News
There are moments when you get to see your community through a new lens. For Renbrook School, being featured on All Access with Andy Garcia was one of those moments. This nationally distributed Public Television program is known for telling meaningful stories. It highlights organizations that are making a difference, shaping ideas, and influencing the…
by Heather Singer In February, the Renbrook community came together to celebrate the anniversary of Title IX, a landmark federal law that has transformed access to education and athletics for generations of girls and women. More than 50 years after its passage, Title IX continues to open doors on the playing field, in classrooms, and far…
by Eleanor Strumolo and Barbara Doyle At Renbrook School, mathematics is not simply about mastering procedures or memorizing formulas. It is about developing confident, capable thinkers who understand how and why math works—and who see themselves as mathematicians. “Every student is a mathematician,” says Eleanor Strumolo, Chair of Renbrook’s Math Department. “To learn mathematics, students…
At Renbrook School, we believe that learning comes fully to life when students feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves into the community. Our commitment to Diversity and Belonging is not an abstract ideal. It is a lived experience, shaped daily by students who lead with curiosity, empathy, and courage. One powerful…
By Julie Schlossinger, Associate Head of School and Head of Lower School I recently had the wonderful opportunity to join our Grade Three students on their Fall Outdoor Education Trip to Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, Connecticut, bringing learning to life. Organized by Assistant Director of Athletics and Physical Education, Carley Elkin, this trip…
Renbrook School is proud to announce that we will be featured in an upcoming segment of All Access with Andy Garcia, a Public Television program dedicated to highlighting excellence and innovation. The program will showcase Renbrook’s intentional approach to independent school education—where academic rigor, character development, and hands-on experiences come together to create a vibrant…
by Jacqueline Nickeo, Diversity & Belonging Coordinator Each year from September 15 to October 15, the nation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM)—a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. At Renbrook School, this month provides a meaningful opportunity to deepen our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and global literacy…
At the heart of Renbrook School is a deep commitment to excellence in teaching, dedication to community, and the belief that educators shape lives far beyond the classroom. Each year, that spirit is honored through the Jane and Doug Cramphin Excellence in Education Award, a meaningful tradition recognizing faculty and staff who go above and…
Renbrook School was honored to welcome Connecticut Attorney General William Tong as their 2025 Commencement Speaker. William Tong is the 25th Attorney General and first Asian American elected statewide in Connecticut. He first took office in 2019 and is currently serving his second term. As Attorney General, Mr. Tong’s top priority is to protect Connecticut families, residents,…
At Renbrook School, language education is not limited to vocabulary and grammar—it’s an immersive journey through history, culture, and human connection. This philosophy comes to life in the vibrant teaching of Camila Pina, a passionate and dynamic world language educator who believes deeply in the power of experiential learning. One of the most impactful tools…
This past weekend, the Renbrook community had the pleasure of experiencing several incredible performances of Finding Nemo, Jr., presented by our talented Upper School students. As we watched these students shine on stage—excelling in singing, dancing, acting, stage changes, and behind-the-scenes work—it was impossible not to recognize the transformative power that theatre has on our…
At Renbrook School, learning transcends textbooks, coming alive through dynamic, interdisciplinary experiences. Our Grade Three Westward Expansion unit, affectionately known as The Oregon Trail, is a prime example of how we transform history into an engaging, skill-building journey for students. From interactive simulations to imaginative storytelling, this beloved unit sparks curiosity, collaboration, and a love…
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendships by Terese Brennan-Marquez, LCSW Children think about and experience friendships differently at all stages of development. As a parent, you can help your child navigate friendships in healthy and productive ways. Parents can support their children if they experience challenges with a friend by viewing the situation through a developmental…
The skills and experiences students gain from reading – from improving literacy to expanding their imaginations – are invaluable. Bernice E. Cullinan, Professor Emeritus at New York University, notes, “The amount of free reading done outside of school has consistently been found to relate to growth in vocabulary, reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and general information.”…
Renbrook’s Grade 5 Science Program actively participates in the Connecticut River Salmon Association Salmon-in-Schools Program. This valuable scientific and environmental learning project is enjoyed by children in schools across Connecticut. Students participate actively in all program phases, from rearing salmon eggs in the classroom to stocking rivers, and Renbrook is thrilled to be a part…
Renbrook School recently honored the legacy of Frederick B. Rentschler, the pioneering spirit of women in aviation, and the modern-day accomplishments of female pilots across the globe with our annual Flight Day celebration. This year, we honored “Women in Flight.” Frederick B. Rentschler Frederick B. Rentschler, co-founder of Pratt & Whitney, and his family lived…
A Snapshot of Renbrook’s Writing Program InitiativesBy Amy Ma, Director of Writing; English Department Head; Co-Coordinator of Diversity and Belonging “I wrote my way out – Wrote everything down far as I could seeI wrote my way out – I looked up and the town had its eyes on meWait for it … (I’ll write…
The Vision In March 2020, Kathryn Ferrante, Renbrook’s adventurous librarian, and Matt Sigrist, Head of School, began a conversation about exciting new models for school libraries. How could we make our library the heart of the school? Kathryn and Matt recognized that our beautiful library space is currently underused. They were inspired by the learning…
Renbrook Beginning School Celebrates Global School Play Day The Beginning School at Renbrook embraces a play-based learning approach that encourages children, in partnership with teachers, to make discoveries about themselves and the world around them. Play is essential as children learn to socialize, communicate, make choices, show initiative, collaborate, observe, problem-solve, and ask questions. While…
As part of their study of Black History Month, Upper School students in Ross McLay’s Honors History class participated in Senator Chris Murphy’s 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Each year, Senator Murphy invites students from across Connecticut to help honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by submitting essays that reflect on…