Kent School and Radcliffe Creek School in Chestertown have partnered to bring noted licensed clinical professional counselor, school counselor, and journalist, Phyllis Fagell to speak at The Garfield Center for the Arts on Tuesday, October 16 at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend. The Garfield Center is located at 210 High Street in Chestertown.

If you are concerned about your child’s transition from childhood to adolescence or wonder how to navigate this new world with your Middle School student, Phyllis Fagell will answer these questions and more. This is a critical stage of rapid change and one that should be celebrated. In her book, Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help, Fagell tackles the most common questions and struggles with an evidence-based, commonsense guide that gives you the tools to help your child.

In Middle School Matters, Fagell helps parents use the middle school years as a training ground to teach kids the key skills they’ll need to thrive now and in the future, including making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, regulating emotions, acting as their own advocates, and more.

Fagell is a regular contributor to the On Parenting column for The Washington Post. She currently serves as the school counselor for Sheridan School in Washington, DC and provides therapy in private practice at the Chrysalis Group, Inc.

Nancy Mugele, Head of School at Kent School, said, “Phyllis wrote Middle School Matters to change the paradigm that Middle School years can often be the most difficult for children and their parents to manage. She illustrates so simply and beautifully that teaching kindness and resiliency will help students emerge as confident, self-aware, and accepting humans. I am excited to have Phyllis join our community to share her wisdom.”

Meg Bamford, Head of School at Radcliffe Creek School, said, “Phyllis’ insightful book provides a practical guide for parents and educators to help their children navigate their middle school years. We feel so lucky to partner with Kent School to welcome such a well-known author who has been so successful in her own practice of helping children to thrive during these very critical years. It will be a wonderful evening.”

Ms. Fagell’s lecture is made possible by the Kudner Leyon Memorial Endowment at Kent School, the Radcliffe Creek School and the Garfield Center for the Arts. While admission is free, pre-registration is encouraged by calling 410-778-4100 ext. 100 or emailing [email protected] Books will be available for sale and signing.

Kent School serves children from Preschool through Grade Eight on its scenic campus on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown. For more information call 410-778-4100 ext. 110 or visit www.kentschool.org

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. At the heart of the Radcliffe Way is the notion of personalized learning in a caring community that sets high expectations but provides support for all students to excel. For more information about Radcliffe Creek School or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, please call 410-778-8150 or visit www.radcliffecreekschool.org

June 30, 2019 marked a turning point in Kent School’s Board of Trustee leadership. Chris McClary ‘91, the first alumnus to hold the position and the longest serving Board President in Kent School history, stepped down after nine years in that role. Chris also served as an active member of the Board of Trustees for nine years leading up to his loyal service as President. Megan Bramble Owings’ 93, the first alumna, will take over as Board President beginning July 1.

In remarks recognizing Chris for his service to Kent School, Nancy Mugele, Head of School said, ”Chris has been an incredible leader of the Board and a true partner for me. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Board operates strategically, to allow me to act operationally. I appreciate this more than words can say.”

Under McClary’s leadership, the School has grown in enrollment, financial sustainability has increased, and a state of the art library was constructed, to name just a few highlights. However, the most meaningful work to Chris personally, was the establishment of the Kudner Leyon Memorial Endowment and the Kudner Leyon Visiting Writers Program in 2000. Named for Ariana Kudner and Amanda Leyon, who graduated from Kent School in 1991 with Chris, the endowment was designed to memorialize their lives and their love of the literary arts.

Mugele continued, “We are honored to host such a purposeful program at Kent School, one that Chris has been passionate about for nearly two decades. Today, I am pleased to announce that a group of former and current Trustees who served alongside Chris, as well as Chris and Ellen’s family, have given gifts to the Kudner Leyon Memorial Endowment in Chris’ honor. Ariana Kudner’s sister and brother generously matched these gifts dollar for dollar with a grant from the Arthur H. Kudner, Jr. Fund at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. I am simply overwhelmed that this effort to honor Chris has grew the Kudner Leyon Memorial Endowment by 16%. This is truly a fitting tribute to Chris.”

One former Trustee added the following comment on Chris’s service, “It has occurred to me often that with his caring and thoughtful approach, along with his positive can-do attitude, Chris demonstrates parts of what a Kent School education can provide to its students – the need for community responsibility and a sense of duty. In my view, Chris has been a fantastic board chair, and I count myself lucky to have served under his leadership.”

