Echoes Winter/Spring 2015

Winter/Spring 2015
POINTS OF INTEREST
SINCE SEPTEMBER:
 More than 100 students enrolled in the
fall representing 18 states and 12
foreign countries.
 2nd Annual Community Classic Car
Show with Amenia Lions Club raises
$3,000 for the Club’s community fund
and $250 for students.
ECHOES
A Publication of Maplebrook School
Back: Dara, Maia, Olivia, Cameron, Wyatt, Ellie, and Malu; Front: Nick, Maya and Jonathan
 26th Auction Gala raises $78,200 for
Phase II of the Capital Campaign
 Fazzone Hall is dedicated on Oct. 24
 50 attend Yale Club reception in NYC
in November and 30 attend reception in
Stamford, CT in March
 Marjorie Finger Hall wins the annual
holiday dorm decorating contest
AGAIN
 Bowling Tournament raises $13,700
 Legacy Society hosts 40 for annual
Parents’ Retreat
 25 MBS alumni cruise together in the
Caribbean
Member of Class of 2015—Heather
William
PAGE 2
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL/CEO
C
haracter values greatly
impact academic performance. Imagine a student
who is careless, irresponsible
and neglectful about academic
assignments yet is willing to
expend an enormous amount of
time perfecting a skill on the
playing fields or chatting on the
internet. This student needs to
acquire the universal virtues of
responsibility and self-discipline
in all aspects of life, not just in
sports or chat rooms. Children
are taught right from wrong at
an early age. As they get older it
becomes more difficult to teach
sound character values when
society allows our children to be
exposed to violence in schools
and in the community.
Parents send their children to
school to obtain a good education, graduate, and take their
places as productive members of
society. Although academics are
very important, experience has
proved that character values
such as respect, caring, trust,
work ethic, responsibility, citizenship, faith and fairness contribute greatly to the future
success of our students.
Educating the mind, body and
soul are among the many
challenges faculty and staff face
daily as they work with our
students at Maplebrook
School. While in the past,
students with learning differences learn the word “can’t”
often before any other, the
Maplebrook students learn that
with hard work, determination,
and encouragement they can
achieve more than they ever
thought possible.
Once students learn these basic
skills, the next step is to provide
the necessary tools to instill selfdiscipline. Clear expectations,
structure, role modeling and
programs such as Responsibility
Increases Self Esteem (R.I.S.E.)
help to foster academic learning
and self-discipline, and teach
students to persevere at difficult
tasks—a precious virtue.
I am proud to stay that our
students are learning, and many
have learned, that work and
perseverance pays off. Character
values truly impact all aspects of
life.
Hard work and diligence will
lead towards achieving goals
large and small, which in turn
leads toward self-confidence.
Donna M. Konkolics
Head of School/CEO
THE “EARTH” WITHOUT ART IS JUST “EH.”
T
hanks to a very generous $500,000 pledge from Tommy Hilfiger, Hilfiger Hall was officially
dedicated last June, but its true essence emerged when students arrived in September. As a
result, the program now offers art classes for both programs with Mr. Jones, theatre with Mr.
Taylor, a choral group with voice and instrumental lessons provided by Ms. Schnarr as well as music
classes and instrumental practice sessions with Ms. Ferrusi.
Work still needs to be completed to improve the existing drama facilities so that a fully operational
performing arts center is provided and we may enhance those opportunities for students as well as add
a separate art gallery. Recently, the school received another $150,000 pledge from an anonymous
donor for this project. Since September, renovation for a separate exterior entrance has been completed and air conditioning/heating units have been installed. Lighting, stage renovations and new audio
equipment will be added during spring break so that the chorus, will
be able to perform in this venue for their first appearance on Grandparents’ Day (May 9th) and in time for Mr. Taylor’s directorial
debut at Maplebrook with the adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s “Our
Town” production in June.
A separate art gallery is also planned to enable the school to host
solo/group art exhibits that will expose students and the northern
Dutchess County community to a myriad of artistic media on a
regular basis. Such exhibits would also feature, celebrate, and enhance awareness of the achievements of current students, alumni,
and regional/local artists with all types of abilities. The Gallery will
also provide space for the School’s annual Kentucky Derby Art
Show which has had exclusive private collections exhibited such as
Andy Warhol, along with approximately 35 local/regional artists.
