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Where are they Now?
If you're an alum and would like to be included in the Alumni Update please send us an e-mail at development@theschoolinrosevalley.org or fill out the Alumni Update Form.
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| Staff Alumni |
Class of 1937
Sylvia T. F. has been trying to collect her poetry.
Class of 1938
June Bigelow Jenkins Peterson, writes: "My life is good. I recently went to a week yoga retreat with my daughter, Judy, in Montana. My husband, Russell Peterson, is 91 years old and doing well."
Judith W. M. is traveling with her husband whenever they can. They went on a safari trip last year and plan an Elder hostel to Mayan country. She credits her interest in Archaeology to SRV. They have three grandchildren; one is graduated from college, another a Junior and the last just started community college.
What Schools
do SRV Grads attend?
Jerry Nowell "A member of the second class to graduate, I went on
to attend Swarthmore High School, spent two years in the Navy during WWII, and received three
degrees from Temple University. I then had an eventful career in public education as a teacher
and an administrator, in Philadelphia and in the suburbs."
Read More
Class of 1943
Ken R. and his wife, Anne (former SRV teacher and Principal) are enjoying retirement in a leisurely fashion. Ken has a clock-repair business which is a satisfying part-time activity. Anne has transferred and edited family movies to DVDs; currently she has writer's block in her effort to write Margaret Rawson's biography from her letters.
Bart Harrison remembers a much smaller SRV. "There were only two buildings – Main and half of Chip. Our classes were smaller sized, too." He sees the growth of the school since his days in the 1940s and the education the children still receive to this day as "remarkable." Read More
Class of 1944
Ted Beatty:
On January 25, 2009, a wise and warm alumnus died at the age of 78. His name was Ted Beatty, he was
deeply devoted to SRV, and he was my friend. Ted attended SRV for 10 years, from 1934 to 1944. He was
one of the earliest graduates to stay through 8th grade (SRV included a 7th and 8th grade in those days).
» Read more about Ted Beatty
Class of 1953
Alice (Allie)W. L. is in her 36th year as potter of functional, wheel thrown pottery. "I owe so much to my creative, hands-on teachers at SRV!"
Class of 1956
John P. ('56) "I continue to teach at Staffordshire University in Stoke on Trent, England. The city, actually a grouping of several towns portrayed by the novelist Arnold Bennett, has seen better times as a result of the closure of some of the 'potteries' and coal mines. I have an expanding range of research and writing commitments which focuses on community development in both the US and the UK. My English partner, Sally, continues to work with young children. Our two older children, Alice and Orrin, have now (more or less) left home while our youngest, Miriam, still has a few more years of school left."
Class of 1957
Clare Walker Leslie After leaving SRV in 1957, Clare went to the Swarthmore public schools. She received her B.A. from Carleton College in Art History. Clare studied at the Bear Tooth School of Art in Montana, as well as in France and Scotland. For more than twenty-five years Clare has conducted yearlong residencies and short-term workshops for students and teachers at many nature centers, colleges and universities, public and private K-12 schools, and professional organizations throughout the country. She helped found the Habitat Institute for the Environment in Belmont, MA and has published eight books including Nature All Year Long, Nature Drawing: A Tool for Learning, A Naturalist's Sketchbook: Pages from the Seasons of a Year, The Art of Field Sketching, The Ancient Celtic Festivals and How We Celebrate Them Today, and Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You. Read More
Class of 1963
Loring Starr Spring, 2004: Living in Vermont, outside Montpelier, with husband Mike Dworkin and daughter Alice. Son Sam is a freshman at Clark Univ. in Worcester, MA. Alice is a junior in the local high school. There was no SRV for my kids, and unlike Granny (Lucie Stephens) or various deMolls, we didn't have quite the energy and inspiration to start one. Alas! We love the town meeting culture and climate of Vermont--but the climate is warming...I've actually backed into working in education, at last. I manage external communications for The Vermont Institutes, a Vermont non-profit that provides teacher training and school leadership support for all public schools in the state. It's an amazing place to work. Still singing!
Class of 1964
Laura Wray, '64, writes: "We are blessed to have a rich, rewarding and busy life in Denver. My husband and I both work as petroleum geologists; our son is looking at colleges and our daughter just entered high school. I send special greetings to the class of '64!"
