Home

Upper School students had a rare opportunity: a conversation about art with GVS parents Fred and Stephanie Clark, who came to campus to share their passion and expertise. The Clarks bring with them a deep background in the art world, including prior leadership at Findlay Galleries, one of the oldest privately owned galleries in the United States. That experience has shaped their commitment to making art accessible beyond the walls of a museum.

Together, the Clarks have introduced a new program at Green Vale called Art on Loan. Through this initiative, they will periodically loan a work of art to the School, where it will be displayed for students to encounter daily and incorporated into lessons across the curriculum.

To launch the program, Ms. Clark gave students an engaging overview of art history, focusing on how artists use their work to spark questions and dialogue. “The artist is always in conversation with the viewer,” she explained. “When you stand before a work, you must ask: What is the artist trying to convey?” She walked students through the rise of abstract expressionism, challenging them to think about how color, form, and composition communicate meaning beyond words.

The first piece on loan is “Peace” (1965) by John Ferren, part of his mandorla series. Ferren, known for his hard-edge style, used precise geometry and harmony of proportion to create works that feel both mathematical and spiritual. Ms. Clark shared how Ferren’s biography—spanning friendships with leading modernists and a lifelong search for expression—culminated in pieces like "Peace," where geometric scaffolding becomes a language of balance.

At Green Vale, "Peace" is more than a painting on display. Students will explore it in art, analyzing composition and technique; in history, placing it in the cultural landscape of the 1960s; and in math, studying the proportions and geometric structures that underlie its design. The Clarks’ vision is for each new piece on loan to spark fresh connections and inquiry, helping students see how art informs every discipline.

Head of Upper School Cathy Iannotta reflected on the program’s significance, saying, “Art on Loan brings students face-to-face with original works and challenges them to think critically across subjects. It shows them that art isn’t confined to a museum—it’s a way of questioning, connecting, and making meaning. Programs like this expand their perspective and deepen their curiosity about the world.”

Through Art on Loan, Green Vale now has its own evolving gallery—one that will continue to inspire students, deepen their learning, and broaden their view of the world.

The spirit of Blue-Gold came alive to kick off the year with the 2nd Annual Blue-Gold Breakfast Food Drive, where our community collected enough donations to provide more than 25 families with a full week’s worth of nourishing breakfasts.

The impact reached beyond homes, too. Some of the food stayed right at the Glen Cove Child Day Care Center, helping ensure students have access to hot and cold breakfasts each morning.

As Irene Fuentes, Family and Community Engagement Manager at the Center shared:

“Your support helps ensure that our students and families in need have access to nourishing meals. Your kindness makes a real difference in our school community. Thank you so much for your partnership and for your continuous support to our program, children, and their families.”

The Blue-Gold tradition has grown beyond a friendly Field Day competition into something far more meaningful: a reminder that when our community unites, we can make a lasting difference for families in need.

On Saturday, the Green Vale Board of Trustees gathered for its annual September retreat. This retreat brings Trustees together at the start of the academic year to engage in reflection, collaboration, and strategic dialogue. The retreat underscores the Board’s vital role in supporting the mission of the School and ensuring that Green Vale continues to flourish for current students and future generations.

The agenda this year was both robust and meaningful. Trustees examined progress on the School’s Strategic Plan, with particular attention to funding key initiatives that will strengthen Green Vale’s programs and operations. They also reviewed insights from recent surveys of parents, faculty, and students, using this feedback to better understand the needs and aspirations of the community. Breakout sessions provided opportunities for Trustees to collaborate in smaller groups, exchange diverse perspectives, and generate thoughtful ideas to guide future planning.

The Board’s work is centered on setting a clear strategic direction, safeguarding the School’s financial health, and providing oversight that ensures Green Vale remains strong and sustainable. These areas of focus are essential in maintaining the School’s ability to deliver an outstanding education while also preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Importantly, Green Vale’s Board of Trustees is composed of current and former parents, and alumni. This unique composition means that each Trustee brings not only professional expertise, but also a deep, personal connection to the School and a strong commitment to its success. That combination of skill and passion enriches every discussion and ensures that decisions are made with both the head and the heart—always with students at the center.

Over the couple of few weeks, Green Vale welcomed families across all three divisions for our annual Back-to-School Nights — evenings that offered parents a meaningful glimpse into their children’s daily lives, classrooms, and the supportive community that surrounds them.

Each night began with remarks from Head of School Dr. Jesse Dougherty and divisional leadership before parents headed off to meet with their children’s teachers and specials teachers, experiencing firsthand the rhythm of a day at Green Vale. 

Dr. Dougherty spoke about what makes Green Vale distinctive: the power of being known. He shared that when students are truly known—by teachers who understand their strengths, challenges, and potential—they feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. He emphasized the vital role our dedicated faculty play in cultivating this environment, and how our strong sense of community helps every child grow not just academically, but as confident, compassionate people.

Early Childhood

Head of Early Childhood Kelly Flink spoke about the wonder and anticipation that come with the first steps into school. For many of our youngest learners, this is their very first classroom experience; for others, it’s a new setting filled with new friends and teachers. Ms. Flink reminded parents that EC is grounded in educating the whole child—sparking curiosity, joy, and engagement while building confidence. She shared Green Vale’s commitment to child-centered classrooms designed for exploration, inquiry, and connection, and introduced the 6Cs framework — collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence—which guides joyful, meaningful learning across EC.

Lower School

Head of Lower School Delphine Michaud welcomed parents to her first Back-to-School Night at Green Vale, highlighting this year’s divisional theme of community. She shared her excitement about weaving this value into every aspect of Lower School life: through assemblies that celebrate students, cross-grade community groups, and character awards that lift up acts of kindness and leadership. Ms. Michaud spoke about deepening foundational academic skills while preserving the joy and playfulness that fuel learning, and she gave parents a look into the team’s work with Making Thinking Visible routines to help students develop deeper thinking skills. She also previewed an upcoming parent coffee focused on math instruction, emphasizing the division’s commitment to meeting every child where they are and ensuring each student feels known, supported, and appropriately challenged.

Upper School

Head of Upper School Catherine Iannotta reflected on the transformative nature of the middle school years, describing them as a time when students begin to discover their voices, their passions, and the kind of people they want to be. Ms. Iannotta spoke about the importance of community—recognizing that students are not only important as individuals, but even more powerful when they see themselves as part of something bigger. This year, the Upper School is focusing on building executive functioning skills, incorporating mindfulness practices, and applying research from Neuroteach to make learning stick. Ms. Iannotta also highlighted initiatives like positive behavior tokens, the return of recess, and a new “Good Manners” program—all designed to foster responsibility, respect, and a strong sense of belonging.

Across all three nights, one message was clear: at Green Vale, learning is about more than academics. It’s about being known, supported, and challenged as part of a joyful, connected community.