Spring 2011 - Stanley British Primary School - Website

S P R I N G 2 0 1 1Bonnie UtleyEducation CommitteChair and AdvisorAnn SolomonPaddington RepresentativeMonica SimmonsParent Committee RepresentativeClark ShawCommunity RepresentativeLiz SharrerPresident of the Board of TrusteesSue SavaTeacher Preparation Program DirectorMark RudigerChair of Buildings and GroundsCommitteeDebbie RoundSecretary to the BoardRichard RogersParent Committee RepresentativeKaren OnderkoInclusiveness CommitteeRepresentativeBuffy NaakeVice-President of the Board of Trustees;Parent Committee RepresentativeKevin MammelTreasurer of the Board of Trustees;Finance Committee ChairJennifer KormanCommunity RepresentativeRoxanne JensenCommunity RepresentativeStanley BPS Bo a r d o f TrusteesSPRING 2011 NEWSLETTERGarth JensenCommunity RepresentativeJoanna HambidgeDirector of Elementary EducationDr. Bill GoodwinEducational Advisorto the Board of TrusteesNatasha GarfieldParent Committee ChairSusan Cleveland6-7-8 RepresentativeDirector of Middle SchoolKatie BostonK-5 RepresentativeTim BarrierHead of SchoolVOICES FROM THES TANLEY BRITISH PRIMARY SCHOOL K-8By Carla MestasInclusiveness CoordinatorK8spotlight on diversityA Potluck & SoMuch More…We are all familiar with the StanleyBPS Mission: To engage, challenge, andinspire children to reach their potentialand develop their own voices within aninclusive, diverse, and collaborativecommunity that values distinctcontributions and abilities. Weprepare teachers to implement our vision,mission, and values, and we share oureducational approach with the largercommunity.who, together with Carla Mestas, isco-chairing this years’ parent andfaculty committee. The InclusivenessCommittee is currently workingon the revision of the Committee’smission and goals and looks forwardto sharing this process with thecommunity in early 2011. So far,this school year has been filledwith several events, activities andgatherings to promote and supportthe current mission.In December, Stanley BPS sent fourfaculty and staff along with two8th grade students to the NationalAssociation for Independent Schoolsannual People of Color Conference.The PoCC has provided people ofcolor (faculty and staff) in independentschools a “voice,” a means for supportand networking, and a chance tocelebrate their roles in independentschools.Continuing its commitment tocommunity building, the Committeesponsors specific events such as theannual multicultural potluck, whichhad record turn out this year. Thepotluck follows in the spirit of activistCesar Chavez who said, “If you reallywant to make a friend, go to someone’shouse and eat with him...The peoplecontinued on page 13STANLEYBRITISHPRIMARYSCHOOL350 Quebec StreetDenver, CO 80230Diversity and Inclusiveness arewoven into not just the languageof our mission statement but intothe overall policies, practices andactivities from the classroom to theboardroom and beyond. These valuesof diversity and inclusiveness atStanley BPS are the building blocksfor what we call “community.”Diversity refers to the face of ourschool, who is involved as boardmembers, faculty, staff, students,and families. Inclusiveness describesthe how: how people from allbackgrounds are involved and theirperspectives valued and understood.There are many ways in which ourschool community works towardsenhancing the vision, mission andvalues to support inclusiveness.This fall, the Inclusiveness Committeewelcomed new leadership in MarcWaxman, a current K-1-2 parentDaisy Gonzalez-Kian, parent of Arman, 1st grade, at this year’s annual multicultural potluck.the arts at stanley- in color! pages 8-9

table of contentsSpotlight onDiversity & Inclusiveness . . . . . . .1Letter from the Head . . . . . . . . . . 2Going Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3K-5 Update:Goals for Learners . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Teacher PreparationProgram News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Transforming Communications . .7The Arts at Stanley . . . . . . . . . . . . 8All Things Development. . . . . . . 10Keeping Grand PeopleIn the Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Stanley Bulldogs Athletics . . . . . 12Middle School Fun Day . . . . . . . .13Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Letter From The HeadDear Stanley BPS Community,From the perspective of the midwaypoint in the 2010/2011 school year, Iam enjoying the opportunity to reflectupon where we’ve been in the past fewmonths, and where we’re going. Onmany fronts, we have been focusingon the broad issue of sustainability –what we can do today to ensure thatthe mission of Stanley BPS serves notonly our current families but also thechildren and parents of generations tocome. In the pages of this newsletter,you’ll read about a number of recentaccomplishments that are helpingus realize our goal of sustaining ourmission and securing our future.Some projects, such as our gym roofsolar installation, add direct measuresof financial and environmentalstewardship. Others, such as ourcommunications enhancements,allow us to articulate our philosophybetter and effectively share with thecommunity all that is going on atStanley.At the core of sustaining the StanleyBritish Primary School mission, however,is the strength of our educationalprogram. You’ll read about how we’rebringing our “Seven Goals for Learners”to life in our classrooms, how our artsand athletics programs are also servingour students, and