K
nox
School
541 Long Beach Road
St. James, New York 11780
The Beacon
Semper ad Lucem
February 2009, Issue 3
February 2009
Dear Friends,
Special Points of Interest
Photography Student
Chosen as Competitors
P. 2
Junior Dance Rocks!
P. 3
Knox goes to the Opera P.3
Home Away from
Home
P. 4
Recycle Time at Knox
P. 6
Ms. Cox comes to Knox P. 6
Mr. McGaughan Joins
the Admissions Team!
P. 7
MLK Day is celebrated
P. 7
Inagueration leaves its
mark on Knox
P. 7
The economy is having an effect on all facets of our society. In
light of these conditions, The Knox School is taking an aggressive view on
enrollment for the school year 2009-2010. We will be focusing on increasing our day student population, 5 day/boarders and 7 day/boarders
throughout the United States, Europe, Caribbean, Central and South
America. We need a better balance in our student body to maintain
Knox’s unique diversity. Therefore, we will not be accepting students
from the Pacific Rim in grades 11 & 12. In spite of the economic downturn, we presently have full enrollment with our boarding students.
Our new Interim Director of Admissions, Fred McGaughan, and I
will be visiting Feeder school heads, placement directors and educational
consultants throughout the United States this winter and spring.
Knox’s Board of Trustees’, under Jennifer Lawrence’s leadership,
is seriously discussing building a new state of art dormitory. As Knox
grows, our facilities will have to expand!
The first Parents Association meeting was held on January 8, and
4 parents attended. The next Parents Association meeting will be held at
MacKenzie House (the Headmaster’s) on Thursday, February 12 at 7pm.
Every parent at Knox is a member of the Parents Association. We hope
you will be able to attend the next meeting on February 12. Please contact
Christine Cleary ccleary@knoxschool.org or 631-686-1600 if you are planning on attending. Remember every successful school has an active and
successful Parents Association. Incidentally, MacKenzie House is directly
behind the gym and just follow the road, though this road is not brick nor
is it yellow.
Best wishes,
George K. Allison
February 2009
The Beacon
As much fun as it is to see a young child first look at snow, it is more fun to watch teenagers experience winter’s gift for the first time. Some of our students have never seen snow before, and this winter
has been wonderful for them. I have watched first time snowman makers in action, heard “why are my
feet wet” when students come in from walking in the snow and I have been able to watch snowball fights
happening between classes from my office window.
As well as snow, January brought fun weekend trips, entertaining basketball games, special political and historical assemblies and hot chocolate and bake sales (which I enjoyed a lot). I have high hopes
for the month of February!
Jenna Skarda
Associate Director of Admissions
3 Photography Students Make it to The Drexel
University, High School Photography Contest
Three distinguished students from Ms. Colombraro’s Portfolio Photography class have
been chosen to exhibit their images at The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design this winter. John Boyd, Kara Elwood and Cameron Gilhooley all seniors at The Knox School submitted
photographs in December to The Drexel University High School Photography Contest.
The student’s matted silver gelatin prints represent works from infra-red projects, landscapes and portraits all photographed in 2008. John Boyd and Kara Elwood are in their third year
of Photography having completed Photo I and Photo II. They have just recently finished their photography portfolios which were submitted with their college applications. Ms. Elwood is planning
on majoring in photography in the fall. Cameron Gilhooley is presently finishing his second year
of photography at The Knox School and has also submitted his portfolio to several colleges.
The photography students are enthusiastic about their accomplishment. “I am very excited
to be accepted into the college art show. Anytime I get to exhibit my work it brings me happiness”,
said John Boyd.
The juried contest received over 3,100 entries from all over the country making judging exceptionally difficult. The Knox student photos represent 125 of these selected works which will be
exhibited in the Photography Gallery at the north east corner of Arch and 33rd Streets in Philadelphia. The exhibit will run from January 31 to February 28th, 2009.
A public opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 1-3pm.
