SAES_JULY '22_Magazine

The Community Issue
SUMMER 2022
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IN THIS ISSUE
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08
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CONTENTS
A letter from Khadija
Our Strategic Plan
The Arts
Welcome to Paradise
ABOUT SAINT ANDREW’S
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School is a
wholehearted community of learners
with a wholehearted commitment
to cultivating student happiness,
academic achievement, and character.
Our complete, balanced, and inspiring
approach to education ensures that our
graduates are exceptionally good people
who are exceptionally well-prepared to
thrive in high school, college, and life.
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The Baccalaureate Chapel
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Moving Up Chapel
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Graduation
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Alumni News
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Our Spirit Mark
Wholehearted learning in the heart of Silicon Valley.
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A LETTER FROM KHADIJA
Fulfilling Our Mission
Through a Global Pandemic
July 11, 2022
So much has changed in the world and here at Saint Andrew’s since we first closed the campus in
March 2020 in response to the state’s stay-at-home order. Yet through the ever-changing dynamics
of this global pandemic, there is one thing that has never been in question - our mission to educate
the whole student, developing as fully as possible the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social
capacities of each student within the tradition and values of the Episcopal Church.
At first, we provided at-home learning kits every two weeks. We sent home summer fun supplies.
We created virtual versions of beloved events like the Harvest Festival, Variety Show, Spring Musical,
and Spring Social (to name a few). We partnered with local agencies to provide virtual service
opportunities. We prepared our campus for
students to return with hand-washing stations
and sanitizer dispensers easily accessible. We
created outdoor meeting areas and upgraded
our HVAC systems. And once back on campus,
our health and safety protocols have made it
possible for us all to be here. We reopened our
campus thoughtfully and methodically over
the course of last year first hosting sociallydistanced
buddy gatherings and parent
meetings and limiting attendance at on-campus
activities to eventually being able to welcome
everyone back to attend the first in-person
presentation of the Ladd Discovery Award since
2019, party in paradise at the Spring Social, and
celebrate the Class of 2022 as they graduated
and our younger students as they ‘moved up’ to
their pews for the next year.
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Saint Andrew’s has never wavered from
its commitment to cultivating student
happiness, academic achievement,
and character despite a pandemic.
And even behind masks, our masterful
educators design captivating learning
experiences. They work tirelessly to
ensure each child feels individually
known, unconditionally loved, and
deeply valued as an essential member
of our warm, inclusive community. Our
graduates continue to be well-prepared
to thrive in high school, college, and life.
I often equate my position as the Head of School to that of a ship’s captain. It is my job, along
with my excellent crew of administrators and educators, to maintain the safe operation of
the school and to keep us moving towards our desired destination. The mission has been our
guiding star for 60 years and the school’s strategic plan is our GPS.
In the pages that follow you’ll learn more about our strategic plan and the work that our
community has done throughout the pandemic to further solidify Saint Andrew’s complete,
balanced, and inspiring educational experience as one of the best in the San Francisco Bay area.
Warmly,
Khadija A. Fredericks
Head of School
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A LETTER FROM KHADIJA
2020-2021 COVID Respo
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nse Timeline
Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, Saint
Andrew’s continued to follow the county’s
COVID safety guidelines. The school conducted
weekly COVID testing and reminded students
to wash their hands and use sanitizer
frequently. Over the course of the year, we were
able to welcome people back to campus to be
more fully engaged in our wholehearted Saint
Andrew’s community. We’ve captured several
of those events in the pages to follow.
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THE STRATEGIC PLAN
The Strategic Plan
Following the school’s 2019 accreditation by the California Association of
Independent Schools (CAIS), members of the Saint Andrew’s community
(faculty, parents, students, and Board of Trustees) were invited to come
together to cast a vision for the future of the school. The input received
was used to create a strategic plan that reflects the school’s commitment
to providing a complete, balanced, and inspiring academic program for
students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eighth. The Plan includes six
categories of mission-aligned goals. The categories align with the areas of
focus referenced in the 2019 CAIS Accreditation Report.
Despite the global pandemic, the school has made great strides in advancing the plan and we’re happy to
share the progress we have made and what is still to come. The complete details of the strategic plan are
available on our website at st-andrews.org/strategicplan.
WHOLEHEARTED EXCELLENCE ❣ THE EDUCATIONAL PLAN
We will continue to ensure that all students are prepared academically, socially, and
emotionally for high school and beyond.
As you would imagine for a school committed to educational excellence, the school has devoted significant
time to this category.
Over the past three years, academic teams have undertaken an exhaustive review of the mathematics,
Language Arts, social studies, and health & wellness curriculum. The teams first defined a schoolwide
philosophy for the teaching of each subject area. They reviewed the learning objectives at each grade
level and identified how the current texts and learning activities achieve the objectives or where gaps may
exist. Their next step was to identify and review the research-supported texts most widely used across the
United States. They visited schools and/or interviewed educators to learn more about using different texts in
real classrooms, and then made recommendations that could further enhance the great teaching already
happening in our classrooms.
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The first team to finish their work was the mathematics
committee that recommended a transition to the
Bridges in Mathematics text developed by The Math
Learning Center for our pre-kindergarten through
fifth grade classrooms. The teachers love Bridges
because of how it aligns with Saint Andrew’s approach
to developing deep thinkers and problem solvers. The
classrooms emphasize collaboration and sensemaking,
and it allows for differentiating for the needs of each
student. Additionally, the school launched participation
in the Noetic Learning Math Contest in our lower school
grades to complement the MATHCOUNTS and AMC 8
programs available in middle school.
