Ethel Walker School
Summer at Walker's
All For Girls Summer Academy
Going beyond the standard summer classroom model, Walker’s 2025 All For Girls Summer Academy encourages exploration, fun, and learning for the sake of learning.
Online courses for grades 9 and 10 establish an environment that fosters discussion-based learning, and daily in-person sessions for grades 5 through 8 provide students with hands-on experiences in the classroom. All courses have been designed by full-time faculty members at The Ethel Walker School and are based on their own expertise and interests.
For more information, please contact Coordinator of Academic Summer Programs and English Faculty Erin Ott at eott@ethelwalker.org or +1-860-408-4305.
program dates
| Online Courses for Grades 9 and 10 | July 7-11, 2025 |
| July 14-18, 2025 | |
| In-Person Courses for Grades 5-8 | July 21-25, 2025 |
| July 28-August 1, 2025 |
Parents and guardians of participants in the in-person program should visit the Required Forms page here to complete necessary forms prior to beginning the program.
Here To Help
Erin Ott
Coordinator of Academic Summer Programs
Coordinator of Academic Summer Programs and English Faculty Erin Ott holds a Master of Arts in English Literature. She has worked extensively with students on composition and literature, and she has assisted students with honing their skills to write at the college level.
Online Program
Our online program for girls entering grades 9 and 10 creates a setting for in-depth discussion about topics of interest to high school students locally, nationally, and internationally. Courses meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m until 11:30 a.m. on Zoom.
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Courses for Grades 9 and 10
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July 7-11, 2025
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The Lady in Squirrel Fur Slippers: An Exploration of French Fairy Tales
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Dr. Chris Semk
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I Am the Story: Mastering the Personal Essay
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OIivia Piper
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She Means Business: Female Entrepreneurship
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Karim Mabrouk
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July 14-18, 2025
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Beyoncé: A Renaissance
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Reel History: Modern South America Through Documentaries
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Nilda Legassa P’23
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Stone Age, Modern Minds: Anime and Philosophy from Dr. Stone
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Abigail Barrett
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In-Person Program
Open to girls entering grades 5-8, our in-person program provides comprehensive study of a number of subjects, combining hands-on activities with group discussions. Students have the option to choose one of two academic courses in the morning, participate in a daily leadership lunch, and learn one of three new skills in the afternoon: ceramics, coding, or squash and tennis.
Drop-off at The Ethel Walker School’s Simsbury campus is between 8:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. each day with pickup at 4:00 p.m. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Course Descriptions
The Lady in Squirrel Fur Slippers: An Exploration of French Fairy Tales
Online · Grades 9 and 10 · Dr. Chris Semk
Was Cinderella’s slipper made of glass or fur? Why was this up for debate? Come find out in this exploration of the French fairy tale! Students will examine the timeless story of Cendrillon, learning about its historical and cultural significance while uncovering the deeper meaning behind its magical elements. Through discussions and creative writing, participants will bring this classic tale to life in their own unique ways.
I Am the Story: Mastering the Personal Essay
Online · Grades 9 and 10 · Olivia Piper
From Malala to Michelle Obama, Didion to Angelou — some of the most powerful stories in the world come from the personal lives of women and girls. In I Am the Story, students will learn how to craft thoughtful, deep, and meaningful personal narratives that will both excite their readers and inspire their authors. Students in this course will engage with the personal narratives of famous female-identified authors, and will learn how to write the story of their own lives with power and agency.
She Means Business: Female Entrepreneurship
Online · Grades 9 and 10 · Karim Mabrouk
This dynamic course introduces students to the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship, empowering them to create innovative solutions for social and environmental challenges. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and case studies, students will explore the principles of developing and launching impactful ventures. Participants will identify community needs, brainstorm solutions, and design actionable plans for their own social enterprises, gaining the confidence and tools to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re a visionary leader or simply curious about making a difference, She Means Business will inspire you to turn your ideas into reality.
