2-A The Art of the Narrative

Amanda Lipitz, Alumna (1998): Founder of Amanda Lipitz Productions and Award-winning Director and Producer of film, theater, and television, including the 2017 documentary STEP  

What is your favorite storytelling medium? Theater, film, TV, music, podcasts, shorts, musicals, and everything in between…no matter what the form is, it is all about telling a great story. In today’s content-hungry world, director and producer Amanda Lipitz will discuss how to create a compelling narrative in whatever medium is of most interest to you. And you may be surprised with the final product – often, it is not always where you started

2-B Data, Stats, and Sports: The Math Behind the Football

Daniel Stern, Alumnus (2012): Football Analyst for The Baltimore Ravens 

The score is tied 13 to 13 late in the third quarter. You have a fourth and two on the opponent’s eight-yard line. Do you kick a field goal or go for a touchdown? The use of analytics is changing the landscape of strategy in the NFL, from “in the moment” game time decisions, to broader research and operations. Daniel Stern will discuss applications of research and data analysis within football coaching across the NFL.

2-C From Park School to the Federal Bench…In Heels

The Honorable Amy Berman Jackson, Alumna (1972): United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Judge Amy Berman Jackson will provide her account of life as a woman in the law and judiciary, and lessons garnered along the way. From an extensive legal career in both public service and private practice, to presiding over complex and high-profile cases in the courtroom, Judge Jackson will talk about the career that led her to the bench and will answer your questions…if she can!

2-D Building Trust in an Untrustworthy World

Matthew Green, Ph.D., Parent: Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute

The past decades have seen a remarkable acceleration in the development of digital communication technologies. From social networking to the smartphone, these technologies have in many ways improved our daily lives. At the same time, they have eroded our basic expectation of privacy. Join cryptographer and security technologist Dr. Matthew Green to discuss the present and future of digital privacy. He will address tools that computer scientists are developing to help protect us, and the tension these have already created with law enforcement and security agencies.

2-E It’s All in the Family – A Look at In-law Relationships 

Geoffrey Greif, Ph.D., LCSW-C, Parent of Alumnae and Former Trustee: Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work 

How do families open up and welcome a new adult into their fold after marriage? How does a newlywed fit into a spouse’s family, and what issues are faced with the arrival of grandchildren, with aging, or with illness? In this session, Dr. Geoffrey Greif will delve into in-law relationships and how they evolve differently for women and men, based on his multi-methods study and research for a forthcoming book.

2-F How to Make a Story Awesome

Adam Gidwitz, Alumnus (2000): Bestselling Author of A Tale Dark and Grimm series and Newbery Honor Awardee of The Inquisitor’s Tale

In this workshop, author Adam Gidwitz will teach you how to do just that. It’s a lesson in story structure – but the real, how-authors-do-it story structure. How do you write an exciting story? Do you just have to throw in some gory details to keep the reader engaged? During the session, participants look at writing a short story that is actually exciting for the audience. Adam will address structuring the story, pacing it, adding vivid details, and the like. Suitable for all experience levels.

2-G The Return of America’s Original Craft Whiskey 

Allen Katz, Alumnus (1989): Founder of The New York Distilling Company and Director of the Spirits Education & Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York

Join Allen Katz, renowned spirits expert and former host of “The Cocktail Hour for Martha Stewart” on Siruis XM, to learn about the birth, death, and rebirth of rye whiskey, a spirit native to 18th century Maryland. Its influence has transcended cultures and traditions to once again be a focal point of American gastronomy and cocktail culture. Taste award-winning rye whiskies AND cocktails tailored for specific styles. Age 21+ to participate

2-H The Past, Present, and Future of Cancer 

Fred Bunz, M.D., Ph.D., Parent: Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Cell Imaging Core Facility 

What is cancer, and where are we headed in cancer research and therapies? Dr. Fred Bunz will address our evolving understanding of cancer and how that has changed our approach to it. As we move into a new era for cancer treatment, focused on genetics and immunology, this session will provide participants a better understanding of where we are today, as well as what may be on the horizon in cancer research and treatment.

