CONNECT TO HAMDEN HALL
 Hornets In The Hive!
The Development Office welcomes our Hamden Hall community to help us promote connectivity and inspiration through talent and creativity!
Do you enjoy giving art or music lessons, performing stand-up comedy, reciting poetry, DIY projects, crafting, at-home workouts, or sharing children’s activities? The list is endless, and we ask you to share what you love.
Support our Students!
We invite you to send our students your words of encouragement, any random acts of kindness you may have performed, or your favorite memory from your days under the pines. Thanks to Bruce Shutan, Class of 1979, for sharing his recent act of kindness in Portland, Ore.
 "The person in front of me in the drive-thru at Starbucks near our home paid for our order, which was $31 for six people. I was stunned and decided to pay for the person in line behind us. Hope that it catches on. Another reminder that we all need to stick together during this difficult time."
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ALUMNI BUZZ
Alumna Charts Meaningful  Life Course
As a civil rights worker in 1964, Debora Mebel Sherman, a 1945 graduate, lived in fear in Selma, Ala. Much earlier in her life, she ignored contemptuous remarks about becoming a teacher to experience a lifelong vocation in education. She’s led campaigns to help stop a war and protect immigrants and their families from abuse. She established the first League of Women’s Voters in a town where none existed. She has been recognized for her visionary thinking and compassion for others by a major university. She has worked in schools and corporations, been a reporter, researcher, and communications expert. In short, Debora Mebel Sherman, at 91 years old, believes she has “seen it all.”
Classmates Celebrate Baby  News
Gabriella Doob, Class of 2003, and her 2003 classmate and husband, Sam Chotiner-Gardner, welcomed their first baby daughter, Siena Gardner, into the world on Oct. 3, 2019. Click here to read more.
1983 Alumna Sings Out!
 Stephanie Stiefel Williams, Class of 1983, sings out a cheerful reminder that "everything's coming up roses." Stephanie, a former Miss Connecticut, is co-founder and president of the board of the Legacy Theatre in Stony Creek, Conn. Click here to enjoy Stephanie's at-home performance where she is joined by her "talented" dancing dog.
Alumnus Shares Baby News
 Dr. Rich Joseph, Class of 2005, and his wife, Sarah Milby, are enjoying life with their first child, Isabel, now 7 months old. Click here to read more.
Alum Welcomes First Child
 Ben Orell, Class of 2005, and his wife Pagie Port, welcomed their first child, Wolf Port Orell, on Feb. 10. Click here to read more.
Editor's Note: Alumni News is coordinated and written by Jodi Amatulli, Director of Alumni Relations. Share your news by emailing Jodi at jamatulli@hamdenhall.org.
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SAVE THE DATE!
- April 9: Quarter 4 Begins.
- April 10: Good Friday; No School.
- April 13: Virtual Classes in Session / All Grades.
- April 17: Lower School Parent Conference Day, Modified Distance Learning for Lower School Grades.
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HALLERS OF FAME
 Eric Huang, a seventh-grader, won second place in the Mathematic Awards category at the
Connecticut Science &
Engineering Fair held last month at
Quinnipiac University.
Elijah Light , a sophomore, recently competed in the state gymnastics championship and qualified for New England Regionals.
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SPORTING HORNETS
 Ken Pierson, Varsity Co-ed Swim Coach, has been named the New Haven Register's Area Coach of the Year. Under Pierson's coaching, the Boys' Varsity Swim team was crowned New England Champions this year after an 11-1 dual meet season. This is Ken's 11th season with Hamden Hall. His record stands at:
Boys' Teams: Wins 59 / Tie 1 / Loss 36
CISAC Champions: Consecutively from 2012 through 2020
New England Runner-up: 2019
Girls' Teams: Wins 64 / Loss 43
CISAC Champions: Consecutively from 2011 through 2018
New England Runner-up: 2013, 2014, 2015
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CAMPUS STORE
Hamden Hall Gear Available Online
The school store is now online and available to the greater Hamden Hall community. Click here to view and order merchandise, including clothing, blankets, water bottles, onesies, umbrellas, and more. |
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April 8, 2020
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 Click here or above to view a video slideshow of our distance learning community.
Students Welcomed Back From Spring Break Into Virtual Classrooms
Hamden Hall has launched its distance learning model, Virtual Halls Under the Pines, with PreSchool through Grade 12 faculty and students connecting online via myriad technology platforms.
