School News

On December 3, four Upper School boys, along with Multicultural Club advisor Glenn Walker, attended the People of Color Conference (PoCC)/Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) held this year in Indianapolis, Ind. The theme of the conference this year was "Pit Stops and Victory Laps - Going the Distance, Driving Change, Leading the Race toward Equity and Excellence."

SDLC is an inclusive, multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders from around the country who focus on self-reflection, allyship and community building. The mission of PoCC is to equip educators at every level with knowledge, skills and experiences to improve and enhance the interracial, interethnic and intercultural climate in their schools, as well as the attending academic, social-emotional and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike.

This year's noted speakers were Michael Eric Dyson, public intellectual and best-selling author; Maysoon Zayid, comedian, actress and activist; Derald Wing Sue, psychologist and multicultural scholar; Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter of Oliver Brown, the Brown v. Board of Education originator and civil rights activist; Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, filmmaker and undocumented immigrant; and Sonia Nazario, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "Enrique's Journey." View photos.

Read More

On November 22, The Browning School's debate team attended the Horace Mann Invitational Debate Tournament. The Browning boys won in debates against the Riverdale Country School, Bronx Science High School, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Benjamin Banneker Academy and Sunset Park High School, at one point receiving a near perfect score. Participants had an excellent time and held their ground against seasoned opponents. A total of 117 teams and 19 different schools competed. One Browning partnership of two Form IV boys placed in the top 16 in terms of number of wins, winning three of five rounds. A Form VI Browning boy served as an excellent judge and advisor to the team and should also be congratulated. View photo.

Read More

The Browning School’s 27th Annual Thanksgiving Assembly took place on November 25 at Christ Church. Members of the Drumming Circle performed "Improvisations from the New World" while attendees took their seats, followed by a warm welcome from Headmaster Clement. Mr. Clement noted that this is his 27th Thanksgiving assembly but the first Browning assembly the Pre-Primary boys have attended. He also mentioned that later in the program, the alumni in attendance would come forward. He referred to these youngest and oldest groups as the “alpha” and “omega” and remarked on how pleased he was that they, along with the rest of the boys in between, could be present for one of his favorite events of the school year.

Robert Frost’s "After Apple-Picking" was read by a Form IV boy, and the president of the Upper School Student Council offered Thanksgiving remarks. (Read Here.) He thanked the community for thinking of others at this time of year, particularly those who contributed to the success of the recent Thanksgiving Food Drive by the Middle School Student Council. The president of that council then took to the podium, noting that the food drive collected over 400 pounds of food to benefit the New York (formerly Yorkville) Common Pantry. He was pleased to add that this effort helps provide Thanksgiving meals for hundreds of local families in need. (Read Here.)

Music is an integral part of this gathering, and as is tradition, the Browning community sang "We Gather Together" in unison, led by an ensemble of faculty singers. Performances were presented by the Ovation Orchestra (J.S. Bach’s "An Wasserflüssen Babylon/By the Waters of Babylon"), the Grade Four Browning Balladeers (Lower School Music Specialist Lucy Warner’s "Give Thanks/Make New Friends") and Form II Handchimes ("An American Medley").

Director of College Guidance Sanford M. Pelz ’71 and the Class of 2015 welcomed returning alumni, always a favorite part of this annual program. The alumni introduced themselves and indicated the college they are currently attending. Finally, no Thanksgiving Assembly is ever complete without a special appearance by the Browning Panther mascot; this year he was dressed as a turkey and carried an assortment of tools as a nod to the ongoing construction at the School. Headmaster Clement read a poem, with the Panther by his side, about the many accomplishments of the Browning boys so far this year including publication of the fall edition of the Grytte student newspaper handed out that very day. Lastly the community sang "The Browning Song" with gusto, perhaps in anticipation of their well-deserved Thanksgiving recess. Well done, one and all! View photos.