how we’re supportingour commitment to inclusiveness.Finally, you’ll read about recent progressin our Teacher Preparation Program, andhow our Development team is workingto provide the financial support to makeall of the above possible.K to 8 Ne w s is a publication o f t h e Stanley British Primary Sc h o o l K-8Editors: Tim Barrier, Steve de Beer, Melissa HaniewiczPhotography Editor: Kevin NugentNewsletter Layout: Carlie Barnhart350 Quebec Street Denver, CO 80230www.stanleybps.orgThe accomplishments describedhere are the result of the hard workand collaboration of teachers, staff,and parents of Stanley BPS. It is onlythrough the exceptional dedicationof many within our community thatsuch achievements are possible.Whatever your connection to Stanleymay be – a student, teacher, parent,alumnus, alumni parent, grandparent, orcommunity friend – I would like to sayhow much we value your support andcare for the school community we share.All the best,Tim BarrierHead of SchoolPhoto by Eliza Samuelson, 8th grade, forphotography class.For article suggestions and submissions, please contact 303-360-0803, ext. 170 or development@stanleybps.org.Please note that all submissions are subject to editorial approval.Going GreenBy Kim HartsenFacilities ManagerOur recycling efforts have grownover the past few years. In addition toclassroom paper, we now collect glassand plastic containers and cardboard(including 80 pizza boxes eachThursday!) mixed together in a “singlestream” operation. This single streammakes recycling feel just as simple andeasy as using a traditional garbage binand reduces the expense and time thatoften comes with collecting multiplestreams. Our recycling dumpster isregularly filled twice a week divertingsome 620 cubic yards of material fromthe landfill for reuse each year. Thatwould fill over six semi-trailer trucks!This fall we contracted with anew Denver company called“Waste Farmers” for ORGANICCOMPOSTING for our lunchroomand kitchen food scraps, paper plates,napkins and milk cartons. Even ourplastic forks and spoons (now madefrom compostable corn) go into thegreen containers for weekly pickup. Weestimate Stanley will save some 38 tonsof garbage per year from the landfillto be converted into organic fertilizer,which will be sold locally for yourgardens.Our sunny days are now providingelectricity from the roof of the DanielsGymnasium with the completion ofthe installation of 1056 solar panels. Weestimate that over a year this systemwill produce about 80% of the averageelectrical usage in the gym or about18% of Stanley’s campus-wide needs.At any time the sun is producingmore power than the gym can use,the excess is fed back to the electricalgrid, turning the meter backwards! Soit’s still important for us to turn outthe lights when we don’t need them.The system was officially dedicated onJanuary 26th, honoring the initiativeof the Callahan Family, without whoseeffort this project would not have beenpossible.This coming spring, we will beginusing recycled water to irrigate theWilliam D. Witter Athletic Field. Someof those street detours we encounteredlast fall were due to the extension ofDenver Water’s “purple pipes” toUlaanbaatar Park, the 5th AvenueParkway and Stanley’s soccer field. Byusing diverted and treated wastewaterfor our irrigation we will free up overtwo million gallons of fresh water perComposting at Stanley BPS.season for Denver’s growing needs. Butgoing “green”brings with it more thanone benefit. In this case, amounting to asavings of over $6,000 a year at currentwater rates!The new solar panel installationon the roof of the gym.Tim Barrier honors the Callahan Family for their efforts to make Stanley BPS a “greener” school.Lila Wright (2008) and Frannie Sally(2009) at the alumni kickball tournament.Check outthe latestAlumniNewsPage 14-15- 2 - - 3 -

teacher preparation program newsBy Sue SavaDirector of Teacher PreparationDr. William L. GoodwinHonored for ServiceStanley BPS Board of Trusteesand Teacher Preparation Programhonored Dr. William L. Goodwin onJanuary 25, 2011, for his 75th birthdayand 22 years of service to the schoolon the Board of Trustees and aschair of the Stanley BPS EducationCommittee.In 1991 Joanna Hambidge andCarolyn Hambidge drafted aproposal to establish a highereducationpartnership in order torecommend teachers for licensurein Colorado. University of ColoradoDenver responded to the call andwas accepted as the higher educationpartner. Two years later, Dr.Goodwin and Joanna established aMasters degree program. Since 1993,there have been over 200 graduates ofthe Masters program in Curriculumand Instruction, EducationalPsychology and Early ChildhoodEducation.Because of his dedication to thecontinued success of this partnershipand in honor of Bill’s hard work,energy, compassion, and service,Stanley BPS has named the TPPEndowment Fund the Dr. WilliamL. Goodwin Fund. The goal is tofund the placement of teacherinterns in urban schools servingat-risk populations. Upon receivingthis honor, Dr. Goodwin said, “I’veenjoyed my time at Stanley. This isa one-of-a-kind place – and I mean agood kind.”