If you would like further information, please contact Patricia Colombraro at The Knox
School at 631 686-1600 or contact the Drexel University at photog@drexel.edu.
-Patricia Colombraro, Photography Teacher
One of the Knox family, James Gilleo a Kitchen Staff Member has
recently been in a car accident. Currently James is at Stony Brook Hospital in the Burn Unit recovering from third degree burns. The students
and faculty have been flooding his room with cards and flowers, wishing him a speedy recovery. Please keep James in your thoughts and
prayers. Everyone at Knox wishes him a swift recovery.
Semper ad Lucem
Juniors Throw the Rave of The Season
As one of two, Ms. Aristilde being the other, Class of 2010 advisors I was especially impressed by
the dance this class wowed the Knox community with on January 9th. With the concerted efforts of students,
a few notable parents (The Hardy's and Mrs. Reina), and of course Joe from the maintenance staff, the students created not just a memorable club/dance environment, but a "painting pavilion." There is nothing quite
like seeing a room full of teenagers, in glow in the dark paint, with the black light, strobe lights, and music
blaring to remind us of the dances we all once enjoyed. Many things change, but being young and attending a
school dance transcends generations. Knox truly is blessed with a school full of wonderful young people and
caring adults.
- Stephen
Pendley, History Chair
Yurie Tago ’08 and Derek
Fearon ’10 enjoy the party!
Jessie Thomson ’10 and Jenna
Hardy ’10 help students
paint themselves.
The party was raging!
Jenna Hardy ‘10 helps
Angel Valdes ‘12 get ready in
the paint booth.
Pictures taken by Derek Fearon ‘10
The painting was really fun - anonymous
Everyone was dancing full-time!!! Food and drinks were provided and the DJ rocked it! - anonymous
People all enjoyed the dance. Collin and Matt danced crazily!! The paint part worked
awesome! Everyone liked it! - Jessica Wen
Music and Middle School
Students Attend the Opera
For more than thirty years, Knox students have attended final dress rehearsals and performances
through our school’s membership in Education at The Metropolitan Opera. Over the years, our students
had the privilege of seeing performances from opera legends such as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo,
Jose Carreras, Marilyn Horne, Leontyne Price and others at one of the world’s premier opera houses. Opera
at The Met has become a Knox tradition. On Wednesday morning, January 21, after several class periods
devoted to studying the history, story and music of the opera,
members of Vocal Ensemble along with the entire Middle
School headed to Manhattan and Lincoln Center for the
11:00 AM final dress rehearsal for Verdi’s Rigoletto.
Students were accompanied by Mrs. Zingale, who as
school coordinator was responsible for planning the trip and
preparing students for the experience, as well as Mrs. Allison,
Mrs. Musumeci, and Mrs. White. Back in class, students will
be involved in follow up activities, some of which will be
shared with the administrators of Education at The Met. We
are proud of our students for their enthusiasm and support for
the Knox Opera experience.
February 2009
The Beacon
The Dean’s Corner
George J. Naron, Dean of Students
It is hard to believe that we are located on Long Island
and not the heart of New England! Students have been snowboarding down the Terrace hillside and rolling in the snow between classes. Welcome to winter in New York!
There are a number of exciting activities going on to
keep the students busy and engaged for the winter term. The juniors should be congratulated for hosting one of the most well attended and enjoyable dances of the year! Many thanks to the Junior Class Advisors Mr. Pendley and Ms. Aristilde, Jenna Hardy
’10 and the dance committee, and our students for a great event.
Our basketball teams are in the heart of the schedule and could
use more fans on the sidelines to cheer them on! We are planning
a number of trips and activities for the rest of the term that include: Hunter Mountain for skiing and snowboarding, Smithtown for ice skating and bowling; movie and dinner trips; and our
own student competition at Red and White Gym Night!
