head of the Board

Amanda Riegel, ChairAmandajoined theBoard ofTrustees in2006 and waselected Chairof the Boardin July 2011.Amanda

served as a co-chair of the Long RangeStrategic Plan steering committee and as amember of the Campus Master Plan taskforce. Amanda has spent the last 19 yearswith Friman and Stein, a diamond andjewelry business. Amanda and herhusband Dicky live in Bedford Hills andare the parents of Richard ’11 and Amelia’14. Amanda received her undergraduatedegree in Art History at Barnard.

Role of the RCS Board ofTrustees: The RippowamCisqua Board is a volunteerbody that serves as the guardianof the School’s mission,focusing on strategic issues andon the long term well-being ofthe School.

It is the Board’s responsibility toensure that the mission is appropriate,relevant, and vital to the communityit serves. The Board monitors thesuccess of the School in fulfilling itsmission and concentrates on the bigpicture while leaving the School’sdaily operation to the Head of School.Members of the Board have afiduciary responsibility to the Schoolfor sound financial management,engaging in strategic financialplanning, and assuming primaryresponsibility for the preservation ofcapital assets and endowments. TheBoard and the Head of School workin partnership in fulfilling these mainprinciples to best serve the School.

New Members of the Board


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Alumni AssociationAwards

Since its inception in 1992, the RCS Alumni Association (RCSAA)has established three separate awards, which are administered by theAlumni Association Board of Directors with input from the entirealumni body. This year, the Alumni Association honored a veteranRCS teacher with the Master Teaching Award. The Alumni Boardis honored to contribute to the RCS community in such a meaningfulway and welcomes the alumni community’s suggestions orrecommendations for award nominations. Comments andnominations can be submitted to the Rippowam Cisqua SchoolAlumni Office at [email protected].

For additional information on the RCS Alumni Association Awards,please visit www.rcsny.org and click on “Alumni.”

Master Teaching AwardRecipientMr. Jim Jaffe was the recipient of theMaster Teaching Award on June 10,2011. Jim retired this past spring afterhaving taught at Rippowam CisquaSchool for 22 years. Jim was a thirdgrade teacher on the Rippowam CisquaLower Campus and has taughtgenerations of RCS students sincejoining the community in September1989. On behalf of the entire Alumnibody, Chairman of the Board,Christopher J. Wirth ’94, presented Mr.Jaffe with the award along with gratefulappreciation for his long service anddedication to the School.


Gathering ofAlums 2011

On May 19th 2011, over 100 RCS alums, including Head of School,Matthew Nespole, long time RCS coach, Richie Meyers, former RCSteacher, Anne Thacher, and members of the RCS faculty gathered for awonderful evening of reconnecting with each other. It was a fantasticnight of great company, good food, and lots of laughs over old stories andnew endeavors. Thank you to everyone for making this an annual success!

Photos from the event are posted on the website, www.rcsny.org and Facebook. If youwould like to receive copies contact the Alumni Office at [email protected].

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Richard Cahill ’92, Peter Pell ’92Roger Vincent, Sr. ’59, Roger Vincent, Jr. ’88

Cynthia Mas ’71, Robert Boyd ’75,Anne Niemann ’71

Phoebe Montgomery Moeller ’71, AnneEckhart Demas ’72, Luke Fowler ’71, W.Macy Johnson ’65, Jennifer Montgomery ’67


Tim Schneider ’95, Giff Foley ’95, Vanessa Seide ’93, Tristan Perich ’97 Phil Hauspurg ’01, Chris Wirth ’94, Rich Meyers (RCS Coach)

Andrew Heath ’97, Gus Levy ’98, KathyPerry (RCS teacher)

Maia Gottesfeld ’02, William (Abe)Chehebar ’02, Kathryn Laird ’02

Todd DeSimone ’93, Chris Finley ’93

Phoebe Montgomery Moeller ’71,Taylor Baldwin ’72

Elizabeth (Libby) Prezzano Whitman ’85,Tice Burke

Giff Foley ’95, Ben Ginnel ’95,Tim Schneider ’95

Missy Swan (RCS teacher), Harry Grand ’93 Nancy Dwyer Eaves ’92, Ann Thacher (former RCS teacher), Alix Johnston LaMotte ’92

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“What a great weekend weall had – so many thanks toeveryone for the rekindledmemories.”Alex Gordevitch

“We are already planningour 45th!”Class of ’71

On Memorial Day Weekend, 28 membersof the class of 1971 returned to Bedford tocelebrate their 40th reunion. The event wassparked by Cynthia Branch Mas, a memberof the RCS Alumni Board, who startedher search for classmates by borrowingyearbooks from the School and looking atpictures from as far back as kindergartenand going all the way through ninth grade.

Her research showed her that there were fiftyclassmates. Emails flew from Tasmania to Texas andeventually all but four of the fifty members of theclass of 1971 were located and began to reconnect.What resulted was an informal reunion that startedon Friday afternoon with a visit to a local art exhibit,and included a Saturday morning trip down memorylane at the Upper Campus, a spectacular garden tour,a day out on the links, impromptu hikes, tennis,swimming, and two wonderful evening events.

