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Greetings from Brian Junker <bj20@andrew.cmu.edu> on Mon Sep 30 12:29:50 2002!
Hello, and welcome to the East Hills ISA 30th Anniversary
Guest Book.
Feel free to browse through the entries below and share the memories and
hopes of current and former East Hills alums---students, teachers, parents
and staff.
If you would like to share your own impressions of East Hills and beyond,
feel free to do so here. You can just type plain
text, in paragraphs separated by blank lines...
Or, if you know a little HTML, you can "dress up" your comments like this, which I italicized with the <i> and </i> tags. You can include any HTML markup tags you like in your message (but use blank lines, rather than <p> and </p>, to separate paragraphs).
Greetings from Bernita Myers <bernita@cs.cmu.edu> on Mon Sep 30 22:59:19 2002!
I'm a parent of 4 East Hills students. My older two sons have "graduated" and are both in high school, and my younger two sons are in 4th grade.
I am currently a PTSO co-chair and think East Hills has been - and continues to be! - a wonderful school for my family! Ask me about MathMiles!
Greetings from Ethan Linden <etlinden@jtsa.edu> on Tue Oct 8 11:55:49 2002!
Although I did not realize or appreciate the fact at the time, East Hills (it was not known by the honorific ISA then) was prehaps the best elementary education I could have had. Open, inviting classrooms, challenging teachers, and a diverse student body suited my educational needs perfectly, though I would not have put it quite the same way when I was ten. I look back fondly on my time at East Hills. And, though I hardly need say it: Mr. Niklos was an extraordinary presence in the school. All in all, the six years I spent at East Hills were exeactly what elementary education should be: nurturing, flexible, challenging, caring, positive and above all: educational. East Hills was all of those things.
After graduating from Cornell Unversity, I decided upon a course of study quite different from those which I had considered upon entering college: rabbinical school. I am now in my third year of a six year program at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and if all goes well, I will be a rabbi in 2006. I am getting married in June to Liba Kornfeld, a first grade teacher (I told her she can't possibly be as good a first grade teacher as Mrs. Fast and Mrs. Swint, but she didn't know what I was talking about). Happily living in New York, I am nonetheless looking forward to the upcoming year, which I will spent studying in Jerusalem.
Greetings from Joel J. Alexander <joel_alexander@hilton.com> on Wed Oct 9 16:26:02 2002!
Graduated in 1987. Hello to all my old friends and teachers. Especially Principal Nicholas, my man!
Graduated from Michigan State University, 1998 Sales Rep for Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim California & Hiltons of Chicago Sales offices, 1998-2002.
Greetings from Andy Artz <aartz@princeton.edu> on Thu Oct 10 00:18:37 2002!
My father waited in line in the car for two days to enroll me at East Hills for first grade in 1987. I remember learning the pledge in french from Ms. Swint, singing in choir with Mrs. Hudson, and tracing my fingers around the holes in the railings walking between classes. I had great Reading classes with Mrs. Levy and Mrs. Fast, and I dreaded CAT tests. I remember Todd Hill doing a backflip at the fifth grade retreat, and the Wedding of the Flowers. I visited East Hills four years ago right before I graduated from high school, and it still felt like home.
After going to Frick and Peabody, I'm now in my senior year at Princeton studying psychology. Instead of CAT tests, I'm currently dreading my thesis. Next year, I'm going to teach at an alternative high school in Estes Park, Colorado called Eagle Rock. I'm looking forward to an East Hills reunion!
Greetings from Emma Baum <hamsterfuzzy@yahoo.com> on Tue Oct 15 19:27:55 2002!
I started East Hills in 1996. I found the school unique and warm. I went from kindergarten through 5th grade and loved the learning enviornment very good. I miss the school soooo much! I hope to come back and visit!
Today I am at Frick I.S.A. I am on the schools cross country team and am in the steel drum band. I think East Hills really helped me to get prepared for the big step. They made learning fun. I wish to come back soon Emma Baum
Greetings from Stefanie Ginsburg <ginsy83@hotmail.com> on Thu Oct 24 15:22:51 2002!
Driving every morning on those big yellow school buses...to my home for 5 years is still vividly in my mind. From Ms. Barsh, Mr. Kirby, Miss Swint, Ms. Bey, Mrs. George, Mrs. Fineman, Mrs. Beavers, Mr. Meighan, and who can forget Mr. Kennedy (everybody SINGGGG), I have so many memories, friendships and knowledge built from that foundation. Thanks to East Hills, I am still speaking and learning the French language and am able to stick a straw into just about anything after having those milk pouches! Wow, there is so much more to go on about, but I better get back to my studies at Rutgers University. Hope everyone is doing well!
I am a sophomore at Rutgers University, majoring in Nutrition with a minor in Psychology. I am planning to study abroad in Australia second semester. I work for our recreation center on campus as well as on our Healthy Dining Team which helps to bring healthier food choices to our dining halls. I would hope that people still recognize me from the past, as I don't think I look that much different, just more grown up!
Greetings from Sam Ennis <se4c@virginia.edu> on Fri Oct 25 01:11:22 2002!
Between Mr. Kirby's art projects, getting yelled at in Mr. Kennedy's class for refusing to ever sing, and getting pink tickets for running in the halls, I have no idea why anyone would ever go to another elementary school. To this day, I tell anyone who's bored enough to listen about my experiences at East Hills and the insane times we had.
