Alice McKennis and Tague Thorson have been nominated to the 08-09 U.S. Ski Team!  Congratulations, we are very proud of you!  This now makes nine Rowmark athletes named to the national team in the last six years. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association released earlier this week a list of 48 athletes, 27 men and 21 women, nominated for inclusion on the 2008-09 alpine team. On the men's side, Tague Thorson (Mahtomedi, Minnesota) was named to the C-Team. He joins former Rowmarkers Erik Fisher (Eagle, Idaho, B-Team), Andy Phillips (Sandy, UT, C-Team) and Colby Granstrom (Lake Stevens, Washington, Development Team). On the ladies side, Alison McKennis (Glenwood Springs, CO) was named to the Development Team.  She will join Rowmark Alumni Keely Kelleher (Gallatin Gateway, MT, C-Team), Kiley Staples (Park City, Utah, C-Team) and Jennie VanWagner (Traverse City, MI, Development Team).
 

 

 

On May 1st, second graders participated in our fourth annual Health Fair. The Health Fair is the culminating activity for our study of the human body each spring. Second grade parents, volunteers from around the school, and a yoga instructor from Centered City Yoga set up fourteen stations for the children to visit. At these stations, the second graders engaged in lots of very interesting activities. They looked at ultrasounds of babies, learned about eye safety, examined bones, learned about taking care of their brand new big teeth, and enjoyed healthy food choices. Nurse Shirley was on board teaching the children about germs and how easily they spread. Mary Slocum was a big hit teaching the children about fingerprinting. Valuable information was gained at the stations covering sun safety, bike safety, and fitness. Everyone agreed that the morning was exciting, fun-filled, and a huge success. We thank our generous volunteers for giving their time to make this wonderful event happen. 

 

View photos . . .

 

 

Celebrated Paralympian Chris Waddell captivated RHSM third, fourth and fifth graders during his presentation at the McCarthey Campus this week. He said he was there to "tell some stories" about his experiences and his upcoming trip to Tanzania to become the first paraplegic to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro unassisted.

Chris talked about how labeling others with what he called "nametags" is limiting. His overall message to Rowland Hall students was, "We get to determine who we are and who we want to be." Chris also stressed that differences among people are not a reason to stay separate.  

An adult in the audience asked if Chris has always been a positive thinker. He said his mother would say yes, but he noticed the connection between his thoughts and his ability to heal right after his ski accident, a time of which he also claims to be the most positive in his life. He said he quickly learned to celebrate small victories on a daily basis. "If I'd never had my accident, I never would have been the best in the world at anything."

To learn more about Chris Waddell, visit one-revolution.com or see him speak on:
Saturday, May 31

5:00-6:30 p.m.
The Rose Wagner Black Box Theater
Adults $10
Children $5

Chris will be speaking to middle and upper schoolers in the fall.
 

 

 

Growing the endowment at RHSM is an important and critical goal for the long-term financial health and growth of the school. We are grateful that funds raised through the auction this fall will help supplement our endowment. So don't be shy about raising the ante!

Why bother with an endowment? Isn't RHSM financially stable? Yes, but an endowment is critical to schools such as ours that are revenue dependent. An endowment is the institutional equivalent of an individual savings account. The larger the endowment, the more income it generates for use by the school on discretionary projects and needs. Typically, an endowment fund can help supplement the annual operating budget and provide a buffer against economic fluctuations. A healthy endowment also offers a financial base from which to borrow in times of large capital investments, such as building new facilities. Perhaps most importantly however, an endowment generates funds that can be used to boost financial aid and scholarship packages allowing us to attract and retain talented students who would otherwise be unable to attend our school. Funds can also be used for special projects, faculty enrichment or equipment purchase. Lately some schools have come under scrutiny for hoarding their endowment income. At RHSM, we certainly don't have that attitude or that luxury. Unfortunately, when measured against 54 other schools of our size and demographics, we rank third from the bottom in endowment size. In general, schools such as ours are wise to have a minimum of 10% of annual operating budget in endowment funds. For us that would be $16 million. We currently have a $3.4 million endowment thus we need about $13 million more.

So how can you help to grow our endowment? 

 

  

Annual Giving 2007-2008 Campaign ROCKS!
  
This year's Annual Giving Campaign broke the record! Our current Annual Giving gifts total $829,885.40, our parent participation is 74%, and our faculty/staff participation is 100%!

 

 

The Mother's Day Tea and Hat Party is a nine-year tradition in 4 PreK. This delightful party gives our four and five-year-olds a chance to become a host or hostess. The children prepare for an entire week to ensure the day will be extra special. Some of the preparations include:  polishing the silver used in serving food, folding napkins, setting the tables, preparing the food, and ladling a drink to serve their mom.