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Class of ’71Reunion

Saturday Night Dinner at the house of Alex Gordevitch in BedfordBack row: Matt Damora, Caroline Ohler Miller, Martha Woodbridge, Peter Wyman,Bill Mayo-Smith, David Marvin, Eugenie Harvey, Jay Denison, Russell CorserFront Row: Greg Shaw, Ben Hall, Avril Hordyk Dannenbaum, Peter Halle, CynthiaMas, Julie Farrar, Peter Kelley, Alex Gordevitch, Elizabeth Babbin Tucker, SuzanneSeaman Winkelman, Jane Winans McKim, Kate Johnson Phillips, Tad Montross

Friday Night Dinner at the home of Cynthia MasLeft to Right: Matt Damora, Luke Fowler, Dick Hollyday, David Marvin,Peter Halle, Jane Winans McKim, Alex Gordevitch, Julie Farrar, Ben Hall,Martha Woodbridge, Jay Denison, Elizabeth Babbin Tucker, Peter Kelley

Left to right: Suzanne Seaman Winkelman, Peter Kelley, Kyra LeRoy Haydock,Elizabeth Babbin Tucker, Eugenie Harvey, Dick Hollyday


“I don’t think any of us had any idea how much funit would be and we all just picked up right where weleft off!”Cynthia Mas

“It is fascinating that Ripp created such bonds andfriendships that are strong forty years later.”Tad Montross

Friday evening ended by setting off Wish Lanterns – some Classmates were better at wishingthan others!

Martha Woodbridge, Cynthia Mas, SuzanneSeaman Winkelman, Jane Winans McKim

Avril Hordyk Dannenbaum, Julie Farrar Eugenie Harvey, Caroline Ohler Miller David Marvin, Bill Mayo-Smith

Eugenie Harvey, Bill Mayo-Smith,Kate Johnson Phillips

Jane Winans McKim, Tad Montross,Laura Lee Eifert Montross

Jay Denison, Ben Hall, Peter Halle,Peter Kelley

Ben Hall – Having just visited Peter Kelley inRutland, Vermont, Ben biked his way to thereunion in Bedford.

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We caught up with Rahul while he was on a brief break from his positionat Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston this summer. With thebackground hum of a busy medical center, and a momentary break in theinterview to ensure that Rahul’s wife, Kiran Ghia, was not going into laboras they were in the final weeks of their first pregnancy, we managed to carryon what proved to be a fascinating conversation with another RippowamCisqua alum who is charting an interesting course.

Rahul, when was the lasttime you visited Rippowam Cisqua?

I made a trip back to Bedford threeyears ago with my wife to show her theSchool, which I had referred to sofrequently. We visited with a number ofteachers, including Eileen Lambert, MikeKober, Chris Perry, and Ridley Sperling,who was actually a classmate of mine.The teachers are what made Rippowam sospecial and are the reason that I go back.

When you think aboutRippowam Cisqua what instantlycomes to mind?

When I describe RippowamCisqua to my friends who don’t know it, Ialways talk about the many extraordinaryteachers that I had. The teachers whohad the most profound impact on me asa student, and whom I see the mostfrequently, are the Valentines (Bill andSonya Valentine) who live in Boston. Wemake it a point to get together once ortwice a year. Mrs. Valentine was my fifthgrade teacher and Mr. Valentine was mymiddle school advisor and Englishteacher. As one of only a handful ofstudents of color in the late 80s and early90s at RCS, the Valentines made anextraordinary effort to make me feelwelcome and to facilitate my learningabout my own heritage and background.Mr. Valentine went so far as to take aclass in Indian History at Columbia andintegrated some of what he learned intothe ninth grade curriculum. I felt very

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Alumni ProfileRahul Rajkumar, MD, JD ’93

Editor's Note: Rahul and his wife gave birth to a boy, Zaki, on August 22, 2011


fortunate to have a teacher who would goto such lengths as well as to have theopportunity to get such a greatperspective of my own personal history.

How do you think yourexperience at Rippowam Cisquahelped shape who you’ve becometoday?

While I was at Rippowam Cisqua,I developed a true love of learning whichhas had a large impact on who I am today.I would attribute so much of that to myteachers as well, in particular EileenLambert, who helped me develop a trueenthusiasm for acquiring knowledge andlanguage. As a child, I developed a loveof reading and books from my grandfather,who was a book collector; my teachers atRippowam Cisqua built on and continuedthat love. I remember Mr. Valentineteaching us the importance of respectingbooks and treating them well. Wheneverwe started a new book, he would ask us toflex the binding twenty pages at a time toexercise the binding so it wouldn’t crack.I remember how important it was to himthat we treat our books with respect. Thiswas a large part of Indian culture as wellso it was comforting for me. The literaland metaphorical lesson that booksconvey knowledge, and that it is deeplyimportant to respect that knowledge,resonated with me.

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Winn Harkless, my fourth grade mathteacher, also had an impact on me.Interestingly, he died recently at thehospital where I work and it stirred upsome compelling memories for me. Weused to call Mr. Harkless the swamibecause he integrated Indian spiritualityinto math class by having us do focusedbreathing and meditation in class. Heused some very progressive techniques inhis teaching that I still remember andeven sometimes employ today. Forexample, to memorize the multiplicationtables he had us create a “memory house”and write the multiplication tables on ablank wall inside the house. Then whenwe needed to recall the figures we couldjust go back into the house. This is amissionary technique that is used forlearning Chinese language and that canbe very useful in medicine – where thereare many terms and concepts to learn.

