Lower School Boys Set the Scene for Halloween

Lower School assemblies are often focused on music, including the Composer of the Month series and other topics taught by Lower School music teacher Lucy Warner. Two days before Halloween, the Pre-primary boys performed their Halloween song for the entire assemblage of Lower School boys and teachers, putting their hearts and body motions into a “spirited” performance! 

Immediately after, Ms. Warner showed a video of cartoon skeletons dancing to French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre (Dance of Death),” which the boys learned about in class. Ms. Warner advised the audience to listen to the harp and other major instruments being played.

Finally, the boys watched a second video showing creative ways to carve pumpkins. Needless to say, watching the boys and the videos was a rousing way to start the morning! View photo.

Read More
browning
Conservation Biology Class Visits Oko Farms

In October, the boys in Emilie Wolf’s conservation biology class visited Oko Farms, a commercial urban aquaculture and education company on Moore Street in Brooklyn. As its website explains, this farm “utilizes a hybrid of aquaculture and hydroponics known as aquaponics to raise freshwater fish along with a variety of vegetables and fruits. Waste water from the fish tank is constantly pumped through several hydroponic grow beds to provide nutrient rich fertilizer for our plants. In return, the plants filter all of the toxic waste from the water while it cycles through the system. This constant cycling of nutrients via fish waste creates an extremely efficient recycling system that allows the farm to avoid the toxic environmental run-off that characterizes current aquaculture practices.” The Oko Farms website also notes, “By implementing aquaponics in New York City, we shrink the carbon footprint for fish consumption, reduce the ecosystem pollution and health concerns associated with commercial-scale aquaculture, and produce a high-yield of organically grown vegetables in dense urban spaces.”

Ms. Wolf noted, “This experience at Oko Farms helped the boys put our project into context and see firsthand the real world application of the knowledge they are gaining in class.” Click here to read the following report from Director of Publications Melanie McMahon, who accompanied Ms. Wolf and her class.

Read More
browning
Form III Boys Take Trip to Pine Forest Camp

On October 15, Form III boys boarded a coach bus for a trip to Pine Forest Camp, as is tradition for their grade. The annual trip, designed to give the newest Upper School boys an opportunity to enjoy each other's company during two days of a variety of activities, was led by Upper School Head James Reynolds, along with Brett Wisniewski from the classics department and Michael Cohn from the P.E. department.

Mr. Reynolds reports: When the group arrived at Pine Forest Camp in Greeley, Pa., they were met by facilitators from the Mountain Workshop, who would be leading the various team-building exercises. The first day at camp, the boys rotated through activities such as canoeing on the camp's lake and high- and low-rope challenges, which included the ever popular zip line. With a bit of free time before dinner, the boys organized games of pick-up football and basketball. After dinner, an indoor activity followed, and when night settled, the group headed to the far corner of the athletic fields to gather around a bonfire and to roast s'mores. After the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers were consumed, the boys spread out on the field to lie down and take in the beautiful starlit sky, a great opportunity for city boys to enjoy the terrestrial canopy. The boys returned to the fireside for conversation and some thoughtful reflection. 

On day two, the boys were up early to pack, load up the bus and grab a hearty breakfast before heading to the shore of the Delaware River for the rafting part of the trip. Once wetsuits had been pulled on, the boys, guides and faculty loaded into six rafts to make the six-mile journey down the relatively gentle Delaware River. Thankfully, the day was beautiful and the activity of paddling warmed all. We stopped for lunch along the way before reaching our final destination in Matamoras, Pa., where, after pulling the rafts ashore and shedding the wetsuits, the boys and faculty gathered in small groups with the Mountain Workshop team to debrief before boarding the bus to head back to NYC. View photos.

Read More
browning
Lower School Browning Boys Learn How to Create “From Scraps”

Brian Yanish, a professional illustrator, was the guest at Lower School Assembly on October 22. In 2006 he created ScrapKins, a New York City-based Creativity brand for kids that follows the adventures of a tribe of monsters who build their world out of the things people throw away. Through his school visits and “scrap-venting” workshops, Mr. Yanish teaches children to think creatively to build pirate ships, puppet monsters, dinosaurs, etc., from milk cartons, towel tubes and other common materials.

Much to the delight of the Browning boys, he brought his show on-site, demonstrating the many ways they can invent their way to fun by recycling scraps. He showed them the books he has written, including “The ScrapKins Build-it Book” that can help guide them in the creative process, as well as his latest, “Junk Re-thunk,” which will come out next year in time for Earth Day.

