Headlines

by Lark Palma, head of school

Welcome, everyone, to the new school year. Our community grows more vibrant with the annual influx of new students, families, and faculty-staff members, so I extend a special welcome to you. It takes some time to orient to Catlin Gabel’s unique culture, so please feel free to speak with those who have been here a while. They’ll be happy to meet you and help you feel comfortable.

It’s amazing to me, but every September I feel the same rush of excitement I felt as a young student anticipating the return to classes. I loved going to school and by the end of the summer could not wait to sharpen my pencils (which dates me), get to know my new teachers, make new friends, and — best of all — open new books!

Happily, Catlin Gabel students like school too. Young students might be nervous at first about new teachers and friends, but very soon everyone settles into the fun of learning together. Older students love to groan about getting up early and grumble about homework, but when we see them bound across Schauff Circle to embrace each other and their teachers on the first days of school and watch them engage in their classes, we know the complaints are mostly for show.

The beginning of a new school year is exhilarating. My mind is racing with fresh ideas and plans. Right now, however, my body is not keeping up with my brain. As you may know, I have undergone two recent surgeries, one for my back and one for my hip. I fully expected that I would be charging around campus by now. Unfortunately, healing is taking longer than I had hoped. Thank you for all your well wishes. They help!

I have ambitious goals for Catlin Gabel and am dedicated to fulfilling them in the next few years. Our students deserve programs and facilities that meet their needs as 21st-century global citizens. Working together this summer, the four division heads and I have committed to stretching our wings and exploring new and different ways of teaching, just as our founders did all those years ago when our progressive roots took hold.

Our talented division heads are focusing on the curriculum and concentrating on best practices in the classroom. The school’s day-to-day operations are in great hands, with highly skilled and devoted professionals. Our dedicated board members have rolled up their sleeves on behalf of the school’s financial security and growth. I can confidently focus on our mission-driven aspirations of building a new Middle and Upper School arts center, increasing our endowment to ensure the school’s long-term financial security, and improving access to a Catlin Gabel education by expanding financial aid resources. Together, we build on the school’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

When we presented the distinguished alumni awards in June, Catlin Gabel’s heritage of excellence and innovation was personified in the remarkable recipients: Woods Hole senior scientist Henry Dick ’65, journalist and child labor activist Sally Bachman ’75, and Doctors without Borders US advocacy liaison Rachel Cohen ’85. I look at our students today and can imagine us honoring them in the same way 10 or 20 years from now, when they will have accomplished equally great things. » Link to alumni profiles

Until then, on to educating our children, and let the school year commence! Have a wonderful year!

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Welcome to new faculty-staff

This year we welcome new teachers in all four divisions, two alumni return to the fold, and three former employees just can't stay away.

» Meet our new faculty-staff members

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Congrats!

Student and faculty-staff honors and achievements.

» Read about science teacher Becky Wynne's teaching award and more.

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Upper School science department revamps course offerings

Teachers re-examined our science curriculum and made changes that provide more elective choices earlier in the students' high school experience. Check out the exciting new science classes. In fact, check out all the amazing courses offered in the Upper School. You will want to enroll!

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Global Education update

Meet our exchange students, find out about this year's global trips, and check out what's on tap for the Viewfinder Global Film Series.

» Link to Global Ed update 

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Traffic signal change at campus entrance

The Department of Transportation has upgraded the traffic signal eastbound on Barnes Road at the intersection in front of campus with a flashing yellow arrow. Here are some safety tips and reminders.

• Left turns are allowed when the flashing yellow arrow is displayed, but drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before making the left turn.

• Use caution when turning left on the flashing yellow arrow. Oncoming drivers on Barnes Road frequently travel at high speed as they come down the hill and around the blind curve.

• When the flashing yellow light turns to steady yellow, the signal is about to turn red. You must stop.

• The signal is programmed to turn from a flashing yellow arrow to a steady green arrow when a stream of oncoming traffic prevents drivers from turning left onto campus.

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Speaking of cars and traffic …

Did you know that one of the most likely places for a collision is in a parking lot?

» Familiarize yourself with Catlin Gabel's parking lot and safety rules.

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Bus schedules posted, daily service begins September

Tired of traffic hassles?

Send your kids to school on the Catlin Gabel bus! Riding the bus is good for the environment, reduces parking lot overcrowding, and saves you time and money.

The 2010-11 bus schedules are posted on the school website in the Parents section.

Parents must print out, complete, and sign the two 2010-11 required documents, Department of Education Regulations and Parent Guidelines, authorizing bus ridership for this year. Please return the completed documents to the administrative assistant in your child’s division.

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Directories available in Toad Hall

The 2010-11 Handbook•Directory is available for pick-up at the reception desk in Toad Hall.

Online directory best source for up-to-date information

Inevitably, the minute we publish the print directory, someone moves or changes phone numbers. For the most current information, log in to view the online directory, which you can find in the Quick Links menu on the home page. You can update your own information too!

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Emerging Artists Exhibition

September 7 – October 21
Cabell Center Foyer

Come view an exciting show featuring 2010 BFA and MFA graduates from Lewis & Clark, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Portland State University. The show features a diverse collection of quality work from seven artists: Deanna Bredthauer, Gregory d'Hemecourt, Kathryn Miller, Tuna Poanessa, Miles Sprietsma, Colleen Stokes, Laura Jane Walker, and Stephanie White. Works represent a variety of techniques and mediums in painting, drawing, photography, textiles, wood, metal, and mixed media.

Do your part for art — meet the artists and help hang the show
Tuesday, September 7, 8:30 a.m.

Come meet the emerging artists and learn about the Catlin Gabel art exhibition committee. Help the artists hang their work. We will provide coffee, tea, snacks, conversation, and interesting art to look at! For more information get in touch with Lee Stewart at 503-827-6658 or lrstew@qwest.net.

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Save the date for homecoming

Friday, October 15

Cheer on the mighty Eagles at this great family evening. Students young and old, parents, alumni, faculty-staff, and friends make this a don't-miss community event. Wear your CG gear!

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The All-School News is published monthly for parents, faculty-staff, and friends.
Editor: Karen Kitty Katz ’74, communications director.