Cover Story 2Head of School 3Welcome 4Message from PA 5

Early Childhood 6Running Program 8 Alumni Reflection 10Faculty News 11

Giving at Wilson 12 Community News 14

“Wall” of Fame 15Calendar 16

A publication of The Wilson School, Founded 1913

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 1 | FALL 2014

The Wilson Word

IN THIS ISSUE:

am pleased to share that this year simply has started off in remarkable fashion. As I visit each classroom, it is gratifying to see the truly

delightful interactions between the students and teachers. The eager dialogue and smiles on their faces says it all; we have raised the bar yet again for the caliber of a Wilson education.

What makes Wilson great? It is the people. People bring skills, attitudes and behaviors which collectively influence the pulse of, and results achieved in, an organization. I have always felt honored to work with the Wilson team, and this year I feel an even higher level of appreciation for the talented people working in the best interest of the school. Our board, faculty, administration and parents all have skills and dedication to act toward the excellence of Wilson and the benefit of our students.

Just look at what we have been able to achieve together. We opened the year to yet another incredible facility improvement - the outdoor classroom. This space is as remarkable in its beauty as it is in its function. We are thrilled to see how having the flexibility to carry our instruction fluidly from a space such as our formal library, to the innovation room with its high technology, to the real world outside is deepening the learning experience for our students. We are doing exactly what our mission charges - preparing students for the world ahead.

Another exciting advancement is the introduction of flexible scheduling for all technology classes (first through sixth grades) and library classes for the upper grades (fourth through sixth grades). Flexible scheduling allows

A Look Ahead to Wilson’s 102nd Academic Year

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Cover Story:Learning in the Great Outdoors

By Parents’ Association President,Mary McKown

his fall, students at Wilson are exploring their love for learning in the new outdoor classroom.

Extending our instructional areas to the outside helps Wilson fulfill our mission to incorporate classic and innovative teaching methods. Even the design of the space supports our approach. The permanent bench seating is designed to support a more traditional demonstration or performance equally as well as small group discussions.

The space is conveniently located with easy access from the school’s art studio and science room, two subject areas that will tremendously benefit from the proximity to outdoor observation and discovery.

By Head of School, Thad Falkner

The project also includes landscape renewal, spanning the full north side. The design team paid careful attention to the planting selections so that throughout the school year, the landscape will reflect the changing seasons and attract songbirds and butterflies.

Students have also enjoyed quiet moments the two memorial benches, one posthumously recognizing faculty member Tom Wotka, and one honoring former Head of School Eugene Dr. Ruth, which were incorporated into the north side landscaping.

It’s a known fact that people are generally more inspired the closer we are to our natural environment. In the business world, the most innovative work spaces of the future are taking advantage of natural light and flexible space to improve productivity. We are thrilled that WIlson can bring that trend into our students’ educational experiences as well.

The exterior plaza renovations represents the final project of the

Centennial Capital Campaign.

for much greater collaboration between faculty members. Within this approach, technology and library lessons now better support classroom projects and align with existing curriculum.

This year, we welcome back to Wilson two teachers; fourth grade teacher Darla Hart and fifth grade teacher Rachel Dixon. And Kevin McGinnis, formerly part of the fifth grade team, has transitioned to the role of Social Studies Specialist, a new position that supports our departmental approach in upper grades. What a testament to our community that we continue to attract and retain such dedicated teaching professionals.

All of this would not be possible without your support of the school. Whether you are a parent, former parent, grandparent, faculty, alumnus or friend, I hope that you too can sense the wonderful energy with which we have embarked on our 102nd academic year. And, I hope that you take pride, as we do, in contributing to the nurturing environment that is a hallmark of the Wilson experience.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

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Welcome to New Wilson Families

By Director of Admissions,Laura Hartung

lease extend a warm welcome to our new Wilson students and their families!

