The 20+ CIub

What drew you to C&C?

Both Millie Cartagena and Elise Clark
were pulled in by the people and the
potential they saw in themselves at
C&C, and both found themselves simply
not taking no for an answer.
Upon being told that she was
overqualied for the Receptionist/Ofce
Manager position, Millie called back and
continued to inquire at this intriguing
school until she got the job, and shes
been here transforming herself and the
School for two decades!

Elise Clark was fresh out of graduate
school, with her student teaching just
completed, when Principal Kathi Holz
told her she needed someone with more
experience for a VIIs Teacher position.
Elise picked the phone right back up
and told her, If you met me, youd want
to hire me. And she did. And Elise went
on to work with VIIs for seven years,
then as the Director of the Lower School
for another seven years, and is now the
NewsIetter for AIumni,
Parents and Friends
Spring 2012
1
open-ended materials that she has
seen put to use in new and unique
ways with every child she has taught.
This practice that serves the children
year after year keeps her devoted to
her work and constantly inspired.
Gino and Maggie both agreed: Its just
as fun as they thought it would be!
Gino Crocetti
and Maggie
Ens reminisce
over archival
photos
As we aII know, C&C is more than a speciaI schooI, it is
truIy a one-of-a-kind home away from home for so many
who spend time here. C&C maintains this smaII worId in the
big city with staff who enthusiasticaIIy join the ranks of the
veteran teachers and administrators who nd that theres no
pIace Iike City and Country to work with chiIdren. I sat down
with ve of our current staff who have been at C&C for 20
years or more and came away inspired by their thoughtfuI
dedication, knowing that C&C is a pIace they activeIy choose
to be, and vaIue for reasons big and smaII. We chatted
together about yesterday and today, as excerpted beIow.
Director of Admissions. She doesnt
know what came over her to make that
second call, but were all glad she did.
Ann Isaacs, teacher of IVs and Vs
for 27 years, remembers a dening
moment during her interview with
then Principal Helen Halverson:
Helen stopped a V who was running
through the passageway and to Anns
surprise, they called each other by
their rst names. Ann was especially
impressed by how Helen then spoke
to the child rmly and respectfully. Ann
felt at that moment that C&C was the
place for her, and it has been for nearly
three decades.
What keeps you here?
Unanimous: the children! Every day is a
new experience with new personalities,
challenges, and joysand the program
changes with it.
Ann takes great satisfaction in the
Lower Schools commitment to the
The 20+ CIub
GINO CROCETTI, Math, APL and
After School Science Teacher, in
his 32nd year
ANN ISAACS, Vs Teacher, in her
27th year
MAGGIE ENS, Shop Teacher, in
her 22nd year
MILLIE CARTAGENA, Director
of Student Services and Diversity
Coordinator, in her 20th Year
ELISE CLARK, Director of
Admissions, in her 20th year
(continues on page 2)
2
What does C&C stand for to you?
What do you vaIue most?
In light of the open-minded social and
political roots of C&C, Gino values the
fact that C&C students continue to be
encouraged to be free thinkers and,
in remembering the thoughts of fellow
veteran teacher Ronnie McLeod, that
it is a place where each teacher can
nd his/her voice. The idea of teaching
people to be free thinkers both as an
intrinsic worthwhile activity and also as
a way of hopefully improving the world
to some degree...thats always been the
most important thing to me.
Maggie deeply values the opportunity
to learn from children, and constantly
rediscovers new ways to teach. Working
(continued from page 1) through C&C every year, as noted and
especially appreciated by Ann.
What has stayed the same?
The childrens active role in the School
is something that endures at C&C, and
often the School grows and changes
with them. Ann is continually impressed
by the participation of the children
in their education at every level. She
recalls meetings where the children
passionately made their casesin one
instance to sell the XIIIs Newspaper for
prot, and at another, to participate in
local interscholastic sports. They won the
support of the staff (with no little amount
of controversy) for the latter and the
result is a thriving Sports Program, lled
with C&C-style teamwork and heart.
Any favorite traditions?
A favorite of the students, and Elise,
is the beloved torch relay, a tradition
begun by former Principal Helen
Halverson. And many agreed that the
cake contest at the Spring Fair is a
most delightful and delicious tradition,
going back to Ginos years as a student