Heidi Hammel, along with former SRV teacher, Claire Brill, recently founded Heron Crest Studios, Inc. in Aston, PA. Their space contains 11 artist’s studios rented to a variety of amazing artists. There are oil pastel artists, water colorists, an abstract oil painter, fiber artists, a maker of exquisite leather masks, a photographer, two mixed media/collage artists, an exhibit designer as well as Heidi and Claire. For years Heidi has recycled fabrics into fleece-lined wool hats and mittens, garment bags and more through her own company, Reclaimed Creations. Heidi participates in retail and wholesale shows around the country and her work has also appeared in galleries. For more information about Heron Crest Studios, contact Heidi at hhammel@comcast.net.
Class of 1966
Andi Tassencourt "I am living in Aptos California with my partner, Ryk Lesser, and our dog, Faith. My son Dustin(from my first marriage)is now 22 years old, and doing great! He is finishing Cabrillo College this spring, and who knows where he will go from there..? I am interested in contacting other Rose Valley grads who have started their own businesses, for some advice on how to get start-up funds, and general info. I want to start a gallery/store showcasing artisans work from all over the country (many of whom are friends of mine)- but having been a single mom for many years, I don't have any collateral to put against a business loan, so I have to find some creative ways to finance a business start-up....any ideas???? Contact me at my email address above!! Thanks fellow Rose-Valleyites!"
Class of 1969
David R. ('69) "Nice to hear that you are providing a place to find alum's. I hope some day to locate "the boys" that were in my class: Doug M., Keith B., Jimmy H., (I know where Mike N. is) and others from adjacent classes. I'll keep checking the site to see if any new names show up."
Catherine Roseman Smith ('69) "After almost fifteen years of practice as a biotech/chemical patent lawyer (believe it or not), I am for the present an at-home mom with two daughters, five and seven years old. I would like to hear from old classmates -- after visiting this website I now know where Meg DeMoll is. Where are the rest of us?"
Class of 1972
Lisa Richardson, '72, wites: "
After 15 years as a clinical social worker in agency practice I've moved
into the academic arena. In August 2007 I started a new job as Director
of MSW Field Education for the School of Social Work at the College of St.
Catherine and University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, MN. It's really
exciting to be on the training side of the profession.
Life in the Twin Cities has been very good for my husband and I. We've
been here for two years (my husband had lived here for 20 years before),
and we're both very involved in the traditional music and dance scenes.
I'm in an old-time string band called Lulu Gals - check us out at
www.lulugals.com. Seems like almost every week someone says "How did you
get into this kind of music?" and I end up talking about Rose Valley.
What an enduring blessing!
Greetings and best wishes to everyone,
Lisa"
Rob Oaks After graduating from SRV in 1972 he went to Ardmore Junior High, Friends Central, Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University. He has studied writing, electrical engineering and agricultural engineering. He has become a computer software expert. Rob lived in China and France. He started two computer software companies and was the Chief Technical Officer and a senior systems architect for local companies. Read More
Class of 1973
SRV alumnus Colin Browne is a drummer with "Erin Flynn and the Co-op Band", who appeared recently at World Caf&eacut; Live in Philadelphia. They have also appeared at the Please Touch Museum, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, Pastorius Park in Chestnut Hill as part of the Summer Concert series, and have been heard on WXPN's Kid's Corner.
Rob Cosinuke ('73) "I'm living in Boston with my wife Jennifer and three kids: Abby (8), Willa (5) and Gus (2). I'm the president of the Boston office of Digitas, a large direct marketing and technology agency. My wife is an Anthropologist and Playwright - she just completed a play about the truths of motherhood. It's called "Venus di Minivan"- first five performances are in November. My kids go to Fayerweather School in Cambridge - it's as close to SRV as we could find in Boston, although it's really not the same thing!" Read More
Susan Cohen Bolstad I graduated
from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science with a BS in
Textile Design in 1984, the school's 100th anniversary. I moved to Norway
the following year after a long wait for paperwork to be in order. I
married my Norwegian penfriend Rolf a year later in 1986. I have had a
variety of jobs in Norway, then gave birth to our two children, Melissa,
now 12, and Daniel André, 9 years old, who was unexpectedly born in our
hallway at home the year the winter olympics were hosted by Lillehammer.
In 1998 I experienced cancer, the year after my younger sister Nancy, and
months after our Aunt- researching our DNA revealed a genetic link. The
following year disappeared in treatment, and in exploring my spirituality.
In the years following the cancer experience my life was a mixture of
struggles,triumphs and discoveries.
