Middle School: Grades 6–8

The Rowland Hall community kicked off the 2025–2026 school year on Friday, August 22, with a Convocation celebration centered on this year’s theme, Better Together.

The theme, which will tie into learning opportunities and gatherings throughout the year, was identified through conversations with Upper School student leaders and divisional leaders, as well as feedback from faculty and staff. Together, these groups identified a top need in our community, and in the broader world: more time together to learn, collaborate, and grow.

Three students—Sarah Gibbons (12th), Milo C. (8th), and Noelle B. (5th)—and alumnus Alex Tokita ’21 joined Head of School Mick Gee to speak about this theme at Convocation. Each person thoughtfully reflected on what it means to be Better Together and encouraged those gathered to look for opportunities to come together and strengthen the community.

“All of our student speakers used their voices to demonstrate why putting our students at the center of community events is so powerful—their words articulated what the Rowland Hall community means to them and why we need each other now more than ever,” said Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Chandani Patel. “It was a beautiful start to a year of being Better Together.”

Enjoy this year’s student Convocation speeches by watching the event recording or by reading the speeches.

Student Voices

Welcome, Winged Lions, to the 2025–2026 school year! We’re so happy you’re here.

The year kicked off on Wednesday, August 20, with Hello Day, where we welcomed students to their first day of classes. On Friday, our community came together for Convocation, an annual gathering to celebrate a new year of learning. 

We invite you to take a moment to enjoy some of the images captured during the first days of school.

Community

Rowland Hall is pleased to welcome a new Middle School leadership team for the 2025–2026 school year.

Dr. J Dianne Brederson has joined our community as head of Middle School and Nicole Buck has joined as assistant head of Middle School.

J Dianne—or Dr. J, as students call her—and Nicole look forward to connecting with students and families this year. In the meantime, we asked them to share a bit about their backgrounds and why they came to Rowland Hall so you can start getting to know them.

Read more stories about new arrivals and staffing changes for the upcoming school year:

• Get to Know the Upper School Leadership Team
• Get to Know Assistant Head of School for Academics Brittney Hansen
• Warm Welcomes 2025–2026

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Dr. J Dianne Brederson, Head of Middle School

Dr. J Dianne Brederson discovered the magic of authentic learning as a child by attending an elementary “school without walls”—a school that uses the surrounding community and its resources as learning environments. She remembers being encouraged to work at her own pace and to explore her interests and passions, alongside trusted teacher-guides.

“I am so grateful to have had that experience,” said Dr. J. “That, for me, planted the seed: ‘Wow, this is what education can be.’”

Over the years, that seed began to grow and, by her early 20s, to blossom. Fresh out of college, Dr. J decided to volunteer as a Peace Corps teacher in rural Rwanda, and it was there, watching students experience what she calls the excitement of an “aha!” moment, that she realized she wanted to pursue a career in education.

When you see a learner get excited about something, you think, “I’ve done something impactful for this person.”—J Dianne Brederson, head of Middle School

“When you see a learner get excited about something, you think, ‘I’ve done something impactful for this person,’” she shared.

Dr. J has worked to make this kind of impact for more than 35 years, on students of all ages, from preschool through graduate school, at schools in the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. She’s also invested in herself as an educator, earning two master’s degrees (one in teaching foreign languages, the other in educational leadership and administration) and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. Throughout her professional journey, Dr. J has stayed true to the authentic, experiential learning that’s inspired her since childhood. “It’s always been a core of who I am and what I do,” she said.

And it played a role in her decision to come to Rowland Hall. While she knew of the school’s stellar academic reputation, Dr. J said she started to think Rowland Hall is the place for her after watching our bold strategic priorities video, which emphasizes a commitment to authentic learning as part of our vision to develop people the world needs. Meeting students, faculty, and staff further convinced her that Rowland Hall was the right choice.

Now that she’s arrived on campus, Dr. J is greatly looking forward to getting to know the community and contributing to the Middle School’s impact on students, especially through authentic learning. Most importantly, she’s excited to support middle schoolers while they journey through such an inquisitive, vulnerable, and exciting period in their learning journeys.

“It’s a great time of life,” she said.

Learn a little more about Dr. J …

What's the most unusual or interesting item in your workspace, and what’s the story?
I have a small Le Petit Prince figurine that one of my students gave me when she graduated from the International School of Prague in 1998. I taught this book in my IB French class and it remains one of my favorites.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and what would you do first?
I’d travel to Tanzania and hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about work or life, what would it be? 
I would tell my younger self to slow down, enjoy each day, seize the precious moments, live in the present, and never miss an opportunity to tell loved ones how much they mean to me.

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Nicole Buck, Assistant Head of Middle School

Nicole Buck’s career has provided her with plenty of opportunities to teach middle and high school students, but she admits having a soft spot for the middle school years.

“Middle school is really my niche,” said Nicole. “I love middle school. There’s much to learn from the students. They love learning. They’re at this important age where their identities are forming and they’re trying new things, taking risks, and understanding the value of mistakes. I love that. They're so into figuring out who they are.”