Where did you go afterRippowam Cisqua? Did you feelwell prepared for your educationaljourney?

After I graduated from RippowamCisqua in 1993, I attended Hackley fortenth through twelfth grades. I then wenton to Yale where I got my undergraduatedegree, as well as a joint degree inmedicine and law. While at Hackley, Idiscovered that, even though there mayhave been some difference in exposure tocontent in certain areas, RCS had givenme something that my peers often did nothave, and that was the confidence and

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tools to be successful in any learningendeavor. That, to me, was the bestpreparation for all of my future educationand work plans. Rippowam really fosterscreativity and thinking and those arerequired skills in the work place. TheRippowam Cisqua approach gave us alevel of self-confidence in our abilities,a willingness to take risks in school, theability to draw connections, recognizepatterns, and speak confidently in public– all of which I’ve found to be invaluablelife skills, and far more useful than theability to memorize facts. Most childrendon’t get those opportunities. I believethere is no substitute for early childhoodeducation – the game is won or lost in thefirst ten years of a child’s education.

I had many experiences that I never couldhave had if I did not attend RippowamCisqua and stay for ninth grade. I was theeditor of Rippwriter, which was theSchool newspaper at the time. The NewYork City experience, which was thecapstone back then, gave us theopportunity to go into NYC every dayand absorb every aspect of life in the city.I also had a number of wonderfulcommunity service projects that Iremember well.

Another strong memory for me is in theathletic realm. Rippowam Cisquagraduates are expected to bewell-rounded in the arts, athletics, andacademics and I was always moreacademic-focused and didn’t have anyinterest in athletics. In ninth grade,Coach Meyers – who couldn’t be moredifferent than me – recognized that I wasvery interested in the math around sports,particularly statistics. He asked me to jointhe varsity basketball team – not to play,but to keep score – which was viewed bythe team and the School as a leadershiprole. I diligently kept statistics for everygame (and you have to remember this wasbefore computers were so prevalent andthis type of analysis was less common). Iproduced a series of excel spreadsheets forthe team with graphs on who was scoring,and Coach Meyers posted them in thelocker room. He complimented me on my

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“While I was atRippowam Cisqua, Ideveloped a true loveof learning which hashad a large impact onwho I am today.”


work and made me feel really good aboutmy contributions to the team.

My strongest memory was of a gameagainst Hackley. One of the stats Itracked was the number of fouls eachplayer had. During the game, one of theHackley players reached five fouls andshould have been kicked out and Ibrought it to the ref’s attention. TheHackley coach was incensed and CoachMeyers got in his face and defended meand said that if I said he had five fouls,then he had five fouls, and the player wasasked to leave the game. Ironically, yearslater, after I graduated from Hackley, I waschatting with a good friend of mine andhe told me the story, not realizing it wasme who had him kicked out of the game.Ultimately we ended up being really goodfriends. A few years later when I wasvisiting Ripp, Coach Meyers walked byand slapped me on the back andcommented on my being the student“he had given all that extra math help.”I never imagined that I would be theguy that got a slap on the back fromthe coach.

What are you doing now?Most recently, I have been

balancing a couple of different careers.My goal is to practice medicine as well asplay a role in the development of healthcare finance, economics, and policy. Iwant to help create a more efficient andhumane health care system in the U.S.After I completed my schooling, I cameto Harvard to do my residency in internalmedicine at Brigham and Women’sHospital in Boston. During my residency,several of my friends from law school wereworking on Barack Obama’s presidentialcampaign. They asked me to run thehealth care advisory committee duringthe campaign. I was essentially on thecampaign team from day one. At thatpoint, I didn’t think that he would winbut was just excited to have theopportunity to work on a campaign andshape potential policy. It was anexceptional experience to be involved atthe outset and actually see Obama win.After he was elected, I worked on thePresident’s transition team under Tom

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Daschle, and then I went back to Bostonand finished my residency. At that point,I was exploring various roles ingovernment but couldn’t find the right fit.It was important to me to still be able tobecome a doctor and practice medicine.So, two years ago, I took a position withMcKinsey Consulting. For ten months ayear, I work for McKinsey in helping withthe implementation of the U.S. healthcare policy by assisting companies indeveloping strategies to adapt to thepolicy, and helping other countriesdevelop their own health care strategies.For the other two months, I trainresidents and medical students, seepatients, and teach at Harvard. My longrange goal is to get into public service andplay a leadership role in national healthcare policy. In the meantime, I amgetting experience and exploring all myopportunities. Being at McKinsey is likedoing a residency in business leadership.

What are you most proudof that you’ve accomplished?

I am most proud of the small, butsignificant, role I played in the campaignto get President Obama elected. I washighly complimented during my tenureon the transition team when the NewRepublic did a write up on the membersof the team and mentioned me as having“established himself as one of Obama’smore eloquent spokespersons during thecampaign.” That’s the Rippowam Cisquaexperience in action again.

Do you have any advice for thecurrent Rippowam Cisqua students?

