News & Views

Head of School Aaron Cooper, Cindy Thom, Lindsay Frey & Barbara van der Kieft Latimer '85

New Canaan Country School celebrated excellence in teaching by naming three faculty chairs at the school’s Annual Meeting & Dinner on Sept. 22. Upper School Math Teacher Barbara Latimer, Lower School Learning Resource Teacher and program coordinator for Grades K-2 Cindy Thom and Middle School Science Teacher Lindsay Frey were presented the awards by Head of School Aaron Cooper in the presence of a large gathering of parents and professional colleagues.
Awarded every two years, faculty chairs have been endowed by three former Country School families: the Holmes Family, the Laverack Family, and the Williams Family. The chairs recognize exceptional full-time faculty who demonstrate a commitment to engaging and inspiring students, creating curriculum to reach all learners, and seeking ongoing professional development. They also provide financial support for growth in academic research, teaching or service.

The Holmes Family Faculty Chair, established in 2008 by Rowayton resident Max Holmes, P’10, P’11 and P’13, was presented to Lindsay Frey.
 
Lindsay is a middle school science teacher and coach who has also served as a homeroom teacher.  
 
In the words of a colleague, she “gives endlessly to the middle school community.  She is always finding new ways to make science hands on, fun and interesting for her students. She steps in whenever something needs to be covered or someone needs help. 
 
“Lindsay volunteers regularly to share her work and classroom techniques with her middle school colleagues, is organized, thoughtful and intentional about her classroom configuration and lesson planning, and is always looking for ways to connect our students with scientists, meetings she has succeeded in coordinating several times over the years. She has brought citizen science projects to middle school such as Project Budburst, taking pictures of cloud cover for NASA, and recording local bird information. Lindsay never ceases growing: inspired by DEI learnings and discussions, Lindsay created a Grade 5 mini-unit about stereotypes in science which led to a “What a Scientist Looks Like” research project that introduces students to an array of scientists and scientific fields.”
 
The kids love her because she is kind and understanding and they respect her because she is smart and holds the line with them. Lindsay represents everything good about NCCS.”
 
The Laverack Family Faculty Chair, established in 2008 by New Canaan residents Cory and Bill Laverack, former President of the Board of Trustees P’03, P’07, P’08, P’11, was presented to Barbara Latimer ’85. 

Barbara, an alumna from the class of 1985, has served as an Upper School math teacher, advisor, coach, and chair of the math department. 
 
In the words of a colleague, “She is an outstanding example of a talented teacher who is loved by students and faculty alike. She is always at school early to help students, leads by example as the math department head and has created a strong curriculum that sets the bar for the students.”
 
“As an alumna, Barbara represents the very epitome of what Country School can produce. Barbara is not only a phenomenal classroom instructor but a consistently forthright community member. In each of the many roles she has here, Barbara approaches challenges and obstacles with characteristic positivity, dedication, and grit. She fights for what she believes is best for the students; she always supports her colleagues, especially in tough conversations with parents; and she always loves a good laugh. This person goes on to say that, “on a personal note, I could not ask for a better friend both on-campus and off. Barbara is the real deal in every sense of the phrase. This award should be so lucky to have Barbara.”

The Williams Family Faculty Chair, established in 2008 by New Canaan residents, Joanna and Robert Williams, P ’14, was presented to Cindy Thom.
Cindy has served as a Lower School Learning Resource Teacher and program coordinator for Grades K-2.  

In the words of a colleague, “Cindy is masterful in her multiple roles. Cindy's consistent willingness to go above and beyond her expectations and responsibilities is admirable. She demonstrates a deep commitment to doing whatever she can to benefit students, her colleagues, and our program. Her work ethic is exemplary.
 
“Cindy epitomizes lifelong learning. Though Cindy has already attained a high level of expertise in multiple areas, including reading instruction, Responsive Classroom and professional coaching, she continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to professional growth. She delivers Professional Development to apprentices and lower school faculty at such a high quality, you feel like you are at a conference. 
 
“Cindy brings warmth and positivity to school each day. She cares deeply about all constituents in our community - families, colleagues, and students. Our school is a better place due to Cindy's presence.” 
 
                                                         

 
 
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New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.