In further recognition of McClary’s contributions to Kent School, incoming Board President, Owings ‘93, announced that the full Board of Trustees voted unanimously, effective immediately, to name Chris a Trustee Emeritus, a title reserved for a few extraordinarily loyal Kent School trustees.

Kent School is an independent, not-for-profit school and is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. The Board is charged with keeping the school “in trust” and securing the School’s future. It does this by setting basic policies of hiring, supporting and evaluating the Head of School, undertaking strategic planning, and leading the financial management and support of the School

Kent School is located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown and serves boys and girls from Preschool through Grade 8. For more information visit www.kentschool.org or call 410-778-4100 ext. 110.

Two Kent School employees announced that they would retire at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year. After 24 years of service Karen Bennett is leaving her position as Second Grade Teacher. Karen will be enjoying her retirement near family and friends at her beloved New Jersey Shore. Karen was honored for her service on Class Day with a framed photo of the students and school. Each student signed the matte surrounding the photo. Presented by Lisa Butler, President of the Kent School Parents, Teachers and Friends (PTF) group, it was a moving tribute to her years of teaching. Karen was also recognized formally on graduation and presented with a Kent School chair. Some of Karen’s former Kent School colleagues offered a few thoughts.

Pam Deringer, former Lower School Science & Technology teacher said, “Karen has been an integral part of my teaching career as a valued colleague and both Kindergarten and 2nd Grade teacher to my youngest daughter, Samantha.  Her kind, quiet and structured classroom environment has always made her students feel valued and capable of reaching a higher standard.

Former Lower School Head, Anne Vansant wrote “I especially appreciate your dedication to upholding the values of Kent School.”

Michelle Duke, Assistant Head of School for Academics also announced her retirement. Michelle is leaving her post after two productive and fulfilling years. At Graduation, Nancy Mugele, Head of School said, “I would like to extend my deep appreciation to Michelle for her two years of service to the School. An experienced educator, she has been instrumental in mentoring teachers, developing our new schedule, finding a spiraling K-Grade 6 math curriculum, spearheading our professional learning with the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning and Neuroteach Global, and promoting our Making Caring Common initiative, to name a few. We are deeply grateful for her newfound love of Kent School and hope to see Michelle on campus in the future.”

Kent School is pleased to announce several new employees:

Jenny Cernak will assume the role of Assistant Head of School for Academics. Jenny joins Kent School from St. Andrew’s UM Day School in Annapolis. Jenny brings over ten years of educational experience to Kent School. Jenny is both a teacher and a school administrator, with her most recent role being the Director of Programs and Teacher Development at St. Andrew’s UM Day School. Jenny offered this thought on her new role at Kent School, “A strong educational leader understands the intricate and delicate nature of forming meaningful relationships within a school community. The ability to foster those relationships through open and transparent communication is vital. I firmly believe that education is a shared responsibility. Students need to be held accountable for hard work and pushed to continuously improve their learning.” Jenny is a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Joan Rybas will be joining Kent School as Second Grade teacher. Joan comes to Kent School from Radcliffe Creek School where in addition to teaching reading math and language arts, Joan conducted professional development sessions, volunteered and developed and contributed to a variety of teaching teams. Joan earned a BA and M.ED from Loyola University in Baltimore.

Returning to Middle School and teaching Language Arts is Amanda Eichler. Kent School had the privilege to host Amanda as an Education Intern in 2017. Amanda has since earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Secondary Education from Washington College. Amanda spent her first year in education at St. Martin’s In-the-Field Episcopal School but longed to return to Chestertown. Amanda brings a love of literature and teaching to Middle School along with experience as an academic advisor and a yearbook advisor.

Todd Mignosa is also returning to Kent School in the coming school year. Todd stepped in last year as a long-term substitute for Middle School Science. He immediately proved himself to be an excellent teacher and a wonderful addition to the Kent School community. Todd returns in 2019-2020 in the full time position of Seventh and Eighth Grade Math teacher.

Nancy Mugule, commented on these staffing changes saying, “It is always hard to say goodbye to long-time, excellent educators and I truly appreciate the passion and professionalism both Karen and Michelle devoted to Kent School. However, I also believe that change fuels opportunity. I am excited to welcome, Jenny, Joan and Amanda to the Kent School community. I look forward to seeing their passion and professionalism in action on behalf of our students.”

