on the horizon Marin horizon School2013–2014 AnnuAl report

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What Have We Been Up To?Letters from: Head of School, Board Chair, and Parent Association President, Board & Parent Association Members

We Are Grateful Notes from the Development Office, Art Auction highlights, and operating budgets

New Faces on Campus Meet some of our newest community members

Donor Lists Thank you to our many generous supporters!

A Day in the Life of the Toddler Cottage What, exactly, are our youngest learners doing over there?!

Marin Horizon Alumni Alumni spotlights and highlights, Mums of Alums, Alumni Outing Day, 8th Grade and Beyond, Class of 2014

Marin Horizon School believes that every child can grow up to make a difference in the world. Every day, our faculty enthusiastically delivers a top-notch education to children from preschool through middle school in joyful classrooms where academics and character are of equal importance. We do this because we believe the world doesn’t just need smart people. The world needs smart people with the courage to be kind and to stand up for what’s right.

Cover photo by Chris Baker, Co-Director of Environmental and Outdoor Education

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Dear Marin Horizon Families,

The Triple Helix: Excellence, Ethics and Engagement

Recently, the Harvard Graduate School of Education hosted an event called, “8x8: HGSE Faculty Members Share Their Bold Ideas to Improve Education,” at which faculty members gave brief talks on a variety of topics about education for the 21st Century.

One of the professors on the panel, Howard Gardner, known for revolutionizing our definition of intelligence, argued his theory of multiple intelligences — a critique of the notion that there exists but a single human intelligence that can be adequately assessed by

standard instruments — very convincingly. He went on to say that “successful people need to have a combination of excellence, ethics and engagement.” I would also argue that the same notion holds true for successful organizations. A powerful statement, and one that closely aligns with Marin Horizon’s mission, and the work that we did together last year.

To that end, I am proud to write here that it was another year in which we increased our level of parent engagement and our commitment to excellence. We worked to find ways to create institutional permanence for Marin Horizon, which will help us retain the exceptional faculty we have, allow faculty to retire when they need to, attract new faculty of the same caliber, as well as keep tuition increases at bay and ensure that we retain our socio-eco-nomic diversity. We also delved into deep reflection during our reaccreditation Self-Study for the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).

One strategy for creating institutional permanence was the formation of the Innovative Revenue Initiative (IRI), a Board-approved ad-hoc committee tasked with looking at ways to increase non-tuition revenues for the school. The IRI Committee will continue its work during the 2014–2015 school year to research and more fully develop several business concepts that could generate additional income without taxing current resources. This committee has been a great avenue for us to engage with parents who might not otherwise see themselves as Marin Horizon volunteers. We were able to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and expertise within our own community — entrepreneurial, marketing, legal, technology, and human resources — in ways we hadn’t previously done. I would like to thank Abby Adlerman Platter for her dedication and diligence in helping me get IRI up and running. And thanks also to the many volunteers who “ideated,” crunched numbers and generally brought their A game to the table!

Another deeply engaged group of volunteers, led by Committee Chair Doug Grant, continued to move the needle on the Leadership Phase of our current major giving campaign. We held many meaningful and enlightening meetings with families able to support Marin Horizon at a leadership level. As we move into the Community Phase of the campaign in the Spring

of 2015, we are grateful for the generosity of the donors who have helped us raise 34% of our overall goal, at the time of this writing. Your belief in, and support of, our goals has truly inspired us.

Our commitment to excellence, ethics and engagement did not waver as we prepared for the thoughtful completion of our Self-Study Report, a year-long reflective exercise that is a requirement of being reaccredited by CAIS. Many of the questions in the Self-Study require parent feedback, and so we hired OMP Research to run a parent survey, in which over 60% of our families participated. Stay tuned, the results of the survey are being analyzed and will be shared with the community in the near future. In the meantime, the Self-Study is due in December, 2014, and culminates with a visit in Spring, 2015 from a team from CAIS.

Any one of these initiatives would keep a school busy during a normal year! I would like to thank our Board of Trustees, along with my incredibly dedicated Faculty, Staff and Administra-tion for their support, hard work and most especially, good humor, during this incredibly busy year. Together, we accomplished so much for this wonderful school.

My promise continues to be that as a community of learners, we will never tire of challenging our students’ minds, listening to their voices, and nurturing their hearts.

Warmly,

luis ottley, mba, ed.d.Head of School

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Dear Marin Horizon Families and Friends,

The Board of Trustees for an independent school is responsible for long term strategic planning and fiduciary oversight. As I write this, we are immersed in a new school year, reminding me that our work as trustees is always forward looking.

I am proud to present the following highlights of the Board’s work reflecting the successful 2013–2014 school year:

• We were thrilled to witness the successful launch of the new Toddler Cottage on Miller Avenue, the result of a two-year strate-gic initiative led by the Board and Head of School.

• The Capital Campaign Steering Committee worked with commit- ment and passion to sow the seeds for successful future major funding. Once accomplished,

the result will be permanent support of our distinct and highly effective team teaching model and permanent support for tuition assistance.

• The Site Committee, together with outside professional expertise, conducted a thorough evaluation on how to maximize our facility now and in the future, with exciting improve-ments to be supported by fundraising efforts as well.

• The inspired new Innovative Revenue Committee convened to dream up and propose to the Board several potential business opportunities that could ultimately generate additional sustainable revenue for the school. They were next tasked with delving deeper into the viability of each idea.

• In addition, the Board passed a strategic plan for diversity which specifies actions and funding needed to best support the experience of all students, families and staff.

I would like to thank the 22 Trustees with whom I worked so closely for the hours of inde-pendent and committee work they donated. Their commitment goes far beyond a monthly meeting and echoes long after they leave. Their stewardship of a strong partnership with our Head of School helps the school thrive. As I step down as Board Chair, I am confident that the new leadership will take the reins with aplomb.

After 12 years as an active parent at the school, I will stake my claim that on any day, at any moment on this campus you will find effective, engaged, and joyful learning. It has been my privilege to travel the school’s full arc with my daughter from enthusiastic toddler to confident, well-prepared, and well-grounded graduate; my son is not far behind her and I love seeing them both navigate the world with the help of a strong Marin Horizon lens.

Regards,

trigg mcleodChair, Board of Trustees, 2010–2014Livie ’15 and William ’17

Dear Marin Horizon Families and Friends,

I thoroughly enjoyed my first year as President of the Parent Association. I am amazed by the nurturing environment, the energy and generosity of the parents, and the spirit of volunteering. I genuinely appreciate being able to create a feeling of welcome and inclusion, as the foundation for the wider school community.

Together, we had a lot of fun in 2013–2014! We were busy orga-nizing potlucks, rolling out Sign-Up Genius, hosting Moms’ and Dads’ Nights Out, organizing teacher appreciation luncheons, and of course, checking for lice. We introduced a fun shopping night at The Store in downtown Mill Valley that raised $1,500; we also hosted fun, interesting and educational community events: a downtown lunch; our annual Chili Cook-off & Bingo Night, chaired by Sonia Lee; several Parent Education events; Dine & Donate dinners at local restaurants, and Grandparents and Special Friends Day, chaired by Katie Dyos.

The Annual Art Auction was also a huge success and blew through all previous records for fundraising and attendance! The Parent Association would not have been as successful were it not for our incredibly talented and dedicated Auction Co-Chairs, Samira Willson, Marcy Rush and Lisa Kutzkey. They introduced a few exciting party ideas at Calypso Night at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon: a lively (some would say competitive!) wine toss for fun prizes, and a tequila pour during the Live Auction. Thanks to their efforts, along with the hard work of countless volunteers, and all of you, our generous school community, we raised over $188,000 at the auction, and including other fundraising events, the Parent Association was able to contribute $191,000 to the school’s operating budget, up $13,000 over 2012–2013!

