paw prints summer 2012

summer 2012lake forest country day school

A Blueprint for TraditionBuilding the House System

Welcome, ePAL! • Scott Baeseman Wins the Mary Hoffman Award • Alumni Profile: A Life of Helping People

paw printssummer 2012

On the Cover

Chapin Grumhaus ’14 supports her younger Alcott House buddy Angela Deng ’18.

Head of SchoolMichael Robinson

Interim Head of Upper SchoolRobert Bullard, Jr.

Head of Lower School Sally Bullard

Director of 1st STEP ProgramSara Walsh

Director of Development and Alumni RelationsSarah Thomas

Director of Enrollment and MarketingElizabeth T. Black

Director of Information Technology Keith Gillette

PhotographyFirstLight Creative/Michael Candee

pfoertner photography/George PfoertnerFaculty, Staff, Parents, and Students

EditorsElizabeth T. Black

Julia Wright

DesignJulia Wright

ContributorsChristie Dearborn

Gina MontanoMelissa Ripp

Michael Robinson Sarah Thomas

Editorial Office(847) 615-6233

[email protected]

Admission Office(847) 615-6151

[email protected]

Development and Alumni Relations(847) 615-6121

[email protected]

Inspired teaching, academic rigor, attention to individual needs, a commitment to responsible

citizenship—these principles infuse every aspect of life at Lake Forest Country Day School and define

our dedication to producing students of strong character with a passion for learning.

Paw Prints is published periodically by Lake Forest Country Day School for families, alumni, alumni parents, grand parents, and friends of the School. No material may be reproduced without the written consent of

Lake Forest Country Day School.

© 2012 Lake Forest Country Day School145 South Green Bay Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045

(847) 234-2350 | www.lfcds.org

Growth and Change Remain Constant Since arriving on campus in 2005, I have celebrated the importance of growth and change. From the magnificent new facilities we entered in 2006, made possible by the generosity of the Time is Now Capital Campaign; to the inauguration of the 1st STEP program for two-year-old children in 2007; to the launch of the ePAL 1:1 tablet PC program this year , LFCDS has always embodied a growth mind-set—a mind-set that has helped shape LFCDS into the region’s finest Pre-K through Grade 8 school.

The articles in this issue of Paw Prints speak to that aspiration of growth. You’ll see it on the faces of the students and teachers featured on these pages—pure and honest joy in regards to learning new skills, building new friendships and reaping the rewards of a quality education. The News Update articles in the front of the publication speak about progress over a wide spectrum of initiatives: the introduction of OrganicLife school lunch program, our partnership with the Lake Forest Open Lands Association in creating a nature preserve area for ecological study, and a collaboration with Northwestern University to offer accelerated courses for students.

A Blueprint for Tradition: Building the House System speaks to the development of cross-grade bonds and the effort to promote a stronger sense of community among the Upper and Lower Schools. In Welcome, ePAL! One-to-One Computing Transforms Upper School Classrooms, you’ll read about our 1:1 computing program and how it is providing our students with the tools and skills necessary to excel in the twenty-first century.

By now, you may have heard that I will be passing the mantle of leadership to the next Head of Lake Forest Country Day School at the conclusion of the 2012–2013 school year. This decision comes after careful consideration and with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction in the work of the LFCDS community. As a man blessed with a lifelong love of schools, good health, and a wonderfully supportive family, I look forward to many years of school leadership before me. With respect to my family goals and children’s ages, the pursuit of new school leadership experiences is logical and will offer me, my family, and LFCDS many new opportunities for growth. The school is currently engaged in the search for a new Head of School. For updated information, please visit http://www.lfcds.org/headofschoolsearch.

Forward movement is and will always be a constant at LFCDS, and as we turn another page in the 124-year-old story of our school, I can say that I am proud of all we continue to accomplish.

Michael E. RobinsonHead of School

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summer 201210 A Blueprint for Tradition: Building the House System

16 Welcome ePAL! One-to-One Computing Transforms the Upper School Classroom Experience

letters to the editors

features and profiles6 In Our Own Words by the Class of 201626 Scott Baeseman Wins Prestigious Award28 Alumni Profile: Edward J. Flynn, Class of 197431 Young Alumni Profile: David Levine, Class of 2007

departments2 From the Head of School4 News Update5 Looking Ahead8 Picture Perfect20 The Green Report26 Faculty News

29 LFCDS Awards30 Class Notes32 Alumni Bulletin Board34 Annual Fund & Auction36 Then and Now

Dear Paw Prints Editors:Your beautiful redesigned Paw Prints arrived in the mail today. It is fabulous, with lots of color photos and news. We so much appreciate the coverage of the class of 2010. Our daughter, Emilia, was devastated when her father took a new job that required a family move to Atlanta in the middle of her seventh-grade year. She still longs for her dear friends from LFCDS to be close to her.

Emilia will cherish this magazine, a keepsake, along with the many fond memories. She will always appreciate returning for each and every reunion. We

love Lake Forest and all who made our experience at LFCDS so magical. The bar was set very high when trying to find a school in Atlanta. You are a tough act to follow. With gratitude,The Tripodi Family

Want to share your own thoughts, memories, and comments? Send your Letters to the Editors to: Paw Prints; Marketing and Communications Department; 145 South Green Bay Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045; or to [email protected].

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winter 2011

The James L. Marks III Early Childhood CenterA Decade of Innovation, Growth, and ExcellenceRemembering Dave Genger: A Life of Excellence • 2009–2010 in Review • Castles & Classrooms

lake forest country day school

4 Paw Prints Summer 2012 Paw Prints Summer 2012 5

New Lunch Program Promotes Healthy Eating HabitsFavorite student lunches such as New York-style pizza and mac n’ cheese are getting a healthy makeover thanks to OrganicLife, LFCDS’s new school lunch program.

Barrett Sheffer, Director of Food Service Operations for OrganicLife, says the food program at LFCDS continues to evolve in its first year, but the goal has stayed the same—to prepare food the students love using ingredients that are natural, unprocessed, and locally available.

What does organic mean? To Sheffer and his crew, it includes free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, and 100% organic fruits and vegetables. In addition to the daily lunch entrée, students and staff also have the option of a salad bar and a sandwich bar.

Mr. Sheffer says that the support for the OrganicLife program at LFCDS has been great, and he’s always looking for suggestions on what to serve.

“We’re constantly testing menus and recipes,” he reports. “If they aren’t popular, they get taken off the menu. We want everyone to be excited for lunch!”

LFCDS Partners with Northwestern University to Offer Advanced CoursesLFCDS partnered with the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University to offer an Accelerated Weekend Experience (AWE) for academically talented fifth- through eighth-grade students. The two-day interactive courses were available to all eligible North Shore area students.

Fifth- and sixth grade students were able to register for a two-day computer programming course in “Alice” software. The introductory course prepared students for higher-level computer programming such as Java, C ++ and C#. Seventh- and eighth-grade students had the opportunity to register for a two-day veterinary science course that involved hands-on activities in dissection, reading x-rays, and working with microscopes.

Older students often juggle many commitments, and programs like AWE offer them the chance to be inspired and passionate about a particular subject in a short, two-day session. Upcoming AWE offerings will focus on aviation and forensics.

Scientist-in-Residence Program Celebrates Second YearWhen former Head of Upper School Dave Genger passed away in June 2010, parents and faculty of LFCDS knew they wanted to create an education initiative in his honor. “Dave taught children by helping them understand the wonder and awe of the world around him,” says Bob Bullard, Interim Head of Upper School. To that end, the plans for an annual Scientist-in-Residence event were formed.

This year, Lower School and Upper School students were introduced to Peggy Macnamara, Artist in Residence at Chicago’s Field Museum. Ms. Macnamara worked with students on capturing scientific observations of plant life and wildlife in drawings and watercolors. Other activities included a

“Solarbration,” during which students learned about the solar panel LFCDS installed last year.

Mark Arthur, Chair of the Science Department, hopes LFCDS can eventually expand the program. “I’d really love for someone to work with the students for a month, or become immersed in our curriculum.” he says. “It would give students a more well-rounded view of what working in science can mean.”

PICTURED (L–R): Lower School students line up at the new OrganicLife salad bar. Erisa Farimani ’13 works on still-life observations with Scientist in Residence Peggy Macnamara.

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Paw Prints Summer 2012 5

At LFCDS this fall & winterAugustOpening Faculty Meetings

New Student and Upper School Orientation, Fourth-Grade Leadership Training

First Day of School

SeptemberLabor Day Holiday

New Parent Dinner

October Admission Open House

Faculty In-Service Day—No School

Columbus Day Holiday

Homecoming

Warner Press Concert

NovemberVeterans Day Assembly

Family Reading Night

Admission Open House

Thanksgiving Assembly

Thanksgiving Vacation

December Parent Visiting Day & Holiday Assembly

Winter Break Begins

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Whether it’s a visiting author, a special guest speaker, an exciting addition to LFCDS facilities, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—we love to share news about the special events that take place at Lake Forest Country Day School. Read brief recaps about past events in our News Update and learn about upcoming events you won’t want to miss in Looking Ahead. Mark your calendar and

Join your LFCDS family for special events.

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2012Mark your calendar to join your LFCDS family on October 12 & 13 for homecoming.

Friday, October 12, 2012 6:00–7:30 p.m.Alumni and alumni parents are invited to enjoy an evening of reuniting with classmates and recalling LFCDS memories on October 12. Current and former faculty will join the evening, including Head of School Michael Robinson and Interim Head of Upper School Bob Bullard.