The campus will be open during the Winter Long Weekend, February 6 – 9, for students who cannot arrange for an off
campus weekend stay. Please be sure to fax in a Weekend Permission Form before February 5 if your student will be leaving
for the weekend.
Many of our students still need to purchase warm winter
coats, gloves, hats and boots. There are weekend trips to Target
and local malls, so please check to see that your student is prepared for the Knox winter winds.
Important Dates
Feb. 6 – Spring Travel Plans Due
Feb. 6 – Long Winter Weekend begins
at 3:00 pm
Feb. 9 – Long Winter Weekend ends,
Boarding students return by 9:30 pm
Feb.16 – President’s Day – SCHOOL
IS IN SESSION!
Feb. 20 – Red/White Gym Night
February 24 – Winter Sports Banquet
February 25-27 – Term Exams
Feb. 27-Mar. 16 – Spring Break
Mar. 16 – Dorms open at 3:30 pm,
Boarding students return by 9:30 pm.
Mar. 17 – Spring Term Classes begin
Home Away From Home
The Knox School is a home away from home for many students. The school is proud to be
considered a safe, warm, welcoming place for our student body. There are instances throughout
the days, weeks, months and years when faculty and staff go above and beyond. Here are just a
few examples of how much our students appreciate that generosity. As faculty, I can say I love
being able to offer students something special every now and again.
Mr. and Mrs. George Allison have reentered the
Knox community with
warmth. The Allisons have
opened their home to the
10th graders recently.
Shown here you can see
George Allison talking to
Keith Cho ‘11 and students
watching the news of the
recent airplane crash intently while eating dinner.
The Allisons are planning
to have each student over
to their home for dinner,
during this academic year.
This past Christmas,
Ms. Kerri-Ann Alexanderson invited some
students to her home
for dinner. Her family
welcomed DJ Nam ‘10
and Kelvin Lee ‘10
into their home and
introduced the students to new traditions
and personal family
favorites.
Ms. Jenna Skarda occasionally holds pancake
breakfasts in her apartment for the dorm. After the
first breakfast Jun Beak ‘12 took over as dorm
pancake cook. The next breakfast is scheduled for
the last Sunday in January.
Semper ad Lucem
Dear Parents and Guardians:
It has been a cold and snowy January at our home by
the shore. We were extremely disappointed that the poor
weather caused us to cancel our Academic Saturday trip to the
Cradle of Aviation Museum on January 10. Despite the threat
of inclement weather, however, we have a busy calendar for
January and February. On Monday, January 19, Knox seniors Bianca Gracie and John Boyd led students in a schoolwide assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. John
Boyd presented a PowerPoint biography of Dr. King and his
achievements. Other seniors, including Bianca Gracie, Alex
Burst, Kelvin Kong, and Andrew Schwartz read poems. Andrew composed and read his own poem for the occasion.
Knox students are witnessing history. On Tuesday,
January 20, the entire Knox School community will gather
together in the meeting room to view the live telecast of the
inauguration of President Barack Obama. Several members of
The Knox School community were invited to attend the inauguration festivities and we look forward to hearing about their
experiences when they return.
Mrs. Zingale is busy preparing students for The Knox
School’s annual trip to the Metropolitan Opera on Wednesday, January 21, where students will be privileged to attend a
performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto. They will see the
tragic story of Rigoletto and his daughter Gilda that they have
learned in class. Students involved in Vocal Ensemble as well
as all middle school students will attend.
In early February, we will host visitors from the
Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center on campus. Students will be involved in tolerance workshops as well as have
the opportunity to speak to a Holocaust survivor. The
S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club is
sponsoring this event. Mrs. Pack Butler’s 9th grade English I
students and Mr. Vibert’s Middle School English will be reading Elie Wiesel’s “Night” in preparation for this visit. Students will also participate in a Poetry Aloud contest in February. All students are expected to recite 8 to 25 lines of a poem
of their choice to the class. Classroom winners will compete
in a school-wide competition.
