history Archives

Legacy Society Profile: Jane C. Shipp

By renbrook | June 19, 2023

Jane Shipp was Renbrook’s Headmistress for 20 years, from 1990 to 2010. Only Florence Greene, our founding Headmistress, served the school longer. Mrs. Shipp preferred the title Headmistress because she saw her role as head teacher, the first among equals. She left a lasting imprint on the school and is remembered fondly by former students, parents, faculty, and staff. Although she has scrupulously kept her distance since retiring, she watches our doings with keen interest and speaks with great conviction about her love for the school and its mission.

Renbrook School Celebrates Flight Day

By Barbara Doyle | May 30, 2023

Grade 2 students standing in front of large Pratt & Whitney engine

In recognition of our rich aviation history, Renbrook School recently held a day-long Flight Day celebration after a 3-year pandemic-induced hiatus. Flight Day is an annual all-school event that began in 2010 and joyously celebrates the deep connection between Renbrook School, the Frederick B. Rentschler family, and Pratt & Whitney.

Columbus Day

By renbrook | October 10, 2022

As you know, school is closed on Monday due to Columbus Day, a federal holiday in the United States which celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. As a child in America, I sat in my elementary classrooms around Columbus Day and learned about the Niῆa, Pinta, and Santa María. In music class, I learned songs about those ships, and my teacher read picture books that taught me about an adventurous and brave explorer who “discovered” America.

Black History: Beyond the Month of February

By renbrook | February 22, 2022

Black History Month was created to ensure due attention was given to the numerous and important contributions of people of African descent. The goal was not for discussions, research, and projects to start and end in February; Black history is American history and should be woven into conversations with children throughout the year.

Belonging

By renbrook | December 2, 2021

Recently, many people around the globe celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Diwali for Hindus is similar in importance as Christmas for Christians. Ms. Raghuvir, Renbrook’s Lower School Counselor, helped set up a Happy Diwali display right inside the entrance to the Nelson Building during that week. There were photos, diyas and LED tea light candles, and books.

Renbrook School is Rich in History – Right Down to the Faucets

By renbrook | June 28, 2021

Renbrook School is rich in history and evidence of that history is alive and well on our campus today. Renbrook School was originally the home of Frederick B. Rentschler, co-founder of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, his wife Faye Belden Rentschler, and their children. The estate was built more than 90 years ago and later became a school when Mr. Rentschler created a non-profit foundation to honor his late wife who had been the chief designer of the home.