July 26, 2019
Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the Eagle’s landing on the moon. I have been fascinated by the coverage, including 13 Minutes to the Moon, a BBC podcast that uses the final 13-minute lunar approach as a springboard to tell the broader story of the people behind the Apollo program. In particular, I was struck by NASA’s unparalleled level of preparation for the flight – which began immediately after President Kennedy’s bold declaration eight years and two months earlier – and how that preparation saved the mission in the final, critical moments before touching down on the surface of the moon.
While certainly on a different scale, we at TDS have been busily preparing for the arrival of your children on Wednesday, August 21. This has taken many forms. From ripping up old carpets to replacing an aging fleet of Smartboards, from creating a Literacy room to installing a new school sign, you’ll see several changes upon your return to campus.
Teachers have been busy this summer as well. Several are attending workshops and conferences, both locally and across the nation, and 19 summer work grant recipients are generating curricular programs that will have an immediate impact on your children’s experiences in the classroom.
Speaking of your children, we are so excited to begin a new journey with them next month. One of the energizing things about school is the infusion of fresh and diverse talents, personalities and perspectives that comes every August in the form of new families. This year, we welcome 46 new students (including ten siblings) to Triangle Day School. This journey, which begins with “one small step” and ends as “one giant leap,” is rooted in a partnership between home and school. Thank you once again for the opportunity to challenge, nurture, and inspire your children.
This year, the TDS faculty will grow stronger with the following additions:
Danielle Cosgrave will teach fourth grade.
Danielle comes to TDS with four years of elementary school experience, most recently at the Basis Independent School in McLean, VA. Her educational philosophy is rooted in the growth mindset. She moved to North Carolina this past year and is excited to partner with Amie Tedeschi and join the upper elementary teaching team.
Samantha Lazar returns to TDS to teach fifth grade.
From 2003-2013, Samantha taught MS language arts and social studies at TDS. She also led the 6th-grade team and coached cross country. For the past six years, she has taught 4th and 5th grades at Lerner School while earning an M.Ed. with a focus on AIG from Meredith College. Samantha is glad to be back at TDS, partnering with Dan Forringer.
Rebecca Fensholt will assist in a number of classes and areas (K-8).
Having earned her master’s in philosophy from the University of Kansas in 2017, Rebecca serves [remotely] as an adjunct professor at Wichita St. University. Last year, she substituted at TDS in nearly every classroom, and we’re delighted to have her return this year.
In addition, several teachers will take on new and/or additional roles this year:
Kayla Wallace will continue to partner with Rose DeLaTorre in TK, now as co-lead teacher. Kayla and Rose form a dynamic duo for our youngest students.
In addition to teaching second grade, Steven Mercado will assume the role of Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. In this role, he will help lead a number of initiatives with the TDS faculty and the D&I Committee.
Kiera Olson will transition from fifth to third grade, partnering with Natalie Ditmore. Kiera will also take on the role of Community Service and Engagement Coordinator, working with students and teachers in all grade levels to promote community engagement and service-learning at TDS.
Finally, Jenny Howell will transition from third-grade teacher to Literacy Specialist. Her responsibilities will include leading our TK-8 literacy/language arts curriculum, assisting with the teaching of reading and language arts in multiple grades, and providing support to students in these areas.
One final note for Lower School families: Class rosters (K-5) will be sent electronically on Friday, August 9. I look forward to welcoming your children (back) to school in a few weeks. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Doug Norry
Head of School
