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Alcuin's annual Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day gave visitors an opportunity participate in student-led classroom activities.

Event draws record attendance and helps boost annual Book Fair sales

Alcuin School, a leader in Montessori and International Baccalaureate® education, had a lot to be grateful for this season as it kicked off the Thanksgiving  break with a record crowd at its annual Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day on Friday, Nov. 16.  

The event is one of Alcuin’s most anticipated school traditions when students’ guests are invited to attend Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day.  The annual celebration is a great way for intergenerational interaction and allows guests to share cherished moments with students in the classroom and around campus.  

This year, more than 400 grandparents and special friends attended and were treated to classroom visits with students who were delighted to showcase their lessons and projects.  Guests also had an opportunity to share and record their oral histories, take photos with their grandchild or special friend to remember the occasion, and enjoy refreshments. Luckily, the weather was perfect, and many grandparents and guests were able to stroll around Alcuin’s beautiful grounds with their students.

Many of the grandparents had travelled long distances, as far away as India and Europe, to attend the day.  Upper School students awarded prizes to visitors who traveled the farthest and to those who had the most grandchildren attending Alcuin. Guests also enjoyed musical entertainment by Alcuin Elementary choirs, as well Middle and Upper School performers in the gym.

Alcuin’s annual Book Fair was a highlight of Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, which drew huge crowds in the Wyly Performing Arts Center on campus.  There were hundreds of titles to choose from allowing students of all ages to pick out some of their favorite reads.   On Thursday, Nov. 15, attendees from the Alcuin Dads’ Breakfast also had an opportunity to do a little shopping at the Book Fair after they concluded their activity in the Pavilion. The Book Fair was organized by the Alcuin Parents’ Club and proceeds benefit the school’s library.

“We were delighted that so many grandparents, special guests and parents were excited to join us again for these beloved fall school traditions,” said Walter Sorensen, Alcuin Head of School. “Our students certainly benefit from having their grandparents, friends and extended family involved and interested in their education, and that’s plenty to be thankful for during this special time of year.”

About Alcuin School

A vibrant, nurturing, coeducational academic community serving students from toddler to 12th grade, Alcuin School uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate program methods to foster critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. With faculty support, students at Alcuin School are eager to embrace change, question the status quo, and prepare for their future as leaders in a global society. For more information, please visit www.alcuinschool.org.

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Walter Sorensen, Alcuin Head of School, Byron Sanders, Big Thought President & CEO, Melora Leiser, Big Thought Board Chair, and Berry Cox.

Supporters Gather at the Belo Mansion for Ann R. Cox Innovation in Education Award Presentation

Alcuin School, a leader in Montessori and International Baccalaureate® education, hosted its fourth annual Alex Podeszwa Scholarship Luncheon and honored Byron Sanders, President and CEO of Big Thought, and Melora Leiser, Big Thought Board Chair at the Belo Mansion on Oct. 24. Sanders and Leiser were recognized for their leadership at Big Thought, a Dallas nonprofit which strives to ignite the imagination of children through accessible educational programs that reinforce core academic curricula and help develop 21st century skills.  

The event was highlighted by the presentation of the Ann R. Cox Award for Innovation in Education to Sanders and Leiser. The Ann R. Cox Award was given by her son Berry Cox to recognize her belief in innovative education and her support of Alcuin School during its early years.

Special guests included Edwin L. Cox, along with his daughter-in-law Jeanne Tower Cox and grandsons, John and Justin.  Also acknowledged was scholarship recipient for 2018-2019 Emily Kim, Alcuin junior, and 8th grader Gregory Cushing, who received the inaugural Global Citizen Award.

During the presentation, Cushing gave heartfelt remarks in which he shared that “Alcuin is not only a school, it is a place where kids can learn to be the best they can be.”

“We not only have excellent teachers who provide a great education, but they also provide moral lessons, leadership opportunities and independence to go outside of the box and address our individual curiosities,” said Cushing.  “For me, Alcuin has been a place that accepts me for who I am and allows me follow my true passions in education. The teachers and students are all supportive of my decisions and cheer me on all the way.  I love to learn about the world and it is a place that ignites that passion.”

David and Niki Campisi served as hosts for the event and introduced special guests David and Ann Podeszwa who shared reflections on their son’s life and legacy. Other major sponsors included:  Edwin L. Cox and the Berry Cox Family Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Chase Murray; Dr. and Mrs. David Podeszwa; and MYCON.

Alcuin's 2018 Scholarship Luncheon benefits students in need of financial assistance via the Alex Podeszwa Legacy Fund.  The fund was established in memory of this inspiring Alcuin student who lost his battle against cancer in 2014.

The luncheon drew more than 200 supporters and raised nearly $90,000 for the scholarship fund.  The total legacy fund is more than $400,000 which will continue to grow each year to assist deserving students.

“Alex will always embody Alcuin’s spirit and mission,” said Walter Sorensen, Head of School.  “His legacy as a compassionate global citizen and big thinker is far-reaching and will provide scholarship assistance and other endowment funding to enrich and enhance the programs that he loved so well during his time at Alcuin.”

 

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Alcuin's Bill Barfoot (left),and Walter Sorensen, Head of School (center) join students to prepare hot dogs for the annual Fall Festival. Proceeds from the event help benefit local charities identified by the students. (Photo: Hin Lee)

There were plenty of goblins on campus to generate a lot of ghoul-will at Alcuin’s Annual Fall Festival organized by Middle School on Oct. 26.  The students led this school-wide effort by preparing, managing and staffing the entire family-fun event for the Alcuin community. 

Middle School students organized this "spooktacular" community fundraiser in coordination with the Alcuin Parents’ Club.  It included a variety of Halloween-themed activities, food and family fun festivities. Proceeds benefit the Middle School Advisories’ chosen charities.

About Alcuin School

A vibrant, nurturing, coeducational academic community serving students from toddler to 12th grade, Alcuin School uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate program methods to foster critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. With faculty support, students at Alcuin School are eager to embrace change, question the status quo, and prepare for their future as leaders in a global society. For more information, please visit www.alcuinschool.org.