Pursue your dreams, take risks, andlearn as much as you can in your earlylife. Remember, you are in an incrediblyprivileged environment and you have beengiven a lot in life; you have a duty to serveand give back to society in whatever waysyou can.

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“The Rippowam Cisqua approach gave us a level ofself-confidence in our abilities, a willingness to takerisks in school, the ability to draw connections,recognize patterns, and speak confidently inpublic – all of which I’ve found to be invaluablelife skills.”

1994 RCS basketball team. Rahul is in the back row, second from the right, next to Coach Meyers.


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1962ReunionThe graduating Class of 1961 (boys) and1962 (girls) is planning a reunion May18-19, 2012 in Bedford and NYC. We havestarted a Facebook page “Ripp 61 & 62” foranyone from our class who wants to join, tohelp get us in the spirit to recapture ouryouth and our friendships. Save the date!

Then

Class of 1962 – the girls

Class of 1961 – the boys

Now

Alex Sanger ’61 (NYC), Susie Branch ’62(NYC), Anita de Braganca Stockbridge ’62 (Mt.Kisco NY), Janie Bishop Putnam ’62 and SandyPutnam ’61 (Bedminster, NJ) meeting for lunchin NYC to plan their 50th Rippowam reunion.

Penny Merrill Brouder tells us that she isnow retired from teaching, but still enjoysdoing some volunteer tutoring. Shecontinues to love the great outdoors. Shesays “I love sailing and treasure my hikingfriends (snow shoeing or cross countryskiing friends in winter) among whom Icount my faithful corgi Arlo.” She adds thatthe wonderful Bedford Library, is a fabulousresource for all ages and she counts on themany different activities there to keep hermind alert, and to share reading experienceswith interesting people. This summer hasbeen full of family activities, including atrip to France with her son Daniel, his wifeVictoria, and two grandsons, Ethan (11)and James (9). Her son’s wife, Victoria, isa jeweler (Victoria Varga) and she andDaniel run their business from CumberlandForeside, Maine. In September, Penny’sdaughter Sylvie is marrying Jeff Volenec,a long time colleague in the AgronomyDepartment at Purdue University wherethey are both professors. Penny writes:“Sylvie’s interest in science started atRippowam Cisqua in David Weld’sclassroom.” She also says “I am very muchlooking forward to our 60th reunion thisfall. Thanks particularly to Edlira Curis inthe Alumni Office and classmates RobertLaidlaw ’51, Nancy Huber Frost ’51, andCarla Darlington ’51 for locating andencouraging people to come and also all ofyou who are making the effort to get there.”

1950John Webster says: This summer, as well asfor many summers past, I have been playingtennis with Day Lee, my seventh gradehomeroom teacher whose is about 90 now!

1951ReunionThe Graduating Class of 1951 is planningtheir 60th reunion this fall.

Class of 1951 – Girls

Class of 1950 Boys

Class of 1951 – Boys

AlumniClass Notes


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1965A Rippowam vacation in Basset’s Island MA

Front Row: Francis (Randy) Goodhue ’64,Sam Goodhue ’97,Georgia Goodhue Reath ’93,Pip Reath, Forrest Mas ’04, Cynthia Mas ’71Back Row: Willy Goodhue ’04, Alexander(Roo) Reath ’93

1968Janet Gunn writes that for the last tenyears she has been working for CSC on the GETS (Government EmergencyTelecommunications Service), now calledPTS (Priority TelecommunicationsService), which allows authorizedemergency personnel to get priority whenthe phone network is overloaded (whenyou get the message “all circuits are busy,please try again later”). She has lived inVirginia since 1979 (after graduate schoolin NC), and has been married to TimHorn since 1996. Her property is adjacentto her sister Gillian’s property. Janet says:“I am still horse crazy, and have four ofthem. I compete in Eventing as well asDressage and Jumping. I recently becamea USEF “R” licensed Eventing TechnicalDelegate, which is a kind of referee forcompetitions. I am also starting to get re-involved in motorcycle road racing.”Her father (J.B. Gunn) died in late 2008,and the family sold the house on GuardHill in March of this year.

1969Seth Cunningham tells us that his son justfinished his freshman year at Oberlin andhis daughter is nearing the end of hercollege career at Mt. Holyoke. He also sawhis classmate Tim Schieffelin ’69 earlierthis year.

1970Kathy Burgeson tells us that the (Pryor)Burgeson family recently relocated fromChappaqua, NY to Richmond, Virginiawhere Kathy is a corporate lawyer withMeadWestvaco Corporation, a publiclytraded packaging company. Her son, Peter,is a sophomore at Denison College (OH),and daughter Sarah will be attendingRandolph College (VA). Her husband,Mark, is a consultant for the NYS Senate.

Kathy Pryor Burgeson (Cisqua 1970) at theTaft School 2010 graduation of son PeterBurgeson, along with daughter Sarah Burgeson.

1971Margaret Green Wheeler says: “I was sorryto miss our class reunion in Bedford inMay but loved reading the newsy Bulletin.My husband, Mark, and I live in Westford,MA and we have two sons, Greg, who is aJunior at Worcester Polytechnic Instituteand Jeff, who will be attending LafayetteCollege. Last August we celebrated our25th anniversary with a trip to Vermontwhere we honeymooned, though this timewe stayed in a B&B instead of camping outin a tent. I work for Hewlett Packard,managing internal IT projects. Hopefullywe will have a Class of ’71 reunion in theBoston area sooner than later.