I now take on hand yarn spinning consignments and demonstrate both spindle
and wheel spinning. I paint stones, and write poetry, some of which has
shown up in publications in Norway and Japan, as well as online. My most
recent discovery is the healing technique of EFT, related to acupressure
and TFT, founded by Gary Craig. I have taken 1 of 2 exams in this
technique so far and have helped a number of people by facilitating it. I
am also completing the translation of a manual by Betty Moore-Hafter in
EFT from English into Norwegian.www.risingsunhealing.com is Betty's
website.
I have been active in the local breast cancer society, having been an
outreach survivor visiting newly operated women at the hospital, writing
poetry on the subject of my experiences, and having recently been on the
board. The craft guild of Norway brings me great pleasure, and I will be
participating for the 3rd time in an outdoor performance of a play based
on the life of a local saint Hallvard who lived around the year 1000AD,
and who became Oslo's patron saint.
Another source of joy is visitors we have received from various countries
and places in the US. Our family is all the richer for having these
friends, from England, Israel/Russia, USA, Canada, and more. One SRV
alumni, Ellie Reinhold, visited us here in Norway a number of years ago as
well.
Wishes for joy and health
Class of 1974
Kent Julye After establishing the Stadium Grille restaurant in West Chester, PA., I got married to Tracy Mills; then returned to school and earned my M.B.A.; went to work in corporate america; became a parent and now am working on establishing another business.
Charles Douglas (I was only at SRV 70-72 - a visitor to Australia, but my classmates would have finished in 74) I studied mathematics and then medicine, and now I am a surgeon with an interest in teaching and researching in biomedical ethics.
Pat Ewing Durand After graduation, I went back to public school in the area then to the University of Delaware. Politics was a love then and is now. Since graduating college, I have worked – pretty much – full time in the field. I now have a national political advertising firm based in DC. We work with candidates running for office from all over the country. I have managed campaigns, (US Senate, Governor etc.) been the Deputy Chief of Staff for a US Senator and the Deputy Chief of Staff to Vice President Gore. But my most important job is mom to Veronica (3) and Sofia (2). When our first child was born, my husband Gary and I, moved to Southern Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay. Now I am on the hunt for a school for my girls that can match The School in Rose Valley. The experience of my few years there is still with me. It is a stregnth I draw upon in life and decision making. I gained a centerness that guides me today in my hectic travails through the political mailstrom. So if anyone has suggestions on a schools like SRV in the DC area – let me know!
Class of 1975
Marion K. ('75), teaches Art at The Hilltop Preparatory School in Rosemont, a private middle and high school for students with learning disabilities. Marion is head of the Art Department and recently served on the search committee for Hilltop's new Head of School. Last year she took a large group of students to Belize.
Carol Ashbrook Bapty - I graduated from Penn in 1985 with a degree in computer math, got married to Ted Bapty, and moved to Tennessee. I have worked in data management off and on over the years, and run the office (at home) for our business. We have four children, Susannah (3/87), Sarah (10/89), Zachary (12/96) and Emily Rose (10/03). I would be interested in hearing from any Rose Valley people in the Nashville area! I would also enjoy hearing from classmates.
Class of 1976
Bryan Naff writes: My wife Shawn, my two kids
Nainoa(10) and Malialani(7) and I live in
Hawaii. Shawn works for Kamehameha schools, Nainoa goes to Punahou (of
which our next PODUS is an alumnus) and Malialani is in a Hawaiian
immersion school called Kamakau. Malialani's school reminds me a lot of
SRV; out doors, very small (50pp K thru HS), warm and loving.
I have been a tennis teaching pro for 17yrs, we own the Tennis Hut, a
tennis pro shop at the Kailua Racquet Club and I own Architech Home
Inspection a successful business since 2003. We try to get back to the
east coast when ever we can and I love to take my kids to visit SRV, Maria
(Kahn) Rice and her kids. Anybody else out there? Nancy, Kris, Mike,
Claudia, Karen, Ron, Sue? Keep in touch;
bnaff@hawaii.rr.com.
John C. ('76) "Well, I'm living in State College Pa. My parents still live in the area, so I try to get back as much as possible. It still amazes me how I catch myself drifting back to my days at Rose Valley."
