SPRING 2015 VOL. 20 • ISSUE 2

Published by the Parents Association of The Churchill School & Center

Happy Spring! After a long NYC winter, I’m sure we are all looking forward to warmer weather.

Despite the weather, the Parents Association has been very active. The annual Skating Party was held at Wollman Rink in the pouring rain, but the rain could not dampen the spirit of our kids. Thank you to Suzanne Lawee for arranging the event and for setting up skating instruction for our novice skaters.

Our elementary school was once again treated to Family Movie Night. It was a great community building event organized by Cluster B mother Natalie Bausone. Hopefully this will become an annual event. Our Fall in Love with Reading book fair was a big success. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up, manned the registers, helped the kids find books, and then packed everything up again.

This March, for the first time, the PA is putting together a Parents Quiz Night. This is sure to be a great night, with Peter Taylor as the master of ceremony.

I hope everyone enjoys Spring Break!

- Christina Cenname

ON THE COVERSFront Cover: Senior Daniel Strausman as Hamlet and junior Jack Healy as King Claudius in the recent high school production of Hamlet, the first-ever staging by Churchill of an entire Shakespearean play.

Back Cover: Artwork by Olivia Huber, inspired by the Matisse cut-outs.

From the PA President

PARENTS ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD

President: Christina Cenname Co-Vice Presidents: Shelly Taylor,

Wendi Tush Secretary: Robin Michaelson Treasurer: Virginia Plithides

Editor: Susan Littlefield

Assistant Editor: Robin Michaelson

Contributors: Rachel Berkey, Lindsay Davis Carr, Christina Cenname, Laura Henrich

(and a host of tremendous coaches), Robin Michaelson, Christine Pellicano, Robert

Siebert, Wendi Tush, Julie Wityk

Photo Editor: Jim Conley

Photographers: Linda Farwell, Pete Halleck, Maryl Hosking, Mark Lipsy, Jonathon Ostroff, Christine Pellicano, Mark Strausman

Proofing: Wendy Federico, Dolores Valdez, Aileen Zim

Indispensible Help: Rosie Padilla, Aileen Zim

Design: Reitdesign, inc. www.reitdesign.com

Submitting Articles to the Torch: Members of the Churchill School community

(current and alumni students and parents, teachers and staff) are encouraged to

submit articles for publication in The Torch. Articles must be of interest to the community

(regarding current Churchill events and activities, life after Churchill, learning

disabilities, etc.) and are published as space allows and at the discretion of the Editor. Send

queries or submissions via email to Susan Littlefield at

churchilltorch@churchhillschool.com.

The Churchill School and Center 301 East 29th Street New York, NY 10016

www.churchillschool.com

Dear Parents,

I sincerely hope that by the time you read this edition of The Torch, spring will be in full force and the punishing winter of 2014-15 will be a distant memory.

Much has happened since the last edition of The Torch. Transition planning with the new Head of School has been underway since January. Dr. Tim Madigan spent a full day here on February 26, meeting with the Directors and staff of our administrative support department. He will be back on April 9 to meet with Principals, Department Chairs, teachers and assistant teachers. In between meetings with staff, Tim will observe classes and visit with groups of students.

Tim and I have spent hours together going over program, policy, governance, personnel/staffing and student affairs. We have also spent a considerable amount of time discussing the very special nature of Churchill as a state approved, non-public school. Michael Devine, our Chief Financial Officer, also has spent hours with Tim reviewing budgets, investments and the process for reporting expenses to the New York State Rate Setting Unit.

Tim will spend his third full day at Churchill on June 1. That day will be devoted primarily to parents and the Board of Trustees. In cooperation with the

Parents Association, we anticipate that the day will start with an open breakfast with parents. So please mark the date and time (June 1 at 8:30 am) on your calendars. After breakfast, Tim will spend time with the officers of the Parents Association and with various committees of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Madigan will take over as Head of The Churchill School on July 1.

Soon you will receive in the mail a copy of our Strategic Plan brochure. This plan, completed in the fall of 2014, will give Tim a road map for navigating his first several years at Churchill and for ensuring the ongoing improvement of our learning community.