Saturday, October 13, 2012, starting at 9:00 a.m.—Homecoming, Join us starting at 9:00 a.m. for athletic events; a tour of the School with Bob Bullard, family games and food, and time with friends! Alumni, be sure to sign in at the alumni tent for a special LFCDS alumni gift.

Your homecoming invitation postcard with a full schedule will be arriving in your mailboxes later this summer. For more information, please email [email protected].


When LFCDS fourth-grade students studied a unit on past and present-day immigration, they also gained a better understanding of who they are. “In class, we learned we were once called a melting pot—but we’re really more like a salad bowl, made up of many different people, beliefs, traditions, hopes, and dreams,” fourth-grade teacher Kathy Morrissey says.

Students began their research by acting as historians, interviewing immigrants and talking to their relatives about the history of their own families. Where do we come from? Who was the first relative to come here and why? What’s my immigration story? These questions found themselves transformed creatively into the lines of the students’ subsequent “Where I’m From” poems, examples of which we are proud to share with you.

The Class of 2016

Where We Are From

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Where I’m Fromby Jackson Silvester ’16

I am from tree-lined streets, from afternoon football games and summer evening ice creams from Sweets in town.

I am from the white brick house with the red slate roof set back from the quiet country lane with a yard big enough to play a game of catch and a tree house to hide out from my sisters.

I am from visits to the Pabst Theater for showings of The Christmas Carol and from two Great Grandfathers who were in the Royal Army and the Royal Navy, from Roy Silvester and Gladys Jackson and Johnny Armstrong.

I am from the family with pets of all shapes and sizes, and a devotion to all things green and gold!

From looking someone in the eye and always giving a firm handshake.

I am from a family which always supports me, win or lose.

I am from Lake Forest and the British isles, with cups of tea and Shepherds Pie.

From the photo of my great grandfather at the Khyber Pass to more recent shots of me as a baby on the beaches of Hawaii.

My family’s journey has crossed many oceans and continents in order for me to have the life I lead today.

Where I’m Fromby Mary Xakellis ’16

I am from the town on a “Lake” amid a “Forest” of tree-lined streets, from lazy days at the beach, ice cream from Sweets, and bike rides into town. From buying fresh produce in the alley from Amidei.

I am from the cream stucco house with a sunroom, a loft, and slippery hardwood floors. From riding tractors on the lawn, swinging into leaf piles, and cartwheeling around the house.

I am from Easter egg hunts at Nana and Grandpa’s, Florida vacations with Yiayia and Papou, and

Thanksgiving with my cousins. From Xakellis, Tsakinikas, Vittori, and Layne.

I am from the family of nonsense nicknames,

“MaeMae, RaeRae, and Puchis,” loud talkers, and

a mom who runs on “Greek time.”

From “Do your best, never the minimum,” “A moment to learn, a lifetime to master,” and

“Take care of each other.” From love above all else, forgiveness, and “Keep your hands to yourself!”

I am from Lake Forest, Greece, Poland, and Italy. From pastitsio and spanakopita, kolacky, and ravioli.

From the Ron Stewart photographs of my siblings and me adorning the walls, Nana’s picture albums, memory boxes in the basement, and computer archives that serve to remind me of my full, blessed life.

I am from a family which always supports me,

win or lose.


Editor’s Note: We are pleased to feature original work by current LFCDS students in our In Our Own Words column. LFCDS students stand out through their poise, eloquence, and careful reasoning. Their written and spoken words are manifestations of the thoughtful students they are and the life-long learners and thinkers they are becoming.

Where I’m Fromby Mia Walvoord ’16

I am from a historic landmark on Lake Michigan where my brother, my parents, and I carry buckets of smooth beach stones home in strong Dutch arms, from home grown apples, “Play Dough”, and my cherished, antique, porcelain animal figurines.

I am from hanging your bell on the Christmas tree alongside the bells of all your family members, proving, “we each have a different voice” and generations of stuffed pandas given to our newborn babies, from Christensen and Walvoord and Newendyke.

I am from the same soul as my giant, kind Wolfhound, Ohana and my brother is made like our little, brave Cairne Terrier, Edgrr.

From “showing adults my eyes” and waiting while my mother finishes talking to a stranger because she, “loves people”. I am from saying “yes” to the question, “one more time?” because my pony’s willing heart says “yes” too.

I’m from Highland Park and the Netherlands, Great Grandmother’s “lotta lotta butter” recipes. From the giant portraits hanging above my mother’s antique ironstone pitchers, and old, sturdy Marshall Field’s boxes stuffed full of white bordered pictures taken with cameras my ancestors owned.

Where I’m FromBy Michael Giambrone ’16

I am from where cows cross the road, bees make our honey, and herds of buffalo live next door.

I am from the big brick house on top of the hill; a long curving driveway, ponds, lakes and fountains, bumpy bridges and lots of land to run and play.

I am from gator rides, cleaning the garage, tickle chambers, and letter games. From Giambrone and Welch.

I am from going down to the building, long walks to the mailbox and even longer drives to school. I am from raviolis and meatballs, Pizza Fridays, and Ice Cream Sundays.

I am from “Clean your room,” “Be nice to your sister,” “How many times?” and “I love you, Goo!”

I’m from earning a black belt through perseverance and determination, sweat and tears.

I’m from a huge heart, blue eyes, dimples and Italian

hugs, Fireworks Extravaganzas and The Best Family Christmas card loved by all.

Want to read more poems, stories, and essays by LFCDS students? Check out the online 2012 Literary Magazine, “Telling Our Stories,” at http://issuu.com/lfcds/docs/2012_lit_mag.

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I’m from a huge heart, blue eyes, dimples and Italian hugs, Fireworks

Extravaganzas and The Best Family Christmas

card loved by all.

LFCDS students reached out and touched the world when a National Geographic Giant Traveling Map was rolled out in the School’s Green Bay Atrium in January. Designed to promote geographic literacy by creating a “hands-on, feet-on” exploration of the world’s continents and bodies of water, the basketball court-sized maps allow for learning activities that incorporate physical movement as a way to help students understand physical and cultural geography. Upper School Science teacher David Thesenga talks with Vera Murphy’s second-grade class about the topography of the Pacific Ocean floor.

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A Blueprint for Tradition:

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A Blueprint for Tradition:

The vision to create the House System was

birthed three years ago. In his first year as

Head of the Upper School, Dave Genger visited

a peer school where he witnessed a House

System that promoted community and cross-

grade friendships. “Dave came back energized,”

recalled Sally Bullard, Head of Lower School. “He

said, ‘I’ve seen this work—let’s go for it.’” For

Mr. Genger and Mrs. Bullard, devising a House

System for LFCDS proved complicated at first.

Most established House Systems take place in

boarding and high school settings, and many

encourage competition among the Houses. “We

got bogged down in the details, and finally

we turned the project over to the faculty on

the Student Life Committee,” Mrs. Bullard

remembered, “and they developed a wonderfully

simple, age-appropriate plan.”

Under the able leadership of Nan Caldwell

and Manon Spadaro, the Student Life Committee

developed the House System. Inspired by her

experience as a student and faculty member at

Francis Parker School, Mrs. Spadaro drew from

Parker’s successful Big Brother Big Sister

program. “Whenever we gathered

as a whole school [at Parker] you

would sit with your buddies, your little brothers

and sisters. I loved it, the kids loved it, and it’s

a big part of the school ethos,” she reminisced.

Combining the best of House and Buddy Systems,

the Student Life Committee devised a new

tradition that worked for LFCDS: four Houses

named for the School’s founders each with an

Upper and Lower School grade represented. Every

House has a color that the students wear on

House days; every color is readily available in

the School’s dress program. Within the Houses

a simple Buddy System reinforces the bonds of

friendship. There is no competition between the

Houses.

The pairings of Grades 1 and 5 (Alcott

House), Grades 2 and 6 (Bell House), Grades 3 and

7 (Farwell House) and Grades 4 and 8 (Mason

House) allow the class years and buddies to grow

together within their Houses. Mrs. Caldwell

noted, “Once you are in a House, you will be in

that House for all eight years, and you will keep

the same buddy as long as possible.” The

students appreciate the continuity.

“I was worried that

we were

going

Building the House Systemby Gina Montano

T he sea of blue, red, yellow, and purple shirts spotted in the Atrium several times a school year is not a fashion coincidence. It’s quite the opposite—the Lower and Upper Schools are boasting their colors as

part of the House System, a LFCDS program that was implemented in Fall 2011. “The excitement of these gatherings is always palpable,” says Head of School Michael Robinson. “The children are always engaged, grouped with faculty and staff under House Banners that have become permanent additions to the Atrium. It’s clearly the beginning of a wonderful tradition for LFCDS.”

“I like that we get the same buddy

every year so they grow with you and you can continue to

give them more help and wisdom.”

to get a new

buddy every year,” explained

eighth-grade student James Rozsypal. “I like

that we get the same one every year so they

grow with you and you can continue to give

them more help and wisdom.” When the fourth

grade graduates from the Lower School and the

eighth grade graduates from LFCDS, the rising

fifth graders will stay in the same House and

the rising first grade will become their younger

buddies and housemates. Third-grade student

Emily Callahan proudly noted, “We get to be

younger buddies now, and then in fifth grade we

will be the older buddies.”

