November 3 marked the first Breakfast My Way of the 2025-26 school year, gathering members of the Gaynor community in the North Cafeteria to celebrate Dominican traditions. The breakfast was hosted by Megan Hogan, parent of Jackson in the Blue Cluster and also Chair of Stephen Gaynor School’s Board of Trustees. Breakfast My Way is an event sponsored by the Parents’ Association DEI Committee that brings parents together to learn about the breakfast traditions, holidays, and cultures of their fellow Gaynor families.
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How One Mom Built An AI Tutor for Her Son
Artificial intelligence continues to open new possibilities for teaching and learning, especially when it helps make education more personal and responsive to students’ needs. At Stephen Gaynor School, we see AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for human connection and expertise. This Scientific American article explores how one Gaynor parent harnessed AI to better support her child with dyslexia, with insights from Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor on how technology can engage students by making learning feel relevant and meaningful.
An Inspiring Day of Awareness, Action, and Empowerment at Stephen Gaynor School’s Inaugural LD Advocacy Fair
On Sunday, October 26, Stephen Gaynor School welcomed families, students, alumni, and community members to its first-ever LD Advocacy Fair, held in partnership with the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) in honor of Learning Differences Awareness Month. The afternoon brought together people from across the Gaynor community — and beyond — to celebrate neurodiversity, learn about key education policies, and take meaningful action to support students who learn differently.
Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month through Dance with Ballet Hispánico
To close out Gaynor’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, students were treated to a performance from our neighbors at Ballet Hispánico! The dancers took students on a journey through many different countries, including Spain, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil, and showcased the various styles of dance, music, and costumes from each country.
Ms. De Lancy’s Book Nook: Recommendations for Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 through October 15, 2025. As part of Gaynor’s celebration of this month, Gaynor Librarian Dionne De Lancy made a list of books that she recommends to our students and families. This list contains a range of genres and styles, appropriate for a wide variety of ages!
Five Questions with… Erika Bentsen
Beginning her career at Gaynor in 2011, Erika Bentsen was a Blue Cluster teacher for many years before making the switch to the Admissions department as Admissions Associate and Educational Evaluator in the 2024-25 school year. While to some that might seem like a big difference, to Erika it’s the best place she can be to showcase just how special Gaynor teachers are.
A Joyful Pride at June’s Breakfast My Way
On the sunny morning of June 4, parents gathered in the EC Garden to celebrate Pride at Breakfast My Way! This breakfast included members of Gaynor’s Blue Cluster and Green Cluster Rainbow Alliances speaking about what Pride means to them.
Out for Delivery: a Letter from the Pink Cluster Post Office!
Thursday, May 15, marked the grand opening of the Pink Cluster Post Office! Taking place in the Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center (PAC), the Pink Cluster Post Office was full of visitors waiting their turn at different stations spread throughout the space, all with the goal of mailing letters to members of the Gaynor community.
A Memorable Relatives and Special Friends Day!
On May 2, Stephen Gaynor School opened its doors to nearly 500 guests for its annual Relatives and Special Friends Day, a Gaynor tradition in which guests are welcomed into the school to witness Gaynor’s mission at work. From choral performances and an alumni panel, to a visit to the SMART Faire, visitors were in for a treat!
Five Questions with… Dr. Lauren Levenson
As the Coordinator of Psychological Services, you may recognize Dr. Lauren Levenson from her parent talks at Gaynor, or her one-on-one work with students. But you may not have known that, aside from helping students navigate the minefield that is elementary school, Dr. Levenson’s biggest passion project at Gaynor is the social and emotional learning curriculum implemented throughout the school. As part of our “Five Questions With…” series, we sat down with Dr. Levenson to learn more about her work at Gaynor as a psychology specialist, and what her journey at Gaynor has meant to her.