Radcliffe Creek School - Chestertown Spy

Radcliffe Creek School Students Embrace Distance Learning

March 31, 2020 by Radcliffe Creek School

In the midst of mandatory school closings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Radcliffe Creek School has launched a Distance Learning initiative that keeps all kindergarten through eighth-grade students engaged in their 2019-2020 school year curriculum and maintains student-teacher connections through facetime, email chats, and video calls.

At the heart of Radcliffe’s mission is individualizing each student’s education. This mission continues as Radcliffe teachers customize an individualized Distance Learning plan for each student. Each student’s plan takes into account the student’s strengths while also providing essential accommodations unique to the student that will prepare them for success.

Radcliffe student Caden Quirion created a pinwheel at home following an online lesson with his Science teacher for his Simple Machines unit.

The decision to close Radcliffe Creek School, and begin planning for Distance Learning, was made soon after Governor Hogan announced public school closures on March 12, 2020. On Monday, March 16th, all Radcliffe Creek School teachers spent the day organizing and preparing for Phase One of Radcliffe’s Distance Learning Initiative. Phase One of Distance Learning for students began on March 17th, and focused on three main components: practicing skills in each class using tools students are already familiar with, maintaining socialization of students and teachers during this time in hopes of decreasing anxiety, and connecting with each family to ensure understanding of the Distance Learning guidelines. Radcliffe is very aware of the strain that the pandemic can cause for families, so the priority of Distance Learning is to help families in any way possible. In order to give parents plenty of tools to help their students during this time, Radcliffe launched a Distance Learning newsletter in conjunction with the tools supplied by teachers. The Distance Learning Newsletter highlights optional activities, suggested by Radcliffe teachers, in a variety of subject areas, a plethora of great online websites and tools that are helpful and enriching for students, and “shout-outs” featuring pictures and captions highlighting students’ successes from home.

As the Governor announced the extended closure from March 30-April 24, Radcliffe followed suit and finalized plans for Phase Two of Distance Learning. This will build on the components in Phase One which were critical, while also engaging students in a more intensive class structure. Priorities for Phase Two encompass furthering skills in every class through online lessons, meaningful class time via Google Hangouts, and consistent check-ins to monitor progress. Meg Bamford, Radcliffe Creek Head of School, is prepared to embark on Phase Two of Radcliffe’s Distance Learning. Bamford stated, “Radcliffe Creek School students are each talented in their own way and teachers and staff are excited to work closely with them to see how they adapt to this new process of learning. Having the flexibility to complete work from home, and continue to explore in their own way, will give Radcliffe students the opportunity to discover, create, and thrive in ways not possible before.”

Student Ben Gilbert completing a creative, dynamic assignment for Music class, where he is watching and listening to “The Moldau” performance while drawing an image that accompanies the music.

While this unprecedented closure brings many obstacles for schools, Radcliffe is fortunate to have such a strong connection with families and access to tools that allow Distance Learning to be a reality for each family. One parent posted a picture of his son, with the message, “ You guys have done a tremendous job of transitioning to a web-based platform in such a short time. The students are able to continue learning and stay engaged. The daily webchats between students and teachers have also been helpful to ensure they have a firm understanding of their assignments. My son has been motivated to do extra work!”

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. At the heart of The Radcliffe Way is the belief that personalized learning, in a caring community that sets high expectations, can provide the necessary support for all students to excel. For more information about Radcliffe Creek, or questions regarding the school’s Distance Learning program, please call 410-778-8150 or visit www.radcliffecreekschool.org.

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Radcliffe Creek School Announces Eighth-Grade Graduation

June 20, 2019 by Radcliffe Creek School

(CHESTERTOWN, MD) – On Friday, June 7, 2019, Radcliffe Creek School proudly celebrated the graduation of 15 eighth-grade students that will be transitioning to high school next year. The graduation ceremony was held during the school’s annual celebration of the end of the school year in which many students are recognized for their contributions, success, and growth over the course of the year.

The ceremony started with an introduction from Head of School, Meg Bamford who has just completed her first school year with Radcliffe Creek School. She addressed the graduating eighth-graders, saying, “You have experienced one of the most powerful motivators to push yourself to be the best you can be and that is connecting with others by sharing who you are and advocating for your needs. This continues into the next adventure of your life. Bring this important element of the “Radcliffe Way” with you.”

