Winter/Spring 2015

A Publication of Maplebrook School

ECHOES POINTS OF INTEREST

SINCE SEPTEMBER: More than 100 students enrolled in the

fall representing 18 states and 12

foreign countries.

2nd Annual Community Classic Car

Show with Amenia Lions Club raises

$3,000 for the Club’s community fund

and $250 for students.

26th Auction Gala raises $78,200 for

Phase II of the Capital Campaign

Fazzone Hall is dedicated on Oct. 24

50 attend Yale Club reception in NYC

in November and 30 attend reception in

Stamford, CT in March

Marjorie Finger Hall wins the annual

holiday dorm decorating contest

AGAIN

Bowling Tournament raises $13,700

Legacy Society hosts 40 for annual

Parents’ Retreat

25 MBS alumni cruise together in the

Caribbean

Back: Dara, Maia, Olivia, Cameron, Wyatt, Ellie, and Malu; Front: Nick, Maya and Jonathan

William

Member of Class of 2015—Heather

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL/CEO

Once students learn these basic skills, the next step is to provide

the necessary tools to instill self-discipline. Clear expectations,

structure, role modeling and

programs such as Responsibility Increases Self Esteem (R.I.S.E.)

help to foster academic learning and self-discipline, and teach

students to persevere at difficult tasks—a precious virtue.

I am proud to stay that our students are learning, and many

have learned, that work and perseverance pays off. Character

values truly impact all aspects of

life.

C haracter values greatly impact academic perfor-

mance. Imagine a student who is careless, irresponsible

and neglectful about academic

assignments yet is willing to expend an enormous amount of

time perfecting a skill on the playing fields or chatting on the

internet. This student needs to acquire the universal virtues of

responsibility and self-discipline

in all aspects of life, not just in sports or chat rooms. Children

are taught right from wrong at an early age. As they get older it

becomes more difficult to teach sound character values when

society allows our children to be

exposed to violence in schools and in the community.

Parents send their children to

school to obtain a good educa-

tion, graduate, and take their places as productive members of

society. Although academics are

very important, experience has proved that character values

such as respect, caring, trust, work ethic, responsibility, citi-

zenship, faith and fairness con-

tribute greatly to the future success of our students.

Educating the mind, body and

soul are among the many

challenges faculty and staff face daily as they work with our

students at Maplebrook School. While in the past,

students with learning differ-ences learn the word “can’t”

often before any other, the

Maplebrook students learn that with hard work, determination,

and encouragement they can achieve more than they ever

thought possible.

Hard work and diligence will

lead towards achieving goals large and small, which in turn

leads toward self-confidence.

Donna M. Konkolics

Head of School/CEO

For some students, it doesn't

take long for them to find their vocational niche. Jenna

Buchholz is new to the post-secondary program this year,

and she came with a desire to work with animals. Not knowing her very well or

what skills she may possess, she was placed in a variety of

work internships to help us understand more about her.

During this time, Jenna welcomed the opportunity to experience different vocation-

al options and learn new skills, but continued to voice

her desire to work with ani-mals. She appropriately

advocated for herself, negoti-ated an off-campus place-

ment with a local veterinari-

an and hasn't looked back. She does remarkably well

working in the vet office. As a result, they are increasing her responsibility and with

this renewed vigor, she will begin online courses this

semester in animal care.

PAGE 2

T hanks to a very generous $500,000 pledge from Tommy Hilfiger, Hilfiger Hall was officially

dedicated last June, but its true essence emerged when students arrived in September. As a

result, the program now offers art classes for both programs with Mr. Jones, theatre with Mr.

Taylor, a choral group with voice and instrumental lessons provided by Ms. Schnarr as well as music

classes and instrumental practice sessions with Ms. Ferrusi.

Work still needs to be completed to improve the existing drama facilities so that a fully operational

performing arts center is provided and we may enhance those opportunities for students as well as add

a separate art gallery. Recently, the school received another $150,000 pledge from an anonymous

donor for this project. Since September, renovation for a separate exterior entrance has been complet-

ed and air conditioning/heating units have been installed. Lighting, stage renovations and new audio

equipment will be added during spring break so that the chorus, will

be able to perform in this venue for their first appearance on Grand-

parents’ Day (May 9th) and in time for Mr. Taylor’s directorial

debut at Maplebrook with the adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s “Our

Town” production in June.

