Greetings From Epiphany!
Dear Friends,
After a COVID-related hiatus, the Middle School students are returning to Groton School this July for our annual Summer Intensive, effectively replacing “summer learning loss” with meaningful academic progress. Our littlest learners, meanwhile, are spending a lot of time outside in our outdoor classrooms. All together, we are having a wonderful summer at Epiphany, and friends like you make this and everything else here at school (including all the news in this edition of Always Learning) possible. Thank YOU!!!
Your Grateful Fan,
The Rev. John H. Finley IV
Partner Spotlight
Eversource
Eversource employs more than 9,000 people across New England. In addition to providing the energy we use every day, the team at Eversource also dedicate time and money to support, including Epiphany by serving as one of the sponsors of our 25th Anniversary Gala. We are grateful for their friendship, and we look forward to seeing what we might accomplish together over the next twenty-five years. Please join us in saying THANK YOU to everyone at Eversource!
Epiphany Stars: Graduate Profile
Aniyah Lesse ‘21
We are thrilled to share the accomplishments of one of our graduates, Aniyah Lesse, class of 2021. From the beginning, Aniyah was an academic star, but initially she could be reserved. The Aniyah we met in 5th grade, however, was different from the individual who graduated four years later. Over her time, she blossomed into an ambitious, reflective, and empathetic young woman, ready to make her mark on the world.
After Epiphany, Aniyah attended Brimmer & May, where she continued to excel in her academic pursuits, and where eventually she was selected to participate in Harvard’s Future Doctors' Level 1 Program. Developed and taught by Harvard Student Agencies (HSA) in collaboration with Learn with Leaders.
Building on that, Aniyah is currently engaged in the MIT LEAH Knox Scholars Program this summer. This remarkable two-year program offers hands-on lab experience and mentorship to high school students of color from low-income backgrounds and provides a strong foundation in science education, equipping these aspiring scholars for success in college and beyond. Aniyah's participation in this prestigious program speaks volumes about her drive and dedication to expanding her scientific knowledge and making a lasting impact in her chosen field.
Reflecting on Aniyah's journey, we cannot help but be inspired by her transformation and achievements. Her unwavering determination, coupled with her exceptional academic abilities and compassionate nature, make her a true role model for our current and future students.
Aniyah in Portugal during a school trip.
Learning is Cool: Epiphany Curriculum Highlights
Robotics at Epiphany!
Addie Daly, a Teaching Fellow and science teacher at the Epiphany, led a robotics program during the spring semester with 11 students who gathered once a week to work on their Elegoo Smart Car robots. The whole thing was a big hit with the students, who eagerly anticipated the weekly meetings and often requested additional time to work on their robots. The experience introduced them engineering and design concepts, fostered independent work skills, and enhanced their problem-solving abilities.
To ensure each student could work at their own pace, Ms. Daly provided every participant with their own robot, and with her help they learned how to make their way through complicated instruction manuals, utilize appropriate tools for assembling their robots, and collaborate to correct any errors. Many students had never undertaken a project of this magnitude before. When they had finally constructed fully functional robots on their own, they were each so proud. As one 7th-grade student said, "Building a robot takes a lot more time than you might think,but when you finish, it really feels like a significant achievement."
The children also found the experience to be fun in and of itself, calming and engaging. For example, as an 8th-grade student explained, "Working in robotics helps me concentrate, cools me down, and relaxes me. It also teaches me valuable skills in construction and manual dexterity." Additionally, the program introduced the students to Scratch programming, allowing them to delve into the world of coding, a useful skill in today's technologically driven society.
Looking ahead, Ms. Daly has plans to further develop the Robotics Program at Epiphany and continue introducing students to enjoyable STEAM activities. Access to age-appropriate kits and curricula tailored toward children can really nurture their interest for engineering, design, and robotics. Thank you, Ms. Daly, and good work kids!
Some members of the robotics club along with their creations!
Early Learning Center Corner
Mix & Make: What happens when you mix things together?
What happens when you mix things together? It's a question that sparks curiosity and unleashes the inner scientist in our ELC preschoolers. In the Mix & Make unit, our little learners embark on a journey of exploration and creativity delving into the exciting world of mixtures. During this unit, children experience the magic of transformation firsthand by mixing different substances to create something entirely new. They also learn that some mixtures can be separated while others cannot. It's a hands-on adventure that combines science and imagination!