While their work is ongoing, the Language Arts
committee observed that many schools serving
communities of learners similar to Saint Andrew’s have
or will be moving to the workshop model to teach
literacy. Through this work, and through the expertise
of several committee members, a strong interest
emerged in exploring the workshop model for teaching
language arts at Saint Andrew’s. The Language Arts
faculty participated in several days of training in this
model in June.
The social studies committee reviewed how the
integrated disciplines that comprise this area of study
create a structure that builds the students’ capacity to
construct arguments, reason with evidence, analyze
relationships, and most importantly consider and
engage with a variety of viewpoints. These skills are
practiced and applied at every grade level to promote
a community that embraces diverse perspectives
and engages with difficult conversations. In this
environment, we strive to nurture not only academic
and historical thinking skills, but emotional intelligence,
social awareness, and empathy in all students.
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THE STRATEGIC PLAN
As students leave school each day, we want them to take the knowledge they’ve gained and use it to explore
and contribute to the world beyond classroom walls.
The health and wellness committee put their hearts and hands to work to identify, define, and develop a set
of ‘strands’ describing the health and wellness characteristics we wish for all our students. These strands
were interpreted using standards and best practices from peer institutions and pedagogical experts. This is
an ongoing labor of love, and the strands are in the process of being aligned directly with tools, resources,
lessons, and curricula to support our community.
From its examination of the role of assessment and reporting, the school embarked on a new partnership
with the NWEA organization to support the learning of our students through their Measures of Academic
Progress (MAP) Growth assessment program. This May, students in grades 2-8 took three MAP Growth
assessments on their iPad: Language, Reading, and Mathematics. The MAP Growth program is used by
over 11 million students in the U.S. and in 140 countries around the world. At the end of the school year,
the faculty spent a day analyzing the testing results both cumulatively and of individual students to identify
programmatic strengths and areas for continued growth.
The school also introduced a new lower school report card. The process for designing the new report card
was intentional, deliberate, and thorough. A team of teachers and administrators collaborated to produce a
report card that more accurately reflects our values, our mission, and our goals as an educational institution.
Team members researched and evaluated report cards from peer schools both locally and nationally, and
considered the California State Standards to inform our choices. The new report card communicates a more
thorough representation of how a child is currently performing in their grade level, as well as outlining their
strengths and areas for growth.
This past spring, all of you, along with our alumni community, and our faculty, were invited to take part in a
third-party survey to help us accurately develop a “Portrait of a Graduate.” We are what you shared about
your Saint Andrew’s experience and measuring it against our vision for the skills, character traits, and/or
social-emotional competencies that students need to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. We look
forward to sharing the results of our surveys with you in the year to come.
Also out of this work was the creation of the role of Director of Service and Community Life. In this role,
Judy Millerick will be responsible for service learning, character education, outreach, and community
building at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School. One of her first tasks will be to re-imagine the service learning
program for the entire school from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. She is eager to design and support
the teaching of a service learning curriculum that integrates social action, character, and equity. She will
also be responsible for maintaining and growing relationships between the school and local community
organizations and nonprofits. She will work closely with the Chair of the school’s Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Committee and our school chaplains to build programs that deepen students’ understanding of
21st-century citizenship.
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Our desire to deliver a complete, balanced, and inspiring academic program energizes us and compels us
to constantly pursue program excellence.
WHOLEHEARTED DIVERSITY ❣ AN EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY
We will build on our core Episcopal values and strive to be a welcoming and inclusive
community for all students and families.
Formed in 2019, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is comprised of faculty and board
members chartered to support students and families in embracing all kinds of diversity within our
community, articulate our inclusive culture, and affirm the mission statements of the School and Church.
In late 2019 they released the opening or
purpose statement for their work.
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School is a community
rooted in kindness. We believe that learning
happens best when we bring our whole selves
to school. We support every person’s right to
define, express, and live comfortably within
their own evolving identity. We are committed
to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive
environment that recognizes the worth of each
individual.
By embracing diversity, we are a stronger
community.
The committee has organized DEI training for
the faculty, students, and parent community
including guest speakers, workshops, and
book groups. The committee also sponsors
affinity groups for parents of diverse learners
and immigrant parents, and a DEI parent alliance
group for those who are interested in learning
more about and engaging in conversations about
issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Saint
Andrew’s.
The DEI Committee meets regularly to review the
school’s practices and policies and researches
opportunities for the community to learn how to
create a caring, inclusive community.
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THE STRATEGIC PLAN
WHOLEHEARTED ENROLLMENT ❣ RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
STRATEGY
We will successfully grow to targeted enrollment by Fall 2022.
This is a goal achieved but one that will never be finished. We will begin the 2022-2023 school
year with over 400 students enrolled and a wait pool of interested students. We are proud to have
achieved a 92% retention rate, ahead of many other Bay Area CAIS schools. We will continue to
review and refine our outreach and retention strategies each year to align with the school’s priorities.
WHOLEHEARTED LEADERSHIP ❣ FACULTY AND STAFF
We will actively attract, develop & retain faculty and staff who reflect Saint Andrew’s mission,
local community, and surrounding areas.