2-I Applying Our Moral Imagination to Racial Inequality

Christopher J. Lebron, Ph.D., Parent: Associate Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University and Award-winning Author of numerous publications, including The Color of Our Shame: Race and Justice in Our Time

Can we use our  “moral imagination” to lead to greater racial equality? In this session, political philosopher Chris Lebron will examine this question. While our laws and policies undoubtedly have resulted in racial inequality for Black Americans, societal and individual impressions have led to further racial inequalities. Join Dr. Lebron for this unique look at race in America.

2-J Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!

Sophie Coates, Alumna (2001): Owner of Sugar Coates Bakery

Join expert baker Sophie Coates for a hands-on cake decorating class. Each participant will learn to frost and decorate their own individual cake from start to finish. Everyone will leave with their fully decorated (not to mention delicious) dessert! Session fee: $15

2-K Real Black Baltimore: The Children of Our City 

Sheri Parks, Ph.D., Parent of Alumna: Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the Maryland Institute College of Art and WYPR-NPR personality 

What is the day-to-day life of a working class African American youth in Baltimore? Dr. Sheri Parks works in deeply immersed ways with community members who move with grace, intelligence, and resilience in the face of unrelenting challenges. This session will include a discussion of her ongoing work with “Squeegee Kids,” and a short documentary film of the children at the Barclay Elementary and Middle School about visualizing a better Baltimore for themselves, and others.

2-L Baltimore on the Water – A Vision for Charm City 

Brad Rogers, Parent and Alumnus (1992): Executive Director at South Baltimore Gateway Partnership  /  Ben Hyman, Alumnus (2006): Director of Special Projects at Waterfront Partnership 

As every Park student knows, our local waterways are critically important to the people who live and work alongside them. From Moores Branch at Park, to our broader region, Baltimore is a city of waterways. Brad Rogers and Ben Hyman will discuss development in Baltimore along waterfront communities: what it means to the health and vibrancy of city neighborhoods and the economy of the region. You will learn about the transformational work being done in Baltimore, the neighborhoods impacted, and a vision for the future of Baltimore City.

2-M Changemakers

Shelly Hettleman, Parent of Alumni: Maryland State Delegate, District 11  /  Nancy M. Zirkin, Alumna (1964): Strategic Consultant  /  Jesse Colvin, Alumnus (2002): CEO of Service Year Alliance

Join these three dynamic individuals as they discuss their careers spent serving their communities, ranging from public service to activism, political engagement, and military service. They will share their thoughts on how people can make change within their own communities; and in doing so, perhaps they will inspire YOU.

2-N Deeper Learning in American High Schools

Jal Mehta, Ph.D., Alumnus (1995): Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Park’s 2020 Resident Scholar

Jal Mehta will discuss his recently co-authored book, In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School. Join him to explore what it means to understand something deeply, why such learning is rare in American schools, and how some teachers and schools manage to transcend these realities and create powerful, intellectually enlivening education. You will consider implications for Park, as well as for American education as a whole.

2-O Inclusivity in a Museum

Virginia Anderson, Ph.D., Parent: Curator of American Art at The Baltimore Museum  of Art 

In this session, engage in a conversation with Virginia Anderson about inclusivity in contemporary curatorial practice. You will discuss the conventional expectations of art museums – A little snobby? A little sleepy? More than a little stuffy? – and how curators, educators, and artists are working to shake up those expectations. How can we help older works of art talk to younger audiences? How can we create a more welcoming, dynamic, and inclusive space for today’s museum-goer.

 2-P Getting the Scoop: Food, Dining, and More in Baltimore 

Jane Marion, Parent of Alumni: Baltimore magazine’s Food & Dining Editor 

Listen in as the interviewer becomes the interviewee, as a Park Postscript student reporter interviews Jane Marion, long-time editor and writer at Baltimore magazine. She has written widely, including in the areas of food and dining, home and garden, and health and beauty. Topics might include how she became a writer and food reviewer, her experience writing the feature Baltimore’s 50 Best Restaurants, and her own most memorable interviews.

2-Q Entrepreneurial Spirit 

Jessica Chappel Kremen, Parent and Alumna (2001): Co-Founder of Worthy Threads  /  Candace Ourisman, Alumna (2001): President and Chief Brand Officer of Secretly Gifting  /  Sophia Macks, Alumna (2006): Founder and CEO of Beyond The Mag

From product design to marketing, branding, partnerships, and more, hear how entrepreneurs Jessica Kremen, Candace Ourisman, and Sophia Macks developed and grew their unique fashion and lifestyle businesses. Whether you are interested in starting your own business, or just want to hear their stories of hard-won success turning their passions into careers, this session is for you.