I’m looking forward to my continued service to Marin Horizon, and our children, as I embark on my second year as President. I have learned so much from my experience and plan to continue to share my enthusiasm and appreciation for this wonderful community!

Warmly,

bari cessnaPresident, Parent Association, 2013–2015Cade ’17, Hope ’18 and Shane ’23

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2013–2014 Board of Trustees

CHAIR Trigg McLeod

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Luis Ottley, Ed.D.

VICE CHAIRS

Gerry Hansen Paul Levitan

SECRETARy

Andrea Elkort

TREASuRER

Kirk Hobbs

PARENT ASSOCIATION LIAISON

Bari Cessna

FACuLTy MEMBERS

Catherine Hills Kristin Lorenz

PARENT MEMBERS

Abby Adlerman Liz Brown-Lewin Craig Croteau Tim Dixon Marsha Dugan Rob Edington Doug Grant Diana Greenstone Cindy Grijalva Gina Hector Daniela Manning Desmond Pollock Chris yates

COMMuNITy MEMBERS

Scott Duyan Head of Presidio Hill SchoolJesse Pearson ’86 Chair, Alumni Council

2013–2014 Parent Association Board

PRESIDENT

Bari Cessna

DINING FOR DOLLARS

Stacy Pasko

LOST AND FOuND

Sonia Lee

CLASS PARENTS

Kerrilyn Garma

HOSPITALITy

Sonia Lee

PARENT EDuCATION

Daniela Manning

GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAy

Katie Dyos

ANNuAL ART AuCTION CO-CHAIRS

Marcy Rush Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey Samira Willson

TREASuRER

Kevin Smead

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Regan ural

SPIRIT WEAR

Shelly Horton

CHILI COOK OFF

Sonia Lee

Of course, we at Marin Horizon couldn’t do what we do so well without the incredible dedication of our Board and Parent Association volunteers. These parents, alumni and community members devoted countless hours and talents to our school and our students, and we are a better place for it. Thank you!

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In our last issue, we highlighted several of our long-standing community members – teachers and founders who have been with Marin Horizon for more than twenty years! Now we’d like to give you an opportunity to get to know some of our newest com-munity members a little better, and give

you a little insight into how they came to join us at Marin Horizon. We are proud to have such a richly diverse faculty and staff, hailing from all over the world, each with an interesting and varied background. We welcome them into our community!

NEWFaces

ONCampus

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4 52I wAs on A tV

show when I wAs fIVe yeArs old.

I Am A celebrAnt, screenplAy wrIter And… former hAIr model!

fAVorIte teAcher? my mother, for teAchIng me how to be A student both In school And In lIfe.

If I weren’t A teAcher, I’d be A mAjor leAgue shortstop or A seA cAptAIn.

one dAy, As I wAs reAdIng A story to the clAss, I heArd A loud crrrAcK! the chAIr I wAs sIttIng In hAd snApped And I fell to the ground. As I lAy there for A second, one of my students whIspered, “I thInK she’s deAd!”

fAVorIte food? AnythIng thAt contAIns sugAr!

I loVe to trAVel Around the world.

the fIrst tIme one of my students heArd me lAugh — reAlly lAugh — he descrIbed It by sAyIng, “It sounds lIKe A chIpmunK rIdIng oVer A rAInbow.”

who said it? Can you guess which one of our newest community members said the following? (Answers on page11.)

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claire Garwood“As long as I remember, my passion has been working with young people and guiding them towards achieving their goals and improving their skills,” says Claire, a native of Toronto, Canada. The oldest of five siblings, she grew up teaching and supporting her siblings in all sorts of activities.

“Teaching felt like a natural path to follow,” she says, con-tinuing, “I love working with Middle School students because they have such creative ideas and perspectives to share, but sometimes they aren’t sure how to best communicate their ideas to others. My favorite thing is working with my students to help them express their thoughts and opinions in a way that is clear and organized but still maintains their unique teenage voice.”

A world traveler who has lived in both Italy and Ireland, Claire loves food (“spicy, sweet, crunchy, savory, I love it all!”) and music; her other passions include interior, clothing and furniture design, as well as repurposing flea market finds.

danny Scuderi“Every day I get to analyze and talk about books, poetry, and the power of language to a roomful of kids who, for the most part, think my jokes are funny. Middle school students are at an age where they can engage deeply with a text, so we are able to have some powerful discussions about what literature can teach us about people and the world. That’s a pretty great way to spend a workday.”

Danny, who grew up in sunny southern California, was inspired early on by his own parents’ love of learning, and later by his Sophomore English teacher who taught him “perspective and a true appreciation for the power of words, all while seeing me for me and appreciating my sense of humor. I felt heard, understood, and I developed a love for poetry that sticks to this day.”

It makes sense, then that Danny would become a teacher, after stints in PR/Marketing and editing first. He says, “when I first stepped on campus, there was a palpable warmth to the teachers that made me immediately feel comfortable.”

Danny is also an avid soccer fan, plays ukulele, paints old windows, and makes a killer banana bread (his mom’s recipe!).

Sedny SerafinSedny, who was born in Haiti and raised in San Rafael, remembers his favorite teacher, Barbara Wonder, from 3rd grade as someone who “really cared about her students.” It’s no surprise then, that he found his way to Marin Horizon, where we hold the relationships between students and teachers in such high regard.

After attending Bahia Vista and Davidson Middle School, Sedny continued on at San Rafael High School where he excelled at track and field. He became a bus driver in 2005 and we are lucky that he joined our community in 2014. In addition to taking such great care of our students on our busses, Sedny also helps out with our Field of Dreams program.

Though he’s travelled extensively, he cites a visit to Miami as his favorite trip so far. And when he’s not enjoying Haitian food and music, he loves to spend time with his family.

Learning Support Specialist

lizzie Porter-roth“I love that I get to meet so many new people and learn about their families,” says Lizzie, whose mom is Anne Porter-Roth, our Librarian and Media Literacy Specialist. Lizzie came back to Marin Horizon after graduating from Whitman College with a BA in Environmental Humanties, and several years working in retail in Washington State.

When she’s not fielding questions from prospective parents or doing data entry (“the nerd in me gets a lot of satisfac-tion from figuring out the technical and logistical aspects of the job”), Lizzie likes to read, eat and take her dog explor-ing around Mt. Tam and the beaches of West Marin. In an alternate universe, Lizzie would be a race car driver, but here in our world, she’s enjoying being part of the administrative team in an educational environment.

Lizzie traveled to Panama with our Class of 2014 group last summer and is still on cloud nine over the trip, during which she chaperoned 10 students and got to visit our own Luis Ottley’s home town and elementary school. “I’m still pinching myself and making sure I didn’t dream it. The opportunity of a lifetime!”

Admissions and Development Associate, Class of 2001

Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Bus Driver

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deS McKiSSocK“It took me a while but I found that travel was the best form of education; it humbles you, it broadens your perspective and makes for some awesome campfire yarns!” says Des, whose favorite stop on his world tour so far has been Cuba.

It’s no wonder that travel calls him, since Des harkens from the southernmost city on the planet: Invercargill, New Zealand, where his favorite 8th grade teacher challenged him to be creative and think outside the box (which we’re sure helps him in his current role!). He went on to study politics and classics at college.

When he’s not helping keep our campus in tip-top shape, Des enjoys rugby (he came to the uS as a rugby coach for Kansas university), seeing live music and hanging out with his family. “My son is the funniest person I know and hanging out with him is the coolest, most rewarding time in my life!”

Paul auStin“I love working with young people. To be able to positively influence a child’s life is a wonderful feeling,” says Paul, who grew up in Marin City and graduated from Tamalpais High. He recently received his degree in Psychology from Dominican College after studying Early Childhood Education at Texas Southern university.

He joined Kathleen and Chandi’s class in 2013, though his history with Marin Horizon goes back even farther. His soon-to-be wife’s son, Kiran started as a Toddler, and his mentor, Stevie Lee, has been teaching here for 16 years and has had 5 children graduate.