The Show draws more than 300 people from the surrounding
community and the gallery will be utilized to accommodate similar
types of school events or in conjunction with other organizations.
Ka-Yan
For some students, it doesn't
take long for them to find
their vocational niche. Jenna
Buchholz is new to the postsecondary program this year,
and she came with a desire to
work with animals. Not
knowing her very well or
what skills she may possess,
she was placed in a variety of
work internships to help us
understand more about her.
During this time, Jenna
welcomed the opportunity to
experience different vocational options and learn new
skills, but continued to voice
her desire to work with animals. She appropriately
advocated for herself, negotiated an off-campus placement with a local veterinarian and hasn't looked back.
She does remarkably well
working in the vet office. As
a result, they are increasing
her responsibility and with
this renewed vigor, she will
begin online courses this
semester in animal care.
PAGE 3
WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOLADES
A
thletics at MBS continue to be a strong
and important aspect of boarding
school life. Coaches challenge students
to work hard, stay fit and demonstrate the true
meaning of TEAMWORK and above all else,
SPORTSTMANSHIP! All teams enjoyed
successful seasons, regardless of what the score
board might have indicated and each student
was recognized and applauded for his/her
participation. Some of the recent highlights
included the volleyball team’s record of 2 - 2
with every match going into overtime—in fact,
every match went into overtime. Another highlight centered around the basketball team and
cheerleading squad. The mighty Eagles took
second place in the Maplebrook Invitational
Tournament (M.I.T.) while the C.A.P.S.
basketball team continues to dominate this
sport and still has seven games remaining in
their season. Everyone has demonstrated resiliency and great sportsmanship throughout and
we couldn't be more proud of our student
athletes, including those dedicated equestrians
who traveled to the barn and rode indoors in
some pretty cold weather conditions.
FALL SPORTS:
WINTER SPORTS:
Field Hockey
Most Improved Player – Aisha Simonette
Most Valuable Player – Anastasia Goldsmith
Basketball
Most Improved Player – Will Singer
Most Valuable Player – Marin Bon-Mardion
Equestrian
Most Improved Rider – Madeline Hartzog
Most Valuable Rider – Aditya Wittenberg
Equestrian
Most Improved Rider – Jeffrey Lopez
Most Valuable Rider – Mathilde Hilliard
Soccer
Most Improved Player – Katie Merlin
Most Valuable Player – Rodrigo Meneses
Cheerleading
Most Improved – Madeline Hartzog
Most Valuable Player – Jessica Lerman
Cross Country
Most Improved Player – Maxim Boslow
Most Valuable Player – Dayton Tooman
Swimming
Most Improved Player – Lucia Dorley
Most Valuable Player – Michael Price
Volleyball
Most Improved Player – Taylor Evers
Most Valuable Player – Anastasia Goldsmith
The fall and winter athletic seasons have
officially come to a close, each season culminating with a celebratory dinner and ceremony
in Whalen Hall. Faculty and students were
joined by several parents to recognize the
accomplishments of each team and each
student as every individual athlete received a
certificate of participation after the dinner.
Coaches then recognized those students who
made the most improvement in their chosen
sport as well as those who excelled on the
team. Those who received the Most Valuable
Player (M.V.P.) recognition in a competitive
sport also receive a $1,000 scholarship towards
the 2015-2016 tuition and are presented with
this award at a special ceremony at the end of
the year.
Back: Mattie, Michael, Will, Jeffrey,
Marin, Madeline and Malu; Front:
Taylor, Anastasia and Jessica
Michael
Maxim
Julia and Jeffrey
“
When a team of dedicated individuals makes a commitment to act as one…the sky’s the limit.”
OUR FOUNDERS
Sunny Barlow
Marjorie Finger
Serena Merck
Mr. Amarillas (L.) teaches students (Don, Chloe, Abigail, Nina and Andrew) about
sustainable gardening as well as beautifying the campus for the upcoming Parents’
Weekend.