Zoom video conferencing has enabled everything from Lower Schoolers having lunch with one another to Upper Schoolers continuing their AP classes. On Monday, members of the Middle School Book Club "virtually" discussed the book, Life of Pi,
by Yann Martel.
Head of School Bob Izzo credited the foresight and dedication of administrators and faculty for a near-seamless transition to the implementation of virtual classrooms and activities following the school’s return from spring break. Hamden Hall’s distance learning preparedness actually started nearly a decade ago when several snowstorms caused Connecticut schools to lose significant time. Through careful investment, Hamden Hall has since built a robust academic technology platform that enables faculty to utilize a full complement of technological resources to benefit students.
“We have an extremely dedicated team of educators who are committed to taking each step with our students in order to guide and support them in whatever manner is required. Teachers have worked tirelessly preparing lesson plans, instructions, and interactive activities as the priority for all of us is the continuance of excellence that is symbolic of a Hamden Hall education,” said Mr. Izzo.
He further maintained that, moving forward, parents and guardians should feel free to reach out to division administrators with any additional needs or assistance they may require.
In a video message to the student body on the last day of spring break, Mr. Izzo spoke of “new learning experiences” for all students no matter the grade level.
“Think of it as a new adventure, and embrace distance learning with a sense of wonderment and curiosity,” he said.
And the adventures have been endless! Music lessons, gym class, chem lab, outdoor gardening, and evening pajama party read-alouds have traversed Hamden Hall’s “cloud.”
Announcing: The Class of 2020 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
 From left, Orly Richter and Lexi Mackay are, respectively, the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2020.
Via virtual Upper School assembly Friday, Head of School Bob Izzo announced the Class of 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian.
Orly Richter, who has spent her entire academic career at Hamden Hall, was named valedictorian.
“I am so grateful for everyone in the Hamden Hall community who has supported me over the past 14 years and helped me to reach this point. I want to thank my friends and teachers, who have constantly encouraged me to be the best that I can be. I am incredibly lucky to have worked alongside them,” stated Orly.
Orly will continue her education in the fall at Brown University. While she hasn’t committed to a major at this time, she said she is leaning toward public health.
Lexi Mackay, who entered Hamden Hall as a freshman, was named salutatorian.
“I feel so blessed and privileged to be named this year’s salutatorian. I’m so grateful to the faculty of Hamden Hall for pushing me to reach my full academic potential and to my friends and family for supporting me in all of my endeavors during my high school career,” stated Lexi.
Having been accepted to Boston College, Lehigh University, North Carolina State University, Providence College, the University of Connecticut, University of Rochester, and University of Richmond, Lexi is still weighing her options.
Head of School Bob Izzo commended Orly and Lexi and noted their combined talents, capabilities, and leadership.
“The hallmark of a Hamden Hall education is excellence, and I can truly state that both of these young ladies exude excellence. Both have also embraced the spirit of participation during their years under the pines, having joined myriad clubs and taken advantage of the considerable extracurricular programs and activities the school offers,” said Mr. Izzo.
Impressive College Admittance for Senior Class
Members of the Class of 2020 have garnered admittance to some of the most impressive colleges and universities throughout the world. With the college admissions process just about concluded for most of the 74 members of our senior class, nearly 150 academic institutions have laid out the welcome mat for Hamden Hall students.
“Members of the Class of 2020 have been accepted into many of the world’s top universities, and it comes as no surprise given the academic prowess of these young men and women,” said Head of School Bob Izzo. “It’s an exciting time for all of us at Hamden Hall because administration, faculty, and students all see the culmination of their efforts come to fruition.”
Click here to view full-size the following list of college acceptances.
 Click here or above to view a video message regarding MayFest 2020.MayFest 2020 To Go Virtual
This year MayFest goes virtual! We want to bring the Hamden Hall Community together in a time when it’s so easy to feel apart!
MayFest is looking for video performances and presentations from current and former students, faculty, and staff. MayFest 2020 will be a YouTube web series that premieres throughout the month of May. The more material we get, the more episodes we’ll all be able to enjoy together!
If you have a song to sing, a story to tell, a poem to read, or a work of art to share, please send it to us and we’ll include it in one of the MayFest episodes. Send material to: calexander@hamdenhall.org.
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