I'm busy tearing it up at the University of Virginia as a History major...everyone go to Allderdice someday, it'll treat you well. PEACE
Greetings from Abby Schaffer <gabbyabs00@aol.com> on Fri Oct 25 01:45:31 2002!
What up y'all? I miss east hillz like crazy! there is no subject on which i'd rather reminisc! the coolest day of my life -- to date -- was definately when mr. sable gave me my orange belt and made me an official "bus safety." or no, was it doing the wiz w/ms. bey and rapunzel w/mrs. beavers and the wonderful members of the funky five (jenya, kara, julia, and emily b, represent!) and yea sam, i'm never gonna let you forget mrs. fast's class when you tried to say you published a book on ....vampires, what else?! and what about egp?! that was the stuff... hehehe i miss you east hills! never change!
Ahh yes, I'm now a frosh at Tulane, in the dirty dirty souf, N'awlins.
Greetings from Abby Schaffer <gabbyabs00@aol.com> on Fri Oct 25 01:49:34 2002!
P.S. Belinda Perkins and I used to think that if we got sent to Mr. Nicholas's office, he'd stir us into a pot of boiling oil... but being that his office soon became our home-away-from-home and we're still here....
Greetings from Josh Bellin <bellinsaitz@juno.com> on Mon Oct 28 20:52:30 2002!
I was there from the start, when I entered second grade in the school's opening year. I remember the open classrooms, the mock presidential election (Nixon-McGovern) we held, the great playground, the mean old bus aide, the teachers (especially Mr. Booker), the cafeteria, my musical debut with the "bells" group (I guess you'd call them xylophones, but whatever they were, it was the only instrument I've ever been able to play, since the notes were marked on the keys), the art classroom where I developed a real love of drawing, and lots more. Best thing: the friends I made, especially Troy, who stood up for me. Worst thing: hearing, years later, that Troy had been killed. I'm looking forward to coming back to visit--this time, both to see the place for myself and to scout out magnets for my almost-four-year-old daughter.
I teach at La Roche College, where (I hope) I'm continuing in the tradition of interracial harmony I first learned at East Hills (almost half of the students at La Roche are from Africa, the Middle East, and other regions of the world). I've published a book on Native American literature. I still love to draw. And my daughter, Lilly, is going to be a rainbow-colored piggie for Halloween this year (her idea, of course).
Greetings from Nancy Artz <nartz@pitt.edu> on Mon Nov 4 09:29:23 2002!
Some highligts from our family's many years at East Hills include:
The annual Appreciation Week
"Birthdays are Special at East Hills"
Peaceful Conflict Resolution
The fifth grade camping trip
Rege Kirby's annual art show
The Wedding of the Flowers
Paula and Hazel
The many caring teachers
The distinction of having the most parent volunteers in
the Pittsburgh Public Schools
And, most of all, Dick Nicklos, one of the wisest and most modest people I know who has established a spirit of welcome and nurturing at the school that has made everything else possible.
Greetings from Liz Roth <LRoth@gwu.edu> on Mon Nov 4 18:03:43 2002!
I seriously cannot believe that it has been so long since my days at East Hills. Everything is still so fresh in my memory - Writing stories in Mrs. Clark's class, selling chips, contests to see who could read a book the fastest learning cursive with Mrs. Bridgeman, Tandy Computers - green screens and all, Brain Power, sitting on spots in gym class, fireball, the spring carnival, art class with Mr. Kirby, Cinderella in French. I think the greatest thing I got out of my East Hills experience was frienship. Many of my close friends at East Hills remain my closest friends today. East Hills: "One of the finest in the nation (dans la nation)!"
I am a freshman at the George Washington University in Washington, DC, majoring in Journalism.
Greetings from Sara Tadikamalla <tajisan@hotmail.com> on Tue Nov 12 17:21:34 2002!
I went to East Hills from K through 5 and I have nothing but wonderful memories of the school. Mr. Nicolas is without a doubt the single nicest man I have EVER known. He embodies everything that a kid needs in a role model and the way he cares about his students is breathtaking. I know my parents think that sending my brother and I to East Hills was one of the best decisions that they ever made. There are so many teachers and administrators from my 6 years at the school whom I will always remember. I feel so lucky to have had such a wonderful opportunity and I will always be grateful to East Hills.
I'm 21 years old and a senior at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I'm majoring in Marketing and Information Systems and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Economics in May 2003. I'm currently searching for a job for when I graduate and would eventually love to come raise a family in Pittsburgh.
Greetings from Chenisa Cooper <baby1991@msn.com> on Sat Nov 16 22:27:33 2002!
When I was at East Hills School I had a wonderful learning experience from all of the teachers. Mrs. Stephens was my favorite teacher out of the whole school. The teachers there taught me a lot on how to be myself and how you don't have to do anything for anybody first you do it for yourself first. Sometimes I wish I was still in East Hills because all the teachers were strict but if you didn't understand anything you could just ask them. Mr.Meighan was my homeroom teacher. He was sooo funny. I miss and love all the teachers at East Hills I.S.A..
Today I am in the sixth grade. The teachers at Frick are okay but East Hills teachers were and are the best. I am president of my class because I was voted for student council. I am also editor of the school newspaper. I play the clarinet. I am also trying out for basketball as a point guard.
Greetings from Jonathan Fichman <fich2@mac.com> on Thu Dec 5 12:34:30 2002!
