Three Faculty Members Receive Kenan Grants for Professional Development

Endowed in 1979 by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to support professional development, Foxcroft was the first girls’ school to award “Kenan Grants” to faculty for summer research, scholarship, and creativity to enhance teaching and learning at the School. 

Jessica Cannon, Director of Wellness Education and Services

From their earliest days on campus, Foxcroft students hear our motto, mens sana in corpore sano — a healthy mind in a healthy body. This summer, I was proud to be awarded a Kenan grant to develop a year-long wellness initiative for all grade levels, based on monthly themes. I believe seeing wellness information and messaging woven into more aspects of their Foxcroft lives will help our students better understand our motto as a crucial part of their Foxcroft experience, and encourage them to see their well-being as something worth taking time for, even during the busiest academic season.

The monthly themes will be based on the needs and trends our community experiences throughout the academic year, like "Connection" in our early September days and "Reset" in January as we get back in the groove for a busy spring semester. My goal is to provide students with concrete learning and activities and to emphasize the validity and importance of prioritizing their wellness and the wellness of their community. I strongly believe the more supported, connected, and *well* a student feels, the better they learn. I hope that in growing our culture of wellness, we’ll help our students think critically about the real-world problems of supporting their well-being and health, something they’ll be able to carry far beyond their time at Foxcroft.

Karin Thorndike, Fine Arts Teacher and Theater Director

This summer, I began researching various DMX lighting systems, software, and equipment to elevate classroom instruction in FoxHound. My focus is on identifying user-friendly options that deliver professional-quality lighting effects for all events. Although I couldn't complete my studies during the summer, I am now concentrating on creating a permanent lighting grid for our facility and developing a comprehensive chart to document all fixtures, cables, and connections. 

Next summer, I will finalize my research and create a curriculum for the Technical Theatre class that integrates traditional lighting theory with practical experience using DMX systems and software. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the field of technical theater and will familiarize them with both board-based and digital lighting systems.

Katherine Tomaskovic, Director of International Student Services and Recruitment

I was thrilled to be able to work on a new orientation program designed specifically for international high school equestrians, helping them navigate the unique terminology and culture of an American equestrian program. This initiative equips students with essential vocabulary and cultural understanding, ensuring they can communicate effectively with trainers, peers, and other professionals in the barn and the ring. With a strong focus on safety and confidence in the fast-paced environment of the riding ring, the program helps students build the language skills they need for success. By empowering our international equestrians, we are fostering smoother transitions into Foxcroft’s equestrian community and creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every rider can thrive. By enriching the co-curricular landscape with specialized programming tailored to the needs of this unique demographic, Foxcroft demonstrates its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and personalized learning experiences for its international equestrians and will allow Foxcroft’s riding program to differentiate itself from competitors.

After initial discussions with our barn directors, we decided to pivot this initiative into an online course, thus expanding its impact beyond our international riders. The course can now serve as a comprehensive barn orientation for all students new to riding at Foxcroft. Built on experiential learning educational theory and pedagogy, the course covers key equestrian terminology, safety protocols, and riding culture to ensure students are fully prepared for the dynamic environment of the barn and riding ring. Modules will include detailed lessons on horse care, tack and equipment, riding techniques, competition rules, and essential safety practices. With this new online resource, we are creating an accessible, engaging, and well-rounded introduction to Foxcroft’s equestrian program, empowering all riders to succeed from day one.