“Bill has been our constant compass,never letting us steer off coursephilosophically, ensuring that ourdecisions reflect our unique, diverseand inclusive mission,” statedDirector, Sue Sava.If you would like to make adonation to this fund, in honor ofDr. Goodwin’s work, please contactthe Development Department atdevelopment@stanleybps.org or bycalling (303) 360-0803 ext. 170.Twelve Stanley Teacher Preparation Program graduates at Tollgate Elementary School.Tollgate Recognized forQuality TeachingLaurie Godwin, Stanley parent ofKacey (7th grade), and principalof Tollgate Elementary School ofExpeditionary Learning, recentlyaccepted the Centers of ExcellenceAward from the Colorado-7--6-Cheersto Bill!Thanks forall you’vedone to create anew generationof teachers.Love, The Stanley Crewat TollgateDepartment of Education for thesecond consecutive year. Tollgatehas been a TPP urban school partnersince 2005-06.The annual award is given to schoolswith the highest rates of studentacademic growth and a studentpopulation that is at least 75% atrisk. At Tollgate, the percentage ofthe population who qualify for freeand reduced lunch, earning less than$22,000 per family per year, is 82%.Tollgate employs 12 lead teacherswho were trained by the TPP, andfour TPP interns who are funded bythe Helen K. and Arthur E. JohnsonFoundation grant to the TPP.Ms. Godwin spoke to the importanceof partnering with TPP stating that,“the Stanley teacher training programproduces high quality teachers thatare prepared to make a difference inurban education. They understandbest practices in education andcontinually reflect on their ownlearning in order to accelerate thelearning of students.”This fall, Tollgate was also grantedan unsolicited award of $50,000 bythe Partnership for Great Schools,an alliance made up of the GatesFamily, Anschutz, Fox Familyand Piton Foundations for “itsexceptional staff, its accomplishmentsdespite a lack of resources and itsfocus on expeditionary learning.”Congratulations to Laurie Godwinand each of the teachers at Tollgate!Laurie Godwin with Dwight Jones,Commissioner of Education, receiving the2010 Center of Excellence Award.transforming communicationsBy Natasha GarfieldParent Committee ChairA team of staff members andparents have been workingtogether over the past eighteenmonths to assess and strengthenthe school’s communications underthe extraordinary leadership ofStanley British Primary Schoolparent and communicationsprofessional Stephanie Moffett. TheCommunications Committee wascreated to develop more effectivecommunications, both internallyand externally, in keeping with theevolution of both the school and thearray of available communicationsdevices.The Committee’s efforts have focusedon creating open communicationsamong all constituent groups, gainingtransparency, and increasing theeffectiveness of our messages, interms of relevance, consistency, andfocus. With these efforts we aim tocreate a more engaged parent body,resulting in higher levels of parentsatisfaction that will hopefully createhigher levels of parent support.One highlight of the communicationsefforts undertaken thus far has beenMoffett’s leadership meetings withTim Barrier, Joanna Hambidge,Susan Cleveland and Sue Sava.The meetings have addressedwhat to communicate, the use ofspokespeople beyond the Head ofSchool, and creation of a feedbackloop so that the administration knowshow its messages are being received.Moffett has also provided expertadvice on the delivery of particularmessages, including communicationsabout the inclusiveness study, fullFridays for middle school, ParentParticipation, and tuition.The Committee worked with industryprofessionals (led by K-1-2 parentCarl Rossow) to launch and analyzea survey of parents, identifyingstrengths and areas for improvementin existing communications vehicles.The survey was conducted in June2010 and analyzed in the fall. Asa result, the Committee identifiedseveral areas of focus, includingmore streamlined, relevantcommunications and more advancenotice of upcoming events.To improve the school’s successin these areas, staff memberSteve de Beer has undertaken theimplementation of improvementsto the online calendar. The calendarhas become a more reliable andefficient resource for parents andstaff alike by centralizing calendaringresponsibilities and using the K-5 and6-8 Bulldog Blasts to provide weeklycalendar highlights. Staff memberMelissa Haniewicz, with the inputof fellow Committee members andthe artistic vision of graphic designerand alum parent Carlie Barnhart,has similarly taken the lead ontransforming the Thursday Packetinto the Weekly Bulldog. As the mainavenue of communications fromschool to home, the Weekly Bulldogis intended to be as user-friendly andhelpful as possible. To accomplishthose intentions, we have chosena new name to reflect the fact thatour newsletter is no longer a paper“packet” sent home in backpacks.We have re-designed the layoutand organization of the WeeklyBulldog’s contents to make importantinformation easier to locate throughthe consistent use of categoriesand improved editorial direction.We hope that these changes willencourage parents to engage in evengreater participation and feedbackto strengthen the dialogue among allmembers of the Stanley BPS family.While much has been accomplished,the Committee sees room for moregrowth, including better-defineduse policies to assist in determiningwhat is communicated whenand to whom, exploration of thepotential for customization and useof social media, and identificationof a technology strategy. We planto extend the communicationsleadership training to the school’sgreater administrative team. Ourfocus will also move beyondcommunications within our ownschool community to consider howwe are communicating the uniqueStanley BPS message to the greatercommunity.