Flyers arrive in my office daily regarding summer
study abroad programs in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Although some programs are geared exclusively to learning
another language, other programs focus on ecology, history,
public affairs, fine arts and service. Students interested in participating in summer programs should stop by my office for
more information.
Regards,
Sharon L. Lawrence
Assistant Head of School
Class of 2009
College Acceptances
University of Maine
Quinnipiac University
Roger Williams University
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Bridgewater College
Catawba College
College of Santa Fe
Emory University
High Point University
NYU Tisch School of Music
St. Michael’s College
University of Hartford
University of Tampa
Upcoming Weekend
Activities and Trips
Skip Trip to Hunter Mountain
Barnes and Nobles
Coldstone Creamery
Smith Haven Mall
TGI Fridays
Ice Skating
Roosevelt Fields Mall
Bowling
Madame Tussauds Wax
Museum in NYC
Tanger Outlets
Laser Tag
Chinese Buffet
Target
February 2009
The Beacon
Both Red and White Teams Go Green
This year the environmental club is working to improve the environmental footprint of the
school. We use and discard far too many resources as waste. Since the first term we have been collecting and recycling paper. The paper collected is bundled together and then properly recycled. Our goal
is to begin re-using this paper so that we do not waste nearly as much as we currently do.
Last week, the environmental club sponsored a bake sale during lunch time. This bake sale was
used as a method of awareness, recycling is good for everyone. This was also a great way to raise money
to buy recycling containers to be placed around the school. We raised over $100 and
are also still collecting donations for this cause. These containers would be used to
collect plastic recyclables. Rather than being burned along with the regular trash, these
plastics will be properly recycled.
If you would like to help with this cause, please contact Mr. Matthew Frageau
or Ms. Vittoria Marzot. We could use all the help we can get!
- Matthew Frageau, Math and Science Department Chair
Ms. Cox has arrived at Knox!
Hello, my name is T. Denise Cox and I am the new Development Director at The Knox School.
Ironically, I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. I spent the majority of my youth in a small town, Manchester, home of the Bonnaroo Music Festival. I was a member of the Girl Scouts and Rainbow for Girls until I
graduated high school. I proudly served six years in the Army National Guard as a 91 Bravo or field medic
(Emergency Medical Technician). I have been a volunteer for the Big Sisters program and I love children,
even though I do not have any of my own.
I began my career in non-profit fundraising at St. Mary’s Foundation for Children in Bayside, New
York. After 9/11, I moved back south to help support the programs and services of the Salvation Army in
Northern Alabama. I progressed into higher education fundraising when I accepted a position with my alma
mater, Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Missing New York tremendously, I returned last
year to work for Stony Brook University as a campus wide Development Officer. Then on August 16, 2008,
I became a Knoxonian for a second time! I felt a sense of being home the moment I turned off Long Beach
Road onto the school grounds.
I fell in love with your campus the moment I arrived. Right now, everything sits frozen in the snow
and Houghton Hall is absolutely picturesque. Then you take a closer look and realize that time has taken its
toll and the old place needs some tender loving care. That is where I come in! It is not only my job but my
goal to refurbish all our buildings, as well as adding some additional space for classrooms and dormitories.
For example, I believe we should have a real theatre separate from the gymnasium. I am working on all
fronts to achieve these goals from a Planned Giving Program to the Annual Fund Appeal which includes a
Trustee/Employee Giving Campaign. In addition, I plan on growing our endowment until we are self sustaining. But first I have to worry about the Golf Outing in May!
I am currently working on getting our database in order and simply finding our alums. Admittedly,
we haven’t done a very good job of keeping up with you. My plans are to start calling in the next couple of
months to introduce myself and ask for a meeting. I want to get to know all our Knox alums, and the only
way to do so is to get out of my office. I am extremely excited about meeting our graduates and hearing stories about Knox! Don’t worry, I won’t be asking anyone for money…yet!
P.S. If you are interested in meeting with me, please feel free to give me a call.