Read More

On Tuesday, November 25, Browning hosted the annual Young Alumni Reunion, a Thanksgiving tradition. Young alumni from the Classes of 2010 through 2014 returned to attend the 27th Annual Thanksgiving Assembly held at Christ Church, where they were brought on stage and recognized by Headmaster Clement and Director of College Guidance Mr. Pelz '71. Each alum introduced himself and told the audience which college or university he went on to attend after Browning. Following the assembly, a reception for the young alumni, faculty and Form VI students was held in the cafeteria, compliments of Chef Aponte and her team. Please click here to view the photos. The Alumni Association is grateful to all who helped make this event possible, and hopes the entire Browning community had a great Thanksgiving holiday!

Read More

On Friday, November 21, Forms II to VI and several guests enjoyed a visit with and presentation by William Lobkowicz, a descendant of one of the oldest aristocratic families in the Czech Republic. He also happens to be the uncle of two Browning students. Mr. Lobkowicz has spent the past 25 years working to recover his family's properties (land, castles, art, furniture, artillery and original music manuscripts, including Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which was dedicated to an ancestor) first confiscated by the Nazis in World War  II and then nationalized by the Communists after the war. He talked about his success in regaining and restoring the lost properties for the benefit of his country's cultural heritage. Through Mr. Lobkowicz's efforts, the Czech Republic has for the first time since the late 1930s great tangible and accessible artifacts from its own long, rich cultural history. View photos.

Read More

The two households of Verona, and the Middle Schoolers who portray them, have been hard at work since the end of September to bring you Browning's production of "Romeo and Juliet." Featuring four actors from the Brearley School, 19 Browning actors in Grade  Five through Form II, and six Browning musicians from Forms II-VI, Romeo and Juliet is a massive community undertaking. Evening performances are at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, November 19 and 20. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Browning students in Grades Four-Six will attend a special Thursday matinee performance at 1:30 p.m. View photos.

Read More

t a recent faculty meeting, Brad Droke (Academic Technology), Michael Ingrisani (English Chair and Dean of Faculty) and Janet Lien (Director of Admission for Middle and Upper School) presented on the annual conference of the International Boys School Coalition (IBSC), held in Nashville, Tenn., over the summer.

Mr. Ingrisani began by describing the mission of the IBSC as well as the conference theme, "Building Boys Into Good Men." He shared a video showing a number of choirs from IBSC schools all around the world performing the song, "Homeland," and discussed a pedagogical tool for teachers on promoting relational learning.

Ms. Lien highlighted one of the keynote speakers from the conference, Jon Meacham, who is most recently known as the author of "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power." On the topic of building good men, Mr. Meacham ruminated on four character traits that he would like his sons to possess: curiosity (as embodied by Thomas Jefferson), resilience (Andrew Jackson), charm (Franklin Roosevelt), and courage (Winston Churchill). (Incidentally, Mr. Meacham spoke at a Browning graduation several years ago.) Ms. Lien also described a workshop presented by Clark Wight (Director of Leadership at The Hale School in Australia) titled, "The Manhood Project," where boys are given the space to have honest conversations about the definitions of being a man and how boys feel they are judged by their peers.

Mr. Droke spoke on a workshop he presented jointly with Jeremy Sambuca (former Director of Academic Technology), titled, "Dream Big and Print 3D," where they presented on how design thinking is used in classes at Browning. Participants at Mr. Droke's and Mr. Sambuca's workshop were also invited to engage in the design thinking process. Mr. Droke is on an action research team with the IBSC on academic technology, and will present at next year's annual conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Read More

Science Department Chair Sam Keany reports on the November 15 Interschool Science Bowl: "The Science-Panthers hosted the Bowl, with teams competing from Brearley, Chapin, Dalton, Spence and Trinity. The buzzer-happy Browning team did very well in the five preliminary rounds, winning four, a record only bettered by Trinity. Thus, for the second year in a row, it was a Browning-Trinity match-up in the finals, held in the Browning cafeteria. This year the fates reversed, and a very quick Trinity team took home the honors and the trophy."

Mr. Keany added, "The Browning team, comprised of boys from Form III to VI, has worked very hard in preparation for the event under the generous faculty supervision of Coach Ting. The current enthusiasm for the Interschool Science Bowl bodes well for the future. Many thanks to the entire science department faculty for their time and work supporting this event and to Janet Lien, the most ardent fan!" View photos.

