Classroom Spotlight: Advanced Biology —
Research Methods
In Dr. April Burch's Advanced Biology: Research Methods class, students participate in both lectures and laboratory activities, giving them a comprehensive understanding of biology. The class is designed for students with robust science and research experience and provides them with hands-on opportunities to understand the biological systems while building essential skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration. The curriculum includes experiments using modern techniques like DNA and protein analysis, fluorescence microscopy, mammalian bioinformatics tools, and more! During a recent class, students performed DNA extraction from fruit (strawberry, dragon fruit, starfruit, and blueberry) using everyday items including detergents, salt, and ethanol, to precipitate the DNA. Dr. Burch explained, "This activity translates abstract molecular concepts such as cell structure and membranes, macromolecules, the chemical properties of DNA and serves as a gateway to deeper learning objectives focused on PCR, DNA sequencing, molecular cloning, transformation, and bioinformatics. Strawberry DNA purification bridges everyday materials and cutting-edge molecular biology, helping students see that modern research techniques are built on fundamental biochemical interactions. This perspective is exactly what the course aims to develop as students progress toward advanced molecular, cellular, and bioinformatics investigations."
I love the moments when students stop seeing biology as a set of facts to memorize for an exam and begin to experience it as a fundamental and awe-inspiring process. The hope is that students are inspired by the power of what we can do on campus and energized by the resources available at Berkshire." –April Burch, Director of the Advanced Math/Science Research Program
Celebrating Berkshire's Morehead-Cain Finalists
We are incredibly proud to announce that Claire Kim '26 has been named a finalist for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is one of the most prestigious and highly sought-after merit awards for undergraduate study. Out of the thousands of applicants globally, she has been identified as a young leader with the potential to make a profound impact on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and on the world beyond. As a part of her application, Claire named Sarah Pitcher as her Impact Educator. Ms. Pitcher was Claire's Advanced English teacher during her sophomore year and the two of them have worked closely on the Green & Gray, Berkshire's student newspaper. When reflecting on why she chose Ms. Pitcher, Claire said, "She has taken the time to get to know me. She identified my passions and my potential. She has invested in me."
Known for her ability to hold kids to a high standard, Ms. Pitcher expertly balances rigor with a transformative warmth and care. She fosters curiosity in ways that serve her students far beyond their years under the Mountain." –Heidi Woodworth, Dean of Academics
Claire's experience perfectly illustrates the heart of our school mission: Berkshire School creates an inclusive community where students are known well, provides an empowering educational experience, and prepares students for lives of purpose. Claire's achievement is a result of her own dedication, and Ms. Pitcher's recognition serves as a reminder of the transformative power teachers can have on young adults. Please join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement for both Claire and Ms. Pitcher!
Classroom spotlight: Advanced Engineering
We are excited to introduce Berkshire's newest engineering teacher, Mr. Paul Haberstroh. With over 20 years in the engineering space and 12 years teaching robotics specifically, Mr. Haberstroh has made an immediate impact on campus, teaching four engineering classes and serving as the assistant coach for Girls JV Basketball. A former competitive mountain biker and photography enthusiast, Mr. Haberstroh recently joined Kelley Bogardus for a Campus Loop!
During the winter trimester, his Advanced Engineering class focuses on their robotics curriculum. Students assemble VEX Robots, which includes hundreds of small pieces from motors, tires, sensors, wires, screws, and more, before competing against one another in the 2026 VEX V5 "Push Back" game. In the game, students drive the robots and strategically place blocks in designated scoring areas. "The robotics curriculum provides an opportunity for students to find a solution to a complex, real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering," said Haberstroh.
I hope students learn the 4Cs of 21st-century learning: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity." –Paul Haberstroh
Celebrating
Martin Luther King Day
The Berkshire community honored the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by framing a weekend-long celebration around community, collaboration, joy, and collective belonging. During all-school meeting, affinity group leaders highlighted how the Civil Rights Movement—and the work that continues today—has always relied on collaboration across communities. Students spoke about social justice pioneers from the era and the lasting impact that’s possible when communities come together with intention. In addition to the assembly, Berkshire hosted seven schools for its MLK Interschool Dance on Saturday, as well as an Afro-Peruvian Drum Workshop and a workshop on The Seven Layers of Listening on Sunday. Students also organized a screening of The Black Panther on Monday evening. The goal was simple but meaningful: to create spaces for exchange, relationship-building, and shared joy — reminding students that belonging can be cultivated not only through dialogue, but also through celebration and being together. Thank you to the BSU and LASA affinity group leaders for organizing this programming. Jerome Williams '26, Chidera Okeke '26, Katherine Nelson '27, Gabrielle St. Clair '27, Lucas Gee '27, Briana Pujols Castillo '28, Amaru Cordova-Fiori '27, and Anabel Vilas '28 played meaningful roles in guiding conversation, creating space, and helping shape a strong sense of community throughout the weekend.
Rather than centering only on remembrance, we invited students to experience Dr. King’s legacy as something lived — built through shared space and mutual respect. My hope is that students left these several days feeling connected—with a deeper sense of belonging and a clearer understanding that community is something we actively build together." –Kelvin Martinez, Dean of Inclusion and Belonging
Traveling with the Strom Grant: Glen Seelenbrandt
During the summer of 2025, art teacher Glen Seelenbrandt traveled to Japan, supported by a grant from the Jonathan W. Strom Program for Asian Studies. His travels were rooted in his work as both an art teacher and an outdoor educator, with plans to walk the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, study Japanese calligraphy, and explore how spirituality, art, and nature intertwine. Initially overwhelmed by the “noise” of urban centers and more touristy destinations, he ventured further afield for long mountain hikes and quiet coastal villages.