Stone Age, Modern Minds: Anime and Philosophy from Dr. Stone
Online · Grades 9 and 10 · Abigail Barrett
A few high school students awaken from petrification millennia after a blinding light turned humanity to stone. One student, Taiju, helps to awaken others and to rebuild human civilization from the ground up. Luckily, he has a wealth of knowledge on which he can depend to get humankind back on track. Though he is primarily a scientist, one can see that Taiju, or Dr. Stone, has quite the philosophical mind. His methods for rebuilding society pay homage to the Ancient Greek philosopher Plato and his model of the ideal city. In this summer class, we get the privilege to stand at the intersection of fun and learning as we identify the connections between anime and philosophy. We will discuss the methods that Dr. Stone and his friends use to rebuild human civilization, comparing and contrasting them to the model of the ideal city posited by Plato in the Republic. We will also assess the strengths and weaknesses of this model, considering its rationale, its morals, ethics, and its feasibility.
Reel History: Modern South America Through Documentaries
Online · Grades 9 and 10 · Nilda Legassa P’23
Students will dive into the vibrant and complex world of South American contemporary history through the lens of documentaries. From political upheaval to cultural movements, we will explore how filmmakers capture the struggles, triumphs, and transformations shaping the region today. By the end, students will gain a deeper understanding of South America’s modern story and how powerful visuals bring history to life!
Beyoncé: A Renaissance
Online · Grades 9 and 10
In this course, students will explore Beyoncé’s powerful influence on pop culture, feminism, and Black futurism. From her iconic music to her cultural moments, Beyoncé challenges ideas about race, gender, and power. We will connect her work to feminist thinkers like bell hooks and Audre Lorde, exploring themes of empowerment, self-love, and revolution. Students will also dive into Black futurism and see how Beyoncé blends activism and art to envision a bold future. By the end, we will understand how Beyoncé’s artistry inspires change and how her music continues to shape the world.
Gamechangers: Women in Sports
In Person · Grades 7 and 8 · John Monagan
Megan Rapinoe, Caitlin Clark, and Simone Biles are only the latest in a long history of women pioneers in athletics. This course will explore the many different women who have impacted sports and how athletics for women have changed as time has moved on. Students will also explore current and future trends using athletes, teams, and leagues that have led the way in resetting and elevating expectations for women’s athletics.
Documentary Filmmaking
In Person · Grades 7 and 8 · Nilda Legassa P’23
Students will learn how to tell real stories through the art of documentary filmmaking. From brainstorming ideas to filming and editing, we will explore the basics of creating your own short documentary. By the end of the week, participants have hands-on experience and a finished film to share!
Tell Me a Story: Writing and Theater
In Person · Grades 5-8 · Nicole Sellew
In Tell Me A Story: Writing and Theater, students will learn the fundamentals of both personal writing and performance. We will investigate both written and performed work as part of our process of creation. By the end of this course, students will have an original monologue written and performed! They will learn how to be confident in their own words, and how to make bold choices in their performances. The skills they build here will help them be more creative, better public speakers, and more empowered to share their own voices.
Roller Coaster Engineering
In Person · Grades 5 and 6 · Dr. Emma Mitchell
Ever wonder how roller coasters work? In this active and hands-on course, students will design and build a four-(or more!)-foot-tall roller coaster using just cardstock and tape! These roller coasters will include every feature imaginable: zigzags, loop-the-loops, funnels, merges, switchbacks, half-pipes, and more! We will have lots of flexibility to experiment and tinker as we send marbles racing down the tracks. Along the way, students will build skills in teamwork, troubleshooting, and the engineering design process.
Cabinets of Wonder: Exploring the World of Curiosities
In Person · Grades 5 and 6 · Kim Harris Thacker P’24, ’27
What do a taxidermied sparrow, a slip of papyrus covered in Egyptian hieroglyphs, and a purse knit from human hair have in common? All are objects that could be found in a “curiosity cabinet” during the Victorian era. The collectors of such curiosities were called “antiquarians,” and their obsession with objects of the past inspired the birth of the field of archaeology, or the study of three-dimensional objects that were made, modified, or used by humans in the past. Students in this summer class will engage in hands-on archaeology as they research a variety of unique and mysterious objects. They will conclude the course by creating a curiosity cabinet (museum display) of their artifacts.