In addition to working at Marin Horizon, Paul is the Recre-ation Director at the Marin City Community Services District where his programs reach local youth and young adults year-round. If he weren’t teaching, Paul would be traveling around the world as a motivational speaker.

GreSon torchio“My favorite thing about teaching is when the students make connections between their own experiences and what we are learning in class. These ‘light bulb’ moments help make the curriculum come alive. In science, building the pumpkin catapults was a highlight.”

Before landing at Marin Horizon, Greson taught 5th grade in San Francisco, and worked with middle school students on tall ships in San Francisco Bay where he discovered a passion for getting young people excited about taking on new challenges and discovering their strengths.

A native of New Jersey (where he recently returned for his wedding!), Greson was inspired by a 10th grade teacher who “believed in every student and helped each of us believe in ourselves. I often think about his method of teaching in my own classes.”

An anthropology major who attended Kenyon College, Greson has had plenty of opportunity to study culture in places as disparate as New Zealand (“the most beautiful place on earth”) and Minnesota in his travels. Here on the Left Coast, he enjoys riding his bike and picnicking in Golden Gate Park, and plays “anything with strings.”

ellen Beller“I came as an interim accountant and ended up staying be-cause it is a really sweet school and nice place to work,” says Ellen, who joined us in 2014. A Bay Area native, Ellen is also a musician whose favorite teacher is the one who taught her to play guitar.

A world traveller, Ellen’s favorite stop so far has been the Fiji Islands. Back on local soil, she enjoys live music and theater, and finds joy in spending time with her family, including her 3-year old grandson, DJ.

Facilities Director Primary 3 Assistant

ANSWERS FROM PAGE 7: 1) Ellen Beller, 2) Danny Scuderi, 3) Des McKissock, 4) Lizzie Porter-Roth, 5) Sedny Serafin, 6) Claire Garwood, 7) Paul Austin, 8) Greson Torchio

Middle School Math and Science Teacher

Accounting Manager

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Last year was our first in our new Toddler Cottage on Miller Avenue, and it was amaz-ing! Not only did we blossom in our new spaces, but we got to ride the Adventure Bus (a gift made possible by the previous year’s Fund-a-Need) to the main campus to spend time with the “big kids!”

So, what exactly are we doing over here? We’re busy! Our youngest students change so quickly that we are constantly shifting directions to meet their developing needs. Life can be confusing for little children, full of new situations. For this reason, we have a daily set schedule and highly predictable routines. Every morning we start with a long period of work time followed by circle and snack. After a visit to the bathroom we all go outside. After lunch, some children stay for nap while others go home to rest.

The Toddler Cottage is a carefully curated environment that has been set up to take advantage of our earliest learners’ natural curiosity and abilities. During work time, children are free to move around the class-room choosing work off the shelves; work options vary as they mature and as the sea-sons change. Children can select work that calls to them and stay with it as long as they like. Little children love repetition. It is the key to their mastery of their own learning.

What are the teachers doing? We may guide a child to help them make a good choice, give lessons on materials, offer encour-agement or ask questions that deepen a child’s exploration. You might hear, “Oh, a tower! Can you build it a different way?” It is our intention that children have time to explore and move at their own pace without interruptions from adults so that they can develop concentration and learn to stay with projects until they feel like they are complete. The opportunity to work without interruption is the beginning of time man-agement and leaves children space to listen to their own needs.

At circle, we come together as a whole class. We sing songs, recite poems, play games, and have lessons on materials. We also talk about taking turns, being a friend, holidays, birthdays and anything that comes up. With some games we play, children get a chance to talk and dance in front of a group. This is the seed of public speaking that gets nurtured and developed throughout the Marin Horizon curriculum. With singing and recitation of poems we experience the beauty of language, expand our vocabularies, develop the muscles of the face, lips and tongue that create clear speech, and learn to memorize. We discuss

By CATHERINE HILLS, HEAD TEACHER, TODDLER PROGRAM

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a dayiN thE liFEOF thE tOddlErCOttagE

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concepts like colors and numbers, germ theory, and the rotation of the earth around the sun.

Children are like sponges, they are learning all the time, not just during “work time” or when adults are giving direct instructions. Every transition, every interaction with a teacher, a peer or a visitor is an opportunity to learn social skills. At snack time we learn to talk to each other, how to clean up, how to try new foods, how to have table man-ners including asking politely for more and thanking the person who brought snack.

Sometimes we talk about what happened earlier in the day and sometimes we con-nect about ways we are the same and differ-ent. “I have a baby at my house, too.”

While we do cover some topics that sound academic (counting, names of letters, seasons, colors, parts of a tree, and Martin Luther King) we are looking for ways to support the cognitive and physical struc-tures that are key to continued learning in school. Children need to be able to sit and stand, walk and run comfortably so they can sit and listen with ease. They need to have the muscle strength to manipulate pencils and scissors, learn to manage their emotions, attention, and focus in a variety of situations. They need to think for themselves and feel confident that they can succeed even in the face of challenges.

Our Toddler program allows for lots of fun, exploration and independence, yet en-courages and promotes the growth of the skills and attitudes that allow our children to become great students and citizens of the world.

No wonder little children nap. They accom-plish so much in only four hours!

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Every year, as I put pen to paper (fingers to keys!) and start to pull together donor and volunteer lists and reach out to Alumni for updates for On the Horizon, I simply marvel at the level of generosity that they reveal. We are so lucky to have such a sup-portive and engaged community — current and alumni families, Trustees, Faculty and Staff, grandparents and friends — and I am proud to be able to acknowledge everyone here. For your donations, for your hours of volunteer work, for your kind words and for giving us the gift of educat-ing your children. Thank you!

In this issue, you will find updates about our strong financial position which we owe to your support and the diligence and careful stewardship we practice as an institution. I would like to especially thank my stellar ’13–’14 Development Chair, Andrea Elkort, along with Horizon Fund Co-Chairs Lizelle Green and Tatem Read. In 2013, we brought back the Phone-a-thon to great success, stood out front and reminded people how important their

support is, and moved the needle on parent participation up to 82%.

Further thanks go to Bari Cessna, who as Parent Association President, brought her own fresh perspective on parent/school relations. And no year would be complete without our Annual Art Auction, deftly co-chaired by Marcy Rush, Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey and Samira Willson (see next page for more!).

Over the next few pages you will find information about our finances, as well as the names of the many generous donors who choose to support our students and programs.

We couldn’t do what we do without each one of you.

Thank you!

lyla maxDirector of Development

we are grateful!

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auction highlightsThe 2014 Annual Art Auction, Calypso, was a record-breaking success! Held once again at the Corinthian Club in Tiburon, we had our highest attendance ever, and raised $189,178 in support of teacher salaries, professional develop-ment, and tuition assistance.

Our three co-chairs, Marcy Rush, Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey and Samira Willson (pictured above, top left), put on an elegant, Caribbean-themed night with steel drums, jerk chicken and signature Calypso Sun and Marina Mojito cocktails. The weather cooperated once again, and we enjoyed beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay while bidding on silent auction items and parties. New this year, the Wine Toss promoted a healthy com-petition and promised some great prizes!

Later, the Live Auction and Fund-a-Need, emceed by our very own Middle School Language Arts teacher, Danny Scuderi, helped make the evening a rousing suc-cess. This year’s Fund-a-Need supported the founding of our new Field of Dreams program that allows us to take our 3rd-8th grade P.E. classes to our local public parks for expanded programming, and frees up much-needed space here on campus for our youngest learners to spread out during their P.E. class time.

Of course, we have to thank the 60+ volunteers who supported the co-chairs. We had every skill set represented — overall management, design, branding, business development, finance, event planning, video production, you name it. We couldn’t be any more grateful!