at C&C. Ann savors the big moments
in the Vs roomwhen they rst leave
block buildings up for a whole week,
and when they move on to reading
lengthy chapter books. She added
that though she doesnt teach the IVs
anymore, like all of us, a favorite treat at
the holidays is the XIIs play for the IVs.
All our 20+ers are especially moved by
traditions revisited over the years with
siblings and generations of students.
And how about some coIorfuI
memories?
Spring fair! If you were on staff or a
parent in the 70s or 80s (or earlier), you
know what were talking aboutit was a
raucous good time! (It still is a highlight
of the year, but is more of a fun-lled
family event these days.) Elises colorful
memory won the day with her story of
a child who lost two loose teeth from
an innocent incident in the Block Yard.
Elise returned to retrieve the teeth for
the child, only to nd another child had
integrated them into her play scheme,
as tickets. As Elise said, A C&C kid
can make something out of anything.
Jennifer Marck Moran
Elise Clark
Millie Cartagena
and Anne Isaacs
with children in this open way allows her
to always be in the moment and focus
on the particular children and situations
at hand. In this way, she believes that
she stays true to Pratts original vision.
City and Country means that you really
do learn from childrenIts so exciting
to see how different teachers can plug
into the openness of our community and
it gets enriched that way with all of the
personalities. The community seems
to be ever widening and this keeps
everything fresh.
Millie feels that being at C&C has taught
her to think in new and
unconventional ways. Coming to C&C
was a culture shock: It took me two
years to understand a progressive
educational environment...children
being the center of the school. My son
actually beneted from me working
at C&C because I was immersed in a
different culture and I would go home
and practice different child rearing
approachestotally different from my
experience. I believe it made me a
better parent.
What has changed at C&C over the
years that stands out?
Our senior staffers agreed that leadership
and support have strengthened the
School in a number of ways.
C&Cs philosophy is clear, and the staff
has worked to hone teaching practices
that reect that philosophy, in turn
retaining teachers and students, which
has allowed for so much positive growth
in the School.
Certainly since Ginos days as a student
in the 60s, when staff had a more
arms-length relationship with parents,
families are now more involved in their
childrens education and the daily life of
the School, a positive change noticed
by all. The School is also more secure
nancially than when our veterans
started at C&C, a result of leadership
and family support.
This clarity, stability and growth has
also elevated C&Cs presence and
recognition in the wider educational
community, as seen in the incredible
number of visitors who come
3
C&C is thrilled to announce that
we have secured a long-term lease
with the Church of the Village at 201
West 13th Street (on the corner of
13th Street and 7th Avenue). The
terms of the lease include use of a
newly renovated gymnasium, a new
commercial kitchen, two additional
large swing spaces, and storage
space for equipment.
As both our student population and
our facilities have grown over the past
decade, today more children than
ever enthusiastically participate daily
in Block Yard, Game Yard, Skills Yard,
Rhythms, Music, After School Sports
and other After School programs. The
addition of the 201 West 13th Street
space supports what we already do,
and allows us to do more: expand
our physical activities programs,
allow greater exibility for practices
and performances of various kinds,
hold more community-wide events,
create more special events, offer
more comfortable participation in
larger group meetings, and provide
our students with more opportunities
for impromptu activities as part of the
day-to-day work and play of all C&C
programs.
We hope you all have an opportunity
to attend an event or take a tour of
201.
The rst event at 201:
Meet the Grads
C&C has a new video featuring highIights of archivaI
and recent footage of Rhythms, spanning the past 50
years. Be sure to check it out here (near the bottom of
the page):http://cityandcountry.org/programs/rhythms/
You just might see yourseIf, and youII deniteIy be
transported!
C&C In the Press!
IN THE PAPERS C&C made the news for our ever-relevant and tried and
true program in Kyle Spencers 11/28/11 article in the New York Times: With
Blocks, Educators Go Back To Basics. You can nd it here: http://www.nytimes.
com/2011/11/28/nyregion/with-building-blocks-educators-going-back-to-basics.html
