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It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through summer 2014! This means it is time for my fourth annual summer newsletter - Postcards from Woodlynde - where select faculty and staff share their summer plans with you. This year, we are highlighting our Woodlynde summer crew - those faculty and staff who are here even when you are not. While some may think the pace slows down once the students leave, there is actually a lot occurring to prepare for the 2014-2015 school year.
Happy Summer everyone!
Dr. Christopher M. Fulco
Head of School
610.293.6630
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Head of School Highlights
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Welcome New
Students & Families!
Our Director of Admissions, Dorinda Shank, continues to welcome new students. A warm Woodlynde Community welcome to the new students and families that will join us this fall:
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Kindergarten
Jabril David
Ruby Sadoff
1st Grade
Ben Tolin
2nd Grade
Luiza Santos
5th Grade
Troyy Kleger
Grace Polywacz
Gavin Polywacz
Jack Richardson
6th Grade
George McHale
7th Grade
Levi Wojnilower
Michael Wright
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8th Grade
Declan Arnott
Hayden Clemons
Nicholas Herbetko
9th Grade
Tajae Faxon
Kyle Guzy
Eric Harvey
Caroline Mullaney
10th Grade
Daniel O'Malley
12th Grade
Audrea Holstein
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(as of 7/8/14)
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Over $420,000 Raised for Annual Fund
This year, we raised $423,275 for The Annual Fund for Woodlynde, a 12% increase over last year. The Annual Fund for Woodlynde is the school's most important philanthropic fund. It directly supports the people, programs, and activities that make a difference every day, including teacher salaries; academic and support programs; assistive technology; arts, athletics, and L.E.A.D. Student Life programs; and campus care and improvements.
Thank you to all of you who supported The Annual Fund for Woodlynde this year, including 52% of our current parents, 100% of our board members, and 100% of our faculty and staff.
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Window Installation Underway
 This summer's campus improvement project is off to a fantastic start! Through the generous support of our Parent Community Association and major donors, we are installing new windows and exterior doors throughout most of the building. The new windows and doors will provide improved insulation, durability, and security as well as a more contemporary aesthetic to give Woodlynde a more open and welcoming appearance. Click here to see more photos of how the project is coming along. We can't wait for you to see the new look on the first day of school!
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Congratulations
Class of 2014!
 We held our commencement ceremony for the class of 2014 on Friday, June 13 at Penn State Great Valley. Faculty speaker Jason Hoffman and student speakers Emily Bank, Cassia Enright, and Chris Lumsden kept the packed auditorium smiling and reminiscing with their stories of the impact that Woodlynde has had on them.
State Senator Andrew Dinniman, minority chair of the state's committee on education, awarded each graduate with a special award for all of their hard work over the years.
Continuing the tradition of having a 100% college acceptance rate, the 20 graduates are off to a variety of colleges and universities in the fall, including American University, Emerson College, Lynn University, Penn State University Park, Susquehanna University, and University of the Arts.
Click here for more photos.
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Register Now for
Camp WARRIOR!
August 18-22
Open to new or currently enrolled students in grades 7-12, Camp WARRIOR is a fun, overnight team-building camp experience. Students will learn leadership skills, build self-confidence, and have some good old summer fun. Activities include tubing, campfires, mini-golf, rock float, basketball, water slides, gaga, swimming, high and low ropes courses, and much more!
Click here for more information.
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New Division Heads Start
 Elizabeth MaglioNew Head of FOUNDATIONS & Lower School
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 Dr. Kate McCallumNew Head of Middle School
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This school year, we are excited to return to a three-division-head model, and our two new division heads are already hard at work! FOUNDATIONS and Lower School Head Elizabeth Maglio and Middle School Head Dr. Kate McCallum began in their new positions a couple of weeks ago. They have been attending meetings with our Leadership Team, organizing their new offices, meeting with former Division Head Dr. Magi Koch, and preparing to ensure that there will be a smooth start to the school year. We are excited to have them on board and can't wait to see all of the great things they accomplish!
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Alumni Corner
Recap: Alumni/Faculty Baseball Night at the Reading Phillies
Thank you to our alumni and faculty who participated in our second annual Alumni/Faculty Baseball Night at the Reading Phillies on Wednesday, July 9. It was a great evening of Woodlynde comraderie as we enjoyed the game against the Trenton Thunder from our private area stocked with a buffet and bar. If you missed this year's game, we hope to see you in 2015!
