Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown, is an independent school serving boys and girls in Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School is celebrating fifty years of excellence in education in an unparalleled learning environment.

“We have spent this academic year celebrating Kent School’s fiftieth anniversary. We chose this special weekend-long event to attract as many people from the school community and beyond to campus,” Nancy Mugele, Head of Kent School said. Mugele continued, “These events not only celebrate Kent School’s past accomplishments, but our fiftieth anniversary is a time to celebrate all the future possibilities for Kent School. We are looking back but we are also looking forward. The future is indeed bright at Kent School.”

The 50th Anniversary weekend celebration begins with a golf tournament on Friday, April 5. The tournament will be held at Chester River Yacht and Country Club. The shotgun start begins at 9:00 a.m. The fee for individual golfers is $130 and the fee for a foursome is $500. Both include 18 holes of golf, cart and lunch. All are welcomed to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.

The celebration weekend continues with a gala on Saturday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. which will be held at Brittland Estate. The black tie optional event will include a limited live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing with live music from the band NightLife. Tickets for the Fiftieth Anniversary Gala are $150. Registration is open for both the golf tournament and the gala through the Kent School website at https://www.kentschool.org/giving/50th-anniversary-weekend. Auction items include trips, catered cruises and a very special South African Safari experience.

Jen Matthews ‘01, Director of Development and Alumni Relations is planning both events. “We chose a Ginkgo leaf to be our symbol for the Fiftieth Anniversary. A gingko tree stands tall on the Kent School playground and was there long before the school began. That tree is one of the most recognizable icons on our campus. Generations of students can remember climbing, swinging and playing beneath the giant tree. Gingko also represents memory and we find it a fitting theme as we celebrate and remember the first fifty years of Kent School.” Matthews continued, “Thanks to strong volunteer and sponsor support, I am looking forward to both events. We are having fun diving into the archives to include past publications and photos. I know all of our guests will enjoy reminiscing with former classmates, parents and teachers at both of the celebrations.”

Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world. For more information on Kent School’s Fiftieth Anniversary celebration visit www.kentschool.org or call Jen Matthews ‘01 at 410-778-4100 ext. 350.

Shore Psychology, Wye River Upper School, and Weinfeld Education Group present From Assessment to Advocacy: Understanding and Using Assessment Information to Advocate Effectively for the Needs of Neurodiverse Youth. The workshop will take place Friday, March 1 from 9:00 am – 12:15 pm at Chesapeake College. Presenters, Dr. Laurie Reider Lewis and Mr. Rich Weinfeld, will share their expertise on assessment and special education advocacy to empower area professionals as well as families in support of neurodiverse youth.

Dr. Lewis explains “The process of determining when, why, and how best to proceed with formal evaluation on a youth’s behalf can be complex. This workshop will bring clarity to the testing and special education process by providing concrete information about the elements of “good” assessment as well as how to use assessment findings to powerfully advocate for the needs of youth. Attendees will also gain a deeper understanding of issues around neurodiversity and the differences among youth which are critical to effectual assessment and advocacy work.”

Laurie Reider Lewis, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and member of the Maryland Psychological Association who is currently in private practice on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Mr. Richard Weinfeld directs the Weinfeld Education Group, LLC, a group of over 25 educational consultants, serving clients in Maryland (including the Eastern Shore), Washington DC, and Virginia. He also provides direct special education consultation services to families of students with special needs.

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Maryland Psychological Association, & The Maryland Psychological Association Foundation. It is appropriate for individuals at all level of experience. 3 CE Credits are available to psychologists and other eligible professionals. The event will take place in the Cadby Theater at Chesapeake College, 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD. For ticket sales and for additional information visit https://assessment-to-advocacy.eventbrite.com.

Sandy Morse

The Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) at Chesapeake College launches the 2019 edition of the popular IAL Speakers Series on March 11.

