Welcome to Devereux School

Over 85years of cultivating academic careers of children with aesthetics, creativity, and ethics with the commitment “Fovete Stirpes” – Foster the Roots

Breaking News.....We have one or two open seats in our D@W classroom for the 2022/23 academic year!

Devereux School

Established in 1932, Devereux School has a rich history as one of the North Shore’s oldest academic institutions, providing a solid educational and ethical foundation for over three generations of students.

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“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.”– Maria Montesssori

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The nursery through third grade campus is located in the heart of Marblehead while the fourth and fifth grade program, Devereux @ Waring, resides on the Waring School campus in Beverly.

Our programs emphasize tradition and a return to a simpler time. The environments provide safe, secure, and family oriented settings where every child is encouraged to develop respect for self, others, and the earth.

Music, appreciation of nature, science, math and the arts are integral parts of the academic program at Devereux.

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​After over 85 years of cultivating the academic careers of children with aesthetics, creativity, and ethics, Devereux School has evolved by fully embracing cultural diversity while holding fast to its original commitment to the children: “Fovete Stirpes,” foster the roots.

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INFORMATIONAL VIDEO for the 2021/22 academic year

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Devereux School Handbook

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2022/23 Academic Calendar

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Purchase Devereux & Devereux@Waring Merchandise

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Take a moment to see how we planned for the 2020/21 school year.......

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Early Education

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Nursery School

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We believe that young children learn by doing. As such, the Nursery School curriculum is centered around developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities. Our students are given the opportunity to explore and make choices in a safe and stimulating environment.

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Kindergarten

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As the children move into the Kindergarten level, the program incorporates more sequenced instruction in basic skill areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics while allowing for enrichment of activities and complexity of ideas. The use of themes provides a framework for integrating material from different subject areas, including the arts.

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Kindergarten Newsletter Oct/22

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Kindergarten Newsletter Oct/21

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Kindergarten Newsletter Nov/21

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Nursery Newsletter Sept/22​

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Nursery Newsletter Oct/22

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Nursery Newsletter Nov/21

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Nursery Newsletter Dec/21

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Nursery Newsletter Jan/22

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Nursery Newsletter Feb/22

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Nursery Newsletter March /22

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Nursery Newsletter April/22

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Nursery Newsletter May/22

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Nursery Newsletter June/22

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Elementary

First, Second, and Third Grades

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The First through Third Grade ("Grader") classroom is housed in its own building and features a break-out room, full kitchen, and three ADA-compliant bathrooms.

The curriculum includes daily humanities and mathematics in addition to weekly science instruction, French immersion, art, physical education, meditation, trail walks, and twice-weekly chorus instruction . Third graders also learn to master the recorder and perform in each of our three annual concerts.

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The schedule allows for an hour of lunch with recess and at least 30 minutes of free choice at the end of the day.

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The class also enjoys several field trips a year to local sites as well as to the Devereux@Waring campus.

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Second/Third Grade News Sept/12

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First Grade Newsletter Oct/22

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First Grade Newsletter Nov/21

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First Grade Newsletter Dec/21

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First Grade Newsletter Jan/22

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First Grade Newsletter Feb/22

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First Grade Newsletter March/22

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First Grade Newsletter April/22

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First Grade Newsletter April/22

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Second/Third Grade News Sept/23

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Second/Third Grade News Oct/14

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Second/Third Grade News Nov/21

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Second/Third Grade News Dec/21

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Second/Third Grade News Jan/22

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Second/Third Grade News Feb/22

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Second/Third Grade News March/22

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Second/Third Grade News April/22

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Second/Third Grade News April/22

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First Grade Newsletter May/22

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Second/Third Grade News May /22

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Second/Third Grade News May/22

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First Grade Newsletter May/22

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Second/Third Grade News May/22

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Second Grade News May/22

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First Grade News June/22

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Second/Third Grade News June/22

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Second/Third Grade News June/22

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First Grade News June/22

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Devereux@Waring

Fourth and Fifth Grades

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TheDevereux@Waring program resides on the Waring School campus in Beverly, MA and was established to connect our Nursery-Third Grade program in Marblehead to Waring's Sixth Grade-Twelfth Grade program in Beverly.

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The Devereux@Waring curriculum ties together an overarching theme cycling between “Revolutions” one year and “Traditions” the following year. Frequent field trips play an integral part in this theme-driven learning experience.