For more information about Kent School visit www.kentschool.org. Kent School, located in historic Chestertown, MD is an independent day school serving children from Preschool through Grade 8. The School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.

On Thursday, June 6 Kent School celebrated the graduation of its 50^th class of Eighth Grade students and the culmination of a year-long 50^th Anniversary celebration. Thirteen members of the Class of 2019 were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the Kent School community during their years. Nancy Mugele, Head of School, said in her remarks, “I BELIEVE it has been an incredible and JOYful year, and while I will be very sad to see these 8th Graders leave our campus today, I am excited to IMAGINE the amazing things they will do with the wings we have given them, as they soar like the Osprey they are, in their years beyond Kent School.” She continued, “You have most definitely left your mark here. The installation of the Osprey Sculpture to commemorate the School’s 50th Anniversary will be a permanent reminder of the amazing Class of 2019! Ospreys are focused, strong and powerful, just like Kent School students, and we are so grateful to the Class of 2019, and your parents, for this remarkable gift. Every time I drive onto campus, or am cheering on a team on our front field, I will remember fondly the wonderful Class of 2019.”

A new tradition was established at the 2019 Graduation. The Graduation Address will be delivered annually by an alumnus or alumna. This year, Bobby Berna ’86 addressed the graduates and their guests. Bobby joined Kent School in the Third Grade and his teachers remember him as “a very bright and dedicated student, of excellent character even at eight years of age.” After graduating from Kent School, Bobby attended Episcopal High School in Virginia and Dickinson College. Bobby obtained dual MBA degrees from Columbia University and University of California, Berkeley. Since graduating, Bobby has embraced his entrepreneurial spirit and launched two companies that both focus on children – Appleseeds and Songs for Seeds.

Bobby addressed the graduates saying, “In 1986 I was sitting right where you are today, at Graduation. I’ve had a fair number of school experiences over the years, but I really believe that the years I spent at Kent School were some of the most important.  Coming back to campus reminds me of what a special place this is.  Not only is it such a beautiful campus and setting, but I think you will find as you go through life that the experiences, memories and relationships that you made are some that will stay with you forever.” He continued, “It may not always feel like the safest way to go but I think it’s important in school, in your career, and in life in general to be willing to get out of your comfort zone, try something new, take a chance when you see an opportunity.  The education and skill set that you’ve gained at Kent School will serve you well and will be an amazing launching point for your years in high school and beyond – regardless of what you decide to do in the future.  You know how to problem solve, how to stay organized, how to manage your time, how to work with a team and how to generally be a kind and caring person.  So, if you’re a bit nervous about the high school years and life after that, just know that you are more than well prepared. I really do believe that the time I spent at Kent School set me up well for everything I have done.”

Recognition and Awards

The 2019 Graduation ceremony provided the opportunity to recognize two members of the faculty who are retiring this year, Karen Bennett and Michelle Duke. Karen leaves her role as Second Grade teacher after 24 years. Michelle Duke, Assistant Head of School for Academics, has decided to take an early retirement so she can focus on her precious grandchildren, who now number five.

Chris McClary ‘91, President of the Board of Trustees, presented the Navigator Award. This award is presented to an individual who has made a special contribution of time, talent, or treasure to Kent School over a sustained period of time, made a difference in the educational experience of Kent School students, and supports the School’s mission to help each student reach their full potential. This year the Navigator Award was presented to long-time Trustee and friend of the School, Nancy Dick. When describing Ms. Dick’s involvement with Kent School, McClary said, “This year’s recipient began her trips down Wilkins Lane before we were even a school as her godparents lived in the farm house that is now the Joan C. Merriken Administrative Building. When she became an adult, she decided to get involved with the School herself, initially by volunteering and in 1982 she was asked to join the Board of Trustees. She served on the Board from 1982 -1988, remained a loyal supporter and was asked to join the Board of Trustees again in 2000. Nancy still serves today. Not only is she the longest serving member of the Board of Trustees but she is also the longest serving member of the Board’s Executive Committee. She was elected to the position of Board Secretary in 2006 and served through this year. The influence she has had on Kent School goes beyond what anyone could imagine. She is not an alum, or a past parent but more importantly, she is a “Friend of the School” as she often says. Well, I will say she should start saying “Best Friend.” She truly is an unsung hero of Kent School.  It is timely that she is the one receiving the award this year as we celebrate our 50^th Anniversary.