t h e a r t s a t s t a n l e yt h e a r t s a t s t a n l e yBy Aisha ZawadiMiddle School Visual Arts TeacherI have the lucky job of working with 135 wonderfulmiddle school students. Throughout each trimesterI work with a group or sections of 14-15 kids once ortwice a week. My goal is to have every student learntechniques that can help them achieve their artisticgoals. I really want them to feel they can improve upontheir artistic skills, just as you can improve in any of theacademic subjects.By Steve de BeerDirector of Programs and OperationsThe arts are more robustly alive than ever at Stanley BPS. All ofour students are involved in the arts, many of them daily. Everychild performs and displays art. In fact, hardly a week goes bywithout a major arts event.Throughout the year, bulletin boards in classrooms and inHambidge Commons rotated with sensational pieces of art.6-8 art teacher Aisha Zawadi, K-5 art teacher Chris Lewis, and3-5 Afternoon of Arts teachers Barb Feige, Sascha Ripps andCarole Buschman all inspired our students to create delightfulpaintings, drawings and many other forms of visual arts. Thepoolhouse recently became a permanent second art studio, inaddition to the Art Garage, giving students even more space inwhich to grow as artists. At choice time, Stanley BPS studentsare constantly involved in creation of every kind.Sarah Jackson, kindergarten,as Cindy Lou Who in the Holiday Program.Art can be a very creative venture. However, if youcannot manipulate the tools, it can be very frustrating.The students work on one or two projects throughoutthe trimester, with the focus on a specific medium,such as sharpies, paint, pastels, pencils, and clay. Theysometimes will work on one project for the wholetrimester, first learning how to manipulate and mastertechniques and then culminating into a long-term finalwork of art. I want the students to be creative andsuccessful in obtaining their vision. I also want them toenjoy their exploration of creating their own works of art.What amazes me about my students and your childrenis that they readily take on challenges and are not afraidto be creative. They dive right in, they definitely havefun and they push themselves to create their own vision.Please feel free to join us sometimes and perhaps wakenyour own creativity.Photo by Addie Glass, 8th grade, for photography class.We also work to bring in artists from the community with aunique point of view. This fall, we were treated to wonderfulperformances by PHAMALy, the Physically Handicapped Actors& Musical Artists League, and Buntport Theater, starring StanleyBPS alum Mitch Slevc.Claire Sutton, 8th grade, completing an art project.Grand People Day, just before Thanksgiving, gives dance teacherAngie Martyn a great opportunity to exhibit her students’hard work and this year proved no exception. Matt Barber’s6th graders put on a great Shakespeare play, The Tempest, inDecember. The year wrapped up in traditional style with theHoliday Program. A record attendance in 2010 brought morethan 1200 people to the gym.Betsy & Brent’s class perform in the Holiday Program with David& Alexandra’s homeroom.With 2011 well under way, the middle school already finishedproduction of Oz with a Twister, and the 7th grade just finishedperforming The Addams Family. The 3-4-5 students are already inrehearsals for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Summer at Stanley isfilled with artistic offerings.The arts year at Stanley BPS never sleeps. All of our events areposted on the school’s website. Come and enjoy everything ourstudents create!Family Group art project.Painting by Eugene Vessels, 8th grade.-8- -9-Photo by Emma Goldner-de Beer, 8th grade, for photography class.