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Marin horizon StateMent of activitieS School Year 2013-2014

This issue of On the Horizon was produced by Marin Horizon’s Development Office and includes all gifts received between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014. In preparing this report, every effort was made to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

If there is an omission or an error in spelling, please accept our apology and notify Lyla Max, lmax@marinhorizon.org.

2010-11 Revenue 2010-11 Expenses

2010-11 Revenue 2010-11 Expenses

Revenue Amount Percent

Tuition & Fees $7,553,220 95%Daycare, Enrichment, LSP 493,115 6%Investment Income 238,667 3%Summer Camp 152,761 2%Fund Raising 677,012 8%Other Income 36,866 0%Less Tuition Assistance -1,158,839 -14%

Total Revenue net of tuition assistance 7,992,802 100%

exPenses Amount Percent

Personnel $4,959,881 62%Plant & Transportation 551,652 7%Program 675,212 8%Operations & Overhead 548,457 7%Loan/Mortgage Costs 775,430 10% Depreciation 527,175 7%

Total Expenses 8,037,807 100%

Fund Raising

Other Income

Tuition & Fees

2010-11 Revenue 2010-11 Expenses

2010-11 Revenue 2010-11 Expenses

Loan/Mortgage Costs Program

Plant & Transport Operations & Overhead

Personnel

We are grateful to the many parents, Trustees, Faculty, Staff, grandparents, friends, foundations and corporations that support Marin Horizon.

2013–2014Horizon Fund Participation

We are very proud to have again reached 100% participation from our Trustees, Faculty and Staff.

FOundeR$10,000+

AnonymousNina and Christopher Buchbinder*Beth and Neil Cherry+

Jennifer Fitch McNerney and Patrick McNerneyGale and Jon LoveThe Schow Foundation*Sally and Bill Van Ingen*

BeneFACTOR$5,000–$9,999

Abby Adlerman Platter and Brian PlatterAnonymous (2)*+

Andrea and Daniel Elkort*Nancy and Jarom FawsonNina Frank+

Louisa and Andrew Gloger*Reed Maltzman and Jennifer Gosselin+

Diana and Scott Greenstone*Kristine Jaeger*Rebecca and Christopher Lien*Susan Sakmar and Kirk Hobbs*Catherine and Greg Stern*Marina and Alan TerpinsKathryn Van Dyke and Doug Grant*

dIReCTOR’s CIRCLe$2,500–$4,999

Sarah Chao and Chris Downing*Jennifer and Craig Croteau*Lizelle and Martin GreenDyer Grote and Rob Edington*Gerry Hansen*Karyn Hillman and Timothy Dixon+

Stephen Jaeger*Angie and Noah KnaufSnezana and Thomas Larsen+

Lauren and Paul Levitan*Natalie and Richard Loggins+

Ashley and Elvin MacDonaldTrigg and Bill McLeod*Nicole and Andrew McWhorter*Elizabeth and Michael Mooney*Suzanne Passalacqua and Peter Gobos+

Dara and Scott Potter+

Tatem and Morgan Read+

Julie and Narendra RocherolleAnne and James SmithMona Steinberg*Annie Williams and Harry Shulman*Matt Wyman and Jacqui Lopez-WymanPam and John Zissimos

LeAdeRshIP CIRCLe$1,000–$2,499

Anonymous*Susan Baker+

Candice and Todd BarkerHannelore Barnes and Bruce Pflaum*Barbara Brown+

Janet Brown-Lewin and Elizabeth Brown-Lewin*Susanne and Paul CarekJoanne Chan and James Kramer*Mary and Todd ClydeSuzanne DiBianca-Lieser and Ted LieserKatie and Jamie DyosCarrie Eagles and Luis Ottley Ed.D.+

Alisa and William EganTay and Matthew FranklinBrad FrazeeKim Gallelli and David Brown+

Allison and David GeislerLivia and Mutahar Glasgow*Natalie and Ian GottsColleen and Hunter Hancock*Amy Hershman and Richard Patterson+

Marlis and Kjartan JansenElizabeth and Kirt JorgensonBill KissingerSusan Kreusch and Kevin Smead*Sharon Lange-Kallweit+

Jennifer and Zephrin LaskerSonia Lee and Alan M. Grumet+

Christine Makuch-Simpson and John Simpson+

Shruti Mathur and Rohit AgarwalPorter MerrimanMrs. Mary R. Morgan+

Andrea Newell and Paul Howe+

Anne and Dean Ornish, M.D.Gabriella Piccioni and Matt KurshSharon Portnoy and Mark Danzig*Mimi Rowe and Chris Rodzewicz*Mary Russell and Nicholas OustMeme and Peter Scherr*usha and Jonathan SchickJade and Charles Schoenhoeft*Stacey Silver and Jonathan yolles*Catherine and Stephen SimonSarah Slaymaker and Ryan SteverRobin and Geoffrey Strawbridge*Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey and Tim KutzkeyMargret and Kevin TrilliRegan and Timothy ural*Michelle Verloop and Robert Ahearn+

Raveewan Vorachard and Steven Pugh*Aimee Westbrook+

Samira and Nicholas Willson+

Susan and Christopher yates*Denise Zanze+

COnTRIBuTOR$500–$999

Nicole Annenberg-Johnson and Allan M. Johnson IIIAnonymous+

Chris Armstrong and Lou Dangles+

Leila Azad and Kaveh AlizadehBari and Sean Cessna*Helena Chaye and Key ShinGwynne Church and Chris BullJosephine and Jay CourantRachel Courtney and Sean ReillyAmy Cunha and John LymbergLauren Cuthbert and David Robinson*Pauline and Bill EganGianna FrazeeJohanna and Michael Gridley*Mr. and Mrs. Robert HermanosBonnie and Bill Hoppin+

Shelly and Brett Horton+

Keith Kallweit*Mira Kim and Darren MalvinJulianne Langley and Albert KunMegan Lisska and Peter BryanMarie and Tom Lyons+

Soyoung Mack and Michael Nash+

Lawrie MottStacy Pasko*

* Donor has given at least five consecutive years. + Donor has given at least three of the last five years.

daycare, enrichment, LsP

summer Camp

Investment Income

20 21

Jade Prospero*Beth and Jonathan Rutchik*Carol Schussler Van WijnenBarbara Sharp and Carl Spitzer+

Dana and Jeff Swisher+

Michael ThompsonTiana Wimmer and Warren Leiden+

Nashara and Scott WisenbakerSally Xu-Plants and J. Daniel Plants+

FRIenduP TO $499

Beth and Dain Anderson*Anonymous (2)Chris Baker+

Cara and Christopher BardeJennifer and Guy Bar-NahumLinda Baron and Thomas LuehrsenEllen BellerSoraya Betterton and Brian urey*Sharman Bonus*Joel Booth*Ana BrisenoAshleigh and Chris Brody+

Edith and Fred BucoyKristen and Louis CommessoAmber CopelandAngelique CraneyMr. and Mrs. Michel CureWilliam DacusHeyward Hare and Dana Dacus-HareWhitney and Lansing DavisMaxine De CookRenee DeCurtisCharlie Denby+

Kitty Desmond+

Faybeth Diamond+

Marcello DiazDebbie DickerLinsly and Chris DonnellyKyle DonohoeLaura Duggan*Michael Duncan and Thomas Richard+

Brenda and Scott Duyan+

O’Dea EdingtonErik EgolChristopher Elbers+

Anjuli Elias ’96Ross ElkinsAngie Evans+

Bethany Freed and Chris ArianKerrilyn Garma*Claire GarwoodKiffany and Marshall GibbsPaul and Constance Goldsmith*Tracy and Felipe GomezAnnie Gordon*Nancy Greenfield+

Cindy Grijalva and Sandra Stone*

Mr. and Mrs. Milton Grijalva+

Susan Guadagno and Al Tommei*Harriet Hayward*Kathleen Hazelton-Leech*Gina and Byron Hector*Chandi and Lewis Hemapala*Catherine Hills and Audrey Borden*Bill HoppinVictoria and Jeremy Huerta-Miller*Merrill and Robert Hunn*Hillery Jaffe-urell*Danielle and David JarvieRachel Kelley+