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Also included in the curriculum are daily humanities, math, and French lessons in addition to weekly science instruction, French immersionart, physical education, maker space, yoga, meditation, trail walks and biweekly instruction in chorus and theater.The French program is accessible to both the experienced and beginner student.

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The schedule allows for an hour of lunch, recess and at least 30 minutes of free choice at the end of each day.

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Camp Devereux

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Summer Program

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Camp Devereux, is a summer program for children ages 3 to 9. For decades, our young campers have enjoyed our heated swimming pool and the serenity of our large private playground surrounded by trees that offers natural shade.

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It is a wonderful summertime environment ideal for traditional summer activities such as designing a sand castle, relaxing on a blanket making gimp and bead jewelry, cooling down with our slip & slide or organizing a basketball or soccer game with old and new friends alike.

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Our Mission

Our primary mission is to prepare your child to be a literate, creative and critical thinker, as well as a lifelong learner.

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At Devereux School we…

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Believe that all children can succeed.

Recognize and accommodate the individual differences of all students.

Encourage each child to develop to his or her maximum potential – physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Empower children to become more capable as they are encouraged to pursue new areas of interest.

Offer a strong academic curriculum tailored to each child’s individual learning style.

Encourage high achievement and effective participation in the community.

Develop the child’s awareness and appreciation of the arts.

Encourage each child to develop respect for self, others, and environment.

Work in partnership with parents to the benefit of the child’s social and academic growth and enhanced self-esteem.

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For parents interested in learning about the Montessori philosophy, there are several books written by and about Maria Montessori available at your local library or online.

Research findings on the benefits of the Montessori teaching method.

Montessori Approach

Devereux School's teaching methods are inspired by the philosophies developed by Maria Montessori. We have taken the best of Montessori and combined it with the best of our experience. Our strong academic curriculum is centered on music, science, nature, and the arts.

Bilingual

French

All students receive daily French instruction as part of their curriculum. We strongly believe that exposing children to language at a very early age within a nurturing environment can only result in a successful and meaningful experience for them.

Respect

Every child is encouraged to develop respect for self, others, and the environment. The child’s sense of responsibility for the natural and human environment is developed through, for example, participation in animal care and tending to the school grounds.

Our Staff

Elizabeth Laub Administrative Director

Elizabeth has been at the helm of Devereux School since 2011. A lifetime Marblehead resident, wife, and mother of two daughters, Elizabeth has dedicated her life to early-childhood education. The nearly two decades teaching at the Marblehead Children’s Center and Seaside Nursery School were among her most rewarding years. Elizabeth utilizes her wealth of experience in the field of early childhood development and the expertise she gained from serving on Tower School’s Enrichment Committee, Marblehead Public Schools Arts Council, Marblehead Dollars For Scholars as well as several other local committees and organizations. Elizabeth’s history of investing in our community has proved invaluable to Devereux.

Todd Zion
Business Owner

Todd took over the Devereux School in 2011 after having sold his biotechnology company, SmartCells, to Merck and Co. in December of 2010. He made a commitment at that time to protect, preserve, and grow this incredibly special learning environment for his family and the children of Marblehead and the neighboring communities. Today, Todd is the co-founder, President and CEO of Akston Biosciences Corporation, developing novel medicines to treat, prevent and cure diabetes. Todd holds a Ph.D. from MIT and a B.S. from Cornell University, both in Chemical Engineering. Todd donates his time to mentor students at both his alma maters and just recently stepped down after serving four years as President of Marblehead Dollars for Scholars.

Paul Baker
Head of School

Paul joined the Devereux team in July of 2019. He is currently the Clerk of the Board of Trustee's at MCCPS, and the Chair of the school's Governance Committee. Paul is also an active participant in the Marblehead School District. Paul graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.A. in Canadian & British History.

A native of England, he has resided in Marblehead since 2004 with

his wife Julie and two sons. Both Silas and Wendell attended the Devereux Nursery program and Camp Devereux. Wendell also attended 4th & 5th Grade at D@W and Silas is a Camp Devereux councilor. Paul enjoys live music, football, camping and walking his dog, Ernie.