By Nilmini Senanayake Hecox,Director of DevelopmentThanks to a loyal, generous, involvedand enthusiastic Stanley community,the Development Department hasbeen blessed with lots of activity!In addition to our numerousfundraising efforts and communitybuilding events, we also had somenew folks on our staff and volunteercommittees.New FacesWe are delighted to introduce ournew staff members Jessica Knauf,Director of Annual Giving andMelissa Haniewicz, DevelopmentCoordinator. Melissa joined usfirst in January 2010. While she hasbeen in development for the pastsix years, we managed to attracther away from her most recentposition as Development Officerat Urgent Action Fund, a women’shuman rights fund in Boulder.Since joining the department,Melissa has established a greatinternal organizational system,provided much-needed help withcommunications and done anamazing job to make the office awarm, inviting place for donors,volunteers and staff alike. Somethingyou may not know about Melissa isthat she is an ardent advocate for theenvironment and enjoys restoringvintage furniture.Jessica Knauf joined us in November2010 to fill the position that wasopened when Obe Ariss left tobecome the first ever Directorof Development at the EpilepsyFoundation. Obe will be missed andwe thank him for all he did to setup a strong Annual Fund campaign.Jessica joined us after three yearswith the University of Denver Officeof University Advancement, whereshe most recently served as theAssistant Director of Annual Giving.Originally from Pasadena, California,the mountains drew her to Coloradoa l l t h i n g s d e v e l o p m e n tfour years ago. In a very short time,Jessica has quickly picked up thereins and is already leading the wayto another banner Annual Fund year– with your continued support ofcourse! Please come by and say helloto both Melissa and Jessica when youcan.At the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year we also had atransition in volunteer leadershipon the Development Committee.After many years of chairing the-11--10-committee, we bid farewell toRoxanne Jensen and welcomed KarinJonas and Nick Kemp as the newco-chairs. Roxanne was instrumentalin helping us envision a new anddynamic role for the DevelopmentCommittee and led the Annual Fundto record-breaking success last year.While we will miss her leadership,we are delighted she will continue onthe Development Committeeas an active member.Our new Development Committeeco-chairs, Karin and Nick have beenhard at work already, planning andimplementing this years CuriousMinds Annual Fund which is off toa strong start. With their guidancewe have re-organized the committeestructure, articulated clear roles andresponsibilities for the members, andincorporated a stronger volunteercalling program. Thank you Nickand Karin for your vision andleadership!2010-2011 Curious MindsAnnual Fund ClassroomCookie Challengeby Jessica Knauf,Director of Annual FundThe New Year has brought continuingsuccess to the Curious Minds AnnualFund. With the help of our generousdonors and committed volunteers,we are moving closer to our goal of100% family participation!The Classroom Cookie Challengebegan in early February, but youcan still join in the fun by makingyour donation today. Each classroomto reach 100% parent participationby March 15th will receive a batchof Tim Barrier’s world famoushomemade chocolate chip cookies.The Curious Minds AnnualFund plays an integral role in theoperations and success of StanleyBPS. Gifts of all size make a differencein bridging the $1,500 per student gapthat is not covered by tuition. Gifts tothe Annual Fund allow us to continueto be the special school we are. Showyour support today by making a giftto this worthy cause.Discover StanleyBy Nilmini Senanayake Hecox,Director of DevelopmentWe encourage you to attend our ongoingDiscover Stanley presentationsduring the school year. Now in itssecond year, this monthly eveningprogram for current parents andfriends offers an inside look athow Stanley runs, and helps buildconnections within our community.So far we have had informationalkeeping grand people in the knowHenock Solomon (8th grade), Charlie Sakai (kindergarten),and Bryn Cranswick (4th grade), from Family Group 3,creating paper chains for Grand People Day.and entertaining talks from CarolynHambidge, Founder, Tim Barrier,Head of School, Sue Sava, Directorof Teacher Preparation, KevinMammel, Treasurer and Chair of theFinance Committee, Buffy Naake,Vice-President of the Board, LizSharrer, President of the Board,and Natasha Garfield, Chair of theParent Committee. The programIf you haven’t yet submitted contact information for your child’s special grand people – includinggrandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, babysitters, etc. – please let us know. There are many benefitsextended to grand people throughout the year – even if they are unable to travel to Stanley. By giving ustheir contact information, we can invite grand people to:• Attend events like the Welcome Coffee Reception & Grand People Day• Receive the Weekly Bulldog & Annual Newsletter• Find Out More About Volunteering at Stanley BPSPlease send new and updated grand people information to melissa@stanleybps.org.includes presentations on ourschool’s finances and fundraising,governance structures, role of parentparticipation and a glimpse at howStanley graduates continue to make apositive difference in the world after8th grade.THANK YOU!Our school continues to thrivebecause of the many contributionswe receive each day from all of you.Every gift, large or small, monetaryor non-monetary, makes a differenceat Stanley. Thank you for your activeparticipation in keeping our schoolcommunity vibrant, and securing ourfuture through your philanthropicgenerosity.3-4-5 Choir performs at this year’s Grand People Day.