Alumni speaker Colin Eck, class of 2002 and current Food and Beverage Director at Rise Up Coffee, spoke to the attendees about his memories of his eighth-grade graduation and his success that was made possible by Radcliffe Creek School. Colin’s speech gave insight into his time at Radcliffe Creek School, where teachers and staff not only supported him, but helped him to become confident, organized, and successful. He also talked about how the skills he built while at Radcliffe have helped him to persevere through high school, become engaged with people from all over the world in his years after high school, and be successful in his current position which is demanding and busy. He stated, “Radcliffe’s unique approach to education, and it’s dedicated and caring staff opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and changed my life completely.”

At the ceremony, many annual awards were presented to deserving students. The Faculty Award, presented to students for achievement in personal and academic growth, was awarded to Zoe Bramble from Rock Hall and Olivia Murray from Chestertown. The RCS Award is presented each year to a student who is an admirable peer role model and exemplifies the ideals and values of the school. The RCS Award was presented to Josephine Wood from Easton and Eliiyja Taylor from Annapolis. The distinguished Tecumseh Award was presented to Brayden Batchelor from Rock Hall and William Stuart from Oxford in recognition of their perseverance and determination. The Blue Heron Award is presented to one student each year in recognition of exceptional academic courage and notable willingness to take risks. This prestigious award was presented this year to Ben Anthony from Chestertown.

Eighth-grade students were also selected to share their reflection of their time at Radcliffe at the ceremony. Nellie Rhodes, Liam Thomas, and Ben Anthony all presented to the audience and shared how Radcliffe has shaped them as students and teenagers. Nellie Rhodes meaningfully spoke to her many experiences at Radcliffe that led her to step out of her comfort zone, in which she reflected, “I can say with certainty that I would not be the confident, empathetic person I am today, had I not attended Radcliffe.”

Students who graduated Radcliffe Creek School in the class of 2019 are Ben Anthony, Marcus Boyle, Thomas Callahan, Mason Gant, Nasr Matthews, Hunter Morrison, Jack Rhodes, Nellie Rhodes, Kelly Ryon, David Schell, MacKenzie Smith, Ben Spurry, William Stuart, Liam Thomas, and Kaylyn Wilkins. Students from the class of 2019 will be attending a variety of high schools next year, including Gunston, Mount Saint Joseph, St. Andrew’s, St. Michaels High School, Kent County High School, and Wye River Upper School.

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. At the heart of The Radcliffe Way is the notion of personalized learning in a caring community that sets high expectations but provides support for all students to excel. For more information about Radcliffe Creek or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or visit www.radcliffecreekschool.org
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Radcliffe Creek School Receives $75,000 Gift for Financial Aid

October 11, 2018 by Radcliffe Creek School

Radcliffe Creek School is pleased to announce that it has received a generous $75,000 gift from Barbara Thomas and family members of her deceased brother, John Lane. The gift was used to help students who might otherwise have not been able to attend Radcliffe Creek School and as seed money to generate additional donations and revenue to help supplement the 2018-2019 operating budget, including a challenge to Radcliffe Creek’s donors to double the donation for the school’s Annual Fund.

“The gift from Barbara Thomas and the Lane Family will have an immediate impact on Radcliffe families as it enabled several families to send their children for the 2018-2019 school year,” said Radcliffe Creek’s Head of School, Meg Bamford, who began the position on July 1. “The ability to tell these families that their children would be able to come because of this gift was truly an honor. Our desire is to help as many students as we can. However, our difficulty lies in providing a small student to teacher ratio to provide targeted instruction and our families’ ability to pay our tuition. Often, parents come to Radcliffe not because they intended to enroll their children in private school, but because they are looking for an environment that can celebrate their child’s strengths while actively remediating their areas of weakness. Radcliffe embraces the whole child. Radcliffe Creek School believes that everyone learns differently and can thrive with structured, multisensory, personalized programming. Students with learning disabilities, apraxia, high functioning autism, and ADHD continue to blossom in this setting alongside their peers who do not have a disability.”

Radcliffe Creek School continues to thrive and the need for the program is greater now than ever before, which is why the support of Barbara Thomas and the Lane Family is so vital. For the 2018-2019 school year alone, the school committed more than $400,000 in financial aid to its 84 kindergarten through eighth grade students.