I love middle school. There’s much to learn from the students. They love learning. They’re at this important age where their identities are forming and they’re trying new things, taking risks, and understanding the value of mistakes.—Nicole Buck, assistant head of Middle School

Minus a single college semester in which she considered a career in business, Nicole has always wanted to be a teacher. She’s also always loved languages, which is why she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in classics and classical languages, followed by a master of education in secondary education and teaching. This opened the door to the first chapter of Nicole’s career, Latin teacher, a role that helped her really begin to understand herself as an educator, especially when it comes to supporting adolescents.

“One of my strengths is my ability to connect with and really see kids,” she said.

Nicole also understands the importance of creating communities in which students are known and accepted, allowing them to comfortably and safely navigate the opportunities and challenges that are part of this time of life. “Students push boundaries—around rules, what’s possible for them as students, and the world around them—both because they’re in a community that knows them and because they’re comfortable exploring and being a part of their community,” she said.

Almost a decade into her teaching career, Nicole furthered her ability to create safe school communities by earning a second master of education, this time in independent school leadership, from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, a program she said opened her eyes to what leadership is and what leaders do in schools. She quickly became known as a leader with a deep commitment to student and faculty success—and, in the words of those who’ve worked with her, someone who seamlessly blends organization, intelligence, and strategic vision with empathy and humor. It’s a leadership style she’s excited to bring to Rowland Hall, a community she was thrilled to find during a nationwide search for her next professional adventure.

“I didn’t anticipate Utah, but the deeper I got into Rowland Hall’s website, the more the school felt like a great place,” Nicole remembered. She was especially impressed with Rowland Hall’s vision of developing students who impact the world. “I try to do that every day in my classroom,” she said.

It was this alignment with Rowland Hall’s core values, alongside her ability to foster a vibrant, inclusive school culture, that made Nicole stand out in an exceptionally competitive pool. And it wasn’t just the hiring committee that was excited about this addition to the Middle School community—Nicole was also excited to have found a right-fit community where she could make a difference. Since arriving on campus in July, she’s happy to find that connection is just as strong.

“Now that I’m here, it’s confirmed: everyone is warm and everything is student-centered,” said Nicole, who can’t wait to jump into all the learning that awaits here this year, especially when it comes to getting to know all about the middle schoolers who inspire her as an educator.

“I love meeting new students and hearing what makes them happy and brings them joy, whether that’s in or out of the classroom,” she said.

Learn a little more about Nicole…

What's the most unusual or interesting item in your workspace, and what’s the story?
A few years ago, it became known to my students that I am not a wearer of Crocs. Jokingly, I received a pair of platform yellow crocs that only made their appearance during spirit days and quickly became a student favorite. I carry them with me now, not to wear, but as a reminder of the humor of middle schoolers and to remember what keeps me in education—the students and the connections we make with them.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and what would you do first?
I would travel to Italy, specifically the southern tip of the “boot,” to the village where my grandparents were born, Calabria. I’ve been learning Italian for the past couple of years (very slowly), and would love to connect with the spaces that mean so much to my family and try to learn more about my grandparents’ childhood in rural farmland Italy.

If you could swap jobs with anyone else in the world for a day, who would it be and why?
Ideally, this would be for longer than a day, but I would love to experience a snippet of the life of a travel writer. As I already love traveling, being able to travel and experience a place through the lens of education, culture, and history would bring so many of my passions together. It would allow me to incorporate what I love, helping people find their place to make an impact in the world, as well as infuse some of the excitement of seeing new places.

People

Each year at division commencement ceremonies, Rowland Hall proudly honors faculty who have demonstrated exceptional teaching and mentoring.

The Sumner/Larsen Excellence in Teaching Faculty Awards

Each year, the Sumner/Larsen Excellence in Teaching Faculty Awards are presented to outstanding faculty members in each division who have demonstrated a love for teaching and excellence in their fields. This award was established in 1985 by Kit Sumner and family, who have shown an unparalleled commitment to Rowland Hall for three generations. In 2022, Kurt Larsen, who shares the Sumners’ high regard for Rowland Hall’s faculty and dedication to the school, joined Kit Sumner in funding this award to increase its impact. The renamed Sumner/Larsen Excellence in Teaching Faculty Award is one of the highest recognitions of excellence in teaching at Rowland Hall.

Congratulations to the following recipients.

Beginning School: Melanie Robbins, kindergarten lead teacher

Melanie Robbins is, first and foremost, thoughtful. Her deep thinking—about teaching, young children and their families, curriculum, colleagues, and life itself—not only feeds her, but often sets her apart. Her insights into her students, which she frequently shares through humorous vignettes, are grounded in careful observation and a rich understanding of child development. If you’re lucky enough to converse with Melanie about what’s best for young children, prepare to leave feeling inspired and excited. Despite her gentle demeanor, she is a bold and unwavering advocate for allowing little children to be little—while earnestly acknowledging them as fully human people. Colleagues and school leaders alike know they can count on her for thoughtful, curious, and constructive dialogue on a wide range of topics. She’s always eager to learn something new, reminding us often that her teaching will never be “laminated”—that is, never fixed or final. Like her young students, it’s always growing. For more than a decade at Rowland Hall, she’s held space each day for children to grapple with the real stuff of life: balancing individuality with community, finding freedom and grounding in nature, the value of self-sufficiency—and, more recently, how to safely build and cook over an open fire.

