The Raider Ramble

On this episode of The Raider Ramble, senior Lexie Smith sits down with Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña during his visit to North Shore Country Day. From his journey as a reluctant reader to the stories and experiences that inspire his award-winning books, Matt shares thoughtful insights on writing, identity, creativity and the power of representation in children’s literature. Plus, Lexie puts him through a fun round of rapid-fire book questions and asks for advice for aspiring young writers.

In this episode of Raider Ramble, host Drea Gallaga welcomes back North Shore Country Day alum James Robinson ’15, an Emmy-winning filmmaker and author of Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen. James reflects on his time at NSCD and shares how his early experiences here helped shape his path into documentary filmmaking and storytelling.The conversation explores the inspiration behind Whale Eyes, an illustrated memoir about living with strabismus that invites readers to experience the world through James’s perspective. Drea and James discuss how the project evolved from a viral short film into an award-winning book, the creative collaboration behind it, and the power of storytelling to build empathy and understanding.James also reflects on the connections between film and writing, his work as a video producer with The New York Times Opinion, and offers thoughtful advice for students interested in pursuing creative careers with purpose.Tune in for a meaningful conversation about perception, narrative and the impact of sharing our stories.Links:Whale Eyeshttps://www.whaleeyes.org/How Life Looks Through My ‘Whale Eyes’https://www.whaleeyes.org/watch

In this episode of Raider Ramble, host Lisa Doi ’09 welcomes back NSCD alum and acclaimed actor Joel de la Fuente ’87, joined by award-winning writer Jeanne Sakata, for a powerful conversation about storytelling, history, and purpose.Joel reflects on returning to North Shore Country Day and the role NSCD played in shaping his creative path. Together, Joel and Jeanne dive into Hold These Truths, the moving solo performance centered on the true story of Gordon Hirabayashi, exploring themes of courage, patriotism, and standing up for constitutional values.This episode offers an inspiring look at the power of art to spark reflection, dialogue, and change—along with thoughtful advice for students interested in the arts and storytelling. Tune in for a meaningful conversation that connects past, present, and purpose.Links:Hold These Truthshttps://www.holdthesetruths.info/

In this new episode of The Raider Ramble, Head of School Tom Flemma sits down with Jeff Selingo, New York Times bestselling author and one of the nation’s most trusted voices on higher education, college admissions and the changing job market. For more than 25 years, Selingo’s reporting has helped families, educators and leaders make sense of an ever-shifting landscape — and today’s conversation is no exception.Together, Tom and Jeff explore the ideas behind Selingo’s latest bestseller, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right For You,” a book born from two decades of questions about what college really offers students and how families can approach the admissions journey with more clarity, confidence and agency.Here are the key takeaways we have for you:Families often place too much emphasis on college rankings, when true indicators of quality come from student experience — strong first-year support, faculty mentorship, internships and hands-on learning.Students have more agency than they realize; the college search should empower them, not turn high school into a checklist or performance arena.“Dream School” was written as a roadmap to help families look beyond selectivity and toward fit, value and long-term outcomes.College is a major consumer decision — families should ask questions, compare options and evaluate cost and value just as they would with any significant investment.Career outcomes matter: the transition to the workforce is increasingly shaped by what students do in college — research, internships, campus engagement — not just where they attend.High school is a time for exploration; reducing it to a series of hoops for admissions undermines student growth and well-being.Counselors are essential partners — they understand your student, your school and how to align college choices with academic, social and financial fit.Families should feel empowered, informed and curious — approaching the process with questions, flexibility and an open mind.Links:Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for Youhttps://jeffselingo.com/books/dream-schoolNSCD College Counselinghttps://www.nscds.org/academics/college-counselingFAN (Family Action Network)https://www.familyactionnetwork.net

What makes North Shore, North Shore? In this reflective episode of The Raider Ramble, host and lifelong Raider Mullery Doar ’06 explores the stories, rituals and rhythms that bind generations of students together. From the joy of buddy day to Morning Ex, these traditions form the heartbeat of our community.We hear from current students about the moments that make them feel like they truly belong, then travel back in time with one of our oldest living alums, Louise Noll ’40, who reminds us why these traditions began in the first place. Finally, we turn to longtime lower school teacher David Green, who reflects on how traditions evolve while keeping our shared values alive.Tradition isn’t just something we do — it’s something we feel. A connection to the past. A celebration of the present. A promise to the future.