As I face my final few months at Churchill, I feel nothing but gratitude for all the support, kindness and generosity displayed by the entire Churchill parent community. The connection and cooperation between school and home are essential elements to student success, and that relationship is extremely strong at Churchill. Thank you for everything you do to ensure that Churchill achieves its mission. It has been a privilege and an honor to be the Head of this amazing school for the past seven years.

- Robert C. Siebert, Ed.D.

From the Head of School

2 Spring 2015

Your Child’s Internet SafetyA RECAP OF CHURCHILL’S FEBRUARY 3 WORKSHOP WITH JESSE WEINBERGERby Robin Michaelson

“Parents need to set time limits and monitor their child’s Internet use,” said Internet safety educator Jesse Weinberger, who spoke at a February 3 workshop at Churchill.

She also believes children under the age of 14 shouldn’t have smartphones. “Children who are too young are owning technology that they are not emotionally ready for,” she said.

Weinberger met with parents after she spent time February 2 at Churchill meeting with students in grades 5 through 12 to teach them Internet safety techniques. She warned students about identifying themselves online, chatting with virtual strangers, or posting or texting inappropriate messages or photos. Many of you may have come home to find your webcams covered!

She also conducted an anonymous student survey so parents could find out what their children are really doing on-line.

When she presented the survey results, it was startling to see how many students already have phones and various social media profiles, such as Instagram and Facebook accounts. Many students already admit to texting more than 20 times a day. Weinberger reminded parents that children under age 13 are precluded by Federal legislation to have social media applications.

Most students noted in the survey that their parents didn’t set time limits or monitor their Internet use. That must change, Weinberger said. Parents need to know what content their children are perusing and what personal information may be shared on social media sites.

“Be an engaged digital parent,” she said. “Parents are not engaging, to the detriment of kids.”

She suggested that parents set the following rules: a 1-hour time limit for Internet use and no unsupervised or unrestricted web access. She encouraged parents to download OpenDNS.com, a program that can set flexible parental controls on all your Internet-connected devices. She also reminded parents to log in as your child and know all her passwords.

If a child breaks the rules, be prepared, she said, to take away devices as a consequence.

She said the following social media sites are “absolute Nos” for kids: Ask.fm, SnapChat, Yik Yak, and Kik. She also warned about collaborative gaming with strangers.

Based on the Churchill survey and others she conducts as she lectures at schools, Weinberger noted that a consistent theme is kids realize that they are on the Internet too much. “What the kids are telling us is the biggest issue is addictive overuse,” she said.

Weinberger reiterated that parents must have conversations about Internet safety and use with their children and pay attention to how their kids connect to the Internet. Children using the Internet are at risk for sexual predators, and inappropriate content abounds on YouTube and Twitter. Trouble can be just a few clicks away, she noted. Sexting and cyberbullying are also major concerns. In addition, when students are applying to college, they need to think about the consequences about what they post.

For more detail on the survey results, please contact Jane Gertler. Jesse’s book, The Boogeyman Exists: And He’s In Your Child’s Back Pocket, is available in the Churchill library.

Spring 2015 3

Congratulations to The Churchill Hawks!I S A L L E A G U E C H A M P I O N S 2 0 1 5

4 Spring 2015

by Rachel Berkey, Head Librarian

Let It Snow“Oh the weather outside is frightful But the Library [sic] is so delightful

And since we’ve no place to go Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

(The words and music to this famous song by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne were written on a hot July day in California!) Although the warm welcoming Emily H. Fisher Library has always been the place to go at Churchill, during this past winter it has become a real destination spot for students and teachers alike.

However, this season’s frigid weather is not the only reason why the Library is always busy now; it continues to be a very important place and space in Churchill for students and faculty to use because...

First, it serves the entire school population. Not only do the Lower and Upper Schools share the space, they share the library books. And the Library also houses its special collections on the fourth floor for Staff Development, Parenting issues and the GSA.

Second, this is where the students learn how the Library’s resources can help them seek out and find information which will make them life-long learners.

During the first semester of this school year, Clusters A and B have visited the Library on a weekly basis for both classes and for browsing and borrowing books. During their library classes, Paula exposed the students to a wide variety of literature, authors, and genres through storytelling and follow-up activities.