Pre-KindergartenBlakely Allen Tari and Steve AllenMolly BaischMargaret and Zachary Baisch Alexander DahlheimerSeema and Michael Dahlheimer Riley EaganMichelle and Patrick Eagan Harry Elfenbein Hillary and Daniel Elfenbein Phillip Gregory Phillice Gregory and Kenneth GregoryNoah Malik Faryal and Omar Malik Nala Patel Punal and Chirag Patel Eleanor Quattromani Erin and Jim QuattromaniAlwyn Scaggs Katie and Michael Scaggs Waylon SchnuckApril and Brian Schnuck

Emerson Sehy Ashly and Luke Sehy

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Ariel Shenderov Tatyana Demidovich and Stanley Shenderov

Junior KindergartenCooper Aegerter Tracey and Greg Aegerter Theodore Frisella Elise and Anthony Frisella Jackson McMullen Allison and Joseph McMullen

Senior KindergartenAkrofi Adjovu Victoria Adjovu Delaney Aegerter Tracey and Greg Aegerter Kierra Crowther-Gilliam Theresa Brown Lillian Davis Diarra Cross-Davis and Drew Davis Grayson Woods Martha Phillips and James Woods

First GradeArmaan Ahmed Saima Ahmad and Ahmed Ali Maeve Frisella Elise and Anthony Frisella

Second Grade Sawyer Hart Darla and Nathan Hart

Third GradeFlora Eidson Kelly and Scott Eidson

Safi Junejo Farheen and Furquan Raja

Robert Cassilly Giovanna Cassilly

Fourth GradeBrian Wang Guardian, Ariana Naqellari

Fifth GradeEli HartDarla and Nathan Hart

n behalf of the Parents’ Association (PA), welcome to another wonderful year at The Wilson School! My name is Molly Gray, and I have the pleasure of

serving as the President of your Parents’ Association.

Beginning a new school year can be an exciting time for both children and parents. Perhaps the most exciting part is connecting or reconnecting with our school community. I would like to encourage you to become and stay engaged in Wilson by participating in the PA. Involvement in the PA is a wonderful way to support the school, get to know the students, and meet some of the fabulous parents.

Similar to the students, parents started the year with a bang with several events and the Fall Parents’ Association Meeting.

This fall, as in the past, the PA will sponsor a few familiar and beloved activities as well as some new ones. Kicking off our fundraising activities is the Innisbrook wrapping paper and delicious treats sale. By now, you have received a packet featuring samples of many different items. This event runs through the end of September. Please encourage your family and friends to consider stocking up on their wrapping paper through Innisbrook. Proceeds from the sales of these activities are vital to The Wilson School PA.

Though important, the PA is far more than fundraising activities. I invite you to join us for an early morning coffee for parents on Wednesday, September 24th. Meet and

Greetings from the Parents Association (PA)

By PA President, Molly Gray

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I encourage you to get involved in the PA. It’s a

wonderful way to support the school and get to

know other Wilson families.

mingle with other Wilson parents for a cup of coffee and breakfast treat before attending the morning assembly or starting your day.

The first family event sponsored by the PA is the Cosmic Bowl party on Friday, September 26th. Trust me, you won’t to want to miss this great evening held at Tropicana Lanes!

The support that the school receives from the parent community is truly invaluable. I strongly encourage new families to participate in these activities and join in on the fun; you won’t regret it. As I stood and welcomed faculty, students and families on the first day of school, I was awestruck by the warmth and intimacy of our Wilson world. It is my hope to help maintain this level of enthusiasm and connectedness for our families throughout the school year.

PA President, Molly Gray

“We strive to help each child meet the challenges they are approaching in these important years.”

he Wilson School early childhood curriculum emphasizes strong academics, balanced with ample opportunities for play. From the time Wilson

students enter pre-kindergarten (PK), to the moment they leave senior kindergarten (SK) for first grade, they receive individualized attention aimed at building a strong academic foundation and fostering independence. Strong Academics. . .Starting in PK, students begin learning skills they build upon through all nine years at Wilson. Defined in curriculum committees, each classroom has a scope and sequence plan including milestones necessary to advance to the next grade level. With two faculty members per class, each teaching team works to equip all students with the skills necessary for success. “We build on skills that take the children through sixth grade. We enjoy offering a variety of opportunities and experiences,” says PK teacher, Mrs. Wilhelms.