Sincerely,
T. Denise Cox
Development Director
Semper ad Lucem
News… From the
Admission Office
M. L. King Day Events
Martin Luther King was celebrated this year at Knox,
rather the honored. Every year this day is a special reminder of
the people who fought for social and political equality. Instead
By now, most of you have noticed a of honoring Dr. King, Knox students celebrated him during an
new face in the Admission Office
all school assembly.
Julian Davis ‘09 performed Bob Marley’s Redemption
and around Campus. His name is
Song to the student and faculty body. John Boyd ‘09 read Dr.
Fred McGaughan, and he is our
new Admission Director. Fred runs King’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech, which he was awarded
in 1964. Dr. King was the youngest man to have received the
his own educational consulting
company, and he first came to know Nobel Peace Prize.
Bianca Gracie read the poem, Young Gifted and Black
Knox through his marketing and
written
by
Nina Simone and Weldon Irvine, Jr. in 1969. The
admissions work for Knox during
poem
was
inspired
by Lorraine Hansberry’s play, titled the
the fall. He will work as an
same.
Maya
Angelou’s
poem, Still I Rise, was read by Alex
"Interim" Director of Admission
Burst
’09.
Andrew
Schwartz
gave the school the honor of hearthrough the spring and summer.
ing a poem he had written. The poem was initially a required
Along with the Admission team,
assignment for his English class, but morphed into an accomFred will run the Admission proplished reading.
gram, but he will also establish new
The Knox School student body is passionate, driven
marketing initiatives and help Knox and graceful. Their efforts to celebrate a great man are apprecifind a full-time Admission Director ated and valued by those in attendance at the assembly.
for the 2009-2010 school year.
- Jenna Skarda, Associate Director of Admission
Knox Values Historical Inauguration
“As a child growing up in Texas, I remember people
having to sit on the back of the bus and drink from
separate water fountains. When I was young I did
not understand why. This is an amazing moment to
be able to witness.”
- Janice Zingale, Director of Alumni Affairs
January 20, 2009 will be a historic and
Ms. Janice Zingale observes
memorable day for everyone, no matter your
the inauguration amongst the
political beliefs. The Knox community
student body.
jumped at the chance to experience history together. Faculty from all different generations, political standings and experiences were role models
to the student body who would always know a different America then
their elders.
Knox students, from all over the world, were able to experience
an American tradition as long as this country has existed. For our
Middle Schoolers this may be the first inauguration that they will
remember.
Jordan Cinnante ‘11 and Sara
Knox, like America knows “that our patchwork heritage is a
Wodenshek ‘10 watch the
strength, not a weakness.” (Obama, B) In that spirit, we gathered.
inauguration among the high
school student body.
- Jenna Skarda, Associate Director of Admission
Collen Lee ‘10 and Soo-Yeon
Kwark ‘10 intently watch.
The Beacon
Feb. 2nd
Feb. 5th
Feb 10th
Feb 12th
Feb 3rd
Feb 4th
Feb 5th
Feb 10th
Feb 11th
Feb 12th
Feb 13th
Feb 23rd
Feb 24th
Feb 26th
Varsity Basketball Schedule
North Shore Hebrew Academy
Kew Forest
Playoffs
Championships @ Lawrence Woodmere
Semper ad Lucem
JV Basketball Schedule
Lexington
Solomon Schector
@ Lawrence Woodmere
Kew Forest
Boy Club of New York
Upper Room
OSNA
@ Solomon Schector
Playoffs
Championships @ Portledge
Summer Adventures Camp Open House
Saturday, February 2, 2009
10AM – 2PM
For more information, please contact the Summer
Camp Office at (631) 686-1600 ext 443 or visit our
website at www.saak.org.
Please join us for the Winter Sport Banquet will be held on
February 24th at 6pm in Houghton Hall.
K
nox
School
541 Long Beach Road
St. James, New York 11780