In September 2010, the year the House

System launched, students filled out “All About

Me” forms outlining a few of their favorite

things. With the help of their advisors, Upper

School students chose their House buddies

based on the forms. The pairings were revealed

at the Kickoff. “I knew him before, but

not well, and not friends like we are

now,” Alec Mesrobian ’11 commented

on his Mason House buddy Luke

Jannotta. “Our experience together

was really good because we are both into

sports,” he continued. “Luke was eligible to

play basketball and track the next year, and I

told him a little bit about what to expect.” Like

Alec, seventh-grade student Cynnie White

takes her role

as a mentor

seriously. “I’ve

told my buddy

that there

will be more

homework

throughout the

years, but if you

keep on track, you’ll get through it,”

she mused. “She always hugs me

whenever I

see her around School,” White added

with a smile.

A key factor in creating the

Houses was to ensure that it was an

all-school endeavor. To that end, all

faculty and staff are House elders.

Interim Head of the Upper School

Bob Bullard explained, “Everybody

is part of a House—faculty, staff,

administration, everybody. To see

all of the faculty and staff in each

House surrounding the kids for the

kids—it’s very special.” Plus, as Mrs.

Bullard noted, “It’s certainly a time

when I connect on a social basis,

not only with the kids but with the

faculty and staff as well.”

A House motto, at least for its

organizers, is “Keep It Simple.” Mrs.

Spadaro elaborated, “We want

this to be a part of the culture

of the School, not a special

occasion. Just, ‘Cool, it’s House

Day. I’m going to wear my color

and see my buddy.’” To that

end, five House gatherings

transpired this year—the

initial Kickoff meeting where

buddies were established, the

Homecoming Pep Rally where

buddies and Houses sat together

and formalized House cheers, a Holiday

House meeting, a Valentine’s Day Buddy

Breakfast, and Field Day. At the Holiday

House meeting, buddies shared family

traditions. “My buddy said that on

the first snowfall his family goes out

barefoot and runs

around in the snow until they get

freezing cold,” third-grade student Daisy

Connery recalled with wide eyes, “and

I shared that on Christmas we go to our

Aunt’s house and open presents together

and stay up until nine.”

Nearly as important as the organized

meetings of the Houses are the informal

opportunities that arise for impromptu

buddy interaction. When Upper and Lower

School classes pass in the halls, high fives

and hugs are now the norm. “I see my buddy

Timmy in the hallways a lot,” grinned third-grade

student Calvin Osborne. Second and sixth grades

enjoy the camaraderie of cross-grade soccer matches at

recess. For fifth-grade student Kimmy Han, having an Upper

School buddy means having a connection to eighth grade

LFCDS’s House System is just one of the many examples of the way Dave Genger led the School to become a stronger community. Implementing this important initiative was a cathartic experience for faculty and staff who worked alongside him. “I wanted to see this through because this was something Dave really wanted,” Student Life Committee Co-Chair Manon Spadaro noted. “When he left us all we were so devastated. While we’re not over it, I think it helped us heal a little bit to feel like we were doing something that he would have loved to have seen, and that his family could see come about. I can’t speak for others, but it definitely helped me heal in some capacity.”

From Vision to Tradition

“Everybody is part of a House.

To see all of the faculty and staff in each House surrounding

the kids for the kids—it’s very special.”

The four Houses are named in honor of the School’s founders. Alcott House pays homage to the Alcott School, founded in 1888, the earliest name of the School we know today as Lake Forest Country Day School. Accounts differ on whether the name was chosen in memory of Louisa May Alcott or her father Bronson Alcott. Bell House honors Allen Chartis Bell, who came to substitute teach at the Alcott School in 1904, became the principal shortly thereafter and for whom the School was renamed in 1934. Farwell House bears the name of Albert D. Farwell, who in 1927 was one of the original founders of Lake Forest Day School. Mason House is named for Appleton Mason, head of the Bell School who became the Headmaster of Lake Forest Country Day School in 1958 when the Bell School and Lake Forest Day School merged.

What’s in a Name? Honoring Our Founders

events. “It’s so much fun to have buddies,” she

exclaimed, “we can go to their plays.” For Mr.

Bullard, the tangible benefits of the House

System are clear. “The value of older students

and younger students being together —it’s a win-

win for both age groups. The younger children

are in awe of the older kids paying attention to

them, and the older kids become a little more

sensitive and practice kindness to a young child.

It humanizes the interaction.”

Nowadays, if you hear “We’re

the house of B-E-L-L, And we like

to Y-E-L-L, You can ring my B-E-L-L,

GOOOOOOOO Panthers!” you know a House

meeting of Grades 2 and 6 is underway. Mrs.

Caldwell summed up the general sentiment after

the first year of House life. “We’re capitalizing

the Family in Family School. The House System

supports everything our mission statement

says about nurturing, cooperation,

understanding and communication.”

Pictured: INDEX, PAGE 3: Farwell buddies Rachel Roberts ’16 and Ashlynn O’Keane ’12. PAGE 10: A sea of colored shirts filled the Atrium at the first All-House gathering in September 2010. Mary Xakellis ’16 and her buddy Emma Merlin

’12 show Farwell House spirit at the House Field Day in June 2012. PAGE 12, center of page (clockwise): Two trios of buddies from the Farwell House race each other at Field Day 2012. Mason House buddies Thomas Dixon ’15 and Ben Arthurs ’19 make a dash for the finish line together. Emily Callahan ’17 gets off to a great start during House Field day races. PAGE 12, bottom row: The four House flags adorn the Atrium and mark the founding year. School Librarian Marcia Banzuly, First-Grade Teacher Nancy Clifford, and First-Grade Teacher Frances Robinson show off their Mason House support. PAGE 14–15: The Mason House celebrates house spirit during a water-themed house activity at House Field Day 2011. Bell House buddies Rachel Boardman ’17, Cynnie White

’13, and Kaylie McDonough ’17 enjoy time to get to know each other at the first House activity in September 2012. Liam Stewart ’19 leaps toward the finish of the Sack Race. Upper School History Teacher Paul Hedlund and Spanish Teacher Nan Caldwell take part in the house relay race.

“Everybody is part of a House.

To see all of the faculty and staff in each House surrounding

the kids for the kids—it’s very special.”


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Walking through the halls of the Upper School,

you might notice the abundance of computer

chargers neatly perched on top of the rows of

lockers. The reason for all the power? The new Electronic Portable Anytime Learning (ePAL) program that provides each student in grades

5–8 with a tablet PC. The digital “pals,” introduced

for the first time at LFCDS in the fall of 2011, have

already proven to be powerful new tools in helping

students learn. “We continue to be amazed at the

possibilities the ePAL program brings in enhancing

the efficiency and effectiveness of education,”

says Director of Information

Technology Keith Gillette. “In

eight short months, one-to-one

learning has personalized the

delivery of instruction and has

transformed what our teachers

are able to do in the classroom.”

The ePAL program is the

result of two years of research

and planning by a team of faculty

and staff members dedicated

best practices for one-to-one

computing. The program aligns

with the recommendations of

the US Department of Education’s 2010 National

Education Technology Plan and is core to LFCDS’s

strategic plan commitment to “incorporate

throughout the curriculum the use of technology to

support and enhance the educational program by

providing students and faculty with the tools and

skills necessary to excel in the twenty-first century.”

In their research, the EdTech committee found that

one-to-one computing has the potential to enhance

student achievement, facilitate student-driven

curricula, enrich instruction, and increase student

engagement.

LFCDS students were already accustomed to

using computers in class, but resources had to

be shared. Scheduling conflicts for the School’s

Computers on Wheels (CoWs) and computer labs

were frequent, and valuable class time was lost

getting booted up, logged on, and ready to learn.

With ePAL, Upper School students are able to

instantly access online learning materials anytime

and anywhere. In addition, the redistribution of the

CoW and lab computers has significantly increased

access to important resources in the Lower School.

The fourth grade now has a dedicated series of

netbooks, and the lower grades have a combination

of in-classroom workstations and greater access to

shared CoWs.

The

computers

provided to

the Upper

School are

similar

to those

currently

used by

LFCDS faculty,

and this

decision

was driven

by the instructional benefits of the tablet PCs’ pen

input. The stylus allows the computers to be just as

valuable in math, science, and foreign language as

in English and history. In addition to the standard

capabilities of a notebook computer, the tablet PC

allows students to easily write equations, draw

diagrams, and letter Chinese characters.

One of the goals of the ePAL program is to

move from using technology as an enhancement

in the classroom to using it as an integral part of

the school experience. LFCDS is working toward

that goal with the help of the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) Model of Technology Integration. Developed by

Welcome, ePAL!One-to-One Computing Transforms the Upper School Classroom Experience

In eight short months, one-to-one learning has

personalized the delivery of instruction and has

transformed what our teachers are able to do in the classroom.

by Gina Montano and Melissa Ripp


Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the model aims to enable

teachers to design, develop, and integrate digital

learning experiences that utilize technology to

transform learning experiences into high levels of

achievement.

In the first year of the ePAL program, 2011–

2012 Head of Upper School Seth Battis, who was

instrumental in moving the ePAL program forward,

noticed significant

strides in terms of

curricular innovation and

efficiency. “Students in

the fifth grade are taking

notes solely on their ePAL

tablets, and as a result,

teachers have developed a

consistency across subjects in terms of note-taking

instruction,” he says. “Because everything is on

ePALs, it allows the teachers to check their students’

notes for accuracy without having to take those

notes away from the student.”

