90 Seconds with Ms. Fidanza

What is your favorite part about being a dorm faculty in JL, and what is one favorite memory you have with your residents?

I really like the girls on my hall. They're so nice. A couple of years ago, my proctors were having a lot of fun. One of the proctors had a pink wig and they decided to try to put it on my dog…and she wouldn't sit still. It was just hilarious, and we were all cracking up.

What's your favorite dorm feed?

I make a lot of brownies, and I think the kids seem to like the brownies, so that's good. I like brownies.

What’s your favorite Deerfield tradition? 

I think the singing of the Evensong… just seems so nice. It's a lovely song, and everyone seems to really enjoy doing that together.

What made you choose Deerfield?

I taught in three different schools in three different states. I was looking for a change, so I did a national search. I hadn't really been looking for boarding, but when I came and visited, I was like, this seems like it would actually be a really great place. I took the chance. 

What's a hobby of yours that most people don't know about?

I make all my own greeting cards and Christmas cards. 

Do you have any hidden talents? 

I can knit and crochet rather well.

What is your favorite chemistry mnemonic? 

I always tell the kids, ‘Start at seven, make a seven to memorize…’ the seven diatomic molecules. 

What are the most memorable moments you had during a lab? 

I really like it when the students just really get… into it. They just really seem like they're interested in what they're observing. When we do the flame tests, everyone gets really excited to see a green flame or purple flame, because it's not what we're expecting. The first time a kid sees a chemical reaction and two clear liquids turn into bright yellow, they get excited about it, and that's just fun.

What are some Deerfield teams that you enjoy spectating? 

I have to say it would either be my own Thirds volleyball team, and I really do love track and field. I know I coach both those things, but I do like watching them. I really enjoy watching our pole vaulters compete, or I love watching the four-by-four relay on the track. 

What’s your take on the cell phone policy? 

I really appreciate that we're trying to build a community where the students are all interacting without being on the phones. I know it can be really tough for a lot of the students, but I do see a lot more interactions between students at Deerfield. I like all of the intentions behind it, and I think [the students] are going to be better off.