WINTER 2022
WINTER AT MCDONOGH THROUGH THE YEARS
1908
1996
2022
DISCUSSING CIVIL DISCOURSE
After McDonogh announced the School's position on academic freedom and civil discourse, faculty and staff members engaged in an intensive professional development day focused on the philosophy. Through self-reflection, scenario discussion, and goal-setting, they worked on developing skills and competencies to better support students and foster productive, respectful civil discourse and debate.

MCDONOGH IS MOVING BEYOND THE AP
Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, McDonogh will move beyond the AP curriculum by offering a superior range of courses for all Upper School students. The School is confident that this move—already accomplished by so many influential independent schools in the US—will give strength and additional rigor to the program, will inspire even more creativity in the faculty, and, most importantly, will allow students to thrive and distinguish themselves in meaningful ways. With singular resources like Roots Farm, the Fader Innovation Center, our 800+ acre campus, Greatest Good McDonogh, and the potential relationships with organizations in Baltimore, the possibilities are limitless. Learn more about the exciting changes to the curriculum here.

THE NEW LINWOODS TEACHING KITCHEN
One of the exciting new features of the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School is the Linwoods Teaching Kitchen. Designed to allow students to connect to their lessons in unique ways, the kitchen classroom is a valuable tool that will be used by students in many subject areas—from world language classes discovering authentic cultural cuisine to science classes exploring the physical changes created through cooking and baking. Farmer Hood and Chef Staley’s Farm to Fork class was the first to take advantage of the new space in January. 

SHOUT-OUTS TO FACULTY AND STAFF

Nancy Fleury, who had been serving as the Interim Head of Lower School since July 2021, became the Head of Lower School in October. Nancy's entire teaching career has been at McDonoghas a teacher, a reading specialist, and the Associate Head of Lower School.


Robyn Little, who has been serving as the Interim Head of Middle School since July 2021, was named the Head of Middle School in January. She came to McDonogh in 2014, serving as a second-grade teacher and Lower School math specialist before becoming Director of Educational Technology for the entire school in 2019.


Boys and Girls Cross Country coach Phil Turner was selected by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as the State of Maryland's Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year. Phil led the girls Cross Country team through an undefeated season as well as an IAAM championship during the 2021 season.

IN MEMORIAM
McDonogh was recently notified of the passing of Joan Dankert—affectionately known as "Miss Joan" by students and parents—on January 22. Joan dedicated 38 years to McDonogh, working in the Transportation Department as a Bus Driver on Bus 16. Her welcoming smile, holiday treats, and Halloween costumes would brighten students' days, and she will be missed by many. Joan will be honored posthumously at Head of School Day on Friday, April 29. Her obituary can be found here.
VALENTINE TREATS FROM ROOTS FARM
Roots Farm has your “honey” covered for Valentine's Day! Treat your special someone to Roots' honey and jams or to one of these exclusive Valentine’s gifts.
  • Bee My Valentine Gift Basket: 6 oz. honey, 8 oz. peach jam, and four heart-shaped decorated cookies ($20)
  • All you need is Love ... and Cupcakes: six red velvet cupcakes topped with chocolate-covered strawberries ($15)
  • I Heart You: five heart-shaped decorated cookies ($10)
Order here by Wednesday, February 9; pick up at Roots on Friday, February 11 or Monday, February 14.
ALUMNI ART ON DISPLAY IN TUTTLE GALLERY
The work of four talented young alumni artists is on display in the Tuttle Art Gallery now through Friday, February 18. Chloe Buergenthal ’17, Lee Ingram ’17, Archer Senft ’17, and Biz White '15 returned to McDonogh to create an exhibition of their work which spans a variety of mediums. Additionally, Archer and Lee met with students in Match Zimmerman’s '02 Honors Photography and Digital Media 2 classes to discuss their art and creative process. 

ATTEND UPCOMING SESSIONS OF MCDONOGH VOICES
During the first session of McDonogh Voices, Upper School history teacher John Wood, joined by Nadine Knight ’95 and Jessica Levy ’04, led a conversation about how history is communicated and understood. The series will continue in March and April with three more events:

On Wednesday, March 2, Historians Ken Lipartito, Ph.D. and Patricia A. Watson, Ph.D., who are researching and writing a narrative history to commemorate the 150th anniversary of McDonogh School, will discuss slavery and the slave trade in the United States, Baltimore, and New Orleans as well as John McDonogh's association with it. 

On Tuesday, March 22, retired Art Department Chair Oletha DeVane and her artistic historical consultants will explain the evolution and meaning behind The Memorial to Those Enslaved and Freed—a memorial being built to recognize and honor the enslaved peoples of John McDonogh.

On Friday, April 29, Nile Russell ’00 and collaborators Naana Badu '00 and Jenn Ford '00 will perform a dance piece that complements this year's theme.

JOIN US ON CAMPUS: APRIL 29-MAY 1
Friday, April 29
  • Head of School Day
  • Alumni Memorial Service
  • State of the School Luncheon
  • Senior Innovation Showcase
  • Cavalry and Riding Event
  • Campus Tours
  • V Boys Lacrosse vs. St. Paul
  • V Boys Baseball vs. Indian Creek
  • McDonogh Voices Dance Performance
  • Distinguished Service and Young Alumni Awards Ceremony
  • Cocktail Party
Saturday, April 30
  • Campus Tours
  • Crab Feast and Family Picnic
  • Individual Parties for Reunion Classes (Graduation years ending in 2 or 7)

Sunday, May 1
  • Upper School Choral Concert
On Friday, the Alumni Association will present Young Alumni Awards to the following recipients: 
  • Kai M. Cunningham '12
  • Brielle A. Ferguson '07
  • Lisa H. Tostanoski '08

The Board of Trustees will present Distinguished Service Awards to the following recipients: 
  • Erika Seth Davies '94, Former Associate Director of Philanthropy, alumna, and parent 
  • Noreen Lidston, Retired Head of Lower School and parent of alumni 
  • Frederick C. "Butch" Maisel III '72, alumnus
Registration opens soon! In the meantime, visit mcdonogh.org/reunion.
HIT THE LINKS AT HAYFIELDS IN MAY
Join fellow members of the McDonogh community for golf, happy hour, raffles, and more at the 46th Annual McDonogh Classic at Hayfields Country Club on Monday, May 16. For more information and to register, visit mcdonogh.org/golfclassic.
PERUSE THE RETIRED EMPLOYEE WEBSITE
We have added a "Kudos" page to the retired employee section of McDonogh's website, and we hope you will help fill it with your news and accomplishments. You can also read 10 years of retiree tributes, see upcoming events, and update your contact information.
HELP US COLLECT STORIES FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking for volunteers to help capture personal stories from alumni and other members of the community in preparation for an important 150th anniversary project (the 150th anniversary will take place during the 2023-2024 school year). If you are interested in helping, please complete this form. It’s a great way to learn more about McDonogh while connecting with others in the community. 
NEWS & PHOTOS
To read more about World Read Along Day, A Quick Trip to SenegalCelebrating the Lunar New Year, and many other happenings on campus, please visit the McDonogh Media Hub. You can also follow McDonogh on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.