In eighth grade, students are using a variety

of new programs in conjunction with the ePAL

platform. One of these programs, Noodle Tools, has

been especially helpful in assisting the students

with online research. The interactive software

helps them select a reliable search engines and

find relevant sources for content. The program

teaches key ideas, such as the importance of correct

citation and academic integrity.

The use of Noodle Tools and other programs is

just one example of the curricular improvements

that have transpired as a result of the ePAL

platform, and Mr. Gillette says that innovation

will only increase as

teachers unlock more

of the technology’s

potential. “The faculty

has already started to

reimagine how they can

use technology to do

what they currently do

on paper,” he says. The ePAL platform is currently

in the Substitution stage of the SAMR Model, where

the technology acts as a direct tool substitute. The

current changes represent efficiency gains, such

as moving paper assignments into electronic

ones that can be distributed, typed, collected, and

graded faster. The long-range goals for curricular

innovation aim at increasing instructional

effectiveness and modifying and redefining

curricula to take advantage of the possibilities

opened up by the ePAL platform.

LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL


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reliable, safe, and secure platform for student

learning, ePAL tablets are School owned and

operated. Acknowledging the benefits of rapid

hardware improvements, ePAL tablets are replaced

after three years. A growing number of student

textbooks are available in electronic form, and

many traditionally printed learning resources are

becoming available as searchable references. In

addition, student planners are digital. A significant

reduction in paper

consumption has already

been noted and will

continue as assignments

move increasingly to

accessible electronic

formats.

While its

instructional benefits

are what initially drove

the School to launch

ePAL, the program

provides another

opportunity for LFCDS

to fulfill its mission to promote responsible

citizenship. In the twenty-first century, learning to

be a person of strong character extends to knowing

how to use technology responsibly and ethically.

“ePAL is really showing students how to navigate the

world as digital citizens,” Mr. Battis says. He points

to a recent eighth-grade Digital Communications

Class project in which students were given the

assignment of writing a business letter to a

company they admired. “The students took it

one step further and sent that correspondence

out to those respective companies—and many

received responses back. It showed them how

communication occurs in the digital world.”

Students are accountable for taking care of their

ePAL tablets and have been actively taught how to

use them as productive tools that support their

education. Before

school begins each

fall, students attend

orientation sessions

with their parents to

learn the “care and

feeding” of their new

ePAL tablets, as well

as the expectations

for responsible use.

Students sign pledges

to use tablets in

accordance with the

LFCDS Honor Code

before they take them off campus.

The ePAL program is the latest manifestation

of the Lake Forest Country Day School’s tradition

of excellence in education and demonstrates the

School’s commitment to innovation. We look

forward to sharing stories of how ePAL transforms

teaching and learning in the coming years.

For more information on the ePAL program, visit http://www.lfcds.org/ePAL.Pictured in this article: PAGE 17: Ian Haupt ’14 and John Lee ’14 use their ePALs alongside traditional learning tools in class. PAGE 18: Director of Information Technology Keith Gillette instructs Bailey Lawrence ’13, Rasha Baig ’12, and Hampden Keil ’13 in the use of Tablet PC features. The table function on the new ePALs enables Mariah Goeks ’13 to use a pen-like stylus, allowing for multiple ways of inputting information during Mark Arthur’s science class.

The ePAL program is the latest manifestation of

the Lake Forest Country Day School’s tradition

of excellence in education and demonstrates the School’s

commitment to innovation.


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The SAMR Model—Adult and School ExamplesExamples provided by Director of Information Technlogy Keith Gillette

SAMR LEVEL DEFINITION ADULT EXAMPLE SCHOOL EXAMPLE

REDEFINITION

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable

Your network connected smart refrigerator monitors its contents and automatically reorders staples for home delivery.

Student learns world language vocabulary by interacting with native speakers in other countries using video conferencing and electronic forums to carry on conversations verbally and in writing, learning vocabulary and pronunciation in context. Teacher facilitates connections and assesses written work products and audio recordings.

MODIFICATION

ICT allows for significant task redesign

You maintain a grocery list in a dedicated grocery app which compares prices among local and online grocers and matches your buying preferences with coupons and promotions, recommending the optimal mix of home delivery, store purchases, and buying timing.

Student learns world language vocabulary using a program which records his or her voice and displays the waveform, comparing it that of a native speaker, providing immediate feedback to the student on spelling, translation, and pronunciation and aggregating reporting to the teacher, allowing him or her to listen to student recordings for manual assessment.

AUGMENTATION

ICT acts as a direct tool substitute with functional improvement

You maintain a grocery list in dedicated grocery app allowing selecting items from list, sorting by aisle, tracking prices.

Student learns world language vocabulary using a computer program which provides immediate spelling and translation feedback to the student and aggregates reporting to the teacher, highlighting common errors. Oral pronunciation practice occurs in class under teacher direction.

SUBSTITUTION

ICT acts as a direct tool substitute with no functional change

You create grocery list by typing needed items into iPhone Notes app before going to the store.

Student learns world language vocabulary by filling in a homework worksheet on a computer and turns it in to a teacher for grading. Oral pronunciation practice occurs in class under teacher direction.

BASE CASE

Current non-ICT enabled process

You create a grocery list with pencil and paper before going to the store.

Student learns world language vocabulary by filling in homework worksheet with pencil and paper and turns it in to a teacher for grading. Oral pronunciation practice occurs in class under teacher direction.

TRANSFORMATION

ENHANCEMENT


The halls, common areas, and classrooms of LFCDS are always buzzing with activity, as our students take learning to new creative heights, engage in community service, take on current-day issues, and show what excellence is all about. The Green Report shares the ins and outs of what is happening on campus in picture and in word. We invite you to

Step inside and be part of the LFCDS experience.

Classes of 2011 and 2012 Experience First Chinese Immersion Trips at LFCDSIn Winter 2011, the LFCDS eighth-grade Chinese class embarked on the school’s first-ever trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown. The Chinese language curriculum began at LFCDS in 2007 with the fifth-grade class—and four years later, the program came full circle as those same students enjoyed five days of immersion learning in the heart of one of the country’s most historically significant and vibrant enclaves of expatriate Chinese. Another voyage to San Francisco occurred in February 2012 with this year’s eighth grade, and once again, the trip was a resounding success.

The group’s home base was a hotel in the heart of Chinatown, and LFCDS Mandarin Chinese teacher Diane Neubauer says the students were immediately struck with the difference in environment. “It felt as if they had stepped into a different world,” she notes. They immediately dove into a variety of Chinese-themed activities: a trip to local

markets and shops, a visit to a Mandarin-immersion school, a nighttime tour of Chinatown, a performance at the Chinese Historical Society of America, and a docent-led tour of the Chinese collection at the Asian Art Museum. And, of course, no trip to Chinatown would be complete without a spirited introduction to the wonder that is Chinese-style karaoke (or KTV for short). The trip also allowed for time to enjoy several of San Francisco’s tourist highlights, such as Fishermen’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Mrs. Neubauer was thrilled with how much the students were able to gain from the experience. “They seemed to quickly reach a greater comfort level in speaking and listening,” she says. “One student even commented that she was ‘beginning to think in Chinese,’ which is an amazing statement to make after just five days in Chinatown.”

Interested in reading more about the trips of both the 2012 and 2011 classes? Check out http://chinaprep.com/blog/lake-forest-trip for a tour in words and pictures!

Journeys of Learning

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French and Spanish Immersion Trips Continue a Beloved Tradition of Off-Campus LearningThe Chinese trip was just one of three immersion experiences that the LFCDS Foreign Language department offered this winter. The French and Spanish trips were also full of great activities and plenty of chances for students to practice their speaking skills. Below are two quotes from French instructor Elisabeth Brunner and Spanish teacher Nan Caldwell that sum up the trips of both classes!

“This year was an especially successful French immersion trip. The students made an impressive effort to speak French as much as possible while enjoying a combination of winter-themed and early Canadian history activities. Quebec has a quintessentially charming old European feel to it. The québécois are also very proud of their French heritage and language, as their motto

“Je Me Souviens” (I remember) suggests. While the entire trip was studded with rich activities, the experiences the students will probably cherish the longest are the delicious French meals, the tobogganing in front of the Château Frontenac, the tubing at the Village des Sports, and the dog sledding on the Île d’Orléans.”

—Madame Brunner

“It is with great pleasure that I report on the success of the Costa Rica trip. My colleagues and I agree that this is one of the best trips we have ever taken with students. They have set an excellent example for future classes to follow. Their passion for the purpose was evident in every activity we undertook. They used their Spanish, asked insightful questions, responded, listened and reacted with sincere interest and curiosity. We were delighted to see learning perpetuate more seeking, discovering and further learning.”

— Señora Caldwell

Pictured in this article: PAGE 20: Chinese Teacher Diane Neubauer enjoys a delicious Chinese meal, complete with chop sticks, in San Francisco’s Chinatown with Matthew Browne ’12 and the rest of the group. The Chinese Immersion Trip group strikes a fun pose during the trip. Ross Reid-Anderson ’12 and Lucas Sacherer ’12 complete a Chinese language exercise at the supermarket. PAGE 21: Julia Dixon ’12 gets the chance to hold a husky during the French Immersion Trip to Quebec.