Class of 1978
Adam Marcus, has recently opened a yoga and martial arts center across the street from his law practice in Media, PA. Enso: Yogic, Martial and Living Arts offers classes for adults in yoga, Budokon and martial arts. Adam, a 3rd degree black belt, and Gwen Soffer, co-founders of Enso, have created a studio dedicated to sustainable practices. The space includes an organic tea bar, meditation room, a large studio space and changing rooms. For more information about Enso, log on to www.experienceenso.com.
Class of 1983
Andy J. ('83) " I finally received my Ph. D. in American history from Berkeley in August. I'm now a visiting scholar at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Cambridge, Mass. , and am working on turning my dissertation into a book. Hopefully I'll be able to make it to the Mayfair now that I'm back on the East Coast! Say hi to any and all who remember me."
Class of 1987
Gabe Small, writes:
I'm finishing up a week in Germany for work.
I work at a German company with a site in Telford,
PA, as a mechanical designer and engineering
database specialist in the engineering group responsible for maintaining
our line of infant incubators and birthing room warmers.
I bought a house in South Media with my wife two years ago, and we have
two dogs but no kids yet. Soon, I promise! We're happy to be living near a
lot of family on both sides, and happy to be back in Media during its
current renaissance.
Keri (S.) G.
After attending Rose Valley, I went on to the Wallingford Swarthmore
public school system, then to Westtown School where I graduated high
school. Wanting to keep up with the small school, good community feel for
college, I attending Alfred University College of Ceramics where I
graduated with a BFA majoring in visual arts.
I worked as a professional glassblower, a professional cook and a business
consultant for the years following. I then met my husband in Philadelphia,
a Greek citizen working in the US. We have since moved to Athens, Greece
and had our first baby this past May.
Rose Valley will always be a part of my life, and has especially
influenced my love and appreciation of nature and the arts. I often think
of the time I was there and how fortunate I was to have been in a place
that fostered such creativity and freedom of self expression. I am still
building on what I learned and saw for myself there, and I will continue
to see life through the eyes of a Rose Valley Child for the rest of my
life.
Carrie M. ('87) Carrie attended The School in Rose Valley until 1984. She went on to public schools in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District and graduated from Bates College in 1997 with a degree in Women's Studies. Read More
Class of 1989
Rowena Case After leaving the SRV, I went back to Hampshire, England and continued my studies at Fairfields Junior School. I then continued my education in the UK, and finally completed my studies at The University of Brighton, studying Computer Science. I am now the EMEA Marketing Manager for Barracuda Networks, which is an American based company.
Class of 1990
Jeny Randall "I graduated from Connecticut College with a BA in Dance and spent several years performing in NYC while working as a stage hand and 'frozen food buyer' at the Park Slope food Coop. I have since left NYC and am a masters candidate for an MS degree in Environmental Education at Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, NH. I’m living with my husband outside of Boston and working for MassAudubon as an Educator doing every thing from early morning bird walks to after school programs to programs at assisted living centers. As part of my position with Mass Audubon, I am the Naturalist in Residence for a public elementary school."
Duran G. "Finished Rose Valley after 7th Grade, and moved on to Strath Haven Middle School for 8th, and then the High school for 9-12th. Graduated in 1996, and then went on to Hampshire College in Amherst MA. Entering Class of Fall'96. (they do things a bit differently up there...) Currently living in Center City Philadelphia and working for an award winning design firm as one of their Web-Developers."
Adam Baldwin is currently the Manager of the Computer Incident Response Team in the Electronic Data Systems (EDS) Global Security Operations Center. He is a 1990 graduate of The School in Rose Valley, who also graduated from Westtown School and Carnegie Mellon University. Read More
Class of 1996
Brian K. is a sophomore at Kutztown University, majoring in criminal justice
with a minor in American history. He is Vice President of the Kutztown
Medieval Renaissance Club, as well as a reenactor in the 45th Virginia
Infantry, Company H.
Jessie A. graduated from Tufts University.
Katy B. graduated from Creshem School and is now attending The University of Santa Fe.
Beah B. graduated from Westtown School and Haverford College. She received the Leadership Award from Westtown and was a National Merit Commended Scholar.
Rob C. graduated from Penncrest High School and is now attending Bucknell University. His favorite course in high school was Physics;he was a varsity tennis player and participated in the model UN."Independence is one of the most important things I learned at The School in Rose Valley."
Alexa L. graduated from Penncrest High School and Dickinson College. She was one of two who received The Hispanic Scholar Award.
Tamara M. graduated from Connestoga High School.
