Mawrginalia Archives
January-February 2017
Mawrtian Minutes
Jeanette Budzik Appointed Interim Upper School Director
The Bryn Mawr School announces the appointment of Upper School Dean of Students Jeanette Budzik to the position of Interim Upper School Director for the 2017-18 academic year. She will fill the one-year position when Dr. Jennifer Galambos departs to become Head of School at Kent Place in Summit, New Jersey at the end of this year. Having served as a dean of students, chief advisor, teacher, and coach at Bryn Mawr for the last 33 years, Jeanette brings a deep understanding of Upper School students and strong experience with the Upper School’s curriculum and community. Since 1984, Jeanette has served Bryn Mawr in a number of capacities, including as varsity field hockey coach and field hockey camp director; Physical Education Department Chair; a Middle and Upper School advisor, and as Upper School Dean of Students since 2008. She was an important voice and leader in developing our strategic plan, The Bryn Mawr Way: A Contemporary Vision for What Girls Need to Thrive. Additionally, Jeanette has worked with the Baltimore Girls’ Schools Leadership Coalition, shared her passion and knowledge in advising with fellow faculty and staff members through our C3 program, and worked with a faculty grant team on the topic of conflict and negotiation. Jeanette holds a master’s degree in clinical community counseling from Johns Hopkins University, which has been invaluable to her work with students, faculty and parents in all areas of school life.
“Most importantly, Jeanette is passionate about Bryn Mawr’s mission and is completely dedicated to the success and wellbeing of our girls and our school,” said Headmistress Maureen E. Walsh. “She is committed to Bryn Mawr’s history and traditions and also embraces a vision for change. Jeanette’s respect and high expectations for students and faculty alike will undoubtedly inspire our community to come together in new ways and continue our forward momentum.”
Laurie Vennes Appointed Lower School Director
The Bryn Mawr School is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Vennes to the position of Lower School Director, effective July 1, 2017. She will succeed Pat Nothstein, who will retire at the end of this academic year, marking 33 years of service to Bryn Mawr.
Laurie currently serves as the Director of Winchester Thurston School’s North Hills campus, a private co-educational school for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Pittsburgh, PA. She joined Winchester Thurston in July 2013, having previously worked as a classroom teacher for 21 years in both public and private elementary schools, most recently at The Lexington School in Lexington, Kentucky. Throughout her teaching career, Laurie has focused her energy on exploring the role of technology and environmental awareness in Lower School classrooms. She has served on the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS) Accreditation Team and has been a national trainer for the Safe and Civil Schools program. Laurie holds a B.A in elementary education and an M.A. in school administration, both from the University of Kentucky.
“In a field of talented candidates from across the country, Laurie is the clear fit for Bryn Mawr with her enthusiasm for a warm and supportive school community, passion for elementary education, as well as her strong belief in our school’s mission, traditions, and culture,” said Headmistress Maureen E. Walsh. “We look forward to welcoming Laurie and her family to the Bryn Mawr community.”
Laurie remarked that Bryn Mawr’s traditions, the impressive engagement and respect of students, and the Mawrtian pride evident among students, faculty, and parents are what stood out to her about Bryn Mawr. She is eager for the opportunity to work with and empower young women.
Breakfast & Books Series Sponsored by Student Affinity Groups
The Breakfast & Books Series is an Upper School student-led effort, supported by the Parents' Association Committee for Diversity & Inclusion. The Breakfast & Books Series provides an opportunity for Upper School students to interact with Lower School students through children's literature, which highlights the history, arts, and culture of diverse communities at Bryn Mawr. This connection between Upper and Lower School girls supports positive identity development for our youngest students and cross-cultural sharing and learning, as well as providing access to Upper School role models. It also extends conversations regarding diversity, inclusion, and social justice to Lower School girls in ways that are developmentally appropriate. The first session, which was hosted by the Jewish Student Association and took place in late January, was very successful. Please see below for more upcoming dates in the series. All Breakfast & Books gatherings will take place in the Upper School Library from 7:20 to 8:00 a.m. These events are free but space is limited, so interested Lower School families must RSVP to Diversity Director Talia Titus at titust@brynmawrschool.org at least one week prior to the event. Ms. Titus will meet students in the Lower School carpool area at 7:15 a.m. and escort the girls to the Upper School Library. Students will be escorted back to the Lower School at 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast & Books Series dates are:
February 24 - Black Student Union (RSVP by February 17)
March 23 - Desi and Muslim Student Associations (RSVP by March 16)
April 26 - Gender and Sexuality Association (RSVP by April 19)
Bryn Mawr Welcomes The Ethics Institute at Kent Place School
On February 16 and 17, Bryn Mawr welcomed Dr. Karen Rezach and Dr. Eva Lazar of the Kent Place School Ethics Institute to host workshops for parents, students and faculty on ethical thinking, decision making and leadership. Over the course of the workshop, participants learned about the similarities and differences between ethical and moral decisions, and engaged in case studies that challenged them to clearly articulate their own guiding values.
This visit was made possible by the Freeman Mainor Fund for Character-based Leadership. Started in 2009 by Andy Freeman and Peggy Mainor, parents of Evie Freeman '10 and Sophie Freeman '14, the fund seeks to inspire students by supporting activities and opportunities which recognize, value and promote character-based leadership qualities such as inclusiveness, kindness, empathy and unselfishness. The fund also aims to enhance Bryn Mawr's curriculum and develop qualities of being collaborative and inclusive leaders.
Thank you, Parent Volunteers!
We are so grateful to the many parent volunteers who chipped in to help with two special events in February. On February 8, faculty and staff were treated to a delicious luncheon as part of Faculty and Staff Appreciation. Special thanks to cochairs Meara Denton and Amy Sarver, and all the parent volunteers who contributed time, desserts and prizes to make the day special for our faculty and staff!
The next day, the tenth grade celebrated Ring Day. Parents Bill McComas and Marianne Plant, along with their planning committee, organized a wonderful "Night at Tiffany's in a City that Never Sleeps" themed lunch to commemorate this milestone event for the girls. Thank you!
Save the Date!
Please join alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends for a festive evening in honor of Headmistress Maureen Walsh's 15 "Re-mawr-kable" years, and to celebrate all things Bryn Mawr.Friday, May 5, 2017
6:30-9:30 p.m., Graduation Garden
Delicious food, beverages, music and more surprises await. This event is complimentary, but preregistration is required.
Expect your formal invitation in March 2017
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.