Reporter

Reporter
SUMMER 2007
In this Issue:
Alumni Update
Around School
Cinco de Mayo
Teachers as Heroes

Eagle Hill-Southport
Summer 2007 Newsletter
Table of Contents:
Letter from the Headmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Save the Date: Soaring Eagles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Cinco de Mayo recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Around School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Alumni Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Summer School Family Wins Porsche Boxster. . . . . . . 8
Tag-Along Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
“The Power of Mindsets” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
School Parent Salutes Eagle Hill Facullty. . . . . . . . . . 10
Students go on Rafting Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Destination Schools for our “Graduates” . . . . . . . . . 11
Photo Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Beach Day Barbecue Serves Up Fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Second Annual Pancake Breakfast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Strategic Planning Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
The Annual Fund Soars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mission
The mission of Eagle Hill- Southport is to help children
with learning disabilities develop a foundation of skills,
gain an understanding of their abilities, and prepare for
a more traditional program.
The school emphasizes academic, social and athletic
skill development and strives to prepare students to be
independent learners and citizens. Each student’s program
is individualized and includes a mix of academic
classes, tutorials and extracurricular activities that
reflect the child’s diagnosed needs and unique learning
profile.
Long term motivation, confidence building, advocacy
skills and a strong work ethic are emphasized. The
school serves as a resource for its current families and
also the larger community through
its summer school and tutoring services.
Board of Directors
David Adler
Richard Bondy
David Blackburn
Janet Brogan
Jeffrey Burki
Barbara R. Evans
Richard Ferguson
Hope Hetherington
Theron Hoffman
Gina Hurd
Sally Ijams
Karen Jeffers
Alan Kasson
Peter Oldershaw
John B. Place
Marcia Pryde
Elliott Rogers
Hugh Smith
Robert Smith
Janet L. Steinmayer
Administrative Staff
Carolyn Lavender
Director of Admissions
Leonard Tavormina
Headmaster
Susie Haydon,
Dede Warner
Front Office
Lea Sylvestro
Parent’s Liaison
Supervisors/Advisors
Steve Sylvestro
Dean of Students
Hallie Buckingham
Student Activities/
Professional Development
Jeff Ruggiero
Instruction & Curriculum
James Tice
Leonard Tavormina
Headmaster
Mark Jacobs
Secretary
Directors Emeriti
Lawrence Hughes
Michael F. LaPorta
Walter S. Robbins
Frank P. Wendt
Patricia L. Willett
Robert W. Wright
Mrs. F. Henry Berlin
1920-1995
Stephen D. Colhoun
1921-1991
John D. Upton
1909-2005
David Crandall
Director of Development
Tim Kwong
Business Manager
Mario Fiallo
Director of Facilities
and Maintenance
Kathleen Gallagher
Tutorial /Staff Support
John Robbins
Master Teacher/
Athletic Co-ordination
David Sylvestro
School Psychologist
2

From the Headmaster
The Importance of Being an Independent Learner
Dear Friends,
On June 15, over 40 “graduates” marched down the traditional double
line of teachers and staff in front of the school and bid farewell
to Eagle Hill. As I watched them proceed down the walkway into
the next chapter in their lives, I was heartened to know that the staff
here taught them well. They carry with them many new skills,
learning strategies and a noticeably higher level of confidence.
Of course, one of the key goals for these students was for them to
become more independent and successful learners. By also learning
to advocate for themselves – and not expecting others to do so – these children have become
more assertive and engaged students. A letter I received recently from a former school parent
brought this thought to light. Here is an excerpt from that letter:
Tyler is graduating next week from Trumbull High School, and we want to thank everyone
who taught him during the five years he attended Eagle Hill. Even though he
remains a quiet young man who continues to struggle with his school work, he learned a
valuable lesson from Eagle Hill: he learned to be a self advocate. It helped him achieve
honors all four years at THS… we are so very grateful for all that you did to help Tyler
become such a kind, hard working, productive citizen.
On page 11 of this newsletter is a list of the schools where are departing students will be
attending. It is our hope and expectation that when our students enter their new classrooms,
they will take the initiative to present themselves in a positive light and get to know their
teachers. When children are their own advocates, they tend more readily to seek out help
from teachers and participate more effectively in class discussion and activities. This self
advocacy leads to greater understanding and academic success… and, consequently, to higher
self esteem and achievement.
We salute all those who have moved on from our school.
Wishing you an enjoyable summer.
Sincerely,
Leonard TavorminaSincerely,
Leonard Tavormina
3