A separate art gallery is also planned to enable the school to host

solo/group art exhibits that will expose students and the northern

Dutchess County community to a myriad of artistic media on a

regular basis. Such exhibits would also feature, celebrate, and en-

hance awareness of the achievements of current students, alumni,

and regional/local artists with all types of abilities. The Gallery will

also provide space for the School’s annual Kentucky Derby Art

Show which has had exclusive private collections exhibited such as

Andy Warhol, along with approximately 35 local/regional artists.

The Show draws more than 300 people from the surrounding

community and the gallery will be utilized to accommodate similar

types of school events or in conjunction with other organizations.

THE “EARTH” WITHOUT ART IS JUST “EH.”

Ka-Yan

ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOLADES

A thletics at MBS continue to be a strong

and important aspect of boarding

school life. Coaches challenge students

to work hard, stay fit and demonstrate the true

meaning of TEAMWORK and above all else,

SPORTSTMANSHIP! All teams enjoyed

successful seasons, regardless of what the score

board might have indicated and each student

was recognized and applauded for his/her

participation. Some of the recent highlights

included the volleyball team’s record of 2 - 2

with every match going into overtime—in fact,

every match went into overtime. Another high-

light centered around the basketball team and

cheerleading squad. The mighty Eagles took

second place in the Maplebrook Invitational

Tournament (M.I.T.) while the C.A.P.S.

basketball team continues to dominate this

sport and still has seven games remaining in

their season. Everyone has demonstrated resili-

ency and great sportsmanship throughout and

we couldn't be more proud of our student

athletes, including those dedicated equestrians

who traveled to the barn and rode indoors in

some pretty cold weather conditions.

The fall and winter athletic seasons have

officially come to a close, each season culmi-

nating with a celebratory dinner and ceremony

in Whalen Hall. Faculty and students were

joined by several parents to recognize the

accomplishments of each team and each

student as every individual athlete received a

certificate of participation after the dinner.

Coaches then recognized those students who

made the most improvement in their chosen

sport as well as those who excelled on the

team. Those who received the Most Valuable

Player (M.V.P.) recognition in a competitive

sport also receive a $1,000 scholarship towards

the 2015-2016 tuition and are presented with

this award at a special ceremony at the end of

the year.

WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE PAGE 3

FALL SPORTS: WINTER SPORTS:

Field Hockey Basketball

Most Improved Player – Aisha Simonette Most Improved Player – Will Singer

Most Valuable Player – Anastasia Goldsmith Most Valuable Player – Marin Bon-Mardion

Equestrian Equestrian

Most Improved Rider – Madeline Hartzog Most Improved Rider – Jeffrey Lopez

Most Valuable Rider – Aditya Wittenberg Most Valuable Rider – Mathilde Hilliard

Soccer Cheerleading

Most Improved Player – Katie Merlin Most Improved – Madeline Hartzog

Most Valuable Player – Rodrigo Meneses Most Valuable Player – Jessica Lerman

Cross Country Swimming

Most Improved Player – Maxim Boslow Most Improved Player – Lucia Dorley

Most Valuable Player – Dayton Tooman Most Valuable Player – Michael Price

Volleyball

Most Improved Player – Taylor Evers

Most Valuable Player – Anastasia Goldsmith

Back: Mattie, Michael, Will, Jeffrey,

Marin, Madeline and Malu; Front:

Taylor, Anastasia and Jessica

Michael

Maxim Julia and Jeffrey

HISTORICAL REFERENCES

1945 - Maplebrook School was established by Founders: Sunny Barlow, Marjorie Finger and Serena Merck

First Head of School - Marjorie Finger

School opened with eight students; 11 faculty and staff

Tuition was subsidized fully by Mr. and Mrs. Merck

Owned 12 acres with a farmhouse and several other buildings

1970 - 25th Anniversary

Head of School/Director - Marjorie Finger; Richard Snyder, Asst. Director; Ronald Michalak, Principal

49 Students; seven faculty, 22 support staff; and eight in the graduating Class of 1970

Owned 12 acres with eight buildings

Lonnie L. Adams becomes the second Head of School in 1976

Roger A. Fazzone becomes the third Head of School in 1988

Maplebrook School becomes a registered high school in 1992 in addition to being accredited by NYSAIS and MSACS