We’re kicking off Season 3 of the Raider Ramble with a very special guest: Patricia Ostrom Kohnen ’60, this year’s Francis R. Stanton ’27 Alumni Recognition award recipient.A pioneer in STEM at a time when few women pursued such careers, Pat built a remarkable 25-year career with Chevron after early work at Procter & Gamble and in education. Alongside her professional achievements, she has dedicated her life to service — leading in organizations like the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters, and her local school board — while continuing to embody North Shore’s motto, “Live and Serve.”In this conversation with host Dr. Collins, Pat reflects on her North Shore Country Day experience, the changing landscape for women in STEM, and the lessons of resilience, adaptability, and community that have guided her throughout her life.Join us for an inspiring episode that celebrates Pat’s legacy of curiosity, leadership, and service — qualities that continue to strengthen the North Shore community and beyond.

In this episode of The Raider Ramble, hosts Diana Flemma and Sarah Levi offer insightful guidance for parents navigating the summer months with their teenage and college-aged children. As licensed mental health professionals and seasoned parents themselves, Diana and Sarah explore how summer can be a powerful season for reflection, independence-building, and emotional resilience. They break the season into three key phases — the beginning, middle, and end — and walk parents through practical tools for helping teens decompress, grow, and transition with greater confidence.Top Takeaways for Parents:Decompression is crucial: Teens need time to rest and recalibrate after a demanding school year — this isn't laziness, it's recovery.Set expectations collaboratively: Hold a family meeting after a short decompression period to discuss curfews, chores, and summer plans.Break the summer into phases: Tackle expectations and goals in smaller time chunks, revisiting and adjusting as needed.Use the driver’s license analogy: Building life skills requires guidance, practice, and gradually increasing independence.Prioritize communication and feedback: Encourage your teen’s voice in decision-making to foster ownership and self-confidence.Support real-world skill-building: Summer is ideal for practicing budgeting, healthcare management, and other adult responsibilities.Focus on strengths, not just struggles: Highlight what your teen does well to build motivation and resilience.Practice emotional regulation: Expect emotional ups and downs, especially near summer’s end — your calm presence matters.Reinforce self-care routines: Help teens keep sleep, exercise, and emotional regulation strategies consistent as school approaches.Plan for continued connection: Work with your teen to develop a communication and support plan for when they return to school or college.LINKSSarah H. Levi, PsyD www.drsarahlevi.comDiana Flemma, MA, LCPCwww.dianaflemmacounseling.comLIVE EVENTLaunch With Confidence: Successfully Guide Your Teen Into the Post-High School YearsFeeling unsure about how to support your teen as they prepare for life after high school? You’re not alone. Join therapists and parents Diana Flemma, MA, and Sarah H. Levi, PsyD, who bring 45+ years of combined experience with high school and college students and their families, for a one-hour conversation to help you feel more confident, prepared, and connected during this major transition. You’ll leave with practical tools, new insights, and a sense of community with other parents navigating the same challenges.Designed for parents of high schoolers—including rising 9th graders and recent grads.Upcoming Dates📍 Wednesday, June 11 | 1:30 p.m. — North Shore Country Day📍 Wednesday, August 13 | 1:30 p.m. — Winnetka Public Library📍 Wednesday, August 13 | 7:00 p.m. — Winnetka Public Library

In this episode of Raider Ramble, Montse Lusarreta, Lower School Counselor, and Courtney Wilson, Middle School Counselor, are joined by this year's Harold Hines Visiting Fellow, Dr. Ethan Kross. Renowned as a leading expert on emotional regulation, Dr. Kross delves into the science of emotions in his latest book, "Shift: Managing Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You." Drawing from his international bestseller, "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It," he offers practical strategies to empower us to manage our emotions effectively. Tune in as we explore the invaluable insights shared by Dr. Kross and learn how we can harness the power of our emotions to enhance our well-being.Top Takeaways for Parents:Emotions and Proportions: All emotions are useful when experienced in the right proportionsEmotional Regulation: Avoid letting negative emotions last too long or be triggered too intenselyPersonalized Tools: Different tools work for different people in different situationsSelf-Experimentation: Familiarize yourself with available tools and start self-experimenting to find what works for youSharing Knowledge: Share the tools with others to help manage emotions effectivelyAccessible Tools: Utilize simple and accessible tools such as music, sensory experiences, and physical activities like pushupsSimple vs. Complex: Learning about tools is simple, but mastering emotional regulation is a challengeToolbox Approach: Reach for certain tools when emotions are triggered and experiment with new ways to manage emotionsAdaptability: Use different tools in different situations, such as the ABC game for distraction in public and five senses for distraction at homeContinuous Practice: Managing emotions is a continuous process that requires effort and practice, similar to physical fitnessLINKSShift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don’t Manage Youwww.ethankross.comFamily Action Network (FAN)www.familyactionnetwork.net