Save the Date:
Monday, October 1, 2007
The Golf Club at Oxford Greens,
Oxford, CT
On Monday, October 1, Eagle Hill will host the second
annual Soaring Eagles Golf Classic at The Golf Club at
Oxford Greens in Oxford, CT. Our “Leadership
Foursome” of Karl Babikian, Ross Kudwitt, Fran Signore,
and Maureen Watson is busy planning a wonderful
event. The day will feature a spectacular day of golf on
this new premier course, as well as a buffet luncheon,
cocktail reception, gift bag and the chance to win one of
several raffle prizes.
For information regarding sponsorships, golf spots or volunteering
to serve on the committee, please contact
David Crandall, Development Director at 203-254-2044.
Your support is needed to make this outing a success.
4

Cinco de Mayo - Ole!
As gloriously appointed as a bonita bean dips.
mujer, a beautiful woman, the John
school was festooned in finery befitting
a fiesta. Thousands of tissue reporter for
Burgeson,
paper flowers of turquoise, pink, yellow,
and orange, blossomed on tables, Connecticut
the
encircled tent poles and accented Post raved that
doorways for the spring benefit which the food was
took place May 5 th . Lacy multi-colored
banners, lights, and lanterns
“out of this
world.”
looped from the ceilings. Decoration
Co-chairs Beth Jones and Libby
Schreiber were overwhelmed by the
enthusiasm of a dedicated committee
generous with their time.
A full-size canopy shaded the Giving
Tree Marketplace, overseen by parent
Regina Flaherty. Despite the authenticity
lent by baskets of bananas and
pineapples, this was a key opportunity
for guests to direct their donations
toward wishlist items selected by the
staff.
Enticing as the apple to Adam, the
2007 arctic silver Porsche Boxster
which was to be raffled off later in the
evening, was parked next to a fountain
bedecked with live tropical flora.
For the moment, the sleek car was
viewed with a sense of ownership by
everyone attending. “She could be
mine,” was the prevailing belief, but
only one ticket led to the keys.
While frozen margaritas churned by
the fountain, chefs Kim Keehan and
Avery Horne bustled in the kitchen
preparing delectable offerings of marinated
shrimp tossed with lime juice
and avocado, grilled chicken, filet on
herbed toast, pork burritos, and an
abundance of salsas, guacamole, and
The school’s
reception
room was
transformed
into a portal to
another dimension as psychic medium
Angelina Diana held guests enthralled
with the accuracy of her readings. As
the evening went on, the eight-peopleper-session
limit was abandoned as up
to fourteen seekers crowded the medium.
There was a quickening in the
Common Room as Latin dancers
Enrique Alarcon and Amanda Parton
took the floor. Clad in sleek, form-fitting
white costumes, the pair spun and
dipped to an appreciative audience.
Inspired by the performance, guests
then lined up to salsa following
Enrique’s directions. School staff
members Mario Fiallo, originally of
Ecuador, and Luis Parra of Colombia
joined the throng, lending their
expertise in the dances of their homelands.
This was a party in which the cochairs
were crystal clear in their
vision. Spice was the prime ingredient
- and not solely in the food. “We
wanted to create a spirited evening
Eagle Hill’s Capital Campaign Is Coming!
Eagle Hill-Southport is embarking on a capital campaign
to raise much-needed funds to build its endowment. With
a stronger endowment, the school will be better positioned
to limit tuition growth, thereby making the school
with an authentic flavor where people,
above all, would have fun while raising
funds for the school,” said
Carmela Kaufman. Libby Tritschler
added, “We introduced Enrique and
Amanda, and Angelina Diana in an
effort to inject some uniquely exciting
elements that would really engage our
guests.”
Los hermanos (the brothers) Sylvestro,
the school psychologist and dean of
students, acted as auctioneers, guiding
bidders to such heights of generosity
as to raise $39,500 in the live auction
alone. And then, the moment of truth
– the raffle drawing for the Porsche.
After all of the revelry, the room was
silent as Libby and Carmela
announced the winner. Westport resident
John Cravenho was to be the
envied man behind the wheel.
We extend our deepest thanks to the
chairs and benefit committee who
succeeded in providing a joyous
evening of fun while raising $125,750
for the school’s endowment and scholarship
funds.
affordable for more families; boost financial aid for families
in need; and increase professional development offerings
for its teachers. The school community will be hearing
more about the campaign in the coming school year.
5