The ABC’s of the Early ChildhoodProgram

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In PK, Mrs. Noel and Mrs. Wilhelms introduce beginning math concepts, which Mrs. Wilson and Ms. Fritz build upon in junior kindergarten (JK), concentrating on pre-reading and pre-math skills. By the time the class begins SK, they are prepared for accelerated, yet traditional primary academics focused on teaching reading, writing, spelling and foundational math.

Though expectations exist for the class as a whole, the early childhood faculty recognize that each child develops at a different pace. Teachers for all three grade levels incorporate small group time and one-on-one sessions to help every student achieve his or her individual objectives.

PK teachers Mrs. Noel and Mrs. Wilhelms develop a specific plan for each student, a practice shared by the other two early childhood classes. Says SK teacher, Mr. Hinkebein, “We strive to help each child meet the challenges they’re approaching in these important years. It doesn’t matter where they start, we work closely with them as individuals to meet their own potential.”

Though some Wilson faculty have taught at the school for as many as three decades, they constantly incorporate new ideas into the classroom. Says Ms. Fritz, “We are so fortunate that professional development is truly valued at Wilson. It’s easy to bring back new ideas for our students.” The Wilson School’s unique Excellence Program provides funding for faculty to pursue professional development opportunities on an annual basis, such as attending local workshops and national conferences.

And Time to Play. . .Though The Wilson School emphasizes academics in the early childhood years, play is an equally important part of the curriculum. Explains JK teacher, Amy Wilson, “Play is critical for a child’s development. There is so much that goes on when they are building blocks or exploring in the dramatic play area.”

PK strikes a good balance between play and structured time. While teacher-directed activities occur throughout the school day, Mrs. Noel and Mrs. Wilhelms allow ample opportunity for students to explore their own interests in the room. SK teacher, Mrs. Jaeger, stresses the growth of the “whole child,” including emotional and social development occurring through play.

...In a Nurturing Environment.Early childhood teachers ensure their students are included in the greater Wilson community. Each early childhood student is paired with an upper school buddy, a relationship which starts in PK and continues through SK. Early childhood classes attend all-school assemblies, which brings together the youngest and eldest students in the school.

This sense of community is pervasive throughout Wilson. When early childhood students travel through the school to visit a specialist, or one the building’s recreational areas such as the innovation room and lower playground, they pass familiar faces. Says Mrs. Wilson, “Wilson has a strong sense of community, and that makes it a great place to be.”

“We are so fortunate that professional

development is truly valued at Wilson. It’s easy to bring back new ideas

for our students.”

PK team Linda Noel and Debbie Wilhelms have been teaching PK together at Wilson for 20 years, with a combined total of 59 years of experience in early childhood education.

JK team Amy Wilson and Fritz Fahrenkamp have been teaching JK together at Wilson for three years, with a combined total of 43 years of experience in early childhood education.

SK team Michael Hinkebein and Mary Jaeger have been teaching SK together at Wilson for 14 years, with a combined total of 56 years of experience in early childhood education.

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Wilson’s Running Program Inspires Children to be Joyful, Healthy and Confident

hysical activity is an integral part of the Wilson curriculum and our extracurricular offerings. P.E. teacher, Rachel Simpson, has designed a robust

after-school running program that extends throughout the year for students of all ages. Last year, she introduced Let Me Run, a program for upper school boys. Wilson was one of the first schools in the area to participate in this very successful program.