Wow...up until this moment I didn't realize how much I remember about my experience at Pittsburgh's finest elementary school! Everything from my first day in first grade with Mrs. Trautman to all the great experiences of being a fifth grader will always be with me. The fun experiences with Mrs. Fast and Mrs. Bridgman definitely made reading class really enjoyable. Tending to the nature trail and the chicks and quails was an incredibly unique experience. Those are just a few of the wonderful times I had at EHISA. The education I received at East Hills will no doubt last me a lifetime and I just want to let both current and former faculty and staff members at East Hills know that I will never forget any of you!
After graduating from East Hills, I went on to Frick ISA and I am currently a junior at Taylor Allderdice High School. I still study French, and I love it! I plan to continue studying French into college and hopefully to have a career in which I can use La Belle Langue!
Greetings from Cathryn Lehman <cathrynlehman@hotmail.com> on Fri Dec 20 14:24:46 2002!
East Hills was and still is a wonderful school full of wonderful people. Although I am now 24 and have attended several schools since my time at East Hills, I have many great memories and many great friends to look back on.
I am now living in the Washington, DC, suburb of Rockville, MD, made famous by the 2002 DC sniper. I earned a BA in Journalism at the University of Maryland in 2000 and plan to begin a Ph.D. program studying Developmental Psychology in the coming year. If I have the chance to study in Pittsburgh, I would love nothing more than to be a part of the East Hills family for a second time now that I could most likely see over the walls in the pods. No matter where I end up, I can only hope that I have as positive of an impact on children as the staff at East Hills had on me.
Greetings from Maev Lowe on Sun Jan 19 19:57:47 2003!
I started East Hills in first grade and left in fourth One of the best things I remember about East Hills are all the great friends I made! I miss you guys soooo much!!!!! Come and visit me in Cali!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm 11 years old (nearly 12) and I live in Palo Alto, CA. I went to Lucille M. Nixon elementary school for fifth grade and now I'm in sixth grade and I go to Terman Middle school. Even though I'll go to lots of different schools East Hills will always be my favorite!!!!!!!
Greetings from stephanie and peter brown <psrbrown@aol.com> on Tue Jan 21 17:20:21 2003!
we had three children go to east hills fromkindergarten through fifth grade - it was a wonderful experience for all of them. they still fondly rrecall their years there, and when they are back in pittsburgh and have friends from out-of town visiting, they always take the guests to see the scholl!
Greetings from Christine (Rothfus) Hipp <hipp.family@verizon.net> on Wed Jan 22 08:40:55 2003!
As I look back on my East Hills experience, I realize how lucky I was to have passed through such a with-it school. I have such great memories- Mrs. Hudson's ring rapping against the piano to the tempo of "There was an old lady..", writing my name in hieroglyphics in Mr. Kirby's class, "freaky Fridays" in 3rd grade with Mrs. George and Mrs. Kaufman, French class with Ms. Mulooly and Mr. Zinga, the atrium in Mrs, Feinman's class, the smell of Mr. McIlheny's pipe on the recess field...I could go on and on....
These days I am living in Durham, NC. I am a stay-at-home mom, but intend on returning to work once my son is old enough. I am a French and Italian teacher and just spent two years teaching in a public high school in New Jersey after getting my master's at University of Pennsylvania. Before that I worked at a boarding school in Maryland after graduating from Georgetown University.
Greetings from Rachel Short <rshort@maritime.org; rachel-pigeon@excite.com> on Wed Jan 22 19:42:31 2003!
I love East Hills!!! I started East Hills Fall 1979 and graduated to the music of "We are the World" in 1985. It wasn't until I was in 4th grade (1984) that it dawned on me that other schools had classrooms with walls. Remember the teacher in 5th grade who would kick the radiator? I loved to be a "bone a layin' around" in music class and Mr. Kirby truly rocks, although I never was a mummy. Amy Hathaway and Peter somebody had that honor.
I'm loving life in Northern California. I'm an artist and I work for the SF Maritime Park, a beautiful national park on the San Francisco Bay. I have a wide range of interests and activities, and I thank my education at East Hills for encouraging me to explore all the world has to offer.
Greetings from Jake Oresick <joresick@jcu.edu> on Sat Feb 1 15:20:25 2003!
I graduated from East Hills in 1994, and still have so many amazing memories. Trying to find the teachers beds (because they obviously lived at school), the time out chair in Mrs. Miller-O'Neil's room (very bad memory), Games Day, learning to read in Mrs. Swint's class (which has really come in handy), milk in plastic bags, Brain Power, singing the Golden Girls theme in Mr. Kennedys class, paper football in the cafeteria after Woolslair, the day our bus driver left us unattended in Homewood to go to the bakery, winning the City track championship in fifth grade, singing Boyz II Men in one of Mrs. Beavers theatrical productions, and so much more.
I also remember world events and pop culture in the context of East Hills: Mrs. Stolpe trying to explain the Gulf War to a room full of second graders (she asked me to take off a Bart Simpson anti-war button, and of course I refused), the day Mirriam Popper wore a slap bracelet that said U Cant Touch This (perhaps the coolest thing ever), leaving school early for Pirate playoff disappointments, Mikael Pappas and Aaron Blecher arguing about AIDS after Magic Johnsons revelation, backwards clothes in the wake of Chris Cross, the 1992 mock election (in which President Bush was not only trounced by Clinton, but a bevy of cartoon characters), and, of course, the figure skating phenomenon in our fifth grade class, catalyzed by the Nancy vs. Tonya saga in the 94 Olympics.