Now that the second semester has begun, Clusters C and D students are learning how to navigate and evaluate print and online

resources as they utilize new technology for research. Paula is collaborating with their classroom teachers to incorporate library resources and skills into classroom curricula, with particular emphasis on developing research strategies and information literacy.

Although the Upper School students do not come to the Library on a fixed schedule as they did when they were in Elementary School, they are quite familiar with it. They are able to independently browse for and borrow books for independent reading or find research materials for a special project...or if they need assistance, even ask for advice.

For example, this year the ninth graders had the opportunity to work on a research project with their English teachers and me. The English teachers’ goal was to assign a project to their classes which would incorporate both research and presentation components. The teachers decided that to help the students improve

A WAY WITH WORDS:NEWS FROM THE L IBRARY

Spring 2015 5

their “presentation skills,”the students would “present” their research connected with a topic related to J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye.

I prepared a LibGuide for them named “Something about Salinger.” The LibGuide gave the students a go-to resource filled with links to databases, websites, books, and even with information of how to cite the research materials that they were using.

Over the next few weeks, the students met in small groups in the Library to work on the projects. This provided a space for the students to conference with their teachers and me about the resources they were seeking and using.

Finally, the Library sponsors the popular and successful Visiting Authors and Illustrators Series. This program brings the words and/or pictures in a book to life for our students because they have the opportunity to meet the actual authors and illustrators of some of the books that they are reading.

Recently, on February 9, Clusters C and D and the sixth graders met the author Adam Gidwitz. Adam is the award-winning author of re-imagined sets of dark fairy tales based on the very grim Grimm Fairy Tales. (A by-product of his visit is that there is now a big surge of interest in the Library’s collection of the original Grimm’s Fairy Tales.) After his presentations, Adam invited the students to ask questions. In answering their questions, he emphasized to them: “ Writing, editing, and using your imagination...and especially never giving up on your dreams.”

Although by now, Spring should be in the air with the days growing warmer and longer, the Library will continue, as usual, to be the Place to Go for students and faculty alike. Remember—Summer Reading is just around the corner!

Annual Skating Party 2015

6 Spring 2015

This past January, the 6th grade took a trip to the Museum of Modern Art to view the exhibit, “Matisse: The Cut-Outs.” Henri Matisse (1896-1954) was one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Well known for his revolutionary use of color and form in his paintings, Matisse turned to cut paper collage in the last 14 years of his life. The exhibit focused exclusively on this groundbreaking body of work. As 6th grader Julia Smolensky remarked, “it was different than other types of art shows because it was all collage, and it inspired me in my own collage project.”

Matisse’s collages, which he called “cut-outs,” were originally pinned to the walls of his studio, where, burdened with illness, he worked from his wheelchair and bed with the aid of assistants. With these cut paper forms Matisse created a completely immersive environment for himself, predating installation art by many years. Matisse once said that when creating his cut-outs, he felt as though he were painting with scissors, and that his new collage practice was like “une seconde vie,” or a second life. Olivia Huber commented, “It was inspiring to me because I didn’t realize that his collages were so famous. I knew about Matisse as a

painter. I also thought it was cool that even though he was sick and in pain he was still making art and that is inspiring.”

The 6th grade explored concepts in color, form, composition and movement in Matisse’s works, and created their own “cut-out” collages from paper that the students hand painted. In addition to individual collages, the 6th grade also created a collaborative “cut-out” installation, “The Garden,” in the hallway outside of the Middle School Art room. We encourage everyone to stop by and take a look at our installation next time you visit Churchill!

“Matisse: The Cut-Outs” Provides InspirationBy Christine Pellicano

Artwork by Melissa Robles.

Spring 2015 7Artwork, clockwise from center top, by Sam Hort, Matisse, Will Stover, Jack Hotson, Matisse.

8 Spring 2015

By Wendi Friedman Tush

The Churchill Middle School production of the musical Oliver! was another huge triumph for the middle school Theater Department and its extraordinary cast. From the moment Griffin Sisk’s endearing Oliver and the workhouse children marched down the center aisle until the final curtain calls, the cast had the audience in its thrall.