Amy Keroes and Jeffrey FisherShiriel King AbramsonJohanna Kleppe and Stephen Schneiderman+

Suji Kong and Matthew BennettLois E. Kortum and George W. Mc BrideAngella and Erik KriensAmy KronbergToshiko and Eijun KujoCori Ladd and Michael BeermanEmily and Jamie Land+

William and Margaret LangJennifer LeCoq+

Natalie and Ted LeeVeronica March-Lee and Stevie Lee+

Andrea Lenzi+

Hilary LeveyMeg and Jeremy Levie+

Mr. Andrew LienMr. and Mrs. Anthony LisskaKristin and Todd Lorenz+

Christina Mace Turner and Alex Turner*Daniela and Michael Manning*Lyla Max and Thomas Paffel+

Sharon and Stephen Mayo*Curtis McCreadyMichelle and Michael McCulloch+

Ashley Mevi and Kevin KneafseyKate Milliken and Adam KarstenVictor Morales and Sharon Halpern+

Lorelei Morris*Mattie NaythonsJesse Pearson*Jacqui Pearson Long+

Maria and Joe PennyLys and Robert PlotkinAnne Porter-Roth*Maureen Poxon*Diane and James Reed*Jillian and Andy RhineDavid RiversLucy Roberts*Laura Roche+

Amy and Stephen Rosenthal*Jennifer RundMarcy and David Rush+

Cheng SaechaoMary Sample-Mattos+

Alison and yair Schers+

Danny ScuderiLaura Seligsohn and Rich WilliamsKristina and Christopher ShafferPeggy and Leon Sharyon+

Mark Sherburne+

Lois Sheridan*Anna Shubeau+

Jennie and Christopher SkeltonMr. and Mrs. James SkeltonSuzanne Leon and Dan Smiley*Mariko Smiley and Sarn Oliver+

Mr. and Mrs. James SmithColleen SmithSusan SmithJennifer Spielberg*Kathryn Starke+

Dana Sugarman Johnson and Matthew Johnson+

Tenisha Tate+

Karin Taylor and Steve HermanosSarah and Jim TaylorGloria and Mark ThomasGreson TorchioKathleen WaltonTalley and Paul Webb+

Katie and Gene WebbTanya WelikyMs. Susan WelikyCarla Wilkins+

Karen WoodallRachel Wynn and Van Wilshire+

Lyndsay yuska+

Tom Zito+

GRAndPARenTs & FRIends

Anonymous (2)+

Barbara Brown+

Walker Brown-Lewin ’16 Alden Brown-Lewin ’22 Noah Brown-Lewin ’22Edith and Fred Bucoy Audrey Green ’19 Devon Green ’20 Angelique Craney Alexander Pasko ’15 Benjamin Pasko ’17Mr. and Mrs. Michel Cure Kaz Cure ’25 William Dacus Alonzo Hare ’20 William Hare ’24 Pauline and Bill Egan Brooks Egan ’24Nancy Greenfield+

Alonzo Hare ’20 William Hare ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Milton Grijalva+

Aidan Stone-Grijalva ’16 Liam Stone-Grijalva ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hermanos Ansel Hermanos ’21Bonnie and Bill Hoppin+

William Hoppin ’14 Griffin Hoppin ’18Merrill and Robert Hunn*Toshiko and Eijun Kujo Kaia Land ’22 Maxwell Land ’19 Karen Larson Isabella Larson ’23 Reese Larson ’25Mr. Andrew Lien Daniel Lien ’17Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lisska James Bryan ’25 Victor Morales and Sharon Halpern+

Alexandra Stone ’11 Natasha Stone ’17Maria and Joe Penny Noah Penny ’22 Andrew Penny ’24 Mr. and Mrs. James Skelton Rawlings Skelton ’25 Reid Skelton ’26Mr. and Mrs. James Smith William Smith ’16 Michael ThompsonKatie and Gene Webb Carter Read ’24 James Read ’26Ms. Susan Weliky Jasmine Weliky-Bermudez ’21

ALuMnI & ALuMnI FAMILIes

Beth and Dain Anderson*Chris Armstrong and Lou Dangles+

Kristen and Louis CommessoFaybeth Diamond+

Debbie DickerO’Dea Edington ’12Christopher Elbers+

Anjuli Elias ’96Paul and Constance Goldsmith*Annie Gordon*Harriet Hayward*Kathleen Hazelton-Leech*Hillery Jaffe-urell*Shiriel King Abramson ’12Lois E. Kortum and George W. Mc BrideWilliam and Margaret LangCurtis McCready ’90Michelle and Michael McCulloch+

Lorelei Morris*Lawrie Mott+

Mattie Naythons ’09Jesse Pearson ’86*

Jacqui Pearson Long+

Lys and Robert PlotkinAnne Porter-Roth*Maureen Poxon*Diane and James Reed*Jillian and Andy RhineThe Schow Foundation*Carol Schussler Van WijnenPeggy and Leon Sharyon+

Mark Sherburne+

Lois Sheridan*Anna Shubeau+

Jennifer Spielberg*Kathryn Starke+

Dana and Jeff Swisher+

Sarah and Jim TaylorKathleen WaltonLyndsay yuska+

FACuLTy & sTAFF

Beth and Dain Anderson*Chris Baker+

Ellen BellerSharman Bonus*Joel Booth*Ashleigh and Chris Brody+

Kristen and Louis CommessoAmber CopelandHeyward Hare and Dana Dacus-HareMaxine De CookRenee DeCurtisCharlie Denby+

Kitty Desmond+

Marcello DiazDebbie DickerKyle DonohoeLaura DugganCarrie Eagles and Luis Ottley Ed.D.+

Erik EgolChristopher Elbers+Anjuli Elias ’96Ross ElkinsAngie Evans+

Claire GarwoodAnnie Gordon*Susan Guadagno and Al Tommei*Harriet Hayward*Kathleen Hazelton-Leech*Chandi and Lewis Hemapala*Catherine Hills and Audrey Borden*Victoria and Jeremy Huerta-Miller*Merrill and Robert Hunn*Hillery Jaffe-urell*Rachel Kelley+

Amy KronbergVeronica March-Lee and Stevie Lee+

Andrea Lenzi+

Hilary LeveyKristin and Todd Lorenz+

Lyla Max and Thomas PaffelMichelle and Michael McCulloch+

Lorelei Morris*Anne Porter-Roth*Maureen Poxon*David RiversLucy Roberts*Jennifer RundCheng SaechaoMary Sample-Mattos+

Alison and yair Schers+

Danny ScuderiMark Sherburne+

Lois Sheridan*Anna Shubeau+

Colleen SmithSusan SmithJennifer Spielberg*Kathryn Starke+

Greson TorchioCarla Wilkins+

Karen WoodallLyndsay yuska+

CORPORATe, FOundATIOn, dOnOR AdvIsed Funds & MATChInG GIFTs

American Endowment FoundationApple Matching Gifts ProgramArtisan Partners Limited PartnershipAutodesk Matching Gifts Program–uSABlackrock Matching Gift Program (2)Fidelity Charitable Gift FundFidelity Foundation Matching Gifts to Education ProgramGap Foundation Matching Gift ProgramHawthorn PNC Family WealthJewish Community Endowment FundJewish Community FederationLove Family Charitable FundMarsh & McLennan Companies Matching Gifts ProgramMCM FoundationR.S. Evans Foundation, Inc.Salesforce Foundation (2)Schwab Charitable Fund (3)The Benevity Community Impact Fund/Apple Inc.The Benevity Community Impact Fund/GenentechThe Benevity Community Impact Fund/GoogleThe Clorox Company Foundation Employee Giving CampaignThe Hanley FoundationThe Schow Foundationunited Way of the Bay AreaWells Fargo FoundationWoodbury Foundation

* Donor has given at least five consecutive years. + Donor has given at least three of the last five years.