Avril Hordyk Dannenbaum says “Mynovel, Chasing the Tricksters, will bepublished by Eternal Press this November,under my pen name of April Grey.”

Ben Hall shares with us a photo taken at Anne Halls’s daughter’s wedding inBerkeley.

Left to right: Andy Hall ’54 (Atherton, CA),Emlen Hall Ehrlich ’57 (San Francisco, CA),Anne Hall ’60 (Philadelphia, PA), Lindsey HallCohn ’64 (Carlsbad, CA), Ben Hall ’71(Seattle, WA)

1972Diana (Dido) Thayer is married and livesand works as an artist in Boston at HistoricFenway Studios (www.didothayer.com).Nick Thayer ’67, an artist who taught atMilton Academy for twenty-one years, now lives with his wife Nina CongdonThayer ’69 on Martha’s Vineyard. They have three children and severalgrandchildren. James Thayer (former RCSstudent), married with three kids, lives andworks as a carpenter in Gloucester, MA.Our mother, known as Immie Thayer,resides in Ipswich MA. She made manywedding dresses for Ripp graduates as wellas designing one of the Ripp uniforms backin the late 60’s. Do you remember herwonderful store in Bedford Hills?

1974Mike Carucci says: “I am especially grateful to Ripp for starting my lacrosse career. I hadnever been exposed to the “fastest game ontwo feet” before. I am glad to see boys andgirls lacrosse are still offered. Although mylacrosse career was nothing exceptional, Iplayed at Choate and Navy and alwaysenjoyed the competition, excitement, andphysicality. Fast forward thirty years: I nowcoach girls’ lacrosse in Northern Virginia andlove it. Our Fort Hunt Youth Lacrosse League3rd/4th grade B team recently took secondplace in the Northern Virginia championshipsout of 28 teams. I found coaching from thesidelines every bit as exciting as running aman-down defense in front of the crease.After the season, I recruited an NCAA Div 1womens lacrosse star to coach a summerleague in our neighborhood park. We got 29girls signed up and are having a ball.”


1975Robert Boyd and wife, Katie, live inBedford and two of their daughters, Sophie’12 and Margot ’21 attend RippowamCisqua. Their eldest daughter, Emma ’11,recently graduated from RCS in June.Robert is a member of the RCS Board ofTrustees and a former Chair of the RCSAlumni Association. He is currentlyworking at Guggenheim Securities runningInterest Rates sales & trading business, andrecently completed his CFA qualifications.

1979

Dorothy Meeks with kids from Kids4peace USA.

Dorothy Meek Porter tells us that she andher husband, Nicholas, hosted eleven kidsfrom Israel, Palestine, and the US on thelaunch year of a leadership program forKids4peace USA this July. At their farm inVermont, the kids hiked, swam, andimmersed themselves in mediation andleadership strategies with counselors fromJerusalem and the US. Combatants forpeace sponsored a billboard on I 95 whichthe kids painted themselves and visited onthe last leg of their trip to NYC.

She recently saw Brooke BaldwinDegrazia ’79, Boku Prince ’80, PaulSchreiner ’80, and Tim Ehrlich ’79. Shesays it’s nice to be back on the east coast.

1982Class representativesKatie Prezzano Durfee:[email protected]

If you have any questions about your classmates,news you’d like to share with your classmates, orany questions about your class reunion, pleasefeel free to contact your class representatives orthe RCS Alumni Office at [email protected]

1986Thom Haskell tells us he just got marriedto Jill Ort on May 21, 2001 on the Jerseyshore. He has also recently relocated fromBoston to California.

Pete and Burrill Haskell, Thom Haskell ’86, Jill Ort Haskell, Katy and Livy Haskell andThom’s nephews Tee and Henry

1992 Alix (Johnston) LaMotte tells us she lives in Bedford with her husband, Gardner,her four and a half year old daughter,Avery, two year old son, Walker, and theirdog, Callie.

Peter Pell shares with us a photo from hisengagement party in New York on June10th 2011.

From left to right: Alix (Johnston) LaMotte ’92,Jeremy Randol ’92, Peter Pell ’92, Tice Burke(Peter’s fiancé), Peter Hallock ’92, Nancy(Dwyer) Eaves ’92, and Katama (Guernsey)Eastman ’92

Vanessa Goldstein writes “I haven’t reallyseen any Ripp people recently but I’ve beenliving in LA now since I graduated fromBarnard College, Columbia University inMay 2008. Since then I’ve been workingin Hollywood and currently work forHasbro Films (TRANSFORMERS, GI JOE,BATTLESHIP) in Film Development. My

sister, Jessica Goldstein ’02, is gettingmarried in September to her collegesweetheart and I’m the maid of honor!Parker, my younger brother, will be goinginto eighth grade at Ripp and, between thetime I started in JPK and my brothergraduates in two years, we must be thelongest consistent family to attend Rippwithout any breaks!” Editors note: TheGoldsteins have been at Rippowam Cisqua for22 consecutive years, let us know if you thinkyour family has been here longer!

