Alumni
Welcome back!
We hope you'll return to Renbrook soon to see what’s new, catch up with your favorite teachers, attend an event, or just to stop by to say “Hello.”
There are so many ways--both formal and informal--that alumni may participate in the life of the school. If you'd like to reconnect with Renbrook, consider volunteering on your reunion planning committee or as a reunion giving chair. Regardless of how involved you want or are able to be, please stay in touch! We'd love to keep you "in the know" about Renbrook’s goals and accomplishments, and we really want to hear your ideas, interests, and concerns. The strength of Renbrook depends on your involvement.
Update Your Contact Information
Please provide the Alumni Office with your current mailing address for upcoming publications and invitations to special events. Make changes online or email alumni@renbrook.org with your updated information.
Allie Young
Director of Development Operations & Individual Givingayoung@renbrook.org
860-236-1661 ext. 318
Kira Miskimmin
Director of Alumni Relations & Donor Engagementkmiskimmin@renbrook.org
860-236-1661 ext. 249
In our latest “Who’s that Hawk?” we celebrate Amanda Liu ’15. Last April, Amanda and her partner Albert Zhang opened Blossom Café in Simsbury, CT. They were inspired by the fanciful decorations and creative menus they experienced at cafes and restaurants throughout South Korea, Japan, and China during a trip they took to Asia after college. They moved (back) to Connecticut from LA and began shadowing Amanda’s parents at their restaurant, Sakura Garden. When Amanda and Albert discovered an amazing spot in Simsbury, they decided, as Amanda recalls, to “take a big risk and start Blossom Café!” Coined a “brunch sanctuary,” Blossom Café was featured in @ctbites last month and offers a mix of American and Asian dishes, blending traditional favorites with innovative twists. Amanda credits Renbrook with giving her the opportunity to “explore different facets of the arts whether it was singing in the choir, performing in musicals, painting and drawing, or woodworking with Mr. Monroe.” Amanda recalls, “It was at Renbrook where I found that I really enjoyed creating things with my hands, and I was able to use those skills when renovating the café.” After Renbrook, Amanda attended Westminster School and then Occidental College in Pasadena, CA, where she majored in Studio Art and minored in East Asian Studies. Congratulations on @blossomcafect, Amanda! #renbrookalumni #wearerenbrook
Photo: Amanda’s Renbrook teachers Doug and Jane Cramphin (left) and Chris and Jim Ladd (right) surprised her with a visit to Blossom Café during its opening days!
Jan 18
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Students have been studying Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.`s inspiring history and teachings. They’re learning how his messages of love and equality for all continue to resonate with us today, connecting with his vision for a brighter future!
#renbrook #renbrookcommunity #MLK
Jan 17
JK students are learning about opposites. While discussing sink or float, they decided to make boats in their maker space. They created their boats using popsicle sticks, tape, clear containers, and paper. Happy to report that all the boats stayed afloat!
#renbrook #bringinglearningtolife #makerspace
Jan 17
Seventh-grade World History and Religion has been studying the five major religions this semester. A student shared personal items related to Islam with our class, including his prayer rug, prayer beads, and two copies of the Quran (one in Arabic, one in English). His classmates had many questions, which he answered thoughtfully and broadened his classmates` understanding of Islam. We are always excited to learn more about our families and their traditions; thank you for sharing!
#renbrook #bringinglearningtolife #renbrookcommunity
Jan 16
Guess who is celebrating their 10th reunion this year! We can’t wait to see the class of 2015 back on campus for Alumni Night on April 26, 2025! Tag your friends and share your favorite Renbrook memories! Invitations will be sent later this month—email alumni@renbrook.org to get involved. #renbrookalumni #renbrookreunion2025 #returntorenbrook
Jan 16
In Art, sixth-grade students learned about Unity as a Principle of Design. Unity is a harmonious arrangement of design elements (line, shape, color, form, value, texture, pace). Cross-hatching, pressure, blending, and the use of smudging tools were some of the blending techniques practiced.
#renbrook #renbrookarts
Jan 15
They have arrived! Salmon eggs were delivered last week as part of the fifth-grade water and life science unit. The eggs were approximately 42% developed and will be monitored until the end of the alevin stage, the second stage of life. The students will record the temperature of the water every day and use that number to determine how much the salmon have developed so they can choose a release date. The salmon must be released when insect larvae are available in a tributary of the Farmington River - so late March or early April is the target. They will also monitor for dead eggs and fungal issues in the tank as they take this stewardship very seriously. Stay tuned for more updates!
#renbrook #bringinglearningtolife
Jan 15
The cast and stage crew are making significant strides in their preparation for the US musical Finding Nemo, Jr. Marlin and Dory are traveling the EAC with Crush and underwater sea vegetation is coming to life thanks to US woodworking. Can`t wait until the performance in February!
#renbrook #renbrookarts #allhandsondeck
Jan 14