The workhouse children played by Elizabeth Berger, Annabelle deCesare, Brie Friedman, Alexander Maniatis, Leila Marchant, Daniella Rochlin, Emery Sadler, Abby Siskind, Julia Smolensky and Milly Wasserman joined the very talented Sisk to kick things off with a plaintive rendition

of “Food, Glorious Food.” By the time they were joined by the wonderfully bombastic Mr. Bumble, played by Caleb Hall, and Anisah Khan’s Widow Corney for the title song, the magic was in full swing.

The Sowerberry’s, played by Shea Shapiro-Barnum, Jack Van Ooyen and Hilary Rappaport along with the agile Toby Uberoi as Noah Claypole, provided delightful comic relief with “That’s Your Funeral.” And then Sisk and sweet-voiced pickpockets Olivia Huber, Ariel Moss and Brooke Lyn Sicignano brought the audience to tears (not just their moms!) with their haunting rendition of “Where is Love.”

Cloe Dean as Artful Dodger was by turns lovable and clever. Her rendition of “Consider Yourself” with Sisk, Tobias

Bremer and the ensemble of townspeople (Sidney Slater, Lily Cummings-Uhl, Liat Levy, Sophie McGrane, Sophie Orenstein, Quinn McNicholas, Blake Adams and Bruno Servisi) was totally charming.

But there wasn’t much that could have prepared the audience for the entrance of Gian Morris-Perez as pickpocket leader, Fagin. Morris-Perez’ performance offered every attribute of Ron Moody’s iconic 1968 film performance—a lot to pull off for a middle school performer. Our Fagin was endearing, yet sinister, with terrific vocal control and precise comedic timing. Fagin’s steely camaraderie with his pickpockets (Susan Barry, Jade Boulton, Hattie Foster, Jillian Foster, Cassie Soodak, Chris Tomsen, along with those mentioned above) was fun to watch.

Spring 2015 9

The couple at the center of the dramatic plotline, Drew Masi as Nancy and Griffin Reische as Bill Sykes, both put in distinguished performances. Masi’s dulcet singing and energetic stage presence imbued Nancy with heart-tugging, tragic, optimism. And Reische’s Bill Sykes was so menacing some younger cast members reported being truly frightened every time they witnessed his performances.

The second act stand out scenes included the songs “Who Will Buy?” and “Reviewing the Situation.” “Who Will Buy?,” led by Sisk, revealed the extraordinary vocal abilities of Liat Levy, Karrin Lowe, Sophie McGrane, Quinn McNicholas, Sophie Orenstein and Kyra Williams. Orenstein’s

Rose was a standout. In “Reviewing the Situation,” Morris-Perez had the audience rolling in the aisles.

The rest of the cast included, Blake Adams as the Knife Grinder; Lily Klima as Mrs. Bedwin; Chiara Palazzo as Bet; Rubin Parker as Dr. Grimwig; Jake Scherer as Mr. Brownlow; Wells Kochey as Liza and Emmi Lawrence as Daisy.

Leading this outstanding production were Director, Choreographer and Costume Designer M. Shane Meals and Music Director Jeannine Haden. The really terrific sets were designed by Christine Pellicano.

The multi-talented Mr. Meals also presented “Spirit Awards,” for leadership through attitude, responsibility, respect and attendance, to two cast members from

each grade. The Spirit Award winners were: Brooke Lyn Sicignano and Leila Marchant in 6th grade; Chris Tomsen and Tobias Bremer in 7th grade; Lily Cummings-Uhl and Griffin Reische in 8th grade.

Mr. Meals said this year’s play was a standout. “I think the thing that made this year special was the way the cast pulled together and really supported each other through our grueling blizzard snow day make-up rehearsal. They rallied and proved that nothing was going to stop them. The show must go on, and it certainly did - with flying colors! I’m so proud of them.”

Middle School parents are quite proud as well.

10 Spring 2015

On Thursday, May 14, we will be honoring Dr. S. and paying tribute to his seven years as Churchill’s Head of School. This event will be held at the Tribeca Rooftop from 6:30 - 9:30 pm.

Invitations will go out the week of March 30, and our Benefit website will go live when the invitations are mailed. We’ll let you know - you won’t have to wait until your invitation arrives to purchase tickets! We have ticket packages for sale that also underwrite tickets for Churchill faculty and staff. We will have Early Bird tickets and a limited number of Pay As You Wish tickets

available for Churchill families only. Please note: Early Bird and Pay As You Wish tickets MUST be purchased by April 17.