As our young scientists engage in mixtures, they develop foundational science skills. They eagerly ask questions, make predictions, and use their senses to observe the changes that occur. But there's a delicious twist to this unit! The grand finale focuses on everyone's favorite sensory experience – taste! After exploring various mixtures, our budding chefs put their skills to the test as they learn how to make lemonade. It's a refreshing and delightful way to wrap up their exploration of mixtures as they enjoy the tangy sweetness of their creation.
ELC Teacher, Camila Pontes ‘05, with her students.
Digging through dirt: What lessons can our planet teach us?
Our ELC preschool room class got their hands dirty delving into Unit 8: Animal Architects from the Blueprint Early Literacy Curriculum. This exciting unit has our little learners discovering the fascinating world of animal homes and how these incredible creatures build their shelters. As they explore, they also connect their knowledge of what living things need to survive with how buildings are constructed.
At Epiphany, we embrace the principles of Emilia Reggio, which emphasize the environment as a "third teacher." Throughout this unit, the students witnessed the wonders of the natural world up close with real-life worm and ant farms in the classroom. They eagerly took part in the daily care of these farms, observing how the worms and ants interacted and created their own habitats. The hands-on experience sparked their curiosity and nurtured their love for nature.
Venturing beyond the surface, our curious explorers also had the opportunity to inspect the bugs from our nature center. Armed with magnifying glasses, they carefully examined the tiny creatures and documented their findings. This activity sharpened their observation skills and fostered an appreciation for the incredible diversity of life forms in our world.
Throughout the unit, the preschoolers had a blast discovering the ingenious ways animals use materials from their environment to build shelters for themselves and their young. From designing their own nests to learning about different habitats, they gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of living things and the beauty of our planet.
Building an entomologist!
Epiphany News
An incredible member of the Community…Rev. Johnson!
We are delighted to announce that our lead teacher Ashley Johnson was recently ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Rev. Johnson, a proud alumna of Spelman College, embarked on a remarkable journey after graduation, leading her ordained ministry. Rev. Johnson joined the Epiphany family 5 years ago and, from Day One, has been a dedicated team member, educator, and role model.
Rev. Johnson's ministry at Epiphany does so much to foster connections and personal growth, and one of her primary roles involves collaborating with teachers, not only as educators but also as fellow human beings. Through workshops and retreats, including the recent ELC retreat, Rev. Johnson helps teachers build deeper connections with one another, encouraging reflection and personal development. By nurturing these connections, she enables teachers to become even better caretakers for our students.
During the challenging periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rev. Johnson's passion for fostering connection shone brightly. She initiated a beautiful practice of starting each Zoom meeting among teachers with a moment of gratitude and reflection. This simple yet powerful act helped to keep our teachers connected, grounded, and supported during uncertain times. Rev. Johnson's unwavering commitment to building and maintaining relationships has been a source of inspiration for us all.
We are honored to have God’s beloved child, Ashley Johnson, as a valued member of our Epiphany community. Her devotion to helping young people flourish and presence among us as an ordained minister make her invaluable. As Rev. Johnson continues to inspire us through her words and actions, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have in spreading messages of hope and love.
Please join us in celebrating Rev. Ashley Johnson and all she brings to Epiphany. We appreciate her dedication, her passion, and the positive influence she has on our students, teachers, and the wider community.
Rev. Johnson leading us in prayer at the Gala.
End of the Year Showcase
On June 1, 2023, Epiphany's End-of-Year Arts Showcase took place, filling the air with creativity and excitement. The vibrant event beautifully celebrated our students’ artistic talents and the impressive effort they put into their projects throughout the year. The showcase was a multi-dimensional experience, with homerooms joyfully circulating from one garden to another at our Early Learning Center. For example, while some students explored the wonderful Pollinator Garden, others immersed themselves in the world of the Veggie Garden.