Mr. Yanish fielded a number of questions from an enthusiastic audience of boys, who also told him about their own projects made with such cast-off items. In answer to one of their questions, he replied that he created his characters, Swooper, Stacker, Itcher, Wrecks, Digger and Chomper, as a result of his boyhood pastimes. “The ScrapKins were born from my childhood. As a kid my favorite things to do were drawing monsters and making things in my father’s workshop. Not much has changed. When my mother handed me a stack of drawings she had saved from my childhood, I cast the monsters as the ScrapKins who live in the world of ‘Scrap City’ where they build everything out of the things we throw away.” View photos.

Mr. Yanish has worked in the past for Jim Henson Productions in Los Angeles, trained as a special effects moldmaker, written and performed comedy, designed educational CD-ROMs and developed products for major children’s brands.  He has also appeared on “Sesame Street.” For more about him, log on to his website at www.thescrapkins.com

Read More
browning
Nobel Prize Winner in Medicine Speaks at Browning

On October 16 Dr. Ferid Murad, physician and co-winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine, was a guest speaker in a series presented in memory of John W. Hadden, M.D. P ’87, ’93 and designed to bring great minds in science to Browning. Introduced by Science Department Chair and Dean of Students Sam Keany, Dr. Murad spoke to the Upper School boys about his early love for science and math, and, ultimately, “the road that led to Stockholm.” After his presentation, Dr. Murad answered questions from Mr. Keany and Dr. Betty Noel, Upper and Middle School science teacher. Director of Publications Melanie McMahon reports:

Dr. Murad and three other researchers – all pharmacologists – worked on the properties of nitric oxide, a gas that transmits signals from one cell to another. They were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in recognition of their work for discovering that nitric oxide functions as a signal molecule in the cardiovascular system. Dr. Murad analyzed how nitroglycerin and related compounds act. In 1977 he discovered that those compounds release nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle cells. His key research demonstrated that nitroglycerin and related drugs worked by releasing nitric oxide into the body, triggering an increase in the diameter of blood vessels. These discoveries have played a critical role in the treatment of cardiac patients.

His work eventually attracted the attention of the Nobel committee. In terms of the award, he said the criteria include work that is “novel, different and not in the mainstream.” He added, “It’s always a surprise, and there is no way to know ahead of time; it’s just a matter of luck.” Dr. Murad takes pride in the fact that his career as a researcher is based on how his work can be relevant. He discussed the many hats he has worn his during his career, touching on the pros and cons of academia, the corporate world and owning a biotech company that focused on “going after Alzheimer’s.” Ultimately, “wearing a lab coat and working with colleagues in a lab” is essential to his happiness. “It’s where I get my jollies,” he declared. Dr. Murad has continued his research and is currently a professor of biochemistry and molecular medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

In addition to providing background on Alfred Nobel (who coincidentally also studied nitroglycerin) and the history of the Nobel Prize, Dr. Murad talked about his parents, hard-working people who owned a restaurant in Indiana, as well as his early desire to be a doctor. As a student, Dr. Murad pursued an MD-PhD program that provided training in both medicine and research. He referred to education as “precious” and important to him in his quest for options and opportunities in life. He told the boys, “I enjoy what I do so much, probably more than other people. I look forward to going to work every day. My work is exciting. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning! So do what you enjoy and what you find exciting. And do it well. Prepare yourself with a good education. It’s precious and allows you mobility in life.” View photos.

Read More
browning
Shark Bait: Browning Engineers Test Their Entrepreneurial Mettle

Could your idea be the next big thing? Why work towards creating a minimum viable product? How might we invent your next job? The widely popular reality show "Shark Tank" has proven the American Dream is still alive. This introduction to engineering design course asks students to answer these questions while engaged in the invention process and its application.  

William Noel famously said, “The Web of ancient manuscripts of the future isn't going to be built by institutions. It's going to be built by users … people who just want to curate their own glorious selection of beautiful things.” As users we notice problems from everyday life that are frustrating. Our objective was to isolate one problem, ideate and prototype a simple solution connected to the Internet. Bi-weekly our group worked in the lab demonstrating an ability to learn, create and problem-solve in an unstructured environment. Ideas brainstormed with pencil-paper doodles transformed rapidly to functional prototypes. Furthermore, we gathered for a round table outside the lab on alternating weeks. Each of these conversations were sparked by a relevant article related to entrepreneurship, market trends and how might we brand our inventions to succeed.