Did you know that there’s neon in laser pointers? Or that strontium is what gives your Fourth of July fireworks their colors? Thanks to an eighth-grade science assignment called The Periodic Flag Project, both Upper and Lower School LFCDS students had the opportunity to engage with the Periodic Table of the Elements in a fun and colorful way.

The Project is an ongoing three-year assignment that began with the LFCDS Class of 2011. Now in its second year, the assignment requires each eighth-grade student to choose an element and design a flag for it. “I asked my students to visualize the Table as a kingdom, with each element as its own state,” Upper School Science Teacher Dave Thesenga says. “And of course, each state has to have its own flag.” Each “flag” includes the history

of the element, its basic atomic info, and its uses. What makes the assignment even more interesting is that all of this information has to be presented in three-dimensional pictorial form to make each flag as visually appealing as possible.

As a result of the continuing nature of the project, some of the flags are blank. Mr. Thesenga says that next year’s eighth-grade class will finish the table—at least, he thinks so. “Part of the challenge is that new elements are being discovered all the time,” he says.

“Our Periodic Table was based on 112 elements when we began the project. Now the number of elements has grown to 118, and continues to grow.”

Pictured: Tantalum Element by Allie Patenaude ’12 and Strontium Element by Lexi Silver ’12.

Science as a Kingdom: The Periodic Flag Project


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Panther Athletics CornerNew Golf Program Gets Into the SwingDuring the spring 2012 semester, LFCDS was proud to offer its first golf program. The LFCDS golf team’s home is at Lake Forest’s Deerpath Golf Course, with the program helmed by golf professionals Richard Franklin and Chris Marszalek. The excitement about the program is indeed palpable, with fifty participants signing up for its inaugural year.

The program was planned as a total immersion in every aspect of the game and fosters an innovative, fun, and

competitive environment to ensure each participant is able to transforms his or her playing ability. On practice days, players broke into groups and rotated through “stations” that allowed them to work on long-game practice, putting, and chipping. By the fourth week, inter-team tournaments had been set up and executed. A huge thank-you is in order to all parents who helped out in the program’s first year by providing transportation to Deerpath Golf Course and supervising practices!

Pictured: Foster Graf ’15 gets into the swing of things on the Deerpath Golf Course.

Pyramids, Plays, and Perspective: The Composition of a Community Meeting

“Have a good day, Andrea. You are awesome.” LFCDS first-grade student Kevin Taylor shakes his partner’s hand at the front of the room, and the rest of his Lower School classmates to turn to the person next to them and do the same. A greeting of this kind always ends the Wednesday morning Lower School community meeting. As the group disperses and students line up with their respective classrooms, excited whispers of “You are awesome!” dissipate into the hallways. Who wouldn’t want to begin their day like that?

I’ve been working at LFCDS for four months, and, as it’s my responsibility to report about all of the wonderful things going on at our School on a daily basis, I’ve attended every one of these Meetings. They are, without a doubt, the highlight of my week. They start, as most meetings often do, with announcements of all kinds: congratulatory remarks about fellow classmates, reminders of upcoming events, and the celebration of birthdays.

An enriching activity always follows the announcements, whether it’s a “ribbon cutting” for LFCDS’s solar panel as part of this

year’s Solarbration, or a front-row seat to the fourth-grade play “All Summer in a Day” the week before. A bit of music—it might be an Upper School band performance or sing-along to a song led by Lower School music teacher Maria Hempen—rounds out the meeting, followed by the greeting mentioned above. As the students file out of the Atrium, they leave excited, inspired, and ready to face the day. The meeting takes a half hour at the most, but it is truly remarkable to witness.

A recent activity was a presentation by Kevin Taylor, who gave a report on the pyramids and temples he saw while on Spring Break in Egypt. In one of Kevin’s photos, he is in the front of the

frame, his arm extended so that it looks like he’s stretching out to grasp the small pyramid behind him.

“It might seem like this pyramid is small, but it’s not. It’s just far away,” he tells his classmates. “This is called perspective.”

Of course, Kevin is speaking about visual perspective, but his words caused me to think a bit about the importance of Community Meetings in relation to students creating their own cognitive perspectives. Understanding the importance of respect and empathy for fellow classmates and the sense of one’s own significance within a group of their peers —these are ideas that shape one’s opinions, beliefs, and experiences.

If you can, I’d encourage you to visit LFCDS at 8:15 on a Wednesday morning, and see a Lower School Community Meeting for yourself. I guarantee you’ll leave with an extra spring in your step.

Pictured: Brothers Leo Anderson ’18 and Asher Anderson ’16 share about the sun at a special outdoor ‘Solarbration’ Community Meeting, celebrating LFCDS’s new solar panels.

by Melissa Ripp


Art Enriches Classes and Spaces Throughout LFCDSArt Classes Teach Inspiration as a Medium

When you study a modern art piece in a museum, the medium the artist used to create the work might be immediately apparent. What might not be is the inspiration behind the work. It is this hidden component of visual art that LFCDS art teacher Kirsten Anderson strives to get her eighth-grade students thinking about in their last semester of art class.

“These students have learned about so many different mediums, and have picked up many artistic skills in the time they’ve been in our art rooms,” says Ms. Anderson. “By the time the students reach eighth grade, it’s time to combine those skills with their own feelings about a subject or idea they want to portray in a piece of work.”

To get her students thinking, Ms. Anderson focuses on a few

concepts. First, the class researches several contemporary and young artists who currently practice their craft, and the motivations behind their work. In viewing this work, the students witness how artists transform or repurpose everyday objects and the message this sends through the work.

Rachel Cantor, one of Ms. Anderson’s students, chose to focus on the issue of credit card debt for her second-semester project. She created a papier-mâché piggy bank, covered in images of credit cards cut out of magazines. “So many people get credit cards, but have no money to pay them,” Cantor says. “That’s why there’s a huge hole at the top of the bank—to show that the pig is empty.”

Students have no limits in regards to what size a piece of artwork is, the materials they use, or if the work is two- or three-dimensional. The only requirement is that it contains inspiration.

Piggy Bank by Rachel Cantor ’12.

Eric Carle Murals Delight Children in the 1st STEP ProgramA colorful series of murals loosely based on Eric Carle’s artwork now grace the hallways of the 1st STEP program. Carle is a renowned children’s book author and illustrator, known for such titles as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The ceiling-to-floor murals were created by local artist Ruta Paceviciene, who shares LFCDS’s passion for Carle’s work.

Carle’s artwork was chosen because of his own philosophy in regards to his art, in which he says he “attempts to bridge the gap between home and school.” He strives to include elements of comfort, warmth, and security in his illustrations—all feelings that are

apparent in a child’s home setting. “The placement of the murals offer a bright, welcoming entrance and familiar beginning and ending to the children’s school day,” says 1st STEP Program Director Sara Walsh.

Specific illustrations from Carle’s books The Tiny Seed, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Draw Me a Star were chosen based on how appropriately they complemented the 1st STEP space and the lessons they reinforce. Each illustration depicts nature and incorporates important teaching moments, such as demonstrating the life cycle of a flower. The mural has proven to be a very educational backdrop for LFCDS’s early childhood curriculum.

Pictured: Muralist Ruta Paceviciene completes a mural based of one of Eric Carle’s flowers on a wall in the LFCDS 1st STEP entrance hallway.


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Pictured: (1) Head of Lower School Sally Bullard and Eleanor Larsen ’20 work on a Language Arts project together in the ECC. (2) Jack Walsh ’17 pays homage to the late Steve Jobs at the Third Grade Wax Museum event in March. (3) Joyce Caldwell ’12 and Matthew Browne ’12 embrace during the a scene of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice during the Eighth Grade Drama Performance in May. (4) Betsy Regan ’17 and her grandmother diligently work on a math problem about volumes together at Family Math Night in April. (5) Aagaz Baig ’16 and Obi Okoli ’16 serve refreshments and make new friends as fourth-grade students joined the Nursing Home Choral tour to form relationships with senior citizens.

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Class of 2011 Completes First Year of High School

We look forward to sharing pictures of the Commencement Ceremony and secondary school destinations of the Class of 2012 in the Fall 2012 Issue of Paw Prints!

Pictured: Row 1 (L–R): Amanda Bozorgi, Saisha Talwar, Chloe Tomkins, Deanna Stephenson, Jasmine Sawyer, Jesse Bernhart, Hannah Sklarov, Karisma Chhabria, Zoe Murphy, Kelly Bowler, Serena Sommerfield. Row 2: Jordan Wolff, Carter Bedward, Lucy Lytle, Lauren Basgall, Alexandra Weil, Avanna Kotlarz, Jacqueline DeMay, Sydney Richman, Jacqueline Sawciz, Kyle Shannahan, Romaer Chopra, Ben Klein. Row 3: Gus Hodgkins, Michael Silver, Tommy Danner, Michael Phillips, Daniel Levine, Andrew Strudwick, Wesley Janeck, Barrett Medvec, Vicente Nagel, William Hodges, John Dwyer. Row 4: Stanton Cope, George Harris, Spencer Cecola, Alec Mesrobian, Nathen Johnson, Ricky Walgreen, Michael Shanahan, Christian Tchamitchian, William Kakavas, Greg Swenson, Evan Boudreaux.