I made so many great friends there with whom Im still close today. East Hills was most wonderful because of parent involvement, teacher enthusiasm and vast pluralism. In this twenty-first century already stained by bigotry, and cultural conflict, its comforting to know the East Hills community is still cultivating young people in an environment that celebrates Martin Luther King month, not just day.
After leaving East Hills, I went on to Frick and Schenley. I am currently a sophomore at John Carroll University outside of Cleveland, Ohio.
Greetings from Elizabeth Mormer <lemonylimeylizzy@yahoo.com> on Sun Feb 16 18:05:29 2003!
Hi everbody! I started East Hills in kindergarten and finished in 5th. I loved East Hills so much. In kindergarten i had Ms. Dean, In first grade i had Mrs. Bleckman, in second grade i had Ms. Clark, in third grade i had Mrs. Stephens (the best teacher in the world!), in 4th i had Mr. Papa, and in 5th i had Mr. Meighan. THANKS TO ALL OF THE TEACHERS AT EAST HILLS FOR MAKING MY LEARNING EXPERIENCES FUN!
Today I am in 6th grade at Frick ISA. Everyday morning I drive past Ellen W., Cary M., and Nathanial M. at their bus stop and my fellow former East Hills students ask Ellen if she would like to switch places for the day...it never happens but I always wish that I could be driving to East Hills with Ms. Debbie and showing off my safety belt. I LOVE EVERYONE AT EAST HILLS I WANT TO VISIT SOON!
Greetings from Alison Brown <abrown@covenantsh.org> on Fri Feb 21 20:34:34 2003!
Where to begin? I cannot help but smile when I think about the poems that Mrs. Fast taught us (Did you eever iiver ever in your leef life loaf...), the creme caramel that we made in French class, Mrs. Martin's gymnastics meets, musical performances and art shows that made up my years at East Hills. Outside of the classroom, there was four-square on the playground and the exciting bus ride to and from school. I loved being a "ramp patrol"-stopping first and second graders from running up the ramp in the morning. Middle School was a shock when I realized that I had to walk up and down stairs many times a day.
I granduated with a BA in History and Hebrew Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Then I moved to Jerusalem, Israel. I earned an MSW from Yeshiva University in Israel/New York. After five years of 'a little too much excitement in the Middle East', I returned to Pittsburgh. I am currently working as a Geriatric Social Worker in the South Hills.
Greetings from Kontara Morphis <www.monamorphis@prodigy.net> on Mon Mar 3 11:58:55 2003!
It was great! The only thing that wasn't was the fact that my mom worked there. But still it was fun!!!!!
Right now I go to Rogers
Greetings from Natasha Goldberg <natashadg@hotmail.com> on Thu Mar 6 07:39:46 2003!
East Hills is the best school ever! I can not thank my teachers enough for preparing me for the rest of my life. And I am especially glad that I learned French at an early age there. It comes in handy when one travels to France and Canada. I was very sad to hear that Mr. Papa retired from East Hills. He was one of my favorite teachers. I remember he taught us all the President's names. And I still remeber them.
I graduated from East Hills in 99'. I went to Frick ISA for middle school and graduated in 02'. I am now a freshman at Schenley High School (For anyone going into high school, go to Schenley).
Greetings from Ellen Franklin <goochy_15201@yahoo.com> on Sat Mar 8 01:12:38 2003!
I always loved East Hills because of my mom. She still teaches second grade French there. I remember taking ballet lessons from Miss Stokan, and being the Rainbow Fairy in The Wedding of the Flowers. I sang in the chorus with Mrs. Hudson, and took violin lessons with Mr. Merusi. I would hang out after school with Jessica Bedo. Sometimes, I would go and see Petie Whitespot, Mr. Kirby's rabbit. I loved it when we would go to the library and play with Logo on the computers with Mrs. Weber. I always tried to create the most complex designs. I still even remember in kindergarten, Mrs. Simmons teaching us the letter M and reading us the story behind the letter.
After attending East Hills, I went to Frick and then on to Schenley, graduating in 1999. I'm currently at the University of Pittsburgh working on a degree in Business Marketing. I still visit East Hills from time to time. There's something really special about it.
Greetings from Shira D Gordon <shiradg@bugs.ent.uga.edu> on Sun Mar 9 18:53:57 2003!
To tell about my East Hills experiences would involve reciting many of my childhood memories, so I will just give you a few. I spent six years enjoying the wall-less classrooms connected by ramp-ways. I became married to Ben at the age of five--though to my recollection he fainted off the stage when he kissed me during the daytime performance of The Wedding of Flowers, in 1985. I dissected my first egg in Ms Feinmans classwhich I did not need a scope like I do for my current dissections. I got my kick-start in art with Mr Kirbys class, sending some of my art to citywide shows, with Generations Together. I remember the GIANT (or so it seemed) hill leading to the playground that we would all skate down in our shoes when ice froze it slick.
I remember the lessons, the teachers, the books.
I remember the playground, my friends, and hidden nooks.
I remember Conflict Resolution and its contribution
to how it has made its way into my every day.
I fondly remember all these things and much more
about the school with out a classroom door.
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Georgia. I am in the Department of Entomology studying polyembryonic parasitic wasps. The system is not as confusing as that sounds; basically a mother wasp lays her egg into a caterpillar. As the caterpillar grows up so does the wasp egg. This egg divides into a couple of thousand identical wasp embryos that then develop inside the caterpillar. Eventually the wasps consume the whole caterpillar and emerge from the caterpillar skin. Before Georgia, I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado. I do my best to continue my acting and art making that I started so many years ago. I look forward to reading about my fellow classmates whom I have not talked with in years. Hopefully in this age of computers word will buzz around to most of us bees; How I want to be in that number, when the bees come buzzing in.