Through process and experience, students made connections with practical, analytical, creative and research-based thinking. In order to test his mettle, each boy created a succinct elevator pitch to sell his invention to a panel of some of the best advertising professionals from JUICE Pharma Worldwide.

One boy offered an accounting of his design and experience at JUICE, as follows: "My design was of a robot dog. The purpose of the dog was to help parents teach their children responsibility. The dog was upcycled to connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi signals. From these signals, anyone with a phone and the correct password could control the dog. The parent could force the dog to make a noise until a button is pressed. Throughout the course of the semester-long class, we pushed towards this independent design. Our designs were created using littleBits, modular electronics that transfer energy and stick together using small magnets and wood. The final design was taped over or colored in for the aesthetic. The presentation of the design was a culmination of all the lessons learned in the class. Presenting the final iteration of the project was a great experience in entrepreneurship and public speaking."

Most boys would agree that waiting in the green room to go on camera may have tested some nerves. However, all left with new tools young entrepreneurs and engineers agree are necessary for success.

Director of Technology Aaron Grill, Technology Integrator Anderson Harp and the entire engineering class would like to thank Browning parent Forrest King for organizing and inviting the class to JUICE Pharma. Click here to view video and photos of the experience.

Read More
browning
Forms V and VI Explore New England Schools on Annual College Trip

On September 16, the Forms V and VI boys boarded a coach bus to embark on Browning’s annual college trip. Led by Director of College Guidance Sanford Pelz '71, with assistance from Head of Upper School James Reynolds (who offers this report), along with faculty members Kevin Dearinger and Brett Wisniewski, the boys headed to New Haven where they toured Yale and the University of New Haven.

At Yale, they were delighted to have the opportunity to catch up with Browning alumnus Ben Jacobs '13 who walked the campus with the group. After lunch and a tour at the University of New Haven, they boarded the bus and headed to another UNH, the University of New Hampshire. In Durham, the boys grabbed dinner at an outdoor activities jamboree that was underway on the UNH campus. Amidst marching bands, goats (from the agriculture school) and campus clubs, which had set up tables to promote their particular focus, the boys got a sense of what that large, public university offers. From UNH, the group went to Wells, Maine, where they spent the night.

Day two of the trip included visits to Bowdoin College (tour, information session and lunch), Colby College (tour and information session) and Bates College (tour and dinner). Many were struck by the distinctive campus cultures that differentiated these small, private liberal arts institutions. It was also a day of brief but highly enjoyable reunions with Browning alums: JR Chansakul '12 at Bowdoin, Oliver Shawn '12 at Colby, and, at Bates, the Pelz twins, Jonathan and Christopher '12, as well as Michael Florentino ’14.

After one more night at the hotel in Wells, the final day of the trip included a tour and lunch at Babson College, in Wellesley, Mass., and a tour of Olin College of Engineering, a next-door neighbor to Babson.

This trip, which we still believe is unique to Browning, provided our juniors and seniors with exposure to a wide range of colleges from which to begin to make their decisions about what type of school would be right for them. And it was tremendously gratifying for the faculty on the trip to see our young alumni thriving at their respective colleges. View photos and video.

Read More
browning
Library’s Reading Terrace is Officially Open

Head Librarian Sarah Murphy organized a September 28 “doughnut reception” with Form VI boys to commemorate the official opening of the Browning Library’s Reading Terrace. Boys in Forms V and VI, as well as faculty members, may use this outdoor space during their free time. According to Ms. Murphy, teachers may also elect to bring a class or small group out onto the terrace.

She added, “I hope that the community will take advantage of the nice weather in weeks to come and spend some time in the new space.  I want to thank Upper School Head Jim Reynolds, Dean of Students Sam Keany and Director of Facilities and Security Ken Marshall and his staff for helping get the terrace in working order. And thanks to Headmaster Clement for the vision for this space: a place to read and a place to enjoy!” View photos.

Read More
browning
2015 Fifth Grade Trip to Mystic Seaport

The fifth grade boys recently enjoyed a class trip to Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Conn! This historical port, once a whaling community, has been painstakingly preserved. The boys also visited the Mystic Aquarium and The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. View photos.

Read More
browning
Class of 2016 Takes on Challenges During Class Retreat

On the first Friday of the school year, Upper School Head Jim Reynolds and Director of Communications Design Jeremy Katz accompanied Form VI on a retreat to the Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in northern Westchester County for a day of activities. Mr. Reynolds reports: "After a day of rain, we had the good fortune to have a dry and increasingly sunny day in North Salem. With the help of facilitators from The Mountain Workshop, the boys navigated low- and high-rope exercises that compelled them to work collectively and to challenge themselves individually with the support of their peers. The boys were enthusiastic and fully engaged with both the activities and each other."

