James R. Long Jr.

Click read more for a Q & A with James
James began teaching at Mandell in 2010.  He teaches art to the Second, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades. James received a BFA in Studio Art from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, an MFA in Sculpture from Bowling Green State University, and an MA in Art Education from Teachers College Columbia University.
James has been teaching art for over eight years, in places such as India, West Africa, New York and Maryland. His sculptures and paintings have been exhibited nationally and internationally. Before coming to Mandell he was an artist in Residence at the Franconia Sculpture Park in Minnesota where one of his sculptures resides. His work is currently being shown at the Jordan Faye Contemporary gallery in Baltimore. Recently, James was approached by Franklin and Marshall College for his work in a group exhibit. Click here to visit James’ website to view his portfolio of work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
James also designed the cover for the book Baltimore Counts, an initiative to raise money for OrchKids. Orchkids is a program of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to provide music education, instruments and mentoring to Baltimore’s youth in low-income areas.
We are so excited to announce that Mandell will be the grateful recipient of one of James’ original pieces, a 12’x8’x4′ steel sculpture for the Mandell Terrace.
 James’ daughter Clover (Mandell Kindergartener) sits atop the work in progress.
Peter Fletcher
Click read more for a Q & A with Peter
Peter joined Mandell in 2011 and teaches Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade and Third Grade.  He has been teaching art for over 12 years and holds a B.A. with a focus in Ceramics and a B.S. in Art Education from Rhode Island College. In addition to his art background, Peter recently earned a M.Ed in Technology Education from Lesley University in Boston.
Next year he will transition to the role of Technology Integrator using his degree in Educational Technology, while keeping a role in the Art Department.  In addition to his art background, Peter is a fantastic children’s author. His book Splendid Split Pea Soup, published in January 2012, is about a boy who chooses which soup to eat based on warm and cool colors.
Congratulations Class Of 2013!
Congratulations to our thirteen Prep students who were accepted to over 35 boarding and day schools.
We could not be more proud of Mandell’s first graduating class!

Click here to hear what some of our graduates have to say about their experience at Mandell.

Action Against Hunger Movie Night!
The 6th grade students would like to invite you and your children to the first Mandell Movie Night in support of Action Against Hunger. The event will be hosted on Friday, April 26th from 5:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the theater. We will be showing the movie Ratatouille (Rated G), followed by an hour of fun and games.
Click read more for details!
Boston Tragedy
by Gabriella Rowe, Head of School
Like you, the news out of Boston today breaks my heart and triggers some of my deepest anxieties as a New Yorker. I pray, as do all of us, for the victims and their families who have had one of Boston’s most celebrated days turn into a tragedy that will never be forgotten. 
Mandell’s Dance Minithon
Mandell’s first dance minithon, to support the Four Diamonds Fund, was a roaring success raising over $5,500 so far!

Mandell Dance Minithon from Mandell School on Vimeo.

Instilling Independence In Your Child by Kate Sylvain, Director of Lincoln Square
Kate Sylvain discusses what instilling confidence in Pre School children really means, what parents can expect and how they can teach their children confidence at such an early age.
You Don’t Know Gus!
Click read more to watch Gus’ entire interview and hear first hand about his experience as an NFL Player and how he feels about his daughters playing football.
One Parent’s Connection; One Grade’s Discovery by Melissa Franqui (P’17)
The Sixth Grade’s field trip to The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center proved a surprising and rewarding experience for all students. For one parent in particular, Fadhima Thaim (P’15), the trip was especially meaningful as she reminisced on her first exposure to Malcolm X and the friendship she came to forge with his family.
“Riley Green; Anything Is Possible” by Meghan Losche
At Mandell we believe the visual and performing arts are essential to a well-rounded education. We value and encourage hard work, creativity, self-expression and independent thinking. With years of performing and music writing under his belt, Eighth Grader Riley Green is a wonderful example of what is possible when those elements come together.
The “Surprise Garden” at Lincoln Square by Meghan Losche
It seems the “Surprise Garden” at Lincoln Square is actually more of a magical garden; defying expectation. During free play its spell takes over causing imaginations to run wild and hypnotizing children to engage and collaborate.
Read on unlock the mystery behind Lincoln Square’s Surprise Garden.
“Writer’s Block” by Tiffany Della Vedova, Head of the Preparatory Division
As much as I love helping my students get unstuck, just as rewarding are the times when I can follow their example to overcome my own obstacles. It turns out that relating to my students not only makes me a better teacher, it makes me a better writer.
March Madness Concert
Mandell’s Spring March Madness Concert was a spectacular show with outstanding performances from the Elementary and Preparatory divisions. Click read more to view performances from each grade and don’t forget to watch the Parent Chorus at the end!
“Complaining: How It Affects Our Children” by Myrna Stuart, Head of the Pre School Division
We are all guilty of it and have been on the receiving end of it at one time or another. But do we ever really think about the consequences of our complaining or how it can be perceived; especially by our children?
2013-2014 Elementary and Preparatory PA Officers
Click “read more” to learn about the new 2013-2014 Elementary and Preparatory Parents’ Association heads.
Chemical and Physical Enhancements; Do They Make the World More Inclusive? by Ben Chant, Head of the Elementary Division
When my nine year old asked, “Why did Lance Armstrong lie for so long?” I didn’t have a neat answer. 
Student and Actor, Olivia Delivers! by Melissa Franqui
Eighth Grader Olivia Nikkanen is no stranger to managing schedules, getting ready for auditions, and of course, hitting the books. When she is not studying hard, she’s memorizing lines and looking for opportunities to perform.
Most recently, Olivia was featured on CBS’ “The Good Wife” and “Person of Interest.” Olivia said the following about taking on different and exciting roles, “I find it really interesting to be able to become a character and to understand how I can connect to that character and their thoughts. Acting has really helped me step out of my comfort zone. I’m happy when I act. It is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
“You Are Not Alone” by the Seventh Grade Technology Class
Three Family-Focused Resolutions For 2013, by Gabriella Rowe
Committing to a human service cause or taking some time to “unplug” from technology and engage as a family are a few of the goals and resolutions Gabriella recommends for the new year in her NY Family blog !
Click here to read the full article.
Before Election Day, Parents Can Teach Their Children All About The Presidential Election
How to include our children in the political process this election season.