Read, Right and RunThe GO! St. Louis Read, Right, & Run Marathon® (RRRM) was launched in 2001 and quickly gained national recognition, most recently recognized by RUNNING USA as the “2013 Youth Program of the Year.” The program’s goal is to develop reading-proficient, community-minded and physically fit children in grades K-6 by challenging them to READ 26 books, RIGHT the community with 26 good

deeds, and RUN 26.2 miles over a six-month period. It is a standards-based, sustainable, enrichment program that endorses and supports existing school

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curriculum. After 26 weeks of hard work, the program culminates each year when the students run their final 1.2 miles at the Annual Family Day in Forest Park.

Girls on the RunOver a period of 10-12 weeks, girls in the third through fifth grade participate in this program which allows every girl to recognize her inner strength. The Girls on the Run curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms. Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, build their confidence and celebrate all that makes them unique. At the end of each three month session, the girls participate in a Girls on the Run 5k event.

Let Me RunLet Me Run is a seven-week running program for pre-teen boys, fourth through sixth grade, led by trained coaches in the Wilson community. The team meets twice a week for an hour and fifteen minutes, and the boys exercise and participate in fun activities. They learn how to express themselves, reach personal goals and improve their overall wellness. At the end of the program, the boys celebrate their hard work with a 5K road race.

9Approximately 50 students--kindergarten through sixth grades--participated in last year’s Read, Right, Run Marathon.

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Q. What is a favorite memory of Wilson?A. It would have to be of the storyteller, Ruthilde Kronberg. For me, it was a thrilling experience to listen to her tell stories. Her mannerisms truly made them come to life and she was so loved by everyone.

Q. How do you feel Wilson prepared you for life?A. Many of my joys in life were introduced to me here at Wilson. I continued French all the way through college. I fell in love with art in the art room. We did so many group projects and I fondly recall a group piece that my parents purchased at the auction that proudly hung in our breakfast room for years. The Earth Keeper program also made an indelible mark on me. I learned to be mindful of the environment and the skill of journaling has had a huge impact on my life. When you are fortunate to have such diverse experiences when you are young, they just become a part of who you are.

Q. What are you up to now? A. I live in St. Louis with my husband and soon-to-be one year old. I have been a realtor since 2002 and in 2009, I co-founded a boutique real estate company, Upper End Properties. We handle sales and leasing and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

What I love about being a realtor is working in partnership with my clients to help them achieve their goals. Every day and every client is different, from first-time buyers to seasoned real estate afficionados who move every few years. Being a part of a small brokerage is in many ways like my experience at Wilson, we have the flexibility to be entrepreneurial and creative, while providing a custom and meaningful experience for each and every individual.

Would you like to get involved in our alumni group or share your reflections

on your Wilson experience?

We would love to hear from you! Contact Elizabeth Macanufo. 10

ecently, we had the great opportunity to invite a group of Wilson almuni and parents of alumni back to the school to help us continue to broaden our

alumni network. It was rewarding to learn about their lives since Wilson, their accomplishments and fond memories of the school. In fact, we were so impressed that we decided to share what we’ve learned in an interview series entitled “Reflections.”

True learning comes in the ability to reflect. We hope that you will be as inspired as we are by taking a moment to journey back with our former students and learn just how much Wilson has made an impact on the lives of our community.

Jen Ross Cross, Class of 1987Co-founder and Partner, Upper End PropertiesSt. Louis, Missouri

Q. How has Wilson changed since you were here last?A. I am really impressed by all of the new spaces and modernizations, but even with all of the changes, I still feel like this is the “home” that it was for me when I went here. It is very comfortable here. In my day, we did everything in Stassevitch Hall. I love that today it is a dedicated library and still the hub of the school.

Reflections | Wilson Alumna, Jen Ross Cross

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Welcome (Back) to New Faculty

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are pleased to welcome back two teachers this school year, fourth grade teacher Darla Hart and fifth grade teacher Rachel Dixon.

