All School Newsletter - October 2021
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... a diverse educational community dedicated to providing a nurturing and
mentoring environment where each student's potential to become a leader,
to learn, to grow morally, to be physically fit, and to compete is maximized.
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Thank you for reading The Falcon Connection: our monthly all-school newsletter that highlights many of the exciting things happening at Gerstell Academy. Look for us in your inbox every month!
Don't forget to visit the Gerstell portal for details on everything you need to know about your child's classes, assignments, resources, and much more!
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A Message from the President
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Please enjoy this video message from Mr. John Polasko, President of Gerstell Academy.
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Meet James Harkey - Teacher, Coach, Advisor, and More...
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In his first year at Gerstell Academy, Mr. James Harkey teaches World History I & II in the Upper School, is a ninth-grade advisor, and coaches Boys Varsity Lacrosse.
He joined our school after practicing law in South Carolina and coaching the University of South Carolina lacrosse team for seven years. Prior to law school at USC, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history while playing lacrosse at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. While there, he played midfield for the Retrievers, contributing as a faceoff and defensive specialist from 2007-2011.
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Equestrian Samantha Schwartz places First in Novice Young Adult Rider Division
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Senior Samantha Schwartz has always had a special place in her heart when it comes to horses. She began riding when she was eleven years old. Paulito, also known in the show ring as Rumble Fish, came into Samantha’s life just 2 years ago. This 15 year old quarter horse had a rough start suffering an injury just 2 months after he became a member of the Schwartz family. Today is a different story. Samantha and Paulito have competed in 14 events this year and plan to compete in more competitions before year end. Together, they have placed in the top 6 of almost every competition entered in 2021.
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Spirit Week Fills Campus with Energy
Gerstell's Falcons demonstrated their school pride during annual Spirit Week! Themes represented included America Day, Holiday Day, Wild West Day, Twin Day, and Spirit Day. An energetic all-school pep-rally gave students the opportunity to proudly wear their custom-made "Spirit Day" T-shirts.
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Lower School Students Enjoy Animal Superheroes
The Admissions Department recently hosted the Irvine Nature Center. The entire Lower School and prospective families gathered in the quad for a presentation of Animal Superheroes! The event showcased many different species of animals with the focus on each animal’s “super power” and how it helps them adapt to their environment and survive.
A good time was had by all, even Mr. Thompson, Head of Lower School, who was courageous in the face of adversity while handling a snake!
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Middle School Founder's Summer Leadership Challenge
Congratulations to the 17 Middle School students who participated in a voluntary challenge with passion, conviction, and persistence over the summer: The Founder's Summer Leadership Challenge. Ten of these students were successful in meeting the specific goals set forth in the areas of leadership, academics, and physical fitness. These students were recognized in a special ceremony and will be treated to lunch by Dr. Smith at a later date. Way to go Falcons!
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5th Grade Students
Samantha Gilotte
Gibson McIlvain
Leila Nasir
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6th Grade Students
Jalen Blackwell
Alexis Gilotte
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7th Grade Students
Peyton Davis
Whitney McIlvain
Cadence Poklemba
Asha Rangarajan
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8th Grade Students
Erin Yelland
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Middle School Founder's Summer Leadership Challenge winners pictured from left to right: Erin Yelland, Leila Nasir, Samantha Gilotte, Jalen Blackwell, Alexis Gilotte, Peyton Davis, Cadence Poklemba, Asha Rangarajan (not pictured: Gibson and Whitney McIlvain)
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Seniors Put Leadership Skills into Action
This year’s senior members of the Spanish in the Community class would like to share with the Gerstell community a short video they recently made to introduce you to their course. This course enables juniors and seniors who have completed at least level IV Spanish to focus on three of the Gerstell Academy pillars: COLLEGE PREP ACADEMICS, LEADERSHIP, and SPANISH PROFICIENCY.
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The Halloween Parade
Friday, November 5
Venice K. Paterakis Stadium / 9:00 a.m.
All School Noon Dismissal
Parents are invited to join the festivities for pictures on the turf field. Masks are required.
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All School Tailgate Trick or Treat
Friday, November 5
Robert E. Smith Hall Parking Lot
Outdoor Activities (5 p.m.) /Trick or Treating (6-8 p.m.)
Admission Fee: Decorated cars: $5.00
Non-decorated cars: $3.00 per person or $8.00 a carload
This is an Upper School sponsored event.
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Veterans Day Ceremony
Thursday, November 11
The Alumni House / Time: 9:00 a.m.
If you are a veteran, have a family member who is a veteran, or currently are serving in the Armed Forces, we invite you to attend our All School Veterans Day Ceremony.
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Upper School Poetry Out Loud
Monday, November 15
Paterakis Athletic Center
Hosted by the English Department & Mrs. Diana Ricker, English Department Chair
This is a national arts education program that helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
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Calling All Parent Volunteers
to plan and assist with the 20th Annual Pie Run Festival.
Planning meetings will take place on the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 3 / 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 10 / 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 17 / 6:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meetings by clicking on the link below. The same link may be used for all meetings.
Meeting ID: 862 3031 7475
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Upcoming College Fairs:
November 2: Arts & STEM (4-8 p.m.)
November 9: HBCU Virtual Program (6:30 -8:30 p.m.)
November 14: Signature Fair (1- 4 p.m.)
Virtual College Visits
Colleges continue to visit Gerstell Academy on a weekly basis. This week we hosted Stevenson University, College of Charleston, and Mount St. Mary’s University.
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See What Our Graduates Are Doing
Dover Hankins '17
"I graduated this spring from Stevenson with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, I landed a full-time position as an estimator for a site-work/paving company (M.T. Laney)."
Khyle Washington '18
Khyle is attending Graceland University in Iowa and plays basketball for the Graceland University Yellowjackets. Khyle also enjoys working with children as part of his community service initiatives.
Brendan Dillon '20
Brendan has made the Deans List at Lycoming College and is the Public Relations Head for the Society of Physics and the Community Service Head for his Fraternity: Phi Kappa Psi.
Jessica Silverman '20
Jessica was recently nominated from Shippensburg University to The National Society of Leadership and Success.
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On October 25, 2021, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Gerstell Academy by launching our Annual Fund drive with "A Giving Day for Gerstell." Students and faculty dressed in the traditional 25th anniversary color of silver/gray. Our Upper School students will have an opportunity to continue the celebration on Monday November 1, 2021. While we have not yet reached our goal of $250,000, we are greatly appreciative of all members of our community who have contributed to our annual fund, from the smallest Pre-K children to the parents of our alumni. No donation is too small, and all donations help us to continue the legacy that was begun by our Founder, Dr. Frederick G. Smith in 1996.
“Believing in the mission of Gerstell Academy transforms every parent and every child that lives by those ten cherished principles of leadership. They are not just the principles that leaders should live by, but rather the principles that we all should live by.”
Dr. Jack Vaeth, Parent ’18, ’19, ‘21
Let us all join in to continue the fulfillment of Dr. Smith’s vision, preparing our children to be the leaders of tomorrow.
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Director of Development and Alumni Relations / Assistant Director of College Guidance
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Assistant to Development and Alumni Relations / Coordinator of Communications and Events
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Thank you to our student-volunteers who generously donated their time to help distribute small tokens of appreciation to our parents in preparation of Giving Day!
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Happy Birthday Gerstell Academy!
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Gerstell Academy
Pre-K - 12th grade
2500 Old Westminster Pike | Finksburg, MD 21048
410-861-3000 | 1-866-861-3000
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