Saint Andrew’s has long been blessed with amazing faculty members who are committed to the school’s
mission “to develop as fully as possible the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social capacities of each
student.” As teachers have retired or moved out of the area, the school has partnered with leading recruiting
firms to conduct nationwide searches for like-minded individuals to join our wholehearted community.
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The school encourages a growth mindset and provides continuing education and professional development
opportunities so that our faculty and staff expand and/or deepen their skills as educators. Annual goal
setting allows faculty members to teams to expand and/or deepen their skills as educators. They reflect on
current professional practices, identify professional growth goals, establish a professional development
plan to attain those goals, track progress towards goals over the course of the year, and reflect on goal
attainment, including how the goals and professional development actually refined practices.
WHOLEHEARTED GROWTH ❣ A PLAN FOR EXPANSION
We will partner with the Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church to develop a blueprint for the
neighboring land by December 2020.
Following the departure of Father Channing
Smith as rector of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal
Church in July 2020, the development of a
visioning committee was put on hold until the
new rector was in place. As of this publication
date, a new rector has not yet been named.
The parcel at the center of our 10-acre campus
has certainly not sat untouched though. The
church and school have continued to improve
and utilize the property to enhance the work of
both organizations.
Our work on the property dates back to the
summer of 2020 when a joint committee of the
school and the church determined how the
property could best be utilized to overcome the
challenges posed by the pandemic. We began
by clearing the back portion of the property
to create outdoor gathering spaces, complete
with hand-washing stations, for both academic
classes, middle school lunch, and impromptu
student gatherings. A path was also created
to connect our main campus with Crestbrook
Field so that students no longer need to leave
campus to go to the field for recess and other
activities. These were some of the improvements
that made it possible for us to resume classes on
campus that fall.
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THE STRATEGIC PLAN
During the summer of 2021, we
cleared more of the property to
make way for the three new portable
classrooms that are now adjacent
to the parking lot. We are thrilled to
have these additional classrooms.
Our physical education teachers have
moved the weekly middle school
run onto the campus with a large
one-third-mile loop. Additionally,
a portion of the property closer to
Saratoga Avenue has been cleared
and furnished to accommodate small
outdoor gatherings. The Upper Grove
is a great space for meetings of up to
30 people.
The next step in the church and
school’s plan for the property will
commence this summer. The house
at the center of the property will be
razed. While it was once thought that
the 100 years-old+ house could be a
centerpiece in our campus footprint,
upon inspection it was determined
that this was simply not feasible.
We look forward to the formation of
the Visioning Committee composed
of school and church representatives
who will assess both the current and
future needs of our shared community
to determine how we might best
utilize this space for the short-term
and the long-term. At that time, we
will formally welcome input from our
parents into the process.
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WHOLEHEARTED STEWARDSHIP ❣ A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
We will ensure robust technology infrastructure, best-in-class governance, and long-term
financial sustainability.
This is an important category encompassing
many components critical for the long-term
success of the school.
The pandemic ushered in a new era for
educational technology. The technology
committee, helmed by Director of Academic
Technology Integration Nikki Marcel, scrapped
much of the committee’s work that had been
completed pre-pandemic in light of how
technology usage had changed the classroom
during remote learning.
As the committee analyzed available data and
scholarly papers from sources such as the
International Society for Technology in Education
(ISTE), National Association of Independent
Schools (NAIS), P21 Partnership for 21st Century
Learning, Edutopia, and the Brookings Institute,
they became convinced that transitioning to a
model where technology education is integrated
into the day-to-day coursework would most
benefit our students. This new model has been well received by both students and teachers because it makes
technology learning immediately applicable and meaningful to the curriculum.
Additionally, the team identified necessary infrastructure updates required to support our growing digital
campus. To improve wi-fi accessibility (connectivity and speed) fiber optic cables are being installed across
the center of campus towards Crestbrook Field and a number of access points have already been stationed
around campus. Lastly, the technology department migrated the school from on-premise servers to cloudbased
servers.
Displaying a commitment to continuous improvement, the Saint Andrew’s Board of Trustees engaged an
outside expert to conduct board education around trustee roles and responsibilities. As new members join,
a professional facilitator takes part in the Board’s annual retreat to offer guidance on their roles including
fiduciary and fundraising responsibilities. Board members also attend workshops and conferences
sponsored by NAIS and CAIS to better understand how they can support the school.
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Finally, as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations since the fall of 2019, Rosalind Achkar, has
made great strides in developing a strong culture of philanthropy at Saint Andrew’s.
The Annual Fund is a vital gauge of family support of philanthropy at Saint Andrew’s. Each year, the actual
cost of a wholehearted Saint Andrew’s education exceeds tuition. The 2021-22 Annual Fund raised over
$750,000 providing six and a half percent of our school operating cost and showing our community’s
commitment to the school’s mission. Annual Fund gifts are also immediately put to work to fund the greatest
needs and highest priorities of the current school year.
Support for the school’s Spring Social and Fundraiser, which raises funds for Tuition Assistance, exceeded
its annual goal for the past three years as well. Saint Andrew’s will also formally launch the Roger Adams
and Brenda Thornburg Teaching Endowment later this year in recognition of the lasting impact of these two
remarkable Saint Andrew’s teachers at our one-year delayed 60th Anniversary school celebration.
