March is Women’s History Month. Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance designates a theme. “The 2022 theme is ‘Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.’ This theme is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.”

Ashtyn Logue '26 and Olivia Sprinkle '24 have once again been recognized as returning Carson Scholars. This honor is given to Carson Scholars who maintain their eligibility under the requirements of the Scholarship Fund. Gerstell Academy Portrait Leader, Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy, started this fund under the principle that if children could be taught early to excel, they would stay motivated and have a higher chance of educational success in life.

Sra. Deborah Doyle, Spanish Department Chair and Spanish Instructor, has been a part of our Gerstell Community for over 14 years. She learned about Gerstell by attending an Open House in 2008 after being invited to attend by close friends. As a career educator, she found Gerstell’s Leadership Model and four pillars, including Modern Language Proficiency, to be irresistible.

The Falcon Award is given to the player or manager who, by the vote of his or her teammates, has had the most positive impact on the team. This dedicated student-athlete has led by example on and off the field.

The Coaches' Leadership Award is given to the player or manager, by vote of the coaches, who exemplifies the leadership characteristics expected of a Gerstell Academy student-athlete. This athlete strives to reach their full potential on a daily basis and is respected by their peers and coaches.

Following Spring Break, all students in the Lower School will read the book Gooseberry Park and the Master Plan by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard. Our Gerstell Academy Parents' Association has generously donated one book per family. By investing family time in reading the same book, parents support their children's literacy development while creating opportunities for meaningful discussion of our Gerstell Academy Leadership Principles and Attributes through the antics of these engaging animal characters.

As a part of the first grade reading program, Mrs. Brockmeyer, read a biography to her students on Gerstell Academy Portrait Leader Wilma Rudolph. After hearing about the life of Ms. Rudolph, the children sequenced the events of her life and wrote a sentence about how she demonstrated leadership. Students drew a picture to accompany their assignment. "I was very impressed with their work and the passion they showed for this project," said Mrs. Brockmeyer.

The fourth-grade students recently enjoyed studying the continent of South America. They learned many facts about llamas and in particular why they are often decorated in colorful costumes. This is a longstanding cultural tradition in some parts of South America. The students decorated llama cookies in preparation for a research project that will be unveiled in April during the Feria de Culturas Hispanas.

The Kindergarten classes kicked off a unit on the land of make-believe by celebrating Read Across America Day. The annual Read Across America Day, started by the National Education Association in 1998 to promote reading, was purposefully aligned with Dr. Seuss’ birthday. As proclaimed by President Biden, “for many young Americans, the path to literacy begins with treasured and timeless traditions: being read to at bedtime, gathering in classrooms for story time, and attending events at local libraries with family and friends. Children’s classics such as Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham” and “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” have inspired a passion for reading and endless creativity that spans generations.”

Most people know the first few digits of Pi and know it relates to circles, but how many know how Pi came about?

Upper School student and member of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Lilly Norbeck '22, taught the members of the Middle School Math Club about math concepts and how they relate to catapults. The students were then instructed to create a catapult of their own during the class. "She was an incredible instructor, and the students had a great time working on this STEAM activity" said Ms. Newman, Mathematics Department Chair and Instructor.

Two guest speakers, Mr. Jermaine Rouse from Mad House Boxing Club and Ms. Chris Fuste, Gerstell Yoga Instructor, spent time with the seniors to discuss self-defense techniques and the practice of balance and wellness. Mr. Rouse taught the students about self-awareness on a college campus and the dangers of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He then held a self-defense class where he demonstrated techniques that would assist a student if they were in a dangerous situation. Ms. Fuste led a basic yoga class, and demonstrated proper breathing techniques, stretching, and mindfulness; all ways to relieve stress and anxiety.

The Gerstell Academy Spanish Department is leading a group of intrepid and compassionate Upper School students on a service-learning trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico in March of 2023. The trip is open to rising ninth through twelfth graders (current eighth through eleventh graders).

During this 5 day, 6 night trip, students will invest their time, talents, and treasures into a localized community service project related to conservation and sustainability practices in San Juan each morning. Students will spend afternoons and evenings engaging with Puerto Rican culture and sustainability through cooking lessons, salsa lessons, historical tours, visiting a sustainable working horse ranch, kayaking, and more. All meals, accommodations, and transportation are included in the program cost. No passport needed!

Four Gerstell Falcons, Adam Wasserman, Brady Dillon, Andrew Khmaladze, and Braden Hammond recently competed and set personal records in the 2022 CCPS Invitational Powerlifting Meet at Winters Mill High School. Andrew Khmaladze placed second in his weight class and Braden Hammond placed first while setting personal and county records. Congratulations to our Falcons for working to reach their full potential and for meeting their powerlifting goals during the competition.

The Gerstell Academy Parents' Association hosted a very successful Sip and Paint night in late February. Over 40 parents and friends of Gerstell Academy created their own masterpieces while enjoying good wine, good food, and great friends. Thank you to all the parents who joined in the fun and a special thanks to our parent volunteers for their dedication and service to Gerstell Academy!

Angie set her sights on scholarship opportunities and grants, and succeeded in graduating from University of Maryland Global Campus completely debt free. 

The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) is promoting their scholarship program. "For any Gerstell graduate pursuing a CPA career, this scholarship could be a great benefit." said Angie. The deadline for submission is April 15, 2022.

In the last communication from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, I spoke about the appeal for three major giving opportunities. The first, a batting cage and bullpen to be built at the Smith Memorial Baseball Field, is needed by our baseball teams. This will allow us to offer a designated area for batting practice, as well as a safe and secure area for our pitchers to warm up and practice. The area will be approximately 200' x 12' and will have a permanent concrete base, netting, and fencing surrounding the area. Donations have started to come in for this worthwhile initiative, but we have a much longer way to go to fund this $30,000 project. Our Falcons are striving to bring home another conference championship to our campus, please consider donating to assist them!

Donations by credit card and PayPal may be made by clicking on the link below. Check may be made payable to "Gerstell Academy" and sent to the Gerstell Academy Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. We thank you for your continued support!

Please and thank you,

Director of Development and Alumni Relations

410-861-4410

Please save the date for our second annual virtual College Admissions Panel on Monday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. Students and families will have an opportunity to hear directly from admissions counselors. We find the evening provides great perspective and insights as to how a student and respective application is received.  

We hope that you and your families take time to enjoy this coming Spring Break – rest and rejuvenate! 

Thursday, April 7 /Thursday, April 28 Upper School Student-Led Parent Forum - Freshman and sophomores will showcase their research on the topic of "The Effects of Gaming."

6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. / Paterakis Athletic Center

Parents from Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, April 19 - School Closed (President's Snow Day)

Upper School sports teams will still have practices and games on this day.

Friday, April 29 - 2022 Gerstell Academy's Photo Contest Entry Forms DUE (this is an all-school optional contest sponsored by the Art Department)

Friday, May 6 - Noon Dismissal (Previously a full day)

The early dismissal on this day will provide time for our teachers to celebrate Teacher Appreciation week during a special luncheon hosted by our Parents' Association.

These exclusive water bottles are now available to purchase at each school office for a price of $20 per bottle. Cash or checks accepted. Checks may be made payable to “Gerstell Academy.” Thank you for supporting Gerstell's Earth Day!

The Upper School Student Government Association has been hosting the annual Charity Basketball game for 10 years. Earlier this month, our community enjoyed watching our faculty and staff challenge our students during this annual tradition. All proceeds were donated to the Ronald McDonald House and the American Red Cross. Thank you to all the participants and donors.