This fall will mark Mrs. Hart’s tenth year teaching at Wilson. She first came to the school as a student teacher in 1999, then began full-time the following year as a fourth grade teacher. After two years of teaching fourth grade, she transitioned to teaching technology for seven years. Between her stints at The Wilson School, Mrs. Hart spent

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five years in El Paso teaching third, fourth and fifth grade, as well as technology.

Returning to the same classroom where she began her teaching career, Mrs. Hart is looking forward to incorporating technology into the curriculum. She and her teaching partner, Lisa Leuther, plan to increase class time in the Innovation Room and incorporate iPads into more lessons.

Mrs. Hart comes back to Wilson not only as a faculty member, but also as a parent. Her daughter is joining the second grade class and her son is entering fifth grade.

After graduating from Tufts University with a child development major, Mrs. Dixon taught second grade in Boston. She then left the classroom to continue her education at Harvard University, gaining her master’s degree in language and literacy development. In 2010, she relocated to St. Louis and began teaching first grade at The Wilson School.

Mrs. Dixon spent the 2013 – 2014 at home caring for her infant daughter, but returns this school year in a new role. She will be partnering with Laurie Finkenkeller in fifth grade, again teaching the students she had her first year at Wilson. “I know them very well,” she says. “They all attended my wedding.”

Rachel Dixon rejoins Wilson in the fifth grade teaching team with Laurie Finkenkeller.

Darla Hart rejoins Wilson in the fourth grade teaching team with Lisa Leuther.

Jen shares this photo from 1986, her fifth grade year.

Wilson Almuna, Jen Ross Cross, Class of 1987

he beginning of this school year marks an important occasion for me - my one year anniversary of working at The Wilson School. I am thrilled to be

a part of another academic year, not only working in the development office, but also as a parent of an enthusiastic senior kindergartener. We share a love for Wilson, a school which welcomed us both and made us feel included.

Meeting people who have the same passion for Wilson has truly been a delight. I am continutally grateful for the generosity of our community. Whether you contribute books to the library, regularly support Annual Giving or consider us in your estate planning, I remain thankful for your donations.

Over the course of the year, there are many fun ways to “make your charitable mark” and give to Wilson. I hope you will join us for Trivia Night, a friendly competition which raises money for our endowment. This winter, dress in your finest and join us for the Thistle Auction “Prom Night”, which raises money for our operating budget.

I am looking forward to seeing you at these events, and many more this school year!

With warm regards,

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Giving at Wilson

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By Development Coordinator, Elizabeth Macanufo

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Growing the Endowment

he Wilson School endowment builds the foundation for long-term stability and success, allowing the school to enhance our educational

program, increase tuition assistance and scholarship, support faculty compensation and provide a financial cushion that can help offset the rising costs of education, even in times of economic uncertainty.

Funds generated from these gifts, large and small, allow donors to leave a legacy and to give future generations the opportunity to experience a Wilson education.

With each endowment gift, the principal is invested and a portion of the income becomes available each year to support the school.

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A New Program for Planned Giving

very person who enters our halls has a special relationship with The Wilson School. Making provisions for a planned gift is a great way to pay

tribute to your unique Wilson experience and leave a legacy to this exceptional educational institution.

The Wilson School’s Planned Giving Program allows you to explore giving opportunities that consider your philanthropic desires along with your near and long-term financial goals and tax-planning strategies. There are many ways to create a planned gift and it is never too early to consider this type of contribution.

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Planned gifts designated to The Wilson School will be directed toward our endowment, which in turn provides the school with a reliable source of income in perpetuity. These essential funds support Wilson’s ability to provide tuition assistance, professional development and curriculum enhancement.

All planned giving donors will be included in the newly formed Mabel Wilson Society. This group will ensure the legacy of our founder, an innovative educator and loving woman.

Plan a gift by December 31, 2015 and become a member of the

Mabel Wilson Society Founder’s Circle

Learn more about this exciting program and how it can benefit you and the future of the school by visiting our online giving page at www.wilsonschool.com/giving.

Have you already made provisions for The Wilson School in your estate planning? Let us know and become a Founder’s Circle member.