1995 - 50th Anniversary

Head of School - Roger A. Fazzone; Donna M. Konkolics - Asst. Head of School/Dean of Academics

Tuition was $27,900

85 Students; 21 faculty; 10 administrators and 20 in the graduating Class of 1995

Owned 44.39 acres with 17 buildings

2015 - 70th Anniversary

Head of School - Donna M. Konkolics; President - Roger A. Fazzone; 17 in administration and 74 support staff

Tuition is $61,5000

56 Students in the high school; 45 in postsecondary; and 18 scheduled for graduation in the Class of 2015

Own 92.25 acres with 30 buildings

Sunny Barlow Marjorie Finger Serena Merck

Heads of School: (L) - Lonnie Adams 1976 - 1988;

(M) - Roger A. Fazzone 1988 - 2000

(R) - Donna M. Konkolics - 2000 - present

OUR FOUNDERS

“When a team of dedicated individuals makes a commitment to act as one…the sky’s the limit.”

Mr. Amarillas (L.) teaches students (Don, Chloe, Abigail, Nina and Andrew) about sustainable gardening as well as beautifying the campus for the upcoming Parents’ Weekend.

“All of the training and experiences throughout our son’s life,

including Maplebrook, have helped him develop his abilities and

prepare him for experiences such as this ten-day trip to Taiwan

with ten other students and their professor.” David Harrison

Yet to Come in 2015:

Dedication of the Etkin Environmental Center in June - See story on Page 7

Performing Arts Center Opens with new entrance in May

70th Anniversary Dedication in the SAMARA Yearbook

Memorial Wall of Honor in the Merck Interfaith Chapel

70th Anniversary Alumni Reunion August 21 - 23

Break ground for new natatorium (pool/wellness center) - Fall 2015

Re-purpose existing pool for new art gallery and multi-purpose space

70th Anniversary Auction Gala and Dance Celebration - October 31

PAGE 5

WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

“As in any of my communication with anyone associated to

Maplebrook, I want to say “thank you” for all that you do to make

MBS as amazing as it is for Gabriella and all of the students that

benefit from the CAPS Program. It is an honor to be a parent of a

student at Maplebrook.” Frank A. Delli Carpini

Maplebrook School is more than a boarding school, it’s a family.

The School is celebrating its 70th anniversary and has grown

into a community that believes passionately in the power of

change, character and courage. As we focus on character, hold

our students accountable, and encourage them to strive beyond

their learning differences, we learn about the courage and

resiliency of the human spirit. Working together, MBS

transforms how each young person imagines the future. We

provide hope and help young people to become independent, role

models, friends, and citizens that our world depends upon. There

is no more important or rewarding mission.

DON’T FORGET TO SUPPORT THE

ANNUAL FUND!!

Tess and Samantha

Felipe, Will, Dominica

and Ka-Yan

Mr. Tomasetti and Sarah

Mrs. Bondi and Taylor

T he addition of Hilfiger Hall and its inspirational

environs along with a full arts program, had everyone

eagerly anticipating the pieces that would be unveiled

for this year's student art show. The arts program didn't dis-

appoint us providing a wide range of creativity and media

from six regional schools including MBS which had work

displayed by 12 different students.

2013 after working 14 years at

MBS.

Then in March, we learned of

the passing of one of

Maplebrook’s most loyal

supporters, Bettina B. Howes.

Mrs. Howes was the parent of

Rick (Class of 1956), who prede-

ceased her in 2011. She was

deeply committed to the growth

and development of the our

school not only through her

generous financial gifts, but

through support of the athletic

events, the establishment of the

Richard S. Howes Society of

Honor Scholarship, and with the

alumni association.

The Board of Trustees and the

school leaders are working on a

proper tribute that will celebrate

the numerous contributions of

these wonderful people along

with others in our Maplebrook

family that we have lost. Our

thoughts and prayers are with

their families and they will

certainly be missed!