The advancement of this strategic plan, particularly during a pandemic, is no easy feat and
required contributions from every member of the faculty and Board. Saint Andrew’s Episcopal
School truly is a wholehearted community of learners with a wholehearted commitment to
cultivating student happiness, academic achievement, and character.
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Join us for a Milestone
Anniversary Celebration!
Saturday, September 10, 2022
4 p.m until 8 p.m.
Join us at Crestbrook Field for a multi-generational
gathering of alumni students and parents, current students
and parents, and current and former faculty members.
• Come reconnect with former classmates and teachers.
• Enjoy free dinner and libations.
• Take a tour of the addition to our property.
• Enjoy live music from the Saint Andrew’s Dads Band,
aka SAD Band!
• Hear a keynote address by John Petersen, ‘98, Guinness World
Record holder for the first row across the Drake Passage and
featured in Discovery Channel’s “The Impossible Row.”
• Help us launch the Roger Adams & Brenda Thornburg
Teaching Fund.
This will be a family-friendly event with a children’s
space that includes crafts, face painting, games, and more!
More details are forthcoming.
We hope to see you on campus in September!
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THE ARTS AT SAINT ANDREW’S
The Arts at Saint
Andrew’s
“If you think your child’s academic studies are
more important than the arts, think again.”
~ PLATO
As far back as the time of the ancient Greeks, philosophers
recognized the inherent value of studying the arts. Theater,
music, dance, and the visual arts were seen as integral to Greek
society and are still an integral component of our complete,
balanced, and inspiring education here. At Saint Andrew’s
Episcopal School, every student is enrolled in both studio
art and performing art classes, plus the school offers many
opportunities for students to express themselves outside of the
classroom through choirs and instrumental groups, the spring
musical, the Writing Club, and after school enrichment programs.
Saint Andrew’s believes that participation in the arts helps
students discover and develop their voices and connects us.
The arts bring us together. The arts help shape the special
wholehearted community that we enjoy here.
In the pages that follow, we are excited to share some of the
ways that the arts have brought us together this spring with
photos of the spring musical, chapel performances, the spring
art show, and works from our middle school writing club.
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In March, a cast of 47 third—eighth graders presented
the story of everyone’s favorite little comic book
redhead with two nights of Annie, Jr. performances.
Each spring, art teacher Ray Souder organizes an allschool
art show featuring student work from throughout
the year. While this year’s show was virtual, it still showcased
how amazingly creative our students are as they express
themselves through painting, drawing, printmaking, and
sculpting.
From late April through the end of May, the school
enjoyed musical performances ranging from prekindergarten
presenting their first musical, “The Three
Piggy Opera” to the middle school string ensemble
performing the “Game of Thrones Title Theme” and
everything in between.
Recordings of many of these performances are
available on the school’s Vimeo channel:
www.vimeo.com/saintandrewses or scan this
QR code to visit our Vimeo Channel:
Finally, for the past two years, the middle school writing
club has maintained a blog to share poems, short
stories, recipes, crafts, jokes, a science corner, and
amazing works of art.
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THE ARTS AT SAINT ANDREW’S
Yellow
___________________________________________________
By Siddharth H.
Yellow is the feeling you get when you’re outside having fun.
Yellow is the color of the big, bright sun.
Yellow is the sound of a nice breeze.
Yellow is the taste of hot and gooey cheese.
Yellow is the sound of a happy parade.
Yellow is the taste of ice-cold lemonade.
Yellow is the feeling you get when you get helped by a friend.
Yellow is the sound of bones getting a mend.
Yellow is the color of a vivid flower.
Yellow is the smell of a steaming hot shower.
Yellow is the feeling you get after a hard day’s work.
Yellow is the color of a bright field, where animals lurk.
Yellow is the smell outside on a hot summer day.
Yellow is the feeling you get when there’s a kind word you hear someone say.
Yellow is the color of a bright shooting star.
Yellow is the sound of a starting car.
And, yellow is a color that is warm and mellow
Haiku
____________________________
By Ellis H.
I’ll remember my time here
But my life has to move on
Thanks for everything
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ARE INTROVERTS TOO QUIET OR ARE EXTROVERTS TOO LOUD?
________________________________________
By Eva S., Ruth L., Vishnu A., Eleanor N., Anoushka P. and Adrian V.
Edited by Leo T., Eva S., Vishnu A., Eleanor N., Anoushka P. and Adrian
V. and Ruth L.
We interviewed three 8th graders to ask them their opinion on a controversial
question: Are introverts too quiet or are extroverts too loud? Here is what
Anoushka P, Adrian V, and Vishnu A think.
Adrian says, “There is no point where you are so quiet that it affects other
people, but I think you can be loud enough to affect others negatively. People
who are more extroverted think introverts are too quiet, and people who are
more introverted think extroverts are too loud.” Including his opinion on this
question, Adrian disclosed a theory that extroverts think introverts are too quiet
and introverts think that extroverts are too loud.
Anoushka says, “Extroverts speak a lot, and then introverts really don’t get the
chance to speak. People assume that introverts dislike being around people
just because they don’t speak as much as extroverts do. Just because you don’t
talk as much as extroverts doesn’t mean that you’re ‘too quiet’. Depending on
the introvert, they open up more and talk a LOT when it comes to people they
are comfortable with.”