Around School
The stars and stripes fluttered lazily
against a deep blue sky. Fragrant
pink roses perfumed the walk to the
harbor. The gleeful calls of children
carried over and around the historic
former homes of sea captains. It was
the perfect morning for open-air,
hands-on observation of the properties
of flight as reviewed in the spring science
unit. Teachers Bob Perry, Lisa
Galasso, Joan Garthwaite, Julie Papp
and Megan Aversano untangled string,
freed errant kites from trees, and
watched the skies with eyes shielded
and heads thrown back as students set
their minds to aeronautics with an
assortment of kites. For many of the
kites, air time was gained primarily as
students ran pell mell down the length
of Perry Green. Far overhead, however,
Edward MacCordy’s Jolly Roger
soared just short of Sam Glasburg’s
colorful bevy of bugs. Board member
Hugh Smith, called from his house by
the “sounds of joy” captured the event
on film.
Thanks to funds donated by participants
in the 2006 Giving Tree, the
following week a special assembly
brought Captain Bob Mueller to the
school to talk about the history of ballooning.
In addition to a slide show,
he inflated a training-size balloon to
¼ capacity in the common room. At
that size, the balloon touched the ceiling
lights and the students were able
to sit inside
the balloon.
The
audience
then filed
outside to
see the passenger
basket
and
witness the
use of a
torch to
heat the air.
History can be a hard sell to children
of any age – who cares
about the activities of people long
dead? But when a connection is
forged so that students gain an appreciation
for the challenges and routines
of life over 200 years ago, then the
sequence of events has a context.
A Social Studies Extravaganza focusing
on Colonial Connecticut provided an
exciting variety of special assemblies
designed to vividly portray the state’s
early life. Dressed in period garb,
“Mrs. Weston” spoke of her life in
1876 as the daughter of a whaler who
sailed out of Mystic Seaport. She
described the close quarters - chicken
and small livestock sharing space with
humans – and the surprising concept
of cookfires on board ship.
Walt Latis, a re-enactor from the
Fairfield Historical Society, took pains
in describing the practicality of each
item of his colonial clothing when he
came to speak about life in the eighteenth
century militia. Former Eagle
Hill advisor, Barb Grant, returned to
school to display her hand-crafted
quilts and instruct students in handpiecing
quilt squares. In addition, students
tried their hands at a variety of
traditional skills including making
hand-dipped candles, tying nautical
knots and working with pulleys.
In their study of the Colonial justice
system, older students focused on the
case of the slave rebellion on the ship
Amistad. Many students
were stunned to discover
that slavery had existed in
Connecticut.
In order to complement student
contracts on animals,
teachers Melissa
McCormack and Christine
Filep took their tutorial
classes to the Beardsley Zoo
in Bridgeport. The animal
kingdom never fails to
delight and impress, and the
students experienced a full measure of
both. They explored tunnels that simulated
those of the prairie dog and
learned about the red wolf, which is
now extinct in the wild. For Jake
Melcher-Eydt and Marcus Pagliarulo,
their study of the green iguana and
boa constrictor was enhanced by a
visit to the reptile house. The howler
monkeys and golden lion tamarinds
entertained all with their antics at the
rainforest exhibit. And Maya
Treisman was granted the vision of her
contract animal – a Siberian tiger –
taking a bath!
Graham Cavanaugh, Nick Piliero,
Ryan Brennan and Gennady
Enslen went to Grasmere Eldercare
Center every month to visit with the
seniors.
While none of the acts are apt to
appear on a record label anytime
soon, the lively talents displayed
by contestants for the coveted “Eagle
6

Hill Idol” title deserve
points for spirit. The contest
was organized by
Dawn Westlund’s M & M
Club (Movies and Music)
and received technical
assistance from Sharon
Plante.
Teachers and students vied for top
honors, taking up props, costumes and
wigs to lip sync such favorites as
1985 (Ben Ferguson, Mike Africk,
Mike Esposito, Will Bosch, James
Overton, Ian Boyle, Olivia Griffin),
and Hey Mickey (Julie Fields, Kaela
LiVigni, Rachael McDermott, Ellie
Barbieri, Tom Kazi
and Leland
Ketcher). The rendition
of Leader of
the Pack performed
by teachers Bob
Perry, Rachael
Stabers and
Melanie Higgins
was particularly
dramatic given
headmaster
Len
Tavormina’s
appearance
on his
motorcycle!
The
winners,
You Don’t
bring Me
Flowers (teachers Tom Peets and
Sean Tottenham) and 1985, were
decided by a ballot vote and
announced on Beach Day.
There is something magical
about weather - the march of
great mounds of cumulous
clouds across a wide expanse of
sky, the fall of snow, rain or hail
out of…nothing. The swing from
cold to hot within the span of the
day. How can it all be
explained?
Paul Piorek, weather anchor of
News 12, met with Mr. Perry’s
and Mr. Peet’s science classes
and graphically demonstrated the
scientific bases of weather with
experiments that seemed as
much magic as science.
Ben Ferguson and Arielle
Zweibach amazed the audience
by illustrating how water
vapor, low pressure and cold
produce snow. While some
gazed at the ceiling anticipating
the possibility of a blizzard, the
accumulation was more manageable
– a snowball from a cup –
which Mr. Piorek dumped on Arielle’s
head!
When Melissa McCormack’s tutorial
class - Lizzy O’Connell and
Maya Treisman - reached their
Accelerated Reader goal, they celebrated
with a tea party. Joined by
Susie Martin, they sipped punch and
nibbled Rice Krispy treats served on
the finest china while listening to classical
music.
“Let’s get a little bit rowdy!
R-O-W-D-Y”
Cheering is all about enthusiasm,
energy and encouraging others. It is
also about hard work and discipline.
Teacher Michele Isenberg is lavish in
her praise of the members of the
school’s cheerleading squad: Terra
Gardella, Caroline Guterl, Lily Baer,
Leyna Kudwitt, Payton Alexander, Allie
Gluck, and Megan Mistretta. Their
efforts have transformed the squad
from a makeshift group to an established
sport – the first sport at the
school offered primarily for girls.
With official status come the trappings
– uniforms and pom-poms. Far more
important is the self-confidence
gained as the girls’ skills have developed,
earning them the respect of the
school community and the referees.
Ms Isenberg beams in saying,
“Referees and parents have told me
that the girls could go up against any
high school squad.” The girls themselves
have a similar goal – participating
in a local competition.
7