Caley R. graduated from Penncrest High School and is now attending Delaware County Community College and developing her equestrian skills. She played varsity soccer all four years and was captain her senior year. Her other interests include singing and ceramics.
Juliana S. graduated from The Crefeld School one year early by doing massive amounts of work. This year she is attending Guilford College in North
Carolina and working with The Institute for Unpopular
Culture in San Francisco. Her favorite classes were Art,
English, and Media Studies. She is very interested in
printmaking and photography. Last year she interned
at The Institute for Unpopular Culture. She traveled to
Mexico and in the summer she was a teacher's aid at
The Community Arts Center in Wallingford. One of the
most important things she learned at The School in
Rose Valley is respect for everyone.
Leigh S. Graduated from Cornell University.
Class of 1998
Jen Haines is still at Dickinson College pursuing a double major in Spanish and International Studies. This fall, she leaves for a year abroad in Malaga, Spain!
Stephan K. is in his second year at the San Francisco School of Art having graduated from the Woodlyn School. Stephan spent last year in Japan where he taught English, worked on farms and traveled. His favorite subjects in high school were Art and French and he received awards in wrestling, art and academics. He participated in cross-country, track and wrestling. His favorite memories involve "Big Mike" and at SRV he learned how unique and wonderful each and every person is.
Lindsay L. graduated from Penncrest High School and is attending Lafayette College. In high school Lindsay's favorite courses were choir, band, philosophy and language arts. She placed third in the District Spanish exam, was the "most spirited" at band camp, the "most outgoing" in her senior class, received all "A's" in AP Spanish, was 8th out of 52 at district chorus and was chosen to sing in a small competitive choral group. Lindsay was the secretary of SADD and in the choir for 4 years, in the musical and a homeroom representative for 3 years, on the Prom committee and a Special Olympics volunteer for 2 years, in the band, played freshman lacrosse, as a Lion's Paw, a member of the National Foreign Language Society and in the music honor society. Her favorite SRV memory is going to Bamboo Island. At SRV Lindsay learned to be a kind, open person. "SRV taught me my social skills and helped me to be a unique individual."
Erin M. graduated from Penncrest High School and is attending Moravian College to study musical composition and Spanish. Erin's favorite high school courses were band, American history and philosophy. She was a National Merit Finalist, in the district band and orchestra, and received various awards in music and Spanish. In high school Erin participated in the band, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, the Gay Straight Alliance and the church choir. Her favorite memory of SRV is doing the Shakespeare plays and one of the most important things that she learned here was respect for differences.
Nora P-S. reports that she has graduated from Friends Central and is attending Smith College. Nora's favorite subjects in high school were math and physics, she played field hockey (and received the coaches' award), was on the stage crew and participated in the science Olympiad. One of her favorite memories of SRV is playing down by the stream and one of the most important things she learned here was to be creative.
Rana W. graduated from Friends Central and is attending the University of Pennsylvania. Her favorite courses in high school were International Relations and Biology; she received a community service award, played field hockey and lacrosse, was President of the Athletic Society as well as member of the Model United Nations, Black Student Forum and Student Admissions Committee. Her favorite SRV memories include playing Dodge Ball with Big Mike in the Dome on rainy days, recess in the woods and Quiet Time. Some of the most important things that Rana learned here are to be yourself by being true to yourself and others around you and that you can find happiness and success and don't be afraid to try new things. Finally, "Enjoy life and have crazy good times."
Class of 1999
Henry C. is graduating from The Westtown School, and will attend Guilford College, after he takes a year to do service work.
Lauren N. just finished her freshman year at Tufts University where she is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering and forging a new field of study in forensic engineering.
Class of 2000
Liia R. Liia R. recently graduated from Strath Haven High School and will be attending Scripps Women's College in the fall. She will major in Psychology with a focus in neuroscience and a minor in writing. Liia was published multiple times throughout her high school career and has pieces in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Real Deal on Friendship, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: The Real Deal, the column Fresh Voices in Parade Magazine, and on the sites Tolerance.org, and NextStepMag.com.
Danny P.-S. recently graduated from Friends' Central School and will be attending Pomona College in California. Danny was inducted into the National Cum Laude Society.
Zach W., another Friends' Central grad, will be attending Swarthmore College this fall. Read More
Galen G., our final FC grad (for this year, at least), recently completed his senior service project at SRV. He worked (and played!) with most groups during music classes, played violin in Sing, and helped the Oldest Group complete and perform original percussion compositions. Galen, just awarded Senior Athlete of the Year at Friends' Central, will attend Goucher University in the fall, majoring in music.