Art in Motion: Ceramics
In Person · Skills Course · Grades 5-8 · Marissa Forde P’28, ’31
Unleash creativity in this hands-on ceramics class. Learn the art of shaping, sculpting, and glazing clay, and turn ideas into beautiful, functional art! In this course, we will explore both wheel throwing and hand building techniques.
Intro to Coding and Robotics
In Person · Skills Course · Grades 5-8 · Dr. Emma Mitchell
Dive into the exciting world of coding and robotics! In this hands-on course, students will learn the basics of coding by experimenting with microcontrollers and by creating animations and games in Scratch. Then, we will bring our ideas to life by building and programming LEGO robots to tackle fun challenges. No experience needed – just bring curiosity and creativity!
Intro to Squash
In Person · Skills Course · Grades 5-8
Come learn the fundamentals of squash in a fun and supportive environment. We will cover the basic rules, proper techniques, and essential footwork, and you will develop skills through drills and friendly matches. No experience is necessary.
Meet the Faculty
Abigail Barrett
Math Faculty
Abigail Barrett, born in Florida and of Jamaican heritage, has been a math teacher for one year. During her studies at Williams College and Yale Divinity School, she has explored her various academic interests, including Mathematics, Chemistry, and Philosophy. She looks forward to continue her journey of education in the classroom, as she helps students to find their love of learning.
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Marissa Forde P'28, '31
Visual Arts Faculty
Marissa, a Simsbury native, joined the Walker’s community in the winter of 2011 after beginning her teaching career in the local public school system. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art with a focus on Illustration from Jacksonville University, and her master’s degree in education from the University of Hartford. She holds certifications in both art education and elementary education. Marissa teaches middle school visual arts. She also teaches ceramics with students ranging from beginner through advanced level three. Marissa is passionate about engaging girls in art by encouraging her students to explore how artistic creations are born through the solving of problems.
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Nilda Legassa P'23
Spanish Faculty
Nilda has been an active member of the Walker’s community for several years, initially as a dedicated parent of a 2023 graduate. She now brings her extensive experience to the Walker’s faculty after retiring from a remarkable 35-year career in sports television. Throughout her career, Nilda covered some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including multiple Summer and Winter Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, Roland Garros, the U.S. Open Tennis and Golf Championships, The Masters, and the WNBA. For 25 years, Nilda worked in Spanish-language television, where she was deeply involved in various aspects of production. Her career is distinguished by her commitment to mentoring young production professionals and coaching on-air talent. This past summer, Nilda contributed to NBC Sports’ Olympic coverage, producing soccer games and the Paralympic triathlons. At Walker’s, Nilda teaches both middle school and upper school Spanish. Her transition to the Walker’s community reflects her enthusiasm for new challenges and her dedication to education.
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Karim Mabrouk
French Faculty
Karim joins Walker’s faculty on a full-time basis this year as a member of the World Languages faculty specializing in French; previously he served on the faculty on a part-time basis. Karim will teach French 1B, 2, and 4 this academic year. He is fluent in French and Arabic and has focused some of his work on teaching French for diplomacy and international affairs. Previously, Karim was a Graduate Fellow and Visiting Lecturer at Trinity College (Hartford, CT), an instructor at Yale University, and he held various teaching and administrative roles at the University of Connecticut. He is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) at the University of Connecticut in French Language & Literature. He holds Master of Arts degrees from UConn in both International Studies and French Culture Language & Literature and a Graduate Certificate in Human Rights Studies. Karim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both International and French Studies from Iona College. Karim is a JV soccer coach and will coach swimming in the winter.