We are looking for auction items for the live and silent auctions. BidPal returns with some new features that allow us to open the auction prior to the event and close it after the event ends. People who do not attend the event will be able to bid as well! Winners will pick up items at the school starting the Monday after the event.

We will publish a journal to commemorate the occasion. Purchase ads to send a

congratulatory message to Dr. S, advertise your business or celebrate your child and his or her hard work at Churchill!

Forms for Journal ads and the Live and Silent Auctions are ready and available. Packets will be mailed to all parents at home on Friday, March 13. There also will be a link to the forms online or contact the Development Office and we will email them to you.

Thank you for your participation and support of this wonderful evening! We hope to see you there!

The Churchill FundPlease remember to participate in The Churchill Fund! Our

goal for 2014-2015 is $1.5 million, with 100% participation from current Churchill parents. You can mail a check, give online, or

make a gift of appreciated securities.

Go to www.churchillschool.com/supportus to make a secure gift by credit card.

If you have any questions, please contact the Development Office at 212-722-0610. Thank you for your support!

2015 Benefit Celebrating Success: Thank You, Dr. S!By Julie Wityk

Spring 2015 11

Churchill fielded its first “Robohawks” team at a qualifying First Lego League competition held January 17 at the City College of New York.

Technology teacher Liz Gallo, along with Shannon Stringer, coached the 10-member team, which practiced during an afterschool LEGO Robotics Club for students in Cluster D and the middle school. The team members are: David Kritzer, Jarred Hosking, Raul Pineda, Emery Sadler, Lloyd Sagawa, Sophie Orenstein, Gian Morris-Perez, Desmond Sharkey Olive, Rubin Parker and Brian Cauchi. High school senior Jak Silver served as the team’s mentor, as he has experience with Lego robotics, along with high school science teachers Mariya Tokar and Nathan Calabro.

“The kids were such good sports and worked together so well,” said Churchill parent Maryl Hosking, who cheered for her son and the team.

For the “Robot Game” part of the competition, the students designed, built and programmed an autonomous robot to do tasks such as opening a door or putting a key into a lock. For the “Project” portion, the team’s challenge was to find a better way to learn something, so the team perfected a recipe for making pizza.

During the all-day event, the kids presented their work to the judges by themselves. “I’m so proud of the team for all their hard work and everything they accomplished at the competition,” Gallo said. “I can’t wait for next year!”

Churchill “Robohawks” debut at Lego CompetitionBy Robin Michaelson

12 Spring 2015

By Susan Littlefield

Think back to the day your child was accepted to Churchill. Possibly—likely, even—you feared that he might never be able to string together the letters C-A-T. Did you ever imagine that, by high school, that same child would be treading the boards in the Kristy Baxter Auditorium, eloquently spouting the words of the greatest poet in the English language? No? Me neither.

But there we were for three nights in December, watching in awe as the high school put on an elegant, atmospheric and accomplished production of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the first time in Churchill’s history that the school has staged an entire (albeit somewhat abridged) Shakespearean play. To a man—and woman—the players brought an ability to relish the language, an understanding of the text, and a level of commitment that elevated the show to a beautiful ensemble piece. It was a very special run.

Senior Daniel Strausman took on the complex, challenging role of Hamlet. Daniel has spent years on the Churchill stage, working his way up from the one-act plays of 6th grade, and this performance gave him the chance to break out all his acting chops and shine. His Hamlet was princely, authoritative and emotional, and his obvious relish in performing such a demanding role was exciting to watch.