PROM NIGHT 2015

The Wilson SchoolThistle Auction

Save the Date!

The 32nd Annual Thistle Auction

February 21, 2015

at The Four Seasons Hotel

Remember going to the prom. . . Or wanting to go to the prom? . . . Or not going to the prom and wishing you did? This February is your chance to re-live those dreams and raise funds for The Wilson School at the same time. Get your tuxes (or suits) and gowns (or cocktail dresses) ready!

Have a great item you would like to donate to the auction? Are there any items you would love to bid on? Let us know! Send an email to auction@wilsonschool.com.

Brush up on your knowledge on miscellaneous facts and join us for a great night of trivia! All Trivia Night proceeds benefit our endowment. Register on our website for this fun event.

According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the median endowment for a school of Wilson’s size is approximately $5 million.

At the start of the Centennial Capital Campaign in 2012, the Wilson Board of Trustees identified the growth of the endowment as a strategic initiative of the campaign. Funds from the campaign will provide a substantial start to our goal to build an endowment of at least $5 million pledged by the year 2025.

Community News and Notes

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“Wall” of Fames seen here in some of our most popular Facebook photos this month, our students have had a great start to the year. From academics in the classroom

and field trip excursions, to the all-school kick-off of the Cardboard Challenge and participation in the Ice Bucket Challenge, there is never a dull moment at Wilson!

If you haven’t already, visit our Facebook page to get a daily glimpse of life at Wilson and share with your friends and family.

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all is a busy time for The Wilson School community. Mark your calendars for these highlight events.

The Wilson School Speaker Series Presents:Jennifer AbramsEmotional Resiliency: How Attitude and Adaptability Affect AchievementOctober 7th, 7:00 p.m.

As parents, many of us come up against situations where our children struggle with schoolwork and feel like ‘giving up.’ Challenge is a part of life. And we need to support our children in developing persistence and ‘grit.’ What do we know about the best strategies for doing so? Based on Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset, and her work with fostering a ‘growth mindset’ vs. a ‘fixed mindset, ’ as well as other research in this area, this session will provide participants with language and other tools for supporting children when the going gets tough.

To reserve your spot today, e-mail speakerseries@wilsonschool.com.

Wilson’s Fall Open House for Prospective FamiliesOctober 25th, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Invite your friends, coworkers and family to our annual Fall Open House. The Open House is a great opportunity to tour the building and meet our exceptional educators and administration. Families are welcome, as we will have fun fall activities for the children and refreshments.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to be a volunteer, please contact Laura Hartung.

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Jennifer Abrams, a former English teacher, new teacher coach and professional developer, is an educational consultant who works with schools on employee support, being generationally savvy, effective collaboration, having hard conversations and creating identity safe classrooms. She has presented in independent schools worldwide as well as with independent school associations such as ISSL, ISACS, VAIS, AIMS and CAIS.

Come take a peek at our Open House!Saturday, October 25th, 9 – 11am

the great wide open

Families can check the MyWilson portal for more dates and details and public events are posted on the school website.

my.wilsonschool.comwww.wilsonschool.com

Visit Us Online:

Calendar of Events

Sep. 24Parent Coffee & Assembly (BBC)

Sep. 26 Cosmic Bowl

Sep. 305th & 6th Grade Family Math Night

Oct. 7Speaker Series: Jennifer Abrams

Oct. 10Parent Teacher Conferences (No School)

Oct. 11Wilson’s Cardboard Challenge: Global Day of Play

Oct. 186th Annual Wilson School Trivia Night

Oct. 19Wilson Family Night at the Rams

Oct. 22Parent Coffee & Assembly (BBC)

Oct. 25 Fall Open House

Oct. 31 Halloween Celebration

Nov. 7No School - Professional Day for Faculty

Nov. 12Parent Coffee & Assembly (BBC)

Nov. 19 5th & 6th Grade Musical

Nov. 21 Fall Festival

Nov. 26Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day

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