3-A Reporting the News in a “Post-Truth” Era

Annie Karni, Alumna (2000): White House Correspondent at The New York Times  /  Eric Tucker, Alumnus (1997): Justice Department Reporter at The Associated Press  

With facts and truth seemingly under attack, accurately reporting the news is more important than ever before. Hear from two journalists who will share their perspectives on reporting in the fast-paced news environment. Annie Karni and Eric Tucker will discuss the role of journalism in the current “post-truth” era and share stories from the front lines of reporting the news.

3-B Driving Education Policy in the 2020 Election

Khalilah M. Harris, J.D., Ed.D., Parent: Managing Director of K-12 Education Policy at the Center for American Progress and former Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans 

Access to a quality public education remains one of the key issues of interest for the American public in the coming 2020 presidential election. Join this session with Dr. Khalilah M. Harris to discuss what policies voters should be paying attention to, and seeking answers for, as they decide for whom they will cast their ballots at the local, state, and federal levels. Get informed about what role you can play as a student, parent, educator, or community member to expand access to quality education for all children in American schools.

3-C #ResistanceGenealogy 

Jennifer Mendelsohn, Parent: Founder of #resistancegeneaology, Journalist, and Writer 

#resistancegenealogy is a social media movement that uses genealogical and historical records to fight disinformation and honor America’s immigrant past. In this session, Jennifer Mendelsohn will share her path to becoming an “accidental activist.” She’ll also detail how her genealogical sleuthing  has helped reunite long lost family members, debunked decades-old family fairy tales (did you know no names were changed at Ellis Island?), and led to shocking, poignant, and sometimes hilarious revelations.

3-D Grassroots Conversations on Policing

Vesla Weaver, Ph.D., Parent: Bloomberg Distinguished Associate Professor of Political Science and Sociology at Johns Hopkins University 

Dr. Vesla Weaver will describe “Portals,” a new technology used to initiate conversations about policing in race-class subjugated communities. Portals are virtual chambers where people in far-away communities can converse as if in the same room. Based on over 850 recorded and transcribed conversations across 10 neighborhoods in five cities, Dr. Weaver and her Portals Policing Project team analyzed patterns concerning policing and incarceration across cities and will share those findings – and this new technology – with you.

3-E Bat Box Build 

Rhys Joseph, Faculty and Parent: Upper School Visual Arts  /  Danielle Nekimken, Faculty and Parent: Graphic Arts and Yearbook Advisor 

A single bat can eat over 1,000 mosquitos in a night. How’s that for natural pest control? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll build a wooden bat box and customize it using Park School’s laser cutter. Park faculty members Rhys Joseph and Danielle Nekimken will lead you, step by step, through design and construction. Studio fee: $15

3-F It’s Funny Because It’s True: Taking Real Life from Anecdote to Performance to Published Work 

R. Eric Thomas, Alumnus (1999): Award-winning Author, Playwright, Host of The Moth StorySlams, and Senior Staff writer for ELLE.com, where he writes “Eric Reads the News”  

How do you turn a series of real life events into a good story? How do you turn that good story into a published book? And how much of the truth ends up on the page? Author R. Eric Thomas will discuss the process of writing and publishing his new memoir-in-essays Here for It, or How to Save Your Soul in America, and share how he turns his own funny, strange, and dramatic happenings into narratives.

3-G How Can We Keep Youth Sports Safe, Healthy, and Fun?

Mark Hyman, Parent of Alumni: Professor of Sports Management at the George Washington University and Journalist who has written extensively about youth sports  /  Chad Zooker, M.D., Parent: Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy

More than 40 million children participate in organized sports each year. Ensuring that sports are safe and fun is more challenging than ever in the age of specialization, travel teams, and professionalization. In this session, the presenters will deconstruct five myths about kids, sports, and healthy development. They’ll also point to simple steps parents and coaches can take to protect young athletes.

 3-H Calling All Chefs!