Finally Vishnu says, “Much of the time, introverts are not able to express their
feelings, resulting in them not being able to give their opinions on a topic, as
well as not being able to express when they are hurt. We are grounded in our
own personalities when making these decisions, therefore any decision cannot
account for the true introvert or extrovert.”
So Adrian and Anouska think that extroverts are too loud, but Vishnu thinks
that introverts are too quiet. Those were the opinions of the three 8th graders
on this controversial topic. What do you think?
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THE SPRING SOCIAL
The Spring
Social
Welcome to Paradise!
The first time back on campus for many parents
was this year’s Spring Social and Fundraiser. The
April 30 gathering brought parents, alumni, and
faculty members together to celebrate the school
that we all love and raise vital funds for the school’s
Tuition Assistance Fund.
Bidding was fast and furious for several popular items.
Simply being together again was tremendous
but then adding the music and food and games
-- it truly felt like our own little tropical oasis. The
school extends its deepest gratitude to everyone
who participated in this year’s fundraiser. Together,
we raised an impressive $250,000 for the Tuition
Assistance Fund. Thank you!
Congratulations to the Fultz Family who won
the ticket drawing for a year’s free tuition!
Faculty members gather for a moment in paradise.
Let the bidding begin!
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The Spring Social allowed parents from every grade to come
together for a great evening of food, fun, and fundraising.
A table of fourth grade families enjoying dinner before the auction begins.
Aloha from members of the Board of Trustees.
There was tremendous support for this year’s auction.
A hula-hooping challenge was among the games that parents could play.
Many new families enjoyed their evening in paradise.
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THE BACCALAUREATE CHAPEL
The Baccalaureate
Chapel
A relatively new end-of-the-year tradition, the Baccalaureate Chapel brought the school together for a
special awards ceremony recognizing the achievements of our eighth graders as well as other middle
school students.
It’s always so difficult
to select just one
student per class
section...Every one of
the students brings
something unique to
the classroom and I
could have created a
special award for each
of them. I will really
miss this class.
~ EIGHTH GRADE TEACHER,
SAINT ANDREW’S
Students, parents, and faculty gathered together to celebrate the
students’ accomplishments in their coursework. Subject awards
were presented to the following eighth grade students:
Art: Aman Mehta, Stella Pham, Gabriela Sipko
Drama: Renée Hary
English: Cambrie Mahonchak, Jamie Ramprashad, Leo Tsai
Mathematics: Ilya Emelyanov, Ruth Li, Emma Seagrim, Leo Tsai
Music: Ayana Rasteh, Jane Ser, Tiantong (George) Yang
Physical Education: Jamie Ramprashad, Eva Sullivan
Religion: Coco Kliman, Ishaan Pandya, Eva Sullivan
Science: Vishnu Athreya, Evan Crane, Jane Ser
Social Studies: Isabelle Ancona, Ayaan Bawa, Roshan Chandra
Spanish: Eleanor Newhall, Anoushka Pandya, Devin Regan
Technology: Vishnu Athreya, Ilya Emelyanov, Tiantong (George) Yang
Additionally, six middle school students were recognized for their exceptional writing in the 2021-2022
Fleet Reserve Association’s (FRA) Americanism Essay Contest.
Sponsored locally by FRA Branch 101 SVC, more than 350 students from across the Santa Clara Valley
submitted essays of up to 350 words on the topic Why I Am Proud To Be An American. Of the six awards
available at the branch level, Saint Andrew’s students received all of them.
Saint Andrew’s grade seven winners are Lilian Guo (third), Alexis Leo (second), and Jared Newman (first).
In grade eight, the winners are Coco Kliman (third), Charlotte Hu (second), and Preston Wong (first).
Preston’s essay was then advanced to the West Coast Regional level, where it won an additional prize!
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Chances by Preston Wong
I have been living in America for almost
my whole entire life and still thinking, am
I the luckiest kid on earth? How so? Well, I
am proud to say that I found the answer. It
has been great living an American life. Life
is just so well-balanced in America, unfair
and fair; bad things and good things. These
are just the beginning of my reasons why
I am proud to be American and how it has
changed me.
Being an American citizen makes me
feel free and shows me who I am. I am
proud to be an American because there
are great schools that can give everyone
an opportunity to be successful in life
and a second chance in life. Having a
second chance is like a video game, you
get to try over, and that’s the moment
I knew I needed to take advantage of
that. It was also the moment I knew I was
super lucky. I got an opportunity and a
chance to succeed. That is what made this
county a balance, second chances and
opportunities.
Being an American has changed my
perspective by giving me opportunities
and chances. Now after a few years, I finally
understand and worked as hard as possible.
I put the effort into all my work and tried
the best I could. I would never give up till
the end. That is how lucky I feel about my
chances. That is another reason why the
country is so balanced.
In conclusion, I am proud to be an American
citizen because there are chances and
opportunities to be successful in life.
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MOVING UP
The eight ‘lifetimers’ who have attended Saint Andrew’s from pre-kindergarten
through eighth grade received a special pin to wear at graduation.
Diane Carey was honored for 30 years of service to the school.
Eighth graders escort pre-kindergarten students to the kindergarten teachers.
The fourth grade teachers say, “Goodbye,” as the fifth grade teachers say, “Welcome.”
Ms. Jalalian says goodbye to her third graders.
