Board of Trustees Spotlight: Meet Ann Felton

Name: Ann Felton 

  

“I believe in the mission, vision, and values of The Bush School and am honored to volunteer on the school’s behalf.”

“It’s a great moment to be part of a group that stewards a thriving 100-year-old institution into the future, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of the community. I look forward to supporting the leadership transition with Sarah Smith as Head of School. I am also eager to work with the team to ensure that the Heart of Bush Campaign resonates with the current school community and beyond so that the Center Campus can be completed to enhance the amazing teaching, learning, and community-building that happens each day.”

 

“With the exception of a quick detour into interior design, I have been involved with education as a teacher, volunteer, and literacy tutor. I started my teaching career at the School for Children– the laboratory school for the Bank Street College of Education in New York City–and was immediately immersed in the progressive education beliefs of Lucy Sprague Mitchell. The philosophy of Helen Bush is certainly aligned, and I delight in seeing how deeply children connect with the material and extend their understanding through experiential learning.”

 

“Our eldest joined Bush in the Fall of 2020, and we were struck by the welcoming community of students, parents and guardians, and faculty and staff, even with social distancing and the disrupted program of the pandemic. As the other two have joined, we continue to be amazed by the people, especially the incredible teachers who contribute not just to our children’s academic foundation, but the process of becoming themselves.  Our children have had incredible lessons in advisory, community meetings, science labs, and English rooms, as well as on rivers in Utah and the Methow, hills in Costa Rica, and rice paddies in Japan. As their worlds expand based on their unique interests, it exposes our whole family to new places and ideas.”

 

“Experiencing Bush as a parent, I delight in seeing how my children get to have agency and further their own learning. With strong faculty support and guidance, students get to choose electives, opt into learning environments, create independent projects, and form clubs that foster independence and a foundation for lifelong learning. I find their enthusiasm and commitment inspiring and feel passionate about ensuring Bush continues to attract and retain talented faculty that can support such dynamic teaching and learning.”

“I asked and they described me as hard-working, fun, creative, a problem-solver, positive, and kind. We definitely had extra dessert that night.”

"I really loved watching “The Pitt”–a nostalgic mashup of ER and 24."

“I love Gracemont. In addition to being beautiful with thoughtfully preserved architectural details, it is a perfect example of honoring the tradition of the school while ensuring the spaces are relevant for the current needs of the students, staff, and faculty.”

“I could truly just go through each teacher and staff member my children have interacted with. I am impressed by all of the faculty and staff–committing your professional career to supporting children and families is an incredible challenge and gift; we are so lucky to have these humans at Bush.”

“Seward Park. It has the best walking, biking, and running loop, where you can be in trees and along the water.  I feel so lucky to live in a city with such beautiful parks!”

“I love to have a craft project to work on: needlepoint, knitting, and quilting are favorites.”