Beej Flamholz, Parent and Alumnus (1998): Chef at Beej Flamholz, LLC

Join Chef Beej Flamholz, caterer of the event dinner, for a multi-sensory tasting as he leads a small group in the diverse flavors of global cuisine. Put on your apron and get ready for hands-on learning to create some of his award-winning dishes! Session fee: $15

3-I Slime and Our Sustainable Future

Ruth Kassinger, Alumna (1972): Award-winning Author of numerous publications, including Slime: How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us

We call them “slime,” but algae have been essential to life on our planet for billions of years. They created our oxygen-rich atmosphere, crude oil, and coral reefs. Today, seaweeds, macroalgae, and microalgae are a multibillion-dollar industry. We find them in sushi, chocolate milk, beer, and toothpaste, to name a few. Entrepreneurs are making gasoline, jet fuel, and biodegradable shoes from algae. Author Ruth Kassinger will explain how these fantastic engines of matter created our world and can be harnessed for our future.

3-J Technology and Progressive Education in 2020 and Beyond 

Mick Scott, Faculty and Parent: Academic Technology Coordinator and Upper School Computer Science, Robotics, and Engineering  /  Samira Phillips, Faculty and Parent of Alumna: Middle School Technology and Computer Science Chair 

What is the value of technology for progressive education? In this session, you will be exploring answers to this question using current examples from, and future possibilities for, the three divisions at Park. The aim is to walk away not only with a better understanding of how technology can be used in progressive education today, but also a deeper understanding of just what progressive education is, and what it means in our modern world.

3-K Stoop Stories @Park: Immigration in Our Community

Jessica Henkin, Parent: Stoop Storytelling Co-Creator and Early Learning Programs Coordinator at Baltimore City Public Schools

The Stoop Storytelling Series is a Baltimore-based live show and podcast that features real people telling the extraordinary, true tales of their lives. Stoop Stories are not memorized, performed, or read – they’re shared. And now it comes to Park School, featuring members of our own community, sharing their stories of immigration. Join us for this thought-provoking, moving, surprising, and entertaining session.

3-L Big Data, Big Deal

David Elbert, Parent: Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University

Big data touches our lives every second, every day. What is it? Why should we care? What does it mean, especially for science and the way we will create new knowledge? David Elbert will introduce the topic of Big Data with a central focus on the revolution afoot in science and technology.

3-M Cyberbullying: Pernicious, Pervasive, and Spreading

Robert A. Zirkin, Parent: Former Maryland State Senator,  District 11  /  Jon S. Cardin, Parent and Alumnus (1988): Maryland State Delegate, District 11  /  Julie Yura, Parent: Equity Compliance Investigator at Johns Hopkins University

As our world becomes increasingly more digital and technology-based, so too have bullying and harassment. States and schools have enacted laws and policies to combat cyberbullying and online harassment, such as Grace’s Law in Maryland (first passed in 2013 and expanded in 2019). Hear about how this problem manifests for students in our schools and places of higher learning, as well as how it is being addressed in Maryland.

3-N The Art and Science of Cinematography

Bradford Young, Parent: Award-winning Artist and Cinematographer for films including When They See Us, Selma, and Solo: A Star Wars Story

This session is sure to fascinate movie buffs and artists alike. Cinematographer Bradford Young will discuss his photographic approach to When They See Us, directed by Ava DuVernay, and Solo: A Star Wars Story, directed by Ron Howard. He will share his perspective on how the art form  of cinematography is both an extension of science and culture and deeply reflective of our time.

3-O Public Health Crises: Are We Equipped to Respond?

Tom Inglesby, M.D., Parent: Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and Professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with joint appointment at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine  

What kinds of crises would national leaders face in response to a fast-moving pandemic? Dr. Inglesby will present a recent exercise that involved senior U.S. officials responding to a (fictional) novel pandemic. Audience members will experience some of the exercise and have a chance to think through and offer comments – if they’d like! – on what they might do at moments of decision in this kind of event.

3-P The Need for a More Diverse Energy Efficiency Industry

Anthony Kinslow II, Ph.D., Alumnus (2008): Founder and CEO of Gemini Energy Solutions

The energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE&RE) industries are among the fastest growing in the U.S. But they are also among the least diverse industries when it comes to their work force. In this session, Dr. Anthony Kinslow will discuss why this lack of diversity negatively impacts the reduction of greenhouse gases, what the barriers to diversity are and how they perpetuate, and what Gemini Energy Solutions and others are doing to combat this trend.