In this episode of Raider Ramble, Robyn Schuster, President of the North Shore Country Day Parents’ Association, and Rachel Sun, Assistant Head of Middle School, discuss the importance of the parent-student-teacher partnership in supporting students through the challenges of middle school. They delve into the role of advisors, goal-setting, reflection, and navigating social dynamics to help students grow and become more independent.Top Ten Takeaways for Parents:Collaborative relationship between parents, students, and teachers is key to supporting students socially, academically, and emotionally.Advisors serve as the main point of contact for students and parents, providing guidance and advocacy.Middle school advisors help students plan ahead, manage workload, and communicate with teachers effectively.Advisors play a role in supporting both students and parents through the challenges of middle school transitions.Middle school is a time for students to gain independence and self-sufficiency with the support of parents and advisors.Multi-year advisory groups benefit students by providing mentorship and guidance across different grade levels.Goal setting, reflection, and open sessions in advisory help students manage challenges and seek advice from peers.Parents can utilize their connection with advisors to address concerns and understand typical behavior from their middle schoolers.Advisors offer insights into social dynamics at school and help parents gain a fuller picture of their child's experiences.Effective communication and collaboration between parents and advisors are crucial for supporting students through middle school challenges.LINKSThe Power of Advisory: Supporting Students Every Step of the Wayhttps://www.nscds.org/community/news/~board/nscd-news/post/the-power-of-advisory-supporting-students-every-step-of-the-way

In this episode of the Raider Ramble Podcast, hosts Hannah Chung and Gray Hulick from the Parents’ Association take a deep dive into the topic of parental burnout. From uncovering warning signs to emphasizing the crucial role of seeking support, they dig into the nitty-gritty details of managing the demands of parenting. Don't miss out on this exhilarating discussion that promises to enlighten, inspire and rejuvenate every parent out there!Here are the key takeaways we have for you:Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no is key to managing burnout and prioritizing self-care.Practice Makes Perfect: Saying no becomes easier with time and practice, especially as responsibilities grow.Streamlined Schedules: Clearing your calendar improves time management and lowers stress levels.Self-Care Matters: Making time for personal activities supports mental and emotional well-being.Social Connections: Spending time with friends boosts mental health and sharpens cognitive abilities, particularly in older age.Enduring Friendships: Long-term social bonds have proven benefits for maintaining mental acuity.Personal Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies creative outlets reduces stress and fosters self-expression.Community Engagement: Participating in local events builds a sense of belonging and fulfillment.Finding Balance: Balancing social commitments with parenting responsibilities is vital for overall well-being.LINKSNorth Shore Country Day Parents' Associationhttps://www.nscds.org/community/parents

In this episode of the Raider Ramble Podcast, we peek behind the curtains of North Shore Country Day, exploring stories that connect the past with the present. Host Mullery Doar guides listeners through the lesser-known narratives of our school's auditorium and gymnasium — places where the imprint of notable individuals can still be felt.

On this episode of the Raider Ramble Podcast, Head of School Tom Flemma has an in-depth conversation with Dr. David Yeager about his groundbreaking book, "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People." Discover key insights and strategies for encouraging and inspiring young individuals in this engaging chat.Here are the key takeaways we have for you:Mentor Mindset: Great leaders in various fields employ a "mentor mindset," maintaining high standards while providing the necessary support for young people to meet these standards.Enforcer vs. Protector Mindset: Common alternative approaches are the "enforcer mindset" (high standards, low support) and the "protector mindset" (low standards, high support), both of which are less effective than the mentor mindset.High Standards, High Support: The optimal approach combines high expectations with ample support, challenging the binary choice between being authoritarian or overly lenient.Adolescent Capability: Contrary to popular misconceptions of the adolescent brain as hormonally compromised, young people are capable of making excellent decisions when properly motivated and framed.Societal View on Adolescents: Society often undervalues adolescents, viewing them as problematic, which influences how adults interact with them.Status and Respect as Motivators: Adolescents are highly sensitive to their social standing and respect, which can be leveraged positively to encourage desirable behaviors.Avoiding "Groansplaining": Communicating in a way that respects adolescents' need for respect and status, avoiding condescending explanations, is crucial.Reframing for Respect and Status: Behavior that adults desire from adolescents should be framed in a way that aligns with their deep-seated need for respect and status.Encouraging Agency: While not advocating for a lack of structure, it's important to find ways to enable adolescents to have a sense of agency, helping them feel pride and accomplishment from their own actions.Balance in Authority: Effective parenting or leadership involves a balance where young people feel empowered but within a framework where adults still guide and set boundaries.LINKS10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young Peoplehttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/10-to-25/David-Yeager/9781668023884FAN (Family Action Network) https://www.familyactionnetwork.net

