Dear Alumni,
Many years ago, on a warm September morning, a young man entered a classroom in the South Bronx and began a career in education. Armed with the necessary training, excited to share all he had learned, and convinced he knew all there was to know, he introduced himself and began his first lesson … which was a total disaster. And that was the very best thing that could have happened.
That young man is me, Peter Haarmann. But my story is not very different from many other teacher’s first day experiences. After forty-three years in the classroom, twenty-seven as a Sixth Grade English Teacher at Allen-Stevenson, I am retiring, excited for what awaits. Teaching is like life – you can do all the planning and preparation you want and then in a matter of minutes, things completely implode before your eyes. Teachers can have the finest training, the fiercest determination to educate, and the strongest conviction they can make a difference, but without flexibility, the other components just don’t cut it. Middle School students are primarily designed to push teachers to their breaking points, not intentionally, perhaps, but from some internal mechanism that guides them. The only way to re-channel this energy is to be flexible and stay at least five steps ahead.
Like students, educators never stop learning. They never stop trying. And they never stop listening. School is a collaborative process; teachers teach students and students teach teachers. We plan curriculums, earmark necessary skills, design lessons, and evaluate progress from September through June. But it does not end there. Daily, we recalibrate the curriculum and reevaluate the skills needed to be successful in accordance with our changing world. We alter and expand our lessons and assess in a variety of ways never before conceived hoping to provide a rewarding experience for the students in our class.
Allen-Stevenson is an outstanding institution. Each and every boy that enters, and eventually exits, our school has been enriched by the experience. The depth of opportunities afforded each student is remarkable. It is nearly impossible for anyone not to be impacted positively by their time at A-S. I know the motto of our school translates that an A-S boy will behave “strongly and rightly”, but an Allen-Stevenson boy is also kind, forthright, upstanding, generous, and curious. Each and every one of you bears witness to these qualities.
Not returning to A-S in September will be difficult, but not impossible. In my heart and mind are thousands and thousands of fruitful days and memories, thousands and thousands of smiles and laughs, thousands and thousands of minor moments that make a life a life. Thanks to all of you who have shown me kindness, offered me a compliment, and trusted in me these years. These too are in my heart and mind.
Best always,
Pete Haarmann
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With only 9 days left before the end of our fiscal year on June 30, your support of Allen-Stevenson is more important than ever.
The Annual Fund continues to support our academic, athletics and arts programs, but this year it also benefits the many unbudgeted COVID-related initiatives that allowed us to welcome our students and teachers back safely in person. Some of these initiatives included technology, pool testing, and increased financial aid to families affected by the pandemic.
Every gift helps us meet these needs head-on and we would be deeply grateful for your support. Every donor matters.
Don't forget! For gifts of $50 or more, we will send you an Allen-Stevenson athletic t-shirt with our grateful thanks. Indicate size (M, L, XL) in the comment section
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Upper School Closing Exercises with Featured Speaker Stephen H. Judson '76
Congratulations to our eighth graders, who joined the ranks of Allen-Stevenson alumni during their Closing Exercises last week. The boys processed down Park Avenue, led by a bagpipe, while being cheered on by their families, friends, and teachers.
The featured graduation speaker was alumnus Stephen Judson ’76, partner and managing member of Prides Crossing Executive Communication, LLC and a frequent speaker and panelist on business, communications, and the arts, along with being a trained classical musician. Click here to read Mr. Judson’s speech.
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Building Project Update
We are thrilled to announce the completion of a major milestone in our building project. Last month, the façades of the c.1866 townhouses on East 78th Street were revealed to the delight of the Allen-Stevenson and Upper East Side community. Take a walk along 78th Street to see the schoolhouse!
To read more about the Building Project Newsletter from June, click here.
Since our newsletter, we are also delighted to report that the scaffolding has been removed from the front of the main school building as well.
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Last week, the Allen-Stevenson Alumni Council (ASAC) met for their final meeting of the school year (pictured above). We'd like to announce new members of the Executive Committee under the leadership of President, Alex Klaris '06:
Roger Raines '80, Vice President
Paul Coverdale '98, Vice President
Reed Katz '03, Vice President
Tristan Howard '96, Events Chair
Matthew Schnitzer '13, Young Alumni Chair
We would also like to thank outgoing Vice Presidents Alfie Burger '87 and Tom Zipser '99 for their work with the Council for the last six years.
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Peter Siskind '83 recently stopped by Allen-Stevenson on a walk through the Upper East Side. He was joined by Alumni Liasion Mr. Kersey.
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Members of the Class of 1951 reunited virtually in May to celebrate their 70th Allen-Stevenson alumni reunion. Jeffrey Davidson '51, Bob Freedman '51, and David Luria '51 reminisced about their time at A-S, while learning more about A-S today from Mr. Kersey h'98.
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Previous Blue & Gold Issues
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Alumni Updates
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