Landmark Stories

About a year ago, I had the privilege of working under Kristine Stark to help set up for Jumanji Day, an annual, thematic, literary event at Landmark’s Elementary•Middle School. Our task was to transform the library (cozy, bright) into the monsoon scene (turbulent, dark) from the book. The space would serve as the headquarters for an epic scavenger hunt the following day. As a cog in the machine of Kristine’s incredible imagination, I dutifully taped raindrops to ribbon and inflated balloons to add to the already enormous cascading “waterfall” she had been painstakingly (literally!) crafting for days. Not until hours later, when she dimmed the overhead lights, turned on the twinkle lights flickering in fits and starts like lightning, and cued the roaring rainfall soundtrack did I see her vision truly come to life. What struck me wasn’t just the impressive final tableau but the calm, competence, and confidence she exuded throughout our preparations. She had clearly scoured the internet for creative hacks and was willing to take the time to meticulously employ each gadget perfectly. To me, the process was as expert as the outcome.

Recently, when I sat down to talk further with Kristine, her approach made perfect sense. “When I plan something, I always think of the decorations first,” she said. “I imagine what’s going to grab my students visually when they first walk into the room.” Her reasoning is simple: if the kids think something is cool, they’re more likely to invest in the work and do it well. Secretly, it’s also about her: “It’s easier for me to get excited when I know my students will be excited, too.”

I had expected Kristine, who is super organized, incredibly tech-savvy, and “loves a good checklist” to say she’s always been type A. I was wrong. While she’s still a passionate reader and now a focused planner, as a kid she was a social butterfly who wanted to do it all—sports, academics, and extracurriculars—even when it didn’t come naturally. “My report cards always said I talked too much,” she laughed.

As the creative force behind EMS’s book tasting, Stark turned the dining room into an Italian eatery where books replaced the food for students to sample and review.

Stark’s transformation of the former EMS Library into Jumanji’s monsoon scene for 2023 Literary Day.

Growing up in a large family with lots of kids around, she always gravitated toward helping others and being creative. Though teaching wasn’t always the plan, it quickly became a focus. Before she even graduated with a psychology degree and a minor in special needs from the University of New Hampshire, Kristine was hired at Landmark. But landing the job wasn’t easy: with 15 summer teachers hired for just five permanent positions, it was a “battle royale” to get noticed. Determined to stick around, she showed up early and volunteered for chores like washing tables to prove she belonged.

Now, her contributions to the elementary curriculum are impossible to miss. From annual traditions like the Balloons Over Broadway parade to special events, including book tastings that build comprehension strategies, to creative curriculum like Zillow-style haunted house composition writing, Kristine is constantly innovating. “I like to make it feel fresh for the kids. There’s a lot of flexibility to run with a group’s interests—whether that’s pirates or Taylor Swift.” She credits our administration, the entire elementary team, social media, and her own kids (now around the same age as her students) for continuing to inspire and support her as the ideas keep flowing.

Reflecting on my conversation with Kristine, I was reminded of a famous quote once attributed to Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” While Kristine has undoubtedly contributed great things to our community, it’s her attention to the smallest details—the beak or trunk or hat that makes an inflated balloon into a creature/friend; the chef mustaches that turn sampling a variety of book genres into a fun gourmet adventure; the soft lighting and Spanish guitar that make a classroom into a cozy reading nook—that set her apart. In countless ways, Kristine is caring for and inspiring us all.

Kristine Stark’s classroom in the newly completed EMS wing features her signature cozy, creative, and organized style.

Article originally published in The Lantern Fall/Winter 2025.

< BACK TO FACULTY STORIES