2322

FUND-A-NEED

The 2014 Fund-a-Need was a great success, raising $85,000 towards our new Field of Dreams program, which allows us to take 3rd –8th grade students to local parks for extended P.E. classes, while also freeing up much needed space on campus for our youngest students to enjoy during their own P.E. classes. Thank you to the many parents and friends who supported this innovative program!

AnonymousSusanne and Paul CarekHelena Chaye and Key ShinSarah Chao and Chris DowningLauren Cuthbert and David RobinsonJaime and Katie DyosAndrea and Daniel ElkortJohn and Megan EsreyNina FrankAllison and David GeislerJennifer Gosselin and Reed MaltzmanDiana and Scott GreenstoneCindy Grijalva and Sandra StoneDyer Grote and Rob EdingtonColleen and Hunter HancockShari and Bjarne HansenKaryn Hillman and Tim Dixon

Kristine JaegerStephen JaegerDanielle and David JarvieLiz and Kirt JorgensonAmy Keroes and Jeffrey FisherJohanna Kleppe and Stephen SchneidermanSusan Kreusch and Kevin SmeadJenny and Zephrin LaskerJenny LeCoqSonia Lee and Al GrumetRebecca and Christopher LienNatalie and Richard LogginsJacqui Lopez-Wyman and Matt WymanGale and Jon LoveKayvan MalekLyla Max and Tom PaffelTrigg and Bill McLeodNicole and Andrew McWhorterGillian and Cliff MishalkoCarrie Eagles and Luis Ottley, Ed.D.Hanne Barnes and Bruce PflaumTatem and Morgan ReadJulie and Narendra RocherolleMary Russell and Nicolas OustBeth and Jonathan RutchikSusan Sakmar and Kirk HobbsPeter and Meme ScherrJade and Charles SchoenhoeftRoger and Susan SchowStacey Silver and Jon yollesCatherine and Greg SternRobin and Geoff StrawbridgeLisa Tenorio-Kutzkey and Tim KutzkeyKathryn Van Dyke and Doug GrantMichelle Verloop and Robert AhernSamira and Nick WillsonTiana Wimmer and Warren LeidenRachel Wynne and Van Wilshire

8TH GRADE LEGACy GIFT

Last year, we asked our Class of 2014 students themselves to take responsibilty for their class gift — to great success! We worked with the class throughout the year to help them understand their role as future alumni/ae and stewards of our school, and together they put together the inaugural 8th Grade vs. Faculty Wiffle Ball Game (the 8th graders won!). It was a fun afternoon filled with school spirit and pride, and they raised over $700 towards the Class of 2014 Legacy Gift to the endowment!

GreGor Avison ’88

Gregor got married last summer to Jennifer Case. They live in Colorado with their two daughters, Chloe and Tessa. Gregor is a restaurant and educational consultant.

“Marin Horizon School will always be a home for me, a place where I feel safe and loved, and a community filled with people who are passionate about teaching and learning.”

sArAh JAnoff-Brinn ’99

From Marin Hori-zon School, Sarah attended Marin Academy and then Bates College for her undergraduate

degree, and says her time at both were well supported by the foundation she had built during her time at Marin Horizon, which

“instilled in me a love of learning, taught me that school can be fun, and made me feel confident in myself as a student.”

After graduating from Bates, Sarah moved to New York City where she began working with foster children in the South Bronx and eventually pursued a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work at Columbia University.

About 10 months ago, Sarah moved back to California and last June, she spoke at Mov-ing On – her first visit in 11 years! “Walking onto the campus, I saw familiar faces and the smiles of teachers and administrators who had been instrumental in supporting me both in my academic development and in my personal/emotional growth. I felt like I had come home.”

In October, Sarah married Lior Brinn, an attorney, at the Outdoor Art Club in Mill

Valley. While they haven’t had time for a honeymoon yet, they’re hoping to get to Europe next year.

“Marin Horizon School will always be a home for me, a place where I feel safe and loved, and a community filled with people who are passionate about teaching and learning. I strongly believe my decision to enter into the field of clinical social work is directly related to my years at Marin Horizon and I take my responsibility as an alumna very seriously. I strongly believe in the school’s mission and philosophy and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of such a dynamic, innovative, loving, and spe-cial school for so many years and hopefully for many years to come in the future.”

“you’d be surprised how far Beth’s adage, ‘be nice, don’t be mean,’ can take you.

JAck schow ’02

Since graduation from Marin Horizon, Jack has called both the East and West Coasts home. After high school at Marin Academy, he went

on to get his degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. Once back in the Bay Area, he began his career in commercial photog-raphy, working primarily with furniture and home goods companies, and learning to appreciate just how hard it can be to make a throw pillow look good!

But he was once again lured back east to New York City, “the country’s capital for all things photographic,” where he continues to hone his craft and follow his true passion: making pictures of people. He has worked on a wide range of shoots, for clients

“We give what we can because we believe wholly in Marin Horizon School. The gift our kids are given here is building the strongest of foundations for the future of their education. At Marin Horizon they are bathed in a learning style which is shaping their lives and the way they look at the world and approach learning. This is a gift they will rely on daily as they move through higher education and guide them to be successful adults.”

regAn & tImothy urAl chAse ’19, gAbrIelle ’16, tImo ’22

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including Martha Stewart, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, the New York Jets, Bloomingdales, Saks, the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Vogue.com.

He is also fortunate to be learning more about his craft from two of modern pho-tography’s masters, Martin Schoeller and Annie Leibovitz. “Having the chance to learn from my heroes is a truly humbling experience, and gives me pause to consider how lucky I am to be here doing what I love. I have found that a basic ability to work co-operatively together with others and just to be kind is an anomaly that is noticed. You’d be surprised how far Beth’s adage, ‘be nice, don’t be mean,’ can take you.”

nick Dietz ’04

This fall, Nick start-ed medical school at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, and is looking forward to dissecting a cadaver

and learning body physiology, along with American History and Government. He will be attending the 2014 Society for Neuro-science Conference to learn more about the new trends of applying neuroscience research to improving clinical health out-comes and promoting the creation of medi-cal technologies — an area he’s passionate about and hopes to contribute to himself one day soon! “As much as I miss California and Mill Valley,” he says, “it’s been a great adventure so far.”

Greer Gurewitz ’11

Greer is a senior at Redwood High School, who is ap-plying to colleges where she can study neuroscience. She is currently taking

Honor Biomed, where she got to interview professionals in her chosen field, and will do an internship next semester. The high- light so far has been getting to hold, observe and diagnose a human brain!

“Even now, I’m still feeling the strong roots Marin Horizon gave me,” she says. “In my AP Biology class, we started the year dis- cussing organism classification and my teacher was pretty impressed with my imme-diate knowledge of binomial nomenclature.”

emmA mccArthy

Emma, a senior at Redwood High School, where she specializes in the 100, 200 and 500 yard freestyle, is currently training nine times

a week in preparation for the 2014 Winter Junior National Championships. Next year, she will attend University of Arizona, where she was accepted early and will compete with the Wildcats who finished in eighth place at the 2014 NCAA Division I Women’s Championship. She plans to study business at the Eller College of Management.

Emma says that she is really enjoying her senior year and is taking a lot of interesting classes, her favorite being AP Biology. This year, she is also working with the special education department at Redwood, mostly with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. “I have to say, it’s a truly amazing experience. Looking forward, I couldn’t be more excited for college. I love high school, but I’m definitely ready to start a new chapter of my life. I think that not only Redwood, but Marin Horizon as well have prepared me for the next part of my life. Despite my being ready for college, I am trying as hard as I can to live in the moment and embrace these last few months at home.”