Sarah Cahill, 15 years

Donna Konkolics, 25 years

Russell P. Kullman Daniel J. Sheehan

T he heart of Maplebrook

School is its students,

but equally important

are the faculty and staff who

work with our young people

24/7. The success of our

programs relies on the quality

and experience of our staff. All

are exceptional individuals and

it “takes a village” to help our

youngsters accept, overcome

and remediate their academic,

social, and emotional learning

challenges. Living and working

in a boarding school isn’t a job;

it’s a lifestyle and it is not for

everyone. Yet in spite of the

intensity and hard work,

Maplebrook is fortunate to have

a dedicated staff with longevity

and experience, which enhances

the continuity and consistency

of a boarding school environ-

ment. In the new year, Head of

School/CEO, Donna

Konkolics, recognized several

enthusiastic and faithful individ-

uals for their years of service to

the school. We are indebted to

each and every person for their

professionalism and support of

the Maplebrook Mission and

Goals.

During the same time, we also

learned of the passing of Mr.

Russell Kullman. Mr. Kullman

taught math at MBS for 25 years

and retired in June 2010.

Anyone who knew him could

see that he was devoted to his

students, colleagues and

profession. Russ was also a big

baseball fan and an active

member and former elder of The

Evangelical Lutheran Church of

Christ the King in Pawling.

In February, we heard of the

passing of Mr. Daniel Sheehan.

Like many of us in boarding

schools, Dan wore many hats.

He was a wonderful person,

friend, Mets baseball fan,

mentor, teacher, principal,

coach, Santa Claus for Little

Professors Day Care, spiritual

leader, auctioneer, and pancake

flipper. Mr. Sheehan retired in

FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITION AND FOND FAREWELLS

PAGE 6

One alum said, “You were a

great mentor and a great

teacher Mr. Kullman. You

always knew how to put a

smile on everyone’s faces. I’m

really gonna miss you.

Thanks for all the nice things

you’ve done for me to make

me a better person.”

Bettina Howes

STUDENT ART EXHIBIT IMPRESSES

Multi-material clock by Wyatt Metzger Recycled lamp

by Abdullah Alshankiti

Ali

Taylor

PAGE 7 WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

CELEBRATING CULTURE AND HERITAGE

National African American History Month began

in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson had a goal of

raising the national awareness of the contributions

to the country made by African Americans. The

month celebrates the achievements of African

Americans and their central role in the history of

the United States. In celebration of National

African American History Month, high school

students had the opportunity to attend several

special presentations in the Feig Theater as part of

the Lyceum series.

Director of Boarding School Life, Kevin O’Connor,

first presented background on the history of African

Americans in the United States, the history of the

celebration and the large number of key historical

figures in the areas of abolitionism, civil rights,

politics, the arts and sports. Student Julianne

Brown proudly presented a PowerPoint presenta-

tion of the biography of her grandfather, Dr. Robert

Hilliard L.M., whose accomplishments include

being the first African American to serve as Chief

Resident of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a major

teaching hospital in the segregated south. Entering

private practice in 1963, Dr. Hilliard was the first

African American to perform major surgery in

many of the hospitals in San Antonio. Visual Arts

Coordinator, Tee Jay Jones, and students Dara

Helfant, Julianne Brown and Jonathan Murphy

were guests of Dara’s father, David Helfant, at the

filming of a music video featuring the poetry of

Maya Angelou set to hip hop music and dance.

They shared details of their day at its filming and a

sneak peek at the video, Harlem Hopscotch, filmed

in Harlem and Los Angeles as part of the Caged

Bird Songs recorded compilation of Angelou poet-

ry. In another special Lyceum, Theodora Lacey,

grandmother of Jonathan Murphy, gave the

students a first-hand account of growing up in the

segregated south where Jim Crow laws were

enforced. The great granddaughter of a slave, Mrs.

Lacey grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. She and

her family became friends of influential figures such

as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A

member of King’s Dexter Baptist Church, Mrs.

Lacey was the recording secretary in the meetings

where the Montgomery Bus Boycott was

organized.

In addition to these great presentations, the

Kathryn Davis International Student Association

(KDISA) presented the first of this year's series of

school-wide cultural diversity events. High school

senior, Mathilde Hilliard, who lived in Nicaragua

when she was much younger, and native

Nicaraguan, Rodrigo Meneses, educated the entire

Maplebrook community with a PowerPoint presen-

tation that included information about the food,

religion, cultural dress, sports, and wildlife that

abound in this tropical country. The culinary

staff complemented the presentation by provid-

ing some dishes from the area like tortilla

crusted fresh mozzarella, lemon and herb

roasted chicken, gallo pento and a warm tortilla

garden salad while Rodrigo's parents sent dessert

all the way from Nicaragua for everyone to

enjoy as well.