Several annual awards were presented to students at the Graduation ceremony. Each year, the Brian B. Kane, Jr. Scholarship Award is presented to a Seventh Grade student who maintains a determined effort to produce quality work. The person has an attitude that is helpful, cooperative and responsible. This year, Allie Butler embodies these high standards. The Americanism Award is presented by the Frank M. Jarmon American Legion Rock Hall Post 228 and emphasizes the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. The Americanism Award was presented to Noah Macielag. Tait Tavolacci was the recipient of the Joan C. Merriken Award for Excellence in Literature. Tait earned this award because of her demonstration of a love of reading, an appreciation of and sensitivity to the writer’s art, and an ability to respond to literature in an intellectual level as well as an emotional level. The final award of the day, The Osprey Award was presented in recognition of the student who best represents the positive qualities of character and excellence to the Kent School community. This contribution can take many forms: athletic, artistic, academic or personal. This year, The Osprey Award was presented to Molly Starkey. Student speakers were Julia Reed and Julia McClary. Both students spoke of the wonderful memories their class shares as a result of being at Kent School since Preschool.

One of the unique features of Kent School’s Class of 2019, aside from being the 50th graduating class, is that eight of the thirteen graduates are children of Kent School Alumni. Parents who are Alumni, members of the Board of Trustees, Kent School Employees or some combination of those roles were invited to the stage to present their student’s certificates of graduation. Members of the Class of 2019 will be attending the following secondary schools: The Gunston School, The STEM Academy at Kent County High School, The Hill School, Mercersburg Academy, Oldfields School, St. Andrew’s School and The Severn School.

For more information about Kent School visit www.kentschool.org. Kent School, located in historic Chestertown, MD is an independent day school serving children from Preschool through Grade 8. The School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.

Seventh Grade students at Kent School have completed their capstone projects for the Watershed Watch Initiative. They joined students from Radcliffe Creek School (RCS) and Kent County Middle School (KCMS) to work with Sultana Education Foundation to investigate the health of Radcliffe Creek. Kent School’s Seventh Grade Science Teacher, Hannah Richardson worked with Science teachers at RCS and KCMS along with Sultana’s Chris Cerino and Beth Lenker to create a ten module curriculum that included four field learning experiences and six in-class lessons.

Over the course of the Watershed Watch Initiative, students assessed water quality by testing biological indicators such as calculating macro-invertebrate populations and conducting water tests for nitrogen, pH and turbidity.

The culminating actions challenged students to create a project that raises community awareness and supports ecological health of Radcliffe Creek. Kent School students chose four different project areas. Two groups elected to work on initiatives to reduce plastic bag and plastic straw use by local businesses, respectively. They each wrote persuasive letters to area business letters and presented them in person. Another group chose to build wood duck houses and is lobbying the town council for permission to install them in Gateway Park along Radcliffe Creek. The fourth group of Kent School students is expanding the Pamela E. Deringer Rain Garden located on Kent School’s campus by planting additional native plants. The students will be presenting their projects at the Holt Center at the Sultana Education Foundation on May 28. Ms. Richardson said, “I am incredibly proud of the hard work they have already completed and am looking forward to their presentations later this month. As a teacher it is so gratifying to see the hard work by these students make a real difference in the community and improve the health of a local waterway.”

Chesapeake Bay Studies as an integrated part of Kent School’s Science curriculum from Preschool through Grade Eight. Nancy Mugele, Head of School at Kent School said, “We are so fortunate that our school is situated on the bank of the Chester River. Our location combined with the relationships that we have cultivated with organizations like the Sultana Education Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Center for Environment and Society at Washington College provide our students with unique opportunities to learn from, and about, our immediate environment.” Mugele continued, “Projects like the Watershed Watch Initiative are so meaningful to our students because they are putting their learning to work on behalf of their community. I am proud to see them become advocates for our environment and hopeful they will take these lessons into adulthood and become lifelong stewards of our waterways.”

Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown, is an independent school serving boys and girls in Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School is celebrating fifty years of excellence in education in an unparalleled learning environment. Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world. For more information on Kent School’s commitment to Chesapeake Bay Studies visit www.kentschool.org.