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Moving Up
“The Moving Up Chapel is one of my
favorite traditions of the year. I always get
a little teary as Mrs. Van Overen leads the
students in singing, ‘Friends Are Friends
Forever’.”
This sentiment is one shared time and time again by
students, parents, and faculty members who attend this
special chapel that serves as a school-wide celebration of
the school year completed and marks the transition to the
coming year’s grade.
An advisor or teacher from each grade highlighted the
class’s many experiences and academic accomplishments
from the year and reassured them that they are well
prepared for the challenges of the grade to come.
Ryan Matsumoto and the Class of 2022 process into the chapel.
“I don’t want to leave third grade. I love
(my teacher),” shared a student with a tear
in her eye.
The students then confidently moved up to the pew
where they will sit in chapel beginning in August when
school resumes.
As it always does, the chapel concluded with Mrs. Van
Overen, and Mrs. Barry this year, leading the students in
singing the Michael W. Smith classic, “Friends Are Friends
Forever” to the graduating class and wishes for a happy
summer from the Head of School Ms. Fredericks.
As Gale Penner retires, the school wished her all the best.
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GRADUATION
Graduation
Our final community gathering of the 2021-2022
school year was the graduation ceremony for the
Class of 2022. Held on Thursday, May 26, the event
was filled with words of encouragement, well
wishes, and accolades.
Student Council President Isabelle Ancona
reminded her fellow classmates to believe in
themselves and to always remember how much
they are loved and supported by their families and
everyone at Saint Andrew’s.
The students were thrilled to have Ms. Lauren
Orme-Axup as their graduation speaker. Her
address is found on pages 30-31.
Following the presentation of diplomas, the students
took center stage as they shared the Class of 2022
Reflection Poem, a collaborative poem created by
the students with each one sharing a refrain.
Head of School Khadija A. Fredericks once again
congratulated them. The Reverend Jani Wild, the
interim rector of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church,
offered the closing benediction, and the Class of
2022 recessed from the church for a final time.
Parents’ cheeks were aching by the end of the event
as they beamed with pride at their children on this
special day.
A number of awards were presented at the ceremony,
including several for service and citizenship - marks
of great character at Saint Andrew’s. Students were
also celebrated for academic excellence and a
commitment to improvement.
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Presentation of Awards
The Rotary Club of Saratoga presents cash awards to our graduates
each year:
* Citizenship: David Ho
* Service: Jane Ser
Ishaan Pandya receives the Rector’s Award.
The Carol Clarke Service Award is named in honor of Carol Clarke, a
former Saint Andrew’s teacher and administrator. Ryan Matsumoto
The Mary Jane Maxfield Award is given annually to the studentathlete
who exemplifies courage, commitment, and sportsmanship in
athletics. It is given in memory of alumna, Mary Jane Maxfield.
Colin Zhao
The Judy Tatro Spirit Award is presented to the student who best
exemplifies the spirit of Saint Andrew’s by being positive in outlook,
supportive of peers, and a leader in nurturing and maintaining
healthy relationships. Eva Sullivan
Colin Zhao was recognized with the Mary Jane Maxfield
Award as the student-athlete who exemplifies courage,
commitment, and sportsmanship in athletics.
The George Hedley Award is given to the student who
demonstrates the greatest concern for peers and the Saint Andrew’s
community. Emma Seagrim
The recipient of The Faculty Award is selected by the middle school
teaching staff recognizing a student’s overall academic achievement
throughout middle school. Ruth Li
The Faculty Award was presented to Ruth Li.
The Head of School Award is presented for overall improvement
with regard to self-motivation, and self-discipline and; the greatest
overall improvement during the last academic year. Tommy Hu
Considered the most prestigious of the graduation awards,
The Rector’s Award is given to the student who has exemplified
a multitude of qualities throughout their middle school career: a
positive attitude, good citizenship, participation, and intellectual
development. Ishaan Pandya
Congratulations to the awards recipients and all of our graduates!
Jayden, Colin, Preston, Tommy, and
David pose for a celebratory photo.
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GRADUATION
Saint Andrew’s Graduates!
I am so honored to be addressing you today. I feel this distinction deeply, not only because you are an
incredibly special class, but because your Saint Andrew’s story is woven tightly with my own. You see, the
very first day I stepped foot on the Saint Andrew’s campus, it was to substitute teach in your third grade
class.
At the time, Ms. Trevor was the Head of Lower School, and she did her best to prepare me for you. “They are
lovely little people,” she said. “But do look out. They are QUITE social. And they challenge each other. And
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of a third grade class who cries quite so much.”
Sometimes your life is changed forever on days you do not expect it to happen. I did not know what to
make of this explanation of you, but I settled into the classroom to wait.
“A new teacher!” Renee said.
Ellis shook his head. “Oh boy. I feel sorry for you.”
Eva waved to me brightly. “Don’t worry,” she said. “You’re going to love us!”
Eva, you were so right.
I did love you all. I do love you all. Your whole community loves you. It’s impossible not to. There
will never be another version of a Saint Andrew’s class that has your unique sense of integrity,
your humor, and your emotional intelligence.
Ms. Trevor’s introduction to who you were (lovely, social, and challenging) remains true in several ways,
even as you expanded in both body and number, welcoming new classmates.