Virginie Treilhou
French Director

Madame Virginie hails from Amiens, France and has been our French Program Director since 2003. Educated in France, she has obtained her Montessori licenses for Preschool, Kindergarten, and Lower Elementary in Massachusetts. Madame Virginie has created a stimulating curriculum infused with enthusiasm and passion for the French language and culture. In 2017 Madame instituted our wonderful Nursery French Immersion program. Madame provides daily French instruction to our students in grades 1-5. Madame Virginie also introduced and coordinates the school's very successful annual participation in the Grand Concours National French Competition.

Suzanne Salem

Kindergarten Teacher

Suzanne hails from Cincinnati and lived in Florida, Canada, France and Ohio before settling in Marblehead in 2011. Suzanne holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications Sciences Disorders, and is passionate about early childhood education. She has worked with kindergartners and first graders with speech impediments, helping to develop their language skills, and spent years volunteering in her children's classrooms and on various school committees before reentering the classroom as a paraprofessional. Prior to joining Devereux, Suzanne spent three years at the Coffin School aiding first, second and third graders attain their IEP and behavioral goals.

She is the mother of three children, two of whom attended the Devereux School. Suzanne very much enjoys cooking and traveling.

Katrina Stacey
Second -Third Grade Teacher

Katrina is delighted to join our Devereux teaching team this year.

Katrina holds a MA grades 1-6 teaching license as well as a Master’s in Education. She has several years of teaching experience, has studied and worked in the music and science fields and has a passion for French language and culture.

Additionally, Katrina has worked as a reading and math tutor in a diverse array of school environments which enables her to quickly identify needs to differentiate instruction and implement confidence building techniques, especially for students who face challenges to their physical, mental, and emotional health. Katrina prides herself on creating a joyful, positive, and safe learning environment where all students can thrive.

Katrina describes herself as positive and energetic, and spends most of her free time hiking, kayaking, and writing songs!

Dee Burgett
First Grade Teacher

Dee has been the Devereux art teacher since 2008. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in art from Middlebury College and a Master’s Degree in Art Conservation from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts. After working as a paintings conservator at museums in New York City, San Francisco, Houston and Norfolk, VA, Dee moved to the North Shore in 2000 and shortly after began teaching art. She is passionate about teaching art history and a variety of techniques to her students. Dee assisted our kindergarten teachers this past year and we are delighted that she will be teaching our first grade for the 2021-22 school year.

Victoria Carter
Second - Third Grade Teacher

Victoria joined the Devereux team for the 2021/2022 school year. She holds a Master’s Degree from the School of Education at the University of Michigan and two Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Italian from Hofstra University. Victoria began teaching at the fifth grade level in Milan, Michigan. Victoria has worked as a year-long substitute teacher at Ambrit International School in Rome, Italy and was also a private teacher in Melrose for a group of students ages 5 to 10. Her pedagogy highlights issues of social justice and works to recenter marginalized narratives, especially through literature. She is dedicated to holistic forms of assessment, taking into consideration skills that are not only academic but also social and emotional. Originally from Massachusetts, Victoria enjoys biking the North Shore and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

Emily Caress-Wheelwright
Second-Third Grade Teacher

Emily joined the Devereux team at the start of the 2021/22 school year. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Rhodes College, and an American Montessori Society 3-6 certification. Emily developed her love for teaching subbing part-time at her neighborhood’s Montessori school while working as a non-profit administrator in Nashville. She has since taught at Montessori schools in Nashville, TN and Beverly, MA as a co-teacher and lead teacher since 2013, with a year hiatus to be a stay at home parent to her son. Emily loves to foster whole child development, build creativity and curiosity in students, and to give children the tools to develop confidence and independence. Building community is very important to Emily, and she loves to collaborate and connect with fellow teachers and parents. She has lived in Marblehead with her wife since 2015 and their son, Sam, is enrolled in our Nursery class program.

Marina Gutin

Nursery/Piano Teacher

Marina joined the Devereux School in 2003 as our piano teacher and her two children attended our Nursery program. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Musical Education from the University of St. Petersburg, Russia. Marina believes that exposure to music and the mastery of an instrument helps to improve the overall development of young children as well as instilling a joy and knowledge that will last a lifetime. In her spare time, Marina enjoys outdoor activities with her family and her dog, Bruno.

Shella Demosthene
Nursery/French Teacher

Shella, a native of Haiti, is a Creole and French speaker who has been with Devereux School since 2018. She is an EEC certified teacher and holds an Associate degree in Gerontology from North Shore Community College. Shella is also the Coordinator of the children’s department at her church.
Shella enjoys cooking, listening to classical music, singing, volunteering, and has played violin for the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Holy Trinity in Haiti.