Members of Kent School’s class of 2019 will bring the stage to life with their performance of Into the Woods, Jr. Two Performances are scheduled, Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the M.V. “Mike” Williams Gymnasium. Admission to the performance is free and the public is invited to attend.

Into the Woods, Jr. weaves stories from the Brothers Grimm in to a magical journey. A red cape, a strand of golden hair, a golden shoe, and a white cow are the four items that send a baker and his wife, a childless couple,through the woods on a magical journey to reverse an evil spell. They wish for a child and are sent by an evil witch on the scavenger hunt. Little Redriding Hood, Jack and the Bean Stalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella soon join the mix, in this magical tale of love and adventure.

Into the Woods, Jr is based on the book by James Lupine. It was originally directed on Broadway by Mr. Lupine, with music and lyrics by Steven Sondheim.

The Kent School cast in order of appearance is

Baker – Noah Macielag
Baker’s Wife – Lane Parkhurst
Cinderella – Merritt Connor
Granny – Molly Starkey
Jack – Julia McClary
Jack’s Mother – Isabelle Requena
Mystery Man – Frank Cantera
Narrators – Ensemble
Cinderella’s Prince – Kolby Brice
Rapunzel’s Price – Aiden Lafferty
Rapunzel – Molly Starkey
Red Ridinghood – Julia Reed
Stepmother – Ella MacGlashan
Stepsisters – Kolby Brice and Aiden Lafferty
Steward – Frank Cantera
Witch – Tait Tavolacci
Wolf – Jake Leaverton

The Kent School production is directed by Jim Landskroener. Musical direction is by Music Teacher, Matthew Wirtz ‘99. Sets are designed by Art Teacher, Pat Parkhurst ’84, and created by the Class of 2020. Choreography is by Brittany Hester, Communications Manager at Kent School.

Nancy Mugele, Head of School said, “As Kent School celebrates its 50^th anniversary, it is a joy to be a part of long-standing traditions like the Eighth Grade Musical. Generations of Kent School graduates remember their play and the role or roles they played. I am so looking forward to seeing the Class of 2019 on stage this weekend.”

Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown, is an independent school serving boys and girls in Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School is celebrating fifty years of excellence in education in an unparalleled learning environment. Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world. For more information on Kent School’s commitment to the Arts and the Spring Arts Celebration visit www.kentschool.org.

On Thursday, May 2 Kent School will celebrate artistic achievement in the performing and visual arts at the Spring Arts Celebration. All students in the Lower and Middle Schools will participate. The evening begins with musical performances by Lower School students, the Kent School Chorus and the members of the Class of 2019. Lower School students will perform two songs they have been working on as a group. The auditioned, after school, Chorus will perform several songs from their repertoire while the Class of 2019 will sing a song from their upcoming musical, Into the Woods. The musical performances will be under the direction of Music Teacher, Matthew Wirtz ‘99. Mr. Wirtz said,  “I am thrilled to be back at Kent School as a music teacher. This concert is a culmination of the work we did this academic year. I teach music, which in itself is another language for our students, to help students develop creativity and to introduce them to beauty in the musical arts.”

Following the musical performances, guests are invited to tour the school to see dozens of examples of student art including paintings, sculpture, printmaking, digital photography and much more. There will also be several interactive works of art on display. Sixth grade students will present their architecture projects which resulted from a long-range a mathematics project. The seventh grade will have interactive art projects in the style of the artist they have been researching, such as re-creating art in the style of street artist, Banksy and Christo. Kent School’s visual arts program is led by Art Teacher, Patricia Parkhurst ‘84.

Ms. Parkhurst said, “Artistic Excellence is an integral part of our mission at Kent School. It is fulfilling on a both a personal and professional level to see every student engaged in the arts. We are also committed to integrating the arts into other subject areas. For example, at the art show, guests will see the artistic creativity in math projects, history projects and global studies. Art is truly all around us, all of the time. I think our Spring Arts Celebration is a wonderful reminder of that.”

Kent School’s Spring Arts Celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. in the M.V. “Mike” Williams Gymnasium. Student artwork is on display throughout the Lower School and Middle School buildings. A Reception will be held in the Library. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown, is an independent school serving boys and girls in Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School is celebrating fifty years of excellence in education in an unparalleled learning environment. Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world. For more information on Kent School’s commitment to the Arts and the Spring Arts Celebration visit www.kentschool.org.