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SPotliGht on: Amie schow ’04

After Marin Horizon, Amie pursued the arts at Marin Academy and The Oxbow School in high school, and continued to pursue art and fashion in college at Rhode Island School of Design and Woodbury university.

During her sophomore year of college she turned her atten-tion to fashion design, which ultimately became her major and the focus of her recent senior thesis, for which she

created a five look line of high end women’s separates inspired by Native American culture. The line, named Native Tongue, was a response to a recent “Native American” trend in fashion, but with its own twist. Amie made an effort to portray the essence of this culture in a respectful, culturally and socially aware manner.

After graduation, Amie used Kickstarter to crowd fund a short fashion film of the same name. She recently screened Native Tongue at the Miami Fashion Film Festival.

Amie is currently a freelance wardrobe stylist and designer in Los Angeles and continues to build her website (www.amieschow.com), which offers a curated blend of new and vintage art and fashion, and where you can also see Native Tongue.

“It’s been ten awesome years since I graduated — ten years filled with art, education, and tons of new experiences. I feel really lucky to have been exposed to so much art and creative, hands-on education at Marin Horizon.”

Pictured above: pieces from Amie’s recent collection, Native Tongue

’11

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Preston crowe Preston, a student at San Rafael High School, was recently awarded a Certifi-cate of Congressio-nal Recognition in honor of winning

the first-ever House Student App Challenge, which was established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013 as a nationwide event that invites high school students to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. It is designed to promote innovation and engagement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education fields.

Preston won for his game, “Stealth Square,” which he coded for his first semester final for his Introduction to Computer Program-ming class. Congressman Jared Huff-man presented the Certificate in person. Preston’s app will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website and on display in a U.S. Capitol exhibit alongside apps from each participating congressional district.

shiriel kinG-ABrAmson ’12

Shiriel, who fondly remembers “the small classes and warm, fuzzy environment of Marin Horizon,” went on to Redwood High School where, she says, her “favorite parts of school are writing and copy editing for The Redwood Bark, the school’s newspa-per.” She is also studying Spanish literature. She is finding the work of sophomore year challenging but meaningful.

Outside of school she tap dances at Happy Feet Dance School and plays flute with the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra; she also teaches private lessons in both, as well as tutoring 6th and 7th graders who are

preparing for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Shiriel is a fellow with the Diller Teen Fel-lows Program, an immersive leadership program for 10th and 11th graders.

emilie sklAr ’12

Emilie Sklar is currently a ju-nior at the Urban School, where she is a member of the Student Admissions and Community

Outreach Committees. “I have had an abso-lutely great experience at Urban so far!” she says of the San Francisco high school. When not at school, Emilie can be found at Planet Granite where she is on the climbing team with three other Marin Horizon alumni; she will be competing in the USA climbing competition series this year.

Recently, Emilie and group of Marin Hori-zon alumnae revived their old soccer team and had “an extremely fun season” play-ing Mill Valley recreational soccer. Emilie says that she is really enjoying both the academic and social aspects and opportu-nities at Urban and has “found that Marin Horizon prepared me incredibly well for high school.”

shosi hAnsen ’13

Shosi is a sophomore at The Branson School. As a freshman she enjoyed tak-ing Environmental Science and Roots of Civilization, the latter especially because

“she had previously studied similar topics in sixth grade and was able to stay ahead in the class.” In Environmental Science, she could see the connections between the class and the real world, which Mo Poxon, our Middle School Science teacher has always encouraged. The similar teaching styles and love for teaching at Marin Horizon and Branson helped make

26

SPotliGht on: hAnnAh schwAlbe ’05

“When I think back on Marin Horizon I remember celebrating Earth Day, camping at Gualala, and partaking in a magic circle or two. But really what comes to mind is harder to describe than any one memory and is more of a feeling.

The first day I walked into middle school I was a shy and unconfident kid when Beth Anderson looked me in the eyes and told me I was going to be the first female president. That’s

a lot to absorb as an 11 year old but the best thing anyone could have said. Nothing has made me more confident than someone else’s unyielding belief in me. Nothing made me work harder than wanting to be the person that somebody else believed I could be.

Beth was not the only one inspiring students to be their best. Each teacher pushed us enough that we got to the right place, without pushing so much that we resented it. (I have no idea how they managed this accomplishment; the teachers must all take psychology classes be-fore starting to work at Marin Horizon!) Somewhere around 7th grade I figured out that I had no interest in politics, but my confidence and drive remained and pulled me more and more towards the sciences.

My career started my junior year of college when I got a summer job as a wildlife biologist for Glacier National Park. My official job title was Biological Science Technician — leave it to the government to make the best job in the world sound boring. That summer I collected data on endangered and critical wildlife in the park. During the weekday I was paid to hike and observe animals, which is exactly what I did on my weekends as well. My data was used to help the park create the right policies to protect its wildlife. What more could an “outdoors-y” girl ask for?

After Glacier, I graduated with a degree in environmental science from Northwestern univer-sity. Last year I decided to take a big jump across the Atlantic Ocean to Bioko Island, in the little known West African country of Equatorial Guinea, working for the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program. Bioko Island is a paradise. Imagine thousands of acres of land untouched by modern society. No roads, no cars, no people for miles around. Pristine forests and beach-es sprawling in both directions, monkeys hanging in trees and thousands and thousands of sea turtles.

I primarily studied three critically endangered species, leatherback turtles, green turtles and drill monkeys, the lesser known cousins of mandrills. During the dry season, The Gulf of Guinea is home to the second largest nesting sight for leatherback turtles in the world. At night they heave their bodies out of the water and up onto the beach to lay their eggs. In the photo above I am chasing after a rare green turtle that was late returning to the ocean after nesting. I was able to snatch a photo with her as the sun rose.

After six months the turtles leave, and the monkeys start to move around more to prepare for the wet season, and so I moved on too. Now I work for a whale watch in Maine which collabo-rates with an organization called Allied Whale that focuses on humpback whale research.

It’s cliché, but it can’t be said enough, if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life. Finding out what you love can be a winding, twisting path but I can’t imagine a better place to start than at Marin Horizon. The school doesn’t close any doors, it only opens them. When asked to write a little bit about myself, I didn’t know what to say. Really all I want to express is a big, heartfelt thank you.”

’12

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ALUMNIthe transition from middle school to high school seem easier to Shosi.

As a freshman, Shosi also started row-ing and going from not having previously played a sport to practice six days a week for two and a half hours a day was a big change. Nonetheless she survived, and thrived, and is now rowing on the varsity squad. She discovered that her Marin Horizon orga-nizational skills came in handy. “I had to learn to be very efficient and stay extremely organized. I never thought that planner I got in fourth grade would actually be helpful past middle school, but I wouldn’t have survived without it.”

mAc lyons ’13

Mac, who is continuing to play basketball at Marin Academy, has also recently joined the Country Club Bowl League in San Rafael

— what started as a fun summer activity turned into a stint on the local league! He is also in Marin Academy’s production of The Good Person of Szechwan. And while it’s hard to fit in homework, a play, sports and bowling, he says he was well-prepared at Marin Horizon for life in high school.

If you’ve got an adventure to share, an updated address, news about college, career, family, or anything you think we’d like to hear, or if you’re interested in becoming a class captain or joining the Alumni Council, please contact Bev Boorman at bboorman@marinhorizon.org or 415.388.8408 ext. 234.

Alumni CouncilJesse Pearson ’86, ChairBev BoormanAshley Goldsmith ’97Susan Schow (Amie ’04, Jack ’02, Sam ’02)Robin Strawbridge (Angus ’12, Forrest ’15)Dana Swisher (Henry ’07, Peter ’10, Kate ’12)

“Nothing has made me more confi-dent than someone else’s unyielding belief in me. Nothing made me work harder than wanting to be the person that somebody else believed I could be.”HannaH ScHwalbe ’05

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MuMS of aluMSOn Sunday, April 27, 2014, a group of about 21 Mums of Alums gathered for a lovely brunch at Piatti to reminisce and catch up. We had mums of alums from as far back as 1990 and as recent as last year — what a great tribute to Marin Horizon’s history!