“Over the last three years, and guided by our Strategic Plan, Radcliffe Creek School has focused on developing relationships toward advancing financial aid for Radcliffe students, which remains a critical need for the school. Currently, more than 60 percent of the students at Radcliffe Creek receive financial aid and the school is unable to meet the demands from many other families seeking to address their child’s needs,” said Radcliffe’s Board President, Susan Newton-Rhodes. “Financial resources are critical to reaching these children and families which require specialized support for their learning differences. This very generous and timely gift to Radcliffe will enable the school to offer opportunities to many families to attend this special school. We are deeply grateful to their generosity and acknowledge their understanding of the needs of these children to receive the type of support that Radcliffe offers.”

“My wife Gay and I were motivated to make this gift because of Barbara Thomas (my aunt) and John Lane (my late father and her brother). They both cared greatly about education and believed that a good education for someone was a benefit for everyone. Along with my three siblings, Bob, Judy, and Ginger, and their spouses, we share this belief,” said Doug Lane.

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. At the heart of The Radcliffe Way is the notion of personalized learning in a caring community that sets high expectations, but provides support for all students to excel. For more information about Radcliffe Creek or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or visit www.radcliffecreekschool.org.

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Radcliffe Creek School Launches Founders’ Fund with $1 Million Goal

November 13, 2017 by Radcliffe Creek School

Radcliffe Creek School Students

In front of an enthusiastic audience attending its Fall Soirée on Friday, October 20, Radcliffe Creek School announced the establishment of The Founders’ Fund and its goal of raising $1 million to create an endowed scholarship for students needing financial assistance.

The Founders’ Fund honors the final year of Radcliffe’s Founding Director, Molly Brogan Judge, as well as the other dedicated original advisors and investors of the school. Opening its doors 22 years ago with 13 students in grades one through seven, Radcliffe’s goal has always been to create a learning environment where bright children, who learn differently, could succeed. The school today thrives under Judge’s visionary, dedicated leadership and with the support from a committed group of staff, parents, grandparents, and friends the vision continues. The kindergarten through eighth grade program currently enrolls 82 students, while Little Creek, Radcliffe’s preschool, serves 52 students from infancy through pre-kindergarten.

Radcliffe’s Founding Director, Molly Brogan Judge (right) with Radcliffe Creek friend and supporter Barbara Thomas

Radcliffe Creek has truly changed the educational landscape of the Eastern Shore, and beyond, with students traveling from seven different counties in Maryland and Delaware to attend the school. Many students come to Radcliffe unsure of themselves not just as students, but as individuals. Because of the small class sizes, compassionate teachers, and hands-on learning, these students leave Radcliffe Creek with an understanding about what it takes to succeed. And succeed they do. Radcliffe alumni go on to college, the military, graduate school, and beyond. Many alumni point to their Radcliffe Creek School education as the turning point in their academic career.

“This is the most significant fundraising effort ever undertaken by the School,” said Radcliffe’s Board of Trustees President, Susan Newton-Rhodes. “The Board of Trustees knows the goal is high, but believes it is only fitting. This new fund will address the Board’s highest priority – financial aid for worthy students – by creating a lasting fund for those families and children who need Radcliffe the most.”

For the last 22 years, Radcliffe’s Board of Trustees has allocated as many financial resources as possible to families who cannot afford a Radcliffe education without assistance. This year alone, $350,000 has been distributed in financial aid to kindergarten through eighth grade students. As the school continues to grow, so will this need.

“This effort will be a big challenge, but I’m passionate, as well as confident, that we can accomplish this goal to establish a $1 million legacy in honor of the many creative minds that united together to build Radcliffe Creek School,” said Judge. “My hope is that others will learn more about our past, embrace the goal of the fund, and continue to develop this endowment for years to come.”

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. For more information about Radcliffe Creek School or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or click here.

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Nice! $75,000 Gift to Radcliffe Creek School

July 10, 2017 by Radcliffe Creek School

Radcliffe Creek School is pleased to announce that it has received a $75,000 gift from the Middendorf Foundation, Inc. for the School’s scholarship endowment.

“Middendorf Foundation is one of the original founding supporters of the work at Radcliffe Creek School, and as the Board of Trustees continues to evaluate ways of securing the future of the school, this generous contribution aligns perfectly with these discussions and establishes the cornerstone for future development opportunities,” said Radcliffe Creek’s Board President, Susan Newton-Rhodes. “The school is incredibly grateful for this contribution and its long-term partnership with the Middendorf Foundation.”