Save the Date!
Annual Alumni/Faculty
Soccer Game & Tailgate
Tuesday, November 25
at Woodlynde School
Join your former teachers and fellow alumni in a friendly soccer game against the Woodlynde Varsity Soccer Team. After the game, unwind at a "tailgate" at a local eatery. More information to follow.
Stay in Touch!
Do you want to become more involved in Woodlynde's Alumni Society or share updates with your fellow alums? Contact Ashley Ratka, alumni relations manager, at ratka@woodlynde.org.
Like the Woodlynde Alumni Society page on Facebook.
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Board of Trustees News
Recently, Woodlynde's board of trustees welcomed two new members: Peter Classen PA'08 and John Williams PA'10. Classen is the former executive vice president of regional presidents for PNC Bank, from which he recently retired after 28 years of service. Williams has over 33 years of experience in the financial services industry and is currently the senior vice president of wealth management at UBS Financial Services in Conshohocken.
 Peter Classen PA'08 New Board Member
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 John Williams PA'10 New Board Member
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The board also appointed several new officers. David Hartzell P'15 has been on the board since 2011 and will serve as vice-chair and treasurer. Jean Earhart PA'13 has been a board member since 2012 and will serve as secretary. Marc Balcer P'19 will serve as advancement chair and has been on the board since 2012.
Finally, I'd like to express my sincere thanks to retiring board members Randie Harmelin PA'05, Chuck Riter PA'04, Barry Rorer PA'95, John Schmitz PA'12, Carol Udvarhelyi PA'12 and Terry Woodman. These individuals have contributed a combined 60 years of volunteer leadership, time, and talent in order to make Woodlynde a much better school for our students.
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Save the Date!
2014 Family Fun Day - Woodlynde Wild West
Saturday, September 27
from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Join us on Saturday, September 27 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. as Woodlynde turns into the Wild West! Current and past Woodlynde families, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy inflatable, games, giveaways, delicious food, dancing, beer, and more. Stay tuned for more information!
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Summer Postcards from Woodlynde
Ever wonder what Woodlynde faculty and staff do over the summer?
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What are you looking forward to this summer?
Tent camping on Chincoteague Island with my family
- Jill Dougherty, Head of Upper School
Enjoying the water park in Wildwood
- Penny Moldofsky, Director of The Literacy Institute
The annual turkey fry that the technology department hosts for the summer staff
- Nancy Monzo, Business Office
Playing golf at Pebble Beach
- Dave Shank, Dean of Students
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Where are you traveling this summer?
Nashville, TN; Lexington, NC; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and Denver, CO
- Elizabeth Maglio, Head of FOUNDATIONS & Lower School
Riviera Maya, Montauk, and Boulder
- Kate McCallum, Head of Middle School
Disney World for a week
- Ashley Ratka, Community & Alumni Relations Manager
San Francisco and Napa Valley
- Dorinda Shank, Director of Admissions
No big trips planned, but hopefully some trips to the beach
- Katie Schopfer, Data Resource Manager
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What is your favorite thing to eat in the summer?
Cheeseburgers and brats
- Chris Fulco, Head of School
Peaches in the summer are the best, closely followed by tomatoes.
- Bill Jacoby, Director of Technology
Ice cream, hot dogs, and fresh zucchini
- Meghan McLaughlin, Communications Manager
Hard-shell crabs
- John Williams PA'10, New Board Member
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What was the best summer vacation you ever took?
I spent the summer in Israel when I was in high school.
- Maura Lee, Associate Director of Advancement
I worked in Beijing and Shanghai in the summer of 2010. I vacationed in Cambodia and Vietnam when I was done.
- Elizabeth Maglio, Head of FOUNDATIONS & Lower School
Paris is the best vacation regardless of the season.
- Kristen Tabun, Director of College Guidance
I drove to Alaska.
- John Williams PA'10, New Board Member
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What are you reading?
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Abbey Leaman, Admissions Assistant
Finishing the Game of Thrones series by the end of the summer!
- Ashley Ratka, Community & Alumni Relations Manager
I'm in a book club, so I will be reading a variety of genres as much as possible!