You have challenged each other. You’ve grown up together, shaping each other by your kindnesses, your
friendships, your best moments and some of your worst. Of course there’ve been some tears. You’ve grown
up BECAUSE of those challenges, and been presented with life lessons that, if you paid attention, will serve
you well throughout your lives. You learned how to navigate the world through each other, and you did it in
the safest, kindest place in the world. This school.
Graduates, you’ve been described as ‘social.’ While at times this characteristic has created some extra
work for the adults in your life, this collective allure has also shaped you, and you are strong. You ARE
social, but because of it, you are drawn to social justice. To community betterment. You are not waiting
until you are adults to make changes to the world. You are the change, right now. You know how to
advocate for yourselves, and your peers. Your social skills are some of your very greatest strengths, and
you expect us all to keep up with you. Don’t ever stop. The world needs you.
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Graduates, you’ve been described as ‘lovely.’ And how lovely
you are. At 14 years old, you are still excited to come to
school. You thank your teachers after every class. You invite
us to share your big life moments. You send us your newest
music recordings and teach us origami. One of you has kept
track of every mistake I have ever made, and you send me
encouraging little notes when I’m making more than usual.
You are devoted big buddies, you are authors, illustrators,
athletes, relentless debaters (have you ever tried arguing
with Vishnu?), and you give the best hugs. Why are you so
lovely? Do you know? I have a theory.
My theory is your loveliness corresponds to all the love you
have ever received from the community that surrounds you.
Take a moment and look around. Who is here, in this room,
loving you right now? A lot of people. Graduates, never in
your lives will you be surrounded all at once by so many
people who know your story, who love you, and have helped
nurture the best in you. Caring communities make this
loveliness. That is who we are, and now that is who YOU are,
too. Remember to nurture the loveliness in yourselves, and
build more lovely, caring communities wherever you go.
Challenging, social, lovely graduates. I am grateful to be your commencement speaker because our
chapters at Saint Andrew’s are closing together, at the same time. Thank you for being such a clear
and poignant part of my experience here; my own story. A lot like our school logo, we are woven tightly
together. This also means we form a sustaining pattern, and will likely come together again. Even as
the ends of the rope stretch in opposite directions, its heart, the knot, follows back onto itself. That
togetherness makes the whole strand strong.
Even as you go off in your new directions on different adventures, remember the ties that bind you here.
That tightly braided support system that will always be here to catch you. Remember you are part of the
pattern of Saint Andrew’s, and you will always have a community here who knows you and loves you. Your
gifts and your goodness are woven into the very heart of this school. We are connected together, always,
and that is precisely what makes you, and Saint Andrew’s, so special. Congratulations, class of 2022!
MS. LAUREN ORME-AXUP
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ALUMNI NEWS | BECOMING AN ALUM
Alumni News
Becoming an Alum
The day that students receive their diploma is a
proud one, marking the culmination of their class
studies at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School. But, it
doesn’t signal the end of their relationship with the
school. They will forever have a tie to Saint Andrew’s.
Alumni are an integral part of our wholehearted
community and are true advocates for student success.
At this year’s Becoming An Alumni Breakfast, held
on May 25, Ms. Fredericks reminded the Class of
2022 that they are always welcome back on campus.
She encouraged them to come back to volunteer on
campus and in our classrooms. She told them that
she looks forward to hearing about all that they do
in high school and beyond, and hopes that they will
come back and share with our students.
The guest speaker for the breakfast was Katherine
Brezoczky, a 2018 Saint Andrew’s alumna, recent
graduate of Los Gatos High School, and a soon-to-be
freshman at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Katherine reflected on her years at Saint Andrew’s,
her memories of attending the Becoming An Alumni
Breakfast, and her experience joining a considerably
larger school community. She encouraged the
students to get involved in their new schools as
soon as possible. She suggested that they check
out different clubs and activities. She told them to
reach out to their teachers and ask questions. She
reiterated that they should try new things. And, of
course, she reminded them that they will always
have a home at Saint Andrew’s.
Tevin S. and Stella P. enjoy breakfast with Student Council President Isabelle A.
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In the fall, the members of Saint Andrew’s
Episcopal School’s Class of 2022 will attend
the finest schools in the area. They include:
Guest speaker Katherine Brezoczky shared words of wisdom with the Class of 2022
Archbishop Mitty High School
Bellarmine College Preparatory
Carolina Friends School (Durham, NC)
Castilleja School
Cate School (Carpinteria, CA)
The Harker School
Headington School (Oxford, England)
Homestead High School
JSerra Catholic High School
(San Juan Capistrano, CA)
The King’s Academy
Los Gatos High School
Notre Dame San Jose
Presentation High School
Sacred Heart Preparatory
Saint Francis High School
Saratoga High School
The soon-to-be alumni received essential items for the future: a water bottle to keep them well hydrated and a journal to record their high school journey.
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ALUMNI NEWS | CLASS OF 2018
Class of 2018
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School was thrilled
to invite our Class of 2018 graduates and their
families back to campus for a mini-reunion as they
celebrate their high school graduations and prepare
to embark on college and careers. 29 of the 54
members of the class returned on Friday, May 20
to reconnect, reminisce, visit with faculty, and tour
campus. Alumni received small care packages to
help them in the next step of their journey.
Emily, Kate, and Katherine pose for a photo.
Alumni reconnect over pizza and bundtinis.
Lila (right) who now lives in Maine, stopped by campus with Nolan
for a visit in April. They enjoyed reconnecting with Profe Millet.