Radcliffe Creek School Students

Radcliffe Creek’s endowment is currently managed by Mid-Shore Community Foundation in Easton, MD

“With Radcliffe’s Strategic Plan in its final stages and as we continue to move our thoughts to securing the future of the school, I am excited to once again partner with the Middendorf Foundation for the benefit of the school’s scholarship endowment, which is critical to the support of children who otherwise would be unable to utilize our services,” Radcliffe Creek’s Director, Molly Judge, said. “The Radcliffe Way certainly embraces the understanding that learning differences do not discriminate due to socio-economic status and therefore focusing on endowment funding is essential to the long-term sustainability of the school and its mission.”

The Middendorf Foundation is based in Baltimore, MD. Guided by the philanthropic ideals of its founders, J. William, Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf, the foundation has long supported institutions and projects within the following areas of interest to Maryland citizens: culture, education, the environment, health care, historic preservation, and social services. The Trustees today continue to focus on these objectives.

“The Middendorf Foundation was pleased to present this gift to Radcliffe Creek School as an investment in its future,” Laura Holter, Middendorf’s Executive Director, said. “Radcliffe Creek is an incredibly unique school that truly believes in the success of each student. The impact of a school like Radcliffe is invaluable to the Eastern Shore community and beyond, and we are proud to support its mission.”

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. For more information about Radcliffe Creek or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or visit the school’s website.

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Horizons Welcomes 160 Students to 2017 Summer Program

June 27, 2017 by Radcliffe Creek School

Horizons Students

Chestertown, MD (June 27, 2017)—Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s—a summer academic and enrichment program for local underprivileged students—welcomed 160 students to its three campuses yesterday—at Gunston, Radcliffe Creek, and Washington College—for the beginning of its 2017 #SixWeeksofHappiness. This summer’s program centers on a water-related theme, with both academic lessons and enrichment opportunities that build upon the learning-rich environment of the Chesapeake Bay. Through this coveted summer opportunity, Horizons students gain not only academic achievements but return to school with confidence, preparedness, and a desire to learn. They also receive breakfast and lunch each day.

“Today, we begin a six-week summer transformational journey for 160 low-income students from Kent and Queen Anne’s counties,” explains Executive Director Bob Parks. “Over the summer, disadvantaged children tread water at best, or even fall behind. But through the Horizons summer academic and cultural enrichment program, these children will instead make academic gains—and return to school in the fall armed with confidence and preparedness that will allow them to achieve academic success during the school year and beyond.”

About Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s

Since 1995, the Horizons summer learning program has served hundreds of Kent and Queen Anne’s County children at or below the poverty level, as part of a growing national initiative to reduce the summer slide. The six-week program headquartered at Radcliffe Creek School in Chestertown and The Gunston School in Centreville serves kids from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s is one of 51 affiliates of the Horizons National summer learning program. The six-week summer program employs an experiential model of teaching that focuses on reading, writing, and math. Students not only improve academically, but learn to swim and participate in activities that foster creativity, confidence, citizenship, and good health.

To keep up with all the Horizons news, please visit our website and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Jesse Nunn Hushion – New Teacher at Radcliffe Creek School

June 19, 2017 by Radcliffe Creek School

Radcliffe Creek School is pleased to announce the hiring of Jesse Nunn Hushion, who will serve as a teacher in the kindergarten through eighth grade starting in September 2017.

Jesse Nunn Hushion

Hushion is a native of Chestertown and received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her master’s degree in education with a focus on Childhood and Special Education from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY.

Since August 2013, Hushion has served as a special education teacher at Vail Farm Elementary School in LaGrangeville, New York.

“Radcliffe is so fortunate to welcome Jesse and her family into the Radcliffe community,” Molly Judge, Radcliffe Creek School’s Director, said. “Her experience with differentiated instruction and multi-sensory teaching will lend itself well here on the Creek. It is evident that Jesse is committed to empowering children who learn in unique ways.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the Radcliffe Creek community,” Hushion said. “As an educator, I have always valued vibrant learning communities that promote curiosity and creativity. Radcliffe clearly embraces and lives by these values. With great anticipation and excitement, I look forward to the coming 2017-2018 school year.”

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school whose mission it is to empower children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. For more information about Radcliffe Creek or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre- kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or visit their website.

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The 2017 Tea Party Distance Classic and Run for Radcliffe

April 17, 2017 by Radcliffe Creek School

Radcliffe Creek School is happy to announce the return of the popular 10-mile race for the 2017 Tea Party Distance Classic and Run for Radcliffe, which will be held on Saturday, May 27 at Wilmer Park.