Lower School: Susan Swidnicki, McCarthey Campus music teacher

Susan Swidnicki’s impact is far-reaching, consistent, and deeply felt. Every week, she engages with 442 students—more than any other Rowland Hall faculty member—and every child from 3PreK through fifth grade knows the sound of her voice and the joyful learning of her classroom. This year alone, Susan prepared for no fewer than 11 concerts and music shares, led a weekly lunchtime chorus, and guided students through the Lower School Chorus Concert and the All-School Chorus Concert. Her dedication doesn’t end when the bell rings. Susan accompanies the fifth grade to the symphony, attends after-school recitals and Puttin’ on the Arts, and never hesitates to give of her own time to support and celebrate students. Susan brings that same spirit of care to colleagues. This year, she collaborated on multiple interdisciplinary music and art integration projects. Her ability to see the connections between disciplines and to make those connections meaningful for students is a hallmark of her teaching. But what truly sets Susan apart is her heart. She is deeply curious about her students as people. She listens, adapts, and connects. She believes in the transformative power of music, and the importance of her work shines in every lesson she teaches and every child she mentors. She is a tireless, kind, and inspiring presence in our school community, and a remarkable educator in every sense of the word.

Middle School: Sam Duffy, PE teacher

Sam Duffy is a role model, leader, and community builder who’s made an extraordinary impact on our Middle School and community at large. Sam brings energy, positivity, and a deep sense of purpose to everything he does. His classes focus on inclusivity and personal growth, helping students build positive self-identity, resilience, and collaboration skills, and empowering them to develop lifelong habits that support their physical and mental well-being. Sam radiates enthusiasm and care, seeing every student as an athlete and every day as an opportunity to help them build their confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. This year, Sam launched a new eighth-grade PE elective, already a student favorite, that offers choice, personal challenge, and variety in how eighth graders engage with fitness and wellness. He also developed a strength-training program in the Upper School so popular that student-athletes are meeting before school to participate. Outside the classroom, Sam’s coached a wide range of sports in the middle and upper schools, focusing on sportsmanship, personal growth, and team dynamics.

Upper School: Jeremy Innis, music theory teacher and choir director

Jeremy Innis has demonstrated a love for teaching and excellence in several fields. Perhaps more than any other faculty member in recent years, he’s touched the lives of students through core classes and electives in multiple disciplines and several divisions, as well as through the role of interfaith chaplain, where his infinite wisdom, thoughtfulness, and community-mindedness shone through in the Chapel program, Candle and Carol, and a multitude of other events, from concerts to ceremonies to school traditions. It cannot be emphasized enough how important Jeremy’s words have been to the community, providing food for thought, inspiring reflection, bringing solace, celebrating diverse voices and traditions, and always elevating others. He always knows the right thing to say to meet the moment, whether solemn or celebratory. In the classroom, Jeremy has inspired learning through courses as diverse as World Religions, Ethics, Historical Foundations, Choir, Orchestra, and Advanced Topics Music Theory. His students describe him as kind, patient, smart, inspirational, calm, and calming. His love for the humanities and the arts shines through in his teaching and extensive contributions to the Rowland Hall community.

Cary Jones Faculty Mentor Award 2025

The Cary Jones Faculty Mentor Award is presented to Rowland Hall faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, serve as mentors to others, and contribute to the Rowland Hall community. This award was established through an anonymous gift to the school in honor of Mr. Jones’ dedication to the faculty when he was the chair of the Board of Trustees.

This year’s Cary Jones Faculty Mentor Award has been awarded to Mike Shackelford, political science teacher and debate coach.

Mike Shackelford is well known on Lincoln Street Campus. Whether or not a student has had him as a teacher or coach, they’ve all experienced Mike’s purposeful walk down Upper School hallways, his relentlessly positive and supportive demeanor, or his entertaining announcements at assembly. Mike and his students win numerous awards, year in and year out, such that it is easy to take for granted just how excellent our debate program is thanks to him. What’s lesser known, though, is how Mike serves as a mentor to others and shines through his commitment to our community. Over the years, Mike and his debaters have supported efforts to build dialogue and have provided coaching on listening and working through challenging, controversial issues in a collegial and productive way, most memorably during election season. Mike also helped develop Deliberate Dialogue, a set of skills teachers use to foster critical thinking and productive, open-minded dialogue in the classroom. Mike has stepped up to be an advisor to students in the class of 2027, and serves as an ombudsperson for Lincoln Street Campus faculty and staff who would like additional support in a difficult conversation. He teaches electives in the middle and upper schools, and last year extended his Middle School Model UN and Mock Trial programs into the Upper School. His students are already garnering results; some even ventured to New York City this year to showcase their new skills. This is in addition to the very special Taiwan debate trip he planned last fall. Mike is the ultimate team player and a supportive educator who approaches everything with care, flexibility, generosity, and integrity. He knows when to push and when to pull, creating pathways to elevate everyone around him.

People