stanley bulldogs athleticsmiddle school fun day at jump streetBy Art Gluck7th Grade Mathematics Teacher &Director of Middle School AthleticsAt Stanley BPS we find ourselvesat the end of our winter sportsseason. We have seven differentMiddle School teams andapproximately 110 athletescompeting during the winter. Sixof these are basketball teams.Basketball is the one sport offeredat Stanley that is broken upentirely by gender and grade level.Thus we have three girls’ teamsand three boys’ teams, one each at6th, 7th, and 8th grade.Our basketball teams and theircoaches have been puttingforth great effort and have beenrewarded with several excitingvictories over the independentschools that we face during theseason. The Daniel’s Gymnasiumhas been alive with entertaininggames! Thank you to those who’vefilled the bleachers and showntheir support. The athletes trulyappreciate playing in front ofthe home fans and it’s alwaysimpressive to see the growth thatis made as the players transitionthrough the grade levels. Theygain proficiency both individuallyand collectively as dribbling basicsgive way to driving lay-ups andfull court presses.The other winter sport we offer isMultiSport. This team combinesboys and girls from 6th, 7th,and 8th grades. MultiSport hasa committed group of athletes,there are twenty-two, who practicefour days a week. Their activitiesvary depending on the day, yetthe fitness program consists ofswimming and working out at theMontclair Recreation Center. It’seasy to see that the athletes havebeen pushing themselves andfocusing on their individual fitnessgoals.The 6th grade girls basketball team.The Stanley BPS cross country team.Middle School girls’ field hockey.6th grade boys’ soccer.Lookingback at thefall there were several successesto celebrate. Our soccer teamreturned to its dominant formand concluded an undefeatedseason in style. The team notonly played with great skillbut played with excellentsportsmanship as well. Thefield hockey team had itsbiggest turnout in their history.Twenty-three middle schoolgirls made this team not onlyproductive on the field butenthusiastic on the sidelinesas well. We hope the currentdesire to play this exciting sportcontinues to grow. Our newestteam, boys and girls crosscountry, had an outstandingseason as well. With twentyfiverunners, they were a forceto be reckoned with. Of the sixevents they participated in,they brought home trophiesfrom three and should be evenstronger next season with onlytwo eighth graders departing.Once again our three volleyballteams, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades,were a huge success and thethirty girls who bumped,set and spiked their way tocountless victories should beproud of all they accomplished.If you haven’t witnessed thisgroup play, or heard theirincredibly lively cheers, (thebest in the league), you’ve trulymissed out.We look forward to seeingyou this spring as we readyourselves for boys and girlslacrosse as well as girls soccer.All the best and Go Bulldogs!continued from page 1a potluck & so muchmore…who give you their food give you theirheart.” The potluck is a wonderful andunique celebration of our many familiesand their traditions, sharing a mealtogether as a community with one heart.Another annual occurrence is thestorytelling evening that took placein late February. This event allowsmembers of our school communityand the community at-large to sharetheir incredible talents through stories,poetry and song. Students come dressedin their pajamas with pillows andsleeping bags in tow ready to listen andtake part in the tales. Past storytellershave included Christopher Maier, andthe late community jewel, OpalangaPugh. These gatherings promotecommunity-building and inclusiveness,however, inclusiveness is much morethan a potluck.Intentional policies and practices, whichadapt to our growing and changingcommunity through connections,curriculum and staff development, arealso key ingredients. In the classroom,our creative and dedicated teachersClockwise from left:Darcy Neureiter,Julie Gottesfeld,Ivan Buss, Tali Butzand Isabelle Lewis.work to create welcoming environmentswhere all students and families feel asense of belonging. In the communitywe diligently work to foster andnurture relationships with other schoolgroups dedicated to learning andsustaining diversity and inclusiveness.An example is the ACIS InclusivityNetwork, a dedicated group of facultyand staff from other independentschools statewide who gather togetherto share resources and collaboratein varied cross-community learningopportunities.Another multi-school collaborativeinitiative is the Connecting InclusivelyResponsive Communities LeadingEducation (C. I. R. C. L. E.) program.Stanley BPS created the originalprogram and has maintained activeleadership from its onset. The3rd annual daylong diversity andinclusiveness conference took placeon March 5, 2011. The C.I.R.C.L.E.Conference was hosted by Stanley incollaboration with partnering private/independent and Denver Public Schoolsincluding: Ashley, Denver MontclairInternational School, Logan School,Odyssey and Paddington Station.This year’s conference sponsorshipcame from a Denver FoundationInclusiveness Project grant as well asthe partnering schools sustainabilityfund, and in-kind contributions fromthe Matrix Center. The keynote speakerwas Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. with severalspeakers, affinity group/reflectivecircles, and workshops to inform andchallenge participants to promotelearning by courageous conversationsthrough vision, dialogue and action.This year’s conference theme wasWhat’s in your Knapsack? Repackingyour Knapsack ~ Through Intention,Engagement and Transformation.There are always opportunities tobecome more involved in these manyefforts to create, promote and sustainthe diversity and inclusiveness in ourcommunity.The commitment is a journey, not adestination…come aboard!-13--12-