The free lunchtime presentations on a variety of topics are open to members of the public. Bring lunch, enjoy the speaker and socialize.

“The IAL Speaker Series offers interesting and informative lectures on a wide variety of topics. Everyone is invited to bring a lunch, relax, and enjoy these insightful lectures,” said IAL Chairperson Kathy Leary.

The series kicks off with Sandy Morse on Monday, March 11 at 11:45 am when she presents “Community Activism” in Room 110 of the Higher Education Center. Ms. Morse will be sharing her experiences as a civic, social and political activist. She has worked and/or volunteered at the local, county, state, federal and international levels in the civic, educational, and political arenas with private, public and governmental groups and individuals.

Additional speakers will be featured on Mondays at 11:45 am this spring.

Allison Wood of Compass Regional Hospice presents “Hospice – Myths and Facts” on March 25.

Susan Schumaker from CASA of the Mid-Shore (CASA) will present “Advocating for Shore Children” on April 8

Corinne Vinopol, an international educator, presents “Enhancing Special Education Overseas” on April 22.

The IAL at Chesapeake College features lifelong learning classes, presentations and day trips. Designed for learners 50 and over, the classes cover a wide range of topics and are offered during the fall and spring semesters. Please see the latest list of courses at www.chesapeake.edu/ial.

A daytrip to Paul Reed Smith Guitars in Stevensville is scheduled for March 5, and a visit to the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover is schedule for May 18.

For more information about the Speaker Series or other IAL activities, please contact Lois Thomas at lthomas@chesapeakee.edu or 410-827-5810.

Wye River Upper School Theatre Department presents Rogers & Hammerstein’s musical Cinderella, on March 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The cast and crew have been working diligently throughout the winter months to create a magical performance. Students have been involved in all aspects of the play including designing and building sets, editing music, sewing props, constructing an extension to the stage, and directing and blocking scenes. Wye River Theatre Director Marissa  Muro said: “I chose Cinderella because it was requested by the students.  I also felt there were roles and songs that would bring out our student’s strengths.  The play has a lot of movement and I wanted the students to challenge themselves and realize that everyone can learn to dance with focused effort and practice.”

Cinderella, Rae Bishop, and Prince Charming, Josh Hansen

The theater crew enjoyed a special rehearsal earlier this month at the Hewes Farm in Chestertown, MD. The actors ran scenes from the musical with a real horse and buggy. Students recorded the scenes which will be edited and shared in a short film with family and friends.

Last year the school put on a well-reviewed version of The Wizard of Oz. Students returning from that production include: Josh Hansen, Rachel Bishop, Sam Robertson, Torienne Emery and Noel Doney. Newcomers Lindsey Myers, Nadia Hawe, Ian Abrego, Daniel McDowell, Kayla Peri, Jared Mimms, Makenna Stinson, Laura Wright and Cameron Kliever are expected to raise the bar for this year’s show. Lights, Sound, set production and stage crew members include: Macyn Poag, Austin Romberger and Zoe Brown.

Muro teaches music, theater, and history at Wye River Upper School. She also continues a career in vocal performance. Muro currently performs at the 13th Floor of the Belvedere Hotel.  In 2012-2014, Muro performed for M&T’s “Sailabration” aboard The USS Constellation at the Inner Harbor. She holds the 2009 Billie Holiday “Ruby Glover Award.” Muro also sang at the 2017 Rehoboth Jazz Festival and in 1997, she appeared in the Walt Disney Film, “Washington Square.

Tickets are available at www.wyeriverupperschool.org. Admission price is $10.

Wye River Upper School is an independent, coed, high school offering an engaging, and supportive curriculum for bright students with learning challenges including ADHD, dyslexia, and/or anxiety. Students who attend Wye River come from several Maryland counties including Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Talbot, Dorchester, Caroline, and Kent. For more information visit www.wyeriverupperschool.org or contact katietheeke@wyeriverupperschool.org, 410.758.2922.