- Katie Schopfer, Data Resource Manager
Think Like a Freak
- John Williams PA'10, New Board Member
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Do you prefer ice cream, water ice, or frozen yogurt?
I prefer gelato in Florence or Rome, but I'm not getting close to those cities this summer so I'll go with Rum Raisin Ice Cream
- Bill Jacoby, Director of Technology
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Maura Lee, Associate Director of Advancement
Since moving to Philadelphia, I have to say water ice. I like Mango with Vanilla custard.
- Elizabeth Maglio, Head of FOUNDATIONS & Lower School
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
- Kristen Tabun, Director of College Guidance
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What are you doing this summer to prepare for the school year?
Admitting new students and making sure they are ready to start in September
- Abbey Leaman, Admissions Assistant
Researching beginning reading materials that can coordinate with Wilson and Fundations for the youngest classes
- Penny Moldofsky, Director of The Literacy Institute
Sending out bills
- Nancy Monzo, Business Office
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What is Woodlynde like when the students are gone?
Quiet, but busy. There are no fun distractions from my work.
- Jill Dougherty, Head of Upper School
Quiet, which is nice at first, but gets boring quickly.
- Chris Fulco, Head of School
Right now, a construction zone!
- Abbey Leaman, Admissions Assistant
I still need to learn what it's like when the students are here!
- Kate McCallum, Head of Middle School
Boring
- Dave Shank, Dean of Students
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Where is your favorite place to spend time in the summer?
Ocean City, MD
- Chris Fulco, Head of School
My family has been going to Cape May for 30+ years
- Lisa Ketcham, Director of Advancement
Ocean City, NJ
- Meghan McLaughlin, Communications Manager
Waterworks in Philadelphia
- Ashley Ratka, Community & Alumni Relations Manager
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Do you prefer the mountains or the beach?
Mountain fan here
- Bill Jacoby, Director of Technology
Give me sun, sand, and waves over mountains any day.
- Lisa Ketcham, Director of Advancement
The beach!
- Maura Lee, Associate Director of Advancement
The beach for sure!
- Kate McCallum, Head of Middle School
The beach, no contest!
- Dorinda Shank, Director of Admissions
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What do you like to do on a rainy summer day?
Work on a blanket that I am knitting
- Jill Dougherty, Head of Upper School
Play Monopoly! I get so competitive that my family dreads rainy days while we're on vacation.
- Meghan McLaughlin, Communications Manager
Take a beading class at Blue Santa Beads in Media
- Penny Moldofsky, Director of The Literacy Institute
This is a silly question. The weather does not affect what I do.
- Dave Shank, Dean of Students
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What are you most looking forward to in the next school year?
The Pie Eating Contest at the Alumni Soccer Game!
- Nancy Monzo, Business Office
Since it will be my first fall at Woodlynde, I'm looking forward to seeing what the start of school is like and helping with Family Fun Day.
- Katie Schopfer, Data Resource Manager
The students and the energy created by a new school year
- Dorinda Shank, Director of Admissions
The biggest senior class ever!
- Kristen Tabun, Director of College Guidance
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Wednesday, July 16
New Parent Lunch with Leadership Team
12:00 p.m.
August 18-22
Camp WARRIOR
Tuesday, August 19
New Parent Luncheon with Leadership Team
12:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 28
New Family Orientation & Breakfast
9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 2
First Day of School
Picture Day
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Wednesday, September 10
Technology 101 for Parents
6:00-6:45 p.m.
FOUNDATIONS, Lower & Middle School
Back-to-School Night
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 11
Senior Parent College Night
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 17
Technology 101 for Parents
6:00-6:45 p.m.
Upper School
Back-to-School Night
7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 19
FOUNDATIONS & Lower School Buddy Picnic
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Thursday, September 25
NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 26
Relaxed Dress
Saturday, September 27
Family Fun Day - Woodlynde Wild West
2:00-5:00 p.m.
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| Woodlynde School | 445 Upper Gulph Road | Wayne/Strafford, PA 19087 | 610.687.9660
College Prep for Diverse Learning Styles ● Grades K-12
Where Great Minds Learn Differently
Open Houses at 8:45 am
October 14 - November 11 - December 9
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