Greetings from Lynn Portnoff <lynndportnoff@hotmail.com> on Mon Mar 10 16:01:42 2003!
Our family swooped into East Hills just for the fifth grade year of both of our sons, coming from a small Christain school. They both adapted well to public school life and we could not have found a more supportive environment than East Hills and Mr. Nicklos. I am still seeing people that we meant there and remember fondly the experience of hosting two International Days with school families sharing their many different international experiences with the students. The students had individual "passports" and "traveled" to many different countries, some of which were Austrailis, Haiti, Canada, Cameroon, and India.
Greetings from Megan Branning <meganbranning@yahoo.com> on Mon Mar 10 19:48:23 2003!
I have many great memories of East Hills... The time I made a giant snowball on the playground and got yelled at by a security guard. Watching baby chicks hatch in science class. Playing "snake" in gym. Maybe best of all was watching the rabbit running around on the floor during science :)
I'm now a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Psychology. I will graduate in April, and I am still job hunting. Wish me luck.
Greetings from Brandon Pamplin <brandon@hillhouse.org> on Tue Mar 18 23:41:33 2003!
I was a student at East Hills ISA who graduated in 1994. I continue to return to this day for the annual carnival.
I'm currently a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in French.
Greetings from Erin V. Short <eshort@tnc.org> on Thu Mar 27 12:25:05 2003!
I can't pick one favorite thing about East Hills, but I truly believe Ms. Fineman's science class was the beginning of my fasciantion with nature and the enviornment. I loved the aquariums, the stream and the pond. Who can forget that rabbit hopping around all over the place? I can remember standing on the ramp and looking down every chance I got into the mysteries of the science "lab".
I graduated from Penn State in 1999 with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science and Forestry. After graduation I got a job with the Adirondack Nature Conservancy and Adirondack Land Trust, a chapter of the international conservation group The Nature Conservancy. . I live in Lake Placid, New York, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers and streams, that I am constanly exploring by hiking, skiing and kayaking.
Greetings from Jean Schmidt <jschmidt@carlow.edu> on Fri Mar 28 09:55:43 2003!
I am the parent of two East Hills ISA alums, now at Frick ISA and Allderdice, respectively. One very special memory I have is from 1996 when my youngest son, Erik, was in Mrs. Samarco's kindergarten class. Mrs. Samarco hosted a breeding pair of Zebra Finches in her classroom. The birds made a nest, and hatched two babies in the Spring of that year. The kindergarten children named the babies "Feathers" and "Flier". I'll never forget the incredible way that Mrs. Samarco wove all sorts of lessons into that bird experience and I'll never forget the precious looks on the faces of the children.
Greetings from Ashley Birt <rentmaureen12249@aol.com> on Sat Mar 29 15:46:00 2003!
I remember going into Mrs. Clark's room to learn the alphabet...and Mrs. Stoken's to learn how to multiply and divide...and Mrs. George for Group "B" work...and Mrs. Bridgeman for reading...and Mrs. Beavers to put on a fun fifth-grade play! How can I possibly forget all the fun I had back at East Hills?
I'm currently a senior at Schenley High School who's enrolled in the I.B. program (we have exams in May).
Greetings from Leland Scruby <Leland@cmu.edu> on Fri Apr 4 16:18:26 2003!
My salient East Hills memories are playing with that giant hot air balloon in the gym, and cleaning my eraser on the red carpet. Oh, and I remember Eboni Johnson being a big diva and screaming at Mr. Meaghan (sp?).
East Hills was the highlight of my academic career. I saw Ms. Bleckman once a couple years ago on campus at CMU, and she was so *tiny.* I think I nearly gave her a heart attack when I ran up to her.
I won't make it to the party this summer, but if anyone remembers me, feel free to send me email.
Greetings from Judith Sansone <nursejuditih@aol.com> on Sat Apr 5 11:51:54 2003!
I started at East Hills the first year it opened (1972) as a kindergartener! Of all the Pittsburgh public schools I attended (also Reizenstein and Peabody) it is the one that has the fondest memories for me! I remember many of my teachers: Mrs. Goldstein, Ms. McCray, Mrs. Severence, Ms. Schurtz, Mrs. Bridgeman, Mr. Booker, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Baccarri and Principal Gertrude Wade and Mrs. Martin, the gym teacher who I loved! I do have great memories of East Hills, one of my favorites is of my performing in Mr. Baccari's version of a Midsummer Night's Dream and having my (white girl's) hair painfully cornrowed.
I haven't lived in Pittsburgh since 1985 when I moved to Connecticut for college. I have since moved from coast to coast several times, becoming a nurse practitioner in the process. I am now a new mom of 7 1/2 month old Belle and in the middle (beginning?end?) of a career change.
Greetings from Sara Dalton <missdalton@hotmail.com> on Tue Apr 8 16:02:44 2003!
I was a fourth grade student the first year East Hills school opened (1972-73). I attended there through grade six upon which I graduated and went to Reizenstein Middle. My educational experience at East Hills was wonderful! In additon to benefiting from the best practices in teaching and learning by some of the most talented teachers in the city, I was exposed to the arts (dance, theatre, photography, painting and videography). This, indeed, gave me a well-rounded, full experience. My favorite teachers were Mrs. Sarah Martin, Mrs. Marion Fast, Mr. Gary Beccari, Mrs. Connie Bridgeman and the late Barbara Peterson (RIP). Thank you for a wonderful start!