Eagle Hill-Southport Alumni: Update
Dylan Connolly, now attending
Fairfield Country Day, participated in
the “Word Masters” National Language
Arts competition and was the only seventh
grader to be recognized as
“Outstanding.” He is currently playing
lacrosse for his school and for the
Town of Westport. This summer,
Dylan was invited to attend the Great
Books program in Amherst, MA.
Kathryn Crum, a rising eighth grader
at Harvey School, has had a full performance
schedule as she appeared in
“Anything Goes” at the high school
during the winter and played Miss
Hannigan in the middle school production
of “Annie.” While not on
stage, she was diligent in her studies
and made the Headmaster’s List for
the winter term.
Having received an art award from
Rumsey Hall upon graduating,
Andrew Friedman will be attending
Proctor Academy in the fall.
National Honor Society inductee,
Shannon Hallenbeck, graduated from
Forman School with High Honors and
won the Headmaster’s Award as well
as the Senior Science Award for his
work on the Costa Rican Rainforest
Project in which he caught, banded,
and tracked migratory birds during a
ten-day stay in Costa Rica. He was
also Vice President of the school and
captain of the kayaking team. He will
be attending Centenary College in
New Jersey in the fall to study fashion
and journalism.
Having enjoyed skiing three days a
week this winter during his ninth
grade year at Pine Ridge School in
Vermont, Henry McMahon will participate
in the Super Teens program at
Summitt Camp this summer.
From Boy Scouts to Robotics, Steve
Miller is covering the traditional as
well as the futuristic. Having earned
the Scout rank of Life in October of
2006, he has also become increasingly
involved in competitive robotics.
As a member of the Shelton High
School robotics Team 230 Gaelhawks,
Summer School Family Wins Porsche Boxster
The lucky winner of the 2007
Porsche Boxster raffle this year was
John Cravenho whose son Ean attends
the summer program. The drawing
was held the evening of the Cinco de
Mayo spring benefit. We took some
time to talk to John and Ean about
their family’s new addition.
How did you feel when you heard the
news?
John: We were ecstatic! We
had made previous arrangements
to go out for dinner
that evening, and when we
returned my wife played the
message on our answering
machine. I was on the
other side of the house and
heard this joyous screaming
from the kitchen. I rushed
over and learned we had
won the car. Even though it
was late, we stayed up a
long time that night reflecting
about the exciting news.
How do you like the car?
John: I love it. This is my first convertible,
and it’s tremendous fun to take it
out for weekend spins. Our first drive
was around back roads in Ridgefield,
which was just great. Ean is already
planning on learning how to drive a
standard transmission and has “first
8
he competed in Orlando, FLA, and
Hartford, CT, in March.
After completing his sophomore year
as an English major at St. Joseph’s
University, Bryan Reid came to speak
to the Parent Support Group about his
experiences in transitioning from Eagle
Hill to Fairfield Prep and finally to a
college setting.
Congratulations to recent Trumbull
High School graduate Tyler Rice, who
will be attending Pennsylvania College
of Technology in the fall. He completed
his senior year with honors for all
of his four years of high school and
won the sportsmanship award for
indoor track, having served as co-captain
for the track team. Based on his
overall performance in academics,
sports and volunteer work, he was
awarded two college scholarships.
Jackson Skinner completed seventh
grade at Rumsey Hall having earned a
varsity letter in cross country and
making the Dean’s list three times.
dibs” on the car when he’s in High
School – or so he says! My 13 year
old daughter likes me to drive her into
town - for obvious reasons!
I’ve held off buying a sports car in the
past because we have four children.
So winning the Boxster was a quite
fortuitous and “guilt-free” way to own
a Porsche. In my early 20’s I owned a
1966 GTO and now this car is bringing
me memories of those happy
times. So, the Boxster is very special
to me.
How is it that you came to buy a ticket?
Ean: I’m responsible for us winning
the car! If I hadn’t signed up for summer
school we probably wouldn’t
have known about the raffle and
bought a ticket. The car is really cool.
It’s my favorite way to get to school!
Congratulations and happy trails to the
Cravenho family!