a l u m n i n e w sa l u m n i n e w sALUMNI UPDATES• Maggie Ammons (2006) plans ontaking a gap year before she goes tocollege. She’s going to work, immerseherself in dance, and spend time with herfamily before heading off to Vermont, toattend Bennington College. There she willpursue a concentration in the performingarts.• Millie Barsallo (2001) was featuredin the September 2010 issue of 5280 forher work with Teach for America. Thelink to the article is http://www.5280.com/magazine/2010/09/education-msbarsallo.• Ann Breed (2006) went backpackingthrough Europe with a few close friendsthis past summer and started school atthe University of Rochester in New Yorkfall 2010. She is continuing her studies ofSpanish and French with a double major.• Bella Campana (2006) began herstudies at DePaul University this past fall.• Adrian Caruth (2006) graduated fromDenver School of Science and Technologyin summer 2010 and continued his studiesat CU-Boulder, Leeds School of Businessthis past fall.• Braden Collins (1989) spent time withhis parents in Malawi in 2009 before hisgraduations from Cornell’s GraduateSchool of Architecture. He successfullycompeted (18 applicants out of 1000were selected) to receive a Global HealthInitiative Fellowship. He is now workingin Rwanda under the direction of MassArchitects as part of the fellowshipprogram. He is building a school andhopes to be involved in several otherprojects during his yearlong program.His parents think that the early start hegot while in Kindergarten and first gradeat Stanley BPS helped him develop hiscreativity and love of building.• Lynnikka Draper (2004) is currentlyattending Clark Atlanta University. Sheis in the WISE program as well as theHonors program. Lynnikka cheeredfor CAU during her freshman year andis currently interning at a hospital inthe psychiatry department. She willbe graduating a semester early and isplanning on continuing her studies at agraduate school in New York.• Gabriel Duncan-Roitman (1989),who went to BPS from kindergartento third grade, started a student travelorganization about six years ago withfellow Stanley alum Luke Mueller (1989)and Paul Laurie (who did not attendStanley). The organization, calledWalking Tree Travel (www.walkingtree.org), brings high school students fromall over the United States to Costa Rica,Peru, Guatemala, Senegal and China todo homestays, community service andadventure travel – they even broughtPeter Hambidge (2006) to Costa Rica.They consider it their dream job!• Abbey Dunn (2006) began her studiesat the University of Vermont in thefall. She was accepted into the HonorsProgram, and is studying Biology.• Lindsay Emery (2006) is attending FortLewis College in Durango, Colorado.• Jordan Finegan (2001) currentlyserves as a Special Assistant to InteriorSecretary Ken Salazar, in the office ofIntergovernmental and External Affairs inWashington, D.C. She graduatedfrom Creighton University in 2009.• Ryan Finegan (2004) graduatedfrom East High in 2008 and nowis a junior at the University ofNotre Dame. He will be spendingthe spring semester in Santiago,Chile, as part of an overseas studyprogram.• Charlie Gliwa (2006) is planningto major in either Business Financeor Management at Santa ClaraUniversity.• Griff Griffith (2006) is attendingthe University of Montana inMissoula where he will continueto enjoy all the outdoor activitiesthat keep him so happy... kayaking,camping, skiing, mountain biking,and hiking.• Peter Hambidge (2006) graduatedfrom East High School in May and iscurrently attending Colby College inWaterville, Maine.• Brian House (1989), who attendedBPS from 1985-1989, graduated fromColumbia University and obtained aMaster Degree from Chalmers Universityof Technology in Sweden, after whichBrian worked for a digital multimediacompany in Manhattan where hecreated interactive technology exhibitsfor museums and other organizationssuch as the NYC Visitors’ Bureau. In2009, he had a residency at the Museumof Contemporary Art in Los Angelesand his work has been exhibited in theMuseum of Modern Art in New York.Brian is currently living in Brooklyn and-15--14-is employed by the New York Times inthe research and development lab. Hisinterests also include playing in a rock/jazz band and composing instrumentaland computer music. His work and musiccan be found at http://brianhouse.net.• Laura Johnson (1988) is now a meetingconcierge at the Hyatt Convention Center;Rachael Johnson (1987) is returning toColorado from California and will takethe Bar in February. Jon Johnson (1986)is in Baltimore, Maryland, at ConcentraUrgent Care and will apply for aresidency in sports medicine for 2011-2012.