Today, I am a School Consultant, working with teachers and schools in the Northern New Jersey area. In my work, I hope to impart the same sense of commitment, excitement, creativity and excellence that the teachers at East Hills school had.
Greetings from Lindsay Forman <shotstopper2003@yahoo.com> on Sat Apr 12 10:37:26 2003!
My years at East Hills were without a doubt the most fulfilling of my school days (so far). I will always remember Mr. Kirby's art class (event though I only had him for two years), Mrs. Stevens' 3rd grade reading class, Ms. Fast's Watermellon Seed-Spitting Contest, Ms. Stokans special reading class and Most of all Mr. Nicklos and Mr. Saybel-- who continue to be two of the coolest people in the world.
I loved first grade french with Ms. Barsh and the songs we were taught in Kidnergarden to remember the colors (rouge...blanc... blue, vert, violet...) Mr. Meighan was so cool- I always loved being able to go to the "Secert Library" in your back room. And when it was about 30 degrees outside on the day of the East Hills Carnival and Rosa and I insisted on going in the dunk tank- you went and got a heater for us. Thanx so much to all of the teachers and all of my friends from East Hills
Perhaps my most profound moment at East Hills was graduation, I was given the Prestigious Principals award. That moment will live in my memory forever. East Hills really is Tres Magnifique!
Right now I am a seventh grader at Rogers Capa Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts where I major in Multi- Media Production. I am still close with many of my closest friends from East Hills. One of my greatest acomplishments at Rogers was being one of the only girls out there on the playground who was better than the boys at fireball- no doubt in part to playing everyday at East Hills. THANK YOU SO MUCH EAST HILLS!
Greetings from Johanna W. Davidson <johannadavidson@hotmail.com> on Wed Apr 16 20:04:20 2003!
Most people have the fondest school memories of their high school--I, however, am most sentimental about East Hills Elementary. I was 'promoted' from East Hills in 1991 and I have been back to visit a number of times. (Mr. Niklos still remembers me, it's amaazing!) The atmosphere, the building, the teachers, the students, the neighborhood, and Mr. Niklos all came together to create a PERFECT place to grow. The memories of East Hills are among my most treasured. I am moving on to graduate school soon, but still consider myself most blessed by my years at East Hills. Those years are so crucial to children, and I was so lucky to spend them there.
I am almost 23 years old, graduating soon from Carlow College with my Bachelors in Social Work. I'll hopefully be heading to UCLA soon to pursue a Masters in Public Policy. I work at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania as their Public Policy and Government Relations Coordinator, and at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
Greetings from Molly Ennis <mbubbles33@hotmail.com> on Sun Apr 27 09:41:04 2003!
I still wish i went to East HIlls. I was there first through fifth grade. I remember everything. The dots we had in gym, firball on the playground, eating in mrs.beavers class, beating all the boys in sprinting, weird music projects, being told my teeth weren't right for the clarinet, and of course mr.v's endless stories about nothing! The best years of my life were 1,2,and 3 grade. And emphasis 3rd. I still miss Ms. Stephens!
mr.meighan- thank you for allowing me to be in your class--even though i was never suposed to cross the line!
I couldn't believe schools had walls when I entered Frick. I am now a seventh grader at Frick ISA. yayaya its fine here. But the biggest shock of middle schol was having to carry a back pack around- whoever heard of that.
Greetings from Erinn Evans <eevans@stanford.edu> on Mon May 5 08:18:55 2003!
I went to East Hills for Kindergarten and First Grade, which would make it (I think!) 1987-89. I only have wonderful memories from my two years at East Hills. I remember being warmly greeted by Mr. Nicholas every day. I remember learning the alphabet backwards in kindergarten and having my sister teach me the French National Anthem (which I've impressed people with up to this day!). My sister is 2 school years older than me and was at East Hills for 1st-3rd grade. I remember walking through, what seemed like a huge tunnel, to get to the cafeteria with my cool lunch box, and buying my orange juice. I remember ballet classes in a pink tutu with my best friend Jessica McDonald. I remember learning about the body parts with Mrs. Fast and I remember learning how to spell elephant--quite possibly the longest word ever invented--I thought then! I remember math with Mrs. West, estimating the candy in the jar and getting a piece of candy for a week of good work. I reme! mber the playground, Zoo field trips, art class, wanting to be bus patrol, having the only female bus driver, and lots more! Thank you to all my teachers and friends for those two great years of my life! Keep up the good work!
Today I am a junior in college at Stanford University in California. After East Hills I went to Winchester Thurston and then the Ellis School. At Stanford I am majoring in History with a focus in Modern European History. Right now I'm in Florence, Italy for 8 months, studying the history (mostly World War II) and the language. I come back to Pittsburgh about once a year! I plan to graduate on time and then maybe go to graduate school or who knows! I'm also interested in archaeology and might pursue something in that field.
Greetings from Shefa Gordon (1987) <sheffy@uclink4.berkeley.edu> on Fri May 9 01:59:46 2003!