Jeanne Westcott

Nursery Teacher

Jeanne joined the Devereux team in the autumn of 2020. She holds a BS in Education and is a certified Waldorf class teacher. Jeanne has many years of teaching experience and is an avid artist and writer. She enjoys utilizing music, movement and creative processes in her teaching. Jeanne is an active member and co-founder of a local Dress A Girl chapter and enjoys sewing, crafting, theater arts and music. She is married to Bruce and has two beautiful adult daughters, Grace, and Lillian. Two cats, Maryann and Ginger, round out the household Westcott!

Mimi is a native of Lyon, France and has been with us at Devereux School since 2009. Mimi is a certified Montessori educator and also holds a certification from the Department of Education and care. Previously, Mimi has worked at the French Library and Cultural Center in Boston and as a French teacher at the C.A.R.E preschool and the after school program at the Cove School in Beverly.

Mimi, a mother of two, resides in Peabody. She enjoys the beach, reading, writing and, of course, her French culture which she loves sharing with all of the Devereux School children.

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Colleen has resided in Marblehead since she was just 10 years old. Her family planted their roots, owning a local business that continues to be a staple in the Marblehead Community.

Colleen received her BS in Communications from Salem State University. She also holds an EEC Certification.

Prior to joining us at Devereux Colleen spent three years teaching at the JCCNS. Her love for teaching grew as she began subbing part-time at the school, while also managing her family business. Colleen then transitioned to full-time teaching in a Transitional Pre-K position. She believes in creating a kind and inclusive environment for students to nurture their social and emotional growth.

Colleen is the mother of two boys, both of whom attended Devereux School and Camp Devereux. Aside from teaching Colleen loves the beach, hiking and listening to her favorite music on her record player.

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Jojo, the daughter of Madame Virginie, quite literally grew up here at Devereux. Jojo began working as a CIT at Camp Devereux in 2013 and began assisting in the Nursery classroom a couple of years later. She is a native French speaker and passionate about sharing her culture with the children. Jojo has just completed her BA in Psychology at Salem State University and is planning to continue in a career working closely with children. Outside of work Jojo likes to spend time babysitting, exercising and enjoying time with her friends.

Mimi Herman
Nursery/French Teacher

Colleen Murray
Kindergarten Teacher

Jojo Landau
Nursery/kindergarten Teacher

Admissions 2022/23

In order to fully benefit from our Montessori inspired school curriculum, it is encouraged that students enter the school with the intention of remaining through fifth grade. No child, however, shall be denied entrance into our nursery program on the basis of this decision.

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Our Informational Gathering officially marks the beginning of our admissions process and in the past has been a successful way of introducing many parents to our school. This year our open house is at 10:00am on Saturday 12/10/22. In the meantime please take a moment to view our short informational video below.

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We do still have a limited number of seats available in our 4th/5th grade D@W classroom,however the application process for all other grades is now closed.

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Those who are inclined to apply for admission into our NURSERY & KINDERGARTEN classrooms are encouraged to submit an application as well as email a 3-5 minute video of your child to elizabeth@devereuxschool.org as soon as possible. The video should show your child in his/her natural "habitat", playing, speaking, cooking, helping, playing with siblings etc.

GRADER applicants will be invited to spend a "shadow morning" in the respective classrooms.

All applications, together with accompanying videos(if applicable) should be submitted no later than January 14th 2022.

Once we have reviewed all applications, parents will be notified if their child has been accepted or wait-listed for our program. Enrollment decisions will be made no later than March 11th 2022.

Once your child has been accepted to Devereux we ask for a non-refundable Tuition Deposit together with a completed "Annual Reservation Agreement" no later than March 15th 2022. After this date, any remaining seats will be offered to our waitlisted applicants.

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Tuition

Devereux School prides itself on providing an exceptionally high quality educational experience at an extremely competitive cost. In addition, we do offer a limited number of school scholarships to provide tuition assistance. Please feel free to review our detailed tuition and fee information for the 2022-23 academic year.

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PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO VIEW OUR INFORMATIONAL VIDEO

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CONTACTUS

Devereux School
44 Smith Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
P: 781.631.0029

Information@devereuxschool.org

www.devereuxschool.org

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©2019 by Devereux School

Photo's courtesy of

Susan Golden www.eventidephotography.com

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