By the end of the trip, I realized the sacred wasn’t hiding in temples or rituals. It was woven into everything. One of the simplest lessons I try to teach my students is how to see—not to capture what they know they see, but what they actually see. There’s a big difference. I thought I went to Japan to study calligraphy—to learn about the beauty of the written line. But what I learned instead was how to see the invisible lines that connect everything— between people, between places, between moments. My time in Japan taught me that seeing clearly isn’t just a skill used in making art—it’s a form of mindfulness. A way of being.” –Glen Seelenbrandt
Fifth Form College Program
Families of fifth-formers are invited to campus for the Fifth Form College Program on Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5. Representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of the Holy Cross, Bucknell University, and Trinity College will be on campus to lead workshops and answer questions, kicking off the college process for the Class of 2027!
Winter Team Photos Are Here!
Be sure to follow @BerkshireSchoolAthletics on Instagram and Threads to keep up-to-date on athletic news, scores, and highlights!
Alumni Spotlight
As the founder of the documentary film company Reel Guyana, Alex Arjoon ventures into remote landscapes to document his home country’s vibrant culture and the looming threats of climate change and rapid development. While he’s partnered with clients including HBO, CNBC, and National Geographic to provide marketing and video services, it’s his passion for environmental conservation that drives him. From lessons learned on the squash courts of Berkshire and Franklin & Marshall, where he studied Business, Organizations, and Society, to finding academic inspiration under the Mountain, read more about Alex’s journey below.
With the arrival of 2026, the countdown to Commencement has begun! This year’s ceremony will be held on Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a luncheon under the tent on Stewart Pitch.
Area lodging fills up quickly, so if you haven’t already made arrangements, please see below for a list of local accommodations.
Save the Date!
We hope you can join us for Spring Family Weekend on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25. Spring Family Weekend offers parents, guardians, grandparents, and their guests the opportunity to visit campus to engage with the school, their children, and each other! In addition, there will be a host of home athletic contests, the Spring Concert, and more. Families of seniors, mark your calendar for a special Class of 2026 dinner in Benson Dining Commons! It's the first of many milestone events in the spring to celebrate members of the graduating class.
One Day For Berkshire
There are 1,440 minutes in a day. This year, on Thursday, February 12, every minute has double the impact. Join the Berkshire community for our 11th annual One Day for Berkshire. This year, there is an even greater reason to give: The Match That Moves Us. Thanks to the generosity of a loyal alumni family, all eligible gifts to the 2025-2026 Annual Fund will be matched dollar for dollar. Whether you are:
- Giving for the first time
- Joining The 1907 Society
- Returning after time away
- Or increasing your support from the last fiscal year
Get out of the den early and make your gift today! If you make your gift ($25 minimum) before February 12, your name will be entered into a drawing for a Berkshire Patagonia green vest, hat, and mittens!
Over 40 alumni, ranging from the Classes of 1971 to 2015, returned to campus with their families on Saturday, January 10, for the annual Berkshire School Alumni Hockey Game. Whether competing on the ice or cheering from the stands, the energy was high for all three periods of play. In a hard-fought contest, Team Gray ultimately secured a 9-6 victory over Team Green, with David Cieslowski ’92 and Matt Crowson ’05 anchoring the goals. The festivities began with a family skate, followed by a post-game reception in the Jack Function Room. During the gathering, Co-Chair Chris Reichart ’98 thanked the community for their continued support and announced this year’s award recipients. Congratulations to Steph Holmes ’06, winner of The Elizabeth Hayes McGraw Alumni Hockey Player of the Game, and David Cieslowski ’92, recipient of The W. Ross Hawkins Alumni Hockey Player of the Game. Special thanks go to Chris Reichart ’98 and Jason Pendrock ’98 for their dedication to organizing this event. Berkshire enjoyed reconnecting with everyone and looks forward to welcoming you back to campus again next year! Players included (by class year): John Shaker ’71, Duke Blackburn ’72, Tim Locke ’82, Dave Cieslowski ’92, Chris Reichart ’98, Whit Watts ’98, Alex Watts ’02, Matt Crowson ’05, Becky Zavisza McCabe ’05, AJ Grimm ’06, Steph Holmes ’06, Justin Torre ’07, Tyler Wilmot ’12, Jimmy McKee ’15, George Plamondon ’28, Walker Annis ’29, Kevin Soja (Faculty), and Pieter Mulder (Head of School).
Thank you to all who attended this event and enjoyed some family skating as well!
Berkshire grandparents, please join Head of School Pieter Mulder for a special Grandparent Zoom on Thursday, February 19, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. (ET). To register for the Grandparent Zoom, please click below or contact the Director of Parent Engagement, Shannon Tyree Brown at 413-229-1282.
Join host Kelley Bogardus, Associate Director of College Counseling and Girls JV Ice Hockey Head Coach, for Episode 4, Season 3 of The Campus Loop. This week, Mrs. Bogardus caught up with Caitlin Cooper, Associate Dean of Students for Residential Life, Health & Wellness teacher, and Girls JV Ice Hockey Assistant Coach. Check it out!