Bonjour East Hills- Day 1 of first grade I forgot to do my very first homework assignment. I forgot to say "bonjour" to everyone at the dinner table; sorry. Reading through everyone's wonderful impressions of East Hills, I am reminded that it's the PEOPLE that make East Hills Some Place Special: nothing but smiles from Mrs. Fast to Mrs. Levy (Kaufman) to Mrs. Beavers to Mr. Niklos. The openness and opportunities the East Hill environment provided allowed me to teach my classmates for a week in 5th grade social studies. East Hills imbues energy, diversity, and love: values that I strive for every day. Memories, Memories are everywhere, Bright and Fair- on your 30th Birthday-- Happy Birthday East Hills.
After first grade, I got better at doing my homework. After Frick and 'Dice, I went to Rice University in Texas and now I'm getting a PhD in Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. A song by Mrs. Hudson inspires me: No matter who you are, hitch your wagon to a star and you can make it to the top, one of these days.
Greetings from Morgan Russell <cuttiepie500@msn.com> on Mon May 12 22:41:06 2003!
My favorite East Hills memory was the 5th grade end of the year trip. We had a ball. We got muddy and wet and some of us even lost our shoes. I mean we got to jump off of a cliff into freezing cold water, we also played mud kickball, and we crawled around in the clay pits.
Currently I am an 8th grade student at Frick International Sutdies Academy. For 9th grade I will be studying at Schenly High School in there CAS classes. Right now I am very active in various instruments and I also perform in plays.
Greetings from Alyse Katz <MooneShYn9@aol.com> on Tue May 13 13:51:19 2003!
Okay, some of my personal memories include Mr. Kirby's rainbow table where he often made me sit because I talked a wee bit too much. Art was my FAVORITE class and I was devastated those few times where my class had to put our head down ALL period! I also really enjoyed "riding" on Mrs. Fast's exercise bicycle by standing on one pedal while my friend stood on the other. -and we ALWAYS faked the hiccups just to get a spoonful of sugar (I think Mrs. Fast always knew though!)
In 5th grade I worked with Cindy Snodgrass with Casey Artz and we made a flag of a giraffe drinking water from a pond with yellow ducks in it. I've always been curious as to what happened to that flag...keep the memories coming, I'm very excited for May 31!
I absolutely loved reading all of these postings, it reminded me A LOT of my elementary school years. I am a senior at Allderdice High School right now and I'm going to Emory University in Atlanta next year. I think I want to major in environmental studies, but who can really know that stuff yet?
Greetings from Matt Reese <four50mizou@hotmail.com> on Sat May 24 12:20:07 2003!
Oh wow, I can't believe it's been so long since graduating East Hills. I remember having to rehearse the simple steps and remembering to pause so the tv would catch my face. I remember getting yelled at with Sam during Mr. Kennedy's class for either not singing or mocking him. Good times.
I'll either be going to the University of Maryland or Temple in the fall, majoring in Psychology and Philosophy.
Greetings from Sara Rosen <sdr520@hotmail.com> on Sat May 24 16:27:04 2003!
East Hills is one of the most incredible places I have ever been. I remember graduating in fifth grade and crying my eyes out. I couldnt believe that i had to leave Mr. Meighn, Mr. V,Ms. Bridgeman, Ms. Barsh, Mr. Larkin, Ms. Bey, Mr. Nicholas, and all of my other favorite teachers. East Hills was one of the most welcoming places-it was the people who really made everything so great. I'll never forget how lucky i felt when i was a fifth grader and the new playground came! East Hills holds a very special place in my heart, and I am so excited to come back.
Right now i am finishing my junior year at Allderdice. Before i Allderidce i went to Frick ISA. I am still taking french, and i love it.
Greetings from Julia Nagle <jcn2006@columbia.edu> on Tue May 27 11:38:24 2003!
I had some crazy times at east hills, but it was definitely the best school i ever went to...from having my turtle stolen in first grade to mrs. fineman's science class and riding the bus over 5,000 pot holes, there was never a dull moment. I will never forget the friends i made, I hope everyone is doing well...
I'm going to be a sophomore at columbia in the fall. I'm doing a double major in political science/urban studies.
Greetings from Alexandra Stillson <siillyduck@hotmail.com> on Tue May 27 20:11:04 2003!
My years at East Hills were by far my best years ever. Although by 3rd grade i was probably the tallest in the entire school, it still brings back memories of wanting to learn and wanting to get up in the morning just to attend. Being in Mrs. Fast's english classes where she made school fun, being in group B with my MOM in Mrs. Georges class, and just having a total blast my fifth grade year. i'd give anything to go back and relive it all, and i wouldn't change a thing! well, maybe i wouldn't have spent so much time in the principles office for jumping in the mud and chasing the boys, but it was all worth it.
Right now I'm about 10 days from graduating from Shady Side Academy. I'll spend another summer working at Calvary Camp before I head off to Connecticut College. I plan on doing what I told Mr. Kirby I would do for the rest of my life, I'm majoring in art. Loved it at five, love it more now. I'm excited for my brand new start, but I'll never forget where it all began.
Greetings from Mickey Papa <mpapa1@pghboe.net> on Thu May 29 09:29:08 2003!
Each and everyday was a unique learning experience. The school provided a caring, nuturing and loving environment to everyone who walked through the door. The students, the parents and the staff were and still are a very special collection of wonderful people with a united aim in helping make "East Hill Some Place Special." I could not possibly list the thousands of happy moments that have been etched in my mind and soul. To all of you, I extend my most sincere thanks for all you have given me.
Currently, I am working in the Career Development Division of PPS. This career move has allowed me to keep in contact with many from the past and the meeting many new wonderful people. Through this experience emphasis if placed on providing our students with an awareness of the many career opportunities available to them.