Tag-Along Day
The individualized attention
that is integral to Eagle Hill’s
program is embodied in Tag-
Along day. This special event is
offered as an auction prize at
the spring benefit and gives a
child an opportunity to step out
of the student role for a day to
accompany Director of
Maintenance Mario Fiallo,
Dean of Students Steve
Sylvestro and Headmaster Len
Tavormina.
There were two Tag-Along winners
this spring, Matthew Watson and Brett Tritschler.
Brett’s mother, Libby, said, “You should have seen the
expression on Brett’s face when I told him we had won this
for him.” And happily, I was fortunate to glimpse that
expression - the shining eyes and beaming smiles - while
interviewing the boys for this article.
When asked if he’d learned anything about his three escorts
that he hadn’t previously known, Brett said, “I didn’t know
all the stuff that Mario does.” Neither did I, as it turns out,
as Matt and Brett listed their excursions to “the recycling
place, Home Depot, the fire station…” Twice I moved on
to the next question, only to have Matt stop me to say, “I
haven’t finished yet.” It was a long list.
Mario commented, “In working for a school, you have to be
flexible. It was good for the boys to see that sometimes you
have to stop what you are doing, no matter what your plans
are, and deal with whatever comes up. If someone needs
help, errands have to wait.”
Both boys loved their visit to the Southport Fire Station.
When Mario explained that he
volunteered his time, that some
things are more important than
money, the boys were surprised….but
they understood.
“I want to be a fireman!” Brett
announced. Both were pleased
with their complimentary teeshirts.
Part of tagging along involves
assuming certain responsibilities.
In blue blazer and wild,
white-haired wig, Matt bore an
eerie likeness to Mr. Sylvestro as
he surprised the school community with his commanding
presence in leading Morning Meeting, making announcements
and sending the students off to class. The timing was
also in Matt’s favor as a fire drill was due, and clearly mindful
of the importance and privilege of his task, he pulled the
alarm to initiate the drill.
A high point of the day
was lunch at Sakura with
Mr. Tavormina. The boys
invited friends and were
treated to a hibachi-style
meal. Jon Moor joined
Matt, and Brett invited
Leland Ketcher, Thomas
Kazi and Mario. Mr.
Tavormina observed that
the conversation was lively
and entertaining, while
the boys agreed, “It was
fun!”
“The Power of Mindsets” - Dr. Robert Brooks Speaks
Clinical psychologist, lecturer and
author, Dr. Robert Brooks, conducted
two seminars for teachers and parents on
May 1. Author of The Self-Esteem Teacher,
Raising Resilient Children, Nurturing
Resilience in Children and Answers to the
Most Important Parenting Questions, Dr.
Brooks addressed the topic, “The Power of
Mindsets: Nurturing Motivation and
Resilience in Students with Learning Disabilities.”
The afternoon session for educators emphasized dimensions
of mindset necessary for effective educators and resilient
youth, identification of student “islands of competence” and
specific interventions for fostering motivation, learning, selfdiscipline,
self-esteem, cooperation, caring,
hope and resilience in children. In
addition to Eagle Hill-Southport staff,
teachers from Hopkins School, Greens
Farms Academy, Rye Country Day School,
Eagle Hill-Greenwich, New Canaan
Country School and Unquowa School
attended.
There was an enthusiastic parent response to the evening
session. Dr. Brooks focused on raising resilient children
and adolescents with learning disabilities, dealing with
stress, the importance of empathy in response and understanding
and strategies for nurturing self-discipline, selfesteem,
responsibility, caring, and hope.
9