The Chestertown Tea Party Distance Classic has been a part of the Chestertown Tea Party for more than 40 years. Eleven years ago, Radcliffe Creek School took over the management of these runs, with the proceeds benefiting the School’s scholarship fund. The Run is the largest source of funding for this fund.

The School is also pleased to announce the launch of a website dedicated to the Run: chestertownteapartyrun.org. The site features registration and race day information, as well as fundraising information and photos from past races. Registration can be done online via active.com (search for Chestertown Tea Party Run).

Prices have also been lowered this year, with the 5K starting at $35 (price increases to $40 on May 1) and the 10-miler starting at $45 (price increases to $50 on May 1). A discount is available for groups of 15 or more runners, please contact the school for a discount code.

Radcliffe Creek School changes children’s lives, and by participating in the Chestertown Tea Party 10-Miler and 5K Distance Classic/Run for Radcliffe, runners are helping make this possible. Whether a student has a learning difference such as dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, executive function disorders, or a speech and language disorder, or would just simply benefit from an individualized environment, a Radcliffe education works.

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. For more information about Radcliffe Creek or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or visit www.radcliffecreekschool.org.

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Get Ready for Legos and Miniature Trains this Saturday

November 22, 2016 by Radcliffe Creek School

Without doubt, there will be some serious Lego competition at the upcoming fundraiser for the Radcliffe Creek School on November 26th. If one studies their flyer about the event on Saturday, one can well imagine dozens of students testing out their engineering and architecture skills to win top prizes.

But the primary reason to head over to Frank Rhodes Studio on Morgnec Road that day is to see firsthand one of the greatest miniature train collections on the East Coast. We were sent this video to tantalize Spy readers to see Frank’s remarkable display.

For more information about the Train Show and Lego Competition, go here.

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Radcliffe Creek School Names Ben Joiner Assistant Head of School

July 6, 2016 by Radcliffe Creek School

Radcliffe Creek School is pleased to announce the hiring of Ben Joiner as Assistant Head of School. Ben will join the school on August 1, 2016.

The hiring of an Assistant Head was a critical part of Radcliffe’s strategic plan, Securing our Future. The plan focuses on charting the course and identifying both specific short and longer-term goals for the school, specifically focused on programmatic, financial, advancement, and governance ideals.

“We are thrilled that Ben is returning in this new capacity to the school. Our search process encompassed approximately 30 candidates for this position. Resumes were reviewed and candidates interviewed by a group of seven individuals representing all of the school’s constituencies. Ben proved to not only be the best candidate for this position, but also an individual we know will integrate into the unique culture and leadership of the school,” said Susan Newton-Rhodes, Radcliffe Creek School’s Board President. “The selection of the Assistant Head of School is a critical step for the school as we prepare for our founder, Molly Judge, to transition in the next two years. We welcome Ben and his family back to the Creek with joy and high expectations for our collective future.”

For the last two years, Ben has served as Assistant Head of School at Kent School in Chestertown, where he was responsible for assisting the Headmaster with the academic leadership of the school, including consulting with teachers on classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures. He maintained congruence between the school’s mission statement and all academic activities and oversaw the coordination of the co-curricular and extracurricular activity programs.

Prior to his time at Kent School, Ben was a member of the Radcliffe Creek School faculty for 13 years, where he served as the Discovery Department Coordinator, Discovery instructor, Athletic Director and coach, as well as the Eighth Grade Placement Coordinator. Ben’s love of active, hands-on learning truly speaks to his love of The Radcliffe Way.

“The notion that education should be an individualized experience and that every child can succeed constitute the basic tenets of my educational philosophy,” Ben said. “I am most passionate about meeting students where they are; helping students find their strengths and nurture their passions. I want children to be confident. I want them to be independent. I want them to embrace process. I want them to think and struggle and err and persevere and triumph. I want them to learn and thrive. Children deserve this kind of education, and it is my belief that given the appropriate environment and abundant opportunity, every child can succeed. I am thrilled to be returning to Radcliffe.”

Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school designed for students between the ages of 5 and 14. Offering a three-to-one student-to-teacher ratio, students are encouraged to use their strengths to balance weaknesses and acquire the skills to become confident, independent learners. For more information about Radcliffe Creek or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or visit www.radcliffecreekschool.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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