Maggie Thomashauer as Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, and Jack Healy, as King Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle/stepfather, were wonderfully nefarious and manipulative, and Gardner Frankel was perfect as their slimey advisor (and Ophelia’s father), who met his demise at Hamlet’s hand. Ian Sher was noble and brotherly as Ophelia’s

misguided sibling (and with Hamlet shared the night’s spectacular swordfight). Bailey Lawson’s Ophelia broke your heart with her madness and mad song. (I’d like to have seen more of Ophelia, whose part fell somewhat victim to the abridging.) Hamlet’s friend Horatio was played with loyal pathos by Talia Dolny-Lipsy. First Gravedigger Joe Keefe and Second Gravedigger Lola Stam provided comic relief with their comic/philosophical musings on life. The actors who performed Hamlet’s play-within-the-play, that provides the dramatic reveal of the night, managed the considerable feat of making the action, without words, clear and both comic and tragically dramatic. They are: Mara Kleinberg, Teo Flores, Joe Keefe and Lola Stam. Actors in smaller

roles added immeasurably to the show: Jordan Levy (Rosencrantz), Ariel Velez (Guildenstern), Jake Polin (Marcellus, English Ambassador) and Mark Kyzyk (Bernardo, Fortinbras). Special mention to Alex de Brito as Oric, especially for the fantastic, theatrical flourish that begin the swordfight, showing how much a seemingly small gesture can heighten the drama. Teacher Ben Simington lent his powerful voice to play the Ghost of Hamlet’s father, although he did not appear onstage.

Simple but extremely effective staging delineated each locale, whether it was

dry ice creating a mist outside the castle watch, the starkness of a red-lit throne or the simple proscenium arch of the play-within-the-play. Beautifully dramatic, ambient original music by Aaron Fisher and Nick Mauro pulled you into the mood of the show and augmented the performances. The actors received training by a stage combat choreographer, which meant that the sword fights were excitingly swashbuckling—and not scary for the parents in the audience to watch.

Director and High School Performing Arts Head Maggie McBrien deserves high praise for coaxing such fine performances from our students, as well as thanks for giving them the experience of working so successfully with a Shakespearean

text. The clarity of speech and nuanced understanding of the text from virtually every actor attests to significant time spent analyzing, memorizing and understanding. More than one audience member commented that the students were easier to understand than a lot of professional actors they’d seen perform Shakespeare. This remarkable Hamlet ran for only three performances, barely the beginning of the preview stage of a professional show. But it made history at Churchill and expanded the sense of what our high school students can accomplish.

DID YOU EVER IMAGINE THAT YOUR CHILD WOULD BE TREADING THE BOARDS…SPOUTING THE WORDS OF THE GREATEST POET IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE? NO? ME NEITHER.

Spring 2015 13

HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS HEAD AND DIRECTOR MAGGIE MCBRIEN ON STAGING HAMLET AT CHURCHILL:On staging an entire Shakespearean play:“Putting together a full Shakespearean production is never an easy task. In Hamlet, we have some of the most difficult themes imaginable and of course some of the most famous speeches. Our job was to find a way to present the full play, using the original language, conveying the story without completely exhausting our audience. We made cuts wherever it seemed prudent, then we got to work rehearsing. Students in the play were assigned small excerpts of dialogue to memorize at a time; slowly compiling all of the text each actor needed to learn for his or her part in the show. They worked hard, collaborating, memorizing in class and on their own; their efforts were very impressive.”

On Shakespearean language:“For many of our students, learning Shakespeare was not nearly as hard as they thought. Surprisingly enough, there are aspects of learning Shakespeare that can be easier than learning modern-day prose. The verse has a rhythm that helps the speakers know if they have forgotten a word or if they’ve misspoken. Sometimes the reading can be quite tricky but with enough time, hard work and explanation of what it is the plays are actually about, our students performed beautifully.”

On the fight scenes:“The cast loved working with a stage combat expert to choreograph the fight scenes; this gave them some much needed confidence for the performances.”

14 Spring 2015

‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘General Academics and Time Management

Ease into the college transition. Take easy classes and take the bare minimum of classes required to be a full-time student. You will learn what’s expected and how to manage your time without being overwhelmed by difficult classes and a lot of work. Plan ahead and stay on top of your things. Plan out your days and find the right balance of academic and social activities. Focus on what you need and what works best for you. Focus on your work – go to the library and don’t go with friends. Get your work done first! It takes a long time to recover your GPA from a bad first college semester. Build relationships with your professors and don’t be afraid to send them drafts of your work ahead of time. Undeclared or undecided about your major? Take classes in a variety of areas and test out several areas of study. You might find a field that you are passionate about or a professor who inspires you and helps you find direction.