Class of 2001
Luke N., will be attending The College of Sante Fe next fall, majoring in Film.
Summer T. attends the Baldwin School, where she is on the Dance Team, works on the high school literary magazine and is in the Modern Science Club. She is also a member of their Partnership program, working "with Overbrook High School towards friendship among students from different backgrounds," and is in the religion and philosophy club. Outside of school, Summer does Tae Kwon Do, is learning to play the drums and is on the Teen Advisory Board of the Tredyffrin Public Library, where she works as a part-time book shelver. "I love most classes," she writes, "but math and science are my main focus...I am a year ahead in math at Baldwin because I took geometry though a long distance education program at Johns Hopkins University." She hopes to pursue a career in genetics, neurobiology or biochemistry. Sounds like Summer could do just about anything! Update: Summer will be attending Pomona College (California) in the fall 2008.
Caitlin Garrigan-Nass writes "I'm currently attending Wilmington Friends School, where I'm in the 11th grade. I swim and play lacrosse. I was happy to see Emily and Corin in the grade below me, as they are the only ones who know what I'm talking about when I tell my friends how I went to an amazing school with sheep, shakespeare, and treks to bamboo island!"
Peter and Sarah are doing well at The Walden School. Their teacher and the Head of School both feel that they are wonderful additions to the 7th grade there.
Jeremy and Juliana are both at Friends Select School. Juliana has joined soccer and basketball. She is doing especially well in Math. Jeremy has just completed a huge "Search Project" for his American Studies class in which he was required to write an extensive research paper, create a visual display, and do an oral report. He has also joined the soccer and basketball teams and is playing the cello in Select's music ensemble.
Marta is attending the Academy of Notre Dame. On top of an average of 5, that's f-i-v-e hours of homework a night, she has managed to be a starter on the basketball team, and recently earned distinguished academic honors.
Ben is at Delaware Valley Friends and his handling his two hours of homework (via the laptop he travels back and for the to school with) very well. In his high-tech world, teachers give and receive work back through the computer each student is required to have. Ben is also enjoying soccer.
Summer is attending Baldwin. She has chosen to participate in field hockey and the swim team. She's getting used to uniforms and being in an all-girls school.
Class of 2002
David G. "I've gone onto Woodlynde School. I get an average of only 45 minutes of homework a night and love it. in my copious spare time I make costumes and draw. I have adjusted well to my school and manage to keep up a high grade."
Julian is doing well at Friends' Central School in Wynnewood. While his homework load is between two and three hours per night, he has still managed to get involved in service projects and sports. Julian did very well on his first report card. The principal of Friends Central middle school has asked that we send more students like him!
Corin is at Media Providence Friends School. He is playing hockey and taking guitar lessons outside of school and will soon be participating in the school play.
Hannah is attending The Waldon School in Media and has maintained her love of horses and riding.
Dylan, a senior at Penncrest High School, is currently working
to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor attainable in scouting.
Sarah is at Paxon Hollow Middle School. While she misses SRV, Sarah is doing well academically and recently tried out for a solo part in Chorus. Sarah's mom credits Jodie and SRV's "amazing" music program for giving her the courage and skill to do this. Sarah recently wrote to us saying...
I am currently in my Junior year at Marple Newtown Senior High School. I am in the Choir, Marching Band, Concert Band, Swim Team, and National Honors Society. I was accepted to a student embassador program called American Music Abroad and will be traveling to Europe this Summer. I will be in Germany, Austria, and France. I have also been accepted into the Summer Music Technology program at Drexel University. That is a summer camp for kids going into the music industry, music technology, and recording business. I still go to May Fair every year and will keep going as long as I am in the neighborhood. Good luck to you all!!
Emily is attending Wilmington Friends School. She is handling about two hours of homework a night and has gone out for hockey, basketball and lacrosse. The Admissions Director at Wilmington Friends says that Emily is a wonderful community member and she too requested more SRV students like her.
Britt is at Notre Dame de Lourdes in Swarthmore. Britt's grandmother, Sally, tells us he is holding his own among a group of students who have been together since first grade. He is getting used to wearing a uniform.
Class of 2003
Zach H., will be attending Emerson College in the Fall 2009.