Mr. Reynolds added, "It was a great start for what we are confident will be a very successful year for the Class of 2016. The boys demonstrated all of the qualities that make for a cohesive, engaged class: courage, ambition, empathy and 'grytte'. " Click here to view photos. 

Read More
browning
“At Last” the Browning Community is Together Again!

Browning boys in Grade One through Form VI, along with the entire school community, convened in Christ Church for Opening Assembly on September 10. Headmaster Clement greeted the audience and offered two thematic words, “at last,” aptly summing up much of the past and present at Browning: At last the final phase of construction and renovation of the school building is complete, after five years in the making. At last the faculty can begin a new school year of implementing the knowledge they are eager to impart. At last, the boys are about to turn their focus to learning. Mr. Clement acknowledged the construction personnel who worked so hard over the summer, as well as the faculty and Form VI boys who stood to receive loud applause from all the boys present. He then asked Music Department Chair David Prestigiacomo to lead the School Song with the third and fourth grade boys assisting.

The president of the student government welcomed everyone and asked that they make this school year the best one for Mr. Clement in his 28 years as Headmaster and the best one in the 128 years of the School’s history. He and the vice president of the student government then read aloud the Browning mission and diversity statements.

Mr. Clement turned the program over to the division heads, acknowledging how much they all do for Browning on so many levels. Click here to read their full remarks.

A traditional part of the program is hearing the one particular word from each Form VI boy that sums up his thoughts about Browning. The class members came to the front of the church, stated their name and number of years at Browning, and revealed their word. Loyalty, home, brotherhood, community and camaraderie were among their choices.

The assembly concluded with a guest appearance by both the Panther mascot and Lucy Warner, Lower School music teacher. Sporting a construction hat with hammer and crowbar “in paw,” the Panther was a hit with the boys, especially the youngest ones. However, Ms. Warner’s singing of “At Last” with “new” lyrics written by Mr. Clement was a most fitting finale. Adapted from the 1941 song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren and performed by such greats as Etta James and Glenn Miller, “At Last” as revamped by Mr. Clement and Ms. Warner went like this: “At last, our school has come along. Construction years are over and life is like a song…Those twists and turns are in the past, and here we are in heaven with our new school at last!” Be sure to check out “At Last” in its entirety by Clicking here.

Read More
browning
Pre-season Camp Prepares Soccer and Cross Country Teams

Captain of the varsity soccer team Karsten Monteverde reports on a highly successful pre-season camp that also included members of the cross country team: Fully rested from a relaxing summer, the Browning boys and coaches set out for the annual soccer and cross country camp at Camp Mah-Kee-Nak in Lenox, Mass. The boys used the four days to mentally and physically prepare themselves for the fall season ahead, no matter what level they will end up playing in. Overall, the camp was a great success, both in helping the coaches see the improvements of each player on the field and also in beginning new friendships between the returning boys and the new boys. Ranging from the seniors to the seventh graders, each member seemed to almost always have a smile on his face, which not only makes the coaches happy but also makes for a much better experience for everyone. When a new student was asked about his experience at soccer camp, he said, “Everyone was very friendly, and I felt as if I had already been a part of this school for years. It was a huge relief for me and makes me really excited to start the new school year with these guys.” Overall, the new season has already started on a very high note, with potentially strong varsity soccer and varsity cross country teams that have set high goals for each of their respected seasons. View photos.

Read More
browning
Browning’s First Blended Learning Cohort Creates New Mindset

This summer, Browning faculty were invited to a special workshop organized by the technology department and led by Director of Technology Aaron Grill, Director of Academic Technology Saber Khan, Technology Integrator Anderson Harp and Blended Learning Specialist and Grade Five teacher Jeff Lisciandrello. Mr. Harp offers this report, followed by remarks from a number of faculty in attendance:

Blended learning is an educational practice that combines online and digital learning with face-to-face instruction. This summer the technology department invited an amalgamation of Browning’s faculty to spend a week off campus at a blended learning incubator, collaborating and designing innovative upgrades to curriculum practice. Our goal was to reinvent how teachers define their homework and classroom time, with effective technology integration, so that course work flexibility becomes personalized.