Tune into this insightful edition of the Raider Ramble Podcast, where Kristen Kaczynski and Matthew Mettille from North Shore Country Day's College Counseling Office discuss the evolving landscape of the college admissions process. Our special guest, Mac Devereux '23, now a student at McGill University, joins the duo to share how expert college counseling played a pivotal role in transforming his college dreams into reality, aiding in his self-discovery and decision-making process. This episode is an essential listen for anyone navigating the complexities of college admissions, offering practical advice and insights on leveraging counseling services for success. Join us to gain a comprehensive perspective on preparing for college, direct from experts and those who've successfully navigated the path.Here are the key takeaways we have for you:The college application process has become both more complex and simpler, with over a thousand colleges on the Common Application.Simplification of applications, such as waiving fees and eliminating essays, makes it harder for students to narrow down choices, leading to a longer list of schools.The process creates uncertainty and a lack of control for students and perplexity for parents due to rapid changes.Students now apply to a larger number of colleges, often around 10 to 12 compared to about five in the past.The cost of higher education has skyrocketed, significantly affecting family finances and student loan debt.There is an increase in students seeking merit scholarships and considering public universities as cost-effective options.North Shore has dedicated resources to college counseling, providing personalized support and unique perspectives to students.The small student-to-counselor ratio allows for more individualized attention and a tailored program to meet each student's needs.Signature programs like the "bus of fun" for college visits and a boot camp for rising seniors enhance the college prep experience.LINKSNSCD College Counseling https://www.nscds.org/academics/college-counselingJuniors Get a Taste of College Life During Annual “Bus O’ Fun” Triphttps://www.nscds.org/community/news/~board/nscd-news/post/juniors-get-a-taste-of-college-life-during-annual-bus-o-fun-trip5 Things Every Family Should Know As They Begin the College Search Processhttps://www.nscds.org/community/news/~board/nscd-news/post/five-things-every-family-should-know-as-they-begin-the-college-search-process

In the season finale of the Raider Ramble, five of our eight Lifers join us to reflect on their journey at NSCD. They've grown alongside one another from their earliest days to their senior year, each step forging their Raider identity. As they share cherished memories and offer advice to our younger students, you'll feel the strong pulse of our North Shore community. Tune in to this final episode of Season 1 to celebrate the end of an era and the inspiration that guides our collective path forward.Music and Sound FX from Zapsplat.com

In Episode 5 of the Raider Ramble, NSCD alum Mullery Doar '06 explores the origin of the mysterious Ozzy Ball, a game that is deeply rooted in North Shore Country Day's lower school culture. Mullery, who is also director of admissions and financial aid, talks with students and teachers as she seeks to uncover its origin. Where did Ozzy come from? When did students start playing it? Come along for the journey as she attempts to unravel one of NSCD's greatest mysteries.Sounds & Music and from Zapsplat.com

Get ready to take a deep dive into the world of social media with Episode 4 of the Raider Ramble podcast! In this episode, Liz Sherwood, a parent of four kids, leads a fascinating chat with Middle School Counselor Courtney Wilson and Information and Media Literacy Librarian Jared Branahl. Discover how parents can guide and shape their children's social media journeys, unlocking doors to self-discovery and growth.Here are the key takeaways we have for you:It's important for parents to be thoughtful and intentional about how they approach social media with their children.Baby steps and creating structure can help children ease into using social media responsibly.Parents can use their own experiences with social media use to guide conversations with their children about its pros and cons.Discussions about the differences between online and face-to-face interactions can help children understand the implications of their online behavior. Parents should help build their child's self-esteem before introducing social media to avoid using it solely for validation.Social media can provide a sense of community and help individuals realize they are not alone in their experiences.It is important to teach kids self-awareness and emotional regulation while interacting online.Parents and teachers play a crucial role in helping children create healthy structures and limitations around social media use.Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of social media can be a challenge for parents, and it is important to consider the long-term effects rather than short-term desires.LINKS:Quick Tips for Parents from the American Academy of Pediatricshttps://pedialliance.com/socialmediaguide