• Ben Lebsack (2000) is a second-year lawstudent at the University of Minnesota(Minneapolis). Last summer he had aninternship with Colorado Supreme CourtJustice Michael Bender.Carolyn Hambidge with former student, ChristineBoschen Ghodrati (1980), and her niece andcurrent Stanley student, Mia Dervisevic, and hersmall brother, Enzo.• Marisa Lucia Duey (2010) is currentlyat St. Mary’s Academy, where she hasjoined many clubs including the Pre-Medand Latina clubs.• Julia Lunde (2006) graduated fromSouth High School last spring and, whileshe has decided to attend the Universityof Denver, she is deferring for one year.She plans to work and travel during hergap year.• Joe Prendergast (2006) is currentlya political science major at CornellUniversity where he has been leaningtowards becoming a lawyer, specifically adefense attorney.• Kaitlyn Randol (2004)is studying at Oxford,Mansfield College, School ofTheology. She is also rowingfor Mansfield. After this yearshe will return to Penn Statefor her senior year where sheis a double major in PoliticalScience and Religious Studies.• Catalina Rincon (2006)graduated from ColoradoAcademy in June and iscurrently attending AmericanUniversity in Washington,D.C. Her interests range fromthe criminal justice system to psychologyto foreign language.• Zach Saipe (2001) is currently takinga year off from college is spending it inChile. He has become a fluent Spanishspeaker during his time there andis employed as a bike tour guide inSantiago.• Michelle Saipe (2007) is a senior at EastHigh School and is applying to college.• Quintin Sally (2006) graduated fromColorado Academy last spring and iscurrently attending Princeton University.• Cary Shapiro (2002) just graduatedfrom Northwestern University withdegrees in Communications and PoliticalScience. In early October, he began a jobat Boeing in Washington, D.C. Cary’stitle is “Government Relations Specialist.”He does research for Boeing’s lobbyistsand helps the lobbyists prepare theirpresentations to U.S. Senators and U.S.representatives.• Jessie Shapiro (2000) is the assistant toa movie producer at Silver Pictures/DarkCastle in Burbank, California. His officeis on the lot at Warner Bros. He recentlyearned three credits on a major motionpicture, The Losers. Jessie was the PostProduction Coordinator and he wrote andperformed the first song in the movie.(It was played when the lead characterswere introduced.) Jessie is currentlyworking on three movies in production,including Liam Neeson’s latest film,entitled Unknown. He also writes filmscripts.• Megan Sheehan (1995) graduated inMay 2009 from Johns Hopkins Schoolof Advanced International Studies.She is beginning her second year ofwork for an international humanitarianaid/development agency, CatholicRelief Services (CRS). As RegionalRepresentative for Asia,Europe and the MiddleEast, Megan supports theCRS field programs andcoordinates response toregional emergencies such asthe catastrophic flooding inPakistan.• Joey Springer (2006)graduated from Regis JesuitHigh School last spring. Insummer 2010, he took a trip toAfrica with his older brother,Eric. In August, Joey startedcollege at CU-Boulder where heis studying Environmental Economics.• Heather Taylor (2010) is activelypursuing her acting career. She had astarring role in the play Eleemosynary atthe E Project Theatre.• Janet Turner (2006) is attending theSchool of Cinematic Arts at the Universityof Southern California (USC).• Evelyn Turner (2003) dances as acompany member at Colorado Ballet.Colorado Ballet is celebrating their 50thanniversary this year and Evelyn wouldappreciate seeing Stanley families in theaudience during her performances thisseason!• Hannah Weil (2006) is attending theCollege of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, forthe next four years. She is planning tomajor in neuroscience with an emphasison animal behavior and Spanish.• Audrey White (2006) plans to be aregistered nurse and is hoping to go tocollege in New Jersey or close to home.If you have an update you would like toshare or if you would like to join the AlumniCommittee to help plan activities please emaildevelopment@stanleybps.org.ALUMNI EVENTSBy Ted McLean8th Grade Mathematics Teacher& Stanley BPS Alum (76)This year’s Alumni events got off to agreat start with the first ever AlumniKickball game in October. A goodcrowd of familiar “old” faces gatheredto catch up with one another in a verysportsmanlike game of kickball. Alongwith the incentive of prizes, playersworked up a good appetite on the fieldfor the post-game pizza. It was great tosee everyone and hear all the stories oflife after Stanley. Alumni parents andstaff also were there in numbers andshowed us all they haven’t slowed down;they had their own team and played aformidable game!This year’s holiday get-together took adifferent tack when we gathered for anafternoon of bowling at Monaco Lanes.With pizza and drinks to fuel them, staff,their children and Alumni had a fun-filledafternoon of strikes and spares.The annual Alumni BasketballTournament was yet another successfulalumni event, with teams composed ofalumni, staff and faculty. Check out thewinning team below.The winning team from this year’s AlumniBasketball Tournament.Participants at this year’s alumni kickball tournament.