Teachers from all divisions left the workshop with a new mindset and the tools necessary to execute plans for accelerated differentiation. You may be asking, “What will blended learning look like in my son’s classroom?” The answer will vary in each case, however, these examples may shed light on how Browning’s thought leaders are incorporating teaching for understanding with technology.  
    •    Assessments for the iPad immediately deliver feedback to students and teachers.
    •    Google applications automatically save and organize student work into folders.
    •    Classroom websites simplify communication and guarantee assignments are delivered.

Leveraging these and other tech tools not only keeps our pedagogy relevant to 21st century learners but also frees more class time for problem solving and critical thinking. Anticipate teaching that includes more active and interactive learning to complement traditional methods of instruction.

Our first Blended Learning Cohort was an exciting partnership supported by the technology department and left each faculty member committed to the pursuit of academic excellence and a lifelong love for learning. 

Many of Browning’s faculty members who participated in the cohort have provided feedback on their experience, newly acquired knowledge and plans for classroom integration. Click here to read.

Read More
browning
Summer Buzz and Updates

With just two weeks until school resumes, here are recent stories we’ve posted this summer. For all the latest, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we post daily pictures of the summer construction and faculty summer stipend trips.

Anyone who saw the School this spring will not recognize it this summer. For the big picture, this is what’s happening: the original school building, 52 East 62nd Street, stands completely gutted on the five floors between the Upper and Lower Gyms. We are in the final year of the five-stage physical transformation of Browning! Click here to read a midsummer update from Headmaster Clement, as well as a series of pictures taken by Jeremy Katz ’04, director of communications design, which show the progress of work to date.

The Summer Buzzer, which can be viewed online by clicking here, is chock full of features focused on the School’s first Biodiversity Day, the Form II trip to Washington, D.C., Faculty Symposium, Graduation and the PA Spring Benefit. Our cover story features James Chanos who retired from the Board of Trustees after 17 years of service, 15 as President.

Earlier this year, Headmaster Clement announced his decision to retire as Headmaster on June 30, 2016, his 28th year at Browning. The Board has established a search committee who recently sent out an update to the community on their efforts to recruit the sixth Head of Browning. Click here to read the letter.

Read More
browning
The Fifth Grade Portuguese Caravel Project

Prior to the end of the school year, the fifth grade traveled to the Brooklyn Navy Yard workshop of Construction Kids to build Portuguese Caravel models. This two-day trip began the final stage of a three-phase project that concluded the class’s study of the Age of Exploration.

The month-long project began with a research phase focused on the technological advances that made the Caravel so important to the Age of Exploration. The boys began phase two by making hand-drawn designs individually. Then, working in groups, they created virtual caravels with the computer program, Minecraft. The final phase, physical construction, was begun at Construction Kids and completed during regularly scheduled art, technology, and history classes. Using a variety of tools and media (hand saws, sanders, plaster, hot glue guns, and acrylic paint to name a few) the boys brought their ships to life. Click here to view photos and watch a short video.

Read More
browning
Class of 2015 Receives Diplomas

During graduation exercises on June 10 at Christ Church, Form VI boys, parents and the entire Browning community gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2015. Headmaster Clement, President of the Board of Trustees Jim Chanos and Upper School Head Jim Reynolds presented diplomas to each member of the graduating class. Mr. Clement remarked upon the accomplishments of every Form VI Browning boy during his years at the School. Basil Chalabi, Class of 2015 President, also offered parting remarks and best wishes to his fellow graduates. He was pleased to note that the senior class reached 100% participation in their class gift effort, raising a total of $2,274.05. These funds are allocated toward restoring the conference table in the Cook Room.

Guest speaker was 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee P’15, a Liberian peace activist, trained social worker and women’s rights advocate. Ms. Gbowee offered inspirational and uplifting stories to the graduating class, imbued with wisdom, humor and a zest for life. She is founder and president of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, founder of the Liberia Reconciliation Initiative, and co-founder and former executive director of Women Peace and Security Network Africa.

Ms. Gbowee’s leadership of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, which brought together Christian and Muslim women in a non-violent movement that played a pivotal role in ending Liberia’s civil war in 2003, is chronicled in her memoir, “Mighty Be Our Powers,” and in the documentary, “Pray the Devil Back to Hell,” produced by Abigail Disney. In addition, Ms. Gbowee is the Newsweek Daily Beast’s Africa columnist. She holds a master’s degree in conflict transformation from Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, Va.) and a doctor of laws from Rhodes University in South Africa and University of Alberta in Canada. Ms. Gbowee was honored as a flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She is the mother of six children, including Arthur Mensah ’15.