In this episode, Molly Oelerich '87 and Trina Sandshafer, Executive Vice President and Design Principal at Kahler Slater, discuss the Mac Gym renovation project at NSCD. They delve into the design process and highlight the importance of prioritizing the needs and ideas from various stakeholders to create a space that promotes the health and wellness of the students.Here are the key takeaways we have for you:The design of the gym incorporates elements of openness and transparency to create a welcoming environment for total body wellness, aligning with North Shore Country Day's mission.Natural light is an important feature of the design, with full walls of glass connecting the interior spaces to the surrounding nature, providing a visually appealing atmosphere for wellness activities.The focus on functional fitness in the design ensures that the space caters to a wide range of users, including athletes and individuals of all ages, with features like indoor synthetic turf allowing for multiple uses.The concourse area of the gym is designed to be a social hub, where students, athletes, parents, and visitors can gather and connect, highlighting the importance of social connections in wellness.The design takes into account future use and incorporates flexibility, allowing the space to adapt to evolving health and wellness trends and ensuring that it can serve the needs of North Shore Country Day for years to come.LINKS:Healthy Future Campaign: Everything you need to know about the Mac Gym renovationshttps://www.nscds.org/support/healthy-futuresFrom Dream to Reality: Mac Gym Renovation About to Beginhttps://www.nscds.org/community/news/~board/nscd-news/post/from-dream-to-reality-mac-gym-renovation-about-to-beginKahler Slater: We Design to Enrich Life and Achieve Powerful Resultshttps://www.kahlerslater.com/

In this exciting episode, NSCD parents Arturo Garcia Middle, Upper School Computer Science Teacher, and Dr. Jessica Rappaport of Rappaport Pediatrics dive head first into a very complex, complicated and sometime sore subject of screen time. From navigating the educational benefits to understanding the potential risks, we are going to explore the ever-evolving landscape of technology and how it impacts our kids' well-being. Here are the key takeaways we have for you:It is generally recommended to limit screen time for children during mealtime as it can interrupt their focus and engagement with food and social interaction.The amount of screen time should vary based on age and situation, with infants requiring the least amount of screen time and older children being able to have more, but with intentional limits.Families should find a balance between screen time at school and at home, considering the educational needs of children and also ensuring time for other activities. Multiple screens and multitasking should be minimized to maintain focus and productivity.Engaging in intentional screen time activities, such as watching movies or playing games together as a family, promotes bonding and prevents excessive individual screen usage.Monitoring safety and having conversations about online experiences can help children navigate potential risks and learn important lessons in internet safety.Video games can provide a social element, allowing children to connect with friends and engage in shared experiences, fostering social interaction and laughter.Commons Sense Mediahttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-much-screen-time-is-ok-for-my-kidsAmerican Academy of Pediatricshttps://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/Learn more about upper school Interim at NSCDhttps://www.nscds.org/community/news/~board/nscd-news/post/interim-transforming-learning-through-hands-on-experiences

Have you ever found yourself questioning the right level of activity for your child? Are you intrigued by the signs of over-scheduling and the significance of balance in their lives?In this exciting episode, join us as we deep dive into the world of scheduling for children. We'll unravel the delicate balance between the right level of activity and unscheduled time. Prepare yourself for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the signs of over-scheduling, while empowering parents to prioritize essential breaks for both themselves and their children. Remember, it's absolutely fine to discover what works best for your unique family dynamics and to focus on fostering your child's personal growth.Here are the key takeaways we have for you:Embrace the differences that exist within each child and family, as the "right" level of activity varies for everyone.Release the pressure of exposing your child to every conceivable experience by second grade; there's simply no need to rush their growth.Dive into the motives behind your child's involvement in different activities. Is it something you've always done or wished to do? Are they genuinely passionate about it? Or do you simply need a little "me" time? Explore the reasons why you believe they should be exposed to new experiences and whether they are following the crowd.Acknowledge the significance of unscheduled time for fostering personal growth and unlocking creativity within your child.Consider the benefits of implementing an "off season" where your child can strike a good balance between being active participants and nurturing themselves through enrichment activities.NSCD ActivitiesNorth Shore Country Day’s Before- and After-School Programming: https://www.nscds.org/academics/later-raidersAt-Home ActivitiesDays with Grey: https://www.instagram.com/dayswithgrey/?hl=enBusy Toddler: https://www.instagram.com/busytoddler/?hl=en