On the morning of the party, moms receive a hand or back massage and painted fingernails. However, the most memorable part of the day has to be the gorgeous hat mother and child make together. But before mom goes home, she must show off her fancy new hat to the faculty, staff, and administration. The entire morning is full of laughter and special mother-child moments together. It is a wonderful tradition.

 

View photos . . .
  

 

 

The McCarthey Campus' after school program of Girls on the Run (GOTR) is Utah's first, and the newest location for this national organization. The program, started 12 years ago by North Carolina tri-athlete Molly Barker, has touched the lives of thousands of girls throughout the United States and Canada. Lower School parent, Leila Armknecht, founded the Salt Lake chapter of GOTR last fall and is excited about expanding it from one to two days after school next fall. It provides a great team sport experience for third, fourth, and fifth grade girls.

Girls on the Run uses the power of running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Through interactive activities such as running, playing games and discussing important issues, participants learn how to celebrate being girls. The program focuses on building self-esteem and improving emotional and physical health. During the 12 week program, girls are empowered with a greater self awareness, a sense of achievement and a foundation in team building to help them become strong, contented and self confident young women. Each session is led by trained volunteer coaches who guide and mentor 15 girls through a fun and uplifting curriculum. Coaches teach specific life lessons such as dealing with body image and the media, resisting peer pressure, making healthy decisions and contributing to the community. Along the way, the girls train to walk or run together in a 5K Wonder Girl event.

                        Start date:                                                          End date:
Session One:    Tuesday, September 2, 3:30 - 5:00pm                   Tuesday, November 18
Session Two:    Thursday, September 4, 3:30 - 5:00                       Thursday, November 20
    
There is a $140.00 fee and scholarships are available. Fifteen spaces per session and most of the girls are returning to the program so please contact Leila Armknecht asap at 274-9365 if your daughter is interested in participating.

There are volunteer opportunities for assistant coaches and running buddies so please call Leila Armknecht at 274-9365 for more information!

 

GOTR Salt Lake also has sites at Backman Elementary, Whittier Elementary and is adding an additional site at Mt. View Elementary in the fall. 

 

Visit their web site www.girlsontherun.org and www.girlsontherunsaltlake.org.

 
 

RHSM softball coach and co-founder of the Swing for LIfe fund raiser for breast cancer research, Kathy Howa, reports that the sixth annual Swing for Life hit-a-thon event has thus far netted $30,000 with funds from five participating schools yet to be collected. Members of the RHSM softball and baseball teams, along with students from all divisions of the school, have raised $11,000 of this total. All funds raised will be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation to be used in breast cancer research.

Howa would like to thank all those who participated, whether swinging a bat or donating money--you helped make this event another big success!

 

 

 

 SPORTS

Support RHSM athletics by buying the Booster Club sweatshirt. The middle school boys and girls athletic sweatshirts are also available. Please fill in the order form and return it to either the upper school or middle school office with your check payable to "RHSM Booster Club".

 

 

This spring RHSM is fielding its first Lacrosse team and has officially joined the Utah Lacrosse Association. Parent Alex Bocock (Scott second grade, Jimmy in kindergarten) is coaching the RHSM 1st and 2nd graders. They are one of nine teams in the "Storm League" and are 2-2, with two wins over Judge and close losses to Park City and Waterford. There are 15-20 kids on the team and they are always looking for more. Their practice is from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursdays at the McCarthy field. RHSM also has a kindergarten team coached by parent Dave McNally (Patrick in kindergarten). They practice on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. The kids do not wear pads to this practice and the focus is solely on fundamentals - throwing, catching, cradling, and ground balls. Next year, as the kids move up, they plan to offer both a 3rd-4th grade team and a 1st-2nd grade team.

 

Following their outstanding performances during the course of their seasons, eleven RHSM athletes have been named All-Region in their respective sports. 

 

Congratulations go out to boys' soccer players Jared Accettura, Robbie Hull, Donny White, Felipe Saltz, Walker Adams, and Brendan Hovsepian-Kelly; softball players Paige Masuda, Erin Armentrout and Danielle Therson; and baseball players Carter Haslam and Jordan Knoll-Marston on earning this well-deserved recognition.

Jared Accettura was named Prep Athlete of the Week by the Deseret News on May 13. As noted in the article, Accettura scored seven goals in the Winged Lions' four state playoff wins and finished the season with 22 goals total, helping to lead the RHSM team to a State championship. Congratulations!
 

by Bobby Kennedy, Head Coach

 

Good things come to those who work! The boys' varsity soccer team secured the 2A state title because of the commitment to the open gym program and an increased awareness of the value of strength training. Of course, having All-Region performers Felipe Saltz, Donny White, Brendan Hovsepian-Kelly and Jared Accettura bookending All-Region midfield captains Robbie Hull and Walker Adams doesn't hurt either!