“All of the training and experiences throughout our son’s life,
including Maplebrook, have helped him develop his abilities and
prepare him for experiences such as this ten-day trip to Taiwan
with ten other students and their professor.” David Harrison
Heads of School: (L) - Lonnie Adams 1976 - 1988;
(M) - Roger A. Fazzone 1988 - 2000
(R) - Donna M. Konkolics - 2000 - present
HISTORICAL REFERENCES
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1945 - Maplebrook School was established by Founders: Sunny Barlow, Marjorie Finger and Serena Merck
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Owned 44.39 acres with 17 buildings
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2015 - 70th Anniversary
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Head of School - Donna M. Konkolics; President - Roger A. Fazzone; 17 in administration and 74 support staff
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Tuition is $61,5000
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56 Students in the high school; 45 in postsecondary; and 18 scheduled for graduation in the Class of 2015
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Own 92.25 acres with 30 buildings
First Head of School - Marjorie Finger
School opened with eight students; 11 faculty and staff
Tuition was subsidized fully by Mr. and Mrs. Merck
Owned 12 acres with a farmhouse and several other buildings
1970 - 25th Anniversary
Head of School/Director - Marjorie Finger; Richard Snyder, Asst. Director; Ronald Michalak, Principal
49 Students; seven faculty, 22 support staff; and eight in the graduating Class of 1970
Owned 12 acres with eight buildings
Lonnie L. Adams becomes the second Head of School in 1976
Roger A. Fazzone becomes the third Head of School in 1988
Maplebrook School becomes a registered high school in 1992 in addition to being accredited by NYSAIS and MSACS
1995 - 50th Anniversary
Head of School - Roger A. Fazzone; Donna M. Konkolics - Asst. Head of School/Dean of Academics
Tuition was $27,900
85 Students; 21 faculty; 10 administrators and 20 in the graduating Class of 1995
PAGE 5
WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Yet to Come in 2015:
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Dedication of the Etkin Environmental Center in June - See story on Page 7
Performing Arts Center Opens with new entrance in May
70th Anniversary Dedication in the SAMARA Yearbook
Memorial Wall of Honor in the Merck Interfaith Chapel
70th Anniversary Alumni Reunion August 21 - 23
“As in any of my communication with anyone associated to
Maplebrook, I want to say “thank you” for all that you do to make
MBS as amazing as it is for Gabriella and all of the students that
benefit from the CAPS Program. It is an honor to be a parent of a
student at Maplebrook.”
Frank A. Delli Carpini
Break ground for new natatorium (pool/wellness center) - Fall 2015
Re-purpose existing pool for new art gallery and multi-purpose space
70th Anniversary Auction Gala and Dance Celebration - October 31
Tess and Samantha
Mr. Tomasetti and Sarah
Felipe, Will, Dominica
and Ka-Yan
Mrs. Bondi and Taylor
Maplebrook School is more than a boarding school, it’s a family.
The School is celebrating its 70th anniversary and has grown
into a community that believes passionately in the power of
change, character and courage. As we focus on character, hold
our students accountable, and encourage them to strive beyond
their learning differences, we learn about the courage and
resiliency of the human spirit. Working together, MBS
transforms how each young person imagines the future. We
provide hope and help young people to become independent, role
models, friends, and citizens that our world depends upon. There
is no more important or rewarding mission.
DON’T FORGET TO SUPPORT THE
ANNUAL FUND!!
PAGE 6
FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITION AND FOND FAREWELLS
T
he heart of Maplebrook
School is its students,
but equally important
are the faculty and staff who
work with our young people
24/7. The success of our
programs relies on the quality
and experience of our staff. All
are exceptional individuals and
it “takes a village” to help our
youngsters accept, overcome
and remediate their academic,
social, and emotional learning
challenges. Living and working
in a boarding school isn’t a job;
it’s a lifestyle and it is not for
everyone. Yet in spite of the
intensity and hard work,
Maplebrook is fortunate to have
a dedicated staff with longevity
and experience, which enhances
the continuity and consistency
of a boarding school environment. In the new year, Head of
School/CEO, Donna
Konkolics, recognized several
enthusiastic and faithful individuals for their years of service to
the school. We are indebted to
each and every person for their
professionalism and support of
the Maplebrook Mission and
Goals.
During the same time, we also
learned of the passing of Mr.
Russell Kullman. Mr. Kullman
taught math at MBS for 25 years
and retired in June 2010.