Ryan K is being home schooled. His mom tells me he is very busy "learning by doing." In addition to
attending Open Connections, an organization that supports homeschooling families, two days per week, he is
participating in wrestling at Springton Lake Middle School and is on a travel soccer team. Ryan is involved in a
service learning project at SRV and enjoys keeping in touch with his SRV buddies.
Jackie B is currently attending Patton Middle School in Unionville, Pa. She
is a member of the track team and has had some impressive times in
the 100 meter hurdles and 100 meter dash. Jackie was chosen to compete in
the districts in both events and finished 5th in hurdles in all of
Chester County, while continuing to be on the honor roll
Steven M is attending Crefeld School in Chestnut Hill. On a recent visit there, Meg de Moll, our Oldest
Group teacher, asked his current teacher if there was any way in which she could have prepared Steven better for
their program. Steven's teacher replied that he was one of the most prepared student they had and a pleasure to
teach, to boot. He has earned all A's and B's and made lots of friends.
Martin M is attending Westtown School. His parents feel as though he has transitioned beautifully
into a very rigorous academic environment. Martin tells me he is doing about three hours of homework a night!
His teachers feel as though he goes above and beyond what is expected of him and appreciate the fact that he is
still excited about learning. He misses the outside time he had at SRV and says his days feel long but he is
otherwise blossoming.
Class of 2004
Caleb O. has made lots of new friends at Strath Haven Middle School and has reconnected with some old friends he met over the years through sports. He hasn't let recent surgery on his leg slow him down much ' he's joined the ski club and the fencing team! Although he feels some of his classwork is "boring," he's keeping up with his homework load and does enjoy participating in enrichment seminars which he says are somewhat similar to SRV's mini-courses. Caleb is adjusting to calling people by "Mr. and Mrs." And to getting from one end of the building to another within 3 minutes.
Stephanie M., also at Strath Haven Middle, found it a little harder to make friends at first but made a commitment to as she thinks it's important to try to meet a lot of different kinds of people when you're in a new setting. Steph has also challenged herself to try new things like wrestling, football and playing the drums! She plans on trying out for the soccer team, joining the band next year, and she continues to play the flute and sing in the chorus, two of her passions while at SRV. So far, she's gotten mostly A's and B's and especially enjoys social studies. About SRV, she says, "I had already learned a lot of math so I felt very prepared. I also learned how to give people a chance at SRV."
Lizz B. is thriving at Delaware Valley Friends School. She's been on the girls' Varsity soccer team and the JV basketball team. Liz still manages to get A's and B's and has made honor role twice this year! When she checked in with us in the fall she told us that she knew herself so well by the time she left SRV that it wasn't difficult for her to make choices in her new school that other students seemed to struggle with.
Alan W. is now attending Cardinal O'Hara High School where he's been on the Honor Roll since he started. He enjoys playing on the basketball, baseball and football teams there.
Calynd J. attends Media Providence Friends School. He reports that they are spending a lot of time on homework and test taking but is enjoying things like basketball, soccer and Spanish.
Hayim W. is at Bala Cynwyd Middle School and is adjusting to a larger, louder classroom setting. He is thriving academically and getting used to life in his new school. Hayim continues to visit SRV as his younger brother, Lior is still here.
Class of 2005
Austin is attending Radnor Middle School. He is well on his way to reading the 25 books he's required to this year and has become more passionate about his drumming. He recently received an A in German, one of his favorite subjects. Austin has joined the wrestling team, is handling his homework load, and has plugged into a nice group socially.
Caleb and Evan are both attending Crefeld in Chestnut Hill where, according to Stacey Cunitz, Admissions Director, both are welcome additions to the Crefeld community. Caleb says that Crefeld is a lot harder than SRV but he adjusted to grades, tests and homework within "a couple of weeks." He is very pleased with his ability to make friends, and with the relationships he has with his teachers. "This is probably the biggest transition I've ever had to make so I feel like it will be easy to make transitions in the future because if I've done this, I can do anything." Evan has transitioned well. He has already become known for his "expressive nature and creative mind," and is learning the routines of keeping up with assignments and checking in with teachers. Evan is earning B+'s and B's in almost every subject.
Emily is attending Wilmington Friends School and is handling 1 to 1.5 hours of homework per night, taking Latin, and participating in the school choir. Emily is earning mostly A's and B's but is missing time to socialize during the day, explaining she usually accomplishes this during study hall(!) or at sports events after school.