 The varsity soccer team finshed its season with an impressive 12-3-2 record. The Winged Lions faced Region 14 foe American Leadership Academy in the semi-final and defeated them 3-0 on the strength of a Jared Accettura hat trick. In the championship game, RHSM and St. Joe squared off for the third time this season, with the Jayhawks coming away with two victories in the regular season. The Winged Lions would have to limit their mistakes and capitalize on scoring chances to come away with a victory. With solid team defense, impressive goalkeeping and superb finishing, the team was able to board the bus from TImpview clutching the first place trophy, its first since 1989 and first since becoming a Class 2A school.

    The coaching staff would like to thank the faculty, staff, parents and players for their support throughout the long and successful season. Not many players get a chance to play in a state championship game, and RHSM has participated in the last two. This doesn't happen by chance-- everyone associated with the program should be proud of their efforts.

 Thanks to my assistants Scott Langone, Mark Buchner and Eldon Brough and congratulations to varsity team members Kevin McCormack, Donny White, Phinehas Bynum, Jared Accettura, Walker Adams, Brendan Hovsepian-Kelly, Robbie Hull, Alex Marker, JB Park, Felipe Saltz, Max Wolcott, Tim Bohnsack, Bohdan Klawe, Jae Gal, Arsene Gery, Griffin Gilbert, Wills Shott and Mats Sanyer on a season well-played. Team managers were Lauren Babcock and Kimi Tran and we thank them for their assistance during the season. 

 

 

 

 

by Ben Voegele, Head Coach

 

The 2008 RHSM Baseball season officially kicked off February 25th, but the team spent many hours prior to the opening practice date working out in open gym sessions in preparation for the season. Coaches Chad Camp, McKenon Estrada, and I were really excited about our prospects, as we returned a veteran group with a lot of talent and were expecting a number of new faces to join our outfield. We felt that if we were able to play to our potential, we would be very competitive in Region 14. Unfortunately, some players chose not to come out and so we spent the first part of the season revamping the lineup in an effort to get the strongest group on the field, and so suffered some big losses early on. Play improved dramatically as the season progressed, and the team played some very competitive games in the latter half of the season. Joey Polychronis anchored a deep pitching staff consisting of senior Dylan Enright and junior Carter Haslam. Offensively, junior Jordan Knoll-Marston had a break out year, performing well at the plate and on the base path. Defensively, junior third baseman Eric Hutchinson led a very solid infield that consisted of sophomore Corbin Christensen, Polychronis, Enright, Haslam, and Knoll-Marston. Several of these players were also asked to play in the outfield later in the season and stepped up big time in that role, as well. Our outfield this year was young, but quick, with speedy centerfielder Alex Kim joined by freshman left fielder Jimmy McCarthy and senior right fielder Mason Murphy. Rounding out this year's team was sophomore Colton Sandberg, junior Matt Bishop and senior Adam Davis. A highlight of the season occurred when the Winged Lions were able to secure the use of the Utah Bees home field, Franklin Covey, for a home game versus Altamont on April 28. The Winged Lions were hoping to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, preparing in earnest to earn a victory over the Longhorns who beat us in a contest at their place earlier in the season. We were thrilled for the opportunity and will savor and always remember the experience of playing in a big league venue!

 

 

 

 

The RHSM boys' tennis team finished off another great season with a state championship, its second in a row!  This accomplishment came on the heels of a sweep at the Region Tournament held on May 2 to earn a 2008 Region championship as well.

The Winged Lions RHSM were able to take first place in three of the five positions at the State 2A Tournament, which was due to the excellent play and commitment of the team throughout the season. All varsity players followed up their championship performances at Region with outstanding play at the State tournament. At #1 Singles, Sam Miller placed second, losing to Beau Browning from Duchesne 4-6, 6-1, 6-2; at #2 Singles, Joe Illingworth placed first, defeating Callan Jones of Manti 6-1, 6-1; at #3 singles, Matt Bossart earned a first place, victorious over Skyler Harris of Parowan 6-0, 6-1; Daniel Livsey and Robert Thompson teamed up at #1 Doubles and placed second, losing a nailbiter to Griffin Aste and Nick Brown of Manti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5; and the #2 Doubles team of Stevenson Smith and Allen Ward took first with a win over the Parowan team of Sterling Rowley and Justin Call 6-1, 6-0. It was a convincing team victory for the RHSM green and white as the Winged Lions accumulated 21 points, their nearest competitor (Manti) scoring ten.