Teachers as Heroes:
School Parent Salutes Eagle Hill Faculty
am astonished by the generosity,”
“Isaid Louise Foerster, chair of the
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.
Between the willing pool of volunteers
for set-up and clean-up, the sumptuous
list of salads and desserts, and the
donations for beverage and paper
goods, it was clear how fully the
teachers had earned the respect and
gratitude of the parents. In the following
tribute to the teachers, Louise
compared them to heroes:
“It started, as many important things
do, during an ordinary carpool morning
to Eagle Hill. I announced brightly
to the three boys in the car that I
was helping with the Teacher
Appreciation Luncheon this year and
could use their ideas. Utter silence. It
was a Monday. And the day was gray.
It was April and it was still cold. Then
a small voice ventured, “I think you
should have
duckies for
everyone.
Get all different
ones so
everyone can
choose the
duck they
like.”
Another
voice piped
up, “Hey, are
there any
World of Warcraft ducks yet?”
Thus ended the first high-level, insiders-only
meeting concerning today’s
luncheon. And this is why there are
tiny ducks perched in and
around the flowers on each
table. So to the clever
observation, “Why a duck?”
My carpool and I respond,
“Why not?”
Why not, indeed?
More and more, I think that
many of us start out as ugly
ducklings. We’re small,
vulnerable, open souls full
of joy and exuberance. The lucky
ducklings among us grow up to
become their most magnificent swan
selves.
Not all ugly
ducklings are
lucky ducks.
Some spend
their entire
lives swimming
around
the same
muddy puddle.
Others
suffer terribly,
trying so hard
to be ordinary ducks, breaking their
hearts trying to be smart or pretty or
clever like the mallard ducks next
door. These ugly ducklings never get
to become the swans they truly are.
But if we are
very blessed
ducks, we
have someone
who
helps us on
our way to
becoming our
swan selves.
Often it’s a
parent, a
grandparent,
a coach.
For the children of Eagle Hill and their
parents and all the people around
them, we are all of us lucky ducks
blessed with a lively community of
heroes committed to helping us
becoming our swan selves.
And this is no ordinary bunch of runof-the-mill
superheroes. Nope. The
regular superheroes have it easy. They
have urgent missions. The mean guys
are so clearly evil, wearing bad
clothes and black hats and bad hair.
Usually they talk funny – and, I suspect,
smell pretty bad. Against these
villains set upon destroying the earth,
the regular superheroes have cool outfits,
nifty weapons, and endless
resources. Many have loyal sidekicks
or butlers to help out. Many times the
battles are ferocious, but the heroes
always beat
the mean
guys.
However, the
mean guys
that the
heroes of
Eagle Hill face
aren’t even
really mean
guys at all.
They are all
the hedges of fear, apathy, despair,
doubt, surrounding the tangles of brilliance
within each one of the ducks in
your charge. Eagle Hill heroes wield
encouragement, incredible skills, profound
respect, keen insight and high
expectations. You calmly resolve
calamities with homework, lost clothing,
bad pitches and adolescent angst.
{For me personally, adolescent angst is
enough to hurtle me under my bed
with a new novel and a thick bar of
dark chocolate.}
But for the heroes of Eagle Hill, no
matter. You tie ties. You teach children
to make sense of letters and
numbers and how to tell their own
stories. You referee intense battles
between best friends. You make sure
that everyone learns, in his or her
own special way. And you do so
with humor, intelligence, grace and
10

astonishing ingenuity.
You are all of you McGuivers of
education. {I know, I know, I’m
dating myself. For those of you
who don’t know him, McGuiver
was a television character who
saved himself from certain doom
every week by using his powerful
scientific intellect and simple tools
at hand. Paper clips could be fashioned
into nuclear missiles. If you
haven’t seen the show, look for it.
Trust me; you’ll be amazed at what
this guy can do.} For all of you as
well, there are no big bombs or webs
or flaming swords to use in facing
your challenges. Your work is accomplished
with books and projects and
team cheers. You give the very best of
what you have to offer, not in a single
blaze of regular superhero glory, but
rather in steady days, weeks and
months. You create the powerful
warm spirit that fills the school,
which transforms ducks into swans,
and ultimately sends swans out to
their own special adventures.
Yeah, regular superheroes get all
the glory. They’re featured in
movies and comic books and video
games. But they don’t have anything
on you guys. No masks,
tights, or clever disguises could
possibly hide your truest identity as
special superheroes.
We trust you with our ducks and you
give us our swans.
Many thanks to Louise and all of the
parents who made the teacher luncheon
such a special event for the staff.
Students Go on Rafting Adventure
Hmm. Highway
closed. Not a
good start. With a
little help from Mr.
Sylvestro, the
intrepid crew,
composed of
teachers Hallie
Buckingham,
Sharon Plante,
John Robbins, Brandon DeMunnick and Megan Aversano
and Student Council members Michael Africk, Alex Basche,
Nicholas Beck, Ian Boyle, Ryan Brennan, Jimmy Carlucci,
Graham Cavanaugh, Stephanie da Silva, Brendan Donaher,
Michael Esposito, Mark Feola, Ben Feguson, Julie Fields,
Josh Furth, Chris Hopf, Caroline Lethbridge, Kaela LiVigni,
Creighton Mann, James Overton, Courtney Peck, Nick
Piliero, Nick Protopapas, Connor Schaney, Will Schink, Jack
Stow, Ben Tice, Jack Tranmer, and Arielle Zweibach, took a
one and a half hour detour to reach the starting point of
their June rafting adventure. Due to the late hour, the paddling
was frenetic as they sought to rush through the rapids
of the Deerfield River in plenty of time to beat the closing
of the dam and resultant low water level. Walking back to
the vans was not on the agenda! After an evening’s recuperation
of swimming,
videos,
games and pizza
back at the
Holyoke Holiday
Inn, the group was
ready to tackle Six
Flags Amusement
Park the next day.
Destination Schools
for Our “Graduates”
American School in Switzerland
Berkshire School
Cheshire Academy
Cushing Academy
Easton Public Schools
Fairfield Prep
Fairfield Public Schools
Forman School
Harvey School
Indian Mountain School
King & Low Heywood, Thomas
Marvelwood School
Milford Public Schools
New Canaan Public Schools
New Haven Public Schools
Phoenix Academy
Ridgefield Public Schools
Rowland Hall – St. Mark’s School,
Utah
Rumsey Hall
Soundview School
St. Luke’s School
Unquowa School
Westport Public Schools
Wilton Public Schools
Winston Prep
11

