Betsy Hastings Block '83: What's Your Shipley Story?
When it came time for Betsy Hastings Block ’83 to enroll in Kindergarten, her parents looked for a school that was not only committed to cultivating each student’s individuality, but also steeped in a strong sense of community. They found that School in Shipley. Years later, when Betsy and her husband were exploring schools for their own sons, Shipley was the right choice again. “They have pretty different paths through Shipley,” she says, “and they’ve evolved in different ways.”
When it came time for Betsy Hastings Block ’83 to enroll in Kindergarten, her parents looked for a school that was not only committed to cultivating each student’s individuality, but also steeped in a strong sense of community. The Shipley School seemed like the perfect fit for Block, who would require special accommodations before and after open-heart surgery at the end of first grade due to a critical congenital heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, which occurs in about one in every 2,500 newborns.
At Shipley, Block, who remembers literally turning blue or fainting altogether from traveling down a long stairway to the lunchroom, was one of only 10 Kindergarten students, eight of whom graduated together, resulting in a very tight-knit class. Still an all-girls school at the time of her enrollment, nine boys and fifty girls would eventually graduate from Shipley in 1983.
“I always had such an incredible group of friends and teachers. I always felt accepted and comfortable,” Block recalls, noting that her class still feels like a family, with its members remaining in very close contact.
As a Shipley parent, Block’s mother was actively involved in the arts. The Hastings generously donated a cast bronze sculpture, created by local artist Henry Mitchell, which found its home in the Lower School Courtyard. Like her mother, Block appreciated Shipley’s emphasis on the arts, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in fine and studio arts from Amherst College, where she would serve in her very first fundraising role.
In 2009, Block joined Shipley’s Development Office as Director of Annual Giving, later becoming Associate Director of Development. For the past two years, she has served as the School’s Leadership Gifts Officer.
Choosing Shipley for her own children—Davis ’19 and Rory ’22—came naturally, since Block and her husband, Luke, former Instructor of Woodworking/Design Technology at The Hill School, sought a nurturing environment, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Even though the boys have very different hobbies and interests (Davis previously participated in Science Olympiad and is currently studying environmental science at Colby College, while Rory plays the saxophone and has a passion for glassblowing, following in the footsteps of his art-loving mother and grandmother), Block delights in the fact that Shipley has suited and benefited them both.
“They have pretty different paths through Shipley,” she says, “and they’ve evolved in different ways.”
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At Shipley, Block, who remembers literally turning blue or fainting altogether from traveling down a long stairway to the lunchroom, was one of only 10 Kindergarten students, eight of whom graduated together, resulting in a very tight-knit class. Still an all-girls school at the time of her enrollment, nine boys and fifty girls would eventually graduate from Shipley in 1983.
“I always had such an incredible group of friends and teachers. I always felt accepted and comfortable,” Block recalls, noting that her class still feels like a family, with its members remaining in very close contact.
As a Shipley parent, Block’s mother was actively involved in the arts. The Hastings generously donated a cast bronze sculpture, created by local artist Henry Mitchell, which found its home in the Lower School Courtyard. Like her mother, Block appreciated Shipley’s emphasis on the arts, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in fine and studio arts from Amherst College, where she would serve in her very first fundraising role.
In 2009, Block joined Shipley’s Development Office as Director of Annual Giving, later becoming Associate Director of Development. For the past two years, she has served as the School’s Leadership Gifts Officer.
Choosing Shipley for her own children—Davis ’19 and Rory ’22—came naturally, since Block and her husband, Luke, former Instructor of Woodworking/Design Technology at The Hill School, sought a nurturing environment, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Even though the boys have very different hobbies and interests (Davis previously participated in Science Olympiad and is currently studying environmental science at Colby College, while Rory plays the saxophone and has a passion for glassblowing, following in the footsteps of his art-loving mother and grandmother), Block delights in the fact that Shipley has suited and benefited them both.
“They have pretty different paths through Shipley,” she says, “and they’ve evolved in different ways.”
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Shipley has been the right school for two generations of the Block family.
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Betsy at Shipley's Commencement Exercises in 1983.
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Betsy with sons Davis ’19 and Rory ’22 when they were still in Lower School.
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The Block family at Shipley's Commencement Exercises in 2019.
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List of 19 news stories.