Anyone who knew him could
see that he was devoted to his
students, colleagues and
profession. Russ was also a big
baseball fan and an active
member and former elder of The
Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Christ the King in Pawling.
In February, we heard of the
passing of Mr. Daniel Sheehan.
Like many of us in boarding
schools, Dan wore many hats.
He was a wonderful person,
friend, Mets baseball fan,
mentor, teacher, principal,
coach, Santa Claus for Little
Professors Day Care, spiritual
leader, auctioneer, and pancake
flipper. Mr. Sheehan retired in
2013 after working 14 years at
MBS.
Then in March, we learned of
the passing of one of
Maplebrook’s most loyal
supporters, Bettina B. Howes.
Mrs. Howes was the parent of
Rick (Class of 1956), who predeceased her in 2011. She was
deeply committed to the growth
and development of the our
school not only through her
generous financial gifts, but
through support of the athletic
events, the establishment of the
Richard S. Howes Society of
Honor Scholarship, and with the
alumni association.
The Board of Trustees and the
school leaders are working on a
proper tribute that will celebrate
the numerous contributions of
these wonderful people along
with others in our Maplebrook
family that we have lost. Our
thoughts and prayers are with
their families and they will
certainly be missed!
Sarah Cahill, 15 years
Donna Konkolics, 25 years
One alum said, “You were a
great mentor and a great
teacher Mr. Kullman. You
always knew how to put a
smile on everyone’s faces. I’m
really gonna miss you.
Thanks for all the nice things
you’ve done for me to make
me a better person.”
Russell P. Kullman
Daniel J. Sheehan
Bettina Howes
STUDENT ART EXHIBIT IMPRESSES
T
he addition of Hilfiger Hall and its inspirational
environs along with a full arts program, had everyone
eagerly anticipating the pieces that would be unveiled
for this year's student art show. The arts program didn't disappoint us providing a wide range of creativity and media
from six regional schools including MBS which had work
displayed by 12 different students.
Multi-material clock by Wyatt Metzger
Recycled lamp
by Abdullah Alshankiti
PAGE 7
WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
CELEBRATING CULTURE AND HERITAGE
National African American History Month began
in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson had a goal of
raising the national awareness of the contributions
Ali
to the country made by African Americans.
The
month celebrates the achievements of African
Americans and their central role in the history of
the United States. In celebration of National
African American History Month, high school
students had the opportunity to attend several
special presentations in the Feig Theater as part of
the Lyceum series.
Director of Boarding School Life, Kevin O’Connor,
first presented background on the history of African
Americans in the United States, the history of the
celebration and the large number of key historical
figures in the areas of abolitionism, civil rights,
politics, the arts and sports. Student Julianne
Brown proudly presented a PowerPoint presentation of the biography of her grandfather, Dr. Robert
Hilliard L.M., whose accomplishments include
being the first African American to serve as Chief
Resident of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a major
teaching hospital in the segregated south. Entering
private practice in 1963, Dr. Hilliard was the first
African American to perform major surgery in
many of the hospitals in San Antonio. Visual Arts
Coordinator, Tee Jay Jones, and students Dara
Helfant, Julianne Brown and Jonathan Murphy
were guests of Dara’s father, David Helfant, at the
filming of a music video featuring the poetry of
Maya Angelou set to hip hop music and dance.
They shared details of their day at its filming and a
sneak peek at the video, Harlem Hopscotch, filmed
in Harlem and Los Angeles as part of the Caged
Bird Songs recorded compilation of Angelou poetry. In another special Lyceum, Theodora Lacey,
grandmother of Jonathan Murphy, gave the
students a first-hand account of growing up in the
segregated south where Jim Crow laws were
enforced. The great granddaughter of a slave, Mrs.
Lacey grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. She and
her family became friends of influential figures such
as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A
member of King’s Dexter Baptist Church, Mrs.
Lacey was the recording secretary in the meetings
where the Montgomery Bus Boycott was
organized.
In addition to these great presentations, the
Kathryn Davis International Student Association
(KDISA) presented the first of this year's series of
school-wide cultural diversity events. High school
senior, Mathilde Hilliard, who lived in Nicaragua
when she was much younger, and native
Nicaraguan, Rodrigo Meneses, educated the entire
Maplebrook community with a PowerPoint presentation that included information about the food,
religion, cultural dress, sports, and wildlife that
abound in this tropical country. The culinary
staff complemented the presentation by providing some dishes from the area like tortilla
crusted fresh mozzarella, lemon and herb
roasted chicken, gallo pento and a warm tortilla
garden salad while Rodrigo's parents sent dessert
all the way from Nicaragua for everyone to
enjoy as well.