Gordon MacDonald ’98 also lives in LA.

Mary Tilt is currently living in New YorkCity and works for Hearst Corporation asthe International Marketing Director atHarper’s Bazaar magazine. Her latest news isthat she is engaged to be married inOctober and will definitely have fellowRCS Alumni in attendance!

1993Harry Grand says: “Harry, Emily, and LilyGrand spent a vacation on Roque Island,Maine with Roo, Georgia, and Pip Reath.We enjoyed a great week of hiking, beachfrisbee, golf, riding, and eating good food.

Dan Ryan and his wife, Charlene,welcomed their son, Reed Daniel Sy Ryanon July 3rd. Lily Grand is already planningto boss Reed around.

1994Becky Gerard Kellner shares with us afamily photo from 4th of July in PoundRidge NY. She says they are enjoying livingin NH and all the benefits of countryliving. She keeps in touch with AlexandraSeherr-Thoss ’94.

Becky, Matthew 3.5yrs, Ellie 16 months, Drew

39


4040

Alexandra Seherr-Thoss is married toAdam Doorly. They had a son namedChase, and are currently living in Boston.

1997Zoe Haydock shares with us a picture fromher recent wedding (right). Zoe and herhusband, Dan Millen, are in the middle of the group and the other Ripp alums inthe wedding party are: Alexandra (Ali) Ginnel ’97, Alexandra White ’97, AlisonWeisser ’97, Alexandra (Alix) Manoff’97, Katharine (Kitty) Haydock ’05,Elizabeth Robinson ’97, Oliver Haydock’98, William (Willy) Haydock ’98. Other Ripp alums who attended the weddingwere: Peter Kunhardt ’98, AbigailKunhardt ’99, George Kunhardt ’02,Teddy Kunhardt ’01, John Carr ’98,Roland Lamb ’99, Alex Jaffe ’98, RandyGoodhue ’65, Sam Goodhue ’97, WillyGoodhue ’04, Roo Reath ’94 and Georgia (Goodhue) Reath ’94.

2001David Wirth has been working at LiveNation in Cambridge, MA after graduatingfrom Northeastern University in 2009. He isalso continuing to work on his own musicalcareer as a singer/songwriter and is currentlyin the studio recording some of his work. He can be reached at [email protected].

2004Class representativesLouisa Farr: [email protected] Goodhue: [email protected]


George (Mac) Beitzel is currently living inNew York City, working at Young &Rubicam. He recently graduated from St.Lawrence University where he studiedEconomics and Sociology.

Tom Brosens tells us he just graduatedfrom Columbia University where hestudied Economics and Philosophy. He iscurrently living in New York City andworks at Morgan Stanley.

Meghan Clark will graduate in Decemberfrom Wake Forest with a double major inChinese and Economics.

Marica Dacey says she is currently livingat home in Easton, CT and working as aweb manager for the Lilly PulitzerSignature Store in Westport, CT. Shegraduated from Union College this year.

Jaclyn Lerea just graduated fromRochester University and is now movingto NYC to start a Ph. D. in Nutritionaland Metabolic Biology at Columbia.

Nora Menken just graduated from theUniversity of Michigan with a B.F.A. inMusical Theatre. She is currently living inNYC and working as a freelance makeupartist while auditioning for theatre/film/TV.

Mike Sandwick is currently living in SanFrancisco, CA where he is working at abusiness development start up firm calledHeyzap. He manages social network formobile games. Most recently, he graduatedfrom Wesleyan University where hestudied Philosophy.

Ian Virga ’04, Forrest Mas ’04, Willy Goodhue ’04, Nick Chen ’04 at DaveMatthews concert Atlantic City, Summer 2011

2006Class RepresentativesEliza Ghriskey: [email protected] Julie Bancroft: [email protected]


2007Class Representatives Sydney Mas: [email protected] Bianco: [email protected]

If you have any questions about your classmates,news you’d like to share with your classmates, orany questions about your class reunion, pleasefeel free to contact your class representatives orthe RCS Alumni Office at alumni.rcsny.org

Class Notes continued…


41

Olivia Tow ’07, Alexandria vanStarrenburg ’07, Stella de Stefanis ’07,Sydney Mas ’07, Alison Bianco ’07 andKatherine (Katie) Wolosoff ’07.

2011Class RepresentativesEmma Boyd: [email protected] Davies:[email protected] Gelwicks: [email protected]

If you have any questions about yourclassmates, news you’d like to share with yourclassmates, or any questions about your classreunion, please feel free to contact your classrepresentatives or the RCS Alumni Office atalumni.rcsny.org

Faculty NotesAnn Thacher recently joined RCSalumni for the Gathering of Alums inNew York City. She continues to enjoythe slower pace of retired life and travelsto New York City frequently. Thank you,Ann, for joining us last spring!

Rippowam Cisqua School –Alumni Page and the onlineAlumni electronic directory(www.rcsny.org).Reconnect with old friends, read thelatest alumni news, browse throughrecent alumni pictures, and stayinformed about upcoming alumnievents. For more information,email [email protected].

