Connections - Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Typical Gann Moment... No Really!
Just as students headed out for the day a few weeks ago, our a cappella group ShenaniGannss surprised us with a "flash concert" performance with a visiting a cappella group from Princeton University. Check it out!
Gann Dance Team Hits the Parque Floor
Gann Academy Dance Team performed pre-game at the Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Game on Monday, January 23rd, at TD Garden in Boston! The Team performed a Hip Hop Remix Dance choreographed by Captain Abbey Linsky ('12).
Dance Team Members: Sydney Blankstein, Madeline Cooper, Valerie Herman, Elana Hershman, Emma Klapper, Maya Leschinsky, Sara Levine, Abbey Linsky, Ellie Pasternack, Janna Pearlstein, Leora Rooney, Grace Rubin, Gabi Shiner, Mira Kaplan, Rachel Moore, Jordy Gardenswartz.
Faces of Gann
 Name: Caroline Rourke
Class of: 2013
Hometown: Belmont
Middle School: Rashi School
When I'm not in class, I'm:
Playing soccer and lacrosse or stage managing Drama Club performances like this Winter's musical Candide (come see it March 8, 10 & 11!) I enjoy sports, but even more so, I love being on a team and the dynamic you can share with girls from all four grades. I really enjoy theater but don't love acting, so stage managing is a way for me to feel like part of the cast and get to work closely with the director.
Most interesting class:
Chemistry was really interesting because I love learning about things that can directly apply to my life. I also loved chemistry because it made me look differently at objects; I now knew how they were held together and what could give things a specific shape or consistency.
A highlight of my time at Gann was:
Israel! Spending the first part of this year was such an incredible and unique experience for a high school student.Through the amazing core curriculum, I got to experience the history as I learned it in an engaging way; I gained a much stronger connection with Israel and a deeper connection to Judaism. Living with my friends and being able to have a dorm experience was really fun, too!
Few people know that:
I really like Snapple facts.
Teachers at Gann:
Are all so willing to do whatever you need to make your learning experience better. They are always available to meet with you if you need help with an assignment or don't understand something.
I love to:
Read or hang out with my friends.
I hope to become:
Honestly, I'm really excited to see what interests me as I move on to college. I am really interested in medicine and will hopefully study it, but in general I just want to explore.
 Name: Reena Freedman
Department: Mathematics and Arts
Working with the ShenaniGanns:
Is a natural combination of my passion for education and my array of experience performing and directing a cappella groups since college. I love the opportunity to create a safe space for kids to work and grow artistically, especially when it is a place they feel allows them to shine brighter than other areas. The teamwork, critical thinking, and camaraderie across grades that we do in ShenaniGanns has been transformative for many students who find it creates a new and powerful community for them at Gann.
Outside the classroom, I love:
My role as New Teacher Induction Coordinator. I am invested in creating the conditions that will help teachers new to Gann succeed in integrating into our school's classroom and school culture. To this end, I direct our comprehensive Mentoring Program and oversee our teacher hiring process.
Most memorable moment working with Gann students:
Although it only takes place one week out of the year, Exploration Week always creates new and unexpected connections with students and the world beyond the walls of Gann. We always manage to make meaning and community out of any experience.
Few people know that:
I was a nationally-ranked competitive ballroom dancer for ten years, including my first few years while working at Gann.
Tell us about Gann students:
I receive a lot of feedback from teachers new to Gann that our students stand out in their ability to think outside the box and their appreciation for the learning process. Where else is it common culture (and not one invented by the school) for students to thank their teachers after class each day?
When I'm not at school, you can find me:
Taking care of my creative storyteller Rose (3-years-old) and daredevil climber Reuben (1-year-old), catching up on my favorite crime and law dramas, and performing with an a professional vocal band, Similar Jones.
My hope for Gann students is:
That my students gain the confidence and skills to know that they can grow in any direction they choose. For example, I really do believe that everyone can learn math. We might have tendencies towards things that come to us easier, but there is a powerful lesson in realizing that we can overcome perceived obstacles with enough time, interest, and support. Whether my students remember how to solve quadratic equations is less important than their ability to reason and analyze articulately, and their confidence in themselves to master what they yet do not know.
Efraim Yudewitz
Director of Admissions
eyudewitz@gannacademy.org
Janna Rogat Dorfman
Associate Director of Admissions
jrdorfman@gannacademy.org
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