Thanks much to my assistant coach, Susan Daynes, and congratulations to the players for another amazing season!  We'll miss our seniors Reuben, Daniel, Stevenson and Robert next year. Thanks to our competitive JV squad, as well.  The following players really pushed our varsity team to improve every day: Andrew Arsht, Reuben Castillo, Mario Feola, Ben Friedman, Carson Huiskamp, Will Hunt, Anton Khodakov, Michael Marquardt, and Beau Sperry.
  

 

The track team competed in the Regional meet hosted by South Summit High School in Kamas on Wednesday May 7th. In spite of another less than ideal day for running - cold temperatures and rain, many on the team surpassed their previous best times in their events. Alexander Edgley, a junior, placed fifth in the 1600m in a season's best time of 5:14.50 knocking off six seconds of his previous best time. Chloe Joesten, junior, decided about ten days before the regional meet that she was going to compete in the 100m hurdles. With less than a week's worth of practice she ran a beautiful first race finishing sixth. Sophomore, Zoey Martin-Lockhart placed sixth in the 1600m with a time of 6:45.47.

With such a young team, and the consistency of improved times over the course of the season, RHSM's track team has a promising future. We wish Wynne Connelly, the only senior on the team, the best with her running future as she continues to toe the line at local 5K races here in Salt Lake and in college. 

Region Meet Results
Girl's Team
100m hurdles Chloe Joesten 19.49*
200m Wynne Connelly 36.98 (36.42)
300m hurdles Chloe Joesten 57.84*
400m Wynne Connelly 1:21.18*
800m Zoey Martin-Lockhart 3:08.80 (3:06.76)
1600m Zoey Martin-Lockhart 6:45.47 (6:44.84)
Boy's Team
100m Jacob Fuhrman 12.78 - (12.77)
200m Jacob Fuhrman 26.36*
200m Ben Florsheim 29.48 - (29.25)
200m Jackson Hannon 32.47*
400m Alec Darr 1:00.35*
400m Ben Florsheim 1:03.86*
400m Jackson Hannon 1:09.01*
800m Alexander Edgley 2:32.12 - (2:30.52)
800m Taylor Hollen 2:36.36*
800m Alec Darr 2:39.40 - (2:33.39)
1600m Alexander Edgley 5:14.50*
1600m Taylor Hollen 5:31.03*
1600m Max Sharp 5:58.81 - (5:37.97)
Medley Relay:  200m -200m-400m-800m  4:43.75*
Jacob Fuhrman
Alec Darr
Jackson Hannon
Max Sharp
4x400m Relay 4:28.00*
Alec Darr
Ben Florsheim
Taylor Hollen
Alexander Edgley
* = an individual's or relay team's best time of the season - recorded at Region meet   
(  ) = an individual's best time of the season

by Mary Lawlor, Coach

 

The 2008 Rowland Hall-St. Mark's Cross-Country Team proved to be a force to reckon with.  The season began with a huge horde of kids fired up to participate in a sport that demands endurance and heart. Coach Jo Edwards and I were immediately impressed with the kids' level of fitness. (Way to go physical education teachers!) As the season progressed, the runners continued to push themselves through the challenging practices. The kids ran six miles behind Hogle Zoo. They ran countless sprints up the sledding hill at Sugarhouse Park and intervals that left them staggering. Throughout all the practices, the kids were able to maintain a colllective sense of humor intermingled with a few grimaces. The season consisted of five meets. Each race included the same eight teams, so runners were able to chart their progress throughout the season. At our last official race at Wheeler Farm, each and every member of the team improved their overall rank by a significant amount. Our girls' team consistently finished fourth throughout the season, but earned a well-deserved second place finish in the final race. The boys' team won every meet by a significant amount, often having six of the top ten runners from RHSM. In fact, the boys' team has won every meet for the past three years, thus making the graduating eighth grade runners recipients of a serious "threepeat."

Congratulations to the 2008 Rowland Hall-St. Mark's Cross-Country Team for yet another remarkable season. Runners: Elliot Abel, Alex Ho, Jacob Ball, Nels Ballard, Alex Beaufort, Thomas Bebbington, Sarah Birkett, Gutherie Burnett, Katherine Edgley, Duncan Flint, Andy Gilbert, Johnny Gilbert, Will Griffiths, Matt Hirning, Alexa Holquin, Ellie Kimball, Chistine Livsey, Mike McCarthy, Emily Nicoloff, Sam Nolan, and Koko Novak.

 

 

 

 

Just follow the convenient link at the bottom of each emarker to forward the good news along to extended family, friends, and colleagues. Access archived emarkers from school info/publications on the RHSM website.