Specific to Learning DisabilitiesSelf-advocate, talk to classmates and professors and speak up! Be up front and take care of your accommodations as soon as possible. Join a learning community, if your college offers them. You will share classes and other activities with the same group of people, and you will get to know them as friends and depend on them to navigate academic work together. Stay in touch with Churchill teachers – they know you and your strengths and learning style. They want to help you and they can be especially helpful when you are trying to sort out your options and make decisions.

Social Connections…and HomesicknessJoin clubs to meet people that share your interests. Also, don’t expect your first roommate to be your best friend, or even a lasting friend. It rarely happens. If you are homesick and you live close enough, go home! It does help your outlook to hang out with your parents and sleep in your own bed for a weekend. Going home will not make your homesickness worse. Adjusting to school away from home – It helps to make friends, even if you make just one. You‘ll get there little by little…you just have to get through the hurdles.

While You’re Still At ChurchillThe Churchill experience is what you make of it. If you do the work and advocate for yourself, you will develop the skills you need for college. When applying to college, don’t become too set on one school. You will find the right place for you. Think about taking a gap year. A gap year can be beneficial because through your experience of working, travel, etc., you can mature a lot and learn how to do things on your own.

Words Of Wisdom From Churchill Alumni 2015FORMER STUDENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE ON ALUMNI HOMECOMING NIGHT

Spring 2015 15

Dr. Siebert welcomed alumni and high school families on January 8, 2015 for Churchill’s annual Homecoming.

The evening commenced with Churchill’s 2nd Annual Alumni Art Show, showcasing works by Hannah Jupiter ’07, Gabriel Ventura ’05, Eve White and Weade Williams-Bridges ’01.

The Alumni Advice Panel, moderated by High School Co-Principal Jason Wallin, followed the Art Show. More than twenty Churchill graduates shared their advice and experiences, covering topics from college searches, to taking a gap year, to managing learning disabilities in a university setting.

In keeping with tradition, everyone hit the gym afterwards to finish the night with Churchill’s Alumni VS Varsity Basketball Game! A big thank you to Dana Buckholz ’10, Rose Cocchiola ’14, Stephen Grayson ’07, Andy Hoffman ’08, Jake Horn ‘10, Josh Irwin ’08, Johnny Kunen ’08, Sean Lewin ’12, Jake Luckman ’08, Daniel Nissani ’10, and Ali Rossi ’12 for playing! We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next January!

2015 Homecoming By Lindsay Davis Carr

16 Spring 2015

7th and 8th Grade Boys BasketballThe 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball teams both had a tremendous season this year! Through hard work, dedication and the willingness to become better as teams, they showed the Churchill community that the future of our basketball program is in good hands and will continue to achieve great success. I am proud to have coached each of these amazing student athletes.

Our 7th grade team this year took the concept of team defense to a whole new level. They held their opponents, on average, to under 25 points per game and, more importantly, worked harder every practice to become a unified force on the defensive side of the ball. Their team-first attitude and commitment to achieving their goals led them to an astounding 5-1 record with an average margin of victory of nine points per game. It was rewarding to witness a team improve with each practice and every game this season, and I know this team will continue to work hard and achieve a lot of success when they enter league play next season.

After a 1-2 record to start the season, the 8th Grade Boys basketball team showed that they had the mental toughness and commitment to turn their season around. Not only did they turn it around, but they dominated in doing so. They won their last five league games by an incredible average of 25.6 points per game and finished with a 6-2 record, which earned them a league finish of 2nd place. The success earned by this team demonstrates the great character and work ethic these boys possess and the great things they are capable of achieving.

I couldn’t be any prouder of the way these two teams played the game and represented the Churchill community this season. Each and every one of them have bright futures ahead, both on and off the court. I would like to thank the Churchill faculty, parents and students for the amazing support this season!

- Gregory Pitz

SPRING SPORTS UPDATE

Middle School Girls BasketballThe Middle School Girls Basketball team had an outstanding season. We went undefeated 7-0. The 7th and 8th graders worked very well together and everyone demonstrated great sportsmanship. The 8th graders really took on the leadership role and did a great job teaching the 7th graders the ropes of the game. The 7th graders took in everything they learned and cannot wait to teach next years incoming 7th graders all the skills they now know.