Haley attends The Philadelphia School
and was recently elected to Student Council Office. She is enjoying after
school voice lessons at school and continuing her pursuit of acting at Hedgerow
Theatre. She is spending approximately 2 hours per night on homework and
learned quickly how to prepare for tests and quizzes. She hates Spanish but
loves Theme (social studies) and her Science teacher comments that she is the
hardest working student he's ever taught.
"I have just finished my science fair project and we are having the science
fair on Friday. I have a play that my "theme" class is putting on, on
Thursdsay, and starting on Monday we have Mini-Courses! We pick what we
want to do for the whole day and we have them all the way untill Spring
Break! I can't wait (we don't get homework and we don't have science, LA,
math, theme, or spanish)! I can't wait until i can visit. See you all
soon. Love, Haley"
UPDATE: Haley M. also recently participated in a
class trip to Costa Rica over spring break. While she was unable to
visit with Scott and Emily, she was able to see lots of alligators
and a volcano as well as horseback ride on the beach and soar on a
zip line through the jungle.
Jeremy is enrolled in the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School. He is the first SRV grad to go this route so it will be interesting to track how he feels about this new experience. He is enjoying playing bass guitar in his band, Save Lincoln, which also includes former SRV students Tague and Alan on guitar and drums, respectively.
Meg is spending time attending Open Connections, a home schooling resource center in Newtown Square. She also recently joined a home schooling group in West Chester for classes in creative writing, geography, and a book group. Meg is taking Spanish, recently joined the chorus at Suburban Music School, and is, of course, continuing to pursue her passions – reading and writing. UPDATE: Meg recently appeared as the lead in an incredible production of Anne of Green Gables produced through the drama department of Open Connections.
Rachel attended Media Providence Friends School. She felt a real reduction in her free time but enjoyed making lots of new friends. She participated in soccer and basketball so far this year in addition to celebrating her Bat Mitzvah. Rachel also continues her passion for dance (since age 4). Overall, Rachel feels that her transition was easy for her. She says that sometimes tests and grades are stressful "but they aren't as hard as they seem once you take a deep breath and relax about it." UPDATE: Rachel took a class trip a few months ago. She will be attending Friends' Central High School in the fall.
Class of 2006
Jackie R. just joined the track team at E.T. Richardson Middle School (Springfield) and is looking forward to going to sleepaway camp this summer.
Class of 2007
Claudia N., however, was able to visit with Scott and Emily on her recent Westtown-sponsored trip to Costa Rica!
Andrew N. recently appeared in a production of Inherit the Wind at Friends' Central's Middle School.
Class of 2008
Atticus S. made a smooth transition to The Crossroads School in Malvern. Like SRV, it's a small, close-knit community so he quickly felt at home and has made friends. He was elected to student council at the beginning of the year, and sited his experience as student council Vice President at SRV in his campaign speech. Atticus continues to enjoy sports - he plays basketball on The Crossroad's team, and he plays in squash leagues outside of school. Atticus continues to feel connected to the SRV community and really enjoyed seeing everyone at the Alumni Games in November. Atticus misses recess, shop and his whole family misses Sing...especially his Dad, Deacon!
Alex N. attends The Westtown School. He reports, "Westtown is very different from Rose Valley, but it's OK. I am managing well with homework. They don't actually assign that much. At recess there's lots of Four Square and World Cup Soccer."
Jesse R. attends The Wallingford- Swarthmore Middle School. Jesse reported that some aspects of middle school were initially overwhelming, particularly the number of people and the volume of home work, but he got used to it after just a couple of months. He is currently getting A's and B's in all of his classes and plays on the school lacrosse team.
Will H. attends the Swarthmore Rutledge School and has adjusted well to a more structured classroom environment. He finds his school work manageable and rigorous. Will enjoys walking to school and participating in his local sports league. Will's mother reports that the conflict resolution and negotiation skills that he learned at SRV are valuable skills that serve him well in his new relationships.
Alexxys S. currently lives with her family in Alaska. I didn't have the opportunity to speak with Alexxys or her Mom or Dad directly, but I understand that she is enjoying school and is becoming fluent in Russian.
Staff Alumni
Shirley Tassencourt (past staff and past parent) writes: "We're so happy (joyous!) that you, the community, are bigger and better than ever. It was my privilege to teach art in the '60s. It's always been nothing but rave, rave, rave from my daughters who attended SRV and are now 50 years old!"
If you're an alum and would like to be included in the Alumni Update please send us an e-mail at development@theschoolinrosevalley.org or fill out the Alumni Update Form.
