November 6, 2012

1) Ayn Cates S., who attended CS in its early years in the 1970s, recently contacted us to report that she is currently working as a poet and author and has published seven books for children and adults. Ayn is donating a copy of her latest children’s story, Sparkle & The Gift, to CS. She writes that while at CS she “enjoyed the support of the art department…and the freedom to express [herself] creatively” and that “it may be an inspiration for other children to know that Community School fosters successful writers.” Ayn has fully embraced the CS philosophy of lifelong learning, earning a B.A. in English literature from Hollins College, M.F.A. in creative writing from Columbia University, Ph.D. in English literature from King’s College London, and recently, M.A. in counseling psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

2) Congratulations to Harlee F. who was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and selected for the girls’ basketball team. Her mother writes that they “are very proud of her hard work at Read Mountain and believe it was mostly due to the education she received during her time at Community School. Community School certainly gave her the confidence she needed to excel in the classroom and with her peer group. We feel very fortunate to have found a school that has helped to prepare her for the journey through middle and high school.”