Our season started with a home game against Dwight where we won 27-19 and finished with an away game against Garden where we won 39-17. We would just like to congratulate Shea, Megan, Wells, Emmi, Sydney, Cassie, Kyra, Lily, Alma, Bettyann, and Riley for doing an awesome job. Go Churchill Ladyhawks!

- Ms. Foster & Ms. McCluskey

Spring 2015 17

SPRING SPORTS UPDATE

High School Junior Varsity Boys BasketballThe Churchill JV Hawks had a successful year. Without a lot of experience we had to fight hard in every game. My assistant coaches and I are proud of each player who gave a great effort, both during practice and in the games; and every player did. We grew closer and played better as the season went on. It was a long, tough season, but we persevered and still made it to the playoffs. Coach Regina, Coach John and I enjoyed working with this good group of young men.

– Joe Dudley

High School Varsity Girls BasketballThe Girls Varsity Basketball team worked very hard and showed tremendous improvement throughout the season. They were a young but talented team, with only a few returning members from last year’s team, but they rose up and overcame challenges all season. Led by Senior Captains Sofia Passick and Shannon Doherty, this team’s greatest asset was their outstanding defense that held even the best teams in the league in check, and kept them competitive in almost every game of the season.

- Leslie Kohen

18 Spring 2015

High School Varsity Boys BasketballThe Varsity Boys Basketball team finished the season as league and tournament champions of the I.S.A.L. The league was very tough this year, making our accomplishments even more extraordinary. In a season filled with thrilling games, including buzzer beaters, overtime and double overtime, the Hawks finished with an overall record of 16-4, 15-1 in league play.

Freshman Dean Vergos immediately established himself as a tough, all around player. He had no fear of any age differences or big moments as he hit huge shots, helped control the pace of games and played solid defense. Ian Sher provided tough defense, nifty passing and the ability to drive strong to the basket or hit a three pointer. Ian’s intensity and love of the game provided great leadership, an example for all to follow.

Mordechai Rosen controlled the paint with his strong screens, post presence and smarts. Mordi has nice moves to the basket, made great passes to open teammates and his constant communication on the floor was critical to the fluency of our sets and strategies. Jake Clarke was a tremendous defensive force; he was coming up with steals, blocks and rebounds all season long. Jake has sent out countless invitations to his “block parties” and he also provided our team with bursts of scoring, hitting huge baskets in clutch moments. Speaking of clutch, Dylan Mellen established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous shooters. Dylan’s frequent three point shots were instrumental to our success and Dylan also played great defense. As one of our guards, he did really well to establish pace and keep things smooth. Josh Slifka provided the team with tremendous toughness and quickness, which made him very difficult to guard around the basket, and he could also hit the outside shot. Josh played physical defense, constantly boxing out and scrapping. His

sense of humor and leadership kept our team refreshed. Jack Healy was one of the league’s best shooters. He hit so many big three pointers. When Jack set up to shoot, we all anticipated the inevitable splash. Also, Jack played tough defense and came up with some big steals. Lewis Jensen’s extraordinary quickness and athleticism allowed him to play tough defense, run the fast break and drive or shoot. Also, Lewis’s integrity and character were always a breath of fresh air; his personality is very conducive to establishing togetherness and Lewis’s leadership was very helpful to our success.

Senior Malcolm Kaletsch was dominant on both ends of the floor. He rebounded, played top-notch defense, ran the fast break and was often unstoppable on offense. Malcolm has been vital to the team’s success over the past few years. Not only has his play been outstanding and dominant, but he’s also a leader who’s provided the team with nothing but positive energy. Thank you, Malcolm, and congratulations on such a successful, varsity career!

Senior Joe Moran had another dominant season. Joe is extremely skilled and tough. He often willed us to wins by doing whatever was needed at any given moment: guarding a much bigger player, getting a key rebound, hitting a huge shot... Joe’s varsity career spans four years and for the last three he’s been the heart of our team, one of the best, toughest, most dedicated and passionate young men in our league. Congratulations, Joe! We achieved the success you so badly wanted and worked for. Thank you for your amazing contributions!

What a season! Thank you, guys. You are, literally and figuratively, champions.

- Jim Scotto

SPRING SPORTS UPDATE

Spring 2015 19

SPRING SPORTS UPDATE

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