In the Spotlight—Heartfelt Goodbyes

In June, we will say goodbye to two dedicated and impactful faculty members in our Middle School. 

First, we congratulate Laura Monahan on her retirement! Ms. Monahan started as a substitute, filling daily and then long-term sub positions. After, she taught for six years in the fifth grade and then became the Director of Summerbridge Sacramento (now Breakthrough, where she currently sits on the board) for three years before starting her twenty-year tenure as a middle school math teacher. In her time in the middle school, Ms. Monahan helped establish Country Day’s team for Run to Feed the Hungry (and completed the run for ten years), worked diligently for the diversity and IDEA Committees, coordinated the staffulty book club, and became a role model and mentor for students and faculty alike. Continually evolving her methods, Ms. Monahan regularly added new technology and best practices into her lessons.  After participating in countless outdoor education trips to Marin Headlands, Yosemite, and Donner Summit; supporting numerous field trips and middle school events from River Day to the Renaissance Faire; teaching hundreds of middle schoolers in math, digital photography, drama, (even playing her flute with the band when needed!); and fostering a love of learning in all areas, Ms. Monahan has a well-deserved retirement ahead. As she applies for her visa to move to Spain, we wish her many great adventures in this next chapter. 

Also, after 20 years at Country Day, Ed Bolman is moving on. In his time in the Middle School, Mr. Bolman has taken on many roles, including 6th Grade math teacher, 6th Grade history teacher, Math Dept chair, History Dept chair, Student Council advisor, and ASE martial arts instructor. Best known for his energy in the classroom and for projects ranging from bridge building to the Greek Olympics, Mr. Bolman has made history and math fun for sixth graders throughout his tenure. In addition, as Dean of Students, his impact has also been felt throughout the Middle School thanks to his consistency and to his balance of compassion and no-nonsense. As soon as the school year ends, the Bolman family will finish their move to Kentucky (his wife moved out there in February for work) with plans to continue teaching there. With our sincerest thanks, we wish him all the best.