Congratulations to the entire graduating class and their families! Click here to view photos and watch a video of Ms. Gbowee's speech.

Read More
browning
Class of 2015 Presents Senior Projects

As in prior years, Form VI boys proudly presented their senior projects to the faculty and Form V boys. The metropolitan community benefited from the varied nature of these projects, with the boys volunteering their time at Seamen’s Church Institute, New York Public Library, Future Leaders Institute, New York Common Pantry, Wild Bird Fund, S.N.A.C.K., American Museum of Natural History, NYC Parks GreenThumb Project, The Asia Society and Oliver Scholars, among numerous other organizations. Some seniors said they may have been the recipient of their chosen organization’s generosity in the past, so they worked there to “pay it back.” Form V boys were provided with plenty of advice on how to plan for their own projects next year. The seniors’ recommendations to the younger class were clear: start early to find an organization and choose one that is of interest to you. Of course, a reality check was also in order, as one boy noted that even if it turns out to not be what you expected, “Just do it!” Clearly, these projects prepared the boys for the real world! Click here to read more details and view photos.

Read More
browning
Lower School Closing 2015

Lower School Closing took place on June 5 at Christ Church, as is tradition. Head of Lower School Laurie Gruhn welcomed the community and congratulated the boys on their accomplishments during the past school year, while Head of Middle School Chris Dunham welcomed those boys headed into fifth grade to Middle School at Browning. The Margery Morse Award winner, as well as the Betty Jean Johnson Poetry Award winners, were recognized.

The fourth grade boys, in particular, showed their maturity by standing proudly at the podium, recounting their memories of Lower School and thanking those who contributed to their success, especially their teachers, parents and families.

The theme of this year’s closing was “Let’s Go on a Safari.” Musical selections included such songs as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” “Never Smile at a Crocodile” and “Talk to the Animals,” to name but a few. Under the direction of Lower School music teacher Lucy Warner, the boys were joined by the Lower School “Strings of Spring” Orchestra.

During the farewell section of the program, Headmaster Clement thanked Ms. Warner for her incredible work with the boys, including musical direction, accompaniment and choreography. Thanks also to Lower School music instructors Gemma Baehr, Lucie Gelinas, Marc Daine, Michael Serman ’06 and Jay Tilton. The colorful program cover art was accomplished by members of the third and fourth grades. Organist Steven Pilkington provided the processional and recessional.

Congratulations to the fourth grade boys for individually stating their memories of Lower School and offering thanks to teachers and family. Congratulations! Click here to view photos and read Ms. Gruhn's remarks.

Read More
browning
Third Graders Present Dutch Day

On Dutch Day, June 2, the third grade boys presented a program to the Browning community describing what they learned about New Amsterdam and Colonial America. The boys acquired a great deal of knowledge in the course of their studies, as evidenced by the roles they played as individuals who lived in New Amsterdam. On Dutch Day, they discussed their characters with parents, faculty and staff, encouraging them to read the reports they wrote as well.

Head of Lower School Laurie Gruhn noted, “I had an opportunity to read a few of the boys' reports, and they were fantastic! The detailed writing was among the finest I had read in a very long time.”

When asked what they most enjoyed about this particular project, some boys replied that they loved dressing in costumes and wigs, others said conducting the research for their papers, and some noted it was a combination of both. Whatever the case, those who spoke with the boys could not help but be impressed! View photos.

Read More
browning
Lower School Field Day 2015

Director of Physical Education Patricia Zeuner reports on a successful Lower School Field Day in May: "Despite some unexpected misting upon arrival at Randall's Island, the day continued with improving weather, fun games, smiling boys, entertained parents, delicious pizza, impressive student leadership, engaged coaches and helpful teachers. Thank you so much to those Lower School faculty who accompanied their students and kept them on track throughout the entire day. It was very helpful to the coaches as they guided the boys through the events. Thank you to the Upper School faculty for allowing their boys to help their younger schoolmates. You would have been so proud of their leadership and enthusiasm!

Special thanks to Ms. Linehan for keeping everyone safe and healthy; to Ms. Bramble for seamless lunch execution; to Mr. Pelz for capturing the memories with all-day photography. Finally, I especially want to thank all the coaches for their unwavering dedication, creativity and expertise.

The best moment of the day in my opinion (and according to the entire third grade), was seeing ALL of the students from Grades Two, Three and Four playing the same game together to conclude the event. It was a great display of Browning community and one I hope will become a Field Day tradition. A very heartfelt 'thank you' to all who helped make Lower School Field Day so successful!" View photos.

Read More
browning