Rippowam Cisqua SchoolAlumni on

Did you know that you can findRippowam Cisqua Alumni onFacebook? Simply log on toFacebook and search for “TheOfficial Rippowam CisquaAlumni Group” and beginreconnecting with RippowamCisqua alumni today.

Two Ways to Reconnectwith RCS Alumni

Alumni AssociationExecutive CommitteeChristopher Wirth ’94, Chair,

Board of Trustees Ex-OfficioStephen Ohler ’66, Vice ChairSusannah Sard ’58, SecretaryRichard Cahill ’92, Treasurer

Meg Atkin ’76Todd DeSimone ’93Katie Prezzano Durfee ’82Nancy Eaves ’92Ben Ginnel ’95Harry Grand ’93Cynthia Mas ’71Bill Meyer ’84Philip Ohler ’75Elly Dwyer Rice ’94Vanessa Seide ’93Lisa Pagliaro Selz ’66Randy Wilson ’94

Ex-OfficioMatthew Nespole, Head of SchoolBob Whelan, Assistant Head of

School for Institutional Advancement

If you are interested in becominginvolved with the Alumni Board,please email [email protected].

Internship Opportunities for RCS AlumniAre you looking for talented interns? Does your company offer an internshipprogram that you might like RCS alumni to be aware of? You may contact the RCSAlumni Office at [email protected] for information on how to support RCS alumni.

RCS ReunionsRCS is getting ready for the 2012 Reunion Season!If you are a member of the class of 2002, 1992, 1982, 1972, 1962, 1952, orany other class interested in reconnecting, we look forward to welcoming youback on campus for your 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th 50th, or 60th reunion.

If you are interested in organizing a reunion, please contact theAlumni Office at [email protected].

Class RepresentativesDo you keep in touch with your RCSfriends? Help us strengthen ouralumni connections by becoming aclass representative. We are activelyseeking class representatives for everygraduating year to help us stay intouch with our alumni family, keepour database up to date, and bettercommunicate school news to ouralumni community.


1917Society

For more information, please contact Bob Whelan, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, [email protected] or 914-244-1291.

Planning forRippowam Cisqua’s

Remembering Rippowam Cisqua in your estate planning helps assure a brighter tomorrow for the School.

The 1917 Society was established in memory of Rippowam Cisqua’s earliest leaders and the year of theSchool’s founding; it honors those alumni, faculty, parents, and friends who have chosen to ensure thefuture of RCS by providing for the School in their estates and/or by establishing planned gift arrangementsthat benefit RCS and themselves. All donors, whether through a bequest provision or a life incomearrangement, are automatically granted membership in the 1917 Society.

You can remember Rippowam Cisqua through a simple provision in your estate. Whether giving throughyour will, living trust, life insurance policy, or qualified retirement plan, you should make your designationfor “Trustees of Rippowam Cisqua School, a charitable and educational institution in Bedford, New York.”


“The faculty and staff at Rippowam Cisqua issimply superb in every way that I can imagine.From the front office to maintenance to teachers andadministration, everyone works as a unified team and itis a pleasure to watch.”Current RCS Parent


“All the faculty and staff arewonderful at RCS. Theyinspire, engage, nurture,delight, and encourageour children.”Current RCS Parent


“I can honestly say that my son hastransformed into a self confidentstudent and has been able to shineat RCS. I am deeply gratefulthat my children are in thehands of this faculty.”Current RCS Parent


“There are too many teachers toname who have enlightened mychildren through their genuineenthusiasm for teaching.Thank you to all of you.”Current RCS Parent


“My daughter’s teacher is wonderful in the way shementors her and inspires her to reach,to dream, to imagine, and to defineherself in new ways.”Current RCS Parent


“We will forever be grateful to our son’sfirst RCS teacher who changed his life by showinghim that he could be successful and admired for hisintellect, not just his sometimes amusing mischief.”Current RCS Parent


74

Parent Association Events(clockwise): New sound system for the Playhouse, RCS Garden, Race to Nowhere screening, All School Picnic, Field Day T-Shirts.

Parent’s Assocation

Dear Parents,As I reflect on my first year as the Parent Association Chair I amreminded of two things: how remarkable our School is, and how incredibly generous our School community is in donating their time, aswell as their resources. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to workwith so many wonderful parents and talented teachers and administratorswho have helped and supported our fundraising and community buildingefforts, all with the same goal in mind, to strengthen our community, toenhance our children's educational experience, and to continue toimprove and preserve this unique and wonderful School.

Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, with the proceeds from the A.P.P.L.E. Sale,Gift Wrap Sale, Holiday Sale, Raffle, and Book Fairs, we were able to purchase new andmuch needed audio equipment for the Playhouse, create the incredible RCS Garden,help with the Science Fair, purchase gift certificates for our faculty to be distributedthrough A.P.P.L.E., and to underwrite the All School Picnic, Cisqua Field Day T-Shirts,the Faculty & Staff Appreciation Lunch, and the screening of the critically acclaimeddocumentary, Race to Nowhere.

I wish to thank everyone who helped to make this past year such a tremendous success.We are proof that, together, we can do great things.

I look forward to welcoming you back in September.

