Dear Alumni,
As the new Director of Learning Resources at Allen-Stevenson, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to write you and tell you a little bit more about the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at your alma mater. When I originally came to Allen-Stevenson as a homeroom teacher in 2007, I was so impressed by the concept of a Learning Center – and even more so to see it in action as both a teacher and then as a learning specialist working within it since 2017. To witness it buzzing with boys in the early parts of the day and then to see them popping in and out keeps me energized and proud to be a part of this department.
This space, which I am so thankful for, provides us with many ways to interact with the boys. We have dedicated areas for them to collaborate with one another and with our specialists, and during the times when they need a quiet place to work, we are able to provide them with that as well. But this space is just a space without my colleagues on the Student Support Team, which includes Kathleen Allen, Kristin Filling, Sophy Joseph, Meghan Wall, Isabel Meltzer, and Jennifer Zimmermann, as well as newcomers Olivia Moores and Dr. Elizabeth Mclaughlin. This innovative and dedicated team is so full of pride and positive energy that I am certain will be of great benefit to our boys for a long time to come. However, our space is just one piece of our Student Support Team. We are fortunate enough to collaborate with faculty and work in classrooms to support our students academically, behaviorally, and social emotionally. You will often find us in classrooms, working with students in small groups or 1:1, or meeting with teachers to help create accessible and enriching learning experiences for our boys. We provide a supportive, resource-rich environment for all students to access a positive learning experience, with the goal of ensuring that all our students can flourish as individuals.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to mention that Allen-Stevenson, to me, is an extraordinary place. I remember my first year here not knowing exactly what to expect from an all-boys school. Each year, it seems I have learned more and more about the value of an all-boys experience for our students. There are many ways to be a boy, and Allen-Stevenson stands proudly by that statement. I am convinced that we are able to best see the value of this through the success and feelings of our alumni as they return to share all the many things they have done in their lives beyond A-S; wherein we, the faculty and staff, become better versions of ourselves for having served them along their journey.
As we begin this 2022-23 school year, I am deeply inspired by the possibilities this year will bring. I am collaborating with the Student Support Team and the faculty at large in hopes of creating a shared vision that will continue to serve all of our boys in the best possible ways: strongly & rightly. I believe one of the greatest values that the Student Support Team offers to our students is that we provide them with a place that is dedicated to understanding each and every one of them as individuals. As they come to us for assistance, enrichment, or anything else, I always like to think they leave us with a better sense of self: uplifted and, perhaps, even more aware and self-reliant.
I hope that each of you feel free to stop by if you’re ever in the neighborhood and come see us in the LRC. We will be ready to greet you here with open arms. Take care, and have a wonderful year.
Sincerely,
Venesha M. Cashdollar
Director of Learning Resources
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Summer Socials
In July and August, Allen-Stevenson hosted three well-attended summer socials: East Hampton, Southampton, and New York City. Parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and alumni parents enjoyed connecting with one another and meeting Head of School Duncan Lyon and his family.
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A peek at what’s happening on 78th Street this month!
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First-grade students are working on telling stories through words and images. They recently were asked think about a special place where they feel calm. The boys shared their drawings with their classmates.
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Eighth and sixth-grade advisory participated in their first “big bro/little bro” pairing as part of Upper Division’s commitment to community and belonging. The boys enjoyed working together to learn new skills (whistling with their fingers, tying a tie, and moonwalking, to name a few) and learn more about one another.
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Memories of Randy Schrade '76
As many of you know, Randolph "Randy" Schrade '76 sadly passed away this summer. A Celebration of his Life, hosted by his family, will be held Friday, October 21 at 1:00 PM in St. James’ Church, 865 Madison Avenue, NYC 10021.
Mr. Schrade is remembered as a valued teacher, friend, and alumnus and will be missed by so many members of this community. As such, we ask you to share any memories, music, and/or photos with the Alumni Office at [email protected] for a tribute in The Lamplighter.
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SAVE THE DATE
Young Alumni Homecoming
November 23, 2022
4:00-5:30PM
Allen-Stevenson School Gym
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The U.S. Under-19 Men’s Youth National Soccer Team has invited Charlie DeMarco '20B to train at their highly selective camp in California. Congratulations, Charlie!
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Former Allen-Stevenson faculty member, Phil Amplo P'15, recently visited with Graham Winfrey '98 on the Jersey Shore.
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Bill Konigsberg '86 recently came out with his seventh novel, Destination Unknown. It focuses on his experience growing up in the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic. To read more, click here.
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Scott Leff '13 and Samara Spielberg, Spanish Department Head, recently took a dance class together after speaking about their shared passiong for dance and movement.
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Obituaries
We regret to share the passing of C. Redington Barrett, Jr. '48. To read his full obituary, click here.
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Previous Blue & Gold Issues
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Alumni Updates
No news is too small – and photos are
welcomed too!
Send your updates and photos to
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