August 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.
The Falcon Connection - All School News
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!
A Message from the President
Leadership Principle #6: Approach every endeavor with passion, conviction, and persistence.
 
As we approach the start of a brand-new school year, I would like to acknowledge and thank our faculty and staff for their hours of hard work and dedication. Thanks to them we are prepared for another great year of in-person instruction together! While many of the challenges associated with COVID continue to persist, our team of dedicated professionals continues to maintain a positive attitude. It is my hope that our students will return to school on September 1 with equally enthusiastic spirits.

I can honestly say that our faculty and staff are approaching the new school year with passion, conviction, and a strong sense of persistence. They are excited to welcome our students and parents back, and they are eager to teach, coach, mentor, and advise our young Gerstell Falcons.

In expanding on Principle #6, the Gerstell Book of Knowledge encourages us all to “put our whole hearts into everything we do!” It was certainly evident to me in our staff meetings this week that our educators are already putting put their whole hearts into their preparations! Their level of focus and attention to details have been admirable.

As we look to further connect the lessons of Leadership Principle #6 to our preparations for the start of the 2021-2022 school year, it is obvious how passion, conviction, and persistence make a world of difference in whatever we do. Think about leaders you admire. What is it about those leaders that attracts you to their cause or message? I would be willing to bet that part of what you admire about that leader is his/her passion, conviction, and persistence. Leaders who lead with passion and conviction are people we often want to follow! May we kick off the new school year by inspiring our students with our passion and conviction, and may we apply persistence when we encounter obstacles and challenges.

Congratulations on a terrific week, faculty and staff!

Here’s more about Principle #6 from the Gerstell Book of Knowledge:

Leadership Principle #6
Approach every endeavor with passion, conviction, and persistence.
Passion – strong enthusiasm or desire
Conviction – a strong persuasion or belief
Persistence – the quality to continue firmly in some purpose or course of action

  • Put your whole heart into everything you do.
  • Believe in what you are doing.
  • Keep at it; be patient; excellent results take time.
  • Leaders always show PERSEVERANCE by keeping at a difficult task even if it would be easier to give up.
  • When you fail, try again; fail again, try again.
  • Leaders understand failure is often found on the road to success.
  • Leaders learn from their failures.
 
Warmest Regards,

President

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Harriet Tubman, Gerstell Academy Portrait Leader
Welcome New Faculty
Introducing New Faculty and Staff
Gerstell Academy warmly welcomes these new members to our faculty and staff. Please note that Mrs. Funk is not new to Gerstell but has transitioned from Lower School to Upper School. You will be learning more about each one of our new team members in future editions of The Falcon Connection.
Mr. Eric Cole
Assistant Head of Middle School
Ms. Maggie Smist '16
Administrative Assistant to Lower School
Mr. Alan Gibson
Middle School History Teacher
Dr. Teresa Greppi
Upper School
Spanish Teacher
Ms. Casey Kidwell
Assistant to the Athletic Director
Mrs. Syeda Khan
2nd Grade Teacher
Mr. James Harkey
Upper School History Teacher and Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach
Mrs. Amy Funk
Upper School Mathematics and Leadership Teacher
Mrs. Patty Lutton
4th Grade Teacher and
2nd-4th Grade Spanish Teacher
Gerstell Academy Parents' Association
The Gerstell Academy Parents' Association (GAPA) will be hosting it first breakfast meeting for the 2021-2022 school year on Tuesday, August 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The meeting will take place in the pavilion adjacent from the Venice K. Paterakis Stadium. We invite all parents to discuss new ways to support our beautiful school and thank you, in advance, for your participation and support!
Falcon Faculty Spotlight
Mr. Eric Cole, Educator and Adventurer
"As I embark on this next year as an educator it is easy to look back on the years and remember fondly the students, parents, and faculty with whom I have had the privilege to work. Each year I find myself having a similar first day of school anticipation, much like I had even as a child. I am excited to be joining the Gerstell community and for the opportunity to be a part of the educational journey of the students in Middle School as the Assistant Head of Middle School."
Mr. and Mrs. Cole hike Devils Bridge in Sedona, Arizona!
Falcons Flying High - Student Spotlight
Gerstell Student Creates Educational Video
Over the summer months, Aaron Hammond '23, worked as a summer intern for the Tinina Q Cade Foundation (Cade Foundation). Aaron created an educational video that defines infertility and explores the various causes.