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Danielle Molan, Director of Choirs
Danielle Molan, Shipley’s Director of Choirs, brings a lifelong love of music to her classroom, inspired by a family of musicians and early experiences at the piano. She is committed to creating a collaborative and supportive environment where students can grow as both musicians and individuals. Learn more about her musical journey and teaching philosophy in this Q&A.Read More -
Katelyn Taylor: Creating Meaningful Experiences in Athletics
A quiet powerhouse in Shipley’s Athletic Department, Katelyn manages the moving parts of anywhere from 12-15 teams per season. While that may seem chaotic—she sticks to her spreadsheets and checklists, plans for various scenarios, and thrives under pressure, all while presenting a calm demeanor.Read More -
Delia Raab-Snyder, Lower School Music
Delia Raab-Snyder, Shipley's Lower School Music teacher, brings a lifelong passion for music to her classroom, shaped by a childhood surrounded by folk music and the sounds of the clarinet. She is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians with an approach centered on active engagement and fostering a deep appreciation for music's cultural significance. Get to know more about her musical journey and philosophy in this Q&A.Read More -
Meet Chantra Reinmen: Shipley's New Head of Middle School
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.Read More -
Director of Squash: Chris Lengthorn
Chris Lengthorn, Shipley's Director of Squash, dedicates his career to pursing two simple goals: to bring squash to the people and help them achieve whatever their definition of success may be. "I teach students how to manage setbacks and overcome adversity through hard work, discipline and resilience." Learn more about Coach Lengthorn in this Q&A.Read More -
Why I Teach: Betsy Leschinsky, Lower School SEED & Library
To know Betsy Leschinsky (or Mrs. L, as the kids like to call her) is to love her. She is humble about her role in Shipley becoming a leader in social emotional learning, but Mrs. L’s sweet, gentle demeanor and small stature belie a giant in our community. Learn more about Shipley's beloved Lower School SEED Teacher, Betsy Leschinsky.Read More -
Austin Wagner, Percussion Ensemble Director
Austin Wagner grew up in a music family, so it was not a huge surprise when he asked for his first drumset at age three. Mr. Wagner believes that music should be fun, and even if students don't plan on pursuing music professionally, they can gain important life skills by honing their musical talents.Read More -
Chris Oatts, Jazz Band Director
Hailing from a musical family—his grandfather, father, and uncle all have claims to jazz fame—music has always been a part of Chris Oatts' life. As a teacher, Mr. Oatts believes in creating strong personal relationships with students, instilling in them a love of music and learning so they can "explore and teach themselves for years to come." Learn more about Mr. Oatts in this Q&A.Read More -
Harley Givler, Director of Bands
"Listening to and making music has always been such a joyful part of my life," says Director of Bands, Harley Givler. "From the first note I played on the horn, I loved the sound and felt an immediate connection to the instrument. Beyond that, I had inspiring teachers and learned very quickly that I could go places with music." Now, Dr. Givler is inspiring the next generation of musicians. Learn more about him in this Q&A.Read More -
Jhonnatan Mata, Director of String Ensembles
Director of String Ensembles Jhonnatan Mata grew up surrounded by music thanks to his mother, a soprano and music educator. His music teaching philosophy is shaped by three principles: 1) That you must put your heart and soul into truly learning something. 2) You have to believe in yourself and not be afraid to make mistakes. 3) Music is a gift that can serve a person throughout their life. Learn more about Mr. Mata.Read More -
“Yes! And . . .”: More than a Saying, A Mindset for Life
Since Dr. Roberta Brandao’s arrival to chair Shipley’s STEAM department in the fall of 2022, she has created a learning environment that fosters creativity, provides relevance, and pushes students to think critically. Learn more about Dr. Brandao's approach and how she makes students feel comfortable about taking creative risks.Read More -
Centering BIPOC Voices at Shipley: Rafhia Foster, Director of Enrollment
Rafhia Foster, Shipley's new Director of Enrollment, was the only African American girl in her class at a local independent school. As a Black, Muslim-raised Trinidadian, she brings with her to Shipley a rich tapestry of lived experiences. She knows well the feeling of not being heard or seen. Now, she embraces each opportunity to share her voice and story, bringing an effervescent spirit to Shipley's Admissions Office.Read More -
The Shipley Nurses: Our COVID Angels
The 2020–2021 school year has been unlike any other, especially for Shipley’s own health-care heroines: Lower School Nurse Terri Grossman, and Middle and Upper School Nurses Amanda “Mandy” Schauerman and Maria Buhl.Read More -
Q&A with Sharron Russell, Director of Positive Education and Student Support
In 1995, Dr. Sharron Russell was hired to write and teach Shipley’s social-emotional curriculum. Dr. Russell, who holds a certificate and doctoral degree in school psychology from Immaculata University and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, respectively, has been directing student support since 2011 and positive education at Shipley since 2016. She is largely responsible for helping to make Shipley the first-ever positive education school in the country.Read More -
Q&A with Middle School Science Teacher Ace Schwarz
Get to know Ace Schwarz, Shipley's newest Middle School science teacher. In addition to being a true lifelong learner and avid reader who loves science, Mx. Schwarz (pronounced "mix") is passionate about their LGBTQ+ advocacy work. Learn more about Ace and how they hope make a positive impact at Shipley.Read More -
Margie Winters: Connecting through Service
Read MoreMargie Winters has dedicated much of her career to serving those in need and inspiring others to do the same. In 2018, she became Shipley’s Service Learning Coordinator and has already made an impact on the School’s robust service learning program. “When we reach out to communities, particularly on the margins, we learn a lot about their lives and their priorities. School service,” she says, “helps student do that in a thoughtful and reflective way.” Learn more about Shipley Changemaker Margie Winters and what she’s doing to make a difference at Shipley and in the world. -
Anne Smith: Following the Siren’s Song with Learning Adventures in Italy
Middle School Latin teacher Anne Smith has inspired Shipley students with her passion for the Classics for 25 years. But perhaps more impactful than anything she’s done within her classroom are the 20+ trips to Italy on which she has led hundreds of Shipley students and parents over the years. Learn more about Anne and her Classical Adventures.Read More -
Meet Zackaria Gaines - Upper School History & 10th Grade Dean
"As a teacher of Humanities one of the things that draws me here is Shipley’s Method of focusing on strong relationships between faculty and students."Read More -
Kristin Jaffe: Not What You Think
Upper School English teacher Kristin Jaffe is known for her rigorous classes, where students engage in intense analysis of complex literature. What most people probably don’t know is that this Bryn Mawr College graduate didn’t start out well academically.Read More
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.