Read More

“Schmitty The Weather Dog” graced a Lower School assembly in November with her tiny but powerful persona. Dressed in sunglasses and matching coat, she appeared with her owners, meteorologist Ron Trotta and author Elly McGuire. The boys were enthralled and answered questions about the weather in response to Mr. Trotta’s lively and informative discussion about various types of precipitation.

Mr. Trotta is an award-winning Ragtime piano player, while Ms. McGuire is the author of the book, “Schmitty The Weather Dog,” which she read to the boys at the beginning of the assembly. Mr. Trotta later led the boys and teachers in a sing-along; in fact, he gave the teachers an “8 out of 10” for their vocal prowess!

This entertaining and energetic trio has performed for grade school children on both coasts. According to Schmitty’s website, in addition to teaching students about the weather, she helped raise money for displaced pets after Hurricane Katrina. Before heading back to class, the boys had a chance to meet, thank and personally say good-bye to Schmitty and Ms. McGuire. View photos.

Read More

A Browning grandparent graciously shared his collection of American Indian artifacts with the third grade at an assembly on November 12. Included were art works, archival photographs, beautiful beaded moccasins and a miniature tent and baby carrier most likely used by young girls who enjoyed playing with dolls.

Joe Cross, a member of the Caddo tribe who now lives in the New York area, also entertained the boys, imparting a wealth of knowledge about his relatives, who all lived on a reservation in Oklahoma, including their customs and habits. He welcomed the boys with a chant, accompanied by a rattle fashioned from a gourd, decorated with parrot feathers and containing stones he had collected from around the United States. He explained that the words of the chant describe the movements/directions (north, south, east and west) and traveling we do during our lives. The words emphasized that we should attempt to live peacefully and eventually “all arrive home safely." View photos.

Read More

At the Parents Association's annual Book Fair last week, Browning students, parents, alumni and faculty left with heaps of books to pile on their nightstand for months to come. With five authors and illustrators featured in classrooms, one assembly, a cocktail party panel, one virtual visit from Common Book author Gene Luen Yang, and the newly published photographers from Browning's own photo club, the fair this year offered many opportunities to connect readers to writers and artists. The theme of "Feed Your Need to Read" successfully whetted everyone's appetite!

The Browning community showed its support of literacy and reading by donating new and gently worn children's books to kids at Bellevue Hospital via Reach out and Read, and proceeds from the fair went to many Browning endeavors, including the School's library. Head Librarian Sarah Murphy explains, "The generosity of the Browning community makes it possible for the library to continue to meet the reading needs of our students and faculty. Thank you!" Click Here to view photos from the Opening Cocktail Party, Family Fun Day and Class Visiting Day.

Read More

On November 7, the modern languages and art departments co-sponsored a field trip for Form I boys to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The purpose of this trip, according to Megan Ryan, chair of the modern languages department, was “to study works by Pablo Picasso, one of the masters, if not the master of 20th century art. The excursion offered an exceptional opportunity to link all three of our fields; Picasso, a Spaniard by birth, spent the bulk of his life living and producing art in France, where he also died.” Ms. Ryan noted that the field trip was inspired in part by art teacher Zack Davis’ summer trip to the South of France to study Picasso's pottery.

Ms. Ryan added, “Prior to the trip, boys in both the elementary Spanish and French classes viewed and discussed a video on the life and influence of Pablo Picasso.” Using the website Create Your Own Picasso Head, the French students did just that. They also wrote a brief description in French of their creation.”

At the museum, Ms. Ryan explained the cultural significance of the painting, "At the Lapin Agile," while Spanish teacher Giurissa Grace led the boys in a discussion of the painting, "Reading at a Table." Ms. Grace said, “The elementary Spanish students were asked to write a brief biography about Pablo Picasso and describe one of his paintings using the vocabulary and grammar learned in Spanish class. They will use this information in preparation for the adapted reading of 'Agentes secretos y el mural de Picasso’. ”

Mr. Davis focused on the formal aspects of both the aforementioned paintings, as well as those of the painting, "Woman Asleep at a Table." He then led the boys in a sketching activity. Mr. Davis noted, “Previously in the classroom, the boys looked at images of paintings by Picasso and were given short intervals in which to create a sketch using graphite to create value and volume. While at the Met, the boys observed three paintings which were executed at different times in the artist's vast career. Each painting they studied was significantly different in style as well as color, providing the boys with challenging yet rewarding studies. They were asked to focus on the basic elements, such as line and shape, as well as spatial depth. Each boy completed three sketches in small books which will be revisited during the approaching unit on abstract painting."