Alumni parents Jim and Joan McMahon have
graciously agreed to host the 2008 spring
benefit, a wild west extravaganza,
on May 3, so Save the Date!!!!
12

Beach Day Barbecue Serves Up Fun
For some, the morning’s chill and cloud cover would have
dampened enthusiasm for a day at the beach. This was
not the case for a school full of kids who looked forward to
Beach Day all year long. And certainly not when the day
began with a glider launch and Mento/soda dousing! Yes!
Lessons wrought by the science teachers continued up until
the moment of departure for Penfield Beach. Gliders were
propelled from the roof by staff members to the accompaniment
of rousing chanting by the creators. Next, teacher
Bob Perry delighted the crowd with a recreation of the
spectacular YouTube experiment in which a veritable Tivoli
fountain erupted from a sinuous series of soda bottles with
the addition of a few Mento lozenges. The Eagle Hill version
was not as dramatic, but spurred students to a dizzy
frolic in the sticky, staining, shower of soda.
The scene at Penfield Beach was lively as students and staff
competed in potato sack races and an egg toss, danced the
limbo and for those interested, had their faces painted.
Alumni Eric Anderson, Dennis White, James Brogan, Neil
Doocy, Alex Cope, Chad Sterling and Holly and Parker Tod
returned to partake of the culinary delights served up on
the grill by chefs Tavormina, Sylvestro, Ruggiero and Fiallo.
13

Is it a Circus? Is it a Fair?
No! It’s the Second Annual Pancake Breakfast
and Southport Parade
It was a day ripe for celebration. Aromatic roses climbed
the white picket fences of Southport against a background
of clear blue skies. In the harbor, boats with colorful flags
strung up their masts lined up for the Blessing of the Fleet.
On the school’s front lawn, teacher Bob Perry, unrecognizable
in full clown make-up and a shaggy wig of bright yellow,
red and blue, amazed visitors as he juggled scarves
and performed magic tricks. Staff member Dede Warner
and her equine companion circled the grass giving rides.
Small children scampered about, their faces painted with
kitten whiskers, their hands sporting turtles or frogs artfully
applied by teachers Megan Aversano and Julie Papp. Many
of those little faces and hands were sticky with maple syrup,
remnants of the tasty treats offered in the common room by
Jeff Ruggiero, Hallie Buckingham, Sharon Plante and John
Robbins and a rotating cast of helpful staff. Over 360
breakfasts were served as current and former students and
members of the community stopped by. Alumni Jackson
Skinner, Andrew Kostin, David Jackson, Brett Doonan,
Kevin Gunderson, Billy Cole, Pasquale Malpeso, Max
DeMonico, Jeffrey Emsweiller, Jason Margaritas, Ben
Rountree, Kathryn Crum and Melissa Morgan were among
those sampling the liberal platefuls of pancakes, bacon and
sausages.
A stirring drumroll signaled the start of the parade – a vision
of small town America as fife and drum corps from around
the region, clothed in colonial garb, marched down Main
Street. The Southport Volunteer Fire Department, with our
own Mario Fiallo in dress blues, was greeted with enthusiastic
applause. Representing Eagle Hill were the McMahon
family mini-horses, led by Joan McMahon carrying the
school banner with Nicholas Pritchard, Eagle Hill staffers
Susie Haydon, Brandon DeMunnick and Steve Sylvestro.
Headmaster Len Tavormina summed up the day in a letter
to the staff, “Balloons, face painting, clowns, real maple
syrup, fruit salad, the best blueberry pancakes and miniature
horses too! What a great day for Southport and the
school and what a beautiful way to bring this fine year to a
close! At a time when your energies were understandably
fading you stepped forward and did a beautiful job welcoming
friends and neighbors and celebrating the generous
spirit at this little school by the harbor.”
14