The Cade Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides information and financial support and assistance to help needy families struggling with infertility.
Physical Education Information
Welcome to P.E.! We are very excited to begin our physical education classes with your students. Please take time to view the expectations outlined below.

The goal of the Physical Education department is to create a safe environment where students are empowered to explore physical activity and movement while building meaningful relationships with trusting teachers and supportive peers.
 
Rule #1: Respect Self
Rule #2: Respect Others
Rule #3: Respect the Things We Use
 
The Physical Education department is comprised of the following leaders:
Pictured from left to right: Ms. Casey Kidwell, Assistant to the Athletic Director, Mr. Sam Bogage, Mr. Giuliano Celenza, Mrs. Roxanne Cannaday, Mrs. Chris Fuste, Mr. Phil Gilotte, Athletic Director, Mr. Cap Poklemba, and Mr. Jeff Cheevers. (not pictured: Ms. Claire Adkinson, Athletic Trainer)
Athletics
The Gerstell Academy Athletic Department is very optimistic and excited for the start of the new academic year! Spectators will now be allowed to enjoy the following sports this Fall:

  • Girls Varsity Soccer
  • Boys Varsity Soccer
  • Cross Country (Co-Ed)
  • JV Volleyball
  • Varsity Volleyball 

All attendees to the games must remain masked while indoors.

Our student-athletes have displayed a positive attitude during practices and are looking forward to competing at home next Tuesday, August 31st! Please come out and join us as we cheer on our Falcons!
Meet the Fall Coaches
We are pleased to introduce you to the 2021-2022 Fall Volleyball, Soccer, and Cross Country coaching staff: (click below)
Alumni News
Alumni Return for Annual Summer Social
Earlier this month, approximately thirty Gerstell Academy Alumni returned to campus to attend the second Annual Summer Social. Representatives from most of the graduating classes were present, including the inaugural class of 2012. This event was very special to us as it was our first in-person alumni gathering in over a year.
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Assistant Director of College Guidance
Assistant to Development and Alumni Relations
Coordinator of Communications and Events
From left to right: Jason Koval'20, Rami Tadros'20, Morgan Dowell'20, Dylan Berman'20, and Johnny Hood'20
Left to right: Mrs. Beth Hand, Taylor Hodges'17, Jacob Caple'18, Alyssa May'17, and Jacob Betz'15
Top row left to right: Taylor Hodges'17 and Drew Huber'15
Bottom row left to right: Sydnie Abrecht'15, Hailey Fein'15, and Eric Jacobs'12
College Guidance Corner
The Office of College Guidance welcomes all new and returning students and families to Gerstell Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. We take pride in working with you and look forward to a positive and productive year. A special welcome to our freshmen! We look forward to meeting you and helping you make a successful transition to Gerstell Academy. The college search and application process is one that is full of opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Through a highly individualized program, that involves both students and their families, Gerstell Academy Upper School students find the college or university that best matches their goals and interests to provide opportunities for future success. Each student has a story to tell and we help them find and share their voice.

We look forward to seeing you!

Director of College Guidance

Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Assistant Director of College Guidance

College Guidance Coordinator
Left to right: Mrs. Vicki Keriazes, Mrs. Mary Hoskowitz, and Mrs. Beth Hand
Welcome Back Gerstell Faculty & Staff!
Faculty and staff eagerly return after the summer months and get ready to begin a new and exciting school year with your students!
Celebrate Your Student!
Has your child received leadership recognition inside or outside of Gerstell Academy? Allow us to recognize your child in The Falcon Connection. Please include a brief explanation and photo. Congratulations to our many student leaders!
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