Both language classes will continue to build upon the Picasso theme by reading a short suspense novel in either French or Spanish that revolves around Picasso's famous work "Guernica." View photos.

Read More

Second grade teacher and Lower School community service coordinator Rachel Gerber is pleased to announce that Lower School boys have been busy recently with a number of community service initiatives. "The annual Ronald McDonald Fun Run took place on November 8, with approximately 30 boys in attendance," she said. "It was a fun morning for all, and the Browning runners made us proud! Firefighters lined the course of the race and helped cheer on the boys as they ran distances between 220 yards and 1/2 mile, depending on their age." Many of the boys later walked over to the Browning Book Fair, where they were able to trade in their running bib for an ice cream sundae.

The Ronald McDonald House program provides a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest.

Ms. Gerber added, "The second event involved collecting coins for City Harvest's Truck or Treat program, which donates food to those in need. Second grade boys counted the coins and later took them to a local TD Bank for a final count, where it was confirmed that they were very close: their count came within $4.26 of the total actually collected. The boys discovered their efforts had raised $1,565.74! At the bank, the boys each took turns inserting coins in the Penny Arcade machine and were also given TD memorabilia, including their very own piggy banks for future savings. At 25 cents for a pound of food, the funds they raised are a tremendous help! During the counting, the boys found Mexican pesos, euros, Ecuadorian centavos, Israeli shekels and New Orleans Mardi Gras coins mixed in with American currency. Thank you to the families and Browning gentlemen who contributed their time and efforts to both causes!" View photos.

Read More

Browning celebrated its fall season athletes at morning assemblies on October 31. In his welcome to the Form I-VI boys, Head of Upper School Jim Reynolds remarked on the energy and sportsmanship of all the Browning athletes. While the fifth and sixth graders attended a separate sports assembly, Mr. Reynolds encompassed players at all levels when he said, "Win or lose, you always represent Browning so well. You add so much to the community and to the spirit of the School." Mr. Reynolds lauded the loyal fans who support from the sidelines and make such a difference. Before turning over the program to Athletic Director Andrew West '92, he said, "Thank you to the Phys Ed department and to all our dedicated coaches."

Coach West, who coaches baseball in the spring, noted that he enjoys being a spectator in the fall. "Our JV teams have come so far this past season," he said, "which is a great sign for the future of our varsity teams. I am very proud of how all the boys handled themselves. Never have I heard anything negative about our athletes from referees or other coaches."

Coach West then presented a slide show produced by Director of Communications Design Jeremy Katz ‘04 of action shots from the season. Photographers Sandy Pelz ’71 and Christine Bramble take most of these wonderful photos and spend many an afternoon cheering on the Panthers. Click here to watch video highlights from the summer pre-season and fall sports.

View photos and details from our coaches for Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country, JV Soccer, Form I/II Soccer, 5th/6th Grade Soccer and Middle School Cross Country.

Read More

“Certamen” is the Latin word for “competition” and is used by a group of interschool teams to describe a quiz bowl contest that happens twice each year, as reported by Brett Wisniewski, teacher of Greek and Latin: Teams from Spence, Nightingale, Brearley, Chapin and Browning meet to answers rounds of questions about Latin grammar, ancient history, Greek and Roman mythology and related fields. The most recent Certamen, hosted here at Browning on November 1, was organized by Form VI of the Latin Club.

There was a strong turnout from each school. The contest lasted seven rounds with questions prepared and read by Classics faculties from each school. Despite some fierce competition for second place between Browning and Spence, the game was won by the break-away team from Nightingale, who took home the bronze laurel wreath as prize. We hope to get a chance to win it for Browning this spring, when Spence will host. View photos.