Congratulations to the LFCDS Class of 2011, who completed their first year at the following secondary schools:

Lauren Basgall, Lake Forest High SchoolCarter Bedward, Carmel High SchoolJesse Bernhart, Lake Forest High SchoolEvan Boudreaux, Lake Forest High SchoolKelly Bowler, Woodlands AcademyAmanda Bozorgi, Lake Forest AcademySpencer Cecola, Loyola AcademyKarisma Chhabria, Lake Forest AcademyRomaer Chopra, Lake Forest AcademyStanton Cope, Lake Forest AcademyTommy Danner, St. Viator High SchoolJacqueline DeMay, Wayland AcademyJohn Dwyer, Lake Forest Academy

George Harris, Loyola AcademyWilliam Hodges, Deerfield AcademyGus Hodgkins, Wayland AcademyWesley Janeck, Lake Forest High SchoolNathen Johnson, Lake Forest AcademyWilliam Kakavas, Lake Forest AcademyBen Klein, New Trier High SchoolAvanna Kotlarz, Woodlands AcademyDaniel Levine, Boca Prep InternationalLucy Lytle, Deerfield AcademyBarrett Medvec, Lake Forest AcademyAlec Mesrobian, Lake Forest AcademyZoe Murphy, Woodlands AcademyVicente Nagel, Lake Forest AcademyMichael Phillips, Lake Forest AcademySydney Richman, Lake Forest High School

Jacqueline Sawicz, Woodlands AcademyJasmine Sawyer, Lake Forest AcademyMichael Shanahan, Cranbrook SchoolsKyle Shannahan, Lake Forest AcademyMichael Silver, Lake Forest AcademyHannah Sklarov, Lake Forest AcademySerena Sommerfield, The Hotchkiss SchoolDeanna Stephenson, Lake Forest High SchoolAndrew Strudwick, Lake Forest AcademyGreg Swenson, Loyola AcademySaisha Talwar, Phillips Exeter AcademyChristian Tchamitchian, Lake Forest AcademyChloe Tomkins, Woodlands AcademyRicky Walgreen, Lake Forest High SchoolAlexandra Weil, Woodlands AcademyJordan Wolff, Lake Forest Academy


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sScott Baeseman wins the Mary Hoffman AwardThe Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence is one of the top honors that an Illinois music teacher can obtain—and Scott Baeseman, Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Lake Forest Country Day School, has claimed that honor for 2012, receiving the award from the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) at its All-State Convention.

The award is given to a music teacher or university professor who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and exhibits characteristics of an outstanding educator. It honors the legacy of Dr. Mary Hoffman, former professor at the University of Illinois and author of the Silver Burdett Music series.

Mr. Baeseman has been an inspiration to students at LFCDS since 1998. “I love my students, and I love what I do,” he says. “Music is my passion, and I’m so happy that I get to share that with my students on a daily basis.” In addition to being a teacher, Mr. Baeseman is a musician, composer, and director of the Music at Trinity Concert Series at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park.

Head of Lower School Sally Bullard praised Mr. Baeseman in the recommendation letter she

penned to the IMEA. “He took a floundering middle school choral program and created an experience that few are willing to miss.” Over eighty percent of the Upper School is involved in the choral program—an amazing statistic when one realizes that practices are held twice weekly at 7:35 a.m., well before school starts for the day.

Mr. Baeseman and the music teachers at LFCDS teach a curriculum based on brain research that focuses on music literacy, performance, and analysis. He believes that every student is capable of learning to sing in tune, read music, and appreciate and experience what music has to offer. As a result of this philosophy, every student leaves LFCDS able to read music fluently, sing competitively and confidently, play a musical instrument, and understand multiple musical styles.

This style of instruction has also taught Mr. Baeseman about himself

as a musician. “When you have a skill and have to break it down and teach it, you really have to know your stuff inside and out,” he says.

“It’s certainly made me a stronger composer and educator.”

This is not the first accolade that Mr. Baeseman has received for his teaching excellence. In addition to the Mary Hoffman Award, Baeseman has also been recognized as a 2011 Teacher of Distinction finalist and has been nominated twice for the Golden Apple Award. We are proud to have Mr. Baeseman as part of LFCDS, and look forward to hearing many more musical performances with him at the helm!

Mary Jane Welch was a beloved mother and teacher who joined the staff of LFCDS in 1974. While at the School, she began the Month of Reading Program, the Ecology Club, and the State Fair for the fourth grade. “Mary Jane was a mentor and a positive role model for so many of us, a consummate professional, and a quiet leader,” says Sally Bullard, Head of Lower School. “She loved and believed in all of her students just as she did her colleagues and our collective mission.” In 1987, LFCDS honored

Mary Jane with the Charles E. Leake Master Teacher Award.

Mary Jane was also a board member of the Friends of Lake Forest Public Library and assisted with their annual book sale for many years. She also valued nature and was a dedicated education volunteer for Lake Forest Open Lands and the Ryerson Conservation Center. In honor of Mary Jane, her family asked that donations be made to Lake Forest Country Day School for the nature and educational projects that were her passion.

Mary Jane Welch with daughter Jeanne in front of her LFCDS retirement quilt.

In memory of Mary Jane Welch, 1934–2012


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The Parent Association honored the following faculty and staff for their dedicated service to LFCDS at the Spring Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon:

5 years Libby Hoff, Diane Neubauer, Shira Schwartz, Kelly Scott, David Thesenga, Mike Panagos

20 years Bill Scroggins, Amy Klein30 years Sally Bullard

At LFCDS, we encourage faculty and staff to pursue ongoing professional development and cultivate best practices that reflect a passion for excellence. Educators at LFCDS are life-long learners whose commitment to excellence is reflected in their notable achievements.

Articles & PresentationsDirector of Marketing and Enrollment Beth Black presented a keynote address to public health professionals at the Third Annual Wisconsin Women’s Public Health Policy Summit in Madison in May 2012. Her topic, “Harnessing the Power of Story to Advocate for Change,” focused on framing persuasive messages as narrative in order to engage audiences.

EdTech Focus on K–12 magazine published an article by Director of Information Technology Keith Gillette entitled “Peeling Back the Layers of Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps.” Mr. Gillette also co-presented “The New Normal: Rethinking Technology Leadership in a World of Ubiquitous Access,” a three-hour workshop at the NAIS Annual Conference in February 2012.

Senior Kindergarten Teacher Kimberly Kohl presented “No Story Left Behind: Story Dictation and Dramatization in the Early Childhood Classroom” at the 2012 U.S. Play Coalition Conference in February. Her talk focused on how techniques based on Vivian Paley’s work in early literacy development have enhanced the social-emotional and intellectual development of LFCDS kindergarteners.

Awards & NominationsLower School Music Teacher Maria Hempen was named a finalist for the 2012 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in April. Mrs. Hempen was one of thirty-two finalists to be selected from a pool of 265 applicants and 560 nominations representing kindergarten through third-grade teachers in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Lower School Science Teacher Elizabeth Ross was awarded the Abbott Sigma Xi 2012 Elementary School Outstanding Science/Mathematics Teacher Award. The nomination was sent by third-grade student Cameron Wacker.

Advanced DegreesDirector of Information Technology Keith Gillette graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business in June 2011.

Assistant Librarian Libby Hoff earned her Master of Library and Information Science from Dominican University in May 2011.

Lisa Horstmann, Administrative Assistant to the Head of Lower School and Enrollment Systems Manager, earned her Master’s Degree in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University in June 2012.

Administrative Assistant Lara Lukasik graduated with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois-Springfield in May 2012.

Upper School band teacher Jen Lydigsen received a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Chicago’s VanderCook College of Music in July 2011.

Programs & WorkshopsJudith Foley Arnstein, Associate Director of Enrollment, completed a three-day financial aid workshop in St. Louis in Fall 2011. The workshop focused on best practices for reviewing applications consistently and confidentially.

Mandarin Chinese Teacher Diane Neubauer was accepted into a six-week program in Changchun, China, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is designed to enhance non-native Chinese language teachers’ cultural understanding and language skills. Mrs. Neubauer is currently in China, reporting back to LFCDS through her blog. Check out her photos and stories at http://china2012.lfcds.org/

Senior Kindergarten teacher Shira Schwartz recently earned her SLANT System® certification. The SLANT System is a research-based, multi-sensory language training program that provides teachers with innovative approaches to teaching reading, spelling, and writing skills.

Sally Stephenson, 1st STEP Classroom and Music Instructor, played violin with the Fort Meyers Mastersingers during Spring Break 2012. Mrs. Stephenson is a professional violinist who has performed with orchestras and opera companies around the world.

A Commitment to Excellence:Professional Development at LFCDS


Edward J. Flynn, Class of 1974

A Life of Helping Others

As EJ Flynn ’74 remembers it, there hasn’t been a time when he wasn’t interested in current events, world politics, and helping the underprivileged. He first found himself taking a closer look at these subjects while in Bob Bullard’s Social Studies class at LFCDS.

“I was always very interested in the stories of refugees,” he remembers.

Today, Mr. Flynn serves as the Senior Human Rights Officer of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) at the United Nations in New York. The committee is in charge of analyzing what is being done to counter terrorism. He has served on missions to many countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Yemen, and Sri Lanka.

“Terrorism represents a horrific threat to Human Rights, and the best approach to countering it is from the framework of Human Rights,” Mr. Flynn says. “I’m very proud that the UN Security Council has begun to consistently emphasize this. It wasn’t an emphasis right after 9/11. In the years since, the Security Council has helped people find a common position around this idea. The bottom line is that we need to work together to end terrorism as swiftly as possible.”