Greetings from Anna Coufal <acsmile703> on Sun Jun 1 19:35:54 2003!
I went to EH from K to 5. I have many distinct memories from each grade, so here's a few: K- I was in Mrs. Dean's class. I remember her yelling at me for only using two colors when I was coloring. I also remember one time when we had to have partners for something and I was stuck with this girl i didn't know very well, we sang "Make new friends" and it made me feel better. 1- I was in Mrs. Wangelin's class. I remember French class the best. I remember her bringing in a suitcase full of clothes, and learning all of their names in French. 2- I remember having a lot of fun in Mrs. Clark's class. I remember completing many scrolls of multiplication tables. 3- I remember doing a lot of writing in 3rd grade. I also remember throwing a good-bye party for Ms. Byrd. I also remember beginning to get into difficult math with Mrs. Fast. 4- I had Mrs.Alexander. I remember in Mrs. Bridgeman's classes watching the sign language videos (boring) and the president's bowl (I think I still remember some of them). 5- Fifth grade was a lot of fun with Mrs. Beavers. I remember reading A Midsummer Night's Dream, and doing other Shakespeare stuff (that has come in handy). I also remember doing those LONG reports on field trips we took
It was really hard for me to leave EH. I cried after gradueation bc I was leaving the school I had grown so comfortable in. Now, I am in the 7th grade at Winchester Thurston School, and I really like it. It is very different from EH, and it's a lot harder. I love coming back to EH to see how much it has changed.
Greetings from Marian M. Fast <fasthenry@attbi.com> on Thu Jun 5 12:26:42 2003!
I first found out about East Hills by a newpaper article telling about a retreat the teachers had. This was in the fall of 1972. I thought at the time how great it would be to be able to teach in That school. We had just moved into Pittsburgh from the middle of Kansas where I had taken a course on "The Open Classroom". When I got a call to substitute teach for Mrs. West at East Hills, I was delighted. I became a permanent sub for the spring semester of 1973 and then taught as a full time teacher until the end of the 1999 school year. As I got to know the faculty I was most impressed with the calibre of teachers (and some of the aides, like Inez and Merle)and the amount of parent volunteers. Over the years I came to appreciate the freedom of teaching that I was given under Mrs Wade and Mr. Nicklos. THE STUDENTS, they were the ones I really enjoyed. Each one, so unique and special. I still smile much thinking about them, and at times still wishing I were in the classroom learning along with them. : )
After retiring in June of 1999 my husband and I have been going places, seeing and doing things that we've wanted to do for years. We started out by immediately heading to Alaska for 3.5 months (we have a 5th wheel). We were happy to find out that the Youth Hostels accepted us when we backpacked thru the inner passage. : ) We tried our wilderness skills (orienteering) doing the 100 mile canoe run in the Everglades. We just finished checking out China and are heading to the Yukatan Peninsula in July (dumb time to go for one who doesn't like hot weather, right?). I have been spending the months of May and November living with my father(95 yrs)in the desert area east of San Diego so that my siblings can get a break. I am really sorry to have missed the reunion at East Hills. I would have loved seeing/greeting you who have meant so much to me for so many years. May "LIFE" be yours for evermore!
Greetings from Hope Allen <partygirl2008@aol.com> on Mon Jun 9 22:03:09 2003!
East Hills has caused many experiences for me. Starting with Ms. Bleckman in 1st grade, on 2nd miss stokan, in 3rd Miss Stephans, in 4th miss Bridgeman, in 5th Mr. V, but for english Mr. Meighan. I recently moved to the west coast and am thankful for all the knowledge i have about the "real-world"
Hello. My name is Hope Allen and i'm in 6th grade. I spent half the year at frick and half at MBMS a school in CA
Greetings from Abbey B. Farkas <AbbeyBF42@mac.com> on Tue Jul 1 21:14:03 2003!
I started at East Hills in the 1994-1995 school year, I went kicking and screaming about wanting to go to Ellis. I will never forget the Red Bus (driven by Mr. Tony and Erin), learning math from Mrs. Fast (I was in her final homeroom before she retired), Mr. V yelling at us for goofing off and Mr. Meighan's Social Studies class (Mr. M and TT's place especially). I most of all remember the fifth grade trip to Camp Crestfield when I got stuck under Rachel Shapiro's leg in the clay pitt and had to wait 15 minutes while the counselor dug her out, but I loved the campfire, because I saw the big dipper for the first time in the field.
I am a graduate of Frick I.S.A. and am now going into my freshman year at Allderdice. I am still friends with Rachel Shapiro (even though she had me stuck in the clay pitt), Emma Stahl-Wert and most of the other people that I used to wreak havoc with. I was on the softball team at Frick and am training for a year of Crew next year (with Rachel ironicly (as long as she doesn't get me stuck in the Mon)). That's all about my life, good luck in yours.
Greetings from Erik Schmidt <ernschmidt@hotmail.com> on Thu Jul 3 17:53:05 2003!
6 years of the best elementary school I've ever visited, and i hated most of it. I shouldn't have, but most of us, even the nerds, were caught up somehow in despising school. It was a wonderful school, some of the best teachers i've known. It was sad to learn Ms. Bey had left (at least, thats wat i heard from a fifth grader), and a joy to hear that the rumors of Mr. Nickolas' retirement were false. and though i can no longer attend east hills, i still have happy, if somewhat belated, memories of my 6 short years there.