SPotliGht on: Ashley Goldsmith ’97

“After graduating from Marin Horizon School, I was eager to look ahead. I was more concerned with starting fresh in high school, than thinking about how sad it was to leave the only school I had ever known. My focus was completely on my present and future — not on processing the past twelve years of my life. Now with more perspective, I see that Marin Horizon is a very significant part of my past, present, and future.

Over the past few years, I have chosen to contribute, participate, and grow with the school in a number of ways. I am a member of the Alumni Council, I have been a substitute teacher and teaching aide, and was once a chaperone for Gualala. I believe this is evidence that our school stays with us after graduation. We may move on to other institutions and communities, but Marin Horizon remains part of the essence of our being. It is integrated into our souls whether we realize it or not! This realization is significant because it proves that Marin Horizon graduates have compassion, a sense of connection to the world, an insatiable curiosity, and a desire to give back.

The lessons, experiences, friendships, and challenges from my time at Marin Horizon have stayed with me and have informed much of who I am today — and I know that I am not alone in my continued commitment to the Marin Horizon community. I started thinking about all of the graduates whom I keep track of on social media (and in real life!) and realized just how many of them have returned in various ways. Just in my small network, I know alumni who have become teachers, substitutes, chaperones, contracted artists, Alumni Council members, staff, and summer camp counselors for Marin Horizon. This school leaves a lasting impression on all of us — parents, students, faculty and staff. I for one, am forever grateful for the many gifts that Marin Horizon has bestowed upon me.”

“The lessons, experiences, friendships, and challenges from my time at Marin Horizon have stayed with me and have informed much of who I am today — and I know that I am not alone in my continued commitment to the Marin Horizon community.”

Photo at left: Hillery Jaffe-urell, Luis Ottley, Lawrie Mott. Photos this page, clockwise from top: 1) Alletta Bayer, Nancy Saarman, Susan Schow 2) Devi Brown, Connie Goldsmith, Mo Poxon 3) Catherine Cox, Mona Steinberg, Mo Poxon 4) Annie Gordon, Simone Jordan, Nancy Saarman 5) Linda McCready, Simone Jordan, Cate Elston

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aluMni reunion SPrinG 2014CHRIS BAKER AND JOEL BOOTH, ENVIRONMENTAL

AND OuTDOOR EDuCATION

Marin Horizon’s Environmental and Out-door Education Department has developed a strong connection with our alumni, and over the years our program has grown and thrived, in part, due to their involvement. Be it Sam Schow ’02 guiding middle school adventures to Tomales Bay and to Lake Tahoe, or Shayna Lee ’10 and Christina Fallone ’10 joining us as guides-in-training on our 8th grade Lake Tahoe trip, or Simone Wainwright ’11 on a day hiking trip, having alumni share their wisdom from their experiences in high school, college and beyond, is priceless.

Between Joel Booth, our resident Yosemite big wall climber, and the many expert rock climbers in our alumni community, we knew a day of climbing at San Francisco’s Planet Granite was in order for our alumni reunion last spring. Aidan Linscott, ’12, Emily Sklar, ’12 and Sofia Miller, ’12, (all members of the Planet Granite Climbing Team) joined a group of 10 other alumni for a fun day on the walls.

After eating breakfast and some catching up on campus, the group boarded our Adven-ture bus into the City. We had every level of climber in the group — from competitive to first-time climbers strapping on a harness and lacing up climbing shoes for the first time, yet every one of these Marin Horizon alumni had fun and challenged themselves that day!

The afternoon’s activity provided a wonder-ful venue for friendships to be rekindled and a forum to reconnect with the Marin Horizon community. We look forward to future out-ings in our quest to bring people together through shared experiences!

Eighth grade is a transitional and transformational year. For many of our students who are getting ready to move from their day-to-day life at Marin Horizon, this is the last in a 12-year experience! Even for those who

have not been here since their Toddler year, it can be a bittersweet time – our students form strong bonds with each other and our faculty, and though they are certainly ready to spread their wings and fly away, they will always be Marin Horizon students.

This year we asked Eva Kranefuss (pictured above) to give some insights about her last year at Marin Horizon, and her transition into 9th grade at Marin Academy. Below are her answers, and don’t miss her poignant poem on the following page.

What was your favorite part of 8th grade?

My favorite part of 8th grade was the sweat lodge at Redwood Glen. It was a bonding moment for our class. We acknowledged that we had had our ups and downs but at that moment, there was no drama, no judgment.

Fondest memory of Marin Horizon School?

Hiking Mt. Tam in 6th grade. It rained and it hailed and we all bonded and had a lot of fun. We all realized that complaining wasn’t going to help so instead we talked, sang songs, and just had a lot of fun.

Most challenging part of 8th grade?

I think the most challenging part of 8th grade was trying to avoid “senioritis.” Once I got into high school, I wasn’t as driven to get my homework done or even get good grades. I had to push myself really hard to keep my grades up because I was lacking motivation.

Describe your experience of the high school application process. Was it hard? Scary? Stressful? Fun? Did you like the process?

The high school application process was hard but fun. It was hard to write the ap-plications because they had to be my very best. I spent a lot of time writing them but I think I did very well. It was also fun be-cause I got to tell the schools who I thought I was and I think it opened my eyes up to who I am as a student and a person.

What were you most concerned about in going into 9th grade?

My main concern was making friends. Since I had been at Marin Horizon for 9 years, I had never needed to make too many new friends. Being at Marin Acad-emy, I had to make a whole new set of friends who like me for who I am. I was very scared that nobody would accept me but I was wrong, and I was able to find a whole group of friends who are just as wacky as I am!

In what ways did Marin Horizon prepare you for 9th grade?

Marin horizon prepared me for high school very well. I was taught certain skills like annotating and problem solving which I use a lot. Marin Horizon also taught me to

eiGhth Grade and beyond

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be curious, always do my best work, and get help when I need it. This helped me keep good grades during my transition into high school.

How was your transition into 9th grade? And how is 9th grade now that you’ve had a few months to settle in?

My transition into ninth grade was very easy. I kept good grades and already knew many of the skills that my new teach-ers were trying to teach me. Now that I have been in high school for a couple of months, I feel much more comfortable. I understand how to keep a balance between school and friends.

Anything else you want us to know about being a Marin Horizon 8th grader and getting into high school?

I always thought eighth grade and the transition into high school would be hard but Marin Horizon made it easy. The application process was a breeze and the transition was easy and painless.

Where I’m FromEva Kranefuss ’14

I am from bindersFrom staples and pens that always seem to get lostI am from the tiny campus(small, happy, and filled with laughter)I am from wood chipsThe woodchips that hurt your bare feet and knees when you fellI am from pajama day and smart alecksFrom Anderson and OttleyI’m from the social awkwardness and total klutzinessFrom “Because I don’t like you” and “It’s too late baby now, it’s too late”I’m from all are created equal and the most socially acceptable place on the planetI’m from Mill Valley and 35 years,Burritos and pizzaFrom Danny’s dinosaurs and daily hugs from BethIn my bookshelf lie the yearbooks. Memories saved, frozen in time.My friends, the notes they would leave me and all of the fun and laughter experienced together. Every outdoor education trip and every drop of rain I felt.I am from here, where I grew up and learned

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eighth grade class of 2014We are proud of our graduates and the choices they and their families made for their high school education. We wish you all the best of luck and hope that you stay in touch!

Branson School

Drew School

Marin Academy

Marin Catholic

Redwood High School

San Francisco university High School

St. Paul’s School

Tamalpais High School

The Bay School

The urban School

305 Montford Avenue Mill Valley California 94941 415 388 8408 www.marinhorizon.org