Prior to his current post, Mr. Flynn’s career path included a variety of assignments helping people who are underrepresented, including serving as the advisor of human rights and counter-terrorism at the Office of the UN High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. From 1998 to 2003, he was the OHCHR coordinator for human rights programs in Europe, Central Asia, and North America.

It is his UN post during the wars in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina that Mr. Flynn marks as one of the most dramatic experiences of his life. Mr. Flynn routinely traveled throughout the region, monitoring human rights. “There was an incident where I was trapped by artillery exchanges between the two sides,” he says. “I had to travel in a bulletproof vehicle due to the sniper fire.” This event led to Mr. Flynn testifying in proceedings at the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia) in the Hague in 2008; two convictions were finally announced in April 2011.

In reflecting on how LFCDS contributed to his career, Mr. Flynn is quick to praise the quality of his

LFCDS education, specifically the French department. “I benefitted greatly from the excellent French instruction of Madame Kapsalis,” Mr. Flynn said. “I went on to major in French at Duke University, and was able to speak fluently on my first UN mission to Haiti.” He also gives credit to the theatre department, where he won the Alexander C. Bell Drama Prize and a scholarship. “I learned skills in public speaking that have helped me as a lawyer and a public advocate.”

Bob Bullard, who taught Mr. Flynn in seventh and ninth grade, remembers Mr. Flynn as a model citizen and gentleman. “He was a keen observer of national and world events, and an incredibly analytical thinker,” he says. “He could see the nuances in everything we discussed in the classroom.”

Judging by his experiences, Mr. Flynn’s advice to current LFCDS students seems especially relevant.

“Learn about the world around you, the one outside your borders. As history advances, we will need to depend on each other more and more. We have to share the planet, and hopefully we can create a peaceful one.”

Pictured, top to bottom: EJ Flynn ’74 in the UN General Assembly hall; during a UN mission to Yemen in April 2010; speaking at a UN counter-terrorism conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in December 2010.

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2010 Chuck and Sarah Lamphere, Coni Carfagno2009 Nancy Clemens, Katie Hale, and Lynn Taylor 2008 Ellory Peck and Betsy Rosenfield2007 Debbie Terlato2006 Lisa Zenni and Sonya Wolsey-Paige2005 Lauren Gorter and Molly South2004 Mary Ballard2003 Lisa Ireland2002 Mimi and Bob Murley2001 Carole Sandner2000 Jane Eberly1999 Sharon Weiss1998 Consie Pierrepont

1997 Jill Caldcleugh and Prue Beidler1996 Connie Nagle1995 Jamee Field and Anne Lerner1994 Susan Pitt1993 Wendy Hicks and Hope Ehrman1992 Anthony and Maureen Culicchia, Lyn Andress1991 Catherine Denckla, Kathleen McAllister, and Carolyn Tocks1990 Emily Battle and Jane O’Neil1988 Darcy Donald1987 Dianne Fitzsimons1986 Lucia Prochnow1985 Bondy Hodgkins

Congratulations to the 2011 recipients of the

Bondy Hodgkins Award forDistinguished Volunteer ServiceVolunteerism is an important part of life at Lake Forest Country Day School. Simply put, many of the initiatives and events that take place throughout the year would not be possible if not for the overwhelming support of our volunteers. This support is celebrated annually with the presentation of the Bondy Hodgkins Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service. Established in 1985, the award is named in honor of LFCDS alumni parent Bondy Hodgkins. Board President Fred Wacker ’74 presented the 2011 award to four deserving recipients.

Susan and Kenny Bozorgi have embraced the LFCDS tradition of parental involvement in a wide variety of capacities. Susan has served as a room parent, worked on the auction, assisted with homecoming tasks, and has guided prospective families at admission open houses. She has also contributed to LFCDS as a member of the board of trustees as well as president of the parent association. Kenny has functioned as the chair of both the diversity and development committees in addition to his role on the board of trustees. The broad-based leadership involvement of this couple is quite extraordinary, and the genuine positive nature, humble attitude, and countless hours of service they have put forth have increased awareness of many programs and have made a lasting impact.

Joan and Kevin Shannahan have been making a tremendous impact ever since joining the LFCDS

family. Joan’s numerous roles have included helping out with the auction and the annual giving campaign; assisting with school dances, fine arts, and athletics; and serving as a room parent and member of the parent association. While she prefers to stay behind the scenes, no one can overlook her easy-going manner, huge heart, and unwavering desire to make a difference. As a member of the Board of Trustees for five years, Kevin led the master planning steering committee as well as the buildings and grounds committee. Thanks to his expertise, LFCDS was able to prioritize, anticipate, and carry out the plan for our state-of-the-art facilities.

Past Award Winnerslf

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Be sure to keep an eye out for the Fall 2012 issue of Paw Prints, in which we will honor the 2012 recipients of the Bondy Hodgkins award!


Jessica Barton ’05 has been studying in San Sebastian, Spain as a junior at the University of Richmond, Virginia. She is in the Golden Key International Honor Society and will be part of the Executive Council of Paalzellenic.Ariana Bhatia ’08 was accepted to Stanford and will be attending in the fall.

Hannah Carlson ’09, Flora Harris ’09 and Leigh Ketelsen ’10 enjoyed a successful year of rowing with North Suburban Crew. They each earned medals at regattas during the season. Flora has the lowest erg split time (fastest erg speed) on the team. Hannah and Leigh rowed in the Lightweight 4 and Lightweight 8 boats at the regional championships, and qualified for the national junior rowing championships to be held in Tennessee in early June. Andrew Cherna ’04 is a senior at Colgate University, and is playing on the squash team.Casper Clausen ’07 is attending RPI. He is loving it, and doing great.Genevra Crofts ’10 is enjoying her sophomore year at LFHS and is excelling in art and track and field. She hopes to continue art into college and beyond. Henry Davis ’05 is a Junior at Wake Forest University in The Callaway Business School. He plays club hockey.Toby Davis, Jr. ’04 is an economics Major at Bucknell University. He plays club hockey.Joanie Davis ’07 is a freshman at Colgate University. She is playing club soccer and club ice hockey.John Edwards ’02 is in his second year of a Management Leadership Program with Discover Financial Services. He is currently living in Scottsdale, Arizona.Lindsey Edwards ’00 finished her first semester of medical school in December. She hopes to become an

orthopedic doctor.Victoria Etherton ’09 competed in the University of Chicago Model UN high school debate conference in December and placed third overall. She placed second in the University of Chicago Model UN four-day competition of 3,500 kids that occurred in February.Alexandra Gray ’07 is a freshman at Dartmouth.John Gray ’04 is a senior at Northwestern.Douglas Kinney ’44 is doing well, and keeping up with 14 grandchildren.Justin Lack ’96 published a book last winter titled All Beat Up—A Drum Tutorial, which teaches a drum program of his own creation. Gordon Lamphere ’04 qualified to become a member of the US Olympic Development Team in the men’s heavyweight Finn class. He has the privilege of training with Zach Railey who won the silver medal in the 2008 Olympics. He attended a training session in Colorado Springs at the US Olympic Training Center in March, and just finished college at St. Mary’s College in Maryland.

Adam Levin ’98 is a world-renowned classical guitarist. In January he held a public concert hosted by Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS). Adam was joined by duo, LFCDS 1ST STEP Instructor and professional violinist, Sally Stephenson and LFCDS parent and Lake Forest Symphony resident composer, Jim Stephenson. Daniel Levine ’11 is doing well and loves Evert and Boca Prep. He won three tennis matches in a Florida State tournament.Chris Lipp ’03 graduated from Tulane and hopes to return to Chicago to work. Nicole Lipp ’05 has flourished academically and athletically at Duke University. She is training with the

Chicago Red Stars (professional soccer team) this summer.Madeline Lipp ’09 wrapped up tennis play in the Winter Super Nationals. She picked up a bronze in the Girls’ 18 singles. In doubles, she teamed with Jamie Loeb of New York and came home

Want to hear what your classmates have been up to? Got a great news story of your own to share? LFCDS Class Notes are a great way to hear the news from old and new friends and learn more about the many ways the LFCDS family is impacting the world. Take some time to

Catch up with your LFCDS friends.

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Pictured: Adam Levin ’98 reconnected with Bob Bullard, Marcia Mann, Sally Bullard, and Scott Baeseman when he visited LFCDS in January to perform a special concert for the LFCDS community. Flora Harris ’09 Varsity 4 boat won “most improved” for the season. Charles Frederick Reinhardt, Jr., son of Meredith Nissen and Charles Frederick Reinhardt, Sr.


with the national title. TennisRankings.com lists Maddie as the #1 player in Illinois, #1 player in the Great Lakes region and #16 nationally.Ed Nissen ’98 finished his Phd in Physics and now works at the Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Virginia. He recently travelled to Bonn Germany to give a presentation about the lab’s work and will also represent the lab in front of the Department of Energy. He continues to run marathons and finished first in his age group and fourth overall in a Virginia Beach marathon in April.

Meredith Nissen, married to Charles Frederick Reinhardt, is a lawyer in

Philadelphia. She gave birth to a 9 lb 5 oz, 22" baby boy, Charles Frederick Reinhardt, Jr., in February. Jenn Sullivan ’00 is the Weekend Anchor for WJTFW-12 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.Cmdr. Corey J. Turner ’87 became the Executive Officer of the USS Michael Murphy as the whole crew was christened in November.Ricky Walgreen ’11 made the LFHS JV Tennis Team and was also its Captain. The season ended with Ricky coming in second for regionals and the high school came in second for first time in nine years.