The article discusses the recent interest in block play in classrooms and programs
around the City. As noted in the article, the wooden unit blocks now used the world
over originated right here at C&C. Our use of blocks as an ideal learning tool is based
on decades of experience and commitment to the material. Many of our colleagues
turn to us through classroom visits and workshops as a resource for inspiration
and instruction on how to integrate blocks into their programs. For even more
information on our approach to blocks, visit our in-depth Blocks Program page: http://
cityandcountry.org/programs/blocks-program/
ON THE NEWS C&C was also featured in a segment on My9 News on blocks as
a learning tool, and an excellent choice for a holiday gift for young children. Our
children, young and old, our classrooms with materials, parent Lisa Mahar, and
Director of Admissions Elise Clark embody what we do and how we do it. Watch it
here: http://www.my9tv.com/dpp/news/fyi/brain-power-blocks
HOT OFF THE PRESSES Anita Dickhuth, parent of Carl Dickhuth 81, recently
published Images of America: Greenwich Villagea captivating, fact and image-lled
history of Greenwich Village, featuring C&C in six pages of archival photos! You can
get a copy of this treasure trove of Village life online and in local bookstores.
Rhythms,
1971
More Space
to PIay,
Share and
Gather
Rhythms on FiIm
4
HiIary Knight 40, illustrator of the classic Eloise childrens
books, and author and illustrator of numerous books, posters,
magazine illustrations, and more, donated an inspired Eloise
at City and Country drawing to the annual Spring Benet.
This one-of-a-kind drawing of Eloise building the Plaza Hotel
in blocks received one of the highest bids of the night. It was a
thrill for everyone to catch a glimpse of this icon of childrens
literature imagined in a quintessential C&C setting.
AIexa Manning (Ragozin) 81 My husband Mike and I
are living happily in Manchester, Vermont with our wonderful
three-year-old daughter Adeline and our two big mutts.
Now that our daughter is three, I think almost daily about the
wonderful learning experience I had at City and Country. I wish
we could send Adeline to City and Country, but the commute
from Vermont would be a bit much. Always love to hear from
anyone from the class of 81: ndalexa@yahoo.com
Sarah Whittier 67 The class of 1967 just had its rst ever
reunion in NYC this past weekend and it was AMAZING! We
did the grapevine and leap-run-run; we sang our old songs; we
reminisced about how Johnny Crawford and Paul Cartwright
made a set of clandestine keys to get into the cellar, and a
million other wonderful memories. We are all who we are be-
cause of C&C and we have each other because of C&C. Were
already planning our second reunion in Maine this summer.
ALUMNI UPDATES
Progressive Education Conference:
In November 2011 nine representatives
of C&Cs Middle and Upper School
teaching and administrative staff headed
to Chicago to present at and participate
in the nations leading Progressive
Education conference, the theme of
which was The Power of Progressive
Practice. Almost 600 educators from
around the country attended the PEN
conference. Our presentations were
very successful, and the topics and
themes have spawned conversation and
excitement internally, as well.
In detail: Scott Moran (M/US Director)
and Ann Roberts (XIIIs Group Teacher)
presented on authentic student
questions and the research process;
Robert Berkman and Jinny Chang (Math
C&C Staff Inspire, Inuence
and Inform Educators
Specialists) and Lauren Clark (IXs
Group Teacher) presented on the Math
and Jobs Programs at City and Country;
Ian Klapper and Maggie Ens presented
on Fostering Ecological Sensitivity with
Art: Building Community and a Mini-Golf
Installation on Governors Island, NYC
and Todd Rosenthal (Library) and Nancy
Segal (VIIIs Group Teacher) presented
on collaborative design with children.
City and Countrys prominent role at
this event reects our expertise and
leadership in progressive education for
children ages 2-13.
BIock Connection Workshops: In
the Lower School, we have embarked
on our 6
th
year of City and Country
teachers giving block building workshops
for early childhood practitioners, known
as the Block Connection. This year,
16 of our 18 participants are part of a
larger accreditation in education initiative
that is designed to enhance programs
and readiness of staff, offered by the
Early Care and Education Working
Group of the Pipeline Crisis/Winning
Strategies Initiative.
A slide from Todd and Nancys presentation
on collaborative design: IXs use outdoor blocks
to explore Lewis and Clark expeditions.
5