Taylor
Mrs. Theodora Lacey
Maplebrook is proud and fortunate to have a
very diverse population of students that hail
from 12 different foreign countries. They all
bring their own unique traditions and beliefs to
share. As a character education school, we
welcome this diversity and embrace the
opportunity to learn outside of the classroom on
an experiential level.
Mr. Amarillas,
Will, Kithsen
and Nora
COMMITMENT TO
ENVIRONMENT
Maplebrook’s dining hall,
Whalen Hall, was completed in
20I2 with solar panels that
generate approximately 20,000
kilowatts of electric power each
year to offset the use of that
building. Future building
projects and the existing gymnasium will also include this green
technology soon on an even
larger scale.
In response to our quest to
become a more green and
sustainable campus, a new and
exciting program has been
established on the postsecondary
campus – The Etkin
Environmental Center. The center
provides the classroom and
experiential setting for students
and members of the community
to explore nature as well as learn
that we all have the powerful
ability to nurture the natural
world.
Students have created an organic
garden that is a key element in
the multi-faceted curriculum that
has been developed to build
awareness, facilitate avenues for
combatting waste and embrace a
21st century lifestyle that commits to a healthy environment.
The gardens will produce food
that will be used at the school as
well as flowers, trees and shrubbery. Other components of the
curriculum address recycling to
counteract the “throw-away”
society that we’ve become by the
reutilization of containers and
other means. In addition, a butterfly sanctuary, trails that will
identify the trees, grasses, flora,
fauna, and a pond have been
established to observe our
natural wildlife.
A newsletter for parents, past parents, alumni, and friends of:
Maplebrook School
Miss Donna Konkolics
Head of School/CEO
Mrs. Lori S. Hale
Editor, Executive Director
Ms. Jennifer Scully
Photography
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #49
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY
ALUMNI MAKE THEIR MARK
Shannon Randall from Lancaster, PA graduated MBS in 2007 after
earning her high school diploma. From there, she entered our postsecondary program and spent her last year in 2009 at T. L.C.
(Transitional Living Center). Like most Maplebrook students and
teenagers, Shannon truly thrived in this environment and excelled in
sports, even though she was a little accident prone. Perhaps it was this
early exposure to the medical field that prompted her to think about
caring for others. Shannon worked in a myriad of vocational internships
as a student. When she worked as an intern at Noble Horizons Retirement Community, she discovered her true calling. Given guidance and
support from the program and hard work, Shannon went on to become a
Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.). In her last year at T.L.C.,
Shannon found competitive employment at a nursing home, lived in her
own apartment, had an active social life, was paying her bills and driving
herself to and from work. After seven collective years at MBS, she was
ready to move back to her home state and begin applying the skills that
she had learned in a new environment. Naturally her parents, Mark and
Nancy, were nervous about this transition, but their experience with the
school also taught them to believe and persevere. They had never
imagined in 2003 when Shannon was first accepted at the school, that
their daughter would be realizing these dreams. Maplebrook had given
them hope for her future and delivered.
Shannon lives at home with her parents, but when they travel during the
winter and summer months, they look to her to watch over the household. After an initial adjustment back to the area and a household move,
she secured employment at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Her
independence continues to grow as she drives herself to work, pays her
own car insurance and other expenses. Everyone knows they can count
on Shannon to have their back and she doesn’t let them down. As a
result, she recently received a raise and benefits for her performance.
When Shannon is not at work, she spends time with her friends, loves her
bowling league and keeps in touch with friends from Maplebrook. She
hopes to be able to attend the 70th anniversary reunion if her work
schedule permits.
Katty Kim, MBS’ First
Art Program Intern
Maplebrook School
Welcomes
“A Prairie Home
Companion’s”
Garrison Keillor
Commencement Speaker
Sunday, June 7th
10:30 AM
“We are very very grateful
for all that MBS has meant
to Maia. Words cannot
express.”
Shannon Randall