Looking Ahead: Administrative Team Considers
Changes at their Strategic Planning Retreat
In a February letter addressed to
members of the school community,
headmaster Len Tavormina observed,
“We continually review our program
seeking to better serve our children
and their families while improving the
staff’s professional experience.” While
this is an ongoing process, with weekly
staff meetings and brainstorming
sessions, senior staff members Len
Tavormina, Steve Sylvestro, Hallie
Buckingham, Jeff Ruggiero,
Carolyn Lavender, John
Robbins and Kathleen
Gallagher, convened at the
Yale Club in New York City
the weekend of March 23
for a Strategic Planning
Retreat. Input from board
members, staff, parents
and alumni parents was
considered. Listed below
is a summary, in no particular
order, of some of the
decisions and changes that
stemmed from the retreat.
• Next year we will organize
an “open house” for
area professionals. At the end of
each academic year we will also
schedule an evening open house for
parents and relatives of our newly
accepted students who were unable
to attend one earlier in the year.
• Over the summer we will divide a
larger classroom into two smaller
ones to accommodate full enrollment
and to give another teacher
their own “home classroom.” We
currently have two roaming teachers!
• We are exploring other ways to regularly
communicate with our parent
body in such a way that does not
interfere with the important relationship
between our advisors and their
student’s families. It is anticipated
this will take the form of a bimonthly
Headmaster letter.
• We are reviewing ways to enhance
David Sylvestro’s valuable contributions
to the school community. We
would like to make adjustments to
his schedule and activities to give
him additional opportunities to
interact with children, parents and
staff.
• Beyond the regular communication
between our staff and parents we
would like to add another scheduled
meeting at some point in their second
year to review progress. We
anticipate this will take place at
conferencing time.
• Veteran teacher Jill Hansen will join
David Sylvestro and the supervisors
in providing additional counseling
and support to our transitioning students.
We are exploring additional
ways to advise and assist transitioning
families.
• In the fall the teaching staff will be
organized into four distinct teams
responsible for classroom instruction.
We are also going back to a
non-rotating academic schedule.
This is the broadest and most comprehensive
of our decisions and one
that we anticipate will have a significant
and positive impact on our student’s
experience. We will provide
further details in another communication.
• Our academic calendar has been
adjusted so that classroom instruction
will begin after Labor Day.
• The department head positions have
been expanded to provide more
leadership opportunities to experienced
teachers. The following
assignments have been made for the
fall: Heather Humphries (literature),
Megan Aversano (writing), Tom Peets
(math), Sharon Plante
(technology), Julie Igoe
(science/social studies),
Melissa Brown (tutorial
II), and Kathleen
Gallagher (Tutorial).
• Additional lunch selections
will be provided
with a new staff monitored
sandwich bar.
More fresh produce will
also be available at juice
break.
• The school will be seeking
additional information
on our students outside
activities and achievements
to be highlighted at morning
assembly.
• School assemblies will be expanded
for art, music, science, and social
studies.
• We are exploring additional ways to
incorporate the use of technology in
our student’s experience. Carolyn
Lavender will also be researching
other computer programs that support
and enrich classroom instruction.
• The school will be modifying its curriculum
to accommodate a younger
student population. With this in
mind we will also be expanding the
athletic intramural program.
Please feel free to contact any member
of the administrative team should
you have any questions or comments.
15

Eagle Hill
214 Main Street, Southport, Connecticut 06890
Telephone: 203-254-2044
®
Southport
Non-Profit Org.
U.S.Postage
PAID
Southport, CT
Permit No. 48
The Annual Fund Soars
Annual Fund dollars help the
school retain outstanding teachers,
purchase team uniforms, upgrade
computers, and generally keep the
school humming. We extend a
heartfelt thanks to all the friends of
Eagle Hill-Southport who supported
this year’s drive.
PS: If you haven’t given yet, it’s not too late to get your gift in!
2006-07 Annual Fund Team
Members of the Annual Fund team at the winter
phonathon: l to r, Hope Hetherington, Ling Moor, Libby
Tritschler, Louise Foerster, Leda Milazzo, and Kelly Stewart.)
The Annual Fund chalked up healthy numbers again this
year. The number of donors is up an incredible 26% over
the previous year thanks in large part to a talented and
enthusiastic Annual Fund team. Kudos go to the entire
team listed below and especially to its co-chairs, Ling Moor
and Kelly Stewart.
Ling Moor and Kelly Stewart
Co-Chairs
Karl Babikian
Kristen Bartlett
Kristen Begor
Dale Brennan
Dick Ferguson
Louise Foerster
Wendy Ford
Hope Hetherington
Susan Hood
Carmela Kaufman
Wendy MacCordy
Leda Milazzo
Laurie Raleigh
Cindy Schinck
Fran Signore
Janie Shernow
Jennifer Sterling
Libby Tritschler
Lauren Wagner
Pat Willett