Elan Weisz ’03 graduated summa cum laude from New York University and is working for Credit Suisse here in Chicago.

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Send your class notes, wedding announcements, baby pictures, new job news and more to Sarah Thomas at [email protected] for publication in Paw Prints.

David Levine ’07 enjoyed playing soccer during his Upper School years at Lake Forest Country Day School, but as he didn’t play any other sports, he soon found that he needed another interest. That interest revealed itself in the form of a go-kart track at Chicago Indoor Racing—and the rest, as they say, is history. David began in the junior indoor league, where he won numerous races, broke several indoor track records, and quickly moved up the ranks.

David decided to make the transition from indoor to outdoor go-karting, attending the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. This experience solidified his desire to “drive the big cars,” and he began training at the Skip Barber Racing School shortly after. At 15, he went on to finish fourth place nationally in both the 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 Mazda MX-5 Skip Barber Southern Winter Series.

With his success at Skip Barber, David was signed by the Bimmerworld Race Team to drive the #81 BMW 328i with co-driver Greg Liefooghe in the Continental Tire Race Series. The ten-race season is televised on the SPEED Channel and is considered top-class endurance racing. David and his teammate started the season off by placing third at the famous Daytona Super Speedway and finished first at Barber Motorsports Park. The team is currently sixth in overall points and David is currently second in “Rookie of the Year” points.

David’s further success in the Richard Petty Driver Development Program led to an opportunity to race in an ARCA series race on July 21, 2012. The race takes place at the Chicagoland Motor Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, where David will be racing the Richard Petty Driving Experience/Museum of Science and Industry #45 Dodge.

In addition to his racing career and schooling (he is enrolled at Furman University in Greenville, SC, where he recently finished up his freshman year), David has become a national ambassador for the American Heart Association (AHA) with the

“Drive for Heart” campaign. This work is especially meaningful to David, as he was born with a congenital heart defect and underwent open-heart surgery at age four. To find out more, visit www.driveforheart.org, or follow his career on his personal website, www.davidlevineracing.com.

Pictured: David Levine ’07 looks on in his race gear as part of the Bimmerworld Race Team. David races the #81 Bimmerworld BMW 328i as part of the Continental Tire Race Series.

Young Alumni Profile

David Levine, Class of ’07

32 Paw Prints Spring 2012 Paw Prints Spring 2012 33

Charlotte Ahern Villanova University

Shelby Benjamin Bard College

Christopher Boudreaux Dartmouth College

Ashley Boyce Wheaton College

Gina Carfagno Xavier University

Casper Clausen Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Jacob Crofts Northwestern University

Tynan Daly Trinity College

Lawrence Dann-Fenwick University of Chicago

Joanie Davis Colgate University

Brandon Eason College of William and Mary

Michael Fyk University of Colorado at Boulder

Allyson Genger Marquette University

Allie Gray Dartmouth College

Graham Harwood Cornell University, School of Engineering

Jonathan Hennessy University of Pennsylvania

Jennifer Janeck Northwestern University

Jerome Johnson College of DuPage

Duncan Lamphere Lawrence University

Robert Levin Juniors Hockey

David Levine Furman University

Gabriela Lowe Auburn University

Paige Lynch Spring Hill College

Shannon Lynch University of Michigan

Lane Lytle Southern Methodist University

Kelly Marsch Boston University

Katharine McCauley Loyola University

Robert McNerney University of Michigan

Alex Newman University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Natasha Patel Georgetown University

Jori Richman University of Southern California

Jack Schweighauser Williams College

Mark Shannahan University of Indianapolis

Charlotte Smith University of Chicago

Alexis Sommerfield Colorado College

Hannah Stevens Miami University of Ohio

Elise Terlato Univeristy of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Trenton Wildman Columbia College

We look forward to sharing the Class of 2008 College Destinations in the next issue of

Paw Prints. Stay tuned!

LFCDS Class of 2007

College Destinations

2011 Summer visit with Michael Robinson

Alumni Hunt Eldridge ’65 and Ken Buchanan ’63

Paw Prints Spring 2012 33

Alex Newman University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Natasha Patel Georgetown University

Jori Richman University of Southern California

Jack Schweighauser Williams College

Mark Shannahan University of Indianapolis

Charlotte Smith University of Chicago

Alexis Sommerfield Colorado College

Hannah Stevens Miami University of Ohio

Elise Terlato Univeristy of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Trenton Wildman Columbia College

We look forward to sharing the Class of 2008 College Destinations in the next issue of

Paw Prints. Stay tuned!

Share YourStories

and Pictures!

Please send your stories, notes, newspaper clippings, pictures, etc. to

Sarah Thomas 145 South Green Bay Road Lake Forest, IL [email protected]

Write Us

Alumni Author

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LFCDS Alumna Marie Betts Bartlett ’72

visited with Senior Kindergarten, first-,

and second-grade students in November

2011 to tell them about her new book, The

Little Yellow Trolley Car. The children’s

book tells the true story of a little trolley

that brought passengers and freight from

one small town to another between 1896

and 1927. It also details the hope and

vision for the trolley’s restoration as well

as the excitement of the trolley car’s new

life as it exists today.

In addition to reading from her book, Mrs.

Bartlett also discussed why she decided

to write about the book’s topic, how the

pictures reflect the storyline, and how she

approaches the creative process. She also

answered the students’ questions about

being an author.


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und Leadership Appreciation

Reception On April 27 Annual Giving Leadership donors gathered at the home of Wendy Weil for a night of mingling and fun. LFCDS Board of Trustees President Fred Wacker ’74 spoke about seeing a train earlier that day and being reminded that each donor’s support is like the engine—it doesn’t matter if it’s pulling or pushing, it is always doing the good work of moving the train forward. Our donors are doing great work, moving the school forward too. LFCDS Head of School Michael Robinson gave gratitude for the direct and immediate impact gifts have on the programs and faculty at LFCDS. Thank you to all those who have supported LFCDS with generous gifts this year, making the Annual Fund, and more importantly, the School a success! Your gifts allow for the margin of excellence that makes Lake Forest Country Day School extraordinary.

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Jenifer and Michael Zacka, Jacqueline Wacker, and Susan Stafford; Patrice Wetzel, Paul and Gay Daniel, and Lisa Barnes; Wendy Weil, Earl Barnes, and Head of School Michael Robinson; Stephen and Diane Potts, and Rebecca Graf; Nick Alexos, Head of School Michael Robinson, and President of the Board Fred Wacker ’74; Bill and Meg Collins.


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Once Upon a TimeOn Saturday, March 3, 2012, the storybook-themed event Once Upon A Time celebrated 30 years of Lake Forest Country Day School auctions. Rachel Osborne and Yvonne Steinwold hosted the magical evening that brought together close to three hundred parents, faculty and staff members, and alumni for cocktails, dinner, dancing, and fundraising! This year the Auction successfully raised $355,000 for the 2011–2012 school year. The Live auction, chaired by Janet Burt and Jenifer Zacka, offered many exciting items that inspired competitive bidding. By the end of the Live Auction, guests were on their feet cheering and applauding for the bidders. Congratulations Rachel and Yvonne and to your extraordinary team of volunteers.

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Julie-An Talano and Matthew Regan; Yvonne Steinwold, Janet Burt, Rachel Osborne, and Jenifer Zacka; Dan Lydigsen with Band Teacher Jennifer Lydigsen and Upper School Science Teacher Dave Thesenga; Jeff Silver, President of the Board Fred Wacker ’74, and Joel Steinwold; Kristen Chun and Pamela Werner.

L A K E FOR E ST COU N T RY DAY SC HO OL145 South Green Bay RoadLake Forest, Illinois 60045–3099

C H A N G E S E R V I C E R E Q U E S T E D

Then & Now

Share your story. LFCDS strives to educate students of strong character with a passion for learning. At the concert he gave on campus this Spring, alum Adam Levin ’98 shared with students and families specific ways that LFCDS teachers nourished his passion for music. In this issue of Paw Prints, EJ Flynn ’74 describes how his commitment to social justice can be traced back to his history class at LFCDS. What about you? How did your LFCDS experience shape your character or ignite your love of learning? We’d love to hear your memories and testimonials. Email your reminiscences, news, and accomplishments to Sarah Thomas at [email protected].

The hairstyles, clothing and footwear in these chorus photos may be different, but the commitment to a strong fine arts curriculum at LFCDS has remained the same. From their earliest days at the School, students learn the skills needed to express themselves across many artistic disciplines. The LFCDS music program allows students to move from early lessons on beat and rhythmic patterns to singing on pitch, reading music, playing an instrument and creating compositions—all the while reinforcing the individual creative feelings and ideas of each child.

Award-winning Music Teacher Scott Baeseman leads the 2012 LFCDS Chorus in song at an early-morning practice.

“Lake Forest Country Day School was

critical in my development as a human

being. Not only did my education

prepare me for the rigors of academics

in high school and college, but it

gave me the tools to persevere in the

challenging world of music.”

—Adam Levin ’98

paw prints summer 2012

Documents

alumni parents

upper school classrooms

alumni relations847

computing program

grand parents

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tablet pc program

students of strong character