Best wishes,

Patty GrunebaumParent Association Chair


75

Parent AssociationExecutive CommitteePatty Grunebaum, Chair

Katie Boyd, Vice Chair, Grades 7 - 9

Tracy Fauver, Vice Chair, Grades 5 - 6

Storrs Cote ’79, Vice Chair, Grades 3 - 4

Whitney Brown, Vice Chair, Grades 1 - 2

Suzanne O’Callaghan, Vice Chair,Grades JPK - K

Donna Brown, Treasurer

Ellen Levenson, Communications

Ashley Diamond, Parent Connection

Committee HeadsA.P.P.L.E.Ginny Tobeason

Holiday Bake SalePolly Goldman

Book FairsCisqua: Terry Gottlieb, Pam LawsonRippowam: Ellen Levenson, MelissaFleming, Kim Speegle

Candy HousesBeth Schreiber, Cindy Offermann

Community ServiceRippowam: Carolyn TenneyCisqua: Alison Kallman

Faculty LunchAnna Lee

Gift Wrap SaleMichelle D’Avolio

Grandparents DaysRippowam: Tracy FauverCisqua: Suzanne O’Callaghan

Green TeamNick Gutfreund

Host FamiliesLoren Teolis

Parent ConnectionAshley Diamond

PhotographsRippowam: Louise NichollsCisqua: Ginny Tobeason

Ripped ApparelGina Lodolini, Louise Nicholls

School UniformsGina Lodolini, Louise Nicholls

Walk to Cisqua DayMelissa Fleming

Class RepresentativesJPKCyndi AzimaJennifer Madrid

SPKBeth SchreiberPolly Goldman

KindergartenLisa ShrewsberryMarian FifeLynnie Ohler

Grade 1Debbie HeineNellie Gilligan

Grade 2Pam LawsonKathleen CastiglioneRachel Szycher

Grade 3Kim SpeegleCecilia StanleyKim Manocherian

Grade 4Marie CrispiCindy OffermannCassie Robbins

Grade 5Kathleen CastiglioneElizabeth KilgallonMarsha Chambers

Grade 6Melissa FlemingLinda CorsoAngela Lowman

Grade 7Carolyn GilbertBeth SternDiana Rice

Grade 8Tracey GerberJeannie ConwayAndi Davis

Grade 9Christine GelwicksKatie Boyd

2010-11 Parent AssociationVolunteers

!


A few of the many reasons to support The RCS Annual Fund…

The Annual Fund is the School’s most important ongoing fundraising activity. Like most independent schools, tuition revenues at RCS do not cover the entire cost of runningthe School. Tuition provides approximately 83% of the annual operating budget with the AnnualFund supplying 7%. The School relies on this source of income in order to meet the essential needsof students and faculty. This year, the difference between tuition revenues and total operatingexpenses amounts to approximately $5,600 per child.

Our Annual Fund goal this year is $1,200,000 and 100% community participation. Last year, wereached $1,220,000 and 90% participation — remarkable results in a remarkable year — thanks to an incredibly engaged parent volunteer organization. If you would like to make a gift, please take amoment to fill out the enclosed pledge envelope and send it back to us with your contribution.

If you have questions about the Annual Fund, please contact Susie Danziger at 914-244-1292 or [email protected]


Critical ThinkingIndividual DevelopmentPersonal Excellence

Rippowam Cisqua School invites you to the2011-12 Foundations of Education SeriesInformative lectures on how to raise successful, lifelong learners

October 12, 10:00 a.m. – “Bullying Prevention and Solutions”Joel Haber, Ph.D., author of Bully-proof Your Child for Life, will address the skills and tools children need to prevent andaddress bullying situations.

November 9, 10:00 a.m. – “Getting the Most Out of Sports”Richard D. Ginsburg, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital PACES Institute of Sport Psychology, facultymember of the Harvard Medical School, and co-author of Whose Game Is It Anyway?, will share insights on how to ensure apositive sports experience for your child.

December 14, 10:00 a.m. – “Early Childhood Development”Kyle Pruett, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, award winning author, and specialist onchildren, family relationships, and fathers, will be sharing insights on the fundamental needs of childhood.

February 6, 10:00 a.m. – “The Self-Esteem Trap”Polly Young-Eisendrath Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Vermont, clini-cal psychologist, and author, will share insights from her book, The Self-Esteem Trap, on how to provide your children withsolid values that will help lead to successful children.

April 11, 10:00 a.m. – “Building Strong Parent-Child Connections”Tara Brown, school teacher, coach, and author of Different Cultures, Common Ground, will discuss strategies for buildingstronger connections with your children and helping nurture their passions.

Lectures are free, open to the public, and held on the Rippowam Cisqua School Lower Campus, 325 West Patent Road,Mount Kisco, NY. For more information contact Susie Danziger at [email protected] or 914-244-1292.


Rippowam Cisqua SchoolP.O. Box 488, Bedford, New York 10506

Lower Campus: 914-244-1200Upper Campus: 914-244-1250

www.rcsny.org

Non Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDPermit No 6030White Plains NY

Our donors are extremely important to us. We make every effort to insure accuracy in reporting, but if we have made an error of any kind, please accept our sincere apology and bring it to our attention

so that we may correct our records. Contact Susie Danziger (914) 244-1292 with any corrections.


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Fall 2011 Bulletin

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