Read More

On October 29, the Grytte student newspaper staff enjoyed a luncheon in the Cook Room with alumnus David A. Callaway ’82, editor-in-chief of USA Today. Prior to starting at USA Today in 2012, Mr. Callaway was editor-in-chief of MarketWatch; before that, he worked at Bloomberg News and The Boston Herald. In 2012, Browning honored both Mr. Callaway and his brother, John P. Callaway ’84, with the Charles W. Cook '38 Alumnus Achievement Award , the Alumni Association’s highest distinction. 

Grytte advisor Jeremy Katz '04 reports, "Mr. Callaway offered a number of interesting anecdotes and 'words of wisdom' to the Grytte staff, and they, in turn, asked many intelligent questions of him. He shared his experience as a reporter and editor, gave insight on the evolution of journalism and offered invaluable advice to the next generation of budding journalists." 

Form III student George Grimbilas '18 added: "The meeting was inspiring because Mr. Callaway was a member of the Grytte staff when he was a student at Browning. The Grytte staff is very thankful that Mr. Callaway took valuable time from his day to come and speak with us about his career." View photos.

Read More

On October 31, the third grade boys visited the American Museum of Natural History's creepy, crawly, "Spiders Alive!" exhibit. Julia Kingsdale, science teacher, reports: "The exhibit featured 16 of the most interesting and dangerous spiders of the world alive on display, including the enormous Goliath Bird-Eating Spider, one of the largest spiders in existence, and the elusive Trapdoor Spider, which makes a trapdoor in the soil and catches its prey by jumping out at them. The boys were also lucky to observe a demonstration with a live tarantula hosted by one of the museum's arachnid experts."

Ms. Kingsdale added, "In preparation for their visit, each third grader researched one particular spider from the exhibit, including its habitat, how it catches its prey, its markings and more, and shared his findings with his classmates. At the museum, the boys had the opportunity to ask the exhibit experts questions about their species to supplement their research. The boys (and their teachers!) loved the exhibit, and we are grateful for this wonderful resource to complement our classroom study of spiders and insects!" View photos.

Read More

The fourth grade boys recently spent the morning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in conjunction with their study of Ancient Egypt. As they explored the Egyptian wing of the museum, they were able to point out many gods, pharaohs and artifacts they recognized from their readings. Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos spoke to the students about drawing the sarcophagi from observation, advising them to focus on the major parts first and the details later. He asked them to pay special attention to the overall shape, face and placement of the hands. They will use these drawings as reference to make a more detailed drawing in the classroom. After that, they will build a sarcophagus using clay. View photos.

Read More

The sixth grade boys, along with teachers Zack Williams, Emilie Wolf and Head of Middle School Chris Dunham, spent two days in the Delaware Water Gap forest at Camp Greenkill. Mr. Dunham notes, “We were treated to wonderful fall foliage and brisk but invigorating temps. The boys studied birds of prey, hiked, constructed survival/emergency shelters and did lots of team-building on ropes course elements. As in prior years, we enjoyed a terrific group bonding trip!” View photos.

Read More

On October 24, the third grade boys headed to Teatown Lake Reservation, a nature preserve and education center in Ossining, N.Y. Teacher Susan Kehoe reports:

The boys were immersed in the culture of the Eastern Woodland Natives. Specifically, they learned about their history at the period of contact with Europe. The boys enjoyed the opportunity to view what daily life in a Native American village might have been like. They visited a replica of a wigwam, allowing them to feel like they really stepped back in time. Replicas of items such as deer skin leggings, moccasins and native tools were shown and explored. The boys were allowed to touch and interact with each one. Traditional games were played, so each boy had the chance to practice his hunting skills! It was a great learning experience and one which complimented our studies quite nicely!

According to the reservation's website, "the name Teatown dates back to 1776 when tea was scarce due to British taxation. A man by the name of John Arthur moved to the northern Westchester area hoarding a chest full of tea with thoughts of selling it at a huge profit. A group of women called found out about the tea and demanded Mr. Arthur sell the tea at a reasonable fee. After refusing, the women laid siege to the farmhouse. Mr. Arthur finally agreed to sell the tea at a fair price in exchange for a peaceful withdrawal. Hence, the area became known as 'teatown.' " View photos.

Read More