Meanwhile, back at the Middle School, the atmosphere was alive with artistic expression. Homerooms eagerly wandered from one art exhibit to another, marveling at the talent on display. Each exhibit showcased a different artistic medium, offering a diverse and captivating range of creative works. Students explored ceramics, ‘zine creations, and the magic of DIY projects. There were also stunning paintings that left us amazed.
Amidst the artistic exploration, the air was filled with laughter and excitement as students also engaged in lively theater games where our budding performers let their imaginations run wild. Finally, a little water balloon fun added a refreshing end on the hot day.
The Epiphany End-of-Year Arts Showcase was a resounding success, spotlighting our students' immense talent, creativity, and passion. It was a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the year and a celebration of their artistic achievements. We applaud their artistic endeavors and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and artistic brilliance in the years to come.
The 8th Graders go to Washington DC
On Monday, June 5, our 8th graders took the annual trip to Washington, DC, embarking on a week of education, exploration, new experiences, and fun! The itinerary was packed with enriching activities that broadened their horizons and created lasting memories. They had the opportunity to visit many important landmarks such as the Holocaust Museum, the African American Museum, and the iconic Capitol building. They also had the chance to see genuine creativity and teamwork at the Improv Theatre. Another highlight of the trip was exploring U Street, once the heart of Black culture in America, where they learned about its vibrant music scene and saw the birthplace of the legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington. We are glad our newest graduates experienced this incredible journey!
Let’s Give it Up for the Graduates!
Congratulations, Class of 2023! On Saturday, June 10, 2023, our 8th graders donned their caps and gowns and crossed the stage proudly to become graduates. It was a festive affair as we celebrated their remarkable achievements. We are immensely proud of our graduating class, who collectively received an astounding $1.3 million in scholarships!!! Their hard work, dedication, and talent have been recognized, and we are excited to witness their future successes. We know that they will always call Epiphany their home.
Congratulations, Todd Bland!
The Milton Academy Board of Trustees awarded Head of School Todd B. Bland with the prestigious Milton Medal on May 5, in recognition of his exceptional 14-year tenure as the head of the school. During his time, Bland demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Milton community and led the school through various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His accomplishments included successfully implementing the school's strategic plan, overseeing the highly successful Dare fundraising campaign, increasing applications across all school divisions, promoting diversity and inclusion, increasing scholarships for low-income students, and introducing innovative curriculum changes such as removing grades from the Grade 9 transcript. (WOW!!!) Mr. Bland has also served as an Epiphany School Trustee, where he has brought his leadership, judgment, and passion for education to help our school thrive. While he is stepping down from his role at Milton, we are fortunate that Mr. Bland will continue to serve on our board.
Celtics E-Gaming Enrichment Class
May 2nd marked an exciting day for the Epiphany community as they teamed up with the Boston Celtics to launch the Jr. CLTX Gaming program. This initiative explores the world of e-sports, providing students with an opportunity to engage in STEM activities, fitness workouts, and a touch of virtual basketball excitement. Throughout the event-filled afternoon, students explored various STEM activities, enhanced their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and fitness workouts were incorporated into the program to keep the participants energized and active. Of course, a gaming program would only be complete with a taste of the virtual action. The students enjoyed playing the popular NBA 2K game, experiencing the thrill of competitive gaming while representing their favorite team, the Celtics. This friendly competition sparked excitement and camaraderie among the participants, bringing together their love for gaming and basketball.
We're grateful to the Boston Celtics for their unwavering support. The team has consistently demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community, and their involvement in the Jr. CLTX Gaming program is a testament to their dedication. Their collaboration has opened doors for our students, providing them opportunities to explore new interests, learn new skills, and engage in innovative educational experiences. Epiphany cherishes our partnership with the Celtics, and their generosity continues to positively impact our students' lives.
Thank you for coming to the Gala!
On a memorable evening filled with elegance and enthusiasm, the Epiphany community came together to celebrate the Spring Gala. With more than 500 people in attendance, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary. From captivating performances to heartfelt speeches, the gala showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our school's leaders, teachers, and students. As we reflect on this remarkable event, we are filled with immense gratitude for everyone who contributed to making the Spring Gala an unforgettable experience. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and inspiring the hearts and minds of future generations.
In case you couldn’t join us for the show, here are a few pictures…