Support City and Country
Name ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Caroline Pratt Society ($50,000+)

Pacesetting Gift ($25,000 - $49,999)

Leadership Gift ($10,000 - $24,999)

Block Building ($5,000 - $9,999)

Sustaining Gift ($2,500 - $4,999)

Benefactor ($1,000 - $2,499)

Patron ($500 - $999)

Sponsor ($250 - $499)

Donor ($10 - $249)
My gift of __________________________________ is enclosed
I pledge _____________________________________________
(Pledges are payable before June 30, 2012)

I would prefer my gift to be anonymous

I have remembered City and Country in my will.
Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Please check one:

Current Parent

Alumnus/a

Past Staff

Grandparent

Past Parent

Friend
space needs and set forth to create and renovate our buildings
to complement our academic program and preserve and enhance
the School community. Due to the early and generous support
of leadership donors we have been able to make signicant
improvements for the immediate use and benet of C&C students.
We continue to seek voluntary support for major gifts and
endowment purposes to ensure the long-term programmatic
strength of the School. Please contact the Development Ofce
to learn more about capital and endowment giving.
Going, Going, Gone!
SPRING BENEFIT
Parent chairs in conjunction with the Development Ofce lead this
festive auction to benet the operating budget. The Spring Benet
offers countless opportunities for your involvement. Each year, we
ask the community to help secure underwriting, assist in obtaining
auction items and volunteering to help raise awareness about the
event. Please contact the Development Ofce to get involved.
Deferred Gifts
PLANNED GIVING
Increasingly, alumni and parents are using planned gifts as a
means to augment their outright giving to the School. Planned,
or deferred gifts, such as bequests, gift annuities, and charitable
remainder trusts provide income to C&C for many years into
the future and may often involve tax benets for donors. Contact
the Development Ofce to learn more.
FinaIIy
Please consider helping us build a tradition of philanthropy at City
and Country School. Lets do our part to ensure that generations
to come will benet from this special school that carefully puts
into practice the educational philosophy of Caroline Pratt and the
combined wisdom of nearly 100 years of progressive educators.
THANK YOU

Supporting The Day To Day Work And PIay

ANNUAL FUND
Did you know that tuition alone does not cover the day-to-day
cost of C&Cs programs? It is hard to believe butas with all
independent schoolsit is true.
So how can you heIp? By contributing to the Annual Fund you
can assist in providing the necessary income the School needs
to bridge this gap.
How wiII your donation be used? Below are a few examples
of what your contribution supports:
Academic program enhancements
Financial Aid
Technology
Teacher Salaries
Professional Development
Facility maintenance
Gifts made to the Annual Fund are a wonderful (tax
deductible!) way to show your support for the unique and
thoughtful progressive education the C&C community
has cultivated for almost a century.
Heres how you can support this historic institution:
Check: Payable to City and Country School. Mail or drop-off
ATTN: Development Ofce.
Credit Card: Visit http://cityandcountry.org/support online
to make your credit card donation.
Securities: For stock transfer instructions, please
contact Jennifer Cherney in the Development Ofce at
212-506-5945.
If You BuiId It.
MAJOR GIFTS AND ENDOWMENT GIVING
The City and Country Board of Trusteeswith the support
of the administration and facultyidentied facility and


146 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
C: 100 M: 60 Y: 0 K: 0
C: 0 M: 100 Y: 30 K: 0
C: 10 M: 60 Y: 100 K: 0 C: 0 M: 100 Y: 50 K: 10 C: 90 M: 0 Y: 65 K: 35
C: 60 M: 70 Y: 0 K: 0 C: 0 M: 10 Y: 80 K: 0 C: 0 M: 20 Y: 100 K: 20
C: 15 M: 75 Y: 0 K: 0 C: 60 M: 0 Y: 5 K: 0 C: 100 M: 0 Y: 30 K: 15
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NEW YORK, NY
PERMIT NO. 9620
PIease join us
in your much
beIoved Library
for an evening
of fun, food,
and feIIowship!
Friday, May 11
TH

6:0030-8:0030
City and Country SchooI
146 West 13th Street

If you cannot make it and
would still like to support C&C,
please visit
www.cityandcountry.org/support
Please RSVP to
jenniferc@cityandcountry.org
or 212-506-5945
THE 2012
ALUMNI REUNION
IS MAY 11
TH!

I CANT WAIT TO SEE
MY C&C FRIENDS!