Maplebrook is proud and fortunate to have a

very diverse population of students that hail

from 12 different foreign countries. They all

bring their own unique traditions and beliefs to

share. As a character education school, we

welcome this diversity and embrace the

opportunity to learn outside of the classroom on

an experiential level.

Mrs. Theodora Lacey

Maplebrook’s dining hall,

Whalen Hall, was completed in

20I2 with solar panels that

generate approximately 20,000

kilowatts of electric power each

year to offset the use of that

building. Future building

projects and the existing gymna-

sium will also include this green

technology soon on an even

larger scale.

In response to our quest to

become a more green and

sustainable campus, a new and

exciting program has been

established on the postsecondary

campus – The Etkin

Environmental Center. The center

provides the classroom and

experiential setting for students

and members of the community

to explore nature as well as learn

that we all have the powerful

ability to nurture the natural

world.

Students have created an organic

garden that is a key element in

the multi-faceted curriculum that

has been developed to build

awareness, facilitate avenues for

combatting waste and embrace a

21st century lifestyle that com-

mits to a healthy environment.

The gardens will produce food

that will be used at the school as

well as flowers, trees and shrub-

bery. Other components of the

curriculum address recycling to

counteract the “throw-away”

society that we’ve become by the

reutilization of containers and

other means. In addition, a but-

terfly sanctuary, trails that will

identify the trees, grasses, flora,

fauna, and a pond have been

established to observe our

natural wildlife.

Mr. Amarillas,

Will, Kithsen

and Nora

COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENT

ALUMNI MAKE THEIR MARK

A newsletter for parents, past parents, alumni, and friends of: Maplebrook School

Miss Donna Konkolics Mrs. Lori S. Hale Ms. Jennifer Scully Head of School/CEO Editor, Executive Director Photography

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT #49

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY

Maplebrook School Welcomes

“A Prairie Home Companion’s”

Garrison Keillor

Commencement Speaker Sunday, June 7th

10:30 AM

“We are very very grateful

for all that MBS has meant

to Maia. Words cannot

express.”

Shannon Randall from Lancaster, PA graduated MBS in 2007 after

earning her high school diploma. From there, she entered our post-

secondary program and spent her last year in 2009 at T. L.C.

(Transitional Living Center). Like most Maplebrook students and

teenagers, Shannon truly thrived in this environment and excelled in

sports, even though she was a little accident prone. Perhaps it was this

early exposure to the medical field that prompted her to think about

caring for others. Shannon worked in a myriad of vocational internships

as a student. When she worked as an intern at Noble Horizons Retire-

ment Community, she discovered her true calling. Given guidance and

support from the program and hard work, Shannon went on to become a

Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.). In her last year at T.L.C.,

Shannon found competitive employment at a nursing home, lived in her

own apartment, had an active social life, was paying her bills and driving

herself to and from work. After seven collective years at MBS, she was

ready to move back to her home state and begin applying the skills that

she had learned in a new environment. Naturally her parents, Mark and

Nancy, were nervous about this transition, but their experience with the

school also taught them to believe and persevere. They had never

imagined in 2003 when Shannon was first accepted at the school, that

their daughter would be realizing these dreams. Maplebrook had given

them hope for her future and delivered.

Shannon lives at home with her parents, but when they travel during the

winter and summer months, they look to her to watch over the house-

hold. After an initial adjustment back to the area and a household move,

she secured employment at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Her

independence continues to grow as she drives herself to work, pays her

own car insurance and other expenses. Everyone knows they can count

on Shannon to have their back and she doesn’t let them down. As a

result, she recently received a raise and benefits for her performance.

When Shannon is not at work, she spends time with her friends, loves her

bowling league and keeps in touch with friends from Maplebrook. She

hopes to be able to attend the 70th anniversary reunion if her work

schedule permits.

Shannon Randall

Katty Kim, MBS’ First

Art Program Intern