Dr. Emma Mitchell
Science Department Chair, Physics Faculty
Emma received her Bachelor’s degree in physics from Vassar College in 2009, where she also was senior editor of the college newspaper. She taught physics and chemistry at her alma mater, Emma Willard School, before earning a Ph.D. in applied physics at the University of Virginia in 2016. Her Ph.D. research was in laboratory astrophysics and astrochemistry, focusing on thermal and radiation processing of frozen water in astronomical environments. As a graduate student, she was awarded fellowships by both the NASA Earth and Space Science Program and the NASA Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Emma lives with her rescue border collie, Davy.
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John Monagan
History Faculty
John Monagan grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he attended Chase Collegiate School from 6th-12th grade. From Waterbury, John headed south to attend Johns Hopkins University, where he majored in history. After four enjoyable years in Baltimore, John’s years in private school led him to The Ethel Walker School, where he taught history and English. John spent his first four years at Walker’s teaching 6th-9th grade history and 6th-7th grade English. He has also spent time running student activities. John earned his Master of Science degree from Drexel University in Sports Management while working at Walker’s. He previously served as Walker’s Athletic Director for nine years and continues to teach in the history department. John is the head coach of the varsity basketball and softball teams and lives on campus with his wife and daughter.
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Olivia Piper
English Faculty
Olivia Piper is an English teacher, a writer, and a New Englander. She grew up in the Farmington Valley, and is very excited to be coming home after two years spent in Virginia earning an MFA in Creative Writing from Hollins University. Olivia also holds a master’s degree in English & Language Arts Education from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree in both English and Journalism from The University of Connecticut. Previously, Olivia spent three years working as an English Literature Instructor with Hartford Youth Scholars, and has worked as a writing instructor in the academic summer programs at both The Loomis Chaffee School and The Kingswood Oxford School. Additionally, she worked as a Public Ally through Americorps, serving the state of Connecticut as the Academic Coordinator of the Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Program.
As a journalist, Olivia worked as a staff writer for both The Valley Press and The Valley Life Magazine covering the Farmington Valley, and as a News Production Intern with WNPR. As a writer, her work, which is anchored firmly in a deep reverence for girlhood, has previously been published in The Connecticut River Review, Funicular Magazine, Black Fox Literary Magazine, Devastation Baby, and Sky Island Journal, among others. In 2024, she was a finalist for The Jack McCarthy Book Prize through Write Bloody Publishing. Olivia also has a background in the theater, having directed Little Women, Brownstone, and Almost, Maine during her time at UConn. In addition, she worked with The Avon Old Farms School as a co-director during their 2017-2018 theater season.
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Nicole Sellew
English Faculty
Nicole Sellew grew up in Connecticut. She graduated from Dartmouth College in 2021, where she studied English, creative writing, and film and media studies. She received her M.Litt. in creative writing from the University of St Andrews in 2022 and is now studying for her Ph.D. She teaches English and theater, and she is both a novelist and a playwright. Her debut novel will be published by Clash Books in 2025, and her writing for the stage has been performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, among other places.
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Dr. Chris Semk
World Languages Department Chair, French Faculty
Chris is the chair of the Language Department and teaches both French and Latin. He earned his Ph.D. in French literature from Indiana University and taught at Yale before joining Walker’s. Chris coaches cross country and advises the Middle School Garden Club, the French Club, and Wings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance). He is actively involved in the community and serves on the board of directors of A Place to Nourish your Health (APNH), a community health organization in New Haven, and the Hartford Karma Thegsum Chöling, a Buddhist meditation and study center in the city’s West End. Chris lives in Hartford with his partner Jonathan.
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Kim Harris Thacker P'24, '27
Archivist and Librarian for Research and Education
Kim Harris Thacker P’24, ’27 is The Ethel Walker School’s archivist. She is a well-published magazine writer and essayist with a keen interest in history and community, and in connecting the past and the present through the medium of story. Born and raised in Wyoming, Kim has retained a love of the outdoors, which she shares with her husband, Walker’s Upper School English teacher Dr. David Thacker, and their two daughters, Molly and Liesel, who are current and former Walker’s students.