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Graduates from the Class of 2018 are excited for
what the future holds. While some are taking a gap
year and others are pursuing career internships,
many reported that they will be continuing
their education at some of the top colleges and
universities in the country. They include:
Alumni from the Class of 2018.
Belmont University
Boston College
California Polytechnic State University
Chapman University
Claremont McKenna College
Colorado State University
Elon University
Georgetown University
Hamilton College
Harvard University
Loyola Marymount University
Muhlenberg College
New York University
Parsons School of Design
Rutgers University
Smith College
Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne
University of Louisville
University of Mississippi
University of Redlands
University of San Diego
University of Santa Barbara
University of Texas
Utah Valley University
Mrs. Stacey, Will and Harry take a peek a the letters
the students wrote to themselves in eighth grade.
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ALUMNI NEWS | ANNA YANG SELECTED AS YOUTH POET LAUREATE
Anna Yang Selected as
Santa Clara County
Youth Poet Laureate
Congratulations to alumna Anna Yang, ‘19, who, on April 30, was selected as the 2022 Santa Clara County
youth poet laureate. Anna was selected by a panel of five judges based on a variety of metrics ranging
from leadership skills to their ability to dig deep for their personal truths. The position includes an
education scholarship.
A junior at Notre Dame San Jose, Anna shared, “As Youth Poet Laureate, my purpose is to represent and
uplift youth voices through poetry and civic engagement, serving as a poetry ambassador for youth. I will
create a year-long poetry project to promote poetry in the community, making it a more accessible medium
for self-expression and social justice advocacy.”
She further explained, “Writing poetry has always been super meaningful to me, so I’m excited to have
the platform to share it with other youth in the community. I found the Youth Poet Laureate program in my
sophomore year, and my interpretation of poetry has completely shifted since — from impulsive poetry in a
private notebook to the communal art of sharing my passion for poetry onstage. This program has done so
much for me, helping me grow into the confident writer that I am. As the next Youth Poet Laureate, I hope to
provide this same opportunity for other youth who have a story to share with the world, but don’t yet have
the community to lift them into these supportive spaces.”
Her work appears in DoveTales, An International Online Journal of the Arts, Young Inklings, The Stanford
Daily, and more. She has been recognized by Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the New York Times, and
HFPA, among others. She was also named a California Arts Scholar in Creative Writing. Aside from poetry,
she enjoys advocating for social change, hiking by the ocean, and beekeeping. This past spring, she visited
campus to discuss bees with Ms. Orme-Axup’s seventh grade science classes.
You can hear Anna read an
excerpt from her poems at
bit.ly/AnnaYangMotherhood
or scan this QR code:
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“As Youth Poet Laureate, my
purpose is to represent and
uplift youth voices through
poetry and civic engagement,
serving as a poetry ambassador
for youth. I will create a yearlong
poetry project to promote
poetry in the community,
making it a more accessible
medium for self-expression and
social justice advocacy.”
~ANNA YANG
Anna discussed bees during a recent visit to campus.
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THE NEW SAINT ANDREW’S SPIRIT MARK
YOU Are The Pride
Of Saint Andrew’s!
Introducing our Spirit Mark.
As part of the re-branding initiative launched in the Fall of 2018, Saint Andrew’s
also introduced a school spirit mark. The mark was developed to inspire pride
and loyalty in non-academic contexts such as clubs and athletics.
Our new spirit mark is called The Pride of Saint Andrew’s and is
represented by a lion with a wholehearted mane.
The spirit mark will be used on a wide range of informal materials for student groups, alumni activities,
athletics, and merchandise to communicate and express school enthusiasm. The spirit mark symbolizes,
promotes, and honors our individual and collective pride in being part of the Saint Andrew’s Episcopal
School community. It is a visual representation of what we believe to the best part of the school.
Why a lion?
The lion was actually first proposed as a ‘mascot’ for Saint Andrew’s nearly 10 years ago by a group of
eighth grade students and their advisors. They presented to the then Head of School that among its
several definitions, Pride means both:
• a group of lions forming a social unit.
• a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of
those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
They described how having a lion as a mascot worked on both levels for our students as they work
together in social units in classes and teams, and how they felt a deep satisfaction being part of the school.
The design of the lion is met to evoke a sense
of strength, dignity, and leadership.
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We are
all in,
all the time,
all for one,
and one for all.
We are the PRIDE of Saint Andrew’s,
and we are
humble,
hungry, and
wholehearted.
What about Saints?
While the school’s sports team have competed as Saints for many
years, the name was never expanded for use beyond that and no
accompanying visual symbol was ever developed.
A lion is also a distinct mark among teams in the Diocese of San
Jose Athletic League (DSJCAL) Central Division, many of whom
include the word Saint in the school’s name.
St. Lucy Lightning
St. Martin of Tours Bengals
St. Clare Wildcats
St. Mary’s of Los Gatos Cougars
St. Justin Knights
Canyon Heights Academy Cardinals
Queen of Apostles Eagles
Sacred Heart Stallions
St. John Knights
For more about Saint Andrew’s connection to ‘the lion’ visit
the About Us section of the school website.
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Know a great potential
Saint Andrew’s family?
Contact the Office of
Admission.
408.867.3785 x208
admission@st-andrews.org
13601 Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070-5055
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